Chapitre 54: Each To Their Own...
Chapter 27 - Each To Their Own...
The town's Central District…
The sky is clear with few thick clouds covering the sun's warm ray. However, almost everyone who is walking on the streets was wearing at least two layers of clothing even if they are walking outside with visible nice weather. After all, the season of fall is almost over as winter will be coming over on the next few days.
One the sidewalk of one of the streets, Naruto simply walked with blank expression on his face, his arms slid within the empty pockets of his thick orange-colored jacket. He is hiding his chin and mouth within the thick red scarf that Belldandy knitted for him as the chilly winds were affecting his body. As he slowly walked towards the destination that he had in mind, he smiled after seeing some of the last leaves of sakura trees falling like light feathers as they are being blown by the mild wind…
'I can use Chakra to warm myself from this cold wind, but… I guess I should also get accustomed on how normal people of this world usually feel on this kind of temperature…' He said as he continued his trek within the Central District… 'For now, I need to visit Shiori to see if she had already finished editing our novel, then… for Skuld…' He gave a sulking expression while remembering the youngest Norse Goddess. 'She still isn't talking to me that much. But I know that she isn't angry at me anymore. But is she still isn't talking to me, so she might actually be angry at me. I don't know anymore…'
After all, even after everything that happened, Naruto still can't understand why Skuld continued to avert her gaze each time their eyes accidentally met even while both of them are in the temple. He can feel that Skuld wanted to say something, but each time that he tried approaching her, she will just ran away from him. Each time he tried to catch up to her, Skuld's created mechas, Siegel and Banpei, will confront him on their own violent ways. That made him feel a little distant with his Goddess contract partner. He doesn't want it to continue like this, so he just decided to do something for Skuld. But until now, he still can't figure out what he can do for her…
'But still, I can't believe that we still need to wait for whatever New Hell is planning after everything that happened during the Gathering with that Hild person…' He said while remembering the events that happened after the battle between the super-villain team and the Justice Lords…
-Flashback Start-
After the previous battle, Naruto, Yusuke, Goku, Vegetta and Raizen returned to Genkai's temple thru Son Goku's Shunkan Ido technique. Almost everyone welcomed them back with a big smile on their faces, congratulating them for a job well done. Even if Belldandy, Yukina and Botan are supposed to be in charge on cooking for the food, Yusuke and Naruto volunteered themselves to cook for the group since Yusuke wanted to show his signature Ramen dish to the blonde Shinobi, while Naruto prepared different kinds of Ramen that he learned while working with the Sumire Ramen Shop. In the end, everyone didn't get any other choice but to eat nothing but Ramen. Good thing though, they are delicious enough that made the Saiyans even asked for more bowls.
Goku and Yusuke animatedly exchanged stories about their previous battle against the villains and the Justice Lords to Gohan, Goten and Trunks while Hiei and Vegetta just sat in separate corners of the room, acting annoyed due to all the noise. Yoko Kurama, Koenma and Raizen seemed to be discussing something with Whis, Beerus, Urd and the Daimakaicho. The Jupiter Sisters were talking with Haqua about some information regarding Nifheim. While Belldandy, Skuld, Yukina and Botan are doing dishes after the Saiyans left a huge amount of dishes during their little meal.
"It seemed like everyone is getting along pretty well even if they are existences that shouldn't be meddling with each other." Keiichi said in a simple smile as he stood beside Naruto who is sitting in meditating position.
"What's wrong with that?" Naruto simply returned the gesture. "Even without the threat from New Hell, I believe that everyone here will become friends with each other. Because as for me, all of you guys are my valuable friends and trustworthy allies against whatever New Hell is planning."
"Yeah. You always value your friends ever since the first time that you arrived on this world. That's how I also came to know you." Keiichi grinned like that of an older brother. "By the way, the way you defeated the other Superman was amazing. I thought you are more like a spellcaster after seeing how you fight, but now I can say that you can also create powerful physical attacks."
"Haha.I am a Shinobi. Shinobi should always have additional weapons and techniques underneath the underneath that will be appropriate for any available situation or battle." Naruto simply replied. "But still, I feel great after fighting with them. I missed that feeling of fighting together with teammates that you can entrust your back with."
'Well, you are the reason why everyone here is gathered after all.' Keiichi sighed internally. 'You really can do lot of amazing things without even trying, Naruto.' He said with newfound respect to his housemate.
As everyone seemingly having a good time with each other…
"Well… well… let's get back to the topic on hand." Hild clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Before the five of you fight with those so-called villains and superheroes, I believe that we have already decided to gather all the Jupiter Sisters first before we initiate anything against the Vintage of New Hell. After all, we already knew that they might be already prepared if all of you attacked New Hell without any plan or preparation, thus making all of you fall against their traps. However, let me ask everyone of you a question… what if New Hell initiated whatever they are planning even before the missing Jupiter Sisters were gathered completely?"
"Then we'll fight them." Raizen replied without hesitation. "After all, I believe that the appearance of Kaguya's descendant and the activity of that New Hell's Government isn't just some random coincidence. Remember, the Weiss of Old Hell targeted Kaguya because of the overwhelming power she possess. If New Hell knew that you are Kaguya's descendant, they might not only be coming against the Goddesses. They might also be coming against you, Shinobi brat."
"I see… You're right…" Naruto nodded to himself. "Well, I would prefer for them to target me than the Goddesses and my friends." He said with conviction. "There are still a lot of things that are left to be answered, but we can't just do anything on our own. We don't know what this Vintage of New Hell is planning. The last thing that I want to happen is making this world becoming a battleground of a major dimensional war between the ethereal worlds."
"Understood. But still, we can't rule out the possibility that Vintage might execute their plan even before we were able to locate the remaining Jupiter Goddesses. Sure we can fight them, but we can't always be just on defensive, especially now that we still don't know how many Weiss are being bred within their humans hosts after fleeing from the seal created during the AlmageMachina." Yoko Kurama replied.
"Add to the fact that it's been a while since New Hell's last activity. They used to be aggressive on their plans, but now we haven't heard a single thing about them. That alone should be more than enough that they are about to do something big once they show their ugly faces again." Hiei said.
"You mean they are gathering their forces in preparation for a big attack…" Yusuke asked. Hiei replied with a nod.
"Then don't you guys think it is the more reason for us to take the initiative against them instead of waiting on whatever next move that they might intend to do?" Son Gohan inquired.
"We can't." Vulcanus spoke thru Tsukiyo's doll, Luna. "Aside from the fact that we have little to no evidence against them, attacking them without proper reason will simply widen the gap for conflicts and misunderstanding that may result on a war. All of you are powerful warriors, and along us Jupiter Goddesses here who have already restored our full Goddess powers, we can fight and protect ourselves on whatever battle might happen. But that won't change the fact that the Human World will be affected by the war. Remember, we don't know how many thousands of Weiss are within the hearts of humans who are feeding on their negative emotions. Even in Human World right now, we already have an unseen enemy that we can't just fight on our own whim."
"And if one of our other weakened Sisters were caught on that battle, they won't have any means to protect themselves. Once we lost even one of our sisters, we can never create an appropriate formula to reseal the Weiss even with the assistance of the Norse Sisters and Naruto." Diana spoke as well.
"So in the end, it still all comes down to locating the other Jupiter Sisters first and restoring their full powers, then deal with whatever plans that Vintage of New Hell may execute while we are doing so." Haqua simply said.
Everyone got quiet, simply thinking of any possible ideas that can help on their current situation.
"Well, it can't be help if it goes like that, right?" Son Goku said in a lively voice. "Despite all those thinking that I barely understood, in the end, all we need to do is to fight against whatever those New Hell guys might dish out. That's more than enough for me!"
"Same here. That's the reason itself why we tag along with Beerus-sama on this world on the first place... to fight some entertaining battles that we are now barely experiencing on our own world." Vegetta affirmed Goku's statement.
"You Saiyans really loved to fight, especially the two of you." Beerus just sighed with a smirk. "Well, same goes for me. I did went here to meet the kid that appeared on my dreams. Now that I have already seen his potential, I wanted to see how powerful he might become and see if he really had what it takes to become my possible successor."
"Beerus-sama's successor? You mean… Naruto?" Trunks said in surprised expression.
"Right. Even of Naruto came from another reality outside of ours, his blood still is that of this reality. Remember, Beerus is also a native of the 9th Universe as a descendant of a powerful god that's why he became the God of Destruction (Information from Chapter 16). If Naruto really is a descendant from a powerful god known as Kaguya of this reality along with the powers that are yet to be awaken within him, he really has a potential to become Beerus-sama's successor." Whis explained calmly.
"Hey. You guys are talking like I am not with you." Naruto said with squinted eyes. "I don't know about this successor thing, but please don't give me additional things to think about."
"Father declined to become Beerus-sama's successor… now Naruto has the potential to become Beerus-sama's successor?" Goten muttered in awe. "Well, that's a lot of things to think about for you, Naruto." Goten grinned towards the Shinobi.
