Chapter 3: Bonds beyond duty

As Naruto cruised down the quiet streets on his Harley Davidson V-rod, the wind tousling his hair, he couldn't help but smile to himself. He had just dropped Rika off at her place, and the whole night was still fresh in his mind. Rika, with her mischievous smile, had insisted on a kiss on the cheek right in front of her gate. It was an intentional show for her parents, no doubt to send a clear message that she wasn't going to let him off easy. The way she played the game, with calculated precision, amused him more than it irritated him. She was relentless in her pursuit, and that made it interesting.

Naruto chuckled to himself as he leaned into the bike, enjoying the sound of the engine purring beneath him. He couldn't help but think of how this would have played out if things had been different—if Hinata hadn't become so distant after everything they had been through, or if Hanabi had ever been interested in him when they were younger. There was a time when everything felt simpler, but he had a responsibility now, one that stretched far beyond personal desires. Still, it didn't stop him from feeling that twinge of excitement at what the future held.

As the city lights blurred around him, he reflected on the strange turn of events. His life was about to change again. For years, he had patiently waited, knowing he was qualified to enter the digital world, yet bound by the rules that prevented him from taking that step until he was officially cleared. That moment was almost here. The digital world was a place he had heard much about, a place where adventure awaited and where the next chapter of his journey would unfold. He had seen the power that Digimon and their tamers wielded, and he knew that his potential there could be limitless.

Naruto had kept himself grounded in the human world until now. He was careful not to stir trouble, though that didn't mean he hadn't stepped in to help when needed. He had avoided conflict with the more powerful gangs and organizations, choosing instead to focus on his training and personal growth. The life he lived wasn't all that different from how it had been when he was younger—only now, it felt like a quiet pause before something much bigger came his way.

As a tamer-in-training, he knew the process well. The Tamers Program was structured, designed to prepare young people for their eventual partnerships with Digimon, teaching them how to capture and care for these digital creatures, and how to face the challenges of their world. For some, the training was just a formality, a way to follow the rules. For Naruto, it was the first step toward the adventure he had been waiting for.

But tonight, as he sped through the streets, the world around him felt calm. The promise of what was to come, the sense of something more out there, made him feel alive in a way that only adventure could. He could already feel the weight of responsibility and the thrill of it in his chest. A new chapter was on the horizon, and this time, it wasn't just about survival or fighting. It was about shaping the future alongside a team that would help him grow—and perhaps even discover more about himself in the process.

The ride home was peaceful, with the city streets almost completely devoid of traffic. The snow, gently falling in the quiet night, seemed to soften the usual buzz of city life, giving the world an almost surreal tranquility. The neon glow from the countless holograms and drones that adorned the skyline flickered in the distance, casting a soft glow over the city. It was a stark contrast to the traditional design of the Uzumaki Household, which remained rooted in its ancestral Japanese style despite the rapid technological advancements in the outside world.

Naruto's thoughts wandered as he maneuvered the Harley Davidson V-rod through the calm streets. The city had changed so much over the years—futuristic skyscrapers, flying vehicles, and advanced AI systems were the norm now. But his home, the Uzumaki clan estate, was a place out of time, an oasis of tradition amidst the overwhelming modernity of the world. It was a sprawling estate, complete with lush gardens, koi ponds, and meticulously designed houses that held echoes of ancient craftsmanship. The clan's wealth was no secret. Their involvement in the Digital development companies, the ownership of a top-tier tournament team, publishing businesses, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies placed them at the pinnacle of the world's power structures.

The clan's dojo, where both martial arts and Digimon training took place, stood as a testament to the balanced nature of the Uzumaki legacy. They were a family that upheld both traditional values and cutting-edge technology, blending them seamlessly to maintain their position as one of the wealthiest and most influential in the world. Naruto, as the heir, had spent most of his life surrounded by the elite. He had met many of the world's most powerful and influential people, but he wasn't interested in wealth for wealth's sake. His interest lay elsewhere—in mastering his abilities, protecting those he cared about, and now, preparing for the unknown adventure that lay ahead.

Pulling into the garage, Naruto parked the bike beside his other vehicles, including a sleek silver sports car and a couple of older models he liked to tinker with. As he got off the bike and walked toward the entrance, he was greeted by Hilda, one of the clan's maids. She was a striking figure, a beautiful young woman with glossy blonde hair and forest green eyes. Her hair was tied up in a neat bun, though strands fell to one side of her face, framing her delicate features. She wore a fashionable, knee-length maid outfit that was both elegant and practical, fitting her status as one of the more prominent members of the Uzumaki household.

