Yo!

  I'm back with the next chapter of Shadow Light. This chapter just flowed and I love the way things fell together.

  Discimer: I own nothing.

  Enjoy the chapter!

  Shadow Light

  Chapter 48

  The Catalyst

  Present, The Dimensional Gap

  Naruto's steady gaze held Aethra's as her words hung in the air. The warmth of the Sacred Gear's light thrummed faintly within him, grounding him amidst the echoes of revetions and connections he had yet to fully understand. He acknowledged the weight of her emotions but remained firm, rooted in the reality of his own identity.

  "I'm not Kivren," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Whatever of his light you see in me, I'm still me. That's not going to change."

  Aethra's expression faltered for a moment, the raw hope in her silver eyes dimming slightly before she nodded, regaining her composure. Naruto, however, shifted his attention, turning his gaze to Red with a sharp intensity.

  "But there's something else we need to address," he said, his voice steady. "Why did you attack her?"

  Red, who had been observing the exchange with a casual air, stirred slightly. His molten-gold eyes gleamed with amusement as he tilted his massive head, his posture as rexed as someone lounging on a throne. There was no tension in his demeanor, only the unshakable confidence of someone who saw no need to justify himself.

  "Attack her?" Red rumbled, his tone ced with an easy mirth. "You make it sound so dramatic, Naruto. She wasn't exactly here to offer tea and cookies. She came to 'fix the disturbance.'"

  Naruto's eyes narrowed, catching the deliberate edge in Red's words. "What do you mean by 'fix'?" he asked, though he suspected the answer.

  Red's lips curled into a faint grin, his tone becoming more pointed. "Fix, as in eliminate. And by disturbance, she meant you." He leaned forward slightly, his massive wings shifting zily. "Four years ago, you dropped into this world, and let's just say, it wasn't exactly subtle."

  Naruto's brow furrowed, but he let Red continue.

  "Your arrival wasn't just a spsh, Uzumaki—it was a tidal wave," Red said, his tone still casual but underpinned by undeniable weight. "The ripples spread across the dimensional framework, waking up energies that had been dormant for millennia. Entire flows of magic shifted. Paths of fate, currents of power—all of it disrupted. For beings like her," he gestured toward Aethra, "that kind of thing isn't just a nuisance—it's a threat."

  Naruto's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. He listened, letting Red expin without interruption.

  "So, when she showed up, glowing like a second sun and muttering about disturbances, I had to check it out. Turns out, her pn wasn't just to investigate. It was to remove the cause. And since I like you, and you're, well, you…" Red's grin widened slightly. "I decided to step in. Call it a professional courtesy."

  Naruto exhaled slowly, the pieces falling into pce with sharp crity. "You're saying she came here to eliminate me," he said evenly.

  "Bingo," Red replied, his molten eyes gleaming. "And since we're friends, I couldn't exactly let that slide. You're the only one I can tolerate in this mess of a world. So, yeah, I went after her instead. You're welcome, by the way."

  Naruto's lips twitched into a faint, humorless smirk. "You've got a funny way of showing friendship, Red."

  Red shrugged, his massive tail curling zily behind him. "I'm a funny kind of dragon."

  Naruto let out a long breath, the weight of the revetion settling over him. He gnced back at Aethra, her composed expression masking the storm of emotions flickering behind her silver eyes.

  "You wanted to 'fix the disturbance,'" he said, his tone neutral but edged with understanding. "Why? What's been happening because of me?"

  Aethra hesitated for only a moment before moved forward, her poise unbroken despite the sharpness of his question. Her silver eyes softened slightly, though her voice carried a weight that matched the seriousness of the moment.

  "The disturbances you've caused have gone far deeper than you realize, Kiv-Naruto," she said, her tone steady but tinged with sadness. "Your presence has disrupted the natural flow of energy in this pne. At first, it was subtle—minor shifts, small anomalies. But over the past four years, the effects have compounded."

  Her voice lowered slightly, the grief in her expression becoming more evident. "These disturbances have changed the very course of our dimension. The natural bance that held our world stable has been fractured. Energies long dormant have been awakened, and they're reshaping the fabric of existence in ways we can't fully predict."

  Naruto's gaze remained steady, but he could feel the tension tightening in the air as she continued.

