Chapter 12: Crossroads of the Heart

With her superiors leaving, Yeong stood at the forefront of the team, her gaze shifting between her new responsibilities and the group she was now fully dedicated to. As their personal assistant, she no longer had to manage any other teams or Tamers. This position, once a distant dream, was now her reality. Every decision, every move made by this team would shape her future, and she knew that the success of this group could elevate her reputation to new heights. It was an honor, one that had come to her seemingly by chance.

Yeong reflected on how she had ended up in this role. She hadn't done anything extraordinary—she simply did her job with dedication and efficiency. Her efforts, while always steady, had gradually brought her closer to Naruto, the team's leader. Her relationship with him had grown naturally, without any forced interactions. It was through those ordinary connections that she found herself chosen.

However, she couldn't ignore the bitterness that lingered in the air. Na So Ri, her colleague, had also aspired to this position when the opportunity arose. Yet, despite her ambition, So Ri had been rejected in favor of Yeong. The rejection had been hard on her, and Yeong could feel the simmering frustration in her colleague's eyes. Yeong suspected So Ri felt this was unfair, especially considering she had been more vocal and proactive in her pursuit of the position. Yeong's thoughts on the matter were simple: she hoped So Ri wouldn't hold a grudge, as that would only make things difficult in the long run.

This role, as personal assistant to such a talented team, felt like a dream come true. Yeong could already envision the incredible transformations the team would go through as they matured. She was not just watching them from the sidelines; she was directly involved in their journey. The thought of seeing Naruto's growth first-hand filled her with excitement. She had complete confidence in his abilities—he was a person who would never stagnate or waste time. She had no doubt that he would rise to meet every challenge, and in doing so, would elevate everyone around him.

For Yeong, this also opened up the possibility of breaking through her own limitations. Though she had progressed to the Champion level with her partner, Apemon, Yeong felt that she had hit a bottleneck. Both she and Apemon were calm and easygoing by nature, which made their relationship harmonious but stagnant. While many Tamers sought adventure and challenges, Yeong had chosen a more stable path, one that involved less risk. She wasn't particularly fond of fighting or putting herself in dangerous situations, a preference that had, unfortunately, slowed her progress as a Tamer.

But now, with the team's growth unfolding before her eyes, Yeong saw a potential way forward. Perhaps she could send Apemon with Naruto and the team on their missions, allowing her partner to experience the adventure she had avoided. She could monitor their progress from the comfort of her desk, learning and growing through the team's experiences while keeping herself out of harm's way. This could be the breakthrough she had been waiting for—the opportunity to advance without stepping into the dangerous fray. If the team thrived, she would thrive with them, indirectly becoming a part of their success. The thought was both comforting and exhilarating.

"Congratulations, Guardians," Yeong began, her voice steady but laced with pride. "You have been announced as S-rank potentials in the top circles. While there are drawbacks, there are also many benefits to this recognition. You'll gain the attention of very important people, and you'll have the opportunity to build connections with them." She paused, allowing her words to settle in. "Most of the top rankers go out of their way to network so they can work together when serious situations arise."

Yeong took a deep breath before continuing, her role now more significant than ever. "It is crucial that you remain social and avoid instigating fights with other Tamers outside of official arenas like the Coliseum."

She glanced around at the team, now fully aware of how much responsibility rested on her shoulders. "My name is Yoo Sook Yeong, and while I am a humble Tamer, I will do my best to support you and ensure your success." She took a step forward, gathering her thoughts as she spoke.

Naruto, always the lighthearted leader, smiled warmly. "Yeong, you can relax. We're all friends here. No need to be so formal. And honestly, we're happy to work with you." He stood and waved his hand, gesturing to her stiff posture. "Loosen up, you look tense."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Yeong," Takato said, rising from his seat. He adjusted his Digivice and gave a reassuring pat to Arthur, his partner. "We all look forward to working with you. Do you have any advice for me?"

Yeong nodded thoughtfully, her eyes flicking to the Digivice and then to Takato. "Thank you. As for advice, Guilmon is a combat species. It's important to let him fight regularly to satisfy his hunger for battle and encourage his growth. However, do remember, Guilmon is very sensitive to his Tamer. Never let anger or hate cloud your thoughts, as that could affect your bond with him."

