Author's Note: This fanfiction is an exciting crossover between Naruto and Ambitions of Nobuna Oda. Brace yourself for an epic adventure that intertwines these two incredible worlds. While the possibility of a harem storyline exists, it will ultimately be shaped by the response of our beloved readers. So, join us on this thrilling journey and let your voice be heard
As the two companions strolled alongside the individuals they were tasked to accompany, they couldn't help but observe the mesmerized expressions on the faces of these teenage girls. It was evident that the beauty of the elemental nations had captivated them entirely. Among the group, a young girl named Nobuna seemed particularly intrigued by the vast forests and lush grasslands that adorned the Land of Fire. She often pondered why such natural wonders existed in a place with such a fiery name. Hector, being well-informed, promptly enlightened her. He explained that these elemental nations remained largely unknown to the rest of the world. They were lands where a unique form of energy, known as Chakra, was cultivated and utilized in everyday life.
As they continued their journey, Hiro took the opportunity to enlighten them about the extraordinary abilities possessed by the people they were traveling with. These individuals were not just ordinary ninjas, but rather, they had mastered the art of manipulating the elements themselves. Hiro, always eager to impress, showcased his skills by effortlessly disappearing and reappearing right beside them, almost like a bolt of lightning. One of the young women chimed in, mentioning how Hector had the unique ability to cook their food by breathing fire on the meat. "You see," Hiro explained, "we refer to ourselves as shinobi, but most people recognize us as ninjas. Your father entrusted us to be your guardians and guides on this journey, as it seems Nobuna is destined to meet someone of great importance in her future."
Nobuna sulked and complained that she had no control over the situation, as her father had made the arrangements long before she was even born. She had no clue if she would even like the person she was supposed to marry. This uncertainty made her anxious, as she feared her potential betrothed could be a complete disaster, like a total fool or a twisted pervert. Hiro reassured her, saying there was nothing to worry about. They were not far from the village where they would meet him, so she would soon find out for herself. Trying to divert the conversation and uplift her sister's spirits, Ouchi asked Hiro to describe the village.
Hiro shared with them the enchanting tale of a village nestled in the heart of a magnificent forest. The lush greenery and towering trees were so abundant that the village earned the name "The Village Hidden in the Leaves." This forest was truly a gift to the village, providing them with flowing streams, vast grasslands, and a serene lake that connected to the ocean through hidden underground currents. Remarkably, the forest served as a bountiful supplier of all their needs, offering materials for clothing, food, and even medicinal resources for those who knew where to find them. However, Hector was quick to caution that amidst its wonders, the forest also harbored dangerous creatures, earning its official name as the forest of death.
Hiro flashed a reassuring smile, aiming to alleviate their concerns. "Lady Oda, there's no need to worry. Both Hector and I grew up in that very place, and I can assure you that once we step foot inside the village walls, you'll be perfectly safe. Trust me, the sight of Hokage Mountain's grandeur will leave you in awe, leaving no room for any of these worries. The village is truly remarkable, and its people are some of the kindest souls you'll ever encounter. Personally, I can hardly wait to dine at the world's finest restaurant, where they serve a cuisine that I believe is fit for the gods themselves - Ramen."
Hector had no interest in listening to Hiro ramble on about Ramen for the next three hours. Instead, he decided to shift the conversation towards the village they were heading to. One of their companions asked about the Hokage, and Hector saw this as the perfect opportunity to divert Hiro's attention from his favorite food. "Let me tell you about the village we're going to," Hector began. "It's called the Fire Nation, one of the five elemental nations we're currently traveling through. The Hokage, also known as the Fire Shadow, is the leader of the shinobi who protects this nation. He's not just any shinobi though, he's the most powerful one in the village. And here's why it's important: Nobuna's betrothed is the son of a Hokage. So, rest assured, the person she's going to meet is far from being weak. I have a feeling she'll be quite impressed."
