A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written, and I apologize for the long delay! My exams are starting, so updates may take a bit longer, I hope you guys can wait, but I've also updated Chapter 4 with a few new lines—nothing major, but feel free to check it out. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 7: The Sixth Master

Sakura punched the ground as hard as she could to halt the charging Lancer. The ground cracked under the force of her punch, and a cloud of dust rose up, momentarily stumbling him. He quaked at the sight and muttered, "What in the name of my master is this era feeding these girls? How can such meek-looking girls have such strength?"

Seeing their chance, Sakura and Shirou sprinted towards their house, knowing it was the best place to confront Lancer. They also hoped Naruto would be there, as his presence would surely turn the tide. Along the way, Sakura silently thanked Naruto for training her. Although he couldn't help her with magic directly, he'd shared techniques that had strengthened her abilities.

After Kiritsugu's death, Naruto started opening up to her and Shirou about his past. He told them he wasn't from this world and that he was a real ninja. They hadn't believed him at first, but when he recounted how he'd arrived, they hugged him and teased him about being an "old man" still attending school. Naruto had pouted and explained that while he wasn't technically old, his mind had de-aged along with his body. Though he hadn't shared everything, he had told them enough to make them feel closer to him than ever before.

Flashback Start

It was a warm afternoon, and Sakura was drenched in sweat from her intense training session. Naruto stood nearby, leaning against a tree with a watchful eye as she practiced her punches on a sturdy boulder. Each impact sent tiny cracks across the stone, but it was clear Sakura still hadn't achieved the full destructive power she was aiming for.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Sakura glanced over at Naruto with a curious expression. "Hey, Naruto," she asked, wiping her brow, "Did you… ever like anyone back in your world?"

Naruto blinked, a bit surprised by the question. A shy grin crossed his face as he scratched the back of his head. "Uh, yeah, I did, actually. There was a girl named Sakura," he admitted, glancing away with a hint of nostalgia.

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Her name was Sakura, too?" she asked, her surprise quickly turning to skepticism. "Wait, let me guess—this other Sakura was smaller than me but could somehow break mountains with her bare hands, right?" Her tone was playful, but the disbelief in her voice was unmistakable.

Naruto chuckled, genuinely amused by her reaction. "Actually, yeah! Believe it or not, she really could. She used something called Chakra Enhanced Strength that she learned from Tsunade. I bet we can recreate it with magic." He shook his head, recalling his memories. "It was pretty terrifying, honestly. She could shatter boulders—or even whole landscapes—with just one punch. And she wasn't just strong; she was smart, determined, and… well, pretty amazing."

Hearing Naruto's words, Sakura felt a mix of admiration and envy. "Teach me that technique, Naruto. I want to be strong enough to protect myself and everyone around me," she said firmly, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. "That way, you won't have to keep stepping in to protect me from everything."

Naruto looked at her, his gaze softening. A warm smile spread across his face as he walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You know, I'll always be here to protect you, but I get it," he said, his voice gentle. "If you want to learn, I'll teach you everything I know. You've got that same fire my Sakura had—and that's why I know you'll be even stronger one day."

Sakura's heart swelled at his words, feeling an intense admiration for him she hadn't realized was there before. At that moment, she felt her feelings deepen, something that went beyond friendship. She knew then that he was the one for her, and she silently vowed to herself that she would stand by him, no matter what.

They began their training with renewed determination. Naruto guided her through the fundamentals, explaining the technique with surprising patience and detail. "Focus all your energy into a single point, visualize the force you want to unleash, and channel it right where you need it. It's all about precision and control. The strength isn't just from raw power—it's about harnessing it the right way."

As weeks went by, Sakura threw herself into training with relentless energy. There were days she'd fall exhausted to the ground, her muscles aching, hands bruised, but Naruto would always be there, encouraging her with that unwavering smile. And each time she got up, she felt a little stronger, a little closer to her goal.

Even after mastering the basics, she still couldn't break mountains like the other Sakura, but Naruto would remind her that strength like that came with time and experience. And when she would sigh, lamenting her progress, he'd laugh and say, "Hey, I'd rather have you here by my side, training together, than to have you perfect it overnight. It's about the journey, not just the result."

