I do not own Naruto or AOT

Chapter 1: Aftermath of Shiganshina

"We can save all the Eldians"

"You've shown your true colors devil"

"We are true warriors"

"Let's see if you're an Uzumaki"

"I Love you Naruto"

-Naruto POV-

I woke up and was startled from my sleep. It was just a dream. I sat up and looked around. I saw many people: adults, old, young, and some injured.

Where was he?

It took a minute until the memories came back to me.

The Huge skinless breaking a hole Wall Maria, the titans entering, the deaths, the destruction replayed in his head.

Even...

I was about to investigate but upon realizing I was holding onto something in my hands, my blood froze

My mothers sword

I stared at the weapon in my hands. This was the last thing I had to remember her. Tears welled up as they fell down my cheek and onto the weapon.

Memories played off the times I had spent with her.

Training me in swordsmanship.

Scolding me for fighting along with Eren.

Her constant tease about my crush on Mikasa

Her Hugs and kisses.

The weapon held my gaze, and in that moment, a single thought raced through my mind.

The armored titan

I firmly grasped the sheath.

The one who took my mother's life.

Gritting my teeth hard as rage and fury coursed through my veins, I now had another goal, my real goal.

Destroy that armored titan and avenge his mother.

Where was his father at this time?

-POV-

Naruto continued to look at the sword, not even acknowledging any of the noises that were around him.

"Naruto?"

He heard his name and recognized the voice, but at that moment, he wasn't in the mood.

Eren, along with Mikasa and Armin, spotted Naruto. Despite attempting to get his attention, Naruto did not respond or react in any way.

They approached him, but halted at the sight of his expression.

Eren walked closer to his best friend, but still got no reaction.

He looked at his best friend's hands and saw the weapon his friend was holding. He recognized it as his aunt's weapon.

Without needing to explain, he furrowed his brow and firmly placed his hand on his friend's shoulder to offer comfort.

Armin felt disheartened to see his friend in this condition. He was always the one to uplift others when they were feeling low.

Mikasa approached Naruto and wrapped him in a warm hug.

"Thank you all, but...I need some time for myself," Naruto expressed his gratitude to them.

He got up and walked away from them as they looked worried, especially a certain black-haired girl.

Naruto looked around and saw his father talking to his aunt Carla.

Seeing her expression as tears streamed down her face, he must have told her about his mother's death.

Not wanting to be around that, he turned around and walked off somewhere, finding an empty area, he sat down crisscross, leaning back against the rail while keeping a hold of the sword putting it on his lap.

He slowly drew the sword from its sheath, the blade catching the light and revealing a mesmerizing reflection of his eyes.

The pure innocence of childhood had vanished from his eyes.

"Naruto"

He saw his father kneeling down and hugged him.

"We're gonna be in Wall Rose soon, so hold on tight, buddy," Minato reassured his son as he brushed his hair.

*Time skip three days later*

Once the boats arrived at Wall Rose, everyone exited and were told to move to one of the storage buildings.

Minato had found an abandoned horse stable for the kids so they could be comfortable and away from the chaos.

Naruto sat leaning against the crate, gazing up at nothing.

This early evening, he witnessed Eren and Mikasa reunite with Carla, who was now in a wheelchair, and Grisha, who had recently returned to them.

He didn't want to see this, so he left.

It was night time as everyone was asleep.

Well almost everyone

"Naruto."

"He turned his head and saw that it was Mikasa."

"You're still up?" he asked.

Mikasa nodded and walked closer to him, taking a seat by his side. "Are you okay?"

Naruto remained silent for what seemed like an eternity, not uttering a word for a whole thirty seconds.

"It happened so quickly. One moment we were close by the boat, and the next thing I knew, my dad and I were pushed away, and my mom was crushed."

His fist clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white with the force.

"When I saw that armored Titan. I was filled with so much rage and anger. I wanted to kill it, I wanted to avenge my mother."

He hopped off the crate and walked over to a wooden beam.

