Yunyun lay on her bed, face buried underneath a fluffy pillow. She hadn't left her room for hours, not since that horrible revelation.
She wasn't mad at anyone, this was simply how her clan was. She had trouble understanding their motivations, but she loved them all nonetheless.
No, she could only blame herself for not squashing the misunderstanding from the get go, and then falling for it herself.
'Ugh… I'm so embarrassed I just want to die…'
The look on Naruto's face after she'd so audaciously made such an announcement, in front of the village no less! It was just so embarrassing…
How could she face him now? What was she going to say now that the cat was out of the bag and she ran away like a coward?
But in spite of the embarrassment, Yunyun still wanted to go on more adventures with Naruto.
When was the last time they'd gone on a quest together? Also, with Naruto's name cleared and strength acknowledged, they'd be able to finally go on that tough quest with the Griffin and Manticore!
Yunyun giggled at the thought of Naruto's reaction when they'd inevitably face those powerful monsters.
"W-what am I still doing here!? I need to apologize to Naruto-san!"
Tossing the pillow into the air, Yunyun jumped out of bed and ran to her door. Swinging it open, she was surprised to see father's startled face. He looked like he was about to knock.
"Oh, Yunyun! I was just about to ask if you wanted to join me on a late-night patrol. Did you sense my intent? Is your blood boiling with excitement at the aspect of slaying monsters with your dear father?"
Hiropon asked while flipping his cape in a dramatic fashion.
"Oh, umm… That sounds fun, father. But there's something I need to take care of first!"
Yunyun replied and started making her way down the hallway.
Hiropon looked surprised at his daughter's quick dismissal of his offer, as monster hunting as a family was one of her favorite things to do.
A knowing smile etched onto the chief's face.
"Ah, I see. My little girl sure has grown… To think she's at that age to attempt a night raid on her beloved."
"!?"
Yunyun nearly fell down the stairs upon hearing her father's comment. She turned back with a flushed face.
"We are NOT doing this again, father!"
–After completely explaining each and every painful detail of the misunderstanding regarding the prophecy, Hiropon looked at his daughter with a raised eyebrow.
"What are you talking about, daughter? Of course I knew it was one of Arue's manuscripts."
"Eh?"
Yunyun balked. Did she just hear her father right? Surely there was something wrong with her hearing just now. Did Megumin use her Explosion magic just now that interfered with her ears?
Come to think of it, that girl hadn't used her Explosion magic yet today which was a concern in itself.
"That's right. After reading the prophecy, my Crimson Demon blood simply ignited at the prospect of such a telling story being inspired by the life of my daughter. Hahaha!"
Hiropon continued with a hearty laugh.
Yunyun's left eye twitched as she stared at her father.
"B-but what about the trials? Your blessing? The grandchild!?"
"Oh, that? I got a little carried away when your friend arrived. With so many people present, how could I not make such a grand introduction?"
The chief responded while rubbing the back of his head rather sheepishly.
Yunyun let out a long sigh. She was honestly not surprised… But that didn't make slapping her father any less appealing.
"But that Naruto fellow is just as you said in those letters of yours. It puts your old man at ease to know that you're traveling with such a reliable adventurer."
Hiropon suddenly said with a fond smile befitting that of a relieved parent.
Yunyun blinked, having not expected such a genuine response at this point in the conversation. But it made her happy to know that her father approved of her party member, and not in a weird way.
At least now she knew everyone was on the same page-
"But if you do want to marry that man, as your father, I approve."
"Father!?"
-for better or worse.
Megumin was grumbling to herself as she made her way over to Yunyun's house. She could not believe her mother would put her own daughter in such a dangerous situation AGAIN! Not to mention her party leader, he who would no longer be named.
She had almost fallen for his trap too! That man was conniving when he wanted to be, but his intentions were always scummy in the end!
'If he would have just thought of my feelings a little more… Then maybe…'
No no no. That man was hopeless, and this was the last straw. She would fill the others in on this in the morning and they would teach him a lesson.
Just then, something caught Megumin's eye. There was something in the sky. A bird?
No, it didn't look like any bird she knew.
'Wait… Isn't that!?'
Eyes widening in realization, Megumin patted herself down.
Curses! She'd left her staff at home!
The bird was now descending, and towards her. The wind picked up in that moment, blowing her bangs into her face as the strange aviator approached.
"F-fufu… To think we would meet again, and so soon. He who traverses the same path as I."
Megumin greeted in an ominous manner. She held a hand over her left eye as the bird landed, and the man perched on top of it grinned maliciously.
"Oh, the crimson brat! Perfect timing! Come with me for a bit, I'm looking for something."
The man uncovered his face to reveal long blonde hair; Deidara, the Demon King Army General.
Kazuma was tossing and turning on his(Megumin's) mat.
