Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Log Horizon. This is a fanfiction used to help with my writing skills and the fact I enjoy writing stories like these. All I own is the ideas and sub-plots used to make this fanfiction and explore Log Horizon and Naruto in a different way. Also, don't own any of the games and anime I make reference to in this story, but still got to give homage to video games since this is technically a video game fanfiction as well.

This is bad, Shikamaru thought, biting her thumb. Her mind already running possible back up plans and such, though this was getting too much for her. Even she was having a hard time staying calm with the current situation.

"I-I'm so-sorry. Hic," The dark hair boy sitting across Shikamaru sobbed. His white eyes tinted pink from crying, Hinata was trying to hide his face into his coat, much like what he done when he was still a normal girl.

"Calm down, Hinata," The dog eared boy, Kiba, said while patting Hinata's back as the others Shikamaru knew were sitting at the same table. Kiba's dog, Akamaru, whining in Kiba's coat in an effort to help his master comfort the white eyed boy. In many ways, Kiba was one of the few of them who did not change much. Well, if the fact gaining dog ears was not much of a change.

"They caught you meeting with Iruka-sensei and forced you to change your subclass?" Sakura asked, still wearing the leather work gloves that went up his arms. It did not help him, making Sakura look smaller with being a Dwarf. "What did they forced you to change it to?"

"A-Al-alchemist. T-They n-n-need m-more p-potions." Hinata said, trying to stop his tears. "T-They are k-keeping m-m-me here in the g-guild h-hall like the other c-c-crafters."

"At least they don't have you working with the furnace." Ino sighed, rubbing her arms while laying out on the table. Her blond hair moving to show her dwarven ears. "I never knew the process that made weapons and armor was such hard work. Add the heat and I don't think I will ever have to worry about a diet ever again!"

"As if eating is worth it here." The dainty dwarf sitting next to Shikamaru mumbled, trying to eat what looked to be bread. Only the bread tasted like nothing but mush it should look like. If it weren't for the swirls on the girl's cheeks, Shikamaru would not realize it was her childhood friend Chouji.

"However, that now only makes four-"

"Cough." A teenage girl with braided brown hair coughed, glaring at the well covered girl that Shikamaru knew as Shino. It was quite odd actually seeing Shino's sharp eyes behind goggles since there was no sunglasses. At least, for low level players or beginners as everyone called them.

"I apologize, Isuzu-san. That makes only six of us are on battle formations." Shino said, "Even though I been using my kikkaichu to look for Uzumaki-san, but it seems everyone's chakra has changed. Even my chakra is not the same. It took my hive time to adjust to changes."

"Even though the insects are cool, I just can't think of them living under my skin," A brown hair boy that Shikamaru knew as Tohya said, sitting across his twin sister Minori. He was slightly shivering, possibly at the thought of bugs crawling under his skin. "But, I really hope your friend is alright and not in the same or a worse scenario than us. If only Shiroe-nii was here," Tohya gritted his teeth, trying not to growl. Minori looked down with guilt, staring at her glass of water held by her bandaged hands.

"I been in contact with Shiroe-san for the past three days," The whole table became quiet. All of them looking at Shikamaru, who looked nothing like the lazy boy she once was. But, why did I become a cute girl? Shikamaru thought, trying to ease her nerves. She played with one of her green bangs before facing the others. She actually looked nothing like her old self minus keeping her lazy eyes and scowl.

"Please keep this from the others beginners. Mostly because I don't trust this Shiroe-san," Shikamaru said, keeping her voice low. "I know he is lying to me on several things. One I am not sure about is if Naruto is with him."

"Wait, you had contact with Naruto?" Kiba asked, pinching himself to stop from shouting. Shikamaru had to respect Kiba for quickly reigning in his voice the past few days. His outbursts had earned him a few beatings from high level guild members.

"No. That's why I am skeptical of the man." Shikamaru noticed the angry look from Tohya, "But, he is also our only hope and the information he has given me was helpful. But, I know when I am lied to and Shiroe-san is hiding things."

"So, what level is Naruto?" A teenager in dark clothing asked, making everyone jump when he spoke. Everyone looked at Sasuke, who seemed more like a ghost than a person sitting next to them. Even the air around him seem to be still and cold.

"Sasuke, please don't do that… I don't need to be sent to the Cathedral due to a heart attack," Izumi said, patting her chest while looking at the gloomy boy.

"Sorry," Sasuke hide his face in his hid collar. "But, what is Naruto's level in this confusing world?"

