[Started on February 12, 2022]

[23:45 hours, Philippines]

=== (User Reviews Area) ===

I sent user reviewers replies already. To the user reviewers, you can check your private messaging and then the inbox feature in your account where my reply should be sent, OOOOR check out your email.

=== (Guest Reviews Area) ===

To the guest who said: "I'd like to see the dota fic":

Give me time. I'll have to rewatch the entire series, and I'm a person who could never get into its games so… it will probably be subpar, but hopefully passable.

To the guest who said: "This story is awesome! I'm really enjoying it. The only thing that would ruin this story is if you make it a harem."

I also got tired of harems BUT! If I, by some miracle, make this into one, it's only because it will work. If it doesn't feel natural, then it won't work, which means I won't do it. I don't care what the main pairing it is as long as it works! If it doesn't, that won't happen. Side pairings (side character x other side characters)? Eh…

=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===

=== (Chapter 3: Welcome! To the "Meat Grinder"!) ===

The sun beats down onto Paradis Island. Throughout the sole kingdom of the land, eight training grounds are packed with new cadets. In the southern division of Wall Rose in particular, there stands a division of one hundred men and women, many of whom are now sweating as their instructor grills them while they roast underneath the sun—some of whom are jogging around the campsite making sure the sun cooks them from every angle.

Safe to say, some of the cadets being grilled will be either well-done or overcooked.

"NAME!"

"Sakura Haruno, Sir!"

"WHAT KIND OF PUSSY-ASS NAME IS THAT?!"

"THE NAME OF THE FUTURE MEDIC FOR THE SCOUTS, SIR!"

"Is that so, Cadet Haruno?!"

"Sir! Yes! Sir!"

"A noble goal! WELL SAID! Join the others and give me fifty laps!"

"THANK YOU, SIR!"

The instructor, a bald man with hollow eyes, eyes his next target. This man is Keith Shadis. "NAME!"

"Ino Yamanaka, Sir!"

"Why are you here, Cadet?!"

"Sir! To join the scouts, Sir!"

"HA! With that build?! You'll be titan food in no time! Get running, Cadet! Seventy-five laps!"

"THANK YOU, SIR!"

"NAME!"

Slowly but surely, the formation disintegrates. And as it does, courtesy of Keith Shadis' indoctrination and welcome party, four people remain… "untouched".

Four out of one hundred.

Keith was expecting none. So, to have even four people stand out from one hundred? To say he is surprised is an understatement. And yet, he doesn't let his surprise show.

As Keith Shadis goes down the rank and file, let us take this time to examine the seven untouched cadets.

First is a teenage girl with black hair tied in three different areas; one in a short high-ponytail and two framing her cheeks. Her face is calm but hardened, her deep sky-blue eyes show a resolve that is shared only by the other three. Her figure is that of a sturdy muscular young woman of average height, and already, the rest of her class look at her in wonder as her skin tone is new to them

Second is a teen with a bored, yet clearly hardened expression on his face. His hair is black and also tied into a ponytail which stands instead of falling softly as most others do. His figure is that of a lean young man, built more for speed than strength, but also toned enough to not be a pushover in physical combat.

The third is a teenage girl with mid-length orange hair that reaches to her neck. Her hair is styled with bangs that cover the left side of her forehead. She has orange eyes, long eyelashes, and thin eyebrows of the same colour. She is also a relatively short teen with a slim figure, but while short and slim, she is no pushover in terms of martial prowess. Her hardened glare shows that she's had more than her fair share of physical combat before joining.

The last is a teen with blonde hair and cerulean eyes. His cheeks have three whisker-like marks, his gaze is hardened, his physique is balanced for speed and power, yet his otherworldly origins boost them to God-like capabilities should he ever wish to go all-out. His otherworldly origins still only remain known to him… and him alone.

