The Silence Before The Storm

Hello Drinor Here, If you like to become a patron and get access to these chapters earlier, head on over to Patreon and search 'Drinor.'

Write 'www.Patreon.com/Drinor' in the Websearch

The following 6 Chapters are Already Available for Patrons

Chapter 11 (Visiting an Old Friend), Chapter 12 (The Fall of Shiganshina), Chapter 13 (Despair), Chapter 14 (To Training Corps), Chapter 15 (First Day), and Chapter 16 (New Power) are already available for Patrons.

Early Year 855

With a tinge of concern in his voice, Naruto gently inquired, "Does it still hurt?" His eyes fixed upon Armin's bruised skin, Naruto's hand quivered with a faint shimmering green glow that emanated an otherworldly aura akin to a delicate mist. The ethereal radiance gracefully caressed the contours of Armin's bruised flesh, consuming them within its healing embrace. In an astonishing display of his abilities, Naruto's touch worked its magic, quickly eradicating the once-vivid bruises. The pain that had once plagued Armin's body dissipated into oblivion, leaving behind only a profound sense of relief and gratitude.

Eren, Mikasa, and Naruto had gone out to find Armin and play as they usually did, but yet again, they had found him being bullied by the three bullies; the bullies ran away in fear the moment they noticed Naruto and Mikasa running away. After the bullies ran away, Naruto decided to use his healing abilities to heal Armin's injuries.

With an astonished tone, Armin marveled, "The pain is gone!" He gingerly tested his arm, marveling at the absence of discomfort. It felt as though he had never sustained any injuries in the first place. Naruto exhaled a sigh of relief, his heart swelling with joy upon hearing Armin's recovery. However, the bewildered expressions on both Armin and Mikasa's faces served as a reminder of the extraordinary abilities Naruto possessed, stirring up curiosity and fascination once again.

It has been four months now since Mikasa joined the Yeager Family. Mikasa had found Naruto to be good company after she got used to him. In the beginning, she tried to avoid him, finding him very different from everyone else in the house, especially the whiskers marks on his cheeks, which Mikasa found both strange and adorable.

At first, Mikasa spent time with Naruto only when she was in someone else's company; in most cases, it was Eren. While Naruto was very kind and was funny sometimes, Mikasa couldn't help but find it strange just how different he looked from the rest of the Yeager family. Mikasa had even asked Carla about it, but she told her that Naruto was Eren's brother and that she had no reason to be scared of him.

Eventually, Mikasa started seeing Naruto as a brother only when he showed her his ability to grow trees, plants, and flowers.

' With her small, delicate fingers, Mikasa carefully grasped the elegant vase by its slender handle. She felt a surge of excitement as she held the precious vessel, its vibrant colors and intricate patterns capturing her imagination. As she lifted the vase with just one hand, she could sense the weight of the water inside, causing the vessel to teeter slightly. Undeterred by the challenge, Mikasa resolved to take matters into her own hands, aware that Eren might struggle with the task due to the heaviness of the water-filled vase. With a confident smile, she decided to venture into the lush oasis of their quaint little garden, nestled behind their humble abode, and personally attend to the needs of their beloved plants, quenching their thirst with tender care and affection.

Mikasa gracefully approached the door with a determined stride. Brimming with anticipation, her small hand swiftly reached out and tightly seized the cool metal handle. As she exerted a gentle force, the door obediently swung open, granting her passage into the garden. Stepping out into the world, she found herself momentarily blinded by the brilliant rays of sunlight that bathed her face, causing her to squint with a mix of curiosity and delight. The air enveloping her felt invigorating as if it had been kissed by the essence of fresh water, an intoxicating blend of nature's purity. Mikasa couldn't help but reminisce about a conversation with Doctor Yeager, who told her the air possesses a heightened moisture level.

