Dungeons and Demons Part II


Arashi

One Week Later:

"So, how did it go Naruto?" I asked.

"Man…the questions were so hard! Dattebayo!" Naruto wined.

"Hard?" I raised my eyebrow. "Dude, most of the questions were the ones I taught you!"

"Y-yeah! But that doesn't mean they weren't hard!" He complained.

"Naruto!" I narrowed my eye at him, "If you didn't write the correct answers then I would suggest you start praying to whatever god you believe in because if you fail, I swear on the rotting corpses of the six-path sage, I. Will. Find. You!"

Naruto was sweating profusely. "I-I-I-I-I swear I answered correctly, Arashi!"

"Yeah, you better!" I looked in the other direction, 'I skipped an entire week of dungeon grind because I was busy preparing notes for him! I swear if he scores anything less than 80% I'll beat the ever leaving shit out of him!'

'Plus, Iruka guarded all of our exams and I didn't see any funny business with his question papers!'

"Hey man, did you bring it!" Some kids started to speak loudly from the other side of the classroom. "Hell, yeah! I already read it, twice!" The other kid boasted.

"I'll buy it today! My mom promised she would buy it for me after the exams are over!" A kid who was sitting below their bench said.

'Oh, yeah! Five days ago the first issue of 'The Batman' was released!' I thought to myself.

At first, people were sceptical but it was the cheapest new released book on the market so many people gave it a shot. The reviews I read on paper a few days ago were mostly positive. However, some veteran ninjas had mixed opinions about the book. Some enjoyed its concept others said the writer was a delusional pacifist.

Whatever they said didn't matter to me because the general public's opinions were massively positive and from the looks of it, 'The Batman' may just be the next big entertainment gig since porn magazines hit the bookshelves.

'I should be expecting a cheque in a few days!' I thought. 'The contract I sighed with Fujita-san had a specification of a 50% of the gross-profit weekly.'

"H-hey…Arashi-kun?" Kiyomi asked.

I blinked, "Huh? What's up, Kiyomi!"

"W-would you like to read 'The Batman' with me?" She asked.

"Huh?" I blinked again, "You mean the new book?"

She nodded her head. However, before I could give her an answer Ino called. "Hey, Arashi-kun, I also have the new book. Could we read it together?"

"Um…wait how many of you have bought this new book?" I asked. "Hinata?"

Hinata smiled meekly, "I-I…a-also…h-have…t-the…b-b-book, A-Arashi-kun!"

"Yakumo…you too?" I tilted my head towards the Kurama clan heiress.

"No! I don't have the book!" She said in a sad tone.

"What are you guy's all talking about anyway?" Naruto asked.

"It's about a book, Naruto!" I answered.

"A book? Who the hell buys a book?" Naruto scratched his head, "I'd rather eat some ramen-ttebayo!"

"Of course, you would!" Yakumo rolled her eyes.

I sighed, "Do you want to read it or what?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Okay!"

"Alright then! Since we have three books," I began, "Naruto you join Hinata! Yakumo and I will join Kiyomi and Ino!"

"Who are you going to join Arashi-kun?" Ino asked.

"I was thinking we four could use one book so all of us could read together!" I smiled.

"B-but wouldn't it would be a little cramped up?" Yakumo asked.

"No, I got this!" I said, "Kiyomi we are gonna use your book so you sit in the middle. On your left will be Ino, on your right will be Yakumo and I'll sit on Yakumo's right! Problem solved!"

"Won't you have a problem reading?" Yakumo asked.

"Nah! I have good eyesight!" I shrugged.

Lie successful!

'Of course, it was a lie. I am not gonna read my own book! I just wanna see how they react to it!'

Ino and Kiyomi sat down with a little sigh. Yakumo on the other hand was leaning on my left arm. I quickly checked their status;

Yakumo Kurama, Heiress of The Kurama Clan

Level: 3

REP: 61 [L]

'Yakumo has gotten stronger!'

Kiyomi Uchiha

Level: 3

REP: 56 [L]

And finally Ino's;

Ino Yamanaka, Heiress of The Yamanaka Clan

Level: 3

REP: 45 [L]

I mentally sighed, 'Wow! I understand Kiyomi has a crush on me and she know me for two weeks. But why does Ino have such a high respect score for me? I knew she has a crush on me for some reason but I have only known her for five or six days!'

'Yakumo's respect score is understandable. We have been friends for a month! But her crush part is also a surprise for me!' I mentally sighed, 'If they turn into fangirls I'll crush their little hearts without any mercy!'

I looked in Sakura's direction. She was sitting on the other side of the classroom with a sad expression due to being ignored by Sasuke again. She is civil with us and her being talkative to us had a butterfly effect. Naruto does not have an obsession with her. Maybe due to him not being alone anymore like he was in canon. He also doesn't need constant validation or attention.

I thought about talking to her and being supportive of her but I also don't want her to get the wrong idea and change her target from Sasuke to me. 'Yup! Sorry, Sakura! But I'm not pulling the pin on that grenade!'

"Are you able to read, Arashi-kun?" Kiyomi asked.

I looked at her with a smile, "Yeah! No problem!"

Lie successful!

"Alright, class," Mizuki entered the class and began, "Oh my god! You, little runts, are reading the book too!"

"Ha! This guy is awesome!" Kiba spoke up, "I am vengeance! I am the night! I am-"

"A PAIN IN MY BACK!" Mizuki shouted, "SIT DOWN, INUZUKA! AND EVERYONE OPEN, PAGE 164 OF YOUR HISTORY BOOK!"

After School:

"OH YEAH! BATMAN IS AWESOME!" Naruto exclaimed, "Did you read that part where he's saying to Ra's al Ghul, 'I won't kill you but I don't have to save you' and then flew out the burning train!"

I smiled, "Yes, Naruto! I read that part!"

"Batman is so cool! Dattebayo!" Naruto said with stary eyes.

"So, what are you gals going to do now?" I turned and asked the four girls in our group.

"Clan Studies!" All four of them answered in unison.

My swat dropped, 'Guess it's no joke to be part of a clan!'

"Alright then. Naruto!" I called, "What are you doing?"

"I'm gonna eat some ramen!" He scratched his head.

"Okay! So, see you guys tomorrow!" I bid them goodbye and walked toward the library.

Yakumo

"See you tomorrow, Hinata-chan!" Yakumo bid her friend goodbye and entered her clan compound. "I'm home!"

"Welcome home, Ojōsama!" One of her family servants bowed.

Yakumo bowed her head, "Arigatō, Chisa-nee!"

"Should I prepare your bathwater or would you like to eat something first!" The servant named Chisa asked.

"Do we…" Yakumo blushed, "Y-you know…do we have some chocolate chip cookies?"

Chisa blinked, "Ojōsama, those treats are not good for you! You should eat something healthy!"

"I would recommend some fruits such as mangoes, apples, papayas and watermelons!"

"I hate papayas!" Yakumo said in an irritated tone.

"Ojōsama, please be reasonable!" Chisa said in a calm tone.

"Ah, fine!" Yakumo sighed, "You can bring fruits but no papayas and please prepare my bathwater first, Chisa-nee!"

"As you wish, Ojōsama!" Chisa bowed her head and left.

Yakumo walked inside her room and jumped on her bead in relief. "I'm beat!" She smiled remembering how Arashi let her lean on his arms the entire time while they read 'The Batman'.

"Well-well! Someone is in a happy mood!" A voice spoke up.

Yakumo immediately shot up from her bed and looked straight at her cupboard. The voice was coming inside from it. "You, again!"

"So, did you invite your, Arashi-kun!"The little girl mocked. "When is he coming? I need to put on some nice clothes if he is coming!"

Yakumo looked away from the cupboard. "Don't tell me…"The little girl's voice began as the cupboard door slowly opened, "You didn't invite him did you!"

"What the matter Yan-chan? Didn't you want to prove me wrong?" She mocked while sitting inside Yakumo's cupboard. The Kurama clan heiress sneered, "Shut up! I don't need to prove anything to you!"

"The trust I have for my family is something you will never break! You are just an imagination of mine! So get lost!"

"Yan-chan," The girl was about to speak but Yakumo cut her off, "And if you think you are real and my family really did kick you out then how about you prove it to me!"

"I'll call my family here, right now!" Yakumo smirked, "If they can even see a glimpse of you I will believe your entire story!"

"Do you want me to call them?" Yakumo smirked. "Yan-chan, I-" Before the girl could speak she cut her off again, "Chisa-nee…" Yakumo called.

Yakumo smirked again, "There! Chisa-nee will be coming here any minute now…so you are free to stay and prove me wrong or you can get out of my sight, forever!"

"Fine, Yan-chan! I'm leaving! But know this, you are making a big mistake!"The girl closed the cupboard and her voice then slowly faded away.

A few moments later Chisa knocked on Yakumo's bedroom door, *knock*…*knock*…" Ojōsama! Did you call for me?"

Yakumo sighed relief and open the door, "Hai! Chisa-nee, I would like to eat some mangoes!"

Kurenai

It was late in the afternoon. A young red-eyed kunoichi was sitting inside the chunin section of the library. This was Kurenai Yūhi. She was currently reading scrolls on chakra reserve expansion exercises. Her student Yakumo was showing improvement in her physical health and stamina but her chakra reserves were being drained very quickly. She asked Yakumo's mother about any medical illness that might affect her tenketsu points but the lady of the Kurama clan answered negatively.

This is the reason why she is studying medical scrolls about chakra. 'Let's see here…nope…born with small tenketsu points…no she can do genjutsu and ninjutsu perfectly well…not this….Ahh!'

'Clam down!' She began to take inhale deep breaths, 'Yūhi Kurenai, chunin of Konohagakure, registration number 010881!'

'Yūhi Kurenai, chunin of Konohagakure, registration number 010881!'

'Yūhi Kurenai, chunin of Konohagakure, registration number 010881!'

She exhales a deep breath, 'Okay, being frustrated won't do you any good! So, keep looking, Kurenai!'

