Chapter 233 Farewell

Naruto slowly walked out from behind him and asked in a deep voice: "Do you want to find that person?"

Gaara shook his head slightly, his expression full of helplessness. "I know who it is. Let me handle this matter. In the final analysis, they still think that I am not worthy of the position."

There was a hint of loneliness in his tone, as if he was already accustomed to such questioning.

The wind and sand in the sky seemed to be sighing for his experience, but he still stood straight, ready to face all the challenges alone.

Naruto nodded slowly, his eyes full of trust. He knew very well that Gaara was capable of handling this matter.

"I'll be leaving after the Chunin Exams," Naruto said, reaching out and throwing a talisman to Gaara.

"People from the Akatsuki organization will come to the Sand Village. You are no match for them. If they come, tear up this talisman and I will appear immediately."

As soon as he finished speaking, a breeze blew by, blowing up the corners of Naruto's clothes. His eyes were firm and resolute, as if he was promising Gaara that he would definitely show up at the critical moment to protect this land.

Gaara held the talisman tightly, feeling the breath of Naruto remaining on it, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. In this critical moment, this friendship seemed particularly precious.

The next day, all the little warriors of Konoha gathered in the Sand Village.

Ningji, Tenten and Rock Lee were looking forward to the appearance of that figure.

However, as time passed, the familiar figure never showed up.

At this time, the leading jonin urged: "Ningji, Tenten, Xiao Li, don't just stand there, hurry back to the village."

Neji frowned slightly, his eyes still searching around, as if he was unwilling to give up waiting so easily.

Tiantian bit her lips tightly, with disappointment in her eyes.

Xiao Li clenched his fists, secretly cheering for the person who didn't show up, but at the same time he felt regretful for having to leave.

But they knew that the orders of the senior ninjas could not be disobeyed, so they could only prepare to embark on the journey home with reluctance in their hearts, looking back every few steps.

The three of them did not mention Naruto's appearance to anyone.

Naruto did not show up at the originally scheduled gathering.

In order to avoid worrying and disappointing others, they chose to keep this secret deep in their hearts.

Neji looked back into the distance from time to time, as if expecting Naruto to appear at the last moment.

Just as the Konoha group was gradually moving away from the Sand Village, a figure slowly walked out of the Sand Village quietly.

Naruto had a complicated expression and sighed helplessly.

Originally, he was eager to meet all the friends in Konoha, but at this moment, he suddenly felt an inexplicable fear in his heart. He was afraid of seeing that person, the person who had been buried deep in his heart.

He thought to himself, maybe now is not the time to meet.

In the distance, Ningji, who was getting farther and farther away, suddenly turned around at this moment, opened his Byakugan without hesitation, and took a last deep look in the direction of the Sand Village.

This time, he was surprised to find Naruto waving goodbye in the direction they were leaving.

Neji was stunned for a moment, then cursed inwardly "this coward", but then the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile.

In that smile, there was a hint of anger, a bit of understanding, and even more of an anticipation for a future reunion.

Neji took one last look in Naruto's direction, then turned around resolutely and continued to rush towards Konoha.

The breeze blew gently, as if telling the deep friendship between them and those untold stories, and their figures gradually moved away in this vast world, leaving behind a silhouette full of hope and longing.

Fu looked at Naruto who was waving at the distance and said, "Naruto, they have gone far away. You are really a strange person. You want to see them so much, but you don't dare to actually meet them. What are you afraid of?"

She frowned slightly, her eyes full of confusion.

Naruto slowly lowered his waving hand, and after a moment of silence, he said softly, "There are some things I'm not ready to face yet."

Fu sighed softly, "You are always like this, taking all the pressure on yourself. But I believe you have your reasons."

The sunlight shines on them, casting long shadows, as if also telling of this complex and subtle emotion.

Naruto lowered his head slightly, a look of despair flashed in his eyes. "Fu, you don't understand. It's been two years. I'm a little scared to face her now."

Fu crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin slightly. "Humph, no matter who that person is, you can't keep running away like this. You are a man who wants to unify the ninja world, you can't be so cowardly."

Naruto raised his head suddenly, and the fire of fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes. "You are right, I can't escape anymore. When I am ready, I will face it bravely."

Fu smiled. "That's more like it. Now, we should do what we should do."

Naruto nodded, took one last look at the direction where everyone in Konoha left, then turned and walked in another direction with Fu.

Fu has agreed to Naruto's request and decided to follow him. In this way, there is no need to return to Takigakure Village.

Originally, Fu had planned to return to the village to say goodbye to their Kage, but Naruto refused her request. As the Jinchūriki was the village's vital "nuclear weapon" and a stabilizing force, who would agree to let someone take him away?

Naruto then used an illusion to ask the two ninjas who had been following Fu to go back and report.

He knew very well that this move might cause some waves, but in order to protect Fu and avoid unnecessary conflicts, this seemed to be the most appropriate solution at the moment.

After taking care of all matters, Naruto took Fu on a journey from the Land of Sand to the Land of Water.

Even though Orochimaru had been sent to persuade Yugao before, there was still no news from Orochimaru at this time.

Considering that there is still a wild Three-Tailed Beast in the Water Country, living in a lake somewhere in the Water Country, it would not be appropriate to bring the entire tailed beast back.

In this situation, Naruto thought carefully and decided to go to the Water Kingdom in person.

Naruto and Fu were walking slowly in the forest.

Fu was like a little bird that had just been released, chirping non-stop beside Naruto.

She would excitedly point at the strange flowers on the roadside and tell Naruto about similar flowers she had seen in Takigakure Village;

After a while, he jumped and ran to the front, turned back and waved at Naruto, urging him to catch up quickly.

There was a gleam of curiosity and joy in her eyes, as if this strange forest was a great treasure full of surprises to her.

Naruto looked at Fu's lively appearance, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and the pressure in his heart was slightly relieved in this cheerful atmosphere.