Hello guys, I am sorry it took me so long to finish this chapter. I had these past weeks a lot of work at my shitty job. And when I had time, I played Persona 5 Royal. Luckily I managed to finish it. Now I can focus more on writing. Thanks again for the reviews and follows and for adding this story to their favorites. Enjoy the 3rd chapter. :)
I don'town rights to Naruto or Persona 5. All rights go to their creators.
Three months later
Location: Subway, near Aoyama-Itchome, Time: Morning Date: 11th April
It's been three months since the blonde started to go to Shujin Academy. Most of his classmates thought about him as a criminal and outsider. However, some girls believed that Naruto was handsome with his muscles, long blonde hair, and cute with the whiskers on his face. Luckily Shinobi was not paying attention to either of them. Sometimes, it reminded him of times when he was a little kid.
Moreover, he was pretty occupied thanks to studying and paying attention to the class. Young Namikaze was never a study type, but his grades were among the best in his class. And also, he tried to keep his promise to Iwai. About keeping a low profile as much as possible. Thanks to the school, a job in Untouchable, and training, Naruto managed to accomplish it. Thanks to his associates, Iwai managed to get mafia boss Kaneshiro off their backs. There was no humor about Kaneshiro taking vengeance on "The Wild Fox. "Naruto and Iwai could have some peace, which did not last too long.
These days, there was nothing more but chaos. The entire Shibuya talked about the mental shutdowns; these happened on highways, subways, and who knew where else. Accidents like these paralyzed not just all traffic, but everybody's daily lives. Some people even thought it would be much safer not to leave their homes. Almost everybody was on the edge of mental collapse.
Everyone except for Naruto Namikaze.
Young Namikaze sat in the subway and was on his way to the school. The blonde yawned and tried to stretch his arms, but there was no space.
"Damm, Monday the worst day… "Naruto thought, annoyed.
The boy was looking around to see if he could find some familiar faces. He only found students who tried to keep a distance from him and one boy with a Shujin uniform that he had never seen before. The student was a tall young man of slim to athletic build. He had pale, unkempt, wavy black hair that fell over his eyes. A boy had gray, long eyelashes and wore glasses on his face. His outfit was identical to his own.
"Yeah, if I remember right. I heard something about a transfer student with a criminal record coming into school. And also that this information leaked to the internet. I should have a chat with him. "So Naruto thought and stood up from his seat and went to the black boy.
"Hi there, is there any chance that you are transfer study? "Naruto asked.
"Hello… How do you know that? "The boy asked surprisingly.
"Well, because you are probably the only one on this train who's not trying to keep a distance from me. Besides, I haven't seen your face. My name is Naruto Namikaze, by the way. "The blonde introduced himself and stretched out his hand.
"Akira Kurusu. Nice to meet you, Namikaze. "Akira said and shook his hand with Naruto.
"Just call me Naruto; I am really not into formalities. Listen Akira, I should warn you. "
"Why is that? "
"'cause someone leaked out your criminal record into the internet. The entire school knows about it. So be ready for it. "
"Heh… So much for the new beginning, I suppose. But thanks for the heads up Naruto. "Akira smiled at the blonde.
"It's nothing. I was in a similar situation just like you when I started to go into Shujin. And you don't look like a bad guy to me. "
"Then I guess we got something in common already. I think we are gonna get along just fine. "The black hair said and chuckled.
"Yeah, totally. "Naruto said with a smile. And the train stopped.
"This is Aoyama-Itchome station, this Aoyama-Itchome station. The doors are now opening. "Said the woman's voice.
"Looks like we are here; let's get this over with Akira. "Naruto exclaimed and exited the train with his new friend.
Outside of the subway
"Another rainy day and, of course, with no umbrella. Just my luck… "Namikaze uttered ironically.
After two students left the subway, boys were welcomed with rain when they set foot outside. Boys of Shujin went to the shop entrance, which was left from an entry into the subway, so they could hide from the rain.
"Again? "Akira said confusedly.
"Is something wrong? "Naruto asked.
"It's just… Hey, have you ever seen this app? "Akira showed Naruto the app. The app had an icon of what looked like red-eye with an eyebrow. In the center of it was the black star. Around the eye were lines, which were similar to the buildings. A blonde-hair student looked at the app.
