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. I understand that you're happy to hear about Yuffie's cameo and the fight between Ash and Naruto. As for the questions regarding Sakura or Princess Yukie, it seems that they will not be a part of Ash's harem. It looks like a female Keyblade Master will be making a surprise cameo appearance. Get ready for it!

XIX

The Land of Snow - II

"Miss Yukie, I'm so relieved you're alright!" Still visibly shaken by the recent events, Yukie returned Sandayū's embrace with gratitude. She felt the genuine concern in his hug, finding comfort in his familiar presence.

"Thank you, Sandayū. It's been a harrowing experience," Yukie admitted, her voice slightly shaky. "I never expected things to take such a turn."

Sandayū pulled back slightly, his hands on Yukie's shoulders as he looked at her with concern. "You handled it with remarkable courage, Miss Yukie. We'll make sure to strengthen security measures to prevent such incidents in the future." Yukie nodded, appreciating Sandayū's reassurance.

Sandayū quickly noticed a fresh face among the group and inquired, "Oh, and who is this young man?" with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"This is Ash," Kakashi introduced, nodding toward the young man beside him. "He played a crucial role in ensuring Miss Yukie's safety during the incident. Ash, meet Sandayū, Miss Yukie's personal assistant."

Ash, feeling a mix of gratitude and shyness, extended his hand towards Sandayū. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm just glad I could be of help."

Sandayū, observing the genuine concern in Ash's eyes, shook his hand warmly. "Thank you, Ash. We appreciate your quick thinking and bravery. Miss Yukie is lucky to have people like you looking out for her."

Still standing beside them, Yukie added, "Ash has proven himself to be quite resourceful and courageous. We owe him a debt of gratitude."

Sandayū nodded approvingly. "Well then, Ash, welcome to our close-knit circle. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

Soon, the heartwarming gathering was disrupted by the sudden appearance of Dotō's henchmen, who stood menacingly on the edge of a snow-topped mountain. "Attention Yukie Fujikaze! Surrender peacefully and we might consider sparing a painful death for those around you!" Nadare threatened with a smug smirk.

Yukie's expression hardened, and a tense silence fell over the group as they turned their attention to the unwelcome interruption. Sandayū's protective instincts kicked in immediately, and he subtly positioned himself between Yukie and the approaching threat.

Kakashi, always vigilant, narrowed his visible eye at the henchmen. "Dotō's goons, huh?" he muttered under his breath.

"As if we're going to let you clowns get your hands on Yukie!" Naruto growled.

Nadare didn't seem too worried about the empty threats and took a moment to study the group. His eyes eventually fixed on Ash and his smirk grew wider. "He's here too. Good," he muttered with satisfaction. As he looked back at Fubuki and Mizore, they nodded in agreement before turning their attention back to the group. "We warned you, and now you'll regret it," he said with determination. Dotō's henchmen took a leap off the edge and lunged towards the group with fierce determination.

Kakashi lifted his headband up over his covered eyes, revealing the Sharingan. It was no surprise to him that this situation had arisen, as he had predicted it. After revealing his Sharingan, Kakashi gave his orders. "Naruto, Sasuke, follow my lead!" The boys nodded in agreement. Kakashi turned to Ash and Sakura and said, "Ash, Sakura, protect Miss Fujikaze!" As he glanced back, he made eye contact with both of them to ensure they understood their mission.

Sakura's nod conveyed assurance and determination as she replied, "Leave it to us."

The tension in the air was palpable as Ash, Sakura, Sandayū, and Yukie observed the intense confrontation unfolding before them. Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke, skilled and determined, faced off against Dotō's formidable henchmen. The clash of techniques echoed in the surroundings as the group exchanged blows and jutsu with the adversaries. Sakura's eyes followed every movement, her expression a mix of concern and focus while Sandayū's experienced gaze analyzed the unfolding battle. Yukie, perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed, gripped the hem of her sleeve nervously. Ash, on the other hand, seemed ready for anything, his posture poised and alert.

"What the hell are these things?" The movie director's exclamation snapped the attention of Ash, Sakura, Sandayū, and Yukie towards him. Their eyes widened as they beheld an unexpected twist in the unfolding events. The director and his group were surrounded by Shadows and Neoshadows, and the director urged them not to stop filming despite the danger. He emphasized the need for future materials that could potentially be used for sequels.

