Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

Mabui chuckled softly at my remark, the tension finally starting to fade from her expression. "You're not wrong, Naruto," she admitted. "Oroi does tend to overthink and assume the worst in every situation. But if Samui and Karui are safe, I'm sure he'll calm down eventually."

Samui smirked, crossing her arms. "He's probably still pacing around the room, muttering about how we're all doomed. Typical Oroi."

Karui rolled her eyes. "That guy needs to grow a spine. Honestly, the only reason we put up with him is because he's decent at his job. Otherwise, I'd have kicked him out ages ago."

I raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on my face. "Wow, you really know how to inspire loyalty in your teammates, Karui. Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Karui huffed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "You'd better not, Naruto. I'm not as nice as Samui or Mabui."

"Oh, I already know that," I replied, my grin widening. "But don't worry, I can handle anything you throw at me."

Mabui shook her head, clearly amused by our banter. "Alright, enough of that. Naruto, thank you again for everything. We really appreciate your help."

"Don't mention it," I said with a shrug. "I'm just glad you three are safe. And if Oroi starts having a meltdown, let me know. I'm pretty good at calming people down... or scaring them straight, depending on what's needed."

With that, I gestured toward Oroi's room. "But seriously, you should check on him. Knowing him, he's probably imagined about a hundred different ways he's going to die in the next five minutes."

Mabui sighed but nodded. "You're probably right. Let's go make sure he hasn't worked himself into a panic attack."

As the three of them headed toward Oroi's room, I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms as I watched them go.

"Man," I thought to myself, "it's moments like these that remind me why I keep doing this. Helping people, protecting them... it's not just about the battles or the power. It's about making sure no one has to face the kind of loneliness or fear I used to know."

With a satisfied smile, I decided to wait and see if they needed any more of my help—or if Oroi was about to provide some unexpected entertainment.

As all three girls entered Oroi's room, the sight was exactly what I had expected. He was sitting stiffly on a chair, his head hung low, mumbling something under his breath. His eyes were wide with fear, darting around the room as if expecting an ambush at any moment.

I leaned casually against the doorframe, watching the scene unfold. Yep, classic Oroi, I thought to myself, suppressing a chuckle. It was almost comical how true to form he was, even in a situation like this.

The scene inside Oroi's room was exactly what I had imagined. The guy was sitting on the edge of his bed, his head hung low, mumbling under his breath with a look of pure terror in his eyes. I could almost feel the anxiety radiating off him.

Samui crossed her arms and sighed, her usual composed demeanor slipping into mild irritation. "Oroi, pull yourself together," she said firmly. "We're safe, and no one's coming to kill us."

Karui leaned against the doorframe, shaking her head. "Seriously, you're embarrassing us. You're supposed to be a shinobi, not some scared civilian."

Oroi finally looked up, his face pale. "You don't understand," he stammered. "We're in enemy territory. They could attack us at any moment. What if Naruto was just a trick? What if—"

Mabui cut him off with a calm but stern voice. "Oroi, stop it. Naruto brought me here, and he's the reason you're still alive. You need to trust him. He's not our enemy."

I chuckled softly from outside the door, loud enough for them to hear. "Man, Oroi, you really know how to make a guy feel appreciated," I said as I leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Don't worry, if anyone even thinks about attacking you, they'll have to go through me first."

Oroi flinched at my voice, his eyes darting toward the door. "N-Naruto?! How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear you doubting my hospitality," I said with a smirk, stepping into the room. "Relax, Oroi. You're under my protection while you're here. Nobody's going to lay a finger on you—or these three, for that matter."

Samui sighed and glanced at me. "Naruto, he's hopeless. Do you really think you can get him to stop panicking?"

I grinned. "Oh, I've got my ways." I walked over to Oroi and placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning in slightly. "Oroi, listen carefully. If you keep mumbling like this, the only danger you're in is me dragging you out of this room and making you do laps around the village until you pass out. Got it?"

Oroi gulped, his face turning an even paler shade. "Y-Yes, I got it! No more mumbling!"

Karui burst out laughing, and even Samui and Mabui couldn't hide their amused smiles. "Looks like tough love is the only language he understands," Karui said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Works every time," I said with a wink. "Now, Oroi, stop worrying and focus on resting. You're safe here, I promise."

With that, the tension in the room seemed to ease. Mabui gave me a grateful nod, and even Oroi managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Naruto," he said quietly.

"Anytime," I replied, turning to leave. "Just don't make me come back here to babysit you again, alright?"

"Mabui, you got what you wanted. Then let's head back," I called out, breaking the moment.

"Yes, Naruto," she replied, her voice steady as she turned away from Oroi and the girls.

As she walked toward me, I could see a hint of relief on her face. At least she knew now that her team was safe, even if they were still in a tense situation.

As Mabui stepped out of the room, her expression calm and collected once more, she nodded to Samui and Karui. "Take care of yourselves. I'll return as soon as I can," she said. The two women nodded back, their earlier emotional display replaced by their usual resolve.

I gestured to Mabui. "Alright, time to head back. I've already been gone longer than I planned, and Tsuna's probably going to skin me alive for running off without a proper explanation."

Mabui gave a small smile. "It's impressive how someone as strong as you can still be intimidated by Tsunade."

"Hey, there are battles you fight and battles you avoid," I replied, smirking as we began walking. "Besides, Tsuna's punches are no joke."

We made our way to the teleportation seal I'd set up earlier. Mabui walked beside me in silence for a moment before speaking. "Naruto, thank you again for this. I was genuinely worried about them. Knowing they're safe puts my mind at ease."

I glanced at her and gave a small shrug. "Like I said, it's no big deal. If you ever need help, just ask. That's what allies do, right?"

Mabui nodded, her expression softening. "Right."

I placed my hand on the seal and activated it. The familiar sensation of teleportation washed over us, and within moments, we were back at the summit grounds. Mabui adjusted her stance, quickly regaining her professional demeanor.

"Back in one piece," I said, dusting myself off. "Now, let's get you back to your people before they think I've kidnapped you or something."

Mabui chuckled softly. "I think they'd know better by now, Naruto."

"Let's hope so," I replied, already bracing myself for Tsunade's wrath when I returned.

Soon, we both returned to the Land of Iron with my Flying Raijin.

"Hey, Mabui, you have some space-time ninjutsu, right?" I asked her as we landed.

She glanced at me, slightly surprised by the question. "Yes, I do. Why do you ask?" she replied, her curiosity piqued.