Naruto understood that the defeat of Thanos was but a step in the process. Inevitably, the media of this world would come calling for answers. It's why Naruto stood with some Avengers backstage, waiting for the press conference to be finalized. During this time, the avatar regaled his temporary comrades with details from his battle with Thanos. Naruto spared as few details as possible, aware they wanted the whole story and not tidbits.
But there was information Naruto kept close to his chest, like his reason for fighting. And the connection he shared with Freyja. Otherwise, he was an open book to the people listening to his words. Peter seemed particularly enthralled with Naruto's flavor of flair, which Naruto chuckled over internally. Carol and T'Challa were more reserved in showing their emotions, but their tells were there.
"That's how it all ended, with myself and Thanos standing beneath a cosmic shower of energy meteors. Truth be told, it wasn't that bad of a view." Naruto was impressed with the group's patience and how they listened for thirty minutes straight without interrupting him. He counted on some interjections, but none? Never in his wildest dreams.
While his gulp of water went down his throat, Naruto allowed himself a moment to breathe. Once he did that, he concentrated on the contemplative trio considering the information he shared with them. Naruto only had one thought he needed to confirm. "So? What do you guys think? I'm pretty scary, right?" It wouldn't have been the first time his powers gave other people a reason to fear him.
Despite the connotation behind his response, Naruto appreciated Peter's honesty when the teen nodded his head, albeit slowly. Naruto panned his oceanic eyes to Carol and T'Challa. Both of whom appeared to be battling with their own thoughts. Carol was the first to reach forward with her hand outstretched. "I think you're dangerous, but who said that has to be a bad thing? I didn't say it back there... thanks for the assist, Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto reciprocated the gesture, gladly shaking the fierce woman's hand. Their eyes locked, yet nothing else needed to be said as they exchanged their respects.
When Wakanda's king stepped toward Naruto, it was with his face set into the smallest of smiles. "It is clear you are formidable. I can respect a warrior willing to do what is necessary. This isn't a path everyone can adhere to when the time comes." Like Carol before him, T'Challa shared his own handshake with Naruto. "That does not mean I don't wish to test your skills myself."
"Now, hold on a minute! I don't give a rat's ass if you're a king, T'Challa! I called dibs on fighting him first!" Carol crossed her arms in a huff. She even glared at the warrior king. The only thing she didn't do was stomp her foot in irritation. Carol's display was so unexpectedly honest that Naruto couldn't help but laugh. Soon Carol joined him while Peter looked confused, and T'Challa smirked silently.
It was this jovial atmosphere Steve stumbled upon. He came with questions but was pleased to see people enjoying themselves once more. In the shieldman's humble opinion, Earth had enough sadness these last years. "I'm glad to see everyone is in high spirits."
"Hey, Cap! Fancy meeting you here." Naruto registered the First Avenger's comment with a blink. He shrugged, and his charismatic grin came back full force. "Meh. Being down in the dumps really isn't my style."
Steve chuckled at his fellow fighter's carefree retort. There could never be enough strong and kind people in the universe; Naruto was just that. "I already told you to call me Steve. Didn't I? Sorry about dragging you into this media circus."
Naruto waved off the man's apology before stuffing his hands into his pockets lest he fidget with his idle hands. "You don't need to apologize. I always knew this would happen after I got my hands on Thanos." Naruto would have been a fool to think he'd slink into the background after killing the infamous interplanetary criminal.
"You should put some more stock into this, junior." Tony went to lightly slap Naruto on the shoulder, but Naruto avoided it like he had eyes in the back of his head. It left the wheelchair-sat billionaire staring at his hand. "Huh... good reflexes! But seriously, take it from me. Things will change when people know who you are." As the first superhero, Tony had firsthand experience with the subject matter.
The blonde who killed Thanos in combat shook his head; the easiest way to refute the suggestion. He could appreciate the sentiment, but simultaneously, Naruto didn't plan on letting the opinions of another change how he lived his life. "If someone wants to find me, they'll figure it out. Having a fancy name won't stop that, Stark."
"Whatever, junior. It's your call." Tony purposefully wheeled himself in front of the group, allowing him to see everyone. "Okay. Since I am the lead guitarist, I'll do the talking. Hopefully, we'll all get through this shitstorm without crap in our mouths. Cool?"
'First thing I'm doing? Is inventing a better wheelchair- one that will respond to my thoughts. I have to get rid of the constant physical effort. It's exhausting.' Those were the thoughts of the former Iron Man as he made his exit.
