A/N

Hello everyone!

Sorry for keeping you all waiting so long after the previous quick updates. I've made some changes in Chapter 7, especially regarding Naruto and Riser's interaction. I'd recommend rereading that part since I introduced a new power of sorts.

As always, before we begin, let me answer some reviews -

AlphaWolf00117 – Yes, it will be Bikou.

alvarolepa1511 – Indeed, we'll be seeing that very soon.

Samuel Santillan – I'm glad you're enjoying it! The story will expand, and there's more to come.

Ashura the Infinite – I hadn't considered using the destined one, but he could show up and make for a great arc. As for the cloud's speed, I found out it can do about 1,800,000 miles in 24 hours.

R-king 93 – Hope you have a great day too 😊.

Narutotheunchained – Nezha could possibly become an ally.

SpadeKing – It was more of a political move.

Just a reader now a writer – Yes, it would, because in the end, it's just Naruto on his own.

The Storm Master 567 – I'll work on improving the fights; sorry if they felt repetitive. I really do need to read more stories for inspiration.

Raidentensho – Hand of Buddha, eh? That might happen down the line. And yes, Odin is always watching. Rossiweiess, It's possible, depending on how I write that arc later on.

SPark681 – Thanks! Bikou will play a significant role in the upcoming arcs.

Shirou Emiya1 – Very true, He isn't quite strong enough to carry that name just yet.

Now, let's get into the story!

Chapter 9 – Round Two

The frigid winds howled through the snow covered peaks as Naruto and Zhu Bajie made their way further up the treacherous path of the mountain. The landscape was stark and unforgiving, the ground covered in deep snow, and the air was thin and biting. The distant sound of avalanches echoed through the mountain range, as if the very land itself was warning them of the dangers that lay ahead.

Naruto, riding the Somersault Cloud, guided it expertly through the rough terrain, his mind focused on the task at hand finding Yellowbrow's Temple and retrieving the Sacred Gourd, the key to unlocking the rest of Wukong's memories and full power. But as the journey wore on, the weight of the task began to sink deeper into him. This wasn't just about him anymore there were forces from Wukong's past waiting for their chance to challenge him.

Naruto glanced over at Zhu Bajie, who was trudging through the snow beside him. The pig-like deity hadn't said much since their brief encounter with Maitreya, the trickster who had dropped a cryptic hint about a fake Monkey King roaming the land. Though Naruto had pushed the thought aside for now, Wukong had not. Ever since Maitreya's words, the fiery presence of Wukong had simmered within him, growing more restless with each step.

"This mountain… it stirs up a lot of old memories, doesn't it?" Naruto muttered, his breath fogging in the icy air.

Bajie grunted in agreement, wiping snow from his brow. "You could say that again. Yellowbrow's not gonna make this easy. If he's hiding out here, you can bet he's fortified his temple with all sorts of traps. This mountain's more than just snow and ice. There are ancient powers here ones you don't want to mess with lightly."

Naruto nodded, though his mind was still racing with thoughts of the sacred gourd. Inside, Wukong's voice echoed, the Great Sage's presence growing more intense with every step they took toward the temple.

"Yellowbrow…" Wukong's voice growled inside Naruto's mind. "That rat's always been a thorn in my side. He was never strong enough to challenge me outright, but his schemes were always dangerous. Be ready, Naruto. He'll have laid out more than just physical traps he'll try to play with your mind."

Naruto's grip tightened on the Ruyi Jingu Bang. "I'll be ready."

As they ventured deeper into the snowy mountains, the path grew steeper, and the cold more biting. Naruto and Bajie pushed forward, undeterred by the rough terrain. The landscape was eerily silent now, the howling wind their only company. It was as if the very air was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Naruto's eyes scanned the area, his instincts on high alert. He could feel it the presence of something lurking just beyond the snow-covered peaks. He glanced over at Bajie, who had also gone quiet, his usual playful demeanour replaced with a wary seriousness.

Suddenly, the snow around them shifted, and the air grew colder, unnaturally so. Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto caught movement a flicker of a shadow darting between the trees.

"Bajie," Naruto called quietly. "We're not alone."

Bajie nodded, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the snowy landscape. "Yeah, I feel it too. Yaoguais again?"

Before Naruto could respond, a chilling laugh echoed through the mountain pass, sending a shiver down his spine. Emerging from the shadows of the trees were a group of Yaoguais, but these weren't the lower-class demons they had faced before. These were stronger, more feral, their twisted forms larger and more dangerous. Their eyes gleamed with malice as they surrounded Naruto and Bajie, their jagged weapons gleaming in the pale light.

One of the larger Yaoguais stepped forward, its voice dripping with malice. "So, the reincarnation of Sun Wukong has finally come. Our master has been expecting you."

Naruto stepped forward, summoning his staff into his hand. His eyes glinted with determination. "Yellowbrow sent you, didn't he?"

