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Naruto groaned as consciousness returned to him. His body felt like it had been trampled by a herd of horses, every muscle throbbing in protest. For a blissful moment, he thought he was back home in bed.
"Mom... five more minutes," he mumbled, his voice hoarse and cracking.
"The demons are waking up!" a panicked voice shouted, shattering Naruto's hazy comfort.
His eyes snapped open, and the world came into sharp focus. He wasn't at home. He was lying on cold stone pavement, surrounded by—Naruto's breath caught in his throat.
Cannons. Dozens of them, all aimed directly at him, and Naruto saw Eren, who was stirring beside him. Cannons were mounted on top of houses, and on the ground, soldiers were standing everywhere, and Naruto noticed the wall was behind him; they were in a corner. The only thing standing between the brothers and certain death were the slender figures of Armin and Mikasa.
"What the hell is going on?" Naruto asked. His brother seemed physically fine but just as confused as he was.
Before Armin could answer, a man with a thinning hairline and wild, terrified eyes stepped forward. Naruto recognized him as Captain Weilman of the Garrison, though they'd never spoken directly.
"I'll ask you once!" Weilman shouted, his voice cracking with hysteria. "Are you humans or are you demons?!"
Naruto exchanged a bewildered glance with Eren, who looked equally lost. "What kind of question is that?" Naruto said, slowly rising to his feet. His hand automatically went to his father's glasses hanging from the hem of his shirt, a habit whenever he felt unsettled. "We're soldiers of humanity, just like you."
The captain let out a bark of bitter laughter. "Soldiers? We all saw you from above the wall." He gestured wildly at Naruto. "Keep your guard up, men! The demon might not have his tail now, might look normal, but he's still a demon!"
"Tail?" Naruto twisted to look behind himself. "What are you talking about?" He turned to Armin, whose face had gone deathly pale. "Armin, what's he talking about?"
Armin swallowed hard, avoiding Naruto's eyes. "You... weren't yourself out there," he whispered.
Naruto felt a chill run down his spine. He had fragmented memories of rage, of heat, of a voice that wasn't his own echoing through his mind. But a tail? That couldn't be right.
"Bring them to me!" Weilman ordered, but not a single soldier stepped forward. They shifted nervously, eyeing Mikasa, who had drawn her blades and taken a defensive stance in front of the brothers.
"Anyone who approaches," Mikasa said, her voice deadly calm, "will see my cutting skills firsthand. I'm very good at it."
A blonde female officer leaned close to Weilman's ear. "Sir, that's Mikasa Ackerman. They say she has the strength of a hundred soldiers. It would be a terrible waste if she died here."
Weilman hesitated, then raised his voice again. "Eren Yeager! Naruto Yeager! Final chance! Are you demons or humans?!"
Naruto and Eren exchanged glances before shouting in unison, "We're humans!"
The captain's face fell. "Such a shame," he muttered, then raised his arm. "Fire!"
Time seemed to slow down. Naruto lunged forward, intending to place himself between his friends and the cannons, when a strong arm yanked him backward. From the corner of his eye, he saw Eren bite down hard on his hand.
Golden lightning split the sky. The air crackled with energy as, impossibly, bones, muscles, and tissues materialized out of nothing. The cannon fire echoed, but the impact never came. Instead, Naruto found himself, along with Armin and Mikasa, enclosed within what appeared to be the ribcage of a titan.
What the hell? Naruto thought, his doctor's mind struggling to process the biological impossibility he was witnessing. That's... that's actual titan tissue forming from nothing!
Eren was partially fused with the tissue, his body connected to the massive structure. Then, with a gasp, he pulled himself free and collapsed beside them.
"Eren! What did you just do?" Naruto grabbed his brother's shoulders, checking his vitals.
Eren shook his head, looking just as bewildered. "I don't know. I just... I knew I had to bite my hand. I knew it would protect us." He stared at his already-healing palm in disbelief.
"This will only buy us time," Armin said, his voice shaking. "They're probably reloading the cannons right now. What should we do?"
Mikasa pointed to her gear. "Armin and I still have our ODM equipment. I'll take Eren, Armin will take Naruto. We can escape."
"That's suicide," Naruto cut in. "The Colossal Titan smashed Trost's gate—that area is crawling with titans. And if we flee deeper into Wall Rose, we can't run forever. They'll find us and execute us for treason or whatever other bullshit reason they come up with." He ran a hand through his blonde hair in frustration. "We need to ensure our survival right now."
"But how?" Eren asked. "That captain doesn't seem like the type to listen to reason."
As one, they all turned to look at Armin, who immediately shrunk back.
"You can help us," Eren said urgently.
