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 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.
"Though, it is good we cover a good bit of ground… We might need a break festival." Naotsugu sighed, looking over the main healer of the group with finishing setting up the table near a cave's mouth.
"That might be wise idea." Shiroe sighed, also looking at the Druid laid out on a sleeping bag. Naruko and Serara was helping him put makeshift herbal pads on his back to help relieve the healer's sore body. "Your body is still hurting, Boss?"
[More like aching.] Naruto moved his head up, comical tears going down his cheeks. [Both Force Summon spells used Kurama's chakra to form a body for him is probably the cause. Since his chakra was still heavily throughout my body due to that, having it removed all at once must have screwed my body up. Add it seems my high healing factor was caused by his chakra is gone, I am healing slower on my own and probably below average for normal players till my body restabilizes.]
Ouch! Just looking at you now gives me an ache festival! Naotsugu sighed, pulling out plates and silverware as the group set up for the night in a cave. The fire they made outside helping the small magic lamp in the cave to give them plenty of light with the sun beginning to set. "How much longer do we have till we get to Akiba?" Naotsugu asked, seeing Shiroe pull out his map.
"Not much longer. Though, there is some NPC villages we can stop at. They may have a proper bed Boss can rest in and recover as well as we can possibly stock up on ingredient items." Shiroe said, adjusting his glasses.
"Sounds good to me, nya." Nyanta chimed, walking up to the camp with Akatsuki. Both carrying fish they caught from the sea nearby.
"Yum! Seafood festival tonight!" Naotsugu chimed, "Thank goodness for the Chief. I was getting tired of salted mush festival all the time."
"For once, I agree with Bakatsugu." Akatsuki smirked at Naotsugu.
"Do we have shrimp for-Agh!" Naotsugu barely dodge the kunai Akatsuki threw at him. And that was a clever comeback, too.
"Seems you get along quite nicely with Naotsugu-chi, Akatsuki-san, nya." Akatsuki blushed, looking away from the Werecat. "Though, Boss-chi, should I make you a broth? I don't think you can really sit up and properly eat like that, nya."
[Yes. Broth sounds good. Especially with ramen noodles if you have any, Chef Cat.] Naruto let out a hum.
"Ah, in fact, I do. Grilled fish ramen sounds like a great idea for dinner tonight, nya." Nyanta chimed, giving Akatsuki his fish so he could reach into his magic bag.
"Hi!" Naruko and Serara recoiled in shock when Naruto suddenly stood up. Cracks and pops were heard before Naruto hit the sleeping bag, groaning as his body twitched from the pain.
"Don't stand if it's going to make it worse!" Naotsugu scolded the now downed Druid who had textbox with a cartoon skull and crossbones appeared over his head. This guy. He's a jerk, but will do anything to save anyone at any cost. But, then again, if he grew up without adults, then you bound to be a weird festival like Naruto. Naotsugu thought, fighting back the phantom aches he was getting just looking at Naruto suffering.
"Well, we at least proved healing spells can heal most injuries. Only muscle fatigue and other such injuries Boss is dealing with happens to fall outside the means of using healing items and spells." Shiroe sighed, pale while looking back at his map. "Though, Naruko-san, you still haven't explained to us who you are exactly?" Shiroe adjusted his glasses, looking straight at the blond girl.
"A-Ah, yes… Sorry about that." Naruko forced a smile, slightly pale.
What's wrong with who you are? Though, are you a Chuuni like Naruto or a real spy and Naruto was saying the truth? Naotsugu thought, still doubting if Naruto was from another world. Maybe from a super hidden country, but not another world. But, it's kind of shocking we had monsters in our world if Naruto is a Chuuni?
"I guess I can't keep dodging around the bushes anymore." Naruko sighed, shifting to where she could look at everyone. "As I stated before I am with an organization, though it is actually a criminal organization and I am an S-rank criminal in the Elemental Nations. The organization was amassing funds and collecting beasts like the Fox to start a war."
That's it. She's a Chunni as much as Naruto. Naotsugu thought, giving her a skeptical look matched by at least Shiroe and Nyanta. Serara was shocked while Akatsuki was glaring at the girl.
