The One Who Will Change History: [A Naruto x Black Clover Fanfic]

Chapter 22: A Meeting with the Wizard King

"Ah, there you are, Y/N," he greets you with a cheerful smile, his tone warm and familiar as if addressing an old friend. "Running a bit late, aren't you?"

You immediately drop to one knee, recalling all the lectures Father gave you about proper etiquette toward those of higher rank.

"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Wizard King, sir!" you stammer, clearly intimidated. "I-I only received your summons about an hour ago."

"An hour ago?" the Wizard King repeats, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "I made sure the letter was delivered to the Blue Rose Headquarters yesterday. There must have been an unexpected delay."

"Th-that must be it," you reply nervously.

"In any case," the Wizard King says, rising from his throne, "there's no need to be so formal. You can stand up."

"Is that really okay, Mr. Wizard King, sir?" you ask, still cautious.

"Yes, it is," he assures you with a warm smile. "We're just here to have a chat. And please, call me Julius. No need for formalities when it's just us."

You hesitate for a moment before slowly rising to your feet.

"Okay... Julius..." you say tentatively.

"Good," Julius responds, satisfied. "Now, follow me."

He leads you into a smaller office room. The space is dominated by a large, ornate desk and table, accompanied by a few well-placed chairs and tasteful office furnishings. Julius takes his place behind the desk, gesturing for you to sit in one of the chairs opposite him.

As you take your seat, you notice Julius' eyes fixed intently on you. There's something almost unsettling in his gaze, but beneath it, you can sense a palpable eagerness.

"Umm..." you mutter, feeling a bit uneasy under his intense gaze.

Julius clears his throat, snapping out of his reverie.

"Ah, right!" he exclaims, his tone lightening. "I watched your matches during the Youth Sword Tournament a few days ago. You were truly impressive—had my blood pumping!"

You chuckle nervously, still a bit thrown off.

"Thank you so much. I didn't expect to hear that from you of all people."

"No worries, Y/N," Julius says with a grin. "It was a shame you didn't come out on top. Out of all the participants, you stood out to me the most. Now, why do you think that was? Why did you catch my eye more than the tournament winner, the late Killer Wasp?"

His words strike a chord, and an unsettling feeling washes over you. What is he trying to get at?

"Ah... I wonder," you respond, your voice unsteady. "Killer Wasp was an incredible opponent—may he rest in peace. Honestly, he was more skilled than me in every way."