Written: October 11, 2024

Edit: October 18, 2024

Edit 2: November 9th, 2024

Publish: October 12, 2024

Words: 3833

Once again, "Myougan" Uzumaki Shizuki is Uzumaki Naruto from the future. 

He is currently mute due to the injury inflicted by Madara during the war.

  ✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧ ✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧ ✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧ 

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, Shizuki sat on the edge of his bed at the Sunny Inn. The world outside slowly awakened, and the sounds of the village came alive—children's laughter, vendors setting up their stalls, and the faint melody of a festival song drifting through the air. Yet, despite the beauty of the morning, a familiar weight settled heavily in his chest.

In the past, during the war, sleep had eluded him. He remembered how Sakura and Sasuke would take turns sitting by him, their voices filled with concern as they urged him to rest. But how could he? The nightmares haunted him—the screams of his friends, the darkness that had threatened to consume them all, and the pain of loss that felt too raw to bear. He could almost hear their voices, Sakura's soft insistence, and Sasuke's calm reassurances, yet even their presence couldn't chase away the shadows in his mind.

Shizuki closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm the memories that surged within him. He could still feel the sting of Madara's attack, the injury that had taken his voice and left him with scars that ran deeper than skin. In the silence of his room, he reflected on how far he had come, yet the burden of his past still lingered like a ghost.

Rising from the bed, he walked to the window, the cool morning breeze brushing against his skin. He gazed out at the village square, vibrant and full of life, a stark contrast to the chaos he had known. The festival was still in full swing, and he longed to be a part of it—to join the laughter, to feel the camaraderie of friends. Yet, the memories clung to him, holding him back.

He turned away from the window, determination igniting within him. Today was a new day—a chance to make a difference, to change the future he had come from. He had the seal he crafted, a tool of protection, and the resolve to use it.

Shizuki began to gather his belongings, preparing for the day ahead.

As he stepped out into the village, he took a deep breath, allowing the warmth of the sun to wash over him. The laughter of children and the vibrant colors of the festival filled him with hope. No longer would he let the past bind him. He would fight for the happiness he saw before him, determined to protect it with everything he had.

With each step he took, Shizuki felt a renewed sense of purpose. He might have lost his voice, but he had not lost his spirit. 

As Shizuki stepped into the bustling village, the lively sounds of the festival filled the air, but underneath the joy, a familiar tension tugged at him. He could see children darting between stalls, their laughter ringing like music, but each echo reminded him of laughter turned to screams, of innocence shattered amid chaos. The memories bubbled to the surface, unwelcome and sharp.

He moved through the crowd, keeping his head low, the vibrant colors and joyful faces blurring into a kaleidoscope of memories—scenes from the war that flashed before his eyes. He saw his friends fighting valiantly, but then the haunting image of Madara loomed large in his mind, the moment he had been struck, the feeling of helplessness as everything spiraled into darkness.

Shizuki's heart raced as he fought to shake off the memories. He focused on the festival around him, trying to anchor himself in the present. He felt a slight tremor in his hands as he approached a vendor selling colorful candies. The vendor smiled warmly, and for a moment, Shizuki felt a flicker of joy. He nodded, pointing to a few sweets, but even the simple act of purchasing something felt laden with anxiety. The vendor's laughter rang in his ears like an alarm, and he couldn't help but flinch, the sound pulling him back into the depths of his mind.

'Just breathe,'  he silently reminded himself, gripping the edge of the stall to ground himself. He inhaled deeply, focusing on the sweet scent of the candies and the bright colors before him. With each breath, he reminded himself that he was no longer in that war-torn world—he was here, in this lively village, surrounded by people who cared.

But the shadows lingered, and he knew he couldn't escape them completely. There were moments when he would catch himself lost in thought, images flashing before his eyes, reminders of battles fought and friends lost. It was a battle he fought daily, the invisible scars of trauma that weighed heavily on his heart.

As he walked away from the vibrant village square, the laughter faded, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the quiet of the approaching night. He felt a pang of longing, a desire to stay in this moment of joy, but duty called.

Shizuki took a deep breath, drawing strength from the memories of the day. He had to remember that every step he took brought him closer to the future he wanted to create—a future where laughter reigned and innocence was protected.

As he moved through the forest surrounding the village, the familiar path felt different under the weight of his mission. The vibrant colors of the festival began to fade behind him, replaced by the muted greens and browns of the wilderness. Shadows stretched and twisted, reminding him of the darkness he sought to confront.

With each step, the memories of battle resurfaced—Zetsu's sinister laughter, the chaos that ensued when they had first encountered him. Shizuki's hands clenched into fists at his sides, determination igniting within him. He couldn't allow those memories to overpower him. He had a plan, and he needed to execute it with precision.

