NARUTO

Grand Order

The King and the Orphan

OOO

"A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway." – Christopher Reeve

OOO

Even after an hour of moving about his apartment at the dead of night, throwing on clothes, and preparing himself a very impromptu and questionable breakfast, Naruto still couldn't help but think that he was somehow still dreaming. As visually striking and practical as all of the effects had been, the youngster, in all his naturally inbuilt common sense, found himself mentally trying to pinch himself awake as he sat at his kitchen-slash-dining room table across from his newly arrived, and unexpected guest.

It wasn't an ordinary visitor either mind you. The person that was currently sitting in the slightly worn seat on the other side of the eating area was a woman of both noble and divine bearing. Though she was no longer adorned in the silver plated armor that she had initially appeared to him in, the color of her skin and the spiritual aura she was exuding made it look as though she was glowing with unfathomable celestial qualities. Topped by her superbly carved facial features, emerald eyes that reflected an unbending resolve and focus, and the fact she had a buxom, womanly figure unlike any other to match, made her perhaps the most good-looking and beautiful thing sitting in this apartment.

The whole body part of course was kind of an understatement.

Since she had somehow magically removed all of her heavy plates of armor, leaving her in only a skin-tight, blue and gold one-piece suit similar to a swimsuit, which showed off her ample cleavage, as well as tight blue gloves that went up her arms like sleeves, thigh-high leggings, and armored boots, all attention was drawn to the fact that she was undeniably fit, curvaceous, and well-endowed.

She reminded Naruto of those women he remembered posing on the front covers of those adult magazines sold at the convenient store. Because he had a real-life example of one sitting right in front of him, this entire situation was making him feel a bit anxious and a little lost for words.

As he sat there, hands in his lap and a cup of cheap ramen open in front of him, the youngster timidly looked between his table and the woman sitting across from him nervously. When he saw she was still staring at him with her piercing green eyes, while also sitting in a very proper manner, fit for a woman of her obviously high stature, the young jinchuriki twiddled his thumbs before clearing his throat.

"Umm… do you… like the noodles?" Naruto asked, his voice laden with innocent curiosity. "Do they taste good?"

The woman's warm smile returned to her. "The pasta's texture is quite pleasant and the powdered flavoring has a very strong zest to it. In spite of the dish's simplicity, I still very much enjoyed this late night meal," she answered, while at the same time giving the boy a courteous nod of appreciation. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

"Y-You're welcome," the blond stuttered, feeling a momentary sense of delight flood through him before it was once again shut down by his overwhelming sense of nervousness. "I'm… happy to hear that."

When she saw the youngster hunch forward again in a clear sign of discomfort and uneasiness, Artoria quickly deduced what was probably troubling him. A deep breath in was shortly followed by a very considerate look crossing her regal visage, "I'm sure you have many questions you wish to ask of me."

In response, Naruto nodded his head meekly, "Y-Yeah. I do, actually. It's just-" He then paused for a moment when his mind did a momentary summersault over all the information it'd collated thus far, and the blank spots that came with it. "I don't really know where I should start."

Artoria giggled briefly at his adorable expression, "Allow me to clear things up for you then." Puffing her ample chest out as she straightened her back, the blond beauty proceeded to address the matters plaguing the young man's thoughts. "This may have already become apparent to you, but I'm not from your world. I originated from a completely different one… a reality that is entirely separate from your own."

"A different… reality?" Naruto murmured, not quite understanding what she meant by that. In order to clarify, he slowly raised his hand and pointed it towards the ceiling. "You mean, like… from a different star? Up there, in space?" He asked this because he remembered seeing one of them blow up a few hours before. That is if it actually did blow up. He wasn't a hundred percent sure about that.

Not to mention he still had the Third Hokage's talk with him still ringing through his head.

