"Jerry! Where are you!?"

Naruto shouted as he scoured the yard around the mansion.

Yunyun's Teleport had placed them right in front of Kazuma Manor, and the shinobi immediately took to searching for the Giant Toad. He started on the side of the structure where he'd seen the creature make a burrow for himself via Beast Vision, but there was nothing but a gaping hole in the ground.

"Damn it…"

Where could the toad have gone? He didn't go and raise a fuss in town, did he? He could go Sage Mode again, but he doubted his tired body would allow that right now.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head irritably before looking up at the second floor.

"Can you see anything, Kazuma?"

"No… Not even a trail."

Kazuma replied as he scanned the horizon for any signs of Jerry. While it wasn't currently raining in Axel, there were obvious signs of a previous downpour that probably erased any evidence of the toad moving around.

"I can't sense anything with Detect Enemy… B-but I don't even know if that would work right now."

Yunyun said as she walked up to her party member, and Naruto nodded as he thought about their options.

"We should ask Wiz when she last fed Jerry. That might give us an idea of how far he could have gone."

"A-ah! Then I'll go to the guild and ask Luna-san if there have been any sightings of a Giant Toad in town!"

Yunyun added and the two nodded their heads before taking off towards the road.

"H-hey! Wait for me!"

Kazuma panicked when he saw that he was being left behind, and so he scrambled back inside to get back downstairs.

Opening the door to the familiar magic shop, Naruto stepped inside. He was immediately greeted by the owner, who stood behind the counter.

"Wel-Oh, Naruto-san! You're back from the capital? That's a wonderful suit!"

Wiz beamed upon realizing who had just entered her shop.

Even with his current state of exhaustion, the shop owner's smile was so infectious.

"Hey Wiz, I'm back… Kinda… I still have some stuff to do back in the capital, but I died during a battle with the Demon King's Army so I came back to find Jerry and rekindle our Beast Bond."

Naruto said in a flurry of words while scratching at his whisker marks.

"Eh?"

Wiz blinked, her mind obviously struggling to keep up with what she'd just been told.

Naruto died? Jerry was missing?

She wanted to ask for more details, but her friend's frantic expression stopped her. It was clear that Naruto was already overwhelmed, and pressing him for answers would only make things worse.

"I wondered why he seemed so restless the other day... The poor thing didn't eat the grubs I brought him last night either. I was worried he was sick."

The Lich said while tapping her chin in thought.

"Last night… Did you happen to see him this morning? He wasn't at the mansion when we teleported home. I'm worried he might have caused some trouble in town…"

Naruto asked, although the likelihood of Jerry causing a ruckus in town was low. There weren't any signs of a monster sighting from what he'd seen on his way here.

"I checked on him this morning, but he was just sleeping in his burrow next to the mansion… I wonder where he went?"

Wiz answered, earning a sigh from the shinobi.

"I guess we can check the outskirts of town-"

"Aha! If it isn't the boy who would foolishly carry the world on his shoulders! Moi was wondering when thou would stop by."

A voice came from the back of the shop, and all eyes turned to see Vanir standing with his arms spread out like a warm welcome.

Naruto held back a groan. This was the LAST person he wanted to interact with.

Why, you ask? Wouldn't Vanir's Clairvoyance make for a powerful tool in the search for Jerry?

Well…

"Why the long face, brat? Fox got thy tongue? Oh, wait… Moi apologizes for thy loss. But at the same time, moi must celebrate for moi comrade's freedom! Fuahaha!"

Vanir cackled with laughter while pointing at the shinobi's increasingly annoyed face.

"Naruto-san… What is Vanir-san talking about?"

Wiz asked as she looked back and forth between the two.

"...When I died, Kurama's chakra was dispersed into nature. I don't know why, but he didn't want to come back with me when Aqua revived me."

Naruto explained, and Wiz gasped in shock. This was the sort of reaction he was trying to avoid, but he couldn't bear the thought of giving his first friend in this world the silent treatment.

But while he was forced into the topic, he might as well try and fish for some information.

"You were buddy buddy with Kurama, weren't you? What do you know?"

