"No path is truly lost if it brings you closer to understanding yourself."

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Chapter 03

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The forest canopy filtered soft sunlight through its dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the party as they trudged along. Naruto's persistent chatter broke the serene sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

"Come on, hag!" Naruto whined, bounding up to Frieren like an overeager puppy. "I've already mastered suppressing my mana. Teach me something awesome now!"

Frieren didn't break stride. "Suppressing mana is only the first step. Your mana reserves are too great for even the simplest spells, uncautious experiments can be fatal. You need to mould it properly before attempting spells."

Naruto huffed, throwing his hands behind his head. "I can mould it. You just don't want to admit I'm ready."

Frieren stopped abruptly, causing Stark to nearly bump into her. She turned to face Naruto, her expression blank but her tone sharp. "Show me, then. If you're so sure, prove it. Create something with your mana."

Naruto's lips curled into a cocky grin. "You asked for it!" He extended his hand, and within seconds, a bright neon sphere materialised, spinning rapidly like a vortex. "Behold! The Rasengan!"

Fern froze, her eyes widening as she observed the concentrated sphere of energy. "That's… that's pure mana! And it's so controlled!" she stammered, disbelief lacing her voice. "I've read about raw mana manipulation, but this... this is insane. It took me months to even manage a stable stream!"

Stark scratched his head, his limited understanding of magic making it hard to gauge the significance of the display. "Looks flashy enough. Is it good?"

Before Fern could respond, Frieren raised a hand, her expression unchanged. "It's a decent effort," she said dismissively, "but it's just a simple ball of mana. No finesse, no precision."

Naruto's smug grin faltered. "What are you talking about? This thing could blow a tree clean off the ground!"

"That's power," Frieren countered. "Control is a different matter entirely." She raised her hand, and a tiny deer shimmered into existence on her palm, glowing faintly with blue mana. Its delicate legs moved with an almost lifelike grace, circling her hand in a smooth, fluid motion.

Fern gasped audibly, and even Stark's jaw dropped.

"The smaller and more intricate the creation, the greater the mana control," Frieren explained, her tone instructive. "This is art. What you've created…" She glanced at the Rasengan still spinning in Naruto's hand. "…is a sledgehammer compared to a scalpel."

Naruto looked down at his Rasengan, his pride clearly dented. His shoulders slumped slightly before he glared up at Frieren. "Just say you don't want to teach me."

Frieren arched an eyebrow. "If you're serious about learning, prove me wrong. Create something better than this deer."

"Oh, I will!" Naruto shot back, pointing dramatically at her. "I'll make something bigger, better, and more detailed! And when I do, you'll be begging me to teach you! You'll say, 'Master Naruto, show me your ways!'"

Frieren's lips twitched as if she were suppressing a smile. "We'll see."

"Of course we will, hag!" Naruto stormed ahead, muttering to himself about stubborn mentors and impossible standards.

Frieren resumed walking, her expression unreadable. Stark and Fern exchanged glances before falling into step behind her.

"You think Frieren's being too hard on him?" Stark asked, keeping his voice low.

Fern hesitated, glancing at the Rasengan, which Naruto had dissolved in frustration. "Mr. Naruto's pure mana manipulation is extraordinary," she admitted. "To create something like that without formal training… It's unheard of. But Mistress Frieren's mana control is on an entirely different level. She's right about the intricacy and detail."

"Still," Stark said, frowning, "she didn't make you jump through hoops like this when you started, did she?"

Fern shook her head, her brow furrowed. "No. She just started teaching me spells. There was no prerequisite for precision."

"Then why's she making Naruto work so hard for it?" Stark asked.

"Maybe it's because I already knew magic," Fern suggested, though her tone was uncertain. "Or… maybe she sees something in him that she doesn't see in me."

Stark laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe Uzumaki's just a prodigy."

Fern didn't respond, her gaze lingering on Frieren's back. Why is she pushing him so much?

Ahead of them, Naruto continued muttering under his breath, glancing back occasionally at Frieren. "I'll show her. I'll make a whole zoo out of mana, and she'll have to admit I'm the best!"

Frieren, seemingly oblivious, walked on, her thoughts as inscrutable as ever.

Õ—T—Õ

The roar of the waterfall filled the forest, an unrelenting cacophony that seemed to mock Naruto as he sat cross-legged by its edge. His hand was outstretched, trembling with effort, as he tried to mold the raw energy of his mana into something tangible. The glow of neon light flickered weakly in his palm before vanishing entirely.

