The Knight Of Mahora Academy

Period 8: Good and Bad, Old and New

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Asuna shuffled around in her bed as her alarm clock rung in her ear. She groaned and lightly tapped it to stop. She rubbed her eyes tiredly, "Ne-yawwwww-Negi, can you get out for a sec. I need to-"

Asuna asked the red-headed boy to move off her bed but realized that there was no one else in her bed. She looked around, seeing Chamo in their underwear drawer and using their panties as a bed. She looked at Negi barely used empty futon. She even looked underneath at the bottom bunk to see a content sleeping Konoka with the fox sleeping besides her.

"Ugh, Baka-Negi. Where did you-" Asuna stopped when her eyes caught sight of the event in front of her.

She shook the drawer and nudged her roommate awake, waking up the ermine, fox and airhead. Konoka wiped her eyes and yawned, "Asuna? What are you-"

"Pfft-shhhhh." Asuna shushed her while barely containing her laughter, pointing to the far side of the wall across from them. Konoka looked up and all of her drowsiness and fatigue was erased as she covered her mouth to stop the giggles. Chamo looked at the scene in horror. And Kyūbi was literally biting into his tail to stop from ruining the scene.

Naruto was sleeping on the couch and Negi had somehow found his way in and slept next to him.

Negi complained in his sleep, "Uggggghh, Onee-chan~, this pillow is too rough~. What happened to the soft pillow~?"

Naruto jerked around in his bed, "No, nooooo~. Raka-Ji~, leave me alone~. Get your own money you ol'bastard~."

Asuna and Konoka looked at each other and tried their hardest not to laugh. Asuna walked over and held the boys by their shoulders, "Boys~, wakey wakey~. Time to get up~."

The two teachers slowly shuffled around at the sing-song voice Asuna used to wake them. Negi opened his eyes and yawned while Naruto smacked his lips dryly. They sat up a little to look at the orange-haired girl.

Until they realized that they were sharing the couch as a bed. And looked at each other in stunned horror-"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Asuna had a pleasant grin on her face as she laughed at her two senseis who still both looked freaked out by what happened this morning. "Kehehehehehe, that was just too funny."

"I don't think there was anythin' worth laughin' about that Ane-San!" Chamo argued from a disheveled Negi's shoulder.

"I don't know. Seemed pretty god damn hilarious to me." Naruto grabbed the furry bastard off his shoulder and tossed him aside, luckily landing on Asuna shoulder where they both looked at each other and chuckled.

"You don't get to laugh at that Bells, that happens to you almost every night. You're not one to stand on a pedestal." Asuna opened her mouth to argue before she thought about the point he made, before looking off to the side and pouting. Naruto grumbled and looked down at Negi, "We're gonna tie you to the bed from now on."

Negi looked shocked at the sudden accusation he was getting, "A-are you saying that this was all my fault?"

"Yep."

"He's right, you can't stay in bed."

"You've got a problem Aniki."

"So damn funny."

Negi looked down sadly with little tears coming down his eyes, "I-I'm sorry. It's just I sleep more comfortably like that. I can't help it."

"Ugh, I'm too tired for any of this crap. I need a drink." Naruto said as they came into sight of the local coffee place. He looked back at his roommates, "Do you guys want anything?"

Asuna and Negi both nodded their heads.

"Oh, yes I do." Negi took out his wallet and started walking towards the register, "Here, I'll pay for it. It's the least I can do as a thanks-"

"Nope." Asuna grabbed Negi's shoulders and walked him to the tables, "You aren't paying for our drinks Negi. Whiskers is."

Naruto looked at her in confusion, "I am? Why?"

"Think of it as payback for not telling us you were a Mage after all this time." Negi tried to argue his point but Asuna just covered his mouth and smiled at Naruto, "Diet coke for me and tea for him. Thanks Whiskers."

Naruto just blankly stared at them as they walked off and sighed. "Note to self; don't be cheeky with Asuna. She can be very vindictive when she wants to."

Negi looked up at Asuna in concern, "Asuna-San, you didn't have to do that. It's like you were picking on Naruto-San."

Asuna put her hand on her hip and looked indifferent to the topic, "It's his own fault. Even if he couldn't help directly, he could have at least told us. I mean, nothing good came out of this fight other than Evangeline is gonna leave you alone now."

"That ain't true Ane-San!" Chamo argued as he ran to the edge of Negi's shoulder and pointed at the bell-wearing girl, "You got a Probational Contract with Aniki!"

"Watch where you're pointing maggot."

"Ah! Forgive me Boss!" Chamo said as he immediately bowed his head towards the threatening fox on Asuna's shoulder. Negi and Asuna both looked at the scene in confusion at how the ermine so easily feared the fox. Kyūbi had only made the threat to the small animal to treat him as a respected leader last night, yet already he was a submissive coward in front of the demon.

It had to be said though; when Chamo cowered for his life, he cowered like an expert.

"Yeah, you said that yesterday but you seem to forget I have no idea what you were saying. What the hell's a Probationary Contract?"

"That's a simple, yet very good question Bells." Naruto said as he popped back into the group with drinks for each of them. He handed the tea to Negi, diet coke to Asuna, and kept a regular coke for himself. "We can explain."

"Yo, Aniue!" Chamo asked from his perch on Negi's shoulder, "What about my drink?"

"You didn't ask for any." Naruto responded immediately, deflating Chamo's excitement and making him sadder than before.

"It's okay Chamo-kun. You can have some of mine."

"Thank you Aniki! You truly are a great man!" Chamo yelled before looking back up at Asuna to continue the conversation, "Basically Ane-San, a Probationary Contract means that you've entered a partnership with Aniki. Albeit a temporary one."

Negi nodded his head, "In ancient times, the Mage could not fight many intense battles without the assistance of someone to protect them. In order to counter that weakness, they created a system where the Mage and their servant can work on a deep level and always be connected during times of crisis. While the Magister takes the time to cast powerful spells and defenses, the Ministra can attack rapidly and defeat multiple opponents in their path."

Asuna looked at the boy flatly, "Sounds like you guys took that right out of Final Fantasy."

"No, Final Fantasy took it from us!" Chamo defended.

"Either way Bells, you and Negi are connected as partners now." Naruto finished as he pulled out one of the chairs and leaned back comfortably, "You have to work and protect each other to make sure that nothing bad happens to either of you. And that especially goes to making sure he doesn't get himself into too much trouble."

Asuna and Negi just looked at Naruto in shock as he absentmindedly drank from his coke. "N-Na-Naruto-San..."

"Oi Whiskeres, get away from there." Asuna heatedly whispered as she motioned for him to come over to them.

"Huh? Why?" Naruto looked over to the two people already sitting at the table and smiled at him, "Good morning."

"Get. Out." Eva threatened angrily while Chachamaru sat besides her. "You aren't welcome at this table."

"Why not?"

"Just because we stopped fighting doesn't mean I want to be friends with him, the girl and especially not you!"

"Aw, don't say that. Nobody was hurt, we fixed the girls you turned into familiars and I promised I wasn't going to tell Michi or the Old Man about how naughty you've been for the last week." Naruto responded with a smile, making Eva fume and shake in anger. He turned in his seat to call over his roommates, "Come on guys it's fine. If you don't poke her she won't bite. Well, she might bite Negi but that's a risk we have to take."

The Mage and girl looked between each other in worry before they reluctantly took seats from empty tables and sat around the occupied one. Kyūbi jumped off of Asuna's shoulder and walked over the table towards Chachamaru, "Hello Robot Girl."

The android bowed her head to the little fox, "Hello again Kyūbi-San."