He'd blown it. Again.
Undoubtedly, the others would be harassing him and calling uncalled for names again.
But this time, it totally wasn't his fault! Megumin had teased him and heavily implied she was okay with him doing things!
But it had all been another trick! He'd been had! Duped! Hornswoggled!
Kazuma swore on the first Satou family heirloom that he would get back at that girl. The next time she made such advances, he'd completely reject her!
How would she like that, huh!?
Just then, the sound of someone entering through the window brought the boy out of his metal rant.
"K-Kazuma? Are you still awake?"
"Yes. Here, I kept your spot warm."
Kazuma said the moment he saw Megumin's flustered face.
What? If Megumin wanted to come back to him looking all cute and lost like that, then who was he to reject her?
"Y-you truly never learn your lesson, do you!? Anyways, I just came back for my adventuring gear. I didn't get a chance to use my Explosion magic because of my mother's nonsense. Then I'm sleeping over at Yunyun's again."
Megumin responded with an expression that was both cold and unsurpassed as she gathered her stuff.
Odd. This was usually the part where she would jump into his outstretched arms for warmth and forgiveness.
"Hang on, you just said something I can't ignore. You just implied that you were going to cast your Explosion magic and then go to Yunyun's house. Who's going to carry you back?"
Kazuma asked, his expression growing suspicious when the girl flinched.
"...Yunyun, of course."
Megumin muttered before pulling her boots on with a little more haste than before.
But that wasn't the only thing that was bothering him.
"Didn't Naruto stop you from buying that cloak?"
Kazuma further inquired while eyeing the black cloak Megumin was currently wearing.
"...I just bought it right now."
Megumin replied, and her party leader jumped to his feet.
"Ahah! You're lying! The store closed shortly after we left! What are you hiding, Megumin!?"
Kazuma demanded while pointing an accusing finger at the girl.
"Why are you being so nosy!? Are you that desperate to sleep with me that you would go so far!?"
Megumin finally looked back and barked.
"W-w-wha-!? Says the girl who was being so forward until just a moment ago! But that's besides the point! Why are you acting so suspicious-Ah! She ran away!"
Kazuma sputtered, his ears red to the tips when Megumin suddenly bolted out the window. Shoving his feet into his boots, he dove out the window to give chase.
He caught a glimpse of the girl's cloak around the corner of the house.
For a girl with such short legs, she sure was fast!
"M-Megumin! Come back! I-I drank too much to be-"
Kazuma's words died in his throat when rounded the corner to find Megumin climbing onto the back of a large white bath toy.
But it was no normal bath toy, if the Demon King Army General sitting on its back had anything to say about it.
"Oh, Kazuma my man! Are you going to join us too?"
Deidara asked as Megumin positioned herself behind him.
Kazuma's mind raced.
What was a second Demon King Army General doing here? Why was said General casually talking to him? Why was Megumin willingly tagging along with that terrorist? Why did this image piss him off so much!?
Also, where was Naruto!?
"F-fancy meeting you here, Deidara. What brings you to the Crimson Demon Village?"
Playing it cool, Kazuma walked up to the bath toy with a casual expression. But internally, he was screaming in terror as the memories of that night replayed in his mind.
"The Demon King wanted me to help Sylvia destroy this place, but the people here are actually quite agreeable! So instead, I'm looking into this supposed 'weapon that could destroy the world' or something that's apparently sealed here."
Deidara explained while waving his hand dismissively.
"In other words, Deidara and I are going to have an Explosion competition! So don't try and stop us, Kazuma!"
Megumin snapped while pointing at her party leader.
That didn't really add up, but Kazuma didn't have the mental capacity to retort.
What would happen if an unhinged terrorist got his hands on a weapon that is said to hold the power to destroy the world?
Kazuma guessed nothing good. There was no way he could let that man get his hands on that weapon.
"Silly Megumin, don't you know who I am? I am Kazuma Satou! The number one Explosion Connoisseur! Of course I'll be the judge of such a legendary competition. But be warned, Deidara! My comrade has leveled up quite a bit since the last time you saw her!"
Kazuma boasted, earning a surprised look from the Crimson Demon.
"Hah! I knew I sensed a comrade in you, Kazuma my man! Climb on! Tonight, the world will see true art once more! Kahaha!"
Deidara exclaimed and cackled into the night.
Kazuma cautiously climbed onto the back of the bath toy behind Megumin. He couldn't call for Naruto, knowing full well Deidara would probably blow this place to smithereens if he did. So he would play along for now, and hopefully keep them busy until Naruto caught wind of what was going on.
Besides, he had an idea.
"...Don't think you're getting off scot-free just because you said something cool just now."
Megumin muttered as they took off into the sky. Her face was covered by her hat, but Kazuma could make out a tiny smile on the girl's face.
