Naruto: Multiversal Shadows

Disclaimer: This story is 100% AI-generated fanfiction based on the Naruto universe. Characters, settings, and lore belong to Masashi Kishimoto. No copyright infringement intended.

Naruto's scream died in his throat as he bolted upright, sheets tangled around his legs like chains. Cold sweat dripped down his neck, and the scar on his cheek pulsed like a live wire. The dream clung to him—ash in his lungs, Kakashi's broken mask slipping through his fingers, the golden-eyed beast roaring in Minato's voice.

"Just a dream," he muttered, knuckles white against the mattress. "Just a stupid dream."

But his hands trembled. They still smelled like smoke.

Training Ground 3 – Dawn

"Again!" Iruka barked, tossing shuriken at the target dummy. "And this time, focus!"

Naruto lunged, but the world tilted. Ash bloomed across his palms, black and gritty, though the training ground was pristine. He froze, staring at the phantom residue.

"Deadlast daydreaming again?" Sasuke's voice cut through the haze. He leaned against a tree, smirking. "Or did you forget how to hold a kunai?"

"Shut up," Naruto snapped, scrubbing his hands on his pants. The ash didn't budge.

"Naruto," Sakura called hesitantly, "your… your hands—"

"What about them?!" He shoved them behind his back, the scar flaring gold.

She frowned. "Never mind. You look like you haven't slept in days."

"Gee, thanks," he muttered, but his voice cracked.

Sparring Session – Midday

The sun hung heavy overhead as Sasuke's foot hooked Naruto's ankle, sending him sprawling into the dirt.

"Pathetic," Sasuke said, dusting off his sleeves. "Even Sakura's genjutsu practice is less pathetic."

"Screw you!" Naruto surged up, swinging wildly.

Sasuke dodged, knee driving into Naruto's gut. "What's wrong? Demon run out of juice?"

The scar burned. Ash swirled at the edges of Naruto's vision, thickening into a haze. "I said SHUT UP!"

He tackled Sasuke, fists flying. Blows landed—some his, some Sasuke's—until Iruka yanked them apart.

"Enough!" Iruka shoved Naruto backward. "What's gotten into you?!"

Naruto didn't answer. His hands were clean now, but the phantom ash felt heavier than ever.

Konoha Streets – Evening

Sakura lingered after dismissal, eyeing Naruto's hunched shoulders. "You should go to the hospital. You're… pale."

"I'm fine," he lied, forcing a grin. "Just need ramen!"

She didn't smile back. "This isn't a joke. Whatever's happening to you—it's weird."

"Yeah, well, weird is my specialty!" He spun on his heel, waving dismissively. "See ya tomorrow!"

Her sigh followed him down the street. "Idiot…"

Naruto's Apartment – Night

The mirror fogged as Naruto splashed water on his face. "Stupid Sasuke… stupid scar… stupid everything…"

When he looked up, his reflection stared back—but not his reflection.

This Naruto wore a tattered black cloak, his scar a jagged crimson gash. The Hokage Monument's spiral symbol glowed on his forehead.

"You're running out of time," the reflection said, voice echoing like gravel.

Naruto stumbled back, knocking over a cup. "Who—what are you?!"

The reflection smiled, golden eyes flickering. "What you'll become."

The glass shattered.

Shards of mirror hovered in the air, each shard reflecting a different Naruto—some scarred, some monstrous, all staring hungrily.