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…
Ignoring that, what's up lad!
I brought another chapter on the house! So let's enjoy it.
Start:
A full day had passed since Naruto first entered the magic council's conference room to join the strike team against Tartarus. They'd had a long, extensive meeting, one that seemed to stretch on forever as they went over every detail the council had gathered.
Tartarus's tactics, stronghold defenses, and the hidden powers of its leaders were all laid out, with each bit of intel met with either grim nods or genuine surprise.
Some of the revelations made even the most seasoned mages raise their brows—Tartarus had prepared well, maybe even more so than the council had anticipated.
Naruto caught himself exchanging wide-eyed looks with some of the others.
Because among some of the outrageous intel that they had learned from the captive demons, it would turn out that if… let's say one killed them… they'd only come back to life using some sort of technology they possessed and a genius demon scientist.
Which also meant that the one that Naruto killed with a Rasen-Shuriken was mostly alive again.
Naruto could only feel joy at that revelation.
And he was being sarcastic as he murmured that out loud.
But it wasn't exactly the time to be sarcastic and Naruto had resigned himself to listening and absorbing quietly after that.
To say that the meeting dragged on for a while was putting it lightly.
On the plus side, Naruto, and his new teammates, knew much more about the way Tartarus operated, along with their main members, the remaining of the demon gates and their leader.
They had also learnt of the location of numerous dark guilds that operated under Tantaros's leadership.
So it wasn't that the meeting was a waste of time, no, no. It was just that it was so long.
By the time they were done, it was already nearing midnight with the blonde being escorted to his temporary quarters.
Many hours later, past the morning, Naruto, feeling both excited and a bit anxious about the mission joined the team as they boarded Christina. a flying ship, a marvel of the Blue Pegasus guild.
It was a sight to behold—sleek, polished, and adorned with faintly glowing sigils and carvings. Known across Fiore as much for its beauty as its strength, Christina cut an elegant figure as it soared gracefully through the morning sky, ascending smoothly over Fiore's vast landscape. Even the ship's interior spoke of refinement, with plush seats and polished handrails.
It was clear Blue Pegasus had spared no expense to make their flagship not just functional but memorable.
Unfortunately, he hadn't really had a chance to get to know anyone on the team. Other than the familiar face of Laxus, everyone else remained more or less strangers.
Though part of the blame lied on him as he had excluded himself from the rest for the past few hours after they had boarded the ship, simply contemplating life and the new world he lived in now.
Which was what he was currently doing now.
As they flew, Naruto found himself at the ship's edge, gazing out over the world below. Hills rolled in soft greens and golds, their shadows stretching in the morning light. Rivers cut through forests like silver-blue threads, and small towns dotted the countryside. It was so peaceful from up here.
…
He took a deep breath, letting himself enjoy the moment of calm.
Lost in thought, he barely noticed Jura stepping up beside him until the man cleared his throat. Naruto turned, his brow raising as he recognized the tall, stoic figure of Iron Rock Jura. Despite his composed exterior, Jura's presence was somehow comforting—solid and dependable, much like the earth itself.
"Enjoying the view?" Jura's voice was calm, holding a hint of warmth that matched his gentle smile.
Naruto nodded, a small smile of his own popping across his features. "Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Never thought I'd be on a flying ship like this. It's hard not to just… stare."
"I can't say I blame you." Jura chuckled, his deep voice carrying the sound of a man who had seen much but remained quietly humble. "It's my first time too and I'm similarly just as awe-struck. Christina is indeed a marvel. Blue Pegasus has a flair for the grand, and their pride in this ship is well-deserved."
The shinobi extended a hand, his blue eyes bright with interest. "Naruto Uzumaki, by the way. I'm still getting to know everyone here."
Jura took Naruto's hand in a firm handshake, his expression reflecting genuine respect. "Jura Neekis. It's an honor to meet you, Naruto. The hero of Magnolia needs no introduction." He offered Naruto a nod of approval. "You've made quite an impression on the people of Fiore."
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, chuckling. "There were people who needed help, and I was there. It was just the right place, right time sort of thing."
Jura's smile deepened as he looked out over the landscape. "Modesty is a rare quality among those with power. But it suits you, Naruto. Those who take pride in service rather than the glory it brings are often the ones who make the greatest impact."
"Thank you Jura." Naruto grinned in earnest before his expression became thoughtful. "But I hear you've got quite a reputation yourself, don't you? I heard you're one of the Ten Wizard Saints."
