章 45: Chapter 37. The Blade that Defies Fate

Patronus stirred, his consciousness pulling him into an abyss of darkness. He stood in an otherworldly void, the air heavy with despair. "What the hell...? Where am I?"

A figure emerged from the shadows—a towering, menacing presence. Its form was humanoid but otherworldly, with crimson wings that seemed to pulse with life and a head radiating an intense red light. The weapon it wielded shimmered ominously, exuding an aura of unimaginable power.

"We meet again, young warrior," the figure spoke, its voice echoing as though the universe itself was whispering.

Patronus instinctively raised his guard, his instincts screaming danger. Who is this guy? Why can't I summon Kurama or the others here?

"Who are you?" He demanded, his tone firm despite the unease gnawing at him. "And what do you want? Wait... Are you the one who gave me power to seal and destroy the gate?"

The figure chuckled, a deep and haunting sound. "Yes, I was the one who guided you. You remind me of someone I once was—your determination, your battles, your bonds. A man who faced and conquered his own darkness."

Patronus eyes narrowed. "Alright. So why are you here now? How long have you been watching me?"

The figure took a step closer, the glow of his aura illuminating the void. "I began watching when you fought Dek'sada. Your actions intrigued me. But I suppose introductions are in order. I am known in the cosmos as Terrorblade, or Ilidan, the Demon Marauder."

Naruto's heart raced at the sheer gravity of the name. "What do you want from me?"

"I want you to inherit my power," Ilidan said without hesitation.

Patronus frowned. "Why me? What makes me so special?"

Ilidan's gaze softened, his tone carrying a faint melancholy. "Your compassion, your unyielding love for those you hold dear. It reminds me of my past—of the man I once was before I became this."

"That's it?" He asked, skeptical.

"No," Ilidan admitted. "The Burning Legion has risen again, more powerful than ever. They seek to consume and destroy all worlds. Only a warrior like you—a warrior who has conquered his own darkness—can stand against them. Together, with my power and your resolve, we can ensure their destruction."

He's jaw tightened. "How do I know I can trust you? You could just be looking to take over my body."

Ilidan laughed, a bitter and hollow sound. "No, young one. I am but a relic of the past. My time has long since ended. All that remains is my power—and my story."

Before Patronus could reply, his surroundings shifted. He was thrust into Ilidan's memories, experiencing his torment firsthand.

Patronus found himself standing in a place that defied logic—a hell within hell. The sky was a swirling mass of black and green, the ground beneath his feet pulsating with malevolent energy. Screams echoed endlessly in the distance, a symphony of suffering that clawed at his sanity.

"This..." Naruto muttered, his voice trembling. "What is this place?"

"This is Foulfell," Ilidan's voice whispered, though his form was absent. "A prison for those who defied the cosmos itself. It is the Hell of Hells."

He watched as a version of Ilidan, bound and broken, was dragged through the abyss by monstrous entities. His captors tortured him without end—burning his flesh, tearing at his soul, and forcing him to relive his failures and regrets over and over again.

"Why...?" Naruto's voice cracked. "Why did they do this to you?"

"Because I dared to challenge the Burning Legion. I sealed away Sargeras, the Dark Titan, and stood against their dominion. For that, they condemned me to this infernal existence."

Patronus saw a younger Ilidan crying out, his voice hoarse from centuries of torment. A dark mirror of Ilidan appeared, twisted and monstrous, taunting him.

"You are nothing but a failure," the twisted version sneered. "You failed your people, your world, and your brother. Why not surrender to the abyss and become what you truly are? A monster."

He clenched his fists as he watched Ilidan's struggle.

"I almost gave in," Ilidan admitted. "The darkness within me—the worst version of myself—it was relentless. It knew my fears, my pain, my regrets, and it wielded them against me like a blade."

Ilidan's memory shifted, showing a decisive moment.

A younger Ilidan stood face-to-face with his dark self, his body battered and his spirit flickering like a dying ember. But his eyes burned with defiance.

