Hey, everyone!

Here's another one.

Dragonkeeper10, thanks for the constant positive feedback. Though, please understand, that we won't respond much. We just want to write and be done because these stories are just as much for us.

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

Chapter - 5

The clock dips low towards six, casting a drowsy mood over the inhabitants of the underworld. Naruto, still awake and vigor, knelt in a secluded ground, surrounded by tall rocky embers that glowed in the evening cold breeze. His heart raced with determination, even as his mind grappled with the weight of his fragmented memories. Every night, the dreams came to him—flickering images of laughter, tears, and a fierce sense of camaraderie—but the details remained tantalizingly out of reach. All he had were those vivid flashes and a strong yearning to remember who he once was.

"!" Feeling frustrated, he clenched his teeth and muscle but it was a hopeless action, "Why can't I even remember him?"

The tales of a gutsy shinobi, what do you think?

After moments of thinking to himself, he knelt once more on the cold hard ground. Shadows danced around him as flickering torches illuminated the narrow passageways, but the darkness within his mind felt insurmountable. His memories were like fragments of a shattered mirror—sharp, elusive, and painfully beautiful.

"Pervy-sage…"

Days turned into weeks, yet the relentless struggle to piece together the essence of who he was consumed him. He could remember the thrill of battle, the exhilaration of mastering new techniques, but the faces of those he once cherished slipped through his fingers like grains of sand. Among the fragments of his thoughts, one image began to stand out—a tall figure with wild white hair, a warm smile that spoke volumes, and eyes that glimmered with pride.

Naruto! Don't look at me like that. Where is that gut of yours that never gives up!?

"!"

Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and focused. In the depths of his mind, he could see it: a glowing ball of swirling energy, the Rasengan. He remembered the name of the technique that was passed on to him by someone important.

A rush of warmth enveloped him as he remembered the sensation of its power, a force that had once flowed through him with ease. Yet now, it eluded him like a whisper on the wind.

"I can do this," he muttered under his breath, recalling the gentle but firm voice of the man who had taught him.

Concentrate. Feel the chakra.

The words echoed in his ears, providing a flicker of guidance. But every time he attempted to manifest the energy, it simply dispersed into a cascade of flickering sparks, vanishing before it could solidify into the spiraling sphere he so desperately sought.

His hands trembled with frustration as he tried again, channeling his chakra through his palms. He visualized the swirling energy, but instead of forming, it splintered and faded. "Why can't I get it right?" he growled, kicking at the ground in irritation. The dust swayed in response as if sharing in his disappointment.

Days turned into weeks, and every day was a battle against self-doubt. Each time he failed, the ache in his heart deepened. He missed those vivid memories, the warmth of their encouragement, and the thrill of teamwork. But those memories were like fragments of glass, scattered and sharp, evading his grasp.

One late afternoon, as Naruto sat with his head in his hands, the soft sound of footsteps broke the silence. He looked up to see Natasha approaching, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Hey, Naruto," she said softly, kneeling beside him. "You've been at this for weeks. Maybe you need to take a break?"

He couldn't hide his training from her as her opinions were to him. Strangely enough, she wasn't surprised by his power. She mentioned something about him being similar to the chief miner who had a sort of power as well.

"I can't!" he exclaimed, frustration spilling over. "I need to remember! This power… it feels like it's right in front of me, but I just can't reach it."

Natasha nodded, understanding the weight of his struggle. "What do you remember about it? Anything at all?"

He thought for a moment, trying to piece together the fragments in his mind. "There was… a lot of energy," he started hesitantly. "It felt alive, like it was part of me. And the way it spun… it was like everything around me was still, but the Rasengan was… powerful."

"Powerful," she echoed, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Maybe it's not just about the energy itself, but about your connection to it. Remember why you wanted to learn it in the first place. What did it mean to you?"

Her words struck a chord deep within him. He closed his eyes again, this time reaching not just for the energy, but for the emotions tied to it. He thought of his friends, of the bonds they shared and the challenges they faced together. The memories flooded back—fighting alongside a boy with strange eyes, protecting a girl, and standing firm against adversaries. He could almost hear their voices urging him on.

With a new sense of purpose, Naruto focused his energy again, but this time, he poured his heart into it. He envisioned the Rasengan not just as a technique but as a promise to himself and to those he cared about. It was about strength, not just for him, but for everyone he loved.

"Come on, Rasengan!" he shouted, determination igniting his spirit.

This time, he felt the chakra surge within him, swirling around his hands. It began to take shape, spiraling and glowing as he directed his will into it. The energy pulsated, and for the first time, it held its form.

"Almost there!" Natasha cheered, her voice cutting through the tension like a ray of sunlight.