  "These changes," Aethra said, her voice sharpening, "have allowed the machines to gain a foothold. They are a race of self-procimed perfect beings, viewing organic life as redundant and chaotic. For eons, we've held them at bay, but now…" She trailed off, the weight of her next words pressing heavily in the space between them.

  "Now, they've begun to invade, using the disruptions as pathways into our reality. They've destabilized our defenses, and their forces grow stronger with each passing day. Worse still, the disturbance has done something drastic to us." Her voice wavered slightly before steadying. "We've lost one of our own—a warrior whose strength was unparalleled. She vanished into the chaos, her presence erased without a trace. And we fear she's been… consumed."

  Naruto's expression darkened, though his calm demeanor didn't waver. "Consumed," he repeated, his tone low and even. "By them?"

  Aethra nodded, her silver eyes meeting his with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Yes. And if we don't act, their influence will spread. They will dismantle everything, erase what they see as imperfection, and reshape the world in their image."

  The gravity of her words settled heavily in the endless void. Naruto stood silent for a moment, his mind piecing together the implications. His arrival had done more than disrupt the world—it had opened the door to a threat that could consume it entirely.

  Finally, he straightened, his emerald eyes locking onto hers with a quiet intensity. "I didn't come here to destroy your world," he said, his voice firm. "But if I've caused this, I'll help fix it."

  Aethra's gaze softened, and for the first time, a faint flicker of hope returned to her expression. "Then we'll fight this together," she said. "But we need to act quickly. Time is not on our side."

  Naruto exhaled deeply, the weight of the situation pressing against him. He extended his hand, shadows rippling outward as the barrier he had crafted began to dissolve, repced by a more intricate one. The dense cocoon of darkness peeled away like mist, revealing a figure leaning comfortably against the wall, arms crossed and head tilted back in what could only be described as a leisurely nap.

  Falbium stirred, letting out a soft grunt as he opened one eye, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Naruto with a faint air of annoyance. "Took you long enough," he muttered, straightening zily and brushing off his armour. "You've got a knack for dramatic entrances, I'll give you that."

  Naruto smirked faintly but didn't waste time. "Shika, I need you. This situation is worse than I thought, and I know you've got a pn."

  Falbium sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Figures. You drag me out of a perfectly good nap for interdimensional chaos. Typical."

  Naruto turned to Aethra, motioning toward Shikamaru with a subtle gesture. "Aethra, meet Shikamaru Nara—also known here as Falbium Asmodeus, Commander of the Devil Army, and the sharpest mind in my world. If anyone can help untangle this mess, it's him."

  Shikamaru gave a zy wave to Aethra, his expression as casual as ever despite the weight of the introductions. "Pleasure to meet you," he said, his tone carrying a trace of dry humor. "I've already heard everything, by the way. Shadows are great listeners."

  Red, who had been observing with a grin, raised a cwed hand in greeting. "Shika! Good to see you, zybones. Still solving everyone else's problems?"

  Shikamaru gave Red a faint smirk. "Someone's got to keep you out of trouble."

  Aethra, however, regarded Shikamaru with open curiosity, her silver eyes narrowing as she studied him. His demeanor, rexed and unassuming, contrasted sharply with the titles Naruto had listed. Her intrigue deepened when Astrid's voice whispered into her mind, feeding her data on the man standing before her.

  Entity: Shikamaru Nara/Falbium Asmodeus. Title: Strategist Supreme, Commander of the Devil Army. Notable attributes: unparalleled intellect, mastery of Barrier Magic, extensive knowledge of interdimensional constructs. Threat level: highly variable based on context.

  Aethra's gaze lingered on Shikamaru, her thoughts a blend of curiosity and caution. Before she could ask more, Shikamaru stepped forward, addressing the 'room' with his characteristic blend of pragmatism and precision.

  "So," he began, his hands slipping into his pockets as he surveyed the group. "Let me get this straight. Your world's falling apart because Naruto decided to drop in unannounced, and now the machines are making their move. Sounds about right?"

  Aethra nodded, though she hesitated slightly. "It's… more complicated than that. The disturbances have disrupted the bance—"

  "Yeah, yeah," Shikamaru interrupted with a wave of his hand. "I've got the gist. What you need is a solution, not a recap."

  Naruto arched his brow. "And you've got one?"

  Shikamaru's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Of course. That's why you brought me, right?" His gaze shifted to Aethra. "You need someone to help you stabilize the realm. Someone who can navigate the chaos and tip the scales back in your favor."

