A/N
Yo!
Hope everyone had a great holiday! The response to the last chapter was expected, but for me to keep the story flowing the way I planned, that chapter needed to happen.
Jinx really laid into Naruto, huh?
Don't worry I've got some very interesting things planned moving forward. I took some time to think about where I want to take this story, and I now have the ending fully planned out, with a rough draft already in place.
As it stands, there are about six chapters left, though I might add an extra one to tie up loose ends properly.
This chapter kicks off the Alternate Universe Arc, and I have to say I really enjoyed writing it. It has a bit of a "what if" vibe, which was fun to explore.
There are going to be plenty of Jinx and Naruto moments coming up, so if that's what you've been waiting for, this chapter is for you! And trust me, the events in this AU will have a huge impact on the main timeline later on.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 23 - Golden Boy Act 5
Darkness...
Complete utter darkness...
It consumed everything, vast and unyielding, pressing in from all sides. There was no sound, no sensation, just an endless void that seemed to stretch on forever. Then, faintly at first, came the sensation of warmth a flicker of life piercing through the shadows.
Naruto's eyes snapped open, and tears streamed down his face before he even registered the world around him. He gasped, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. His hands trembled as he clutched the bed beneath him, his pulse racing with an intensity that made his entire body ache.
"What… what the hell?" he muttered, his voice hoarse. His golden blond hair clung to his damp forehead, and his wide, piercing blue eyes darted around the room, searching for familiarity.
He sat up slowly, his body heavy with the remnants of the dream. The weight in his chest lingered, though he couldn't remember why. Fragments of something, someone flashed in his mind, a small hand reaching for his, soft laughter echoing faintly.
He clenched his fists as the sensation of loss tightened his throat, but the specifics eluded him.
Naruto ran a hand over his face, wiping at the lingering tears as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "What the hell was that?" he murmured, his voice shaky. "Who… who the hell was Isha?"
The name lingered on his lips, foreign and strange. His brows furrowed as he tried to grasp at the fragments of the dream, but they slipped away like sand through his fingers. He groaned in frustration and rose to his feet, the plush carpet soft beneath his bare soles.
Shuffling toward the mirror, Naruto caught his reflection and froze. His breath hitched as he stared at himself, his bare chest rising and falling with each ragged inhale. There was nothing unusual about him no scars, no marks, no glowing core embedded in his skin. He reached up hesitantly, running his hand across the smooth surface of his chest, half-expecting to feel something, anything.
But there was nothing.
"Yeah," he muttered, shaking his head as he dropped his hand. "Just a weird dream. Nothing more.
His reflection stared back at him, disheveled and exhausted, as though he had fought through something impossible. He sighed heavily and turned away, stepping toward the neatly pressed suit laid out on a nearby chair. Its sleek, tailored lines and fine fabric stood in stark contrast to his current state, but he reached for it anyway, pulling on the crisp white shirt first, then the fitted blazer.
Naruto fastened the buttons with practiced ease, smoothing out the fabric as he straightened his tie in the mirror. His reflection now exuded composure and confidence, the polished image of a man ready to take on the day.
But as he adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, he paused, his gaze lingering on his own eyes in the mirror. For a moment, they flickered with something an emotion he couldn't place. A shadow of something deeper.
With a shake of his head, he dismissed it and muttered under his breath, "Crazy dream. That's all it was." He forced a smirk onto his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes, and walked toward the door.
The morning light gleamed off the polished brass fixtures of Piltover's towering buildings, casting long shadows across the bustling streets below. People hurried along the walkways, their faces bright with purpose, many of them nodding respectfully as they caught sight of him.
He offered polite smiles in return, but his mind was elsewhere. Ever since waking up from that strange dream one so vivid it left him shaken he couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease. The dream was fading, slipping away like sand through his fingers, but fragments remained. The name "Isha" echoed in his head, a name that meant nothing to him, yet carried an inexplicable weight.
"Get a grip," Naruto muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "It was just a dream."
Straightening his shoulders, he made his way down the pristine streets of Piltover, heading toward the research district. The air was filled with the hum of machinery and the scent of metal and ozone. This was his world a world of innovation, order, and progress. A world he was destined to lead.
As he approached the entrance to Dr. Reveck's laboratory, the massive glass doors slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing the bright, sterile interior. The lab buzzed with activity, researchers in white coats bustling about, their hands busy with complex devices and intricate blueprints.
"Good morning, Mr. Uzumaki," a young researcher greeted him with a warm smile as he passed.
"Morning," Naruto replied, nodding politely.
He continued through the lab, his steps confident but measured. Despite his youth, he commanded respect here not just because of his lineage as Kushina's son, but because of his own accomplishments. He was a prodigy in both engineering and diplomacy, poised to take his mother's place on the council. But more than that, he had earned the loyalty and admiration of those around him.
