Disclaimer: The website is acting funny and readers can't see updates. I suggest you refresh the page or clear cached data of the app.

Important Author Note

I have no idea who you are, but the fact that you STOLE MY STORY speaks volumes. Why? I mean why? Depite me saying it all the time, people like you use our— authors' hardwork like it's nothing. I always say that I don't care about 'love to listen over reading'. I don't care about anything you say.

I DON'T GIVE A SHIT

Did the God not give you a functional brain? My condolences that you are unable to produce a story of your own that you have to take piracy's shelter.

If you have the decency as a creature with self-respect, then respectfully delete that video and text.

Guys, remember that I never upload any of my works anywhere else save for FFN and A03 under the same name. So if you see any ...creature using any of my works, report it, please. Theives like them heavily discourages authors like us who do it out of passion rather than any uterior intention.

I appologise for my outrage, but I am fed up. Not just this one, but many of my stories that are mild to highly liked are stolen by petty theives.

Questions—Answers

SirMaou: Kraft doesn't know anything about Sage Mode, neither does Naruto. Kraft simply named it 'Sage Mode' due to the connection it can establish with Nature.

Childish Behaivior, huh?: Some of you are still frequently asking about Naruto's maturity. I have written a scene that you will see in the next chapter.

Now, let's begin...

.

.

.

.

"In life's fleetingness lies its beauty; what fades teaches us to treasure what remains."

.

.

.

.

Chapter 07

.

.

.

.

Naruto and Fern stumbled upon a peculiar sight as they trekked through the dense forest. Standing near a patch of quicksand, Frieren was engaged in casual conversation with a young man who, curiously, was buried toe to neck in the muck. His face, though strained, carried an oddly calm expression as if he had resigned himself to his predicament.

"…And that's why I always carry a rope," the man said with a weak chuckle, though his situation suggested he hadn't followed his own advice.

Frieren nodded sagely. "Rope is useful. But, you seem comfortable enough without one."

"I wouldn't say comfortable," he said, trying to wiggle free, only to sink further. "Perhaps you could lend a hand instead of advice?"

Fern groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Why are you just chatting with him? He's sinking!"

"I figured he'd ask for help eventually," Frieren said nonchalantly.

Naruto jumped into action, his face a mix of amusement and alarm. "Alright, hold on, buddy! Fern, grab his arm! We'll get him out of there."

Fern and Naruto worked quickly, each grabbing one of the man's arms and pulling with all their might. The young man let out a relieved gasp as his legs were finally freed from the quicksand. His boots were left behind, but he didn't seem to care.

"Thanks," he said, brushing himself off. "I thought I'd be part of the landscape forever."

Naruto grinned. "No problem! Just don't go wandering into quicksand again."

They brought the man back to their camp, where Stark was tending to the fire. The moment Stark saw the muddy stranger, he raised an eyebrow. "Who's this guy?"

"I'm Sein," the young man introduced himself, bowing slightly. "I'm a priest from the nearby village. Thanks for pulling me out back there."

"You're a priest?" Fern asked, surprised.

"That's right. If you ever need assistance, you can find me in the village to the east," Sein said. Then, as if recalling something important, he added, "Oh, and one more thing—be careful of snakes in this forest. They're aggressive this time of year."

With that ominous warning, Sein bid them farewell and disappeared into the woods.

"Snakes?" Naruto said, frowning. "Great, just what we needed."

Frieren shrugged. "We'll be fine as long as we're careful."

The group packed up their camp and continued their journey. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls. Stark led the way, his axe resting on his shoulder, while Fern and Naruto followed closely behind.

But as they walked, the peace was shattered by a sudden yelp from Stark.

"Something bit me!" Stark shouted, clutching his leg.

Naruto and Fern rushed to his side and saw a snake slithering away into the underbrush. The puncture marks on Stark's calf were already swelling, and his face was contorted in pain.

"Poison," Frieren said bluntly, examining the wound. "I'm no healer. We need a priest."

"Sein!" Fern exclaimed. "He said he's from the village nearby. We have to get Stark there fast."

Naruto nodded, his face serious for once. "Leave it to me. I'll carry him."

Stark groaned. "I'm not… that heavy."

"You're heavier than you look, big guy," Naruto quipped, already lifting Stark onto his back. Stark protested weakly, but Naruto ignored him.

The journey to the village was grueling. The forest seemed to stretch endlessly, and Stark's weight, combined with the urgency of the situation, made every step feel like a mile.

