Hey, everyone!

Here's another one! Yes, Naruto may look like an errand boy right now but this was sort of deliberate. Naruto here right now got to the realization when his memories came back that he died and there is no way home, the village he worked so hard to gain their trust. His friends, dream, all that motivation is gone. So, we had an idea, what do we do when we feel lost and uncertain about what to do next without reduce ourself into slobs, simple, we work, do even the most menial thing to distract ourselves until we find a goal. Naruto hasn't figured out that especially since the idea of going back to his home world is not an option given his death for peace. Yes, he could escape, but where will he go? Nowhere, he'll still be in the city and as a wanted fugitive. He could hide with disguises but given with his cross-dimension situation, it would affect his mentality even more.

So, its fine. There were bound to be plot holes when we wrote this fanfic.

And yes, Naruto has a phenomenal stamina but his mentality can wear down. Besides, the Naruto here is not at his best.

The head smash to the wood was a mistake we forgot to edit. Sorry about that. That macho idea was not good.

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

Chapter - 14

The wind howled like a hungry wolf, a constant, biting reminder that Frostweave Hill was no place for the faint of heart. But for the Belobog Scientific Expedition team, nestled within their newly erected fortress on the highest peak, it was home – at least for the duration of their research. Officer Penya, a woman whose steely gaze could melt glacial ice, surveyed the scene with a rare flicker of satisfaction. The titanium alloy structures, gleaming faintly under the perpetually overcast sky, stood solid and imposing. This wasn't the flimsy base camp they were used to; this was a bastion against the elements.

Their journey here hadn't been easy. Bureaucratic hurdles had severely hampered their manpower requests, leaving them woefully understaffed. That's where Naruto Uzumaki had come in, a whirlwind of boundless energy and an uncanny ability to multiply himself. He hadn't hesitated for a second, his bright blue eyes alight with a fierce protectiveness for the team. He'd insisted on helping, and with the combined might of his clones, the team had managed to raise the massive prefabricated structures in a single day. It was a logistical marvel that left everyone in awe, including Penya herself.

But Naruto's involvement hadn't stopped there. So, he'd gathered his clones, armed with an idea and an abundance of chakra. His experience working with a carpenter during his travels with Jiraya-sensei indeed came in handy as well as the numerous odd jobs he did in his early days as a genin, though it took time for himself and the clones to learn how to use the more advance construction tools but with the instruction of the two logistic workers. He hadn't just built the base; he had fortified it. Driven by a deep-rooted sense of duty, and perhaps a healthy dose of overprotectiveness, Naruto and his clones had gone above and beyond. They had painstakingly built high, thick walls of stone and timber around the base, transforming it into a small, self-contained fortress. Three lookout towers, strategically placed on different sides, provided a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. And at the main entrance, a sturdy wooden drawbridge – a joint project between Naruto and Officer Hamel, the team's geologist – offered an extra layer of security. Hamel, a man who usually only got excited about geological strata, had found himself almost giddy at the prospect of collaborating on something so practical and medieval.

Inside the walls, the sound of construction was just as intense. Bunkhouses were being assembled from the materials they had brought, a storage bunker was also installed by numerous clones and a few workers, and the initial foundations of a communal training and vehicle parking area were being laid. Naruto wanted this place to be more than just a fortress; he wanted it to be a functional, self-sufficient community, ready for anything, well it was only possible with the brains and ideas of the other members as well as Penya's careful planning. He and his clones had been doing it for a few days now but they hadn't stop anytime soon.

He watched his clones, each bearing his familiar whiskered face, work with focused determination. He wouldn't have admitted it out loud, but a surge of pride washed over him. They were more than just copies; they were an extension of his will, a physical manifestation of his unwavering desire to protect.

"This is...remarkable," Penya murmured, her voice husky with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. She watched as a couple of Naruto's clones patrolled the perimeter, their orange jumpsuits she remember buying for him a vibrant splash of color against the grey landscape. Their expressions were serious, their movements precise, a testament to the dedication Naruto instilled in each of his multiples.

Officer Hamel, emerging from the main structure, wiped his brow, despite the frigid air. "Remarkable is an understatement, Officer Penya," he replied, his spectacles fogging over. "I never thought I'd be building a drawbridge in my lifetime, let alone with identical clones! But it's quite sturdy, wouldn't you say?" He tapped a thick support beam with his gloved hand, a grin spreading across his face.

