Hi everyone. This story will be like a spin-off of my other fanfic, Naruto x Tower of God ~ Beyond the Stars. But don't worry, you don't really need to read it to understand this one; it will just use the characteristics of the OOC Naruto from there to be used here. For you who have not read it, you'll find more about it as the story progresses so, stay tuned.
Enough chit-chat, let's start with one more fanfic the voices in my head made me write, haha ~
My name is Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. I was once a hyperactive, knuckleheaded ninja with dreams of becoming the greatest Hokage, the leader of my village. I was brash, loud, and reckless, often charging headfirst into danger without thinking. But life has a way of changing people, and my journey has taken me across worlds and through experiences that have shaped me into someone very different.
In my earlier years, I fought tirelessly to gain the acknowledgment and respect of those around me. I trained with a determination fueled by the desire to protect my friends and prove my worth. Through countless battles, I learned the importance of perseverance and the strength that comes from bonds with others. But that was just the beginning.
One day, I decided to leave my homeworld through a portal, and I ended up in a world where people could control the elements of water, earth, fire, and air. There, I met a boy with an arrow on his head who was destined to bring balance to his world. There, I learned the true meaning of balance and harmony, mastering not just physical skills but also gaining a deeper understanding of inner peace and the spiritual connection to the world around me and within my own powers as well as learning the importance of introspection and detachment.
From there, my journey continued into a world of vast oceans and grand adventures. I sailed with a band of misfits led by a boy with a dream to become the king of the pirates. Together, we faced formidable foes and uncovered ancient mysteries. I discovered the power of ambition, the value of freedom, and the unbreakable bonds of camaraderie. The seas taught me to dream even bigger.
Much later, my travels then took me to a colossal tower filled with tests and challenges, where only the strongest and cleverest could survive. I met a boy who climbed the tower in search of a girl, driven by his stubborn will that I once shared. In this tower, I once again faced my inner demons and found a way to overcome them to arise beyond the husk of my old, unstable self, rising beyond all the countless beings inhabiting it, finally coming to terms with myself, recognized what I was and what I had become...
Each world I visited, each friend and foe I encountered, added to the tapestry of my experience. My abilities grew, absorbing techniques and powers from every world I journeyed through.
I have encountered beings of immense power, some who sought to reshape reality itself, and others who reveled in the chaos they could unleash. I have fought alongside heroes and villains, only to find that the line between them is often blurred, smeared with the blood of countless innocents.
Once a wandering sage in search of knowledge and understanding, almost on a fool's errand until I realized the bigger picture. But that is a closed book in my journey because as of now...
I'm searching for...
What was it...?
I just can't quite put the finger on it...
Maybe in my next adventure, I'll find out...
...
In the infinite expanse of the cosmos, where stars were but whispers in the void, a figure of unparalleled serenity rested. Clad in intricate armor that shimmered with an ethereal glow, his presence was both majestic and imposing. This was Naruto, his true self, the embodiment of his full power and essence.
His armor bore intricate designs, similar to the ones in the ancient texts and illustrations, with a flowing golden and crimson cloak that cascaded like a river of fire. The ornate details of the armor spoke of legends long forgotten, with patterns that seemed to dance with a life of their own. His eyes, even in slumber, held a depth of wisdom and tranquility, a testament to the countless events he had witnessed.
For eons, he had remained in a state of profound meditation, floating in the gap between space, a realm untouched by time. Here, he found solace and reflection, far removed from the turmoil of the worlds below. But even in this serene state, a part of him began to stir, a fragment of his soul that yearned for something more, something beyond the vast emptiness.
The essence of his human heart, the essence of his power as a mortal, even after all this time, was trying to tell him something, attempting to catch his attention in an attempt to save himself.
Save him? Save him from what?
As of now, the idea of him being saved is nonexistent.
There is no window in causality to position him in a state needing the concept of saving.
He had all of it, the power, the knowledge, everything his travels earned there with him.
And yet, despite all that, there was this weird feeling, this anxiety, he didn't feel quite yet satisfied, or happy.
Feeling the subtle pull of this restless fragment, Naruto slowly opened his eyes, the cosmos reflecting in their depths. A serene smile touched his lips as he acknowledged the tedium that had begun to creep into this part of his being. He knew it was time.