"Ah, Naruto! Right on time, as always," Reveck said, straightening and wiping his hands on a cloth. "We've made some fascinating progress with the shimmer serum since your last visit."
Naruto's eyes flicked to the glowing vials on the table. The liquid shimmered with an otherworldly light, shifting colours as it moved.
"I hope it's good news," Naruto said, stepping closer to examine the vials. "Last time, you mentioned issues with stability during the healing process."
Reveck nodded, gesturing toward a large cylindrical device nearby. Inside, a mechanical arm moved with precise motions, injecting the serum into a tissue sample suspended in a clear solution. "Indeed, we've managed to increase the serum's stability by twenty five percent," he explained. "The shimmer's regenerative properties are remarkable, but without proper stabilization, it can cause… unpredictable side effects."
Naruto leaned in, watching as the tissue sample began to mend itself under the influence of the serum. The process was mesmerizing the torn fibres knitting together with a faint glow, almost as if life itself was being restored.
"Impressive," Naruto said, his tone thoughtful. "But twenty five percent isn't enough. If we're going to present this to the council, we need at least seventy percent stabilization, preferably more."
Reveck sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I agree. The shimmer's properties are volatile, to say the least. But with your insights on energy modulation, I believe we can push that percentage higher."
Naruto straightened, nodding. "Let's start by recalibrating the energy frequencies. If we can synchronize them better with the shimmer's natural energy flow, we might be able to reduce the volatility."
Reveck's eyes lit up with admiration. "Brilliant suggestion, as always. You truly have your mother's mind."
Naruto offered a faint smile, but there was something hollow about it. "Thanks, Doctor. Let's get to work."
As Reveck and the other researchers set about implementing his suggestion, Naruto stepped away, his gaze drifting toward the large windows overlooking the city. Piltover gleamed in the sunlight, a testament to innovation and order. It was a city built on progress, a city he was destined to help lead.
And yet, despite the beauty and purpose around him, a strange emptiness gnawed at the edges of his mind. That dream the name "Isha" it all felt too real to dismiss entirely. But why?
"Naruto?" Reveck's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Turning back to the doctor, Naruto forced the strange feelings aside. "Sorry. Let's test the recalibration."
As the lab buzzed with renewed activity, Naruto focused on the task at hand. Yet, in the back of his mind, the dream lingered like a shadow, whispering of a life he couldn't quite remember. A life filled with chaos, pain… and sacrifice.
Dr. Reveck adjusted the dials on the cylindrical device, his fingers moving with precise expertise as the shimmering liquid inside the chamber pulsed with light. "All right, Naruto," he said, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation. "The recalibration is complete. Let's see if your theory holds."
Naruto stood by the console, his sharp eyes locked onto the device. The hum of energy filled the room, blending with the faint glow of shimmer swirling in the vials. He could feel the tension in the air, a familiar sensation from years of working with experimental technology. "Increasing the flow by ten percent," Naruto announced, turning the knob slowly. The device responded with a low hum, and the shimmering liquid inside began to stabilize.
Reveck leaned forward, his expression keen. "It's working. The shimmer's regenerative properties are holding. No sign of destabilization… yet."
Naruto allowed himself a small smile, feeling a surge of pride. It wasn't just about the research it was about pushing the boundaries of what Piltover could achieve. "Looks like we finally cracked it," he said, his voice carrying a rare hint of optimism.
The glow from the shimmer grew brighter, the tissue sample inside the chamber fully mended, appearing whole and healthy. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though they had succeeded. But then, without warning, the glow flickered violently. The shimmer within the device began to boil erratically, sending cracks of energy across the surface of the chamber.
"Wait—something's wrong," Reveck said urgently, his hands flying to the controls. He twisted a dial, but it was too late. The device emitted a high-pitched whine before the shimmer inside surged uncontrollably and shattered the containment field. A small but powerful burst of energy exploded outward, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.
When the light faded, Naruto exhaled sharply, frustration evident in the furrow of his brow. The tissue sample, once healed, was now scorched and useless. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fist. "What a jinx…"
As the word left his lips, something stirred in his mind. Jinx. The name resonated oddly, triggering a flicker of something unfamiliar yet familiar a flash of pink eyes, wild and filled with chaos. Her long blue hair swirled around her, and there was a manic grin on her face, like she was standing on the edge of the world and daring it to collapse beneath her.
Naruto blinked, his breath catching slightly. "What was that?" he whispered to himself, shaken by the vividness of the image.
"Naruto?" Reveck's voice brought him back to reality, concern flickering in the older man's eyes. "Are you all right?"
