A/N

Hello,

This story will feature my own twists, as strictly following canon can be boring, though some parts will align with the timeline.

Please note that Naruto will be out of character, with some deviations from his canon personality, but he will retain his normal appearance.

Pairing Naruto/Rize

Enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Boy Meets Girl

The night shrouded the Sixth Ward in an almost palpable darkness, the kind that cloaked the hidden dangers and whispered secrets of the ghoul underworld. Amidst this shadowy landscape, one figure moved with a quiet confidence, a ghost among phantoms. Naruto Uzumaki, a unique half-human, half-ghoul hybrid, navigated the winding alleys with practiced ease. His cerulean eyes, a stark contrast to the typical ghoul's predatory gaze, scanned the surroundings with an acute awareness born from years of survival.

Naruto had grown up in the Sixth Ward, under the watchful eye of Matasaka Kamishiro, a formidable ghoul who had taken him in after his family was brutally murdered by the CCG. The memories of that night were etched into Naruto's mind, a reminder of the world's unforgiving nature. The loss had hardened him, but it had also fueled his resolve to protect those he cared about.

As he approached their hideout, an old, abandoned warehouse that served as their base of operations, Naruto's thoughts drifted to the new addition to their group. Rize Kamishiro, a girl his age, had arrived under Matasaka's care. She was an enigma, her presence both intriguing and unsettling. Naruto had sensed something familiar yet different about her, but he had kept his distance, wary of revealing his own secret.

Pushing open the creaky door, Naruto was greeted by the familiar sight of his comrades. The warehouse was dimly lit, its vast space filled with makeshift furniture and scattered supplies. A few ghouls lounged around, their eyes flickering towards him with a mix of acknowledgment and indifference. In the corner, Matasaka stood, his imposing figure exuding authority. Beside him was Rize, her striking purple hair catching the dim light as she glanced up from a book she was reading.

"Naruto, you're back," Matasaka said, his deep voice resonating through the room.

Naruto nodded, his gaze briefly meeting Rize's before shifting back to Matasaka. "Yeah, all clear tonight. No CCG activity in the area."

"Good," Matasaka replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We can't afford any slip ups. Especially now."

Naruto knew what he meant. The CCG had been increasing their presence in the Sixth Ward, their relentless hunt for ghouls intensifying. It was only a matter of time before they made a move. His mind flashed to his own precarious position. Being a half-human, half-ghoul made him a target for both sides. If the CCG discovered his true nature, they would stop at nothing to capture or kill him. And if the ghouls found out, there was no telling how they would react.

As Naruto moved to sit down, Rize's voice cut through the silence. "I've been reading about human anatomy. It's fascinating how different yet similar we are."

Naruto looked at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it's interesting. There's a lot we can learn from both sides."

Rize's eyes lingered on him for a moment, a curious glint in their depths. "You seem to know a lot about humans, Naruto."

He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just picked up a few things here and there."

Matasaka's gaze shifted between the two, his expression unreadable. "Rize, Naruto, I want you two to work together on the next mission. There's a new shipment of RC suppressants coming into the ward. We need to intercept it."

Naruto felt a surge of apprehension. He couldn't afford to let Matasaka down. "Got it. When do we move?"

"Tomorrow night," Matasaka replied. "Get some rest. You'll need it."

As the group dispersed, Naruto found himself alone with Rize. She closed her book and stood, her eyes studying him intently. "You know, Naruto, there's something different about you. I can't quite put my finger on it."

Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced a calm smile. "Maybe I'm just full of surprises."

Rize tilted her head, a playful smile curving her lips. "Maybe. But I like surprises."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Naruto standing there, his mind racing. He knew he had to be careful. The Sixth Ward was a dangerous place, and secrets had a way of coming to light. But for now, he would keep his hidden, biding his time and waiting for the right moment. The night was his ally, and in its darkness, he would continue to navigate the treacherous path between human and ghoul, seeking a place where he truly belonged.

