Chapter 8
Tempest, Today
Naruto groaned as he felt his head throb. His entire body just collapsed on it's own before feeling like the entire inside was on fire. Wondering what the pain was, Naruto slowly tried to adjust himself as he woke up from bed. As he found himself lying down in the shack that he shared with Wendy.
'Great Sage, what happened?' Naruto mentally asked.
"Answer: The creature within you known as Kurama has renamed you. As a creature with superior power level. It renamed you from Naruto Uzumaki to Naruto Tempest. Thus resulting in gaining newfound strength." Great Sage explained.
'Who the heck is Kurama?' Naruto asked it.
"Kurama is the bijuu within you. The very manifestation of sentient energy known as chakra, taking the form of a fox with nine tails." Great Sage answers.
'The Kyuubi!?' Naruto asked.
"Affirmative, although it appears that it's consciousness is being linked to Wendy and yourself." Great Sage answered making Naruto feel terrified. "Worry not, it is merely extending it's conscious while it's main power and existence is within you. As Veldora and Grandeeney have attempted to do the same with little success." It adds.
'Grandeeney? Who's that? You know what? Never mind, I think I'm just going to get up now.' Naruto thought as he slowly opened his eyes.
Where he quickly found himself being tended to by a beautiful girl around his age. She had light pink hair, small horns and reddish eyes with a friendly smile to top it off. Naruto closed his eyes thinking he was having a perverted dream. Immediately blaming that perverted toad sage, Jiraiya, for thinking he was being tended by a beautiful woman.
'Stupid pervert! Naruto, take a deep breath and open your eyes again. There is no cute girl hovering over you.' Naruto mentally told himself before opening his eyes.
Where the cute girl smiled at him, "Good morning Lord Naruto! Have you slept well?" She asked.
'AHHHHHH!' Naruto mentally screamed. "Yes I am good." He lied under a calm facade.
The girl smiled, "That's good to hear. You've been unconscious for over a day and that's counting the fact that you were wrapped up in a cocoon." she said cheerfully.
"Cocoon?" the girl nodded. 'Great Sage, did the kyuubi make me evolve?' he mentally asked.
"Short answer, yes." Great Sage answered.
Naruto sighed, "Oh well, where… I'm sorry who are you? Last time I checked, we didn't have a lot of pretty girls in Tempest." he asked.
The girl blushed for a moment, "My name is Shuna, but we have met before. I was the pink ogre remember? You defeated my brother who was a red ogre." Shuna answered.
Naruto thought it over and remembered the big fight. Where he remembered all the small ogre girl alongside the brutish looking ogres that surrounded her. Now he was shocked by the change and was very confused until he remembered a small yet very important detail.
"Did someone name you?" Naruto asked.
Shuna nodded, "Lady Wendy did as she did my brother and everyone else. Although, she lost her power and lost consciousness." she answered as she pointed behind him.
Revealing the little pedestal used to keep Wendy safe and comfortable. Sadly this only made Naruto panic as he scrambled to reach the slime girl's round form.
"Wendy!" Naruto yelled as he crawled towards the pedestal. "My worst fear is real! Besides ghosts of course." he said.
"Ghosts?" Shuna asked as she sweat dropped.
"I always knew that we would be in constant danger. Either from dangerous monsters from the woods or beautiful people. Beautiful people are always the ones you least expect." Naruto said as rubbed Wendy's slime form. Naruto sighed after he finished, "I guess I should see how the village is doing." he said before slowly standing up.
"That's good to hear, I should properly introduce you to my group. After all, we got off on a bad start." Shuna said gesturing for Naruto to follow her.
"I guess that makes sense." Naruto said as he followed the girl.
The village square
Naruto groaned as the bright sun got in his eyes. He shook his head before following Shuna to where the other ogres are. Only to see that they all looked better in terms of appearance. Meaning that they changed like the goblins who first settled here. The four proceeded to stand and focus their attention onto Naruto who looked curious.
"These guys?" Naruto asked as Shuna nodded.
Naruto was very surprised, by now it's obvious that a new name evolves a monster. It was something he drilled into his head when he turned Arahnia's upper half into an attractive female. Of course, he always remembered this when he compared Rigurd to his sickly old self. Now about half of these atrocious ogres now looked like they should be on the cover of a fashion magazine. Except for the average looking guy who replaced the brutish looking grey ogre and the old man who didn't look like he was on his death bed.
"Okay, good morning to you all. Since I introduced myself after yesterday's scuffle, would you like to introduce yourselves?" Naruto asked. 'Thank you Ainz, and your diplomatic ways.' he thought remembering having taken skills besides magic.
The red haired one spoke first, "I am Benimaru and you have already met my sister, Shuna." he said.
"Good to know, and the rest of you?" Naruto asked.
"I am Souei." the silent blue haired one said.
"I am Shion." the purple haired one said.
"I am Kurobe." the plain looking one said.
And finally came the elder, "And I am Hakurou." he said.
