Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the additional scenes and content added to a story. That's great to hear! Aqua is indeed a beloved character among fans. And it sounds like the upcoming chapter is going to be action-packed with Ash, Ash's Nobody and Naruto teaming up to take down Heartless Dotō. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds!

XX

The Land of Snow - III

The scene was tense as the Keyblade-wielding hooded figure stood silently in front of Ash. Despite the Keyblade wielder's question, the figure remained motionless, making it impossible to discern any thoughts or emotions. Only the slight curve of a smirk seemed to form beneath the hood, hinting at a hint of amusement the Nobody felt at the situation. Ash couldn't help but feel uneasy as the figure continued to remain still, wondering if he had made a mistake.

After what felt like an eternity, the hooded figure finally spoke, breaking the awkward silence. "It's about time you figured it out," the Nobody said with a small chuckle, causing Ash's body to stiffen. Xhäs' response caught Ash off guard. It was an unsettling feeling to hear his own voice coming from another person, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "Guess the little crumbs of memories are finally sinking in that thick skull of yours." The Nobody's teasing words sent a playful jab at his Somebody, causing a frown to form on Ash's face. Despite feeling a bit annoyed at the figure's words, Ash knew that there was some truth in what Xhäs was saying.

"Hey!"

Ash's protest fell on deaf ears as Xhäs firmly gripped the hilt of his Oblivion with both hands. With a powerful motion, he unleashed a vertical strike on the cold bars of Ash's cell. Soon the echoing clang of the falling bars reverberated on the floor, indicating that Xhäs' attack was successful. The Nobody's presence sent a shiver down Ash's spine as he dangled from the steel chains, the cold metal biting into his wrists and ankles. The eerie echo of the Nobody's footsteps reverberated through the cell, creating an unsettling cadence in the air. As the Nobody approached, the dim light cast distorted shadows on the walls, emphasizing the enigmatic nature of this figure. His form seemed to flicker, an indistinct silhouette that defied easy recognition. The Nobody's face, a void of features, held an inscrutable expression as he peered into the eyes of his Somebody. The chains rattled with each subtle movement, a discordant symphony accompanying the meeting of the two halves. Ash's gaze locked onto the Nobody, a mix of fear and curiosity swirling in his eyes. The Nobody, unaffected by the weight of emotion, regarded Ash with a detached intensity.

Suddenly, Xhäs took a step back before gripping his Keyblade hilt and pointing the Oblivion at Ash's face. "You shouldn't have gotten involved, Ash!" Ash raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the menacing display of the Keyblade.

"And why is that, Xhäs?" Ash retorted, his voice calm but filled with an underlying intensity.

Xhäs' grip on the Keyblade tightened, his expression darkening. "You're playing with forces you don't understand, Ash."

Ash chuckled, a sly grin forming on his lips. "I've faced worse, Xhäs. I don't back down from a challenge."

"That you don't..." Xhäs paused and loosened his grip around his black Keyblade. He let out a frustrated sigh before continuing, "That stubbornness will get you killed," he warned.

"I'm prepared for it," the Keyblade wielder said, offering a soft smile to the Nobody.

"That explains where my stubbornness came from," Xhäs said quietly, baffling his Somebody.

"What?"

The Oblivion sliced through the steel chain with a swift and precise motion. The metallic clang resonated through the air as the links of the chain severed, setting Ash's hands free. However, he stumbled forward and fell onto the cold cell floor with a loud thud. A low groan escaped his lips as he winced in pain. "Ow..."

Despite the initial cry, Ash's pain-filled plea seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Xhäs, however, showed no sign of empathy or remorse as he worked to free his counterpart from the chain binding his ankles. The cold, metallic sound of a blade slicing through the chain echoed in the confined space. Ash winced as the tension released, and the chain fell away. Rubbing his sore ankles, he looked at Xhäs with a mixture of confusion and suspicion.

"Why did you help me?" Ash asked, his voice a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

Xhäs remained silent, his face hidden in the shadows. The only visible features were his piercing eyes, which seemed to hold secrets untold. Without a word, Xhäs gestured for Ash to follow him.

Yukie's fetal position in the corner of her cell held a palpable sense of despair. The dim light revealed the weariness in her eyes as she curled up, contemplating the circumstances that led her to this gloomy confinement. The silence of the cell was broken only by the occasional echo of footsteps in the distance. Suddenly, the monotony was shattered as Yukie's ears perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps, louder and more urgent. Her heart raced as anticipation replaced the heaviness in the air. The echoes grew nearer until two figures rushed by her cell.

Recognition flashed in Yukie's eyes as she caught a glimpse of a familiar face. "Ash!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and relief. The shout echoed through the corridor, reaching Ash and Xhäs who turned to see Yukie in her cell.

Ash halted, his gaze locking onto Yukie. "Yukie?" Yukie quickly got up and hurried towards Ash and his mysterious friend.

"Ash, I'm sure glad you're okay," the actress said with a visible sigh of relief. She was clearly happy to see that the Keyblade wielder had survived his encounter with Heartless Dotō and was still going strong.