"Man, what a pep talk..." Naruto drawled out lazily, less than impressed with the iron Avenger's behavior. He wasn't sure what about Tony hadn't clicked with him. Naruto knew he didn't dislike the man, per se. But their personalities... they clashed. Maybe that's why he didn't fully trust the man?
Seeing Naruto's look of doubt, Peter felt it necessary to speak on behalf of his mentor. Sure, Mr. Stark had rough edges, but once people got to know him... to know how much good he did. And not just for Peter's family but for families across the world. "Don't take it personally, Naruto. Mr. Stark, he..."
"Tony likes to be in control, which is fine. The thing is, no one controls what I do but me. Sometimes I am right, and other times I am not, but I do the best with what I have." Naruto saved Peter his breath. He let everyone know that he didn't blame Tony for his attitude. In fact, the blonde accepted who Tony was.
Even if he disagreed with the man's nature.
The intensity in T'Challa's dark gaze turned into something else. There was a gleam of respect that wasn't often given by the noble defender of Wakanda. "I remember my father saying something similar to me when I was a boy."
Naruto sheepishly rubbed at the back of his head, ignoring the amused grin from Carol in his peripheral vision. "You are kind to say such, T'Challa. But I'd say I am more of a miscreant than a monarch. Still, I appreciate the sentiment."
"Parker, I'd get out of here. Find Sam and Bucky; unless you plan on standing with the rest of us on the stage." Steve was firm yet fair with his fellow New Yorker. He wanted to ensure the youngest present understood the gravity of their position. It was a cliche, but this wasn't a game.
The whiskered avatar of Freyja watched the young Queens native scamper off with a faint smile. "Where's the rest of your group? They all head home?"
Steve, in his suited glory, shook his head negatively. The Avengers were most certainly still around. "Not yet. They're scattered around the building waiting for the conference to start. We all agreed to be here just in case."
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting any longer!"
The group of extraordinary individuals stepped through the curtain, following after Tony. He granted them a glance over his glasses before shifting to the reporters, who grew louder by the second. Now or never, Tony turned the live microphone on and cleared his throat to let them all know he was ready to speak.
"Many of you know who I am, whether that is Tony Stark or Ironman. Since I came out as Ironman, life has taken off in ways I could have never imagined ten years ago. Sometimes I get it right, but sometimes I don't... but that has never stopped me from trying to make our planet a better place for everyone. But that's what life is about, learning from your mistakes." One would never guess it from looking at him... however, Tony was incredibly uncomfortable at the moment. He thought being in a wheelchair wouldn't be a big deal. But it was for the ego-driven man... it was a huge deal.
Though it wasn't naturally occurring, the man known to many as Mr. Stark forced a smile to his stress-aged face. "That is why myself and the rest of the Avengers did something certifiably insane. We went back and gathered the Infinity Stones. We did it to bring back everyone Thanos killed. You're welcome, by the way." His proclamation unleashed a whole new surge of chatter from the media masses. "Unfortunately, when you mess with time, it bites back. That's why Thanos came back. To stop us."
"Are you saying that you went back in time?"
Tony couldn't help it. The way the newsman questioned him, the disbelief forced the genius to roll his eyes. Tony would admit it; he was mildly offended by the doubt. "Are you saying you are surprised I could make a time machine? I'm Tony freaking Stark. Besides, the machine was destroyed by Thanos' mothership. Sorry boys and gals, no DeLorean for you."
"What changed, Mr. Stark? Why did things go smoothly this time, when last time Thanos beat the Avengers?" The team members across the venue frowned at the reminder of their greatest failure.
"First, it wasn't smooth, not at all. We lost good men and women out there. People who didn't have to fight but chose to take up arms. They died defending your home. You could show a little respect." Tony handled most women with more respect than men because of his mom, but this lady wouldn't get the same kindness. Not until she learned tact.
"As for why..." The normally sure-mouthed superhero appeared to struggle with what he wanted to say. Naruto saved him from figuring it out when the blonde put a hand on Tony's shoulder.
"I can take it from here." Naruto nodded to Tony and took one of the spare mics as Tony moved out of the limelight. The fact that Naruto was dressed in a hoodie already drummed up a murmur of disbelief among the crowd. Like they thought this was some bad joke. Naruto ignored them in favor of staring right into the camera.
He planned on starting things with a bang.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I killed Thanos."
New York
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I killed Thanos."
Tucked away in one of New York city's many sky-touching towers, the Fantastic Four gathered before a wall-wide television. Or at least three-fourths of them were watching. Their resident scientist locked himself in the depths of his lab, leaving Ben, Susan, and Johnny to make do without him. Out of the trio, the younger Storm sibling was most vocal. "I can't believe we missed Thanos again! Talk about crap luck!"