The Yaoguai sneered, its fangs bared. "Our master is ready for you, little monkey. But first, we're going to see if you're worthy of reaching him."

Naruto's grip on the Ruyi Jingu Bang tightened. "Then let's get this over with."

Without hesitation, Naruto summoned his hair clones, and in an instant, multiple versions of himself appeared, surrounding the Yaoguais. The demons snarled and lunged forward, but Naruto and his clones were faster. The clones attacked in unison, overwhelming the Yaoguais with swift, precise strikes from the staff.

The snow around them was kicked up into a frenzy as the battle raged. The Yaoguais fought fiercely, but they were no match for Naruto's speed and power. One by one, they fell, their bodies disappearing into the snow.

Bajie watched the battle unfold, his arms crossed as he leaned against a nearby tree. "Not bad, kid. You're getting quicker with those clones."

Naruto smirked, knocking the last Yaoguai into the snow with a swift strike. "I'm just getting started."

But before they could catch their breath, the snow behind them shifted once more, and from the depths of the icy landscape, a massive figure emerged. It was another Yaoguai, but this one was different taller, stronger, and covered in thick, armored scales. Its eyes glowed with a deep, crimson light, and a dark aura radiated from its body.

Bajie's eyes widened. "Great… just what we needed. A General Yaoguai."

The towering creature let out a roar, its voice shaking the very ground beneath them. "You dare challenge the forces of Yellowbrow? I will crush you where you stand!"

Naruto gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for the next fight. "Guess I'll have to take this one up a notch."

The massive General Yaoguai charged forward, the ground trembling with each heavy step. Its massive fists swung toward Naruto, who quickly dodged out of the way, leaping into the air with the agility of the Great Sage. His staff extended in his hand, glowing with golden energy as he swung it down toward the Yaoguai's head.

The Yaoguai raised its arm to block the strike, and the force of the impact sent a shockwave through the air. The creature growled in pain but remained standing, its glowing eyes locked onto Naruto with a murderous glare.

"You're strong, little monkey," the Yaoguai snarled. "But you're no match for me."

Naruto landed gracefully on the snow, his eyes focused as he summoned more clones to surround the Yaoguai. His clones charged in from all sides, attacking in unison, but the creature swung its massive fists in a wide arc, knocking several of them away in a single strike.

"Guess I'll have to step it up," Naruto muttered, extending the Ruyi Jingu Bang to its full size. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at the Yaoguai, his staff glowing with golden energy as he aimed for the creature's exposed side.

The staff struck true, slamming into the Yaoguai with enough force to crack its armored hide. The creature roared in pain, but it was far from defeated. It swung its massive arm toward Naruto, but he dodged at the last second, using his agility to stay just out of reach.

"Impressive," Wukong's voice echoed in Naruto's mind, watching with approval. "But you'll need more than that to take this beast down."

Naruto grinned. "I know."

With a final burst of energy, Naruto leaped into the air, spinning the staff above his head as he gathered momentum. The Ruyi Jingu Bang glowed brighter, crackling with energy, and with a powerful downward strike, he slammed the staff into the Yaoguai's head.

The impact was devastating. The ground beneath the Yaoguai cracked, and with a final roar, the creature collapsed into the snow, its massive form sinking into the frozen ground.

Naruto landed softly beside Bajie, who was watching with a mixture of amusement and admiration.

"Well, that was one way to deal with it," Bajie said with a grin. "You're getting better at this."

Naruto, panting slightly from the effort, gave him a thumbs-up. "Thanks. But we're not done yet. Yellowbrow's temple is still up ahead."

Bajie nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yeah. And he's not going to go down easy."

With the General Yaoguai defeated, Naruto and Bajie continued their climb up the mountain, the looming presence of Yellowbrow's Temple growing closer with every step. But as they neared their destination, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come.

The wind howled fiercely as Naruto and Zhu Bajie finally reached the base of Yellowbrow's Temple, the treacherous path behind them littered with the remnants of their battles. The air around them was thick with tension, and even the snow seemed to fall more heavily, as if warning them of the dangers that lay ahead.

The temple itself loomed in the distance, carved into the mountainside like a forgotten relic of a bygone era. The structure was imposing, with towering pillars of stone and intricate carvings of ancient demons and deities etched into its walls. The once vibrant colours of the temple had faded over time, leaving behind a cold, dark gray that blended seamlessly with the snow covered peaks.

Naruto's breath misted in the cold air as he studied the temple. It was eerily quiet. Too quiet.

"There it is," Naruto muttered, tightening his grip on the Ruyi Jingu Bang. "Yellowbrow's hiding inside."

Bajie grunted in agreement, wiping the frost from his face. "Yeah, but don't let your guard down, kid. He's been preparing for this. This temple isn't just a building it's a fortress."

Naruto nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I can feel it. This place is full of traps."