"Then why don't we just settle things with Vintage of New Hell first before talking about this successor thing?" Skuld growled to Beerus. "I know it's not up to me to decide about those things. But for now, all of us needs to prepare for whatever trouble that we may face against those guys from New Hell." She said in protective tone, making Naruto smile after realizing that Skuld is always there to retort on his place each time he is confused on each situation. Now that he realized it, she is always like that… he remembered all those times that he is spending time with her… and sure though, even if she isn't expressing her true feelings, Naruto just realized that Skuld really is looking out for him…
That made him feel something warm within him…
It is then that he realized that he is looking blankly towards Skuld while Skuld was now also looking towards him. Skuld immediately turn her head away from him with matching pout, trying to hide the forming blush on her face…
"Even if you're still angry at me, thank you for always looking out for me, Skuld." Naruto said in a sincere tone.
"Wha…?" Skuld blushed bashfully after hearing Naruto's earnest words. But she also felt embarrassed since everyone on the room heard Naruto's words. "What are you talking about!? I… I don't care that much about you! But I am not… angry at you!" She retorted with slight stuttering.
"You're not angry at me anymore? But why are you still yelling at me?" Naruto inquired with innocent expression.
"…!" Skuld visibly flinched after realizing that her mouth spoke something embarrassing subconsciously. "I take that back! I still am angry at you… you dumb Shinobi!"
"What was that all about?" Naruto simply reacted with squinted eyes, making almost everyone giggle and laugh after hearing the little exchange from the two contract partners. However…
"Flirting with another girl even with Tsukiyo around…" Vulcanus glared comically towards Naruto.
"…And acting all innocent about it even in front of Kanon…?" Apollo also glared at him comically.
"…Are you really not doing this on purpose even in front of Tenri…Uzumaki-san?" Diana joined her other Goddess Sisters.
"Haaah?"Naruto pointed his right index finger with his usual comic complaining pose. "I don't get it why you guys are getting angry at me all the time! But please say it directly at me or I won't understand why your acting like that at me -ttebayo!?" He yelled comically.
That made the present Jupiter Sisters froze for a moment, then blushed on behalf of their female human hosts.
"That's absurd…" The three of them muttered at the same time.
"Now that was amusing." Daimakaicho Hild giggled for the first time.
"Above those villains and Vintage, can the Chosen Child really make it through these situations concerning the Goddesses of the Jupiter and Norse Pantheon? Ho ho ho…!" Whis laughed on his usual way as he is also amused on seeing such scene…
"Let's get back on track. So basically, locating the Jupiter Sisters first will be our main priority. And the Chosen Child, Uzumaki Naruto, will be the main responsible for this." Urd said in a similar commanding tone like that of her mother's.
Skuld and the Jupiter Sisters sighed after realizing that there are no other ways to put it.
"Wait a sec." Naruto objected. "How do I suppose top locate the Jupiter Sisters on my own? I don't even know their presence for me to be able to locate them."
"Well, you already did met and befriend the three of them. So three more will only be a piece of cake." Yusuke grinned as if it is some other people's problem.
"I can say that Uzumaki-san meeting the three of us are just some random coincidence." Diana replied. "He befriended our host without knowing the presence of the Goddesses within us, except me and Tenri's case."
"Then, wouldn't that be too great of a great coincidence?" Hild smiled in a creepy way. "Three more coincidences won't hurt. As a matter of fact… the prophecy of the Chosen Child itself stated that 'The hope who will gather the fallen gods to revive them in their former glory…'.Your female human hosts meeting the Chosen Child and reviving your Goddess full powers as your current state right now might be a coincidence, but fate itself is leading him to do fulfill the prophecy even if he doesn't want to admit it. To revive the Goddesses, they must be around the Chosen Child… somewhere that each of them can be easily within his own reach. Isn't it enough evidence for the three of you that all of you are studying on the same school as of Uzumaki Naruto?"
The Jupiter Sisters got surprised after thinking about what the Daimakaicho had said. True though, not only that their hosts are on the same school as that of Naruto's, but as if an unknown powerful thread of fate is leading them to meet and befriend Naruto with them not even knowing the truth of the prophecy in the first place.
"Does that mean… that our other sisters… are also around the us, or more specifically, acquainted to Naruto all this time?" Apollo said in surprise.
"I see. Then that matched that coincidence when we felt another of our Sister has able to restore her full powers during the time that Uzumaki arrived after fighting that monster called Doomsday (happened from Chapter 25 when Yui learned Naruto's alter ego, Shinobi)." Vulcanus said in thinking pose.
"Well, you guys are right." Naruto nodded to himself, not realizing that the Goddess involved is within Yui Goido. "But isn't that too much of a coincidence if that so? I mean, how come that all of the Jupiter Sisters who are supposed to be scattered on random locations around the world are all on the same location, even possibly on the same school, as that of me?"
"You might not know it, but the Maijima Town actually exists on the same coordinates on where the Almage Machina happened on New Hell." Haqua revealed. "To put it bluntly, the seal created by the Jupiter Sisters against the Weiss are existing on the very same location. Literally, if you will create a dimensional wormhole like that of Garganta on this town to enter New Hell without changing the desired coordinates, you will arrive on the battlefield where the Almage Machina and the seal were located.
Naruto and the Jupiter Sisters got surprised after hearing Haqua's revelation.
"So basically, during the incident when the Weiss broke the seal, they have created a wormhole that made Maijima Town as their gateway to the material world. And with the seal that was literally created by the Jupiter Sisters got broken, on their powerless state due to the seal, they were dragged here on the Maijima Town together with them. And they are accidentally sealed within female human hosts with pure hearts for them to gradually restore their powers." Belldandy summarized. "We didn't know about this from the Norse faction."
"It is also too late for me to do something about it because that event was blocked within the Nifheim's system, the Nidheg (counterpart of Norse' Yggdrasil system)." Hild sighed. "New Hell said that they'll take care of it, so I let them. I didn't know that they are planning something this big such as trying to eliminate the Goddesses."
"But now you guys have said it, I think it is quite impossible for the Goddesses still to be gathered in one place despite everything that you have concluded." Naruto muttered. "Remember, Diana, Vulcanus, Apollo along with their other sisters were still weakened due to the destroyed seal. With the Weiss dragging them, they shouldn't have enough power to locate an appropriate, pure-hearted hosts properly."
"What are you pointing out then?" Yoko Kurama inquired.
"Someone from New Hell understood the darkness of Vintage's plan. So even if that someone can't do anything to stop New Hell from breaking the Goddess seal against the Weiss, that someone still went out of her way just to save the Goddesses during the escape of the Weiss and pulled the strings to seal the Goddesses to the appropriate female human hosts. Due to that, I believe that we still have an unknown ally who can possibly help us in locating the other missing Jupiter Sisters. That's what I think." Naruto explained
"I see… you're right, Uzumaki." Haqua said in visible stunned voice. "And I can't think of anyone else responsible for that… aside from… Dokurou-sama…"
"Dokurou? You mean the former Nifheim General who bravely fought against Old Hell during the Almage Machina?" Koenma inquired.
"Yes. We didn't know why, but she vehemently disagreed on using that unknown power to seal the Weiss during the war. Due to that, she was treated as a traitor and sentenced by death. But she was able to escape on thru her prison without any trace. That time, I didn't know that the unknown power that Dokurou-sama mentioned were the power of the Goddesses. Up until now, we didn't have any information about what happened to her…" Haqua replied.
"If what you realized and said were true, then everything fell on the right place." Urd said. "After all, weakened Goddesses don't have any means to protect themselves. But all this time, despite the fact that New Hell created this Runaway Spirit Squad with their true aim is to hunt down the Goddesses, New Hell still weren't able to locate any of the weakened Goddesses. So we can say that this person that you are thinking is a lot closer to you than you can even imagine for. After all, she might also be protecting the Goddesses host in the shadows, just like what you are doing, Naruto. In fact, this Dokurou might even be attending the same school as of you."
"Well, that's good to know." Naruto smiled. "But who is she in school?"
"Hey guys, I have an idea." Skuld suddenly said with a smile. "Why don't we just create the same device that the Runaway Spirit Squad is using to locate the missing Goddesses? I'll modify it so we can use it properly!"
"That won't help." Diana kindly smiled to Skuld. "Our other missing sisters have already taken precaution after realizing what happened against the Nifheim Generals on the altered Fuzetsu. I believe that they have already realized that New Hell is targeting us. That's why this time, all of my other weakened sisters will be cautious of anyone who will try to approach them, especially those who have knowledge on the current situation. So they can no longer be sensed or located thru that sensor."
"That simply means that it will also be harder to locate them even if we try sensing them or even by trying to use a modified tracker like that of the Runaway Spirit Squad's." Apollo seriously said.
"Alright."Naruto smiled in relief. "I'm glad that they won't trust anyone easily. That's one less thing to worry about –ttebayo. I still can't accept this Chosen Child thing. But I'll do what I can to locate the other Goddesses. If really are just around me, then… I just hope that they're doing well…"
-Flashback End-
"And after that… everyone just spend time bonding with each other, as if they've already knew each other for years." Naruto smiled to himself. "But with all this in mind, do I really have what it takes to locate the Goddesses on time? I don't even have the appropriate means to locate them."
