The sun was just beginning to set as Allen approached Nolan in the backyard, his posture tense and determined. Nolan, ever the calm and composed figure, stood by the edge of the yard, watching the sky. The weight of everything that had happened over the past days weighed on his shoulders, but there was still so much more to do.
"Dad," Allen began, his voice steady. "I need to go."
Nolan turned to face him, his brow furrowing slightly. "Go? Where?"
"I need to help the other planets. They're not going to survive without aid. You know I can't just sit here while the Viltrumites—" Allen cut himself off, not wanting to dive too deep into the subject just yet.
Nolan exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "I knew this day would come. You're not ready for it, Allen. You don't know what you're up against out there. I've spent decades trying to deal with the Viltrumites. They're not just powerful; they're relentless."
"I know, but I have to try," Allen said, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I can't stay here while I know worlds are in danger. I've fought to protect Earth... but I can't ignore what's out there anymore."
Nolan met Allen's gaze, seeing the truth in his words. There was no stopping him now. "Alright," Nolan said after a moment, his voice quieter, but still resolute. "But remember, Allen, if you ever need help... if you ever need to come back here, you know where to find us."
Allen nodded, grateful. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Nolan's shoulder. "I won't forget. I'll always come back if you need me."
With a final nod, Allen turned and walked away, disappearing into the horizon. Nolan stood still for a moment, watching him go, the weight of his departure sitting heavily on his chest.
After Allen left, Nolan gathered the others. He had a plan in motion, something that needed to be done immediately. With a deep breath, he led Naruto, Sasuke, Minato, Kakashi, and Itachi through the sky, heading toward the new base he had organized with Cecil's help.
It was a well-hidden, high-tech facility, deep underground, just outside the city. Cecil had been more than happy to assist Nolan, as the new Guardians of the Globe were still forming and Earth needed all the training it could get. This base would serve as a new hub for training and defense.
As they approached the facility, Nolan noticed a few familiar faces waiting for them. The new Guardians of the Globe—some of Earth's strongest heroes—were standing guard, including a few of the more recognizable figures from his previous battles.
Cecil stood at the front, eyes scanning the group. "Nolan, I see you've brought the whole squad." His gaze lingered on the newer members: Naruto, Sasuke, Minato, Kakashi, and Itachi. "These are some impressive additions to your team. You weren't kidding when you said you'd be pulling out all the stops."
Nolan gave a slight smirk. "Earth needs the best. They'll be trained here."
As they walked inside, Mark was standing off to the side, clearly waiting for Nolan. His arms were crossed, his expression somewhere between confusion and curiosity. "Dad, why are we here? You said you wanted to stop being a hero... but then you bring all of them here. What's going on?"
Nolan met Mark's eyes, his expression unreadable. "Cecil's building a new training room for the team. We're preparing for what's coming next. The world is changing, Mark, and we need to be ready."
Mark frowned. "So, this is still about fighting, then? I thought you were done with all that."
"I am," Nolan replied, his voice firm. "But that doesn't mean we stop preparing. Protecting Earth is still my priority, and now I've got allies who are going to help us. They've trained under some of the best, and now it's our turn to train them."
Mark remained silent for a moment, looking at the others—Naruto, Sasuke, and the others, who were already making themselves comfortable and preparing for the next phase of their training. He knew his dad well enough to understand that this was about more than just the current battle. Something bigger was coming, and whether he liked it or not, he had to be ready.
"Alright," Mark said, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "I'll join you. I want to see how they spar. But I'm not just standing by this time, Dad. I'm part of this."
Nolan nodded. "You've earned it. You're more than just a sidekick, Mark."
As they entered the large training area, the new team of warriors—Naruto, Sasuke, Minato, Kakashi, and Itachi—stood in the middle of the room, ready to begin their first full-on sparring session. They were calm but eager, knowing they had to push themselves to reach their new potential.
Nolan motioned to Mark. "Get ready to watch. This is where it all begins."
Mark was excited, and even more so when he realized that today would be the start of something new—not just for him, but for his brothers, his family. This was going to be their greatest challenge yet, but Nolan wasn't about to back down.
The sound of fists slamming against each other, the clash of powers, and the crackling energy filled the air as they began their sparring matches. Nolan stepped back, watching intently, letting his sons push each other to the limits. This was only the beginning.
As Mark joined them, standing off to the side, he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. This was his family, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
And Nolan? He was proud. Proud of what he had built, proud of how far they'd come, and ready to face whatever came next. His team was ready. Earth was ready.