"But...I can't even do that!" He seethed with frustration, lashing out and repeatedly striking the beam in anger. Mikasa swiftly intervened, grabbing his arm to stop him.

She scowled. "Enough. Stop it. It's not on you. You're just a kid, Eren, Armin and I are no different. You couldn't have defeated the Armored Titan. Your mom wouldn't want you to risk your life like this."

Naruto stood in silence, finding solace in the gentle squeeze of Mikasa's hand as she reached out to comfort him.

The black, spiky-haired individual blushed as he realized that Mikasa was holding his hand.

"You don't have to face this alone. You've got me, Eren, and Armin by your side. We're here to support you every step of the way."

After the fall of Shiganshina, Naruto smiled softly and said. "Thank you Mikasa"

The two relished each other's presence in a comfortable silence.

"Could you do me a favor and try to get some sleep too?" Mikasa pleaded with him.

"Naruto nodded and gave her a small smile. "Okay, I'll try... Goodnight."

She returned a small, rare smile that always stuns him. She should smile more.

She walked back and laying down by Eren, who was asleep.

Upon seeing this, he sighed and quietly walked out of the den.

He was now in the forest area as he walked with many thoughts in his head on what to do.

He saw a tree in front of him and gazed at it.

He took a step back and assumed the stance his mother had taught him, bending down slightly to grip the sword handle

'You must know when to sense the moment to cut your target. As you draw you must loosen yourself for the attack to be precise and quick.'

"Memorizing his mother's words, he closed his eyes and focused."

…

…

…

A low breeze of wind blew as he remained still

…

…

…

With a sharp intake of breath, his eyes flew open. In one swift motion, he unsheathed his blade and charged toward the looming tree, slashing at its bark with fervor.

It left a few cuts but they were not deep enough.

Rain soon started to come down which made it the best time to head back in and try to sleep.

"Naruto"

Hearing his name he turned and saw his dad.

"Dad?"

His father walked up to him and knelt at his level. He was hugged but it felt different as it was tight.

"Naruto, my son, I love you. You and your mother are my pride and world. You two were the reasons why I kept fighting in the scouting regiment, fighting for humanity, fighting to survive," Minato said as he broke from the hug and looked at his son. "I believe you can change humanity for the greater good."

"Dad, what do you mean by changing humanity? Are you suggesting eliminating all the titans?" Naruto inquired.

Minato gave a sad smile. "Unfortunately I won't have time to tell you." he took off something from his neck.

(A/E Tsunade Necklace)

"This necklace belonged to my family," Minato said as he tied the jewelry around his son's neck.

Naruto looked down, admiring the small green crystal gem, and was gonna question his father.

All of a sudden, he witnessed a dazzling golden thunderbolt striking somewhere nearby.

His eyes widened as he recognized it. He was about to run to it, but his father grabbed his arm and held him firmly

"Dad, what are you doing? Did you see that?"

"Minato reached inside his trench coat and pulled something out. It was a small black case. He opened it to reveal a syringe, but it was no ordinary one. The needle was larger than usual, and the syringe was filled with a bright purple liquid."

"Dad, what's that?" Naruto asked, his voice filled with confusion.

"Regret filled Minato's voice as he said, 'I'm sorry, son, but this has to be done,' while solemnly reaching for the item inside the case taking it out."

"Naruto felt a rush of fear and confusion as he desperately tried to pull away. "Dad, please, let me go!"

Minato had tears as his son pleaded with him, but he had to stay strong and finally stuck the needle in him before injecting the liquid.

Naruto's body became stiff, and the last thing he saw and heard was his father apologizing once more as tears flowed.

His vision faded into darkness

*The next morning*

"Naruto?"

"Naruto?"

"Naruto, wake up!'

Naruto groaned as he heard his name and began to open his eyes.

He was lying face down on the ground. How did he end up here?

His vision was a little blurry, and he didn't recognize the person calling him until it cleared and he turned to see who it was.

"Eren?" Naruto managed to sit up as he looked at his best friend. "What happened?"

