AK: Its another yearly massive update folks, sorry to say that I had to cut this fic in order to make it update today. So please enjoy and sorry for the semi rush job, the rest of the chapter will follow soon.

So please enjoy~!

CHAPTER START~!

The group were sitting in a large manor's waiting room as Fenris finally spoke when getting here, "I don't like it…" He merely stated as he shifted in his comfy chair. "Reminds me of my master…"

A stifled chuck came from the dwarf as he shook his head, "Easy broody, Lady Claudia isn't like most nobles. She's one of the good ones I assure you." He promised as the older male looked around the area, "Perks must be nice for her to be in such a nice temporary home here."

Naruto, their leader was walking as he walked towards the window, "It's actually her father-in-laws, her father allowed her to stay here for the time being." He announced as the Dwarf and Elf looked at the human, "She told me." He explained as the two members nodded as the elf looked around the area.

"Alright, I'll say it, how do you know this woman?" Fenris started as the blonde also stood up and walked a bit to get his mind to take the unsettling feeling of being inside of a giant home again. "I don't think you two are related…"

The blonde merc leader snorted at that, "Really what gave that away?" He joked while Fenris shrugged at the response. The young man thought back on the idea, "Actually I think it's around the time I got close to the sisters."

Varric seems to perk up at that mention, "Oh?" He seemed to be interested until his own answer made up for it, "Ah right, I forgot that the lady is the girl's mentor."

"Half-right Varric," Naruto smirked seeing his dwarf friend in mock pain for that insult, "Claudia has been their parents' friends for decades, after Alicia's parents sadly died she tried her best to visit her and Prim."

Fenris looked at the window to see Prim and Alicia walking and talking, "The blonde Templar is nobility?" Easily you can hear his tone having a slight edge to it until he saw Naruto giving him a look that meant to listen to his words.

"Alicia is one, but she wants to fight in the frontlines like Claudia. She only uses her status for times of war to help Prim," Naruto told his ally who merely grunted in response, continuing on from his last words the young man went on. "Right, so… I think it was when Alicia was teaching me how to fight like one of the Templar's is when I met her…"

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FLASHBACK

XXXXXXXXXX

In Prim's large mansion, where three teens were in the courtyard in the early morning, two blondes were practicing swordsmanship as the only pink haired girl watched intrigued at the fight. "The point of this was to teach you how to fight like a Templar, Naruto." Alicia growled at the odd two bladed style Naruto was using, and she wasn't mad that he was beating her easily with it… NOT AT ALL!

The young man smiled cockily as he had been doing since yesterday, he was doing so well on his clones doing genin work that when Alicia offered him some lessons for hitting him in their first meeting came up… well he was here learning how to 'fight' as one of them. It wasn't like he was mocking her, but at the same time he wasn't really concerned about fighting her.

Afterall he was able to kill a Wight King by himself, it wasn't much that could make him be serious in a real fight. Still he dropped one of the swords and went to pick up the spare shield the girl had given him, "Alright," He said looking at how she sighed before walking to him, "What?" he said as the girl came to his side.

"You got the shield wrong." She took her hand on his arm, "See?" She clenched his arm to show the position he had, it was completely vertical covering his face, before she tilted it slightly downwards, "Templars fight against Mages, in case we don't have enough Lyrium or our anti-magic fields aren't strong, we used basic styles to help. This is a basic shield position, in case magic fire, earth chucks, or boiling water hits the shield, the lowered angle helps prevent fire or pieces that would otherwise hit you."

"Smart." Naruto chuckled as he looked a bit confused, "But you're fighting demons, skeletons and other physical enemies not just mages. Wouldn't it be a disadvantage?" He asked knowing having the shield angled down would make attacks from above harder to deal with.

The aspiring Templar Recruit nodded to that statement, "You're right, but all Templars gain pretty good dexterity and defense boost, so unless we're fighting a Goblin Champion, Skeleton King, or even one of the Demon Generals we will be able to take a lot of beatings from the lesser monsters."

The young man raised an eyebrow at that. So just because you have a unique class you're able to gain some kind of passive upgrade to their base abilities. Well… now that he thought about it, the clan members seem to be like that in Konoha. Kiba's family were very powerful in hand to hand and had a keener sense of smell. While the Hyuga clan were like that, their eyesight even without their Doujutsu was pretty accurate. Maybe there is some truth to her words, "Soo?" Naruto started as Alica looked at him as a small smirk came to his lips. "How long are you going to hold on to me?"