One And A Half Hour Later:

'Goddamit!' Kurenai sighed in frustration, 'I didn't find anything!' She looked at her wristwatch. It was almost 04:30 pm. 'Alright, Kurenai! It's time to go! You have shit to do!'!

Mostly she had her training to do. After that, she had plans to meet up with her girlfriends and get some drinks. 'Maybe one of them would know, what causes chakra exhaustion so quickly!'

The genjutsu specialist put all of the scrolls and books back on their shelves and walked toward the library's main door. As she reached the main door she saw the spiky-haired boy who the Hokage mentioned was talking to the librarian.

Arashi

I walked into the library and ran up to the receptionist's desk where Nozomi was working. "Yo, oba-chan!" I called.

Nozomi blinked, "Arashi! What brings you here?"

I smiled, "I wanted to read some books and I also wanted to say thank you for helping me publish my book!" I said the last part in a whisper.

She smiled, "Don't mention it! Helping the next generation to rise is the responsibility of the previous generation!" She ruffled my hair, "Now, tell me what kind of book you are looking for?"

"Well…" I was about to speak but another feminine voice called Nozomi. "Hara-san, I would like to check out, please!" I looked in the direction of the voice to see Kurenai standing behind me.

"Yūhi-san! It's nice to see you again!" I smiled at her. Kurenai smiled back, "It's nice to see you too, Arashi-san!"

"Kurenai-chan!" Nozomi smiled, "Did you find what you are looking for?"

The genjutsu specialist sighed, "Not exactly!"

The librarian blinked, "Hmm…if you don't mind me asking," She began, "Can I know what you are looking for?"

Kurani shook her head, "I don't mind but it's mission-related!"

Nozomi nodded, "Oh! Okay then! I'm sure you will find whatever you are looking for!" She smiled, "Best of luck!" She then signed her library card. Kurani thanked her and left the building.

Nozomi then turned her attention toward me, "So, what were the books again?"

I blinked, "Oh…ah…do you have books on agriculture?"

Nozomi blinked, "Agriculture? Are you sure?" She asked. "I think that might be a little too advance for your age!"

I scratched my head with a smile, "I'm sure oba-chan!"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Alright! If you are sure about it, then just wait for a few minutes! I'll bring some books!"

"And I know it sounds weird but do you have books also on alchemy?" I asked.

"Alchemy? That's almost an extinct art!" Nozomi scratched her chin, "I may have some books about it but Arashi-kun, just so you know, I don't think you will find anyone in this village that will be able to help you on that subject!"

"I know you are a smart boy but are you sure about the books on alchemy! Because even I won't be able to help you with it!"

"I'm sure, oba-chan!" I smiled with a sigh.

Nozomi sighed, "Okay! Just wait for a few minutes would you!"

Thirty Minutes Later:

"Here!" Nozomi placed seven books on her desk. "I only have two books about alchemy. The rest are about agriculture!" She began, "All the agriculture books I got you are for beginners. This will help you at least understand the concept before going for advanced studies!"

I nodded, "Thanks, oba-chan! I'll take it!"

Nozomi blinked, "Oh! Wait! Before I forget," She said, "There is a parcel for you!"

I blinked in confusion, "Parcel? Who would send me a parcel?"

"Yup!" The librarian smiled, "See for yourself!" She then pulled out a parcel from inside her desk and handed it to me.

The parcel was tied in a gift wrap made of expensive clothes. The name that was written on the parcel was mine however the address was of the Konoha library. It was sent by the Fujita Publishing House.

"Huh?" I blinked, "Hey, oba-chan! This was sent by Fujita-san!" I looked at her, "Do you know what this could be?"

She smiled, "I have an idea but why don't you open it and see for yourself!"

I shrugged my shoulders and pulled the ribbons from the parcel. "What are you doing, shi-kun?" A very familiar feminine voice asked from behind.

I immediately turned my head to see Koime standing behind me with a raised eyebrow. "What's that?" She asked. "Um…" Before I could answer she took the parcel from my hands. Koime then narrowed her eyes at Nozomi, "Nozomi-chan, did you buy this for him?"

Nozomi looked at me and sighed. She slightly nodded her head to me. "Mama I-" my words were interrupted by Koime, "Silence, Arashi!" She glared at me and turned to Nozomi, "Nozomi, I thought you knew better! Buying Arashi anything at his age is not appropriate!"

She glared at me again, "Did you ask her to buy you this, Arashi? Answer me!"

"Mama, I didn't-" Koime glared, "Don't you dare lie to me!"

"Enough, Koime!" Nozomi jumped between us, "Stop jumping to conclusions and let him explain!"

"Noz-" Before Koime could speak, Nozomi narrowed her eyes and spoke up again, "And just to be clear, no, I didn't buy him that! Neither had he asked for anything from me!"

"Maybe you should read the label on the parcel and let other people talk for once!" Nozomi then grabbed my arm and pulled me towards her side of the table.

Koime looked at the parcel in her hands and read the label. "To, Arashi...from…Fujita Publishing House?" She spoke in whispers.

Koime looked at her friend with sadness, "Nozomi-chan, I'm sorry-"

"Save it!" Nozomi shot, "And besides I'm not the one you should apologize to anyway!"

Koime nodded and looked in my direction. She pulled her ears, "I'm very, very sorry Arashi-kun! Please forgive me!"

"I-It's okay, mama!" I smiled slightly, "I don't mind!"

After hearing my words Koime looked even sadder and put her head down with guilt. "N-Nozomi-chan, could you know why they send a parcel to Arashi?" She turned towards Nozomi and asked.

Nozomi snatched the parcel from Koime's hands. "You would have known by now if you hadn't taken the parcel before Arashi could have opened it!" Nozomi handed the parcel back to me, "Open it, Arashi-kun!"

I nodded and slowly unwrapped it. It was a hand-designed box. Within the box, there was a copy of 'The Batman' along with two expensive-looking pens and a letter.

Nozomi quickly took the letter and shoved it in Koime's hand, "Here, go ahead! Read it out loud would you!"

Koime looked at the letter, "I-I think shi-kun should read it," She began in a sad tone, "It did come in his name!"

"No!" Nozomi narrowed her eyes, "You read it! I'm certain you will get your answers!"

Koime reluctantly opened the letter and started to read it. "To, Jon Arashi Snow," She began, "We are sending this letter on behalf of Fujita Publishing House to say thank you. Thank you for letting us publish your exceptional book, 'The Batman'. The world you built and the characters you wrote are so extraordinary and we can't wait to go back again. At first, many of our partners and investors doubted if the book would even sell around a hundred copies but after publishing it all doubts were erased. The general population has received your work with open arms. In near four days after launch, we have sold more than twenty thousand copies of 'The Batman' and already have an order for a hundred thousand more in the next two weeks. Please expect the first of your many payments in a few days. We hope to work with you on many of your future projects. Signed by Fujita Mitsuo, chief publisher and editor of Fujita Publishing House." Koime released a long-breathed.

She gasps in surprise, "Wha-Wha-Wha…"

"Yup!" Nozomi smirked. "Your little boy is the writer of 'The Batman', Koime-chan!"

I scratched my head in embarrassment. "Are you okay, mama?" I asked. Koime looked at me with a shocked expression. Then her eyes rolled up and she fainted.

"MAMA!"

"KOIME-CHAN!"

Fifteen Minutes Later:

"So, let me get this straight," Koime said holding an ice pack on her head, "You wrote a book and then published that same book so you could help me with the orphanage's financial problem!"

I scratched my chin, "Well, at first I just wrote it for fun!"

Lie successful!

Ping.

Your skill has levelled up!

Lying (4%)

Level: 7

The ability to lie to people without getting caught.

+35% chance of success

-20% if the lie is too unbelievable.

Koime sighed sadness. "A-are you not happy with me writing books?" I asked.

Koime blinked, "What? No-no! It's not that! I am proud of you for what you are doing, Arashi-kun!" She gave a sad smile, "It's just, I-I think, I am somehow failing to be a mother to you!" Tears started to come out of her eyes.

"Hey! Hey, mama! Don't cry!" I wiped away the tears from her eyes. "What do you mean by that? You're the best mom a boy could ask for!"

"No, I'm not!" She said in a shaky voice. "Yes, you are!" I objected.

"If I was a good mother then you didn't need to do this to help me financially!" Koime said in sadness.

"Mama, look at me," I smiled at her, "I didn't do this because I thought you couldn't handle it! I did this because I wanted to help you!"

She wiped her tears and hugged me, "Why are you growing up so fast? Please, slow down a little, and enjoy your childhood!" I hugged her back, "Nope! I want to grow up fast so I could take care of you!"

She smiled with some tears, "My, sweet, sweet boy!"

"Koime-chan," Nozomi placed her hand on Koime's shoulder, "Arashi-kun is a very gifted boy!" She smiled at her, "You won't be able to hide him from the world so I suggest you start preparing him for it!"

Koime nodded with a sad expression, "I guess your right Nozomi-chan!"

"By the way, are you free next Saturday, oba-chan?" I asked Nozomi.

They both blinked at each other. "Why?" Nozomi asked. "Well…" I began, "I was thinking of taking you out for a meal as a way of saying thanks!"

Nozomi smirked, "Ara-ara, Arashi-kun! Are you asking me on a date?"

"Not really! I just wanted to treat you for helping me!" I answered.

Nozomi pouted, "You hurt my feelings, Arashi-kun! But I will be free next Saturday after 5 pm!" She smiled.

"Hey! Why don't you take me on a date?" Koime wiped her tears and pouted.

"Nah, mama!" I smiled back, "I don't wanna take on a date…but I do wanna buy you a house!"

Koime raised her eyebrows, "What?"

I scratched my head, "Yah! I wanna buy you a house or a six-bedroom apartment!"

Koime's sweatdropped, "I appreciated the kind words, shi-kun but buying a house in this early stages of your…life would not be a good idea. Plus, do you even have an idea what a house or six-bedroom apartment will cost?"

"If, I'm not wrong it would cost around a million and a half Ryo's, right!" I answered.

"R-right!" Koime agreed.

