Hey guys. I've returned with a brand-new chapter!
I am so sorry for the delay. A lot of things happened in May. For one, I am officially a College Grad! Class of 2024 baby!
This was a huge accomplishment, and something that I, nor my family couldn't believe came true. I also managed to get a raise at my job due to obtaining my degree! Thank you all for allowing me to make something to distract me from those stressful nights!
Anyways, enough of my IRL. This chapter was hard for me to write. This is also why I struggled to get it out sooner. Drama and romance is something new to me. So please feel free to provide feedback on how I did.
P.S: Let's see if anyone can guess where some of these, special guest originate from.
Nevertheless, its time to jump into Chapter 11. I'll see you all at the end of this Chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is associated with Naruto, or Street Fighter. All rights go to Masashi Kishimoto and Capcom respectively. Other than my OC's, all rights and characters/special appearances belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 11: Rifts and Whirlpools! It's Time to Come Clean
Mike Haggar Stadium, Metro City,
8:30pm, February 14, 2009
Battle Hub HQ:
A bright pink background, with Eternity's avatar flashing on screen with the big words, "Stream Starting Soon", as the Battle Hub theme is playing in the background. Moments later, a transitioned happened, which caused the pink background to disappear, behind a new loading screen. This time, with the words "Battle Hub" in front of a blue background. This all finishes with the camera/image, being replaced by two individuals. One was a middle-aged man, with black hair neatly combed, and with a black blazer, with the "Battle Hub" logo on it. The woman had dark brown short hair with side bangs framing her head, in a one-piece blue dress. They were sitting behind a white desk, with T.V screens behind them, and the logo showing on the front.
"Hello and welcome back to "The Battle Hub", where you can keep up with the latest news, and highlights of the martial arts world. I'm one of your hosts, Dan Patrick," He then looks over to his partner, so she can introduce herself, "and I'm Linda Cohn, and today we have several stories that you don't want to miss." She indicates as suddenly, the screen around them shows an overlay with a title stating, "Hot Topics", indicating they are transitioning to another segment of the show.
"Let's start off with the grand opening of the new stadium in Metro City." Linda states, as the screen overlay moves to a camera/video shot of the stadium, with some live footage mixed in as well. "Today is a monumental moment for the citizens of this city. The Mike Haggar Stadium has officially opened its doors today. And of course, what better way to make an impression, than with a martial arts tournament." Dan follows up, as footage of some of the fights that happened throughout the day came in view.
"That is right Dan. This new stadium is for now on, going to be home to all Iron tier and possibly more higher tier rank promotional tournaments. Meaning, if you are a rising star, a rookie, or some veteran looking to climb the ranks, Metro City will welcome you. So far, the locals seem to have fully embrace this new stadium as shown by their booming statistics ." Linda states, as charts come on screen with rising numbers indicating approval for the stadium and the tournament as a whole.
"Of course, this success isn't only due to this technological advance stadium. There were quite a few rookies that joined the Battle Hub ranks this year that are making their presence known." Dan states as suddenly, the overlay switches to showcase profile pictures of some of the more noteworthy fighters in the tournament, "And by few, we do mean there is in fact, one that has taken all the headlines," After Linda finished stating that, the switching profile pics landed on a certain blonde-haired ninja.
"Not much is known about this man, however, we do know of his name, Kurama!" Footage of Naruto fighting appeared on screen, but most of it was posing and headshots done before arriving to the tournament and were edited by Zack.
"This fighter is as entertaining and talented as he is mysterious. In all of his preliminary matches, not a single opponent landed a blow on him! At least, not before he instantly knocked them out cold." Linda states, waiting for Dan to follow up, "Despite this being his first tournament, he has performed far better than some of his peers, his trajectory is on par, with some of the elite tier fighters when they first started off. The sky is the limit for Kurama." Dan stated, before getting a notification from off screen,
"I've just received word, the preliminaries have just concluded, our field reporter, and host of the tournament, Eternity is on site, ready to get more incite on the event. Please stand by as we transition to them." With that, the screen grew black as the logo loading screen came up again, before quickly switching to commercials/ads.
Mike Haggar Stadium, Metro City,
Same Time, Same Day
In front of the Grand staircase, With Eternity:
After a brief time of ads, the blue and pink background appeared again, with the logo for "Channel Eternity" displayed, before transitioning into a live feed of Eternity near the main crowd of fighters standing at the bottom of the grand staircase of the Stadium.
"Hello, my viewers, it is I, ETERNITY. We are here, with all the contestants that made it through the preliminaries of the first tournament hosted at the Mike Hagger Stadium. Shortly, I'll be going into to the crowd and see if I can get any of the fighters to share some of their thoughts." Before they can continue on to their next topic, the Director of the Stadium, maneuvered himself to stand in front of the fighters, with the stadium behind him.
"Oh, the director is about to give a resounding speech, let's take a listen." Eternity finally guides the camera to look towards the director and the crowd.
"*Ahem* Thank all for being here, some later than expected, but nonetheless present. Congratulations for making it through the first day. You all will take part in the main event tomorrow at 8:30pm. So, for the rest of today, take your time to rest well, and possibly enjoy the may vendors and stands apart of our Valentines Day event today. I wish you all luck and may the strongest win tomorrow." With that, the fighters, and the crowd around them, clapped their hands and shouted in excitement.
The camera swings back to Eternity, who smiles at the camera, and does a trick with their microphone, before speaking again, "Ah such inspiring words from the director himself. Hopeful the main event tomorrow is even better than today's." They take a pause to look around the crowd of fighters dispersing for the day, before catching sight of the fighter they were looking for.
"Before we wrap up here, I believe we found the hottest fighter in the tournament. Let's see what's on his mind." Eternity and the camera made their way towards the concealed fighter with a bandaged arm.
Naruto, after looking down at his phone to see where Zack was, notices that something resembling a camera crew approaching him. The person at the front, he recognizes that the one advertising the event as a whole.
"Hello, you must be Kurama correct?" Eternity asks, allowing the camera to catch up,
"Yes, that would be me." Naruto states, making sure that his mask is secured, as well as his cloak.
"Oh perfect, I'm Eternity, from the official Battle Hub Announcer and host. Is it ok if we can have an interview with you?" They say, with a charming smile, trying to get Kurama to open up.
Hmm, well, Zack hasn't responded yet, nor has Bosch, so I guess I have time.
With a simple nod, Eternity began to roll the camera again to start the interview.
Same time, England,
Inside a Café:
Inside a rather fancy looking café, we are following a rather attractive lady. She is rather short, with short blonde hair and a bang in the front of her face. She has bright blue eyes, and a pair of fully developed lips with a light glossy red/pink color. On the bottom left cheek, she has a vertical scar that goes from the bottom of the chin to just below the cheek bone. She is wearing a blue leather crop jacket with the United Kingdom flag on the back, tight dark grayish black yoga pant with white lining, and a matching dark gray/black sports bra under the unzipped crop jacket. She also has dark blue reinforced combat gloves with extra red padding, as well as red combat boots to match. Lastly is a thin black chocker with a pink triangular jewel around her neck.
She is currently sitting at a booth, next to the front window of the café and one spot away from a corner TV. She has a cup of coffee in front of her, with latte art of a cat, and an open brown folder next to it. She is looking through her phone, while simultaneously looking back at the contents inside the folder.