"Indeed. While it is difficult for moi to peer into the future of powerful individuals, and near impossible to do so when moi comrade is involved, moi did see a future in which thy path became more visible to moi Clairvoyance. This could only mean one thing…"

Vanir admitted in a ominous tone while leaning forward.

"Bound by fate, yet severed by choice, the beast and the hero walk separate roads. But fear not, for the wheel of destiny turns ever still. In the shadow of a great storm, where power and purpose converge, their paths shall cross again, and the bond once broken shall be reforged anew…"

The masked devil's mysterious words lingered in the air for a few moments.

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. He didn't really get it, but was Vanir implying that Kurama was out in the world somewhere?

'It would make sense, considering the other option he considered had he stayed in the Elemental Nations…'

Not wanting to go down that wistful path, Naruto shook his head. He could think about these things later.

"What about Jerry? Can you tell me where he is?"

"Moi supposes that the beast has been useful these past few days, nearly gobbling up this hopeless shop owner has been distracting her from making unnecessary purchases… Yes, moi can see the sight of a NEET getting gobbled up near the east entrance of town."

Vanir repealed while making a strange gesture with his hands around his masked face.

"Gobbled… Eh!? You mean Jerry's eating someone!?"

Naruto's eyes bulged when he realized what that meant. He spun around and bolted towards the door just as Kazuma was entering the shop.

"Guh… Weren't you supposed to be exhausted-Hey! Where are you going now!?"

Kazuma barked when the ninja pushed past him and disappeared into the streets of Axel.

"Vanir-san said Jerry is near the west entrance!"

Wiz said as she picked up a basket and ran out the door to follow after Naruto.

"Seriously…?"

That was on the complete opposite side of town… Did he really have to go?

"Ah, boy who is looking forward to dreaming of a man. Might moi have a word with thou before thy departure? Thou art inevitably going to be late to the party anyway."

Vanir asked, and Kazuma turned around to see the Arch Devil sitting at the table.

"I-I don't dream about men! A-also, it's against the bro-code to judge another bro's dreams!"

Kazuma spouted when a thought occurred to him. Vanir obviously knew what was going on with Naruto, right?

"Alright, I'll bite. Do you have some information for me?"

"Fuahaha! Quite daring today, art thee? But thy concern is not needed. Moi is not fetching for negative emotions at this time."

Vanir chuckled before placing a mask onto the table.

"The promised funds are nearly complete. Unfortunately, moi won't have it ready until the time of thy official return to Axel. As an apology gift, moi will throw in this special Vanir mask! Wear it on a full moon to become a devil of the night! Much better than wearing the fresh panties of a loli on thy face, moi thinks."

"S-s-she was eating all of Naruto's snacks, damn it!"

Kazuma's cheeks flared as he snatched the mask out of the devil's hand. Didn't he just say he wasn't fishing for negative emotions?

No, this was just Vanir's personality. A good business partner for sure, but this was the price to pay.

A dance with the devil, as they say.

Kazuma pocketed the mask. He was definitely not going to use something so suspicious.

But this was it! This was the turning point in his life! Soon, he would never have to worry about living a risky life of poverty again!

Sure, he'd have to go on a quest every now and then to placate his party members. But he was sure Naruto wouldn't mind tagging along to ensure their safety.

"So? Is that all you wanted to say? I know I'm going to be late, but I really did want to show my support."

He stood up from his chair, his legs groaning in the process. Damn his weak stats… Maybe he really ought to start training with Naruto if the guy was still offering.

"Yes… Moi has a prophecy for thee. For thy entire little group will be affected by thy choices in the coming days."

Vanir said in a serious tone.

This took Kazuma by surprise. It wasn't often the trollish devil spoke in such a manner, and it made him kind of nervous.

Gulping, he nodded in understanding.

Vanir clasped his hands together and looked Kazuma dead in the eye.

"Listen well, brat, for the winds of fate whisper of your place in the storm ahead. A nobleman steeped in greed and deceit spins his web, yet his downfall lies in the hands of thy friend. The fool races against time to unmask the serpent's schemes, but even heroes need allies."

Kazuma's face scrunched up. Was this guy really giving him such a cryptic message?