"Indeed," Penya agreed, turning her gaze towards the entrance. The drawbridge, a testament to practical engineering and a touch of whimsical fancy, was a comforting sight. It was symbolic of the security and stability they now possessed, all thanks to a young man with an infinite capacity for clones and a heart of gold.

The expedition had barely begun, yet it was clear that the presence of Naruto and his clones had already fundamentally changed the nature of their mission. They were no longer just scientists braving the elements; they were a team protected, fortified, and ready to face whatever lay ahead, both the mundane and the unknown. Inside the warm, well-lit laboratory, the hum of equipment filled the air, a counterpoint to the howling wind outside. Penya looked towards the towering walls, the sentries on guard, and the sturdy drawbridge, and a flicker of something akin to hope bloomed in her chest. This was more than just a base camp; it was safety, a space where they could delve into the world outside of Belobog, knowing they were protected and ready.

And the most amazing thing was the fact that this young man and his abilities were able to setup almost everything within a week, seven days of hard work where Penya's calculation expected at least a few months to progress this far.

This fortress wasn't just about bricks and ropes, wood and stone. It was about Naruto finally feeling like he had some control. He couldn't stop the world from throwing challenges, from presenting threats, but he could carve out a space of safety, a place of refuge. And he'd do it again, and again, and again, if that's what it would take to protect those he loved.

…

The biting wind whipped at Naruto's white wool cloak, the thick fabric a welcome barrier against the frigid air of this desolate wasteland. He perched atop the skeletal framework of one of the three outposts, his vibrant cerulean eyes scanning the horizon, a stark contrast to the muted grays and browns that dominated the landscape. The air crackled with a strange energy, a tangible hum that spoke of the Fragmentum, the monstrous entities that roamed this blighted realm.

He was vigilant, his senses honed to a razor's edge by years of battles and honed again by the strange rules of this new world. He wasn't in the Hidden Leaf anymore, that much was painfully clear. Gone were the familiar aromas of Ichiraku Ramen and the boisterous laughter of his friends. Instead, he was surrounded by a desolation that seemed to seep into your very soul, a place where even the most vibrant of colors seemed to fade into dullness.

A flicker of movement caught his eye. Far on the horizon, a cluster of Fragmentum monsters, their limbs distorted and their forms unnatural, lurched towards their basecamp. Narrowing his eyes, he muttered, "Here they come." With a swift hand sign, three clones materialized around him, each a mirror image of himself, but brimming with the same fierce determination. "Go!" he commanded, and with a swirl of chakra, his duplicates shot off towards the advancing monsters, leaving trails of vapor in the frigid air.

Naruto watched them, a grim satisfaction settling in his chest as he saw his clones engage. Their movements were precise, practiced, and efficient. He had learned to adapt, to fight in this strange new world, where chakra wasn't always the answer and the rules felt more like guidelines. He had to be smart this time, he couldn't just rush in blindly. He had to protect everyone with their current team in this expedition. He had seen too much death, too much suffering in his past life, and he couldn't bear to witness it again, especially when he could prevent it.

He adjusted his cloak, the thick wool fabric a small comfort against the bone-chilling cold. He wasn't a fool; he knew he couldn't keep acting as a human shield for the rest of the expedition. This was a marathon, not a sprint. The strain was beginning to show, the constant vigilance and the weight of responsibility pressing on him.

His thoughts drifted, wandering into the vast abyss of his mind, a place that had been surprisingly quiet lately. He had been so focused on survival, on adapting to this strange new reality, that he hadn't had much time to consider his future. Since waking up, disoriented and confused in this alien world, his purpose seemed to have vanished. Back in the Hidden Leaf, he had goals: to be Hokage, to be recognized, to protect his friends. Now? Now it was just about survival, about completing the assigned expedition and seeing his probation end.

The weight of his lack of purpose felt heavier than the cloak on his shoulders. He was a warrior, a ninja at the core of his being, but what was he fighting for? The sheer act of destruction didn't satisfy him; it was just another day, a task to check off his list. He missed the camaraderie, the banter, the feeling of fighting for something greater than just his own survival.

His blue eyes, usually brimming with mischief, were narrowed in concentration. Hours had passed, a monotonous cycle of scanning the vast, white expanse.

"Hold on," Then, something flickered at the edge of his perception, a tiny distortion in the monotonous white.

Back home he inquires Shikamaru how he was able to sense someone so far which led to the smart man to teach him to do the same and sense things miles from his location using his chakra, Naruto could do it in his chakra mode but learning the normal way was also convenient.

