A/N

Yo!

Apologies for the long wait.

I've been feeling lazy these past few days. I had these chapters ready but hadn't gotten around to editing them. My bad, everyone.

Before we jump into the chapter, let me answer some reviews -

Lichi Sechino - Yeah, I had a change of heart, but Mikasa will still be in the story, I've got a great plan for her. And showing Nagi early? Couldn't resist. Inori will get more screen time as the story progresses, trust me.

soulreapern - You're not wrong Naruto's leadership skills are elite. Could see that happening for sure.

EvilKidz - Oh, I've definitely got something cooking for the 2018 World Cup before the Blue Lock arc begins. And don't worry Mikasa's role is far from over.

Guest 1 - Naruto as part of the New Gen 11? Absolutely.

Batman531 - Friends for now… but we'll see how things develop.

OFARiolu - Finally, someone who knows Inori! Guilty Crown fans are rare, but you get it.

The Man Sitting Under A Tree - Bro, I hate Real Madrid too... You might've just become my favourite guy here lmao. YNWA till I die, Liverpool fan for life!

DarkxKitsune15 - Thank you so much for your kind words. Means a lot, truly.

That's all for now.

Thanks for your patience, and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 8 – The Emperor

Morning Briefing – Ubers Training Complex

The day after Naruto was officially designated as a striker, he sat in the team's video analysis room alongside the rest of the Ubers Youth Team. The room was dimly lit, and the large screen at the front displayed a tactical breakdown of their upcoming opponent. Monza FC's youth team, one of Italy's most disciplined and aggressive squads.

Coach Marcello stood at the front, pointer in hand, as he detailed Monza's style of play. The players listened intently, but Naruto was especially focused. This wasn't just a match it was his debut as Ubers' primary striker, the role he had always dreamed of.

"Monza plays a 4-3-3 formation, with their strength concentrated in their midfield and defensive lines," Marcello explained. "Their centre-back pairing, Rossi and Ferrari, is one of the toughest in the youth circuit. They're strong, aggressive, and excellent at closing down space."

The screen shifted to highlight Monza's defensive stats and player footage. Rossi was a towering defender with a knack for winning aerial duels, while Ferrari was quicker, known for his ability to intercept passes and shut down counterattacks.

Marcello continued, "If you want to break through their defense, you'll need to exploit their lack of pace on the flanks and take advantage of their tendency to commit too many players forward during attacks."

Snuffy, who was sitting to the side with his arms crossed, spoke up. "Naruto."

Naruto looked up, meeting Snuffy's sharp gaze.

"You're the striker now," Snuffy said, his voice calm but firm. "Your job isn't just to score, it's to create opportunities for your teammates, disrupt their defensive rhythm, and force mistakes. Can you handle that?"

Naruto nodded confidently. "I can."

After the briefing, Marcello pulled Naruto aside for a one-on-one session on the pitch. The sun was bright overhead as Marcello placed a series of cones, markers, and mannequins across the training ground.

"This is where we fine-tune your movements," Marcello said, gesturing for Naruto to join him. "As a striker, positioning is everything. It's not just about where you are it's about where you're going to be."

Marcello pointed toward a mannequin placed in the centre of the box. "Imagine this is Ferrari, their quickest defender. He's aggressive, always looking to intercept. You need to anticipate his movement and position yourself accordingly."

Naruto nodded, stepping into the drill. He practiced making sharp, diagonal runs, feinting one way before cutting the other. Marcello barked instructions, correcting Naruto's angles and timing.

"Don't sprint too early," Marcello warned. "You'll give the defender time to react. Wait for the ball to be in motion, then make your move."

Once Naruto had nailed his positioning, Marcello moved on to shooting drills. A staff member fed balls into the box, and Naruto practiced a variety of finishes volleys, headers, first-time strikes, and his signature trivela.

"Monza's keeper, Donati, is quick on his feet but struggles with long shots and tight angles," Marcello explained. "You'll need to test him early and keep him guessing."

Naruto focused intently, replaying the words in his mind as he struck ball after ball. His shots curved and dipped, many finding the back of the net. But when one shot sailed wide, he clenched his fists, frustration creeping in.