"Great, guess we'll have some money left for furnishing too!" I smiled.

"W-what?" Koime asked with a comical expression.

"Well, you read it in the letter, right! They have sold twenty thousand books in this week alone, right!" She nodded her head. "And each book cost about 300 Ryo. So they would have a gross profit of approx four million Ryo's. This means my cut of the profit would be approx two million Ryo's!"

I am not joking. If my calculation were correct and 20K books were sold in 300 Ryo's each. So their revenue will be 6 Million Ryo's. And if what they say about the 100K order is true, then they have some heavy manpower and supplies. Or else there is no way they could deliver a big order like that in two weeks. So, at the minimum, their direct costs and expenses involved in producing and delivering should have cost around 1 million to 2 million Ryo's tops. This means they must have a gross profit of 4 million Ryo. Hence, my cut should be 2 million Ryo.

Koime quickly turned her head towards Nozomi, "He's joking right!"

"Nope!" Nozomi answered with a straight face.

Shisui

Shisui sighed as he looked at his best friend and brother in arms. "Itachi, how long are you going to read that book?" He asked. The said person ignored his words and focused even more on the book he was reading. They were both sitting on tree branches each opposite of the other.

"How many times has it been?" Shisui asked again. "Five, ten, fifteen! You have been reading that book for the last two days ever since you bought it."

"Look, I understand it's a good book but do you have to read it in every free time you have? Even Izumi is not like this with that book!" Shisui spoke. Itachi slightly looked at him when he mention her name.

Shisui raised his eyebrow, "Oh! As soon as I mention my sister then you suddenly care!"

"Hn." Itachi voiced and went back to the book. Shisui's eye twitched, "What the hell did you say to me?"

"Nothing," Itachi spoke.

"Oh, I know what that 'Hn' meant! You bastard!" Shisui shot back. "I'm a-" Before Shisui could say anything Itachi suddenly jumped from his tree branch and stood in the middle of the field.

'Is it an enemy?' Sushi thought and grabbed the hilt of his tanto sword.

Itachi put the book in his pocket and was using his crow summons to fly in circles around him. Shisui quickly looked toward Itachi and his eyes started to twitch. Itachi was trying to create a scene from the book where some bats flew in circles around the protagonist.

Shisui's eyes twitched vigorously, "HEY, ITACHI! GO HOME! YOU'RE NOT BATMAN!"

Arashi

Late In The Night:

I was back in my room at the orphanage. Koime was sitting beside me on my bed. At this time my mind was thinking of ways to break the news to her. 'Just tell her, you want Naruto to stay with them!'

She has become a lot friendlier to the nine-tails jinchuriki over the past several days. 'Ah…fuck it! Just hit it!'

"Mama, I have something to tell you!" I said to Koime.

She looked at me with a smile, "Let me guess…you want your friend Naruto to move in with us when you buy a new house!"

I blinked, "I-I…how did you know?"

She cupped my face and kissed my forehead, "I may have not given birth to you but I am the one who raised you! And I know how much his friendship means to you!"

She continued, "I have seen how happy the boy is when you are with him! And after so many days watching you two playing with each other, I have come to realize how much the village is wrong about that boy…no about Naruto."

"And, I won't lie to you saying that I'm not afraid of the beast that is inside him," She hugged me, "However, lord fourth has put faith in him and you did too. So, I will also put faith in him from now on! Because I have come to realize that Naruto is the only one standing against the beast and from now on I'll support him too!"

I hugged her back, "Thanks, mama!"

Koime rubbed my back, "Now, shi-kun! Would you like to sleep with your mama tonight?"

I scratched the back of my head, "Maybe some other day, mama! I have to write a new book!"

Lie successful!

Koime nodded, "Oh, yeah! It's still hard to believe you can write books at this young age!"

I blushed. "Y-yeah!"

She cupped my face again and started to kiss all over it.

…*smooch*…*smooch*…*smooch*…*smooch*…*smooch*…"Mama! Mama!"…*smooch*…*smooch*…*smooch*…*smooch*…

*SMOOCH*…"There! Done!" Koime said with satisfaction. "Don't stay up too late now!" She stood up and left my room.

I sighed, 'Woman!' I quickly locked the door and closed the windows. After that, I quickly equipped my armour and selected the next dungeon stage. 'Stage 6, here I come!'

Natural Dungeon: Stage 6:

The bright light dimmed down as I appeared in what looked like crag fields. This area was surrounded by rugged cliffs. I quickly scanned for any danger but found none. So my mind went to the floor map and-

!BOOM!

"What the fuck!?" I quickly turned at the sound of an explosion. As I saw the event that caused the explosion, only two words came out of my mouth, "Oh…fuck!"

The floor I was currently on was not just a normal crag field, it was a volcanic crag field. The ground-shaking explosion was a small eruption from the volcano. 'Guess I am in either a rock-ground type dungeon or a fire-type dungeon!'

I sighed, 'I really hope it's a rock-type floor! My team and I are not prepared for a fire-type floor!'

I quickly searched for the nearest hidden grotto on my floor map. Luckily, I found one south of here in the opposite direction of the volcano.

-150 CP!

I arrived at my destination in a blink of an eye. There were few trees in this part of the area. A few meters above the ground a cave was on the body of a rocky cliff. I jumped inside the small cave. Except for the entrance, the light did not reach inside. Only the sunlight's reflections from rocks made the inside slightly visible.

As I slowly walked inside some rocks caught my eyes. Those small rocks were shining red even in the low light. I narrowed my eyes and focused my sight on it;

Ruby [A]

A pinkish-red to a blood-red coloured gemstone. It is a rock-forming mineral and crystalline form of aluminium oxide.

Ryo: 100,000

I blinked, 'O…kay!'

Ping.

Your skill has levelled up!

Observation (2%)

Level: 49

Ability to learn about objects or a person by observing them.

I swiped the notification away and picked up the gemstone. 'Gotta find someone to sell this!'

Three Hours Later:

'Well, it's a fire-type dungeon!' I sighed while jumping from cliff to cliff. 'Note to self, buy mountain climbing gear and whatever comes as deep-sea diving gear in this world!'

I looked at the rocky cliff in front of my sight. It was a straight climb.

"Pidg-otto! Otto!" Winter called from high above the sky.

"Yeah-Yeah! I'm coming!" I sighed and began to run vertically on the cliff.

For the last three hours, I have been doing exactly this. Either running up a cliff or fighting some fire-type pokemon. This floor has only fire-type pokemon. Some of them are fire starters and their secondary evolution line along with some other fire-type pokemons.

I also caught some new pokemon with perfect IVs and natures. A female Fennekin named Fennexis, a male Fletchling named Talos, a male Growlithe named Summer, a female Salandit named Jaclyn, and a male Litten named Randy Savage.

Yes, I named my Litten after 'Macho-man, Randy Savage' the wrestler. Why? Because Incineroar is a wrestling tiger. Ooh…Yeeaah!

Most of my time was wasted on finding a female Salandit. Those bitches are rare.

I reached the top of the cliff and slowly took in the view. Winter was still flying a few meters high above the cliff's edge, the sun still was not at its peak yet and this dungeon temperature was high. But the view was something to be hypnotized by. The best way to describe the scenery in front of my eyes would be like standing on a rock cliff in Vermilion Cliffs in Arizona, just adding a giant volcano in the north.

This was the absolute west point rock cliff on the map. Just a few miles west from here would be nothing but a vast sea reaching the endless horizon. My eyes saw some steam coming out from the southeast part of the volcano.

'Maybe, it's a hot spring! The map did show water in that area!' I thought to myself.

"Char-char!"

My ears suddenly perked up as the sound of some pokemon hit. I quickly followed the source of the sound. It was coming a few meters northeast from here.

After reaching the source my eyes laid on a group of pokemon. It was a group of Charmanders and Charmeleons. However, among all the pokemons in front of my eyes, a single Charmander caught my eye.

The Charmander I had my eyes on was golden in colour. The thing that caught my interest was not just its uncommon colour from the rest of its peers but its size, that Charmander was bigger than all the Charmeleons in the group. It could easily be 1.2 meters or 3ft 11inches tall, to put it in perspective, I am the tallest in my class and I was 4ft 4inches. This Charmander had to look down on his Charmeleon brethren.

Charmander, Lizard Pokémon

Level: 10

Gender: Male

Ability: Blaze

HP: 200/200 [31]

SP: 150/150

Atk: 85 [31]

Def: 80 [31]

SpA: 88 [31]

SpD: 82 [31]

Spe: 100 [31]

Nature: Hardy

Characteristic: Likes to fight [Alpha]

Hidden Type: Dark

The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure of its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.

'What the fuck? That Charmander's status was higher than a level 16 Charmeleon!' I was looking at him with an open jaw. 'I think I just found my spirit pokemon!'

'But how to catch it? Hmm…' I thought about ambushing them but there were at least five Charmeleons and seven Charmanders in the group including the big shiny one. 'That would be too much heat for me…pun intended!'

My choices were limited as I could not use Dusk, my Rockruff. He was at level 24. One more level and he will evolve. However, it is the middle of the day now and I wanted him to evolve to his dusk form. This leaves me with only Skyla, my Fearow. She is my current tallest pokemon. Her height was 6ft 7inches and she knows 'Drill Run'.

I knew what pokemon to use but before I fought them I needed to know, how those fire-breathing lizards behave. So, I called back Winter and hid behind a giant rock for reconnaissance.

Half An Hour Later:

'Okay! I got what I needed!' The group acted as a pack. Out of five Charmeleons, four were female which answered to the male. The Charmanders were their offspring. The male Charmeleon hated the big Charmander out of fear of being replaced due to that the big Charmander was an outcast in the pack. I only saw one other female Charmander being friendly to him. The female Charmander was no commoner either. She had a 'Modest' nature with perfect IVs distributed as a special attacker built. She was just not big and shiny like her brother.