He focused, his senses stretching out his chakra like invisible lines. The air, thick with the promise of a blizzard, subtly shifted, carrying a flicker of malevolent energy. It was a fragmentum, small, almost invisible against the snow, but the sheer malice radiating from it was undeniable. It was attempting to burrow further into a crack between the frozen earth, hoping to surprise and overwhelm a passing patrol.

With the swiftness of a startled hawk, Naruto's body moved. He was down from the flimsy wooden platform before his mind fully processed the decision. A silent burst of chakra erupted from his core, coiling around his right fist like a living serpent, enhancing his strength and speed. He slammed his chakra-enhanced fist into the patch of snow, the force of the impact sending chunks of ice and snow flying, "Not on my watch!"

The fragmentum, caught completely by surprise, was obliterated. The small, shadowy mass dissolved into a wisp of dark smoke, extinguished by the sudden assault. Naruto felt a surge of grim satisfaction, followed by a deep unease. Small or not, it was a reminder of the insidious threat they faced.

Having dealt with the immediate danger, Naruto was already airborne again, leaping back onto the outpost with the agility of a seasoned acrobat. He settled back into his watchful position, his gaze sweeping across the landscape once more. The snow continued to fall, blurring the horizon, but his senses remained honed, his chakra thrumming beneath his skin, a constant, ready power.

He wasn't going to let these monsters get the jump on them. They couldn't catch them off guard. This lonely, snow-swept plain was his battlefield now, and he would protect his comrades and his mission with the same fierce determination that had always fueled his spirit. He would be their shield against the encroaching darkness, one silent takedown at a time. The fight was far from over, and Naruto knew he had to be ready for whatever the storm brought next.

He glanced back at the basecamp below, a cluster of tents and equipment huddled in the corner by the few logistic staffs and as well as the prime members of the expedition doing their share of work. He could almost feel the warmth emanating from within, a stark contrast to the isolation he felt. Maybe after the expedition, when he was no longer tied to this situation, he could wander back to the underworld. Maybe there, in the place of the room under the clinic and laughter of the people of Bolder town, he could find the motivation, the drive that had been lost in his transition. Maybe there, he could finally figure out what he wanted to be, what he wanted to continue fighting for.

Until then, he would stand vigilant against the monsters of this world. He would keep his team safe. He would complete the expedition. And maybe, just maybe, he would even find his own answer in the cold, echoing silence of this desolate wasteland. The wind howled around him, carrying the distant cries of the Fragmentum, a chilling symphony for a lost warrior, searching for a path in a world that seemed to offer none.

His musings were cut short by a shout from below. One of his clones, dusting off his jacket, looked up at him. "Yo, Boss! Penya wants to see you. Said to come inside when you get a chance."

Naruto sighed slightly. Penya. Her presence was a constant reminder of his probationary status. She was a friend someone he gets to understand in the short few days, her soft voice often delivering harsh truths, her kind eyes observing his every move with unwavering scrutiny. He respected her, even liked her in a way. She was fair, even when she was being strict. He nodded to the clone, who then came up to switch with him.

He took one last scan of the surroundings, the usual blend of vigilance and weariness settling over him. He pulled the hood of his cloak further over his head, the warmth a welcome comfort against the chilling wind. He clambered down the makeshift ladder, the rough wood cold against his gloved hands.

The recycled metal desk felt cold against Officer Penya's forearms. The faint scent of ozone, a lingering reminder of the intense effort it took to reconstruct this room, clung to the air. Gone were the snow covered metal walls and crumbling concrete of the old ruined lab, replaced with polished, repurposed plating and strategically placed light panels that, while functional, still felt a bit sterile. Penya sighed, pushing a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear. Paperwork. Mountains of it. Outdoor leave permits, inventory lists, risk assessment forms – the bureaucratic avalanche necessary to map the frost-weave hills and their secrets.

Outside, the wind howled a mournful tune, a constant reminder of the unforgiving landscape they'd chosen to investigate. This place, a remnant of a world lost to the Eternal Freeze, held a strange allure, a whisper of forgotten technology and desperate ingenuity. And, of course, the enigmatic Naruto, the young man who had single-handedly, with the help of his disconcerting clones, transformed this ruin into a functioning base camp.

"I swear, he could probably build a city out of scraps if he wanted to!" Amy chirped, her voice echoing slightly in the small office. The short-haired photographer perched on the edge of Penya's desk, her camera bag slung casually over her shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with an almost unnerving excitement. "Did you see him the other day when he was moving the generator? It was like...poof! One minute it's barely moving, and the next it's just...there! It's…amazing, Officer Penya. Almost frightening, you know?"