As they approached the entrance, the gates of the temple groaned open with a deep, ominous creak, revealing a vast, dimly lit chamber beyond. The flickering light of the ancient torches cast long shadows on the walls, giving the impression that the very stone itself was alive, watching them with unseen eyes.

With a quick nod to each other, Naruto and Bajie stepped through the gates, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls. The temple was as silent as a tomb, the air thick with an oppressive energy that weighed down on their shoulders.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them shifted. The floor cracked and groaned, and before they could react, several stone slabs began to slide into place, blocking their path forward and sealing the way behind them.

"Great," Bajie muttered, glancing around. "This is just what we needed."

Naruto stayed calm, his eyes scanning the room. "It's a trap."

Before they could make another move, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed from the shadows at the far end of the chamber. A figure emerged from the darkness, his golden brows gleaming in the dim light, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

Yellowbrow.

The figure was taller than Naruto had expected, with sharp, angular features and a cold, calculating gaze. His golden eyebrows were his most distinct feature, glowing faintly in the light as they framed his piercing eyes. His robes were dark and intricately decorated with symbols of power, but they were worn like armor, indicating the battles he had fought over the centuries. He carried himself with an air of superiority, as if everything in this temple, including Naruto and Bajie, were beneath him.

"Well, well," Yellowbrow drawled, his voice as cold as the air around them. "The reincarnation of Sun Wukong has finally arrived. I was wondering when you'd show up."

Naruto stepped forward, his gaze locked onto Yellowbrow. "I'm not here for games, Yellowbrow. You know what I want."

Yellowbrow chuckled, his golden brows rising slightly. "The Sacred Gourd, right? Of course. You're here to reclaim Wukong's power, aren't you? To finish what he started all those years ago?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed, his grip on the Ruyi Jingu Bang tightening. "I'm here to stop you. Wukong may have fought you in the past, but this is my fight now."

Yellowbrow sneered, taking a step forward. "Your fight? Please. You're just a shadow of the real Monkey King. Do you honestly think you can handle the weight of his legacy?"

Naruto's chest tightened, but before he could respond, Wukong's voice echoed in his mind, filled with rage.

"He dares to mock you? To mock me?" Wukong growled. "This rat has always been jealous of my power. He doesn't deserve to even speak my name."

Naruto could feel Wukong's anger boiling inside him, and for a moment, his vision blurred as the Great Sage's presence surged to the surface. But Naruto held it back—this was his fight, and he had to stay in control.

"I'm not just Wukong's shadow," Naruto said, his voice firm. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm going to stop you."

Yellowbrow's grin widened, and with a flick of his wrist, the room around them began to change. The walls shifted, twisting and morphing as if they were alive. The floor beneath them rumbled, and several large stone statues, each one depicting a fierce demon, began to rise from the ground.

"So be it," Yellowbrow said, his voice dripping with malice. "But let's see if you can survive my temple first."

The stone demons around the room roared to life, their eyes glowing with an eerie light as they lumbered toward Naruto and Bajie. The air crackled with energy as the temple itself seemed to come alive, the ancient magic within its walls reacting to Yellowbrow's will.

Naruto leaped into action, his staff spinning in his hands as he charged at the nearest demon. The stone creature swung a massive fist toward him, but Naruto was quicker. With a swift motion, he extended the Ruyi Jingu Bang, slamming it into the demon's chest and sending it crashing into the far wall.

Bajie, not one to be left out, swung his massive rake at another demon, knocking its stone head clean off its shoulders. "These things are annoying," Bajie grumbled, dodging another attack.

As the stone demons continued their assault, Yellowbrow stood at the far end of the room, watching with amusement. "You may have Wukong's power, but you're still a child. You can't possibly hope to defeat me."

Naruto gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with determination. "We'll see about that."

Summoning several hair clones, Naruto sent them into the fray, each one attacking the stone demons from different angles. The battle was chaotic, with the sound of stone shattering and weapons clashing echoing through the chamber. But despite the onslaught, Naruto and Bajie held their ground, their combined strength overwhelming the demon statues.

But Yellowbrow wasn't done yet.

With a wave of his hand, Yellowbrow unleashed a torrent of dark energy, the force of which sent Naruto and his clones flying backward. The energy crackled through the air, warping the temple around them as the walls closed in, trapping them in a smaller, tighter space.

"Enough of this," Yellowbrow growled, stepping forward as his eyes glowed with malice. "It's time you understood what you're truly up against."

Naruto struggled to his feet, panting as the weight of Yellowbrow's power pressed down on him. He could feel Wukong's presence growing stronger, the Great Sage's anger building with each passing moment.

"This rat thinks he can defeat you?He thinks he's stronger than me?" Wukong snarled in Naruto's mind. "I won't stand for this. Let me out, I'll tear him apart."

But Naruto shook his head, pushing Wukong's influence back. "No. This is my fight."

Yellowbrow's grin widened as he raised his hand, dark energy swirling around him. "You're a fool if you think you can stand against me, reincarnation of Wukong. I've waited centuries for this moment, to reclaim the power that was denied to me."

