Patronus Maximus
Chapter LVIII: Today is a Gift
Palace of the Winged Messenger
Mount Olympus
The inside of a grand palace was littered with images of a handsome man in different activities. Football, basketball, track and field, and even hockey. Said handsome man paced around the center of his home, nervously talking to himself about his current dilemma. He was muscularly built with curly black hair, blue eyes while elfish features made him look like a fantasy character. His attire was not a toga, but a Denver City Marathon T-shirt with nylon running shorts and shoes.
This is Hermes, the God of Roads, Travel, Thieves, and Invention aka the Messenger of the Greek Gods.
"What to do? What to do? What to do?"
This has been his mantra since he came back one hour ago.
"Zeus is expecting the result by now. If I go and tell him, I get zapped. If I don't go and tell him, I still get zapped," Hermes whimpered with his head slightly down. "And Zeus does not hold back."
Why, oh, why did she do it?
"Hold back what?"
"Oh, Aunt Leto forfeited the match to the Kibō no Kami. The twinsies are depressed about it," Hermes informed the stranger without looking who it is. "Zeus really wanted to beat the Shinto pantheon." He grumbled about a certain feline-like god who proved his equal back in the war. "But I don't want to tell him."
"Well, you are the Messenger of the Gods."
"It's not like I chose it!"
"Well, you're the fastest of us… except for Old Z with his lightning."
"Yeah…" Hermes said while doing a take-away over his shoulder. "Oh hey, Hercules." He did a double-take in shock, "Hercules?!"
The Lion of Olympus smiled smugly as he did a pose, "It is I, Hercules, the God of Strength and Charm!"
"Enough with the poses, we know who you are," Hermes deadpanned before walking away from his half-brother. "What brings you here? I hardly believe that Earth ran out of beautiful women for you to bed, married or not."
Hercules uproariously chuckled while following him as he lightly tapped the smaller god's back. "That's the beauty of immortality, brother." Hermes stumbled forward a few times before he quickly recovered his footing effortlessly. "I see your place still lacks decorum."
"You didn't answer my question, Hercules. Why are you here?" Hermes asked the legendary hero of heroes.
Hercules seemed hurt as he faked pain, "Can't a brother visit a brother?"
"Not since said brother did not keep his word and take the woman that the other brother wanted for the night."
"…"
"…"
"They were twins, Hermes!" Hercules explained defensively, "I couldn't pass that up."
"…"
"It was in China!"
"… Whatever."
"If you want, I can introduce you to some ladies I met—"
"—Slept with. No thanks."
"…I'm here about someone."
Groaning at this, Hermes stopped and turned around to face Hercules. "No, forget it. I'm not playing messenger between you and another goddess."
"It's about a hero."
"… still the same answer."
"Patronus is the name."
Hermes noticed the somewhat serious tone in Hercules' voice, "How do you know that name?"
"Thor told me about him."
The messenger god scoffed disgustedly, "Still friends with the Asgardian?"
"He told me that pantheons are challenging Patronus through a series of trials including ours," Hercules said as he approached his brother. "I do not know who this Patronus is, but if Thor believes he is good, then this trial is a farce."
"Hercules…" Hermes warned in a tone.
"Our father believes this Patronus is a threat to his rule, doesn't he?" Hercules asked knowingly, sighing in annoyance. "That paranoia of his…"
"Patronus is an Amatsu-Kami of the Shinto pantheon."
This raised Hercules' eyebrows in both surprise and intrigue. "Really?" He asked in wonder. "And he's not Susanoo?" The Shinto storm god was said to have strength equal to his and Thor's. "Now I'm really interested in meeting this person."
"As I said earlier, Aunt Leto forfeited to Patronus and thus our pantheon is over," Hermes repeated exasperatedly with his eyes closed. It was that moment when Hercules turned tail and ran out of the palace after a flash of white lightning entered the room. "I mean Zeus would zap my ass if I tell him about our loss to the Amatsu-kami."
"WHAT… DID… YOU… SAY…"
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The running Hercules stopped when he heard a great thunder and turned to see lightning strike the palace.
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!"
"Yeah, he knows." Hercules said simply before entering the portal to Earth. "I do not want to be this Patronus right now."
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Delos Island
Mediterranean Sea
Naruto covered his nose when he sneezed while his host sat down with beverages. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine. Bless you," Leto said to Naruto.
"Thank you."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
The atmosphere was depressing for the cavern's occupants. Said cavern was huge with a small kitchen and a pond connected to a pipe outside. Filling the pond was a rushing waterfall that originate from the top of the mountain where snow rested in the cold atmosphere. The source of the depression came from the Twin Archers who had laid their heads on the table.
Sitting next to them was the sweat-dropped Naruto and an amused Leto. Unlike the ninja, she was unhooded, allowing him to see her face. Leto has bronze-skin tone like the actors in period movies and long golden hair tied in a braided ponytail that rested on her left shoulder. Glistening white and blue eyes held motherly affection while her cheeks filled with playful amusement.
"If I may say, Lady Leto…"
Leto looked at the young deity, "Say what?"
"I understand why Zeus was taken with you," Naruto said to the Titaness. "You are stunning."
Leto chuckled as she covered her mouth with the back of her hand, "Thank you, young man. It's… it's been a very long time since someone said that to me."
"Since Zeus?"
"… Yes," Leto replied almost embarrassed as she fixed her hair slightly. "Now, where were we?"
"Gorr." He learned the name an hour ago and already it makes his spine shiver. "You called him the God Butcher?" Naruto asked somewhat skeptically.
"Yes."
"You said he's coming. How do you know this and when does he get here?" Naruto asked the woman.
The Titaness sighed in response before drinking her cup of honey and milk. "My father, Koios."
"Koios?" Naruto repeated as he recalled his Greek mythology regarding Koios and Leto. "The Titan of the North?" Leto nodded with a smile, apparently impressed by his knowledge. "How is he—wait a minute, isn't he also the Titan of Farsight and Knowledge?"
Leto nodded as she gestured Naruto's cup, which he drank the milk, "Yes. I have not spoken to my father for many centuries." Not since the Titanomachy. "He arrived in my dream and told me about Gorr." Naruto gestured her to continue explaining, "Gorr would appear on the day when 'life meets the half-moon and the earth becomes a field of death.'"
"…" Naruto stared blankly at her before saying, "What the heck does that mean?"
"I have no idea and I'm his daughter."
Sighing in a groan, Naruto looked out the small hole that is a window, "Every day there is something in the horizon." He felt the immense natural energy pouring from the island. "Can I pay rent to live here, miss?"
"What?" Leto replied before giggling at him, "No, you cannot pay rent or live here." She looked out the window and saw thunderclouds rapidly forming around the island. "You'd best get going, Patronus; he's coming."
Naruto did not need an answer as he felt the power. "What about you and them?" He asked while gesturing his head at the twins.
"We'll be fine and I'm not above using my feminine wiles," Leto replied confidently, "And thank you for your concern, now go."
