The King Of Fighters

Chapter 14: Chapter 14



As Naruto and the two giants stepped into the gym and surveyed the surroundings, the sense of potential was clear. The place had been well-maintained, with decent equipment and a clean environment. It was evident that a lot of money had gone into building the gym and the underground arena next door. Yet, despite these positives, the gym had been unable to attract a steady flow of customers or fighters. The past reputation of Mad Gear, with its notorious and violent history, cast a long shadow over their efforts. Even the core members were infamous, while the rest were largely forgotten unless they were involved in a memorable confrontation.

Naruto, confident as ever, sat down in the office and motioned for Abi and Hugo to stand before him. He could sense their tension but also their cautious hope. They had heard about his background and saw the potential in him, much like Poison had, but now they wanted to know what he would do for them.

"Okay, explain the situation," Naruto said, his voice casual but firm. He looked at Abi and Hugo, expecting clarity.

Abi glanced at Hugo, unsure of what to expect. They were still processing Naruto's earlier display of power and his confidence. But after hearing about his background and seeing his potential, they were ready for answers.

"Well," Abi began, looking slightly embarrassed, "as you can see, people don't like us. The gym's mostly empty, and the matches aren't drawing a crowd. It's been tough. We don't have much going for us aside from the core members' reputation, and we haven't been able to invite other fighters to keep the matches interesting."

Naruto leaned back in his seat, listening intently. "Have you tried making people like you?" he asked, his voice casual yet probing.

Abi blinked, momentarily stumped by such a simple question. He thought back to their past methods—beating people, breaking things, threatening and intimidating others. It had all been about violence, not connection.

"Ah, I didn't think of that," Abi replied with a nervous chuckle. The realization hit him hard—he and his crew had been so accustomed to acting as bullies that they'd forgotten how to build relationships through decency and kindness.

Naruto's approach was radically different, and it was clear he had a better understanding of what they were missing. "Okay, I get your problems now. Here's what we'll do: we're going to remake your image. We're the good guys now. People need to see us as the ones they can trust. Sure, you guys come with a negative reputation, but mine is building up. People will take interest in us once they hear about me."

He stood up and started pacing, his confidence unwavering. "We'll help people when we can. We'll hold matches that are worth attending. We'll get people talking, and when they see that we're making a difference, they'll want to join in. As for the gym, you can't just rely on your own strength. We need to bring in teachers. You guys are strong, but teaching is a skill that takes time to learn. If you want to become good teachers, take a student and start from there."

Abi listened intently, nodding. But one concern still lingered. "But Boss, how are we going to get other fighters? Will they really come to you? Are you going to fight yourself?"

Naruto's grin widened, and he answered with a confident tone, "They'll come, but we don't need them. I'll create fighters for you to fight."

With a snap of his fingers, a clone appeared—shaped exactly like Kakashi, his former teacher. Abi and Hugo stared in awe as the clone materialized before them, the very air crackling with its presence. The clone was indistinguishable from a real person, moving and standing as if it were alive.

Hugo, always more reserved, reached out and poked the clone's chest. "It's real," he whispered in disbelief.

Abi, his eyes wide with shock, turned to Naruto. "Boss, how strong is it? And are you the strongest person from your place?"

Naruto's grin didn't falter. "It's as strong as I am and knows everything I know. But it depends on how much energy I put into making it. I'm the third strongest person from my place, and once my training finishes, I'll become the strongest person alive."

The confidence in Naruto's voice was undeniable. He wasn't just talking about potential—he was already among the strongest in his world, and his journey was far from over.

Naruto's self-awareness of his strength and the limitations that came with it were key in shaping his approach to combat and leadership. Even though he was third in power among the strongest ninjas in Konoha, he knew his strength had not yet reached its peak. Tsunade and Jiraiya, seasoned and wise, were still stronger than him, with Jiraiya's deep mastery of Sage Mode and Tsunade's unparalleled strength in physical combat. But Naruto, despite being at his current level, was rapidly advancing.

Kakashi, although a formidable ninja in his own right, would only have a 40 percent chance of winning against Naruto at this moment. That was a sobering realization for both, given the history they shared and the mutual respect between them. But the critical difference lay in Naruto's vast chakra reserves, which were three hundred times higher than Kakashi's, and his growing affinity with elemental techniques. His base power alone made him a threat, with the potential to become even more formidable once he mastered Sage Mode.

Gai, the master of the Eight Gates, had a chance to overpower Naruto—if he opened the gates beyond the third. However, that would put Gai in a vulnerable state, and Naruto had the ability to stop him in his tracks before Gai could unleash his full power. That was a significant advantage. The biggest challenge, however, came in the form of his most potent attack, Rasenshuriken. While it was powerful enough to decimate anyone in its path, its wide area of effect made it unsuitable for fights involving civilians or teammates. It was, as Naruto knew, a killer move, and he didn't use it lightly.