"Yeah. But that's more fun. With all your sensing abilities, you can actually locate them easily like child's play. But if those Goddesses right now will be hiding their true Goddess presences, then you'll be back on using basic Shinobi Tactics 101, information gathering." Juubi Kurama muttered within Naruto's mindscape.
'Yeah right. But still, we don't know what Vintage of New Hell really is capable of.' Naruto muttered, still walking down the sidewalk beneath the falling sakura tree petals. 'Those Goddess trackers… the altered Fuzetsu that will render them powerless… along with other mysterious powers created to eliminate the Goddesses… I don't know if I can really protect them on my own. Sure though, I can protect Tenri, Kanon and Tsukiyo, but how about the other weakened Goddesses that I still don't have any contact with?'
'So you're finally realizing that despite all the power that you already have, you still can't do anything alone?'
'I already know that fact even during the 4thShinobi World War. That's why I am glad that we have new trustworthy allies against New Hell's schemes.' Naruto replied.
'But remember, one of them don't trust you that much. That Toushin Raizen.'
'I know. But he isn't intending to do anything against us unless he found a reason. After all, I might actually be a descendant of a being that he really wanted to defeat.'
'Well, you can always fight him and take him down to show him who's the boss. You have the power to beat him down after all.'
'I don't want to engage unnecessary battles. That might cause misunderstanding on this new alliance of ours with the Makai Kings.'
'Well, it's you. To think that after everything that happened on the Shinobi World, you'll still end up attracting trouble on this new world without even trying.'
'You're right. I just wanted to have a normal life here. But now, after all that just happened, my normal life seemed to drift away before I even knew it.' Naruto said with exaggerated sigh. 'Well, I don't have any right to dream about normal life since I, myself, aren't normal. My friends are involved in all of this, so all that I need to do is to protect them and fight for them. That's all that matters now.'
'Spoken like a true Shinobi… You really have grown… kid.' Juubi Kurama grunted as he shut his eyes, taking a nap.
'Thanks, Kurama. I won't make it this far without you.' Naruto grinned to his god-like Bijuu before escaping from his mental mindscape.
"Well, it's still an hour before my scheduled meeting with Shiori on the public library. Well, it's a library so I can kill some time there…" Naruto said to himself as he continued his trek to his destination. After all, aside from reading various novels for reference on his novel, Naruto also became quite interested on those powerful, somewhat fictional weapons from this world history's ancient times such as Gae Bolg, Hrunting, Arondight, and Excalibur. After all, even if those weapons were used by heroic beings from ancient times and even if Naruto himself already had his own ultimate weapon, the Sword of Nunoboku, he can't help but thought of those weapons as 'something awesomely cool' for him.
Aside from his increasing weapon fetish, Naruto still didn't stop training on his mindscape with Juubi Kurama every night, for him to make sure that he will always be on top shape, or even better than before. After all, their alliance still doesn't have any idea what New Hell is planning, and now that they still can't do any move due to lack of information against New Hell's schemes, all that's left for them is to be prepared for whatever New Hell is planning… for him to protect his friends and this world from being enveloped by an unknown chaos…
Upon passing on a sidewalk fruit stand… since he is so deep in thought, Naruto didn't realize that a very close acquaintance of his' is taking a light jogging on the other side of the road…
"Whoa… Uzumaki?" The campus track team ace, Takahara Ayumi, muttered after seeing the blonde Shinobi walking on the other side of the road. She then decided to approach him. But she remembered something that froze her on her tracks… as if she remembered something embarrassing…
'Don't doubt yourself! Just express your honest feelings! And since it is you, I know everything will work out just fine!' She remembered the very words that Naruto said to her during their last meeting on the library (from Chapter 24).
Remembering those words made the Mai-High Missile blush cutely. After all, after hearing those words made him made her realize her own feelings for that blonde knucklehead. And seeing him right now made her want to approach him, but at the same time, felt troubled because she doesn't know if she can hold her feelings back while talking to him…
"Kyaahh…!" A sudden yell immediately caught Naruto and Ayumi's train of thought. The two of them immediately looked towards the female person who yelled, only to see a gush of wind passing on the road coming from a motorcycle, a riding-in-tandem to be exact, with the back-ride holding an expensive-looking, elegant shoulder bag.
"A snatcher who's using a motorcycle to escape!"Ayumi yelled in surprise. "Someone call the police!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes towards the blitzing motorcycle who were now running at nearly 100 km/h. The motorcycle has already passed by him, around 10 meters away. Well, for everyone else, the speed of the motorcycle is already too fast to be caught. But for Naruto, the speeding motorcycle is simply similar to a Jounin running using its regular speed, in slow motion.
As he is currently passing on a sidewalk fruit stand, the Shinobi then immediately but carefully looked around. Seeing that everyone on the sidewalk were looking either towards the girl who yelled after having her bag snatched or at the blitzing motorcycle, he picked up an apple on the fruit stand and applied a tiny amount of Chakra on it. After making sure that no one will see what he is about to do, he threw the apple sharply directly towards the handlebar of the motorcycle. The apple, thrown at bullet-speed, hit the handlebar of the motorcycle with enough force to send the motorcycle crashing on the sidewalk with the two riders being slammed on one of the sakura trees on the sidewalk and the other on the nearby wall.
Everyone got surprised after seeing how the riders seemingly losing control of the motorcycle on their own. The town people immediately seize the two snatchers. On the other hand, Ayumi immediately looked around, only to see Naruto who is retreating his stretched arm as if he threw something.
"Obaa-san. Here is my payment for the apple." Naruto grinned towards the fruit vendor.
"Did you… threw that apple?" The fruit vendor asked in perplexed reaction. Naruto simply replied with a nod.
"Please don't tell anyone about it." Naruto bowed as he continued walking towards his destination, ignoring the crowding people who are seizing the two criminals.
"Did Uzumaki-kun… do that?" Ayumi muttered while looking towards the surprised reaction of the vendor and the retreating Naruto. Using an apple like that of a stone and throw it sharply with insane accuracy for hitting the motorcycle handlebar that was moving above 100 km/h is quite awesome and cool on her book. That's why she decided to chase the blonde knucklehead instead of joining the town people on restraining the criminals.
Actually, Naruto just threw the apple with enough power to make the motorcycle get off-balance. The speed and power of the thrown 'projectile' is simply similar to that of a Genin learning the basics on how to throw a kunai or shuriken. After all, if he used his true strength on throwing the apple, he is afraid that the apple won't hit the handlebar because the apple will burn itself midway due to immense friction before hitting its target.
"I hope no one else saw me do that." Naruto sighed.
"But I saw you too, Uzumaki-kun." Ayumi said, surprising the knucklehead, as she ran pass by him and stopped right in front of him, now smiling energetically towards him.
"Ayumi?" Naruto simply muttered. "I thought another motorcycle ran pass thru me…" He said as he already sensed someone running towards him from behind, but he didn't realize that it was Ayumi until now.
"Are you treating me now as a vehicle…Uzumaki-kun?" Ayumi said once again with angelic smile, but it is more of a threatening one.
"Well, not really. That's just comparison. Comparison." Naruto gestured by waving two hands in front of him.
"That's just the same!" Ayumi pouted. She then gathered all her courage and grabbed Naruto's right hand, then pulled him on the other alleyway near them. "You don't want anyone else to see what you have done right? So then we need to get out of here fast."
"So you really did saw me?" Naruto said absentmindedly while being dragged by the girl.
"Yep. But don't worry. I won't tell anyone." Ayumi smiled cheerfully as they pass thru the other street that was connected to the Shopping District. "Under one condition."
"I knew it." Naruto just gave a surrendering smile.
"Treat me with some takoyaki." Ayumi leaned herself forward with an earnest smile.
-Scene Change-
"Oh…" Skuld just woke up, rubbing her eyes. "…I overslept."
The youngest of the Norse Sisters then fixed herself and went out of her room.
"I wonder where Naruto is right now…?" She muttered as she walked towards the living room, expecting for her blonde partner to be there. But all that she saw was Belldandy cleaning the house with Keiichi on the yard, fixing something on his motorcycle.
"Good morning, my little sister." Belldandy greeted Skuld gracefully. "It looks like you overslept. That's rare."