Well, at least he wouldn't have to worry about being called a scumbag anymore for the time being.
Naruto opened his eyes to a dark room. He'd opted to sleep in the dining room, since his only other option was the guest room with Aqua and Darkness.
Not wanting to be branded a second Kazuma, he'd gathered a couple pillows to make a pseudo futon and unsealed his snow cloak to use as a makeshift blanket.
But… It was a little hard to sleep.
Why?
"Tch…! It would seem tonight is a bust as well."
Yuiyui was sitting just outside of Megumin's room, ear planted on the door as she listened in on whatever conversation was going on inside. She sucked her teeth and started making her way back towards the kitchen.
Megumin's mother was kind of amazing in her own right.
"Oh! My apologies, Naruto-san. It appears I have kept you awake."
"T-that's okay… I was thinking of going out for some fresh air anyway."
Naruto replied while sitting up. He'd closed his eyes again to feign sleeping, but it appeared Yuiyui wasn't one to be fooled by such things.
As expected of a mother.
"Oh? Going out for a night raid, are we? The chief usually goes out on patrol at this hour, so now's a good time to strike."
Yuiyui commented while tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"I-I'm not going to Yunyun's for a night raid! Like I said, that was all just a misunderstanding ya know!?"
Naruto stuttered, his ears burning bright red.
"Oh, well if that's the case, Komeko's room is the room on the left. The window should be unlocked-"
"I-I-I'm not going to Komeko's room! I'm into older women!"
Naruto blurted out when the women started babbling something unnecessary.
"Oh my… Does this mean you're targeting me? I'm a married woman, you know… But… A mother must do what she can to feed her family…"
Yuiyui clasped her rosy cheeks while looking away shyly.
"I… I give up… I'll be back soon."
Naruto got up and dragged his feet towards the front door.
"Fufufu… Too cute."
The Crimson Demon cooed to herself, causing the shinobi to pause as he put on his shoes, but he kept quiet and opened the door.
He took everything back. Megumin's family was a little too much for him.
Naruto walked down the dark path towards the Crimson Demon Village with his hands in his pockets. There was a slight breeze. But even in his sleeping attire, which consisted of a white t-shirt and orange pants, it felt nice.
Half of him wanted to just go to Yunyun's house and apologize now, but he forced himself to be patient. He didn't want to risk making things worse.
'You two are so awkward that it's troublesome to watch sometimes.'
Kurama complained, earning a frown from the shinobi.
'How rude. No one asked you to watch, ya know?'
'True, but then how would I get to watch you struggle when something interesting happens like yesterday?'
'You really are becoming a second Vanir and it's scaring me…'
Naruto thought with a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. Even after letting Kurama let loose a little against the Demon King's Army and their occasional sparring matches, the fox really was bored.
'Hoh? It seems something interesting might happen.'
Kurama added before going silent, and before Naruto could ask, he heard the sound of footsteps ahead.
"N-Naruto-san!?"
Yunyun, clad in a pair of yellow pajamas and sandals, skid to a stop upon seeing the blonde.
"Yunyun? What are you doing out so late?"
Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow. He was happy to see her, but very confused as to why she would be out and about at this hour.
Wait, could she have been running to Megumin's house looking for him!?
Suddenly growing nervous, Naruto averted his gaze. He still didn't know what to say to her. Would it be best to just apologize and hope for the best? Although, it seemed like she had something to say…
But what if she was going to say she wanted to quit adventuring with him!? Then he'd have to try and apologize first to try and change her mind before she said anything!
Hearing a loud groan in the back of his mind, Naruto decided to speak up.
"H-hey/U-umm…!"
Naruto and Yunyun spoke at the same time, and the two blinked upon realizing what had just happened.
So, they tried again.
"I'm sorry!"
They both apologized at the same time.
. . .
'You see what I mean now? Troublesome brats…'
Kurama grumbled.
"Pfft…!"
Naruto stifled a laugh, but he couldn't contain himself and burst out with laughter.
Yunyun blushed furiously, but eventually found herself joining the boy's infectious chuckling.
"Kurama's right… We're ridiculous, ya know?"
Naruto said while wiping a tear from his eye.
"W-we are, aren't we?"
Yunyun agreed, and the two looked at each other before they started laughing again.
Just like that, and everything felt right again. All they needed to do was be with each other.
"Let's make a promise. If one of us is in trouble, we find the other and talk about it. No matter what. Even if it's embarrassing, okay?"
Naruto said and offered his pinky to the younger girl. They were party members, and friends at that. He'd felt like this for a while now, but this situation made him realize that he could probably tell Yunyun anything.
His girl troubles, the rumors, his goals, and even the Succubus. Yunyun had listened to everything without judgment, and always helped him in his time of need. She was a true friend.
