Chapter 11: Aboard to Galuna — Uncle Naruto and the Demon Quest
The golden morning light filtered gently through the gauzy curtains, brushing its warm fingertips across the tangled sheets and half-open window. A single sunbeam, bold and nosy as ever, reached Naruto's face and coaxed him awake. He blinked once, then twice—golden lashes fluttering against his cheek—and became acutely aware of two things:
First, there was a head resting on his chest, its short unruly blonde hair splayed like a lion's mane.
Second, said head was currently snoring the softest, most content little snore he'd ever heard.
He looked down, blinking slowly, a bemused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Well then, he thought, so that happened.
Marguerite—yes, the Marguerite of the Amazons—slept peacefully, her arms draped over him as though he were a particularly huggable pillow. Her breathing was even, soft, and very unlike the passionate warrior queen who had just last night danced like a storm and loved like wildfire.
Naruto lay there for a moment, unmoving, savoring the peculiar blend of nostalgia and newness that pulsed through him. He gently ran his fingers through her wild hair, softening a few tangles. It had been... goodness, over a century since he'd shared a bed with anyone. A century. And yet, apparently, some things don't rust with age.
He chuckled under his breath, careful not to wake her. Jiraiya would've laughed himself hoarse, possibly penned an epic about it. Kakashi would have offered a lazy thumbs-up and a few useful proverbs. Hinata? Well… she probably would've been proud he hadn't gotten rusty.
"I'm just living this final chapter properly," he whispered aloud, tracing a loose curl of Marguerite's hair. "For them."
With a flick of his fingers and a quiet shoop, Naruto vanished from the bed—reappearing near the corner with a clean, energy-efficient burst of chakra that wouldn't even ruffle the curtains. Marguerite stirred but didn't wake, her arm reaching sleepily for a pillow in his absence. He watched her fondly for a second longer before tiptoeing across the wooden floor.
Inside the washroom, he filled the bath with a casual wave of his hand, steam rising as fragrant oils swirled to the top like pastel constellations. Meanwhile, his shadow clone poofed into existence, already wearing a frilly apron that no one dared question anymore.
"Breakfast?" the clone asked, rubbing his hands like a seasoned chef.
"Something sweet and strong," Naruto replied, stepping into the tub with a sigh. "She'll need it."
The clone smirked and got to work, summoning a portable stove and tiny spice jars like some ninja-Michelin chef. Pancakes, mango slices, honeyed tea, and a dash of something that smelled like sunshine in July.
Back in the bath, Naruto leaned back and let the warm water soak away the memories of the night, not that he needed to. It had been more than just physical—it had been freeing. The Siren's song, the wild dance, the heat and laughter and stolen glances. Marguerite hadn't been a conquest; she had been a partner in joy, a balm to a soul that had spent too long walking alone.
After the bath, clean and dressed in fresh robes, Naruto padded back to the room. The smells of breakfast filtered in through the hall, and Marguerite stirred again, groaning softly.
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The scent of warm pancakes and spiced honey tea drifted through the quiet room like a friendly ghost, nudging Marguerite from the depths of sleep. Her lashes fluttered, her limbs stretched lazily under the soft sheet, and she let out a small, satisfied groan before turning toward the source of that heavenly smell—and the man responsible for it.
Naruto sat at the small wooden table by the open window, the morning breeze rustling his golden hair as he calmly chewed a piece of pancake, seemingly oblivious to the storm he had stirred the night before. He looked very not tired for someone who had shattered a very energetic Amazon's stamina just hours earlier.
Marg blinked at him through sleepy eyes and muttered, "You're a beast. How are you not tired?"
Without missing a beat, Naruto grinned, his voice as smooth as ever. "Thanks for the compliment, child. Do you want to have breakfast with me, or go back to sleep and dream about it?"
The cheek.
