Hashire sori yo, kaze no you ni, tsukimihara wo, Padoru Padoru~!

Soul: Merry Christmas ya filthy animals, and a Happy New Year!

NSG: Hag Sameach, enjoy your one night of a holiday~!


Chapter 02: Getting to Know One Another


"So, how far do we have to go?" Naruto asked as he and Grea followed Sheba and her group.

"Hmm…" Sheba put a finger to her chin. "About ten miles. As for our destination, it is the village town of Caerleon. We're on our way to meet our next client: the Queen of the Kingdom of Melromarc." She pulled a scroll from the bag on her hip.

"If you don't mind me asking, what for?" Naruto inquired.

"We have information valuable to the Queen that she requested. Before our mission to liberate the demihumans, I encountered her agent, who detailed where to meet her," Sheba explained as she read from a scroll. "After that, we're free to do whatever we wish until the next Wave."

"Wave? The way you said it, it sounds like an event." Naruto stated, with Sheba hummed in response.

"Hmm, whoever sent you here never told you about the Waves of Calamity?" Sheba guessed, reading the look of confusion on Naruto's face. "Annoying. Well, it's quite simple: every so often, dimensional rifts will tear open somewhere in the world and disgorge near-endless hordes of monsters upon the citizens. It is the duty of the Sacred Heroes to slay the leader of the hordes and repel the Waves." Her hand drifted to the large, jeweled tome hanging from her other hip. "Needless to say, it will be your duty as well. We will need to find a Dragon's Hourglass for your weapon to link to. It will tell you how long it will be until a Wave hits that region."

Naruto blinked as he mentally digested the information. "Well, I guess the title of Hero isn't for nothing. And it really is like an event since they sound like a constant occurrence in this world."

"They have, but it won't be just us. There are other Heroes as well, whom you'll have to work with. Not only that, but you'll also have to form a party to assist you in fighting the Waves. As you can see, I have the start of my own," she commented, gesturing to Mirai and Atsushi. "I have other comrades, but they have a habit of wandering off to handle their own business. Kinda wish they stopped doing that to be honest."

"Hmm…"

Naruto hummed before looking out into the horizon. The lush forest, the grassy plains, the brown ravel beneath his feet, it was surreal. They were walking to their new destination for a while, just now passing the one mile mark. A hike like this should break a normal human, despite the fact that the human body was made for constant movement. But Naruto was anything but normal, and it helped that he'd invested his own body into physical fitness before he hit puberty, even without taking into account the CYOA benefits Hestia had given him. So he was able to keep up, and he didn't even feel winded.

Taking a break from taking in the scenery, he observed Grea doing the same thing he was. Despite looking so relaxed, her eyes shined with curiosity at her surroundings. He smiled when a few birds landed on her shoulder, and she took to stroking them on their heads. It was still amazing to the blonde that he meet her, his favorite character from the app game Granblue Fantasy. It also meant that the world had a steampunk element to it, as well as magic.

'I wonder if we'll pass by Mysteria Academy and find Anne?' Naruto wondered, rubbing his chin. 'With Granblue Fantasy and Rage of Bahamut being two of many crossovers in this world, there are so many potential party members I can scout. I'll have to take notes…'

Naruto then dug into his backpack to get his electronic tablet. He frowned when he didn't feel their familiar texture, and looked inside. Nestled among this other items was a device he'd never seen before, but looked vaguely familiar. It bore a thin glass surface with a holographic screen. Upon was collapsable to make it either a tablet and/or a phone.

"Did my devices fuse to make this?" Naruto wondered as he examined it, not noticing Mirai popping over this shoulder.

"Oh! That's a Scroll!" Mirai exclaimed, her eyes shining as she adjusted her glasses. "Is your world just as technologically advanced as the continents of Polyrus and Remnant?"

"Uh, yeah, you can…say…that…oh boy." Naruto trailed off and sighed. 'RWBY, which means…' he thought, before examining his new 'Scroll.' "This used to be my phone and my tablet. Hopefully…yes!" he said, seeing his usual apps, with his games and digital book library still intact. "Some new stuff too."

"What's wrong? You seemed bummed," Sheba noted in a teasing manner.

"Just that I'm expecting to see the stories I've read and watch in this world." Naruto admitted, and grumbled. "When you mentioned Remnant, I immediately thought Hunters, Grimm, and Salem. But considering what I've seen so far, I'm expecting unexpected changes to the formula."

