A Nobody

by Jebest4781

Living a new life in another reality, Naruto now must handle a lot of complications of him interacting with various heroes, villains and anti-heroes. How will things go with them interacting with a Nobody. NarutoXHarem Rated M for language, violence and lemons. NarutoXDC ComicsXKingdom Hearts Please leave reviews. On Hiatus.

62. Away, Away PT 3

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Naruto, Disney, Square Enix or Detective Comics. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Radio/TV

"Headset/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 60: Away, Away Part 3

The undead roar reverberated over the immediate area as it seemingly blended with a howling wind. And it seemed to fit right in as signs of a storm was brewing.

The roar didn't let up, even as the Darkbeast sea serpent darted down at the trio.

"AAAAHHH!" Moana screamed in utmost fright.

Quickly stepping forward, Naruto built up a lot of power into his Keyblade before smacking his weapon across the undead creature's face. It strayed back from the blow before looking back and forth from Moana to Naruto while paying little mind to Maui.

As it drew a little closer, Naruto casted Blizzaga, shooting out an icicle blast directly at it's head. The blast made the creature recoil once more and shook its head in irritation as large pieces of ice were imbedded into the dead scaly flesh.

With it distracted, Naruto casted Aeroga, blasting their sea vessel away from the Darkbeast.

"Wi-Will we be able to get away from that monster?" Moana shakily said.

"Not easily, that I can tell you." Came Naruto's response.

After shaking it's head several more times, the Darkbeast dove right back into the rocking ocean.

Having an idea on what's gonna happen, Naruto casted another Aeroga spell to propel them away. With the waves starting to grow harsher with each passing second, their boat occasionally soared before crashing back down.

Not wanting their ride to break from Naruto's actions alone, Maui quickly snatched the oar from Moana's grasp.

"Moana, I need your help." Spoke the demigod as he went towards the back and plunged the oar into the ocean before snagging one of the ropes.

"With what?"

"Keeping this boat afloat." Maui looked over at Naruto, who kept watch of the ocean for any sign of the Darkbeast sea serpent. "And you, Naruto, gonna need to not use any of your wind spells too much or else you'll wreck this boat further than it is."

"Sorry, Maui, but needed some space away from that monster."

"I understand but-"

*FWOOSH-THUMP*

Moana screamed as she lost her balance and almost fell into the rough ocean currents if it weren't for Naruto quickly snagging her wrist. Hoisting her back up, the Uzumaki realized the undead serpent already reached them as it attacked their boat from underneath.

Before any bit of reprieve could happen, the Darkbeast attacked their sea vessel once more. And this time, instead of Moana almost falling overboard, it was Naruto. But instead of being kept on the boat with a helping hand-

"NARUTO!"

-The Keyblader was thrown overboard and was swallowed up into the sea.

Moana stared wide eyed as she scrambled trying to find any trace of her whiskered companion. "We need to find him!"

"We can't!"

"WHY NOT!"

"BECAUSE THAT MONSTER IS AFTER US!" Yelled the demigod, pulling the rope harness to properly turn the sail to move along with the raging waters.

-Insert Bravely Default: Serpent eating the ground-

As this happened above the surface, something else occurred underneath it.

Swimming with all his might, Naruto did his best to get away from the undead serpent. Whether it was trying to get back to the surface or just giving himself some distance to recover. But the Darkbeast sea serpent wrapped around his leg and began pulling him down. Naruto was unable to do anything as he kept trying and failing to shake himself free. And the Uzumaki started getting cold as he kept being dragged deeper and deeper underwater.

Not wanting to die via drowning and/or even the pressured cold, Naruto raised his Keyblade and hoped the spell would work in the current environment.

'Thundara!'

With the mental call, Naruto saw his Keyblade give off a glow in the water. Before he could question anything else, the Uzumaki saw bolts of lightning being casted and shocking everything in the vicinity…

"GRAAA!"

Including him, unfortunately.

With his scream, Naruto ended up opening his mouth and releasing his precious oxygen. He didn't bother looking down to see the Darkbeast's predicament of being paralized. He only felt himself being free, prompting him to quickly kicking his feet up towards the surface.

It was during this time of frantic swimming did he not notice his opponent coming right towards him from underneath.

The moment when he broke through the ocean's surface, did too was the undead sea serpent. It's opened maw was wide in hopes of eating the Keyblader whole. Yet it's attempt was unsuccessful with the Uzumaki barely keeping the mouth opened.

'No way in hell I'm gonna get eaten by another snake!' Thought the Uzumaki, using all his strength to keep the zombified monster's maw from snapping shut. 'I don't want to become snake food again!'

He had to move his hands away from the slimey roof and towards the sharpened teeth as it would give him a better grip. While trying to do so did Naruto feel and possibly hear his bones threatening to snap from the pressure given by the Darkbeast.

'No way in hell am I gonna die here!' Naruto thought as he briefly looked back to see his opponent was diving back into the water. 'Seems I need to do that again.'

Casting Thundara once again, both he and his undead opponent were electrocuted. It was necessary for him to free himself. With the Darkbeast paralized once again, Naruto pushed through the monster's rotten maw before jumping out and diving into the ocean's water.

'Guess I could add living through a electric suicide attempt in my list of never do again!' The silver haired man mentally noted in his 'list.

Coming back towards the surface, Naruto frantically looked around for any sign of his companions.

"NARUTO!"

Said man whipped his head around and saw Moana's boat sailing towards him. The winds and ocean currents were helping in sending the vessel at its intended target.

"Grab on or sink!" Maui shouted as it was no time to be soft in an intense situation like this. As soon the words left he pointed to ropes on the boat.

Seeing the rope hanging off the side, Naruto reached out and firmly grabbed it's length. He soon felt a jerking yank as he was soon dragged along for the ride.

"Thanks!"

"Thank us later once we lose that thing!"

Naruto shook his head. "We unfortunately won't like the others. We need to take it down now."

Neither demi-god and mortal liked hearing this.

"And how do you propose we do that?" Maui questioned. "I'm limited on my powers, in case you forgot."

"I'll think of something." Naruto responded. "You and Moana keep steering this thing and I'll do what I can to fight that Darkbeast off."

"I hope you do 'cause I've never really seen anything like that before today."

Looking back, Naruto saw the undead sea serpent finally got out of its paralized state and looking around for its prey. Barely under half a minute was it glaring towards the trio.

Acting quickly, Naruto casted Aeroga. The wind spell propelled their small ship forward, which startled Moana and Maui. Yet they had understood that in their current predicament they can't really complain about the matter.

With the amount of speed given now, Naruto ended up being pulled further up from the water to which he was practically barefoot skiing. And it helped with the rushing wind surrounding them.

'Hope I can at least stay upright for this for as long as possible.' Thought the Uzumaki as he aimed his Keyblade and shot several Fire spells at the incoming Darkbeast. The spells halted it's progression, but only a little bit.

Wanting a bit of an edge against their opposition, Naruto had focused on switching out his Keyblade for Lunar Rose. For his scythe was his best weapon against the Rot and their forces.

Yet, for some reason, it wasn't happening.

"Oh… that's not good." Naruto said once more trying his utmost to summon the Green-powered blade but frown as it was still his Keyblade.

Was there some sort of interference? There has to be. It wasn't as if Lunar Rose was refusing to come out and play.

Something else had to be at work here.

Needing some other sort of edge, Naruto ended up forming his Vanitas attire. He needed access to his Potions and Ethers, more now than ever. Not to mention it'll help out with his breathing if he were to be dragged underwater by the Darkbeast again.

'There must be some way to better fight against that thing.' Naruto thought as he kept firing off several offensive spells left and right at the persistent creature. 'I can't fight it all by myself.'

If Naruto was able to run, let alone stand, on the water then things could be better. Yet he can't do that anymore without chakra and neither of his companions have such a skill to begin with.

What they needed was solid ground or something remotely close so he and maybe even Maui can work well in fighting against this Darkbeast.

"Hey! I see something up ahead!" Moana called out, getting Naruto's and Maui's attention.

A good mile or so away from the trio was a legion of scraggly-looking rock pillars coming out of the ocean. And by the look of things, the whole radius of the rocky area reached for several miles.

"I think we can work with that." Naruto said before focusing more towards his companions. "Maui, Moana, get us over there."

"You sure?" Moana asked.

Naruto nodded before focusing at the demi-god. "You wanted more of the action, right? Well here's your chance, man."

Hearing this drew a smile on the trickster god's face, cracking his finger in big gesture of 'I got this'. "Any request?" He smugly asked even though he had the perfect idea to use.

"If you could be able to shapeshift into some animals, that'll be great."

Maui's smile shifted into a frown. "But I told you-"

"I know, but you're gonna have to try and work through it." Naruto interrupted. "You're now gonna be going through a Trial by Fire on this now and it wasn't going to be easy regardless." Shooting another Blizzard spell at the Darkbeast, he continued. "Just do what you can and I'll help you out, regardless of what you turn into."

He grudgingly nodded before tying his hair into a top bun. "Don't worry… I got this~!" Yelped the demigod comically before grinning like a madman. Maui maneuvered their boat towards their destination.

"And what do you need me to do?" Moana asked.

"You are gonna help keep this boat afloat and steering while Maui and I fight that thing."

"Yeah~ sure, no pressure or anything." Was all the island princess said as she wrapped her hands around the rope.

With them sailing towards the rocky pillars, Naruto soon hurled himself towards the nearest one before slamming his Keyblade into the earthy surface. From there he started climbing up before seeing Maui following suit on the neighboring pillar.

"Okay... think big! Think big!" Maui muttered softly trying to calm his nerves on his previous mistakes. He need to control it and own it, he won't let a few mishaps ruin his epic image. "Alright let's do this!"

Seeing the Darkbeast soon whirling around the pillar he was currently on, Maui gave a mighty leap and dived towards it. Focusing power into his magical Fishhook, he soon shifted form into something big.

When the light came down, Maui's form crashed into the undead sea serpent with a mighty splash happening soon after.

Seeing this, Naruto smiled as he saw the Trickster demi-god form into a giant whale and body slammed the Rot monster.

"WHOA!" The princess shouted with a big smile, "Now I can understand why he thinks of himself so big."

"Keep sailing around, Moana!" Naruto yelled out, leaping off the pillar and dived towards where the whale-Maui was swimming about.

"Sorry, sorry!" She quickly said as a small blush for her lack of focus,

Landing on the whale-Maui's back, he gave a brief 'Sorry' before directing the demi-god to move about.

"I don't expect your next transformation to be effective, but I'll need you to get out of the water before the Darkbeast mauls and infects you."