"Thank you for telling me and I hope to visit the island again."
"You are always welcome here, Kibō no Kami."
Naruto bowed respectfully before vanishing in a yellow flash just as a white lightning struck just outside the cavern. "LETOOOO!"
"Hello, dear~"
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(Four Days Later)
Croft Manor
Outskirts of London, United Kingdom
It's been a while since she has been home. Lara wanted to study more mythology and search for possible artifacts, but the manor was absolutely filthy. "This is not lovely." She coughed from the dust that went up in the air after patting down the table.
"I know."
Her longtime friends, Jonah and Sam, accompanied her from the library when they met up for lunch. "Lara, where's your boyfriend?" Sam asked her.
"He's at home, taking care of personal business," Lara replied off-handedly while dusting a curtain. By personal, she means the children. It was girls' night out today and Naruto takes care of the two sets of twins. "How have you guys been?"
Sam hummed happily, "I got a job at my father's business."
"I thought you didn't want to have anything to do with that," Lara remarked in surprise. Sam was quite adamant in never joining the business.
"Things changed, Lara, as you know that," Sam retorted while carrying a set of Russian books. "Where?"
Lara gestured her head at the side-table. "Over there." She saw Jonah picking up a book from the Egyptian section, "Jonah, can you put that in the room upstairs?"
"Which one?" Jonah asked since there are so many rooms in the manor.
"The fifth door on the right from the stairs."
"Okay."
As Jonah left the room, Sam walked to the door and looked out before closing it. She quickly walked to Lara whose back faced her and called out, "Lara."
"Jesus Christ!" Lara cried out after jolting from the sudden words near her ears. She turned around with an annoyed expression. "What is it?"
"Did you know Patronus is a god?"
"I did."
Sam gasped before lightly hitting Lara's left arm. "You should've told me."
"It wasn't mine to tell anyone," Lara defended firmly as she walked to the other side and stacked in four Spanish books, "Patronus trusted me to keep it a secret."
"… Fine," Sam pouted while she kicked the air like a child.
"Anything else you want me to tell you, but I'll refuse to?"
"… is he single?"
"No!" Lara remarked strongly before clearing her throat, "I mean no, he is with someone from what he told me and Jonah long ago."
A curious hum emanated from Sam. "Is she jealous?" She thought internally. "I see Naruto has some competition."
"Huh?" Lara asked before turning her head away and hiding a knowing smile. "I would say Patronus has competition with Naruto."
"Yeah right."
"I believe so."
"… Where was this Lara back in college?" Sam asked in wonder. "There were a lot of boys who wanted to date you back then, but you had your head deep in books." So many boys in fact, "And then comes Naruto who makes the bookworm Lara look up and see the world beyond. What is so special about him?"
Lara smiled knowingly as she faced Sam. "Everything."
"I'm jealous," Sam said honestly. "I wish I had a boyfriend who makes me feel the way you do with Naruto."
"You'll meet that guy one day, Sam."
"When?"
Lara shrugged her shoulders as she continued stacking books onto their appropriate shelves, "I don't know. I met Naruto in the last place expected by anyone." That being a legendary island ruled by a formerly immortal undead queen. "Maybe it will happen to you too."
"But when~" Sam whined while her body shuddered in place.
"Be patient."
"…"
"Want some wine?" Lara asked with a sigh.
No answer came when a loud 'thud' shook from the second floor, scaring Sam while alerting Lara's fighting instincts. "Jo—" Sam's mouth was covered by Lara who somehow moved from the other side to her spot in less than four seconds.
"Quiet." Lara whispered before letting go of Sam. "Call the police."
Sam complied and pulled out her phone, only to recoil when a loud static overwhelmed her ears. "No signal."
"An intruder," Lara said as she flicked her wrists. Sam stifled a gasp when dual blades of different design emerged from underneath her wrists. "Stay here and lock the door when I leave."
"But Lara—"
"I'll be fine."
Lara left and closed the door to her father's study. She waited until Sam locked the door and quietly left for the second floor to find Jonah. "Wait, I need to focus." Lara thought before honing her sixth sense.
The manor walls and furniture turned white instantly around her. Lara looked back at the study and saw a blue figure behind the door, signifying Sam's presence. She turned her attention to the second floor where another whitish-blue figure laid on the floor. Jonah, most likely.
Strangely, she hasn't found the intruder yet. Lara admits that she hasn't train her Eagle Vision for a while, but still it should have located the intruder. Lara kept focused as she slowly walked up the stairs and approached the room Jonah is in, opening the door enough for her to peek inside.
Ceasing her focus as everything returned to normal, Lara approached Jonah, kneeling beside him and shook his body. "Jonah… Jonah… Jonah…" She whispered, only to get no response of any kind.
Or so she thought.
Suddenly, Jonah's hand lashed out and grabbed Lara's throat, "J-Jonah." She choked out as Jonah easily rose on his feet, holding Lara high above him. "Jonah…"
"Jonah is not here."
Lara's eyes widened when 'Jonah' fizzled like a malfunctioning hologram before she was tossed across the room and crashed against a book shelf. Lara shakily stood up and looked at the fake Jonah as his body slimmed to that of a toned woman. The woman had blonde hair that reached her shoulders and sky-blue eyes and red full lips. She wore a black uniform similar to the Black Widow of the Avengers with the signature stingers around her wrists.
"Lara Croft, you're coming with me."
And she is Russian from the sound of her accent.
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(Meanwhile)
Inari's Palace
Takamagahara
"I see you're doing fine." Inari said with a chuckle.
Standing in front of the host was a tired Naruto carrying his youngest kids while Masaki and Ashla ran around him. The Ninja God yawned as he sat seiza. "Thanks, but what's the big news? I have to cook dinner before the ladies come back from their day out."
"Day out?"
"When they go out of the house and enjoy themselves for the day," Naruto explained as if it was common knowledge.
"… Maybe I should do that."
"Why? It's not like you do anything around here," Naruto said before whistling innocently under Inari's glare.
"Watch it, boy."
"Hai~"
Chuckling at his son's reaction, Inari pulled a wrapped object from his kimono and placed it in between them. Since Naruto could not open it without waking Hagumi and Fujimai, Inari did the deed as he unwrapped the object.
It was a hitai-ate much like Naruto's, except with certain differences. The cloth was a flame red while the metal plate a vivid shade of scarlet. Engraved on the protector was the kanji for 'Hope', signifying Naruto's status as the god of said aspect.
"Lord Inari, I…"
"We found a deposit of unmined Hihi'irokane," Inari explained to his adopted son. "Her Majesty wanted to reward you for this deed and I suggested this option. The metal part is forged of Hihi'irokane as you can tell." The scarlet matching Ame-no-Murakumo is a dead giveaway, "The cloth is also made of Hihi'irokane, but the shade is different when made this way hence the flame scarlet color."
All in all, an indestructible forehead protector ever made for a god and shinobi.