"Well well, your knowledge will prove most useful in this world." Sheba winked. "You're not wrong. The creatures of Grimm and their mother, Salem, are exclusive to the continent of Remnant; where high-level Huntsmen and Huntresses hunt them down. But as long as Salem exist, the Grimm will continue to be endless. Best to stay out of Remnant until you're like level 100 and above."

"Noted." Naruto confirmed, absentmindedly playing around with this Scroll. "So uh, what's their story? How did Mirai-san and Atsushi-san come to be with you?" he asked, gesturing to the other two. 'Just to test the waters. To see how similar their origins are with their canon-selves in their home series…'

The dark-skinned woman shrugged. "Atsushi was an orphan, even before the waves. He's a bit of an oddity, being an offspring of a human and demi. It manifested…differently, and long story short, he's got nowhere to go. So I took him in and decided to give him a place to return to. As for Mirai-"

"That's none of your business," said the pinkette frostily, glancing over her shoulder, "It's unpleasant to pry."

'Yikes! She went from fascinated by my new Scroll to unpleasant brat like I asked about Aunt Rosey coming to visit! Okay then.' Naruto mused and nodded. "My apologies, Mirai-san. Just thought I'd get to know you all since we'll be traveling together."

She huffed, turning her attention back to the road. "Then ask about something else."

'Still, that confirms that Mirai is at least similar to her canon. Her past is off-limits, which means that crap that happened in her past DID happen. Explains why she's pissy with me now. Gonna have to find some sweets to calm her down, dattebayo.' Naruto thought, adopting a thinking pose as he did. 'Which also confirms that the Spirit World Warrior-clan exist in some form or fashion, as well as Youmu. I'm going to have to keep on my toes if that's the case.'

"Geez, Mirai-chan." Sheba sighed in resignation. Then she smiled ruefully and stroked the younger girl's strawberry blonde hair. "But, if you don't want me to tell, then that's fine. Your secrets are yours."

Mirai ducked her head, biting her lip. "...thank you."

"Don't mind about Mirai-san. She's a good person." Atsushi assured the blonde, "Just a bit prickly! But it's not like she's that way for no reason!"

"It's fine. I'm not bothered by it." Naruto replied with a shrug. "So, you're a human and a…demi? What's a demi?"

"Ah, by demi, Sheba-san means Demihumans. We're basically like humans, but with animal-esque features. Like she said, I was born a bit differently, so most of the time I'm totally indistinguishable from a human." Atsushi explained. "But you probably saw when you first came here, I can…transform into a beast. It's a rare ability among demis, but not unheard of."

"That is truly amazing. If I had the ability to turn into an animal, it would be a fox." Naruto speculated with a thumbs-up. "What's it like?"

Atsushi smiled wryly. "It's…like taking off a shirt that's too tight. I like this body, obviously, but being a tiger just feels…right." His smile faded. "I don't…want to get used to that, though."

Naruto nodded in understanding. "I see. Don't worry." He put a hand on the white-haired boy's shoulder. "No matter what, you will still be you. Never forget that. Take that power, own it, and make it yours. And if you can't do it alone, Grea and I are here for you, and so is Sheba-san and Mirai-san."

"Th-Thank you, Naruto-san." Atsushi said gratefully with a smile, with Naruto patting him on the back.

'The more positive reinforcement, the better.' Naruto thought, intent on giving it to the white-haired boy as much as possible.

The walk went on, with the group continuing to make small talk. At some point, Grea's legs gave out, prompting Naruto to give her a piggyback ride. Naruto also chatted animatedly with Atsushi, with Mirai giving him the cold shoulder, much to Sheba's amusement.

A couple miles later, Naruto asked. "So, Sheba-san. As one of the Heroes of this world, do you know anything about my Armor, like its origins and whatnot?"

"Not at all, but what I do know is that as a Hero of the Armor, you're an anomaly like me." Sheba responded, while holding up her Tome. "I'm guessing that the Gods who sent you there didn't tell you much?"

"You can say that. They pretty much just dumped me here there, leaving me to gather information for myself," Naruto grumbled, feeling Grea falling asleep behind him, snuggling her hefty breasts into his back. "I'm guessing that the Heroes of the Sword, Spear, Bow, and Shield are the main Heroes, while others like us are more secondary."

