Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Danganronpa.


Chapter 34:
Ultimate Bonds Part II

His kiss with Sonia was unlike anything he had felt before. It was different from when Kirumi had kissed him. Naruto was able to understand that much at least.

What made it different? Now that he didn't know. He could feel the emotions she was trying to convey. It was borderline desperation, her desire for him to not want to leave. Some would say it was selfish, and yet Naruto didn't feel any sort of resentment toward the girl. Because there was something else behind that desperation. What fueled it came from an honest desire of her wanting to be by his side.

Perhaps even as strong as love?

That's how Naruto interpreted it. He still didn't understand what made Sonia different from Kirumi. The maid had held a similar want, after all.

He also didn't understand why he began to kiss Sonia back. There really wasn't any time for him to think. It didn't change anything at the end of the day. If there was one thing that defined Uzumaki Naruto, it was that he was a creature of instinct. He listened to his emotions first and foremost, consequences be damned. It's probably why he was able to gather so many people around him.

And in that moment, his heart was telling him to kiss Sonia back. To return her emotions with his own. Was it to try and comfort her? To reassure her that he wasn't going anywhere? Or maybe he wanted to convey to her that his feelings weren't going to change?

It was hard to say. Again, Naruto really couldn't think at this moment.

The kiss was definitely unbelievable. It was like he was being consumed by Sonia's presence. It started out as chaste and tender, but as Naruto began to kiss her back it grew in intensity. It was almost like a battle of its own, as both teens tried to push all their emotions on the other. It wasn't on purpose, as with Naruto Sonia wasn't really thinking anymore. She was acting on instinct as well. And as she wrapped her arms around his neck, their kiss only deepened.

No, perhaps it was more like a make out session by this point. He would have wrapped his arms around her waist, but the stupid cast prevented that. He could only place his other hand on her waist to try and steady himself.

Minor details. Naruto just knew that he wanted this. Not why, just that he did. And for now, it was all that mattered.

Neither knew how long they had been kissing for. Only that when it was over, they were both out of breath.

The magic spell that had consumed them started to wear off soon after, and they were left just staring at each other with growing embarrassment. Now that they could start thinking more clearly, they realized just what they had done.

What the hell were they supposed to say to one another after something like that?

Their silence only dragged on until Kurama suddenly let out a small bark, making them remember that the little fox was also on the balcony with them. They had just made out in front of him, which for some reason only made their embarrassment grow.

Maybe it was because having Gundham around made them understand that animals were a lot smarter than they thought. Sure, there were summoning animals where Naruto came from, but a giant toad who could speak was different from an ordinary fox that could not.

Boy, was he wrong. Even now, Naruto could see something like amusement in the little fox's eyes, like he very much understood what they had been doing.

'Dammit, Kurama.'

Even in a new world, he was still saying that.

Thankfully, there was a rescue for them.

They heard a knock at the door, before it was opened and Fuyuhiko stepped inside.

"Yo. Uzumaki, Sonia. You two in here?"

Moving quickly, the two blonds put as much distance between them as possible. Too bad their faces were still flushed. But there was nothing they could do about that, since their hearts were still beating too fast for them to control.

"Y-Yeah." Naruto almost cursed. Why did he have to stutter right now!? "We're out here."

Fuyuhiko noticed them and walked over to the balcony. Almost immediately he could sense there was something strange going on.

"What are you two doing out here?"

"Oh, you know." Naruto tried to laugh it off. Sonia couldn't trust her own voice right now, so it was all on him. "Just talking. And stuff. Y-Yeah."

Fuyuhiko just stared at him for a moment before glancing over to Sonia who was refusing to look at either of them. Right away Naruto saw that the yakuza wasn't buying his flimsy excuse.

Thankfully, Fuyuhiko didn't push the issue further.

"Right. Well, the others want to talk to you."

This caused Naruto to come out of his post-made-out-with-Sonia haze. He still had this to deal with.

So they had finished talking among themselves, huh. Only one thing to do.

And that was to confront them.

"Alright, let's do this."

"No." Fuyuhiko stopped him as he shook his head. "They wanna talk to you one-on-one."

Oh?

"We've already decided who's going first." Fuyuhiko cracked a small grin. "I'm only the messenger for now. But we'll have our chance."

Naruto's eyes softened a little. "Right."

He wasn't going to reject this offer. If that's what the others wanted, he would go along with it.

"I-I see." Trying to regain her bearings, Sonia bowed to the two boys. "I should not get in the way. I have already had my turn. I will be with the others."

"Ah, wait-!" Naruto didn't know what he was doing or what he was going to say exactly. He just found himself calling out to the princess, but Sonia only offered him a small smile in return. He felt like he wanted to get many things off his chest, but he knew what she was getting at.

This wasn't the time.

He didn't offer any other objection as Sonia left the balcony and returned to where the others were.

Fuyuhiko was left looking at Naruto and where Sonia had stood.

"Did something happen?"

He just had to ask again.

Scratching his cheek, Naruto looked away.

"I'll tell you later."

Once everything had calmed down.

"Heh, right." There were enough revelations for one night. "I'll leave you to it then."

Naruto watched Fuyuhiko follow after Sonia. It hadn't been for long, but he was able to tell that Fuyuhiko was still looking at him the same way as before. For better or for worse, he still had him and Sonia.

But what about the others?

'Only one way to find out.'

Thinking about his kiss with Sonia was going to have to wait. He had something else to face right now.

'Alright, I'm ready!'

It was time to see what his friends had to say.


"I'm so confused."

After Fuyuhiko had left, it only took a minute or so before the first person to talk to him came inside the room. And oh boy was he not the one Naruto was expecting.

More like, who was he!?

The Ultimate Imposter wasn't bothered by Naruto's reaction. He was amused actually. He chuckled softly.

"Everyone else had a similar reaction. I guess I'm even able to surprise you."

Naruto was still staring at him like an idiot before shaking his head.

"I have so many questions. I mean, I knew there was more to you. But I never expected this."

"Believe me, I feel the same way. However, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time for that. And for Kuzuryu to tell us all about him and Pekoyama."

Naruto caught on quickly to what the Ultimate Imposter was saying.

"So he told you guys."

Naruto was glad.

The Ultimate Imposter had to grin. "You're not surprised by this…..I'm guessing he already told you." He shook his head. "No, what am I saying. Of course he did. He probably trusts you the most."

