Yo
How's life lads? Good? That is wonderful to hear!
This chapter and the next one is gonna be intense, so buckle up, fasten those seat belts because it about to go down!
Start:
In the sprawling coliseum of Asgard, a palpable excitement filled the air as gods and goddesses gathered in droves, their cheers echoing off the ancient stone walls.
At one end of the arena stood Naruto, his expression serious and focused, contrasting sharply with the mood around him. Across from him, Thor reveled in the attention, his laughter booming and his arms raised in jubilation as he basked in the adulation of his fellow deities.
While the crowd's enthusiasm surged, Naruto eyed Thor, who was clearly enjoying the pre-battle festivities with gusto. The God of Thunder, always the heart of Asgard's warrior spirit, seemed unstoppable in his merriment. Yet, beneath his cheerful exterior, Naruto could sense the formidable power of one of Asgard's mightiest gods.
The past several days had been a crucible of challenges for Naruto, with each day bringing a new trial. These weren't just battles; they were lessons in the art of war, spectacles that thrilled the onlookers and tested the mettle of those who dared enter the arena.
Naruto relished the competition, the rush of adrenaline that came with each duel. He had faced a succession of gods and goddesses, each endowed with unique abilities that set them apart.
One opponent could manipulate fire, enveloping the arena in a blazing inferno that Naruto had to outmaneuver. Another controlled the elements, summoning gusts of wind and bolts of lightning that Naruto countered with precise timing and clever use of his own jutsu.
Each battle was a puzzle, a series of strategic decisions made in the heat of combat.
With every victory, Naruto's reputation grew. The shinobi's adaptability and prowess became the talk of Asgard, his name whispered with respect and a hint of awe.
Though everyone already recognized his prowess and capabilities from defeating Baldur and Heimdall, it was also of how he seemingly could not be brought down by whoever he faced.
It was no stretch to say that the deities of Asgard were just awe-struck by the idea of a mortal not only defeating Gods, but not losing to a single one thus yet!
However, just as Naruto was rising through the ranks of the tournament, so was Thor. The god of thunder, true to his reputation as one of the top ten warriors of the realm, faced his challengers with a blend of brute strength and battle wisdom that few could match.
Now, as the tournament reached its climax on this final day, Naruto stood facing Thor in what was anticipated to be the most thrilling match of the event. The air was thick with anticipation, every spectator on the edge of their seat, every eye fixed on the two warriors in the center of the arena.
And up in the stands, seated with only a few individuals around her, notably those goddesses and Valkyries not intimidated by her presence—such as Freya, the Goddess of Love and the Queen; Sif, the wife of Thor; Sigrun, the leader of the Valkyries; Nanna, wife of Baldur; and Skadi, goddess of winter and the hunt—Hel looked across the expanse of the arena.
Her gaze was particularly locked onto Naruto, with whom she had enjoyed several meaningful conversations over the past few days. To Hel, Naruto was a kindred soul, someone who understood her and made an effort to be around her despite her fearsome reputation.
For that, she already liked him.
And knowing that he could relate to her made him even more likable in her eyes.
Freya, observing Hel's fixed gaze, leaned closer and commented with a knowing smile, "It seems you are quite intrigued by Naruto, Hel."
Hel turned slightly, her expression cool yet sincere as she responded, "He is a kind soul, one whose presence I genuinely enjoy."
The queen of the God's eyebrows raised in mild surprise, her interest piqued by Hel's uncharacteristically open admission. The rest of the group also turned to listen, their curiosity clearly evident.
Sigrun, with a playful glint in her eye, drew out a long, "Ohhh," clearly implying something more in Hel's words.
Her teasing tone caused some of the female deities and Valkyries around them to giggle, while Hel rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. She wasn't truly bothered, understanding the playful nature of her companions.
Seeing an opportunity for some lighthearted banter, Sigrun leaned in, teasing Hel a bit more. "Seems like our Hel has found herself smitten, hasn't she?"
Hel maintained her composure, but a slight smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She shot back, quick-witted and sharp, "At least I'm not the one who's infatuated with Mimir's tales more than Mimir himself."
The comeback caught Sigrun off guard, causing her to gasp, while Freya, Sif, Nanna, Skadi, and the others burst into laughs and guffaws, playfully poking fun at the Valkyrie queen. Sigrun's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, but she laughed along, appreciating the humor.
As the laughter subsided, Hel's thoughts drifted back to Naruto and his impending challenge. She pondered what the blonde mortal might request from the All-Father should he win against Thor.
