Chereads / Naruto Multiverse / Chapter 29 - Chapter 29

Chapter 29 - Chapter 29

Time: Unknown

The land was a wasteland, a place that once brimmed with life and prosperity now reduced to ruin. The towering skyscrapers that had touched the heavens were gone, replaced by jagged craters and rivers of molten lava that spilled out from the depths of the earth. The air was thick with ash and despair, a suffocating reminder of the devastation wrought upon the world.

Amid the destruction stood a lone figure, tall and commanding. His golden hair shimmered even under the dim, fiery glow of the lava streams, and his golden armor reflected the flickering light, giving him an almost ethereal presence. His emerald-green eyes, vibrant and piercing, scanned the desolate landscape, a glimmer of sadness and frustration evident in their depths.

"Why didn't you wait for me, Mother?" he muttered, his voice heavy with regret and anger. "I was so close to finishing, and together we could have overcome this ordeal."

He clenched his fists, the golden gauntlets of his armor glowing faintly as the energy within him flared. His gaze lingered on the crumbling ruins and the fiery abyss that seemed to consume everything in its path.

'The enemy was too strong at this time,' he thought, his jaw tightening. 'Mother believed she could do some damage, but the battle was too one-sided. She underestimated her... she grew again.'

He looked up at the sky—or rather, what was left of it. Clouds of smoke and ash choked the heavens, but his focus was beyond, on the broken remains of the Moon. It hung there like a shattered gem, fragments orbiting in a silent lament of the conflict that had claimed it. His thoughts drifted to the woman responsible for its destruction—a figure clad in light green chakra, who had unleashed her fury upon this world after losing her sanity when she heard of his father's death.

'She will be a great help,' he mused, his expression unreadable. 'But her presence could also make things worse. If Father doesn't accept her... it could lead to disaster.'

His shoulders sagged under the weight of his decision. The risks were immense, the path uncertain. Yet, there was no alternative. The time for deliberation had passed; sacrifices would have to be made.

Golden energy began to ripple through his body, radiating outward and distorting the space around him. His armor glowed brighter, his form bathed in an almost divine light as he extended a hand. The energy coalesced, twisting and tearing at the fabric of reality until a portal shimmered into existence before him. Beyond it lay the unknown—a land tied to his father, a man he had never met but whose legacy had shaped him in ways he could not fully comprehend.

With one last look at the crumbling world behind him, the man stepped forward, his resolve unwavering. Whatever awaited him on the other side, he would face it. For his father, for his mother, and for the fragile hope of a future yet to be written.

 

 

In the shadow of the mighty Himalayas, where snow-capped peaks loomed against the horizon and the air was thin and frigid, a fierce battle raged. The ancient landscape trembled under the onslaught of the monstrous beasts that roamed these treacherous regions. But amidst the chaos, two sisters moved with deadly precision, their presence as relentless as the winds that howled through the valleys.

Stheno stood amidst a sea of fallen enemies, her crimson daggers gleaming as they absorbed the blood of the slain. Her green eyes shimmered with an unnatural glow, and a faint smirk adorned her lips as she watched the power surging through her weapons.

"How is Naruto doing now, I wonder?" she mused, her tone almost wistful despite the carnage around her. She twirled a dagger in her hand, its blade humming with energy.

"Careful, sister," Euryale's voice rang out sharply. She moved with fluid grace, her bow drawn and her arrows of shimmering lunar light finding their marks effortlessly. "Don't get distracted. These beasts may be beneath us, but complacency can still get you killed."

Euryale darted across the battlefield, her movements a dance of lethal precision. With each shot, the air crackled, and the monstrous creatures fell one by one. Her golden hair, streaked with silver, whipped around her face as she leapt to higher ground, ever watchful of her sister's reckless confidence.

"These enemies are hardly a threat," Stheno replied dismissively, a confident smirk curling her lips. "I can think of whatever I want. Besides, I believe Naruto will be out soon enough. We should be ready to take back what's his when the time comes."

She raised her daggers, which pulsed with a menacing red light, and released a devastating wave of energy. The blood-red pulse tore through the beasts in her path, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.

"Careful!" Euryale cried, her wings unfurling behind her as she took flight, avoiding the blast just in time. The bow she carried seemed to resonate with her movements, empowering her with an ethereal glow. "You almost hit me."