It was frustrating that he didn't realize this sooner.
Yunyun was feeling something similar, so she accepted the pinky promise with teary eyes.
"I-I've always wanted to make a pinky promise with a friend… It's on my list of 'things I want to do with a friend'!"
"...I also promise to help you complete that list!"
Naruto added, earning a delightful expression from his party member as he hid his pitiful tears.
With that said, Naruto let out a sigh and leaned against a nearby fence. This time for sure, he felt things would be different. When they returned home, or heck, even on the way back home, he'd share all of the information he had on Alderp and get her opinion on things.
It was time he relied on his friend a little more.
'Sorry, that probably wasn't as entertaining as you were hoping. Huh, Kurama?'
'Oh, I wasn't referring to you brats.'
'...Wha-'
Boom!
The sound of a loud explosion rang out across the village, and a large fiery plume of smoke was rising into the air in the distance.
Naruto and Yunyun stared at the smoke with saucers for eyes.
"Megumin."
They both said in unison, their expressions turning flat. The girl hadn't used Explosion magic yet today and likely dragged Kazuma out into the forest for a late-night "scenic walk".
"Well, I better get back so I can yell at-"
Boom!
A second explosion went off, rattling the village a second time.
"-them…"
Naruto's words trailed off as he and Yunyun slowly looked at each other with wide eyes.
'Heh…'
"Y-you all faced a Demon King Army General in Alcanretia!?"
Yunyun asked as she and Naruto ran in the direction of the explosions. Naruto had briefly filled her in on the events that had transpired in Alcanretia, and they were surprising to say the least.
A Demon King Army General from Naruto's home country, who was a part of a criminal organization whose purpose was to capture the hosts of the Tailed Beasts like Kurama.
It was a little overwhelming, but also exciting to learn more about Naruto's past.
While it was never a banned topic, Yunyun had always felt like she was prying when asking about such things. But somehow, she felt differently now. Like they were closer, as friends.
Getting back on topic, Yunyun asked the next obvious question.
"W-what's the plan?"
"We need to make sure everyone's alright. I'm sure those explosions woke the entire village, so we gotta hurry!"
Naruto responded and the two picked up the pace. They were nearing the outskirts of the village now, so they slowed to a crawl and creeped up to some bushes. A part of the forest was on fire, giving them enough light to see three people in the clearing.
"There's Megumin, and Kazuma too… Is that third person the Demon King Army General?"
Yunyun asked as she quickly identified her rival's form laying on the floor. Kazuma was kneeling next to Megumin, likely giving her enough mana to walk on her own via Drain Touch. The third person was wearing a cloak and… They were also laying on the floor.
Seeing how calm Kazuma was, Naruto decided to just walk over to them. It was obvious what had happened.
"I can't believe I can't move after using that spell! I could have sworn my mana reserves were enough…"
Deidara complained as he struggled to move, but he could only manage to move his head. This was clearly mana exhaustion. But he was an Arch Wizard that was over level fifty, and his mana reserves were second to none!
"I told you… My party member is something special. Even amongst the Crimson Demons, she's considered a prodigy. By the way, Megumin's Explosion magic scored a ninety-five while yours scored an eighty-five. Her volume and kickback were much greater, and as you can see, her crater is much larger too which gives her extra points."
Kazuma explained as he stood over the fallen Demon King Army General.
His plan had been simple. Deidara expressed interest in Explosion magic the last time they'd met, and he didn't seem to be put off by the huge mana requirement. So, it wasn't hard to get him to agree to a true Explosion competition.
After Megumin taught Deidara the spell, the Demon King Army General was quick to let one loose and collapsed from mana exhaustion.
Luckily, Deidara had enough skill points to learn the costly spell.
"What!? But this wasn't even as powerful as some of my art! This magic is useless!"
Deidara complained, and Megumin, who had been awfully quiet until now for some reason, balked from the heresy she'd just heard.
"What!? You dare mock the sacred magic that is the number one offensive spell known to man!? Explosion magic is the purest form of art this world has to offer! Hah! You're probably just a sore loser because you lost!"
Megumin exclaimed while blowing a strawberry in the general's direction, earning a growl from the older man.
"You little…! Just wait until my mana recovers, I'll show you art that put this useless magic to shame-Guh!"
Deidara was cut off when Naruto suddenly appeared and stepped on the back of his head, forcing his face into the dirt.
"That's enough out of you."
Naruto said as Yunyun followed up from behind, but the girl instantly walked over to Megumin.
"What were you thinking, using Explosion magic so close to the village!? Also, Naruto-san told me everything! How could Megumin be so irresponsible as to get along with a Demon King Army General so casually!?"
