Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be picking up where last chapter left off as Naruto arrives at DenTech Academy and shows he now has his own NetNavi, along with him having his first NetBattle. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
It wasn't long before Naruto arrived at DenTech Academy with him seeing Lan, Mayl and Dex all soon arriving as well.
Dex is a large boy with tanned skin, brown hair shaped like a fin on top of his head, brown eyes, and thick brown lips. His attire consisting of a green shirt with yellow trimming around the sleeves and collar, blue shorts with lighter blue trimming at the bottom, blue shoes with white soles. and black socks. Along with his Navi Emblem on the right side of his shirt, being a large green cross on a black background and a light teal trimming.
Dex Oyama is another of their friends as well as Lan's rival in NetBattles with him being confident that he and his NetNavi, GutsMan, are unbeatable.
"Hey Lan, I'm surprised you're actually here on time!" Said Naruto with a smirk while getting the trio's attention.
"I can show up on time when I… Hey, is that your PET?" Lan said in annoyance, only to stop when he saw Naruto's PET in a case on his belt.
Something that's surprising given the Uzumaki rarely brings his PET anywhere and never brings it to school due to him not having a NetNavi.
"Yep, I figured it's finally time I started carrying it with me from now on." Naruto said, grinning at their surprised looks.
"Wait, does that mean you actually…" Said Mayl, surprised that Naruto could actually have gotten a NetNavi already, finding it rather ironic with how they were talking about it only yesterday.
"You finally got a NetNavi?! What kind?!" Dex asked, with the whiskered blonde nodding in response.
"That's right, I have my own Custom NetNavi now." Revealed Naruto, much to their growing surprise before they smiled.
"Oh man that's so cool! Come on, show us! How strong is he?!" Questioned Lan, eager for the chance to finally NetBattle Naruto to see which of them was better.
"Don't even think about it, Lan! If anyone's battling Naruto's new NetNavi first, it's gonna be me and GutsMan!" Dex said, wanting to NetBattle Naruto first, determined to prove GutsMan is the strongest.
Hearing this, Naruto couldn't help but chuckle sheepishly at the idea of Bass participating in NetBattles as given his attitude, he'd be likely to delete any Navis he battles.
"Yeah…about that. You see my NetNavi turned out to have kind of an…attitude after I finished making him. So, before I do any NetBattles, I'm gonna need to work on that so he doesn't…go overboard." Replied Naruto, not wanting to risk Bass deleting any NetNavis in NetBattles, knowing how bad it'd be.
"Huh, so you made your own Custom NetNavi? Then congrats Naruto, I'm sure he's a really special and strong one." Mayl said while smiling at Naruto, now seeing what he meant yesterday about having one NetNavi in mind, he wanted on he made himself rather than ordering one or having one given to him.
Though the redhead did still wonder why he looked so solemn when she and Roll asked him, wondering if something happened while he was making his NetNavi.
"Thanks Mayl, and he is. I'll even introduce you guys to him during break." Said Naruto, hoping to get Bass to start socializing with other NetNavis and getting used to being around other humans.
"Cool! But then afterwards, we will be having a NetBattle!" Lan said with a smirk, not caring about any attitude Naruto's NetNavi had, he wasn't missing a chance to have them battle.
"You can battle him after me and GutsMan prove we're the best! Then you two can battle to see who can have second place!" Said Dex while laughing as Lan narrowed his eyes at him.
"You won't be saying that once I beat you, Dex!" Retorted Lan, only for Dex to smirk down at him.
"Haven't you already lost enough, Lan?! There's no way you'll beat GutsMan with that NormalNavi, and I'll show that not even some special Custom Navi stands a chance!" Dex stated as the two stared each other down.
'They really don't know what they're asking for.' Thought Naruto while sweatdropping, knowing if they knew just what Bass could do, they wouldn't be so eager to battle him.
Unless that'd just make them even more excited to battle and prove they were better against a NetNavi that strong.
"Ugh, can you both this later? Preferably after making sure we aren't all late." Said Mayl in annoyance as she and Naruto began heading inside, pulling Lan and Dex from their stare down and quickly ran to catch up.
*Later*
"If you intend to have me fight and delete those other humans' NetNavis then go after the large one first. His boasting annoys me." Bass said with an annoyed expression, having heard Dex's boasts and confidence that GutsMan would beat him.