As Mikasa's eyes scanned the small garden, her gaze lingered on the delicate flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. Although it appeared modest at first glance, the garden held a profound significance for Mikasa. It served as a poignant reminder of the lush oasis she once called her own back in her home. Carla had taken it upon herself to create a serene space where Mikasa could retreat to find solace and tranquility. Mikasa would often take a moment to relax on the rocking chair thoughtfully placed near the garden, savoring its mesmerizing view. In just a short month since Mikasa had become a part of their family, Carla's unconditional love and acceptance had exceeded any expectations, effortlessly filling the void in Mikasa's heart left by her own parents. This unwavering affection was further exemplified by Carla's insistence that Mikasa refers to her as "Mother," encouraging Mikasa to embrace the familial bond that had formed so effortlessly between them.

While Mikasa was undoubtedly grateful for Carla's presence in her life, she couldn't completely embrace the term 'Mother' just yet. The mere mention of that word evoked memories of her deceased parents. Like a ceaseless river, Tears would cascade down her cheeks, and Mikasa would find herself engulfed in inconsolable grief. Thus, for the time being, Mikasa gingerly sidestepped the use of the revered title when addressing Carla, her heart yearning for healing and the strength to bear the weight of that cherished word.

Clad in silence, Mikasa gracefully made her way towards one of the delicate, small plants nestled within the garden. With a subtle yet purposeful gesture, she began nurturing the plant, gently sprinkling water onto its leaves and soil. Despite the cool sensation of the muddy ground caressing her bare feet, Mikasa remained unfazed, primarily consumed by her task at hand.

As she continued watering the plant, her gaze transcended beyond its fragile existence and fixated upon the majestic presence of the solitary tree that stood tall amidst the limited expanse of their garden. Remarkably, despite the garden's modest proportions, this tree soared to a staggering height of thirty meters, unabashedly dominating the surroundings.

The tree, reaching towards the heavens, possessed an indomitable presence that left an indelible mark on the quaint town of Shiganshina. Its conspicuous figure stood as a prominent landmark, serving as a mesmerizing sight visible from every vantage point within the vicinity. Its magnificence transcended the garden's boundaries, captivating the attention of all who beheld its captivating stature.

Mikasa had heard from Carla that Naruto had grown it; she wondered how he had grown such a large tree. Lost in her musings, Mikasa's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the footsteps approaching. Acting on instinct, she swiveled her head around to pinpoint the source and was delighted to discover Naruto himself, his face radiant with an infectious smile illuminating the surroundings.

"Good morning, Mikasa,"

"Good Morning, Naruto," Mikasa said slightly reluctantly, looking around, hoping for someone else to join them, when Naruto approached even closer.

"You like the garden, don't you?" Naruto asked, his vibrant blue eyes sparkling mischievously, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Taken aback by the unexpected insight, Mikasa couldn't help but wonder how he had realized this. Naruto's finger extended towards a weathered rocking chair nestled amidst the vibrant flora as if reading her mind.

"That chair was never there before. Is there any plant or flower you like in particular?" Naruto questioned with warmth; the question hung in the space between them as Mikasa remained silent, her thoughts enveloped in a cloud of uncertainty about Naruto's intentions. A minute stretched out, elongated by the weight of contemplation, as Mikasa grappled with deciphering Naruto's true nature. Amidst the stillness, the gentle rustle of the wind caressed their surroundings, intermingling with the rhythmic melody of droplets cascading from Mikasa's watering can, bringing life to the vibrant tapestry of plants and flowers that adorned their shared home.

Suddenly, Mikasa's attention was drawn to a remarkable sight unfolding in the garden—a group of several colorful birds gracefully descending from the sky and gracefully alighting all around. To her surprise, one of the birds confidently perched itself on Naruto's shoulder with gentle precision. The moment the bird settled, it emitted a melodious sound, almost akin to a joyous song, as if expressing its delight to have found solace near Naruto. Fascinated, Mikasa's eyes fixated upon Naruto, who, with his small hand, tenderly began petting the bird, prompting even more enchanting melodies to escape from the bird's beak, each sound a clear reflection of its boundless joy and deep contentment.

Naruto smiled fondly, his eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief as he effortlessly handled the bewilderment that etched onto Mikasa's face. Completely caught off guard by the bird's peculiar behavior. 

