[Started on March 1, 2022]
[15:01 hours, Philippines]
=== (User reviews) ===
I've answered all of you via the Private Message feature.
=== (Guest review) ===
To the guest who said, "Awesome story! Please keep writing."
Thanks! Also, in any future chapters, I'll only reply to guest reviews with critiques, complaints, and questions from now on to save space.
=== (Important) ===
For names that are English in writing but are said with accents, I've added accents to them with the intent of people reading them with the accents.
Mike, for example, is pronounced as "Mih-keh" hence I will show it as "Miké"
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
=== (Chapter 4: Bathe in Blood) ===
Mikasa sighs. In just two months, she's already missing that blonde boy. Badly, she might add. Oh, how she dreams of him! How she wishes to tackle him when she sees him again! That type of reunion would be glorious! How he'd catch her and twirl her in his arms! Like a princess! His princess!
The thought alone makes her blush, which only brightens when she buries her face further into his scarf.
How she hated to wash it! By the walls! When she fell after chasing after Eren the month before, she gave him a piece of her mind. But like many childhood fights with close friends, she forgave him… eventually.
Now, at four in the morning, Mikasa—and her parents and siblings too, although they aren't in her thoughts now—makes her way to the home of the Jaeger family. She might as well keep busy while Naruto is away.
That and maybe learn a recipe or two from Carla Jaeger to hopefully impress her Naruto-kun.
"Wait…"
She blushes up a storm if she wasn't already.
"MY Naruto-kun?!"
One could swear that they'd see steam rising from her ears and her face glowing in the night that will soon turn to morning.
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
Darius Zackly, the head of all three military branches, sits silently as dawn approaches. But for now, as night still reigns, he stares at the candle on his desk while his mind looks back on the events of the day before and only one thing escapes his lips.
"By the walls…"
Keith Shadis grins. "I told you, Zackly. His skills are wasted here. The three combined into his team will be the hope for humanity! We already have Levi, but now we have four more just around his skill!"
Zackly nods. "I agree. And you said in your report that they all wish to join the scouts?"
"That's correct."
"Then so be it. The Military Police might cause an uproar, so we'll have to pacify them somehow."
Keith Shadis frowns. "Politics."
"Diplomacy," Zackly offers. "You know how much power they hold."
"Fine. How will we do it?"
Zackly hums, his eyes close in thought, and a heavy breath escapes him. "There's a family the Military Police are showing interest in. Let them guard them for a week before sending them off to the scouts. However," a heavy sigh escapes him again, "I want them to be free for today. They are officially the youngest and fastest graduates of the Training Corps."
"I'll give them the news. The rest of the trainees will want to Celebrate, Zackly."
"I know… I could tell from their cheers yesterday." The man stands, "Let them celebrate, Shadis. It's not every day that humanity finds new hope."
"Understood."
Walking over to the window as the door closes upon Keith's exit, Zackly looks out onto the city below him. His thoughts are occupied by one man and his crazy skill that can certainly match and maybe even outmatch Levi.
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
In the early morning, just before dawn breaks, Naruto Uzumaki is dressed like all the others are dressed today; in a top of their choosing while their lower wear consists of their required military gear, skirt, harnesses, boots, and all.
Naruto's top is specifically that of a tight black shirt that hugs his toned build with a relatively broad chest and shoulders—a contrast to most other boys who have a straight and lean build. His shirt is covered by an orange jacket. He watches as the rest of his class celebrates an achievement that isn't theirs, but one of their own. Granted, it makes sense, since they also benefit from it, but the genuine happiness they give off makes the blonde man smile. As his class continues to celebrate outside the barracks, Naruto finishes packing his things just as dawn breaks.
"So, Naruto, what will you be doing today?"
Naruto turns to the voice—by the door to the male's barracks—and smiles. "Nobura," he greets. Her top is a black button shirt that hugs her form tightly—an intentional fit, he's sure. "I'm going back to Shingashina. I only have today to do this anyway." He pauses. "What about you?"
Nobura, ever the sassy lass that she is, leans her side against the door frame with her arms crossed. "Mind if I come with?"
Naruto blinks. "Huh?"
"I don't really have anywhere to go," Nobura shrugs. "Besides, shouldn't you feel honoured that you're being accompanied by a woman as gorgeous as I?"
As the light finally touches the entire camp, Naruto can't help but smile as the sunlight compliments Nobura's appearance. "I guess I should."
"You guess?"
Naruto smirks. "Oh, no. No-no-no-no-no. You're amazing. But so is Korra—" Naruto catches a hammer aimed for his face "—and she's less likely to murder me when I compliment other girls."
"Only because she likes girls too," Nobura says with a roll of her eyes.
Naruto shrugs. "That aside, I thought you're coming with me?"
"Phrasing," Nobura smirks; a smirk which the blonde returns.
"Let's go, stop blocking the door."
Shrugging herself off the doorframe, Nobura mockingly motions for him to 'lead the way.'
"So, where's Korra anyway?"
Nobura clicks her tongue. "Again, with Korra?"
"I made a promise to her," Naruto shrugs. "She's an orphan like me, you know."
"This is the first time I'm hearing this."
"Huh? Wait, really?"
"Don't 'wait, really' me, Whiskers. You don't share much of yourself. Instead! You just train, train, train, and train—"
"And train some more?"
