Naruto Multiverse

The day in Gotham was unusually serene, a rarity for a city notorious for its dark alleys and criminals. The city seemed to bask in an almost surreal calm, the kind that made people wonder what had changed so drastically.

At a corner café near Gotham University, two young women sat engrossed in conversation. The younger of the two, Himawari Uzumaki, was a striking figure. Her long purplish hair shimmered under the afternoon sun, her violet eyes gleaming with an alertness that belied her age of sixteen. She exuded an aura of confidence and poise, her beauty drawing subtle glances from others in the café. Across from her sat Barbara Gordon, a seasoned nineteen-year-old with fiery red hair and a sharp wit. Known to some as Batgirl, Barbara carried herself with an air of curiosity and charm.

"It's a peaceful day again in Gotham; I hope we don't have trouble like other cities," Himawari remarked, her tone light and happy as she sipped her tea.

Barbara leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, you're lucky you weren't here when this place was a cesspool of crime. I still wonder how it happened—everything just became so... right. The criminals are terrified; they don't even dare step into Gotham anymore."

Himawari's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "I'm happy that way. I dislike ugly things," she said calmly, her tone betraying her meticulous nature.

Barbara chuckled, though she couldn't help but tease her friend. "I'm happy too, but you should probably get that fixed. Your obsessiveness with cleanliness can be really troublesome."

"I'm trying, so you don't have to worry," Himawari replied smoothly. Her voice was steady, betraying little emotion as she quickly changed the subject. "How are your classes going?"

Barbara shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. "Too easy. If some of them didn't require attendance, I'd probably skip and hang out with you more."

Himawari nodded, her expression attentive as she listened. She glanced around the café briefly, a habit ingrained in her by her overprotective father. "What about you? Have you found someone interesting yet?"

Barbara raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at her lips. "You mean romantically? Not really. What about you? You've never shown interest in anyone."

"No one," Himawari answered without hesitation. Her voice softened as she added, "I don't wish to make Father feel lonely, so I don't feel any desire to find someone."

Barbara's teasing smirk faded at the mention of Himawari's father. It was clear that the bond between father and daughter ran deep. "What about your relationship?" Himawari asked, redirecting the focus.

Barbara's expression darkened momentarily, her tone clipped. "It ended on a bad note. The asshole cheated on me... with some alien."

Himawari's eyes narrowed, her calm demeanor masking the flicker of anger she felt on behalf of her friend. "Relax and forget," she advised, her voice soothing. "You'll find someone better. Do you want to come by my place today?"

Barbara perked up, her mood instantly lifting. "Your place? Of course! I'd love to. Though I never thought I'd go to what used to be the worst part of Gotham. Now it's the cleanest and greenest part of the city. Your father spends a lot on the neighborhood—or is it because his little princess doesn't like to see dirt?" she teased.

Himawari's smile widened at the mention of her father. She leaned back in her chair, her pride evident. "Nothing like that. Father just likes to help."

Barbara chuckled, shaking her head. "You're lucky, you know that?"

Himawari's smile softened, her thoughts briefly drifting to her father. "Yes, I know."

As they finished their drinks and prepared to leave, the peaceful air of Gotham seemed almost too good to be true. But with Himawari Uzumaki and her father watching over the city, perhaps this peace was here to stay—for now.

In the serene yet intimidating silence of the Uzumaki Dojo, Amanda Waller stood at the entrance, her sharp eyes scanning the simple but disciplined setup. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the faint musk of sweat and wood. Sitting cross-legged in the center of the training hall was Naruto Uzumaki, the man who had been dubbed the strongest in the world, the Martial King. His golden hair, damp with sweat, clung to his forehead as he maintained his meditative posture, exuding an aura of calm that was both humbling and formidable.

Amanda crossed her arms, breaking the silence. "Uzumaki Naruto, the strongest man in the world and the Martial King. Having beaten the champions of countless disciplines, you've earned these titles and more. But for what reason? Was it truly just to advertise your dojo?"

Naruto opened his eyes slowly, his gaze steady and indifferent as it met hers. "How can I help you, Amanda?" he asked, his tone calm but distant.

Amanda smirked, unfazed by his lack of reaction. "No answer, I suppose. Only theories can be made about your motive. Personally, I believe it was to make your daughter proud, wasn't it? The apple of your eye, your little princess."

For the briefest moment, a flicker of emotion crossed Naruto's face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Amanda chuckled, stepping further into the dojo. "I've asked for your services many times, but you continue to decline. So, I've come with a simpler request—train my team. Two or three sessions a week. I'll pay you thrice the usual rate in advance for each month."

Naruto stood fluidly, his movements a testament to his unparalleled control and strength. Sweat glistened on his chest and forehead, but he didn't seem winded. "If it means ending your persistent attempts, I'll accept. Tell them my conditions: if they're injured or fail to follow the rules, it's their responsibility, not mine. I don't tolerate insubordination."