"How are you doing that?" Mikasa instinctively pointed at it, her surprise evident in the way her finger trembled slightly. It was an unusual sight indeed, for birds typically exhibited an innate wariness towards strangers, their instincts compelling them to take flight at the first sign of unfamiliarity. However, this particular bird seemed to defy all expectations, acting with an almost uncanny familiarity towards Naruto. With meticulous care and a warmth in his touch, Naruto gently cupped the bird in his skilled hands, ensuring that he did not startle or harm it in any way. And then, with measured precision, he gingerly transferred the bird from his own shoulder to Mikasa's, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of astonishment and curiosity.

Unable to contain her excitement, Mikasa nearly let out a delighted squeal upon seeing the bird with its mesmerizing vivid green eyes. However, she managed to exercise self-control and restrained herself from doing so. The striking gaze of the bird, fixed upon her, seemed to hold a profound connection that stirred something within Mikasa. As if in response to this unspoken bond, the avian creature emitted a sweet and melodic sound, enchanting her further. 

A radiant smile gradually illuminated Mikasa's face as a surge of pure happiness surged through her heart like a blossoming flower. With a gentle and tender touch, her unhindered hand extended upwards, finding its place atop the bird's head, its softness and warmth bringing her solace. Mindful of the fragility of her avian friend, Mikasa took deliberate care not to cause any unintentional harm. In an incredible display of understanding, it was evident that the bird relished the attention and affection that Mikasa bestowed upon her.

With a wide grin on his face, Naruto exclaimed, "She likes you!" He couldn't contain his excitement as he vigorously slapped his hands together in pure joy. Standing tall, his blonde spiky hair caught the attention of a small bird, gracefully perched atop it. In that amusing moment, Naruto couldn't help but ponder whether the bird saw his vibrant hair as a cozy spot to build its nest and lay eggs.

"She's beautiful," Mikasa commented, still looking at the bird resting on her shoulder before she turned her attention towards Naruto.

"Miss Yeager said that you love the garden," Mikasa said. Naruto's face lit up with a bright smile as he eagerly nodded in agreement. Feeling a deep connection with nature, he couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas surrounding him. Pointing enthusiastically at various flowers adorned the garden, Naruto's hand gracefully glided through the air, showcasing a kaleidoscope of blooms in all their resplendent glory.

"Yes, I love watering plants, and flowers," Naruto enthusiastically responded with a bright smile, his eyes sparkling under the warmth of the sun's rays. His love for watering plants and tending to delicate flowers was evident in the way he spoke. The vibrant sunlight seemed to amplify his infectious joy, making his smile even more radiant. This happy exchange between Naruto and Mikasa triggered a bittersweet recollection for Mikasa. 

As she observed Naruto's genuine passion, her mind wandered back to her cherished memories of her own mother. Mikasa couldn't help but reminisce about the days when her mother would lovingly tend to their modest garden, delicately nurturing each blossom. Her mother's love for gardens was evident through her heartfelt stories and dreams, in which she envisioned a future where they would cultivate a magnificent garden adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers. As Naruto's words echoed in her ears, Mikasa couldn't escape the tender emotions that swelled within her, a wistful reminder of the garden dreams she once shared with her mother.

"What are your favorite flowers?" Mikasa questioned, her voice tinged with a combination of curiosity and wistfulness. Naruto seemed to notice the subtle undertones of sadness emanating from Mikasa's voice and the melancholy flicker in her eyes but decided against commenting on it directly. Instead, his natural inclination to uplift those around him prompted him to gesture toward a cornflower standing proudly behind him. With its vivid blue petals and delicate shape, the cornflower served as a visual representation of hope and resilience.

"Cornflower?" Mikasa questioned with a slight hint of curiosity, her hands gently placing the large vase on the moist, muddy ground. As she stepped back, her gaze fixated on the vibrant blooms; she noticed Naruto approach with a sense of wonderment. His fingers reached out tentatively, exploring the soft texture and delicate intricacies of the cornflower's exquisite blue petals.

"This is my favourite, flower," Naruto explained, pointing at the blue flower.