Artoria shook her head. "Not exactly." She then quickly worked out a way to better break it down for the child and raised a hand to form a cup. "The stars that exist in your space- including your sun and planet- belong to just one universe drifting through a much, much larger cosmos." She did this while circling a finger over her hand. "There are countless others- each one separated by their own spaces and dimensions." The woman then lifted the same hand and gracefully placed it over the center of her chest. "I come from a universe that, while similar to this one, exists much further away from this world's curvature. Think of it like leaves on a tree, where each leaf represents just one universe. Are you following me so far?"

"Oh. So… what you're saying is…" Naruto blinked into realization as he then brought his hands together to form a ball, "My universe is one leaf on a big branch… and yours is another leaf that's sitting on a branch on a different part of the tree… right?"

"That's correct," Artoria replied with a nod, while at the same time giving the boy a warm look. "In my world, I come from a land where I once ruled as King, in a country called England. I lived and fought for that country, protected and governed its people, and died fighting for her liberty and status… all the while leaving behind many accomplishments and many regrets."

Naruto blinked, "Y-You died?" When he saw the woman nod, the whiskered youngster was then filled with a whole bunch of new questions. "Is that why you ended up here?"

"The reason why I'm here is due to a completely unique set of circumstances," the woman stated, her expression remaining unchanging as she gazed upon her host. "My spirit was brought to this plain and given physical form through the use of a magical ritual, invoked by a very powerful and ancient artefact known to us as the Holy Grail."

Naruto tilted his head, "Holy… Grail? What's that?" That was an object he'd never heard of before- not at school or on the streets. Was it… some kind of rock? Or a tomb? Or was it something else entirely. Based on the tone his guest was using, whatever it was it certainly sounded important.

"It's a religious holy relic that possesses the power to supposedly grant any wish to whomever manages to claim it. Back in my world, hundreds of wars and conflicts had been fought throughout our history by those seeking the Holy Grail. The name of the artifact itself has become legend. Even the mere mention of its presence has been able to insight great turmoil in multiple countries and cities," Artoria informed with a serious expression in play.

Nodding his head as his mind slowly processed the information given to him, Naruto then murmured thoughtfully, "Wow. So… I guess this Holy Grail is something super important."

"Indeed," Artoria remarked as well.

The orphan then tilted his head at her, "Do you… know what the grail looks like?"

In response, the lancer-wielding royal shook her head, "I do not. But what I do know is that thanks to a series of catastrophic events and cataclysms that racked our world, the surface of our reality splintered, and sent the grail propelling across time and space- beyond the borders of our realm. It eventually found its way here, to this universe… and ended up falling into your hands."

This news shocked Naruto. "Huh. M-My hands?" When he saw Artoria nod, the boy then backed up a little in his seat in a bit of a panic, "B-But I didn't… I mean. I don't remember… how could I have-" He then stopped when he remembered the events that'd transpired in the evening before and, after quickly looking down at his hands, gasped in realization. "Wait… that angel woman that fell from the sky near my camp fire. She… she gave me something in the forest. A-A golden ball… and it disappeared."

Artoria, smiling when she saw the boy finally realized what he had found, nodded to him, "The Holy Grail chose you as its carrier… and made you one of the main candidates to receive a wish from it." When she saw the youngster look up at her in surprise, the blonde woman's expression then became serious once again. "At the time of the end, the grail exerted an enormous amount of mana in order to transport itself and physically appear in this world. In doing so it terraformed the surface of this reality to create the ideal environment for its presence. As of right now, the grail is in a state of extended hibernation. In order to reawaken its power, it requires a massive sum of magical energy to be absorbed… and the best way it can receive this energy is by allowing people from the past possessing great magical prowess and ability, to battle and defeat one another in contest. Once enough magical energy has been gathered, the grail will activate, and grant the person who possesses it and anyone else around it one wish."

"Umm… okay." Upon listening to the woman's explanations and nodding her head at each key point she stated, the bewildered Naruto quickly clued in to what she had said and leant forward, "So… if I'm getting this right… then you're one of these super strong, magical people? Right?" That was also a new word to him. Right now he was just spit-balling his questions.

Artoria nodded, "Correct."

"And… you have to battle other magical people… in order for the grail to be refueled? After that, it will be able to grant wishes?"

