It was a quiet evening as I headed home from my sports practice. The streets weren't crowded, and the parking lot was almost empty. As I got into my car, I instinctively reached for my phone, eager to continue my Naruto marathon. I was right at the part where Killer Bee was teaching Sasuke what real life was all about—one of those moments I could rewatch endlessly without getting tired of it.
With a satisfied sigh, I started my car and pulled out of the parking lot. But in my distraction, I failed to notice something—or maybe someone.
Everything went dark. A crushing silence swallowed me whole, and for a brief moment, I felt like I was floating, no sound, no pain, just an overwhelming void. Was this it? Had I just crossed over to the other side?
I don't know how much time passed. Minutes? Hours? Maybe longer.
Then, a sensation returned, light pressing against my closed eyelids. Slowly, I managed to pry them open, blinking against the brightness. My vision was blurry at first, but as it cleared, I found myself staring directly into the face of a teenager or young man. His expression was serious, but there was something else in his eyes, concern? Confusion?
It took me a second to register that he was holding me in his arms.
Wait. Who was he talking to?
I shifted my gaze slightly.
Standing just a few steps away was a towering man, his presence radiating pure strength and authority. His dark skin, the battle-hardened scars, there was no mistaking it.
The Third Raikage.
Which meant… I was currently in the arms of A.
I hadn't recognized him at first, probably because he was much younger than in the anime. But now that I got a better look at him, there was no doubt… This was A, the future Fourth Raikage.
My brain struggled to process everything, but before I could even react, my attention shifted to the conversation happening right above me.
"Father, did you really have to have another child? And this late in life? Seriously? I'm eighteen years older than him."
A, the younger one says, his tone bordering on disbelief as he addressed the Third Raikage.
The older man, massive and imposing, barely reacted. His voice was deep, firm, but strangely indifferent.
"Don't worry, son. Think of him as your own child."
A let out an annoyed "Tss", crossing his arms as he shot a glance down at me. His expression was of reluctant acceptance, as if he knew there was no point in arguing but still couldn't believe what was happening.
"What's done is done" he muttered, exhaling sharply. "No point in complaining now. What's his name, anyway?"
He didn't want to waste too much energy on this conversation.
The Third Raikage, standing tall with his arms folded, took a moment to think. His piercing gaze flickered down at me, analyzing, deciding.
"I can't call him A. And B is already taken..." he mused aloud, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Then, as if reaching an undeniable conclusion, he nodded to himself.
"He will be named Z."
A raised an eyebrow. "Z?"
The older man's expression remained firm, unwavering. "Z, because he is, and will remain, my last child."
His voice carried the weight of finality, as if his decision was absolute. No room for debate.
A sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Great. Just great."
Meanwhile, I was still lying there, processing everything.
So let me get this straight…
Not only had I somehow ended up in the Naruto universe, but also in the village of kumogakure and the last son of the third raikage.
And my name was now Z.
Now that I really thought about it… I wasn't even in Naruto's generation.
If I was 18 years younger than the future Fourth Raikage, then that placed me way before the main casts were even born.
Doing some quick mental math, I realized something else, this meant I was probably around the same generation as Kakashi Hatake. Maybe a little older, but definitely close.
That single realization hit me.
This wasn't just some casual isekai situation where I'd be running around, cracking jokes with Naruto. No, I was in an era of war, a time when kids were forced onto the battlefield before they were even ready.
The Third Great Ninja War… Kakashi, Obito, Rin…
And if I was a child of the Raikage, that meant I wouldn't just be any random shinobi. I'd be trained, shaped, and most likely thrown into the chaos alongside the best of Kumo's forces.
While I was lost in my internal monologue, A, the one being my brother, carried me effortlessly out of the Raikage's office. His grip was firm yet careful, as if he was trying to figure out how to hold a baby without crushing it. Given his strength, I appreciated the effort.
The halls of the Raikage's residence were wide and imposing, built from solid stone with large windows that let in the fading light of the evening. As A walked, I caught glimpses of Kumogakure's landscape through the openings, towering cliffs, sharp mountain peaks, and the signature stormy skies that made the village feel like it was always on the edge of a thunderstorm.
We passed a few shinobi along the way, most of whom shot curious glances in our direction. Some looked outright confused. From their expressions, I could tell that my sudden presence was a surprise to everyone. But no one dared to question A.
Eventually, he pushed open a sliding door and stepped inside. The room was spacious but minimalistic, typical of Kumogakure's style. A large futon was set neatly against the wall, a small wooden desk stood in one corner, and there was a wide window overlooking the village. But what really caught my attention was the crib positioned near the futon.
So this was my room.
A walked up to the crib and, with all the grace of someone completely unfamiliar with handling babies, dumped me inside. Not aggressively, but definitely without the gentleness you'd expect when handling an infant.
I let out a tiny grunt, not because it hurt, but more out of sheer indignation.
"Tch. You're tiny" A muttered, crossing his arms as he looked down at me. His face was set in his usual scowl, but I could see the faintest hint of curiosity in his eyes.
And with that, he turned on his heel and headed for the door.
I lay there in the crib, staring at the ceiling, my mind still racing.
This was real.
I closed my tiny fists.
If this was my new life…
I accept it willingly.