Naruto Multiverse

After the intense run, Naruto followed Z to his office, the air heavy with anticipation. The gang was left behind for their short spars, while Naruto's focus was entirely on what awaited him. As he entered the room, his eyes locked onto the weapon resting on a pedestal, gleaming under the dim light. It was exactly what he had dreamed of—a weapon that could shift the tides in his favor.

Z, who had been sitting behind his desk, watching Naruto's reaction with a smirk, broke the silence. "You can touch it," he said, noticing the eager look in Naruto's eyes.

Naruto didn't need to be told twice. He stepped forward and reverently examined the weapon. It was a sleek, futuristic gun, perfectly crafted for his needs. His fingers traced the contours of the handle, feeling the weight, the balance—it was perfect. This weapon could give him an edge in battles where physical prowess alone wouldn't be enough.

"The gun is good," Z remarked, his voice stern, "but I hope you don't rely on it too much. It's going to cost you. You've been provided with three boxes of bullets, and any more will be at your expense. They're expensive, so be careful."

Naruto didn't flinch at the cost. His mind was already turning, considering how to use it most effectively. "Thank you, teacher. I will always remember this favor," he said, his tone sincere. This weapon was more than just an asset; it was a key to his future plans, a tool to help him rise above his current limitations.

Z nodded, his gaze sharpening. "You're welcome. I expect you to improve yourself after today." There was a hidden weight in his words, an unspoken challenge, but Z held back his deeper thoughts. Naruto wasn't quite ready to hear them yet, in his opinion.

Naruto left the office with the weapon carefully placed in its case. His heart beat faster, excitement coursing through him. He arrived just in time to witness the tail end of a spar between Drake and Hina. Setting the weapon case down at a safe distance from the fighting area, Naruto prepared himself to join in. He didn't want to interrupt their training, but now, he was ready to face one of his own challenges.

Drake, seeing Naruto arrive, made up his mind. He had watched Naruto for a long time now, learning from his subtle pointers and observing his incredible abilities. Today, he wanted a real fight—a test of their strength. He turned toward Naruto, determination in his eyes.

"Naruto, let's fight for real," Drake called out, his voice firm. "No restraints. Go all out on me. I want to see the difference between us more clearly."

Naruto looked at Drake, his expression cold and calculating. Gone was the usual gleam of friendly rivalry. Instead, he studied Drake with something akin to contempt. "You know, Drake, what I think of you? I'll explain it with one word: pathetic." His voice was laced with clear disdain, and every word felt like a slap in the face.

Drake felt a rush of anger flood through him. "What's the meaning of this?" he growled, stepping forward.

Naruto's lips twisted into a mocking smile, his eyes gleaming with superiority. "You don't understand, do you? Well, what can I expect from a brainless fool like you? I played with you. I enjoy playing with people, especially pathetic beings like you. You really make me sick. Even though you have a good Devil Fruit, you're still so weak." His words cut through the air, each one a stinging rebuke.

The mockery was too much for Drake. His patience snapped, and with a roar, he charged at Naruto, axe in hand, aiming to crush him. But Naruto effortlessly used Soru, his body blurring with speed, and delivered a devastating punch to Drake's gut.

"Try harder," Naruto taunted as he stepped back, his posture relaxed.

Drake screamed in frustration, his axe crashing to the ground in a fit of rage, causing dust to billow around him. The smokescreen gave him an opportunity to strike, but Naruto was already several steps ahead. With a swift movement, he kicked up from beneath Drake, sending him airborne.

The force of the kick to Drake's chin was immense, and Naruto could hear the sickening crack as it fractured Drake's bone. Pain shot through Drake's body, but he refused to back down. Before Naruto could follow up, Drake transformed, his tail lashing out with brutal force, knocking Naruto across the room. The impact sent him crashing into the wall, but Naruto quickly adjusted his body midair, using Haki to cushion the blow.

"That's more like it," Naruto said, his voice tinged with amusement. "But you'll lose just like you're meant to. You have no chance. Why don't you just give up?" He smirked, knowing full well that Drake was still far from his level.

Drake, now transformed into his powerful form, attempted another swing, but Naruto was already moving again. He let Arachne take control, and in an instant, webs shot out, ensnaring Drake. The larger man struggled against the sticky strands, but he couldn't break free. With a swift motion, Naruto's fist flew toward Drake's abdomen, landing with bone-crushing force.

Drake's body was thrown across the room, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud. The dust settled, revealing his crumpled form, bleeding from countless small cuts caused by the webbing.

Naruto stepped forward, his eyes cold and focused. His killing intent radiated from him like a tangible force, and Drake could feel it, a suffocating pressure that made him freeze in place. It was as though death itself was closing in.

"That's enough, Naruto," Smoker's voice rang out, sharp and commanding from his position in the background.

Naruto glanced over, his expression unchanging. For a moment, it seemed as though he would disregard the command and continue his assault, but then he paused. His gaze shifted to Adam, who had also spoken up.

"Stop acting already, Naruto. I know you're not serious," Adam called out, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Naruto's eyes softened, and the killing intent vanished in an instant. His usual carefree demeanor returned. He shrugged and turned to Drake, offering a hand to help him up. "Sorry, Drake. This was to help you improve. You're too hot-blooded. This should also satisfy your desire to test your power against me. Though, it would have taken longer if I didn't utilize my killing intent."

