Harry Potter: Toji Potter

Naruto appeared in a flicker of golden light, the Flying Thunder God depositing him at Harry's side. His sharp blue eyes immediately narrowed, catching the unmistakable crimson glow of the Sharingan in Harry's eyes—no, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

"What the hell, Harry?" Naruto demanded, his tone laced with confusion and curiosity. "Why do you have his eyes?"

Harry, ever calm, offered a sly grin. "Took some of Sasuke's DNA after you knocked him out cold—nice backhand, by the way. Very cinematic. But it wasn't just him. I also cultivated Madara's. Merged them. Fused them with my own essence. Now…" He paused, his eyes spinning ominously. "...I can wield a piece of their legacy without losing who I am."

Naruto's frown deepened. "Why? What's so special about those eyes?"

"It's not just about the eyes," Harry said, his voice lowering as orbs of black—Truth-Seeking Balls—began to materialize around him. The air shifted, suddenly thick with a pressure Naruto instinctively recognized from legends. "It's about what those two represented: Ashura and Indra. Their cycle. Their curse."

Kurama stirred uneasily within Naruto's seal. This chakra... the fox growled, his usual confidence wavering. This isn't like Madara's... It's... something more...

Harry's form seemed to ripple with power, an ethereal cloak flowing around him. "With their combined essence and your Uzumaki bloodline, I traced something far more ancient. You, Sasuke... you're echoes of a feud as old as shinobi themselves. But me?" His eyes flared brilliantly. "I stand outside that cycle. Yet, I've unlocked the power of both paths."

Naruto's fists clenched. "So, what? You're the Sage of Six Paths now?"

Harry chuckled. "Nah. I'm still Harry. Just... upgraded."

The weight of it all pressed against Naruto's mind, but he remained grounded. "So, what's this about? What do you want from me?"

"I want you to decide something important," Harry replied, his voice suddenly somber. "Sasuke's fate. His trial's coming up. You know the Council's probably already sharpening the guillotine. But it's your call that will mean the most."

Naruto's answer was swift, cold, and without hesitation:

"Death."

The word fell between them like a final blow in battle—uncompromising, final. Harry's eyes searched Naruto's face, but all he found was a young man who had long outgrown the shadow of his former teammate.

"I gave him every chance," Naruto said, his voice steady, his expression hard. "I dragged myself to hell and back for that fool. And all he ever did was spit on those chances. He tried to kill me. He turned his back on everything and everyone." Naruto's eyes flashed with a cold fire. "The man he's become... has no place in this world."

Harry gave a slow, approving nod. "A clear answer. You've grown, Naruto." He paused before adding, "But you should know... whatever you decide, you won't face the fallout alone."

Naruto smirked faintly. "I never thought I would. We're partners in crime, after all."

The tension between them eased, but in the back of Naruto's mind, he felt Kurama's unease.

This man... the fox whispered, ...he walks too close to something that not even the Sage of Six Paths would dare touch.

Naruto's gaze remained locked on Harry, his lips curving into a grin. "Well, if you're some cosmic powerhouse now... I hope you're ready to be my sparring partner."

Harry laughed. "I thought you'd never ask."

The late afternoon sun cast warm golden rays over Konoha's training grounds as Harry and Naruto casually strolled through the clearing. The wind carried faint traces of laughter and conversation—the unmistakable sound of a team debriefing coming to an end.

Team 8.

Naruto's sharp eyes immediately picked up on Kurenai-sensei standing off to the side, her red eyes scanning her departing students with a gentle, proud expression. His lips curled into a grin as he nudged Harry. "Yo, that's Kurenai-sensei. Wanna say hi?"

Harry smirked. "Oh? You, going out of your way to greet a teacher? What's this about?"

Naruto gave him a sidelong look. "I'm friendly, okay?" Without waiting for a reply, he walked up, his signature confident stride in full display. "Yo, Kurenai-sensei! Looking as sharp as ever."

Kurenai turned, her brow arching before she gave a soft chuckle. "Naruto. Well, you certainly grew up. Handsome and polite—when did this happen?" Her tone was lightly teasing, her eyes flicking to Harry. "And you must be... Harry, right? The new powerhouse everyone's whispering about?"

Harry gave a short nod, a lazy grin on his face. "The one and only. Though, 'powerhouse' might be overselling me."

Kurenai chuckled. "Well, it's nice to meet you officially." Her eyes returned to Naruto, playfully scanning him. "But seriously, Naruto... I hardly recognized you. You've... grown into yourself."