"Correct."

"And that is… any wish you want? Right? Like… I can wish for… a million cups of ramen?" Naruto asked while throwing his arms out wide to illustrate his point.

His remark caused Artoria to giggle at his exclamation, "If that is what you desire most, yes."

"So then… since the grail is here… and it brought you here… does that mean others like you from your world will be showing up in this one as well?" Naruto asked, uncertain of whether he was asking the right questions, but hoping that his instincts and basic reasoning was serving him well in this instance. This was an entirely new and foreign experience to him after all, and everything that he was learning was coming from a star that was not his own.

The situation was completely bizarre.

"Correct again," Artoria replied with a smile, "In order to execute its purpose, the grail has invited a swell of heroes and figures from my world's past to challenge each other for the right to possess it. It is a great honor to be selected, and will undoubtedly cement your place in history as a person of terrific virtue and esteem." It was then the woman's expression darkened and Naruto felt a sudden jolt of uncertainty wash through him. "Unfortunately, due to the dangerous nature presented by this grand competition, it is likely that you are going to encounter all manner of individuals- both noble and malicious in origin- seeking the grail's power. The grail's will encompasses multiple realities after all… and though the people who will be coming to try and claim it will bear all knowledge of the contest's rules, whether they choose to abide is entirely up to them. Thus, in order to try and recover the grail for themselves, they will use all manner of heinous methods, strategies, and trickery in order to steal it. This, I'm afraid, puts your life in grave, grave danger."

Naruto, feeling an ice cold chill run through his body, shivered at the thought of someone else other than the beguiling woman before him, coming and ripping the golden ball out from his body. His heartbeat raced and his breathing quickened, as a sense of abject terror and fear for his own mortality overtook his thoughts.

"I… I can be killed?" Naruto asked, "For the thing that I'm carrying?"

"Yes," Artoria replied, her expression saddening when she saw the boy finally realize his role in this- at least to some degree. "Despite being chosen as the grail's guardian… I'm afraid it does come with a heavy price. A miracle being granted by such an artefact doesn't come easy."

Taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, as well as clutching his chest tightly to stop his heart from beating through it, the young orphan closed his eyes and composed himself. Once he felt his stress and panic ebb away, if only for a moment, the child once more turned to his visitor and faced her bravely. His next words started with a stutter and slowly leveled out, "W-What about you? Why did the grail bring you here… to me?"

Hearing the boy's scared question pulled Artoria back into a calmer mood. The golden-haired beauty smiled gently at the boy, while at the same time straightening her back and shoulders. "Aside from being an object of great power, the grail is also a very fickle personality. Not only did it decide to select you as its host, but it also granted you the honor of being a contestant in this tournament of heroes. As such, upon judging your worth and character, the grail opted to bring you a champion: someone who it believed would be able to help start you down the right path and prepare you for your many battles to come." She then tilted her head and grinned broadly at the boy. "Though I have no idea what the grail's plans are for the future, it apparently saw fit to choose me as your servant and you as my master. So I guess… you should be happy to have me as your guardian."

Nodding in understanding and also sprouting a smile, the young Naruto then nodded to the female king, "Is there a wish that you would like to ask from the grail, Artoria-san?"

Lowering her gaze for a moment in silent meditation, Artoria compiled her thoughts into something that was comprehensible, before then turning back to the boy who was her master. "Before I answer that question- to ascertain your worth as my master and the value of your character- could you please tell me what it is that you desire most in this world? What is your ultimate goal in life… or what is it that you want most?"

"What do I want?" Naruto asked while pointing at himself. When he saw the woman nod in response, the youngster groaned and scratched his head. Looking off to the side, the young orphan spoke, "Well… since all the people in this village has hated me for as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of becoming somebody great and important- a person that everyone would look up to and respect."

Artoria tilted her head curiously, "Like a king?"

