I always liked being one chapter ahead, since the draft of next chapter is ready, here is the new chapter for you. Also exams! They have been rushing the semester, my first year(22-23) started late due to covid in jan and they want to finish it by august, so expect some late updates.

So, chapter lengths, this turned out to be 6k which is most I can fit in my note app. I think I would like to keep the chapter lengths around this word limit only. Be sure to read the A/n below.

4. Inner Conflicts & Unveiling Secrets

Naruto found himself standing in the heart of Konoha, but it was a scene of utter devastation. The village he loved so dearly lay in ruins, its once-vibrant buildings reduced to mere rubble. Smoke billowed ominously, filling the air with an eerie haze that choked the atmosphere. The sky above, once a vibrant blue, was now tinged with shades of crimson, reflecting the chaos that had befallen the village.

Naruto's heart sank as he surveyed the wreckage. The familiar sights he had grown up with were unrecognizable, and a deep sense of sorrow gripped him. Pained by the destruction that surrounded him, he yearned to understand what had transpired in this nightmarish vision.

As he moved through the wreckage-filled streets, Naruto noticed two figures standing face to face on what was supposed to be the destroyed heads of the previous kages on the Hokage monument. He could recognise his own face carved out of the mountain. They were locked in a fierce battle, their forms shrouded in an air of mystery. They fought with such intensity and skill that Naruto couldn't help but be in awe of their abilities, yet he couldn't place their identities. Their silhouettes moved with a grace that reminded him of familiar battles from his past, yet they remained unrecognizable.

Drawing closer, Naruto attempted to catch a glimpse of their faces, hoping for some semblance of familiarity, but their features remained obscured. It was as if an invisible barrier kept him from truly seeing who they were. He couldn't even talk to kurama, it was as if he wasn't with him at all, he felt vulnerable. The frustration gnawed at him, amplifying his desperation to understand the truth behind this devastation.

The duo clashed relentlessly, their every strike resonating with power. Naruto's heart clenched as he watched the fierce determination etched upon their faces. The scene was reminiscent of his own battles, a reminder of the hardships he had faced to protect the village and his loved ones.

Naruto called out to them, his voice filled with urgency. "Stop! Who are you? What has happened to Konoha?"

But his words seemed to dissolve into the chaos around him, unheard or unanswered. The two figures continued their ferocious clash, seemingly unaware of Naruto's presence, lost in their own personal struggle.

As the dream continued to unfold, Naruto realized that the destruction he witnessed was not merely physical. It mirrored the battles both he and Sasuke had, it was as if they were destined to face, battles that threatened to tear their friendship apart and bring ruin upon the village they called home.

Overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, Naruto tried to reach out, desperate to bridge the gap between their worlds and bring an end to the suffering. But his efforts were in vain as the dream started to fade, slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Naruto awoke with a start, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. The vivid images of the destroyed Konoha and the enigmatic figures burned in his mind. He couldn't fully comprehend the meaning of his dream, he understood that the future of his village and the bonds he held were hung in the balance.

As the sun rose over, its golden rays illuminating the village, a cool breeze brushed against his face, carrying with it a scent of fresh morning dew. He sat up, feeling a newfound energy coursing through his veins. He didn't know if the vision he had had was some sort of warning or not but one thing was easy to decipher. He can't depend on others for finding a way back home. There were too many unknowns for him to decide a set course of action, but one thing was certain- he needed to get a lot stronger than he was.

Aside from these thoughts, Naruto couldn't help but notice a distinct difference in his body. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He could sense a renewed strength and clarity within himself, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. He could feel his body getting acclimated to the change in his seal. While there won't be any physical changes he still had the phantom feeling of his body getting better. It was a monday morning and from what he knew Ayumi will be working as a herbalist? Is that what it is called or is she a full fledged doctor. As far as he knew she didn't have any degrees that were offered when one completed their education in schools in the cities.

In her absence, it was his duty to take care of all the chores and then head out to her clinic. Sensing nobody nearby, he made a clone which left to complete the chores while he went for his daily routine. He didn't know how he would go about explaining how there were two of him.

Now that he had had breakfast thanks to Ayumi's courtesy, he decided it was time to go to her clinic.

He had decided to rest for a few days here and not exert his body more than necessary. As a shinobi he won't disregard that 1 percent chance of his body malfunctioning due to the seal, with no one knowing how to cure him. He wouldn't want to make Ayumi worry more than necessary.

