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"No way! T-That's not real?" Naruto said, his eyes wide as he stared into the empty void around him. Despite the apparent emptiness, memories flooded his vision, showing a life both familiar and vastly different. In these memories, Naruto had turned down the masked man's offer, hoping that things would improve and that he would be accepted and cared for by those around him.
But as the year passed in these memories, Team 7 continued their missions while Kakashi grew busier dealing with the Akatsuki's movements. Sasuke focused intensely on training under Kakashi, distancing himself from Naruto, while Sakura dedicated herself to training under Tsunade. Two new members joined Team 7, unfamiliar faces who didn't show much regard for Naruto. Then came the devastating news of Jiraiya's death on an S-class mission, shattering the remaining hope in Naruto's heart.
The memories fast-forwarded to a time of war, where everyone Naruto knew seemed to be dying. He was blamed for everything, cursed at and shunned not just by his village but by the entire world. Everywhere he went, disdainful glances and harsh words followed him.
"It's all because of you..."
"If only you weren't born..."
"You're a MONSTER..."
The masked man suddenly appeared behind Naruto. "Told you the world was cruel and selfish."
"What is this?" Naruto's voice was rough with disbelief. "These aren't my memories. This isn't my life."
"Why'd you bring me here? What is all this?" Naruto demanded answers, his confusion turning to anger.
"You're right. This isn't your life. This life is one of the many outcomes based on the choices you make from today onwards. It could be your legacy," the masked man explained calmly. "The outcome of your fate and legacy won't change easily."
"It's time to leave now," the masked man declared, and they started drifting backward through the red clouds to the white clouds, then into complete darkness. Finally, Naruto opened his eyes in the real world again.
Naruto was frozen, his mind blank and his heart filled with rage and hatred. "Was all that true?" Naruto's voice was cold and chilling.
"Yes and no. It was a glimpse of one possible outcome based on your future choices," the masked man replied.
"I see." Naruto fell silent, his thoughts swirling.
Meanwhile, the masked man himself was taken aback by what he had witnessed of Naruto's potential future. 'I knew his life would be filled with tragedies, but this... this is beyond what I expected. I almost pity him,' the masked man thought to himself.
"Now's the time to make your choice, Naruto. Come join us in the Akatsuki," the masked man offered again.
Naruto remained silent, darkness encroaching on his heart.
"Fine..." Naruto finally spoke up. "But let me ask you a question."
"Sure, ask away," the masked man replied with a hint of amusement.
"Are you planning to destroy the Leaf Village?" Naruto's voice was steady, eyes narrowing.
The masked man's eyes slightly widened. "Yes, it may be necessary for achieving my ultimate goal. So, while not today, someday, if required, I will."
"Then I'll be the one to do it..."