"Welcome back, Naruto-sama. I hope you had a good outing today," Hilda said, her voice calm and respectful. She reached for his jacket and helmet, expertly taking them and placing them where they belonged.

"I'm back, Hilda. Everything was good on my outing. How about the residence? Anything I should know about?" Naruto replied, pausing for a moment as he stopped at the entrance.

Hilda's gaze softened as she responded, her tone still respectful but tinged with something else, something that spoke of her unique nature. "All is well. The residence is quiet. No issues at all. The clan is preparing for the upcoming events. You're expected for a meeting tomorrow morning with Uncle Darui."

Naruto nodded as he made his way inside, acknowledging Hilda's words. As the young maid followed him, there was an underlying tension between them—though it wasn't overt. Hilda wasn't just any ordinary maid; she was part of the Uzumaki clan's elite circle. She was a New Type, a hybrid between a human and a dark Digimon. As a result, Hilda was far more powerful than most Tamers or mutants, thanks to her origins.

Hilda, along with other members of the clan, had been found by Naruto's Uncle Darui after their parents had perished. They had been taken in by the Uzumaki clan and raised with the utmost care and respect. They were more than just maids—they were highly trained and loyal Tamers with extraordinary abilities. Their powers, however, were carefully controlled, regulated by suppressors, either collars, bracelets, or rings. This was to prevent their overwhelming abilities from causing unnecessary harm or drawing unwanted attention before they were registered and cleared by the system.

Naruto was no stranger to the unique status of the New Types. His own lineage as a mutant—one of the advanced humans—meant that his abilities were also far beyond ordinary human limits. Mutants shared some similarities with New Types in terms of their enhanced physical abilities, but there was a key difference: New Types, as children of Digimon, had the potential to reach Champion-level powers and more, whereas mutants like Naruto, though powerful, were still less than fully equipped to handle the true strength of a Digimon partner without further bonding.

He knew that Hilda, Ruri, Morrigan, and even Roberta—the head maid—were all Tamers of incredible skill, capable of holding their own against the best. Their powers were nothing to be taken lightly, and their loyalty to the Uzumaki clan was unshakable. In many ways, they were like family to Naruto, and he was grateful for their presence in his life.

Hilda stood quietly behind Naruto as he walked up the stairs, her green eyes following his every movement. There was a look of calm contemplation on her face, a reflection of the years she had spent in the Uzumaki household, dutifully serving Naruto and his family. She had always known that there was something unique about him, even when he was just a young child. The bond between them had formed so naturally—at first as a caretaker, but eventually, it had evolved into something deeper.

She remembered the first time she had made the decision to follow him. She was only seven years old at the time, yet she had felt an inexplicable pull toward Naruto. Even back then, when he was just a baby, she knew there was something extraordinary about him. He was more than just a child of the Uzumaki clan. His potential was limitless, and his kindness, wisdom, and determination made him a rare person in a world that often twisted such qualities into something darker.

Over the years, Hilda had grown with him, watching as he became not only the heir to the Uzumaki clan but also a formidable Tamer in his own right. She had trained rigorously, honing her skills and earning the respect of the world as one of the most powerful Tamers. Yet, despite her own accomplishments, she remained humble, content in her role as Naruto's maid. She had found a sense of peace and purpose in serving him, taking care of him, and being a quiet presence in his life.

But as the years had passed, something had shifted. The adoration she had once felt as a child began to deepen into something more—something far more complex. When Naruto had grown into a young man, strong, wise, and undeniably attractive, Hilda began to see him not just as her young master but as someone she had fallen for. She had always admired his strength and intelligence, but now, there was something else, a warmth that bloomed in her chest whenever their paths crossed. The connection they shared was unspoken but undeniable. He was kind, fiercely protective of those he cared about, and always treated her with respect, never demeaning her for her status or her past.

However, Hilda knew where her place was, and she would not overstep. She had chosen this life of service, and it brought her contentment, even if it meant keeping her feelings hidden. To express her love for him would be too much. She respected him too much to burden him with her emotions, and she knew that he was focused on other things. His heart was not hers to claim, not in the way she wished, and she was at peace with that. At least, she told herself she was.

In truth, though, she often found herself imagining what it would be like if he ever noticed her in that way—if he ever saw her as more than just the maid who had been by his side for so long. But she couldn't bring herself to ask for more, not when she already had so much. Serving him, watching him grow and achieve his potential, was more than enough for her.