As the swirling ball of energy grew brighter, Naruto felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. This was it—this was what he had been searching for. With a final push of will, he thrust his hands forward, but unfortunately, the Rasengan once more burst forth and scatter in a dazzling display of light until it was no more.

"Damn it!" Naruto shouted, his voice ringing with anguish and exhaustion. He was so close and yet, it felt farther than he had ever thought it would be.

Natasha's mouth left a small voice, her face showed a sad expression. "Naruto."

It has almost been a year since he had appeared, Natasha had observed Naruto's relentless spirit. He had been in physical training almost every minute that he was working in the mines, pushing himself to the limits of his endurance in an effort to recover what he had lost. She could often see him from her way through the outskirts of Boulder town, sweating and straining against the harsh training regimen he imposed upon himself. The sound of his anguished shouts filled the air, reverberating through the streets, each cries a reminder of his struggle—a struggle to reclaim a name, a past, and the faces of the important people he could no longer remember.

"Excellent... excellent as always, With your grades and clinical performance... You'll be an outstanding candidate whether you're in the hospital or in the armed forces."

"I can still remember the moment I realized as a doctor you can't save everyone. Not everyone could be healed. Are you one of them Naruto? Because I don't want that to be the case."

Despite her efforts to help him, Natasha felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. She wanted nothing more than to ease his pain, to mend the invisible wounds that lay deep within his soul. Yet every time she approached him, he would smile with a determination that belied his inner turmoil. His blue eyes, though clouded with frustration and grief, held a flicker of hope that Natasha admired deeply.

"Why do you train so hard?" she finally asked one day, summoning the courage to confront the mystery that was Naruto. They stood together on the edge of the mines, the hollow horizon of the underworld behind them, casting a sort of silent peace.

"I need to get stronger," he replied, panting slightly. "I can't forget… I can't forget them. I have to remember who I am." The raw pain in his voice sent a shiver down Natasha's spine.

"But you're pushing yourself too hard," she countered gently. "You can't rush these things, Naruto. You need to give yourself time to—"

"I don't have time!" he interrupted, a wild spark igniting in his eyes. "If I stop moving, I feel like I'm losing them all over again. I can't let that happen!"

"Naruto." She has never seen anyone so desperate and yet so determined and hopeful.

"No!"

With clenched fists and a heavy heart, Naruto closed his eyes and concentrated. Memories of him flooded back—training in the sun-drenched fields, the sound of laughter, the sage's endless stories of adventure. But as the fragments of memories washed over him, they brought with them a wave of sorrow. How could he honor his teachings when he couldn't even recall the techniques he had once mastered?

Naruto pressed his palms into the ground, feeling the coolness of the earth seep into him. "I won't forget you," he vowed. "I'll remember. I have to." Tears stung his eyes, blurring the edges of his vision as the weight of his past bore down on him. He had fought too hard and sacrificed too much to lose himself now.

As he knelt there, he focused on the sensations that enveloped him—the warmth of the sun on his face, the smell of ramen wafting through the air, the sound of his friend's laughter. He reached deep within, searching for the essence of his being, and in that moment of vulnerability, a flicker ignited in his heart.

"Rasengan!" he shouted, summoning the technique that had once become an extension of his will. But as he tried to recreate the swirling orb of chakra, it fizzled and dimmed, leaving only a faint glow in his palm. Frustration bubbled within him, but he wouldn't give up. He would fight for the memory of Jiraiya, just as he had fought for his friends.

He closed his eyes again, focusing on the tall figure, a man with a big happy grin standing proudly beside him, offering words of encouragement. "Believe in yourself, Naruto. You have the strength to overcome anything. You're never alone."

"Never alone…" he murmured, and at that moment, a memory blossomed. That man's laughter echoed in his mind, mingling with the sounds of their training sessions. It was as if the very essence of the wise man was wrapping around him, urging him to push through the darkness.

With renewed determination, Naruto stood up, grounding himself. He would not let despair win. He remembered how Jiraiya had taught him to channel his emotions into his techniques—to use his pain as a source of strength. He took a deep breath, focusing on the joy and the love that Jiraiya had instilled in him.

"Rasengan!" This time, the orb of chakra began to form, swirling with life and energy. It glowed brighter than before, infused with the memories of his mentor and the promise of what he could become. Tears streamed down his face, but they were no longer tears of despair; they were tears of hope.

*!*

Once more, the spiral energy dissipates again. It formed and held its form a lot longer than before but it did not stay as intended.

"Even after all this time, I still can't remember your face. Pervy-sage…" Naruto just stood there; his arms now dropped as if they had given up.

He thought those dreams might've finally helped but he still failed in learning it, and he failed in remembering. He was completely exhausted, his strength waned as tears once more dripped down his cheeks.