Naruto forced a quick nod, brushing off the lingering unease. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, though his tone was shallower than he intended. He turned back to the workstation, but his mind remained unsettled.
Powder.
The name drifted through his thoughts, followed by another image one that felt much more real. Powder as he knew her, short blue hair, a bright smile, and sparkling blue eyes. There was no chaos, no madness, only warmth. She was the girl he loved, the one who could light up any room with her presence.
"Get it together," Naruto muttered under his breath, shaking his head as if to dislodge the strange memory. The girl with pink eyes… she wasn't real. Powder was. The girl who had stood by him, laughed with him, dreamed of a future together that was the Powder he knew.
"You were right about one thing," Reveck said, interrupting Naruto's thoughts. "Your recalibration did improve stability, but something is still interfering at the final stage."
Naruto took a deep breath, pushing aside the disconcerting visions and refocusing on the task at hand. "We'll figure it out," he said, his voice steady once more. "Let's run another simulation. This time, we'll increase the energy frequency modulation and adjust the shimmer's flow rate."
Reveck nodded, already setting the parameters for the next test. As the lab bustled with activity once more, Naruto forced himself to concentrate, but deep down, the strange vision lingered.
He couldn't help but wonder…
why did that other version of Powder feel so real, like a memory he couldn't quite grasp?
And why did it leave him with a strange, hollow ache in his chest?
Before Naruto could start recalibrating the equipment, the sound of familiar, quick footsteps echoed through the lab. He turned just in time to see Caitlyn entering, her usual elegant stride accompanied by a playful smirk. Dressed in a sleek navy blue dress.
"I knew I'd find you here," Caitlyn said, placing a hand on her hip. "Honestly, Naruto, do you ever take a break from this?"
Naruto gave her a sheepish grin, holding up his hands defensively. "We're close, Cait. Reveck and I almost had it this time. Just one more trial and—"
"No," Caitlyn interrupted, shaking her head. "Do you have any idea what time it is? If you don't hurry up, you'll be late for the party. And if you're late, your mother won't be happy."
Naruto sighed, glancing at Dr. Reveck, who had already stepped back from the console with an amused expression. "We're so close. Just a few more adjustments, and we could—"
"Naruto," Caitlyn said firmly, stepping closer and poking him lightly in the chest, "you've been down here for hours. You're supposed to be one of Piltover's brightest young minds, not its most reclusive inventor. You need to get out, have a life. What would Powder say if she knew you were buried in this lab instead of spending time with her?"
Naruto hesitated at the mention of Powder, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. "Well… she's an inventor too," he muttered, his voice quieter. "She understands. This stuff is important."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by his excuse. "Sure, she might understand, but understanding doesn't mean she doesn't want your attention. When's the last time you actually spent time with her? Not just talking about work or inventions real time?"
Naruto opened his mouth to respond but quickly realized he didn't have a good answer. Lately, between his council training, his research, and his responsibilities, moments with Powder had become few and far between.
Caitlyn's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained insistent. "Look, you've been working yourself to the bone. You need a break. Powder needs you, and honestly, you need her too. She's coming to the party, right?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, of course. She wouldn't miss it."
"Good," Caitlyn said with a satisfied smile. "Now, stop hiding in here, and come on. You've got a party to attend, and I won't let you weasel out of it. Powder deserves your time, not just your excuses."
Naruto glanced once more at the equipment, then at Dr. Reveck, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Go ahead," Reveck said. "The work can wait. You've earned a little fun."
With a reluctant sigh, Naruto powered down the equipment and grabbed his jacket. "Fine," he said, walking over to Caitlyn. "But if anyone at the party asks about my research, I'm blaming you."
Caitlyn laughed, looping her arm through his as they left the lab. "Deal. Just make sure you actually relax for once. And maybe remind Powder why she's crazy enough to like you."
Naruto chuckled softly, though his thoughts lingered on Caitlyn's words. Powder was always patient, always understanding but maybe she deserved more than that. As they stepped into the bustling streets of Piltover, Naruto pushed those worries aside. Tonight, he had a party to attend, and a certain blue-haired girl waiting for him.
Under the lights of Piltover's grandest ballroom, the party was in full swing. The polished marble floor reflected the warm glow of the chandeliers above, while elegantly dressed men and women mingled, glasses of sparkling wine in hand.
Music floated softly through the air; a graceful melody played by a string quartet in the corner of the room.
Naruto moved through the crowd with Caitlyn at his side, exchanging pleasantries with the many well-wishers who stopped him along the way.
"Congratulations, young man," an older man said, raising his glass toward Naruto. "You'll make a fine addition to the council."
Naruto smiled politely. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."
