Fix Naruto Persona Description

Change Naruto Second Persona

Disclaimer : I don't Own Naruto Or Atlus

Chapter 5: Into the Depths

For the next few nights, Naruto and the SEES team diligently explored Tartarus. Each excursion brought new challenges, stronger Shadows, and deeper mysteries. By day, Naruto struggled to balance his school life with his nocturnal battles.

In class, he frequently dozed off, much to Mitsuru's irritation.

"Uzumaki, if you spent half as much effort staying awake as you do in battle, you might actually learn something," she scolded one morning.

Akihiko, on the other hand, found endless amusement in Naruto's antics. "Hey, at least he's consistent," he said with a smirk, patting Naruto on the back.

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto grumbled, stifling a yawn. "I'm fighting monsters all night! Give me a break."

April 4th, 2009 – Saturday Night

The SEES team assembled once again at Tartarus. With Mitsuru guiding them from the first floor, Naruto, Akihiko, and Yukari ascended to the 17th floor, each step bringing them closer to the unknown.

Mitsuru's voice crackled through their earpieces. "Be cautious. I'm detecting a strong Shadow presence ahead. It's likely another boss."

Naruto smirked. "Bring it on. I've been itching for some action!"

As they entered the boss chamber, a massive Shadow awaited them—a sleek, wheel-like construct with glowing red spokes and razor-sharp axles spinning on either side. Its design exuded speed and lethality.

The creature was enormous, its body rotating with unnatural fluidity. Sparks flew as its axles scraped the ground, creating a screeching sound that echoed in the room.

Naruto squinted at the Shadow and grinned. "Seriously? A giant spinning wheel? What's next, a possessed shopping cart?"

"Focus, Naruto!" Mitsuru snapped through the earpiece, though a faint chuckle could be heard from Akihiko.

the Swift Axels surged forward, spinning at blinding speed and forcing the group to scatter.

"Its movements are too fast!" Yukari shouted, firing an arrow that barely grazed its surface. The attack seemed to do little more than annoy the Shadow.

Akihiko rushed in, fists glowing as he summoned Polydeuces. "Let's see how you like this!" he shouted, casting Zio. The Shadow screeched as electricity coursed through it, its movements faltering.

"Good!" Mitsuru's voice came through. "It's weak to lightning! Akihiko, keep using Zio!"

Naruto nodded. "Got it! Akihiko, you handle the zapping—we'll keep it distracted!"

Naruto summoned Odysseus, who unleashed a powerful Agi attack. The flames licked the Shadow's surface, but the damage was minimal.

"Tch. Fire's a bust," Naruto muttered, drawing his kunai and rushing in. He slashed at the Shadow, his strikes precise, but the attacks only left shallow marks.

"This thing's armor is tough!" Yukari exclaimed, shooting another arrow.

The Swift Axels retaliated, spinning wildly and creating a shockwave that sent the team flying. Naruto landed hard but rolled back to his feet, wiping dirt off his face.

"Asclepius use media" Said Naruto

"We need to focus on its weakness!" Mitsuru instructed. "Akihiko, keep up the pressure with Zio. Yukari, stay back and provide cover!. Naruto, Attack And Heal!."

"Right!" Akihiko summoned Polydeuces again, unleashing another Zio that sent the Shadow reeling.

"Nice one!" Naruto cheered. "Alright, time to finish this!"

The group worked in perfect harmony, with Akihiko exploiting the Shadow's weakness and Naruto and Yukari keeping it occupied. Finally, the Swift Axels slowed, sparks flying as its body began to break apart.

Naruto charged in, kunai glowing with chakra, and delivered a finishing blow with a Rasengan, shattering the Shadow into pieces.

"Phew! That was a workout," Naruto said, stretching his arms. He looked at the remains of the Shadow and smirked. "So… does this mean I can finally say I took down a really bad wheel of fortune?"

Yukari groaned. "Naruto, your jokes are terrible."

"Hey, at least it's not spinning anymore," Akihiko quipped, earning a snicker from Naruto.

"Lets continue or adventure !" Naruto said

With a smile the group then go to the next floor

After battling relentlessly through the floors of Tartarus, the group reached the 21nd floor. The eerie atmosphere was heavier than usual, and the shadows had grown noticeably stronger and more coordinated. Despite the increasing difficulty, the team's training and coordination carried them through, albeit with some scratches and bruises.

