Miraculous Fox

by The Swordslinger

In a world different to his own with no idea of who he was, there are things one can't expect to be normal. Taking a career as an action star capable of doing all his stunts is one thing, joining up with superheroes to save Paris from crazy villains is certainly a lot more fun. Though things can get weird when the villainesses are after your butt. Naruto x possible harem.

3. Chapter 3

I OWN NOTHING

After some of your thoughts, suggestions, and such, I've decided… that I can't decide on anything at all. So, I'll make the harem smaller: 3 or 4 girls, 5 at most. And that is IF I want it to be a harem. As the summary says with the "possible harem" part, neither I nor The Lord Of Pages know what to do. We write without any big plans.

Also, after seeing fan work of the show's official canon pairing, I'm thinking about whether to pair Marinette with Naruto or Adrien. Can you blame me for a pairing growing on me? It's still a gamble, though. As I've said many times, nothing is set on stone. Who knows? I may pair Adrien with Riposte/Kagami as a reader suggested.

Now, a few words from my friend on this chapter.

The Lord Of Pages here: I've talked him down on the harem number. I'll also be a bit of a jerk and say it outright to avoid controversy on this one. We ship Kaguya X Naruto because she's a blank slate. We know jack about her, and as such she's a wonderful character to pair with him due to how we can do anything we want with her.

She deserved better than to be made as the scape goat for the Uchiha clan's blatant evil. As such, she's the only harem member we're considering. This is to avoid drama later. What's not set in stone is who's in or who's out, only that we're both debating on who gets in and who doesn't. Kaguya's a strong contender for spot number one, be warned.

Anyways, we hope you enjoy this chapter and the work we put into it!

XXXXXX

"Whew… what a day." Marinette sighed in relief as she plopped down on her bed in her pajamas.

"You had the biggest smile in the party." Tikki noted with a cheerful grin, "Adrien was nice to you and even complimented your scarf."

A silly, blushing smile grew on the girl's face, "I know, right!?" she hugged a pillow out of joy, "Heh, maybe our new friend is my lucky charm."

"Speaking of which, we still have so many questions to make." Tikki said, sad to bring the mood down, but it was needed.

Returning to reality, Marinette nodded to her Kwami, "Shadow Moon Queen's heart, could Naruto really have something like that? And her revenge…"

"I'm sure he's as confused as us." Tikki mentioned, but a thought came to her, "Unless… Could he know? Could he be working with her?"

"Definitely no." the girl ruffled her hair, tired as she thought on the concept, "He had plenty of times to take my earrings, whether our hands were glued or not. Not to mention, he just doesn't fit the bill. Why would he try so hard to help others, even throwing himself into a tornado?"

"Still, maybe he's hiding something." The small winged being commented, "I don't know what it could be, sadly. All I can say is that things are getting more complicated."

"Yeah, Bubbler seemed to pack something extra unlike what Hawkmoth gave him…" she looked at her palm, "I could feel it when releasing the akuma."

"Let's hope we can keep our winning streak." Tikki was worried.

"So do I." her partner said before cupping her to put her to sleep, which she also did soon after.

Next morning…

At the other side of the street of the academy, Marinette was sweating bullets as she hid behind a tree, looking around before dashing to another. Turning to one side, she saw the usual students pass by. Gyrating her head to the other, she found Nino and Naruto sitting at the stairs, the latter squatting at the bottom with Marinette's jacket on and unzipped.

Looking at the time, Marinette counted the seconds before a limousine appeared, and out of it walked Adrien, "Hey guys, made you wait?"

"Long enough to grow moss." Nino jested.

"Uh… what's with the pose?" Adrien asked his fellow blond, who kept the squatting stance.

"Practicing a bad boy pose." Naruto replied, "Back in Japan it's usual for school delinquents to kill time in this pose. With this jacket, I feel like I have to."

"Oh, yeah, that's just going to worry the teachers and principals, then." Adrien responded uneasily.

"Don't worry, I'm practicing for a commercial." Naruto answered, "One of our sponsors wants me to show off a summer jacket and make it look tough. They're a brand in Japan, and they apparently want to please the punks in the audience."

"What kind of commercials have you starred in, then?" Nino asked, "Anything cool?"

Humming in thought, Naruto thought back to an old one, "I was actually very big on noodles as a kid, so a company that made instant ramen hired me. All I did in those commercials was eat the stuff to suddenly beat bullies. Like Popeye, but with product placement."

"Not like it's different from everywhere else in the world." Adrien commented.

Naruto deadpanned, "One of the commercials had me fighting aliens just to get the stuff, I even suplexed a freaking UFO."

"I stand corrected." The model replied after blinking twice in rapid succession.

"Dude, now I want some." Nino commented.

Naruto grinned, "I got a free life supply of the stuff…" then his mood soured, "But the boss has been watching my diet lately…"

"Wow, I can relate to that one." The other blond commented, recalling how picky his father was when it was about the model's life.

Suddenly, Alya's voice snapped Marinette back to reality, "Ah, a moment between best friends is oddly deep when it comes to men, so I'm told."

Gulping down a yelp after jumping to the side with terrified spasms, Marinette replied, "When did you get here?"

"So, which one do you like? Blondie number one or two?" the spectacled girl said.

"What…?" her friend was confused.

The blogger put on a smile, "If you like either, I'm willing to help you hook up. Girl, you need to see if what you have can be true love. Better to try, right?"

Taken back, Marinette tried to form words, "Alya, what're you saying? Weren't you into…"

"Hey, I've been pushing you into dating so much it's hilarious. And I know when I'm too into boys, thank you very much." She waved a finger playfully, "It's the good thing about being a girl, actually. We can move over heartbreak relatively easy. It's the dudes who go through a lot of depression. Don't break any hearts, please."

"Alya…" Marinette had a kind smile, and then blushed, "Wait, I'm not into Naruto! Sure, he's a great hero, but I barely know him."

"Same goes for Adrien." Alya retorted.

"Ugh, listen, just help me not make it complicated." Shaking her head, the secret heroine turned to see the boys were heading in as classes were about to start.

"Let's try talking to them, have some fun, relax, live a little, and see whose butt is better." Alya said with a shameless smile.

"Please, don't!" the poor pigtailed girl squeaked out.

XXXXXX

After the serious incident as Stormy Weather, a certain girl wanted her life to change for the best. And that's what she wanted and tried to do when returning to the studio. Aurore was walking home one night, a dark alley way making her frantically try running out of it until without warning, a bunch of thugs jumped her from the shadows!

One approached, pulling out a switch blade before another tried snatching her purse! The girl cried out in fear, her eyes widened in terror before one of the thugs was kicked away, a brilliant white figure standing in front of them with his leg up. A blond-haired youth appeared to look as fashionable and heroic as only a smooth hero could.

Wearing a splendid and expensive white suit, with unique butterfly designs over the jacket, he sold the part of suave. A shining inner luster, red threads glimmering brilliantly, a white fedora which he threw into the air stylishly, and a full-on scarf with a prismatic design added charm.

However, his fashion sense and slicked back hair didn't distract when he punched one thug away, making him yell. Naruto posed brilliantly in front of the relieved looking girl as the thugs kept running at Naruto. Several leapt out from behind trash cans, some climbing over fences, and others leaped down from the roof.

Smooth and classy jazz music played as Naruto proceeded to take them apart one by one, defeating them en masse before whirling about to save Aurore from an attempted mugging! With all the bodies broken around him, Naruto squatted over them as the last one tried to remain conscious.

"How're you so tough…?" he asked.

"Pick your fights wisely, like choosing a fine suit." He said, stood in the pristine suit, and gave a thumb up to Aurore, who breathlessly thanked him.

"You were incredible! How did you defeat all those foes without getting a bit of dirt on you?"

"It's the man wearing the suit, but with this one I can't help but feel confident!" He said with such a smooth and even practiced tone, it made the girl swoon.

He then held out his hand to catch the fedora, placing it on his head with a bow which ended the shoot, "And cut! Perfect!"

Naruto sighed as he took off the hat and ruffled his hair, it immediately spiking up back to its usual anime hero style, "Well, I'm surprised this suit's comfy…"

"Looking dashing as ever, I see." Aurore said, smiling as she walked to him. "Granted, Gabriel Agreste did it in association with REVOCS, so it should be no surprise."

"Oh, I see… Uh, sorry, I didn't get your name." the blond rubbed the back of his head apologetically.

"It's Aurore, Naruto. No need to worry." She smiled with a pleasant look on her face.

Tilting his head to the side, he questioned, "How'd you know my name, lady?"

"Forgive me, I forgot I never introduced myself like this…" she looked at her feet, regret all over her face, "I appear to have been a villain called Stormy Weather. At least before you helped Ladybug and Cat Noir stop me. Not only that, but you also prevented me from being a murderer."

Realization hit him with a shocked expression, "That was you!?"

She nodded sadly, "It shames me to know I acted like that, even if I was controlled. Despite my anger, to go that far against Mireille… I feel sick thinking how close I was to-"

"Oi!" he exclaimed, giving her a stern look as he pointed at her, "Listen, lady, I know not what could've gone through your mind, but I know Hawkmoth's to blame. A friend of mine's been used by him too. He wasn't even himself, it was like a sick joke. So, yeah, you were mad at that girl, but if there's anyone who deserves the blame is him."

