Naruto Multiverse

Chapter 74: Chapter 8



On a cool evening in Metropolis, the skyline stretched across the horizon, the city lights casting a soft glow. Kara and Himawari sat on the edge of a building, the sound of distant traffic and occasional sirens barely reaching them in the quiet moment. Kara had expressed her gratitude for Phoenix's help, her voice carrying the weight of the situation they had just been through.

"Thank you for the help, Phoenix," Kara said, her tone sincere. She turned to Himawari, who had been instrumental in the battle, and bowed her head slightly. "I apologize that you had to be dragged into a problem created by us."

Himawari's expression was one of calm happiness. "No problem," she replied brightly, waving off the concern. "They were going to harm the world, so it was my duty to help. It's not like your friends did any damage on purpose, so there's nothing to blame."

Kara felt a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the chaos they had just experienced, there was no animosity or resentment in the air. Himawari's words were reassuring, and the warmth of their shared moment gave Kara a sense of calm.

"Even then, I consider it a favor. As such, please give me an opportunity to repay it," Kara said, her voice quieter now, as if she didn't want to break the peaceful atmosphere.

Himawari gave a soft chuckle in response, her eyes scanning the cityscape. She could feel the tension in the air around Kara, but her mind was elsewhere, processing multiple thoughts at once. There was no hint of any burden in her voice as she replied, "If I think of one, then I will inform you." Her gaze drifted to the distance as her attention shifted, her mind working on several things simultaneously.

Kara, who had been quietly observing her, could sense the peace in Himawari's words, but at the same time, a slight unease stirred within her. She noticed Himawari's gaze, following it as her thoughts lingered on her father, Naruto.

As Himawari's eyes were fixed in another direction, Kara's mind began to wander, unsure whether it was the residual effect of the powers Phoenix wielded or something else entirely. 'Seriously, is it her powers, or am I in love?' she thought, momentarily lost in her feelings. 'I'm sure it has to be her powers. There's no way my preferences changed this much.' Kara shook her head to dismiss the thoughts, realizing how odd they felt in that moment. Still, a strange warmth began to bloom in her chest, and she found herself enjoying the time spent with Himawari more than she could explain.

Himawari's attention had shifted again, her focus on her father. With a slight smile, she let out a soft "Hmm," as she continued to observe Naruto through her control over space, effortlessly multitasking. Her mind was constantly moving, and there was no effort involved in balancing all the things she was keeping track of.

As she watched Naruto, a thought crossed her mind, and her expression became more thoughtful. 'Daddy, I really wish you wouldn't hang out with women sometimes. Can't Daddy find only guy friends?' she mused silently. She had a clear view of her father training the Suicide Squad. Her thoughts were wrapped up in a quiet concern, feeling a possessiveness toward her father's relationships with others, especially when it came to the women who seemed to surround him. Even now, her mind couldn't help but focus on the worry that he might grow too close to someone else, someone who wasn't her.

Her thoughts swirled together, uncertain whether her feelings were born from concern or something deeper. Her father was her constant, the center of her universe, and while she knew he had his own life, she still couldn't help but want him all to herself. She shook the thought from her head, returning her focus to the present moment.

Kara, watching her closely, couldn't help but smile softly at Himawari's quiet contemplation, sensing the girl's loyalty and protective nature. There was a lot going on behind her calm exterior, and Kara admired the depth of thought that went into every action she took.

As they sat there, their conversations and thoughts flowing freely, the city continued to bustle below them, unaware of the silent promise that was forming between them—a connection that was only just beginning.

 

 

The training room was dimly lit, with the sounds of the ongoing battle echoing through the spacious area. The air was thick with the tension of the fight, and the harshness of the training was evident in Harley's battered form. Her body ached from the relentless beatings she had taken, her movements sluggish and stiff. She had been pushed to her limits by Naruto, a man whose strength seemed limitless, and yet, she couldn't help but feel a strange admiration for him.

Naruto stood before her, his gaze unwavering and calm, the picture of composure despite the brutal training session. He was no stranger to pushing his students hard, but there was something different about Harley. He saw a spark in her, a potential that needed to be nurtured, even if she didn't yet realize it herself.

"You're doing well, Harley, don't give up," Naruto said gently, his tone soothing yet firm, as he observed the collapsed girl before him. His words were sincere, though Harley's body was bruised and battered from the repeated attacks.

Harley's mind raced, her thoughts muddled with pain and frustration. 'What a monster?' she thought, her eyes narrowing as she glared up at him, resentment and admiration mixed together in equal measure. 'Is he even human? He's not even a bit fatigued from fighting us all. He must have super stamina and strength.'

As the realization settled in, Harley couldn't help but feel a deep respect for Naruto's unyielding nature. But at the same time, there was a burning desire to prove herself worthy of his attention. 'But damn, do I love to be around him. Why does he have to be so harsh? I would love it if he were more frivolous.' Her mind flickered with thoughts of what it might be like if he were gentler, if he treated her the way she wanted. Still, her body responded to him in a way she couldn't deny. The man had a power over her that she both hated and craved.

Determined to push through the pain, Harley struggled to her feet, shaking off the feeling of weakness. With a renewed sense of purpose, she took a fighting stance, her focus sharpening. 'I definitely have a chance. He did give me the knowledge and trains me personally. I just need to get in there and give it everything I've got.'