"Ah, so you know about the Four Cardinal Heroes at least." Sheba teased, with Naruto grumbling some more. "As for me, my Tome is what's known as a Vassal Weapon. They're not quite as versatile as the Cardinals, but they're still stronger than normal, plus they don't need a Hero to be summoned in order for the weapon to choose a wielder." She lifted up her book and snapped her fingers, causing the clasp to pop open. "My Vassal of the Tome lets me record and use all forms of magic. Of course, it won't let me use any weapons, but I have no need for that." Her golden eye flashed as she winked.

"Hmm," Naruto nodded, looking impressed. "Since magic is up your alley, does that mean that it's off-limits to me?"

Sheba shook her head. "Nope. The other Heroes are able to use magic as well, and embed it into their specific weapons. Similar to how I enhanced you in the last battle. So you're in the clear. You just can't use a Tome like me since you're a Hero, but you're bound to have an affinity towards something."

"Hmm, I'll be fine with what I have for now. But I would like to learn magic under you when you have the time. Nothing big, just something to get Grea and I by."

Sheba nodded, smiling. "I can arrange that."

Soon it was back to small talk, but they were halfway through their destination. Along the way, Naruto noticed that Atsushi was examining some nearby tracks. He rubbed his finger along the ground, occasionally sniffing it.

"What'cha doing?" Naruto asked, feeling Grea rousing from her slumber as her nose tickled the side of his neck.

"There's multiple monster tracks where we're going. Seems like there's a herd up ahead." Atsushi replied and focused his eyes. "We're coming up on them."

"Perfect. This will be a chance to show the new guy what I can do, and vice versa. Also," she smirked at Naruto. "Considering everything he knows so far, I'm curious to see his reaction."

"Can't we go around them?" Mirai whined.

"You don't have to worry. All of you will be my support in this endeavor." Sheba assured her blood-using swordsman.

"Hey, Grea. I know you finished napping, but we're about to fight. You up for it?" Naruto asked the dragon girl, who yawned. "Ah, don't worry. Sheba-san will be doing most of the fighting. We're just support."

"I'll do my best." she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Soon, the group came across the herd of monsters. The monsters in question were a swarm of small, four-legged yellow, green scaled monsters; with large mouths that opening as wide as a snake's. Leading them were several larger versions of themselves, with one of them sporting a bloated stomach.

"So, Naruto-san," Sheba drawled, turning to look at him and was not disappointed to see his mouth gaped open. "What runs through your mind when you see them?"

"Great Jagras, which means Anjanath, Tobi-Kadachi, Diablos, Rathalos, Deviljho, Legiana, and all the Elder Dragons…" Naruto whispered, looking floored. "I'm both excited and horrified at the same time…"

"After this, you're going to have to tell me more about your world." Sheba said as she unhooked her Tome. "But for now, let us begin."

"Be careful, Sheba-sama. There were also tracks of a monster that I couldn't recognize." Atsushi said as Sheba boldly stutt towards the Jagras herd.

"I hope it isn't a Kirin, dattebayo…" Naruto mumbled as he set Grea down.

"It isn't. There were no hoof prints associated with it." Atsushi informed him. "If it's a fiend, yokai, youmu, and any other high-leveled demonic entity, then we should worry."

"We'll be fine. After all, we're with Sheba-san. And she's about to show us why she's the Tome Hero!" Mirai countered.

The Jagras heard the none-too-subtle footsteps, and turned to see Sheba.

"Sorry about this," she sighed, "But you've gotten a bit too numerous. Mage Armor." A blue aura shimmered around her. "Mass Hold Monster."

All the beasts suddenly froze in place, the Great Jagrases' eyes swiveling around to fix on her. However, none of them moved an inch. "Hm...all clustered together," she muttered. She took a few steps back, her book starting to glow. "Ah…if I recall correctly, these fellows are weak to fire. Exploding Fireball!"

Thrusting out her hand, a large orb of flames blasted from her palm, streaking towards the monsters and exploding with a *BLAM!* The smaller Jagrases went flying every which way with a screech, landing with a thud and going still. The Great versions roared out with pain and indignation and began lumbering towards her.

"They're tough. They must be at least High Rank, if not Master Rank." Naruto noted, feeling Grea shivering and holding his arm. "Still, I don't want to just stand here and do nothing."

"I wouldn't advise it. You and Grea are too low in levels to take them on, even if they ARE Jagrases. Plus," Atsushi looked at Grea. "I don't think your companion's in any shape to fight."

Naruto hummed and glanced at Grea, who was looking at the Jagrases with terror in her eyes. There was sweat on her forehead, and her grip on his arm tightened when one of the Great Jagrases eyes locked on hers.

