Chapter 41

Time passed quickly for the newly formed Golden Dawn. Over the past month, they had cemented themselves as a powerful force for good, gaining the respect of heroes and instilling fear in criminals. Their presence in Jump City turned it into one of the safest places in the world, with Naruto's swift and brutal justice discouraging any would-be troublemakers.

Crime rates plummeted across multiple cities as Naruto and his team took action where others hesitated. His prison planet system became the most effective and discreet way of dealing with threats, earning the Justice League's quiet approval. With no need to worry about corrupt politicians interfering, dangerous individuals like Lex Luthor disappeared from the world stage without unnecessary drama.

Though the system wasn't public knowledge, the hero community knew about it. Many of them—especially the more pragmatic ones—had no problem sending irredeemable threats away permanently. Even Batman, though wary, had acknowledged its effectiveness.

Naruto and Kushina had fully adjusted to their new world. Over time, they had built deep bonds with Young Justice, the Justice League, and, most importantly, their own Golden Dawn teammates. They trained together, fought together, and even spent time just relaxing, something Naruto hadn't had much of in his past life.

One of the biggest developments was the move to a permanent base. After careful planning, Naruto decided to establish the team's headquarters on the Moon. Hidden from the public, the Golden Dawn Moon Base was a technological marvel, offering everything from training grounds to living spaces. Thanks to Naruto's mastery over nature and Raven's magic, the base even had an artificial ecosystem inside, with a small forest, fresh water, and a controlled atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Golden Dawn's presence on Earth remained strong. Their Jump City outpost became a sanctuary for people seeking protection or simply looking to visit the newly flourishing landscape. Naruto had taken it upon himself to restore nature, using his powers to clean the ocean and heal the land. His efforts turned even the most polluted waters into thriving ecosystems.

When Raven jokingly suggested dumping the collected waste into a demonic dimension, Naruto took it seriously, much to her amusement. Apparently, some demons really did feed on that stuff.

During this time, Veritas had become a regular visitor, drawn toward Naruto for reasons beyond hero work. It didn't take him long to realize that she had fallen in love with him. The realization left him flattered yet conflicted. He respected and cared for her, but he simply didn't share the same romantic feelings.

Despite this, their friendship grew stronger. With Raven's help, Veritas was finally freed from the darkness that had tormented her, a process that took an entire month of effort. Though there was no romance, Naruto was glad to see her find peace—and, in the end, she officially joined Golden Dawn, becoming another trusted ally.

For now, the world enjoyed an unusual period of peace, but Naruto knew it wouldn't last forever.

Still, one month of calm was more than he had ever hoped for.

Everything was going smoothly for Naruto and his team. Crime had hit an all-time low, nature was flourishing, and the Justice League had finally started trusting his methods, even if they didn't fully endorse them publicly. Yet, despite all this success, Naruto knew that the real challenge wasn't just fighting villains—it was understanding people.

People were unpredictable. They were full of emotions, biases, and complex thoughts that couldn't be solved with a single punch or an inspiring speech. And that, more than anything, was the true problem he had yet to overcome.

Naruto had grown exponentially stronger in the past month, far beyond what most could comprehend. Many assumed he was just born gifted, that power came naturally to him, and that he had never known real struggle.

That wasn't true, of course. He had worked hard, suffered, and faced failures like anyone else. But the problem wasn't what he knew to be true—it was what people believed.

They would never understand his journey, just as he could never fully understand the struggles of an ordinary person.

And that bothered him.

He had read thousands of books on human history, philosophy, and sociology, but he knew that true understanding couldn't be gained through words alone.

So, he made a decision.

If he wanted to understand the average person, he would have to become one.

To truly experience life from a different perspective, Naruto created an alternate persona.

He rented a small apartment, far from Golden Dawn's tower or any hero-related locations.

He had Batman set up an ID for him, but he refused any fake degrees or advantages.

He got a regular job, one that didn't require powers or fame to succeed in.

He avoided using his abilities, meaning no chakra, no enhanced strength, and no super-speed.

To fully commit, he sent a clone instead of his real body.

Why a clone?

Because he couldn't afford to waste time on personal experiments when his real body needed to continue training and protecting people. However, unlike his usual clones, this one was different—it would last for many hours, making it the most dangerous clone he had ever created.

If it died, all the emotions and experiences it had would return to him at once.