Deciding to just head out of the house to search the clinic, which shouldn't be faraway, and not using chakra to sense Ayumi. Sometimes walking alone like this, surrounded by nature at its finest was just as refreshing giving them the time to introspect and think for themselves every once in a while.

He immediately noticed the sign where her clinic was located.

Naruto found himself standing at the entrance of a quaint wooden building nestled amidst a picturesque village of Iki-no-shima. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of herbs and the gentle rustling of leaves. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a kind-face of Ayumi.

"Hello, Naruto," she said with a gentle smile. "You took your time getting here even though I didn't tell you where this clinic was located."

Naruto grinned, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. "It was a simple matter of locating the best possible location for it, you know. It must be close to your home but also accessible to all the villagers." "Now that I have decided to live for a few days, I will be helping you in any way you want."

"You sure you are up to the task? It is very hard to work under my supervision. Every task should be done with perfection."

"Hey, don't underestimate Naruto Uzumaki. I can do any task if I set my mind on doing it."

"If you say so," thinking of ways to test Naruto's word.

Naruto observed as patients came and went, seeking Ayumi's aid for various ailments. Some were injured farmers and fishermen while others were elderly villagers seeking relief from their chronic pains. Naruto was awestruck by Ayumi's vast knowledge of herbs and her innate ability to diagnose and heal with her remedies.

As Naruto spent more time with Ayumi, he noticed her unwavering dedication and compassion toward her patients. She would patiently listen to their stories and take the time to understand their struggles. It was evident that she genuinely cared for their well-being and wanted to make a difference in their lives.

The latest task given by Ayumi was to organise and catalogue the herbs that were delivered. Apparently, local herbs and other daily use products were delivered and the others needed to be bred specifically. The rarer ones which couldn't be bred by her were collected from different locations that were spread throughout the Japan.

As the day was going to be over, a young girl with a feverish look stumbled into the herbalist's house, clutching her stomach in pain. Naruto watched as Ayumi assessed her condition with a practiced eye. With a gentle touch, she prepared a soothing herbal tea and instructed the girl on how to take it.

Naruto couldn't help but be amazed at how effortlessly Ayumi put people at ease. She possessed an innate ability to bring comfort not only through her medicinal knowledge but also through her empathetic nature. He realized that her healing went beyond just physical ailments, she nurtured the spirit as well.

It reminded him of granny Tsunade and Sakura.

The thought made him think about his home. He could only imagine how the situation in konoha has turned out in his absence. While there was no absolute need for his presence in the hidden Leaf, he couldn't help but think of its safety. It was odd for him to experience such a dream when he was stuck in this situation. While Kakashi and his friends were strong enough to defend against most of the enemy, the number of shinobi was at an all time low after the war. It would take years to recuperate. Aside from that what if there was a threat that only he could have taken care of. Sasuke was outside, and only a select few could contact him. What if he doesn't have the ability to locate him and take him back home. And the amount of seal masters present in the Elemental Nations could be counted on one hand. What if there was no for him to go back home. What if...

"You are thinking too much, brat. Everything will be fine." The voice of the Nine-Tailed fox rumbled in his mind.

"Sorry Kurama," Naruto whispered, realising he has been day dreaming and was so immersed in his thoughts that he forgot that he was collecting herbs. This was no time for him to get depressed. And it wasn't his style to mope around. He would find his way back home soon, dattebayo!

Witnessing the scene, Ayumi couldn't quite stomach the thought of Naruto getting depressed. She could see that he had some heavy burden just by looking at his gloomy face. While she had decided not to pry, at the same time she couldn't abandon him to his inner demons. At least she could make him talk, hear him out, give a helping hand. She knew from experience that talking always helps and Naruto was in need of it. It's the least she could.

Naruto absent-mindedly stretched his body, enjoying the feeling it gave.

He then began to assist Ayumi in gathering herbs and preparing remedies. He learned about the intricacies of various plants, their healing properties, and how to create balms and potions to aid in the recovery of the villagers. Naruto's enthusiasm and eagerness to learn impressed Ayumi, and she happily shared her knowledge with him.

During their moments of respite, Naruto and Ayumi sat beneath the shade of a blossoming cherry tree, sharing their experiences and dreams. Naruto marveled at Ayumi's wisdom and her unique perspective on life. Life went leisurely like this for a few days. It was becoming a routine for them. After the day was over she would make Naruto his favourite food, the ramen. They would talk, share their experience, they would debate on the benefits of various herbs. Naruto sharing what little knowledge he had on the topic.