She places her phone down, grabs her coffee, takes a sip, before releasing a sigh. She then hears the front door chine, signifying someone entering.
A lady, with almost identical features as her own entered. The only real difference is that she has a large scar over her left eye, which are also amber/golden in color. She is seen wearing casual clothes which consist of a baggy plain blue sweatshirt, black jeans, and black boots. She also has a black fancy sunhat. Her blonde hair is both lighter in color, and longer as well, with it being styled into two braids.
Once this new lady enters, she surveys the café with an unreadable face. Her eyes finally landed on the shorter haired blonde. Her unreadable face morphed into a small smile, before making her way over to her, and finally, sitting down across from her.
"Hello Killer Bee. Any luck on locating the target," She sits down, before looking over the folder in front of her.
*Sigh*"Nothing yet, and please Decapre, we've been over this. When we're off duty, you can call me Cammy." Cammy states as she looks over her sister, before waving a waiter over to get a refill and place an order for pastries.
"Sorry…Cammy. I assumed that since we are still talking about your target, that we'd still need to be professional." States the now named Decapre.
Soon, a waiter comes by, so they both take a brief pause to order some more items. Once the waiter left, they continued,
"No worries, *Chuckles* you are improving though. How is it like, adjusting to your new life?" Decapre, one of her many sisters from the D.O.L.L.S program has taken a liking to being near Cammy and working with Delta Red as a whole. Of course, readjusting to normal society was difficult and there were/are hiccups, but Decapre is a lot more comfortable now.
She closes her eyes and smiles softly, "I can't say that its been easy. But there is this nice elderly women who lives next door to me. She has a support dog, who is, what word was it…cute… adorable? Either way, his name is Bolt… he's white, short, and has a lot of stamina." Decapre continues to describe the dog and what its habits are, all the while a sweat drop formed on Cammy's head.
Well, at least it looks like she really is improving… but why did it have to be such a, vile sounding creature. Safe to assume that Cammy and dogs, don't mix too well. But if it helps her sister, she'll let it slide.
"So, still no luck finding him?" Decapre states again, looking at a particular document, which has a summary of their target.
"No, and that's what's so frustrating. It's almost like he is some sort of phantom, or a ghost. There have been sightings of him all over the world. In places and in times that make no plausible sense." Finally, Decapre gets to a bunch of photos, all showing a cladded warrior with blonde hair.
"Kurama? What an interesting name. Is it not Japanese in origin?" Decapre comments, before bringing out her own phone, and began to look things up.
"Yes, it is, and I've been searching their databases as well. No one seems suspicious or linked to that name. Its also safe to assume that Kurama is some sort of codename." At this time, the waiter comes over, and places their order, a refill of the same coffee for Cammy with a slice of apple pie, and another coffee, this time, with no latte art, but with cream on the side, and a chocolate cupcake with white frosting for Decapre.
Once the waiter leaves, Decapre comments, "Well, why are we so interested in him? Its not like he's done any criminal activity. From the reports, it seems he's done a lot of good for those in need?" Decapre looks over the file, feats of defeating gangs, mob bosses, rescuing citizens from natural disasters, to even finding missing individuals.
Kurama, at least through his actions, seems more like a hero than a threat.
"I normally agree with you, but he is an unknown individual that has somehow snuck into every country without making a sound. Doing things that normally, seem way out of the ability of normal humans. Let's not also forget his biggest feat so far."
Decapre, looks done at the file again, to see that Cammy pulls out a report of an incident that happened nearby.
The battle between Kurama and Juri Han.
Juri Han was no average fighter. She was extremely dangerous and while not evil by nature, her chaotic nature and thirst for revenge doesn't always paint a nice picture of her.
Despite that, she was indeed one of the elite fighters on Earth. Someone that normally would take at the very least, two Delta Red agents to fight.
And yet she was soundly defeated. Badly.
Cammy was there to witness the tail end of the fight. And what she saw, she couldn't believe. Having worked with and fought against Juri, she knows how strong she is, and yet, to see her be so badly beaten, scared her.
Especially his power. It reminded her too much of a certain Crime boss's twisted power.
Kurama was already a target that Delta Red was looking over. But after feeling that power… Cammy took it upon herself to personally find out more about this powerhouse.
*Sigh*"Its hard to believe, with how advance our world has become… to think that another powerful fighter, one that has escaped even our intel is out there, can be a bit unnerving I'll admit… Still though, aren't you a little… too invested in him." Decapre states, adding a slightly cheeky smile.
Caught off guard by her comment, Cammy replies "what are you implying?" Since when was her sister able to create such a mischievous face?
"I mean… since we are technically clones, I can see he is just your type of mate." Decapre states while she takes a sip from her coffee. Cammy, meanwhile, was really caught off guard, formed a blush that extended to her whole face.
"I-I-I don't know what you mean… and how come you know about this stuff; I didn't teach you this much!" Cammy states pointing the figure at her sister. Who place her coffee down to talk again,
"The younger sibling of Chun Li has called me once a week. She is helping me adjust to "internet culture" and social media as well. She has taught me a thing or too as well. Now then, your not denying it sister." Cammy was again caught off guard and began to stammer and fiddle with her thumbs.
I need to reach out to Chun Li and see if she even knows about this arrangement, "*Ahem* Its not like that, I-I-I swear. I-I'm merely worried about what his existence implies." Cammy hates to admit it, but her sister may be right, somewhat. She'll never admit of course.
*Sigh*"Besides, Kurama has kept a very low profile recently. It can be a while before he reappears again." Cammy states this as she goes for a bite from her pie. Just as she finished her conversation, both of them overheard something coming from the TV.
"Greetings and hello my viewers, it is I, Eternity, back here at the Mike Haggar Stadium in Metro City. The preliminaries of its first promotional tournament have just concluded and I'm here live with the number one contender, Kurama!" As soon as they heard the name, the two sisters, turned to the TV and sure enough, there he was. Kurama, in a modify uniform, but nevertheless, present and accounted for.
"So, tell me. Despite being your first tournament, how was it like to be seen as the top fighter going into tomorrow?" Eternity asks, pointing the mic to Kurama.
"Actually, to be frank, it wasn't all that hard at all. I'm not necessary at their level-"Before he continues, Eternity continues, "So you are saying you are A LOT stronger than your competition?" They point the mic to Kurama again.
"Well, I wouldn't say that exactly, but I've fought a lot of strong opponents before. I just never bothered to enter any of these tournaments before-" He was once again caught off, "I see now, it wasn't a challenge at all. Well can't wait to see you perform tomorrow! Anyways, is it true that your headquarters is right here in Metro City?" Eternity asks. Naruto was going to respond but was caught off again, "And is true that you are not actually from here?" Finally, Eternity places the mic in front of Kurama
"Um, I guess you can say that. I usually appear on stream with a…partner of mine. Ummm, Oh. Right. He told me to say this, if you want to see more of Kurama, me in action, please follow and subscribe to-" He starts to state, before Eternity quickly cut him off.
No free promotions on their watch.
"And with that, we can conclude this interview. Kurama, good luck tomorrow, you have a lot of potential and I can't wait to see you get out there and dominate." The Sisters turned away from the TV as they returned to looking at each other.