"No, never. It looks creepy. Why are you asking? "Ninja questioned.
"Yesterday, before I went to sleep, I found it was in my phone. But I don't remember installing it. So I deleted it, and now it's back. "The transfer student answered.
"What if it's a virus or some kind of glitch? "
"I don't think this is the case. "
"Well, I thought I heard a familiar voice. "A woman's voice said, and the figure with the hood went to Naruto's right and took down her hood to reveal herself. Akira could not take off his eyes from the girl.
The girl was relatively tall. She had wavy platinum blonde hair in bushy pigtails with parted side bangs on the right side of her face, a single yellow hair clip above her left ear, small circular earrings on both ears, and bright blue eyes.
The young woman had a modified winter school uniform so that it could fit her taste. She had the standard black blazer over a white varsity-like hooded sweatshirt, worn long to cover most of her short plaid skirt. Her sweatshirt had a red stripe between two blue stripes at the bottom, an S symbol near the front bottom on one side, and a green four-leaf-clover logo on the back of the hood. She wore red tights and brown boots with yellow laces.
"Well, it looks like miss popular-model also got caught unprepared too. I hope this won't be like the other times. "So the blonde-haired boy thought and tried to be as polite as possible.
"Hi, Ann, nice to see you too. But it's strange to see you around here. I thought Kamoshida gave you a ride to a school like usual. Did something happen? "Naruto said with a neutral face.
Naruto and Ann were not the best friends; however when Namikaze started to go to Shuji. Ann was one of the few students in the class who talked to him because the girl heard that it was him who saved her best friend Shiho from the drunken man. Since then, the classmates started to acknowledge and talk to each other more. Later, Ann began with her lame acting to seduce her classmate so that he could join Kamoshida's volleyball team. But, no matter how much she tried to convince him, the Shinobi always rejected her.
"Ohhhh… I am not talking to you one minute, and you are already giving me the cold shoulder. Here I thought I would stop by and say hi to my favorite blonde classmate. I was waiting for you to call me, but you didn't. So I was entire, all alone and scared in my house. "Ann exclaimed with fake tears and grabbed his strong right arm.
The blonde-hair ninja blushed when he felt her chest and his right arm. Akira was looking at his new friend with a confused face.
"S-Sorry, Ann, but I told you before; that I had an important work; I didn't have time to hang out with you or visit you. So can you please, let me go? "Naruto said as politely as possible and blushed.
"Oh my god, he is not just handsome, intelligent, but well-built also. No wonder he is so popular with girls. "Ann thought and blushed.
"And what if I say no? "Ann said teasingly and looked at him. At that moment, a white car stopped on the road, opened the window, slid down, and the blonde girl let go of Naruto.
"Well, speaking of a devil… "The boy thought disgustedly.
The man behind wheels had long black, unkempt hair and thick eyebrows. His jawline was broad and square. He wore a blue track jacket with a white T-shirt and blue track pants with double white stripes.
"Good morning. I hope I am not interrupting you. Do you want me to give you a ride to school? You're gonna be late. "The driver said and looked at Anna with a smile.
"Um, sure, thank you. "Ann accepted the offer politely.
"What about you, Namikaze-kun? It doesn't look like the rain is going to stop soon. "A man asked.
"Nope, I am good, Mr. Kamoshida. "The ninja said and turned him down.
"All right, and you boy? "Kamoshida exclaimed and looked at Akira.
"No, thank you. "Akira said and waved his hand. Ann sat next to Kamoshida, and her smile disappeared when she was in the car, replaced with low glare. The vehicle with both of them drove away. Naruto did not miss a sudden change in her face.
"Ann… Could he… "Naruto thought but did not dare to finish his thought.
Once a car was gone, a blonde-hair student ran around Naruto and Akira, trying to catch a white vehicle. Suddenly he stopped a few meters from the pair.
"Dammit… Screw that pervy teacher. "A boy growled.
"… Pervy teacher? "Akira asked, and his phone reacted to those words.
"He means Kamoshida, that guy who just stopped here. He is a PE teacher in our school. A real prick, if you ask me. That bastard is acting like he is the king of the castle sometimes. "Naruto answered the black-haired boy. Then, the blonde hair runner turned to Kurusu.
