Chapter 20

A.N.

Crossover worlds for the chat group:

Izuku: My Hero Academia

Yasaka, Issie and Rias: High School DxD

Ilya: Fate Unlimited

Luffy: One Piece

Toriko: Toriko

Goku and Gohan: DBZ

Tsuna: Hitman Reborn

Batman: DC

Gon: Hunter X Hunter

Wang Lin: Renegade Immortal

Bleach: Ichigo

Pokemon: Pikachu

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In the dark-lit office of Tsunayoshi Sawada, the echoes of an empire built on the quiet manipulation of power reverberated through the walls. His thoughts swirled, heavy with responsibility and the weight of leadership. He sat at his desk, fingers drumming lightly on the wood as he engaged in a conversation with the enigmatic figure known as Lord Emperor of Mankind.

"Lord Emperor of Mankind, I apologize for my intervention," Tsuna said humbly, his posture relaxed but his tone respectful. There was a sense of duty in his voice, one that came from his experience as a crime lord, though he didn't particularly revel in the role.

"No problem," the voice on the other end responded, its authority unwavering despite its detached, otherworldly nature. "I am happy that someone else provided a similar outlook. I was thinking that I might be the only ruler here."

Tsuna, not one for excessive praise, nodded as he mulled over the words. He wasn't a ruler of kingdoms or empires in the traditional sense, but rather, he had mastered a different kind of control—one that worked through manipulation, negotiation, and strategy. "Thanks. I do not enjoy fighting, but I will provide my limited skill set to help."

"You are anything but limited, Don," came the response, a small chuckle lacing the words. "Your advice on ruling a crime ring can be invaluable. While my world involves powers and supernatural forces, you managed to control normal people, and that kind of finesse is rare."

Tsuna chuckled softly, modest as ever. "Just a humble crime lord, but I appreciate the compliment. I'll do my best not to let you down."

There was a brief pause before the Emperor spoke again, his tone serious, almost contemplative. "You want access to other worlds."

Tsuna hesitated for a moment, but his decision was already made. He had learned that honesty, while sometimes dangerous, was necessary in this world of endless possibilities. "Yes," he admitted plainly, the burden of his request heavy in the air.

"I see." The Emperor's voice seemed to soften, though still carrying the weight of its power. "Just like I told Glutton, wait. But your time period should be shorter."

Tsuna exhaled in relief, feeling a sense of satisfaction that his request had been heard. "I'll be waiting for the good news," he muttered, his fingers tapping on the table rhythmically as he allowed himself a moment of calm.

Before he could settle into the moment, his office door creaked open, and a voice from the doorway interrupted his train of thought. "Boss, your wife is here."

Tsuna sighed, rubbing his temples as the familiar, albeit slightly annoying, weight of family life loomed over him. "Send her in," he muttered, already anticipating the incoming conversation. Managing children was a challenge he never seemed to escape, and today was no different. He could only hope that whatever was to come wouldn't add more stress to his already complicated life.

The door creaked open, and in walked his wife — a beautiful woman whose fiery presence immediately filled the room. She wasn't just Tsuna's partner; she was his equal, a constant reminder that no matter how much power he had gained in the underworld, he would never escape the complexities of personal life.

Her sharp gaze met Tsuna's, and she crossed the room with a purposeful stride, her heels clicking against the floor. She was already aware of Tsuna's constant strain and exhaustion, but seeing him like this stirred a small, teasing smile on her lips.

"So, still buried in work?" she asked, her voice a mix of concern and playful annoyance.

Tsuna leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, trying to stave off the headache that had been creeping up. "You know it's never-ending."

His wife placed a hand on the back of his chair and bent down slightly to look at him. "I know. And I've been handling things at home. I'm sure that's contributing to the stress."

Tsuna chuckled, though it lacked its usual mirth. "You don't have to remind me. Managing a household is no easy feat, especially when we're talking about our household."

She raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk forming on her lips. "You're lucky I love you, Tsuna. Otherwise, I'd leave you to your paperwork."

"Not funny," Tsuna replied, although he couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at his lips. "But seriously, I've been talking to the Lord Emperor of Mankind. He's got plans for me, and they're a bit... complicated."

His wife's expression softened, and she leaned in closer. "Plans? What kind of plans?"

"I'm supposed to help out in other worlds, manage them like I manage my crime ring... but at a much larger scale," Tsuna explained. "It's not just about fighting or ruling — it's more about the long-term strategy. Gathering forces, managing territories, and ensuring my people are safe... like a full-blown empire."

She took a moment to process, her expression serious now. "I see. So, you're contemplating this... world domination thing?"

Tsuna hesitated. "I don't know if I want to go that far. But if it helps those around me... if it helps keep the people I care about safe, then I'll do it."