"Hang in there, Stark," Naruto said, his voice strained but determined. "We're almost there."

Fern ran ahead, scouting the path, while Frieren walked behind them, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around her.

As they finally emerged from the forest and spotted the village in the distance, Naruto let out a sigh of relief. "There it is! We're gonna make it!"

The group hurried to Sein's residence, their hope resting on the young priest's ability to save their friend.

The group arrived at the village and found Sein in a modest stone church. The warm golden light from stained-glass windows bathed the interior, giving it a serene yet humble ambiance. To their surprise, Sein wasn't the only one present. Another man, who bore a striking resemblance to Sein but with a more commanding aura, greeted them.

"This is my brother, Silas," Sein introduced, gesturing to the taller man dressed in priestly robes.

Silas stepped forward, his gaze calm and steady. "I hear one of you is injured."

Stark groaned from Naruto's back. "Yeah, that would be me."

Silas inspected Stark's leg briefly before nodding. "It's nothing serious. Come, set him down here."

Naruto, drenched in sweat and panting from the long trek, gently lowered Stark onto a bench. Silas placed a hand over the swollen wound, muttering a prayer under his breath.

"It's… complicated," Silias spoke. "Sian, if you would—"

The younger brother crouched beside Stark and a soft golden glow emanated from his palm, and within moments, the swelling receded, and the pain left Stark's face.

"Whoa," Stark said, flexing his leg as if nothing had happened. "That's… incredible."

"It's the work of the god," Sian said simply, stepping back.

"Yeah, god, sure," Naruto muttered, still impressed. "Thanks, though. You saved him."

Silas smiled faintly. "It's what we're here for."

Frieren tilted her head. "You're skilled. Priests capable of healing this quickly are rare these days."

"My brother is gifted," Silias said proudly. "If you ever need help again, you know where to find us."

With Stark back on his feet, the group decided to rest in the village for a while. As they gathered outside the church, Frieren casually suggested, "We could stay here for a decade. It's peaceful enough."

Naruto's eyes widened in horror. "A decade? Are you nuts?"

Fern grimaced. "Absolutely not. We don't have that kind of time."

Stark laughed nervously. "Yeah, I'm not spending ten years polishing my axe here."

Frieren shrugged. "Fine. A week, then."

The compromise settled, they found a small inn to stay in. The village, though small, was lively. Children played in the streets, farmers tended to their fields, and merchants sold their wares in a bustling market square. It had a warm, inviting charm that made it hard to dislike.

The next day, Stark and Naruto decided to lend a hand around the village. Their definition of "help," however, was unconventional at best.

Naruto was spotted climbing onto a roof to retrieve a runaway chicken for an elderly woman. He slipped twice, landing in a pile of hay, much to the villagers' amusement.

"You could've just asked me to levitate it!" he shouted indignantly as he handed the chicken back to its owner.

Stark, meanwhile, found himself repairing a fence for a farmer. Only he overdid it, turning the simple wooden barrier into a towering wall.

"I think it's a bit much," the farmer said, scratching his head.

"Better safe than sorry," Stark replied, dusting off his hands.

Fern, watching from a distance, shook her head in disbelief. "They're wasting their energy on nonsense."

Frieren, standing beside her, seemed unbothered. "These small tasks are what make a hero."

Fern frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Himmel," Frieren said simply.

"Huh?"

The elf smiled faintly. "Nothing."

As the days went by, Naruto and Stark's antics continued. They helped carry water from the well, played with the children, and even participated in a makeshift village festival. Though their efforts were often clumsy or over-the-top, the villagers appreciated their enthusiasm.

By the end of the week, even Fern had to admit that their presence had brought a certain liveliness to the village.

"It's like they're trying to outdo each other," she remarked as she watched Naruto juggle three apples for a group of cheering kids.

Frieren chuckled. "That's the spirit of a hero. Small deeds that bring joy to others."

Fern raised an eyebrow but said nothing, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Frieren had made all of them undergo a physical test to see if they were healthy. Fern was in good health, Stark was in peak. Frieren was… Frieren.

They all had forgotten about Kraft's advice of showing Naruto to a priest and when Sein checked them one by one, he was surprised by something, no, he was shocked.

Sein decided to share it only with the elf.

"Are you certain, Sein?"

"That's what my tests say, it's up to you whether you believe or not."