"But sir!" The cameraman expressed his disbelief at the director's demand.

"Don't argue with me!" The director was firm in his response.

With a swift motion, Ash summoned his Oathkeeper, the Keyblade materializing in his hand with a glint of power. Determination etched on his face, he charged forward, heading straight into the fray of Heartless, Shadows and Neoshadows that surrounded the movie director's group. The Oathkeeper gleamed as it cut through the shadows, Ash skillfully wielding the Keyblade to fend off the Heartless. Each strike was precise, and the magical weapon seemed to resonate with his determination to protect those in need. The director, still focused on capturing the action on film, marveled at the unexpected turn of events. The clash between Ash and the Heartless became a spectacle.

"Good stuff, good stuff, good stuff!" The director's enthusiastic commentary echoed amidst the chaos as Ash and his team continued their battle against the Heartless and Dotō's henchmen. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction, seemingly unfazed by the danger unfolding before him. The clash between the heroes and the otherworldly creatures and villainous ninjas became a bizarre yet captivating scene for the film director. "Keep rolling! This is gold!" he shouted to the cameraman, who, despite initial reservations, continued to capture the intense confrontation on film.

Sakura, Sandayū, and Yukie were caught off guard when a dark portal appeared behind them. They quickly turned around to see Riku Replica stepping out of the portal.

The tension in the air was palpable as Riku Replica focused his attention on the princess, his intent clear with the summoning of Soul Eater. Sandayū, the loyal guardian, swiftly moved to shield Yukie from the potential danger. The intruder, seemingly unfazed, issued a warning, his eyes fixed on the princess. "Step aside old man. I'm only here for your princess," he declared with a threatening tone.

However, Sakura, with a kunai in hand, wasn't about to let the threat go unchallenged. Stepping forward, she positioned herself next to Sandayū, ready to defend against any harm that might befall Yukie. The air grew heavier with anticipation as the standoff unfolded.

Ignoring the added complication, the intruder, wearing a smug smirk, responded to Sakura's intervention. "Fine, have it your way then," he exclaimed, his grin widening.

Boom

Bbooooooommm

Bbbooooooooommmm

Ash cast several Fira spells at the Shadows and Neoshadows, causing a barrage of rapid explosions. Each spell landed a clean hit, engulfing the Heartless in a fiery explosion. The director was pleased as it was another spectacular display. However, Ash's mind was preoccupied as he momentarily glanced away and noticed that Sakura and Sandayū were lying on the fluffy snow. To make matters worse, an unconscious Yukie was being carried off over the shoulder of an Organization member who looked exactly like Riku but much younger. "Yukie!" Upon noticing Yukie being carried off, Ash called out her name before sidestepping a Neoshadow's claws from scratching his face. He then quickly responded by cutting down the Heartless.

Ash's cry didn't go unnoticed, drawing the attention of Naruto, who was busy fighting off Mizore with his shadow clones. The original Naruto was in a stalemate with the brute, but he glanced back momentarily when he heard Ash's voice. Riku Replica was carrying an unconscious Yukie over his shoulder towards the dark portal. Ash's cry distracted Naruto, giving Mizore the opening he needed to punch the real Naruto hard on the cheek, hurling him back into some of his shadow clones. The force of the blow disrupted his concentration, causing a momentary lapse in his control over the shadow clones. As he collided with his duplicates, they dispersed into puffs of smoke, leaving only the real Naruto vulnerable.

"Naruto!" Kakashi's focus momentarily shifted from his intense exchange with Nadare to Naruto's prone form on the ground. His Sharingan eye swiftly analyzed the situation, assessing Naruto's condition. Nadare, taking advantage of this distraction, aimed a particularly swift and vicious strike at Kakashi.

However, the seasoned Jōnin reacted with lightning speed, seamlessly evading Nadare's attack while ensuring Naruto's safety. Kakashi swiftly assessed the situation, realizing that Naruto was temporarily incapacitated but not critically injured. With a swift hand seal, Kakashi summoned a shadow clone to tend to Naruto and provide cover while he returned his attention to the ongoing battle.

