This crossover focuses exclusively on the worlds of Final Fantasy 7 and Naruto, creating a unique faction that brings together characters and elements from both franchises. The goal is to create a fresh and exciting blend of these two popular universes. While the main theme centers around Final Fantasy 7 and Naruto, there is the potential to incorporate characters and elements from other franchises as well. This addition can enrich the story and introduce new dynamics that fans of various series might enjoy. By combining the rich storytelling, complex characters, and unique abilities from both Final Fantasy 7 and Naruto, this crossover aims to captivate a wide audience, allowing fans to see their favorite characters in a new light while exploring shared adventures and challenges. The inclusion of other franchises serves to enhance the narrative, providing opportunities for exciting interactions and collaborations that transcend the boundaries of the original series. Overall, this project is an exciting endeavor that seeks to merge these beloved worlds in a way that honors the essence of each while providing a fresh experience for fans.
"Did he tell you what kind of changes?" questioned Dr. Cid, a look of curiosity crossing his face.
"No, just the most important ones," Cloud replied, feeling the weight of the conversation. "Humans are a really old race and were once far more powerful than we are now, long before the Ancients arrived. The Strife bloodline, which is my lineage, goes back even further than the Ancients. The ancestor I spoke to existed in a time before the Lifestream transformed into what we know today. In his time, people had access to an energy known as chakra, which is a combination of both spiritual and physical energy. The blue energy you see on the tablet represents chakra. Mine has simply been amplified so that I can utilize it for more than just sustaining life."
Dr. Cid listened carefully, while Lucrecia, lost in thought, murmured, "That would imply everyone has this chakra."
"You are correct," Cloud confirmed, feeling the need to clarify. "Every living being possesses chakra. It's not exclusive to humans; plants and animals have it too. The Lifestream itself is a manifestation of the planet's chakra, often referred to as Natural Chakra and my ancestor mentioned that there are ten other types of this energy one of them being called Mana which we refer to as mako this is a spiritual type of energy has created that the Lifestream because of another live stream merging with our from another planet Lifestream crash landed here I do not know what the other types are for now so please don't ask as for chakra, nature chakra, and mako. Over time, it has grown so powerful that it can be visibly seen. In contrast to humans, who have this power as an intrinsic part of them, the Ancients were a group of people who had the unique ability to manipulate Mana better known as mako."
"This is truly fascinating," Dr. Cid said, clearly intrigued by the implications of this information. "While I believe you, we must find a way to present this to the wider community, to ensure that others understand its significance."
Cloud frowned at the suggestion, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. He tilted his head and scrutinized both Dr. Cid and Lucrecia for several prolonged moments, his blue eyes steady and piercing.
"You both used to work for Shinra," he began, his voice low and serious. "Dr. Cid collaborated with your cousin-in-law on a project known as the Jenova Project, but both of you left around the same time, albeit for different reasons. Dr. Crescent planned to retreat into isolation, but something changed her mind. Ever since Cid has been on a quest for revenge. Meanwhile, your cousin-in-law met a tragic end, and his wife your cousin, and daughter were taken. If you can make it to Midgar within the next two weeks, there is still a chance to save them." Cloud's revelation stunned them both, leaving the air thick with tension and uncertainty.
"How do you know that?" Lucrecia asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and urgency.
Cloud looked at her, his expression serious. "The planet wanted you both here. I don't have the ability to talk directly to the planet myself, but I have a connection to the Lifestream that allows me to communicate with my ancestors. Right now, that connection is still strong, but after today, it will fade away. It was necessary for this meeting to take place."
Lucrecia, clearly concerned, interjected with a pressing question. "How do I protect my family?"
Cloud turned his gaze toward her. "You need to talk to Gabriel Gainsborough. He's located in Sector 5 and is currently unwell. You'll be able to help him when you return home today. Once you've cured him, he will be in a position to assist you in saving your family." His words sparked a look of determination on Lucrecia's face as if she had just received a mission she would not falter from.
Cloud continued, shifting the focus to the future. "In the coming years, both of you will be responsible for monitoring my progress as I train. During this time, you'll gather what you need to seek your revenge."