The blonde knight seemed confused before looking to see her hand was still on Naruto's arm before moving away with a blush, "S-So let's get to it!" She stuttered, ignoring Prim giggling at her little physical contact, as the two resumed their practice.

The male struggled on the style, copying Alicia's technique, having his shield arm out for most of the fight and taking the blows, but it was an increasingly annoying task. He understood it was a defense style, however it does not mean he was going to enjoy it. The matter of fact he wasn't a person who takes his time. The battle ended with Naruto using his shield to disarm Alicia who seemed shocked at his accomplishment. He smiled before shaking his head, "Thanks but not for me, if there was a more aggressive style I would use it." He said as the female gave a nod to his choice, "The shield trick will help me one day, so that's a good lesson in itself."

The Templar recruit nodded, "Hopefully it will, but at the same time I pray it does not." She hummed before sheathing her sword away, as Prim came to the two with towels to wipe their sweat away. "I do apologize that my way of fighting isn't good for you, I do admit better styles of the Templars are well vast but I am still a recruit. So the basics is all I can offer."

However the young man waved it off, "It's not like I wanted you to teach me. The fact you did was a kind gesture, Alicia." Naruto praised as the girl cough into her hand to hide her small blush that was growing on her cheeks. The young lass however allowed a smile to grow, "Still I only wish we can have someone that can give you something better than I can." She said as an idea form in her mind before-

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FLASHBACK

XXXXXXXXXX

"Oh what's this?"

The three males turn to see Claudia walking in the room with a tan skinned man with graying hair walking beside her, "Oh young Naruto is here?" The man said as Naruto waved at him kindly, they all took notice she wore a normal dress compared to her silver armor. If they never met or seen her before the group would have assumed she was a regular noblewoman.

"Hey Klaus, it's been a long since we last met huh?" Naruto greeted as the man soon hugged him when he got to Naruto range. "Apparently people are hugging me." Returning the hug he pulled away as he gestured the older man to his two allies, "Everyone this is Claudia's husband, Klaus a scholar who helps in the main capital."

Varric waved the man with two of his fingers in a casual greeting, "Good to see ya specs." He said earning a small glare from Claudia but a chuckle from the man, while Fenris gave a nod to acknowledge him.

The husband of Claudia only bowed before he spoke, "Andaran-" he stopped when Naruto cut in between him and a slightly alarmed Fenris, "Is something wrong?"

The blonde nodded, "Yeah, uh Fenris isn't cool with the whole Elven thing, don't treat him like the usual elves or high elves you usually meet." He advised as Klaus glanced back at the young elven man.

"Ah, I meant no disrespect. I assumed and made an ass of myself." He wholeheartedly apologized as he continued, "My work in the capital makes me appreciate the Elven race so I wanted to greet you as one, but if you are indeed opposed to it…" he walked forward and gave his hand to Fenris, "Perhaps this would be just as well?"

The tan skin elf couldn't help but smirk at the response, "Yes, it would. I am Fenris, I just joined the Naruto company." He admitted as the man before him showed relief that he was able to fix his earlier mistake.

As they finished their greeting, the older man snapped his fingers as he looked at Naruto. "Yes, young man, will you come with me? I have something that might help you." Klaus looked at his beloved wife, "My love, I have to take Naruto out for my work. We can join you at dinner, sorry." He said quickly as his wife only nodded kindly at her husband's request.

"Be careful dear, also do not go to the slums. You're easy to get into trouble there." She begged kindly as Varric chuckled, earning her eye at the two. "Since Naruto and my husband are gone, why are you two here?" She said with a sharp eye in her gaze. "Varric I can mostly trust on how far I throw him."

The dwarf chuckled at the crude joke at his height, "Fair enough," he raised his hands, "The kid wanted to visit the girlies. We came to help send some extra protection during the party and promote our merc jobs."

"Is that so…" Claudia pondered on his words.

Fenris stare dead in her eyes, "We swear it, call us what you like. But Naruto is a man of his word, he should at least lessen your mistrust on us." The elf said as the two saw the woman smirk.

"Yes, that much is true…" she sighed wryly as the woman nodded to herself. "Very well, I'll extend invitations to you as well. Varric, can I trust you not to cause too much commotion?"

"On my honor as a merc and a man." Varric raised his hand, he sighed when her gaze didn't give a single shred of hope. "Fine, I'll pay a not fee if I do something stupid."

"Better," she said with a kind smile gracing her lovely face. She turned to Fenris, "Do you know how to behave in public? And it's not because of your race or what I see, I am generally curious."