Susan grew up with her brother saying outrageous things. It came with being the older sister to a headstrong boy, but then he'd go ahead and say something like that. Slapping a palm against her forehead, the blonde woman groaned against her palm tiredly. "Are you kidding me? Who complains about not fighting some planet-killing maniac?"
The genuinely hotheaded hero wheeled around on his sister to put his lively blue eyes on her. "It's all about the brand, sis! Imagine the kind of opportunities that I'm missing here!" Johnny certainly knew what he missed. The revelation left the lady's man sulking internally to avoid risking his sister's ire.
Johnny's reasoning wasn't expected of a superhero. It was a rationale that took Susan from facepalming to rubbing the bridge of her nose. The suffering sigh needed no explanation. "Ben, will you do something about him? Please?" When she failed to draw a suitable reaction, Susan looked at the mountain-like man sitting next to her. "What's wrong, Ben?"
Ben Grimm's concentrated scowl deepened as he stared at the whiskered man on the tv. His brain needed half a minute before the heavy hitter snapped his fingers with a sound of realization. And with it, the scowl on his rocky face dropped. "Ah. That's why he looks familiar. I ran into that kid on the street once. Small world."
Left openly slack-jawed by the older man's comment, Johnny pointed at Ben, then to the screen several times before a garbled mess of partially-coherent speech tumbled out of his mouth. "What? You? Him? How? When were you gonna bring this up, old man?"
Ben refrained from throwing the couch at his annoying comrade, barely. Instead, the massive man settled for scowling at the younger hero. One of these days... "What do you want from me, blondie? It ain't like he beat Thanos when I met him! Back off before I toss ya out the window."
While the two men bickered back and forth, Susan pinned her attention on Naruto. She burned every detail about Naruto into her considerable memory. Those words would stick with him surely, but to Susan's modest nature, she felt Naruto should've approached his introduction more carefully.
'Naruto Uzumaki...'
Spain
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I killed Thanos."
Felicia had so many emotions swirling around inside that singling out one would be a gross simplification of how she felt staring at the screen reflecting the face of one Naruto Uzumaki. There he was... the same person she went to school with. The reserved yet kind blonde Felicia knew claimed the unthinkable without batting an eye. It was incredible and absurd in equal measure.
Felicia understood enough about Naruto to know how much his word meant to him. The disastrous fashion in which their friendship ended hadn't changed that. If Naruto said he killed Thanos, then she believed it. "You are really something else, whiskers."
Truth be told, this isn't the first time her thoughts circled around her fellow blonde. She thought about that day many times since it played out.
Plainly put, she made a mistake.
She would not allow anyone to tell her that her anger wasn't justified. It was; end of story. Where Felicia went wrong was aiming her anger in the wrong place. But that was how hindsight worked. In her highly emotional state, Felicia mistakenly saw Naruto as an enemy. When he was quite the opposite. He just wanted her to think about the difference between death and killing.
This was a lesson she needed to learn the hard way during her first year as Black Cat.
With the training and skills she gained under the tutelage of Black Fox, Felicia blossomed. He was the same man who taught her father how to become a world-renowned thief. With Black Fox's help, Felicia took to the family business like a fish to water.
Black Cat was a natural-born thief and a damn good one. She made most secure locations look like 24/7 supermarkets without really trying. Gems, paintings, statues... no treasure was safe from her claws. Like the dragons of yore, she amassed a fortune of riches in no time. However, there was one line Felicia refused to cross.
Murder.
She came upon this epiphany by tracking down her sexual assailant the following March. Finding Ryan with her growing repertoire of skills was no trouble at all. Where she found difficulty was actually doing the deed. There were multiple opportunities to strike the would-be rapist down, but she always ended up with cold feet. Somewhere inside, a part of her couldn't take that all-important step. She couldn't become a murderer.
There were too many nights when she went to bed in tears, frustrated with herself for being a coward. Her sought-after revenge was right there, but no amount of internal pep talks could move her to cross that line. Even a thief had their morals, gray as they might be.
It was early one morning when word came across the local news station. The man who tormented Felicia's nightmares since her ill-fated collegiate days was one of five people who died in a multi-car crash on the highway coming into the city. He was gone from this Earth in ignoble fashion. Dead, but not by her hand. It seemed like the best possible outcome at the time.
Her high spirits lasted three weeks before the hole in her soul reared its head. That's when the pangs of doubt rose, filling her quiet moments, gnawing at the core of her being. And nothing she tried could fill that void. Not that she didn't try. Gold and gems were but temporary highs that faded fast.