Naruto raised the Ruyi Jingu Bang, his eyes locked onto Yellowbrow. "You're not getting that chance."

With a burst of speed, Naruto charged at Yellowbrow, his staff glowing with golden energy. The room trembled as he swung the staff toward the villain, but Yellowbrow moved with a speed that defied his earlier arrogance, dodging the strike with ease. He countered with a blast of dark energy, which Naruto narrowly avoided, rolling to the side and sending a hair clone to attack from behind.

Yellowbrow sneered, blocking the clone's attack and shattering it with a single blow. "You'll have to do better than that, boy."

Naruto gritted his teeth, feeling Wukong's power surging within him. This wasn't just about strength it was about control. He couldn't let Wukong take over, but he needed every bit of power he could muster to defeat Yellowbrow.

"Use my power," Wukong urged, his voice filled with anticipation. "Let me show him why the heavens feared me."

Naruto hesitated for only a second, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do this."

With a deep breath, Naruto allowed Wukong's power to flow through him, his body enveloped in a golden aura as the Loop of Binding around his head glowed brightly. His eyes gleamed with a mix of blue and gold, and his staff extended to its full length, crackling with energy.

Yellowbrow's eyes widened slightly as he felt the shift in power. "So, you're finally getting serious?"

Naruto grinned, spinning the staff in his hands. "You have no idea."

With a powerful leap, Naruto closed the distance between them in an instant, his staff swinging down with enough force to crack the stone floor beneath them. Yellowbrow barely had time to react, raising a barrier of dark energy to block the strike. But the impact sent him staggering back, his grin faltering as he realized just how much power Naruto was wielding.

"This ends now, Yellowbrow," Naruto said, his voice filled with determination.

Yellowbrow snarled, his golden brows furrowing in frustration. "I won't be defeated by a child!"

But as Naruto prepared to deliver the final blow, the walls of the temple began to shake, and a deep, rumbling sound echoed through the chamber. The ground beneath them cracked, and from the depths of the temple, a dark, twisted energy began to rise.

Yellowbrow's grin returned, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You may be strong, but you're too late.

The temple walls trembled as the intense battle raged on between Naruto and Yellowbrow. The air crackled with raw power as the forces of dark and light clashed, filling the chamber with blinding flashes of energy. Yellowbrow's smug grin remained plastered on his face, but Naruto could see the cracks in his confidence. Each clash of their powers shook the ground beneath them, sending shockwaves through the temple.

Naruto gripped the Ruyi Jingu Bang tightly, his eyes glowing with the energy of Wukong coursing through him. His senses were heightened, and his mind was clear as he danced through Yellowbrow's attacks, parrying the blasts of dark energy with precise swings of his staff.

Yellowbrow snarled, his golden brows glowing faintly as he summoned another wave of dark energy. "You're strong, reincarnation of Wukong, but you're still nothing compared to the true Sun Wukong."

Naruto smirked, his gaze locked on Yellowbrow. "You're right, I'm not Wukong. I'm stronger, because I'm me."

Yellowbrow roared in frustration and charged forward, his hands crackling with dark energy as he launched himself at Naruto. The ground beneath him cracked and splintered as he moved with incredible speed, but Naruto was ready. With a burst of golden energy, Naruto extended the Ruyi Jingu Bang to its full length and swung it down, meeting Yellowbrow's attack head-on.

The collision of their powers sent a shockwave rippling through the temple, causing the walls to shake violently. Naruto gritted his teeth, pouring more of Wukong's energy into the staff as he pushed back against Yellowbrow's attack. The dark energy from Yellowbrow clashed with the golden light of Wukong, and for a moment, it seemed like the entire temple would collapse under the pressure.

Suddenly, Naruto spun the staff, deflecting Yellowbrow's attack and sending him staggering backward. With a quick leap, Naruto closed the distance between them and delivered a powerful strike to Yellowbrow's chest, sending him crashing into the stone floor.

Yellowbrow groaned in pain, his once-confident expression faltering as he struggled to stand. His golden eyebrows twitched with frustration as he looked up at Naruto, who stood tall, his staff glowing with golden light.

"You… You're stronger than I expected," Yellowbrow muttered, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "But you're still a fool if you think you'll find the Sacred Gourd."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding as he heard the words. "What do you mean?"

Yellowbrow chuckled, his voice filled with bitterness. "You've come all this way, fought all these battles… but I don't have the Gourd, Naruto Uzumaki. I never did."

Naruto froze, his grip on the staff tightening as Yellowbrow's words sank in. Wukong's voice echoed in his mind, filled with disbelief and rage.

"What?! That rat doesn't have the Gourd? All this time…" Wukong's anger boiled over, his presence in Naruto's mind flaring with frustration. "He's been toying with us!"

Naruto's eyes burned with frustration as he stepped closer to Yellowbrow, the glow of Wukong's power still radiating from him. "You're lying," Naruto said through gritted teeth. "You're just trying to stall. Where is it?"

