Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of Naruto's first loss in Chaotic (which a lot of you definitely weren't happy about) along with him going on another Scan Quest, this time with Sarah and straight to Mount Pillar. So, without further ado.

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Naruto sat at a lone table, by himself with downcast expression on his face. Having been in a slump, ever since he lost against that Danian player, with it only getting worse, as the Uzumaki began losing even more matches.

Meanwhile, sitting at another table close by, Tom, Kaz, Sarah, and Peyton looked at their friend in concern. After his first loss, along with all his following losses, they had tried comforting him, to help get Naruto out of his slump. But nothing they did seemed to work, so the four decided to just give him some time alone, before trying again.

"Guys, I'm starting to get worried about Naruto. Ever since he lost that match, it's like he's been on a downward spiral, going back to how he was before. Isolating himself, and not interacting with anyone, only now, it looks even worse than before." Sarah said, worried that Naruto would going back to his former behavior, where he just sat alone and didn't to talk to anyone, or accepted matches.

Only this time, there might not be a way to bring him out of his isolation, this time.

"A man's confidence and pride are very fragile things, Sarah. One moment, it can make someone feel like they're on top of the world, and that no one can touch them. But all it takes is a single crack, and all that can come crumbling down, just as easily, as it's built up." Said Peyton, having had his own share of moments, where his confidence was shaken, and it took him a while to come back from it.

"Peyton's right, Sarah. If I ever lost my Maxxor scan, or Kaz lost Chaor, we'd probably be in the same place as Naruto, right now." Tom said, knowing if he ever lost Maxxor, he'd be pretty shaken and doubting his abilities as a player, while Kaz nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. But guys, it's not the loss itself that's the cause for Naruto's slump. Think about it, he's only just started taking part in matches, his match against Tom was even the first time he's played Chaotic, and he won. Then all the following matches he won, he got too overconfident in his winning streak, despite being a new player. I'm sure if it was any other defeat, while it would be humbling, it wouldn't cause him to go into a slump, like this. But that was probably the worst way to suffer his first defeat, after growing overconfident from his winning streak, like that. He was only able to code Kannen, only for him to brought back the next round, with Chorus of Cothica and Song of Returning. Not to mention, this was also his first match against a Danian player, and they can be tricky to deal with, thanks to the Danians' Hive ability." Kaz explained, with the others nodding in agreement, both at the explanation of the problem, and that Danian players are difficult to go against, with even Sarah agreeing with that part.

"You're right. It's my own fault, that I lost. I got too overconfident in my ability as a player, and now I'm paying for it." Said Naruto, walking over and sitting down at their table, having heard what they were saying, and agreed with Kaz's explanation, knowing it's his own fault, he lost.

Though, Naruto supposed it's also something he should expect as well, knowing that despite all his confidence and talk, he knew that he had a very fragile emotional state. But it's to be expected, with the childhood he had. Naruto having always felt that he needed to be the best at everything, to prove to both the villagers, and himself, that he could be somebody important. Always boasting about his skills and how nothing could stop him, it was all to assure himself, that he wasn't a failure, and deadlast, like everyone saw him as.

But whenever something came along to shake his confidence in himself, it really shook him.

Three notable examples being, when Naruto first learned he was the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi, which was the reason everyone hated him. The second being when he failed to convince Sasuke to come back to Konoha, not only failing to keep his promise to Sakura, but also being the first time, he failed to change someone with his words. Having been able to change Zabuza, Neji, Gaara, and Tsunade, but couldn't do the same to Sasuke, his own teammate and friend. And the third, was when he was sent to Perim by Sasuke, and first arrived in Chaotic, realizing that he'd likely never see his home again.

And while Naruto knows why he suffered his first defeat, that didn't make how he lost, any easier.

Not to mention, another reason, why Naruto was down about his loss, was the fact that, unlike everyone else in Chaotic, he's had real combat training and experience. So, for him to lose in a game, where the goal is to defeat your opponent, it really damaged his pride, since unlike the other players, he was a trained warrior.

With all his following losses, only lowering his confidence and pride, even more.

"So, what're you going to do now?" Kaz asked, wondering if Naruto will keep taking part in matches, to build his confidence back up.

"I think that I'm actually going to take a break from entering any matches, for a while. At least until I'm able to get my head back in the game and rebuild my confidence as a Chaotic Player." Replied Naruto, with the four nodding, in understanding.

