Hello readers and welcome to my new chapter. Glad you guys are enjoying the rewrite so far. I'm hoping it stays that way, and the quality stays consistent. Here, Naruto is going to fight against the best swordsman in the galaxy, Zastin. Hope you guys enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and To Love Ru.

Chapter 4: Fighting the Alien Knight

The first place Naruto took Lala to was the arcade. There, he discovered that she's an avid gamer; or at least, she quickly became one, cause they stayed there for some time. They played nearly every game there, from shooters to fighting games.

Next was a laser tag center. There, he learned how agile and skilled Lala really is. She really challenged him in their little fight, to the point he had to use some of his ninja skills to keep up. Both had a lot of fun.

Then, he took her to one of the restaurants he frequented, which mainly served his and his mom's favorite food of all time: Ramen. While they waited for it to cook, he had to teach her how to use chopsticks. By the time he finished, their food was ready.

"So this is called ramen?" Lala asked curiously. The two were sitting on booths, with the steaming bowl of broth-covered noodles in front of them. The pinkette had miso, while Naruto had pork.

"Yep! One of the best foods out there!" Naruto stated proudly, as he grabbed his chopsticks. "Nothing can match a steaming bowl of hot ramen, especially if made right!"

Curious if the noodles are really that good, Lala grabbed her chopsticks, and slowly, grabbed a thin line of noodles. When she began slurping down the food, she froze for a moment. Then she slurped down the rest of the line quickly, her eyes shining brightly. "It so good!"

That brought a wide grin from Naruto. "Yatta!" He cheered, pumping up one fist. "Someone else who understands how great ramen is!"

Right after, the blonde and pinkette ate their food with equal enthusiasm. When they finished their meal, Naruto took her took her to a small grassy hill located in town, near a river, to relax. Both were sitting on the grassy hill, side by side.

"If I knew you were such a gamer girl, I would've saved the arcade and laser tag for last." Naruto commented on. He was laying on the grassy ground, with his head resting on his hands. "We took up most of the day when we went there."

"I don't mind. I had a lot of fun." Lala said happily, kicking her legs up and down. "I really want to go back to those places next time."

"At least one mission is accomplished, then." Naruto remarked with a grin. He got a giggle in response.

For a moment, the two were in a content silence, just enjoying the nice atmosphere. But that moment didn't last. "Hey Naruto…" Lala asked, a curious look on her face. "I know Kushina doesn't want to talk about it, but… can you tell me why the two of you left your home?"

That caused the smile to leave Naruto's face, replaced with a more serious one. "To be honest, I don't know all that much." He told her. "She just said that they weren't honoring my dad's wishes, and left it at that. It was never a topic she liked to talk about."

He turned his body to the side to face Lala, a downcast look on his face. "When she does… she has that look on her face." He said softly. "One that's sad, guilty, angry, and a lot of other feelings. Whenever I see that look, I change the subject. So I don't really talk about it with her a lot."

While he spoke his tale, Lala was silent all throughout. She honestly didn't know what to say to all of that, especially with the sad look on Naruto's face. But what she does know is that she doesn't like the sad look on Naruto's face. She may have just met him yesterday, but she knew him well enough that it doesn't fit him, nor his mama.

Shaking his head, he cleared off his downcast look. "Well, enough about that. There's something I want to ask you." He pushed himself back up into indian style sitting. "What are you gonna about your old man and those marriage interviews? Will talk to him?"

That jolted Lala out of her small trance. "I-I don't know." She said, looking conflicted. "I don't think I would be able to change his mind about stopping them. Papa can be really stubborn."

"Then do you have someone you actually do you want to marry?" The blonde asked her. "A guy that you genuinely love?"

"Someone I love?" Lala frowned in thought, trying to think of anybody. "Umm…"

Seeing that she's drawing blanks, Naruto decided to break her out of that thought. "Well, you don't have to decide now." He reassured her. "I'm sure there is someone out there who you'll love. Just need to look for that right person."

"And how will you know when I find him?" Lala asked.

