Recap of Chapter 13:
Gojo awoke to the nourishing vitality of his Uzumaki bloodline. After a refreshing morning, he wandered through Konoha's streets and encountered Sakura. Through a heartfelt conversation, he helped her overcome her insecurities about being from a commoner family. His kindness and warmth led to a growing bond between them. Meanwhile, Sakura's parents were overjoyed to see her smile again, while Sasuke's resentment toward Gojo continued to grow. The chapter ended with Sakura blushing as she drifted off to sleep, and Gojo sneezing from being the center of her thoughts.
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The next day, Konoha basked in warm sunlight as a gentle breeze danced through the trees.
Gojo stood beneath the shade of a giant tree near the training grounds, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
Around him were his friends—Naruto, Kiba, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Hinata, Ino, and Sakura—laughing, talking, and preparing for their lakeside outing.
Gojo had brought Sakura along and introduced her to Ino, who, surprisingly, warmed up quickly.
The two girls became fast friends, chatting and giggling as they helped gather supplies. Hinata, quiet and timid, stood beside them with a small smile.
Sakura and Ino, finding her adorable when embarrassed, playfully teased her. Despite her shyness, Hinata felt accepted.
Near the lake, Naruto and Kiba were already waist-deep in the water, locked in a fierce fishing competition.
Naruto's loud declarations echoed across the clearing, while Kiba's laughter and Akamaru's barking added to the cheerful chaos.
But in an unexpected turn, it was Shikamaru who nonchalantly caught the biggest fish, much to everyone's surprise—and Naruto's dismay.
Choji, predictably, was the most excited.
He had brought seasoning from home and helped set up the grill. "This picnic was the best idea ever," he said with a wide grin, eyeing the fresh fish with anticipation.
Gojo, sleeves rolled up, took command of the grill.
The scent of sizzling fish soon wafted across the lake.
As the first batch came off the grill, Naruto, Kiba, and Choji practically drooled. Gojo handed them skewers one by one, and their reactions were unanimous—delight.
"This is amazing!" Choji exclaimed, chomping down with joy.
Ino, who had taken a seat beside Sakura and Hinata, couldn't help but glance at Gojo. Her heart skipped as she watched him—elegant, skilled, and effortlessly kind.
She remembered her father's words: "That boy awakened the Sharingan at such a young age.
He may become one of the greatest ninjas of this era."
Looking at Gojo now, she blushed.
He's handsome, talented, kind… even a great cook… I can't let him slip away… she thought, determination blooming in her heart.
As if sensing her gaze, Gojo shivered. Someone must be talking about me… he thought, oblivious to Ino's silent vow.
Sakura, meanwhile, sat comfortably with her friends—something she never imagined before.
Because of Gojo, the distance she once felt between herself and others had vanished. She smiled warmly, grateful for his presence.
Naruto too felt lighter. Since Gojo's arrival, he wasn't alone anymore.
He had friends, laughter, and even respect from villagers. It was a new world for him.
As everyone settled down, Gojo quietly walked over with another plate of grilled fish—this time, offering it to Hinata.
"Eat more. No one's going to laugh," he said with a gentle smile. "Besides, I eat a lot too. It makes us stronger."
Hinata, blushing furiously, nodded shyly.
Choji quickly agreed. "It's true! More food, more strength!"
And so, the two shy eaters enjoyed the meal together, while the others watched in amusement.
Suddenly—
"AHHHHH!!" Naruto's scream echoed through the lake.
A crab had pinched his backside, and he leapt from the water in pain.
Kiba burst into laughter, rolling on the ground while Shikamaru chuckled lazily. Even stoic Shino smirked.
The group erupted in laughter as Naruto chased Kiba around the lake, vowing revenge.
Gojo leaned back, soaking in the moment.
[ Ding!
Congratulations to host for plundering Sasuke's opportunity! Reward: 2000 points! ]
[ Ding!
Congratulations to host for plundering Sasuke's opportunity! Reward: 2000 points! ]
[ Ding!
Congratulations to host for plundering Sasuke's opportunity! Reward: 5000 points! ]
[ Ding!
Congratulations to host for plundering Naruto's opportunity! Reward: 5000 points! ]
Gojo's eyes sparkled faintly. So this is the result… he thought, watching his friends laugh, grow, and open up.
In this world, bonds were power.
And he was building his own strength—one connection at a time.
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End of Chapter 14
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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!
Got suggestions or wild ideas?
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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