"Thy task is not to lead, but to support. Lend thy scummy ways where a hero's strength falters. In doing so, thou shalt expose the shadowed truths and ensure that justice prevails. Aid this fool in his wager, and though riches may leave your grasp, but the bonds forged and wrongs righted will bring thy fortune beyond measure."

Vanir finished and placed a pouch on the table.

Another gift?

Kazuma hesitantly grabbed the pouch and peeked inside. There were two orbs, a black sphere with intricate carvings in it, and… A Scroll Ball?

"Hang on, did you just say scummy!? I'm tired of everyone calling me out! No one listens to me, and I'm always facing off against opponents that are leagues stronger than me! I have no choice but to use such tactics!"

"Fuahaha! Thank you for the delicious negative emotions, brat! Moi is looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Now, thou best be on thy way."

Vanir bellowed with laughter at the glaring teen's reaction.

"Damn it…! I'll show you how I can get things done! Whatever you're planning, I won't let it go your way!"

Kazuma barked and slung the bag over his shoulder. He was about to run out the door when he heard the devil's amused voice call out to him.

"Ah, moi would handle that Scroll Ball with care. For it contains a comrade of moi, a fellow Duke of Hell."

"...!"

As Naruto sprinted up the hill on Axel's eastern outskirts, his heart leapt at the sight of a familiar large orange figure. Facing the wall, the toad was busy digging another burrow, oblivious to the world around him.

"Jerry!"

Naruto's shout echoed as he pushed his legs to move faster, his desperation driving him forward. Yet the Giant Toad continued its steady work, shuffling dirt without so much as a glance back.

Tears pricked at Naruto's eyes, his chest tightening with fear. The thought of something happening to his first monster partner was unbearable, and the possibility of losing yet another companion gnawed at him like a cruel echo of past losses.

Reaching Jerry at last, Naruto placed a hand on the toad's back, his touch steady despite his trembling fingers. Closing his eyes, he focused inward. The severed bond lingered like a jagged scar, but within seconds, he managed to reestablish the connection.

A familiar warmth flooded his senses, and relief washed over him. The Beast Bond was whole again.

"Sorry I left you behind, buddy…"

Naruto murmured, wrapping his arms around the toad as best he could.

Jerry finally looked up and let out a low, rumbling croak, shifting slightly as if acknowledging his partner's return.

"Thank goodness…"

The soft voice drew Naruto's attention, and he saw Wiz standing at the top of the hill, smiling gently. The woman carefully made her way down until she was standing next to the shinobi.

"Naruto-san… I never told you about how I became a Lich, have I?"

"No…"

Naruto had been curious for sure, but never asked in fear of overstepping a boundary. He assumed that was why Wiz had never asked about his past as well.

"It wasn't a path I chose lightly. It came from desperation, sacrifice… and a stubborn determination to save those I cared about."

Naruto's curiosity deepened as he leaned against Jerry, listening intently.

"As you know, I was once an adventurer. The Ice Witch, they called me. My party and I were renowned for hunting down the Devil King's Generals. We were strong, fearless… or so we thought."

Her voice grew quieter.

"That was until we faced Beldia, the Dullahan."

"The one Kazuma's party defeated?"

Naruto asked and Wiz nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Yes. My party and I were cursed by him. Condemned to die in a month's time. We had no way to break the curse. My companions chose to spend their remaining days peacefully, but I couldn't accept that. I refused to give up on them."

She clasped her hands tightly, her voice trembling.

"I sought out Vanir, a Duke of Hell, hoping to bargain for a way to lift the curse. He laughed at my desperation but agreed to duel me. I poured everything into that fight. My life force, my magic, even forbidden items from the Crimson Demon Village. In the end, I nearly destroyed myself to earn his respect."

"What did he do?"

Naruto's eyes widened.

"Vanir didn't take my soul, as I'd expected. Instead, he offered me a ritual to become a Lich. It wasn't what I wanted, but it gave me the power I needed to save my friends."

Wiz said, her tone tinged with both bitterness and gratitude. She then paused, her expression softening.