Claudia, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but ask, "Train? What exactly do you need to prepare for?"
"There's a task I must complete," Cloud explained, his tone grave. "It was one of the conditions set for my return."
As the meeting wrapped up, Dr. Cid quickly excused himself, eager to head home and get ready for an unexpected journey. Meanwhile, Dr. Crescent lingered a bit longer, engaging in conversation with Claudia Strife. She was now convinced that she would be staying in this area, and it was clear she would require a place of her own.
Cloud, having been dismissed by his mother, didn't feel like going back to his workbook. Instead, he decided to leave the house and visit Tifa, seeking comfort in her company and perhaps clarity in his thoughts.
As he stepped out of the village, a sense of freedom washed over him, and he began to explore the surrounding area with a mix of curiosity and excitement. To his surprise and delight, random monsters started to appear seemingly out of nowhere. It felt as though the world itself was conjuring these creatures, presenting him with challenges that also served as a way for him to sharpen his combat skills. The monsters he faced, while initially intimidating, were nowhere near as fearsome as the terrifying figures that plagued his dreams. Those nightmares loomed over him, filled with dreadful images that haunted him night after night. The information that Naruto had been trying to share with him came in a way that Cloud could truly understand, yet it also meant that he had to endure these nightmarish events as if they were real. For many others, such experiences would be enough to shatter their spirit and crush their hopes for the future, but Cloud fought through it all with determination.
He recalled the advice he had received about pushing his body to exhaustion, only to recover using the Heal Materia he possessed. Cloud practiced this method repeatedly, all the while catching Tifa's attention. She watched him with a mixture of intrigue and confusion, wondering about the unusual training regimen he had adopted. It was simple in its design: he was focusing on building muscle through exercise, enhancing his stamina by exerting himself and increasing his magical abilities with every spell he cast. Each action he took had a specific purpose, even though at times, it felt as if that purpose was merely to drive him to the brink of insanity.
Tifa, in contrast to Cloud, had learned the Heal Spell from her mother, which made her training seem rather effortless in comparison. She kept pace with Cloud, pushing herself to match his intensity, as though they were engaged in an unspoken competition. Unbeknownst to them, this friendly rivalry was making them both stronger and quicker than they ever realized. Tifa had brought along a metal staff from home, which she skillfully wielded against the monsters they encountered, while Cloud relied solely on his fists to fight.
Their enjoyable workout was suddenly disrupted when Cloud spotted someone he had hoped to avoid at this time. A chill ran down his spine as he recognized the figure approaching them, someone whose presence filled him with dread—a figure that had haunted his nightmares. As the person drew nearer, Cloud's worst fears were confirmed. It was Sephiroth, the legendary warrior. He remembered clearly from his dreams and the memories passed down by Naruto that encountering Sephiroth could only spell danger. This was a man so powerful that no monster, regardless of its size or ferocity, would dare approach him. Yet here he was, walking toward them with an eerie calmness, emanating a frightening aura.
Sephiroth noticed the two children and felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had not explored the area surrounding Mount Nifel much, so he was genuinely pleased to come across these two kids and take the chance to ask them for directions. His absence had only been for two weeks, and now, motivated by the hope of finding the village Sasuke had mentioned, he felt excitement at the prospect of potentially meeting his real mother, rather than the one Hojo had deceitfully told him about.
As he approached the boy and girl, he attempted to project a friendly demeanor, but to his astonishment, the boy suddenly took off, sprinting away as if he were being pursued by a wild beast. Sephiroth turned his attention to Tifa, who stood frozen in surprise, equally shocked by the boy's reaction. "Well, this is unusual," he remarked with a hint of amusement. "Most children either admire me based on what the media says about my abilities or ask for an autograph. Instead, I seem to have frightened one off like he saw a demon straight from Hell. My name is Sephiroth. And you are? You might as well share the name of your rather rude friend."
With a cheerful laugh, she turned to him and said, "Oh, he's just a little shy around new people. Don't take it the wrong way. My name is Tifa Lockhart, and that was my friend, Cloud Strife. We both come from a nearby village called Nibelheim. I'm curious, what brings you to our area, if you don't mind me asking?" Sephiroth couldn't help but smile at her friendly demeanor. He realized that this was the person that Sasuke had mentioned, the one who was supposed to connect with someone named Naruto.