As the week came to an end, the group prepared to continue their journey. The villagers gathered to see them off, offering warm thanks and well-wishes. Naruto and Stark waved enthusiastically, while Fern and Frieren nodded politely.

"Take care of yourselves," Sein said as they departed.

"You too!" Naruto called back.

With their spirits high, the group ventured onward, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Õ—T—Õ

Frieren and her team trudged through the icy wilderness, the crunch of snow beneath their boots the only sound in the vast expanse, until they reached a peculiar settlement nestled between two jagged peaks. The village was surrounded by tall wooden walls adorned with intricate carvings of swords.

"Sword Village?" Naruto and Fern asked in unison, their tones equal parts curiosity and disbelief.

Stark chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, Sword Village. It's a secluded place famous for its master swordsmiths and their deep respect for weaponry. They say the best swords in the land are crafted here. It's also a haven for warriors seeking to repair or enhance their blades. And... well, some come here to seek wisdom about the art of battle."

Fern adjusted her scarf. "A village entirely dedicated to swords? How… unique."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with interest. "Do they have ninja swords too?!"

Stark shrugged. "Maybe. But don't go asking for kunai or something weird."

Before Naruto could retort, a petite girl with shoulder-length pale blonde hair ran up to them. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she threw her arms around Frieren.

"Miss Frieren! You were supposed to come 30 years ago!"

Frieren looked down at the girl, patting her head nonchalantly. "I'm here now."

The girl puffed her cheeks but quickly smiled. "Welcome! I'm Sora, the 49th chief of the village."

Naruto tilted his head. "Wait, you're the chief? But you're so tiny!"

Sora crossed her arms. "And you're so loud for someone who doesn't know anything."

"Touché," Fern muttered with a smirk.

Naruto pouted but said nothing further.

As they walked through the village, Naruto couldn't help but voice a burning question. "So, if the legendary sword was buried with Himmel, what do you guys guard now?"

Sora hesitated, her gaze shifting uncomfortably. "Well… actually…"

Frieren stepped in, her calm tone cutting through the tension. "These are my companions. They're trustworthy kids. It's best if I show them. But first—our job."

The group followed Sora to a clearing just beyond the village, where the sound of growling and snapping jaws filled the air. A pack of monstrous wolf-like creatures with glowing red eyes and fur as black as night prowled near the edge of the forest.

Fern adjusted her scarf again—the wind was rough, her expression serious. "These are Nachtwolves. They're notorious for attacking villages and hunting in deadly coordinated packs. They're hard to kill because of their thick hides and speed."

Naruto tightened his grip on his staff, his eyes narrowing. "Alright, let's take 'em down!"

"Not so fast," Frieren said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll watch from above. I want you to observe how a group works together in battle."

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed, his voice echoing through the clearing. "That's boring!"

Frieren's gaze remained steady. "If you don't like it, you can stay behind entirely."

Pouting, Naruto sighed and summoned his staff. Muttering under his breath, he activated his levitation spell and floated into the air. "Fine. But if you guys mess up, I'm coming down."

Frieren ignored his grumbling and stepped forward, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the snarling wolves. Fern and Stark readied themselves, weapons in hand, as the pack advanced.

From above, Naruto watched as the battle unfolded. It wasn't long before he found himself studying the coordination between his companions and the wolves with genuine interest.

The battle began in a flurry of coordinated chaos. Fern unleashed a barrage of spells, her precision targeting smaller Nachtwolves and keeping them from flanking. Stark charged forward with his axe, each swing cleaving through thick hides with brute force. Frieren, standing calmly in the center of the fray, cast an occasional spell to clear the field or save Stark from being overwhelmed, though she barely exerted herself.

Naruto hovered above, watching intently. He muttered to himself, analyzing every move. "Huh, so Stark goes for the legs to trip them up... Fern supports from behind, keeping them cornered... Interesting teamwork."

Below, Stark's axe met another wolf's snarling maw, shattering its jaw with a deafening crunch. "Stay down, you mutts!" he yelled, huffing from the exertion.

"Mr. Stark, to your left!" Fern called, pointing as another wolf lunged. Stark spun, his axe catching the creature midair and sending it flying.

Frieren simply observed, her serene expression unchanging.

As the group thinned the pack, Stark found himself near the mouth of a dark, ominous cave. A sudden growl echoed from within, deeper and more menacing than the others. From the shadows emerged a massive Nachtwolf, nearly twice the size of the others, its red eyes gleaming with feral intelligence.