  He gestured toward Naruto, his tone matter-of-fact. "Naruto's staying here. You're not dragging him off to fix your world when we've got enough problems on our pte. But Kurama—he's perfect for the job."

  As if summoned by his name, Kurama materialized beside Naruto in a sudden surge of energy. The immense fox's form coalesced with an ethereal brilliance, his ten tails flicking zily as he regarded the room with an air of bored authority. His crimson eyes glinted, sharp and calcuting, as he turned his gaze first to Naruto, then to Shikamaru.

  "Figures you'd volunteer me for this," Kurama grumbled, though his tone cked any real annoyance. He straightened, his massive form towering over the group as he gnced at Aethra and Astrid. "So, who's the new audience?"

  Aethra took an involuntary step back, her silver eyes wide with a mixture of awe and disbelief. Astrid's voice immediately chimed in her mind, reying a flood of information.

  Entity: Shinju Kurama. Title: Eclipse Born Tyrant. Threat level: Kilonova. Attributes: immeasurable chakra reserves, mastery of destruction and regeneration, symbiotic connection with Uzumaki Naruto. Potential for both devastation and creation.

  Astrid's analysis continued, detailing Kurama's abilities and their implications, but Aethra barely registered the words. Her gaze remained fixed on the massive fox, her cosmic senses overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of his presence.

  Kurama smirked, his sharp teeth glinting as he met her gaze. "Take a picture, princess—it'll st longer."

  Aethra blinked, regaining her composure with visible effort. "You… are unlike anything I've encountered," she said softly, her voice tinged with awe.

  Kurama chuckled, his tails flicking zily. "Yeah, I get that a lot."

  Shikamaru stepped forward, cutting through the tension with his usual efficiency. "Kurama's your best bet," he said, addressing Aethra directly. "He's powerful enough to handle whatever's waiting for you, and he's got experience dealing with interdimensional chaos. Plus, he's got a knack for keeping things interesting."

  Naruto gnced at Kurama, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You up for it?"

  Kurama rolled his eyes but nodded. "Fine. But don't bme me if I end up taking over her world while I'm at it."

  Aethra hesitated, her gaze flicking between Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kurama. Finally, she nodded, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within her. "If this is the solution, I'll accept it. But know this—my world is on the brink. We don't have much time."

  Shikamaru smirked faintly, his sharp eyes gleaming. "Then let's not waste any more of it."

  He then turned to Naruto, his usual rexed demeanor tempered by a spark of curiosity. "All right, genius," he said, folding his arms. "How exactly are we going to pull this off? Sending Kurama with Aethra—what's the pn?"

  Naruto raised a brow. "You're the one with all the answers. I thought you had a pn."

  Shikamaru gave an awkward smile, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, I figured we'd go with something simple. A shadow clone? Maybe a blood clone? I mean, Kurama doesn't exactly need the full package to get the job done, right?"

  Naruto sighed, crossing his arms as he turned to Aethra. "How turbulent is the journey going to be? Are we talking subtle shifts in energy, or are we bracing for the apocalypse on the way?"

  Aethra's silver eyes flickered with thought, her expression growing serious. "The path we must take is deeply unstable," she admitted. "The dimensional boundaries are fractured in pces, and the turbulence is… extreme. Any vessel sent with me will have to endure immense strain. Only the strongest forms could survive such chaos."

  Naruto nodded, frowning slightly. "That's what I thought," he said, gncing back at Shikamaru. "Shadow clones and blood clones are strong, but they're not designed for that kind of punishment. They wouldn't st long enough to get the job done."

  Before either of them could say more, Red's booming voice broke in, his tone as casual as if he were suggesting what to have for lunch. "Why don't you just make a proper vessel?" he said, grinning. "Use your blood, Uzumaki. Mix it with mine. My flesh is tough enough to handle anything, and combined with yours, it'll make something perfect for Kurama to inhabit."

  Naruto blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion, but before he could respond, Shikamaru's mind went completely bnk, his sharp intellect overwhelmed by the implications of Red's idea. Slowly, his eyes widened, his thoughts racing as he envisioned countless possibilities.

  "A vessel made from Naruto's blood and Red's flesh…" Shikamaru muttered, his tone distant as he processed the implications. "Durable enough to house Kurama's power… resilient in extreme conditions…" His voice trailed off, and then, almost as if on instinct, he straightened and pointed decisively at Naruto. "I'm calling dibs on it once Kurama's done. That thing's mine."