"Actually," he began, "I traveled to your village because there's someone special I want to see. Her name is Lucrecia Crescent. You might be surprised to learn why I want to meet her. She is actually my mother. It's a complicated story, but my father made some terrible choices. He convinced her that I was stillborn when I was born, and that led her to leave us shortly after. It's really heartbreaking, I know. I'm hoping I can find her and explain everything."
Sephiroth took a breath before continuing. "Could I ask you for help? Would you be able to guide me to your village? I would really like to meet my mom. Also, I want to talk to Cloud and let him know that there's no reason for him to be scared of me. I'm not a threat at all."
Tifa felt a warm glow of happiness as she thought about helping Sephiroth by sharing some insights about the village she called home. She eagerly anticipated hearing stories from his travels, and Sephiroth was more than willing to share. "This is the village of Nifelheim," she began, "and while it may seem ordinary and unremarkable to outsiders, I have spent my whole life here. There's a small shop, a mechanic, a clinic, and a school for the children to learn their letters and numbers. Honestly, there isn't much to see around here." As she spoke, Tifa took on the role of an unofficial tour guide, trying to make the best of their small community.
Sephiroth, thanks to his friend Sasuke's tales, had a much deeper appreciation for Nifelheim. "Actually," he interjected, "this village is quite significant historically. It's the place where the Shinra family first established their roots. Plus, nearby stands the first-ever constructed Mako reactor. It may look simple, but there's a rich history embedded in these streets. If only these buildings could narrate their stories." He smiled and greeted the village residents, who were busy with their daily activities, showcasing the simple life that Nifelheim offered.
Tifa informed Sephiroth that the individual he wanted to see was working at the local clinic alongside the village doctor, who was affectionately known as Doctor Cid. While they walked, Sephiroth noticed Tifa's metal bo staff. To express his gratitude, he shared some helpful fighting tips. Tifa smiled and explained that her friend Aerith had lent her the staff for protection, as she was planning to venture outside the village for some workout sessions.
Curious, Sephiroth asked her what fighting style she preferred to use with her staff. Tifa confidently declared that she considered herself a brawler. This made Sephiroth laugh, and he reassured her that there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. He recounted meeting many brawlers during his travels in Wutai. Eagerly, he shared a few techniques on how to effectively intercept incoming attacks using her fists and legs, which Tifa found incredibly useful. As they reached the clinic, she felt excited about the new skills she would practice.
"Excuse me for coming in unannounced," Sephiroth said politely as they stepped into the clinic, "but I'm looking for Lucrecia Crescent. Is she here, by any chance?" The woman he was seeking was busy organizing medicines on a nearby shelf. When she turned around and asked why he needed her, Sephiroth studied her closely. She didn't look like the person he had imagined from what he had heard.
With a gentle smile, Sephiroth approached her. "I am Sephiroth, or rather, Sephiroth Crescent. I am your son," he revealed softly. "I traveled all this way after hearing that you were alive, from a rather unusual person. I came on leave to see you, Mother." As he spoke those words, Lucretia's eyes widened in shock, and tears began to well up. Without hesitating, she rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. The joy of their long-awaited reunion was palpable, and both Tifa and Doctor Samuel Cid could feel the happiness radiating from this heartfelt moment.
The following day, after attending his classes, Cloud decided to take a break from his training. Instead of continuing to practice, he made his way through the familiar streets of town, heading towards Diego's workshop. Cloud knew that Diego had been a close friend of his father, a bond that grew even stronger after his father's passing. Diego chose to remain in Nibelheim to help take care of Cloud and his mother, becoming a trusted figure in the village in the process. Over the years, he had earned a reputation as the go-to person for repairs and fixes, regardless of the task at hand.
