The Knight Of Mahora Academy

Period 24: Growing Up Fast

So I was reacquainting myself with my own story and Negima in general while getting back into the flow of writing this. And as I did I realized it was hard for me to reread the earliest chapters of this because my writing style had changed so much. Things and choices I'd never do today persisted in how I read it. Not to say it was entirely terrible or unreadable (still my own work so take that with a grain of salt), but just that it was so different from what I'd do today.

And I realized that one of the reasons I stopped writing this story for so long…was this version of Naruto. I enjoyed how I got him into this world and how other characters interacted with him, but I had done the bare minimum characterizing and building his personality. I said that he had been molded by his time and experience with Ala Rubra, but I didn't exactly show it very well. It's not the only reason I stopped writing this for a while but it was a reason that others pointed out and I had no real response to it.

For Titania and The Hunter, we've followed Naruto since childhood to see how he acts and responds to everything. From early years doing Danzō's dirty bidding, to being raised as a child in a harsh environment like the Tower of Heaven while still surrounded by people he cares about, to growing up into a man in Fairy Tail. Being around a loving, loyal, and warm place like Fairy Tail for so long has formed him into a good and noble man but those early years of darkness and survival still peak through during battle, and when he has to protect those he cares about.

With Hunting and Bust, I put a lot of time into his POV and experience so that we know what kind of person he was. Raised by his parents he is already a different Naruto than all the rest. He lives in a world surrounded by darkness that is kept at bay by warriors like the Hunters, which his father is. So he kept with that goal in mind, despite prejudice, compromising his beliefs, and having to serve a crime lord for some time. When he makes it to Beacon he strives to make up for his past failings and do his best to become the Huntsman he always aimed to be. And is evident in recent chapters that confidence crumbled after many terrible losses and setbacks but persists.

In New Devil of The Gremory House, it's a continuation of the Naruto from the canon series except with one major change. In that series, we constantly hear about how lucky Naruto was that he had friends and loved ones to save him from the loneliness and emptiness in his life. So Naruto fought in the war, ended up in a new world, and lost everyone and everything. It was a version of Naruto molded by that loss and then regaining himself as he was around new people he loved and cared about.

They were all different versions of the character and I never really got any complaints about them. Except for New Devil people who had never even read past the fourth chapter kept complaining about nerfs and OCs with his name and yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyway, I put work into their characterizations and personalities but not this one and it made me hesitate to come back to it.

Until now. Now that some time has passed I've gotten a lot of new ideas on how to handle his character and expand on his personality. I had him like an older big brother that Negi could rely and trust on. But I want to make him a lot more than that. And these last few chapters, as well as the ones ahead hopefully will rectify that.

What I hope to explore more in this story and engage with more in character interactions will hopefully clear up many of the mistakes and follies I've made in this tale so far.

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

"And where do you think you're going?"

Naruto paused in packing his bag as he looked over at the chair in his medical room. What had been an empty piece of furniture just moments ago now housed a scowling fox with five tails sticking from his butt. The whiskered boy paid him little mind and continued packing.

"If you don't answer I'll be forced to ask Bakamichi or your doctors. Perhaps I could get the Idiot involved-"

"I'm leaving."

"Where?"

"Don't know."

"You don't have a destination in mind?"

"Not really."

"So you're just going to go out whining and moping for god knows how long?"

"I guess."

"You're still injured."

"Nothing I haven't dealt with before."

"If you don't treat the wound on your face regularly then they'll scar worse than expected."

"I'll manage."

"Just stay here and get-"

"Hey." There was no anger or urgency in his voice as he interrupted his fox companion. There was very little emotion in it entirely as he looked over at Kyūbi, "I need to go. I just have to. Can you let me go? Please?"

The orange fox stared at him in silence as his request ran through his mind. Kyūbi lowered his head on his paws and closed his eyes, "How long will you be gone?"

"I'm not sure."

"Then I'll be checking in with your regularly. To make sure you aren't getting lost." Naruto finished packing and slung his bag over his shoulder before making for the hospital window, "And don't die out there."

"I know. You don't want me signing your death certificate with my stupidity."

Naruto jumped out the window as Kyūbi scoffed sarcastically, "Yeah, because that's the only reason this bothers me."

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

Tristan was a beautiful city when traveled along the ground. It was usually bustling with folks and visitors on the way to New Ostia. It was primarily home to humans since it was halfway point between Ostia and Megalosmeria. But that didn't mean that demons, Demi-humans, and everything in between wasn't welcome.

However, since the attack on the assembly, the nightlife had quieted down. It seemed like the tragedy had fallen back from people's attention but that just Naruto more befuddled. To think a moment like that wasn't sticking with people as closely as it did him. Didn't it matter?

("We bring you an update on the tracking of the terrorist group behind the political assembly hall two weeks ago.") His eyes widened and he turned his attention to a holographic screen in a bar. He slipped inside, no one noticing a boy his age as their attention was on the screen, ("Just a few weeks ago, an assembly had been called to address the unrest and tension growing between demon relations-following several attacks both here and in the old world. These efforts culminated in an assembly between several dignitaries and ambassadors to address these worries. However, a large-scale petrification attack resulted in the loss of nearly a hundred and tensions growing ever more dreary. The group, an extremist faction of the Demonic Magic World Association, calling itself Conservandae Daemonum Superbiam, captured a visiting demon dignitary related to the royal family, Heyla Ishtar Reinydae Montes, and planted the petrification spell in her body.")

Naruto's eyes trembled as the image of the young royal - who he'd last seen petrified in his arms before crumbling away into dust - appeared on the screen as well.

("CDS initiated this attack because it believed that the demon attack on the old world and the subsequent ones here were shows of demon pride that should be exemplified and not shunned. As such they attacked the assembly using the body of the dearly departed Heyla-sama to transport the attack, signifying their refusal to cooperate and also spurn the royal family of the demon homeworld who they have spoken out against many times for the belief that they care not for the affair of lower-class demons.")

It was all just political bullshit and values that he had no idea about. All he knew was that he'd been dragged into it, it cost Heyla her life, and he had to find the-

("The leader of the CDS, a mid-ranked demon who shall remain unnamed in this broadcast, was killed during a raid on the terrorist faction's base. Other members that had escaped the raid were notified by the authorities and hunted down. Megalosmeria armed forces, as well as assistance from the Hellas Empire and Ariadne, have successfully captured the runaways and arrested them. Trials and sentences are on their way, however, the members responsible for the attack are expected to receive extremely harsh punishment.")