If it got caught in a serious situation, it wouldn't be able to rely on its usual strength.

And if he wasn't careful, this clone could end up losing itself in its new life.

This experiment was more than just a test of patience—it was a test of identity. Could he truly live within the limits of society? Could he struggle like a normal person without falling back on his power?

More importantly—what would he learn?

Naruto had spent his whole life fighting for others, but now, for the first time…

He was about to live as one of them.

Looking around the small, slightly run-down apartment, Naruto felt a strange sense of nostalgia. The peeling paint on the walls, the creaky wooden floor, and the faint scent of dust—it all reminded him of his childhood home back in Konoha. The place was nothing fancy, just a single bedroom, a kitchen, and a tiny bathroom, but it was his for the time being.

He had just enough money to last a week if he lived frugally. That meant no fancy meals, no unnecessary purchases—just the bare minimum to survive.

Looking at the clock, he saw it was 7 a.m. It was time to start his first day as an ordinary man.

As Naruto stepped outside, he was immediately crashed into by a blonde-haired woman who barely had time to react before she found herself wrapped in his arms.

"Sorry, sorry! I'm in a hurry!" she blurted out, quickly steadying herself and pulling away.

"Take care and watch your step!" Naruto called after her, his tone warm and cheerful.

The woman paused mid-step, her hurried expression momentarily softening into a smile before she resumed her sprint toward her destination.

Naruto smirked. Positivity will spread positivity, and that was something he fully intended to do.

Naruto's new appearance was carefully crafted to be as average as possible. He wore simple, dull-colored clothes, and even his facial features were adjusted slightly to resemble Iruka—a plain but friendly look that wouldn't stand out.

With a determined smile, he walked the streets, hopping from one job advertisement to another. It was harder than he expected.

Despite his ridiculous skillset, no one was interested in hiring him.

He had no work experience.

No certificates.

No formal education that fit into this world's system.

Eventually, after hours of rejection, Naruto's luck changed.

He landed a job as a cleaner in an office building—not because of his resume but because of his actions.

On his way to the interview, he had instinctively cleaned up trash and organized scattered items in the lobby.

Unbeknownst to him, one of the managers had been watching.

Add in his natural charisma and conversational skills, and he was hired on the spot.

For the first time in his life, Naruto's official occupation changed from shinobi to janitor.

It had been shockingly difficult to even get this small job.

The pay? Barely enough to cover his rent and food.

The hours? Long, tiring, and repetitive.

This was real survival—not against some immortally enemy, but against the slow grind of everyday life.

If he had his ninja abilities, it would be easy.

He could steal food and money without anyone ever knowing.

He could sleep anywhere, use chakra to keep himself energized, and move faster than anyone.

He could cheat.

But that would defeat the whole purpose of this experiment.

He was here to understand the struggles of the common man, not to find loopholes around them.

Just as he was taking a short break, a voice called out:

"Hey, you! Clean the smoking area—some old lady threw up in there."

Naruto's lips twitched at the command.

"...Yes, sir."

Those words felt so foreign in his mouth. He wasn't used to being ordered around like this, but he had to go along with it.

As soon as he stepped into the smoking area, the stench hit him like a punch to the face.

It was horrible.

His enhanced senses, even in this weaker body, made it ten times worse.

Suppressing his gag reflex, Naruto gritted his teeth and got to work.

As he scrubbed away at the disgusting mess, he couldn't help but think about how ironic it was.

In his usual life, he could obliterate mountains with a flick of his wrist.

Here? He was struggling against vomit stains.

Yet, somehow, this felt harder.

The scale of the challenge had changed, but the weight of it hadn't.

Bringing world peace?

A nearly impossible goal.

Surviving as an ordinary man?

Technically possible, but still a struggle.

The only difference was that this fight was personal.

It wasn't about saving others.

It was about learning what it meant to just live.

Dragging his tired body back to the apartment, Naruto sighed as he stepped onto the bus. The day had been exhausting. Even though he was much stronger than the average human, the mental weight of his situation pressed down on him harder than any physical labor.

On the way home, he picked up some basic groceries—instant noodles, eggs, rice, and some vegetables. Living frugally wasn't new to him, but knowing that he couldn't just rely on chakra to keep himself going made everything feel a little heavier.

As he climbed the stairs to his apartment, he froze.