"Well… I guess we found him again." Decapre states, while Cammy, was busy typing on her phone, "What are you doing Cammy?" Decapre asks.
"I'm sending a couple of messages and calls. How do you feel about going on a trip to the Metro City today and tomorrow?" Cammy replies. Getting a shock look from Decapre.
"Are we really going? But why, can't we just watch it from the T.V?" Cammy then begins to explain, "I want to see what is really happening. Perhaps even talk to him, this can be our only chance to do so. Plus, I took a pic of the T.V. And his shirt has similar color scheme to someone I know." She noticed it right away.
Kurama made the mistake of revealing a particular article of clothing that ties him to one of her friends. "Plus, I want to visit a friend who lives there as well. " With that, the sisters focused on finishing their meals, before making their way back to Delta Red's HQ to request this mission.
I have you now Kurama! Now its time for you to talk. Cammy final thoughts as she calls a taxi and she and her sister head towards their first destination.
Mike Haggar Stadium, Metro City,
Same Day, 8:45pm
With Naruto and Eternity.
Naruto, for the most part, was slightly caught off guard by the energy and questions that Eternity asked him. He'd hope he didn't make himself look like a fool.
Eternity, who was looking at the camera, away from Naruto, finishing up their part of the broadcast, before signing off. As soon as the camera man yells "Cut!" Eternity turns around and approaches Naruto.
'Thank you again Kurama for allowing me to interview you. You are the first fighter in a long time to catch my eye." They state as another group of men, this time, looking like security, holding briefcases, stand behind Eternity.
"Let's cut to the chase Kurama," Suddenly, the cheerful tone of Eternity was replaced with a calmer, more wise sounding voice. Their posture also changes to a more serious one. "Fighters like you need exposure. Someone to manage them, get then deals, money, and of course fame." They state as they wrap their arm around Kurama's shoulders.
"I myself am not just a streamer, reporter, or host of Battle Hub, but I'm also the very best manager and owner of the largest fighting club in the world." They state, showing off their logo, which had Eternity's face, similar to their streaming loading screen,
"I see the way you fight, not only were you spectacular, but your opponents were also nowhere near your level. Its that kind of strength and dominance that I need in my club." Eternity then gestures towards two of the bodyguards carrying the brief cases in each hand.
They come forward and stand right behind Eternity, on either side of their shoulders. "So, how about it? If we join forces, you will become the next big thing in this industry. And in record time." They then snap their fingers, which followed with the bodyguards opening the cases, revealing money in one, and a contract with a golden and blue fountain pen.
"All of this will be yours." Eternity should have enough incentives present to persuade Kurama. After all, who would ever deny any form of partnership with them.
They can picture it all ready, the fame, the influence, the rise in stock value, brand growth/expansion, and of course the money. As their master/sensei told them once, "money makes the world go round".
There is no way Kurama will rej-
"Sorry, but I'm going to pass on the offer."
…
And just like that, Eternity was shaken.
D-Did he just, NO! What the hell! WHY!
Eternity was about to continue, before they hear another male voice, getting closer. "YO! Kurama! Congrats on making it to the preliminaries! You are for sure the best fighter here, you are more than capable of winning this whole thing!" It was Zack, in his manager attire, running over with his streaming backpack and camera in hand.
As Zack got closer, he noticed just who Naruto/Kurama was talking too. He then got to the group,
"Oh hello, you are Eternity correct?" and started with greeting the biggest streamer arguably in the whole world. He extended his hand towards Eternity, with a smile as well. Eternity, looking rather annoyed, decided to shake his hand, but not with the same level as enthusiasm,
Barracuda? he's not in the fighting industry, why is he here? Eternity has heard of this streamer. He recently was blowing up on the platform due to his collaboration with Luke Sullivan. Of course, his many adventures following Kurama and whatever crime fighting activity he was doing at the time.
Despite knowing his content and his collaborations with Kurama, never once has shown interest in fighting at all.
"That is correct? I think I know who you are, Barracuda, correct?" Zack, gasped in slight shock and in excitement. The biggest streamer knows who he is!?
"Yes, that is me! I see you too are interested in this tournament as well eh. Well content creators do think alike." Zack states as he tries to break the ice with Eternity. Zack is very social and likes to get to know people, especially if he wants to stream with them.
"Yes, I guess they do…" Eternity then coughs in their fist to get back on subject, *Ahem* Anyways, sorry to cut are little chat short, but I have some business with Kurama here, so if you can ju-."
"Oh, really! Awesome, I told you Kurama. Am I a good manager or what! Please, Eternity, let's exchanged contacts. As his manager, its my duty to take care of all of this stuff. So please, let's try and set something up. What do you have in mind, a match, a stream collaboration, commercial, or anything else like that?" Zack quickly states. Smiling with pride over his friend's ability to grab attention.
Eternity was stunned to say the least. There was no way that a non-fighter, a lesser popular streamer no less, is the one to grab this gem of a prodigy first!
Is THIS why Kurama rejected me! How!? I'm WAAAAYY better than this guy. Wait… this guy is just bluffing, trying to get me to work with him. A clout chaser… yeah… that's it… lets test this… no way Kurama supports him! Eternity recomposed themselves. Before brushing off that comment and trying to play cool with Kurama.
"Pfft. Please, Barracuda, I know your type, just trying to get some bigger fish's attention so you can ride on their coat tails. Honestly, I had more respect for you, but to come here and lie about being his manager, don't take me as some idiot. Right Kurama?" Eternity smugly talks down to Zack, who looks both shock and hurt by what Eternity just said to him.
Eternity then looked towards Kurama, "C'mon Kurama, let's discuss this somewhere else." Before they can continue their statement, Kurama speaks up,
"Anything we discuss, has to be with MY Manager, and of course, MY Friend. I'm not switching teams. So, unless you are apologizing, I don't want to here anything from you, got it!". With that, Naruto released a tiny amount of K.I (Killing Intent). To intimidate and make a point towards Eternity.
Zack, looked like he could cry, same goes for Eternity, but they looked more like a spoiled brat. They huffed and puffed, but backed off as well, since the K.I was affecting them now.
"F-fine! Don't come crawling back to me now. I gave you a chance to grow far more than this. But suit yourself, Come boys." With that, Eternity and the two bodyguards, closing the cases first, followed Eternity and left the scene.
As they walk away, suddenly, Zack bear hugs Naruto, "Thank you Naruto! I was genuinely scared that you would abandon me. It wouldn't be the first time, imeanthelasttimeithappeneditrea-" He began to ramble fast, before Naruto, grabbed both of Zack's shoulders and got him to let go,
"Hey now. We have an image to maintain. Plus, I'm offended that you would think I would abandon a friend. Eternity can shove one up their ass for all I care. You are my one and only manager." Naruto states, finally calming Zack down, and getting to straighten his stuff once again.
"Um, did I miss something?" Suddenly, a new voice appears. The men turn around and see that Bosch has arrived. His arm is still in a cast, but he seems to be a bit healthier and isn't limping anymore.
"Hey Bosch. Nothing happened, just conflict between managers. Nothing too serious, right Naru-I mean Kurama." Remember last minute that Naruto is still in his Kurama outfit.
"*Sigh* Yeah, nothing too serious. So, Bosch, I thought you were going to be resting and watching everything back at the apartment. Why are you here?" Naruto asks.
