A Shinobi of Paradis Chapter 1 (A Lone Child) (Patreon)

"If you desire one thing for so long, it's a given that you'll miss other things along the way. That's how it is... that's life." - Berserk.

Grisha Yeager - Year 832

Grisha's heart pounded with fear and dread as he stood helplessly, watching the horrifying scene unfold before his eyes. He felt a lump form in his throat as his good friend, Timid, screamed in agony upon being injected with the Titan Spinal Fluid by the merciless Gross, who seemed to take pleasure in causing pain to others. Grisha's eyes widened in horror as he witnessed the cruel act of Gross, who laughed maniacally before giving Timid a sharp kick that sent him flying off the platform.

Grisha's heart raced with adrenaline as he sat on the platform, staring out at his friend falling down from the platform. Suddenly, a bolt of yellow lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the place and causing the ground beneath him to tremble. In a matter of seconds, a massive Titan had formed below the platform. As Grisha struggled to catch his breath, he couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom wash over him as the Titan's eyes locked onto him with a clear hunger in its gaze. Sweat dripped down his face as he braced himself for what was to come

As Gross approached Grisha with a twisted grin on his face, a sense of unease crept up Grisha's spine. Suddenly, Gross lunged forward and grabbed Grisha by the back of his neck, his fingers digging deep into Grisha's skin. Grisha's heart raced as he felt Gross's grip tighten, desperately struggling to break free from his grasp. With his feet dangling off the platform and his life hanging in the balance, Grisha pleaded with Gross for mercy. But Gross was relentless, his eyes glinting with a cruel satisfaction as he tried to push Grisha over the edge and into the waiting jaws of the Titan below.

"Your sister is waiting for you. Can't you hear her? She's wai-" but his words were cut off mid-sentence as an unknown assailant forcefully pushed him off the platform. As he plummeted thirty meters below, Gross's eyes widened in shock, and he felt his stomach lurch as he tumbled through the air. The sound of the wind rushing past his ears drowned out any other noise, including his own screams, until he finally crashed onto the soft sand below.

Despite the searing pain throbbing in his forehead from the impact, Gross refused to falter as he quickly raised his head, only to be confronted by the Titan towering above him, its eyes gleaming with an insatiable hunger that sent shivers down his spine. The Titan's massive hands loomed closer and closer toward him, threatening to crush him with their sheer size and power.

Gross found himself in a state of sheer terror, his entire body trembling with fear as he let out a piercing scream that echoed through the air. He knew he had to escape, to run as fast as his legs could carry him, but before he could even take a single step, the ground beneath him shook as the titan moved his hand. Its massive hand enveloped him in an iron grip, the sheer force of its grasp shattering his bones like twigs. Despite his desperate struggle to break free, Gross was powerless against the titan's immense strength, and his fate seemed sealed as he hung helplessly in its grasp. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his body, Gross was transfixed by the sight of the titan's razor-sharp teeth hurtling towards him with alarming speed, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending doom that awaited him.

As Gross struggled to free himself from the titan's grasp, his heart raced with fear and desperation. His mind was clouded with thoughts of his impending doom. With a trembling voice, he pleaded with the titan, "No NONO, PLEASE," while frantically trying to push his giant face away with his hands. However, his efforts were in vain as the titan's jaw shut tight on the right side of his face, causing a searing pain that shot through his entire body.

Gross's screams echoed across the landscape as the titan's jaws clamped down on his face, tearing away flesh like a hot knife through butter. Blood erupted from the wound like a gory fountain, splattering the ground in a gruesome display. The titan savored its meal, savoring the taste of the tender meat as it devoured Gross's face with unbridled savagery, splashing onto the sandy terrain below, as the titan savored the taste of his flesh with each bite. The skin on his face was torn apart, exposing his raw and vulnerable features to the unforgiving jaws of the creature as it ferociously gnawed on his skin and meat, relishing the flavor of its prey.

As Gross writhed in agony, his face contorted in pain. On the right side of his face, the chunks of meat that had been ripped off by the brutal attack were still clinging on, revealing the bones underneath. His mouth and chin were drenched in blood, the crimson liquid trickling down his neck and staining his clothes. Despite the unbearable pain, Gross kept screaming, his voice echoing through the desert.

As Gross tried to steady his breathing, his left eye caught a glimpse of the giant's menacing teeth inching closer to him once again. His whole head was throbbing with increasing pain, each beat of his heart sending waves of agony through his body, and he could feel his body trembling with fear. Suddenly, the titan's colossal hand shoved half of Gross's trembling body inside the gaping maw of the monstrous creature. The stench of rotting flesh and decay filled Gross's nostrils as he struggled against the titan's grip, his mind racing with thoughts of his impending doom.