They…they were already…taken care of? Then…what could he-

("With the losses of the Assembly Petrification Massacre in our hearts and the culprits now behind bars, it is hoped that the tension building up over the last few days can start being put behind us.")

Put it…behind?

"Good riddance." Naruto looked over and saw a demon sharing a mug of ale with a Demi-human as they talked, "I hope they make those terrorist bastards burn for what they did. I've been getting dirty looks for the last few days because of the shit they caused."

"Man, I hope that starts to settle down." The lion-man said as he downed his drink and wiped his mouth, "Hey, I heard rumors that it was a suicide bombing. Do you think that's true?"

"No way! Heyla-sama was famously kindhearted and a pacifist! She never would have done something like that! The girl wasn't very strong for a high-ranking demon but she had a future in politics and helping people." The demon shook his head, "It's a damn shame she's been lost."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. Just bullshit getting spouted around. But how the hell did this even happen? What were the guards at the assembly thinking not giving her a proper checkup?"

"The guards at the assembly? What about the people guarding Heyla-sama? Look at what their shitty efforts did?!"

"Yeah you're right, they should be getting locked up with the terrorists."

"Seriously-"

He turned and walked away before he could hear anything else. Naruto pulled up the hood of his cloak and tugged the collar of it to hide most of his face. He kept walking to make his way to…

His way to…

Where was he going to go now? If the terrorists were caught…what else was there to do?

If he had looked in a mirror he would have seen how hollow and empty Naruto's usually vibrant blue eyes had become as he started marching forward with no destination in mind.

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

"Thanks, kid!" The lizard man said with a smile as he thanked the cloaked child while the villagers cheered as well, "That dragon was threatening our food supply and we didn't know what to do with it."

"No problem."

"But man, I can't believe a kid your age could handle a dragon all on your own!"

"It wasn't a very powerful dragon, or an old one either. Just a rowdy punk causing trouble. It won't be back for a while." As the village elder handed him his payment, he separated it into two before handing back half of it, "Here you go."

The lizard elder seemed startled by the gesture, "But you did the job."

"Yeah, but it wasn't as difficult as your request made it sound. So I don't think I should get the full thing." The elder seemed reluctant but took the other half and graciously nodded his head. He returned it with a small nod before turning away-

"Wait, is there anything else we can do for you? You can stay the night if you want."

Naruto tugged the face mask covering the lower half of his face up before shaking his head, "That's okay. I don't-"

His stomach grumbled and interrupted him.

"Oh, you're hungry!" The chief laughed heartily, "Well please allow us to give you a full meal! Considering it the other half of your payment instead of the Drachma!"

His first instinct was to just deny the offer and be on his way. He didn't want to risk people knowing who he was and he'd have a hard time eating without showing much of his face.

On the other hand, it had been a while since he had a meal that didn't consist of rations and snacks for travel.

Naruto relented and thanked the elder before joining him and his people for a meal.

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

It was more of the same after that.

He needed a break from the big jobs in the capital cities and he didn't just want to go back for training or rest as the others wanted. This hadn't been his initial plan but traveling Mundus Magicus and doing jobs where he could was more calming than he expected.

More details about the events leading to the petrification bombing had started to come out as the days went by. Details like the terrorists' names, motives, and backgrounds. The survivors of the attack were trying to push their agenda now that they had the public's support. And Heyla's guards, including the mercenaries, guards, and himself that had been hired to protect her. And as expected the response had been between gratitude for a job that couldn't have been easy to blame the whole debacle on them.

It didn't exactly make him want to come back any sooner.

He kept his face mask on to avoid any attention or anyone recognizing him. Plus with the bandage he still applied over his cheek to his ear there wasn't much of his face left to see. So he traveled from place to place, not giving a name and offering any help he could to their problems. Ranging from magical beast disposal to warding off thugs to just collecting groceries. It wasn't the most exciting work but…

Since Ala Rubra disbanded he had spent so much time in the cities following the lead of Takamichi and others to gain a name and experience. And when he wasn't trying to establish himself as a warrior that can handle the rough jobs then he was training either with other Mages or with Rakan when he could find him.

This…felt like the first time he had seen the world he now lived in.

Just walking along the ground and seeing how people lived their lives every day. He had always been so hyper and ready to get involved with the big guns and events in this world that he never appreciated just how nice it was to step away from it.

Be around people that just lived theirs every day away from the urgency and frantic mess of the populated areas. He'd like to spend a little more time out here.

Rakan had joined Takamichi in asking Kyūbi for his location. He'd even threatened the fox with numerous annoying pranks and tortures like scratching his snout with a pepper cane. But the demon fox refused to relent and kept his mouth shut.

Rakan seemed to understand this as a sign that Naruto wanted to be alone and let it be. But Takamichi couldn't stop worrying about it.

He appreciated both of their responses but it didn't urge him to return. Honestly…he wasn't sure he wanted to go back.

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

"Dammit!" One thug yelled in bubbling irritation as he swung his blade rapidly in an attempt to catch the speedy little blur jumping around him, "Someone, take this little shit out!"

One of the other thugs picked herself up with a groan before aiming her hand in the direction of the cloaked child, "Fulguratio-"

Before she could finish her incarnation, the boy lashed his hand out and threw a black and red stick her way. It slammed into the back of her hand, halting her spell from releasing and knocking her hand aside. The stick suddenly shifted form into a black and red chain that wrapped around her wrist. And before she could do anything it suddenly became so heavy it slammed her and her arm into the ground, "Ah! T-This thing weighs a ton!"

"That's his main weapon!"

"Get him!"

With his artifact now pinning the Mage to the ground, the other two fighters tried to take advantage of him being disarmed. But unfortunately despite these guys being pretty skilled and fast, they were nowhere near Rakan's speed during their sparring matches.

Naruto easily flipped around and avoided the bandits' blades. In the flurry of slashes and dodging, the blond boy dropped down into a split and let the sword sail over his head harmlessly. He spun around, latching his foot around the knee of one of his attackers and knocking them off balance. His other foot spun in and slammed against the back of his attacker's head to floor him completely.

Naruto kicked back up to his feet and blocked the punch to his head. The last bandit standing was a hulking brute of a man, a Demi-human that was the muscle of the crew and their best fighter. Despite his bulky body, he was fast and precise with his movements. Naruto had to slam his fists into the larger man's wrists each time his punch came sailing towards him, knocking the incoming fists off course in a speedy exchange of attacks.