"No need to overreact, sister," Stheno replied, her voice calm and sweet as if they weren't surrounded by chaos. "I know you can fly, so I don't need to worry about collateral damage."

Euryale sighed, giving her sister a disapproving glare but said nothing more. She knew better than to argue with Stheno's overconfidence, especially when her bloodlust was peaking.

"Now," Stheno continued, turning toward the mountains' towering peaks. Her expression softened, and a rare warmth entered her voice. "Let's rest for the night. Tomorrow, we hunt the hunters."

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting her mind wander to a vision of Naruto. In her thoughts, she saw him standing tall, his familiar smile full of gratitude. The image of his arms around her, thanking her for her efforts, filled her with a deep sense of satisfaction.

Euryale watched her sister silently, noting the glimmer of something more than determination in her expression. The bond they both felt toward Naruto was undeniable, a connection forged through shared battles and sacrifices.

"Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment," Euryale warned, her voice softer this time.

Stheno didn't respond, but her smile widened slightly as she began to gather their camp for the night. Tomorrow would bring a new battle, and she was ready to carve a path back to the man they both believed in.

 

 

In the sweltering heat of the Sahara Desert, the golden glow of Naruto's aura stood out against the vast expanse of dunes, providing a protective barrier against the residual darkness of the underworld portal. His companions, a diverse group of allies, stood behind him, their trust in him unshaken as they stepped into this unfamiliar terrain.

The desert winds carried whispers of ancient power, and the grains of sand churned unnaturally, coalescing into a familiar figure. Naruto's golden eyes softened as he recognized the form before him. His heart skipped a beat, and his usually steady steps slowed.

"Gaia," he murmured, the name escaping his lips like a prayer. His voice was gentle, laced with relief and longing. He approached cautiously, as though afraid she might disappear like a mirage.

The doll-sized form of Gaia, regal and composed, stood before him. Her emerald gaze betrayed a glimmer of restrained emotions, though she maintained her poised demeanor. "It is nice to see you again, Naruto," she said, her voice steady yet warm. "I hope you are well."

Naruto's smile widened as he drew closer. "I am fine, Gaia. I'm sorry for causing you worry." Without hesitation, he embraced her petite form, holding her close with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

Gaia's heart raced, but she managed to keep her composure. Yet, when Naruto whispered into her ear, "I will never think less of you for showing your emotions. It would make me the happiest if you did," her stoic mask faltered. She gazed up at him, his golden eyes brimming with genuine adoration, and her barriers crumbled.

"I love you," she confessed, her voice dripping with warmth and sincerity. "I have loved you since you stayed in my domain. Every moment with you has been a joy I never expected, and our time apart only made me realize how deeply I feel."

Naruto froze, her words sinking in. The warmth in his chest blossomed into an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. "I love you too," he admitted, his voice unwavering. "You're the first person I've ever loved, and I realize now just how much you mean to me. Please forgive me if I'm not perfect—I'm still learning."

Gaia smiled softly and placed her hand on his cheek. "I accept all of you, Naruto. Just as you accept all of me, including my sins. But you must understand—kindness is in your nature, and it draws others to you. If you choose to accept them into your heart, I will respect that, but know this: no one likes to share their lover."

Naruto nodded solemnly. "I understand, and I promise not to hurt you with such things."

Gaia leaned up and kissed him softly. "Good. Now let's focus on the task at hand. There's no time to waste. Your friends should go find Percy Jackson—he'll be easy to convince. As for you, you must meet Hercules. He's crucial to our plans."

Naruto straightened, determination shining in his eyes. "Understood."

Damasen, watching the exchange, resisted the urge to groan. Stepfather? Really? He shook his head in silent exasperation.

Nemesis, standing in the background with Hestia, smirked knowingly. "I told you this would happen," she teased.

Hestia, her face calm but her eyes betraying a flicker of happiness, replied, "And I am glad for him. He deserves this."

"Is that so?" Nemesis questioned, her tone playful. But Hestia avoided her gaze and disappeared, her role in this meeting complete. Nemesis chuckled before vanishing as well.

As Gaia and Naruto shared one last moment of silent understanding, a shared resolve settled over them. The battle ahead was monumental, but together, they believed they could overcome any obstacle.