"You don't look like a criminal." Shiroe stated frowning at the girl.
"I was technically two grown men before ending up in this body." Naruko whined, pouting at them. Her arms crossed giving her a cute spoiled child appearance.
"... WHAT?" Naotsugu shouted, recoiling. "H-How can that be! With that kind of personality and charm, you could easily be the most popular girl in your class! Serara being the third most popular, but gets the most love letters! Egh!" Naotsugu groaned, finding his face right into the stone wall.
"D-Does he act that way all the time?" Naruko asked, dumbfounded while looking at Naotsugu. Serara hiding in embarrassment behind the female Enchanter.
"Yes. Please ignore the idiot." Akatsuki said, backing away.
"I'm not an idiot." Naotsugu glared at his Assassin comrade. And that hurt! Why do you keep hitting me, you little devil! I get enough crap from Naruto.
"I-I see. You two kind of remind me of two other members in the group. Except they bicker over art." Naotsugu paled along with Akatsuki when Naruko sheepishly laughed. "You could be you're own comedy duo."
"You are two people? How is that, Naruko-san?" Shiroe asked, getting the conversation back on topic.
"Truth is, even I don't know. I was observing Naruto-kun through his apartment glass door from afar when I witnessed Naruto-kun and several other people disappearing before his computer." Naruko said, waving her finger in the air as she pondered. "When I rushed into the apartment through the balcony, I tripped and next then I knew, I woke up in my current body… Well, I was actually still two people in one body the first few days. Now, I am like one person, just two thought processes." Naruko let out a sigh, crestfallen with despair.
"You're an S-rank criminal and tripped?" Akatsuki asked, sounding very disappointed.
"Hey, it happens. You got two adults rushing in a panic trying to open a glass door without breaking it and leaving evidence there. What you expect would happened?" Naruko huffed, though her face was flushed with embarrassment. "Though, I was not expecting Naruto-kun to just suddenly disappear, so give me some slack."
[That coming from one criminal who slaughter his entire clan and another well known the "Monster of the Hidden Mist" is kind of an oxymoron] Naruto managed to chuckle as Naruko face instantly turned tomato red.
"I'm only human!" Naruko yelped, trying to hide her face.
[Technically, Half-Alv. That's your race.] Naruto hummed before his eyes widen in pain.
"Shut it, brat!" Naruko growled, pressing down on Naruto's back and making him cry in pain.
These two are indeed Chuuni. Even if they are from another world, which I still believe is a lie, there is no way what they are saying is real. Though odd to think ninja existing in our world if that is the case. Naotsugu sighed at the scene before him. "So, two dangerous criminals are now in the body of a girl… Have you peeked at your panties, yet?" Naotsugu asked with a grin before his eyes widen in horror. He barely dodged the knife aimed for his family jewels. "What was that-"
"There were no panties till I figured out how to make some only days ago." Naruko growled, pure hatred in her eyes. "Because of that… It was…" Naruko voice stopped, her hugged her self, unable to stop trembling. Pure terror covering her face as tears formed in her eyes.
"Ah! Naruko-nee! It's okay!" Serara hugged the blond, trying to calm her down."We're safe! They can't hurt you now!"
"Still…" Tears began going down Naruko's cheeks, "How can I trust a guy never do that again? To me or another girl?"
"Ah..." Naotsugu chest fell. "You… were really raped? Like in-" Naruko nodded, looking down. Ah, shit. I screwed up big time! I forgot Maryelle mentioned Serara's friend was unlucky and sexually harassed, but I didn't think it was past actual verbal harassment and hitting her! Not real rape! I mean, he! That is so wrong! Terrible wrong festival! Naotsugu bit his lip, trying to fight back his anger. Is there really sick bastards like that in this world?
[I'm sorry.] Everyone looked at Naruto, his face into the sleeping bag. [If you hadn't been spying on me or I had all my computers set up to multi-box after I found that bug I was looking for... None of this would have happened to you.]
Why does he… That's right, all the characters are his. He thinks he responsible for them? Naotsugu thought, Is that why he was prepared to die for Kurama?... Who might be his split personality if he is a Chuuni instead of a real ninja? Naotsugu frowned. I mean, even with seeing Kurama, it's still a bit far-fetched to me.