"Seeing as I have to be stuck here listening to these morons and their useless conversation, do you mind scratching my ear like you did last night? You are very talented and skilled in your care-taking of superior beings."

"Of course Kyūbi-San." Chachamaru picked the red fur fox up and placed him in her lap, scratching behind his ears and making him moan happily.

Naruto looked at the animal condescendingly, "Superior being? You sure about that Furball?"

"I farted on you four times on the way here."

The humans just looked at Naruto like they were expecting him to make a comeback. But he just stayed still for a moment before looking at Eva, "Anyway Evangeline, we were just talking about how Bells made a contract with Negi last night."

"Oh yeah, Asuna Kagurazaka did make a contract with the Boya. The unbreakable bond between the Magister and Ministra that promises a partnership that they will keep as long as they can breathe. A promise that they will protect and serve with each other in the brightest of days, and in the darkest of nights." Eva sagely proclaimed before smirking at Asuna, "Plus you kissed him last night."

"BLARGHFIR!" Asuna spewed out her drink and made a tiny rainbow at Eva's teasing. Both her and Negi's face turned red as she began shaking her hands frantically, "N-no! No, th-that was-I mean-we just-"

"She's right Bells. You kissed him. You can't argue-"

"SHUT UP WHISKERS!" Asuna threw her drink at his face to keep him shut before slamming her hands on the table, "That didn't count! All right! It was an emergency, we needed an ace, I just did what I had to do! That didn't count as a kiss!"

Eva hummed and took a sip from her drink, "You know when I made my Puppet Contract with Chachamaru, we had a magical circle and the necessary requirements and everything, she bowed before me and swore an oath that as long as she functioned she would stand by my side and serve me. You know what we didn't have in our contract? Kissing."

"I still have that saved under my memory file."

"Awwww."

Asuna was trembling a little, "B-but I thought you could only kiss to seal a contract?"

"Nope." Naruto added as he dried his face with a napkin, "There are a bunch of ways to seal a contract. Kissing, exchange of blood, long incantation, sing the alphabet backwards, touch your nose and spin around three times. I'm joking but the list is actually really long."

"YOU LYING SHIT! YOU TOLD ME WE HAD TO KISS!" Asuna screamed as she grabbed Chamo by the body and squeezed until his eyes started popping out.

"B-but Ane-s-San, it was easier if you guys just 'Chuuu~' and got it over with." Chamo wheezed out from the vice grip on his body, "Y-you wouldn't have wanted to cut your hand or-"

"I would have cut my hand a hundred times over than to kiss a snot-nosed little brat! I make fun of Iincho because of that all the time! I have no right anymore! Wahhhhhhh!" Asuna fell back into her seat and sobbed lightly. Negi tried to calm her down while Naruto looked at the scene uncomfortably.

Eva chuckled happily when she saw one of her enemies fall into despair like that. "Yes. Continue to cry Asuna Kagurazaka. Fall into depression from interrupting my feast and-"

"Shut up Evangeline! Negi told me you had a crush on his dad!"

"BLARGHFIR!" Eva also spit out her drink with a rainbow at the end. She grabbed Negi by the collar and shook him violently, "YOU BASTARD! I KNEW YOU LOOKED INTO MY DREAMS!"

"I-I'm sorry Evangeline-San!"

"Is this true Master?"

"Seriously? Him?"

"Ha!"

"Oh shut up! All of you!" Eva yelled and looked off to the side in anger, "I wanted him to be my familiar and I worked with him for about a month. After that I tried to get him on my side and that bastard locked me in this school for fifteen years! And he was going to come and free me but...then he was just gone. Pftt, don't even know why I thought he was that great."

Naruto looked at the sad expression Evangeline had in remembering that stupid red-head's face. Naruto couldn't blame her, it was painful to think about how someone like that could so easily take on the world and all it's troubles and then just suddenly be gone from it so quickly. He still felt depressed and cold inside when he thought back to when he first heard that news. He just wished-

"My father is alive!"

Eva and Naruto's melancholy vanished as they looked at Negi as he yelled that out nervously but clearly. "What?"

"I-I know what all the new reports and people say, that my father, The Thousand Master, died ten years ago. And no one has seen him since. But-but I know he's alive!" Negi picked up his staff and gripped it tightly, "Six years ago he saved my life and gave me this staff! I haven't seen him since and I know you probably can't believe just my word. But I want to become a Magister Magi because..."

Negi looked up at them with a steel and indomitable will in his eyes, "I know my father is still alive!"

Asuna and Kyūbi looked at the little red head in surprise as Naruto and Eva were still stunned. Naruto grabbed Negi's shoulders and faced him, "Negi, are you sure? Because you can't make this stuff up. If you are really saying that Nagi is still alive..."

Negi smiled and nodded his head, "I know he is. Believe me."

Naruto looked at the unwavering certainty in Negi's eyes and felt his hands tremble a little. A shaky smile grew on his face, "He's alive..."

"HE'S ALIVE!" Naruto yelled as he pulled Negi out of his seat and hugged the shorter boy as tightly as he could, "Nagi! You stupid bastard! Should have known you were still kicking! HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!"

Asuna looked up in pleasant surprise at the joyous attitude the whiskered blond was showing while he and Negi were laughing. He didn't even care about all the people staring at him like he was a weirdo, "Hey, calm down Whiskers. You shouldn't get too excited."

"Why not?!" Naruto responded as he sat back into his chair and was bouncing in joy as Negi's eyes stopped spinning, "I just found out Nagi was still alive! Believe me, this is a subtle reaction for me! You should be glad I'm not running up and down that stupid tree and blowing up the lake!"

Eva just wiped the little tears of joy settling in her eyes before anyone could see them. A small, unnoticeable smile on her face, "Stupid fool...I wish you could have told me."

Asuna kept her eye on Naruto's jumpy form, "You keep referring to Negi's dad by his name. How exactly do you know him?"

"Huh?"

"She raises a good point Dumbass." Eva looked at Naruto and settled more comfortably into her seat, "How exactly do you know The Thousand Master?"

"Oh...well..." Naruto looked off thoughtfully for a minute as everyone at the table just stared at him. He thought for a moment before he came to a decision and showed a big smile, "He was one of my first friends."

Asuna, Negi and Chamo looked at Naruto in surprise at his honest answer. They could see the pride he had in his face when he said that and knew that he meant that as the most honest truth he could think of.

Eva just scoffed, "That's nice and all, but just saying you think you were friends with him isn't going to be enough to prove it. That idiot traveled the world and everybody that met him thought they were special. You're gonna need to show me some real proof."

Naruto just looked over at Eva and thought for a second before snapping his fingers and reaching into his suit. He pulled out a long card and flipped it in his fingers to show the vampire the back of it. Eva leaned forward to read it and then grabbed the bottom of it in shock.

"He's your-"

"Yep."

"The Impossible-"

"That's right."

"So you-"

"I live with him every time I go over there."

Eva just sunk her head on the table and groaned, "That's it. That explains everything perfectly. No wonder you remind me of him."

"Yep. And I beat him at poker too. Won his Pactio, the book and I even got Nagi's staff for awhile too." Negi and Asuna looked at the staff in question before looking back at Naruto in amazement, "Course then they beat me in a game of Janken but I still beat Al-Jiji and kept the book."

Kyūbi just shook his head and smiled, "I remember that. Hehe, good times. Wild...but good."

"W-wait? What was that card?"

"I'll show you guys later." Naruto leaned forward and looked at Negi, "First, we've got to see if we can find anymore clues to Nagi. If he's still alive, there has to be something."

"Y-yes. Maybe if we can find something that's was his, or a place he stayed at-"

"Then you just have to go to Kyoto." Eva answered as she lifted her head off the table with a honest smile on her face, "I remember hearing that he used to have a home in Kyoto he would come to every now and then. I doubt there will be much but it's a start."

