Welcome back everyone to the next chapter of this story! It's on its way to becoming mainstream and I do enjoy it but I do have some other stories I have been neglecting and I will return to them soon. I can't do much but I'll soon be on a break which will give me enough time to do whatever story I want. Now to certain news involving this story:

I've decided that this will be a harem story, though the number will be small for this one. Sorry for those who wanted it to be pure Naruto/Madoka but it will add more if I decided to make this harem. As for Haruyuki it might be just him and Kuroyukihime unless I get a good argument. Suggest whatever girl you want but I want good reasons than the fact that she is cute or whatever (small hint, some of those I have in mind are in this chapter). Have fun deciding, but now let's go to reviews.

P.S: Accel World is getting Dubbed and so far all I have seen are really well done and the voices match. Going on to episode 4 and I'm getting pumped to see the Crow/Pile fight again!

Reviews:

Riseblader: I can't believe someone caught it but yes, Madoka's first name comes from Beyblade Metal Fusion. I was in the room when it was on trying to envision Asada when only Madoka kept on popping up. So props to you for getting that.

AzureKing: Iron Giant was based on Big O or at least his Killer Move was as well as part of his design. As for Fox and Huntress, only time will tell.

Agnow316: Yep and that's where it's going to for the number I think it might be 5 or 6.

Kyunaru: Ask and you shall receive and if my description is not good then I'm sorry. I'll explain it better but if you want a good visual, Google zoids Shadowfox.

Princejayz: Half right, Asada is paying homage to Shino Asada aka Sinon from the Light Novels.

Disclaimer: I do not own both of the anime I am using in this story; Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto and Accel World is owned by Reki Kawahara (also created SAO so check out both shows they are amazing).

Haruyuki walked nervously with Kuroyukihime as she led him away from the school as well as Chiyuri as the angry girl was dragged away by Naruto before a literal catfight broke out in front of the school. As they go some distance away the raven haired girl allowed the small boy to walk on his own power, this prompted Haru to start talking. "What was that about at the school, not only will I be bullied again but you also got have Chiyuri to worry about? There are some things in the world you can't fix with acceleration!" Haru said.

Kuroyukihime did the last thing Haru thought she would do; laugh though instead of taunting laughs that he was used to this was a genuine laugh from the bottom of the girl's heart. "Only at Lv. 1 and you're already a wiser Burst Linker than I was at that level; I'm proud, I'm glad you've figured that out so early on."

"It's not great; I probably can't go to school tomorrow because of the rumors everyone is going to say now." Haru said sadly thinking back to the girl's words back in the cafeteria and at the school's gate.

"Oh really? Well you didn't seem to disagree with the idea, in fact" Kuroyukihime then sent something from her neurolinker to Haru's. The pudgy teen saw the glowing monarch fly towards him and on his screen was a screenshot of him or more specifically his shocked look after the girl's confession. "You're face says otherwise, I took a screenshot of it using my neurolinker."

Haru blushed seeing the picture. "What, how did you…"

"I figured you would want a copy."

"I don't, delete it!"

Kuroyukihime gave a short humorous giggle as they continued to walk through the city. "You should be happy Haruyuki-kun, I've rejected many men at our school however; you were the first to reject me." She said with a sly smile, a thought then occurred to her. "Or maybe there is something more between you and Kurashima-san than just friends?"

"What, no nothing is going on between me and Chiyu; she's just…well I can't really put it into words but she has a boyfriend." Haru waved his hands hysterically as he tried to explain his friend's protective nature.

"Was it the one that helped pull her out of the school?" Kuroyukihime asked though she knew the answer to that question.

"What, no, Naruto's my friend as well as Chiyu's. He probably took her away before she started a fight with you on campus. Chiyu's boyfriend goes to another school and we've all been friends for years." Haru explained and then thought back something. "Do you know Chiyuri?"

"I don't though because of the rosters I've known her name and we've sometimes saw each other in passing. Chiyuri Kurashima is her name, and your other friend is Naruto Namikaze" Kuroyukihime said. "Before you've ask I have met Naruto because of some disciplinary matters in the school."

'You can't go to Umesato without knowing about Naruto, whether it is something good or something bad.' Haru sighed as he thought of what trouble his friend could have done to be called in by the student council and possibly the principal; maybe it was the reason the blonde was on probation. If Haru had paid more attention he would had saw a more nostalgic look on Kuroyukihime's face when she mention Naruto, though she steeled herself as they walked to a crosswalk. "Where are we going, Senpai?" Haru asked.

"As I told your friend we're going on a date, plus we do have to celebrate your first victory." Kuroyukihime said, except for when she mentioned the talk with Chiyuri that answer seemed to satisfy Haru. As the two crossed the street they were oblivious to another conversation that was happening just a few streets away.

(Scene Change)

"Put me down Kitsu-baka! Can't you see I was just worried about Haru, who knows what that girl could be up to?!" Chiyuri raved on as she continued to struggle within the blonde's grip. People began the notice the struggling girl being carried by the blonde but none of them really made a move and just ignored them.

Naruto sighed as the catgirl continued to try and escape his grip. "Please, even with a name like that, Kuroyukihime doesn't have a deceitful bone in her bod…" After a memory appeared to him he reworded his statement. "What I mean is she isn't that cruel to do something like lead Haru along like you're thinking." Naruto said.

"How would you know, first Direct Linking in front of everyone and then that confession that everyone is talking about! Haru hates being the center of attention, and did you see the way she just led him away like she owned him!" Chiyuri continued her mad rant; eventually the blonde student called it quits and set the angry girl down. "And you're acting different too. First of all; tutoring you and with Asada-san of all people?"

