Author's Notes: After a bit of a delay, I'm finally back to writing, especially considering I'm currently busy with college. Hopefully, it doesn't get to the point where I'll need to put down the pen permanently... Regarding this story, with Dehya coming soon, I bet most of you can guess one of the upcoming pairings.
Pairings
Mondstadt: Eula, Sucrose, (And one more)
Liyue: Ganyu, Shenhe, Yelan
Inazuma: Shinobu, Yae Miko (Maybe Ei as well)
Sumeru: Collei, Dehya
Review Responses
kazutoxx123: Yep, I thought it'd be something different since most stories usually Isekai characters to Mondstadt.
dfriel1996: I'm glad to see another Collei fan here! As for what point of time is this Naruto from, it would be right after beating Pein, the struggle was what I thought would be reasonable due to the power level in Genshin appearing to either outweigh or far outweigh that which is seen in Naruto. Also, balancing is a reason, since it would be rather dull if I just had Naruto wipe through everything.
redlox2: Well, don't worry, the manga mainly focuses on backstories for certain characters, as well as some events before the game. And I'll have to agree, Sumeru is one of my favourite regions too.
JintoLin: Yep, Paimon will be nowhere to be seen! As for "Sakura and Mei"... I can only assume you meant Yae and Ei.
Dragon and Sword Master: Well, besides Venti, I'm more personally curious to see how Naruto will react to Yae... Even if she isn't an Archon and is Ei's familiar... And yes, Naruto will be about 5% smarter, which for Naruto, is a substantial increase.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"'Kurama talking and thinking"'
-Gandharva Ville-
Having walked in silence for a substantial amount of time, Naruto and Tighnari would finally arrive back at the entrance of the Forest Rangers' base, with Collei still passed out whilst being carried on Naruto's back.
"Does this happen often to her?" Naruto asked out of nowhere, clearly referring to Collei passing out, as he ascended the stairs with the foxlike ranger.
"Patience... Blond fellow..." Tighnari replied, his voice not showing much emotion while a bit of intelligence would find its way through, "All questions you may have, I'll answer as soon as possible."
"Uzumaki Naruto... Or well, you can just call me Naruto," The blond explained as they eventually reached Collei's room. "I can put her down on her bed, yes?"
"I see... I may still call you 'traveller' or some other terms sometimes, but... I'll make an effort to call you Naruto." Tighnari stated, nodding to Naruto's question as the blond put Collei carefully on her bed before both walked out of the room to allow Collei some privacy. "Now, I'll answer any questions you have... Naruto."
"Alrighty then. First up, what's wrong with Collei? It's not usual to see someone-" Naruto began to say, only for Tighnari to cut him off.
"Pass out without any explanation?" Tighnari asked, already predicting Naruto's question. "Why Collei, even though she looks alright, is always tired? And why it's as if she can't exactly hold things properly?"
Naruto paused momentarily, trying to come up with a smart argument, before giving up as he remembered Collei's various struggles upon meeting her yesterday.
"I... Yes. That... That would be what I was going to ask..." Naruto admitted, having no rebuttal to respond with.
"Well, it's not the easiest to explain, but I suppose I'll begin with the root of the issues," Tighnari explained, ushering Naruto to follow him as they passed by a forest ranger. "Alert me when Collei is awake."
"Of course, sir," The ranger replied, nodding to both Naruto and Tighnari as they arrived at the top of the tree house.
"Now... Did you want to know why? Well, I'll tell you all you need to know..." Tighnari assured as the two stopped and faced one another, as Tighnari's face turned slightly more serious. "To put it simply, Collei isn't well."
"She...? Well, what sort of sickness is it? A fever? Flu? A cold, perhaps? Does it pass on its own?" Naruto asked back, slightly shocked that he wasn't told this earlier by Collei. "It wasn't anything I did, right?"
"Well, by technicality, you could say it was your fault... But by reason, no, it was not something you were personally responsible for..." Tighnari assured as he steered the conversation back to the beginning, "This disease is one that Collei has been dealing with for much longer. If you'd like to consider the technicality... Collei is probably really happy to speak to you so much, and from her face, to have someone her age whom she could relate to easier... That could've led to her not making sure she was doing alright."
"I see... So by technicality, I was responsible..." Naruto determined as he looked up again, "If you don't mind me asking, Tighnari-san, what disease is Collei suffering from?"