  The room fell silent for a moment, and then Naruto, Red, and Kurama all turned to look at him, their expressions ranging from amused to incredulous.

  "Seriously, Shika?" Naruto said, arching a brow.

  Shikamaru shrugged, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "What? You don't see the potential? A vessel like that could revolutionize everything. You wouldn't just be sending Kurama—you'd be creating something unprecedented. Durable, powerful… and reusable."

  Red barked out a ugh, his massive form shaking. "I like it! The strategist sees the big picture. You've got ambition, Shika. I respect that."

  Kurama, for his part, narrowed his crimson eyes at Shikamaru. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, zy genius. You're talking about me here. Don't go making pns for my ride before I've even left."

  Shikamaru raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just saying. Once Kurama's back, the vessel could be… useful."

  Naruto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before shaking his head with a small, exasperated smile. "Fine. Whatever. Let's focus on getting Kurama to her world first."

  The trio—Naruto, Red, and Kurama—exchanged gnces, silently acknowledging the absurdity of the situation before turning their attention back to the task at hand. Aethra, though still processing the casual banter, found herself nodding in agreement.

  "Very well," she said, her voice calm but resolute. "If this is the solution, then let's begin."

  The tension in the air shifted as Naruto, Red, Kurama, and the others began to focus on the task at hand. The light banter faded, repced by the heavy anticipation of what was to come. Aethra and Shikamaru stood back, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension as Naruto and Red prepared to combine their essence—blood and flesh—to create the perfect vessel.

  Naruto stepped forward, his emerald gaze locking with Red's molten gold. The two shared a silent understanding, an unspoken agreement to see this through. Red stretched his massive form, his wings flicking zily, and then turned his full attention to Naruto.

  "All right, Naruto," Red said, his tone carrying both amusement and a hint of excitement. "Let's make some history."

  With a fluid motion, Red extended his massive tail, curling it slightly to reveal a cluster of crimson-hued scales shimmering with faint embers of draconic energy. Without hesitation, he shed the edge of his tail downward, a few of the shimmering scales peeling away and falling to the ground. Each scale pulsed faintly, radiating the raw power of his essence.

  Naruto stepped forward, his emerald eyes gleaming as he knelt beside the scales. With a kunai flicking into his hand, he made a clean slice across his palm, crimson blood welling up against his skin. Holding his palm over the scales, he let the blood drip onto them, watching as it seeped into the shimmering surfaces. The reaction was immediate.

  The scales began to glow, their crimson hue deepening as Naruto's blood merged with Red's flesh. A low hum reverberated through the Dimensional Gap, a sound that carried weight and power, resonating in the very fabric of their surroundings. The scales began to change, warping and melding together into a smooth, rippling mass of crimson and gold that hovered above the ground.

  Aethra's silver eyes widened, her celestial senses attuned to the immense surge of energy radiating from the mixture. Shikamaru, standing beside her, leaned slightly forward, his sharp mind already cataloging the phenomenon with a mix of fascination and calcuted analysis.

  "This is…" Aethra began, her voice trailing off as the light pulsed, growing stronger with each beat. The mingled blood began to coalesce, forming into a swirling orb of crimson and gold, its surface rippling like liquid fire.

  "A perfect vessel," Shikamaru finished, his tone low and awestruck. "Their power is harmonizing. The bance is… fwless."

  Naruto and Red nodded to each other, a mutual understanding passing between them. With a single motion, Naruto extended his hand toward the glowing orb, channeling his chakra into it. The orb expanded slightly, its glow intensifying as the vessel began to take shape. It solidified into a humanoid form—tall, lean, and perfectly proportioned, its surface gleaming like polished obsidian streaked with veins of molten gold.

  Kurama floated forward, his immense form looming over the group as his crimson eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Finally," he muttered, his voice carrying a mix of annoyance and excitement. "Let's get this over with."

  Naruto pced both hands on the vessel, closing his eyes as he focused. The energy around him shifted again, and a stream of light began to flow from Kurama, coiling toward the vessel like a living river of power. The transfer began, the sheer magnitude of Kurama's energy causing the air to thrum with a deep, resonant vibration.