"W-Well… yeah. I guess. In this village we don't have a king. We have a person called the Hokage, who is the leader of the people, and the strongest and greatest shinobi around," Naruto informed, his voice growing with excitement as he beamed at the woman sitting across from him. "I want to become somebody like that: a person who is super strong, smart, and loved by everyone… with lots of friends. To become a shinobi even greater than the Hokage, who can protect people and help people… that is my dream." Upon speaking his piece and seeing the woman stare at him in silence, Naruto then frowned a few seconds later and leaned back in his seat. "But wishing for something like that is dumb."

"Oh?" Artoria blinked in surprise, having not expected the youngster to do such a quick about-face following such a spirited declaration. "Why is that?"

Naruto then clenched his fists and held them up eagerly, "Because becoming a great Hokage is something that I want to do on my own… with my own power. I want people to like me for who I am… and respect me for my strength. I don't want it to be given to me by some silly magical rock that can grant any wish you want." He then placed a hand over his chest and looked at the woman with a serious look in play. "My journey is my journey alone… and I don't need a wish-granting thing spoiling it. So if I want to wish for something, it's going to have to be after I become Hokage."

Somewhat bewildered by the boy's words and explanations of his ambitions, Artoria felt her spirit lift. Somehow, this child's expression of confidence and determination made the blond matriarch and warrior feel as though she was looking upon someone with purpose- an individual perspiring righteousness and a desire to achieve greatness. It wasn't a motivation born of ego or hatred either, but a need for recognition of his worth as an individual.

In her eyes, Artoria saw a child born low in life and raised through unfortunate circumstances, and is now striving to make things better for himself and for those around him. His want for a better life and his desire to help others, she saw incredible potential behind that, and in that the promise of a leader just like herself.

Upon seeing Naruto gaze at her through his strong blue eyes, burning with anticipation and verve, Artoria felt a warm smile cross her lips, which heralded a broad grin. Seconds later, the woman gave a big laugh of joy, which caused the jinchuriki to recoil slightly at her reaction.

Letting her amusement burst forth and hold for several moments, the heroic spirit then calmed herself and grinned across at the youngster seated before her. "You truly are an interesting child. To crave something so badly… yet to refuse the power of a wish-granting artifact in order to claim it… this is definitely reflective of an individual possessing a good heart and a righteous spirit." Rising from her seat and maneuvering around the table, Artoria then stood before Naruto and placed a hand firmly on her curvy hip. Sticking her chest out, the ruler then spoke in a big voice. "What is your name again?"

The child swallowed nervously as he looked upon the striking, sword-edge beauty before him, "N-Naruto… Naruto Uzumaki."

"Naruto? A fine name," Artoria chirped before smiling broadly. "The wish I want to make upon the grail is to save the world that I left far behind… and all those presiding within it. From what I can tell, your goals and ambitions align directly with my own… and I would be more than happy to join you on your quest. If you will have me."

Naruto, at first not knowing what to say, slowly slipped out of his chair to stand in front of the tall, mature woman. As he gazed up at the proud, beauty of a warrior, the child's thoughts soon brought him to the realization of what she was asking of him. This in turn led to him looking up at the blond with a hopeful expression in play.

"D-Do you really want to be with me?" Naruto asked, his voice sounding incredibly nervous. "For real?"

"Without a doubt," Artoria replied with a nod.

Swaying on the spot for a moment, the child's expression slowly put on a warm and, he was hoping, friendly smile. "Uhh… do you think that… umm…" Hesitating for a bit, the child then straightened up and spoke a little more bravely. "W-Would it be okay… would you like… to be my friend?"

Blinking in momentary bewilderment, Artoria quickly reverted back to her previous state and nodded, "I would consider it a great honor, Naruto-san." She then brought her right hand forward and held it out to him. "Of course I will be your friend."

Expression brightening, the seven-year-old orphan promptly held out his hand and grasped Artoria's firmly. Feeling the woman return his gesture by squeezing his smaller palm and fingers gently, in a way that only an older sister or family member would, Naruto felt as though a great weight was being lifted from his person. The sheer joy at finally having someone in the world accept him and his request for friendship- someone who was not only beautiful, but also kind and wise by every stretch of the imagination- washed through his heart a sense of undeniable glee and fulfillment.