"My, you're quite forward!" she said, stunned at his bluntness, "For a boy known for fighting, you're quite caring, passionately so."

Shaking his head, he elaborated on his point, "Just hate seeing people being down because of others. Hawkmoth's the kind of guy I utterly despise for that alone."

"Brave and bold…" she said, her eyes half-lidded, "I think… I like my choice quite a lot. Why be a weather girl when one can be actress?" she grabbed her parasol, opening it to hide a pink hue on her cheeks, "Especially with such a straightforward example of a real man as a co-worker…"

"Said something, Aurore?" he asked, confused.

"Oh m-my, never mind, look at the time!" she blushed and left, the blond confused but ultimately shrugging it off.

"She's weird, but seems to have changed for the best." He said as he started to unbutton the suit, "Time to go home."

Our whiskered hero was ready to call it a day. Work as an actor could be tiring regardless of the job. And as he took off the jacket one Gabriel Agreste designed along a Japanese brand he didn't care about, he wanted to get back to his usual duds. Especially Marinette's comfy jacket.

Due to its design, it called someone's attention, "Interesting piece of clothing." Paris' top fashion designer said as he approached him.

"S-sir?" Naruto got out with some surprise, "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Of course, I can't let my work get less than what it deserves." Adrien's father said stoically before giving him a ghost of a smile, "Being frank, I wanted my son to model it for us, but your talents sell it better. After all, given what it was designed for by REVOCS' top fashionista, but I'm glad it worked. A business suit that allows one to fight freely hasn't been something I was interested in until hearing of how Japanese like you make it look good."

"Apologies in advance, sir, but I'm not that big in fashion." Naruto replied while putting on his jacket, "Must admit I got no fashion sense."

"And yet you're wearing such an interesting piece." The man commented, "May I assume it's made by an independent designer?"

"She is, why?" he felt something was off, the man seemed too friendly all of a sudden.

"I am interested in working with you more often, then." The fashionable man said, adjusting his glasses, "After all, you are one of Adrien's worthwhile friends. Not to mention that it is due to your skills alone you stand here. Dare I say it, you've got a rather unique gift attracting people to you. This one must be quite a talented artist to be a friend of yours."

"Am I really that big of a deal?" the boy asked, a hand on his hip as he looked to the side, failing to see a glint in the man's eyes.

"Modest, too." The man responded, though remained as serious as ever, "I do look forward to seeing you work for us along Adrien. Seeing him have fun makes me… happy." The way he said that sounded, dare one say it, sincere. If he thought the man capable of it, he'd say the guy was truly happy.

"So am I." the young stuntman commented, rubbing the back of his head, "It's nice to have friends like him."

"Ah yes, I've heard you're quite a good comrade to him." Here he tried not to grin too much, "And it came to my attention all you've done along Cat Noir and Ladybug."

"Mostly riding their coattails." Shaking his head with a sigh, Naruto tried to be honest, "Sure, I try to pull my weight, but it's mostly to use their fame for this show's sake."

"If you should learn anything about the world is when to use every opportunity you have for anything you desire." The man's words were sharp, wise, and came from deep in him, "It is a foolish thing to not seize one when you have it. And I am glad to see you around."

"Uh, thanks, sir." It certainly made Naruto feel uneasy.

"We shall meet again." The spectacled man said as he left.

"Wow, if I didn't know any better, I'd say we're lost brothers and you're the favorite." Adrien said behind Naruto.

Rubbing the back of his head, the whiskered blond replied, "Not sure that's a bad thing. Guy's imposing. Like a hawk around a chick, or a spider before a moth in its web."

"Sounds like my father, alright." Adrien said with his arms crossed and a grin, "So, are you going to ask what I'm doing here?"

"Yeah."

"Long story short, he wants me to befriend you more." Adrien said with a shrug, "As for the reason, beats me. My guess is that this partnership with REVOCS and your studio is good enough to get out of the house."

Chortling through his nose, Naruto retorted with, "Definitely a good thing. Your old man could use the sun to see whether he's a vampire or not."

"Oh, that reminds me." here the secret cat superhero pulled out a ticket, "I was given this, but I don't have much use. It's for the reveal of a statue for Ladybug and Cat Noir. And, uh, sorry you didn't get one." He put on a sheepish grin at the end.

Snickering, Naruto shook his head, "Nah, nah, I'm fine. The idea of having a statue of myself is good enough, but those two deserve it. All I'm doing is tagging in to make more people watch my show. Doesn't really sound like a hero's goal, does it?"

"But hey, what guy doesn't like some attention?" Adrien retorted.

"For you it's easy, you're a model." Naruto quipped.

"Touché, my good sir." The cat boy chuckled, "So, do you have any plans? I've got piano lessons in a couple hours."

"Well, there's this arcade Max wanted me to check out after the shoot." Naruto commented, "Says he's going to teach me the ways of being a street fighter to become king of all of the fighters… or something like that."

"Wait, you don't know what games he's talking about?" Adrien felt downright baffled saying that.

"Oh, so that's what he meant…" the actor opened his mouth slightly in realization, rubbing his forehead with a hand, "I thought he had joined some dojo."

"In that case, maybe I can show you some of my moves and…"

"And…?" Naruto didn't know what to think of the pause.

Ruffling his hair, Adrien let out a tired sigh, "Sorry, I shouldn't bother you with that stuff… Anyway, let's go and check what's there."

At the arcade…

Things were fun as Naruto mashed buttons to try to land a hit on Max, whose mecha casually suplexed his, uniting its face with the digital pavement. Sighing in defeat, the whiskered actor held out his hand, which Adrien took as his cue to step in with a friendly high-five. And as soon as the model got the controls of a black cat themed robot, things went differently.

"No way, for real!?" Naruto exclaimed, "Not only do I have to worry about beating Max, but you too!?"

Adrien rubbed the back of his head, "I like this game a lot, especially when I have free time."

Max grinned rather darkly as he used two fingers to push up the bridge of his glasses, "Well done, though. Mr. Agreste, I shall leave you with fair warning. Although you have won this battle fair and square, do not expect mercy for the war. I shall improve and become victorious next time we engage in jolly battle."

"Aren't you taking this too seriously?" the model asked, cocking an eyebrow.

It was then that Naruto took a step forward, a finger aimed at his friend's face, "Fighting games are battles of wits between men to hone their strategies to get in their enemies' heads. It's only natural for men to want to overcome each other and show everyone who is the better fighter. Are you man enough to say that, Adrien?"

Max nodded sagely, arms crossed and a proud smile on his face, "I've taught my pupil excellently."

Pumped up, Naruto held up a fist, "Agh, that's it! Next time, I'm gonna get a lot tougher and beat you two with all I've got!"

"And I shall welcome the challenge! A ha ha ha ha!" Max burst out laughing like a Saturday morning cartoon villain.

Adrien watched it all with a shake of his head, "They sure get along."

XXXXXX

Next day, after classes…

Just when Naruto prepared himself to leave, hefting his red backpack on one shoulder to show the image on the jacket Marinette gave him, someone approached him. It took him an incredible amount of focus to pinpoint the soft, barely audible voice of someone calling for him among many leaving students. But it was accompanied by a far louder voice.

"E-excuse me!" two said as one, though one was loud enough to get Naruto's and other people's attention.

Upon turning, he recognized them as classmates. One of them – undoubtedly the loudest – was hard to miss in a crowd. He easily towered over him, had a black tee with crossbones, and was built like a bulldozer. Beside him was his complete opposite, a petite and colorful girl. She had a pink headband, rainbow-colored braids, and an aura of pure innocence.

It was like comparing the sun to the moon, "Uh, need help?"

"Y-yes…" the girl said, "I'm Mylene, and this is Ivan, we… uh… we really need your help."

"With what?" he asked, trying not to sound impatient but deeply desiring to get the job done as soon as possible.

"See, we plan on going to a concert featuring my favorite band." Ivan said, sounding oddly aggressive as he walked seriously to Naruto, "It was an idea of Mylene's, honest. She wanted to see things I like since I've been doing my best to be with her when she wants to enjoy something."

"Oh, so you're together, then. Good for you. But what's that got to do with me?" Naruto managed to smile, but was still confused.

"It's b-because it could get tough…" Mylene said, not looking him in the eye.

Rubbing his cheek with a finger, the blond retorted, "I'm glad you're asking for help, but if you need a bodyguard, isn't it better you stay home?"

"N-no, not like that…" she got out, swallowing a lump in her throat.

"What we mean to say is… uh… this is hard to put into words." Ivan held his head as he tried to come up with something.

Finally, Mylene got it out, a determined look in her eyes as she pumped her fists, "Could you t-teach me how to be a punk? Please! Make me a tough punk girl!"

"Huh…" Naruto gave her a dull nod, until his brain managed to process what she said with a surprised expression, "Huh!? Wait, what!?"

Gathering attention was the last thing they needed, so Ivan spoke up, "Maybe we should talk this out somewhere quieter."

Sitting at a bench in one of the less frequented parks of Paris, Naruto heard it all, "So, you want to prove Mylene's worth to other punks, right?"

Ivan nodded, distressed, "Yeah, but she's so sweet and cute I fear they could try to push her around! I can and will stand up for her, but…"

"If I remain there for long, I may end up as easy prey." She continued for him with worry on her face.