"Naruto, stay down and gather your strength!" Kakashi called out as he re-engaged Nadare. His movements were precise and calculated, showing the experience and skill that made him one of Konoha's elite ninjas. The battle continued with Kakashi's strategic maneuvers and the relentless assault of Nadare's swift attacks.

Nadare acknowledged that Riku Replica had successfully fulfilled his part of the mission by securing Yukie. With this in mind, Nadare made the tactical decision to retreat. As he swiftly moved backward, creating distance between himself and Kakashi, he skillfully hurled explosive talismans in Kakashi's direction. The explosive devices detonated simultaneously, creating a series of powerful blasts designed to disorient and slow down the Copy Ninja.

Boom

Bbooooooommm

Bbbooooooooommmm

With a nimble display of agility, Kakashi leaped and dodged, utilizing his well-honed reflexes to avoid the worst of the explosions. Nadare burst through the smoke using a jetpack and had a smug expression on his face. He called out to Fubuki and Mizore, "Fubuki, Mizore! We need to regroup at Lord Dotō's airship. Let's fall back!" As soon as they heard Nadare's orders, Mizore and Fubuki quickly activated their jetpacks and flew towards the sky. They regrouped and left Team Kakashi behind, soaring towards the airship that awaited them in the distance.

As Dotō's goons started to retreat, Ash didn't waste a moment and hurled his Oathkeeper into the air. The weapon quickly transformed and entered its gliding form, allowing Ash to jump onboard as it glided downward. Once he was back on the weapon, Ash soared up into the sky once more to follow the henchmen.

"Wait, Ash, it could be a trap!" Kakashi watched with a mixture of concern and frustration as Ash continued his pursuit, seemingly oblivious to the potential dangers ahead. The warning had gone unnoticed.

With a resigned sigh, Kakashi adjusted his headband, covering his scarred Sharingan eye. Sasuke hurried over to his side, and they both went to check on the others. Sasuke went to check on Sakura and Sandayū, while Kakashi approached his shadow clone who was watching over the unconscious Naruto. The clone disappeared in a puff of smoke as the real Kakashi came up to the boy. Kakashi kneeled down and shook Naruto, calling out his name. "Naruto! Naruto, wake up!" To his surprise, Naruto disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Kakashi's eyes widened with concern as the realization struck him. The Naruto before him was nothing but a substitution technique, a clever and quick maneuver often employed by the young ninja. The real Naruto was nowhere to be found, and a sense of urgency gripped Kakashi. "Shadow clone," Kakashi muttered to himself, recognizing the technique Naruto had used.

Sasuke, having finished checking on Sakura and Sandayū, noticed Kakashi's troubled expression. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"Naruto used a shadow clone. The one here is just a decoy. We need to find the real Naruto," Kakashi explained swiftly, his mind already working through the possibilities.

"Where do you think Naruto could have gone?" Sasuke asked with a frown.

"He must have followed Ash while we were occupied. We need to hurry!" Sasuke's expression darkened as he processed Kakashi's words. The urgency in Kakashi's voice resonated with the seriousness of the situation. The team had been focused on their mission, and it seemed Naruto had slipped away unnoticed.

Dotō's Fortress

Ash had the good fortune to covertly trail Dotō's goon squad all the way to their hideout, without being detected. Once he infiltrated the massive structure, he deftly navigated the labyrinthine corridors, taking care to evade patrolling guards. Eventually, he arrived at a hallway that led to Dotō's throne room. As he approached, the muffled voices became louder. Keeping his body low, Ash crept closer. Peeking around the corner, he saw Yukie held captive by Dotō's henchmen. Looking up, he spotted Dotō himself seated on his throne, glaring down at Yukie, who returned his gaze with disgust.

In an instant, Ash felt a light tap on his shoulder, causing him to freeze in fear. He slowly turned his head and saw a grinning Naruto, which caught him off guard and gave him a sudden startle. "Aaahhhh-mmfph!" Before Ash could react, Naruto swiftly covered his mouth, muffling the startled exclamation that had escaped him. Naruto's eyes widened in a mix of surprise and urgency, silently gesturing for Ash to remain quiet. Ash nodded subtly, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Unfortunately, the brief yelp had already reached Dotō's ears. The sinister ruler turned his attention towards the source of the sound, his narrowed eyes scanning the dimly lit room. The henchmen shifted their gaze as well, on high alert, ready to defend their leader.