After fifteen minutes, Keith Shadis makes his way to the front, eyeing the four teens approvingly as they hold their salute, never flinching. And as the other ninety-six cadets run laps around the training ground, these four remain untouched. Their forms are stoic to even Shadis' harshest of glares. The commandant can tell that these four no longer need physical training; they are already fit enough to start with the 3DM training by the next day… but he can't leave them too untouched.

"You lot! Form up in front of me!"

The four quickly do as told. They form up and salute again. "Sir!"

"NAME!"

"Korra, sir!"

"That's it? No surname?"

"None, sir! I'm an orphan, sir!"

Keith nods, and while Korra's story would have broken the hearts of others, Keith's gaze hardens even more. "Where did you grow up, Cadet?"

"In the Underground Cities, sir!"

"A street-rat! Very good! You seem to know how to handle yourself, Cadet Korra! NEXT! Name!"

The boy with black hair speaks. "Shikamaru Nara, sir!"

"Nara? I see. So that's why Erwin told me he'd send me someone with brains…" Then, Keith Shadis glares at the boy. "Do you think this will be easy just because someone recommended you, BOY?!"

"Never, sir!"

"NEVER?! GOOD! I DON'T PLAN ON MAKING IT EASY! TELL ME THEN! Why are you joining us?"

"Sir! I saw my father return in a cart! I plan on joining the scouts officially, sir!"

"I SEE! THEN I HOPE YOU SURVIVE! NEXT! NAME!"

The girl with the orange hair replies. "Nobura, sir!"

"Nobura?! WHAT KIND OF NAME IS THAT?!"

"Oriental, sir! Orphaned after my family was murdered!"

"Are you giving me a sob story, cadet?!"

"No, sir!"

"Then why tell me that?!"

"It's why I don't like giving my surname, sir!"

"I see! And what is your surname, Cadet Nobura?!"

"Kugisaki, sir"!

"FUCKING SPLENDID! And why are you here then?!"

"Penance, sir!"

"Penance?! WHAT FUCKING PENANCE?!"

"It was either being locked up for months or joining the army, sir!"

"Well fuck, cadet! What, in the name of the three walls, did you fucking do to even get that punishment?!"

"I kicked Nile Dawk in the balls after touching me, sir!"

"Nile Dawk? Commander of the Military Police?!"

"Sir! Yes! Sir!"

"GOOD! I've always hated that bastard and the MP. NEXT! Last one! Name!"

The blonde speaks. "Naruto Uzumaki, sir!"

"Is that so?!"

"Sir! Yes! Sir!"

"Then tell me, Cadet! Why are you here?!"

"Sir! To be the best at killing titans, sir!"

"The best?!"

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Are you even remotely talented for such a thing, Cadet Uzumaki?!"

"Sir! Give me one month and I'll be the very best, sir!"

"ARE YOU BOASTING, BLONDE-SHIT?!"

"No sir! Stating facts, sir!"

"REALLY!?"

"SIR! YES! SIR!"

"AND PRAY-FUCKING-TELL, CADET! What happens if you CAN'T be the very best after one month?!

"Sir! Then I'll be seen as the same arrogant prick who I killed, sir!"

"YOU THREATENING ME, CADET?!"

"HELL NO, SIR! I DETEST THAT BASTARD TOO MUCH TO NOT BRING HIM AND SHIT ON HIS MEMORY, SIR!"

"AND WHERE THE FUCK WOULD YOU JOIN?!"

"THE SCOUTS, SIR!"

"LISTEN HERE, CADET!"

"SIR!"

"THAT ATTITUDE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN YOU A BEATING FROM ANY OTHER COMMANDANT! BUT I'LL GIVE YOU THIS ONE FUCKING CHANCE!"

"SIR!"

"You have TWO responsibilities! FIRST! PROVE your FUCKING CLAIM! SECOND! ONE HUNDRED PUSHUPS! SIT-UPS! SQUATS! KILOMETERS! EVERY FUCKING DAY FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH WHILE STILL ATTENDING REGULAR CLASSES AND TRAINING!"

"UNDERSTOOD, SIR!"

"ONE MORE THING!"

"SIR!"

