Hey, everyone!

Here's another one! All we want to say is this is a weaken version of Naruto. Let just say, his arrival in this world is another factor to his weaken state.

Disclaimer: We do not own any Franchise. We just love being imaginative.

Chapter - 10

The polished floors of the Belobog Administrative Building reflected the stark fluorescent lights, mirroring the unease that churned in Naruto's stomach. Doctor Vache, a stout man with a reassuring smile, guided him through the labyrinthine hallways, his footsteps echoing with an almost cheerful rhythm. Finally, they arrived at a large, brightly lit chamber. Inside, several people stood gathered around a long table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The door hissed open, revealing a modestly sized meeting room. Seated around a polished table were four individuals, their expressions ranging from polite curiosity to thinly veiled apprehension. Vache cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"Here they are, Naruto," Doctor Vache announced, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious room. "The members of your expedition team. Or, at least, the ones that are available at the moment." He offered a small, apologetic smile. "Understandably, your… sudden appearance has caused a bit of a stir."

He gestured towards a man with a thoughtful frown and a slightly rumpled lab coat, who held a small, potted plant in his hands. "This is "Doctor Viktor Morozov. Our resident expert in botany. He can identify practically any flora within the Fragmentum."

Ainz nodded curtly, his gaze lingering on Naruto before returning to the plant, his fingers gently brushing its leaves.

Next, Vache indicated a man with glasses and perpetually dusty hands. "Officer Hamel Petrova, a brilliant geologist. He'll be your guide when it comes to understanding the lay of the land." Hamel gave a polite nod, his eyes filled with a professional curiosity. "Rocks are my forte." His tone was dry, offering no further embellishment.

Then, a young woman with a camera slung over her shoulder gave him a small, hesitant smile. "And this is Amy, our talented photographer. She'll document your discoveries." Amy offered a slightly brighter smile, her eyes twinkling with a spark of excitement, despite the skepticism present in the room. "I document our findings… and provide visual records." She offered a small, genuine smile that briefly eased the tension in the room.

Finally, Vache turned to a woman standing apart from the others. A young lady at what seems to be 5.3ft, she had pale skin, long indigo hair tied back in a severe bun, and a presence that shows efficiency. "And this is Officer Penya Sergeyevna," Vache stated, his tone respectful. "She will be overseeing the expedition and, consequently, your probationary period, Naruto."

Officer Penya looked at Naruto, her gaze sharp and intelligent. Penya's cool, assessing gaze lingered on Naruto. Her expression was unreadable, but her voice, when she spoke, was crisp and professional. Her expression mirrored the subdued skepticism of the others. Naruto, despite the courtroom victory, was still an anomaly, an outsider who couldn't explain his origins. The papers might have spoken of his unusual abilities, but they were all highly educated, grounded in science, and he was… a mystery.

Penya stepped forward, her high-heeled boots clicking on the polished floor. "Mr. Uzumaki," she began, her voice clear and precise. "I understand the court has deemed you fit for this assignment. While your… legal hurdles have been cleared, the team, and indeed the rest of Belobog, remains unconvinced. Your story is… extraordinary. And your inability to provide a logical explanation for your arrival to Belobog further complicates matters.

"However, as I am responsible for supervising your probation, I require a more… practical demonstration."

She fixed him with her intense gaze. "We've heard of your physical prowess. the reports filed during the… incident… spoke of remarkable physical capabilities. As I am responsible for your supervision, I need to see for myself if the rumors, and the official record, match reality."

She turned to a nearby intercom. "Requesting Silvermane Guards for a demonstration in Training Room Beta."

All of them enter another room, as mentioned 'Training Room Beta'. A place of sort for weapon and training exercise.

A wave of Penya's hand brought in several Silvermane Guards, their armor gleaming under the bright lights. They positioned themselves in a semicircle, their faces stoic and unyielding.

Penya gestured towards an open space in the corner. "Mr. Uzumaki, please demonstrate your… strength. Against these guards."

Naruto took a fighting stance, a familiar adrenaline coursing through his veins. He moved with a speed that surprised even himself, his movements blurring as he dispatched the guards in a matter of seconds. He didn't aim to injure, focusing on incapacitation. Within moments, one by one the guards were disarmed and on the ground, groaning but unharmed.