In response, he shrugged. "I'm not sure. Haven't really been in love myself." The blonde said sheepishly. "The closest thing I have to any sort of bonds is my mom, and my best friend, Riko-chan. But if I have to guess…" He tapped his chin in thought. "I would say when your heart beats like crazy for that person. When you feel things that you never felt before, and can imagine a life with them would be like…"

As he spoke, Lala's mind went back to those times she felt those strange feelings. When Naruto successfully saved her, and when he declared that he'll protect. And again, those feelings came back. 'Is that… what I'm feeling?' She thought, a hand placing over her heart. 'Is it really love?'

"But it's not like I'm an expert or anything, so you can take my words with a grain of salt…" Naruto continued with a small laugh. "I'm sure that when you do fall in love, you'll know it. You just have to look around, and be patient."

The blonde then casually turned his head to look behind him. "And until then, I'm going to protect you from anything your father sends. Including the dude who's stalking us right now."

That caused the pinkette to stand and turn around in alarm. An instant later, something jumped out from a nearby tree and landed right in front of the two teens. "Zastin!" Lala gasped in surprise.

"So you knew I was there the entire time." The person who followed them was a silver-haired man, with grayish blue eyes, and the weirdest looking armor the blonde has ever witnessed. "How were you able to spot me?"

"I was taught to detect even the smallest oddities." Naruto remarked, standing up and facing him. "My mom would pummel me if I didn't notice a silver-haired weirdo, wearing armor just as weird."

A tick-mark entered the man's forehead. "Why do you humans insist on calling me weird?!"

"Maybe because you stick out like a sore thumb here?" Naruto suggested cheekily before turning his head towards Lala. "So you know this guy Lala? Zastin, was it?"

"Y-Yes." Lala nodded in confirmation. "He's my personal bodyguard my papa assigned, and the best swordsman in the galaxy."

"Lala-sama is correct, earthling." The man, now known as Zastin, confirmed. "Now knowing this, I suggest you step aside. I'm here to take Lala-sama home."

Instead of Naruto responding, Lala was the first to speak. "No! I'm not going back!" She shouted at him. "I'm sick of those marriage interviews! I want to stay here, and have fun with Naruto-kun!"

"Your opinion on this doesn't matter." The knight responded back. "You have a responsibility to fulfill and you can't back away from it."

That remarked earned a scowl from Naruto, his eyes flashing blood red for a second. "Alright, you earned one ass-kicking from Naruto Uzumaki!"

"And I say again, boy, step aside." Zastin repeated, unperturbed. "You heard Lala-sama moments ago; I am the best swordsman of this galaxy. You don't stand a chance against me."

Rather than looking intimidated, a confident smirk entered Naruto's face. "The best swordsman, huh?" The blonde then got into fighting stance. "You'll probably put up a decent challenge than the last goons. I might even be able to go all out."

That caused Zastin to narrow his eyes fiercely. "I'm warning you right now; If you interfere, I'll have to kill you."

"Lets see you try." Was the blonde's challenge back.

In response, Zastin let out a sigh. "Very well, then." The knight then pulled out his laser sword, which ignited in his hand. "Do not blame me when you die."

This time, Naruto didn't say anything back. Instead, he teleported from his spot and landed on hard kick to the knight's abdomen, sending him skidding back. 'This guy is very durable, that for sure.' The blonde thought. 'From what I can tell, Lala's species are incredibly durable and strong. Which means…'

His instincts kicked in, causing him to jump back from a strike from Zastin's laser sword. The ground he was standing had a burnt slice at the middle. 'I can't hold back.'

"Impressive. Your strength and quick for your species." The knight complimented the ninja. "But that will not be enough to defeat me."

"I'm just getting started!" Taking out several kunais, Naruto threw them directly at Zastin.

The knight got into blocking stance, and slice through the weaponries. Unknown to him, however, one of them held a paper bomb. When he blocked that kunai, it ignited and blew up, sending him skidding to the side. He groaned, holding onto his side.