"Huh? Kyoto?"

"Nagi had a house there?! Ahhhhh! If I knew I would have gone to see it myself! Come on Negi, let's go!"

"B-but we can't just leave the school like that! The Dean will be mad!"

"Screw school! Michi will understand! This is way more important!"

"Calm down you two." Asuna added as she leaned back and showed a cheeky smile, "If it's Kyoto, then we're in luck."

Naruto and Negi looked at the girl in confusion, "Huh?"

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Everyone in class was yelling and jumping around excitedly, getting ready for the big announcement they knew was coming today. Some of the students were almost bouncing off the walls and jumping around with each other. Other students were waiting, reading a book or updating their web page before class started.

Negi stood at the front of the class. "Uh umm, excuse me everyone!" Nobody heard his little voice over the ruckus, "Um, settle down please. I have an announcement-please take your seats-ah-"

Naruto just put his hand on Negi's shoulder and smiled, giving him a thumbs up and taking a step forward. He took a quick little breath-

"HEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY!"

The room vibrated from the immensely loud yell from the whiskered blond. Everyone in class was completely caught off guard from the intense yell as they slowly jerked around to looked forward and see Negi was also frightened by the sudden sonic boom. Naruto coughed into his fist and looked down at his friend, "They're all yours."

Negi just shakily nodded his head and stood at his desk. "W-well everyone, it turns out that we are at this time of year when our class has to go off on a field trip. So it is my pleasure to say..."

Negi's whole body was shaking until he jumped up beamed one of the happiest smile he ever could, "Class 3-A will be taking a field trip to Kyoto and Nara next week! Are you all excited?!"

"YEAH!"

Naruto watched as most of the class celebrated and danced around at the announcement he made. Negi was actually dancing with the two twins as everybody else was already celebrating like they didn't have another few days of class to go. He looked around the room and noted some of the students looked totally indifferent to the news.

Evangeline was in the back aisle and she was pouting like she was upset. Which made sense since she was stuck here and couldn't go on the trip with the rest of the class.

Chachamaru looked, uncaring. No surprise for a robot. She was probably going to stick by Eva's side the whole time while they were here.

Yue was in the farthest seat back, just reading a book and ignoring the chants from her fellow classmates. Even while Haruna was laughing and Nodoka showed a weak smile, Yue kept her cold and stoic face on to save time.

Sitting right besides her was another girl with long orange hair. Except she had two long bangs on both sides of her face and a small scrunchie to tie her hair down her back halfway. And she also ignored her classmates, grumbling something about 'idiots' and concentrating on her laptop.

Captain Trigger Happy (aka Mana Tatsumiya) was looking out the window with zero interest in the field trip.

Besides her was a dark-skinned girl with white hair and she was...juggling...weird.

Kaede had her signature smile and a strand of hair on her head that swing slightly in excitement.

Setsuna...was looking off to the side and had a troubled expression. Her eyes were wandering and looking towards...

Konoka. She looked as happy as ever, if not even more excited to head to Kyoto. Now that he thought about it, she said she visited Eishun-San every few months by traveling to Kyoto on break.

Oh! Eishun-San! He almost forgot he would be able to see his old Japanese friend again after all these years! Oh man, this field trip just sounded like it was getting better and better the more he thought about it!

The door to the class slid open and the Dean's busty assistant was smiling on the other side, "Negi-sensei, Dean-sama is calling for you to come to his office."

"Okay Shizuna-sensei!" Negi picked up his staff and started to follow her out the door.

Naruto grabbed his stuff and followed, "Hang on, I'll be with you-"

"Actually Naruto-sensei, Dean-sama says he wants to talk to you after classes." She smiled and waved him down, "Just keep the class going until we come back please."

Negi waved goodbye with his eager smile still on his face and they were both gone. He looked back to the rest of the class as they conveniently stopped partying and now put their full attention on the whiskered assistant. He just slowly started to walk to the front desk and fiddled with the papers on top of it.

"Sooooo...today, we are learning..." He played with the papers a little more before sighing, shaking his head and laughing. "I have no idea what I'm doing."

Asuna just looked at the older boy in disappointment, "You've got to know something. Aren't you an assistant teacher?"

"Yeah. Assistant. None of the other teachers have really given me much work to train with. With Michi I work on some papers. Touko-sensei, I get the supplies for the rest of the class. Kataragi-sensei, he wants me to make sure the rest of the students are still listening. And with Nitta-sensei..."

"He tells you to sit down, shut up and listen?" Most of the class finished his sentence in unison. They were accustomed to the strict teacher's teaching method after years of being restricted by him.

"Bingo."

"Then let's usher you in as a real new teacher!" Sakurako cheered as several other students joined her. They ran out into the hall and started pulling something into the room. When they finished, a smaller but similar desk was placed right besides Negi's large brown one at the front of class.

Naruto smiled and ran his fingers over it, "Aww, my own little desk. Guys, you shouldn't have." The students all clapped together as they officially welcomed Naruto as a Sensei to their class. He sat in the swivel chair and looked over his new workplace before a thought hit him, "Where'd you get this thing anyway?"

"We made it!"

"Found it!"

"Bought it!"

"I took it from- I mean bought it! Yeah. We bought it."

(In the Teacher's Lounge)

"Where in the world is my desk?!" Nitta yelled as he looked at the empty spot in the room where his desk was previously placed.

"When did you last see it?"

"Did you misplace it somewhere?"

"Maybe it's underneath your couch cushions? I always find my remote and keys in there."

"I'm not talking about a little household appliance or car keys! My freakin' desk is missing!"

(Back to the class)

"Well, doesn't matter. I got a desk!" Naruto said with a smile as he filtered through the teaching papers. "Okay~. So, where did Negi leave off on?"

"Actually, we are a little ahead of the curriculum schedule." Ayaka stated from her seat at the front of the class, "Negi-sensei's teaching method is beyond commendable. His motivations to help his students, his perfect understanding of the material, the way he-"

"We get it Iincho. Don't paint any bigger target on your back for the police to check than you already have."

"Okay, you're all ahead of the curve. What should we do now?"

"We could keep up with the material and stay ahead?" Satomi said from her seat.

"We could revise over what we've already learned so that we make sure everyone has understood it?" Chahcamaru chimed in, causing Eva to groan a little.

"Yeah...or...let's play a study game! Everyone vs the Baka Rangers!" Yuna yelled as she jumped out of her seat. A moment later, everybody else in the classroom cheered except for a select few.

Makie had little tears coming out and looked up at her friend, "Yuna! How could you betray me like that?! We're friends!"

Kaede and Ku Fei were getting out of their seats, "We-uh-have training out schools need to head right way-Aru."

"Ku-Dono is correct. We have other matters to attend to de-Gozaru."

Yue just looked a little more deflated than usual. "Not again."

Asuna panicked and jumped out of her seat, "No! No, not again! Whiskers, don't you-"

"Yes! That sounds like fun!" Naruto said with a smile, "Everyone! Let's play a study game!"

"NOOOOOOO!"

When Negi finally came back to the classroom, on the chalkboard were several teams with tallies under their name and a blank slate under the Baka Rangers. Asuna just looked super depressed and Makie was crying a little.

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Naruto was lazing around in his room while he looked at his phone. It was on the homepage of the Chiu-sama website but he was barely even paying any attention to it. His mind was more focused on other, more pressing matters.

After school, Naruto was called to the office and informed by the Dean about Negi's choice to keep to Kyoto. No surprise there, after hearing that Nagi had a house in Kyoto, the young red-head was gonna turn down any offer to go to Hawaii he got. He probably would have stuck to Kyoto too if he was given the choice.