"Well, what're you going to do, in the meantime?" Questioned Tom, wondering what Naruto plans to do, while he's taking a break from matches.

Naruto shrugging in response, not really having had any plans to do anything. Knowing he'd either stay in Chaotic and watch matches, maybe go to Perim to get some more scans, or even do some training, in the Beta Drome.

"Well, I have a suggestion. Since this all started, because you lost to a Danian player, then maybe a good way to start to getting out of your slump, is to confront the Tribe, itself. We could go to Mount Pillar, so you could see how the Danians operate, in person. This way, the next time you have a match against a Danian player, you'll be better prepared, and know what to expect." Sarah said, with Naruto thinking about it for a moment, before nodding.

"Okay, that sounds like a good idea. But I don't have any scans of Mount Pillar, or any Locations close to it." Said Naruto, only for Sarah to wave it off.

"Don't worry about it, you can have one of my scans of Mount Pillar, to get there. In fact, I'll go with you, since I know most of the layout, and can guide you through it." Sarah said, while standing up, since she wanted to go with Naruto, to Mount Pillar, as well.

"Uh, are you sure, Sarah?" Asked Naruto, not wanting her to feel like she needed to go with him, to help him.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Besides, you've already gone to Perim, with Tom, Kaz, and Peyton, on Scan Quests. Now it's my turn, to go to Perim, with you. Plus, while we're there, we might be able to get Danian Creature, Mugic, and BattleGear scans, as well." Sarah said, wanting to go on her own Scan Quest with Naruto, and refused to lose the chance, right now.

"Alright, I just need the Mount Pillar scan, and we can go." Said Naruto, Sarah nodding, before pulling out her own Scanner, and sending Naruto one of her Mount Pillar scans.

Once getting it, Naruto and Sarah went over to the porters, and ported off, to Mount Pillar.

*Mount Pillar*

Reappearing, Naruto looked around, taking in the sight of Mount Pillar, while finding it to be very different from the other locations, in the UnderWorld.

'It's like a bunch of individual stone castles, all connected by bridges.' Naruto thought, looking at the massive stone castles, with various windows carved into them.

"Come on, we gotta be quick and quiet, getting in. No matter what, we can't be seen here." Sarah said quietly, while motioning Naruto to follow her, with the whiskered blonde nodding, as they began searching for a way in.

"Why can't we be seen?" Naruto asked, while knowing that the other Tribes can be pretty territorial, with some Creatures not liking humans being in their Locations, from what he's heard, and seen, most Creatures are usually neutral towards Chaotic players, with a few being even friendly towards them, while others are hostile.

He didn't think the Danians would be any different, and not care if Chaotic players appeared, as long as they didn't get in the way of their business.

"Because, out of the four Tribes, the Danians are the most territorial. They aren't welcoming to OverWorlders, UnderWorlders, and especially Mipedians, due to having the worse relationship, with them. They also aren't welcoming to Chaotic players, either. They simply see them as just more intruders, to deal with." Sarah warned, knowing that out of all the Tribes, the Danians were the least welcoming to any outsiders, whether they're Creatures from the other Tribes, or Chaotic players.

"Gee, thanks for the info. I'm so glad, that I'm just now learning, that I'll be in the home of a Tribe, that's known for being xenophobic." Said Naruto, in a dry tone, figuring that would have been useful information, to know beforehand.

"Well in the Danians' defense, it's likely due to the fact, that unlike the other Tribes, the Danians have a strict Matriarchal Hierarchy. So they have to be distrusting of outsiders in case they might be a threat to the queen. Since, if something happens to the queen, the entire Tribe will suffer." Sarah said in her favorite Tribe's defense, knowing they had to be distrustful, in order to not take any chances, and risk the queen's safety, in the event an outsider proved to be a threat.

Naruto nodded in understanding at that, knowing that the safety of the queen, would be the utmost priority of all Danians, no matter what. Given the Aburame Clan in Konoha specialized in using insects, even having them colonize their bodies, to use as hives. Naruto was aware of at least the basics of how an insect hive worked, from his interactions with Shino.

With that out of the way, the two continued searching for a way inside, eventually finding one, which thankfully, didn't have any Danians, nearby. But the two still remained careful and vigilant, in case any of them, showed up.

"Alright, I think that the best thing to do, is go meet with the only Danian I know we can trust to not rat us out, capture us, or kill us. My friend, Wamma." Sarah whispered.

