Chapter three started...….
Something new
Note: Nature Energy = Ethernano🔋
:——-
It had been almost a month since Naruto arrived in this new world. Focused on perfecting his new jutsu, Faux Baryon Mode, he had neglected exploring his surroundings. He had encountered peculiar animals and species, but given the abundance of life, he wouldn't be surprised to find a human-like civilization. He could only hope they were negotiable—unlike a certain clan from the heavens, the Otsutsuki.
Leaping from tree branch to tree branch, his black sweatshirt with an orange stripe and matching pants billowing in the wind, Naruto reflected on his circumstances. He had been without sandals ever since Kawaki's ocular jutsu sent him and Hinata away. His thoughts often drifted to her, hoping she was safe. While Kawaki's reasoning had been flawed, Naruto refused to see him as beyond redemption. Wherever they had been sent, he believed Hinata would be protected. Whether it was trust, coping, or denial, he wasn't sure, but he clung to that hope.
Using his pseudo-permanent Sage Mode—a necessity for refining Faux Baryon Mode—Naruto sensed three significant presences, larger than any animal he'd encountered. His new jutsu relied on passively absorbing Ethernano through a modified tetragram seal: one component drew in Ethernano, while another siphoned his chakra. The fusion of these energies aimed to replicate the power of his original Baryon Mode.
However, creating a self-sustaining energy system took time and placed immense strain on his body. During this adjustment period, he couldn't use traditional jutsu or fully control Ethernano. Despite these limitations, he remained far from defenseless. His seals granted protection against Ethernano-based attacks, and his taijutsu skills, rivaled only by Rock Lee and Sasuke, ensured he could hold his own.
His ultimate goal was to establish a self-sustaining cycle, converting fused Ethernano-chakra energy back into its components to continuously replenish his reserves. Mastering this required not only precise control but a deep understanding of the balance between Ethernano and chakra. Senjutsu had never been more viable than in this world, and whoever had created this realm, Naruto felt a strange sense of gratitude toward them.
His journey led him to Cait Shelter, one of Fiore's legal guilds. The two other presences he sensed had moved away, leaving the largest one before him: an old man.
"You must be the one responsible for that surge of magic a few nights ago," the old man remarked.
Naruto gulped. Had his training been more conspicuous than he intended? Before he could respond, he noticed something odd—despite the old man speaking a foreign language, Naruto understood him. His brief use of Faux Baryon Mode had granted him deep insight into Ethernano, akin to the Byakugan, Sharingan, and Rinnegan. He hadn't expected it to enhance perception, let alone grant linguistic comprehension. Perhaps it was a side effect of his jutsu or of being in this world—another mystery to ponder.
The old man introduced himself as Roubaul, Guild Master of Cait Shelter. He was small and slim, with a long white beard, mustache, and bushy eyebrows. A tattoo marked his forehead, and his presence radiated wisdom and authority.
Naruto offered a nervous smile. "I hope I didn't cause too much trouble, gramps."
Roubaul chuckled. "It did stir up the girl, that's for sure. Name's Roubaul."
"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki." They shook hands.
Roubaul studied him. "May I ask what you were doing out in the forest?"
Naruto hesitated. "...Training," he said, exaggerating the gesture for emphasis.
"Training for what? A mission? We haven't had any subjugation requests here recently. Are you passing through, or are you looking to join a guild?"
"A guild?" Naruto asked. "What's that?"
Roubaul raised an eyebrow. "How do you not know that? Aren't you a wizard?"
Naruto froze. "Uh... not exactly. More of a traveler. A hermit. A sage." He chuckled at the word 'sage,' recalling his late, pervy mentor.
Roubaul's eyes softened. "A sage, you say? You look a bit young for one, but I'll humor you. In this land, a guild is a place where individuals of similar talents gather. For wizards—or mages—guilds offer job opportunities, training, and camaraderie. The Magic Council oversees legal guilds and enforces regulations."
"So, it's like a community for wizards?" Naruto asked.
"Precisely," Roubaul confirmed. "There are Legal Guilds sanctioned by the council, Dark Guilds operating illegally, and Independent Guilds that aren't registered but aren't inherently criminal."
Naruto frowned. "Dark Guilds… Lemme guess, criminals?"
"Exactly. They flout the law, endangering our world's peace."
Naruto's brow furrowed. "And Cait Shelter?"
Roubaul smiled warmly. "A Legal Guild. We may not be as large or famous as others, but we value camaraderie and growth."
Naruto glanced around at the rustic architecture and guild members in the distance. "Looks like a close-knit community."
"Indeed," Roubaul replied. "We strive to support each other, much like a family."
Naruto's expression softened. "Family, huh..." He hadn't shared a meal with his own in nearly a month. As much as he longed to return home, he needed information. If guilds operated like villages, he might eventually find someone who could help him. Traversing worlds was rare, usually achieved only by those with ties to deity-like entities like the Otsutsuki. Finding a way back would be like searching for a needle in a haystack—except this haystack was an entire world.
Sensing his unease, Roubaul smiled gently. "If something troubles you, perhaps I can help."
Naruto met his gaze, hesitating before nodding. "I… I could use some help."
"Come," Roubaul gestured toward the guild hall. "Let's talk over a warm meal. You look like you could use one."
As they walked side by side, Naruto couldn't help but compare Roubaul to the Third Hokage. The old man's calm authority, the wisdom in his presence—it felt familiar. "Man… he's like gramps with more wrinkles and less tobacco," Naruto mused internally.
Roubaul's eyes twinkled as if sensing the thought. "You carry a heavy burden."
Naruto straightened, instinctively downplaying his struggles, but something about Roubaul's presence commanded honesty. "Yeah… been carrying it a while now."
Roubaul nodded. "Burden shared is burden lightened. Your heart is strong, but strength alone won't see you through the battles ahead."
Naruto nodded solemnly as they stepped into the lively guild hall, but something about the atmosphere felt... off.
The chakra—or rather, the magical signatures—of the guild members felt faint, like flickering candle flames instead of steady, living presences. It was as if he were watching reflections on a still pond—convincing at first glance, but distorted upon closer inspection.
To be continued….
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