"Damn it!" Naruto growled, slamming his fist onto the damp grass. He leaned forward, beads of sweat mixing with the spray from the falls. He focused again, summoning the energy from within him. The sphere of mana flickered to life, spinning for a moment before collapsing into nothingness.

"This is impossible," he muttered to himself, his frustration building. "How the heck does that hag make it look so easy?"

For what felt like hours, Naruto continued to try. The mana sphere would form, falter, and disappear every single time. His arms ached, his head throbbed, and his spirit wavered. He began to doubt himself. Maybe I really am just a dead-last.

"Mr. Naruto?"

The soft voice startled him, and he turned to see Fern standing a few steps away, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"What are you doing here?" Naruto asked, a little more curtly than he intended.

Fern hesitated but stepped closer. "I noticed you hadn't come back… so I thought I'd check on you."

Naruto let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his damp red hair. "I'm trying to mold this stupid mana into something. Frieren said I need to do it to learn any spells, but—" He paused, showing her his empty palm. "It's not working."

Fern crouched beside him, observing his tired expression. "You're trying too hard."

"Trying too hard?" Naruto repeated, glaring at her. "How am I supposed to not try? If I don't push myself, nothing's gonna happen!"

Fern shook her head gently. "Mana doesn't work like that. It's not something you can force. It flows naturally when you're calm and focused."

Naruto let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, great. Another lecture. Got any tips, Miss Mana Expert?"

Fern flushed slightly, averting her eyes. "I… can't give you any tips."

"What?!" Naruto shot up to his knees, staring at her in disbelief. "You're joking, right? You're the hag's apprentice! Aren't you supposed to know this stuff?"

Fern's cheeks turned pink as she looked away, embarrassed. "Mistress Frieren is the expert, not me. I'm still learning. Compared to her, I'm just a novice."

Naruto flopped back onto the grass, groaning dramatically. "Wonderful. So if you're a novice, I guess that makes me the dead-last."

Fern frowned, her voice gentle but firm. "No, Mr. Naruto. You're not a dead-last. In fact, what you're already doing… I don't think I could do that. Not without my staff, at least."

"Huh?" Naruto sat up again, staring at her.

"I mean…" Fern hesitated, trying to find the right words. "You've been molding your mana with just your hands, right? Without any tools or spells. That's… incredible. I don't think I could manage that at all."

Naruto blinked, her words sinking in. "So… you're saying I'm good at this?"

Fern smiled faintly. "What I'm saying is that you have a gift for magic. You just need to calm yourself and let it flow naturally. Stop trying to force it."

Naruto tilted his head, pondering her words. "A gift, huh?"

Fern stood, brushing off her robes. "Just don't overthink it, Mr. Naruto. You'll figure it out."

As she walked away, Naruto remained seated, staring at his open palm. He clenched it into a fist, Fern's words echoing in his mind. A gift.

He turned his gaze toward the waterfall, the crashing water drawing his attention. An idea struck him. Rising to his feet, he moved closer to the falls, stepping carefully over the slick rocks. The spray of water grew heavier, drenching him entirely as he positioned himself beneath the powerful cascade.

The force of the water was almost unbearable, pounding against his shoulders and back, but he grit his teeth and sat down, crossing his legs. He let the cold water envelop him, drowning out all other sensations.

Closing his eyes, Naruto focused inward, shutting out the pain, the cold, and the roar of the falls. He reached deep into himself, feeling for the spark of energy that was his mana. At first, it was faint, like trying to grasp smoke. But gradually, as he calmed his breathing, he began to sense it more clearly—a warm, vibrant presence within him.

He visualized the mana flowing like a river, weaving through his body. Slowly, he tried to guide it toward his palm, imagining it gathering there. He felt a faint flicker of energy in his hand.

Focus.

The flicker grew stronger, taking form as a faint glow of neon light. It trembled and wavered, but this time, it didn't vanish. Naruto smiled faintly, his determination renewed.

Under the relentless waterfall, Naruto continued to meditate, shaping the mana bit by bit, step by step. The path to mastery was long, but he wouldn't give up. Not now, not ever.

Stark trudged through the forest, his arms full of firewood, when his eyes landed on Naruto sitting cross-legged under the pounding waterfall. Water crashed over him relentlessly, yet he didn't move, his focus unwavering.