Making the Black Shadow eager to delete GutsMan to show what a foolish belief that was.
"What? No, we wouldn't be deleting any NetNavis during NetBattles." Naruto said quietly, not wanting to be overheard while Ms. Mari was giving her lecture.
"Then I fail to see the point of battling if we won't be deleting the opponents." Stated Bass, believing a battle only ends when an opponent is either utterly crushed that they can't even hope to continue fighting or they've been deleted.
"Don't you know about NetBattles? Haven't you ever seen any?" Naruto asked with a raised brow, having thought Bass would know about NetBattles between NetOps and their NetNavis.
"You're under the impression I care to know what humans and their pet Navis do. But if you mean to say these NetBattles are fights between NetNavis, then I know what they are. I simply fail to understand why you wouldn't fight to delete your opponent." Bass said, making the Uzumaki sigh.
"Well yeah, NetBattles are fights held between NetNavis and their NetOps for sport rather than the battles to the death you're use to. It's really popular and fun, there are even tournaments held all the time with an upcoming one being the N1 Grand Prix. But the purpose of NetBattles isn't to just delete your opponent, it's to have fun and test what you and your NetNavi can do by working together to improve as a team to be the best." Explained Naruto, with Bass looking at him blankly.
"If you wish to waste my time by having me participate in these pointless games then fine, but I will be deleting all those I face. The more data I absorb, the sooner I will be returned to full strength." Bass said, not liking the idea of fighting in such a way, but if it helped speed up his recovery then he'll deal with it.
"You can't just delete every NetNavi you come across, Bass. I'm sure that's what you're used to doing, but you can't anymore, just imagine the kind of attention it'd get. A mysterious NetNavi suddenly showing and being known for deleting other Navis during NetBattles, it wouldn't be long before the NetPolice or someone else learns you're still alive. If we want to avoid that, then you'll need to avoid deleting every NetNavi you fight and keep laying low. That means holding back from deleting everyone you fight." Naruto said, much to the Black Shadow's annoyance.
"Tsk… Fine, I will try to not delete every weakling I'm forced to battle. But don't expect me to put on a show of losing, I refuse to even pretend anyone weaker stands a chance against me." Said Bass, reluctantly accepting that he did need to avoid deleting NetNavis, but that didn't meant he'd pretend to lose to anyone.
"Thank you and don't worry, I won't. And…maybe you could just be a little nice when you interact with the others since they are my friends and you'll be around them a lot as long as we're partners. So, it'd be good to be able to get along with them and their NetNavis." Said Naruto, hoping to convince Bass to try and be nicer to the others.
"No." Bass said, immediately shooting the idea down, making Naruto frown slightly.
"Come on, it's not that har-" Naruto said, only for the former Solo NetNavi to give him a warning look.
"Don't push it, human. I'm already agreeing to the ridiculous idea of not deleting other NetNavis I fight. I refuse to pretend to care to interact with any other humans or their Navis that I would sooner delete than speak to." Retorted Bass, with the whiskered blonde sighing at this, but knew he needed to take what he can get for the time being.
"Naruto!" Ms. Mari said, making Naruto look up to see the teacher frowning at him.
"Yes Ms. Mari?" Said Naruto, with Ms. Mari's frown deepening before she crossed her arms.
"Since this is one of the rare times you've decided to stay awake in class yet seem to decide you don't need to pay attention, perhaps you can answer the question. Please name three different types of Battle Chips that are used to summon Viruses, the names of the Viruses, and what they do." Said Ms. Mari with a raised brow.
"Three types of Battle Chips that summon Viruses. One is the Condor Battle Chip, which summons a Fishy Virus that a NetNavi can ride around on. A second is the IceBall Battle Chip, that summons a ColdHead Virus, a variant of the HardHead Virus, that fires frozen cannonballs. And a third one is the Trident Battle Chip, which summons a Piranha Virus that fires a trident spear from its mouth." Naruto said, with Ms. Mari nodding in response with a sigh, glad that he got it right but would still prefer it if he paid attention.
"Yes, that's correct. And speaking of Viruses, we'll now be moving onto Virus Busting to see how you and your NetNavis handle yourselves today." Ms. Mari said to the excitement of the students at being able to do some Virus Busting.
"Virus Busting? Hmph, perhaps this won't be a complete waste of time after all, if we'll actually be fighting." Said Bass, intrigued that they'll be doing some Virus Busting.
