Tower- Zero Floor
Naruto was looking at his surroundings; there was no one in this place, only a homeless-looking man.
At a stall that seemed like a sales stand, a kid and a man had their eyes fixed on each other. The man looked like he was living the good life, covered with his blanket and with a TV at his side.
Books, scrolls, papers, can be seen scattered everywhere. There wasn't a single spot without something on it, but the moment someone tried to look closer, the stand was covered by a grey shadow.
"Hey, kid. It's disrespectful to the other party when someone is talking to you. And stop looking everywhere; you can't buy anything here." The man moved his head and covered Naruto's vision.
Refocusing his eyes, Naruto turned his gaze to the man once again.
His clothes looked like he was always sleeping in that spot—wrinkled, but that did not mean that they were not the garments of a scholar.
Even with that look, no one could say that he wasn't handsome. The man had his eyes covered with a white band, but a faint green light shone out from beneath it.
When he stood up and bowed, Naruto could see the mark of his silhouette in the blanket.
'How long has this guy been here?' Naruto twisted the corner of his mouth
"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention. It's my first time here and I was curious." Naruto bowed.
"Fine, when you're worth it I can sell you some things. I didn't ever see a kid in this place, so I will give you a discount when that happens." The man nodded satisfied
"Thank you, and what do you mean by the thing you said before?"
"For what?" The guy tilted his head in confusion.
"You said that I have various disgusting things inside of me." Naruto repeated.
"Aha, I said that. So what? I don't think it's a lie. I trust my eyes more than I trust myself." Pointing at his eyes, the man sounded confident.
"What eyes? You have them covered." Naruto asked with genuine curiosity.
"Yeah, I covered it a long time ago to not see your stupid face making stupid questions." It seemed that wasn't the first time someone asked him that.
"Hey! I'm sorry, and please be serious. I really didn't know about the things you told me." Naruto apologized, bowing slightly.
"No? Hmm, I thought you came here to solve that. Everyone comes here with a goal." He sounded puzzled.
Shaking his head, Naruto asked again.
"I really had no idea about that. Can you tell me? And what's your name? I'll go first: I'm Naruto."
"Mm sure, why not. You can call me Corvinus, the Scholar," Corvinus introduced himself, bowing slightly.
'A Scholar, huh? He looks like a homeless man'
"Be more respectful, brat. I know what you're thinking" Corvinus said reproachfully.
Naruto just ignored it and asked again. "Now can you tell me?"
"Fine, you have things covering your soul, they're trying to reach your core." Corvinus produced a seat from nowhere and sat on it.
Naruto looked amazed, but the man's words brought him back to reality.
"My soul?" Naruto muttered.
"Aha, I'm surprised you still have a will of your own. Maybe it's because your soul is defending itself." Corvinus had curiosity in his voice.
"Defend itself? Is it that serious?" Naruto frowned.
"Yeah, you can also ask the book." Corvinus pointed at Ego, without the same enthusiasm as with Naruto.
"Ego, is that true?" Naruto looks annoyed.
[Yes, but I couldn't tell you about that. If you knew about those things, it would be more difficult for you to remove them Ego 'nodded'
"Sigh, why is everything in my life always so difficult?" Naruto said with frustration. He was bored because it was always the same..
"Meh, don't worry about that, kid. In this tower, the only thing you need to think about is climbing it to achieve what you want." Corvinus shrugged
"Something like what I want?"
"Yeah, this tower brings talented people from across infinity and helps them achieve their goals." As he spoke, he created a small image in the air showing the tower.
"That sounds so... nice?"
"That's the way she is. If you want to know more, you can climb.
"Speaking of which, I don't know if you understand how the tower works and the 'system' she gave you" Corvinus looked over his stall and picked up a small notebook.
"Take this. Open it on the first floor and it will help you understand something about a few things."
"Thank you! Mmm how can I go to the first floor?"
Pointing at the floor, Corvinus spoke. "Just think about it, and the stairs will appear. That's all I'll tell you for now. If you want to know more, climb a few floors."
"Okay, thanks!"
"Just use the 'status window' and touch the icon of every stat; it will give you a basic explanation."
This time, Corvinus dropped his superficial attitude and said kindly. "Before you leave, don't forget why you came here, and remember your identity. That will be your shield against those things."
"I won't. I don't want to forget anything else," Naruto assured him.
"Things might be difficult for you in your world, but keep going. Find out what you want and come back here, to the Tower. I wish you the best of luck, Naruto," Corvinus cheered.
"...Sure. Thanks, Corvinus. I appreciate that," Naruto said, leaving the scene. felt a bit weird being treated so kindly after that experience, but he couldn't feel any malice from Corvinus; he trusted his senses.
Corvinus watched him leave and sat back down on his blanket.
"I hope this kid can make it; he seems lost. If he continues on this path, maybe I can help him." Corvinus felt pity seeing such a kid in this tower; he knew that this was an exception. he The Lady never drags minors under sixteen here; that's the lowest age allowed in her tower.