What was grabbing his focus was the fact that the Dean warned him about the Kansai Magic Association while they were over there. He warned Naruto that while they would be over there, they might meet some hostility from the local magic society. But if everything went by the book, Negi would be delivering a letter to the head of the Kansai group and they could form a truce. However shaky.

But all Naruto could think about was if Eishun had an issue with the Old Man and the Kantou Association. He hoped his old friend wasn't on bad terms with Mahora or else that would cause some serious conflict.

"We're home!" Konoka's cheerful voice pierced the silence in the room as she walked back in with Negi, Chamo and Asuna in pursuit.

Naruto turned in the couch, "I was wondering where you all were? What's going on?"

"We went out shopping for some stuff for the trip and got sidetracked." Asuna said as she rubbed her growling stomach, "I'm hungry."

"Me too. I haven't eaten anything all day. Konoka-San~."

"Hai, I've got it covered. I'll start cooking."

"Thank you Konoka-San~(x3)." All three of the roommates laughed before Asuna leaned over to Negi and sniffed.

"Oh go-Negi! You stink like a skunk! When was the last time-wait, how long has it been since the vampire thing?"

"U-um...well I was very nervous and concerned at the time so-"

"Negi-kun, you can't put off washing yourself just because you don't like baths. It's not hygienic." Konoka said from within the kitchen with a little pout.

"I-I was just-"

"Shut up brat. We're going to the baths."

"Wh-what?! Can't I just use our shower?"

"I'm not trusting you to put your shampoo on by yourself. I'm grabbing my swimsuit and-"

Naruto grabbed Negi's shoulder and stood up, "I've got it. I need to get washed too. I'll grab our swimsuits."

Asuna and Konoka looked between each other in surprise. Asuna looked back at Naruto, "Do you know where you're going? There's a bathhouse-"

"Don't worry I know where it is. Come on." Despite Negi's reluctant argument, Naruto lead them both out the door while Chamo and Kyūbi followed behind.

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

"Mou~. Why did I have to take a bath? It can't possibly be that bad could it?" Negi said despairingly with half of his head out of the water, dressed in his swimsuit to make his time in the bath easier. Chamo ran along the pool-sized bath's length and jumped on top of his partner's head.

"I actually agree with Ane-San here Aniki. You've always had a problem with taking baths, even back home in Wales. Girls don't like guys that stink like a cesspool Aniki."

"Personally I agree with the Little Red Moron." Kyūbi said from his spot on the sideline. He was lying down and resting away from the bath water, "Water is stupid and useless and it makes my fur smell like a dump. And I hate it."

"Then I hate it too Boss! Screw water!"

"Is that why you were thrashing around when I brought youninto the bath in the woods Kyūbi-k-San?" Negi asked with a changed in the honorific towards the apparently old fox.

"That's right. I said I would keep my mouth shut in front of people like the Ninja Girl so you should be glad I wasn't cursing you then and there. Don't ever do that again boy." Negi and Chamo jerked back a little in fright from the fox's harsh tone.

"Shut up Furball. You stink either way. I'm just making sure that you don't leave a stain." Naruto added as he opened the door in swim shorts and started walking over to the pool they were in. And when they looked up, Negi and Chamo were shocked at what they saw.

What they first noticed was that despite the way he carried himself, Naruto's entire body was extremely toned, showing off every muscle he had trained after so many years of intense fighting. And they knew it was intense fighting from the other noteworthy thing around his body...

He had scars. Dozens of scars. Some were small and faded, others were large and very noticeable. Negi thought that the only scars the blond had were the claw-marks he had running over his right ear but he was far off on that. The whiskered blond had blunt force scars around his knees and legs. He had thin scars like he had been cut all over his chest and back. He had a particularly thick pierce scar on his right shoulder, like something had been lodged in there and stuck. Damaged skin all around his arms that stopped just short of his hands. And similar to the claw-marks on his temple, he had another set of claw shaped scars over his heart. Except they were larger, and ran further down his chest.

He also had a strange tattoo on his right bicep that looked like a magical circle.

Negi always wondered why the blond came out of the little shower in their room fully dressed and ready to go. Now he knew; he was covering up the results from years of fighting and being a Mage.

Naruto slowly got into the water and moaned in content, "Aw, that feels so good~. Don't know why you guys hate bathing so much. After a full day of work it feels good to relax like this." Naruto looked up to see Negi was trying to avoid his gaze while Chamo was just still gobsmacked by the damage he showed. "Negi? What's wrong?"

"It's-um-its nothing Naruto-San. I was just-um-I was-"

"You were freaked out by the scars, weren't you?" Negi looked up at the older blond and sheepishly nodded his head in shame. Naruto smiled and chuckled softly, "Don't worry buddy, I understand. It's a little weird to see someone act like they don't have any but then see it for yourself. That's why I don't want to show the girls."

"Is it because...you feel ashamed by them?" Negi asked with a little worry in his voice. Just to see Naruto shake his head.

"Not in the least. My scars remind me that I survived the worst of what's been thrown at me. They remind me that all the fights and wounds I take have made me stronger and more resilient. And everything I've faced from back then have prepared me for the future. Never be ashamed of the scars you gain Negi, they prove just how strong your will to survive is." Negi looked up at the blond as he said that with an unwavering spirit in his eyes. "I just keep them covered because imagine what Bells and Konoka-San would do if they saw them. They'd probably freak out and worry over me."

Negi nodded his head and looked off to the side. "Did you, get them from fighting?"

"Yep. I did a lot of fighting over the years and these are a reminder. But don't say it like this can't happen to you Negi."

Negi looked up at him in confusion while Chamo jumped up on his head, "What'd you mean Aniue? Aniki ain't gonna be fighting in crazy battles like you!"

"Oh yes he will. If Negi really wants to become a Magister Magi, he's gonna have to face things that could do a lot worse than just this." He looked into Negi's eyes and narrowed them slightly, "Well Negi? You might face things a helluva lot worse than a vampire that just wants to take a little blood. You'll have to give your body up even when it can't stand anymore. You'll have to give up on things that you could have spent a lifetime making. And in the end, it will only as worthy as you've tried to make it be. So, are you really going to keep on the path of the Magister Magi?"

The bath went silent as Negi just looked up at Naruto as he stared at him. He had thought about that decision for so many years now. And he was looking at someone who directly told him that he didn't need to go through the pain of becoming one if he didn't want to. But Negi just smiled and looked up at the blond...

"Yes. I'm certain. No matter what stands in my path, I'm going to become a Magister Magi. I promise."

Naruto nodded his head and grinned at the young boy, "Well said."

"God this is sappy."

"Naruto-San, that card you showed Evangeline-San this morning, was it a Pactio card?"

"Yep. It's mine. My Minister card."

"Woah! You're a Minister Aniue? That's awesome! Can we see?" Chamo yelled while Negi also nodded his head eagerly.

"Sure. Just take it out of my pocket. And bring the card Negi made with Bells, I didn't get to see it yet."

Chamo saluted and jumped off Negi's head to run to the changing room. He came back a moment later with two large cards in his mouth. Naruto took them out and looked at them, taking an interest particularly in Asuna's card.

She was facing away from the front but was looking over her shoulder with a big open mouth smile. She was holding onto a very large sword, almost as big as her. And all around her body she had wraps and bandages like she just finished a big fight.

Asuna Cagurazaca

Virtus: Audacia

Directio: Oriens

Bellatrix Sauciata

'The Wounded Warrior'.

Naruto couldn't help but smile sadly at that appropriate title.