"Don't expect to be going against any super powerful or dangerous Viruses. We're usually placed against lower level Viruses like Mettaurs and Canodumbs to avoid things getting out of hand. It's mainly to help prepare us should we encounter Viruses outside of school." Said Naruto, causing the Black Shadow's intrigue to vanish with it immediately being replaced by annoyance.
"If it's meant to prepare you, then that means they should be using stronger Viruses. It simply means your pet Navis are the ones more likely to be deleted should you end up facing such Viruses." Bass retorted, annoyed that he wouldn't be getting a challenge from any decent Viruses.
"Maybe, but if any more powerful Viruses were used then it'd risk getting loose and spreading through the Academy, putting all the NetNavis and people in danger." Said Naruto, with Bass merely scoffing.
"Whatever. I suppose this will at least be good a test to see what abilities weren't taken from me. So don't think to try and use any Battle Chips, this'll be my fight alone." Said Bass, wanting to use the chance to see what abilities he still had access to.
"Alright. But can you try to avoid drawing too much attention to yourself?" Naruto asked, not wanting Bass to go too far.
"Tsk, fine." Bass said, much to the Uzumaki's relief before he jacked in to the computer.
*With Bass*
Appearing within a large arena, Bass narrowed his eyes as over a dozen Mettaurs and Canodumbs appeared around him.
"Let's get this over with." Bass said before immediately jumping out of the way as the Canodumbs all began firing at him.
"Shooting Buster!" Said Bass, transforming his hand into his Shooting Buster and began unleashing multiple shots at the Canodumbs, deleting them upon impact.
Only for the former Solo NetNavi to backflip through the air over the Mettaur Viruses as they leapt at him with their pickaxes. With Bass turning his other hand into his Heat Blade, spinning through the air and slashing them into pieces, landing on his feet as they dissolved into data.
'At least I still have this.' Bass thought while looking at his Heat Blade with a pleased expression, having developed a fondness for the Heat Blade due it to being one of the very first abilities he took as well as having been the one that granted him one of his most satisfying kills.
"Dark Arm Blade!" Bass said as his Shooting Buster transformed into his Dark Blade, rushing forward at the Canodumbs while using his Heat Blade to block their shots.
Swinging his Dark Blade as he sped past them, deleting the remaining Canodumbs before he turned on his heel, turning his hands back to normal and held them out to the Mettaurs.
"Hell's Rolling!" Said Bass, gathering his dark power and forming two wheels of darkness in front of him, which he sent charging at the Viruses.
With the Mettaurs quickly scrambling to avoid being deleted as the dark wheels smashed through them. Only for those that managed to escape being crushed being unable to escape Bass as he sped towards them with his Heat Blade. The Black Shadow wiping at the last of the Viruses before deactivating his blade.
"Hmph, too easy." Bass stated as he logged out, while pleased at seeing the abilities he still had access to.
*With Naruto*
Seeing how quickly Bass dealt with the Viruses, Naruto couldn't help but sigh, knowing he could've done a better job in holding back. Though figured that likely was Bass holding back from simply mowing them all down the instant they appeared.
"Oh my! It…it seems Naruto and his NetNavi are…already done, all in under a minute!" Ms. Mari said in surprise at how quickly Naruto's NetNavi took care of the Viruses, with this getting the attention of the other students.
"Really?! Ha! Then it looks like you just got knocked down to number two in Virus Busting Dex!" Said Lan with a smirk, given that Dex and GutsMan held the record for the fastest time in Virus Busting.
"Wh-what?! No way! He must've missed some, there's no way he could clear the Viruses that fast!" Dex said, refusing to believe Naruto's Navi finished that fast.
"Sorry Dex, but it's true. Naruto's NetNavi successfully dealt with all the Viruses in record time." Said Ms. Mari after checking to see, only to find that Bass did get all the Viruses.
"AAAAHHH! Come on GutsMan, we can't lose! Go faster, faster, faster!" Said Dex.
"Guts! Guts! Guts! Guts! GutsMan will prove he is the fastest and the strongest! GUTS!" GutsMan yelled as he tried running even faster to eliminate the remaining Viruses he had.
Only to end up moving too fast than he could keep up with, leading to GutsMan knocking himself off balance and rolling across the floor before crashing into a wall, much Dex's chagrin.