When the last guard fell, slightly winded but unharmed, Penya's expression remained unchanged. It was Amy who gasped while taking shots, her eyes wide with awe, and a murmur of impressed surprise rippled through the others.

Penya's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of something akin to surprise registered in her indigo eyes. She then issued another command into the intercom. "Deploying Training Automaton Unit 7."

Penya turned to a corner of the room, and a large, imposing automaton wheeled into view. The robot was a hulking mass of metal, its joints and limbs powered by glowing blue energy. "Now, let us see how you fare with this one."

"No problem." Before anyone could react, Naruto's hand blurred. A swirling sphere of concentrated energy, the Rasengan, materialized in his palm. With a focused yell, he slammed it into the automaton's central chassis. The robot shuddered violently, sparks showering from the impact point, before collapsing in a heap of inert metal. The room fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of the building's ventilation system.

Even Penya's cool facade faltered slightly. Her lips thinned, and her gaze sharpened further. There was no doubt now - Naruto possess an extraordinary power, far beyond what they had anticipated.

Finally, she spoke, her voice measured, "Very well, Mr. Uzumaki. You have demonstrated the abilities described in your file. It would appear that the court made the correct assessment."

She then softened a little. "I accept you as part of the expedition. Come to my apartment early on the morning tomorrow. I will explain what your specific tasks will be, as we are scheduled to leave in a few days. I have prior engagements to attend now. Dismissed."

Penya turned on her heel and left, her long indigo hair swaying behind her. The others looked at Naruto, their skepticism giving way to something akin to cautious interest. Amy was already snapping photos, her initial apprehension replaced by a photographer's hunger for the extraordinary.

Naruto, alone for a moment, could finally exhale. He had passed their test, at least for now. He had a lot to learn about this place, about this world. But for the first time since arriving, he felt a flicker of hope, a tiny flame of belonging igniting within him. He had a job, a purpose, and maybe, just maybe, he could finally start to unravel the mystery of how he ended up here and where the future would take him. He just had to endure this before he truly becomes a freeman in this city.

The metallic tang of the Belobog air hung heavy as Naruto followed Doctor Vache out of the stark, functional administrative building. The fluorescent lights of the interior gave way to the muted, grey light filtering through the perpetually cloudy sky. He rubbed the back of his neck, the phantom weight of his once precious now lost headband momentarily present in his mind. The memories, a torrent unleashed after that strange initial disorientation, were still settling within him. He knew who he was, the battles he'd fought, the friends he'd lost and gained, the weight of being his dream to be Hokage even if that title meant nothing here. Butherewas the sticking point. This world, so different, so technologically advanced yet grappling with ancient, unknowable threats.

Doctor Vache, a slim figure bundled in layers of insulated fabric, noticed Naruto's unease. His eyes, usually twinkling with scientific curiosity, held a touch of concern. "Still adjusting to the overworld and your new situation, Naruto?" he asked, his voice a warm rumble against the chill air. "As a doctor, I can tell the tension hasn't fully dissipated."

Naruto managed a weak smile. "Yeah, guess so. It's… a lot to take in."

"Understandable," Vache replied sympathetically. He then clapped Naruto on the shoulder, a surprisingly firm gesture. "Well, how about we expedite that adjustment? I've got a proposal that should get your blood flowing." He produced a crisp, official-looking document from his coat pocket. "Consider this… an experimental project." He winked. "One that involves testing certain… energetic properties, in a controlled environment, of course."

Naruto was impressed, a strange mix of surprise and amusement bubbling inside him. "You're surprisingly well-connected, Quack doctor," he said, tilting his head slightly.

Vache chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Let's just say I have… contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of certain fields. A favor here, a strategically worded request there…" He trailed off, a playful glint in his eye. "My contributions are but a drop in the ocean compared to the Architects' knowledge, of course, but sometimes, a drop can create a ripple."

Soon, the towering walls of Belobog receded behind them. The landscape outside was a desolate expanse of ice and rock, the wind biting through Naruto's less-than-arctic-appropriate attire. In the distance, a twitching, amorphous mass of shadows and distorted limbs was visible. Fragmentum. They seemed to coalesce and writhe as if drawn to some unseen beacon, a dark mirror to the organized city they threatened.

Doctor Vache gestured towards the gathering monsters. "A convenient testing ground, wouldn't you say?" He meticulously adjusted his goggles, his scientific curiosity overriding any visible apprehension. "Even the Architects are baffled by their origins. There is absolutely no record of beings like them in the city's archive, no historical evidence… it's as if they simply… appeared."