His parents, Minato and Kushina, stood nearby, surrounded by guests offering their own congratulations. Kushina's red hair gleamed under the light, her proud smile never wavering as she accepted each compliment. Minato, calm and composed, nodded graciously to those who approached, his sharp eyes never straying far from his son.
Naruto, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the attention, let out a small sigh of relief when the crowd began to thin around him. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure standing near the edge of the room.
Her short blue hair shimmered under the light, framing her delicate features perfectly. Dressed in a simple yet elegant dark blue dress that matched her eyes, she stood out despite the finery of the guests around her. Powder noticed him at the same moment, her lips curling into a soft smile.
Naruto's face lit up, and without a second thought, he made his way over to her, a wide grin spreading across his face. As soon as he reached her, he wrapped her in a warm hug, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. "Hey," he said, his voice filled with warmth and excitement.
"Hey yourself," Powder replied with a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling. "Been awhile, hasn't it, lover boy?"
Naruto looked away shyly, scratching the back of his neck. "Sorry…"
Powder's teasing expression softened into something gentler. "It's fine," she said, reaching out to touch his arm. "Just don't make it a habit, okay?" Her smile was genuine, reassuring.
Naruto nodded quickly, relief washing over him. "I won't," he promised. Then, taking her hand, he added, "Come on, let's go see my parents."
Powder allowed herself to be led through the crowd, her fingers intertwined with Naruto's. As they made their way toward Minato and Kushina, Powder couldn't help but glance at him, a soft smile lingering on her lips.
As they approached his parents. Kushina was the first to notice them, her eyes lighting up as she smiled warmly. "Powder! It's so good to see you," she said, stepping forward and wrapping Powder in a tight hug. Powder returned the hug with ease, her comfort around Kushina evident.
"You've been keeping him in line, right?" Kushina added teasingly as she pulled back.
Powder laughed. "I'm trying, Mrs. Uzumaki. It's still a work in progress."
Kushina chuckled at her response, her gaze shifting fondly to Naruto. "You've got your hands full with this one, huh?"
Minato stepped forward, offering Powder a polite hug. "It's nice to have you here with us tonight, Powder. We're glad you could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it for anything," Powder replied, glancing at Naruto with a small smile.
As they all settled into a nearby seating area, the conversation naturally shifted toward Naruto and Powder's relationship. Kushina leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with affection. "You know, Powder, I've been meaning to tell you, she began, "I fully accept you as part of our family. You've been good for Naruto, and that means a lot to us."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "Mom…"
Powder looked equally surprised but touched by the words. "Thank you, Mrs. Uzumaki. That really means a lot."
"Call me Kushina, dear," she said with a wave of her hand. "And honestly, I'm just glad my son's found someone who can keep him grounded. He's always been so much like his father in some ways, but trust me, he's got a lot of me in him too. For that, I'm sorry," she added with a laugh, giving Powder a playful wink.
Naruto groaned, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not that bad…"
Powder giggled, nudging him playfully. "Yeah, you kind of are."
As the laughter settled, Kushina reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black box. She placed it gently on the table in front of them and opened it, revealing a delicate necklace with a green crystal gleaming at its center.
Naruto and Powder exchanged puzzled glances as they leaned forward to get a better look at the crystal. "What's this?" Naruto asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Before Kushina could answer, Minato spoke up, his voice calm and steady.
"This is a family heirloom. It's something your mother and I worked on together long before you were born."
Naruto and Powder exchanged curious glances, leaning in slightly as Minato continued. "This necklace is meant for the next lady of the house," he explained, his eyes softening as he looked at Powder. "It's more than just an ornament. It's been imbued with special runes, designed to protect its wearer in times of need. And… in moments when the head of the house," he glanced meaningfully at Naruto, "is hurt or in distress, it will guide them."
Powder's eyes widened, her fingers twitching slightly as she tried to process the significance of the gift.
Minato's expression remained serene, but there was a quiet intensity in his gaze. "The runes embedded within it have even been crafted with the potential to heal critical injuries. It's a symbol of protection and care, something we've passed down to those we trust to help lead this family."
Kushina smiled warmly as she picked up the necklace from the box, holding it out toward Powder. "This is yours now," she said gently. "Please, Powder, continue to look after my son."
Powder's mouth opened slightly in shock, and she shook her head instinctively. "I… I can't possibly accept something so valuable," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto smiled reassuringly as he stood, walking around the table and carefully taking the necklace from his mother's hands. "It's fine," he said softly. "It belongs with you." He moved behind Powder, gently placing the necklace around her neck and fastening the clasp. The green crystal rested just above her heart, gleaming softly against her dress.
As he stepped back, Naruto's eyes softened, and a genuine smile spread across his face. "You look beautiful," he said quietly, his voice filled with admiration.