With a gentle motion, he raised his hand, and a soft, radiant light enveloped him. The fragment of his soul, the part that desired another adventure and change, began to separate from his essence. It shimmered with potential, a piece of his vast power and wisdom, ready to embark on yet another journey.
"Foolish human heart, born from my flesh, begone," he whispered, his voice carrying the weight of epochs yet filled with curiosity. "Find the purpose, and discover what lies beyond."
The fragment, now a glowing orb of light, pulsed with excitement and gratitude. It lingered for a moment, basking in the warmth of its origin, before shooting off into the cosmos, destined for a new world, a new life.
Naruto watched it go, his serene smile never wavering. He knew that this part of him would grow and evolve in ways he could not foresee. And yet, he was at peace, for he understood that this was the way of all things. It was foolish to go against it.
As he closed his eyes once more, resuming his meditation, the cosmos seemed to hum with a newfound energy.
He took a point to remember the words of someone he encountered long ago,
"There are plenty of ways of telling a story, which makes them so interesting. Sometimes you cannot tell how they will end..."
"You might just be right..."
Those were his last words before finally closing his eyes.
The journey of the fragments had begun, and with it, a new chapter in the infinite tale of Naruto's existence.
...
Once more, Naruto Uzumaki stepped out of one of his space-traveling portals, finding himself face-to-face with yet another seemingly identical solar system.
How many times had he done this? He'd lost count, not to mention all the bizarre wormholes and distorted spaces he'd blundered into. Honestly, he couldn't remember.
Naruto surveyed this solar system's version of "Earth" skeptically. He barely sensed anything special, but there was something faintly intriguing—a whisper of mana, faintly enveloping the planet.
"Interesting. Let's see what we can uncover..." Naruto muttered as he crossed a Yomotsu Hirasaka rift, shortcutting his way to the surface.
...
Upon his arrival in this new world, Naruto took a moment to observe the bustling society around him. The city was alive with activity, people hurrying about their daily routines. Skyscrapers towered over the streets, neon signs flashed advertisements, and the air buzzed with the sounds of modern life.
Naruto noticed the blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with ancient temples standing side by side with sleek, high-tech buildings. The people seemed friendly yet distant, each engrossed in their own lives. As he watched the crowded streets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity.
"Hm, looks like an ordinary place but I got this little gut feeling that everything is not as it seems so just in case..."
'Simulacrum!'
A flawless duplicate of Naruto peeled away from him as if splitting from his very flesh.
"Since this world seems mundane so far, I won't waste much power here. I've got more dangerous places to visit, so this minimal amount should suffice." The now-created simulacrum spoke as he took a moment to feel his just-created body.
"I'll just learn what I can if there's anything worth learning."
A white, spore-like substance separated from Naruto's original body and stood before them.
"Zetsu, I expect you to handle this." The original Naruto stated.
"I'm at your command, m'lord," the spawned Zetsu replied, bowing respectfully.
"Just keep an eye on things here. Since nothing interesting seems to be happening right now, I'll just head straight to the next dimension. Since I can't keep a regular clone here from being in another dimension and without being consciously present, I'll leave this simulacrum with part of my consciousness here."
"Keep an eye out for me here but let it all flow naturally; it's more fun that way. Help me settle in and then, observe everything and report to me. I'll contact you in fifteen years, understood?"
"As you wish, m'lord."
"Well, time for me to skedaddle..." Naruto opened a rift, catching sight of a dock where a boy was being attacked by an albino, who used an invisible force to hurl steel rails.
"Ooooh! Action already! Save some for me!" he shouted excitedly as he stepped into the rift to rescue the boy.
"Hey, you! Leave that boy alone!"
"Nanda wa, kisama?" came an aggressive retort as the rift closed.
(A/N: I wonder if you all can find out which world Naruto just entered? :v)
"Do I always seek trouble that way?" The simulacrum Naruto asked.
"You've got no idea..." Zetsu replied, shaking his head. "It's like you've got a magnet for chaos. Just when I think things are about to calm down, you dive headfirst into another mess."
Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, life's never boring that way, right?"