Ash chuckled and reassured the young princess with a smile. "I'll get you out of there." Xhäs' grip on Ash's arm tightened, preventing him from reaching out to Yukie's cell door. The Nobody remained silent, the enigmatic expression on his face unchanged. Ash, puzzled and slightly irritated, pulled his arm back and turned to face Xhäs.

"What are you doing, Xhäs?" he demanded, his frown deepening. The urgency to free Yukie from her confinement fueled Ash's impatience, but Xhäs seemed to have a different perspective.

Without uttering a word, Xhäs pointed at the cell door, drawing Ash's attention to a barely visible wire connected to the metal bars. A subtle tension filled the air as realization dawned on Ash – a hidden trap, designed to trigger a potentially dangerous mechanism if tampered with.

Ash took a step back, appreciating Xhäs' intervention. "Thanks," he said, acknowledging the silent warning.

"Stand back, I'll handle it," Xhäs confidently told his counterpart, taking charge of the situation. Without waiting for a response from Ash, the Nobody stepped forward and positioned himself in front of Yukie's holding cell. "You stay clear too," he warned the young woman, who obediently took a few steps back. Summoning his black Keyblade, Xhäs took aim at the cell and fired a powerful fireball directly at it. The explosion that followed was intense.

Bbbooooooooommmm

The thunderous explosion in the frozen fortress reverberated through the corridors, reaching the heart of Dotō's throne room. Heartless Dotō, perched on his throne, reacted swiftly to the unexpected disturbance. His piercing, glowing eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "What was that?" Heartless Dotō's voice, cold and commanding, echoed through the chamber.

"Sounds like something exploded in the fortress," Mizore stated, stating the obvious.

"No kidding, where else do you think it could have gone off?" Fubuki said sarcastically, earning a glare from the muscular member of the group.

"It could be Kakashi and his team of Genins," Nadare suggested, summing up the situation.

"Find them and eliminate those pests immediately!" Heartless Dotō's order boomed, leaving no room for hesitation as his words sliced through the tense atmosphere.

"Right away, sir!" His henchmen promptly departed and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Heartless Dotō's chuckle echoed through the grand hall as he leaned back in his imposing throne. The dark, triumphant cackle hinted at a malevolent anticipation, a confidence born from the acquisition of newfound powers. "Ah, the time has come," Heartless Dotō mused, his eyes gleaming with a sinister glint. The prospect of testing his enhanced abilities against Ash and his group of misfits seemed to fuel his amusement.

"That was impressive," Ash said, still in awe of the fiery attack that had just destroyed the cell door and metal bars. "If that didn't alert the guards, I don't know what will," he chuckled nervously, looking around for any signs of danger.

Yukie rushed through the chaotic scene, making her way to Ash and Xhäs' side. "Thank you so much," she expressed with genuine gratitude, directing her words towards the Nobody., who stood silently.

"Any idea where's Naruto?" Ash inquired about Naruto's whereabouts as he noticed that the ninja was not present.

Before Yukie could even say a word, the group was interrupted by an obnoxious voice that caught their attention. "Hey, guys! I'm over here!" Naruto's voice immediately grabbed their attention as they quickly hurried over to the holding cell next to Yukie's former cell.

"Hey, Naruto!" Ash called out into the dimly lit cell. He surveyed the scene, noticing the restraints that held Naruto in place.

Naruto wearily lifted his head and fixed his gaze on Ash and the others. "Heh." A weak chuckle escaped his lips. "It's about time..."

"Don't worry, Naruto, we'll get you out," the Keyblade wielder said, trying to reassure the ninja. He then turned to glance at his Nobody counterpart who gave a slight nod of understanding.

Ash and Xhäs stood shoulder to shoulder, summoning their Keyblades in a burst of radiant light and darkness. The two synchronized their movements, swinging their Keyblades in perfect unison. As the blades traced a brilliant X in the air, a trail of shimmering light was left in their wake. The Keyblades collided with the cold metal bars, creating a symphony of clangs that echoed through the air. The bars groaned under immense force, unable to withstand the power of the Keyblades. Finally, the X-shaped motion completed its arc, and the bars fell to the ground with a loud clatter of metallic sounds.

Ash and Yukie swiftly rushed into Naruto's cell while Xhäs followed behind them at a more leisurely pace. Ash and Xhäs approached Naruto with their Keyblades gleaming as they prepared to liberate the blonde ninja. In a coordinated and practiced motion, they swung their blades with precision, slicing through the metallic chains that bound Naruto to captivity. The first chain, suspended above Naruto's head, fell away in a cascade of metallic links, clattering to the ground. The second chain, which had restricted his ankles, was severed just as swiftly. With the last link cut, the oppressive weight that had confined Naruto was lifted, and he stumbled forward momentarily, adjusting to his newfound freedom.

"Thanks, guys," Naruto said, rubbing his wrists. "By the way––" he paused for a moment as the Oathkeeper and Oblivion vanished. "––who's this guy?" Naruto asked, pointing at Xhäs, curious to know who he was.

