Naruto x Date A Live ~ The Spectral Shift

To where my voice can't reach

A month ago

Yamato (Zetsu)'s POV

'Ah, how good work felt... The atmosphere at the office was buzzing with excitement, and everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy their work. It was refreshing. Even the barista at the coffee shop remembered my order today!' I thought, walking up to my lord's house with a smile.

Approaching the door, I fished out the house keys from my pocket. 'Everything's going fine. Naruto's novels are selling well, and the fans are as enthusiastic as ever. It's nice to be surrounded by such friendly people.' I unlocked the door and was about to step inside when I heard a muffled voice behind it that sounded very feminine...

"Please be gentle, Naruto."

"It's alright, just open wide for me."

My heart skipped a beat, it was clear what was happening there. I quickly shoved the door open. "What in blazes is going on here?!"

Inside, Naruto and a girl I didn't recognize were sitting on the couch. Naruto was holding a bowl of hot soup, carefully blowing on a spoonful before offering it to her, who was bundled up in blankets.

Naruto looked up, startled. "Oh, hey, Yamato. I was just making sure Mio eats something. She said she's feeling a bit under the weather."

The now-identified Mio turned to face me, a look of surprise on her face. "You must be Yamato," she said, studying me with curiosity.

I stood there for a moment, taking in the scene. "Well... carry on, then," I mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed. 'Guess I need to stop jumping to conclusions,' I thought, closing the door behind me.

"Nice to meet you, Yamato," Mio called after me, her voice filled with warmth.

"Nice to meet you too," I replied, giving a small wave before heading to the next room.

"Mr. Naruto, could we please talk alone for a moment?" I requested, motioning for him to accompany me.

Naruto followed me into the next room, closing the door behind him. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice low but firm. "What were you thinking, bringing a girl into the house?" I whispered angrily. "Who exactly is she?"

Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "She's the spirit DEM must've created. I named her Mio."

My eyes widened, and I had to force myself to stay calm. "Are you out of your mind? If DEM finds out she's here, you'll be in serious danger!"

"Have you forgotten you're the weakest manifestation? Your irresponsible self is out there having the time of his life, probably having fun popping and locking at some interdimensional dance-off dancing break at some cosmic disco, while we're here dealing with this for the next fifteen years!"

Naruto frowned, "Zetsu, the Me that left off was the responsible one," he remarked.

 Zetsu though, was mortified.

"You always get me into the weirdest places and worst situations!" Zetsu grumbled.

Naruto cleared his throat, "Anyway, just let her stay," Naruto insisted, his voice steady. "As long as she doesn't appear publicly, it will be okay."

I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure. "Naruto, DEM won't be caught in that diversion for long. They're too tenacious. This is incredibly risky for you."

"I know," Naruto admitted, meeting my gaze. "But I can't just leave her out there. She deserves a chance to live freely. Besides, I was the one who asked you to let things flow naturally so, I'll stand by my words and handle my responsibilities; you did too much for me already and I thank you for that. Whatever is to happen from now, will happen, good or bad"