Naruto and Rika spent a good part of the afternoon in the mall, relishing each other's company and enjoying the lightheartedness that had been so scarce in their lives. They dined on casual food—burgers and fries—laughing about random things as they continued to enjoy the moment.
Afterward, they headed to the arcade, where the vibrant lights and sounds offered a welcome distraction. Rika, ever the competitive spirit, dragged Naruto to the snooker table. They played a few rounds, exchanging light jabs and teasing each other. It wasn't about winning or losing—it was about enjoying the time spent together.
Then, they moved on to the dancing game, one of Rika's favorites. She was quick on her feet, expertly hitting the arrows as the upbeat music played. Her energy was infectious, and Naruto found himself caught up in the rhythm. Despite his usual carefree nature, dancing had always been something he enjoyed, ever since he was a child. Music had often been a means of escape for him, especially in darker times when he was trying to block out the chaos of his life. From Jiraiya's wild celebrations to the quieter moments after the war, music had been there as a companion.
Rika, in contrast, had a different vibe when it came to music. Her family's image leaned toward quiet grace and subtlety, but deep down, she thrived on the upbeat, energetic tunes. It was part of her own hidden side—one that enjoyed pushing boundaries, laughing, and having fun in ways that were uncharacteristic of her family's expectations.
As they danced, Rika couldn't help but smile, her joy evident in every step. Naruto matched her moves, though he wasn't as graceful as her. His expression was relaxed, happy to be in the moment, not thinking about his usual responsibilities or the intense battles he often found himself in. For the first time in a while, he simply enjoyed the beat and the rhythm.
Their Digimons watched from a distance, Asura and Luna curious but somewhat confused by the humans' behavior. They had never seen their masters act this way before. Asura, ever the thinker, pondered the reason behind such actions. "Maybe it's a distraction?" he mused, his golden eyes reflecting a deep thought as he tilted his head.
Luna, on the other hand, took a different approach. She observed the movements and rhythms, her thoughts running along a more analytical track. "It helps with their reaction and flexibility," she concluded, remembering the ninja techniques she had read about in the ninja book. It spoke of how ninja needed to maintain flexibility and agility, and this seemed to be a form of practice for them, even if it appeared like mere fun.
But as they continued to watch their masters laugh and play, Asura couldn't help but be fascinated by the happiness on their faces. Even Luna, who was more reserved in her appreciation for such things, began to understand that perhaps these activities were more than just physical exercise. They were moments of joy, moments to be cherished. "Maybe… these things are done for enjoyment," Asura thought, watching Naruto's carefree smile.
While Asura was drawn to the beat of the song, tapping his foot in time with the rhythm, Luna remained more distant. The loud, upbeat tunes didn't excite her as much as the softer, soulful melodies she preferred. She would have preferred something more serene, something that resonated on a deeper emotional level. Still, she watched her master with interest, recognizing that perhaps, in her own way, even this music served a purpose for Naruto.
In the end, it wasn't just about the game or the activity. It was about being in the moment, about finding enjoyment in the simplest things. And for a fleeting moment, all the stress, battles, and struggles seemed to fade away, replaced by laughter and the warmth of shared company.
Naruto and Rika had finished their enjoyable date, full of laughter and lighthearted moments. The time had passed quickly, and by the time they finished, the clock had struck 2 PM. Naruto revved up his bike, signaling the end of their leisurely afternoon as they headed to the Digi-Destined HQ. It was a sprawling complex, a large and impressive building situated in a secluded area, far away from the public eye. The gates were grand, adorned with intricate statues of dragons and wolves, symbolizing the strength and bond of the Digi-Destined team. The imposing structure was built with the combined effort and personal funds of the team members, a reflection of their unity and determination.
Rika sat behind Naruto, her arms wrapped around him as she admired the gates they were passing through. "We will have our personal base soon," she muttered, her tone reflecting a mixture of determination and longing. She gazed at the dragon and wolf statues, symbols of the team's power and unity.
Back when the team had first come together, none of them had the financial power to afford something like this. They were still young and just beginning their journey as Tamers. At that time, Naruto earned money from his sparring sessions with those who sought him out for training, having gained the title of the best fighter after countless victories. He also had a dojo, a place where others could train, and it was run by people he had hypnotized into becoming expert fighters. Despite these sources of income, the idea of a personal base like this one was far beyond their reach.
As they rode through the gates, Rika leaned forward, breaking the silence. "We will have to improve our ranking and do a lot of missions to make this dream a reality. Are you ready for that?"
Naruto smiled confidently, his grip firm on the handlebars. "I'm always ready," he said, his voice steady and full of conviction. "We'll get there, no matter what."
Rika hugged him from behind as she whispered, "Have you thought about our starting zone?"
Naruto nodded as he shifted his focus to the road, his mind already working through the options. "I was thinking of starting in a low-level forest area."