As Cloud approached the area where Diego's garage was located, he was taken aback by the sight of Sephiroth engaged in conversation with both Diego and his daughter, Cinthya. Despite his overwhelming desire to steer clear of Sephiroth, an innate curiosity tugged at him, compelling him to contemplate the purpose of Sephiroth's visit to a family friend. Cloud's worry began to mount as he considered the possibility that Sephiroth might pose a threat to either Diego or Cinthya.
In an effort to reassure himself and to gather more information, Cloud quietly maneuvered around the building, eventually finding an open window that offered a clear view into the bustling garage. He strained his ears to catch snippets of the dialogue unfolding inside. "I heard from my mother about your talent in making custom-built vehicles," Sephiroth said. His tone was calm and polite, yet Cloud couldn't shake off the sense of tension in the air. "As it happens, a fellow SOLDIER mentioned how much he enjoyed riding a motorcycle, finding it to be quite relaxing and fun. So, I hope you would be willing to hear my request to have a motorcycle built that is perfect for me."
Diego's face broke into a welcoming smile, and he nodded enthusiastically, indicating his eagerness to take on the task. "Absolutely! I would love to help you with that. I take pride in custom orders," he responded with genuine excitement. "I just need to measure you and have you take one of my motorcycles for a spin to evaluate your riding skills."
At that moment, it became clear to Cloud that Diego was completely at ease with Sephiroth. The sense of dread within him only deepened as he listened. Sephiroth, radiating confidence, replied, "I am more than happy to pay upfront for the custom motorcycle. I trust you to deliver it to my mother's home." Curiosity piqued, Diego inquired, "And who might your mother be?" With a simple yet profound answer, Sephiroth revealed, "Lucrecia Crescent." Diego's familiar smile widened at the mention of the name; he recognized her as a newcomer to their village, someone whose arrival had sparked conversations among the locals.
At that moment, Cloud felt a shift in the atmosphere. Diego, aware of Cloud's presence and his unintentional eavesdropping, turned his attention toward the window where Cloud was hiding. "How long are you planning to listen in on this conversation?" Diego called out gently, a teasing edge to his voice. "You really shouldn't be so rude to Lucrecia's son, especially since I've never known you to act this way toward a family friend." This revelation made Cloud realize that he had been caught, and the tension of the moment seemed to hang in the air as he processed the reality of the situation.
As Cloud stepped into the workshop, he immediately felt the stillness enveloping him. The quiet was thick, adding an unusual weight to the air. It was not uncommon for Diego to be deeply focused on his projects, so the absence of any sounds or signs of his presence didn't alarm Cloud. He was familiar with the way Diego could lose himself in his work, becoming completely absorbed in whatever task lay before him. With steady steps, Cloud made his way through the workshop, navigating past various tools and materials strewn about, until he arrived at the back of the room. Here, he found Diego fully engaged in his work, his attention locked onto the details of the project in front of him.
Diego was wearing his signature multi-lensed glasses, a pair that allowed him to see the fine details of his creations with exceptional clarity. Cloud couldn't help but admire the older man's dedication as he worked diligently, completely unaware of the tension that was about to unfold. Just then, a voice broke through the stillness, sharp and accusatory. "You mean to tell me that you are no threat to me at all, even when I know you will eventually kill every person in this place and burn this village to the ground?" These words came from Cloud, directed at Sephiroth, who had seemingly appeared out of thin air.
In a swift motion, Sephiroth retrieved a katana and tossed it toward Cloud. The weapon glinted in the workshop's light, revealing markings that indicated it had once belonged to a soldier from Wutai, complete with the nation's emblem on the hilt. Cloud caught it instinctively, his heart racing with a mix of confusion and suspicion. Sephiroth then posed a curious question, asking if Cloud felt guilty for the actions of another version of himself from a different reality. He claimed that he had come only to meet with his mother, Lucrecia, insisting that he had no intention to harm anyone or destroy anything in the village. Sephiroth made it clear that he was not one to tell lies, as doing so would violate his personal code, or Nindo.
As Cloud listened to Sephiroth's words, a realization dawned on him. This was the individual that Naruto had mentioned—the friend who had arrived in their world intending to save it. Cloud understood now that this person had somehow merged with Sephiroth in a way reminiscent of how he had merged with Naruto. The weight of this revelation settled on Cloud, merging feelings of confusion with a glimmer of hope.