On one occasion when performing a transfusion of blood, she found out that Naruto was the perfect match and his blood had some healing properties. The knowledge fascinated her a lot and she was sure to take some samples to study.

Over the course of their interaction, she had found that he had an annoying ability of answering her questions and at the same time being vague about answers. While she got to know about him, at the same time she didn't know him at all. It was frustrating her but she was determined.

On a particular midnight she heard voices coming from the ceiling and got up to check out. There she found Naruto on the terrace looking at the vast expanse of the sky. Naruto waved at her, knowing that he wasn't subtle in climbing the house.

"How did you climb up. There are no stairs to the top Naruto," she asked tired of him surprising her for the millionth of time he had been living with her.

"It's a trade secret," he laughed. "Would you like to join me? It's quite nice staring at the night sky watching the stars."

She took Naruto's offer as he jumped down and held her to jump up again. It was so fast for her to process that she couldn't even register the activity, but regardless she sat down beside him.

They had become fast friends since they first met, bonding over their shared love for helping people and their contrasting personalities. However, Ayumi couldn't help but notice a sadness lingering in Naruto's eyes lately, a hidden burden he seemed to carry. As they were having their moment in silence, Ayumi decided it was an appropriate time to ask.

Ayumi took a deep breath, summoning her courage to address her concerns. "Naruto, you seem a little off lately. Is something bothering you?"

Naruto stared at the ground for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his orange jacket. He sighed, finally looking up to meet Ayumi's gaze. "I... I don't really know how to explain it, Ayumi. It's just... I've been feeling homesick, you know? Like there's something missing, something I can't quite put my finger on." Instead of out right lying he decided to tell half truths.

Ayumi's brow furrowed with concern. "Homesick? But didn't you come to Japan to explore its beauty and traditions. You can actually go back whenever you want, right? Aside from that you did make many friends here."

Naruto nodded, his blue eyes filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "I know, Ayumi. I appreciate that more than you can imagine. But it's like there's a void inside me, a longing for a place I can't reach anymore. It's like I've lost a part of myself, and I don't even know how to find it."

Ayumi's heart sank as she saw the vulnerability in Naruto's expression. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Naruto, you can tell me anything. I'm here to listen, to help. We'll figure this out together. You don't have to be vague anymore. Just speak your heart."

Her gentle nature and deep understanding of human suffering touched something within him, and he found himself opening up to her in ways he hadn't with others.

Naruto took a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ayumi there's something I haven't told you. Something you might find hard to believe." He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I... I'm not from the West or any other country that you can find on those maps and atlases."

Ayumi blinked, taken aback by Naruto's revelation. "What do you mean? Where are you from then."

Naruto looked down, gathering his thoughts. "I have accidentally crossed my continent, Ayumi. The continent I lived in was called 'The Elemental Nations' and the country I belonged to was called 'The Fire Country'. I was experimenting with a project, and something went wrong. I ended up here, in this place that's so similar to my own, yet different in ways I can't explain. I've been trying to find a way back, but it feels impossible. The people of this world didn't seem to know about my home. It's like I am the first person out here. All I can do now is wait and hope someone comes to find me. And in the meantime, I'm just... lost."

Ayumi sat in stunned silence, trying to process Naruto's words. The truth of his situation was difficult to grasp, but the sadness in his eyes was undeniable. She couldn't fathom what he had said. Unfounded continent, an experiment that made a shooting star suddenly appear in the clear night sky, from where he fell, him surviving that fall, it was so abnormal but it wasn't the right time to dwell on it. She gently squeezed his shoulder, offering her support. "Naruto, I can't even imagine what you're going through. But you're not alone. I don't know if I can be of any help but I definitely believe that you can find a way to get back to your home."

Naruto's gaze met Ayumi's, gratitude shining through his sadness. "Thank you, Ayumi. Just knowing that you're here for me means more than you'll ever know. It's just... hard, you know? To not belong, to feel like an outsider. But with you by my side, maybe I can find my way back"

Naruto smiled warmly, his emerald eyes filled with determination. While he knew that Ayumi couldn't possibly help him in any way but her show of support was enough for him to get motivated. He felt bad for not being entirely truthful, but it was as close to the truth as he could get without someone calling him an alien for coming from a different planet altogether. At the end of the day he was a shinobi through and through.

He had decided that he wouldn't actually wait for anyone to come to his rescue but find a way back himself. The information he got yesterday has opened quite a few options.

"So, now that you are done moping around, would you mind telling me about your prosthetic arm, I am quite intrigued about it."