The giant's hot breath blasted out of his gaping mouth with an intensity that made the air around him shimmer. The heat was so oppressive and stifling that Gross felt like he was suffocating. And if that wasn't enough, the stench that came with it was absolutely putrid, making his stomach churn with a nauseating mixture of disgust and fear. As he struggled to free himself from the giant's grasp, he couldn't help but wonder if this was the end.

"NONONO PLEASE NOOO-" Gross's desperate plea echoed through the air. In a split second, the titan's jaws snapped shut with a sickening crunch, silencing Gross's screams forever. The force of the titan's bite was so powerful that it easily pierced through Gross's flesh and bones, cleaving his body in half with ruthless efficiency. As his lower half, waist and all, tumbled to the ground below, a single hand remained clutched in the air, a stark reminder of the gruesome fate that had befallen Gross at the hands of the merciless titan.

As the scene unfolded before him, Grisha struggled to maintain his composure. His eyes were tightly shut, blocking out the gruesome sight before him. Every fiber of his being wanted to witness the demise of the man who had taken his beloved sister's life, to see him suffer the same pain and anguish she had endured. But as the screams of agony echoed through the desert, Grisha's resolve faltered.

The sound alone was enough to make his entire body shake with fear and revulsion, and he realized that he could not bear to watch any longer. With a heavy heart, he forced his eyes shut, unable to handle the sight of the brutal punishment being inflicted upon the killer. The thought of that kind of fate, of suffering and pain beyond measure, made his heart sink to the deepest of voids.

As Grisha's eyes slowly fluttered open, he saw the titan that was running to the west. His heart raced as he realized the danger he had been in mere moments ago. However, his attention was quickly diverted to the figure standing behind him - the man who had saved his life. With a grateful nod, Grisha turned his head to face him, his eyes brimming with emotion as he struggled to find the words to express his gratitude.

Grisha's voice quivered with a mix of fear and relief as he asked, "Who are you?" His eyes were still adjusting to the sun behind the man. Grisha noticed the man's sharp jawline and piercing gaze as he threw the officer's hat away in a show of defiance before his eyes slowly settled on him.

"I'm the Owl, and my name is Eren Kruger." The man introduced himself before he swiftly reached into his pocket and pulled out a deadly knife, its sharp blade shimmering and glinting in the sunlight. Kruger quickly sliced the knife across his palm swiftly, causing a few drops of his blood to fly through the air. The pain did not deter him, as his attention was focused on the group of Marleyan soldiers below, who were gathered in the docks, unaware of Kruger's presence.

"Remember this, Grisha Yeager, a Titan uses their power like this." The weight of those words sat heavily on his shoulders as Kruger leaped down from the platform. Suddenly, a lightning bolt illuminated the sky, striking Kruger with a ferocious intensity. The energy from the lightning bolt coursed through his body as the Attack Titan began to take shape. First, the bones formed, followed by the tissues and muscles, until finally, the titan stood before Grisha in all its glory.

The Marley soldiers, who were already on high alert, were suddenly engulfed by an eerie silence as the ground beneath them began to tremble. Their eyes widened with terror as a colossal 14 meters Titan emerged out of nowhere in front of them with a deafening roar. Without hesitation, the soldiers began firing their guns, hoping to take down the monstrous creature. Still, their efforts were futile as the Titan seemed unaffected by the barrage of bullets. Instead, the Titan reached down with its massive hands and started grabbing the soldiers one by one, crushing them with a sickening SNAP sound that echoed throughout the docks.

With a fierce determination in his eyes, Kruger locked onto the enemy ship and charged forward, his Titan's arms outstretched. As he closed in, he deftly caught the ship in his powerful grip, effortlessly hoisting it over his shoulder as if it were a mere trinket. With a resounding crack, he snapped the vessel in two, unleashing a shower of sparks and debris that rained down around him.

As the final soldier stood alone in the docks, he mustered all the courage he had left and aimed at the towering Titan's menacing face. With a resounding boom, the last shot rang out, but the Titan moved with speed and caught the soldier in his massive hand, adding a surge of power to his grip. The soldier's body, once strong and resilient, now felt as fragile as a toy as the Titan squeezed and crushed it with ease. Blood gushed out from the soldier's broken body, staining the ground beneath them with a deep red hue. In one swift motion, the Titan flung the soldier's lifeless body into the vast ocean behind him as if it were nothing more than a mere pebble in his path.

