Digital Emperor (Naruto X Digimon)

Naruto decided to follow up with his actions, since he didn't want to speak then he wouldn't ask as it would make him depressed. He just needed some time to get over his pain before he gets geared up for some old fashioned revenge, burning down hideouts, torturing the info from criminals about your target and all that usual stuff.

Naruto would love to participate but he needed some time to get to that level.

This was why he felt like life was just playing with him. He almost lost Jiraiya again and this he would have needed to wait for two years to get his revenge.

Yeah, he changed his mind about not killing people that killed his loved ones. Screw everything, he was going to rip and tear everyone involved in that crime.

When he was young, he had told Pain that he wouldn't kill people and rehabilitate them. He had said such words in honor of Jiraiya. Pain had killed his mentor and majority of the Village, so pretty much all the people he cared for were dead.

But, he didn't decide to kill Pain. He was angry and wanted to, but he decided not to. Seeing that, Pain brought everyone back and gave him that he was looking forward to his future.

There was a smile on his face. No matter how you look at it, he was being sarcastic. He knew he was gonna mess up.

After the war, Naruto was the strongest being and he had Sasuke who was his almost equal. Pretty much everyone else was fodder and he could become the Overlord without a squeak if he so wanted. Sasuke had wanted that but Naruto beat him up until he decided to go on a journey. Coming back, he suggested, "Naruto, take over as the ruler. People don't deserve this much freedom."

Yeah, that journey to find his path ended up only making him feel worse about humans.

Naruto was the type that gave people total freedom so he never really took over any territory or the world. He let the leaders stay leaders and did things diplomatically.

That means he followed rules of international borders and allowed criminal acts to continue. His soft approach meant that other nations could greedy all they want and not worry about him interfering.

With international borders in mind, he couldn't even visit places without notice. People didn't want him coming without notice.

He allowed it by following the rules because if he didn't, it meant he was following the path he had denied everyone else.

Sasuke had wanted to rule with fear.

Pain had wanted to rule with fear.

If he used his power, it was the same thing.

He continued to try using his words and actions to invite people to change and allow a better world to exist.

He made rehabilitation centers for criminals and only executed the most severe ones.

The world he left wasn't perfect but he had worked really hard on it, and it was safest and cleanest it had ever been.

There were no wars. There were no skirmishes taking place. There was no hatred between nations or groups.

There were just some criminal groups and general human greed at work.

In a way, he had made it that difficult. He could have always taken the easy way out.

One of his options was to let the people choose, if they wanted him as their Leader. If he had done that, he wouldn't be breaking any rules.

But he had been mired in the normal patterns and never really thought about it until arriving in the current world. He had enough time to just wonder where he went wrong.

He was a baby for a time so he couldn't do anything else but think for a year.

Naruto entered his room, his muscles aching from the day's intense sparring session. Asura, exhausted from the team battle, was already sound asleep in the shared quarters. All Naruto wanted was to collapse into his bed, but as soon as he stepped through the doorway, a force tackled him, pinning him against the door.

It was Ruri, as forceful and direct as always. Her bright eyes sparkled with mischief, and a playful smile curled her lips as she leaned in close.

"See? You finally came back to me," Ruri teased, her fingers pressing softly against his lips to keep him from responding too quickly. Despite her small frame, she was strong enough to hold him in place without him tapping into his chakra.

Naruto exhaled, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Ruri's intensity was never a surprise, but her timing always seemed impeccable. "I guess you were right," he replied gently, wrapping his arms around her smaller figure. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting for so long."

She fit perfectly in his embrace, her smaller size making the hug feel protective and comforting. Ruri had always been confident in her claim over him, her bold demeanor keeping him on his toes. It was no wonder that, despite his initial reservations, he found himself drawn to her in ways he hadn't expected.

"Hehe, I'm just happy you came back this early," Ruri murmured, rubbing her head against his chest and clinging to him like a satisfied cat. "The game would have gotten boring if you kept running."

Naruto chuckled at her words, ignoring the darker implications beneath her teasing. Ruri's tenacity and possessiveness were traits he'd come to accept, even if they could be... dangerous. She was the type who could—and probably would—kidnap him if he pushed her too far.

With Ruri still latched onto him, Naruto walked further into the room, his attention drawn to the unexpected assembly of women awaiting him. Standing primly near the center of the room was Roberta, the head maid of the Uzumaki residence. Beside her stood Hilda, while Morrigan lounged casually next to Eve.

Roberta greeted him with the practiced courtesy of a professional maid, bowing slightly. She was pale, with waist-length black hair tied into low pigtail braids, square bangs framing her face. Her striking blue eyes occasionally glinted with a dull purple hue, a subtle reminder of her vampiric lineage. Her sharp canine teeth and oversized round glasses added a peculiar charm to her otherwise cold and professional demeanor. She wore a long, elegant maid uniform with a cross necklace resting against her chest.