Felicia forcefully snapped out of her backtracking with an audible sigh. Her bright eyes once more fell upon Naruto's familiar face. Pulling out an old phone, Felicia selected the only contact she had left.
It was Naruto's number.
She closed the contact just as quickly. "I think it's time I wrap up the loose ends here and return home. There are some fences I need to mend. I can't live with this regret for the rest of my life." Even should Naruto not accept her apology, Felicia needed to do this for herself. She needed to divest herself of these toxic regrets before it was too late.
San Francisco, California
Again Naruto was responsible for creating an uproar of noise. This time it was twice as loud as the commotion Tony unleashed. But unlike the older man, Naruto didn't field any questions immediately. He didn't raise his voice to speak, which forced the crowd to quiet down or risk missing his words. "I will say this one time for everyone to hear. I will be clear. I will be direct." Naruto saw people leaning forward over their laps, but he kept his piercing gaze on the cameras.
"I am no Avenger. I do not work for any government or agency on this planet. The only person I represent is myself." The blonde spared only a breath to avoid needless interruptions. "There's no doubt people will come looking for me. If you hunt me down, bring your best, or you won't stand a chance. Should you choose to involve the innocent in your schemes, you won't find mercy or leniency from me."
A pregnant silence sat heavily on the auditorium. Naruto left the people trying to comprehend what drove him to take such a heavy-handed stance. The question that followed was launched from somewhere near the middle of the crowd. "You're against the Sokovia Accords?"
"That's a fair question. Allow me to put it like this... I'm not against what those papers stand for." Naruto informed the throng of media and heroes alike, not shying away from the question that divided America's superhero community.
"Would you have signed the agreement?" The former ANBU's keen ears recognized the voice as the same who first questioned him. Seeing it as a sensible follow-up, Naruto had another answer for them.
"No." Always unruly in spirit and demeanor, the Uzumaki didn't feel the weight of judgment on him. Most would in his shoes, but not the stubborn son of Kushina and Minato. He knew from his past life that words wouldn't change how others viewed him. If they praised him, they still would. Same for those who saw him as nothing but a threat. "That is all I have to say. Have a nice day."
Naruto promptly made for the exit. His swift departure left Tony on damage control duty with Steve alongside. While the two worked on the media, Carol and T'Challa trekked after the defiant blonde, following him to the back where fewer eyes saw what happened next.
"Honestly, I don't know if I'm impressed or if I should call you an idiot." Carol and her blunt take on the situation didn't come as a surprise to Naruto. They were freshly acquainted, but Naruto had a good grasp on her as a person. Because, when it came down to it, he and Carol were very alike. A combination of strong and headstrong that left others dealing with headaches.
That is what his teachers said about him. Mostly fondly.
"Why can't you do both?" The happy reply from Naruto came with a crooked smile. It was more than enough to draw laughter from the space-faring hero. However, Naruto realized the positive emotions might not extend to the silent king. Their eyes locked for a moment before Naruto moved to address him formally.
The setting changed, but Naruto's sentiment hadn't, something the guardian of Wakanda would learn firsthand.
"And I apologize if I offend you by standing against your father's vision for the future. Yet, I will not allow others to aim my power like some weapon. I do not care if every country on this planet demanded it." Naruto needed years to become powerful enough to earn his freedom from the corrupt shinobi system. He wouldn't trade one set of overlords for another just because old windbags were scared of what he could do.
T'Challa appeared contemplative of how he worded his response. While he appreciated Carol's freedom to speak, he also respected a man who thought about his position in life's many detours. "A few years ago, I would be furious. But I have learned these pressures we live with should not be taken lightly. There are no hard feelings between us, Naruto Uzumaki.
Coming to an understanding, the trio turned into a group when Steve and Tony rejoined the fray. Both iconic men looked exhausted but happy to be done with it. "Glad that's done... for today at least. How about a little shindig at my place? What do you say?"
Carol still had some time to waste and agreed happily, but Naruto and T'Challa were more hesitant. Tony did not need long to convince the king. When he did sway T'Challa, Naruto couldn't reasonably say no, much to his frustration.
And like that, the group was boarding a flight to the inventor's New York home.
Upstate New York
"Come on, Wong! Teach this new dude how we do it!"
"He is no dude; this here is a man. A warrior... there is no way your wizard can beat him in a test of might, metal guy."
With Rhodey and Drax contributing commentary over the bout, Wong found himself locked in the middle of an intense battle with Naruto. What were they doing? The wizard and warrior were engaged in an arm-wrestling contest. Something instigated when a more than drunk Wong challenged Naruto, who was too amused to turn him down.