"Well, I'm feeling better, and I really wanted to learn a bit more about social norms in Metro City. Plus, Zack kind of needed help hosting his stream today. So, I was going to be his guest today. Figuring that you'd be tired from the long day of fighting. *snorts* Not that it was any hard for you." He finishes while giving Naruto a smirk. Naruto really dominated throughout the whole day. He knows from firsthand experience that no one present is able to beat him.
"Well then, I guess that is ok. Where is Luke, or Chun Li?" Kurama asks, since they were last seen with Bosch.
"Well, both were invited by Battle Hub to do a interview since they are both appearing tomorrow as special guests. So, it'll just be us today." Bosch states. Luke took him to his and Naruto's apartment, before quickly leaving to go change into more…appropriate clothing for the interview.
The same goes for Chun Li. As she too went to changed into something more formal. Leaving Li Fen back at their home as well.
"Well, ok then. Sorry guys, but I think I'm going back home, I need to meditate and collect my thoughts for tomorrow. I'll be grabbing my stuff and then heading back." Naruto states, before receiving a nod from both of his friends.
"No sweat Kurama! Remember, tomorrow at 7:30pm, we need to be here again. I send you a message with the details. Get some rest, ok? Bosch let's get going, we have a whole fair to explore!" Zack states as he moves on to a nearby bench to get his stream started. Bosch nods his head, saying goodbye to Naruto before heading towards Zack.
Naruto made his way up the grand staircase and into the break room/locker room given to fighters. Naruto, purposely waited for it to be empty before entering, and a few seconds later, came out with a casual outfit.
He is now wearing a black sweater with orange lining, a black polo with thin white vertical stripes, blue jeans with a black belt, and his sandals. His bandaged arm now covered by his sleeves. Naruto also had an orange and black backpack as well. He also removed his headband, making sure to actually try and keep his identity a secret.
He rubbed to shoulder, and grabbed onto his backpack straps, securing it closer to his back, before he began walking out of the stadium again.
As he made his way down the staircase, hands in pockets, his mind in the clouds, he hears a very familiar face.
"Naruto!" He looks around, trying to find the source, before his eyes landed on…Li Fen?
Woah, she looks really different like that. Naruto almost didn't recognize her. Her outfits makes her look like a completely different person. She even looks older.
Her black Chinese dress clung tightly to her body, revealing that, while developing, still has some womanly curves. Specifically, around her waist and legs. Her makeup makes her look more like a women 5-7 years older in all the best ways. Her heels, which clashed with the black and gold to bring attention, matched her red lipstick, making her lips look fuller. Her heels made her figure look more mature and developed as well.
In fact, if it wasn't for her voice and panda purse, Naruto doubted he could recognize her at all!
Li Fen, coming out of a taxi, and just as she predicted, it seems to have captured Naruto's attention.
Great! My preparations are working. He seems to like how I look. All according to plan. Step one to getting herself a boyfriend is complete.
"Hey Naruto. I see that you are done with the first rounds. Congratulations! I'm happy for you." She states, taking this opportunity to get closer to him, and then follow up with a short hug, but resting her hands on the side of his shoulders.
"Thank you, Li Fen. You look really nice; I never knew you could look so… pretty." It's true, usually, she dresses to look adorable, maybe even cute. That's mostly always her vibe. However, the way she is now, he can't deny that she looks very pretty.
"*Giggles* Thank you Naruto-kun, you don't look too bad either. Normally, you don't dress up, what's the occasion?" Naruto almost always wears his training gear, which is his orange sweater or white shirt, black or orange sweatpants, but seeing him in jeans, and a darker color scheme was a nice site to her eyes.
Its seems that he unintentionally dressed to impress. Tch, a little too well though, need to speed things up more. Li Fen starts to notice that other women around the fair were looking at their direction, specifically at Naruto.
"Heh, these were clothes that I got with Zack. He stated I needed some street clothes that were a bit more formal than my training gear. I brought them simply cause I was going to do laundry once I get back home, since all my other stuff is dirty." Naruto responds, rubbing the back of his head and giving his signature foxlike grin. "What brings you here, trying to meet up with Chun Li?" Naruto asks Li Fen. Who snaps out of her train of thought and decided to enact her next step.
"Oh actually, I was hoping to participate in the fair today, its such a nice night that I couldn't resist. Though, it would be better if I can enjoy it with someone else as well. Do you want to join me, Naruto-kun?" God damnit, I hope I didn't sound too desperate, I tried to make myself sound seductive, but man did I cringe hard at that. She added a bit of sultry in her voice, hoping to reinforce her request. Even if it felt off for her.
"Umm. Sure, I can go with you.?" Naruto asks, despite going out with her in the past, is still not too use to having people invite him to outings quite yet.
"Of course. Think of it as a way to get to know each other more. I also have an extra eating pass." Food, Chun Li stated over the phone with someone in the past that most males can be persuaded by a good meal.
And it seemed to have worked.
"Well, ok then. I'd be happy to join you then." Li Fen smiled at that. In her mind, a Chibi version of herself is pumping her fist in the air in excitement.
Hook, line, and sinker. *Giggles* Step two, complete. Now, time to rely on my charm and get started on the main step. Shouldn't be too hard.
Valentines Fair, Mike Haggar Stadium, Metro City
Time: 9:30pm, Same Day
With Li Fen and Naruto:
*Whines* Things have NOT gone to plan… To state that Li Fen was struggling would be an understatement. So far, nothing has gone to plan.
She had the whole event planned out. First, they walk around and explore the many booths and food stands, to find something to eat. Eventually, they found a nice American food stand, selling burgers, pizza, etc. Once they decided to grab that, they got in line.
And that is when her plan went out the window.
Suddenly, a bunch of women and girls came up to Naruto. Most were around his age, but some were her age as well. They all had what appeared to be gifts. The fair, due to it being a Valentine's festival, was selling gift cards/baskets to promote people, specifically singles to mingle and try and find that special someone.
Li Fen was planning to do something similar. While the singles gift stand was one thing, for more established or those that are with someone, they had another stand that sold love padlocks. They would engrave their names on it, and lock on any of the public areas at the park. It was a Japanese tradition that was supposed to happened later, followed by Li Fen and Naruto Kissing.
But these… ladies really wanted to snag Naruto for themselves. It was her fault, since an elderly woman commented on them. Li Fen kept the dating part a secret from Naruto, until she can properly make him fall for her. However, others overheard her and Naruto's explanation, and now consider him free game.
Countless women, ranging in age, from all over the world, were hounding Naruto and Li Fen from the line. Some would simply leave their gift cards with him, which gave them a place to write their contact info and name for him. Others pushed for it right then and there.
The first to do this was a female fighter herself, Ranfan. She asked for his name, before giving him a very lewd magazine page of herself, posing in swimsuit, with her information on them. She blew him a kiss and moved on with a confident sway to her hips.
Once she did that, those that followed tried something similar. Leaving him pictures of themselves in revealing clothing, and many other tricks.
Li Fen was furious. Not only does Naruto continue to reject them, more and more still came, trying to see if they can persuade him.
Luckily, it finally ended when another fighter, a tan-skinned, Spanish Speaking blonde bombshell who appeared to be of a higher social standing, outright unbutton the top of her dress shirt, revealing the top of her cleavage. She tried to convince Naruto to write his things on the exposed skin of her cleavage!
