Naruto Multiverse

Hima's cries echoed through the void of her mind, a heartbreaking chorus of fear and desperation. The oppressive darkness surrounding her fed on her anguish, twisting her thoughts into a spiral of despair.

"Daddy, where are you?

I am okay, please don't die.

Don't leave me alone.

I need you. Daddy, Daddy!"

Her voice cracked under the weight of her sobs, her small form trembling in the shadowy landscape. The poison in her soul festered, a manifestation of her deepest fears and guilt. She knew Naruto lived for her, and that knowledge became her greatest torment. She wasn't afraid of her own death—it was the thought of him sacrificing himself for her that terrified her to the core.

Suddenly, a warm light pierced the darkness. It swept away the cursed land and bathed the space in a golden glow. Naruto appeared, his presence radiating calm and unwavering strength.

"Hima, calm down. I am here," he said, his voice gentle but firm, carrying the power to soothe her troubled soul.

The light revealed Hima, curled up and sobbing uncontrollably. She looked so small, so fragile, and it broke Naruto's heart to see her like this. She reminded him of the day he had first arrived in this world, when she had been just as vulnerable, clinging to him for comfort.

Before he could close the distance, Hima launched herself into his arms, clutching him with all the strength her small frame could muster. She clung to him like a lifeline, burying her face in his chest.

"Daddy, you're okay. I was so scared," she whispered, her words muffled by his embrace. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she kissed his face in relief and joy.

Naruto held her tightly, his hand gently running through her hair. He knew he should set boundaries, but at this moment, he couldn't bring himself to deny her. Her love and devotion were overwhelming, and he felt a mix of guilt and gratitude for how much she cared.

"Hima," he began softly, tilting her chin up so he could look into her tear-streaked face, "what do you think of me?"

She gazed into his eyes, her expression softening into a smile. "I love Daddy, more than anything. Daddy is my beloved, and I wish for nothing else but your attention. You lost everything for me, so all of me belongs to you. I only want you to be happy."

Her words struck him like a tidal wave. He could feel the intensity of her emotions through their bond—pure, untainted, and maddeningly powerful. It mirrored his own past love for humanity and his family, concentrated entirely on him. It was a love so selfless and obsessive that it left no room for anyone else.

'She really is my little princess,' Naruto thought, cupping her cheek. But he also recognized the darkness that had taken root in her soul, fed by guilt and her desperate attempts to fill the void left by his lost loved ones.

"Hima," he said softly, his voice filled with both love and resolve, "it was never your fault. I made my choice, and I'm willing to live with it. You don't have to carry that guilt. Look at me—haven't I become a little closer to what I used to be?"

His words resonated with her, a beacon of light cutting through the shadows in her heart. "Now you can stop," he continued, his tone firm yet comforting. "You are my daughter, Hima. That's all you need to be. Become who you're meant to be."

Light exploded in the darkness of her mind, illuminating her fractured mental space. The poison that had seeped into her soul receded, and the weight of her guilt began to lift. She wasn't completely free of her dark desires, but she felt lighter, more herself.

Naruto smiled gently as he felt the change within her. "That's my girl," he whispered, holding her close. For the first time in a long while, he felt hope—not just for her, but for himself.

Kara stood at the doorway, hesitant but resolute. Naruto opened it with his usual calm demeanor, his sharp gaze softening slightly at the sight of her.

"She's not here, but come inside," Naruto said, stepping aside to let her in.

Kara nodded and entered, her eyes scanning the interior. For someone as powerful and enigmatic as Naruto, she had expected a home that reflected his extraordinary nature. Instead, the living room was modest and cozy. The normalcy of it all left her a bit underwhelmed.

Naruto noticed her reaction. "I know it's different from what you imagined," he said, settling onto a couch. "But things are never what they seem. Be careful not to judge by appearances alone."

Kara took a seat across from him, her posture straight and formal. Her blue eyes were sincere as she spoke. "I want to thank you for saving me and Hima. For being there when I was at my weakest."

Naruto nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're welcome. Talking to you helped me, too. We're not so different. My world also faced destruction. It doesn't exist anymore. Hima and I are the only survivors, just like you and your cousin."

Kara's eyes widened at his words. She hadn't expected such a revelation. "I'm sorry if I brought up painful memories," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret.

Naruto shook his head. "No, it's good to face your past when it haunts you. Ignoring it only lets it fester and affect your present."

Kara nodded slowly, his words resonating with her. Her own nightmares and memories had weighed heavily on her, impacting her performance and focus.

"I've told the League about the fight with Trigon," she said after a pause. "My cousin and I will stay in the sun to gather strength. The others are making their own preparations. You're not alone anymore. We may have our differences, but our goal is the same."

Naruto's smile grew. "You've grown into a fine woman, Kara. I'll call on the League if I need help. And for your honesty..." He raised a hand, his power radiating outward like a warm wave. "Here's a gift to aid you in your future battles."

Kara gasped as she felt his energy envelop her. A brilliant light coalesced around her, forming an intricate suit of armor that gleamed like starlight. A large, impossibly dense sword appeared on her back, its weight barely noticeable.