A boy had short spiky dyed blond hair and dark brown eyes. He had a noticeable widow's peak, and his eyebrows were unusual because he lacked the outer sides. He appeared to be muscular. Like Ann also, his school uniform was a bit modified. It consisted of the standard black blazer, unbuttoned to reveal a yellow t-shirt with a comic-style star symbol and the word "ZOMG! "The runner had plaided trousers rolled up to show his ankles. His pants had black suspenders that hung down instead of worn on his shoulders. He wore a white belt.
"… What do you want? You planni 'on ratti' me out to Kamoshida? "The vulgar boy said and looked at Akira.
"And why would he want to do that? Especially since he just met him, Ryuji. "Naruto answered for Akira.
"Oh, Naruto, hey man. Sorry, I must've overlooked you. So you're sayin' that he is a transfer student? "Ryuji asked his friend.
When Naruto met Ryuji then, unlike other students, the nasty blonde was not afraid of young Namikaze. Sakamoto was jealous of Namikaze because of all the attention he received from girls. Ryuji once confronted the boy with seeing what kind of guy he was. At first, Naruto ignored him and minded his business. So Ryuji thought it was like he thought a selfish and cocky bastard. Then, one day Ryuji had severe trouble with boys from the disbanded track team. Luckily Jinchuuriki was close by and did not hesitate; he helped a fellow blonde boy and drove away everyone who attacked him. Since then, Naruto has become a good friend of Ryuji, and they acknowledge each other.
"That's right. The transfer student is Akira Kurusu, Ryuji, and this loud blonde is Ryuji Sakamoto, Akira. "Naruto said and introduced them.
"Nice to meet you, Ryuji. "Akira said and shook his hand with Ryuji's.
"Me too- Wait! What was that Naruto, dammit?! "Ryuji shouted and looked at Naruto.
"Like I didn't say anything…. "The blonde boy said ironically and sweatdropped.
"Look, the rain is not so bad now. We better hurry up to the school, or we'll be late. "Ryuji said, and the two boys nodded. Then, however, something happened that stopped the trio.
"Gah…My head… "Naruto growled in pain. Suddenly the pain disappeared. But what was more strange was that Akira and Ryuji experienced the same thing.
"What was that just now? Out of nowhere, all three of us had a migraine, and a second later, we were all okay? Weird… "Naruto tried to get a bottom of what just happened to the boys, but there was no logical explanation.
"Dammit, my head hurts… I would rather go home already…. "Ryuji exclaimed lazily and went on.
"Guys, come on, this is a shortcut. "Ryuji said when they were facing a dark alley.
"Yeah, I know about this one. Let's go. "Naruto said and went on to the Shujin. But something was wrong. Whisker boy couldn't describe it; however, he knew for sure that something was off. When he looked at Akira, he noticed that he had doubts too. Students were almost at school, suddenly…
"WHAT THE HELL?! "Ryuji cried, surprised.
When Naruto and Akira came to see what happened, they all were startled. In front of them was not the Shujin academy as they all expected. They only found a giant castle instead. The castle could be enormous as the school. Not only was the school different also the sky turned completely purple.
"A castle? But how? This is supposed to be the school. So what's going on here? "Ryuji exclaimed unbelievably.
"This IS the school. Look. "Naruto said and pointed at the Shuji Academy sign.
"You're right. Well, we won't learn anything by standing here. Let's go inside. "Akira exclaimed and went in.
The trio entered, hoping to learn anything about this castle. However, once the boys were in, they found nothing. Instead of a hall full of students, boys only found an empty room with castle-like interiors.
"Th-that's weird… This is supposed to be a school… "Ryuji said, still shocked.
"There was a sign about the school. We saw it right by the entrance. But how could a school be turned into a castle in one weekend? It's not making any sense. "Naruto said frustratedly. Ryuji took a phone out of his pocket.
"Out of service? How?! "The vulgar blonde shouted. At that moment, a figure who looked like a knight went straight to the students. It was a knight in big black armor with a shield, sword, and cyan theatrical mask.
"Jesus Christ, you freaked me out, man… You're a student, right? "Ryuji said with relief in a voice and looked at the newcomer closer. Nevertheless, Naruto did not like it at all.
"Ryuji, don't go any closer to him! "Naruto shouted and pulled his friend away.