Which was true for him as well.

Naruto scratched his cheek with a bashful look. "It's a bit complicated. Peko-chan was actually the one who told me about it first. She was afraid you guys were going to reject Fuyuhiko. She was willing to sacrifice her relationship with us in order to preserve Fuyuhiko's bond with the rest of us."

"I see." So their bond was that deep, huh. "I can understand where Pekoyama was coming from. I hid my true talent and identity for a similar reason."

Naruto tilted his head. "And?"

The Ultimate Imposter smiled. A genuine smile, coming from himself. Not as Ryota, or anyone else. But from his true self.

"I'm happy to say that my fears were unfounded. They're still surprised, but…..they've already accepted me."

Hiyoko was still calling him "ham hands" too, which just made him all the happier.

Naruto smiled back. "I'm glad to hear that." A different thought came to him. "Wait, does that mean there's another Ryota out there?"

"Yes." The Ultimate Imposter's mood shifted at the mention of the real Ryota. "He's not in a good place right now, just like I was. Before I met you and the others. He was supposed to be our classmate as well, before I took his place. For reasons, he has decided to stay away from school. From the outside world. And, well….."

"Say no more." Naruto didn't need him to finish. The blond already knew what he wanted to say. "He might not have been with us this whole time, but he's still one of us. We'll make sure to help him, no matter the cost."

Somehow, this didn't surprise the Ultimate Imposter. This answer was par for the course now, after all. He still felt gratitude.

"I thank you, Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto waved it off. "Pfft, there's no need to thank me. It's only natural to want to help someone in need, right?"

If only that were true. Not many people were willing to help someone they didn't know. But that's just who made Naruto who he was.

Naruto then looked the boy over. He did have one more question for him. "But….what do we call you now? No. What do you want us to call you?"

The Ultimate Imposter pondered the question for a moment. He hadn't actually considered that.

"I've taken on many names before. Mitarai Ryota was only the latest of faces that I've worn. Ah, but you don't need to worry. I'm not out for money or power, or anything of the sort. I've just wanted….to exist."

That definitely struck a cord with Naruto. He had felt like that once too, back when he was only a kid. Back when everyone hated him. And for what? He hadn't known. He just knew that he wanted to exist. He didn't want to be ignored. He wanted his existence to be validated, and for that reason he had taken to pranking others.

The boy before him wanted the same thing, only that he had chosen to impersonate others instead. That way, he could live through them.

A similar hell, with two different paths at the end. Funny that.

"I don't have a name or a family," he continued. "And if I did, I've long since forgotten them. Up until now, I haven't been able to exist unless I assume someone else's appearance. No matter what I say, I've been lying to you guys. That's my one and only truth."

"None of that matters to us." Naruto had to reassure him again. "You remember what I told you before, right? I trust you. You might not have been the 'real' Ryota, but you're still the one I've spent all this time with. Even if you weren't entirely truthful with us, you're still our friend. And that isn't going to change."

Those words. The Ultimate Imposter just had to hear them one more time. To be reassured that he still had his place.

He started to smile again. "Then you must know I feel the same way about you. Your truth is far more bizarre than mine, but I still hope to call you friend. The time I've spent with you guys has been the happiest I've felt in my whole life. I usually have to disappear when I'm found out, but I still want to remain here. With all of you. Even if it's just for a bit longer."

Grinning, Naruto raised his fist. "Then stay. No matter what, we'll create a place for you to exist. Whatever it takes. You can't just abandon us. Not when we care about you."

The Ultimate Imposter met Naruto's fist with his own.

"Ahaha, of course. Thank you. For everything. I do not know if this is the hope that Komaeda speaks of, but because I have this feeling I feel like I can move forward."

Naruto felt the same way.

"As for your previous question. There's one name you can call me by from now on."


"Oh my. A bedroom like this. Two young men. The possibilities are endless!"

Naruto would usually just roll his eyes at this kind of remark, but this time he couldn't help but crack a smile.

"After everything that's happened, that's the first thing you say, Teruteru?"

"Ah, forgive me." The short cook didn't sound remorseful. "I couldn't help but make a joke. To lighten the mood a little. It has been a serious night, hasn't it?"

That it has.

"I'm sorry about that," Naruto said. "I just felt like I had to be honest with you guys."

"Mhmm, you worry too much, Uzumaki-kun." Teruteru flashed him a grin. "I don't think you should be doubting us at a time like this."

But it was normal, wasn't it?

"Many things have happened since I came to this school." Teruteru's voice held a softer tone to it than usual. Naruto had only heard him like this once before, and it made him listen intently to the cook. "To tell you the truth, I had my doubts about coming here at first. My mother is….she is not doing well, you see. I didn't want to leave her alone. But the promise of a better future was too tempting to resist. If it helps her in the future, no matter how small, I just had to take that chance."

He loved his mother dearly, didn't he?

"It was definitely frightening at first, but." Teruteru offered him a smile. "But I can confidently say that I'm glad I came to Hope's Peak. That's how I feel."

Naruto returned the smile. "I feel the same way as you. I wouldn't have been friends without you and the others otherwise."

"Ah, but you still wish to return, don't you?"

How did he-

"You don't have to pretend," Teruteru told him. "I think everyone understands that well. It's definitely a difficult situation. Ah, but don't misunderstand. I'm not blaming you or anything. I just sort of understand is all. I would never want to leave my mother behind, or our diner. I'm sure the others will understand that too."

Teruteru…..

"It's been quite difficult, though." Teruteru chuckled uneasily. "Handling all of these unique customers and their tastes."

"Yeah, right. I bet you've been having fun."

"Maybe." Teruteru sighed wistfully. "I've been spoiling them. Honestly, I'm too nice."

Self-compliments now, huh. Bravo.

"That said, I definitely feel like I'm growing as a cook." Teruteru cupped his chin in thought. "You've also made me remember something important. For those reasons, I will always cherish our time together. And for what's to come. Your past doesn't matter to me at all. I'm not that short of a person."

So the pervert could also say some nice things sometimes. If only he showed off this side of himself more often.

"There is one more thing I want to say, Uzumaki-kun." All of a sudden, the short cook was standing real close to him. He was even holding his hand. "Think of it as an invitation."

An invitation?

"Where to?"

"Where else! Where my culinary journey began of course! To my home."