  As 90% of Kurama's power flowed into the vessel, the intensity of the energy became almost unbearable. The vessel pulsed, its surface rippling as it absorbed the vast reserves of chakra and magic. The instant the transfer was complete, a shockwave of magic erupted from the vessel, radiating outward with such force that the barrier Naruto had crafted for privacy shattered like gss.

  The surge of power tore through the Dimensional Gap, the shockwave sending Shikamaru stumbling backward toward the edge of the void. His sharp reflexes kicked in, but before he could steady himself, Red's massive cw shot out, catching him by the back of his armour.

  "Gotcha," Red said with a grin, effortlessly pulling Shikamaru back to safety.

  Naruto cursed under his breath, immediately weaving a series of seals with lightning speed. Shadows erupted from his hands, forming a new barrier—thicker, stronger, and yered with protective runes. The dark construct solidified around them, sealing the space once more.

  "Dumb fox," Naruto muttered, his tone half-annoyed, half-exasperated as he turned to gre at Kurama. "You couldn't wait five minutes for me to finish the preparations before throwing a tantrum with your power?"

  Kurama's crimson eyes narrowed, his grin revealing sharp teeth. "Don't bme me if my strength is too much for your little barrier to handle. Next time, build something that doesn't crack under pressure."

  Shikamaru, still dangling in Red's grip, groaned softly. "You two arguing about this is already giving me a headache," he said, brushing himself off as Red set him down. "But for the record, I'm definately keeping that vessel once this is over."

  Naruto shot him a ft look, but Red and Kurama both burst into ughter, their amusement echoing through the now-stabilized space. Aethra, meanwhile, watched the vessel with wide, shimmering eyes, her awe undiminished by the chaos.

  "That… is extraordinary," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet reverence. "The bance, the strength—it's unlike anything I've ever seen."

  Astrid's voice chimed in Aethra's mind, her tone crisp and analytical as usual. Entity: Vessel of Uzumaki Naruto and Great Red. Composition: Blood-Chakra-Draconic Essence fusion. Durability: extreme. Energy harmonization: unparalleled. Threat level: unquantifiable.

  Aethra turned her gaze to Naruto, her expression a mixture of respect and curiosity. "You've created something truly remarkable," she said softly. "This vessel… it might be exactly what we need."

  Naruto nodded, his focus still on the vessel as he made a few final adjustments. "Let's hope so," he said. "Because once Kurama steps into this thing, there's no going back."

  Kurama smirked, stepping forward as he prepared to fully inhabit the vessel. "Don't worry, Naruto," he said, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "I'm going to show them what true power looks like."

  Naruto exhaled, giving one st gnce to Shikamaru and Red, who both nodded in silent agreement. The space settled into a tense stillness as the next phase of their pn began.

  The vessel glowed faintly as Kurama adjusted to his new form. His presence, once immense and unrestrained, now settled into the humanoid vessel crafted from Naruto's and Red's combined essence. The energy flowing through the vessel was staggering—a perfect fusion of draconic resilience and the unparalleled power of the Ten-Tailed Fox.

  Kurama stretched, flexing his new body with deliberate movements. His golden-obsidian skin rippled with tent power, and the streaks of molten veins glowed faintly as if alive. His crimson eyes gleamed, sharp and commanding, as he rolled his shoulders and let out a satisfied huff.

  "Well, this is different," Kurama said, his deep voice reverberating through the space. He clenched his fists, sparks of energy dancing across his form. "But I'll admit—it's a damn good fit."

  Naruto watched him carefully, his emerald eyes scanning the vessel's energy fluctuations for any sign of instability. When none appeared, he nodded. "You've got control?" he asked.

  Kurama grinned, baring sharp teeth. "More than enough. This body's solid. Durable. I can channel everything without worrying about it falling apart."

  Red snorted, his massive form shifting as he gave an approving nod. "Of course, it's solid. You're welcome, furball."

  Kurama shot him a smirk. "Don't think I'll be thanking you, lizard."

  Naruto raised a hand, cutting off the impending banter. "Focus," he said, his tone calm but firm. He turned to Aethra. "Are you ready for the journey?"

  Aethra stepped forward, her celestial form glowing softly as she inclined her head. "I am," she said, her voice carrying both determination and gratitude. "And I believe Kurama will be the key to stabilizing the bance. But before we leave…"

  She bowed deeply, her silver eyes glimmering as she addressed the three of them. "Thank you—for everything. For your strength, your ingenuity, and your willingness to assist my world. Your actions here will not be forgotten."