"Afterward, I stormed the Demon King's Castle alone. I tore down barriers, defeated Generals, and forced Beldia to lift the curse. Then, in exchange for leaving the lives of noncombatants out of the war, I became a General to maintain the barrier surrounding the Demon King's castle."

"I see…"

Naruto frowned, his chest tightening at her words. He had suspected Wiz might have faced something tragic, but hearing her story left him shaken. It was hard to imagine someone as kind and gentle as her enduring so much pain and hardship.

Seeing the boy's expression, Wiz smiled faintly.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but I don't regret it. Even as a Lich, I've found ways to help people, to make a difference. And… perhaps one day, I'll see my old friends again. Last I heard, Brad and Rosary got married. Those two were always butting heads, like you and Aqua-sama… Who would have thought?"

She finished with a light chuckle, her brown eyes reflecting the wistful memories in her head.

"...You're one of the kindest people I've ever met, Wiz. I'm honestly lucky to have met you."

Naruto finally said, causing the Lich's eyes to shimmer with gratitude.

Jerry croaked loudly, as if agreeing, and both Naruto and Wiz laughed, the tension easing between them.

"Thank you, Naruto-san… I'm happy to have met you too."

Wiz said with that same gentle smile, and the shinobi felt his face heating up.

'Oh yeah… I was going to ask Wiz out, wasn't I? Should I…'

Naruto's thoughts trailed off when he noticed the look of panic growing on his friend's face, and he looked up to see that Jerry had turned around to face them.

There was something sticking out of the toad's mouth… a pair of shoes?

"Ah! Jerry! You really did eat someone! Spit them out right now!"

"..."

Jerry blinked, as if considering the shinobi's order. But then raised his head, which caused the legs to slowly fall further into his mouth.

"Jerry, no!"

Naruto panicked and jumped on top of the toad's head, grabbing onto the ankles of the person his monster was definitely trying to eat. But Jerry's hold was firm. So firm, in fact, Naruto feared the person might break in half if this continued.

"W-Wiz! The grubs! The gruuubs!"

"R-right! Jerry! Look! Your favorite grubs!"

Wiz took a couple steps back and raised the basket over her head.

The toad lowered its head to look at the Lich, and upon seeing the basket, he relented his hold on his prey.

"Wah!"

Naruto yelped as he, and the now freed person, rolled down the monster's back.

Jerry's mouth opened and his tongue shot out with tremendous speed.

Wiz made a whimpering noise just as the slippery muscle smacked her right in the face before she, and the basket of grubs, were pulled into the toad's mouth.

'T-thank you for your sacrifice…'

Naruto thought, making a mental note to craft some ramen for the Lich as thanks. He then heard a gagging noise at his feet. Looking down, the shinobi raised an eyebrow.

Well this was a surprise.

"I… I can't run anymore…!"

Kazuma panted heavily as he slowly made his way towards the east side of town. His legs felt like jelly and threatened to give out on him at any second.

This was ridiculous. What was with that stupid prophecy? What was Naruto hiding?

Also-

"Why did Vanir give me this Scroll Ball with such a dangerous thing inside!?"

This was without a doubt the devil that Alderp had obtained. He was definitely giving it to Naruto the moment he caught up.

He heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind, and he turned to see Yunyun.

"Kazuma-san…? What did Wiz-san say about Jerry?"

The awkward mage asked as she slowed her pace to match his own.

First Naruto, and now Yunyun. How was she not on the verge of passing out from exhaustion like he was!? Didn't she just create a ton of magic scrolls!?

"Wiz didn't know where Jerry was… But Vanir said to go to the eastern outskirts of town. Knowing that devil, I'm sure Naruto and Wiz found him by now."

Kazuma replied after catching his breath a little more, and the Crimson Demon looked relieved.

"Thank goodness… B-but now I'm worried about what Vanir-san is planning."

Yunyun muttered with a bead of sweat trailing down her cheek, and Kazuma nodded his head in agreement.

"Ah, while we're on the subject. Vanir told me a prophecy that suggested Naruto had a lot on his shoulders right now. I know that guy has a bit of a hero complex, being a shonen protagonist and all, but what is he hiding?"