"How did you—"
"When you came back after your victory," Inari responded, "It looked like you didn't notice it until later, huh." Naruto sheepishly nodded, agreeing with his words. "To be honest, I'm surprised that your Konoha hitai-ate lasted this considering all the battles you've partaken in."
"…"
"What do you think?"
"… Arigatoo gonzaimasu (Thank you very much)." Naruto thanked formally as he carefully picked the Hope hitai-ate and pocketed it. "I will treasure this."
"I'm glad you like it. Now about your victory of the Greek pantheon."
"Um about that, the Titaness Leto forfeited the match."
"Regardless, it's still a win against those self-righteous Olympians."
"I don't think it's fair to judge all of them," Naruto blinked and paused for a moment, "On second thought, maybe you're right on account of Apollo. His sister seemed more reasonable."
Inari begrudgingly nodded as he looked away like a child, "That is true. Did you mention Hachiman?"
"I did," Naruto was surprised and nodded, "Did you?"
"Yes, but that is for another time," Inari waved it off, "Anyway this talk you had with Leto."
Naruto cleared his throat and made sure that Ashla and Masaki were not around. The twins were outside playing with the white zenko. "She received a warning from her father about a grave threat that frightened her."
"A Titan scared of something?" Inari said aloud to make sure he heard right. It was common knowledge that the Titans are the chief enemies of the Olympians, so for one of them especially from the first generation to be afraid means this is serious. "Did she say who this is?"
Gulping audibly, Naruto said the name that sends shivers down his spine. "Gorr the God Butcher."
The atmosphere in the room instantly turned foreboding as Inari's body stiffened at the name, trying his best to remain composed. "That name… are you sure you heard right?"
"It's the second time I heard the name, so yeah I'm sure," Naruto affirmed strongly. "I've faced scary people, but never have been I afraid by a name of an unknown godslayer."
Inari shuddered in his exhale, "If you weren't, then you are not matured yet." He sighed before pouring a cup of sake and chugging in one gulp. "The Gauntlet you partake in… you must now see this as training, not to prove your worth to the other skyfathers."
"… To be honest, I had the same thought," Naruto remarked while caressing Fujimai's head. "For the past few weeks, I felt confident about my strength, but after hearing of this butcher, I'm reminded of people stronger than me out there."
"So…"
"I need to jump ahead a few levels."
"How much is a 'few'?"
"80."
Inari winced sharply as he waved his hand incessantly, "That's too much, even for a stamina freak like you."
"Shhh!" Naruto said sharply, "I don't want my kids to hear those words yet."
"Overprotective much?"
"Daddy." Both Inari and Naruto looked to see a nervous Ashla standing next to his sister. "Can we see grandma?" asked Ashla.
For some reason, Leone was not present at all. Usually by this time, she'd reign in Naruto for another one of her dastardly training.
"Can we?" asked Masaki this time.
Giving a small smile at their unknowing action of cheering up the room, Inari answered his grandchildren, "Your grandmother is feeling under the weather for now. You can see her when she gets better."
"Leone is sick?" Naruto thought internally. "I thought gods couldn't get sick."
"There are certain circumstances, Naruto."
"Is he a telepath?"
"Like what, grandpa?"
"Like your father isn't going to be an only child anymore."
"… Eh?"
Inari chuckled at the stupefied shinobi, "You're going to be a brother."
"… I am not changing his or her diapers," Naruto chuckled happily as Inari joined him. Their chuckles turned into joyous laughter, confusing the older twins and waking the younger ones.
It was a happy moment for the Inari household and the Uzumaki Clan.
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Croft Manor
Outskirts of London, United Kingdom
"Like hell I am."
"Resistance is futile."
"Where's Jonah?"
The Russian intruder said nothing, but dashed at Lara who threw a bunch of books at her. She paid no mind, easily dodging by dropping and sliding on her knees while leaning back. As the Russian got back up, Lara spun around for a reverse round-house kick that was caught by the former's arms.
Yelping when she was lifted up in the air, Lara groaned in pain when the intruder slammed her onto the floor. The Russian, still pinning the target, thrust her left stinger at the latter's head. Lara redirected the arm as it missed her neck and lashed out with a jab that hit its mark. Lara felt the grip lessen on the left leg and kicked the Russian off with her free leg as she crashed into a bookshelf.
"Bitch."
Lara tucked and jumped back onto her feet, assuming the Tan Guard Muay stance. The Russian mirrored her stance, showing knowledge of the martial art. Now it is down to experience and skill between them. Whoever makes the first move determines the flow of the fight.
That is what Lara thought as she made her move, but the Russian was faster. Tightening her guard, Lara skidded when the Russian's punch forced her back and jumped in a backflip to stick on a barren wall. In that same moment, Lara quickly pushed off and leapt at intruder with her left knee out front.
Her Russian counterpart spun around as Lara's body passed by and lashed out with a reverse elbow strike. The pointy end aimed at the base of her neck, which would instantly incapacitate Croft if she holds back enough. It hit the mark and Lara became limb before she unceremoniously fell to the ground.
Lara did not move from her spot on the floor.
Scoffing at the underwhelming efforts of her target, the Russian lowered to one knee and checked for a pulse. Her eyes widened when there was none.
"Bylat (Shit)!" The intruder cursed as she turned Lara over. "I know I held back, so what the hell?"
"Take this!"
Grunting in annoyance, the Russian rose and turned around to effortlessly catch Sam's arm in motion. In her hand was a pillow? "Really?" She asked before punching Sam's side and spinning around with a reverse high heel kick that hit the latter's face.
"Ow~" Sam panted as she glared up at the intruder. "Who the hell are you?"
"You're going to die, so you don't need to know."
Sam gasped as the Russian threw a knife-hand to pierce her chest, but it did not reach. Why? Because she crashed through the wall by a fist. The Russian thought she could brace against it upon barely glancing, but it was strong.
The fist belonged to Lara who seemed to be out of breath as she clutched the spot where her heart would be. "Kokoro Feinto no Jutsu (Heart Feint Technique)." A ninjutsu of the Kosaka-ryuu in which the user stops the flow of ki from the center to deaden all nerves and make it look like he or she died from an attack. Unfortunately, the center is the heart and one must jab it hard enough to initiate a death-like state, but not enough to keep a small spark of ki to revitalize the body.
Normally one would use this to throw off a strong opponent and could only be used once depending on the user's skill level. And Lara used it in a panic rather than her conscious act.
One benefit of the revitalization is that the user's body overflows with ki for a brief moment before returning to normal.
"Did she just get stronger so suddenly?"
Lara dashed at the Russian and threw a fist that dug into the wall when the Russian's head swayed out of the path. "That doesn't hurt as much." She remarked before delivering a side-kick that sent the intruder down to the common area.
The Russian rolled on her back to lessen the impact as Lara leapt at her with a cocked-back fist. She blocked it, but the force behind it and her unstable footing caused the Russian to fall on her back. Lara punched the intruder's torso this time, indenting the floor from her might.