Naruto, his usual cheeky grin in place, replied, "I try to keep people guessing." His voice, deeper and more self-assured than the boy she once knew, carried a subtle charm. "Though, you've barely changed. Still stunning, Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai's lips twitched into a smirk, and she crossed her arms. "Flatterer. I see Jiraiya's influence rubbed off on you."

Naruto laughed. "Guilty as charged."

From a short distance, Kiba and Shino exchanged glances.

Kiba gave an exaggerated sigh, folding his arms. "Great. He's flirting with our sensei. Can this guy not charm every woman he meets?"

Shino, his voice even and unreadable, replied, "Statistically, Naruto's charisma has increased exponentially since his return. This is simply a natural byproduct."

Kiba shot him a side-eye. "Did you just... analyze his rizz?"

Shino adjusted his glasses. "I analyze everything."

With an exasperated shake of his head, Kiba muttered, "Whatever. I'm out." He gave Naruto a half-hearted wave. "Catch you later, man. Don't steal my sensei."

Naruto shot back, "Can't promise anything, Dog-Breath!"

Kiba grumbled something about 'damn foxes' as he and Shino headed off.

But as they left, a new presence arrived—one that froze in place the moment her pale lavender eyes landed on Naruto.

Hinata Hyuga.

The sunlight framed her like a painting, her long indigo hair swaying softly in the breeze. But the moment she saw Naruto—really saw him—her entire body locked up.

The rumors from the Kunoichi gossip circle hadn't been exaggerations.

He was... gorgeous.

Sakura had been the first to mention it during their usual gathering—"He's built like a goddamn statue now, and that jawline? Unfair."

Ino, ever the expert on good-looking men, had enthusiastically confirmed: "You should've seen him in the flower shop—dude could model for my clan's ad campaign. I couldn't stop staring."

Even Tenten, usually more into weapons than men, admitted, "He's got that dangerous but charming vibe now. Makes you wanna spar with him... or something else."

And Temari—Temari!—had merely smirked and said, "Yeah. I noticed. Trust me."

Hinata had blushed fiercely at every word, her heart racing at the mere thought of seeing Naruto again.

But now... here he was. The reality was so much more than her imagination had dared conjure. His stance, his aura, the warmth in his blue eyes as he glanced her way... Kami.

She didn't realize she was holding her breath until his voice—so familiar, yet richer and smoother—cut through her haze.

"Yo, Hinata!" He raised a hand casually, his grin easy and warm. "Long time no see!"

Her heart stopped. Then it exploded.

"N-N-Naru—" She tripped over his name—his name, of all things!—her face instantly burning a furious red. Her fingers clutched at the hem of her jacket, her entire body trembling under the onslaught of nerves.

A tiny, strangled "h-hi" was all she managed.

Harry, watching from behind, barely stifled a chuckle. Adorable.

But Naruto's expression shifted, softening into something more thoughtful. His eyes met hers, and he... sighed.

"H-Hinata," he began, his voice dropping to a more serious, quieter tone. "Can we... talk for a second?"

The sudden change made her heart skip for a different reason. "O-Of course!" she said, her voice small but hopeful.

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, his usual nervous tic showing through. "So... I've noticed how you've always been... really kind to me. And I..." He paused, struggling for the right words. "I respect you a lot. Which is why I talked to Harry about this... 'cause I didn't wanna hurt you."

Hinata's blush deepened, her breath catching. "H-Hurt...?"

Naruto's blue eyes met hers fully, sincere and steady. "I can't... return your feelings. Not because there's anything wrong with you. You're... amazing, Hinata. But... my life's a mess right now. Akatsuki's still out there. The world's going crazy. And... I'm working with Harry on something that could change everything."

His voice softened further. "I... can't afford to drag anyone into that mess. And... I won't lie to you—I've been... keeping things more casual. I don't know what'll happen with me and... anyone. And that's not fair to you."

Hinata's chest felt tight, her hands trembling—but not with heartbreak. With something else. She heard everything he wasn't saying.

Not "never." Just... not now.

A pause. And then, softly—

"...You deserve better than half my heart."

Hinata stood frozen. Her cheeks still burned, and her heart still raced—but... she felt no bitterness. Just the warmth of his honesty.

Finally, she lowered her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper but clear:

"I... understand."

Naruto offered a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Hinata. Really."

And to his surprise—

Hinata smiled back, still red-faced but genuine. "...I'll wait," she said softly. "Until... you're ready. But... even if you never are... I'll still believe in you. Always."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly before he chuckled, warm and soft. "You're... something else, Hinata."

Harry, watching from the sidelines, smirked to himself. "Well handled, kid."