"AND! Train some more! Sheesh. No wonder both of you get along so well. My chances with you are going down as we speak!
Naruto laughs. "Well, if it's any comfort, I haven't done it yet."
Nobura Kugisaki sighs. "That's not the point." Naruto just smiles at her, which prompts her to send him a glare. "You know what, fine. Korra's probably already gone to get you tickets. IF you told her where you're going, anyway."
"Ahhh, aren't you just the sweetest, Nobura?" Naruto smiles and pats her head. "Thank you." And his smile turns into a grin. "That wasn't so hard, now, was it?"
"Not as hard as you'll be if we do each other, and not as sweet as I am down here," Nobura smirks when Naruto coughs away to hide a blush. "Cute."
"Right, sure."
Nobura gives an inward cheer! It is a rare thing when she or Korra manages to fluster the boy, and so they celebrate every time they manage to do so. Thus, the trip down to where the wired boats are is a relatively silent one.
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
Erwin Smith, the current commander of the Scouting Legion, can be found at his desk with four folders in front of him—all of which are open. His eyes are closed, his mind processing their contents.
"Four trainees who showed so much exceptional skill that they graduated in two months' time—only because Zackly needed to play politics. Otherwise, we could have had these kids with us a month ago, just a few weeks after we got Levi." Erwin's eyes settle for a glare. It is aimed at the door, but not at the man who enters.
"Erwin," the man greets. "I heard that we have new recruits coming in in a week?"
"Miké," Erwin nods. "We do. They're promising. Very promising. Especially this boy," he tosses the related folder which Mike catches. "Naruto Uzumaki. Zackly and even Shadis say he's a match for Levi, maybe even stronger."
Miké speaks after giving the file a quick read. "He's fit to lead his own squad right off the bat."
"Yes."
"But there's a problem?"
"Indeed." Erwin stands. "Zackly wishes to play politics… because he needs to play politics." Walking over to the window, he sighs.
"Meaning?"
"Zackly told me that to please the MP who want all the most skilled people with them, he'd give these kids to them and if in a week, they wish to stay, they shall."
"Something smells fishy."
"Well… that's probably because this will be the first time in humanity's history where an entire division will join the scouts once the rest graduate. In fact, it might even be the only time in human history."
"I see… and it says here," Miké motions to the report in his hands, "that Naruto would already be fit for the role of commander? If anything, the only thing he's lacking is experience? Is there really such a person capable of that?"
"Well, he's one of two. The other one is Shikamaru Nara. You remember his father?"
Miké nods. "Saved our lives on many occasions, he did. Brilliant strategies, but his laziness is what got you chosen as our commander."
"Yes, well, thanks to Naruto, we might have Shikamaru with us in a week's time." Heading back to his seat, Erwin pretty much plops down. "That aside, how are the preparations for our next sortie?"
"Well, everything seems to be on schedule, although this is really more of Zoë's area."
"That's fine. Besides… I think we should postpone it until we get these four kids with us."
Miké raises a brow. "You sound quite sure of the outcome."
Erwin nods and clasps his hands in front of him. "I am. The problem won't be them, but the Military Police."
"Do you think Zackly can pull some strings?"
Closing his eyes, Erwin says, "We shall see."
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
The morning fully arrives. Naruto and Nobura get on the boat-ark thing to find Korra waiting for them with her hand on her hip as she leans on one side. Korra wears a thin blue hoodie, but underneath she wears a black version of her usual blue oriental-styled sleeveless shirt. "You two certainly took your time."
Before Nobura can utter out anything to tick Korra off, Naruto speaks. "I'm sorry to have kept the beauty waiting—GAH! Hey! Nobura~! Don't hit me!"
"Not my fault you're choosing to ignore this beauty right here."
Naruto blinks. "Huh?! There's another beauty?" He quickly looks around saying, "where?! Where?!" Only to laugh a moment later as he dodges a flying fist courtesy of Nobura. "Relax, will you?"
Korra smirks. "Jealous, Nobura?"
"Like hell!"
"Aww, maaaan."
The three cadets turn to the new voice.
"I thought I could at least escape you three for a day."
Naruto bursts out laughing while Korra and Nobura smile. "Shikamaru! What are you doing here?"
Shikamaru, wearing a tight black shirt over his lean build, clasps Naruto's hand and exchanges a quick brotherly hug before replying. "My girl's still in training, no thanks to you getting me out early."
"Phrasing~!" Naruto sing-songs.
"Ahhh, bloody hell." The Nara boy puts an arm around Naruto's head before giving him a noogie. "Don't imply things that aren't meant, dammit."
Naruto laughs while the two girls match a pose looking at the two boys.
"So, Shikamaru, mind if we get our boy-toy back?" Both girls say in sync.
"Hey! I'm not a boy-toy. That's an objectification on a guy!"
"Yeah, here, you can have him."
"Hey! Why'd you betray me like that, Shikamaru?"
The said Nara boy rolls his eyes at Naruto's crocodile tears. Leave it to the blonde to act like a child even at the age of fifteen.
"Alright! That's the last of it!" The conductor calls. "First boat-ark thingy-ma-jiggy to Shingashina, ready to depart!"
Naruto smiles. "I'm finally going home."
