Chapter 20: Loneliness

My Life as Naruto Uzumaki - Harem Version

Chapter 20: Loneliness

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[MC POV]

After tossing Sensei onto a futon in Tsunami's extra room, we all sat down to take a breather. I took a quick nap to get most of the soreness and fatigue left over from our intense training. Which seemed to be the popular thing to do, as when I woke up Sasuke and Sakura were both out like a light and it was night-time.

I walked around the house before walking out to the pier within the property and just stared at the moon and its reflection on the water's surface. I began to consider everything that's happened so far, both as Naruto Uzumaki and as **** ****. I was also an orphan in my previous life, however, I had the relative luxury of not knowing anything about my parents.

They'd died during one of the many bombings that were engulfing the world at the time. I was still at the hospital by then, a relatively safe zone compared to the rest of the world. I wasn't happy about that, but it meant I had no attachment growing up. A desire for it yes, but no actual attachment.

Funny how even in all-out world-consuming warfare, hospitals and medics were afforded safety above everyone else. Who else would keep the declining population alive while the world powers all blew themselves up for no apparent reason? I'm surprised so many things survived the start of the war, considering an entire country got nuked out of existence as the declaration of war was made; per the history books.

Anyway, I grew up with many others in my situation and eventually decided that if we were all going to die because of the war to begin with, we would at least go out on an adventure and meet our ends that way. Out of the fifty kids I grew up with and joined the special operations program with -the one that saw most of the combat-, only two of us made it to the age of 17, and I died on my 18th birthday. Not a bad ride, but terribly short. Still, considering the lifespan for most people was reduced from the high 70s to the low 20s. I'd say I did alright.

Anyway, I then began to think about how this life started. Born as one of my favorite characters, forced to witness the death of characters I'd always wish were my parents because of how they were portrayed. Then treated, more or less, like just another mouth to feed by most people I'd come into contact with. It was actually rather similar to my previous life in all honesty.

But then came Big Sis Yūgao, something I only ever called her in my head since I had to call her Cat outwardly. She took an interest in me and went out of her way to give me some semblance of a childhood parental figure. I never heard her voice without the monotone, but I knew she was treating me with more warmth than anybody ever would.

After she was removed from my security detail once I joined the academy, I felt lonely. Even with the shy Hinata and over-rambunctious Ino slowly becoming constant presences in my life and apartment, I still felt a deep sense of seclusion. The reason I spent most of my time in the forests to begin with. 

I've felt a deep sense of loneliness and isolation since being here, and not getting to enjoy the promise of love and warmth offered by my deceased parents only exacerbated that feeling. I didn't really meet them, but I did get to see them in their final moments, dying while they held me in their arms. That was more parental love than I'd ever gotten, period. 

Now I'm here, on mission, and I have to play nice with this conceited little shit who still has a loving mom and grandfather, and acts like the world is about to burn into nothingness. I'm beyond just a little upset.

So, staring at the night sky, the big full moon, and the sparkling light of the stars on the water, was a good way for me to let my emotions cycle through and come to terms with my current situation.

I thought I wanted a harem and sure, I still do, but I won't really be able to enjoy it until everything that could pose a danger to our lives is dealt with. And for that, I need to make sure that Kawaki and Kara never see the light of day. I need to destroy Kaguya and her shadow, Zetsu, I have to go through a whole ass war with a giant statue and one of the most dangerous lunatics to ever grace the world, and I need to avoid getting caught by all sorts of overpowered lunatics.

And all of these before I can enjoy the warmth of being with all of the girls I've grown fond of and will grow fond of in the future. I wish I could've just been a farmer. I wouldn't meet these beauties in that line of work, but a little peace would do me some good. I'd certainly consider it a fair trade-off.

But, enough of this, I need to check what all of these new rewards and bonuses are.

[Training Grounds: 

Allows the player to practice techniques or skills while asleep. Does not increase levels or stats.]

[Healthy Rivalry Bonus:

Combination attacks with Sasuke Uchiha are twice as powerful.

[Team 7 Bonus:

DS and CP are doubled when fighting alongside Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha.]

[Boyfriend Status:

Shows your relationship standing with your significant other's. Informational.]

[Toggle Bonuses:

Allows player to turn their title bonuses on or off individually.]

[Parental Guidance Quest:

Requires Player to learn certain techniques from certain individuals to progress.]

[Boyfriend Dialogue:

Allows Player to begin formal relationships with prospective partners. Requires Romance Ready relationship status from specified individual to guarantee success.] 

Hmm... not as game-breaking as I thought it would be. What's my status with Sakura?

[Sakura Haruno - High affection (high romance)]

Hmm, not ready yet. That's good, 'cause I'm not either. I'll just let this be organic.

I grew sleepy after checking these and having that moment of reflection, so I walked back into the house and fell asleep on my futon.

[Player | Lv20 - DS: 18,400/ CP: 27,400/ STR: 230/ AGI: 215/ VIT: 280/ INT: 200/ SNC: 185]