"Uhm… Yeah…" Skuld simply replied to her sister. After all, she really is an early riser as she always tried to help Belldandy on household chores. But due to the current events that happened, she slept late last night because she is thinking about a lot of things. With all those things that was talked about during the gathering on Genkai's temple, it all comes down to one point… that her contract partner, Uzumaki Naruto, really is the center of everything that's happening right now… for being the Chosen Child and also as Goddess Kaguya's descendant…
During the gathering, she saw a fragment of Naruto's past… during the time that Naruto was fighting against Uchiha Madara in their most powerful forms… up to the event when the blonde Shinobi sacrificed his very existence to end the long battle…In those fragments of his memories alone was more than enough for Skuld to realize how much Naruto treasures his friends and his home world… And for her, it was a very painful fragment of his partner's past… because he disappeared right in front of those people who had finally acknowledged him as who he is… a true hero of the Shinobi world…
And now, after all those hard fought battle and painful experience from his own world, Naruto was now being drawn again into a major battle between the ethereal worlds. She knew that all that Naruto ever wanted right now is to experience peace on his own… something that he never experienced from his own world… but he was now once again get caught on this serious situation that leaves him with no other choice but to fight again… And that realization for Skuld made her feel frustrated… making her sleepless in the past nights…
Naruto needs to locate the other missing Jupiter Sisters since those Goddesses from other Pantheons have the appropriate kind of power to defeat the Weiss and stop whatever Vintage of New Hell is planning. She already knew that much, but still, is quite a lot for her to take. As a Goddess, selfish thoughts should be out of her system. But Naruto, as the Chosen Child and her contract partner, needs to awaken the power of the Jupiter Goddesses. The power of the Jupiter Sisters can only be awaken thru the power of love by harnessing the feelings of their female human hosts. That simply means Naruto must need to increase the affection of the Jupiter Sister's hosts for the Goddesses to restore their full powers…
And that thought alone made Skuld feel really irritated. She is Naruto's contract partner! So she can't just accept that her contract partner needs to do something like that to other girls! She knew that it was selfish of her, but she can't do anything about it. Even her beloved sister, Belldandy, once said, that when it comes to Keiichi, she can never be generous. And right now, she might be feeling the same thing when it comes to Naruto.
But before she knew it, Naruto was able to awaken not only one, but three Jupiter Sisters' powers with him not even knowing the true principle and process of how the powers of the Jupiter Sisters works. The hosts of those Jupiter Sisters were now having their affections to him, but Naruto still is oblivious on their feelings. Well, Naruto really has the character that most of the girls of their age like. The more time you spend with him, the more that you will realize how special he is. That's what happened to her, and that's how she believed that those girls started to have feelings to him. It is just that, Naruto is a very oblivious person when it terms to girls feelings that's why he can't get even the most obvious hints of those girls feelings.
Well, it can't be helped. He became like that mostly because of his upbringing from his own world. Naruto is simply being kind to everyone. But his kindness can easily be misunderstood, especially by the girls of their age. That's why Skuld can't help but simply believe on her contract partner… because she believes that when the right time comes, Naruto will soon feel how special he is for her. That's why she decided that she will do everything for him… so one day, he can understand her true feelings for him. But that doesn't mean that she won't do anything after seeing him being close with other girls! She won't allow it! That's what she meant when she says that she will do her best for him.
"Suddenly spacing out after waking up, now blushing with wishful eyes… why do I feel like I know what you're thinking about, my beloved Imouto-chan…?" Urd whispered towards Skuld who was literally spacing out while blushing with her back leaning on one of the pillars of the temple.
"Urd..!" Skuld immediately jolted in surprise. She then looked towards her annoying eldest sister, then looked around to see Belldandy smiling with understanding expression along with Keiichi who stopped fixing his motorcycle for a while. "I… I'm just sleepy! That's all!"
"But you just woke up." Keiichi grinned towards her.
"Shut up!" Skuld yelled. She then realized that Naruto wasn't around. "Where's Naruto?"
"He said that he needs to meet up with his novel's editor for the finishing touches of the latest volume of his novel. He said that you're still asleep that's why he wasn't able to bid farewell personally to you. And besides, he still thinks that you're still angry at him." Belldandy explained.
"Well…" Skuld then looked down on the floor. Indeed, she is acting all angry on the past days in front of Naruto. But she really isn't angry at him. She was just irritated. That's all. Especially while thinking that Naruto has a lot of beautiful female friends… "I really am not angry at him. I just don't know what I should say to him. And my irritation always gets the best of me."
"I see. If you keep acting like that, you'll lose him before you even know it." Urd said in teasing tone.
"If you don't have any appropriate things to say, then don't speak Urd." Skuld pouted to the eldest Goddess around.
"What I'm saying is actually the truth. You can clearly see that those other girls also like him. If you keep pushing him away due to your childish attitudes, you will really lose him for real." Urd said, this time in serious tone.
"I know…" Skuld said in a low, dejected tone. "…I always talk big, but cannot accomplish anything."
"Skuld… you shouldn't worry about it that much." Belldandy smiled to Skuld. "Naruto treasures you as much as how he treasures everyone else. But I can see him looking at you in a much more special way. I believe that the two of you just need to be honest to your feelings, and everything will work out just fine."
"Onee-sama…" Skuld smiled to Belldandy.
"Let's prepare dinner together later Skuld. That way, you can express your feelings by cooking Naruto's favorite dishes." Belldandy said to her sister.
"Hai!" Skuld nodded frantically with bright expression. "Arigato, Onee-sama." Belldandy simply nodded to her, then continued her household duties.
"Hmm… now that you think about it, since when did it become an open secret to this house that you like Naruto, Skuld?" Keiichi said while scratching the back of his head.
"…!" Skuld then blushed furiously with her hair slowly rising comically. "Keiichi… you… SHUT UP!" Skuld yelled in embarrassment, making Urd laugh so hard in amusement…
'But still... all that I ever wanted right now... is to know what that idiot really feels about me...?' Skuld mused on her mind...
-Scene Change-
"Hey, Uzumaki…" Ayumi somewhat shyly looked towards Naruto, both of them are busy eating takoyaki. "You know, you are quite athletic on your own. You are capable of running as fast as me and you have unbelievable accuracy like what you did to stop those snatchers from getting away. Are you sure you don't want to join any sports club on our school?"
Naruto and Ayumi are standing right beside the takoyaki store booth on the Central District of the town. A lot of people are now starting to gather around on that time of the day. And most of them are talking about the current events that involved the Justice League and the Justice Lords. Naruto can hear a lot of them, but decided to shrug it off. It's not that he wanted this to happen, but the creation of seemingly another powerful force that can fight and possibly surpass the Justice League is a bit too much for the entire world to accept, in positive and negative aspects.
"Well, I am busy with a lot of stuff. I have a part-time job as well. So I really don't have time for school clubs." Naruto simply replied while taking another bite of takoyaki.
"I see. It can't be helped then." Ayumi sighed with a smile. She then just realized just now… this is actually the first time that she was able to spend time with Naruto with just the two of them since they became officially acquainted during the time that Naruto is learning how to ride a bike. And most of the time, they will only meet by accident and only exchange some small pleasantries. That's why for her having Naruto as her partner on the three-legged race during the festival and also meeting him in the library with Shiori Shiomiya from last time is quite a good breather for her.
However, realizing that the two of them are spending time like this made Ayumi more self-conscious. After all, she is standing side-by-side with the guy that she likes. That's why she sneakily took her phone and used the reflection on the screen to see if her hair is fine, or rather, if she is looking fine. Seeing the desired appearance, she nodded to himself with confidence.
On the other hand, Naruto just ate his takoyaki clumsily while wondering why Ayumi acting all reserved beside him. This wasn't like her, he thought. After all, Naruto knew Ayumi as an energetic girl, somewhat similar to himself up to the point before Jiraiya's death. Well, removing other thoughts aside, he decided to spend time with Ayumi for now since it is still a bit too early for his scheduled meeting with Shiori in the public library.
After few moments of silence between the two…
"How are you doing?" Ayumi asked with tensed expression.
"Hmm… I'm fine, I guess." Naruto tilted his head. "By the way, I know I have already congratulated you thru email, but given the chance, I will now personally congratulate you from being the first ranker on the last regional meet. Congrats!"
"Oh… yeah. Thanks!" Ayumi seemed to cheer up a bit. "Did you watch the entire race?"
"Not really. I only watched the race where you're one of the competitors. That's why I know that you did great –ttebayo!" After all, Ayumi did win with great difference in distance against the 2nd placer. "You truly are befitting for the Mai-High Missile title! A real human missile!"
"It doesn't sound like you are complimenting me." Ayumi made a forced, somewhat threatening smile. "Uhm… do I look good in the TV… during the race?" She asked with a blush.
"Huh? I don't know. I watched you on the gym's sidelines so I don't know what you looked like on TV." Naruto simply replied. But that was more than enough for Ayumi to be surprised while blushing madly, creating visible steams popping off her head.
"You… you watched me personally?!" Ayumi yelled in embarrassed, complaining tone.
"Of course I do!" Naruto pouted. "I even requested one of your teammates to give you that energy drink that you drank before the race!"
"Wha…?!" Ayumi further retreated while remembering that part. True, she received an energy drink from one of her female teammates before the start of the race. But due to her focus, she forgot to ask her teammate about it. But she can clearly remember that her teammate is giving her a teasing grin during the time that she is handing that energy drink. "Why did you not give it to me personally?!"
"Because I don't want you to be distracted." Naruto simply replied. "It's an important race after all."
"Baka!" Ayumi yelled while blushing furiously. After all, she expected that Naruto will only watch the meet from TV. But now that she just knew that Naruto personally watched her competition, and even gave her that energy drink, she cannot help but feel embarrassed for herself. Right now, she is even cupping her cheeks while hiding her flustered face from the blonde knucklehead.
"Haha. I didn't know that you'll be that surprised. That's the reason itself why I didn't approach you during the meet. It's only me after all. All that I can do for you is to cheer for you on the sidelines." Naruto said while scratching his whisker marks on his right cheek with his right index finger.