Sakura found herself smiling at his words, feeling grateful for each moment they spent together. In time, she began to understand that her strength didn't need to rival mountains to be meaningful; having Naruto's unwavering support made her feel like she could take on anything. And with each punch and every moment spent training with him, her love for him grew deeper and stronger.

Flashback End

As Sakura and Shirou entered their home, they found it eerily quiet. The emptiness felt strange and unsettling, especially with Lancer chasing them so relentlessly. Shirou exhaled, trying to ease her nerves. "This is the worst day for Naruto to get lost on the road of life," she joked, attempting to lighten the mood, echoing Naruto's frequent excuse whenever he showed up late.

Sakura gave a faint smile, though her mind was racing. "He always picks the worst times, doesn't he?" She glanced around, feeling the tension build as she thought about how much they needed him there. Without him, they would have to be more cautious, relying on the tricks and traps Naruto had left behind. "Let's head to the basement," Sakura suggested. "Naruto keeps all his equipment down there, and it's the most fortified area. If we're lucky, we might find something that can hold Lancer off, at least until Naruto shows up."

As they made their way downstairs, the silence was broken by a sudden blast outside, followed by an angry shout. They both froze, exchanging glances before Shirou burst out laughing, unable to contain herself. "He actually fell for it!" she chuckled, envisioning Lancer caught in one of Naruto's infamous prank traps.

Sakura, however, sighed, feeling a hint of exasperation. "I knew it would come in handy, but sometimes I think we shouldn't have talked Naruto out of setting up lethal traps around the Emiya residence." Naruto had only agreed to use harmless traps, like his paint bomb trap, at their insistence that they'd be able to handle most threats without more drastic measures. Yet now, as they heard another frustrated shout from outside, Sakura couldn't help but wish for something with a bit more bite.

Together, they ran to the basement, moving as quickly as they dared. As they hurried, Sakura noticed Shirou's hand was bleeding. She reached out, touching Shirou's shoulder gently. "Are you okay?"

Shirou glanced down at her hand, brushing off the injury. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a small cut from when you saved me back there." She offered a reassuring smile, but Sakura's concern lingered.

As they reached the basement, the door thudded shut behind them, and the familiar sense of security settled over them in the enclosed, equipment-lined space. Naruto had insisted on stocking it with essentials, from weapons to first-aid supplies, to ensure they'd be prepared for any threat.

Sakura inspected the shelves, grabbing a reinforced staff and a set of small throwing knives Naruto had taught her to use. She handed Shirou a similar weapon, her eyes intense with determination. "We'll have to be smart and stay close. Down here, the tight quarters work to our advantage. It'll be harder for Lancer to swing that oversized lance of his."

They barely had time to steady themselves before they heard the basement door burst open. Their hearts pounded as Lancer stepped inside, covered in paint and feathers from Naruto's trap, his eyes blazing with fury. "You girls!" he growled, his voice laced with malice. "I'll kill you both for this insult!"

In a flash, Lancer's spear began to glow an ominous red, and he raised it, prepared to strike. Sakura and Shirou braced themselves, gripping their weapons tightly, ready for whatever came next. Just as Lancer lunged forward, the floor beneath him lit up with a sudden, brilliant glow. His lance was intercepted by an invisible force, stopping it mid-air before he was sent flying backward by a powerful kick.

To Sakura and Shirou's amazement, a petite blonde woman now stood between them and Lancer. She was dressed in a flowing blue and white gown with silver armor that seemed to shimmer even in the dim basement light. Her posture was poised yet commanding, and her eyes were sharp as she sized up the furious Lancer.

Instead of charging after him, the mysterious woman turned back toward the redheaded teen and spoke with a calm yet penetrating gaze. "I ask of you, are you my master?"

Shirou's heart raced as she processed the stranger's question, her mind buzzing with confusion and wonder. She had heard of the legends surrounding the Holy Grail War and the warriors who were summoned to fight in it, but she never thought she'd witness it herself, let alone be a part of it. "Master?" she echoed, swallowing her disbelief.