Shaking his head, the blond sighed, "Why're you even bothering going, then?"

"I won VIP tickets to the concert, and since Ivan's done his best to make me happy, I want to make him happy." Mylene said with a sincere smile.

"I get that, but still, getting yourself in a place you know could be dangerous…" Naruto let their minds do the rest.

"Which is why we need your help." Ivan said as he stood up, clenching a fist, "We got the attire, but we need the attitude."

"Just a second, why me?" the whiskered actor asked, still confused.

Mylene turned to him, a small smile on her face, "Because… you're my ideal of what a punk should be." he pointed at his face and the girl nodded firmly, "That confident stride of someone who isn't afraid to stand in a fight. A fire in your eyes that says anyone who faces you will be in trouble. However, you also have a gentle aura. Everything about you says you'd fearlessly take a punch for someone. You're the punk with a golden spirit."

"Not sure what to say…" the stuntman got out with slightly wide eyes.

"Please, help us!" Ivan pleaded, clasping his hands as if in a prayer, "Mylene wants to change for the best, and this could be it. I want her to stop being afraid of things like this, so it's also me who's begging."

"Laying the guilt thick, aren't you?" the blond grumbled, lowering his head as he accepted his fate, "Well, why not? I don't have anything better to do."

"Yes!" Mylene exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Getting up, he looked at the girl, "Attitude and actions speak louder than words. Anything you need help with?"

"Well, guys I know will be there." Ivan said, "I wanted them to meet my girlfriend, but how could I have her impress them despite being a sweetheart?"

Observing the girl, the blond asked, "How would you greet them?"

Mylene smiled softly, "Oh, with a polite wave of the hand. I'd wish them all a good day and, well, try not to bother them."

Breathing deeply, Naruto put his brain to work, "Hmm… You need to go strong. Either go all out or be quiet."

"What do you mean be quiet?" Ivan asked, "Some of these dudes have been wanting to meet her after I told them how wonderful she is."

"Oh you…" she was blushing.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Naruto tried to find a good answer, "Well, given her personality and the fact you want them to eventually know the real Mylene…" he rubbed his chin deeply in thought. "Why not have her remain quiet?"

"What?" she asked, "But that'd be so rude, and Ivan's good friends with these guys."

"Exactly." Naruto responded, "They'll get to know you sooner or later. Right off the bat, it'd be a bad idea. Keep your mouth shut and greet them with few words, all while your head is held high. And if someone tries to pry, give them a few but firm words."

"Like what?" she asked.

Naruto turned to Ivan, "Anything you think they'd say to her?"

"Mostly say hi, they'd finally get to know her now." Was the taller boy's answer.

"Well, you can answer with a simple hi. No need for big words or entire conversations, just nod your head."

"S-sure…" she said, "But what if they want to know m-more about me, like how I met Ivan or what I do?"

"Well, you two are classmates, so that'd be obvious."

"He surprised me with lyrics to a song he wrote for me…" she said with a smile and a small blush.

"Tell them it's personal firmly." He replied.

"Oh, it'd be rude, but… ok, I trust you." The shy girl nodded.

"As for what you do… what do you do?" he finally asked.

"Oh, I follow my dad in his acts and plays or take care of my hair. Ah, I also tend to sing my song when I'm nervous…" she smiled bashfully at the end.

Shaking his head, Naruto saw he had a lot of work, "Yeah, the dad and song parts we could do without, but the hair…" he looked at his and Ivan's, "Actually, some punks are big on a good, imposing haircut. And yours is cool. Hmm… Maybe you could tell them you do his, too."

"So, I'd be a punk hairdresser?" she asked, a glint in her eyes, "I never thought about it, but I could make friends easier that way…"

"Yeah!" Ivan cheered, and then raised a hand like he was in their classroom, "So, Naruto, question."

His reaction took their advisor off guard, "Uh, listening…"

"If punks wanted to make fun of her, what could she say?" the heavy metal enthusiast looked him in the eye, "I want my friends to see she's sweet inside, but I'd rather she tells off any punk who'd try to start trouble."

"Making it easy for me, aren't you?" Naruto asked sarcastically.

"Please, just in case she gets in trouble and I am not around!" he begged.

"Well, we could practice." Naruto said as he turned to Mylene, "Pretend Ivan and I are punks, and we'll see how to go from there."

"S-sure…" she squeaked out.

"Oh, what're you doing here, girlie?" Naruto asked, getting in front of her with his hands in his pockets, the perfect picture of a punk with his glare.

Mylene stepped back, shivering, "N-nothing!"

"Ok, ok, back it off!" Ivan shouted, getting in front of Naruto.

"Ivan, we're acting." The blond answered.

"O-oh…" the couple got out.

Putting a hand on his face and slowly sliding it down, Naruto turned to Mylene, "Besides, that's the wrong answer and reaction. Mylene, if some punk gets up in your face, you stand your ground. And if they want to start trouble, you need to end it quickly."

"H-how so…? I've never gotten into an argument, I even try to avoid discussing with Ivan." She whispered.

Turning to Ivan, Naruto felt a bit jealous, 'I can see why he likes her. Lucky guy.' He returned to the task at hand quickly, "Since you're a girl, you have it easy. All you got to do is ask if they really want to start something with you? Whatever their answer is, tell them they're not worth the trouble."

"A-alright!" she said as firmly as she could.

"From the top now." The blond said as he turned to Ivan, who nodded, "Oi, what're you doing here, girlie?"

Putting on her game face, Mylene stood where she was, "Do y-you really want to start something…?"

Ivan stood up, "Like what, cutie?"

She sighed, "Y-you're not worth my time… I've a man who's actually worth it."

"Good enough." Naruto said with a grin, "If they keep pushing, just leave and call Ivan."

"I'll try to not leave her side, then." He retorted.

"How should I say goodbye to people, then?" Mylene asked, "I'm supposed to meet them and I want to be friendly."

"Simple, joke around." The whiskered Japanese replied, "Tell them to do their worst until you meet again or something like that."

"D-do your worst, punks!" she said as strongly as she could.

Ivan beamed, "Alright, well done!"

"Thank y-you, Naruto! I mean it!" she said with a sincere smile.

"So, is there anything else you need?" he asked the two.

"Y-yes…" Mylene got out, holding out three tickets, "I could use some backup."

Letting his head drop, Naruto sighed, "I did say I'd go to that statue ceremony, but…" he looked at them and inhaled deeply, "I promised to help, didn't I?" he tried to rationalize things in his head, 'I think Ladybug and Cat Noir can forgive me if they know I've helped some classmates.'

"Thank you, man! Honest!" Ivan said, "You ever need anything, don't hesitate to call!"

"I'll hold you to that, you know?" Naruto asked with a playful grin. "So, when's the concert?"

Mylene smiled sheepishly, "Half an hour."

His reaction was reasonable, "What!?"

Both clasped their hands, pleading, "Sorry!"

Groaning, Naruto resigned himself to his fate, "There better be good popcorn…"

XXXXXX

Being a man of one's word could be a serious pain to the glutes, but some of them lived with little to no regrets. As Naruto approached a park where a decent enough stadium was set, he walked through a sea of people wearing dark clothes and Mylene in a black jacket. On her pink headband was a series of pins with crossbones and skulls.

As soon as they set foot in, some people in black approached Ivan, "Yo, about time you showed your mug." One of them said with a lazy wave, "This the chick?"

"Yeah, she's Mylene." He introduced her as the girl tried to remain firm.

"Hi…" she managed to say dully.

"Not much of a talker, is she?" another asked.

"D-don't need to be." Mylene got out, surprising them.

"Heh, seems cool. Cool hair, too."

"Thanks, I do it myself…" the shy girl said as firmly as she could, "I could do yours."

"Sweet girl you got, Ivan." One of the friends complimented the boy.

"I know, no need to remind me when she's around." Ivan joked.

Soon the band started to play and Naruto found himself bobbing his head to the beat. During breaks, Mylene was able to talk and get to know his friends more. Finally, when the concert was over, Ivan went to get himself and Mylene some drinks. Naruto remained close just in case as one of the punk girls who accompanied Ivan's friends approached the girl.

"So, you really do your hair?"

"Yeah." Was Mylene's simple answer.

"Cool, I could use some tips if you're willing to share." Said another voice that seemed familiar.

"Ah, Juleka!" Mylene exclaimed in surprise, but due to her voice being naturally low due to her shyness, she didn't get too much attention.

Speaking of attention, Naruto's was on the girl identified as Juleka. She was tall, had long legs, and was very pale. Her long black hair reached down all the way below her waist. Bangs were dyed a deep purple while half her face was covered by some of her locks, leaving a single eye visible. With her gothic style of clothing, she fit in the place like a glove.

"You know her?" Ivan's friends asked.

"She's a classmate." Mylene said, "She goes to the same class Ivan and I go to."

"So that's how you two met?" another one of Ivan's friends asked.

"Yeah." Was all Mylene said, surprising Juleka.

"Something up?" the tall girl asked.

"N-no, just… thirsty." She lied, which the tall goth noted.

Before they could start discussing what was going on, though, someone ruined the fun, "Yo, check it out! Gloom and doom never looked so good."