"It's not like that! It's not 'only you'! It is because it is you!" Ayumi yelled again. "You didn't have to go out of your way to cheer for me… It is more than enough for me that I know that you are supporting me…"
"Well, I promised you before, didn't I? I promised that I'll watch and cheer for you on your upcoming meets. We promised that when you are teaching me how to ride a bike, didn't we?" Naruto grinned to the girl.
Ayumi cannot help but just smile while blushing like that of a tomato. Uzumaki Naruto really is the kind of person who knows how to surprise people… in more positive ways than one. She really liked him, but after learning what happened during the meet, she cannot help but start liking him even more. His stupid but honest personality, a guy who will always went out of his way for the sake of his friends… that made her feel hopelessly in love with him.
"If you keep doing something like that… you'll make me get the wrong idea…" Ayumi said while blushing madly.
"Don't worry about it. We're friends after all."
"That's what I'm actually worried about!" Ayumi yelled again, now with narrowed eyes towards Naruto. Her face still as red as tomato.
Naruto simply gulped exaggeratedly. He can sense Ayumi's troubled feelings, even her facial expressions indicates the same. She's a girl who is honest to her feelings after all. But he doesn't know how to properly respond, because he really can't understand why Ayumi suddenly acting all reserved like this in front of him.
"Well…" Naruto scratched the back of his head. "…you really looked cool during the race. You won by a large margin even against those teams with boys as anchors… as if you're not a girl yourself."
It is then that Ayumi's embarrassed expression became that of a pissed-off person.
"What do you mean?" Ayumi dangerously narrowed her eyes.
"No… nothing." Naruto just said with thick sweat falling from his forehead.
"I see. I'm sorry if I'm not that much of a girl for you." Ayumi said with sad tone, her expression sulking while turning her face away from him.
"Haah?! I didn't mean it like that!" Naruto immediately replied, trying to explain himself. "I mean, you're not just like any ordinary girl! You have proven something even as a girl! You even defeated the boys on a sport where boys are supposed to be superior than girls. That's why I think you looked cool back there!"
"Really… Is that what you really meant?" Ayumi said in a low voice.
"Yeah." Naruto replied by nodding frantically.
"I see. I'm glad." Ayumi sighed in relief. It's been a while since she noted it for herself, but each time that she's talking Naruto, Ayumi mentally created serious rule for herself to clarify what the Shinobi was saying, since his words are prone to be misunderstood.
Well, he is always like that even before the first time that they met each other. He will always say what he wanted to say, but still, he will always consider what other people around him feels. When he has given his word, he will do whatever it takes to do it. He'll help if he can, regardless of the situation. Most of the time, he even put other people first before his own benefit. That's how Ayumi knew him… and that's how she started liking him…
She actually isn't interested that much in romance. Her duty in the track field is very important for her. In fact, Naruto is the one responsible for renewing her interest in her track team. And that fact itself is the reason why she started to become interested to him. Each time she knew or see another side of him, she cannot help but feel something within her, from admiration up to something more… and before she knew it, she can't help but think of him more and more… for once, she felt like just another love struck girl… but she liked that feeling…
Realizing everything that she feels right now, Ayumi inhaled exaggeratedly, she then nodded to herself, as if gathering her inner courage for herself. "Hey… what kind of girl do you like?"
"What kind of girl that I like?" Naruto said with squinted eyes. "That's kinda random."
"Just answer." Ayumi said without looking towards Naruto.
"Alright." Naruto sighed. He doesn't know why Ayumi suddenly asked such kind of question. Thinking appropriately of what proper response that he needed to say… 'How should I answer that? I like Sakura. But that doesn't mean that I don't like Hinata. That means I like both of them. Well, they are my friends so that's natural. But what does it specifically mean when the term 'like' was muttered by a girl?' Naruto muttered within his head while the Juubi Kurama just gave a snort to him, as if making fun of his oblivious Jinchuuriki.
"Naruto, please answer." Ayumi said, surprising Naruto since Ayumi now is giving somewhat a pleading expression.
"Well, I don't know." Naruto answered honestly as he looked towards the blue sky. "I honestly don't know what do you mean by your question, but as long as the girl accepts me as who I am, then that's more than enough for me." Naruto then looked to the ground. "My mother told me before, if I'll have to look for a girlfriend, I need to try finding someone like her. I don't know if she meant that as someone who has the same personality or appearance as of her, or someone who will really love me just like on how she loves me. So up until now, I still don't know how to answer your question."
"I understand." Ayumi simply replied after seeing the nostalgic smile from the guys beside him while talking about his mother. "You really do love your mother, aren't you?"
"Yeah. She's the best Mom that I could ever wish for." Naruto replied with a wide grin to Ayumi.
After seeing the bright smile from the blonde knucklehead, Ayumi felt something warm within her, something that gathered her courage to say what she always wanted to say in front of this guy…
"Uzumaki... uhm… Naruto…" She said while blushing, averting her gaze from the Shinobi. Despite practicing on her own after reading a lot of romance tips from books that she borrowed from the campus library, Ayumi still felt very nervous now that she is in front of the person that she always imagined to express of her feelings for. But she can't just run away from her feelings anymore…
"Naruto… uhm… what will you do… if a close friend for you confessed her feelings for you?"
"Huh? What's that all about?" Naruto, despite being a regular stupid blockhead, somehow got taken by surprise after hearing the bashful question. In that instance, Naruto saw Ayumi's expression… sincere and hoping… yet determined… and that expression reminded him of those girls who talked to him with the same expression as of hers…
Hinata… during his fight against Pain (Naruto Manga)…
Skuld… after the battle against Hades (Chapter 23)…
Tenri… after learning his secret as the Shinobi (Chapter 23)…
Kanon… when he sent her home after fighting Hades (Chapter 23)…
Tsukiyo… before he left to battle the monster called Doomsday (Chapter 24)…
Yui… after his battle against Doomsday (Chapter 25)…
All of them… has that same kind of expression… he once again felt something warm within himself. As if he felt something warm was filling the gaps on the void within his heart after everything that happened from his past. He doesn't know what this feeling is on words, but he really felt warm by feeling these emotions…
"I don't know… yet." Naruto smiled sincerely. "There are so many things that happened from my past, and a lot of things are happening to me right now. So I don't how I should respond. But… if her feelings are genuine… and if she really liked someone like me as who I am, then I'll treasure her like on how she also treasured me…"
Ayumi doesn't know how she should respond after hearing Naruto's reply. She doesn't know if she'll be sad because Naruto gave her a vague answer, but at the same time, she felt happy since he somewhat understood a part of Naruto's feelings, especially after seeing the sad eyes from the blonde Shinobi after hearing his answer. She doesn't know what happened from his past… but she felt like his past is the reason why he gave such a vague reply…
"Then… then… I have nothing to worry about…" Ayumi smiled weakly. "…because… I just want you to know… that I like you… Naruto…"
"Ayumi…" Naruto somehow had a light blush… a rare blush for someone like him… "Wha… what do you mean? Why do you like me?" He said, as if feeling lost in a new world on unexplained emotions.
"There are a lot of reasons why… but I can't just tell all of it right now…" Ayumi's shoulders and hand visibly shaking… "…after all, you don't need a reason to fell in love with someone…" She said as she hid her eyes on her bangs.
"Uhm… I see…" Naruto spoke… this is one of the few moments on his life that his talkative mouth doesn't know what to say…
"It's alright." Ayumi then beamed towards Naruto. "The way you talk… is like you are treating all your friends as someone special for you… I guess that also includes me, right?"
"Yeah…" Naruto nodded, still lost of what to say.
"I'm glad. That's a relief… for me to express my own feelings properly…" Ayumi then grabbed Naruto's right arm and linked it with her left arm, pulling Naruto's head down. She then whispered into Naruto's ears… "…that's why I'll do my best… so one day… I can become your most precious someone…"
Ayumi then let go of his arms and smiled cutely to the blonde, leaning forward while letting out her tongue playfully.
"Ahaha…" Naruto just scratched the back of his head. "Then it's a challenge. I want to see what you will do for that."
"Yep! And I'll make sure that I'll gonna win! Please continue cheering for me, ne?!" Ayumi beamed energetically.
The two of them then looked towards each other, feeling comfortable yet embarrassed with each other as they continue eating their now cold takoyaki…
-Scene Change-
Earth's orbit… Watchtower…
The Justice League has finally sent their Justice Lord counterparts back on their own world after League Batman studied the portal created by the still unconscious Lord Batman. Even after everything that happened between the two superhero teams, they still bid a pleasant goodbye to each other, enough for the Justice League to realize that the Justice Lords can still change their ways even if the road ahead of this change will be a difficult one.
And as for now, the entire Justice League is now having a serious meeting inside the Watchtower's conference room…
"In the end, they really didn't need our help against those villains and Justice Lords." The Flash said towards the other members of the Justice League, thinking about the Shinobi and his team's previous battle.
"It simply indicates that they really are a very powerful team. That battle became a literal display of their powers in front of the entire world. And right now, the whole world is still in a major uproar after the world government lifting the Martial Law declared by the Justice Lords and also seeing another team composed of very powerful beings existing like that of the Justice League." Martian Manhunter just said without emotion.