"It's not your fault." Naruko sighed, rubbing Naruto's back to get a smothered yelp from him. "Ah, sorry. Though, like I said, it's not your fault. Consider all the things I done, it's only the tip of punishment for all my crimes. I am just glad Serara-chan is safe from ending up suffering the same thing." Naruko sighed, somberly hugging Serara back.
"You're oddly older sisterly for a killer." Naotsugu sighed, shocked at how the girl before him was technically two men.
"I have a younger brother, the only one I left alive from the massacre Naruto-kun mentioned." Everyone but Naruto blanched. "Though, he will never see me as a brother ever again. He also can't get revenge since I will only revive after he kills me in this world. Kind of ironic after all I went through to protect him."
[God dammit! Enough with the theatrics!] Naruto forced himself into sitting while gritting his teeth in pain. [You're in a brand new world! And Sasuke is here, too! So, tell him the fucking truth once we get his classmates and him out of their situation and stop this blasted cycle of hate!]
"Wait… You know?" Naruko squeaked, her face pure white in horror.
[Any damn idiot with a brain can figure out one ninja can't take out an entire clan of professional ninja, both active and retired, out without help or being seriously injured. Even the puppet master Sasori used 100 puppets to wipe out a country, not his sole self. Add the fact I know who fucking forced you into that deal to kill the clan and other junk, of course a fucking twelve year old would kill his own clan out of desperation to protect the village he loves. Add the fact you left your brother alive and I can't really pitying you two for falling into that damn bastards plans, just like he fell for that other guy's plans, and so on. They planned that, too, probably to con your brother as well.] Naruto puffed his cheeks before instantly crying in pain, his body making more pops and crack noises.
"Chuuni overload festival, there, Naruto." Naotsugu sighed, "And lay back down. You're silent screams are killing me." Naotsugu ordered. Naruto laid back down, grumbling in pain.
"Ah, so what Naruko is a criminal out of sacrifice, not truly of her full on will. Is it the same for both of you or the one Boss mentioned?" Shiroe asked, thought flinching with looking at Naruko.
"I been completely dupe…" Naotsugu sweated, seeing Naruko's lifeless face, tears going down her face. "I don't deserve to even call myself a criminal... Let alone a ninja… Maybe not even human..."
"Hold yourself together, Naruko-nee!" Serara whined, trying to keep Naruko from slumping over.
Did Naruto just break a fellow Chuuni? Naotsugu sighed, Though, I don't get how such a story seem fit only for a manga or light novel can be real. Especially with how complex that situation is for a killer. Though, then again, we kind of are living a light novel situation now.
"Is it that so called web of lies you referred to before while playing the game?" Shiroe asked, getting up so Nyanta could use the table to prep dinner. Shiroe got a small nod from Naruto. "If that is so… Then, just how bad is your world situation wise?"
[Horrific. All because of the crap that happened centuries ago, it's a shit game. You either oblivious to the puppet strings, controlled by them, or you can see and yet do nothing about them. Hence I got out of the game and went full time working for Elder Tales. Was half hoping with introducing the stories and such of Earth would open some people's minds.] Naruto pouted, though Naotsugu could not tell if he was annoyed or the pain.
"I am sorry, but does a world really exist? I mean, this is just too far-fetch for me." Naotsugu sighed, admitting aloud his disbelief. "I seen at least Kurama and can kind of understand possibly something like that exists, but I think this world was more catering to your Chuunibyou or something from all I hear."
"Yes, our world exists." Naruko said before grinning. "And I have proof."
"Holy… H-How did you get teeth like that?" Naotsugu recoiled, seeing the sharp shark like teeth that were Naruko's. Hope he got one of those bastards back with those for what they done, but still scary festival!
"Wait, isn't our faces the same to our bodies? Even if the body does not match up." Akatsuki stated, getting a nod from Shiroe. "You had shark teeth in your world?"
[Kisame did. All the Seven Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist were known for their sharp teeth along with their skilled swordsmanship.] Naruto hummed, smirking at Naotsugu. [In my world, genetics also play a part for special abilities. I believe Itachi has the eye one from his clan.]