Ash quickly intervened, "That's not important right now," he said, trying to change the topic. However, he noticed a strange device attached to Naruto's chest. "What's that on your chest, Naruto?" Ash asked, pointing at the device.

"It's one of Dotō's latest projects. It's a device that drains the user's chakra," Yukie explained. "He placed it on Naruto when you were out cold, Ash."

Naruto continued to struggle fruitlessly with the device. "No matter how hard I tried, it won't come off!" he exclaimed, his frustration reaching a boiling point. "See!"

Xhäs' actions were quick and precise as he stepped forward and summoned his Keyblade yet again. In a swift motion, he sliced off the draining chakra device from Naruto's chest. The device fell to the ground with a loud clattering sound, its wires sparking with electricity as it hit the ground.

Naruto was unsure of how to respond to Xhäs' actions as he looked down at the device that had just been sliced off his chest. "Oh, uh, thanks?" he said, his tone uncertain. Xhäs simply dismissed his Keyblade once again and walked off. "Hey!"

As the group emerged from the holding cell and regrouped with Xhäs, Ash offered a suggestion, "We should head back. Kakashi and the others must be worried about us." His words were thoughtful and practical, reflecting his concern for the safety of the group.

"Not until we kicked Dotō's ass!" However, Naruto seemed determined to get revenge on Dotō and quickly disregarded Ash's suggestion. His rash declaration could potentially lead to disastrous consequences.

"Dotō also has my necklace. I need to get it back from him," Yukie explained, somewhat agreeing with Naruto's plan but for different reasons. Her words hinted at a personal connection to the situation, making it clear that she had her own agenda to pursue.

Ash seems to be concerned about the duo's intentions to seek revenge on Dotō for embarrassing them in some way. Despite this, he decides to help them deal with Heartless Dotō. "Fine, we'll deal with Dotō then head back to the others." Both Naruto and Yukie nodded in agreement with Ash's plan.

Underneath his coat hood, Xhäs appeared to be deep in thought. There was a frown on his face, and he seemed to be preoccupied with something. As he watched Ash meddle with the world's affairs, he couldn't help but wonder why the Keyblade wielder was so deeply invested in something that had nothing to do with him or his mission. Despite his reservations, the Nobody quietly followed the group from behind as they made their way through the area.

However, their progress was soon interrupted when they were suddenly confronted by a suspicious-looking guard. The guard had jumped down from a ramp above their heads and landed in front of them. Although the others were taken aback, something about the guard drew the attention of Ash. He recognized the distinctive features of silver hair and the face mask and realized that the guard was actually someone he knew.

Unfortunately, Naruto didn't seem to recognize the guard as who he really was. It was Kakashi who was in disguise, blending in as one of Dotō's patrolling guards.

"Leave this creep to me, guys!" The blonde ninja charged towards the disguised Kakashi. He landed a series of wild punches and kicks, but Kakashi, being a skilled ninja, dodged each of his attacks with ease. Though he was disguised and didn't want to reveal his true identity, he couldn't let Naruto hurt himself in his rage. So, he kept evading Naruto's attacks and waved his hands defensively, hoping to calm him down. Finally, he decided to jump back and put some distance between them.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's me Kakashi, stop!" Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as Kakashi swiftly removed the disguise, revealing his familiar face. The blonde ninja halted his assault, blinking in disbelief as recognition set in.

"Kakashi-Sensei? What the heck?" Naruto exclaimed, a mixture of confusion and embarrassment evident on his face. He took a step back, realizing the misunderstanding.

Kakashi chuckled, his single visible eye crinkling at the corner with amusement. "Sorry about that." Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of relief washing over him. He was so glad Naruto and the others were safe.

However, their brief reunion would soon be interrupted when Nadare's voice caught their attention. "Kakashi!" Everyone glanced up to see Nadare diving down at them with kunai in hand. The sudden appearance of Nadare and his aggressive descent immediately put the team on high alert. Kakashi, reacting swiftly, assessed the situation and issued a quick command to the group.

"Go!" Kakashi commanded the group, his eye fixed firmly on his arch-nemesis. With a swift motion, he drew his kunai, ready to face Nadare head-on. The two warriors clashed mid-air, their weapons emitting a series of metallic clangs as they moved with lightning-fast speed.

"Kakashi's right, we need to move!" Naruto exclaimed, leading the charge with a burst of energy. He dashed forward on the bridge ramp with Ash and Yukie following close behind. Xhäs chose to stay behind, sensing that the Nobody was not keen on getting involved in the chaos that Ash had created.

"Dotō!" The tension in the throne room escalated as Naruto's voice rang out, drawing the attention of Dotō, Yukie's menacing uncle. The evil smirk on Heartless Dotō's face hinted at a sense of anticipation, relishing the confrontation that was about to unfold.

As the footsteps echoed and grew louder, Ash and his group stood before Dotō. Ash stepped forward, his voice firm and unwavering. "Dotō, your reign of terror ends here!"

Dotō's smirk widened as he observed the group before him. "Ah, the heroes have finally arrived. But do you really think you can challenge me?" he sneered, the throne room's oppressive atmosphere intensifying.