"…"

Natasha's heart ached for him. She could see the shadows of a life he once had—a life filled with friends, family, and memories that now felt like ghosts haunting him. "What if I can help you remember?" she offered hesitantly, her medical training whispering in the back of her mind that sometimes the emotional wounds ran deeper than any physical ailment.

"Natasha…" A little embarrassed, he didn't turn to her as he kept looking over the vast underworld.

"Yeah?"

Naruto paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "You really think you can help?" His voice was cautious, almost vulnerable. He refused to face her and show his weakness.

"I may not have the answers you seek, but I can help you find a way to process your pain. Let's work together," she proposed. "I can be your guide, your support. We can train your mind as well as your body."

"…" He finally smiled again and turned to her with a grin.

"It's okay, thanks but no thanks."

"Huh?"

"I'm already making new memories after all." While putting his hands on his head, Naruto grinned happily to show her he was fine. "You and that quack doctor have already too much on your hands. I can't be that selfish Natasha."

"Naruto." She wanted to tell him she could promise him but seeing his expression she held back. Natasha knew when she couldn't win and this was one of the few.

"Besides, when did I ever say I'm giving up?" Naruto then clenched his fist and pointed his thumb at his chest with one of his big smiles, "I'm already making so many great memories now with amazing people like you. So, there's no need to feel bad for me! Hehe!"

"Guys, guys, guys, it's Big Brother Naruto and Big Sister Natasha!"

As Naruto continued training, the underworld kids gathered, drawn by the raw energy radiating from him. The girls, watching with wide eyes, felt a pang of sadness for Naruto's predicament. His plight was a reminder of their own battles, of dreams they feared were too far out of reach. Tears welled up in their eyes, but they brushed them away, inspired by his unwavering spirit.

On the other hand, the boys felt a surge of respect for Naruto. They admired the way he pushed through his pain, the way his determination shone brighter than any star in the night sky. "That's real manliness," one of them whispered, and the others nodded in agreement, feeling a bond form around their shared admiration.

As Natasha finished her session and prepared to head back to the clinic, she offered Naruto an encouraging smile. "You're going to be okay," she said, and though her heart ached for him, she had faith that he would find a way to heal. With a wave, she disappeared down the path, leaving Naruto alone for a moment.

But not for long. The kids surged forward, a whirlwind of curiosity and energy. "Hey, Big Brother Naruto! How do you do that thing with your hands?" one boy shouted, while another chimed in, "I heard you're going to fight in the tournament! You're so cool!"

Naruto laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "Thanks, guys! It's all about believing in yourself!" He answered their questions, his spirit rekindled by their enthusiasm. They cheered him on, each cheer echoing with a sense of hope that ignited their dreams.

Meanwhile, the girls gathered in a huddle, their voices a mix of excitement and gossip. "Did you see the way he looked at Natasha? He definitely has a crush on her!" one girl whispered, her eyes sparkling. The others giggled, exchanging knowing glances.

"He's just going to be another one of the people Big sister Natasha rejected," one of the boys teased, joining the girls. "You think she'd go for someone like him?" Laughter erupted among the group, but it was good-natured, underscored by the growing camaraderie that Naruto inspired in them all.

The boys nudged Naruto playfully, egging him on, but Naruto just grinned, unfazed by the teasing. "You brats! I'll prove you all wrong!" he said, determination shining in his eyes.

In the heart of Boulder Town, hidden beneath the surface of the bustling streets and vibrant markets, lay a gritty establishment known simply as The Fight Club. It was a nondescript building, often overlooked by passersby, but within its walls, the air crackled with the energy of competition. Owned and operated by a grumpy man named Scott, who had seen his share of fights and heartbreaks, The Fight Club was notorious for its no-holds-barred bouts. Today, the atmosphere was electric; a tournament was set to unfold, promising not just a trophy, but a cash prize and rare items coveted by fighters from all walks of life.

"Come on everyone, the tournament is about to start!" An announcer outside the establishment shouted out and gathered attention, "Place your bets and see who wins the annual fight club tournament! The previous raining champion, Oleg the fist will also attend again!"

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the crowd, a mix of locals and adventurous tourists, gathered for the annual tournament. Posters plastered on the walls showcased the stakes were high, and the competition fierce.

Among the combatants, a bright-haired young man named Naruto stood out, his spiky blonde hair a stark contrast to the grimy surroundings. With a smile that could brighten the cloudiest of days, he was excited yet focused. He had entered this tournament with a single goal: to win, not just for himself, but the prize he absolutely must have. But he had made a promise to himself; that he would fight with nothing but his physical strength and speed, leaving behind his special techniques and powers.

As the preliminary rounds kicked off, the audience roared with excitement. Fighters clashed, some graceful, others wild, but Naruto remained steadfast. Each round was a test of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower. He ducked, weaved, and landed punches with agility that left the crowd in awe. With every victory, he reminded himself of his promise, pushing aside the temptation to unleash his more powerful abilities.

