[Current World: Naruto] This story takes place in an alternate universe (AU) of Earth, where kingdoms still exist. The main character (MC) is the youngest war general due to a conflict with a more powerful kingdom. After dying in battle, the MC is offered a unique opportunity: a job that involves fighting monsters and armies. This position comes with two options—if they accept, they will gain power by going through trials; otherwise, they can choose to ascend to heaven or be reincarnated into their original world once again 1. Please note, this is not a harem story. I attempted to create one in my first fanfiction but struggled to find a plausible way to introduce such dynamics. Additionally, after reading numerous harem stories, while I don’t dislike the concept itself, the justifications provided in those narratives often felt contrived and unconvincing—for example, "He’s so strong, I need sisters," or "He’s the last of his clan, so he needs multiple wives." These reasons simply didn't resonate with me. Therefore, if romance becomes part of this story, it will feature a single pairing rather than a harem setup. Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto world or any of its characters. My story only includes an original character (OC). Furthermore, I do not claim ownership of the cover picture used for this work. If the rightful owner wishes for it to be removed, please contact me.
The clash of swords and the whistle of arrows filled the air in front of the castle gates. This fortress, the home of the ruling family, was now the last bastion of a crumbling kingdom. The war had been lost—not due to cowardice or lack of will—but because they simply could not match the sheer military might of the invading forces.
Leading the remnants of their army was one of the two remaining generals: a young man whose brilliance had already claimed the lives of over 30% of the enemy's troops. His strategic mind and leadership were unmatched. Had he been given command of the entire army from the start, the war might have ended differently. But his youth—he was only 25—and the circumstances of his rise to power worked against him. He had inherited his position after his father's death, having served as his second-in-command for eight years. The older generals, unaware that many of his father's victories had been born from his own strategies, dismissed his ideas and clung to their outdated plans.
It was only after the older generals fell that he was granted full command, but by then, it was too late. The enemy's numbers were overwhelming, and even they had considered retreat, fearing an attack from a neighboring kingdom while their forces were weakened. However, a peace treaty with that kingdom spared them, as their neighbors had ambitions of their own and couldn't afford to open another front.
Now, the young general prepared for a final stand, determined to inflict as much damage as possible on the invaders. Meanwhile, the other remaining general led a small contingent tasked with escorting the royal family—the crown prince, his mother, and his sister—to safety across the sea. They were to rendezvous with the army of the Kingdom of Nara, led by the queen's father, who was rushing to aid his son-in-law. But the vast distance between the kingdoms and the chaos of the war had delayed their arrival, leaving the defenders to face the enemy alone.
In the castle courtyard, the king stood with two bloodied short swords at his side, fighting alongside his soldiers. He had refused to abandon them, choosing to stay and fight rather than flee with his family. Beside him was Ajamu, the protagonist of this tale, whose name meant "he who fights for his desires." Ajamu led the soldiers with unwavering resolve, buying precious time for the royal family's escape.
He fought with the grace of a seasoned warrior—his movements precise and deadly—yet there was a regal air about him that even the king lacked. Ajamu's loyalty to the king was absolute; he loved and respected him like a father. Though not related by blood, their bond was as strong as brothers. Ajamu had even sent his own family away with the royals, vowing to protect the king with his life—a vow he upheld when he intercepted a sword strike meant for the king's head.
But after days of relentless combat and little rest, his strength faltered. The blade cut deep into his shoulder, piercing his left lung. The king, seeing Ajamu fall, struck down the attacker and rushed to his side, supporting him as the soldiers formed a protective circle around them.
The King: "Ajamu, hold on!" His voice trembled with desperation. "I'll get you to the healers. Just stay with me!"
But Ajamu could feel his strength fading. His body, pushed to its limits by days of fighting and strategizing, could endure no more.
Ajamu: "It's… okay," he managed, blood trickling from his lips. "It's… been an honor… my king."
The King: "No!" His voice broke. "Don't say that! I promised your father I'd protect you. I begged you to leave with the royal family, but you refused. You promised me you'd survive, so you will! Do you hear me?" He turned, shouting, "Healers! Someone, help!"
When the medic arrived, the king handed Ajamu over with urgent care, positioning him gently.
The King: "Save him!" he commanded, his voice raw with emotion.
The medic examined Ajamu, then froze, his face pale.
The Medic: "I'm sorry… he's gone."
The king's world shattered.
The King: "What do you mean? Save him! Find someone who can!" he roared, his voice echoing across the courtyard.
The Medic: "His heart has already stopped," the medic replied softly, tears in his eyes.
At that moment, the sound of war horns pierced the air, followed by the thunderous battle cries of an approaching army.
The Soldiers: "FOR NARA!" Their voices shook the ground.
The Healer turned to the king, relief washing over his face.
The Medic: "My king, the Nara army has arrived! We're saved!"
But the king remained motionless, cradling Ajamu's lifeless body. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered,
The King: "I'm sorry. I failed to keep you safe. You were so young, with your whole life ahead of you. Yet you died saving me. I'm so sorry."
Then, with a fire burning in his eyes, the king rose, gripping his sword tightly.
The King: "They will pay," he vowed, his voice cold and resolute. "I will make their kingdom suffer for this. When I take their capital, I will build a statue of you in their courtyard and in ours. It will bear your name as the man who won this war and saved his king. Rest in peace, my friend. Your family will be granted royal status and care. I swear it."
With a final roar, the king charged into battle, his voice ringing out across the battlefield:
The King: "FOR AJAMU!"
That day marked the death of the greatest general and warrior the world had ever known. And for some, far beyond this world, it signaled the rise of the one true king.