Naruto barely registered Vache's words. His gaze was fixed on the Fragmentum. This was it, the place where he'd woken up, disoriented and stripped of his memories, until that jarring influx just days ago. He took a deep breath, the icy air burning in his lungs.

His mind was already racing, his body itching for movement. He jumped off the small ledge they were standing on, his bare feet landing softly on the icy ground below. "I won't be long," he called back, his voice a low rumble.

Then, without a word, he launched himself off the small cliff they were standing on.

Vache startled, his hand instinctively reaching out. "Naruto!"

But Naruto was already falling, a blur of orange and black against the grey landscape. As he descended, a radiant golden light began to emanate from him, pushing back the encroaching gloom. The air around him shimmered, the very particles seeming to vibrate in response. Chakra. The familiar energy surged through his meridians, a comforting warmth in this frozen world. Chakra mode.

Doctor Vache watched, his scientific mind struggling to categorize what he was witnessing. The golden aura intensified, coalescing into distinct, ethereal limbs that sprouted from Naruto's back. Then, with a roar that echoed across the desolate plains, Naruto slammed his palms together, a swirling vortex of destructive energy forming between them. It grew rapidly, a miniature sun crackling with raw power – a Rasengan, but amplified, augmented by the chakra appendages that now held it aloft.

With a final, guttural shout, Naruto thrust his arms down. The Rasengan, propelled by the chakra limbs, slammed into the densest part of the Fragmentum gathering. The impact was cataclysmic. A blinding flash of light erupted, followed by a deafening explosion that shook the very ground. A shockwave rippled outwards, carving a massive crater in the ice and rock, obliterating the Fragmentum within its radius. Smoke and dust billowed into the air, obscuring the aftermath.

Vache, shielded by his sturdy coat and a healthy dose of scientific caution, watched with wide-eyed astonishment. He understood now. This wasn't just strength; it was destructive power on a scale he hadn't imagined. The silence that followed the explosion was profound, broken only by the howling wind.

Then, from the dust cloud, Naruto emerged. The golden aura had dimmed but still flickered around him. He moved with a newfound fluidity, engaging the stragglers of the Fragmentum in close combat. Before the dust settled, Naruto was a blur of motion within the devastated area. He moved with impossible speed, his fists and feet a whirlwind of golden light. The ethereal monsters, some grotesque amalgamations of bone and shadow, offered little resistance. He ripped through incorporeal bodies as if they were paper, smashing them into oblivion with brutal efficiency. Each strike resonated with controlled fury, a precise application of immense power. It was a brutal, efficient dance of destruction.

A primal roar, his emotion show, his confusion, his pain. The thought of being a lost shinobi with no way of going back home, "HAAA!"

There was no finesse, no intricate jutsu. It was raw, brutal efficiency. He ripped through their ethereal forms with his bare hands, smashed them against the frozen ground until they dissolved into wisps of shadow. The speed and ferocity were breathtaking. It was a display of overwhelming power, a predator effortlessly dismantling its prey.

Hours later, as the last vestiges of the Fragmentum dissipated, Finally, Naruto returned, the golden aura dissipating, leaving him standing with a slight sheen of sweat over his brow. He flexed his shoulders, his body feeling more relaxed, the knot of tension finally gone. "That's about as good as it gets now," "That… was certainly thorough," Doctor Vache managed, his voice a mixture of awe and a healthy dose of apprehension.

Naruto stretched, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. That's about as good as it gets these days." He sighed softly. "It's not the same without… my partner."

"Partner?" Vache asked, wondering who could match him in such a state.

"Just an annoying fox that became an annoying friend and a teacher." Naruto could helped but wonder why he couldn't hear the fox but it was fine for now.

Vache nodded, his scientific curiosity piqued. Struggling to make sense of the word. Then, more urgently, "Why hide such power?"

Naruto's smile faded, replaced by a quiet intensity. His gaze drifted towards the horizon, where the city he came to and where he currently lives in. "I didn't gain this power to get what I want," he said, his voice firm. "I gained it to protect what I had. And… well, now I'm trying to figure out what that means here."

A slow smile spread across Doctor Vache's face. He had seen the brilliance of destruction, yes, but he had also seen the control, the purpose behind it. He understood the weight of such power, the responsibility it entailed. He looked at Naruto, no longer just an interesting anomaly, but a force to be reckoned with, a potential ally.

