The Ultimate Ninja

by The Dark Hood

No chakra. No Kurama. Only school. And Ultimates. Now stuck in a new dimension, Naruto finds himself entangled in an intricate game between hope and despair. What role will the Uzumaki play in this destructive scheme? Only time will tell.

59. A Meeting of Hope and Despair

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Danganronpa.

AN: As per someone's request last chapter, I decided to post all the names and talents of class 77-A at the very bottom of this chapter, for reference's sake in case anyone is all that curious. And yes, the Ultimate Botanist is called Santa. In Japanese his name is a play on words, but that doesn't really translate well in English. Best I can do.

Also, I gotta say that it always warms my heart when someone tells me that they got into Danganronpa because of this story. The games are pretty much over with, and to be honest I'm not sure how active the fandom is anymore since I keep to myself these days, but I'm always happy to do my little part and bring awareness to these awesome characters.

Thirdly, I started publishing this story on Ao3. I only have the prologue and the first two chapters up right now. Same dumb username. I'm not asking you guys to follow it. Just in case anything happens to this site, this will still be there.

Just one other thing I swear and this is more of a personal thing. To the one going by "Yue best waifu," if you're reading this, if you have the time can you continue that "reading of" you have going on in Wattpad? I was recently made aware of it, and I gotta see what your take would be on how the Danganronpa 2 cast would react to this story, especially the later chapters. I've always found that genre interesting. Someone else offered to do it on here in English, but it hasn't been written as of the posting of this chapter. Tragic! And yeah, English isn't my first language. Surprises everywhere. Many thanks.

Now, on to the chapter.

---

Chapter 57:
A Meeting of Hope and Despair

There was much shouting in the dimly lit room.

There was a huge round table in the center of the room, which was in the middle of being put under a lot of abuse as several fists were continuously slammed in rapid succession. Everyone involved should be thankful that the table was sturdy enough to take it.

"This is unbelievable! Who does that boy think he is!?"

"You all saw that video, right!? I had to rush out here to make sure that it wasn't a joke!"

"There's already more people lining up outside! At this rate, Hope's Peak Academy is going to be overrun!"

"It's bad enough we had to make accommodations for the Reserve Course, but this is going over the line!"

"Expulsion is the only answer! You all agree, don't you?"

"He's lucky if that's all we do!"

The shouting continued as the members of the board for Hope's Peak Academy vented among one another. Most of them had not been on school grounds this morning when the incident at the school gates took place. It didn't take long for the video online, showing everything that had happened, reached them, and so they hastily came together within the hour to host this impromptu meeting. It wasn't the first time this had happened, as recently they all had had to come together like this when discussing how they were going to handle the Utsugi Kotoko case. Thankfully, with that particularly problem, everything had resolved itself.

They weren't so sure this was going to end the same way, hence their anger.

Years of traditions, ideals, and hopes were being gutted right in front of them, and by one of their students no less!

This was inexcusable.

Many of the more brazen members wanted blood, and the others didn't feel the need to try and stop them.

Save, that is, by four men in particular. These four men happened to be the ones with the most power in the group. These same four men were also seated separately from the others, in a rectangular desk of their own which faced the other members directly. It was kind of a weird setup, but to these four members it was a way of displaying their dominance over the others.

These four members were the Steering Committee, and unlike their colleagues no anger was visible on their faces. They wore particularly blank looks, just waiting for the others to calm down before they took their turn to speak.

It took a few more minutes, but eventually silence returned to the conference room as the last of the board got their turn to vent out their frustrations.

So therapeutic.

The tallest of the four members cleared his throat. He had the second most imposing aura of the four…..in others' opinion anyway.

"Gentlemen, I understand your frustration and anger," he started, his low voice booming through the room like powerful vibrations. It made some of the other members turn away in slight fear. "Believe me, when I saw the video for the first time, I too felt insulted when our traditions were so easily thrown away. I'm sure it only stings more seeing how it's one of the Ultimates responsible for this."

"It's probably not just him!" one of the members cut in. "It's probably that whole damn class! They've been known to do stuff like this before!"

"That summer festival has nothing to do with this." One of the other members in the Steering Committee broke that line of thought. He was the fattest of the four and by all accounts on appearances alone he was the most approachable…..again, in others' opinion. "Besides, we had already agreed to look the other way when this school festival was announced."

Another fist was slammed down on the desk. "That was before all of this took place! Or are you suggesting that the situation is still the same!?"

"True, things have escalated," he relented. "However, I believe we can use this to our advantage."

There were some murmurs when they heard this.

How could this help them?

"It's no secret that Hope's Peak Academy has come under a lot of scrutiny as of late," the tallest Steering Committee member spoke again. "I'm sure your own contacts have verified this, but the police are still investigating the Utsugi Kotoko case."

"This is why I said we should have just expelled her too! Save us the trouble!"

"And then what? The public does not know all the details, but how would it look if we threw out a girl who recently lost her mother? They're already pointing fingers at us. We would just be handing them more reason to come after us."

This was the same argument that had been used when discussing what to do with Utsugi Kotoko. While it was true that their main focus was on the Ultimates, this did not mean that they had no control over the elementary school division. When it came to light that Kotoko's mother had been killed, many had wanted to get rid of Kotoko outright, but it was the Steering Committee that had surmised that it was better to do nothing at all. While they were aware of Kotoko's mother's activities and subsequent threats, the public was not. There was nothing concrete that could connect them to the case. It was better to just sit back and let the flames die down on their own than stir more trouble.

"We've already come to a decision on that case." Another member of the Steering Committee spoke. He was the oldest of the four. He did not look very happy about all the interruptions they were getting on this. "More to the point, what we're trying to say is that this could be what we need to generate some good will with the people. The moment we present them with something else to focus on, they'll forget all about the murders. The police can continue with their investigation. That does not concern us."

But it did. Many were uneasy at the prospect that something they had done in the past was now being investigated so thoroughly by the police.

Of course, the four men from the Steering Committee were no strangers to having done shady dealings in the past, but this business with Kotoko's mother did not involve any of them. They would sooner throw the ones involved to the dogs and bury them than try to help them.

The other members of the board knew this and were terrified at the prospect. They had nowhere to go, and so fear was keeping them in line.

This suited the Steering Committee just fine. It was already annoying enough having to deal with the others. They knew what was best for the school, and as much as it pained them to have to open the school gates to those without talent, they could not afford to make a move that would force Uzumaki Naruto out of the school.

That boy carried potential that they needed. It was only a matter of time before he understood his role and became theirs.

The final member of the Steering Committee glanced over the board of trustees. To them, he was the most intimidating of the four, especially since it was hard to get a read at him. This was the same man who had met Naruto in front of the Main School Building a few weeks back.

"Then we are in agreement."

This was not a question but a statement.

The board of trustees could do nothing but bow their heads and nod. At the end of the day, no matter how much noise they made, it was the Steering Committee who had the final say. They would merely obey and follow.

This was the current Hope's Peak Academy, after all.

---

Sometimes Naruto wondered if this world was more weird than the one he came from. Sure, he came from a land that used a power like chakra that allowed them to walk on walls and water and bend the elements to their will to some extent, but some of the people he was coming across in his new life took the cake!

As a side note, Gundham had confided in him that perhaps his soul had once belonged to his world, which is where his mysterious power of ice had come from. Imagine that, Gundham as a long lost relative of Haku.

Naruto had laughed at the thought.

Anyway, chakra aside, Naruto wanted to believe that there was no one in his old world who was as….eccentric as the girl standing before him. The Ultimate Heroine, was it? Naruto had no idea what that title meant or what she was doing here, but he had to give it to her: she had some skill. True, he wasn't focusing on his surroundings, but she still managed to sneak up on him. And on Peko too. Not to mention she managed to not catch Akane's attention with her scent, although that might be because the Ultimate Gymnast wasn't all that concerned with the smells of the other students in the school.

All of this was to say that he could acknowledge the fact that this girl was not a nobody. What was her name again? Riko? That sounded right.

The Ultimate Heroine wasn't the only one he had to worry about. There were two other Ultimates. Naruto recognized one of them, but the guy was a mystery to him. What could they possibly want?

"Um." Sonia offered them a smile. As per usual, it was a very beautiful one. "How do you do? It is nice to meet you all."

The three Ultimates, well Riko and Rin really, were still in the middle of a shouting contest, but Sonia's aura was enough to make them stop and quiver.

"Urk!" Riko clutched her chest. "That smile. I want to protect it! I guess this is her power, huh? Terrifying! Maybe it would be enough to charm my rival! Wait, no. I can't be duped! That fiend would never give up his evil ways so easily!"