Some punk approached Juleka, who merely looked away, "Oi, what's the matter? My friend's talking, sweetie. At least say hello." Another said.

Mylene acted, "Do you really want to start something?" she said firmly, further surprising Juleka.

"Huh, what're you talking about?" a third punk asked, "Think you're hot stuff, shorty?"

Putting on her brave face, Mylene said something that made Naruto proud, "I don't need to think so. I've a man who's worth my time who knows so."

Ivan's friends cheered for her, while the punks grew madder, "You little-" one tried to grab her.

Key word being tried, for his wrist was caught by Naruto's hand, "How about you leave? I like this party as it is."

"Ugh…" the punk grunted as Naruto applied pressure, "Argh! What's with this guy!? His grip's strong as iron!"

Letting go of him, Naruto put his hands in his pants pockets, "Lady said what she meant and needed to say. Beat it or I'll start beating sense into your skulls."

"Another hot shot, huh!?" one of the three punks asked, ready to fight.

Turning to his classmates, Naruto took off his backpack and jacket, "Take care of these for me, will you?" he cracked his knuckles, "This won't take long."

"Here." Ivan said as he handed his girlfriend and one of his friends the drinks he got, "I've a few words to say, too."

Naruto nodded and the two got ready for action, with the first punk charging, "Get ready to eat dirt!" the offender shouted.

Said punk ate Naruto's right heel, which immediately knocked him out cold. Another tried to punch the blond, who immediately leaned back to avoid the strike before his shin went to his opponent's gut. When the troublemaker bent down, Naruto delivered a right hook followed by a swift left upper-cut that sent him to the ground, unconscious.

Ivan had to deal with his own opponent tackling him, grabbing him by the waist while the metal enthusiast tried to overpower him. He managed to not fall as he fueled himself with the determination of avenging his girlfriend's honor. So, he hooked his large, strong arms around the attacker's waist and lifted him up for a textbook pile-driver!

Seeing that the last punk was still conscious after Ivan slammed his back on the floor, Naruto went quickly, brought up a foot, and curb-stomped consciousness out of him.

"Woo! That's what I'm talking about!" one of Ivan's friends cheered.

"Good riddance." Naruto growled as he smeared his foot on the thug's face, "Everyone alright?"

"Yeah, thank you." Mylene said relieved.

"Same." Juleka replied, observing her three classmates.

"Yo Ivan, good thing you came to your girl's rescue, even though she's tough as nails." One of said boy's friends told him.

"We need to find ways to bring her more often." Another said, "She's got more guts than normal girls standing up like that."

Mylene giggled, "Thanks. For now, I'd rather go. Do your worst till then, punks!"

"Yeah!" Ivan's friends cheered while the actor nodded with pride.

Waving at them, the girl left with her proud boyfriend while Naruto picked up his things until someone approached him.

"You did good." Juleka said, as he noted her attire and appearance, slightly mesmerized.

"What do you mean… Juleka, right?" he asked with an arched eyebrow.

"The only reason Mylene would've said that even with Ivan around is help." She answered, moving a strand of stray hair behind her ear, "People have also heard of how you've helped Max. Everyone's seeing you as a very reliable guy, and I saw why."

Chortling, the blond shook his head, "Wouldn't know about that, but if people are happy, that's good. Don't think I'll make a business out of it, though."

"I can imagine." She answered coolly, observing her own feet, "Actually, I envy that. You've been here for a short time, and people notice you so easily."

"Being fair, I stand out too much. Not always in the good way." He replied tiredly, "Seriously, fighting hostiles is a routine."

"And yet you're the guy those two asked for help without a second thought." She had a small smile and her arms crossed.

"I'm not the kind of guy who'd leave someone to their bad luck, either." He answered sincerely.

"Never change, then." She said and started to leave with a smile, "It's good to see what kind of guy you are. Take care."

He waved at her, a slightly dumb smile on his face, "Man, do goth chicks have to always be ridiculously attractive…?"

"Not all of them, sadly." The director said right behind him, wearing a tee that he bought at the concert and a large smoothie in hand.

Sighing, Naruto rubbed his face, "Why am I not surprised you're here?"

"Because filming you in a slice of life moment is perfect for the show! It'll make you look like a normal person caught up in a war beyond your scope, an underdog to cheer on!" the director passionately told him, making the blond groan softly.

"Alright, alright… everything for the sake of the show, right?"

"That's correct!" The director said with a nod, even as the cameramen walked behind him and got ready to film. Just at that exact moment, they saw Cat Noir dash across the skylines, making Naruto scratch his cheek in confusion the director asked, "Did an akumatized villain attack recently? Why's he moving around without Ladybug?"

Our hero was about to put it out of mind, until he saw another Cat Noir chasing after the first.

His eyes narrowed, "Guess I have an answer to the question you just asked. Two Cat Noirs, one of them has to be an impostor… Guess I gotta suit up, huh?" he asked the director that question rhetorically.

XXXXXX

Up on a rooftop, Cat Noir observed the building before him.

"Cat Noir…" he turned to see White Fox, Naruto having put his suit on in a flash to follow him. He instinctively got his staff ready, "Wait, I need to check something."

"What is it?" the feline boy asked.

Rubbing his chin, Naruto said, "I know who you are."

"Y-you do?" the black clad boy asked.

"Sure, you told me." the blond started, "When you asked me to help you win Ladybug's heart."

Cat Noir frowned, "Ok, did you hit your head or anything? Hero 101 says you never tell others your secret identity."

"Good." Naruto said, pulling his hand out of his back to reveal his dagger as he sheathed it, "You're the real one."

"Oh man, am I glad you're on my side." The green-eyed blond breathed out in relief, before blinking, "Wait, so you saw my copy?"

"I did, he wasn't exactly well-hidden with you after him." Was the white-clad boy's reply.

"Wait, something's up, why would that mediocre artist…" he trailed off, and gulped, "Oh… I think I made a bigger mistake than I thought."

"Explain, please." Naruto said sternly, holding back a groan as he guessed what could've happened.

"See, uh, this artist wanted to meet Ladybug, like meet and then introduce her to his parents. He's way too old for her, though. You know, shady guy like him shouldn't be allowed a mile near her." The cat boy said quickly, nodding firmly.

Pointing a finger, Naruto knew what was up, "You're jealous that he admitted he liked Ladybug and lied to him. Cat, I've been in so many shows and movies with that plot I can see it a mile away. What did you say to make things worse? I haven't forgotten that slip of the tongue."

Wincing, the model turned superhero tried to think of an excuse, but he knew he was busted, thus he hung his head in defeat, "I… kinda told him you were also gunning for her hand. And then let him know you two didn't have a chance since she and I had something special."

"Ok, cut!" Naruto called, the cameramen on the roof looking at each other and the baffled director.

"Why!?" the man asked, shocked, "Naruto-kun, why-"

"Shut it." Naruto said firmly as he took off his mask and hood, "And you." He walked to Cat Noir, grabbing him by his collar, "Want to win a lady? Do so fair and square without using some moron's cheap tricks! For crying out loud, if you're so into her just say so and I'll help you! Next time you pull this stunt, I'll pummel you, though."

"Alright, alright, I get it!" Cat Noir yelped, trying to set himself free, to no avail due to the other blond boy's insane strength, "Seriously, I've been kicking myself for that idea. But can you blame me? Dude, you're cool, everyone knows you, and you get around too easy!"

Groaning as he remembered staring at Ladybug's ass-ets for too long, Naruto tried to be firm, "I barely even know her. Besides, I'd rather she gets to love someone because she knows them well. I've already had a lot to deal with shallow girls being after me for fame and it's only thanks to my boss that I can relax. You've got it easy."

"Ok, I understand…" Cat Noir said defeated, "But do you know how maddening it is to like a girl as stubborn as her? She only sees me as a sidekick at best, what am I supposed to do? She's the most amazing, cutest, confident, strongest, and determined girl I've ever known and I haven't seen her real face or heard her real name."

Letting him go, Naruto took off his gauntlet and bit his thumb, drawing blood, "Then, a promise as men." He shook Cat Noir's hand, leaving his blood on his suit and shocking the hero, who was too surprised and dare he say awed to pull back, "It's a blood oath. If you're really that determined to get to know her, I'll help you. Making her fall for you is all on you."

"Y-you…" Cat Noir got out with a shocked gasp.

Pulling back with a smirk, Naruto held up his blood coated fist, "If it makes you fight better, I'll go all the way. Now that I've promised, I'll help you try to get to know who she is. But I said it's your job stealing her heart. Don't make me regret this, or I'll have to make you pay with your own blood."

Shaking with his head hung low, Cat Noir stared at his feet, completely at a loss, "You really are something else…" he brought up his head to look at his blood-soaked hand, and balled it into a fist, a smirk growing on his face, "Alright! I can't back down now, can I!? Thanks, I meant it!"

"Ah, a true bond between brothers!" the director cried, panicking, "Naruto-kun, do you know what great plot point we lost because you-"

"Worry not, sir, I recorded it just in case!" One of the cameramen shouted, his shoulders held appreciatively by his boss.

"You are a son to me now." The director told the man with proud tears in his eyes.

"B-boss…" the cameraman was moved, too.

"You Japanese are way too weird…" Cat Noir whispered to his ally.

"They do this stuff before breakfast." Naruto whispered back.