Yellowbrow coughed, struggling to get to his feet. "I'm not lying, boy. I may have wanted the Sacred Gourd, but I never got my hands on it. It was taken from me long ago, before I could claim it."

Naruto's heart sank, and a wave of disappointment washed over him. He had come all this way, fought so hard, only to find out that the Sacred Gourd wasn't even here. He glanced at Bajie, who had been watching the battle closely, his arms crossed, and his usual grin replaced by a frown of concern.

"So, if you don't have it," Naruto demanded, stepping closer, "then who does?"

Yellowbrow chuckled weakly, leaning against a crumbling pillar for support. "Who has it now? I'm not sure… It was passed around for centuries, from one powerful entity to the next. Last I heard, it may have fallen into the hands of a certain… Yellow Wind Sage."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Yellow wind sage? Who's that?"

Bajie's expression darkened as he stepped forward, shaking his head. "Not good, kid. If the Gourd ended up with that old rat, it's going to be even harder to track down. He's a slippery one, always moving from one place to another, hiding in the shadows."

Naruto clenched his fists, feeling the frustration building inside him. He had come so far, only to be sent on another chase. But Wukong's voice in his mind remained calm, his anger replaced by a steely determination.

"It doesn't matter," Wukong said. "We'll find him. And when we do, we'll get the Gourd back."

Naruto took a deep breath, calming the storm of emotions inside him. "Fine," he said, his voice steady. "But you're not off the hook, Yellowbrow. You've caused enough trouble."

Yellowbrow sneered, but there was fear in his eyes now. "Do what you want with me. But know this, Naruto Uzumaki, whether you find the Sacred Gourd or not, you'll never escape the shadow of Sun Wukong. His enemies are your enemies now."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, raising the Ruyi Jingu Bang. "I don't care about Wukong's enemies. I'll fight my own battles."

With a swift motion, Naruto brought the staff down, the golden energy crackling as it struck the ground beside Yellowbrow, sending a shockwave through the temple. The villain flinched but remained standing, his smug demeanor crumbling as he realized that Naruto wasn't here to kill him.

"Get out of my sight," Naruto said coldly. "And don't let me catch you trying to cause more trouble."

Yellowbrow, clearly defeated, limped away toward the shadows of the temple, disappearing into the darkness without another word.

As the dust settled and the temple grew quiet once more, Naruto stood in the centre of the chamber, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. The battle was over, but the frustration still gnawed at him.

Bajie stepped forward, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You did good, kid. Yellowbrow was never going to make it easy. At least now we know where to start looking."

Naruto nodded, though his mind was still racing. "Yeah. The Yellow Wind Sage."

Wukong's voice echoed in his mind, more composed now. "That rat has always been a trickster, hiding in the darkest corners of the world. He'll have the Gourd hidden away, but we'll find him. I won't let him slip away this time."

Naruto glanced at Bajie. "How do we track him down?"

Bajie stretched his arms, his pig-like snout twitching. "I'm going to reach out to some old contacts, see if they've heard anything about the rats whereabouts. I've got a few people who owe me favours, and if anyone knows where that little weasel is hiding, it'll be them."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "So, what should I do in the meantime?"

Bajie smirked, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You? You're heading back home. You've already had your fair share of excitement for the time being. Head back to Kuoh and try to stay out of trouble for a bit. Let me handle this."

Naruto laughed. "Stay out of trouble? Me? I think that ship sailed a long time ago."

Bajie chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I figured as much. But still, take it easy for a while. You'll need your strength for what's coming next. the rat isn't going to go down without a fight."

With that, Bajie turned to leave, but not before giving Naruto a playful salute. "Don't worry, kid. I'll be back soon with some leads. Just stay alive until then, alright?"

Naruto grinned. "I'll try."

Bajie's expression softened for a moment, a rare hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Take care, Naruto. This journey isn't just about Wukong anymore. It's your story now, too."

With a final wave, Bajie set off down the mountain path, disappearing into the snowy horizon.

Naruto stood alone at the top of the mountain, the silence of the snow-covered peaks settling around him. He let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of the journey ahead pressing down on him. He was about to summon the Somersault Cloud to head back to Kuoh when he felt a familiar presence.

From behind him, the soft crunch of footsteps echoed through the snow.

Naruto turned, and his eyes widened as he saw Kang Jin Star emerging from the shadows of the mountains. She was in her human form, her long dark hair flowing gracefully in the wind, and her sharp, dark blue dragon like eyes fixed on him. Her presence was as commanding as ever, but there was a different energy about her this time something less hostile and more… curious.

"Kang Jin?" Naruto said, surprised. "You're back?"

Kang Jin's lips curved into a small smile as she approached him. "I am. I've been watching you, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Well, that's a little unnerving, but okay. So, what brings you back?"