  Naruto, Red, and Shikamaru exchanged gnces, each responding in their own way. Naruto offered a slight nod of acknowledgment, his expression steady. Red rumbled with satisfaction, his wings flicking slightly. Shikamaru gave an awkward wave, his sharp mind already shifting to other concerns.

  Aethra straightened, her gaze softening as she lifted her hand. A faint light appeared in her palm, coalescing into a small, crystalline orb that pulsed gently with energy. "Before we depart, I want to ensure you can remain in contact with Kurama," she said. "I do not want you to rely on the 10% of his power left in you to sustain communication over such a vast distance. So, I have crafted this."

  The orb floated upward, splitting into three identical crystals, each one drifting toward Naruto, Red, and Shikamaru. As they took hold of the crystals, Aethra expined, her tone tinged with a hint of weariness.

  "This system is barebones—a pseudo-basic assistant designed to bridge the gap between you and Kurama. It is linked directly to Astrid, who will serve as the primary interface in Kurama's vessel. With this, you can communicate with him across dimensions, receive critical updates on his status, and share key information as needed."

  The crystals fred faintly, projecting a simple interface in the air before them. A synthesized voice, clear and neutral, resonated in their minds:

  Greetings. I am Oracis, the Dimensional Rey and Support System. Title: Pseudo-Basic Liaison. Threat Level: Non-combative. Functionality: Interdimensional communication, dynamic energy management, and combat enhancement.

  Naruto raised a brow at the introduction but remained silent as Aethra continued.

  "Oracis is limited," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "It cannot perform complex calcutions or provide detailed analysis like Astrid. However, it excels in several key areas that will prove invaluable to you."

  She gestured to the crystals, which pulsed gently. "First, Oracis enables seamless communication between you and Kurama, even across vast dimensional distances. You'll receive real-time updates about his progress, status, or challenges."

  Shikamaru, examining the interface with a sharp eye, nodded thoughtfully. "Useful, but we already expected that. What else?"

  Aethra smiled faintly and continued, "Second, Oracis can dynamically redistribute energy among you, Red, and your allies. If one of you has surplus reserves, Oracis can redirect that energy to reinforce barriers, empower techniques, or temporarily enhance others."

  Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly, and even Red tilted his massive head, his molten-gold gaze gleaming with interest. "Redistributing energy?" Shikamaru repeated, his tone ced with admiration. "That's… brilliant. If someone like me could tap into Red or Naruto's reserves—even temporarily—that could change the tide of a fight."

  Red chuckled, his wings fring slightly. "You're already pnning to siphon my power, huh, Shika?"

  Shikamaru gave a sly grin. "Only if you let me."

  Naruto smirked faintly but directed his attention back to Aethra. "What's the catch?"

  "It requires permission," she said firmly. "Oracis will not redistribute energy without the source's explicit consent. Additionally, it's designed to ensure bance—no one will be destabilized in the process."

  Naruto nodded, satisfied. "Fair enough. And the third feature?"

  Aethra's expression turned more serious. "Oracis can synchronize with the dimensional flow, allowing you to navigate the interdimensional framework with precision. This includes identifying stable pathways, tracking dimensional disruptions, and even predicting anomalies that could affect Kurama's trajectory or your own movements in the Gap."

  Shikamaru examined the crystal again, his analytical mind racing. "A navigation system tied to dimensional flow… that's not just useful—it's groundbreaking. Even in our world, we've barely scratched the surface of that capability."

  Red grinned, his massive tail flicking zily. "Looks like you've got your hands on something special, Shika. Just don't break it."

  The crystals dimmed slightly, their glow stabilizing as the interface disappeared. Naruto, Red, and Shikamaru exchanged gnces, a silent acknowledgment of the tool they had just been given.

  "It'll work," Naruto said finally, his tone decisive. He gnced at Aethra. "Thank you."

  Aethra inclined her head, her expression softening with a hint of apology. "I hope it serves you well," she said softly. "And that it helps ensure our worlds remain connected."

  Kurama rolled his shoulders again, his grin widening. "Well then," he said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Let's get this show on the road. Time to see what kind of mess these machines have gotten themselves into."

  Aethra stepped closer to Kurama, her radiant form casting a gentle glow over his vessel. "Are you prepared?" she asked.