She turned her gaze toward Arthur, her voice softening. "Arthur, too, will grow best in a positive environment. If he's exposed to negativity, he could become a violent, out-of-control beast. For now, the Coliseum will be the ideal place for both of you to train, and you can teach him new fighting techniques. It will help him evolve towards Gallantmon."

Her advice, while helpful, was basic knowledge that most of them had already learned in their journey. Yeong's true role was not to impart training tips but to serve as a guide and support system for the team. She would manage their missions, find important information, set up meetings, and assist with any other logistical needs. She was, essentially, their secretary—a role she was more than prepared for.

"Thanks, Miss Yeong," Takato said, his smile wide. "Could you gather information on Guilmon's evolution line and send it over to me?"

"Of course," Yeong replied with confidence. "I'll have the data ready by tonight."

Rika, sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with the rush to get everything done. "No need to hurry," she said, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Take your time, Yeong. We can wait a few days. Just make sure it's something useful."

Yeong, accustomed to Rika's bluntness, nodded. "Understood."

Naruto, ever the optimist, leaned back in his chair and smiled. "Work is important, but let's not forget to enjoy this moment. Today is a special day, Yeong. You're officially part of the team now. We're going to celebrate, so please, join us."

It was a rare sentiment from Naruto, who had always prioritized work over leisure in his past life. But now, he had learned the value of balance. "We've already planned a day of celebration, showing the new partners around the city before joining the official gathering at the Uzumaki clan. It's a bit more formal, but we'll make sure to enjoy ourselves."

Yeong's gaze drifted to Naruto and Rika, who stood hand in hand. She couldn't help but notice the natural chemistry between them. Rika, with her silky hair and athletic form, seemed to complement Naruto perfectly. She was strong, noble, and undeniably beautiful. Yeong, though she prided herself on her own looks, couldn't help but feel that Rika surpassed her in that regard.

Their bond was obvious, and Yeong had witnessed it grow over time. She had shared lunches and coffee with Naruto after work, conversations that had deepened their friendship. Despite the professional relationship, she considered him her best friend. Their connection had gone beyond mere work, and that was why she was so committed to supporting the team.

Yeong smiled warmly at Naruto and Rika. "Yes, I'll join you," she said, her tone gentle but sincere. "It's my duty to stay close to the team, and as a friend, it would be rude to decline."

Her decision was clear. She wasn't just working for them—she was now part of the family.

With that, the team left the association and climbed into a self-driving Land Rover that had arrived promptly, waiting for them once the order was given. Naruto took the wheel with a smile, his hands eagerly gripping the steering wheel. He loved driving, especially at high speeds, and it was a passion that Rika shared with him. The two of them enjoyed racing through the streets, whether it was on bikes or in cars, with the thrill of speed coursing through their veins.

Street racing was legal in this world, thanks to the advancements in technology and the presence of digimon. Accidents were rare, and fatalities were almost nonexistent due to the safety measures in place. The streets were lined with designated racing areas where people could go wild without any consequences. Digimon, some specially bred for racing, often participated, making the events even more exciting. The races were streamed through the cameras set up around the city, and fans could watch either live or through their tamers' digimon, who were always ready to jump in for a good race.

As they drove through the city, the team let their digimon out of their storage devices. The day was meant to be a fun outing, and they had the perfect opportunity to show their partners a bit of the human world. Their first stop was a massive shopping mall, where they picked out new accessories and treats for their digimon. Snacks and drinks were gathered as well, ensuring that everyone had a little something to enjoy.

From there, the group made their way to a bowling alley, where they had a blast. The digimon were just as clueless about the game as they were, but that only added to the fun as they watched their partners try to figure out the mechanics. It was a completely new experience for them, and the excitement was contagious as the digimon got involved for the first time.

For lunch, the group decided to grab a bite at a nearby diner before heading to the cinema for a special treat. They had tickets to a new virtual reality-style horror movie that promised a fully immersive experience. The safety system in place would prevent any harm, as it would automatically reject users and revive them if necessary. The team was eager for a laugh, especially with their digimon in tow.

