Digital Emperor (Naruto X Digimon)

The previous night's excitement was still fresh in Henry's mind as he woke up, but the morning brought a new sense of responsibility. For the first time, he had a partner to care for—a thought both thrilling and sobering. As the sunlight filtered through his room, Henry turned to see Tesla, who was already awake and looking at him with bright, eager eyes.

Tesla, a Lopmon, belonged to a species known for their adorable and friendly nature, making them a favorite among Digimon enthusiasts. His small, floppy ears and innocent expression had won over everyone the previous night, but Henry was acutely aware that Tesla's kind had a significantly shorter lifespan compared to other Digimon. Unlike Arthur, the dragon-type Digimon with the genetic potential to live over 200 years, or Luna, who could live to 100, Tesla's natural life expectancy was closer to 30 years. This reality added a layer of urgency to their bond.

Digimon, much like humans, were vulnerable to various dangers—hunger, poison, or simply the passage of time. When a Digimon's time came, their data would condense into a Digi-Egg, allowing them to be reborn. However, this rebirth came at a cost: the Digimon would lose all their memories and personality, starting again as a baby. While some Tamers utilized this rebirth cycle as a method to strengthen their partners, the process was fraught with emotional challenges. The loss of the Digimon's essence made it a path only the most pragmatic—or desperate—Tamers chose to tread.

Henry couldn't imagine deliberately subjecting Tesla to such a fate. He had already resolved to cherish every moment and ensure Tesla lived a fulfilling life. The bond they were building was irreplaceable, and Henry wanted to make the most of it.

As Tesla hopped out of bed and stretched his tiny limbs, Henry smiled, reminded of the preparations he had made. Unlike other Tamers who might view their partners as mere tools, Henry saw Tesla as a companion deserving of care and comfort. In his excitement after receiving Tesla, he had spent hours designing a personal room for him—a space tailored to Tesla's needs and personality.

The day before had been a whirlwind of discoveries for Henry as he spent time observing Tesla during their outing. While most of his peers were focused on strengthening their bonds through combat or tactics, Henry was busy learning about Tesla's quirks and preferences. His partner's personality was vibrant and layered, making the process as delightful as it was intriguing.

Tesla had a distinct aversion to anything horrifying or grotesque, shying away from displays of aggression or monstrous designs. In contrast, he had a sweet tooth and a penchant for cute and wholesome things. Henry noted his fascination with robots and guns—perhaps an unusual combination with his otherwise soft demeanor—and a deep love for electronics and technology. Tesla had been utterly captivated by the sleek designs and innovative features of the gadgets they'd encountered, his eyes sparkling with awe.

Speed and flight thrilled Tesla to no end. He'd spent minutes watching birds dart through the sky and even stopped to admire high-speed vehicles, the wind brushing against his floppy ears. When Henry had introduced him to the Gundam series, Tesla's excitement had reached a fever pitch, and he couldn't stop talking about how "cool" it all was. Music added another dimension to his personality, as Tesla revealed his love for pop songs, often humming along or swaying to catchy tunes.

On the flip side, Tesla's sensitivity became apparent as well. He disliked getting hurt, both physically and emotionally, often retreating or pouting when things didn't go his way. In Henry's eyes, Tesla seemed like a tomboyish girl—a mix of curiosity, charm, and spunk, with an undertone of vulnerability that made him all the more endearing.

With all this in mind, Henry had designed Tesla's room to reflect his partner's unique personality. The walls were painted in calming pastel shades, but the decor was filled with touches of Tesla's interests. Shelves held neatly arranged robot and gun models, alongside books on technology, flight, and engineering. A plush, cozy bed with soft blankets sat in one corner, ensuring Tesla had a comfortable place to rest after a long day. A sleek computer and a wall-mounted TV provided endless entertainment, from watching Gundam episodes to learning new things.

To match Tesla's love of flight, Henry had installed a small levitation system in the room. At the press of a button, Tesla could hover and soar within the confines of his space, fulfilling his desire for speed and freedom. The inclusion of a miniature workshop with simple tools and gadgets allowed Tesla to tinker and explore his interest in robotics and mechanics.

Henry's favorite feature, however, was the bath area, which Tesla had already fallen in love with. His partner's playful nature shone brightest when he was splashing around in the water or singing to himself. Through the digivice, Henry could see Tesla enjoying himself, his cheerful voice echoing in the small space. It was clear that Tesla was happiest when he could indulge in his passions and express his vibrant personality.

As Henry watched his partner through the digivice, a soft smile crossed his face. Tesla's infectious joy filled him with warmth, and he felt a renewed sense of responsibility. Tesla wasn't just his partner; he was his friend, his companion, and someone who brought endless light into his life. Henry vowed to continue nurturing that happiness, ensuring Tesla's days were filled with excitement, comfort, and love.