Though Thor was indeed a formidable opponent, renowned across the pantheon for his strength and valor, Naruto had proven himself to be full of surprises. No deity had been able to best him in the tournament thus far, making each of his matches a spectacle of skill and strategy.
Hel, like everyone else, was captivated by the promise of what was to be one of the most thrilling matches in the history of their pantheon.
Down below, the shinobi continued with his serious disposition.
Normally, Naruto would have beamed with excitement, stars dazzling his eyes while he soaked in the cheers of the crowd much like his opponent, Thor. But today, his usual enthusiasm was tempered by a serious demeanor, a reflection of a conversation he'd had just the night before—a conversation that weighed heavily on his mind.
Flashback No Jutsu
Naruto's feet were submerged in water as he wandered the expanse of the sewers in his mind, a place he hadn't visited in quite some time.
The damp, echoing tunnels were familiar, yet always a bit eerie. He stopped walking when his gaze eventually locked onto a pair of crimson, slitted eyes. The atmosphere was charged, the air almost palpable with tension as shinobi and beast glared at one another.
After a tense moment of silence, the Kyuubi finally spoke, its voice deep and resonant echoing off the sewer walls. "Naruto, you should use my power tomorrow in the fight."
Naruto scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And why would I do that? It's not like you're not trying to exploit me or something."
The Kyuubi remained oddly calm, its massive form sitting still in the shadows. "Your suspicion is well-founded, given our history," it conceded in a surprisingly mild tone.
Naruto's eyes narrowed further, his suspicion only growing as he noticed the demon's lack of aggressiveness—something so uncharacteristic it set him further on edge. "What's your play here?" he asked, a hard edge to his voice.
The Kyuubi eyed Naruto, its gaze intense and unreadable. After a long pause, it replied, "This time, I want to help you take a path forward in your quest for bringing peace to this world."
…
…
Naruto blinked, taken aback by the statement. The incredulity of hearing such words from the beast that had tormented him for so much of his life was overwhelming. However, he decided to hold his ire and at least humor the beast. "And using your chakra is the first step to peace?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
The Bijuu chuckled, a sound that grated on Naruto's nerves. "The man you face tomorrow is different from the rest. While your Sage Mode is powerful, it also has its limits, as shown during your fight with Pain. That was a battle you won only by luck."
He gritted his teeth, holding back a scathing reply. Despite the sting to his pride, he knew deep down that the fox was speaking the truth.
"It is possible for you to win using only Sage Mode, especially since your base state has grown much stronger with all the training you've done in this world. However, there is still a good chance that Thor—" the Kyuubi paused, its tone dismissive as it refused to acknowledge anyone here as a god, "—can defeat you. And that would harm your chances when trying to attain peace."
Naruto scoffed at the notion. "Peace doesn't happen because of power. Understanding one another, coexisting in harmony—that's what will help secure peace."
The Kyuubi eyed the shinobi for a long minute before closing its eyes in thought.
The silence stretched between them, heavy and fraught with unspoken words. Naruto waited, his stance defensive, yet open to hearing what the creature might say next.
Finally, after a good while, the Kyuubi opened its eyes, its gaze piercing as it stared into Naruto's. "I want to tell you a story, Naruto. A tale of two young men that existed a long time ago back in the Elemental Nations, when even I was but a young kit," the Kyuubi's voice rumbled softly, a stark contrast to its usual tone.
Naruto, despite the deep-seated animosity he harbored for the demon fox, found himself drawn in by the promise of a story he hadn't heard before. His curiosity piqued, he nodded for the Kyuubi to continue.
"These two young men were the sons of the legendary Sage of Six Paths. One was called Indra, and the other, Ashura. Despite being brothers, they were as different as day and night in nearly every way," the Kyuubi narrated, its voice taking on a reflective quality.
The shinobi listened intently, his usual wariness temporarily pushed aside by his intrigue. He leaned in slightly, not wanting to miss a word.
"The siblings loved each other intensely," the Kyuubi continued. "But as they grew, so too did the burden of succeeding their father, the Sage of Six Paths, who was growing weaker with age. One of his sons was expected to take up his mantle and keep the peace he had achieved. This responsibility began to drive a wedge between the brothers, who held fundamentally different ideologies. Indra believed that might was necessary to maintain order, while Ashura thought that kindness and understanding were the keys to peace."
Naruto's animosity and suspicion were all but forgotten as he listened to the story, completely transfixed by the tale of these legendary figures.
"To ensure that the one who succeeded him possessed the right qualities of leadership, the Sage of Six Paths sent both his sons on different journeys to aid two villages in need, to secure a better future. These tests had no time limit, and efficiency is what mattered, and so, Indra and Ashura set out to fulfill their father's commands."