Naruto nods, "Nice to meet all of you again." he said in his friendly manner.
"And it a great honor that you spared us. Something we are grateful for despite our bad first impression." Benimaru said with a bow of his head.
"It's cool man, just uh… ask questions first and then pick fights." Naruto said. "So, sine Wendy named you. What are you five? I don't suppose you guys turned human." he asked.
"We are stronger than normal humans. For we are Kijin now." Hakurou answered.
Naruto nods again, "Okay, last question. How important are your horns?" he asked making all five Kijin looked surprised.
A few seconds later
Naruto was wrestling Benimaru against the ground, "You have two! You can live without one can't you!" he yelled.
"I would prefer you to not assault me during our temporary partnership!" Benimaru yelled.
"I need this horn! Ram needs it more than you!" Naruto yelled as he tried to reach for a horn.
Meanwhile the other Kijin and locals just stood there and watched.
"Should we do something?" Souei asked.
"I prefer to keep my horn." Shion answered.
Hakurou exhaled, "I think someone better find a good way to mediate this situation." he said as Benimaru struggled to wrestle Naruto away.
"Why do you wish to rip off my horn!?" Benimaru asked.
"Unlike you, Ram needs the horn so she can live her life without pain!" Naruto yelled.
"Who?" Benimaru asked.
"That's enough." said a serious voice.
Naruto stopped and turned his head to see Ram standing beside Rem. Looking healthy and out of harms way. Naruto smiled as he shoved Benimaru aside and lifted Ram into the air. Ram looked briefly surprised by the sudden movement.
"Ram, you're not in pain anymore!" Naruto cheered.
"Of course not, while you were unconscious. That Albedo woman gave Wendy a tool to lessen my pain." Ram said lifting her hair to show her forehead. "I won't be at the same level as before, but I won't have that aching pain anymore." she said.
Naruto smiled as he lowered her but kept her close, "Then I guess I didn't need to assault Benimaru." he said looking at the downed Kijin.
"You did not, now put me down." Ram said.
"Okay, okay, no need to be all angry." Naruto said gently putting her down. "Now then, I think we better start getting organized. It's bad enough Wendy and myself were unconscious. Now it's time to get back to work." he announced.
Later that evening
*CRASH*
Hakurou shook his head at Naruto in disappointment, "With someone capable of defeating the prince. You sure are terrible without your powers." he said.
Naruto groaned as he recovered from hitting the ground, "Yeah, I have a lot skills and other stuff, but I feel like I've been slacking in everything else." he admits.
Hakurou sighed, "Naruto, what exactly were your skills before?" he asked.
"I could use the Shadow Clone jutsu which makes solid copies of myself and the Rasengan." Naruto answers as he forms the jutsu with one hand.
"Was this all you were taught?" Hakurou asked.
"Eh, I didn't exactly pay attention the whole time. Sometimes my sensei's lectures were super boring so I skipped out on a lot of them." Naruto answered as his spider sense kicked in. Prompting him to move a split second before Hakurou could chop his head, "There will be none of that here. I expect your full undivided attention if you want to participate during training." he said sternly.
"Of course, as long as there aren't long boring lectures." Naruto said barely avoiding another hit.
"The whole thing is what you will listen to." Hakurou said as Naruto sighed.
"Okay." Naruto says giving in.
"Class dismissed." Hakurou said as his students left for the day.
Naruto groaned as he left with the goblins and exceeds, "Lord Naruto, why are you participating in the class? Aren't you plenty strong?" one of them asked.
"Yeah, but it helps I learn everything I can. Besides, I want to lead by example." Naruto says as he strolls back into the village with everyone else.
As Hakurou watched his students leave. Cocytus walked towards Hakurou to see how things were progressing on his end. Seeing as things were likely difficult for everyone trying to learn to fight and defend Tempest.
"I see you are looking well." Hakurou said.
"My armor has been fully repaired. For that I am thankful, but how are the recruits?" Cocytus asked.
"As you can expect, wet behind the ears and hardly able to fight against someone with experience." Hakurou answered as he started walking.
Cocytus nods, "I had a similar experience with a giant rodent named Hamsuke and some lizard men. The lizard men were honorable but weak and then Hamsuke was… unique." he said. "That aside, this new era broke the leveling system we used to measure strength. Now relying solely on skills and physical abilities." he adds.
"Everyone has to learn to adjust. It takes time but even someone of my age can expect great results with great time." Hakurou replies. "Speaking of which, from your perspective. Seeing as you fought him before, how was Naruto in terms of a fighter?" he asked.
Cocytus mad e asound similar to a sigh, "At first, he seemed like a wild animal. An annoying pest with strong abilities but still lacking in experience. He was fairly easy to battle even with all of his tricks. Except, something else within him helped win the battle." he explained.
"Like a brand new skill?" Hakurou asked
"No, as if a second personality came to life and fought beside him." Cocytus answers as he tells the tale of the battle in Nazarick.