Frowning, Stark made his way to where Frieren sat, her nose buried in a book. "Hey, don't you think you're pushing him too hard? He's no expert in magic, and this… this seems a bit extreme for a beginner."

Frieren didn't glance up. "He's the one who insisted on finding a spell that doesn't exist to return home. If he doesn't find it, he's vowed to create it. I'm merely preparing him for the challenge he's taken upon himself."

Stark blinked, caught off guard. "Creating a spell…? Isn't that something only the best of the best can do?"

Frieren turned a page, her expression calm. "It is. And if he truly intends to succeed, he'll need to push beyond his limits. This is nothing compared to the obstacles he'll face."

"Huh," Stark said, scratching the back of his head. He glanced toward Naruto again, watching him endure the waterfall's onslaught. "You gotta admit, though… the guy's stubborn."

Frieren's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Stubbornness can be a virtue, Stark. When wielded correctly."

"Yeah, if it doesn't break him first." Stark shook his head, resuming his task. "Better hope he's as tough as he thinks he is."

Frieren didn't respond, but her gaze briefly flicked toward Naruto. She closed her book with a soft snap, her expression unreadable.

Õ—T—Õ

The night fell, casting a soft glow from the bonfire that flickered in their camp. The group sat around it, their shadows stretching into the surrounding forest. Stark leaned against a log, chewing lazily, while Fern quietly picked at her meal.

Naruto, however, glared daggers at Frieren from across the fire, his jade-green eyes glinting in the light. He huffed loudly, stabbing his food with unnecessary force.

Frieren, entirely unfazed, continued eating with her usual detached calmness. She didn't even glance up, her aloof demeanor only intensifying Naruto's frustration.

The tension was palpable, the silence heavy. Stark looked between them, raising an eyebrow. "Well, this is cozy," he muttered under his breath.

Naruto finally snapped, slamming his bowl onto the ground. "I tried, okay?! I tried all day under that stupid waterfall, and I got nothing! But no, you can't even teach me anything useful, can you, 'Master' Frieren?"

Fern winced, shrinking into herself, while Stark sighed, shaking his head.

Frieren set her bowl down slowly and looked at Naruto with an almost imperceptible tilt of her head. "Are you finished?"

"No! I'm not finished!" Naruto shot back, his voice echoing through the quiet forest. "You're supposed to be my mentor, but all you do is sit there, read your stupid books, and make me figure everything out on my own!"

Frieren's expression didn't change. "And yet, figuring things out on your own is the essence of magic."

"That's just an excuse for you to be lazy!"

Fern gasped softly, her eyes wide. Stark stifled a laugh, quickly disguising it as a cough.

Frieren finally let out a faint sigh. "Naruto, if you cannot master the basics of control, then what hope do you have for advanced magic? Would you prefer I teach you something flashy that you'll only fail at?"

Naruto's fists clenched. "I'm not asking for shortcuts! I'm asking for guidance!"

They locked eyes for a long moment, the tension crackling like the fire between them. Finally, Frieren leaned back slightly, her tone cool but not unkind. "If you truly wish to prove me wrong, then do so. Show me that your determination can overcome your frustration."

Naruto's glare softened slightly as her words sunk in. He crossed his arms, leaning back against a rock with a huff. "Fine. I will."

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence, save for Stark quietly chuckling to himself. "You two are like an old married couple," he muttered, earning a sharp glare from both Naruto and Frieren.

He grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just saying."

Õ—T—Õ

The party trudged through the relentless snowstorm, the icy wind biting at their skin. They were deep in the North now, the heart of the frozen wilderness, and even Stark's usually easygoing demeanor was replaced by shivers and groans. The snow was too thick, the cold too harsh, and visibility was almost nonexistent.

"Are we even going the right way?" Naruto complained, hugging himself as he tried to stave off the cold. His jade-green eyes glared at Frieren, who walked ahead, seemingly unaffected—or so he thought until she sneezed loudly.

Naruto recoiled. "Ew! Hag, watch where you're sneezing!"

Frieren sniffled, her nose slightly red from the cold, but she ignored him, continuing to lead them through the storm.

"I knew we should've stopped for the night," Naruto muttered under his breath. "But noooo, 'I know the way,' she said." He mimicked Frieren's monotone voice in a mocking falsetto.