Now that he could answer.

(With the clone)

Hidden within the dense foliage of the rural landscape, Naruto's clone crouched low, silently observing the unfolding battle between a 15 year old who would most probably be a demon slayer and a formidable demon. He noticed a fair woman with pale skin and large, lavender eyes and short eyebrows. She wears her white-colored right-swept hair in a short ponytail with two strands of hair let loose at the front. The demon slayer seems to be her escort. She was hiding behind a tree which was located far enough from the battle.

He had been traversing the rural areas via tree hopping in the hopes of at least finding any one of the parties when his shinobi-trained ears heard the sounds of fighting. He decided to just watch for now and if need be, he could lend a hand without being seen, right. He would actually have to rely on stealth, which clearly was not his style. But beggars can't be choosers, if he wants to be an unknown element in this silent war he just had to do the old fashioned way. Henge will probably help if he fails in the aforementioned job of being stealthy.

The air was heavy with anticipation as the clone's sharp eyes were ready to capture every movement, its focus unwavering.

The demon slayer, clad in his traditional uniform, exuded an aura of unyielding determination. His muscles coiled, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. In his hands, a gleaming sword rested, a testament to his dedication and training.

The demon, a grotesque manifestation of darkness, exuded an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down the clone's spine. It was ready for the fight as well. Its eyes glowed with an unholy crimson, a telltale sign of the power coursing through its veins.

As the battle commenced, the demon slayer lunged forward with lightning speed, his sword slicing through the air in a graceful arc. The demon, anticipating the attack, evaded the strike with unnatural agility. Its form blurred, dodging the blade by a hair's breadth.

Undeterred, the demon slayer pressed on, his movements fluid and precise. But the demon, sensing an opportunity, retaliated with a wicked grin.

With a mere flick of its wrist, the demon commanded, "Kekkijutsu- Tetsu no Kenka." (Blood Demon Art- Iron Fist Inferno)

It surprised the clone when the iron within the demon's own blood, was shaped into razor-sharp projectiles that shot towards the demon slayer like deadly arrows.

The clone watched in awe as the demon slayer deftly dodged the oncoming barrage. It was as if he was expecting some sort of attack. His reflexes were honed to perfection, allowing him to dance between the projectiles with calculated grace. But the clone could see the strain etched upon the demon slayer's face when the barrage of iron projectiles were becoming more relentless. The effort required to evade the relentless assault was immense for humans with no chakra. If he had to make a comparison, a genin would have already collapsed under this type of attack, if he/she would have been fighting by themselves. That was why the team formation of genin of Konoha was different from other villages from the earliest of wars. It has helped reduce the genin casualties to astonishing numbers that other villages decided to use the same formation as well, with some minor differences.

Realizing the limitations of evasion alone, the demon slayer shifted tactics. He breathed heavily, channeling some type of power in his blade as he said, "San no kata: Ryūryū Mai" (Third Form: Flowing Dance) summoning droplets of water from the surrounding environment. With a skillful twist of his wrist, in burst of speed he cut down the incoming projectiles with precision, cleaving them in half, causing them to harmlessly dissipate into mist upon contact with the water.

The clone got surprised, he wasn't expecting people from this world without a chakra network have actually developed a way to get stronger than an average civilian. When he double checked, he saw the water around the blade dissipating as if it wasn't even there. He could sense the increase in the power of the katana-wielder as he breathed air in a certain way, it was clearly visible when one looked at their forms.

The demon's eyes widened with surprise, a momentary break in its malevolent facade. Seizing the opportunity, the demon slayer lunged forward, his blade cutting through the air with blinding speed. He called out, "Shichi no kata: Shizuku Hamon Tsuki" (Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust) performing a precise, fast and accurate thrust with their blade. The demon, caught off guard, barely managed to raise its defenses in time.

But the clone observed a chilling revelation. The demon, harnessing its blood demon art, manipulated the iron within its own body, transforming it into a makeshift armor that absorbed the impact of the demon slayer's attack. The clone could sense the immense strength coursing through the demon's veins, its resilience bolstered by its twisted power.

The clone understood the ability the demon was using. He had heard of this type of kekkei-genkai (bloodline limit) present in the Iwagakure (Hidden Rock). The Shinobi could manipulate the iron in one's own blood to create defence like making a body shield and can also use it in offence by making projectiles like the demon used. The skilled users could also control the metal the opponent was using and could turn it against them in the midst of battle. From his perspective, the demon is probably new to this technique where he has developed a technique of offence and defence only.