The morning light filtered through the window as Henry rose from his bed, stretching his lean and flexible body with a practiced grace that would impress even the most skeptical observer. He turned his attention to the screen on his digivice, where Tesla's cheerful image filled the display.

"Good morning, Tesla. I see that you're happy with the setup," Henry greeted, his tone warm and gentle. His bond with Tesla was evident in the soft smile that played on his lips as he spoke.

Tesla, still dripping slightly from his bath, shook his small, fluffy body and beamed at Henry. "Yes, Henry. I love it," he replied, his voice sweet and full of unfiltered joy. His expressive mannerisms were a charming contrast to the more reserved Asura or the poised and fierce Luna.

Henry chuckled and gave an approving nod. "That's good. Now eat and get ready; we have a busy morning ahead." He tapped the digivice's screen lightly, as if patting Tesla's head through the display. Organization was second nature to Henry, and he disliked deviating from his meticulously planned schedule.

"Roger!" Tesla squeaked in his endearing way, hopping out of the virtual washroom after drying himself. His nimble body moved with an energy that matched his vibrant personality. He quickly navigated the menu screen to select his breakfast. The choices were a result of Henry's careful planning.

The day before, Henry had introduced Tesla to various flavors and foods. From that, he had crafted a balanced diet tailored to his partner's unique needs as a beast type with a future evolution involving metal attributes. The menu consisted of a mix of beast-type and metal-type nutrients, ensuring Tesla's growth would be optimal. Henry knew the importance of balance; too much of any one thing could derail Tesla's development and potentially harm his future.

Taking care of a Digimon was no simple task. Unlike the Pokémon games Henry had enjoyed as a child, where leveling up was straightforward, Digimon required a multifaceted approach. Their growth hinged on stats, diet, mindset, and sometimes even external factors like environment or specific milestones. Some Digimon couldn't even reach their final evolution unless they gained acknowledgment from their ultimate form—a challenge that often felt insurmountable.

These ultimate forms were often ancient beings, thousands of years old, with battle experience numbering in the thousands. Even the strongest human fighter, like Naruto, with all his skill and power, would struggle against such creatures, especially those ranked at Ultimate or higher. Equalizing stats did little to bridge the gap in sheer experience and instinct.

It was this brutal reality that drove Naruto to constantly refine his skills. He knew that raw strength alone wasn't enough; his tactics and techniques had to be unparalleled if he hoped to stand alongside his partner in battle. Compared to the Digimon, whose very existence often necessitated constant combat to survive and grow stronger, humans were woefully inexperienced. Digimon fought not just for survival but to absorb the data of their defeated foes, making every battle a matter of life and death. As a result, very few Digimon lived to their natural life expectancy, let alone achieved their final forms.

Henry admired Naruto's dedication, but for now, his focus was on Tesla. Watching his partner happily eat his breakfast, Henry felt a deep sense of responsibility. Every choice he made now would shape Tesla's future, and he was determined to ensure it was a bright one. As Tesla finished his meal, his eyes sparkled with excitement for the day ahead, ready to tackle whatever challenges awaited them.

Henry finished his breakfast, donned a crisp and practical outfit, and prepared to take Tesla to the training room located in his family's high-tech residence. Unlike the traditional homes of Rika and Naruto, Henry's home was a sleek, futuristic high-rise owned by his family, the Wongs. The building served as both a residence for the family and a hub for their company, Monster Maker, renowned for its cutting-edge work in digital programming and the creation of innovative digital items.

The upper levels of the building were exclusively for the Wong family, equipped with advanced technology and an AI system that managed everything seamlessly. Despite the potential risks of relying on such a system, the building was protected by a top-tier firewall. If anyone managed to breach it, they would likely be capable of hacking into some of the world's most secure systems.

As Henry stepped out of his apartment, heading for the training section, he was suddenly interrupted by a joyful cry.

"Big brother, gotcha!"

Before he could react, a small but lively figure hurled itself at him. It was his thirteen-year-old sister, Suzie Wong, a whirlwind of energy with her signature purple hair styled in twin tails and matching purple eyes. Her striking features were the result of the mutations caused by exposure to the Digital World, a phenomenon that had become common enough to normalize anime-like appearances.

Suzie's outfit was a perfect blend of cute and spunky: a light purple dress paired with knee-high socks of the same hue, black boots, and a black jacket with purple outlines. The bunny-themed hoodie completed her look, complementing her bubbly personality. She clung to Henry's back like a koala, giggling as she greeted him.

"Good morning, Suzie," Henry said with a soft smile, continuing his walk as if her weight were inconsequential. His strength was well above average—while not as formidable as Takato's, he was more than capable of handling such minor challenges.

"Good morning, big brother! Are you going to train with the cute little bunny?" Suzie asked, grinning mischievously as she shifted her position, pushing against his shoulder and flipping herself onto his shoulders. She perched there comfortably, her small hands clasped over his head.

Henry chuckled. "Yes, Tesla needs to learn how to fight and strengthen his body before we can begin our journey. Are you planning to join us, or are you meeting up with Rias?"