"You don't have to fight if you don't want to, Grea." Naruto told her. "I won't force you."

Grea looked surprised at the declaration. "Eh? But…I thought as my Master, you want me to fight on your behalf no matter what…"

'Master, huh?' Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "I don't mind you fighting with me, but like I said, I won't force you-ttebayo." he clarified. "Lemme guess, your former Masters didn't give you a choice?"

Grea shook her head, then flinched when Naruto gave her a headpat.

"Well, after Sheba-san finishes frying up the Jagrases, we'll carve them up for parts and be on our way. Then you can tell me all about it." Naruto stated before turning his attention back to the "fight," where Sheba was finishing up.

"Ashwinder Nest!" she intoned, tracing her finger through the air. The flames from her fireball transformed into long, sinuous streams, swirling around and around the large yellow and blue monsters, making them groan out in pain.

The blonde was then suddenly startled when he noticed a spark in the air. "What the hell?"

Sheba seemed to have noticed as well, her orange and yellow spell dissipating as a point of blue light drifted past her. "That's...a bug," she commented, even as several Great Jagrases collapsed to the ground and stopped moving. "A Thunderbug? No…" Her mismatched eyes widened. "Fulgurbug!"

"...Oh crap." Naruto yelped when he jumped back from one of the bugs, taking Grea with him. "This is definitely a Master Rank area!"

"Oh no… Don't tell me it's a-" Mirai whined.

On cue, a giant quadrupedal monster stalked into the area, practically swaggering it's sharp claws digging into the corpses of the Giant Jagrases. The monster had superficial lupine features, strong limbs, sharp claws and fangs, and a flat tail with spike. It also had a scaly hide with a neon blue glow, with glowing bugs flying around the mane of white fur that adorned its shoulders and back. A pair of straight horns jutted from its skull, over its eyes.

"Well, what do you know. A Zinogre." Naruto sighed and donned his Wraith armor. "And it's a Level 67."

"That means it's a High Rank. Low Rank is Levels 10-59, High Rank is 60-119, and Master Rank is 120 and above." Atsushi explained, putting a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "It's beyond you right now."

"It's best for you to stay back-" Mirai added.

But the Zinogre roared, lightning arcing from its white fur. It charged towards Sheba, who opened her Tome to prepare a spell. But to her surprise, the monster leapt over her, targeting the three stationary targets.

"Oh great!" Naruto yelled as the Zignore zeroed in on them.

As Mirai and Atsushi quickly evaded, Naruto grabbed a terrified Grea and quickly opened a rift to zip away.

"Hey now!" Sheba yelled, firing a bolt of magic at the side of the Zinogre's head. "You're dealing with me, big boy!"

Zinogre's head jerked to the side from the impact. It growled as it glared at Sheba, whose Tome flipped page as if it had a life of its own.

"Mirai-chan, Atsushi, to me! Naruto, Grea, find cover!" Sheba commended as the latter two reappeared from the rift.

"Yes ma'am!" Mirai and Atsushi said they came to their mistress' side.

"No complaints here!" Naruto shouted back as he dragged Grea behind an undamaged tree. "Grea-chan, get it together!"

"Your orders, Sheba?" Atsushi inquired.

"I need the both of you distract this beast. I'll prepare a spell to take it down."

Mirai pulled back her sleeve, showing a bandaged forearm, and pulled the bandages away to reveal a long gash. Blood flowed from it, swirling about in the air to form a scimitar, which she twirled nimbly in her fingers. "Of course," she grumbled, ignoring how Naruto's eyes were drawn to the ragged cut, absently tugging her sleeve back down.

Atsushi crouched, growling, and with a flex, his arms and legs suddenly expanded, tearing through his clothes as they transformed into a set of furry, black and white-striped limbs. A similar set of stripes covered his cheeks, and the loose belt he'd been wearing suddenly transformed into a tail. With a tell, he sprang forward, crossing the distance between them and the monster, punching it in the shoulder.

The Zinogre actually flinched, before snarling and lifting its other paw to slam down on him, making him backstep. It followed him closely, slapping with its front paws, all while the Fulgurbugs gathered around it.

Meanwhile, Mirai darted around behind it, her red sword blurring as she hacked and slashed with blinding speed at its tail, cutting through thick fur and hard scales alike with brutal elegance. The Fulgurbugs were in her way, but she zipped around them as well then they drew lightning strikes.

