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Meeting an Unexpected Mother

Naruto and the girls stopped at a clearing where they set up camp for the night. He volunteered to keep watch, insisting firmly despite the girls' protests. With no room left for complaints, they retired to their tents. As the night wore on, Naruto gazed into the flickering fire, smiling as he reflected on the progress they had made.

The three girls had grown much stronger than he had anticipated in such a short amount of time. Sometimes, he felt a pang of envy at how quickly they grasped new concepts and techniques. Their training had reached a plateau, particularly in their control over their magic, which was now near perfection. However, Naruto knew they needed to push beyond this plateau.

He planned to intensify their physical training, believing that versatility was crucial. Despite their powerful magics, they often treated physical training as a secondary focus. Naruto understood their approach but knew that they needed to improve their physical capabilities and incorporate their magic more seamlessly into their combat style. He resolved to make physical training a primary focus, regardless of their preferences.

As he continued to ponder, Naruto formulated a plan to enhance their arsenal of techniques while simultaneously increasing their physical endurance and strength. He decided to implement a series of combined drills that would force them to use both their magical abilities and physical skills under pressure.

The next morning, Naruto gathered the girls and outlined his new plan. "You've all made incredible progress with your magic control," he began, "but now we need to focus on integrating that control into your physical training. We'll be stepping things up a notch."

Grayfia raised an eyebrow. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

Naruto grinned. "We're going to do more combined drills. You'll be practicing your magic while performing intense physical exercises. Think of it as multitasking training. It'll be tough, but it'll make you stronger and more versatile."

Venelana looked hesitant. "Do we have to? Our magic is already strong."

Naruto nodded firmly. "Yes, you do. You need to be able to rely on both your physical strength and your magic in any situation. This will make you more well-rounded fighters."

Sona sighed but nodded in agreement. "Alright, if you think it's necessary."

Naruto wasted no time implementing his new regimen. He set up obstacle courses that required the girls to use their magic to navigate while carrying heavy weights. He had them spar against each other with the added challenge of using their magic strategically to gain an advantage. Each time they showed significant improvement, he increased the gravity seals, ensuring they were constantly pushed to their limits.

Days turned into weeks, and their progress was undeniable. The girls adapted to the increased physical demands, becoming stronger and more agile. Their magical attacks became more fluid and integrated seamlessly into their movements.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of training, the group encountered a powerful creature—a Chimera, larger and more ferocious than any they had faced before. Naruto hung back, watching closely as Venelana, Grayfia, and Sona prepared to face the beast.

Grayfia took the lead, summoning sharp ice projectiles and launching them at the Chimera. The creature roared in anger as the ice shattered against its tough hide. "Remember your precision, Grayfia!" Naruto called out, urging her to aim for the eyes and joints.

Sona flanked the creature, using her water magic to create whips and blades. She sliced at the Chimera's legs, trying to slow it down. "Nice work, Sona! Keep it distracted!" Naruto encouraged, knowing they needed to work together to take down the beast.

Venelana stood back, focusing her destructive magic on the Chimera's weak points. She used controlled bursts of destruction to chip away at its defenses. "You're doing great, Venelana! Keep applying pressure!" Naruto said, noting her improved control.

Despite their combined efforts, the Chimera's resistance proved challenging. It fought back fiercely, nearly overwhelming the group. Seeing them struggle, Naruto decided it was time to intervene. He leaped into the fray, his movements a blur as he engaged the Chimera. Without needing any jutsu, Naruto's sheer physical prowess was enough. He delivered a powerful punch that sent the creature crashing to the ground, ending the fight quickly.

The group breathed a collective sigh of relief as the danger passed. "Great teamwork, everyone," Naruto said, helping them to their feet. "You did well. Just remember to keep your focus and work together."

As they continued their journey, Naruto shared more advanced techniques and strategies. He emphasized the importance of synergy in their abilities, encouraging them to think creatively about how their magic could complement each other. They encountered various other creatures, each battle serving as a learning experience.

"Your control has improved significantly," Naruto said during one training session, increasing the gravity seals once more. "But don't get comfortable. There's always room for improvement."