When it came to physical strength, there wasn't a doubt. Naruto held the physical advantage over Wong. However, he let the older man struggle against him for the last few minutes to entertain himself and spare Wong's inebriated ego. It was a party after all. People were here to have a good time. "Are you ready to give up yet?"
The cheeky comment from Naruto caused Wong's head to snap up, looking away from their clenched hands. He glared at Naruto with enough force to make his face red. Either that or the alcohol in his blood put some color on his face. "I'll t-teach you to underestimate a m-master of the mystic arts! Right... now!"
A faint smirk pulled on Naruto's lips when his opponent's grunting reached his ears, a byproduct of the force he tried to apply. But for all his efforts, Naruto barely felt the strain. Certainly not enough pressure to stop him from slamming Wong's hand down and claiming a decisive victory. "I win!"
"What the hell, Wong?"
"Yes!" Naruto deftly stepped aside as the muscular Drax rushed to the table. He watched the bald man shake Wong roughly despite Wong having passed out from alcohol consumption. "I told you, wizard! You could not..." The literal man wobbled on his feet before dropping forward onto the table with Wong, snoring through his slumber.
"And he is out of it too..." Naruto deadpanned at the peculiar happenings. During his trance, he felt someone move to stand next to him, but Naruto couldn't find the will to remove his eyes from the spectacle in front of him.
It was Rhodey that took up the position beside the blonde. Like Naruto, he was glued to the visual of two grown men drooling on the same table. "You know what? This was a far better result. I need a camera." The former pilot wasn't one to turn down free dirt on a friend.
Patting the man on the shoulder, a chuckling Naruto dipped his chin in acknowledgment. "I'm happy to help out. You enjoy the rest of the party." Naruto took his leave from a scene of his causing, but he didn't get far before another boisterous partier approached him.
"Hail, friend! Finally, I get to meet the other man who killed Thanos! That makes us brothers or something, no!?" Greeted by the thunderous, round-gutted Asgardian, Naruto had trouble reconciling his perception of Thor with the man he saw holding a beer. But he supposed people could change, even so-called gods.
"Yeah, something like that. I see you're enjoying the party." Naruto said while gesturing to the beer in Thor's hand, which was starting to bubble over the rim of his mug. It appeared Tony had lots of cleaning to do in the coming days. Hey, better the super billionaire than him.
"Yes, yes... Stark has a rich stock of ale! Perfect for a feast such as this! Please, partake in this with me, my brother in arms!" Ever flowing with the spirit of good tidings, Thor graciously offered Naruto the same cup he was drinking from. Also, he nearly spilled his beer onto Naruto.
Since beer was not to Naruto's tastes, he politely turned down the offer with a courteous smile. "No, I'd rather not. I haven't had enough food to think about drinking. Thanks for the offer." Beer's taste never agreed with Naruto's taste buds, so he'll be avoiding it. "So, what can I help you with, Thor?"
"Ah! More for me then!" Downing at least half his cup in a single fearsome gulp, the Thunder God removed his cup far enough to release a belch that spilled droplets of spit into his beard. "That's the good stuff. Now, where was I? Oh, yes! I've come to meet Earth's newest defender! To take the measure of you as a warrior."
Since he saw where this meeting was going, Naruto adopted a more focused expression. While not matched by his compatriot, it was relevant to their discussion. "I understand. Tell me then, what do you think of me after meeting face to face?" Naruto wouldn't put much weight into what Thor thought of him, but he was interested to hear his thoughts.
"You are mighty. It's relieving to know Earth is in safe hands when I'm no longer around. This world... it's become a home to me." And with his one good eye put to the future, that security was priceless to Thor. He wouldn't have to worry about Earth's safety any longer. "If you will excuse me, I need to find Steve before I drink enough to forget!"
And off the lightning warrior went, nearly toppled sideways as he walked through Tony's spacious home. Naruto could only shake his head at the eccentric group he intermingled with. 'I can't tell if he was drunk, happy, or both.'
A random glance off his right shoulder ended up with Naruto having eyes on the being known to be Groot. Perhaps the only person he wanted to meet, Naruto used this chance to satisfy his curiosity. This led to him taking a seat opposite the tree-like creature, taking Groot's attention off his video game. "I am Groot."
Naruto grinned back at the confused foliage, more than happy to answer the questions Groot posed. "How could I not talk to you? It ain't every day you see an honest-to-goodness sentient tree. You're like Lord of the Rings come to life!" Was this the nature mode in him geeking out? Then again, Naruto had come to appreciate geek culture since moving to Earth at Freyja's behest.
The strangeness of the blonde's approach got the confused guardian to put his game down. A feat of ingenuity on Naruto's part, no doubt. "I am Groot." There was an unmistakable confusion dripping off Groot's three-word response.
