Peter sat down between Ben and May, taking a deep breath as he tried to collect his thoughts.
May reached out, holding his hands, her warmth steadying his nerves.
Ben, ever the patient father figure, leaned back slightly and gave Peter a reassuring nod.
"Alright, kiddo," Ben said. "You've got our full attention. What's going on?"
Peter hesitated for a second before deciding to just say it.
"Something incredible happened to me tonight."
May and Ben exchanged glances but stayed silent, letting him continue.
"I met someone—someone powerful. Someone who… knows things. Things about me, about my parents, about my future." Peter paused, gauging their reactions. "And he gave me a gift."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "A gift?"
Peter took another breath before saying it outright.
"I have powers now."
Silence.
May's grip tightened around his hands. Ben exhaled deeply, rubbing his chin. Neither of them dismissed his words or laughed.
"What kind of powers?" Ben asked, his tone calm but serious.
Peter stood up and walked to the wall. Without a word, he placed his palm against it—and started climbing.
May gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
Ben leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as Peter casually walked across the ceiling before flipping down and landing softly on the floor.
"I have super strength, enhanced speed, agility, healing, and reflexes," Peter continued. "I can stick to walls and even sense danger before it happens. And… I can use chakra."
Ben looked impressed—and a little scared.
"Chakra?" he asked, testing the unfamiliar word.
Peter nodded. "It's a type of energy inside me. I haven't trained with it yet, but I can already feel it. And it's connected to my web abilities."
May broke the silence first. "Peter… you almost died?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Peter winced. "Yeah. But I'm okay now. That's why this guy—Naruto—helped me. He saw what was coming for me… and he changed my fate."
Ben exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Powerful people interfering with our lives…" He rubbed his face. "I don't know how I feel about that, but… if he saved you, then I'm grateful."
May looked him over, searching his face for any signs of doubt.
"Are you sure you're okay, Peter? Physically and mentally?"
Peter smiled, touched by her concern. "I feel better than ever. My body is stronger, my mind is clear, and I finally feel like I can do something meaningful."
Ben studied him for a long moment before speaking.
"I won't tell you not to use these powers, Peter."
Peter looked up in surprise.
"Really?"
Ben nodded. "But you have to promise me something."
Peter sat back down, listening carefully.
Ben leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Promise me you won't rush into things. That you'll train first. That you'll always be prepared. Power alone won't keep you safe—it's how you use it that matters."
Peter nodded immediately. "I promise. I already decided—I won't get involved until I've trained properly."
May took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I won't lie, Peter. This terrifies me. The thought of you out there, fighting… it's hard to accept."
Peter reached out, taking her hands in his.
"I know, Mother." He smiled as he said the word again, watching her eyes fill with warmth. "But danger is everywhere. And heroes… they can't afford to be late."
Ben sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Damn it, kid. You sound like an adult already."
Peter grinned. "I learned from the best."
Ben chuckled, shaking his head. "Flattery will get you everywhere, son."
May finally let out a small laugh, wiping the tears that had formed at the corners of her eyes.
"No matter what happens, Peter," she said firmly, "we'll always be here for you. You don't have to do this alone."
Peter felt something deep inside him settle—a comfort he hadn't even realized he needed.
"Thank you," he whispered.
And that night, as he laid in bed, he felt lighter than ever.
With such supportive parents by his side, Peter slept peacefully, dreaming of heroism, research, and his long-lost sister.
Peter walked into Empire State University with a newfound confidence.
The events of last night—the talk with Ben and May, the weight lifted off his shoulders, the knowledge that he wasn't alone—had washed away years of insecurities.
For the first time in ages, he didn't feel like the kid who had to keep his head down and avoid trouble. He felt in control.
And that's when he sensed him.
Even before hearing the footsteps, Peter's newly awakened senses picked up on the presence. The familiar heavy gait, the slightly overbearing posture.
Flash Thompson.
"Hey, Parker, hope you didn't get mugged yesterday."
Peter felt Flash's arm sling around his neck in a playful headlock. His body almost reacted instinctively—a sudden urge to break free and counterattack surged within him.
But he suppressed it.
This was different.
Flash's tone wasn't cruel. There was no malice.
Peter turned his head slightly, looking at the guy who had made his school life miserable. The same guy who used to shove him into lockers, trip him in the hallways, and humiliate him in front of everyone.
Yet… this didn't feel the same.
'He's changed.'
Last night, Ben had told him about the Thompson family.
About how Flash had beaten his father senseless after discovering his horrific crimes. About how his mother had finally divorced the man, taking Flash and his sister away from that nightmare.
Peter had hated Flash for years. But now, standing here, he realized something…
Flash had suffered too.