"Relax," Marcello said. "Mistakes are part of the process. Focus on your form, not the result."

Naruto exhaled, calming himself before lining up the next shot. This time, he struck it perfectly his golden trivela curling into the top corner.

Marcello nodded approvingly. "That's the one. Keep that up."

Later in the day, Naruto joined Lorenzo in the video room for an in-depth analysis of Monza's defensive pair. Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, his usual lazy grin on his face, while Naruto leaned forward, his focus razor-sharp.

"Rossi's big and strong, but he's slow on the turn," Lorenzo said, pointing at the screen. "If you drag him out of position, he'll struggle to recover."

"And Ferrari?" Naruto asked.

"Quicker, but impatient," Lorenzo replied. "He'll commit too early if you bait him. That's where you can punish him."

Naruto nodded, taking mental notes. "Got it."

Lorenzo smirked. "You're taking this seriously, huh?"

"Of course," Naruto said. "I'm not just here to play—I'm here to win."

Lorenzo chuckled. "Good. Just remember if you mess up, I'll be there to clean it up. But don't make it a habit, okay?"

Naruto laughed. "Deal."

To prepare Naruto for the real thing, Marcello organized a simulated match during the final training session. Naruto's team played against a squad of reserves set up to mimic Monza's style. Rossi and Ferrari's roles were played by two of Ubers' toughest defenders, who gave Naruto no space or time on the ball.

The session was intense. Naruto found himself struggling at first, with the defenders constantly closing him down. But as the session progressed, he began to adapt.

Using his Emperor's Eye, he started to anticipate the defenders' movements. When one of them leaned slightly to his left, Naruto cut right, slipping past him. When the other pressed forward, Naruto feinted backward before darting into open space.

By the end of the session, Naruto had scored twice, one goal coming from a perfectly timed trivela and the other from a clever run that left the defenders flat-footed.

As the players cooled down, Snuffy approached Naruto, his expression unreadable.

"You're starting to get it," Snuffy said. "But don't get comfortable. Monza's defense won't make it this easy for you."

"I know," Naruto said, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I'll be ready."

Snuffy smirked faintly. "We'll see."

Naruto sat on his bed in the dormitory, his body tired from the intense training session but his mind sharp and focused. The upcoming match against Monza FC's youth team was all he could think about. He knew this was his chance to prove himself as Ubers' striker. The pressure was mounting, but Naruto welcomed it.

As he scrolled through his phone to unwind, a familiar name caught his eye - Funeral Parlor.

Naruto tapped on the account, and sure enough, the latest post was all about him. A photo of him during training filled the screen, accompanied by Inori Yuzuriha's signature sharp analysis.

"Naruto Uzumaki: A Rising Star's New Chapter at Ubers"

After weeks of recovery and adjustment, Naruto Uzumaki has officially been given the role of striker for Ubers' youth team. Known for his fiery determination and natural talent, Naruto now faces the challenge of integrating into one of the most tactically disciplined systems in Europe. Will he adapt and thrive under Snuffy's watchful eye?

Sources within the team suggest that Naruto's sharp instincts and newfound focus are already making waves. His ability to read the game, an edge that some say sets him apart could be the key to breaking through Monza FC's ironclad defence in the upcoming match. Stay tuned for more updates on Japan's rising prodigy as he takes his next big step in Europe."

Naruto stared at the post, a small grin forming on his face. Inori's words were flattering, but they also carried weight. She wasn't just hyping him up she was setting expectations. He could feel the invisible eyes of fans and critics alike watching him, waiting to see if he could deliver.

"Sharp instincts, huh?" Naruto muttered to himself, leaning back against the wall. "Guess I can't let her down now."

The post quickly gained traction among football fans, particularly those who had followed Naruto's journey since his Re Al Academy days. Comments flooded in from all over -

RisingNarutoFan - Uzumaki's got the fire. Can't wait to see him destroy Monza!

Hiddenleaf21 - Monza's defense is no joke. This will be a real test for Naruto. Hope he's ready.

JapaneseFootyFan - Love seeing Japanese players thriving in Europe. Go, Naruto!