Zetsu sighed, "Boring? No. But one of these days, your knack for trouble is going to catch up with you."
The simulacrum simply chuckled, "Ha, and you're telling that to me, Zetsu?"
...
In the shadow of twilight, Zetsu emerged from the ground, his form shifting seamlessly to blend with the surrounding environment. As a being capable of altering his appearance, Zetsu had the perfect skill set to assist Naruto's simulacrum in establishing a new life in this unfamiliar world. The simulacrum, an almost perfect duplicate of Naruto, stood ready to step into his new existence.
Zetsu's first task was to create a convincing identity for the simulacrum. He infiltrated a local government office under the cover of night, using his shape-shifting abilities to mimic an employee. Accessing the system, he fabricated a birth certificate and registered the simulacrum as Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, born in a remote area of Japan. He carefully inserted false records into the national database, ensuring they would hold up under scrutiny.
Next, Zetsu focused on acquiring the necessary documents for school enrollment. He forged school records, creating a history of academic excellence for Naruto, and ensured these records were sent to the appropriate institutions. By morning, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze was officially registered as a new student at a local high school. Zetsu even manipulated the school's records to place Naruto in a class where he could blend in without attracting undue attention.
Employment was the next challenge. Although recognizing Naruto's unique abilities, he needed a flexible job that wouldn't arouse suspicion.
"M'lord, we need to keep a low profile while we're in this world. How about you take a job as a convenience store clerk? It's common for students, and it won't draw much attention. Plus, you'll get to interact with people and learn more about this society in a low-key manner."
Naruto, however, had other plans to provoke Zetsu. He decided to become a novel writer, using the pen name "Osamu-san" to hide his true identity. He knew this decision would be met with strong opposition from Zetsu.
Naruto crossed his arms, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "A convenience store clerk? Come on, Zetsu, that sounds so boring. I want to be a novel writer instead. Think about it! I can share my stories, and it'll be a lot more fun."
Zetsu's eyes widened in shock, his usually composed demeanor faltering. "A novel writer? M'lord, that's far too public! We can't risk exposing ourselves. And I know you're doing this just to provoke me."
Naruto chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on Zetsu's shoulder. "Relax, Zetsu. I trust your abilities to keep my profile low. Besides, I can gather information on this world through other means. Writing novels will allow me to share my adventures without revealing who I really am. Plus, it'll be a great way to pass the time."
Zetsu sighed deeply, his expression a mix of exasperation and reluctant acceptance. "You never make things easy, do you, m'lord? Fine. But you better be careful. I'll help you set everything up. Just promise me you won't attract too much attention."
"Promise," Naruto lied, still grinning. "And you can simply gather intel by yourself; there's no one better than you to do it."
Zetsu nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright. But remember, your simulacrum got limits; don't exaggerate."
Naruto's expression turned serious, if only for a moment. "I know, Zetsu. Don't worry. I won't let us down."
Resigned, Zetsu arranged for Naruto to become a freelance novel writer. He secured an apartment for Naruto using funds obtained through less-than-legal means, such as manipulating bank accounts and transactions.
Zetsu's shapeshifting abilities came in handy as he transformed into a sharp-looking businessman, perfect for managing Naruto's affairs in this new world. He adopted a sleek, professional appearance, complete with a tailored suit and a confident demeanor that exuded authority. His new identity was that of "Yamato," a seasoned literary agent and businessman, capable of navigating the complexities of the publishing world.
"Remember," Naruto advised, "we need to blend in. No unnecessary cliches."
Yamato nodded, adjusting his tie. "Understood, m'lord. I'll ensure everything runs smoothly."
He then set up a meeting with a small publishing house, where Naruto's talents quickly earned him a contract.
Having supported Naruto's writing endeavors Zetsu set up a bank account and managed the financial side of things, making sure that royalties from the novels flowed smoothly. Naruto began to write, drawing from his vast array of experiences as a shinobi. Each of his novels featured an OC character named "Menma," a mysterious, multi-talented warrior who wandered through various dimensions, facing challenges and uncovering secrets.
Naruto's editor, an enthusiastic young woman named Kaori, had been instrumental in guiding his career as a novelist. She was passionate about the stories he wrote, though she often suggested changes to make the books more marketable.
