A Shinobi's Take on this Wonderful World

The Conqueror of Nuzloft

Having lost the tournament, Naruto was now sitting in the audience with Kazuma's party. He was looking forward to watching Joe face off against his father.

It was a bummer he wouldn't get the chance to become the Conqueror. But seeing as he had been a complete newbie to Beast Taming, he was satisfied with how far he'd gotten. He also learned a lot in the battles he'd fought, and had a lot of fun as well.

Plus, there was always next year!

"M-more tea, Naruto-sama?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you."

"I bought you some snacks as well! My treat!"

"Oh, how thoughtful of you. This looks delicious!"

Aqua was doing her best to fulfill her role as a maid, as she still had a few days left of service.

Well, that and she probably felt horrible for being the sole reason Naruto had been disqualified.

"Your treat, my ass! Where were you hiding that third cupcake!?"

Kazuma barked when he noticed the Arch Priest handing the shinobi the Giant Toad themed treat.

Aqua's expression cracked, but her eyes remained locked on her "master" as Naruto took a sip of his cup.

"Aqua, you silly girl. This is just hot water."

"M-my deepest apologies, Naruto-sama... I will brew you a fresh batch!"

Aqua responded and bowed deeply. She was about to fetch her kettle when Naruto put a hand up.

"That's okay, Aqua. I'm quite enjoying its lack of flavor. It reminds me of something else I'm lacking right now..."

Naruto trailed off and tapped his chin in thought, causing the girl to flinch.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Aqua apologized again and bowed multiple times.

"Y-you know, if I hadn't been sleeping... I might have been able to catch that girl before she found those fish. So please, punish me in Aqua's stead! I insist!"

Darkness chimed in while looking at the shinobi with an eager expression.

"...No, you would just enjoy it. Also, why would I punish you when you were the only one to help me catch the rest of my monsters?"

Naruto replied to the knight with a deadpan expression, causing her to deflate.

But then again, if she enjoyed punishment... Then wouldn't punishing her be a form of thanking her?

"Actually, I'll think about it."

Naruto decidedly said with a nod, earning an elated gasp from the Crusader.

"W-what are you going to do!? Kazuma is always sexually harassing me at the mansion... Are you going to try and outdo him!? Or maybe you'll work together as the Panty and Bra Thief Brothers again like you did at my parent's home! No, wait! Are you going to unleash that demon fox on me!? Ugh... I can only imagine how pent up a creature with that much power could be!"

Darkness went off on a tangent, all while eyeing the shinobi with a wild expression that made him shiver.

"...On second thought, never mind. I'm good. Kurama also says he wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole."

"Wha-"

While Darkness went on to beg Naruto to change his mind again, Kazuma sighed and turned to his final party member. The Crimson Demon seemed to be brooding over something.