"THE THREE OF YOU, JOIN HIM! BUT! THE CATCH IS IF YOU LITTLE SHITS CAN'T CONTINUE, HE HAS TO PICK UP YOUR SLACK! UNDERSTOOD?!"

"SIR! YES! SIR!"

"NOW GET MOVING! IT STARTS RIGHT NOW!"

Naruto drops and starts immediately. The three others follow suit with glares directed to the blonde. Keith, meanwhile, still fumes at the blonde's words. One month?! How dare he assume training to kill titans is that easy!

Little does Keith Shadis know that he just unfurled the path for a group of Humanity's Strongest. And from their demeanour? They are all orientals. Still. A month is a month. No one throughout their history finished training after a month.

=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===

One month.

One… FUCKING month.

"The bastard actually managed it," Keith manages to say in a stupefied stupor.

Indeed, Naruto managed his claim and more.

The blonde in question blitzes through trees—his speed far surpassing those of the regular recruits. In fact, the only people who have even a sliver of hope keeping up with him are Korra and Nobura while Shikamaru can only use his eyes to follow the blonde's movements. And even then, Korra and Nobura are straining to keep up.

Sakura, Ino, and the rest of the cadets meanwhile, watch in awe; proud smiles upon their faces.

PREEEEET!

The whistle catches the attention of everyone, none more so than Keith Shadis who clicks his clock on instinct. His words come out as a whisper, yet the silence of the forest reverberates his words for everyone to hear.

"One… minute," he says, stupefied. "ONE MINUTE! FIFTY KILLS!"

Fifty people cheer. Their cries of awe, admiration, and boosted confidence erupt into their forested training ground.

Yes, some are envious, Korra and Nobura's grumpy expressions showing they are equally—if not more envious—than the others. Yet even they cannot help the small smile that tugs on their lips at the end. Because as envious of Naruto's skill as they are, they know one thing with certainty… Naruto is now on par with the recently infamous Levi Ackerman.

Dubbed: Humanity's Strongest.

With Naruto up there and the knowledge of Korra and Nobura soon joining such heights, talk spreads within the division of it now being a class far above the normal soldier.

And while only fifty-four cadets remain (counting Naruto, Korra, Nobura, and Shikamaru), these men and women in the southern division of Wall Rose are about to make history.

They will be the only division to have all their graduates join the Scouting Legion.

All thanks to the inspiration of one boy—no, teen—nay, man, Keith Shadis corrects himself. Oh, he'll get flack for it, he knows, but his past in the Scouting Legion makes him vow that he will go through hell and back for these Cadets.

Especially for the blonde man who now gives them hope.

Heading back to his quarters, Keith makes up his mind. But first, to make a good excuse for what he's about to do next.

=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===

Flipping open his files, he reads his notes carefully on the four most promising Cadets and two others who will soon prove just as useful to Scouting legion.

He starts with the two others.

Cadet Haruno and Cadet Yamanaka.

While average to above average in skill, these girls are book smart on wildlife, medicine and other related areas, and Titan theory. Hange will be pleased when they'll join her. Their true potential might only be unlocked once they join the scouts.

He frowns somewhat. Since the two are, as his notes say, average, he expected his notes to be short. Being proven right in that regard, however, is far from pleasing.

Setting aside the two names, the commandant moves on to the first of the four notable Cadets.

Cadet Nara.

While the smartest among all the Cadets, his physical prowess is that of low-elites. His intelligence is only challenged by Cadet Uzumaki's ability to think on the fly and create creative solutions to problems. Cadet Nara's strength lies in strategy and he can now easily give Erwin a run for his money. While the best at all things academic, his true potential lies on the battlefield as a commander, although starting as captain won't prove to be a challenge as long as he gets good members on his team. His father would be proud.

Nodding in Satisfaction, Keith Shadis moves to the next of the big four of note.

Cadet Kugisaki.