"A-ah, well, you know… Naruto is trying his best to distract himself right now after losing Kurama-san… I-I'm just doing my best to support him a-as his f-f-friend…!"

Yunyun's stuttering intensified as the boy's expression turned suspicious.

"...Hey, we're friends too, aren't we Yunyun? Friends don't hide things from friends, you know? That's the first rule of friendship."

"!?"

Yunyun grew even more troubled at Kazuma's words, confirming his suspicions.

Naruto was definitely hiding something from the group and only Yunyun seemed to be aware.

Well, Vanir too, but who could really hide secrets from that troublesome devil?

"A-ah! I can see Jerry! They found him! I'll see you there!"

"Hey! Don't run away! Answer my question!"

Kazuma barked when Yunyun suddenly took off running. But he could also see the Giant Toad just over the next hill near the town wall. Jerry appeared to be spitting a person out of his mouth.

Great… They weren't going to be held accountable for any missing persons, were they?

"Ah. There goes Wiz."

Sighing, Kazuma began to descend down the hill. They may have found Jerry, but why did he feel like the trouble was far from over?

After retrieving Wiz from the toad's mouth, Naruto placed Jerry inside of a Scroll Ball and stashed it inside of one of his battle suit pockets. He then looked down at the young boy on the ground who was currently covered head to toe in toad slime.

Normally, a kid would be traumatized by such an experience. But…

"Hahaha! So that's what the inside of a Giant Toad is like! It was surprisingly warm and kinda comfy! Also, I thought their slime was supposed to smell bad!"

Joe, the young Beast Tamer from Nuzloft and current Conqueror of the Nuzloft Tournament, cackled with laughter as he made a snow angel in the goop without a care in the world.

As expected of a kid who grew up around dangerous man-eating monsters.

'So this is the Beast Tamer that Naruto was talking about… Megumin also mentioned that their mothers were rivals.'

Yunyun thought while studying the jovial boy.

"It's good to see you, Joe. But what are you doing in Axel?"

Naruto asked as he held out a hand to his rival tamer, and the Beast Tamer became sheepish as he accepted the help.

"Someone from the Crimson Demon Village came to Nuzloft asking about his missing son. Apparently, their son was traveling to Axel to pass on a message to someone a couple weeks ago, but they went missing. I was about to travel to the Town of Beginners to start a journey, so I offered to look for him. That's when I came across Jerry. He had a pair of legs sticking out of his mouth, so I jumped right in…"

Joe trailed off, and all three of their faces paled.

"Ah! I was having so much fun in Jerry's mouth, I forgot that I accidentally let go of the person!"

"There is something seriously wrong with that statement, Joe!"

"I agree, but get the Scroll Ball, Naruto! The Scroll Ball!"

As Naruto scrambled to bring out Jerry again, Kazuma finally made it to the bottom of the hill. He stopped next to Wiz, who was currently doing her best to wipe the toad mucus out of her hair.

"Hey… You okay, Wiz? I saw what happened at the top of the hill."

"Y-yes… Despite being covered in slime, it's not so bad. Jerry doesn't smell bad like other Giant Toads."

Wiz noted, and Kazuma had to agree.

It was strange, but Jerry's mucus smelled kind of like honey. Was it a special trait of the Giant Toad, or an effect of something Naruto had been feeding the thing? Kazuma really wanted to know.

"In fact, ever since I started feeding Jerry, I've been getting compliments from the locals about how good I smelled. The scent only goes away if I wash off in the bathhouse. Ah, I should probably go lend a hand."

Wiz added with a cheerful grin before she started walking towards the trio, who were currently trying their best to pry open Jerry's mouth.

'P-poor thing…'

Kazuma thought while smiling bitterly. Wiz truly was a kind person to face getting eaten by a Giant Toad every day.

But that slime was giving him an idea, since he'd faced the same thing back when Naruto and Iris had pranked him with the slime and feathers. He'd smelled like honey until he'd taken a bath.

There was potential here…

"You just need to use Drain Touch, and Jerry will cough up whatever he's eaten like a good boy. See?"

"...!"