"Place your bets! Place your bets! Win back twice the amount!"

"I'm betting on that buff guy!"

"Yeah, fight! Fight!"

"Another one on that scrawny guy!"

The crowd cheered in excitement as this was one of the very few entertainments they could see in the underworld as their world was small enough that leaving their city was a death sentence. Thus, such an establishment was quite popular.

The atmosphere crackled with tension. One by one, fighters entered the ring, showcasing their might. The next opponent Naruto faced was a burly man named Tank, aptly named for his size and resilience. As the bell rang, Tank charged like a freight train, aiming to bowl Naruto over.

"Ha! You got to be faster than that to hit me!"

But Naruto was quicker. He dodged to the side, feeling the rush of adrenaline as he spun around and landed a solid punch on Tank's side. The crowd roared in approval. Tank grunted but quickly recovered, swinging back with all his might. Naruto ducked and weaved, his body moving instinctively as he countered with a flurry of punches.

"Not bad, kid!" Scott yelled from the sidelines, a hint of grudging respect in his voice.

With every punch, Naruto felt the energy of the crowd fuelling him. The larger man struggled to keep up with his speed. With a final powerful jab to Tank's jaw, Naruto sent him sprawling to the canvas. The bell rang, and the crowd erupted in applause.

"Next!" The owner Scott called, a small grin breaking his usually grumpy demeanour.

Round after round, Naruto faced challengers who were bigger, and more experience than him, but his strength, agility, and sheer will to win propelled him forward. He learned quickly to read his opponents, anticipating their moves and countering with precision. Each victory brought him closer to the grand prize, and with it, the thrill of competition surged through him.

"Naruto, didn't I see you here? The prize money is draw-dropping, isn't it?"

"It's good, and I could really use the money," Naruto stated, though his focus was not on the money that was hanging up high in a sealed dome but on one of the other prizes. Specifically, a large bag that was filled with canned foods and other things. The very same bag that he came here with and was somehow stolen.

What do you mean someone took it!?

Sorry, Naruto, I was too busy and didn't even notice.

Don't lie you quack doctor! It's a bag twice my size and the other patients already told me they saw a hooded man take it and you allow it!

Oh, now I remember! The Fight Club owner asked for sponsorship relentlessly again for his annual fight thing. So, since I couldn't give him money, I gave him the bag that was full of preserved canned foods and utensils that were lying around behind the surprisingly hidden closet in your room.

I'm gonna kill you!

It was his and it was the very sole reason he even applied for this tournament. He heard Natasha didn't like this place and he would've agreed but his stuff was stolen and used as a prize because of the doctor. Thus, he had to secretly do this without their knowledge. He took a day off from the mines to do this and hoped they didn't find out.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The first round of the main tournament was upon him, and his opponents were not what he expected. Standing before him were two formidable opponents: Automaton Beetle and Automaton Hound. These machines were designed for heavy lifting and construction, their steel bodies gleaming ominously under the fluorescent lights. With whirring gears and mechanical limbs, they stood ready to pounce.

Naruto frowned, his confidence wavering for the first time. "Robots? Really?" he complained, looking around as the crowd cheered, clearly unfazed by his worries. "This isn't fair!"

But Scott, perched at the edge of the ring, simply scowled. "There are no rules against using robots. Just you and them. Now fight!"

With a reluctant nod, Naruto shifted into a fighting stance. The bell rang, and the robots lunged at him. The Automaton Hound barked, its metallic jaws snapping as it tried to bite him, while the Beetle charged with its massive pincers poised to crush. Naruto quickly dodged to the side, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

He needed to outsmart them. While their movements were precise, they were also predictable. He observed their mechanics, the slight delay in their movements, and the joint gaps that hinted at vulnerabilities. With a burst of speed, Naruto sprinted toward the edge of the ring, leading the Hound into a wild chase. As it lunged forward, he sidestepped, and with a swift kick, he sent it crashing into the Beetle. The machines clashed with a resounding thud, momentarily disorienting each other.

Taking advantage of their confusion, Naruto quickly scanned the arena and spotted some sharp, rusty iron debris scattered around from previous fights. With determination, he dashed over, grabbing a few pieces. As the robots regained their bearings, Naruto executed a surprisingly accurate series of calculated throws, jamming the iron into the joint gaps of the Automaton Beetle and Hound.

The crowd gasped as the machines began to falter, their movements becoming erratic as they struggled against the makeshift steel-covered cage stage. Naruto's heart raced; this was his chance. With a final burst of energy, he launched himself at the Automaton Hound, delivering a powerful blow to its side. The robot collapsed, unable to withstand the force of his strike.