"Sure, but an ideas on what could help?!" The whale-Maui responded.

Seeing the undead sea serpent rushing towards them, Naruto yelled. "Get into the air, now!"

Leaping off of Maui, Naruto slammed his Keyblade onto the Darkbeast's head before firing a Dark Firaga into its face to hold off the beast for a little bit. Given the time to change, Maui soon took on the form of a larger version of a Hawk, and flew away but close enough to attack the beast. Whether it was to slam into the creature or claw at it with his talons.

The undead sea serpent grew tired of the assault and tried to go after the island princess. For she bore the Heart of Te Fiti, something which was greatly against the Rot's plans for this World. Yet these two men were holding it off as long as possible in this endeavour.

Naruto lepted off many of the rocky pillars left and right, attacking the monster with his Keyblade with different strikes and spells. Even summoning clones for the assistance, especially when Maui needed to shift in between animal forms. Some were appropriate like a shark or some other aquatic animal while others weren't pleasant at all like a land animal that would surely drown.

"I'm gonna end you." Naruto growled.

The serpent attempted to attack again when Naruto raised his Keyblade, channeled power through it and brought it down. The act released an attack which sailed across the area and struck the creature's face. It roared from the pain before more followed soon after to keep it at bay. The assault upon its body soon resulted with a massive cut forming along it's rotten body.

Changing back into his human form, Maui latched onto a rocky pillar. "Keep that up, Naruto! We're doing great!"

The monster roared before it started wrapping itself onto the one stone pillar. Using much of its strength, the Darkbeast broke the structure sending it tumbling down into the sea.

"WHOA!" Maui cried out, leaping off and attempted to change forms. Yet he couldn't form a proper one as the sea serpent's tail smacked him and sent him flying into another pillar some distance away.

"MAUI!" Moana cried out as she struggled to keep her boat steady against the aggressive waves.

"I'M NOT OKA~Y~" The voice of the Demigod quickly announced, before he appeared with tiny birds circling around his head, however he shake it off and glared at the enemy. "Ok, you're going to be my new loincloth!"

The Darkbeast hissed possible registering the threat that Maui gave it, shooting itself forward at the Demigod at the attempt of swallowing the being whole. Halfway through the act, the monster's head snapped towards the side, courtesy of Naruto delivering a Big Ball Rasengan right at it. The explosion which came soon after sent the beast colliding against another rock pillar with the structure starting to crumble on top of it.

Slamming his Keyblade into the nearby pillar, Naruto yelled. "You doing alright, man?"

"Yeah. Let me get my second wind."

Naruto nodded before casting a quick Cure spell on the Demigod before getting back onto the action.

"WHOO!" The man shouted with recharged vigor, he pointed at Naruto. "You should bottle that! Now back to work!" He once again took the form of a hawk and charged towards the Darkbeast,

It wasn't long before the creature of the Rot sunk into the water and seemingly disappeared.

Pushing his powered legs with power, the Uzumaki lept from pillar to pillar in order to find the Darkbeast. It wasn't long before he saw the faint shadow in the water heading towards Moana. Not wanting to let the beast get to her, Naruto dived towards the location.

Before he could have the chance of getting remotely close, the undead serpent shot out of the water and instead of going towards their boat, it went towards him.

"Oh come on!"

The beast smacked Naruto away with its head before shooting out it's tail from underneath the ocean surface. The appendage attempted to ensnare the Keyblader, but Maui intercepted the play as he took on the form of a Warhawk once again and carried his companion away.

"Thanks, Maui." Looking around, Naruto got an idea. "Put me on top of one of those please."

The avian Demi-god nodded, flying up and depositing the whiskered man before changing back. "Haven't work out this much since crabby and I first met."

"No doubt a good story behind that." Naruto formed several clones and had them dive down to start attacking their adversary.

"And what are you gonna do?"

"Gonna try to finish this thing. You go back down there and help protect Moana."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

Nodding, Maui leaped from the pillar and dived down below.

With him having enough space, Naruto started focusing on forming an attack he hasn't performed in quite some time.

Down below, Moana was doing her best to maneuver her boat around the many earth pillars. It wasn't easy, given the Darkbeast coming right after her and the Heart of Te Fiti. But with the help of several Naruto clones attacking the Rot creature was giving her some space and time to make it so.

She was so focused on her task she didn't register something flying across her face. Out of instinct, the island princess swatted it and got what appeared to be an insect to crash onto the boat's surface.

In a flash of light, the insect turned back into Maui.

"...Ooops. Sorry!"

With a small twitch of his eye, the demigod got back up. "You get this one pass, Moana. One."

Moana nodded before looking back. "Where's Naruto?"

"Up there, for some reason. Told me to come down and help." Looking back up, the demigod frowned a little. "Whatever he's doing, I hope he gets it done quick."

With the storm occurring around them, Moana had a bit of a hard time seeing where her whiskered friend was at. And with the lighting dancing and thunder booming in the sky, it seemed to drown out some of the occasional noise nearby fight was making.

Suddenly, she heard something… odd.

"Do you hear… birds chirping?"

Maui frowned and focused on his hearing. Soon enough, he heard the same thing. "Yeah, I do."

"Then where's it coming from?"

Before the Trickster demigod could say something, he saw something dive down from up high. It was Naruto and at the tip of his Keyblade appeared to be a mass of bluish white light with sparks of lightning dancing across its surface. Focusing more in his sight, the glowing mass took on a form of an odd orb with an arrowhead at its front.

"...What is that?"

Seeing his clones distract the Darkbeast long enough earlier, Naruto jumped down from his high vantage point with an altered form of his lightning style Rasengan. He had some trouble using it before, given he had to personally throw the technique like a javelin. Yet now he can use it better with his Keyblade as another shotlock technique.

Focusing his attack straight at the undead monster, the orb at the tip of his Keyblade was threatening to burst from being held out for so long.

With him coming closer and closer from the fall, Naruto finally released his Rasen-Yajirushi (Spiral Arrow).

The moment his modified lightning Rasengan directly hit the Darkbeast, a massive explosion went off.

"▄▅▄▅▂▂▃▃▄▄▅!"

It was really hard to hear the massive roar coming from the serpent zombie as the lightning storm consumed it's form. Lightning bolts shot out all over the place with it colliding against the many rock pillars and scorching various surfaces. Even colliding against the ocean's surface and starting to heat it the immediate area.

Now the normal sounds of thunder for Maui and Moana weren't all that bad, given it was far away. Yet hearing it all so close was almost deafening.

As the storm subsides, all what the island princess and demigod could see were the charred remains of the probably now and fully dead sea serpent. Smoke rose off it's skeletal head with disgustingly burnt meat. Without any proper maintenance, the rotten mass soon collapsed and crumbled before sinking into the ocean.

"...Whelp, let's agree that Naruto is now some kinda lighting demon… god… thing." Maui stated pathetically after witnessing the whole scene.

Moana could only silently nod at what she just witnessed. Having to blink with how dry her eyes quickly got, she turned away from the scene before looking at Maui.

When she did, she saw something… odd.

"Maui…"

"Yeah?"

"Something is happening on your left arm."

Blinking in confusion, Maui looked at said appendage and saw some of his tattoos parting ways. A dark mass formed into that of the Darkbeast he helped assist in combating earlier wrapping around his arm.

Giving a chuckle, Maui smiled. "Well that's something."

Mini-Maui smiled as well before throwing a few punches at the Darkbeast… before it snap it jaws at him, causing the tattoo being to run away afraid of it.

"Did I miss something guys?"

Looking towards the water, they saw Naruto swimming towards the boat with him no longer in his Vanitas attire.

"And is there something I should know about? Given his oddly happy look."

"I'd like to know that too." Moana said in agreement.

Helping Naruto get back onto the boat, Maui answered. "Oh Moana was just pointing out of this new tattoo of mine." Gesturing to the one now present on his arm.

"...Which one? There's quite a lot." Naruto then saw Mini-Maui trying to get close to the serpent one, only to run away once more with it trying to attack him. "Huh… How does that work exactly?"

"They show up when I earn them."

Naruto snorted out a stifled chuckled something would impressed Barbara's friend on how rude it sounded, "So if you had a child… would that act of creating him show on your body?" Naruto chuckled at his crude idea as Maui seemed to contemplate on it.

Moana made a face and quickly voiced her thoughts. "Ew! Ew! Ew! I don't want to know."

"Yeah, probably best if you didn't." Maui said making the girl screamed out in disgust as he answered her question!

"GAHHHHHH~! GROSSSSS~!"

Naruto chuckled at her dismay before gazing at Maui's many tattoos. There was one of the demigod pulling an island out of the sea with his Fishhook. Another involved the sun. Another… seemingly fleeing away from volcano creature, who Naruto quickly assumed was Te Ka.

Then there was something that quickly drew in his curiosity.

"Maui."

"Yes, Naruto?"

"What's that one?"

"Which one? You need to be more specific."

"The one on your back, above the one of you gaining your Fishhook."

Whatever happy feeling Maui bore quickly died away. He realized he still had his top bun up and didn't have his luscious hair covering up that particular tattoo.

"Uhh… that one…" Maui face became soft and disheartened at the particular one Naruto had chosen. "It's… nothing."

Moana was quickly curious as to what Naruto was referring to. Looking at said tattoo, the island princess saw… a woman tossing a baby into the ocean.

"Maui-"

"It's nothing." Maui cut her off in a harder tone of voice. He untied his top bun and let his hair flow down to cover up said tattoo in question. "We finished that monster and we should get going to Te Fiti."

Moving to the back of the boat, Maui took charge and started steering the boat across the moving water to get them out of the immediate area.

Naruto and Moana shared a look with each other as they'll ask the demigod on what's going on. It wouldn't be now, obviously, but hopefully soon.

-Late into the Evening-

Despite the ocean being really alive earlier that day, it was practically dead.

The ship which carried the trio hardly moved at all with only the briefest gusts of wind carrying them across the water; whether it was natural or from Naruto's spell casting.

Said Uzumaki would've casted more and more, but he didn't want to wastefully use up all of his Ethers just to progress further along in their journey. All he did at this point was periodically casting Aero spells every so often until just calling it quits for the day.

Now… Now the three were merely tired from today's events and merely wanted to rest it off.

Or at least tried to for hours on end.

There were things bugging them all in some shape or form and neither would be able to properly rest until they were resolved.

For Naruto and Moana, it was learning about what that particular tattoo on Maui's upper back was all about. There was something quite unsettling about it and it made the demigod really defensive about it. The two mortals could understand that some issues shouldn't be pride upon, but with how Maui spoke of him earning that tattoo made them think otherwise.