Roberta was no ordinary maid; she was the daughter of a Myotismon—not one of the renowned Vampire Lords, but still a powerful and dangerous vampire in her own right. Like her father's kind, she needed to drink blood to survive, though she managed this need with disciplined control. Beneath her icy exterior lay an unwavering loyalty to the Uzumaki family. She was a protector who would eliminate any threat, regardless of its nature—be it a child, elder, or Digimon. Her ruthless efficiency reminded Naruto of the ANBU, their cold, detached professionalism hauntingly familiar.

Yet Naruto knew there was more to Roberta than her stoic façade. Her love and dedication to the Uzumaki family ran deep, and she would sacrifice herself in an instant if it meant protecting them.

Sitting on the sofa beside her, a stark contrast to Roberta's composed demeanor, was her partner, BelleStarmon. Grace, as Roberta called her, exuded an aura of carefree confidence. This female Beelzemon leaned back casually, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her three piercing eyes gleamed with intelligence and mischief, and her black leather outfit accentuated her toned, athletic figure. A red muffler draped around her neck, a versatile tool she used for both offense and defense.

Unlike the brooding menace typical of Beelzemon, BelleStarmon was outgoing and sociable. She loved to party and frequently explored the nightlife, making her a sharp contrast to her reserved partner. Grace had a knack for connecting with others, her bold personality and love for excitement earning her friends like Jack, another ally Naruto respected.

Naruto nodded in greeting to the others, his gaze briefly meeting Roberta's sharp eyes and Grace's amused smirk. Despite the exhaustion weighing on him, he felt a sense of ease among them. These were people who had his back, each in their own unique way.

"Welcome back, Master Naruto," Roberta said, her tone calm but warm enough to convey her genuine care.

Naruto smiled, letting Ruri cling to him as he replied, "It's good to be back. Thanks for holding down the fort while I was out."

Grace chuckled, her voice smooth and teasing. "Don't let Roberta fool you. She's been watching the clock since you left. Pretty sure she missed you more than she's willing to admit."

Roberta's glasses glinted ominously as she adjusted them, her voice remaining even. "My duties are my priority, not sentimentality."

Naruto's eyes swept the room as he took in the assembled figures, his gaze briefly settling on Oga, the lower form of Hilda's partner, Dobermon. Compared to its evolved forms, this smaller version looked surprisingly adorable rather than ferocious. Its piercing red eyes gleamed with intelligence, and the metal collar with its menacing spikes contrasted with its cute demeanor. The black-and-brown fur pattern, combined with the gear-like protrusions along its spine and knees, gave Oga an air of understated power. Despite its size, Naruto could sense the potential for devastation lurking beneath its calm exterior.

Dobermon was a Demon Beast Digimon with a storied past. Originally a Virus Digimon, a rare mutation had converted it into a Vaccine type. Even so, its nature as a hunter made it uncontrollable by most Tamers. It was renowned for its relentless pursuit of Virus Digimon, a trait that aligned it with the followers of Plutomon. Oga's lineage was one of power, and its loyalty to Hilda spoke to the bond they shared. Naruto also recalled tales of Dobermon's partnership with Alice McCoy, the young witch whose magic was famed across dimensions. Magic and Digimon often intertwined in certain universes, and Alice's exploits as a Magic Knight were legendary.

Naruto's attention shifted as Roberta's cold but commanding voice cut through the quiet. Her presence seemed to draw all the room's focus, even from the typically outspoken Grace. "I didn't expect you to be here, Roberta," Naruto said, his tone measured. Though he tried to mask his surprise, it slipped through. He had not anticipated her joining this gathering.

Roberta adjusted her glasses with a calculated grace, her expression unflinching. "Apologies, Young Master. My presence here is a calculated move. I wish to stand by your side so that this family can continue to rise. Master Menma cannot satisfy those conditions."

Naruto blinked, absorbing her words. Unlike the other women in his life, Roberta's motivations were starkly different. Her tone lacked affection or desire; she wasn't driven by love or lust. She was logical, almost mechanical, in her reasoning. Her loyalty wasn't born of sentiment but a determination to see the Uzumaki family thrive.

"Conditions?" Naruto prompted, his voice quiet but firm as he moved closer to her. The tension in the room was palpable, and even Ruri, who had clung to him moments ago, now stayed silent.

Roberta nodded slightly, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Providing me with the appropriate meal and granting me a powerful child to pass my mission."

The bluntness of her answer was like a bucket of cold water. Naruto stiffened, but he quickly masked his reaction, his mind racing. He understood the implications behind her words. As a vampire, her survival depended on blood, and she had developed a taste for his due to its high life force. Beyond that, her desire for a child wasn't rooted in maternal instinct—it was purely pragmatic. She wanted an heir to carry on her legacy, someone born from the strongest genetics available.

"Is that all?" Naruto asked after a moment of silence. His voice carried no judgment, only curiosity.

"Yes, that is enough," Roberta replied, her tone as steady as before. Her sharp blue eyes met his, and Naruto could see no deceit in her words. She wasn't driven by malice, only an unrelenting sense of duty.