Even though Naruto rarely paid attention to online chatter, the excitement buzzing around him felt almost tangible. He knew that Inori's posts were helping to build his narrative not just as a player recovering from injury, but as a potential future star.

Back at her hotel room, Inori sat at her desk, reviewing footage she had captured earlier that day. The clips of Naruto during training were impressive his sharp movements, precise strikes, and the occasional flash of that intense, hawk-like gaze.

She smirked as she uploaded a new story to her Instagram -

"Tomorrow's match will be Uzumaki's first test as Ubers' striker. Can't wait to see how he handles the pressure. #NarutoUzumaki #UbersYouth #MonzaVsUbers"

Satisfied, she leaned back in her chair, scrolling through the comments on her earlier post. The buzz surrounding Naruto was growing, and she knew she had played a part in that.

"Better not let me down, Uzumaki," she muttered to herself with a small smile.

As Naruto entered the training complex the following morning, he noticed several of his teammates scrolling through their phones, whispering to one another. He caught snippets of their conversation -

"...Funeral Parlor's post about Uzumaki…"

"...said he's the key to breaking Monza's defence…"

"...didn't know he was already getting this much attention."

Naruto shook his head with a quiet chuckle, grabbing a water bottle and joining the group for warm-ups. Lorenzo, walked up beside him.

"You're popular these days," Lorenzo said, his grin wide. "Guess all that hype means you're the real deal, huh?"

"Something like that," Naruto replied, stretching his legs. "I'm just focused on the match."

Lorenzo's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Well, you better back it up. Wouldn't want to disappoint your new fan club."

Naruto smirked. "Don't worry. I've got this."

As the players prepared for the match, Inori uploaded one final update -

"Matchday: Monza FC Youth vs. Ubers Youth. All eyes are on Naruto Uzumaki as he makes his debut as a striker. Will he rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure? Kickoff in two hours. Let's see what Japan's rising prodigy can do."

Sitting in the locker room before the match, Naruto scrolled through Inori's post one last time. He didn't feel nervous instead, he felt a surge of energy, a burning desire to prove himself.

"She's building my story," Naruto thought to himself. "Guess it's up to me to make it a good one."

Naruto sat quietly at his locker, his kit neatly folded in front of him. The shirt with its black and white stripes, bore the number 7 and the name Uzumaki stitched across the back. It was a number with weight a number for players who wanted to stand out, to lead, to dominate.

As Naruto reached for his boots, he noticed faint scuff marks on the leather and a slight fraying along the seams. They had been with him through countless training sessions and matches, but now they were showing their age.

Guess I'll need a new pair soon, he thought, slipping them on and tying the laces tightly. But today wasn't about aesthetics it was about performance. These boots had brought him this far, and they'd carry him through one more battle.

Naruto pulled on his shirt, the fabric snug but comfortable. He took a moment to adjust the collar, letting the weight of the number on his back sink in.

He stood, his boots tapping lightly against the floor as he stretched his legs. Closing his eyes, Naruto exhaled slowly, feeling a familiar shift within him. It wasn't just adrenaline it was something deeper.

It was his ego.

This is my stage, Naruto thought.

This is where I become the Emperor...

When he opened his eyes, there was a glint of sharp determination in them. His posture straightened, his movements more deliberate. The confident smirk that crossed his face wasn't one of arrogance it was a reflection of his unshakable belief in himself.

Across the room, Lorenzo leaned casually against the wall, his lanky frame relaxed as he laced up his boots. His purple tipped hair swayed slightly as he moved, and his golden teeth gleamed when he smirked. He had earned a reputation within Ubers as the Ace Eater, a centre-back who thrived on shutting down the opposition's biggest threats.

As Lorenzo glanced at Naruto, his lazy grin widened. "Looking sharp, Uzumaki. Ready to show Monza what you've got?"

Naruto glanced over, meeting Lorenzo's gaze with a smirk of his own. "I'm ready. Just make sure you're cleaning up at the back."

Lorenzo chuckled, standing upright and cracking his neck. "Don't worry about me. Just focus on scoring. If their so called ace gets past me, then I wasn't doing my job."

"Good," Naruto said, slipping on his captain's armband. "Because I'm counting on you to shut them down."