"Naruto," Kaori said during their latest meeting, "your stories are fantastic, but I think they could appeal to a wider audience with a few adjustments."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Adjustments?"
"Yes," Kaori continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What if the main character and their rival were actually female? It would add a unique flavor and potentially attract more readers."
Naruto's initial reaction was one of rejection. "Gender-bent? Seriously? That sounds... weird."
Kaori looked slightly taken aback, but before she could respond, Naruto's mind wandered to a memory of his late master, Jiraiya, the legendary Toad Sage.
"Naruto," Jiraiya had once said, his face splitting into a mischievous grin, "If there's one thing I've learned from writing all those novels, it's that readers love a good twist. And remember, women add a certain... flair to any story. Trust me, you'll catch more eyes with a bit of creativity."
Naruto sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he remembered Jiraiya's words. "Alright," he said, looking back at Kaori. "Let's give it a shot. Gender-bent characters it is."
Kaori beamed. "Excellent! Readers love strong female leads, and with your storytelling, it would be a hit!"
As Zetsu handled the business side, Naruto focused on adapting his stories. He enjoyed the challenge of reimagining his characters, drawing from his own experiences and the many worlds he had traversed. The result was a series of novels that captivated readers with their unique blend of action, adventure, and complex characters.
With Yamato's expertise and Kaori's guidance, Naruto's career as a novelist flourished. The gender-bent characters brought a fresh perspective to his tales, and his books quickly gained a dedicated following. Naruto often found himself overhearing comments from people during his visits to local cafés, remarks that stayed on the common folk's tongues.
"Did you see the latest chapter of the novel? How could Itachi do such a thing to Satsuki-chan? I hope she puts him in his place!" one fan exclaimed with wide eyes.
Another fan nearly squealed, "Satsuki-chan is so strong! And did you catch that moment between her and Naruko? The chemistry was off the charts!"
"Oh my gosh, yes!" a third fan gushed. "I ship Satsuki and Naruko so hard. They're perfect together! Remember their kiss at the academy? I doubt it was just an accident!"
Naruto, sipping his tea, nearly choked as he overheard the conversations. "Maybe this was a bad idea," he muttered to himself, trying to regain his composure.
"I heard the next volume is going to reveal more about their past," someone else added with excitement. "I can't wait to see how their relationship develops!"
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, and he coughed a few times to clear his throat. A man nearby couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "Osamu san's writing just keeps getting better and better! I never thought I'd be so invested in a series with female characters, but here I am, eagerly waiting for the next release."
The young woman next to him nodded vigorously, "The way he writes Satsuki-chan and Naruko's struggles and triumphs is just so relatable. They're my favorite characters by far!"
Naruto couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and bewilderment as he listened to the conversations around him. The enthusiasm and support of his readers were a testament to the impact his stories were having, even if it was a bit overwhelming. Each comment reinforced his determination to continue writing and improving his craft.
With Yamato handling the business side and Kaori providing invaluable editorial insight, despite the weird amount of required bathing scenes and ecchi content in general, Naruto's novels continued to captivate and inspire. His unique blend of action, adventure, and complex characters resonated with readers, ensuring his place as a beloved storyteller in this new world, despite the unexpected shipping frenzy.
Despite his initial reluctance, Zetsu had to admit that Naruto's novels were captivating. They quickly gained a following, and "Osamu-san" became a well-known name in the literary world. Fans were enthralled by the rich, imaginative worlds and the depth of the characters.
In the end, Naruto's unconventional approach proved effective. His writing provided him with the perfect cover, and his adventures as "Naruko" continued to inspire and entertain readers, all while keeping him close to the pulse of this new world.
...
Zetsu forged a network of acquaintances and contacts to integrate Naruto further into society. He introduced Naruto to a local landlord who rented him an apartment, complete with a backstory that explained his sudden appearance in the city. Zetsu also created a series of false references from previous landlords and employers, painting a picture of a reliable and industrious young man.
To cover his tracks and ensure Naruto's safety, Zetsu constantly monitored the digital landscape. He intercepted any potential red flags or anomalies that might expose Naruto's true origins, redirecting inquiries and altering data as needed. His vigilance paid off, and within weeks, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze was living a quiet, unassuming life in Japan.