The Kyuubi paused, its eyes distant as if lost in the memories of that ancient time. "True to his abilities, Indra solved the problem facing the village he visited in just a day. Ashura, on the other hand, was not as naturally talented as his older brother. He failed far more than he succeeded, and it took him a full year to resolve the village's issues."
A small, unintentional smile flickered across the Kyuubi's face, something Naruto immediately noticed. The Kyuubi seemed almost... proud, reflecting on Ashura's journey.
"When Ashura finally returned home, he did not come back alone. He had earned the loyalty and admiration of everyone he had helped in that village. Some admired him so much that they left their own homes to follow him," the Kyuubi explained, a rare note of warmth in its voice.
The concept struck a chord with Naruto, pulling a genuine smile from him. The story resonated deeply, echoing his own experiences and beliefs about leadership and the power of connection and perseverance.
"Why are you telling me this, Kyuubi?" Naruto asked after a moment, his voice soft but curious.
"I'll explain in the end," the Kyuubi responded, its voice deep and resonant in the confined space of the sewer.
Naruto nodded, signaling for the fox to continue.
"When both sons returned, the Sage of Six Paths, who had kept track of events in both villages, gave his assessment. Despite everyone's expectations, he chose Ashura as his successor," the Kyuubi's voice held a note of gravity. "This decision stunned both brothers profoundly."
"Naturally, a disagreement followed," the Kyuubi continued. "That's when the Sage explained what had happened in both villages. Just a day after Indra left, the village he helped fell into chaos, the residents fighting and killing one another."
Naruto's brow furrowed, absorbing the implications of Indra's short-term solution.
"Then the Sage turned to Ashura's achievements," the Kyuubi said. "Weeks after Ashura left his village, the people there were still thriving. Not only had he resolved their problems in a way where it fostered the bonds of those living there, but he had also earned their admiration so profoundly that many chose to leave their home and follow him thereafter."
The Kyuubi paused, its gaze narrowing as it looked up at the ceiling, a bitter expression crossing its features.
"Following the Sage's choice to have Ashura inherit his mantle, Indra couldn't accept it. His inability to see beyond power as the means to peace led to the conflict that would initiate a long history of bloodshed, a history of bloodshed that never ended and continued to this day back in the elemental nation."
Naruto grimaced, now understanding the beginnings of the enduring cycle of hate and war in the Elemental Nations.
The Kyuubi sighed, its gaze lowering back to Naruto. "Had Ashura been stronger, he could have defeated Indra permanently and perhaps prevented all this suffering."
Though the bijuu inwardly scoffed at the wishful thinking, humans would always find a reason to wage war on one another.
It was going to happen sooner or later.
Naruto quickly cut in, "But power can't be the solution to creating peace."
The Kyuubi nodded slowly, "Peace through force, through the strong forcing others into submission, isn't true peace. However," it added, its voice growing firmer, "power is still required to protect peace, to help lend a way for peace to flourish."
Naruto absorbed these words, the complexity of the issue dawning on him. He understood the Kyuubi's point—while brute strength alone couldn't build a lasting peace, it was necessary to defend it.
The Kyuubi's eyes narrowed into slits of intense seriousness as he fixed his gaze on Naruto. "Ever since our arrival in this dimension, I have been keeping a close eye on you. Whatever you have learned during our time here, so have I, that includes the list of the top ten strongest beings below the three beasts." the Kyuubi's voice was low, resonant in the dampness of the sewer.
Naruto furrowed his brows, confusion etching his features. The connection between their earlier discussion about the Sage of Six Paths and this new topic was elusive. "I'm not following you," He admitted. "What does this list have to do with anything?"
"The list of the top ten strongest beings below the three great beasts," the Kyuubi repeated, undeterred by his host's confusion, "it's crucial to understand the significance of where you stand among them. While this battle in the arena may be purely for entertainment, the implications don't have to be limited to that."
The shinobi listened, trying to grasp where the Kyuubi was leading with this.
"By defeating Thor, who is reputed to be among the top ten, your reputation will undoubtedly increase. And with that, so will the visibility of your ideals about peace," the Kyuubi explained, laying out its thoughts methodically. "While many may oppose your views, for them to even be considered in the first place, you need to be noticed. In this world, just like any other world, those with power are the ones who are heard."
Naruto remained silent for a moment, digesting the information. Despite his initial reluctance, he had to admit the logic was sound. "What you're saying does make sense," he said slowly, his voice reflecting his begrudging agreement.
"But why? Why are you trying to support me after everything?" Naruto's question was pointed, the emphasis on their shared history heavy in the air between them.