"What's wrong with me trying to do better in class?" Even as that came out his mouth Naruto knew how stupid that sounded and from the expression on her face so did Chiyuri. Anyone who was friends with Naruto knew that the last thing that ever came to mind was studying, the blonde's grades were enough to get by unless it came to serious exams where he actually got good marks because of the threats his mother makes if he came with mediocre grades. "Look you know about my probation right, well if I pull my grades up I can get it lifted and Madoka-san came to me and offered to tutor me."

"Tutor you, just like that?" Chiyuri finally calmed down and a sad expression now sat on her face. It looked almost mournful, as if she lost something she might never get back. "Everything's happening too fast, Taku going to private school and Haru almost stopped talking to me since we've started school. You keep in touch but barely because of all the detentions you get all the time." Chiyuri said sadly. "Naruto-kun I just want everything to go back the way things were."

Naruto was silent as he thought about the girl's words, he remembered years ago when they were just four kids playing in the fields: him, Takumu, Haruyuki, and Chiyuri. The first friends he had ever made. Naruto then placed a hand on Chiyuri's shoulder. "I get what you're saying but things change as we grow up, I was mad too that Haru didn't come to me when he started getting bullied but then I thought things his ways."

"Thought it his way?" Chiyuri said confused.

"If I were Haru I wouldn't want my friends to pity me, I would find a way to solve my problems myself." Naruto said. 'Even though I would never think less of him Haru always wanted to be treated like an equal, that's why I never stepped in even though I really wanted to take down Araya and his goons.' Naruto thought to himself though he then went back to his task of comforting his sad friend. "Come on cheer up Neko-Chi, I'm sure if you and Haru talk this out he can tell you himself.'

Chiyuri nodded and smiled a bit hearing the blonde refer to her by that old nickname, while they both hated using their old nicknames for each other it felt nice to use them again even if most of Chiyu's were insults. "Fine, but you better be right about this Naruto, I'll send a text to Haru to talk to me at my house later." The girl said.

"Hey I have good ideas," Naruto said in outrage. A small sound got the blonde's attention and he noticed he had received a message on his neurolinker; he quickly opened it and saw that the message was from Madoka. "Well I wish you luck with Haru Chiyu but I have to go." Naruto said.

"Go, where do you have to…" Chiyuri's then slammed her fist into her palm as she remembered the place the blonde was talking about. "That's right you're working today aren't you, that's why you dragged us out this way."

"No I dragged you this way so you wouldn't sink your kitty claws into the helpless princess, this way just happens to be the route I take from school." Naruto told her. Ever since Naruto turned thirteen he began looking for part-time work, while he did want to take part in his father's company he wanted to raise his own money. So his parents allowed him the work, only giving him weekly allowances that the blonde saves up in his emergency budget while the money he earns working mostly helps feeds his ramen addiction. "Anyway I'm going to be late and I don't want to get chewed out or go through the punishment." Naruto sighed sadly.

"Huh, something that has the great Naruto Namikaze worried? Maybe I should drop by and see what actually has you afraid." Chiyuri said with a mischievous look on her face. Now that she thought back, while she, Haru, and Taku all knew about the blonde's work they never ever were able to visit him there. Seeing Naruto's worry over a "punishment" got her even more interested in this shop.

"Don't even think about it Chiyu or I'll stop making those lunches you like so much" Naruto made sure to look away from the girl in order to avoid the classic female technique…the puppy dog pout. "I'm not going to fall for that Chiyu, besides you have to get ready for Haru. If I know him he'll know what kind of an idiot he was and go apologize to you." Naruto said to hopefully take her interest of the shop for now.

"Fine, but make sure you don't forget to get me a slice of Royal Palace before you get off work." Chiyuri now pouted for real knowing her trick wouldn't work though she made plans to visit Kushina soon to learn how she was able to use it so affectively on her son and husband. The two then parted ways at a bus stop with Chiyuri heading home and Naruto just in time for the next bus to arrive.

'Let's hope I'm not too late.' Naruto hoped with a small stream of tears falling down his face as he got onto the public train.

(Time Skip)

"You're late" The one who greeted Naruto at his late arrival into the cake shop, Strawberry Palace. The young woman was about a year or two older than Naruto with black hair that was braided in the back and long bangs that framed her face; she was also looking at Naruto with stoic red-violet eyes. The girl had on a grape colored maid's outfit with a white apron. This girl was Mihaya Kakei, though she rarely allowed anyone to call her by that name. One of the people given the privilege of calling her Mihaya was Naruto, though it was thanks to the blonde's annoying (to her) nature that she eventually warmed up slightly to him.

"Come on Mihaya-chan I wasn't late by that much and the bus ended up having to take a different route." Naruto complained though he knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with the girl. "I'm not as blessed as you with having a ride from school to work; I have to rely on the public transportation."

"You know the rules…now you must face punishment." The seemingly cold maid went into the back to get something leaving behind a downed Naruto. While the blonde mulled over his punishment a childish laugh soon got his attention.

"You're on punishment again Naru-niisan, I think you come here late on purpose so she can have fun punishing you." Naruto turned to see a grade school girl sitting at a nearby table eating her slice of cake. The girl was a grade-schooler with red hair held in two pig tail using blue bowties, and similar red eyes. She was wearing her usual uniform which was a long-sleeved blue shirt, white collared undershirt and blue skirt with long white socks and brown formal shoes.

"Please the only ones who probably enjoy it are you and Akira-chan; maybe Mihaya-chan if she would admit it." Naruto sighed as he sat down at the table with the younger girl to wait for Mihaya. "You just getting here from school Ni-mouto or are you just hanging out here with Miha-chan like usual?" Naruto asked the girl.

"A little of both, she was able to pick me up school and drop me off." Yuniko answered after taking a bite of her Strawberry Labyrinth, a cake that was almost covered in strawberries. Once she finished her bite Naruto kept on with the conversation.

