After leaving the Samsara Grotto, Naruto returned to Amegakure in a daze.
Knowing Naruto had probably already eaten the Chakra Fruit, everyone gathered beneath Amegakure's tower to welcome him and witness this historic moment!
Instead, the Naruto who arrived looked utterly distraught!
None of them had ever seen Naruto like this. They froze, realizing something must have gone wrong!
Sasuke, who had only just discovered how fleeting a night of passion could be, completely forgot about comparing experiences with Naruto!
He asked with concern, "Naruto, what's wrong?"
Naruto looked utterly defeated. "Nothing good."
Madara asked, "Where's the fruit?"
Naruto said, "Gone..."
"What...!!!"
Everyone's expression changed. Madara pressed him, "Who was it? Did an Ōtsutsuki do this?"
Naruto nodded.
Madara quickly regained his composure and studied Naruto closely. "There's no sign you've fought anyone. Did someone take it right under your nose? Was he fast? The same type as that Minato brat?"
Obito had more experience. "No, there may be more to this. Even if there really were an Ōtsutsuki like my teacher, Naruto would have summoned me the moment he took it so I could use Omodaru to reverse time. He couldn't have escaped!"
Sasuke asked anxiously, "Naruto... what exactly happened?"
Naruto gave a bitter smile. Right now, he simply couldn't find the words to explain this whole disastrous turn of events!
Hashirama spoke earnestly. "Naruto, no one's here to blame you. There's no better news than you returning safely. If the fruit's gone, we'll find another way. So whatever happened, please tell us and let us face it together, all right?"
His words spoke for everyone.
Looking at their sincere faces, Naruto clenched his hands and took several deep breaths. Once he had calmed down a little, he explained how he had lost the fruit.
"Ryūshiki...?"
"The old friend