"I was gonna ask you that? I found you passed out." Eren said

"Passed out?" Naruto said. "I remember taking a walk and after that…I can't remember."

Eren was taken aback by this. The same just like him. Though he couldn't remember exactly how he ended up outside.

He noticed his friend's necklace. "Hey, where did you get that necklace?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and looked down and saw around his neck a green crystal gem.

Where did this come from?

He began to have a small headache and a small memory of his father tying the necklace around him.

"My dad, he gave me this." Though that begs the question

Where was his father?

Noticing something on Eren's neck. "What's with that key?" Naruto asked

Eren wondered what his friend meant and looked down to see a key hanging around his neck.

It wasn't an ordinary key. It was the basement key.

The basement that his father was to show him but..why leave this to him.

Where did both their fathers go?

Refugee Camp Military Headquarters

Naruto, along with Mikasa and Eren walked to where they were handing out some food to the Refugees.

The scene was chaotic as some people were fighting over food.

Wild animals.

It was a sad sight to Naruto as he shook his head while Eren looked in disgust.

"Hey guys!" They saw Armin, who came over carrying three loaves of bread. "My grandpa was able to get some extra bread; I can split one with you, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head. "No, you eat, Armin."

Armin shook his head. "Come on Naruto, I can't do that."

"Look, Armin, no offense, but you need it more. I'll wait, and see what they have left."

Naruto walks to a line.

As Eren and the others were gonna eat they heard a soldier speak

"Why should we be sharing our food with the outsiders?" A soldier talking to another.

Eren froze as he heard this.

"If the Titan were breaking through anyways, they should have eaten more people so there would be fewer mouths." the second soldier said.

He didn't take this remark and walked over to them.

"Wait Eren!" Armin tried to stop him, knowing how his friend was.

Eren kicked the soldier in the leg hard and glared at him.

"Hey, what the hell, brat!" The soldier grunted and was going to punch Eren. But Just as he did, he was jabbed in the Adam's Apple by a scabbard, making the soldier gasp, holding his throat, and felt an impact to the stomach hard, dropping him to his knees in front of his attacker as he struggled to breathe.

It revealed to be Naruto

The second soldier was going to kick him, but Naruto easily deflected it with his weapon and kicked the man straight in the Jewel, dropping him.

The crowd watched in awe that a young boy had taken down two soldiers. A girl with short blonde hair saw the scene and watched how the event would unfold.

The first soldier just managed to get his breathing back and when looking up he was met with a blade inches from face.

He swallowed his saliva nervously

Naruto's eyes were cold blue.

"You two are ungrateful pieces of shits," Naruto growled. "You have no idea, the pain, the suffering, the loss that me, and all these people had to endure!" He continued.

"We lost our home, we lost loved ones, we lost family, we lost friends! Everything that we all had is Gone!! So who are you to judge us after everything we had to endure?! You sit on your asses and do nothing but be useful drunks!! Maybe it would be better to throw both of your useless asses to the Titans. Then maybe everyone here will have more food for their stomachs instead of wasting it on two useless good-for-nothing soldiers!!!" He shouted in fury at the end.

The stress of everything that has happened to him was coming out.

Armin could swear he saw Naruto's eyes flash red but thought maybe he was seeing things.

The civilians had felt Naruto's words and he couldn't be more than right. Some had recognized his appearance and knew him to be Minato's son.

Calming down, Naruto pulled back his blade and sheathed into his scabbard. "Come on Eren," he said to him as they walked back to their friends.

"Go Eren, I'll meet in a bit," He separated from him and went in a line to get some food.

"Naruto"

Hearing his name he turned around and saw his aunt Carla, who was pushed by Armin's grandfather.

"Aunt Carla, how are you feeling?" He asked.

Carla hugged him tight. "I'm fine. thanks to your mother. I'm so sorry Naruto. She was a hero, she was a sister to me, I'll never forget her. Just know that I'm here for you."

Naruto teared up and appreciated this hugging her.