"Does Karin even know that you're here?" Naruto asked the girl curiously.

"Yep, and even if she didn't she knows you're working here and Naru-niisan wouldn't let anything happen to me." Yuniko gave him an innocent smile. If it weren't for the fact that they were in public Naruto would had slammed his head into the table at his cousin's innocent act. Since the young girl was adopted into their family and stayed with one of his mother's sisters the young girl soon met his other cousin Karin Uzumaki and soon picked up on her 'bipolar' act. Naruto knew that the act was a façade though they didn't say anything while they were in public. A sound interrupted the cousin's talk and saw that Mihaya was back with Naruto's work outfit, a butler outfit that was a dark red close to Mihaya's, but with a new addition: a pair of yellow fox ears.

Naruto's expression took a turn for the worst and the sound of his cousin laughing at the new addition wasn't making him feel better. "Do I really have to wear that; I was only five minutes late." The blonde complained.

"Yes…now put on; unless you want me to get the tail." Mihaya simply stated not giving the blonde any choice except to make his humiliation more painful. Naruto sighed and took the uniform with him to the back to change; it was known to all employees at the shop the punishment for lateness was cosplay…or at least it was since Naruto's first tardy and they were able to attract more female customers thanks to their new 'foxy' waiter.

"You really are cruel sometimes you know that 'Pard?" Yuniko said once the blonde was gone; while she enjoyed her cousin's torment she also knew that it was Mihaya who created the punishment along with the owner. The red-haired girl smirked seeing a light pink grace the waitresses' face but she also knew she had something serious to say since she didn't automatically return to her work. "Something you have to tell me?" Yuniko said more seriously.

"It involves that; we need to speak in the private room Niko-sama." Mihaya whispered to the girl. Yuniko nodded and stood from her seat after finishing the last of her cake; the two then went to the other door leading to the private rooms.

"You're on a break right Pard, so if it is that serious we can discuss it in the back." Yuniko said as they walked into the back and out of line of sight. "K" Mihaya said following the girl to the back private room.

(Scene Change)

Naruto had finished putting on his uniform (with the ears much to his chagrin) when he received a ring on his neurolinker reminding him to check the message he had received while talking to Chiyuri. He opened the text to read what Madoka needed him for.

You won your battle so I will keep my end of the deal; though it's a skill I can't exactly show you yet. Before you complain I will show you something else; it's a way for you to learn about Accel World when we cannot meet. I have given you a link to a special site, don't worry about the password. Try the site tonight and you won't be disappointed.

-Madoka Asada

'Great, I thought I was going to get something cool like a new power or even a weapon and all I get is a link to a site?' Naruto thought in his head. The blonde decided to accept the gift and got ready to start his shift. 'Madoka-san wouldn't give me this if it wasn't important and she doesn't seem the type to spam so I'll check it out tonight.' Naruto then exited the back and went to the counter to receive his work for the day.

The owner of the shop, a middle aged woman, saw the ears on the blonde and giggled. "You got the punishment again Naruto-kun; well at least I know we'll be receiving a good bit of customers today." The woman smiled seeing the blonde's dreadful expression.

"Just as long as you don't make me take pictures again I don't care, now if you excuse me Ichigo-san I have work to do." Naruto said to the woman, just wanting to get to working and get through all the teasing then and there. As Naruto walked to a table full of girls from a nearby school they giggled at his appearance. 'At least my friends aren't here to see me like this.' Naruto gratefully thought seeing the girl's already taking screenshots.

(With Niko and Pard)

In the back of the Strawberry Palace were a few private rooms that customers had to pay extra for to use. They were mostly given out to couples or to close friends; in one of the rooms Yuniko and Mihaya disconnected from the Global net and wired with the table into the shop's private local net. 'So what's the news Pard, from all the talk I've been hearing it's been quiet. Just some newer players joining and some snuffed right off before they reach level 2.' Yuniko said letting some of her true personality show.

'It's about one of the newer Burst Linkers, Abyss Fox if you've heard of him.' Mihaya informed her while bringing up a screenshot of the avatar from his last battle.

Yuniko looked at the image seeing an ash grey bodied fox with jet black metal armor on his arms, hands, legs, shoulders, and chest with blue gems. Unlike most avatars Abyss Fox had a mouth which showed white sharp fangs, blue eyes, and a tail made of energy flailing behind him. 'You called me back for this level 1, I heard that in his fight he has good potential but he's nothing special.' Yuniko said disinterestedly.

'Looking at the local net, Abyss Fox is in this shop right now.' What Mihaya said got Yuniko's attention. No matter what level a Burst Linker was, discovering their identities could them an edge over any Legion they join or the Burst Linker themselves if they become valuable.

'So you think Fox would be a good asset to Prominence?' Yuniko asked wanting to know the older girl's intentions; it was rare for Pard, as she called her, to show interest in anyone and the only Burst Linkers she ever cared for were her and her 'Parent.'

'It's too early to tell, most Burst Linkers don't develop and become good additions until they reach levels 2-4; to know the identity of a possible enemy is a wise strategy.' Mihaya explained her plan.

'You sure it isn't because he's a more animal looking Avatar like your Leopard?' Jokes aside the young Burst Linker understood what her friend was saying. Yuniko opened up her matchmaking list to view the Burst Linkers in the cake shop; as Mihaya had pointed out there a total of three names on the list: Scarlet Rain, Blood Leopard, and Abyss Fox. 'So he is here, were you able to narrow down who it is?' Yuniko asked.