*Later*
"So Naruto, who's your super strong NetNavi?" Mayl asked as the four sat at a table after getting their lunch, curious and eager to finally meet Naruto's NetNavi.
"Here he is. Guys this is my NetNavi, Forte." Said Naruto showing them his PET with Bass on the screen, while giving them his alias.
Another thing they decided on for the cover story is that Naruto couldn't just tell everyone his name is Bass. As while they might be able to get away with saying he's simply a Custom NetNavi based on the "real Bass", they couldn't call him Bass around others. With Naruto suggesting the name Forte, much to Bass's annoyance given how it reminded him of his original Navi Emblem. But relented that he would need to have an alias, otherwise their cover story would fall apart.
"Huh…he's smaller than I thought he'd be." Lan stated, having expected to see some big warrior-type NetNavi while Dex laughed at how small Bass was.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! Seriously?! That shrimpy little thing is your NetNavi?! There's no way he'd be able to stand up to my GutsMan!" Said Dex, not thinking Bass was that strong with how small he was.
"He was strong enough to clear the Virus Buster course faster than GutsMan." Mayl said, making Dex stop and look down at the reminder.
*With Bass*
Meanwhile, Bass had appeared back in CyberWorld where Roll, GutsMan and Lan's NormalNavi were waiting to meet him.
GutsMan is a large NetNavi, towering over the others, and has green eyes, a yellow cubic head with a gray jaw and green gem on his forehead. He has a red torso with a gray collar, dark gray arms, dark gray hands, yellow gauntlets, black legs with teal lining on each side, and yellow boots with gray soles. With his Navi Emblem on the center of his chest, being the same as the one on Dex's shirt.
While Lan's NormalNavi is humanoid in shape with square, solid blue eyes, while wearing a teal bodysuit that grey shoulders and a teal facemask over his lower face, grey gloves and boots, and a teal helmet with a grey line going down the center and grey pieces on the sides of his head.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Tiny Navi no way better than GutsMan! GutsMan is the best!" GutsMan said, laughing and poking Bass's chest with the Black Shadow looking at GutsMan boredly.
"Yes, I'm sure you are the best, it must take a special kind of talent to trip over yourself like you did." Said Bass, making GutsMan stop laughing and glare at him.
"What you say about GutsMan?!" Demanded GutsMan.
"I was merely complimenting your ability to save the Viruses the trouble and take yourself out, it's truly quite the accomplishment. Though I suppose you didn't understand what I meant, given the fall likely rattled your head. If there even is anything in that tin can you call a head that would be rattled." Bass said, much to GutsMan anger at the insults.
"GutsMan will teach tiny Navi a lesson and show why GutsMan is the best if they don't stop!" GutsMan warned as he held up a fist to intimidate Bass.
"I'm never one to turn down a fight, so let me know if you see anyone worth fighting because I don't." Stated Bass, causing GutsMan to roar in anger and try punching Bass.
Only for the former Solo NetNavi to vanish and appear behind GutsMan, causing GutsMan to fall to the ground due to his momentum.
"If you were meant to be the best at Virus Busting, I dread to imagine how pitiful the rest of the Navis are." Bass stated, much to Roll's annoyance given the insult was also directed at her.
"Hey come on, Forte! There's no need to act like such a jerk!" Said Roll as she put her hands on her hips, only for Bass to turn to her.
"I don't believe you can really speak, given from what I saw of your own performance you at least seem to possess some skill, more than this fool at least. Yet he was still considered the best in Virus Busting. That combined with the way you carry yourself, you're clearly a typical pet NetNavi." Said Bass, with Roll's annoyance turning into anger.
"Did you just call me a pet?!" Roll demanded, not believing what he just said.
"That is what you are, yes. I'm sure you always run to your master whenever she needs you, become startled at the slightest noise and are always eager to receive approval for good behavior." Bass said, making Roll growl and glare at him before she snapped when he pointed a finger at her.
"No, no growling. Bad girl, very bad." Said Bass, wagging his finger in disappointment as if reprimanding a pet dog or cat.
"I'll show you how bad I can be! Roll Flash!" Said Roll, swinging her antennae at Bass only for him to vanish and appear behind her.
With Roll letting out a yelp when Bass pushed her, knocking her off balance and sending her falling to the ground.
"Sit, stay. Think about what you did." Bass said, with the pink NetNavi growling lowly.