Said wizard saint inclined his head, his gaze distant. "Yes, I am. It is… an honor, but one that comes with weighty responsibilities."
Naruto's curiosity was piqued, he truthfully hadn't really considered the offer thrown his way, but now that he was actually standing beside one, he wanted to know more. "What's it like being a Wizard Saint?"
Jura hummed as he considered the question. "It's… hard to put into words. Becoming a Wizard Saint isn't about power alone. It's a title that demands integrity, loyalty, and a deep commitment to protecting our land. We're given the responsibility to uphold peace and justice in Fiore. It's a path that asks much but gives little in return."
The blonde nodded, absorbing the words. "Sounds like a lot to live up to. I guess… I've been thinking about it, you know? I've been offered the position before, but I just haven't made a decision yet. Didn't feel like I was the right person for it."
The admittance to receiving an offer was surprising.
Evident with how Jura turned to him, surprised, before his expression became one of understanding. "That's only natural. Taking on the role of Wizard Saint isn't something to be done lightly. It's a decision that should come from a place of certainty. If you feel unsure, it may simply mean that your journey isn't leading you there yet."
Naruto glanced at Jura, surprised by the response. "You don't think it's something I should rush into, then?"
"Not at all," Jura replied, his tone firm but kind. "Many wizards are honored to be considered for the title, but not everyone is suited for it. It's not just about fighting and winning battles. It's about living as an example, representing the values that guide us. The title is a heavy mantle, but only because of the lives it affects. As a Wizard Saint, people look to you for guidance, even if you're not aware of it."
As Naruto took in Jura's words, the air grew silent for a moment, holding a quiet but serene intensity. Just as the shinobi was about to respond, a voice cut through the calm atmosphere of the deck.
"Did you call me out here just so I can witness some bromance?" The sarcastic tone broke the seriousness.
Both the current wizard saint and the future prospective one turned to find Laxus approaching them, his expression unreadable in the warm glow of the sunset.
Naruto couldn't help but grin, an easy, amused smile spreading across his face. "Well, if it bothers you, Laxus, you're free to leave," he replied, teasingly.
Laxus rolled his eyes but joined them, walking over and stopping a few feet away. His gaze locked onto Naruto's, the two blonds silently scrutinizing each other, sizing one another up in a way that was both subtle and intense. It was a look exchanged between two fighters who knew their strengths, understood the stakes, and were now assessing what kind of ally the other might be.
The quiet tension between them broke as Jura stepped in, his calm, measured voice drawing both of their attentions.
"Thank you for coming, Laxus," he said, inclining his head respectfully. "I wanted to speak with the both of you in private because, as far as I'm aware, we three are the strongest among those assembled here. We are, so to speak, the heavy hitters of this mission."
Naruto listened closely, intrigued. Jura's tone was polite and modest, yet it held a certainty that underscored his words. Laxus didn't say anything at first, instead crossing his arms as he waited for Jura to elaborate.
"As you know," Jura continued, "every member of our team is incredibly skilled in their own right. I have the utmost respect for each of them, and they were chosen because they bring unique strengths to this mission. However, not all of those strengths are purely combat-oriented." He paused, making sure his words resonated.
"For instance, Rufus's memory-make magic and Yukino's celestial magic are invaluable for support and versatility, but they may not be as equipped for close-range combat against Tartarus's strongest. The same for example, goes to Ichiya, who can handle combat, but his finesse and contribution to the team has less to do with combat. We, however, are a different story." Jura finished.
Catching on quick, Naruto smiled. "You're saying that we're going to be the first line of attack, right?"
"Or defense, if it comes down to it," Jura replied, nodding. "Our responsibility goes beyond just handling our own fights. We have to ensure that our teammates will be fine. This mission is undoubtedly dangerous, yes… but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't minimize the danger for them."
Laxus scoffed, his arms uncrossing as he glanced away. "Look, if they're on this team, that means they can handle themselves. We're not here to babysit. The council put them here because they're capable. Each and every one of them can look out for themselves just fine."
Jura gave a slight nod, unfazed by Laxus's blunt response. "You're not wrong, Laxus. Each of our teammates is more than competent. But that does not mean my words are false. We still bear a responsibility, a duty to look after our comrades, and that means that the three of us must be especially responsible over the duration of this mission." He glanced at Naruto, who nodded in agreement.
Sighing in annoyance, Laxus grunted but ultimately nodded, setting his pride aside for once.