"Anyway, this has to be a trap if he's getting the two of us here." Cat Noir said.

"But I'll know who you are." Naruto said as he winked at him, the feline hero returning the action.

XXXXXX

When Ladybug arrived at an art studio, she didn't know what to expect.

Unknown to her, she had arrived there before Cat Noir and Naruto, "People saw Cat Noir get here. Where could he-"

Gasping upon hearing steps behind her, she turned with her yoyo ready, spinning it like a flail, "Hey there, Ladybug." Cat Noir said.

"What's going on here? Did you really just become a thief?" she asked, confused.

"No, don't you think it's odd he just decided to turn evil?" a new voice asked behind her, chewing something.

"Fox?" she was surprised to see the whiskered hero without his hood, chewing some stick.

"The fakers have fooled his camera crew and Paris." Cat Noir said worriedly, "Hawkmoth has managed to akumatize two people with Shadow Moon Queen's help. I only managed to find who the real White Fox was after he was attacked by his copy. It was tough, the guy knew his every move and had us cornered."

"I can't believe it…" she whispered, "Is this for real? How can some copy be stronger than you two?"

"They had the Lunatics, for starters." Naruto said, chewing the stick and nearly breaking it in his teeth, "Add to that having a copy of my moves in their heads, and it meant business."

"We have to stop them, then." Ladybug said, only to have Cat Noir grab her wrist, "What is it, Cat?"

Naruto quickly held her other hand, "Tell us now, Ladybug, and be honest, which of us do you like most?"

Red like her outfit's color covered her face, "W-what're you asking all of a sudden!"

Cat Noir gave her pleading eyes, "Be honest, Ladybug! We know you've your heart set on someone! But… we're willing to share!"

Flashes of thoughts regarding that didn't help ease the heat on her face, "Have you lost your mind!?"

"Please, we only want the best for you! You're our inspiration!" Naruto begged, sandwiching her between himself and Cat Noir.

Ladybug's eyes started to spin around, "G-guys, this is way too sudden and unnecessary! There's a bad guy a-"

Whatever she wanted to say next was halted when Naruto arrived along Cat Noir, "Hey, get my paws off her!" the real feline hero yelled as the director and his crew descended after them with their own grappling hooks.

"O-oh, I'm so confused…" Ladybug grunted as she was pressed between two examples of ideally physically fit males.

The real heroes landed before them, Naruto crouched and with his dagger out while Cat Noir had his staff ready. Both copies walked before Ladybug and mimicked the original heroes' stances. As if a gong had gone off, the two parties charged with a confused Ladybug trying to think of a solution to difference the real ones from the fake ones.

Both White Foxes jumped at each other, the copycat pulling his own dagger and clashing steel against steel with sparks. Since their strength and skills were equal, their daggers flew off their hands. But the real Naruto had experience, and quickly punched his copy in the face, which his doppelganger replied with kick to his gut. Their strikes were simultaneous, so it was no surprise they both skidded back while their daggers fell on the floor.

Cat Noir and Copycat didn't have it easy either, staves collided like swords. Cat Noir twirling his and attempting to strike the fake with it as if it were a spear, only for Copycat to kick it away and try to smash him on the head. Quickly leaning his head to the side, the feline hero pulled back his staff and used it as a pole. Stabbing one end into the ground, he jumped at his double for a double kick, which Copycat blocked with his staff.

Knowing it was time to try to show who the real one was, Naruto tried to come up with a decent line, "Devils of evil, to use my face to take a girl's heart… I cannot forgive you! Forcing a woman to choose who she loves is a sin of true cruelty!" he stood up and clenched a fist, "Should you truly love her, let her find joy with whoever she wishes to spend it with!"

Copy Fox took on the trademark ninja pose, "Desist now, devil! True evil like yours, attempting to fool my allies by mimicking me… Yours are crimes beyond redemption!"

"Double the cheesy lines? And I thought using our faces was as low as you'd sink." Cat Noir said as he kept attacking his double, Copycat blocking his staff with his own.

"No, trying to get the lady's heart with your cruddy act is lower than that." Copycat said as he kicked the real feline back.

Naruto and Copy Fox raced to their daggers, rolling at the last moment to grab them, get on a crouched position and jump at each other. Another clash brought out sparks while the fake tried to stab the real actor with an actual sharp edge. As they struggled, the true Naruto clenched his teeth while trying to push Copy Fox back, but the doppelganger took two steps forward, putting the dagger's edge near his eye.

Shadow Moon Queen grew mad, and spoke to the double, "Copy Fox, do not harm him! I need him intact!"

Seeing Kaguya's symbol over the fake, Ladybug acted, "Not so fast!" she wrapped her yoyo around the copy's face, pulling back his wrist.

Hawkmoth snapped, "Why would you give him away!?"

Seething in rage, Shadow Moon Queen yelled, "That boy's only good to me in one piece, Hawkmoth, I thought I made that clear!"

With Copy Fox wide open, Naruto lashed his leg upwards, delivering a swift whip kick to his temple that stunned him and made him stagger to Ladybug. The girl bent down, hugged the doppelganger's waist, and showed her flexibility by swinging her right heel back all the way to meet the fake's face, breaking his mask. When she let go of him, the double burst into a cloud of smoke, disappearing from existence.

Realizing things weren't in his favor, Copycat leapt back, "Lunatics, to me!" he shouted, the suited gooey mooks forming behind him and readying their weapons, with a new couple now sporting sais which they twirled in their hands. "And since you want to play some more…"

Déjà vu, that's what Naruto felt when Copycat put his fingers in a cross sign before another Cat Noir and two extra White Foxes appeared in bursts of smoke.

Ladybug groaned, "Just what I needed to make this more uncomfortable…"

"Let's go." Copycat shouted as he, the clones, and the Lunatics went after the heroes.

However, Ladybug stood back as she readied her yoyo, "Doesn't that Cat Noir look tired?" she asked the real Naruto, who observed how Copycat was panting as he charged. The bug themed heroine's eyes widened, "Cat Noir, White Fox, fight your clones and beat them! I'll get the Lunatics!"

Taking a dynamic pose with his dagger beside his heart and his left palm forward, Naruto nodded, "Stand proud and don't give in to your usurpers, heroes of Paris!" he shouted to be as dramatic as possible for the ecstatic director, who was giddily jumping in place.

As the trio rushed against the small army, things got chaotic. Naruto was facing two clones of himself and one of the sai wielding Lunatics. The latter managed to catch his dagger the moment he tried to stab it, leaving the real to be attacked by two Copy Foxes. Groaning inwardly, he let go of his dagger and spun around, lashing at them with a whipping kick. Using his heel like a hook, he wrapped his leg around one of his double's arms, bringing him to the floor after the other fell down.

Kneeled on the ground over his double and with the Lunatic close, Naruto picked up his doppelganger's dagger to block the sais. Quickly, he kicked the Lunatic, sending it back before going after it, picking his blunt dagger on the way. Steel clashed against steel in rapid motions as the Lunatic parried and blocked his strikes, but Naruto was faster. He had the gooey minion backpedaling before it caught the Copy Fox's dagger, breaking it with both his sais easily.

Letting out a low growl as his copies went after him, he threw the broken dagger at them and started to backpedal, "Having fun!?" Cat Noir asked the actor as he passed by him.

The real feline used his staff as a baton to parry a strike from Copycat and said doppelganger's double. Two staff wielding Lunatics had turned their weapons into nunchakus, which they twirled to try to strike him. Cat Noir jumped over them to try to punch one of this copies in the face. Copycat stepped forth, blocking his punch with both arms to push him off while midair. The feline hero landed on his feet, skidding to a halt while the two fakes charged at him.

It became a show of his dexterity and skills when avoiding punches, kicks, and strikes from their staves or the Lunatics' weapons. He was getting overwhelmed, but being a feline hero came with the perk of being quite nimble. He wasn't as strong as the other blond, but he was quick enough to dodge getting pummeled… until his back hit a wall. Cornered, he saw a brief flash of his life before his eyes as they went after him all at once. Without any other choice, he extended his staff to propel himself into the air, jumping over them.

Finally away from his enemies, he didn't allow himself to relax when they charged after him once again, "Keep going, Cat Noir!" Ladybug shouted, "Fox, focus on your copies. You too, kitty-cat!" she exclaimed as she side-stepped a Lunatic's punch to grab him by the arm and judo-throw him on the floor.

"What's the plan, Ladybug!?" Naruto asked, sounding serious like he should, but inwardly urging her as he parried swift stabs from a Copy Fox with his own dagger.

"Stand your ground and wait for my signal!" she said with authority, even as she cartwheeled away from a Lunatic with sais. Said suited being charged at her, throwing swift strikes with the three-pronged weapons to try to stab her. Defying all logic, Ladybug spun her yoyo like a flail to stop each and every strike with ridiculous precision.

Reaching a wall, she jumped at it, kicked it for a jump, and spun her body like a graceful ballerina to bring down her heel on the Lunatic's face. Using the momentum from her jump, her enemy's back arched backwards until its skull met the ground with the bug heroine standing on its face with one foot. It remained immobile before its body disappeared, leaving her a small chance to catch her breath before ducking under a kick to her head.