Ash pulled Naruto's hand away as he gasped for breath. He looked at the blonde ninja and asked in a hushed tone, "Naruto, what are you doing here?"

Naruto's expression turned serious as he replied with unwavering determination, "I am here to rescue Princess Yukie!"

"How did you even get here?"

"I just hitched a ride with you," Naruto replied with a simple shrug and a grin, leaving the Keyblade wielder speechless.

Ash sighed, realizing that Naruto's arrival was more complicated than he initially thought. "Rescue a princess, hitch a ride with me... This just keeps getting weirder."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, wearing an apologetic expression. "Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but I needed to get here as quickly as possible. Princess Yukie is in danger, and I couldn't waste any time."

Ash glanced at Naruto, his skepticism evident, but he could sense the sincerity in the ninja's eyes. "Alright, let's focus on rescuing the princess first." Naruto simply nodded in agreement.

Ash's heart raced as he cautiously peeked around from his hiding spot. To his surprise, some of Dotō's men were missing. He had a bad feeling that their cover might have been blown from his earlier yelp. Suddenly, looming shadows cast over Ash and Naruto, causing both of them to flinch and slowly glance over their shoulders. The sight of a smirking Nadare and a Mizore cracking his knuckles.

Moments later...

The cold, unforgiving floor pressed against Naruto's cheek as Mizore maintained his tight grip on him. The air in the throne room was thick with tension, and Dotō's annoyance was palpable. Ash gritted his teeth, enduring the rough treatment from Nadare, who seemed to take pleasure in shoving him forward repeatedly.

Dotō, sitting on his throne with an air of authority, glared at the intruders with a satisfied smirk.

"Naruto! Ash!" Yukie continued to struggle against the grunts holding her captive, her determination to break free evident in every movement. Despite the odds, she refused to let fear paralyze her.

Naruto's eyes widened at the sight of Yukie being held captive. His concern for her safety ignited a flame of determination within him. Ash shot a worried glance in her direction, his mind racing with thoughts of how they could get out of this situation without harm coming to the young woman.

"Look what we've found, Lord Dotō," Mizore said with an arrogant chuckle. "A couple of little rats!"

Naruto shot Mizore a glare, frustration and anger building up. "Let her go! This is between us and Dotō, not her."

"Ahaha ahaha ha!" Fubuki's mocking laughter echoed in the tense atmosphere of the throne room. She looked at Naruto with a condescending smirk, clearly enjoying the distress of the captive group. "Sorry, little boy, but no can do," Fubuki taunted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Dotō rose from his seat as he descended the stairs. His every step echoed in the vast throne room, commanding attention. The atmosphere grew heavier with each footfall. Dotō's cold eyes surveyed the room, assessing the situation with a calculating gaze. When his feet finally touched the bottom of the stairs, a tense silence enveloped the room. His attention shifted to Ash, and he advanced with purpose, the arrogance in his demeanor unmistakable. Ash met Dotō's gaze with a defiant glare, refusing to be intimidated.

"So you're the Keyblade wielder he's been mentioning," Dotō exclaimed. Ash was surprised that the man knew he was a Keyblade wielder. "If that's true, I'm unimpressed," Dotō sneered, earning a sharp glare from Ash. "Nonetheless, let me see it," he demanded.

"For what reason?" Ash asked, causing Dotō to chuckle in amusement.

"To see if the Keyblade will consider me a worthy master than you," Dotō declared smugly.

Ash carefully assessed Dotō's demeanor, noting the smugness in his declaration. The mention of the Keyblade and the notion of proving oneself as a worthy master hinted at the man's ignorance. Ash's instincts kicked in, sensing an opportunity to exploit Dotō's perceived vulnerability. Without revealing his true intentions, Ash decided to play along with Dotō's challenge. Maintaining a composed facade, Ash responded, "Sure, why not?" Dotō's eyebrow lifted in surprise. The fact that the Keyblade wielder was willing to obey caught him off guard. The tension in the air escalated as the two adversaries locked eyes, each assessing the other's intentions. The looming possibility of a sudden clash hung in the balance, and Ash remained ready to seize the opportune moment to make his move against Dotō.