 

 

Naruto gathered his companions in the shifting sands of the Sahara and laid out his plan. They listened intently, their trust in him evident, though one voice of dissent broke through.

"I want to come with you," Ella insisted, her soft yet determined tone echoing across the desert. Her eyes were wide with concern, reflecting the worry she felt for Naruto.

Naruto smiled gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ella, I know you want to help, but this is something I need to do alone. Your presence here is crucial. You can help by guiding the others to Percy Jackson and ensuring we're ready for what's to come."

His words, spoken with such care and affection, softened Ella's resolve. Though reluctant, she agreed with a slight pout. "Fine. But you better come back safe."

"I promise," Naruto said warmly before he turned to leave, his golden aura flaring. With a burst of speed, he ascended into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.

In mere moments, Naruto arrived at the Mediterranean Sea, his blinding speed cutting through the distance effortlessly. Below him, the vast azure waters shimmered in the sunlight, and at the edge of the horizon, he spotted a small, isolated island. On it stood the famed Pillars of Hercules, marking the domain of the legendary hero.

Landing softly on the rugged terrain, Naruto immediately sensed a powerful, lingering aura nearby. He followed the faint traces of energy to the edge of a cliff, where Hercules sat, gazing out at the sea. The demiimmortal's posture was slumped, and his broad shoulders carried the weight of centuries of despair. His golden hair and muscular frame still radiated strength, but his emerald eyes were dulled by a lifetime of regret and pain.

Naruto approached cautiously, his voice soft but steady. "Hello."

Hercules turned his head slowly, his expression unmoved by the newcomer. With a weary sigh, he extended his hand, revealing a pair of radiant golden gloves. "Are you here for this?"

"Yes," Naruto replied, meeting the demiimmortal's gaze.

"And what will you give me in return?" Hercules asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Naruto paused, choosing his words carefully. "What do you desire?"

Hercules let out a hollow laugh. "I desire many things, but can you grant them?"

"I will do what I can—as long as it doesn't go against my principles."

The demiimmortal's eyes narrowed, and he spoke slowly, each word carrying the weight of his tormented existence. "I want to die. I want Hera and Zeus to die. And I want to see my children and wives again. Can you do that?"

Naruto's expression softened, understanding the depth of Hercules' anguish. "I will fulfill your wishes. I'll kill them both for you, and I'll ensure you reunite with your family. But what do you want first? Do you wish to die now, or to watch them fall before you?"

Hercules blinked, and for the first time in centuries, tears welled in his eyes. Life flickered in his aura as he whispered, "I wish to die. Seeing my family is more important than anything else."

Naruto stepped closer, extending his hand. With a soft hum of energy, he took the gloves, feeling their immense power pulse through him. Then, in a swift yet gentle motion, Naruto pierced Hercules' chest with his left hand. Golden light surged as Naruto extracted the immortal essence that bound Hercules to his cursed existence.

"Thank you," Hercules murmured, his voice filled with relief. His body began to fade, the shimmering particles of his form drifting toward the underworld. There, in the fields of heroes, Hades would reunite him with his loved ones.

Naruto stood silently, watching as the once-great hero found peace. His golden aura flickered, mirroring the solemnity of the moment.

As the winds swept over the cliff, Naruto sat cross-legged, his expression contemplative. "I thought he would wish to see them die first," he said quietly. "But he valued his family above vengeance. I still have much to learn."

Gaia, seated on his head in her petite form, chuckled softly. "It's not about experience, Naruto. People don't always act as we expect. Unless you can read their minds, their choices will surprise you. Hercules' decision was born from centuries of regret and longing."

Naruto nodded, his gaze distant. "But why didn't Zeus realize how much Hercules hated him? He must have known."

Gaia tilted her head thoughtfully. "Perhaps Zeus truly believed that Hercules only hated Hera and appreciated the 'gift' of immortality. immortals can be foolish, Naruto. They rarely understand mortals—or even themselves."

"Maybe," Naruto mused, his golden eyes narrowing. "We'll find out when we face him."

With that, he closed his eyes, focusing his energy on the artifacts he now possessed. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but for the first time, Naruto felt a deeper understanding of the lives and struggles of the beings he had come to fight alongside—or against.