"Who's Wamma?" Asked Naruto.

"My Danian friend, who helps me get scans of Danian Creatures, Mugic, and BattleGear. Don't worry, he's probably the only Danian we can trust to help us. I helped him out of a jam, a while back, and we've been friends ever since, though he's also rather lazy, compared to most Mandiblors. And I know where he should be, right now." Sarah said, with Naruto nodding, as he followed her through the various caverns of Mount Pillar.

It wasn't long, until they saw a large red Danian, that looked like a large beetle.

"Wamma!" Sarah whispered loudly, with Wamma looking in their direction, where he saw Sarah and Naruto hiding, around a corner.

Taking a look around, to see if any of his fellow Danians were nearby, Wamma went over to the two.

"Sarah? What're you doing here? And who's this?" Wamma asked, while looking at Naruto.

"This is Naruto, a friend of mine, and a fellow Chaotic player. I brought him here, because he's been in a bit of a slump, after suffering terrible loss to a Danian player. So I was hoping it may help him, if he learned more about the Danians, and who better to teach him, than a Danian. I was also hoping we could get some scans, while we're here, as well." Sarah said, with Wamma nodding, as he looked at Naruto.

"Hey, nice to meet you Wamma. Sarah told me you two are friends, she also told me you're lazy, as well." Said Naruto, as he shook Wamma's hand.

"Hey, I resent that! I'm do my duty, just like every other Mandiblor, and I work hard…at avoiding work." Wamma said with a smirk, making Naruto laugh lightly, since it reminded him of Shikamaru, a little, in terms of laziness, with Wamma having a better sense of humor, than the Nara.

"So, you wanna learn about Danians, do ya, kid?" Wamma asked, with Naruto nodding in confirmation.

"Yeah, I've already learned about OverWorlders, UnderWorlders, and Mipedians. Now I want to see how the Danians work." Replied Naruto.

"Well, you came to the right place. Come on, I'll tell you about the Tribe, while taking you two to a good Location, you can scan for your game." Said Wamma, with Naruto and Sarah nodding, as they began following the Danian, with the three being sure to remain out of sight, as they walked.

"So first, what do you know about the Danians, so far?" Wamma asked, wanting to see what Naruto knew already.

"Not much, outside of Danians having a Matriarchal Hierarchy, and in chaotic, they're able to use abilities, when they're one the board together." Answered Naruto, with Wamma nodding.

"That's our Hive ability, something all Danians have. It allows us to grow stronger, the more of us there are, whether it's granting us energy, elemental attacks, or even reviving a Mandiblor, that's been defeated." Wamma explained, giving Naruto the basics of the Hive ability, while making sure not to reveal too much, as despite the kid being a friend of Sarah's, he just met Naruto, and still didn't know him personally, yet.

Plus, Wamma didn't want to risk getting arrested for treason, by revealing too much information, about the Tribe. Even if Naruto is just a Chaotic player.

Naruto nodded, as Wamma continued telling him the basics of the Danians, such as the different ranks of Mandiblors, Squadleaders, Battlemasters, Nobles, Controllers, Muges, Warriors and Elementalists.

It wasn't long, until they reached the Location, that Wamma was taking them to. With Naruto and Sarah seeing that it was a large cavern, with numerous interconnecting pools of water, and a few waterfalls, making it look like a large underground lake.

"This is the Mount Pillar Reservoir, a well-spring of life for all Danians, and what helped set the foundation, for the hive. If it was ever destroyed, we'd be forced to leave, and make a new hive, elsewhere." Said Wamma, with Naruto and Sarah looking around in amazement, before scanning the Location, with Naruto knowing it'd be an actual good place to use Tassanil in, once he gets more practice, with the Danian, in.

Wamma also allowed Naruto to scan him, before telling the two to stay hidden, and that he'd come back with a Mugic and BattleGear, they could scan.

Once Wamma left, Naruto and Sarah sat down, in a nice secluded spot, just in case, any Danians showed up.

"So, why exactly do you use Danians, Sarah?" Naruto asked, curious as to why Sarah used Danians, rather than OverWorlders, UnderWorlders, or Mipedians.

"I've just always had an interest in insects, so it only seemed fitting, that I used Danians as my main Creatures." Replied Sarah, with Naruto looking at her in surprise.

"You're interested in insects?" Naruto questioned, not expecting that, given most of the girls he's met are freaked out by bugs, and wouldn't want anything to do with them.