"I am not you," Ilidan declared. "I may have made mistakes. I may have lost everything. But I will not let you define me."

The dark reflection laughed, its voice dripping with malice. "You are me! You are the darkness. Without me, you are nothing!"

In response, Ilidan summoned every ounce of strength he had left, not to fight the dark version but to accept it.

"I am the darkness," Ilidan admitted, stepping forward and embracing his reflection. "But I am also the light. I am the balance between them. You are not my enemy. You are a part of me."

The dark reflection screamed in fury, its form merging with Ilidan. The fusion unleashed a cataclysmic surge of power that rippled through Foulfell.

He watched as Ilidan's body transformed, his wings erupting into crimson fire, his eyes glowing with the intensity of a thousand stars. The monstrous entities that once tormented him cowered in fear as he rose, reborn as something far greater.

"I became Terrorblade," Ilidan explained. "Not as a title of shame, but as a testament to my conquest of the abyss within me. I turned my torment into power, my despair into resolve. I became the embodiment of defiance—the terror of those who sought to break me."

Patronus returned to the void, the memory fading. He looked at Ilidan with newfound understanding.

"You didn't just survive," he said, his voice filled with respect. "You became something unstoppable."

Ilidan nodded. "But it came at a cost. The balance I achieved came with immense burden. It's a path few can walk, and none should walk alone."

Patronus hesitated, his mind racing with questions. "And you want me to take up that path? To become like you?"

Ilidan stepped closer, his crimson aura pulsating. "No. I want you to surpass me. To carry the power I once wielded but forge your own path with it. You have something I never had—friends, allies, people who will stand by you. Use this strength to protect them. Conquer the Burning Legion and show the cosmos a new way."

Patronus clenched his fists, his determination flaring. "I'll do it. I'll take your power. But I won't let it consume me. I'll find a way to protect the people I care about and stop the Burning Legion—without losing myself."

Ilidan smiled faintly, his aura beginning to fade. "Good. Then our pact is sealed. Take my power, Uzumaki Naruto. Show the universe what it means to rise above despair."

A torrent of energy surged into Naruto, filling him with Ilidan's immense strength. Memories, techniques, and power flooded his mind and body. His form began to glow, his usual aura merging with a crimson light.

"Go, young warrior," Ilidan's voice echoed as the void dissolved into light. "Become the hope I could not be."

•

Amid the rubble and smoke of the battlefield, Artoria frantically searched for Patronus, her heart heavy with worry. Suddenly, the debris shifted, and a figure emerged from the wreckage.

The man stepped into the light, his hood fallen away to reveal a striking face: blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and whisker-like marks on his cheeks. His presence radiated strength, but his warm smile reassured her.

"Patronus? Is that you? Are you okay?" Artoria asked, relief and concern mingling in her voice.

He nodded, his grin as bright as the sun. "It's me, Artoria-chan. And as for your question, I'm better than ever."

Artoria's worry melted into a soft smile. "I'm glad to see you're okay. But... what are you planning to do now?"

Naruto's smile faded slightly, replaced with a look of resolve. "I'm going to face Dek'sada again."

Her eyes widened. "What? You were nearly killed by him! Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Naruto chuckled softly, his tone playful. "It makes me happy to have such a beautiful lady worrying about me. But this is something I must do, Artoria-chan."

Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her gaze away, flustered. "I-I wasn't worried for that reason..."

He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"H-Hey! What are you...?!" Artoria stammered, her heart skipping a beat.

Naruto smirked mischievously. "Just watch."

In an instant, the two vanished in a flash of light.

•

The chaotic battlefield was alive with the clamor of combat, injured heroes retreating as the remaining fighters struggled to hold their ground against the overwhelming might of Dek'sada.

Suddenly, a brilliant light illuminated the area. Two figures appeared, their arrival accompanied by an otherworldly presence.

The battlefield quieted for a moment, all eyes drawn to the new arrivals.

"Patronus! I knew you were still alive!" Dek'sada roared, his grin spreading wide.