"This armor is forged from a neutron star," Naruto explained. "It should serve as excellent defense. And the sword... it's for emergencies like Trigon. You're ready to face him, Kara."

She ran her fingers over the armor, marveling at its durability. Even with her immense strength, she couldn't make a dent in it. "Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll treasure this. And I'll find something of equal value to give you in return."

Naruto waved her off. "No need. You're a friend of Hima and a friend of mine. Take it without guilt."

Kara nodded but resolved to repay his kindness anyway. "Thank you again, and the snacks were delicious," she said, standing as urgency returned to her demeanor.

"You're welcome anytime," Naruto replied, walking her to the door. "My home is always open to you."

As she left, Kara found herself reflecting on his warmth and quiet strength. No wonder Barbara found him irresistible. There's a charm to him—a vulnerability that makes you want to reach out and protect him. She shook her head, dispelling the thought. There was no time for distractions. War was on the horizon.

Naruto closed the door, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "Such an adorable child," he muttered to himself. He doubted Kara or anyone else would act on their feelings, but it was amusing to see the signs.

His musings were interrupted by a familiar voice. "So, you've noticed, haven't you?"

Naruto turned toward the shadows where a dark figure emerged. "Bruce," he acknowledged, his tone shifting to match the seriousness in Batman's expression. "What's on your mind?"

Naruto gestured to the couch, his expression light with amusement. "Sit down, Bruce, and drop that serious tone. I won't bite."

Batman studied him for a moment, the faintest flicker of hesitation crossing his face. Finally, he sat, knowing that it was better than being told to leave outright.

"So," Naruto began, leaning back with an air of casualness. "Why have you come?"

Bruce wasted no time. "Are you not going to hide anymore?"

"Why would I?" Naruto asked with a shrug, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I never really cared if you knew. I like you."

The words were delivered so nonchalantly that Bruce found himself momentarily thrown. Naruto's demeanor was so relaxed it made everything he said feel like a jest, yet there was a truth beneath it he couldn't ignore.

"If you're my friend, then why do we stand on opposite sides?" Bruce challenged.

Naruto's smile faded slightly, his expression taking on a more contemplative edge. "Because your way is naïve," he replied. "Letting villains live, believing they'll reform... I used to think the same way. But I learned, the hard way, that humanity—left unchecked—teeters toward corruption. Harsh actions are sometimes the only way to set things right."

Bruce's jaw tightened, his instincts to argue rising, but Naruto wasn't finished.

"Unlike you, I'm an empath," Naruto continued. "Do you have any idea what it's like to feel the collective pain, greed, and darkness of the world? To have it connected to your heart and mind? It changes you, Bruce. You can't ignore it."

"Is that why you killed everyone in Gotham?" Bruce's voice was sharp, but not accusatory—more probing. "How do you know they deserved it?"

"I know because no evil can hide from my sight," Naruto replied firmly. "And my sight extends far beyond this solar system. As for why I acted—it was for my daughter. I don't care to interfere in your world unless I encounter filth. And Gotham... Gotham was overflowing."

Bruce's sharp intellect latched onto one particular detail. "Our world? You're not from here?"

Naruto's expression flickered, a momentary vulnerability crossing his face before it was replaced by calm detachment. "No, I'm not. My world doesn't exist anymore. It was destroyed in a battle."

The change in Naruto's tone didn't go unnoticed by Bruce, who recognized the underlying grief. He saw the same expression in himself when he thought of his parents. Deciding not to press further, Bruce shifted the conversation.

"I don't agree with your methods," Bruce said at last. "But I can't argue with the results. Gotham is better now, in ways I couldn't achieve. For that, I'm grateful. Even my projections showed no matter what I did, it would remain the same."

Naruto nodded, a faint smile returning. "You're welcome. But I'll tell you this—it would've changed if you decided to act decisively. You're a good detective, Bruce. You could've been a great judge too."

With a flick of his hand, Naruto conjured an illusion of Gotham transformed under Bruce's hypothetical rule as a harsher enforcer of justice. Bruce watched it silently, absorbing the vision before shaking his head.

"Who knows?" he said quietly. "For now, what's your plan for Trigon?"

"I'm preparing to deal with him," Naruto said, his tone steady. "I'll kill him before he breaches this dimension."

Bruce leaned forward slightly. "And your chances?"

Naruto's expression darkened slightly. "Even if I can't destroy him, I'll weaken him enough to force him back into imprisonment."

Bruce considered this, nodding slowly. "Then we'll assist. The League will stand ready."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You're willing to fight alongside me?"

"I don't have an issue with that. Sometimes compromises have to be made," Bruce replied matter-of-factly.

Naruto chuckled, his voice rich with approval. "Compromises indeed. Now that the serious talk is over, let's eat something."

As if on cue, Jaina entered, carrying a tray laden with food. Bruce's first instinct was to excuse himself, but he caught the mischievous glint in Naruto's eye and thought better of it.

"You're an ass," Bruce muttered, shaking his head.

Naruto grinned, leaning back with a satisfied air. "I know."