His wife smiled faintly, her hand resting on his shoulder. "I can't say I'll love the idea of you ruling multiple worlds, but I know you'll do it with everything you have. You always do. Just... make sure you don't lose yourself in it, okay?"

Tsuna's lips parted in a sigh. "It's a lot of responsibility. I didn't sign up for this kind of life, you know? But I can't turn back now."

"You never have, Tsuna. And whatever you decide, I'll be right here, standing by your side. I'm your partner in this, no matter what."

For a moment, Tsuna just stared at her, a sense of calm washing over him. He had always believed in the power of his bonds, and now, more than ever, he realized just how much those bonds would help him through the challenges ahead.

"Thanks," he muttered. "I need that reminder sometimes."

She chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Now, about this world domination thing... If you're really going to do it, you'll need a good plan. Let's make sure we've got everything covered before you take that first step."

Tsuna smiled gratefully, his mind already racing with the possibilities. He wasn't in this alone, and as long as he had his wife by his side, he could face whatever came his way.

As the conversation shifted to more practical matters, Tsuna couldn't shake the feeling that this journey into other worlds was only just beginning — and that the true test of his leadership would be far more difficult than anything he'd ever faced before. But with the support of his closest allies and his wife, Tsuna knew he could rise to meet it.

"Lord Emperor of Mankind!" Ichigo exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise as Naruto walked into the room. The figure before him exuded an aura of power that made the air feel thick.

Naruto, with a relaxed smile, waved off the title. "Just call me Emperor of Mankind or Naruto. It's nice to finally meet you in person, Ichigo."

Ichigo, still processing the sheer presence of Naruto, nodded and instinctively glanced at the door, ensuring it was shut. "Would you like a drink or something?" he asked, offering the most mundane thing he could think of to break the tension.

Naruto chuckled lightly, "Thanks for the offer, but this body is made of light, not real." His tone was casual, but his presence was anything but.

Ichigo blinked, clearly not understanding the specifics of how Naruto worked, but he simply shrugged and nodded, accepting the odd explanation for what it was. "Alright then. So, why are you here?"

Naruto's expression shifted, becoming more serious but still warm. "I'm here to help with your problem. And, from the name, you should've realized you're not human, right?"

Ichigo nodded solemnly, as if the truth had already been made clear to him, though not fully understood. "Yeah. Dad told me that I'm part Shinigami, part Quincy, and part Hollow."

Naruto tilted his head slightly. "Almost. You're a mixture of four types of beings, not human in the slightest."

"Four?" Ichigo repeated, brow furrowing in confusion.

"Yes," Naruto replied, settling into a chair across from Ichigo, who sat on his bed. "And if you'd like, I can help awaken your powers."

Ichigo's eyes widened. The offer seemed almost too simple, yet it felt like a turning point. He fell silent, thinking back to the many questions he had about himself. "Do you know why my powers didn't appear normally? Are they sealed? Dad wouldn't tell me."

Naruto let out a soft sigh before speaking, but it wasn't him who answered.

"No, your powers aren't sealed," came the voice of Ichigo's father, Isshin, who had quietly entered the room. "They're contained by your mortal flesh. You need some outside help to awaken them, or... die." His words were direct, carrying the weight of someone who had witnessed a painful truth.

Ichigo's gaze shifted to his father, but Naruto was the one who continued, his smile never wavering. "I'm not an enemy, Ichigo. If I were, you'd already know. As for your father... well," Naruto's eyes shifted to Isshin, his voice lowering in tone, "let's just say that his presence doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the spiritual power I wield."

Isshin froze as he felt an overwhelming pressure, his heart racing as if he were drowning in an ocean of spiritual energy. He could barely comprehend the sheer depth of Naruto's power—he was but a drop in an endless ocean.

Ichigo looked between the two, his brow furrowing with more questions. "Is there a reason why all of this was hidden from me? Are enemies going to come for us?"

Isshin sighed deeply, the weight of his past decisions heavy on his shoulders. "Yes, things will become troublesome. But you need to be strong, Ichigo. Your mother's side of the family, her Quincy blood, will draw attention. That's why I kept you in the dark—for your protection."

Ichigo's confusion deepened, and he leaned forward. "What do you mean?"

Isshin's tone grew more serious, even forlorn, a rare vulnerability slipping through. "Ichigo, your mother was a Quincy, and she had the blood of their king flowing through her. He's the one who killed her—sucked the power out of her, and I was powerless to stop it at the time. And when he awakens, he will come for you."

The news hit Ichigo hard. He had never imagined his mother's death was tied to something so... sinister. But the revelation sparked something in him, a quiet fury that he buried deep down but let simmer beneath the surface. "I see. So what's the fourth part of me?" Ichigo's voice betrayed no emotion, though a storm was clearly brewing inside him. He tried to act casually to lighten the mood, but his mind was fixated on avenging his mother.