Armin's eyes widened in panic. "Me? I-I can't do anything!"
Naruto shook his head. "Out of all of us, you're the best with words. If Mikasa goes out there, she'll just scare them more. Eren and I are being seen as demons right now." He gestured to the titan ribcage surrounding them. "That leaves only you."
Armin swallowed hard, his gaze drifting to the cannons visible through the gaps in the ribcage.
Naruto placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, feeling the trembling beneath his palm. "We believe in you, Armin. You can do this."
Steeling himself, Armin nodded slowly and emerged from the sheltered position.
"G-get back! Stop right there!" Captain Weilman yelled, stumbling backward in terror.
Armin froze in place, lifting his palms upward to show peaceful intentions.
"So you've finally revealed yourself, cursed monster!" bellowed the captain. "I'm going to do it! I'll give the signal now! I'll order them to open fire!"
"They're not humanity's enemies!" Armin cried out, his voice suddenly powerful and unwavering despite the weapons aimed at him. "We're fully prepared to work with the military and share all information in our possession!"
"I don't care about your pathetic pleas!" Weilman roared back. "How can I possibly believe anything when those beasts have already shown us what they truly are?! If it's not mankind's enemy, then provide us with evidence! Without proof, we'll eliminate them immediately!"
"Evidence isn't necessary here!" Armin countered. "The real question isn't what we believe about them!"
"What are you saying?!"
"Everyone standing here witnessed it! All of you saw how they battled against the titans... and how the titans attacked them too! Which means the titans view them exactly as they view all humans—as prey to be consumed! No matter what anyone claims, that fact remains undeniable!"
Whispers spread through the soldiers as many lowered their weapons, considering Armin's logic.
"He makes a valid point..."
"But allying with a titan and a demon..."
"Seems unthinkable..."
But Weilman remained unconvinced. Fear had embedded itself too deeply. "Ready your weapons!" he commanded. "Don't fall for their clever deceptions! Titan behavior is beyond our understanding! Isn't it possible they evolved to mimic humans and speak our language to trick us? We cannot permit them such freedom!"
That fool of a captain, just listen to what Armin's saying, Naruto thought furiously, placing his hand against the ground, preparing to channel whatever power remained to create a protective wall of trees.
Armin glanced back toward them, terror evident in his expression. But Eren offered a slight smile with a nod. Naruto gave him a confident thumbs-up, trying to convey complete faith through that simple gesture.
Something transformed in Armin's face. He clenched his teeth, turned back toward the Garrison forces, and slammed his right fist against his chest in perfect military salutation.
"I am a soldier sworn to sacrifice my life for humanity's glory!" he proclaimed, his voice resonant and clear. "Nothing would honor me more than dying for this noble purpose! By combining a titan's strength and Naruto's abilities with our military might, I believe we can reclaim this city! I implore you for all humanity's sake! Allow me, in these final moments of my existence, to explain the strategic value of enlisting both a Titan and a Demon!"
Armin, you... Brilliant idiot, Naruto thought, feeling an overwhelming surge of pride.
"Captain Weilman," one blonde girl officer standing nearby interjected. "Perhaps we should consider what he's saying..."
"Silence!" the captain shrieked, his features twisted with panic. "No matter how they beg, they remain traitors! Those who violate our rules must be eliminated! That is my obligation as a soldier!" He raised his arm, poised to give the fatal command.
"The demon helped us!" a voice suddenly shouted from above.
Everyone turned to see a Garrison soldier standing on a nearby rooftop, along with other Garrison soldiers. Beside him were familiar faces—Reiner, Bertholdt, Marco, Jean, and... Annie. Naruto's heart skipped a beat when their eyes met across the distance.
"What do you mean?" Weilman demanded.
The soldier stepped forward. "I'm Jacob Slyn, sir. Naruto Yeager saved me from certain death. A titan had me, my stomach was torn open, but he used his powers to heal me." He gestured behind him where several other soldiers nodded in agreement. "Not just me—these soldiers can all testify that Naruto Yeager saved them. Yes, he has a scary side, but even in his rage, he only attacked titans, never humans." Wagner's voice grew stronger. "Are you really willing to kill two soldiers for the crime of killing our enemy, the titans?"
Weilman's resolve visibly wavered. The blonde officer beside him spoke up. "Everyone, lower your weapons," she ordered.
After a moment's hesitation, Weilman nodded, and the cannons were lowered.
"Hmm, it seems you are able to listen after all, Captain Weilman," a new voice called out.
They all turned and saw Commander Pixis of the Garrison, flanked by dozens of soldiers. The portly, mustached commander had a reputation for eccentricity—and brilliant tactical thinking.
Captain Weilman snapped to attention, saluting frantically, as did every other soldier present.