"What's Lord of the Rings? Ah, don't worry about it. I wanted to introduce myself to you because I'm a Sage! Part of my training required me to ingratiate myself with the planet." He bordered on gushing because of his excitement, but Naruto thought he kept himself together. But he is the son of Kushina Uzumaki, excitable tendencies are in his blood.
"I am Groot."
Whatever Groot replied with forced Naruto to recoil back in shock. The former shinobi's surprise transitioned onto his face, ending with him squinting his face into a thoughtful stare that extended beyond Groot. "You don't know what a Sage is? I mean, I guess I shouldn't have assumed you would. Here, it will be much easier if I just show you. Keep your senses open for me."
Naruto fell into the familiar embrace of meditation without any struggles. Not even Tony's rocking party around him could prevent Naruto from reaching the peak of chakra-based balance. In a few short seconds, he found himself enriched with the power of Sage Mode in his pathways. The visible effects on his body included orange eye outlines, a white diamond on the forehead, and orange eyes with bar-shaped pupils. Oh, and his whisker marks thickened into rectangular shapes too.
"I am Groot! I am Groot! I am Groot!" The nature-enhanced chakra radiating from Naruto put Groot in a frenzy. Overly enthused by the sensations around them, the floral entity had plenty of questions to ask the Sage.
Shaking his head, Naruto slid his legs away from their previously crossed position. He wanted to be comfortable for the upcoming discussion. "Nah. It isn't something all humans can do. I can only do it because a race of sentient ninja toads taught me." Despite the absurdity of that last statement, Naruto delivered it with a casual shrug.
"I am Groot..." One didn't need to be fluent in Groot to see the doubt etched onto Groot's bark-covered face. The teenage timber even went so far as to roll his eyes.
"No joke. Sentient. Ninja. Toads. They showed me how to use this energy as a weapon, so I could protect my home from the murderer of my godfather. When he destroyed my village, we fought. It wasn't until later I learned that he was a cousin. Man... that was a messed up day." Nagato Uzumaki suffered through a cruel world filled with the manipulations of vile men. He committed many wrongs, but his Uzumaki blood showed itself when Nagato found something to fight for. It didn't pardon Nagato's atrocities, but it counted for something.
"I am Groot."
"Yeah, it was fucked."
"I am Groot!" The floral colossus performed a series of gestures with his hands, to which Naruto nodded as he went. Groot got further and further into his tale, each twist taking Naruto for a loop. When the tree finally finished his retelling, the blonde could only stare back in awe.
"Wait... you're saying your friends got into a dance-off to save the universe? How does something like that even happen? And I thought my life was weird! It really puts things into perspective..." This was probably how other people felt when he told them about the litany of unbelievable things he did in his young life. 'What comes around goes around, I guess...'
During the lull, Groot stretched an arm out, leaving the equivalent of his palm facing toward Naruto. "I am Groot!" The space tree nodded, looking expectantly at the blonde Sage.
"You want to see what my Sage Mode will do to you? Sure, I don't see the harm." Naruto went to place his hand against Groot's larger one. The two were a second away from making contact when a loud voice stopped their moment before it could come to fruition.
"Where the hell have you been, Groot? I've been looking for your twiggy butt for an hour!" His grip on Sage Mode slipped through his fingers, meaning orange eyes reverted to blue. Those were the same eyes that stared down at the raccoon responsible for the shout. Naruto might have been curious about Rocket, but the critter didn't spare Naruto a second glance. "Come on, get your ass up! You still have a curfew!"
Totally dumbfounded for the second time tonight, Naruto watched as the odd pair left him in the dust. He tried to say something but found himself physically incapable of uttering a peep. 'You know what... I think I've had enough for tonight. My head kind of hurts.'
Naruto drifted toward the nearest exit, which led to the back of the estate. This put Naruto on a natural path toward a rather large lake, where he spotted Wanda sitting by herself at the end of a dock. At least she was until Naruto joined her on the pier.
The uneasy quiet between them lasted until Wanda couldn't take it anymore. She targeted the reason behind Naruto's uninvited intrusion on her solitude. Wanda hoped she'd go unnoticed with everyone else celebrating their latest victory over a hated foe. Her hopes appeared to be for naught. "Why are you here, bothering me? I don't know you."
Naruto was forced to agree with her, mostly. Sure, he heard of Wanda Maximoff, but he didn't know the woman. "No, I do not, but I know what it's like to be alone in an apathetic world. I never wanted to hear someone tell me that it'd be alright. I'd actually rather punch them in the face. However, I secretly enjoyed the silent company occasionally."