Fuyuhiko's eyebrow twitched. "I wouldn't bother being cordial with these guys, Sonia."

Kazuichi seemed to agree. "They look like they're trouble." Thanks to Mahiru's slap earlier, he was able to think more clearly now.

Mahiru rolled her eyes at them. "I don't think you guys have any room to say that." Still, she stuck close to them. Right now, she had no idea what any of this was about, or if things would turn violent.

"Buzz off, Riko!" Rin shouted, dropping Eisha to the floor. Not that he seemed to mind. "We have business with this guy!"

"Oh?" Peko's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What would that be exactly?"

Akane smirked. "Are these guys looking for a fight?" She was disappointed she wasn't able to fight against that security guy earlier. Perhaps this was going to make up for that.

"Not sure yet." Nekomaru was eyeing all three. As far as he was concerned, these guys hadn't made themselves to be trustworthy yet.

"Man, it's like people don't get it!" Ibuki said with a shake of her head. "They can't pull up on us like this when we're together! We're invincible! And when Ibuki declares something, you know it's true!"

Teruteru twiddled with his fingers. "That sounds dangerous."

"They're the ones confronting us!"

Well, Ibuki wasn't wrong.

"Did you not hear me?" Riko glanced at Rin for a second before focusing back on Naruto. "There's something that I need to discuss with this man! I cannot let him roam free until I am satisfied otherwise!"

Nagito chuckled. "Oh my. It seems like you've caught her interest, Uzumaki-kun."

Yay. Because Naruto was so happy to hear that.

Mikan frowned. "Y-You can't just come here and start demanding things from him…..!"

Way to go, Mikan! You tell them!

Gundham pulled his arms to form an x while his Four Dark Devas jumped back into his scarf, just as Kurama jumped on Naruto's head. They had heard the commotion, and they were ready for a fight.

"Step up, you fools. I won't hesitate to obliterate your very existence from where you stand!"

Rin whistled. "What a guy!"

Riko frowned. "You remind me of my arch nemesis….."

"I am the most evil man to have walked upon this earth, you mortal. Remember that! For I am Tanaka Gundham! Remember that name the next time you dare to face me! That so-called 'nemesis' cannot begin to compare to my evil!"

"This guy is getting carried away again." Hiyoko bemoaned. "Did he not hear that she's after Big Bro? Selective hearing, I swear."

Kazuichi shrugged. "What else is new?"

Hiyoko hated that she had to agree with him. But only this once!

"H'mph, cut it out, all of you." Byakuya's sharp tone made his fellow Ultimates pause. "We're not going to resort to violence, not unless they give us a reason to."

Next to him, Ryota frantically nodded. He didn't want to see anyone get hurt here!

Chiaki was in agreement with the boy. "Yes. I understand everyone is on edge, but let's just hear them out."

"More like, you guys are being a bit overprotective here," Naruto said as he took some steps forward. Peko was instantly beside him, which made his eyebrow twitch a little. Was she his babysitter now?

Fuyuhiko smirked at this. "She protects those close to her. Get used to it."

"I apologize for nothing," Peko said calmly.

Naruto's shoulders sagged. Sure, he appreciated the gesture, but he could look out after himself dammit!

Oh well, whatever. It wasn't like he disliked this side of her anyhow.

"Man, you guys beat around the bush too much." Rin whined and pouted before crossing her arms with a huff. "Whatever, I guess I can wait my turn. What do you say, Eisha?"

"….I don't care."

"Don't say that! Now everyone is going to think that I dragged you over here!"

"But you did."

"Why can't you take my side for once!"

"Too difficult."

"I hate you!"

"And I'm really crying over it."

"Ugh!"

While Rin fell into tears at her friend's dismissal, Naruto ignored them in favor of looking up at the grinning Riko.

"Well? I'm here."

"Indeed you are! So let me introduce myself once more, Uzumaki Naruto-kun! I am the Ultimate Heroine, Himejami Riko! And I know who you are already. The Ultimate Ninja was it? Such a title is sure to draw attention to yourself!"

Thus far it hasn't really. At least, Naruto didn't think so.

"I've heard much of your exploits these past two months, and I've been impressed. But now, I must understand your intentions! Otherwise, I will have to put a stop to this school festival of yours!"

Naruto scratched his head. Why was it the troublesome ones that always got close to him? Oh boy, he was starting to sound like Shikamaru now.

"Put a stop to it?" Sonia questioned with a frown. "What is the meaning of this?"

Fuyuhiko scowled again. "Sounds like a declaration of war to me."

Akane narrowed her eyes. "Can I fight her?"

"Hold it, you guys." Chiaki was quick to intervene. "We haven't heard everything yet. Be patient."

Akane reluctantly did as told, although Fuyuhiko and Sonia were still not happy.

Naruto's eyes were still on the so-called heroine. "What do you want to know?"

"Tell me." She leaned down, her own eyes narrowed. "Why have you entered into a fight with Matsuda Yasuke?"

What?

"The Ultimate Neurologist?" Nagito hummed, cupping his chin as he looked deep in thought. "I did not know you were acquainted with him, Uzumaki-kun."

Sure, he and some of the others from class 77-A had come to practically declare was on them last week, but Riko made it sound like there was something else going on.

Ibuki cheered. "Looks like Naruto-chan is well connected!"

"More like he can't stop meeting people," Hiyoko said with a huff.

"Someone sounds jealous~" Kazuichi shot her a smirk. Sure, he hated these types of jokes normally, but this was about Hiyoko. He had to jump at any opportunity to get at her.

Hiyoko's face darkened. "I will kill you."

Kazuichi nearly passed out.

Naruto on the other hand didn't get it. "What are you talking about?" he asked to the expectant Riko.

"Don't try to act coy, Uzumaki-kun! The fact that both of our classes are putting on a play is proof enough!"

It was?

"Also, the themes."

The themes?

"I'm sure you haven't looked into it, but do you know what our play is about?"

"Nope."

Naruto had been too busy with their preparations to worry about something like that. Besides, he wanted to rub it in Yasuke's face when they won. He could play dirty, but he didn't feel like doing that in this case.

"I asked him about his choice of theme as it was very specific," Riko said with a smug look. "It's all about the main character going from place to place, solving different problems that he encounters along his path. It's not clear what his destination is, but that's not the main focus of the story. The point is that when many have tried, he alone was able to fix what seemed like impossible problems. Do you know why that is?"

Naruto didn't answer.

Riko was okay with that as she answered her own question. "It's because he had skills that no one else did. He was born 'special.' So much so that by the end of the story some even worship him as a god. That's kind of funny coming from Matsuda-san, isn't it?"

"Funny? More like a full on joke!" Rin snickered.

Naruto and the others didn't find amusement in it. It was the exact opposite for them.

"What the heck?" Kazuichi scratched his cheek in confusion. "But that sounds like…."

"Yeah." Mahiru crossed her arms in disapproval. "That sounds like the exact opposite of our play."

In their play, it was thanks to the connections that the main character made through his journey that ultimately helped him find some semblance of peace at the end of his journey. It was not a solution that he could have found alone, and it wasn't because he was "special." Well, his affinity to understand others certainly was, but that was it.

"How amusing." Byakuya smirked. "I had heard from the others about what happened before. I had my doubts, but this is right on the nose, don't you think?"

"You dare to challenge us head on like this!?" Gundham scoffed. "You know nothing. Your foolishness knows no bound! You might as well be walking with no eyes!"

Morbid.

"I guess even Tanaka-kun can't stand such a provocation, hmm," Nagito mused.

"Ha, who can blame him?" Nekomaru clenched his fists, his face showing some level of anger. "If they want a battle…..then LET'S DO THIS!"

Nekomaru's powerful shout made Rin whistle in appreciation. "I guess that pissed them off, huh?"

"What do you think?" Fuyuhiko said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Why is that bastard coming after us like this?"

Mikan looked at Naruto with worry. "D-Does it have something to do with your 'fight'?"

The others all looked at him too. Now that Mikan mentioned it, Riko had said something about that too, hadn't she?

"Are you hiding something, Uzumaki-kun?" Nagito asked, genuinely curious.

Sonia frowned. "I do not approve of secrets like this!"

"I would have to agree," Peko said. "If there's something going on-"

Naruto almost gulped when Mahiru walked up to him and grabbed him by his school shirt.

"Are you causing trouble again?"

Oh no, he had angered the den mother!

"Hahaha! You tell him!" Ibuki laughed as she cheered on Mahiru.

"I-It's not trouble, I swear!" Naruto raised his arms to try and placate the redhead. "I just made a bet with the guy, between us."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow at this. "A bet? What kind of bet?"

