Through the Looking Glass (Magi x Naruto) (Sinbad x Sakura) crossover

"How could you not think to take provisions for yourself?! What were you planning on doing about lodging and food?"

Sakura wouldn't say she was cursed, certainly, she's had bad experiences but that was life. And she wouldn't call it misfortune, not in comparison to her friends. Even being brought to this world, she hadn't thought herself tragically cursed, just unfortunate for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or rather being drawn to the wrong place.

She was close to the edge, however, because after being swindled along with the rest of Sinbad's crew and choosing to stay behind with him in Reim, had already taken a turn for the worst. First, Sinbad had sent all the profits they made for their stock with their comrades, so they had nothing to cover food and lodging. Other than three measly copper coins Sinbad had in the back of his pocket. Sakura didn't think to take anything because the treasure was rightfully Sinbad's from the dungeon.

Now she wished she had demanded compensation. Because being stuck with Sinbad was already turning out to be more detrimental to her than she expected.

"We'll be fine." He assured her. "Don't wear such a sour look, you'll crease your charming forehead,"

She curled her lip back, tapping her forehead much to Sinbad's amusement. "You've got to figure out how to get permission to trade in Reim before the others get back, not to mention you were just thoroughly ripped off yet you're still so cheerful."

The stars were out and bright, but none shone like Sinbad's smile as he ushered Sakura through the crowds of the shopping district like he had been here before. Even at this time of night the streets were alive and vibrant with chatter and lit with torches.

"It'll be alright, trust me. Instead of worrying about that, let's go get dinner first,"

"I don't know how you're assuming we'll be able to get dinner with low-value coin." She wasn't annoyed by the fact that they probably weren't going to be able to eat. Because she could endure that for days without feeling, but what got under her skin was his carelessness. Sinbad was certain that despite this setback, they were going to reach their goal.

It's as if he had no sense of failing. Even if he didn't know how to reach his destination or what the weather might bring, he would always arrive.

"Let's go over here," He pulled her by her wrist across the roads. There was little concern for safety from either of them.

A commotion drew their attention away from their problems and towards a stall, with an owner that was accusing someone of stealing his merchandise. It was easy to identify the individual from his height despite the cloak, it was the same person that had conned Sinbad. She was content to just watch the scene unfold, but Sinbad stepped up when the merchant raised his hand.

"Stop it."

The man looked at Sinbad shocked. "What? A child? Mind your own business!"

Sinbad raised his hand, but not in retaliation, he took the coins from his pocket and placed them in the palm of the merchant. "Take these as a token of apology even though it's not much. Merchandise is the lifeline of merchants. I apologize in place of this man for treating your merchandise carelessly."

That seemed to pacify the shop owner, and he let them be and Sinbad turned to the man.

"Are you alright?"

The hooded figure responded coldly, "If money can settle it, I already said I'll pay. You get excited too easily."

"Certainly." Sakura had her arms folded, glaring at the two. "But that worked to your advantage this afternoon didn't it?"

The man in the cloak turned away, "I must thank you, please this way,"

Sakura was ready to decline, but Sinbad interjected, unfortunately, it looked like he was faster than her when it came to running his mouth. "We'd be delighted."

..

..

Bustling loud voices, with occasional drunk comments and the smoky smell of meat and spice, made for a comfortable setting. An Inn, clearly with a good reputation as all of the guests were in pristine condition, their clothes good quality, shoes clean and quite cheerful. It was different from the places Sakura had been to in the town before Imuchakk. There had been nothing but sand in your shoes, and the taste of sand in your mouth.

"My name is Harun, I'm a merchant from Balbadd." The cloaked male who introduced himself to the teens once they arrived, had revealed to be an older man, about two decades ahead of Sinbad and Sakura. His hair was long and such a bright blonde that it would outshine Naruto's. He knew he was charming because he hadn't stopped smiling at the two. If Sakura hadn't remembered how he tricked them out of their merchandise, she might have been more appreciative of his hospitality. Presently her best course of action was to keep quiet.

"Balbadd, that's the trading center only second to Reim,"

"That's right, if you're doing business, you should come and visit someday,"

"It would be my pleasure, please show me around when I go,"

Sinbad and Harun had taken to chatting like old friends for a while since arriving, their food was almost settled but they had not quieted and kept pouring drinks into their mugs. While Sakura had taken to quietly nibbling on what was left on her plate trying to keep any discomfort at bay. She would have left if there was anywhere to go and if she believed Sinbad wouldn't follow her.

