Naruto Multiverse

Chapter 68: Chapter 2



Gotham City had changed. Once a city synonymous with chaos and despair, it now bore the title of the safest city in the world. All of this was thanks to the enigmatic figure known only as the Guardian of Gotham. Their existence was shrouded in mystery—neither their identity, origin, nor even their gender was known. The only certainty was their unyielding protection of the city.

Three years ago, on the fateful Day of Miracles, Gotham had been purged of its corruption in a single, inexplicable event. The criminals, from petty thieves to the most insidious masterminds, had vanished as though the city itself had rejected them. The sick were healed, the broken mended, and hope, long extinguished, had returned. Since that day, any attempt to reintroduce crime into Gotham was met with swift, merciless retribution. Those who tried vanished without a trace, their punishment as absolute as it was mysterious.

For the citizens of Gotham, the Guardian was a savior, a symbol of hope, and a force that demanded reverence. But for others, especially those who once wore masks and fought from the shadows, the Guardian was an enigma that unsettled them. Bruce Wayne, the man behind the cowl of Batman, found himself grappling with the implications of such power.

In the tranquil garden of Naruto Uzumaki's dojo, Bruce Wayne sat cross-legged, his brow furrowed in frustration. His meditation, meant to clear his mind, had been overtaken by thoughts of the Guardian. The mysterious figure's actions, while undeniably effective, defied the principles Bruce had built his life around: justice through due process, not execution.

"This is madness," Bruce muttered, his fist striking the ground in a rare display of emotion.

Naruto, dressed in his white gi, approached with his usual calm demeanor. "What's troubling you, Bruce?"

Bruce looked up, startled out of his thoughts. Naruto's reputation as a martial arts master and healer had reached Bruce through Barbara Gordon and countless others. Curious, he had sought out Naruto's services, not just for training but also for a reprieve from his mounting frustration.

"Nothing," Bruce replied after a pause, his tone measured. "Just some personal matters that disturbed my meditation. Do you have any advice for curbing such distractions?"

Naruto gave a small smile, his serene presence almost infectious. "How about a massage? You seem tense. It might help clear your mind. Afterward, we can enjoy some green tea—good for the body and the mind."

Bruce hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "That would be wonderful. I appreciate your offer, even if this service is... costly."

Naruto chuckled softly as he guided Bruce toward the massage room, which lay beyond the garden. The path wound through a breathtaking display of flowers and fruit trees, with a serene pond at its center, small koi darting beneath its surface. The peaceful setting was a stark contrast to the Gotham Bruce once knew.

The massage room was no less inviting, filled with the soothing aroma of incense. Bruce lay down as instructed, allowing Naruto to work. The massage was both therapeutic and precise, as if Naruto understood exactly where the tension lay.

When it was over, Bruce sat up, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. "Thank you, Naruto. That was... better than I expected. You can count on seeing me next week."

Naruto smiled, shaking his hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Bruce. I respect all you've done for Gotham. Not many would use their wealth and influence so selflessly."

Bruce felt a rare warmth at the genuine praise. "Thank you. It means a lot coming from you. Have a good day, Naruto, and give my regards to your daughter."

As Bruce left the compound, his mind was clearer but still wrestling with the enigma of the Guardian. Meanwhile, Naruto watched him go, his expression unreadable, before returning to his tranquil routine.

 

Naruto Uzumaki stood in the quiet training hall, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel handed to him by his adopted daughter, Mea Uzumaki. At sixteen, Mea had blossomed into a capable young woman with her golden blonde hair and striking blue eyes, reminiscent of Naruto's own. Despite her cheerful demeanor, her eyes carried a fire born from her determination and the training she had undergone under Naruto's guidance.

"Thanks, Mea," Naruto said warmly as he took the towel, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable strength.

Mea lingered nearby, fidgeting slightly before speaking. "Father, can I fight crimes in other cities? We've been trained, but I don't understand the purpose if we're not allowed to do anything with it."

Naruto's expression shifted subtly, the warmth in his eyes hardening into a sharp, assessing gaze. "Why do you want to fight? Is there a purpose for you to risk your life for these people? Or is it for fun?"

The sudden change in his tone and demeanor froze Mea in place. The kindness she adored in her father had vanished, replaced by the cold and disciplined aura that few dared to challenge. She felt a chill run down her spine, recalling the one time she had stumbled into his private space without permission. The lifelessness in his eyes that day had been haunting—a stark contrast to the loving father she knew.

"I... I just want to help," Mea muttered, struggling to maintain her composure. Her training kicked in, pushing her to keep fear from showing on her face. "But if you don't like it, I won't ask again."

Naruto's sharp gaze lingered for a moment before softening. The edges of his stern expression melted away, and the kindness returned to his eyes. He pulled Mea into a warm hug, his tone gentle again. "Good. No hero business. I don't want you to get hurt, Mea. Enjoy this life and live it normally."

Mea relaxed in his embrace, the tension and fear dissipating as quickly as they had come. She loved these moments—being held by her father, feeling the strength and security he always exuded. For her, it was the safest place in the world.