"Interesting... Do you use the Inazuman means of address? That is rather unique, especially since you find yourself in Sumeru... But, for reference, just Tighnari will do..." Tighnari explained as he continued, "Back on topic, I would usually be very much against telling you anything about Collei's past... But, since you made her smile so much in your short time of being here, so be it. Ever since she was a child... She has been afflicted with a disease known as Eleazar."
"Okay... Okay, not to be rude... But... What is that?" Naruto asked in the most polite way he could.
"Ah, my apologies, it wasn't as if I was going to explain that right now..." Tighnari joked, shaking his head momentarily before continuing, "So impatient... Elezear is a disease unique to Sumeru. It's characterized and often identified by the dark and hardened scales formed on the skin of those afflicted by it. At the start, victims will only be subject to numbness in the parts of the body with those dark and hardened scales."
"There's a but, isn't there? Or a 'However'?" Naruto asked.
"Well, perhaps you are more perceptive than you seem, although, I was right in you being a fast learner..." Tighnari explained as he continued, "As you predicted... However, as the disease progresses to its later stages, one starts to feel fatigued, and may experience what's known as peripheral paresthesia."
"Peripheral what now?" Naruto questioned, completely confused by the big scientific words being thrown around.
"Pins and needles in affected areas, or well, the complete lack of feeling in the affected areas as a whole," Tighnari explained as he placed a finger on his chin. "In the final stages of Eleazar, the affliction completely denies a person the ability of movement as a whole."
"I see... So, from what I understand... Collei was only acting so clumsy and tired earlier... Because of Eleazar?" Naruto determined, whilst deep in his thoughts. 'That's terrible! So, Collei won't be able to move anymore after some time?!... I wonder if the Kyuubi's chakra could help...'
"Precisely. Hence why I do not want Collei wandering around, or for her to hold anything on her part, to make sure she doesn't get hurt unnecessarily..." Tighnari stated, "With enough care, however, Eleazar can be put at a standstill before it can progress to its later stages, even if there is no actual cure for Eleazar..."
"... I might know something..." Naruto suggested, wanting to bring up Kurama's chakra only for Tighnari to hold up a hand.
"And I'll stop you right there. Is there any evidence that this method will work against Eleazar?" Tighnari asked, before shaking his head for a moment, "I apologize for my tone, but I do not want Collei to get affected by another one of these supposed cures."
"Another one? What do you mean by that...?" Naruto asked, slightly intrigued as well.
"Well, when Collei was young, her mother had still hoped that there would be a cure for Eleazar, or well, attempted to maintain such a hope, anyhow..." Tighnari explained, "Hence why she handed Collei over to an organization known as the Fatui after one of their members had lied about having a cure."
"The Fatui? Like the guy we fought in the forest...?" Naruto asked, the reference to them as an 'organization' instantly making him think about the Akatsuki.
"In simple terms, yes. But, in complex terms, the Fatui are both a group of diplomats from the nation Snezhnaya, and a military detachment which, if rumours are to be believed, is led by eleven individuals known as Harbingers and the Tsaritsa, the leader and Archon of Snezhnaya, herself," Tighnari explained, before placing a finger at his chin and closing her eyes. "Regardless of which, this member would bring Collei to a harbinger known as "The Doctor", or well, Il Dottore."
'Collei did mention him... Although, she didn't explain why she did mention him...' Naruto thought as he nodded whilst he continued listening.
"I have no clue how this individual did it, but Collei's Eleazar, at that point, was completely stable during the time Collei was with the Fatui... Although..." Tighnari began to say, "Collei's days there were not pleasant in the slightest. Despite how cheerful she appears and how stubbornly resilient she may be, the trauma, and pain inflicted by the Fatui can still be seen today. Even now, she deeply fears being touched by anyone."
"I see..." Naruto replied, thinking back to his own experiences, and realizing that he and Collei were not too different after all. "I will help her."
"Really? How?" Tighnari asked, "I'm not one to judge, but you don't seem to be the most scientifically capable person..."
"Well, I don't know about that... But... Since I'm stuck here now... I'll do my best to help Collei find a cure!" Naruto assured, "Where should I start?"
"Hmm... Well, most records of Eleazar's research are kept in Sumeru City, which is presided over by the Great Sages and Lesser Lord Kusanali, the Archon of Knowledge, and the Archon of Sumeru..." Tighnari supposed, "I'd say that is the best place to start..."
"I see... Well, in that regard... I'll go ask the Archon! They must know how to cure it!" Naruto stated, "I'll make sure Collei is well again in no time!"