Later that night
After a bad training session and dealing with some business that Benimaru mentioned he started with Wendy. Which he would continue once Wendy wakes up (hopefully by tomorrow). Naruto settled down in his shack that he shared with Wendy and began to cook up dinner for himself and Kanna if she wakes up.
"At least my body can remove toxins now. I guess the kyuubi and whatever else my body is made up of is reacting to it." Naruto said to himself. "The last thing I need is to get drunk again. Hopefully it counters any salmonella I might get. Although, that might explain why Wendy doesn't complain about my cooking." he adds before hearing a knock at the door.
While Naruto left the makeshift kitchen to answer the door. He found himself meeting Shuna at the door. Smiling as Shuna greeted him with her warm presence and some sort of box of some sort.
"Hi Shuna, how are you?" Naruto asked.
"I'm good, I thought I should drop this off." Shuna said handing him a gift.
"This looks nice, is it for Wendy?" Naruto asked.
Shuna smiled, "It's for the both of you. With you letting my tribe stay despite the bad first impression. I thought I should show my gratitude." she said happily.
"Awe! Thanks Shuna!" Naruto said thankful for the gift.
"Is something on fire?" Shuna suddenly asked.
"Huh? Crap!" Naruto yells as he runs inside. "No! No! No! No! Dinner is ruined!" he yells.
Shuna peaks her head inside, "Do you need help?" she asked.
A few minutes later
Naruto sighed, now he owed Shuna for helping cook for him. While he went to greet Shuna, Naruto completely forgot to put out the fire and almost burned down the shack. At least Shuna was kind enough to prepare him dinner despite his hesitance at making her work.
"Thanks Shuna, at least now it feels better now that the food has flavor." Naruto said as he accepted the food anyways.
Shuna giggled, "Your cooking can't be that bad." she said.
"I think the only reason Wendy enjoys it is because she has resistance against poison. Mine barely started to kick in or something. I can't tell with this body." Naruto replied.
Shuna sweat dropped, "You poison the meals?" she asked.
Naruto shook his head, "Of course not! I think it's just so bad it's a good alternative to poison." he said lacking confidence in his skills. "Seriously, even Kanna ignores it and she's a dragon. Dragons apparently have poison resistances." he adds.
"You could always ask for help." Shuna suggests.
Naruto sighed, "The only other person that knows how to cook is Circe. I don't trust she can show me anything without turning me into a pig or putting a potion of some kind in the food." he counters.
"Then I could help!" Shuna suggests as a better alternative.
"What!?" Naruto asked with a shocked face.
"Well you are the leader, even if you are mentally a child. With a little sister and everyone depending on you and Wendy. You need all the help you can get." Shuna explains.
"I guess that makes sense." Naruto admits as he finishes the plate of food. "Your cooking is great too. How do you do it?" he asked.
"I asked for help from my parents." Shuna answers.
"Oh, I see." Naruto said feeling a bit down.
"Is something wrong?" Shuna asked.
Naruto laughed it off, "No, I just think I'm better for lots of other things. In fact, I think I'm going to miss this when Wendy wakes up and wants me to make her some breakfast." he said.
"Then I'll just come back tomorrow." Shuna said.
"Eh? Are you sure you wouldn't be uncomfortable with that?" Naruto asked.
"It wouldn't be a bother. I still need to thank Wendy for giving me a name after all." Shuna said feeling grateful for Wendy as well.
"I see, I'll let her know you'll be coming then." Naruto said as Shuna smiled at him
The next morning
Upon waking up, Wendy was greeted with Kanna hugging her and rubbing her head against her. Along with Naruto raising her into the air and giving her a warm hug.
"I'm so happy you're awake Wendy!" Naruto says.
"I missed you too Naruto, but didn't you lose consciousness?" Wendy asked.
Naruto gave her a sheepish grin, "Yeah, apparently the uh…" he realized he never told Wendy about the kyuubi inside of him. As it would naturally terrify a child, "I'll explain later." he said as he put her down.
Sure it probably would not matter as Wendy absorbed Veldora and Ifrit. While Naruto also contains Baskerville and Gamorrah who are more vicious but not as powerful individually. Still, Naruto didn't want to bring up the fox as it's origins were more sensitive than the creature itself. For now, Naruto didn't want to bring up any depressing backstories as he wanted to focus on the future. Hence, he didn't want to bring up his less than stellar childhood in Konoha to Shuna.
As it would explain why Naruto didn't exactly apply himself to learn decent survival skills like cooking. Unless Shuna is willing to count mushroom picking and fishing. Luckily Hiruzen Sarutobi was able to let Naruto learn that much from those moments when Naruto explored the woods to find something to eat.
"I'm hungry!" Kanna whines.
Of course, Naruto has two small children to feed now.
"Me too!" Wendy adds.
"Now hold on, today we're having a guest. Kanna, you didn't get to see her since you went to bed early." Naruto said as Kanna looked saddened. It looked like she wanted to see the guest, "But they promised to come back this morning. So be on your best behavior." he said as there was a knock at the door.