Lorenzo's grin turned slightly predatory. "Oh, I'll shut them down, alright. By the time this match is over, their so-called ace won't even want to touch the ball."

Coach Marcello entered the room, his clipboard tucked under his arm. The players immediately quieted, turning their attention to him. His sharp eyes scanned the room, lingering on each player for a moment before he began to speak.

"Listen up," Marcello said, his tone calm but commanding. "Monza is a disciplined team. They'll press hard, they'll crowd the midfield, and they'll try to break us down mentally. But remember this... We are Ubers. We don't panic. We don't break formation. We dominate with precision."

His eyes locked onto Naruto. "Uzumaki, you're our man today. You're the spearhead of our attack. I want you to lead by example stay sharp, stay focused, and when the opportunity comes, finish without hesitation."

Naruto nodded, his jaw tightening. "Got it, Coach."

Marcello turned to Lorenzo next. "Lorenzo, their striker, Di Luca, is fast, but he's impatient. You know what to do."

Lorenzo gave a lazy salute. "I'll make sure he knows who's boss."

Marcello smirked faintly before addressing the rest of the team. "Alright, gentlemen. Let's show Monza what happens when they step onto our pitch. Play smart, play together, and don't let up until the final whistle."

As the team filed into the tunnel, Naruto took his place at the front. The sound of their cleats echoing against the concrete walls sent a thrill through him. Ahead, the Monza players stood in their bright red kits, their faces calm but focused.

Naruto's eyes scanned the group, landing on Di Luca, Monza's striker. The boy was tall and lean, with sharp features and an air of confidence. Di Luca glanced at Naruto, smirking slightly as if to say, You're not ready for this.

Naruto's smirk widened. We'll see.

Behind him, Lorenzo's low voice broke the tension. "You're already looking at your next victim, huh?"

"Of course," Naruto replied without turning around. "That's what a striker does."

The teams emerged onto the field, greeted by the cheers of the small but passionate crowd. The black-and-white stripes of Ubers stood in stark contrast to the bold red of Monza. Naruto could feel the energy of the spectators, the weight of their expectations pressing against him.

But it didn't feel heavy... it felt exhilarating.

He jogged to his position, adjusting his armband one last time. The referee blew his whistle, signalling the teams to take their places. As Naruto glanced back, he caught Snuffy's watchful gaze from the sidelines. Snuffy gave a subtle nod, his expression unreadable but intense.

Naruto returned his focus to the pitch, his heart pounding with anticipation.

The whistle blew, and the match began with Monza FC taking the first touch. Their midfield quickly set to work, passing the ball with precision as they tried to gain control early. Ubers maintained their compact defensive shape, forcing Monza to move the ball laterally, probing for a gap.

Naruto stood at the front of the Ubers attack, his eyes locked onto the play unfolding ahead of him. His movements were measured, his breathing steady. This wasn't just a game, it was his stage, and the audience was watching closely.

For the first ten minutes, Monza dictated the tempo, their midfield trio pulling the strings. Their striker, Di Luca, made several probing runs, testing Ubers' defensive line, but each time, Lorenzo was there to shut him down.

"Not today," Lorenzo muttered, intercepting a pass intended for Di Luca and launching a long ball forward.

Naruto watched the ball soar, calculating its trajectory. He darted forward, his speed catching Monza's defenders off guard. As the ball dropped, he controlled it smoothly with his chest and turned toward goal. But before he could make his next move, Monza's towering centre-back, Rossi, closed him down, forcing him to play the ball back to a teammate.

"Not yet," Naruto muttered under his breath as the ball moved away.

His time was coming...

Midway through the first half, Ubers won possession in midfield, and the ball was quickly passed out to the right wing. The winger darted forward, drawing Monza's left-back out of position, before whipping a low cross into the center.

Naruto positioned himself just outside the box, his eyes scanning the field. As the cross came in, he stepped forward, meeting the ball with a deft touch that put him one on one with Ferrari, Monza's quickest defender.

Ferrari smirked, shifting his stance. "Not getting past me."

Naruto grinned, his Emperor's Eye flickering to life as he analysed Ferrari's posture, the subtle shifts in his weight, and the space around him.