"Rasengan!" His eyes shot up at the cry, and saw the blonde human heading straight towards him, a swirling ball of energy in hand. Quickly, he jumped back, and just in time as the attack drilled into the ground.

"Good reflexes." The blonde complimented, getting up from his crouching position. "Look like you're not all talk after all."

"I can say the same to you." Zastin said respectfully. "My men weren't kidding when they spoke of your abilities."

"Glad to impress." Cracking his neck, Naruto got back into a fighting stance. "Still think you're able to kill me?"

Instead of responding, Zastin returned the favor and launched himself at Naruto, attempting to cut down the teen. However, all of his attacks were dodged. "I am the best swordsman of the Deviluke Empire; I will not fall to a mere human!"

As they fought, Lala watched in amazement as her new friend held his own against her personal knight. "Naruto-san is amazing, Lala-sama." Peke, who was silent for much of the day, spoke in awe. "He's able to fight against Zastin."

"Yeah…" The pinkette said in response, her eyes glued to the battle.

Meanwhile, Naruto was trying to think of a way to end this fight. 'This guy is really good. I can't see any openings on him. One slice that from sword, and I'm finished. If I'm gonna win this, it won't be through pure melee.' As he leaned back from another swipe, an evil grin stretched onto his face. 'Good thing I don't rely on being fair.'

"Give up!" Zastin demanded, still attempting to strike down the ninja. "You won't beat me just by dodging! If this is all you're going to do, then you might as well as surrender and keep your alive!"

"Then let change things up a bit!" Mid-dodge, Naruto pulled a smoke pellet and threw it on the ground, creating a cloud of smoke that surrounded.

The cloud, especially the amount of it, startled Zastin, causing him to step back some. However, he gained back his composure quickly. "If you're attempting to escape with Lala-sama, I won't let you!" With a roar, he blew the smoke away with his sword…

...Only to be met with a rasengan coming right at him.

Startled once again, the knight attempted to block the attack with his laser sword. While the attempt was successful, it left him open for an attack. An opportunity that was taken by another Naruto, who performed a low-reach kick that was strong enough to send him flying.

"Uz-" Four clones that formed and came behind him, crouched down and kicked him up in the air. "Zu- Ma- Ki-"

Meanwhile, the clone that did the low kick kneeled down, letting the original jump onto his back. With that added boost, Naruto jumped in the air and got right above him. "I got you now! Uzumaki barrage!"

With a high-heel kick, the ninja sent the knight crashing down into the ground, which formed a person shaped-hole. Zastin, however, attempted to get up from his spot. "Do you… think that will be enough to…" As if to answer that, a paper bomb floated right above him. "Wha-"

A small explosion happened right after, engulfing the knight. Naruto jumped right out of the smoke, landing a few feet away with a guarded expression.

"That was amazing Naruto!" Lala called out, an excited look on her face. That caused the blonde to turn one eye towards her. "You manage to take out! Went bam, then swish, then you did woosh, and then boom!" Once again, she animated his fighting style, doing several fighting sounds.

That brought a laugh from the blonde. "Thanks. But…" He turned his head back to the clouds. "I don't think it's ove-"

A hand suddenly reached out and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him up from the ground. The blonde yet out a croaking sound of shock before attempting to twist out of the grip. The owner of said hand moved out of the smoke, revealing Zastin, burnt and barely moving.

With a battle cry, he stabbed Naruto right through the abdomen, causing the blonde to go stiff. "Naruto!" Lala cried out, shock and worry filling her quickly.

The knight ignored the princess's cry. "You fought well, Naruto Uzumaki." Zastin told, nothing but respect in his tone. "It's a shame I have to kill you."

With gritted teeth, Naruto slowly lifted up his hands and performed several hand signs. Zastin frowned at this. "There's no use fighting-"

Before he could finish, a heavy gust of wind came. At the same time, Naruto lifted his feet and kicked Zastin on the chest, which pushed Zastin's back and pulled the sword out of his abdomen. The ninja then jumped back, landing on his knees and letting out heavy breaths.