"Visitors!" Kanna said raising her hands in the air.
"that must be them." Naruto said.
"I'll get it!" Wendy said opening the door to Shuna.
"Hi Wendy, you woke up earlier than I expected. You must be feeling super hungry." Shuna said in a friendly tone.
Wendy looked confused, "Who are you?" she asked.
"I'm Shuna, one of the ogres you named and I came here to thank you by cooking you breakfast." Shuna said making the girls feel excited.
"Yay, food that doesn't taste gross." Kanna said with some excitement.
Naruto face faulted, "I thought you liked my cooking." he said.
Kanna gave him a blank stare, "I was just being nice." she responds bluntly.
"If you're going to lie to my face. Then it isn't nice." Naruto argued.
"It isn't nice to feed kids bad food either." Kanna argued back.
Naruto sighed, "Do you see what I have to work with Shuna?" he asked.
Shuna giggled, "You can't be the best cook but you can be the best brother." she said making Naruto feel better.
"And that must make you the kindest girl in the village." Naruto says making Shuna blush.
Later, after breakfast
Arahnia giggled as Naruto finished his story, "Puddin', you sure have a way with the ladies. I know I love me a man who can cook, but a man who can't cook has to make up for it somehow." she said as she measured Naruto's body.
After breakfast with Shuna and the girls. Naruto left to go find Arahnia so that he could get some new clothes. Since some of the goblins got jobs as scavengers and collected animals for food and to use their hides for other materials. Namely clothes as Arahnia's unique skill let her make clothing with ease as well as detect materials being used. Of course, there was that time she managed to find an opening with Naruto's help to break Albedo's armor apart.
Now Naruto wanted to get some extra clothes as he didn't want to rely on his symbiote hybrid of a body to do it. As it was convenient, but Naruto claimed that it sometimes felt like he was growing hair all around his body instead of putting on clothes. Sure clothes could be manipulated thanks to his power, but it wasn't a perfect substitute. He didn't want to be the living personification of the naked emperor story.
"I'm a nice guy sometimes." Naruto said.
"Uh huh, with any luck you might get a date with that Shuna girl." Arahnia said making him blush.
"What? I don't even like her." Naruto said denying it.
Arahnia shook her head, "Don't give me that puddin', Shuna is a sweet girl. Trust me, I know a predator from a prey to a prey working with a predator that are teaming up." she said.
"That literally makes no sense." Naruto replied.
"Hush now, I'm just sayin' that maybe you could find yourself a nice date with that Shuna girl. I mean you may be bigger but how old are you in that body?" Arahnia asked.
"What month is it? I think I'm supposed to be 15 in October." Naruto asked.
"Shuna looks about the same age dear. Ya know, even with the body of an 18 or 19 year old. It won't be that bad." Arahnia said as she grabbed a few threads. "Besides, some ladies like tall guys. It makes them feel cute and protected, but then again. I don't know Shuna on a personal level." she says.
Naruto sighed, "I really didn't come here for dating tips." he said.
Arahnia giggled, "And I didn't asked for you to cook my food. It turned out I liked it didn't I? Now just think about it. I don't know what age humans are meant for mating, but you gotta get some experience if you want a mate someday." she said as Naruto turns bright red. "Hey are you okay? You're turnin' a lil' red there." she asked.
Naruto shook his head, "Just help me out here Arahnia. With the clothes, not dating." he said.
"You know, you should get some nice clothes too. Maybe for the evenings or parties. Maybe get me some staff to help me out here." Arahnia said as she started working on a fabric.
"Maybe you can offer an apprenticeship or something. Like motivate people to help and learn how to make clothes." Naruto suggests.
"That does sound mighty nice. I should look into it." Arahnia said liking the idea. "Also, how has Noir been treating you? Is it too black? Maybe a bit uncomfortable?" she asked.
"No, Noir feels perfect." Naruto said as he loved the sleek leathery outfit. "I've been thinking of maybe building a team uniform. Besides the accident at Nazarick, I think I can build up a strong team when trouble shows up." he said.
Arahnia snorted at the idea, "Matching uniforms maybe?" she asked.
"It doesn't have to match, like just something that represents us ya know." Naruto said.
"No, I don't know. Who exactly would be on you team puddin'?" Arahnia asked.
Naruto started thinking it over. When suddenly, the dwarf brothers came in with some new material. As well as Shuna who looked proud for some reason.
"Speak of the kijin and she will come, with her dwarf sidekicks. We were just talking about you Shuna." Arahnia said.
"Were you now?" Shuna asked with interest.
"Yes, weren't we Naruto?" Arahnia asked only for Naruto's symbiote mask to cover his face.
"Arahnia was reminding me how bad of a cook I am compared to everyone else." Naruto lied making the spider woman frown.
Shuna only smiled at him, "Don't worry about that Naruto. I'm sure you're a better leader and a fighter. Besides, I can always teach you." she offered.
"Ahhhh…"
"She's an amazing cook you know." Garm said.