"I was gonna take my time," Naruto said, his voice low but clear. "But… everyone's watching my return."

Ferrari's brow furrowed as Naruto's grin widened.

"I'm sorry," Naruto continued, his tone tinged with playful confidence, "but you're just the opening act in my story."

Naruto surged forward, driving at Ferrari with sharp, controlled touches. He feinted to the left, drawing Ferrari slightly off balance, before cutting back sharply to the right. Ferrari scrambled to recover, but Naruto had already anticipated his move. With a quick step-over and a sudden shift in pace, Naruto cut back again, sending Ferrari tumbling to the ground.

As Ferrari hit the turf, Naruto paused for a moment, staring him down with a grin. "Thanks for playing."

With Ferrari out of the way, Naruto turned his attention to the goal. The keeper, Donati, rushed off his line, trying to close the distance before Naruto could shoot.

Naruto's eyes narrowed, his focus sharpening as he saw the faint glimmer of his golden light his goal formula.

As Donati lunged forward, Naruto waited for the perfect moment. Then, with a subtle flick of his boot, he chipped the ball over the keeper's outstretched arms. The ball floated gracefully through the air before dipping into the back of the net.

Naruto didn't wait to see it land. He had already turned toward the corner flag, walking calmly with his head held high, his arms at his sides.

The stadium erupted in cheers, the crowd roaring as Naruto scored his first goal since his return.

Naruto smirked as he raised his forearm.

Lorenzo, jogging over for the celebration, tilted his head, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "What was that?"

Naruto pointed back and forth between them with a playful grin. "Chills," he said simply, before he began slapping it three times in quick succession.

Lorenzo stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Alright, Uzumaki. Chills it is." He mimicked the gesture, slapping his own forearm with a wide grin.

The two exchanged a nod before jogging back toward midfield, their friendship drawing cheers and applause from the sidelines. Even Snuffy, watching intently from the bench, allowed himself a small smile.

The Monza players gathered around the centre circle, visibly shaken by Naruto's first goal. Their defenders, Ferrari and Rossi, exchanged hurried words, clearly trying to reorganize. Monza's captain gestured emphatically, urging his teammates to remain composed.

Naruto jogged back into position, a sharp grin playing on his lips. His earlier display had sent a clear message, he was here to dominate.

Lorenzo, jogging alongside him, chuckled. "Think they're scared yet?"

Naruto glanced at him, his smirk widening. "Not yet. But they will be."

The whistle blew, and Monza kicked off. The ball moved swiftly through their midfield, but the cracks in their once-flawless passing game were beginning to show. The pressure from Ubers was relentless, their defensive shape tightening like a noose.

As Monza pushed forward, Lorenzo intercepted a wayward pass with ease, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure in the backline. With a lazy flick of his boot, he sent the ball soaring up field toward Naruto.

Naruto tracked the ball, his eyes narrowing as Ferrari sprinted toward him again. The Monza defender, clearly rattled from their earlier encounter, approached cautiously this time, keeping a low stance.

"Not falling for it again," Ferrari muttered, his focus intense.

Naruto smirked, sensing the defender's hesitation. His Emperor's Eye flickered to life, analysing every micro-movement Ferrari's shifting weight, his guarded positioning, the angle of his approach.

"I don't need you to fall," Naruto said quietly, advancing with the ball at his feet. "I just need you to move."

Naruto feinted left, his body leaning just enough to draw Ferrari's attention. As the defender adjusted to block the move, Naruto quickly shifted his weight and drove to the right, using his speed to slip past Ferrari's outstretched leg.

Before Ferrari could recover, Naruto was already cutting into the box, his eyes scanning for an opening. Monza's keeper, Donati, rushed out again, but this time Naruto opted for a low, powerful shot. The ball zipped past the keeper's outstretched hand and into the bottom corner.

Goal...

Naruto raised a single finger to the sky as the crowd erupted, his teammates rushing toward him.

2-0

Back in defence, Lorenzo continued to live up to his title as the Ace Eater. Monza's striker, Di Luca, had been completely neutralized, unable to make any meaningful runs or link up with his teammates. Lorenzo's unorthodox Zombie Dribbling played a key role, confusing attackers and effortlessly bypassing Monza's press.