Mitsuhide, a young friend of Nobuna, was captivated by the mention of Ramen by Hiro. To her, the allure of this dish and the way it was prepared surpassed anything Hector was discussing. Hiro eagerly seized the opportunity to share the wonders of Ichiraku, painting it as a paradise for food lovers. He described the delectable ingredients, from the handcrafted noodles to the meticulous cultivation of each component. Intrigued, Katsuie, another young woman, questioned Hector about his friend's infatuation with this particular dish. Hector chuckled and explained that the owners of Ichiraku were known for their generosity, often providing meals to the less fortunate and even offering a daily meal to orphans. Growing up, both Hiro and Hector had the privilege of enjoying this food, but they also admired the kindness and benevolence of the Ichiraku staff. This was why Hiro considered Ramen to be the food of the gods, as it symbolized a heavenly place for both him and Hector.
Nagahide, a young woman, was curious about how the business could sustain itself while providing for the needy. Hector explained that their success was attributed to their astute knowledge of taxation and trade laws. By being generous and kind-hearted, they had earned a remarkable reputation within the village. Through positive word-of-mouth, their acts of kindness spread beyond the village, attracting more customers and boosting their business. Moreover, the food they donated was considered charitable donations, allowing them to claim tax exemptions and ultimately pay less to the local lord at the end of the year.
"Within the village, each and every person is a highly trained and skilled shinobi, a ninja in their own right. Despite not donning armor or carrying swords like Katsuie, they are far from defenseless or ignorant. They possess the capability to defend themselves and are astute strategists, employing their expertise in every facet of their existence. This is also why Nobuna's father insists on her visiting the person she will one day marry. He yearns for her to be inspired and enticed by their way of life, hoping she will embrace the opportunity to learn and grow."
Hanbei, despite being the youngest member of the group, was widely recognized as the master strategist. As she pondered over the situation, everything started to make perfect sense to her. She realized that this visit held a deeper significance for Nobuna than just spending time with her future husband. The prospect of uncovering hidden knowledge within the village walls had ignited Hanbei's curiosity, making her even more eager to reach their destination.
The village's perimeter was enclosed by an immense barrier, clearly constructed with the intention of safeguarding its inhabitants. As the group neared one of the entrances, a harsh voice reverberated, causing the young woman to quiver with apprehension. "Declare your names and purpose for entry," the voice demanded. Hiro strode confidently towards the gate, revealing two sentinels on duty. He handed them his identification card and spoke, "I am Hiro Namikaze, accompanied by Hector Uchiha. We are here to escort the esteemed lady of the Oda Clan, who desires to visit the village and meet her future betrothed. Let us not unnerve these delightful young ladies with such aloofness, I implore you."
The guards nodded in acknowledgement and assured them that their visit would be properly recorded as per the regulations. They were given permission to enter the village but were warned about the consequences they would face if they committed any crimes or caused harm to anyone within the village boundaries. Hector reassured them that this was just a standard procedure followed by the guards and should not be taken as a sign of personal animosity.
Before proceeding further, their first destination was the Hokage's office. It was imperative to inform the Hokage about the purpose of their long journey and assure him that they posed no danger to the village or its inhabitants. Otherwise, they would be subjected to constant ANBU surveillance, which could potentially cause inconvenience as time passed.
Upon entering the office, Hector and Hiro gracefully knelt down and greeted the Third Hokage. Hector, being a respectful individual, did not wish to show any disrespect, while Hiro, driven by his principles, refused to accept any special treatment. The young women who had been accompanying them were taken aback by this unexpected display of reverence. Despite their usual outspoken and confident nature, they couldn't help but show the utmost respect to this wise elder, as if they were knights paying homage to their king.
Hiro eagerly addressed the Hokage, relaying the details of their mission. According to their encounter with the Lord of the Oda Clan, it was revealed that a marriage contract had been established between him and Naruto's father. As a result, he requested their assistance in escorting his daughter, Lady Nobuna Oda, to meet her future husband. Hiro gestured towards Lady Oda and her entourage, explaining that they were her loyal followers. Understanding the importance of this union, Hiro suggested that Lady Oda should be provided with suitable accommodation and given the opportunity to acquaint herself with Naruto. Now, all they could do was wait for the Hokage's decision on this crucial matter.