"I always want seconds." Dord adds.
Myrd silently nods with a smile on his face.
"Say something!" Naruto commands Myrd only to be ignored. "Anyways, Arahnia if you got my measurements done. I gotta… I gotta go get my haircut." he said as he ran out.
Arahnia sighed, "That boy ain't right in the head." she said before listening about Shuna's sewing skills.
Elsewhere, with Wendy
After being greeted by the many villagers after a good breakfast as well as getting properly acquainted with the ogres who she turned into Kijin. Wendy took a seat in the new meeting hall that was recently constructed with Kanna and Carla. As well as being offered a tasty meal by Shion. Only she was very confused by how far Benimaru, Souei and Hakurou were sitting.
"Are you guys not hungry?" Wendy asked.
"I'm full." Benimaru lied.
"I also need to go on patrol." Souei said as he escaped the hall.
Hakurou remained silent and used a camouflage skill. Although Wendy could sort of sense him, Hakurou was well hidden from someone on Shion's level. It was a good thing too because the busty kijin dropped a bowl of strange purple and black mush in front of Wendy.
"Well, I hope you like it." Shion said as she waited for a good review.
"Why is it all goopy and covered in mist?" Wendy asked.
"It's the flavor of love!" Shion answered.
Carla gagged at the sight of the food while Kanna looked sick. It was suffice to say that both girls were very sure that Wendy would be in a lot of pain if she eats Shion's cooking.
"Has this food been taste tested before?" Carla asked.
"It will once Lady Wendy gets to try it." Shion answered.
"No, that is not how it works! You have to taste test it for yourself." Carla corrected.
Shion looked confused, "But then I would be eating Lady Wendy's food." she said.
Carla sighed, "Are you a fool or something? It is only natural that food has to be tested. How do you know Wendy won't be harmed or if the food is low on protein?" she asked.
Shion tilted her head in confusion, "I'm assuming whatever goes in tastes well." she said.
That's when Wendy screamed. Causing everyone including the remaining Kijin to jump to their feet. Thinking that Wendy was in mortal danger. Only to see her cry as she looked at the food.
"What's wrong Wendy? Is the food bad?" Kanna asked.
"It's not food Kanna! It's Naruto's baby! Look!" Wendy says as she raises up a spoon.
"Lord Naruto's baby?" Benimaru asked as he took the spoon.
When he looked closely at the spoon, the strange substance grew a face and stared at Benimaru. He quickly put the spoon back and shivered at how bad Shion was at cooking. Yet it did not explain why Wendy thought it was related to her adoptive brother.
"It looks like him too! It looks like a baby version of his spider form!" Wendy cried out.
"Lady Wendy, I swear it's not alive. Besides, isn't Lord Naruto a bachelor?" Shion asked.
Wendy started to tear up, "Yeah, but he said he learned how to make more undead and said that he can make more spiders." she answered.
Carla sighed, "That does sound plausible. Who knows what Naruto found in that tomb." she said.
Suddenly everyone pictured a mini symbiote with the standard sharp pointed teeth and long tongue. However, the image quickly changed to a chibi version of Naruto being hugged by current teenage Naruto. Now everyone was glaring at Shion as they pictured the woman as a demon that was trying to butcher a child.
"I swear! It's not Lord Naruto's child!" Shion yells.
Wendy continued to cry, "Why Shion? Why did you cook my nephew or niece?" she asked.
Shion waved her arms around in panic, "I didn't! I swear!" she yells, trying to deny the allegation.
Benimaru crossed his arms and shook his head, "I always found your cooking skills to be suspicious." he said.
"It doesn't help that we couldn't recognize the ingredients." Hakurou adds.
Shion felt betrayed, "I swear! I would never harm a familiar member or harm Lady Wendy in any way!" She said shouting her promises.
Just as Gobta arrived, "Hey guys, why is everybody so tense?" he asked.
"Gobta look! Shion ate Naruto's baby!" Wendy said presenting the spoon again.
Only to accidentally shove it into Gobta's mouth as he was very close to her. Gobta was not able to comprehend the news as he was suddenly choking and foaming at the mouth. With his skin turning entirely purple as he collapsed.
"Gobta's dead." Kanna said.
Wendy tearfully puts a cloth over Gobta's head, "Poor Gobta and Naruto's baby." she said.
"You do realize Gobta's death is your fault too as well." Benimaru said to Shion.
"Hey! It's just seasoning! It's probably the seasoning!" Shion yells.
With Naruto, some time later
Naruto sighed as something very stupid unfolded in front of him and the exceeds. To summarize the situation, some idiot lizard man just arrived and was demanding for everyone to bow before him and accept him as their leader.
"For I am the Great Gabiru!" The lizard man shouted as his subordinates clapped for him.
"And?" Naruto asked.
"And nothing! I am the Great Gabiru! You should be honored by my presence alone!" Gabiru said pointing at Naruto.
Naruto groaned, "What do you want?" he asked sounding frustrated.