He threw away his sad expression and just gave a patronizing smile, "Wow, I didn't think Bells could look so calm and collected but hell, I was wrong."

"Yes, it's a little embarrassing that I already have a partner at such a young age. I mean, most mages don't get a partner until they are at least twenty but I-" he blushed in embarrassment at already having someone to call his partner.

"Well Negi, if you had to have anyone as a partner to trust in, I'm glad it was Bells." Naruto said with a smile as Negi thought about it and smiled as well. He was lucky he got to have Asuna-San as a partner to help him in his journey at Mahora. Naruto handed the other card over, "And this is mine."

Negi took the card in excitement as Chamo jumped on his head to look at it as well.

On the cover was a picture of a really young Naruto, at least 6 to 8 years old. Negi was amazed that Naruto had made this contract at an even younger age than Negi made his. He was in midair, jumping with a big smile on his face as what looked like a liquid black metal formed a sword and a shield in each hand. Negi looked down to see the Latin printed underneath...

Naruto Uzumaci

Virtus: Tenacitatem

Directio: Auster

Erratio Miles Militis

'The Wandering Knight'.

That was an odd name.

He turned it around and saw the name Jacobus Racan printed on the back, showing the name of the Magister he formed the card with.

Chamo looked at the card and then back up at the blond, "Yo Aniue, who's this Racan guy? Someone important?"

Naruto swiped the card from Negi's hand and slid it underneath Kyūbi in a swift move. "No no no no. Not him. You guys are gonna meet a lot of people but let's put him on the backboard for now."

Kyūbi just chuckled, "Or just put him in the trunk until you throw him over into the ocean. Still won't do any good though."

Negi and Chamo looked between each other with some eagerness in asking who this man was. "Come on~. Please tell us."

"He's just one of the guys from the old group that looked after me over the years. He formed the Pactio with me as more of an insurance that I don't screw up in the future." Naruto turned and pointed to the magical circle tattooed into his bicep, "He was the one who told me to get this as a substitute for a wand, staff or ring. Always on you and easy to keep track."

"Woah~." Negi and Chamo said with sparkly eyes, "Should I get one too?"

"Maybe when you're older. Magic convenience is important but getting a tattoo at your age would just be bad. Imagine what Bells would say if she heard us talk about getting you a tattoo?" Negi looked up in thought before he started quivering and crying a little. Naruto just laughed, "I bet if Nagi was here he would be backing up the idea of you getting a tattoo. He'd probably push you there himself. Haha."

Negi looked up at the fond smile Naruto showed while he thought back to his father. He thought back to this morning when he saw the blond man seem just as happy as him at the idea that his father was still alive. And he seemed so childish and playful with Takamichi, like the older man was a big brother he never got to see. "Naruto-San?"

"Yeah Negi?"

"You said that...you were friends with Father and his friends, right? Close friends?"

"Close enough to know that sometimes they'd start singing songs around the fire to pass the time."

Negi actually seemed surprised by that, "R-really?"

"Don't be impressed. They sucked."

Chamo tilted his head, "Seriously?"

"God it was like listening to a whale gurgle a rock."

Negi just shook his head and got back to the topic, "How did you know them?"

Naruto thought for a moment as his big smile slowly started to shrink. It became a thin line before he looked up at the ceiling as he tried to remember back when he was still such a little brat. "I...I remember a different place I used to live in. A large village, with hundreds of people and a massive mountain in the background. My earliest memories of it are me, standing in the middle of a huge group of people...and they're just trying to look away from me...like I was a monster."

Naruto shifted around to get comfortable as he closed his eyes. "There was a kind old man...the only man in the village that looked at me like I was just a little kid and not something else. I remember him telling me about giving people chances and wait for someone I could call precious and a friend. And then everything sort of just went black."

Negi looked at Naruto as he told him a story he rarely told anyone else. "And when I woke up, I was surrounded by a bunch of adults in a forest a long ways away from home. I didn't want to admit it but I was scared. I was so, so scared. I couldn't run, I couldn't hide, and I thought it was the end."

"But then...they all just started arguing with each other and teasing me to make themselves laugh. And I realized...they didn't see what everyone else in my village saw...they just saw a snot-nosed little brat lost in the woods." Naruto thin smile started to show the fondness he had a remembering that wonderful memory. "And when I thought I was alone in this world...when I didn't have anything else...they stretched out their hands, looked me in the eye and said..."

"Come with us."

Naruto looked up at Negi with his nostalgic smile and laughed, "I guess...I would call them my family."

Negi's chest beat a little when he thought of that idea. Seeing that fond smile, those meaningful memories and words...it reminded him of his time with Nekane and Anya. It wasn't a lot, and some would say it was stupid but he cherished those moments more than anything else. A little tear formed in the corner of his eye when he thought about his dream, "I...I really want to find my father. Because I want something like that too...I want my family, together again."

Naruto smiled and leaned forward, raising his fist up to the young red-head as he looked back up at him. "Let's find him. Together."

Negi wiped the tear away and smiled. He nodded and placed his fist against Naruto's, "Yeah."

They both smiled and laughed lightly as they enjoyed the peace and serenity of the moment. Chamo sat up on Negi's head while even Kyūbi had a small smile on his face. And for a moment, there was peace.

"What did you guys think of the test today?"

"That was bullshit! I had no idea what I was doing!"

"That's cause you were on the phone the whole time."

Negi and Naruto spun around in horror as their eye's turned into big white plates. "Oh shit."

"We-we need to go! If the students find out-"

"Then we'll be the teachers waiting for them in the bath while they're naked. This can't end well for us."

"Then I'm making the most out of it!" Chamo jumped off Negi's head and ran towards the door, "Hold on ladies, your stud ermine is-"

"Stay." Kyūbi said as he step on the ermine's tail, causing him to jerk back from the recoil.

"Gotta hide. Gotta hide." Naruto said as he jumped out of the water and looked around.

Negi followed behind, "Wh-where do we go?!"

As they panicked, the door opened and a class high-school girls walked in. They started running around and jumped into the water while the last ones slowly lowered themselves in.

And in the rafting up on the ceiling, Naruto sat on metal banister with a pout on his face. He looked up at a window over head and thought about going around the building for their clothes, "Well that was poor planning."

"Let me go! Let me go! Nirvana awaits down there!" Chamo said as he thrashed around in Naruto's hands.

Negi sat right besides him while Kyūbi sat on his lap, "Naruto-San? How long do we have to wait up here?"

"A while kid. Get comfortable."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Being in a city was the time for teenage girls to relax. Some would go and eat food they could only find in a crowded place like this. Others would hang with their friends and go singing or watch a movie. And to top it all off, they would go shopping for something they had no idea they wanted until they finally found it.

Not these three girls.

No. Misa Kakizaki, Sakurako Shinna and Madoka Kugimiya were currently spying on a group in the middle of the crowded city that most others would ignore. But they couldn't. Because it was a group made up of their child teacher, assistant teacher and classmate.

"Wh-Wh-what's going on?" Misa asked from her spot behind the lamp post. "What's Konoka doing with Negi-kun and Naruto-sensei? She couldn't possibly...be...eloping?! Could she?"

"Why is that your first conclusion?!" Modoka said in disgust as she poked her head out from behind the mailbox, "Look. Yeah, Konoka's an airhead and everything but she wouldn't do something stupid like that. Plus she's just a kid. So are Negi-kun and Naruto-sensei. They couldn't get married even if that was what they were doing."

"Yeah~." Sakurako said as she popped up from the man she was hiding behind with the usual smile, "But if Konoka was pregnant then that could change things, couldn't it? She always seems so happy around Naruto-sensei and they brought Negi-kun along as a witness to the ceremony. Plus they kind of look like a couple, don't they?"