"What gives Naruto?! "Ryuji shouted back at him. A second later, another knight came.
"Just what is this supposed to mean? "Akira said confusedly. The mask figures approached them more.
"You two, go! I'll hold them as long as possible! "Naruto shouted at Akira and Ryuji.
"Are you crazy?! You can't just-"Ryuji could not finish his sentence.
"You're still here?! GO! "The Shinobi shouted back.
"Ryuji, come one! "A boy with glasses said. Then, suddenly, another two guards appeared.
Naruto was already in Frog Kumite's stance. He knew this fight would not be accessible without entering his Sage mode or chakra. So even though there was a zero chance of winning, he did not want to run. The knight on his right tried the blonde stab; Naruto only dodged to the right. His reflexes were still in good shape. With his speed, he got close to a knight, and his fist connected to the guard's mask. The knight stumbled a little bit back. The blonde's fist was not strong without his former strength; the boy knew that. The second knight came at Namikaze from the left. At the last second, he managed to avoid backward. This time the attack was not from the sword but the shield.
"My punch did almost nothing. Dammit, at this rate, I'll… "Screaming in pain cut off the blonde with his thought.
"Gah! You are going to break my bones! "Ryuji cried in pain and was knocked down.
"No! Akira- Aagh! "Namikaze could not do anything. His body fell to the ground, into the unconscious.
Later, elsewhere
"Come on, man, wake up! "Said a boy's voice. Naruto opened his eyes slowly. When he was fully awake, the young boy managed to sit on the edge of the wooden bed. Namikaze looked around to see they were in a dungeon. In front of him were locked bars. On both sides of the cell were chains. The Jinchuuriki did not want to know what these shackles were used for or for who. Three of maybe four wooden barrels in a left corner with God knows what. Ryuji stood on Naruto's right side, while Akira stood on his left.
"Thank God you are awake. You all right? "Ryuji asked with concern.
"So far, so good. Man, that was one hell of a punch. What about you two? "Naruto exclaimed.
"Nothing serious, don't worry. "Akira answered honestly.
"I am okay, more or less. "The short blonde hair boy said.
"Good. At least something. From the looks of it, we are in a… prison? "Naruto spoke uncertainly.
"Most likely. Looks like this is no dream. "Akira answered. While Ryuji turned to the bars, ran to it, and started kicking it and shouting. The boys did not pay any attention to him. However, they ran to the bars when they heard a scream.
"You have got to be shitti' me, right? "Ryuji said in a low voice. Suddenly the armor footsteps approached their cell. There stood three knights.
"You three…Be glad that your punishment has been decided upon. Your charge is "unlawful entry. "And thus, you will be sentenced to death. "The guard announced to them the news.
"Wait, what?! "Ryuji couldn't believe it.
"No one's allowed to do as they please in my castle! "A familiar man's voice said. The guards stepped aside for a newcomer. When he revealed himself, it was Kamoshida himself. He wore a gold crown, red heart-printed cape, and pink underwear, exposing his torso and hairy legs. His eyes changed color to yellow.
"Kamoshida?! You? "Ryuji asked with a surprised voice.
"I thought it was some petty thief, but to think it'd be you, Sakamoto… And you, Namikaze, my trophy. I never thought, not even in my wild dreams, that you of all the people would come in here willingly to surrender yourself. On top of it, you brought another friend with you, probably because you can't do anything for yourself. "Kamoshida said triumphantly.
"Well keep dreaming, you sick bastard! I will never surrender to you! "Naruto shouted at him angrily.
"Is that how you speak to your king?! But well, it doesn't matter anyway. Soon, but very soon, I will personally take my time breaking that will and courage of yours. And you won't be able to talk back like that ever again. "The man said with a dark smirk on his face.
"I would like to see you try it. So many have tried it before you, and guess what. You are just another ordinary asshole with big words and no actions. "Naruto laughed at him.
"We will see about that. But first, you three, not only did you sneak into my castle, you committed the crime of insulting the me-the king. For this, the only punishment is death! It's time for execution. However, shackle Namikaze first. He is going to watch it. And don't you dare break my trophy! Now open the bars! "Kamoshida ordered.
"Yes, sir! "The captain guard answered.