There, standing with her arms crossed and a faint smirk on her lips, was the same blonde-haired woman from this morning.

And she was waiting for him.

"How was your day, Naruto?"

Hearing his name from a complete stranger sent a cold chill down his spine. No one should know who he was here. Not unless they were part of his team—or Batman.

His eyes narrowed.

His exhaustion vanished.

All his instincts screamed at him to be cautious.

"Who are you?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

The woman chuckled, as if his reaction was amusing. "Relax. I'm a friend, going through a similar experience."

Naruto frowned. "You mean... this isn't your real body?"

"Exactly," she nodded, flipping a strand of her short blonde hair behind her ear. "This is just a random vessel I made so I could experience life."

That got Naruto's attention. He had thought he was the only one experimenting with mortality like this. "Okay… and why are you telling me this?"

Her smirk widened. "Because I've decided to help you. And now, you're not going back until death comes for you."

"WHAT?!"

Naruto felt his blood run cold.

This was his worst nightmare.

He grabbed her shoulders, barely restraining the urge to shake her. "Please undo it. I can't handle this!"

The longer a clone lived, the more independent it became.

The more memories it gathered, the more its existence solidified.

If a clone lived for too long, merging back with the original became dangerous.

A personality overload.

A split in identity.

An imbalance so severe that it could shatter a person's mind.

And this woman had just trapped him here.

"Naruto, relax." Her voice was calm, almost gentle. "I'm not trying to hurt you. I'm helping you do this properly."

His fingers tightened. "And what part of this is supposed to be 'helpful'?"

"If you keep going back and forth, you're not truly living this experience," she explained. "You're treating it like a game. But life isn't a game, Naruto. It's messy, it's painful, and it's real. When this ends, you'll have the ability to handle the memories properly. And if not—I'll help you."

Naruto studied her face carefully, searching for any sign of deception. "...Give me one reason I should trust you."

The woman smiled.

"Because I am Death of the Endless."

For a second, Naruto just stared at her.

Then, he deadpanned, "Did you hit your head or something?"

She laughed softly and reached out, touching his forehead.

And suddenly—he understood.

"Death… really knocked on my door."

Naruto had fought immortals, faced immortals, and even defied fate itself. But standing before him was something completely different.

The End of All Things.

The One Who Comes for Everyone.

And she was… smiling?

"Why are you doing this?" Naruto asked, his voice quieter now.

Mary—Death—sighed. "A long time ago, I was sad and broody. Watching people die, over and over again, was… heavy."

She glanced at him with an almost wistful expression.

"But then, I met a little boy who said, 'Why don't you experience death to understand people?'"

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "And… you listened?"

She grinned. "Of course! So I started living and dying as different people. Over the years, I'd randomly appear somewhere, live for a short time, and then… poof. It gave me a new perspective on life."

She threw her arms out dramatically. "And now, I'm a bubbly little girl filled with sunshine!"

Naruto blinked. Then deadpanned, "I think you need to work on the 'sunshine' part. I'm only seeing dark clouds here."

She smirked. "Didn't think our golden hero was scared of something so simple."

Naruto clenched his jaw. "Anyone would be scared if their existence became unstable."

Death nodded in understanding. "Luckily, you have a good team… and my help to get you through it. So, let's enjoy our mortal time together, Menma."

"...Fine."

Naruto exhaled slowly. He was stuck here now, so he had no choice but to make the most of it.

And honestly… deep down, he knew she was right.

This was the better way. It was just terrifying.

"Call me Mary," Death said, flipping her short hair as she looked at him with bright blue eyes.

She was beautiful, but there was an unshakable strength in her presence—the kind that came from someone who had seen everything.

And then, a question slipped out before Naruto could stop himself.

"Can you bring them back?"

Death's smile dimmed.

"No."

Her tone wasn't cold—just firm.

"You see, we have rules. I only take lives. I don't return them."

Naruto's hands curled into fists. "But—"

"For some, death is a release. For others, death is an abomination. But in the end, I am there for all of them. And I do not play favorites."

Naruto clenched his jaw but couldn't argue. She was right.

"If I do it another way," he asked, "will it anger you?"

Mary smiled again. "Nah, I'm chill with it. You wouldn't be the first to bend fate. Many have done it before, through powerful beings and artifacts. But be careful—playing with death brings bad luck."