"Aunt Carla. You know Eren will want to join the Survey Corps. But I promise you, I'll watch out for him and have his back, we both promised each other this." He looked at her with his eyes full of determination.

Carla smiled sadly as she knew her son's now burning desire to join, even knowing Mikasa will join too. She was thankful for her sister's son but prayed that they all will be safe.

Eventually, Naruto was able to get something to eat, but unfortunately, it was the last of the bread but he gave it to Carla. She refused, but he would not hear it and gave it to her before walking away, knowing she would try to give it back to him.

While he walked he was then stopped by someone.

He turned back and saw a girl that was the same age as him maybe a year older. She had short blonde hair with some bangs in front. Blue eyes and a stoic expression.

She was pretty cute

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Here," she said handing him a warm potato

Taken back by the gesture he looked at her. "Not that I don't appreciate it but what about you?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I'm alright."

Naruto frowned at this and took the potato. He then broke it into two and handed the other half.

"Here, it's the least I can do." He told her and smiled

The girl was surprised at this and expected him to leave.

She took the other half. "Thank you," she muttered

"I should be thanking you; by the way, I never got your name; I'm Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki."

The girl's eyes widened at the last name but quickly went back to being cold and didn't speak as she just looked at him. "Annie Leonhart"

Naruto nodded. "Thanks for the potato Annie. I appreciate it."

She didn't reply but nodded before leaving.

"Wait?" He called out to her.

She stopped.

"I hope to see you around again." He told her and gave a fox like grin.

Seeing this Annie had a light blush across her cheeks before she left.

Naruto and his friends were out in the hallway.

"I'm going to Wall Maria, to fight the Titans" declared Eren.

"But Eren, there's no need for you to go there, let the soldiers do it." Armin said.

"And what if they can't!" Eren argued "Most have done nothing but being drunk and lazy sitting around not doing their duties. I'm not gonna be like them, sitting inside the walls and acting tough." he threw his bread to the ground.

Naruto just ate his warm potato taking small bites.

"But why though, think about your mom- Armin said but..

"They took her legs away! she'll never walk ever again or have a normal life!" Eren shouted."

"At least your mom is alive." Naruto said with a somewhat bitter tone

This made Eren look at his best friend. "Naruto, don't you wanna avenge your mom? They took her away too!"

"Eren that's enough" Mikasa said to him as he was going too far.

"You don't think I want you to do that now," Naruto said in a dark tone. "I want nothing more than to have that Armor Titans blood on my blade, but we all are weak. We ourselves don't have the skills or the equipment to take one down, so for now we have no choice but to live like this behind the walls."

"He's right Eren there's nothing we can do but be safe behind the walls, it's our only choice!" Armin argued

"That's just an excuse if you don't want to fight then you can live like cattle's!" Eren shouted.

Naruto stood up on his feet, enraged by his friend's statement.

Out of nowhere Eren was punched in the face knocking him to the ground.

By Mikasa who shocked the boys.

"If they are cowards then so are we. We couldn't even run from the Titans on our own. We couldn't get food without help today, there's no possible way anyone as weak as the four of us could kill or even harm one. So right now we need to focus on our survival, and I will not let you starve." She then stuck the bread that Armin gave her into Eren's mouth.

Eventually tearing up he gave in and bit down onto the bread as he ate.

Mikasa sat next to him and picked up the bread he threw and wiped it clean before eating it.

Naruto didn't feel hungry anymore and just put his potato in his pocket.

He walked away

"Naruto, where are you going?" Armin questioned.

"I need time for myself." He said

"Wait Naruto." Eren stood up.

Naruto halted.

"I-im sorry about what I said" Eren apologized to his best friend as he regretted it.

"...water under the bridge" Naruto said and continued walking off as he needed time to cool down.

Walking out of the headquarters he went to the forest area where he was training last night.

He knew some of Eren's words were out of frustration but…still he couldn't help but be angry at being called a cattle.

He was by no means no damn cattle.

At least his Mother is alive, at least he still has his family.

And what does he have? He hasn't found his father since last night and no one has seen him.