"Are you questioning my sense of direction?" Frieren finally asked, stopping and turning to face him with her usual calm expression.

"Sense of direction? You mean your lack of it?" Naruto shot back. "You don't even know where we are, do you?"

Frieren blinked, then casually said, "We're lost."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"

Before he could launch into another tirade, Frieren sneezed again and wobbled slightly on her feet. "I might have pushed myself a little too hard," she admitted, swaying before collapsing into the snow.

"HAG!" Naruto shouted, rushing to her side.

"She's just unconscious," Stark said after a quick glance, crouching down to check on her. "Guess the cold got to her."

"Well, I'm not carrying her," Naruto declared, crossing his arms.

"Fine, I will," Stark offered, already reaching for her, his hands making weird gestures.

Fern's eyes narrowed, and she took a step back, crossing her arms. "Pervert."

"What?!" Stark looked at her, incredulous. "What did I do?!"

"You should know," Fern replied with a look of disgust.

"I'm just trying to help!"

Fern huffed and moved forward, gently lifting Frieren onto her back. "I'll do it. At least I can trust myself not to be weird about it."

Naruto watched as Fern struggled to balance Frieren's weight, her steps faltering in the thick snow. Her breaths came in heavy puffs of air, and despite her determination, it was clear she wouldn't last much longer.

"Hey, give her here," Naruto said, stepping forward.

Fern turned to him, surprised. "But you said—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know what I said," Naruto interrupted, waving her off. "But I'm not gonna let you drop dead trying to carry her."

Fern hesitated before nodding, carefully passing Frieren to Naruto. He adjusted her on his back, muttering under his breath. "Hag's heavier than she looks."

Stark smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Having fun, Uzumaki?"

"Shut it," Naruto growled, trudging ahead with Frieren on his back.

The group continued through the storm, the cold still relentless, but Naruto bore it with a stubborn determination. He glanced at Frieren's unconscious face, her usually sharp features softened in sleep.

"You better wake up soon, hag," he muttered. "I'm not carrying you forever."

Õ—T—Õ

Naruto trudged through the snow, Frieren draped over his back like a sack of potatoes. The weight wasn't the problem—it was her complete lack of effort to wake up. She was far too comfortable, her head resting against his shoulder as if she were lounging in some fancy inn.

"Wake up already, you lazy hag!" Naruto growled, shifting her slightly as the group pressed on.

Frieren stirred but didn't open her eyes, muttering, "You're warm, so no."

Naruto scowled. "If you don't wake up soon, I'm dropping you in a snowbank!"

Stark chuckled behind him. "She does seem to be enjoying this a bit too much."

Fern, walking beside them, added, "She has to be faking it. There's no way she hasn't woken up yet."

As if on cue, Frieren's soft snores reached their ears. Naruto grumbled curses under his breath, but his steps remained steady as they continued.

After what felt like hours of trudging through the relentless snow, a silhouette appeared in the distance. Stark was the first to spot it.

"There's a cabin up ahead!" he shouted, his voice barely cutting through the howling wind.

The team quickened their pace, relief flooding their tired limbs. Reaching the cabin, Naruto kicked the door open with far more force than necessary.

"Finally!" he exclaimed, stepping inside with Frieren still slumped on his back.

The interior was warm, a stark contrast to the icy storm outside, but what caught everyone's attention wasn't the cozy atmosphere—it was the topless man in the center of the room.

The man, with tan skin and pointed ears like Frieren's, was doing push-ups on the wooden floor, his muscles rippling with each motion.

The group froze, staring blankly.

Fern broke the silence with a horrified yell. "PERVERT!"

Summoning her staff, she aimed a spell at him.

"Wait, wait, WAIT!" The man leapt to his feet, hands raised in defense. "I'm not a pervert! I was just trying to keep warm! I'm no mage—I can't cast fire spells!"

Fern hesitated, her staff still glowing. "Oh…"

Naruto, meanwhile, was done with his burden. He unceremoniously dropped Frieren onto the wooden floor with a loud thud.

"Ouch!" Frieren exclaimed, finally opening her eyes.

Naruto crossed his arms, glaring at her. "About time you woke up, hag! Do you know how long I've been carrying you? You're heavier than a bag of rocks!"

Frieren sat up, rubbing her back. "It's not my fault you volunteered. Maybe you should work on your strength."