As for Maui…

"Will you quit that out and sleep already?"

...he was being pecked upon by Heihei… for quite some time now.

"Don't make me eat you."

"Like you could try." Came Naruto's response. "Moana would just sock ya a new one before you get the chance."

Moana nodded with a shrug, knowing it to be true.

"Now come on, let's at least continue and turn into a giant hawk this time."

Hearing Naruto's push, Maui rolled his eyes before bringing his hand towards his Fishhook. The moment he did, the demigod quickly shifted into a pig, then a pufferfish, an iguana and finally back to himself.

"Hey it's okay, it's okay." Maui said sarcastically.

"You were doing well earlier in the fight today."

"They were flukes, Naruto. Nothing but flukes."

Moana got fed up with the brooding attitude, making her to get up from the steering end of the boat. "Alright." With the oar in hand, she poked the paddle into Maui's gut. "Since you don't seem too enthusiastic, you can steer."

"Why? You gonna give me a speech if I don't? Telling me I can be Te Ka cause I'm Maui?"

Moana flinched ever so slightly. She felt that she was pretty good at motivational speeches!

Mini-Maui soon elbowed the real one in his chest, prompting the demigod to sit up. "Take a hike, tiny."

Mini-Maui was soon flicked away from his pectoral and landed on Maui's back. Getting back up, the sentient tattoo crossed his arms with a frown; who's action was reflected by Naruto.

"That's not very nice, Maui. You should stop doing that."

"Whatever."

Naruto and Moana looked towards where Mini-Maui landed before looking up towards the tattoo hidden behind the demi-god's hair. Even though they can't see it, both mortals still remembered what was depicted on it: a woman tossing a baby into the sea.

In both of their lives, that was pretty much the darkest tattoo they've ever seen and neither knew how to really feel about that.

"I know you earned these tattoos by earning them in some way," Moana began as she reached out to try and brush Maui's hair away. "So how'd you get this one?"

Before she could reach it, the demigod smacked her hand away. "Don't."

"...Then can you at least tell us?"

"...It's man's… discovery of nunya."

Moana blinked. "What's nunya?"

"None ya business." Came the quick response.

Moana sighed and tapped his back lightly with the oar.

"Stop that."

"I'll just keep asking." Maui ignored her, however. Moana tapped his shoulder. "What's it for?"

Still no response.

"C'mon."

She continued to poke him.

Seeing the developing expression on Maui's face got Naruto to speak up. "Moana, you should stop-"

Eventually the last poke got Maui to snap, pushing her away.

"You need to stop that and back off!"

"Just tell me wha-"

Maui quickly got up and shoved her back. "I said back off!"

She hit his chest in response. "Is that why your hook's not working?"

That was the last straw.

Maui quickly grabbed Moana, who still held onto her oar, and tossed her overboard.

"HEY!" Naruto yelled. "What the hell was that for?!"

Maui shoved Naruto aside before sitting at the edge of the boat.

Before Naruto made the chance of going after the island princess, he saw a mass of water rise from the ocean and gently deposit her back onto the sea vessel.

Situating herself, Moana merely stared at the disgruntled demigod.

"If you don't wanna talk, then don't talk." She began with a sad tone. "If you want to throw me off the boat, throw me off the boat. You wanna tell me I don't know what I'm doing... I don't." Moana looked down. "I have no idea why the Ocean chose me... but my island is dying. And soon enough, my people. So I am here, with you and Naruto. And we want to help, but… we can't... if you don't let us."

Maui said nothing.

And Naruto, he was silent as he started to see her words were breaking through the tattooed man.

Moana gave a soft sigh and began to turn away in defeat.

"I wasn't born a demigod." Maui began, getting Moana to turn back around in utmost surprise; along with Naruto. "I had human parents, they uh... took one look and... decided... they did not want me. They threw me into the sea like I was nothing."

Hearing that practically shocked the two mortals. Neither knew what to say.

Naruto however felt sick to his stomach. He couldn't imagine anyone, let alone himself or his loved ones, doing such a thing on an innocent babe. The act alone was monstrous, which made him wonder what stupid thing ran through Maui's birth parents to even think of such things.

Despite all this and oddly enough, Maui gave off a sad smile.

"Somehow I was found by the gods. And the Moon Goddess, Hina, became my new mother. We never really saw eye to eye at times, but we cared for each other ever since. And they… they gave me the hook and divinity; they made me Maui." He cheered silently, "And back to the humans I went. I gave them islands, fire, coconuts, anything they could have ever want."

Hearing this made the two mortals realize the song Maui sung upon meeting him days ago finally hit them. Realization hit them both hard as they made the connection.

"You took the Heart for them." Naruto voiced. "You did everything for them."

Now he really wished he knew Polynesian myths more now beforehand.

Moana looked down in sorrow. "So they'd love you."

"And it was... never enough."

Memories flashed in Naruto's head on the many moments in his childhood, prior to becoming a Genin. For whatever good things he wanted to do, hardly no one truly appreciated whatever work he did for them. All they saw was the Kyuubi-brat trying to deceive them and hurt them when they least expected it.

There were sure a handful of people back then who appreciated his kind work. Yet like Maui, it was never enough for Naruto. But things changed when he got older, that's for sure.

Moana walked over and sat next to Maui. In her head, now it was time to try and boost his confidence.

"Maybe the gods found you for a reason," began the island princess, "Maybe the Ocean brought you to them because it saw someone who was worthy of being saved."

Naruto couldn't help but genuinely smile. What Moana said was beautiful, and it was true.

"But the gods aren't the ones who'll make you Maui; you are."

Maui looked at her, with a glimpse of hope slowly igniting.

"And I agree." Naruto spoke, drawing the two Polynesians towards him. "Even though the gods gave you your gifts, it's through your actions and experiences which define you. Your hardships, your accomplishments, everything. Don't ever let others say otherwise."

Maui looked back and forth at the two mortals with a connection finally forming. He now understood, and he knew they were right.

With another smile, Moana got up as both she and Naruto saw Maui patting his sentient tattoo on his left pectoral. From what they could tell, Mini-Maui was hugging the demigod.

"Okay, okay." Maui patted his chest, chuckling, "I-I love you too buddy."

He got up before reaching for his magical Fish Hook. He took a deep breath before holding it with the early sun's rays peeking from the horizon. Gazing at the new day approaching, Maui started to feel himself full of pride once more. Looking back, he saw the two mortals smiling at him.

With determination in his voice, Maui spoke. "Let's go return that Heart!"

He held his Fish Hook up to the sky, Moana met it with her oar, and Naruto joined in with his Keyblade. Even Mini-Maui held his Fishhook high and proud at the moment as he didn't want to feel left out.

-Few Days Later-

The process was a little strenuous in getting the rust off of Maui's transformation skill. There were some mishaps here and there as the demigod wasn't exactly on point in what he wanted to turn into. But it wasn't all that much to cry over.

Along the way, Maui helped teach more and refine Naruto and Moana's wayfinding capabilities; from correctly feeling the water, measuring the stars and so much more. Not to mention the Keyblader helped the two Polynesians more in fighting off against both the Heartless and Darkbeasts; especially on the few times the trio had to make a few pit stops on nearby islands in order to get some food and fresh water.

There wasn't much they acquired, but they made due.

Now the sun had set some time ago with Maui situating up high on the boat's mast and overlooking the ocean, Moana steering the boat and Naruto keeping guard for any sudden surprise attacks. Yet it was a little hard as they ended up entering a thick blanket of fog.

"I figured it out."

Both mortals saw Maui jumped down from his high spot before turning around. There they saw Mini-Maui pulling up an island from the ocean on the tattooed back.

"You know the ocean used to love when I pulled up islands. 'Cause your ancestors would sail her seas, find them. All those new lands, new villages, it was the water that connected it all. And if I were the Ocean, I think I'd be looking for a... curly haired, non-princess to start that again."

"That is literally the nicest thing you've ever said to me." Moana beamingly smiled. "I can start wayfinding for my people again?"

"Well, it's probably true. And it's how you fit in too, Naruto" Maui turned to the whiskered Uzumaki, "You also are here because you have a purpose!"

"A purpose?"

"Well I've never seen or heard of both the Heartless and Darkbeasts before I met ya. And without you here, then we would surely be goners."

Naruto snorted. "You're pretty much right on that one."

"Probably should've saved all this for Te Fiti." Spoke the island princess.

Maui looked back at her. "I did."

Both mortals were confused before they saw Maui point forward. Surely enough, up ahead past the dissipating fog was the rocky black silhouette of an island; their destination: Te Fiti.

"Moana of Montunui, I believe you have officially delivered Maui across the great sea! Ahh!" Maui silently cheered in a whisper like tone. "Moana! Moana! Moana! You're so amazing!"

Moana and Naruto chuckled at the antics. Especially when seeing a number of tattooed people on Maui's body cheering for the upcoming success.

Composing himself, Maui soon held out his hand. "It's time."

Moana nodded, gently taking out the Heart of Te Fiti from her grandmother's necklace and handing it to the demigod.

At that same moment, a rumble was heard in the distance which caught their attention. They turned towards the island to see a giant glowing figure rising and prowling across the jagged rocks.

Maui watched the island with a new determination on his face, clutching the heart in one hand, and his hook in the other, he cracked his neck and turned to Moana, who gave him a look of encouragement.

Maui readied himself, looking back at Moana and Naruto; who summoned his Keyblade.

"Go save the world," Moana told him.

Maui smiled, before launching himself upward and screaming, "CHEEEHOOO!"

In a flash of light, the demigod transformed into a Warhawk and flew towards the island. As he got closer, smoke arose from the island! A fireball was shot out from the smoke and flew at Maui. He barely dodged it before seeing several more coming right at him.

"Maui!" Moana called out.

"I don't think he could hear you." Naruto said before seeing a few of the fireballs coming right at them. "Time for some evasive maneuvers!"

Jumping into the air, Naruto swung his Keyblade and swatted the incoming attacks into the water before landing back onto Moana's boat.

They were powerful attacks, but after a long time of resting, Naruto was up for this assault.

Undeterred, Maui continued to evade the fireballs and got closer to the island as both Naruto and Moana watched with anticipation.

More and more smoke started to appear from the island with purple lightning seemingly sparking with every other second. And by the time Maui got close to it, a gigantic humanoid monster entirely made up of magma shot out of the smoke.

This being was Te Ka, the final adversary from reaching to Te Fiti.

And her sudden appearance quickly caught Maui off guard long enough for Te Ka to smack Maui away, which transformed him back into human, before he was sent flying back towards the ocean.