When they finally cleared the floor of enemies,they arrive at 22nd floor they found themselves staring at an impassable wall where the stairs should have been.

"What gives?" Naruto asked, scratching his head. "The tower's still huge! Why's it blocking us here?"

"Tartarus shifts constantly," Mitsuru explained through their earpieces, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "This is as far as it allows you to go for now. The next section of the tower hasn't appeared yet. You've reached the current limit."

Naruto pouted. "So, we came all this way for nothing?"

"Not nothing," Akihiko corrected. "We've gotten stronger, and Yukari's gotten better at handling her Persona."

Yukari smiled, though she still seemed winded. "I guess… , I thought this would never end."

"Return to the first floor using the teleporter," Mitsuru instructed. "We'll regroup For now, and rest up."

As Akihiko and Yukari headed toward the teleporter, Naruto's keen eyes caught sight of something on the ground near the wall.

"What's that?" he muttered, kneeling down. It was a piece of paper—old and yellowed, with faint writing scrawled across it.

"Hey, Naruto! What's the holdup?" Akihiko called from the teleporter platform.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming!" Naruto quickly folded the paper and tucked it into his pouch. "Just thought I saw something interesting, but it's probably nothing."

Yukari raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

The team returned to the dorm just as the Dark Hour ended. Naruto stumbled in, yawning loudly as he dragged his feet up the stairs.

"Man, this is crazy," Naruto complained. "Fighting Shadows all night."

Akihiko smirked. "Not all night. but you'll get used to it. Eventually."

"I wouldn't count on it," Yukari muttered, clutching her bow. "I'm still exhausted every morning."

The trio paused in the common room, where Mitsuru stood waiting for them. She raised an eyebrow at their disheveled appearances. "You all look like you've been through a war."

"Feels like it," Naruto said with a tired grin.

"Rest well," Mitsuru said firmly. "Tomorrow's another day."

As they headed to their rooms, Naruto pulled out the mysterious piece of paper he'd found. He stared at it for a moment, wondering what it could mean, but his exhaustion quickly won out.

"Guess I'll figure this out tomorrow," he muttered, tucking it under his pillow before collapsing onto the bed. Within moments, he was fast asleep.

Early Morning.

The morning sun cast its light through the windows of the dorm as Naruto made his way downstairs, still groggy but driven by hunger. Entering the kitchen on the first floor, he found Mitsuru seated at the dining table, sipping tea with her usual composed demeanor.

"Good morning, Uzumaki," she greeted without looking up from her cup.

"Morning," Naruto replied, scratching the back of his head as he grabbed some bread and juice.

"Today, we will not be venturing into Tartarus," Mitsuru informed him, her tone firm but calm. "I suggest you take this opportunity to explore Tatsumi Port Island. Familiarizing yourself with the area will be beneficial in the long run."

Naruto nodded. "Sounds good to me. I've been wanting to check the place out anyway."

After a quick breakfast, Naruto bid Mitsuru farewell and exchanged a quick wave with Akihiko, who was lounging on the couch watching TV.

As Naruto stepped outside the dorm, ready to explore on his own, Akihiko suddenly appeared behind him.

"Yo, Naruto," Akihiko called out, catching up to him. "Got a minute?"

"Yeah, what's up?" Naruto asked.

"I was headed to Paulownia Mall and thought you might want to come along," Akihiko offered casually. "There's a place I think you'll find useful."

"Sure, lead the way," Naruto replied, curious about where Akihiko was taking him.

The two of them walked down the lively streets of Tatsumi Port Island, eventually reaching Paulownia Mall.

Paulownia Mall

Paulownia Mall was a vibrant, semi-circular plaza filled with shops and attractions. The gentle sound of a fountain in the center added to its relaxed ambiance, and colorful storefronts lined the perimeter.

"This is Paulownia Mall," Akihiko explained, gesturing around. "It's one of the main hangouts for people around here. You've got your basics: restaurants, a karaoke bar, an arcade, and a pharmacy. Pretty much everything you need is here."