Grisha's eyes were fixed on Kruger, his heart racing with anticipation and anxiety as he watched the figure of Kruger emerge from the Titan's body, his movements deliberate and methodical. With each step, Kruger ascended the stairs towards the platform where Grisha stood, his hands bound and helpless. Grisha was relieved to see Kruger's expression soften as he approached. With a deft motion, Kruger freed Grisha's hands and offered a reassuring nod. As Grisha rubbed his wrists and took a deep breath, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Kruger, the man who had just saved him from a fate worse than death.

Kruger told Grisha he needed to reach the walls and find the Founding Titan; the Eldian needed a new King to save them from Marley and the rest of the world.

Grisha's voice was heavy with exhaustion and defeat as he exhaled the words, "How can I do all that? I can't," feeling helpless and hopeless after his son's betrayal. As he hung his head in despair, his mind raced back to his beloved Dina, and he could feel the weight of his failure crushing him. The tears he had been trying to hold back began to well up in his eyes, threatening to spill over as he thought of the promises he had made to both Dina and Zeke and how he had fallen short on both accounts.

Grisha was tormented by the memories of his past, haunted by the thought that he had been a horrible father to his only son. If only he had been there for him, spent more time with him, and been the role model he deserved, his life would have been different. But now, as he sat on the platform, he realized it was too late to make things right. He longed to apologize and make up for everything he did wrong, but he knew deep down that his son was gone forever. The pain in his heart was unbearable, and he wished he could turn back time and do everything differently.

As the weight of regret and guilt bore down on him, Grisha's heart was heavy with the knowledge of all the mistakes he had made. His only wish was to hold his son close and ask for forgiveness, to make amends for the hurt he had caused. With tears streaming down his face, Grisha collapsed to his knees, feeling as though the world's weight rested on his shoulders. In that moment of despair, a hand gently touched Grisha's left shoulder, startling him from his thoughts.

"Stand Up. Fight. Remember what they did to your sister; you need to keep going. You have to keep moving forward." Despite Kruger's impassioned speech, Grisha remained unresponsive, lost in his own thoughts as he vividly recalled the memories of his son and Dina.

"I Can't stand up," Grisha spoke with a defeated tone.

Kruger extended his hand towards Grisha, holding up a photograph of his family. "Here, I brought you this," he said in a soft voice, hoping to offer some comfort to him. However, Grisha's eyes remained fixed on the ground, unable to bring himself to look at the photo.

"I can't look," Grisha spoke with despair, his heart beating wildly as he gazed downwards at his fingerless hands, the once nimble fingers now reduced to mere stumps. The sound of Kruger's weary sigh echoed through the platform, adding to his growing sense of despair.

"Can't look, can't stand, can't fight," Kruger sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Do you have no balls?" Kruger continued, his voice rising with every word. "Did Marley cut them off too?" Kruger spoke, looking down at the crossed-legged sitting Grisha with his legs crossed and his head hung low, who seemed to be on the brink of tears.

Grisha's heart was heavy with mixed emotions as he stood there, gazing at Gross's lifeless body lying on the sun-kissed sand. Despite the intense hatred that had festered inside him for so long, he couldn't seem to summon it at this moment. All he could feel was an overwhelming sense of guilt.

"It's pointless to try and bring out my hatred for Marley like this. The only thing I can feel right now. Is Guilt." As he spoke, his voice was tinged with defeat, the weight of his regret almost suffocating him. He couldn't help but wonder if things could have been different if he had just spoken up sooner and if he had done something to prevent this tragedy from occurring. A gentle breeze blew in from the ocean, carrying the salty scent of the sea with it, but it did little to soothe the turmoil within him.

"That's the reason I chose you," with a faint smile that barely touched his lips but was enough to make Grisha's eyes widen in surprise.

"That day, you decided to walk outside of the walls. If you hadn't, your sister would have probably grown up, married, and have children. Guilt that's all you need. Remember, Grisha, on that day, you decided to go outside. This is the Story that you Started." Kruger spoke, handing Grisha the photo; Grisha looked at it before grabbing it with fingerless hands. Grisha knew that he was right. He had made a choice that day, a choice that had set him on a path that he never could have imagined.

As Grisha gazed upon the photo, his eyes became misty with tears, blurring the image of Zeke, who was captured in a moment of pure innocence - a mere child, carefree and joyful. Grisha's heart ached with the weight of the memories that flooded his mind. He remembered the days when Zeke was just a little boy, running around the house, laughing, and playing with his toys. The photo brought back a flood of emotions that Grisha had long suppressed, and he found himself overwhelmed with sadness. As the tears streamed down his face, they landed on the photo, smudging the ink and blurring the image of Zeke, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life.