"And to top that, this team defeated the Justice Lords, our counterpart who had nearly exact way of thinking and powers as of us." Hawkgirl said in a serious tone. "It is almost the same as of defeating the real Justice League right in front of the whole world. For all that we know, a lot of our enemies will now be aiming against them to use those powers to defeat us."
"But the Justice Lords don't have me." The Flash smirked with comic pride. "Maybe I can make a difference about that."
"No. You may be the fastest man alive, but that team, the Shinobi's team… can definitely do something against you to neutralize your speed advantage. They are used on fighting, too used to it that fighting against powerful beings is just the same as breathing for them…" Batman replied darkly to the speedster. "Above anything else, their advantage against us is their sheer fighting experience and ability to use their energy projection powers on the most appropriate way possible."
"I know what you're getting into Batman." Green Lantern narrowed his eyes. "Training and battle experience are the most important things that someone must learn for them to maximize their full potential. Some of us here are trained to some degree, but their experience on battles is on an entirely different level as that of us."
"They really are a powerful team. I can actually see them rivaling the power of the Pantheon of the Gods." Wonder Woman said her opinion.
"But still, even if they have defeated the Justice Lords, it doesn't mean that they can do the same against us." Superman commented.
"That's what I want to hear." Batman nodded to Superman, opting him to continue.
"Alright. Remember the time during our first meeting with the Justice Lords?" Superman asked his team mates. "All of them immediately attacked us before even all of us could even react. My Justice Lord counterpart immediately attacked me on a vital point, causing me to pass out right on the spot. And I can still feel the level of strength that he applied against me during that attack…"
"So what are you pointing out?" Wonder Woman asked the Kryptonian.
"What I mean is that, they do attack us without holding back. Using their full strength, they seized all of us before we could manage to fight back against them. Especially my Lord counterpart." Superman then stood on his chair and walked towards the transparent window where he can get a full view of the Earth. "If you are willing to knock someone out, especially if you already knew the ability of that someone, then you will use your full strength with the most appropriate attack to knock him out, am I right?"
Everyone, except Batman, nodded to Superman.
"So it is more of a fact than assumption that my Justice Lord counterpart attacked me at full strength to knock me out. Same goes for those of your counterparts who attacked you." Superman continued. "However, my counterpart who punched me at his full power, felt like I am just attacked using my current level of power. It is just that he attacked me on the spot where I will immediately be knocked out."
"What do you mean about 'your current level of power', Superman?" The Martian inquired.
"I don't mean to boast or anything, but honestly, I feel like I am living in a world made of cardboard…always taking constant care not to break something… to break someone… never allowing myself to lose control… even for a moment, or someone… could die in the palm of my hands." Superman stated seriously. "That's how powerful I really am… if I use my full strength against anyone."
Everyone present on the conference room got surprised on the revelation.
"I see. So you literally are holding back this entire time, thus what you mean with 'your current level of power'." Batman simply replied, as if he is the only one who knew among the group about Superman's true potential.
"Right. My point here, is that… if my Justice Lord counterpart attacked using his full power, and I only feel it like that of my current level of power, then I can say that if I will use my full strength against him without holding back, then I can beat him down since we literally have such gap in strength in terms of fighting at full power." Superman concluded. "And if that same full strength is used by my counterpart to fight against the Saiyan named Goku, then I'll have a better chance of defeating him with my own full power."
Everyone got stunned for a moment. Superman already is a powerful being on his own. But for him to be actually holding back this entire time is really quite surprised after hearing it.
"Well, same goes for me." Wonder Woman also said. "My counterpart also has the same strength as that of me. But if that's the case, she is also yet to awaken the true power of my armor which is, according to my mother, was bestowed with by the gods with overwhelming power. If I can do awaken the full power of my armor, then I believe I'll have the appropriate strength to rival those guys from the Shinobi's team."
"I see. You guys still have an ace off your sleeves against them if they ever go rogue." Green Lantern said. "If that's the case, then we are just prepared as we are right now to take them on."
"Wait a second, guys." The Flash immediately super-speed right beside Superman. "I know we are wary of that team's power, and we are preparing against them in the worst case scenario. But they haven't done anything wrong for us to treat them like an actual threat. You guys are thinking that the villains might target them to get ahold of their powers, but from the likes of it, the villains won't stand any chance against them just like what happened on their battle."
"Right. But what we are talking here are the possibilities." Batman replied. "We are not just preparing against them if they will ever go rogue. What I want for every one of you to prepare for, is the threat for that team that was enough for them to realize teaming up with each other. We acknowledge that each of them is powerful beings on their own right. But if they do team up together, that simply means that they are also preparing for a much worst case scenario that any of them can't face alone. And I believe that scenario has something to do with those demons called Weiss."
"I see." The Martian spoke emotionlessly.
"We are simply taking precautions. Even if they don't want us to get involved on their battles, they'll still need our help if that time comes. And at the same time, preparing at the worst case scenario allows us to prepare against them if they ever go on rogue." Batman stated.
"But still, I don't want to fight them as much as possible." Superman muttered. "Even if we might have different ideals and principles as of them, they still were reliable allies." Superman and Batman then looked towards the empty 8th seat of the conference room. They are followed by the rest of the Justice League. After all, they intended for that 8th seat to be reserved for the Shinobi since the 7 of them still considers the Shinobi as part of the founding member of the Justice League even if the Shinobi declined to join the group. But now, even if the Shinobi has his own team, they still won't remove the 8th seat as part of respect and acknowledgement to the young man who helped founding the principle of the Justice League…
-Scene Change-
After an awkward parting with Takahara Ayumi, Naruto immediately headed towards the public library where he is scheduled to meet with Shiomiya Shiori, the campus librarian. He still can't help but think why Ayumi suddenly said about her liking him…
'Is this what my classmates meant when they mention that I'm quite popular?' Naruto muttered while walking aimlessly. "Well, I also like Ayumi… same goes for Skuld, Tenri, and all my other close friends. I guess that's just it… or is it?" Naruto sighed. He knew that he is misunderstanding something big, but still can't figure out what it is… 'Maybe this really is what Skuld had said that was wrong within me…' He just smiled in defeat…
Naruto arrived 5 minutes before the scheduled time. But much to his surprise, Shiori was already standing in front of the campus library, waiting for him. The two saw and approached each other. Naruto greeted Shiori with his usual grin, while Shiori gave her signature shy smile to him.
"How long have you been here, Shiori?"Naruto asked the female librarian.
"It's alright. Both of us arrived earlier than our actual meeting time."Shiorireplied with her smallbut cute vioce.
"I see. Do you want to eat anything first before we tackle the library?"
"No. I'm full." Shiori lightly waved her right hand. "And... uhm... we're not entering the library either." She said as she looked down. "Please don't get angry at me, Naruto-kun."
"Huh?" Naruto cleverly replied. "Why don't we need to enter the library? And why will I get angry at you?"
"Uhm... if we need to enter on the library for the finishing touches of the latest Chapter of our novel, then you no longer need to worry about it since I've already finished it." Shiori said with a light smile.
"Whoa... you already have done that much?" Naruto muttered in surprise. "You should've told me last night. That way, I wouldn't have to bother you going out today."
"It's fine, Naruto-kun." Shiori kindly smiled. "I... uh... also wanted to come here... with you..." she said with visible moe blush on her face.
"Why? I mean you can just tell me that we need to talk, right?"
"Uhm... I'm sorry. I just want for you to... enjoy something that you are not used to do normally... like going out like this..." Shiori said with light blush on her face.
After all, ever since Shiori found out that Naruto is the person behind the mask of the Shinobi thru Minerva's observation (happened from Chapter 25), the shy girl understood that Naruto is living in an entirely different world from her. She somehow knew that the Shinobi's life is far different than any normal person can possibly imagine. That's why... she can somehow relate to him...
Though not as different as a person with overwhelming power like Naruto, Shiori also felt isolated since her childhood because her thought process and hobby were different than ordinary children of her age. After all, she can read and understand a lot of difficult books that someone even older than her cannot easily comprehend. Due to that, Shiori was treated as a weirdo by her classmates, leading her to her life as an unsociable silent bookworm before meeting Naruto.
That's why Shiori can understand and relate to Naruto that both of them are different among others due to their special abilities. But unlike her who almost gave up to herself, Naruto tried to live as normal as much as possible despite being different from them. The Shinobi even tried to understand her despite the fact that both of them didn't know much about each other. He changed her from her past unsociable bookworm lifestyle into someone as she is right now. She was able to change and become a better person because of him...
That's why Shiori can understand Naruto, at least that much. She believes that Naruto already knew that if someone knew about his powers, he's afraid that he will be treated differently. That's why Naruto opt not to tell her about his secret regarding him as the phantom hero Shinobi. And she respected that decision of his. That's why she'll just wait for now until Naruto believes that he could entrust her about his little secret. She doesn't harbor any negative feelings about it. After all, their relationship together right now as close friends was more than enough for her at the moment.
Despite the fact that Naruto still doesn't know that she already knew his secret, Shiori decided to just help Naruto in unwinding whatever he is thinking right now and spend time with him as normal as other people would be. After all, even if Naruto is actually different from them in more ways than one, Shiori just wanted her object of affection to feel that no matter what happens, he'll never be alone, and she'll always be by his side. That her own way of expressing, how special Naruto is for her.