Retaliation was in order, and she did so by launching her yoyo at her attacker's face, nailing it where a nose should be. Had there been one, it'd probably be broken considering that the slimy grunt's head shook violently. But she didn't let it get away so easily. Getting up with a jump, she brought a foot over her head with insane ease – and distracting the copies and originals enough with the way her suit hugged her form as she moved. Bringing down her foot on her enemy's head made it vanish like its kind did.

And with that, she knew it was time, "Lucky Charm!" she called forth her magic powers, summoning a… "A candleholder?" she questioned the three-pronged item typically carried by ghosts in spooky mansions.

After kicking a Copy Fox to get some distance, Naruto turned to her, "Ladybug, I appreciate your powers helping us, but… how can that help us?" he managed to stay in character as he sounded serious, but his concern wasn't acted.

Cat Noir grinned as he did his best to keep his copies away from her, "You're worrying too much, Fox. Milady is one who gets a lot of bright ideas."

Copycat realized the trouble that meant, so he crossed his fingers again in that hand sign that Naruto found familiar, "Try this!" he shouted as he summoned more Copycats and Copy Foxes, three of each which charged at them.

But Ladybug grinned, "Getting desperate is tiring you, faker!" she told him, making everyone turn to who she pointed with the candleholder to see Copycat – the original villain under Hawkmoth and Shadow Moon Queen's influence. What made him stand out from the rest was that he was sweating and taking deep, ragged breaths.

"Fool!" Shadow Moon Queen growled, curling her fingers to claw the air, "I told him abusing that gift would exhaust him! It requires too much chakra and control!"

"No matter!" Hawkmoth shouted, as desperate as his villain, "Copycat, push through! The Miraculous are in your reach! You already outnumber them!"

All the doubles went after the originals and Ladybug. Instantly Naruto slammed his left heel on a Copycat's face with ease, turning him into a dissipating cloud of smoke. Cat Noir was as quick to swing his staff like a baseball bat against a Copy Fox's face, making if poof out of existence. As they did so, Ladybug noticed the tired original Copycat's wrists, her current item, and it didn't take long for her to know what to do.

"Even his clones are tired! I just need to get close to the original!" she told the real ones, the only males who weren't winded.

"Leave it to me!" Naruto said while taking a dynamic pose, clenching a fist before dashing at the clones with his dagger ready.

"Do get ahead of yourself, rookie!" Cat Noir quipped as he jumped at them, twirling his staff in his hands for a painful strike.

Clones and Lunatics stood forward to protect the original villain. Our heroes also charged forward. Naruto ducked under a tired Copy Fox's punch and rolled away from a Lunatic's leg as it kicked him in the same instant. On the floor, he threw a foot back, mule-kicking his copy right at Cat Noir, who slammed his staff on the Copy Fox, making it disappear as Ladybug used their opening to advance. Jumping over her allies, she put a foot on a Lunatic's face to use it as a step and stop it from striking them.

Midair, she threw the candleholder at the most tired Copycat, who barely blocked with his staff and stumbled back. Seeing the item bounce and fly up, she grinned and kept advancing. One of her feet landed on a Lunatic's face, then she jumped on a Copy Fox's shoulder, hopped on another Copycat's head before leaping at the original villain and grabbing her item. Finding himself cornered, Copycat brought up his palm, summoning dark matter to it.

"Cataclysm!" he shouted, ready to strike the candleholder and stop Ladybug's attempt to make her plan work.

"Fox, dagger play ball!" Cat Noir shouted at the other blond, who looked at his dagger and then at the black-clad feline holding his weapon like a bat.

Nodding once, he threw it with all his might, and Cat Noir swung hard, deflecting the strike right into Copycat's hand, making the dull dagger disappear as a pile of rust. However, with his arm extended, Copycat's arm was nailed to the floor when Ladybug slammed her foot on the candleholder, it acting like a shackle. The villain struggled to free his wrist, but wasn't fast enough to prevent the bug heroine from grabbing a slip of paper poking out of a pocket and shredding a picture of herself.

Upon seeing the akuma fly out, Ladybug did her thing. Their enemies disappeared and all damage had been repaired. And with a cry of "Miraculous Ladybug!" Naruto had his dagger back as good as new. He gave quite a sigh of relief, for he feared what Kaguya would say if he casually broke equipment that wasn't expensive but not cheap either.

Pocketing the dagger, he turned to the heroes, bringing up his fist for their cheer, "Pound it."

"Well, glad that's over with." Cat Noir said with a sigh, "And good thing we got cameras to prove my innocence."

"You may not be lucky next time, kitty-cat." Ladybug said, ready to leave.

"Wait, are you still mad about the bet?" the feline said.

"W-what do you think!?" she reddened like her outfit, "I'm not a prize to be won if some of you loses something!"

"In our defense…" Naruto started, but she wouldn't have none of that.

"I know and saw you didn't want anything to do with it, so you don't have to say anything for the cat." She frowned, "Cat Noir, I trust you a lot, but to do that… You're asking a lot from a girl if you just expect me to ignore it."

"Ladybug…?" the akumatized villain, a sculptor barely regaining his senses, said, "Y-you're here! I…" he fumbled for words.

Noticing what was going on, Naruto stepped forward, "Listen, everyone, I'll be blunt as a man should." He shook his head, "We're men, we can't understand women on our first try. But we shouldn't act we're in the right if we compete for a girl's heart. Fail as many times as you need to, but learn about her to see if it's worth something or not."

"W-what do you mean?" the sculptor asked, baffled, "Can't you see how wonderful she is?"

Taking off his mask briefly, Naruto sighed, "And I speak from experience. Getting a girl to like you but then seeing you two have nothing in common will ruin you. Be honest, do you two have any idea what Ladybug likes and dislikes?" he turned to Cat Noir when asking that.

"Uh…" the two males struggled for words.

Shaking his head, Naruto turned to Ladybug, "And you, try to at least throw them a bone."

"W-what?" she was dumbfounded.

He pointed at her, "Sure, not all guys are going to be perfect, but at least give them a fair chance. Cat tries, at least. Maybe someone's got your eye, I don't know or care, but unless it's serious and you're dating him, don't be so mean on a guy. Again, I'm speaking from experience."

"Ah yes, that idol we forced you to date…" the director huffed, "Honestly, I'm so glad Kaguya-san broke our deal with her. None have heard of her since. Good riddance."

Inside of Hawkmoth's room, the man clenched his fists and pointed at the ceiling even as it begun to close, the Shadow Moon Queen watching him yell, "You may have beaten Copycat, Ladybug, Cat Noir, White Fox! But there are many more where he came from! A clone he may have been, but for every one of him you beat, I will raise ten more! For I am Hawkmoth, and my akuma are Legion!"

"Hmm…"

He turned to the Shadow Moon Queen who had a hand on her cheek with a serious frown, "A penny for your thoughts as the Americans say, Queen?"

"Why yes, I do have one. There was a girl I had my eyes on for a little bit. A serial liar and a girl with deep troubles of confidence, but she might prove… a match for the three of them." She mused, making Hawkmoth turn around slowly.

"A possible choice for one of my akuma?"

Her smile became the same as his, sinister and cruel, "Of course my dear friend! But she will not be here for some time, I have simply… predicted the future."

"A seer and an oracle, you are a woman of many talents O Shadow Moon Queen!" he praised, making her preen even as she began to fade.

"For now, we must await the next time we meet. Until then, look to the moon Hawkmoth, and call for me when you are ready."

XXXXXX

Back in her room after her talk with Naruto, Marinette looked at a phone she had taken non too legally.

"Still thinking about Naruto's words?" Tikki asked her partner as said girl observed Adrien's stolen phone.

"I never thought how hard it must be for guys to approach us girls, but even so, I don't feel attracted to Cat Noir. Can you blame me?" she put her face on her desk, "I better get this phone back to Adrien. After that, I think I'll…at least give some thought to the cat's words."

"Why do you turn him down so much?" the Kwami asked, curious.

"He's so over-confident and flirty, not exactly what I want with a boyfriend." The girl sighed deeply, "It'd be fine if he didn't flirt all the time."

Tikki nodded sagely, "He could also say that to any girl when no one's looking, but do you really think that?"

Deeply sighing, Marinette closed her eyes and walked to her bed, "No, how could I? Although, I'd prefer a guy who takes things seriously, like Adrien."

"Or Naruto?" Tikki teased, making her partner blush.

Marinette was indignant, "Oh shush, you can see he's not interested in me. We haven't even talked."

Bringing up a small hand, Tikki replied, "But you also haven't talked much to Adrien. The only boys you talk to regularly are him and Cat Noir."

"Oh no…" Marinette ground her teeth and dropped herself on her bed fully, "I hate it when you're right like that…"

"Sorry, but it's true." Her partner said sincerely.

Meanwhile, another teen had issues of their own.

Happier ones, though, "Alright, Plagg! Seems like I've finally gotten one step closer to Ladybug with a proper wingman!"

Bursting his bubble seemed like the sensible thing to do, "You know he said he'd help you talk to her. You've done that and still got nowhere."

Crossing his arms with a smirk, Adrien retorted with, "It means I have more chances to finally have her hear me out. Besides, with this now I'm sure he won't try anything!"

"Isn't that the same thing that Copycat guy did?" Plagg retorted as he tried to fit an entire piece of cheese down his mouth.