"And why didn't we know?" Akane asked with a frown.

A valid question.

Was Naruto trying to keep something from them again?

"Honestly….I kind of just forgot to tell you guys."

What the hell!?

Hiyoko deadpanned. "You can't be serious."

Who would believe something like that?

"I'm serious!"

The truth didn't make him look any better.

"I would say bullshit, but considering how much of an idiot he is…." Fuyuhiko trailed off with a shrug.

Chiaki sighed. "Uzumaki-kun, we need to work on your communication skills."

Chiaki was saying that to him!?

"It's not my fault!" Naruto grumbled as Mahiru let go of his shirt with a huff. He crossed his arms and started to pout a little. "We've been busy with everything, and then Ryota joined us. It slipped my mind!"

"S-So it's my fault?" Ryota paled.

Byakuya wanted to throw something at the animator. "Don't be stupid. This is just the kind of guy he is. Always forgetting the important stuff."

"Hey, wait a second-!"

"It happened with the beauty pageant too," Ibuki hummed. "And then when he promised Ibuki that she could do her performance…..wow, you suck at this, Naruto-chan!"

Hey, he had kept his promise with that, hadn't he!?

"Really forgetful," Nagito agreed. "That's not very good at all."

"You have to remember these kinds of things, Naruto!" Sonia admonished him, her face firm. "None of us like these surprises."

Teruteru let out a small whistle. "I would say some surprises are nice, but when it comes to stuff like this it's better to be in the loop. Do you know what I'm saying?"

"Forgive me for being busy." Naruto didn't think it was all that serious.

"You have no room to talk right now, mister." The blond yelped when Mahiru pinched his cheek. It only got worse when, for some reason, Ibuki and Hiyoko decided to join in and pinch his other cheek at the same time.

Three different pinches at the same time!

Mikan looked between the four with worry as she tried to make sure that the girls didn't permanently damage Naruto's face. How that could be possible with some pinches no one knew, but hey.

Kazuichi snickered. "More of this, please."

Nagito heard him and chuckled a little. "That's mean, Soda-kun."

The mechanic didn't care.

"Oh my." Blood started to drip from Teruteru's nose. "I kind of want that same treatment from them…..hehe, just kidding! Or am I?"

"You speak your mind too easily," Gundham said with his eyes closed.

As if that was going to stop the cook.

"This is kind of chaotic," Ryota muttered, not sure what to make of this. It had only been a week since he had officially joined the class, so this was still new to him.

Byakuya smirked a little. "You better get used to it."

Ryota wasn't sure if he ever would, but that didn't mean he hated it either.

"Hey!" While Naruto was trying to survive the onslaught of pinches from his friends, Riko stomped her foot on the floor like a kid being denied her favorite candy. "I'm still here! Don't ignore me!"

"Oh yeah." Fuyuhiko clicked his teeth, annoyed. "Why are you here again?"

"We have more important things to do, you know!" Mahiru frowned, still pinching her idiot blond friend.

"Interrogation time!" Ibuki sounded too excited about that for Naruto's tastes.

Gundham spared the grumbling Riko a glance. "Too true. You are in the way of our work. If you dare to get in our way any further, then I won't hesitate to turn you to ash at my feet."

"I thought your power was ice?" Kazuichi said, rolling his eyes.

"Kekeke, I have evolved, you fool!"

"He is going by a new name now," Nagito reminded the mechanic with a chuckle.

"Who cares? You think I can keep up with all his titles and crap!?"

"It's for the dark arts!" Sonia said, enthusiastic to see her friend follow his pursuit.

"M-Miss Sonia, you shouldn't encourage the guy and his dumb fantasy!"

"Too true, I had almost forgotten to punish your past transgressions thus far," Gundham said with a smirk. "Well, Soda? Dare to step up? This is as a good a time as any!"

"Don't you start-!"

These two. Naruto sweatdropped when he noticed Riko becoming more aggravated after getting ignored for a second time. He wasn't sure if Gundham was doing it on purpose, but it was kind of funny seeing the so-called heroine turn purple from frustration. Was she not used to people blowing her off?

Funny.

"Ahahaha!" Rin found the whole thing amusing. "Oh man, you guys are too much! I guess the rumors really are true."

"Rumors?" Chiaki tilted her head. "They just have too much passion." She was referring to Kazuichi and Gundham who were glaring at each other.

"PASSION MEN ARE TO BE ENVIED!" Nekomaru shouted with his fists clenched, determined for some reason. He was always got riled up at the most random of times.

"Did he mean passionate?" Fuyuhiko's eyebrow twitched.

Peko didn't look too sure. "Honestly, I cannot tell."

Hiyoko snickered. "We all know the gorilla here can barely speak. We can't expect too much from him."

"But passion sounds different." Akane looked curious. "Is it something you can eat!?"

"Why does everything always lead to food with you!?" Looks like Hiyoko was too exasperated to make fun of Akane this time.

Teruteru looked proud. "It can't be helped. After tasting my world class famous dishes, it's not surprising that she can't think of anything else anymore."

"Yeah! Your food is good!" Akane beamed. "I want to have my brothers and sisters taste it too someday!"

"Oho, I'm sure I can spare the time to share my skills with them~"

"Woah, thanks for that, Hanamura!"

Well, wasn't that nice of him?

"YOU GUYS ARE IGNORING ME ON PURPOSE, AREN'T YOU!?"

The Ultimate Heroine had finally lost her patience. Her foot stomping only got worse.

Naruto would be lying if he said he wasn't amused.

"Sheesh, no sense for patience." Nekomaru started to pick his nose, something that only got Riko more grumpy. "You're the one who approached us."

"Quite rudely, if I may add," Peko said, her arms crossed.

"I suppose we can bite." Byakuya readjusted his glasses before pointing at the Ultimate Heroine. "Now, speak. I'll allow you to tell us what your business with Uzumaki is."

"I just want to know what his intentions are dammit!" Riko looked like she wanted to pull her hair out. "Matsuda-san wouldn't say anything, but it's clear that he's motivated because of Uzumaki-kun! He isn't the type to do something like this unless something has caught his interest."

"So you're just curious?" Byakuya summarized. "How stupid."

Naruto didn't know what to say either honestly. He didn't think it was that big of a deal. Sure, Yasuke had some weird interest in him, sort of, but it was apparently for his dream to help others. While Naruto still didn't like the guy's attitude, he could respect that.

Riko quickly denied Byakuya's assertion. "It's not just that! I want to understand what his motives are! For all your nice talk, you sort of remind me of my rival! It's not something I can let pass!"

Naruto raised his eyebrow. "Rival?"

"He has a gang, you see. This gang helps him commit his crimes all over town! Well, it's true that he doesn't live near here, so I'm not surprised if you haven't heard of him. It's thanks to my efforts that I've been able to keep him and his gang in check all this time."

What?

"I really don't get what you're trying to say," Naruto finally replied after a pause. Thankfully he wasn't getting pinched anymore. "I don't know how I remind you of this rival of yours."

He followed the law...sorta.

"You don't understand?" Riko frowned. "What you did just now, creating that mob and then using it to break into the school. It's the type of thing that he would do too! All because it was 'fun.' He has that logic."

Oh.

Naruto shrugged. "Sounds like my type of guy."

"What!?"

"You." Fuyuhiko had to stop himself from laughing. "You're comparing yourself to a criminal now?"

"Jeeeez." Mahiru did not look happy about this. "You shouldn't let her insult you like that!"

Mikan didn't look pleased either. In fact, she was now openly glaring at the gaping Riko. "I agree."

"She's got guts to be saying something this stupid, I guess," Byakuya said with a small shrug of his own.

Sonia didn't look at it that way. "It is an insult of his character!"

"She's trying to insult Uzumaki now?" Kazuichi frowned, a hand on his cap. "Can we get rid of her?"

"It might just be a replica, but…." Peko started going for her sword.

Ibuki laughed. "Looks like Peko-chan is about to go all out!"

Naruto sweatdropped. "Don't let her provoke you that easily, guys."

Besides, he didn't care if this girl disliked him. It's not like she had any good reason for it.

Chiaki hummed. "She's not explaining herself very well. It's not like Uzumaki-kun created that mob in the first place. As for him using it…..it was just to make the school festival more fun. Aren't you participating in it too?"

"T-That's different!" Riko shook her head. "You can't just go around breaking the law because it suits you! They exist for a reason! And besides, I can't overlook the fact that you actively put people in danger for no good reason!"