Seeing this, Moana quickly got to work to come to Maui's aid. And Naruto lent his assistance by casting an Aeroga spell to speed their sea vessel along the waves.

As Maui fell, he quickly grabbed for his magical Fishhook and returned to his Warhawk form. He soared across the sky and tried again to pass Te Ka, but was once again smacked down into the ocean with the Heart of Te Fiti falling out of his grasp.

Once this happened, the demigod quickly turned into a shark and grabbed the Heart with his mouth. With it in his possession, Maui swam to safe waters but had to push himself even harder when the fireballs impacted the water in hopes of killing him. After another one almost hitting him in the water, he turned into a fish and quickly swam towards the incoming boat.

Meanwhile, Moana was sailing for Te Ka, full steam ahead with both passengers locking their gazes with the lava monster. Said monster tried to throw some more fireballs at them by moving forward, but her arm slipped into the ocean. She screamed in absolute pain as she pulled her arm out. Once into the cool air, both mortals saw the lava creature's arm turned into rock with it sizzling steam.

"Well, seems we found her weakness." Naruto commented, to which Moana nodded.

Suddenly, a fish flopped onto the boat before a flash revealed it was Maui.

"Hey, you alright?" Naruto asked.

"Maybe." Breathed out the shapeshifter.

As Te Ka destroyed the rock layer on her arm, Moana spotted a large gap in the rocks not far from Te Ka's position.

Adjusting the oar and sail, the island princess decided to make a break for it.

Both men saw Moana's actions, prompting Maui to quickly ask the obvious question. "Wh-What are you doing?"

"Finding us a better way in."

Maui looked over his shoulder. He knew Te Ka would never let them pass. It was far too dangerous, even for him. He knew there was no way of getting in unscathed.

"No! We won't make it!"

"Yes, we will! Especially with Naruto's help!"

Before the Keyblader could say anything, he saw Te Ka raising her arm high into the sky.

"Moana! Turn around!" Cried out the Uzumaki.

"No! We'll make it!"

"TURN AROUND!" Both men yelled out.

"NO!"

"MOANA!"

Their boat reached Te Ka, who moved to hit them. But Maui and Naruto raised their weapons just in time as they brightly glowed before they impacted with Te Ka's hand.

*KABOOOOOOM*

The resulting impact sent the three of them and their boat rocketing across the ocean.

-Later-

The water was calm now, but the tension was still heavy across the ocean.

Groaning, Moana lifted her head and looked around with her vision barely returning to normal. Memories of what happened earlier flooded her mind, soon making her realize it was a complete miracle her boat was still floating in one piece.

The sky was clear, but a heavy fog remained over the ocean… which wasn't exactly a good sign.

She then gasped upon seeing Naruto's prone body lying not far away from her. Crawling towards him, she started shaking him awake.

"Ugh… My head."

"Naruto, you're alright."

"Yeah…" He groaned. "Headache is gonna be a pain though." Raising his hand, he casted Cura with the ethereal flower healing him of his injuries. "Not much, but it's a start."

They heard muffled cluck underneath the Uzumaki. Rolling over, Naruto pried open the one compartment where they found their food and drink reserves… barely intact and-

"How the hell is the chicken still alive after all that?"

Surely enough, Heihei was indeed alive, even if the malnourished bird was groaning in the woven basket.

Closing the door back up, both mortals looked ahead and saw Maui was sitting with his back towards them.

"Are…" She began. "Are… Are you alright? Maui?"

Maui stood and turned to face his mortal companions, revealing his damaged Fishhook.

"Oh shit." Muttered out the whiskered Uzumaki.

Oh shit indeed. For Maui's signature weapon and the source of all his power was beyond damaged. Deep cracks flowed across the boney surface with purple lightning flickering off each and every part of it.

Moana's mouth was open in order to say something, but no words came.

"I told you to stop." Maui spoke in controlled, even anger. "I told you to turn back around."

"I thought we could make it!"

"We?"

Naruto didn't have much strength to hold back his head from turning as he too looked at the island princess when the word We was spoken.

Seeing their gazes directed at her, Moana weakly corrected herself. "I-I thought I could make it."

Moana started having this awful feeling in her chest with the full might of Maui's scrutinizing gaze fell upon her. Even Naruto's, despite how controlled it was now. She knew she'd messed up big time from this.

"Well, your idea almost got us killed!" Roared out the demigod. "If Naruto hadn't helped, I'm pretty certain this-" He held up his hook, "Would've snapped in half! And we would've died in the process!"

"I'm sorry." She said before an idea quickly came to mind. "We can fix it-"

"It was made by the gods!" Maui interrupted. "It can't be fixed by anyone else!"

"Hey! Don't yell at her like that! It was an honest mistake!"

"No it wasn't, Naruto!"

As the two men argued, Moana began to think about what she could've done differently. For obvious starters, listening to both men. She should've listened and turned back and planned a better approach.

Yet she was too anxious in moving onward. They were so close that she could taste their journey's end.

And for what as an end result? Losing an untold amount of progress on their journey. Maui's treasured weapon almost in shambles and them almost losing their lives.

The island princess mumbled something under her breath, cursing herself quietly with tears forming in her eyes.

"-We'll be more careful next time!" Naruto yelled out. "Te Ka was stuck on the barrier islands anyways. She's made entirely out of lava and can't touch the water at all. We can find a better way around."

"Easy for you to say! You're weapon isn't damaged now is it?!"

"Maui, just drop it." Naruto barked back. "We do not have time for this."

The demigod wasn't having any of it. "I'm not going back."

"The hell you mean "I'm not going back"?" Naruto was really trying to hold back his temper now. "You're just gonna up and quit on us?! What kind of "Hero of Man" quits on us when we need to be in this together? Especially now of all times."

"My hook in case you didn't notice is damaged." Maui said, holding up his signature tool. "And without it I'm not much use to you or anyone for that matter."

"We didn't have your hook when we got it back." Naruto stated. "Most of this journey has been without it to begin with."

"Yes, but we had your Keyblade for the entire journey."

"I'm barely beginning to understand how this thing works!" Naruto countered. "God knows how long you've had it for, I've only had it for a few weeks maybe."

It was at this point, Moana had at last found her voice once more.

"W-We still have to restore Te Fiti's Heart!" Moana stammered out.

Turning to the downtrodden islander, Maui growled. "My hook is cracked. One more hit and it's all over for me."

"Maui! You have to restore the Heart."

"Without my hook, I am nothing."

"That's bullshit and you know it." Naruto spoke out.

This merely got Maui to finally snap, yelling at the two mortals. "Without my hook, I AM NOTHING!"

Moana reeled back from the man yelling pretty much directly at her. Trying to compose herself, while trying and failing not to cry, she saw Maui drop Te Fiti's Heart onto the deck. It almost fell into the water, but Moana quickly picked it up.

"We are only here because you stole Te Fiti's Heart in the first place." Naruto jabbed in. "You should've known the consequences back then. The mortals would have handled things better without you screwing everything up."

"Yeah, well I didn't." Maui said bitterly.

"Which is why it is you of all people that needs to set this right." Naruto all but growled, getting fed up with the Demi-Gods attitude.

"No. We're here because the Ocean told Moana here she's special and both you and her believed it."

Naruto wanted to rip his hair out by this point.

"Oh for Fuck's sake, you, her, ocean, air, ass backwards." Naruto ranted. "Who gives a fuck?! There are islands that are dying of their trees and food! Moana told us what's happening on her island! And if it's her island that's just getting it now, God knows what other islands and its inhabitants are experiencing the same thing. She went out at sea to find you in hopes of saving her people. The Ocean just pointed her in your direction. So are you gonna step up or not?"

By this point, Naruto was directly in Maui's face, both men glaring heatedly at one another until they heard a small sniffle beside them.

Both men turned to see Moana on her knees weeping softly while the green gem rested in her hands.

Composing herself a bit more, she wiped the tears from her eyes and stood herself tall. "I-I am Moana of Motunui." She began with a stutter. "You will board my boat-"

"Goodbye, Moana."

"-Sail across the sea-"

"I am not killing myself so you can prove you're something you're not!"

"Now wait here, asshole!"

"-And restore the Heart of Te Fiti! The Ocean chose me!"

Through tears, Moana tried her best to show Maui her mission could be completed.

Glancing her way, Naruto felt his heart ache to see this brave island princess on the brink of absolute despair. And she was already crying by now.

"It chose wrong."

The angered demigod focused power into his damaged Fishhook as sparks of purple lightning danced across its surface. It shocked him badly before he tried it again as he soon formed into a Warhawk. Once done, he groaned before taking off into the sky, leaving the two mortals behind.

"MAUI!" Came her desperate yell. "COME BACK!"

Naruto only stared at the retreating form, fists clenched tightly with one to the point of piercing his palm and a steady trail of blood seeping in between his fingers.

Collapsing onto the boat, Moana heavily breathed as tears streamed down her face as she could only cry as the weight of her mistakes, recklessness and situation began to set in.

In a broken, defeated voice, Moana spoke. "Why… Why did you bring me here?"

Naruto looked towards the water and saw the Ocean spirit was now present, gazing upon the two mortals.

"So… any reason for just looking at us like that?" Naruto asked with a bitter tone. "Cause honestly, you're the last… thing I'd rather talk to right about now."

The Ocean spirit merely turned its "head" and lowered itself down to Moana's level. The upcoming island chieftain shook her head as she felt the expectant gaze upon her.

"I'm sad to say, Ocean, but I'm not the right person to make this right."

Naruto whirled his head and gave the island princess a saddened look. "Moana, I know you've been through a lot recently, but you can't-"

"Can't what? Accept it that I ruined everything." Moana interrupted. "I did. I ruined the chance for Maui to restore Te Fiti and saving everyone and everything. Because of what I did, my people are all gonna die!"

"Moana…" Naruto hated to see someone down after such an ordeal. Face scrunching up into one of determination Naruto placed a firm hand upon her shoulder and gently shook her to make her look up to him.

"The Ocean should've chosen someone else! Anyone else but me!"

"Is that what you believe?" Naruto asked softly. "Cause in my eyes, that's the furthest thing from the truth."

"How can you tell?" Moana shot back fiercely, tears streaming down her eyes still. "How can you even say that after what I did?"

Naruto sighed for a moment, glancing at the Ocean and then back at her.

"Sure this guy here," jabbing his thumb to the Ocean spirit, "Could've simply taken the Heart and brought it back to its rightful place, but it wouldn't really fix everything." Naruto argued. "Your people would still be in the dark of everything and still be afraid of crossing your island's borders. Never venturing into the unknown. Staying stagnant and never progressing onward. Your people would've died the way they were and no one would be the wiser years later."