"I understand, Naruto," Vache said, his voice sincere. "And you have my word. What I've seen here… remains between us, unless you say otherwise." He added, a hint of respect in his tone, "Besides, I rather enjoy being on the good side of someone who can create craters with their bare hands."

Naruto offered a small, genuine smile. He had a feeling, a gut feeling, that he could trust this man. In a world so new, so uncertain, that small spark of trust felt like a victory in itself. He still had a long way to go, to understand this world and his place in it. But for now, he had a starting point, a way to test his limits, and perhaps, a friend in the most unexpected of places.

The biting wind of Belobog nipped at Naruto's exposed cheeks as he and Doctor Vache stepped off the snow-dusted elevator platform. The chill was a stark contrast to the humid warmth of the underworld they had just left, a brief experimental foray into the more dangerous tunnels. As Vache double-checked his instruments, Naruto fidgeted, his blue eyes searching the horizon.

"Hey," he began, his voice a little hesitant. "Any chance... any chance I could go back down with you?"

Vache, a man who seemed perpetually lost in thought even during conversations, raised an eyebrow. "Back down? You just came up, Naruto. What's the urgency? Do you want to see Natasha that badly?"

Naruto ignored his quick remark and shuffled his feet, his gaze drifting towards the distant transportation shaft leading into the depths. "I dunno, just... I miss the miners. The folks in Boulder Town, the kids playing in the square. Even Natasha. You know?" A genuine warmth spread through his expression, a far cry from the rebellious scowl he'd initially presented to Belobog.

Vache sighed, a puff of condensation escaping his lips. "I understand, Naruto. But you know the conditions of your parole. You are to remain in the overworld, under the supervision of your designated officer. You shouldn't be in the underworld until the end of your probation. Besides there are still reports that need to process regarding our excursion down there."

Naruto deflated a little, but didn't argue. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just... just asking." He knew the rules. He had been a prisoner for a long time, his raw power considered a danger. He was under probation, and Vache, despite having a soft spot for him, wouldn't play fast and loose with the law.

"It might be a while, Naruto," Vache admitted, his voice softer than usual. "But they all miss you. You're something of a legend down there now. The hero who saved the miners. Natasha, especially, is grateful. You're not forgotten."

Naruto grinned, a familiar flash of his old mischievous self. "Heh, I know," he chuckled, running a hand through his spiky hair. "Still, gotta ask, right?"

Vache paused, his gaze turning oddly serious. "Naruto, your strength... it's immense, even raw. Why not simply escape all of this? You could be anywhere, do anything." This was not the first time Vache had posed this question.

It was the second time someone asked him and he still had a mindset about that.

Naruto surprised himself with a full belly laugh. "Escape?" he echoed, his voice full of genuine amusement. "Where would I go? Besides, If I vanished, using that kind of power to simply escape, they'd follow the trail. Convinced I had allies hiding me. They'd go to the underworld and I don't want that."

He turned back, his gaze intense. "The underworld... it's kind of the only other place I call home right now. I love staying in that little room under your clinic. I feel like I'm part of Boulder Town, or part of the underworld, in general."

A faint smile graced Vache's lips. He still processed things through the lens of experimentation, but even he could see the genuine connection Naruto felt. It was almost... endearing. Here was a boy, capable of immense destruction, choosing to ground himself not with power, but with the bonds he had formed in the most unlikely place.

As they approached the city gates, the clang of the automated defenses a familiar sound, Naruto reached into the depths of his cloak. He pulled out a small, worn leather pouch and offered it to Vache.

"Here."

Vache took the pouch, his brow furrowed in curiosity. Inside were seeds, unlike anything he'd seen before in Belobog's perpetually frozen climate. They were a mix of colors, some speckled, some with strange ridges, none bearing any resemblance to the hardy mosses or fungal growths that eked out a living in their world.

"What are these?" Vache asked, turning one over in his gloved hand.

Naruto shrugged, an honest, guileless gesture. "Don't know, Doc. They were… just there. Been in my pocket since… well, since I was locked up." He didn't elaborate on the specifics of his confinement, a dark chapter he preferred to leave undisturbed.

Vache examined the seeds more closely, his scientific mind already cataloging and theorizing. "Fascinating. Where did you intend for me to…?"