Naruto's eyes wandered across the signs. "It's way fancier than the markets back home," he admitted, his tone impressed.

Akihiko pointed toward a shop on the far end of the plaza. "That's where we're headed—the police station. Officer Kurosawa runs it. He knows about the Dark Hour and supplies us with gear."

Naruto blinked in surprise. "Wait, a cop is selling weapons to teenagers? That doesn't sound right."

You'll understand when you meet him," Akihiko replied, smirking as he led Naruto into the station.

Inside the police station, a tall, stern-looking man stood behind a counter stacked with neatly organized equipment. His name tag read Kurosawa. Despite his sharp features, his eyes carried a sense of understanding and resolve.

"Akihiko," Kurosawa greeted with a small nod. His gaze shifted to Naruto. "And this must be Uzumaki. I've heard about you."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Uh, nice to meet you, I guess."

"Kurosawa helps us out by supplying weapons and armor," Akihiko explained. "He's been a big help in keeping us equipped for the Dark Hour."

Naruto crossed his arms, looking skeptical. "You're a cop, right? Aren't you supposed to stop kids from running around with weapons, not hand them out?"

Kurosawa chuckled softly. "I get that a lot. Normally, you'd be right. But this isn't a normal situation. I know about the Dark Hour and the dangers it brings. If selling weapons to you helps protect this city, I'm willing to do it."

Naruto nodded slowly, his skepticism giving way to appreciation. "Huh, I guess that makes sense. Thanks for helping us out."

"Take a look around," Kurosawa said, gesturing to the counter. "I don't have anything flashy, but everything here is reliable. Let me know if you see something you like."

Naruto browsed the selection of weapons and armor, marveling at the strange reality of buying gear from a police officer.

"This is pretty wild," Naruto muttered, picking up a kunai that felt surprisingly light in his hands.

Akihiko smirked. "Get used to it. You'll be back here more often than you think."

After making their purchases, the two left the station and continued exploring the mall, with Naruto eagerly soaking in everything Tatsumi Port Island had to offer.

30 Minutes Later

After exploring Paulownia Mall with Akihiko, Naruto waved goodbye to his companion and decided to continue his adventure around Tatsumi Port Island. Wandering through the streets, he eventually stumbled upon the Naganaki Shrine.

The shrine was serene, surrounded by lush greenery that seemed to muffle the bustling sounds of the city. A grand torii gate marked the entrance, painted in vibrant red with its wood worn slightly by time. Stone lanterns lined the pathway leading to the main area, where a modest but well-maintained shrine stood. A rope with white paper streamers hung over the offering box, and a solitary bench sat nearby, inviting visitors to rest and reflect.

Naruto took a deep breath, appreciating the calm atmosphere. "This place is peaceful. Not bad at all," he murmured, scratching his head.

But as he turned toward the torii gate, his gaze fell upon something unusual—a familiar blue door that stood inconspicuously by the gate.

"The Velvet Room?" Naruto muttered, curious. The key in his pocket began to glow faintly, and without hesitation, he approached the door.

The ethereal melody of Aria of the Soul greeted Naruto as he entered the Velvet Room. The endless expanse of blue stretched around him as Igor, with his long nose and enigmatic grin, sat at his desk. Merope stood beside him, her hands clasped and her eyes warm with welcome.

"Ah, welcome back, Naruto Uzumaki," Igor greeted in his usual mysterious tone. "I see that your journey continues to progress."

"Yeah, I guess," Naruto replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Still trying to figure this whole thing out."

Igor leaned forward slightly. "As you forge bonds with others, your potential will grow, and your power will return piece by piece. This is the nature of the connections you create."

Naruto tilted his head. "Wait, does that mean...?"

Wanting to test Igor's claim, Naruto formed the hand signs for his Shadow Clone Jutsu. To his delight, two clones materialized instead of just one.

"Yes!" Naruto exclaimed, punching the air in triumph. "Finally, I'm getting back to normal! Well... sorta."

Merope watched him with a soft smile, sensing his growing determination. "Your resolve is admirable, Naruto. If you wish to train, I can arrange a special space for you. There, you can hone your skills without prying eyes."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "Seriously? That'd be awesome!"

