Published at 18th of September 2024 10:42 am

Chapter 108 Destiny's Vow: 1 A Path Unseen

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Naruto stood under the fading light of the setting sun, staring at the horizon where the last remnants of the battle against Mōryō seemed to linger. Shion’s words echoed in his mind, her request still catching him off guard. "Help me continue the line of priestesses…" he repeated to himself quietly. The smile that had spread across his face when he eagerly agreed now felt heavier as reality slowly dawned on him. He was willing to help a friend, like always, but something about Shion’s gaze had seemed more personal than just a duty to suppress future demons.

Beside him, Shion observed Naruto’s silence, sensing the weight of his thoughts, though still unsure if he fully understood the gravity of what she had asked. She was the last in a long line of priestesses sworn to protect the world from the demon Mōryō. Now, with Mōryō gone, it was her responsibility to ensure that his kind remained sealed forever. And that meant she needed to have a successor, someone with her bloodline who could continue the fight. She glanced at Naruto, his usual carefree expression now replaced with quiet contemplation. Did he really understand?

“Are you sure, Naruto?” Shion asked softly, breaking the silence between them.

Naruto blinked, snapping out of his reverie. “Of course! Why wouldn’t I be sure?” He laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. “I said I’d help, right? That’s what I do!” His bright blue eyes met hers, full of confidence and kindness.

Shion smiled at him, though a shadow of doubt crept into her heart. She had to wonder if Naruto really knew what she had meant. He had always been straightforward, but this was different—this wasn’t just about defeating enemies. This was about creating life, about forming a bond that went deeper than any battle.

“Well, it’s more than just fighting the demons, Naruto,” she began, carefully choosing her words. “To continue the line of priestesses… I need to have a child who can take over the duty someday.”

Naruto’s expression didn’t change, though his head tilted slightly as if processing her words. “Right, a successor. That makes sense! So, where do I come in?”

Shion’s cheeks flushed, but she kept her composure. “I thought I was clear… You’re the one I’d like to—”

Before she could finish, Naruto cut in, his voice as enthusiastic as ever. “Oh! You need me to protect you while you find someone, right? Don’t worry, Shion, I’ve got your back!”

Shion’s heart sank. He still didn’t get it. She sighed, not knowing whether to be frustrated or relieved. His innocence was endearing, but it also made this conversation a lot more difficult.

“Let’s head back to the village,” she said instead, deciding that perhaps time would make things clearer to Naruto. “There’s a lot we need to discuss, and I think it’ll be easier when we’re not standing in the middle of nowhere.”

Naruto nodded, his smile returning in full force. “Yeah! Plus, I’m starving. Maybe we can grab some ramen?”

Shion blinked, momentarily thrown off by the abrupt change of topic. “Ramen?” she echoed, as if the idea of food hadn’t crossed her mind at all.

“Trust me,” Naruto grinned, “you’ve never had ramen like Ichiraku’s! Best stuff in all of Konoha!” And with that, Naruto turned, gesturing for Shion to follow him. His steps were light, his spirits high, as though the world had already moved on from the recent battles.

As they walked, Shion couldn’t help but glance at Naruto. She knew he had endured a lot—fought through loneliness, rejection, and countless battles to save others. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken, untainted by the darkness around him. It was one of the reasons she had chosen him. His light was exactly what the future needed.

But how long would that light stay as bright once he understood her true request?

The journey back to Konoha was a quiet one, filled with unspoken thoughts. Naruto tried to make small talk, but it was clear that something was weighing on Shion’s mind. Every time Naruto looked over, he saw her expression shift between determination and hesitation. It wasn’t until they reached the outskirts of the village that he noticed something odd about her silence.

“Hey,” Naruto stopped walking, turning to face Shion directly, “what’s wrong? You’ve been super quiet since we left. Is something bothering you?”

Shion looked up at him, her purple eyes meeting his. She debated how much to tell him now. How could she explain everything without scaring him off? But then again, wasn’t it worse to let him continue in ignorance?

“I just… I’m wondering if you really understand what I’m asking of you, Naruto,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion. “I told you, I’m here to help. I don’t see what the problem is.”

Shion took a deep breath. “It’s not just about protecting me, Naruto. I need to… I want to have a child with you. That’s what I meant.”

For a moment, time seemed to stop. Naruto’s eyes widened, his mouth opening slightly, as if he hadn’t fully processed the weight of her words. His mind raced, replaying the conversation over and over until the pieces finally clicked into place.

“Wait,” Naruto stammered, his voice rising in surprise. “You mean… like… a baby? With me?!”

Shion nodded, her face warm with embarrassment, but her resolve firm. “Yes. It’s the only way to ensure that the line of priestesses continues. I need someone who has your strength and your heart.”

Naruto stood frozen, his thoughts a jumble of confusion, shock, and disbelief. He had faced countless enemies, stared death in the face, and saved the world multiple times. But this—this was something he had never imagined.

“I… I don’t know if I’m ready for something like that,” he finally said, his voice much quieter than before.

“I’m not asking for an answer right now,” Shion replied softly. “But think about it, Naruto. This isn’t just for me—it’s for the future of the world.”

Naruto stared at her, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t sure what the right choice was.

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