"Just plant them," Naruto interrupted, a hopeful glint in his eye. "Somewhere. Maybe… maybe they'll grow."

Vache looked at Naruto, then back at the pouch in his hand. He saw not just seeds, but a quiet hope, a yearning for something more in a world that seemed determined to offer less. He tucked the pouch safely into his coat.

"I will see what I can do, Naruto."

"…" As they approach the downward stairway that led to the transportation for the Underworld of Belobog, both men stood in silence as the look over the city.

The air in Belobog hung thick with the metallic tang of rust and the ever-present rumble of unseen machinery. Doctor Vache, his brow furrowed with a genuine concern that went beyond his professional demeanor, adjusted his spectacles. "Naruto," he said, his voice a low rumble that carried despite the ambient noise. "Remember what I told you when you first arrived?"

Naruto, leaning against a chipped pillar near a street light, nodded slowly. The memory was still sharp, even with all that had happened since. The initial days in the Underworld felt like being thrown into a murky pond and told to swim without knowing which way was up.

"The Silvermane Guards…" Vache started, his gaze sweeping over the dimly lit platform, as if expecting them to materialize out of the shadows. "They have a...peculiar way of handling situations down there. Or rather, a distinct lack thereof, untilaftereverything's been sorted."

Naruto grimaced, the truth of those words still a bitter taste in his mouth. He'd learned quickly that the glossy brochures promising order and security in Belobog were largely reserved for the Upper Districts.

"The mine's explosion," Vache continued, his voice laced with a subtle warning. "Who was it that actually got the situation under control? You, Naruto. Not the Silvermane, who arrived hours later to cordon off the already extinguished mess."

The memory of the frantic scramble, the choking dust, and the fear in the eyes of the miners flashed in Naruto's mind. He'd acted instinctively, his ingrained sense of responsibility kicking in before anyone in uniform even showed up.

Vache wasn't done. "And the…disagreements in Boulder Town and Rivet Town. Those internal disputes, often involving close acquaintances, sometimes even family." He paused, his gaze meeting Naruto's. "You were often the mediator, the one who stepped in before things escalated beyond repair. Where were the Silvermane then?"

Naruto swallowed, the truth of Vache's words heavy on his shoulders. He'd intervened in petty squabbles that threatened to become gang wars, helped reconcile brothers driven apart by desperation, and even prevented a near-fatal confrontation between former friends, all with little to no official help. The guards would arrive after the dust settled, their reports filled with carefully phrased observations that glossed over the chaos and Naruto's role in quelling it.

Then there was the elephant in the room, the reason Naruto was even in the Underworld in the first place. "And your probation, Naruto," Vache said, his voice softer now. "It places you in a…vulnerable position. Especially now."

Naruto's jaw tightened. The probation, a consequence of a misunderstanding and a bit of explosive energy he hadn't quite learned to control in this new environment, felt like a leash held by unseen hands.

"Since the untimely passing of the Supreme Guardian…" Vache's voice lowered, almost a whisper. He glanced around the deserted platform, his eyes lingering on the shadowed corners. "Things are…unsettled. The administrative structure is shifting, and there are whispers, Naruto. Whispers of undesirable applications of power. Be careful who you trust."

The implications hung heavy in the air. The Supreme Guardian's death had shaken Belobog, even the usually stoic residents of the Underworld. The void left behind was a vacuum, and Naruto could feel the subtle shifts in the power dynamics, the tension simmering beneath the surface. Vache was suggesting that the very people entrusted with maintaining order might be exploiting the situation.

Naruto met Vache's gaze, understanding dawning in his cerulean eyes. He wasn't naive. He'd seen the self-interest that could fester in any organization, the way power could corrupt. Vache wasn't just worried about his personal safety; he was warning him about something larger, something systemic.

"Be vigilant, Naruto," Vache concluded, offering a small, almost hesitant smile. "Your instincts have served you well so far. Trust them."

He stood there for a moment, the Doctor's words echoing in his mind. The weight of responsibility, a familiar companion, settled back onto his shoulders. He'd come to Belobog seeking a fresh start, a chance to prove himself, to find his place. Instead, he found himself navigating treacherous undercurrents, relying on his own wits and instincts in a world where those who were supposed to protect seemed strangely absent when needed most.

Vache looked up from his spot, a question forming on his lips, but something in Naruto's eyes stopped him. He nodded slowly, "Naruto. Good luck."