The woman's gaze softened just slightly as if she understood the enormity of what she was asking. "Yes," she replied firmly. "I am a Servant, summoned to aid you in the Holy Grail War. If you accept me as your Servant, I will protect you and fight by your side."

Shirou glanced at Sakura, who nodded, eyes wide with amazement and a hint of relief. This unexpected ally was just what they needed. Feeling a surge of confidence, Shirou looked back at the woman and nodded. "Yes," she answered, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I accept."

With that, Saber intoned the words to seal the pact: "My sword will henceforth be at your side; your fate is henceforth my fate."

The swirling air in her hands glowed gold for a split second as Saber's expression turned resolute. "The pact is now sealed," she announced.

Lancer, smirking, cut in, "So, you're the sixth Master. With the Matou family gone, there's still one uncertain Master. This Holy War is becoming more intriguing by the moment."

Saber's gaze sharpened as she replied, "The Holy Grail War hasn't officially begun. So why are you here, fighting another Servant?"

Lancer chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, my Master is a bit of a coward. He sent me to scout out the area—and kill any weak Masters I might find." He grinned wickedly as he tightened his grip on his spear. "So, let the fight begin." With that, he charged, his spear aimed straight at Saber.

Meanwhile, with Naruto, a Few Minutes Earlier

Naruto sighed, muttering, "I really wish I could use Sage Mode right now."

Kurama snorted in agreement. "Yeah, this world is weird. One moment, it's trying to kill you, and the next, it's all clingy, like some yandere schoolgirl."

Naruto shuddered at the thought. "A yandere world? That's the last thing I need."

Suddenly, Naruto sensed a presence lurking nearby. He called out, "I know you're here. There's no point in hiding—reveal yourself!"

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, as if materializing from thin air, a cloaked figure appeared, their face and form obscured. Naruto couldn't tell if they were male or female.

"So, you're the 'outer god' that Alaya is so worried about," the figure sneered. "You look weak."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Alaya, huh? So that's this world's name?"

The figure chuckled, seemingly amused. "You're in the dark, aren't you? Let me enlighten you. There are two forces in this world: Gaia and Alaya. Gaia is the will of the Earth, driven by the planet's instinct to survive. Alaya, on the other hand, is humanity's collective will to avoid extinction. Gaia seems to like you, but Alaya views you as a threat that must be eliminated."

Naruto processed this information, maintaining his usual calm. "So Alaya sent you?"

The figure nodded. "Alaya can't destroy a god directly, but she did manage to weaken you by stripping your divine power and de-aging you. That's where we come in—to eliminate what's left of your 'weak' physical form."

Keeping his composure, Naruto replied with confidence. "I wouldn't be so sure it'll be that easy." Meanwhile, in his mind, he was talking to Kurama. "Looks like Alaya thinks you're my divine power and that I'm just a physical shell. She doesn't know the full story."

Kurama chuckled darkly. "Then let's use it. She thinks you're weakened because I'm not at full power. But even without me, you've still got your other abilities."

Naruto nodded, thinking of his Sage of Six Paths abilities. "Yeah. Let's give them a surprise."

Aloud, he introduced himself. "The name's Naruto—Uzumaki Naruto. And you are?"

The figure scoffed, a low, mocking sound that seemed to cut through the silence. "Dead men don't need names." With a swift flick of their wrist, they unsheathed a gleaming sword that glinted ominously under the moonlight. Without hesitation, they charged at Naruto, their movements precise and lethal.

Naruto sighed, his expression calm as he extended his hand, summoning a black rod from his palm to meet the strike. The clash of weapons echoed sharply as he deflected the blade, countering with a series of controlled parries. Each time the figure attacked, Naruto's movements remained fluid, his eyes tracking their every shift. He found himself oddly impressed. "This swordsmanship… almost as good as Sasuke's," he mused, sidestepping another swift strike aimed at his shoulder.

The fight continued with a relentless pace. The figure's attacks were relentless, each swing delivered with deadly precision. But Naruto, even while testing their abilities, evaded effortlessly, weaving around each strike and blocking with an almost lazy grace. He could sense his opponent's growing frustration as they pushed harder, their movements becoming increasingly aggressive.