Kang Jin's gaze lingered on him, her expression unreadable for a moment. "I watched your fight with Yellowbrow. You defeated him with ease."

Naruto shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Yeah, but we didn't find the Sacred Gourd, so it feels like it was a waste."

Kang Jin shook her head. "It wasn't a waste. You've proven yourself. You're… different from the Wukong I knew."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Different, huh? Well, yeah I'm not the Wukong you knew. I'm Naruto Uzumaki," he said with a wide grin.

Kang Jin hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were struggling with what to say next. Finally, after a brief pause, she spoke. "I want to travel with you."

Naruto blinked, completely taken off guard by the request. "Wait… what? You want to travel with me?"

Kang Jin nodded, her expression serious. "I want to see your growth for myself. You're not like the Wukong I knew, but there's something about you that… intrigues me. I wish to observe your journey."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, confused by the sudden shift. "I mean, I guess that's fine, but… why? You were just trying to kill me not too long ago, remember?"

Kang Jin's gaze softened ever so slightly. "That was before. You've earned my respect. I can see now that you are carving your own path. I want to see where it leads."

Inside Naruto's mind, Wukong's voice rumbled with amusement, though there was a hint of suspicion. "This is… out of character for her. She's never been one to follow anyone, let alone ask to travel with them. Be careful, Naruto."

Naruto, though a little wary, grinned. "Well, if Wukong thinks it's weird, then that means it's probably interesting. Sure, why not? But I'm not sure you'll like it my life's been pretty chaotic lately."

Kang Jin's lips curved into a rare smile, her eyes gleaming with something that resembled excitement. "Chaos doesn't scare me, Naruto Uzumaki. I've faced far worse."

Naruto shrugged, feeling a bit more relaxed. "Alright, then. Let's do this. Welcome to the team, I guess."

Kang Jin's smile widened, though her dragon like gaze remained sharp. "Thank you. I look forward to seeing how far you can go."

With that, the two of them turned and began making their way down the mountain together. The air around them seemed lighter, despite the heavy snow, and Naruto couldn't help but feel a strange sense of companionship building between them.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure watched their exchange from a distance, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the snow-covered landscape.

Maitreya leaned against the stone, his serene smile playing on his lips as he observed Naruto and Kang Jin from afar. His eyes glimmered with amusement, though there was a hint of curiosity in his gaze as well.

"Interesting," Maitreya mused softly to himself. "It seems the new Monkey King is making his own little group. He's not following the same path as the Wukong I remember… but that's what makes him so intriguing."

He chuckled lightly, watching as Naruto and Kang Jin disappeared into the distance. "Let's see where this journey takes him. It's bound to be entertaining if nothing else."

With a soft hum, Maitreya vanished from his perch, leaving the mountain to its silence once more.

After a long day of travel, Naruto finally returned to his small apartment in Kuoh Town. The familiar creak of the door greeted him as he stepped inside, followed by Kang Jin Star, who looked around with mild curiosity. The apartment wasn't much just a modest space with a simple bed, a small kitchen, and a few personal belongings scattered about but to Naruto, it was home.

"Well, here it is," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "It's not exactly a palace, but it's mine."

Kang Jin, in her human form, walked around the apartment slowly, inspecting the space with an unreadable expression. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back, and her sharp eyes took in every detail. Despite the simplicity of the apartment, she nodded approvingly.

"It's… nice," Kang Jin said, her tone surprisingly soft.

Naruto blinked in surprise. "Really? I mean, I figured someone like you, y'know, a dragon and all would be used to something more… grand."

Kang Jin shook her head. "A home is not defined by its size or wealth. It is the peace it brings. You have that here."

Naruto chuckled, relieved. "Glad you like it."

Just as Naruto was about to settle in, the room suddenly lit up with a vibrant purple glow. A magical circle appeared on the floor, pulsing with energy, and within moments, Sona Shitori stepped out of the light. Her expression was serious, though there was a hint of frustration in her eyes.

"Naruto," Sona said, her voice urgent, "I've been trying to reach you, but something was blocking my communication."

Naruto, completely caught off guard, blinked in confusion. "Sona? What's going on?"

Sona looked around the apartment briefly, her eyes landing on Kang Jin before refocusing on Naruto. "We have a problem. Rias lost the Rating Game."

Naruto's heart sank. "No way… She lost? What happens now?"

Sona's voice softened slightly, though the tension in the air remained. "The wedding. Rias and Riser will be married in the Underworld tomorrow night."

Naruto's mind raced. He couldn't believe it. Rias, had lost the Rating Game to Riser Phoenix. And now, she was going to be married to him. It didn't sit right with him, not at all.

"That's insane," Naruto said, clenching his fists. "There's no way this should be happening."

Before Sona could respond, her gaze shifted toward Kang Jin, who had been standing quietly in the background, observing the conversation. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she addressed Naruto.

"Who is she?" Sona asked, her tone carefully controlled. "I don't think I've seen her around before."