This is when security, grabbed her, and took her away, all the while the women kicked and scream, trying to get Naruto to save her. Thankfully, the security, decided to thin out the crowd, telling them to stop the progression of lines.
Safe to say, more security followed both of them now.
With that spoiling their meals, she decided to try her hand and impress Naruto with some of the fair's games.
The first they tried was a ball throwing game to knock down bottles, with the goal to win the grand prize of a new set of weights for Naruto.
She couldn't knock them down…not once.
She felt cheated, the ball she was throwing was a foam ball, and the bottles might as well be metal flasks. She even added Chi to her throws, and still, nothing!
Thankfully, Naruto stepped in, with his chi enhanced throw, the tower of bottles finally fell. Causing the smug Carny to fork over the grand prize. Naruto left to find Bosch and Zack to give them his prize, since Zack has a team with him today.
Li Fen felt embarrassed. She was trying to show off for him! But that damn Carny made her look weak and stupid.
No matter, she said, she'll try again at the other games.
Every. Single. One. She failed.
It was almost like a curse of sorts. Even if the game wasn't rigged. She couldn't stop embarrassing herself in front of him. And at every stand, it was Naruto winning the prizes. Most of the stands they visited had things she wanted to win for him.
Damnit, please give me a break. Even my feet are burning. How do women walk in heels all day! Her feet were getting exhausted, making her regret them as a whole.
And this is where we find them, Li Fen is trying one more time to win another game, but it seems the rest weren't things that Naruto would want. Or so she thought.
"Hey Li Fen, I found a game we can try!" Naruto grabs her hand and pulls her towards the stand.
It was the standard strongman game of slamming a hammer against the lever to try and ring the bell. There were three sizes, each with a different prize tie to it.
She was worried about it, since physical strength wasn't her best quality. She also noticed that the grand prize was tied to the largest one, simple called, "World Breaker". Show casing that only three people have ever done it, a Russian wrestler, another large man with big hair, and Marisa herself. The Grand prize was going to be between two prizes, Free books from anywhere in the world for three years, or a very expensive looking piece of jewelry, a golden chain necklace with a large blue diamond as its centerpiece.
Why would Naruto want this game. He's not that interested in any of these prizes. Plus, that large one looks impossible.
Li Fen notices that her friend(read, date) has requested to try the largest one.
The staff running the booth, made the announcement that a challenger is attempting it. Bringing a bunch of people over. Several strongmen/body builders with their dates were laughing and insulting Naruto's build, none believing he can do it.
Naruto was given a hammer that was around 80 lbs. To the shock of all that witness, Naruto hoisted the hammer over his shoulder, casually moving over to the large lever. Then without making a sound, swung the hammer down with both hands, and hitting it squarely in the middle.
*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*
…
Silence was all that happened after the bells stopped ringing. Li Fen was shocked as well. The stand also displayed the strength of the strike, showing everyone that Naruto is now the record holder for strongest hit, just barely beating out the Wrestler, who was number 1.
Naruto walked up to the staff, who snapped out of shock and looked terrified, and asked him if he can get the necklace. With a quick nod, the staff grabbed the necklace, placed it in a small, back wooden case with gold lining, and moved back towards Li Fen.
"Li Fen, I think this will look great on you, turn around and I will put it on for you." Naruto states, taking the necklace out and getting ready to put it on Li Fen.
Suddenly, her heart skipped several beats, his soft smile, and bright blue eyes, staring directly at hers. A massive blush formed over her face. He's, did it for me! OMG, he really does like me! YES! YES! YES! I'm still in it.
She turns around, giving Naruto permission to place the necklace around her neck. Once it was secured, she took out her phone to look at it.
While the jewel clashed with her outfit, the jewel perfectly matched Naruto's eyes. She couldn't be happier about that.
"I was right. It really suits you, Li Fen." Naruto states, still smiling, but resting his hands on his hips.
Li Fen, still with a blush on her face, smiled brightly as well, proudly showing her teeth. Li Fen went up to Naruto, jumped up, wrapping her hands around his neck. Naruto caught her, resting his hands on her waist, noticing that her feet are not touching the floor.
After a brief moment, she untangled herself, "Thank you, Naruto-kun, I really like it." She than grabs his arm and begins to drag him to the love padlock's Stand. "Common, I want to get something for us." Once they got close to it, she told Naruto to sit at a nearby park bench. She went to the stand and grabbed a pink padlock in the shape of a heart. She told them to write her initials and Naruto's on it.
The middle-aged lady in charge asked where her date was, and Li Fen, proudly pointed at Naruto, who was looking at the night sky, "Wow, he's cute. Your really lucky young lady. Ahh, Young love. Enjoy the rest of the night!" She states, Li Fen accepted it and went back to Naruto.
She hid the padlock in her purse, before getting to Naruto, "Alright! Got what I need to get. Let's find a more, peaceful place." She suggests, getting Naruto to nod, "Lead the way, Li Fen." She reached out and grabbed his hand, before going around and finding a nice spot to put their padlocks. Finally, they settled a clean park bench, on the artificial bridge over the lake in Urban Park.
You did Li Fen! It didn't go as planned, but Naruto is now ready to be yours. Time for the final step in your plan. Don't mess this up.
"Um Naruto-kun, I-I really had a great day. Thank you for joining me." She smiles at him, which caused him to smile back.
A cloud temporarily blocks the moonlight.
"Of course. I had a great time as well. I really like the festival, though I can do with those women hounding me." They both laughed awkwardly at the small blemish to an otherwise fantastic evening.
"I hope you like your necklace. I thought that it would be good on you. Glad to see that I was right." He states, liking that she also appreciates it.
Suddenly, the clouds moves out of the way allowing the moonlight to hit them both.
Suddenly, Naruto jolts in place, "Oh, I almost forgot, I have one more thing to do." He moves his backpack in front of him, showing all of the gifts and pictures of the girls from the fair out of the way, before pulling out a small red plastic card with a very familiar looking logo.
"*Gasps* I-is that what I think it is." Li Fen's eye's turned to stars.
"Yes, it is, it was a bit difficult to find him, but I tracked him down and beat him into giving me the card. I know how much you love Shaobing, so I knew I had to win it for you." Naruto states, given the card to her.
It was the "All You Can Eat" Pass that gives anyone holding it, all the Shaobing they can eat! This was a challenge/promotion for the restaurant where their mascot, who is a trained fighter, was going to run around the city, the first person to find him and defeat him won the card.
Li Fen was actually ready to sacrifice this pass in order to go on this date with Naruto. But to think that Naruto won it and gave to her
Naruto continues to stare at Li Fen as she stops her display and looks back at Naruto with a huge smile, and a big blush as well.
As they continued to stare at each other, they had different thoughts.
OMG, OMG, OMG. This is it. Its' my chance to do it! I hope my practicing has paid off. Li Fen, forgetting about the Padlock in her purse, decided to settle this night with her next action.
Wow, that jewel shines very bright. She seems to really like it. I'm glad, tha- Suddenly, Li Fen moves forward, and plants a kiss on his lips.
In a brief moment, Li Fen captured his lips. Finally finishing her plan.
Or so she thought.
Suddenly, after only a second or two, Naruto places his hands on her shoulders and lightly pushes her away from him.