Oh.

"Your diner?"

"Hey now, don't say it like that. It's not just a simple diner. The Hanamura Diner is well known, I'll have you know! Probably because the next restaurant is like two mountains over, but whatever!"

Seriously? They were that far apart?

Naruto was more curious about something else. "So you're from the countryside."

That explained many things.

"Eh, the location is irrelevant. You don't even have to meet my siblings either." He had siblings? "I do want you to meet my ma, though. And….I want you to eat the meal I prepare there. When I cook in that kitchen, my dishes shine even stronger than they do now."

That was almost hard to believe. But regardless, Naruto could honor that request.

"I'll definitely go, Teruteru. You have my word."

One day.

"Hehe. Good. My ma will be so pleased! I did tell her that the next time I came home I would be bringing my beautiful wife with me."

Hold up, what? Who was that supposed to be anyway!?

"Mhmm, yes. I can see it now." Teruteru whistled. And was his nose bleeding!? "It'll be a very intimate evening."

And just like with every other conversation Naruto had with Teruteru, he felt like he should be running for the hills.

There was no denying the bond that existed between them, though, which was now only stronger than before. And as crass and as perverted as the short boy could be, Naruto appreciated him nonetheless.

They still needed to talk about that "bringing home his wife" bit, though.

What the heck was that even all about?

Well, whatever. Teruteru looked like he was having fun, and honestly so was Naruto.

And that's all that mattered.


"So that's how it is, huh. Mioda said you were an alien, and I'm starting to agree with her now that I think about it."

Alright, scratch that. Teruteru didn't have the worst opening line.

Kazuichi did.

Naruto deadpanned. "Calling me an alien now? Do you want to get slapped?"

Cause he'll do it.

"And you're still a brute too." Still, it did put Kazuichi at ease, believe it or not. "It's been a hard thing to wrap my head around. I mean, dimensional travel? That's like right out of a manga!"

Manga? What's that?

"It's definitely crazy." Naruto could agree with him there. "I had a hard time trying to understand it myself. At first, I didn't want to. I didn't want to leave my old life behind. A part of me still doesn't. But I also understand that dwelling on the past won't get me anywhere."

"The past, huh." Kazuichi placed a hand over his cap. "Is that why you've been hanging around us? To try and forget it?"

Is that what he thought?

Naruto shrugged. "I haven't given much thought to most of my actions since I came here to be honest. But I will admit. At first, I didn't want to hang around any of you. I didn't want to make any bonds here. It would only make things harder when I left. That's what I was thinking, but it didn't turn out that way."

"Hah, I don't get you." Kazuichi shook his head. "I could never do anything like that. Especially when Miss Sonia is around."

Of course.

"A part of me still feels like this is unreal, but then again everything else about this has sort of been like that."

Naruto raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Kazuichi felt a little bit awkward about what he was going to say, but it was only fair, right? Naruto told him the truth about himself. So holding back would be uncool of him.

"I've never experienced anything like this before. Having a group of friends like this. For a while now, I've tried to distance myself from other people. For a stupid reason now that I think about it. That's why I sort of get what you tried to do, even though I don't want to."

Touching.

"Those that did try to get close to me only had the wrong idea about me. But with you guys, it's different. It doesn't feel like I have to hide anything. You probably felt the same way."

No, Kazuichi was sure of it.

Naruto chuckled. "Well, that's true. But I think keeping some stuff to yourself is fine too."

"T'ch, don't ruin my speech!" Kazuichi grumbled. "I'm trying to play it cool here."

"Even though Sonia isn't around?"

"Especially since she's not around!" The mechanic gave him a thumbs up. "This past month I've been reborn. Don't you see? It's the new me!"

Is that so?

"That's why you don't have to feel scared or anything." Kazuichi felt embarrassed saying this, but he had to. "I'm not going to turn my back on you. There's still a lot of stuff I wanna do, and you gotta be a part of them."

Wow. Naruto would never have expected that kind of admission from Kazuichi. He still appreciated it. Very much so.

"Oh man!" Kazuichi suddenly felt pumped up. "I've never actually thought much about my future before, but I'm getting excited now! I'm definitely building that rocket ship! And when I do, you gotta ride shotgun with me."

A rocket ship, huh. A month ago Naruto didn't really know what that was, but now he had a clearer picture.

"Going to space sounds like a crazy adventure."

"And we're gonna have many more like that!"

Now how could Naruto reject something like that?

"Thanks, Kazuichi."

"Don't mention it. I'm just the coolest, aren't I?"

Right. The coolest.


"Hmm. It definitely feels like the others have left you with a positive message so far."

Naruto had to grin at Nekomaru's assessment.

"Something like that, yeah. It's made me feel a lot better."

"Hah, then you shouldn't think so little of us." Nekomaru crossed his arms. "There's no way any of us could think less of you for this. Especially not me. I consider myself very lucky to have met a man as talented as you."

Talented?

Naruto scratched his cheek. He was doing that a lot tonight. "I think you're giving me too much credit."

He appreciated the sentiment, obviously. But…...

"My eyes do not lie." Nekomaru was insistent. "You possess the strongest talent of them all. The talent to lead. You could lead any team to victory!"

Oh yeah?

"I can't really do much on my own, you know," Naruto said. "I'm only really good at fighting."

He felt like he had said that before, but he had to say it again.

"DON'T BE STUPID!" Nekomaru's shout nearly broke all the glass in the room. "A leader isn't about doing everything by yourself! A good leader is someone who can gather those who can do what he cannot. Keeping that balance is not something just anyone can do. But you have a natural knack for it."

"Y-You think so?" Naruto felt himself getting excited. Is this what the Ultimate Team Manager could do to you? Or maybe it's because of his lifelong dream to become Hokage. Having someone tell him that he could lead others was one of the best compliments in his mind.

"I'm not really trying to lead anyone, though." Naruto scratched his head. "I just want everyone to get along."

"And it's that desire that inspires us all." Nekomaru grinned. "Take it from me. Don't underestimate yourself. You're the one who brought this dream team together!"

Didn't Chiaki say something similar to him before? About how he had made their experience at Hope's Peak so much better?

'Nagito said something about it to me too.'

And just like then, Naruto's response hadn't changed.

"You shouldn't underestimate yourself either, Nekomaru. You guys had a hand in it too."