"As I just said, there is an Orc army destroying many villages and settlements. It is everyone's duty to band together and defeat the Orc Lord who is leading them! So that we may save the Forest of Jura!" Gabiru explained in a heroic manner.
With his three followers praising him which only boosted his ego.
"So amazing Sir Gabiru!"
"You are the best Sir Gabiru!"
"All will fall before your greatness Sir Gabiru!"
Naruto sighed, 'Just great, fanboys exist like fangirls.' he thought. "So what? You want an alliance? I can allow an alliance or some of partnership." he said.
Gabiru shook his head, "That will not do! For I, Gabiru, who is very great need I remind you." he started saying again.
"We don't need a reminder!" Panther Lily yells with a tick mark on his head.
"I am a far superior leader than the Slime and Spider leading your village. I would dare say I could defeat them with little difficulty." Gabiru said arrogantly.
Naruto finally had enough of Gabiru and transformed into a full symbiote. Only giving himself enhancements through support magic to look bigger and more muscular. As well as giving Gabiru the full threatening appearance by letting his sharp teeth stick out along with his tongue. Gabiru already felt deathly afraid as Naruto walked up to him and roughly grabbed his shoulder as his claws extended.
"If you mock Wendy or myself again, I will eat your arms then both of your legs then I will eat your face right off of your head. You will be this legless, armless faceless thing won't you?" He asked as Gabiru started to sweat. Naruto then moved his face closer to the lizard's head, "Rolling down the road. Like a turd… in the wind." He said.
Gabiru was about to scream when something caught his attention, "What?" he asked.
"Like a turd… in the wind." Naruto repeated.
"What does that even mean?" Gabiru asked. "Nobody says, "Turd in the wind". Did you mean, "Leaf in the wind"?" he asked.
"No, do you mean to tell me. That you have never seen a turd blowing in the wind?" Naruto asked.
Gabiru shook his head, "No, that's not really a thing." he answered. "I mean, maybe in a jungle if a monkey throws poop." he said.
"See! Like that. You will be like monkey poop… in the wind." Naruto said confusing everyone.
"Nobody says that!" Gabiru says.
Naruto frowned, "Okay, let's try something else." he said.
20 minutes later
Wendy went to look for Naruto to tell him about the "baby" that Shion used to make lunch. Only to quickly find everyone looking at Naruto with disappointment. As it was clear that he had no idea how to say any metaphors without butchering the sentences.
"What's going on?" Wendy asked.
"Please stop." Gabiru pleaded.
"Curiosity killed the cake! And ate it too!" Naruto says as he grasps Gabiru again.
"Is the slime here? I think the spider has no idea what he's saying." Gabiru asked.
Naruto groaned before facing the crowd, "That's it, we're playing a game now." He says as he brings up three photos. "Everyone put it to a vote. Which one of these should we use to scare away Gabiru?" He asked.
A) Baskerville - The demonic ferocious dog
B) Gamorrah - A vicious dragon like demon
C) Generate an undead monster with a bag of bones
Wendy suddenly felt uncomfortable, "Um guys…" she tried to say only for everyone to scream their answers.
"A! A! A!"
"Pick B! Just let B eat him!"
"C, keep it random!"
Naruto made a gesture that he could not hear them. This moment suddenly made the lizards feel very scared again. As they had a chance to meet a random undead or deal with demonic monsters. With every goblin and Exceed screaming out their votes until Logan showed up.
"Just pick C damn it!" Logan yelled.
Naruto nods, "C it is!" he said dropping a bunch of bones from a bag.
"Logan!" Wendy yells.
"What? They were screaming like idiots and I couldn't work with all of this noise." Logan replied.
Naruto proceeded to generate magic with abilities he learned from Ainz. Along with tossing in a random blue jacket to add to the mix. The lizard men stepped back as they carefully watched the bones come together as life was granted to what was once dead. A short, yet menacing skeleton appeared with teeth shaped into a deranged grin facing them. When two white lights appeared in the eyeholes as Naruto finished his spell.
"I grant thee life, I grant thee purpose, I grant thee thy name… Sans!" Naruto yells.
"Sans? This is the most unique skill you know and you called it Sans?" Logan asked.
"Shut up." Naruto said as "Sans" came to life.
"Hm? What the heck is this place? What am I?" Sans asked.
"You are Sans. I am your creator and I command you to destroy Gabiru." Naruto said.
"Why?" Sans asked.
Naruto sighed, "Because he's an annoying idiot that wants us to work for him because he feels entitled." he answered.
Sans stared at Gabiru in confusion, "So?" he asked.
"I give union regulated breaks. Gabiru doesn't." Naruto said hoping to motivate his skeleton.
Sans looked tentative, "Do either of you do dental?" he asked.
Gabiru puffed his chest out, "You will feel pride by working under me. That should feel enough to satisfy your needs." He said.
Sans turned to Naruto who reverted to human form, "We definitely do dental." he said.