"It's beautiful," Mikasa agreed, her fingers tenderly caressing the delicate petals of the cornflower. A sense of awe and admiration washed over her as she touched the celestial blue petals. The flower seemed to have an ethereal glow, its vibrant blue color glistening with radiance under the warm embrace of the sunlight. Each petal felt velvety soft against her fingertips, almost as if the flower held a secret treasure within its delicate structure. Mikasa couldn't help but be captivated by its enchanting beauty.

"Do you have a favorite flower?" Naruto questioned, his voice filled with curiosity and warmth as he gently glanced up from the delicate, vibrant flower he held in his hands to Mikasa. The gentle breeze rustled their hair and carried with it a sense of tranquility. However, something in Mikasa's reaction caught Naruto off guard. Her smile faltered as his gaze met hers, revealing a flicker of sorrow that danced in her eyes. It was as if a torrent of memories had come rushing back to her, overwhelming her with an unspoken sadness. The weight of her unshed tears became evident, shimmering like dewdrops, threatening to cascade down her cheeks at any moment.

"My mother, she planted a seed in our garden, that flower is my favourite, she called it Sakura flower," As Mikasa, still overcome with emotions, tearfully explained. Struggling to contain her grief, her voice wavered amidst her sorrowful sobs. Naruto felt a deep sense of helplessness as he desperately searched for a way to comfort her in her moment of vulnerability.

"Do you still have the seed?" Naruto questioned; his words caused Mikasa to stop sobbing, looking up at Naruto once again.

"Huh?!" 

"If you have the seeds, I can grow them for you right now," Naruto explained. Mikasa looked at him strangely; she didn't understand how someone could grow a flower within minutes, a flower that normally took ten years if not more, to grow. Her mother had planted the seed before Mikasa was even born, and still, Mikasa remembered it growing.

Mikasa reluctantly reached into her pocket and grabbed a single seed; she planned to plant it today and water it until it grew. Mikasa knew it would take a decade, if not more, but it was not like she was going anywhere.

After Mikasa handed the seed to Naruto, filled with anticipation, he wasted no time and immediately delved into examining the vast expanse of the garden for the optimal location to sow the precious seed. Displaying a fervent determination, Naruto intently scrutinized the grounds, carefully weighing factors such as sunlight exposure, soil fertility, and proper drainage by instinctively pressing his fingertips onto the earth's surface. Patiently traversing through the garden, Naruto diligently surveyed each patch of soil, fully invested in discovering the ideal spot. Finally, amidst his meticulous exploration, Naruto's unwavering dedication paid off as he triumphantly identified the perfect spot, rendering all his previous search efforts worthwhile.

Mikasa stood by and observed with intrigue as Naruto skillfully dug a small hole in the moist soil using a small shovel. With utmost care, Naruto gently placed the precious seed inside the cavity, ensuring it had the perfect environment for growth. Intently focused, he diligently covered the seed with soil, his every movement instilling a sense of anticipation in Mikasa. However, defying her expectations, Naruto took two calculated steps back instead of watering the ground as she presumed, motioning for Mikasa to stand closer to him. This unexpected turn of events piqued her curiosity even further.

"Watch this," Naruto said with a warm smile before crouching down, his eyes fixed on the tiny seed nestled in the soil. Standing a few steps away, Mikasa couldn't help but feel intrigued by the mysterious display about to unfold. As Naruto gently pressed his open palms onto the earth, a surge of anticipation washed over her. Suddenly, an unexpected tremor coursed through the ground beneath her feet, catching Mikasa off guard.

With wide-eyed curiosity, Mikasa watched as the once tranquil ground burst open, revealing a burst of vibrant green. The planted seed had sprouted into a flourishing Sakura flower, defying all expectations of normal growth. The sight was mesmerizing, as every passing second witnessed the flower's rapid expansion. Mikasa found herself in awe as the delicate petals unfurled one by one, showcasing a breathtaking spectrum of colors. The scent of the Sakura flower permeated the air, its sweet fragrance calling out to the nearby birds, coaxing them to approach this enchanting spectacle.

