Recap:
After awakening his Uchiha and Uzumaki bloodlines, Gojo discovered the benefits they brought—enhanced vitality, chakra purity, and striking physical traits. He also learned from the System that by further upgrading his bloodlines, he could improve his body constitution, like achieving the Intermediate Sage Body with the Uzumaki bloodline. Just before sleeping, Gojo was notified of a massive point reward for plundering Naruto's destined opportunity. Meanwhile, Itachi met with Shisui in secret, and the two discussed the growing rift between the Uchiha clan and the village. As tension rose in the shadows, Gojo drifted into a peaceful sleep, unaware of the changing tide.
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As the sun filtered through the paper windows of the compound, Gojo slowly stirred from his slumber.
His eyelids fluttered open, the golden morning light warming his face.
Stretching his limbs, he sat up and muttered to himself, "That bloodline really changed my body. I feel amazing."
He headed into the washroom to freshen up, and as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror, even he was taken aback.
His skin was smoother, almost glowing faintly. His chakra felt calmer but denser, swirling with clarity that only a true bloodline bearer would recognize.
After breakfast, his grandfather, a calm yet dignified presence in the house, informed him, "In a few days, we will return to the Fire Capital. Our business here in Konoha is nearly done."
Gojo paused, his heart sinking for a moment.
He had grown attached to this village. The streets, the people, the new bonds he had made.
But his expression quickly turned light again.
"I understand, Grandpa."
When his grandfather left to attend a clan meeting, Gojo decided to stroll around the village.
His white hair caught the sun as he walked, drawing eyes and greetings from villagers.
"Gojo-kun! Are you feeling better today?" one elderly woman asked kindly.
Gojo gave her a bright smile. "Yes, Obaa-san. I feel much better now. Thank you."
Children waved. Shopkeepers nodded. The boy had unknowingly carved a space in the hearts of the villagers.
As he walked near a large tree in the training field, he spotted someone sitting in its shade.
It was Sakura.
She looked up sharply, startled. But upon seeing Gojo, her expression softened in relief.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan," Gojo greeted with a warm smile.
"G-Good morning, Gojo-kun," she replied shyly.
Gojo suddenly sighed dramatically and placed his hand over his chest. "I was so hurt when you didn't visit me in the hospital. I thought we were friends!"
Sakura flinched. "I... I wanted to! I really did! But..."
She looked away, fiddling with her fingers.
Gojo tilted his head. "But?"
"I... I thought I wasn't good enough," she whispered. "All your friends are from big clans. I'm just... from a commoner family. I didn't want to embarrass you."
Her voice trembled. Gojo watched her for a moment and then gently patted her head.
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, cheeks turning red.
Gojo gave a soft laugh. "Sakura-chan, I don't care where you come from. I'll never feel embarrassed because of you. You're my friend. That's what matters."
She looked at him, her eyes glistening.
"I mean it. I hate people who judge based on status. You're strong, honest, and kind. That's more than enough."
Sakura bit her lip, then nodded with determination. "Thank you... Gojo-kun. I promise I'll always be your friend."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for plundering Ino's opportunity. Reward: 1,000 points.]
Gojo blinked, a smile twitching at the corner of his lips.
The rest of the day passed quickly as the two played around the village, sharing snacks and laughing.
For Sakura, it was the first time in a long while that she felt like she truly belonged.
When he saw her off at her doorstep, Sakura's heart was pounding in her chest. She turned around and ran inside.
Her parents were in the living room.
"Sakura, you're smiling so brightly today," her mother noted warmly.
Her father chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Our little princess brought a boy home in her heart, huh?"
Sakura blushed furiously. "Papa! It's not like that!"
Laughter filled the house.
That night, Sakura lay in bed hugging her pillow, smiling at the thought of Gojo.
The warmth of their time together stayed with her.
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha compound...
Sasuke sat in silence, hearing from other clan members about how his father had been forced to apologize to Gojo.
Others whispered of Gojo's growing reputation. Mockery, frustration... even pity. All of it directed at Sasuke.
He clenched his fists.
His resentment grew.
Elsewhere in the city, Gojo, lying comfortably in bed, sneezed.
"Weird... maybe Sakura-chan is thinking about me."
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End of Chapter 13
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Author's Note:
Loving the journey so far?
Please support with a Power Stone!
Your votes help this fanfic grow—and as a thank you, there will be bonus chapters for Power Stone milestones!
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Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.
Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
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