"Hand over my necklace, Dotō! It belongs to me!" Yukie's voice cut through the tense atmosphere in the throne room, her demand echoing with determination.

"Your necklace, you say?" An arrogant smirk played on Heartless Dotō's face as he dangled Yukie's crystal necklace. "You mean this?" he jeered, receiving a sharp glare from Yukie. "Unfortunately, it's no use to me." Heartless Dotō declared coldly, and with a swift, heartless motion, he crushed the necklace with his might. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the throne room. Yukie froze in disbelief. "As it's nothing more than a fake..." He revealed shattered crystal pieces in his palm. "Just like you, Princess Yukie, or should I say Princess Koyuki!" Heartless Dotō's maniacal laughter pierced the air as he unveiled Yukie's true identity.

"You...bastard!" Naruto spat out the words, his anger palpable. "Come down here so we can kick your ass!" Naruto threatened, his words laced with fierce determination.

"Empty threats from insignificant pests," Heartless Dotō sneered, his arrogance undiminished. As the evil tyrant stood up, the dark aura that surrounded him intensified. "Very well, I will entertain your foolishness!" Heartless Dotō declared as he discarded his robe, revealing a menacing black Chakra Armor suit adorned with the Heartless Emblem.

"Princess Koyuki..." Ash addressed her with a gentle tone, prompting the young princess to glance in his direction. "You might want to stand back. This could get ugly," he warned her in a calm tone. Acknowledging Ash's advice, she nodded in understanding as she took a few steps back, creating a safe distance between herself and the impending clash.

Heartless Dotō leaped off the top staircase. His descent was swift and forceful, and the room quivered as he slammed his fist onto the floor below upon landing, leaving a distinct fist print. As the evil tyrant straightened his posture, his menacing red eyes locked onto Ash and Naruto with a piercing intensity. Heartless Dotō's malevolent intentions manifested as he extended his hand, opening his palm to release a surge of dark energy. The ominous power coalesced, forming an ethereal wave that surged towards Ash and Naruto with undeniable force.

The Keyblade wielder and the ninja braced themselves against the intense pressure as the wave of dark energy surged toward them. The oppressive force created a whirlwind of malevolence, threatening to engulf them in its ominous embrace.

"Man, what power!" Naruto gritted his teeth, struggling against the overwhelming power of Heartless Dotō's dark energy. Visible beads of sweat dripped down his face as he fought to maintain his footing, but the force behind the dark wave pushed him backwards with each passing second.

As Ash felt the intense pressure of Dotō's dark aura, a smirk gradually crept onto his lips. The Keyblade wielder exuded confidence in the face of the overwhelming force before him. "It's strong..." Ash acknowledged, his tone unwavering. He felt the weight of Dotō's power pressing down on him, but his smirk indicated a quiet determination. "But I'm stronger!" With those words, Ash took a bold step forward, defying the oppressive energy that sought to hold him back. The unexpected move caught the attention of Heartless Dotō, whose red eyes widened slightly in surprise.

The evil tyrant, though momentarily taken aback, seemed to be impressed with Ash's resilience. The dark wave ceased as Dotō lowered his arm, intrigued by the Keyblade wielder's ability to withstand the formidable force.

"Get ready, Naruto!" Ash exclaimed, summoning his Oathkeeper and shifting into his stance. He gripped the blade tightly and cast his gaze on Naruto, who nodded in response.

"Here goes!" Naruto's hands came together in a quick clap as he kept his gaze fixed on the smug Heartless Dotō standing in the distance. With practiced ease, he formed the Shadow Clone hand sign, ready to face his foe. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"In a sudden flurry of smoke, Naruto multiplied into a legion of clones. With a confident smirk, Naruto's clones surged forward, each armed with kunai, and dashed towards Heartless Dotō.

Heartless Dotō seemed unfazed by the incoming onslaught of Naruto's clones. He calculated his next move with confidence as the clones closed in. Suddenly, he unleashed a wave of dark energy that created shockwaves, dispersing the clones in a puff of smoke. But to his surprise, a few shadow clones managed to sneak around his attack and lunged at him with their kunai. Heartless Dotō moved with an uncanny agility and strength. Each clone that lunged at him was met with a precise counter, as the Heartless tyrant expertly swatted, elbowed, and kicked with a calculated efficiency. The dark entity's movements were a mesmerizing dance of destruction. Kunais were deflected, and clones were sent sprawling with powerful blows. They began to cry out, their forms flickering before dissipating in puffs of smoke.

Ash's determination was evident as he charged forward, his Keyblade gripped tightly in his hand. As he closed in on Dotō, the Heartless began to unleash a barrage of dark shockwaves in an attempt to stop him in his tracks. But Ash skillfully evaded the dark shockwaves with nimble footwork. He leaped and dodged over the shockwaves. He lunged forward with a swift swing of the Oathkeeper. The Keyblade cut through the air with a resounding whoosh, aiming for the heart of the darkness.

