Naruto stood still in the midst of the lush, vibrant world that had become his soul space. The spirits of the monsters that had become part of him lingered around him like shadows, their energy blending with his own in the stillness of this ethereal realm. At the center of it all, in a cage that pulsed with a dark energy, was Alice. She was still, her eyes closed, her form quiet but radiating a complex, deep sorrow that seemed to echo throughout the space.
The sight of her like this cut through Naruto's heart. He could feel the deep emotions emanating from her—emotions that spoke of her struggle, her pain, and the connection she still held with him. It was bittersweet. He was relieved to see she had survived the transformation, but the price of it was painfully clear. She was no longer the person he had known, but a tortured soul trapped in her own form, struggling to break free.
"Alice, thank you for being alive. Please listen to my voice and come back to your senses," Naruto whispered softly, his voice filled with both gratitude and sadness. He concentrated on the Wind of Death, allowing his power to gently intertwine with it, pulling Alice's fragmented essence back toward her original form.
A loud screech filled the air, breaking the silence, as Alice stirred, struggling inside the cage. Naruto's heart raced as he stepped forward, entering the cage. He extended his arms, wrapping them around her in a protective embrace. His power surged, controlling the chaotic wind and allowing it to flow through Alice's body, soothing her while trying to return her to the purity she had once known.
The forces of darkness fought against him, violating his body as the energies clashed, but Naruto's control over nature had grown. He was no longer in danger—he was strengthened by his bond with the forces of life and nature. It was painful, but with each passing second, Alice's form began to stabilize, and the chaos within her quieted.
"Please get better; I accept your emotions so come back to me," Naruto whispered, his voice full of tenderness. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, hoping that this simple act of love would be enough to calm her further. Alice's struggles slowed, and her eyes met his, filled with confusion, but there was a softening in them as she succumbed to the calming powers he wielded. She fell into a peaceful slumber, the torment she had been enduring fading away.
'I hope you have sweet dreams, Alice,' Naruto thought as he smiled down at her, his heart heavy but hopeful. He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, a force gently pulled him in another direction. He didn't resist, knowing there was no threat. Instead, he found himself face to face with Nemesis and Hestia, the two immortals who had always seemed to watch over him.
"Hello, Naruto," Nemesis greeted him with a smile, her presence both comforting and intimidating as she circled around him, observing the changes within him. "It's been days since we last spoke."
Naruto nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I've been busy, as you know. Is there something urgent?"
Nemesis's eyes sparkled with amusement, but her tone was serious. "Perhaps, but remember, haste makes waste." She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. "I've been in contact with Hades. He wants to meet with you."
A bitter taste filled Naruto's mouth at the mention of Hades. "Why should I go to him?" he muttered, a deep distaste clear in his voice.
Hestia, ever calm and composed, interjected with a soft but firm tone. "Naruto, he is not like the others. Unlike his brothers, Hades has actually cared for the mortals, for his children. He has changed, and he regrets his past mistakes. But the others suppress him from acting on his true desires."
Naruto turned his gaze toward Nemesis, seeking a clearer judgment. She represented justice and balance—if anyone could help him judge Hades's true intentions, it was her.
"She's right," Nemesis said with a nod. "I was already going to tell you to visit the gates of the Netherworld and deal with Cerberus. It's part of your transformation. You need this to ensure your victory."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, processing her words. "What does that mean?" he asked, intrigued by the suggestion.
"You need more power to face the Titans. They will be at their full strength when you confront them," Nemesis explained. "Right now, your chances of success aren't guaranteed. But acquiring Cerberus's abilities will make a significant difference."
Naruto sat down, thoughtful, turning the tea cup in his hands as he weighed the decision. His mind raced as he tried to piece together the implications of all that was unfolding. Finally, after a long moment of contemplation, he stood up, determination in his eyes.
"Thanks for the advice," he said, his voice steady. "I'll do it. Guide me."
Nemesis and Hestia exchanged a glance, pleased by Naruto's resolve. The path ahead of him was not an easy one, but he had never backed down from a challenge, and they knew this would be no different.
With a single, confident nod, they began to prepare for the journey ahead.
The group gathered outside the hut, the cool swamp air swirling around them as they discussed their next move. The looming battle against the Titans weighed heavily on everyone's mind, and despite the confidence Naruto exuded, there was an underlying tension in the air.
Medusa, her gaze sharp, was the first to break the silence. "Are you sure you can take on Hyperion?" Her voice was filled with concern. Hyperion, the Titan of the Sun, was a formidable opponent, one whose power over light and heat could turn the tide of any battle in an instant.
Naruto, though seemingly at ease, couldn't ignore the nagging discomfort that came with his transformed body. The scales, the claws, the wings—while he had control over most of it, he still found himself adjusting. Despite this, his determination was unwavering. "Yes, I'm sure. But just to be sure and to avoid any complications, we'll visit Hades first."
Damasen and Medusa exchanged a glance, clearly skeptical but not unwilling to hear him out. "Why go to Hades?" Medusa pressed, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of distrust. "I thought you hated them."
Naruto's gaze shifted toward the swamp, his eyes reflecting a deeper understanding of the situation. He knew the weight of his words would not be lost on his companions. "I hate those who have harmed me and my loved ones. But I've always believed in giving a chance to those who truly desire change. Hades has changed. He regrets his past, and I believe he deserves to live. It's better for him to survive and do good in the world than for him to be destroyed out of spite."
Damasen observed Naruto closely, his brow furrowed as he processed the words. He had seen firsthand the immense burden Naruto carried, not just in power but in his ideals. It was clear that Naruto's convictions were not easily swayed, no matter how much the world around him shifted.
The red giant felt a wave of relief wash over him as he came to a realization. "He still has the core of his personality." This simple truth was reassuring to Damasen, for he had feared that the immense power and the pressure of their circumstances might drive Naruto down a darker path. But this conversation, his unwavering resolve, proved that he was still the person Damasen had come to trust.
Naruto, still uncomfortable in his new form, seemed unaware of the silent thoughts of his companions. He stretched his wings out slightly, feeling their weight, but with a conscious effort, they disappeared into his body, hidden from view. "I know it's not a decision everyone would understand, but I believe in giving people the opportunity to change. Even Hades."
Medusa's gaze softened, and for the first time since their encounter, she seemed to truly consider Naruto's words. "You really do believe that, don't you?" she asked quietly, as if to herself.
Naruto nodded, his gaze firm. "Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves. I won't abandon that belief, no matter who it is."
The conversation fell into a brief silence, the weight of the upcoming challenges and decisions hanging in the air. Despite their differences, there was a quiet understanding that Naruto's resolve was unshakable. As they prepared to visit Hades, it was clear that the journey ahead would be as much about ideals as it would be about strength.
"We'll follow your lead," Damasen finally said, his voice steady, his trust in Naruto evident. "But don't forget, the Titans won't wait forever. We still have to face them."
Naruto gave a nod of acknowledgment. "I won't forget. But first, we prepare." He looked toward the horizon, where the path to Hades awaited. "We face the Titans when we're ready, and not a moment before."
With that, the group began to prepare for the journey, each knowing the battles ahead would not only test their strength but also their beliefs. The road to Hades was uncertain, but the path to victory against the Titans was even more so.