"I hope he doesn't take too long to return, but the things the Lady changed for him will keep him busy for a while. Return victorious, Naruto, The Tower has become boring." Covering himself with his blanket, Corvinus fell asleep again.
Meanwhile, Naruto continued walking with Ego in silence.
As they walked, Naruto noticed that the tower was regaining life. The hallway was changing, and paths could be seen taking form on the sides.
The faint light now illuminated the entire way; the gloomy air was gone, and a feeling like being at home enveloped Naruto.
The tower had been activated for the new climber.
Naruto was amazed to see all this, even more so because some information appeared in his mind. He can create a private room for him and decorate it whatever he wants.
"Wow... Ego, you remember this?"
[Mm, the Tower is a home for many people from all places. Here, there isn't much difference between people unless you make one for yourself.
She lets you do whatever you want, as long as you don't harm others. She gave many warnings in the past, and now, no one dares to go against her. If you want to rest, you can stay here as long as you want. That's the reason for the private rooms.] Ego flutters through the air, he feels cozy in this place.
"Let's go. I've been tired since we arrived here," Naruto's voice sounded weary.
Stopping in his place, Naruto thought about the information the tower gave him.
'A two-story house in the forest, copy the furniture from my house in the village, and set the time to evening.
'Done'
The moment he stops adding things, a new path appeared on the sides. Following it, they can see a door locked.
Seeing Ego for a moment, Naruto turned his gaze to the door. Taking the handle, he opened the door.
Fresh air brushed against his face; giant trees could be seen everywhere.
The sun was setting, and the night was rising; the feel of the cool night breeze caressed his body.
In the center of the forest there was a wooden house.
And in the back of the house was the river with the waterfall where he always swam.
"Hehehe, this looks niceee, don't you think, Ego? This is our place"
Ego 'nodded'
They walked to the house. Opening the door Naruto could see that it is the exact inside of his house in Konoha.
It isn't the same place, but now this is his home. No one was watching him in this place—well, maybe the Lady, but she was kind.
Thinking about that, Naruto threw himself on the sofa, every second that passed, he felt more tired.
"Uf, it's been a long day. I need to sleep. Rest well, Ego." His tired voice became softer and softer until it stopped.
Making a blanket appear, Ego used it to cover the kid.
[You need to rest, Naruto. We'll talk tomorrow]
Ego continued to watch the kid; there were only a few times that the child could sleep with a smile.
All these years, he hadn't stopped watching the kid; he had witnessed his struggles and his sorrows.
He remembered the nightmares the kid had suffered every day for years; hearing the kid screaming apologies or crying out in rage during the night made him feel sad.
[No one can stop you now, Naruto. If you wish, I will help you to burn them.]
The house fell silent; the only sound was Naruto's rhythmic breathing.
----Night passed----
Naruto slowly opened his eyes; the dawn's rays fell through the windows and illuminated the house.
"Uf, maybe I should consider sleeping here all the time. This place is more comfortable than my own bed.
"Morning, Ego." Yawning, Naruto greeted Ego.
[Morning, Naruo. It looks like you rested well.]
"Yup, I didn't remember that sleeping could feel this good. I'm going to prepare breakfast." Getting up, he went to the kitchen.
The furniture was there, but the ingredients weren't.
"Ego, the kitchen doesn't have any ingredients. Where can I get food?" Naruto poked his head out and asked.
[Just think about it and it will appear.]
"Mm, okay."
Taking off the jacket he always wore, Naruto went to the kitchen.
As he started thinking about the ingredients, they began to appear on the table. They appeared from nowhere, and Naruto didn't understand how.
Without thinking more on it and accustomed to being independent, he quickly made his breakfast and sat at the table in the dining room.
'Eat first and then ask Ego for that'
After he ate and took a shower, he returned to the living room where Ego was.
Ego was waiting for him on the sofa.
"Ego, yesterday, Corvinus didn't recognize you. Don't you know him?" Naruto leaned in, intrigued.
Ego didn't respond right away; he sounded ashamed. [...He did.]
Seeing that, Naruto changed the topic of conversation. "Okay, I won't touch that subject again. Let's go to the Fountain; I'll summon the stairs from there."
[Fine, it's interesting that I haven't been there for a long time and things look the same.]
"Do you remember how long it's been?"
[No, time is different when you reach a certain height.]
"That sounds weird. I suppose I'll learn about that later," Naruto complained.
[Yes, just climb The Tower and things will be easier.] Ego didn't move from Naruto's head.
"Ego, can I ask a question? I think I have one opportunity this year." Naruto grinned
[Of course. Now you can ask about some interesting things.]
"Hehe, fine. Show me the options, please."
Ego show a sheet with a list in it.
Why don't you remember anything before you were six?
Why does normal Chakra harm your body?
Is there a problem with normal chakra?
"Mmm, i thought there would be more"
[No, these are the things you already have an idea about, and they have to do with everything in the village.]
"Okay, tell me about the first one. I can find out the other things for myself. I want to know what happened to my memories," Naruto said, gritting his teeth.
[Fine, since you made it out of that place, I will give you some advice. Be careful with the frogs.]