=== (Wings of a butterfly) ===
In mid-morning, one can find Mikasa smiling and waving as the form of Grisha Jaeger disappears behind a building. Behind her, Eren huffs and growls as Carla Jaeger (Eren's mother) tells him to sit down and finish his breakfast.
"This isn't fair at all, mom!"
That remark earns him a smack on the head "Eren, be quiet! You're eleven! Stop acting like an immature child." Turning to the girl, Carla says, "Mikasa, dear, what of Naruto?"
Puffing her cheeks with a blush, Mikasa answers. "It's only been two months, Miss Carla. I'm sure he's still busy training."
"Hmm~?"
Warning bells start ringing inside the younger Ackerman's head. That sing-song tone of a hum? Is NOT a good sign.
"So, he's still busy training. I wonder how he'll look when he's done."
"W-why would you wonder that?"
And here, Mikasa freezes as Carla's smile goes wide and toothy. "Ohhh, you know. In three years, you'll be fourteen, he'll be eighteen… and from what you and your mother tell me, he's already fit for his age. Imagine when's he's older."
"It-It's not l-like t-that!"
Carla bursts out laughing. "Ohhh, Mikasa. So easy."
"I'm not easy!"
"Of course, dear," Carla concedes. "Now come. Let's buy some fruits, shall we?" A nod of agreement makes Carla smile. "Eren?" she calls. "Do you want to come along and help us with some shopping?"
Eren's response is… a typical groan of annoyance. "What? Why do I have to go?"
"I guess you'll just let Mikasa carry everything then."
"WHAT?! No! NO! NO! I'll go! I'll go! Come on Mikasa!"
Carla watches with a knowing smile as Eren runs out the door, Mikasa's hand in his. Taking her shawl and basket, Carla follows swiftly.
The market square is a blur. Carla and Mikasa choose good fruit, Eren chooses good meat—as usual—Carla supposes. They also pass by Mikasa's parents who are selling their own goods in the form of flowers and hides. As for Carla, well… on the bright side, at least when Mikasa is around, Eren is more behaved than he usually is, which is saying a lot if one dares to ask Carla for her thoughts on the matter. "The benefits of boys and their crushes on girls, I guess."
"Mikasa! Eren! Miss Carla!"
The threesome turns to look and find the source to be a blonde boy with blue eyes. His hair is neck-length, and he runs out of breath as he reaches them.
"Armin!" Eren greets. Mikasa simply nods in greeting. "Hey! I told you! You should build up strength, remember!"
"I told you too, Eren," Armin groans out with a pant. "I'm not like you. I don't want to join the Scouts."
"What?!"
The two boys' faces pale.
"Since when?!"
"Armin! I told you not to—"
"Shut it, young man!" Carla huffs. "Armin, you will be joining us for lunch, won't you?"
"Y-yes, Miss Jaeger." Armin quickly adds, "B-BUT I need to ask let my grandfather know so I have to go now! B-bye!"
"Huh," Mikasa thinks. "For someone who was panting earlier, he sure can run fast when it's Miss Carla."
"Now, Eren."
Shit. "Y-yes, m-mom?"
"Let's go home. We have a lot to talk about."
The boy sighs. "Dammit. Why can't she see that our future lies beyond the walls!"
Mikasa, for her part, sighs. "Come on, Eren. Let's go—"
ZAP-BAM! CRASH! Frightened screams are drowned out by the loud bang! Everyone on their feet falls! Mothers who hold babes clutch them tightly to their bosom lest they fall and hit their heads! Men carrying logs stumble! Their cargo clanking and cluttering the street! Horses neigh and carts buckle! Eren, Carla, and Mikasa, along with a few others, are the first to get up.
It is Eren who sees the cloud of smoke… no, wait… steam?
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
"EREN!"
The said boy rushes back to the market square, his mother demanding he stops as she chases after him with Mikasa close behind thanks to Carla grabbing her hand.
"EREN!" They finally catch up! "Don't go running away like that! You made me worry—HEY! Are you even listening to me, young man?!"
But Eren does not respond. Instead, he stands—frozen, and he is not alone. When Carla and Mikasa notice this, they realize that almost all of the people are looking up. Up to where their son also looks. But they do not look to the sky. No.
They look to the wall.
The giant wall of Shingashina. The wall that protected humanity for hundreds of years; the wall used as the last barrier for the famed Scouting Legion; that wall that made everyone forget the danger that roams beyond it.
CRUNCH!
"No way…"
And they look to the red giant skinless hand…
"That wall's fifty meters tall!"
And they see a skinless head that rises above and beyond it.
His next words are a whimper. "It-It's one of them… A-a… a titan…"
The people in Shingashina see it bring its head forward… but no one within Shingashina sees the colossal titan bring its leg back.
B-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-M!
People are knocked off their feet! Few are flung by the shockwave and sudden wall of air!
And then comes the rain.
A rain of rocks! Giant stones scatter from the once strong gates! A storm of giant debris soars overhead splattering the streets with red! They crush buildings! They turn mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters—even babes—into red mist or a new coat of red paint on the walls! They do not discriminate! They do not hesitate! They do falter!
Nay!
It is the humans who falter!
For when the survivors rise after their fall, they see the carnage! The trio sees a nearby mother crying by a red-stained boulder, street, and house with her child by her side! Plebians run for their lives whilst trampling children and elderly and anyone who falls!