Powder touched the crystal lightly, her cheeks flushing as she glanced up at him, gratitude and emotion flickering in her eyes. Before she could speak, the soft strains of slow music filled the air, the elegant notes drifting across the grand hall.
Naruto extended his hand toward her, his smile widening. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice calm but hopeful.
Powder blinked, momentarily stunned by the moment's sudden shift, but then a soft smile curved her lips. She placed her hand in his and nodded. "Of course."
Together, they walked toward the dance floor, hand in hand, as the music swelled gently around them.
The soft, melodic tune played around them as Naruto and Powder swayed gently on the dance floor, lost in each other's presence. Powder leaned into him slightly, resting her head on his shoulder as they moved together in perfect rhythm. Naruto tightened his hold on her hand, his fingers interlacing with hers as he whispered softly, "Do you remember… the first time we met?"
Powder blinked, lifting her head slightly to look up at him. "Yeah," she murmured. "How could I forget?"
Naruto smiled faintly, but his eyes carried a distant, reflective look, as though his mind had travelled back in time. "I was eleven," he said quietly. "Me and Caitlyn were walking back to Jayce's apartment after we'd spent the day watching one of his experiments. Everything was fine until…"
His voice trailed off as the memory pulled him in, and suddenly, it was as though he was there again, reliving that fateful moment.
Naruto trailed slightly behind Jayce and Caitlyn, listening as the older boy explained something about hex crystals and energy channels. Naruto had only half-listened, more focused on the playful banter between his two friends. As they neared the apartment complex, Jayce stepped ahead to open the door.
Then it happened.
A deafening explosion ripped through the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The force of the blast knocked both Caitlyn and Naruto off their feet, sending them sprawling onto the pavement. Dazed and coughing from the thick smoke that quickly filled the area, Naruto scrambled to his knees, his ears ringing.
"Jayce!" he shouted, panic rising in his chest. He couldn't see anything beyond the swirling smoke and debris.
Ignoring Caitlyn's calls for him to wait, Naruto rushed toward the building, covering his mouth with his sleeve to keep from inhaling too much of the choking air. Flames flickered along the walls, and broken glass crunched beneath his feet as he stumbled through the ruined entrance.
"Jayce!" he called again, his voice hoarse and desperate. He coughed violently, his vision blurring from the smoke. Fear gripped his heart as he scanned the room, but there was no sign of his mentor.
Then he heard it, a soft, broken sob coming from another room.
Naruto froze, his breath hitching. For a moment, he hesitated, torn between continuing to search for Jayce and finding the source of the crying. But something in the sound pulled at him, compelling him to move.
He followed the sobs, navigating through the rubble-strewn hallway until he reached a partially collapsed doorway. Pushing aside a fallen beam, he stepped into the room and saw her.
A girl with messy blue hair sat on the floor, her small frame trembling as she clutched another girl tightly to her chest. The other girl had bright pink hair, but something was wrong she wasn't moving. Her face was pale, her lips tinged with blue, and there was a stillness about her that made Naruto's stomach twist.
Two boys stood nearby, their faces pale with shock. They looked lost, as though the world had crumbled around them, leaving them stranded in the wreckage.
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest. He didn't know what to do, but he couldn't just stand there. Swallowing his fear, he took a cautious step forward, his voice shaking as he asked, "Is… is she okay?"
The blue-haired girl looked up at him, her tear-filled eyes wide with fear and grief. She didn't answer. She just stared at him, clutching the pink-haired girl tighter as if letting go would mean losing her forever.
Naruto's hand trembled as he reached out toward her, offering it in silent reassurance. "It's gonna be okay," he said, though he wasn't sure if he believed it himself. "We'll get help."
Before anything more could happen, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway. Caitlyn appeared at the doorway, followed by a group of enforcers. She rushed to Naruto's side, pulling him back slightly as the enforcers began to assess the situation.
"Naruto, are you hurt?" Caitlyn asked, her voice filled with concern.
Naruto shook his head, still staring at the blue-haired girl. "Jayce," he whispered. "I can't find Jayce."
Caitlyn's expression tightened, and she motioned for the enforcers to search the area. "We'll find him," she promised. "But we need to get you out of here first."
Naruto didn't resist as Caitlyn guided him away, but his gaze never left the blue-haired girl. Even as they were led outside, her image stayed with him the fear, the grief, the desperation in her eyes. It was burned into his memory, a moment he would never forget.
"That was the first time I saw you," Naruto said quietly, his voice pulling Powder out of her own thoughts. "You were sitting there, holding your sister… and I didn't know what to do. I just wanted to help, but I didn't know how."
