The King Of Fighters

On the rooftop of King's bar, the gang had gathered, their usual casual demeanor on display. It wasn't the first time they'd been forced to accept a new leader, so they had grown accustomed to the constant shifting of power. But even for a seasoned crew like theirs, the unknown of their new boss still loomed, and they waited with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Rolento, ever the tactician, leaned back against the railing, his eyes scanning the city below. His sharp mind rarely missed a detail, and he was always calculating, always thinking several steps ahead. Unlike the others, he wasn't blinded by the thrill of combat or the rush of violence. To him, power wasn't just about brute force; it was about control, influence, and understanding how to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

"Poison, do you really think it will work? You spent the night with him, so what's the verdict?" Rolento asked, his tone calm yet filled with underlying curiosity. It wasn't just about trust anymore; he wanted to know exactly what kind of man they were dealing with. Knowing Naruto's weaknesses, quirks, and mindset would be invaluable as they moved forward. If anything, Rolento understood the value of information—knowledge was a weapon just as sharp as any blade.

Poison, still sitting on the edge of the rooftop, took a long drag from her cigarette before slowly exhaling, her gaze distant as she stared out at the sprawling city. "He's a virgin, cares a lot about feelings and chastity," she began, her voice low and steady, "So you guys better avoid talking about those topics if you don't want to get thrown aside." She paused for a moment, remembering the brief but intense interaction. "He's very perceptive. Even when he sleeps, his danger level doesn't go down. I thought of trying to kill him in his sleep, and the moment I even considered it, the danger radiating off him spiked so much that my legs gave out."

She paused again, a small smirk forming as she threw her cigarette down to the ground, crushing it under her heel. "Just remember, he might look careless, but he's a monster in human flesh. We haven't seen him fight yet, but I've never felt a threat like that before. We might think we're tough, but he's on a different level."

The gang listened attentively. They weren't surprised by her assessment. Poison had almost certainly tested Naruto's limits in their previous encounters, and the fact that she had survived, let alone spoken so candidly about him, spoke volumes. Naruto's reputation as a survivor of countless brutal fights and his intense training under Jiraiya had molded him into someone capable of defending himself even when unconscious, a skill that made him far more dangerous than most could ever anticipate.

Rolento, ever practical, nodded thoughtfully, taking in the information with the seriousness it warranted. "Understood," he said, his voice steady. "We'll focus on legal operations for now." His tone was one of quiet resolve. Though the temptation to indulge in the more chaotic and fun aspects of their lifestyle was strong, the reality of their new leader's potential power was enough to make him cautious. It was clear that this was a man they could not afford to underestimate.

The others began to murmur in agreement, some more enthusiastic than others. "Most likely," Poison continued, "but we can slip in some underhanded things here and there. He doesn't seem to care much about stealing, as long as it doesn't harm people." Her eyes twinkled mischievously, already formulating plans in her mind. Despite the tense atmosphere, the idea of running a business—albeit a shady one—seemed to spark something in her. She chuckled, turning to face the others. "I was thinking we could slip in some machines, start a legal business, you know? It's slower than just stealing it outright, but maybe it could be fun. Mad Gear and co. Hahaha."

However, the laughter she expected didn't come. Instead, the silence stretched on a moment too long, and Poison's sharp instincts told her something was off. She glanced around, only to realize that someone had silently approached her, standing right behind her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned slowly to face the figure.

There, standing with a calm yet dangerous presence, was Naruto.

The gang froze. The tension in the air thickened, as they realized that Naruto had overheard the conversation. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard everything?

Poison, with a mix of surprise and curiosity, met Naruto's gaze. His expression was unreadable, his usual carefree attitude replaced by an intensity that matched the weight of the situation. "So," Naruto said, his voice casual yet tinged with a hint of amusement, "what were you all talking about? Mad Gear? Starting a legal business?"

For a moment, the group was silent, unsure of how to react. Then Rolento, with his usual calm demeanor, was the first to speak. "Just discussing plans," he said smoothly, his eyes locked on Naruto's, calculating. "Nothing more."

Naruto's lips curled into a smirk. "Good," he said, his voice light, though his eyes showed that he wasn't entirely fooled. "I'm all for making money, as long as no one gets hurt."

He turned and leaned against the edge of the roof, his back to the group, as if to give them a moment to adjust. "But don't think I won't be watching. I'm not like your previous bosses."