And the cry of horror runs through.
"THEY'RE HERE! THE TITANS ARE IN THE WALLS!"
Carla thinks fast! With each hand grabbing one of the children, she makes a break for the gates!
"Mom! What about Armin!? We need to check on Armin!"
Carla Jaeger heard her son's cries. She truly did. But the voice in her head wanted her to focus on one thing and one thing only: getting her son and the daughter of the Ackerman family to safety.
But her stubbornness costs her.
To her horror, Eren yanks his arm free! "UGH! THAT BOY!" Fury shines in her eyes as she chases after him! "EREN!"
"M-Miss Carla! My parents! I need to go to my parents!"
But Carla Jaeger only has her boy in mind. "EREN!"
And just as she's doing to Mikasa, Eren ignores her. "Armin!" Rounding a corner, the brunette boy volts over fallen crates slowing his mother and Mikasa down. He rounds another corner, his mind racing with one chanting thought. "It's just around that corner! It's just around that corner! Armin's house is just—"
And then he sees it.
Armin's widened eyes, Armin's bloodied hands holding onto his grandfather's hat, and Armin himself standing frozen… looking down at the bloodied rock.
"Armin!" Eren rushes over, horror and tears in his eyes. "Armin! Come on! Let's go!"
And then his mother reaches them. "Eren! What—oh no… Armin…" Her eyes widen in horror as Armin remains frozen in place.
Mikasa fairs no better, but as she watches Carla Jaeger try and push Eren and Armin onwards, arguing with Eren no less, something else catches her attention. Thud-crunch, thud-crunch, thud… crunch, and her neck… turns. Deep in her mind, she knows what walks behind her. But her fears are proven when she sees the source. They were not just any thuds. They were stomps. Heavy. Giant. Stomps.
A titan, fourteen meters tall, stares at her. Its only other notable features are its black hair and frowning face… which soon turns into a sinister smile.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! NOOOOOOOOOO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"
Armin's and the two arguing Jaegers' heads snap to the cries and what they see makes their blood freeze. "Mikasa!" The two manage to shout as they see Mikasa in the hands of the titan.
But a child and his mother can do nothing against a titan.
"NOOOOOO! LET ME GOOOO! LET ME GOOOOO!" Tears stream down her face, her cries now mix with sobs, and as Mikasa nears the Titan's maw, one face, one name, rings in her mind. "NARUTOOOOOOO!"
SHINK!
"RRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"
"Hannes!"
Mikasa's eyes snap open as she's snatched from the air. Hannes, a middle-aged blonde man, sweats bullets as he crash-lands back-first onto the street before immediately getting up and hoisting Mikasa onto his shoulder before grabbing Eren and slinging him under his arm. "Carla! Let's go! We have to move!"
"But what about Armin!?"
"Eren!" The boy's eyes lock with his mother as the woman grabs Armin and drags his stumbling form along, and for the first time in his life, he sees a fire of rage and righteous fury burn in Carla Jaeger's eyes. Even as they run to the rear gate of Shingashina, their eyes remain locked. Her next words shut him up. "YOU ALMOST GOT MIKASA KILLED! IF HANNES WASN'T HERE! YOU'D HAVE GOTTEN HER DEAD!"
His head snaps up at Mikasa, her hair obscuring her face, her silent sobs still managing to be choked out, but he sees the glint… a reflection from her eyes—a glare—directed at him. And he feels his heart twist. And something rages within him, for he knows one thing for certain.
This… This was not meant to be.
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
Noon arrives, and with two hours remaining on their voyage, the walls are finally on the horizon. Shikamaru lazes about—as expected, Nobura is looking off into the distance where the walls grow as they get closer, and Korra and Naruto, well… Naruto sighs as Korra lies her head on his thigh.
"I thought it's usually guys that rest their heads on thighs."
"Hey, Naruto! Check this out!"
The blonde quirks a brow. Shrugging, he gently stirs Korra to get off him before he stands, dusts himself, and walks over Nobura. "What's up?" He follows Nobura's pointing finger.
"Two riders."
"Riders?" Naruto squints. "Those aren't scouts… and their horses look tired already."
Nobura Kugisaki nods. "Civilians?"
"Only one way to find out," Naruto says, but his face grows dim. "Something feels weird though… like something's wrong."
The two can do nothing except wait for the riders to get closer. They hail the riders once they're in earshot causing some of the other passengers to listen in or to even stand and see what's going on. The two riders ride up, panting along with their horses. Before either Naruto or Nobura can send them a greeting, one rider shouts.
"GO BACK! GO BACK!"
"WHAT?! WHY?!" Nobura shouts back in shock. Of course, she does. She can't have spent the last five hours on this damn boat-ark thing only to be told to turn back while now being less than two hours away!
But the riders' next words chill everyone to the core.
"SHINGASHINA HAS FALLEN! GO BACK!"
"THE TITANS MADE IT IN!"
And none more so than Naruto Uzumaki. What jolts him from his thoughts is the sudden stopping of the vessel. He turns and sees—to his horror—that the gears have reversed. They're going back… to let those in Shingashina die so that they may live.