"Cheap shot." Was Naruto's pained response, blood beginning to trickle down his mouth.

"Like you're innocent of that." Zastin pointed his sword at him, his expression pained but serious. "There's no use fighting anymore. That injury will hinder your fighting abilities. There's no way you can win now."

"Not a chance." Naruto spat out, pulling out another kunai from his jacket. Despite the heavy breathing and blood, his expression was as fierce as ever.

Zastin sighed once again, closing his eyes. "Very well, Uzumaki…" When he opened them, his expression was fierce once again. "Die!" He then charged at Naruto, sword at the ready.

But before he could get close enough, Lala flew over in her original clothes and stood in front of Naruto, arms spread open. "Stop!"

Seeing the princess in his way, Zastin stopped his attack. But his gaze didn't waver. "Lala-sama, move."

The pinkette shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. "No! I won't let you kill Naruto-kun!"

"He insists on interfering with this affair." Zastin said firmly. "He refuse to give up. So I must kill him."

"I said no!" Lala repeated. "Stop. Please, don't hurt Naruto-kun anymore." She pleaded, her voice much softer and weaker.

Zastin's expression softened some, his sword lowering a margin. "If you come with me without a fuss, I'll spare the boy. Stop this childish rebellion, Lala-sama."

The princess bit her lip, honestly thinking about it. It's her fault that this happen; that Naruto got involved and got hurt this bad. If this continued… she might lose him. "I…"

"Don't!" The sharp words caused Lala to turn around in alarm, to see Naruto slowly getting up. "Don't let yourself give up Lala. I'm okay. I can continue fighting."

"But… but you got stabbed in the stomach!" Lala protested. "You nearly got killed by Zastin! I can't let you continue fighting!" Tears began cascading down her eyes. "It's my fault… it's my fault that your hurt. If you try to fight him again…"

She stopped when she fault a hand on her shoulder. "I won't die." Lala looked up, to see a reassuring grin on Naruto's whiskered face. "Didn't I tell you? I promise that I'm gonna protect you. And I can't do that if I'm dead."

The tears continued going down Lala's cheeks. "N-Naruto…"

"Shh. Don't worry." He placed his forehead on her own. "He just got me in a surprise attack, that's all. I'm gonna save you. I won't die. You can believe that. Cause like I told you before, I never go back on my word."

He then moved his head back up and walked past her, facing Zastin with determination clear on his face. Meanwhile, Lala stared at him with wonder. How far? How far is he willing to go just to help her? To help someone that he barely met?

Zastin, however, gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Why are you pushing yourself over this?" He questioned him. "This is no concern of yours. Your putting yourself in death door's for a girl you barely know."

"She's still my friend." Naruto retorted. "Doesn't matter how long I knew her. I don't abandon any of my friends!" Another thing he was taught: Those who abandon their duties or the mission are trash, at least in the eyes of shinobis. But those abandon their friends, who would leave their comrades behind, are even worse.

The knight let out a frustrated growl. "Very well." Readying his sword, the knight charged at Naruto. "I'll ensure this next attack finish you!"

"Not a chance!" The ninja threw another smoke bomb at the knight's feet, exploding on impact.

"You that same trick won't work again!" Stopping his charged, he blew all the smoke away with a sweeping arc…

However, the blonde was nowhere in sight. Blinking in confusion, Zastin looked around the area. 'He didn't charge at me like last time?'

"Wind style: Great Breakthrough!" The sound caused the knight to look up, just in time to be bombarded by that same heavy wind. He cried out as he got pushed into the earth once again.

When the gust stopped, he slowly opened his eyes. He was met with a falling Naruto, who came at him with a rasengan in hand. "Rasengan!"

And again, Zastin cried out in pain, as the ability to drill through his armor into his stomach. By the time it was over, the knight he barely have to strength to move, let alone continue fighting. Naruto kneeled over him, his breath heavy and skin glistened with sweat.

"Now who's the one… unable to fight?" Naruto bragged, a cocky grin etched onto his face.