'Not yet, but if he keeps frequenting then it will get easier to find him.' Mihaya said. The two then disconnected from the private room and then went back out into the shop, the first sight they saw was Naruto already waiting tables with his fox ears in clear sight. Yuniko smirked again as she went back to her table. "When you're done checking out my cousin Pard, make sure to look for the fox." Yuniko said. "NP" Mihaya nodded almost not catching what the girl said, the girl then returned to her shift assisting the blonde.

With Naruto, he had just delivered a pair of cakes to a table when he heard the bell signaling a new customer had just arrived. The blonde walked to the table of the new arrival only to recognize the one who sat down. "Hey Aki-chan; here to check up on your cousin as usual?" Naruto asked the girl. The girl he was referring to as Aki-chan had brown hair that went to her shoulders, yellow eyes behind a pair of red framed glasses. She had on a white turtleneck shirt with a pair of dark blue pants and red shoes; behind her resting on her chair was a grey coat.

"No, I just wanted to pick up an order to take home" The quiet girl then noticed the ears on top the waiter's head. "Mihaya's punishment again?" She asked already knowing her cousin's antics. As stoic as they both may be they each had their likes.

"Yeah I was late again so I got forced into this, so what can I get you Akira-chan seeing as you probably aren't staying long." Naruto asked knowing the girl's routine of buying a dessert and then leaving just as quick.

"Chocolate Paradise to go, I have an appointment to keep later." Akira answered seeing the blonde write down her order, the girl then proceeded to go through her neurolinker as he began to leave until something popped up. "Naruto-san…"

"Come on Akira, we've been friends for a while right you don't have to keep using that honorific." Naruto said as he stopped; a thing about being friends with Mihaya and Akira taught the blonde how to slowly get past their cold exterior though it took a long time to get them to refer him as more than Namikaze-san though Akira still kept the san out of habit. "So what do you need?"

Akira took a moment to look at Naruto but then shook her head. "Never mind, I just thought that there's something different about you lately." The girl said cryptically. Naruto didn't let it show but he was sweating on the inside, Akira was always good at reading people despite rarely showing emotions herself. While she was suspicious there is no way she could know about Brain Burst…right?

Naruto just chuckled and scratched the back of his head, "What different about me, nope I'm still the same. Not much has changed Akira-chan." The blonde said though he sunk even more seeing the look on Akira's face did not change. As if something answered his prayers to get him out of there a hand grabbed his shoulder and dragged him from the table.

"You still have work to do Naruto." Mihaya said dragging the foxboy to the counter.

"Hey, Mihaya-chan, you don't need to drag me! I have to go, I'll talk to you later Akira-chan." Naruto said though he allowed her to take him away before he ended up saying something he shouldn't to Akira. Said girl just nodded her head as she watched her cousin take the blonde away.

'I wonder who your Guardian is Naruto, hopefully you won't require my services in the future.' The girl adjusted her glasses.

(Time Skip)

"Geez, Mihaya ran me ragged today…I just don't get her sometimes." Naruto sighed as he continued the walk back to his apartment. He managed to finished work without much humiliation and he also had to thank the gods avoid that no one from his school frequent the shop; after saying goodbye to Akira, Yuniko, and finally Mihaya he was finally on his way home. Naruto walked into the apartment building and went into the elevator. 'I hope Haru fixes the mess he made, but right now I just want to enjoy Kaa-san's meal and then head to bed to check out Madoka-chan's link.' The ding of the elevator sounded and Naruto walked out and went to his family's dorm, after unlocking the door and walking in he then noticed something was off.

'Why are there an extra pair of shoes here, I didn't know we were having company.' Naruto thought eyeing the pair of shoes suspiciously; suddenly he felt a foreboding feeling. 'Don't tell me it's who I think it is.' He thought grimly, running into the kitchen the Namikaze caught eye with the extra guest.

"Oh Naru-chan you're home; great you can help me prepare dinner. We also have someone joining us; I didn't message you because I wanted this to be a surprise." Kushina said as she worked preparing the food, standing in the kitchen with the redhead was a smirking Vice-President from his school.

"It's been awhile since we've last talked hasn't it Naruto, when Kushina told me that you were out at your job I was surprised." Kuroyukihime said honestly though Naruto heard a hint of something else the girl was hiding. "What else have you not told me since we last talked?"

"Well we don't exactly bump into each other in school and the only times we do is when I'm called in for punishment." Naruto said as he put his things down and went to clean his hands to help in the kitchen. As soon as the blonde was gone Kushina continued her conversation with the raven haired girl.

"You two don't talk during school? Honestly, one of the reasons I let him attend there was so that you two could reconnect after all these years, you two used to be the best of friends." Kushina said sadly remembering the times the two played together as children.

Kuroyukihime nodded to the older woman. "Yes, but after all that's happen I sort of pushed away everything. We may not talk but Naruto still helps me out from time to time, though they are mostly indirectly." The girl said. "While you may not like that Naruto fights it actually works out better for the school, there used to a gang that occupied the area until Naruto took them out…though I wish he would've done it more safely."

"That boy, always stuck in that hero complex…I actually would encourage this if not for the fact he almost gets kicked out of school or he had to go to the hospital after the incident." Kushina shook her head. "But enough about Naruto how are things with you? Your mother is still worried about you, and don't get me started about your fath…"

"Kaa-san and Tou-san made their decision" The girl snapped but then began to speak softly. "Can we not talk about this Kushina-san?" Kuroyukihime asked sincerely.

"Of course, and stay for as long as you want. We have an extra guest room if you feel like staying for the night." Kushina offered, to her it was a shame what happened to the girl's family. Like hers they were very close, until an incident caused them to break apart with their youngest daughter out away from home. Kushina felt a mother's pain, if she had lost Naruto or Menma for any reason she would be devastated.