"If it will be only this three, I can buy Akira and Ryuji some time. But if more will come in here, I won't be able to hold them off. "Naruto planned their escape.
"Get back, get back! Then, once I give you a signal, run! "Naruto exclaimed; the trio backed away from the bars to a bed.
"What are you talkin' about?! I am not leaving you! "Sakamoto cried.
"And either will I! "Akira exclaimed.
"Listen, you two! As much as I appreciate it, you are no match for these guys. All I can do for you two is to buy you some time to escape. " Namikaze shouted back. The guards opened the doors and got in. There were only three, just as he hoped. Two guards went straight to Naruto, while the third one approached Ryuji and Akira. The ninja was again in his Frog Kumite's stance. He knew that his attacks must be more robust and more accurate. The young boy turned to a guard and his right and punched him right in the chest. And it looked like the knight was more staggered than the previous one. Naruto couldn't waste any time. He turned to the second guard, delivered him a solid kick to the face, and hit the wall. Then he looked at the last guardian near Ryuji and prepared to strike him down. A Shinobi quickly ran to them and pressed the knight against the wall.
"Now go! "The blonde hair ninja cried at the students.
"Not so fast! "Kamoshida said and entered the cell with the other four guards.
"Did you think I wouldn't insure myself? What are you waiting for?! Execute those two nobodies and tie-down Namikaze already! "Kamoshida ordered once more. The pressed guard managed to get out of Naruto's grab punched him back with his shield and fell to the ground. The blonde tried to get back on his feet; however, four swords were pointed at his head. While two guards pressed the Akira to the wall, the last guard stood above Ryuji and readied to execute him.
"I'll have you killed right now! "The king said with a smirk.
"Stop it! "Akira shouted. Kamoshida turned to the black-haired boy.
"You know, that look in your eyes irritates me. But, don't worry; you and Sakamoto will soon share the same fate. Hold him tight! "The PE teacher exclaimed and turned back to Ryuji.
"Is this all I can do…? First, I couldn't save my world, and now I can't even protect two friends! Dammit, all! "Naruto thought desperately.
"No, please… I don't wanna die… "Ryuji begged for his life. Suddenly, the butterfly, who flew from Naruto to Akira and back, appeared. Only these two could see it, and time for the rest somehow stopped.
"This is truly an unjust… Your chances of winning are almost none. But if my voice is reaching you two, there may yet be possibilities open to you… "A butterfly said with a woman's voice and disappeared.
"What was that? What was that supposed to mean? And only Akira and I could see it and hear it. "Naruto thought about what had happened.
All of a sudden, Akira heard another voice. However, this time it sounded differently.
"What's the matter? Are you simply going to watch? Are you forsaking him to save yourself? Death awaits him if you do nothing. Was your previous decision a mistake then? "A dark male's voice began.
"Of course, it wasn't. I would do it all over again! "The black-haired boy declared, determined. A knight grabbed Ryuji by his neck and pressed him to the wall. He readied himself to end his boy's life. At the same time, Kamoshida watched it with a dark smile.
"Very well… I have heeded your resolve—vow to me. "A male's voice uttered.
However, when the voice finished, out of nowhere, Akira suddenly cried in pain.
"I am thou, thou art I…. "
"Those who art willing to perform all sacrilegious acts for thine own justice! "
"Call upon my name, and release thy rage! "
"Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou be chained to hell itself! "
"Execute him! "The king ordered.
"That's enough! "Akira shouted in rage.
"What was that? "Kamoshida asked and turned to the transfer student. The guard holding Ryuji by the neck released his grip, let the blonde fall down, and turned into the source.
"Akira… "Naruto uttered, surprised.