"Li Fen, what's are you doing?" Naruto states, his face in a bit of shock, but to Li Fen, he looked a little upset.
"I-I-I" She stammered a bit, tears, began to appear in her eyes. "I-but this whole evening… we had sparks… you gave me so many…we were connecting…" She was trying to maintain her composure, but it was crumbling.
I see… So she wasn't here for Chun Li, she was heard to try and do this with me. *Sigh* "Li Fen, did you think we were on a date? Is that why you wanted me to join you?" Li Fen didn't respond, she looked down at her hands in her lap, which were shaking.
The silence answered it for Naruto.
"Li Fen… I'm sorry but, I only see you as a friend, maybe even family. I mean c'mon, I'm older than you, and your still a tee-"
*SLAP*
Suddenly, Li Fen, with tears in her eyes, slaps Naruto across the cheek, face, and eye red in anger. She stands up and begins to walk away.
"W-wait Li Fen I-", Naruto, while rubbing his cheek, still in a bit of shock, tries to reach out to her, before she snaps back at him.
"GET AWAY. You Stupid Idiot! I Hate You!" After stating that, she continues to storm off back towards the Stadium, her tears beginning to ruin her makeup.
Naruto got up and wanted to follow, but stopped when he saw that she left her purse on the bench.
Rubbing his forehead he states, "Damn, I messed up…". As Naruto sits on the bench with her purse a bit more. A certain black-haired, wounded man was watching from a distance.
"Oh man. This looks bad." Bosch states as he saw what unfolded. He was on his way to get both of them to meet up with Zack, but it looks like that isn't happening.
Bosch looks away from Naruto, and sees that Li Fen already covered some ground. With a deep breath, he begins to follow Li Fen.
Restrooms, Mike Haggar Stadium, Metro City
A Couple Minutes Later,
With Li Fen:
This was so humiliating. I can't believe that I let myself do this. What a God damn… idiot! I don't know if he's dense or just that stupid. Stupid boys.
Once she returned to the fair, she quickly went to look for a bathroom. Her tears smudged her make-up, and she doesn't want to bring any attention to herself.
The second she entered one, she just simply let her tears fall. Minutes later, she wiped away her make up, and tried to clean up as best she could. Thankfully, this bathroom wasn't full at the time. Less people to notice her the better in her eyes.
Finally, after a bit of more time, she remerges from the bathroom, drying her hands with a paper towel, when she suddenly hears a voice,
"Things didn't go to plan, huh?" She looked up and saw that Bosch was standing a couple feet away from her.
"Tch, I don't know what your talking about. Please just leave me alone." She says, beginning to walk away, but notices that Bosch still follows.
"*Sighs* Look Bosch, I'm fine! Its just a stupid plan, for a stupid blonde, and stupid problems, its just, its just, *Groans*" In frustration, she kicks a trash can, causing it to bend in on itself.
Bosch, seeing her huffing and puffing, guides her towards an empty park bench. "Its, just… I've never felt so, stupid. I mean, how could he do that! I tried everything, and he just, pushed me away, and he had the gall to be mad at ME! I hate him so much!" She continues to vent, not realizing that she was making a bit of a scene.
Thankfully, she wasn't alone,
"Its hard isn't it" She stops her rant, fresh tears appearing, before looking at the man next her, "You try to do everything in your power, to try and prove you are worthy of their affection. Everything goes smoothly, and then, they shoot you down," Bosch states, with a far away look in his eyes.
"Y-you…what do you mean?" Li Fen asked. Not sure how or why Bosch is saying those things.
Bosch then smiles a bit, though sadness is still in his eyes,
"She was a popular village girl back home. She and I grew up together up until my late teens. One day, I planned a whole day for us. She enjoyed it, and so did I. Everything was perfect, and then… I made my move. I-I confess my love for her, but she rejected me." Li Fen gasped a bit, getting into his little tale.
"It shattered me. It consumed me. I thought I did something wrong. A darkness started to form. Not towards her, but to the world around me… I blamed it on the state of my country… these thoughts ran through my head, leading me to leaving home, and joining the resistance." Bosch states, revealing what is still a sore spot in his life.
"I see… I'm sorry you felt that pain too Bosch. H-How did you get over it?" She asks since he doesn't seem to be bothered too much by it now.
"Well… to be honest, I didn't feel better until recently. You see, after joining the resistance, I appeared less and less in my little sister's life. She was all alone because of my stupid decision," He balls his fist in anger, before looking at Li Fen again,
"But recently, I got a chance to call home, and to my surprise, that girl I confessed to, she picked up." Li Fen eye's widen in shock, Really?
"She says that my sister is doing fine and that they both were worried for my wellbeing. We talked more, and the more we talked, that day came up." He looks up but this time to the moon, without sadness in his eyes, "She confessed that she too thought she felt something, but then, realized that it wasn't love, love. It was more of a familial bond." Flashes of their time spent together, as well as his sister before he left it all behind filled his head.
"I too, realized that perhaps, deep down, I knew that it wasn't romantic love, but familial bond that I was too afraid to lose." Bosch looks back at Li Fen, who just stayed and listened to her speak.
She deserves to know Naruto. I'm sorry, but I have to do this to save your friendship. "Naruto and I have grown really close. So close that he has told me things that he hasn't told anyone before." He states as Li Fen focuses again.
"He's been through a lot of pain. He lost so many people, and worst of all, he lost a loved one as well." Li Fen suddenly looked shocked. Connecting the dots as to why he reacted the way he did.
Is that the reason why he looked so confused? She thinks as she begins to reanalyze his reaction.
"I know this is tough on you Li Fen. But perhaps, perhaps, the love you felt was something else that wasn't romantic." Bosch words shook a deep memory of a dream she once had as a little girl.
A mental image of her big sister Chun Li, and generic silhouette of a male figure, hugging and playing with a younger version of herself.
"… a brother." She whispers low enough that Bosch almost didn't hear.
So, I was right? It was something else. Bosch let out a sigh in relief. He was kind of winging it. Everything he said is true, but he was unsure if he read her emotions correctly.
"I… always wanted a brother… for a long time" She states, looking over all the things she has done with Naruto. From training, to eating together, hanging out during their shopping sprees, movies, and many more. He's been so supportive and always protective.
Naruto really does care for her.
"I-I guess… I overreacted a bit, huh." She states, smiling at the realization. Naruto deserves an apology.
"I wouldn't say overreact. But I'm glad that you've come to understand yourself more now." Bosch states, standing up and sticking his hand out in front of Li Fen, who gladly took it.
"Yo. Guys!" Suddenly a voice calls out to them, they both turn around and see the blonde ninja running towards them.
Once he arrives, he begins to look awkwardly at Li Fen, rubbing the back of his head as well, "Umm, listen Li Fen. I'm really, really sorry for making you cry. I-I shouldn't of do-" he was cut off by feeling arms wrap around his waist and feels a head rest in his chest.
"No, it should be me who should apologize. I never should've said those things to you." Li Fen states, while looking up into his eyes.
"I'm sorry for kissing you. I didn't know about your past. I am really, really, really sor-" She was cut off.
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Naruto then looks at Bosch, who looks a bit sheepish and worried, "What did you say Bosch?" Naruto narrows his eyes at Bosch, who gulps in fear.