Harley dashed toward him with all her might, her fist aimed directly at his chest, hoping to land a blow that would make him take her seriously. However, Naruto was calm and collected as ever. He deflected her punch effortlessly, almost as though he had anticipated it. But Harley, in an unexpected move, didn't follow up with another attack. Instead, she threw herself at him, crashing into him with the intent of knocking him off balance.

Naruto was taken by surprise as Harley's arms wrapped around him, pulling him into an embrace. For a moment, the air between them was thick with tension, the fight momentarily forgotten as Harley tried to push him down. But it was a futile effort. Naruto's strength was undeniable, and the sheer power in his body kept him steady, unable to be swayed by her attempts.

"You can rest now," Naruto whispered softly in her ear, his voice a soothing balm to her aching body. His words, calm and gentle, seemed to carry a weight far beyond their simplicity. Harley's body, already worn from the intense training, finally gave way as her muscles relaxed, and she collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.

"That was unfair, you blonde hunk," Harley muttered, her voice a mix of frustration and affection. She couldn't deny that she had lost, but part of her was oddly content with the outcome. She knew that his aura had played a significant part in her defeat, pushing her past her limits and making her feel both helpless and energized at the same time.

Naruto didn't look back at her as he made his way toward the shower room. His voice rang out over his shoulder as he spoke to Harley. "Get better, and I may reward you with something nice."

Harley's heart skipped a beat at his words, her mind swirling with the possibilities. But she knew deep down that the reward wouldn't be what she expected. It wouldn't be the kind of reward she had initially hoped for, the kind that would cater to her desires. Instead, it would be something more practical, something she might need more than anything else—growth, progress, and a chance to prove herself.

'Damn, I lost the opportunity again,' Harley thought, her eyes lingering on the shower with longing. 'I'm such a perverted girl, and I know it. But this… this is definitely a first.'

Despite the exhaustion, a part of her couldn't help but feel excited for the next training session, eager to push herself harder and gain Naruto's approval. The complicated mix of admiration, frustration, and desire swirled within her, keeping her on edge.

 

 

As Naruto stood under the cleansing water, its warm embrace washing away the exhaustion of the day, he allowed his mind to wander. The sound of the water splashing against the tiled floor and the soft hum of the natural energy infused in it created an almost tranquil atmosphere. Every drop seemed to work its way into his muscles, healing and strengthening his body in a way that only the unique properties of his domain could provide. The water, charged with his chakra, nurtured his being as it always had, bringing balance to him in ways that were beyond the ordinary.

He paused for a moment as he let the water cascade down his body, feeling the warmth seep into his bones. There was a strange sense of peace that filled him today—something he hadn't felt in a long time. It wasn't just physical comfort; it was a deeper, more emotional satisfaction, almost as if everything was aligning just the way it was supposed to. But there was also a lingering question that he couldn't quite shake.

'I'm starting to question if I'm human,' Naruto thought, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the complex thoughts that filled his mind. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt desire, not in the way others did. There had been moments of attraction in the past, but since coming to this new world, those feelings had faded into the background. 'I haven't felt any desire since I've come to this world. Am I just not interested in other species? But they look the same, so it shouldn't be... What could be the problem?'

His mind drifted toward the people around him—the women who had always been close, supportive, and loving. He thought about Hinata, and how, despite everything, she had always been a constant source of warmth and affection in his life. He also thought about Himawari, his daughter, who had always been there with her smiles, her questions, and her caring nature. They were his family, and their happiness meant the world to him. But lately, he couldn't help but feel a shift—a sense of detachment from those emotions that once felt so natural.

'I felt extra comfortable today, I wonder why,' he mused, the thought lingering in his mind.

He called out to Kurama, his ever-present companion, the one being who had been with him through thick and thin, even when the world around them had crumbled.

'Kurama, do you know why I feel this way?' Naruto asked.

The voice of the Nine-Tails boomed in his mind, steady and wise. 'It must be because your Yin-Yang has balanced so you don't need any such desire. The Yang desires the Yin, but since you have a balanced Yin-Yang, there is nothing to desire.'

Naruto paused as he processed Kurama's words. It made a strange kind of sense. For so long, he had been torn between the responsibilities of his life and his desires, whether for companionship or for something deeper. But now, with his Yin and Yang in harmony, there was no inner conflict. He was at peace.

'Is that so?' Naruto thought aloud, feeling a sense of clarity that had eluded him for so long.

Kurama's response was calm and reflective. 'Makes sense. So I have to do this myself or I would never actually feel it.'

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly as he thought about his family. 'Hinata would be sad if I didn't find a partner. And even Himawari would want me to be happy, so I should probably accept some woman.'

As soon as the words left his mind, he felt a pang of uncertainty. He wasn't sure if he was ready to entertain such thoughts, given the state of his emotions and responsibilities. Yet, there was something undeniable about the desire for connection, for companionship.

'I think you should wait more and definitely ask Himawari before doing it,' Kurama advised wisely, giving Naruto time to think.

Naruto chuckled softly, the sound filled with warmth. 'Obviously, why would I accept any woman that Hima doesn't like?' he thought, almost as though he were questioning the obvious.

Kurama, for once, seemed to falter in his usual confident manner. 'My bad. I seem to have said something obvious,' he admitted, as though realizing just how deeply his partner's protective instincts ran.

Naruto smiled gently to himself. The balance of his Yin and Yang had brought him peace, but it also left him contemplating his place in the world. Maybe there was more to discover about his desires and his future, but he knew one thing for certain: he would move forward, not just for himself, but for the ones he loved.

With that thought, Naruto turned off the shower, the water still warm against his skin, and he stepped out, ready to face whatever came next.


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