In the middle of the exchange, a faint signal went off in Naruto's mind—the alarm he had set at the Emiya residence had been triggered. His brief moment of distraction gave his opponent an opening. The figure's blade sliced through part of his cloth, leaving a clean tear in the fabric.

Naruto stepped back, holding up his hand in a gesture of peace. "Alright, we'll have to call it a tie. I've got somewhere I need to be."

The figure's eyes narrowed, and they took a step forward, blade still raised. "You don't get to just walk away from this!" they growled, readying themselves to strike again.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe some other time, then." And with that, he vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving his opponent swinging at empty air.

The figure growled. "You don't get to leave!" They began gathering magical energy, preparing to strike again, but Naruto vanished in a puff of smoke.

Reappearing a safe distance away, he muttered, "Close call."

Kurama's voice rumbled in Naruto's mind, a hint of frustration clear. "You should stop playing around and should've finished the fight from the beginning—you're much stronger than her."

Naruto sighed. "I know, I know." But honestly, a part of him had enjoyed testing the cloaked figure's strength. Wait, "her"? he thought, confusion flickering across his mind. He furrowed his brow, replaying the fight in his head. Hadn't he seen a glimpse of hair peeking from beneath the hood?

Kurama continued, exasperated. "You were so enthralled with fighting her that you didn't even notice her hood fall off in the middle of the battle. But instead of worrying about that, you should check up on your mates first."

Naruto groaned, his face reddening slightly as he responded, "They're not my mates, Kurama. They don't even like me that way." He could practically feel Kurama's eye roll.

The fox let out a loud groan. "You are so dense, Naruto. Those girls practically throw themselves at you, and you think it's just a 'normal' sibling bond?"

Naruto didn't respond, focusing instead on getting back to the Emiya estate. He arrived just in time to see two figures locked in a fierce battle—a blonde woman in gleaming armor and a blue-haired man wielding a spear. The strength and speed of their strikes were intense, leaving small craters in the ground with each clash.

With Saber and Lancer

"Coward! What's the meaning of concealing your weapon?" Lancer shouted, frustrated as Saber blocked his every move.

They paused, eyeing each other with calculated wariness. Saber, her eyes steady, smirked slightly. "What's the matter, Lancer?" she taunted. "If you simply stand there, you'll give spearmen a bad name." She readied her stance, muscles tensing. "If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you!"

Lancer raised an eyebrow, readying his lance. "Before you do, let me ask you something. Your Noble Phantasm… is it a sword?"

Saber's expression was unfazed. "Perhaps, perhaps not. It could be a battleaxe. Or maybe a polearm," she replied coolly, raising her invisible weapon. "Or who knows? It might even be a bow, Lancer."

Watching from the sidelines, Shirou's eye twitched in frustration. "She literally said, 'My sword will henceforth be at your side'—she's making this up!"

Lancer twirled his lance with a smirk. "Funny, swordsman!"

With a sudden burst of speed, Lancer charged, and Saber met him head-on, their weapons clashing fiercely. Lancer's strength sent Saber skidding back, her heels just inches from the wall of the house.

Just then, a kunai embedded itself in the ground near Lancer's feet, halting the fight. "Sorry to interrupt," called a voice, "but it's getting late, and I have school tomorrow, so can you go away?"

Lancer turned, spotting a blond-haired boy. He carried himself with an ease that contrasted his youthful appearance. Lancer's eyes narrowed, sensing the boy's strength. If he'd aimed for me, he could've killed me just now.

After a brief pause, Lancer chuckled, raising his arms in surrender. "Looks like I'll be taking my leave. My Master is a coward—doesn't want me fighting two opponents at once or with an audience watching."

"Running away?" Saber asked, indignant.

Lancer grinned. "Well, I know when I'm outmatched. Later." And with that, he disappeared into the night.

As the dust settled around them, Saber turned her intense gaze on Naruto, sizing him up with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "Who are you, to interfere in a fight between Servants?" she demanded, her stance guarded and poised.