With the first robot down, he turned his attention to the Beetle, which was now trying to shake free of the debris lodged in its joints. Naruto seized the moment, leaping onto its back and delivering a series of swift punches to its vulnerable spots. Finally, with one last mighty strike, he brought it crashing to the ground, the crowd erupting in cheers.

"Take that! I'm still standing!"

As the dust settled, Naruto stood victorious, breathing heavily but grinning widely. He had fought not just with strength, but with ingenuity and heart. He looked around, taking in the excited faces of the audience, and felt a rush of pride.

Though, no one realized he was struggling to hold his pain. His fists were still just flesh and hitting steel so hard did some damage.

Scott, his grumpy demeanor softening for just a moment, nodded in acknowledgment. "Not bad, kid. Keep it up."

With determination renewed, Naruto knew this was just the beginning. The tournament was far from over, but he had taken a significant step toward his goal. As he stepped out of the ring, he could almost hear the cheers of his friends echoing in his mind, urging him on to the next round.

Naruto squared off against a formidable fighter named Blaze the arrogant, lean man with fiery red hair and a reputation for his knockout punches. Blaze had made it through the ranks with ferocity and had his sights set firmly on the prize.

The two men faced each other, the tension palpable. Scott, standing in the corner, wiped the sweat off his brow and looked at them with a mix of anticipation and pride. "Alright, boys. Show me what you've got!"

The bell rang, and the fight began. Blaze came at Naruto with a series of quick jabs, each one tested Naruto's reflexes. Naruto ducked and dodged, using his speed to avoid the blows while looking for an opening. With a sudden surge of adrenaline, he launched himself forward, throwing a right hook that caught Blaze off guard.

But Blaze quickly regained his composure, retaliating with a powerful uppercut that sent Naruto staggering back. He felt the sting in his jaw, but he shook it off, fueled by determination. The crowd was on their feet, urging both fighters on, and Naruto could hear them chanting their names.

"Come on, Naruto! You can do it!"

Summoning every ounce of strength and will, Naruto focused on the rhythm of the fight. He began to predict Blaze's movements, timing his attacks with precision. With a well-timed feint, he lured Blaze into a trap, then delivered a swift combination of punches that left Blaze reeling.

The final blow came in a flurry of motion—a spinning kick that connected with Blaze's side, sending him crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in, counting down as the crowd erupted into cheers.

"Ten! Nine! Eight!"

Naruto stood there, panting heavily, a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration flooding through him. He had done it.

As Blaze lay on the ground, struggling to get up, Naruto helped the man to his feet. "Kid, you've got guts."

The final round was about to start and the crowd started their bets. The mood was at its peak and this showed the final climax, no one moved from their seat.

Oleg, the reigning champion, was a sight to behold. A man in his late thirties with white hair that stood stark against his tanned skin, he carried the weight of experience and years of hard work. Lean but muscular, Oleg exuded confidence as he entered the ring, his presence commanding immediate respect. The crowd erupted in cheers, the energy electric as everyone awaited the clash of these two fighters.

"You are Dr Vache's helper, aren't you?" The older man moves forward toward the cage with Naruto, "When I saw you at the prelims, I never thought you would come this far young man."

"Let's not talk about that guy. He's the reason I'm here in the first place."

"Ho? Ahaha, up to his old tricks I see," Oleg was one of the few people who knew the annoying pranks and quirks of the doctor despite his amazing medical skills. "I understand your plight, but I do love a good challenge. Now, show me your determination and skills if you want to win!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls! The final round of the annual Fight Club tournament is about to begin!" The announcer stood on a pedestal to make sure he was seen by all, "So, don't miss this moment and stick to see the new rising beast Naruto the light foot and our previous and five-time occurring champion Oleg the fist!"

But just as the announcer raised his microphone to declare the beginning of the match, chaos erupted. A girl, no older than seven, with dark purple hair, rushed into the arena, tears streaming down her cheeks. She stumbled, her voice breaking as she cried out to Oleg. "They took Luka! They took him!" Her words sliced through the air, an unexpected twist that stunned the audience into silence.

"Seele?" The man stopped and turned to the girl in the crowd, his expression confused before he realized something.

"..." The girl's tears tell him it was serious and there was no moment to lose.

"I understand." Oleg's expression shifted from anticipation to alarm in an instant. Without a moment's hesitation, he jumped over the ropes and rushed toward the girl, concern etched across his features. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of boos and jeers; their disappointment palpable.

"Get back in the ring, Oleg!"

"We didn't come here to watch you play hero!"

Scott, seeing his carefully orchestrated event unravel, shouted at Oleg to return to the ring or risk disqualification. But Oleg was undeterred; his priority lay with the girl and the boy who was missing.

As Oleg sprinted away, the crowd's frustration boiled over. Items began to fly through the air, a mix of half-empty cups and crumpled plastic aimed at the departing champion. Scott, faced with the prospect of no fight and a crowd demanding answers, fumed with anger, yet there was an undeniable empathy for the girl's plight.