Stark took a step back. "Uh… guys?"

The hulking creature roared and charged, its massive claws tearing through the ground. Stark swung his axe, but the beast was quicker, swiping him aside like a ragdoll.

"Stark!" Naruto yelled from above, his heart pounding. Without thinking, he descended rapidly, a glowing Rasengan forming in his hand. "Take this, you oversized mutt!"

Before he could strike, Frieren appeared in front of him, her calm yet stern face stopping him in his tracks. With a casual flick of her hand, she pushed Naruto aside, sending him tumbling toward the cave entrance.

"Hey, hag!" Naruto yelled, scowling as he regained his footing. "What the hell was that for?"

Frieren ignored him, her focus on the hulking beast. "Stop lying there, Stark," she called out calmly. "Finish this."

The monster roared and lunged at Frieren, but she sidestepped effortlessly, her robes barely rustling. Stark groaned and stood, remarkably unharmed. "Alright, alright… I'm up," he muttered, gripping his axe.

With a roar of his own, Stark charged at the beast. The ground trembled as his axe struck with all his might, cleaving through the creature's neck in a single, devastating blow. The hulking Nachtwolf collapsed, its massive frame hitting the ground with a final thud.

Naruto gawked from the cave entrance. "Damn… Stark, remind me never to make you mad!"

Frieren dusted off her robes. "Perhaps next time, don't jump in recklessly," she said, glancing at Naruto.

Naruto crossed his arms, still annoyed. "I would've handled it just fine!"

"Sure you would," Frieren replied dryly, already walking away.

The group regrouped, Stark still catching his breath but wearing a proud grin. The snowy field was silent once more, the battle won.

Naruto froze, his gaze locked on the gleaming blade nestled deep within the rock. The soft whispers that emanated from it grew louder in his ears, pulling him forward like an invisible force.

"Huh?" Stark muttered, frowning as he squinted into the dim cave light. "Hey, Frieren? What's that?"

Frieren turned, her expression calm but curious as Fern and Sora approached. Stark gestured toward the sword. "Hero Himmel claimed the sacred sword and it was buried with him. Then… what is that?"

Indeed, the sword radiated an ethereal glow, almost too perfect for this desolate place. Naruto continued to move toward it, ignoring everyone else.

Frieren tilted her head, her voice soft yet clear. "It seems this sword was never wielded by Himmel after all."

"What?" Fern gasped. "But all the stories say—"

"They're lies," Frieren interrupted, her gaze distant, almost wistful. "The sword was destined for the hero who would defeat the Demon King, forged to be the ultimate weapon. But Himmel…" She paused, her voice tinged with a rare emotion. "Himmel couldn't pull it out."

Fern's eyes widened. "But why didn't he give up if he couldn't wield the sword? Why continue without it?"

Frieren's gaze flickered toward the sword, her voice softening. "Because that's what a hero does."

"Huh?" Naruto finally muttered, though his attention was still half on the sword.

"Himmel once told us," Frieren continued, "that defeating the Demon King wasn't about wielding a magical sword or fulfilling some grand destiny. He said, 'When I defeat the Demon King, let others believe this lie—that I claimed the sword and fulfilled my destiny.'" Her tone grew more resolute. "Because he wanted people to remember the hero who never gave up, even when the world doubted him."

Fern's brows furrowed. "But why go so far to maintain the illusion?"

Frieren smiled faintly, her gaze unwavering. "Because he believed hope was stronger than truth. And hope… is what makes a hero."

As Frieren spoke, Naruto reached out toward the sword, barely hearing her words. The whispers grew louder, clearer, and for a fleeting moment, he swore he could hear laughter—light, joyful laughter, like that of a man who carried the weight of the world with a smile.

Naruto reached for the sword, his fingers curling around the hilt. The air grew heavy, the wind howled fiercely, and in an instant, a blinding light erupted, engulfing the entire cave. Stark, Fern, Sora, and even Frieren shielded their eyes from the brilliance. When the light dimmed, they found Naruto standing with the sword in hand. Its surface gleamed with an otherworldly sheen, radiating power that seemed to hum with life.

The group was speechless. The sword—the very same one that Himmel himself couldn't claim—was now wielded by a child. Fern's mouth hung open in disbelief, Stark scratched his head furiously, and even Frieren's usually calm expression betrayed a flicker of shock.