Naruto stepped forward confidently, his blue eyes fixed on the demon. His new aura was undeniable-calm yet brimming with immense power.

Satria, still engaged in his own battle, froze mid-attack, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "No way... it can't be... You're..."

Naruto's voice rang out, steady and strong. "Dek'sada! I'm demanding a rematch for our duel."

The demon grin widened in amusement. "Hoo... Are you approaching me? Instead of running away, you're coming right to me?"

Naruto smirked. "I can't beat the crap out of you without getting closer."

Dek'sada threw back his head and laughed, his booming voice shaking the ground. "Oh ho! Then come as close as you like!"

Meanwhile, Satria's expression shifted from shock to confusion. "Wait... that line... it feels... familiar."

[Fatalis: Holy shit! Is that a JoJo reference?!]

Jiraiya, watching from a safe distance with a group of injured heroes, blinked in disbelief. "Am I seeing things, or is that my student over there?"

Satria squinted, his face a mix of curiosity and shock. "You're not imagining it, old man. But... if that's who I think it is, this confirms the multiverse theory, that's Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto freaking Uzumaki."

Jiraiya's expression shifted into a grin. "Heh. That kid just keeps surprising me."

Captain America stepped forward, rallying the heroes. "You heard him! Let's clear the area and help the injured. This is a fight we shouldn't interfere in."

Naruto and Dek'sada squared off, the tension between them palpable. The wind seemed to still, the world holding its breath in anticipation.

Naruto's aura flared, his newfound strength flowing through him, a blend of his own spirit and the power of Terrorblade. His eyes glimmered with unshakable determination.

Dek'sada raised his weapon, his predatory grin. "Come on, Patronus. Show me what you've got and before you die, tell me your true name."

Naruto met the demon's gaze, his eyes blazing. "I am Uzumaki Naruto. And I will show you the power of a man who has conquered his own darkness."

As the battlefield stilled, the heroes and villains alike watched in awe as Naruto prepared to face Dek'sada once more-this time, with the power of Terrorblade coursing through his veins.

"What happened to you in such a short time?" Dek'sada asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "I sense... something new about you."

Naruto grinned confidently, his hand resting on the hilt of Ame-No-Murakamo. "Who knows?"

Without warning, Naruto dashed forward, his speed like a blur. His blade sliced toward Dek'sada, but the demon lord's spear intercepted it with a loud clang of metal.

"So impatient," Dek'sada sneered. "Don't worry. I'll make your death quick-if not painless."

With a feral grin, he unleashed Dark Nova, the explosive blast throwing Naruto backward.

Naruto rolled to his feet, grimacing but undeterred. He tightened his grip on his sword, shifting into a defensive stance. His posture shifted into one of pure focus, the aura around him calming as he drew from his training in Takamagahara.

Dek'sada tilted his head, intrigued. "Hoo... an interesting form. What are you planning now, Patronus?"

'Form III, Naruto,' Kurama's voice echoed in his mind. 'Focus on defense. Buy time. Look for his openings.'

Naruto nodded subtly, steeling himself. Dek'sada charged, his spear striking with relentless force.

The sound of clashing metal echoed through the battlefield. Naruto parried each blow with precision, his stance unyielding.

"What's the matter, Uzumaki Naruto?" Dek'sada taunted. "Do you think you can win by simply defending?"

Naruto ignored him, his eyes scanning for a moment of weakness.

Finally, he saw it.

With a sharp inhale, Naruto swung his blade downward-but intentionally missed Dek'sada, his strike hitting the ground instead.

The demon smirked. "A miss? How disappointing-"

Before he could finish, Naruto reversed the cut mid-swing, bringing the blade back up in a fluid arc.

"Tsubame Gaeshi!"

The upward slash tore through Dek'sada's defenses, slicing his side. Blood spurted from the wound as the demon staggered back, his expression twisting in fury.

"What!?" Dek'sada bellowed, his hand gripping the bleeding wound.