"Hiro, you're spot on. It will definitely require some time for this young lady to get to know little Naruto. And let me reiterate, as the younger cousin of my student, there's no need for such formalities between us. I used to teach you and Hector during our academy days, for goodness' sake! I practically regard both of you as my own kin." Hiruzen gently put out his pipe and neatly placed it in the drawer where he kept his tobacco. As he approached Nobuna, he couldn't help but be delighted, admiring her courageous attitude.
"Nobuna, I am well aware of the contract and its purpose, as Minato had informed me about it a long time ago. However, I must admit that Naruto has already endured numerous tragedies in his upbringing. His parents are no longer alive, and the village has treated him with a level of harshness that surpasses my expectations. Naruto is far from being naive or spoiled, contrary to what you have been telling your friends. How do I know this? Well, it's quite simple. I overheard your conversation through my mystical crystal ball. This powerful tool allows me to eavesdrop on any discussion that may impact my people, particularly one of my ninjas like Naruto."
Nobuna's eyes narrowed as she gazed at the man before her. Rumors of his immense power had reached her ears, but the fact that he had eavesdropped on a private conversation was enough to ignite her anger and disregard any caution. "I couldn't care less about your reasons, old man," she retorted, her voice filled with defiance. "I despise the idea of anyone other than my friends prying into my personal discussions. And yes, I openly expressed my doubts about the boy who is supposedly destined to marry me. I believe he's nothing more than a spoiled, arrogant brat with a silver spoon in his mouth. That's precisely why I've been vehemently opposing this arranged marriage, which was arranged even before I took my first breath." Her frustration was evident, overpowering any concern for the potential consequences.
Hiruzen couldn't help but find her reactions amusing. He openly chuckled as she spoke to him in such a manner. "Oh, you're gravely mistaken," he replied. "Naruto is far from being a spoiled brat. In fact, his life has been much harsher than yours or mine. He had to sacrifice a normal childhood just to survive. Unfortunately, due to some foolish misconceptions and narrow-mindedness, no one in this village would lend a helping hand. And since we're being completely honest here, I must confess that I was initially against the idea of this marriage contract. Kushina and Minato were like family to me, and Kushina, Naruto's mother, expressed her desire for her son to marry someone from his own village rather than an outsider."
He took a moment to gather his thoughts before proceeding, ensuring that the young woman comprehended his previous statement. "In truth, the acceptance of this arrangement was solely due to Minato becoming Hokage. He believed that by arranging a marriage between his son and you, it would allow our village to incorporate a new clan and infuse much-needed fresh blood. As for Naruto, I regret to inform you that his childhood was not as idyllic as you may believe. He has been an active ninja for several years and the only reason he is not currently one is because I insisted he attend the academy. Otherwise, he would still be out there apprehending criminals. He has experienced real combat and unfortunately, has taken the lives of numerous individuals."
"Let me start by saying that the reason I'm sharing this with you is because I genuinely care about your safety. If you or any of your friends were to confront him, I'm afraid the outcome wouldn't be in your favor. He's proven himself against fully grown men and even multiple opponents, coming out victorious each time. So, trust me when I say that the notion of him leading a sheltered life is absolutely ridiculous. However, you will have the opportunity to witness his training firsthand and get to know him better. We'll make sure to arrange an apartment for you and your friends during your stay in the village. And to make you feel more at home, you're welcome to utilize any of the facilities available to our citizens. When it comes to the library, feel free to explore any scroll or book in the Genin section."
She realized that she would have to purchase food and other essentials, but she couldn't help but be intrigued by the restaurant that both of her guides had mentioned. Buying what she needed from the market was not a problem for her, and if necessary, she could even hunt down and cook some animals. "These two will be by your side throughout your stay in the village, not only to keep an eye on your activities but also for your own safety. Unfortunately, we cannot ignore the fact that spies from other villages and foreign clans have been known to target visiting dignitaries or individuals of interest, with the intention of causing harm to our village, whether it be economically or by instigating a conflict."