Naruto's eye twitched. "Strength?! I carried you through a blizzard, you ungrateful—"

"Maybe next time I'll let Stark carry me," Frieren interrupted with a shrug, completely unfazed.

"Like hell you will! That pervert wouldn't even hesitate—"

"Hey!" Stark cut in, offended. "Why am I getting dragged into this?"

The topless man, now clothed, cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "If you're done arguing, can we talk like civilized people?"

Stark pointed at him. "You're an elf, aren't you?"

A tense silence followed.

The man sighed, pulling on a shirt. "Yes, I see you have one in your party too."

Frieren stood, brushing herself off. "I am Frieren the Mage." Her tone was impassive, as always.

"Kraft the Monk," the man introduced himself with a polite nod. "Nice to meet you all."

"I'm Stark the Warrior!"

"Fern, a mage," Fern added, still eyeing him warily.

Naruto stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "And I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the… uh… mage? Warrior? I don't know. I'm this hag's apprentice, but I'm great at hand-to-hand combat and sneaking around too. Oh, and I know some basic healing ninjutsu—uh, not that you'd know what ninjutsu is, but forget it. Basically, I'm an all-rounder, believe it!"

Kraft raised an intrigued eyebrow. "A General?"

Naruto blinked. "Huh?"

"A General," Kraft repeated. "It's what we call individuals whose skills are equivalent to that of a full party. They used to be around long ago."

Frieren tilted her head. "I've never heard of that term before."

Kraft shrugged. "It's an old classification. Most Generals I knew were from centuries ago. They were exceptional individuals capable of standing alone against armies or disasters."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, his jade-green eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Well, I'm not that good yet… but I guess I could be someday!"

"Arrogant," Frieren muttered, earning a glare from Naruto.

"I'll prove it to you one day, hag!" he declared, pointing at her.

Kraft chuckled. "You two seem close."

"Close?!" Naruto and Frieren exclaimed in unison, glaring at each other.

"Don't lump me with this old hag!" Naruto yelled.

"And don't associate me with this loud fool," Frieren retorted calmly.

The rest of the team exchanged amused glances before settling in, grateful for the shelter and warmth the cabin provided. Outside, the storm raged on, but for now, they were safe.

The group trudged through the snow-laden forest, their breaths visible in the frigid air as they followed Kraft to the fallen tree he had mentioned. The cold gnawed at their skin, but they pushed on, determined to gather firewood to keep the cabin warm through the night.

When they finally arrived, Kraft gestured at a massive tree lying on its side, half-buried under a blanket of snow. Beneath it, branches and logs jutted out, partially crushed but still usable.

Fern stepped forward, clutching her staff. "I'll lift it with magic. This should be quick."

"Wait," Naruto interrupted, stepping in front of her. A grin spread across his face as he raised a hand. "Let me try something first. I've been working on a new trick."

Fern looked skeptical, while Kraft folded his arms. "You sure about this, kid? This tree's not going to move itself."

Naruto waved him off, his jade-green eyes sparkling with confidence. "Trust me. You're about to witness something awesome."

He closed his eyes, extending his hand as a swirling orb of bright energy began to form in his palm. The air around them grew heavy as the sphere pulsed with power, its neon light reflecting off the surrounding snow.

"Rasengan!" Naruto announced triumphantly.

Before anyone could react, Kraft grabbed Fern and yanked her back several feet.

"Mr. Kraft, what are you doing?!" Fern protested, struggling in his grip.

"You'll thank me later," Kraft said firmly, his eyes glued to Naruto.

Naruto lunged forward, slamming the Rasengan into the base of the fallen tree. A deafening roar shattered the forest's silence, and the ground beneath them trembled violently. Snow erupted into the air in a swirling vortex, carried by a fierce wind that howled like a living beast.

When the chaos subsided, the scene before them was unrecognizable.

The fallen tree, the branches, the firewood—everything was gone. In their place stretched a wide, barren path, the snow melted away to reveal dark, churned earth. The destruction extended for kilometers, a perfectly straight line through the forest.

Naruto scratched his head, his grin turning sheepish. "Uh… oops. Guess I overdid it."

Fern's jaw dropped. "Overdid it? You vaporized everything! The tree, the wood, the snow—it's all gone!"

"Yeah, but look on the bright side." Naruto gestured to the newly created road. "We've got a clear path now!"