Wiz placed a hand on Jerry's stomach before activating her skill, and the toad made a gagging sound before an eruption of slime burst out of his mouth.

Naruto, Yunyun, and Joe dove out of the way as the mucus crashed into Wiz like a jet stream. The poor girl slid all the way up to Kazuma's feet before coming to a stop.

As Yunyun rushed over to help her friend, she realized something.

"W-where's the person?"

All eyes fell on Jerry, who was now trying his best to catch the grubs that had escaped its stomach on the grass with his tongue.

'I-I think I'm gonna be sick…!'

Kazuma thought and turned away from the grotesque scene. Forget any thought of working with that slime, that was disgusting!

"Come on, buddy… You know you're not allowed to eat humans…"

Naruto said as he slowly inched towards his beast partner. He then pounced and activated Drain Touch, and the results were just as powerful as before.

Jerry shot another wad of slime, but this time there was a dark figure in the shape of a human in the center. Everyone was stunned as the person hit the ground with a squishy thud and slid all the way up to Yunyun's feet.

They stood in silence as the person lay motionless.

Naruto was the first to start panicking.

"Y-Y-Yunyun…! Is he dead!?"

"I-I-I don't know!"

Yunyun stammered, her hands flailing as she tried to think of something. Should she Teleport them back to the capital and try to find Aqua? What if it was too late to revive them!?

'W-wait… I think I recognize this man…'

Yunyun thought when the man's eyes suddenly shot open.

"GRAAAH-Oh. They're pink as usual."

"Cursed Lightning."

Yunyun wasted no time shooting a spell at the man who immediately looked up her skirt upon waking up. But the teen was quick to avoid the lightning by using the slime to slide himself away from the girl.

"W-wait, Yunyun! It's me! It's Buzucoily!"

"Oh, look. The slime monster speaks. It must be a variant species. Don't worry, Naruto. I will dispose of it quickly."

Yunyun stated with a stone cold face as she advanced.

'Note to self… Never piss off Yunyun. Ever.'

Kazuma thought as he hid behind Wiz, only to step back when the Lich's aura dropped in temperature as well.

"Come to think of it… I thought I felt a pair of hands grabbing me in strange places when I was in Jerry's mouth."

Wiz noted, her expression fitting for someone who was once dubbed "The Ice Witch".

"I-I was just trying to escape…! S-spare me!"

Buzucoily pleaded as he continued to scoot back, but then he bumped into what felt like a brick wall. Looking up, he found Naruto staring down at him with a neutral expression.

"N-Naruto Uzumaki! Pupil of Ero-senin! Surely you understand my actions are just! As a man who was simply fighting for his life, I had no choice but to grab those luscious mounds! If only the slime weren't so slippery… Ah! But don't worry, I was imagining she was Soketto the entire time! Her chest is smaller than that buxom beauty over there, but I reckon she still has room to grow in a couple years! As for Yunyun, don't worry! I don't give a rat's ass about the panties of some brat! Although the little froggy print was new… Anyways, I have grave news! The Home of the Crimson Magic is in danger! A prophecy has been foretold that involves the daughter of the chief and the Player of Axel-"

"Ah, that. We already know. In fact, we saved the town from the Demon King's Army and a horde of Orcs."

Naruto cut in, as he was getting tired of this thing's rambling. He then turned to his party member and pointed downward.

"Hey, Yunyun. I feel bad for making Jerry lose his lunch. Why don't we let him eat some junk food as an apology?"

"Yes, I think that's an excellent idea. But I should probably fry it up a little so he doesn't get stomach poisoning."

Yunyun agreed, and the tip of her wand began to spark with electricity.

Buzucoily paled and looked at the others present for help, but he would find no solace there as Wiz retained her icy stare while Kazuma and Joe averted their gazes.

"Cursed Lightning!"

"G-GYAAAAAHHHhhh… Eh? Actually, that didn't really hurt."

After taking a direct hit from Yunyun's spell, Buzucoily was surprised to find that he had taken barely any damage. In fact, the lightning felt no more threatening than the static shock one might get from shuffling across a carpet in socks and touching another person.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. He knew Yunyun was tired, but that shouldn't have affected the potency of her spells, right?