The Kyuubi closed its eyes briefly, reopening them after a moment where its thoughts seemed to travel far beyond the confines of their current world.
"While you are more capable than Ashura was at his age, you both share the same ideals and convictions. I've observed you since we arrived here," the Kyuubi's voice softened, "helping the young redhead and her group, aiding the vampires, befriending many in the Norse pantheon... Your actions, they remind me of Ashura."
It paused, taking a long moment to gather its thoughts, the massive form seemingly shrinking as it introspected. Naruto watched the creature, his eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and newfound understanding. The tension that had always simmered between them felt different now, less charged, as if they were on the verge of something new.
Finally, the Kyuubi shifted its gaze back to Naruto. Its eyes were neither soft nor filled with the aggression or anger Naruto was accustomed to. Instead, there was a complexity there, a depth that was new.
"Perhaps I have judged you too harshly since we met," the Kyuubi began, its voice deep and more reflective than Naruto had ever heard it. "Looking at things from your perspective, I can understand why we held each other in such low regard."
Naruto listened, the weight of the Kyuubi's admission settling on his shoulders, heavy but not unwelcome.
The Kyuubi closed its eyes again, a sigh escaping its massive form. "I still wish to be free, but perhaps I have been too much like Indra... too focused on power and my own liberation to see the broader impact of my actions, and it's not like you asked for this."
Naruto took a moment before responding, his voice hesitant but sincere. "Thank you," he said softly, unsure how else to respond to the Kyuubi's unexpected introspection. His thoughts raced, reflecting on the years of pain and struggle, but also recognizing the change unfolding before him.
Recognizing that the Bijuu had noting more to say, and seeing as there was nothing more to be said on his end either, Naruto's consciousness left his mindscape. For once, not agitated, but still experiencing the usual confliction that came with being around the Bijuu.
Flashback no jutsu end.
As Naruto stepped out of his mindscape and back into the reality of the coliseum, his thoughts raced, each a divergence from worlds. The echoing words of the Kyuubi, the most formidable of the tailed beasts, replayed in his mind, especially the notion that winning this battle would elevate his ideals of peace to a place where they could not be ignored.
There was much to analyze and contemplate from his conversation the previous night, but now was neither the time nor the place for such reflections. He needed to focus, to harness the tumult of his thoughts into the strength he would need to face Thor.
And as for using the Kyuubi's chakra, better to use it as a last resort, a hidden ace up the sleeve.
The coliseum was alive with the sounds of anticipation and excitement. Gods, Goddesses, and Valkyries cheered and shouted, their voices melding into a cacophony of noise that echoed off the ancient stone walls. But as Naruto and Thor prepared to face off, a commanding presence rose.
Odin, the God-King of the Norse pantheon, stood, his mere action causing a hush to fall over the crowd.
His piercing gaze shifted between Thor, who stood confidently at one end of the arena, and Naruto, who appeared slightly perplexed but determined. The silence stretched, palpable and heavy, before Odin began to speak.
"This tournament," Odin's voice boomed across the coliseum, "will forever be etched into the history of Asgard. In the past days, we have witnessed feats of strength, courage, and skill that transcend the ordinary."
He paused, his eyes sweeping over the crowd before settling on Naruto. "Especially remarkable is the presence of Naruto Uzumaki, a mortal who has done the unthinkable. Without any sacred gear or outside help, he has defeated gods, earning not only his place in this final but also our respect and admiration. His journey is a testament to the extraordinary, a reminder that the spirit of a true warrior knows no bounds."
The crowd erupted into cheers, their roars of approval vibrating through the air. Naruto felt a swell of pride but maintained his focus, his eyes locked on Thor, who was also listening intently to Odin's speech.
Odin raised his fist, commanding silence once more. "The reward for winning this tournament," he continued, his voice clear and authoritative, "will be a wish or favor, granted by myself, as long as it is within reason."
Turning to Thor, Odin asked, "Thor, son of Asgard, what would you request should you emerge victorious today?"
Thor's booming voice filled the coliseum as he declared with a broad grin, "A dining hall's worth of mead!"
Laughter, cheers, and celebratory shouts echoed around them, and Sif, Thor's wife, could be seen rolling her eyes with fond exasperation at her husband's predictable request. Odin chuckled, his laughter mingling with the joyous sounds of the crowd.
"Very well, Thor," Odin nodded, his expression one of amused approval. "It shall be as you wish, should you win."
Then, Odin's gaze turned to Naruto, the atmosphere turning slightly more serious. "And you, Naruto Uzumaki, what would you ask of me, should you be victorious?"