"I don't really get your complaints," Naruto said, scratching his whiskered cheek. "It's like Chiaki said. I had no idea that this was going to happen." Nagito sorta did, but the luckster hadn't thought that anyone would actually show up. Sure, his logic was messed up, but he hadn't put anyone in danger either. "It's because people might have gotten hurt that I stepped in. If things kept going like they were, do you think the security team would have kept themselves in check forever? Sure, I had something to gain too, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

"Talk about selfish." Riko looked more ticked off now. "That sort of reasoning is dangerous."

Maybe. Naruto wasn't really going to defend himself. He didn't think he had to.

"Just because you're hiding behind the word 'fun,' you think you can do anything. If that's what started this school festival, then I must stop it!"

"Such a claim!" Gundham smirked up at the girl. "You might try to put an end to this dark performance, but you are far too late, you foolish mortal! Do you genuinely believe that you have enough time to put a stop to an event as grand as this? One that I, Tanaka the Forbidden One, have played a part in? Don't mock me, you fiend Not even the deepest parts of hell are enough to cleanse you of your delusions!"

"Hey, it wasn't just you!" Kazuichi had to butt in here. "We all helped!"

"He's talking nonsense again, but he's just saying that he won't let her destroy what Big Bro created." Hiyoko threw the Ultimate Breeder a sneer. "Sheesh, just be honest with yourself, you nerd."

By the way Gundham started to blush, it seemed like Hiyoko was spot on with her deduction.

It made Sonia clap. "Such friendship!"

That's one way to put it.

Nagito chuckled as he stepped closer to Naruto. "I think Tanaka-kun has the right idea. While it's true that you are one of the chosen, Himejami-san, even you cannot hope to win here."

"Oh?" Riko looked at the luckster now. "That's a bold claim! What makes you think I can't stop this? I have justice on my side! I'm the heroine that fights for everyone's peace!"

"I respect your passion, and the light that comes with it. Unfortunately, the beacons of hope here have been amplified. They have been chosen by the Ultimate Hope to change the future and seek hope. Do you think you can actually stand against something like that?"

"I feel like he's hyping us up, but I'm still not happy about," Kazuichi said with a frown.

"It's too creepy for Ibuki!" She was always honest. "But Ibuki always knew she was special~ Chosen by the gods has always been her destiny!"

Modesty was not part of Ibuki's vocabulary.

"Ugh, no one has chosen you!" Kazuichi had to bring her down at least a tad.

Nagito didn't mind their complaints. "It's just how things are. You can't best their talents."

"Oh boy, he's on our side right now, but I still want to lecture him." Mahiru sighed.

Hiyoko hummed. "Can we still tie him up?"

It would solve so many problems in her mind.

Naruto was too embarrassed to say anything. Why did Nagito have to try and be the hype man in the strangest of ways?

Goddammit.

"What a bold claim!" Riko wasn't deterred. "I don't know what this 'ultimate hope' is, but that will not change my mission!"

"More like, you're making a big deal out of nothing." Getting his embarrassment under control, Naruto was able to retort the girl's reasoning. "It's true that Yasuke and I made a bet. He chose a play to catch my attention, but I'm betting that he's also trying to send me a message."

"A message?" Rin looked interested. "What kind of message?"

"Basically, that you don't need others to change the world. I disagree with him. I think bonds are important. He probably already knew that, so he set up a play to go against ours."

It was the type of thinking that had led to the initial sibling rivalry back in Super Gramp's time with his sons. It was now the main difference between Naruto and Yasuke.

"Doing things by yourself." Sonia frowned. "That sounds so very lonely."

Nekomaru had to agree. "T'ch. Everyone needs a team to watch their back. What foolishness to think that you can do everything by yourself."

"Well, Ibuki was kind of like that once~" The girl shot Naruto a wink. "But now she's formed a band with Naruto-chan, she understands the value of true friendship!"

Well, wasn't she a flatterer?

"Games are better when you play them with other people," Chiaki said with a hum.

"H'mph. I suppose the road to hell deserves some companionship," Gundham relented while trying to hide behind his scarf.

Not that anyone missed his embarrassed blush.

"How mushy." Byakuya smirked. "But bonds are indeed powerful. I may stand at the top, but lending a hand to those who need it isn't so bad."

Ryota could see that now as well, especially after everything Byakuya and Mikan had done for him.

"You guys don't have to keep saying all that." Naruto was getting embarrassed again.

"Just leave it be." Fuyuhiko rolled his eyes. "If it helps this dumb broad leave sooner, then it's better to not beat around the bush."

Fuyuhiko had a point, as for once Riko wasn't immediately responding. She actually looked deep in thought.

"Bonds, huh. I guess I never thought about that all that deeply before. Even my nemesis has his gang. But I….I have been fighting alone this whole time."

Mikan frowned. "Y-You have your class, don't you?"

"We're not like you."

Rin had a toothy grin. She had a fang like a cat. Weird.

"She's right about that. We're not all buddy-buddy like you guys are." She didn't let them ask her any questions as she turned toward Riko. "Does this satisfy you yet? Cuz I got some stuff to say too!"

Riko looked unsure. "I do think that I was perhaps being too harsh with my assumptions, but I still have some reservations with the way you do things."

Naruto snorted. "You're not the first."

He had annoyed a lot of people that way.

"But fine!" Riko ignored his interruption and instead clenched her fists again. "Your words do have some merits to them! They have forced me to reconsider some things. As such, I will admit my defeat for now. I won't try to interfere with the school festival either."

Whew. What a relief.

"However!" She pointed at Naruto. "I will be keeping my eye on you, Uzumaki-kun! To make sure that you stay true to what you're saying!"

…..okay?

Naruto didn't know what to say, so he and the others just watched the girl make a random pose before taking off. At least she used the doors and didn't jump out one of the windows or something like that.

"Why can't this school ever be normal?" Mahiru asked in a dry tone.

You were asking for the impossible, Mahiru.

"Alright, good! Now it's finally my turn!"

Oh wait, they still had someone else to deal with.

Naruto didn't look too happy as he was met with Rin's toothy grin as she pulled up the bored looking Eisha from the floor by the back of his shirt.

What could she possibly want here?

"My request is simple! I want you to fight this guy!"

Say what now!?

---

Sōshun looked around with a small frown.

"There are some people missing….."

Yasuke took once glance from the manga he was reading to look at the courtyard from his sitting position on the stage. There were many workers strutting about, all hired by the Ultimate Entrepreneur to finish setting up the aforementioned stage for their performance this afternoon. Everything was almost set, so he and his class were just doing some last minute lessons to prepare.

Or at least, that's what the Ultimate Actress wanted them to do.

Yasuke didn't put too much care in that, so he was lounging around with his manga.

"Who's missing?"

Sōshun gave his fellow student an incredulous look. "You don't know?"

Yasuke shrugged. He got them to work. Beyond that, he didn't care about any of them. Why would he bother remembering their names at this point?

"Kobayashi-san, Tsuki-san, and Himejami-san haven't shown up all morning. And now Kamishiro-kun has gone missing."

The perverted spy wasn't here? Weird. The last time Yasuke saw him the pervert was trying to get the Ultimate Innkeeper and the Ultimate Archer to have sex with him, the latter of which threatened to shove one of her arrows up his rear if he didn't stop talking. In actuality she had been more crass with her words, probably because she had been at her wit's end, but Yasuke didn't feel like repeating them.

"Three of those could cause problems."

Yasuke wasn't worried about Tsuki Eisha. The guy didn't care too much about anything, and that suited him just fine.

"That's what I was thinking." Sōshun looked worried. "I can't stick around for too long. I need to head to my office soon, especially after what just happened."

"Oh yeah? You're gonna miss the fun then."

Yasuke glanced to his right to see Eizan, the Ultimate Entrepreneur, approaching them with a giant smirk, hands in pockets.

"I'm not sure what miracle brought that blond to this school, but thanks to him I'm gonna be making big bucks in this event."

Sōshun sweatdropped. "I never did ask you how much you invested in everything….."

"I like to take risks." Eizan shrugged. "It looks like it's going to pay off. 'Course, you looked pretty surprised when you saw the video. I'm guessing this wasn't part of your plan."

"Not at all." Sōshun didn't have a problem admitting to this. "In the first place, it was Uzumaki-san who pitched this idea to me. I and the other members in the student council ironed out the details, but we did not expect the school to let other high schoolers in."

Sōshun wanted radical change, true, but pushing too hard could have its own consequences.

Seems like Naruto didn't have problems pushing the boundaries as much as possible.

"I don't really care about the details." Eizan was being honest too. "All I know is that I now have a bigger customer base."

"….just how many investors did you bring in?"