Maybe not in the same way, but life had beaten him down as well.
Peter took a deep breath and spoke.
"How's everything going now, Eugene?"
Flash froze.
Peter had never called him by his real name before.
Then, a grin spread across his face. "Oh? I didn't think you'd take an interest in my well-being, Parker."
Peter smirked slightly. "My father did. Ben Parker. He talked to me about it."
Flash's grin faltered for a moment. His eyes softened.
"Ah, yeah… Uncle Ben."** He scratched the back of his head.** "Man… Let's just forget about all this, okay? I don't wanna be the same man as my father."** His voice dropped slightly.** "And your uncle… He's been there for my mom and sister while I was being an asshole."
Peter's eyes widened slightly at the honesty in his voice.
Flash let go of him, rubbing his head awkwardly.
"So we're clear, Parker. You're free."
Peter blinked. "Is this real?"
Flash let out a chuckle. "Yeah, it's real. Now run off before I slap your face."
Peter stood there for a second, processing everything.
Then, he narrowed his eyes. "You know, I suffered a lot because of you."
Flash's expression tensed for a moment.
Peter was about to say more when suddenly, a calm, familiar voice echoed inside his head.
"Forgiveness is better than vengeance in this case. Your words would only lead him back to the darkness he's trying to crawl out of."
Peter stiffened slightly.
'Naruto?'
"Yeah. You're connected to me now, remember? So listen—this guy's at a crossroads. He's trying to change. If you push him, he might slip back. Help him, don't fight him."
Peter took a deep breath, glancing at Flash again.
Flash wasn't looking at him like a tormentor anymore.
He looked… tired. Worn down. Someone who had been broken but was trying to rebuild himself.
Peter clenched his fist.
Then, he stepped forward and hugged him.
Flash froze completely. "Wha—?"
Then— BAM!
Peter's fist slammed into Flash's gut.
Flash doubled over, coughing. "You—little—shit—!"
Peter smirked. "I know you've changed, so I forgive you." He crossed his arms. "Doesn't mean I like you. And I'll be watching to see if you really mean it."
Flash stared at him, still recovering from the hit.
Then…
He grinned.
"Don't regret that offer, Parker."
Peter grinned back. "I won't."
And for the first time in his life, he and Flash Thompson weren't enemies anymore.
As Flash walked away, Naruto's voice spoke in his mind again.
"You accelerated his growth. He was always going to choose the good path, but your words made sure of it."
Peter's chest tightened slightly.
"He has a tragic future, Peter. And he's tied to you in more ways than you realize. Wherever you go, you'll find people like this—people connected to you. They might become heroes… or villains. But you have the power to help them before they make the wrong choice."
Peter nodded subtly to himself.
'I understand.'
And as he watched Flash walk off, for the first time, Peter didn't see a bully.
He saw someone who was just like him—trying to find his place in the world.
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Empire State University cafeteria.
Peter sat alone, as usual, his lunch barely touched as his mind buzzed with thoughts.
His newfound abilities, the ways to enhance them, and how he could use them effectively—he was deep in contemplation, figuring out how to balance his normal life and his growing power.
But before he could start laying out a proper plan, someone approached him.
"Hello, Peter. You wouldn't mind if we joined you?"
He looked up, slightly surprised.
Gwen Stacy.
The most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
Long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, intelligent blue eyes, and a natural confidence in her presence. She wore a dark blue turtleneck, a purple skirt, and a green jacket, effortlessly stylish.
But beyond her looks, she was brilliant—a top student, always engaged in class, always questioning the professors.
And beside her was Harry Osborn.
A handsome, athletic young man with auburn hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a white shirt, black jeans, and a brown leather jacket, carrying the aura of someone born into privilege.
But Peter knew his story.
Harry was the only son of Norman Osborn, a billionaire scientist and businessman. Despite his wealth and talents, nothing was ever enough for his father.
Harry had no passion for science but studied it just to meet expectations. Gwen, his childhood friend, was one of the few people he truly trusted.
Peter blinked. He hadn't expected them to approach him.
But he wasn't about to turn them away.
"Hello, Gwen. Harry. You can take a seat, I don't mind."
Gwen smiled and sat down, while Harry chuckled, sliding into the seat across from Peter.
"Thanks. I thought you were going to act all snobby, but you don't seem like that at all."
Peter glanced up at him, then realized something.
He had always carried a serious expression, often acting short with people because he was always in a hurry or lost in thought.
He sighed. "Sorry about that. I tend to get lost in my thoughts, so I might come off that way sometimes."
Harry shrugged. "No problem. I get lost in my thoughts too."
For a moment, the table went quiet as they ate.