In a burst of rage, Naruto goes to the man in charge of directing the ark, slugs him with enough strength to break his jaw, and his intentions are made clear when he pulls the lever to direct the ark back towards Shingashina. A man tries to stop him, but Naruto will have none of it. Instead? Naruto breaks the man's arms before smashing the guy's face onto the wooden railings. No flashy technique, just a swift execution of combat. Taking in his surroundings, he notices the fear present in all the common folk, but the amazement in the eyes of his three fellow graduates. And it is to the commonfolk that he speaks.
"You're all weak. You all disgust me. You didn't train to be soldiers, and just now you tried to turn tail and run. You bitches couldn't even think of saving others and only thought about saving yourselves. Fine! Feel free! But you'll have to get through me first! Any takers?!" Silence looms over them. "None?! GOOD! Shingashina! We board as much as we can then head back! I'm not asking you cowards to fight! BUT HAVE SOME COMMON HUMAN DECENCY TO HELP OTHERS YOU SHITS!"
The others look down in shame and fear save for his three friends who nod at him in approval.
Now, with an hour and forty-five minutes remaining, Naruto Uzumaki curses this world. A world with no chakra, a world where even the slightest deviation from the norm can cause one's death… sure, he might not die—he's pretty much a god when compared to the humans in this world—but having the entire world against him won't suit his mission. And… he supposes, after memories of his old world resurface for but a moment… all he really wants—all he really wanted, rather—was to live like a normal human.
"I guess those plans are down in the fucking dirt."
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
Hannes huffs before slowing to a walk and putting the two children down.
"Hannes?"
"Sorry, Carla. Looks like months of always drinking alcohol and not doing anything to keep my form has finally gotten to me," he pants before straightening his back. "But we can't stop. We have to keep moving."
"Agreed. Eren?" Carla motions. The boy, surprisingly or unsurprisingly, takes her hand. Good, at least he's obedient now. "Mikasa?" The girl's response is to just walk ahead. "Armin, dear?" All she receives is an emotionless nod.
"M-Mikasa, I'm so—"
"Shut up, Eren."
Mikasa's words make the boy flinch and his heart twist. All he has for comfort is his mother's free hand on his back before motioning him to move forward. Hannes is already ahead of them. They settle for a fast-walking pace for a few minutes before deciding to jog the rest of the way.
Minutes pass before the fivesome finally turns the corner that opens up to the rear gate of District Shingashina.
"FIRE!"
BOOM!
The five survivors duck just in time for a cannonball to soar past them and blow an arm off a distant titan.
"WHAT THE—HANNES?! MOVE IT! THE REST OF YOU! RELOAD!"
Hannes picks up Eren and Mikasa before dashing off while Carla lags just behind them, Armin still in her grasp.
"FUCK, HANNES! We almost killed you!"
"Aim at the titans, dammit!"
"These cannons can't aim for shit! We can only slow them down!"
Exiting through the other side of the gate, Hannes puts down the kids as Carla stops in front of him, Armin still in her hand. If he hazards a guess, the only thing keeping these four on their feet is the adrenaline still pumping. "Carla," his tone is grim. " I wish you safe travels. I have to go and help the others." Receiving a nod in return, Hannes jogs back to the gunners that fire at irregular intervals. "How long do you need to hold off?!"
BOOM!
"If you can help clear some titans that we're missing or at least distract them when they get close, we might be able to hold out for thirty minutes!" BOOM "Maybe more! If the stream of titans is slow!"
"And if I can't?!"
BOOM!
"Well, you better make yourself useful!" BOOM! "I have four cannons that are shit! Some other garrison boys are dead!" BOOM! BOOM! "I already sent two riders an hour ago to inform the scouts!" BOOM!
"Right. I'll gather some men to carry more ammunition and powder for you! Hopefully, we'll be—BOOM—hold them off until the scouts arrive!"
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
It is nearly mid-afternoon now, and with only two boats—as they call them—remaining, the people crowd and try to board the next boat to leave, few bothering to board the last one with more space. All the while, the people of Shingashina district sob, cry, and weep as the boats fill.
Thwack!
"LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS! LET MORE PEOPLE ON BOARD!"
Eren looks down at the boarding plank. Mikasa is in front of him, also looking down, but the boy feels it. He feels the rage, the fury of his earlier actions and what they almost cost him.
What they almost cost her.
So, his eyes snap wide when Armin holds his hand, life returning to both their eyes and although Armin's is a bit dull, the life still returns. His eyes now have a faint shine of blue—not as bright as before, that's certain, but they're there. The two boys lock eyes for a moment before they nod in silent agreement. They board with Carla following after them.
"Hey! What's that?!" A random voice pierces through the crowd.
It causes a domino as a few others ask 'what's what' and 'what? Where?' With people looking around, they finally see it.
"It's a boat!"
"A boat?! What—YES! IT'S A BOAT! THERE'S ONE MORE BOAT!"
"One more boat?!"
"What?! Where?! I can't see it!"
"It's really another boat!"
The crowd cheers as sighs of relief wash over them. Tears stream down their faces as their cries of salvation have been answered! By the walls! They'll live!
And so, as the newly arrived boat pulls up beside the first boat—the boat ready to leave—some of the garrison soldiers take notice. To their shock, a boy who looks no older than fifteen jumps across! He is a blonde boy with cerulean eyes and whisker-marked cheeks, and his orange hood brings all the attention to him, never mind his military lower wear.
"N-Naruto?!"
