NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: CHAPTER 7
Chapter 7: God of Bonds
The divine hall fell into shocked silence.
Zeus rose with crackling anger. "Who dares—?"
Naruto met his gaze, calm and resolute. "Name's Naruto. Son of Cronus and Rhea... but that's not all I am. My father was Minato. And Minato was me. Cronus was also me. I carry all of them, but I am still... myself."
He turned toward Rhea, and as their eyes met, a tidal wave of memories crashed into him.
Laughter in a garden under golden trees. A lullaby sung in a tongue he never knew. A silver cradle of stars.
Tears burned his eyes. He stepped forward and embraced Rhea.
"I remember you... Mother."
Rhea wept, holding him close. "You were stolen from me. I searched, but Gaia sealed even my memory. Forgive me."
Naruto pulled back, eyes shimmering. "There's nothing to forgive. You're my family. That's what matters."
He faced the gods. "You fear what I am because you can't control me. But I'm not here for power. I'm here to protect what I love. My friends. My people. My family."
His chakra shimmered with memories: Iruka's hand on his shoulder. Sasuke's gaze across the battlefield. Sakura's tears. Kakashi's smile. Hinata's blush. Jiraiya's laughter. Kushina's embrace. Minato's hand passing the torch.
"My father—Minato—taught me what it means to protect. Cronus gave me time, but Minato gave me purpose. And that purpose is not vengeance. It's bonds."
The room was still.
Aphrodite approached, slow and curious. "Even now, your heart aches. You carry so much love, and yet you seem so alone. I see it. The longing. The fear."
Naruto's smile was wistful. "Maybe. But I'm learning. Every bond I make teaches me more."
Aphrodite tilted her head. "Perhaps... I could help you learn a bit more."
Naruto blinked, flustered. "Uh, I appreciate it, really, but—"
Rhea coughed sharply.
Aphrodite laughed. "Another time, then."
He turned back to the council. "I'm not your enemy. But I won't be your pawn either."
Zeus scowled. "Then what are you?"
Naruto's eyes glowed with golden light.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki. God of Bonds. And I choose my own destiny."