"Thanks," Naruto whispered shyly, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Being complimented so directly by such a beautiful and ethereal being as Gaia made his heart race.
Gaia smiled knowingly but said nothing, letting the moment linger.
Naruto quickly composed himself and turned to Ella, who was fluttering nearby. "Well, let's go, Ella. Our long journey together starts now," he said with a bright smile.
Ella squeaked in delight, flapping her wings as she followed him from the air. Naruto glanced at her, noting her thin, fragile frame. It'd be better if she could stay on my shoulder like Gaia, he thought, concern crossing his face. Flying around with that weak body must be exhausting for her.
After a few moments of walking through the bustling city streets, Naruto decided to voice his thoughts. "Gaia, can you do that energy transfer thing for Ella too? She looks really malnourished."
Gaia chuckled from her perch on his shoulder, her voice soft and amused. "Hmm, I was expecting you to ask that. Hehe, yes, it can be done."
Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Am I that predictable?"
"It's not a bad thing," Gaia replied warmly. "When people can tell you mean well, it makes them trust you more."
Naruto laughed softly, scratching the back of his head. "I guess so. But... does that mean I'll have to hunt monsters to feed Ella?"
Gaia tilted her head, studying him with curiosity. "Would you? If it's to help her?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then nodded resolutely. "If we come across dangerous ones, I'll do what's necessary to protect us. And when that happens, you can prepare some energy for Ella."
Gaia's eyes sparkled with approval. "No problem, my child. I'll ensure she's taken care of."
"Thanks," Naruto said, his voice soft and full of gratitude. His steps felt lighter, and for the first time in what felt like ages, a sense of peace began to settle in his heart. Life was starting to feel good again.
Ella chirped happily, sensing his mood, and flew closer, her red feathers catching the light as she danced through the air.
Naruto walked through the city, the enormity of the place weighing on him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen back home. The towering buildings, the bustling streets filled with people from all walks of life, and the strange energy that seemed to permeate everything felt foreign to him. Despite the endless sights and sounds, Naruto couldn't shake the growing sense of discomfort. No matter how much he explored, the city felt wrong—its pulse was erratic and the atmosphere thick with negativity.
"The people here are really filled with negative emotions," Naruto muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the faces of those who passed by. He couldn't help but notice the weariness in their eyes, the strain in their expressions, and the emptiness that seemed to pervade the air.
Gaia, perched contently on his shoulder, watched his face carefully. "Hmm, the world is very fast-moving, and things have changed a lot from the past. These changes make it easier for people to have problems. It's not easy for mortals to live in peace anymore, even with the supernatural side hidden from them." She paused, her voice laced with a note of melancholy. "This world is boring to me now. I've watched it all unfold since the beginning."
Naruto glanced at her thoughtfully, his hand brushing lightly against her tiny form. "Is that so? It really is the same wherever you go." He sighed, feeling a twinge of understanding at her words. "In every world, it's always been hard for people to find peace."
Curious, Gaia shifted slightly. "What does your world look like?"
Naruto's eyes brightened a little as he thought of home. "It's a beautiful place, full of nature. I think you'd love it." His expression softened as he continued. "But it's a lot more dangerous than here. There are beings with power roaming freely, and not all of them are friendly." He paused. "Even so, I think you'd find the beauty in it."
Gaia's eyes glimmered with longing. "Even then, I would really wish to see such a place. This world has become so corrupt, and it will take who knows how long to heal it." She sighed, the weight of the world heavy on her tiny shoulders.
Naruto felt her sadness and placed a comforting hand on her head. "Don't be sad. I'll make sure to fix it once I get my power back." His words were filled with determination, and Gaia's mood seemed to lift slightly at his promise. She smiled softly, her burdens eased a little by his optimism.
The trio continued their walk through the city, the steady rhythm of their steps filling the otherwise quiet evening air. Despite the fact that the city was bustling with life, they encountered nothing out of the ordinary—just the occasional fight or argument between mortals, their frustrations spilling into the streets. As the sun dipped lower, Naruto felt the creeping chill of the night, reminding him of something important.
"Where do you think I should stay?" Naruto asked, the thought of having nowhere to sleep starting to weigh on him.
Gaia's gaze drifted towards the horizon, a soft, almost wistful look in her eyes. "There's a park nearby where the nymphs reside. You could stay with them if you'd like, or we can find another place if you wish."
Naruto nodded. "I'm okay with your suggestion. What about you, Ella?" he called out to the harpy, who had perched herself atop a lamppost. Her bright red feathers stood out in the fading light of the evening.