"Enjoying something that I'm not normally used to do?" The Shinobi muttered. 'Why did Shiori say something like that? Well, she's got a point. I'm not enjoying a normal life as much as other normal guys of my age used to enjoy. But what's actually normal about me?' He mused to himself. 'But what lead Shiori to say something like that?'.
"Yes… uhm… I just want you to have fun like everyone else… because you deserve it…" Shiori said in a moe-like, affectionate smile.
"…!?" Naruto immediately turned around to cover his nose. 'Did I just have a nosebleed due to moe overload. That's quite a lot to take in, Shiori…' Naruto thought.
Shiori just tilted her head in wonder about what Naruto was thinking. She then just smiled. Yeah… he is always like this… He might have such mysterious identity, but still, he is the same Naruto that she had feelings for… the same kind knucklehead who will never fail to make her feel at ease and happy each and every time.
The shy librarian then looked towards one specific pedestrian, as if expecting someone else to arrive. And just as she thought, she saw the two people that she also invited out for this event. Seeing them, Shiori waved her hand lightly towards the approaching individuals…
"They're finally here…" Shiori muttered with a smile.
"They?" Naruto perked up. He then followed Shiori's gaze, only to make him surprised after seeing the two approaching girls that he already knew very well…
"So we made it in time…" The petit girl with long, blonde, curly hair spoke while carrying a picnic basket and also her favorite companion doll, Luna.
"Thank you for inviting us over, Shiori-san." The girl with black, braided hair that was curved upwards tied by two large pink ribbon-like buns also spoke with a smile.
"Tsukiyo… Tenri…?!" Naruto said with flabbergasted expression. He then looked towards Shiori, who simply let her tiny tongue out playfully with her right index finger pointing at the lower part of her right eye. "What's this all about?"
Naruto then remembered that this girl trio became close friends after the events from the festival (events from Chapter 17-18). It seemed like the three of them are used on hanging out with each other for them to gather around like this. He didn't realize that Tenri and Tsukiyo are already this close during the entire time that they were talking about the threat from Weiss during the gathering, but maybe it is all because the Goddesses were taking-over their bodies during the dialogue between the deities.
But there goes the problem… two of these three girls… have fully awakened Goddesses within them…
'Well, with Shiori around, I doubt that Diana and Vulcan will do something stupid.' Naruto nodded to himself.
"Maybe we should start moving. Naruto-kun is already spacing out in front of us." Tsukiyo said with a small smirk.
"Hai… Let's go." Tenri smiled cutely while fixing the plastic bags on her hands. The bags seemed to be filled with foods and snacks.
"Where are we going?" Naruto inquired.
"We'll visit the Maijima Theme Park, then have a picnic, together." Shiori said with a shy but beautiful smile.
Naruto, who still can't believe on the sudden turn of events, cannot help but just nodded as he has no choice but to follow these girls around.
'Ero-sennin really is right. Girls are even more unpredictable than me –ttebayo.' He grinned to himself stupidly as the group started walking towards the nearby Maijima Theme Park…
-Scene Change-
Genkai's Temple…
An exchange of sword and scythe techniques created a metallic clashing sound that echoed on the temple grounds. The sword user then applied additional strength to his blow, making the scythe user skid backwards from the clash impact. The scythe-using girl then glared to her attacker, somewhat sensing that the sword-user was now dashing towards her. She prepared her scythe to counter-attack, but all that she attacked was nothing but an after-image. Her opponent then appeared right behind her, preparing to knock her out…
"He did the same thing against me before… but it won't work against me the 2nd time!" Haqua yelled as she used the defensive spell of her Celestial Robe to block the incoming attack.
"So you finally improved." Hiei simply smirked to the scythe-wielding girl. Haqua then maneuvered herself using her scythe as her stepping stone to dash away from Hiei. She then released some projection spears thru her Celestial Robe and fired it towards Hiei, who easily blocked the spears like nothing.
Since Hiei's attention was being occupied by the projected Celestial Robe spears, Haqua used another part of her Celestial Robe to grab her Scythe of Testament from a distance. Upon returning on her hand, she quickly channeled some demonic energy on its blade and fired it as pressurized wind slash towards Hiei. The three-eyed Makai King then smirked, then swung his sword towards the incoming pressurized wind slash, thus cancelling the attack thru a collision. It created a gust of wind, making Haqua to cover her face.
But before she knew it, Hiei's sword was already pointing at her neck, behind her, with a casual smirk.
"Your fighting skills are improving, girl." Hiei said in a rare complimenting tone.
"Yeah… I guess… but still nowhere against your skills…" Haqua sighed in defeat.
The two sparring partners then distanced themselves from each other before walking towards Yukina who served them a small snack. Behind Yukina is Yoko Kurama on his red-haired human form, reading a book.
After the gathering, Haqua requested for the Makai Kings to train her to become stronger for he to be able to protect the Goddesses and also New Hell from its corrupted government. Koenma asked her why does she need to train despite knowing that the Makai Kings, the Saiyans, and the Shinobi will be handling any battle that will initiated by the Vintage of New Hell. But Haqua simply replied that she can't just always rely to everyone. She wanted to do something that she can be proud off… by correcting her past mistakes and saving New Hell against the darkness that was enveloping it right now.
The Daimakaicho smiled after hearing Haqua's answer. So she approached the Devil girl, then gave something mysterious to her, as if entrusting some important power to her. The Daimakaicho then agreed with Haqua's request, making Koenma simply smile in defeat. Yoko Kurama and Hiei silently agreed, ignoring Yusuke who is bickering with his ancestor Raizen about training as well…
That's why the next day after the gathering, Haqua started training under the wing of Yoko Kurama and Hiei. After all, the two Kings can see Haqua's determination, reminding them of their past during the time that all of them strived to get stronger to protect something that was important for them. And throughout the entire course of training, Haqua is steadily getting stronger. After all, she was a born genius along with unrivaled talent even from her classmates on New Hell.
"Let's keep going." Haqua said after resting for a minute.
"You don't need to force yourself, Haqua-san." Yukina simply smiled to her.
"Don't worry, Yukina-san. I'm fine. I really wanted to do this." Haqua replied with a bright smile.
"Resting is part of getting stronger. If you don't revitalize your lost strength at a given time, then you'll just abuse yourself physically, making you weaker in the process." Yoko muttered, calmly closing the book that he is reading.
"I understand that. But I want to become stronger before Vintage started to become active once again. Please, train me!" Haqua stood with fierce expression, then bowed politely towards Hiei and Yoko.
"Why do all genius-type of people tends to be stubborn?" Hiei said with a sigh while Yukina simply smiled wryly.
Yoko Kurama, after seeing Haqua's determined expression, then stood up and randomly drew a rose from nowhere.
"Then I'll be your sparring partner this time." Yoko said seriously. Haqua nodded with a smile as they once again head towards the temple grounds. "But I'm warning you, I'm a lot stricter than Hiei."
"I'll do my best!" Haqua replied like a diligent honor student. Yoko sighed with a smile, then applied Youki on his rose, transforming it to a thorned plant whip. The two prepared to attack each other, and in that instance, the scythe and the whip exchange their attacks that echoed on the entire temple.
On the other hand, on one of the other mountains of Genkai's land…
Several massive craters and destroyed trees can be seen with Yusuke panting hardly in the middle of one of the craters. He is looking towards one of the biggest rock debris a few meters away from him. On top of that rock debris stood his ancestor, Toushin Raizen, sitting in bored manner.
"I believe that you are a lot stronger than during the time that you have defeated Sensui. But still you are nothing but a mere kid in front of me." Raizen said with taunting gesture.
"Shut up old man! Take me seriously!" Yusuke yelled as he fired a massive Reigan towards his ancestor. But Raizen simply stopped the Regian with bare hands and crushed it like nothing, dispersing the potent energy blast from Yusuke.
"I am taking you seriously. That's why I am holding back." Raizen smirked. "Because if I don't take you seriously, then that means I won't hold back and I will blast you off like a fly before you could even react."
Aside from actually training his descendant and also thinking about some theories about whatever the Vintage of New Hell was plotting, he also cannot help but think about what Naruto had said regarding Kaguya (from Chapter 26). Somehow, Raizen can see that Naruto had already accepted his birthright as Kaguya's descendant. But the statement that he said objectively about Kaguya during the gathering wasn't just about some descendant who is protecting his lineage. It is about something that he should have also thought about while fighting Kaguya before the Rabbit Goddess was exiled to the reality dimension rift.
After all, it really is and still a true mystery even for him that a peace-loving Goddess like Kaguya suddenly became a ruthless god that destroyed anything and anyone on her path. Everyone who had seen her terrifying fighting prowess, including himself and the deities of Reikai such as Koenma, believed that Kaguya's overwhelming powers became the reason why she had gone mad. But even after everything that he heard, Naruto believed that it is unfair to treat Kaguya as an evil person without even trying to understand why she suddenly became evil that resulted in her banishment.