Meanwhile, Naruto stood in the ring, confusion swirling around him. He felt the weight of the moment, the expectation that had been building for weeks. Just as he thought the match would never happen, the announcer's voice rang out, declaring Naruto the default winner. But instead of relishing the victory, Naruto felt a strange sense of loss. He had come to fight, to prove himself, not to stand idle.

Driven by a surge of instinct, Naruto hopped over the ropes and shouted, "Wait!" He dashed after Oleg, his heart pounding. The crowd looked on, stunned by this unexpected turn of events. The fight that was supposed to crown a champion was now a search for a lost boy.

Scott watched as Naruto chased after Oleg and for a moment.

The crowd continued to grumble, their excitement turned to annoyance. Scott slammed his fists against the metal railing, his face a mask of anger. "This is ridiculous! Do you think this is some kind of charity? Get back here, Oleg!" But the champion had already disappeared into the crowd.

A moment of silence enveloped the arena as everyone processed what had just happened. Then, something unexpected occurred. One by one, fighters and spectators began to murmur amongst themselves, sharing their own stories of loss, fear, and the importance of standing up for one another.

In that instant, Naruto felt a shift in his own heart. He had come to fight for glory, but now he realized that sometimes, true strength lay in protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, addressing the crowd, "If Oleg is going to find Luka, then we should help! We can't let a kid be in danger while we sit here!"

"He's right."

"But I spend so much money on this."

"It's not uncommon for a kid to disappeared."

"Let the Silvermane guards handle it."

"The boy is right, we can't let an innocent child be in harms way."

Some looked at him skeptically, while others nodded in agreement. The atmosphere in the Fight Club began to change, fueled by a shared purpose. One by one, fighters joined Naruto as he rallied them in search of the missing boy. The rage of disappointment transformed into anger as some of the crowd berated the owner of the fight club.

As Naruto and Oleg raced through the streets of Boulder Town, determination fueled their every step. They were no longer just fighters; they were heroes on a mission. The bond formed in that moment transcended the fight in the ring, weaving a story of bravery, unity, and hope. Together, they would confront the unknown, and together, they would fight—not against each other, but for a boy named Luka.

Oleg appreciated the help from them and his expression changed in an instant. The look of determination and focus that had previously defined him vanished, replaced by concern. "Seele, where did they take him?" he asked, his voice steady but urgent.

"They… they took him down by the robot settlement!" she sobbed, clutching at Oleg's arm. "He was just coming to see you match!"

Oleg and Naruto moved through the outskirts of Bolder Town, their resolve steely and unwavering. They had gathered their allies from the tournament, a motley crew of fighters from different backgrounds and styles, all united for a single purpose: to rescue a young boy kidnapped by a gang led by a once-cherished friend turned foe Oleg knew very well.

"What's happening?"

"Where are they going?"

The town folk saw the situation and whispered amongst themselves as the group of strongmen and women headed in a certain direction.

As they crossed into the robot settlement, a landscape dotted with mechanical debris and scavenged tech, the atmosphere thickened with tension. The settlement was a haven for vagrants, a lawless realm where this leader and his gang thrived on chaos and plunder. It was here that Oleg had once found camaraderie with the leader, before betrayal and jealousy twisted their bond into enmity. The scars on Oleg's body echoed the battles he had fought; His old friend's scars were a testament to his bitterness.

"I won't let him hurt anyone else," Oleg muttered, clenching his fists. Naruto nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the settlement for any signs of movement.

The group moved stealthily through the alleyways, the metallic walls echoing their footsteps as they approached the outskirts where the gang was rumored to operate. It was there, in a makeshift encampment shrouded in darkness, that they spotted the boy. He was tied to a chair, fear etched across his youthful face, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes as he caught sight of Oleg.

"Stay quiet, kid," Oleg whispered, a determined glint in his eyes. "We're here to get you out."

But as they made their way closer, the air thickened with tension. A man emerged from the shadows, flanked by his gang, rough men with wild eyes and chaotic energy, their intentions as clear as the grime on their faces.

"Oleg," The man sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You've come to play the hero? How quaint. You always were too soft. This time, I won't let you ruin my plans."

Oleg stepped forward, anger surging within him. "You've gone too far, Orion. This isn't like you but no excuse will be enough for doing such things to a child. This ends now."

"You shouldn't have come here, Oleg," Orion spat, his voice hoarse with age and bitterness. "You've always been too soft. You were supposed to forget me, leave me to my choices."

Oleg's heart sank at the sight of his former friend, the man he had once shared laughter and dreams with now a twisted reflection of his former self. "And let a boy suffer for your madness? I can't do that, Orion."