And how many stalls had been set up? Sōshun hadn't gone over the numbers yet, leaving that task to one of his fellow student council members. Normally he would have verified everything himself, but the others all wanted to pitch in and do their own part as on top of his student council duties he was also helping his class out. He couldn't be everywhere at once, so jobs had been evenly distributed.

"I saw some of the numbers myself." Another joined their little conversation. It was none other than Issei, the Ultimate Mathematician. He was the tallest one among them. "You handle some very impressive assets, Nishimura-kun."

Eizan looked a tad annoyed. "Don't spy on me while I'm on my laptop, you lazy piece of plywood."

"Oh my. Did I make you mad? I'm sorry!"

"Fuck off."

While Sōshun seemed to enjoy their little exchange, Yasuke had already lost interest in the conversation and was once again reading his manga. He spotted Alice telling some of the others what they needed to do to make their play a success, but he didn't give it too much attention.

Whatever those other four were doing was none of his concern. Now that the school festival was finally here and they had agreed to participate, he doubted that any of them would actually skip.

'Actually, the pervert might.'

Hmm, a troubling thought. That would mean Yasuke would have to do more work.

He silently toyed with the idea of killing the Ultimate Spy for causing so many problems until he heard a voice that made him freeze in his tracks.

"Yahallo~ If it isn't my dear Matsuda-kun~ We have been waiting to see you again for the longest times!"

No. She couldn't possibly be here. He had to be dreaming. Yep, that had to be it. All of this was just a dream. Any second now he would wake up in his room, and he would see that everything up till now had just been one bad dream. Something in his mind had conjured all of this up due to his recent stress of having to put up with so many idiots and losers. The human mind was capable of much weirder things, so it was plausible.

"Hm?" Sōshun turned toward the voice, his surprise evident. "You have a friend, Matsuda-kun?"

Now why the heck did he sound so surprised?

"I guess this day is just full of surprises, huh?" Eizan rubbed his chin as he turned toward the voice as well while Issei just smiled.

"Hmm? Did I catch you at a bad time? Sorry, sorry! I couldn't wait any longer, so I just had to pay this place a visit. It's not what I thought it was gonna be, but that makes it more fun!"

Yep, there was no mistaking it.

With some trepidation that he made sure to hide with his usual bored expression, Yasuke locked eyes with the one person he did not expect to see here today.

His one and only friend, Junko.

The blonde was wearing her school uniform, which she had heavily customized to her tastes. Even though it had only been a few months since they last saw each other, it felt longer than that. It was almost like Yasuke was seeing her for the first time almost.

Strange.

"Are these your dear classmates? You gotta introduce us! I demand it!"

Yasuke genuinely did not know what to say right now. It was a rare moment for him, where someone managed to catch him off guard. And of course, the one responsible for it was none other than Junko.

"Oh! Where are my manners." Being good natured as he was, Sōshun immediately approached the blonde and offered her his hand with a smile. "My name is Murasame Sōshun. I'm in the same class as Matsuda-kun. The ones behind me are Suzuki-san and Nishimura-san. They are a part of our class."

Eizan scowled. "I can speak for myself."

Issei just continued to smile as he said, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I was under the impression that Matsuda-kun didn't have any friends, so this is a surprise."

"Aww~ You haven't told anyone about me~" After shaking hands with Sōshun, Junko was quick to make her way over to Yasuke's side and repeatedly poke his cheek, much to his annoyance. "I thought we were closer than that~ Whatever shall I do!"

She sounded so dramatic, that it made Yasuke's eye twitch ever so slightly.

Better not let her see him react. It would just make her want to mess with him more.

"But it's a pleasure to meet all of you as well." Junko gave the three other boys a smile that made them swoon for a second. "My name is Enoshima Junko. I hope you've been taking care of my childhood friend here."

Childhood friend, was it? Sōshun, Eizan, and Issei looked among one another. That explained a lot.

"No wonder you looked familiar." Eizan was more interested about another detail. "You're that famous model, aren't you?"

"Oh, you know about me?" Junko gave him a peace sign followed by a small grin. "Always a pleasure to meet a fan."

"Something like that." More like Eizan's business senses were tingling. He hadn't accounted on there being another famous star here other than Alice. If he could make sure of her, then he could double his already doubled profits! Genius.

Sōshun's eyes then widened. "Wait, if you're already here, then that means people are already being let into the school!"

"Yeeeeep~ That's how I got in. Saw a bunch of different food stands on the way over here and other attractions. It almost feels like an actual school festival!"

"Well, it kind of is," Issei said, smile still in place.

"Hold that thought!" Sōshun was panicking as he turned to head back into the Main School building. "I have to head to my office to take care of some things. I'll let you guys handle things here!"

"Yeah, yeah." Eizan wasn't even looking at Sōshun as the student council president ran back into the building. The Ultimate Entrepreneur was too lost in his thoughts as he too started to walk away.

Issei offered Junko a small bow before turning towards the others. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Enoshima-san. I'm sure you and Matsuda-kun need some time alone to catch up."

"Thanks for being so considerate!" Junko waved cheerfully at the boy as he headed off.

During all of this, Yasuke had stayed quiet, silently gathering his thoughts.

"Wow, I can't believe it." Junko's waving ceased as she glanced at him with a gleeful grin. "You, helping at a school festival. What kind of place is this?" She brought one of her hands over her lips, trying to look coy. "We think we have to do a deep inspection of this school if it's managed to change you this much in just a couple of months."

Dropping his manga on the stage, Yasuke bounced to his feet before grabbing Junko by the wrist and rather forcefully dragging her away from the busy courtyard and into a more secluded spot in the gardens.

"Oh my, so forceful~" Yasuke didn't need to look at Junko's face to know that she was still grinning. "Are you that excited to see me that you can't hold yourself back any longer? Don't worry, you wouldn't be the first one to fall in love with me at first sight. Although I guess that doesn't quite fit since we've known each other for so long. Oh! Is it because I'm a high school student now and I'm more mature than before? I'm flattered!"

She wasn't going to stop, was she?

Yasuke ignored her obvious attempts to goad him and instead shoved her against one of the trees.

Good. No one was close enough to hear them now.

Despite his seemingly rough treatment, Junko was still grinning at him. It was different from the smile she had presented the others. It made her look positively devious.

"Someone is not happy to see me. And we came all the way out here to surprise you too!" Her eyes started to sparkle. "Are you not surprised?"

"You didn't call me."

"Well, duh." Her sparkles vanished in a split second as she rolled her eyes at him. "That's why they call it a 'surprise.'"

"Why?"

"Hmm?" Junko crossed her arms, her grin fading a little. Yasuke knew why she did it, and he wasn't going to let his eyes wander down. "I was bored, and I heard there was a school festival happening. I was planning on sneaking my way in, buuuut then I heard all about the commotion that happened earlier. If only one of the idiots actually tried to force their way in! What a bloodbath that could have been! I guess none of those idiots had the spines to actually go through with it. But I have to admit, I give them some credit for trying….nah! They're still worthless."

Yasuke narrowed his eyes. Did she know who had stopped that from happening?

No, what was he thinking. That video had spread everywhere already. There's no way Junko wouldn't know about it by now.

"You want a tour of the school, don't you?"

Junko started to grin again. "Are you offering to take me on a date? So bold of you to offer, my dear peasant! I'm flattered that you want to spend time with me, but don't you have other plans with your friends?"

Yasuke stepped back and scowled. "First of all, I'm doing this out of necessity."

"And that is?"

Yasuke wasn't going to answer that. He shouldn't even have told her that he had other motives for participating in the school festival. Damn his ego. It really got in the way sometimes.

"Man, you're so boring." Junko pouted. She didn't like being kept in the dark. "Why are you trying to keep stuff from me? One of these days, it's going to make me want to kill you."

Yasuke just rolled his eyes at her "threat."

"It's not important. Besides, if you're so bored, I doubt you'll enjoy what my class is doing."

"Oh, I don't know about that~" Pushing herself away from the tree, Junko stretched her arms out as she let out a small sigh of contentment. "If it's got your name on it, it's gotta be worth something. I don't really want to keep you from your friends either. I just want to check out my future stomping grounds."

What?

Yasuke couldn't believe it. "You got scouted."

He wasn't asking.

"Something like that~" Junko started to do a little dance, all the while standing in place. "It would appear as though we're hot commodity around here. Can't say I blame them. My body is just to die for. I'm sure there are plenty of fools out there just waiting to give their lives for me."

There were many ways to interpret the first half of that idiotic comment, and Yasuke didn't like many of them.

Regardless, he had already made up his mind.

"If you're here, then I'll show you around. My part is already done anyway. Just gotta wait till this afternoon."