Naruto sighed, his thoughts conflicted. Roberta's loyalty was unquestionable, but her cold pragmatism was concerning. She lived a life devoid of love or warmth, focused entirely on fulfilling her obligations. The idea of her attaching herself to him for such calculated reasons left a bitter taste in his mouth. He couldn't help but feel responsible for lighting up her life in some way, giving her something beyond duty to hold onto.

The notion of her wanting a child for such detached reasons also troubled him. If he weren't available, she would have sought another suitable candidate, and that hypothetical child's life would have been predetermined by Roberta's unyielding mindset. He couldn't allow that to happen.

"I understand your reasons," Naruto finally said, his tone softer but resolute. "But if we're doing this, I need you to know something. Life isn't just about missions or obligations. If you're going to stick around, you'll need to let yourself experience more. I don't want you living in a world where everything is decided for you—or for anyone else."

Roberta's expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes. Perhaps surprise, or even curiosity. "If that is your wish, Young Master," she said, bowing slightly.

Naruto nodded, glancing around the room at the others. The tension eased slightly, and Grace leaned back with a smirk, clearly amused by the exchange. Ruri had resumed her place at his side, her grip on his arm light but possessive.

Naruto leaned against the bookshelf, his mind swirling with thoughts about the life he was now building. He had promised himself to be a better man, a better father, and someone who cherished the people in his life. The weight of those promises was immense, but it was something he willingly bore. As he handed the books on parenting to Roberta, he saw the faintest glimmer of curiosity in her otherwise stoic expression.

"I will allow it, but you have to learn a few things before I give you a child," Naruto said firmly. His voice carried both warmth and resolve, a mixture of care and leadership. "Raising a child isn't just about fulfilling a mission. It's about nurturing them, giving them a world they can thrive in. You'll need to understand that before we take any steps."

Roberta nodded, clutching the books with an uncharacteristic gentleness. "Understood, Master. Is there anything else I can do in the meantime? Would you like me to accompany you tonight?"

Before Naruto could respond, Grace chimed in with her ever-playful tone. "I want to watch, if you wouldn't mind," she said, twirling a beer bottle in her muffler as if it were a toy. Her golden eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly enjoying the tension in the room.

Roberta's gaze snapped to Grace, sharp and unforgiving. The maid's usual cold demeanor turned frosty, silently warning the demon Digimon against drinking while others remained sober. Grace, unfazed, smirked and leaned back.

"Didn't know you were such a perv, Grace," Eve teased, her laughter laced with a hint of nervousness. Despite her bold words, she knew Grace's power far outstripped her own. The thought of crossing Grace in a serious fight was terrifying, even for someone as brazen as Eve.

Grace shot her a sly grin. "And I didn't know you were the authority on that, Eve. Let's not forget your own… unconventional hobbies. Golden showers, foot-licking—should I continue? Compared to you, I'm practically a saint."

Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, choosing to ignore the escalating banter. He had grown used to the chaotic energy these two brought, but it didn't make it any less exhausting.

"No need," he said, addressing Roberta directly. "I still haven't decided how I feel about all of this. For now, focus on what I asked."

Roberta bowed gracefully. "As you wish, Master. I will be in my room if you need anything further." Without another word, she turned and left the room, her posture as rigid and disciplined as ever.

As the door closed behind her, Naruto glanced at Ruri, who was perched comfortably at his side. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. "Did this disappoint you?"

Ruri shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Nah. I always imagined sharing you with Hilda, anyway. The only thing I care about is being with you. I'll outlive most of the others, so I figure I'll get you all to myself someday."

Naruto chuckled softly. "You're a weird girl, Ruri."

"It's better than being a depressed or angry one," she quipped, her tone light.

"Well, you're not wrong," he admitted, lifting her effortlessly and placing her on the sofa. His gaze shifted to Hilda, who sat quietly, watching the exchange with a calm intensity.

"Hilda," Naruto began, his voice soft but serious, "are you really fine with this—with me? You could choose someone better. Sentry, for instance. He's shown interest, and he's a good man."

Hilda's expression didn't falter, but her lips curved into a small, sardonic smile. "You're right, Master. You are a bad man. Here you are, playing with my heart, only to suggest I go to another. How cruel of you."

Naruto laughed, a genuine sound that eased some of the lingering tension. "Well, I suppose you'll just have to keep loving this cruel master, then."

Without hesitation, he scooped Hilda into his arms. Her sarcasm was a welcome reprieve, and he couldn't help but feel a deep affection for her, even if she enjoyed teasing him. As he held her, his expression softened into one of pure happiness.

This was his life now—a chaotic, complicated web of emotions and relationships. Each woman in his life deserved the best, and Naruto resolved to give them exactly that. He would make them happy, no matter how difficult or overwhelming it became. This time, he wouldn't let his relationships falter.

Even as he struggled with the idea of balancing a harem, he couldn't deny his feelings. He cared for each of them deeply, and the thought of letting any of them down was unbearable. If this was his path, he would walk it with determination, giving them the love and care they deserved.