A Shinobi's Take on this Wonderful World

The Forbidden Cave

"Do you think Megumin and Darkness will be okay?"

Naruto asked as he looked back at the village.

They had taken the route around the lake to avoid the Forbidden Beasts that were emerging from the water. Sounds of battle could be heard in the distance, and it made Naruto want to go back and support the village.

Of course, that didn't stop the shinobi from sending a couple Shadow Clones to test out the strength of their enemies at the lake.

Boom!

The earth trembled, threatening to knock the group off of their feet. A familiar pillar of smoke rose towards the sky just outside of the village.

"I think they're going to be just fine."

Kazuma replied as he dusted himself off. He'd been surprised when Ryozo asked them to go to the Forbidden Cave to investigate. But the chief said if the monsters were attacking the village, then the attack likely wouldn't stop until whatever happened in the cave was reversed.

It was then decided that Megumin and Darkness would stay behind. The Crimson Demon refused to enter enclosed spaces, and the Crusader wanted to defend the village.

Plus, someone needed to stay behind to carry Megumin after she inevitably used her magic.

'Ryozo said I would be able to navigate... I wonder what he meant.'

Kazuma pondered in thought. He was going to ask the chief to elaborate, but the monsters had attacked and things got rather hectic.

"Why do I have to come? My talents are wasted in this small group! I could heal the wounded within the safety of the tent..."

Aqua complained as she dragged her feet behind the group.

"They have other priests there. Besides, you just want to hide in that tent so you don't have to fight. If I have to take part in this expedition, then so do you."

Kazuma retorted, earning a heated glare from the goddess.

"Heads up, guys. The entrance to the cave is right up there."

Joe chimed in before he and Zard went on ahead to scout the area.

The entrance to the Forbidden Cave was small and could easily be overlooked if one wasn't actively looking for it.

"Alright, Zard. Back in the ball for now. We're finally going inside!"

Joe said with an eager grin as he pulled out his Scroll Ball and resealed his Lizard Runner. The boy then turned back to the group and grinned smugly.

"As Conqueror of Nuzloft, I hereby grant you permission to enter the Forbidden Cave with me!"

"Thanks... To think that could have been my line, if not for those unfortunate events."

Naruto said with a dry laugh, prompting the Arch Priest to flinch and bow nervously.

As they began to file into the entrance one by one, Aqua sighed.

"I already said I was sorry... Why is Naruto being so mean to me?"

"Obviously, I would be mad at you too after the stunt you pulled. You totally blew your chance."

Kazuma said with a sagely nod.

"Ugh... To think I was this close to having the Food of the Gods every night again. I've almost forgotten what it tastes like!"

Aqua moped while gripping her fist and bit her lip in frustration.

"...Hang on. Didn't you profess your love back then after getting mad at what I said earlier? If not, then just what kind of deal did you make with Naruto that you wanted him to win so badly?"