Naruto folded his arms and smirked, unfazed by her direct tone. "Hey, this is my house you guys were fighting at," he replied casually, raising an eyebrow as if to emphasize his point.

Saber's expression didn't waver, but there was a faint twitch of irritation in her brow. She kept her composure, though her hand inched slightly toward her invisible weapon, her eyes fixed on him.

Before either could say another word, Shirou and Sakura rushed up, visibly relieved but also exasperated to see Naruto safe. Without missing a beat, Shirou gave Naruto a light whack on the head. "Where have you been? And why are your clothes ripped?" she asked, crossing her arms with an expression that was both scolding and concerned.

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the spot where Shirou had hit him. Her behavior reminded him so much of the Sakura from his own world, who would always nag him about his appearance and safety after a mission. "Alright, alright, I'll explain," he replied with a grin. "But let's get inside first."

Then, with a quick glance at the nearby shadows, Naruto called out casually, "You can come out now, Rin-chan… and Stranger-chan."

At his invitation, Rin Tohsaka and a woman in a striking red and black dress stepped out from behind a tree. The stranger carried herself with the poise and intensity of a warrior, and her piercing gaze revealed the unmistakable aura of a Servant. Rin, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow, appeared unimpressed but intrigued as she assessed the situation. "How did you even know we were there?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of curiosity despite her attempt to sound dismissive.

Naruto smirked confidently. "Just a hunch. And your presence wasn't exactly subtle." He winked, which only made Rin roll her eyes slightly.

Meanwhile, Saber's gaze shifted to Rin and the mysterious woman by her side. From their stance and the faint connection of magical energy between them, Saber quickly realized they were a Master-Servant pair. Her hand instinctively tightened on the hilt of her invisible sword, readying herself for a possible confrontation.

Shirou, noticing Saber's tense stance, stepped forward to intervene before anything could escalate. "It's okay, Saber. He's my older brother," she said, gesturing toward Naruto. "And as for Rin," she cast a meaningful glance toward the other Master, "I don't think she wants to fight us."

Saber hesitated, her wary eyes flicking from Rin to her Servant, still not fully convinced. Before she could argue, Naruto raised a hand in a calming gesture. "There's no need for a fight. Now that we're all here, let's go inside. We have a lot to talk about, and we don't need to do it out here."

Saber narrowed her eyes, still not fully at ease. "Who are you to order us around? Those two are dangerous; they're a Master and Servant duo," she said, her voice steady yet cautious.

Naruto turned back to Saber, his expression both amused and reassuring. "Look, Saber, if they wanted to attack us, they'd have done it by now. And besides," he added with a slight shrug, "there's no point in fighting when the war has not started yet"

A few seconds passed as Rin's expression turned from guarded to bemused. She raised her chin, her voice now smooth with a note of smugness. "Very well," she said with a confident smirk. "I'll hear out your request and explain everything." She took a few steps toward the house, pausing as if remembering something. "Oh, I almost forgot." She turned to Naruto and Shirou with a small, formal bow. "Good evening, Uzumaki-kun, Emiya-chan."

Saber's brow furrowed subtly at the names, her lips moving as she repeated them under her breath, absorbing the realization. Meanwhile, Naruto blinked, momentarily dumbfounded by the unexpectedly polite greeting. He raised a hand awkwardly. "A-ah. Right, good evening," he stammered.

Rin's smirk grew slightly as she took in Naruto's surprised reaction, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face as she straightened up and gestured for them to follow.

With a reluctant sigh, Saber loosened her grip on her weapon, though her eyes never left Rin and her Servant. Sakura exchanged a hopeful glance with Shirou, both of them visibly relieved at the defused tension. Naruto led the way to the door, his usual grin returning. "Good. Now that we've all agreed, let's go in," he said cheerfully.

As they entered the Emiya house, the air was thick with anticipation, each person brimming with questions, yet none were quite sure what answers awaited them. They gathered in the living room, the unlikely group now assembled and ready to face whatever secrets the night had yet to reveal.

A/N: So, yep, Shirou is the Sixth Master! The next chapter will introduce the Seventh Master and have more slice-of-life moments. Don't forget to leave a review—I read through all of them!