Pixis stepped forward, his eyes twinkling with interest rather than fear as he looked at Naruto and Eren. "I believe I'll take this from here," he announced.
The tension in Naruto's shoulders eased slightly. They might just survive this day after all.
Kyuubi, he thought, addressing the presence he'd always felt within him but never fully understood. What the hell did you make me do out there?
As always, the fox remained silent when Naruto actually wanted answers. But for once, the silence felt like its own kind of confirmation. Whatever had happened during the battle for Trost, whatever this "tail" was that Weilman had mentioned—Naruto had a sinking feeling that he wouldn't like the truth when he finally heard it.
.
.
Naruto squinted against the harsh sunlight as he followed Commander Pixis along Wall Rose. The wind whipped at his hair, carrying the distant sounds of titans groaning below. Beside him walked Eren, Mikasa, and Armin—all of them shell-shocked but alive.
Pixis led them to a section of the wall overlooking Trost. From this vantage point, the devastation was painfully clear: buildings crushed, streets blocked with debris, and titans wandering aimlessly between the ruins. The commander took a long pull from his flask, his eyes never leaving the scene below.
"I don't see any..." Pixis muttered, sounding almost disappointed as he scanned the titans below. "I wouldn't mind being devoured by an attractive female titan."
Naruto blinked, unsure if he'd heard correctly. Then, despite everything, he felt a small smile tug at his lips. "Maybe the attractive ones are smart enough to stay away from walls, Commander."
Pixis burst into hearty laughter while Mikasa, Armin, and Eren stared at them in disbelief. Naruto could practically feel Mikasa's silent judgment—she clearly thought the commander had a few screws loose.
The moment of levity passed quickly. Pixis turned to Rico, the blonde officer who had accompanied them. "What information have we gathered about these two?" He gestured toward Naruto and Eren.
Rico straightened her posture. "We've questioned many cadets about what happened. Based on their accounts, Cadet Eren Yeager and his team were killed by titans, except for Cadet Armin Arlert."
Pixis turned to Armin. "Is this true, boy? Tell me what you saw."
Armin stepped forward, his voice steadier than before. "Yes, sir. Our team was attacked by titans. I was nearly swallowed, but Eren..." His voice caught, and he glanced at his friend. "Eren saved me. He pulled me out of the titan's mouth and threw me clear, but then...then he was swallowed."
As Armin spoke, Naruto watched Mikasa's hand drift toward Eren, as if reassuring herself he was still there. Meanwhile, Naruto found himself glaring at his brother. Typical Eren—rushing headlong into danger without a thought for those he'd leave behind.
"Interesting," Pixis mused, turning to Eren. "And what do you remember, Cadet Yeager?"
Eren frowned, concentration etched on his face. "I remember being inside the stomach, sir. It was hot, burning. There were...bodies." He shuddered. "After that, it's mostly blank until I woke up with cannons pointed at me."
"And you?" Pixis turned those sharp eyes on Naruto.
Naruto shook his head. "Nothing after I heard Eren was dead. Just...fragments. Heat. Rage." He rubbed his temples, feeling the phantom echo of that burning fury. "What exactly happened to me?"
Mikasa stepped closer, her expression softening. "You were upset, that's all."
"That's not all," Rico interjected bluntly. "I saw you from atop the wall. You were like a red demon, destroying buildings and titans like they were made of paper." Her eyes narrowed. "You nearly attacked your fellow cadets."
Those words felt like a punch in the gut. His legs nearly buckled beneath him. "I...what? No, that can't be right."
"Why did you have to say that?!" Mikasa snapped, but the damage was done.
Naruto felt sick. Had he really almost hurt his friends? The other cadets? What kind of monster was lurking inside him?
Pixis watched him with calculating eyes. "When exactly did this transformation occur?"
Armin answered when Naruto couldn't. "When I told him Eren was dead, sir. Naruto started emitting steam, then this strange red energy engulfed him like a second skin. He destroyed the building we were standing on with a roar, and when the smoke cleared..." Armin paused, clearly uncomfortable. "Naruto was standing on all fours. A tail made of that red energy extended behind him."
"A tail," Naruto echoed numbly, his hand unconsciously gripping his father's glasses so tightly the frames bent slightly. He forced himself to loosen his grip, smoothing the metal back into shape with trembling fingers.
"Hmm," Pixis mused, stroking his mustache. "So anger and grief triggered your transformation. Do you know why this happened to you, boy?"
Naruto's mind flashed to the massive fox behind the bars in his mindscape, those hateful red eyes glaring at him from the darkness. The creature that had always been there, a shadow within him that he'd never understood.