Harun's voice turned hard then, "I didn't think I would meet you two again,"

"You mean after you bought all the goods and sold them for more than double the profit?" Sakura chided.

"A youngster selling foreign rarities accompanied by Imuchakk was surprising but falling for the reseller's trick was a letdown. You've let someone else fix the price and value for you, that's a far greater loss than you realize."

Sinbad wasn't hostile despite this obvious jab, "Yes, but that's only because we lack experience. In other words, I lost to you in battle as a fellow trader,"

"Besides, if we were to somehow get permission to sell our goods here in the time that it takes to restock, then we'll be able to sell at the same rates you've set for us or even higher since eventually, the stock you have will run out."

"That's very true young lady, but that will only happen if you can get permission to sell the products here." Harun smiled, leaning on his hands, "Tell me, how were you able to coax the great Rametoto to trade with Imuchakk?"

Sakura understood the intentions now behind Sinbad and Harun's welcoming demeanor, they were trying to get something from one another. Sinbad wanted the knowledge of what it would take to trade with Reim and Harun, the person who took all their merchandise would be able to provide a clear path if he was able to get him to talk. On the other hand, it was clear that Harun wanted something from Sinbad. If he realized this, he wouldn't be able to turn things to his advantage completely.

"Why do you want to know?" Sakura asked before Sinbad could tell him anything.

"I've been attempting to establish trade multiple times and received no reply. For a foreigner and a youngster when and where would you have had the chance to arrange this negotiation?"

Harun had been turned away from Imuchakk, likely as most would since they were traditionally a solitary group but he wasn't aware of the extent they wanted to keep away from outsiders. Their climate already wasn't welcoming and that kept most away, but it was more to do with their disposition, only acknowledging the strong even within their ranks. Harun wouldn't be aware of this culture and tradition.

Sinbad folded his legs, settling his hands on his knees, a calm grin etched into his face. He was mimicking a negotiation technique Rurumu had taught him. "You underestimate me. Even though I lost today, I won't show my cards so easily. This is a new realm in which I had no experience or assistance. If there is a 'friend' who would share his knowledge and assistance I would share mine as well,"

When he was in such a still manner, holding nothing but a smile, Sakura could see more of his appeal and felt drawn to Sinbad as he was. Almost holding the same air of charm as Harun, the older man held his head even when his gaze was lowered, and through that body language, Sakura could see that he held importance, to who or what wasn't answered though.

"Let's talk including everything I know about Imuchakk how does that sound?" Sinbad had set the table for the conversation, now it was up to Harun to decide whether or not he wanted to take anything from it in exchange. This was just another trade-off.

"Are you saying you want to become my friend? That you want me to become friends with a child at least a decade younger?"

Sakura chided in, "You have no qualms stealing from a child, yet your pride can't allow you to befriend one?"

Sinbad looked stunned, "Sakura,"

The pink-haired girl leaned forward, "Well, Sinbad is the one in charge so final decisions are to him. But if I sense that you are attempting to take the same liberties you did at the market, then we'll cut our losses understood?"

Sakura was too firm for even Sinbad to attempt to move, and Haruno seemed to feel the same as he agreed to follow her advice. This was to be a friendly sharing of information and nothing more.

Why she had decided to offer his aide so fiercely while leaving him clear of the crossfire, Sinbad didn't know since he and Sakura had spent a lot of time together on the ship and they had grown closer than strangers meeting in a foreign country. But confiding was different than when she was around Rurumu or Ja'far. The only common denominators were their metal vessels and their current group of allies. Sakura also showed a bit of disdain towards Sinbad, more for his attitude than his agenda. She was not appreciative of the more outward charms that he used to draw in people. Especially women.

At this moment though, they were working together to further Sinbad's cause and interest.

"Then let's hear what tales you have to offer, as a friend," Harun said raising his cup.

..

..

The night progressed swifter, once Sinbad went into the detail of his story, his adventures of travel including the dungeon, which had caught the interest and quickly overthrew Harun's attention from Imuchakk trade.

Some dungeons had appeared in other countries, aside from the one Sakura conquered, and Sinbad made a point to state that she was also a dungeon conqueror and that dragged her into the conversation that proceeded to be fed with awe and admiration.

"So you are both dungeon conquerers. There have been so many rumors going around about a boy who managed to overcome and gain its power but I did not know this young lady also achieved the feat."