"You desire to be killed that much? Fine then, it doesn't matter what trash is taken out first! "The teacher said a gave a guard sign. The knight on Akira's left side struck the boy with a shield to his face. Akira's glasses fell. Knights pressed Akira with their spears on his neck, while the guard supposed to execute Ryuji raised his sword to end the curly boy's life. However, a sudden burst of energy pushed everyone a step back. The power disappeared, and Akira looked up. Over his eyes was a white, birdlike domino mask with black designs around the eyes reminiscent of full eyeliner and short lashes. The boy touched and started to fight with his mask. Blood around his eyes flew down his face when he managed to take it off. The boy looked up. His eyes turned from grey color to yellow with the smirk of a madman. After that, a blue fire covered his face and his entire body. Suddenly a new red-sinister look was seen on top of the fire. Finally, the blue energy fire died, and Akira showed himself in a different outfit. His outfit consists of a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, black-lined pants, brown-black winklepickers boots with taller heels, and a pair of red gloves. Above the boy stood a towering figure. The monster had a very tall top hat, a long-horned mask for its face, and a cropped red eighteenth-century-esque. The suit was worn open with the collar popped, stitched heart designs on the shoulders, a white ruffle tie, a black-tailed corset running down its torso, and large, black, feathery wings on his back. Claws red coverings on its legs resembling pants and boots with blade-like heels. The boy used another burst of energy to send every enemy back to the walls. Kamoshida could not believe his eyes and ran back to the bars.
"I am the pillager of twilight –"Arséne! "I am the rebel's soul that resides within you. If you so desire, I shall consider granting you the power to break through this crisis. "Said their new ally.
"Give me your the power! "Akira replied.
"Hmph… very well." Arséne uttered.
"Just who the hell are you?! How can trash like you have power? Guards! Show him your true strength! And you! Watch over Namikaze! "Kamoshida commended. The five guards turned into ghosts with witch hats, the pumpkin heads that held dark smiles. They all had dark blue coats and carried lamps. The boy stood in front of them with a dagger he held in his right palm and prepared to fight.
"Eiha! "Akira shouted his attack. Black energy surrounded the first enemy until he vanished into nothingness.
"So it turned out, he didn't need any of my help at all… "Naruto thought and closed his eyes.
"Do you really think that? Look at him! "Said an angry voice inside Naruto's head.
Naruto stared wide-eyed when he heard "his "voice. First time after six months. He could not believe it. However, he did as the spokesperson said to him. Akira kneeled on his knee and breathed heavily. Then, the other two enemies got closer to him.
"Finish that trash off! "Kamoshida commended.
"That kid will die if you won't do anything to stop them. This is not the brat I used to know. I used to know a brat who never gave up, no matter the situation, and never returned to his word. What happened to him?! "An angry voice uttered.
"Did I need to wait six months for you to come back into my head to tell me this? How low have I fallen? "Naruto thought amusedly and smiled.
"Hey, asshole! I don't know if you have noticed, but I am still here! "Naruto shouted with confidence.
"Shut your mouth, Namikaze! You should already know that a trophy like you is not allowed to fight back! Know your place, you scum! "The man said with a smug on his face.
"What can I say… I am bad at learning my place. "Naruto said jokingly. A sudden burst of orange energy came out of Naruto's body. Once it died down, the blonde-haired boy looked up at Kamoshida. Naruto's mask appeared over his eyes, nose, and forehead, an orange fox-like mask with long black ears. The mask on Jinchuuriki's cheeks were three sharp whiskers, just like on his face. When he felt the mask Namikaze did the same thing as his friend. Naruto grabbed it by the whiskers and tore it down. The blood started flowing down his upper face, and Naruto cried out in pain. The blonde's blue eyes turned yellow, and another wave of energy burst, only his was more substantial pushing the ghosts and the knight further back.
The red and blue energy started coming out of Shinobi's body, covering his entire being. Once the energy disappeared, the young boy wore a red coat with black flames on the sleeves and bottom edges of the coat. The coat covered his arms, and its length reached to his knees. On his back appeared a symbol for kyu (nine). Under his coat was a black jonin vest. For his wrists, he wore black driving gloves. His trousers held dark and on his right leg was a weapon holster for shurikens and kunais. His shoes changed into combat boots. Above him appeared his well-known friend, a partner—the giant fox with nine tails, long ears, whiskers like Naruto's, long claws, and sharp fangs Kurama. Naruto could feel how chakra flowed through his body again. His eyes returned to their original color.
"W-What?! You too?! How is this even possible? Who the fuck are you?! "The man shouted desperately.
"I told Akira and Ryuji that I would get them out of here. And I am gonna keep that promise. Thanks to you, I managed to awake my lost power. So you should know by now that I am your worst nightmare. Let's go, Kurama! "Naruto charged at the remaining enemies with kunai in his right hand.