Powder's grip on Naruto's hand tightened slightly, her blue eyes shimmering with emotion. "And you did help," she whispered. "You were the first person who saw me… who didn't just see a problem or a tragedy, but someone who needed help."
Naruto smiled softly, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "That's because without you… hope doesn't exist," he said. "No matter where we are in the world, I'm always with you."
Powder leaned into him again, closing her eyes as they continued to sway to the music. "No matter what," she murmured. "I'll always love you, Naruto."
"I'll always love you too, Powder," Naruto replied, his voice firm yet gentle.
They danced in silence for a while, lost in each other and the memories that had brought them to this moment. It was a quiet reminder of how far they had come and how, no matter what happened, they would always find their way back to each other.
The evening air was cool as Naruto and Powder made their way back to his room after the party. The sound of laughter and music from the event had faded into the distance, leaving only the quiet hum of the city outside his window.
Naruto opened the door, gesturing for Powder to enter first. She gave him a playful smirk and stepped inside, taking in the familiar sight of his well organized room. The polished wooden floor gleamed under the soft glow of the lamps, and the large window offered a breath taking view of Piltover's skyline. His bed was neatly made, though it didn't stay that way for long as Powder plopped down on it, kicking off her shoes.
Naruto closed the door behind them, loosening his tie and shrugging off his jacket. He tossed it onto a nearby chair before joining Powder on the bed, sitting beside her with a content sigh. "Well," he said, running a hand through his hair, "that was… a lot."
Powder leaned back on her elbows, looking over at him with a teasing grin. "A lot of people congratulating you, you mean?"
"Yeah," Naruto admitted with a sheepish smile. "It's kind of overwhelming, you know? Being appointed to the council… it's a big deal. Everyone expects me to follow in my mom's footsteps."
"You'll do great," Powder said confidently, sitting up and resting a hand on his shoulder. "You've got this, Naruto. You're smart, you're strong, and you care about Piltover and Zuan. That's what truly matters."
Naruto smiled at her reassurance, but the weight of his responsibilities lingered in his mind. "I hope you're right," he said quietly. "Sometimes it feels like… I don't know, like I'm not ready."
Powder gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to be perfect, you know. Just be you. That's more than enough." She leaned back, lying on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. "Besides, if you ever mess up, you know I'll be here to fix it."
Naruto chuckled, lying down beside her. "Thanks, Powder. You always know what to say."
They lay in comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the city filling the room. Powder turned her head toward him, her blue hair splayed out on the pillow. "Oh, by the way," she said suddenly, "Ekko asked me for some help with a competition coming up."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, curious. "A competition? That sounds cool. Why didn't he ask me for help?"
Powder laughed, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Because he knows who's smarter."
"What? No way!" Naruto protested, sitting up. "I'm plenty smart!"
"Oh, really now?" Powder said, sitting up as well, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. "Are you saying you're smarter than me?"
Naruto opened his mouth to argue but hesitated, realizing he didn't have a solid comeback. He huffed and looked away, muttering, "Fine, maybe you're smarter, but… I'm stronger!"
Before Powder could respond, Naruto lunged at her, his fingers finding her sides as he began tickling her mercilessly. Powder shrieked with laughter, squirming, and trying to fend him off. "Naruto, stop! That's cheating!" she gasped between giggles.
"Admit it!" Naruto teased, grinning as he continued his tickle assault. "I'm stronger!"
"Okay, okay, fine!" Powder cried, laughing uncontrollably. "You're stronger! Just stop!"
Naruto relented, falling back onto the bed beside her, both of them breathless from laughter. Powder wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still grinning. "You're such a loser," she said fondly.
"Yeah, but I'm your loser," Naruto replied, flashing her a playful grin.
Powder rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile on her face. "Yeah, you are," she said softly, leaning her head against his shoulder.
Naruto's gaze lingered on her, the playful banter fading into a silence charged with something far more intense. Without thinking, he leaned in, brushing his lips against Podwer's. The kiss started soft, but it quickly deepened as she returned it eagerly, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer.
As their lips moved together, Naruto's hands found their way to the back of her dress, sliding it up inch by inch until it slipped over her head and fell to the floor in a crumpled heap. His eyes roamed her bare form, taking in every detail of her pale skin.
"I don't think I could ever get used to seeing you like this," Naruto murmured, his voice low and thick with admiration, his hands trailing down her sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
"Good," Powder whispered, her mischievous grin softened by the flush in her cheeks. She reached for him, tugging at his shirt impatiently. "Now it's your turn, Naruto strip."
Naruto chuckled softly but obeyed, peeling off his shirt and pants until he stood before her completely bare. Powder's eyes sucked him in, her smirk widening as she pulled him back down onto the bed, her legs wrapping around his waist as their lips met once more.