She was content in her role, even if it meant loving him from afar, silently supporting him in everything he did. And though she may never voice her feelings, she would always be there, in the background, quietly watching over him, ready to support him through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Naruto made his way toward the hallway that led to his room, his boots clicking lightly against the polished floor of the grand house. His mind was still on the recent information Hilda had shared. Menma, his older brother by two years, had always been a source of both amusement and worry for Naruto. Menma, despite his strikingly similar appearance—black hair, red eyes—was much more of a wild card in their family. He had a tendency to throw himself into dangerous situations without much thought for the consequences, something Naruto had learned to accept, even if it frustrated him at times.

Naruto's thoughts were briefly interrupted as Hilda's voice carried from behind him. "Master Menma seemed to have come across the Bagra Army on his mission and escaped with the help of the Phantom Thieves. He was just talking about owing a favor to Joker before realizing that the thieves had swiped his treasures. He is in the gym venting his rage fighting against Ruri."

Naruto chuckled at the mental picture Hilda's words painted. Menma's tendency to get himself into sticky situations was almost legendary in the family, and it seemed he had gotten himself caught up in something dangerous again. The Bagra Army was one of the most ruthless forces in the Digital World. Known for their violent disdain for humans, they sought to dominate every corner of the Digital and human worlds alike. However, the mention of the Phantom Thieves caught Naruto's attention, and his thoughts momentarily shifted.

The Phantom Thieves were a notorious dark guild, a group of individuals who specialized in stealing from the rich and powerful. Their methods were daring, and their ability to elude capture was nothing short of remarkable. Most assumed they operated solely within the Digital World, but their presence in the human world had become undeniable. The rumor mill buzzed with tales of their mysterious hacker who kept them out of the system's sight, making them nearly impossible to track. For the Digimon Association and many in the human world, the Phantom Thieves were a constant thorn in their side, though none could catch them.

Naruto paused just outside his room, glancing back toward Hilda as he asked, "He wasn't in real danger, was he?" His voice held a slight edge of concern, something that wasn't typical for Naruto, but with Menma, he couldn't always help it. The thought of his brother in real peril, especially in the hands of the Bagra Army, unsettled him.

"According to the master, he could have escaped with some trouble since it was just a scout group and the commanding officer was not in sight," Hilda replied, her voice even and calm, though there was a subtle trace of concern in her tone.

Naruto let out a relieved sigh, the tension easing from his shoulders. Menma was strong, there was no doubt about that, but the Bagra Army was no joke. They had a particular hatred for humans, and even the most capable of fighters could find themselves overwhelmed by their forces. The fact that Menma had escaped without much trouble made Naruto feel better.

"That's good," Naruto muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'd have been worried if he had actually gotten himself into a real dangerous situation." The Bagra Army's animosity toward humans was well-known, and Naruto knew firsthand how brutal their forces could be. He had seen enough of their destruction in the Digital World to understand the true extent of their power.

Hilda watched him quietly, her eyes softening as she noticed his concern. Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, she had learned over the years that Naruto had a deeply protective side, especially when it came to his family. She could feel the connection between them, the bond forged over the years of loyalty and service.

Changing the subject slightly to give him a chance to relax, Naruto asked, "That's good to hear. Have you eaten, Hilda?" He glanced over his shoulder, the words casual, but his tone held a quiet sincerity. It was rare that Hilda didn't wait for him to return before eating, and he knew that she often sacrificed her own time just to ensure his comfort.

Hilda's lips curled into a soft smile, though her eyes remained focused. "Fufufu, was young master interested in eating together?" Her voice took on a teasing note, but it was clear that her amusement was genuine. She placed a hand delicately over her mouth to hide her smile. "Apologies, I had a meal together with my sisters."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on his face. "Yes, I was thinking of accompanying you for dinner." He gave her a small nod of acknowledgment, a hint of warmth in his words. He had always appreciated her thoughtfulness, and while he was used to her quiet mannerisms, it was moments like these that made him grateful for her presence in his life.

Hilda's smile deepened, and she straightened her posture, her face lighting up slightly at his response. "Then, I can make some space for the young master." Her voice was respectful as always, but there was a clear sense of affection in her words.

Naruto nodded, his gaze softening. "Good, let me take a shower, and I'll meet you in the dining room." He turned back toward his room, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the hallway. As he passed by, he could feel Hilda's eyes on him, but it didn't make him uncomfortable. He had long since become accustomed to her unwavering loyalty.

He paused just outside his room and glanced back over his shoulder at Hilda, who stood a few steps away. At 1.9 meters tall, Naruto had grown into his full height, towering above most of his family members, including Hilda, who stood shorter than him. He was the tallest in the household, with only Roberta and Darui surpassing him in stature.

"Thanks, Hilda," Naruto added with a quiet sincerity before disappearing into his room.