From what I gathered this pack of pokemons respects only power. So, I had a crazy plan;

I quickly released Skyla, "Fearow!" She called. "Hey, there girl!" I smiled and scratched her feathers. "Skyla, we are gonna fight a big fire-lizard pack so back me up!" I ordered, "Don't attack unless I call you to attack just fly around the sky and let your presence be known to them!"

"Fearow! Row!" She nodded and flew up in the sky.

I quickly followed and jumped into the Charmeleon family's nest. "HEY, YOU OVERGROWN LIZARDS, I AM HERE TO CHALLENGE THE STRONGEST AMONG YOU!"

All the Charmeleons and Charmanders looked in my direction. The female Charmeleons quickly went to guard their offspring while the male Charmeleon growled. "MeLeON…!"

"FEAROW!" Skyla glided down and screeched. She was letting her presence known to the group.

"Charmeleon! Char!" The male pokemon went into his fighting stance.

"Woah-Woah!" I raised my hands, "I said the strongest! Not you!" My eyes met with the large Charmander, "I meant him!"

After hearing my words the male Charmeleon roared in rage and spit a burst of flame at me, seeing the incoming attack, I quickly went through some hands-signs and counter it with my fire moves, 'Fire Release: Great Fireball!'

-300 CP!

My fireball overpowered his burst of flames and impacted the flame pokemon.

!Boom!

-90 HP!

Ping.

You have gained +471 EXP!

The male Charmeleons body flew back a few meters from the explosion. "I told you, I'm not interested in you," I looked at the large Charmander and smirked, "I want you!"

"Char! Char!" The big Charmander narrowed his eyes at me and jumped forward.

I smirked, "Okay, so here is the deal! If I beat you, I'm gonna catch you and if I can't beat you I'll leave your pack alone! You up?"

"Char!" The male Charmander growled and nodded his head. "Char, char! The female Charmander suddenly tried to jump at me but Skyla, aerial aced her. The female slammed to the ground.

I quickly looked at her, she was still alive. She was a few health points down and with a major bruise on her right shoulder. "Fearow!" Skyla flew back in the air and warned. "CHARMANDER!" The male roared and tried to run closer to the female but I blocked his way, "You wanna go to her! Beat me first!"

"Char! CHARMANDER!" The fire on the tip of his tail burned brightly. He gathered flames in his mouth and roared a big flamethrower.

I smirked and launched a bigger fireball than the previous one, 'Fire Release: Great Fireball!'

-500 CP!

My fireball engulfed his flames and impacted him.

!Boom!

-110 HP!

The lizard pokemon rolled back on the ground and slammed on a rock. 'Oops! Maybe I went a little too overboard!' He struggled to get back up with his injuries.

"Sorry about that! I didn't mean to hurt you that much!" I smiled, "However, if you keep fighting like that you will lose!"

"Ch-char…" He slowly got stood back up, "Charmander!"

"You have potential!" I narrowed my eyes, "But you don't know how to fight!"

"I can teach you how to fight and control your powers if you come with me! What do you say? Wanna join my team?" I asked with a smirk.

"Charrr…." He growled, "Char, char!" He tilted his head toward the other member of the pack. All the other Charmanders and Cahrmeleons blinked at him and then looked at me in confusion.

I scratched my head, "Let me guess, you want them to come with us!"

He nodded his head. 'Hmm…' I blinked, 'Well, I could take all of them if they are willing to come! I wasn't planning to take an entire pack but a pack of Charizards does sound good! And I already killed the male Charmeleon so if I leave them, the other male Charmelons in the wild will force them selfs on the females in the pack and kill their offspring!'

'I was going to catch the female Charmander with perfect IVs anyway, so I just have to use nine more pokeballs! Plus, if I knock the big one out and leave the rest here, he will never trust me!' I thought to myself.

Pokemon were just slightly intelligent animals with magical powers. They follow the natural order of the predatory animal kingdom. Mostly like tigers and lions. The male fights and leads while the females breed and nurture their offspring. If the male is killed by another male, then that male kills the previous male's offspring and forces the females to have his offspring.

I had a total of 9 Pokeballs, 7 Greatballs, and 2 Ultraballs so that wasn't a big deal. And I still have around 20 'Pokeball Parts' in my inventory with a few different Appricorns.

"Alright, they can come!" I said, "But let's make one thing clear, all of them must train! I will expect every one of them to evolve into a Charizard, am I clear!"

The big Charmander looked at them and asked, "Char?"

All the Charmeleons nodded along with a few Charmanders. The other couple of Charmanders were babies so they just hid behind their mothers.

"So, before I take all of you in," I turned to the big Charmander and asked, "Who are these sweet ladies to you? Your moms?"

He blinked and shook his head.

"Your sisters?"

He shook again.

"So…like you're what aunties?"

He nodded his head.

"Do you have a mom and dad somewhere?" I asked. The lizard pokemon looked down in sadness. "Oh…sorry!"

I turned my attention toward the other pack members and quickly threw a pokeball at the female Charmander. "That is how I will take everyone! It is completely safe, she is fine inside it!"

"Okay, kids first!" I called, "Ladies! If you would like to help,"

The female Charmeleons looked at one another and one by one started to bring their kids toward me. After catching the last female Charmeleons the big Charmander sat near me and started to sulk.

"Hey, don't get upset!" I patted him on the head, "I'll train you up to a Charizard in no time! Then you can fulfil your fantasies with your aunties and cousin-sisters!"

"Char?" He blinked. In confusion.

"I know what you want!" I smiled, "You want to be the strongest so you can bang your hot aunts, right!" I continued, "I was watching your pack before I challenged you guys! I saw you eyeing your aunties on every chance you got!"

"Charmander!" He looked at me in awe.

"So, what say," I raised my right hand with an ultra-ball, "Partners?" He nodded his head.

In response, I smiled, "Good! From now on you will be known as, Drogon!" He nodded again and pressed the button to be captured,

Drogon, Charmander

Level: 10

REP: 15

Gender: Male

Ability: Blaze

HP: 200/200 [31]

SP: 150/150

Atk: 85 [31]

Def: 80 [31]

SpA: 88 [31]

SpD: 82 [31]

Spe: 100 [31]

Nature: Hardy

Characteristic: Likes to fight [Alpha]!

Hidden Type: Dark

Moves:

Growl: Lowers the target's Attack by one stage.

Scratch: 40 DMG

Ember: 40 DMG

Smokescreen: Lowers the target's Accuracy by one stage.

Incinerate: 60

'So I'm guessing he attacked me with an incinerate not a flamethrower!' I thought. 'And what the hell does this alpha means?' I pressed the help button.

Characteristics: Alpha:

An alpha Pokemon is a genetically superior Pokemon in its species. They are larger than normal Pokemon with increased combat capabilities. Alpha Pokemon are born rulers of their respective species and can rival legendary and mythical Pokemon in power.

"This is new!" I blinked, "I don't have any memories of alpha pokemon! However, the description says an alpha pokemon can rival a legendary in power! So, that is a good point to know!"

I swiped away the notification and jumped on Skyla's back. "Okay, girl let's head back now! I need to make some new pokeball!"

She nodded and flew me towards the hidden grotto cave. "Fearow! Row!"

Natural Dungeon: Next Afternoon:

I quickly jumped and avoid the upcoming flaming wheel toward me. "Dusk, use rock tomb on that Torkoal!" I ordered.

"Owooooo!" My newly evolved Lycanroc howled and hurled boulders at the flame-wheeling Torkoal. The coal pokemon slammed himself on the boulders.

-50 HP!

I quickly did some hand signs and launched my high-powered water jutsu on the coal pokemon, 'Water Release: Wild Water Wave!'

-1000 CP!

The raging stream of water impacted the coal pokemon in full force.

Ping.

You gained a super effective strike! DMG multiplied by 2X!

-192 HP!

Ping.

You have gained +788 EXP!

I sighed in relief after seeing the notification. "Finally it's over!" I called Dusk back in his pokemon and sat down in exhaustion.

Arashi, Little genius

Level: 25 (8742/10,800) [Burned]

HP: 1025/2800

SP: 557/2240

CP: 321/2410

I summoned some 'Rawst' Berries from my inventory and started to chew them. My burned marks were slowly healing from the berries' effects but my armour was completely ruined and many of my kunai and shuriken were damaged beyond repair.

That Torkal was this floor's boss. I was fighting with him for two hours. He had the 'Drought' ability which made my water attacks 50 times weaker and his fire move 100 times stronger. Due to that, I had a very hard time beating it. Hell, I had to call 'Dusk' my Lycanroc and stall him most of the time and his defences were massive. My fire attacks did nothing and smaller water attacks evaporated on contact.

Ping.

Floor boss defeated.

Please collect your rewards:

TM43

Charcoal

The Armorer's Challenge for a Blacksmith

To Engineer is Human

Crafting Materials

I clicked on the notification;

Ping.

Inventory Upgraded!

The 'Crafting Material' part is an inventory upgrade, 'TM43' is the 'Flame Charge' attack, charcoal was charcoal and the last two were books. 'I'm guessing those two are skill books! And one of them is about Engineering! Wow! Just, wow!' I thought sarcastically.

I shrugged and opened the books;

Would you like to learn this skill?

Yes/No

"Yes! What other choice do I have?"

Ping.

New skill acquired!

Smithing (0%)

The art of heating, hammering, and forging weapons and armour.

Level: 1

Success rate: 10%

Maximum difficulty: Iron Smithing

+1% bonus to all self-crafted weapons and armour

Ping.

New skill acquired!

Engineering (0%)

The action of working with science and technology is concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Level: 1

+1% bonus to all self-crafted equipment, machinery, and mechanism

"Great, just great! Now, I need to buy a forge and save money for college!" I sighed. "Fuck this! I'm out!"

I quickly checked my inventory and then pressed the exit button.

Real World:

I reappeared in my bedroom and sighed. The steel chest plate and left shoulder plate were destroyed and half of my armour was burned. 'Well, put that on the list! A new armour!'

I quickly changed into my normal clothes and jumped on my bead, 'Good thing tomorrow is Saturday!' I thought, 'The first thing I'll do tomorrow is sleep late, then find a black market dealer to sell the crystals I found, and lastly look for a nice apartment, asap!'