Naruto focused on his artifact, drawing the black and red chain off the wrist of the caster and back into his hands. It shifted into a curved knife as he dodged the staggering punch of the giant bandit. He stabbed the karambit into the bandit's wrist and heard him howl in pain before digging his foot into the hulk's gut with a Ki-infused kick.

"T-This is not worth it!" The caster called out to the knife-wielder and the hulk as they nursed their injures and picked themselves up, "Just run!"

As the bandits ran away in panic, the masked blond whispered Abeat as his artifact disappeared. Once it was all done he pocketed his card and turned back to the frightened little family of demons that had been raided by the bandits. They still looked alarmed as he stepped up to their carriage.

A masked boy showing up to fight for them in the middle of nowhere probably wasn't the most trustworthy thing, but Naruto nodded to them, "Are you all okay?"

"Y-Yes." The mother nodded, "Thank you."

"Can we - r-repay you somehow?" The father asked, "I might have some Drachma-"

Naruto raised his hand to stop them, "Just passing by. That's not necessary."

"B-But we need to thank you-"

"You don't-"

"Ugnnnnnhhhhhhh." A quiet sob came from the back of the caravan. The father stopped trying to hand him the Drachma he believed he owed and went back to find a little demon girl curled up in the wagon, "Papa."

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"I hate it out here. I don't understand why we have to move. Can we go back home?"

"We…we can't darling. Our home…it isn't safe right now."

"But we weren't with those bad demons, right? Can't we just tell people that?"

"I…I don't think they'd believe us."

"But that's not fair!"

Before they could finish talking and address him again, Naruto started on his way again. He kept walking until the little demon girl's whimpering and sobs weren't even audible to him anymore.

That didn't stop his hand from gripping his bag's strap so tightly he nearly tore through it. Or how wide and shaky his eyes were as he thought about the frightened family's plight…and why they had to leave in the first place.

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

Sitting by an open fire, he stared at the dancing flames as his lizard cooked over the heat. And as he waited for his meal to finish he balanced the black and red ball on his fingertips. As he watched it bounce over his hand he then willed it to change.

It landed on his fingers and almost appeared to liquefy until it covered his forearm and hardened into a perfectly fitted gauntlet. With a flick of his wrist, the gauntlet shifted into a small knife in his grasp. The knife grew into a longer and heavier katana that he spun around. And finally, it changed into a gargantuan broadsword that he spiked into a tree that nearly cleaved it in two.

How many innocent demons were displaced from their homes because of the Tristan incident? How long would it be until things could go back to normal and be better for people again?

How much of it was solely his fault?

The young Mage looked across the billowing fire and thought back to a time when he sat in a spot just like this. Around a roaring fire with loud, unruly adults and friends that brightened up the night. People he never believed he would have been around when he was back in the village but had taken him in when he came to this new world and showed him what he could be.

When he had witnessed Ala Rubra working together and fighting their enemies, it seemed like anything was possible. Gateau and Takamichi were always so composed. Eishun was always so capable. Al never let anything get him flustered or worried. Rakan did the impossible every time he felt like it. Arika was the unflappable queen. And Nagi was the perfect hero everyone looked up to.

Everyone in the world looked up to and admired them. It was impossible not to hear about their exploits and victories that saved the entire world. Hell, they had fan clubs that were still growing to this day! Their struggles and heroics fueled legends and inspired new generations of people that wanted to be just like them.

And he had been blessed to witness them firsthand. To receive their guidance and mentorship before they all separated. And even after that he still met with Rakan so very often and got to work with Takamichi when he came over to this world. Working alongside them…traveling with them…seeing them fight firsthand…had made him believe he could stand at their level and do what they did.

He was wrong. It wasn't that easy…and now he had to live with the consequences.

Did they ever doubt themselves? Believe they had failed and that the mistake was all on them? The way they acted made it seem like doubt was the farthest thing on their mind. But if they ever did…how did they deal with it?

It was only then that Naruto remembered the story of Ostia. The kingdom lost on the last day of the war. And the person the people called the Queen of Calamity.

Ostia…the land Lady Arika seemed to have failed.

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

This place was barred from entry for basically everyone. If they found him down here then he would probably be arrested and tried for trespassing on sacred ground. There wouldn't be many people happy that he was walking along with the ruins of a once prosperous kingdom.

There was something about this land that just felt…off. He had heard that the magic in this place was disrupted and wouldn't be normal again until 2 decades after the tragedy occurred. And he could tell that it wasn't time yet because while the rest of this world had a certain air to it brimming with magic…this place felt devoid and lifeless.

By history's account the Queen of Calamity, Arika Anarchia Entheofushia, the last queen of Vespertatia, caused the collapse of Ostia after killing her father and working with Cosmo Entelecheia. Yet from the mouths of people that lived in Ostia while it still flew through the air she was the perfect and benevolent monarch that loved and cherished her people.

He only knew the strict but kind woman that looked out for him as one of the few sane people in a crowd of maniacs. He had no idea about Ostia or her history in this world until he was older and she had disappeared. He thought about asking Rakan for the details but it just seemed wrong to drudge up a past they seemed to just let lie.

But didn't that prove his point? Wasn't Ostia to them what Tristan and the assembly were to him? And if it was…how did they move on from it?

Naruto sat down on a boulder and just stared out into the misty, foggy distance. Looking at the miles of ruins stretched out in every direction that used to be the homes and capital of a kingdom he'd never seen.

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

After a few more days of wandering around the ruins of Ostia and then back into the wilderness, Naruto felt exhausted. He felt tired and something at the back of his head was aching. He wondered if he should just head back and meet the others again. But that wasn't it.

He didn't want to stay in the magic world right now. Something told him he should go and visit a place he hadn't seen in years.

Walking through the gate port in Megalosmeria and going through the proper practices, he stood by as the ground started to glow and they were teleported into a completely different world.

After the light had disappeared Naruto found himself standing in a wide, grassy field surrounded by pillars of stone prepared in a strange formation. It was some kind of landmark in this country that the magically unaware had no idea what it stood for.

The old world.

He hadn't been back here in a long time. Not since he was allowed to stay with Nagi and Arika when they came back home. Since they had disappeared he had spent years over in Mundus Magicus without a second thought to the old world. Without them here it seemed like nothing was connecting him and this old place.

But now he just…well he wasn't quite sure what he was feeling. He just wanted to step away from it all for a bit and see what this world had to offer.

But first, he had to see it. He had to see it for himself.

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

Scotland. A little village so small it didn't even have a proper name. And this place was probably on lockdown too. But just like in Ostia that wasn't enough to stop him from looking around.