"…Hello, I am the Personal NetNavi of Lan Hikari, it is nice meeting you." Said Lan's NetNavi with a short wave, with the Black Shadow not even acknowledging the NormalNavi's existence.
"GutsMan has you now!" GutsMan yelled, lunging at Bass only for him to disappear and reappear in his original spot, with GutsMan falling to the ground again.
"Please save yourself from further embarrassment, I'm sure your NetOp is fully capable of embarrassing himself without your assistance." Stated Bass, with Roll and GutsMan both glaring at him.
*Real World*
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle sheepishly as Mayl and Dex all glared at him for Bass's attitude and what he said to their NetNavis.
"You said that Forte had an attitude before, Naruto." Mayl said snarkily, not liking what he said about Roll.
"But clearly you understated just how big of a jerk he actually is!" Said Roll in anger and annoyance at being called a pet and then treated like one.
"Ehehehehe… He's still getting used to being around others." Naruto said weakly in Bass's defense.
"That does it! You and me, after school at the arcade, Naruto! I'm gonna show that half-pint Navi what happens when you mess with me and GutsMan!" Dex said, intending to crush Bass and show him who's the best.
"Guts! GutsMan will crush tiny Navi!" Said GutsMan in agreement, eager to pay Bass back for the insults.
"Uh…okay, sure. A NetBattle at the arcade after school." Naruto said sheepishly.
With Lan watching everything with his own sheepish expression, though less than what Naruto's feeling, since his friends ire wasn't directed at him for once.
"You guys seem even more mad than the times I ironically show up late to places and events I suggest." Stated Lan, while not really being upset given he and his NetNavi were spared being roasted by Bass.
"Do not think I won't battle you too, Lan! Cause I now have a lot of frustration to work out!" Mayl said with a warning glare, making the brunette quickly fall silent, not wanting to be the next target of the redheads anger.
*Later*
Once school had gotten out, the group had headed straight to the arcade with Naruto and Dex soon standing across from each other at an arena, ready to start their NetBattle.
While off to the side were Mayl and Lan, with the latter being very nervous at how Mayl and Roll were still mad at what Bass said, having hoped they'd calm down a little by now. Even more so with how neither have talked to Naruto since lunch, due to being angry at him and Bass.
"Uh…so what Forte said was really uncalled for, but you two shouldn't be angry at Naruto for it. He did say Forte has an attitude and he's still getting used to other people and NetNavis." Said Lan, scooting away a little when Mayl narrowed her eyes at him before she took a deep breath.
"…Yeah, we know. Naruto didn't actually do anything. It's just…ugh!" Mayl said, stomping her foot in frustration.
"We're just trying to understand how someone as nice as Naruto could end up with such a jerk as his NetNavi, especially when you count the fact that he actually made Forte." Said Roll, neither of them able to understand how Naruto could have or make a NetNavi that's as big of a jerk as Bass.
"Perhaps it's a case of opposites attract." Lan's NetNavi said, causing the three to sweatdrop.
"I…don't really think that applies here." Said Lan while looking at his NetNavi.
"Yeah. But…maybe you do have at point. It could be that Naruto's personality is meant to counterbalance Forte's, and vice versa." Mayl said, with Roll nodding in agreement.
"It would at least explain some things, like how they're partners and how Naruto can put up with Forte." Roll said before they looked back to the arena as the battle was about to begin.
"Ready to get creamed in your first NetBattle?!" Dex asked with a smirk, which the whiskered blonde returned.
"I'm ready to show you aren't unbeatable. Jack-in! Forte, power up!" Said Naruto, plugging in his PET to the arena.
"Then you'll be disappointed and a loser! Jack-in! GutsMan, power up!" Said Dex, plugging in his PET as well.
*Arena*
While inside the arena, Bass and GutsMan materialized across from each other.
"RAAAAHHH! GutsMan will crush you and prove he is the best!" GutsMan said while slamming his fists together.
"The best at being the loudest perhaps, as I've yet to see anything to show you'll even be a warm-up for me." Said Bass, much to GutsMan and Dex's anger.
"Go, take him down GutsMan!" Said Dex, with GutsMan giving a shout and charging forward.
"Guts! Guts! Guts! GutsMan!" Shouted GutsMan, charging at Bass before bringing his fist down on top of the Black Shadow.