Before Lara can attack again, the intruder swung her forearm and knocked out the former's feet underneath. Lara stopped her fall with her left hand while she and the Russian kicked each other. Both slid across the marble floor before they recovered and charged at each other.
Two paths are at display here. The Russian intruder was trained since young age to be a killer and physiology modified with her benefactors' version of the Super Soldier Serum injected into Captain America of the Avengers. She like another of their upbringing walks in the shadows like the widow.
Lara struggled since her parents' deaths and fought for her way into college. She met the love of her life, battled Trinity and supernatural beings all while discovering ancient and legendary artifacts. Her skills in guerilla warfare, archery, and martial arts were honed through these trials in recent years. Now she has the power of ki to aid her against enemies more experienced and stronger than her.
Throwing fists, both Lara and the Russian blocked or diverted each other's attacks. The one giving ground is Lara as the Russian's attacks were fiercer and more precise than hers. As their battle shifted near the stairs, the Russian threw a high kick but Lara caught it and flipped her overhead, slamming the intruder into the floor.
The Russian flipped forward and free her leg from Lara's grip before she dashed at her. Lara blocked and redirected the attacks before leaning away when the intruder spun for a roundhouse kick as she lashed with the other leg. This forced the Russian to fall to her left knee as Lara quickly grabbed her head and slammed it against the railing.
Her eyes narrowed, the Russian charged at Lara who tried to kick but she grabbed it. Lara bent her gripped limb and shifted it to the other side like a stable as she held the blonde woman's head and pushed her over the leg as part of a jujutsu throw. The Russian fell on the ground, but quickly rolled over and forced Croft to her right knee when she hit the calf with a forearm press.
Lara, still on one knee, used it to spin around with a left roundhouse kick that missed when the Russian ducked underneath. That worked as her right leg was free and she used it to front-kick the intruder away. The foreign femme fatale skidded across the floor and stood up just when Lara jumped at her with a flying kick.
Upon missing her target, Lara pivoted on her landing foot and spun with another roundhouse kick to put some distance rather than hitting. It worked for a moment before both combatants blocked or redirected each other's attacks of elbow, kicks, and punches. Until the Russian grabbed and slammed Lara's head onto a coffee table that broke from the impact. Her left fist crackling with electricity, the blonde intruder threw it, but Lara swayed out of the way and swiped at the stinger with something sharp.
Stepping back in mild surprise and looking at her broken stinger, the Russian saw a small blade retract back into her target's sleeve before Lara front-kicked her again. The foreigner countered with another, but faster jab with her remaining stinger active. Lara swayed her upper body and swiped her Hidden Blade at the Russian's wrist, slicing the stinger in half.
The Croft heiress grabbed the arm and threw the Russian over her shoulder onto a bookshelf as she fell to the floor. As she tried to get up, the Russian's head got kneed by Lara while crushing the bookshelf. The Russian shook it off and hit Lara's stomach multiple times with elbow strikes, driving the latter back as she got back on her feet and continued her assault with punches.
After Lara stepped away from a sloppy left jab, the Russian spun around to hide the incoming knife-hand and thrust at the heiress's throat. Lara gasped in pain and grabbed her throat while she kicked the blonde intruder's chin upward, causing the latter to fall over the stairs.
Running to the edge, Lara looked down and found the door open with dense smoke. Her surroundings turned white once again and found no dark red spots, enemy indicator, in the mansion. How the woman was about to fool her sixth sense, Lara does not know yet but that is for another day.
"Damn it!" Lara cursed as she slammed her hands on the rails. Channeling her ki to her ear, a light blueish magic circle appeared while a groaning Sam approached her friend. "Hey Patronus, you need to get here. We have a problem."
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Safehouse
Somewhere in London
"Blyat (Shit)."
That was her mantra since retreating from Croft Manor. The Russian was sitting on a chair near the table, wincing while taking off her combat suit. She did not receive a lot of her target's attacks, but the ones that hit left bruises. They barely started to heal from the looks of it.
She heard of the target's combat skills and experience in beyond high-level stressful situations. "But that was not expected." Croft must've been training and honing her skills extensively during her time away. "I cannot believe she held me off."
And her employer will not be pleased with this development.
"Lara Croft…" She slammed her fist on the table, breaking the legs as it fell onto the floor. "Today is the day you'll rue for mocking me, Yelena Belova."
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(Three Weeks Later)
Uzumaki Kyomachiya
Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Honshu, Japan
The rest of November and Thanksgiving went by though the clan did not celebrate the latter this year. They decided to spend Christmas and the New Year in Japan this time rather than the United States. The clan needed this time of year, especially after what happened in Croft Manor. Naruto wanted to hunt down the person who attacked Lara and Sam, but the former convinced him to find Jonah instead.
Luckily, Jonah was found alive but unconscious at his hotel. The intruder must've knocked him out and take his identity to deceive Lara and Sam.
Since the beginning of December, snowfall has been consistent all over the country, much to the enjoyment of all the inhabitants.
"Kuso (Damn it)!"
Well, almost all of the inhabitants.
"What, Medusa?" Naruto asked while covering Ashla's ears.
The living room was rather spacious compared to other kyomachiya. They were able to fit a flat-screen television and a large 'L' shaped black couch for everyone to sit and relax. Next to the window was the alight Christmas tree decorated with unique ornaments from each member's cultures. At the peak of the tree was a glowing white angel marked with kanji 'new beginning' and 'hope'.
"We should be somewhere warm like the Mediterranean, not here," Medusa complained as she was bundled up with sweatpants, a sweater and jacket. "Why did we leave it to 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'?"
Saeko scoffed at the woman while carrying a bowl of cookie dough, "You're the one who suggested it."
"I know~" Medusa retorted loudly like a certain 'Friends' character.
Naruto shook his head before focusing on the live television as his kids watched the current program, "Haha, Nickelodeon is great." Spongebob as a snowball machine gun pummeling Patrick is one to remember. "You like it too, kids?" His older twins nodded while Fujimai and Hagumi cooed curiously at the yellow square in the TV.
"Naruto, can you pick up some groceries from the store?" Lara called out from the kitchen.
Rhea walked into the living room, wearing a green apron. "Also, some desserts for the New Year."
"And why couldn't you girls get it when you were out earlier?" Naruto asked before receiving a raised eyebrow-glare combo from the Titaness and Lara whose head popped out from the side. "Okay, I'm going." He walked to the coat hanger and put on his orange jacket and gloves. "Anything I should get?"
The ninja does not know why he asks since Christmas lies two days away and everything is most likely scarce or gone in the stores. For one to get the materials or gifts, they must obtain them a month before the holiday or risk them getting sold out.
"Candy?"
"Cake?"
"Chocolate?"
"Cookies?"
"You girls on a sugar binge or something?" Naruto asked before opening the door. "I'll be back!"
Once the door closed, the ladies hurried to the living room and gathered in a huddle. "Okay, everyone has their gifts?" Rhea asked her friends.