"Could you please not hide behind me?"

"Oh. I'm sorry. Pardon me."

"There's only one way to be certain if that's what's happening." Misa pulled out her phone and pressed her speed dial. All three of the cheerleaders gathered around the phone...

"Yawwwww~. Ugh, hello?"

"Asuna!" Misa yelled, "Stop sleeping in like a fat lazy cat and wake up! It's an emergency!"

"What could possibly be so bad that you have to call me on my day off?"

"What do you know about Konoka's relationship with Negi-kun and Naruto-sensei?"

"Beg pardon?"

"Look at this!" Misa sent a picture of the little group of three to the girl on the other side, "Well? Isn't it proof they are going off to make a family?!"

"Aren't they so cute together like that!"

"It's like a newlywed couple and their little boy!"

"Are you retarded?"

"Shut up Baka-Red! What do you think?"

"Woman! Turn off the damn phone! We're trying to sleep!"

"What he said. Good night."

The phone call ended and the girls all looked at it in disbelief. Madoka looked up at her friends, "Who was that guy at the end?"

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

After some browsing and eating, the group of roommates stood around each other in a huddle.

"Do we all know the target?"

"Asuna Kagurazaka. Age: 14. 3rd year middle school student. Likes: Older men. Dislikes: Kids."

"I don't think Asuna-San actually dislikes-"

"She hates them."

"Okay. And do we all know what we're doing?"

All of them nodded and yelled out, "Buy a present for her birthday!"

"I can't believe Asuna-San's birthday came up on us like that." Negi admitted in a guilty fashion at not knowing such an important event was coming up.

"Well come on, we've gotta pick something for her while we still have the time." Naruto closed his phone, "I got someone to go out and pick up a cake for her. I won't get the ramen he owed me but hey, cake's just as good."

Konoka skipped forward and looked back at the two boys, "Well come on. We've gotta find gifts for you two to give her before the stores start closing."

"You didn't have to come with us Konoka-San."

"Yeah. We can find something for Bells on our own."

"Oh really?" Konoka turned around with her hands on her hips and looked at the men, "What kind of gifts do you two get the girls you know?"

Negi and Naruto looked between each other in realization before they both sighed in defeat. "I only buy something for Onee-chan. And she's usually happy with whatever I have to give her."

Naruto scratched his neck, "I only buy for this old guy I know. And that's usually just whiskey and booze."

"See. But don't worry." Konoka crossed her arms in pride like a triumphant leader, "Just put your faith in Konoka."

They saluted playfully, "Hai, Konoka-San!"

"Hey come one don't be so formal today." She teased with a smile. She was the leader today, she wanted to make a funny order.

Naruto and Negi looked between each other and shrugged, "Hai. Konoka!"

All three of them started to walk around the city stores, looking for the perfect present for the bell wearing girl. They maneuvered through the massive crowd and tried to make their way to the shopping district. It was so crowded, they didn't notice three people follow behind them to keep an eye on them.

After walking for a little bit they arrived at the window of a store. Naruto looked at the mannequins, "Hey Konoka, what about some clothes? Would she like these?"

Konoka looked them over, "Maybe. If we look in the store then-"

"Kugi-kun! Quick! Buy me these clothes!"

"Got it!"

They were beaten to the punch by a dark-skinned girl with short twin-tails in a sailor fuku and some high-pitched boy wearing a male cheerleader outfit.

They stumbled back and looked at the couple as they ran inside and bought the possible gift. Konoka blinked in surprise, "Um...okay. Let's try somewhere else then."

Negi ran up to a sports store and pointed inside, "What about here? I think there must be something she would like in here."

"Yeah. I bet she'd-"

"I'll take that thank you!" Again, they were interrupted by another girl with long twin-tails this time.

Naruto looked at the girl that rudely pushed Negi out of the way and felt a sense of déjà-vu wash over him. "Have we ever seen these people before?"

Negi and Konoka looked at the girl that was buying the dumbbell Negi pointed at and shook their heads. Naruto shrugged his shoulders, "Okay then. Just me."

The roommates of 643 and the disguised cheerleaders ran all over the shopping district as they tried to one up each other in buying gifts. When Negi's team came close to picking out an item, the mysterious trio popped up and stole the purchase. But sometimes they got away with it, like when Naruto ran with Negi in his arms and they were able to grab a pair of shoes they spotted. This continued on for over an hour.

Finally both groups stood on opposite sides of the street, breathing heavily and tired from the competition they were having. Naruto looked at the gifts they were able to grab but thought that he still wasn't able to grab the gift he thought would be a good gift for Asuna.

("Step right up! Step right up! Play our new product and win a prize of your choice!")

Both groups looked to the little attraction in the shop plaza and saw a small crowd around the stage. On the stage were dozens of amazing prizes like bikes, a TV and game systems. Naruto stood up at the sight, as well as the long-haired girl across the street (aka Misa). Their eyes met and narrowed as a competitive, heavy atmosphere raised between the two.

So much so that a tumbleweed bounced across in front of them.

The other members of the group looked at it in confusion, "When did Japan get tumbleweeds?"

Naruto and Misa dashed towards the stage. They pushed past everyone in their way while their friends caught up behind them. They slammed their hands down on the stage...

"I WANT IT(x2)!"

("We have our competitors!")

Naruto and Misa were pulled up on stage as the announcer ran up to the crowd. ("Everyone! We have two people here ready to compete and win our prizes! Since this young man and woman are the only two who came up here, they will be competing against each other for the grand prize!")

Naruto leaned over to the girl as the audience was being hyped up by the announcer. He looked over to her, "Listen, I don't mind that you've been following us and buying our stuff. But can you let this go? I really need to get this as a present for someone I know."

Misa panicked with how close her sensei was to her, hoping he wouldn't notice who she was if he got a better look at her face. "Um-I'm sorry about this, but I can't. I promised Iin- I mean I want to get a present for my boyfriend Kugi-kun too!"

Naruto just narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded his head, "Then this is war."

("Here you go!")

Both of them were handed a strange guitar-shaped device with a touchpad screen that showed several strings on it. They both examined it oddly before looking up at the announcer.

("This is our new music product that guarantees easy playing for even the most basic beginners. It helps new players by lighting up when they need to play the next note and there isn't any hassle to worry about blisters and callouses. Let me just set you guys up on the beginner level-")

"No need!" The disguised cheerleader proclaimed as she held her chest out proudly, "I'm an expert. Been playing the guitar for years. I can play anything!"

Madoka and Sakurako cheered for their friend on stage as they knew just how good a player she was. There was a reason she was lead guitar in their band.

("Oh! That might make it a bit unfair. If one of you actually knows how to play-")

*Dun duuun duuun dun dun dun duuuuuuunnnnnnn*

Everyone looked at the blond in surprise as he effortlessly played the electronic guitar with an experienced hand. He smirked and raised an eyebrow at the girl in a challenging matter.

Misa narrowed her eyes and stepped past the announcer...

*Dun duuun duuun dun dun dun duuuuuuunnnnnnn*

*Dun dun duuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnn*

*Duuuuunnn duuuuunnn duuuuuuuunnnnnnnn*

They started playing the electronic device with their years of guitar experience and started jumping in place. The speakers around them blasted the music as far as possible as the crowd cheered them on.

("Amazing! Our two competitors are putting the new products to its limits by playing it as fast and loud as they can! Playing their own version of the well known 'Dueling Banjos' song! A little creepy they chose that song from the movie Deliverance but hey the crowd loves it!")

As the duel continued on, both of their hands started to become blurs as they tried to one up each other. Their faces started to twist from the strenuous activity as sparks started flying off the gadgets.