As he navigated deeper into the forest, he recalled the seals he had crafted. He had to remain focused; he needed to find Zetsu before he could unleash more destruction. The scrolls were securely tucked away, the intricate patterns etched into his mind, ready to be activated at a moment's notice. The feeling of the scrolls' energy pulsing in his hands had given him hope, a tangible representation of his resolve to change the future.

The forest darkened as the sun set, and Shizuki moved with purpose, using his senses to stay alert. The air felt heavy and thick with the possibility of danger. Every rustle in the underbrush set his heart racing, the remnants of PTSD clawing at him, whispering fears of ambush and betrayal. But he fought back the rising tide of anxiety, grounding himself in the present. He was not alone; he had his training, his resolve, and the memories of his friends urging him on.

Finally, he reached a clearing that he recognized from his previous encounter with Zetsu. The ground was scarred from battle, reminders of the chaos that had erupted here. Shizuki paused, scanning the area for any signs of movement. The silence felt oppressive, and he knew Zetsu wouldn't be far if he was lurking nearby.

As he stepped into the clearing, he summoned the scrolls, their presence comforting. He laid them out before him, activating the seals with a surge of chakra. The lines glowed in the dim light, pulsing with energy as he prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Shizuki's heart raced as he focused on the scrolls, the intricate seals glowing with an ethereal light. He felt a mix of hope and trepidation, knowing this was his chance to confront Zetsu and prevent further chaos. The memories of his past battles flared in his mind, but he pushed them aside, channeling his energy into the seals instead.

'Just one step at a time,' he thought, his resolve hardening. He took a deep breath, allowing the warm energy from the seals to seep into his hands, grounding him. He scanned the clearing, every shadow seeming to twist and writhe in anticipation, echoing the dark memories he couldn't shake. But today would be different; today, he had a plan.

As he finished activating the seals, a chilling presence washed over him. The air grew heavier, and he could sense the familiar malevolence lurking just beyond the edge of the clearing. Zetsu was near. Shizuki's instincts kicked in, his body tensing as he prepared for the confrontation."Silent Whirlpool... or should I say Uzumaki," Zetsu's voice slithered through the trees, smooth and mocking. The dark figure emerged, shifting in and out of the shadows, his grin wide and unsettling. "I knew you'd come. It's almost adorable how you cling to hope."

Shizuki's grip tightened around the scrolls, channeling his chakra into the seals as he met Zetsu's gaze with fierce determination.

Memories of his friends, their laughter, their strength, surged within him, anchoring him against the tide of fear threatening to overwhelm him. He couldn't let Zetsu win—he couldn't let the darkness consume him again.

"I see your past still haunts you," Zetsu taunted, stepping closer, his form shifting like smoke.
 "How does it feel to be powerless? I have this question that has been scratching my brain.. Every encounter I had read reports of you... Not a single word has ever been uttered... It almost made me wonder.. have you lost your voice?"

Silence filled the space between them, but Shizuki's resolve spoke louder than any words. He raised his hand, ready to unleash the seals, the intricate designs glowing brighter in response to his determination. The air crackled with tension as he focused on Zetsu, envisioning the sealing process in his mind.

Zetsu laughed, "I take that silence as a yes! The great whirlpool is mute!! Makes me wonder HOW did you lose your voice! Such a tragedy indeed.." 

With a swift motion, he unfurled the scrolls, the seals radiating a brilliant light. 'I will protect them,' he thought fiercely, channeling his chakra into the seals. 'I will protect everyone.'

Zetsu's laughter echoed ominously, but Shizuki didn't waver. He unleashed the power of the seals, their energy spiraling toward Zetsu, wrapping around him like chains of light.

"What?! No!" Zetsu's eyes widened in shock as he struggled against the binding force.

Shizuki felt a rush of adrenaline as the seals began to take hold. Memories of battles fought alongside his friends flooded his mind—Sasuke's fierce determination, Sakura's unwavering support, and the bond they shared. He drew strength from them, focusing on the present, knowing that he was not alone in this fight.

'I got this.. this will work.. The seal will hold,' he thought, channeling his will into the seals.

The seals glowed brighter, binding Zetsu tighter as the dark figure writhed in frustration.

"This isn't over, Uzumaki!" Zetsu hissed, his voice filled with malice. "You may seal me today, but I will return!!!"

But Shizuki didn't flinch. He had come too far to let fear take hold.

With one final surge of chakra, he activated the seal's final mechanism, and Zetsu's form began to dissolve into the light, trapped within the binding power of the scrolls. 'I won't let you harm anyone again,' Shizuki thought fiercely, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

As Zetsu vanished, Shizuki fell to his knees, breathless but relieved. The forest around him felt lighter, the oppressive weight of darkness lifted for now. He had faced his fears, confronted the shadows of his past, and taken a significant step toward reclaiming his future.