Naruto, completely oblivious to the subtle tension in Sona's voice, smiled and gestured toward Kang Jin. "Oh, right! This is Kang Jin Star. She's, uh… well, she tried to kill me at first, but now she's traveling with me."

Sona blinked in surprise, her carefully composed expression faltering for just a moment. "She… tried to kill you, and now she's staying with you?"

Naruto nodded, completely missing the subtle jealousy in Sona's eyes. "Yeah, pretty crazy, right? But it's all good now. She's cool."

Sona's lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced between Naruto and Kang Jin. "I see. And… is she staying here with you?"

Naruto, still oblivious, shrugged. "Yeah, for now, I guess. She wanted to travel with me and see how I grow or something."

Sona's gaze lingered on Kang Jin for a moment longer, her usual calm demeanor hiding the flicker of jealousy she felt. She had known Naruto for a while now, and though she'd never admit it, she had grown fond of him. The idea of another girl especially one as powerful as Kang Jin staying with him made her feel uneasy, though she couldn't quite understand why.

Quickly regaining her composure, Sona shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Naruto, if you're thinking of stopping the wedding… you'd need to be invited to the Underworld."

Naruto frowned. "Invited? There's gotta be another way, right? I can't just stand by while Rias is forced into something like this."

Sona sighed, her frustration evident. "It's not that simple. The wedding is a formal event, and only those with invitations can attend. You can't just barge in. Besides, it's in the Phoenix territory of the Underworld."

Naruto ran a hand through his hair, pacing around the small room. "There's gotta be something I can do…"

Kang Jin, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward. "Perhaps I could be of assistance. My power allows me to traverse different realms. If you need to get to the Underworld, I can help you."

Sona's eyes widened in surprise, and she glanced at Naruto. "She can…?"

Naruto grinned, feeling a surge of hope. "Well, that's a start! Thanks, Kang Jin. But… even if we get there, I'm not sure how we're supposed to stop the wedding."

Sona nodded thoughtfully. "If you do go, you'll need a plan. Rias' family won't take kindly to an uninvited guest, and the Phoenix clan will be on high alert."

Naruto crossed his arms, deep in thought. "I'll figure something out. I can't let this happen. Rias deserves better than this."

Sona sighed softly, her earlier frustration fading into something more like concern. "Just… be careful, Naruto. Rias is important to all of us, but we can't afford to make enemies of the entire Underworld."

Naruto smiled at her, his usual confidence returning. "Don't worry, Sona. I've got this."

Sona gave him a small nod, though she still looked unsure. Before she could say anything more, the purple magic circle appeared beneath her feet once again. "I'll try to buy you some time. Good luck, Naruto."

With that, Sona disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Naruto and Kang Jin alone in the apartment.

Some time later, Naruto, Kang Jin Star, and Issei found themselves standing outside Issei's house in the cool evening air. Naruto had decided to visit Issei, knowing that he wouldn't sit back and let the wedding between Rias Gremory and Riser Phoenix happen without a fight. Knocking on the door, Naruto grinned to himself as he imagined what Issei might be planning.

The door swung open, and Issei stood there, looking flustered as he adjusted his jacket. "Naruto? What are you doing here?"

Naruto smirked and crossed his arms. "What's up? You look like you're about to head out on some kind of mission."

Issei jumped back, startled by Naruto's sudden appearance, but quickly recovered. "Geez, man! Don't sneak up on me like that! And yeah, I am. I'm going to crash a wedding."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You? Crash a wedding? What's the plan?"

Before Issei could answer, his eyes shifted to the figure standing behind Naruto, Kang Jin Star. His mouth hung open for a moment, and then the familiar look of perviness overtook his face. "Whoa… who's the hottie? Naruto, you've been holding out on me!"

Naruto rolled his eyes, already knowing where this was headed. "Knock it off, Issei. Kang Jin's with me, and she's not interested in whatever weird stuff you're thinking."

Kang Jin raised an eyebrow, glancing at Issei with an amused expression but didn't say anything.

Issei rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Right, sorry, sorry. But seriously, what are you doing here, Naruto?"

Naruto gave him a serious look. "Same thing as you. I'm not letting Rias marry that jerk Riser. So, what's the plan?"

Issei's eyes lit up with determination. "I've got a magic circle. It'll let me attend the wedding in the Underworld. I was just getting ready to go when you showed up."

Naruto grinned. "Perfect timing then. Let's crash that wedding."

Kang Jin remained silent, her gaze focused as she listened to the exchange. Though she hadn't met Rias or Riser, she could sense the gravity of the situation. Naruto's determination to help his friends had drawn her to follow him, and now she was more curious than ever about his journey.

Issei, Naruto, and Kang Jin gathered at the designated area where the magic circle had been prepared. The circle glowed with an ethereal red light, pulsating with power. Issei stepped forward and activated it, the circle expanding to engulf all three of them in a swirl of energy. In the blink of an eye, they were transported to the Underworld, right in front of the grand avenue where the wedding was being held.