"Sadly, I no longer have the Sharingan." Naruko sighed, "This world corrected my vision as the price or used my other body's eyes, but it did not transfer over to this world."
[Well, that helps prove a little theory I been cooking up after Kurama died.] Naruto grumbled, holding out his hands before him with a grim look on his face. One opened in a palm while while the other was in a fist. [The world is still a closed world, like the game. The fact zones are still in effect proves that much. However, given the fact filters blocking information like the game code and Kurama being eliminated, that does not make sense as a close world would always have limitations to ensure balance even if still imbalanced game wise no matter what is put into it. It could have easily readjusted for Kurama through changing his data or adjusting the Sharingan like it did for jutsu to fit the laws. The only reason I see it not doing this is because it's now open.]
"So the world is adjusting and changing to us in it to this open world, correct, nya?" Nyanta asked, having gotten his pop over the fire to start boiling the water while grilling the fish.
"I don't get it." Naotsugu sighed, seeing Serara, Naruko, and Akatsuki in the same confusion boat as him. He's gone game Chuuni on us.
"This world is trying to become an open world mechanic wise." Naotsugu looked at Shiroe, hoping for the tactician to clear up the mess. "The fact the exploration system is used to get food with taste, the ability to create new spells, and the world eliminating possible threats to this world might be the tip of the iceberg. An open world game is one design to allow players to explore and experiment. If this world becomes like that, than Adventurers who figure out these things could cause complete chaos or create miracles."
[Exactly. The Sharingan, though connected to Kurama with how he is controlled sometimes, can copy jutsu. If you put such a skill in a open world like this, it would be chaos. Without any properly balancing it to all the other mechanics due to it is changing now makes it so it can't keep up with balancing. It's also the only reason I would see why this world would give me a good chunk of Kurama's HP and MP instead of just changing Kurama. I am still balanced for the game even for a GM while Kurama probably wasn't and would easily keep wiping players out. It chose the easy way out instead of the right way.] Naruto muttered a moan, his eyes tearing up a little.
"Now that's an oxymoron coming from you. You can take control over other people and make new magic. How is that not unbalanced game wise?" Naotsugu growled, his head hurting with trying to keep up.
"What do you mean? Sensei has a mind control spell?" Akatsuki asked, her eyes lighting up.
Why are you getting excited because of that? Naotsugu thought, now worried for his own safety.
"Because it's part of the game. Boss already told us before of the exploration system, which Naruko shows also is true as she can now chop food and prepare salads." Shiroe said.
"Ah, yes. I can also make clothes even though I have hardly experience of it back in the real world. It took a few tries, but I quickly managed to grasp it with practice." Naruko added, "But, what was that back there? How did you take control of my body, Naruto-kun? Are you a special puppeteer?"
[Nah. Like Shiroe said, it's part of the game. Elder Tales has a system in place to allow you to play multiple characters at once. It also transfer to this world and hence my Overskill: Hydra Link!] Naruto pumped his fist into the air and instantly flopped his arm back down. [And remind me to never experiment on the battlefield again? TTxTT]
"Even if I did, you would still do it. And stop being a Chuuni. All you did was use the multiboxing software built into the game to link us as one unit able to trade information in an instant and control Naruko. Stop giving basic things stupid names." Shiroe groaned, glaring at Naruto.
"However, Hydra Link is clever since many people do call multiboxing Hydra." Akatsuki said, deep in thought.
"Don't egg the Chuuni on, Shrimp." Naotsugu sighed, shaking his head.
"I'm not a shrimp, Bakatsugu!" Akatsuki growled, sending a glare right at Naotsugu. "And Boss-sensei is not a Chuuni. He is a creative genius of a ninja."
Right, Naotsugu thought before hearing Naruko slightly cough.
"Ah… Sorry to ask this now… But, what's a Chuuni?" Naruko asked, raising her hand. "Is that an Earth term for something? Cause I feel like it's insult or something with how you all use it."
"It's used with chuunibyou, which is to describe the condition of those with overactive imaginations and showing it off as a form of identity, nya." Nyanta explained, adding noodles to the broth he had made. "A Chuuni is a person suffering from chuunibyou."