After a moment of pondering, Dotō gave a firm nod to Nadare, silently signaling him to release his grip on Ash's hands. Nadare obediently released his hold, stepping back as the Keyblade wielder rubbed his wrists to alleviate the discomfort. Dotō maintained his sharp gaze, a mixture of caution and suspicion, fixed on the young teen. He had learned not to underestimate anyone, especially those with the power to wield a Keyblade.

Ash's deep breath and sigh were followed by him holding out his hand, focusing his energy to summon his Keyblade. Suddenly, in a flash of light, the Oathkeeper appeared before Dotō, who was both startled and fascinated by the sight.

"Marvelous..." Dotō repeated, his eyes still fixated on the blade's beauty. He couldn't help but be captivated by the weapon's allure. In a moment of impulsivity, he snatched it from Ash's grasp, intending to examine it more closely.

However, the Oathkeeper, seemingly sentient and resistant to ill intentions, resisted Dotō's possession. In a blink, it vanished from his grip and reappeared in Ash's hand. Dotō and Nadare both reacted with surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

"What!" Dotō exclaimed, a mixture of astonishment and frustration evident in his voice. His attempt to claim the Keyblade had been thwarted and the smirk on Ash's face only grew.

Ash chuckled softly, the smirk turning into a full-fledged grin. "You can't just take a Keyblade without the proper connection," he explained, twirling the Oathkeeper with ease. "It chooses its wielder, and apparently, you're not worthy!" Dotō and his henchmen were taken aback as the Keyblade wielder lunged forward, gripping the Oathkeeper's handle firmly and preparing to strike down the villain.

"Lord Dotō!" The simultaneous outcry from Nadare, Fubuki, and Mizore echoed through the tense atmosphere, their voices carrying a mix of surprise and concern.

Time seemed to stretch, and the air grew thick with anticipation as Ash, with the Oathkeeper held high, prepared to strike at Dotō. The atmosphere felt charged, and the entire scene played out in a slow-motion ballet, each movement deliberate and accentuated. As the Oathkeeper descended, Dotō's initial worried expression transformed into an evil grin, a subtle shift that sent a shiver down Ash's spine. The sudden change didn't go unnoticed, but it was too late to halt the strike. Ash's eyes widened in realization as he witnessed Dotō's ominous transformation.

A dark aura enveloped Dotō's body, and with a swift motion, he lifted his arm to brace for the impact of the Keyblade. The clash of the Oathkeeper against Dotō's forearm resounded through the throne room, echoing with a loud metallic clang. The force of the impact produced a strong breeze that gusted through the room, unsettling the air as the two forces collided. Reality snapped back to its normal pace, and the throne room echoed with the aftermath of the clash. Dotō, though visibly affected by the strike, remained standing, his evil grin persisting. Ash, on the other hand, staggered back, the unexpected resistance from Dotō catching him off guard.

The tear in Dotō's robe revealed a surprising layer beneath – a black-colored prototype Chakra Armour, a testament to the hidden depths of his preparation. The Oathkeeper's strike, powerful as it was, found itself absorbed by Dotō's arm guard, leaving it undamaged. The unexpected resilience of the armor hinted at the lengths to which Dotō had gone to fortify himself against potential threats. As Dotō lowered his arm, the tear in his robe now more apparent, a dark chuckle escaped his lips. The sinister sound echoed in the throne room, sending a chill down the spines of those present. The true nature of Dotō's power became unmistakable as he revealed a pair of red glowing eyes. The transformation was complete, and the dark glow surrounding him intensified, a visual manifestation of the darkness that had taken root within his heart. The atmosphere in the room shifted once more, the air heavy with the ominous energy emanating from Dotō. Nadare, Fubuki, and Mizore exchanged uneasy glances, their concern deepening as they witnessed the extent of their leader's descent into darkness.

The sudden manifestation of Heartless Dotō's newfound powers unfolded with startling speed. In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward, delivering a powerful punch that struck Ash's cheek with an unsettling force. The impact sent the Keyblade wielder hurtling through the air, a mere puppet in the grasp of the darkened adversary. Ash's body bounced off the cold floor, a painful collision that echoed through the throne room. The momentum carried him a few times before he finally came to a stop, lying on his stomach, temporarily disoriented by the ruthless attack. The Oathkeeper slid out of his reach, disappearing in a flash of light, leaving him without his primary means of defense.