He stuffed the photo into his pocket, hoping to keep it safe from the harsh reality of the cruel world. As he crouched down on his knees, the rough surface of the concrete digging painfully into his skin, he felt a little afraid. But he knew he had to stay strong for the sake of his loved ones. In the distance, the sun slowly setting in the background, casting a brilliant crimson hue across the vast expanse of the ocean and illuminating the surrounding landscape with a warm, golden glow that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The soft sound of waves crashing against the shore only added to the serene ambiance. It was a beautiful sight but one that was tinged with sadness and foreboding. Kruger had just picked up an empty syringe and was now filling it with the Titan Spinal Fluid from a small medicine bottle.

"Love someone inside the walls," Kruger suddenly said as he filled the syringe to the brim with Spinal Fluid.

"Huh! What are you talking about? I still have Dina," Grisha quickly said, looking At Kruger over his shoulder.

"It doesn't matter if it's a Wife, child, or someone from the city. Love someone from the walls. If you don't do that, the same mistakes will be repeated. Over and over." Kruger said with a look of sadness on his face.

"If you want to meet your third son, Naruto, and save Armin and Mikasa, you must complete your mission." Kruger finished with a commanding look, looking at Grisha, who looked at him over his shoulder.

He turned around to face Kruger, looking at him over his shoulder with a hint of confusion. "Third son? Armin and Mikasa, who are you talking about?" he questioned, his mind racing with questions.

Kruger's face lit up with a smile as his eyes met Grisha's, a look of relief washing over him. "Who knows?" he mused, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "I don't know whose memories are these!" With a nonchalant shrug, with the sun behind them, its warm rays cascading down on him, casting his shadow alongside Grisha's, their combined outline stretching far across the vast expanse of land behind them.

Kruger looked at the vast horizon, he knew it hadn't happened yet, but one memory that stuck to him more than all the others was the memory of the enormous wooden statue.

Year 835

"A Little faster," Grisha urged his horse to go a little faster as he held the reins tightly in his hands. His trusty horse was carrying not only him but also a small carriage behind, which contained all of his carefully organized medical supplies and equipment.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the landscape as Grisha rode his carriage, his boots against the small wooden platform of his carriage. He had been on a mission to visit a man with a broken leg in Wall Rose, hoping to offer some much-needed assistance. However, what he had thought would be a quick visit had turned into a longer visit, and before he knew it, the night had enveloped him in its inky embrace. The stars twinkled above as if mocking him for his tardiness, and Grisha quickened his pace, eager to return home before the darkness became too consuming.

After spending hours performing surgery to heal the man's broken leg, which had been shattered in a gruesome accident involving a wild beast, Grisha felt his body ache with fatigue as he finally finished up the last of his medical duties. Despite his exhaustion, he took a moment to ensure that his patient was resting comfortably and had everything he needed before he gave the man strict instructions not to put any weight on his injured leg for at least a month. With a heavy heart, Grisha climbed up into his carriage and took hold of the reins, feeling the cool night air on his face as he started his journey back to his home in Shiganshina. As he began to ride, he noticed that the sun had set and the sky had grown dark, but he could still make out the faint outline of the mountains in the distance. However, as the minutes ticked by and he drew closer to his destination, he looked up and saw that the full moon had risen high into the sky, casting an eerie glow over the countryside and illuminating the road ahead.

As Grisha and his carriage made their way through the quaint countryside, they stumbled upon a long-forgotten village that had been abandoned for years. The streets were barren, and the once-thriving community had now become a ghost town. As they rode through the deserted village, Grisha couldn't help but notice how the plants had completely overtaken everything in sight; even the sign that once proudly displayed the village's name was now barely standing upright, hidden behind a thick curtain of vines and foliage. It was as if nature had claimed this place as its own, with the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the creaking of the carriage wheels.

As Grisha sat in his carriage, his ears were filled with nothing but the rhythmic beat of the wheels rolling against the damp, muddy ground. Gazing out into the horizon, he could make out Wall Maria looming in the distance. As the carriage trudged on, Grisha couldn't help but let his mind wander, imagining the warm embrace of home that awaited him within the city's walls. With each passing moment, he became more certain that he would arrive within the hour.

