Naruto Multiverse

In the vast expanse of darkness, a lone soul drifted. Its light was faint, flickering like a dying star, yet it was untainted—a purity that defied the damage it had suffered. Cracks marred its surface, evidence of pain and turmoil that had battered it over time. The soul was unstable, its essence trembling on the brink of dissolution.

But then, a soft, radiant green energy began to coalesce around it. The energy was warm and nurturing, wrapping the fragile soul in its gentle embrace. Slowly, it began to mend the fractures, soothing the pain and breathing life back into what seemed so close to fading.

"Poor little child," a soft, melodic voice spoke, echoing through the void. "You have suffered so much, yet you held onto such noble ideals."

The source of the voice stepped into view, her presence illuminating the darkness. She was breathtaking—a beauty that transcended mortal comprehension. Her features radiated serenity and care, exuding an aura so profoundly motherly that it seemed to cradle the very essence of existence. Her eyes, vibrant green and full of emotion, glimmered like emeralds in the dim light, and her hair, black as the starless night, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of shadows.

She moved with a grace that was almost otherworldly, her gestures deliberate and filled with majesty. The green energy she commanded pulsed softly as if responding to her very heartbeat.

"How do you endure such pain and hatred?" she whispered, her voice tinged with sorrow. Slowly, she knelt before the soul, her hands outstretched as she drew it closer to her. Her delicate fingers brushed against its form, and she smiled faintly.

Then, with infinite tenderness, she embraced the soul, cradling it against her chest. Her touch was soothing, like the first rays of dawn after a stormy night. She held him as though he were the most precious thing in the universe.

"Let this pain go away," she murmured, her voice a lullaby that seemed to seep into the very fabric of the soul. "And you shall always stay true to your nature."

Her eyes softened as she gazed down at the unconscious figure forming within her arms. Slowly, the soul took shape, solidifying into the form of a young boy with golden hair and whisker-like marks on his cheeks. His expression was serene in sleep, free from the burdens he had carried for so long.

"I feel alone," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But your presence brings me joy—a feeling I never knew I could have. Would it be selfish of me to desire your companionship?"

Her hand moved instinctively, tracing the contours of his face with her fingers. The action was gentle, filled with curiosity and longing. She studied him as though committing every detail to memory.

"I have never seen a being like you," she continued, her tone calm and contemplative. "Someone who can resonate with my domain so naturally… so perfectly. Will you accept if I asked you to stay with me? To remain here, safe and untouched by the cruelty of the outside world?"

There was no answer, of course. The boy in her arms remained unconscious, unaware of the words spoken to him. Yet, she asked not for his response but to voice the thoughts that had taken root within her heart—a heart long burdened by the ache of solitude.

She held him close, her warmth surrounding him like a cocoon. In the stillness of the void, she vowed to herself that she would protect him, nurture him, and perhaps… find the companionship she had yearned for across countless ages.

For in this broken soul, she had found something extraordinary—a spark that resonated with her very essence, a light that could banish even the deepest shadows.

A week passed in the outer world, though within the primordial domain of Nature, time flowed differently. During this time, Naruto's soul grew stronger, shedding the dependence on Gaia's energy as it learned to sustain itself once more. At last, the moment came for him to awaken.

"Awaken, my child; you have slept long enough," a gentle, motherly voice spoke, carrying a warmth that reached the very core of his being.

The figure that had formed opened its eyes—vivid green orbs meeting the serene light of Gaia's domain. Blonde hair framed his face, and though his body was well-built and sturdy, there was a certain weariness in his movements, as though some vital part of him was missing.

His brows furrowed in confusion as he took in his surroundings. "Where am I? Who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty and a faint trace of unease.

"You are within Nature's domain," the woman before him said, her tone rich with affection and concern. "And I am Gaia, the Primordial Mother. How do you feel, my child? Does it hurt anywhere?"

Naruto's gaze shifted to the figure before him, and he blinked in awe. Gaia's beauty was ethereal, beyond mortal comprehension. Her presence exuded care, love, and an unmistakable power that resonated deeply with him. Her green eyes shimmered with compassion, and her long, dark hair seemed to flow with the rhythm of the natural world.

"The voice…" Naruto murmured, his head tilting slightly. "It's like the energy of nature itself." He paused, trying to assess his state. "I feel… alright, I guess. But my body… there's something wrong. I feel so lethargic and weak. What happened to me?"

Gaia's expression softened, though sorrow tinged her features. "I am sorry, my child, that I could not protect you from the greed of the world. Your power—your essence—was stolen by the ones called Olympians. They divided it into pieces and forged artifacts from it to ensure you could never regain it. These artifacts are scattered across the world, and even I, bound by ancient laws, cannot locate them all." Her voice carried a deep sadness, but it was laced with venom when she spoke the word Olympians.

"Olympians?" Naruto repeated, his confusion deepening. "And why do you call me your child? I'm the son of Kushina Uzumaki."

Gaia smiled faintly, her expression tender. "I call you my child because you are the closest being to me that I have ever encountered. Your soul resonates with my domain in a way I never thought possible. It brightens my heart with happiness, so I ask you to allow me this selfishness."

Naruto studied her face, sincerity clear in his eyes. After a moment, he smiled. "I don't mind. You seem like a very nice person, and I don't feel any malice from you."

Gaia's joy was evident in her radiant smile. "Thank you for your acceptance." Her tone then shifted, growing somber. "As for the Olympians… they are my grandchildren, though they are reckless and arrogant beyond measure. They wield their power without care, committing acts of cruelty and injustice with impunity. I will not force my perceptions on you, my child, but let you decide for yourself."

Naruto clenched his fists, his expression darkening. "They sound like some real assholes in need of a good beating."

Gaia's voice hardened with hatred as she continued, "They deserve far worse. It was their greed and fear that killed you, tearing your body apart to ensure you could not rise again."

Naruto's face twisted with anger. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she replied solemnly. "I witnessed it all and failed to protect you. If you seek proof, go and search the mortal records. The Olympians are treated as myths to mortals, but those legends are based on the truth."

Naruto exhaled slowly, trying to temper his anger. "Thank you, Gaia, for everything—especially for giving me another chance. I have so much left to do. Even though it's been delayed, at least I have the chance to continue my path once I'm at full power."

Gaia's expression softened again. "Do not lose hope, my child. Though they have taken your power, with my blessing, you still hold dominion over the elements, albeit to a limited extent. Even so, you are far above any mortal."

Naruto's grin returned, bright and infectious. "You're the best, Gaia. I promise to help you in any way I can to repay this favor. Believe me, an Uzumaki never forgets a debt!"

Before she could respond, Naruto stepped forward and hugged her. Gaia's eyes widened momentarily, but then her arms encircled him, holding him close. For the first time in her long existence, she felt a bond that was not born of obligation or power but of genuine warmth and gratitude.