Naruto smirked, his stance relaxing slightly. "What's wrong, Dek'sada? Feeling your limits?"

Dek'sada's eyes burned with rage. "You... You dare to wound me?! An insignificant creature dares harm the Great Dek'sada?!"

The demon roared, a sound so deafening that those nearby instinctively clutched their ears.

"Fine... I already calm myself. Let us continue this deathmatch, Patronus."

Dek'sada surged forward, his spear now cloaked in crackling red lightning. Each strike came faster, harder, and deadlier.

Naruto gritted his teeth, his Hopushin Rikudou mode barely holding against the relentless assault. Despite his best efforts, one strike slipped through, piercing his side.

"Guh!" Naruto coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he dropped to one knee.

Dek'sada loomed over him, grinning viciously. "I expected more from you, Patronus. Is this truly all you have? Are you done already?"

Naruto's hands trembled as he gripped his sword. 'If not for Hopushin Rikudou, that would've been the end of me,' he thought, his breaths labored.

Kurama growled. 'This is bad... really bad.'

'Naruto-kun, are you alright?' Matatabi's voice chimed in, filled with concern.

Naruto forced himself to stand, his legs shaky but determined. "If my body can still move... I'll fight. I'll protect the people who are important to me-no matter what!"

Dek'sada's grin faltered, replaced with something akin to respect. "Well said, Patronus. You have my admiration."

He floated upward, his spear raised high as dark energy gathered around him. "But respect won't save you!"

A storm of spears rained down upon Naruto, each strike crackling with malevolent energy. He dodged, blocked, and countered as best as he could, but the relentless onslaught began to overwhelm him.

Naruto's resolve burned brightly, but his movements were slowing. 'I can't keep this up... but I won't give up! I'll grow stronger for the people who need me!'

Then, disaster struck.

A sharp crack echoed as Dek'sada's spear clashed with Naruto's blade one final time. Ame-No-Murakamo shattered, its sacred edge breaking into two pieces.

Naruto froze, staring at the broken weapon in disbelief.

Dek'sada grinned wickedly. "Did you really think you could best me with such a fragile toy? Know your place, lowlife!"

Kurama's voice boomed in Naruto's mind. 'This can't be happening! The Imperial Regalia... broken?!'

Kokuo chimed in, her voice steady but grave. 'What now, Naruto-kun?'

Shukaku's panicked yell cut through the din. 'Run, Bitch! Run!'

Matatabi hissed, her tone laced with frustration. 'Shut up, you cowardly rat!'

____________

Kazuma-sama: "Wait a second... isn't that the hyperactive blonde kid from the Chuunin Exams?"

Ice Sadist: "My instincts were right. He had untapped potential. Look at him now!"

Batman Junior: "What are you two talking about?"

Kazuma-sama: "You missed it. Watch the file labeled Chuunin Exams. You'll see what I mean."

Batman Junior: "This guy... he's the same kid? But stronger... and adult."

Evil Spirit: "Ara-ara~ Who knew that cheerful boy would grow into such a strong and handsome man?"

Emilia: "Don't give up, God of Hope-san."

___________

Spectators POV

Satria and the others watched intently as Naruto clashed swords with Dek'sada. The two warriors moved with incredible speed, their weapons creating sparks as they collided. Naruto's swordsmanship was surprisingly polished, each strike showcasing skill far beyond what many expected.

"His technique is incredible," Satria remarked, eyes fixed on the battle. "That move just now... it's the Tsubame-Gaeshi! How does he know that?"

Satria's voice carried awe, as he recalled seeing the legendary technique in the Fate series.

Jiraiya, who stood beside him, was equally amazed. "I didn't know Naruto was so skilled with a sword. That's not something I taught him."

Satria chuckled and crossed his arms. "You're forgetting something, old man. He's the son of Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Habanero. It's in his blood."

Jiraiya smacked his forehead in realization. "You're right! How could I forget something that important?"

Satria chuckled, shaking his head. "Sometimes, I wonder how you're a legendary Sannin."