Wanda's lifeless eyes stayed glued on the lake, watching how the sunset bled across the water's shifting reflection. The ripples in the watery canvas reminded her of the pain in her chest, spreading always and never stopping. "That might have worked for you, but it won't for me. You can leave now."
He brushed off her cold shoulder and colder attitude effortlessly. Naruto was far too stubborn to be deterred by a handful of words. In response, the blonde delivered a brief but cutting reply. "Liar..." His words forced Wanda to look his way, more than a little upset by his claim. "I know better than most what self-deception looks like."
So began a test of wills between two strong-willed people. It played out through a silent staring match between Naruto and Wanda. The latter gave in first when she looked away with a sigh, breaking the competition to see who was more stubborn between them. "You are a strange man."
Naruto wore a nostalgic smile as he did something Wanda never expected from him. He literally walked across the water's surface, treating it like cement or something solid. Then he went and sat down on it. "As luck would have it, being a little weird is one of my best qualities. I'm Naruto Uzumaki."
"Wanda. How are you doing that?" Her plain introduction lacked the same curious spark that her question possessed. But to be fair to her, how often did someone get to see another person defy the fundamental laws of the planet so flippantly? Yes, she saw it happen in a fight, but during everyday life? Not so much...
It took a lot of willpower on Naruto's part to keep the knowing grin from his whisker-marked face. "Oh, that? It's just me channeling some of my internal energy through my body. With it, I can stick to the water. It's a pretty nifty trick, if I'm honest. Want to try it?"
Naruto swore he caught a flash in Wanda's eyes, but it died as quickly as it manifested. "My powers do not work like that." The last Maximoff twin tried hiding her intrigue behind a matter-of-fact delivery. But the blonde responsible for rousing her interest felt the lingering surprise buried deep in her soul. It's what Naruto latched onto as he pushed ahead.
"But mine do! Here, take a look for yourself." Gracefully transitioning from the water to the dock, he settled a hand on Wanda's shoulder. With contact between them established, Naruto had all he needed to turn Wanda into a chakra conduit. A push of energy from his pathways shrouded a blue outline around the Scarlet Witch's entire body, much to her surprise.
It was a difficult thing to explain without experiencing it... however, her senses felt stronger. Like they were amplified by the chakra swirling around her. Wanda didn't feel more alive; she felt life around her. It was overwhelming but amazing. She had to wonder if this is how Naruto existed in this world of theirs.
As the more experienced one, Naruto guided Wanda onto the lake's surface. The Sokovian needed a minute to believe that she wouldn't fall into the body of water. When she gathered such confidence, she began to enjoy the unique experience bestowed upon her by Naruto. In her haste, Wanda would've gone ahead without Naruto if he didn't stop her first. "If you break contact with me, you will fall into the lake. Careful."
While it'd be hilarious to see that happen, the blue-eyed blonde didn't think that'd be the best way to build trust between him and Wanda.
She wisely took Naruto's advice to heart, and together they strolled over the large lake at a leisurely pace. Nothing was said between them as they reveled in the sounds and sights nature had to offer. This aura of peace around them coerced the scarlet one into speaking about what weighed on her mind. "Did you know walking among nature was one of our favorite hobbies? Vis didn't get it at first. He asked why we'd waste time walking when we could fly. Vis wouldn't understand until much later, but he did it because it made me happy."
Acutely aware that nothing he could say would help her, Naruto relegated himself to the thankless role of attentive listener. That was the only way Naruto could support Wanda without overstepping any boundaries. "We never had as much time together as I would've liked. Not with all the responsibilities we took onto our shoulders. But I got to see the world, something an orphan girl from Sokovia thought was impossible. I was thankful for that."
"Vis and I took in these new things together. We were both strangers to the world, but we saw things differently. His viewpoint was so beautiful. So hopeful, I loved him for it. Sharing life as he saw it made me feel alive again, something I lost when my brother died. Vis... he gave me my heart back." Naruto didn't need an empathic connection with Wanda to feel the anguish in her voice. He held his tongue lest he diminish the tears running down her face. The opinions and words of an outsider had no place in her moment.
"I killed him. I killed the man I loved by blowing a hole in his head! And it didn't mean a damn thing! Thanos still killed trillions of people... but I killed my heart!" The anger bubbling within Wanda caused waves of crimson grief to buffer against Naruto's body. He battled through the pain, refusing to release his grip on her shoulder. Eventually, the calming quality of his chakra dulled Wanda's aggression. "What do I do next? How can I do anything?"