Naruto gritted his teeth and shook away those thoughts. Feeling sorry for himself is not going to help him in any way.

He had two years before he and the others joined the survey corps.

Unbeknownst to him he was watched far by three individuals.

"You sure he said Uzumaki Annie?" A blonde haired boy who was pretty big questioned.

Annie glanced at the blonde with a stoic cold expression though was irritated by her 'teammates' repeated questions. "Yes, I'm sure I heard him Reiner."

"But I thought Uzumak's were supposed to have red hair" another boy said. He had dark hair and was taller slightly than the blond male known as Reiner.

"Bertholdt is right, he doesn't have any of their features." Reiner said

"Like. I. Said. His last name is Uzumaki. It's more likely he got his hair from his father. Look who cares, we've already completed half of our mission right?" questioned the girl

Reiner sighed. "Look, Annie, we got to make sure he really is one. Cause If he really is, then we have to secure him before these devils find out about his lineage"

"What about the founder Reiner?" Bertholdt asked

"We're still in the dark about its whereabouts; attacking wall Maria was supposed to draw it out." Reiner continued. "So for now we watch out for Uzumaki. Find out if he is the one."

"And if he is?" asked the tall Bertholdt

"Then we take him with us. He's the only one that can secure Marley's future." Reiner said

Annie rolled her eyes at the boy's declaration, Marley warriors would call this loyalty but to her she calls it kiss ass.

She continued watching the black spiky hair said boy.

Naruto Uzumaki. He seemed very interesting.

Standing on the ground he looked around and frowned. He kept looking till he saw a tree that had slash marks.

He walked up to it and traced them with his finger.

Looks like his sword skills have seemed to improve but still no better but he had two years to improve that, by the time he then finishes the three years with the survey corps he'll be ready.

Looking at his mother's sword he had looked up and was determined to become the best, not only to avenge his mother but to prevent anyone suffering as he did.

He took the same stance from before and faced the tree he had cut last night. Bending his knees down slightly he placed his right hand on the handle of his blade.

Like before he concentrated as he remained still...

...

Then he felt it once more.

He dashed toward the tree and drew his blade and made a dozen slashes like before.

Sheathing back his weapon, Naruto stood up and looked at his result.

They were now much better than before as he made gashes across the tree only a few more slashes and it would have been cut down.

As he admired his work he heard footsteps behind causing him to look back and to his surprise it was Annie.

"Oh hey Annie, I didn't expect to see you again so soon"

The stoic girl didn't answer and just looked at the tree that was cut. Taking a closer look she saw the gash marks.

She had to admit it was pretty impressive, she can tell he was trained well.

"So, not that I don't mind enjoying your company and seeing your cute face, but is there something you need?" Naruto jokes as he chuckled.

Annie didn't expect the comment and turned her face away with a light blush. "idiot," she muttered. "I just wanted to give you this." Walking up to him and holding out a cookie.

A chocolate chip cook. His mom's favorite.

Seeing it brought up sad memories but he pushed them back knowing he needed to move on.

Taking the cookie and just like the potato he split it in half handing her the other half. "I would feel bad if I didn't share, besides you really didn't have to do this."

The two ate their sweets as they took small bites to enjoy it.

"So Annie, tell me about yourself, where are you from?" He asked.

Annie paused. She didn't consider making an alibi since she had planned to be a lone wolf.

"I'm from my village." She answered hopefully enough

"Oh yeah, wall Maria was to have some villages upward or something like that. Truthfully I never studied much in class." Naruto sheepishly scratches the back of his head.

Annie nodded. "And I'm guessing you must be from Shiganshina?" She asked.

"Yeah, my father and I along with my friends and his family made it out." Naruto said.

"And your mother?" Annie asked.

He paused as a flashing memory of his mother's death came up..

"S-she died. She was killed when the armored titan broke through the inner wall, she sacrificed herself to save me and my father's life."

Annie cursed at herself for asking this. She knew Reiner was responsible given that was the order.

"Sorry." She apologized, something she rarely did.

