SWNOVELXO Chapter 3: Chapter 3
The crisp rooftop air seemed to frame the surreal moment perfectly as Sam's heart raced, the fluttering intensity leaving her breathless. She had imagined this scene countless times before—Danny, finally stepping up, finally taking charge, and expressing his feelings. Yet, nothing had prepared her for the sheer whirlwind of emotions she now experienced.
When Naruto, still in Danny's form, let go of her hand upon reaching the rooftop, she took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. She looked at him—truly looked—and noticed how he seemed different, standing with a confidence and poise that Danny had never shown before.
"When did you pick up such criminal skills?" she asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity, referencing how he'd effortlessly picked the lock to the rooftop door.
Naruto grinned, his expression one of nonchalance. "Every skill has its use. I've been gathering them for my future goals."
Sam raised a brow, half-joking. "Hopefully that doesn't mean becoming a thief."
"That could be fun under certain circumstances," he teased. "Imagine playing with the police, stealing priceless artifacts, and sending them back just for kicks."
Sam rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched upward in amusement. "You've been watching too much anime. It's clearly going to your head."
Naruto chuckled softly, stepping closer to her. "I like it best when you smile, so don't lose that fire. Don't go meek on me." His hand reached out, brushing against her cheek gently.
Sam gulped, her heart pounding furiously. The touch, the confidence in his eyes, and that disarming smile—it was all so unlike the Danny she knew, yet it felt undeniably right.
"Hmph, I don't know what you mean," she replied, trying to sound defiant, though her voice wavered ever so slightly.
"Is that so?" Naruto murmured, tapping his chin in mock contemplation. Then, with a movement so smooth and deliberate, he pulled her close, his hands resting firmly on her waist. Before she could react, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss.
Sam's eyes widened in shock, her body freezing momentarily. But as the warmth of the kiss spread through her, she melted into it, her hands finding their way around his neck. It was surreal—the sensation, the passion, the sheer expertise of the kiss.
'How is he this good?' Sam's mind raced, but her body responded instinctively, leaning into him as though this was the most natural thing in the world.
Naruto, fully aware of Danny's feelings for Sam, let the moment linger. His hands moved from her waist, caressing the curve of her hips and resting briefly on her skirt-covered rear. Sam's gasp was muffled by the kiss, her mind spinning at the audacity, yet she didn't pull away.
As they finally broke apart, Sam's breathing was uneven, her face flushed as she stared at him in a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "You… got me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Naruto smirked, his hands still resting lightly on her waist. "I wanted to hear it from you," he said, his tone teasing yet sincere. "Say it, Sam."
Her lips parted as she gazed into his eyes. "I… I like you. Very, very much. Let's journey together toward a bright future, Danny."
Naruto smiled at her words, and in that moment, he felt the bond between them solidify. As Sam leaned into him, hugging him tightly and initiating another kiss, he reciprocated with equal tenderness.
When they finally pulled apart and sat side by side against the wall, Sam glanced at him, her curiosity taking over. "I'm not dreaming, am I? But… how did these changes come about? And… what are we now?"
Naruto looked at her, appreciating the fiery spark in her eyes. Sam was adventurous, bold, and fiercely independent—a combination he found endearing. "You're not dreaming," he said softly, placing a hand over hers. "As for the changes, let's just say I finally found the courage to step up. And as for what we are…" He turned to her, his smile warm. "We're partners now, Sam. A team."
On the rooftop, the atmosphere was charged with tension, intimacy, and the faint sound of the wind brushing against their surroundings. Naruto, his confidence unshaken, leaned closer to Sam, his voice dropping to a deep, intimate whisper.
"You are mine, and I am yours. Soon, we will make it complete," he said, his lips brushing her ear before lightly biting it. His hand intertwined with hers, the affectionate gesture grounding the moment in sincerity.
Sam's cheeks flushed, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest. His words sent a wave of heat through her body, stirring emotions she hadn't anticipated. The seriousness and raw passion behind his statement made her head spin, and her mind involuntarily wandered into thoughts she usually kept locked away. For a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the overwhelming happiness of the moment, her usual worries about the environment and humanity's careless destruction of the planet melting into the background.
Naruto's voice pulled her back, steady and resolute as he explained, "I've changed because I aim to become a hero. I want to make this world better, to save it from devastation. You might not believe me, but I had a dream… no, a nightmare. The world was falling apart, people were in despair, and there was nothing but darkness. Since that day, I've resolved to change. The things happening at this school—they're small compared to what's coming."