"Hmmm…" Suzie hummed dramatically, swaying side to side in mock deliberation. "I want to play with the bunny, but I promised Rias I'd meet her."

Henry smirked at her indecision. Suzie's emotional transparency was a stark contrast to his own calm and collected demeanor. Her playful personality was one of the reasons Tesla's default settings bore a striking resemblance to her.

"You can play with him later," Henry assured her, stopping near the training room entrance. He gently grabbed her by the armpits and lifted her off his shoulders, flipping her easily and setting her down. "Now, hop off and go meet Rias. You know how fiery she gets when people make her wait."

Suzie laughed, knowing he was right. Despite her reluctance, she respected Henry's boundaries, understanding how focused he was on his work. "Love you, big brother," she said sweetly, leaning up to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. As she turned to run off, she called over her shoulder, "I'll definitely play with Tesla later! But you really need to give him a cuter name!"

Henry smiled as she dashed down the hallway toward the elevator, her energy lighting up the otherwise quiet morning. As the elevator doors closed behind her, Henry adjusted his posture, straightened his sleeves, and walked into the training room, ready to start the day's work with Tesla.

With Suzie gone, Henry entered the private training room reserved for his family. This compact yet state-of-the-art facility was primarily used by him and Suzie, as their older siblings had long since outgrown the need for such a space. The room featured reinforced floors, high-tech equipment, and even a simulation system that could generate realistic battle scenarios.

As soon as Henry shut the door behind him, Tesla emerged from the digivice in an excited flurry. The tiny Terriermon bounced around with boundless energy, his floppy ears flapping as he ran circles around Henry. Despite his small size, Tesla's enthusiasm filled the room.

"Alright, Tesla. Let's gear up," Henry said, tapping the digivice. With a shimmer of light, the rookie gear his parents had provided materialized, perfectly fitted to Tesla's small frame. The silver armor clung to Tesla's torso, lightweight yet sturdy, designed for agility rather than brute force. A helmet with a sharp horn at its center was the centerpiece of the set, complemented by metallic tips affixed to Tesla's long ears.

Tesla wobbled slightly under the added weight, his small legs adjusting to the unfamiliar load. He stumbled but quickly regained his balance, his determination shining through his wide eyes.

"Whoa, this is amazing!" Tesla exclaimed, his childlike voice full of wonder. He hugged Henry's leg tightly, the clink of his new gear echoing softly in the room.

Henry chuckled and patted Tesla's head. "It's more than just armor. The helmet's visor can zoom in on targets, detect heat signatures, and even display directional markers. Plus, the sensors will alert you to nearby enemies. You'll be able to fight more effectively, especially in close quarters."

Tesla's ears perked up at the explanation, his excitement doubling. "Thank you, Henry! I love it!"

"Good. Now we start your training," Henry replied, gently prying Tesla off his leg. "You'll need to get used to the weight first. Once you've adjusted, I'll gradually increase it to help improve your physical stats."

Henry tapped his digivice, and a holographic schedule appeared, detailing the structured training program he'd devised. Tesla studied it with wide eyes, his gaze flickering between curiosity and resolve.

Feigning maturity, Tesla released his grip and wiped at an imaginary speck of dust on his helmet. "I can handle it. No problem at all," he declared, puffing out his chest.

Henry smiled at Tesla's attempt to look serious. Despite the effort, Tesla's tsundere act only made him appear more adorable.

"Will we also work with electronics later?" Tesla asked, his tone betraying a mix of eagerness and hesitation. His natural inclination toward technology shone through, a trait Henry was keenly aware of. Terriermon had the potential to either embrace or reject machines, and Henry was determined to nurture Tesla's interest while keeping it balanced.

Tesla was showing interest now and it was Henry's duty to manage that interest properly to keep it balanced. He was interested in robotics and had been learning the family business but Henry didn't want beast digimon to become robots.

He will get robot digimon for that role.

There was the thing with robot digimon, they had the personality of a cardboard and emotions of a wall.

"Yes," Henry said, his voice gaining a noticeable spark of enthusiasm. "Once training is done, we'll take a break, have lunch with our friends, and then head to the lab. I'll teach you everything from the basics, and before you know it, you'll be building these things yourself."

Henry's passion for robotics and programming was infectious. His eyes lit up as he spoke, illustrating grand possibilities of their future projects. Tesla couldn't help but absorb his excitement. The Terriermon's ears twitched, and he let out a jubilant cry, hopping in place as his joy overflowed.

"Let's do it, Henry! I'll work hard and learn everything!" Tesla shouted, his voice filled with determination.

Henry knelt down and placed a reassuring hand on Tesla's small shoulder. "That's the spirit. Let's make today count."

With that, the two partners began their training, the room filled with Tesla's laughter, the clinking of his armor, and the subtle hum of the training systems booting up. It was the start of what Henry knew would be a long, fulfilling journey.