The man didn't say anything before looking at his comrade who gave him a nod to tell her, "I am able to, I used to be a slave and was forced to learn how to speak correctly and mannerisms. I won't like it but I can at least not make a fool out of our team."

Claudia's eyes widened at the shocking knowledge, "I… didn't know…" she was about to apologize until the man's gaze said to not pity him. Or else… "Very well, I trust your judgment."

"Hmph…" The scarred man hummed but as time passed, he finally said the one thing that has been bothering him. "What is your deal with our leader?

"Smooth broody, remind me to ask you on how to pick up women next time in Gracie's bar." Varric chuckled at the lack of tact the young elf had. "Truly a words fit for a master of the-"

He stopped as Claudia raised a hand, "Naruto..I see him as a child I wish I had." She started shocking the elf from her wards as she walked to the window. "Despite many years of marriage with my beloved husband, we cannot conceive a child." The woman said while placing a hand over her stomach, slightly sad at the one joy she cannot experience. "When Alicia brought him to me…it was…" she began to chuckled as the memories started to flood back in. "An endearing start…"

XXXXX

Naruto and Alicia were once again training as the girl was adapting to Naruto's unique way of fighting, taking a step back the second she saw his hand reach down her battle skirt, only to smash her knee into his hand causing the teen grimace in pain. "Got-" She started only to fall flat on her feet when Naruto swept her feet causing the young lady to fall down on her side. Gathering her wits she tried to reach for her weapon only for the young man to straddle her waist and place his odd knife at her throat.

…

" I give," She said looking away with slight annoyance from her battles always seem to never reach her favor. She looked up to see Naruto already stood up and offered her a hand, "Thank you," Alicia mentioned sincerely while the blonde male helped her up. "You certainly… have a unique way of fighting."

He shrugged, seeming to not really care for how she disliked his style, "I fight dirty, no need to be polite about it." The ninja declared as the woman nodded but it still didn't sit right with her. As she knew Naruto had a kind heart and honor just not in the way for most knights to have. "So why did you need me here?" He said as the girl pointed to where a woman was arriving.

"I had an idea to find a better teacher to teach you a more aggressive style of Templars." The blonde Templar in training said as she lifted her hand with a respectful smile to the new woman. "This is the leader of both the Seeker Corps and the Templar Army working directly under Lady Celestine, Claudia."

The woman bowed her head to Naruto in a polite manner, "Are you Naruto?" She said looking up and down judging his odd clothing before muttering. "The same one that Prim speaks of well?" She said not realizing that Naruto heard that but let it go knowing it was understandable with his features and habits.

"Yeah, that's me." Naruto nodded.

"I am here to teach you how to fight like-" She started only for the young man to shake his head.

"I appreciate it but it's not necessary." He announced as both women were shocked at the mention of his dismissal.

The woman seemed astonished and also a bit insulted at that quick remark. "I beg your pardon?"

"I know that you are a capable teacher, but I think your lessons would be needed elsewhere instead of wasting it on me." He said honestly that a more fighter type style of the Templar techniques would be good, but while trying to adapt to this world he had a goal to return home. He will go back to using jutsu and underhanded moves rather than the honorable styles of the way of holy knights.

Claudia glared at him as she walked away hoping to never see this disrespectful teen again… she would talk to Prim and Alicia on their friendship with this kid.

XXXXX

"Pfft~! He really got under your skin huh?" Varric chuckled as Fenris also smirked at the memory that Claudia told them. "So how did-?" The dwarf started as his tan skin friend continued.

"You saw Naruto as little shit, then turned into a surrogate son?" He declared as the woman chuckled at the odd sudden shift of how she saw Naruto.

"I'll never forget that day. The day he had a change of heart."

XXXXXX

Claudia sighed happily as she was home for once, Celestine giving her a rare but well deserved day away from the war. She spent her day in the home of her beloved father-in-law and cooking dinner for her husband who also is coming home early. She was preparing dinner as she heard the door open, placing the last bit of the dinner to the table she greeted her- you gotta be kidding her! "Klaus… who is this?" She asked seeing Naruto arm around her beloved husband's shoulder as he helped the older man into their house.

"Hello, Claudia." Her husband waved rather sheepishly. "Apologies for the short notice, but-"

The young man raised his hand with a deadpan expression on his face, "Is there a problem with runaway horses in this place, cause I had to save him before he got trampled by one when he was reading into some book."

"What?" Claudia looked surprised.