"Hai," Everyone replied sternly.
"We cannot fail this time."
"Right."
"We've been through a lot."
"Yeah."
"Now we must make sure that Naruto takes his days off truly with no interruption," Rhea remarked somewhat seriously.
It was a fact that around the holidays, especially Christmas and Japanese New Years, the hero business or Amatsu-Kami activity draws their Naruto in. This year, they will have him relax with no work at all.
"Oh yeah, how is your training with the Ancient One, Kuroka?" Saeko asked the feline mother.
Deflating as she laid back on the sofa with Fujimai on her chest, Kuroka exhaled out an exhausting breath, "That old lady's tough. She really knows how to use magic."
"What's the name of this magic you're learning from them?" Rhea asked her curiously.
"Eldtrich Magic."
"Eldtrich Magic," The ladies repeated in unison.
Kuroka fixed her fingers and carefully waved them above her daughter while a fiery/sparky energy came to life. Everyone watched an Eldtrich image of a Nekomata in Kuroka's visage being carried bridal-style by a casual Naruto. Fujimai saw this and cutely tried to reach for the construct.
"Impressive/beautiful," Medusa and Lara remarked admiringly at the deed.
"Yep, the Ancient One says that I've progressed faster than most of her previous disciples," Kuroka affirmed while making more Edltrich images of everyone else. This drew in Ashla and Masaki as they stood up to grab the constructs in vain. "Still she says that I must rein in my ambition a bit."
Placing Kuroka's cup of hot chocolate on the coffee table, Lara sat down next to Kuroka's feet, "What do you mean?"
"… I want to learn all of it," Kuroka answered resolutely. "Every spell, every technique the Masters of the Mystic Arts knows."
Saeko exchanged glances with Medusa, Rhea, and Lara before she spoke for them, "Kuroka, it's good that you're eager to learn everything, but there are reasons why masters exist: to make sure their students learn safely toward mastery."
"… That's the same thing the Ancient One told me," Kuroka grumbled with a pout. "But I understand…"
Which reminds Medusa of something regarding magic.
"Isn't Naruto learning magic too?" The former priestess asked her friends.
Rhea nodded as she came in with a plate of small red dango bread in her hands. "He's learning it from Lord Inari." With the help of Ame-no-Murakumo as it provides Naruto magical energy to do spells much like how natural energy enables him to use senjutsu. The best case known being Naruto used the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi in his bout against Otakemaru. "Surprisingly, Shinto magic is similar to Ninjutsu in mechanics."
That and Onmyōdo as well.
"Rhea, your meal is burning!"
"No, my casserole!"
"Who makes casserole for a Christmas meal in Japan?"
Masaki exchanged a teasing glance with Ashla before watching the television as Fujimai rested on her mother's bosom and Hagumi bounced on Lara's lap.
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Shimogyō-ku
One of the eleven wards that make up Kyoto, Shimogyō-ku houses one of the busiest shopping centers in the city. And in December leading to Christmas, it becomes THE busiest shopping center. Since it is two wards away from Fushimi-ku where his house is based in, Naruto would have taken the train to get there.
If he was a regular human with no training in ninjutsu or possessing godly powers.
"I got the cake, chocolate, candy, cookies," Naruto said to himself while looking inside his bag. "Am I missing anything?"
"No, but maybe you should get a surprise for the family."
"And you guys too? What do you want?" Naruto quickly regretted asking that. The moment he barely finished asking them, the Tailed Beasts loudly bombarded him with their requests. "You serious? That means I have to go all over Kyoto to get what you guys want." He blinked when he noticed that people gave him strange looks like he was a freak. "I have to go now, bye." Naruto pretended to like he was taking a call through a wireless headset. To save his dignity or what was left of it.
"Mommy, mommy, where can I get a headband like his?"
"Don't point, sweetheart. It's rude to do so."
"Headband?" Naruto repeated before closing his eyes in wistful realization. He touched his forehead, only to touch something metal. it was the Konoha hitai-ate. "I meant to take it off earlier, but Kuroka distracted my attention."
He hasn't worn his Hihi'irokane hitai-ate at all since Inari gave it to him. Naruto felt odd to wear anything else around his head. To a shinobi, the forehead protector is a symbol of pride and loyalty to his/her village and comrades. Add the fact the Konoha headband came from the village made it harder for him to wear anything else.
Naruto walked among the people, listening to the chatter of varying emotions and the clanking of cars. He stopped at an intersection when the light was red as thoughts came to his mind about being the God of Hope. It started last week when Naruto slept where he was in a dream.
But the dream did not belong to him; rather it was someone else's.
Naruto described the feeling as he was light like a cloud, intangible to interact with anything. He felt optimism within the dream or more like the dream is the person's hope. He spoke to Inari the day after and the fox god explained that it is the rare ability known as Tohoyume (Dreamwalking). Only the most powerful of deities, those with great potential or unique skillset can unlock this power and even then, very few can actually acquire it.
The potential of this ability is vast and Naruto has only scratched the surface.
"This dreamwalking business sounds cool, but it might take a while to master it." Naruto thought to himself, "Adding in Shinto magic, I have a lot on my plate." He could use magic as long as Ame-no-Murakumo provides him its energy, which may be a problem. "It was the same when I used the Shinpu no Baria: Ea Fosu (Divine Barrier: Air Force) tag against the Three Great Yōkai." Though he may use this to deceive his enemies into thinking the sword is the source of his Shinto magic, but not Ninjutsu.
And speaking of magic, which kind should he specialize in? That he does not know yet. For now, Naruto is learning the basics.
"Beautiful weather, isn't it?"
"Yeah it is."
"I thought you celebrate Christmas in the States."
"This year we're celebrating in Japan."
"I see."
"Cool."
The light changed and the people started to cross the road, leaving behind Naruto and the person whom he was talking to. It was Sun Wukong in his Jin Mori persona while wearing winter clothes. "In case you're wondering, I'm not here for the Gauntlet; just to wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
"Thanks." Naruto hesitated as the next crowd of mortals approached them from the other side, "What are your plans for this year?"
"I'm going to the Bahamas for Christmas," Mori answered while slightly bouncing his knees, "Then for New Years, I'm going to Mount Huaguo with my people."
"Cool."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Well, see you whenever."
Wukong gawked at Naruto's action when he crossed the intersection in the last ten seconds. In that same amount of time, the Monkey King crossed as well. No mortal saw them move because of their speed. "Hey, you're supposed to invite me."
"Huh?" Naruto responded with comedic disgust, looking at the Xian. "The holidays are to be with family and friends."
"And aren't we friends?"
"More like wary associates from the looks of it."
"Now that's nice~ Aren't we baseball buddies?"
"Baseball buddies?" Naruto repeated before speaking to the legendary figure, "What are you really after here?" His shinobi and paternal instincts on high alert.
"Nothing, really." Wukong answered honestly. "I just would like to hang out with a fellow god on the holidays."
