A Shinobi's Take on this Wonderful World

Nuzloft Tournament Part Three

Petrified Forest...

It was the night before the tournament, and Naruto had just managed to capture his fifth monster. A Basilisk, and it was strong!

"Alright, so far we caught Spook and now this guy... Now I only need one more monster to qualify! We're almost done, Darkness!"

Naruto cheered and turned around while raising his hand to give his traveling companion a high-five.

"Ah."

A bead of sweat rolled down the shinobi's cheek when he saw Darkness's petrified form. She'd been adamant on distracting the large beast, and despite his warnings, she hadn't looked away when it was going to use its petrification beams.

He wasn't worried though, as the effects didn't last that long. Couple that with Darkness's resistances, she'd probably break free in a half hour or so.

Opting to carry the petrified Crusader over his shoulder, Naruto proceeded to head towards the mountain. He remembered the south forest was filled with bug and plant monsters, but he wanted his final member to be something even crazier than the Basilisk.

So, to the north!

'Once I capture this last monster, it'll only leave me with a couple hours to train... But I'm sure we'll be fine.'

Naruto thought as he stepped onto the lake and started making his way across. As he neared the mountain, he began to ponder what kind of beast he would find.

'I hope it's a dragon! Imagine all of their reactions!'

'Judging by your monster book, Dragons are supposedly one of the most powerful creatures this world has to offer.'

Kurama thoughtfully added.

'I'm sure a fight with one would be entertaining, but the looks on the tamer's faces would also be priceless... I'm beginning to see why that devil toys with humans so much.'

'Please don't become another Vanir... One is plenty.'

Naruto responded with a bitter smile. He was now officially on the mountain, and the shinobi decided to climb to the top.

Dragons liked high places, right?

'What? Can't handle another prankster in your midst, kid?'

'What's that supposed to mean? Vanir is a trolling menace. Also, he's mean to Wiz.'

The trail was becoming more narrow as he circled around the mountain, and the forest that was located to the north came into sight.

What was it called again... The Ancient Acres?

'Sounds like you're jealous.'

'Huh? Me? Jealous of that suspicious devil? Don't be ridiculous, Kurama.'

Naruto was nearly half way up the mountain when a glimmer of light caught his eye.

Deep in the heart of the Ancient Acres, a small golden flame shimmered in between the trees and seemed to be getting brighter. With the clear moonlit sky and countless stars shining down on the surface, he almost missed it.

But there was something about the light that drew his attention. Almost like... Something was calling to him.

Naruto hesitated. The sensation felt similar to that of an illusion.

'Want me to take care of it?'

'No, I don't want you to scare all the monsters away.'

Propping Darkness up against the side of the mountain, Naruto put his hands together to form a seal.