Marg sat up with a sleepy snort and glanced at the blanket draped around her. Her body protested slightly, a reminder of the night's "battle," but the scent of food was just too persuasive to ignore. "I'll try it out," she said, tossing the blanket aside like a cape and rising with that wild, confident grace only an Amazon could muster.
She vanished into the washroom, and less than a minute later, reappeared—refreshed, hair slightly damp, and teeth squeaky clean.
"Hope I didn't make you wait," she said, sliding into the chair opposite him.
"No," Naruto replied with a soft smile, his tone warmer than the tea. "I wouldn't mind it at all."
Marguerite offered him a grin as she grabbed a plate. "Well, thanks for the food. I'm starving."
That much was obvious—she attacked the plate like a soldier after war. Her hands moved with precision, speed, and deep appreciation. Pancakes disappeared at an alarming rate, and the honey tea didn't stand a chance.
"Eat slowly; there's more than enough for us," Naruto chuckled, watching her with fond amusement. There was something incredibly satisfying about seeing someone enjoy your cooking—especially when that someone had the appetite of a lioness.
Marguerite gave a sheepish nod, slowing slightly, but her enthusiasm remained unchecked. "It's too good," she said between bites. "I haven't eaten something this soft and sweet since... ever."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "That bad on the island?"
"Oh no, we eat well. But it's mostly roasted meat and bitter roots. This," she waved her fork like it was a wand, "this is art."
The breakfast moment slipped into a comfortable silence for a while—just the soft clinking of cutlery and the occasional satisfied hum from Marguerite—until she leaned back with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"I know you'll be leaving soon," she said, her voice casual, "but it'd be awesome if you could visit my island."
Naruto took a sip from his coffee, glancing at her. "When I have time."
She blinked. "You read my mind?"
"No. I was just waiting for you to speak up."
Marguerite chuckled, running a hand through her hair. "Sorry. I just have bad experiences with people dodging the topic. But, here—" she pulled a neatly folded paper from the sash at her waist and placed it on the table "—this is a map. You can see our island's not too far from here. Just a week's journey."
Naruto unfolded it, eyes scanning the well-marked path. "I'll try," he said after a moment. "But is there any important reason you want me there?"
Her grin widened, full Amazonian mischief blooming like a sunflower. "Nah, just thought you might want to try having a gangbang. The girls back home will love you. Might actually wear you out."
Naruto nearly choked on his coffee, coughing into his hand. "I appreciate the offer," he said with a bemused look, "but I'm not into those indecent acts. I prefer to keep myself undefeated, thank you very much."
He gave a lighthearted laugh, amused by the absurdity of it. Even Jiraiya would've raised an eyebrow at that one.
"Your loss," Marguerite teased, still picking at a slice of mango. "You might not be able to control your beastly desires forever, you know."
Naruto merely shook his head, a smile dancing at the edge of his lips. He knew all too well what this was about. It wasn't just flirtation. There was calculation behind the glint in her eye.
She wanted children. Strong ones. Legendary ones. And he had experienced this before—once with the fierce and determined women of Nadeshiko Island. They had called it "the worthy blood," and tried to woo, trick, or trap him into fatherhood.
But Naruto had taken precautions long ago. No children. Not anymore. He had buried that future alongside his past. He didn't have time, nor the heart, to bring more into a world that didn't need them from him.
Still, Marg didn't need to know that. Let her dream. Let her enjoy her mango slices and fantasies of an exhausted Hokage collapsing under a pile of Amazons.
"Sorry, Marg," he said lightly. "This beast has learned a few tricks over the centuries."
She winked, raising her cup in mock toast. "Still worth a shot."
And with that, they went back to their breakfast, the sun a little higher now, the breeze a little warmer, and the world just slightly more absurd in the most delightful way.
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After the curious breakfast and bold proposal from Marg, Naruto decided to walk off the tension and take in more of the city's morning atmosphere. With calm steps and sharp eyes, he drifted through the streets, nodding politely to vendors and pausing occasionally to examine local crafts. His real goal, however, was clear — Galuna Island.