Seeing as they were all on the same picture, Jura moved on. "Now… I believe it would be beneficial for us to familiarize ourselves with each other's strengths and combat styles. Perhaps for some of us to even develop friendship and train together. We need to be well in sync if we wish to have any hopes of defeating Tartarus."
Naruto nodded. "I can get behind that."
Laxus chuckled, a small rumble that vibrated through his chest as he smirked darkly. "And let me guess, you also want us to use the esteemed council's strategies as well." There was no hiding the mockery in his tone.
Only… Laxus himself did not find it funny as his expression turned stoic, eyes narrowing coldly. "I can understand familiarizing with the team. But I hope you're not expecting us to follow them blindly. I don't put much faith in their idea of 'battle tactics.'"
He crossed his arms and scoffed as he continued. "They're too far removed from the action to know what it takes and what has to be done."
Jura closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, he nodded in agreement. "I believe we're on the same page, Laxus. While I hold respect for the council's leadership, I don't think they are equipped to dictate a combat strategy. They lack both field experience and the unique insight that only comes from living as wizards. It's best that we take charge in forming our own approach."
The shinobi couldn't say he disagreed there.
Excluding Ultear and the guy with the blue hair, the rest of the council members were old and quite frankly… didn't look like they could fight to save their lives.
Jura's tone grew more serious as he glanced out over the horizon, where the last rays of sunlight lingered. "But there's another concern. Even as we fly now, we don't actually know where Tartarus is hiding. From what we've gathered, they're on a living cube—a floating fortress of sorts. Its mobility makes it nearly impossible to track. Our journey could take days, weeks even, before we find them or pick up any trace of their presence."
And that was the other issue that was revealed during the many hours in the council's conference room.
The precise location of the guild was unknown. They were basically flying blind.
"But you do realise that being in the air, they could be anywhere. We may not even find them even if we searched for an entire year." Naruto's expression darkened slightly.
"I am aware, and that is why if we do not run into Tartarus or catch a trail that leads to them within the next two weeks, we'll stop this mission." Jura replied, though his calm tone suggested he'd considered this reality long before their discussion. "It very well is a possibility that we may not come across them for a long time."
"But that is precisely why it's even more important that our team operates in perfect sync. We'll need to be ready to act at a moment's notice, suppose they showed themselves after six months, we need to be ready together and on the move." Jura added.
Laxus frowned, decidedly unamused. "So what… we're just supposed to drift around, waiting for something to happen?"
"I share your frustration, Laxus," Jura replied calmly, "I would like this troublesome matter to be resolved as quickly as possible. But consider this a blessing. We have time to prepare, to understand one another's strengths and weaknesses. And when we finally face Tartarus, we'll be better for it."
Understanding their frustration, Naruto simply sighed. "Oh well. It is what it is."
"It is probably for the best as not only are we unfamiliar with each other, but on top of that, the council plans to add a few more members to the strike team as they don't believe a mere seven is enough." Jura revealed, recalling the private meeting between him and the council last night. "The only reason we're out right now is simply because we're not expected to find them."
Annoyance swelling, Laxus glared at the wizard saint. "You do realise that you've only proved my point about drifting around, right?"
Jura chuckled. "You would be right, if we were simply flying in the sky with no destination in mind." His expression softened slightly with amusement. "We are not waiting for something to happen."
That caught both blonde's interest who shared confused yet intrigued glances.
A quiet intensity lingered in the air as Jura observed the mutual curiosity between Naruto and Laxus. After a brief silence, he finally spoke, his tone calm but resolute. "With the information we obtained, our first mission will be to dismantle every dark guild that has connections with Tartaros," he explained, his eyes meeting both Naruto's and Laxus's as he conveyed the seriousness of the task.
"Every one of them?" Naruto echoed, an intrigued glint sparking in his eyes.
Jura nodded. "Yes. We'll be taking them down one by one, If we're fortunate, some of these guilds may have further intel on Tartaros, or at the very least, a lead to follow. And, even in the worst case, where no new information is uncovered… Fiore will be that much safer with fewer dark guilds operating in the shadows."
Laxus nodded in agreement, though his expression remained stoic. "A lot better than flying blind. At least we've got a direction."
"Which dark guild is the first we're heading for?" Naruto asked curiously.