'Maybe I will ask Koime for help about the apartment issue!' I slowly closed my eyes and went to sleep.

Next Morning:

"…*Yawn*…." I rubbed my eyes, "Stupid sunlight,"

Ping.

Your bank account has been credited with 2,900,000 Ryo.

My eyes shot open, "What the…!?" I quickly checked opened my status;

Money: 827,150 Ryo

Bank: 2,900,000 Ryo

And just like the notification said I had almost 3 million Ryo's to burn. "Woohooo…I'm rich motherfuckers!" I smiled and backflipped out of my bed. 'Okay-okay! Calm down! You have a lot of shit to do, Arashi!'

I quickly grabbed some new clothes and ran towards the bathroom. After a quick shower and a breakfast, I asked Koime to look for some house and apartment advertisements in the new paper as I ran out of the orphanage and headed straight for the red light district.

After looking for a few minutes in the area I found the same black market dealer that tipped me to Kimi's brothel;

Yutaka Jo, Black market dealer

Level: 25

REP: 0

I put on my best poker face and walked up to him. "Can I help you, kid?" He asked.

"Yeah! Heard you buy things!" I answered.

"Depends on the things!" He exclaimed, "I also sell a few things too!"

"Interested in colourful rocks?" I asked.

"Only if it's shiny," He answered.

I smiled and showed him a ruby, "Will this do?"

He shot his eyes wide open, "Wow-wow-wow! Put it back in your pockets kid!"

I raised my eyebrow, "What?"

"Put it back in your pocket and wait for me in the alleyway!" He explained. I nodded and put the ruby back inside my 'pocket' and went behind his stall in the alleyway.

A few minutes later the man walked up to me. "Okay, now, who send you? And What the price?"

"The price would be 80K for rubies, 100K for emeralds, and 700K for the diamonds each, and as for who," I answered, "Let's just say, your new business partner!"

"And who is this new business partner of mine?" He asked.

I smirked, "Me."

"Do you have a name? Partner!" He asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Are names important?" I asked.

"They are! If you want to be business partners!" He explained.

"Hmm…" I smiled, "Well, in that case, you can call me…Tyrion!"

He raised his eyebrow, "Tyrion? Seriously?"

"Yes," I smirked, "Tyrion Lannister! And what is your name?"

"Fine, if your name is Tyrion Lannister then you can call me…Falcone!" He smirked back. I raised my eyebrow, "Batman fan?"

"It's a nice book!" He answered back. "Okay, now let me see the rocks!"

I nodded and showed him one crystal each. "Do you have enough cash for all of them?" I asked. He took each crystal and started to inspect each, "I have a better question, where did you find rubies, emeralds, and uncut diamonds of the size of grapes?"

"Trade secret! Do you have the cash?" I smiled. He sighed, "I have the cash but not for all!"

"No biggy, I have five rubies and five emeralds. You can have the three diamonds later!" I said.

He nodded, "Come back in a week! I'll have cash for your diamonds then!"

I nodded and made the deal final. It took around twenty minutes to finalize the transaction. After receiving the money, I shook his hand and walked toward the bank. My current balance was;

Money: 1,727,150 Ryo

Bank: 2,900,000 Ryo

I was just going to update my bank passbook. I already had cash over a million so I didn't need the money for anything other than legal transactions. I have already decided to spend the cash on things, that can't be traced back to me and use white money for houses and stuff.

Late In The Afternoon:

Koime, Nozomi, and I were standing in front of a medium-sized house in the southeast of the village. 'Well, calling it a house would be an exaggeration!' I thought, 'To put it in kind words, this was a shitty, overgrown, pest-infested stink-hole and the walls looked like the previous owners committed hate-fuck-genocided on them!'

I looked up at Koime and shook my head. She sighed and looked back in the newspaper. "Can't blame you, Arashi-kun," Nozomi said, "A thief might want to sue the owners after entering this house!"

"Hey, how about this one!" Koime show me another house advertisement in the newspaper. It was a 3BHK apartment. "Mama, I can see a 6BHK below it," I pointed, "Why are you showing me the awful cheap ones?"

"Because I don't want you to spend too much on it!" Koime sighed, "A three-bedroom apartment is enough for you, me, and a plus one!"

I sighed, "Give me the paper, mama!"

Koime pouted, "Fine! Here! It is your money after all!"

"It is our money, mama!" I smiled and took the newspaper. She blushed and turned away.

"Give up, Koime-chan!" Nozomi said, "Arashi-kun is adamant about buying you a big house. If anything, you should be happy that your son is giving you a house at this young age!"

"Hey, look at these," I called and showed them the two advertisements that caught my eye. One was a 7BHK apartment in the clan district near the Yamanaka clan compound. The other one was not just a house or apartment but it was land. '8+' square kilometres or 2000 acres of land outside of the village walls in the northwest.

The second one's sheer landmass alone caught me off guard but the thing that surprised me was the price of the land. It was cheaper than the apartment. The 7BHK apartment's price was 1.7 million Ryos however the entire 2000 acres of land price in the newspaper was 1 million Ryos. The land alone could have been worth 100 million or above but it is being sold for such a small amount did beg the question, why? Why was such a vast land being sold off for less than 1% of its actual value?

Either the newspaper did a horrible printing mistake or there was something I did not know. Regardless, if the price was real then I did want to buy it but the big problem was being outside of village walls reaching the academy regularly, or literally doing any other stuff would be a hassle. Plus, Hieuzen would never allow Naruto to live outside of the village walls.

Despite all of that I still wanted it. 'Maybe not now but after I graduate from the academy I could easily stay there!'I thought to myself, 'Thousands of acres of land…what can't I do with it!'

Nozomi looked at the advertisements, "The apartment is going to be a little expensive since it is in the clan district and the other one is," She blinked, "O-oh my! Arashi-kun, I don't think the other one would be a good idea!"

"Why?" I asked.

"Well, first of all, the area is outside of the village walls so you won't be able to continue regular classes in the academy and the land is kinda unlucky!" Nozomi scratched her chin.

"Unlucky? How come?"

"How should I put this delicately…" She began, "All the previous owners of the land decided to…um…end…their…life!"

"So the previous owners committed suicide!" she nodded.

"Oh, no-no-no! Arashi-kun! We are not buying that place!" Koime voiced. "Relax, mama! I wasn't thinking to buy that place!" I exclaimed.

"Thank god!" She sighed in relief.

"Yet!"

"What?" Koime narrowed her eyes.

"Nothing!" I smiled innocently, "Hey, let's go check out the apartment! If I like it, I'll buy it today!"

Koime and Nozomi both looked at each other and shrugged. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived in front of the building. The building wasn't a tall one but a wide one. It was a four-storey building with a small decorated front porch. After a few hours of talking with the owners of the apartment, we finalized the deal. They promised to get all the documents ready by tomorrow in Koime's name due to me being a child.

The next day came shortly after as I spend the whole night studying and levelling up my skills;

Alchemy (31%)

Level: 12

The art of mixing ingredients or chemicals is concerned with the transmutation of matter or finding a potion or elixir.

+24% bonus to self-crafted potions, poisons, and elixir.

+24% bonus to self-crafted matters and materials.

And,

Agriculture (22%)

Level: 15

The practice of farming. Includes the cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.

+30% bonus on plant growth.

+30% bonus on self-grown ingredients and spices.

I left 'Smithing' and 'Engineering' for now due to a lack of recourses and time but I did promise myself to at least start with theories shortly after a few weeks.

Today was Sunday and the meeting with the apartment owners was due till evening. So, I decided to head to Naruto's apartment and ask him about moving in with us.

"Really?" Naruto blinked.

"Yeah!" I shrugged, "Mama and I are moving into a new house and I would like you to move in with us!"

"But-but…" He scratched his head in embarrassment, "Like are you really okay with me moving in with you? What about money and all-ttebayo?"

"Look, Naruto!" I called, "You don't need to worry about money! Let's just say…I have a job!"

"A job?" He blinked, "What job?"

"Not important!" I said, "But for your information money won't be an issue!"

He nodded, "If you say so…but are you fully sure about this, dattebayo?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yup!"

"So? You in or what?"

Naruto gave the brightest smile, "HAI-TTEBAYO!"

"Alright!" I raised my fist in the air, "Let's go to the old man Hokage and tell him the news!"

"Yah! Let's go!" He jumped up from the couch and quickly ran out of his house.

After a few minutes of running through the village, we reached the Hokage residence. Despite the protest from the attractive receptionist, Naruto and I pushed open the Hokage's office door. "Jiji! I'm moving in with Arashi!" Naruto called.

The Hokage quickly tried to hide an orange book in his robes "Naruto-kun?"

"What did you say?" He blinked and asked.

After a few minutes of explaining the situation, the old Hokage looked at us with a smile. "Alright! I don't have any objection to it but what kind of job are you doing, Arashi-kun?"

I shyly scratched the back of my head, "Well, I can tell you about it. However, you will have to promise that it will be a secret between us!"

He blinked, "I promise!"

"Okay! But what about the ninjas in your room?" I asked and looked around the room cluelessly

Hieuzen raised his eyebrow, "And how do you know there are ninjas in this room, Arashi-kun?"

I sighed, "Come on, old man! You honestly want me to believe that the Hokage doesn't have some bodyguard in his office room!"

He chuckled, "You are a very smart boy, Arashi-kun!"

"I give you my word! My ninjas in this room will never speak of this to anyone in their personal or professional life!"

I nodded and turned my head toward Naruto. "You promise too, right! Naruto?"

Naruto scratched his head, "Sure!"

I nodded and turned to Hieuzen, "Okay! Say, old man? Did you read the new book that came out a few days ago?"

"Which one?" The Hokage asked.

"The Batman!" I answered.

He nodded, "Yes, indeed I have! And I must say, the story is very interesting! Why do you ask, Arashi-kun?"

I scratched my head and smiled lightly, "Thanks for the compliment, old man!"