Later that night, Naruto lay on his makeshift bed in a secluded corner of the warehouse, the distant sounds of the city filtering through the walls. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting to the first time he had met Rize.

It had been a rainy evening, the kind where the sky seemed to be weeping for the world's sorrows. Naruto had returned from a scouting mission, drenched and tired. As he stepped into the warehouse, he had noticed an unfamiliar figure standing beside Matasaka. Her purple hair had shimmered even in the dim light, and her eyes held a mixture of curiosity and defiance.

"Naruto, this is Rize Kamishiro," Matasaka had introduced her. "She'll be joining us from now on."

Rize had smiled, a seemingly innocent gesture that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Nice to meet you."

Naruto had nodded, his senses immediately on high alert. There was something about her that set her apart from the others. He couldn't quite place it, but it felt like looking into a mirror and seeing a distorted reflection.

Over the next few days, he had observed her from a distance. Rize moved with a grace and confidence that belied her youth, and there was an underlying intensity in her every action. Naruto had kept his guard up, wary of letting anyone get too close. The memory of his family's death was a constant reminder of the dangers of trust.

But despite his reservations, he couldn't help but feel a strange connection to Rize. She was different, like him, though he couldn't yet understand how. As he lay there, the rhythmic sound of rain against the roof lulling him to sleep, Naruto knew that his path was becoming more complicated. With Rize now part of their group, the delicate balance he had maintained was at risk. He would have to tread carefully, for the sake of his secret and his survival.

Naruto's eyelids grew heavy, and just before sleep claimed him, a final thought crossed his mind: he would protect his secret at all costs, even if it meant keeping everyone, including Rize, at arm's length. The night, with all its shadows and whispers, was his refuge. And in its embrace, he would continue to fight, to survive, and to seek a place where he truly belonged.

The following day dawned with a gray, overcast sky, casting a somber mood over the Sixth Ward. Naruto woke early, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind. He had to remain vigilant, especially with the mission ahead. As he got up, he noticed the warehouse was already bustling with activity. Ghouls moved about, preparing for their tasks, their faces a mix of determination and wariness.

Naruto made his way to the small kitchen area, where he found Rize sitting alone, sipping a cup of coffee. She looked up as he approached, her purple eyes glinting with curiosity.

"Good morning," she greeted, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Morning," Naruto replied, grabbing a cup and pouring himself some coffee. He took a seat across from her, the silence between them filled with unspoken thoughts.

Rize studied him for a moment before speaking. "You seem different from the others here, Naruto. More... connected to the human world."

Naruto's grip on his cup tightened slightly, but he maintained a calm exterior. "We all have our reasons for being here. What about you? What's your story?"

Rize's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Let's just say I'm looking for something. Or maybe someone." She paused, her gaze turning distant. "Matasaka saved me, gave me a place to belong. But I'm still searching for something more."

Naruto nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. He too was searching, though he wasn't entirely sure what for. Perhaps a sense of belonging, or maybe a way to reconcile his dual nature. Whatever it was, he knew he couldn't find it by revealing his secret.

Their conversation was interrupted by Matasaka's arrival. "Naruto, Rize, it's time. The shipment will be arriving soon. We need to move out."

Naruto finished his coffee and stood, ready to face the mission ahead. Rize followed suit, her expression turning serious. Together, they headed out, blending into the shadows as they navigated the labyrinthine streets of the Sixth Ward.

The target location was a small, inconspicuous warehouse near the edge of the ward. According to Matasaka's information, the CCG had been using it to store RC suppressants, a crucial tool in their fight against ghouls. Naruto and Rize crouched behind a stack of crates, observing the building from a distance.

"Looks lightly guarded," Rize whispered, her eyes scanning the perimeter. "We should be able to slip in and out without much trouble."

Naruto nodded, but he remained cautious. The CCG was unpredictable, and any mistake could be fatal. "Stick close and stay alert. We can't afford any surprises."