At one point, Di Luca, clearly frustrated, tried to shoulder Lorenzo off the ball during a contested play. But Lorenzo didn't flinch. Instead, he shifted his weight awkwardly, causing Di Luca to lose balance and stumble.

"Nice try," Lorenzo said with a grin, casually dribbling the ball forward before launching a perfect diagonal pass to Naruto.

With the ball at his feet again, Naruto felt the crowd's energy pushing him forward. Ubers' midfield surged around him, their movement synchronized and seamless. Every pass and run had purpose, creating openings and drawing Monza's players out of position.

Naruto found himself one-on-one with Rossi this time. The towering defender loomed over him, his sheer physicality an obvious advantage.

"You're not getting past me," Rossi growled, planting his feet firmly.

Naruto didn't reply. Instead, he shifted the ball back and forth, waiting for the perfect moment. His Emperor's Eye zeroed in on Rossi's stance, identifying a slight gap in his footing.

And then, like lightning, Naruto struck. With a quick step-over and a burst of speed, he slipped through the gap, leaving Rossi flat-footed. Approaching the box, Naruto took a powerful shot aimed for the top corner.

Donati dove, managing to get a fingertip to the ball and deflect it onto the post. The crowd gasped as the ball ricocheted back into play.

But Ubers weren't done. The Ubers left winger, sprinted onto the rebound, cutting the ball back into the six-yard box. Monza's defenders scrambled to clear it, but Naruto had already repositioned himself.

With a quick flick of his boot, Naruto redirected the ball into the net, completing his hat trick.

The crowd erupted again, chants of "Uzumaki!" echoing across the pitch. Naruto turned to the corner flag, raising his forearm and slapping it again. His teammates followed suit, mimicking the gesture with grins on their faces.

From the sidelines, Snuffy watched the celebration with a faint smirk. He turned to Marcello, who stood beside him, jotting notes on his clipboard.

"He's a monster," Snuffy said simply.

Marcello nodded. "He's got the instincts of a predator and the confidence to back it up. But what's really impressive is how quickly he's integrated into the system. He's not just scoring he's elevating everyone around him."

Snuffy's gaze lingered on Naruto, who was jogging back to the centre circle with Lorenzo. "If he keeps this up, he won't just be a great striker. He'll be a leader."

As the match entered its final minutes, Ubers continued to dominate. Monza, visibly deflated, struggled to string together meaningful attacks. Lorenzo and the rest of the defence remained impenetrable, while Naruto and the midfield orchestrated wave after wave of attacks.

The final whistle blew, signalling a decisive 3-0 victory for Ubers. Naruto, drenched in sweat but grinning from ear to ear, felt a surge of pride. This was more than just a win, it was a statement.

As the team gathered in the locker room, Lorenzo clapped Naruto on the back. "Three goals, Uzumaki. You really are a beast."

Naruto laughed, shaking his head. "Couldn't have done it without you shutting them down at the back."

"Damn right," Lorenzo said with a grin. "Ace Eater, remember?"

Naruto smirked. "And the Emperor."

The two shared a fist bump as the rest of the team cheered and celebrated around them.

The Morning After the Match

Naruto's hat trick against Monza FC had sent shockwaves through the football world. Articles, highlights, and social media posts flooded the internet, with fans and pundits alike praising his performance. The buzz surrounding him wasn't just about the goals it was about the way he had played, calculated, dominant, and electric.

"Uzumaki's Hat Trick: Ubers New Striker Shines Bright Against Monza" (Football Italia)

Naruto Uzumaki made an emphatic statement in Ubers' 3-0 victory over Monza FC. The Japanese prodigy displayed poise, tactical brilliance, and a lethal finishing touch, earning him a standing ovation from fans and teammates alike.

"From Recovery to Greatness: Naruto Uzumaki Proves His Worth" (Goal Report)

After months of recovery and doubts about his return, Naruto Uzumaki silenced critics with a stellar performance. His ability to outmanoeuvre defenders and his hat trick cemented his place as one of the brightest young talents in football today.