Growing flustered, the model tried to argue, "It'll be different! After all, Naruto was right! I'll try my best to get to know her! Give it some time, and we could be dating in a couple days."

"Whatever, you'd do better enjoying the little pleasures as the greatest treasures, like this cheese." The Kwami took out a large bite and relaxed.

"Sorry, not my thing." The blond said as he sighed, "I guess I owe my dad one, trying to make Naruto and I closer friends. If anything, it means I can use his advice with and without a mask. If only I could find that phone…"

"Or you could go for another girl with short dark hair into you… Seriously, that's like your one obsession." Plagg said, earning himself a mouthful of pillow.

On his side of Paris, Naruto was walking around the city to understand what was what.

Upon hearing his phone ring, he answered, "Hello? Who are you, and how did you get this number?"

"It's me, Marinette." He was surprised to hear her voice – even if it was digitalized. "I need one HUGE favor."

"Oi, you still haven't answered." He told her on his toes, "What's so important you'd get my phone number, and please tell me how you got it, ne?"

"I…kinda borrowed my dad's notepad and found your name and phone from when you ordered that cake." She said quickly, and he had to hold back a sigh, "But please, please! Just listen to me, ok? I…uh, have a serious problem. Long story short: I called Adrien while trying to build my confidence and attempted to leave a message, but then I actually did, but I'm so NOT ready for it, and-"

"Oi, oi, oi!" he shouted, trying to get her to slow down, "You said short. Please, make it short."

"A-alright…" she breathed deeply, "I regretted leaving him that message and…took his phone to delete it."

"You stole it!?" he hated his exclamation, for it drew attention. After hurrying to an alley, he continued, "What were you thinking!?"

"I wasn't, alright!?" she blurted out, clearly on the verge of tears, "Please, you must help me return it after I delete this message, I beg you!"

Sliding his hand down his face, he looked at the sky and questioned something important, 'When did I become everyone's errand boy?' taking a deep breath, he assessed the situation with a cool head, 'Even if this is nuts, she's desperate enough to ask me for help… Kaguya-san, why did you have to force it into my skull to be nice to ladies like you.'

"Naruto…?" her timidity asking his name was the final nail.

It was so innocent, so desperate, so cute…

"Fine, fine, I'll do it, but don't thank me just yet. If this blows in our faces, I'll even sing acapella about how much you love him if it's needed for you to talk to him." He said seriously to try to intimidate her into acting without fooling around.

Too bad it backfired, "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I swear I'll make it up to you!"

Breathing deeply through his nose while pinching the bridge, he made a simple observation, 'She'll make a lucky guy both miserable and happy.'

The next day at school…

"Someone took it?" Adrien asked his fellow blond handing him his phone.

"I fear it was a fan of yours." Naruto answered truthfully while Marinette – looking behind a door and fretting as he continued – observed, "Begged me not to tell you who she was. I am a man of my word, so I'm keeping that a secret. She was desperate enough to cry for me to give this back to you."

"Wow…girls are really something else." The model said as he examined his phone, "Well, at least there are no new messages worth worrying about."

"You're not going to ask who it was?" the actor questioned.

"No, you said already she asked you to keep your mouth shut, and I can understand how hard it must be to talk to someone and being afraid of it." Adrien told him with a sincere grin, "Anyway, I have no plans for today. Call me if you have anything interesting in mind."

"Sure." Naruto replied and walked off, turning to Marinette when she walked to him, "I can see why you like him, but you're overreacting."

"I know, I mean it." She replied almost breathlessly, "Why does something so simple as talking to a guy have to be so hard?"

"Because if things were just handed to us, life would be boring." He guessed.

Giggling softly at his blunt reply, she ended up smiling at him, "Well, I owe you one, so ask for anything."

"Then…can you get me some of your dad's baking?" he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "I've gotten a killer sweet tooth lately."

Letting out quite a cute giggle, she nodded, "Simple, but sure, I can get you something."

XXXXXX

Later that day, Naruto decided to make good on his word.

"Gym Canton, huh?" he stared at the entrance where the aging Frenchman expected him, "Better go in, then."

As soon as he did, he was greeted, "Hey boy!" the old European waved at him, chuckling while members of his gym punched and kicked sandbags, "All right, everyone! Listen up! This is the boy I was talking to you about, the one with the dynamite punch! Be sure to learn as much as you can fighting him, or you'll be floored!"

"Y-yes!" they replied, understandably confused by his words.

Naruto bowed his head to show respect, "Thank you for taking me in, I hope we can work together."

After changing his attire into a pair of orange slacks, a black muscle-shirt, while still keeping his red boots, and a pair of red boxing gloves, our hero got into the ring. He was surprised to see who stood in the ring before him. Without his tie, vest, and trench coat. Dominic rolled up his shirt's sleeves and put on a pair of green boxing gloves.

"Ready, boy?" the elder asked, smirking as he got into a stance.

Knowing not to underestimate his opponent, Naruto sighed, "I'd worry about you if I didn't see what you can do, gramps. Don't complain if I get serious."

"Worry not, I've told the kiddies here you'll never use our rules." He smirked and shook one leg once and then the other to loosen up, "I want to train them so they get street smarts. No good comes from getting attached to a ring's rules, especially outside of one."

"Heh, you're crazy, but I like it." Naruto rolled his shoulders, "Gives me an excuse to go all out on you for dragging me into this, gramps."

"Wouldn't ask for it to be any other way, boy." The elder got into his stance, "Bell!"

The echoing of the ring's bell being hit told them to charge, which they did. But as soon as they were within two feet from each other, they stopped and started circling each other. Dominic showed his expertise by hopping on the balls of his feet, whereas Naruto walked around. Then, the elder dashed at the boy, lashing out with his left leg at his temple. Should that have been against a regular member of his gym, it'd have connected. The blond stomped forward and punched Dominic before the elder had time to react.

Clutching his gut as he fell on the floor, the man couldn't help his grin, "Hey, that kid just took down the old man! What monster is he!?"

"You're firm on your approach and stance, boy." Dominic said as he got up, smirking, "But you're still a toddler with footing like that."

Dashing at the blond again, the young stuntman was ready to punch him again. Reading his moves, Dominic instantly dashed back, leaning his body away from his swing before lashing out with his right heel at Naruto's stomach. Said boy stumbled back and remained tall, though held back a grunt for the Frenchman packed a mean kick despite his age.

It was then that Dominic got serious, he dashed at Naruto again, throwing his left leg up which the whiskered kid barely had time to lean away from. Once again, the old man moved with a single hop from his right foot still on the ground, his left leg still midair as it lashed once again. Quick strikes with the point of his shoes – which were reinforced so unlike a pair of regular shoes he wouldn't break his toes – went at Naruto's body. Without much of a choice, the blond let his arms take the punishment before jumping back.

Putting down his foot, Dominic spun his hips, changing his stance in a split second, before doing it again and again as he approached Naruto to confuse him. He started throwing fast kicks to his sides, lightning fast hits that Naruto endured by using his arms to cover them while his fists covered his chin. Seeing that, the elder stomped a foot on the ground, spun his body around and lashed with a textbook roundhouse kick to Naruto's head. However, he failed to remember something very important: Naruto learned fast.

Having seen the man's moves, Naruto let out the primal roar of power from his people as he stepped forward, "Ora!" he punched the attacking leg down, making Dominic wince at the strike before Naruto punched him again, right in the face, "Ora!" he yelled, before grabbing him by the head and bringing him down to meet his knee with his forehead.

Backpedaling, the elder brought up his fists for defense as Naruto was about to deliver another punch to his face… *DING!* until the bell rang.

Coldly sweating, Dominic stared at the red glove inches from his face as Naruto stepped back, "One minute's rest, right?" he asked the old man, who grinned.

"Sure, take your time." The two sat on opposite corners, Naruto shaking his arms to dull the pain from the man's kicks, "Listen, boy. You know how to move, but not how to really get into a fight. You saw my skipping around, right? Well, if you ever find an enemy who loves going all over the place to keep their distance, force them to come to you and counter."

"What if they're like you and got a kick capable of knocking my teeth out?" Naruto asked while the elder grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

"There's one trick for that in Savate, which you used." He told him, "Chasse Bas. When your enemy comes at you, bring up your knee to aim your heel, and unleash it against the lower part of their leg. The thigh, an inch above the knee, makes a perfect target to knock them off-balance and harm their kneecaps."

That didn't sound too good, "Oi, are you serious, gramps? I could break your leg."

"Is that concern what I hear from you, boy?" Dominic beamed, "If so, don't sweat it. I've been living extra hours for a while, and I can take the pain. You don't get to my age if you haven't at least taken several punches from life at her cruelest."

Huffing, Naruto smirked at the old man, "Don't cry to me if you regret it then, gramps."

The bell rung again and the two returned to where they were, with Dominic skipping on the balls of his feet while Naruto stood with his feet firmly planted. Seeing the way the man moved, he stood on the balls of his feet, but didn't hop in place. And when the elder Frenchman charged, the man didn't even see the kick coming until it was too late. Naruto's heel slammed down on the point he mentioned, right above the knee. Dominic grunted as he fell like a sack of potatoes, but the blond wasn't done.

As the man fell, Naruto rammed the tip of his boot into his gut, flipping him in the air, "W-what a monstrous strength!" one of the club members gasped.