Igor chuckled. "In due time, you will see. But tell me, how do you find your experiences in Tartarus?"

Naruto grinned. "Honestly? It's great! Sure, it's exhausting and full of creepy shadows, but I've been through worse."

As Naruto laughed, he suddenly remembered the piece of paper he had found earlier in Tartarus. He pulled it from his pocket and handed it to Merope.

"By the way, I found this. Any idea what it is?" he asked.

Merope examined the document carefully. Her expression turned thoughtful. "This appears to be a fragment of something larger. It might hold a connection to the appearance of Tartarus."

Naruto frowned, his fists clenching slightly. "So this could help us figure out what's really going on?"

"Perhaps," Igor said, his fingers steepled. "Fragments such as this one may reveal clues to the mysteries surrounding Tartarus and its impact on your world. Collecting them may aid in your understanding of the truth."

Naruto nodded firmly. "Alright, then I'll find the rest of these things. If it helps figure out why Tartarus is here, I'm all in."

As he thought about the challenges ahead, a new idea struck Naruto. "Hey, if I can leave a Shadow Clone on my bed, I might be able to sneak into Tartarus alone. I could try saving people from Apathy Syndrome all over Tatsumi Port Island!"

Merope's expression turned concerned, though she didn't discourage his resolve. "A noble goal, but do not overestimate yourself. Even the strongest need allies to face the challenges ahead."

Naruto smirked. "I get it. Teamwork's important. But I can't just sit back and let people suffer, you know? I'll do whatever it takes."

Igor chuckled once more. "Very well, Naruto Uzumaki. Continue forging your bonds, and remember—the strength of your heart will determine the strength of your power."

Naruto thanked them both and stepped out of the Velvet Room, his determination stronger than ever. Back at the shrine, he looked up at the sky, his mind set on the challenges yet to come.

Night time

After a long day of exploring Tatsumi Port Island, Naruto returned to the dorm, his hands behind his head and a casual grin on his face. Stepping into the common area on the first floor, he saw Yukari sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine.

"Yo, Yukari!" Naruto greeted enthusiastically, plopping down on the opposite chair. "What's up? Where's Mitsuru and Akihiko?"

Yukari looked up and smiled faintly. "Mitsuru's on a call with the Chairman upstairs, and Akihiko's in the gym doing his usual boxing thing. That guy's a total workout machine."

"Figures," Naruto said with a laugh, imagining Akihiko throwing punches with his usual intensity.

As the silence settled, Naruto leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So, how's it been for you? I mean, all this shadow stuff and being part of SEES?"

"It's been... overwhelming, to say the least," Yukari admitted, setting the magazine down. "But I guess I don't have a choice. Someone has to do it, right?"

Naruto nodded thoughtfully before Yukari changed the subject. "Hey, speaking of fighting shadows, how do you do that energy ball thing? You know, the one you call... Rasengan?"

Naruto smirked, leaning back and crossing his arms. "Oh, that? Well, let's just say it's a secret technique from where I come from. Took me forever to learn it, and it's not exactly something anyone can pick up."

"Not even with a Persona?" Yukari asked, raising an eyebrow.

Naruto shook his head, grinning mysteriously. "Nope. This one's all me. Call it a little ninja magic."

Yukari sweatdropped, stared at him for a moment, clearly not convinced but choosing not to press further. "Ninja ?, You're definitely Weird, Naruto."

"Am not!" said Naruto embarrassed.

Naruto's grin softened as he shifted the conversation. "What about you, Yukari? Got any family waiting for you back home?"

Yukari's expression faltered for a moment, and she looked down, her hands fiddling with the edge of the magazine. "It's just me and my mom now," she said quietly. "My dad... he passed away a long time ago."

Naruto's expression turned serious. "Sorry to hear that."

"It's okay," Yukari replied, forcing a small smile. "He used to work for the Kirijo Group—Mitsuru's family's company. There's... a lot of unanswered questions about how he died, though."

As the silence between them lingered, Naruto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "You know, Yukari, you don't have to bottle everything up. I get it—it's not easy, but sometimes it helps to let it out."

Yukari hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the spine of her magazine. After a few moments, she let out a sigh. "It's not just my dad... My mom and I don't exactly have the best relationship."