Naruto sighed, running his hand through his silver hair. "Look at me, Moana. Things are gonna be alright. I know it doesn't seem that way at this very moment, but you have it in you. I know you do."

Moana stared up at the older warrior, lip quivering. Clenching her teeth, she shook her head in self-doubt.

"How? What can I even do right now?" Moana asked pleadingly. "What should I do, Naruto?"

"Learn from your mistakes, for starters. I'll help you along the way in every way I can."

"I'd agree with the boy if I were you."

The new voice startled the two, breaking their conversation and looking towards the source. Behind them was an elderly woman wearing similar garb as the island princess.

Oh and she was glowing in an indigo hue.

Moana's eyes widened in complete disbelief and awe. A hand went up to her gaping mouth as she began breathing heavily.

"Gotta say, you're a long ways past the reef."

Moana's chest began to heave with tears streaming down her face.

"Gramma?"

Naruto blinked and registered what Moana just said.

Moana's grandmother, Tala, merely smiled as she turned around briefly to reveal her manta ray tattoo. "Guess I chose the right tattoo after all."

The damn broke for the young teenager as she bounded over and fell into her grandmother's arms. "GRAMMA!"

Tala hugged her one and only grandchild with a tight embrace as she smiled, despite the circumstances.

"Look at you." The ethereal spirit said with pride for her granddaughter. "Taking on the world with the heart of a true chieftain. Oh the ancestors would be so proud of you right now, Moana. I know I am."

Moana only laughed tearfully, holding her Gramma as tightly as possible.

"I-I tried, gramma… I couldn't do it."

"It's not your fault." Tala sadly admitted. "I never should have put so much on your shoulders. It's got to be the biggest mistake I've ever made." Pulling away, Tala looked into her grandchild's eyes. "If you are ready to go home, I will be with you."

"And if needed, I could help you along the way."

Moana looked at both her Gramma and her most recent companion and friend with an appreciative smile.

"Ah~ So I've finally got the chance to meet you, child." Tala said. "I've got to thank you for all the help you've given my grandchild here and I can never be thankful enough."

Naruto snorted with a small smile. "It's the least I can do for her, Lady Tala. She's a strong girl. Just needs the right push to get her going."

"Oh~ if only I met you back in my youth." Tala said with a mischievous grin.

Moana suddenly gagged as she did not want to picture that at all.

"Gramma!" She yelled out incredulously, Tala laughing boisterously at her reaction.

Naruto chuckled with a sweat drop forming. "I-I'm flattered, Lady Tala, but I'm already taken and I already have a family of my own."

"Oh, such a shame." The ghostly spirit joked with a shrug. She then looked back at Moana. "Why do you hesitate?"

"E-Excuse me?"

Tala only gave her a raised brow with a slight smirk.

"Hesitating on going back… or forward."

"...I-I… I don't know."

"The path we take is never easy to simply head towards. Even more so when doing it alone."

Naruto looked down a little as he agreed with Tala's words. "And living is no different from being dead, if you're all alone."

Tala gave a grateful smile towards the Keyblade Wielder.

"Sad, but true." Sighing, the elderly spirit turned her attention back towards Moana. "Now… Sometimes the world will seem to be against you, with your journey leaving you in scars."

Tala glided against the boat, which did seem fine but her ethereal glow revealed the scars littering the wood from the battles they've faced so far in Moana's journey to restore Te Fiti's Heart.

"But scars can heal and reveal just where you are in the world."

"Even if you forget, they'll always be there." Naruto added in, pulling in from his own personal experiences. "They'll help guide you, no matter what. The good and bad ones, even if they still hurt later in your life. The memories behind them all will still impact you for as long as you live."

Moana held the Heart of Te Fiti in her palm before her hand curled around the gem and furrowed her brows in determination now.

"So tell me… us, Moana," Tala continued. "Tell us who you are."

Moana looked up to her Gramma. "I am Moana of Motunui. And I will return the Heart of Te Fiti."

Smirking to himself, Naruto held up his ear. "I'm sorry, but I can't quite hear you."

Smirking as well on what the whiskered man had in mind, she too followed suit.

Chuckling at their antics, Moana bellowed. "I AM MOANA OF MOTUNUI. AND I WILL RETURN THE HEART OF TE FITI!"

"Yeah!" Naruto clapped his hands and pulled her in for a side hug. "That's what I'm talking about."

Tala smiled as she clapped alongside the mortal man. And before long, she faded away and returned back into the Ocean; leaving Moana and Naruto alone.

Naruto suddenly released a massive shudder across his body, like he was suddenly tossed into the tundra.

"...Are you alright, Naruto?"

"...Yeah. J-Just realized part of my old fears creeping back up on me after so many years."

"Which is…"

"Ghosts…"

Moana quirked her brow at the silver haired Keyblader who was now paling. She then gave him the flattest stare she believed she had ever given anyone in her life...

*Pfft*

"Shut up."

"I didn't say anything."

"You thought of it."

Moana rolled her eyes before elbowing his side. "C'mon, let's get this all patched up."

-Next Day-

The two mortals sailed across the ocean with determination across their visages. It would've taken longer to not just fix the boat but to reach back to the barrier islands surrounding Te Fiti if it was just Moana. But with Naruto's help, things sped up a whole lot quicker.

"So~" Naruto twirled his Keyblade in hand. "What's the plan here, Moana?"

Securing the rope in place, Moana looked onward as ash started falling down from the skies above, signifying how close they were towards their destination.

"Te Ka can't follow us into the water. We make it past the barrier islands, we make it to Te Fiti."

"I know that, but still we need to get a good plan to make it past the lava monster."

"That's where we need to have speed and a good diversion." Moana said, readying her rope on her mast. "If we can just get Te Ka close to the water at the very least, we have our shot. One shot maybe but the one we can use to finish this."

"If not, then we'll have to swim there." Naruto sighed. "And that part will be rough, given my limitations now."

If he was able to access his other weapons, things will no doubt run smoother on this last stretch. Yet he still can't get in touch with them. Doesn't know if he's still not strong enough or some presence is holding them all back.

But for what?

Those thoughts were soon shaken out of his head by the reverberating roars of the gigantic lava monster that once more prepared to stand in their way.

Both mortals readied themselves for the fight ahead. As they sped across the water, Te Ka suddenly appeared from the barrier islands with smoke and ash spreading all over the place.

It glared at the two who glared back unflinchingly.

"Here we go." Naruto spun his Keyblade again and thrust it behind them. "AERO!"

With a burst of wind, the boat rocketed forward with Te Ka realling its fists back. As they drew near, the molten beast swung its fist down.

Naruto reacted instantly.

"Blizzaga!"

A large chunk of ice shot towards the lava monster, causing it to let out a massive scream as the frozen water encompassed part of her body. It did start to melt, due to the surrounding heat, but it did help out on what needed to be done.

Te Ka raised her other arm, prompting Moana to jump into action. She leaped to the front of the boat, just like Maui did when they were up against the Kakamora, swerving it away from the lava monster.

With another quick burst of wind from Naruto, they were propelled far off from Te Ka's fist which sunk into the water.

The island princess pulled at the mast, leveling it out and Te Ka was hit by the water once more; causing the lava to crust over on her body. Moana leveled out the sea vessel just as Te Ka blasted off the crusted rock off her form.

Wanting to follow, the lava monster crawled across the barrier islands, trying to catch up with the two mortals.

Naruto all the while kept his eye on the enemy, eyes narrowing at the brief instance of Te Ka slowing down.

Moana was able to spot the break between the barrier islands, turning the boat around to make it through. Yet she had to pull back when seeing Te Ka launching another lava ball at them which missed once again. The moment the heated rock impacted the water, an ocean fog surrounded the area.

Te Ka spied what she thought was their sail, making her to throw another ball of flame at it. It impacted, but turned out to be a pointy rock. With the fog clearing, Te Ka saw the mortals were ahead of her, which said people gave her a haughty look with Naruto blowing her a raspberry.

Suffice to say, Te Ka dropped her jaw in shock.

"Can't believe that worked."

"Can't believe it either, but it did." Naruto said as he kept focus at their opposition.

The island princess then pulled open the sail and surged their vessel forward, turning into the opening while remaining unaware Te Ka already primed up another lava ball to throw.

"Moana." Naruto warned. "She's about to throw."

"We'll make it."

And sure they have as the pair made it into the passage. But Te Ka launched the lava ball and hit the rocks above them, resulting in a rocky avalanche falling towards the water.

Moana frantically directed the boat in and around in order to not get hit. And Naruto had to jump into the air several times to slice and bat away any that were coming in too close for comfort.

In the moment of panic and unawareness, Moana slipped and fell. Her locket popped open, causing Te Fiti's Heart to come out and bounce across the boat's surface.

"NO!" She cried out, reaching for the Heart.

Suddenly, Heihei appeared and snatched the Heart just before it fell into the water with its beak.

"Heihei! Don't swallow! It's bad for you!" Naruto yelled out, smacking another boulder out of the way.

Instead of swallowing it this time, Heihei spat it into Moana's hand.

She gave out a sigh of relief with the Heart back in her possession. "Nice work."

After almost being hit again, Moana safely got them through and sees the silhouette of what is left of Te Fiti.

"We're almost there!" Moana cried in joy.

Suddenly Te Ka came up from behind for a surprise attack.

"And yet it's so far!" Naruto jabbed in as he swung his Keyblade up to block Te Ka's incoming attack.

When they contacted, the boat was sent flying into the air before quickly collapsing onto the water. Both mortals fell into the treacherous waters before frantically swimming towards the surface.

"BAKAAA!"

And somehow, once again, Heihei miraculously survived… as he bobbed away in a floating basket.

"Of course he would." Naruto remarked, him and Moana scrambling to stand back up on their flipped boat.

Moana tried her best to pull up the boat, but to no avail. Te Ka raged in for another attack with Naruto preparing for the onslaught and Moana doubles down to protect herself and the Heart.

Suddenly a screech is heard in the distance. Looking up, the two mortals smiled.

"Well I'll be damned."

"MAUI!"

Diving in his warhawk form, Maui went back into his human form and sliced off Te Ka's hand with his damaged Fishhook.

Landing back onto the upturned vessel, Maui was greeted with a happy non-princess.

"You came back!"

Maui gave her a sheepish smile as Mini-Maui merely grinned.

"What made you come back?" Naruto inquired.

Sighing, Maui gave a simple answer. "Needed some time to reflect."