Turning, Naruto's eyes brighten before leaping and scooping up the girl who called his name "Mikasa!" He kisses her forehead before hugging her tightly! "You're safe!"
And then she finally breaks down. For a solid five minutes, the world seems to stop existing for the girl. All she cared about in those five minutes was being in Naruto's arms, in his warmth! By the walls! It's only been two months but still!
"Naruto."
Mikasa blinks. A girl? And Naruto loosens his hug.
"Naruto, we need to go."
It is another girl who calls for him now.
"Yeah," she hears Naruto reply making Mikasa's eyes widen! "No! Stay!" She clings to him! "Stay!" But she can't find her strength. Especially when Naruto removes her arms from around him.
"I'll be back, Mikasa," Naruto says, patting her head. "I'll see you on the other side." He kisses her forehead one more time before turning to look behind him allowing her to see who called him. Two girls, one in a blue hoodie, the other in a black button shirt that hugs her curves just right.
Mikasa grows a shade of red, embarrassed at being jealous of someone who is clearly more developed than her thanks to them being older.
But Naruto doesn't see it. Instead, his focus is on the two girls, and also on another person who lands beside them. "Shikamaru. I thought you'd laze about back there."
The Nara boy shrugs. "I have a bone to pick with titans." And for the first time since knowing each other, he gives off an aura similar to Naruto. "Move," he says to the crowd, and they all obey. They make way for him and his comrades before topping at the end of the boarding plank where a Garrison soldier stands guard. "Gear."
"Huh?! You're just kids—"
Naruto steps up from behind. "Do you even have the guts to fight these titans? No?! GREAT! NOW! GEAR!"
"R-Right by the gates…"
The four teens make their way through the crowd that parts for them. Whispers of shock, awe and some horror escape the common folk, but as the two girls follow Shikamaru, Naruto stays behind for but a moment. To give a simple instruction. "What are you all waiting for?! Board the boat-ark things—"
"It's a boat!" A civilian corrects!
"BOARD THE BOAT-ARK things orderly! You should be able to fit enough people now with a third boat!" He then goes to join his friends.
"Who's that guy?"
"No idea, but I'm not complaining… alright! You heard him! Half of you, go to the other side! Come on! The other half, start boarding the boat behind this! Can we fit any more women and children here?!"
"A few more!"
"Alright, let's move! Move! Move!"
Mikasa rests her hands on her chest as Carla joins her by her side. "Stay safe."
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
The group of four march into the armoury where Hannes and a few others can be seen loading the last boxes of cannonballs and gunpowder onto a cart. The distant booms of cannons show that at least those guns are being put to good use now if they never were before. Instead of asking permission or even announcing their presence, the four graduated cadets simply go over to where the swords, gas and gas canisters, and harnesses are. It is Hannes who spots them.
"What the—HEY! KIDS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
"We'll be fighting," Nobura says plainly.
"Yeah. Because you guys did a really great job, Garrison-guy," Korra says.
"The name's Hannes! And sarcasm is unbecoming of a young girl with a future!"
"Whatever you say, Garrison-guy." Korra finishes clipping her gear on.
"You're just teens!"
"We'll do a better job than you, that's for sure," Nobura says. "Naruto! We're ready!"
The blonde teen walks up to the blonde man and nods a greeting. "Hannes, was it?"
"Naruto, then?" Hannes grumbles.
"Good. Since you lads are already loading those things, I have one more request." Naruto points to the dusty guns just leaning on the wall. "All of that. Have them loaded and brought to—"
"HANNES!" Someone calls from outside! "THEY'RE CLOSING THE GATES!"
"Shit!" Naruto rushes past. "Guns! Get all the guns loaded! Now!" His three comrades follow close behind!
"But—"
"NOW!"
"Fucking kids!" Hannes swears before still getting a handful of muskets. "Jerome! Help me load these things!"
"The fuck?! For what?! Against titans?!"
"JUST HELP ME DAMMIT! TELL THE OTHERS TOO!"
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
"Shikamaru, thoughts?"
"Fifteen minutes. I can get them to keep the gates open for fifteen minutes! Good luck!" The Nara rushes off to the gatehouse leaving Naruto with Nobura and Korra by his side.
"Alright, ladies," Naruto smirks. "This isn't training anymore. Who wants first kill?"
"By all means, Whiskers, take the lead," Korra teases.
"Alright," Naruto removes his orange hoodie, which Korra follows by removing her blue hoodie leaving all three in black tops and their military lower wear. "Keep close."
The three make a break for the gate that stops a quarter-way down! "Gunners! Keep firing! Make sure they can't fight back! We'll take care of them for good!" And just like that, Naruto unleashes the hooks that fling him forward!
The gunners freeze in horror as Naruto flies towards the closest Titan's mouth! Suicidal freak!
BUT! To their awe! Naruto spins! He cuts through the titan's head before attaching a hook to the back of its nape and slicing clean through!
"Time to not get outdone! Nobura, you ready?!"
"Whenever you're ready, Korra!"
The two girls dash and then… ZIP! They fling themselves into the air! They tag-team the next titan while Naruto goes after a different one!
"F-FIRE! SUPPORT THE CRAZY KIDS! FIRE!"
"FIRING!"
BOOM!
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
BOOM! BOOM!