"Ella is okay, anywhere where it does not hurt," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper as she fluttered her wings in place.
"Well, we're decided then," Naruto said, his smile returning. "But Gaia, I've been wondering... why haven't I felt hungry yet?" He asked the question with genuine curiosity, still puzzled by the strange feeling of fullness that had settled in his stomach.
Gaia smiled comfortably, as if the answer was obvious. "The ball of energy I gave you provided the required nutrients, but you will need to eat by tomorrow. Or, if you prefer, I can provide you with more energy." She seemed content, her voice full of ease as she spoke. "But for now, you're fine." Her connection with Naruto, the flow of their energies, felt harmonious, like a gentle breeze in the spring.
Naruto's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Thanks, Gaia." He nodded in acknowledgment and turned his attention back to the path ahead. As they walked, they passed more mortals—homeless, destitute, and forgotten by society. The sight of these people stirred something inside Naruto, a deep sorrow for those who had no home, no hope. In Konoha, no one was left to suffer like this. It was a foreign concept to him.
But he didn't have time to dwell on the injustice, for his focus was suddenly drawn to something far more sinister. As they walked past a narrow alley, Naruto's senses flared. There, standing in front of him, were three towering figures—Laistrygonian Giants. They stood at least three meters tall, their grotesque forms casting long shadows in the fading light. But it wasn't their size that made Naruto stop in his tracks—it was the sight of them cooking homeless people on the side of the street.
The stench of charred flesh filled the air, and Naruto felt his stomach churn. The smell was putrid, a rancid reminder of the cruelty that festered in this world. His grip tightened, and a surge of rage boiled within him. He had seen many horrors in his life, but this... this was different. This was unrestrained evil.
Gaia's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone dripping with disdain. "Laistrygonian Giants... They're notorious for their cruelty."
Naruto's voice trembled, a mixture of disbelief and anger. "How are they killing people so openly? How can no one see this?"
Gaia's voice was bitter as she explained. "The Olympians don't care about mortals—especially those who don't believe in them. And the demi-children are too terrified of being hunted to do anything. It's easier for them to stay hidden or blend in. The mist erases memories, and the rest of the world is too distracted to notice."
Her words only fueled Naruto's anger. His fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at the three giants. "Ready to collect their essence," he said, his voice cold and filled with purpose.
Gaia nodded, her expression serious. "I'm ready. But be careful, Naruto. These giants are strong."
Naruto turned to Ella, who had landed nearby, her small form perched on a nearby branch. "Rest here, Ella. Don't intervene," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Ella gave a soft nod, understanding the seriousness of the situation. She perched beside Gaia, watching intently as Naruto prepared to face the giants.
Without another word, Naruto stepped forward, his heart set on justice. He could feel the energy in the air, the tension building as the giants turned their attention to him, their crude, malevolent eyes locking onto his form. The battle was about to begin.
The streets felt cold under Naruto's feet as he walked toward the grotesque sight before him—three monstrous giants hunched over, cooking the bodies of homeless people. The air was thick with the rancid stench of burnt flesh, but it wasn't the smell that drew Naruto's attention. It was the terrifying display of violence, of innocent lives being extinguished without care.
Naruto's heart raced with the familiar rush of anger, and his body tensed with purpose. He could feel the familiar surge of power building inside him, though it was far from the boundless chakra he once had. There was a heaviness to this new body, an unfamiliar weight he hadn't yet fully adjusted to. His mind, however, was clear and focused. He had a job to do.
Without any warning, Naruto sprinted forward, his footsteps pounding the road. Unlike before, there was no chakra to cloak his movements, no subtlety to his approach. The sound of his feet echoed off the surrounding buildings as he closed the distance between himself and the giants.
The sound caught the attention of the Laistrygonian Giants. The three monstrous figures turned in unison, their eyes narrowing in on the approaching figure. The largest of the three, standing a towering 3.4 meters tall, licked its lips, eyeing Naruto like a delicious morsel. It wasn't just humans they feasted on—giants of their ilk devoured any creature they deemed worthy, including other monsters.
"Brothers, we got another tasty treat offering itself to us," the giant said with a grin, its voice grating as it spoke.
The second giant, shorter but stockier, with a shock of blonde hair and a massive baseball bat in hand, shot forward, his enthusiasm unmistakable. "Big brother, let me do the honors. Last time, you had your fun with that demi-kid." He grinned wickedly, eager for the kill.
The older giant, his massive axe hanging loosely at his side, gave a lazy nod. "Go ahead. Let's see what this one can do."