Naruto grinned, his usual bravado returning. "You too, Quack doctor! And say hi to Natasha for me!"

The tram for the upper districts hummed to life, the doors hissing open. Doctor Vache gave Naruto a final, meaningful look, then stepped inside. Naruto watched as the tram ascended the pillar, its lights receding into the darkness above.

He turned and bounded off towards the residential sector, leaving Vache to ponder the mysterious seeds and the young man who had somehow found a home in the frozen heart of Belobog. As he walked, Vache couldn't shake the feeling that he had just received more than a pouch of seeds; he had been given a glimpse into the heart of another being, a heart that he was slowly coming to understand. He had never considered a human's capacity for such a thing, until Naruto came along.

The city air hung heavy with the scent of diesel and distant cooking fires as Naruto walked. The day had long since dipped below the horizon, where the streets once filled with people now only a few strangers. He'd parted ways with Doctor Vache hours ago, a strange encounter in a strange new world. Penya, his parole officer, had been even more cryptic, merely telling him to meet her the next day. So here he was, adrift in this sprawling metropolis, feeling a pang of unwelcome familiarity.

This solitary trek, the quiet padding of his footsteps on the cobblestones, was a sensation he knew intimately. He remembered the countless evenings he'd walked like this in Konoha, alone and adrift, before his life had become a whirlwind of teammates, teachers, and friends. A bittersweet ache settled in his chest.

He could almost hear Sakura's shrill scolding, Sasuke's curt 'idiot,' and Kakashi's infuriatingly vague pronouncements. Each stride brought back a new memory: the ramshackle training grounds, the bustling streets of the village, the countless promises he'd made to never give up, to always protect them. He missed them with a fierceness that surprised him. He even missed the familiar, comforting taste of Ichiraku's ramen.

As he approached the residential district, his nose twitched. A warm, savory aroma, unmistakable and comforting, wafted towards him – ramen. He followed the scent, his heart picking up its pace. And there it was, nestled between a clothing store and a dimly lit bar: a small, unassuming shop with a bright red awning that read "Naruto's Ramen."

The bell above the door jingled a cheerful tune, a stark contrast to the gruff voice that barked, "Whatcha want, kid?"

Naruto blinked, taking in the small, slightly dingy ramen shop. It was unassuming, tucked away on a less-traveled street, yet the aroma wafting from within was undeniably enticing. But it was the sign above the door that had stopped him dead in his tracks: "Naruto's Ramen."

"Uh, just looking," Naruto stammered, a strange mix of curiosity and disbelief swirling within him. He stepped inside, the warmth of the broth-filled air embracing him. The owner, a burly man with calloused hands and a permanent scowl etched onto his face, eyed him suspiciously.

"You the owner?" Naruto blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity.

The owner grunted, wiping down the counter with a rag. "Yeah, so?"

"The name… 'Naruto's Ramen'…" Naruto gestured towards the sign with a bewildered grin. "Is… is there a story behind that?"

The owner's scowl deepened. He leaned closer, his voice a low rumble. "Look, kid. The real owner… they ain't here. Built this place up from nothin' down where they came from. Big success. Enough to open one up here. All thanks to some hero, they say." He spat into a nearby bucket. "But they don't like talkin' about it. Don't ask me any more."

Naruto's mind raced. A hero? The underworld? A successful ramen shop before this one? A memory, clear and warm, surfaced. The man who almost made a mistake to feed his family, the way his eyes gleamer upon what ramen was. The isolation. He forgot he helped someone created the taste of true ramen.

Then, the darkness, the cold emptiness… and the fiery, comforting warmth of ramen in a place he barely remembered. Could it be…? A hazy image. "Ichiraku and Ayane…"

A slow smile spread across Naruto's face. He finally understood. He remembered the fragmented images, the fear, the desperation, and the single act of kindness: a steaming bowl of ramen offered by an unseen hand in that desolate realm. He'd been too young, too scared to fully comprehend it then. But now… now it made a strange, beautiful kind of sense.

"Actually," Naruto said, his voice a little choked, "I'd like a bowl of your best ramen."

The owner grunted again but turned to prepare the dish. Soon, a steaming bowl of fragrant ramen was placed before Naruto. The aroma was familiar, comforting. He took a tentative sip of the broth, and his eyes widened. It was… incredible. The flavors danced on his tongue, a symphony of savory and umami that resonated deep within his soul. Tears welled in his eyes, unexpected and overwhelming.