While brash and insulting to her peers save her betters, she means well. By far, her strength lies in her agility and flexibility which allows her to pull off maneuvers not thought possible or even downright risky. Her weakness is her strength; she's not strong enough to slice through a titan's nape without sufficient speed. When she does, however, her technique is flawless; her blade control is excellent which will allow her to use her blades for far longer. She's more of a follower than a leader, and she also has a competitive side which is what helped her improve so fast with just a month of training. She's no one-woman army, but when paired with Cadet Korra, they can almost give the most gifted boy in this division a run for his money.

Speaking of Korra…

Cadet Korra.

She is far more antagonistic to her betters than even Cadet Kugisaki. However, her competition with Cadet Uzumaki has reigned her in. She's reckless but gifted. While she does face discrimination for her skin tone, it has not hindered her. Cadets Uzumaki, Nara, and Kugisaki are the only ones to not care about it throughout the division. The slight discrimination aside, her strength is also her weakness; she is an all-rounder. Jack of all trades, master of none, and alone she is easily a high-elite. Paired with Kugisaki, as per Shikamaru's recommendation, they can easily fit in the category of Humanity's Strongest. Korra is a born leader and follower, more fit for the position of a captain than a commander due to her recklessness. Cadet Uzumaki, however, strongly disagreed with me when I asked him for his opinion. Still, Cadet Korra is by far the second most gifted member of this southern division.

Sighing, Keith moves his attention to the most gifted of the four… and equally the most troublesome. He grabs his pencil and starts to write a new file seeing as the old one… is considerably out of date after the blonde's latest display of skills.

Cadet Uzumaki.

Jack of all trades, Master of few. This boy knows no limit. He will stagnate for a bit, only to suddenly improve out of nowhere. His methods of improvement are unknown, although many suspect he's just a hard worker. However, let it be known that during his first day using the 3DM, he managed a perfect balance. He even found out I sabotaged his equipment and didn't bother fixing it and he was still balancing! Professionalism be damned, this kid needs to graduate now! He's also a natural leader who can show compassion for his subordinates. He was the one to help many of the other cadets when they were struggling which easily won him their loyalty. That was two weeks into the training and by that time, almost half of the division dropped out. The rest only stayed thanks to him.

Frowning, Keith takes a break with a cup of coffee. "Fucking documents", he bitterly thinks. His break finished; he continues.

Cadet Uzumaki has proven himself to be fit for the position of commander as he playfully competes in wargames with Cadet Nara showing that while his long-term strategy is below Cadet Nara's gift for strategy, his creativity for thinking on the fly can even stupefy Cadet Nara on occasion. He is also a kinesthetic learner; telling him how to fire a weapon is a chore, but let him practice and he's a fucking sponge. His hand-to-hand combat prowess is also nothing to scoff at. He PLAYS with Cadet Korra AND Cadet Kugisaki AT THE SAME TIME. He's an oriental above other orientals. If my assessment is current, he can easily match Levi Ackerman and maybe be just slightly above him. He needs to graduate now. His skills are a waste to be in here for the next three years. He needs immediate experience.

Setting down his pencil, Keith Shadis sighs. It would be unfair to the other three if they couldn't graduate as well, however… Sighing again, the commandant takes his files to report them to his superior.

Darius Zackly.

He will need approval from the big man himself if he wants to have four individuals graduate ONE FUCKING MONTH into their training. He'll bring the big man if need be! These children are humanity's hope! Especially Cadet Uzumaki! He must get these four into active service immediately!

With his mind made up, he sets off.

=== (Wings of a butterfly) ===

Night comes fairly quickly for the men and women of the southern division of Wall Rose. In the dining hall, the loud cheers of the fifty remaining regular recruits resound through its walls.

Sakura and Ino, for their part, partake in the feast. While they may be recruits of note, they are still part of the 'regs,' as they call themselves. Nothing demeaning, of course; especially with the knowledge of the capabilities of the four 'elites' as they lovingly call the four cadets who are above and beyond them in terms of skill.

