Alex wakes up, feeling extremely comfortable. He notices Tereza in his arms, filling him with warmth and happiness.
He slowly strokes her beautiful brown hair and kisses her gently.
She stirs and smiles, then kisses him back—intensely.
"Wasn't last night enough for you?" Alex asks, baffled by her possessiveness.
"Not at all. I expect a lot more attention from now on, but I'll cut you some slack," she says with a smile.
Alex spends his last two days visiting his parents, sparring with Jewel and Menchi, and getting some proper rest. He also quickly rereads and rewatches the early parts of Naruto, even though he knows this mission probably won't follow the original plot.
Falling back into old habits, he opens up the Naruto-Wiki and spends hours on end researching characters, Jutsu's, Geography, and discussing it all with his friends, this time actually working towards a goal and not just wasting his time.
Hopefully, I can still rely on the plot. It should be at least somewhat similar. Even Glimmerwhisk said so.
Finally, the last day comes to an end, and he lies down in bed for one more night.
"1337, how much time is left? Also, do I need to be in the Realm to enter the mission?" he asks his trusty system.
[Next mission starting in 11 hours, 54 minutes, and 21 seconds. Host does not need to be inside the Realm or near the World-portal, as Host has accepted a special mission.]
This time will be different. No fucking around, no relaxing. I'll finish this mission, earn as much as possible, and then leave! I'll also protect the girls!
There's a knock at the door, and Tereza silently enters. Without saying a word, she strips completely and lies down next to him.
"Tereza, you know I really want to but—" Alex starts, but she places a finger on his lips and kisses him gently.
As she pulls back, she says softly, "I know you need to relax and concentrate. I'll just lie here in your arms and help you relax. Last night was enough, so just close your eyes and sleep. I'll watch over you."
Closing his eyes, the last scene he sees is Tereza lovingly watching him. As he feels Tereza's naked body gently pressing against him, he feels strangely serene. Her warmth, calm breathing, and scent make him feel like everything might actually be okay.
Despite not feeling tired, it doesn't take long for him to fall asleep.
Alex awakens a good time later and opens his eyes. Surprisingly, the first thing he sees is Tereza staring into his eyes, much like she did before he fell asleep.
Blushing slightly, he gets up—only for her to cling to him.
She kisses him once more and whispers, "I'll expect you back tonight!"
He smiles, gets up, and finally checks the timer:
[Next mission starting in 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 21 seconds.]
After showering and getting dressed, the full group—excluding Rishi, who's busy—sits down in Alex's flat.
That guy… busy conquering the world? At least he wrote me a text… how nice.
"So let's go over the plan. We don't screw around, we don't get sentimental or attached, we aim for the maximum amount of rewards, and focus all our attention on the mission and our enemy," Alex explains, his voice slowly getting colder, "if necessary we sacrifice every NPC if it helps us survive.…"
"Yes, we know, we've been through this. This time, rank doesn't matter all that much. It's more about survival. If we make it through this, we can aim for maximum reward on a normal mission," Menchi replies, looking a bit amused.
"Sorry," Alex says, looking embarrassed. "This is, after all, a 1-on-1 mission against another player. We should still explore and aim for as many rewards as possible, but survival takes precedence."
Understood, Soulmate! However, Princess Jewel thinks that Soulmate is overthinking this mission.
"Overthinking? Why do you think so?" Alex asks.
Tereza chimes in, having heard Jewel, "She's thinking that Glimmerwhisk's brother isn't considered incompetent by their father for no reason. He's older and male, but still not the heir. Obviously, he's stupid, and I guess Jewel thinks you're taking this too seriously. I disagree, but I can't rule out the possibility that this ends up way different from what we all expect."
You can define people by the company they keep! Jewel has heard this saying and can't help but agree!
"I guess so. Maybe you are right, Jewel. We even came up with a special battle formation," Alex says while conjuring his daily grenades, refreshing all the durations of his conjurations.
"You have to be prepared for the worst. We can't assume our enemy is incompetent. Also, I don't trust that goblin," Menchi adds, looking quite serious, obviously not taking this mission lightly.
"We've done everything we can… let's hope for the best," Alex says.
As the mission timer counts down, he hugs Tereza one more time. With Jewel on his head and Menchi standing beside him, his vision fades.
[Player is now entering Level 5 Mission…]
[Players gathering... Total number of players: 2]
[World selection: Naruto]
[Starting Location: Land of the Waves]
[Timeline: Arc 1 Land of the Waves]
[Setting: Ninja World]
[Certain technology, like items and advanced weaponry involving futuristic technology, will be heavily restricted or outright forbidden.]
[...checking player for any forbidden item.]
[Player Alex Kerber does not possess items that need to be restricted.]
[Mission parameter: Land of Waves, Konoha, Player is not allowed to travel independently until his story mission is cleared. Ignoring this condition will result in the System taking harsh actions.]
[PvP & PvE Setting: Duel
This is a lawful world; openly engaging in battles with characters in public will result in major negative consequences.
WARNING:Ninjas may be dispatched to punish any actions that go against the interests of a major village.]
[Mission Objectives:
Main Mission: Defeat the opposing player.
Warning: Avoiding this mission by fleeing or actively avoiding the Story Mission will be seen as forfeiting this mission and will result in an early mission failure and automatic F rank. Defeating the other player will end this mission and will ensure at least an A- rank.