Shikamaru joins in! Instead of using blades, he takes two muskets, aims each one at a titan's eyes, and fires!
ROOOOOOAAAAAAR! The titan screams in rage—only for Naruto to silence it not a moment later. The blonde, too, uses the muskets in the same way, but in assistance to Korra and Nobura before taking care of his own problems and tossing his guns to Shikamaru who brings them back to be reloaded! The Garrison's morale rises, and they cheer even as the titans draw closer! Because the four strange teens take care of the titans with such efficiency that they now have a titan-free perimeter within the next twenty-five meters.
=== (Wings of a Butterfly) ===
After five minutes, Korra, Nobura, and Naruto land on the rooftops with grim looks on their faces. Their eyes scan their surroundings, the cannons grow quiet, yet the titans are flowing in en masse.
"I guess this is how the scouts feel when they return," Naruto mumbles. Yet it is loud enough for Korra to hear.
"Look on the bright side, we survived our first real encounter."
Naruto nods. That they did.
"Shall we fall back?" Nobura asks.
"Yeah, let's have them close the gate."
The threesome lands by the cannons where the gunners stand in stunned silence. Shikamaru jogs up to them before speaking. "Alright, job well done. Everyone, fall back behind the gates," he motions and everyone follows suit. "Oh, and Naruto… Mikasa got off the boat."
"What?"
"She got off the—"
"No, no-no-no-no-no. What do you mean she got off?! Where is she?!"
Shikamaru sighs. "Follow me."
The two teens make their way to the warehouse where they find Mikasa sitting on an overturned box—a relatively comfortable makeshift seat if they dare ask.
"Mikasa! What are you still—OOF!" Naruto is tackled by the girl who looks up at him with teary eyes.
Shikamaru chooses to leave them. "I'll go make sure the gates are closed."
This leaves Naruto and Mikasa as the only ones left. Grabbing her shoulders and looking her in the eyes, Naruto asks, "What are you still doing here?" his tone, serious.
"I… I wanted to make sure you didn't die…"
Naruto… sighs. "Foolish little girl." And then he hugs her. "Get on the next boat. I'll go get your parents and siblings, okay?"
"But—"
"No buts, Mikasa," Naruto says sternly. "Come."
"No! Naruto! You don't understand! They were there! They were in the market! They were there when it happened! Miss Carla grabbed me before I could do anything because Eren ran to find Armin!"
"WHAT?!" The room temperature drops, but it simply comes and goes like a ghost in the wind—once there, now gone, Instead, the chill is now in the blonde's tone. "I'll check the Market just in case, but they should have escaped, Mikasa."
"I'm eleven, Naruto! Not nine! I know they might not—"
"Then I'll still check." Naruto's tone holds no room for argument. "Now, come. Let's get you to Wall Rose first. I'll have one of my friends accompany you."
At first, the girl grows silent. But when Naruto's hand lands on top of her, their eyes lock, and her answer escapes her lips. "O-okay."
Exiting the warehouse, Naruto calls, "Kugisaki!"
The orange-haired girl jogs over with a raised brow "Sup?"
{"Take Mikasa with you. Guard with your life until she reunites with either her parents or a woman named Carla Jaeger when you get to wall Rose. Can you do that for me?"} Naruto's sudden shift from the common tongue to Oriental surprises both of the girls, but Nobura takes it in stride.
Smiling down at the girl, Nobura replies. {"I'm not good with kids, but I'll do my best."}
{"Y-You're an Oriental?"}
{"YUP! Now come. Naruto has important things to do."}
The two girls leave, but before they get too far, Naruto calls out to them. {"Kugisaki! Want me to let Korra join you?"}
{"Do you have that little faith in me, blondie?"}
Naruto smirks. {"I don't like taking chances that are not in my favour."}
{"Alright, sure. Just make it quick. The last boat's about to leave."}
"Korra!" Naruto calls, and just like Nobura, the woman in question comes jogging. "Join Nobura, please. Watch over Mikasa for me, will you?"
"Sure, but we're going on a date when you get back."
"Korra," the blonde warns.
"Alright, fine, I'll watch over her. But we're going on a threesome date when you get back and that's final."
Naruto clicks his tongue. {"That's technically harassment AND blackmail rolled into one,"} he says shifting back to Oriental.
Korra replies in kind, {"Only because it's a game we enjoy with each other, Blondie!"} And then she jogs off to join Nobura and Mikasa on the way back to Wall Rose.
For his part, Naruto jogs over to Shikamaru, glad to see the gates are closed, but now with the need to check the Market square, Naruto asks, "Shika. Any lifts nearby I can use?"
"What for?"
"I need to get up the wall. There's something I have to check."
Shikamaru's eyes narrow. "Not thinking of jumping off into the other side, are you?"
Naruto grins. "Got a telescope?"
Groaning, Shikamaru motions for him to follow, which he does, until they reach the lift. Then, the Nara shoves his two gas canisters into the blonde's hands. "You clearly didn't bother refilling, and I never used mine, so just in case."
Naruto stares down for a moment. He almost says 'but I don't need it,' but he catches himself. Now, of course, he doesn't need it; he has chakra. But to the others, he is simply another human. A fairly gifted human, but a human nonetheless… which is why he smiles at his friend—a friend who truly cares for him. "Thanks, Shika."
And off he goes.