Ruined houses and scorched earth and petrified remains littered the once beautiful countryside of this lush land. What must have been a once gorgeous landscape that was now marred and ravaged by the demons' attack? This place would be sectioned off for as long as it stood…

Which was a shame because it seemed…so peaceful otherwise. The village lay in ruin but the space around it was untouched. Morning dew sat on blades of grass as small patches of snow still resided under the shadow of the trees. As he walked along the side of the pond he noticed this world was starved for magic in the air compared to Mundus Magicus. And yet the wind was so crisp and clear that it was delightful just to be in.

Something caught the corner of his eye as he passed by. Kneeling and picking it up he found a little wizard's cap. So small it probably only fit the head of a child. He gently wiped the dirt and smudged off it before looking out over the pond to see the village.

If there was a child here, they would have seen everything terrible happening to their village from here. What could they have done in the face of something so terrible?

This was Nagi's homeland. He talked about these beautiful fields and mountains and wanted to show them to Naruto when they had the time. And now instead it was ground zero for one tragedy after another.

It…wasn't fair.

His hands went stiff and his breathing came out in short gasps as he remembered the feeling of powerlessness while watching the assembly's people crumble to dust.

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

He had made his way to Japan for the first time in years. He'd visited a few times with Nagi and Arika but never enough for an extended visit.

This was the place in the old world most resembling his original home. The language. The culture. The history. It was the closest comparison he had to Konoha and the land he felt most familiar with outside of Mundus Magicus. Of course, that didn't mean enough for him to come and visit at all in the years since then. But now it seemed like such a missed opportunity.

Passing by a convenience store in a building's base he walked in and marveled at all the food options and other things on offer. So many people go about their day and purchase items in a hurry. It all looked so good that he couldn't stop licking his lips behind his mask. Fortunately, he wasn't getting any weird looks because some other people were walking around in masks as well.

As he walked around the store something caught his eye. He saw a rack of magazines that other customers were perusing as well. And as he peeked around his eyes landed on a magazine with colorful characters adorning the front.

A manga?

The young blond picked it off the shelf and opened it up to the newly released chapter of some series he'd never heard of before. He had no idea who the characters were or what the story was but…for some reason looking over the page brightened his mood.

It reminded him of the manga he would receive from Eishun when he was a child. The stories would captivate him to read and experience more, even when real crazy heroes like Nagi and Rakan lived in his life. It had been so long since he'd read a story-

"Hey, kid!" The clerk behind the counter called out and somehow Naruto knew it was addressing him, "This ain't a library!"

"Sorry!" Naruto apologized, quickly closing the magazine and preparing to place it back on the rack. But he hesitated before sticking it under his armpit instead. He noticed some packages of instant ramen and felt his belly grumble. He grabbed one as well before making his way to the counter.

With some instant ramen in hand and a new manga to enjoy, Naruto remembered why he came to Japan in the first place.

Eishun lived here.

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

The forests and wilderness of Kyoto were majestic in a way the hustle and bustle of Tokyo couldn't match. If it was because the new capital was brimming with life then Kyoto had the beauty of tranquil peace. There were still plenty of people there but there was also so much greenery and nature to explore.

If he remembered correctly Eishun lived somewhere in Kyoto. He just had to look around for the gifted swordsman and he'd find his old friend again. He was happy at the thought of seeing Eishun after all these years. And his family and home would be here too so he could-

Naruto felt a pull on the back of his consciousness and knew Kyūbi was reaching out. Focusing on the tug he answered the call of his vulpine companion, "Yeah?"

"Just relieved to know you're answering. So you're in the other world, right? The boring one?"

"That's right."

"Wow, I knew our connection ran deep but I didn't know it could permeate through worlds like this. I'm sure that kind of communication would be appreciated by just about anyone who could get their hands on it."

"Yeah well try not to broadcast it too much. Otherwise, they'll dissect you and we wouldn't want that."

"You saying that because you care or because I might die and you'd die too?"

"Yes."

"Smartass. So where are you now?"

"Kyoto."

"Right, and for foxes that haven't been over there in years that would be where?"

"Japan. I'm looking for Eishun-San."

"Oh yeah, Eishun did live somewhere around there, didn't he?"

"Yep, and I wanna see him again."

"Well, that's good. What will you do when you find him?"

"Say hey. Talk about what's happened since we last met. Maybe get some training in. And his family is supposed to be here so I wouldn't mind meeting them either."

"Sounds boring but whatever floats your boat. You should talk to him about stuff."

"I plan to." Naruto jumped over a trunk root, "There are some things I want to ask him about." As he walked along he started to slow down, "Things about the missions he and Ala Rubra completed and…and," He came to a stop, "And if he ever failed to…"

"Brat?"

If he did find Eishun and struck up a conversation, then what? Was he going to ask him what it was like for him and the others to fail? What did they fail to do? How do they move on?

Was that all there was to this visit? For him to come running to the adults like a frightened, scared child in over his head? Hadn't he promised to face life with his head held high and continue their efforts and heroics in their absence? Was this the extent of it? One fuck up and he comes back crying?

And even if he did talk with Eishun what would that solve? The demons that initiated the attack got what they wanted. The innocent demons that roamed the world were now being looked at with doubt and fear. And all the poor souls that had been lost or caught up in the crossfire were still affected…gone…

Heyla-

Naruto shut his eyes and shivered as the sensations of that moment in the petrified ruins of the assembly washed over him again. The coarse dust in the air had been parts of a person. The screams of civilians outside that had been rocked by the attack. The sweet, ambitious demon girl that had shattered in his arms…

"You're not there. Calm down. Just remember-"

"I know!" He yelled through gritted teeth as he weathered through the tremor. When he opened his eyes he looked around at the forest and tried to settle himself in it again. His breathing came out in a faint pant as he pulled the mask off his face and gasped for more air.

"Brat, that's enough now. Just come-"

Naruto cut off the connection with Kyūbi as silence returned to his mind. The young whiskered boy caught his breath before standing back up. He looked in the direction he had been heading, further into the woods to maybe find some indication of Eishun's home in Kyoto. But instead, he hesitated and stepped back.

Fixing his mask over his mouth again he trekked into the forest aimlessly.

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

Sitting by the fire as his mug of water heated over it, Naruto read through the weekly manga he picked up. He still couldn't fully comprehend their story arcs because he was coming in on them so late but reading them did calm him down. He didn't feel nearly as tense as he did earlier when he had that episode.

He hoped that would be a passing thing. Oh please don't let that be something that sticks.