Grisha couldn't wait to spend more time with his son; Despite Eren being only a month old, Grisha noticed small yet remarkable similarities between him and his elder son, Zeke, which filled his heart with immense joy. From the tiny tuft of dark hair atop Eren's head to the way he looked up at his father with wide, curious eyes, Grisha couldn't help but be reminded of Zeke's early days.

When Grisha first held Eren in his arms, he acted like he had no idea what he was doing. To hide the fact that Eren was his second son, Carla had laughed out loud, saying he had no idea how to hold a baby.

The memories flooded back to Grisha as he sat there, his face contorting in sudden despair and sadness. He closed his eyes, trying to push the memories away, but they remained vivid in his mind's eye. He could remember Zeke, his son, taking his first steps, saying his first words, and the joy that had filled Grisha's heart. But now, as he stood alone, he felt his eyes welling up with tears, and he struggled to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape from his throat.

Grisha's heart ached with regret as he thought about his son Zeke - a son he had failed so miserably. He couldn't help but wonder how different things might have been if he had been a better father if he had been there for Zeke when he needed him the most. The memories of his past mistakes came flooding back as he sat there in the pouring rain, feeling the weight of his failures crushing him. With a growing sense of sadness, he covered his face with his trembling hands, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. But the tears came anyway, rolling down his cheeks and dripping onto the muddy ground beneath him.

As Grisha sat in the carriage, lost in thought, he didn't realize that the horse had come to a halt, its hooves no longer clattering against the dirt road. It wasn't until he looked up from his contemplation that he noticed the eerie stillness around him; the abandoned village seemed to stretch out endlessly in every direction.

Crying, Crying, Crying, Crying,

The eerie silence of the abandoned village was almost deafening, and for a moment, he wondered if he was the only living soul within miles. However, as his senses sharpened, he could hear faint cries echoing through the deserted village, and his curiosity was piqued. Grisha was baffled as he knew that no one had lived in the village for at least a decade, if not more, and the thought of someone being there was perplexing. Despite his confusion, he couldn't ignore the cries and decided to investigate the source of the sound.

Crying, Crying, Crying, Crying

He quickly jumped from the carriage, his boots hitting the ground with a thud as he landed on his feet. Without hesitation, he took off towards the direction of the faint cries he had heard. With each step he took, the cries grew louder and more urgent, spurring him on with renewed urgency. As he turned a bend in the road, his eyes fell upon an old abandoned school. Its once-grand façade was now worn and crumbling. And there, in front of the stone steps leading up to the school, was a sight that made his blood run cold - a baby, alone and crying.

Grisha's mouth opened in shock as he quickly ran toward the crying baby; as he got closer, he saw a woman lying on the ground, her back pressed against the cold, hard stone wall. Grisha's heart sank as he gazed upon the lifeless figure of the woman who lay before him. It was evident from her stillness and the silence that she was no longer breathing.

However, what caught his attention was the naked baby who was crying inconsolably in her arms. Despite her death, she still held the baby protectively as if shielding him from the cruel world. Grisha couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions at the sight of this heart-wrenching scene. He wondered who this woman was and what circumstances led to her demise.

His knowledge as a doctor kicked in, and he realized that the child was dangerously cold. Despite the darkness and the chill of the night air, Grisha could see that the baby had no clothes to protect him from the elements. His heart aching with compassion.

With one hand on his chest, he took a deep breath and leaned forward, gently extending his arm to take the baby from the woman's arms. But as he reached out, he felt resistance, and he realized that the woman's arms were still tightly holding the infant, even though she was no longer alive. "What happened to you?" he whispered softly; Grisha was about to try again. Suddenly, the woman's eyes snapped open, causing Grisha to stumble back in shock. His heart raced as he watched in disbelief as the woman, who moments before had appeared to be dead, slowly lifted her head.

"Can you hear me? Don't worry, you two will be safe," Grisha quickly said, putting his hand on her face, but her face was as cold as snow; Grisha couldn't fathom how the woman was still alive despite not breathing anymore.

As the woman's frail body lay on the cold, hard ground, her breaths became shallower and more labored. With each passing moment, it was clear that her time on this earth was coming to an end. Despite her weakened state, however, she summoned the last ounce of strength she had left to utter a plea for mercy, her voice barely above a whisper.

"D-don't h-harm him," she managed to stammer out, her words punctuated by coughs and gasps. It was clear that she was in extreme pain, but her concern for the baby before her was evident. Though her voice was tired and hoarse, it was filled with a sense of urgency and desperation.