The silence that followed was thick with the weight of his words. The gang knew that this new leader would be different—dangerous, but perhaps the one they needed if they wanted to succeed in this chaotic world.

Naruto's words hung in the air as he spoke passionately about his goals. His eyes gleamed with determination as he landed on the rooftop, his jump from the telephone pole effortless, like he had done it a thousand times before. His smile was wide and full of energy, a stark contrast to the gravity of what he had just shared.

"I think that's a good idea," he continued, his voice light yet firm, "but let's earn the money through a tournament or battle instead. We are all fighters, so let's use our birthright to earn our stay." His words were a challenge to the gang, inviting them to test their skills and prove themselves. It wasn't just about power—it was about earning respect through battle.

Roxy, standing close by, couldn't help but smile back. She had changed her outfit since their last meeting. Gone were the short denim pants, replaced with orange shorts that came down to her knees. Her black top, leaving her belly button exposed, showed off the rose tattoo she had on her stomach, its thorns curling around the edge. She was confident, her gaze never wavering as she looked at Naruto with curiosity.

"Boss," she asked with a playful tone, "what is your goal? If we know it, we can do better than just sitting around waiting for your commands." She genuinely wanted to understand him, not just as their boss, but as someone who could lead them to something greater. She had always been a fighter, but now she was beginning to see a bigger picture—one that could involve wealth, power, and influence. If they could follow him and align with his ambitions, there was a chance to be part of something much larger than their own lives.

Naruto's smile widened even more as he answered. "My goal is to become the strongest and learn dimensional travel. I intend to take down people like Akuma and force them to give me the answers. That is my top goal," he said, his voice filled with excitement. The ambition in his tone was clear, the desire to transcend boundaries, to fight the greatest threats, and to unlock the mysteries that lay beyond this world. "But on the other hand," he continued, "I also want to learn leadership skills and lead our group to become successful in this world, since my future is to be the leader of my people."

He took a breath, and his expression became even more resolute. "I am the son of the Uzumaki clan, the son of the Fourth Lord of Konoha, and the future Sixth Lord of Konoha."

The weight of his words settled into the air. Konoha. The name meant so much to him. The village that had shaped his identity, the place where he had once been a mere orphan, and now, it was a symbol of his future. Naruto wasn't just a boy dreaming of being Hokage anymore; he had a vision, a strategy. He had the strength and the will to see it through.

He looked at them, his gaze unwavering, his words sharp and full of purpose. "As for what Konoha is... it's a ninja village," he explained. "What do you guys think? This path is going to be fun and difficult, filled with danger and opportunities."

There was a pause as his words sunk in. The gang, who had been used to chaotic lives and constant struggle, could sense the weight of Naruto's vision. They weren't just following a boss—they were being led by someone with a mission, someone who understood that power was more than just strength. It was about vision, about leadership, and about making decisions that would change the world.

Roxy looked at him, her playful demeanor now shifted to one of admiration. She had always followed strong leaders, but Naruto was different. There was something about him—something raw and untapped—that made her believe in his dream. Maybe it was the fire in his eyes or the way he carried himself, but she felt like this path could lead to something extraordinary.

Meanwhile, Poison, who had been observing from the shadows, noticed the change in the air. There was no denying it—Naruto wasn't just a fighter; he was a force. The kind of person who could lead them to heights they had never even considered. She had started out with her usual approach, seeing him as another mark to manipulate. But now? She wasn't so sure. She was intrigued.

Naruto continued, his tone turning more reflective as he spoke about the history of Konoha. "Peace and order couldn't be attained by a single man," he said, his voice low but steady. "The path Jiraiya walked was limited. I see that now. A single man, no matter how strong, cannot bring true peace. It takes something more, something bigger."

He paused, as if reflecting on the weight of history itself. "Hashirama and Madara had the chance to bring peace to the world, but they chose selfishness and narrow-mindedness. Madara gave into hate once Hashirama sided with the people, and Hashirama... he gave up a once-in-a-lifetime chance for peace because he didn't want to cause death. He chose the path of non-violence, and in the end, it led to his death."

Naruto's eyes grew more intense as he spoke about the two men who had shaped the history of Konoha. "Hashirama could have controlled the power to create a utopia, but he didn't. Madara, on the other hand, would have caused unnecessary destruction just to prove his dominance. That's the difference. Together, they could have changed the world. But now, it's up to me."