Sans nods before turning to Gabiru, "Sorry Lizard Guy, I'm siding with my creator or whatever." He said.
Gabiru then pulled out a spear, "Do not take me for a lesser creature! For I, The Great Gabiru chooses to stand tall!" he said putting on a brave look.
"You are so amazing Lord Gabiru." Gabiru's fanboys said.
Sans shrugged, "Sure whatever." he sais summoning skulls to his side. As one of his eyes generated a blue flame, "So crispy, medium rare, or well done?" he asked, wondering how badly he should burn Gabiru.
Gabiru began to sweat as several skulls suddenly appeared from Sans. With each one of them opening their mouths as a powerful magic started to generate. Before unleashing powerful beams that began to scorch the earth.
"The Great Gabiru chooses a tactical retreat!" Gabiru shouts as he runs away with his subordinate.
"Hmph, coward." Sans said.
Everyone minus Naruto looked at Sans in silence. With the latter walking up to his skeleton creation and giving him a hand shake.
"Welcome aboard Sans. Do you have any questions?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, when are my vacation days? I already worked up a sweat trying to deal with that lizard guy." Sans said.
Naruto frowned, "Hopefully after we deal with the Orc Lord. Whatever that's supposed to be." he said as Wendy ran up to him.
"Big brother! Shion just cooked your baby and wanted me to eat it!" Wendy yelled.
Naruto gave Wendy an impassive stare, "Why do I feel like you are covering for Circe?" he asked, thinking Circe was the crazy cook of Tempest.
"Buddy, if you guys start cannibalizing each other. I'm gonna go find some other place to live." Sans said looking disturbed.
"Emergency meeting! Now!" Naruto shouts.
At the main hall
With the meeting hall immediately becoming full rather quickly and many others watching outside from the windows. Along with going through a quick rundown of Shion's alleged crimes. Naruto began the first emergency meeting since the recent events with Nazarick's undead army and Shizu turning into Ifrit were too sudden. Only now, the chance to prepare for the Orc Lord is still possible.
Depending on their timeline that is.
"Okay, I officially clear Shion of all charges of murder, attempted murder, treachery and cannibalism of symbiotes." Naruto said.
"You heard him! Let me out Benimaru!" Shion demands.
Just as Shion's small trial started. Benimaru put Shion into some medieval style stocks that were made to disable skills. It was very painful and humiliating for the busty Kijin. Especially since Benimaru was more than happy to put her on trial for her terrible cooking.
"And I also officially declare Circe innocent of turning people into pigs… again." Naruto said as there was no sign of her making pigs.
"So mean, why did you all have to put me here too?" Circe asked as she was put into the stalks as well.
"Okay, so can we get back to some real business? Souei, what did you find with your scouting?" Naruto asked as Circe was also freed.
Souei nods, "I estimate about 200,000 with their main army marching along the river. I'm guessing with their detached force, they are going to rendevous in the marshlands." he says pointing at the crude map Wendy made with Kanna and Carla's help.
Rigurd looked frightened, "You mean east of here? Where the Lizardmen territory is?" he asked making Souei nod.
"This is troubling. 200,000 is quite the obscene number. Is there a purpose behind their march?" Shagotte asked.
Kaijin started sharing his thoughts, "It's hard to tell, orcs are not very smart. If they are not motivated by instinct, then someone has to be a backing them." he said.
"Like a demon lord?" Wendy asked, surprising everyone. "Maybe a demon lord could be commanding them or even that one man who named the first Rigur and tried to recruit you guys." she said remembering having spoken to the second Rigur.
When Wendy and Naruto left to get supplies and workers at Dwargon. Wendy decided to approach Rigur about the previous Rigur's name. As she and Naruto learned about the powers of naming a monster. Rigur said that his brother was named by a man named Gelmud and right after Naruto passed out during the party. Benimaru mentioned Gelmud offering them a deal to work under him only to decline.
"You mean Gelmud? Do you think he is behind this?" Benimaru asked.
It did make sense, as the orcs did destroy the ogre village. Not in the sense as to motivation, but rather how quickly Gelmud showed up and understood their situation. As if the strange man was trying to manipulate and control everyone.
"Hey wait a minute! Gelmud is the name that Gabiru used before Naruto showed up!" Panther Lily spoke up.
"Okay, this stopped being ironic. There's something bigger going on and it involves every settlement being attacked." Naruto points out.
"I recommend we use caution. After all, it would only be a greater risk to attack them head on." Shagotte suggests.
"Agreed, even with the numbers that Nazarick is using to support Tempest. There is no telling what abilities they have. For even wild animals are still ferocious." Cocytus said having learned his lesson from failing to defeat the Lizard men of his time.
"And I only have a few skeletons left." Naruto said as he pulled out his bag.
"You carry bones with you everywhere!?" Gobta asked.
"Didn't you die or something?" Naruto asked.
"I got a resistance skill against poison thanks to Shion's cooking." Gobta answered.
