It's been 3 months since Shirou bonded with the weird pseudo-Juubi and the realm of Blades and Ink. He hoped to start mapping right after the bonding, but there was just one problem: the one-eyed tree didn't know how to create the map and portal.
**Flashback:** "What! How can you make this plan if you can't hold up your half of it?!?" The eye stared blankly into Shirou's face before it said in a flat voice, "I know I can do it for the same reason I know what was here before the realm existed." Shirou gave the tree a frustrated look. The Juubi began to explain how it would have to learn the techniques left in its mind by whatever being provided them with this information and that, in the meantime, Shirou could just train for a bit.
As the Conversation began to end, the realm seemed to settle. The giant tree started changing; some leaves turned golden and shone blue, while others turned blue and glowed gold. The trunk became steel-like and soon began to transform into iron. Suddenly, a voice appeared from nowhere, proclaiming the name of the realm and the new name of the Juubi: 'From this day forth, this place will be called the Realm of the Inky Blade, and its Guardian will be Iron Yggdrasil.'
The tree and the man stared at each other, white-faced with fear. Some otherworldly being was there with them. After some time, the two came back to their senses and tried to ignore that fact.
Flashback End:
Anyway, after all this time, the titanic tree was finally able to open a portal. It wasn't super stable, but it would still work, and Shirou was too impatient to wait; he had people to get back to, plus the Fourth War.
Shirou had used Henge to create himself some clothes. It wasn't super necessary, as he was the only human in the whole realm, but human decency is quite an interesting force.
The Henge, or transformation technique, has a very interesting learning process. When a person first learns how to use it, it's basically an illusion. The more you develop the technique, the more solid it becomes. People can create a chakra shell after a huge amount of practice, and with an enormous amount of training and a vast supply of chakra, you can become a full shapeshifter. Shirou's sister, Naroko, could only do this because of her vast amount of chakra and her constant village-wide pranks.
Back to the current situation, Shirou insisted on going to the First World, and while he's gone, Iron Yggdrasil can stabilize the technique. Since they're connected, the metal tree will always be aware of where Shirou is. The tree, not seeing any way to stop the stupid shinobi from pestering them constantly, agrees against its better judgment.
'Are you sure you want to do this? You might not be able to contact us to pull you out if you get into any serious trouble. Even with the Fourth Shinobi World War happening, your friends and family would want you to do this safely so you can at least come back to them. But if you die, neither of us will ever get to see home again.'
Shirou stared off into space for a few seconds before saying in a voice of determination, 'I need to get this done. I have to find out what happened after we got here!' Iron Yggdrasil sighed before seeming to acquiesce. Metallic roots grow from the ground and slowly form a spiral-shaped structure. A circular portal begins to be created, forming a golden and blue spiral. A flat medallion seems to form above the arch of the portal, but nothing is shown on it, as if it were a sign that needed to be created.
Slowly, Shirou approached the portal, a mix of cautiousness and hope pushing him forward. The unknown loomed before him, but the hope of the possibilities of being home soon made him look straight ahead. As he reached the precipice of the arch surrounding the portal, he looked back towards the solitary eye belonging to Iron Yggdrasil. He smiled and waved, then promptly turned around and jumped into the portal.
"This chapter is shorter than usual for a reason: I want you to vote on the first world our MC will be going to. Here are your options:
1. Marvel during the Avengers
2. Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
3. Dark Souls
Secondly, I would love to hear your comments! I enjoy reading them, and your engagement is delightful!" PS. I Will probably start writing the next chapter tomorrow, but if you want more people to vote, tell me in the comments and I will push it back to Saturday. Thanks! love you! bye!