Naruto Live: The Death of Naruto in the Beginning Movie

"Does that mean... the Nine-Tails?" Naruto's expression darkened slightly. He still wasn't sure whether the rumor that he was the host of the Nine-Tails was true.

The others in the room were more or less familiar with Naruto's past, but each had their own interpretation. However, none of them truly equated Naruto to the Nine-Tails, as others had.

Kakashi, the only one who knew the full story, patted Naruto on the back and offered some comfort: "Cheer up, Naruto. Even though I don't know when the Third Hokage plans to announce it, I can tell you one thing for sure: you're not the Nine-Tails. You are Konoha's Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto took a deep breath, calming himself, and lifted his head, looking out at the sky.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat silently, a faint look of guilt on his face as he pondered: It won't be long before the truth comes out. I need to find the right time to talk to Naruto. And Danzo... I won't let you have your way.

With that, the Third Hokage turned his gaze out the window, his expression sharp. He had lived a life of service, but in this turbulent time, he was ready to address some of his past mistakes.

Namikaze Minato, too, felt a weight of guilt, though he had prepared himself mentally when he sealed the Nine-Tails. It was still hard for him to accept, but he quickly calmed himself.

Kushina, on the other hand, could only feel sorrow for Naruto.

Shion, watching Naruto from the sky, whispered, "Are you the same as me...?"

[By the way, does anyone understand what Ashiho said?]

[It's a bit confusing. If someone breaks free from the prophecy, the priestess dies—that makes sense. But what does it mean that the prophecy depends on the mood of the person being predicted?]

[So, after the priestess's prediction is activated, someone will definitely die? This ability sounds so useless.]

[What should we do now? The priestess predicted her own death—who else is going to die for her?]

[She's lonely, that's why she's so willful.] Naruto sighed, and Ashiho nodded in agreement: "Just as you said."

After understanding the reason for Shion's willfulness, Naruto turned his attention back to Ashiho. "But are you alright, Ashiho-san? If you're the one predicted to die..."

Ashiho replied solemnly: "Our family owes an unpayable debt to Lady Shion's mother. If I can protect her, I would gladly give my life. As long as my mood doesn't change, my fate won't change."

Naruto didn't press further, as he had already expected that response.

[Uh, shouldn't Naruto be worried about himself? Didn't he get predicted to die?]

[Maybe he feels safe as long as the priestess dies—that's why he's relieved.]

[From what we've seen of him, he's not the type to think about such things. Anyway, let's just keep watching, so we don't get surprised later.]

"Lonely..." Naruto now understood the feeling all too well. He had only recently escaped that very loneliness.

As the night faded and the sun rose again, Naruto stood up, feeling reenergized. "Alright! Let's go, Ashiho!"

He turned around and saw Shion standing behind him. Remembering Ashiho's words, Naruto decided not to push her away as much as he had before. Her character is so stubborn because she's been rejected by others. You should be gentler with her.

With that thought in mind, Naruto smiled at Shion. "Hey! Good morning!"

But Shion didn't respond. She turned her head and ignored him, instead speaking to Ashiho. "Ashiho, that's enough. Go back to the village."

Ashiho, of course, wouldn't obey that order. So Shion said some harsh words to provoke him, but Naruto couldn't take it anymore: "You need to know your limits. Do you have any idea how much Ashiho-san is doing to protect you?"

Ashiho, speaking calmly, addressed Shion: "It's okay, Lady Shion. You can speak the truth."

Shion, realizing there was no way to hide it anymore, answered without flinching. "When my heartbeat quickens and I hear the bell, I can see the future. Last night, I saw your future, Ashiho. If you continue to follow me, you will die."

["Didn't Shion see her own death when she predicted the future?" someone in the background remarked. "How could she say Ashiho will die?"]

[Could it be that she predicted again later, and after realizing she was doomed, she decided to send Ashiho away to save him?]

Shion didn't try to explain at first, but then she pursed her lips and glanced at Ashiho. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly: "Ashiho..."

"Ashiho-sama," Ashiho interrupted, bowing his head respectfully. "As the sky just said, as long as I can protect Lady Shion, I am willing to sacrifice my life. Sealing the monsters requires her power, and everything we do is worth it."

Shion's eyes darkened as she realized the weight of the situation. "Yes... For the world... I must survive."

The group continued their journey, and Ashiho's figure gradually disappeared from view.

Neji changed the route to take them by water. However, Shion, feeling uneasy, kept lagging behind Sakura. The group had to stop to hear Neji's explanation: "This route to the Swamp Country has abundant water resources, and the enemy's fire-based attacks will be countered by the water."

Xiao Li, always quick to understand Neji's strategies, immediately grasped the point. "I see. Any fire techniques they use will be countered by the water veins."

Neji then turned to Shion. "If we pass through this place, the sealed shrine is just ahead. Please bear with us for a while longer."

Shion said nothing, but reluctantly nodded.

Neji gave one last instruction. "This mission is mainly to protect key individuals. Focus on defense and avoid unnecessary actions—especially you, Naruto!"

"I know!" Naruto said confidently, though with some confusion in his expression. "By the way, what does 'arbitrary behavior' mean?"

Shion looked at him in surprise. "What?"

"Are you serious?" Sakura muttered, clearly exasperated.

"Well, no wonder you ignored orders earlier. This guy doesn't even know what arbitrary behavior means!" someone laughed from the group.

Naruto, feeling embarrassed, immediately defended himself. "Don't underestimate me! I'm not stupid! Arbitrary behavior means... uh... being reckless and acting alone! That's what I mean!"

Sasuke, shaking his head, muttered, "Super idiot."

Kakashi scratched his head, glancing at Naruto. "Naruto, maybe you should go back to Ninja Academy and brush up on your studies."

"NO! No way!" Naruto protested vehemently.