Amy's giddy smile, plastered across her face, was a familiar sight. It was the same smile that had appeared after witnessing Naruto seemingly teleport a mountain of scrap metal a few days back. Penya understood, more than Amy probably realized. Naruto was…different. His abilities were beyond comprehension, a force of nature packaged into a surprisingly polite and well-mannered young man. She'd tried to maintain a professional, strict demeanor, reminding herself of the need to supervise him, to keep him in check. But the attempt was futile. His earnestness and almost childlike curiosity were disarming. He was a handful, no doubt, but a well-meaning one.

"He is efficient, I'll give you that," Penya replied, carefully stacking a pile of requisition forms. She didn't need to tell Amy how impressive Naruto was. She saw it in every interaction, every improbable feat achieved with an unnerving casualness.

The door hissed open, interrupting their conversation. Dr. Natasha, a tall woman with sharp features and even sharper intellect, swept into the room, a data pad clutched in her hand. Her white lab coat was stark against the grey walls. "Officer Penya, I've finished the inventory of the medical supplies in Bunker Delta. Here's the list."

Natasha handed over the data pad, her expression calm and collected as usual, unlike the others still watching Naruto's clones work. "We have a decent stockpile of antibiotics and pain relievers, but we're running low on suture kits. And we need to prioritize an order of more basic materials, forage for medical herbs. We don't know what kind of creatures lurk in these hills, so it's better to be prepared."

Penya took the pad, scanning the list with a practiced eye. The medical supplies were crucial, especially as they pushed deeper into the unexplored regions. "Thank you, Doctor. I'll submit the requisition form to the supply depot."

Amy, still perched on the desk, leaned closer, her eyes wide. "Prioritize? Danger in the hills? Oh, this is getting exciting!"

Natasha arched a skeptical eyebrow at Amy. "Exciting for you perhaps, but a potential hazard for the team. We have to remain vigilant at all times. There are only four medics Amy, including myself." She turned back to Penya. "And Officer Penya, I'd suggest we get Naruto's input on any potential dangers. He seems to have a…unique awareness of the surroundings."

"I agree," Penya said, her fingers already tapping at the data pad, inputting the requisition order. "I'll speak to him later. In the meantime, Doctor, please send a detailed hazard assessment form by the end of the day. We need to be prepared for anything."

As Natasha nodded and left, Amy let out a soft, delighted squeal. "This is going to be amazing!"

Penya looked at the younger woman, a small smile playing on her lips. Amazing, terrifying, perhaps even dangerous. But that was the nature of exploration, the inherent risk of venturing into the unknown. And with Naruto's almost supernatural abilities and the combined efforts of their small team, they just might be able to unravel the secrets hidden within the frost-woven hills. She just hoped whatever they found wouldn't be more than they could handle. And she had a feeling, a very strong feeling, that Naruto would be at the center of whatever it was.

"Penya, I'm coming in." As if on cue, the door slid open again, revealing Naruto. He beamed, his bright blue eyes scanning the room. But before anyone could greet him, Natasha came back in and grabbed his arm, her grip firm yet gentle. "Naruto, can you come with me? I need to talk to you."

He looked slightly confused but followed her without protest. Penya exchanged a curious glance with Amy before turning back to the mountain of paperwork.

Natasha led Naruto into the mess hall, a communal space that had become the heart of their base. She gestured for him to sit down at one of the sturdy wooden tables. Then, she placed a steaming bowl of ramen in front of him. The familiar scent of the broth and perfectly cooked noodles made Naruto's eyes widen. He knew Natasha was aware he had a help a business back in the underworld, creating and selling ramen.

Natasha slid a steaming bowl in front of him, the familiar swirls of pork and noodles a welcome sight. "Extra meat, like you like it," she said, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

Naruto's eyes widened, a genuine grin splitting his face. "You remembered!" He picked up his chopsticks, a delighted hum escaping him as he slurped a mouthful. It had been a while since he'd tasted ramen, and even though it wasn't Teuchi's, it was perfect. Each bite was a reminder of home, of simpler times.

"Natasha," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. Thank you so much!" He bowed his head slightly, his heart swelling with gratitude as he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

Natasha watched him, her striking green eyes filled with a complicated mixture of affection and a flicker of something that looked like guilt.

Finally, after Naruto finished the last drop of broth, he leaned back, a satisfied sigh escaping him. "Thanks, Natasha," he said, his voice laced with genuine gratitude. "That was… perfect."