They moved in sync, their movements silent and precise. As they approached the warehouse, Naruto's heightened senses picked up the faint scent of humans nearby. He signaled to Rize, who nodded in understanding. They needed to be quick.

Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit, rows of shelves filled with crates and boxes. Naruto and Rize split up, searching for the suppressants. It didn't take long for Naruto to locate a crate labeled with the CCG's insignia. He pried it open, revealing several vials of the suppressant liquid.

"Got it," he whispered, motioning for Rize to join him. As she approached, a sudden noise made them both freeze. Footsteps echoed through the warehouse, drawing closer.

"Hide," Naruto hissed, shoving the crate lid back in place. They ducked behind a stack of boxes just as a group of CCG operatives entered the room. Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline heightening his senses.

The operatives moved methodically, checking the crates and talking in hushed tones. Naruto strained to hear their conversation, catching snippets about increased security and upcoming raids. His mind raced, realizing that their presence here was more dangerous than he had anticipated.

After what felt like an eternity, the operatives finally left, the sound of their footsteps fading into the distance. Naruto exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing slightly. He glanced at Rize, who was watching him with a mixture of relief and admiration.

"Close call," she whispered. "Let's get out of here."

They quickly gathered the vials and made their way back to the entrance. As they slipped out into the night, Naruto felt a strange sense of camaraderie with Rize. Despite his initial wariness, he found himself trusting her, if only a little. Perhaps it was because they both harbored secrets, both were searching for something more.

Back at their hideout, Matasaka greeted them with a rare smile. "Good work. This will help us a lot."

Naruto handed over the vials, his mind still on the close encounter at the warehouse. "The CCG is increasing their security. We need to be more careful."

Matasaka nodded, his expression turning serious. "We'll adjust our plans accordingly. For now, rest. You've earned it."

As Naruto headed to his corner of the warehouse, he felt a presence behind him. He turned to find Rize standing there, her eyes filled with curiosity and something else he couldn't quite identify.

"You're good at this," she said softly. "Better than most. I can see why Matasaka trusts you."

Naruto shrugged, trying to downplay her praise. "Just doing what I have to do."

Rize stepped closer, her gaze intense. "We all have our secrets, Naruto. Maybe one day, you'll trust me enough to share yours."

He held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "Maybe one day."

As Rize walked away, Naruto lay down on his makeshift bed, his thoughts once again drifting to the complexities of his existence. The bond he was forming with Rize was unexpected, but perhaps it was a sign that he didn't have to navigate this treacherous path alone. For now, he would continue to guard his secret, but a small part of him hoped that, in time, he might find someone he could truly trust.

The night, with all its shadows and whispers, remained his refuge. And in its embrace, he would continue to fight, to survive, and to seek a place where he truly belonged.

The days following their successful mission were filled with a tense quiet. Naruto continued his routine of patrolling the Sixth Ward, his senses always alert for any sign of the CCG. Meanwhile, Rize seemed to become more restless. Her purple eyes often had a hungry glint, and Naruto noticed her sneaking out more frequently.

One evening, Naruto decided to follow her. He trailed her through the maze of alleys, keeping a safe distance. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. When Rize finally stopped, it was in a secluded part of the ward, far from their usual haunts. Naruto watched as she approached a lone human, her predatory nature taking over.

Rize moved with frightening speed, her kagune emerging and striking her prey down. Naruto felt a pang of unease as he watched her feed. The sight of her devouring the human so ravenously reminded him of the thin line they all walked between survival and monstrosity. Once Rize finished, Naruto stepped out from his hiding place, his expression stern.

"Rize," he called, his voice carrying a note of warning.

Rize looked up, surprised to see him there. "Naruto? What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he replied, his eyes locking onto hers. "You know the risks of feeding so openly. The CCG is always watching."

Rize wiped her mouth, her eyes narrowing. "I was careful. No one saw me."

