Hey everyone! Thunderito here and welcome to chapter fifteen of Naruto: The Shadow Blade! This chapter features . On with the story…. But first let me answer a review from a Guest. I have never really done it before, but he brings up some interesting facts that should be answered.

I won't say who it or his questions, I will only say my answers to those questions, so for those not interested you can go to the story. First off, that little mistype is usually the only type of error you will find in this story from a typing view. Kushina/Naruto are my favourite couple and so is Kirito/Asuna. When I write a story when I mix these two, sometimes my mind will go on autopilot while writing and type the name of the other woman or man. I try to fix these mistakes using a search engine but some still elude me. As for the story being kinda fast, it's because of two reasons. One, I do not like stories with over thirty chapters long, a reason why my first story was split. Second, I do not believe Uber-OP stories should be overly long, unless they take part in a humongous storyline and even then I will cut it in half. As for the side story, a side story has already begun. It's full results will be revealed much later, but it has begun I assure you. And it doesn't matter if you're too late. No opinion is a waste for me, the obvious hateful unconstructive criticism an exception. Now, hope I answered your questions. On with the story officially now!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Sword Art Online. They belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 15: An Eventful Night

Naruto's House

Naruto yawned, as he woke up from the bed, looking at his alarm clock. It was Friday, 5:30 AM. Sighing, he woke up and went to the bathroom. After doing his morning routine of jogging and bathing afterwards, he went down to the basement to finish his work.

Five days had passed since Naruto had gotten hold of Kayaba's Nervegear and research and he spent almost every hour of his day working on it. And the results were simply staggering. Kayaba was a genius in every way. He knew it from the Seed, but now that he had the Cardinal info, it was simply amazing how crafty Kayaba was. To be able to create a self-sustained program, that handles a variety of major programs and even AI's, along with possessing the power capable of creating and destroying entire worlds sounds hard and incredible, but you can't fully comprehend the magnitude of those words when it comes to the Cardinal System, without seeing his inner workings. Kayaba created a programming language that managed to join programs of any kind, from sense replication, to perfect body control and even the AI management.

As for his NerveGear, it was impressive as well. Unlike most would think, he didn't set his NerveGear to emit low power microwaves to be able to survive his HP reaching zero. On the contrary, he actually created his NerveGear to be able to emit even stronger microwaves. It was the reason he was able to perform a Brain Scan that would allow him to transport his consciousness to the Virtual World. And while he didn't know how he had achieved it, he knew the reason was in the NerveGear. Kayaba never did anything without a reason or a price. He knew that very well by now. And he was also not a man driven by emotions. He knew he would survive the Brain Scan. That is why he actually performed an operation thought to have a slim chance of success. Kayaba wasn't someone who didn't take responsibility of his actions, or a man who would die to escape. Two swordsmen can convey messages through their blades and Naruto could tell. He did the Brain Scan, because he could. And Naruto had every intention of tearing it apart piece by piece to find out how. If he had to, he would hack into the memory of the NerveGear or anywhere the answers were. He knew it, deep in his mind. Kayaba found a way to enter his consciousness into the Virtual World. And he would find out how.

Naruto was interrupted from his internal ranting, as he was typing orders and way of work of the team for the new project, when his phone rung. He picked it up "Hello?" he asked. "Mhm. Yup. She said yes. Alright. 7:45 PM. We will be there. Later Mom." he said, ending the call. His mother had called him to ask if he and Asuna were coming, along with giving him the time. He typed a message to Asuna 'I will come pick you up at 7:30. Tell me when your mother wants you to return home once I pick you up. Have fun in school sweetie.' he wrote with a smile, before sending it. He placed the phone down, before turning to the screen. He typed a few more sentences and pressed Print. Turning to his printer, he took out the paper, before sending a copy of the original text to every member through email. He then went upstairs, changing into his uniform and driving to work. He would go early at 9 AM to finish everything, so he could return home by 5, rest for half an hour or so, before preparing to pick up Asuna for the dinner.

