Naruto: Chronicles of the Lost Library

The glowing threads on the walls had gone quiet.

Dim. Barely flickering. Like a heartbeat holding its breath.

Naruto stood in front of the sealed stone door marked First Channel, still thinking about what Kazuki had said earlier.

You are not the first.

You are not the flame.

His hands clenched. Jaw tight.

Something behind him stirred.

A small orange light flickered at the edge of the room — quiet, pulsing, almost like it was calling.

He turned.

And there it was. A looped thread of chakra. Floating just above the floor. Shaped like a figure-eight.

Naruto didn't think. He stepped closer and reached out.

The moment his fingers touched it, the air changed. The walls dimmed. A low vibration filled the space.

Then — a voice.

So. You made it this far.

Naruto's breath caught in his throat.

Kazuki.

But it wasn't him in person. It was like the chakra thread itself was playing the voice — deep, warped, echoing from all directions.

Kazuki's image flickered above the thread. A ghostly outline. Head down. Hood covering his face.

If you're hearing this, then I either messed up… or you're just another repeat.

His voice wasn't angry. It wasn't loud. It was worse. Calm. Cold. 

You're walking someone else's path. Mine. Raian's. The Library's. You think there's some grand truth waiting at the end?

Get over yourself.

You're chasing someone else's shadow. You think you're special? You're not. You're just another idiot playing with matches in a place made of oil.

You want to carry the flame? Fine. It'll burn your hands off. And you'll deserve it.

The figure lifted his head slightly. You couldn't see his eyes. But his voice hit harder now.

You are not the first.

You are not the flame.

And soon? I won't be either.

The image faded.

Naruto just stood there, eyes locked on where the ghost had vanished.

But for the first time, he didn't feel angry.

He felt cold.

It was a warning.

And it was real.