"It was the same damn horse that almost ran over Lady Prim." He said making a diamond in the air with his finger, "The one with the white diamond mark on its forehead, the black one." He said hoping the woman would know what he was talking about, and she read the report on the former incident to make sure no one was going to intentionally harm her protage's cousin. "I asked if he lived nearby and here we are." He said helping Klaus to a chair, "You sure you don't need a medic?"

"I…don't know what that means but I assume healer?" The man chuckled softly as he shook his head, "Just a sprain young man," he assured as the older man looked at his wife.

"Claudia, this young man should at least have dinner before leaving right?" Klaus asked as the woman sighed with a weary smile on her face.

"I… I suppose so." Claudia relented, before looking at Naruto. "You saved my husband's life, so this is the least I could do."

"Oh thanks," He looked at the food as the woman felt like he was going to insult her. "Damn, this looks so good!" Naruto said with a wide-eyed expression, almost gushing at the sight of home cooking. "And it smells good too!"

"I-Is that so?" Claudia looked surprised. "Well… there's plenty to go around, so please help yourself."

"Surely, your parents made something like this." The older man said helping set plates on the table. But he noticed Naruto's smile falter for a moment, but didn't say anything else. "Well enjoy this, you earned it."

"Uh… thanks. Don't mind if I do." Naruto said, before he started filling his plate with food.

Claudia watched as the young man clearly enjoyed her food, feeling a sort of pride of some form she'd never felt before. "There's seconds if you are still hungry." She mused as the teen lifted his utensils in agreement. "Go ahead."

"Much appreciated!" Naruto said, before filling his plate a second time.

XXXXX

"Soon, Klaus was stationed here during the war effort to learn more about Olga's demons, Naruto and him got close and soon… I saw him as family." She admitted kindly looking at a portrait of her and Klaus and next to it one of Alicia, Prim and Naruto beside it. The two fighters standing tall and Prim on a chair looking elegant and lovely.

"Hah! Well I'll be damned!" Varric laughed heartily. "They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but this one takes the cake!"

"Shut it, dwarf." The woman said as the tanned elf was chuckling at her words. "And it's not food, the boy is a good kid. He was dealt a bad hand since…"

The short man lost jolly mood as he nodded, "Yeah, he told me. Despite losing his parents, he always tries to remain strong."

"It shows he learns from the fact life is unfair and you have to make the most of it." Fenris said, as he never knew his parents although he didn't care for them either way as much as any other elf. But Naruto and Varric were different, they saved him and he cared for them to protect them. "Still, might as well tell us more stories about him. I am rather curious about what you two mean about Naruto." He took notice of how Naruto was when leaving with Klaus.

The leader of the Templar only smirks at the request, "So has Naruto ever told you when Klaus told him the fact ghosts exist…?" She started as Varric got out a book and quill out while Fenris was mildly interested at the start.

XXXXX

"Thanks again Klaus," Naruto said as he saw the man walking up to a seat next to him. They were in the slums where Naruto was waiting for the older man's fellow researcher. "So who is this man?"

The older man grabbed a drink of water…only to put it back when it wasn't clear and full of…well he didn't want to know what it was. "He's the main advisor for Lady Celestine, but we got along when I first became a head researcher on demonology. We have lunch every time I work at the capital," He explained as the man snorted softly, "He reminds me a lot like you."

Before Naruto could say anything he saw someone behind Klaus, and it was another man with dark short hair and topaz colored eyes. "Sorry for being late Klaus." The new arrival said, placing an over shoulder back on his seat as Naruto. He wore a light brown robe that seemed to fit his slim body. "Oh is this who you were asking to drop this by?" He said looking at the teen with a quizzical look. "Is… he your son?"

The older man waved it off with a laugh, "Haha no, no. This young man is someone I got close to, along with my wife, Naruto. He saved me from a rather almost ill fated death. Besides that I am rather indebted to him for that and hope you will part with your maps of other countries." The husband of Claudia asked in hopes his fellow researcher would also do so.

"Is that so," The man said as he looked at the blonde with squinted eyes. "Hmm, I don't know Klaus. You know how the other Shield's don't like it when information like this is handed so easily, even for the sake of victory." He reminded the older man as Klaus solemnly nodded to his words.

"I wouldn't ask for it unless I need to, Maxwell," The oldest man of the three said as the other researcher didn't seem convinced. "You know that book, The Elven Gods? I can give it to you, for the maps." This shocked Maxwell as Klaus continued, "I don't know why you are so interested in them, but you know that the Church outlaws them."