Diego was not a tall man, standing at about 5'6", but he had a presence that filled the room. His long, straight black hair was tied back in a neat tail, while his green eyes sparkled with concentration. His skin was sandy brown, hinting at years spent outdoors, and he had a stocky build that made him sturdier than many of the leaner men in the village. Cloud noted that Diego was nearing his forties, which made him realize the age difference between his parents. His mother was only 27, a thought that added to the complexity of his feelings toward the close-knit community they lived in.
The atmosphere inside the workshop began to feel a bit more relaxed as the previous tension that had filled the space started to fade away. Sephiroth looked around at the tools and unfinished projects scattered around, taking a deep breath that seemed to lift some of the weight off his shoulders. He turned to Diego and informed him that he planned to return in about a month to collect his motorcycle. This piece of news brought a sense of anticipation to the air, as both of them knew that time would allow for progress and growth. Sephiroth expressed his hope that by the time he returned, Cloud would have made significant strides in his skills and abilities. He was genuinely looking forward to sitting down and having a meaningful conversation with Cloud on a topic that he knew would spark great interest among their mutual friends. This shared enthusiasm for the upcoming discussion created a sense of eagerness, hinting at the bonds between them that would only continue to strengthen over time.
Sephiroth made the decision to leave the workshop, a place buzzing with creativity and focus. He felt that it was the right moment for him to step outside and clear his mind. As he walked away, he glanced back briefly, noticing that the atmosphere inside was still lively, with others engrossed in their tasks. Once he was outside, he took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill his lungs.
Meanwhile, back in the workshop, there was a sense of curiosity in the air. Cloud aware of Sephiroth's departure, felt inspired to seize the opportunity. This individual had been holding onto a question, one that had been stirring in their mind for some time. Now that Sephiroth had left the scene, they realized it was the perfect chance to approach Diego, who was known for his insight and knowledge.
With a determined stride, this person approached Diego, clearly ready to ask what had been on their mind. The thought of finally voicing the question filled them with a mix of anticipation and eagerness. The workshop, still vibrant with energy, served as a backdrop for this pivotal moment of communication and inquiry.
"What are you working on?" Cloud asked quietly, his curiosity evident in his tone.
The man replied softly, "Miniature camera."
Cloud's eyes widened in surprise. "You made a smaller one?"
"This one will be able to keep a better watch on you," Diego explained, holding up the tiny device. It was remarkably small, roughly the size of his index finger. The lens pointed directly at Cloud, and he could see his own image displayed clearly on the screen of the desk it was connected to.
"Why do you keep making them smaller?" Cloud inquired, genuinely puzzled about the man's obsession with miniaturization.
"Because sometimes smaller things are better than bigger items," Diego replied thoughtfully. He set down the camera, shifting his attention fully to Cloud as he prepared to hear what was on his mind.
"So what brings you here today?" Diego asked, his voice calm and inviting.
Cloud hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can you teach me how to make stuff?"
Diego raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Why, you never cared about this before," he said, a trace of surprise in his voice. Cloud had to admit that this was true; he had shown little interest in these topics in the past.
"Did mom tell you what happened to me after I fell?" Cloud's question hung heavily in the air, causing Diego to wince visibly at the mention of the painful incident.
"She did," Diego responded, his expression shifting to one of understanding. The conversation had taken a serious turn, and both men felt the weight of the moment.
While I was out exploring, I picked up some interesting details about my dad. It turned out he had a real talent for making things. I started to think that maybe learning about his skills would help me feel a stronger connection to him. As I shared this thought, my voice was soft, and it caused the man beside me to appear more gentle in his expression.
"Your father was a brilliant man," the man said quietly, his tone filled with respect. "He was much smarter than most people ever realized." After a brief pause, he sighed deeply and then stood up from where he had been seated.
"Come with me," he instructed, gesturing for me to follow.
I trailed behind him as we walked further into the workshop, moving past various tools and projects in progress. Soon, we reached a set of stairs that led down to a lower level. As we descended, the atmosphere changed slightly; the air felt cooler, and the sounds of the shop above faded. At the bottom of the stairs, we approached a door positioned on the left wall, while the right wall and the wall in front of us were solid cement, giving everything a sturdy feel.