"Just a bit more…" Sheba murmured as mythical symbol flew out of her Tome and circled around her.

A Fulgurbug attempted to stick itself to her, but the sheer power of her growing aura incinerated it.

Atsushi growled and bounded toward the Zinogre, sinking his teeth into its neck. The Zinogre roared in response, attempting to shake the demi off of it. Not even its lightning strike deterred Atsushi's task. It wasn't until the Zinogre backflipped in desperation that the force finally threw Atsushi off. Calling the Fulgurbug it itself with a howl, it unleashed a surge of lightning energy that forced Mirai to retreat.

"Dammit!" Atsushi groaned as the Zinogre targeted the stationary Sheba.

"Well, aren't you eager~" Sheba teased, but mentally groaned. 'Just a few more seconds!'

As the Zinogre drew close, a rift suddenly appeared in front of Sheba. The Thunder Wolf tried to stop itself, but slide straight into the Rift. A ways away, it reappeared from another Rift, crashing into the tree Naruto and Grea were hiding behind.

Sheba gasped, before seeing Naruto in his Wraith Armor, and Grea, appearing next to her.

"Was that enough time?" Naruto asked cheekily.

Sheba smirked as the Zinogre spotted her. "More than enough. Empowered Cast: Chromatic Orb: Acid!" A rolling ball of green energy blasted from her palm and smashed into the monster, making it roar out in pain as a sickly-looking fluid began dissolving its fur and skin, filling the air with a ghastly stench.

"Oof, that stinks." Naruto noted, waving his hand around. "Not to mention cruel," he added, seeing the acid seeping into the Zinogre's open wounds.

The Zinogre thrashed about, gritting its teeth as it glared at Sheba and Naruto; more specifically Naruto.

"I don't think it like me very much." Naruto mused, taking a step back.

The Zinogre roared, sending a horde of Fulgurbugs towards the duo, the swarm looking more like a ball of blue lightning that crackled across the ground.

"Confirmed," he groaned, taking a step back. "Any ideas?"

Sheba just smirked as the horde swarmed towards them. As soon as they were right in their faces, she snapped her fingers. "Mass Hold Monster."

The electricity abruptly cut out as dozens of bugs fell out of the air, littering the ground in round, twitching bodies.

Naruto bent down and picked one up, examining it. He noticed that his orb on his chest armor was glowing in response.

"I wonder…"

He gathered a few of the Fulgurbags in his hands and pressed them into his armor core. The bug sank into the core, causing it to glow. Then, lightning arced from the core and throughout the armor, until Naruto was engulfed in a bright light.

"Yep, that's all the proof I need that your armor is legit." Sheba said, nodding in satisfaction. "Only Legendary and Vassal weapons can absorb materials to make a new weapon."

The Zinogre looked dumbstruck, before flinching in pain. Despite the wounds stabbing at it, it was still raring to go. It charged and flipped on its tail to increase its distance. As soon as it landed, Atsushi tackled it to the ground and growled in its face, his own turning more bestial, canines becoming more pronounced. The Zinogre kicked the demi off him, but was assaulted by Mirai.

Suddenly, a lightning bolt slammed into Zinogre. The bolt reformed into Naruto, who was now donning a neon blue Arc armor, sleek and stylish in design. There were bug-like wings folded on his back, and sharp edges on the joints of the limbs. However, the punch barely fazed the Zinogre, who gazed at them with an evil eye.

"Yeah, fuck you." Naruto drawled and socked it in the eye.

The Zinogre roared and reeled back, rubbing its face in pain. It was so furious that it failed to see Sheba casting another spell. This time, a massive hand made of energy formed out of the air and took a swing at it right in its blind spot. It was sent flying before crashing to the ground. It got to its feet, and glared hatefully at Naruto and Sheba. With a groan, it turned around and limped away.

"We're just going to let it go?" Naruto asked.

"We're not here to hunt it," answered the dusky-skinned sorceress, shrugging, "It came after us, remember."

Naruto grimaced and looked back at the retreating Zinogre. Suddenly, words appeared in his HUD in front of his eyes, and orbs went into his Scroll.

[Special Event: Zinogre Battle]

[Status: Repelled]

[EXP Gained: 10,000 EXP]

[Received: 5 Gold, 50 Silver, 100 Copper]

[Received: 10x Fulgurbugs]

[Received: Zinogre Material]

"Damn. I would've loved to carve him up." Naruto sighed and closed his Scroll. "But I guess this works too, dattebayo."