Especially Naruto. The guy helped them when they needed it most, and he still helps them. It did not take long for his act of helping to foster a bond among the rest. A bond where the cadets now help each other out of instinct.

Yet while the fifty go about their feast courtesy of the order of their Commandant after Naruto's stunning display earlier in the day, the four elites are away doing their own thing.

Shikamaru can be found meditating in his room. His mind races through all the possibilities on what to do with Naruto's martial prowess when it comes to working with others. Needless to say, the possibilities are nearly limitless. He wears a black sleeveless shirt paired with his pants for the next day. He has the mindset of always being ready for anything.

Korra, in the meanwhile, can be seen on the roof of the female's barracks if anyone bothers to look up. She gazes up onto the moon, the cool air keeping her company. She wears a blue sleeveless oriental-style shirt and dark blue pants and brown slip-on boots.

Nobura, for her part, is dressed in a loose black sleeveless top that shows her midriff. Her lower wear is covered only by white undergarments. She sits cross-legged on her bed whilst reading by the open window behind her to allow the moonlight to light her pages.

As for Naruto, well…

From the corner of her eye, Nobura catches a glimpse of him as a reflection on the window glass. He stands outside staring up into the stars, although his eyes are unfocused. Almost as if lost in thought.

Wearing his habitual orange shirt paired with his black pants makes him hard to miss. Yet for some reason, people always notice him only at the last possible moment. A puzzle that remains unsolved to this very day.

"Yo, Naruto!"

Blinking, the blonde turns to face the girl by the window. "Nobura," he smiles. "What's up? How's my favourite hot-headed orange head doing?"

The girl rolls her eyes. "You're only saying that because orange is your favourite colour and my hair is a shade of orange."

"Well, it certainly suits you though."

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me, blondie."

Naruto snorts. "I'm not looking…" and then he gives her a knowing smile. "But if you're offering, I won't turn you down."

"Please. We've only known each other for a month."

Shrugging, he leans on the wall right by the window. "Well, we'll be graduating soon."

Eyeing him suspiciously, Nobura asks. "And how would you know that?"

"I made sure that my performance today would be too good to pass up. That and the commandant would want me to graduate with a squad. You, Korra, and Shika are the only ones who can keep up with me."

Their eyes lock.

"Okay, maybe not Shika in terms of speed, but his smarts make him invaluable. It would be stupid to keep a powerhouse team like us back here in reserve."

A new voice pops up. "Hey-ya!"

"GYAAAAAH!" Naruto almost pales. He purposely ignores the smirk Kugisaki is giving him behind his back

"Sorry," Korra sheepishly says as she looks at the two from the roof. "Anyway, you seem quite sure of yourself, Naruto."

Pointing, he goes, "First, won't you get a headache with your head looking down on us from there? Second, I'm not certain, but it's the most likely thing to happen."

With her head still upside down, Korra smiles. "Nope!"

"Okaaaay…" Naruto shivers. "That creepy smile isn't revenge for pushing you guys to your limits earlier, right?"

The smile can only widen. "Of course, not~! Why would you think that?"

He scoffs a laugh. "Gee, I wonder why. Besides, it's not my fault both of you are super competitive."

"Yeah! I'm still here, by the way?!" Nobura says.

"Oh please, I just joined in."

"Yeah, now shoo. I'm talking with blondie."

Backflipping and gracefully landing, Korra smirks. "Why? You jealous I'm getting all his attention?"

"Please, like I'd date him."

"Sleeping with him is still an option."

"Korra, are you just horny or are you doing this just to piss me off? Oh wait, is it a little bit of both?"

"Listen here you little bitch, I—"

"Enough."

The two girls shut up. They both turn to their subject in question and notice his frown. His voice was measured, but the way he said that one word… well, it had the full of power that was fit for a commander.

"I'm going for a jog. No fighting while I'm gone. Cool your heads while I'm at it."

Taking off at measured speed, the two watch as the blonde vanishes into the night.

"... That was hot."

"Yeah…"

"I think I'll do him."