Sasuke, on the other hand, remained the one opponent who consistently outclassed him, especially in speed. The enhancements Orochimaru had bestowed upon Sasuke—improving his strength, durability, and even granting him a healing factor—made him a nightmare to fight. The combination of the Sharingan and these enhancements made Sasuke a more dangerous opponent for Naruto, despite the latter's superior chakra reserves. Even though Naruto's healing abilities and strength were above average, Sasuke's artificial modifications had effectively nullified those advantages, leaving Naruto struggling in their encounters.

The advantage Naruto did have, though, was his versatility. His vast chakra reserves allowed him to learn multiple fighting styles, including various elemental jutsu. Wind was his primary style, but he had acquired knowledge of other elements, using them to understand their weaknesses and strengths better. This broad approach allowed him to be prepared for situations where one element was ineffective or neutralized, such as when fighting demonic beings who thrived on darkness, making darkness-based jutsu counterproductive.

Naruto's experience fighting Jiraiya, especially when Sage Mode was in play, solidified his understanding of elemental mastery. Jiraiya had demonstrated his mastery by using Naruto's own fireball jutsu against him, a feat that Naruto would have struggled to comprehend had he not been pushed to his limits. Elemental manipulation in the hands of a master was something rare, and Naruto knew that to stand a chance against the best, he would need to continue expanding his knowledge.

All of these factors—his growing power, diverse elemental jutsu, and keen awareness of his enemies' strengths and weaknesses—would serve him well. But Naruto also knew that power alone was not enough to change the world. He had to be strategic, careful not to let his abilities cloud his judgment or lead to reckless actions. His ultimate goal was to create a future where he didn't have to rely solely on power, but on the bonds he built and the legacy he left behind.

 

Abi and Hugo stood in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the sight before them. Naruto, already a force to be reckoned with, had summoned clones of some of the most powerful figures from his world—each of them an embodiment of skill and strength. To see Naruto effortlessly replicate the power of people like Kakashi, Jiraiya, and even Zabuza was a humbling experience for the duo, who had never encountered such mastery of technique. The clones were not just duplicates; they exuded the same aura of power, a reflection of Naruto's skill and control.

"Boss, how are the fights going to go?" Abi asked, still processing the reality of what they were witnessing. His excitement was palpable, but he couldn't help but wonder about the structure of these upcoming matches.

Naruto's grin widened as he answered, "You will struggle and try to win. I will make them weaker for you guys. This is Kakashi, my teacher. This is Jiraiya, my Master. And these are others—Asuma, Choji, Hiruzen, Zabuza, and Naruko."

Each name was accompanied by the appearance of a clone, all perfectly mimicking the style and presence of the individuals they were based on. Abi and Hugo were speechless. They could feel the weight of each figure's legacy in the air, even if they knew they were simply copies.

Abi blinked as he noticed the last clone, Naruko, who looked shockingly similar to Naruto but with a distinct female form. "Is that… boss?" he muttered, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

Naruto chuckled, noticing their reaction. "No, I don't have siblings. I'm an orphan. I like to play around with people, so I've used a female form to have some fun. Careful with your gaze, alright? I don't like disgusting looks at my body," he said playfully. Naruko, with her golden hair styled in twin tails, wore a tight orange top and black shorts, walking to Naruto's side. She was a picture of beauty, crafted specifically to be a distraction.

Abi, quickly realizing the situation, turned his gaze away. "Of course we won't do that," he said, trying to avoid further embarrassment.

Naruto, clearly amused, waved it off. "Relax, I was kidding. But back to the topic. We need to let people know about us, and the internet is a great place for that."

Naruto had already figured out how to utilize a fighter's website to their advantage. The site was where skilled fighters could upload high-quality content, far from the trashy street brawls that typically filled the internet. The platform had a reputation to uphold, and only the best could get attention. Through this website, Naruto would be able to garner interest from both fans and competitors alike.

"We'll make a name for ourselves," Naruto continued, his tone filled with conviction. "You already know people are talking about me. They're making theories and discussions about my background and potential. Even though I've just started, I'm already gaining attention. That's the power of reputation. The same goes for others—Ryu has millions of fans, and he doesn't even interact with them. Terry is a crowd favorite because he's social. Kyo Kusanagi built his following before becoming famous. And Mad Gear—well, they have their followers too, but they're mostly bad people. We can change that."

Abi and Hugo, now more intrigued than ever, listened carefully. They could see where Naruto was going with this. A fighter's reputation wasn't just about strength; it was about how you played the game and how you made people see you. Mad Gear might have a reputation, but it was tainted. Naruto was offering a chance to turn it all around, to turn their organization into something that people would admire, not fear.

