A few kilometers east of Konoha, a forest stretched out. A bear appeared above the ground before crashing down. On top of it, two children and a green-haired man could be seen.
--- P.O.V Narume ---
I pointed my hand at the bear beneath me and cast Negative Wave. The spell caused some of the trees around us to wither and rot.
The bear then stood up, carrying Naruto on its back. I ordered Jack the Ripper to climb onto the bear as well.
I surrounded us with the spells Lightness, Quick March, Invisibility, Odorless, and Silence. Then, I commanded the bear to run east while ensuring Naruto wouldn't fall.
After covering a fair distance, I finally felt my mind relax. I had been on edge until now. I allowed the bear to continue moving forward while canceling Invisibility and Odorless. I intentionally left traces that would allow Konoha's shinobi to track us, though not too easily.
Our escape route led toward the former Uzumaki lands, keeping us away from other ninja villages. It was a precaution I deemed necessary to avoid unwanted encounters.
As I saw the sun rise on the horizon, I guided the bear to help me find a resting place. We ventured deeper into the forest until we found a water source. I didn't need it, but Naruto did. Once by the water, I cast Fear, protecting Naruto from its effects. That way, we wouldn't be disturbed by wild animals.
Up to this point, Naruto had remained asleep. Using my Item Creation ability, I crafted everything needed to set up a camp. Narume had only attended the Ninja Academy for a few months, but this was one of the first things we had learned.
Once the camp was set up, I placed Naruto on a bed I had created and sat in front of the tent.
I set up a system to obtain drinkable water.
Then, I sent Jack the Ripper on patrol while the bear stood guard.
I watched Naruto, curled up. It made me realize he must be cold. I created a light blanket for him while using Temperature Change to keep him comfortable.
"Magic really makes life easier... even though it can be dangerous," I muttered.
Thinking back to the spell Pain Wave, which I had to use during the battle, a shiver of pain ran through me, reminding me of the suffering I had endured myself. In my haste, I had been affected by some of its effects.
This proves that the pain inflicted by this spell isn't purely physical. I can't imagine what the others must have gone through… They absolutely deserved it. But it also proves I must be more cautious with high-level spells.
Pain Wave is only an eighth-tier spell. Another spell of this level or higher turning against me could be fatal. No, with my current body, even a sixth-tier spell would destroy me if I took its full effects.
I started reflecting on the battle that had just taken place.
I hadn't expected the Hokage to spend so much time talking to me. Without that, I might not have been able to take Naruto with me, or I would have needed the bear.
The Flesh Puppet is too exhausting to control while fighting, but it's a good alternative to the Shadow Clone.
And then, I don't know what came over me, but that old fool's words made me furious.
I need to learn better self-control; otherwise, I don't know what I might do to Jiraiya.
I'm sure he's the one who met Naruto after my death, yet despite that, he thought it was fine to leave him in Konoha, neglecting his role as godfather.
Pushing those dark thoughts aside, I turned to the system interface.
[Quest: Escape (Mission Accomplished)
Reward: One maximized base class
Bonus: Defeat the enemies (Mission Accomplished)
Reward: Kunivella +10%]
The rewards from both quests were now visible. I was curious to see what class I had obtained.
I accepted the rewards. After fully assimilating the experiences I had received from Kunivella, the model was now at 90%. I could now do most of what she could.
Then, I checked the received class and couldn't help but feel annoyed. The class was called Disciple of the Undeath.
The purpose of this class is to allow a living necromancer to use their abilities without fearing necrosis from negative energy. But I'm already undead. That makes it rather useless. However, some of the rituals I now knew would definitely help me.
Just then, I heard Naruto scream and rushed inside the tent. He was struggling against the bed sheets.
"Get this off me...!"
I pointed at him and cast Magic Arrow. It tore through the sheet and lodged near his head. He swallowed nervously, staring at the hole left by the arrow before it disappeared.
"Dattebayo!"
Maybe my reaction was excessive, but I was at my limit this time. I wouldn't apologize for that.
I could only rub my temples at his reaction. But suddenly, he threw himself into my arms, saying:
"You're okay, Narume... When those ninja attacked you..."
"Don't worry, everything is fine."
I looked at him before smirking and teasing:
"I thought you weren't interested in kids?"
At my words, he quickly pulled away, making me chuckle. He then pouted:
"I was worried, you know..."
I ignored the rest of his words when a loud growl echoed. Amused, I turned my gaze toward him. He held his stomach, blushing.
"Are you hungry?"
"N-No, not at all!"
But his stomach growled even louder.
"Come on, I'll grill some fish for you," I said as I stepped out of the tent.
"Waaah!" I heard him exclaim behind me. "Where are we, Narume?"
"A little over a hundred kilometers south of Konoha."
"Ah, I see..."
"..."
"WHAT?!"
"I'll explain after you've finished eating."
With that, I approached the stream I had found earlier.
"How are you going to fish without tools?"
"Like this," I replied, extending my hands toward the lake while silently chanting Thunder Wave.
A wave of lightning surged from my palms, and moments later, fish began floating to the surface.
He watched me in awe, stars shining in his eyes. I actually had other ways to get fish, but seeing him like this made me feel proud.
Pointing at the pile of wood I had already gathered, I ignited it.
A few minutes later, Naruto was happily eating grilled fish.
When he noticed me watching him, he looked a bit embarrassed.
"Aren't you eating?"
"I think I can be satisfied just watching you."
At my response, he turned his gaze away and continued eating.
"So, who were those shinobi?"
"They were the ANBU. If you want, they're like the Hokage's personal shinobi."
"So, they thought you were an enemy and came to arrest you?"
"Exactly."
"Then, if we're here, that means everything's been sorted out, right? By the way, where are we?"
"Not at all. I already told you where we are. And the only reason we got here is that I kind of... uh, how should I put it... kidnapped you. Yes, that's exactly the right word."
At my response, he choked on his fish.