He could almost hear Jiraiya's booming voice, a hand ruffling his hair. "Here, you brat. Don't forget the pork. Gotta have the pork with ramen." He saw the blurry image of Jiraiya placing a slice of perfectly roasted pork on top of his own meager bowl of his almost finish noodles, a rare and cherished treat.

Naruto swallowed hard, the memory a bittersweet ache in his chest. He savored each bite of the ramen, the noodles perfectly cooked, the broth rich and flavorful, the pork meltingly tender. It wasn't just food; it was a connection to a past he barely knew, a testament to a kindness he'd long forgotten. It filled not just his stomach, but a deep, hollow part of his heart.

He ordered a second bowl, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time. As he slurped down the last of the noodles, a sudden commotion erupted outside. Shouts and curses pierced the peaceful atmosphere of the shop. Naruto glanced towards the entrance, initially dismissing it as drunken revelry.

But then he saw her. A figure silhouetted against the flickering streetlights, weaving unsteadily. Even from inside, Naruto recognized the sharp lines of her tailored suit, the stern set of her shoulders. Officer Penya Sergeyevna, his parole officer. And she was, to put it mildly, hammered.

She was currently engaged in a less-than-peaceful discussion with a couple of unfortunate individuals who seemed to have bumped into her. Penya, fueled by alcohol and possibly a lifetime of bureaucratic frustration, was delivering a lecture with her fists and feet, punctuating her slurred words with sharp jabs and well-aimed kicks.

Naruto sighed, finishing his bowl and placing the exact amount of money on the counter. The owner simply nodded, not looking up from his work. Naruto hurried outside, the cacophony of Penya's drunken tirade filling the air.

From the rooftops, Naruto watched her stumble down the street. Despite her inebriated state, there was a determined look on her face, a singular focus on her destination. He guessed she was trying to get home. He debated for a moment. She was clearly capable of handling herself, albeit in a less-than-professional manner. He really needed to find a cheap inn for the night.

But as he was about to turn away, a group of shadowy figures emerged from a dark alleyway, their intentions clear. They'd seen an easy target, a vulnerable woman ripe for the picking. Naruto's decision was instant.

He dropped silently from the rooftop, landing behind the unsuspecting thugs. A swift series of well-placed strikes left them groaning on the ground, thoroughly disoriented. Penya, oblivious or simply unfazed, continued her unsteady march, muttering something about "work" and "unacceptable request."

Naruto watched her go, a wry smile on his face. He could have left her. She was technically in charge ofhim. Yet, something compelled him to stay, to ensure her safe passage.

So began Naruto's unexpected night as a guardian angel. He followed Penya from rooftop to shadowy corner, intervening whenever she stumbled too close to danger or attracted unwanted attention. He deflected a stray bottle aimed in her direction, subtly guided her away from a group of rowdy drunks, and even managed to scare off a stray dog that was barking aggressively at her ankles.

Penya remained blissfully unaware of her silent protector. She continued her meandering journey, occasionally breaking into song, sometimes arguing with invisible foes, but always, eventually, moving forward.

As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, Penya finally reached her apartment building. She fumbled with her keys for an eternity, eventually managing to unlock the door and stumble inside. Naruto watched until the light in her window flickered and died, then let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

He wasn't entirely sure why he'd done it. Maybe it was the ramen, the unexpected connection to a forgotten past. Maybe it was a newfound sense of responsibility, a desire to repay the kindness, however minuscule, he'd received. Or maybe, just maybe, even a former underworld ramen shop owner's hero had a soft spot for a perpetually stressed and occasionally inebriated parole officer.

But as he watched Penya finally stumble inside her door, a strange sense of satisfaction bloomed in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't so lost after all. Even in this unfamiliar world, his instinct to protect, to help, was still his guiding star. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough, for now.

And done.

Age:

Naruto: He looks like a 16-year-old meaning Naruto Shippuden age.

Serval: 13

Gephart: 11

Natasha: 18

Oleg: 38

Luka: 7

Seele: 7

Penya: 22 (No, she will not be interested in Naruto)

Abilities

Rasengan

Multi-Shadow clones

Fire manipulation and ignition

Transformation technique (How he hid his fox features.)

Chakra mode

Bye!