"Hmm, yes. You're right." Nekomaru nodded. "Everyone here is passionate and has dreams they want to fulfill. Heh. Carrying those on my shoulder….that is my ultimate mission. I can be the foundation for them all! That includes yours as well."

"Nekomaru….." Naruto didn't know what to say. He just knew that he was happy to call Nekomaru his friend.

"You've definitely inspired me." Nekomaru laughed. "Gahahaha! I haven't felt this way in a long time! You're the second person to show me that I can achieve new heights!"

Second person?

'I see. So Nekomaru has someone who's that precious to him.'

There was a story there probably, but Naruto wasn't going to question him about it. He was sure that, in time, Nekomaru would tell him all about it.

For now, he was content with bumping fists with the team manager.

"We still have a long way to go, don't we?"

Nekomaru smirked. "This dream team can go anywhere. I, NIDAI NEKOMARU, stake my name on it!"

Naruto felt like the boy was making an unnecessary bet, but whatever.

"I'll keep counting on you then, Nekomaru."

For now, and for a long time to come.


"Kekekeke. Things have definitely reached an interesting stage, haven't they?"

Gundham's way of looking at things was the interesting part here.

"I never realized there was such a powerful foe standing next to me this whole time. Truly, to hide your power to this extent, you must be in possession of some powerful sealing arts! But it cannot be helped. As Tanaka the Forbidden One, it's only natural that powerful foes should arise to try and stop me!"

As always, he just had to ramble on about pointless crap. And "Tanaka the Forbidden One"? Wasn't it the Overlord of Ice?

Suddenly, Naruto felt tired. "I can't keep up with you sometimes. And what happened to your hair?"

He hadn't noticed it before with everything else that had been going on, but now that they were alone together it was not something the blond could miss.

Gundham's red eye glowed. "Change is a natural part of life. It is cause and effect!"

Uh, what?

"But it seems you are the one who has experienced the biggest change of all." Gundham became more relaxed as he crossed his arms. "Tell me, what is it that you seek from this new plane of existence? To spread your dominion?"

Naruto sweatdropped. "Sorry to break it to you, Gundham, but I don't have that kind of ambition."

Gundham cackled. "Kekekeke. As always, you dream so little. But I suppose that is befitting of you."

Thanks?

"I have definitely learned quite a bit by being close to you fiends," Gundham continued. "You in particular. Your words to me before….they were not a lie, it seems."

"I wouldn't betray your trust any more than what I already did."

"H'mph, that is of no concern to a being as great as I." Oh yeah? "Because I finally see it! The truth has been revealed to me!"

"And what truth is that?"

"You are my soul's chosen companion!"

For some reason, that sounded really embarrassing.

"At first, I was sure I would grow weaker with you fiends." Gundham smirked. "Fuhahahaha! What a fool I was! I've only become more atrocious than before! Surely you must have sensed it as well!" His Four Dark Devas posed alongside their master. "My power has more than doubled! The Tanaka Empire is only just beginning!"

Naruto was sure Gundham felt like he said something really cool just now, but it only made him sweatdrop again.

'This guy still doesn't make a lot of sense. Jeez.'

And what was that about being more "atrocious"? Naruto felt like he was missing something here, but he did understand one thing.

Gundham wasn't rejecting him, or his truth.

"This road to hell is only just starting, my beloved deadly foe." Gundham carried on. "Or perhaps it's more appropriate to call you my slave/manservant/sacrifice/housekeeper/best friend."

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "Half of those are the same damn thing. And hell no! I don't serve anyone!"

"Your fate is sealed, foolish mortal. Until this life ends, you must stay by my side! That is our pact!"

You know what? Naruto didn't care anymore. Trying to correct this guy wasn't worth the hassle.

So in that way, you could say Gundham won this round.

And that really pissed Naruto off.

But despite it all, the two still bumped fists.

Because Naruto considered him a precious friend too. And being trusted like this by Gundham….it warmed his heart.

He was never going to betray that trust. Never again.


Having a big bottle of juice shoved into his hands was not the way Naruto had expected for his talk with Fuyuhiko to start. The yakuza was also carrying two glass cups with him.

"Uh, what is this?"

"What does it look like?" Fuyuhiko smirked. "It's a brotherhood cup."

A brotherhood cup?

"It's sort of an initiation, in a way." Fuyuhiko looked somewhat embarrassed. "I'm sure you know what I'm talking about."

Naruto did. That said, he was not expecting something like this.

"Are you sure about this?"

"T'ch, relax." Calming down a little, Fuyuhiko shot him a smirk. "We're not becoming real brothers or anything."

That wasn't the problem here.

"I wanted to do this for a while now, but I never knew how to approach you with it. I feel like now is as good as time as any. Now that we've both said what we had to."

Oh yeah.

Naruto grinned. "I was told about what you did. Telling the others about you and Peko-chan must have taken a lot."

Readjusting his tie, Fuyuhiko blushed somewhat.

"S-Shut up. It's whatever. It wasn't fair that only you got to be honest with everyone. I didn't want to keep hesitating."

Naruto could have teased the boy about it, but he chose not to. He was just happy for him.

"I'm sure everyone else is happy that you opened up to them too."

"Yeah, whatever." Fuyuhiko didn't want to dwell on that for too long. "This is my way of telling you that I don't give a rat's ass about where you came from or what you did before coming to Hope's Peak. This has sort of been like a wild ride anyway. Another bump doesn't matter."

With a sentiment like that, there was no way Naruto could refuse. Well, not that he would have refused regardless.

With no more words, the two boys went over to Sonia's dresser and opened up the bottle of juice.

A thought came to the whiskered boy.

"Isn't this usually done with alcohol?"

He was sure he had heard that somewhere.

"T'ch, forget about that crap." Fuyuhiko suddenly glared at him. "Listen up! Underage drinking isn't allowed! Shit, even smelling that crap is almost enough to make me pass out. You should never go near that stuff."

Huh. Naruto had been thinking this for a while now, but Fuyuhiko was surprisingly good-natured, wasn't he? For a yakuza, that is.

Well, whatever. It was just who Fuyuhiko was, and Naruto wouldn't have it any other way.

Which is why he didn't hesitate to drink the juice once it was poured, swallowing it in one gulp. Fuyuhiko followed his example before shattering the cup.