"Hmph! While you berate for walking down this difficult path of mine, that Demon King Army General somewhat gets it too! Or at least, I thought so…"
Megumin shot back before muttering the last bit with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Ignoring the two Crimson Demons, Kazuma turned to Naruto who was currently glaring down at Deidara. He was honestly surprised at how calm the shinobi was acting this time, considering how easily he lost his temper back in Alcanretia.
"What do we do now? All of our gear is back at Megumin's parent's house."
"Don't worry, I already sent a couple clones to get our stuff. They should be here any minute."
Naruto replied without looking up from his captive. This man wasn't getting away this time. He would make sure of it.
"Ugh… It's the nine-tailed brat again? How many times do I have to say it? I ain't interested in killing your precious people. I'm just here on an errand to look into the weapon that can destroy the world that's apparently here. It's probably a real work of art for sure, yeah!"
Deidara groaned before excitement returned to his face.
"The only thing you're going to be looking into is a stone cold jail cell. Oh, they're here."
Naruto replied when he heard his clones entering the clearing. One held his backpack and tactical vest, while another was holding Kazuma's. Upon placing the items on the floor, the clones gave a solute.
"Darkness is on her way here, along with some of the Crimson Demons who came out to investigate."
"Aqua is too drunk to wake up."
The clones reported before popping out of existence, and Naruto confirmed the information as their memories filled his head.
'Yup… That certainly checks out.'
Naruto snickered from the memory of the clones marking Aqua's face with various drawings.
"Well, it worked out in the end I guess."
Kazuma said with a sigh. Maybe now they could go home. A good week without leaving his room sounded good right about now.
No, wait. He was forgetting something important. Deidara said the Demon King wanted him to help Sylvia, the other Demon King Army General who was apparently still alive and well out there.
. . .
"So, who's in favor of heading straight home in the morning?"
Kazuma asked while raising his hand.
"That's fine, but we're taking this guy straight to the authorities. Maybe we should leave him at the newly re-reformed Alcanretia. I'm sure the Axis Cult would love to meet the person that destroyed their city… Fufufu…"
Naruto suggested with a dark tone, causing Deidara's face to pale.
"W-wait! Megumin! You promised to take me to the underground bunker if we had this competition, right?"
The terrorist quickly turned to Megumin, but found no solace with the Crimson Demon as she turned away in a huff.
"Why should I bail out a faker who badmouthed Explosion magic? Although, there is a Wizard Predator sealed in there that I wouldn't mind testing my Explosion magic on…"
Megumin replied while tapping her chin thoughtfully, causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
That was interesting information to have…
"K-Kazuma, my man! You'll honor your companion's word, won't you? You can even keep me tied up!"
Deidara nearly pleaded, to which Kazuma could empathize with considering the hard time he had just leaving that city full of psychos.
But… His sanctuary awaited, so-
"Hey, Megumin. Are you sure none of your clansmen can just teleport us to Axel? I'd rather not walk back…"
"I'm sure. When I first left after graduating, I had to walk to Alcanretia."
Megumin replied with a sigh.
'Oh, so Megumin did visit Alcanretia before… I guess that makes sense.'
Naruto thought when he heard chuckling underneath him.
"Fufufu… Hahahaha! It would seem that I do not have a single ally in this world after all! Very well then! I didn't want to resort to this, but you all leave me no other choice…"
Deidara ominously said, his eyes hidden behind his bangs. He then fished around in his mouth and proceeded to gulp, and then his body then began to glow.
Immediately sensing danger, Naruto kicked the ex-Akatsuki member away and tackled the others to the ground just in time as another explosion was ignited.
Boom!
The forest shook with tremendous force, with dozens of trees catching ablaze and falling over.
Naruto quickly looked over his friends, and upon finding no notable injuries, he jumped to his feet and dropped into a fighting stance.
In the center of a sizable crater stood Deidara, who was now stark naked.
"W-what was that!? Also, why are you naked!?"
Naruto demanded and brandished a kunai from his vest.
"You're not the only one who came to this world with a powerup, nine-tailed brat! Immune Ignition! Yes, that's right! Even the gods themselves acknowledged my art! I was blessed with an ability to ignite myself into art! Clothes are a small price to pay for such a wonderful power!"
Deidara revealed with his arms spread wide, and his naked form began to glow once more.
Naruto cursed and tapped into Kurama's chakra, his own form taking a golden appearance.
When Deidara ignited a second time, the explosion crashed into Kurama's chakra paw.
Naruto grunted as he was pushed back, but he dug his heels into the ground and held firm to protect the others.
"Wasn't he supposed to be out of mana!? Stupid hax abilities!"
Kazuma complained as he hid behind Naruto's golden form. The next time he saw Aqua, he was going to give that girl a good verbal lashing about choosing the wrong people to reincarnate.
