In the current timeline, life felt almost like a fleeting dream to Naruto, with two days passing by in the blink of an eye. The group had managed to resolve the tension between Tesla and Takato, and now, they were ready for their next steps. The time they spent together had been filled with warmth and camaraderie, and Naruto could feel the bonds growing stronger, especially between the girls and their Digimon partners. Everyone seemed to be improving and evolving, both individually and as a group, and Naruto couldn't help but feel content watching it all unfold.
The atmosphere had been positive, and despite the usual challenges that came with their daily lives, Naruto had enjoyed his time immensely. Among those he spent time with over the past two days were Mi Jung, Na So Ri, and Yumi. He had met them for casual outings, sometimes for shopping or even just to chat. The moments felt simple, yet fulfilling. He hadn't gone to Na So Ri's place, as he had already done what he could to steer her away from the dangerous path she was walking. His intervention had been more about helping her see the consequences of her obsessive pursuit of wealth and rank. While she still hadn't fully embraced the changes he hoped for, Naruto could see some progress. He had helped her reflect on her choices, but her shallow desires—fueled by her past experiences of humiliation and her mother's constant complaints about money—weren't easy to erase.
Na So Ri's fixation on status and authority was hard for her to let go of, and while she was listening to him, she still struggled to change. Her obsession with climbing higher, especially when it came to Mi Jung, remained evident. Naruto knew he couldn't change her overnight, but he had planted a seed. As frustrating as it was, he had to remind himself that people like Na So Ri took time to truly evolve, if they ever did at all.
On the flip side, Naruto had also spoken to Young about some of her inner struggles. She had been battling with confidence issues and uncertainty, unsure of where she stood in certain aspects of her life. She had been tempted to accept an offer that would have forced her into a situation she didn't feel comfortable with—an offer that would only have led to emotional turmoil. Naruto had talked her out of it, reminding her that following through with that decision would only result in guilt and regret. He had helped her see the bigger picture, convincing her that choosing her own path, based on her feelings, would be far more fulfilling than appeasing someone else's desires.
Despite the various challenges the people around him were facing, Naruto felt like he was making small but meaningful changes in their lives. He wasn't trying to fix everything; he simply wanted to help them reflect, guide them toward healthier decisions, and encourage them to think critically about their futures. While it wasn't easy, it felt rewarding in its own way.
As the group prepared to leave and continue their journey, Naruto felt a sense of accomplishment. He wasn't just a leader in battle; he was becoming a better guide, a better friend. Though there were still many obstacles ahead, moments like these made him realize how far he had come—and how much further he still had to go in this complex world.
As the group stepped through the gate and into the Digital World, they were immediately greeted by a bustling metropolis that extended far beyond what they could see. The blue sky above was just as vibrant as it always was, but the city beneath them was like nothing they had ever encountered before. It was a fusion of technology and nature, blending modern advancements with a sense of harmony that was unique to this world.
The city was called Dawn, a fitting name for the first city ever established in the Digital World. It was located on the Asia side of the Royal Sector, which was under the care of Izumi and Takuya Kanbara. The couple, long married, had dedicated their lives to keeping the Digital World in balance, ensuring that the territories were well-managed and protected. Their daughter, Kara, was part of this lineage, though they were often away on missions, making them elusive figures even for the citizens of Dawn.
Dawn itself felt like a sanctuary for Digimon, with their presence everywhere, roaming freely among the humans who coexisted with them. It was a city where Digimon and humans lived side by side without the restrictions that defined the human world. There were no need for Digivices to keep them contained; they could walk the streets, enter shops, and interact with people as if they were a normal part of society. For Naruto and his team, it was like stepping into a place where they could finally let their Digimon partners roam without fear of being restricted.
The metropolis before them was a mix of towering buildings with sleek, modern designs and open spaces that allowed for nature to flourish. The streets were wide, filled with a variety of vehicles and pedestrians, both human and Digimon, moving with purpose. The city felt alive, brimming with energy and possibility. It was a sharp contrast to the more restrained world they had just left behind.
Naruto couldn't help but notice how comfortable his Digimon partners looked in this environment. They were walking around with a sense of freedom and ease, as if they had finally found a place where they could truly belong. As he looked at them, he also felt something stirring within him. A subtle, almost instinctive sense of belonging to this world. It wasn't just his Digimon partners that were reacting this way—it was him, too. His thoughts returned briefly to his own reincarnation, and he couldn't help but wonder if a Digimon had played a role in his return to this world. It was a fleeting thought, one that he chose to store away for later reflection, as the present was far too exciting to dwell on such things.
Arthur and Takato were the first to break away, their excitement palpable as they looked around the city, pointing at buildings and vehicles with wide-eyed amazement. Their voices were filled with wonder, making gestures that conveyed their enthusiasm. Tesla, who wasn't far behind, mirrored their excitement, his quick movements and curious glances making it clear that he was just as eager to explore as the others.
Aaliyah, always the observer, took in the sights, her sharp eyes noting the details of the bustling city. She didn't show her excitement outwardly, but there was a quiet appreciation in her gaze. Asura, on the other hand, seemed at ease, not at all overwhelmed by the new surroundings. His calm demeanor contrasted with the excitement of the others, but it was clear he was just as impressed by the world around them. He had likely seen many things in his travels, but the Digital World was still a place that held wonders for him.
Luna, ever the pragmatic ninja, gave the city only casual glances, but her mind was already working, taking note of the surroundings for future needs. She was always calculating, always planning ahead. Her focus on the present, however, was undeterred, and she was keen to observe everything that could potentially be useful for their journey.
Rika had a smile on her face, but it was controlled, a slight curve of the lips that revealed her enjoyment without letting it fully take over. Henry and Kari were much the same, their expressions calm and composed, though there was a quiet warmth in their eyes as they took in the city.
Naruto watched them all, each person reacting to the Digital World in their own unique way. It was a reminder of just how far they had come, how much they had grown, and how many more challenges lay ahead. The Digital World was a place of infinite possibilities, and they were just beginning to scratch the surface.
As the group stepped out into the vibrant city of Dawn, they were greeted by familiar faces. The air was filled with excitement as teammates and family had gathered to welcome them, and the atmosphere was charged with energy. Davis had come with his group to support Kari, while Yurine had brought her sister Mio for Naruto.
Davis stood at the front, a familiar presence, his team behind him, eager and ready. Alongside him were his new generation of friends. Yolei, the oldest among them, stood out with her energetic aura and confident demeanor. Her long lavender hair, reaching down to her waist, and the brown eyes behind her glasses made her easy to spot. At 18 years old, Yolei had already established herself as a reliable and bold individual, with a bit of a cheeky side. Her stubbornness often led her to act impulsively, and though she was loud and bold, she always remained sincere and true to her emotions. Her tendency to become unexpectedly depressed was something her friends had grown used to, but they admired her resilience in overcoming these moments and always coming back to help.
Like Sora Takenouchi, Yolei was a deeply loving person, and like Mimi Tachikawa, she was fiercely protective of her friends and family. She didn't apologize for her feelings and always spoke her mind, whether others liked it or not. Yolei was known for her technical skills, especially in areas like computers and sound editing. As Izzy's successor at the head of the computer club at Odaiba High School, she had earned the respect of her peers. Yolei was dating Ken, whom she considered the perfect boyfriend with his "perfect stats," and their relationship was something she treasured.
Her Digimon partners, Ainz the Hawkmon and Lola the Gatomon, were both Champion-level Digimon, and she could combine them for even greater power. Though she had read that Gatomon might not reach the Ophanimon level, Yolei was always one to follow her instincts rather than listen to external predictions, a trait that made her both unpredictable and charming.
Next to Davis was Ken, his expression calm and composed. His pale skin and dark blue hair made him a striking figure, but it was his gentle, kind nature that defined him most. Despite this, Ken had been through great internal struggles. The death of his older brother Sam had haunted him, leaving him with a deep sense of guilt. He blamed himself for Sam's sacrifice during a Digimon attack and was driven by a desire to ensure that no one else would suffer because of him. This guilt had made him self-sacrificing and led him to believe that he didn't deserve happiness.
It wasn't until he met the group and spoke with Naruto that Ken had started to break free from his emotional prison. Naruto had helped him find peace and a new perspective on life. The bond they shared was strong, and Ken viewed Naruto as a figure who had taken the place of his brother, someone he respected deeply and wanted to make proud. Though Ken had a blunt and sassy side, reserved for those he was close to, he never spoke like that to Naruto. Instead, he held a deep admiration for him.
Ken's darker side, however, was something that emerged when he was angry. A cold, cruel side surfaced at times, and it was clear that his past trauma had left its mark. He seemed to take pleasure in the suffering of Digimon during those moments, a tendency that still haunted him despite his desire for redemption.
In addition to his emotional depth, Ken was incredibly intelligent and athletic. He excelled in computer programming, soccer, and even chess and judo when he put his mind to it. Though he and Davis had started out as rivals, especially in soccer and fighting skills, their bond had grown stronger over time, and Ken had become one of Davis's closest friends. Now, Ken was dating Yolei, and they had been together for a few months, their relationship one of mutual respect and understanding.
Ken's partner, Wormmon, was named Jotaro, a loyal and capable Digimon who had stood by Ken through thick and thin.
On the other side of the group stood Takeru, or T.K., Yamato's younger brother and one of Naruto's closest friends. His blonde hair and blue eyes gave him a soft, youthful appearance, but it was his personality that truly defined him. Cheerful and amiable, T.K. hated to see people fighting or sad. He would do anything in his power to bring happiness to those around him, always striving to be the light in dark moments. His optimism was unwavering, and he worked hard to keep a smile on his face, even when things weren't going well. T.K. was also fiercely protective of his loved ones, especially when it came to the Digital World, a place he cared deeply for. He took his duty as a protector seriously and knew the importance of standing strong when needed. His partner, Patamon, was always by his side, a loyal companion named Micah, who supported T.K. through every challenge they faced together.
Behind T.K. stood Iori Hida, known to his friends as Cody, a short but steady presence. Cody had brown hair and green eyes, his expression often serious, reflecting his maturity far beyond his years. His wisdom, however, didn't come naturally. It was a gift passed down from his grandfather, the only father figure in his life after his own father's passing. Cody had grown up with a strict, black-and-white worldview, and it made him stubborn, often difficult to understand. He held people to high standards, and at first, he expected others to fit into those clear categories of right and wrong. But as he grew and trained, Cody began to realize that the world wasn't so simple. People weren't just good or bad; there were complexities, and learning to navigate them took time and patience. This growth softened him, making him more understanding and less rigid. Cody was deeply curious, especially about people, much like the original bearer of the trait of Knowledge, Izzy Izumi. Though he didn't have the same mechanical curiosity, his fascination with human nature was just as strong. Cody held himself to high standards, much like his predecessor Joe Kido, and he often questioned whether he was reliable enough. He feared letting his team down, something that weighed heavily on him. His partner, Armadillamon, named Dio, was always by his side, a steadfast companion who shared in Cody's journey of personal growth.
The final member of the group was Meiko Mochizuki, a teenage girl whose beauty was matched by her kind, gentle spirit. With fair skin, long black hair, and soft pink eyes, Meiko often left a lasting impression. But despite her striking appearance, Meiko was incredibly shy and socially awkward. She would apologize profusely when meeting new people, and her face would often flush bright red whenever she got embarrassed. Her social skills were less refined than those of the others, and she often relied on her friends to help her navigate social situations. Though she was reserved and quiet, there was a deep bravery hidden inside her that would emerge in moments of need. Meiko was loving, always ready to support her friends, especially Kari, who she considered her best friend. However, Meiko also harbored a secret: she was in love with Davis, though she never had the courage to confess. She feared the heartbreak of knowing that Davis's heart belonged to Kari, and she often struggled with feelings of jealousy. Despite this, Meiko was patient and never let her feelings affect her bond with her friends. Alongside Takeru and Kari, she was also partnered with a high-level Celestial Digimon. Her partner, Meicoomon, was a Rookie-level Digimon named Misa, who shared her journey with her, offering support and protection as they faced the challenges of the Digital World together.