"Oh yeah?" Humming, Junko looked at her childhood friend once more before falling in place at his side. "Oh well, I don't mind. It won't be so bad to catch up while I check this place out."

For his sanity, Yasuke hoped that's all that would happen today.

Something was telling him that it wouldn't be so simple, but then again, when were things with Junko ever simple? That said, it wasn't like he was going to convince her to leave. The best he could do now was stick close and keep his eye on her.

The two teens started their trek toward the main stalls outside of the Main School building to enjoy this ultimate school festival.

And Junko knew that she was going to enjoy it very much.

---

It was hard for Naruto to explain what was happening right now, or how it had come to this.

Sure, he understood the fact that he was no squaring off against the Ultimate Fencer, whose bored face he was now staring at. And also that both he and Naruto now had two fencing sabres in hand. Like, actual sabres. It was the first time Naruto was holding such a weapon, and despite its appearance it was much heavier than he would have guessed.

"I don't really get this."

Eisha had the decency to look apologetic. "I apologize for this. Sadly, Rin does whatever she wants."

"I think you indulge her too much."

It reminded Naruto of Ruruka and Izayoi if he was being honest.

"Sadly, true. I don't have the energy to stand up to her."

Jeez, man. Get that blood pumping!

The girl in question pouted. She was standing off to the side with the rest of class 77-B by the entrance to the dojo.

"You two know that I'm here, right? You can't say hurtful things!"

Pretty sure they were just being honest.

Fuyuhiko scowled. "Why the fuck is Uzumaki going along with this?"

Peko was unsure. "I do not know."

It would have been easier to blow them off.

"I think it's rather straightforward," Nagito said with a smile. "It's about measuring each other up. Kobayashi-san said it before, didn't she? She was curious about Uzumaki-kun."

"S-She could just ask him questions instead," Mikan muttered, a sour look on her face. She wasn't happy to see that Naruto was going to be fighting. Again. Sure, it was called a "spar," but to her mind the two were the same.

"Naruto-chan has to defend his honor!" Ibuki declared while pointing up. "It's the kind of thing you see in stories all the time where the knight has to defend the maiden's honor in place of his own! It's like double honor."

"Oh?" Nekomaru looked curious. "And who's the maiden?"

Ibuki shot him a wink. "Who do you think~"

Hiyoko scoffed. "Your brain is full of delusions, isn't it? No way anyone could ever consider you a 'maiden.'"

"A shot to the heart!" Despite Hiyoko's harsh words, Ibuki still laughed it off.

Nagito smiled. "I believe we must be supportive. Uzumaki-kun can handle himself."

"Mhmm. Too true." Teruteru looked at Naruto and shouted, "Uzumaki-kun, if you win this, there's a big bowl of ramen in it for you!"

That should get him motivated.

Mikan disapproved. "That's not healthy for him!"

Teruteru looked alarmed by Mikan's tone. She wasn't happy with him. It was the first time he was hearing her so angry, and it caught him off guard. He began to panic.

"I-It's what he likes! And b-besides, if I'm cooking it, it's bound to be healthy!"

Sadly, that excuse wasn't going to satisfy the Ultimate Nurse.

Off to the side, Ryota sulked at seeing Mikan doting over Naruto like this while Byakuya just looked amused by the animator's grumpiness. Thankfully only the Togami was paying attention to him to notice.

"I'm not happy about this either, but let's just commemorate this." Mahiru pulled out her camera to snap some pictures.

Sonia approved. "I would like to see those later if possible, Koizumi-san!"

Sure, Mahiru didn't have a problem with that.

Gundham crossed his arms. "Let's just begin with this bloody spectacle already. Although, since I'm not involved, I doubt it will be all that exciting."

"I don't know about that." Akane picked her ear while keeping an eye on Eisha. "This guy seems tough."

Nekomaru grinned. "You noticed it too."

"Of course I did!" Akane felt insulted that Nekomaru would doubt her.

"But those are actual swords, aren't they?" Kazuichi sounded worried. "They seriously plan to spar like that?"

Rin shrugged. "What other way is there?"

Kazuichi glanced at her, wary. "You're kinda crazy….."

"Aww, you're making me blush!"

Kazuichi scowled. "I wasn't complementing you!"

"I don't think logic is going to work with her," Fuyuhiko said with a sour tone.

"Aww, come on! I just want to know more about this guy!" Rin pouted. "Is that so bad?"

Sonia did her best to not look too annoyed by the girl. "If that was your aim, then some questions would have sufficed."

That's what Mikan was saying!

"Nah, too boring." Rin shrugged it off. "Besides, you learn more about someone when you're in action!"

Byakuya was starting to see that this Rin girl was a lot like Akane, only she seemed to have more of a brain than his classmate. That made her more problematic to deal with.

"….let's just see where this goes," Chiaki finally said, not having the energy to try and correct Rin's thought process.

While Mikan began to silently pray, Naruto did some quick swings with his sabre, oblivious to the conversation happening with the others.

"Yep, it's totally different from Peko-chan's swords."

"A lot of people assume sabres are light because of their shape." Eisha straightened his back as he raised his sabre to his eyes, one hand behind his back. "Of course, real sabres are much different from the ones allowed in competitions, so I suppose their ignorance is excusable."

But of course the guy had real ones on hand. This was Hope's Peak Academy, after all. If Peko could have her swords and Sonia her guns, then there was nothing odd about Eisha having his own weapons too. That wasn't even mentioning Izayoi's weapons shop.

Such a dangerous school!

Instead of assuming any formal stance, Naruto just lowered his sabre to his side, the exact opposite of Eisha. The blond could tell that their weapons were exactly the same, down to the grip. Skill would determine who came out on top.

"I'm a master of the three forms of fencing," Eisha informed him. Looks like when it came to fencing, he got more talkative. "I happen to favor the sabre."

Wait, the style of combat was named after the sword? Or was it the other way around? So confusing!

Well, not that such knowledge would do Naruto any good here. Like with Peko on his first day at school, Naruto had no formal training in this "fencing."

He was just going to have to rely on his wit and instincts.

Piece of cake.

There was no signal. No bell was rung. Nothing happened…..except that Eisha fired the first attack.

It was kind of impressive honestly. Naruto had come to be very familiar with Peko's way of fighting these past couple of months. Her type of sword fighting was very aggressive, but this did not mean that she could not also be graceful. At times, it was almost like she was performing a dance of sorts with her sword. It was beautiful to look at.

The blond got that kind of feeling from Eisha as well, except that there was a lot less movement involved. It was like he took one step forward and all of a sudden he was right in front of him, arm stretched out and ready to slice him in half.

Mikan was ready to start panicking, but with similar speed Naruto reacted swiftly and parried Eisha's attack with ease.

Only a few of the teens present were quick enough to follow their actions, and those that were saw the surprised look on Eisha's face.

Instead of continuing with his attack, Eisha stepped back and put some distance between them.

Naruto cocked his head. "You're not coming? You looked like you were ready for a fight…."

"That's not it." Eisha took one breath in. "In all of my official matches to date, I have been able to land a strike on my opponent in my first move. It seems that won't be happening here."

Oh.

Naruto smirked. "Got that right. I'm not a lightweight."

"Too true." Eisha allowed himself to smile. "I heard your talent was the Ultimate Ninja, correct? I'll be upfront. When I heard that, I thought it was ridiculous that someone like that existed."

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. Dissing the ninjas now!? Not cool!

"Then Rin informed me that you smelled differently from everyone else. To her, that has to mean something. It didn't matter to me much, but I'm glad I went along with her whims this time."

"Why?"

"I can finally have a good fight."

Naruto wasn't able to respond as Eisha was already striking towards him again. It was the exact same move as before, only this time he was much faster than before.

'So he was holding back.'

Might as well see how good this guy really was then.

Naruto once again parried the attack, but unlike before Eisha didn't fall back. Instead, he followed his first attack with a lunge, extending his right leg and leaving his other leg in place to propel himself forward. It was a quick turnaround, but it was done so gracefully that Naruto had to admire it.

If only it wasn't so slow.

As before, Naruto easily parried it but rather than just staying on the defensive Naruto ducked down and aimed a low kick at the boy's legs. It was doubly more effective because of the stance Eisha was already in due to his attack.

The Ultimate Fencer didn't see the kick coming at all until it was too late. The kick sent his tumbling to the floor of the dojo with a grunt.

"What the-?" Rin's eyes widened a tad. This was a first for her, to see her friend downed like this. And so easily too.

"Good reaction," Nekomaru praised Naruto's movements. "He was too focused on his attack to see that coming."

"It does not seem as though he was prepared for a kick either." Peko hummed, her face pensive. "He lacks real combat experience."