Naruto's days were now filled with the routine of school, writing, and exploring his new environment. He quickly adapted to his role as a student and a writer, using his keen intellect and observational skills to excel in both areas. His novels, filled with fantastical elements and rich storytelling, kept attracting a following, further solidifying his place in this world.
Through Zetsu's meticulous planning and execution, Naruto's simulacrum successfully integrated into Japanese society. The false identity was flawless, and Naruto's presence went unquestioned. As he continued to navigate this new world, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the shadowy figure who made it all possible.
Zetsu, ever watchful, remained close by, ready to assist at a moment's notice. His role was not just to ensure Naruto's safety but also to observe and report back on any potential threats or opportunities. Together, they formed an unlikely partnership, one that blended the extraordinary with the mundane, creating a new life in a world that was both familiar and foreign.
5 years later
Five years had passed since Naruto settled into this new world and he had to get accustomed to the current society he would inhabit while he bid his time. His old, spiky, hairstyle and his birthmarks had to go if he wanted to stay here and avoid nuisances at least until his other half came back.
Now, he sported shaggy, layered blond hair with lighter and darker shades, giving it a textured, voluminous look. His hair partially covered his forehead and extended down to his neck. He wore a dark jacket with a striking vertical white stripe pattern, a high collar, and a white shirt visible at the neck.
His current occupation is Novelist. He couldn't resist provoking Zetsu despite being advised not to attract attention. Despite this shape being a mere simulacrum, the fool still worried for him. Every time he remembers his face when he selected his career he can't help but roll laughing.
Telling his stories through a novelization had been one of the most fun things he had to occupy his time with while his other self didn't return.
On the other hand, he didn't find many interesting things in this world except one...
Through his investigations, Zetsu discovered a group of outcast mages operating and living in Japan, of all places. He also learned that the current director of Deus Ex Machina Industries, who bore a striking resemblance to the presumed-dead Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott, operated as a Director in this corporation. Coincidentally, the co-founders of DEM also presumed dead and mages, seemed to be present as well.
Mages joining hands together and forming a corporation? They had something in mind and were plotting something big, that's for sure.
And he was right. According to Zetsu, these mages have been extensively studying magic for about ten years and managed to come up with a spiritual equation/formula of sorts for which the finality is still unknown.
'You all have something planned behind my back, eh?' Naruto thought, eager to uncover what this world's most intriguing little group had in store.
While Naruto enjoyed his new role as a writer, he never lost sight of his ultimate goal. Zetsu continued to monitor the activities of the outcast mages and the Deus Ex Machina Industries, always watchful for anything worthwhile.
His novels served as both a creative outlet and a clever disguise, allowing him to pass the time until whatever his gut feeling warned him about, happened.
Six months later
He had been informed by Zetsu a few months ago after the first phenomenon known as the Eurasian Sky Disaster took more than a hundred and fifty million lives, and that since then, DEM has been expanding its business.
It seems they successfully developed what their spiritual equation was longing for, a spirit.
'Wow, a mere flexing of its power took a large portion of the Eurasian continent...' Naruto thought, slightly awed by its capabilities.
They attempted to harness the power of this spirit but failed, miserably, until now.
It appears though, that they managed to retrieve some information, and from what they acquired from it, they developed a magic system called territory and devices called realizers.
Surprisingly to him, it appeared that they were using the new technology to assist in reconstructing the world.
DEM had been founded fairly recently and these Realizers were a blend of science and magic that bent reality within a "territory."
'Interesting. But still, not anything too new.'
After his encounter with the "Riddle" and the discoveries he made, something as limited as a small territory for such meager purposes was kind of lame.
They seemed limited to producing Realizers for the world's military and police forces but the technology was generally kept secret from the public.
A wise policy, for bureaucrats. The technology could save lives if implemented correctly. If they had no interest in using it exclusively for the people, what else were they planning to use it for?
Since then, this spirit has been slipping through their hands like soap for about six months while continuously causing smaller, minor-scale SpaceQuakes.
As he enjoyed a parfait in a small dessert cafe, his peaceful moment was soon interrupted.