"Ash!" Naruto and Yukie cried out in unison, their voices echoing through the throne room.

The throne room reverberated with the ominous aura of Heartless Dotō's newfound powers. His malevolent laughter echoed through the air as he exerted control, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his palm, a visual manifestation of the dark energy he commanded. Ash, still reeling from the powerful punch that had sent him sprawling, struggled to maintain consciousness. His vision blurred as he heard the approaching footsteps, each one echoing with a foreboding rhythm. Heartless Dotō loomed over the fallen Keyblade wielder, a sinister presence casting a shadow over the prone figure.

With weakened resolve, Ash managed to fix his gaze upward, meeting the red glowing eyes of his adversary. Heartless Dotō, a smug grin spreading across his face, taunted, "Say goodnight, Keyblade wielder!" The words hung in the air, charged with the impending threat. In a cruel display of power, Heartless Dotō raised his foot and slammed it down with a force that resonated through the throne room. The impact was immediate, and Ash was knocked unconscious, the darkness claiming him in a moment.

"Ash...Ash..." Ash could hear a faint voice calling out to him. "Ash! Wake up!" The voice became louder, but Ash refused to wake up from his unconscious state.

"Fluffy marshmallow...don't leave my side..." Ash mumbled.

Soon a thought came to Aqua, to which the Keyblade Master couldn't help but find amusement in the idea of using a threat involving something as innocent as a fluffy marshmallow. She observed her student's peaceful expression, the mysterious Dive to the Heart serving as the backdrop to their unconventional setting. The pillar beneath them radiated with the glow of stained-glass patterns, creating a surreal ambiance. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Aqua continued to playfully taunt the slumbering Keyblade wielder. "You know, Ash, that marshmallow is just too tempting. Soft, sweet, and oh-so fluffy. It would be a shame if it disappeared while you're lost in dreamland." She grinned and then couldn't resist adding a touch of theatrics, waving the imaginary marshmallow in front of Ash's face. "Might even add a sprinkle of darkness to it, just to make it extra tempting. What do you say, my stubborn apprentice? Wake up before your favorite treat becomes a casualty of your beauty sleep." Aqua leaned back, waiting for any sign of a reaction from Ash, wondering if the mention of a stolen marshmallow would be enough to rouse him from his unconscious state.

"No, marshmallow!" Aqua couldn't help but chuckle as Ash's eyes snapped open, the threat to his beloved marshmallow proving to be an effective wake-up call. She watched with amusement as he quickly sat up, a mix of confusion and concern evident on his face.

"Woah, there you are, sleepyhead," Aqua teased, her playful smirk still in place. "Seems like the prospect of losing your precious marshmallow did the trick." Ash looked around frantically, trying to get his bearings. He was relieved when he recognized the familiar scenery of his Station of Awakening. As he looked up, he saw his Keyblade Master standing over him with an amused expression on her face. She offered him a hand to help him up, saying, "It's about time you came to your senses."

"Aqua?" Ash blinked in surprise but then accepted her hand to pull himself up to his feet. "Am I dead or asleep?" he asked, still feeling a bit disoriented.

The blue-haired woman shrugged in response to Ash's question. "It could be both," she said with a mischievous grin. Ash frowned, not sure if she was joking or not. "I'm just kidding," she reassured her apprentice. "Your real body just lost consciousness, so you're currently in your dream state."

"Oh, that's good!" A sense of relief washed over Ash as he let out a deep breath, the immediate danger seemingly averted. However, the memories of Heartless Dotō and the potential threat still looming over Naruto and Yukie weighed heavily on his mind. "Wait! That's not good! I need to go back and help the others! Aqua, quick! Knock me out again!" Ash exclaimed urgently, but his request was met with a frown as Aqua crossed her arms and gave him a disappointing look. "What?" he asked, confused by her reaction.

Aqua's incredulous expression lingered as she continued to scrutinize Ash. "We haven't seen each other for a while, and the first thing that came to your mind was for you to ask me to give you a good whooping?" She raised an eyebrow, a mix of disbelief and amusement coloring her features.

Ash scratched his head sheepishly, a nervous grin on his face. "Well, you know, Aqua, I figured a good sparring session would be a great way to catch up!"