Sakura tilted her head, puffing slightly. "I haven't made the same spectacle as Sinbad,"

"But her power is real, as is mine," Sinbad solidified his assurance by using Valefor's power to freeze a cup of sake at the table. The start symbol appeared near his hand with light before freezing the contents in the cup, yet Harun still drank the sight greedily. Admiring the results and magic. An ability that was placed with few in this world.

"Incredible," He shook the cup, feeling the solid liquid's weight. "What was the dungeon-like?"

Sakura and Sinbad shared a look of similarity, to prove the mirror of their experience. It was not a pleasant one that's for certain. Sinbad had watched countless men die just as he entered, soldiers that were meant to procure the dungeon's power for the king of their country. A country where Sinbad was displaced and named a criminal after receiving the djinn's power. Then there was Sakura, who had been taken from her world and landing in Beleth's dungeon, being displaced herself.

They chose to keep the unpleasant bits to themselves and turn them into a glorified romantic adventure. It was especially intensified at the part where they had to go into Valefor's dungeon. Harun was greatly appreciative of the tales.

"It's incredible, fighting dragons, exploring ancient treasuries. Amazingly, this is how the two of you met,"

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.

"The exploration of the dungeons is already so intriguing, but even the way the two of you met in pursuit of the dungeon, that you have the same accomplishment of conquering one of these towers. It's like fate meant for you to meet,"

Sakura gave an awkward expression in turn, but Sinbad took it in good faith, resting his hand on top of hers that sat on the table. "I do believe I've found a great ally,"

Harun spoke, his cheeks red from the heat of the sake, "Travelling the world, adventuring and fateful meetings, that's something I could only dream of. But I still don't understand. What do you want to do with that power? What was the need for youngsters to risk their life's in a dungeon?"

That's when Sinbad became silent, his expression fading, but his eyes growing sterner, and what he said shocked Harun sober. "To reform the world."

"Reform….?!"

"My homeland Parthevia is making its people suffer and is on a path of self-destruction. I can't tolerate this injustice and I want to save its citizens. But the strength of one man has restricted me from doing that. So I thought I needed more power. A country. I must with the power to reform and move the world, build a country. I will become king,"

That solidarity that Sinbad spoke with, was one of the things that took Sakura back to Naruto, even Sasuke. The resolve was the same. The tune of it. They brought her back. She would mull over this another time though. The expression on Harun changed after Sinbad made his outlandish statement, he gritted his teeth when he spoke.

"Are you saying that you want to become king to achieve your dream? To own such a title gives you not only power but a heavy burden, greater than you can imagine. Constantly thinking about his citizens, and the world….that can crush ordinary men."

This tone Harun was taking, there was such a similarity to the responses Naruto would receive when he so adamantly said he would become Hokage the leader of their village. Sakura had been one of those to roll her eyes but kept her responses to herself. She didn't do that here.

"Children dream bigger than the world usually allows, but those who do make their dreams a reality are the ones who have surpassed the world,"

Harun raised an eyebrow at her, "And you believe that he is capable of this?" He gestured to Sinbad.

"I do," Sakura said, because if she couldn't believe he was able to face the odds of the world, how could Sakura believe in herself to do the same? The chances of Sinbad becoming a king were much more realistic than her chances of returning to her world. She didn't even know where to begin, he did.

Harun stood up from his seat after a minute of silently observing the two. "What you have told me is very interesting. However, your thinking is still immature. At least if you want to do business in Reim you must establish a firm acknowledgment by the Reim merchant guild. The capital for a firm is about 100 gold coins. That's not something a commoner can easily earn if you are serious about what you said and want to do business for the foundation of your country show me that you can earn it. I'll be leaving Reim for a short time, show me that you can earn that amount within one month. Depending on your results, I will write a recommendation letter to the merchant guild."

This was information that they could use, despite its harsh delivery. Sinbad and Sakura weren't able to express their appreciation however as Harun cut their visit short and left after taking care of the bill.

..

..

..

If Harun was only going to leave them with his animosity, Sakura would have told him off. Stating that they did not need his approval to achieve their goals. But he offered Sinbad not only information but a deal that he would need if he wanted to establish trade in one of the most profitable countries in the world.

They had one month to reach a hundred gold coins. Sakura has had a lot of difficult missions in the past, but none of them had gotten her directly involved with economics. Not as much as politics at least, but she was usually guarding it on the outside than directly interfering. She knew as much about trade as Sinbad, as most of her education went to selling her skills under a third party.