Kraft shook his head, his expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Kid, your mana output is something else. I've never seen a human—or any mage—generate this much power in one go."

Naruto blinked. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Kraft said quickly, though his eyes remained thoughtful.

Before they could continue, Frieren and Stark arrived, drawn by the commotion. Frieren's gaze swept over the destruction, her golden eyes narrowing.

"What did you do this time?" she asked flatly.

Naruto winced. "I just tried my Rasengan, and, uh… maybe I went a little overboard?"

Frieren smacked him on the back of the head, hard enough to make him stumble.

"Hey! What was that for?!" Naruto yelped, rubbing the sore spot.

"That's why I told you not to use magic until you've mastered the basics," Frieren said, her tone icy.

Naruto crossed his arms, scowling. "You didn't have to hit me! I was just trying to help!"

"Help?" Frieren gestured at the barren path. "Where's the wood we came here for? Oh, right—it doesn't exist anymore because you blew it to kingdom come!"

Naruto opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. She had a point.

"Well," Kraft interjected, smirking, "we may not have wood, but we've got a new road. Stark, why don't you help me find some firewood along it?"

"Sure thing," Stark said, chuckling as he followed Kraft.

Fern stayed behind, watching the brewing argument between Frieren and Naruto.

"You're impossible, hag!" Naruto shouted.

"And you're reckless," Frieren shot back.

Fern sighed, shaking her head. They were at it again. As frustrating as their constant bickering could be, there was something oddly comforting about it. It was as if their arguments masked a deeper camaraderie, a bond neither of them would openly admit.

Kraft and Stark disappeared down the road, leaving Frieren, Naruto, and Fern alone in the clearing. Frieren turned to Fern, her usual impassive expression softening slightly.

"Let's head back to the cabin," she said. "There's no point in staying here."

Fern nodded, glancing at Naruto, who was still muttering under his breath about "bossy old hags" and "stupid trees."

As they made their way back, the forest seemed quieter, the animals still wary after the earlier chaos. By the time they reached the cabin, the sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the snow.

Inside, Frieren settled into a corner with her book, while Naruto plopped down near the fire, still fuming. Fern tried to lighten the mood by recounting a story from her early days of magic training, but Naruto barely listened, his gaze fixed on Frieren.

"She's so bossy," he muttered.

Fern hid a smile, knowing full well that despite his complaints, Naruto respected Frieren more than he'd ever admit.

As the fire crackled and the cabin grew warmer, the tension began to ease. They were an odd group, but somehow, they always managed to make things work. For now, at least, they had a roof over their heads and a fire to keep the cold at bay. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, they could rest—arguments and all.

Õ—T—Õ

The cabin grew warmer as Stark and Kraft returned, their arms loaded with firewood. They stomped snow off their boots and placed the wood near the hearth.

"The road's already covered in snow again," Kraft said, shaking his head. "And the visibility's shot. We're not going anywhere until this storm lets up."

Stark groaned, stretching his arms. "Great. Just what I needed—being snowed in."

Fern was busy tending to a pot over the fire, cooking dried meat and seasoning it with herbs she'd brought along. In the corner, Frieren was curled up under a blanket, snoring softly, completely unbothered by the chaos around her. Kraft and Stark struck up a conversation about past battles, their voices low but lively.

Meanwhile, Naruto sat apart from the group, staring at his hand, the earlier Rasengan still fresh in his mind. His thoughts churned.

That attack… it was on par with the Wind Style Rasenshuriken he'd developed back home, yet he had barely tried. The sheer power it unleashed—wiping out the tree, the snow, and carving a path through the forest—was something he hadn't anticipated.

"Am I really this strong now?" he whispered to himself, clenching his fist.

But the thought gave him no solace. What good was strength if it couldn't solve his real problem?

The spell to take him home—his ultimate goal—remained frustratingly out of reach. He'd searched through every book Frieren had let him borrow, wracked his brain for solutions, and even considered crafting a new spell from scratch. But it had been ten days since they'd begun this journey, and he was no closer to finding a way back.

The worst part was the lack of progress in his training. Frieren, the so-called legendary mage, seemed more interested in napping than teaching. Any time Naruto pressed her for guidance, she'd wave him off with a vague comment or a cryptic remark. And Fern? She refused to offer tips because Frieren had forbidden it, claiming that Naruto needed to "figure things out on his own."