"You take the time and mourn the man you lost. Then you should celebrate the life Vis led. And when you've done that, combine his wishes and what you want for yourself into one dream. That's how you plan to move forward." A far cry from his usual tongue and cheek, Naruto spoke with a methodical seriousness. Every sound he uttered was a well-thought choice on his part meant to maximize the impact of the wisdom he attempted to impart on a directionless Wanda.
"It will be harder than that." Whatever righteous anger she used before was gone from her voice. Without the proper energy, Wanda's reply turned into a heart-breaking muttering steeped in turmoil.
"You're right. It will be unbearable at times. And it will take an incredible amount of time, but in my experience, it will work if you want it to work." Naruto retreated into his memories of the past. He looked at the lake and saw the rotating images of his friends... of his mother and father sacrificing themselves to ensure his safety. How could he not feel a flicker of bitterness? But mostly, Naruto carried an immeasurable amount of pride with him.
He was the son of Minato Namikaze.
The proud son of Kushina Uzumaki!
"Did you?" Wanda didn't plan on sounding as spiteful as she did. Yet her pain and doubts got the best of her. That is when her heart lashed out in a blind rage which didn't care who got caught up in its fury. But in a handful of minutes, it would be a moment of weakness she'd regret from the bottom of her broken heart. Naruto had done nothing to earn this level of loathing from her.
There was a notable shift in Naruto's voice, a colder phase shift that struck true. Just like his heart, which froze over to subdue the potential of heartache. "I lost my parents, my grandfather-like figure, three of my best friends, and the woman I loved. If I didn't walk forward, I might as well be buried in a plot with them. Fuck that!" At that point, Naruto and Wanda reached the dock where he placed the speechless redhead. He needed a moment to take a large breath and release all the anger pooled in his gut.
Inhale...
Exhale...
Let it go. Breathe...
"I'd love to help you through this terrible time, Wanda. I really would, but I know better than anyone this is something you need to do yourself. However, I have faith in you. You're a strong person. Anyone who can stitch together a broken heart is someone I refuse to doubt." His sapphire eyes were like a pair of windows. They were bathed in an unconditional understanding that would stay with Wanda for some time.
"Goodbye, Wanda Maximoff."
New York City
Thirty hours had passed since Naruto crossed the country to battle Thanos. Naruto had longer days, but few were more eventful than yesterday. And now, he was looking forward to taking a well-earned rest in his bed. Okay, maybe a bowl of ramen first. He deserved it, damn it!
CREAK!
'I need to oil those hinges one of these days. If I keep putting it off...' Naruto took a step through the threshold when his arm flung out in front of him. And from his sleeve, a concentrated barrage of three needles pierced the darkness. The needles journeyed forth, where they hit the far wall of his apartment with a series of light thuds. Naruto was far from surprised by the gasp that came back from the shadows.
Naruto was stunned it took someone this long to break into his apartment. Too bad for them, the home invader picked the residence of New York's only shinobi. Possibly the worst person in the city to mistakenly target. Flicking the lights on revealed his intruder to be a woman. What caught Naruto off guard was the fact that he recognized her. "It's you..."
Despite the inherent danger of how she got in this position, the woman with her arm pinned by the needle-punctured sleeve of her summer half-jacket smiled charmingly. "So you do remember me? That warms my heart immensely, Naruto Uzumaki." Her perfect exterior extended to the siren-like chime of her voice, which flowed through his ears like wind passing along a brass chime.
However, Naruto wouldn't be worth anything as a shinobi if he were mesmerized by a pretty smile and a pair of shiny eyes. Instead of returning her positive vibes, he showed suspicion through narrowed eyes. "Warm your heart? Are you kidding me? I don't even know your name, and clearly, you have been following me." She was lucky that he wasn't an older shinobi who'd respond with a kunai in the heart. Not some senbon in the sleeve.
Hell, some of the more temperamental people in his former profession might have blown the whole room to kingdom come with a jutsu. He knew more than a few people emotionally imbalanced enough to do something so crazy.
"Let me tell you a secret. No person alive wants to be forgotten by someone that catches their eye. Why would I be an exception?" The silky way her words transitioned from each other was equivalent to a song in his ears. Unlike most people, who ended their proclamations with harsher sounds, she had no points of vocal contention, making it all too easy to listen to her talk.
Too bad for her, Naruto had seen his fair share of beautiful women, both here and in the Elemental Nations. So he didn't fall head over heels into the depths of her charm. Naruto stood firm with toned arms crossed over his chest. "Slow down the seduction and start spitting the truth. Who are you, and why are you in my apartment?"
"I thought you were going to ask hard questions, darling. My name is Emma Frost, and I need your help."