Jiraiya shot him a mock glare. "Hey, watch it, kid. You may be a dimension-hopping badass, but respect your elders!"

The banter was cut short as a massive burst of energy erupted from the battlefield. Both men turned their attention back to Naruto, who stood amidst the chaos, battered but unyielding.

Jiraiya's expression softened, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Still... that kid has grown. He's come so far from the hyperactive knucklehead who used to prank the village."

Satria nodded. "And yet, some things never change. That determination of his? It's what makes him unstoppable."

Jiraiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... if this Naruto can grow into that, then maybe..."

Satria raised a brow. "What's on your mind?"

Jiraiya grinned mischievously. "I think it's time I start training his chibi version properly. Maybe help him tap into that Uzumaki potential a little earlier."

Satria smirked. "Good luck with that. I hope you're ready for double the headaches."

Artoria Pendragon, her keen warrior's gaze locked on the battlefield, added, "The move was brilliant. Naruto feigned failure in his stance, lulling his opponent into overconfidence, and then countered with precision. It's a masterful tactic."

Before they could say more, Dek'sada let out a deafening roar of frustration, forcing everyone to cover their ears. The demon's rage was palpable, its aura flaring with violent energy. When the roar subsided, Dek'sada moved, its speed now blinding, and launched another relentless assault on Naruto.

Satria cursed under his breath. "He's faster now. Damn it!"

Dek'sada's spear shot forward, piercing Naruto's side once again. Blood splattered onto the ground, and the group winced at the sight.

"Naruto's wounds are opening up again," Artoria said, concern evident in her tone. "This isn't looking good."

Satria clenched his fists but forced himself to stay still. "Look at his eyes," he muttered. "He hasn't given up yet. I'll only step in if it gets truly dangerous."

On the battlefield, Naruto stood again, staggering but unyielding. Blood dripped from his wounds, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.

"I will never give up," Naruto declared, his voice unwavering despite the pain. "As long as I can stand, I'll fight. I'll protect the people who matter to me-no matter the cost!"

Satria felt a smile tug at his lips. "You're something else, Naruto. Somehow... I want to fight you myself someday."

Beside him, Jiraiya's voice was thick with pride. "Even in another world, My students spirit doesn't change. I couldn't be prouder."

Dek'sada let out a guttural roar and leaped high into the air, its spear aimed straight for Naruto. The sheer speed of the attack created afterimages in the sky.

"What insane speed and power!" Satria exclaimed, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. "This is bad."

Naruto raised his blade to block, but with a resounding crack, the weapon shattered in two. The group gasped in shock.

"His weapon broke!" Jiraiya shouted, already preparing to intervene.

Satria tightened his grip on his sword. "I'm going in."

"I'll join you," Artoria said, stepping forward with her blade gleaming.

But to their astonishment, Naruto remained calm. There was no despair in his eyes. Instead, he slowly walked toward the broken pieces of his weapon on the ground.

[Fatalis: What is he doing now?]

The Black Dragon wondered, her tone a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"I don't know," Satria replied, his brows furrowed in confusion.

As Naruto picked up the broken half of his blade, he faced Dek'sada with an unyielding glare. "You're strong, Dek'sada," he admitted. "I didn't think anyone could break Ame-no-Murakumo like that."

The mention of the legendary blade left the onlookers stunned.

"Ame-no-Murakumo?" Satria repeated in disbelief. "Is he saying that's the Imperial Regalia of Japan?"

Strange jaw dropped. "That's supposed to be a myth! How did he end up with something like that?"

Naruto ignored their amazement and continued speaking to Dek'sada. His words, though calm, seemed to provoke the demon, who snarled and readied another attack.

As the battle reached a critical point, a blinding white light enveloped Naruto, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

"What is that?" Jiraiya asked, squinting against the brilliance.

In the midst of the light, Naruto's voice rang out, firm and resolute. "Since you've never known what it means to care for someone, Dek'sada, let me teach you!"

To be continued.