"Oh. When you compare what Serara told me of Earth and the world Naruto-kun and I come from, I can see why you would think it's someone's story instead of reality and call someone like Naruto-kun a Chuuni." Naruko sighed, nodding her head in understand. "I am still amazed by what Earth has technology wise from what I was told. It greatly outstrips the world I am from."
I thought you were a Chuuni as well… But maybe not… Though, Naruto's clearly Chuuni, alien or not. Naotsugu sighed, seeing Naruto make textboxes with emoties showing his pain and discomfort.
"Ah, Naruko, since we helped you from Susukino, what are you planning to do in Akiba?" Shiroe asked, though frowning at Naruto. "You could try to see if you can invent aspirin if you're in that much pain, Boss." Naruto simply groaned, mashing head head back again the sleeping back.
"I don't know. You said Sasuke is here, too, right?" Naruko looked at Naruto.
[He's currently trapped in a guild called Hamelin in Akiba.] Naotsugu watched as Naruko's face turned starch white. Serara also shocked in shock, fear forming on her face. [Though we are helping Maryelle to save you both, this was also a test run for our own plans to save the noobs Shiroe knows and Sasuke's former classmates.]
"Getting them out of the guild is the easy part." Shiroe sighed, crossing his arms. "It's ensuring it does not happen again that is the hard part. Unlike Bringandia in Susukino, Hamelin is actually supported by larger raid guilds. The fact they are using Exp Pots from beginners means the raid guilds are aiming to break 91."
"Ah, that's right. The expansion pushed the level cap from 90 to 100." Akatsuki said, frowning, "But, they are cheating and doing it in such a cruel way. EXP pots were design so beginners could jump into leveling and enjoying the game sooner."
"EXP pots?" Naruko asked while Serara motioned through the air.
"Ack!" She jumped, a purple, elegantly made vile appearing in her hands. "You're right! I still get EXP Pots!" Serara shouted in shock. "Wait, they are capturing beginners to get their EXP Pots?" Serara shivered, trembling in fear. "Then I am-"
"Maryelle has kept all the low level players in your guild safe from harm. You'll be safe with them as they been preying on beginners who know nothing and are alone. What has kept us from mounting our rescue mission is just that. If we take down Hamelin, there is no way we can't ensure Hamelin will use their connections with the large guilds to regain control their power over not just the beginners that we help escape, but beginners of other guilds." Shiroe frowned, looking at the lamp.
[They don't realize the position they had set Akiba into. It's not bad like Susukino is now, but it can easily turn into something far worse. But, it is better to use that to our advantage. The battle raid guilds probably still think this world is a game. If we push them into a position where using their EXP Pot addiction against them, then guilds like Hamelin can be nipped and solve one big issue of Akiba.]
"And I know how… Well, in a sense." Shiroe smirked, his glasses hide his eyes while adjusting them.
"Ah, the tactician finally got his plan together?" Naotsugu grinned. Finally, I understand how anxious he has been with being stuck. Now we can kick some major bad guys rears and save the kids. I hope there is some cute girls to save!
"Not quite, but thanks to Boss and Nyanta, I have where we might start at." Shiroe looked at Nyanta who cocked his head.
"I'm flattered, but even I don't know what you mean, Shiroe-chi, nya." Nyanta chimed, "I am just a gentlemen who can cook."
[Oh, you're a clever little bastard. Learning from the pro, huh?] Naruto grinned, through it was strained.
"No, but I will need you help since this is up your alley. Though, it's a shame your funds are still limited to your use only even with this world no longer the game." Shiroe sighed, "That would really help."
[Make a Guild!] Naruto pointed at Shiroe. [We can pool our funds together that way. Also, sorry to push it, but Naotsugu, Akatsuki, and I have kind of been waiting for you to do that for a while.]
"Wait… Really?" Shiroe recoiled, looking at Akatuski and Naotsugu.
"I will follow my master. If you make a guild, I will join." Akatsuki stood at attention.
"Yeah. I mean, we practically have a guild hall with the base we pooled to buy." Naotsugu grinned at the mage. "It'll be fun and we won't have to deal with Guild invites. A mage needs a tank, so I am in! Guild festival!"