The blonde giant wasted no time, charging toward Naruto with a terrifyingly wide swing of his bat. Naruto, who had been prepared for the attack, dodged effortlessly, his reflexes honed by countless battles. The moment the bat swung past him, Naruto's fist shot out, landing a solid punch to the giant's face.
The blow had impact, but the giant's thick skin absorbed much of the force, and the punch alone didn't take him down. "That hurt," the giant muttered, a smirk spreading across his face.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. These giants are tougher than I expected, he thought. Guess it's time to use the power.
Naruto shifted his stance, his body coiling as he focused on the wind swirling around his hand. His fingers elongated, and his palm glowed with the sharp, cutting current of wind. He was well-versed in creating Rasenshurikens, so forming a blade of sharp wind was child's play.
The giant, unknowing of the change in Naruto's stance, swung his bat with more aggression, moving larger and slower, his attacks more predictable. Naruto sidestepped each one with ease, ducking under the wide swings. The giant's hand reached out to grab him, but Naruto slipped beneath it, his hand striking out in a swift, deadly motion.
The giant screamed in agony as the sharp wind sliced into his veins, cutting through them with ease. Blood sprayed from the wound, and Naruto didn't waste a moment. He vaulted over the giant's shoulder, his hands crackling with electricity. Lightning surged through his palms as he struck the giant's skull with a powerful jolt.
The giant's body convulsed in pain as the electricity fried his nervous system. But Naruto didn't stop there. With a quick, precise motion, he turned his hand into a blade once again and cut through the giant's windpipe. The giant gurgled in shock, blood pouring from his mouth as he collapsed to the ground, unable to stop his own death.
The older giant roared in fury, his rage igniting as he hefted his massive axe. "You fucking bastard!" he shouted, charging at Naruto with all the ferocity of a wild animal.
Naruto, still calm and focused, ducked under the axe's horizontal swing, the blade missing him by mere inches. A sharp knee strike followed, aimed at Naruto's side, but he twisted away, using his agility to avoid the giant's flailing limbs. In one fluid motion, Naruto's hand shot out, the wind coating it once again. With a swift and brutal slash, he cut across the older giant's exposed skin, the wind carving through the thick hide like a hot knife through butter.
The giant howled in pain, thrashing wildly in an attempt to dislodge the pain. But Naruto wasn't done. He saw something from his peripheral vision—a flying object—coming at him from the silent third giant, the one who had been watching the fight without participating. The object, a human body, struck the older giant in the back, hitting him squarely between the shoulder blades.
Naruto's rage flared. He kicked the older giant hard in the chest, his foot coated with cutting wind energy. The force of the blow, enhanced by the sharp current, cleaved the giant's neck clean through. The older giant fell forward, his face still holding an expression of disbelief, the blood from his neck splattering across the street.
Naruto didn't pause to watch the giant die. His attention was already fixed on the retreating third giant, who turned to flee. He wasn't going to let it escape.
"Never show your back to an enemy!" Naruto shouted as he dashed forward. In a single, powerful leap, he landed on the giant's back, his fingers shooting toward its ears. The giant screamed in agony as Naruto's lightning-infused fingers pierced its eardrums.
The electric current surged through the giant's brain, frying it in an instant. The scream grew more desperate, more tortured, as Naruto's power ravaged the beast from the inside. With a final tremble, the giant's body crumpled to the ground, its limbs twitching in the last moments of life.
Naruto stood over the fallen giants, his breathing steady as he surveyed the carnage. The once bustling street was now silent, save for the faint crackling of energy still lingering in the air. He glanced back at Gaia and Ella, who were watching from a distance, both silently observing the destruction he had wrought.
"This world needs more people like you," Gaia whispered softly, her voice filled with admiration and a hint of sadness.
Naruto's eyes softened as he looked at her. "It needs more people willing to fight for it."
Gaia's eyes sparkled with a playful glint as she hovered beside Naruto, watching him with appreciation. "That was a really nice show," she said, her voice light yet sincere. "I wouldn't mind watching you fight for a long time." Her words were more than just flattery; they were admiration for the effortless skill and precision Naruto displayed in combat. He moved fluidly, without hesitation, and his every action was purposeful, cutting down the threat with clean and deliberate movements.
Naruto let out a long, steady breath, his body still humming from the adrenaline of battle. "Huuu..." he exhaled, the tension beginning to leave him, though the aftermath of the fight still lingered.
"It was nothing," he muttered, his tone soft and subdued. "They were just thugs with no skill. I'm used to fighting skilled fighters."