One evening, after a particularly challenging fight against a horde of Lizardmen, the group sat around a campfire, nursing their wounds and reflecting on their progress. "We've come a long way," Grayfia said, her voice filled with pride.

"Thanks to Naruto's training," Sona added, smiling at their mentor.

Venelana nodded in agreement. "I never imagined I'd be able to control my magic like this. It's all because of you, Naruto."

Naruto chuckled, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "You all had the potential. I just helped you unlock it. But remember, this journey is just beginning. There will be tougher challenges ahead, and you need to be ready."

With their spirits high, the group continued their training and journey. Each day brought new lessons and adventures, forging them into a formidable team. As they drew closer to their destination, Naruto knew they were ready for whatever awaited them at Fairy Tail.

Naruto wanted to postpone their arrival at Fairy Tail for as long as possible. While he believed in the girls' power, he couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't quite ready. He couldn't pinpoint the source of his unease, but it lingered. The girls had followed every word he said, making their bodies extremely powerful, albeit not as powerful as his. As they continued to grow stronger, so did he. They became adept at close-quarters combat, able to use their magic in rapid succession. Grayfia and Sona even developed their unique taijutsu styles that incorporated their elements—Sona with her Water Pulsing Palm and Grayfia with her Chilling Touch. Venelana, not to be outdone, created the Aura of Destruction, making her the most powerful of the three. Recognizing this, the other two worked hard to catch up by creating similar techniques.

The gravity seals on their napes were now at 10×, yet they moved with elegance and ease. Despite all this progress, Naruto spent a sleepless night grappling with his lingering doubts. He decided to trust in their abilities, and the next morning, he told them they were powerful enough to join a guild, even if it wasn't Fairy Tail. Their happy smiles warmed his heart, and he believed that, if needed, he could protect them.

As they packed up and started moving, it wasn't even two hours before they encountered a woman. She wore a regal black dress and carried a giant wooden staff. Her brown eyes and scarlet red hair were striking, and though her smile seemed kind, it was also chilling. Naruto, able to sense negative emotions, immediately stopped in his tracks. His students followed suit, recognizing the rare caution in their master's demeanor and taking up fighting stances.

The woman's smile widened. "Well, well, what do we have here?" Her voice was smooth, yet it carried an underlying menace. "A group of travelers?"

Naruto remained calm and polite, though cautious. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

The woman chuckled. "I'm just a wanderer, much like yourselves. But I couldn't help but notice your impressive strength. Tell me, where are you headed?"

"None of your business," Naruto replied, keeping his tone even. "State your intentions or move aside."

The woman sighed dramatically. "Such hostility. Very well, my name is Irene Belserion. I have no ill intentions, just a curiosity about powerful individuals like yourselves."

Naruto stepped forward slightly, his killing intent shimmering faintly. "If you have no ill intentions, then why do you carry such a dark aura?"

Irene's smile faltered for a moment. "Ah, you noticed. I suppose there's no hiding it from sharp senses. I have...a complicated history. But I assure you, I mean no harm unless provoked."

Naruto glanced at his students, silently communicating his readiness to protect them if things went south. "We don't want any trouble, Irene. Just let us pass."

Irene raised her hands in mock surrender. "Of course, of course. No need for conflict." She stepped aside, allowing them to continue their journey.

As they moved past her, Naruto kept a close eye on Irene, his senses on high alert. Once they were a safe distance away, Grayfia spoke up. "Who was that woman? She felt...dangerous."

Naruto nodded. "She was. But as long as we keep our guard up and stay together, we'll be fine. Let's keep moving."

No sooner had he said this than Naruto felt a surge of killing intent behind them. He spun around just in time to see Irene raising her staff, a malevolent grin on her face.

"Look out!" he shouted, immediately creating three shadow clones. "Get them out of here!" he ordered the clones, who grabbed the girls and sped away from the impending battle.

Irene's eyes narrowed. "So you think you can protect them? Admirable, but futile."

Naruto stepped forward, his expression hardening. "I don't just think I can. I know I can."