Sitting in the clearing, he let the quiet surround him, allowing the moment to settle. The memories still lingered, but they no longer held the same power over him.

As he collected the scrolls, a sense of purpose surged through him. He had succeeded today, but there would be more battles ahead. 

He needed to disable the Akatsuki for good. 

Zetsu, Hidan, and Kakuzu are both gone for good. 

Zetsu is sealed, and won't be breaking out of the seal any time soon. 

The only remaining Akatsuki are Konan, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Pain--- Nagato, Itachi, and Tob-- Obito.

Kisame.. He never wanted to die but hated the morals of what the Akatsuki stood for. He only joined because he wanted to support Obito's plans for a better new world. A world of truths, no lies, just truth, and honesty. The first person to ever know about Obito's true identity other than Zetsu. 

Shizuki took a deep breath as he collected the scrolls, a sense of relief washing over him after sealing Zetsu. The oppressive weight of fear and memory had lessened, allowing a flicker of hope to shine through. But he knew this was only the beginning. With Zetsu trapped, his focus now turned to the remaining members of the Akatsuki.

As he walked back through the forest, the darkness of night began to blanket the village, but Shizuki felt a lightness in his heart. The laughter of children and the vibrant festival from earlier played in his mind, reminding him of what he was fighting for—a future free from the shadows of war.

He simply slipped back into his room and began drawing out seals without a care in the world. 

He needed to prepare for the worst-- with each delicate stroke -- infusing with his charka and blood to create powerful seals. Each line and curve held his determination, channeling his emotions into a tangible form. As the moonlight spilled through the window, illuminating his work, Shizuki's focus deepened. He envisioned the battles ahead—the confrontations with Konan, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Pain, Itachi, and Obito—and the seals he crafted would be crucial in neutralizing their abilities.

Drawing the intricate patterns took time, but with each seal he completed, he felt a surge of strength and clarity. The memories of his friends spurred him on, filling him with the resolve to protect their legacy and the world they fought to save. 

He missed his friends so much, it hurts him so much. He just couldn't bear to step foot into Konoha. He didn't want to see their small forms, the days were they were once innocent, incoming shinobis with small talents in their hold. They had talents that specialized in fields, yet they are inexperienced at this time of era. He just can't see them yet... For now. 

With the final strokes of his brush, he infused the last seal with chakra, watching as it glowed softly in the dim light. The energy hummed with potential, resonating with the power he had poured into it. Satisfied, he laid the scrolls out in a neat array, each one representing a step toward overcoming the darkness of the Akatsuki.

But Shizuki knew that preparation was only part of the battle. He had to understand their motives, and the ties that bound them to Obito's twisted vision.

Kisame, for example. He had always respected the ideals of strength and truth. Shizuki recalled their first encounter, when Kisame had fought fiercely but seemed to hesitate when faced with his comrades' actions. He wondered if there was a way to reach him—perhaps even convince him to abandon Obito's cause.

As soon as they tried to get any more information out of him, he committed suicide, letting the sharks eat him, not wanting to betray the Akatsuki. 

He shook away his thoughts and stared at the window as the sun began to rise, he didn't realize time had flown by so freakishly fast. He created a few seals, and got distracted by his thoughts. 

He sighed and continued to create other seals. 

─────Meanwhile in Konoha ──────

As the sun rose over Konoha, its golden rays filtered through the trees, casting dappled light across the village. But within the office of the Third Hokage, the atmosphere was anything but bright. Hiruzen looked incredibly stressed the hell out. 

He was a man that seen countless of wars, lived through all, and even the Kyuubi, got reinstated back to the office, and here he is being burdened by the recent events surrounding the Silent Whirlpool, rubbed his temples in frustration. Reports lay scattered across his desk, each one detailing the aftermath of a battle or the mysterious actions of this enigmatic figure. 

 Despite his extensive experience and wisdom, Hiruzen felt as though he was facing a phantom—a force that eluded his understanding. He had heard whispers of this figure's strength, tales of battles fought against the Akatsuki, but the identity behind the name remained a well-guarded secret.

He was staring reports after reports of the Silent Whirlpool, and each of it were worth plenty of headaches for a year or more. 

It was driving him crazy, he wanted to uncover the identity of the Silent Whirlpool but.. this person seems to be much more stronger than him, and the Sannin combined. 

Orochimaru died at the hands of the Silent Whirlpool and even managed to find a loophole around Orochimaru's immortality. It was strange enough. 