Naruto paused, the weight of the question heavy upon him. The crowd fell into an anticipatory silence, every eye fixed on the young shinobi as he considered his answer. This was more than just a personal victory; it was a chance to voice his deeper aspirations.
But…
There were other ways to achieve those aspirations.
And The shinobi wanted to use this chance for something different than peace, something more… unique.
"Lord Odin," Naruto continued, his voice gaining strength as it echoed through the cavernous expanse of the coliseum, "should I win, I'd like to ask for something unusual, something beyond personal glory or gain."
The crowd fell silent, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Everyone leaned in, curious about the request that could be so important that it would be made in such a grand setting, in the final moments before a battle that could define Naruto's place among legends.
"I ask," Naruto paused, his eyes scanning the sea of faces around him, finding allies and adversaries alike, "for everyone to give Hel a chance. She's incredibly awesome and very kind. I think if you all got to know her as I have, you'd see how truly remarkable she is to be around."
A murmur rippled through the coliseum, a mix of surprise, befuddlement, and intrigue.
Here was a mortal, standing in the heart of Asgard, using his potential victory not for wealth or power but to advocate for acceptance and friendship for someone who was often misunderstood.
Odin's booming laughter broke the silence, filling the coliseum with a warmth that seemed to vibrate the very stones. "Ah, Naruto! Only you would make such a wish at a time like this!" The All-Father stood, his presence as commanding as ever, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and respect.
Thor, who had been listening intently, threw his head back and laughed heartily, his voice as thunderous as the storms he commanded. The gods and goddesses around him joined in, their laughter echoing around the ancient walls, turning surprise into celebration.
Loki, always one to appreciate the unconventional, and seeing as it concerned his usually lonesome daughter, flashed a large and genuinely pleased smile. He nodded towards Naruto, acknowledging the pure intent behind the request.
The shinobi caught the nod and sent a thumbs up to the fellow mischief maker.
The goddesses and Valkyries, including prominent figures like Freya, Sif, and Sigrun, began to tease Hel, who stood among them. Their light-hearted banter and giggles spread through their ranks, their eyes sparkling with delight and newfound curiosity about Hel and her personal relation towards the unique mortal.
Poor Hel was rooted in shock, eyes wide with stunned confusion, unable to believe what had Naruto requested and declared.
The teasing from those around her snapped her out of her befuddlement, and the Goddess of death, usually left on her own, blushed as the situation came up to her, everyone now clamoring to sit next to the ravenette and chat up a storm.
Grayfia, observing from the sidelines, covered her face in her hand, her head shaking in disappointment while she tried her absolute best to quell the smile that so desperately wanted to pop at hearing Naruto's heartfelt advocacy.
She wasn't even surprised at this point.
As laughter and gentle teasing continued to ripple through the crowd, Odin raised his hand for silence. The coliseum quieted down, though smiles still lingered on many faces.
"Very well, Naruto. It shall be done. But it seems you've already achieved your goal, as many here are now eager to learn more about Hel," Odin declared, his voice rich and powerful as he gestured towards the Goddess of Death, who still looked both stunned and incredibly touched by the turn of events.
Hel's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she met the gaze of hundreds, her eyes wide with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude as they locked onto a pair of dark sea blue orbs belonging to the mortal she was coming to associate as a friend. "Thank you, Naruto," she uttered softly, her voice barely carrying over the short distance to him but heard by those closest to her, who smiled warmly at her, and at the shinobi in question.
"See? I told you everyone would find out how nice and cool you are," Naruto called out to her, causing her to blush even more. Around her, the goddesses and Valkyries snickered and cooed, their teasing relentless but affectionate.
Odin, watching this warm exchange, nodded approvingly. "With that settled, let us proceed to the reason we are all here today!" he announced, his voice booming across the coliseum. "Let the final battle begin!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the energy in the coliseum soaring as everyone anticipated the climactic showdown. Naruto and Thor positioned themselves, a mutual nod of respect exchanged between the two warriors. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, every spectator eager to witness a battle that was now about more than just physical prowess.
It was a celebration of understanding, respect, and the power of making unlikely allies.
End.
Ooof, after so many chapters, since the start of the story really, we finally hear from the Kyuubi.
It only took so long.
Regardless though, I do hope you all enjoyed the chapter, I enjoyed writing it though it wasn't exactly easy.
Next chapter is gonna be a riot as we finally begin the long awaited battle between shinobi and a God.
Naruto, the hero of Konoha, versus Thor, the strongest son of Asgard!
Hope you all are excited for it lads!
More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Anyway, enough said for today.
Take care lads!
Peace.