Naruto looked at the smashed glass. "Sonia is gonna be pissed, ya know."

This was her bedroom, after all.

Fuyuhiko laughed it off. "Ahahaha! I'll compensate the broad later. It just felt appropriate, even though some say it's a bad omen."

A bad omen? Like ghosts!? That's the one thing Naruto didn't want!

"I would usually make you my underling or my little bro, but knowing you you would never accept something like that." Fuyuhiko understood him well. "So I guess just bros will have to do."

Just bros? He was trying to play it cool, but Naruto understood how important this was to him. And because of that, it was important to him too.

"Friends is also an appropriate word, I think." Naruto raised his fist toward the boy with a grin. "Cause you're stuck with me. And with everyone else too."

"Just my luck." Despite his words, Fuyuhiko returned the fist bump with a grin of his own. "None of you care about my reputation or my family name. It's definitely been fun."

"And it's gonna continue to be fun, right?"

"Damn right. I still have to grow more, so that one day I can lead my clan. S-So." Fuyuhiko started to blush again. "Just watch me, alright? I'll definitely become someone worth following."

In Naruto's eyes, the boy was definitely on that path already.

The future was sure to show him more, and Naruto couldn't wait.


"Hmm. I feel like I shouldn't be here right now, but everyone insisted. I'm sorry for troubling you."

Naruto gave Nagito a deadpan stare. "It'd be more weird if you weren't here."

"Oh really?" Nagito smiled. "Ah, but I forget. You're too nice to ignore me. But I would expect nothing less from you, Uzumaki-kun. After all, you're the one who created all this hope here tonight. It was greater than I could have imagined! For that I have to thank you. I never thought I would be able to experience something like that. Someone as lowly as me."

Hope, huh.

Naruto sighed. "I still don't know what hope means to you, if I'm being honest. But I wasn't the only one that made everything the way it is today. It's been a group effort."

"But of course!" Nagito wasn't denying that. "When you're all together, that is when you shine the brightest! But I see you're still ignoring your role in all of this, Uzumaki-kun."

Naruto almost sighed again. When Nekomaru told him about his leadership abilities, he had been excited to accept the compliment. But when it came to Nagito, he was a bit more hesitant to accept the boy's praise.

Why?

"I'm not sure why you're still saying that. I'm not from this world, you know. It was just an accident that I ended up here."

A good accident? That was hard to say. Naruto still had trouble deciding how he should feel about this, as a whole. Because…if he accepted that all of this was good, wouldn't that just make him selfish? Abandoning his old world, his friends, especially when they had needed him most….was something like that even allowed?

Ah. So that's what it was. Was that why he still had a desire to return, even now? Even though he knew it was impossible. Because he felt guilty?

Nagito crossed his arms as he continued to smile. "It looks to me like you realized something."

"Maybe….but you still haven't answered me."

"Oh. It was a question?" Was he making a joke? "You should know I've had some weird things happen in my life. This is just another to me. Perhaps it has to do with my luck. Because I consider meeting you to be good luck, Uzumaki-kun."

Naruto felt more flattered than he would have thought.

"That's why I'm also worried." Nagito sighed as a slight frown settled over him. "My luck is always followed by bad luck, or vice versa. It's like a back-and-forth that I've never been able to escape, despite my wish to do so."

Oh? Color Naruto intrigued.

"That hasn't been the case recently. Not since I came to Hope's Peak Academy. Even now, I got to experience what ultimate hope feels like. I've been beyond lucky. That's why I can't help but worry…...what bad luck is waiting to appear?"

What was the future going to bring?

"I can't really answer that," Naruto replied after thinking about Nagito's concern. "Like it or not, life is full of both good luck and bad luck. It sucks, but it's something you can't avoid. So what use is there worrying about it?"

Nagito didn't say anything.

So Naruto continued. "I'm not sure what bad luck you had to go through so far, but it's not something you have to face alone anymore. So even when this bad luck does come, we can handle it together."

This kind of answer shouldn't surprise Nagito anymore. And yet, he still found himself stumped. Maybe it was because he still felt like he didn't deserve this kindness, even though he wanted it more than anything else.

"Are you sure the others even want that? Speaking for them like that-"

"Pfft, don't worry about it!" Naruto slapped the boy in the back. "Like I told you before, they're good people. And whether you like it or not, you're definitely one of us. They wouldn't abandon you. You're not alone anymore. Remember?"

"That sort of conclusion." Nagito went silent again before another smile appeared. "I hate to admit it. It definitely feels like there's something inside my heart now."

Something?

"It's hard for me to explain. I'm not sure I understand it myself. Not fully. But perhaps there's something even I can do about this."

"I think you're more than capable."

"Those reassuring words." Nagito laughed. "I suppose I have no choice but to accept them."

Naruto sweatdropped. "You should have just accepted them in the first place."

"Ahahaha! Right." The way Nagito laughed. It made Naruto start to smile too. "But I do have to wonder, Uzumaki-kun. When this bad luck appears, how are you going to handle it?"

So it wasn't a matter of "if." To Nagito, it was an absolute.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Weren't you listening? It just won't be me. It'll be all of us. You can't do something on your own, but with enough people I believe there's nothing that is out of our reach. So even this bad luck that you're so afraid of, we'll conquer that too. That's my promise to you."

"A promise." Nagito repeated this a couple more times before nodding. "Then I shall hold you up to that."

There still wasn't complete understanding between them, but there was no denying the fact that they had grown closer. And it was because of this uncertainty that Naruto couldn't say for sure if Nagito still fully comprehended what he was trying to get across.

Baby steps then. Progress was progress, after all.

Nagito was still his friend. That wasn't changing.


"Hello there! The great Mioda Ibuki has finally arrived! You must have been so lonely without me, huh~"

Of course, Ibuki burst into the room with the same excitement Naruto expected from her. It was more than enough to bring a grin to his face.

"You definitely took your time."

"Ehehe, it couldn't be helped!" Ibuki winked at him. "Everyone decided on the order. Ibuki couldn't just burst in here, even though she really wanted to! After all, everyone has something they want to say to you."

Ah. But of course.

"Then what is it that you want to say, Ibuki?" Naruto asked her.

"Urgh, isn't it obvious!" Ibuki walked up to him and poked him in the chest. Repeatedly. "All of this has gotten too tense! Way too tense! Ibuki declares that this needs to stop!"