"It's all right, you didn't know." Naruto reassured her. Showing her the sword. "This sword used to belong to her. it's the last thing I have to remember her by."

"What was she like?" Annie asked.

Naruto smiled. "She was the nicest person you'd ever meet, as long as you didn't make her angry, she had a furious temper." he gave a small laugh as he remembered his mother being furious at his father for accidentally leaving his ODM out on the open with his blades which he was close to getting..

Let's say his father had to request a couple days off to heal.

"But what stood her out from the rest of everyone was her hair."

Annie raised an eyebrow. "Her hair?" her eyes then widened.

"Yeah her hair color was actually bright red. If you were looking for her she was not hard to find. To be honest I wished I had red hair, I think I'd look good. What do you think?"

Annie looked at him and imagined Naruto with red hair…blushing she shook the thought away.

What's going on with her

"Hey Annie there you are," someone called out.

The two looked and much to Annie's annoyance saw her two teammates.

"Oh friends of yours Annie?" Naruto asked.

"... Somewhat, we came from the same village" she said.

"Oh that's good." Naruto said as he finished the last bit of the cookie. "Nice to meet you guys, I'm Naruto Uzumaki." He extended a handshake.

Bertholdt and Reiner glanced at one another.

Reiner shook his hand. "Reiner, and this is Bertholdt"

"Nice to meet you both," Naruto smiled.

Time skip*

Half the day Naruto with Annie had gotten to know both Bertholdt and Reiner. They all exchanged their past and stories, even their goals for the future.

Naruto could see his friends in the trio.

It was pretty freaky.

Annie seemed to be cold and hardly gave any expression like Mikasa

Reiner seemed to be a little hothead like Eren

And Bertholdt seemed to be shy and quiet like Armin.

It was sad that he couldn't meet their other friend Marcel who he was told sacrificed himself when a titan attacked them giving them a chance to escape. The way they described him he sounded a lot like…himself.

"So you're gonna join the survey corps?" Asked Reiner.

Naruto nods. "Yeah, After all the training I had endured and went through, I'm not gonna waste it by doing nothing. I know a lot of people say it's foolish and it'll only lead me to my death but."

He unsheathed his sword slightly looking at the blade that reflected his eyes before closing it back.

"I want to avenge my mom, and not just that. But to prevent people from suffering losses of family and loved ones."

"That's a pretty noble goal, Naruto." Bertholdt smiled.

"I guess that comes from my dads side." Naruto said. "What about you three, are you planning to join too?"

"Well, we've been thinking about it." Reiner said

"It would be great to have you guys, something tells me you three got what it takes." Naruto said.

"How can you tell?" Asked Reiner raised an eyebrow.

"I guess you can say It's just a feeling, plus something tells me you guys are warriors"

This made the three jump in fright and all started to sweat bullets.

"W-what do you mean?" Bertholdt stuttered. Does he know who they are??

"My mother used to tell me about the true meaning of being a warrior. One that fights for another and stands up for what you believe in and has the will to accept defeat but learn from the mistakes, even willing to sacrifice to save your precious ones." Naruto repeating his mother's quote.

The three were taken back by this. Was that what he really believed in?

To Annie, It seemed every minute Naruto Uzumaki became interesting.

"Oh man, I didn't think we were talking long all day." Naruto said as he noticed the sun going down.

"Yeah, it's getting late already." Bertholdt said.

"We better get going," Reiner said as he stood up along with Bertholdt.

"Same here, I hope to see you two again." Naruto said.

"Yeah, hopefully we'll see you around too." Reiner said and Bertholdt smiled as he nodded. "Annie you coming?"

"Go without me, I need to ask something from Uzumaki," she said.

The boys looked at each other and shrugged as they left.

"So what is it you wanted to ask me?" Naruto asked.

"When you described the true meaning of a warrior. Do you really believe that?"

Naruto looked at the blonde girl giving a small smile.

"Yup"

"But you said you're gonna be a soldier. How can you be a warrior if you are to be ordered by someone." Annie questioned.