Kuroyukihime smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, I might do that. If it's all right for you let me call my guardian and tell him that I'm going to be sleeping over here tonight." Kushina nodded and allowed the girl to make her call, though she first had to call a certain someone and tell her that her daughter was fine.

With Naruto, as he was putting his things away he received a call on his neurolinker. The blonde accepted it and then smiled seeing the face of his other male friend. "Hey Taku, how are you doing? It's been awhile since we've talked." Naruto said. Unlike Haru and Chiyuri, Takumu went to a different school, an expensive private school because of his skills in kendo. "I saw the video of your last tournament, you're going to regionals right?"

"That's if I'll be allowed to participate, I don't think coach is thrilled having someone as young as me go up and fight in one of the rounds. We have a lot of good guys on our team." Takumu said modestly. "So how are you, still getting in trouble if what Chiyu-chan still tells me."

"Please, you know your girlfriend likes to exaggerate the details sometimes I only got detention 3 times." Naruto said proudly making Takumu sweatdrop at the fact the blonde felt proud of that achievement. "Anyway what Chiyu didn't tell you is that I'm being tutored to raise my grade and get me out of probation, hell any higher I'm sure the Principal won't even think about expelling me anymore." Naruto explained.

Takumu nodded, "That's good to hear, though I bet Chiyu didn't think you would actually accept tutoring as an option." Takumu knew a fact about Naruto that if he didn't ask for help, he definitely wouldn't seek it…especially when it comes to academics. "Anyway I'm on my way home now, I got some time if you want to just hang around or escape from your brother." The boy offered.

"No, but thanks though, I actually have to stay home and help with dinner this time and we even have a guest tonight." Naruto said, "I don't know if Haru or Chiyu ever told you but it's the girl with the stage name, Kuroyukihime." Had Naruto paid attention he would had saw Takumu's look of surprise before he righted himself.

"Really, well have fun with that Naruto" Takumu then turned away from the visual and then looked back to Naruto. "The elevator's here so I have to go; I'll talk with you sometime later…oh and do you know if something's wrong with Haru? He asked me some strange questions when we met up tonight."

Naruto shrugged, "It's probably he still has girlfriend troubles, anyway I got to go too or else Kaa-san will chase after me so later Taku." Naruto ended the call on a shocked faced Takumu for mentioning Haruyuki and girlfriend in the same sentence, the Namikaze returned to the kitchen to see his mother was alone now cooking on the stove. Naruto went to the counter and started to chop up ingredients for the other half of the meal. Just as he finished his head met with a wooden spoon (courtesy of Kushina).

"So what's this about you not talking with your best friend for a whole semester, honestly I thought I raised you better than that." Kushina began her verbal discipline.

"It's not like I didn't try, but it doesn't help that I'm one year under because of that screw up. Besides from what I hear she's been doing good and got to be Student Council Vice-President, which took away pretty much anytime I had to talk with her." Naruto rubbed the new bump on his head. "What's the big deal about Kuro-chan anyway Kaa-san?"

Kushina sighed and then began to explain. "Well just like you, she hasn't had a good life either. With her family breaking up and her living on her own I don't know what could be going through her head. Just try and at do better with her at school, promise me." The Namikaze matriarch asked.

Naruto nodded his head at his mother's request; if it's a promise the blonde will try his best to keep it. That was one of the first things his father taught him, "Sure Kaa-san, though I don't think I'll be needed much thanks to Kuro's new boyfriend." The blonde smirked letting the bit of information slip out. Kushina looked curious of the thought but Naruto kept quiet as he helped finish the meal.

(Time Skip)

After an interesting dinner, Naruto finally found himself in the solitude of his room. Just as he was about to kill some time on the global net he heard knocking on his door. "Door's open, come in" Naruto said, wondering who it was. Menma never knocks, and neither does his mother. And Minato usually turns in early at nights. Slowly opening the door Kuroyukihime walked into the blonde's room.

"Sorry, I wanted to talk to you…privately I mean." Kuroyukihime asked being more specific. Talk at the table was more focused on her and the talk of her 'boyfriend' and the raven haired girl knew the Namikaze had told his mother that piece of information. Taking a chair in the boy's room, Kuroyukihime took a look around Naruto's room. "I didn't expect it to be so…organized in here; I figured you would keep it messy like when we were kids."

"You catch that one time and you never let me hear the end of it, do you?" Naruto asked seeing the girl's smirk. He knew this was some form of payback from the dinner. "What do you want to talk about and why does it have to be private? Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

"It can't, there are thing I want to speak with you about that I couldn't say in front of the others." Kuroyukihime explained and then began to look around the room again. "Do you have a cable, this would work better if we Direct Link." The girl asked, wanting both the conversation to be private and for others reasons. 'Right now Haruyuki-kun should be checking his friend to see if she is Cyan Pile, and while I don't want to do this I can't exclude the fact that Naruto might be a Burst Linker.' She inwardly thought.

Naruto then got off his bed and then pulled out a decently long cable from one of his dressers. "Why do you need to connect? I know we're friends and all but we're not as close as we used to be." Naruto said, wondering what the girl's angle was. While he knew she had a mischievous nature he knew she wouldn't go so far as to Direct Link just to pull something on him.

"Now I'm hurt, you mean to say that you don't trust your old best friend with a Direct Link?" Kuroyukihime said in mock hurt.

"Can't just connect with just anyone Kuro-chan, besides it's been awhile since we've even got to talk with each other." Naruto said, not falling for the girl's hurt trick. The blonde attached one end of the wire to his neurolinker and then threw the other end that Kuroyukihime caught. "If it helps, I can call you by your real name Sa…"

"No Kuro is fine" Kuroyukihime interrupted him and attached the wire to her neurolinker. The two then accepted the direct connection and then proceeded to thought speak. 'I didn't appreciate what you said at dinner, you know Kushina-san is going to call my Kaa-san and I'll never hear the end of it.'