Naruto tilted his head, his expression curious but gentle. "What do you mean?"

" She dealt with the pain from the loss of my Father by dating numerous shallow boyfriends and essentially abandoned me, and we even had to move multiple times, just to get away from the backlash of blame because my father i being held responsible for the deaths of many Kirijo Group researchers"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, his blue eyes softening. "I don't know much about parents—I grew up without mine—but from what I've seen, people deal with loss in different ways. Maybe your mom's trying to protect you by acting strong, even if it doesn't feel like it."

Yukari blinked, caught off guard by his insight. "You really think so?"

Naruto nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to her. If you don't tell her how you feel, how's she supposed to know? Communication's key, right?"

Yukari let out a small laugh, her tension easing. "You're surprisingly good at this, Naruto. I didn't expect you to be so... wise."

Naruto grinned and crossed his arms. "Hey, I've got a lot more going on upstairs than people think. Besides, if anyone knows how important it is to talk things out, it's me."

Yukari gave him a genuine smile, one filled with both gratitude and a hint of amusement. "Thanks, Naruto. You're not as clueless as you look."

"Hey!" Naruto shot back, feigning offense, but the lighthearted banter quickly dissolved into laughter.

After a while, Yukari stood and stretched, her mood visibly lighter. "Anyway, I should probably get some rest. It's been a long day, and we'll need all the energy we can get for whatever's coming next."

"Yeah, good idea," Naruto said, standing up as well. "And, Yukari... don't forget, you're not alone. You've got the team, and you've got me. If you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks, Naruto," Yukari said softly, her smile warm and genuine.

As Yukari headed upstairs, Naruto stayed behind for a moment, letting the conversation sink in. Then he headed to his room to go to Sleep.

Naruto Room

Before settling in for the night, Naruto sat cross-legged on the floor of his room. Channeling his chakra, he performed the familiar hand signs for the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Two clones appeared in a puff of smoke, both identical to him.

Naruto pointed at them. "Alright, you two. I need you to keep an eye on what happens during the Dark Hour outside of Tartarus. If there's anything unusual, report back to me."

One of the clones gave a mock salute. "You got it, boss!"

The other clone asked, "What form should we take?"

"Henge into birds," Naruto ordered. "It'll be less suspicious."

The clones nodded, performing the Transformation Jutsu. In a flash, one turned into a sleek black crow, and the other became a small sparrow. Naruto opened his window, and they both flapped their wings, flying off into the night.

"Guess I'll see if there's anything weird going on when I wake up," Naruto muttered, closing the window. With that, he stretched and climbed into bed, quickly drifting off to sleep.

Date: April 6, Monday – Morning

The sunlight filtering through his window woke Naruto up. After getting ready, he headed to school alone. His usual energy was dulled slightly by the weight of curiosity about what his clones might discover.

At the school gate, Naruto spotted Mitsuru waiting for him. She looked as composed as ever, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.

"Good morning, Naruto," she greeted him with a small nod.

"Morning, Mitsuru" Naruto replied, scratching the back of his head. "What's up? Something important?"

Mitsuru adjusted her stance, her tone businesslike. "I wanted to inform you that new individuals will be moving into the dormitory soon."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "New people, huh? Are they like us? Can they use Persona?"

Mitsuru shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure yet. It's possible, but until we know for certain, I'd prefer you keep this information to yourself."

Naruto grinned. "You got it. My lips are sealed."

Mitsuru nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Let's head to class. We shouldn't be late."

As they walked toward the building, Naruto couldn't help but wonder about the newcomers. If they could use Persona, that meant more help for the team. But if they couldn't… well, they'd figure it out when the time came.

The school day progressed without incident. Naruto did his best to pay attention in class, though it was clear he was still struggling to catch up. Mitsuru, ever watchful, made sure to keep an eye on him, occasionally giving him a stern look when he looked like he might doze off.

Akihiko, on the other hand, seemed amused by Naruto's effort to stay awake. During lunch, he even teased him about it.

After School

The school bell rang, signaling the end of another long day. Naruto, feeling the effects of the past few days, decided to head back to the dorm early. He had been busy with Tartarus explorations and wanted to check in on his Shadow Clones, hoping they might have gathered useful information about the Dark Hour.