Asuna's home/5 hours later

Naruto stood outside of Asuna's home, waiting for her to come out so they could leave. He had returned home two hours ago and had done every activity. He had showered, brushed his teeth, washed his face and put on some perfume. He was wearing a dark grey tuxedo, with a dark grey vest, a white shirt and a black bowtie. He also had on his left wrist a silver watch. He sighed, looking at it "7:31. She should come out any second." he mumbled to himself. Suddenly, he heard the door open, he looked up, only to blush. There stood Asuna and she looked more beautiful than ever. She wore a pure red dress that hugged her figure perfectly, not too tight and not too loose. She was wearing red high-heels, while she held a red purse. Her hair was straight, while she had placed a touch of makeup on her face, which only defined her beauty. They were both blushing once they laid eyes on each other. Naruto walked forward, outstretching his hand "You look gorgeous. Shall we?" he asked. She nodded blushing "You look pretty handsome yourself." she replied, taking his hand. To her surprise, he led her to a Lexus RX 450h F Sport. (AN: Do I really need to say I do not own this? If I did, I wouldn't be writing FN! Anyways, I do not own this car or the company that makes it.) It was the latest model, painted in a pitch-black colour, with black tinted glass windows, complementing Naruto's style. "I didn't know you had a car?" she asked. He smiled "I finished an important project in my work and got a large bonus. I used part of the money to buy a car." he said, opening the door for her as she stepped inside. She looked at the interior, from the black leather seats, to the state-of-the-art visual panel and even the relaxing scent of the car. Naruto stepped inside and started the engine, the car making a satisfying speeding sound before starting to drive.

"What kind of project did you finish?" she asked. He frowned "I am sorry but that is classified. I can't tell you much. But I can tell you it has to do with my NerveGear, so every part of my work helps me to better understand the Virtual World and bring me easier to my, no, to our goal." he said, as she smiled. "I am glad. So, have you started another project?" she asked. He nodded "Indeed. I have been very busy this week. The new project is much harder than the first. On the first, we needed to create something. And all of us are experts in our fields, while our teamwork is flawless. It wasn't hard to accomplish it. All it needed was some tinkering. But now, we're stepping on unknown fields, where we try to find something we have no clue except instinct that it exists, we don't know how it works, or if it will help our goal." he sighed. She looked a bit scared "When you mean unknown, you mean dangerous?" she asked, as he shook his head "We don't use the NerveGear, only the Amusphere to go to the Virtual World. The NerveGear we use it for research only. That's all I can tell you for a few years." he said. "I understand. It's not easy being a member of classified projects." she said. "Nope it isn't. Luckily in four years, by the time your studies in university or college are over, I will be done with the military." he said. She grinned "I look forward to that." she said. "Oh look we arrived." he said, turning right, as they came face to face with a large house. The gate opened, allowing Naruto to park it inside. He exited the vehicle, before opening the door for Asuna. "Who is in the house?" she asked. "Right now only my parents and servants." he said, as she nodded.

They walked, as a black-haired maid stood on the front of the door. She bowed "Welcome home Naruto-sama. Greetings, Asuna-sama." she said addressing them, as they nodded, with Asuna looking a bit embarrassed at the honorific. "Where is my father and mother?" he asked. "Minato-sama is waiting at the living room. Kushina-sama is preparing upstairs." she said, making way for them to enter, as Naruto nodded to her. They entered, as Asuna looked in wonder at the interior of the house. It was painted a rich yellow colour, with the floor having a wood layer. A carpet with intricate designs was laid down, leading to the backyard. It had a large marble stairway, leading to the upper floors. The house was decorated with paintings, while a chandelier hang from the top. Naruto led her to the living room, a medium-sized room, with white couches and a marble coffee-table. On the wall was a fireplace, with small decorative tantos above it. Standing next to it was Minato, dressed in a light grey tuxedo, with a white shirt and a grey bowtie. Asuna had seen him on articles before, but she was still surprised at his resemblance with Naruto.

Naruto smirked, approaching his father and hugging him, as Minato hugged him back. "Hello son." he said, then turned to look at Asuna. He approached her, nodding and smiling "Namikaze Minato. I am pleased to meet my son's girlfriend and I must say, he made an excellent choice." he said. Asuna blushed, bowing "Thank you sir. It is an honor to meet you. My name is Yuuki Asuna." she said. He laughed "Please my girl, do not be so formal." he said, as she nodded. They heard someone approaching, as they turned, seeing a smiling Kushina. She was wearing a black strapless dress that hugged her figure, completed with black high-heels. She also wore makeup, adding to her beauty. She smiled, hugging Asuna, to her surprise "Oh I am so glad to finally meet you! I am Uzumaki Kushina, Naruto's mom! He talks a lot about you." he said, as they both blushed, with Naruto grumbling, earning him a snicker from Minato. She let go, as Asuna bowed "A pleasure to meet you Kushina-sama. I am Yuuki Asuna." she said. "Oh, just call me Kushina, Asuna-chan. After all, we're all a family, or rather will be." she said with a smile, as they blushed even more.