However, Dotō met the attack with his armored forearm plate. The impact reverberated throughout the air, and for a moment, it seemed as though Dotō had effortlessly absorbed the force of the blow. Ash's Keyblade pressed against Dotō's forearm plate with a loud clang, but the Heartless was too powerful for him to overpower. With a single swat, Dotō sent Ash flying through the air. However, Ash's agility and quick reflexes allowed him to land safely a few feet away, quickly regaining his footing.

The sudden shift in the battle caught Ash off guard. His eyes widened as the Heartless Dotō unleashed a powerful Ice Release technique with a barrage of quick hand signs. Large icicles burst from the floor, creating an icy terrain, and the Heartless thrust his fist forward, conjuring a menacing black ether-like dragon. "Ice Release: Black Dragon Blizzard!"Dotō declared as the dragon-like chakra sped towards Ash with deadly intent.

The impact of the Black Dragon Blizzard crashed against Ash as he braced himself with the Oathkeeper, holding firmly as a shield. Gritting his teeth, he felt the force of the dragon pushing him relentlessly backward across the icy throne room. Both of Ash's feet slid violently against the floor as the dragon's power continued to press against him. The relentless force of the attack drove him forcefully backwards until his back met the wall with a resounding impact.

Bbbooooooooommmm

Debris and smoke filled the air as the collision caused chaos in the throne room. It looked like Heartless Dotō had the advantage for a moment, with a dark chuckle escaping his lips. However, that was short-lived as a couple of fireballs burst through the smoke and headed straight for the overconfident Heartless. Dotō held his palm out, seemingly annoyed, preparing to absorb the impact. The fireballs slammed into Dotō's outstretched palm, creating a burst of flames upon contact. The intense heat and crackling sounds echoed in the throne room, momentarily drowning out the noise of the collision

Bbboooomm

Bbbooooooooommmm

Loud explosions echoed through the air, creating a cloud of dust. In the midst of the chaos, Heartless Dotō was caught off guard by a spinning Keyblade hurtling towards him. He quickly shielded himself, but the impact of the Oathkeeper against his Chakra Armor caused him to stagger. In that moment, Ash charged forward and swung his Keyblade, striking Dotō's armored chest plate with a resounding whoosh.

The crack in the clear orb on Dotō's Chakra Armor emitted an ominous energy, signaling a potential vulnerability in his defenses. Frustration etched across Dotō's face, his plans seemingly thwarted by the unforeseen damage. The leaking darkness hinted at a weakness that Ash keenly aimed to exploit.

Heartless Dotō's frustration manifested physically as he unleashed a series of aggressive strikes. His fist sailed through the air, aiming for Ash's head, but the nimble Keyblade wielder swiftly ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack. Ash seamlessly danced around Dotō, avoiding a subsequent swift kick with acrobatic finesse. Ash lunged forward, Keyblade in hand, executing a flurry of strikes. While Dotō's Chakra Armor absorbed the majority of the blows, the persistence of Ash's assault began to wear on the composed Heartless. The clash of metal against the resilient armor echoed through the throne room.

The toll of the battle became evident as fatigue gripped Heartless Dotō, his movements growing less precise with every missed strike. The dark aura surrounding him burned off energy at an alarming rate, a consequence of his frustration and inexperience in harnessing the full potential of darkness. Aqua's theory rang true, as the lack of control over the consumed darkness hindered Dotō's effectiveness in combat. Beads of sweat streamed down Dotō's face, a testament to the physical and mental strain he endured. The once-confident tyrant now found himself struggling against the agility and finesse of Ash. The Keyblade wielder, recognizing Dotō's vulnerability, continued to evade with well-timed movements. Dotō, in a desperate attempt to gain an advantage, unleashed dark shockwaves with each attempted strike. However, Ash, demonstrating a keen understanding of his opponent's tactics, skillfully read Dotō's movements. With agile sidesteps and timely jumps, Ash avoided the dark shockwaves, further frustrating the tyrant.

As Heartless Dotō continued his relentless pursuit of Ash, unaware of the worsening state of his Chakra Armor, the crack in the sphere expanded with each movement. Darkness energy spilled out like an uncontrollable torrent, further compromising Dotō's defenses. The toll of the battle became increasingly apparent on Dotō. Heavy breathing and profuse sweating revealed the strain he endured. Each failed attempt to strike Ash left him frustrated, the once-confident tyrant now grappling with the reality of his limitations. The crack in the Chakra Armor became a visual manifestation of Dotō's unraveling control over the consumed darkness. His movements, fueled by frustration and desperation, inadvertently accelerated the deterioration of his protective barrier. The battlefield bore witness to a tyrant losing grip, both physically and metaphorically.

"Damn you...Damn you!" Dotō's curses echoed through the air as his attempts to land a decisive blow proved futile.

Ash's sidelong glance towards Naruto was a silent communication, a subtle attempt to draw the ninja's attention to the evident weakness in Heartless Dotō's defenses. However, Naruto, initially confused, failed to grasp the significance of Ash's non-verbal cue.

"Hmm? What's going on?" Naruto mumbled to himself, his attention momentarily diverted from the ongoing battle. Despite his keen instincts, the subtleties of Ash's signal eluded him, leaving him puzzled on the sidelines.