"I won't. I'm a doctor. I would never harm him," Grisha said reassuringly, hoping to ease the woman's fear and anxiety. He placed his warm hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes with a gentle gaze, hoping to convey the sincerity of his words. However, as he moved his finger under her chin to check for any signs of life, he was puzzled to find no pulse. His confusion deepened; she had no pulse, no breathing, yet she somehow remained alive.

As the woman looked down at the baby in her arms, her purple eyes filled with a sense of relief as she listened to the man's words. The baby, who had been fussy and crying just moments before, was now quiet and peaceful.

The woman managed to find her voice, stuttering out the baby's name, "H-his name i-i-is N-Na-Na-Naruto," before the light in her eyes began to flicker like the flames of a candle, slowly fading away. It was as if the weight of the world had suddenly lifted from her shoulders, and she was finally able to let go and allow herself to rest.

As Grisha stood in the bitter cold, his heart heavy with grief, he closed his eyes and whispered a small prayer for the lifeless mother. After a moment of stillness, Grisha noticed a strange spiral mark on Naruto's little belly, but he decided to ignore it as he quickly removed his coat and gently wrapped the tiny, fragile baby in its warmth, hoping to offer some comfort in the midst of such tragedy. As he lifted the child to his chest, he could feel the chill of the winter air on his forehead, and a shiver ran down his spine. This sent alarm bells ringing in his mind, knowing that the poor, defenseless baby needed more than just a coat to survive.

As Grisha stood up, he felt a sense of urgency in his bones, knowing he must get to his house fast. He turned his gaze towards the lifeless woman lying before him, her eyes still open, staring blankly at the sky. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt as he realized he couldn't do anything to save her. With a heavy heart, he reluctantly turned back to his carriage, silently promising himself that he would return to give her a proper burial once her child was safe.

He swiftly scaled the side of his carriage, his heart pounding with anticipation. Once he reached the top, he deftly grabbed the leather reins, coiled and ready, and with a firm tug, commanded his powerful stallion to gallop as fast as possible. The wind whipped through his hair as he held tight to baby Naruto with his right arm.

As the carriage made its way down the bumpy road, causing it to shift and sway, the once peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by the sound of a crying baby. Grisha began to speak softly to the child. His voice was as gentle as a whisper. Despite the discomfort caused by the uneven terrain, Grisha's soothing words seemed to calm the baby down, "Don't worry. I'm right here," Grisha said softly, his voice as gentle as a summer breeze, as he watched Naruto's tears slowly come to a stop. Grisha's hand reached out, softly touching Naruto's little forehead, feeling the heat radiating from his skin, a sign that he was feeling better.

As the carriage kept riding, Grisha felt a sense of wonderment and amazement as he gazed upon the sleeping infant nestled in his arms. Naruto was a tiny bundle of joy with delicate features and a peaceful expression on his face. Despite being only a few days old, Naruto had a head full of thick, blonde hair that was soft to the touch, and his cheeks were adorned with adorable whiskers that seemed almost too perfect to be real.

As Grisha looked closer, he could feel the softness of the baby's hair on his fingers, and he marveled at the intricate patterns of the whiskers on Naruto's cheeks. He wondered how it was possible for a newborn to have such unique features. As Naruto slept soundly, his eyes slightly open, Grisha couldn't help but notice the stunning blue hue of his irises, sparkling like the ocean on a sunny day. He couldn't take his eyes off the baby, and he felt a wave of warmth and affection wash over him as he realized how precious this little life was.

With a bright smile spreading across his face, Grisha couldn't help but think to himself, "He looks like Zeke." As he spoke those words, his index finger reached out to gently touch the baby's soft and delicate cheek. The baby responded to his touch, and a tiny, toothless smile formed on his little face, bringing even more joy to Grisha's heart. At that moment, as he held the precious bundle close, Grisha felt an overwhelming sense of love and connection to this tiny new life.

"Don't worry," Grisha's voice was soft and comforting, "I will take care of you and protect you. I promise you. No one will ever harm you." As he spoke, tears began to well up in his eyes and spill down his cheeks, falling silently onto the peaceful face of little Naruto, swaddled in his jacket. Grisha's heart was heavy with the weight of responsibility, but he knew he would do whatever it took to keep this precious child safe and loved.

As Grisha held the baby in his arms, he noticed the little one starting to stir and move around. The baby's eyes were closed, but Grisha could sense he was about to cry. Without hesitation, Grisha began to gently rock the baby back and forth, hoping to soothe him back to sleep.

As he rocked, Grisha whispered softly, "Sleep, little one. The sky is shining just for you. Sleep, little one. The sun will rise for you. Sleeping little one, the world is beautiful, yet so... peaceful. Sleeping little one, the bird sings for you..." The baby's cries softened, and soon he was sound asleep once again, cradled in Grisha's arms.

