The sponsorship opportunities for tamers were one of the most lucrative ways to earn money, especially for those who weren't already part of powerful clans. Outside the clans, many tamers were just ordinary people with extraordinary abilities, and they needed ways to secure their livelihood. While the rich and powerful clans didn't have to worry about such matters, the majority of tamers depended on sponsors to fund their activities, training, and personal needs. In a world where strength and reputation determined one's status, sponsorship was not just a means of survival—it was a way to build a public presence and earn the money necessary to continue fighting and developing.
Naruto was well aware of the sponsorship opportunities and how beneficial they could be. For the Digi-destined, many of them had come from humble beginnings. Tai's family, for instance, had lived in an apartment before his life as a tamer began. Now, he was a renowned figure, making money through various avenues, including sponsorships. Tai hadn't joined a clan, which left him reliant on alternative ways to build his wealth. Through hard work, adventure, and the connections he made as a tamer, he was now extremely wealthy and had business ventures managed by his friend Izzy.
Naruto, much like Tai, had also built his status without being part of any clan. He relied on his strength, charisma, and the opportunities that came with being in the public eye. Sponsorships played a major role in his financial success and his increasing fame. That's why this meeting was important—he had to carefully navigate such deals to ensure he didn't end up with anything that might harm his team or his reputation.
"Rika, meet up with Kari and I'll join you guys soon," Naruto said after a moment, turning toward Rika. He could sense that she wasn't fond of these formalities and wanted to avoid any discomfort by allowing her some space. He understood that she needed to adjust to his position as the leader, and this was one of the responsibilities he would have to handle frequently.
Rika paused and thought for a moment, realizing she would likely get bored during the meeting. She didn't want to risk annoying Naruto, who was far more perceptive than most people. After a moment of hesitation, she agreed. "Okay, but don't take too long," she said, hugging him quickly and pulling away with a small smile. She wasn't keen on these kinds of formal events, but she knew they were a part of Naruto's duties as the leader, and she would need to learn to handle them better in the future.
Naruto gave her a reassuring smile. "I will. Now don't forget to play nice, or it will be punishment time," he teased. The mention of punishment made Rika shudder a little, but not in a bad way. She remembered all too well the time Naruto had spanked her for fighting with Kari during one of their dates. It had been both embarrassing and oddly enjoyable, a reminder of how Naruto had a knack for making her feel things she hadn't expected. It wasn't the first time he had made her blush or pushed her limits, and she wasn't sure how to feel about it. Part of her was embarrassed, but the other part was oddly drawn to him.
He had made her into a pervert.
And he had the perverted tendency of being called Lord Seventh for some reason.
She didn't even know what that meant and just took it as his alias, as some tamers had those in these times and didn't always use their real name.
With a playful smirk and a kiss on his lips, Rika turned and walked away. Her confidence was apparent, and she knew she looked stunning as she left the room. Naruto couldn't help but watch her go, but a sense of awkwardness lingered in his mind. Despite how much he enjoyed his time with Rika and the others, there was a strange discomfort in the back of his mind, knowing he was interacting with girls around the same age as his own daughter or his friend's daughters. He couldn't help but question the appropriateness of it all, but he pushed the thought aside. The affection they gave him was real, and he reciprocated it in kind.
After Rika left, Naruto turned to Mi Jung, who had been quietly watching the exchange. She gave him a knowing look, as if she understood the dynamic between him and the others. Without saying much, she gestured for him to follow her to the meeting room. Mi Jung had a way of guiding him through situations with a cool, collected demeanor, and Naruto was already prepared for the business side of things. This meeting would require his full attention, but he knew it would also require tact and strategy to ensure the sponsorship was beneficial without any hidden pitfalls.
Arriving in the meeting room, Naruto immediately noticed the two women seated at the far end of the table. The room wasn't particularly large, designed for small, intimate discussions rather than large-scale meetings. The setting felt deliberate—personal enough to foster meaningful conversation while keeping things professional.