"Hey… We're not going to have to check on all of those magic scrolls we just made, are we?"

"N-no! Even if I'm tired, it doesn't affect my spells like that! T-this is really weird! Has Buzucoily-san developed a resistance to lightning after all the times the women of our clan have attacked him in retaliation!?"

As Yunyun was astounded by the surprising development, Kazuma poked the toad slime and studied it.

"Hey, Bukkorolly was it? You're a Crimson Demon that knows Advanced Magic, right? Why didn't you just Teleport away or fight back?"

"It's Buzucoily! Show some respect to the one who will one day inherit the number one shoe shop in the Crimson Demon Village! Anyways, after my gruelling journey to the Town of Beginners to deliver my message, I came across this Giant Toad. As a member of the Anti-Demon King Army Guerilla Unit, I couldn't simply ignore the presence of a monster within the walls of a town full of helpless civilians! I struck the beast with a fire spell, but it dodged! I was so surprised by its sheer speed that I failed to notice its tongue flying at me. So, I was pulled into the gaping jaws of death itself! As I kicked and screamed, I made a last ditch effort by pouring all of my mana into one final spell to end the battle… Teleport!"

Buzucoily declared with a confident smirk plastered in his face, causing his audience to falter in their stances.

"Your solution to end the battle was to run away!? N-no… Clearly that didn't happen, so what did you try next?"

Kazuma pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. He was getting severe flashbacks to their time in the Crimson Demon Village, and he did not appreciate it.

"Indeed! For there is a saying we Crimson Demons follow… If there is no hope in battle, run like the wind to fight another day!"

Buzucoily replied with a sagely nod.

"There is no such saying in our clan. Anyways, what did you do next?"

Yunyun retorted and insisted that they keep the conversation moving. She was starting to get a headache from listening to this man's nonsensical ramblings. Why she ever joined that group of NEETs back then was beyond her.

"After my ingenious plan to Teleport failed, I became enraged. How could my magic fail!? It made no sense! That was when I decided to bring down the hammer of justice and cast Lightning Strike! Yes, I know what you're thinking… 'Why would he cast such a powerful spell at point blank? Wouldn't that put his life in danger'? How very kind… But as I said, I couldn't let such a beast remain inside the walls of this town. Even at the cost of my own life, I vowed to bring this monster down!"

Buzucoily shouted while puffing his chest out with pride.

"Well, that and I've gotten used to getting zapped by the women of our village. Whenever someone from our group is caught peeping in the hot springs, they always come and beat me up. It's unfair! As if I would care to see the naked bodies of some nobodies! No… The only body my crimson eyes are destined to see is that of Soketto! Unfortunately, she is as skilled as she is beautiful so she senses me every time… Thank goodness for the Invisibility spell, you know? Anyways, after trying to use a couple more spells, I found that my magic was completely sealed! Somehow, that creature was suppressing my mana like that magic item I was going to use to trap Soketto in that ditch. Remember, Yunyun? You helped me dig that ditch back when you were a part of our squad-"

"Ahhh! I wonder if Jerry somehow gained the ability to suppress mana! Isn't that amazing, Naruto-san!?"

Yunyun screamed when her fellow clansman started saying something unnecessary, earning strange looks from the group.

"Interesting… What do you think, Joe? You're the monster expert here."

Naruto asked, and the young tamer rubbed his chin in thought.

"It's possible that Jerry advanced… He did eat all of those Elysian Swimmers back then. But I've never heard of a monster gaining such a powerful ability."

Joe said when he saw a wiggling grub on the ground. Picking it up, his eyes widened in recognition.

"Hey, this is an Amberroot Larva! Is this what you've been feeding Jerry?"

"Yeah, I started feeding him those guys when he was still just a little fellow. They're his favorite."

Naruto replied while patting the toad, a fond smile growing on his face at the memory of how small Jerry used to be.

"Why? Are they special or something? I sorta just picked them out because they were orange."

"They're not particularly special… But Amberroot Larva, true to their name, are usually found on Amberroot trees whose sap holds magical properties. The grubs also smell sweet when mashed up. If Jerry has been eating these grubs his entire life…"

Joe trailed off while looking at the toad in question with excitement.