In her line of work, it always paid to be on the lookout for every part of her opponent's body. Just because she favored a sword it did not mean that her enemy would.

Real life was much different from an official sports match.

Nagito hummed as well. "It appears that's his limit, huh." He sighed. "I guess that should have been obvious."

Mahiru merely snapped a photo, but if one looked at her closer they would be able to see the smile on her face.

Back to the spar, Naruto shouldered his sabre as Eisha got back up to his feet. The Ultimate Fencer looked miffed now.

"You seriously didn't think that I was going to play by your rules, did you?"

Because that was stupid. He had already gone out of his way to entertain Rin's stupid idea. Why would he limit himself further?

Eisha had no remark to that, because he genuinely had. Most of all, he was annoyed that he had not seen the simple kick coming. If it had been from someone else, then he could have been able to react in time.

"It looks like I wasn't taking you seriously enough."

Naruto thought about responding sarcastically to egg the guy on, but he didn't feel like doing that. Because honestly, he was pretty annoyed right now. These guys were being too annoying. They had come demanding answers and then expected Naruto and the others to just roll over to their whims. Of course he could have just sent them packing right away, but this felt more satisfying.

'Hm, this is probably how Jun felt.'

Sobering moment. Naruto would have to share some of his ramen with the physicist later.

Not wanting to stay on the defensive forever, Naruto switched gears and went on the offensive, striking first this time. To anyone who could track his movements, it was plain to see that he lacked the refinement that Eisha possessed when it came to fencing. This did not stop Naruto's swings from being any less dangerous.

Props had to be given, though, as Eisha was able to parry swing after swing with some amount of grace. Unlike Peko's swords, a sabre lacked that heavy punch that Naruto was looking for. Sure, Eisha said that the weapon was heavier than people gave it credit for, but it still wasn't the type of weapon that he enjoyed using.

Naruto's eyebrow rose a little as Eisha parried his next attack with a circular swing of his sabre, catching Naruto's by the tip and deflecting it away. As he was not expecting that, Naruto lost his grip on his sabre, seemingly leaving him defenseless.

Eisha's eyes shined as he saw the opening he was looking for. With one hand still on his back, he lunged forward with another slashing motion. It was the benefit of using a sabre over the other two weapons.

The outcome was not what Eisha was expecting to see. Despite losing the grip on his weapon, Naruto was still able to defend himself by simply swatting Eisha's hand away before he could finish connecting with his attack. This surprising defense caused Eisha to lose his grip as well, and unlike Naruto he was not able to adapt fast enough before the blond delivered a powerful front kick to his chin that had Eisha rolling in the air before crashing against the lockers in the dojo.

With one single kick, Eisha was knocked out of the fight.

"Unbelievable." Rin was floored. "I have never seen Eisha lose this badly before…."

Unlike her, Eisha came from a long and very established family which specialized in fencing. They migrated here from Europe all the way back in the Sengoku jidai era. They had come here seeking to find their fortune. Nowadays, they led the most prestigious fencing focused schools in the country. Considering how less popular fencing was in Japan compared to Europe, it was an impressive feat to still be considered "prestigious" in this day and age.

"INCREDIBLE!" Nekomaru praised the finishing move with great enthusiasm as a powerful current of blue electricity shot out from his eyes that had the others shielding their eyes for protection. "THAT WAS PERFECTLY DONE!"

"Quick and effective." Gundham smirked. "You have done well, my servant."

"Huh? Whose servant?" Hiyoko huffed and glared at the breeder. "Big Bro doesn't belong to you, got it?"

"You can't defy destiny, you insolent fiend."

"There's no destiny involved in that!"

Naruto twitched at the "disagreement." Were Hiyoko and Gundham always going to call him that?

"Hmm, yes. Your footwork has improved." Peko nodded a couple of times. "Very well done. Your time with Nidai has been well spent."

"It's gotta be me next, right!" Akane looked ready to throw down.

Naruto deadpanned. "You know we still have to put on a play, right?"

"Before that I still have to check you over!" Mikan came running up to him, not even bothering to check up on the unconscious Eisha. "You might have some internal damage!"

But he hadn't even been hit!

"I got some good shots out of that." Mahiru smiled as she looked down at her camera. "I'll have to share them with you guys later."

"Much appreciated, gal pal!" Sonia said with a smile of her own.

Nagito crossed his arms and smiled as well. "As if there was any doubt of Uzumaki-kun's victory."

"That was soooooo cool!" Ibuki said, throwing her head back as if she had been struck. "Ibuki has been struck by how cool he looked! Is she falling more in love?"

"Mhmm, I have to agree." Teruteru chuckled as blood dripped from his nose. "I'm all excited. Can you tell?"

Everyone backed away from the cook.

"That was kind of dangerous," Ryota muttered as Mikan continued to insist that Naruto had to go to the nurse's office now.

"But for once, it was not his fault." Byakuya glanced at Rin who was walking over to her downed friend. "Did you get what you were looking for?"

Fuyuhiko scowled. "You better have. You're in the way. Keep messing with us, and I might have to take off a finger to teach you a lesson."

"You guys are too cold." Rin flipped the unconscious Eisha over. He didn't look too beat up thankfully. "We just wanted to start a new friendship!"

Chiaki sighed. "I think there are better ways to try and do that. Don't you, Uzumaki-kun?"

He did, especially today when they were busy with other stuff.

More importantly, Naruto turned to Mikan, "Can you check him out? He needs more attention than me."

Mikan didn't look happy about the request. "But he attacked you….."

"I still accepted."

Annoyed as he was, Naruto still bore part of the responsibility by trying to make all of this flashy.

Mikan quickly relented as she realized Naruto had a point.

"Fine, but you're still coming with me."

Naruto began to sweat. Dammit, he couldn't get away.

"And I'm gonna be there!" Kazuichi jumped in while glaring at the blond. "I'm not letting anything happen if I can help it!"

Was Kazuichi a total idiot? What the hell could possibly happen between him and Mikan?

The scene from the changing room flashed in Naruto's and Mikan's minds that had both of them blushing hard and unable to look at one another. When they were in a group like this, they were able to temporarily forget about that little incident of theirs. Stupid Kazuichi. Why did he have to make them remember that moment!?

Hiyoko noticed the reaction and looked ticked off. "Stupid nurse. I don't like this."

Mahiru tried to calm her down but had to silently agree. Naruto and Mikan's reaction was kind of odd.

"You guys can still joke around like this even though Eisha is knocked out cold." Rin pouted. "Are we just that unimportant?"

"Don't expect a warm reception after everything that's happened," Byakuya retorted. "There is no reason for your actions."

Rin could see where Byakuya was coming from. "Fair enough. I'm just glad you're not totally blowing us off. However!" She pointed at Naruto. "I did have my reasons. I was able to confirm something. You really aren't of this world!"

…..what?

Rin's nose started to twitch. "I can smell it. I was hoping Eisha was going to give you a harder workout, but this is still enough. Your scent, it's unlike anything else on this planet. I've explored all the remote areas in the world, and you smell like none of them. Everyone has a unique scent to them, but it's always mixed in with other similar ones. You have none of that. I can only conclude that you must be an alien!"

….

There was silence from everyone in the dojo.

Byakuya clicked his teeth together. "T'ch, I take back what I thought about you earlier. You are not smart."

It took a second for Rin to process what he said. "What!?"

She was offended but also impressed. It was the first time someone was so direct with her.

"Oh man." Kazuichi looked embarrassed. Is that how he sounded when he had accused Naruto of the same thing during their sleepover? Talk about an eye opener. "I kinda feel sorry for this chick."

"While I understand that Uzumaki-kun seems like out of this world, I don't think that's appropriate either," Nagito tried to reason.

"Ha!" A smug look appeared on Rin's face. "You can't hide the truth from me. That's what my nose is telling me, and I've learned to trust it over the years."

"Heeeeh, this is just too embarrassing for her." Hiyoko fake laughed. "Is her head okay? Do we have to check her into a mental hospital now? Do we do the same for big sis Owari too? She's always going on about that nose of hers."

"Huh?" Akane rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you mean. Everyone always has a different scent. It's not hard once you notice that, but it's not like I've been all over the planet."

True, that's what made Rin's senses different from Akane's. Hers were more….refined? If that made sense. It came from her experience as the Ultimate Hunter. They could only imagine the adventures she's must have had up till now.

"At least now I know what made you so interested in the first place," Naruto said under his breath before shaking his head. "Anyway, you're way off the mark. You've just never been to my village before."

He was getting better at telling this one specific lie. Cool.

"I'm not gonna buy that excuse, blondie. There's something else going on here, and I'm gonna get to the bottom of it!"