As he faced Orion now, he recognized the shadows of their shared past lurking behind the anger.

"…"

"…." A deep silence filled the air, both sides ready their stands and weapons. Still, both leaders stood up front, with no fear and no hesitation.

With a snarl, Orion charged, and the fight erupted in a flurry of fists and grunts, echoing like thunder across the empty lot. Their styles were eerily similar, both men having trained together in their youth. They exchanged blows with a brutal elegance, hard hitters by nature, evading and intercepting each other's strikes as if they were two sides of the same coin.

"Help the boss!"

"Oleg, we're coming!"

With a roar, the gang charged, chaos erupting around them. Naruto dashed into action, using his incredible agility to evade the vagrants' wild strikes, a whirlwind of energy as he engaged them one by one. Oleg's fighting style was brutal yet precise, his scars telling stories of the battles he had fought. He moved with a purpose, fueled by the need to protect the innocent.

The fight raged on, Oleg's eyes locked on Orion. The two men exchanged blows, the years of friendship now a distant memory, replaced by animosity and hatred. "You were always jealous of me!" Orion shouted, his voice laced with bitterness. "I wanted to be the best! And I will crush you here, once and for all!"

"I've have already moved past such thoughts!" Oleg evades Orion blows with precise movements and pushes him back, "So, why can't you do the same!?"

"Shut it!" Orion obviously angered, goes and engages him again.

"Is this all you have left?" Oleg taunted between blows, dodging a punch aimed at his gut and countering with a solid jab to Orion's cheek. "You used to have vision, dreams. What happened to you?"

Orion retaliated with a swift kick that grazed Oleg's ribs, sending pain coursing through his side. "You happened! You walked away! You left me behind!" Orion shouted, his voice a mix of rage and sorrow, punctuated by each strike.

"I tried, Orion! I reached out to you!" Oleg's own anger bubbled to the surface, fueled by guilt and heartbreak. "You pushed me away every time! I never wanted to abandon you, but I couldn't save you from yourself!"

With each exchange, their bodies grew weary, breaths coming in ragged gasps. Oleg could see the desperation in Orion's eyes, a man fighting not just for control, but against the ghosts of his own failures. Yet, Oleg was steadfast, determined not to allow Orion to drag him into the abyss.

The fight raged on, both men landing strikes that could easily have felled younger opponents. But they were old warriors, seasoned by time and regret. Orion, desperate and frustrated, resorted to cheap tricks—an elbow aimed at Oleg's temple, a feint that sought to exploit Oleg's momentary lapse. But Oleg was no fool; he had seen the darkness in his friend and the shadows it cast on his soul. He anticipated the moves and dodged them with an agility that belied their age.

"Why won't you just let me go?" Orion yelled, swinging wide with a wild hook that missed its mark. "Why do you insist on fighting for a man who doesn't exist anymore?"

"Because I believe there's still hope in you!" Oleg shouted back, drawing on the last reserves of strength in his tired body. "You're still in there, Orion! Fight for those dreams you always talk about, fight for yourself!"

As if ignited by Oleg's words, both men surged forward, fists colliding with a resounding thud. They stood there for a moment, locked in the tension of shared memories and unspoken grief, before delivering final punches that would decide their fates.

"Orion!" Oleg cried, voice strained and filled with all the years of friendship and pain.

"Oleg!" Orion replied, equally raw, the weight of their past crashing down around them.

In that heartbeat, they struck, and the world around them seemed to hold its breath. Oleg's fist connected squarely with Orion's jaw, and as Orion staggered back, his own punch fell short, a mere whisper against Oleg's shoulder. Time slowed as both men collapsed to the ground, breathless and battered.

Oleg lay there, gasping for air, victorious but shattered. He had won, yet the price was steep. Orion, still reeling from the blow, looked up at Oleg, a flicker of understanding crossing his face.

"I will never forgive you." he managed, the anger never draining away as the fight left him more furious.

"It's not too late," Oleg replied, extending a hand to his fallen friend, the man he once loved as a brother. "Let's find a way back, Orion."

"…"

The down man breathes heavily looks at the hand he was offered before looking back at the man who he hated so much.

*grab*

"…" Orion grabbed Oleg's hand.

"Orian." Oleg thought he finally won him over.

*!*

Orian suddenly pulled Oleg down toward him and ready his fist, "You fool!"

*grab*

Oleg by pure instinct had his leg pushed forward from his fall before catching Orian's fist. He had a deep sad expression.

"I hope," Oleg felt like he had just aged even more upon understanding his friend's rejection once more, "This would've come to this."

"What?"

*!*

With a final, devastating punch, Oleg sent Orion sprawling to the ground. But before he could catch his breath, a gang member rushed towards him from the side, weapon raised. In an instant, Naruto was there, deflecting the blow and sending the attacker tumbling away.