With a snarl of defiance, the demon retaliated, its claws elongating into wicked blades. It launched itself at the demon slayer, striking with unbridled fury. The clone watched as the demon slayer expertly parried each blow, his blade dancing with precision and agility, as if he was flowing through the attacks like water.

Yet, with every clash, the demon's blood demon art revealed its terrifying versatility. The demon transformed its iron-infused blood into tendrils that extended from its body, ensnaring the demon slayer's limbs, threatening to immobilize him. But the demon slayer's indomitable spirit refused to yield.

Drawing upon his inner strength, the demon slayer channeled the essence of his breathing style. Droplets of water converged around him, forming a protective shield that repelled the demon's iron tendrils. The clone marveled at the synergy between the demon slayer's mastery of water and his unwavering determination.

While the slayer couldn't produce actual water like the shinobi's could with the water style, it seems that the energy in the blade made it look like it was producing water with each form the d mon slayer called.

With each passing moment, the battle intensified. The clash of steel against iron filled the air, creating a symphony of danger and defiance. The demon slayer's movements became a blur of fluidity and precision, his strikes as a testament to his unwavering resolve. The clone could sense the demon's growing frustration, its attempts to manipulate the iron within its blood becoming increasingly desperate.

As the battle raged on, the demon slayer unleashed a barrage of attacks, each strike imbued with his unwavering will. His sword cleaved through the air, leaving trails of determination in its wake. The demon, weakened and disoriented, struggled to counter the demon slayer's relentless onslaught.

Finally, with a resounding clash, the demon slayer delivered what he supposed to be a final, devastating blow. His sword pierced the demon's heart, severing the connection it had to its blood demon art. The demon couldn't produce an appropriate defence in time. The demon let out a bloodcurdling shriek, seeing an opportunity, it had his arm thick with iron and bashed it against the demon slayer's arm. The look on the human's face didn't leave any room for guesses. He was surprised and was not expecting to be thrown back. Apparently, he also lost his blade, stuck in the demon's body. The clone didn't see any other weapon on the demon slayer's attire. He thought that the attack on the heart should have killed the demon. If that wasn't how they were killed then how. Aside from sage mode that only he could use, he could only wonder how the humans of this world would counter the demons.

"Well well well, now the prey is mine. What can a slayer like you can even do without his blade. After I am done with you, I will have some fun time with her. She looks really delicious." The creature licked it's lips as if the woman was a cherry on the cake.

The attack seemed to have broken a few of the ribs of the demon slayer. He got up clutching his left side and was able to reduce the flow of the blood that he was bleeding. But he didn't look like he lost his hope. Naruto recognised that look anywhere in the world, a last ditch effort to create an opening.

From his vantage point the clone decided to provide a helping hand. He could see the back of the demon and also the katana protruding from its back. With some application of chakra to his kunai he aimed at the top of the katana. At the same time the demon slayer rushed at breakneck speed. Naruto released the kunai at the same time. As the demon slayer got near the demon, the kunai aimed at the tip of the katana pushed it enough for the slayer to catch it in his hand and perform a technique that bisected the demon in half. Then seeing an opportunity, he whispered, "Roku no kata: Nejire Uzu," (Sixth Form: Whirlpool) twisting his body, using his blade to perform a fierce whirling motion which generated a whirlpool of water to shred apart anything caught within its current like a giant sharp blade. The attack decapitated the demon with a clean cut as the demon's body began turning to ash upon its death.

As the battle drew to a close, Naruto's clone watched as the demon slayer was upon his knees all the adrenaline from his battle over, its mind filled with a wealth of information. The dynamics of the demon's blood demon art and the demon slayer's bastardised water style using a katana had been etched into its memory. With this newfound knowledge, it decided to vanish into the shadows, determined to share its insights with the original.

But just as he was about to leave, the voice called out,"Come out at once. I know you are there," the demon slayer demanded, his voice filled with caution and a hint of suspicion. He noticed something unusual. Despite the intense battle and the clone's apparent involvement, Naruto's clone remained remarkably calm, with a heart rate far slower than that of an ordinary human.

The clone was left into dilemma as he decided his next course of action, he could just leave or he could gain more information from the katana-wielding slayer. He thought there wouldn't be any harm in revealing himself from his vantage point.

The demon slayer, unaware of Naruto's unique identity, mistakenly assumed that the clone was an enemy or an ally of the demon. His hand tightened around his weapon, ready to strike if needed.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, the clone stepped forward, cautiously revealing his presence.