"I won't do it," Mea said softly, letting her head rest against his chest. In her heart, she knew there was no defying him. His words were law, and she had no desire to challenge them.

Naruto smiled, patting her head with a tenderness that contrasted with his earlier strictness. "Good girl. Father loves you a lot, and I don't ever want to hear you say that you'll risk your life. Not for anyone, not for anything."

Mea nodded, her resolve firm. "I won't, Father. I promise."

For Naruto, her promise was all he needed. Protecting Mea, ensuring her happiness and safety, was his priority above all else. Whatever battles he fought in the shadows, whatever burdens he bore, they were his alone to carry.

 

 

The Uzumaki household buzzed with life as Himawari Uzumaki, the spirited daughter of Naruto, burst through the front door with an excited call. "Daddy, I'm home!" she announced, her voice echoing through the modern yet cozy house. Following closely behind was Barbara Gordon, her friend, who looked around with astonishment at the once notorious neighborhood. Now, it was a vibrant community brimming with charm, thanks to Naruto's influence.

The sleek black car that brought them parked neatly outside as the girls made their way inside. Barbara couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Himawari's calm demeanor at school and the joyful whirlwind she had become upon arriving home.

'She's like a completely different person,' Barbara thought with amusement, watching Himawari dash through the house like a child reunited with her favorite toy.

Naruto, dressed casually but exuding his usual composed aura, caught Himawari mid-leap as she flung herself into his arms. His affectionate smile softened the already warm atmosphere of the home.

"Calm down, princess," Naruto said, hugging her tightly. "Daddy isn't going anywhere. Besides, you brought a friend with you today."

Himawari looked up at him with a pout. "Daddy, I heard the female customers are increasing again—and getting bolder. Can you work less at that place? Those filthy things might corrupt your eyes." Her tone carried a possessive edge, though it was masked by her endearing pout.

Naruto chuckled, unfazed by her words. "As you wish, my princess. If it makes you unhappy, I'll cut back my hours."

Barbara, standing a little ways behind, observed the exchange with raised eyebrows. 'That's… intense,' she thought. Himawari's tone wasn't just protective—it bordered on possessive. And Naruto, ever the doting father, seemed to accommodate her every whim.

"Hello, Mr. Uzumaki," Barbara greeted politely, breaking the moment. She had spoken to him briefly before, but this was her first time meeting him in person. The warmth he exuded was disarming, but she couldn't shake the sense of underlying strength in his presence.

"Good to see you, Barbara," Naruto replied with a calm smile. "I hope Himawari hasn't been any trouble."

"Oh, no," Barbara replied quickly, though her thoughts drifted to the intensity she'd just witnessed. 'An overprotective father and daughter duo,' she mused. 'This family is something else.'

Before the conversation could continue, a woman dressed in a maid's uniform appeared in the doorway, her black hair neatly styled and her green eyes serene. "Master, the food is ready," she announced in a formal tone.

"Thank you, Jaina. We'll be there shortly," Naruto said, his voice as calm and commanding as ever.

Jaina bowed slightly before retreating, leaving Naruto to guide Himawari and Barbara upstairs. On the way, they encountered Cassandra, a poised young woman with dark hair and piercing brown eyes.

"Hello, little sister," Cassandra greeted Himawari warmly. "I hope you had a great day."

"It was boring as usual. What about you?" Himawari replied, giving her a quick hug.

"Fulfilling," Cassandra said with a small smile. "I helped Father at the shop and trained the disciples. What more could I want?"

Himawari groaned dramatically. "So jealous. Daddy should just let me work with him. It's not like I need to attend university."

Cassandra chuckled softly, stepping aside to let them pass. Barbara, trailing behind, couldn't help but notice the strong bond between the family members, though it was clear there were unspoken hierarchies and rules.

Upstairs, Himawari led Barbara to her room, a space filled with vibrant paintings, girlish decorations, and a prominent poster of Naruto receiving an MMA award. It was a blend of childhood innocence and admiration for her father.

"Let's take a quick shower and head down," Himawari said, already shedding her school uniform.

"Do we really need to?" Barbara asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Himawari replied firmly. Without waiting for a response, she began undressing Barbara as well, her no-nonsense attitude leaving no room for argument.

Downstairs, Naruto sat with Cassandra and Mea, flipping through a finance book. Cassandra, ever observant, broke the silence. "Father, Hima seems to be playing hero in Metropolis. Are you going to address it?"

Naruto's calm demeanor didn't waver. "I'm always watching. She's cautious, and that's enough for me."

Cassandra nodded, though her sharp eyes turned to Mea, who sat quietly, biting her lip. The disparity in Naruto's treatment of his daughters wasn't lost on her.

"Mea," Naruto said gently, looking up from his book. "If you wish to join her, talk to Hima. She'll decide if you're ready."

Mea's head shot up, her eyes wide and teary. "Really?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Naruto's smile was soft but firm. "Really. But only if Hima agrees."

Cassandra watched the exchange thoughtfully. 'Father's boundaries are clear. But the way he loves them… it's a tightrope walk, and Hima holds the balance.'


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