Aqua couldn't help but chuckle at his response. "Jeez, Ash. Whatever happened to the whole: 'Hi, Aqua! It's been a while! I missed you so much!' Or... 'Hey, Master Aqua, jeez, you look more beautiful today!'" she said sarcastically, earning a playful roll of the eyes from Ash.

"Alright, alright," he admitted, laughing along. "Maybe I could have started with a more traditional greeting." Ash, trying to recover from his earlier blunder, cleared his throat, seemingly starting over. "Master Aqua, how I miss you and your sassy remarks!"

Aqua couldn't help but giggle at his attempt to be more formal, and she playfully punched him in the arm. "Well, well, it's about time you remembered some manners, Ash."

He rubbed his arm where she had punched him, feigning hurt. "Ouch! I guess I deserved that one."

Aqua smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Consider it a friendly reminder. Now, spill. What have you been up to since we last saw each other?"

Moments later...

"I see..." The Keyblade Master, Aqua, cupped her chin in deep thought after hearing what Ash had told her about his progress throughout his journey so far. "You have been through a lot," she commented, her eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and concern.

"You can say that again," Ash responded, heaving a deep sigh. Despite the weariness in his voice, he gave his Keyblade Master a soft expression, appreciating the empathy she showed. "Sorry," he added unexpectedly, and Aqua was taken aback by the unexpected apology. "I still haven't come across anything about your friends," he continued sheepishly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of disappointment or frustration.

To his surprise, Aqua offered him a gentle smile. "No need to apologize, Ash. I appreciate your efforts, and I'm sure we'll figure it out together." Ash nodded in agreement. "But let's focus on this Dotō character, was it?" Aqua asked, and Ash nodded once again, confirming her inquiry. "It seems he could be trouble, but he still lacks in controlling the darkness," Aqua remarked, her words leaving Ash a bit puzzled.

"What does that mean?" he asked, not quite following the intricacies of her statement.

Aqua giggled at his expression and then proceeded to explain, "It means that while he may have some power over the darkness, he hasn't mastered it completely. Controlling the darkness is a complex skill, and if he's still learning, it gives you an advantage. You can exploit any weaknesses or gaps in his control to gain the upper hand."

Ash's eyes widened with understanding. "So, I need to find a way to disrupt his control over the darkness, make it harder for him to use it against me?"

"Exactly," Aqua affirmed with a nod. "If you can throw him off balance in that regard, it will give you a better chance of defeating him. It's about using his own shortcomings to your advantage."

Ash grinned, the pieces coming together. "Alright, that sounds simple enough. So what now?" the Keyblade wielder asked, his curiosity piqued. As Aqua's face twisted into an evil yet playful smirk, Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that Aqua was a powerful warrior, but he had never seen her like this before. Her eyes glinted with a mischievous light, and he could tell that she was up to something.

"We train," Aqua simply stated, her Keyblade quickly materializing within her grasp, earning a whine from her apprentice.

"Really?" Ash questioned, a hint of reluctance in his voice. "I mean, I did mention we should spar for old time's sake, but... maybe I should recon-" His Keyblade Master interrupted him before he could finish, a sharp glare meeting his eyes.

"Nope!" Aqua's voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. "Train. Now!"

Ash sighed, realizing that arguing with Aqua was likely futile. "Alright, alright. Train it is then." He summoned his own Keyblade, preparing for the training session ahead.

"Ah..." Ash's eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light of the cell, and as he became more aware of his surroundings, a surge of frustration and determination coursed through him. The cold, metallic restraints on his wrists and ankles dug into his skin, a constant reminder of his captivity. Flexing his muscles, Ash tested the strength of the chains, hoping for a weakness or a way to loosen them. The clinking sound echoed in the small, desolate space. He gritted his teeth, silently vowing not to be defeated by the likes of Dotō.

The realization that he was suspended above the ground added another layer of difficulty to Ash's predicament. His limited mobility forced him to strategize even more carefully. He began to swing gently, testing the length and strength of the chains. With each sway, he inspected the distance between his feet and the floor, gauging if there was any chance to gain some leverage. The cold, metallic bite of the restraints spurred him to think creatively. He focused on conserving energy, knowing that a burst of strength might be needed at the right moment.