Mikasa felt a rush of overwhelming emotions as tears streamed down her face, mingling with the bittersweet taste of a smile that grew more pronounced with each passing second. The sight of her dead mother's favorite flower, delicately placed before her, became a poignant reminder of the love and memories they once shared together. As the familiar and comforting scent of the flower enveloped her senses, Mikasa couldn't help but be transported back to her childhood home, where laughter and joy had once filled every corner. Despite the tears that welled in her eyes, each drop holding its own story of longing and loss, an undeniable smile adorned her face.

"Do you like it?"

"N-Naruto, T-Thank you," Mikasa said wholeheartedly, her voice trembling with gratitude as she expressed her emotions. Overwhelmed by her sincerity, she rushed toward Naruto and tightly embraced him, catching him off guard momentarily. His initial surprise quickly gave way to a deep warmth within as he instinctively hugged her back. Mikasa's tears flowed freely, wetting his shirt, but Naruto paid no heed to the dampness. Feeling a mix of sadness and relief, Mikasa clung onto him, releasing all her built-up emotions in sobs against his chest.

"Anything for my sister," '

After that day, Mikasa was never again uncomfortable in Naruto's presence. The same day she and Naruto became friends, Mister Grisha explained to Mikasa that she needed to keep quiet about Naruto's abilities to grow trees. Mikasa had questions, many questions, but Doctor Grisha made her promise to keep it quiet; Mikasa had sworn right away. She didn't understand why to kept it secret, but she would do as she was told.

The following day, Eren and Naruto explained to her how Naruto's abilities worked; in the end, Mikasa couldn't help but wonder just how many trees Naruto could grow and if he could use said trees to protect himself or attack something.

Naruto didn't take long to show his other ability, healing injuries very fast. Mikasa thought that was the most impressive one, solely because Eren was the one who hurt his knee while running, and Naruto had quickly healed him. Mikasa had watched as the small cut on the knee disappeared as if it was never there; the only thing left was the dried blood left from the wound when it had been opened.

Now, once again, Mikasa watched as Naruto once again showed his healing abilities, and again, she was completely astonished, but the sight made her smile.

"Armin, you should fight back, you can't just allow them to step over you like that," Eren said with slight annoyance. Armin pulled up an innocent smile.

"That's not me Eren, despite what happens, I'm still the one who wins, they know that, that's why they result to physical violence," Armin answered; his words didn't seem to satisfy Eren, but he knew his friend was very stubborn.

"Maybe, but I think a punch or two wouldn't hurt," Naruto added, slightly agreeing with his brother.

Suddenly, a chilly gust of wind swept past Naruto, causing him to shiver. At that very moment, he felt an abrupt and distinct change in the overall temperature of his surroundings. Intrigued, Naruto raised his gaze toward the heavens above, where he was captivated by the sight of delicate snowflakes descending gracefully from the cloudy sky. With childlike wonder, Naruto instinctively stretched out his palm, exposing it to the wintry embrace of the falling snow. As if on cue, a solitary snowflake delicately landed on Naruto's outstretched hand, its unique crystalline beauty glistening momentarily before succumbing to the warmth of his skin, dissolving instantaneously.

Naruto couldn't help but let out a hearty chuckle as he stood amidst the falling snowflakes, witnessing the serene transformation of the once-clear sky into a stunning winter wonderland. A few hours had passed since the snowfall began, and the sight was nothing short of magical. As time went on, the snow continued to descend gracefully, delicately blanketing every inch of Shiganshina in a glistening white coat.

The arrival of the snow brought newfound joy and excitement to the hearts of children throughout the town. Everywhere Naruto looked, he saw children his age embracing the wintry gift with sheer delight. Laughter echoed through the streets as little ones engaged in playful snowball fights, constructing intricate snowmen and joyfully sledding down gentle slopes. Their innocent laughter resonated through the air, spreading warmth and happiness among the townspeople.

