Naruto: the black dragon emperor

Ch 18 Gremory Training and Return to the Elemental World, Part 1

Unknown Location

Naruto stood at the base of a large hill, gazing up at a long staircase that led to an old, well-maintained mansion perched at the top. His expression was calm but focused, taking in the scene before him.

"Welcome to our training ground," Rias said with a smile, gesturing towards the mansion. "We'll be spending the next 10 days here to train." With a wave of her hand, a magic circle appeared, and three suitcases of varying sizes materialized.

"Issei, you take the smallest one," Rias instructed. "Kiba, the middle one. And Koneko, you handle the biggest." She then turned towards the stairs, already starting to ascend alongside Akeno. "See you at the top!" she called out cheerfully.

But before they could get far, Naruto stepped in front of the two girls, blocking their way. His expression was serious.

"Hold it," he said firmly. Without waiting for an argument, he handed each of them a suitcase the same size as Kiba's. "You're not getting out of this training either," he added, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Now start climbing."

He pointed ahead, where Asia, Raynare, and Kalawarner were already hauling slightly larger suitcases and making steady progress up the hill.

"Don't fall behind, weaklings!" Raynare called over her shoulder with a smug grin as she and her companions pressed forward.

Kiba glanced up, eyes wide in disbelief. "How are they already so far ahead? They're carrying more weight than me!" he exclaimed, clearly astonished.

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms. "I've been training them since Asia joined your group," he explained. "This is just a warm-up for them." His casual tone shocked everyone.

"This is just the warm-up?" Issei repeated, incredulous.

Naruto's expression darkened slightly. "Enough questions. Get moving!" he ordered, pointing towards the top of the hill. "Depending on how long it takes, I'll decide if you need extra punishment." A small, mischievous smile crossed his lips, sending chills down the group's spines.

Rias groaned in frustration, adjusting her grip on the suitcase. "Why do we have to do this too?" she complained, glaring at Naruto. Akeno nodded in agreement, looking equally annoyed.

"Yeah, idiot!" Issei chimed in angrily. "Can't you see Rias and Akeno are the leaders? They shouldn't have to run around like the rest of us!"

Naruto's sharp voice cut through the air like a whip. "Silence!" His sudden authority stunned the group into submission. "You asked me to train you so you could win against that spoiled bird, right? For the next 10 days, you're all under my command-no exceptions. If Rias and Akeno can't handle this, then they're not worth my time." His piercing gaze swept over them. "Now start climbing!"

Without waiting for a response, Naruto dashed up the stairs effortlessly, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

Akeno sighed, picking up her suitcase with difficulty. "Great job, Buchou. You brought us straight into boot camp," she muttered, irritated.

"Stop complaining and start climbing," Rias shot back, struggling under the weight but determined to keep pace.

Issei groaned, already winded as he started his ascent. Barely a minute passed before Kiba and Koneko overtook him with ease.

"W-What the-how are they so strong?" Issei wheezed, gasping for breath, even though the training had just begun.

At the top of the hill, Naruto turned briefly to observe their progress, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. This is going to be fun.