Rika raised an eyebrow. "Native Forest or Odin's Foot?"
The two forests were well known in the Digital World, especially for beginner Tamers. Native Forest was a serene place where the strongest Digimon were usually Champions, making it a safer place to start. Odin's Foot, however, was a more mysterious and dangerous area, rumored to be the site of strange happenings. It was named after the large, foot-shaped lake surrounded by a dense forest, a site of power where the legendary Odinmon had once stood in defiance of the Royal Knights.
Naruto paused before answering, taking a moment to consider. "Native Forest is the best choice for beginning," he said, pulling the bike to a stop in front of the HQ. "Odin's Foot is... suspicious. Strange things happen there from time to time." His voice dropped slightly, as if he knew there were forces at play in that region far beyond his understanding.
Rika wasn't entirely convinced. "I don't have a problem with that," she said, glancing over the landscape. "Though the Trickster Forest isn't so bad either."
Naruto raised an eyebrow but was about to respond when they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Good afternoon, Rika, Naruto." Kari approached them, her partner Salamon, a Plott Hound with white fur and green eyes, cradled gently in her arms. The small creature had a Holy Ring around its neck, a token of its unique, yet untapped powers. Salamon, despite being incredibly cute and seemingly innocent, was still very young and unaware of its true potential. It had a lot of growing to do before it could even think about becoming a formidable fighter.
Kari's voice softened as she addressed them, a serious note creeping into her tone. "I would suggest against Trickster Forest. Jokermon has been sighted in the region." She gave them a cautious look, clearly concerned.
Naruto tilted his head slightly, sensing the gravity in her words. He had heard of Jokermon, a mischievous and dangerous Digimon that liked to play tricks on unsuspecting Tamers. Its presence in Trickster Forest meant that the area was not only a challenge but potentially more dangerous than they had anticipated.
Rika nodded, understanding the situation. "Thanks for the warning, Kari," she said. "We'll reconsider."
Jokermon was a truly enigmatic Digimon, his appearance a twisted mix of chaos and humor. Dressed in a jester's costume, his features were exaggerated, with a wide grin that seemed to stretch too far and eyes that glittered with mischief. He wielded a large scythe, a weapon that matched his unpredictable nature. His personality mirrored his appearance—playful yet dark, a chaotic force that could swing from helpful to deadly with little more than a shift in the wind. No one truly knew where Jokermon's allegiance lay. Some suspected he served Piedmon, the ruthless leader of the Dark Masters, an infamous evil Digimon organization bent on seizing control of the Digital World. The Dark Masters were led by four Mega-level Digimon, each more dangerous than the next, but they answered to one supreme being: Apocalymon.
Apocalymon, a being of unmatched power, had reshaped the Digital World, manipulating both it and the human world to serve his dark plans. His strength was so vast that even the Royal Knights hesitated to face him without backup. Despite King Drasil's rule over the Multiverse, the Digital World had grown in ways even he couldn't control. Apocalymon's machinations went beyond King Drasil's understanding, as his influence spread unpredictably, stirring up chaos in the Digital World.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Rika found themselves caught in the web of this uncertainty. As they continued to converse with Kari, the atmosphere shifted between light-hearted and serious. Naruto smiled warmly, stepping closer to Kari, who greeted him with a slight but genuine smile. "Hello Kari, I hope you're not stressed out," he said as he embraced her, pulling Aaliyah into the hug as well.
Aaliyah, still in her puppy form, tolerated Naruto's affection for Kari, though she wasn't one for overt displays of emotion. If she had felt differently, she might have nipped at his fingers, but for now, she didn't mind. After all, she'd known Naruto for a week now, and the bond was already growing between them.
"I wasn't stressed, but there's still some worry," Kari replied, leaning into Naruto's chest as he held her. "This situation isn't easy to handle, and honestly, it's unfair, don't you think?"
Naruto nodded, understanding her frustration. "Yeah, it's definitely not an ideal situation, but we'll get through it together," he said softly, his tone filled with reassurance.
However, Rika, who had been quietly observing the scene, wasn't as comfortable with the closeness. She crossed her arms, a slight frown on her face. "Ahem, I'm still here," she said, her voice laced with mild irritation. Her expression made it clear that she didn't particularly enjoy witnessing such intimate moments between Naruto and Kari. She had always preferred her time alone with Naruto, and the sight of another girl receiving his affection made her feel possessive.
Aaliyah, sensing Rika's discomfort, jumped from Kari's arms and gave her a pointed look. "Why don't you leave, fox girl? Naruto suits my master better," Aaliyah remarked, her voice tinged with a protective tone. Her loyalty to Kari was unquestionable, and she didn't like seeing anyone interrupt her connection with her Tamer.
Rika's eyes narrowed, her irritation growing. She was about to retort when Naruto intervened, quickly putting an end to the tension. He gently removed his arms from around Kari and gave Aaliyah a playful tickle, attempting to ease the situation. "Yes, Aaliyah is a cute little child," he said with a smile, looking down at the small Digimon. "Where is Tai now, by the way?"