"Pfftt-ahahaha!" Naruto had to laugh at that. It was just such an…Ibuki-type answer.

The girl pouted. "Don't laugh, Naruto-chan! Things have been so fun up till now. We can't let it end this way!"

"No….no, I don't think we can."

"It's good that you agree. I was getting ready to bite you if you didn't."

Oh god no. Naruto didn't want to go through that again.

"You can't just expect us to turn our backs on you." Ibuki shook her head like a mother chastising her child. "Our lovey-dovey honeymoon is only just starting! That's why you should have told Ibuki everything from the start!"

He really should have, huh. But wait.

"Love-dovey honeymoon? What's that?"

"Oh, you know. My harem with you and Hiyoko-chan. We gotta expand."

That joke was still going, huh.

"You better realize that too." Ibuki's face turned serious, which made Naruto pause for a moment. "You're a member of my band now. I'm not letting you go that easily, understand? I mean, we've already done this and that. Don't break a maiden's heart."

Seriously, phrasing! That sounded like Naruto was some kind of player!

"That's why you gotta stick with Ibuki forever and ever! The details don't matter. Even if you're kind of an alien, Ibuki's feelings won't change!"

That was touching, but….

"I'm not an alien, Ibuki."

He was human goddammit!

"Ehehe, like I said, don't sweat the small stuff." She winked at him again. "We just gotta keep having fun. With everyone. You can't abandon Ibuki either."

Naruto chuckled. "I give you my word, Ibuki. I won't abandon you."

He was making a promise like that now….maybe he was terrible. But from the bottom of his heart, Naruto did mean it.

"Alright then!" Ibuki cheered. "You're totally gonna regret this later, but Ibuki won't let you!"

So then he couldn't regret it!

"Now Ibuki really won't feel lonely anymore. That's how I've been feeling ever since I came to this school." Ibuki puffed out her chest in pride. "It's Ibuki's personal revelation. That's what hope is all about, right? That's what Nagito-chan would say anyway."

Hah, probably yeah.

"Ehehehe. You might even be Ibuki's destined one too! And if that happens, we gotta ditch together!"

Wait, what? Now she was talking about abandoning everyone!? And after everything she said.

Naruto almost face-palmed.

Almost.

"Never change, Ibuki."

Because he liked her just the way she was.


"Hmmm. So I guess it's my turn now, huh."

The person who came in after Ibuki was of course Hiyoko. Naruto didn't know why, but he had sort of been expecting this. Maybe it was because the two girls had grown so close?

Regardless, Naruto was still happy to see her.

"I'm glad it's your turn, Hiyoko."

His admission was enough to make Hiyoko blush.

"O-Of course you should be glad. I'm going out of my way to console you. I don't do that for just anyone, you know. You might even want to kiss my feet in gratitude. I won't stop you."

Console him, huh. Well, she wasn't wrong about that. Nor was Naruto ashamed to admit it.

"Honestly, you're too much of a hassle," Hiyoko said, looking annoyed. "Things would have been so much easier if you were only just making stuff up, like that breeder. Or better, if you hadn't said anything at all. Now I have to worry about other dimensions? Life can never be simple."

So she was blaming him for being who he was.

Sounded like Hiyoko alright.

"But you know." Her look of annoyance vanished, and it was replaced with a more meek expression. "You still should have told us sooner. Even though it's annoying. That can't be helped, I guess. Because it's like you're more Japanese than any of us."

More Japanese?

"What are you talking about?"

"You come from a world full of ninjas. What's more Japanese than that?"

Oh, right. He'd almost forgotten, but Hiyoko wasa bonafide Japanophile. That was the word, right? Or was he getting it mixed up with something else?

Ah, whatever.

"So you believe me then?" Naruto couldn't stop himself from sounding happy.

"Of course I believe you." Pouting, Hiyoko folded her arms behind her back. "I still think it's crazy, but I can't not believe you. You wouldn't lie like that. Plus…." Naruto thought he was imagining it, but he thought he saw the girl squirming a little. "T-That chakra or whatever. It felt…..nice. Safe. I knew then that you couldn't be lying. It was like I was being embraced by my father."

Naruto couldn't help the rush of happiness that came from hearing those words. Coming from Hiyoko, that was the best compliment he could ever receive.

"Besides, you still have to keep that promise to me," she added.

Promise?

"My show is in a few days. You still have to come to that. And you can't fall asleep either!" She glared at him. "If you do, you'll definitely regret it."

Scary.

It didn't dissuade Naruto any, though, as he placed his hand on the girl's head.

"Don't worry, Hiyoko. I'll make sure to watch you till the end."

"T-That's right. So you can't run away. Or think that you can't be here anymore."

Naruto would have hugged her, but he didn't want to think what she would do if he did that. So for now, he was content with just patting her on the head. And from the look on Hiyoko's face, he was sure it was more than enough for now.

"Y-Yes. You're definitely my slave now."

Wait, he was a what now!?

First Gundham, and now Hiyoko. Why did everyone want to make him their slave!?


"Man, this has been a drag. I totally thought we were here to party. Not worry about this kind of stuff."

Naruto was met with Akane's annoyed face next. Honestly, he didn't know what the girl was going to say to him. In the first place, he knew she wasn't a fan of expressing her emotions under any circumstance. That night under the bridge had been a rare occurrence.

But now, here she was. Ready to confront him about his truth. What was she going to say?

"Honestly, this is all confusing." Akane picked her ear with a groan. "I totally don't get this other world crap. Is it what Mioda was saying? That you're like an alien or something?"

Alright, that joke was worn out already!

"I'm not an alien, Akane. Do I look like an alien to you?"

The girl suddenly beamed. "You look like a cat to me."

Seriously!?

"Hmm, but I get what you're saying." She crossed her arms. "Well, whatever. It's not like it matters much to me anyway. You're you. That's what counts."

But of course. Naruto shouldn't have been worried. Akane was that kind of person, after all. The kind who didn't care about the details. If he came from another dimension, it was a non-issue for the girl. As long as she liked him, that's all that mattered in the end.

"That thing you did, though." Akane's mood changed. Naruto couldn't really describe it. Was she embarrassed? Her cheeks definitely looked flushed. "That chakra or whatever. It has to do with what you said before, right? About being okay with feeling weak."

Feeling "weak." That's how she was describing it.