"You sure that isn't the one month of gruelling training talking?"

"Might be. He was also the one who got us into that mess though."

"Well, that's true, but…"

"But nothing. I'm doing him. He isn't bad looking either and he cares for his subordinates."

"Subordinates? You're a submissive type?"

"Are you?"

"I didn't take you for one."

"You're dodging the question."

"So are you."

"…"

"…"

"Sooo… we're sharing him?"

"Usually? I'd say no… but something tells me both of us will be a match for him."

"In more ways than the killing of titans?"

"In more ways than the killing of titans."

"…"

"…"

"He isn't taken already, right?"

"Not that I know. I think he's still free game."

"You think if we included Sakura and Ino they'd wanna join in?"

"Wanna ask?"

"Wanna find out if he can last with both of us first?"

"…"

"…"

"I think we should go eat while there's still food or just sleep."

"Yeah… wanna go get food?"

"Yeah… I'll change clothes first."

"Same here…"

Neither notice a bored man walking away.

=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===

Naruto sighs as he pops his joints while the cool night air blows gently across his skin. He stands within the forested area of the training ground as he looks to the dummy titans. Slow, mechanically lumbering… and utterly predictable. How the rest fail to fully grasp such a test makes him wonder.

These things can only get them so far.

"Yo." A man calls from the trees before standing beside his fellow cadet. "Can't sleep?"

"Shikamaru. You followed me here?"

"I couldn't sleep," he shrugs.

"If you're looking to sleep with me, I don't swing that way," Naruto says giving distance.

"Fuck no," Shikamaru snorts in amusement. "I already have someone and she's in the eastern division of Wall Maria."

"That's far."

"It allows her to visit her family on the weekends."

"Alright, that's fair then."

"Thinking of improving these puppets?"

"Am I that obvious?"

"No. I thought you were basking in your earlier glory."

"I'm not a total ass."

"Guess not. That aside, these dummies don't reflect the potential for abnormals."

"It's probably because they're rare."

"Something tells me you agree though."

"I do. Abnormals will be a problem when they're encountered. We've yet to see any, but if the reports from the scouts are anything to go by, even these dummies are nothing. Titans see us and chase us no matter how slow they are. These things just move around like idiots."

"You wanna replace them with dummies that act like real titans?"

"Ideally, yes."

"But without real titans to base them on, let alone real abnormal ones, what can we do?"

"Nothing… We can do nothing but train the rest to the best of our abilities."

"Odd of you to give up so easily."

"It's because of the resources, Shika. Too much is required to build just one normal one, and that's IF we manage to make improvements on these. How much more resources are needed for abnormal titan puppets?"

"The resource you're talking about… it isn't wood, huh?"

"No. It's time."

"You sound like you know something bad is going to happen."

"It's a gut feeling. The wash-outs? I can care less about them. But the ones that stayed? Tell me, Shika, surely you also think that them dying won't be for the best."

"Decisions will have to be made, Naruto."

"I know. I can make them. But the longer we survive with more lives, the more we can get to the bottom of this."

"Yeah… get some sleep. The two cooled down already and went to get something to eat."

"Ha! Really? That was fast." Naruto snorts in amusement. "I thought they'd actually fight once I left."

"Nah. Good luck though."

Naruto feels a chill. "Huh?"

"Nothing. I'm heading back ahead."

Eying him wearily, Naruto hums before shrugging. He passes off an even colder chill as just the weather.

=== (Announcements) ===

Please give "High Priestess Marci" by author "annbe11" and "Dragon's Blood: Bound in Blood" by author "ErrantTalisman" a read! Great stories by these great authors.

Use the search bar to look for their stories OR their usernames, OR use the category of "DOTA: Dragon's Blood" which is SEPARATE from just "DOTA". I'll be adding my own fanfic in DOTA: Dragon's Blood soon.

=== (TBC) ===

[Finished on February 19, 2022]

[16:15 hours, Philippines]

[Proofread on February 19, 2022]

[17:24 hours, Philippines]