"Say your name," the man said, turning to look at me.
"Huh?" I replied, confused by his request.
"The security system," he explained patiently. "Last time your father was here, he added you to it. You just have to say your name." The man's calm demeanor helped ease my uncertainty.
"Cloud Strife," I said, trying to project confidence.
For a few moments, nothing happened, and I wondered if I had done something wrong. Then, suddenly, the wall directly in front of us began to glide away, revealing a hidden doorway. My heart raced with curiosity as I stepped inside. The room was small, with just a single desk and a chair placed neatly in the middle. Along the left wall, shelves were filled with boxes that were carefully marked, each one hinting at the secrets they held.
As I approached the table, my attention was drawn to a circular disc resting on its surface. I leaned in closer, intrigued by its design. The surface of the disc was covered in strange symbols that I couldn't understand. Something about it felt important as if it were a key to understanding more about my father and the world he had been a part of.
"What is this?" asked Cloud, a sense of curiosity washing over him.
"This is your inheritance," came the reply, the weight of the words hanging in the air. "Your father discovered these treasures during his journeys before he met your mother. Many years ago, humans made devices designed to hold their knowledge for future generations. They hid these devices safely away, hoping they would be found one day. But for a long time, no one knew about them—until your father stumbled upon them. When he realized what he had found, he devoted years to learning from the lost information contained within those devices. He couldn't bring everything back with him, but he was able to save what you see here. Before you jump into creating anything, though, you have to go through a lot of the disks. Education was much more comprehensive in those days, so you'll need to start with the basics and gradually build your understanding to grasp the more advanced topics. Make it a habit to come here every day, use one of these disks, and once you've mastered the fundamentals, you'll be free to choose what you want to study next."
Cloud's brow furrowed in thought. "Does anyone else know about this?" he asked, suspicion lacing his words.
"Only I do," was the answer, filled with a sense of gravity. "Your father was cautious and didn't trust many people, especially when it came to his old family. That's why he changed his name to Strife. I've known him since we were both your age, and I was the only one who stood by him when things turned sour. He feared that if anyone learned about this treasure, his old family would find out and try to take it from him. Knowing his father, I think your dad was right to be worried."
"What do you mean he changed his name?" Cloud pressed, eager for more details.
"The relationship between your father and his grandfather was strained. They didn't see eye to eye at all. Your father had big dreams and ideas, things that could change everything, but your grandfather was very traditional and stuck to his beliefs. Robert, your dad, had an idea that would make Mako and everything else before it seems outdated. However, when he brought this up, his father dismissed it, claiming that your dad had fallen for some silly ideas about planetology, just like his mother had. They got into a huge argument filled with shouting and hurtful words. Your father was furious; he left the family business that very night. The next day, he changed his name from Shinra to Strife and never looked back. That was around thirty years ago now." The man shook his head, remembering the past with a mix of sadness and admiration.
"Anyway, sit down. This first disc contains just the basics, and it's something that's perfect for your age range. You simply pick it up, and you'll notice it starts to glow. Then all you have to do is say the word 'start.' The knowledge you gain from it will be directly fed into your brain," Diego explained.
In the weeks that followed, Cloud adjusted to a new daily routine that infused structure into his life. Each day began early with a workout that energized him for the day ahead. After his session, he would shower and tackle various chores for his mother, helping her with whatever tasks needed attention around the house. Once he completed his morning responsibilities, he would meet up with Tifa, and the two of them would walk to school together, enjoying each other's company along the way.
After school, Cloud would head to Diego's house for an hour of additional lessons, focusing on his chakra training in a peaceful clearing nearby. This became an important part of his day, where he could learn and grow while also developing his skills.
Two weeks into this new routine, Dr. Crescent arrived in the village and settled into her own home. As part of her role, she began officially monitoring Cloud's progress to help guide him on his journey. It wasn't long before another figure from the village returned: Dr. Cid. He came back with his sister-in-law and niece, introducing them to Cloud as Iris and Aerith Gainsborough. Aerith, being a year older than Cloud, brought a new dynamic into his life.