"Tell me something, Akane. Do you think what I did was weak of me? Opening up to you guys? Did you feel weak after you opened up to me?"

"Hell yes it's weakness!" She wasn't budging on that point. But what came next from her was something different. "But…..I do think it's okay now. Because if being weak means that you can feel this way, then it can't be a bad thing."

So she was looking at things from a new perspective. Not entirely the way Naruto did, just influenced by him.

And that was okay in Naruto's book. Because Akane wasn't restricting herself anymore. She was accepting this other side of herself. That was good enough.

So caught up he was in his thoughts that he didn't notice Akane move until the girl was already hugging him. Yeah, he said that right.

Akane was hugging him. Of her own free will.

Was the sky going to fall next or what?

It made Naruto blink, trying to process what was happening, before he found himself blushing. Why? Because the girl had pressed his face right up to her chest. Her well-endowed chest.

They were soft.

"A-Akane?"

What the heck was she doing!?

"S-Shut up." He couldn't see her face anymore, but he was sure she was blushing as much as he was. "I'm just repaying a debt. Y-You helped me before, so I have to help you now. Building connections like this…..i-it's what makes us human, right?"

So that's what it was. Before, he had been the one to hug her. It had made her feel better, so now she was trying to do that to him.

The two situations weren't exactly the same, but Naruto still accepted the hug. Because while the circumstances were different, the end result was the same. He was being comforted. His bond with the girl was reaffirmed, and he knew he could still count on her moving forward.

It was amazing.

Now if only he didn't have his face buried in her breasts.


Like before, it didn't take long for the next person to enter the room. And the one to follow after Akane was none other than Peko.

Right away, Naruto saw the change in the girl. She was more at ease now, and he had a good idea as to why that was.

"Tonight has been quite the experience," Peko said after closing the door. Her voice wasn't accusatory or anything. Like her posture, it was relaxed. "I knew there was more to you than what we were seeing, but this was beyond what I could have imagined."

Naruto chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah. It can be like that. Sorry."

Peko shook her head, amused. "I do not know what you are apologizing for exactly. You have told us the truth. That is admirable."

"Yeah, but I still think I waited too long."

"Even so, I am the last person to judge you." Peko closed her eyes. "Do not forget that I was also lying to you all. But you accepted me. The others have accepted me. What kind of friend would I be if I could not do the same to you?"

There was no doubt in Peko's mind that Naruto already knew about Fuyuhiko's confession.

"I guess we're all hypocrites to an extent," he replied with a shrug. "But finding people to accept that is what matters. That's what I think."

"I think so too." Peko's eyes reopened. "If you'd allow me to be completely honest, this has been the most peaceful time in my life. And…..as selfish as it sounds, I wish for this peace to continue."

"That's fine, Peko-chan. Being selfish from time to time is okay. It's part of being human." Naruto then gained a sly grin. "And now, you might even be able to ask Fuyuhiko out on a date. Great, right?"

"W-W-W-What!? W-W-What a-are you saying!?"

Oh man. Watching a stoic girl like Peko being reduced to a blushing and stuttering mess was always great.

"You decided to be more honest with yourself, right?" Naruto reminded her.

"T-T-That….." Peko tried to regain her composure. "T-That is true, but there is more to it than that."

"Like?"

"I want to chase the same dream as him." Peko smiled. It was a very beautiful smile too. "I want to stand next to him. Not as some kind of tool, but as maybe an equal. As a warrior."

Hmm.

Naruto gave her a thumbs up and grinned. "That sounds like a nice goal, Peko-chan. I'm sure Fuyuhiko will like that."

"I hope so." She then frowned somewhat. "However, do not think you don't have a part in this. I'm able to be a new person now thanks to you. The past doesn't exist to bind us, so I hope we can keep moving forward together. That you'll continue to be my friend."

There was only one way for Naruto to answer that.

"Nothing would make me happier."


"Hmmm. I wonder if anything I say at this point will be new or interesting."

Naruto had to sweatdrop at Chiaki's comment.

"Does that really matter to you?"

The Ultimate Gamer tilted her head. "I sort of had a big speech planned out, but…..I can see it in your face. That everyone has given you their support."

Mikan and Mahiru hadn't taken their turn yet, so it wasn't everyone.

But yeah. Chiaki wasn't wrong.

"Then there isn't really much for me to say."

Seriously!?

"C-Come on! You can at least tell me if you believe me or not!"

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Chiaki puffed out her cheeks. "Of course I believe you. Is there a point in asking that? It's insulting, Uzumaki-kun."

Okay, he might have stepped on a landmine here.

"It just feels good to hear it! Ya know?"

Chiaki giggled. "Oh, I see. You can be like a little kid sometimes."

She of all people was saying that to him!?

Naruto's shoulders sagged. "Harsh, Chiaki. Harsh."

"I'm only joking. Mostly." Mostly!? "But I wasn't joking before. I'm sure the others have already expressed everything I wanted to say. We'll continue being together, won't we?"

"Of course."

"See?" Chiaki smiled. "Then it's going to be alright. Of course, I had been planning on playing video games by this point, but I guess we can do that later."

Oh yeah. They still had the sleepover to finish.

Naruto nodded. "I'll look forward to that then."

At first, Chiaki had planned on leaving things as they were at this point. She believed in Naruto, and she would still cherish the bond between them. She wanted the boy to understand that, and he did.

However, now that she was here, she had to admit that her curiosity was getting the better of her. She had something she wanted to ask him.

"Tell me, Uzumaki-kun. Do you regret ending up here? In this new world?"

She was throwing a hard question at him, huh.

"Honestly, that sort of thing isn't easy to answer." Naruto scratched his cheek as his eyes wandered up to the ceiling. "I can't say one way or the other. I cherish all the time I've been here so far, but leaving my other friends behind…..it isn't an easy thing to accept."

"That is a heavy burden." Chiaki wasn't unhappy with his response. She just couldn't understand it. Because this was the first time she had people she could call friends. However, if she thought about having to leave them behind, about starting a new life somewhere completely unknown to her….could she do that?

Hmm...

"Starting over isn't easy."

It wasn't.

"It's not like I was able to do that alone," Naruto explained. "That time during our camping trip, what you said to me when we first found Kurama. Those words really helped me. Just you being here was more than enough. Same for everyone else."