'Good, you need a reason to talk to your Kaa-san anyway, but you didn't just wire connect just to talk about your boyfriend Haru…you're welcome by the way.' Naruto said, talking about the incident at the school gate.

'Yes thank you, but I would have resolved it by myself.' Kuroyukihime said. 'Now what's this I'm hearing about tutoring? You've never cared about grades before and now apparently you're being seen the library with First Year Asada-san.' The girl asked, the unusual change in behavior was common with Burst Linkers but if Naruto is a Burst Linker and Asada is his parent then Kuroyukihime may have something else to fear. She didn't need another assassin coming after her.

'I just wanted to get Kaa-san and the Principal off my back about probation, Madoka-chan was just someone I bumped into that offered to help me and we have the same class.' Naruto explained wondering why everyone, even his old friends, was on his case about him finally hitting the books for once. 'Honestly you would think it's hard to see me studying.'

'It actually is; I may have to take a look and see if the rumors are true.' Kuroyukihime laughed to herself. As they continued to talk the girl was also discretely looking through Naruto's files. While the firewall was down due to wired connection the blonde seemed to keep most of his files protected. None the less, she was still searching for the elusive Brain Burst program. 'Seeing you study would be a major change from who you are now, what happened to the loud prankster I used to play with?"

'What happened to the little tomboy I used to play with, or wait you were still Daddy's little Kurohime.' Naruto said as they both began to recall their old childhood together, before the blonde had to move and then met Haruyuki, Takumu, and Chiyuri. It was just him, Kuro, and… 'Hey Kuro-chan, can I let you know something?'

'Hmm, what is it?' Kuroyukihime asked. The longer she continued this pointless search and finding nothing the more she began to realize that her old friend was not a Burst Linker and that this was going too far. She then ended her search placing her hands on her lap.

'I don't know what your deal with Haru, but as long as he's happy I'm not complaining.' Kuroyukihime was about to say something but Naruto continued to speak. 'Haru and I are good friends, and we even helped each other as we grew up. If I were honest if not for you he would had been my first best friend. You may have been my friend but if you're planning something underhanded with Haru…'

'I wouldn't do such a thing' the girl spoke. 'Haruyuki-kun, he's a good person and doesn't deserve the things those bullies were doing to him. To others it might seem that way but I would never use him for some kind twisted prank.' Kuroyukihime began to explain herself.

'Good, because that's exactly what I told Chiyu-chan.'

'Huh?' The girl said curiously.

Naruto gave the confused snow princess a large grin. 'Despite what not many people know you aren't exactly the underhanded type, that's just me rubbing off on you when we were kids pranking together and let's face it you need each other. You need a good person to keep you company and who better than Haru, plus he's really starting to open up again after you two started talking.' The Namikaze the lied back on his bed. 'The big lug needed someone to break him out his depression, and you needed someone to break you out of yours. And don't forget if you ever need anything I'm here for ya. After all what are friends for?'

'Naruto-kun, even after all this time you still think of me as a friend?' The girl asked; making sure no tears would form. Before Naruto could say anything however, both of them felt their bodies freeze. The blonde's room turned blue and then began to disintegrate around them.

'Brain Burst?!' Kuroyukihime thought.

'Why now?' Naruto thought, there were no Burst Linkers nearby last he checked. No the less, the signs of his room faded as he then changed to his Duel Avatar. As the environment changed, neither noticed that they were both being dragged into Brain Burst at the same time.

(Stage: Hallowed Hallways)

"I thought Naruto-kun wasn't a Burst Linker, who couldn't have issued a challenge so why?" Kuroyukihime then saw her reflection on the wall. The girl was in her school avatar form, which was still her but in a black gothic style dress with an umbrella and black and purple monarch wings attached to her back. Checking her visuals the girl's eyes widened.

Black Lotus vs. Abyss Fox vs. Cyan Pile

"Cyan Pile…here, and it's the guy from Haruyuki-kun's last match but why are we fighting at the same time?" The girl decided to ask questions later and then proceeded to run down the halls of the virtual world. Hopefully they both weren't after her or maybe should could hide and let the time run out.

(With Naruto)

The first thing that Abyss Fox noticed was that his apartment had now become something out of an old medieval film. The floors were cracked marble, and he walls became marble as well but for some reason it was better than the floor. Seeing the wooden spiked doors the Fox guessed that those were apartments in the stage. 'How did I get trapped in this mess? There aren't any Burst Linkers in my apartment.' Checking the battle the black colored avatar discovered he was in a free for all match.

"Black Lotus is the one from school, but who is this Cyan Pile guy?" Now looking around the Fox saw a new addition given to him by Brain Burst. The guide tracker, Naruto saw that the compass was pointing in two directions, and one's distance was getting farther away while the other was getting closer.

'Who ever dragged me here; I want answers' Naruto thought as he willed Abyss Fox to travel to where the action was.

(Scene Change)

Cyan Spike!

A metal stake shot through the halls and almost pierced Kuroyukihime had she not ducked at the last second. The long metal stake detached from the wall and returned to its owner. Kuroyukihime stood up seeing the familiar image of Cyan Pile. A large, violet and blue, heavy armored Avatar with cyan colored gems on its shoulders and parts of its armor; a mask like that of a knight's covered Cyan Pile's face from view.

"There's nowhere for you to run and I won't let you get way, just surrender your points!" Cyan Pile said after the spike returned to his large Pile Driver over his right arm. The avatar still had set aim at Kuroyukihime if she tried any attempt to escape.

"Like I'll surrender my points to one who doesn't fight me fairly, I don't know whose legion you belong to but you weren't told much as I'll hardly go down without a fight." Kuroyukihime said backing up until she was against the wall.