Naruto looked at him with a slight smirk, clearly amused by Ichigo's determination. "I could tell you, but I think it's better if you discover it yourself. So, what will it be? Will you awaken and enter the world of power, or remain dormant?"

Ichigo's eyes narrowed, a fire igniting within him. "You don't have to ask. I want the power," he said, his voice filled with a new-found resolve. He clenched his fists, feeling the anger surge through his veins at the mention of his mother's death. "I'm going to hunt down the monster that killed her. And the real culprit won't live to see another day." His resolve hardened. Whatever it took, Ichigo would find the strength to avenge his mother, even if it meant delving into the unknown, awakening the dormant powers within him.

Naruto nodded, understanding the weight of the decision. "Then let's get started."

Naruto stood in front of Ichigo, his eyes scanning the young man's energy, which was chaotic and untamed. "Your powers are a real mess," he muttered, his voice carrying an edge of seriousness. "It'll definitely be difficult to master them, especially since you have such a large reserve. Get ready. This could be painful."

Ichigo tensed, his mind racing with uncertainty, but his resolve remained firm. He was determined to awaken his powers, whatever it took.

Naruto's gaze softened for a brief moment before he spoke again, his voice quieter now, though it still held weight. "I will bring out everything within you, but you will have to accept it within your own being. Do not deny them. Accept them completely. Your powers are tied to your soul, and if you refuse them, the consequences could be catastrophic."

As the words left Naruto's lips, Ichigo felt a surge of energy engulf him. A golden light wrapped around his body, an intense warmth spreading through him. It felt comforting at first, like a protective shield, but that comfort quickly faded as the energy began to tear at him. Ichigo gasped in pain, his chest tightening as the overwhelming force ripped into his soul. His sense of self felt fragmented, as though pieces of him were being torn away. Emotions—rage, sadness, an uncontrollable desire to kill—surged through him, resonating deeply with the anguish he had long buried.

Ichigo's vision blurred, and when it cleared, he found himself standing in a vast, white expanse. The space was stark, eerily quiet, save for the presence of three silhouettes. One of them was a tall man with black hair, dressed in dark clothing. The other two figures were versions of Ichigo himself. One clone was twisted and eerie, with white, lifeless skin and a horn protruding from its head. The other was a version of Ichigo, wearing a laughable costume that looked like something from a hero comic.

Confusion flooded Ichigo's mind. He had no idea what he was supposed to do in this strange place. 'Okay, what should I do now?' he thought desperately, his mind racing for any clue.

The tall man, who seemed to command the space, spoke in a voice that sent a chill down Ichigo's spine. "You are still not ready for us. Go back." The words were heavy with finality.

Ichigo's world went black, and he jolted awake, gasping for air. The pain was gone, but the weight of the experience lingered in his mind.

Naruto's voice echoed inside his head, calm and reassuring. "It seems you need to pass a test for them to acknowledge you. But luckily, you've still awakened your power, and you'll have the chance to meet those conditions later. For now, you have the strength to move forward."

Ichigo blinked, feeling something solid in his hand. He looked down to find a katana—his sword. It felt warm to the touch, pulsing with an unfamiliar energy, yet still dormant. He could feel the immense power flowing through him, a force he had never known existed within him.

'I can't believe I have so much,' Ichigo thought in awe, his grip tightening around the hilt of the sword.

But a sudden thought struck him, and he mentally questioned Naruto. 'Wait a minute, why did you give me this gift? I don't remember offering anything in return.'

Naruto's voice, laced with amusement, responded inside Ichigo's mind. 'Of course, I got something. The power of the Shinigami from your world enlightened me. I never even thought to utilize a soul in such a way. Truly, you've allowed me to ascend to another level.'

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of incredulity and confusion. 'Shouldn't I be getting better service then?'

Naruto chuckled. 'Child, without my interference, you would've struggled for years to achieve what I just gave you. But I like your cheekiness. Keep it up and work hard.'

Ichigo couldn't help but smirk, despite the weight of his new reality. He was beginning to understand the magnitude of what was happening, but the journey ahead was still unclear.

Before he could say anything else, Isshin entered the room, his footsteps heavy with purpose. He glanced at Ichigo, who was still holding the sword, and nodded with approval. "We'll need to work on awakening your blade, or you won't be able to fight at your full capacity." His voice was practical, though there was an underlying note of concern.

Ichigo nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility ahead of him.

Isshin turned to leave, pulling out his phone and dialing a number. "I'll call up Kisuke Urahara. He'll be able to help with what comes next."

Ichigo remained still, his mind spinning with the revelation of his power and the road ahead. There was so much to learn, so much to master. But one thing was certain—his journey had only just begun.