"Yeah, I know it's not something a girl is usually interested in. But I've just always found them interesting, how so many insects could be part of a single colony or hive, while having one queen to keep them in line, and command them. You must think that's weird." Said Sarah, knowing it wasn't expected for a girl to be interested in insects, but she was, and didn't care what others thought of it.

"I don't think it's weird. I actually I think it's pretty cool, and fitting." Naruto said, with Sarah looking at him in surprise and curiosity.

"How is it fitting?" Asked Sarah.

"Because you're really smart, and good at coming up with plans, along with thinking of ways to get out of trouble, or getting the others out of trouble, whenever they do something stupid. So, it's good to know we have our own queen, looking out for us." Naruto said, while smiling at Sarah, who was surprised at his words, and that he called her a queen.

"Thank you, Naruto." Said Sarah, while smiling at him, happy to hear what he said about her.

"You don't have to thank me; I'm just being honest." Naruto replied, before they continued waiting for Wamma.

Which didn't take much longer, as the Danian returned, carrying a Mugic and a sword.

"You two are in real luck, today. I managed to find a Prototype Stingblade, and a Swarm Song Mugic. A BattleGear, perfect for dealing more damage and taking less, and a Mugic to deal even more damage with, to boot." Wamma said, with the two getting up, and pulling out their Scanners.

"Nice! These are perfect, Wamma!" Sarah said, excited to get such powerful BattleGear and Mugic, along with a new Location, as well.

"Yeah, these'll definitely be useful." Said Naruto, as the two scanned the Prototype Stingblade and Swarm Song.

With their new scans, Naruto and Sarah waved to Wamma, before porting back to Chaotic.

*Port Court*

Reappearing in Chaotic, Naruto and Sarah went to look for the others, if they were still in Chaotic.

"So, how are you feeling now, Naruto?" Sarah asked, wanting to know if their trip helped him with his slump.

"Better actually, it was good to learn more about the Danians, and how they operate, along with getting more scans, as well." Replied Naruto, feeling better about his losses, but knew he still had a ways to go, before he started entering matches, again.

"I also wanted to thank you for taking me there, and helping me, Sarah." Naruto said, while smiling at Sarah, which she returned.

"Glad I could help. After all, it's a queen's duty to look after her people." Said Sarah, while smirking, with Naruto chuckling as he smirked, as well.

"Of course, your majesty." Naruto said, with a mock bow.

The two smiling at each other, before they both started laughing, as they continued on their way.

So, what did you think, good. No summary of the chapter this time around, instead we have a special guest giving you all the post-chapter AN.

Yo, it's the Sith'ari, here. Covering the Post-Chapter AN, this time around, in Windstorm's stead.

So, we got to see that Naruto entered a bit of a slump from how bad, his first loss was. And decided to take a bit of a hiatus, to get his head back in the Game. With Sarah proving to be a good help, in helping Naruto regain his drive as a Chaotic Player. With Naruto getting a scan of Mount Pillar from Sarah, where he meets Wamma, who gives him some good advice in playing with, and against, Danians. While also helping Naruto and Sarah get a scan of the Mount Pillar Reservoir, along with a scan of the Prototype Stingblade and Swarm Song. Giving Naruto his first Mugic Scan.

Plus, we got to see some flags, between Naruto and Sarah. Which will help in turning their friendship, into something more.

Now, the reason why I'm covering the Post-Chapter AN, right now. Is because I wish to address some gripes, that some readers have been having with the Fanfic. Now I'm not attacking anyone, and appreciate those who are being constructive, with their criticism. And are still showing their support, despite not agreeing with some of our choices. But I feel that it would be best to address these issues, before they become a problem, and people make their own assumptions.

-The first, being with how Naruto isn't using his chakra, or Ninjutsu. This was already covered, in Chapter 2. Naruto doesn't want his abilities to become public knowledge, at least, not yet. Especially in situations where creatures like Lord Van Bloot, or crooked Chaotic Players, will learn about them. As for why Naruto isn't using Chakra and Ninjutsu, in his Drome Matches. That will be explained in a future chapter. Hopefully, it will work for all you.

-Now, as for Naruto getting overconfident when you think about it. It isn't really out of character, for Naruto to get cocky like that, with there being quite a few cases of him being overconfident and reckless, in the Canon. Besides, at this point in time, Naruto was a year into his training trip, with Jiraiya, when he first arrived in Perim. Meaning that he is a long way away, from being the Naruto we saw, in the Pein Arc and Fourth Shinobi War.