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As Grisha's horse-drawn carriage approached the entrance of Shiganshina. The journey had been long and arduous, but he had finally arrived, and he was eager to see his family once again. However, as he drew closer to the gate that led inside the walls, he noticed two garrison soldiers who were supposed to be guarding the entrance - but instead, they were snoring loudly on the ground, their empty wine bottles scattered haphazardly around them. Grisha couldn't help but shake his head at the sight, wondering how these soldiers could be so careless with their duties.

His eyes caught sight of Hannes leaning against a rugged, wooden barrel, his head bobbing up and down as he slept soundly. Grisha sauntered over to his friend, taking note of the empty wine bottle resting in Hannes' limp hand and the red liquid that had spilled onto his chin and lips. Grisha couldn't help but chuckle at Hannes' drunken state.

As Hannes was leaning against the barrel, his subconscious mind whispered Anna's name in his sleep-deprived state. "Anna, please, plea-" he murmured, his voice trailing off into a soft mumble. Grisha furrowed his brow in concern as he knew all too well that Hannes had developed a dangerous habit of drinking excessively to numb the pain of losing Anna.

As the carriage came to a stop, Grisha gracefully climbed down from the carriage seat, his boots hitting the hard, cold stone ground with a resounding thud. The sound echoed in the air, and he took a deep breath, feeling the cold winter air fill his lungs. His attention turned to Hannes, who was still sound asleep, snoring quite loudly, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

"Hannes," Grisha whispered urgently, his voice barely above a breathy hush. He leaned in and nudged Hannes' shoulder with a sense of urgency, hoping to rouse him from his alcohol-induced slumber. Despite Grisha's attempts, Hannes remained deep in his drunken stupor, his snores echoing throughout the quiet night.

Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of shattered glass pierced the air as the bottle in Hannes' hand slipped from his grasp and tumbled to the ground, shattering into a thousand glittering pieces. The sound was jarring and immediate, causing Hannes to jolt awake with a start, his senses reeling from the sudden noise. His head throbbed with a dull ache, a side-effect of his inebriated state, making it difficult to focus on the blurry figure standing over him. As his vision cleared, Hannes finally recognized the face of Grisha.

"Grisha, what are you doing in my house?" he questioned, his voice laced with confusion. Despite his heavy eyelids, Hannes tried to focus on the situation, but his mind was still hazy from sleep. As he attempted to make sense of Grisha's presence, he suddenly realized something that made his heart skip a beat - he wasn't in his house at all but rather in the middle of a street.

"Hannes, you're on guarding duty. I just woke you up to let you know that I found a baby." Grisha told Hannes, who looked even more confused. Hannes felt a sudden discomfort in his stomach, the kind that can only come from indulging in copious amounts of wine throughout the day. The once gentle breeze now felt like a hurricane to Hannes as he stumbled towards a nearby stone wall in an attempt to steady himself. The world around him spun and twisted, and before he could even comprehend what was happening, Hannes was violently expelling every bit of wine and food he had consumed the previous evening, coating the ground beneath him in a grotesque mixture of vomit and regret.

Despite his embarrassment, Hannes tried to compose himself and looked up and noticed Grisha cradling a small bundle in his arms. It was only then that Hannes realized with a mixture of shock that Grisha was carrying a child in his arms. As he wiped his lips on his sleeve, Hannes couldn't help but smile at the sight of the tiny, precious life in Grisha's arms

"Grisha, where did you find him?" he asked curiously, his eyes fixated on the baby that was soundly sleeping in his friend's embrace. Hannes couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the tiny, fragile life that lay before him, completely oblivious to the dangers and challenges of the world beyond the walls.

He had blonde hair, so Hannes knew right away this wasn't Carla's child, not to mention she had given birth a month ago after all, with no time to get pregnant and have a second child.

"I found him in Alte Stadt. Can you please stay awake? I will return soon. We need to go back there." Hannes, who was rubbing the top of his head in confusion, wondered why they needed to go to an abandoned village at 1 am. However, he quickly nodded when he noticed Grisha's serious look, knowing that his friend wouldn't ask for help unless it was urgent. The streets were deserted, and a chilly breeze blew through the dimly lit alleys, making the hairs on the back of Hannes's neck stand up.

As Grisha climbed onto the seat of his carriage and commanded his horse to ride forward, Hannes promised him with utmost sincerity, "You got it, Grisha. I will stay awake until you come back, no matter how long it takes."