When he entered the dorm, he walked straight to his room without much of a word to anyone, his focus entirely on getting to his desk. There, he saw the two Shadow Clones in their Henge forms—a bird and a crow—sitting on the desk.

Naruto sat down and began the process of dispelling them, starting with the first clone. As soon as his hand made contact with the clone's head, it vanished in a puff of smoke.

Flashback – The First Clone's Report

The first clone had witnessed something troubling. While wandering the streets, it had seen a person fall victim to the dreaded Apathy Syndrome. The clone had tried to help, but there was nothing it could do—the person had completely shut down, unaware of their surroundings. Their blank expression was enough to tell the clone that they were lost to the disease.

The clone cursed under its breath. It hated feeling powerless, but it knew there was nothing more it could do for that person. There were too many, and it was too late for some of them. So, it had moved on, wandering the streets of Tatsumi Port Island, trying to learn more about what was happening during the Dark Hour.

Flashback End

Naruto clenched his fist. He couldn't accept the helplessness of it all. He had to find a way to stop the spread of Apathy Syndrome. But how?

He shook off his thoughts and moved on to the second clone.

Flashback – The Second Clone's Report

The second clone had been more alert, watching from the shadows as a strange group of three people gathered. Their conversation was fragmented, but the clone caught one key phrase that stuck with it: Strega.

One of the men, wearing glasses, had said, "It's time for Strega to make its move."

The clone had paused, frozen by the implications of those words. Who was Strega? The group didn't seem like ordinary people, and their conversation hinted that they had plans for something big.

The clone stayed hidden, observing them from a distance. It was clear that the group was preparing for something. But as they spoke about making their move, one of the men noticed something odd—an unusually large bird in the vicinity. The clone quickly transformed into a bird itself, not wanting to draw attention.

"Is that a shadow, or is it just a bird?" one of the men asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. They seemed unsure of what they had seen, but the clone wisely decided to move farther away. The conversation continued, but the clone felt the sense of unease settle deeper within.

Flashback End

Naruto frowned. Strega... who were they? And what did they want? He had never heard of them before, but their mention of making a move suggested that they were preparing for something big.

Naruto made a mental note to confront them when the time was right. He couldn't let them operate in the shadows, especially if they were connected to whatever was causing the Dark Hour and the Apathy Syndrome.

Time Skip: Iwatodai Station

The scene shifted to a quiet part of Tatsumi Port Island. It was a cool evening, and the streetlights cast long, soft shadows across the pavement. Two figures, a brother and a sister, stood side by side on the sidewalk near Iwatodai Station.

The girl, Kotome, seemed impatient. "Come on, Makoto! It's almost midnight! We have school tomorrow!" she urged, glancing at the time. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry!"

Makoto, her older brother, nodded absentmindedly, his headphones plugged in, clearly not paying attention to her. He was distracted by something else, his mind wandering as they walked.

But just as they were about to continue down the street, an eerie silence descended upon the area. The lights flickered for a split second, then returned to their usual glow, but everything felt different—unnaturally still.

Makoto's attention shifted as he felt the air grow heavy, but before he could say anything, Kotome noticed it too. The surroundings seemed to shift, as if the world was becoming unhinged.

"What's going on?" Kotome asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Makoto was still silent, his attention now fully on the strange atmosphere, but he didn't seem to know what was happening either. Neither of them understood what was occurring—both were unaware that the Dark Hour had begun.

Kotome took a step forward, glancing around at the now-deserted streets. "It's like everyone just became a coffin. What's going on here, Makoto?"

Makoto didn't respond immediately, still too perplexed by the sudden shift in the air. The silence was almost deafening.

The scene ended with the siblings standing in the midst of a transformed world, unaware of the true nature of what had just occurred. They were caught in a moment of confusion, oblivious to the fact that the Dark Hour had fallen upon Tatsumi Port Island.

Their confusion would only grow as the world around them remained eerily still, unaware that this was the beginning of something far more dangerous than they could have imagined.

Chapter End

I rise each day, though paths are steep,

With dreams to chase and promises to keep.

Through storms and trials, I will not bend,

For every step brings me closer to the end.