"That hasn't been decided yet, but it is something I wish to discuss with everyone present. Which speaking off…" Jura then gestured towards the entrance to the ship's interior. "Everyone's inside the kitchen. We may as well join them. I know Rufus and Ichiya have been preparing something especially delightful for all of us."
Well, the shinobi was certainly not opposed to that.
He did need some food in his system.
The three of them moved from the deck and entered Christina's interior, the doors gliding open to reveal the ship's spacious, elegant interior. The craftsmanship was immaculate, and the space seemed almost impossibly large, thanks to a bit of expansion magic.
Each member of the team had their own room and private bathroom, but for now, they headed straight for the kitchen, an open and inviting space with a long dining table that led to an adjacent outdoor area where one could enjoy the breeze.
As soon as they entered, the delicious aroma of freshly prepared food filled their nostrils, enticing them further inside.
Naruto inhaled that scene with delight, eyes closing bliss.
The food smelled heavenly.
And it wasn't just him who arrived at such a conclusion. Jura's eyes sparkled in amusement as he took in the scene, where Rufus stood by the stove, his expression focused yet serene, while Ichiya hovered nearby, his movements flamboyant as he assisted with the cooking.
"Ah, Jura, men!" Ichiya exclaimed, turning towards them with his usual eccentric enthusiasm. "You are just in time! The delicious parfum of this meal is calling to your soul, yes?"
Jura chuckled, nodding. "It certainly smells inviting, Ichiya. You and Rufus seem to have outdone yourselves."
Rufus turned, his face calm yet pleased. "I have crafted a meal that will fuel us for the journey ahead. The memory of these flavors will be forever imprinted," he declared with a calm confidence, and he gestured for them to take seats as he continued to finish up the remaining dishes.
Having no reason to refuse, Naruto and Laxus did so while Jura stayed behind to chat with the cooking duo some more.
And living up to his anti-social image, Laxus immediately sat on the couch furthest away from everyone while placing on his headphones.
Naruto barely quelled the urge to roll his eyes as he sat down, his gaze drifting to the other two who had been sitting here before them.
Bacchus was slouched on one of the couches, looking comfortably inebriated, his bottle clutched loosely in his hand. And Yukino sat across from him, a cup of tea in her hands as she met his eyes before she smiled gently.
The shinobi returned her smile, his gaze sweeping across her features and inwardly noting that he met yet another ten out ten beauty.
Short silvery-blue hair styled in a soft bob, with a single blue rose sitting atop, gently framed a delicate but beautiful face. Her eyes, a pair of warm brown, were large and expressive. Her skin was smooth and flawless, a light beige in color that paired well with her full moist pink lips currently curved in a small smile.
The curve of her jaw was gentle, her eye lashes were delicate and fluttering, with her nose a cute button shape, each detail of her facial features complemented and completed each other in a way to form a visage that Naruto found to be gorgeous. A full ten out ten in the face department.
And as for everything down below…
Yukino was currently dressed in a sleek, white strapless dress that hugged her figure, with a short bold skirt that allows for ease of movement, her legs cladded in thigh-high white stockings.
With such a get up, Naruto had an eyeful of a pair of thick, meaty thighs and a nice pair of large breasts.
…
A full ten out of ten as well.
He sweatdropped as his mind briefly conjured images of his Godfather whom he was pretty sure was devastated that he was not living in this world.
What was with this world and their seriously attractive women?
Sure the elemental nation had their fair share of drop dead gorgeous women, but that number paled in comparison to this world as every few days, Naruto was coming across bewitching stunners.
Allowing his thoughts to drift elsewhere, he zoned out.
After a few more minutes, Rufus carried over the first few dishes with a flourish, placing them in the center of the table. As he continued setting down each dish, the tantalizing array of aromas grew even more enticing, sparking a few murmurs of approval from everyone present.
Once everyone had gathered and the meal was ready, Jura cleared his throat, drawing the group's attention.
"Before we begin eating, I'd like to say a few words." He glanced around, his calm gaze resting briefly on each member. "We've been chosen for a mission of utmost importance, and we'll need to rely on one another in the days to come. Each of us brings something unique to this team, and I'd like us all to share a bit about ourselves and our abilities so that we may better understand one another's strengths."
There was a quiet murmur of agreement around the table, and Yukino, always polite, was the first to speak.
"I'm Yukino Agria, a Celestial Spirit Mage from Sabertooth." Her voice was soft but held a steady resolve. "My magic allows me to call upon celestial spirits to assist me in battle. I joined this mission because I believe it's important to use my powers to protect others, especially against dark guilds like Tartaros."