("Woah! Woah-stop! These are just prototypes! They weren't made to be played for so long like this!")

Neither of them stopped. Both of their hands kept streaming across the screen and neck like their lives depended on it. They started gritting their teeth to fend off the strain in their hands.

Misa dropped her device and grabbed her right hand, "CRAMP!"

Naruto finished with blasting several long notes and swung his arm out like a genuine rocker. He held his arm up in the air and the crowd cheered for the winner. He smiled and saw Konoka and Negi clap for him.

Until his device short-circuited and blew up in a puff of smoke.

And then the speakers behind him.

("CALL 119! GET THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!")

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Naruto sighed in disappointment as he looked at the small bag he had won. Because of the fire damage, they were going to have to sell off the bigger prizes to pay off the bill. "Man, that was a waste of time. I set the plaza on fire and all I got was a plushie."

"I'm sure Asuna-San will love it Naruto-San!" Negi looked up at the blond in admiration, "But that was amazing Naruto-San! I had no idea you could play a guitar like that!"

Konoka nodded her head with a twinkle in her eye, "Yeah yeah! You were really good!"

Naruto blushed a little at their praise and scratched his neck, "Well, I actually play a bunch of instruments too. My old geezer forced me into a room full of instruments when I was a kid and told me I couldn't come out until I at least knew how to play Yankee-Doodle on one of them."

Negi and Konoka's face twisted in shock when they heard that.

He just smiled and waved their concern away, "It's all right. When I finally got out I bashed a guitar over his head so hard he was seeing quarter-notes dance around his eyes."

"O-oh. Okay." Negi asked, a little worried about the way he said that without feeling guilty. "Maybe sometime you could play for the class. You could play and sing or-"

"I don't sing."

"Huh? Why not?"

Naruto hung his head dejectedly, "I...I don't like to talk about it."

"Naruto-San? Why do you look so depressed?"

"I've never seen him make a face like that before?"

Naruto felt his pocket vibrate and pulled out his phone. "Oh sweet, Michi got the cake. I need to head back home and pick it up, are you two gonna be all right getting home on your own?"

They nodded their heads and Naruto ran back to the train station.

The cheerleaders were off to the side, looking at their friend as she was leaning against the wall. "Misa...are you all right?"

"Hehehe, he thinks he has won...but this is only the beginning. No one beats me in playing the guitar." She raised her head with fire burning in her eyes, "Naruto-sensei! This battle has only just began!"

Sakurako looked at her friends and smiled, "Are we still tailing Negi-kun for Iincho? Because they're moving."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Takamichi was sitting on a bench looking over the landscape of the school as the sunset illuminated it in a beautiful orange and red glow. Besides him was a box with the goods his old friend asked him to grab. When he heard he was getting it for Asuna's birthday, he felt a want and obligation to get it.

He looked out at the huge school with a calm but melancholic smile on his face.

"Michi?"

Takamichi looked up to see Naruto walking up to the bench, wearing a long sleeved white shirt, a black jacket and jeans. He had a small bag in his hand and a worried look on his face.

Takamichi gave a hollow smile and waved to the younger man, "Oh, Naruto-kun. Good timing. Here." He picked up the cake and held it up for him, "Asuna-kun's birthday cake. Chocolate. Her favorite."

Naruto took the cake and nodded his head, keeping an eye on his friend as he looked out over the skyline. "Michi...are you okay?"

Takamichi tilted his head, "Of course. Why do you ask?"

"Well because you don't stink like an ashtray. And that's new for you." He took a seat by his oldest friend and placed the cake on his lap, "Is something wrong?"

"No. It's just I decided to take a break from smoking for a few days."

"Okay..." Naruto looked around in confusion like he was missing something big, "Why?"

"Well..." Takamichi said as he drummed his fingers on his knees and had a sad smile on his face. "I'm celebrating an anniversary...of Gateau-sensei's passing."

Naruto looked off in the distance with a cold feeling running in his chest. He leaned in towards Takamichi and fished his smokes out of his breast pocket. He knocked one stick out of its opening and put it in his mouth.

Takamichi panicked and tried to grab it out of his mouth, "What are you doing?! Don't smoke! Believe me it's a really bad habit!"

Naruto took the unlit cigarette out of his mouth and looked at Takamichi like he was the one in wrong, "Well if we're celebrating Gateau-San, there has to be at least one person smoking. And come on, this won't be the worst thing I've ever done."

Takamichi just looked at him in disbelief before he sighed and shook his head. "Okay, fine. But just one...got it?"

Naruto smirked with the cigarette in his mouth and looked like he had won triumphantly. The tip of his index finger turned bright red and he placed it against the unfiltered end. He took a deep drag of the stolen smoke and held it in his throat.

"*Phew*phe-phew* Oh god." He choked on the smoke and coughed painfully, "It's like having brimstone on your tongue and a steamboat in your throat."

"Hehehahaha." Takamichi laughed as he saw the young blond choke on his cigarette. "And that's why you shouldn't smoke at such a young age. Remember when you stole one of the cigarette's from Eishun-San's pack and tried to light it when you were a kid?"

"Of course I do." Naruto said as the coughing spurts started to spread apart and he blew out the smoke with a quarter of the cigarette already turned to ash. "Then again all I remember is Arika-San screaming at me, then at you, Eishun-San and Gateau-San for being bad role-models for me to imitate and then she was chasing Nagi, Raka-Ji and Al-Jiji for just laughing the whole time."

Takamichi just burst out laughing while Naruto chuckled as well. The two old friends reminisced about the old days like all of their problems were a far off worry.

Naruto calmed down a little and looked down at the cigarette in his hand. "Okay...want to tell me what's really bugging you?"

Takamichi looked over at his friend as he gave an understanding and patient smile. Takamichi looked forward and took a deep breath, "It was about this time, ten years ago, that Gateau-sensei passed away while saving us. And tomorrow will be the day I erased the Twilight Princess from the world...and brought Asuna Kagurazaka-kun into it."

"And yet you still look depressed." Naruto said as he nudged the older man's shoulder, "In my opinion, I think she's pretty damn great. You should be happy you were able to guide her like you did."

"Heh, I am." Even though Takamichi's words were honest, the remorseful smile on his face didn't change, "But that doesn't mean I can't look back at what I've done."

Naruto put the smoking stick in his mouth and looked at his friend in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I know it was for the best what I was told to do. And since we came here, seeing Asuna-kun smile so bright and happily has shown me just how worth it this experience has been. But..." Takamichi looked off with a distant, sad look in his eyes, "If she knew what we had done, if she knew what she was before all of this, do you think she would resent us? Resent everyone? For what they have done?"

Naruto actually didn't know how to respond to that. He just looked down at the packaged cake in his lap and the cigarette in his hand. He sighed, took a deep drag on the smoke and blew it out, "What kind of girl do you think she is?"

"Huh?"

"You've known Asuna longer than I have. The Asuna I knew from back then isn't the same as the girl I've seen now. She's dumb, but persistent. Silly, but admirable. Nervous, but reliable and strong-willed when she has to be. And she would go as far as she could for her friends when they needed her." Naruto grinned at Takamichi and pointed at him with the butt of the bud, "And since you've been the person caring for her the most her entire life, she treasures you more than anyone else. Aren't you lucky."

Takamichi just looked at his friend's grin and gave a weak smile in return, "Yes. That definitely sounds like the girl I know."

"Then have some faith in her Bakamichi. She's a strong girl. And she has those that can help her through any tough challenge she faces, believe me I've seen her." He took the last drag of the smoke before tossing the burning butt on the ground and stomping it out. He picked up the box and started walking away before looking back at the dandy man and smiling, "I'll tell her you wish her a happy birthday. See ya later Michi."