"He swallowed something that probably recovered his mana. Yunyun! Cast a barrier to buy us some time!"
Naruto shouted, and his party member jumped to her feet.
"O-okay!"
As Yunyun projected a magical wall, Naruto created a couple clones who immediately dispersed into the forest. He then pulled Kazuma over to Megumin, who was staring at Deidara in shock.
"Kazuma, use Drain Touch to give Megumin my mana. We're going to put this guy down for good this time!"
Naruto instructed, and his fellow adventurer got to work.
Deidara continued walking forward, all while releasing the occasional detonation.
A bead of sweat rolled down Yunyun's cheek as she struggled to hold the barrier. With each combustion that slammed into it, the harder it became to maintain its function. Even now, there were cracks forming on the edges of her formation.
The explosions halted for a moment, and Naruto's clones took that opportunity to attack.
Fast as they were, they were caught in the next burst that was comparable to even that of Explosion magic.
"How does it feel to bask in the presence of art incarnate!?"
Deidara exclaimed as he pointed his finger towards the forest where a couple Naruto clones were hiding.
Boom!
"Hey hey… That guy just pointed and the forest exploded! That ability is cheating!"
Kazuma's face turned green. Was that guy always this dangerous? To think they had been in an enclosed room with a living bomb back in Alcanretia…
"I'm ready."
Megumin said when she felt her reserves were at full again, and so Kazuma cut off his Drain Touch.
"I'll give you an opening, so get your spell ready and-"
Naruto started when the Crimson Demon suddenly put a hand on his shoulder.
Megumin wordlessly walked past the two boys, then through the one way barrier Yunyun was struggling to maintain.
"W-wait! What are you doing, Megu… Ah…"
Yunyun called after her rival, but it seemed her mana ran out at that moment and she fell to the ground. Well, she would have if Naruto hadn't stepped up and caught her.
"Thanks, Yunyun. I'll have Kazuma transfer some energy to you too."
Naruto said while smiling down at his party member, and she smiled weakly in return. Maybe he should learn Drain Touch? It was certainly useful during situations like this.
Megumin stopped when she was ten feet away from Deidara, and the general stopped upon seeing the little girl's expression.
"Hoh? Do you wish to have another showdown now that you've seen my true art?"
Deidara asked with a triumphant grin on his glowing face.
"...Deidara, General of the Demon King's Army. I am disappointed in you."
"Hah? Are you now jealous of my art's superiority over your flawed spell-"
"Explosion magic has no flaws!"
Megumin cut the man off and swiped her hand through the air as if to swat the very idea out of the way.
"Every great power has a price… Some argue that the cost of Explosion magic is too great… That mana exhaustion and the temporary immobility it brings are burdens too heavy to bear. But I tell you, there is a certain satisfaction in giving your all, in pouring every ounce of your being into a single, magnificent act of creation and destruction! The aftermath, when my body is rendered motionless, serves as a testament to the spell's absolute power. It is a moment of reflection, a reminder that I have unleashed a force of unparalleled might."
The Crimson Demon said, and Deidara's eyes widened. But of course, she didn't stop there.
She had been waiting for this moment, when she would face the man who was so close to the path she walked again.
She'd lost her temper earlier, but now her head was clear. Clearer than it had ever been.
Eyes shining brighter than a supernova, Megumin shouted to her heart's content.
"During those moments of exhaustion, I feel alive! I feel the raw, unfiltered essence of magic, having touched the very brink of my limits! To use Explosion magic is to embrace the pinnacle of magical potential, to experience a euphoria that no other spell can provide! It is a fleeting yet profound connection to the primal forces of our world, a dance with destiny that leaves a lasting impression on both the caster and the very earth itself!"
Megumin panted as she caught her breath, but she wasn't done yet.
"So, Deidara, you question the merit of Explosion magic? I say this: do not fear the price we pay. Instead, revel in the unparalleled glory that comes with commanding such power. Embrace the exhaustion, for it is the seal of a true wizard who has tasted the zenith of magical prowess. Explosion magic is not just the best… It is the ultimate expression of our craft, a brilliant blaze that outshines all else!"
Megumin took in a deep breath, and what she said next shook Deidara to the very core.
"Art isn't just an explosion! Art IS Explosion magic!"
Her voice echoed across the forest, reverberating even over the flames that threatened to spread.
Deidara just stood there, mouth agape, as he stared at the brat-no, the artist that stood before him.
Was… Was she right? Had he been wrong about art all along? Even now, he could feel the very foundations of his ideals wavering.
"N-no! I cannot accept it! My art is superior to Explosion magic! I can prove it right now-"
"You're wrong!"
Megumin cut him off when his body began to glow, and she continued.