The first woman caught his eye with her striking features: tanned skin, golden blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes. Her figure was nothing short of breathtaking, the kind that lingered in memory like an impression etched in stone. She exuded an aura of confidence and sophistication, wearing a sleek black business dress paired with a tie and polished black heels. Her mixed heritage was evident in her unique features, a trait that was not uncommon in this diverse world.
Beside her sat another woman, equally stunning, with a voluptuous figure that rivaled her companion's. She had short black hair styled neatly, framing her face in a way that highlighted her sharp violet eyes. Her attire was equally professional: a crisp white shirt, a black skirt, and a tailored black coat. Polished heels completed the look, adding to her air of poise and authority. If Naruto hadn't known better, he might have thought they were supermodels rather than business professionals. Their presence was magnetic, though it didn't faze him in the slightest.
Mi Jung stepped forward, breaking the silence as she introduced the women. The blonde was Yumi Ishiyama, the CEO of the company, while the black-haired woman was her secretary, Aiko. Their company, aptly named Ecstasy, specialized in high-end sponsorships and marketing for Tamers, providing everything from financial backing to public relations management.
Hearing the company's name, Naruto felt an almost instinctive urge to turn on his heel and leave. The name alone screamed indulgence and excess, a sharp contrast to his more grounded principles. But he suppressed the impulse. Walking out now would not only be rude but also shortsighted. He was here for business, and it was only fair to hear them out. First impressions aside, he decided to listen and evaluate their offer with an open mind.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Uzumaki," Yumi said warmly, standing and extending her hand. Her tone was cheerful and friendly, a stark contrast to the more stoic demeanor of her secretary. "I've been a huge fan of yours for a long time. This isn't just lip service—I'm genuinely honored to meet you."
Naruto gave her a firm handshake and a polite smile, his demeanor professional and composed. "Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them. I'd love to talk about those topics later, but for now, could you explain your brand and what you're offering?"
He settled into his seat across from the women, with Mi Jung sitting beside him. His posture was relaxed but attentive, his gaze steady and respectful. Not once did his eyes stray to their figures, nor did his body language suggest anything beyond the business at hand. Naruto's professionalism was evident, a trait that hadn't gone unnoticed. It set him apart from many other Tamers who might have been distracted or swayed by the sheer presence of the two women.
Yumi was pleasantly surprised. She had expected him to be professional, but his composure and focus were above even her expectations. As a martial artist herself, she admired discipline, and Naruto embodied it perfectly. She was genuinely impressed and felt validated in her decision to handle this meeting personally rather than delegating it to her team.
On the other hand, Aiko's reaction was more subdued. She was slightly disappointed; their looks and presence were often assets in negotiations, giving them an advantage when dealing with male Tamers. Yet, Naruto's indifference rendered that strategy ineffective. It wasn't a blow to her pride, but it was unusual. She quickly adjusted her approach, falling back into her role as the sharp, analytical counterpart to Yumi's warmth.
Mi Jung, observing the interaction, wasn't surprised in the slightest. She had known Naruto long enough to predict his reaction. Even when they had first met, she quickly learned that superficial charms held no sway over him. It was one of the reasons she respected him, though she couldn't help but find it slightly frustrating at times.
As Yumi began the presentation, her enthusiasm shone through. She was clearly passionate about her company, and it showed in the way she spoke about its history, values, and goals. She explained that Ecstasy wasn't just about financial backing; it was about building a brand for Tamers, helping them reach new heights both in their careers and their public image. They had worked with several well-known Tamers, elevating their profiles and securing opportunities that extended beyond the battlefield.
Naruto listened intently, his expression neutral but engaged. He asked a few pointed questions, ensuring he understood the details of the offer. Yumi handled each inquiry with ease, her answers concise and thoughtful. Aiko chimed in occasionally, providing additional context or clarifying finer points.
Yumi's decision to personally oversee this meeting wasn't just about respect—it was strategic. High-level Tamers like Naruto were rare, and securing a partnership with someone of his caliber could elevate Ecstasy's reputation even further. Showing up in person demonstrated their seriousness and commitment, something many Tamers appreciated. Pride and arrogance had no place in this line of work, especially when their competitors were just as eager to secure deals with talented individuals.