Suddenly an earthquake happened.
He was aware of what that was. It was familiar to the first registered by humanity that had surged a few months ago and since then spacequakes of lower scales have occurred and this was one of them.
Naruto was not in the area of impact of that energy. He was simply affected by the air current originating from that area.
Naruto's self-reflection would've continued for at most three more paragraphs, but it was cut short by a loud explosion.
"Wha-?"
A large black sphere appeared in the middle of the town, it slowly expanded and released a shockwave that sent Naruto flying like a ragdoll.
"Whoa!"
Naruto didn't remain in midair for long. Just as quickly as it had left it, his body soon returned to land. With an audible thud, Naruto's body hit the pavement.
Standing up, Naruto complained "My back...". He tried to stand up straighter and heard a loud crackling noise, which caused even more pain, "Ooh my back! I think it was shattered as if thin porcelain".
But if that were true, he wouldn't be standing right now...
"What caused that spacequake? That damnable thing sent me flying and—"
Naruto looked upon the area that the black dome had previously occupied and was shocked by what he saw. The buildings, roads, cars, streets, and a large portion of the ground were gone. The area the black dome consumed had been obliterated, seemingly to vanish from existence, leaving a sizable crater in its wake.
Naruto tried searching for other people within the area but didn't find anyone else.
"It... it fucking vaporized everything?! Sorry pals and gals... but if you didn't run after seeing that... it's just natural selection at that point."
And with that final thought crossing his mind, Naruto immediately turned to run from the chaotic scene. Unfortunately, a foreign presence appeared in the sky, halting his withdrawal and grabbing his attention.
When he approached the create, before him, there was an entity. Someone had survived...
"Mama Mia!!" Naruto yelled as he witnessed the bare figure before his eyes.
He noticed it was a girl, one so beautiful that she could never be compared to anyone else.
There, floating in the air, was a girl with pale, long blue hair and a body with "not-so-family-friendly" proportions", which floated while covered by a luminous energy colored a bluish hue.
'Ok, this must've been the most interesting thing that has happened to me in these five years so, just follow the flow, Naruto.' The blond Uzumaki thought with confidence.
He attempted to talk to her, "Hey, you alright?" But he could only hear vocal sounds.
"Ah..." He heard the girl utter.
The girl seemed to slowly descend, the light that surrounded her diminishing as she did.
Naruto giggled at the situation he found himself in, "Oh, is it for me? Should've at least wrapped yourself as a gift."
The girl was bare for the world to see so he gently covered her in his jacket.
Naruto didn't know, but that was the first demonstration of kindness the girl ever received...
He needed to take her to a safe place, away from all this chaos...
A few minutes later ~ Naruto's apartment
As the sirens continued to blare outside, and the voice on (PA) system, or the J-Alert as it was known in Japan didn't shut up, Naruto found himself in a rather peculiar situation.
He had a magic girl, almost bare, if it wasn't for his stripped jacket, right inside his house.
Suddenly, she let out a cute, soft, sneeze.
Naruto hummed deeply, "I guess I'll have to get you some proper clothes otherwise, you might catch a cold..."
It didn't take a moment for Naruto to turn back and try to find in his closet what he had that could be considered unisex clothes for the girl to wear before he was stopped by a glow of light that got his attention.
The girl was now wearing what could only be the clothes the girl in his calendar poster was wearing, a white tank top and black sweatpants. It had been gifted to him by Kaori. She had gifted him with many things since he met her and that suggestive calendar was one of them...
Naruto closed his eyes as if feeling the need to mentally slap himself for his obliviousness, 'Of course, magic girl, magic solutions...'
...
"Ok, this should be enough to learn the basic language system." The girl spoke, closing a Japanese language book.
"Oh, you're quite intelligent to learn to speak from all these books so quickly." Naruto complimented but the girl simply averted her eyes.
Naruto noticed how her cheeks were pink-tinted, immediately understanding the situation he got himself in.
'Oh man, I know where this is going...' Naruto thought, feeling a chill run down his spine.
"Naruto flashed his trademark eye smile at the girl, stretching it to its limits. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he delivered his message with mock seriousness.