"Your magic is powerful, I'll give you that… Even my Explosion magic still can't compete with that man who can casually wipe out a mountain on a whim… But tell me, Deidara. What do you feel when you use that cheat ability of yours? When you casually shoot explosions from your fingertips?"
"I…"
Deidara failed to respond, because he couldn't find a flaw in the girl's ideals.
They were… Perfect.
"H-huh?"
Deidara blinked when his vision suddenly became blurry, and he wiped his eyes to find moisture.
Tears? Him? But why…
"It seems you have finally found the right path… I'm glad."
Megumin took off the Akatsuki cloak and tossed it to the naked man who had ceased his glowing. She then turned on her heel, flipping her cape for added effect as she started walking back towards the village.
"W-wait! Megumin-No, sensei!"
Deidara scrambled to put the cloak on and was about to give chase when the girl stopped.
"You have a long road ahead of you, he who walks the same path as I… When we meet again, show me that art of yours in another showdown. I will face you anytime."
Megumin responded without looking back.
"S-sensei…!"
Deidara moped as he wiped the tears that were now freely falling from his eyes.
This is what he'd been searching for all these years, isn't it? Someone who truly understood art in the way he saw it. He didn't just find that person, they even surpassed him.
It was a long and lonely road… Everyone had feared him. They'd called him a lunatic and feared his art.
But never in his days had he thought he'd meet someone with so much passion for art. Someone that would open his eyes to such a beautiful truth.
At that moment, Megumin seemed so far away from him.
But he wouldn't lose! He would catch up!
Pale blue eyes filled with determination, Deidara, ex-member of the Akatsuki and General of the Demon King's army, bowed to the Crimson Demon that blew away his expectations with an ideal shattering Explosion.
"Thank you very mu-!"
Deidara's words cut off when he suddenly fell face first onto the floor.
. . .
"Eh?"
Megumin, having heard something strange, turned around to see the man's motionless form in the dirt.
Naruto cautiously walked over to the general and checked his pulse.
"He's dead."
"!?"
The group's eyes bulged at the revelation.
"W-what? How? What?"
Megumin ran over to the two boys and frantically looked around for any signs of injuries.
'Ah… I think I know what happened.'
Kazuma thought as Yunyun joined them as well. Calling his first encounter with the terrorist, and how Deidara had "died" in the hot spring. The same thing probably happened just now.
"Kazuma! Where's the Demon King Army General!?"
The group turned around to find Darkness, along with some Crimson Demons running into the burning forest clearing.
"Ah, that's him right over there. He's dead."
Kazuma replied, earning shocked looks from the newcomers.
"As expected of the pupil of Ero-senin!"
"Yeah, I can see why the chief approves!"
"Three cheers for the happy couple that even Demon King's Generals can't split apart!"
The Crimson Demons blabbered such things before they started cheering.
"Ugh… Not this again. Sorry, Yunyun. I'll clear the air."
Naruto groaned and was about to set the clansmen straight when Yunyun tugged on his sleeve.
"I-it's okay, Naruto-san. I'm sure anything we say would just make things worse at this point. Let them think whatever they want to…"
Yunyun said and relented a sigh. Her clansmen would likely move on to something else they found interesting in a couple days anyway.
"So… What are we going to do about him?"
Darkness asked while gesturing towards Deidara's corpse.
"I'll take care of it… This man walked down a most difficult path, one that I, too, shared. I will send him off… With a bang."
Megumin solemnly said, her eyes hidden behind her bangs as she gripped the rim of her hat.
"Megumin…"
Naruto felt bad for the little girl. While he wasn't about to let Deidara off the hook for all of the crimes he'd committed in both the Elemental Nations and this world, it almost seemed like the man was going to follow a better path.
At least, as good as Megumin's path was.
…Was Megumin's path a good one? That girl committed acts that could be considered terrorism on a daily basis. It had gotten to the point where everyone in Axel treated the tremors that followed her Explosion magic as a "daily phenomenon". She was even banned by the local authorities from using Explosion magic within a mile radius of the town.
'Yeah… Maybe we're better off. The world doesn't need two Explosion maniacs.'
Naruto thought with a firm nod.
Snap!
A loud cracking sound echoed deep within the forest, earning the attention of everyone in the clearing.
"W-what is that…?"
Kazuma asked, his face turning pale when he looked up to find multiple pairs of glowing eyes in the shadows of the canopy.
The fires from the previous battle flickered in their direction to reveal humanoid shapes.
But they were no humans.
"N-no…"
Naruto took a step back in fear, the color draining from his face.
"No no no…!"
How could he have forgotten? The abominations that lived near the Crimson Demon Village.
"Ooooo~! It's that strong young man from before!"
"I'm feeling energized tonight!"
"Who wants to have some fun!?"
A couple deep, sultry voices called out.
"Are those… Orcs?"