The snow had worked its enchanting touch on both young and old, as individuals of all ages found themselves captivated by the winter spectacle. Even those burdened by the weight of their responsibilities couldn't resist stepping outside to relish in the simple pleasure of the snow-covered surroundings. As the day progressed, the atmosphere buzzed with an exhilarating sense of camaraderie and unity as everyone embraced the shared experience of this snowy day.

The thin layer of snow that cloaked every building, tree, and street added a touch of ethereal beauty to the already picturesque scenery. Shiganshina had undergone a metamorphosis, and its familiar streets now wore a breathtakingly serene appearance. Footprints of countless playful children, along with the intricate patterns left by snowflakes on every surface, created a mesmerizing tapestry of winter art.

In this miraculous snowfall, the spirit of winter's joy had taken hold of Shiganshina; painting smiles on faces that had long forgotten such simple pleasures. It was a day where worries and troubles seemed to melt away with the snow, replaced by the intoxicating mixture of laughter, merriment, and childlike wonder. As Naruto observed the scene, he couldn't help but be filled with a sense of gratitude for this magical winter gift that had brought so much warmth and unity to the hearts of his fellow townspeople.

Two Months Later

"Now, let's see who can throw the most snowballs," Eren challenged them with a mischievous smirk as the trio stepped outside, eager to join the fun and frolic of the winter wonderland. Naruto's eyes widened with excitement. The snow-covered ground was a canvas for other children's creative expressions as they built forts and snowmen and engaged in friendly snowball fights.

"If any of you hits me, when I'm not looking, you all will regret it," Naruto warned with a playful voice.

"Naruto, why would I ever do such a thing," Eren said with a dramatic flair, his voice echoing through the crisp winter air. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he watched Naruto's reaction, eagerly anticipating his response.

Before Naruto could even formulate a reply, a sudden impact hit the back of his blonde hair, causing him to spin around in surprise. He was met with the sight of Mikasa, her hands balled up into snowballs and a wide grin plastered across her face as she immediately took off running, leaving Naruto to shake off the snow and give chase.

"Come back here, both of you," Naruto demanded and started a chase of cat and mouse.

Naruto spotted Mikasa wandering through the snow-covered meadow. Without a second thought, he quickly scooped up a handful of snow and shaped it into a perfectly round snowball. Sneaking up behind Mikasa, Naruto launched the snowball at her back, causing her to yelp in surprise.

As Mikasa turned around, Naruto dashed off, his heart racing excitedly. Mikasa quickly reacted, though, and picked up two snowballs in her hands, determined to catch Naruto. "Come back here, Naruto. I just want to play," Mikasa demanded playfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she chased after him.

As Naruto charged through the snow, a broad grin spread across his face, his heart pumping with excitement and exhilaration. He barely managed to keep his footing as he raced forward, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of his friends.

Suddenly, he spotted Eren's figure hiding behind a tree, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Without hesitation, he sprinted towards him, determined to catch him off guard.

Just as he reached his hiding spot, he felt a cold, wet object whiz past his face, narrowly missing him. Turning to see where the snowball had come from, he saw Mikasa grinning wickedly at him, her arm cocked and ready to fire again.

But before he could react, he felt another icy projectile hit him square in the chest. Looking down, he saw that Eren had taken advantage of his distraction and had thrown a snowball at him as well.

Laughing, he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding another attack from Mikasa. But Eren wasn't so lucky - Mikasa's next snowball flew true and hit him square in the face.

Eren glared at both of them, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "You think that's funny?" he growled, her voice low and dangerous. "I'll show you funny!" With that, he began to chase them around like a madman, hurling snowballs left and right.

"Come back, both of you, right now!" He demanded, his voice echoing through the snowy landscape.

After one hour of chasing each other around the streets of Shiganshina, they stopped playing, with Naruto grinning and raising nine fingers from his hands.

After running around in the snow for over an hour, Mikasa was panting heavily, trying to catch her breath. "Only nine times, you lose Mikasa," Naruto taunted, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he watched her struggle to regain her composure. Despite her exhaustion, Mikasa couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Naruto's playful banter.

Soon, they were joined by Armin, but just like every beautiful thing, it could only last so long.

If you want to read the Following 6 Chapters, Check out The LINK Above