Naruto, however, seemed oblivious to their reactions. His gaze was locked on the blade, his eyes narrowing as he muttered, "Huh?"

The sword wasn't just glowing. It was speaking. Its voice resonated in his mind, echoing with sorrow.

"I…" the sword whispered.

Naruto blinked. "You what?"

"I wasn't… worthy…"

"Worthy of what?" Naruto asked, his voice sharp, the confusion evident.

"When he touched me… that man…" The voice quivered with shame. "He didn't need me."

"Who?" Naruto pressed.

"Himmel," the sword replied, its tone heavy with regret. "That man… he was more than a hero or the hero. I was forged to be wielded by a strong-willed champion. But he… he was beyond that. I was so ashamed that I couldn't…"

"You chickened out?" Naruto cut in, raising a brow.

The sword hesitated before answering. "My purpose was to guide the hero. But that man…" Its tone softened, almost reverent. "Paths were born wherever he walked. He didn't need a guide."

Naruto scratched his head. "That's… kinda deep. But wait—if I claimed you, doesn't that make me a hero?"

The sword seemed to pause, its energy rippling slightly. "You… You are… But even with all my strength, I couldn't remain in the rock when you touched me. What… What are you?"

Naruto puffed out his chest, grinning. "Naruto Uzumaki! The Sage, y'know!"

"The Sage…" the sword repeated, its voice almost awed.

"Yeah, some monk told me that once!" Naruto declared confidently.

"The Sage… Naruto Uzumaki…" the sword murmured again, its voice trailing off.

Before Naruto could respond, the glow began to fade. He yelped, gripping the sword tighter. "Hey! Mr. Sword! Did I offend you somehow? I'm sorry, y'know!"

The sword's voice returned, fainter now. "I am a joke, Sage. This world never needed me. It had him then… and now it has you…"

And with that, the light vanished completely. The sword dissolved in Naruto's hands, leaving him holding nothing but air. He stood there, stunned and disappointed, while the others watched in silence.

Fern finally broke the tension, muttering, "What just happened?"

Stark shook his head. "I have no idea. But that sword was weird."

Naruto stared at his empty hands, his shoulders slumping. "What did I do wrong? I didn't even get to fight with it…"

Frieren stepped forward, her gaze lingering on the spot where the sword had disappeared. Her thoughts churned, piecing together what had transpired. She didn't say it aloud, but one thing was clear: the sword had mocked Himmel. And in return, Himmel had mocked the sword's existence by defeating the Demon King with nothing but his blunt, ordinary blade.

Now, decades later, the sword had given up entirely. It had surrendered itself the moment Naruto touched it, unable to bear the weight of its failures any longer.

Frieren's eyes drifted to Naruto, who was still pouting. "Naruto…" she murmured, her voice barely audible. "What are you? And what is your destiny?"

Õ—T—Õ

As Sora declared their purpose fulfilled, Frieren and the team departed the Sword Village. Naruto trailed behind, visibly sulking over the sword's disappearance. Stark kept his distance, shooting occasional annoyed glances at him, while Fern examined Naruto as if he were a bizarre species.

Naruto finally broke the silence, brushing his red hair back and letting his jade-green eyes flash with resolve. "Yosh! That dumb sword failed its job. But for me, Hee Male—"

"It's Himmel," Frieren corrected flatly.

"—is the real deal! A true hero doesn't need a fancy sword to prove it!"

Frieren rubbed her chin thoughtfully, her lips curving slightly. "Hmm, surprisingly, you're… correct."

Naruto frowned at her condescension. "Hey, don't act so shocked, hag!"

Frieren reached out and patted his head, much to his irritation. "Good thinking, kid. Now let's head to the city and get a First-Class Mage Certificate. We need one for on our way getting to Heaven."

"Wait, I don't wanna die yet!" Naruto yelped, recoiling.

Fern rolled her eyes. "Airhead, Mr. Naruto. 'Heaven' is an actual place on Earth."

Naruto blinked. "For real?"

"Yeah," Stark chimed in, shaking off his earlier mood. "You can even talk to the dead there."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "What?! No way!"

Frieren smirked as the group resumed their journey, the prospect of the city and its challenges ahead keeping them focused. Despite the strange events, they pressed on, with Naruto's enthusiasm slowly rekindling.

Õ—T—Õ

Author Note:

Next chapter:

The reason why Naruto is slightly childish.

We meet Serie.

The Mage Exams Begin.

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!