Naruto snorted. "I don't mind. This is for my best friend."

With that, he turned and climbed the stairs.

"Hey, hey! How about having dinner with me?"

Naruto paused mid-step.

He wanted to curse, to yell, to refuse outright—but he forced himself to stay calm.

Negativity would only continue the cycle of hatred.

And if Death herself was offering company…

Well.

At least he wouldn't eat alone tonight.

What was the cycle of hatred?

The cycle of hatred was actually very simple.

Negativity attracts more negativity. Positive energy attracts more positive energy. For example, you accidentally knock into a man who's using his phone while walking (i.e. reckless). He shouts angry words at you.

"Stupid idiot. Watch where you're going!"

It affects you deeply and you feel terribly annoyed and wronged after that.

But maybe, the man's just been through a messy divorce and his wife's receiving custody of the kids he loves more than life itself. That's why he's frustrated.

The most productive response would be to think "this isn't about me, the man is probably having a bad day" or "I'm sorry sir, i didn't see you." But instead what's the most common thing for someone to say?

"F#^! you, a& *#!£" or something of the sort.

This will, in turn, evoke a similar response in the other person, which will provoke a similar response from you and so on so forth.

Later on, the waitress at the café you're at serves you the wrong order. You lash out at her in anger and frustration.

After work, she's demoralized and down after serving an angry customer on her first day of work. But it's the only job she's been able to find. When her children make noise at home, she immediately gives them a sound scolding and angry words that should not be issued to children come out.

This is how the cycle of hatred continues. But if you radiate positive energy, give kind words and a smile, you seriously make someone's day as well as your own much better.

As long as we keep reacting to each other with anger and hate, we will always be in a fight together. And there will always be one winner and one loser. One moment it will be one side, the next time it will be the other one. We ourselves keep this perpetual cycle alive. Then again… we are equally capable of breaking this cycle.

Naruto sighed, rolling his shoulders as he stepped inside the small apartment. The place was nothing fancy—just the bare essentials. A bed, a table, and a small kitchenette. It wasn't like his home back in the Elemental Nations, but it was enough for now.

He glanced at Death—no, Mary, as she called herself in this life. She stood near the small dining table, setting down two plates of fried rice with chicken. The scent of cooked rice and seasoned chicken filled the air, making Naruto's stomach grumble.

"Thanks for the invitation," he said, pulling out a chair. "What do you have?"

"Fried rice with chicken," she answered casually, sitting down across from him.

Naruto glanced at the food and nodded to himself. He was too tired to cook something decent, especially since his chakra was missing. He had been careful with how he used it, but going through an entire day without even the smallest amount of chakra flowing through him was exhausting in a way he hadn't expected. It felt unnatural.

The original Naruto, sitting somewhere far away in his real body, heard the conversation through the link he shared with his clone. He considered stepping in but ultimately decided to let his clone handle things. There was something… intriguing about Death. He didn't sense any malicious intent from her. If anything, she seemed more amused by the whole situation than anything else.

'Life works in mysterious ways,' he thought to himself.

The clone picked up his fork and took a bite. The food was simple but well-cooked, and after the day he'd had, it tasted like heaven. He chewed thoughtfully before glancing at Mary.

"So, is this a regular thing for you?" he asked between bites. "Visiting different worlds, pretending to be human?"

Mary smirked, leaning her chin on her palm. "Not pretending. Experiencing," she corrected. "It's different each time. Sometimes, I'm a noblewoman in the 1700s. Other times, I'm a struggling artist in a futuristic city. This time, I decided to be a regular person living in a quiet town. Figured it would be interesting."

Naruto snorted. "And then you met me."

She chuckled. "And then I met you."

For a moment, there was silence. Just the quiet clinking of utensils against plates, the distant hum of city life outside the window. It was a strange kind of peace—one Naruto hadn't expected to find in this world.

"Do you ever get tired of it?" he asked, looking at her curiously. "Living all these lives, over and over again?"

Mary's smile softened. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But then I remember why I do it. Every life I live, every experience I have, it reminds me of why existence is precious. Why people fight so hard to keep going."

Naruto nodded slowly, taking another bite. He could understand that. After all, he had spent his whole life fighting for the future of others.

Maybe, just maybe, this strange encounter wasn't such a bad thing after all.