(All pictures, products and if I make allusions to anime, series and games do not belong to me)
It's been a year since Naruto was taught by Cloud. He is now seven years old. He has got some muscles and can carry the sword of Cloud without problems. Cloud was surprised at how quickly he learned, he even called him a genius. The day Akio and Naruto wanted to leave, Tifa and Cloud gave Naruto his own sword. He was very happy and hugged the two as a farewell.
Akio and Naruto come out of the portal. To Naruto's surprise, he didn't get dizzy, but he didn't get any information. He looks around and sees that they are in a kind of clearing. The clearing is surrounded by several rocks that form a circle, there is only one way in and out.
Naruto: Akio-nii, I think here is something wrong.
Akio sits on a log and looks at Naruto.
Akio: No Naruto everything is fine.
Naruto looks at Akio in confusion, he doesn't understand why everything should be fine. Akio looks around.
Akio: That is the forest of companions. Every Sato gets his companion from here, this is where Sapphire comes from.
Sapphire screams at Naruto. Akio smiles and pets her head.
Akio: Here you will find your companion.
Naruto claps his hands together and smiles.
Naruto: Alright let's go!
Naruto makes his way to the exit. But Akio doesn't follow him, of course Naruto notices that, turns and looks confused at his big brother.
Naruto: Are you coming?
Akio shakes his head.
Akio: You have to do that alone. I will sit here and wait. You cannot come back until you have your companion.
Naruto nods and goes to the entrance to the forest. As he walks through the entrance, tendrils grow and block the entrance. Naruto stands there for a few seconds before setting off. The forest is a quiet place, the only sounds Naruto hears are from the animals. Naruto is fascinated by all the animals, but every time he approaches an animal it runs away without losing any thought of stopping. This continues for some time until the sun goes down. Naruto decides to start a campfire and have a little rest. The crickets chirp and some owls also make loud noises. Everything seems very peaceful for Naruto until a dark laugh goes through the forest.
???: Hahaha, another Sato as it seems.
Naruto gets up and draws his sword.
Naruto: Who's there?!
The voice laughs again and Naruto tries to find the origin of the laugh, but it seems to him that it comes from everywhere.
???: Why should I tell you my name? I'd rather like to know why you are here?
The question confuses Naruto, but he decides that nothing bad will happen if he tells the voice.
Naruto: I'm here to find my companion.
???: Oh, so that is the reason. Are you sure you will treat your companion good? Are you strong enough to protect them?
Naruto is getting more and more suspicious of the voice, she plans something, he sure.
Naruto: I will take care of my companion, I will do the best I can.
A breath of wind turns out the fire, it takes a few moments for Naruto's eyes to get used to the dark.
???: Oh really then try to protect these little ones.
Naruto hears the chirping of birds and sees a nest with young birds in the tree. His eyes widen when he sees a hand with claws as fingers, which consists of darkness approaching the nest. Naruto jumps in the air and cuts the hand. The hand dissolves, another hand approaches the nest, but Naruto also cuts it. Another hand races towards Naruto and grabs his neck. He struggles to breathe, but he manages to get the hand off his neck and cuts it.
???: Why are you protecting these little creatures, they are not even your companion.
Naruto: I don't care, you play with lives of others! As long as I'm here I'll protect everyone from you! I will take care of every animal that is hurt because of you! I don't care if you are a powerful being or something like that, you will not defeat me!
To Naruto's surprise, there is a clapping coming from the forest. The fire starts again and a figure rises from the floor.
???: You passed. I am Azrad, the guardian of this forest and the person who tests your family to prove if you are worthy of a companion.
Naruto: Wait, so this was a test?
Azrad: Yes. You passed it with flying colors.
Naruto: So you know Akio-nii?
Azrad: Yes, Akio and his falcon, Sapphire. If you allow me, I have to touch your head to find out what animal or monster you get.
Naruto grabs his sword and nods.
Naruto: Alright do it.
Azrad floats closer to Naruto and touches his head. He closes his eyes and starts muttering to himself. He removes his hand, opens his eyes and puts his hand on his chin.
Azrad: That is rare. I know exactly what you get. Oh and Naruto.
Naruto: Yes?
Azrad puts a hand on his shoulder and looks at him with pity.
Azrad: I'm sorry you shouldn't have experienced this pain.
Naruto looks sadly on the floor until he shakes his head to get other thoughts. Suddenly two black balls fly towards them. Azrad smiles and claps his hands together.
Azrad: Ah they are there.
Azrad taps the balls and they open slowly. From one ball comes a female wolf with dark fur and a white underside. In the other ball is an elongated dragon.
The wolf and the dragon jump on Naruto and throw him on the ground. He laughs when they both lick his face. Azrad smiles and clears his throat. Naruto looks at him and smiles.
Azrad: These are your new companions and you seem to get along well. The wolf is a water wolf and the dragon is a dalamadur. It is rare that someone gets two companions. But before you go, please tell me the names of the two.
Naruto thinks for a while until he pats the wolf.
Naruto: I will call you Flow.
Naruto looks at the dragon.
Naruto: And I call you Raynir.
The two companions seem to like the names and start cuddling with him. Naruto laughs and hugs the two before heading back to Akio. He says goodbye to Azrad and makes his way back.
To be continued.