The gang could sense that Naruto wasn't just speaking about the past—he was laying the groundwork for his future. This wasn't just about becoming the strongest. It was about building something that would last, something that would transcend the mistakes of the past. Naruto's ambition was no longer just to be Hokage for the sake of recognition. Now, it was about using that power to reshape the world in his own image.

They all stood in silence for a moment, each one reflecting on what Naruto had just shared. The world he was describing wasn't one they had ever thought about—at least not in such grand terms. But now, with Naruto at the helm, they could see that the road ahead would be full of challenges, yes, but also limitless possibilities. This was no longer just about survival. It was about conquering everything in their path and reshaping the world as they saw fit.

And for the first time, they were excited to follow someone with such a bold vision.

Naruto's thoughts were heavy with the weight of the lessons he had learned. He had studied the histories of the Sage of Six Paths and his sons, understanding how peace, even when achieved, could unravel when not accompanied by the strength to preserve it. The Sage's world had faltered because he had failed to create a lasting force—his sons, like Hashirama and Madara, were ultimately torn by opposing ideologies, both with the potential to maintain peace but unable to do so because of their deeply rooted differences. The older brother had been defeated, and the younger brother, unable to kill him, had allowed a war to ignite. The conflict that followed was an unavoidable result of their inability to resolve their struggles through stronger leadership.

This lesson stung particularly because it mirrored the very problems that Naruto was determined to avoid in his own life. The paths of destruction that had come from this failed peace were something he would not allow for the world he sought to build. His reflection on the history of the Sage and his sons felt all too relevant, especially in the light of his ongoing concerns with Sasuke. Jiraiya had warned him about these patterns, making him understand that Sasuke—like the sons of the Sage—was on a potentially destructive path. The same could be said for Naruto's own past, where he had grown up shunned by his village and almost slipped into the shadows of darkness.

Jiraiya had taught him that kindness was essential, but that there was a limit. You could not afford to be too soft in the face of betrayal and evil; sometimes, you had to show a strength that would maintain the confidence of your people. It was this very philosophy that Naruto would carry into his leadership—strength that ensured peace could endure.

"Will you kill Sasuke if there is no choice left?" Jiraiya's words echoed in Naruto's mind as he continued to reflect. It was the final lesson, one that Jiraiya had imparted on him with the weight of his own painful regrets. The man had lived with the regret of not killing Orochimaru when he had the chance, and now, he bore the burden of the snake's destruction on his conscience.

Naruto's conclusion, after hours of meditation, was clear. If Sasuke fell too far into darkness and there was no other choice, he would do what was necessary. He would kill him. The words hurt as they formed in his mind, but he understood their necessity. Jiraiya's pain had become his own—he would not allow himself to be trapped in that same cycle of regret. He had to be strong, even if it meant making the hardest decisions.

His thoughts turned to the people he cared for, the bonds that kept him tethered to the world. His life was no longer just his own. He had friends, family, and people who relied on him. It was a responsibility that he could not take lightly. His empathic ability, which had been amplified by Kurama, allowed him to connect with others on a level he had never imagined. He felt their pain, their joy, their sorrow, and it made him more resolute in his goal. This was the power of understanding, and it was what kept him grounded in his mission.

Naruto thought back to his experiences with Gaara and Sasuke—he had connected with them, felt their darkness, their despair. He had shared his pain with them, and in doing so, helped them find their way. But not everyone could be saved. Some were too far gone, and it was a hard truth that Naruto had come to accept. He would not allow the darkness of others to overshadow the light that he sought to bring into the world.

"I will walk the path that my father, my father figure, and the others before me walked," Naruto said to himself, his voice quiet but firm. The journey would be difficult, but it was his responsibility to complete it. Peace could only be achieved by understanding the dangers of complacency. By embracing the truth of the past and the lessons it held, Naruto would forge a future where those he loved and the world he envisioned could thrive.

His steps were now sure and unwavering, filled with a confidence that had not been there before. He had accepted the weight of his mission, knowing full well the sacrifices it would require. No matter how difficult the journey became, no matter how much pain it caused, he had promised himself that he would see it through. He would complete the dream—for the sake of those who came before him and those who would follow.

Unlike those who had walked this path alone, Naruto would have his friends and family by his side. Together, they would face the trials ahead, and together, they would build a future that no one could tear down. The road was long, the challenges many, but with their support, Naruto knew he would not waver. This was his destiny—one he would fulfill with strength, wisdom, and the unshakable bonds he had forged along the way.