"In that case, what shall your plan be if Lesser Lord Kusanali does not hold such an answer? Or yields a less than satisfactory one?" Tighnari questioned, his curiosity peaked especially considering Naruto's concern towards Collei.
"Well... You did mention another Archon, so I'll assume there are multiple... In the case that the Archon of Knowledge holds not a good answer..." Naruto began to say, "Well, I'll go travelling around, and I'll ask all the Archons whether or not they know of a way to cure this disease!"
Tighnari stared at Naruto for a moment, stunned by this response before the side of his lips curled up into a small smile.
"So be it. I'll admit, Blond- I mean, Naruto... That I had my doubts in regards to your character.." Tighnari began to say, "Collei once thought it impossible for her to have any real friendships, but yet, you come along, and she's already happy. With your dedication... I can see that Collei will be in good hands."
"Right... I'll get going now!" Naruto replied, beginning to run off only for Tighnari to pull on his collar.
"Not just yet. It's the middle of the night, and the road to Sumeru City during this time is long and treacherous," Tighnari stated, "I'd suggest you rest up first. Come with me, I'll show you to your temporary room."
"... And if I refuse to comply...?" Naruto questioned.
"Then I will withhold usage of any of the rangers' maps to you. Good luck finding your way to Sumeru City at this time without one..." Tighnari stated, not even waiting for Naruto to answer as he began to walk away.
"Alright, I comply, I comply!" Naruto replied, quickly moving to follow Tighnari to a temporary room he could use.
"Let a ranger know if you need anything, and I'll be right here to answer," Tighnari assured, lighting a small candle and making sure it was standing stably before walking out of the room, leaving Naruto there.
'... Well, I suppose it will be nice to rest for the night...' Naruto thought to himself, laying down on the bed and falling into a deep slumber upon hitting the pillow.
-Konoha-
Naruto slowly woke up once again, this time finding himself in a familiar dense forest with a familiar toad sage in front of him.
"This is... This is Konoha!" Naruto exclaimed as he shot up to his feet and went up to Jiraiya. "Ero-sennin! Do you want to train? I did as you said! I beat Pein!"
"Naruto, stop," Jiraiya instructed.
"Huh? Stop? Stop what?" Naruto asked, his head tilting slightly.
"Stop pretending that I'm still here..." Jiraiya replied, beginning to slowly fade away before the blond's eyes.
Hearing some rustling behind him, Naruto turned around to face Nagato.
"Nagato? Hey! Help!" Naruto exclaimed, trying his best to maintain Jiraiya's presence.
"Wake up, Naruto... Your friends need you..." Nagato whispered, himself beginning to fade away.
"I... I don't understand! What... What's going on?" Naruto asked, looking around in confusion as he fell to his knees, as he heard an announcement from behind him.
"Today marks the half-year anniversary of the death of the Toad Sannin, Jiraiya the Gallant," The announcer stated.
"Ah... I see..." Naruto mumbled, returning to reality whilst still looking downward between the two, as the announcement went on.
"Reports say that he was last seen in the Amegakure, doing battle with the Akatsuki Leader, Pein, the resulting information gained allowing Konoha to triumph against the subsequent invasion." The announcer stated, "We will probably never see a shinobi of his talents and gallantry ever again. His memorial will be held in Konoha tomorrow afternoon."
"... Did I do good... At least?" Naruto questioned, tears slowly welling up in his eyes as he did nothing to stop Jiraiya and Nagato from fading away.
-Sumeru-
Naruto quickly shot up from bed, startling Collei who so happened to be there as she had not expected Naruto to wake up so suddenly.
"Gah!" Collei exclaimed as she stumbled and fell onto her back.
"Eh...? Collei? I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to be here..." Naruto admitted as he ran over to help her up, "Sorry for waking up so suddenly... I had a bad dream..."
Collei hesitated for a moment, before accepting Naruto's help to get back up. "It's alright... I have nightmares all the time... So I can understand..."
"I see... Well... Why are you here?" Naruto asked, sending Collei into a deep blush from the embarrassment.
"Oh, Ummm... I... M-Master Tighnari told me to wake you in an hour... I... I thought I'd come to check up on you..." Collei began to explain in a shaky tone, "Then you woke up... And... Ummm..."
"Ah, I get it... Well, I understand... Don't worry..." Naruto assured with a soft smile gracing his lips, "So... What's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, Master did tell me to wake you... And then take you to him... But... Ummm... Question..." Collei mumbled, slowly raising her hand as if she were in a classroom.