Naruto nodded in understanding as the demigod needed to clear his head.

The island princess gazed onto the damaged Fishook with a worried look.

"B-But your hook! One more hit and-"

"Te Ka's gotta catch me first."

Behind the trio, Te Ka roared as she regrew her hand with a pained yell.

Maui grinned, ready for this next round against the lava monster.

"We got your back, Chosen One." Before he went back into the action, Maui used his hook and helped get the ship right back up. "Go save the world!"

Moana gave them a thankful smile as she soon readied herself. "Maui, Naruto. Thank you."

Turning back, both men smiled with Maui speaking. "You're welcome."

Facing their adversary, the demigod rolled his shoulders. "Naruto, you up for showing this overgrown hot head how we crazies do it?" Maui asked with a wry grin.

"You know it." Naruto said, looking to Moana. "We'll hold off Te Ka, you get the Heart to the center."

Wordlessly, Maui morphed into his giant eagle form with Naruto hopping on to his back.

Moana silently wished them luck while returning to her original task from the start.

Te Ka roared aloud, its body glowing with its molten skin.

"Here we go, Maui."

Maui flapped his wings, increasing his speed two fold with the duo flying straight at Te Ka that was readying a lava sphere in its hands.

Gripping his Keyblade in a back-handed grip, Naruto narrowed his eyes as they got closer.

Te Ka tossed its fireball forward and Naruto jumped forward.

Putting all his strength into this swing, Naruto cleaved through the fireball and split it in two. Maui was right on Naruto's trail, diving beneath him to catch him in time and spiralled upward to dodge the splatter of Lava Te Ka sent their way.

"Naruto." Maui called out to him. "Think you can give me a boost?"

Nodding, the Uzumaki spun around and aimed his weapon right at Maui. Using this opportunity, Maui turned back into his regular form and used the Keyblade as a springboard and pushed himself hard off it's surface. With his powered legs and Naruto's mighty swing, Maui rocketed across the sky right towards their adversary.

"CHEEEHOOOO!" Maui bellowed with his Fishook over his head.

Te Ka looked up and raised its arm in defense which proved to be a mistake as once more, Maui sliced right through it.

Naruto, who was falling from the sky, looked around before spotting multiple miniature rock islands. Angling his body, he descended towards the closest small rock jutting out on the surface.

As he drew closer, while he prepared a method to slow down, Maui swooped by and grabbed Naruto in time to slow down his momentum allowing for a safe landing. Giving the Demi-god a quick salute, he turned to face Te Ka who was swinging its arm at Maui that flew around her now.

Looking around, Naruto held out his Keyblade and concentrated on a singular area while he built up his spell.

While Maui was keeping the larger opponent distracted, he waited for the opportune moment.

Seeing its eyesight was focused solely on Maui after missing him yet again, Naruto fired off his spell.

"AEROGA!"

Within the nearby waters, the wind swirled deep under creating a torrent which became a flowing whirlpool.

Flinging his arm with the tip of his Keyblade pointed in Te Ka's direction, a tornado of water erupted from the seas and shot straight at Ka.

The creature only had a moment to notice but it was too late with the tidal wave dousing its entire form and solidifying it entirely.

"WOOOO." Maui cheered aloud. "GO NARUTO."

"That should buy us sometime." Naruto murmured, gazing out to the center of this walled off area within the sea.

Moana's boat was making great headway towards the island when he heard cracking from Te Ka's solidified form.

Scowling, Naruto turned to face the glowing form of the statue-esque Te Ka when the shell exploded off its body in a fiery display.

"Ah Shit." Naruto shouted out, seeing the many flaming rocks fly out in various directions with a few clearly headed straight for…

"MOANA!" Naruto and Maui shouted at the same time.

She looked back in time to see one of the rocks coming straight at her.

Thankfully, her boat got a boost in speed with the flaming boulder narrowly missing her.

Tightening her hold on her rope, Moana began to pull in various directions dodging the fireballs that reigned down upon her.

Te Ka however spotted Moana drawing closer and growled aloud.

Concentrating, Te Ka formed a fireball the size of several boulders and hurled it full speed at the young girl.

"OH CRAP!" Naruto yelled aloud, firing off a few blizzards to no avail.

The Ocean spirit reared up in order to intercept the lava ball. The two forces did collide against each other in the nick of time, but the sentient water could only do so much in holding it back. What remained of the lava ball shot through the water wall and contacted with Moana's boat; launching her off in the process.

Luckily for the island princess, she didn't have much time to really panic as the Ocean spirit snagged and carried her to the shore of Te Fiti. Once her feet were placed on solid, dry ground, Moana started to climb.

Seeing this all happen, Maui yelled at the top of his lungs. "MOANA! GET THE HEART TO THE SPIRAL!"

Maui picked back up his already damaged Fishhook, knowing Moana was extremely exposed. Looking at Naruto, they shared a look with each other before gazing down to Mini-Maui. With things all set between them, they leaped across the nearby rocks and went straight at Te Ka and made a mighty impact with their respective weapons.

The moment they collided with Te Ka, a mighty shockwave went all over the immediate area with Moana pinned to the lava rock with both Maui and Naruto ending up in separate areas.

Groaning to himself, Naruto used his Keyblade as leverage to hoist himself up. After casting a Curaga spell on himself, the Uzumaki looked around to find the demigod. When he did, Naruto's heart practically dropped.

For Maui's Fishhook was broken in half… and he was done for.

From her place, Moana could barely make out on what just happened and gasped on the realization.

Not wanting to waste Maui's sacrifice, Moana bolted and ran as hard as she could towards the top. And the moment she reached its peak-

"No… No no no no…"

There was no Te Fiti at all. Only an imprint of where she once rested.

"W-What? How!? Te Fiti's gone!?"

Moana looked around desperately when she heard Te Ka's groans. Glancing back, she saw the lava monster get back up when she saw...

"It… It can't be…"

The spiral! It was… Te Ka was...

Te Ka was starting to form another lava ball in order to strike her opponents down. Yet stopped upon hearing her name being called.

"TE KA!"

Looking down, she saw Maui starting to perform the haka as a means to distract the lava monster.

Getting annoyed with the antics, Te Ka reared back her hand and was about to strike him down. But a blur came across the sky and smacked Te Ka across the face.

"Hey you overgrown outcrop, you're not fighting one enemy." Naruto shouted aloud, his Keyblade returning to his hand. "Come on you hot headed freak, give me your best shot."

Growling, Te Ka was more than willing to oblige.

Slamming its hands together, Te Ka began to form the largest lava formed sphere she could muster with its size growing until she raised it above her head.

Outwardly, Naruto faced Te Ka without an ounce a fear. Internally… well, he might die in a literal blaze of glory. So there is that. God, the girls would drag him out of Hell only to kill him again for not coming back.

Before striking them down with the biggest ball of condensed lava she could muster, a massive emerald glow was forming in the distance.

This instance caused the fighting the cease between the three as their attention was grasped.

Looking towards the source of it all, they saw Moana holding up Te Fiti's Heart.

Maui and Naruto watched in disbelief as they soon witnessed Moana walking down the island and not venturing further.

"What is she doing?"

"I… don't know."

Making her way to the edge of the lava rock, she calmly looked at the present Ocean spirit.

"Let her come to me."

With that simple command, the ocean parted like Moses with the Red Sea, forming a path for Moana to Te Ka.

The two looked at each other and Moana bravely made her way down with Te Ka raging forward.

"What is she doing?!" Maui cried out, Te Ka nearing Moana.

Moana, all the while, looked on without an ounce of fear in her eyes nor her heart.

Because she was right where she needed to be.

"I have crossed the horizon to find you." She said with courage filling her very being, even with the lava monster rushing towards her. "I know your name." Making her way up an inclined rock, she stopped at it's edge like she were on a pedestal. "They have stolen the Heart from inside you."

Te Ka came closer and closer, sending a cloud of fire and heat at the young princess.

"But this does not define you."

The moment Te Ka came up close to Moana, Maui freaked out and was ready to run over to save Moana. Yet Te Ka stopped in its tracks with the mortal before her giving her a sad smile of understanding.

Raising her hand, Moana placed it upon Te Ka's face and leaned her head against the rocky skin.

"This is not who you are…"

Te Ka lowered herself for Moana, significantly calmer with the red lava glow dimming quite a lot.

"You know… who you are." The princess shared a hongi with the lava monster, who closed her eyes in a peaceful manner. "Who you truly are… Te Fiti."

"...I'm sorry, what?" Naruto voiced out in confusion.

Placing the heart in the center of the spiral, the effects were instantaneous. The rocky skin began either fading or falling away with lush green sprouting out to take its place. Te Ka raised itself upward with its face eventually changing into the face of a gorgeous giantess woman who held a serene and grateful expression.

A vine halo formed around her green head to round out her nearly angelic, godly look.

"Wow… what a giant, beautiful woman." Naruto muttered out before punching himself across the face. "Think of Pam. Think of Pam. She's the only plant lady you should ever be with…. Then again, bet she'd love this right about now. Practically hate me for being here instead of her."

Te Fiti held Moana in her hand as she moved to the island in the center. Upon reaching the barren land, Te Fiti set Moana down while placing her other hand down to the ground.

Instantly, grass, flowers, trees, faunu, bushes, shrubs and other greenery of all began to burst out from the ground until it completely encompassed the entirety of the island.

"Oh yeah, Pam's definitely gonna be jealous."

Naruto and Maui were abruptly brought up to the island next to Moana courtesy of the Ocean spirit.

With them deposited onto the newly fertile island, they kept gazing at the majesty of the environment with everything restored.

"BAKAAAAA!"

...And the moment was ruined.

"Oh hey, the chicken lives!" Maui chuckled out.

Naruto rubbed his eyes, wondering if Didi is merely wanting to keep the damn rooster alive for their annoyance or not.

Calming herself down from the adrenaline, Moana gave the demigod her sincerest apology. "I'm… sorry about your Hook."

Running his hand through his hair, Maui shrugged. "Well.. hook, no hook… I'm Maui."

Naruto smirked, elbowing the demigod at the side. "Glad you got that through your damn skull. I'll have you know that I was a raging Badass way before I got my Keyblade.

The trio laughed when the ground beneath them then jolted and they were raised into the sky to face the now restored Te Fiti.

"Eeehhhhhh~ Te Fiti! How you been?"

Te Fiti was not amused… at all...

Naruto had to laugh at Maui's predicament.

Him being stared down by the Supreme Goddess of this World with the driest stare ever conceived. If the Keyblader didn't remember they were surrounded by an ocean, Naruto would've thought they suddenly wound up in a dessert of all places.