"Shiroe-san said Naruto is at 90, the cap." Shikamaru sighed, "But, again, I don't trust him. I have yet to hear Naruto's voice to confirm he is with Shiroe-san or if Shiroe-san is-"

"What's his avatar name?" Tohya asked, his voice strong like steel. Shikamaru could see his determined eyes full of fury.

"I believe Boss? Or Las?" Shikamaru asked, trying to remember the odd name.

"Ah! That Druid!" Minori gasped quietly, looking around to make sure she was not heard by the others nearby, "Shiroe had a friend with us when training. His character was Las Boss, a level 90 Druid."

"Oh, right!" Tohya grinned, "He used a kickass spell that killed a goblin in one hit!" Hope seem to spring up from the two twins, giving a bit of warmth to the dreary air.

"That's probably because it was really low leveled." Izumi sighed at the Samurai next to her. "Wait, does that mean we have two level 90 people on our side?"

"It's four. Shiroe-san has been training in a team. They been focusing on coming to understanding the combat system through training in the field. They have a Guardian and Assassin along with Shiroe being a mage." Shikamaru reported. If she remembered right, Assassins were much like ninja were in her world. She did not know much from Guardians aside they were from the Warrior arch-class they focused on defense and holding front lines in battle. They have each an archetype of Mage, Healer, Weapon-user, and Warrior. I wonder which is Naruto? Probably the assassin. Wait, they said Las Boss was a Druid. He's a healer?

"That actually makes a pretty stable team from what I learned so far of this world. But, the issue is there is still several members at least over level fifty keeping control of this guild." Shino said, looking at the true members of the guild Hamelin. They were talking to each other at a table on the upper floor of the guild hall. A perfect place to look down at the beginners they had trapped within their grips. "Just like us, they must have been dealing with the changes of how battle works."

"But, that explains why they are training." Kiba chuckled, "Who would ever believe Naruto taking training seriously?"

"N-Naruto-kun… does train hard…" Hinata mumbled, looking down. "That is… till…"

"This world is a game, so Naruto is right in his element." Shikamaru chuckled confusing the others. "Everyone keeps saying this world is a game. What Naruto excels at is games. He's a genius at them. In fact, he's the only opponent I never challenge to shoji anymore."

"Wait, seriously? But I never knew of anyone beating you at that." Chouji asked, looking at Shimaru with disbelief.

"So, he whips your ass at that stupid board game you love playing?" Kiba asked, boredly stretching.

"No, we're tied at 5000 wins, 5000 loses and 15000 draws on various games." All ten stared at Shikamaru, dead silence feeling the space between them. "Blackjack, poker, chess, and other games he taught me, we end up burning ourselves out. Though, he hates the fact I am so slow with my moves, which is probably the only reason I beaten him sometimes at certain games. He often obliates me at faster paced games like bullet chess."

"What are you two? Geniuses? Chess is a super hard game." Izumi said, pouting at Shikamaru. "I tried keeping up with my school's chess club when they were forced to use the band room and it's so confusing! I even seen bullet chess and that's insanity far past playing cut time at a really fast march tempo."

"What's chess?" Sakura asked, sitting on his legs. Dwarfs were short by nature in this world. Sakura still did not like the change to his height, hence would try anything to keep a normal height while sitting or standing. Ino and Chouji had come to accept their height, but Shikamaru could see why it was still troublesome for all three. Especially Sakura, who used to be a girl.

"Oh, right. You're world is not Earth." Izumi smiled, "Chess is game from the West in our world, or I at least think it is. It's much like shoji, just different pieces and a different board. But, was this Naruto kid really into games? If you two were so good at chess and such, why play a MMORPG like Elder Tales?"

"Naruto loved games. Period. I t did not matter if it was simple games like Playing Ninja or complex like shoji, he would want in. He usually dominated tag when no clear rules were set." Shikamaru sighed as Chouji, Shino, and Kiba paled.

"Ah, forgot about those times. Naruto is good at traps." Kiba sheepishly laughed.

"Games… Wait a second, he's a game obsessed NEET?" Tohya asked, his face serious.

"Game obsessed, yes. Though I don't know what a NEET is," Shikamaru sighed, Though, I don't get how this world was a game. It's far complex than even shoji to be a simple game.

"So that's what he meant in the chat box." Tohya said, getting confused looked from everyone. "I noticed Shiroe-nii and your friend was having a weird conversation when things were still a game. He kept saying something about a bad game, but the way Shiroe and he were talking, it was like they were talking about his life."

"Wait, he was really referring to life as a shit game?" Izumi asked, "Like thos really bad games some people actually play them and make videos of how frustrated they get playing the horrible games to show online?" Izumi let out a chuckle, "Thinking of some of those videoes, kind of see how our situation is the game... Though, not as funny like watching someone playing one.