With the smell and heat of steam coming out of the boiling cup of water, Naruto closed his manga and grabbed some cup of ramen. Licking his mouth behind his mask he poured the boiling water in and closed it so that it could cook in 3 minutes.

The young Mage couldn't sit patiently as his leg bounced in excitement-

"Adeat."

He whispered as a black and red knife slipped into his hand out of sight. Remaining quiet and focused on the ramen he waited to see how his new visitor would react. As the seconds passed by he realized that the interloper was watching him but hiding like they were still unnoticed. He let out a sigh before shifting in his seat.

He stared into the darkness in the direction he knew someone stood. And that seemed to be the catalyst for them to walk out and meet him. It was a short young girl - even younger than him - facing him with a nodachi so large it might have been even longer than her. The girl had a stern look on her face and her brown hair done up into a side ponytail.

She just stared Naruto down as he matched her glare with one of his own. She stepped forward, "Who are you?"

He stared her down, "Shouldn't you be introducing yourself first?"

"This land isn't welcoming to trespassers. Especially not to ones who are more than they let on." She reached down and grabbed the hilt of her sword, drawing out the first inch of it to emphasize her point, "Tell me your reason for coming to Kyoto."

He paused before shaking his head, "No reason now."

She blinked in confusion before glaring at him, "That's not a good enough excuse! These lands are protected and we will not allow intruders. So please, either comply or surrender."

He didn't even bother responding to her. She took that as a slight refusal to cooperate. And with that, she knew what she had to do.

Rushing forward she drew out her blade and swung at him with the flat side of her sword. But before it could land the knife in Naruto's hand extended into a sword, blocking her sword from landing. Her eyes widened seeing the blade shift size before she resolved to push on.

Naruto jumped to his feet as his artifact and her sword clashed. Sparks flew in the air as their swords countered and struck each other at speeds so fast that normal people would only see blurs. The blade Naruto could imagine might have been shorter and duller compared to hers, but he could tell that he had an advantage with speed and skill. But she was remarkably adaptable and was getting sharper with each swing.

He caught her blade on the hilt of his sword before making a quick dash in, dragging his weapon along the length of her sword before he ended up right in front of her. Her eyes widened and she jumped back in time with his shoulder blow. She went sailing back and jammed her feet into the ground to slow herself down.

Naruto could tell he was stronger and more experienced than this girl. If she didn't understand that from their exchange then he wasn't going to waste words.

But instead of the dismayed look of resignation he expected, her eyes opened with hardened resolve. Something he wasn't expecting from a little swordswoman even younger than him. She drew her sword to her side and took a stance.

A stance he was all too familiar with.

"Is that-"

"Shinmei-Ryu Ougi:-"

The young sword practitioner exclaimed as her Ki flared up in preparation for her attack. The ground and leaves around her upturned from her swell of power.

As well as the bonfire he had lit.

And the ramen that had almost finished.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He exclaimed so loudly that it startled the girl out of her attack as he dropped his sword and fell to his knees, "MY RAMEN! THAT WAS MY DINNER!"

"O-Oh." Startled by his sudden change in demeanor, she couldn't help but lower her sword in flustered confusion, "I-I'm sorry-"

"And it landed on my manga too! I didn't finish reading it yet!" He turned to look back at her as his heartbreak bled through his voice, "How could you?!"

"I'm sorry!" She panicked and bowed her head, "I-I didn't mean to ruin your meal and your magazine! I'm so sorry!"

The exchange of blows had all but been forgotten.

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

Around a newly constructed bonfire, Naruto sat with the young sword practitioner in silence. He held his manga upside down so that the water would hopefully drip out and leave it somewhat eligible. And as he did he made sure to send some not-so-conspicuous looks of contempt over at the girl who caused the mishap.

The way she squirmed and buckled under his glare told him it was working. She lowered her gaze and mumbled, "I-I didn't mean to ruin your dinner…o-or your manga."

"And yet now it smells like broth."

"I'm sorry!" She exclaimed, her guilt welling up as she bowed her head in a seiza, "I didn't mean to ruin your things! But if you had just cooperated and spoke clearly with me-"

"So I'm just supposed to go along with every scary girl threatening me with a sword?"

"S-Scary?" She seemed to balk at the accusation before frowning at him, "W-Well if you hadn't trespassed on Kyoto grounds uninvited then you wouldn't have been suspected of illicit behavior!"

"So you just stop and glare at everyone that comes to Kyoto? I'm surprised people still come here."

"Only when they're sneaking around and concealing weapons!"

The two children argued and bickered a little longer before they decided to sit in silence. She just glowered in silence and looked at the ground as Naruto stared at the fire.

"I," He spoke up and got her attention as he sighed, "I came here because I wanted to meet somebody…but now I've decided that I'm not going to see them. So I guess I'm just staying out here to…damn, I don't know. But whatever you thought I was planning to do out here, I'm not." She seemed to believe that he'd abandoned his original plan but it was clear from her unease that she wasn't sure what else he would do, "What are you doing out here exactly?"

"Training." She reached out and touched her nodachi, "I wanted to come out here and hone my techniques after my master gave me some time off."

"She gave you time off from training…which you're using for training?" He deadpanned as she frowned and turned her nose up in response, "Whatever."

"I have a lot of ground to cover and I can't waste any time." She answered sternly, picking up her sword to look down at it, "I'm only a few years into my training and still have so much ground to cover. And as that little spat with you earlier has proven there is still a lot of room to grow."

Naruto was still miffed and quiet about the sequence of events that messed up his night but he couldn't help the little swell of joy in his chest hearing someone say they had to measure up to him. Being surrounded by older and more capable Mages all the time made him feel like he was lacking. Knowing someone wanted to match up to him…

"Uh-hum," He coughed to dispel the pink on his cheeks under his mask, "Well, good luck I guess."

She solemnly nodded before standing back up. With her sword at her side, she looked across at Naruto, "My name is Setsuna by the way."

He looked up at her and nodded before looking back to the flame. She seemed to take that as a sign that he wasn't looking to give his name back. She turned away and started to walk…

"I don't know what you're doing here, but if you are just camping for now then I suggest you do it elsewhere." She said as she started to walk away, "We probably won't meet again so good night and safe travels."

He watched her fade into the darkness before focusing on his bonfire again. If they were fortunate they wouldn't see each other again.

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

Naruto walked back through the forest with a bag of stuff he got at the store. Quite a few things had caught his eye in the store and he wasn't going to pass up the chance to try them. Especially now that he was free from that nosy-

"Ha! Ha!" He stopped and looked to the side as he saw a figure blur by with a blade in hand. Setsuna focused solely on her sword form as with a loud yell she gave a sharp swing, "HYAH!"