"Listen, sweetheart, you can't go falling for me, okay? Sure, I rescued you from a crater, but that doesn't mean we're automatically an item."
The girl looked like she might start to whimper, prompting Naruto to hastily interject.
He gently grabbed her cheeks and stretched them as if they were made of rubber. "Look, honey, if I get tangled up with a girl, my manager will kick my butt! I'd be toast! So please, cut me some slack, okay? Promise it to me, ok?" Naruto pleaded, and the girl reluctantly nodded, her face now resembling a contorted balloon animal.
That evening, the girl learned a very clever trick used by humans to bend the truth—otherwise known as lying.
'Now that I think about it, I've never heard her name...'
"Hey, do you have a name?"
"Huh? No... I don't remember... Actually, I don't think I have one."
Naruto gazed at the young girl before him, searching for the perfect name.
After a moment, he locked eyes with her, a smile tugging at his lips. "You know," he began gently, "your name must hold a special meaning."
Mio tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Naruto explained, "your name should be Mio using the kanjis 美緒, which can mean 'beautiful thread' or 'beautiful destiny'. It's as if fate wove our paths together, so I thought, why don't I name her like this..." Naruto spoke as he caressed the back of his head sheepishly.
Mio's eyes widened with realization. "That's... really meaningful." She spoke, appreciating Naruto's consideration.
"Yeah, haha" Naruto nodded, his expression earnest. "It could be anyone else that found you that day but I believe it's fate that brought us together."
A faint blush colored Mio's cheeks as she considered the name. Her voice trembled and her heart warmed, "It sounds lovely. Mio... I think I like that."
For the first time in her existence, that husk of a being was filled;
She had just received the greatest gift she could receive; an identity...
Before she knew it, she began to show for the first time a very humane emotion, happiness, and something else that she couldn't quite put the finger on yet...
...
Naruto walked around the house. "Why is it taking so long for her to figure out how to bathe? I thought she was highly intelligent?"
As he walked through the corridor, he was met with the open door of the bathroom only to go through a Deja Vu, well, sort of...
"Mama Mio!" Naruto yelled as he laid his eyes once again on the bare figure of the living spirit.
"Naruto, can you help me use the bathtub?" Mio asked, holding up a magazine.
Naruto blinked, trying to comprehend the situation. "Why do you have a magazine in the bathroom?"
Mio pointed to a page showing a couple in a very suggestive pose in a bathtub. "I found it lying around and thought it was a tutorial."
"W-Wait! That's not a bathing guide! That's just... research material!" Naruto stammered, snatching the magazine from her hands, his embarrassment skyrocketing.
He doesn't remember letting that magazine lying around the house. Who put that magazine in her reach..?
'That perfidious living broccoli...' Naruto thought angrily. It had to be him; who else could? Mio would never do that; she's too innocent.
...
Mio's POV
The night was calm, with the gentle hum of cicadas creating a soothing background noise. I lay beside Naruto on the bed, maps and globes spread around us as he patiently explained various aspects of the world. I had already grasped the overall language system, and now he was helping me understand the geography and cultures of different countries.
"See, this is where the tallest mountain in the world is located," Naruto said, pointing to a spot on the map.
I nodded, trying to focus on his words. But then, I felt something hard pressing against my back. My cheeks flushed as my mind immediately jumped to a more suggestive conclusion, especially after finding those weird magazines under his bed while cleaning the other day.
"Naruto," I started, my voice barely a whisper, "is that...?"
"Hm?" He glanced at me, then realized what I was implying. He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you mean this?"
He reached behind me and pulled out a ruler that had been wedged between us under the blanket. "Just one of my many work utensils," he said, still chuckling.
My cheeks flushed as I realized it was just a ruler, a wave of disappointment washing over me...
Noticing the confusion in Naruto's eyes, I quickly tried to compose myself, offering the best sheepish smile I could muster. I couldn't help but laugh too, the tension of the moment dissolving into shared mirth. "I should've known," I said, shaking my head.
"Well, at least now you know what it is," Naruto replied, still grinning. He then continued with the lesson, his voice soothing and steady.
Being so close to him, I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through my chest. His presence always had that effect on me. My heart would race, my palms would get a little sweaty, and I would feel this fluttering sensation in my stomach. It was both exhilarating and comforting, knowing he was there beside me.