"Listen, Naruto, she was in a bad state. C'mon man, you can trust her. As well as the others. I know what you told me was meant to be a secret, but they too deserve the same trust. We all care for you and have your back." Bosch states, trying to ramble on and hopefully not add more fuel to the fire.
Naruto, did look mad for a few moments, worrying Bosch if he was going to get hurt before Naruto releases a heavy sigh.
"Alright Bosch, I trust your judgement." He then looks at Li Fen, taking his backpack off and opening it to reveal that he has Li Fen's panda purse. "I believe this belongs to you." Naruto states, giving it to Li Fen.
"Oh my god, thank you, I completely forgot it." She happily grabs it and puts it on.
"Listen, let's look for Zack, and let's all meet back at my apartment. I have something very important to tell you all. Li Fen can you message Chun Li to come by as well. I will reach out to Luke as well." Naruto states, deciding to finally give them the trust they deserved.
With that being said, off they went to find Zack, and get this night over with.
Inside a Limo, Metro City,
Same Time,
With Dr. Skowronek:
As the group begins to head home, another individual was on their way back to the SIRN building.
Dr. Skowronek was very satisfied with the day. All three copycat fighters qualified for the tournament! All the while, collecting and storing the necessary data from all the noteworthy fighters.
Well, except for one.
Somehow, some way, none of the robots got matched up with the famed vigilante, Kurama. He was a total powerhouse during the preliminaries, and it upsets him that he might not get his data any sooner.
Suddenly, he receives a phone call, he pulls out his phone and see's who calling. Suddenly, he quickly accepts the call, seeing that it was his boss,
"So, Dr. I saw how the test subjects did. Congratulations on the success so far." It was JP over the phone, "Thank you my Lor-", Dr. Skowronek was cut off, "However, I don't have to tell you what I'm disappointed in. Do I?" He states with a firmer tone.
"O-of course sir, but you see, I had no control over the matchmaking. It was simply bad luck." Skowronek states, hoping to ease his state a bit.
'Hmm, regardless, that individual, Kurama was it, is a priority target tomorrow. You MUST gather as much data as possible. Likewise, I am sending you some intel from our other team. They uncovered some rather, interesting information over the artifacts. Please, take your time to fully read them. They may have some answers towards our mysterious fighter." JP states as rustling is heard through the phone, likely him adjusting his coat.
"Of course, my Lord. I will look into them. Oh… before I forget, I saw that Master Chun Li was nearby, as well as two other priority targets. They will not be participating in the tournament, but they are present. Shall I activate more robots to collect data from them as well?" the Dr. asks, since he doesn't want to underestimate the power of Chun Li.
"Do what you must to get the necessary outcome. Just remember, you are a representative of our organization. Everything you do will and can be used against us. Please keep that in mind." JP states, making sure his point is clear.
"I understand sir. Leave it to me." Skowronek states, "Hmm, very well, I shall be off. Do not disappoint me Dr." With that JP ends the call.
Skowronek waits for a few moments and receives an email with the information over the documents. As he looked over it, he noticed that the other team paid special attention towards a book.
""The Child of Prophecy" What a ridiculous title." He began to look over the notes, not yet realizing he is about to unlock a secret world.
Naruto's Apartment, Metro City,
10pm, Same Day,
With Naruto and The Rest:
Well, its now or never… Naruto's not going to lie. He is a bit terrified. Why? Well, he is about to reveal a secret that can lead to them hating him, or possibly sending him to an asylum. Regardless, Bosch didn't view him as such, so he will trust in them as well.
Luke, Zack, Li Fen, and Chun Li are all present, sitting on his couch or recliners, with himself and Bosch still standing. Luke and Chun Li finished their business with the Battle Hub network, so they were willing to stop by Naruto's home. Especially if it was important.
"Hello everyone, thank you all for coming." Naruto starts off, getting rid of his nerves, as well as hiding his emotions temporarily. "I have something that I've been hiding from all of you. Something that I believe you all deserve to know now." Naruto states, getting them to focus more.
"Well, whatever it is, you can trust us man! We're tight!" Zack states with confidence. Why wouldn't he trust his bro. "Heh, the same goes for me, no way am I distrusting a former student and a close friend." Luke follows suit.
The two sisters just looked at him, and his somewhat stiff posture, and took it as a sign that this is something very serious. "Its ok Naruto, you can trust us. I'm not going anywhere." Chun Li states, trying to get Naruto to relax. "Yeah, we been through a lot." Li Fen states, obviously being careful as to how she words things.
"*Sighs*Alright then. Before I continue, I'd like you all to know, that I consider all of you, my closest and possibly only friends now. Your practically my family now." They all relax somewhat, hearing him say that. Obviously, its thanks to Naruto, that they all got to grow close together as a group as well.
"I… am not exactly from here…" Naruto states, causing many of them to be confused. "What I mean is… its kind of hard to explain… everyone gather around me, hold hands, and close your eyes." Naruto states, realizing that it just easier to show them rather than talk.
Confused, they all stood up, with everyone getting in a circle and holding hands. Bosch places his free hand on Naruto's right shoulder (Zack places his hand on Bosch's shoulder instead of holding hands), and Chun Li placed her hand on his right shoulder. Once in formation, and all of them had their eyes closed, they felt an energy, far too pure to be Chi flow into all of them.
Memories.
The minute the chakra hit their bodies; they all began to see memories from Naruto. From when he was a kid, all of his adventures, his torture, his training, his accomplishments, his dreams, the many battles he's fought, the many enemies he's encounter, and of course, how he ended up here.
It felt overwhelming, feeling, and seeing all of these memories, with each one reacting differently to a particular one. Finally, when the memories stopped, they all ended up falling onto the ground, many groans and moans came from them all.
Bosch, being the only one to of seen them before, didn't feel the effects as strongly, thus recovered first, and noticed that Naruto was wearing a blank/serious expression. Possibly due to fearing their reaction. He reaches out, and places his good hand on Naruto's shoulder, comforting him. Naruto looked at his direction, allowing Bosch to mouth him "it's ok, they trust you". Naruto somewhat relaxes, given Bosch a smile in return.
"Ugh… a little warning next time man. It feels like my braining is pulsating." Zack states, while rubbing his head due to the migraine that is forming. Being the most inexperience with Chi, he wasn't that protected from the aftereffects. The others, while fairing better, still looked discombobulated.
After a bit of time, they all recovered enough, to fully process what they saw. And they had many questions.
"D-did we just see your memories?" Chun Li asks, flashes of some of those memories appearing in her mind. Naruto nodded his head.
"W-wow. Are you like… a time traveler?" Li Fen states, since his memories show them that he is from Earth, but not of this time.
Naruto shakes his head, "Not really, but as you all saw, I'm not form this time period." Naruto states, while Luke states, "I can see why you were hesitant to reveal this. But this explains so much about you." He states with a smile. "You've been through a lot huh? Most soldiers haven't been through what you've seen." He states in both admiration, and wonder.
They all really couldn't fully understand it still nor could they believe it.
Chakra, Ninja, Great Nations, the destruction of the moon, the powers, the fights… Its almost like a storybook. Like fiction.
Silence settled into the group, before it became too awkward, Naruto spoke again,
"I'm sorry for burdening you all… you all are free to leave, I understand if you all stop talking to me, or don't want anything to do with me… I don't want to be a bother…" Naruto began to read the silence in a negative way. Wanting to prevent heartbreak, he decided to rip the band aid.