Hiruzen gazed at her, a smile playing on his lips. "After our thorough discussion, do you have any lingering questions?" Nobuna inquired whether she would have to relocate to the village or if Naruto could reside with her on her Clan's land. Hiruzen contemplated this matter, recognizing that it was not uncommon for a ninja who married someone from another village to live with their spouse. However, Naruto's unique status as the Jinchuriki of the nine tails made his role as a military asset too significant to overlook. The question posed was not merely a question; it was a declaration that if she were to marry Naruto, she desired to return home and bring him along to live in her family's compound within Oda Clan Territory.
Hiruzen chuckled and casually mentioned that such a decision was way too hasty to make. He insisted that they should first determine if they could get along, and only after she had observed Naruto for a sufficient period of time, there might be a slight chance that she herself would want to cancel the marriage agreement. Therefore, Hiruzen believed that this kind of decision should only be made after she had known Naruto for a few months at least. "Naruto is still a student at the Academy, so he's not going anywhere for now. Even if you wanted to marry him, it's simply impossible since both of you are underage. He would have to graduate from the academy before anyone would even consider arranging a wedding for him and you."
Despite her desire to assert her independence and make decisions for herself, she acknowledged that legally she couldn't. Grateful for his generosity in providing her a place to stay, she expressed her thanks to him. The sarcasm in her words didn't go unnoticed by those who overheard her. As the two men who had accompanied her thus far instructed her to follow them, leading her to the village where they would reside temporarily, Nobuna couldn't help but question the authenticity of the old man's claims and whether they were mere exaggerations.
The two individuals escorted her to one of the village's specially constructed buildings for esteemed guests. It was an impressive structure, boasting numerous rooms, a spacious kitchen, storage areas for provisions, clothing, cleaning supplies, and other necessities, a bathroom, and to her astonishment, each room housed a sizable and comfortable bed. The place gave her the impression of a luxurious suite in a high-end hotel or a delightful retreat at a vacation resort. She couldn't help but notice that the refrigerator and stove were fully functional, presenting the opportunity to hunt for meat and procure other ingredients, allowing her and her companions to prepare their own meals if they so desired.
Naruto, oblivious to the fact, had no inkling that someone was about to observe his training session. It would have been a novel experience for him if Hinata hadn't already taken up the habit of doing just that. Despite being a highly skilled student, Naruto possessed the typical obliviousness of someone his age. Consequently, he remained oblivious to Hinata's growing interest in him, especially due to his exceptional performance in practical lessons and theoretical inquiries in class. The truth was, none of his classmates knew where Naruto resided, and he never extended an invitation to them. The mere thought of doing so made him fear that people would harm his mother just to inflict suffering upon him.
Nobuna in a matter of a couple of days was astonished by what she saw, the way that Naruto trained was like nothing she had ever seen before, she saw him push himself to the point where she was sure he would collapse any second, but funny enough, he never did, he just kept training himself in a way none of her soldiers ever did. She remembered the lessons on other cultures she got from her old mentor, and to her his training made her think she was looking at Spartan training, except only ten times harder than anyone else. From the sheer amount of training he does and the intensity she had to admit that he impressed her, but this spoke nothing about his mind or character. He could be this dedicated to his training and still be the worst person alive.
Naruto, however, was not that bad, in fact, had she followed him to Ichiraku she would have noticed that sometimes Naruto helped old people of the village without them even knowing about it, he would clean the porch of someone whose trash was about to cause them to fall, he would move things in a way that it would be easier for the elder person living in that home to move or carry, and then he would offer to stay after a meal of ramen to help clean the place and even do the dishes.