 

 

The tension in the air was palpable as Team Naruto faced off against Percy Jackson and his team. Their sudden arrival had interrupted a critical moment—the battle against the anti-Poseidon giant was still fresh in their minds, and Percy's team had only narrowly avoided relying on their powerful artifacts. As the team came into view, their figures were imposing, especially with the unexpected presence of Medusa, a harpy, and Damasen. It was clear that this was not just a chance encounter.

Percy, ever cautious, immediately took a defensive stance, his body instinctively preparing for the worst. His eyes darted between his friends and the new arrivals. "Thank you for the help, but what do you want?" Percy asked, his voice steady but filled with suspicion.

Medusa, ever unpredictable, moved with startling speed. Without warning, she had closed the gap between them, her claws grazing Percy's face with a threat that was only partially concealed. "Perseus Jackson," she muttered, her voice low and dripping with venom. "You're lucky I've changed, or else your entrails would be decorating this ice floor."

Her sudden appearance had sent a chill through the group, but before Percy could react further, Ella stepped forward, her presence commanding and authoritative. "Medusa, get back here. Let Ella do the talking," she said, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. The others, including Damasen, maintained a watchful eye on the surroundings, their senses sharp, ready for any unexpected movement.

Ella's voice rang out again, filled with confidence and purpose. "We want the artifacts your parents gave you. You are lucky you haven't used them yet, or they would have driven you insane. They are part of my partner, and he needs them to be complete. Give them to us, and we won't harm you."

Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of their meaning clear. The artifact in Percy's possession, one that his father had warned him about, was now the center of this tense standoff. Percy hesitated, uncertainty clouding his judgment. His father's cryptic warning had never fully made sense to him, and now it seemed to be coming to a head. Percy stared at the harpy, and the shift in her demeanor told him that she was not the true leader here. But who was the mysterious "partner" she spoke of?

As the silence stretched on, Hazel, always perceptive, spoke up. Her voice was steady but filled with an underlying recognition. "Did you meet my father?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Ella and the others.

Ella's expression softened slightly as she nodded. "We met your father. He told us to save you, which is why we haven't taken action against you for not giving us what is ours. Time is running out. We need the artifact, or Zeus will kill you all and take it."

The mention of Zeus hit Percy like a thunderbolt, his mind reeling. Zeus was dead? It felt too impossible to process. But before he could fully grasp the magnitude of this revelation, he turned to his team. His gaze lingered on Hazel for a moment longer before he spoke, his voice steady but edged with determination. "Okay, but I want to meet your partner."

"No problem," Ella replied with a small nod, signaling the others.

But before any more words could be exchanged, Damasen's voice rang out sharply, "Dodge!" The warning came just in time, and the group jumped away as an arrow shot through the air with deadly precision.

Percy's eyes widened as he looked toward the source of the attack. There, standing at the edge of the battlefield, was Apollo—bow drawn, arrow aimed directly at them. "What are you doing?" Percy demanded, his voice laced with disbelief.

Apollo's face remained stern as he replied, "Kid, I cannot allow you to give it to them. The man they serve will bring an end to the age of Olympians. He'll kill us all."

"Don't listen to him," Ella's voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Apollo is just a puppet of Zeus. Your death is inevitable if you follow him. Think about what good they've actually done for you. My Master will bring peace to this world, and tragedies like yours won't happen anymore. Plus, your father is already dead at the hands of Zeus."

Ella's words hung in the air as she took flight, skillfully dodging another arrow from Apollo, before retaliating with a quick strike from her whip. Her movements were fluid and controlled, but the fight had only just begun.

Damasen, not one to hesitate, launched himself into the sky, his spear aimed at Apollo. But before he could strike, a new figure emerged—Ares, the immortal of war. Ares intercepted Damasen's attack, and the two collided with explosive force, falling into the ocean below.

The chaotic battle had only escalated. Percy's mind raced as he processed the news of his father's death and the magnitude of the threat before them. There was no time for mourning—only for action.

"We'll help you fight Apollo," Hazel said, her voice resolute. The boys nodded in agreement. Percy was still uncertain, but Hazel's trust in them gave him pause. They were connected to his father's legacy, and that meant something. If Hazel trusted them, then perhaps they weren't as dangerous as he initially thought.