Only for Bass to teleport a few feet away, avoiding the strike with GutsMan not stopping and ran at Bass again, swinging his arm through the air with Bass teleporting away again.
"If you're fighting another opponent we can't see, then I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job. But if not…then by all means continue attacking the air, I could use the entertainment." Bass said from behind GutsMan.
"RAH! Hold still!" GutsMan yelled as he brought his arms down on top of Bass, with the former Solo NetNavi merely speeding around to just barely avoid the attacks.
"Fine, not that it'll make any difference." Said Bass before standing still just as GutsMan lunged at him.
Though GutsMan seemingly went right through Bass as he teleported away before teleporting right back to his spot once GutsMan passed through him.
"I stood still yet you still failed to hit me. Would you like me to close my eyes next?" Bass asked tauntingly, much to GutsMan and Dex's anger.
"Let's see how you like this! Guts Punch! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Dex, slotting in a Battle Chip while GutsMan's fist grew even larger.
"Guts Punch!" Yelled GutsMan, holding his enlarged fist up and rushed at Bass.
"A bigger fist. You and your NetOp are truly the same if you think a bigger fist will win you the fight. Perhaps you've both been hit in the head too many times." Said Bass, not feeling fazed as GutsMan charged him.
Letting out a shout, GutsMan threw his fist forward at Bass only for it to smash through the wall as Bass vanished again.
"Congratulations, you defeated a wall, keep it up and no one will be better than you at breaking them." Bass said, mockingly from behind GutsMan.
"You stop running and fight GutsMan, now!" GutsMan shouted, tearing his fist out of the wall and swinging it at Bass with the Black Shadow bending backwards to avoid, before standing up straight.
"I believe we've already been over this. I will fight when you find someone worth fighting and I've still yet to see anyone." Stated Bass.
"AH! I'll show you, you half-pint! Take this! Guts Hammer! Battle Chip in, download!" Dex said, putting in another Battle Chip, intent to wipe Bass out for good.
"Guts Hammer!" GutsMan shouted, bringing his hands up as they combined and turned into a large hammer which he smashed into the ground, sending a shockwave towards Bass.
"Looks like it's our turn then! Reflector! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Naruto, slotting a Battle Chip, causing a white glow to surround Bass as he waited for the shockwave to hit him.
Once the shockwave reached the former Solo NetNavi, it was immediately reflected straight back towards GutsMan, making his eyes widen at the sight of his attack coming back at him.
"I don't think so! Barrier! Battle Chip in, download!" Said Dex while putting in another Battle Chip, creating a barrier around GutsMan and blocking the shockwave before it could hit him.
"Let's see you try blocking this! Step Sword! Battle Chip in, download!" Naruto said while slotting another Battle Chip as Bass held his arm up with his hand turning into a glowing purple sword before Bass charged forward, only to teleport directly in front of GutsMan, much to his shock before crying out when Bass slashed him with his sword.
"And here's another! Heat Blade!" Said Bass turning his other hand into his Heat Blade and followed up with an upward slash towards GutsMan, making him cry out as he was thrown back.
"No! Come on GutsMan, you can't lose to a half-pint Navi!" Said Dex, not believing GutsMan was hit twice.
"You didn't even realize it; you already lost the moment you challenged me! Hell's Rolling!" Bass said while creating two dark wheels in front of him, before launching them straight at GutsMan.
With GutsMan having no time to dodge, crying out as the wheels crashed right into him before he vanished from sight.
"GutsMan logging out."
*Real World*
"Alright! We did it, Forte!" Naruto cheered, grinning at Bass that they won their first NetBattle together.
"You act as if it was some great accomplishment. Find me a real opponent to crush then you can celebrate." Stated Bass, making Naruto's grin dim a little, but still happy they won.
"No! No GutsMan! No GutsMan! GutsMan!" Dex cried, not believing they actually lost.
"Nice job! That was an awesome NetBattle!" Said Lan, smiling at the Uzumaki's victory and seeing Dex finally get defeated.
"Yeah, you were really great Naruto." Mayl said while smiling at Naruto as despite her anger towards Bass, she was happy he won.
"You did amazing Naruto. And you were okay too, I guess, Forte." Added Roll with a smile as well, before turning away from Bass, still angry at him.
"Thanks guys, it's really great being able to take part in NetBattles now." Naruto replied while smiling at them, only to turn to his PET when it began ringing.