Naruto shook his head. "It's not just about being seen. The more humans disappear, the more they'll tighten their grip on the ward. If you keep overfeeding, you're going to draw attention to us."

Rize's defiance softened slightly, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "I... I can't help it sometimes. The hunger, it's... overwhelming."

Naruto understood that struggle all too well. The constant battle against his ghoul nature was something he faced every day. "I get it. But we need to be smart about this. Our survival depends on staying under the radar."

Rize looked away, her expression troubled. "It's just... it's hard. Being around humans, pretending to be normal. Sometimes the hunger is all I can think about."

Naruto stepped closer, his tone softening. "You're not alone in this. We can find a way to manage it, together. But we have to be careful. For all our sakes."

Rize nodded, her eyes meeting his again. "Okay. I'll try to be more careful."

The next few days were a test of their resolve. Naruto stayed close to Rize, watching her for any signs of slipping. They continued their patrols, and Rize seemed to be making a genuine effort to control her cravings. Despite the tension, Naruto felt their bond growing stronger. They were both outcasts in their own ways, and that shared struggle created an unspoken understanding between them.

One night, as they sat on the rooftop of a dilapidated building, watching the city lights flicker in the distance, Rize broke the silence.

"Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be fully human?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto glanced at her, surprised by the question. "Sometimes. But I can't change what I am. I can only try to find a way to live with it."

Rize sighed, her gaze distant. "I envy humans sometimes. Their lives seem so simple. Eat, sleep, work. They don't have to hide who they are."

Naruto chuckled softly. "Trust me, humans have their own struggles. But yeah, I get what you mean. It would be nice to not have to constantly look over our shoulders."

Rize turned to him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Thanks for watching out for me, Naruto. I don't think I could handle all this on my own."

Naruto returned her smile, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "We're in this together, Rize. We'll find a way to make it work."

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden commotion below. Naruto and Rize peered over the edge of the rooftop, spotting a group of CCG operatives moving through the streets, their flashlights cutting through the darkness.

"Looks like they're increasing their patrols," Naruto muttered, his expression turning serious. "We need to be extra careful."

Rize nodded, her eyes narrowing as she watched the operatives. "Agreed. Let's get back before they notice us."

As they made their way back to the warehouse, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get even more complicated. The CCG's presence was a constant threat, and Rize's struggle with her cravings added another layer of danger. But despite it all, he felt a growing sense of determination. They would find a way to survive, together.

In the days that followed, Naruto and Rize continued to grow closer. They shared stories of their pasts, their hopes, and their fears. Rize's cravings still surfaced, but with Naruto's support, she managed to control them better. They developed a system, hunting together and taking only what they needed to survive, minimizing the risk of detection.

One evening, as they returned from a particularly tense outing, Rize turned to Naruto, her expression earnest. "Thank you, Naruto. For everything. I don't think I could do this without you."

Naruto smiled, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie. "You're stronger than you think, Rize. We'll get through this, one step at a time."

As they stood together, the night wrapping around them like a protective cloak, Naruto felt a glimmer of hope. Despite the dangers and uncertainties, they had each other. And in the dark world they inhabited, that connection was a beacon of light. They would continue to fight, to survive, and to seek a place where they truly belonged, together.

The days in the Sixth Ward grew colder as winter approached, the air thick with a sense of foreboding. Naruto and Rize continued their routines, becoming more adept at navigating the delicate balance of their existence. One evening, Matasaka Kamishiro called them both to a meeting in the central room of the warehouse, his expression serious.

Matasaka stood tall, his presence commanding respect. His eyes held a rare intensity, and Naruto knew something significant was about to happen. Rize stood beside him, her posture stiff with anticipation.

"Naruto, Rize," Matasaka began, his voice firm, "you two have shown remarkable resilience and skill. It is time for you to take the next step. From this day forward, you will be my apprentices."