"I'm not sure myself, sir," he lied, unable to explain something he barely comprehended.
Pixis gave him a long, evaluating look that suggested he didn't quite believe him, but the commander didn't press further. Instead, he turned to Eren. "And what about your titan ability? Do you know its origins?"
Eren reached beneath his shirt and pulled out a key on a string. "My father gave me this. He said I would need to reach the basement of our home in Shiganshina to find answers." He frowned. "I don't remember exactly when this happened, but I'm certain that whatever questions we have about my...ability...the answers are there."
Pixis nodded slowly, then turned to Armin. "Cadet Arlert?"
"Yes, sir!" Armin answered, giving a military salute.
"Earlier you said that you have a plan to plug the hole in Wall Rose. Care to elaborate," Commander Pixis said with a small glint in his golden eyes.
"What I meant at the time was that Eren could transform back into a titan to plug the hole in the gate wall with that giant rock in the middle of the city. While he is doing that, he will need cover from the Titans," Armin admitted, his eyes flickering at the giant boulder in the middle of the city as he said that.
Commander Pixis seemed to reflect on his words as he turned his back on him and went back to studying the city of Trost.
"With those words, you have already convinced me, boy." Pixis said, taking another drink from his flask.
Wiping any remaining drink from his mouth, Pixis walked over and knelt before Eren.
"What do you say, Cadet Jaeger?"
"Sir?" Eren asked, confused.
"Are you capable of covering the hole in the outer door?" The commander asked authoritatively.
"I'm not sure, Commander." Eren admitted, and the commander cleared his throat before addressing him again.
"Alright, let me rephrase that. Cadet Yeager, will you close the gate or not?" His tone made Eren and his friends shudder, knowing this was a direct order.
"Eren." Naruto called him, causing the boy to look at him. "I know this is difficult, but remember what the cost was." Naruto said, placing his hand on Eren's shoulder.
"Cost?"
"Mina, Milyus, and Nac. They died so you could find out about your ability," Naruto said, his voice breaking slightly on Mina's name. "Remember their sacrifice, and remember what is on the line." He pointed at Armin, Mikasa, and gestured toward the vast territory of Wall Rose beyond. This made Eren's eyes widen in realization, tears running down his face as he fully comprehended what had happened to his squad.
Eren swallowed thickly as he wiped the tears from his face, giving Naruto a grateful look before turning back to the Commander.
"I will," Eren assured with a determined look on his face. "I'm going to do it. That wall will be plugged by the end of this day!" Eren spoke with fire in his eyes.
Pixis nodded, pleased, and put his hands on Eren's shoulders.
"Well said," praised the Commander before looking at Naruto.
"And what about you, Cadet Yeager the Younger? Do you think you can harness that power again? We could use another titan-killer out there."
Mikasa and Eren both tensed immediately, stepping closer to Naruto in a protective gesture.
Naruto felt a cold weight settle in his stomach. The very thought of losing control again, of becoming that... thing... made his skin crawl. He straightened his back and met Pixis's gaze.
"With all due respect, sir, I'd much rather fight as a human than turn into whatever I became out there," he said firmly. "I refuse to become a monster again, even to fight monsters."
Pixis's expression flickered with disappointment, but Naruto pressed on before he could respond.
"However, I can help in other ways. Ways that don't involve me attacking whatever moves but I need to have contact with the ground." He gestured toward the ground below. "If you'll allow me to demonstrate, sir?"
Pixis studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Take the elevator down. Show me what you can do."
Minutes later, Naruto stood at the base of the wall, with Mikasa and Rico flanking him. Behind them was a small clearing before a row of abandoned houses.
"Are you sure about this?" Mikasa asked quietly.
Rico cut in sharply. "He already promised the Commander he would show him something. It's too late now to turn back."
Naruto nodded, determined. Above them, Pixis, Eren, Armin, and several Garrison soldiers watched intently from the wall.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto knelt and placed his palm against the ground. He focused his energy, feeling that familiar warmth flow through his arm and into the earth.
Then the ground erupted.
A tree vine burst forth, growing with impossible speed. Ten meters. Twenty. Thirty. Within seconds, a massive tree stood forty meters high, its branches ending in sharp, spiky points that could easily impale a titan.
Gasps and exclamations of amazement echoed from the wall above. Only Mikasa, Armin, and Eren remained unsurprised, having witnessed this ability before.
Pixis's delighted laughter carried down to them. "Now that," he called, "is something we can use! Everyone, prepare for battle! We have a city to reclaim!"
Naruto stared up at his creation, wondering if this power—this ability to create rather than destroy—could possibly balance the scales against the monster that lived within him.
At least trees don't try to kill my friends, he thought grimly.
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