"Wait! I'm not your enemy," the clone called out, his voice carrying a sense of urgency and sincerity. "I am the one who helped you out there."

"Don't assume for a second that I needed any help from a cowardly demon like you. You look like a human but I can smell you out." The demon slayer stated as if it was a fact.

If the demon remark was made some years prior, he would have easily been angry due to his short-temper. But now it was different, it doesn't affect him that much now, but it's still brought some bade memories of his childhood. But he had to take it easy, this world is different and arrival an unknown party would make him suspicious as well.

But he smelled like a demon? He couldn't fathom what the person standing opposite to him was saying. What was it that made him think he was a demon. His thought immediately zoned towards his connection with Kurama. Could demon slayers somehow sense his connection with the Nine-tailed fox, or was it something else? It might be his instincts as well.

"What makes you actually think that I am a demon, huh? If I actually was, why would I help you?"

The demon slayer laughed, "You actually believe I will fall for your mind games. Everyone knows that demons never work in teams, what with their inability to share the human flesh. And I can sense your kind's aura. You just want to kill me in my vulnerable state. Don't think it would be that easy."

Naruto's clone on hearing the words ultimately decided that it was a mix of everything that made the slayer think he was a human. He decided to make the surrender sign. "I think you are mistaken. I am a human, actually a shinobi. If you want I can prove it."

Thinking there won't be any way he couldn't not prove himself to be a human. He decided to throw in some truth about him being a shinobi. There were actually shinobis and samurais present who worked as mercenaries and were experts in warfare in the sengoku period of Japan. His attire also suggested that he was one.

"You expect me to believe that?" the demon slayer responded, his voice tinged with skepticism. He wasn't actually expecting that reply, but he trusted his instincts, there was something different about him, similar to demons. "Prove it. Show me your true intentions. If you say you are one of us, then let me test you."

Understanding the slayer's cautious nature, the clone nodded. "Ok, sure. Go right ahead." The clone said while spreading his arms, welcoming the attack, knowing that he just had to prove he wasn't a demon, reinforcing his neck chakra should be enough. There was also his gut feeling telling him that he was being tested. And from all the shit he has been through he had learned to trust his gut by now.

As the demon slayer stared into the cerulean blue orbs he could sense that the supposed shinobi was telling the truth. He took a stance. No reaction, not even a flinch. With a burst of speed, his katana came slashing horizontally at the neck of the back haired shinobi. He stopped suddenly, with only an inch of gap between the blade and his neck his test was over. If the person standing opposite to him was actually a demon there would have been a reaction at least. And there wasn't a fear of being killed that would be present in the eyes of a civilian when faced against such an attack. This person was formidable, strong. To not even give a reaction spoke volumes. He disengaged and created some distance and sheathed his sword. If worst comes to worst he can help protect Oyakata-sama's wife.

"I believe you, now." He declared, not wanting to drag this further. "You did a good job not getting sensed when the battle was taking place. It's my first time meeting a shinobi though. I am Murata, a kinoe of the demon slayer's corps. Who might you be?"

The clone relieved that it was over, decided to introduce himself, "I am...

~ fin ~

Authors's Notes-

Well, last chapter turned out to be lackluster since nothing of note happened there other than premonition. This fiction was not intended to be actually a nerfed Naruto, so I added an edit in first chapter regarding this. The thing with seal was just minor malfunction, with Naruto having enough knowledge to correct it. It's my decision to take post-war Naruto and I will make a fiction out of it, I have plans for the story, more politicking an all. I have always envisioned demon slayer's verse to take place in our world's taisho period. With the problem taken care of as shown in the manga, urban people and the government unaware of it. It was never mentioned Muzan being interested in politics of the country nor any other demon had those plans. Doma might be exception with his cult an all. The inclusion of Naruto might change all of that!

Now this chapter introduced the well placed homesickness of Naruto and him talking it out with Ayumi. It was my first time writing a longer battle, was it up to the mark?

The Demon Slayer wiki says, "Breathing Styles don't produce their elemental effects; they are just there for visual effects, however, there are a few exceptions like thunder and wind breathing." In this fic that it is true for all but the masters of elemental breathing.

Those who don't like this fiction's premise, don't read it; simple as that. No need to put it into review if it isn't a constructive criticism. You can read the other active fictions out there :)

Well, next chapter shall be farewell to the dear OC, and continuation of the clone adventure! At last a known character arrives in the fic. As always reviews helps a lot.