The heat between them grew, their bodies pressing together as the world outside faded into nothingness. Hands roamed, lips explored, and whispered words were exchanged in the quiet of the night, until eventually, the room fell into a peaceful silence...
The morning light filtered through the large window, casting a warm hue over Naruto's room. The city outside was slowly waking, the distant hum of Piltover's morning bustle faint in the background.
Naruto stirred first, blinking sleepily as the golden rays danced across his face. He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on Powder, who lay beside him. Her blue hair was a mess, splayed across the pillow, and her expression was peaceful, her lips curved into a faint smile even in sleep. Wrapped in the warmth of the moment, Naruto couldn't help but smile as he watched her.
He brushed a few strands of hair from her face gently, careful not to wake her. Powder shifted slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. For a moment, she looked disoriented, but when her gaze met Naruto's, a soft grin spread across her face.
"Morning, lover boy," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"Morning," Naruto replied, his tone light and warm. "Sleep well?"
Powder yawned, stretching her arms lazily. "Yeah… I think you wore me out," she teased, giving him a playful smirk.
Naruto chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Guess that means I did something right."
Powder wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. "You did everything right," she whispered, her tone more sincere now. "Last night was… perfect."
They lay there for a few moments longer, wrapped in each other's warmth, unwilling to let the outside world intrude on their peace. Eventually, Naruto sighed, resting his chin on top of her head. "I guess I should get up," he said reluctantly. "There's probably a whole list of council stuff waiting for me."
Powder tightened her hold on him, refusing to let him go. "Five more minutes," she mumbled into his chest.
Naruto smiled, indulging her request as he pulled her closer. "Fine, five more minutes. But after that, you're helping me sneak out of here before Caitlyn shows up and drags me off to some boring meeting."
Powder laughed softly, the sound like music to Naruto's ears. "Deal. But only if you promise me something."
"What's that?" Naruto asked, his curiosity piqued.
Powder looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with a mixture of love and mischief. "Promise you won't let all this council stuff change you. You'll still be my Naruto, right? Not some stuck up politician."
Naruto's expression softened, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I promise," he said, his voice firm yet tender. "No matter what happens, I'll always be me, and I'll always be yours."
Powder smiled, satisfied with his answer. "Good. Now, let's enjoy those five minutes before the real world comes knocking."
Powder yawned, glancing at the clock. "I've gotta head out soon. Ekko asked me to help him with his project today."
Naruto stretched and sat up, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. "Need a hand with the materials?"
Powder smiled at him, amused by how eager he was. "Yeah, please. You're strong enough to carry all the heavy stuff, so why not?"
Naruto chuckled, throwing the covers aside and getting out of bed. "Sounds like a plan. Let's get ready and head over. Can't have Ekko thinking he's the only genius inventor around here."
Powder laughed softly, the warmth in her eyes clear as she leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "Thanks, lover boy. You always make things easier."
"Hey, someone's gotta make sure you're not carrying all those gears and gadgets by yourself," Naruto said, winking as he pulled on his shirt. "Besides, it's nice to spend time together, even if it's hauling stuff."
Powder shook her head with a grin as she got dressed. "You're hopeless."
"Hopelessly in love, maybe," Naruto teased, earning a playful shove from her.
Once they were ready, the two grabbed their things and headed out into the lively streets of Piltover, the city already bustling with energy. It was shaping up to be an interesting day.
Naruto and Powder strolled through the bustling streets of Piltover, a crate of materials balanced carefully in Naruto's arm as Powder held a bag filled with smaller components for Ekko's latest project.
"Think this is everything he needs?" Naruto asked, adjusting the crate slightly.
"Yeah, this should be more than enough," Powder replied. "Ekko's been working non-stop on this competition project. He's got big plans."
Naruto grinned. "You sure he doesn't want me to give him a hand with the build? You know, lend some muscle?"
Powder laughed, nudging him playfully. "I don't think that's how inventing works, lover boy. But if you want to help carry stuff, I won't stop you."
They turned a corner, approaching the workshop, which was tucked into a quieter part of the district. As they entered, they found Ekko hunched over his workbench, sketching furiously in his notebook, his brow furrowed in deep concentration.
"Hey, genius! Brought you your stuff," Powder called cheerfully, setting her bag down on the table.
Naruto followed suit, placing the crate beside it. "You okay, Ekko? You look like you've been up all night."
But Ekko didn't respond. His hand clutched his head as he stumbled backward slightly, a pained expression twisting his face. Naruto and Powder exchanged a worried glance.
"Ekko?" Powder said, stepping closer. "What's wrong?"
Ekko's vision blurred as a sudden, searing headache tore through his skull. He clutched his head, groaning in pain as flashes of memories no, not memories, something else flooded his mind. Disjointed images of a world drenched in chaos, of battles fought in the shadows of Zaun, and of people who looked like his friends, but weren't.