"The New Emperor?: Uzumaki's Dominance at Ubers" (Sports View Global)

Dubbed "The Emperor" by fans online, Naruto Uzumaki is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. His iconic celebration and calculated gameplay have already made him a fan favourite.

Naruto's social media accounts exploded with activity. Overnight, his follower counts on Instagram surged past 60,000, with thousands of new fans commenting on his posts.

FootyFanatic - Bro, that chip for the first goal? Ice cold.

Ubers_Obsessed - "You're just the opening act in my story"— Naruto Uzumaki, 2017. Absolute king.

JapanSoccerLove - Another Japanese star making waves in Europe. Let's go, Naruto!

The hashtag #UzumakiChills began trending, inspired by Naruto's unique celebration. Fans from around the world started posting videos and memes of themselves mimicking the arm slap gesture.

Inori, under her Funeral Parlor alias, had been one of the first to post highlights from the match. Her tweets and Instagram posts quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and retweets.

"Naruto Uzumaki: Hat trick. Emperor's dominance. A performance for the ages. Ubers' decision to place him as their striker has already paid off in gold."

Her in depth analysis of the game, including breakdowns of Naruto's movement and decision-making, earned her praise from football fans and analysts alike. But what caught her attention most was a notification she received later that evening.

Inori was relaxing in her hotel room, scrolling through her phone, when she noticed something unusual a new follower. Checking the notification, her eyebrows rose in surprise.

NarutoUzumakiOfficial followed you.

The account, verified with a blue checkmark, had just crossed 60,000 followers and was growing by the minute. Curious, Inori clicked on it, scrolling through Naruto's posts. Pictures of him in training, clips of his matches, and even a few casual photos filled the feed. It was the kind of account that screamed authenticity unpolished, but full of personality.

Moments later, another notification popped up.

Message request from NarutoUzumakiOfficial.

Inori opened the message, intrigued.

Naruto - Did I live up to your expectations?

She stared at the text for a moment, a small smile creeping onto her face. Naruto's confidence was evident, but there was also a genuine curiosity behind his words. He wasn't just fishing for compliments he truly wanted to know what she thought.

Inori typed back.

Inori - You did indeed. That was a performance worth watching.

Naruto replied almost instantly.

Naruto - Good. Glad I didn't disappoint the reporter who's been keeping tabs on me.

Inori chuckled softly, shaking her head. His mix of playfulness and sincerity was refreshing. She decided to keep the conversation going.

Inori - So, what's next for you, Emperor?

Naruto's response was simple but confident.

Naruto - Becoming the best.

Meanwhile, fans online speculated about Naruto's future. Some debated whether he would stay at Ubers long term or if he would eventually return to Re Al. Others began drawing comparisons between Naruto and established stars, calling him "the next big thing" in football.

FootballDreamer - If Uzumaki keeps this up, he'll be playing in the Champions League in no time.

StrikerLife - Re Al Academy has to regret letting him go. Ubers are building a monster.

FuneralParlorFan - Inori's been covering Naruto for a while now she called it before anyone else. Props to her.

Later that night, Naruto lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His phone buzzed occasionally with notifications, but he ignored them for now. The adrenaline from the match was still coursing through his veins, but his mind was clear.

He thought about the message he had sent to Inori and her response. Her acknowledgment felt different from the usual praise more grounded, more real. It wasn't just about the goals or the performance. It was about the journey he was on and the potential she saw in him.

Becoming the best, he thought, repeating his own words to himself.

Chapter 8 – The Emperor End

A/N

Anddddddd that's the end!

Naruto is steadily rising to become The Emperor in his own right. For now, we'll stick with the Ubers as per the loan deal, and trust me, there's plenty to explore there.

The celebration... That was for the streets, if you know, you know.

We'll be spending a little more time with the Ubers before diving into the World Cup. I haven't decided how long that arc will be yet, but since it's the first team, Naruto will likely play as a sub for now. Gotta keep that buildup strong!

After the World Cup, we'll finally get into the Blue Lock timeline...

Naruto's debut? When Blue Lock faces the U-20 Japan team...

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Until next time,
Byebye!