The third Hokage shot his eyes wide open, "W-wait! Are you…"

I nodded with a light blush.

He blinked, "My-my! I'm having a hard time believing that those words came from someone so young!"

"Here!" I smiled and handed him the letter from Mitsuo Fujita. He took the letter and started to read it.

Every paragraph the Hokage read his eyes got wider and wider. "I must say," He looked at me, "This has been an unexpected experience!"

"Arashi-kun, I must apologize to you for thinking you were a mear smart boy," He smiled proudly, "You are not just a smart boy but also a very gifted one as well!"

"Stop it, old man!" I shyly voiced, "It was nothing!"

"Hey!" Naruto voiced, "What are you two talking about?"

We both blinked and looked at Naruto. He was wiggling his hands in excitement. "I want to know too!"

Hieuzen smiled, "Naruto-kun, have you read this book yet?" He showed the book to the blonde boy.

The boy nodded, "Yah! Dattebayo!"

"I read it today with my friends in school, Oji-san!"

"That's very good, Naruto-kun!" The Hokage nodded, "But do you know who wrote it?"

"Some guy named Jon Cold of something…" He scratched his head.

"That's me, Naruto!" I raised my hand, "And the name is Jon Snow!"

"Huh?" He blinked in confusion, "But…your name is Arashi!"

I sighed and started to explain to him what, how and who along with all the details of my pen name. It took around fifteen minutes to explain the entire story. The Hokage himself was listing very carefully to my words and action. After ending the story the Hokage smiled proudly and Naruto groaned in headache.

"Aw man, this is so confusing that my head hurts," He started to scratch his head with both arms, "But it's so cool too…ttebayo!"

The Hokage laughed lightly, "Alright! You have me convinced, Arashi-kun! I'll allow Naruto-kun to move in with you!"

I blinked, "Thanks, old man! But it's not just me but Koime is also will be living with us!"

The Hokage blinked, "Is that so…then I guess I'll just have to ask her about it,"

"Cat!"

As soon as the Hokage called the name a purpled-haired Anbu appeared right next to me. She has straight, purple hair reaching down to her waist and a porcelain mask resembling a cat with three red stripes — one vertical stripe on the forehead and two horizontal stripes, one on each cheek. She also wears the standard Anbu uniform, consisting of black and grey armour, metal arm guards, and a katana strapped to her back. She has the signature Anbu tattoo on her right shoulder.

Yūgao Uzuki, Anbu

Level:?

REP: 15

"Hai! Hokage-sama!" She answered in a quiet voice.

"Please inform Eto-san that she has been summoned by me immediately!" The Hokage ordered and the purple-haired anbu nodded and vanished in a puff of smoke.

I quickly looked at the old Hokage with concern in my eyes for Koime. Hieuzen quickly smiled with a grandfatherly look, "Don't worry, Arashi-kun! She isn't in any kind of trouble!"

"I'm only calling her to see if she understands the responsibility of taking care of two young boys!"

I slightly nodded my head. Naruto, not understanding the situation quickly started a conversation with me about Batman.

After a few minutes, a puff of smoke happened and from that smoke, Yūgao emerged along with Koime. "Hokage-sama, I bought Eto-san as requested!" The purple-haired Anbu called.

The old Hokage nodded, "Thank you cat! That will be all!"

The Anbu woman quickly vanished in thin air. Koime quickly looked around the Hokage's office and spotted both me and Naruto sitting on a sofa. "Shi-kun, Naruto!" Koime called and quickly turned toward the Hokage with a respectful bow, "Hokage-sama, I apologize for any mischief they did, please-"

"Now-now, Eto-san," The Hokage waved it off, "They have done nothing but behaved well!"

"I have called you for a different matter," The Hokage smiled and explained why she was summoned. Koime quickly nodded in understanding and started to explain her reason to take the responsibility for the young boys.

"Yes, Hokage-sama! I am certain!" Koime started, "Naruto and Arashi-kun are great friends and in my personal opinion Naruto shouldn't be growing up on his own. He won't be any burden to us and I am more than happy to take care of him."

The Hokage gave a big grandfatherly smile, "Thank you, Eto-san! You have blessed this old man's heart with your kind words!"

Koime blushed lightly, "Please, Hokage-sama! You are being too kind!"

"Alright!" Hieuzen smiled, "I'll allow Naruto-kun to stay with you!"

Ping.

Quest Completed!

Convince Naruto to let you move in with you [S]!

Objective:

Gain 40 REP score to unlock this option.

Rewards:

A place of your own.

+100 EXP

'Technically, he was moving in with me…so I guess that counts too!'

Naruto and I did a quick high-five. "Now, Arashi-kun, Naruto-kun!" The Hokage called, "Eto-san here needs to sign some papers so why don't you two wait outside a little bit."

I blinked, "Actually, I'm getting pretty hungry…"

"Hey, Naruto!" I called, "Why don't you go to Ichiraku's Ramen and book three seats in advance! We'll join you later!"

"You got it! Dattabayo!" Naruto grinned and ran out of the Hokage office.

The old Hokage looked at me, "Arashi-kun, you can also go with him if you want! Eto-san will join you too in a few minutes anyway!"

I looked at the old Hokage with curious eyes. 'They are probably going to discuss about the Kyuubi…' I thought, 'Now the question was should I let him know that I knew about the Kyuubi, or should I stay quiet.'

I scratched my chin, 'Well, he already knows I'm Naruto's closest friend…and on the plus side he will trust me more and protect me from Root but on the negative side he will have some of his Anbu spying on me all the time!'

'So any training I do will be observed by the Anbu but then again I don't do any training outside. However, I will have to show Naruto some of my moves…ah…you win some you lose some!'

Koime tapped me on my shoulder, "Shi-kun?"

I blinked, "Yeah, mama?"

"What Hokage-sama means that you should go with Naruto I'll join you two later!" Koime said.

I blinked and looked at Hieuzen, "Say old mad…are you two will be talking about the Kyuubi?"

Hieuzen's eyes widen in surprise, "How did-" He immediately narrowed his attention at Koime, "You told him!"

Koime shook her head, "No-no, Hokage-sama I-" Before she could finish her sentence I jumped between her and the Hokage, "Hey, wait just a minute old man…mama didn't say anything…I figured it out myself!"

Hieuzen blinked and narrowed his eyes at me, "What do you mean?"

I snorted, "Oh please, old man! The villagers don't really hide it you know…"

"When I started to hang out with Naruto I often saw the stares and occasional glares he got from everyone," I began, "Hell, sometimes even I got them too…but they never outright said anything or tried anything," Koime looked at me with concern and Hieuzen looked at me with sadness. "However, it did get me curious…why did they give us looks like that? So I tried to look into it and found out Naruto's birthday was on October 10th…the same day the fourth Hokage said to have defeated the Kyuubi."

"At first I thought Naruto's birthday just reminded them of that day so they disliked him for it," Hieuzen was looking at me curiously, "But then I thought how did all the villagers know his birthday…I mean he didn't seem to be someone so important nor a celebrity so why…then I remembered reading something in a book just a few days before meeting Naruto…a book about jinchuuriki's…"

"I don't remember the name of the book," I scratched my head, "But I did remember the…ah…jinchuuriki part and I quickly put two and two together, the fourth Hokage didn't kill the Kyuubi but he sealed it inside someone," I smiled, "That someone is Naruto!"

Lie successful!

Hieuzen blinked and looked at Koime. She slightly nodded her head and then both looked at me. "What?" I asked.

The old Hokage sighed, "I-I don't know what to say…" He rubbed his forehead, "It's outstanding how you figured it out!"

I scoffed, "Hey old man, I'm training to be a ninja…information gathering is kinda in my job description!"

He nodded, "Arashi-kun…tell me do you fear Naruto-kun for what he holds?"

I snorted, "Why would I? I know the difference between a scroll and a kunai that is sealed inside of it! Naruto is Naruto! Kyuubi is Kyuubi! He is the keeper of the Kyuubi, not the fluffy fox itself!"

Hieuzen chuckled, "Arashi-kun you have no idea how much happiness you have bestowed on me today," He smiled brightly, "I was almost losing hope in my people…I thought no one in this village will ever accept Naruto-kun but…but today you…thank you!"

"But I have to ask…if you know, then why do you want Naruto-kun to move in with you?" He asked with a curious expression.

I grinned, "Because up until now Naruto is the only one protecting the village from the fox but now he doesn't need to do it alone anymore!"

"Do you remember what I said my goal was in life when you asked…" Hieuzen nodded. I continued, "I wanted to be the strongest ninja to have ever lived so I can protect the people who are precious to me…and Naruto is one of those people along with my mama and many more…there is no way I would let Naruto burden that responsibility all alone if I can help it!"

The old Hokage listen to my words carefully. He was smiling like a proud grandfather. "With a burning will like that, you might actually do it, Arashi-kun!"

"Eto-san!" He turned to Koime, "Please fill up this form will you…" He handed Koime a form, "This will make you their official guardian until both are a ninja!"

I blinked, "Wait, like adoption?"

Koime shook her head, "No…not like that Shi-kun! To adopt a child you either have to be married or have to be in a ninja clan…unmarried people can't adopt anyone!"

"She will be yours and Naruto-kun's official guardian. She will have the responsibility of a parent but neither you nor Naruto-kun can take Eto-san's last name!" Hieuzen explained.

"In simple terms…I will be your caretaker, not your mother!" Koime said in a low voice.

"On paper!" The old Hokage smiled, "If Arashi-kun decides to call you his mother then you are his mother Eto-san!"

Koime smiled and I grinned.

After a few minutes, Koime filled up the form and handed it back to the Hokage. It was official, Koime was our guardian. We both said our thank you to the Hokage and went to the ramen stand. We even invited the Hokage to our new home next Sunday.

Hieuzen

The old Hokage saw both the boy and his mother in all but name leave his office but not before inviting him to their new home next Sunday.

"Cat!"

"Dog!"

The purpled-haired Anbu appeared and kneeled before him, "Hai! Hokage-sama!"