The old teacher watched his young friend run back home with the birthday cake in his arms. He thought about the worry and concern he had over the last decade about the choices he was asked to make. Some he believed it was right to blame himself. Others were like the one Naruto had just told him about, no one else blamed him for what he had done.

If he was back with Ala Rubra, with all those men that broke the limits of imagination and didn't bother to worry about the consequences, would they have worried about something like this? No. They would've have done everything they could to prove they made the right choice.

He pocketed his smokes again and smiled, "I really am becoming an old man."

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Naruto heard the door open and saw Asuna walk in with a happy, pleased smile on her face. Konoka and Negi followed behind her with defeated smiles on their faces, Kyūbi and Chamo on their shoulders. Naruto looked up from the manga he was reading and saw her walk in, "I was wondering where you went. What happened?"

Konoka looked depressed and Negi had a black cloud over his head, "Um...well..."

Asuna smiled and held up her bag full of presents, "I found out you guys were buying me presents."

Naruto froze and slowly sat up, "What?"

Konoka raised her head, "We finished shopping so me and Negi-kun took a little break. And then Asuna came running up with Iincho behind her."

"Apparently Iincho-San asked Kakizaki-San, Kugimiya-San and Shinna-San to look around the city for presents to get Asuna-San." Negi said with disappointment evident in his face, "We're sorry."

"H-hey Negi, Konoka, don't be so upset. I love that you guys did this for me." Asuna said as she tried to cheer up her friends.

"Bells~." Naruto whined as Negi and Konoka's disappointment spread to him as well. "That's not the point. We worked really hard to get you those gifts. I set the plaza on fire-"

"Wait what?"

"-and now that's all ruined."

Asuna just glared at them and pouted. "Geez~, what is wrong with you three? I'm sorry that Iincho dragged me there and that Kakizaki and the others kept following you. But look, it doesn't matter if you gave these to me today or tomorrow. What matters is that you guys thought about me. So thank you, really, this has been an amazing birthday."

Naruto just kept his eyes on her happy smile before he just sighed and shook his head. He grabbed Asuna's shoulder and turned her around to push her out. "Wh-what are you-"

"Wait outside."

Naruto pushed the bell wearing girl out of the room and locked the door. Asuna was stunned for a moment before she started pounding on the door, "Whiskers! Hey! Did you just lock me out of my own room?! What the hell you ass?! Open the door! Come on!"

After a minute of her yelling the door was unlocked and slowly slid open. She hesitantly pushed it open and walked in on the sight their room had changed into.

They had streamers hung from the wall as colorful decorations. They were still hanging a banner from the bunk bed that said 'Happy Birthday' in big bold letters. And each of her roommates had a pointy hat on their heads, even Chamo and Kyūbi.

Who looked very, very unenthusiastic at the moment. Especially with the party horn in his mouth

Asuna looked at everything they had set up and she was speechless. "What...what did you guys..."

"Well we were gonna give you a party but since you already have the presents, we might as well have the party to top it all off." Konoka said as she pulled a hat over Asuna's head and smiled. "Aren't you happy, Birthday Girl?"

"K-Konoka..."

"We can still celebrate it tomorrow if you want. We just want to make sure you enjoy your day." Negi said happily before running to the door and turning off the lights.

"Negi..."

There was a shimmering light coming out of the kitchen as Naruto walked in with a cake in hand. He placed it on the table as everyone sat around it, "Come on Bells. This is your treat."

"Whiskers."

Naruto, Konoka and Negi all looked between each other and smiled. They all looked to Asuna and said...

"Happy Birthday, Asuna(x3)."

Asuna was shocked by their kindness and felt her eyes well up again. She sniffed and wiped the tears coming into her eyes and smiled, "Thank you guys. Thank you so much."

She blew out the candles and all of her roommates clapped for her.

And Kyūbi blew the horn before spitting it out at Chamo.

"This looks delicious."

"It better. If it didn't, Michi skimmed out on the cheap stuff."

"Takahata-sensei bought this cake! For-f-f-for me?!" Asuna squealed with a burning blush on her face.

"Whatever. First off..." Naruto pulled out a little red bag from underneath the table and held it out for the bell wearing girl, "Here's your present."

"Aww~, thanks Whiskers." Asuna took the bag and looked inside it. She titled her head and pulled out a simple little brown puppy plushie. It had black button eyes and no mouth, with big floppy ears. She just held it in front of her face with a flat expression.

Naruto worried about the look on her face, "I-I swear I was going to get you something better. But there were these weird guitar things, a competition with some random girl, a fire and a crying man. It just sort of blended into one weird experience. I'll try to get you something better but-"

"Hehehe." Asuna giggled before she started to laugh. "It looks so stupid Whiskers. But I love it, thanks."

Naruto scratched his cheek and smiled, "Well...okay. Good."

"Okay, okay everyone. Time to cut up the cake." Konoka interrupted with a cheerful smile. "Now who wants what?"

"I'll have the entire 'Happy Birthday' part please."

"No fair Whiskers! That's like the entire cake!"

"Well we had a long day while you slept in. So excuse me for feeling a little entitled to some cake."

"Not the whole thing you jerk!"

"Konoka-San, can I have a corner piece please?"

"Of course you can Negi-kun."

Chamo ran over to the larger fox, "What'd you think Boss? Ane-San looks pretty happy, don't ya think?"

Kyūbi just sighed and knocked the hat off his head, "Too damn loud. I need a nap."

"Oh! Then do you want to try and sleep on some of the panties I picked out?"

Kyūbi just looked at the ermine in disdain at his question. Chamo actually jerked back a little, "O-okay. Maybe you would like me to find a comfy pillow for you?"

Kyūbi then smiled and nodded, "And that's how you get on my good side maggot."

[[[[[[[[Omake: Rubra Boys Around The Fire- Verse 1]]]]]]]]

Nagi cracked his neck with his signature grin and looked around at the friends around him. "You guys ready?"

Rakan just roared, "I'm always ready!"

Albireo nodded his head, "This seems like fun."

Eishun nodded his head with Gateau while Takamichi was a little nervous.

Nagi: "Okay... A one, a two, a one two-"

All: "~Ooooohhhh oooohhhhhh ooooooohhhh for the longest~ for the longest (Rakan: ~tiiiiime~)~."

All: "~Ooooohhhh oooohhhhhh ooooooohhh for the longest time~."

Taka and Gat: "~If you say goodbye to me tonight~."

Nagi and Raka: "~Oooooohhhhhhhhhhhh~."

Ei and Al: "~There would still be music left to write~."

Nagi and Raka: "~Duunnnnn duunnnnn duunnnnn~."

All: "~What else could I do? I'm so inspired by you! This hasn't happened for the longest time~."

"Woooohoooo!" Nagi exclaimed as he jumped in the air, "That was awesome!"

Eishun fixed his glass, "Y-yes I suppose that was sort of entertaining."

Takamichi blushed and scratched his neck, "I don't think I could do that again."

"We rule!" Rakan yelled as he high-fived Nagi. He looked towards their audience, "Hey! Hey! What'd you guys think of it?"

Arika just shook her head in disappointment. She just couldn't make eye contact with any of them.

A little five-year old Naruto just blinked tiredly, "Please don't do that again. That was bad."

The men of the group all felt extremely dejected by their responses.

And Kyūbi was bouncing around while still tied up by the rope, "STOP! PLEASE! THIS IS JUST CRUEL AND UNUSUAL TREATMENT!"

[[[[[[[[Knight]]]]]]]]

Done

And next we start with Kyoto!

I'm so damn ready!

Woohoo!

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