Fortunately, he read the room wrong.
" And why in the hell will we do that man." Zack states, "While I still find it hard to believe, I have no doubt that you are still my friend. And I thank you for trusting us enough to see this." Zack states, trying to convey more emotion. Realizing that what Naruto needs right now, is support.
"You, you been through so much. I'm so sorry for all that you have suffered," Chun Li states as she moves closer to Naruto, and hugs him. Most of the memories that caught her attention, were his early ones, when he was a mere child, suffering from the torturous treatment. And worst yet, having no one to greet him home.
"Tch, and here I was trying to teach you, all this time, I was with a fighting prodigy no less." Luke states, somewhat jokingly, "You have nothing to worry about, this changes nothing." He smiles at Naruto.
"*Sniffles* I'm so, so, so sorry for kissing you. I had no idea I'd bring up so a horrible memory." Li Fen quickly hugged him as well. Tears appearing in her eyes.
She saw a dark blue haired lady, and what happened. She feels so guilty for possibly tainting his last memories of her.
Naruto simply hugged both the sisters, as tears fell from his eyes as well. Was it due to relief, sadness, joy? Naruto doesn't know. But Naruto is glad that he didn't lose his family.
"Hey Li Fen, its ok. You did nothing wrong." Naruto states comforting her since she is starting to cry as well.
After a bit of time, everyone seems to have calmed down, allowing for everyone to find a spot to sit down. With Naruto sitting on the couch between the two sisters, and the others sitting on the recliners or the floor.
"Thank you, guys, I'm sorry for hiding this from you all. I-I just didn't want to lose you guys. Ever since I woke up a year ago, you all have become my most precious people. And I couldn't bear losing you all. So, thank you for accepting me." Naruto states, finally feeling completely relaxed.
For the next hour, they all just talked, asking Naruto some questions about his time and his old life, simply enjoying the company. Eventually, it got late. Both Zack and Luke headed off for the night.
The two sisters, actually requested to simply stay for the night, since they live on the other side of town. Naruto, having a spare room for guests, gladly allowed them to crash.
Everyone got ready for bed, luckily, Chun Li brought casual clothes, as well as Li Fen in their purses, so they are able to sleep comfortably.
As everyone headed to bed, Naruto actually stayed up to meditate in his living room. He began to practice drawing in Nature Chakra. Since he found it hard to do so in the city.
After a few minutes of silence, he hears, footsteps approaching him. He looks towards the hallway to see Chun Li, dressed in a white t-shirt and black short shorts, and no socks, approaching him.
"Hey Naruto." She states, sitting down on the couch, "Hello Chun Li." Naruto got off the floor, to join her on the couch. "Is everything alright?" He asks her, watching as she lifts her feet off the ground and sits cross legged, while massaging her feet.
"I'm fine, just a bit sore, heels aren't my favorite." She states as she continues to rub them. "Never mind me, I should be asking that to you that. How are you after today?" While not an expert, she wants to see if she can support him in this. He's shouldered a lot already.
"I'm relieved knowing you are still care for me. How's Li Fen? Do you all have enough blankets and pillows?" He asks, making sure his guests are treated well. "We're fine, thank you. And she's fine as well. Though that is also another reason I came out here." Chun Li, pauses, to gather her thoughts, "Is it true that Li Fen kissed you?" She asks while looking at Naruto.
Gulps, Naruto looks nervous, "Umm, yest she did, bu-" "I'm so sorry that happened. Li Fen normally doesn't behave that way. I'll make sure she apologizes to you tomorrow properly." She states, lowering her head in a bow for forgiveness.
Naruto, sticking his hands out in a denying fashion says, "No, no, no Chun Li, she doesn't need to be apologize, she didn't know any better. And besides I need to make up to her for making her sad." Chun Li looked up, a bit confused, before giggling slightly, "What, was something I said?" Naruto asks, not sure as to why Chun Li is laughing,
"Oh nothing, just realizing how much your personality is now explained. Li Fen is fine like I said earlier. I'm just happy both of you seemed to have made up and remain close." She says. Before returning to rub her feet.
Naruto see's that her feet seem to bother her, so he asks, "Do you want me to take care of your problem?" Naruto then sends his chakra into his hands. Thinking for a bit, Chun Li nodded, and adjusted her position. She is now seen laying down on her back against the couch, with both feet resting in Naruto's lap. Naruto also made sure to grab one of the bigger couch pillows and rest it on his lap. Then he began his massage.
They stayed quiet for a bit, allowing Naruto to help relieve tension in Chun Li, before she speaks again,
"Do you…still think about her?" She asks, causing Naruto to stop his massage temporarily.
"To be honest, yeah. A little bit. I miss all of them, but I miss her the most." Naruto states, realizing who Chun Li is referring to.
"She was very beautiful. And strong. I would've love to meet her." She states, thinking about said girl. "She was. I was such an idiot to not notice her earlier. She deserves someone better." He states, resuming his massage on her feet. Though without chakra this time.
"Don't say that she loved you, and I hope you remember that." She reinforces him. It appears Naruto struggles with emotional support. Which she'll gladly provide.
"I do. I wonder sometimes, when I'm alone, what my life would've been like if not for that incident. Would we have settled down? Have kids? Would I have been Hokage? I don't know now. I just hope they all have lived long and filling lives." He states, closing his eyes, names, faces, and places all flash before him. All smiling at him.
"I'm sure they did, Naruto." Naruto finished up his massage, letting Chun Li to remove her feet from his lap and adjust herself again so that she was sitting normally again. "Naruto, thank you for trusting us. And I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone that we care for you and will always support you." She states, while smiling warmly at her.
"Thank you, Chun Li, you have no idea how much I need to here that." He side again, this time though, he had his eyes open and looking directly into her own.
*Ba-dump* *Ba-dump* Chun Li's heart beats very loudly, as a very warm sensation envelopes around her body, as Naruto continues to smile at her.
A-again, just like back in the restaurant. What is this strong, warm feeling? Her face formed a light blush, and she smiled back, but with a bit of nerves as well. Thankfully, she saw a distraction.
"Want to see a movie Naruto?" She askes as she grabs the remote and adjusting herself again. Naruto nods his head, letting Chun Li get comfortable, which meant getting a bit closer to him, before turning on the T.V in the Living room and look for a movie.
There is no way I'… that is ridiculous. I can't be…falling for him, can I? No! Its wrong. Chun Li, you are here to help him heal, nothing more. These were the last thoughts over her feelings towards the blonde man next to her. Hopefully, she can control it better in the future.
Chapter End:
Hey everyone, thank you for making it this far. This has been so much fun to write and create! I once again apologize for taking my time with this. The most romantic/mushy scenes were tough for me to write, given my lack of experience. But hey, that's why I'm doing this, to learn!
Thank you all so much for the support, we are well over the followers and favorites count that I ever anticipated for this story. Plus, the view count warms my heart knowing that you all like so far.
I will try to make sure that Chapter 12 is out sooner than this. But no promise.
Next Chapter, we finally get to the end of the first tournament arc of this story. Dominos are beginning to fall into place. So, stay put, and I see you all next time!
BYE GUYS ^_^