NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Ripples in the Water
Kaiden's grip on Naruto tightened as the rogue ninja stepped closer, his presence radiating a quiet menace. The baby stirred in his arms, sensing the tension, and Kaiden's protective instincts surged.
"You're not getting him," Kaiden said, his voice steady but firm.
The ninja tilted his head, amused. "You think you can stop me? You're not a shinobi. Hand the boy over, and I'll consider sparing you."
Kaiden glanced toward the glowing vortex of the Dimensional Call, where the massive, shark-like creature hovered protectively beside him. The rogue ninja's eyes flickered to it, a trace of curiosity crossing his face.
"So, that's the power you've been hiding," the man said. "Interesting. But it won't be enough."
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[System Notification]
Warning: Threat Level High. Initiating Battle Mode. Additional support available through Multiversal Aquarium System.
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Kaiden's fishing rod glowed brighter as the system's runes activated. A second notification appeared in the corner of his vision:
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[Summon Additional Creatures? Y/N]
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Kaiden didn't hesitate. "Yes."
From the swirling vortex, two more creatures emerged. The first was a Glacier Ray, its translucent wings trailing frost as it hovered above the ground, exuding a chilling aura. The second was a Ictyosaur, a large marine reptile covered in smooth blubbry skin, its jaws snapping menacingly.
The rogue ninja took a step back, his confidence wavering for a moment. "You've got tricks," he admitted. "But let's see if you can handle this."
The ninja moved with blinding speed, his kunai flashing as he darted toward Kaiden. The ictyosaur intercepted, its massive jaws crashing down and forcing the ninja to leap away. The Glacier Ray retaliated with a blast of freezing mist, creating a barrier of ice between Kaiden and his attacker.
Kaiden adjusted Naruto in his arms, his mind racing. He wasn't a fighter—he had no actual shinobi training, no formal combat skills. But his creatures were his strength, and he had to trust them.
The rogue ninja pressed the attack, weaving through the creatures with precision and speed. He hurled shuriken at the Glacier Ray, forcing it to retreat, and managed to land a blow against the ictyosaur, scarring its blubbry skin.
Kaiden's mind raced as he watched the fight unfold. The ninja was skilled—far more skilled than he was—but Kaiden had something the ninja didn't: adaptability and throwing weapons.
The shimmering, reflective throwing weapons pierced the rouge ninja's body, forming a human porcupine. With Naruto securely cradled against his chest, Kaiden stepped forward, gripping his fishing rod tightly.
The rogue ninja painfully smirked. "You're braver than I thought. Let's see what you've got."
Kaiden swung the fishing rod, its glowing runes flaring as he directed the energy toward the ninja. The rod's tip released a burst of energy that struck the ground, creating a wave of water that surged toward the ninja.
Caught off guard, the ninja stumbled, giving the Squid Shark an opening to strike. The leviathan coiled around the ninja, its mouth crackling with electricity. The rogue ninja gritted his teeth, struggling against the creature's grip.
Kaiden didn't let up. He directed the Glacier Ray to reinforce the assault, its icy breath freezing the ninja's movements.
The fight ended as suddenly as it began. The rogue ninja, battered, outmatched, and bloody released a smoke bomb and vanished into the shadows.
Kaiden stood still, his heart pounding as the creatures retreated back into the aquarium. The house was quiet again, save for the soft sound of Naruto's breathing.
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[System Notification]
Threat Neutralized. Mission Complete. Reward: Water Release Affinity, B- Rank Water Ninjutsu "Water Style Armor", C-Rank Water Ninjutsu "Water Prison"
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Kaiden exhaled, his body sagging with relief. But the victory felt hollow. This wasn't the end—far from it. The rogue ninja's words lingered in his mind: That boy… he's of interest.
Kaiden looked down at Naruto, who had slept through the chaos. The child's innocent face was a stark reminder of the storm that was brewing.
"I'll protect you," Kaiden whispered, his voice trembling with determination. "No matter what it takes."
The next morning, Kaiden began fortifying his home. He expanded the multiversal aquarium, using its new capacity to summon creatures capable of defending the area. The Dimensional Pond/Call now stretched into a shimmering lagoon outside his house, its waters teeming with aquatic life that responded to Kaiden's will.
He also began studying the system more carefully, unlocking new abilities and refining his control over the creatures. Kaiden wasn't a shinobi, but he was determined to carve out his own path in this world—a path that would keep Naruto safe.
A few days later, Tazuna visited again, his expression grim.
"You've made an impression," Tazuna said. "Word is spreading about you—and the boy. You're going to need more than those fish to keep him safe."
Kaiden nodded, his jaw tightening. He knew Tazuna was right. The ninja world was coming, and it wouldn't stop. But Kaiden had something they didn't: the power of the multiverse at his fingertips.
As he watched Naruto toddle across the room, laughing as he chased a small glowing fish, Kaiden felt a renewed sense of purpose.
"This isn't just my fight anymore," he said quietly. "This is our fight. And I'm going to win."