As Ash persisted in his non-verbal cues, nudging his head and motioning towards Dotō's direction, Naruto's confusion slowly transformed into understanding. The repetitive gestures finally caught Naruto's attention, prompting him to follow Ash's gaze towards the Heartless tyrant. With a widening grin on his face, Naruto's eyes zeroed in on the damaged Chakra Armor, specifically the cracked orb. The realization dawned on him as he observed the cracks spreading, signifying the weakening of Dotō's defenses.

"I get it!" A silent exchange of understanding passed between Ash and Naruto, the Keyblade wielder having successfully conveyed the critical information without uttering a word. Naruto, now aware of Dotō's vulnerability, nodded in acknowledgment, signaling his readiness to act on this newfound knowledge.

The brief moment of satisfaction on Ash's face was short-lived as he swiftly evaded a stray dark shockwave unleashed by Dotō's frustrated fist. The Heartless, fueled by rage and desperation, charged forward with a barrage of rapid punches and kicks aimed at the nimble Keyblade wielder. Ash's agility came into play as he skillfully read each movement, sidestepping the punches and gracefully ducking under the kicks.

As Ash skillfully engaged Heartless Dotō in a dance of evasion and precision, Naruto seized the opportunity to summon a shadow clone to his side. With a swift hand seal, Naruto's chakra manifested into a tangible form. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" In a puff of smoke, the Naruto clone materialized and wasted no time in pouring chakra into its open palm. The air crackled with energy as the Rasengan, a powerful spinning ball of chakra, began to take shape.

"Gaahhh!" The Heartless tyrant slid backwards under the force of Ash's strike. The impact left Dotō visibly shaken, and he groaned in frustration as he fought to regain his footing.

Ash's calm yet resolute words cut through the tension in the throne room, addressing the stubborn Heartless Dotō. "Give it up, Dotō! You may have the power of darkness on your side, but you can't win if you keep relying on it solely for power." Dotō's glare intensified, and his teeth clenched together as he balled his fists tightly. The frustration and anger within the Heartless were palpable, his reliance on the consuming power of darkness evident in every movement and reaction.

Dotō's frustration and disbelief at being outmatched by a Keyblade wielder despite his perceived strength levels weighed heavily on him. In a moment of contemplation, his eyes drifted towards Koyuki, a sinister idea slowly taking shape in the recesses of his thoughts. The shift in his gaze didn't go unnoticed, and soon, his attention returned to Ash with a sly grin, signaling the emergence of a devious plan.

As Ash narrowed his eyes, a sense of unease settled in, acknowledging that the desperate Heartless, Dotō, was scheming something significant. The confirmation came when Dotō leaped back, putting distance between them. Suspicion heightened as the Heartless clasped his hands together, and large icicles burst from the floor, forming a protective barrier around him. Performing intricate hand signs, Dotō prepared to unleash his trump card. "Let's see if you can handle this, boy! Ice Release: Twin Dragon Blizzard!" The dark aura surrounding Dotō intensified, a prelude to the impending display of his newfound technique. As the Heartless released two dragons of black ice, they merged seamlessly into a massive tornado of chilling power.

Ash, bracing himself for the impending onslaught of the Twin Dragon Blizzard, watched in horror as the black dragon tornado surged past him. To his dismay, he realized that Dotō had redirected the devastating jutsu towards Koyuki. Panic gripped Ash as he shouted, "Koyuki!" The chilling tornado, fueled by darkness and ice, sped towards Koyuki with relentless force.

As the perilous Twin Dragon Blizzard surged towards Koyuki, Ash's desperate cry caught Naruto's attention. The urgency in Ash's voice and the imminent threat prompted Naruto to react swiftly. "Koyuki!" Naruto shouted.

As Dotō's sinister grin widened with satisfaction, he reveled in the apparent success of his Twin Dragon Blizzard, watching Koyuki's expression change to one of sheer horror. The icy tornado closed in on her, and time seemed to slow down as her eyes widened, her heart racing, sensing the impending danger. Just as it seemed that all hope was lost for Koyuki, a looming silhouette suddenly made its presence known. Leaping over her head and landing a few feet in front of her, this unexpected figure completely startled Koyuki and surprised even Dotō.

To the surprise of both Koyuki and Dotō, the looming silhouette that had appeared was none other than Xhäs.

Xhäs summoned his dark Keyblade and stood firm, a pair of red piercing eyes glaring from beneath his black hood. As the Twin Dragon Blizzard bore down on him, Xhäs planted a foot forward and, with a swift motion, gripped the black Keyblade with both hands. He unleashed a powerful sonic boom that resonated through the throne room, overwhelming the dark twister. The force of Xhäs' counterattack sent shockwaves through the Twin Dragon Blizzard, disrupting its momentum. The powerful sonic boom not only halted the icy tornado but also redirected its force, causing it to collide with the ceiling of the fortress. The impact reverberated through the entire structure, shaking the throne room and casting debris in all directions.