"Really?" Kiba chuckled, "Makes me wish we had this internet thing back home."

"Naruto might not even help us, if we agree he is with this Shiroe guy," Sasuke said, his eyes hidden by his bangs as he kept looking down.

"What are you saying, Sasuke?" Shikamaru asked. Since they ended up trapped in Hamelin, Sasuke completely withdrew into himself. Even more than what he was before at the academy when he was a loner. Does he blame himself for us ending up here? He did help push the others into agreeing to join the guild.

"The bad game he is referring to is his life. In fact, that might be the reason Shiroe might not be letting you speak to Naruto. Naruto is the one who doesn't want to talk to anyone from his old life," Sasuke said, finally looking them in the eyes. "When you think of it, I don't blame him. This world really made me open my eyes to how bad our world really was. I don't even think I can hate that... my brother anymore. Especially with realizing there are people just like this in our old world and far worse."

"Why would you hate your brother?" Minori asked, genuine confusion on her face. "Don't you care for him?... Or did he teased you?"

"Ah, shit! Bad topic!" Sakura hissed, "It's a-"

"He was forced to commit a crime to project me. I just never realize it till now." Sasuke said, his voice cold and void of emotion.

"Ah, wait, what does that mean?" Kiba asked while everyone looked at Sasuke in shock and confusion.

Of course. Someone like an ANBU captain wouldn't just kill their whole clan for no reason, even if they did snap. Whoever covered it up was good enough that most people look over that obvious fact. Shikamaru thought, But, even Naruto was a mystery. All the adults hated him, yet they were pretty good at keeping the why a secret from the younger generation.

"I don't have the facts to prove it, but being capture really gives you time to think about things. Especially with what we been through," Everyone simply nodded at Sasuke, all having found they could no longer look at things they saw before the same again. All of them knew most adults were trustworthy. Yet, the guild members of Hamelin fooled them when they were in a panic and lost. "It is the same for Naruto. We never helped him at all in the old world. Why would he help us? Most of our own class never noticed he dropped out of a class till after a month. And that was because of Iruka's guilt finally taking its toll on him."

"He's a dropout?" Minori asked before noticing the gloomy looks on everyone. "W-What wrong? S-Shiroe-san will help us out. I know he will."

"Shiroe might be the only one to help us. Naruto has the full-on right to refuse it with how stupid we have been towards him." Sasuke answered, not hiding his own despair and guilt. "How can they go against a guild if Naruto and those two others are helping Shiroe for sure? I am sorry to break the hope, which I really want to believe as well… But, I can't take having anymore expectations only to realize they won't happen. We are on our own here and may have to find our own way out." Shikamaru was shocked, seeing tears forming in Sasuke's eyes.

"B-but… S-strength here is d-determined by levels." Hinata said softly, the air around the table going cold. Even Shikamaru could not denied this truth. All of them were below level twenty and weak. Even their sensei Iruka was just over level thirty and easily taken down by Hamelin. Both the Jonin and Iruka's own combined ninja and actual battlefield experience wasn't enough to balance out this weird world's rules.

Dammit. This world is screwed up. You revive if you die. You're body doesn't match your real one unless you made it. The food is tasteless, Shikamaru let out a sigh and put his hands together and closed her eyes. Calm down. Think. Though Shiroe's group could be really on our side, we can't solely rely on them or our sensei. We have to pull our own weight.

"We have six people on the field and we are growing level wise," Shikamaru finally spoke up. "If we are on our own, then the best bet they will try to keep us after level 30. That seems to be their stopping point for levels for preying on players. They need fighters and they have the hostages to ensure those fighters do what they want. But their mistake is they also work the hostages for efficiency in profits. Hinata, see the recipes and ingredients we can use. Ino, Sakura, Minori, Chouji, keep track of your sub-class level and what you're doing. The more information we have, the better we can figure out our solution."

"But, they could see us as a threat and kick us out," Shino pointed out.

"Which is why we have to help out while we can. Tohya, you remember how gathering works? Can you explain it to the guys more tonight before bed? If we can get supplies in secret would work better than stealing from the guild. The business efficiency these guys go for will only lead to them becoming harsher to us if we steal from them. Use some of the ingredients we find to make potions they are not expecting that could be useful to the guild."

"Why would… Oh! I get it." Sakura smirked, "We got to get on their good side. But, we also got to be careful or else they will get suspicious, especially with Hinata being caught."

"Hence you want us use the excuse of trying to keep up with the work. The higher the subclass level, the easier and faster it gets to make items," Minori said, though looking at her own bandaged hands. All from the sewing she did with other crafters like Chouji.