"It's fine." Sheba shrugged as the others came up to them. "Something tells me that he'll be back. After all, you punch him in the eye and you're a lower level than him."

"Just because one's a high level, doesn't mean that they're not susceptible to mortal wounds." Naruto commented as he returned to his Base Armor.

"You're learning." Sheba nodded, and clapped her hands. "Right. Everyone carve up those Jaguses, and gather all the materials you can. We leave in ten minutes."

"Yes, ma'am!" Naruto, Mirai, and Atsushi replied, the latter slowly turning back to his human form.

Naruto then fell back when he saw Grea unsteady on her feet and shaking. He sighed and went over to her.

"Poor girl. Naruto, you help her. I'll take your place in gathering materials. I could use the exercise." Sheba said, walking with her party. "Right now, Grea-chan needs you."

Naruto nodded and turned to Grea, who was holding his arm tightly and looking ashamed.

"All right, spill. What's eating you?"

Meanwhile, Atsushi sighed as his limbs shrank again, his clothes miraculously repairing themselves. "Well, that went better than expected," he commented.

"Better?" Mirai demanded, her sword liquefying and flowing back into her wrist, which she was already re-bandaging, "I wouldn't call a Zinogre crashing in on a Jagras hunt 'better' than anything!"

The white-haired boy cocked his head. "Really? I mean, I'd call it better than a Bazelgeuse crashing it."

"Uwaaaah!" the strawberry blonde did a full-body shudder. "No! No! Don't even mention that unpleasant name~!"

"What's more interesting is the fact that our Armor Hero was able to be proactive," commented Sheba, quieting both of her companions, "He's still a low level, but the presence of a High Rank monster didn't make him freeze up. There's definitely potential there."

As the others carved up the Jagrases, Naruto beckoned for Grea to sit down next to him. He gazed at her expectantly, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Come on, Grea. If we're going to be together-"

"I trust you!" Grea suddenly blurted out and looked away. "But…I've never been taught to fight together with anyone. Normally, I would be bait for the big, scary high-level monsters."

"By slavers that captured you," Naruto stated, making her nod, "Were you born into slavery?"

"No. I was born into a noble family in the Village of Dragonfolk. After my parents died in an accident, I was exiled to make room for new leadership, despite my claim to the throne. I drifted for a while, settling in various places. I had the worst of luck, because the only ones that helped me lusted after my body and powers. Even worse, I was used in criminal schemes, all because I can cancel and absorb magic," Grea explained sadly, while Naruto rubbed her head.

"Damn. I didn't think it would be that bad. No one took you in permanently?" Naruto questioned with a frown.

Grea shook her head. "No, because I would run away. I couldn't stand being used like that, like some mercenary and prostitute. All I wanted was to find a new place in the world. But…" she covered her hands in her face. "I was captured by slavers and traded from caravan to caravan for two years."

"Until Sheba and I came along," Naruto commented

Grea nodded. "Yes. You were the first person to be nice to me. You gave me hope when you fought against my captors. But…" she looked crestfallen, "I can't help but think that… " she looked away. "That's you'll use me before throwing me away…"

"Like hell I'll do that." Naruto cut across her sharply.

"What-" Grea started to say before finding her head turned towards Naruto.

He scowled at her. "Look at me, Grea. You're my first party member, and I will not abandon you for anything. I am not a slaver, nor some coward who'd use someone and throw them away. I am Naruto fucking Uzumaki, Hero of the Armor; dumped here to kick ass and take names!" Naruto declared and winked at her. "So banish those thoughts from your mind, for I won't let you down. You, me, and our future party members are in for the long haul. So let's take this world together, 'k?"

Grea looked into the blue eyes of the blonde and found no signs of deceit. No darkness, lust, or twitches associated with lying. Her eyes sparkled as tears formed in the corners. She sniffed, emotions and worrying pouring out before she finally cried, burying her face in his chest. She heard him sigh and felt his hand on her head.

"There, there. It's fine. You finally have a home, and its with me." Naruto said softly, stroking her hair.

Grea looked up at him and nodded happily. In response, Naruto kissed her on her forehead, making her blush.

"Now, let's go continue piggybacking on Sheba-san until we can find some wings," Naruto suggested cheekily, making her giggle.

"Aren't you full of high spirits now?"

Sheba and her party walked up to them with an amused look. "Piggyback all you want. Be sure to carry your own weight in return."