"I-Impossible!" the once-confident tyrant gawked in utter shock at Xhäs' amazing and overwhelming display of power.

As the Nobody ignored Heartless Dotō's priceless expression of shock, he simply tossed the black Keyblade in Ash's direction. The Keyblade wielder instinctively caught the weapon with his other hand, blinking in confusion as he felt the weight of the formidable blade. An awkward sensation enveloped him as if the Oblivion was meant for him to wield its great power. Ash turned his attention towards Xhäs, his eyes seeking an explanation for this unexpected gesture.

"Use it," the Nobody instructed Ash in a calm tone. "It will help you defeat that scum over there once and for all." Ash blinked in surprise at his counterpart's words before a grin spread across his face. Feeling the power resonating within the Oblivion, Ash understood that this Keyblade held the potential to turn the tide of the battle.

"Thanks, Xhäs!" Ash expressed his gratitude to the Nobody, who offered no verbal response. However, underneath the hood that concealed Xhäs' features, a small smirk plastered his lips.

With newfound confidence and wielding both the Oathkeeper and Oblivion, Ash redirected his focus to the nervous Heartless Dotō. Twirling the Keyblades in each hand, he took a stance with a smirk. Soon, he sprinted forward, dragging the teeth of the Oathkeeper and Oblivion into the cold floor, creating a chilling resonance. Annoyed by Ash's display of overconfidence, Heartless Dotō responded by firing a barrage of dark shockwaves at the charging Keyblade wielder. However, Ash showcased his agility and skill, deftly dodging and leaping over each oncoming shockwave. The

A resounding whoosh echoed in the air, which was followed by a metallic clang noise. Apparently, Dotō was able to block one of Ash's swift strikes with his forearm plate when the Keyblade wielder swung the Oathkeeper towards him. However, a groan would escape the Heartless' lips when he couldn't evade the Oblivion's swift strike against his chest.

The resounding clash of Keyblade against Heartless Chakra Armor echoed through the throne room. Dotō, in a display of quick reflexes, managed to block one of Ash's swift strikes with his forearm plate as the Oathkeeper swung towards him. The metallic clang reverberated through the air as the Keyblade met the armored defense. However, the battle was far from over. Ash, with the agility granted by wielding both the Oathkeeper and Oblivion, continued his relentless assault. The Oblivion's swift strike found its mark against Dotō's chest, and a pained groan escaped the Heartless' lips. "Gaahhh!" The impact caused further damage to the clear orb on Dotō's chest plate, the cracks spreading even more upon the forceful contact.

Ash, seizing the advantage and recognizing that Dotō was on the ropes, intensified his onslaught. With a series of critical hits, each strike landing with precision, Dotō winced in pain as the Keyblade wielder's relentless assault continued. Ash pressed forward with his swift and calculated assault. The combination of Oathkeeper and Oblivion moved in a mesmerizing dance, creating a whirlwind of strikes that tested the limits of the Heartless tyrant. Dotō, struggling to keep up, bore the brunt of each blow, his defenses gradually weakening under the onslaught. The climax of Ash's relentless attack came as he slammed both Keyblades against Dotō's back with all his might. The force of the strike sent the Heartless tyrant hurtling off his feet and into the air.

"Gaahhh!" The resounding groan that escaped from Dotō's lips echoed through the throne room as he felt the impact of Ash's powerful strike.

"Now, Naruto!" With Ash's commanding signal, Naruto leaped into action.

Heartless Dotō's eyes widened in shock at the grinning Naruto, who appeared above him with the Rasengan in his palm. With decisive speed, Naruto dove downward, aiming his hand at the stunned Heartless and thrusting it against Dotō's chest plate.

"Rasengan!" The air erupted with the swirling energy of Naruto's special move.

"Gaahhh!" As Naruto's Rasengan crashed against Dotō's chest, the Heartless tyrant groaned in pain. The already cracked sphere on his chest plate suffered more damage, the fractures scattering across the orb. The force of the Rasengan pressed Dotō backwards, and the impact left him vulnerable as both he and Naruto started falling downward. Ash, witnessing the opportunity, held both Keyblades up high and began concentrating his focus on the blades. As Dotō and Naruto descended towards him, Ash launched simultaneous Fira spells from both Oathkeeper and Oblivion. The fiery projectiles streaked towards the falling Heartless, creating a cascade of blazing orbs. Dotō briefly spared a side glance at the raging fireballs hurtling towards him. The flames seemed to be guided by Naruto's movements, almost as if the blonde ninja was navigating Dotō's falling form into the path of the approaching fire. Dotō's final shout, "Nooooooo!" echoed in the air as the fireballs and Naruto's Rasengan collided with him, setting off a violent explosion.

Bbbooooooooommmm

The thunderous explosion reverberated within the fortress, shaking the very foundations of the throne room. Ash gritted his teeth, feeling the strong breeze brushing against his face as he held his ground. Even Xhäs had to shield Koyuki from the powerful gust and debris that blasted towards their direction. The intensity of the explosion echoed the ferocity of the clash that had unfolded moments ago. When the dust finally settled, a loud thud echoed throughout the throne room, marking Dotō's descent to the floor. His mouth was wide open, and his eyes were rolled back behind his head. The dark aura that had once consumed him now faded, signaling his defeat. The Heartless tyrant lay defeated on the floor.