Naruto frowned, "Damn, I could have made a lich or something with your body." He said making Gobta pale. That's when Souei started to shake, "For crying out loud, I was just kidding Souei." he said thinking Souei was terrified of his master's magic.
"It's not that. My body double just had a confrontation." Souei responded.
"Is it another crazy person? Because I'm going to have to make Sans a new brother if that's the case." Naruto said pulling out the bag.
"Haha, I always wanted a brother since… like ten seconds ago." Sans said in the background.
"No, it is strange though. I believe they were a dryad." Souei answered.
"What's a dryad?" Naruto asked when he suddenly heard a voice.
"A type of wood nymph." said a voice.
"Thanks Wendy, also did you go through puberty? Your voice sounded deep." Naruto said.
"That wasn't me Naruto." Wendy said.
Naruto raised a brow, "Okay, then who was it? Kanna?" he asked.
Kanna shook her head.
"Rem?"
Rem shook her head.
"Ram, I know you have a deeper voice." Naruto said accusingly.
"How about you ask the head sprouting from your neck." Ram suggests.
"That's my head Ram." Naruto said correcting her.
"She means me." Said a symbiotic head.
"What the heck are you?" Naruto asked with wide eyes.
Suddenly the head fell off of Naruto and sprouted a whole body, "I'm your dark half and I recommend letting that dryad in." he said to Naruto and Souei.
Ignoring the sudden appearance of Naruto's darker half. Souei allowed entry for the dryad. Revealing a giant plant to appear at the top of the table. With a beautiful women surrounded by a majestic green light as she gazes upon Naruto and everyone who proceeded to move in front of him for his safety.
"Greetings ruler of the monsters and those loyal to him. Please forgive my unannounced visit." the woman said.
"Well if a piece of me decided to become sentient then I guess everyone is free to come in and out of here." Naruto said looking at his other half suspiciously.
"I am a dryad from the forest of Jura. Please call me Treyni, it is a pleasure to meet you." Treynia said introducing herself.
"And I'm Naruto U- Tempest." Naruto said unconsciously correcting himself.
"You changed your name big brother?" Wendy asked curiously.
"This is Wendy." Naruto said changing the subject. "So what brings you to our village?" he asked.
"Naruto Tempest, I wish to ask a favor of you." Treyni said taking his undivided attention. "We need you to defeat the Orc Lord." she said.
"Eh?" Naruto asked.
TO BE CONTINUED…
SUPER CAFE
Superman scratched his head, "I felt like this one was a bit rushed, but at least we're back on track." he said referring to the story.
"I guess, I wonder what's coming up next. Also was that an Undertale reference we just watched?" Batman asked.
"Yeah it was! I love Sans! Does that mean Papyrus is coming too!?" Superman asked. "Pssh, the answer is obvious. You can't separate those two." he said.
Batman shrugged, "Whatever, by the way. Are you exciting for any new shows coming up?" he asked with a smirk.
"Oh yeah, it's finally here. A good show that mixes nostalgia from the 90s to today." Superman said sounding excited. "I can't believe they're bringing back X-Men '97 onto the Plus." he said.
Batman frowned, "No! I meant my show!" he said.
"Your show?" Superman asked.
"Yeah! Batman: Caped Crusader is coming to "the plus" as you call it." Batman said.
"Oh? That's cool I guess." Superman said not sounding enthusiastic.
"Why do you sound disappointed?" Batman asked.
"I'm not just… I didn't know." Superman answered.
"How do you not know?" Batman asked.
"Who did not know what?" Mavis asked.
Batman sighed, "Superman, does not know that my show from the 90s is coming back as a reboot this year. Instead, he's focused on X-Men coming back from the 90s." he said.
Mavis looked excited, "Cool, both shows are coming back?" She asked.
"That's not the point! The point is Superman is neglecting quality entertainment… again!" Batman exclaims.
"Hey it's not my fault! Heck, they're giving too many shows for Marvel, DC and at least they might have slowed down for Star Wars." Superman argued. "Just look! They're even giving Penguin his own show!" he adds.
"That does not… wait seriously? Penguin? Who's next? Kiteman?" Batman asked.
Mavis looked uncomfortable, "Disney is milking everyone dry." she said.
"Well I personally liked Robin Lord Taylor in Gotham. Too bad Gotham got weird pretty fast." Asura spoke up.
"Shut up, besides I doubt Robin is coming back." Batman said as Superman laughed at his friend. "What's so funny?" he asked.
Superman wiped a tear away, "What you said! HAHAHA! Robin isn't coming back! Don't worry, I'm sure you can find a new actor and sidekick with the same name!" he laughs.
Batman glared at Superman, "Sure, it's so funny I forgot to laugh." he said.
"Who's Robin Lord Taylor?" Asura asked.
"He played Sam on the Walking Dead." Mavis said.
"SAM!" Asura cried out in tears.
"There there." Mavis said patting him on the back.
"It's okay Asura, Batman has one less Robin now." Superman said continuing to tease the caped crusader.
END OF SUPER CAFE