The lift starts. The travel time is a good two minutes or so until he reaches the top. Meanwhile, his mind wanders to his two adoptive parents. How they welcomed him and taught him about the world, how they raised him as their own, how—
ZA-BAM!
His lift shakes! His thoughts are cut short! 'What the fuck' runs through his mind! The shaking lift disorients him just a bit before he gets his bearings.
And then he hears it.
BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM—
"No, not smashing…" his eyes widen! Stomping?! Nay! RUNNING! He looks down and… "SHIKAMARU GET OOOOOUUUUUUUU—"
BOOM! CRASH!
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Rage fills him! Naruto leaps from the lift, his eyes glowing red! As the God of Chaos said, his connection with Kurama's chakra is not severed! And he falls! PHISH! His hook catches the wall before swinging him to the threat below!
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" His rage-filled cries echo!
SHATTER!
"THE FUCK?!" Naruto screams in rage. "ARMOUR?!"
PSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Naruto's eyes widen! His skin sizzles! Steam surrounds him! BURNS him! "LIKE STEAM WILL STOP ME YOU LITTLE SHIT!" Jumping, he fires a hook to the Titan's nape! But they find no purchase. "STILL A BIG MISTAKE USING STEAM, FUCKWAD!" Naruto is forced to maneuver away, the steam consuming him!
But it is not his intention to leave the growing area of steam. Thinking fast, he takes out a handkerchief and wraps it around his lower face while his eyes burn! But that won't stop him!
For within the steam comes a blue glow. A blue glow that descends! Ready to make short work of the Armoured Titan's neck!
But the blue glow goes towards the ground and vanishes without making contact.
The steam-covered area is wide. Visibility is almost zero. And after a good minute, it begins to lessen, and Naruto walks out teary-eyed but alive. If only thanks to his healing factor. He sends out a small pulse of wind chakra, just enough to keep the steam away from him and create a small breeze that slowly brings the remaining steam away and into the sky.
Looking around, his face grows grim. Walking over to a bloodied boulder, the screams of titans entering through the back gates of Shingashina are drowned out by the look of Shikamaru's half-crushed body. There was no chakra to save him, and no hooks were with him since he gave Naruto his gas.
"N-Naruto… glad to see… you made it."
"Shika… I can… I can save you," Naruto says, for the first time willing to expose his powers to the world.
"Nah… maybe I'll be a cloud… when I go…" he smiles. "I'm… sleepy."
Naruto… also smiles, but tears… form… and stream down his face. "Sleep, my friend."
Shikamaru nods a sad smile, tears also forming… but never flowing. "Tell… Temari… tell… tell… Temari—"
Naruto smirks a sad smirk. "I will." He locks eyes… and as Shikamaru closes them for the final time… his rage is unleashed.
For as the screams return, and a titan stomps it way closer and bends down to grab the living man… Naruto snaps.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The titan's head vanishes! Naruto seemingly flies towards a titan making its way to the now last boat as the remaining people scramble onboard. His hooks find purchase! Its head flies! Naruto heads to another one! And another! And another! Another! ANOTHER! ANOTHER! ANOTHER-ANOTHER-ANOTHER-ANOTHER—MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE!
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!
The remaining garrison looks on in awe! Still! A few titans escape him! But this spurs the remaining garrison into action!
The people on the last boat look on in awe! Nobura and Korra look on in anger at the titans, tears streaming down their faces! Yet they also glare in awe at the display while hoping he kills the lot of them! Even Mikasa looks on in awe. AND!
"By the walls…"
Mikasa turns and her eyes widen.
"M-miss Carla?!"
Yes. Carla Jaeger. She got off the last boat intent on following Mikasa and wanting to keep her safe before boarding this boat just before the girl.
"Wait, if you're here, then—" and indeed, before Mikasa can finish her train of thought, she sees the mop of brown and blonde hair behind the woman. And their faces.
One pair of eyes; wide in awe and hope! And another pair; in surprise, fear, and joy.
To the rest of the world, this day would be known as the Day the Walls Fell. But to the survivors of Shingashina, a new name will be on their lips.
Naruto Uzumaki, the oriental boy with blonde hair, blue eyes, and three whisker-like marks on each cheek. And he… is covered in titan blood. In respect of his oriental origins, a new moniker is bestowed upon him by the survivors.
"Kinpatsu no Akuma"—the Blonde Demon.
And he has bathed in blood.
=== (TBC) ===
=== (Announcement) ===
I have a new story out titled "Apprentice of the Eccentric Dragon Knight". Please give it a read—ESPECIALLY those who saw the Netflix animation "DOTA: Dragon's Blood" and didn't like how it turned out, or just didn't like the pairings, or action, or whichever.
You can find it under the category:
Anime
DOTA: Dragon's Blood
And don't forget to set the filter to include Rated M since it's rated M.
Or just click on my profile and find it there.
=== (Author's Note) ===
Read the announcement above if you skipped it, please. HAHAHAHA
Moving on, tell me your thoughts on this chapter. It's the AOT universe, and I'm betting some of you thought Shikamaru wouldn't die just because his soul was transported from the Naruto-verse to AOT-verse.
=== (TBC) ===
[Finished on March 26, 2022]
[21:18 hours, Philippines]
[Proofread on March 26, 2022]
[23:15 hours, Philippines]