When he looked up again, he saw Naruto and Powder walking toward him, but something was… wrong.
They didn't look like the Naruto and Jinx he remembered. They weren't hardened by war, worn by loss. Instead, they looked happy, carefree, normal….
Ekko's breath hitched, and he stumbled backward, eyes wide with confusion. "No… this isn't right," he whispered, panic creeping into his voice. "You… you're not supposed to be like this."
Naruto paused, raising an eyebrow at Ekko's strange reaction. "Ekko, you good?" he asked, tilting his head in concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Powder frowned, coming closer. "Ekko? What's…"
Ekko flinched as he looked at her. Powder's eyes weren't pink and manic they were calm, kind, and blue. She wasn't the unstable girl he had known. This wasn't Jinx… it was Powder. And Naruto? There was no glow to his eyes, no aura of war and loss surrounding him.
"I—I need to…" Ekko backed away further, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing like a drum in his ears. "This can't be real."
Naruto exchanged a worried glance with Powder before giving Ekko a cautious smile. "Hey, relax, man. It's just us. Did you hit your head or something?" he joked lightly, trying to diffuse the tension. "You're acting like you've seen a demon or something."
Ekko's gaze darted around the room, searching for something familiar, something real. Before he could spiral further, the door opened, and Benzo entered, carrying a stack of parts.
The moment Ekko saw him, something inside him snapped. His legs moved before he could think, and he rushed forward, throwing his arms around Benzo in a tight hug.
"Benzo! You're… you're alive!"
Benzo, taken aback by the sudden embrace, patted Ekko's back awkwardly. "Uh, yeah, I'm alive. Why wouldn't I be?"
Naruto and Powder watched the scene unfold, confusion etched on their faces. Powder leaned toward Naruto, whispering, "Okay, this is getting weird, even for Ekko."
Naruto shrugged, still watching as Ekko clung to Benzo like a lifeline. "Beats me… but something's definitely up."
Ekko finally loosened his grip on Benzo, stepping back with a hesitant, distant look in his eyes. Benzo gave him a curious glance but didn't press him for an explanation.
"Well, that was… something," Powder said with a light laugh, trying to ease the awkward tension. She turned toward Naruto and smiled. "Why don't we head to the Last Drop? Take a break, you know? We've been working too hard lately."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, looking thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I guess I could use a break," he said, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "But I can't stay too long. Got stuff to do later."
"That's fine," Powder said cheerfully, already making her way toward the door with Benzo in tow. "A little time to relax is better than none, right?"
Naruto smiled as he watched her walk out, then glanced back at Ekko, who hadn't moved from his spot. Ekko's expression was still tense, his eyes locked on the floor, lost in thought.
"Come on, dude," Naruto said, his voice softening as he gestured toward the door. "Let's go. You look like you need some air."
Ekko hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly and followed them, his steps hesitant and deliberate. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong everything felt too perfect, too peaceful. His mind buzzed with fragmented images of a different Zaun, one filled with chaos, danger, and loss. And yet, here he was, walking behind Naruto and Powder, who laughed and joked like none of that had ever existed.
As they made their way through the streets, Ekko glanced around, taking in the strange yet familiar sights. It was Zaun, but not the one he knew. It was cleaner, brighter, and lacked the oppressive tension that usually hung in the air. People smiled, shops bustled with life, and even the usually rough crowd of Zaunites seemed at ease.
"Hey, you good back there?" Naruto called over his shoulder, giving Ekko a curious look.
Ekko snapped out of his daze and forced a small smile. "Yeah… yeah, I'm good."
But inside, he couldn't help but wonder…
Was this really Zaun?
Or was he trapped in some kind of illusion?
Chapter 23 - Golden Boy Act 5 End
A/N
And… that's the end for now.
The AU arc has officially kicked off!
This chapter was just the beginning of a fun, small arc I've planned. Expect to see a lot of new things happening in this world, as you've already gotten a glimpse of.
Did you all enjoy the moments with our favourite couple? Well… they're not exactly the Naruto and Jinx we know, but it's still nice to see a different side of them, right? I'll include plenty of flashbacks in the upcoming chapters how they got together, what's different about this world, and more.
Also, Minato dropped some interesting info about the necklace. I wonder how that'll come into play later… hehe.
Apologies for the half lemon. I didn't want to go into too much detail this time, but don't worry, there'll be another one down the line. I might even get some help from the guys in Aizen's discord ***cough Karna cough***
Thanks for reading, everyone! I know the last chapter had mixed reactions, but I hope this one was more enjoyable for you all.
Until next time,
Byebye!