"Why me though?"
"Because we're alike."
"How's that?"
"I know a prankster when I see one."
Rolling his eyes, Naruto continued his pace with Wukong beside him. The duo eventually started talking to each other throughout the wards for the Tailed Beasts' wanted gifts.
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Inari's Temple
Takamagahara
While Naruto was out buying their desserts and ingredients, the clanswomen and their children visited the expecting parents. They were not the only ones. The residence was filled with gods and mortals who came to give 'congratulations' for the first natural birth of a god in centuries.
Luckily for the Uzumaki Clan, they are relatives and allowed to enter without delay.
"Grandpa, Grandma!" Inari and a pregnant Leone smiled at their grandchildren, then chuckled when they got yanked on their neckline by a stiff Saeko. The twins gulped before being released as they politely approached the gods and bowed respectfully, "Congratulations!" The twins said to the expecting parents.
"Thank you both," Leone said sweetly before opening her arms. Masaki and Ashla looked at each other before gleefully hugging their grandmother. "Oh~ It's been so long since I've seen you two." She looked at the women. "All of them." Her eyes quirked in confusion when they noticed someone missing. "Almost all of you."
"Naruto went to get dessert, Lady Leone," Medusa replied softly.
Leone hummed suspiciously, "Are you sure he's not hiding from me?" She asked in a teasing tone.
"Nope," The ladies including the kids shook their heads. "He knows better than to do that," Rhea remarked as matter of fact.
"Darn right." Leone then had a grateful smile as she rubbed her stomach, "I want to thank him." She fought back tears as her lips curled slightly. "What a year."
"Grandma, are we going to have an uncle or aunt?" Masaki asked curiously, touching Leone's baby bump. "When can we see the baby?"
"Not for a while."
Both Ashla and Masaki groaned cutely as Inari patted their heads. "Don't worry; I'm sure the baby will love you both."
"Really?" They asked in unison.
The fox god nodded with a smile, "Yes."
"Are you coming over for Christmas?" Lara asked the couple.
"Of course," Inari answered happily. "I've always wanted to spend Christmas on Earth."
"Me too." Leone affirmed with a smile.
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Minami-ku
Kyoto, Honshu, Japan
Humans. Whose bright idea was it to create them in the first place? Izanagi for one. At the moment of creation, according to Japanese mythology, other gods, spirits, and yōkai were birthed across the ancient islands of Japan.
Since then, prejudice, grudge, and reluctant harmony made the history of the people. What history has not shown is that there are entities that are dedicated to exploitation and sale of exotic creatures.
Yōkai are seen as exotic creatures.
"Keep running!"
"Go, go!"
"Hurry!"
"Don't stop!"
The frantic pattering of the frightened individuals could not be heard unless one possesses keen senses or an individual with said senses. "They're over there!"
Luckily, the individuals had the clutter array of human trash and debris covering their being. At least for now.
"How do they keep finding us?!"
"We'll figure that out later, just move!"
The trash bags in the alley rustled from the rapid movement until it stopped at the corner of an adjacent building. The chasers removed the last bag and saw a small hole in the wall. They broke through the closest door and spread out across the floorplan like soldiers in a military operation.
The first three floors were thoroughly cleared and reached the fourth where they found their prey. Hovering above them were dimmed lights, allowing both parties to see each other. The snarling, predatory group were black-clothed humans wearing masks of different animals. In their hands were a variety of objects: nets, tasers, knives, and rolls of tape.
Their targets were the other party. Small diminutive creatures of various species who look like they could not put up a fight. Three of them were light glowing green with equal-sized fundoshi and varying broken bowls on their heads like hats. They are known to the Japanese people as the kodama. They are spirits who inhabit in the bark of trees in the mountains and brings misfortune to anyone who cut down their home. Said creatures were said to heal people through unknown means, but it was not confirmed by any source.
Four other creatures were slightly bigger than the bowl-wearers and wore half-broken egg shells as underwear. These four are called tsukugami whom believed to be the next generation of Kunitsu-Kami.
"Oh yeah, these will fetch a nice price at the auction."
"L-leave us alone!"
"Hey, it talked back at us. Maybe we should teach it a lesson for speaking its superiors."
"…"
"Nothing else?"
The targets all pointed at them. or more specifically, at what is behind them. "Look."
"Like we're going to fall for that old trick."
They should've heeded them as their sight turned black seconds later. The small group of creatures looked up and were frightened by the intense blue and green cross-shaped eyes that pierced the darkness. They jolted in fear when the room got lit up in by a calm red blade, revealing their saviors and/or potential captors.
"Kodamas and Tsukugami?" Naruto asked in surprise. "This is the first time I've seen them in person."
"They look nothing like the Penghou (drumbeat marquis) back home."
"You think so, Qítiān Dàshèng (The Great Sage Equal to Heaven)?"
"I do, Kibō no Kami."
Hearing the names and feeling their overwhelming made the smaller creatures quiver in fear. They heard of the legendary Sun Wukong after his deeds in China, emerging as its famous figure in history, and most recently, the Shinto God of Hope whose might triumphed over the Three Great Yōkai and the Ice Queen.
Sheathing Ame-no-Murakumo, Naruto knelt in front of the scared and smaller creatures, a reassuring smile on his face. "Are you all right?" He asked them softly while Wukong removed the chasers' masks. "They're yōkai?"
"Filthy smugglers!"
To the startled protests of his smaller associates, Naruto picked them up and faced away as Wukong set the bodies on fire sans one. "Nothing to see here."
"Let us go!"
"Wait, he's protecting us from the sight!"
"Yeah, you guys don't see—" Naruto jumped through the glass ceiling and landed on the rooftop. "—or smell burning bodies." He knelt to the floor and let the small creatures stand on their feet. "Are all of you alright?"
"…"
"It's okay. You're safe now," Naruto assured the creatures as Wukong appeared on the rooftop with a barely-conscious assailant. "From me, but Wukong might be a different story."
A loud crash rang from the rooftop as the kodama and tsukugami all held each other while staring at Naruto, laying face-down deep into the floor with a large bump on his head. An annoyed Wukong snorted while shrinking and storing his Ruyi Jingu Bang in his left ear. "I'm a nice guy," The Monkey King defended himself as if he didn't do anything otherwise.
"This is nice?!" The small party queried in unison.
With the bump gone, a peeved Naruto grunted as he stood up from his outline and brushed away imaginary debris. "If this is you being nice, then I'd hate to see you happy or mad." His hand gripped the sword's pommel when it tried to leave its sheath. "Calm down, he's just being himself." Naruto said to Ame-no-Murakumo before whispering, "I'll get him back soon." The weapon stopped resisting and rested inside the sheath from that point on.
"I look forward to it."
"I bet you are."
The kodama and tsukugami party gulped nervously from the pressure two gods were emitting around them. Both men realized it and instantly ended the contest as Naruto approached them. "Where do you live?"
"W-Why?"