Almost instantly, Tifa and Aerith formed a close bond, quickly becoming friends. Cloud noticed that he, too, felt drawn to Aerith. Unlike others, she had a unique quality that seemed to ease his mind when he was around her. When he shared this thought with Naruto, his friend simply chuckled and told him he would understand it all one day. For Cloud, it felt refreshing to see Tifa make a new friend who was also a girl. Most of her friends outside of school were boys, so this new connection was particularly special for her.
At that moment, Cloud found himself once more on the beach with Naruto. He learned that this beautiful setting wasn't part of the afterlife as he had initially believed but rather a mental space Naruto created for them to meet and share ideas.
"I've created something that can really help you out," Naruto started with excitement in his voice. "Right now, not much is expected of you, but this will serve as a guide and give you something to aspire to. I'm calling it the Edge System. Too many people go through life without a clear direction, missing out on opportunities they didn't even notice. This system will simplify things, showing you your options in different situations and how certain choices might affect you."
Naruto continued, "It'll also help you keep track of your personal progress and show you ways to improve. Plus, it has an added bonus: it allows me to stay out of sight more often, making it easier for both of us to connect. All you need to do is think of the word 'interface,' and it'll appear. Then, you can select what you want to view simply by thinking about it. When you're done, just think 'exit' or 'quit' to close it out."
Cloud raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do you always do stuff like this?"
"No, not really. The planet was going to provide you with something similar. I just put my own spin on it. It's currently just a basic system designed to assist with your education, but it will grow and improve as you do," Naruto explained.
"Do you always do stuff like this?" asked Cloud, curiosity evident in his tone as he looked at Naruto.
"Not really. This is something the planet itself was going to give you, but I added my own touch to it. Right now, it's just a basic starter system designed to help with your learning. The cool part is that it will get better as time goes on," Naruto replied, explaining the situation to Cloud.
"Why is the planet so interested in me?" Cloud pressed on, wanting to understand the bigger picture.
"Honestly, I can't say for sure. This world seems to be more aware than many others I've encountered. Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to why it cares about you," Naruto admitted, scratching his head slightly as he considered the question.
"You've been to other worlds?" Cloud asked, clearly surprised by this revelation.
"Short answer? Yes. But that's all I'm going to say about that. I want you to experience everything else through the memories," Naruto said with a grin before snapping his fingers.
In an instant, Cloud blinked and found himself back in his own room, lying in bed with the alarm clock blaring loudly. Reaching over to turn it off, he paused for a moment, reflecting on what Naruto had just told him. With a slight shrug of his shoulders, he decided to give it a try and see what would happen next.
For a brief moment, there was silence, and then suddenly, a blue screen materialized in front of him. The screen was filled with words displayed in white letters, neatly arranged in separate columns. To the right side of the screen, a picture of him appeared alongside his name, making the interface feel more personal and connected to him. He noticed that there were only three categories available for him to choose from: 'Notebook,' 'Quests,' and 'Map.'
The Map section displayed a detailed layout of the village, clearly indicating various familiar locations that he recognized instantly. His own house stood out prominently, as well as Tifa's house, Diego's workshop, and several other places he had visited before. Each point on the map reminded him of his daily life and the people he interacted with.
Next, he shifted his focus to the Quests menu. Two options were available within this category: 'Active' and 'Completed.' Under the Active section, he saw two quests listed. The first quest was titled "Build Your Body," which simply instructed him to "Complete your training." The second quest was named "Expand Your Mind," with a similar prompt urging him to "Complete your education." Both quests felt important, hinting at growth and learning ahead for him.
Finally, he opened the Notebook section, revealing a category labeled People. This section contained a list of names of individuals he knew or had interacted with. Once he selected a name, a picture of that person appeared, accompanied by a short paragraph providing details about them. It was a way to keep track of his relationships and the people who played roles in his life.
After examining the interface and taking in all the information it provided, he decided to set it aside for the moment. It was time to focus on the day ahead and prepare himself for the activities and challenges that awaited him.