Naruto exchanged a surprised glance with Rize. The weight of Matasaka's words settled over them like a mantle of responsibility. Naruto felt a mix of pride and apprehension. Being Matasaka's apprentice meant more than just training; it meant inheriting the legacy and burdens of their mentor.

Matasaka continued, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at Rize. "Rize is my adopted daughter, and I expect you both to watch out for each other. The CCG's presence is growing, and we need to be prepared for whatever comes."

Rize's eyes widened, and she glanced at Matasaka with a mix of shock and emotion. "Dad..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Naruto felt a pang of something close to envy but quickly pushed it aside. Matasaka had never called him son, but Naruto didn't care. He had his own legacy, his own past to contend with. His father, Minato Namikaze, had been a Special Class Investigator for the CCG, a fact that had always cast a shadow over Naruto's life. His mother, Kushina, had been a ghoul who had fallen in love with Minato, and for reasons Naruto still didn't fully understand, they had been killed.

Matasaka turned to Naruto, his gaze piercing. "I know your past, Naruto. Your father was... someone I didn't see eye to eye, but he was still a good man, but your mother was remarkable. They defied the odds, and their love brought you into this world. That makes you unique. But it also makes you a target. The CCG would stop at nothing to get their hands on you."

Rize looked at Naruto, the realization dawning on her that he was a half-human, half-ghoul. Now she understood why she felt so drawn to him, his scent, his very essence, everything about Naruto intrigued her deeply. Taking one last glance at him, Rize allowed a small smile to slip. Naruto was hers and hers alone.

Naruto nodded, his jaw clenched. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to protect our family here."

Matasaka's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I know you will. Both of you have great potential. But you must be cautious and strategic. Our survival depends on it."

Training with Matasaka was grueling but enlightening. He taught them how to harness their kagune more effectively, how to blend in with humans, and most importantly, how to stay one step ahead of the CCG. Naruto and Rize pushed each other to their limits, forging a bond of trust and mutual respect.

One afternoon, after a particularly intense training session, Rize and Naruto sat on the rooftop, catching their breath. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the city.

"Did you ever wonder why your parents were killed?" Rize asked suddenly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Naruto looked at her, his expression pensive. "All the time. My father was a CCG investigator, but he fell in love with my mother, a ghoul. They were an anomaly, proof that humans and ghouls could coexist. Maybe that's why they were targeted. They challenged the status quo."

Rize nodded, her gaze distant. "It's ironic, isn't it? That we, the children of such impossible unions, are left to navigate this world on our own."

Naruto felt a deep sense of empathy for Rize. Despite their different backgrounds, their struggles were remarkably similar. "We're not alone, Rize. We have each other. And we have Matasaka. We'll find a way to survive, and maybe, one day, we'll understand why things happened the way they did."

Rize smiled, a rare, genuine smile that lit up her face. "You're right, Naruto. We're stronger together."

As the days turned into weeks, Naruto and Rize grew more adept under Matasaka's tutelage. Their bond deepened, not just as comrades but as true partners. They learned to anticipate each other's moves, to fight as a seamless unit.

One night, as they prepared for another mission, Naruto felt a surge of determination. They were not just surviving; they were fighting for a future where ghouls and humans could coexist. It was a lofty goal, but with Rize by his side and Matasaka guiding them, Naruto felt a flicker of hope.

They moved out, shadows in the night, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. And as they did, Naruto silently vowed to honor the legacy of his parents and to protect the makeshift family he had found in the Sixth Ward. Together, they would carve out a place where they truly belonged, no matter the cost.

Chapter 1 - Boy Meets Girl End

A/N

That's the end of this chapter, which serves primarily as an introduction.

Rize is a very interesting character, and I am excited to write about her.

As for Kaneki... well, I have great plans for him.

We'll delve deeper into Naruto's kagune in the upcoming chapters.

Thanks for reading!

Your feedback and thoughts are incredibly valuable to me, so please don't hesitate to share them in the reviews.