"To get you back home, to your families or friends. After it is Christmas… almost."
"Why would you help us?"
Naruto tilted his head, "Why not?"
"…"
"Again, where do you live?"
"…"
"Then how about you stay with me for Christmas, at least until you're recovered," Naruto suggested to the creatures, surprising them. "That way, you'll be safe and warm from anyone with nefarious thoughts and the cold."
Wukong smiled inwardly at Naruto's innate kindness. Usually, Amatsu-Kami would affiliate themselves with creatures that share relation to the Kunitsu-Kami. Though both sides are deities and allies, there is invisible tension between them after the Amatsu-Kami invaded the Earthly realm and declared they were bringing order to the chaos-stricken land.
But Naruto is different and shows a kinship to all manner of species.
"Now I see why he is the God of Hope."
"Plus, there will be tons of food waiting for all of you~" Naruto urged sing-song.
All hands rose in the air while drool escaped from their mouths, "We're in!"
"Sweet!" Naruto replied with a smile before looking behind him. The smile turned sourpuss when Wukong's hand was also in the air. "Shit!"
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Uzumaki Kyomachiya
Fushimi-ku
When the family returned home after their visit in Takamagahara, they were beyond surprise when their eyes gazed upon Naruto… accompanied by someone on the couch drinking milk and a group of small creatures eating food.
"Oh hey, everyone." It was Jin Mori whom they met at the baseball game. "Merry Christmas." He greeted them as if they were close friends.
Both Lara and Saeko fainted, causing Medusa and Rhea to hold them standing since Kuroka carried both Hagumi and Fujimai. They were all stunned to see the legendary Seiten Taisen sitting on their couch… in their house.
"Mommy, isn't that the baseball man?" Masaki asked the unconscious Saeko.
Naruto was the one who answered his daughter, "Yes, he is. His name is Jin Mori."
"But call me Wukong," Mori said, only to get his head slapped in the back.
"After the Monkey King?" Ashla asked confusingly. "…Weak."
"Eh?" was everyone's response.
"My daddy is the strongest there is," Ashla confidently remarked with a bull snort. "He can beat anybody!" Masaki clasped his mouth with her hand.
Wukong looked at Naruto suspiciously while the latter waved his hand in front of him, "I never said anything like that in front of them." The ninja defended himself.
"Um… would you like something to eat, Mr. Jin?" Kuroka asked timidly. She, like most of her race, admired the Monkey King for his great power and ascension to the Xian's ranks in every universe.
"A banana would be fine."
"How about banana bread?"
Mori perked like a little kid who heard about his favorite snack. "Yes, please."
The clan would have one of the strangest, but best nights in their new house for the holidays.
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(One Week Later)
Imperial Palace
Takamagahara
The eve of the Japanese New Year has arrived once again. Just like the year before, all of the realm's gods were invited to the palace to celebrate the incoming new year. All wore lavish kimonos amidst themselves with their mon on the back and front. This time, there is an issue happening with the Imperial Family.
"Her Majesty is moody."
Susanoo groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "This reminds me of the cave."
"Oh right, the cave," Chise agreed after recalling the story.
The story of Amaterasu isolating herself in the Ame-no-Iwayato (Heavenly Rock-Cave Door) after Susanoo's rage killed one of her weaving maidens. The sun was gone and left the realms of gods and man dark and cold. With aid of two Imperial Regalia and the dancing of a female goddess, Amaterasu was brought out of the cave and light returned to everyone.
"Which was your fault, Lord Susanoo."
Susanoo groaned internally upon being reminded of his action as Inari approached him after arriving. "Don't remind me." He mumbled under his breath.
"Why is Her Majesty moody?" Inari asked him. "She was happy earlier at the weekly meeting."
"What do you think?"
"I think I know why."
The Uzumaki Clan was not far off from the two gods as they were in conversation with other Amatsu-Kami. However, the one they seek is nowhere to be seen.
"That's odd. Where is he?"
"Is he hiding from Leone again?" Susanoo asked casually. It was common knowledge that the Kibō no Kami fears the Lion Goddess in the realm.
Chuckling amusingly, Inari shook his head, "Nah, he tried that earlier and failed back on Earth." When Naruto tried to escape Leone's scorpion hold, everyone laughed including the kids at his misery. "I think he might be somewhere else at the moment." In fact, he was dropping off the kodama and the Tsukuyomi in Akatsuki moments after arriving in Takamagahara.
"Hey everyone!"
And that was fast, even for him.
All eyes were on the voice belonging to Naruto accompanied by a happy Amaterasu. Both were in lavish kimonos with Naruto in a bright orange color and Amaterasu in red-yellow like the sun. Immediately, all the gods and guests bowed before them, more so to Amaterasu. Even Naruto stepped aside and bowed to the goddess who smiled at them all.
"Let the party begin!"
Instantly, Japanese cuisine and dessert appeared at the massive U-shaped table like it was a buffet. It was Inari's idea ever since Amaterasu wanted to know more about mortal culture. Most of the gods were taken aback by this setup except for the Uzumaki Clan, Leone, Naruto, and Amaterasu.
"Itadamakimasu!"
Seeing their ruler taking and eating with the Ninja God and his family, the Amatsu-Kami pantheon partook in dining the meal without sitting seiza. It was rather odd, but refreshing to say the least.
"Having a good time, Tamae?" Naruto asked the child goddess who nodded happily.
"Great time!" Tamae responded with a big smile. It grew when her gaze shifted to Naruto's forehead. "And you're wearing it!"
It being the Hope hitai-ate as it glistened from Naruto's his head.
Naruto nodded and bowed to her. "Thank you for the gift, Tamae. I will make sure it is taken well care of." Despite it being crafted from Hihi'irokane, a near-indestructible divine metal, Naruto wants to keep it as undamaged as possible. "And I have a gift for you."
"Really!?"
"Close your eyes."
Amaterasu eagerly did, her feet shaking in anticipation and hands stretched for the gift. She became puzzled when something wrapped around her head and felt a small tug at the back.
"Okay, open them."
The sun goddess did, but her smile turned into a confused face when her hands were empty. "Where is it?" Tamae almost whimpered with a pout.
"Here." Naruto tapped her forehead, causing Amaterasu to feel the foreign object as she started to get excited. "Want to see?" She nodded as Leone brought over a mirror and held it in front of the goddess.
Tamae's eyes lit up as a blue-clothed hitai-ate covered her forehead and the ends tied in an elaborate knot. The metal plate was also made of Hihi'irokane. Inscribed on the plate was the kanji for 'Sun' as a reference to her title as the goddess of the sun.
"Do you like it?" Naruto asked, only to receive a hug in response. "I'll take that as a yes."
"I love it!" Tamae excitedly remarked as she pulled back to see Naruto's face. "We're matching!" Almost because of the different colors and kanji.
Naruto chuckled happily. "These hitai-ate are a symbol of pride and loyalty in my village." He explained to the starry-eyed goddess, "It also made us comrades to protect each other and the people."