Gaia noticed the somber tone in his voice, and with a gentle flutter, she flew up to his face, guiding him to meet her gaze. "Naruto," she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth and understanding, "it's not your fault. You were outnumbered, and you didn't have your powers. These things happen. Don't carry the weight of it." She paused, her tiny hand resting lightly on his cheek, her eyes radiating kindness. "You can't save everyone. People die every second. Does that mean you should grieve for every loss? No. Take those moments as motivation—drive yourself to your goal. Otherwise, you'll die slowly from the inside. Do you want that?"
Her words were tender, but they were also a plea. Gaia didn't like seeing Naruto's usual sunny disposition clouded by guilt and regret. It felt as though his sorrow connected to her, like it was something she, too, had to carry.
Naruto looked at her, the weight of her words sinking in. Her voice had a soothing quality that helped to steady his heart. "Thank you, Gaia," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "I'm sorry to show this side of me… I'm a shinobi, after all."
Gaia smiled, her expression gentle and comforting. "It's alright to feel bad. It keeps you from becoming a monster."
As she touched his cheek with her tiny hand, Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. "That tickles," he laughed, his mood lightening slightly. At that moment, Ella fluttered over, her wings brushing against his body as she joined in, offering her own brand of comfort with the soft tickling sensation.
"Ella is here for you too, so don't feel like that," the little creature said with a sweet smile, her eyes gleaming with concern. "Ella will share her books."
Naruto's heart warmed at their care. He rubbed Ella's head affectionately. "Thanks, Ella. I feel better now," he said with a genuine smile, appreciating their support.
Gaia, sensing that the tension had eased, smiled and produced three new power pills from the essence of the fallen giants. "Here are three new power pills," she said, handing them over. "These should delay their return for years. By the time they're needed again, the gate should be closed."
Naruto took the pills with a nod, then handed the largest one to Ella. "Here, Ella. Eat this. It's good for you."
Ella didn't hesitate. She opened her mouth wide, and Naruto gently placed the pill inside. Within moments, her body began to glow slightly, her form shifting and growing before their eyes. She became a little taller, now standing at 1.7 meters, and her previously frail frame filled out, no longer looking as malnourished as before. She seemed healthier, stronger.
"How do you feel?" Naruto asked, his voice full of curiosity.
"Ella feels great!" Ella responded, her eyes sparkling with newfound energy. "Ella feels like she can take on Phineas now!"
Naruto laughed at her small but ambitious goal. "That's a very small goal, huh? Let's see you take on something bigger," he teased.
"Ella will fight giants and beat them too!" Ella declared with a wide, confident smile, her wings fluttering with excitement.
Gaia chuckled, shaking his head. "Stop playing with the kid and eat," she said, still smiling.
"Okay, okay. No hurry," Naruto responded, as he turned his attention to the two remaining pills. He swallowed both, but unlike Ella, there were no immediate visible changes. His body, already well-built, didn't change much physically, but he could feel the power surging inside him. I should have about half the strength of that big giant now, he thought to himself, assessing his own abilities. That's a decent improvement.
"It should be close," Gaia agreed, her face thoughtful as she watched Naruto carefully.
"Meh, it's good enough for now," Naruto said with a shrug. "Better than the three times human strength I had when I started off."
Gaia gave a little pout, feeling a touch guilty. "Sorry for only giving you that much. It's not like I had any choice."
Naruto looked at her, his smile widening. "I'm not complaining," he said, his tone light. "But don't show that face, even though it looks cute."
Gaia's pout disappeared in an instant, replaced by a playful smile. "Just kidding," she said, and Naruto couldn't help but smile back.
"Well, everything's good now. Let's head towards our destination," Naruto said, as he started walking. As he moved, he bent down to pick up the large axe that had been left behind by one of the giants.
Gaia raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Sometimes monsters leave behind items."
Naruto grinned, his fingers curling around the axe's handle. "Feels like a game," he said, amused.
"It's the Olympians," Gaia explained, her voice dripping with disdain. "They wanted to provide their heroes with items once a monster was defeated."
Naruto considered this for a moment before nodding. "Well, it's a good thing for me. I hope to see one of these demi-kids with an actual weapon soon. I feel naked without something in my hand. This axe will do for now, but I've never used one like this before."
Gaia's tone was light and teasing. "If you want, I can easily guide you."
Naruto shook his head. "Not now. If I need help, I'll ask," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. There was a subtle darkness to his words, something that Gaia understood all too well. She nodded in silent agreement.
The conversation drifted into a quiet lull as they continued their journey. The silence was peaceful, broken only by the soft sounds of their footsteps as they traveled, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of the city. Despite the chaos and the dark forces they had just faced, a sense of determination hung in the air as they pressed forward, ready for whatever would come next.