Natasha fiddled with a stray strand of red hair, her usual confident demeanor replaced by a rare vulnerability. "Naruto," she began, her voice low. "I wanted to talk to you. I… I owe you an apology."

Naruto tilted his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Apology? For what?"

Her hand rested on his arm. "My actions a few days. I just… I need you to know that I have your back, but you need to take care of yourself too. You can't keep pushing yourself like this."

Naruto's expression softened. He had experienced that feeling too, the sting of being underestimated, the frustration of being seen as needing protection instead of capable. "I get it, Natasha," he said, his voice understanding. "Believe me, I know what it's like to feel like people don't think you can handle things."

He leaned forward, his blue eyes earnest. "But, Natasha, I wasn't trying to say you were weak. It's… it's just that, because I care about my friends, that's how I show it. I've seen too many people get hurt. I just… I just didn't want that to happen to you."

Natasha's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. She understood now; it wasn't a slight on her abilities. It was just Naruto, the eternally protective force, his heart overflowing with love for the people he held dear.

"I know," she said, a small smile touching her lips. "And… and I appreciate it. I really do. But you need to understand something too, Naruto. I'm not helpless. I can hold my own. I'm strong. We all are. You don't have to worry about us breaking."

She met his gaze firmly. "We're not made of glass, you know? We've all been through a lot. We can fight, we can protect ourselves, and we'll always have each other's backs."

A slow and small smile spread across Naruto's face. He understood. It was a truth he had to learn himself, long ago, and hearing her say it, with such conviction, was reassuring. He wasn't alone in his protective instincts, but he also wasn't the only one with the strength to fight.

"Alright, Natasha," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "I get it. I won't worry so much. But… just promise me you'll be careful, okay? It's not like you can heal a wound in a day like me." The young man added.

"Sure," Natasha then tightens the bandage on his arm making him flinch in pain, "But it doesn't mean you need to take the hit for everyone again."

Naruto paused, mid-slurp. The taste of the ramen was comforting, it grounded him, but her words resonated with a deeper ache. He hadn't realized how much he'd been pushing himself, constantly running on adrenaline and the need to be useful. The thought of never seeing Konoha, of his friends and the life he'd left behind, was a dull, persistent pain. It was like they were dead as he was separated by vast distances. But here, in this new reality, despite the lack of purpose, he has a new family of sorts. He had to protect them. And Natasha was definitely one of them.

He swallowed, his throat tightening. "I understand, Natasha. I won't overwork myself. I promise," he said, his voice earnest. "I need to make sure everyone gets back safe and sound. The idea of losing anyone else…" He didn't finish the sentence, but the unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

Natasha nodded, a relieved smile gracing her lips. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. And," she added, pushing a little ramen across the table in her own bowl, "Remember that therapy session offer from back in the underworld? It still stands. I think it might do you some good."

Naruto's heart felt lighter. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to talk to, someone who could understand the burden he carried. "Deal! Now, how about we get some more ramen? Maybe this time, I'll try adding some extra spice!" He gave her a genuine smile before returning to his bowl. He finished his bowl before grabbing her own as she watched on. This act, this simple sharing of their meal, meant so much. It told him that he was seen. He was cared for. And he wasn't alone.

As he finished the last bite, the sounds of footsteps entered the hallway. Doctor Viktor stepped into the mess hall, followed by Officer Hamel. They both paused, their eyes landing on Naruto.

"Naruto, thank you," Viktor said, his voice carrying a hint of awe. "This whole base… it's incredible. You've made this expedition so much better." Hamel nodded in agreement, his typically stoic face showing a rare touch of warmth. "We all appreciate your hard work."

Then, Penya and Amy walked in, their faces reflecting the same sentiment as the others. "Naruto, your clones can work most of the time," Penya said, her tone firm but kind, "but you need to rest too. We can rotate shifts, give you some much-needed downtime." Amy sat across from him, grabbing her own bowl of ramen, her smile bright.

The mess hall became a symphony of conversations, the clatter of spoons, and the warm laughter that echoed off the walls. They were all bundled together, sharing a simple meal in the face of the freezing cold, and it filled Naruto with a warmth that spread through his entire being.

He would find an ambition. Right now, it was to protect this newfound family, until their expedition was over. These people were his new friends. These people had seen him, understood him, and thanked him. He would not let them down.

…

The harsh fluorescent lights of the prefabricated meeting room did little to soften Penya's sharp features. She stood at the head of the long table, a tablet clutched in her hand, her gaze sweeping over the assembled expedition team. The air in the room hummed with the low thrum of the base camp's generators and the barely suppressed anticipation of the assembled crew.