"A question? Well, what's on your mind? I'll respond the best I can." Naruto assured.
"Well... After I passed out... Did... Were you the one who carried me back yesterday...?" Collei asked, looking up with a seemingly hopeful look.
"I... Let's see... Yes, I was... I'm pretty sure..." Naruto explained, "Why'd you ask?"
"Oh, well... I... I thought I'd thank you personally... I really appreciated it..." Collei explained, "But... Ummm... Maybe next time you could lay me down flat... So I don't end up falling asleep on my right arm..."
"I see. I'll take that into account if there is a next time... It sure does sound like you'd like there to be a next time..." Naruto joked.
"Well, I..." Collei began to say, her face burning up with it increasingly growing pink, "It was very heartwarming to know that you cared enough to do that for me..."
"I... Alright, alright... I'll make sure to put you down on your back or your stomach..." Naruto assured as Tighnari walked in.
"Ah, you're awake, good... It's nice to see you two getting to know one another..." Tighnari stated in his usual nonchalant tone as he walked in to take a seat in front of Naruto and Collei. "How are you feeling? Well-rested?"
"Eh?! M-Master? I..." Collei mumbled, getting flustered once again due to her not knowing how Tighnari would interpret seeing her and Naruto in the same room like that.
'... The way Tighnari speaks sure brings me back to how Kakashi-sensei spoke... Well, when not in regards to his mask, anyhow...' Naruto thought to himself as he nodded, "Yep, the bed was rather comfortable."
"I'm glad it was. Listen, Naruto... You'll be going to Sumeru City, right?" Tighnari asked.
"... Oh yeah! I'll go soon!" Naruto replied, suddenly remembering what he had promised Tighnari yesterday.
"Well, here's the map," Tighnari stated, tossing the map of Sumeru to Naruto with Sumeru City specifically marked out. "And... I'd like you to take Collei with you."
"Huh?!" Collei asked in surprise, her face quickly turning red. "B-But Master-"
"No buts, Collei," Tighnari interjected, "It'll be a good experience for you if you go with our blond friend here. And it'd be better if you go out now and again and have a break from your duties... Unless you'd prefer I set another task for you?"
"I... I... I'm not sure..." Collei admitted as she looked down at the ground. "I... Besides an old friend... I... I don't have the best memories of going to a big city like that..."
"Well... If we go there, and we get to know one another... We could be friends..." Naruto offered.
"But... But you're already my friend!" Collei explained, waving her arms around as she did, "What... What if someone attacks you? And... And I can't stop them?"
"Well, then there's no issue, is there?" Naruto assured, "And don't worry, it won't happen... And, if it makes you feel any better... I'll make sure no one attacks you either..."
"I... Alright, alright... I'll go to Sumeru City with Naruto..." Collei agreed as she looked at Tighnari, "Is there anything you'd like me to get, Master?"
"No, nothing at all... Just enjoy yourself and make sure you don't overexert yourself with anything..." Tighnari assured as he turned to leave, passing by Naruto on the way out and whispering, "If Collei doesn't come back unscathed... I'll kill you, and I'll feed your body to the beasts of the Chasm."
Naruto paled, having not expected this as he nodded in response, prompting Tighnari to smile and walk away.
"Have fun now!" Tighnari exclaimed from outside before walking off to his duties.
"Right... Now... Should we perhaps get going...?" Naruto asked.
"That... That would probably be for the best... And..." Collei began to reply, "I'm very sorry for being so hesitant... I have many bad memories concerning big cities like this..."
"Well, as I said, don't you worry," Naruto assured, "I'll do my best to keep you safe."
"I... Thank you... That's... That's very selfless of you... It's just like an old friend of mine..." Collei began to say.
"An old friend? Well, where are they? Sumeru City? Maybe we can go visit them later?" Naruto offered.
"Oh, you misunderstand..." Collei began to explain with a soft giggle, "My old friend Amber resides in Mondstadt, and not Sumeru..."
"Amber? Hmm..." Naruto began to say, "What's she like?"
"Well... In some ways, she's the same as you!" Collei exclaimed, getting visibly and audibly happier and more excited when it came time to speak about her friend. "I lived in Mondstadt for some time before today... And Amber helped me a lot during that time! In fact... You could say that she helped me become a new person!"
"Is that so? I'd like to meet her one day..." Naruto replied with a smile as he stood up to walk out with Collei, the latter continuing.