"You're… really serious about giving that book to me?" Maxwell said, after swallowing a lump in his throat.

"But of course." Klaus smiled easily at the man.

'How could he say that with a smile that's so trusting?' Naruto sweat dropped.

"Damn, next time you're in the capital you're buying lunch as well." The other researcher shook his head, taking out three books and a few scrolls. "Just don't let the other Shield members know about this, Celestine trusts me to pass this to anyone." He reminded the man before he allowed Klaus to pull them to Naruto.

"Thank you, Maxwell," Klaus bowed his head in respect as the man chuckled.

"How about buying dinner, I got that spice you love." The younger researcher said as the older man smiled at that offer. Both standing up they saw Naruto still sitting as Maxwell looked at the young man, "Do you wish to join us young man?"

The blonde shook his head as he spoke, "I appreciate the offer, but Varric and I need to get back to work, dig up some info." He said as Klaus and the man understood and left. But he stood in silence as the shinobi desperately hoped that he had his answers in the papers so that he could return home as quickly as a boat could. "I need a drink."

"I totally understand." The blonde looked to his side to see the man that was arguing with Claudia was next to him. "You're…" The Templar started as he realized this young man he saw with the princesses. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Prim and Alicia?"

"No, I had to do something." Naruto muttered as he looked at the man, "Who are you?"

The man looked apologetic, "Oh right, haven't properly introduced myself. Alister," he started giving his hand to Naruto which the blonde took and shook kindly. "A full member of the Templars under Lady Claudia's personal team."

Naruto smiled at that, "Isn't that for the best? That means you're a hard worker-" "bwahahaha!" Naruto seemed startled at the man's sudden laughter.

Alister smacks his hand on the table to try to reign his laughter, "Hardly it's more, like she is babysitting me, not once has she let me out her sights. It's been a bore to have everyone actually fighting while just helping in reinforcing anti-magic barriers." He said as the blonde felt bad at that confession,

"Uh… right…" Naruto blinked at the man. "Sorry."

The man waved it off, "It's fine, Claudia means well I just wish she stops seeing me as a child that cannot fend for myself." He sighed before waving to a waitress to bring him ale, "Other than that it's mostly ok… save for my first day in uniform. Claudia still hasn't forgiven me for that~" he sang out remembering all the knights couldn't take him seriously when walking into their morning chant for their order… only to arrive butt naked, saluting as if he was in full armor and went back to sleep in his room. "Alright, let me ask you something. How the hell do you know Prim and Alicia?" He said with no hostility in his tone but just pure wonder in his tone from the fact of Alicia nature and the stories about Naruto clashing badly with each other.

"That's a bit of a story." Naruto answered the man.

"I got time to listen." Alister said.

XXXXX

"You pulled her skirt down in a spar!?" The man laughed at the sick move in a friendly fight. "Haha, you're brutal! If I was a guy, I bet a month of my favorite cheeses you punch me in the balls." He chuckled as Naruto shrugged at the idea.

The young man and Alister spend a long time eating and drinking as the two talk about how Naruto knew the girls. Alister was rather grateful for how Naruto protected Prim but seemed oddly protective of Alicia until he learned more about their relationships. "Good… good to know she has a friend she can trust." He declared with an approving smile.

"It took a while, but I somehow managed."

Alister raised his mug, "Here, here~" he cheered playfully, as he lowered to look at Naruto. "Hope you're being a gift to Prim, she invited you personally so you need to at least show her your gratitude for it." He gently hinted at Naruto who was pale at the fact he didn't realize it. "Well she does care for-" he didn't finish that sentence watching Naruto slam down way too much money before dashing out.

"Looking for a gift, let's talk more at the party."

"Hey wait!" Alister called out, but couldn't stop the young man from leaving. "Well damn, the kid is quick as a mage's lightning spell." He chuckled, hoping to talk to the young man while he stayed for Prim naming day. Alister, although looks down bitterly, "Must be nice to be free and show your skill…" he whispered softly before drinking more of his ale. "I only wish I could join them, but… I got to protect my family…" he sighed at the opportunity, slipping his hands. "Oh well, better head back before the others rat me out to Captain Claudia." He said leaving the bar as the Templar prepared himself for the event coming up, it's going to be lots of fun for a party and no danger. He could at least cut loose for once and perhaps get a chance to talk to the friends who Alicia was close with. After all, it's not like he is going to do anything else interesting.

CHAPTER END

AK: As I said its going to be a two part the next one will be coming soon or at least december, hope you all enjoy this chapter and review and check the other fics I updated at once.