Sakura grunted when Sinbad shifted closer to her, "There are two beds, get onto yours!"

He ignored her, resting his hands under his head. "I was just wondering how we're going to manage this deal. I don't have a choice but to accept it, since it's the best one we've got."

"It's the only one we've got," Sakura corrected.

Harun had put them up at the inn, with a well-furnished room, decorated in colorful materials that hung above the bed, plush carpets and walls with intricate designs as well as enough space and comfortable beds that they wouldn't feel cramped together. Although Sinbad didn't have respect for boundaries and enjoyed testing them.

"I do….odd jobs sometimes, like bodyguarding or delivery, things like that," Sakura decided not to mention the espionage assignments or anything else that involved possible bloodshed.

"Guarding a ship or carriage will only earn about three copper coins a day, even if we did other chores, we wouldn't be able to make 100 gold coins,"

The value of coins was different but gold was the highest. Harun had deliberately set up this hurdle for Sinbad as a means to destroy his ambitions. He wanted to show Sinbad that he couldn't reach his goals. But if Sinbad was as determined as he promised to be, then they would somehow find a way to make that amount before the deadline was reached.

"You need to find a way to make money without investing any, it also needs to be fast if we want to meet the deadline,"

Sinbad groaned, "I need that recommendation from Harun. Thanks for standing up for me back there by the way. I didn't know you thought that highly of me,"

"I didn't say much," Sakura argued, turning to Sinbad before quickly realizing the space between them and distancing herself. Something about Sinbad just made him stand out from everyone in this world, she had an odd sensation around him. Not uncomfortable or too familiar but light a light drawing her in. Of course the last time she fell towards her a light she ended up in another world.

He gave a curious expression, "It meant a lot to me though, you'd make a good business partner,"

Sakura scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous. You've got your other comrades for that, I'm just a temp."

What her next step would be to return home, Sakura didn't know the answer yet. She was grateful that Sinbad let her take refuge with him. This would give her time to collect her barrings and hopefully gather more information on this world to help her find her way back home. Magic was fiction in the shinobi world, chakra ruled their supernatural causes, but people here didn't have access to it. There was magoi, but that was a different energy.

"That's not true, but if it's something you have to tell yourself," Sinbad winked, "What do you think of what Harun said?"

"About? Becoming king?"

"About us meeting like fates were tied, sounds romantic, he said it made a great story,"

"That's a romanticized version of how we had the same objective at the time,"

"That's a shame, two dungeon conquerers drawn together by fate have a more appealing base for a story,"

"I'd rather not be part of some tale that gets twisted more in the retelling, even if it makes for better entertainment,"

Sinbad's face scrunched with thought, he sat up quickly erupting into a smile. "That's it!"

"What?"

"Why didn't I think of this sooner. Harun said that my dungeon stories were better than what he had heard from poets,"

"And....?"

Grabbing his sword from one of the nightstands, Sinbad held out the sheathed blade, "This is how we're going to reach the goal,"

Still unaware of his intention, Sakura was concerned about what Sinbad was going to do with his metal vessel, "What exactly are you planning?"

Sinbad had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

..

..

..

..

'He wants to be friends,' It was fascinating, to say the least when he discovered that someone succeeded in convincing Imuchakk's isolated race to trade and the company that held that contract had a child of a mere four and ten to lead them. A complete novice from what he could deduce, with little to no experience in the field of trade. Yet he stepped into it quite confidently only to be met with large obstacles that would have lesser men surrendering never mind a child.

For a moment, after hearing that Sinbad managed to conquer a dungeon it was almost feasible that he may succeed in Reim, but then he stated that all of this was for the hopes of creating a country. Then Sinbad became nothing more than a child with wild fantasy.

It would have been kinder perhaps to disregard his claims and be on his way, instead he offered to put the two teens up in lodging and give them a month to obtain 100 gold for the association, but it was a fool's errand. And cruel, but the best way to break a dreamer was to bring them crashing into reality.

This would serve as a strong lesson. And perhaps there was also a part of him that wanted to see what would happen to Sinbad if he had to face such tasks. Because it would only get worse from there. That was the reality.

'You cannot always obtain what you desire, no matter how much you yearn.'

He returned to Reim, to Narpolia after his business was finished, a month as promised and he was going straight to the inn to see the two. He was prepared to give them a brief moment of comfort over their failure and then move on.