The change in subject helped defuse the tension. Rika, still holding Naruto's hand, gave him a smile in return, recognizing that the playful interruption had allowed them to move past the awkward moment. She was the type to keep her pride intact, and though she could be a bit smug at times, she understood that timing and place mattered. Kari, on the other hand, wasn't as skilled at hiding her competitive nature, and Rika felt a flicker of unease at the thought of sharing Naruto's attention.
Rika knew this wouldn't be easy. There was something about Kari's demeanor that made her feel like she had to constantly compete for Naruto's affection. But she kept her composure, offering a calm smile as she squeezed Naruto's hand. She'd never let her guard down easily, especially not in front of others.
"I think we should go find Tai," Naruto said, trying to shift the focus to something more neutral. "There's no need to fight over little things like this."
Kari chuckled, holding Aaliyah closely. "I'll be fine," she said, a playful glint in her eye as she added, "but you know, Aaliyah just wants what's best for me."
Kari stood at the entrance of the gym, glancing in with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Inside, Tai was sparring with Ryu, his massive Digimon partner in his Wargreymon form. Ryu's dragon-like humanoid body was imposing even without the gleaming chrome Digizoid armor that usually covered him. Standing over 100 meters tall in his true form, Ryu had learned to manipulate his size, shrinking down to a more manageable level for close combat training. Despite the size difference, Ryu moved fluidly, engaging with Tai in an intense martial arts battle that showcased their mutual love for pushing their limits.
Unlike his former rival Jack, who had been more laid-back and competitive, Ryu was a battle junkie through and through. The energy in the gym was charged with raw intensity, his every movement a blur as he honed his skills. Despite his fearsome appearance, Ryu loved to listen to upbeat music to get into the right mood for his training, and he had a strange fascination with collecting treasures. Yet, his true passion was always about combat—testing his strength and skills in one-on-one battles. Tai, ever the adventurer, had joined him in these sparring sessions, sharing the thrill of the fight. Ryu's drive had no limits, and his constant training had earned him the respect of the Digi-Destined, though he still sought an even greater challenge.
However, Tai wasn't the only one training fiercely. Ryu had a new rival in Riser, Masaru Daimon's partner, whose evolution into ShineGreymon made him a formidable foe. Both Tai and Masaru had their own rivalry, driven by their desire to prove their worth, but also an unspoken camaraderie. Meanwhile, Jack, who had previously shared a rivalry with Ryu, had found a new adversary in Hide, a prideful and cold Mirage Gaogamon. Despite their contrasting personalities, there was a mutual respect between the two, and the rivalry kept them both sharp, knowing that each encounter would test their abilities.
Despite the fierce competition, Ryu's focus was on something greater. He was training relentlessly for another evolution, one that would put him at the top of the Greymon line alongside the legendary Emperor Greymon. During their exploration, they had learned of a new form, Victory Greymon, an evolution that would push Ryu to the next level of power. Tai, knowing how important this was for his partner, was fully invested in helping him achieve it, even if it meant pushing Ryu to the brink of exhaustion in their solo training sessions. The road to Victory Greymon was difficult, but Tai was determined to help his partner reach that pinnacle, even if it meant Ryu would have to fight countless battles on his own.
Kari, standing outside the gym, was torn between her concern for her brother and the questions that had been weighing on her heart. As much as she loved Tai, she knew his dedication to Ryu sometimes left him with little time for others. She had to be sure, had to know if Naruto was truly ready for the challenges ahead. Tai's protective nature was well-known, and she suspected he might test Naruto's devotion to her with the Crest of Love, which had the power to detect true feelings and even influence others. The thought of it made her uneasy, but she couldn't avoid the inevitable.
Naruto, sensing her hesitation, looked back at her, his voice filled with both seriousness and a touch of vulnerability. "No, this is fine. What about you? Are you sure about this? Do you really want to be with me?"
His words hit Kari deeper than she expected. She had always known that being with Naruto would mean navigating the complexities of relationships and the intricacies of their world. But in that moment, she realized that despite everything—the battles, the rivalries, the training—what mattered most was whether they were truly ready to face the future together.
Kari's eyes softened, and she stepped closer to him. "I'm sure. I trust you, Naruto. But Tai… He's protective, and he loves me. I know he'll want to test you with the Crest of Love. You'll have to prove yourself to him, and he won't make it easy."
Naruto nodded, his hand gently holding hers. "I understand. I've never been one to back down from a challenge. I'll face whatever Tai throws at me."
Kari smiled, her doubts easing as she looked into Naruto's determined eyes. "I know you will. Tai may be stubborn, but he just wants to make sure I'm making the right choice. He'll come around eventually, but first, you'll have to show him that you're truly ready."