The Gremory-Phenex wedding was a grand affair, with nobles and high-ranking devils in attendance. The venue was adorned with lavish decorations, and the air was filled with the sound of music and chatter. Everything seemed perfect except for the uninvited guests who had just appeared in the middle of the hall.

Naruto, Issei, and Kang Jin arrived with a loud thud as they landed right in the center of the party. The entire hall went silent as dozens of eyes turned to look at them, confusion, and outrage rippling through the crowd. The music stopped, and whispers spread like wildfire as the trio stood awkwardly in the middle of the elegant wedding ceremony.

Riser, standing at the altar next to Rias, narrowed his eyes and sneered. "What is the meaning of this?"

Issei stepped forward, his voice loud and clear. "I'm here to stop this wedding, Riser! Rias doesn't want to marry you, and I won't let it happen!"

The crowd erupted into murmurs, but before anything could escalate further, a commanding voice cut through the air. Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias' older brother and one of the Four Maou, appeared at the front of the room. His crimson hair gleamed under the chandelier lights, and his presence alone seemed to calm the chaos that was brewing.

Sirzechs raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "Enough. It seems we have some unexpected guests." His eyes lingered on Naruto for a moment, as if sensing something unusual about him, but then he turned his attention to Issei.

"You wish to challenge this wedding, Issei Hyoudou?" Sirzechs asked, his voice calm but firm.

Issei nodded, his fists clenched. "Yeah! Rias deserves better than Riser!"

Sirzechs closed his eyes thoughtfully before offering an alternative. "Very well. To settle this dispute, I propose a one-on-one battle between Riser Phoenix and Issei Hyoudou. The winner will determine the outcome."

Naruto was about to step forward when he noticed Riser's smirk. Something wasn't right.

Before anyone could accept or deny the challenge, Riser's voice rang out, dripping with smugness. "How about… a two-on-two battle?"

Everyone in the room froze, unsure of what Riser meant. Confusion flickered across their faces, and even Sirzechs raised an eyebrow at the unexpected proposal.

Naruto frowned. "What are you talking about, Riser?"

Riser's smirk widened as he crossed his arms. "You see, I made a deal with someone who's quite interested in you, Naruto. Someone from Wukong's past."

Suddenly, the air around them shifted, and the temperature in the hall seemed to drop. A dark red flame ignited in the corner of the room, and from the inferno stepped a familiar figure Red Boy, the son of the Demon King and an old adversary of Wukong.

Red Boy's fiery eyes locked onto Naruto as he emerged from the flames, his body surrounded by a scorching aura. His presence alone made several guests step back in fear, and the intensity of his power filled the room.

"Found you, Monkey King," Red Boy snarled, his voice filled with malice. "I've been waiting for this."

Naruto's heart raced, his eyes narrowing as he faced his old foe. "You again… So this is what you've been up to?"

Red Boy sneered, flames licking at his fingertips. "I've waited centuries for revenge. You won't escape me this time."

Riser chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos he had just unleashed. "So, what do you say, Issei? Naruto? A two-on-two battle me and Red Boy against the two of you. If we win, the wedding continues as planned."

Sirzechs watched the scene unfold with a sharp gaze, but he made no move to stop the challenge. His eyes flicked between Naruto and Red Boy, clearly sensing the deep-rooted connection between them.

Naruto, his heart pounding with adrenaline, looked at Issei, who was equally shocked by the sudden appearance of Red Boy.

Issei took a deep breath, his determination burning brighter than ever. "I'm in."

Naruto clenched his fists, the power of Wukong stirring inside him. "Let's do this."

The hall buzzed with excitement and tension as the challenge was set in motion. The battle between Naruto and Issei against Riser Phoenix and Red Boy would decide the fate of Rias' wedding and possibly much more.

Naruto could feel Wukong's presence in the back of his mind, his voice filled with both anger and anticipation. "That little brat… Red Boy. I should've known he'd come crawling back for another fight. Be careful, Naruto he's not the same as before."

Naruto's eyes locked onto Red Boy, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. He could feel the weight of the challenge, but more than that, he could feel Wukong's anger bubbling beneath the surface.

"Ready, Issei?" Naruto asked, his voice steady.

Issei nodded, summoning his Boosted Gear. "Let's kick their ass."

As the crowd looked on, the stage was set. The battle for Rias' future and Naruto's confrontation with the past was about to begin.

Chapter 9 – Round Two End

A/N

That's the end! I decided to bring Kang Jin in as the first member of Naruto's group she seems cool and would be an interesting character to have around.

And yes, Red Boy is back, and he's made a deal with Riser... who would've thought?

Next chapter will feature the 2v2, but don't worry, I'll update in a day or so,keep an eye out for it.

Thank you so much for enjoying this story it really means a lot, as always!

Until next time,

byebye!