And another male Anbu appeared and kneeled before him. He has spiky silver hair oriented to his left side and a porcelain mask resembling a dog with two red horizontal stripes, one on each cheek, he also wears the standard Anbu uniform, consisting of black and grey armour, metal arm guards, and a katana strapped to his back. He has the signature Anbu tattoo on his left shoulder.

"Hai! Hokage-sama!" He answered in an emotionless voice.

"Cat, you will observe the boy and protect him and Eto-san if the situation calls for it!" Hieuzen ordered and turned to the dog masked anbu, "Dog, your route will be updated depending on whiskers' new location!"

"For now scout out the new location!" Hieuzen ordered both of them.

"Hai!" The cat and the dog both acknowledge in unison and vanished in thin air.

Hieuzen lit up his smoking pipe and inhale the burning tobacco. He looked at his predecessor's photo with a sad sigh, 'You and Kushina would have liked that boy…Minato!'

'Which reminds me…I should take a small gift for them…hmm…'

Arashi

After eating some ramen with Naruto, Koime and I went to buy the apartment officially. Like the advertisement in the newspaper said it cost 1.7 million ryos. After getting all the legal papers for the property I suggested that we use the rest of the money for furnishing. She agreed on the condition that the budget will be 350K Ryos. Not a ryo more. For most of the remaining day, Koime and I wandered around the market from carpenter to furniture shops. We even dragged Nozomi along since I wanted an alchemy lab and she was the only person who could have known where to get it.

The carpenter charged us 75K since we hired them on a contract that they had to finish the renovation in six days. It was a little costly due to the short time frame we have given them but was worth it.

The furniture's combined cost was 125K. We ordered a fully modular kitchen, four king sizes beds for three bedrooms, and a guest room along with all the necessary pieces of furniture like cupboards, bed tables, a full living room set including a sectional sofa, a tea table, and a TV.

The TV in this world was like the old big black box TVs I remember seeing in a vintage shop back in my old world. I had no idea what kind of shows they telecast in this world but it couldn't be worse than those daily soap in my world.

'Things like these…fascinated me about this world. They have electricity, TV, printing press, refrigerator, camera, and even artillery in a few countries including the Land of fire however they did not have guns, internet, telephone or cars and planes. Then again, I guess they never needed weapons like guns since it would have been pointless since the world's population has the potential to breathe fire, bend the earth, shoot lighting out of their finger, and whatnot. Internet and the telephone maybe have not been invented yet and cars would have been pretty pointless too since ninjas can outspeed any speeding car with their chicken run!'

Now we were looking for equipment for the alchemy lab. Luck was not on our side in this task as the third to last person on Nozomi's contact list shook his head in denial. "Sorry, Nozomi but I never even studied the subject in my entire ninja career!"

Nozomi sighed, "Well have you ever come across someone who might know or sell those types of equipment, Renjiro?"

The man shook his head, "I don't think so, Nozomi!" He scratched his chin, "Maybe you should ask Naoki-sensei! The old hag has lived longer than any of us! I won't be surprised if she has something for you!"

Nozomi's eye twitched, "I was going to ask sensei anyway, Renjiro! But you shouldn't disrespect her behind her back!"

Renjiro scoffed, "Whatever! Nozo-mommy!"

Nozomi hissed and left Renjiro's house. Koime and I slightly bowed at the man and followed Nozomi outside. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at another house. It was a two-storey house. Nozomi went up to the main door and rang the bell.

A few moments later the door was opened by a woman with light blue hair wearing a brown kimono. "Yes?" The woman asked.

Nozomi smiled, "We are here to see Kagawa Naoki! I'm one of her old students, Hara Nozomi!"

The woman nodded and invited us in. She guided us to the living room, "Please wait a moment, I'll inform my mistress!"

All of us sat on the sofa as the blue-haired woman walked upstairs. Nozomi quickly turned towards me and spoke, "Arashi-kun, put on your best behaviour," She began, "The woman we are about to meet was my sensei when I was a genin, she is a very respected person in the shinobi ranks and a very decorated jonin in her time, so try not to agitate her!"

I blinked, "Oh! Okay!"

After a few minutes, my eyes drifted toward other parts of the house. The house was very well decorated and the furniture and antiques looked very expensive. 'Does being a jonin pays this well?' I thought and pulled Nozomi's arm to get attention.

"What is it, Arashi-kun?" She asked.

"Say, oba-chan," I spoke lightly, "What kind of person is your sensei?"

Nozomi blinked, "Well…how should I put this…umm…" She tapped her chin, "She is very hard on the outside but a total softy on the inside. However she is very sassy, and kind of an 'in your face type of face' type of person…"

"Ara-ara, Nozomi-chan! You have grown quite bold since we last meet!" A feminine voice spoke.

We all looked toward the source of the voice. A woman was walking down the stairs. She had straight grey hair and large, dark-brown eyes. She wore a light yellow coloured kimono.

Naoki Kagawa, Retired Jonin of Konoha

Level:?

REP: 0

I blinked, 'Damm…looks can really be deceiving! She looks to be around her mid to late forties but if she was Nozomi's jonin sensei then she should at least be in her sixties!'

The old woman smirked at me, "I'm in my late sixties, little boy!"

My eye widen, "H-how did you-"

"Know what you were thinking! Hmm…" She smirked. "It's very simple! Experience, boy! You are not the first person to be curious about my age and you certainly won't be the last!"

"I-I-I'm very sorry…mam!" I shyly apologized.

She waved it off and looked at Nozomi. "Soooo…what was that about me being sassy, eh…Nozomi-chan?"

Nozomi rapidly shook her head, "N-nothing at all, sensei!"

The old woman huffed, "So…is this a personal visit or a business matter?"

"A bit of both, sensei!" Nozomi exclaimed. "We are looking for alchemy lab equipment!"

"You see this boy over here," She pointed at me, "He is like a son in all but blood to my best friend, Koime," Nozomi then pointed at Koime, "And the boy is showing promise in the arts of alchemy, so I decided to help him to look for equipment for his lab!"

"Oh, is he now…." Naoki looked at me, "Hmm….so little boy, why are you interested in the art of alchemy?"

"Um…well…I-I…just find it very interesting!" I scratched my head with a blush.

The old woman raised her eyebrow, "So, you are trying to buy an alchemy lab just because you find the art interesting? Hmm?"

"W-well…" I started to sweat a little, "I-I also want to learn it…b-because…I want to be a more versatile ninja!"

"Mind a little more explaining, boy?" Naoki asked.

"I mean, most if not all ninjas rely on medic for a field injury or just try to patch themselves up with the limited medical knowledge they have, but if they knew alchemy," I started to explain, "They could have prepared potions and decoction. Which could have not just healed but could have boosted adrenaline, precision, and regeneration for a limited amount of time."

I looked upwards, "Yes, these types of things can be done with the modern medicine and drugs we have in our hospital, but medicine's effects are not quick instead they focus on the long term, whereas potions and decoctions are instant, but their effects are short term!"

Naoki closed her eyes and nodded in understanding, "I see your point, little boy!" She tapped her chin, "Hmm…okay! I think I can help you in this matter, but…this is going to cost you…little boy!"

"I understand!" I replied.

"Ara-ara…I see…but…it doesn't matter if you understand or not…little boy," She pointed her finger at me and then turned it towards Koime, "It's up to her! Koime…was it?"

Koime blinked, "H-hai?!"

"Hum-hum!" The old woman nodded. She eyed Koime from top to bottom.

Koime, despite being in her early-mid thirties was an attractive woman with a prominent bust and slender waist. She had fair skin with long wavy brown hair that is braided around her head and tied with a red brow around her back. She also wore a simple white blouse with a blue-plum skirt.

The retired kunoichi looked at Nozomi and smirked, "I can see why you two are so close, Nozomi-chan! A beautiful face with an equally slender figure! Women like her are hard to find, especially a civilian!"

"Tell me, is the sex between you two as good as her looks?"

All of the sitting occupants opposite her faces went red. "WHA-WHA-WHA-WHAT THE HELL, SENSEI!? THERE IS A CHILD WITH US!"Nozomi screamed in embarrassment.

"And?" Naoki huffed. "From the expression, the boy is already aware of the concept!"

"WHAT!" Koime and Nozomi quickly looked at me.

I quickly tried to hide my blush but both failed miserably. "A-Arashi! Is it true?" Koime asked with a slightly demanding tone.

"Um…ah…" I started to sweat profusely. 'Shit-shit-shit-shit-shit-shit-shit-shit…"

"Arashi, answer her question!" Nozomi narrowed her eyes.

'No point in denaing, I guess!' I gulped. "Ye-yes!"

Both Nozomi and Koime gasped. "H-how? Where? When?" Koime shook me repeatedly. "Let the boy breathe…" The old woman voiced.

Nozomi looked at her with an irritated expression, "Sensei…you should-" She immediately stopped her sentence mid-way when her sensei, slightly narrowed her eyes. Nozomi quickly turned around and put her hands on Koime's shoulder and forced fully stopped her from shaking me. "Calm down, Koime-chan! Let him talk!"

Koime nodded with a sigh and Nozomi turned me around at her. "Now, Arashi! Explain!"

'I never thought, I have to use this story this early in my life…damm it…all thanks to this old-hag!' I looked at my surrounding crowd and sighed. I was sitting between Nozomi and Koime. Opposite of us was the old hag and standing behind her was the stoic, blue-haired maid.

"W-well…it was a few weeks back when I was visiting…Naruto!" All of them raised their eyebrow as I continued, "The area where he lives has many buildings with just women. One time in the morning, I saw a man giving money to a woman and then she led her to a back ally way," Koime's eye started to twitch while Nozomi, Naoki and her stoic maid sighed heavily. "I-I thought there was some super-secret hideout, so I followed them and…and…there, I…s-saw…the…m-man…"

"Enough, Arashi-kun! We get it!" Nozomi rubbed my head. The old woman silently started to mutter, "Stupid Hieuzen, putting a child in that neighbourhood…"

Lie successful!

'That's a relief!' I thought as the notification popped in front of my face. 'Now…I have to calm Koime down!'