"What are we? Freeloaders?" Naruto asked with a shrug and a grin.

"You might as well me!" Mirai exclaimed, pointing at them.

"Be nice, Mirai." Sheba chided her, making her pout.

"Well, shall we continue onward?" Atsushi advised, carrying two sacks full of Jagras material.

"Yes. Let's dattebayo." Naruto agreed, taking a sack to lighten the load on Atsushi.


[Caerleon]

It was raining when the group arrived at Sheba's destination, the town of Caerleon. It was a medium-sized, relatively peaceful town with all the essentials. The buildings were brown and white, and had a homey feel to them. It had good trade, friendly people, no homelessness, a thriving farm community, and is well defended thanks to the wall surrounding the town.

Which is why Sheba was frowning when they got closer. She noticed that the usual guards were not at their posts. Worse, it looked as if the townsfolk were evacuating from the gate.

"Is this normal?" Naruto asked with concern.

"...No." Sheba strode over to one of the guards, and recognized their garb. "Hey, you."

The guard saw her and gasped. "She-Devil!"

"What's going on?" Sheba asked, ignoring her infamous nickname. "Shouldn't you be with Queen Mirellia? And why are people sneaking out of town?"

"I'm the only guard that made it out. Her Majesty ordered me to get as many people out as possible." he explained, looking back worriedly towards the town. "The town's been taken over by a rogue magic guild called Phantom Lord."

Sheba looked confused, but her ears perked at hearing Naruto mutter "Oh…no…".

"We don't know why they're here, far from Fiore where they're normally based. Her Majesty's well hidden, but it doesn't look like they're after her," the Queen's Guard continued, "Caerleon is just a normal town. They don't have anything of value."

"That we know of." Sheba commented, and snapped her fingers twice. "Continue gathering whoever you can and keep them safe. My party and I will take care of this…mess. But first…" she turned towards Naruto. "We'll need a plan of action."

She gestured her party away from the guard and citizens, and turned her attention towards Naruto.

"Okay Naruto. Time to spill it. How do you know about Phantom Lord?" Sheba asked lightly, seeing Naruto grumble and dig into his bag. "Not only that, but you have exhibited knowledge of most of the powerful monsters in this world, among other things. What are you hiding?"

Naruto pulled out his Scroll. "I didn't want to scare you guys, but…" he steeled himself. "You all are well known in my world."

"...Huh?" Mirai squeaked.

"Before I continue, do you all have like…theaters? motion pictures? Interactive games?" he asked.

"Those things you mentioned…theatre can be found anywhere, but motion pictures and interactive only exist in the country of Fortune." Atsushi informed him.

"That makes it easier to explain this. You all, along with your stories, are well documented in those mediums." Naruto said as he tapped a few holo-buttons on his Scroll. "For example. Sheba, in my world, you're a Caster-Class Heroic Spirit known as the Queen of Sheba, in a series called Fate."

He showed her the Queen of Sheba, which Sheba herself gazed at appraisingly.

"Well, I'll be… That's definitely me. But she doesn't have my Tome." Sheba said, holding up said Tome, before indicating her golden glowing eye, "Or this."

"I suspected that this world is like a major fusion of most of the stories known my world, like a major crossover. Because I know for a fact that Draph don't exist in Fate." Naruto said flatly.

"Do you know about us too?" Atsushi inquired.

"Somewhat to be honest. I didn't have enough time to look at anything in my world." Naruto replied, showing Atsushi and Mirai pictures of them. "But just because I know who all of you are, doesn't mean I'm an instant expert of you. After all, you all proved that you're different from your counterparts. Sheba is half-Draph, a race that doesn't exist in Fate, but in another series. Atsushi, you weren't a demi in your series. And Mirai, you have the same powers and personality, but I'm guessing that you have a different yet similar past. Like I said," he snapped his Scroll shut. "Not an expert on you guys. After all, we just met."

"What about me?" Grea asked, pointing at herself.

"Your powers and your origins are the same…up to you getting captured in a slave trade that is." Naruto replied, pocketing his Scroll. "I guess you want to know about Phantom Lord? Or do you already know?"

The dark-skinned sorceress waved her hand. "Oh, I know of them, certainly. A former major guild of the kingdom of Fiore, until they attempted to destroy a rival guild, then got kicked out, etcetera, etcetera. I take it they were part of your 'documentations' as well?"