Teuchi seeing that Naruto had so much energy and his daughter showed so little interest in learning about cooking, decided to ask Naruto to sometimes work as a prep cook for his place, it would help him earn some much-needed money, for supplies, and in case he needed medicines or an emergency. Many people who would come during the weekend had no clue that the one that made the noodles that they ate was made by Naruto himself, and it was a good idea that was the case, because had they known, these people would have made up all sorts of rumors just to make the business suffer for daring to help Naruto.
Hanbei finally indulged in the divine cuisine known as the food of the gods. Despite all the buzz surrounding it, she genuinely relished the flavors. The noodles were delectably savory, and for someone with a delicate constitution, she felt a remarkable improvement. It was as if her body had been revitalized, and her stamina was noticeably increasing with every bite. Contrary to expectations, the ramen joint had an extensive menu, debunking any assumptions that it was limited in variety. Hanbei couldn't wait to share this delightful revelation with others.
Katsuie stumbled upon a shop that perfectly catered to her needs. Not only could it mend her armor, but it also boasted an impressive array of unique weapons. Her old sword was on the verge of falling apart from her powerful grip, so she sought a replacement. To her delight, the shop not only repaired her sword but also offered a new blade at unbelievably reasonable prices. She realized that finding a store like this anywhere else would be an impossible feat.
While trailing Naruto, Mitsuhide unexpectedly lost track of him. However, she stumbled upon a captivating place along the way - a flower shop. Intrigued by its hidden secrets, she couldn't help but feel that there was something more fascinating concealed within its walls. It turned out that the shop owner's daughter had a deep passion for using flowers and their fragrances as a form of therapy and healing. This concept of aroma therapy was completely foreign to Mitsuhide, sparking her curiosity even further. Eager to learn, she approached the owner and his wife, requesting lessons on this intriguing subject. They gladly agreed and provided her with enlightening lectures. Mitsuhide couldn't help but think that her newfound knowledge would make her an even more valuable asset to Nobuna.
Nobuna, keeping her promise, dedicated her days to closely observing Naruto's training and shadowing him from a secure distance using her spyglass. On a specific day, she was fortunate enough to witness him embroiled in a fierce combat against a multitude of his own clones. The spectacle was utterly mesmerizing, compelling her to introduce herself to him without delay. Her curiosity was piqued, as she yearned to unravel the enigma behind his extraordinary talent of conjuring numerous replicas of himself, each clone exhibiting a level of fervor that even her father would have found commendable.
As Naruto trained, a friendly smile adorned Nobuna Oda's face as she approached him. "Hey there! Sorry to interrupt, but I've been observing your training for a few days now. My name is Nobuna Oda, and I hope you don't mind me asking about your training and the person who taught you. I'm just curious!" Naruto's smile widened as he introduced himself to her. When asked about his training, he replied that it was someone incredibly special to him. In that moment, Nobuna felt an unexpected pang of jealousy. She never thought she would feel envious hearing Naruto speak so highly of another woman. However, her jealousy quickly subsided when Naruto revealed that he loved the lady who taught him as if she were his own mother.
Naruto and Nobuna engaged in a lengthy conversation, delving into the depths of his ninja training, his ambitions, and his deepest fears. They exchanged stories and confessions, baring their souls to one another until the late hours of the evening. Reluctantly, they bid each other farewell, but before parting ways, Nobuna couldn't help but ask if they could meet again. Naruto reassured her that she could always approach him during his training sessions, assuring her that it wouldn't be an inconvenience at all.
Little did he know, Hinata had been discreetly watching their conversation, and she was far from pleased to see another girl showing interest in Naruto. Filled with a deep longing, Nobuna devised a plan while patiently waiting for Naruto to finish his classes at the academy. However, her father insisted on her education, so she approached the Hokage with a special request to attend Naruto's classes and observe his progress. To her great joy, Hiruzen warmly agreed, proposing that she and five members of her group be introduced as potential students from a distant land. Nevertheless, he warned her that she must grasp the fundamentals of what the other students were learning, so as not to impede their progress. With a confident smirk, Nobuna assured him that she was more than capable of handling any challenge he presented her with.