"The only way you stand a chance is by using your Duel Avatar and the moment you do I'll strike you down." Cyan Pile said taking the girl's bluff. "You've escaped every other battle but in this stage there is really no escape…" Taking aim the blue avatar was about to fire.

Dynamic Entry!

A kick landed sending Cyan Pile flying and skipping across the marble floor. While the heavy hitter was dazed Kuroyukihime looked at the image of Abyss Fox. While she recognized him from Haruyuki/Silver Crow's battle this was the only time she had seen him up close. Said Fox; however, was occupied with Pile.

"What kind of person goes out of their way to attack a defenseless girl; this is a fighting game! If you want a challenge try your hand at me!" Naruto yelled to the down avatar. Abyss Fox then turned to Kuroyukihime. "You might want to get out of here, I don't know if you're the cause of the fight or not but you may want to get off the battlefield."

"And leave you here with him, while you may have got him by surprise Cyan Pile is a level 4 avatar. A level 1 by himself won't be able to do much!" Seeing the Cyan Pile rise to his feet Kuroyukihime decided to follow the fox's plan though with one condition. "Hold him off and try to survive, wait for time to run out!" The girl suggested before running out of the area.

Pile brushed off the damage and saw his new opponent. "What are you doing?! Don't you know who Black Lotus is, get out of the way and don't interfere!" Pile gave him fair warning, he didn't want to deal with this new Burst Linker but points were points and he needed them.

"I don't think so; you against a butterfly hardly seem fair, try your hand at me before even going after her." Abyss Fox crouched a bit but shifted into a fighting stance as well. The thrashing tail was now at attention, sensing the serious nature of the fight. "So we have either 'till Timeout or until one of us kills the other…so come on!" Abyss Fox charged forward with its claws.

''Tch, Cyan Spike!" Pile fired again taking advantage of the small space. As the spike flew forward it grazed Fox's shoulder damaging him but did not stop its pursuit. Fox got in close and using his claws began to slash at Pile who was trying to avoid all the Fox's swings.

"I guess you were good in hallways and range but up close there isn't much you can do is there?!" Fox commented landed a few claw marks on Pile's armor. The Blue Legion member decided it was time to stop playing defensively as two glowing blue eyes shinned from inside its helmet. Abyss Fox went for another slash only to see his opponent's chest armor open revealing holes lined with rockets.

"If you won't get out of the way then I'll remove you!"

Splash Stinger!

Spike shaped rockets fired at point blank injuring Fox and taking off a good chunk of his health bar. Within his avatar Naruto cried out in pain as he felt the pain inflicted on his virtual body. Abyss Fox was sent back, slumped on the ground as the panel on Cyan Pile's chest closed up again. The once fired stake also returned to Pile's Pile Driver.

"It didn't have to come to this, but I didn't come for you…its Lotus that I'm after. If you have any sense, then leave now!" Cyan Pile then left in the direction Kuroyukihime took off leaving the injured Fox behind. Abyss Fox was slowly moving clutching his damaged body and crack armor at the show of mercy he had just received.

"D-don't think that th-this is over." Abyss Fox struggled to say as he failed to get back on his feet. Checking his visual he saw that only 30% of his health remained after the close ranged attack. 'Blues are masters at melee combat…but this guy was an exception. Guess you can't believe everything about Brain Burst.' Naruto thought about Madoka's lessons until he remembered other things that they talked about. 'Hopefully the thing is useful.'

(With Kuroyukihime)

The girl continued going down the many halls of the stage but her eyes never left the timer. On her visual she then saw Abyss Fox's health drop significantly. 'I knew he didn't have much of a chance, at least he isn't defeated but that means Pile still hunting for me.' Kuroyukihime thought. "Why did he step in to protect me?"

"After all, what are friends for?"

"Naruto!" The girl stopped just in time as something jetted out of the wall. Kuroyukihime stood shocked as the walls crumbled to reveal Cyan Pile walking towards her. The large sledge hammer like weapon returned to his Pile Driver and then shifted back to his signature spike.

"I don't know who your friend was, maybe an old legion member, but the road ends here." Cyan Pile said. "I told you that there was no way to escape out of this area," Cyan Pile then took aim once more, this time two stands shot out from the Pile Driver and through the ground.

'He's using his Killer Move, and if it's the one I think it is I won't have much time to dodge.' Kuroyukihime thought, right now she had only one option which she was doing now…secretly unlocking her Duel Avatar. "Who sent you, what motivated you to come after me?"

"I don't have to tell you anything, you're about to lose so it won't matter!" Lighting began to surge around the spike and Cyan Pile's killer move gauge dropped to zero as he began to fire his certain kill mover. "Goodbye, Black Lotus!"

Lightning Cyan Spike!

In a flash the spike burst from his weapon and towards Kuroyukihime with incredible speed. Finding no time to finish the girl closed her eyes not wanting to witness her downfall. 'Is this how my goal ends, hunted down like this…I still didn't tell Haruyuki-kun…'

Dark Repulser!

The large spike then slammed against a shield made of energy, as the move struggled Kuroyukihime opened her eyes to see that her savior was none other than Abyss Fox again. In his hands was a spear, the Enhanced Armament: Dark Repulser, holding back the Killer move by producing a shield. Abyss Fox saw that he could hold the move forever and redirected it to shoot at the ceiling where it continued to fire.

"Fox-san!" Kuroyukihime said in surprise.

"Dammit Kuro, I told you to get out of here!" The girl's eyes widened even more as only two people would use that nickname. Abyss Fox then canceled the shield and allowed his weapon to disappear. 'When I read that defense ability I thought I was taking a chance but it all worked out.' Naruto thought.