In some small way, Naruto knew that the pact he'd made with Artoria was something truly special- and ran even deeper than a simple agreement between two individuals with different goals. From the way she seemed to return his smile with all the sincerity and warmth she could muster, the spiky-haired youngster knew that her reciprocation of feelings was genuine. The entire situation almost had him cry with joy, as evident by the tears that formed in the corners of his eyes, which he quickly blinked away and masked with his signature grin.

He was so caught up in bracing the woman's hand that he almost failed to spot the small, red mark that appeared on his forearm. A small sigil resembling a chevron and crown glowed across his skin, searing itself into his flesh before vanishing moments later.

OOO

(Meanwhile)

Far away from Konohagakure, deep in the heart of one of the many forests that dominated the lush, sweeping landscapes of Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire), another pair of strange figures had unexpectedly appeared. In the wake of the unusual supernova that'd taken place over the large shinobi village many, many miles away, the two individuals had materialized in two separate, not too far from one another. When knowledge of the events and the reason for their appearance eventually manifested in their heads, the shorter of the two figures wasted no time in tracking down her compatriot, which then led to them sharing the same clearing.

Now, remaining hidden from view of any highways or roads, the two oddly-dressed people stood or sat where they were, gazing up into the sky through the canopy above.

Feeling a cool breath of wind brush against her bare skin, the figure that was perched on top of the tree gave a heavy sigh as she gazed up at the veil of stars twinkling high above. "So… it's gonna be like that, eh?" the woman spoke in a low, breathy voice, dripping with a very distinct, Irish accent.

When the clouds drifting over the sky pulled away and the light of the moon eventually fell over the first figure, it revealed a very tall, tanned, and incredibly curvaceous female lying across the branch. Bearing a large bosom and long, brown hair tied into a ponytail, the fit and slightly muscular babe was currently sporting a long, oilskin, duster brown coat, which she wore over a pair of raw hem, sexy denim hot pants, and shin-high brown boots with heels. In addition to her very skimpy outfit, she didn't wear any bra or top whatsoever. The only thing that covered her chest was a pair of suspenders that went from her shorts, and over her incredibly large, firm breasts. This meant that not only was her taut stomach exposed, but also her cleavage.

Aside from the brown Stetson she had on top of her head, she also had a thick leather belt around her waist, equipped with a pair of holsters and a pair of .36 caliber, Colt Navy Revolvers- one of which she was holding in her right hand and was casually twirling on her finger.

After spinning the cylinder of the old handgun and checking to see that it was loaded, the scantily dressed female then spun her pistol one last time, before catching it in a firm grip, and using the end of the barrel to tip the wide brim of her hunting hat up. Doing so revealed a very striking and beguiling face underneath, which was framed by sharp eyes, a beauty mark under her lips, and a wide, cocky grin.

"Looks like I've got a second chance to blow off some steam and have a good time," the tanned woman spoke, before then craning her head towards the person standing in the clearing beside her.

This individual of course- though one hundred percent human in appearance- was absolutely gigantic. Covered from neck to toe in rippling muscles, with a head of long, wavy blond hair, and wearing a metal, armored suit that resembled some sort of ancient, S&M prison uniform that was fixed tightly to his body via a series of overlapping cuffs and braces, it should also be noted that the pale individual's head exactly level with the woman who was perched in the tree. Despite the fact that the female gunslinger was at least a full story above the ground, the man was still able to speak face-to-face with her.

Although… speaking was sort of subjective for this particular giant, who had pretty much remained silent for the majority of their conversations.

Upon noticing the man's shadowed face and eyes looking back at her intently, the unfazed beauty smiled at him. "So… are you up for a little adventure, Spartacus-san?" When she heard the juggernaut next to her grunt through his rather menacing grin and manic gaze, the brown-haired bandit of a woman giggled before promptly hopping to her feet. "Alright then. Let's go grail hunting."

TO BE CONTINUED…