Published at 18th of September 2024 10:55 am

Chapter 113 Destiny's Vow: 6 An Unexpected Invitation

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The sun was beginning to set over Konoha, casting a warm golden hue across the village. After the intense battle with the dark figure, the air finally felt peaceful again. Naruto and Shion sat near the edge of the training field, catching their breath after the confrontation with the shadow that had nearly overwhelmed them. The stillness of the moment felt like a welcome relief after the chaos they had just endured.

Naruto leaned back, wiping the last remnants of sweat from his brow. His body was sore, and his chakra reserves were drained from the fight. But as he gazed at the calming sky, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had survived another battle against the growing darkness of Mōryō’s fragments.

“Phew,” Naruto exhaled, glancing over at Shion, who was sitting beside him. “That was close. But we made it through.”

Shion turned to him, her expression soft but thoughtful. “Yes, we did. But I’m worried, Naruto. That thing… it’s still out there, gathering strength.”

Naruto’s brow furrowed slightly, but he forced a grin onto his face. “Yeah, but we’ll deal with it, just like we always do. We’re not gonna let that darkness win.”

Shion smiled faintly, her eyes filled with gratitude. “You always say that so confidently, as if you’re never afraid.”

Naruto scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin crossing his face. “Well, to be honest, I’m scared all the time. I just don’t let it stop me.”

Shion’s smile grew, and for a moment, silence hung between them. She stared down at her hands, as if contemplating something. The intensity of the battle had left them both emotionally raw, and now that the immediate danger had passed, there was something different about the way Shion looked at Naruto. The usually composed priestess seemed to be searching for the right words, her gaze softening as she turned back to him.

“Naruto,” she began quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, “I never really got the chance to say it properly… but thank you. You saved me. Not just today, but during the fight against Mōryō too. You’ve been protecting me, even when you didn’t have to.”

Naruto blinked in surprise, taken aback by the sincerity in her voice. “Hey, no need to thank me. That’s what friends do, right? Besides, I couldn’t just leave you to fight that thing alone.”

Shion hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto his. “I know. But I still want to thank you, properly. In fact… I’d like to do something for you.”

Naruto tilted his head in confusion. “Huh? What do you mean?”

She blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “I was wondering… would you like to go out with me? You know, on a… a date?”

Naruto’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he wasn’t sure if he had heard her correctly. His heart skipped a beat as he processed her words. A date? With Shion?

“Wait… what?” Naruto stammered, his brain struggling to catch up. “You mean, like… a real date?”

Shion nodded, her blush deepening, but there was a playful glint in her eyes now. “Yes, a real date. You’ve done so much for me, and I want to show my gratitude in a way that feels more personal. Something nice, just the two of us.”

Naruto blinked again, his mind racing. He had been through countless battles, faced unimaginable dangers, and even survived an encounter with Mōryō’s dark fragment. But this? This was something completely different. He had never really thought about going on a date, especially not with someone like Shion, who was so serious and dedicated to her duty as a priestess.

Yet, as he looked at her now, he could see the sincerity in her eyes. She wasn’t asking out of obligation—she genuinely wanted to spend time with him, to thank him in a way that felt special.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Uh… well, I mean… yeah, sure! I’d love to go on a date with you!”

Shion smiled, the tension in her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Good. Then it’s a date.”

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Later that evening, Naruto found himself standing outside Ichiraku Ramen, one of his favorite places in the entire village. He had suggested it when Shion asked where they should go, partly because ramen always made him feel better, but also because he wasn’t really sure what people usually did on dates. Shion, to his surprise, had agreed without hesitation.

As they sat down at the counter, Naruto glanced over at Shion, who seemed more relaxed than usual. Her formal priestess robes had been replaced with a simpler, more casual outfit—a light kimono with soft lavender patterns. She looked different, more approachable somehow, and Naruto found himself feeling a little nervous in a way he hadn’t expected.

“So,” Naruto said, trying to break the silence, “I hope you don’t mind coming here. I know it’s not super fancy or anything…”

Shion shook her head, smiling warmly. “I think it’s perfect. You love this place, don’t you?”

Naruto grinned, feeling more at ease. “Yeah, it’s my favorite. Best ramen in all of Konoha.”

Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku, noticed them and gave a friendly wave. “Naruto! You’re back! And you’ve brought a guest, I see.”

Naruto waved back. “Hey, old man! Yeah, this is Shion. She’s visiting Konoha for a while, so I thought I’d show her the best ramen in the world.”

Teuchi chuckled. “You’ve got good taste, Naruto. Ramen’s on the house tonight.”

Shion looked surprised. “You come here a lot, don’t you?”

Naruto scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, I’ve been eating here since I was a kid. This place is kinda like a second home to me.”

They placed their orders, and soon enough, steaming bowls of ramen were placed in front of them. The rich aroma filled the air, and Naruto’s eyes lit up as he picked up his chopsticks, ready to dive in.

As they ate, the conversation flowed more easily. They talked about Konoha, the village’s history, and their lives before they had met. Shion shared stories from her childhood, explaining what it was like growing up with the burden of being a priestess and the heavy responsibility of sealing away dark forces like Mōryō.

Naruto listened intently, realizing that despite her composed exterior, Shion had lived a life filled with loneliness and duty, much like his own. It was something he could relate to, and it made him appreciate her strength even more.

“Sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot on your shoulders,” Naruto said between bites of ramen. “I get it. It’s hard when everyone expects you to be strong all the time.”

Shion nodded, her expression softening. “Yes, it is. But I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to face everything alone. Not anymore.”

Naruto smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the ramen. “Yeah. You’ve got me now.”

Shion blushed slightly, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than usual. “Yes, I do.”

As the evening wore on, the mood between them grew lighter. The tension and danger of the battle seemed to melt away in the warmth of their conversation and the comfort of the ramen shop. Naruto found himself laughing more than he had in days, and Shion, too, seemed more at ease, her usual stoic demeanor replaced by something softer and more open.

When they finally finished their meal, Naruto leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach contentedly. “Man, that was great. I needed that.”

Shion smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

They left Ichiraku, the night air cool and refreshing as they walked through the now quiet streets of Konoha. The village was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, and the stars above sparkled in the clear night sky. It was peaceful, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Naruto felt a sense of calm wash over him.

As they walked, Shion glanced at him, her voice soft. “Thank you again, Naruto. For everything.”

Naruto grinned, his hands tucked into his pockets. “You don’t have to keep thanking me, Shion. I’m just glad I could help.”

She hesitated for a moment, then stopped walking, turning to face him. “No, I really mean it. You’ve done more for me than I can ever repay. Tonight… it meant a lot to me.”

Naruto felt his heart skip a beat. There was something in the way she was looking at him—something that made him feel a little off balance. But in a good way.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “It meant a lot to me too.”

For a moment, they stood there, the quiet night wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Shion smiled, a warm and genuine smile, and for the first time in a long time, Naruto felt like everything might just be okay.

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