[Though, we may have to buy a bigger building if Nyanta joins. We are already tight with Naotsugu's fat butt. :P]
"I'm not fat, you trolling Chuuni." Naotsugu snarled at the Druid.
"Shut up, Pigtsugu." Akatsuki said, blades ready to throw.
"Come on, seriously?" Naotsugu sighed, shrinking with being out number.
"Ah, just like the Debauchery Tea Party was around, right? Nya?" Nyanta chimed, getting bowls out.
"The Debauchery Tea Party?" Naruko asked, cocking her head in confusion. Serara also looking on confused.
"Isn't that a legendary guild that has defeated many raids and dungeons?" Akatsuki asked, her eyes widen at Nyanta. "Nyanta-sensei, you were part of such a legendary guild?"
"Not just me, nya. Shiroe-chi, Naotsugu-chi, and Boss-chi were also part of the Tea Party, nya." Nyanta held his ladle up, giving a cat smile. "Though, it wasn't a guild, nya."
"Yeah. It was more of a hangout." Naotsugu added, putting his arms behind his head. "We all came from different guilds or even not part of one like me. We just got together and had fun taking on dungeons and raids."
"Wait, is that how Shiroe-san and Naruto-kun are good at controlling the battle, like I saw back in Susukino?" Naruko asked, amazement in her eyes. "I never seen anything like that. Even with the experience I have… Well, maybe outside of one person." Naruko said, grimacing at whatever was on her mind.
"I guess. Though, they been OP tacticians even before the Tea Party days," Naotsugu sighed before catching the wild looking Naruto's eyes. "What are you planning, Naru-"
"Dinner is ready, nya." Nyanta held out a finished bowl of ramen for it to instantly disappear. "My, you're quite spirited now, Boss-chi.
[FINALLY!] Naotsugu gaped, watching Naruto slurp up the noodles while kneeling on the ground. [RAMEN! MY BELOVED RAMEN! HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU! NOTHING, EVEN PAIN, SHALL NOT STOP ME FROM EATING YOU!]
"Ah, yes, one of the few things I gathered on Naruto-kun is he is a ramen connoisseur." Naruko sheepishly laughed, "I guess he was having withdraws from it, but it seems he has gotten better with finding some."
"No kidding." Naotsugu said, watching as Naruto got another serving from the Werecat and then easily devouring it. "It's almost as scary as the food he cooks."
"Alright. We'll form a guild when we return to Akiba." Even Naruto stopped his ramen binging to look at Shiroe. "Though, do you want to join as well Chief? Naruko-san?" Shiroe asked, sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
Always was embarrassed with simple things, closet pervert. Naotsugu smirked, seeing Nyanta nod.
"Indeed. Setting roots in Akiba sounds like a fine idea, nya. Especially since you may need my help, nya." Nyanta said, filling the other bowls and putting them the table.
"Ah… I don't know." Naruko frowned, looking down.
"How about a temporary join?" Naotsugu offered, finding himself the center of attention. "At least till we get the rookies stuck in Hamelin free. That should be plenty of time for you to learn how to properly fight and train. Plus, you can help us save your brother. It's a two birds in one stone festival!" Naotsugu chimed, doing a thumbs up at her. Though, would it be wise to get this dude with his brother after killing his whole family?
Naruko looked back up, straight at Naotsugu with a smirk. "Alright. If I don't like it, I can always join Serara-chan's guild and make sure she is safe… Ah, once I figure out how to join and leave a guild… How do you do that?" Naruko asked, sheepishly grinning at everyone before glomping Serara, surprising her. "Plus, I would miss teasing Serara-chan. Though, maybe you will join the guild to be with you kitty hubby?" Naruko teased.
"Ah! No!" Serara's face went beet red, shaking her head. "Naruko-nee!"
You oddly act a bit like the Naruko Naruto played his character like… Oh, that's right. He's new to Elder Tales. Naotsugu thought, shaking his head. Well, I can see why he had such a hard time. Just because a player is at level 90, does not mean they are a master. Though, it does make me wonder how the rookies are doing. I hope they are alright. Naotsugu pondered, joining everyone at the table to eat.