Irene laughed, a cold, chilling sound. "We'll see about that." She raised her staff, and an immense magical energy began to gather.

Naruto didn't wait. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, aiming a powerful punch at Irene. She barely managed to block with her staff, the force of the blow sending shockwaves through the clearing.

"Impressive," she hissed. "But you'll need more than brute strength to defeat me."

Naruto smirked. "Good thing I have plenty more tricks up my sleeve."

The battle commenced in earnest, with Irene launching spells and Naruto deftly dodging and countering with his enhanced physical prowess. He didn't resort to using any jutsus, relying instead on his raw strength and speed to overwhelm her.

Despite her formidable magic, Irene found herself being pushed back. "How...how are you this strong?" she demanded, her confidence wavering.

Naruto didn't answer. He knew better than to reveal his full hand to an enemy. Instead, he pressed his advantage, each strike calculated to keep her off balance and unable to mount a proper defense.

As Irene's irritation grew, her attacks became sloppier. She cast spell after spell in frustration, but Naruto's relentless assault left her no room to recover. Her breathing became labored, and her movements lost their initial grace.

"This ends now," Naruto declared, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

Just as he was about to strike, a dark aura enveloped Irene. Her eyes glowed with an intense, malevolent light, and her body began to transform. Scales erupted from her skin, her form twisting and growing until she stood before him as a towering dragon.

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "What the—"

The dragon roared, shaking the very ground beneath them. Naruto took a step back, realizing that this fight was far from over.

Grayfia, Venelana, and Sona heard the thunderous roar in the distance and grew worried. Their teacher, whom they had come to admire and care for deeply, was in danger. They struggled to break free from the clones' grasp, desperate to help Naruto. The clones, sharing a silent agreement, decided to prioritize the girls' safety and bring them to the Fairy Tail guild, whether they liked it or not. Each clone summoned another to knock the girls out gently, carrying them piggyback style. As the clones that knocked them out disappeared, Naruto received the information and reluctantly agreed with their plan.

Naruto deactivated the gravity seals, and the weight seals were already off at the start of the battle. He activated Ninpō Sōzō Saisei — Byakugō no Jutsu, causing markings to spread across his body, enhancing his power significantly. Irene sensed the growing threat and cast Deus Zero, attempting to remove the power-up affecting Naruto. When it did nothing, she grew concerned, realizing that Naruto wasn't wearing any enchantments; it was his own excess power being unleashed all at once.

Feeling increasingly threatened, Irene used Personality Enhancement, trying to impose her will on Naruto, but it failed. Her fear and worry morphed into irritation as her spells proved ineffective. The initial battle's intensity meant that most of their exchanges were hand-to-hand, an area where Irene was less skilled. Her Disappear spell was her go-to, but Naruto's foresight and agility allowed him to dodge the explosions before they could detonate. She considered using Berserker on Naruto but feared it would only make him an even more formidable opponent.

Naruto contemplated using his Sharingan to end the fight quickly but decided against it. This was an opportunity to gauge the strength of the residents of this world, and he was not disappointed. Though he was far stronger than his post-war self, the fact that a magic specialist like Irene could dodge and somewhat keep up with his speed was concerning. It spurred his resolve to double down on his training to mitigate any future threats.

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A/N: To those who think that I underplayed Irene's powers I kinda did for good intentions of course, if I left Irene to be as strong as she was then her decisive choice of murder would be something that Naruto would kill her immediately for, and besides that reason I'll repeat the fact that I overcompinsated Naruto at his lost of Kurama, I looked up Irene's fastest, and so far her speed wasn't something that I was impressed with even in the series, fair though that it's been a while since the last time I watched fairy tail that's why I had to look up her max speed, Naruto would be faster in KCM and Naruto here is stronger than post war Naruto, so pressure will build up inevitably when you fight someone far faster than you and physically stronger so she became rather sloppy at the end, I firmly believe that Mest and Racer are one of the few that are close to Naruto's current speed, and Irene only has reaction speed rather than actual speed, you can certainly tell me if I'm wrong it's been awhile since I last touch a media of fairy tail.