He needed to get back home. His friends—Kakashi, Sakura, everyone—they were waiting for him. The thought of never seeing them again was unbearable.

"Food's ready," Fern called, snapping him out of his thoughts. She glanced at him, her expression soft. "Aren't you hungry, Mr. Naruto?"

Naruto's stomach growled loudly, answering for him. He grinned sheepishly, standing up. "I'm starving, y'know!"

Fern handed him a bowl of steaming stew, and the warm aroma immediately lifted his spirits. He joined the group near the fire, though his gaze kept drifting to Frieren, still blissfully asleep.

As they ate, Naruto's determination solidified. He wasn't going to wait around for Frieren to take him seriously. If she wouldn't help, he'd figure it out himself—even if it meant pushing his limits every single day.

Õ—T—Õ

Naruto drifted into an uneasy sleep, and his dream began in a dimly lit wooden house. The floor creaked under his feet as he walked, its walls lined with old, faded timber. It smelled of dust and aged parchment. Looking around, he saw a huge library stacked with scrolls and books, the kind that seemed ancient and precious. Some were rolled tightly, others frayed at the edges, their words long faded.

"Where am I?" Naruto muttered, turning in circles as he searched for an exit.

The silence was heavy until a voice called out faintly from outside.

"Master, you're late."

Naruto froze. Who had spoken? Master? Him? Slowly, he walked towards a window, the glass foggy from the cold outside. He wiped it with his hand and peered through to see...

Frieren.

But something was off. She wasn't in her usual travel attire. Instead, she wore an old-fashioned frock, her demeanour far softer than he was used to. She gazed back at him with a sceptical look.

"You're supposed to teach me your favourite spell," she said impatiently.

"What the—?!" Naruto began, but his words died as he caught sight of his reflection in the window.

A woman stared back at him. Her red hair flowed like molten fire, cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes were sharp, her face elegant but unfamiliar, save for the nagging feeling that he had seen her before—just once, before arriving in this strange new world.

"What is going on?" he whispered, but the words came from his reflection as if spoken by someone else. His heart pounded as he reached for his face, only to find the reflection mimicked him perfectly.

"Restless as ever, I see," his mouth said, but the voice was not his own.

He stepped back from the window in shock, his hands trembling. Without thinking, he moved toward the house's door, drawn by something unseen.

When he stepped outside, he found himself in a lush clearing, the air crisp and cool. Frieren stood in the centre, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of irritation and expectation.

"Are you going to waste more time, or will you show me the spell?"

Naruto—or the person he seemed to be—put a hand on his hip, and with a flourish, a staff appeared in his grip. It felt natural, as if he had wielded it a thousand times before.

"Alright, watch closely," he heard himself say. The voice was calm, self-assured. He swung the staff in an elegant arc, a movement so fluid it felt like part of a dance.

"Rajni."

The word left his lips with power, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, the staff began to shimmer.

Light burst forth, washing over the clearing like a sunrise. The once-empty ground transformed, now teeming with life. Flowers of every colour and species sprang from the soil, vibrant reds, deep blues, and soft yellows weaving into a tapestry of nature. Some glowed faintly, others sparkled as if kissed by dew. The clearing was alive, radiant and breathtaking.

Naruto—or the woman he inhabited—smiled, admiring the beauty of the spell.

Frieren stared, unimpressed.

"It's okay," she said flatly, her arms still crossed. "Cool, I guess. But it's ultimately useless."

Naruto's—or the woman's—laughter rang out suddenly, rich and genuine. He—or she—leaned forward, patting Frieren on the head with an affectionate grin. The height difference was apparent; he was taller, older.

"This spell will one day save the world," the voice said with a conviction that startled even Naruto.

Frieren tilted her head. "How?"

"You'll know soon enough."

The world around him began to blur, the vibrant flowers fading into darkness. Naruto felt himself falling, the laughter still lingering on his lips as he woke up abruptly.

Back in his own body, he stared at the cabin's wooden ceiling, his breathing uneven.

"What was that…?" he muttered, his hand brushing against his face. He could still feel the remnant of that smile, the warmth of that clearing.

"Flamme," he whispered. That name echoed in his mind.

Still lying in bed, Naruto rubbed his eyes and decided to test something. He extended his hand, trying to summon the staff he'd wielded in the dream.

Nothing.