They sat down on the dining room, where the servants had placed trays of food moments ago. The dining room had a massive table made of oak, with a red spread on it. Naruto and Asuna sat on one side, Minato and Kushina sat opposite of them. As they were eating, Naruto took a sip from his water. "So, when is the wedding?" Kushina asked, as they both widened their eyes, Naruto almost choking on the water. As he swallowed he yelled "Mom!", as Asuna tried to hide her blush. "What? Is it bad I can't wait to see you wearing a tuxedo, holding your bride and exiting a church?" she asked, as he sighed. "I intended to ask Asuna to marry me after she finishes college and I finish the Military career. We would both be able to enjoy it the most then." he said, Asuna agreeing. "All matters of marriage aside." Minato coughed "Asuna-chan, know that we can help you in any way you wish anytime." he said, as Asuna nodded. "Thank you very much." she said.

"What do you want to do in the future Asuna?" she asked. "I am not sure. While people my age should have figured out what they want to do by now, I am a special case. I lost two years of studies, so I am not sure what I want to do." she said. "It is quite alright. I don't mean to rush you though, but you should decide by the end of the second year. Students who reach a decision at their third year, usually make a poor choice." he said, as she nodded. "Still, you have months ahead of you. And if by the third year you don't know what to do, well, I am sure Naruto would love to have you help him." he said, as Naruto nodded. "I would love it. But Asuna's happiness is my priority. I want her to choose her own life." he said, as she smiled at him, the parent's doing the same, glad for their son's choices.

The dinner continued for another hour, where they talked about their different views and opinions on a number of subjects, ranging from politics to education. Afterwards, they left as Asuna had to return home early. Naruto and Asuna were in the car, Naruto driving Asuna home. "Your parents are wonderful people." she said, as he nodded. "Indeed they are. They are amazing people. Even if we had our differences at the start, I can't help but love them." he said. Asuna nodded, as a small frown reached her face, thinking of her own parents, before it vanished. "Say Naruto-kun. I didn't know you would have though marriage thoroughly." she said, smiling. He smirked "What I said is true. I wanted to propose you after college, unless of course you want much earlier." he smirked, as she blushed. "Relax, I am just messing with you." he said, as she laughed. "Say Naruto-kun. Did you buy your house thinking we could have a family there someday?" she asked. He shook his head, as she raised an eyebrow "When we start a family, I will purchase a house similar to that of my parents. I will still keep this house, but more as a resort." he said. "Well, a resort sounds wonderful." she smiled. The rest of the trip was in silence, with light talk here and there.

After a few minutes, they arrived at Asuna's home. Naruto stepped out of the car and opened her door, as she stepped out "I had a really good time." she said, as he nodded. He kissed her on the lips, as she returned it happily. They let go, as she went at her door. "Goodnight, my sweet angel." he said, as she smiled, waving at him. He entered his car and drived home. As soon as he arrived home, he had a shower. However, his phone had a text message. Opening it, he widened his eyes. 'Naruto, Kirito's heartbeat has increased in the hospital during GGO. Please check on him. Seijirou.' it wrote. Narrowing his eyes, Naruto picked a pair of black track pants, a blue shirt and a black jacket, finishing with blue sports shoes. He also took his gun holster and rode on his bike, going to the hospital.

Hospital

Naruto rushed through the hospital corridors, his phone at hand "Yui-chan, where now?!" he asked. 'Turn left at the corner, then go eight meters!' she said, as Naruto swiftly turned and opened a door. "Kazuto!" he said, as a nurse with brown hair looked at him "You must be Naruto. He told me of you." she said. "Is he alright?" Naruto asked. "He is not in physical danger but his heart rate just increased." she said. 'Heartrate? What is going on?' he thought. 'Papa. Look at the PC panel on the wall.' she said, as the panel came to life, as they viewed the Bullet of Bullets tournament. He saw a man in a black cloak, with a silver skull mask that had red eyes. Opposite of him was Kirito, in a girly avatar with black clothes. Naruto sighed "His heartbeat increased because he is fighting. It will decrease once over." he said, sitting down next to Kirito. He noticed the other one's name "Steven? Did he misspell Steven? No wait, Sterben? Where have I heard that?" he asked. "It's used in medical vocabulary. It is used when a patient passes on at the hospital. It means 'death'." she frowned. Naruto turned back, observing the match. He was surprised when he found out he was a member of Laughing Coffin. 'Wait. Laughing Coffin… Estoc…. Red Eyes!' he suddenly rose "Yui! Send a message to Kirito. The man is Red-Eyed XaXa!" he said.