However, Naruto worried for the elder, who remained on the ground, "Oof… I haven't been kicked that hard in a while." Dominic gasped out, sitting up, "I think that's enough. I could try to teach you more moves, but I'm afraid none of the guys here could take as much punishment as I, boy."

"Crazy old man, don't push yourself next time, ne?" Naruto said as he helped the elder stand up.

But the man didn't lose his smile, "Are you kidding me, boy? I've never felt to alive…" he winced as he got back to his feet. "You learn too well when fighting, terrifyingly so. I think no other method could be more perfect. Next lesson, we return to the ring."

"Yeah, you take it easy and I'll return when you're sure you can be alive for the next lesson." Naruto said as he walked away.

"True dynamite, boy…" the elder grinned at the retreating teen.

XXXXXX

Classes were over the next day, and there was some noise, "Come on, Alix! Or are you chicken!?"

Recognizing the voice as Kim's at the school's entrance, Naruto turned to the red-hooded boy standing before Alix, the petite tomboy skater having her hair done in a side pigtail. She had her arms crossed and a confident smile to match Kim's cocky smirk. As the blond approached to see whether to intervene or not, she spoke.

"Fine, if it'll shut you up, let's make a deal." She had her helmet held with an arm to her side, "A race, you and I, and you got to stop making your stupid dares for a year."

"Deal, and WHEN you lose…" the athletic boy grinned upon noting Naruto, "Well, I'll keep that a secret. But you'll be coming, right, Naruto?"

"What'd I miss now?" the actor questioned, thrown out of the loop by those words, "Last I recall, I made no plans with you."

"Kim means you should arrive at the course as a member of the audience for this race, my dear friend." Max explained as he walked by. "See, Kim believes himself such a specimen of physical health his tendencies for dares have become daily routine by now. Granted, I'm an exception due to my might being wits instead of brawn."

"I see…" Naruto nodded, before realizing something, "Wait, how come he doesn't challenge me, then?"

"Would you really want that?" Max asked seriously.

"Not really, but I'm fairly confident in my strength and skills." Naruto answered.

"You kidding? Fighting you after seeing you in action?" Kim retorted, arms crossed, "Sorry, man, I am still training to take you down in a race. Alix here is the perfect warmup."

That just escalated things quickly, "What was that!?" the pink-head snapped, putting on her helmet, "Ok, that's it! Naruto, you run too so I can shut his mouth!"

Our hero went wide-eyed, "Wait, how come I went from not wanting to be involved to being part of the race!?"

"Hmm… perhaps it'll be a good way to see how hard I must train to overrun him…" Kim mumbled to himself while Alix sped off.

Sighing in defeat, Naruto turned to Max, "Why does this happen to me?"

"I've been doing research on the laws of attraction and the universe, you'd be the perfect subject to see theories about attracting and drawing out the best of others." Max hefted up his glasses with a thumb, "Put simply, I'm researching a kind of legend scientists can't deny yet. It's about an energy of cosmic origins that pulls us together."

"And I fit in, how?" Naruto asked tiredly while Max beamed.

"By my theories alone, someone as easy to bump into trouble with people of extraordinary quirks like you must have a great concentration of this cosmic life force. Either that, or you can be superstitious and think it's luck or some curse. Regardless, you'll make an excellent study subject."

"Cool story, later." He waved off and turned to leave.

Max extended a hand to try to grab him and begged, "Wait, at least let me make a plan to test my theories!"

"Oi, I think my life's weird enough for you to just want to find out what makes it weird!" Naruto snapped, aiming a finger at the nerdy boy, "Besides, knowing my luck, you'd possibly find a way to multiply the craziness. Max, seriously, don't do this."

Sighing, the boy nodded, "All right… Since we're friends, I'll do what would make you happier." He put a hand behind his back, fingers crossed, 'And that'd be finding out if there is a cosmic anomaly related to you.'

XXXXXX

And that's my rap!

Next chapter will be Timebreaker's debut and more madness. Also, yes, the small mini-story with Mylene and Ivan is based off a certain game I love a lot and that has inspired many, many ideas for this fic and some future chapters. Trust me, I will try to not rip it off and make my stories still somewhat original. However, I couldn't help it here, with ideas on how to make Naruto interact with Ivan and Mylene (a couple so cute I want to put them in a box of cuteness) it was the best idea.

Anyway, I'll leave you with my friend, The Lord Of Pages, who has a special announcement and will start making Omakes for this fic as payment for forcing me to write omakes for his. His fic's called Life is Cosmic, by the way, a collaboration between us which is mindless fun that I'll admit is less focused than this fic, but we still have a blast with it.

The Lord Of Pages here: Heyo, I'd argue about the unfocused angle, but he's mostly right about that. That said, we both love writing this and that story, and we have a lot of plans to go on with both stories. We hope you enjoyed this chapter and all the hard work we put into it, and we'll work hard for the next!

Now it's time to regale you with the omake! Let's dive right in, shall we?

Miraculous Fox Side Story #1: The Cover Commercial.

"Marinette, Marinette c'mon girl! Adrien and Naruto will be on TV soon!" Alya pulled her (secret) superhero best friend towards Marinette's TV, having come off to help her watch Manon.

All three girls were excited to see a new commercial that featured the two handsome blond boys in a dual role. They were advertising a fashion design sponsored by one of the biggest clothing stores in all of Paris, and as all three sat down on the couch. Alya overdramatically pulled out the remote and clicked it on.

Marinette sat with Manon in her lap, the excitable youth bouncing up and down rapidly, "I can't wait to see my boyfriend on TV! He's so much cooler than that silly Adrien!"

With a frown, Marinette groaned to herself and shook her head, "Manon, Adrien isn't silly! He's-" she begun to chide until Alya shushed her.

"Quiet down you two! That blond stud-muffin will be showing up with Adrien now!"

Sure enough, the commercial started up, a soft yet dramatic song playing as a prominent R flashed on the screen. Four lines intersected it before an insanely beautiful woman stood in front of the camera. Clad in an opulent white dress with a furry ruffle that exposed much of her sizable breast line and her flat abdomen, making both teens very self-conscious.

Her red eyes gazing at the camera with utmost domination. "Fashion, beauty, purity… The three things that we of REVOCS LLC pride ourselves on. We who tell those who look to the skies in question, how to become beautiful and ascend past their status as uncultured fashion-ignorant beasts, and become clothed and enlightened humans."

"Is that…?" Marinette recognized her, "No way, that's Japan's greatest fashion designer!"

The woman threw one arm out dramatically, a feathered cape flowing with her as her magnificent white hair shone with a rainbow prismatic sheen. "I am Ragyō Kiryūin, and I am here to proudly present to you a collaboration with one of the few enlightened to know the power of fashion and clothing."

She stood aside briefly, Gabriel Agreste walking towards the camera, both arms held at his side before he too threw them out. The camera swept around dramatically to show a line of amazing white clothing on all sides of them.

"Hello, I am Gabriel Agreste, I am one of the world's premier fashion designers. For years I have labored to make my designs the most well known throughout all of Europe and the world. I am proud however, to state that my designs and my work are recognized throughout all the world, and my clothing is worn by the young and old alike."

He pushed up his glasses as two spotlights showed shadowed figures, "I would recognize that toned body everywhere." Alya said with a grin.

"It Is with great pleasure that I present to you the latest in REVOC's designs, all penned by myself and proudly worn by two of Paris' rising stars. My son Adrien Agreste, and the Japanese stuntman and teenage actor, Naruto Uzumaki."

He stepped away after having spoken, showing off two blond teens who stood back to back. Adrien had his eyes closed, as did Naruto, the two clad in the stylish purely white REVOCS business suit.

Naruto whirled into an acrobatic kick and posed with his hands facing the screen. "He's so cool!" Manon cheered as the camera lingered in a downwards pan from her crush's head to his white fingerless gloved hands. It showed the R's worn over each knuckle, and to the pair of white martial arts shoes.

Adrien on the other hand had a rapier in his hand, his head held close to the blade as if praying, with a flourish he perforated the camera with stabs. Each stab formed a hole that showed off his body in turn. Marinette gave a cute eep and blushed as she saw his confident smile aimed at the camera.

"Liking what you see? Worry not, same here." Alya had a massive grin.

The camera panned over them as the boys spun about and stood side by side, Naruto's fist forward along with Adrien's, both moving in synchronized motions as they posed together.

Ragyō stepped forward as Gabriel, the two adults giving the camera a powerful pair of stares as both spoke in synchronization themselves, "Only REVOCS can offer you this combination of style, fashion, and beauty. Only REVOCS can sell you Gabriel Agreste and Ragyō Kiryūin personal collaboration designs, buy only the best to surpass your own limits. Buy REVOCS."

The commercial ended with the two teens stepping forward as the adults stepped to the side, Naruto and Adrien giving another synchronized pose. Behind the cameras, they had to swallow their shame as their arms formed an R together, even as the commercial faded to black.

Marinette was drooling, as was Alya, while Manon looked a little disappointed, "That was it? They didn't say anything though! Boo! I wanted Naruto look cooler than that silly Adrien! What a lame ending!"

The two girls were too busy drooling to admit that they were a little disappointed that neither of the teens talked too.

XXXXXX

Swordslinger out!