-As for Naruto losing to that Danian player, as well as his current losing streak. I get how people can be salty with how Naruto lost, despite his Shinobi Training, and being a trained warrior. But let's see this from the other side, as well. If we made it so, Naruto won every match, that he was in. People would be annoyed at how overpowered Naruto is, as a Chaotic Player. How annoying it is, that he never loses, and that it will be boring, with how he wins ever match he's in. I felt that the Danians would be a good way to give Naruto his first loss. Given how much of a tricky Tribe they are, to battle against, thanks to their Hive Ability.

-Now as for Naruto's hiatus, since I'm sure this might rub some people the wrong way, as well. Naruto isn't quitting the game forever, he's just taking some time off, to get his head back in the game, and recover from his slump. This is actually a bit of a common Character Arc in shows, like Chaotic:

In Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yugi's confidence as a duelist was shattered, after his first rematch duel with Kaiba. Due to losing his star chips, and seemingly losing his chance to save his grandfather's soul from Pegasus. Along with how Atem nearly killed Kaiba in said duel, given how the shockwave from the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon would knock him of ledge, he was standing on. Or in the case of the original Japanese Dub, threatened to kill himself by jumping off the ledge, if Yugi defeated him. It was only after seeing Téa's duel with Mai, that he started recovering his spirit as a Duelist. With it being fully restored, along with his trust in Atem, during his own duel with Mai, in the Duelist Kingdome Finals.

In Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Jaden suffered from this twice, the first when he lost to Aster Phoenix, resulting in him losing the ability to see his Cards. As well, as when he failed to save his friends from being sacrifices, to revive the Super Polymerization Spell Card, followed by the atrocities he committed, as the Supreme King. And that's not counting how Syrus and Chumley had to deal with their own demons and confidence issues, in regards to dueling.

In Beyblade G-Revolution, Tyson had his own slump due to the pressure of being champion finally getting to him. With it getting to the point, where he was considering quitting Beyblading, until Daichi was able to help him regain his pure love, for the game. And I'm pretty sure that Kai, Matt, and Ray leaving the team, so they would no longer be in Tyson's shadow, didn't help with that, either.

In the Pokemon Anime, Ash had his own fair share of slumps, three come to mind, are the following. Is the one, where his losing streak to Paul had finally got to him, after losing his first Six-on-Six Match with him. The one he went through, when he was having trouble syncing with Greninja, to perfect the Ash-Greninja Form. Along with the one, where after Ash lost to Ritchie in the Indigo League, due to Charizard not listening to him, until his friends helped him regain his groove.

How in Bakugan, Dan entered some slumps of his own. Two that come to mind, are when he lost Drago to Spectra in the New Vestroia series, and when he lost his Number 1 Brawler Position in Mechtanium Surge, after going through some bad guys. Because Drago still hadn't mastered his new power of that season, before he eventually got over it, and helped Drago master it.

And an example relating to Chaotic, itself. Is the slump that Tom went through, after losing Maxxor. Which was kind of foreshadowed, in this Chapter. It was through the help of his friends and CodeMaster Crellan, that Tom learned to not rely on Maxxor, and that it's not the card that makes a player, but how one uses them.

Again, this is a common Character Arc, where after being put into a slump, by a series of events. The character will come out of it, stronger, and a better player, than before. And don't worry, I already have Naruto's comeback match, in mind.

Now, is it a stretch to compare this to Naruto learning about Kurama, failing to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, and being sent to Perim, by the said Uchiha. Maybe, but look at this from Naruto's perspective. You just started playing Chaotic, in the Battle Dromes. Not only winning your first match, but getting a good winning streak, as well. Leading to you getting overconfident, with your history as a trained warrior, adding to that ego. Only to later suffer a terrible defeat, where you were only able to take out one Creature. With it ultimately not mattering, since your opponent was able to bring that creature back, meaning that victory was for nothing.

You can sort of see how that would shake Naruto's confidence. Right?

Hopefully, this will clear up any problems, that you've been having with the fanfic. And again, I'm not attack anyone, I just hope that you can understand the game plan, that we have with this Fanfic.

And if you think that this fanfic, isn't for you. With the route that we're deciding to take things, I'll understand. I just ask that you remain calm and respectful, about it.

And hopefully, you may come back to this fanfic, as we further expand the story.