"Tch, figures," he grumbled, rolling onto his side. "Guess I'll try again tomorrow." His fatigue won over curiosity as he sank deeper into the warmth of the blankets, letting sleep reclaim him.

What he didn't see was Frieren, nestled under her own blanket, her eyes half-open and fixed on him. Her gaze flickered as a faint shimmer of mana sparked in Naruto's hand—a brief outline of a staff began to form. But just as quickly, it disappeared when Naruto gave up.

Frieren's expression softened, though her eyes remained unreadable.

"I don't get you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire. "Even thousands of years after your death… Maybe… maybe I'll understand now."

She closed her eyes, letting the weight of memories and mysteries settle, as the cabin fell into silence.

The next morning, Naruto sat cross-legged, focusing intensely on summoning the staff. He clenched his fist and closed his eyes, imagining every detail from his dream. Still, nothing materialised.

Fern, observing him with a puzzled expression, asked, "You were never given a staff, so what exactly are you trying to summon?"

Naruto groaned and flopped back, frustrated. "I had this dream where I was Flamme and teaching the hag—" he pointed at Frieren, who snored softly in the corner, wrapped in a blanket "—how to create a garden of flowers."

Fern tilted her head. "Flamme? As in Mistress Frieren's master?"

"Yeah! It felt so real. There was a library, scrolls everywhere, and then bam, I'm outside swinging a staff and doing cool magic. But now, nothing."

Fern opened her mouth to comment but paused, her thoughts unreadable.

Kraft, who had been quietly eating, set his bowl aside and asked, "How old are you, exactly?"

"Sixteen… or thirteen now, thanks to the hag!" Naruto huffed.

Kraft studied him carefully. "I see. Even so, your mana levels are far beyond any ordinary mage."

Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Well, what can I say? I've always had big reserves. Chakra or mana, doesn't matter. Back home, people called me an energy monster!"

Kraft leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me, where did the dream begin?"

"Huh? Uh, in a wooden house, I think. Why?"

"Did you see her reflection?" Kraft asked, ignoring the counter-question.

Naruto frowned. "Yeah… how'd you know that?"

"The staff," Kraft pressed. "What did it look like?"

Naruto squinted, recalling the shimmering image. "It looked like the hag's, but better. It had this purple gem that shimmered, and the whole thing was golden. Really fancy."

Kraft leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Naruto, I've been a monk for a long time, and I can tell you this much: that was no ordinary dream."

Stark, munching on a piece of bread, perked up. "Oh yeah? What was it, then?"

Kraft smiled cryptically. "I have my suspicions… but it might be more fun if you figure it out yourself."

Naruto groaned. "Ugh, do all you elves hate me or something?!"

Fern, ever polite, shook her head. "It's not like that, Mr. Naruto. Mistress Frieren is just… peculiar."

Stark chuckled. "That's putting it lightly."

Naruto pouted. "Great. Everyone's out to mess with me."

Kraft gestured to the table, where Fern was setting out breakfast. "Speaking of messing around, let's eat. Someone wake Frieren."

Naruto's face lit up with mischief. He grabbed a glass of cold water and marched over to Frieren, dumping it over her head.

Frieren shot up, her blanket falling off as she blinked wildly. "Where's the enemy?!"

Stark burst out laughing so hard he almost choked on his food, while Fern sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Calm down, hag. The only enemy here is your laziness!" Naruto teased, sitting down with a smug grin.

Frieren glared at him, water dripping down her face. "Naruto…"

"Yes, Mistress?" he replied innocently.

"I'm going to turn you into a frog."

"Oh, please, you wouldn't dare."

"I might."

Their bickering continued, filling the cabin with laughter as the snow outside piled up higher.

Õ—T—Õ

Author Note:

This Naruto is after he had mastered the Rasenshuriken and fought Kakuzu. Unfortunately, Pein was there too and Naruto was overwhelmed, thus, they did what they did and Naruto was drained off the Kyuubi.

Instead of death, Naruto woke up in this peculiar world.

How does Naruto know about Minato? Well, while the Akatsuki were doing their thing, Minato and Kushina's essence sealed in him activated and chatted with him for hours since there was no point in fighting at that moment. That's why this isekai'd Naruto is not depressed, he is fully charged with motivation and love!

The question remains, why did Frieren ask Naruto if he was Flamme?

Thanks for reading this chapter. The next chapter will be released soon.

Drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words motivate me to write better, larger and with more depth.

Till next time!