"I think you'd both be very good friends!" Collei assured, "She always lives her life to the fullest, and she's always ready to stand up for herself and her friends! Furthermore... She's also very, very understanding! Just like you've been towards me!"
"Thank you, that's rather high praise... Do you still keep in contact?" Naruto asked with a smile.
"Eh... Well... I... I do my best... We write each other letters quite often, but... The courier service from here to Mondstadt is rather poor... And... Umm... I'm not the best at writing clearly..." Collei admitted, "But I'll do my best to send her a response soon!"
"Well, don't worry, I know she'll appreciate your letter, whenever it arrives..." Naruto assured, "Letters containing words from the heart are always worth every single second of waiting."
"Oh, umm... I... That's..." Collei mumbled, going slightly red due to her being at a loss for words as to how to respond, "I... Would you help me write it...? I mean like... Ummm... I'll write it... Ummm... I'll tell you the words, and you'll help me in terms of a pen? I... My hands are shaky... And I'd like the letter to be perfect for Amber!"
"If you'd like me to, I'd happily do it, Collei," Naruto assured once again, "You were the first one to show me compassion in a strange and foreign land, so it's the least I could do to help."
-Sumeru City, Three Hours Later-
"And... I think this is it...?" Naruto asked, walking through the gates into Sumeru City, his eyes immediately drawn to the strange, leaf-like earpieces in the ears of adults there. "Ummm... Why do people have leaves in their ears...?"
"Ah, well... Master once mentioned that people here wear Aka... Aka... Aka-something Terminals..." Collei mumbled, "I'm not too sure what it's called... But... If I remember correctly, it helps them search for any information they need!"
"I see... Well, hmmm... You're not so familiar with Sumeru City either?" Naruto questioned out of curiosity.
"Well, no... Not entirely... I've been here before... But, just... I don't know it in and out..." Collei explained, "I don't have the fondest memories of this place either..."
"I see, I see... Don't worry... I'm here with you..." Naruto assured, "We can take it slow if you'd like..."
"Actually, Naruto... You haven't told me why you're here in the first place..." Collei pointed out.
"Oh, well... I'd like to find a way to meet the Dendro Archon," Naruto explained, "Do you have any idea where I can meet her...?"
"Hmm? Well... Are you referring to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata? Or is it Lesser Lord Kusanali whom you seek?" Collei asked once again, slightly puzzled, "Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, according to Master... Has passed a while ago... And Lesser Lord Kusanali is currently residing in the Sanctuary of Sura... Sura something... And she isn't open to entertaining visitors..."
"I... Well, I see... I see..." Naruto replied, looking down for a moment, "Would you like lunch at least? Tighnari did give me some money for allowance..."
"That... That would be rather kind of you..." Collei admitted, her stomach rumbling slightly, "And I thought I'd inform you that money here is referred to as Mora..."
"Alright, gotcha, Mora it is... Hmmm... I spy a nice-looking stall..." Naruto began to say, "Selling... Pita Pockets... I think...? Are they good...?"
"Well... As Master says, there's always a first time for everything!" Collei assured.
Naruto nodded, beginning to walk along Sumeru City whilst continuing his conversation with Collei, only to bump into someone halfway through and crash into the ground along with the person he had crashed into. As he regained his vision, he could see a woman who looked slightly older than him, her toned midriff revealed through her somewhat revealing clothing, with a distinct pair of cat-like ears buried amongst her long, black hair.
"That hurt, kid, watch where you're going," The woman stated.
"It's not like I meant to bump into you," Naruto retorted, "But, I apologize."
"And now you've wasted a good twenty seconds of my time... How do you intend to compensate?" The woman questioned, crossing her arms.
"Compensate? For bumping into you? I already apologized..." Naruto stated, staring back at the woman and crossing her arms.
"Naruto... I think we shouldn't get into trouble with her..." Collei advised as she tugged on Naruto's sleeve.
"No, we're settling this right now," The woman stated, "Let's have a non-lethal duel, loser buys lunch!"
"That's... A reasonable settlement..." Naruto admitted, "What's your name?"
"Dehya." The woman stated, a small grin forming on her face.
Author's Notes 2: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I found it to be an appropriate place to end the chapter. Let's hope the next one doesn't take another two months, but with college, this seems to be unlikely. Still, do state in the reviews who you'd like to see in the Mondstadt pairings!
Either way, do tell me what you guys thought about this chapter in the reviews down below! I'm always eager to see what you guys have to say!