But he didn't see them there.

A crowd blocked most of the road nearing the entertainment district, there he found them standing on top of the building where everyone could see and hear.

"This is the tale of a young boy. A dungeon; is a mysterious place that tens of thousands of men challenged but no one returned except for one. And what appeared as he crossed the sacred gate, was an ancient metropolis that got destroyed ages ago. While making his way defeating countless baby dragons. The young boy didn't stop once. And what stood in front of him was a giant dragon who breathed lightning. Still, the young boy didn't waver, right before that breath could reach him, that blade struck his body."

Sinbad raised his sword and unleashed Baal's power letting lightning appear wowing the crowd "That's right, that boy was none other than.....Sinbad!"

As the crowd cheered flames of black began surrounding Sinbad but burned nothing as he continued to speak.

"The young boy ventured on and came across Imuchakk, a land covered in ice and snow. There he met her-another one that has overcome the trials of a deadly dungeon. Obstacles that varied from his dungeon; fighting against the elements; a huge demonic creature that breathed black fire-no weapons at hand except for the land in which she had been trapped. Despite all odds, she defeated the monster and gained the power of her djinn...Sakura!"

The pinkette emerged from the flames beside Sinbad making the crowd cheer even louder "But it was far from over as the two encountered one another and would embark on another journey with more danger than ever!"

The crowd went wild as Sinbad and Sakura intertwined their hands and held them high unleashing the power of their djinns at the same time into the air.

"Amazing, those are real conquerors!"

"Are those flames and lightning proof of that spirit?"

"So the legend about the dungeon was true!"

"It's amazing, even children like that...."

"They're incredible!"

Sinbad and Sakura held up a bag as people began throwing coins at them and cheering. In the last month they had been doing these performances, putting their stories together to gather crowds of people; every day to listen to their stories and everyone loved it and the Reim authorities couldn't stop or charge them for their actions because they sold merchandise not registered in the merchant's guild; stories.

At first, Sakura had been reluctant to use her djinn's power for something like this but when she saw the expression on Sinbad's face so hopeful and just....she couldn't deny him this request (even though it wasn't one) and she had come to enjoy telling the tales. Both never started their stories with how they ended up in the dungeons though but no one questioned due to the adrenaline rush they got when seeing the display of their djinn power.

Sakura tapped Sinbad and pointed over to Harun "Look who's back."

Sinbad grinned and rushed down with Sakura to greet him.

"Harun-dono you're back!"

"A month as you said," Sakura stated smiling like a couple of children gathered around the two teens.

Harun walked over to them "I'm impressed, you gathered an audience with no less than a theatrical performance in an amphitheater."

Sinbad nodded "It's all thanks to you!"

"Certainly, this is something only dungeon conquerors like you can do."

Sakura shook her head "Sinbad may have thought of it but it was because of you that he had, you told us that our stories were more interesting than the poets."

Sinbad had a small blush on his face "That's true, I was able to realize stories of adventure can intrigue anyone and get them excited...unfortunately we haven't been able to reach 100 coins yet also today is the promised day...Please give us a little more time, we will reach your requirements."

"Please sir," Sakura said strongly "He will reach it; Sinbad has the determination to achieve his goal and I will help him so please just wait a little longer!"

Harun looked at the two in awe; he saw a certain glimmer in their eyes 'I was the one who thought it's impossible and gave up..."

Harun turned to a man dressed in white robes that had been walking with him and made a gesture with his hand, the man bowed and left for a bit only to return with a huge sack that he dumped in Sinbad's arms.

Sakura and Sinbad were staring wide-eyed and gaping.

"This is a fee for listening to your performance; I want you to take it! I'll assist you in your dream as your friend."

Sakura grinned; a warm feeling of relief filled her as she looked at Sinbad. She was unusually glad that his path to his dreams was becoming cleared; finally overcoming a difficult obstacle.

Harun smiled and crossed his arms "You have a ton of things you need to do, you don't have time to be stranded here right?"

Sakura turned back to Harun "By the way; I've been meaning to ask....who are you?"

Just then two men carrying spears dressed up in white robes came running up to them "There you are."

"It'd be troublesome if you leave suddenly like that."

Harun sighed

"This person here is the 22nd king of Balbadd. Our king Rashid."

"Whaaaaaaaaaaa!?"

Sakura scratched her cheek, "I suppose it's too late to bow?"