Yumi's voice carried a confident, practiced rhythm as she introduced the core vision of her company, Ecstasy. "As the name implies," she began, "we focus on a trance-like state where a person transcends normal consciousness. Our main product is ladies' wear that embodies strength, sexiness, and confidence. Every woman here is wearing our products, so you can see the appeal and quality firsthand. Beyond that, we also design male clothing."
Her eyes briefly scanned Naruto, noting his simple but well-tailored attire. "Your clothing happens to be from one of our rivals. We can confidently assure you that we're capable of delivering a superior product, tailored not only to functionality but to an iconic look."
Naruto listened silently, his face calm and unreadable. Yumi took his lack of reaction as a cue to pivot quickly to what might catch his interest. "But I understand that this might not intrigue you much. What we are truly excited to present is our latest venture: a product line focusing on Digimon partners. This includes not only clothing but armor that adheres to our philosophy—combining cutting-edge technology, high performance, and striking design."
The hologram display activated with a soft hum, projecting images of the new line. Armor designs for Digimon partners rotated in the air, glowing softly as they highlighted intricate patterns and bold designs. Models showed off practical yet stylish clothing and accessories for Tamers, including battle-ready outfits that didn't sacrifice aesthetics for utility.
Naruto's attention sharpened as he focused on the designs. While not an expert in armor or fashion, he could immediately appreciate the quality of the work. The armor on display was leagues ahead of what his Digimon partner, Asura, currently used. Asura's armor, while functional, lacked the finesse and innovation showcased here.
"I like it," Naruto said finally, nodding as a small smile played across his lips. "So, what's the benefit for me, and what's the cost?"
Yumi's heart leaped at his response. Despite his stoic demeanor, the approval in his tone and the slight smile told her she'd cleared the first hurdle. She gestured for Aiko to continue, and the secretary smoothly retrieved a file from her briefcase. Her demeanor remained professional and composed as she detailed the terms of their offer.
"The benefits," Aiko began, "include a free pass for your entire team at all our clothing stores, access to exclusive designs, and accommodations provided at no cost. We will fully fund your team's adventures and provide negotiable annual salaries. Lastly, we will personally design and fund any equipment your team and your Digimon partners require."
Naruto's brows lifted ever so slightly, and even Mi Jung, seated beside him, couldn't entirely mask her surprise. The terms were undeniably generous—almost excessively so. It was uncommon for sponsors to provide such benefits to a team that hadn't yet reached the Champion level or fully demonstrated its long-term potential. It spoke volumes about the gamble Yumi was taking.
Aiko continued, her voice unwavering. "In return, we ask your team to act as brand representatives. This includes wearing our insignia, prioritizing our company in emergencies, and protecting our brand reputation if needed. Additionally, you will be required to participate in photo shoots and promotional events at times. Beyond that, we will not interfere with your personal goals or professional work."
Naruto leaned back slightly, processing the information. The offer was lucrative, bordering on unprecedented. Yumi had played her hand aggressively, hoping to secure an edge against larger competitors by betting on his team's potential. If they succeeded, Ecstasy would have a direct association with some of the most powerful and famous individuals in the Tamer world. It would be a massive boon for the company's growth, allowing them to stand out even against established giants in the industry.
Mi Jung, always the voice of reason, spoke through the communicator connected directly to Naruto's mind. "This is a very lucrative deal, but it's better not to decide hastily. Please take your time to review other offers. If you have any questions, ask them now, but avoid committing to anything at this stage. Breaking a contract later could be disastrous, especially with the legal system's harsh penalties."
Naruto didn't react outwardly to Mi Jung's advice, maintaining his composed demeanor. He suspected Yumi and Aiko were also communicating silently via their own devices, a common practice in high-stakes negotiations. Still, he appreciated Mi Jung's reminder—it kept him grounded amid the overwhelming generosity of the proposal.