If he hadn't found them, he would have been a bigger mess. He was sure of it.

"So it was a give and take." Smiling, Chiaki placed a hand over her heart. "I think that's good enough. Just as you were able to give us a place to belong, we can do the same for you. So don't doubt us, okay?"

That was her message, huh.

"So much for not giving a speech."

Chiaki puffed out her cheeks again. "You're ruining the moment, Uzumaki-kun."

Sorry, sorry.

"Thank you, Chiaki. For everything."

"I could say the same. But let's not focus on that, okay?" She started to smile once more. "This is only the beginning, right?"

Yep. Only the beginning.

And the future was vast.


When Mikan walked into the room, Naruto almost felt like patting her on the head. Why? Because she looked positively nervous.

"Mikan, are you okay?" He just had to make sure.

The nurse fiddled with her fingers. "Y-You're not angry with me?"

Angry?

"Why would I be angry with you?"

"B-Because I hesitated! I felt so confused, and then I didn't know what to say! And you left! And now you're definitely angry with me."

Jeez, this girl.

Naruto let out a sigh. "I'm not angry, Mikan. And even if I was, I like to think our bond is stronger than that. It can survive a couple of fights between friends."

"I-I still feel terrible." Mikan looked down, teary-eyed. "I should have made up my mind right away."

"Don't worry about it. It's not like I had an easy time of things either when I first showed up here. It's only natural to be confused about something like this."

Mikan couldn't even begin to explain the relief that was flooding through her right now.

"So does this mean…..that you're not going anywhere?"

Is that what she had been worrying about?

"I'm not leaving, Mikan," he told her straight up. "And even if by some miracle I did, I wouldn't be gone forever. I would definitely come back."

All of this had taught Naruto something he had pretty much already suspected. That he couldn't leave these guys forever. His connection with them was too strong now.

That said, that was only a hypothetical. He was stuck here, and Naruto had accepted that.

Mostly.

Mikan looked relieved before she caught herself.

"I-I'm sorry!"

Why was she apologizing now?

"I'm only being selfish here. I know that. Just because I want you to stay doesn't mean that you should stay. Because it's your life! And if you want to leave then-!"

"Jeez, stop overthinking things." Naruto approached her and placed his hand on her head to calm her down. "Whatever happens in the future, I'm here right now. That's all that matters."

Mikan knew that. But she still wanted more. She felt horrible for this desire, but she no longer cared as much. Her feelings were too strong now.

"You'll always be by my side, right….?"

She just needed to be sure of that.

And like before, Naruto didn't hesitate.

"Of course. You can count on me."

At this point, the old Mikan would have been too scared to even think of doing what she did next. But now, she was bold enough to go through with her desires.

And that was to hug Naruto of her own volition. Not like before where she had asked Naruto to hug her. No, now she was the one doing the hugging.

Naruto was more than happy to let the girl do as she pleased. If it reassured her of his feelings, then so be it.

This was how Mikan spent her time with him. Just hugging him in peace and quiet. Because that's what she wanted most.

She now knew that she was the happiest when in the blond's embrace.


"You know, I didn't really think you were going to be the last one."

"Huh? What does that mean?"

Mahiru's glare could melt fire right now.

"Y-You know," Naruto stuttered. "You're usually the first one to speak your mind and stuff. S-So."

God, he was blowing this.

Sighing, Mahiru calmed down. There was no use getting worked up, especially not a time like this.

"I do have a lot of things I want to say. But they don't really matter."

They don't?

"Honestly, you're a bigger idiot than I thought. And I already thought you were the biggest idiot around."

Thank you?

Mahiru's eyes then softened. "But I can see that you've been through your fair share of troubles."

That was one way to put it.

But this made Naruto perk up in anticipation. Mahiru believed him as well?

He couldn't be happier.

"S-So that's why." Coughing, Mahiru pointed to the bed behind them while she did her best to hide her growing blush. "Close your eyes and go lie down over there."

Wait, what?

"What do you mean?"

"Just do it!"

"Alright, alright!"

For some reason, Naruto felt like he was being mugged. He still did as the redhead commanded and lied down on the bed. It was also where Kurama had been this whole time, just observing everything in silence. Thankfully, there was enough room on the bed for the two of them.

And a third person too, as soon after Naruto had closed his eyes he felt Mahiru join him on the bed as well.

What was happening right now!?

Even though he didn't know what to expect, Naruto was still caught off guard when he found his head being placed on someone's lap. More specifically, Mahiru's lap.

Was this the famed lap pillow!? The only reason Naruto knew a term like that was because of Teruteru and Kazuichi. The two boys were always going on about it, about how "magical" of an experience it was. And he had to agree. It was...nice.

Those two had really corrupted him.

"M-Mahiru." Naruto felt really embarrassed right now. And who could blame him? "What are you doing…..?"

"J-Just don't open your eyes, got it!?" She almost hissed, which didn't fit her embarrassed tone at all. "Open them, and you die! Got that!"

Got it!

"J-Jeez." Despite the embarrassment she felt, Mahiru still placed her hands on the blond's spiky hair. She never noticed it before, but Naruto's hair was all over the place. Kind of like his personality really. "Don't expect this from me all the time. I-I'm just doing this because I think you need it."

"I need it…..?"

"You know…..you've been through a ton of stuff so far." Without thinking, she began to stroke his hair. Naruto would be lying if he said it didn't feel amazing. He could almost fall asleep right then and there. "I can't really do much about that, and I'm not great with words either. S-So I thought something like could make up for that."

She was really doubting herself, wasn't she?

"You don't have to feel obligated, ya know? Just you being yourself is more than enough."

The hair stroking was a definite plus, however.

He couldn't see it, but Mahiru smiled at his words.

"That means a lot. But that's all the more reason I want to do this. Okay?"

It was only near the end, but Mahiru was able to grow bolder. Just seeing Naruto's peaceful face as she stroked his hair was enough of a motivation for her. It wasn't much, but it was her way of thanking him for everything he had done so far. For just being there. For helping her find a new side to herself she didn't know existed.

If only she realized how big a gift this was for him.


Man, Naruto sure does walk a fine line, doesn't he? In more ways than one.

Anyway, this was the other half. A lot happened, but this chapter is another personal favorite of mine. Right alongside the end of the festival.

I hope you've all enjoyed it as well.

Till next time.