Ash's movements came to an abrupt halt as he sensed the mysterious presence. His eyes narrowed as he peered through the dimness, trying to discern any details about the figure in the black coat. The hood shrouded the person's face in shadows, leaving their identity a tantalizing mystery. A sense of caution and wariness washed over Ash. He knew that appearances could be deceiving, especially in a place like this. The enigmatic figure's silence only added to the tension that hung in the air.

"Who are you?" Ash demanded, his voice cutting through the stillness of the cell. The cold bars separated them, and yet, the figure's presence felt unnervingly close.

The figure remained silent, its intentions veiled in secrecy. Ash's grip tightened on the chains, his instincts telling him to be on guard. The Keyblade wielder couldn't afford to be distracted, not when escape was still within reach.

Recognition flickered in Ash's eyes as the figure summoned the familiar black Keyblade. The sight of the Oblivion stirred a mix of emotions within him – a blend of nostalgia, caution, and a sense of connection to the wielder of this dark weapon. The realization began to settle in, and Ash's gaze lingered on the Nobody before him.

"Is that you...Xhäs?" he questioned, the name escaping his lips with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. The figure in the black coat remained silent, the hood still concealing any features that could confirm or deny Ash's suspicion.

It's always good to see Aqua bonding with Ash. It's also exciting to see characters from different universes interacting with each other. Adding Riku Replica was a good way to mix things up, even if it won't serve much of a purpose in the final showdown. Breaking down the visit into three parts makes sense, especially since it's based on a movie. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ash's Nobody will play a significant role in the next chapter and how it will impact his growth. It's reassuring to know that Ash's growth won't be hindered by the outcome of the battle and that he will even get stronger.

Extra scene: Aqua's curiosity

"So, Ash," Aqua's concern was evident as she looked down at Ash, who was lying on his back, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. They had just taken a break from their training session.

Ash's weary gaze met Aqua's concerned expression as he lifted his head to look at her. She stood over him with her arms crossed, deep in thought as she assessed his condition. "Yeah, Aqua?" he managed to say, his voice strained from the intensity of their training session.

Ash could sense that something was on Aqua's mind, but he wasn't sure what it could be. As he waited for her to speak, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Finally, Aqua broke the silence. "Ash, I've been thinking," she said, her voice serious. "How many girls have you met during your journey?" Aqua asked, her tone curious. Ash was taken aback by the sudden change in topic, but he quickly tried to recall all the girls he had met on his journey.

Ash sat up and began using his fingers to count all the female companions he had encountered on his journey. As he reminisced, he realized that there were quite a few. "Let's see, there was Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Bonnie," he said, listing off the names of his past companions.

"No, I mean the ones you'd met on this journey," Aqua clarified her question.

"Oh," Ash realized that he had misunderstood her. "Sorry about that," he said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Let's see, on this journey; I've met Yuffie, Aerith, Kat, Raven; there's also Kim, the green lady who can shoot green flames from her hands, Ruby, Weiss, there's also Blake, and oh...Yang." He couldn't leave out the biggest flirter within Team RWBY.

Aqua stood speechless at the long list of girls Ash had already met and it didn't end there.

"Let me see," Ash said, going through his list again. "Apart from Riju and her bodyguard, there's also Yuna, Rikku, and Paine, who are small treasure-loving fairies. And then there's Tifa, Olette, Kara, and Yukie," he said, before feeling a sudden chill down his spine as he remembered the strange "female" he had encountered at Kara Kara Bazaar. "And...also Vilia," he shuddered, but quickly dismissed the thought and tried to focus on the task at hand.

"I understand," Aqua said uncertainly as Ash finished his list. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before kneeling down to his level and grasping his shoulders, looking deep into his eyes. "Just so you know, no matter how many girls you meet, I will always be your number one!" she declared, which left Ash completely baffled.

"What?" The awkward silence lingered for a moment. "Uh, thanks, Aqua," he stammered, scratching the back of his head nervously. "I appreciate that. I mean, you're a great friend and all."

Aqua sighed, a mix of relief and frustration evident in her expression. "Honestly, Ash, sometimes you can be so dense."

"What do you mean?"

Aqua facepalmed and shook her head in disbelief. "Forget it," she muttered.