Naruto Namikaze:- The King of Devils

Chapter 8

Underworld

Secluded Training Ground

Naruto, Serena, and Venelana were closing out a veryrigorous sparring session. The sound of fists to flesh and feet scuffling onthe ground echoed from this clearing. Even though this battle was so fierce,there was groupness and respect for each other.

With this, Naruto moved smoothly between Serena andVenelana, quickly blocking their attacks and creating counters where possible.Unrefined muscular power merged with refined technique, resulting fromcountless hours of training over years of determination. Serena, with crimsonhair flowing like fire, showered powerful blows. Her aggression was temperedwith a more calculated approach by Venelana, whose grace writes of precisionsuited her companion's brute belligerence.

"You're getting better, Serena!" Naruto calledback, ducking under a high kick from her and then striking with a sweeping legkick that knocked her off balance.

Serena smirked, halting to remove a bead of sweat from herbrow. "Thanks, but we're no match for you in hand, Naruto."

Venelana regained her footing, nodding. "Your trainingmethods are quite effective, Naruto. We've improved so much under yourguidance, but you've improved even more."

Naruto chuckled, stepping back to give them a moment tocatch their breath. "You both are incredible fighters. To train with youis an honour."

Serena and Venelana confirmed the order in their nextcombined attack: renewed by energy, Serena launched a punch into Naruto'smidsection, while within the same beat, Venelana came sweeping down, trying tohit at his legs. He expected them, so he twisted his body to avoid Serena'spunch and leapt over Venelana's kick. In one smooth flow, he landed behind themand tapped them on their shoulders, signalling the end of the match.

"It seems I've won again," Naruto said, grinningplayfully.

Serena and Venelana exchanged glances with flushed facesfrom their exertion and slight admiration. "You're amazing, Naruto,"Serena confessed as she caught her breath. "No wonder you've gone so farin such a short time."

Venelana nodded with a soft smile playing on her lips."Indeed. Your strength, together with your skill, goes unmatched."

He nervously rubbed the back of his head under their praise."Thanks, but I couldn't have made it without you two pushing me. We've allgrown strong together."

Naruto's thoughts returned to his time in the ElementalNations as they rested momentarily. It had been a year, and while he stillmissed his old friends, he had found new allies and perhaps something more. Hisfeelings for Serena and Venelana ran deep now, not helped by Kurama's constantteasing.

"Naruto," Serena said, breaking him out of hisreverie, "thank you for everything. You taught us so much and became adear friend."

Venelana added, "We owe you a lot, Naruto. Not just forthe training, but for being here with us."

Naruto looked at them, his heart swelling with gratitude andaffection. "You two have done just as much for me. I'm glad to have metyou both."

That moment of understanding in their silence brought themcloser than anything else could. Naruto's journey in this new world brought himchallenges he had never expected, but he also got deep connections. As he hadstood with Serena and Venelana at his side, he knew that whatever lay beforethem could be faced as a group.

Isolated Location

The man stood tapping his foot in a dimly lit, secludedlocation, far away from prying eyes. He had taken a position surrounded by agreat wood, hidden from the passing eyes of wayfarers. He was supposed to meetShalba Beelzebub, one of the key leaders in the Old Satan Faction, who waspivotal to unfolding all these sinister plans.