"Crafters use the bark to make armor that is magic resistant, so that trait could have been adopted by the grubs, which were then eaten by Jerry."

Wiz added thoughtfully, which further solidified their theory.

"Wait, so does that mean Jerry really did advance!? That's awesome!"

Naruto marveled at the thought of his monster gaining a new attribute, and one that resists magic?

"So that's why Jerry's slime smells like honey…"

Yunyun said when she suddenly remembered she had something urgent to tell her party member. She hated the idea of cutting this sweet moment short, but Naruto would definitely want to hear this.

"N-Naruto! Oh, and Kazuma-san too… Luna-san asked me to bring you two to the Adventurer's Guild. The reward for Sylvia's bounty has been prepared!"

"What!? Really!?"

Naruto's eyes bulged. That was great news! If he recalled correctly, Sylvia's bounty was three-hundred million Eris. With his and Yunyun's share, that put them about three quarters towards their goal!

The shinobi wondered how many quests were available today. It was already noon, but if he could accept all of them here too…

"Alright! Let's go accept that bounty!"

Now in a more than chipper mood, Naruto replaced Jerry back inside the Scroll Ball.

"Whaaat? But after learning about Jerry's advancement, it really made me want to battle! Zard and I learned some new tricks too!"

Joe complained while holding out one of his own Scroll Balls, presumably the one he used to contain his ace monster.

"Sorry Joe, I have a lot of work to do right now. But if you're going to be hanging around Axel for a while, I'll definitely be down for that rematch when I get back!"

Naruto assured with a thumbs up, earning an eager nod from his fellow Beast Tamer. He then turned to Wiz and smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry about the mess… Are you going to be alright getting to the bathhouse?"

"Yes, of course. I'm glad we were able to find Jerry so soon! Good luck on whatever it is you're doing in the capital, Naruto-san. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Wiz said with a serene smile, causing the boy to become even more sheepish.

"T-thanks… For what you said earlier too."

"O-oh, yes. Anytime, Naruto-san."

The two stood in silence for a moment, and it was as if the shinobi was trying to bring himself to say something.

It made Kazuma sick to his stomach.

Didn't this guy already unlock both the Claire and Darkness routes? What did he need the Wiz route for? Damned shonen protagonist.

More like harem protagonist!

"Sorry to interupt your little moment, Naruto the Player, but what are we supposed to do with this guy?"

Kazuma asked and gestured towards Buzucoily, who flinched as everyone's gaze turned towards him.

"Meh… It's up to Yunyun. He did come all this way to deliver that stupid prophecy to her."

Naruto replied with a shrug, then he started making his way towards the hill. It was time to collect his bounty!

Kazuma sighed before following after his friend. That was fine by him, as he really didn't feel like interacting with what appeared to be a stalker NEET from the Crimson Demon Village.

As everyone cleared the field, all that was left was Buzucoily and Yunyun.

"W-well… Since the prophecy has been foretold… I-I may as well head to the bathhouse and wash off so I can go home, yeah?"

The boy stuttered and made an attempt to stand, but he found it rather difficult with all the slime.

"I've decided what your punishment is going to be."

Yunyun finally spoke, and Buzucoily instantly fell into a bow with his forehead pressed firmly into the slime covered grass.

"I-I-I'm truly sorry!"

"Sorry won't cut it!"

The girl roared before taking a breath and straightening herself.

"Since we now know Jerry's mucus provides a magic resistant buff, and appears to suppress mana if the target is fully covered… Why don't we test just how powerful it is?"

Yunyun suggested, her lips curling into a tiny smile. But her eyes shone with a vengeance that Buzucoily was all too familiar with.

"N-NOOOOOO!"

A/N: With Jerry found and a prophecy foretold, our heroes set off to obtain Sylvia's bounty at the guild!

Naruto is three quarters to his money goal… With only a couple days left, he's going to be cutting it close.

Review and let me know what you all think!

As a side note, updates might slow down as I start to pick up the pace with school again. But it's my final term, so wish me luck!

Spirit out.