Raizen realized that the Shinobi has a point. Something actually triggered Kaguya's change... something that he over-looked on his own... because his reasoning got clouded by his anger against his Goddess sister after seeing Kaguya brutally killing his friends and allies during the war between Makai and Weiss...and that thought made him somewhat angry to himself...
After all, what if the Rabbit Goddess was just being manipulated or brainwashed that made her act like an evil person?! What if Kaguya didn't meant everything that happened during that war? If that's really the case, his deep anger against her is just a blind hatred that sent her to her own oblivion...
If that will actually become the case, then... Raizen felt a deep guilt against himself...
That's why he was now training his descendant. He needs to let all his musings out of his system. And Yusuke's powerful Reigan, despite dispersing it like nothing, was more than enough for Raizen to remember what he was fighting for...
After seeing his Reigan that has enough power to level multiple mountain ranges got dispersed like nothing, Yusuke simply gritted his teeth, then he grinned confidently.
"So that's how you wanted to play the game." Yusuke then released a powerful potent Reiki.
"You need to get stronger. That Kaguya's descendant and those Saiyans are continuously training to become more powerful than before. We might only be waiting for whatever those Vintage from New Hell might do, but we still need to maximize that time to train and become stronger, especially you as my descendant." Raizen said in a Sensei-like manner.
"I know that very well! That's why I have you to train me!" Yusuke wiped his nose with his right thumb. "Here I come, old man!"
Yusuke then dashed towards Raizen. Yusuke's ancestor simply smirked cockily.
The two sparring partners collided, creating a massive shockwave that can be felt throughout the entire Genkai's state…
-Scene Change-
"Now that was fun." Naruto grinned towards Shiori, Tenri and Tsukiyo. The group was currently sitting in one of the less crowded picnic spots of the Maijima Theme Park while eating sandwiches and snacks prepared by the three girls.
"I can't believe that we already have been thru almost every popular spots of the theme park..." Tenri muttered with a small smile.
"Well, our goal here is to have fun. And we've been doing quite a good job for that." Tsukiyo nodded to herself while pouring some black tea to everyone's cup.
"But still, thank you for coming with us, Tenri-san, Tsukiyo-san." Shiori lightly bowed her head towards her two close friends.
Tenri and Tsukiyo simply responded with a wordless smile. Of course, they have their own reasons for coming when Shiori emailed the two of them last night. Because much to their surprise, Shiori also had the same realization that the two of them just have after seeing a fragment of Naruto's memories during the gathering with the Daimakaicho...
Aside from the fact that the two Jupiter Goddess hosts already knew that Naruto is the person behind the mask of the enigmatic hero Shinobi, the two girls also felt something within them after knowing that Naruto came from another world after sacrificing himself for the sake of ending a long, difficult battle against someone named Uchiha Madara. He selflessly sacrificed his existence for the sake of the future of his very own, war-torn world. It is then that the two of them realized the heavy burden and responsibility that the Hokage was carrying on his broad shoulders even before they actually meet and get to know him better.
And yet, even after everything that happened to him, he continued to move forward, always with that confident smile on his face. He continued trying to live as normal as possible on this new world while protecting it on his own way. That's why, both Tenri and Tsukiyo thought that they should also do their own share to make Naruto's new life on this world to be worthwhile. The two girls thought the same resolution despite the fact that they didn't share their thoughts to each other after the gathering from Genkai's temple...
That's why Tsukiyo and Tenri got surprised after Shori emailed the two of them last night about her plan to have Naruto to experience something fun. It's as if the shy librarian already knew something about the Shinobi's secret. After all, the two girls still don't know that Shiori already knew about Naruto's secret, and same goes for Shiori still not knowing that these two friends of hers already knowing that mysterious side of the Shinobi.
Yet, despite these, the three of them knew that they just wanted Naruto to be able to spend a normal life as much as possible. So they just decided to go along with the flow. After all, not only that they were able to spend time with each other as trio of best friends, they were also able to spend time with Naruto as natural as possible without the awkwardness that may happen when each of them are spending time by themselves alone with him due to their hidden feelings for him.
"But still, I'm actually wondering why you guys decided to spend time like this all of a sudden." Naruto muttered while taking a bite on his sandwich that was prepared by Tenri.
"Well..." Shiori looked down, thinking of whatever response that she could say. After all, she is the one who organized this get together. Tenri and Tsukiyo also can't reply. After all, they have their own personal reasons, but they don't know that they actually have the same reason.
"Do you not like spending time with us?" Tsukiyo asked Naruto.
"It's not like that -ttebayo..." Naruto waved both his hands in dismissal. "I really do have fun spending time like this."
That is what Naruto had honestly felt. Even if he ended up being dragged all over the place by these three close friends of his' ,the Shinobi enjoyed spending time as carefree as this... something that he was barely able to experience on his entire life. Even something so simple, like that of little pandas cuddling to their mother panda, that he saw alongside these three girls on the amusement park, was something that whenever thought that he will be able to appreciate...
Never once during his entire career as a Shinobi did he appreciate something so simple. After all, he was always training, fighting and such just to protect everything that's important for him... that's why he really did appreciate that these three girls went out of their way for him to spend time like this.
"Everything that's happening right now were entirely new and different for me. That's why... I really want to thank you guys." Naruto said with a rare, sincere smile that made the three girls somewhat blush. "And from the looks of it, I can see that the three of you really are getting along pretty well."
"Of course we will. After all, we might not be able to meet each other if not because of you, Naruto-kun." Tenri smiled affectionately to the Shinobi.
"Not really. I believe the three of you will still become great friends to each other even if I don't do anything." Naruto simply replied while looking at the drifting clouds.
"Please don't disregard yourself like that from us." Tsukiyo chastised the Shinobi. "We may be different from each other, but that difference itself was the bond that we forged together that's why we became friends."
"Thanks." Naruto once again smiled towards the girls. He can feel the utmost trust and acceptance from them. This gave him further resolution to do everything that he can to protect them... all his friends in this new world who accepted and acknowledged him, regardless of them being Goddesses or him being the Chosen Child.
"By the way, the three of us agreed to create a sub-club for the Astronomy Club." Tsukiyo immediately perked up with visible enthusiasm on her face. "And it is the Volunteer Club."
"The 'what' club?!" Naruto said with squinted eyes.
"The Vo-lun-teer Club!" The three girls spoke in unison while emphasizing each syllable.
"Okaaay... Why do you need to create a sub-club of Astronomy Club?" Naruto inquired without that much interest. After all, he really isn't that much interested in such clubs.
"Uhm... the teachers said that the Astronomy Club will be dissolved if Tsukiyo-san won't be able to find 2 other members, since each club needs at least 3 members and an advisor." Tenri explained. "That's why Shiori-san and I willingly joined the Astronomy Club for Tsukiyo-san."
"I see..." Naruto nodded. "But who will be the advisor?"
"Nikaido-sensei." Tsukiyo replied. The girls saw how Naruto visibly gulped after hearing the teacher's name. "Don't worry. She might be scary, but she is a fine teacher."
"The reason why we create a sub-club for the Astronomy club is because I know that Shiori-san and Tenri-san simply lend me their hand so my beloved club won't be abolished since I am the only member of the Astronomy Club. That's why I don't want to force my own preference to them. So instead of doing the Astronomy Club's actual activities, we just agreed to create a sub-club where we can properly contribute together..." Tsukiyo narrated.
"But what will be that Voluntary Club's tasks and activities? It actually sounds fishy." Naruto muttered.
"For the record, it's Volunteer Club!" Tsukiyo said while pointing her right index finger to Naruto.
"Naruto-kun, the Volunteer Club's objectives is to provide help to our campus' students who requests or needs assistance regarding specific responsibilities or tasks." Shiori explained. "Someone we know who is always going out of his way just to help his friends inspired us on creating the Volunteer Club... if you're going to ask what inspired us for establishing the club."
"That person seemed to had a very troublesome personality." Naruto said, not realizing that he is the very person that the three girls had in mind while thinking of that person. "But still, with the three of you behind that whatsit club, I'm sure that everything will work just fine-ttebayo."
"We're not just three. We're four. You're also a club member. No objections." Tsukiyo said with confident expression. Naruto was about to retort, but... "Nikaido-sensei had already enlisted you because you barely join on any campus activities. So she agreed with us to have you join the club."
"So I really don't have any say on this, have I?" Naruto sighed. "Well, since that's the case already, I'll just need to do everything that I can for the club. But I can't always be around due to my part-time job."
The girls visibly beamed after hearing Naruto's acceptance for being a club member of the Volunteer Club. The three of them then smiled towards each other. Shiori's plan on tightening their bonds to each other worked perfectly after all.
"Well, since we have already eaten and rested plenty enough, I think we should start moving again! We still have a lot of things that we have yet to try and see." Naruto said while standing up. "You guys went out of your way to make sure that I'll experience something different every once in a while, right? Then we can't just bum around here!"
"Hai." Tenri nodded with a cute smile.
"As energetic as ever." Tsukiyo said with a smile.
"But that's how we want him to be, ne?" Shiori muttered while looking affectionately towards Naruto.
The girls then cleaned up everything while Naruto continued to urge the girls to hurry up. The 4 then continued their quest for fun and adventure on their remaining time on the amusement park...
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone