As the group dispersed throughout the shop, Naruto took his time wandering the massive expanse of Legend Arms, his eyes absorbing the countless weapons glimmering with power. He never considered himself a weapon user, but he had grown wiser over the years. Back in his prime, the thought of wielding a weapon felt unnecessary—a sign of weakness. Now, he understood the value of tools and enhancements in combat, provided they didn't lead to dependence.
Naruto's philosophy had evolved. His taijutsu, already at a masterful level, had reached even greater heights after years of relentless training and experimentation. The clone-style fighting he had honed during his youth was now leagues ahead of what it had once been. Through illusions and mental simulations, he pushed the boundaries of what his body and mind could achieve, making up for the absence of Kurama by replicating the chakra cloak through sheer willpower and expertise.
Still, the idea of choosing a weapon was foreign to him.
"Why don't you get a sword?" Yurine suggested, walking beside him. She had a relaxed smile as she stayed close, clearly enjoying their time together. Beside her, Mio chimed in, her excitement matching Yurine's.
"A sword's good, but I think a spear would suit you better," Mio added, nudging Asura, Naruto's partner Digimon, who was following quietly behind.
Asura, ever loyal and focused, hesitated for a moment before replying. "I am unsure. I've never used a weapon. I'll leave that decision up to you, Master."
Naruto glanced at Asura and chuckled. "You're as undecided as I am, huh?"
Yurine laughed softly. "What did you expect? Like master, like partner." She took Naruto's hand, her touch gentle but full of affection.
Rika, who usually had a sharp tongue, stayed silent as she explored a different section of the shop. She respected that Mio and Yurine deserved time with Naruto. Meanwhile, Luna was examining war fans and spears, immersed in her own exploration.
Naruto caught Yurine's expression as she looked at him. It was filled with warmth and nostalgia. Her attachment to him was deep, and not just because of their current relationship. He remembered the moment their bond had been forged—one of the most defining days of their lives.
Years ago, during a sudden and devastating Digimon attack, Yurine and Mio had been playing at the park with their mother, Yoruichi. That day was a nightmare for many, but for the Uzumaki family, it was a tragedy that left scars. Yoruichi, a powerful fighter, had sacrificed herself to save her daughters and others caught in the chaos.
Naruto, still a child at the time, had been there. With the strength of his young body and the determination burning within him, he had carried Yurine and Mio away from danger, using the opening Yoruichi created. He shielded their eyes from the horrors unfolding around them, keeping them safe despite his own fear.
That day, he became their hero.
It was a day that changed everything—not just for the Uzumaki clan, which suffered heavy losses, but also for Yurine and Mio's family. Their father, who had always been distant, grew colder and angrier after losing his wife. His hatred toward Digimon deepened, though he never doubted Naruto's worth. In fact, he saw Naruto as the one person worthy of his daughters—a hero even as a child.
From that day onward, Yurine and Mio were inseparable from Naruto. To them, he wasn't just a boy who saved them—he was someone who inspired them to grow stronger.
Naruto was pulled from his thoughts by Mio's voice. "So? What do you think? Sword, spear, or something else entirely?"
"I'm still thinking about it," Naruto replied, his tone thoughtful. "It's not just about choosing something cool—it has to be something that fits me and Asura. Something we can use to complement our strengths."
"You're overthinking it," Yurine teased. "You're already strong. Just pick something that feels right, and you'll make it work."
Naruto smiled at her optimism but didn't respond. He knew she was right in some ways, but he couldn't shake the need to approach this carefully. Every decision mattered in this world.
Asura's gaze lit up at Yurine's words, inspired by her admiration for his master. He had always aspired to embody Naruto's values and strength, striving to surpass his mentor someday. The fact that Naruto encouraged competition and mutual growth rather than treating him as merely a partner elevated Asura's confidence.
Naruto, however, made it clear that Asura's opinion mattered just as much. "Asura, I need you to think about what resonates with you. I'll guide you, but this is your journey as much as it is mine. Find what speaks to you."
As he finished speaking, Naruto felt a strange pull—an unexplainable sense of being called. His steps slowed, and his senses heightened, scanning the shop for the source.
"Hello, would you allow me to be your guide?"
Naruto turned to see a towering figure standing before him, exuding a calm yet commanding presence. It was RaijiLudomon, the very embodiment of an armored knight. His golden, mechanical form gleamed under the store's mystical lighting, the shields on his arms radiating an almost imperceptible electric hum. The markings on his face, a "D" on one side and a "1" on the other, gave him the aura of a leader—someone who stood firm against even the mightiest of foes.
RaijiLudomon was an Armor Digimon. The digivolved form of TiaLudomon, it had been further mechanized and attained the ability to fly. By sacrificing its agility, it gained durability that allowed it to withstand even an attack from a Mega level head-on. The shields attached to its shoulders and arms automatically put up an electric barrier which couldn't be seen, causing enemies to be confused as to why their attacks were not working. Not only that, it was also able to increase the area covered by its barrier in exchange for being unable to move, allowing it to protect entire regions to a certain extent.
Both Yurine and Mio were taken aback. This wasn't just an ordinary shopkeeper offering assistance; Raijin, as RaijiLudomon introduced himself, was a figure of immense power and prestige. The fact that he had stepped forward to personally guide Naruto spoke volumes about the latter's growing reputation.
Even Naruto, who had encountered countless powerful entities, could feel the immense energy radiating from Raijin. This Digimon wasn't just powerful; he was on a level where he could challenge some of the strongest tamers and their Digimon. Naruto instinctively knew that Raijin's power was comparable to some of his strongest allies, and perhaps even his greatest enemies.
"I would be honored," Naruto replied respectfully. "How may I call you? My name is Uzumaki Naruto."
"You may call me Raijin," the mechanical knight responded in a polite, refined tone, his voice resonating with a sense of authority and grace. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki Naruto. May I ask—what is your preference in battle?"
Naruto appreciated Raijin's directness and thoughtful approach. This wasn't just about choosing a weapon; it was about understanding the wielder's philosophy and adapting to it.
"I prefer submission and protecting my comrades while maintaining the power to end my enemy when necessary. I've been considering a spear, a shield, and perhaps spiked chains," Naruto explained, his tone thoughtful. "Do you have anything that can align with this style?"
Naruto intended to just teach close combat for now and add chains along with a battle axe later. He liked Ruri's fighting style and decided that would suit Asura.
He would have chains to subdue and floating shields to block attack while a powerful axe to cut down everything.
Raijin's sharp, analytical gaze seemed to weigh Naruto's words carefully, as though calculating the best fit for his needs. After a moment, he smiled. "Of course. Please, follow me. I believe I can provide you with something that will meet your desires."
As Raijin began leading the way, Yurine's excitement bubbled over. Hugging Naruto tightly, she pressed a kiss to his cheek and grinned. "I always knew you were the hero. Now you're finally getting your Excalibur!"
Her joy was infectious, and even Mio couldn't suppress a smile. The sheer gravity of Raijin's attention wasn't lost on either of them. Legend Arms, especially one of Raijin's caliber, didn't simply assist anyone—they chose with great care and pride. That Raijin had deemed Naruto worthy of his guidance spoke volumes about Naruto's presence and potential.
Mio and Yurine followed a step behind, observing Raijin's composure and demeanor. His lack of acknowledgment toward them didn't offend them—they understood the pride and exclusivity of the Legend Arms. Only someone truly remarkable would capture their attention, and Naruto had done just that.
As Naruto walked with Raijin, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. This wasn't just about picking a weapon—it was a milestone. Whatever Raijin would show him, it was bound to be something extraordinary, something that could shape the battles ahead and cement Naruto's place as a hero in this new world.
Naruto walked with Mio and Yurine on either side of him, their presence warm and reassuring as they moved deeper into the legendary shop. Both women were clinging to him, clearly enjoying the moment. Mio gave him a knowing look, teasing as always.
"She isn't wrong. How are you feeling, hero?" she asked with a playful smirk, hugging his arm.
Naruto chuckled, his mind wandering as he glanced back at the Digimon following them. Asura walked with a focused expression, his posture straight and his energy steady. Beside him, Highlander, the towering and friendly Digimon, had a demeanor much like Naruto's—boisterous and warm, always encouraging his younger companion. Mereum, in contrast, was quiet and calculating, his sharp gaze always analyzing. Though he didn't talk much, Mereum occasionally offered Asura advice, acting like a mentor of sorts. Naruto was grateful for the bond forming between the two.
Naruto's mind, however, was elsewhere. The girls' words echoed in his head, and he couldn't deny that he had felt a vague, inexplicable pull toward something in the shop. Perhaps Mio and Yurine's teasing held some truth—maybe this was the moment when his wishes would finally align with destiny.
They followed Raijin deeper into the shop. The mystical energy thickened, and the displays became increasingly impressive, radiating an aura of power that would make even the strongest tamers feel humbled. The group paused as Raijin gestured toward a grand display above them, where three exceptional weapons floated in ethereal light: Gae Bolg, the Aegis Shield, and Enkidu Chains.
"What do you think of these chains? What about this shield and spear?" Raijin asked, his voice calm but holding a subtle weight that matched the gravity of the situation.
Naruto studied the weapons with awe before asking, "Can I touch them?"
"Of course," Raijin replied, stepping forward to unlock the seals. "But be careful. They can act… temperamental."
Naruto approached the spear, its blood-red surface gleaming with menace. This was Gae Bolg, the spear of legends, known for its ability to unerringly strike the heart of its target. He reached out cautiously, but the moment his hand neared the weapon, a voice echoed in his mind.
'Move along, you pussy ass. I ain't got time for some weakling. Your scent makes me sick. Fuck off!'
Naruto froze, blinking in surprise at the aggression. The spear rejected him outright. It wasn't a matter of compatibility—Gae Bolg outright detested him. Its bloodlust didn't resonate with Naruto's values or style, and the weapon had made its opinion very clear.
Shrugging off the rejection, Naruto moved to the shield. This was Aegis, an unyielding protector capable of withstanding even the strongest of attacks without a scratch. Its polished surface shimmered like starlight. However, when he touched it, there was no reaction. It was powerful, but it didn't respond to him. Naruto could feel that its spirit remained dormant—unmoved by his presence.
Finally, he turned to Enkidu, the golden chains of submission, rumored to bind even the immortals themselves. As his fingers brushed against the chains, he felt a force resist him.
'You are not ready yet. Too weak!'
Naruto stumbled back as the chains repelled him, a surge of energy knocking him off balance. Yet, Raijin seemed unfazed, offering a reassuring smile.
"Sorry about that," the Digimon said. "But it seems you'll need to grow a bit more before these weapons will accept you. Don't lose heart. I'll guide you to weapons more suited to your current stage."
Naruto nodded, brushing off the momentary setback. He had expected as much. Legend Arms didn't choose their masters lightly, and Naruto was no exception. Still, he wasn't disappointed. This wasn't the end of the road—just another step in his journey.
Raijin led the group to another section of the shop, where equipment suited for Naruto's level and Asura's growth awaited. After some consideration, Naruto selected weapons for Asura and a few for his personal use. He knew that while these items weren't on the level of the Legend Arms, they were powerful and would serve their purpose. His parents had always emphasized earning his power, and Naruto took that lesson to heart.
Once the purchases were complete, Naruto bid farewell to Raijin, thanking the Digimon for his guidance. As they stepped out of the store, the group noticed how much time had passed. With little time to spare, they hurried toward the next stage of their adventure.