"Ah I see what you mean. Being a soldier is what I'll be, yes but it does not mean I'll forget who I am, and what I fight for. I won't be a yes man and go in blindly and won't be afraid to speak my mind, regardless of their ranks, it can get me seriously in trouble yes but I'd rather try and face the consequences than die for nothing."

Annie stared at Naruto who fidgeted under her gaze. "You're very interesting Uzumaki. maybe we'll meet again sometime"

Naruto blushed at this. "Oh, uh well thanks..hope to see you and the others in the corps."

After this Annie departed from him as she walked off to which she saw both Bertholdt and Reiner waiting for her.

"Looks like you were right Annie." Reiner said.

"So what do we do now?" Asked Bertholdt.

"He's going to join the survey corps, which means we'll be entering as well. It's a perfect opportunity to learn their tactics, weapons and especially their ODM gear. Plus we still have to look for the founding" Reiner said.

Annie didn't bother listening to what Reiner spoke as he continued talking while she thought about Naruto's words.

His description of what a warrior is was different…it was something that she did not expect. Especially how she was taught and trained to be one. 'Naruto Uzumaki. Your different'

Naruto was walking back to the stable and to his surprise he saw a familiar face outside the stable.

Mikasa

"Mikasa? What are you doing out here?" He asked.

The raven haired girl walked up to him.

"I was waiting for you, I was worried after you and Eren had that small argument." She said with a concerned expression

"Oh…well like I said water under the bridge." He told and was to head inside but Mikasa grabbed his hand stopping him.

Naruto looks at her confused.

"I'm sorry." She said sincerely.

Naruto looked confused. "Sorry for what?"

"About what Eren said. You know he didn't mean it and feels guilty about it."

Naruto couldn't help but give an inner chuckle 'Of course, I shouldn't be surprised.' He should have known it was about him.

"Look Mikasa like I said it's fine. I'm tired, I just wanna go to bed." He told her, hoping it was enough to convince her

"Where were you though? Eren, Armin and I were looking for you almost all day." She questioned

Naruto sighed. "I just talked to a couple of refugees. They came from their home village visiting Shiganshina and got caught up in the attack. It's kind of funny, they're just like you, Armin and Eren. I think you'd get along with Annie

"Annie?" Mikasa frowned. Hearing this for some reason made her uncomfortable and…annoyed?

"Yeah, I can tell she's strong and may even give you a challenge."

"I see…" some reason that statement worried and annoyed her further.

"It's getting late, we should get some sleep." Naruto told her as he went into the horse stable.

As Mikasa watched him go in she thought about his words and the compliment he gave about this Annie.

She did not like It one bit.

But…they were just friends. It's not like she has a say who he makes friends with.

She sighed and just went back inside with the others.

Naruto laid on a bed of straw as he stared at the ceiling.

He hoped that Annie and the others would join the corps, they could be helpful. And they seemed to be trustworthy. Especially Annie.

"Naruto"

Turning over he saw his best friend and sat up.

"Yeah, what's up Eren?" He asked.

"I just want to apologize again for what I said earlier. I shouldn't have said those things to you and Armin. Can you really forgive me?" Eren asked.

Naruto looked at his best friend. He can see that his friend was very sincere.

"Yeah, were good." He held out a fist to which Eren bumped back.

Armin and Mikasa smiled seeing this.

Everyone soon fell asleep except Naruto who just slowly drifted away.

'Dad, wherever you are, please be safe. Mom, I promise to make you proud and protect my comrades and the ones I cherish the most.'

Eventually Naruto drifted to sleep and was ready to prepare himself for the next two years until he and his friend joined the survey scouts.

He'll protect his friends…no matter what.

End chapter 2

Next chapter will be the training. I'm still debating how long I should make it, honestly I want to get to the battle but I don't want to disappoint or rush. should Naruto have a harem yes or no. thanks again for reading this new chapter hope you all enjoyed it. remember to follow or favorite, comment your ideas and what you enjoy. have a good day or night, this is Naruto4life peace out