  Kurama's crimson eyes gleamed. "Always."

  Naruto, Red, and Shikamaru watched as Aethra raised her hand, a vortex of light forming around her and Kurama. The energy pulsed, resonating through the Dimensional Gap as the two prepared to embark on their journey. Aethra gnced back one st time, her silver eyes meeting Naruto's.

  "Thank you," she said, her voice steady and filled with resolve. "For everything."

  Kurama looked at his partner as well and with a toothy grin, gave his final words. "Don't die when I'm gone, Naruto. Who knows what I'll do,"

  Naruto gave a small nod at both of them.

  And with that, the vortex intensified, enveloping them in a burst of radiant light. When the glow faded, Aethra and Kurama were gone, leaving only the faint hum of residual energy behind. Naruto, Red, and Shikamaru stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their departure settling over them.

  "Well," Shikamaru said finally, breaking the quiet. "That was… something."

  Naruto exhaled, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You can say that again."

  Red rumbled with amusement, his wings shifting as he turned to face them. "And now we wait. Let's see what kind of trouble that furball stirs up on the other side."

  The three exchanged gnces, the tension giving way to a quiet sense of readiness for whatever came next. They weren't just sending Kurama to fight—they were sending him to change the game.

  Everything went silent, save for the residual hum of energy left behind by Aethra and Kurama's departure. The faint traces of their power lingered, a reminder of the monumental task they had just set into motion.

  Shikamaru stretched zily, breaking the stillness. "Well, that was entertaining," he muttered, his tone dry but not without a hint of amusement. "But I think I've had enough fun for one night."

  Naruto shot him a sidelong gnce, his emerald eyes gleaming faintly with lingering energy. "Heading out already?"

  "Yeah," Shikamaru said with a shrug. "Unlike you, I actually need sleep. Someone has to stay sharp enough to clean up your messes ter." His smirk softened the remark, a casual jab that carried no real bite.

  Red rumbled with amusement, his wings shifting as he leaned back. "Don't go too soft on him, Shika. You've got a reputation to uphold."

  Shikamaru waved dismissively, already stepping toward the edges of the space. "Yeah, yeah. Don't burn the pce down while I'm gone."

  With a nod, Naruto sent Shikamaru to his residence, his figure faded into the shadows, leaving the swirling void of the Dimensional Gap as their only companion. He exhaled slowly, the faint tension in his shoulders easing as he turned back to Red.

  "Think they'll manage?" Naruto asked, his tone thoughtful.

  Red snorted, his molten-gold eyes narrowing slightly. "Kurama's got enough power to level a dimension, and Aethra knows what she's doing. The real question is what's going to wake up while they're gone."

  Naruto nodded, his gaze drifting outward toward the churning expanse of the Dimensional Gap. The swirling void rippled faintly, its chaotic energy as unpredictable as ever. For a moment, everything seemed calm, the stillness settling over them like a fragile truce.

  But then, without warning, Naruto's Sacred Gear pulsed.

  The first sign was subtle—a faint vibration in the air, a low thrum that resonated deep in his core. But within seconds, the pulse grew stronger, Skiadrum's dark essence and the luminous energy of the light half awakening in tandem. The sudden convergence sent a wave of energy rippling outward, distorting the air around Naruto as though reality itself were bending to acknowledge the shift.

  Naruto's eyes widened slightly, his body tensing as the power within him began to churn uncontrolbly. A deep, resonant hum filled the space, and the swirling void of the Dimensional Gap shuddered, the chaotic expanse reacting to the surge of energy.

  Red's head snapped toward Naruto, his draconic eyes narrowing sharply. "What's this now?" he muttered, his tail shing against the void impatiently. "Naruto, your power—"

  Before he could finish, a brilliant aura erupted from Naruto's form, enveloping him in a cascade of shadow and light. The transformation was instantaneous, the energy radiating from him so intense that it forced Red to take a cautious step back, his wings fring instinctively.

  The shadows of Naruto's Sacred Gear recoiled, it's dark essence coiling like a serpent ready to flee. The luminous energy of the light half surged forward, a blinding cascade of radiance that seemed to pierce through the swirling void around them. The two forces cshed within Naruto's form, their opposing natures vying for dominance in a struggle that reverberated through the very fabric of the Dimensional Gap.

  And Cut.

  That's it for this chapter folks. Hope you liked it.

