Chapter Text
My Light,
If you're reading this, then I'm already gone. I'm sorry I had to leave you, and I know it will cause you a lot of heartache. I also know that you're strong enough to get through it. I know we made a promise to always come back, but I don't know if I'll be able to keep it this time.
By the time you make it this far, the plans I set in motion will already be active. Don't try to come after me, no one in the camp knows where I've gone. There will be no way for me to be tracked, so it's best for everyone to just stay hidden.
We can't go on living this way. Constantly hiding in fear of when we'll be found, or when we won't wake up the next morning. I've been doing research through what was left of the Uchiha clan archives, and the scrolls we salvaged from Uzushio. That information plus what I gathered from my own clan library, I think I found the solution.
I left my findings and the solution with Kakashi, as well as the instructions on what to do if I fail. Under no circumstances are you to leave the camp. I mean it, you are the only chance we have of surviving if my plan fails.
Kakashi and the rest of team 7 have assured me they'd keep you safe until I either return, or news of my failure finds you. Don't get mad at him, my heart, I swore him to secrecy and he only agreed to keep you safe. I know you're capable of taking care of yourself, but I can't take the risk.
I don't have much time left, you're waking up next to me. Please remember that I love you no matter how troublesome you are. Watch over Choji and Ino for me, they'll be just as hurt as you are. Don't be afraid to lean on our friends and don't try to hide how you feel.
It was an honor to serve such an amazing Hokage, and hopefully, I'll be able to continue serving you. I love you Naruto, and I look forward to the day when I can once again see your brilliant light. Stay strong, stay hidden, stay safe.
When in doubt, keep to the shadows,
Shikamaru
Shikamaru stared out at the vast wasteland that was once the coast of Uzushio, and sent out a silent prayer.
"I am not Uzumaki, but my heart, my very soul is. This seal is our last hope, and if I fail here, then you will have truly fallen. My father used to tell me stories about the Land of Whirlpools, and how it seemed as though the island itself was alive and protecting it's people. Help me save the last Uzumaki, and in return, I will do what I can to see you restored."
A strong gust of wind tossed him back until he landed on his back in the middle of an enormous seal. His eye squeezed shut out of reflex, and he heard the haunting sound of waves.
A sudden pulse from the ground beneath him, and Shikamaru felt a burning pull before he screamed in agony and then there was nothing