Yunyun asked when the creatures stepped past the flames into the light. Naruto had told her about his first encounter with the beasts. It had been a rather traumatizing experience for the shinobi.
"You orcs are getting cocky stepping into our territory!"
"I guess you haven't learned your lesson yet!"
"Brothers! Sisters! Let's show these beasts a glimpse into the void!"
The Crimson Demons called each other to arms and formed a line.
But it was strange. The orcs were normally too fearful of the Crimson Demons to come so close to the village. Why were they being so bold?
The orcs split apart as a taller, more slender figure stepped into the clearing.
"I was wondering where my comrade was, but it seems he has failed in the face of my target…"
"T-the general from the other day!?"
Naruto shouted in recognition.
Her once lavish red gown had been replaced by a roughly made dress made of black fur that left little to the imagination. Her frame, while not as bulky as the orcs surrounding her, was a bit more muscular than before. Her tanned skin now held a greenish hue to it.
Sylvia's eyes immediately fell on Naruto, which sent shivers down the shinobi's spine. The woman's gaze was similar to that of the Succubi during their lust frenzy.
Every fiber of Naruto's being screamed at him to run.
"Naruto Uzumaki… I have business with you."
What did this woman want? Also, how did she recover so quickly? She'd been a charred corpse the last time he'd seen her, courtesy of Kurama. It was almost like she…
'That general is likely a Chimera. We read about them in that encyclopedia of yours.'
Kurama noted in an attempt to reel its host back into reality.
A Chimera? That was a monster that could absorb other creatures or even inanimate objects into itself to become more powerful.
Then-
"I can see it in your face that you've discovered my identity… Yes! I am Sylvia! Chimera Sylvia! Director of the Monster Enhancement Division! I was at death's door when these sweet children found me… I became one with their chief and have thus evolved!"
Sylvia revealed with her arms spread wide, her sizable bust bouncing loosely in the fur dress.
"...Hey, stop gawking you scumbag."
Megumin muttered and elbowed Kazuma in the ribs.
"Oww! I-I wasn't gawking! I'm just worried about you guys! Those are Orcs, right? The bane of all females!"
Kazuma barked while rubbing his side. Naruto was here, so they'd be fine. But the shinobi's reaction was strange. Not even Alcanretia had brought out such fear.
But something was weird. Why were there only female Orcs present? Were they scouts or something?
"Stand back everyone! Sylvia! Where are the male Orcs!? Are they waiting in the dark to jump at us women!?"
Darkness took a defensive stance in front of her fellow blonde, broad sword in hand.
"Oh? Is this your lover perhaps, Naruto Uzumaki? I'm jealous… But why are you asking something so strange?"
Sylvia cooed while cupping the side of her face.
"L-l-l-lover!? I would sooner be this man's love slave! Anyways, bring out the male Orcs already!"
Darkness denied(?) the general's claim with a flushed face while making questionable demands.
"Coming from you, that's basically the same thing. Also, there are no male Orcs Darkness."
Naruto retorted, earning a shocked expression from the Crusader. But he was thankful, as Darkness's antics had brought him back to his senses.
There were about two dozen Orcs, including Sylvia herself. With Naruto and the others, including the Crimson Demons that showed up, the odds were completely in their favor in terms of firepower.
"Wait, no male Orcs?"
Kazuma asked, because it was a common trope in fantasy settings that Orcs, with their high libido, were the enemy to all women. But if these Orcs were all female…
"T-the male Orcs went extinct, Kazuma-san."
Yunyun revealed, and this time Kazuma's expression grew shocked.
"Yeah, the females squeeze them dry whenever one is born. So they're forced to seek out strong males of other species. In other words, you and Naruto are in serious danger right now."
Megumin explained while gripping her staff, and upon hearing the brief history, Kazuma opted to hide behind the young Crimson Demons.
There was no way in hell he was getting captured by those things!
"So? What now, Sylvia? It's you and your Orcs against my elite party with the Crimson Demons backing us. I hate to say it, but you're severely outnumbered. If you surrender now and leave, I'm willing to let you go."
Naruto offered while leveling his gaze on the Demon King Army General, and to his surprise, she laughed.
"So kind… As expected of the man I set my eyes on. But you are mistaken."
Sylvia winked, causing an unnerving shiver to crawl up the boy's spine.
"You are outnumbered."
The moment the words left her mouth, dozens upon dozens of eyes appeared from within the forest. Their animalistic irises reflected in the moonlight.
Naruto blinked.
He blinked twice.
Thrice.
Well, that wasn't good.
"Run."
A/N: Naruto and Yunyun make up(again), Megumin and Deidara have their final(?) showdown, and Sylvia makes her move!
Will the men of the Crimson Demon Village make it out of the battle to come unscathed?
Find out next week. ;)
Spirit out!