"Alright! Time for bed!" One of the rougher looking upper members of the guild shouted. "We have plenty to do tomorrow! Are you glad you guys at least have our protection?" The man chuckled, getting glares and sorrow looks at all the beginners in the cafeteria area.

Not at all, Shikamaru thought while getting up. She followed the other female members to the room they were forced to stay in. The tavern like place just simply made the place seem like a prison, especially the small room the girls shared together. "Minori-san." Minori nodded as Shikamaru and she moved to the back of the room, Izumi and the other girls going to get their sleeping supplies. Shikamaru opened her Friend's List and hit Shiroe's name.

"Ah, hello, Shika." Shiroe voice came to Shikamaru's ears. Shikamaru had to keep from turning, knowing the man was not standing next to her. However, she was confused by his surprised voice. "Oh, good. Sorry about that. We were just finishing off the monsters we were fighting."

"I apologize for the inconvenience." Shikamaru paled, That would be troublesome. Dying from answering a message.

"Ah! It's no problem. How are you doing?... Boss, will you leave the Triffid issue alone?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, remembering all too well the monster Triffid. She had died several times facing them in the fighting group. However, she focused back on Shiroe. She wanted, no, needed answers.

"Shiroe-san, when are you going to let me speak to Naruto?" Shikamaru asked, keeping her tone steady and quiet. She did not want to let other beginners hear her. "I want proof he is there." Shikamaru said in a cold tone. I need to bring our group's moral up. Even if we are alone, having Naruto on our side will keep everyone's spirits up. However, Shikamaru felt her own gut sink with hearing no reply.

"I can't." Shiroe finally answered, "Though, please do not think I am pulling your leg. Boss is within the party and he wants to save you… It's just Boss can't communicate through Voice Chat."

"Can't communicate through it?" Shikamaru asked, but put his hands together after sitting down. She wanted to make it look like she was talking to Minori. Minori was listening on in a meek manner. "Like his voice is blocked?"

"Yes. We know the cause, but it's kind of hard to get around… Ah, wait, Boss, use your whistle. Do a song or something Shika would know." Shikamaru blinked before she heard several whistle toots. She listened carefully before realizing what they were.

'You worry too much, Slow-mo Shika. Sorry for no reply. Still working on our game plan, Shikamaru let out a sigh of relief. At least the deadlast learned the basic Konoha code message from the academy. Shikamaru could tell it was Naruto. Only Naruto called him Slow-mo Shika and would use the term game plan in a sentence. Ah, wait a second. Naruto used game plan before… Does that mean our world has access to Earth's internet?

"Thanks." Shikamaru said, thinking of how to said her next questions. She did not know what Shiroe know about her world. She did not want to make it seem like she was losing her mind.

"That worked?... Ah, good. I felt bad keeping that from you, but I been trying not to add onto your problems." Shikamaru slightly nodded, seeing how it was difficult to prove Naruto was there if Naruto's voice was blocked by voice chat. "We are starting to get combat down. However, we need more practice. Monsters and humans are different when you face them as opponents."

"I understand… Hey, could you tell me something?" Shikamaru asked, realizing her body.

"Yes?"

"Why is it we… I mean, my group ended up with characters with the same names? I noticed some people have different names." Shikamaru asked. She remembered how awkward it was waking up as a girl. It was odd being shorter, making it hard for me to walk for a day or two. And learning to pee was troublesome.

"Ah, that's right. All of you don't know about Elder Tales." Shiroe said, meekly laughing at himself. "I'm sorry. Boss usually plays multiple characters at one time. Since he was preparing to launch a webcomic based off your village, he would roleplay as certain people he observed to help get the characters. He probably choose fellow classmates like yourself to make characters from, hence the ones you are in. He's bad at naming characters." Shikamaru sweated, hearing some kind of bickering in the background. Something about a guy getting kneed in the face. "Since we have no idea how the game transported us here, whatever did must have simply used your own names to match you up with one of Boss's many characters."

"He played multiple characters at once? Wait, is this game a role playing game?" Shikamaru asked, starting to get why this game was so complex.

"Yes. It's an MMO-Ah, sorry, it is a massive multiplayer role playing game. Does your world has tabletop RPGs?" Shiroe asked.

"You know of our world?" Shikamaru asked before frowning. "No. Only games like shoji. But, I do know of simple role playing games like Pretend Ninja. Elder Tales is just a really advance version of it, correct?"