"Like siblings?" Tamae asked since her brother and other siblings protect Takamagahara.
Naruto nodded happily. "Sure."
"Then are we really siblings?" Tamae asked almost eagerly.
The Ninja God was taken aback by the question, but quickly nodded. "Yeah, we're siblings." Naruto answered and Tamae hugged him again. "Ready for the fireworks?"
"There are fireworks?!" Tamae, Ashla, and Masaki cried out in surprise.
Naruto winced sharply as he tapped his mouth a couple times, "That was supposed to be a surprise!" The ninja whispered harshly before shrugging his shoulders. "Oh well, the cat's out of the bag." He stood up and placed Tamae on his shoulders before walking out to the pavilion.
The clan and the rest of the Amatsu-Kami joined them as Naruto raised his right hand and fired a lone chakra beam across the night sky. It streaked like a comet before disappearing amidst the high-pitch of dazzling rainbow.
Everyone became mesmerized by the fireworks as the new year began once again. A lot had happened in the previous year, but little did the Uzumaki Clan, the Amatsu-Kami pantheon, and Earth's inhabitants know of what is to occur in the future. All they could do is brace and react accordingly.
END OF CHAPTER
Another chapter done yet again. The year has ended for the clan with the ascension of Naruto, his entry into the Gauntlet, the news of Gorr the God Butcher. There is more to come in the coming year. First off, I want everyone to know that I am sad and mad at the one person I never thought I would be mad at: Kishimoto of Naruto franchise.
If you have not read the latest Boruto chapter, be warned of the spoiler. The Baryon Mode took the life of Kurama only, not Naruto. I cannot believe that he killed off one of the major characters in the franchise and Naruto's closest friend/family since birth. With the loss of his Rikudo Sharingan, and Kurama gone, both Sasuke and Naruto have become seriously nerfed. Though one could argue that they're still stronger than most since the Six Paths Chakra is still within them. My hope is that Kishimoto has Kurama's death temporary since the franchise commented that the Tailed Beasts are pure chakra and regenerate later on, plus Kurama himself told Naruto to stay alive until they meet again or their next meeting would be in the afterlife. I like to think and hope that Kurama will return in the future.
While canon Kurama is dead (temporarily I hope), this story's Kurama is alive and well and continue to do so.
Naruto is starting to learn magic, particularly Shinto magic. What kind of magic should he specialize in? Please leave it in a review or PM me. Also I will be posting a poll on my profile page in a few days, so please vote (if you want to).
Lara Croft faced a deadly enemy who attacked her in home: Yelena Belova. I tried to make the fight as realistic regarding their skills and experience, so I hope it was fine. There will be more scenes and fights in the future that will showcase their abilities.
Video games are getting delayed or there is little news about certain ones. God of War sequel is still unclear, but there are talks about it getting delayed until next year. As much as I and fans want it to be released this year, the game might be better off for a 2022 release date. Time and patience does pay off for quality games, movies, and TV series like the Mandalorian. At least, Sony should release an official trailer for the game sometime soon because I'm starting to lose patience and I'm usually a very patient guy. I hope they introduce Faye in the sequel.
Other news: Black Clover is ending next month so the manga will progress further. It was impressive that it lasted more than three years without any filler arcs until late 2020 and early 2021. Bleach: Thousand-Year War arc will not be censored to honor the manga and have a better ending than the manga. Kingdom (manga) has its third season returning in April for those who have read the series.
CHAPTER XLVIII Q&A's:
The Faceless Wordsmith (Feb.11.2021): Especially when you are inspired or excited for a particular scene/arc that is to come. I look forward to more of your suggestions to help me improve my story. There will be more reactions to Naruto's godly status in the chapter(s) to come. A sign of the cross-pantheon relationships you mentioned was shown here in the chapter. Someone will point that out to Naruto in the future as he will exhibit more of those virtues.
ArrowToAthens (Feb.11): Did you like it or dislike it? Is there anything that can be improved on? Please let me know. Thank you.
Habu2010 (Feb.11): Who knows, but we'll see.
Gwwb620 (Feb.11): The latest chapters hint that the series is almost ending in the future. I hope it ends on a high note or a happy note. Yes, he would but now eyes are on the Avengers who are seen as the best of heroes in ability or character. I was inspired by the PJ's versions and thought it would be cool to write them here.
Kamikage (Feb.11): I'm pleased you love this story and the recent chapters. Hill wants to control heroes and the government wanting to keep 'order' by making heroes agents. There is more to come as the next chapter will start it all.
Drakon45 (Feb.11): Civil War will approach soon. Who knows what might happen?
Perseus12 (Feb.11): I'm glad you love it. That is right; he doesn't care about fame or popularity, but his family. How was the latest chapter?
ShadowBloodedge9396 (Feb.11): Yes, the fastest update this year yet. They don't believe he is alive, but the pantheons don't realize that they are helping Naruto in this manner for Gorr. When I found out about the Monkey King being the inspiration for Naruto and Goku, I had to write him in the story. Whenever the God Butcher arrives and which gods helps, who knows?
I thought they should have a second chance to live among the humans and make their judgement when the time comes. Naruot will keep them safe since they are vulnerable and there may be people who wants their abilities. Who knows what their reactions will be if they arrive at the Fateverse? Though I wish a studio would animate the Grand Order so we can see all the characters in that series.
Did you like what I did with Amaterasu and Naruto and their hitai-ate? All Might know that his complacency led to his first-ever defeat and strives to be better. Kuroka wants to be more powerful to protect her daughter and family, but also learn all kinds of magic.
Calderoneric758 (Feb.11): I'm glad to be back and alive. I'm also glad to see you alive and well. Eventually Naruto will speak about the daiyōkai. As for Rhea, I'm not sure about that yet.
Jebest4781 (Feb.11): Thank you. How about you? How are your stories going?
Narudevilfan (Feb.11): I'm actually surprised about the follows and reviews for the story as well as the amount of chapters and total word count. I'm glad that it has entertained my readers without it getting stale. Infinity Stones are the main focus in the MCU's Infinity Saga. Gorr the God Butcher is an immensely dark god who slaughtered several gods and fought the likes of Thor, even overpowering him. He is actually portrayed in the upcoming Thor film.
WhyareUsernamesTakenAlready (Feb.11): I'm proud that this story has gotten you hooked for more. A movie/story arc will begin next chapter or two. Look forward to it.
xXxwolfsterXx644 (Feb.11): Well, here it is. What do you think?
Demon87 (Feb.12): Thanks.
(Feb.12): Your patience has paid off.
R-king 93 (Feb.12): Thanks a bunch.
Anonimo (Feb.12/13/18/19/21): Naruto will not do any press conferences as he remains in the shadows. Do you think he will be an Ōkami in the future? It is an interesting title for a story. That he did about Yamatai. I am so upset at Kishi, but I am hoping that Kurama's death is temporary as I mentioned in the Author's note.