The days in the Land of Waves passed slowly, but the world around Kaiden was shifting. The peaceful coastal village was a stark contrast to the hidden dangers lurking within the larger world of shinobi. Kaiden knew that Naruto's fate would be intertwined with those dangers, and he was determined to prepare the boy, though he had no idea how. Raising a child who would one day save the world was no simple task.
Kaiden's training continued, both for himself and for Naruto. The boy grew stronger, more energetic by the day. He had an infectious curiosity about the world around him, always reaching for new things—often getting into mischief as Kaiden tried to balance his role as both mentor and father. Naruto's laughter filled the house, and with it, the warmth Kaiden had long forgotten.
However, Kaiden couldn't ignore the growing whispers. His peaceful life was starting to attract more than just mercenaries. The villagers had begun to view him with suspicion and curiosity, and occasional travelers from outside the region had begun asking questions. Kaiden did his best to keep a low profile, but the multiversal creatures in his aquarium were becoming harder to hide. The glowing koi that swam in his pond, the strange jellyfish that pulsed with light—it wasn't long before word would get out.
One afternoon, as Kaiden prepared to leave for the market, a familiar figure appeared at his door. It was Tazuna, the famed bridge builder, a gruff but well-meaning man who had been working on the bridge to connect the Land of Waves to the mainland.
"I heard about the fish," Tazuna said, wiping his hands on a rag. "Some of the locals think you've got something… special in that aquarium of yours."
Kaiden stiffened, but Tazuna raised a hand in a gesture of peace.
"Don't worry," Tazuna continued. "I'm not here to cause trouble. The truth is, the villagers are curious, but there's more pressing business to attend to. You've been living here for a while now. There's word that something's stirring beyond the horizon. Something dangerous."
Kaiden frowned.
"Dangerous?" he repeated. "What kind of danger?"
Tazuna leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I can't say much, but there's a group of mercenaries—no, more like rogue ninjas. They've been moving through the region, looking for something… or someone. It's not just the bridge they're after."
Kaiden's heart skipped a beat. He had suspected something was off. It wasn't just the mercenaries he'd dealt with before. There were other forces at play—forces tied to the larger world of shinobi, and their interest in his corner of the world was growing.
Later that evening, Kaiden stood on the porch, staring out at the ocean as Naruto slept in the room behind him. The soft lapping of the waves was calming, but it also reminded him of the rising tide of trouble.
The system pulsed within him, its presence like a whisper in the back of his mind. Kaiden had learned to trust it by now, but there were times when it felt like too much. Too many unknowns, too many questions.
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[System Update]
New Mission: Protect Naruto Uzumaki from external threats.
Objective: Strengthen defenses and prepare for incoming danger.
Reward: Water Release Affinity, B- Rank Water Ninjutsu "Water Style Armor", C-Rank Water Ninjutsu "Water Prison"
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The system was pushing him to act. Kaiden wasn't sure if it was out of duty or because of some grander plan, but it didn't matter. His first priority was always Naruto.
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. There was no time to waste.
Over the next few weeks, Kaiden began to prepare for the unknown threats. He caught more creatures, evolving some of the more passive ones into stronger, more formidable allies. A Squid Shark Leviathan was the first to make its appearance—a creature that could manipulate water and lightning at will and was capable of immense strength. Kaiden also learned how to throw shurikens and kunais, a few targets was covered with shurikens and another was covered with kunais. The aim of both were becoming better, adapting to incoming attacks and providing him with increased mobility.
But despite the growing skills at his disposal, Kaiden felt the weight of his responsibility.
Protecting Naruto was one thing, but what would happen when the boy grew older? When the dangers of the ninja world began to close in on him?
One evening, Kaiden stood in front of the aquarium, gazing at the creatures swimming peacefully. The soft, rhythmic sound of water calmed his racing thoughts. He touched the glass of the tank, and the creatures responded, their lights flickering as they sensed his unease.
"Whatever happens," he whispered to them, "I'll make sure he's ready."
The day Kaiden had feared arrived sooner than expected.
A dark figure appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against the setting sun. As the figure approached the village, Kaiden's heart raced. This wasn't just a traveler or merchant—it was someone dangerous.
He immediately scooped Naruto into his arms and ran inside, his eyes darting to the system interface. The warning bells blared in his mind. The danger was real.
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[System Notification]
Incoming Threat Detected. Level: High.
Recommendation: Prepare for combat. Access "Dimensional Call" to summon backup.
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Kaiden didn't hesitate. He activated the Dimensional Call, and a vortex appeared in the air before him. A new creature—a Chelicerate —materialized, its pinsers snapping as it stood guard beside him.
As the figure drew closer, Kaiden tightened his grip on Naruto and prepared for what was to come. The world of shinobi was about to collide with his quiet sanctuary, and he would be ready for it.
The figure stepped into view, revealing a cloaked man with a scar over one eye and a headband crossed out with the distinctive sign of 4 squiggly lines in a square shape with nothing connecting them—a rogue ninja, Kaiden realized. He had heard stories of ninjas who went rogue, but facing one in person was far different than reading about it.
The man's cold gaze locked onto Kaiden, and for a moment, there was silence.
"I'm not here for you," the rogue ninja said, his voice cold and measured. "But that boy… he's of interest."
Kaiden's heart sank. This was only the beginning.