Maui sighed, straightening himself up.

"Look, what I did was wrong." Looking down, his voice practically broke. "I have no excuse for what I've done. I'm sorry."

Raising an eyebrow, Te Fiti eventually smiled as she accepted the Trickster demigod's apology.

Bringing up her other hand, she soon opened it up to reveal Maui's Fishhook, repaired and whole.

To which Maui gasped excitedly with contained joy like a child on his birthday.

"Y'know, it'd be rude to refuse a gift, such as this from a goddess; a Supreme goddess no less."

With the damn broken, Maui quickly snatched his precious Fishhook and cheered with utmost glee.

"CHEEEEEHOOOOO-"

Yet the moment quickly died when both Moana and Naruto elbowed him.

"Oh, uh… Thank you." Maui said, quickly composing himself. "Your kind gesture is deeply appreciated."

The giant green woman then looked to Naruto who blinked as she gave him her own kind smile and tapped him on his chest.

With a flurry of petals, a Lei formed around his neck that glowed serenely with her power.

"Whoa I got Lei'd from Te Fiti…that came out very wrong. So wrong. How in the hell did that even make it past my initial thought process."

Te Fiti only shook in a small giggle, inclining forward to press a literal light as possible peck upon the top of Naruto's forehead before doing the same gesture for Moana and Maui.

They all gave her her bashful expressions with her sharing the sentiment before she set them down.

Upon doing so, Te Fiti moved up before laying down in a comfortable position until her body became the green mountains of the restored island of Te Fiti. She gave one last parting gift with a newly created boat for the trip home. All around them, petals flew threw the wind gracefully and beautifully in a dance.

"Well… that was beautiful." Naruto found himself blurting out. "Anybody up for writing a poem? A Song? I'm feeling really artsy right about now."

Maui and Moana laughed, the trio turning to the new boat.

Before Naruto could have the chance to move, his Keyblade suddenly appeared in his hand.

"What in the-"

With a yank, his arm was pulled by the key-shaped weapon as he was being drawn to some place.

Looking in confusion, he saw forms of shrubbery forming arrows. And it didn't help on the odd feeling with him being tugged more and more with both forces.

Deciding to finally move along, Naruto eventually made it to a covered area of the island with a faded path. Pushing past the foliage, Naruto saw a green glow.

"Why am I looking at the Heart of Te Fiti?"

The stone glowed brighter and brighter before showing the neighboring rock wall had an odd imprint of a Keyhole.

"...The hell?"

With another yank, his Keyblade suddenly acted on it's own and was drawn towards the Keyhole. With a burst of energy, his weapon shot out a beam of light which connected with the odd imprint.

As they met, a loud click was heard. It was as if Naruto was turning the key into his loft door to lock it in place before he left for work each day.

He could only stand there, staring at the spot where that Keyhole was. What was that all about?

Holding up his Keyblade, he tried to make heads or tails as to what he had just done. So…

He honestly hoped someone would swoop in right about now to explain just what he did. What was that Keyhole? And his Keyblade… what was it exactly?

Scratching his head, he was about to move back towards the beach when he spotted something shiny lying on the ground where the odd Keyhole was placed. Picking it up, he saw it was like a green eraser. It was odd in texture with an interesting amount of weight to it.

Deciding to figure it out later, he pocketed the item and went on his merry way.

Once back on the beach, he saw he was all alone with Moana's ship sailing in the distance and Maui flying in a different direction.

Naruto gaped in disbelief that they would just leave him here, stranded on an island. Did their literal past few days mean nothing. "...Great… Now where the hell should I go now? And why didn't they stay longer so I can say my goodbyes?"

"Because we told them to, young Keyblader."

Whirling around in slight alarm, two strange beings stood before him.

Both were feminine in form with one made completely out of water while the other was-

"Te Fiti?"

The green one laughed lightly. "In a manner of speaking. But she does send her regards."

The Supreme goddess of this World was in a shrunken humanoid size. Everything was fit to scale from her gigantic form he saw earlier as everything was just right.

"It has been some time since we last saw one who wielded a Keyblade. It greatly assures me to know that one still remains." The blue one spoke, its form composed of ever changing water. Honestly, it didn't seem to have a form just an ever-changing shape.

After a beat of silence, Naruto finally asked. "So who do I call you two?"

"You may call me Naiad of the Clear, if that would suffice." Spoke the Ocean Spirit.

Naruto then turned to the green one with her smiling. "Te Fiti of the Green, seems easy enough for you."

Naruto glanced between the two of them, scratching his head slightly before summoning the literal title in which they referred to him as such.

"So… are you here for this? Like take it?"

Te Fiti chuckled while Naiad's formless water shape rippled in amusement.

"None of that sort, Keyblader." Te Fiti said with a small smile.

"So you two know about the Keyblade?" Naruto questioned with quite the amount of intrigue. "What can you tell me about them? I'd wish to learn about them, if that wouldn't be too much trouble."

Only having possession of the Keyblade for a handful of weeks, Naruto only knew a handful of information. Some came up from Jason Blood while the rest was given by Ichi the Moogle a few days ago. And after what occured in the Heart cave with that odd Keyhole imprint merely had in wanting to know more about his key-shaped sword and it's capabilities.

"If that is what you wish, we shall tell you." Responded the Clear representative. "Many of us have been around long enough to have lived in the Age of Fairytales, when the Keyblade wielders were not sworn to an oath of noninterference and secrecy as they have been in recent generations."

Age of Fairytales? Keybladers were well known? Noninterference and secrecy? Naruto could maybe figure some of this information could relate to this whole World Order Ichi the Moogle spoke of.

Pushing these questions to later, Naruto ushered the being to continue.

Yet it was the Green representative who spoke where Naiad left off. "Though I wonder if things might've changed, given how quick you were to protect Maui and Moana against the Heartless."

"What do you mean by that? I mean I only started using the Keyblade for several weeks now. So I'm pretty much in the dark here."

"Naruto, you must realize we were cut off from not just beyond this World but our connection with our respective groups."

"Yes, all because of Maui's actions. Because of this, we were forced to close our borders in hopes of containing the infection."

Naruto blinked and figured they were right. He remembered Maui's theft of Te Fiti's Heart happened centuries- no thousands of years ago.

"So with this problem solved, you guys can get back in touch with both the Clear, the Green and the other Nature groups?" Naruto asked.

Both representatives nodded in confirmation.

"Well that's great! Maybe you could get in contact with Pamela and Selena."

"...Who?" Voiced the representatives.

"Oh, right. Forgot you were out of the loop for years." Naruto responded before giving a brief summary of what occured with how he was introduced with the Nature groups and his involvement with them.

At its end, the two representatives processed the Uzumaki's words before nodding to each other. "We truly have been out of the loop. Much has indeed changed."

"If that is the case, then the Age of the Rising Darkness and the next war is upon us."

"...I'm sorry, but what do you mean by that? And what war?"

With the Age of Rising Darkness bit, Naruto figured it was referring to the Heartless. Yet there was this odd feeling welling inside his gut which told him otherwise. And this made him not like this one bit.

"Years ago before the theft of Te Fiti's Heart, this World was one of many which were defended by the valiant and noble Keyblade warriors and masters. The Age of Fairytales where all Worlds knew of each other's existence and the only darkness in existence which thrived in the Realm of Darkness."

"Sadly it would not last for sometime later, Darkness began to infect the hearts of men of all walks of life. And even extended to the wielders of the Keyblade to the point where they began to war with one another. This led to a terrible time that legends called the Keyblade War."

Naruto was drawn in quite easily as he quickly voiced a question passing through his mind. "A Keyblade War? What happened in this Keyblade War?"

"The outcome of it was never clearly decided, young one. As far as we know, it lead to a great change in how the Keybearers carried out their duties."

"Indeed. The Worlds were reborn after being lost into the Darkness as a result of this Crisis. But some of the remaining warriors and masters believed that they shared some of the blame for what occurred. Thus they decided they and all other wielders of the Keyblade would fade into mystery, carrying out their duties in secret while keeping the existence of any of the other Worlds we live in today a secret from the rest."

"That… doesn't sound perfect to me." Naruto responded.

"We agree on the same thought, but it's what they believed was the best back then."

"And how would you two know any of this? Better yet, why didn't the Red or the Green inform of this back home."

"As you stated before, we were out of the loop for years. We wouldn't know if said groups decided to change their rules in interacting with Keybearers as the years went by."

"Then again, they had grown less in numbers after the War."

'Better something rather than nothing, I suppose.' Thought the Uzumaki before asking his next question. "But what about my earlier question on how you two exactly know of this?"

"The two of us have been alive for a long time, so we would know these things."

"Especially the last Keybearer which came from this World so happened to be a distant ancestor of your companion, Moana."

"Really? Well that's interesting. Surprised she wouldn't know, given how important they were."

"Understandable, but her ancestor was rather secretive and didn't want his friends and loved ones to be dragged into the conflict. After passing on his mantle as chieftain to his heir, Moana's ancestor left this World to join the fight and never returned."

"No doubt perished given sometime after his departure, Maui stolen Te Fiti's Heart and you know the rest."

Naruto nodded before something else came to mind. "So… what's up with this Age of Rising Darkness and this war coming up? Another Keyblade War, then? How would you know on these, then?"

The two Nature representatives looked at each other before the Green decided to answer. "The Green reaches far and wide, even across other Worlds as they are connected to the whole. This is different from the other groups as they have different sects." She coughed into her hand. "Getting back to things, one of our Agents was present in the World where almost all Keybearers resided named Daybreak Town."

"Daybreak Town? Odd name for a World."

"We weren't the ones to name it so, so who are we to judge."

"...Point."

"Anyways, the Green Agent reported that the first Keyblade master, who would be referred to as the Master of Masters, possessed a book which contained many different prophecies of things to come. And one particular prophecy stood out amongst the rest, stating that one day there would come an age where the Keyblade wielders would be pushed to the brink of extinction and the Darkness would once again threaten to consume every World in a way that has never happened before. The Agent wasn't certain on how this would come to pass, but she overheard a possible way to avert this Crisis."

"How?" Naruto asked as he was really hooked into this more than ever.

"The Agent reported that one day, a group of Keybearers would be chosen whose Light would shine brighter than the last generations. They would face the Darkness together, no matter how deep or powerful adversaries may be. They shall find allies, whether being each other or others of great skill, abilities and Lights of their own."

"They will combat the darkness together and prevent the Crisis from coming into fruition. As a result of this prevention, all will be reborn once more with life flourishing further than before. If not, then all will fade and perish into Darkness."