"You're receiving a call from your mother." Said Bass before bringing up the call, showing Kushina with a worried look.
"Mom? Is everything alright?" Questioned Naruto in concern.
"Naruto, something happened at home. The oven just suddenly exploded into flames!" Kushina said, much to the whiskered blonde's shock along with his friends.
"I'll be right there!" Naruto said before running out of the arcade while being followed by Mayl, Lan and Dex, all of them wanting to make sure no one was hurt.
With Naruto riding his skateboard, Lan putting on his skates while Mayl and Dex on their scooters as they made their way to the Uzumaki Home.
It didn't take long before the group arrived, finding a firetruck already there and putting the fire out, along with an ambulance where Kushina was sitting in the back.
"Mom! Are you alright?!" Naruto asked while rushing over to his mother, looking her over in concern that she had been hurt.
"I'm fine, sweetheart, I was able to get out in time and call the fire department. I'm more glad that you weren't here when it happened." Replied Kushina, smiling at her son, relieved he wasn't here when the fire started.
"What even happened, Mrs. Uzumaki?" Mayl asked, wondering how a fire could've started.
"I honestly have no idea, just without warning the oven seemingly spontaneously combusted. I tried putting it out with the fire extinguisher, but it just kept burning." Kushina said, confusing the kids at how a fire could burn like that, before one of the firefighters came over.
"Ma'am, so far we've managed to keep the fire contained but we aren't having much luck in putting it out. We were able to send in some NetNavis to investigate, and so far the most likely conclusion is that the fire was caused by a computer virus." Said the firefighter, with Naruto frowning at hearing this.
"What kind of Virus?" Questioned Naruto.
"We aren't sure, only that someone likely put it there, most like through a NetNavi. And with the other fires, we're guessing there is someone behind it." The firefighter said, much to their shock.
"Other fires?" Lan asked, making the firefighter sigh tiredly.
"Yeah, this isn't the first one and I doubt it'll be the last if there is someone purposefully causing them." Said the firefighter before heading over to help work on trying to put the fire out.
While Naruto clenched his fists tightly, that someone was purposefully causing fires around the city, that they started one in his house where his mother could've gotten hurt.
'Someone it going to pay for this.' Naruto swore mentally, intending to find who's doing this and make them pay.
*World Three Headquarters*
"Things are burning bright here, Mr. Wily. TorchMan and I have been setting fires all over DenTech City, the fire departments been running around trying to put them out, but haven't had much luck I'm afraid." Said Mr. Match with a smirk, enjoying how much fear and chaos he's spreading with just a few well-lit flames.
"They'll soon realize they should stop trying to play with fire, otherwise they'll be getting burned." TorchMan added, making Wily smirk wickedly at hearing this.
"Well done Mr. Match, TorchMan. Continue spreading more fear and chaos, ensure that anyone foolish enough to stand in World Three's way will be reduced to ashes." Wily said, with Match's smirk growing at this.
"With pleasure, sir." Match said before ending the communication.
*Later-Hikari Household*
"Thanks again for letting us stay here until our house is repaired, Haruka." Kushina said while smiling at Haruka Hikari, Lan's mother.
Haruka is an adult woman with pale skin, short brown hair that went down to her neck, and brown eyes. Her attire consisting of a light purple shirt with a white strap across her chest and yellow trimming above it, an ankle-length green skirt, and maroon sandals.
"Nonsense, you and Naruto are always welcome here, Kushina. It's just too bad Yuichiro and Minato aren't here, I can't remember the last time we all had dinner together." Replied Haruka, with the redhead nodded in agreement.
Their husbands, Minato and Yuichiro, being old friends and colleagues lead to their families having spent time together. However, the two were also rarely home with Yuichiro traveling the world for his study and research, while Minato's working abroad in Netopia. Though Kushina and Haruka still maintained their friendship, along with Naruto and Lan.
"Now, it's been a pretty rough day so how about something special dinner, curry ramen!" Haruka said, causing Naruto and Lan to quickly rush downstairs.
"Who said curry?!" Lan asked eagerly at the mention of his favorite food.
"We're having ramen?!" Questioned Naruto also eager at the chance to have ramen.
"We're having both you two, curry ramen." Said Kushina, smiling in amusement at their eagerness with Naruto and Lan immediately running to the table, eager that they'll be having curry ramen.