The knight attempted to get out of the ground, but felt himself fixed inside, as well as too injured and exhausted to muster the energy to get out. "Why… are you doing this?" He asked him. "Things will be much more simple if Lala just marries one of the suitors. Why can't you see that?"

"You know that she doesn't want to, right? That if she this resistant about it, then none of these guys appeal to her?" Slowly, the blonde stood, gingerly holding his stomach. "Or maybe she isn't ready to get married. Either way, you can't force this on her. She is own person. And until you and her bastard of a father can see that, I won't let anyone take her away."

'He… he understands me.' Lala thought, her heartbeat increasing. 'He knows exactly how I feel. What I really want.'

"...It's not as simple as that." Zastin argued weakly, his eyes turning away from the blonde. "The princes from the other planets won't simply accept that. They're gonna send spies, assassins, mercenaries, their own knights, just so they have the chance to marry Lala-sama."

"Then let them come." Naruto responded, no hesitation in his tone. "I'll take them all down. Anyone that sees Lala as a mere prize will get a beat down of the century. And if I can't handle them…" An evil smirk entered his face. "Then they have to face my mom."

That last comment earned a look of confusion from Zastin. That confusion increased when he felt a chill coming down his spine.

"So give up telling me to give up." Naruto told him, his usual, confident grin coming back. "Cause I won't. I live be three rules; to never break my promise, never abandon my friends, and never give up. Those are my mottos, beliefs that I was taught and that I now hold. And I will never compromise them."

Before he knew it, the blonde was tackled on his back. For a moment, he was shocked, wondering if Zastin suddenly gain a second wind. That thought left him when he heard muffled sobbing from his chest. He looked down to see Lala clinging onto him, tears soaking into his shirt. "You okay?" The ninja asked.

He got a nod in response, her face still covered in his shirt. "Thank you, Naruto-kun." She moved her face from his shirt to give him a watery smile. "Thank you so much. You… understood me so well. Knew exactly how I felt."

"Well, of course." The blonde gave her a carefree grin. "Anyone with a good pair of eyes can see how much you were hurting."

"And now… I think I realize." Lala murmured, placing her hand to her heart. "I think I know this feeling I've been having. Why my heart beats so fast when I'm around you."

That got Naruto blinking of befuddlement, his smile freezing. "Eh?"

"I think… I know who I want to marry. I've decided." Staring directly at the ninja, she declared. "It's you! I want to marry you!"

"Eeeeeeehhhhhhh?!" Sitting up himself, Naruto attempted to argue against that. "H-H-Hold on a moment Lala, we've just met yesterday! That way too short a time to say you're in love!"

"I don't care!" Lala responded fervently. "My hearts beat like crazy when I'm with you! And this feeling, this warmth, isn't something I've felt with my family or friends! So it's gotta be love!"

'Me and my big mouth!' Naruto cried out internally. "But I don't love you!" He attempted for an argument. "I don't even know that well! We're just friends right now, dattebayo!"

"That's okay." The pinkette chirped. "I'll just make you fall in love with me."

"Are you serious?!"

"Yep!" Lala nodded her head vigorously. "That's a promise! And like you, I won't ever break my promises!"

"Stop throwing my words back at me!" Naruto wailed.

At the same time, Zastin was watching/hearing all this in the ground he's in. 'So… Lala actually chose somebody.' Despite his position, the knight couldn't help but smile. 'I'm happy for her.' Seeing how ferociously the blonde fought for her, how he managed to defeat him despite his injuries, he's confident that Naruto Uzumaki is a suitable candidate for Lala. Someone that the emperor would approve.

'But it won't be easy.' The knight continued thinking, a frown entering his face. 'Gid-sama will want to test the boy. And there's no doubt that the other suitors will want to kill the boy to get to Lala.' But after today, he's confident that the blonde can successfully fend them off.

And that's the end. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. So, Lala's little introduction arc is done. Next will be her meeting Naruto's other friends, the other suitors coming to kill Naruto, and more females introduced. Review, favorite, and follow and I will see you guys later.