"Naruto how did you?" Kuroyukihime asked but then realized the match became a triple battle since they were Direct Connected during the time of the challenge. The girl was relieved that her friend wasn't Cyan Pile but that just begged the question where did he receive the Brain Burst program from.

"I said you can come to me for anything and I mean that; however, you never said that you had a trigger happy knight after you." Abyss Fox said eyeing his opponent across the hall. "This time it's your turn to actually be a princess and let me take care of this."

"Princess, this isn't like our old games, Brain Burst is serious and you could end up losing your points!" Kuroyukihime tried to warn him, the girl made a move to one again unlock her avatar only to be stopped by Fox.

"Just stay and watch; besides I'm going to end the fight here." The spike began to retract from the roof back to Pile but Naruto wasn't about to let that happen. Quickly, the fox took hold of the spike and gripped it tight trying to stop it from returning to its owner.

"What do you think you're doing, you can't stop my Pile Driver!" Cyan Pile tried to will the spike back faster but Abyss Fox's hold on the weapon prevented it from returning at its normal pace. Fox's claws scrapped the ground as he tried to get a solid hold but was slowly being dragged to Cyan Pile. Abyss Fox continued to struggle thinking of ways to end the fight, in this kind of stage Cyan Pile held advantage with his range weapon.

'Time to fight range with range, what better way to end a fight than with a Killer Move?'

Abyss Fox finally took root of the ground and finally stopped the spike from moving. Through the program Naruto was then sent images of his Killer Move: Bijuudama. Cyan Pile continued to try and pry the spike from the fox only to feel a breeze around him. The avatar looked around and saw the wind blowing from an unknown location to Abyss Fox.

"The wind is…what kind of move is he doing?" Pile asked, seeing the Fox's once full special move gauge fall to zero.

The Fox's fangs separated and the mouth opened as the wind and energy from his tail began to form and concentrate into a ball that continued to grow as more power is charged. Both Pile and Kuroyukihime were speechless seeing Abyss Fox focus a large basketball size ball of energy through his tail. Within his avatar Naruto was smirking as the ball now began to compress itself.

"Now Cyan Pile let me show you a real Killer Move!" Abyss Fox then swallowed the ball releasing the energy within and firing the wave of destruction forward.

Bijuudama!

The large ball of energy left Abyss Fox's jaw and traveled through the destroyed halls with amazing speed. Cyan Pile could do nothing but watch as the attack hit and he was swallowed in the dark light of the attack. The avatar began to disintegrate, completely obliterated by the move.

"Now that's a one hit K.O." Abyss Fox said dropping the remnants of Cyan Spike to the ground. The fox then slumped against one of the walls, exhausted from the whole battle. "And you said a level 1 couldn't beat a level 4?" The fox smirked.

Kuroyukihime shook her head but she couldn't help but smile. Even in his avatar form, Fox's grin still had remnants of Naruto. The girl couldn't help but image her friend's large foxlike smile behind the Fox's armor. "I guess I was wrong then…I really owe you a thank you Naruto-kun."

"Like I said, what are friends for?" Abyss Fox said just as time ended and the Accel World ended returning the two back to their reality.

(Time Skip)

After the battle had ended, Kuroyukihime decided to go to the guest room and sleep for the night. So much had happened and Naruto knew that the girl would try to find answers out of him in the morning. Naruto planned on dropping her off on Haru when they met in the morning as he went through the link Madoka gave him.

Tapping on the link, a window opened showing the blonde a site: the Accel Wars. Naruto clicked to enter and somehow when it went to the login it already filled itself out, closer observation showed him that it was syncing with his Brain Burst program. "So not many people know about this site?" Naruto said as he continued to surf. The site held things like Legion lists, locations of planned battles, and even chatrooms…for a game about survival and gaining as many points to continue acceleration the site seemed to contain a friendly amount of members.

"This might be how members who are far away meet up or plan battle while remaining anonymous." Naruto guessed seeing as his screen name read: Abyss Fox; the website seemed to only use the Burst Linker's avatar name as well. As Naruto continued exploring he then received a message.

W.C: Hello, are you Abyss Fox?

Naruto wondered how someone could know he was on the site when he just joined. Against any odd feelings he may have had he texted back.

A.F: Who are you and how do you know my name?

W.C: A friend told me, you know her as Indigo Huntress

'A friend of Madoka's?' Naruto thought.

W.C: Oh, I apologize she must not have spoken of me yet. Allow me to introduce myself…

W.C: My name is White Cosmos; it's a pleasure to be speaking with you.

TBC…

So many asking who would be the first to receive the full fury of a Bijuudama yet none of you pondered I would have it be a main character already! I like to provide my own certain twists in anything that I do. Now, as the first notes said at the top Naruto already was speaking with some potential harem members yet I am not revealing who's in yet. I will say who is not:

Kuroyukihime: If you can't tell, in this story they are childhood friends and were close until they fell apart. While you all will argue for it, she won't be joining and in my opinion Kuro and Haru is a couple I would never change. It has a more of a meant to be than Kirito Asuna was (we all know it would be Sachi if she hadn't died).

Before anyone flames me on to the next one:

Yuniko "Niko" Kozuki: Due to the terms of the original challenge, the Tsundere Niko is not going to be paired with the blonde fox (yes I'm making them cousins with the girl being adopted and before anything her foster mother is not revealed but her older sister is now Karin). The challenge says no Lolis and while Niko is one of my favorite Lolis she's not in this one.

So have fun guessing everyone, I will also add that I'm going to be adding in two O.C's (not including Madoka). These characters will be added to truly give this story a unique plot, as for right now we are following the Return of the Black Snow Princess arc and the next one over before we experience some variations. Until next time everyone!

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-Shadowlight0982 out.