...
Later that night, we were both lying on the bed. Naruto had been explaining various things about the world to me. His presence made me feel warm, and I found myself hanging onto his every word. I could feel my heart racing every time he leaned in to explain something more closely.
"Alright," Naruto said, stretching and yawning slightly. "Time to turn off the lights. I think it's about time we got into some biology."
My eyes widened, and my cheeks turned crimson. 'Biology? Turning off the lights? Is he implying...?' I thought, recalling the pages of the biology book.
He turned off the lights, and my heart pounded in my chest. I felt something hard pressing against my back again and stiffened, my mind racing with the possibilities. Slowly, I reached behind me and pulled out... a ruler, again!
Disappointment washed over me once more and I began considering trashing that ruler later.
Naruto turned back to me, confusion evident in his eyes. "Why do you look so disappointed? I thought you'd be excited to learn about photosynthesis and cell structure."
I stuttered in my words from the stupefaction and confusion, "P-photosynthesis and cell structure?! Why do we need to turn off the lights for that?" I asked exasperated.
Naruto bluntly replied, "Nothing. It's just that my eyes hurt from this intense light so late; I'm getting sleepy. Does it bother you?" He asked plainly.
I didn't answer...
A few months later
Mio stirred from her sleep, reaching out instinctively for Naruto's comforting presence. My hand met only the cool emptiness of the sheets. I opened my eyes, scanning the room.
"Naruto?" I called softly, my voice echoing in the quiet of the morning. When there was no response, I sat up, worry gnawing at me.
I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway to his study. The door was ajar, a sliver of light spilling into the corridor. I hesitated for a moment before pushing it open.
Naruto's writing desk, cluttered with drafts and notebooks, stood in the center of the room. My eyes fell on a single piece of paper, neatly placed on top of the scattered pages. I approached, my curiosity piqued and I picked up the poem.
My eyes widened as I read:
Mio, I wish if, through one mistake, God made you eternal,
Your beauty, like a gentle dawn, makes my heart internal,
A melody of stars that whisper in the night,
Guiding me through shadows, toward your light.
Your eyes, twin moons that softly gleam,
In them, I find my sweetest dream,
A sanctuary where my heart can rest,
With you, I am forever blessed.
Your smile, a beacon in the dark,
Ignites my soul, a brilliant spark,
With every laugh, every gentle kiss,
You weave a world of boundless bliss.
Mio, your voice, a lullaby so sweet,
In its cadence, my worries retreat,
A symphony that calms my fears,
A harmony that through the ages, endears.
Your touch, a whisper, a tender breeze,
Brings my restless mind to ease,
In your embrace, I find my home,
With you, no longer do I roam.
If God, through one mistake, made you eternal,
Then in that error, I'd see the infernal,
Turned to light, to love, to joy anew,
For in your presence, all my dreams come true.
So, Mio, I wish, with every part of me,
That our love will span eternity,
In your heart, I've found my place,
With you, I'll face life's every grace.
My heart swelled with emotion, my eyes misting over as I absorbed each line. I held the paper to my chest, feeling the warmth of Naruto's fondness radiate through the words.
"Naruto," I whispered, a tear escaping down my cheek. "You always know how to make me feel so special."
At that moment, I heard the soft sound of footsteps behind me. I turned to see Naruto standing in the doorway, watching me with a tender smile.
"Mio," he said, stepping into the room, "did you find my surprise?"
I nodded, unable to speak as I rushed into his arms, holding him tightly. "Thank you," I finally managed, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for loving me so much."
Naruto gently stroked my hair, whispering soothing words. "I'll always love you, Mio. Now and forever."
Mio giggled softly as she embraced him, "I love you too..."
She wished that moment would last forever...
But not everything could stay the same. Shadows of the past still lingered, and the weight of their shared burdens threatened to pull them apart. As the night drew on, the warmth of their embrace stood as a fragile beacon against the encroaching darkness.
Tomorrow held uncertainties and unspoken challenges. For now, though, in the quiet of their room, love was their sanctuary.
Little did they know, this was merely the calm before the storm.
(End of Chapter)