Naruto, as always, seemed a little out of place in the sterile environment. His bright orange jumpsuit, though now bearing the expedition's stark white logo on the sleeve, still radiated an energy that clashed with the scientific instruments and serious demeanour of many present. He though, was the current focal point of Penya's praise.

"The base camp's erection has proceeded flawlessly," Penya announced, her voice clear and authoritative. "The efficient layout, the sturdy structures… all due in no small part to Naruto's… unconventional but effective methods."

A few chuckles rippled through the room, and Naruto grin while scratching his head under the scrutiny, his cheeks flushing faintly. He'd used hundreds of Shadow Clones to accelerate the process, a technique initially met with skepticism but undeniably effective in hauling prefabricated sections and securing foundations.

Doctor Natasha, ever the observer, watched Naruto with a subtle, soft gaze. Her dark, practical clothing blended seamlessly into the background, a stark contrast to Naruto's vibrancy. Amy, the young, enthusiastic geologist, offered Naruto a bright smile, her eagerness palpable. Doctor Viktor, his grey hair sticking out at odd despite his age, scribbled something in a notebook, seemingly oblivious to the praise directed at Naruto. Officer Hamel, a geologist with a burly figure and hardy attitude, stood with his arms crossed, his presence a quiet reassurance of his abilities. The "other staff" consisted of various specialists – a communications expert huddled over a datapad, a logistics officer meticulously checking inventory lists, and a medic with a watchful eye.

Penya continued, her tone becoming more businesslike. "Now, as we move forward, it is crucial to understand our operational strategy. Not every member will venture out daily. We will operate on a rotation, leveraging individual skills and ensuring the well-being of the team. Your expertise is paramount, and we will deploy it strategically."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "This expedition," she stated, her voice carrying a weight of expectation, "is slated for three hundred days. We have invested significant resources, and frankly, time. We need plausible reasons, verifiable discoveries, to justify future endeavors. Failure to do so… well, let's just say this might be our last foray into the uncharted." A collective breath seemed to catch in the room. The stakes were clear.

"Tomorrow," Penya announced, breaking the tension, "we will commence our first outdoor exploration. Leading the initial team will be Doctor Viktor. His profound understanding of botany and this region's unique flora will be invaluable." She turned to the botany doctor, who looked up, startled. "Doctor, along with you will be Naruto and a support team of three logistical staff."

Doctor Viktor adjusted his thick glasses, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. Naruto, despite his initial discomfort, straightened up, a spark of anticipation igniting in his blue eyes. He was eager to see what this new world held beyond the confines of the base camp.

Penya tapped her tablet, bringing up a schematic on the large monitor at the end of the room. "The focus of tomorrow's exploration is a ruin, located within the Frostweave hill range." A ripple of interest went through the assembled team. "Remarkably, this site was identified thanks to Naruto's proactive scouting." She gestured towards him. "One of his Shadow Clones, during a perimeter sweep, stumbled upon the remnants of what appears to be a significant structure, partially buried by centuries of erosion and snow."

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. He hadn't expected his little scouting mission to yield such immediate results. He'd instructed his clone to map the immediate vicinity, always restless and curious, and the clone had reported back with details of strange, angular stones peeking out from the snowdrifts.

Penya's gaze met each team member's in turn. "This discovery is precisely the kind of lead we need. Doctor Viktor's expertise will be crucial in identifying any botanical clues within the ruin, and Naruto's strength and his… unique perspective might unearth further insights."

She lowered her tablet. "That concludes our meeting. Ensure your equipment is ready for tomorrow. Dismissed."

The team stirred, the initial tension easing into a buzz of anticipation. Doctor Viktor immediately began peppering Naruto with questions about the terrain and the specifics of his clone's discovery. Amy bounced on the balls of her feet, already pulling up geological maps on her own device. Natasha remained still for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before quietly joining Officer Hamel near the exit. The 300-day expedition had officially begun, and with the discovery of an ancient ruin on their very first day, a fragile hope, a spark of possibility, had been ignited within the Frostweave hills.

And done…

Age:

Naruto: ?

Serval: 14

Gephart: 12

Natasha: 19

Penya: 23 (No, she will not be interested in Naruto)

Abilities

Rasengan

Multi-Shadow clones

Fire manipulation and ignition

Transformation technique (How he hid his fox features.)

Substitution jutsu

Chakra mode

Bye!