Ash breathed a sigh of relief, acknowledging the conclusion of the intense battle. Naruto joined him by safely dropping down to the floor, offering a grin and a thumbs up, symbolizing the successful collaboration between the Keyblade wielder and the ninja. Ash responded with a grin of his own, appreciating the camaraderie forged in the heat of battle. However, his gaze shifted toward Xhäs, the enigmatic Nobody who had played a crucial role. The two stood in an awkward silence until Ash took a step forward, putting some distance between them. In a gesture of acknowledgment and perhaps gratitude, Ash held out the Oblivion toward Xhäs, a symbolic offering that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"Thanks, Xhäs," Ash expressed his gratitude, though the Nobody remained silent, quietly listening to his Somebody. "We couldn't have beaten Dotō without your help! I believe this belongs to you." Ash held out the Oblivion towards Xhäs, whose red eyes were fixed on the weapon. There was a momentary pause before Shax reluctantly accepted the Keyblade back.

"No worries," the Nobody responded in his calm demeanor as he grasped the Oblivion into his grip. "Eventually, it will belong to you." Xhäs' cryptic response left Ash baffled, the enigmatic words carrying a weight of mystery and foreshadowing.

"What?"

The Nobody chuckled softly as the black Keyblade disappeared in a dark glow. "Don't worry about it," he assured his Somebody. "In time, everything will make sense. For now, just focus on getting stronger." With a wave of his hand, a dark portal materialized beside him. The Nobody began to walk towards it but paused briefly to glance at Ash. "You should stop involving yourself with these worlds and focus on your own well-being," he advised. Ash frowned in response, causing the Nobody to chuckle. "But knowing your stubbornness, you'll continue to get involved no matter what I say." He turned back to the portal. "Until we meet again, take care of yourself." As he stepped into the portal, a smile graced Ash's lips.

From his perch atop a nearby balcony, Riku Replica observed the exchange with an amused smirk on his face. As the Nobody stepped into the dark portal and disappeared, Riku Replica followed suit, vanishing into a dark corridor.

It appeared that everything was falling into place perfectly, just as Master Xehanort had planned.

Yeah, closing this visit out was a bit more challenging than I originally expected. It's a good thing it's finally over with. Now Ash's off to his next world. Guess what it is. I'll give you a small hint. It's another fan-favorite choice.

Extra scene: Sexy Jutsu

"Hey, Naruto!" Ash's voice caught Naruto's attention as he called out to him

"Yeah, Ash?" Naruto responded, curiosity evident in his voice. He awaited Ash's next words, wondering what the Keyblade wielder had in mind or what he wanted to discuss.

Ash began tentatively, feeling a little apprehensive about what he was about to ask. "I was curious about a secret Jutsu you have," he said, trying to sound casual. "Kakashi mentioned that it's something unique, but he didn't give me many details. I asked Sakura and Sasuke about it, but they recommended against it. So, I figured I'd ask you about it," he explained. Naruto's grin widened as he heard Ash's request.

Naruto's eyes lit up with pride as he heard Ash's question. "Oh, that!" he exclaimed. "Yup, it's a very unique Jutsu, and I came up with it myself!" he boasted, clearly pleased with himself. Ash's interest was piqued, and he listened intently.

"That's really impressive," Ash praised Naruto's skills. "Would you mind showing it to me?" he asked, eager to see the Jutsu in action.

"Sure thing!" Naruto replied with a cocky grin. "Get ready to have your mind blown!" With that, he took his stance as Ash watched carefully. Naruto clasped his hands together and performed a series of hand signs.

Instantly, Naruto was engulfed in a puff of smoke, and his form underwent a dramatic transformation. When the smoke dissipated, it revealed an attractive female version of Naruto with pigtails. However, what truly caught Ash by surprise was the fact that the female Naruto appeared to be naked, with only the smoke covering the majority of her body.

"What the?"

The female Naruto's playful prank on Ash seemed to have worked, as Ash's expression was priceless. Naruto quickly reverted back to his original self and asked for Ash's feedback, eagerly waiting to hear what the Keyblade wielder thought of the whole situation. "He he he, what do you think, Ash?" he asked, waiting for some feedback from the Keyblade wielder.

"Uh, well, it's very unique...like Kakashi mentioned, that's for sure," Ash said, his words coming out a bit hesitant and uncertain.

Naruto grinned and offered an opportunity for Ash to learn the Jutsu. "You know, I could teach you how to do it too. It could come in handy on your journey," he suggested eagerly. However, Ash was quick to shoot down the idea.

"I think I will pass."

"Come on, it doesn't hurt if you learned it!"

"I'm more worried that people would prefer me being a girl more often if I did learn that Jutsu," the Keyblade wielder muttered with a slight blush on his face. He could feel his cheeks heating up at the mere thought of being transformed into a girl.

"What?"

"Nothing!"