As the movie began, things quickly got amusing. Tesla, with his always confident demeanor, was the first to crack. Despite his tough exterior, he found himself genuinely terrified by the horror scenes. His eyes widened with every jump scare, and his claws dug into his seat as he tried to shake off his fear. Asura, ever the stoic warrior, grumbled under his breath, muttering about ways to fight off the terrifying ghost-like entities on screen. However, his powers of destruction had no effect on the virtual horrors—they existed beyond the realm of physical force.

Renamon, ever calm and collected, simply enjoyed the experience as a good story. She wasn't phased by the terror onscreen; it was just a movie to her. But Guilmon, whose violent instincts were always close to the surface, had a much harder time. As the terrifying figures appeared on screen, his primal side kicked in, and his fists clenched in agitation. The team had to calm him down quickly, as his violent tendencies threatened to go into overdrive. He couldn't handle the horror either and needed to be soothed before he got too worked up.

It was a hilarious experience, watching the digimon react to something they had never encountered before. The day was full of laughter, excitement, and new experiences as they all bonded further. Though it wasn't the typical mission or training session, it was exactly what the team needed—a break, a bit of fun, and a chance to enjoy life together.

As the team outing drew to a close, Rika, with a mischievous smile, dragged Naruto away from the others to spend some time alone. The two walked through a peaceful park, their Digimon happily trotting alongside them. The air was calm, and for once, the world around them seemed to fade into the background as they engaged in a casual, almost normal conversation. It was a rare moment of peace and simplicity, one that Naruto cherished. However, Rika seemed intent on making things a little more interesting.

She held tightly to Naruto's hand, not letting go for even a moment, and every so often, she would slip in a teasing, challenging word, keeping him on his toes. Her usual stoic demeanor had melted away, revealing a playful side that Naruto hadn't seen in quite this way before. As they continued their stroll, Rika suddenly jumped onto his back, making him carry her around the park with a grin. Naruto, always up for the challenge, laughed and easily complied, carrying her on his back as they made their way through the park.

It was during these moments that Naruto saw a side of Rika he hadn't expected—someone who was no longer held back by her fears. She was fully embracing life, using her past struggles as fuel to move forward, her confidence and boldness radiating through every action. Naruto couldn't help but admire her for that. It was a stark contrast to the woman he had once known. Rika, in her unique way, had shed the weight of doubt and fear and had stepped into her own strength.

As he carried her, Naruto reflected on the woman she was becoming, and it struck him—Rika was someone he could have easily fallen in love with in his past life. He had always been drawn to women with a gentle, selfless heart, like Hinata. Hinata, with her quiet strength, had been someone who loved him for who he was, not for the deeds he had done. She was the only one who had loved him for Naruto, not the title he had gained. Even Sakura, despite their bond, had always admired him more for what he had accomplished than for who he truly was at his core.

Naruto, with his empathic ability, felt the warmth of Hinata's love—vast, pure, and unwavering. It had always enveloped him, making him feel safe and complete. In her, he found peace, someone who could love him without question, no matter what. He could have spent his life with her, but life had a different path in store for him.

Rika, on the other hand, was not like Hinata. She wasn't the self-sacrificial type; she wasn't someone who would easily let go of him for his happiness. She was assertive, fiery, and had no intention of letting him slip away. Rika would fight for him, and she would fight for herself—she wouldn't just sit back and let things happen. She would make sure he chose her, and that fierce determination was something that Naruto found both captivating and reassuring. He respected it, even admired it. In another life, he might have been content with Hinata's devotion and sacrifice, but now, with Rika, he found himself more in tune with her strength and resolve. He didn't have to choose one path over the other; he didn't have to compromise or sacrifice his happiness.

Naruto's heart still wrestled with the unknown future, especially given Rika's youth and his own uncertainties. He knew he wasn't the only one facing internal struggles, and sometimes, the weight of that decision felt heavy. But as he held Rika on his back and looked into her eyes, he knew that their bond was something real, something worth exploring. Whatever the future held, he wasn't ready to give up on it just yet.

As the sun began to set and the peaceful atmosphere of the park slowly gave way to the excitement of the evening ahead, Naruto and Rika made their way to the party. It was time to join their families and friends, but for now, the world was just the two of them—facing forward, with no regrets.