As he spoke, his right hand gently cupped her face, his eyes searching hers for understanding. Every word he said resonated with an unshakable conviction that was hard to deny.
Sam stared at him, her mind racing. Everything about this felt surreal—the transformation in Danny, the weight of his words, and the fire in his gaze. It was a lot to process, but she knew one thing: she trusted him.
"What do I do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions she felt.
Naruto's expression softened as he answered, "Are you willing to part with your peaceful life and step willingly into danger? This path isn't easy, Sam. Death and despair will never be far from us. But if you choose this, we can make a difference together."
Sam's green eyes burned with determination as she met his gaze. "I never back down from a challenge," she declared firmly, her voice carrying her unyielding spirit.
A proud smile spread across Naruto's face, and he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss once more. This time, it wasn't just a reward—it was a promise. His hands slid to her waist, teasingly trailing down her back, his touch making her breath hitch. Sam clung to him, her mind no longer questioning, only embracing the moment and the bond they were building.
"That's my girl," Naruto murmured against her lips, his tone full of admiration and affection.
For the first time in a long while, Sam felt a profound sense of purpose and belonging. She didn't fully understand what lay ahead, but she knew one thing: she wouldn't face it alone.
As Naruto leaned back in Danny's mind, his casual demeanor starkly contrasted with Danny's rising panic. Danny paced back and forth in his room, his hands gripping his hair as he tried to process the whirlwind of chaos Naruto had unleashed.
"What have you done?! My life is over!" Danny shouted internally, his voice laced with desperation.
Naruto, lounging mentally like a king on his throne, replied with a smirk, "Stop screaming like a dying dog. Didn't you enjoy the scene? The confidence, the awe, the admiration? I thought you'd thank me."
Danny glared, practically trembling with frustration. "Enjoy it? Are you insane? Sure, it was cool, but Sam? Why her? She's just my friend—like a guy friend. How does any of this help me? Are you just planning to hijack my body whenever you want?"
Naruto chuckled, a low and ominous sound. "Relax. I did this to paint a clear picture of what you can become. This is your potential, Danny. But I won't take over like this all the time. You'll need to step up and handle things on your own."
Danny crossed his arms, his skepticism clear. "And what's the deal with Sam? You were all over her! Now she's gonna think I'm some kind of player or worse!"
Naruto's expression turned serious, his usual smirk softening. "Sam is your future wife. Whether you see it now or not, she's someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. I was just laying the foundation for a relationship that will strengthen both of you. But don't worry—I've done my part. It's up to you now to nurture it, and no more interventions from me in that department."
Danny blinked, caught off guard by Naruto's sincerity. "Future wife? Are you serious?"
Naruto leaned forward, his tone dropping to one of warning. "Absolutely. And not just her—your family and Tucker also have untapped potential. They're vital to your growth, Danny, and you'll need them when the time comes. But enough about that. Let's focus on today's work."
Danny threw his hands up. "Work? How am I supposed to focus on anything? You just painted a massive target on my back! The jocks, Pauline, everyone's going to come for me now. I'm dead, Naruto. Dead!"
Naruto smirked, brushing off Danny's concerns with a wave of his hand. "They won't kill you. A few punches won't hurt—think of it as free training. Use it as an opportunity to toughen up. Tonight, we start your real training, and trust me, you'll thank me for it later. For now, go back to school and act like the confident guy they saw earlier. If you show fear to those weaklings, I'll make sure you truly understand pain."
Danny shivered at the ominous edge in Naruto's voice, a chill running down his spine. He sank onto his bed, burying his face in his hands. "What sin did I commit in a past life to deserve this?"
Naruto chuckled, his voice fading slightly as he retreated into the recesses of Danny's mind. "Stop whining. Embrace the chaos, Danny-boy. It's the only way to survive."
Left alone with his thoughts, Danny found his mind wandering back to Sam. Naruto's bold actions had forced him to see her in a new light. The memory of her smile and the way she looked at him lingered, and for the first time, he truly noticed her beauty—the kind that went beyond her edgy clothes and into her fierce, caring personality.
'Future wife?' he thought, a mix of dread and curiosity bubbling up.
Danny groaned, flopping back onto his bed. "Great. Not only am I going to get trashed tomorrow, but now I've got romantic drama to deal with. What do I even do? Should I tell Mom? No, she'll just freak out… Think, Danny, think!"
The weight of the day settled over him as he realized that, for better or worse, his life would never be the same.