She froze when she realized that Naruto had stopped to watch her practice. And a subtle rush of wind ran over him from the force of her sword swing.

His bag fell apart after the sharp wind slashed it open and spilled the contents along the forest floor.

"Oh."

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

Setsuna put her sword away and tried to focus on the unarmed aspect of her training that her master had started to teach her. Dropping into a horse stance the young girl stood in front of a tree and took a deep breath.

Her hands blurred forward as she started to strike and punch the base of the tree in rapid succession. She wasn't so much focused on power as she was on form and speed. The blows she threw chipped the bark off the tree and reduced it to splinters-

"Hey! I'm taking a nap up here! Can you-"

Setsuna looked up and found Naruto resting along the branches. They stared at each other in silence…

"Oh."

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

Okay…she was getting miffed. She was trying to focus on her training but that boy kept showing up at every corner. It was ridiculous! How in the world was she supposed to train when that weird recluse kept popping up all over the place?

Was he doing it on purpose? Actively going out of his way to find and meet her whenever she was practicing so he could muck things up? Was it all just to get back at her for the ramen and manga mishap?

The ponytailed girl sighed as she stood by the edge of the pond and waterfall. She put her sword aside and started to undo her hakama as she prepared to take a soak in the water. She had been doing a lot of training and worked up a sweat that she needed to wash off. As she cast her clothes aside the young swordswoman walked into the cold water.

She shivered from the chill going up to her body before she grew accustomed to it. With a sigh of relief, she cupped a handful of water and rubbed it over her arm. Feeling the relief of her sweat and fatigue starting to fade, she moved further into the pond to dip more of her body into it.

She dreamily closed her eyes and reveled in the water before opening them again.

And saw the naked backside of a blond boy running some water through his hair. Setsuna paused in frozen shock as she watched him clean himself in the water.

He paused for a moment and when he turned around the masked boy found her staring at him in horror. They simply watched each other for several moments in silence.

He covered his breasts, "K-Kyaaaaa!"

"Why are you the one screaming?!" She immediately responded.

"I-I don't know. That's what happens in the manga when someone walks in on another person bathing." He awkwardly answered, covering his lower body as well so she didn't get a look, "S-Should I hit you now?"

"I'd rather you didn't!" She said with a red face and quickly turned away before ducking her head back in the water. After a moment she popped back up and made sure to focus out on the forest, "I-I'm sorry about that. I didn't know you were washing up in here as well. I'll get out-"

"It's fine." He said indifferently while focused on washing, "If you need to wash off then just do it."

"B-But I haven't bathed with a stranger before!"

"You've never bathed in a bathhouse before?" His counterpoint left her speechless as he shrugged, "Well there, you've probably done it before."

"B-But...I haven't bathed with a boy before."

"Well, it's nothing special."

His lack of concern left her feeling like she was taking this too seriously. She spared him a look back and saw that he wasn't looking her way or bothered at all with bathing in the same place as her. Was she the weird one? She had never been bothered or worried about these kinds of things when she had taken baths with her mistress a few years prior, but now she was agitated and felt uneasy. What was wrong with her?

Deciding to quell those strange feelings, Setsuna instead focused on her bath. She took the string that tied her hair to the side and pulled it out, letting her hair fall to her shoulders unhindered. With a sigh, she resumed cleaning her body and tried to pay no mind to the boy that bathed with her just a few feet away.

Despite her misgivings, she did spare a look back at the boy she was sharing the bath with. Most of his lower body was in the water thankfully, though she did spy a little bit of butt that made her feel embarrassed. But what quickly drew her attention were some faint scars on his back.

She looked away again, "Are you a mercenary?"

"Why would you bring that up while we're bathing?" She frowned at his response, "But no, I'm not. I'm an entry-level member of a humanitarian organization along with a friend of mine."

"Well, the work must be tough if you have scars like that."

"Well, actually my master is more of a hands-on kind of teacher. He believes I learn better by doing instead of instruction. What about you?"

"I can understand my master's instruction very well, but it still takes me a while to perfect the techniques to match her example. And I'm leagues behind her in power output. I have a ways to go."

"Well, you're already pretty good for a beginner from the exchange we had." She felt pleased to be complimented like that, "But what I meant was if you were doing anything? Are you just a student right now?"

"I was a bodyguard." Setsuna admitted, "I'm supposed to protect someone very dear to me but I couldn't."

"Are they…"

"No, they're alive." Setsuna confessed, "But they nearly died because of me. I was supposed to protect them but I was so complacent and easygoing that I failed to save them and nearly died as well." She ran some water over her hand and looked down at the water forlornly, "I have to train and focus again. When I take up my duty once more, I can't risk failing like that."

"I've been on a few jobs but the last one I took recently was probably the biggest. The most important." Setsuna listened as the blond boy talked, "I was asked to protect someone and deliver them safely to their destination. It wasn't easy and there were losses along the way, but I did it. I rescued her, got her where she needed to go, and kept her safe. I thought…"

Setsuna spared a look back and saw that his hand had lowered into the water and was trembling as he spoke, "It went wrong. It all went wrong. And every time I think it can't get worse…I find out something new or hear something awful. It just…it won't stop." He turned to look back at her, "So I understand. Not wanting the same mistake to repeat itself."

Setsuna turned slightly to face him more directly. She covered her chest, still modest and embarrassed to be in this situation, but a little more at ease after speaking to him. She looked at him-

Her eyes widened, "Y-Your mask! And your bandages!" He touched the one on his face and the one on his chest, "You kept them on?!"

"W-Well yeah, wouldn't it be bad for recovering injuries to dip in pond water?"

"It's bad if your bandages get wet and stick to your wounds! Get them off, quick!"

"Okay, okay." He raised his hands before reaching for the bandage on his chest and the mask around his mouth, "I'm pretty sure these have healed by now." He pulled off the string around his mouth-

He and Setsuna both froze as they felt something approaching from a distance. Without even sharing a word they grabbed their clothes and rushed out of the pond.

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

A group of Yōkai stalked through the thicket of the forest. One of the five looked to the others, "And you're sure this is the location of the old world's Shinmei-Ryu base?"

"Positive." One of the other Yōkai said, "We can't reach the Tōgen school in the magic world while things are going on over there, but we'll have better luck here." He smirked, "If we seal the school away in a time-space barrier then they'll remain frozen in place. We can claim control of this land and this entire island before anyone can even get the chance to break through that barrier."