Rufus inclined his head in respect as she spoke, and after a pause, he took his own turn. "Rufus Lore, also from Sabertooth," he introduced himself, his tone calm and collected. "I specialize in Memory-Make magic, which allows me to recreate attacks, objects, and memories I've encountered before. My abilities are versatile, designed to adapt to various situations, which I hope will prove useful in our mission." He gave a small, confident nod as he finished.
Ichiya, ever dramatic, raised his glass with a flourish.
"I am Ichiya of Blue Pegasus!" He gestured grandly, his movements exaggerated. "My Parfum magic enhances both myself and my allies. And as a man of Blue Pegasus, I bring beauty and strength to the battlefield!" He ended his statement with a wink, which earned him a mixture of groans and amused chuckles from the table.
Naruto already liked the guy.
Though he was curious of how someone had a face like that.
It just didn't seem natural.
Unaware of the curious thoughts flowing through the shinobi's head, Bacchus, who had been reclining comfortably, took a long swig from his bottle before finally speaking.
"Bacchus Groh from Quatro Cerberus," he grunted. "I'm all about close-range combat. My strength is in my hands, no fancy magic involved." He gave a lopsided grin, tapping his fist to emphasize his words. "I joined this mission because why the hell not? It sounds fun."
Not exactly the most respectable reason for joining but Naruto was sure that there could be worse out there.
The attention shifted next in line to Laxus.
He sighed, rolling his shoulders slightly as he spoke. "Laxus Dreyar of Fairy Tail." His voice was a bit gruff, though steady. "I use lightning magic and I'm here to crush Tartaros and some dark guilds. Nothing more, nothing less."
Soon after that, the attention shifted all onto Naruto.
And the blonde in question did not miss how everyone was even more attentive with him.
Not that he minded, it provided an ample opportunity for something he always wanted to do.
"Well," he began, "name's Naruto Uzumaki. My magic and abilities? Guess you could say they're kind of… secret. Where I'm from? also a secret? Likes, dislikes, and hobbies? A secret too" His grin widened as he shrugged nonchalantly, clearly enjoying the raised eyebrows and bewildered, and in some cases, annoyed expressions around the table.
Naruto's expression grew a bit more serious. "As for why I'm here—well, when you see something wrong, you try to make it right. Fighting Tartaros is just the right thing to do, so… here I am." He offered a reassuring nod to the group, and his blue eyes shone with quiet resolve.
"That was very enlightening." Bacchus spoke sarcastically, though the amused glint in his eyes gave his emotions away.
"He cannot be blamed." Ichiya nodded in understanding in regards to the secrecy. "The parfum of mystery is a tantalizing smell indeed."
Rufus barely withheld a grunt. "I suppose we'll get to learn more about the 'Hero of Magnolia' more through action, huh?"
The shinobi grinned confidently. "I won't disappoint."
With Naruto's introduction done, Jura looked around the table, offering a respectful nod to each of his comrades before beginning.
"My name is Jura Neekis, a member of Lamia Scale," he said with a composed yet warm tone. "I am a Wizard Saint, and my magic revolves around manipulating earth and stone. It's a type of magic that emphasizes strength and stability—attributes I try to live by."
Jura's gaze softened as he continued, "I joined this mission because I believe it's our duty to stand against those who threaten the peace and security of Fiore. Each of you has shown incredible courage and ability, and I am honored to fight by your side."
There was a brief silence as everyone took in Jura's words, the sense of camaraderie growing stronger. Before it could become too solemn, Ichiya lifted his nose slightly, sniffing the air with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Ah! The parfum of this delicious meal… it would be such a crime if we did not enjoy it at once!" Ichiya declared, a broad smile on his face.
Naruto couldn't hold back a snicker, his chuckle joining Bacchus's low laughter as the two shared a moment of amusement at Ichiya's dramatics. Jura simply smiled, his usually composed demeanor softened by the shared laughter among his new comrades.
"Then let us waste no more time," Jura agreed, lifting his chopsticks as everyone settled in to eat.
The table was soon filled with the sound of satisfied murmurs, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery as they dug into the hearty meal prepared by Rufus and Ichiya. It was a moment of warmth and unity—a small reprieve before the storm that lay ahead.
End.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, it was fun to write.
Starting from the chapter after this, we're finally going to start seeing some action again. WOOHOO!
More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Anyway, take care lads.
Peace.