"Mm okay, but I've never eaten frogs before. I don't think we're enemies," Naruto tilted his head.
[Just keep that in mind.
Now for your question, and don't interrupt me.
Why don't you remember anything before you were six?
In school, you learn about the different types of Ninja and the fields they can specialize in, but there's one clan that isn't on that list: the Yamanaka.
Usually, it's used to send information because they're also good sensor types, but the Hokage must have used them in another way.
They can manipulate the memories of a target if the difference in strength is too great. Someone close to Hiruzen used that ability to 'erase' your memories before six.
Your memories aren't deleted; they are sealed in your soul, and you must contact the thing inside you if you want to recover them. He ate it when you were weak at that time.The man who did that to do was still watching you when you were in Konoha]
"...Sigh. I supposed it would be something like that. There's no reason I would forget all my memories before that year. That was the same age I appeared in that house with Hiruzen. So, he knew all that, huh? Was it because he didn't want me to ask about things and what happened? Because the seal was recent? So, what about Gai-sensei?" Naruto let out a sigh and asked.
Ego sat in silence, watching the kid. Naruto was surprised, but no rage could be seen in him.
[Something like that. And no, you can trust in him. He knows that something is wrong with you, but he doesn't have the tools to help with that. However, if it is something that requires strength, he will help you no matter the cost.]
"He, of course. I don't distrust my master; I just want to know if our encounter was a coincidence or if someone designed it."
[No, don't worry about that, as I told you before, no one of them can be near wherever he is.]
"Okay, I guess that's all for now. Thanks, Ego." Naruto paused. "Should we see the stats Corvinus told us about?"
[Sure, I want to know what's the difference.]
"Hehe, fine. Wait a second."
Status window
Thinking about it, the same numbers appeared in front of him. The only thing that changed was the location.
[Name: Naruto Uzumaki]
-[Race: Human]
-[Level:0]
-[Rank: 0]
[Attributes]
[Vitality: 54% (Yellow)]
[Strength: 18%]
[Dexterity: 12%]
[Agility: 14%]
[Adaptability: 78%(Yellow)]
[Mind: 50%(Yellow)]
[Intelligence: 16(Colourless)]
[Stats]
[Mana: 0]
[HP: 810]
[Spiritual energy(mind):10]
[Stamina: 18]
[Red Chakra: 15(yellow)]
[Chakra: 180(270)(yellow)---[10000(?)]]
[???]
[???]
[Weapons]
-[]
[Contracts]
-[Fox]
-[???]
[Inventory]
[Location: Zero Floor-Private room]
Naruto moved his hand and tried to touch the window. At first it didn't work, but the moment he touched a stat, the information in the window changed.
[Vitality: Shows the condition of your body and its endurance. Involves HP, Stamina, Strength, and recovery capacity.]
[Strength: Measures the development of your current body. Increases damage output (DMG).
[Dexterity: Your capacity to control your power.]
[Agility: Speed and reaction time]
[Adaptability: Your capacity to be compatible with different energies. The higher this stat, the less the environment affects you.]
[Mind: The amount of spiritual energy and ability to withstand mental pressure]
[Intelligence: Capacity to learn new things]
Naruto felt dazzled seeing the information. He was surprised by how easy it was to read.
He told Ego about the stats and wrote them down on a sheet.
"Ego, this thing said that I have almost 100% of adaptability, but the others were low. And the color is yellow, you know why?" The numbers were low, but the adaptability made him proud.
[That's your talent. You have the capacity to use other energies once someone teaches you, but that doesn't mean you can do it with all types of energy. The colors must change when you reach 100%; we'll need to ask someone about it. Maybe you'll get lucky and meet another person on the first floor.] Ego was beginningto grasp the point of this. As the lady had said before, this was meant to be easy for newbies.
"Then how can I increase the percentage? Training as I did in the village?" Naruto thought that training alone would be boring.
[You can do that or pass the trials the Tower gives you. There are so many things in the tower that could help you. You only need to find them.]
"Mm okay. Then, let's go to the first floor." Naruto nodded and grabbed his bag; he only carried food and water.
Show me the stairs…
As he had that thought, a door with stairs appeared in front of him. They looked old, but there was no dirt on the steps.
Taking a look at the hallway, Naruto entered the door.
As he entered, he noticed that the entire place was dark.
The stairs were illuminated by a faint light, showing Naruto that he was still walking on them.
He walked on the stairs for a few minutes.
After what felt like an hour, he found a door at the end of the stairs.
Opening the door, he saw an ancient hallway. It wasn't the same as the Zero floor. On this, moss and small bone remains could be seen.
The scene was creepy.
Gathering his courage and entering the hallway, the door behind him disappeared, and he was left to his own devices.
The panic began to rise in him. Suddenly, a voice sounded in his mind and the status window appeared in front of him with a text.
Welcome to the First Floor, Climber
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This ch was short; it was to talk with Ego and understand a bit the status.
Naruto had a lot of advantages but he didn't know how to use them.
I will take my time to do every floor.
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