"Yes. TRPGs are like the combination of board game with a story is the best I can define it to you. MMORPGs are a similar step up and are like putting yourself right in the story with game elements as you can pretend to be whoever you want to be. Are you following me?"

"Yes. It actually clears up many things for me." Shikamaru said, though her frown only became deeper. That is why Hamelin acts the way it does. They still think this world is a game. Or at least think they can do whatever they want without thinking of the consequences to others. It made Shikamaru feel ill the more sick she thought of it. Especially with understanding her world was sometimes the same with remembering history class. Her village put special emphasis on good and bad examples of ninja to make sure to make professional ninja from the students. "But, why would Naruto play multiple characters? I think one is enough to enjoy such a complex game."

"Boss loves challenging games and mastering them. He thinks being a Game Master is being like a Pokemon Master instead of what a GM really is. Though, that's why when he thought your world was a game, he would be living the dream." Shikamaru's eyes widen in shock, "But, I am thankful Boss quit on becoming a ninja. He actually has a stable job with working for Elder Tale's company as a concept artist and now director for the server that is for your world...Ah, sorry, was with us stuck in this world."

"Naruto's an artist?" Shikamaru asked before shaking his head. Of course! That's explains the mess of artwork we saw in his apartment before being trapped here. Is that always why he has those computers? I never heard of computers being used for art. Shikamaru pondered, quite sure the only times she saw computers were in the hospitals and high end offices.

"Yes. He works both traditional and digital...Ah, forgot, different world. He can use the computer to do work, which he often used for Elder Tale assignments. He can't deliver traditional in person if the company is across the vastness that is space." Shiroe sighed, "Though, that's why I was always confused why he wanted to a be a ninja when he was a very compatible artist. I seen some of his traditional work and he could easily sell it for a living in your world." Shiroe mused aloud. "That's or be a writer."

Shikamaru instant felt the air around her went dead cold. Minori gave her a concerned look, though Shikamaru looked down to avoid it. Sasuke's right… We don't deserve to even be saved by Naruto. We broke him. Not just Iruka-sensei, he was just the last straw. Shikamaru thought, realizing how everything fit together.

Naruto saw life as a game, but just like Elder Tales. It was how he got through the mess that was his life. It all made sense to Shikamaru now. He even had goals, just like the ninja role play game Shikamaru knew as a kid. He was trying to live his life to the fullest, but that was destroyed. He was alone. No one really helped him. No one really even gave Naruto a chance, a desperate tiny chance. Everyone just ripped apart his dreams as if they were worthless. No wonder he refused to talk to us when we came to his apartment. He must of realized we only went there to cure Iruka's guilt. We just put the nail in the coffin that was the life he wanted to live as a ninja. Shikamaru thought, feeling her stomach sink.

"Are you alright, Shika?" Shiroe's voice snapped Shikamaru out of his thoughts.

"Yes. Just thinking. How is things going on your end?" Shikamaru asked, quickly making her face neutral as Izumi, Shino, Ino, and Chouji walked over.

"Slow. Fighting, we might handle at this moment," Shiroe let out a sigh, "But, the issue is Hamelin actually has ties with the raid guilds in Akiba. That's the reason they are using beginners' EXP Pots to make a profit from those who want to hit the new level cap of 100. Even if we just rescue the current beginners, it would not take much for Hamelin to be resume their activities and preying on other beginners along with recapture anyone we rescue. Possibly through worse, more damaging tactics if we try taking them on now."

"I understand," Shikamaru shivered at just thinking how the situation they were in was not the worse. I just hope it does not become what I heard stories of from my parents and their friends.

"I'm sorry this is taking so long, but there is only so few chances we have to execute once we do have a plan. I rather be on the safe side than sorry." Shiroe said, genuine regret in his voice.

"I understand. Good night." Shikamaru ended the call. Minori and Izumi looked at Shikamaru, a mix of fleeting hope and deepening despair in their eyes. "Let's try to get some sleep."

"Shiroe-san…" Minori whimpered, holding her hands together as they went to the mats Izumi laid out for them. "Is he-"

"He is… But, we might be on our own for a while. It is best to prepare for the worst." Shikamaru said, laying down on the mat. She felt heavier than usually, which made the cold hard floor beneath her mat even more noticeable to her.

They also have their own problems, even if at level 90. At least they have the resources to deal with them while we have nothing. If Naruto and Shiroe-san are going to attempt saving us, it is not even worth their time and investments. We have to at least try as hard on our own before resulting in taking their help. Shikamaru thought, understanding now how fragile their position was. It could stay the same, or drastically change for good or worse in a second. They were just very lucky the worse they gotten so far in this world was forced into slavery in this cruel world.