He sighed, and took a big puff from his smoke pipe then reached down to a secret compartment in his desk, pulled out the drawer, and took out a bottle of sake, and just downs it. 

The Anbu that were hiding in his office in other corners stared at their leader in a mixture of amusement, concerned, worried, even debated on whether if they should bring Tsunade back here, and try and talk some sense into him but that thought flew out of their mind. 

Wisely, they all kept silent. 

The weight of uncertainty pressed down on him as he flicked through the reports. The Silent Whirlpool had emerged as a formidable player in the ongoing conflict, defeating powerful enemies and thwarting plans that threatened the very fabric of the world. Yet Hiruzen felt frustration rising within him. Why could he not uncover the identity of this enigmatic warrior? Who were they, and what were their true motives?

He leaned back in his chair after downing the sake, he recalled the stories of Orochimaru's demise at the hands of this figure. The Sannin, once a paragon of power, had fallen to the Silent Whirlpool. The implications sent chills down Hiruzen's spine; if this individual could take down Orochimaru, what other threats might they pose?

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Enter," he called, preparing himself for yet another briefing about the mysterious warrior.

The door opened to reveal a familiar face—Taka, a seasoned Anbu operative. Taka stepped inside, his expression grave. "Hokage-sama, we have new intel regarding the Silent Whirlpool."

Hiruzen leaned forward, eager to hear what Taka had to report. "What have you found?"

"The reports suggest that the Silent Whirlpool has been tracking the remaining Akatsuki members, and it appears he has intentions to confront them directly. We believe he is actively working against their plans, but his methods remain... unconventional."

Hiruzen furrowed his brow. "Unconventional? What do you mean?"

Taka continued, "He's shown a tendency to operate in secrecy, often striking without warning. There's a growing concern that he might not distinguish between friend and foe in his pursuit of justice. Some villagers view him as a savior, while others are frightened of his methods."

A deep sigh escaped Hiruzen's lips. "Fear is a powerful motivator. If he is not careful, he could create division within the village rather than unity. We cannot allow Konoha to be caught in the crossfire of his actions."

Taka nodded, his gaze steady. "We need to uncover his true identity. If we can understand who he is and what drives him, we might be able to mitigate the risk he poses."

Hiruzen's mind raced, the wheels turning as he considered his options. He needed allies—strong and wise individuals who could help him navigate this new threat. "Contact Tsunade and Jiraiya. We need their insights. If the Silent Whirlpool is indeed connected to our past, they may hold the key to understanding him."

As Taka left to carry out the Hokage's orders, Hiruzen allowed himself a moment of reflection. The village had faced many challenges over the years, but this felt different. The Silent Whirlpool was a wild card, and he feared the potential repercussions of their actions.

  ───────── ౨ৎ ───────── ───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

Meanwhile, back at the Sunny Inn, Shizuki—known to Hiruzen only by his alias—sat in his room surrounded by the scrolls he had painstakingly created. Each seal glowed softly in the dim light, a testament to his determination and skill. He had no desire for recognition or accolades; his only goal was to protect the village from the looming threat of the Akatsuki and forge a better future.

But as he crafted the intricate seals, a heavy weight settled in his heart. Memories of his friends—Sasuke, Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Ino, Hinata, Neji, Kiba, Shino, and others—flooded his mind, each one a reminder of what he had lost. The laughter that once filled his life had been replaced by shadows, and he fought daily against the darkness that threatened to consume him.

With each stroke of his brush, he channeled his emotions into the seals. He knew the importance of preparation; the remaining Akatsuki members were formidable, and he had to be ready for anything. Yet, amidst the focus on his work, he couldn't shake the feeling of isolation that accompanied his silence.

He understood why he had chosen this path—why he had become the Silent Whirlpool. But he also yearned for connection, for someone to understand the weight of his burden. Konoha was home, but it felt distant, a place he feared stepping into again. The faces of the young shinobi, still innocent and full of promise, haunted him. He didn't want to be the harbinger of their pain.

As the sun began to rise, casting bright sun rays into the glass windows, Shizuki completed the final seal and set it alongside the others. A sense of accomplishment washed over him, but with it came the reminder of the battles that lay ahead.

The sun rose high, illuminating the room, and casting a soft glow on his work. Shizuki took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of hope. He was ready to face the Akatsuki, to confront the darkness that had once consumed him, but he knew he could not do it alone.

If only he could reach out to those who still cared, perhaps he could find a way to connect the past with the future. 

He knew he needed the past to change. 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Voting Poll, Question: Who is going to live? 

Konan 

Pain/Nagato 

Obito/Tobi 

Kisame 

Itachi 

Sasori 

Deidara 

┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈

Till next time! 

-Midnight