Story Mission: Accompany and protect Tazuna on his Journey to Konoha and back to the Land of Waves, assuring the completion of the Bridge connecting the Land of Waves with the Land of Fire. Completing this mission
Rating Tiers (Level 5 Duel):
F (Death): Player dies, no rewards.E (Penalty): Not available in this missionD (Neutral): Not available in this missionC (Average): Not available in this mission.B (Good): Not available in this missionA (Excellent): 4–5 stat points, 6000–10,000 FC.S (Exceptional – Very Rare): 6–8 stat points, 12,000–20,000 FC.
Failure Condition: Death
WARNING: Mentioning the existence of the Fantasy Realm to any character results in immediate soul destruction!
Story Mission Objectives:
Protect Tazuna, Team 7, and other civilians involved in the construction of the Bridge.Defeat Gato and any Ninja or mercenary hired by him.
Hint: While the Story Mission is secondary. The player is obligated to attempt to complete it. Failure, however, does not lead to an F-rank, as long as the main mission is successfully cleared and the player is not actively avoiding the Story Mission. ]
[Supporter Menchi is designated as a combat follower. Will be summoned automatically.]
[Pet Jewel, designated as a combat pet. Will be summoned automatically.]
Alex slowly opens his eyes. He finds himself lying in a small, rather old, and empty room. To his relief, Menchi lies next to him in a wooden bed, and he feels the familiar, calming weight of Jewel clinging to his head.
Well… the mission is certainly interesting, but not what we expected. Our start is in the Land of Waves?! Where are we?!
Menchi and Jewel stir awake as well. Menchi immediately jumps up, checks her upgraded armor, and draws her knives.
Jewel scurries up the wall, scanning the room, while Alex looks around, still baffled, not reacting like the rest.
...Now I just look silly, but this doesn't seem like the kind of situation where we need to go full alert.
Alex slowly gets to his feet and stares out of the tiny window, spotting water just outside.
"Good job securing our position, girls, but I think we're fine for now. Let's leave this room," Alex says.
Understood Soulmate!
"Okay… hey, wait a minute. Jewel?! I can understand you?!" Menchi notes, clearly surprised.
Menchi can understand Princess Jewel? This greatly pleases Jewel. Hello!
"Good news… but let's celebrate later," Alex says, pleased but more interested in their surroundings.
He slides open the wooden door—a flimsy, traditional Japanese-style one—and steps outside. The space beyond looks familiar.
This is… Tazuna's house! I remember this room from all the scenes where Naruto and Sasuke fought over food like wild animals.
"Good morning Alex, Menchi, Jewel. How are you feeling today?" a friendly voice echoes from the next room.
Alex spots Tazuna and smiles. "Can't complain, Tazuna, though I can't get used to that shitty room," he jokes.
"Hehe, I understand. My house is large, sure—but it's old. I haven't had the money to renovate it. I even took some of the villagers' savings just to try and hire some Konoha ninjas as bodyguards. We need to leave today. According to my colleagues, Gato will be making his move soon, and we can't afford to sit still."
"I guess you're right," Alex says, keeping calm.
The fuck is going on?
The System has integrated Soulmate into the story. Jewel thinks Soulmate does not need to worry.
"I can see it in your face, Alex. You're unhappy, aren't you? I know you, your wife, and your trusty pet are strong—and you've got your own special Ninjutsu too. You've defended me and my fellow workers from Gato's thugs, so I know what you're capable of. But I fear Gato will start hiring real ninjas. We need Konoha's help."
"I guess that's true. But I'll still support you, Tazuna," Alex replies.
Tazuna laughs, walks over, and slaps Alex's back. "Saving you, your lovely wife, and your pet from drowning a few weeks ago was the luckiest moment of my life. I'm grateful for everything you've done—but I worry. If you stick around, you'll be in serious danger. I consider your debt more than repaid… you can leave if you want."
"I can't leave. Ever. After all, this is my new home," Alex says with a serious expression.
Tazuna's eyes get teary as he quickly wipes them. Just then, his daughter Tsunami and grandson Inari enter the room.
"Jewel… let's play outside," Inari says, looking a little down, but unable to suppress his excitement.
Princess Jewel will scout a little, using this Peasant child as a cover. See you later, Soulmate!
Jewel jumps onto Inari's head, and the boy dashes out of the house.
Tsunami calls after them, "Don't go too far into the forest! Be back in ten minutes—food will be ready! Jewel, if he doesn't return, drag him back!"
She sighs and turns to the group. "Today's the day, right? I'll quickly prepare breakfast and your travel supplies."
Tazuna looks confidently at Alex and Menchi. "With you two and Jewel protecting me, we should be fine. I've seen you fight. I'd bet you could even take on some ninjas. Thugs and robbers won't stand a chance."
Alex nods. "You haven't seen anything yet, old man. I'll crush Gato and his thugs like bugs."
Menchi adds, "My husband is correct. But we should still be careful until we reach Konoha, right? Getting overconfident would be a mistake," she says, looking at Alex while gently rubbing his face and tugging on his ear.
"Hahaha, your wife's right. Don't fight it, Alex. I've watched you two the last few weeks, and you can say you 'came to an agreement,' but we both know who's really in charge," Tazuna jokes.
Tsunami giggles and comments, "It's kind of sweet. You're a lovely couple—and you're a big person, Alex. More men should be like you."
"..."
Fuck you, system! What kind of backstory is this?!
"Don't fight it. It's pretty damn accurate, isn't it?" Menchi says with a big grin, then kisses him.
A few minutes later, Jewel and Inari return. Tsunami serves a modest but well-prepared traditional Japanese breakfast.
The group eats quickly, everyone in good spirits, until Tazuna clears his throat and shifts to a serious tone.
"Let's go over the plan once more, then head out. We don't have much time, and the boat's ready."
------------------------------------------------
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