"Oleg, the boy!" Naruto yelled, and Oleg nodded, racing toward the captured child.

With deft hands, he quickly freed the boy from his restraints. "You're safe now," he reassured him, lifting the boy into his arms. The kid's eyes widened in relief as they made their way back toward Naruto, who was fending off the remaining gang members.

But Orion wasn't done yet. Scrambling to his feet, he lunged at Oleg, rage coursing through him.

Victory was within reach, but as he turned to check on Luka, who had been a silent observer to the chaos, a desperate surge of adrenaline rushed through Orion. With a primal roar, he tackled Oleg, knocking them both off balance.

In that fateful moment, Luka stumbled backward, teetering dangerously close to the edge of a steep gorge that separated Orion's encampment from the robot settlement. Oleg's heart sank as he watched the boy slip and fall into the abyss below. The world seemed to freeze around him as panic washed over him.

"Luka!" Oleg shouted, a desperate plea that echoed through the clearing.

Then, from the periphery, a young girl named Seele burst onto the scene. Her wild, dark hair streamed behind her like a banner, her eyes wide with determination. She had come to help, driven by the bond she shared with Luka, but she never expected to witness such a dire moment.

As Luka fell, time slowed, and Seele's body tingled with an energy she had never felt before. In a surge of instinct and raw emotion, she screamed out his name, "Luka!" Instantly, purple sparks danced around her, radiating from her fingertips as a power long dormant within her awakened.

In an impossible feat, Seele propelled herself forward, appearing in front of Luka in an instant with ethereal butterflies following her path. She grasped him firmly, her heart racing as she felt the weight of their descent. With her other hand, she gripped the rocky edge of the cliff, struggling to hold on as gravity fought against them both.

"Seele!" Luka cried, fear coloring his voice.

"Hold on…" She struggles, her hands slowly slipping.

Oleg, regaining his composure, rushed toward the edge where they clung perilously. He could see the struggle etched on Seele's face and the fear in Luka's eyes. In a moment of sheer desperation, he leapt forward, grasping Seele's outstretched hand just as her grip faltered.

"Hold on!" he shouted, feeling the immense weight of the two children pulling at him. The ground beneath him crumbled slightly, his body trembling as he strained to keep them all from falling into the abyss.

But fate is a cruel mistress. Oleg felt his own grip slipping, and with a heavy heart, he realized that his strength was waning. Regret surged through him; he had fought so hard to protect them, yet here they were, hanging by a thread.

In that moment of despair, a flash of movement caught his eye. Naruto, saw the dire situation and acted without hesitation. With a rope in hand, he leaped into the air, diving down with a fierce determination that radiated hope.

"Grab my hand!" Naruto shouted, reaching out to Oleg as he descended.

With a surge of strength, Oleg managed to grasp Naruto's hand just as he felt himself begin to slip away. The young warrior pulled with all his might, the rope taut as it anchored them to safety. The three of them were lifted back up to the solid ground, gasping for breath, hearts pounding as they collapsed onto the grass.

As they lay there, Oleg held Luka and Seele tightly, gratitude filling his heart. They had survived against all odds, drawn together by fate and the bonds of friendship. Orion lay in the distance, forgotten, his plans thwarted by the unexpected courage of a girl who had unleashed a power within her, a boy who had brought them all together, and an old man who refused to let go of hope.

With Orion incapacitated and his gang in disarray, Oleg and Naruto made their escape with their fellow helpers.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" she and Luka cried, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks.

Oleg looked back at the settlement, a mix of sorrow and resolution in his heart. Friends can turn into foes, and darkness can consume even the best of intentions. But here, in the light of Bolder Town, he found solace in the bond he had created with Naruto and the other fighters.

"Let's get them home," Naruto said, clapping Oleg on the shoulder. "There's still a tournament to win."

Unfortunately, Naruto would not have time to continue the tournament or rest any time soon.

*!*

An earthshattering noise resounded the entire underworld. Fear filled the people as many hurried to their house or hide under for protection.

Everyone was shocked, as they saw the mechanical unmoving pillar that connected the underworld to the overworld tremble. The site was something that no one thought they would ever see.

"Naruto! Naruto!" Someone from the clinic rushes towards our young hero. His face showed terror and distress, taking every air into his lunges as it seemed he had not run to them non-stop from the town.

"…."

Unfortunately, the words of the person did not ring good news but the most possibly worst one.

And done…

Age:

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

Serval: 13

Gephart: 11

Natasha: 18

Oleg: 38

Luka: 7

Seele: 7

Abilities

Shadow clones

Fire manipulation and ignition

Transformation technique (How he hid his fox features.)

Romance is tough one but we'll surprise you guys with an interesting way. Don't expect a harem or a single lovey dovey romance, it's something else.

Bye!