Amanda's smile widened. "They'll be like loyal puppies, so don't worry. I'll be happy if they learn even a fraction of what you know." She reached out and caught the small card he handed her. Written on it were the scheduled days for training and his contact information, a formality she respected despite already having all the details.

"It's good doing business with you," Amanda said as she turned to leave. She paused briefly at the door and glanced back. "And I hope your daughter always remains the happy princess you're so proud of."

Naruto's expression didn't change, but there was a faint glimmer in his eyes as she walked away. Once alone, he returned to his meditative pose, his focus unwavering.

Outside, Amanda settled into her car, her mind racing with thoughts about the enigmatic man she'd just encountered. How does someone like him exist? she wondered, gripping the steering wheel as she drove away.

She recalled the detailed dossier her team had compiled. Both of Naruto's parents had been farmers in a rural Japanese village. His early life had been unremarkable, marked only by his physical prowess. Yet, after the tragic loss of his wife, he had somehow transformed into a man of almost mythical strength and skill.

"Just what are you, Uzumaki Naruto?" Amanda muttered under her breath, a mix of curiosity and admiration lingering as she disappeared into the Gotham streets.

The Spiral Café was bustling with its usual warmth and charm. Nestled in the heart of the Uzumaki District—a name bestowed upon the area in honor of Naruto Uzumaki's contributions to Gotham—it stood as a beacon of serenity. The district itself, a once-dilapidated part of the city, had transformed into a vibrant, clean, and safe neighborhood thanks to Naruto's relentless efforts and generosity.

Among the regulars who frequented Spiral, there was one customer who had a story unlike any other: Nora Fields. A woman resurrected from a tragic past, Nora had been frozen in time due to a rare illness. Her miraculous revival three years prior during the "Day of Miracles" had been a second chance at life. Wayne Enterprises had offered her stability and a role within their vast empire, but it was Spiral Café where she found a peculiar sense of belonging.

From the moment she first stepped into the café a month ago, something had drawn her to its owner. Naruto Uzumaki. He was a man of contradictions: humble yet commanding, playful yet deeply thoughtful. His presence exuded warmth and safety, a feeling she vaguely remembered but couldn't quite place. Watching him work, especially on the days he chose to cook—simply because he enjoyed it—ignited a fluttering hope she hadn't dared to acknowledge before.

Seated at her usual table, Nora watched him prepare coffee, his movements smooth and precise. She sipped her tea, her thoughts racing.

How I would love to see him cook for me, just for me...

Why does this man attract me so?

Is it his smile, his looks, or his personality?

He has a daughter already. Would he ever accept me?

A resolve began to form in her heart. I almost died before. I shouldn't hesitate. Life is too short for fear. She stood from her seat, determination shining in her eyes, but the whispers around her began to gnaw at her confidence.

"Another woman charmed by Mr. Uzumaki."

"She's going to be shot down like the others."

"Yeah, she ain't special. Just a dainty little thing. Mr. Uzumaki needs a real woman, not a wallflower."

The cruel words stung, causing her steps to falter. Doubt threatened to paralyze her until she caught sight of Naruto's smile. It wasn't just any smile; it was gentle, reassuring, and unspokenly supportive. It gave her the strength to push past the negativity.

She approached the counter where he stood. "Excuse me," she said, her voice steady despite the pounding in her chest.

Naruto looked up from the espresso machine, his golden hair damp from the steam. His expression was calm and kind as he replied, "Yes, how may I help you?"

She drew a deep breath, knowing hesitation would only betray her courage. "I love you. Would you go out with me—with the intention of marriage?" she blurted out. Her words tumbled together, a mix of hope and fear.

Naruto blinked in mild surprise, his sharp senses having anticipated her intention but not her straightforwardness. The café grew quiet, all eyes on them. It wasn't the first time someone had confessed their feelings to him, and like before, he felt no spark of interest.

Still, he valued honesty and didn't wish to belittle her bravery. "I'm sorry," he said gently, his voice carrying neither judgment nor condescension. "I'm not interested in such relationships. But I would be happy to be your friend and help you in any way I can."

The weight of rejection settled over Nora, but it wasn't as crushing as she feared. His sincerity softened the blow, and his offer of friendship was genuine. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the lump in her throat. "Thank you for your honesty."

Naruto nodded in return, his expression unchanged. As she returned to her seat, the café's hum resumed, and while she felt the sting of disappointment, she also felt a strange sense of peace. She had tried, and that alone was a victory in her book.

Naruto continued his work, his calm demeanor unwavering, but he spared a brief glance at Nora. He respected her courage—it wasn't easy to bare one's heart, especially in a world so quick to judge. For a moment, his thoughts lingered on her words, but as always, his focus returned to the task at hand. His life was dedicated to his daughter and his responsibilities, leaving little room for anything—or anyone—else.