NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Beneath the Surface
Kaiden stood at the edge of the lagoon, the morning mist rising around him. The waters of the expanded Dimensional Pond shimmered with an otherworldly glow, rippling as the creatures within stirred. He had spent the past few days catching, training, and strategizing. The attack by the rogue ninja had shaken him, but it had also solidified his resolve.
Nearby, Naruto sat on a blanket, giggling as he tried to catch a glowing jellyfish that bobbed in the air above him. Kaiden smiled faintly, his heart warming at the sight.
But his focus quickly returned to the task at hand. The system's latest upgrades had given him more options, but with power came responsibility. Kaiden needed to be ready for the next attack, and he had a feeling it wouldn't be long before trouble found him again.
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[System Notification]
New Feature Unlocked: Deep Current Exploration
Access creatures from hidden multiversal layers for specialized abilities.
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Kaiden stared at the notification. "Deep Current Exploration?" he muttered. He opened the system interface and began reading the description.
The feature allowed him to summon rare creatures from deeper dimensions, but it came with a catch: the energy cost was high, and the process wasn't always stable. Still, the potential rewards were worth the risk.
"Let's see what you've got," Kaiden said, activating the feature.
The water in the lagoon began to swirl, the vortex deepening as the system reached into the unknown. The air grew colder, and the surface of the water glowed with a strange, dark light.
Moments later, a massive shape emerged. It was a Shadow Leviathan, a sleek, shadowy creature with glowing red eyes and a luminous blue moth that seemed to shine like the sky. Its presence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Kaiden took a step back, his fishing rod ready in case the creature proved hostile. But the leviathan dipped its head, acknowledging him as its summoner.
"Welcome to the team," Kaiden said, relief washing over him.
That evening, as Kaiden prepared dinner, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. The air felt heavier, and the usually peaceful village seemed unusually quiet.
Naruto, seated in his high chair, babbled happily as Kaiden mashed up some vegetables.
"You've got no idea what's going on out there, huh?" Kaiden said, chuckling softly. "Lucky kid."
But the smile faded from his face as a knock sounded at the door.
Kaiden froze. He wasn't expecting anyone, and after the last attack, he wasn't about to take chances. He placed Naruto in his crib and quietly approached the door, fishing rod in hand.
"Who's there?" he called out.
"Relax," a familiar voice replied. "It's Tazuna."
Kaiden exhaled, opening the door to find the old bridge builder standing there, looking more serious than usual.
"We need to talk," Tazuna said, stepping inside.
Tazuna wasted no time. "There's been movement on the mainland," he said. "A group of shinobi—strong ones—have been spotted heading this way. They're not just rogue ninja, either. They're from a village. Hidden Mist, most likely."
Kaiden frowned. "Hidden Mist? What would they want with this place?"
Tazuna hesitated, glancing at Naruto. "It's not the village they're after. It's the boy."
Kaiden's stomach sank. He had feared as much, but hearing it confirmed was another thing entirely.
"Why him?" Kaiden asked, though he already knew the answer. Naruto's significance went beyond what Kaiden fully understood. Whatever connection the boy had to this world's greater conflicts, it was enough to draw attention from powerful enemies.
Tazuna leaned closer. "They're coming for him. And they won't stop until they get what they want."
Kaiden spent the rest of the night preparing. He fortified the lagoon with new defenses, summoning creatures that could form protective barriers around his home. The Shadow Leviathan was stationed at the edge of the lagoon, its glowing eyes scanning the horizon for threats.
Naruto, oblivious to the danger, slept peacefully in his crib. Kaiden watched him for a moment, a knot of determination tightening in his chest.
"This is going to get worse before it gets better," Kaiden muttered. "But I'm not giving up on you."
The attack came at dawn.
Kaiden was already awake, standing on the porch as the first figures appeared on the horizon. There were three of them, their movements swift and coordinated. These weren't mercenaries. They were trained shinobi.
The leader stepped forward, his face obscured by a mask. "We know you have the boy, the jinchuriki," he called out. "Hand him over, and we'll spare the village."
Kaiden's jaw tightened. "Not happening."
The shinobi leader sighed. "Very well."
The battle began.
Kaiden summoned his creatures, the lagoon erupting with activity as the Shadow Leviathan, Ictyosaur , and Squid Shark emerged. The shinobi countered with jutsu, their attacks cutting through the air with deadly precision.
Kaiden relied on the system to guide him, directing his creatures to intercept and retaliate. The Glacier Ray froze the ground, slowing the shinobi's movements, while the Shadow Leviathan unleashed waves of dark energy that forced them to retreat.
But the shinobi were relentless. They worked together, their attacks coordinated and powerful. One of them managed to slip past Kaiden's defenses, heading straight for the house.
Kaiden's heart raced as he chased after him, his fishing rod glowing with energy. "System," he said through gritted teeth, "give me something—anything!"
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[System Notification]
Emergency Feature Activated: Semi-aquatic summon
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Kaiden didn't have time to read the description. He swung his rod, activating the feature, and a surge of power erupted from the lagoon.
A creature in the water began to emerge, their form fitted for both land and speed into a massive, glowing entity. The new creature—a Baryonyx—rose from the lagoon, its presence overwhelming.
The shinobi froze, staring at the creature in disbelief.
Kaiden didn't hesitate. "Get. Out."
The Baryonyx roared, its energy rippling through the air. The shinobi, realizing they were outmatched, retreated, their leader casting one last glance at Kaiden before disappearing into the mist.
As the lagoon calmed but the Baryonyx
did not disappear to, Kaiden sank to his knees, exhausted but relieved. The house was intact, and Naruto was safe.
For now.
Kaiden looked out at the horizon, knowing this was only the beginning. The shinobi would return, stronger and more determined. But Kaiden would be ready.
He had to be.