"And we're sure they're the only threat we'd have on this island?"

"Well there might be this school-"

"Stop right there!"

The Yōkai stopped as a young blond and brunette duo appeared and slid to a stop in front of them. Naruto only had time to slip back into his pants while Setsuna had haphazardly pulled her loose hakama over herself. She stood defiantly in front of the Yōkai, "You have plans for the Shinmei-Ryu school, don't you? Well, we won't let you come any closer!"

The Yōkai stared at them in silence. Setsuna shuffled uncomfortably under their silent gaze before one of the Yōkai turned to his companions, "Did we…do you think we interrupted their alone time?"

"Wha-"

"They must have been in such a rush they couldn't get dressed."

"W-We aren't-"

"But aren't they pretty young?"

"Humans are developing younger and younger it seems."

"We're not like that!" Setsuna screeched before looking over at the blond boy for assistance. The way his eyes hadn't changed at all showed he wasn't bothered by their musings. Was she the weird one?! Had being around her teacher after her wedding changed her perspective as a child that much?! Setsuna shook her head with a red face, "Stop trying to distract us! You're here for the school, aren't you?"

"That we are." The lead Yōkai stepped forward and nodded, "We aren't going to kill anyone so you don't need to worry about that. But we are hoping to hold them back while we take control of this island. So, children, you should stand aside before anything happens. You can run now while you have the chance, but if you try to interfere and pass a warning, we'll have to incapacitate you now."

Setsuna narrowed her eyes and drew her katana before taking her stance. She focused on the Yōkai in front of her before whispering to her side, "This is a matter for the Shinmei-Ryu school. You don't have to get involved."

She was right. He was a complete newcomer to this and had no stake in it. Most people probably would have walked away before they got involved in something over their heads.

But if he did…and that caused something like Tristan to happen again…

"No way." Naruto fiercely shook his head and stood firmly in front of the Yōkai. He grabbed the bandage over the left side of his chest and tore it off, revealing the fresh claw scars that marked him now. Tossing it aside he faced his enemies directly, "I will not turn away. Not from another tragedy or mishap occurring. Not again."

"Child, that is a noble and heroic sentiment…" One Yōkai said as he extended his hands until they were sharp as blades. His comrades quickly fell into place alongside him, "But it's those who hold such sentiments that unfortunately fall the hardest…"

Setsuna raised her sword in preparation while Naruto lowered his stance.

They all disappeared in a flash.

Setsuna crossed blades with the Yōkai leader while dodging a strike from his female subordinate. And Naruto landed a strong punch into the face of a large Yōkai, blocking another's punch while leaping over the sweeping kick of the last one.

The two youngsters quickly engaged in a rapid exchange of blows with the Yōkai. Despite her small frame and thin arms, Setsuna's blade disappeared in a blinding flash of silver that forced the two Yōkai to dodge or retreat. When she forced the Yōkai leader to step back his subordinate rushed in to take her chance. But Setsuna switched her sword in her grasp and pivoted around to swing at her instead. Her training shined through excellently in the moments when her movements and form were so precise and flawless that her foes had no other choice but to evade.

In contrast, Naruto's fighting style was rough and unrefined. A series of movements and attacks that he had found suited him in combat through experience. He stomped his foot on the ground, cracking the earth and upsetting the Yōkais' balance before they could swarm him. He buried his fist in the stomach of one Yōkai to send it flying before catching the punches of the other two.

Setsuna parried the claw hands of the Yōkai leader and slipped aside as he passed by. The female Yōkai turned to attack her as well before Setsuna twisted around, "Shinmei-Ryu Ougi: Zankūsen!"

A circle blast of Ki was released from her blade and slashed the female Yōkai down as the Yōkai leader guarded against the Ki strike. As she fell back, the leader laughed and rushed at Setsuna with excitement twisting his face. He swung his clawed hands as quickly as he could to overwhelm her and forced Setsuna on the back foot.

"HA!" With a pulse of Ki rushing through his body, Naruto lifted the Yōkai by their hands and slammed them together before spiking them into the ground. He took a moment to catch his breath before he heard the sound of something crashing against metal. Looking over he saw Setsuna being pushed back by the leader's speedy thrusts. He turned to help her-

Setsuna blocked the claws of his strike but kept the Yōkai's arm against her sword. She slid along the length of his arm and rushed into his guard before she landed a fierce elbow strike into his chest. He was knocked back off his feet before she raised her katana and brought it down on him, "Zanganken!"

"GAAAH!" The leader cried out as a bloody slash appeared from his shoulder down to his stomach.

Naruto watched her land the attack and smirked behind his mask. She copied the move he used on her during their first skirmish. Heh, she had a lot of talent for someone so young.

The Yōkai leader stumbled back before finding his footing and standing strong. A rush of power started to pour out of him as his muscles tensed and his claws sharpened. Setsuna's eyes widened in surprise as he rushed at her and prepared to attack.

Setsuna raised her sword defensively.

Naruto rushed in and reached for his card to help her.

A beautiful white bird flew over their heads.

"Zanganken: Ni No Tachi!"

A flying blade of Ki passed through Setsuna and Naruto before cutting into the Yōkai. He let out one last howl of pain before falling back unconscious. The two youngsters looked at his defeated form in confusion.

"Ara ara, Setsuna-chan, you've gotten yourself into quite a pickle, haven't you?"

Naruto and Setsuna looked back to see two almost identical women standing with swords at their sides. One looked stern-faced while seeing the situation in front of her while the older woman smiled pleasantly while a white bird landed on her shoulder.

"Master! Senpai!" Setsuna called out in relief as she saw her teachers.

"We sensed a disturbance and came running over. I didn't expect to see you facing off with Yōkai. And with help too."

"Hehe, you know you're supposed to be relaxing right now, right Setsuna-chan? But you are a dutiful young lady so I won't hold it against you. However all you meanie Yōkai…" The older woman opened her eyes and revealed darkened irises as she drew her sword, "I'll have to punish you."

Naruto gulped and Setsuna shuddered in fear.

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

"Wow, quite a workout that was." The beautiful older woman smiled pleasantly while wiping her cheek, "I worked up a sweat. I'm getting rusty."

The five Yōkai that had set out to ensnare the Shinmei-Ryu school laid in a groaning heap after the thorough beating they had suffered. Naruto watched the unrelenting carnage with wide eyes and frozen shock. Setsuna had turned away, knowing just how scary it was to be on the receiving end of her punishment.

"Setsuna!" The more serious of the two women walked over and focused on her junior, "What were you doing out here facing down Yōkai!"