"Heh, oh yeah. And…and…" Naruto frowned, now looking up and focusing on the rain. "Oh…shit…"

"What?" Mirai inquired.

"There's no way we're sneaking into the town and launching a surprise attack. One of their members is a water Mage who can control the rain. An Element 4, if I recall correctly." Naruto grumbled.

"I see what you mean. There's trace amounts of mana in this rain." Sheba murmured, letting the rain hit her hand. "But not all hope is lost. Expanded Cast: Umbrella."

A huge, transparent dome appeared in the air, above herself, Mirai, Atsushi, Naruto, and Grea. They dropped and splashed onto their targets, covering them in an aura that repelled the rain.

"I doubt this will help much." Naruto commented.

"True, there won't be much to stop them from noticing our presence, if they wish to use the rain to find us. This way, they won't know our numbers," Sheba instructed in a chiding manner. "So you can still-"

"Sneak attack?" Grea asked timidly.

"...Yes. That." Sheba deadpanned, jerking her thumb at the town. "After we scout around, and after we come up with a plan. And with his knowledge of the Phantom Lords." she gestured towards Naruto. "We'll do just fine. Now let's go."

The party entered the town, the rain growing heavier as they moved in closer.


[Building overlooking Town Square]

"Ohhhhhhh, will I ever find someone…?"

"Hey, rainy-parade! Stop moping about and get down here! Our sensor detected that dragonborn is here, and we need to find that damn Queen to use as a bargaining chip before her friends get the jump on us!"

"Don't tell Juvia what to do!"

"Can it, you! Now get your butt down here! We only have enough time to set the traps…By traps I mean efforts of persuasion. Now move it sweetcheeks!"

"Fine! Juvia's only doing this because you all promised to find Juvia a boyfriend after this!"

END OF CHAPTER 02


Next time on Yoroi no Yuusha! Chapter 03: Attack on Phantom Lord Part 1

Naruto, Sheba, and their parties take on the Phantom Lord Magic Guild. As the Element 4 feels the wrath of the Tome Hero, Naruto quickly learns that despite his knowledge, there's a difference between reading/watching something, and actually experiencing it.


-References and Easter Eggs

Scroll/Remnant (RWBY)

Great Jagras/Zinogre (Monster Hunter)

Phantom Lord/Fiore (Fairy Tail)


-About Sheba, the Hero of the Tome

As the keeper of the Vassal Tome, Sheba can record and cast any sort of magic that she bears knowledge of. In addition, while Naruto is aware of many forms of fiction, he is not the only one who has glimpsed into the multiverse.

Age: 280

Species: Demi-human (Cat)/Draph

Hair: Dark purple

Eyes: Brown, one of which is replaced by a golden fake.

Skin: Dark

Body type: Hourglass

Cup size: GG

Personality: Regal, adaptable, caring, decisive

Job: Vassal of the Tome

ATK: 430 (Determines physical strength and non-magic damage. Determines damage done by swords, spears and other melee weapons)
DEF: 256 (Reduces physical damage taken. Determines damage done by shields and efficacy of equipped armor.)
HIT: 482 (Determines accuracy with landing attacks. Determines damage done by bows/projectiles. Determines critical damage)
SPD: 308 (Reduces chance to be hit. Determines running speed and attack speed)
INT: 1784 (Determines magic damage and MP efficiency, as well as increasing mental prowess.)
RES: 763 (Reduces magic damage. Determines efficacy of healing/support magic.)

Spells used:
Mage Armor (Dungeons and Dragons): Increases defense with layers of magic barriers. A good all-round spell for those who aren't used to wearing normal armor.
Hold Monster (DnD): Inflicts paralysis on non-humanoid creatures.
Exploding Fireball (Wizard of Legend): Shoots a fast-moving fireball that bursts, dealing a good deal of damage.
Ashwinder Nest (Original): Takes smoke and pre-existing flames and shapes them into serpentine forms to swirl around the targeted area.
Chromatic Orb (DnD): Fires a powerful, high-damaging orb that can take on the properties of any element the user chooses. Can be Fire, Cold, Lightning, Thunder, Poison or Acid.
Umbrella (DnD): The user creates a dome-shaped forcefield over their head to follow them around, blocking out rain.

Meta Magic: Sheba is able to further modify her spells
Mass Casting: Spells that target specific individuals can be modified to affect multiples.
Expanded Casting: Spells that cover an area of effect can have that area increased.


Released: Wednesday, December 25, 2019