  AN:

  Here is the banger. it was fun to write an interdimensional problem solved. Oh who will forget about the system? I mean, who knows when it will be used? Looks at the end. Not soon, for sure. Also, I will let you know about the proper update schedule for January on the new year. Happy Holidays!

  And, here is an Omake I thought too good to miss. Enjoy and let me know how it is!

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  Omake: "Kurama Unleashed: The Shinobi Solution"

  Shikamaru, ever the strategist, rubbed the back of his neck with exaggerated nonchance. His sharp eyes glinted mischievously as he began to pace slowly in front of Aethra, gesturing toward Kurama like a salesman pitching the test revolutionary gadget.

  "So, here's the deal," he said, his tone taking on an overly dramatic air of enthusiasm. "What you're looking at is not just your average interdimensional problem solver. No, no, no—this is Shinju Kurama, the ultimate one-stop solution for all your chaos-stabilizing needs."

  Kurama tilted his massive head, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as his tails flicked behind him. "I'm not sure I like where this is going…"

  Shikamaru ignored the comment, his voice picking up momentum. "Imagine this: your world's falling apart, machines are invading, dimensional ripples everywhere—total mess. You could waste time with all kinds of inefficient cleanup crews, or…" He gestured dramatically to Kurama. "You could deploy this big guy right here. Press one metaphorical button, and bam! Problem solved."

  Naruto arched a brow, the corners of his mouth twitching as he fought to maintain a straight face. Red, lounging in the background, was already grinning, his massive cwed hand covering his mouth in a poor attempt to hide his amusement.

  "Let me break it down for you," Shikamaru continued, now in full pitchman mode. "He's got immeasurable chakra reserves, masterful destruction and regeneration capabilities, and enough presence to make even the most arrogant machines think twice. And best of all, he's incredibly user-friendly! Just point him at the problem, say something mildly motivating like 'Go fix it,' and sit back while he does all the hard work."

  Kurama's tails shed behind him, his expression a mix of exasperation and begrudging amusement. "You're really selling me like I'm some kind of glorified nuke for hire."

  Shikamaru smirked, unfazed. "That's because you are, big guy. You're the ultimate weapon in this situation—overkill incarnate. Why handle a bird poop problem with a tissue when you can just vaporize the tree with a perfectly calibrated nuke?" He turned back to Aethra, folding his hands behind his head as he added with a mockingly casual tone, "Completely efficient and guaranteed to leave an impression."

  Red's deep, rumbling ughter finally broke through his attempts at composure, shaking the space around them as he cpped his cws together. "I have to say, Shika, you're really selling it. 'Nuke for hire'—that's one for the ages."

  Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose, his shoulders shaking slightly as he struggled to suppress his own ughter. "Shikamaru… you're impossible," he said, his voice muffled.

  Aethra, however, was caught between disbelief and a reluctant smile. Her silver eyes darted between Kurama and Shikamaru, a mixture of incredulity and newfound appreciation flickering in her expression. Even Astrid, typically focused and composed, was silent for a moment as if recalcuting whether Shikamaru's pitch was serious or just an eborate jest.

  Finally, Kurama sighed dramatically, his crimson eyes rolling. "Fine. Let's get this over with before he decides to start putting me on billboards."

  Shikamaru grinned triumphantly. "See? Even the product agrees it's the best solution."

  Naruto and Red burst into open ughter, their voices filling the space as the tension broke. Aethra couldn't help but smile, despite herself, shaking her head slightly at the absurdity of the moment.

  "Fine," Aethra said, her voice carrying a faint note of amusement beneath the seriousness. "If this… solution… is what you're proposing, I'll accept it. But I'll hold you to that guarantee of effectiveness."

  Shikamaru gave her a mock salute. "Don't worry. Satisfaction's guaranteed—or Kurama eats the problem. Literally."

  Kurama growled low, though there was no heat in it. "Keep talking, genius, and I might decide to start with you."

  Shikamaru just smirked, his confidence unshaken. "All part of the package."

  The End

  End AN:

  Next 2 chapters will be good as well.

  As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!

  I'm very delighted to share that you can now read 7 early chapters on my patron. My user name is same BckInfinity1289 on patron website.

  Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.

  Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.

  link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b

  Hope to see you there!

  Thank you for reading.

  Good Day!

  Bck Infinity 1289,

  Ja Ne.