I turned to Koime, "Mama, it's not…Naru-" Koime sighed and rubbed my head, "I know it's not his fault…shi-kun! In fact, now I am even more determined to get him out of that place!"

She locked her eyes with mine, "Can't believe I have to give you the talk this early! We will talk about this later! Okay!"

I hesitantly nodded.

"Well…you didn't answer my question Nozomi-chan!" Naoki called. In response, Nozomi's eyes started to twitch, "NO! We are not in that kind of relationship, sensei! Now please drop the subject!"

The old woman huffed, "Fine!" She turned her attention to an irritated Koime. "As I was saying…there is a price," She smirked. "But first, are you this boy's only guardian?"

Koime nodded. "Yes, Naoki-san!"

"Alright!" The old woman nodded. "This house that I live in used to belong to an alchemist. But during the second great ninja war, he went missing and was never to be found. However, his old lab and books still remain in the basement."

"Truth be told, I have tried multiple times to sell the lab equipment and books but hardly anyone practices that art these days." She exclaimed. "The last person that did turn out to be a psychopath and a traitor."

"Who was that person?" I asked curiously.

Naoki looked at me, "He was once a war hero of our village…you probably read about him in your academy history book!"

Nozomi gasped, "W-wait…do you mean-"

"Orochimaru!?" I interpreted.

The retired kunoichi smirked, "Guess you know your history well, little boy! So you know the quality is worth the price, which will be 300K Ryo!"

'If that snake-pedo was interested in this lab then the price is fully worth it. But 300K is an amount I just can't pull out of my ass at this moment…I mean, I have the money but persuading Koime is another matter…damm it!' I looked up at Koime. She was biting her nails. "Mama…" I called. She looked at me with a sigh, "Ano…Naoki-san, do you-"

"However," The old woman continued, cutting Koime off. "I'm willing to sell all of it to you people for 125K…on one condition,"

Nozomi blinked and asked, "Condition? What condition?"

"I'm getting there, you impatient brat!" The old woman hissed at her old student and turned her attention back to me, and Koime. "You see, little boy and miss unnaturally beautiful-busty mother, my ninja career started way back in the middle of the first great ninja war. I have fought in all three great ninja wars and mentored many genin teams. Five to be exact. And all of the genins that I have trained most of those genins quickly became chunins and jonins."

"None of my students came from any shinobi clan nor did they had hidden bloodline abilities, but still my students had the most mission closure rate than most clan ninja ever did. And I take pride in that. I have trained many kinds of students; including the stereotypical moron, the stereotypical quiet kid, the stereotypical fangirl and many more stereotypes." The old woman smiled, remembering her past days.

"However, in my whole ninja career, I never had the privilege to work with a 'once in a lifetime genius' nor I had the opportunity to mentor one." She looked at me and smirked, "But now, I have a chance to mould one. That is my only condition,"

"I want a chance to teach you the ninja arts!"

"What?" I blinked.

Koime blinked and looked at Nozomi. She blinked and looked at Koime with a shrug. "Sensei?" Nozomi called. "Why do you think he is a genius? I know he is a smart kid but…come on…once in a lifetime genius? Only a few ninjas are called that. Like, our late fourth Hokage or lady Tsunade and such!"

"It looks like you forgot my lessons," Naoki sighed. "A judgement without a precise observation is an inaccurate judgment."

Nozomi blinked. "Look at the gap in his fingers. It's wide and stiff. This means he has experience in throwing shuriken." The old woman explained.

'Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.' My eyes went wide. 'I didn't know ninjas are this observant! Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I made a huge miscalculation!' I quickly tried to hide my hands and put them inside my pocket.

Nozomi and Koime gasped and looked at my arms. "And the way he is sitting on the sofa," Naoki continued, "He is not relaxed like you nor is he sitting stiffly like the busty brunette. His back is leaned backwards on the sofa but his right foot is extended. A common way sitting for someone is on the guard."

'Ah…crap-baskets!' I quickly looked down at the floor trying to be seen as small as possible.

Nozomi quickly grabbed my shoulder. "Arashi-kun, give me your hands!"

I reluctantly pulled out my hands from my pockets and showed them to her. She took my right hand and started to slowly massage the palm of my right hand. "It's stiff!" She muttered under her breath.

The librarian woman narrowed her eyes, "Arashi-kun, what were you thinking! From the stiffness in your hands, it looks like you have been using actual weapons!" She rubbed her forehead, "Do you even have any idea how dangerous that is! You could have done some serious damage to yourself! You could-"

"Enough, Nozomi!" Naoki cut her words off. "I didn't point out his skills just so he can get bitched at by you!"

"But sensei-"

"No buts or ifs!"

The older woman turned to Koime, who was shocked and concerned for her boy's health. "Listen, Koime was it?" She called. "You have a gifted boy. If he is not moulded right from a young age, his gifts will be his ultimate downfall."

Koime's eyes widen. "W-what do you mean, Naoki-san?"

"Konohagakure had few gifted individuals since she was founded by the first Hokage, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara." Naoki began, "Among these gifted individuals few names you might know. One of them being our late fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato; two of the legendary sannin, Senju Tsunade and one of her teammates Orochimaru. Apart from them, there was the white fang of the leaf, Hatake Sakumo and even his son, Hatake Kakashi was a gifted child too."

"But all of them had one thing in common," Naoki sighed. "Their gifts turned into curses. Except for Namikaze Minato, all of these gifted people turned into a broken mess. Some were so broken that they were beyond repair, and some turned into complete monsters," Koime was listening to Naoki's words as if her life depended on it. Which in all honesty could have because to her, Arashi was her life. "If you don't your little boy to turn up like them then, I suggest you take my advice and let me help him in his education."

The old woman looked at Nozomi and narrowed her eyes, "The boy is not blind or stupid, Nozomi-chan! Any normal child with his skills would be bragging and showing off like no tomorrow but he never mentioned his skills to anyone," Nozomi looked at me from the corner of her eyes as Naoki continued, "So, he is smart enough to understand the concept of building strength in secret. That alone makes him more special than the commoners!"

"So, what's it going to be?" The retired kunoichi asked.

'I hate this old hag!' I mentally cursed. 'But on a side note, the idea of getting tutored by someone who knows ninja arts sounds very nice. Plus, the discount on the alchemy lab is also great!'

'One of my secrets is already out and if people somehow find out about my gamer-ability then there will be a king's ransom on my head.' I scratched my head and started to think about all possibilities. 'If I refuse, then I have to stop my dungeon training, because if I don't; more questions will be asked about my sudden power boost and have to buy the lab equipment at double the price. A lose-lose option.'

But if I do, then actual ninja knowledge from a retired jonin and a nice excuse if I ever need to bail out myself of unnecessary questionings…hmm…a risky win option.'

"I guess, I won't have any problem if you are willing to teach me…" I said quietly. Naoki nodded with a smile and turned to Koime, "And? What about you?"

She blinked at the retired kunoichi's question and looked at Nozomi for help. The librarian nodded back at her best friend giving an 'Okay' signal. "I-I don't want my Arashi-kun to get corrupted by his own gifts," Koime said. "However that doesn't mean I'll let you do whatever you want, I may not be a ninja but if you hurt my son then…then, I'll fight you too."

"So, please take care of him and teach him well."

Naoki chuckled. "You know, miss, I'm also a mother of three. Two sons and a daughter. So," She smiled. "I know that you meant every word you said and I promise you I'll guide him to be a proper ninja."

"Now, Isane," The old woman called. "Please set up some targets in the backyard."

"Yes, my lady." The blue-haired maid bowed in response and quickly went to work. The old woman smiled, "Now, follow me! Let me show you the alchemy lab!"

It took me an hour and a half to show 'all' of my skills to the old kunoichi and finalized the lab deal. Nozomi and Naoki both asked me about my skills and how did I manage to teach myself those. I gave them the same answer I gave Naruto and the other. The only jutsu I showed them was my 'Substitution' and the leaf concentration exercise and Naoki was generous enough to throw the alchemist's notes and books in the deal. My new ninja training with her was to start from tomorrow onwards at 5 am to 7 am and 5 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday at her house.

As I along with Koime and Nozomi walked back to the orphanage after the eventful day, my mind was now on one topic only, 'Koime is about to give me the talk, and Nozomi is tagging along because she wants a good laugh at my expense!' I sighed. 'This is gonna be a long night!'


Chapter 12 is done.

Word count 14K+

Alright. This chapter has a little less Dungeon and fewer Demons but it is part 2 of the final part of arc 1. You will get more demons in the next chapter but for now please enjoy.


Okay, this is a replay to all the people who are complaining about Pokemon.

Look at first I had the dungeon involved because I didn't want to go with the mentor/ sensei route and I didn't want to exposition dump you guys without showing any progress.

However, now I understand the other side's arguments. A few days ago I was reading a gamer fic for…*Ah-hm* inspiration and that fic also went into another world, stopping the main plot for a side one. It was kinda killing the pace…and I got really irritated. Again…I understand.

So, no more pokemon. I might just write a poke-fic but as for this one no more Pokemon.

On a side note, I am writing some new fics, a marvel one and trying to write an original story of my own too.


There is one small little thing I want to inform you guys and gals… I have opened a Pa-Tr-Eon. If anyone wants to…you know…support me, can do it by visiting my page;

blazerinfinity

Let me be perfectly clear if someone wants to you can but if you don't want to, then okay. No big deal. I understand that coming from a normal household, donating money is a luxury, which most people cannot afford, especially in the current market of June 22. I would always suggest first looking after yourself and your family.

Aside from that I also have a new Instagram. Follow me on blazerinfinity. [My fanfic accounts logo is on, it hard to miss] P.S no post yet.


Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the followers and favourites.

Please leave a review. I read everyone's reviews and it gives me the motivation to write more.

Thank you again and stay safe.


And let 31st May be known, as the day, when Ambar [T]uard almost caught, Captain Jack Sparrow!

~Pirates of the Caribbean theme song~

[Being played by, Hans Zimmer]