Oh great, was she admitting that she was going to be stalking him now? Just what he needed. First the Ultimate Heroine and now this. It was official. This day was cursed.

At least this little side quest was now complete. They could focus on what really mattered today, and that was the school festival!

….after he went to the nurse's office of course.

Oh, but as Mikan started to drag him to said place, Naruto realized something else.

Kurama had gone missing…..again.

What a wanderer.

---

Kurama thought of himself as an explorer. It had to do with his upbringing. He had spent the majority of his life out in nature, where he was taught the importance of knowing his surroundings in case anything happened. Sure, he had a much more stable environment now thanks to his new partner and his family, but Kurama wouldn't lose his sense of adventure so easily. Especially when he was still so young.

Kurama was certain that his partner had noticed him going off on his own a lot lately, or traveling with his nemeses/friends, the four guardians of the dark summoner. That's what the four guardians liked to call him, but Kurama personally found him to be very friendly and always willing to lend him and his partner a hand.

Where was he going with this again?

Kurama's nose twitched when he smelled the many foods coming from outside the school building. He had traveled along this path many times already, but all of this was new to him. So while his partner was off defeating another opponent, he would take this time to have some fun on his own.

Contrary to what some might think, Kurama was more than capable of acting on his own. He had done so many times already, just away from all the excitement. The little fox was aware that his partner's family was more focused on him, but that suited the fox just fine. As long as he got the occasional petting from his partner's mates, then he didn't mind staying off the radar. He actually preferred it that way. It allowed him to have some fun by himself.

His tail wagged in excitement as he dashed through the main path leading from the school gates to the school building. Right now it was filled with vendors and other little shops. It reminded Kurama of that other gathering that his partner had put together.

How exciting!

There were so many new people here that he had never seen before. Kurama wondered for a moment if they knew that this was only possible thanks to his partner. Maybe he should have them all bow to him as thanks? His nemesis/friend Cham-P had told him once that weaker beings needed to accept the outstanding power that the dark summer and his partner possessed, before saying that his partner needed to accept the dark summoner's status as the true master of the world as well. It had led to another fight, but that was neither here nor there.

Kurama pondered this for a moment as he came to a stop. Someone was selling some kind of snacks in the shop directly in front of him. It smelled kind of good, but it was nothing compared to what his partner's round family member could serve.

Still, maybe he could get some of that for himself? It never hurt to try. He was confident he could outrun any of these pesky beings if they tried getting in his way. Ever since coming to this place, he had been in top physical form. Soon, he would be unstoppable. Once that happened, he would be able to fight alongside his partner.

For now, Kurama would settle for stealing some of the food he was smelling.

He got himself into a jumping position, knowing that he would have to time this just right. He eyed the student selling the snacks to a couple of other teenagers. One leap is all it would take.

With no hesitation, Kurama leapt forward.

"Oh, would you look at that. And here I thought this school festival was pretty boring!"

Kurama found his perfect leap intercepted by a pair of hands. Before he knew it, he was landing on a pair of soft cushions that sorta reminded him of one of his partner's mates. It was very comfortable if he was being honest, but right now he was not in the mood to enjoy the sensation. There was a more important matter to deal with here.

Someone had interrupted his operation! How dare they, this fiend!

Kurama looked up at the person who was holding him and was ready bare his fangs at whoever was responsible for this grave insult. However, this never came to pass as the little fox found himself staring into a pair of mesmerizing blue eyes.

How enticing!

---

Junko was both surprised and ecstatic. She had been walking around the main festival grounds with Yasuke for the past thirty minutes and already she was getting bored. She knew why she was only seeing this small section of the school, but she was only willing to entertain Yasuke for so long.

But then, out of nowhere, as if appearing to appease her boredom, she spotted a little fox running through the stands and shops like it owned the place.

Fascinating.

She had to catch him, which she did with ease.

"Look at what I caught, lover! Not something you see every day."

She was met with Yasuke's scowling face.

"How many times have I told you to stop calling me that?"

"Hmm~ I forgot already~"

A lie. Junko knew exactly how many times Yasuke had rejected her nickname for them.

Already knowing how pointless that particular conversation was going to be, Yasuke dropped it in favor of looking at what Junko was now holding.

A fox.

Junko wore a face splitting grin when she saw Yasuke's eyebrow twitch ever so slightly when his eyes landed on the small fox.

'Oh, so he recognizes it, hmm.'

Yasuke was good at deceiving others. Junko was not "others."

Already realizing where this might lead, Junko decided to play coy as she hugged the fox tighter.

"What a cute little guy~ I wonder who he belongs to. Do you think his owner is nearby?"

The little fox seemed to take offense to the word "owner," but Junko paid it no mind. She wasn't all that interested in the animal any longer.

"Not a clue." Yasuke rubbed the back of his head with an irritated expression. "There are a lot of weird individuals running around this school. Can't keep track of them all."

Hmm, so he said. Junko knew better.

"We can't just leave him here! We should go look for him!"

Yasuke's eyes narrowed. "Wait, do you-"

"-definitely around here! I don't want him getting into trouble with so many people at the school!"

"B-But I have to check you over! Plus, Kobayashi-san and Tsuki-san already went to the nurse's office!"

"All the more reason for you to go check up on them first, Mikan!"

"Soda-san went with them, so there's no need. You're not getting out of this so easily, Naruto-san."

"Darn it."

The pair of voices caused Junko and Yasuke to pause. Well, Junko only paused when she noticed Yasuke getting more irritated at the sound of them. Why would he, in the middle of a busy school festival, stop at the sound of two specific voices?

The answer was obvious!

It didn't help that the pair the voices belonged to were being gawked at by everyone else around them. It was almost like magic, the way they parted the crowd in half as they walked. It was like Moses and the Red Sea.

"W-Why is everyone s-staring at us?"

"Looks like we got some street cred now, Mikan!"

Mikan only let out a pitiful whimper as the pair finally stopped in front of Junko and Yasuke.

It was here that Junko got her first look at the two of them. Instantly she committed the two to memory.

The blond first took account of Yasuke and his mood soured.

"What the-? What are you doing here, Yasuke?"

Mikan stepped closer to the blond and grabbed a hold of his arm with her own.

"N-Naruto-san, we have to r-remain civil."

"With this asshole? Never."

Yasuke stayed silent. Junko knew why, but by this point he should have known that it was pointless. There was no reason to try and hide it any longer.

"What, you're not give me one of your smartass comments? That's a first. Wait…."

Junko almost felt insulted that it took it took the blond this long to realize that she was here. The teen girl could feel the little fox in her arms fighting her embrace, but she only tightened her hold further as her eyes finally met with the boy's for the first time.

It was strange really. Junko didn't know what it was. It was almost like an electric bolt rang through her body when the two of them locked eyes with one another. It was kind of a sixth sense for her, one that she had never felt before. Was it a sense of foreboding? Excitement? Or both?

Junko couldn't tell, and she wasn't in the state of mind to decipher it as she closed the distance between the two of them in a couple of seconds.

The boy was obviously surprised when he found her mere centimeters away from his face.

"You. What's your name?"

Her voice was serious, devoid of its usual playfulness that she liked to put on for others.

"N-Naruto-san…."

The purple haired girl tightened her hold on the boy's arm, but Junko ignored her.

The blond blinked a couple of times.

"Uh. Uzumaki Naruto….." he trailed off, obviously still confused about why she was so close to him.

It was at that moment that Junko realized something, and when she did it took all her willpower to hold back her excitement. She was able to tell herself one thing:

This was a despairfully fateful encounter!

---

Longest chapter yet.

That's all I got for you guys this time. Keep it safe during the holidays. Not sure if I'll update one more time before the end of the year or not.

Till next time.

---

Class 77-A (first name, last name):

1) Ultimate Neurologist: Yasuke Matsuda

2) Ultimate Spy: Yūto Kamishiro

3) Ultimate Student Council President: Sōshun Murasame

4) Ultimate Fencer: Eisha Tsuki

5) Ultimate Hunter: Rin Kobayashi

6) Ultimate Koto Player: Hana Ito

7) Ultimate Jujutsu User: Tokita Meshigami

8) Ultimate Seamstress: Momo Akegubo

9) Ultimate Botanist: Santa Shikiba

10) Ultimate Entrepreneur: Eizan Nishimura

11) Ultimate Librarian: Sona Kikuchi

12) Ultimate Mathematician: Issei Suzuki

13) Ultimate Actress: Alicia Kristiansen, prefers Alice

14) Ultimate Innkeeper: Megumi Nomura

15) Ultimate Heroine: Riko Himejami

16) Ultimate Archer: Rui Arai