Drake, still dazed from the intense pain, didn't speak at first. But he couldn't deny the relief that washed over him. Despite the rough treatment, Naruto had only been pushing him to be better. He punched Naruto in the face, not out of anger, but out of respect.

Naruto didn't dodge the punch, allowing it to land with a satisfying smack. "Good enough," he said, rubbing his jaw and smiling.

"It was my fault," Drake admitted as he stood up, brushing off the dirt. "I shouldn't have gotten so riled up."

Naruto nodded in agreement. "It happens. Just remember, not everyone will hold back." He watched as Drake walked off to the infirmary, realizing that he had just taken another step in forging a stronger bond with his crew.

As Naruto reflected on the fight, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It had been a test, not just for Drake, but for him as well. And with each test, he grew stronger, more confident in his path.

After a long day of training, the recruits began to disperse, enjoying their free time. Adam, with his usual mischievous grin, approached Naruto. He leaned in, whispering in Naruto's ear, "Bro, wanna come?"

Naruto glanced at Adam, his expression indifferent. "No," he replied flatly.

Adam chuckled and shrugged, heading off without another word. "Your loss," he said over his shoulder as he disappeared into the distance.

Hina, who had been standing nearby, couldn't help but be curious. "What did he ask?" she inquired, her gaze flicking between Naruto and the retreating Adam.

"Nothing important," Naruto answered nonchalantly. He then began walking toward his place, Hina following close behind. His mind was still on the training, but he made sure to keep his pace slow for her.

As they walked, Hina hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage. "Do you mind if I moved to your place?" she asked, her voice hopeful, yet unsure. She had been living in the dorms for a while now, but the idea of being closer to Naruto felt like a step she wasn't sure he would want to take.

Naruto glanced over at her, and without hesitation, he responded, "Okay, it will be better if you are there." His voice was casual, but there was a genuine understanding behind his words. He could see how much it meant to her.

Hina smiled softly, her heart warming at his acceptance. Without a second thought, she linked her arm with his, the two of them walking side by side. Though both of them were armored, the gesture wasn't about physical intimacy; it was more about comfort and connection. It felt right, and in that moment, Hina felt like she had found a place where she belonged.

When they reached Naruto's place, they were met by Shiro, who was standing in front of the door with a beaming smile. As soon as she saw Naruto, her face lit up even more. "Big brother, what took you so long?" she asked, bouncing on her feet, clearly eager to see him.

"Practice," Naruto replied simply as he unlocked the door.

Shiro didn't seem to care about the response, her attention already shifting. "Can I join next time?" she asked, completely ignoring Hina as though she wasn't even there.

"Yes," Naruto said without hesitation, agreeing to her request without much thought.

As they entered the room, Hina chose to ignore Shiro's antics, sensing no real threat from the younger girl. She was like a child—energetic, perhaps a little annoying at times, but harmless. For now, Hina had bigger things to focus on.

Shiro, still bouncing with energy, tugged at Naruto's sleeve. "Big brother, can you show me around and play with me? Shiro is feeling bored," she said, her voice sweet and full of innocence, as though her boredom was the most urgent issue in the world.

Hina frowned slightly at Shiro's antics, ready to put her foot down and assert some control. But before a potential argument could spark, Naruto stepped in, his voice carrying a commanding tone. "You guys get ready. We will all go together to the market," he said, cutting through the tension with ease.

Hina and Shiro exchanged glances, both surprised at Naruto's decision, but neither willing to argue. It was clear that Naruto had already made up his mind. He walked off to get ready, leaving Hina and Shiro to prepare for their outing.

Hina, although unsure about the chaotic dynamics that would unfold with Shiro tagging along, felt a sense of calm knowing that Naruto had everything under control. Even if things were a bit unpredictable, they would manage—together.

On a distant island, surrounded by mist and jagged rocks, the communication from the Den Den Mushi crackled to life. The voice on the other end was cold and unyielding, carrying an air of impatience that was almost tangible.

"You have failed to bring me what I asked, Simon," the voice said, its tone flat and devoid of any warmth. The man it was speaking to, Simon, was seated in a darkened room, his face pale and nervous, knowing that the situation had taken a turn for the worse.

"I realize that, but it was not my fault! Z was there! If he hadn't shown up, I would have brought the package, I swear!" Simon pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. His hand shook slightly as he held the Den Den Mushi close to his ear, hoping to convey some semblance of sincerity.

The voice on the other end of the line remained eerily calm, unaffected by Simon's outburst. "I will give you two months," it said, the casual tone making the threat all the more chilling. "Get me the girl, and kill the filth that delayed it. I do not like it when these things happen. So I hope you will succeed, or there will be no next time." The words hung in the air like a deadly ultimatum, and Simon could practically feel the weight of them pressing down on him.

The voice's tone was so detached, so indifferent, as if it were simply discussing a trivial matter like what was for dinner. But the implications were clear, and Simon knew that failure would cost him far more than his pride.

Simon swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Understood... I won't fail again," he said, the words leaving his mouth with a mixture of fear and determination. He had no choice but to comply. Failure was not an option.

There was a brief silence before the voice on the other end spoke once more, this time more dismissively. "See that you don't." Then the line went dead, leaving Simon staring at the now-silent Den Den Mushi, his heart pounding in his chest. The pressure was mounting, and he had two months to make everything right—or face the consequences.