"...Well that's quite the prophecy." Naruto muttered out. "Somewhat thought it would be more simpler and catchy." Feeling the dry look on their faces, he coughed. "Sorry… Then what can I do to help and prevent this Crisis from happening?"

"Go to other Worlds when needed and help find and seal their Keyholes."

"...I'm sorry what?"

"You must uphold the responsibility of the Keyblades of the past and bring balance to the Worlds." Te Fiti stated with a grim expression. "Find the Keyholes, hold back the coming darkness."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa time out for a second here guys." Naruto held up his hands in a T-shape. "This is a bit much for me right now. I'm all for helping, honest but I gotta find a way home first. Pam, Selina and the others are probably worried sick about me not being home. I can't just up and go World hopping to lock a few doors and leave them in the dark."

Te Fiti giggled slightly at Naruto's reaction. "Worry not, Naruto. Being one whose chosen by the Keyblade, traversing between Worlds will be easier for you then most. You will be able to go back to your homeworld with ease whenever you wish."

"That is, unless more Worlds are in peril and require your assistance." Naiad added in. "Once that is solved, then you may return home."

Naruto gave the flattest stare he could muster at the Clear. "Thanks, guilt trip accomplished."

"Sorry, but I'm not the one who made up that rule. It's merely something built into the Keyblades, I believe."

"Though as time goes on, this'll change for you as you'll have better control if you want to venture to and from your homeworld."

"...Mkay…"

Well that solved one issue, per say.

"Then what are these Keyholes?"

"Keyholes are basically direct doorways towards the very Heart of each respective World. If the Heartless are able to breach it, then the World will be consumed and lost to Darkness. The only way to prevent that is having the Keybearer to search for the Keyholes and lock them up."

"Then why didn't Moana's ancestor seal it up back then?"

"There are limitations with Keybearers as higher beings can't exactly reveal them. They need to be sought out the natural, hard ways in order to prove themselves." Te Fiti elaborated.

"Originally, the Keyholes were all locked tight and with no way of finding them save for those who followed their Keyblade with their Hearts." Naiad stated. "But now? Now time is of the essence, you-"

Naiad looked up and her shapeless form warbled in shock.

"No, not another one." The Clear spoke in sorrow and dread.

Confused, both Te Fiti and Naruto looked up to the sky which had started to darken slightly. Stars were beginning to appear and the sun was setting in the horizon. However, that's not what caught their attention.

What the trio stared at was one of the Stars giving off a bright, distinct glow before fading away from the night sky.

"...Is that supposed to happen?" Naruto asked with a wary expression.

"How awful." Te Fiti said in sadness. "I've barely regained myself and a world has been consumed before me."

"Wait, What?!" Naruto exclaimed in alarm. "What do you mean by that?! I thought those were just stars!"

"Some, yes." Naiad said sorrowfully. "But we know of the others that are other worlds. And that one was a World that has fallen. Consumed by the Darkness and all its inhabitants with it."

Memories flashed back to the time when Didi had spent her holiday with him and Rachel. On the night back at his loft, the Uzumaki chatted with her as she spoke of the stars being Worlds. He didn't realize the full significance of what she said, but now with the present information given to him; things are different.

"Why didn't you start with that then?!" Naruto nearly yelled. "So all those people from that world…?"

"Yes, they have been taken by the Darkness." Naiad came closer. "Naruto, chosen wielder of the Keyblade, only you can be the one to restore the lost worlds across the stars and return those lost back to their homes. The Heartless, who come from the Darkness have great fear of your power. They will attack you relentlessly as they must expunge the danger you possess towards their goals."

A stray thought crossed through Naruto's mind. "The Heartless… you said that the Keyholes are now all unlocked in all the Worlds. Does that make it easier for them to consume them?"

Both nodded.

"But sealing the Keyholes keeps the Heartless from consuming a world." Naruto crossed his arms. "So does that mean this World is safe then?"

"Despite the Keyhole to this World's Heart is already sealed, they will still be present; but to a lesser extent." Te Fiti replied. "But now the Heartless have no way of claiming this world for themselves. Only a force of perpetual and endless Darkness can truly claim this World now."

"Like what? A black hole of Darkness?"

"Basically."

"And what about the Rot? The one that plagued the islands?"

"Their main forces are held back to a great extent as this World is starting to recover from Maui's actions." Naiad stated. "Give it time and the return of Te Fiti's full might will drive them away to only being a mild nuisance as they should be."

Te Fiti then spoke once more, this time in a more foreboding and serious tone.

"To hold and bear the power of the Keyblade is both a great opportunity and a heavy burden. Experiencing which many can only dream and imagine. But you're also shackled by the responsibility of being a protector. And your road will be a long one, I'm afraid. But there are two ways to strengthen one's Heart…"

"Which are... what?"

"By forging bonds with others and overcoming those who also possess strong hearts. Do remember this if you wish to grow stronger. The road is perilous, full of dangers and struggles that will not only test you physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. There will be moments and times of doubt. But know this… It is in those times you must find your inner strength to persevere. Know what it is you are fighting for and draw from that to guide you through the harshest of times. Those you love, while not there, shall be your greatest power that resonates from your heart."

Staring at the two beings, Naruto closed his eyes for a moment and he saw them.

Harley, Pam, Selina, Barbara, Bruce, Dick, Rachel, his daughters, Jason… everyone. Everyone he had fought and bled for. They were waiting for him.

"Sorry guys." Naruto said to himself. "Looks like I'm taking a detour for now."

Naiad and Te Fiti both gave him sympathetic glances, understanding all too well what he now must do. They had seen many times before from past Keyblade Wielders.

"We would like to bestow onto you a few gifts, young one." Naiad said.

"Oh, thanks." Naruto saw them approach him and coming in close. "Uh… What are you two doing?"

"Giving you our gifts."

Naiad was the first to place her hand onto Naruto's chest with a glow emanating off her hand. As it died down, the Uzumaki felt an odd tingle inside of him. Reaching into himself, he pulled out and saw something appear into his hand.

It was an oddly designed musical instrument which he soon realized was a Sitar, a guitar from the Persion, Indian and Asian territories from home. Yet it took on more of the appearance of the Nobody symbol in a faded blue color.

"Well that's interesting." Naruto muttered out as he strums the strings a few times.

"Like what Yggdrasil had done, I too bestowed you apart of Nature onto you. Now the Clear is flowing with you because of your deeds since of your arrival onto this World."

"And of course it would take the form of some object or weapon." Naruto added in as he started tuning it's pegs. "Not that I mind. Thanks, Naiad."

"You are welcome."

Stepping away, Te Fiti soon placed her hands on not just his chest but also on his head. With the glows coming off her palms, Naruto started feeling something… familiar flowing through him. He almost imagined it to be a fantasy, but it was real.

As the Green representative moved away, Naruto closed his eyes and stood perfectly still.

The results became apparent soon after with nature energy flowing through him easier than before after so very long. He felt stronger and more connected, just like when he was back at the Elemental Nations.

Opening his eyes, Naruto could only imagine his eyes changed color with their pupils taking on a different shape with an odd pigment of eye shadow appearing on his eyelids.

"I have felt something interesting within you, which was shattered." Te Fiti said onto him. "So I took the liberty in using much of my power to mend and reunite your connection with Nature to its fullest."

Naruto let out a slightly shaky breath, his lips twitching upwards. He slightly tears up while looking at his hand and clenched it tightly. This feeling… Oh how good it was to have it back once more.

Bowing, the Uzumaki spoke. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me back my Sage Mode, Te Fiti. I can never thank you enough."

"You helped reconnect me with what I have lost. It is only natural that I do the same for you. You are welcome, Keybearer."

"This feels a bit much but still. Thank you. Both of you for all this."

Putting his new sitar away, Naruto was about to speak when he felt his Keyblade coming out. In a flash of light, he saw it in his grasp before another covered it soon after. Once it died down, Naruto recoiled upon seeing what he held now.

It was a Keyblade, no doubt about that. But it took on a different appearance than the skeletal key look he was used to by now.

The blade portion looked much like the rowing oar he, Moana and Maui used on their journey; especially with the carving of a fishhook and heart on the paddle's face. On the handle and guard was a smaller version of Maui's signature Fishhook weapon. The Heart of Te Fiti was a decorative piece on the handguard's top. A stream of water wrapped around the handguard and around the oar before a small bit of wave formed the teeth. And hanging off the handle was a manta ray keychain.

"...What the hell just happened?" Naruto said as he kept turning his… Keyblade?

"Seems your Keyblade saw fit to give you a gift as well." Naiad stated. "A new Keyblade form for your disposal."

"...There's more than just one Keyblade form?"

"Apparently. Though don't ask for more information as we too don't know everything about the Keyblades."

Naruto processed those words as he looked at his new… Keyblade form. He didn't know what to exactly call it as it would seem to be different from what he normally had.

'I should maybe name them.' He thought as he briefly pictured his standard one. 'Don't know on that one, but this… maybe… Navigator of the Sea?'

Before anything else could be done, Naruto's Keyblade started to glow once more. But instead of it being for a brief time, it started to grow brighter and brighter. To the point of it being blinding.

"Wh-What's happening?!"

Soon the Light swallowed his very being. Before long, the light died down as Naruto Uzumaki disappeared from the beach with the two Nature representatives looking on for a little while longer.

"There he goes."

"Yes. Off to another World to protect."

"Or going home."

"Who's to say."

Wasn't long before both of their forms destabilized and went into their basic elements and went back to whence they came.

-End Chapter-

AN:

So… been a while since updating this.

Well things have been crazy since the last update along with hitting constant writer's blocks. Especially with the beginning portion of this chapter as I kept drawing blanks left and right.

In order to relieve myself on this, had to work on a new story -A Song of Fire, Ice and Hearts- as a means to get things out of my system. So far it's receiving well, but I do want to get back to my other works when possible.

So I gotta thank Azure King and Queen on helping me break through my block around the start of the chapter while free man writer helped me out in the second half of this chapter towards the end.

Free Man Writer: HUZZAH THIS HAS MADE A TRIUMPHANT COMEBACK!

Jeb: Now need to do the comeback on my other works then things will finally be balanced.

FMW: As All things should be.

Jeb: Now if you guys somewhat wondered about the Darkbeast snake I used in this, there was a bit of an idea I decided to use. If you guys remember watching the opening prologue of Moana, the animated tapestry practically showed the adversaries Moana and Maui were going to face in the film. Yet we didn't see any sign of the sea serpent, so decided to use that guy as an excuse on the opening fight in the chapter.

Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!

R&R