Peter waited. He knew they hadn't just come here for a casual meal.
And he was right.
"You're not very talkative outside of class, are you?" Gwen commented, stirring her drink.
Peter glanced at her. "I'm not used to talking outside of work, but since you seem interested in small talk, I don't mind."
Then, without hesitation, he added:
"Actually, I was going to ask—would you like to work with me on the future projects we'll be doing?"
Gwen's eyes widened slightly. "Is that really okay with you? It's only been two days."
Peter nodded. "You're the smartest one in class so far. Seems like a natural choice."
Gwen smirked. "You're hard to ignore, Peter. That mind of yours works at light speed. I figured something like this would happen eventually, but I didn't expect you to ask first."
Harry rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Hey, hey, what about me?"
Gwen and Peter had been talking like he wasn't even there.
Peter glanced at him and shrugged. "You can join us."
Harry grinned. "Nice. I'm gonna need all the help I can get. In return, I'll help you guys chill after class—you know, actually have some fun."
He held out his hand. "Pass me your phone, I'll give you my number."
Peter hesitated for a moment, then handed it over.
Harry quickly added his number and Gwen's, saving Peter's in return.
For the first time in a long time, Peter realized—maybe he wasn't alone anymore.
Peter had made three friends on just his second day at Empire State University—Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and now Johnny Storm, though he barely knew the latter.
Of course, he was also friends with Dr. Curt Connors and Dr. Otto Octavius, both brilliant scientists who had taken an interest in him.
Over lunch, their conversation flowed between university life, professors, and various scientific interests. Surprisingly, even Harry participated, considering Oscorp's heavy involvement in genetic research, physical augmentation, and biological mutations.
Afterward, they attended class together but eventually split up.
Gwen had something to take care of.
Harry was heading to a party with Johnny Storm, a guy from the Music Department—also known as the Human Torch.
Peter was invited but declined. Loud, crowded places weren't really his thing.
Instead, he walked home, his mind swirling with ideas.
Peter had started designing a suit and gadgets.
He didn't want to rely solely on chakra; instead, he aimed to create tech that could support him in combat.
Ideas he was considering:
Artificial Web-Shooters
Drones
Tracers
Mines & Bombs
Poisons for incapacitating enemies
However, there was a major problem—money.
Many of these gadgets were expensive, and Peter had no stable income. For now, he could only create a few in small quantities until he found a way to fund his projects.
As he walked home, deep in thought, he stumbled upon a tense situation.
A restaurant was surrounded by police officers, their weapons drawn. Inside, there was a violent disturbance.
Peter's eyes narrowed.
A man with purple skin was sitting and eating.
A woman stood in front of him, blocking any attacks directed at him. But from her blank expression, Peter immediately realized—
She wasn't doing this willingly.
Peter's heart pounded. He knew who this was.
Zebediah Killgrave—The Purple Man.
A former Croatian spy who had been mutated by chemicals, gaining the ability to control minds through pheromones.
Peter clenched his fists.
He had to act.
'I need help.'
Peter searched for cover, looking for a way to intervene without drawing attention to himself.
At that moment, he heard a familiar voice.
'I'll help you out this time. You might end up killing someone by mistake. Remember this feeling as I move now.'
Suddenly, Peter felt his body transform.
A dark Spider-Man suit materialized over him—sleek, tactical, and marked with a white spider insignia.
Naruto had taken over.
In an instant, he leaped onto the opposite building, locking onto Killgrave as his target.
"Come here."
THWIP!
A web shot out, snaring Killgrave and yanking him through the restaurant's window, shattering glass as he was violently dragged through the air.
Killgrave slammed onto the rooftop, his bones fracturing from the impact. Blood trickled from cuts on his skin caused by the glass shards.
The shock and pain barely registered before his outrage took over.
His eyes glowed with fury as he immediately used his powers.
"Kneel."
Nothing happened.
He blinked.
Again, he commanded, "Let me go."
Still—nothing.
The man in front of him, dressed in a Spider-emblazoned suit, remained unaffected.
"Stop your nonsense, Purple."
Killgrave's eyes widened.
"Your worthless power won't work on me."
Before Killgrave could react, a sharp pain spread through his body.
Naruto had injected him with a traceless poison—a special serum that would keep him in a vegetative state until Naruto chose to wake him up.
Killgrave's eyes rolled back, and his body slumped.
Naruto looked down at the unconscious villain.
'Some enemies require extreme measures, Peter. The consequences of letting them walk free could be devastating. This man can control minds—you understand how dangerous that is, don't you?'
Peter, still feeling the suit around him, gritted his teeth.
He understood.
Some threats couldn't be dealt with normally.
And Purple Man was one of them.