"I-I'm sorry Senpai! I came out here for independent training-"

"And who is this boy?" She turned her attention to the shirtless masked blond that had helped her junior, "What is he doing out here in Kyoto's wilderness? And," She turned back to Setsuna and paled, "Why are you in a state of undress?!"

Setsuna flushed red and pulled on her hakama, "I-It's not what you think!"

"I-I was afraid this would happen! Being around Onee-San has caused a terrible awakening-"

"Oho, my ears are burning~. Motoko-chan, what are you talking about~?"

"Eep!" The younger sister squealed and backed up, "N-Nothing, Onee-San!"

The older woman didn't look very convinced but just smiled and giggled, "Why don't you take Setsuna-chan home and get an idea of what happened?" She opened an eye and looked down at Naruto, "I'll stick around and speak with this young man."

Naruto didn't want to show any fear but he couldn't help gulping understand her scrupulous gaze. The other sister nodded and started to lead Setsuna away-

"W-Wait!" The little swordswoman stepped away from her senior and walked back over to face Naruto. She looked at the masked boy before bowing her head respectfully. When she raised it she spoke rapidly, "I just wanted to say thank you. I know we got off on the wrong foot and I ruined your dinner and your manga but it was enjoyable being able to speak with you. And I appreciate that you stood by my side here to help protect my school. I…I hope we can meet again."

She nodded once more to him and her master before running off to join her senior student. After they were gone it was just Naruto and the master Shinmei-Ryu practitioner.

"Hehe," Naruto looked up at the taller woman as she giggled behind her hand, "I love how sweet and earnest she is. And I should thank you for watching out for her and helping her when she needed it."

Naruto nodded, "No problem."

"But even so, I can't let you wander around these woods unsupervised anymore." She smiled while she spoke. He could have tried the same argument as when Setsuna brought up those points but he was afraid she wouldn't be so open to banter like that. The tension coming off her told him she didn't suffer nonsense, "Perhaps it's time for you to go home?"

"I can't go home." Naruto said as he picked up the shirt he had stuffed into his bag and started to put it on, "But I'll leave if you want me to."

"Why can't you go home exactly?"

Naruto looked up and saw her curious expression. He frowned before lowering his head, "I just can't."

"That's not what I asked, young man."

He sighed exhaustedly, "I…I failed to do something right back home and a lot of people got hurt because of it. And I can't back after that."

"Ah, the shame is too great, eh?" He grumbled and refused to meet her gaze again. But she nodded sympathetically, "That's kinda like what Setsuna-chan has been feeling."

"Because she nearly failed to protect someone, right?"

"She told you that?" The older woman smiled slyly, "She must trust you to an extent. Yes, she nearly failed in her duty and she won't forget about that misstep." The woman reached up and gently rubbed the feathers of her majestic white bird, "She's thrown herself into her training and promises that she won't meet her mistress again until she has adequately made up for her shortcomings."

Naruto quietly nodded his head. He understood that feeling. He felt like he couldn't face the magic world or his old friends again until he knew he was better.

"But that isn't the right way to think about it." Naruto blinked and looked up at the older woman, "No matter how hard it may feel or how awful the mistake may have been…the first step in fixing a problem is realizing that it is already done. And after you accept that, everything else is easy in comparison. She has to accept that she didn't protect Ojou-sama as she wanted. And you have to accept that whatever happened, happened."

It was hard. He still just wanted it to be some terrible illusion or dream that he could wake up from. To find out that none of it had been real.

"Once you've done that, you can take the proper steps to rectify the problem and make sure it doesn't happen again. Be smarter. Be better. And you can realize that the people you don't believe will forgive you…they'll be the ones that help you through it."

The older woman smiled down at him as he looked up at her thoughtfully. She turned and followed after her sister and student. And Naruto was left in the forests of Kyoto to consider her point.

He reached up to pull the mask off from around his mouth. And after that, he gently pulled off the bandage that covered his cheek and ear.

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

Naruto walked out of the gate port of Megalosmeria after finally returning home. He looked out over the cityscape and was glad to be back after his time away. Fixing his bag over his shoulder he started making his way out of the central area.

But he stopped when he felt a familiar presence at his side. He looked over and saw a giant man in a hooded garb standing by the wall with a five-tailed fox on his shoulder. He pushed off the wall and made his way over to meet the boy.

Naruto gave a small smile, "I'm back."

Rakan smirked under his hood, "About damn time. Had me worried there for a second."

Kyūbi stood up from the legendary mercenary's shoulder before jumping down to perch on Naruto's instead. The demon fox scoffed, "Took your sweet time, didn't you?"

"I had a lot on my mind I needed to work out."

"Did you?"

"Not all of it." Naruto shook his head before looking up at Rakan, "But I think it's about time I start getting back to work."

Rakan grinned and nodded at his young friend. He reached for Naruto's chin and turned his head aside to get a look at his cheek and ear. He whistled at the faint scars that ran diagonally from his whiskers to his ear, "You're going to look distinguished with a look like that."

"You think?"

"Hell yeah. Looking like a man now, even if you still got chubby baby cheeks." He pinched them for emphasis and got an angry groan from the whiskered boy. Rakan smirked and nodded aside, "C'mon, time to go. I'll treat you to something good."

"You won't use my savings for it, will you?"

"Don't ruin the treat kid."

Naruto huffed and followed along with his guardian and his partner as they made their way out of the bustling metropolis.

"Hey, Raka-Ji?"

"Yeah kid?"

"Have you ever screwed up or failed before?"

"You kidding! Of course I have! Little mistakes that make me blush like a schoolgirl. And big ones that haunt me in my dreams. And everything in-between. Why you ask?"

"No reason. Just wanted to know I was in good company." Naruto looked out towards the sun cresting the horizon, "It happened…I can't change that."

"Hmm? You okay kid?"

With a deep breath and a slow exhale, Naruto opened up his eyes and looked up at the older man, "I will be."

The hard part was over. Now the next part should be easy.

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

Done

So originally I thought about making this flashback after the Mahorafest for some added exposition and clarity about what Naruto went through back then. But after I wrote the previous two chapters the only thing that went through my head is…

Why did I think waiting that long would be a good idea?

It works a lot better giving context to what happened to Naruto after the demon attack. It clears up the nebulous connection I established between him and Setsuna earlier in the story. And it makes more sense to establish where his mindset came into form before any new changes or growth is established in future chapters.

Also very funny to add Tsuruko and Motoko into the story. Probably not the last time we'll see them.

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Thank You and Bye