*Later*
"It's still really weird. A bunch of random fires being started by a computer virus. What kind of Virus even starts fires like that, anyway?" Lan said as he and Naruto sat in his room, with the whiskered blonde bunking with him while Kushina had her own guestroom.
All of them having gotten ready for bed after finishing their dinner, though Naruto and Lan had trouble sleeping, still wondering about the what's causing the fires and why.
"I don't know, but if I had to guess I'd say World Three is behind it." Said Naruto with a frown at the thought of World Three being responsible, only for Lan to look at him in confusion.
"World Three? What's that?" Questioned Lan having never heard of World Three, causing Naruto to look at him dryly.
"You really need to get caught up on current events." Naruto stated, lamenting how the brunette hardly, if ever, keeps up with current events.
"Come on, who has time for stuff going on somewhere else, if it's not happening here then why learn about it." Lan said, making the whiskered blonde sigh.
"Well it's important you know about World Three, regardless if they're behind it or not. Anyway, World Three is a Cyber Terrorist organization, they've been infecting the cyber mainframe with computer viruses, using them to spread fear and chaos through CyberWorld and the real world. Their overall goal is to takeover CyberWorld since if they control CyberWorld they control everything with how everything is connected through the Net, something that'll allow them to destroy Net Society as we know it." Naruto explained, much to Lan's shock.
"Oh man, and they could be behind these cyber fires." Said Lan, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Yeah, they could be. Which means we have to stay alert, as there's no telling where or when they could start other fires. So far it seems like they're sticking to residential homes, probably to avoid any unwanted attention. But who knows when that'll change and they decide to move on to bigger targets." Said Naruto, with both boys frowning at how bad things could get.
While Bass was intrigued to learn about World Three and their goals, knowing if they wanted to takeover CyberWorld then they must have some powerful NetNavis under their command.
'Powerful NetNavis, with powerful abilities for the taking.' Bass thought, smirking at the chance to start gaining some new abilities to begin recovering his power.
"Well no use worrying about it, now." Lan stated, making Naruto nod in agreement.
"Yeah. All we can do is be ready and watch out for any signs for who's doing this. But for now, we better get some sleep. Night Lan." Said Naruto before laying down on a futon that he had rolled out.
"Night Naruto." Lan said, turning off the lights and getting into bed, with the two soon falling asleep.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto meeting his friends and showing he has a NetNavi, with Lan and Dex being eager to NetBattle him, only for Naruto to warn them that Bass has a bit of an attitude, though that doesn't dissuade them from wanting to battle.
Before we see them in class with Naruto explaining what non-lethal NetBattles are to Bass, managing to at least convince him to not delete every NetNavi they battle. Unfortunately Bass refuses to be nice when interacting with others, believing he's doing enough by not simply deleting Navis he battles. With them then doing a Virus Buster course, where Bass easily defeats the Viruses, knocking Dex and
GutsMan down to number two, much to their chagrin.
We then see Naruto officially introducing Bass to his friends, using the name Forte as a means to ensure no one discovers he's the real Bass by giving them his real name. However Bass doesn't wait and begins antagonizing GutsMan and Roll, while not even acknowledging Lan's NetNavi, much to the annoyance and anger of Mayl and Dex. Leading to Dex and GutsMan challenging Naruto and Bass to a NetBattle after school.
With us then going to the arcade where Naruto and Dex have their NetBattle, which Bass manages to easily win while taunting Dex and GutsMan, weakening him with a Step Sword and his Heat Blade, before finishing it with a Hell's Rolling. Though Naruto doesn't have long to celebrate when Kushina calls him, telling him their oven burst into flames, leading to them rushing to the Uzumaki Household to make sure no one was hurt. Learning that a computer virus was likely responsible, and that this isn't the first random fire that's happened either.
Finally we see Mr. Match and TorchMan reporting in to Wily about their progress, much to his glee at the chaos and fear they're spreading, encouraging them to continue. While Naruto and Kushina are staying with Lan and Haruka while their house is repaired, revealing Minato and Yuichiro are old friends and colleagues, with Yuichiro always traveling and Minato working abroad in Netopia.
Then we see Naruto and Lan talking about what happened, leading to Lan learning about World Three and their goals, with Bass being intrigued knowing such a group must have powerful NetNavis for him to battle and new abilities to absorb. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out