He saw the realisation on Kirito's eyes, when he was fighting him, as he revealed it to Death Gun, who narrowly missed his attack. And he had to say, the fight ended amazingly. He was really surprised Kirito would use a gun, but the moment he held both the Five Seven and the Energy Sword, he could feel Kirito's swordsman spirit resonating, as he struck the killer blow. He could then see him talking to another girl, before an explosion resonated. He turned, as Kirito woke up, drawing breath. "Easy buddy. You did it." he said, as Kirito panted, standing up. He smiled at Naruto "Thank you for telling me. I was a fool not to ask his name. I won't do that mistake again." he said. "Well, Seijirou filled me in on the details on the way here. You sure the girl is alright?" he asked. Kirito nodded "She has a friend she can trust." he replied. Naruto nodded, then his phone began to ring. He picked it up "Seijirou. What is it?" he asked. He stayed silent for a moment, before widening his eyes "Thank you." he said closing it. "Get dressed. You were wrong. Your friend's friend is Xaxa's brother." he said, as Kirito widened his eyes and immediately bolted out of the bed.

Asada's Home

Naruto and Kirito rushed at Shino's house, where they heard cries of a girl and of a boy screaming "Asada-san!" maniacally. Naruto sped up, kicking the door down, before kneeing the boy in the face. The boy screamed and attempted to punch him, only for Naruto to duck, then jump and knee him in the face, before turning and kicking his stomach. The boy, who had light brown hair and dark brown eyes, screamed in pain, before rising and attempting a kick "Stay away from my Asada-san!" he yelled, only for Naruto to duck under the punch, go behind him, before chopping his neck, as the boy fell to the ground unconscious. Naruto sighed, as he saw Kirito tending to Shino. "Thank you for coming, Kirito." she said. Kirito smiled "Don't thank me. Thank Naruto. He revealed it to me." he said, as Shino turned and bowed to me. Naruto shook his head "It is fine. I'll go outside to call the police." he said, as Kirito tended to a now crying Shino.

Naruto's home.

Naruto was sitting on his bed, preparing his NerveGear to join ALO. Almost three days had passed since he and Kirito saved Shino. As it turned out, Xaxa's brother, Kyouji, first thought of Death Gun murdering people after a player named Zexceed spread word that Agility was the best, when he created a Strength/ Vitality character. They grabbed an emergency security card and a drug used for killing patients from their dad's hospital. There was also a third Death Gun, Johnny Black, who is still on the run. Right now, Shino and Kazuto were in the Dicey Cafe, along with Asuna and Lisbeth, trying to make her see the good side of what she did when she was young. He, however, had work to do.

It was Monday 3 PM. He had just returned from work and his frustration with the project increased. Even spending seven days working on it, while his team spend five days hacking for clues, nothing regarding a way to increase the chances a person would survive transferring his consciousness to the Virtual World. And from what he learned, every possible place with the answers has been hacked and or searched thoroughly by the government and themselves, yet nothing came. He sighed, but steadied himself. He placed the NerveGear on his head, before closing his eyes " Link Start ." he said, going to the virtual world.

He opened his eyes, as he found himself to the guild's HQ, which was located above Lisbeth's shop. Sighing, he walked outside, before flying away. He flew far away, to a remote location. He used his Tracking Skill to look around. When he was sure no one was near, he said "System Login: ID Heathcliff." before the familiar screens surrounded him. He then saw the surrounding landscape go black, as he unconsciously teleported into a void. "I know you're here, Kayaba. Show yourself, for I have questions that need answering." he said.

Done! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know that the GGO part might seem rushed, but I didn't want to merely copy the Anime Scene and slightly change the dialogues, so I had it as a narration in Naruto's head. I also hope you liked Asuna meeting Naruto's parents. As for the ending, what happened won't be revealed until later on. Won't say when. Next Chapter will be the Excalibur Saga. I will either do it in one or two chapters. We will see. Until next time, Thunderito out!