Marg's words had stuck with him. Despite the outrageous nature of her invitation, there was a sense of mystery, of something being off. Naruto trusted his instincts. He wanted to visit the island — but as a normal person. No fanfare, no chakra warping, no traveling like a god.
Just a boat ride. That shouldn't have been too much to ask… except it was.
When Naruto reached the port, the atmosphere shifted. Sailors turned pale when he asked about Galuna Island. Whispers of curses, demons, and death passed between them like wild fire.
"No sane person will take you there," said one grizzled fisherman, staring at the sea as if it might rise up to swallow them all. "That island's cursed."
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "What a dilemma…"
He wasn't in the mood to force anyone or use a jutsu to cheat the situation. He genuinely wanted a normal trip. So, he scanned the area… and that's when he spotted them.
Three young mages—Natsu, Gray, and Lucy—finally boarding a modest vessel after hours of what must have been convincing, bribing, and praying. They looked exhausted but satisfied. Naruto's lips curled up into a smile.
Opportunity knocked.
With a light hop, Naruto jumped onto the moving boat—so silently and gracefully that the vessel didn't even rock, despite the sheer mass of the man. A small white kitten with blue markings poked its head from Naruto's cloak, mewling softly.
Instantly, the three mages jumped to attention. Gray's fists tightened, Lucy reached for her keys, and Natsu—though green in the face—snapped out of his sickness just enough to growl.
"I apologize for jumping in," Naruto said politely, "but I wish to enter Galuna Island for its famous treat. I am willing to offer my services in exchange for this ride."
The large sailor on board, Bobo, who had a faint demonic taint clinging to his aura, narrowed his eyes. His gaze met Naruto's calmly. There was no malice, no hesitation in the man's posture—just confidence.
This man wasn't some hopeful traveler. He was someone dangerous.
Still… he had the feel of someone reliable.
"You can sit," Bobo finally said. "But you'll need to help with the demon problem on the island."
"I don't have a problem with that," Naruto replied smoothly, taking a seat and gently setting the kitten in his lap. His gaze flicked toward the younger group, taking in their energy and dynamics.
Natsu was already groaning and leaning over the edge, battling his notorious motion sickness.
Lucy crouched beside him, rubbing his back. "Hang in there, Natsu…"
Gray, meanwhile, was already down to his pants and grumbling about the heat.
"You kids are really interesting," Naruto chuckled. "Friends of Erza are friends of mine, so don't be strangers."
Lucy blinked. "You know Erza?"
Natsu's eyes popped open. "Erza?! Don't hurt me, I'm sorry!!" he screamed, grabbing the side of the boat like it was a lifeline.
Naruto held in his laugh, his eyes twinkling. Lucy offered an apologetic smile. "He's usually not like this. It's just the boat…"
"No problem," Naruto said warmly. "And yes—I know Erza. She's like a daughter to me. You can call me Uncle Naruto."
The words hit the group like a lightning bolt. Lucy's jaw dropped, and Gray blinked in disbelief.
But Natsu? Natsu just stared—his nausea temporarily forgotten. He gazed at Naruto with awe, eyes wide, like a kid meeting a superhero.
"You made me feel better… What kind of magic is that?!"
Naruto laughed gently. "It's a unique kind of magic. One you can't use."
Natsu slumped, disappointed. But then—
"However," Naruto continued, raising a hand, "I can give you something to help."
With a soft pulse of chakra, a ring appeared in his palm—simple silver, engraved with dragon designs. It shimmered faintly with protective magic.
"This will help with your motion sickness," Naruto said, offering it.
Natsu held the ring like it was a sacred relic. "Woah… Uncle Naruto, you're awesome!"
Lucy leaned in, shocked. "You can make magical items like that?"
"I have my ways," Naruto said with a mysterious smile.
Bobo, overhearing, glanced over with new respect. And the three Fairy Tail mages? They now had more than just a powerful ally. They had a guide, a protector…
And an Uncle.