In just three days, she managed to catch up to Naruto's year, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Awakening her chakra network was more painful than she cared to admit, but she persevered. Now, she had access to the very energy that fueled the ninja's abilities. Iruka, however, wasn't too thrilled about sacrificing his morning coffee for an early morning meeting with the Hokage. Stepping in front of the class, he introduced a potential transfer student named Nobuna Oda. She would be staying in their village for a few months and had been placed in their class to ensure she didn't fall behind in her studies. Iruka mentioned that she was a good friend of Naruto's and asked him to lend a helping hand.
As the class commenced, the remaining students finally entered the classroom. It was quite endearing to see Nobuna seated right beside Naruto. Katsuie, who introduced herself as a Kenjutsu enthusiast, found it only natural to be in close proximity to him. It seemed like these two could potentially develop a strong bond. On the other hand, Mitsuhide, who focused on her skills and tactics, mentioned that the outcome was yet to be determined. There were still chances for Naruto to be pursued by others. Hanbei, who had been engrossed in her book, appeared disinterested as she stopped reading. This caught the attention of the class, and one of the boys secretly referred to her as a bookworm.
Sassa and Ikeda exchanged fierce glances at the person who made that comment, promptly asserting that they would rather be known as bookworms than mindless fools. These two girls despised it when their friends were insulted, and while some may have chosen diplomacy to resolve the situation, Sassa and Ikeda preferred to let their fists do the talking. To Hinata's dismay, they all ended up sitting together, with Naruto right in the center of these girls. Hinata seethed with anger, muttering that it was already difficult enough to have romantic rivals within their village, and now outsiders were also attempting to snatch him away from her.
Iruka was imparting knowledge about seemingly trivial matters, but little did others know that these teachings were essential for analyzing the enemy and devising a quick attack strategy. Although the information he shared was derived from books, Naruto and Nobuna understood the significance of these skills and paid extra attention to his lessons. Naruto took it upon himself to assist Nobuna, who seemed unfamiliar with this subject from her previous school. Their harmonious interaction brought a smile to her face.
Hiruzen observed the entire scene unfold before his eyes, peering into his mystical crystal ball. With a clever jutsu, he projected the vivid images onto the office wall, allowing three individuals to witness the events. Two of them were seething with anger, their fury barely contained. They were on the verge of unleashing their wrath through piercing screams. However, Hiro reached his boiling point and erupted, his voice echoing through the room, "What in the world is happening at the academy? They are not receiving the same teachings we did, and they are woefully unprepared to face the challenges we encountered as team instructors!"
Hiruzen glanced at Hector, his eyes filled with curiosity, and inquired about the reason behind his friend's unusual reaction. "Lord Hokage," Hector began, his voice filled with conviction, "I must agree with my friend. The skills being taught at the academy are simply not up to par. This deficiency will undoubtedly lead to a significant decline in our village's military prowess. In the last world war, Konoha bravely faced the combined might of three villages and emerged victorious. Suna, in particular, suffered such a devastating defeat that they immediately became our steadfast allies. However, we cannot rely on this era of peace to last indefinitely, no matter how much some may desire it. We must take action to revamp the academy's curriculum, restoring it to its former glory and perhaps even surpassing it. The perils that await us in the future should not be dismissed or underestimated."
Nagahide nodded in agreement, affirming, "Indeed, while it's important to hope for the best, we must always be prepared for war. That's my philosophy too. When I observe the way students are being taught, I can't help but give it a score of twenty points." Hiro was curious and asked her why she specifically mentioned twenty points. Nagahide explained that the current teaching methods were ineffective and insufficient. However, she acknowledged that the teacher who appeared was doing their best with the lesson plan provided by the academy's authorities. Hiruzen couldn't help but smile upon hearing their conversation. He then revealed his request for all three of them to become instructors, emphasizing that they would have the freedom to teach their classes based on the new lesson plan they had proposed.