Naruto gave them a moment to digest the information before gesturing toward the door. "Follow me," he said, leading them to the gym's entrance. His clones, still in position, followed suit.

When Naruto stepped out into the bustling city streets, he looked every bit the gang leader he was becoming. With his clones standing behind him and the towering figures of Abi and Hugo flanking him, they cut an imposing figure that turned heads.

"Ahem, hello my good people," Naruto began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the crowd. "My name is Uzumaki Naruto, and I believe you've seen my fight with Zangief and Mad Gear."

The crowd around them paused, taking notice. Some people started recording, others whispered among themselves, but all eyes were on Naruto as he continued with the same confident tone. "Many of you are wondering where I come from and what I'm doing. The answer is easy: I come from an ancient clan, and I was trained as a fighter since birth. I want to fight strong people with interesting abilities and enjoy my time. I'm also a leader in the making, so I've decided to take over Mad Gear and turn it into something legitimate. These are my subordinates, and together, we'll teach you how to be strong and show you some incredible fights in our ring. You can even participate to fight against them or fight me if you're capable."

With his words, the atmosphere around them shifted. People who had been going about their business stopped and stared, captivated by Naruto's charisma. His presence was undeniable, drawing attention and commanding respect. His words, though simple, carried weight, as if he was offering an opportunity no one could afford to miss.

The crowd was already buzzing with excitement. Some people were talking about joining, others about the prospect of seeing a fight against someone like Naruto himself. For the first time, Mad Gear was on the verge of becoming something bigger—a legitimate force in the world of combat sports, thanks to Naruto's bold vision and charismatic leadership.

 

As Naruto's clones displayed their abilities, the crowd around them was left in awe. Each clone represented not just a fighter, but a whole philosophy and approach to combat. Kakashi's Raikiri crackled with raw energy, and the hounds of lightning danced around him, giving a hint of the ferocity of his lightning techniques. Asuma's clone manipulated the wind, creating miniature twisters that whipped through the air, demonstrating the raw power of wind chakra and his combat style.

Zabuza's clone stood firm, wielding the sword with unmatched skill, and as he swung it, the mist seemed to materialize around him, blurring the vision of anyone near. The presence of the mist evoked memories of his deadly silent battles, and the crowd shuddered in excitement at the thought of facing such a formidable opponent.

Jiraiya's clone, ever flamboyant, summoned flames from his body, using his hair in creative ways to whip and lash at the air. The fiery aura surrounding him added a dangerous but thrilling element to the spectacle. Hiruzen's clone, displaying his mastery over earth, created towering walls of earth that shifted into mudslides, showing his tactical control of the battlefield.

Choji's clone, a physical powerhouse, expanded his body mass and grew to an enormous height of five meters, his immense strength on full display. The ground shook slightly as he moved, making it clear that his size wasn't the limit of his power.

Naruko's clone, with her golden twin tails swaying in the breeze, summoned chains from her storage, expertly manipulating them with chakra as though they were extensions of her own body. The chains snaked through the air, snapping and twisting with deadly precision. Her control over them was flawless, showing a level of grace and lethal intent in her attacks.

The entire display was a masterful showcase of Naruto's skill and creativity, each fighter clone embodying a different element and style. The audience was stunned into silence for a moment, trying to process the enormity of what they were seeing. The clones, in their respective ways, demonstrated the kind of strength that made them legends, but Naruto wasn't finished. His booming voice, amplified by his chakra control, reverberated through the air, reaching the ears of everyone within a wide radius.

"Today's fight is for free, so come join us, friends, and let's have a good time!" he announced confidently, making sure that his words carried far beyond the immediate vicinity.

The charisma and energy he exuded were magnetic, leaving no doubt that he could not only win battles but also lead and inspire others. As Naruto turned to head into the underground arena, the crowd slowly began to stir, exchanging excited whispers. Some were hesitant, unsure of what to expect, but curiosity began to take hold. The sound of footsteps followed Naruto's lead as the first few brave souls ventured toward the entrance of the arena.

With the gang confidently marching into the venue, it was clear that their presence alone was enough to command attention. The underground arena was large enough to accommodate 500 spectators, but as the first few trickled in, it quickly became apparent that it might not be enough. Naruto, always thinking ahead, turned to Abi.

"The place might not be enough, so arrange something for it," he instructed calmly, knowing that he had to plan for the crowds that would inevitably flood in.

Abi nodded immediately, understanding the gravity of the situation. He was already considering ways to expand the space, whether by opening additional viewing areas or organizing a queue to keep things flowing smoothly. The excitement in the air was contagious, and it was clear that today's fight was just the beginning of something much larger.