As Naruto's words settled in, the atmosphere on the roof shifted. The gang, accustomed to seeing leaders who hid behind facades or who spoke cryptically, found themselves struck by the straightforward nature of their new boss. They had met many ninja in the past, from the likes of Guy and Ibuki to others of lesser renown, but none had exuded the same level of confidence, raw power, and public presence that Naruto did.

Naruto's demeanor was unlike any ninja they had encountered. The others were secretive, working in the shadows, operating with caution and subtlety. But Naruto was different. He was out in the open, fighting for the world to see. He was a ninja, yes, but he made no effort to hide it, and his strength was as much about his actions as it was about his words. His desire to walk in the light rather than linger in the shadows caught their attention.

The realization dawned on Poison and Roxy simultaneously. 'This is much better than we thought,' they thought. They had underestimated him, assuming he was another hidden figure like Ryu, someone who played by the rules of secrecy and isolation. But Naruto was proving to be far more than that—he was a force, and at only sixteen years old, no known fighter in the world could rival his potential.

"Boss, will you take care of us? How are you going to treat your servants?" Poison asked the most pressing question, the one that hung in the air like an unspoken truth. They needed to know where they stood with him. Would they be pawns, expendable and easily discarded, or would he value them as his trusted companions?

Naruto looked at her with an unwavering gaze, his voice steady and resolute. "If you follow me properly, I will treat you like family. If someone beats you up, I will beat them up. If you are suffering, I will help you overcome it. I will not let you suffer, and I will give you the rewards you deserve. But if you break my rules, then you will get the punishment you deserve."

For the first time since meeting him, Naruto released his killing intent. The sheer weight of it crashed down on them with an intensity that was almost suffocating. The air grew thick, heavy, as if the very presence of his intent could crush their spirits. Poison and Roxy felt their hearts race, their bodies instinctively recoiling under the pressure. The ground cracked beneath them as Naruto's chakra seeped into the atmosphere, leaving a lingering aura of death.

The impact of his presence was overwhelming. If they were normal humans, their hearts might have burst under the strain, and the roof might have collapsed from the sheer force. The sensation was far worse than anything they had ever experienced, more suffocating than even Akuma's presence. For a moment, it felt like the entire world had come to a standstill, with only Naruto's overwhelming power dominating everything around them.

"Understood, Boss," Poison managed to say, her voice quiet, tinged with both fear and respect. She had no desire to experience that intensity again. It was a reminder of just how much power Naruto truly possessed.

'And here I thought he was a saint or something, but he was just a demon turned saint,' she thought to herself, shaken yet even more drawn to his strength and leadership.

Naruto smiled, his expression softening. "Don't worry, I will never show it to you again," he reassured them, his tone gentle. In an instant, he was between them, pulling both girls into a quick, comforting embrace. It was a stark contrast to the intense display of power he had just shown. The gesture felt almost casual, a way of demonstrating that despite the authority he commanded, he was still someone who could connect with them.

"Now, spread out and gather information about tournaments or fights for me," Naruto instructed, his tone firm yet inviting. "If you have any other plans, or if you know people who we can recruit, let me know. We'll see what to do with them. I'm going to work on making your wrestling band interesting and famous. Abi and Hugo will follow me. The rest of you can go now and meet back here when I call you or at 5 P.M. sharp."

He planted a kiss on each of their cheeks as a final gesture, and with a smile, let them go. The gang was taken aback by the sudden warmth of his actions—no one had expected Naruto to be so smooth, so touchy-feely. But it was clear now: Naruto wasn't just giving them orders; he was offering them a chance to become closer, to be part of something bigger. And it was up to them whether they would seize that opportunity or let it slip away.

"Yes, Boss!" Roxy shouted enthusiastically, her voice ringing with newfound energy. The rest of the gang followed suit, quickly jumping off the roof and disappearing into the city below. They were eager to prove themselves, to show Naruto they were capable of delivering results.

Naruto turned to Abi and Hugo, his gaze shifting to their gym. "Okay, let's go to your gym," he said, already thinking about the next steps in their plan. "I heard you guys have a place where you train and even hold matches. It's a shame about the bad history, but that's not a problem for us. Criminal history might have been bad for business, but I think we can turn it around."

With that, the group moved out, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they left, Naruto's mind was already turning with ideas. He had a plan, and he wasn't about to let anything stand in the way of achieving his goals. With his gang behind him, and his confidence surging, the path ahead seemed clearer than ever.