With no time left to waste, the trio joined the fray, and the situation became even more chaotic. The battle reached a tipping point as Percy and his team were forced to use the artifacts. The moment they did, the artifacts fused with their bodies, imbuing them with tremendous power. But with that power came a cost—an irreversible change that would bind them to the very artifacts they had once carried.

As the battle raged on, there was no clear winner yet. The question remained: Would they survive this fight, and would they trust the mysterious figures who had come to their aid—or were they all simply pawns in a game too dangerous to fully understand?

 

 

Zeus sat back in his dark throne room, his expression twisted in frustration as he observed the unfolding chaos from his vantage point. The faint scent of the serpent's flesh lingered in the air as he chewed slowly, savoring each bite, though his thoughts were far from the meal. In his hand, he held the dark, swirling Crown of Darkness—its ominous aura pulsed with the immense power of Ra's death, the first of the many stepping stones to his ultimate goal. His eyes narrowed as he thought about the latest disappointment.

"What a bloody disappointment," Zeus muttered bitterly, his voice laced with annoyance. His fingers idly traced the edge of the crown. "I had expected at least some sort of fight, but this was not planned. I should have checked his mental state before giving him such a thing."

The artifacts, those powerful relics bestowed upon the mortal children of the immortals, had been his ticket to ultimate supremacy. But despite his meticulous planning, the outcome had been less than satisfactory. The artifact had been wielded in ways he hadn't foreseen, and the one he'd hoped to manipulate seemed to have a mind of his own. What had seemed like an opportunity to mold events had turned into a string of unexpected actions—actions he hadn't prepared for.

Zeus clenched his teeth, irritated. But his next words were spoken with a touch of satisfaction as he eyed the snake's remains before him. "At least all the artifacts are awakening, and I will be able to absorb all of it without dying."

His fingers tightened around the snake's lifeless body, the power it contained now part of him. The very serpent, prophesized to devour Ra, had been consumed by Zeus, his meal now the source of a critical power boost. The snake's energy was absorbed into the Crown of Darkness. Ra's immortally essence, on the other hand, had been funneled into the Anklet of Light—another one of the relics that would soon fall under Zeus's complete control. The divine essence of both mighty beings now coiled within his collection of artifacts, each one strengthening him bit by bit.

Zeus couldn't help but smile at the thought. "With all these pieces in place, there is no way anyone can stop me now. Not even the likes of them." His grin grew wider as he felt the swell of power within him. Yet, that smile faded as a more troubling thought crossed his mind.

He had to be careful—his methods, his sacrifices, they all carried a heavy price. Taking the artifacts and absorbing their immense energies would ordinarily have killed a mortal immortal, but Zeus was no mere immortal. He had studied the ways of the ancient space overlords, creatures who had once mastered the art of siphoning and manipulating power on a scale beyond comprehension. These beings were said to have wielded the very technologies that allowed them to absorb and control the power of entire universes.

Zeus had replicated their methods with his own twist. Using the divine power that he had painstakingly collected from those he'd slain, he had infused the power into a mechanism that would allow him to absorb the artifacts' power without succumbing to its overwhelming force. The very process that had killed the space overlords in the past would now work in his favor. The problem was the risk: any misstep, any miscalculation, and he could be consumed by the very power he sought to control.

"Time is on my side," Zeus said, pushing the unease aside for the moment. "Soon, I will be ready to unleash everything."

The artifacts—the Crown of Darkness, the Anklet of Light—along with the collected essences of Ra and the prophesied serpent, would be the key. They would make him unstoppable. With each passing moment, his power continued to grow, and the immortals who had once ruled the heavens would soon fall beneath his wrath.

But something gnawed at Zeus, something he couldn't quite ignore. As much as he tried to deny it, he felt a shadow over his triumph. He'd underestimated the mortals and the immortals who had opposed him. Had he truly thought they would remain passive forever? His plans were advancing, but were they advancing fast enough?

"I will need to move quicker than anticipated. No more mistakes." Zeus muttered to himself, a cold fury building up as he surveyed his kingdom of ruin.

A shift in the air, an unshakable sense of impending challenge, hung over him like a storm cloud. Something was coming, and even Zeus wasn't certain whether he would be ready for it.