Naruto wasn't leaving anything to chance. He left one of his clones behind to handle the situation, ensuring that everything would run smoothly. With a flick of his wrist, the clone activated a communication jutsu, establishing a direct link to Naruto. He would remain connected to the events, able to oversee the logistics and ensure everything went according to plan.

As Naruto entered the underground arena, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was just the start of his plan to reshape Mad Gear. He wasn't just building a new image for them—he was making them a force to be reckoned with, not just in combat, but in the business of entertainment, inspiring others to follow his example and be part of something great. His confidence and strategic thinking were already paying off, and it was clear to everyone that the fight for control had only just begun.

 

Eliza observed the spectacle below with mild amusement, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light as she perched atop the building opposite the gym. The display Naruto and his clones had orchestrated had certainly drawn her attention. She had arrived just in time to see the clones demonstrating their techniques, and she quickly discerned the truth that others missed—they weren't subordinates but shadow clones.

"Not bad, not bad indeed. More interesting than I expected," she murmured to herself, a small smile playing on her lips.

Naruto, however, wasn't oblivious to her presence. His sharp senses and experience had alerted him to her the moment she arrived. With a confident leap, he ascended to the rooftop where she stood, his movement smooth and precise. Standing beside her, he offered her a warm smile.

"Thanks for the compliment. You want a drink before we start speaking?" he asked, extending his hand toward her casually.

Eliza tilted her head, curious but amused. "What is this?" she inquired, her smile widening.

"I thought maybe you could, you know, take it from my arm or hand," Naruto said, shrugging as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Her laughter rang out, light and melodic. "I can, but the result will be the same," she replied, clearly entertained by his straightforwardness.

Naruto sighed, his expression shifting into one of resigned humor. "Can't you cancel it out? You know how difficult it is for a healthy guy like me to endure that feeling."

Eliza's gaze locked onto his, her crimson eyes shimmering with an otherworldly glow. "I can tell how much it drives you mad, but I can't change anything about it. It's a natural phenomenon," she replied with an air of detached sympathy.

Naruto held her gaze, unwavering despite the warmth that radiated from her and the seductive edge to her voice. "Sigh… let's get this over with."

Despite his calm exterior, Naruto was well aware of the effect Eliza had on him. Her presence stirred something primal within him, and it wasn't just her beauty or enchanting demeanor—it was her very essence. She radiated a seductive aura, one that combined allure and danger in equal measure. For an Uzumaki, who already had heightened vitality and chakra reserves, her influence was almost overwhelming.

He couldn't deny the impact it had on his body. Between Eliza's presence and the other women around him, his heightened yang energy—exacerbated by Kurama—was becoming difficult to manage. It wasn't just a matter of self-control; it was a battle against his own biology. His showers had turned into sessions of necessary release, where his frustrations manifested in physical ways that left him embarrassed at the aftermath.

Naruto had even resorted to carving a seal on his own body to break him out of the daze when his desires became too overpowering. Jiraiya had warned him about the Uzumaki's infamous vitality and shared stories of his father's similar struggles. Minato, it seemed, had frequently needed breaks from home life to maintain his composure, all thanks to Kushina's energy-draining effect on him.

Eliza, sensing his internal conflict, leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper against his ear. "If it's too hard to endure, you could always... indulge with the lower beings," she teased, her tone laced with playful malice.

Her proximity was intoxicating. The warmth of her breath, the softness of her touch as she placed a hand on his shoulder, and the glimmer of her fangs as she spoke—it was a potent combination. Yet, Naruto held firm. His ocean-blue eyes stared directly into hers, resolute and unyielding.

"I don't wish to sleep with people I haven't accepted as my lovers," he stated firmly. "Sex without love is meaningless."

Eliza blinked, momentarily taken aback by his conviction. Her lips curved into a genuine smile. "I see. We are very similar in that case, Naruto. I have never found a partner, and I am still very much pure. Ironic, isn't it? For a being like me, often called a 'sex demon,' to hold such beliefs."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "It's the same for my kind. Uzumaki aren't exactly known for restraint. With the energy we possess, many would give in to temptation without a second thought. But for me, love and sex should go together. Not apart."

"Right!" Eliza said with a light chuckle, her amusement clear. "It's fascinating to find we share similar views, Naruto. But…" Her tone shifted, growing softer, almost apologetic. "I'm getting thirsty, so we'll have to continue this conversation later."

Before he could reply, Eliza leaned closer, her lips brushing lightly against the side of his neck. Her fangs gleamed in the moonlight as she whispered, "This won't hurt… much."

Naruto tensed slightly but didn't move as her fangs pierced his skin. A rush of warmth spread through him, a mix of pain and pleasure that left his heart racing. Despite his reservations, he remained composed, knowing this was simply a part of who she was.


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