As the horse-drawn carriage trotted away from the dimly lit alley, Hannes's eyes gazed down at the shattered wine bottle that lay on the muddy ground, its contents spilling out like a deep-red river. The sight of it made him feel a pang of guilt and a sense of regret for the countless bottles of wine he had emptied recently.

"I really should stop drinking this," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible against the sound of the carriage's wheels. His eyes then shifted to the second empty bottle of wine he had just discarded, and the memories of the previous night came flooding back. The stench of his own vomit still lingered in the air, reminding him of his weakness and the damage he had caused to his own body. Deep down, Hannes knew he needed to change his ways before it was too late.

Grisha's House

Grisha's footsteps echoed across the dimly lit street as he walked towards his home, the anticipation of finally being able to rest after a long day at work evident on his face. He reached his front door, took out his keys, and quietly inserted one into the lock, not wanting to disturb Carla's peaceful slumber. As he pushed the door open, a creaking sound filled the stillness of the night, causing him to wince and hold his breath for a moment. Slowly, he made his way inside, his eyes adjusting to the room's darkness. However, to his surprise, he found Carla fast asleep on a chair, her head resting on the table, with a flickering candle being the only light source in the room.

Grisha carefully closed the creaky wooden door of their humble abode, ensuring that the sound wouldn't disturb his peacefully sleeping wife; the baby was out of danger, but he knew he needed to be fed. With a deep breath, Grisha leaned over and gently nudged Carla, whispering her name in a soft tone that wouldn't startle her awake; he briefly thought of seeing Eren but figured his son was sleeping right now in the other room.

As Carla was in a deep slumber, the sound of Grisha's gentle voice calling out to her, "Carla, dear. Wake up," slowly penetrated her subconsciousness, causing her to stir slightly. Grisha, sensing her reluctance to wake up, nudged her shoulder once more, coaxing her to awaken. Slowly but surely, Carla's eyes began to flutter open, and for a moment, she looked bewildered and disoriented, trying to make sense of her surroundings.

As her vision cleared, she began to rub her tired eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep that still lingered within her. Glancing out the window, she noticed the darkness enveloping the surroundings, and it dawned on her that it must be the middle of the night, explaining her grogginess and reluctance to wake up.

"Grish, what took you so long? I-" However, her sentence was abruptly cut short when she laid eyes on the precious bundle of joy her husband was cradling in his arms - a tiny newborn baby with a shock of blonde hair atop his head. For a fleeting moment, her heart skipped a beat as she thought her husband was holding Eren, but it quickly dawned on her that this was a new baby.

Swiftly and with a sense of urgency, she sprang up from her comfortable seat, causing the wooden chair to wobble and almost topple over. Her piercing gaze fixated on Grisha, and with a sharp tone of voice, she questioned him, "Grisha, whose child is that?" Carla's voice carried a hint of accusation, and she pointed her finger at the tiny bundle of joy sleeping soundly in Grisha's arms. The baby's cherubic face and peaceful demeanor contrasted starkly with Carla's accusatory tone.

"Not mine," Grisha answered right away. With a gentle touch, he laid the infant down on a makeshift bed that he had crafted with his own hands, placing the baby on the bed he had made for Eren.

Carla watched as he gingerly placed the tiny baby on the makeshift crib they had set up in the corner of the room. She couldn't help but admire the tender care that Grisha bestowed upon the infant, his hands moving with the same gentle precision that one would expect from a seasoned parent. As she stretched her cramped muscles, Carla yawned, still feeling the remnants of sleep tugging at her consciousness.

But the moment that Grisha turned to face her with a bewildered expression on his face, all traces of exhaustion vanished from Carla's body. She stood up, her heart racing as she took in the sight of her husband holding the unfamiliar child. "Grisha, what happened?" she asked, her voice laced with concern and confusion.

"His name is Naruto..." Grisha told her the rest of the story; after telling her everything, Carla placed a hand on her mouth; she watched the poor baby with sadness; she thanked Grisha for hearing the poor baby; if he hadn't, the baby would have died from the cold. She wondered who could do something like that to him and the poor mother.

"Carla, I need you to feed Naruto. He's hungry, and I must return to that village." Grisha quickly said; Carla grabbed Naruto in her arms as Grisha walked up to the door.

"Are you sure you have to go now? Sure you can't wait until tomorrow morning?" Carla questioned with a hint of fear as she started feeding Naruto. She knew it wasn't good to leave the poor woman there, but she feared that Grisha could get attacked by whoever attacked the woman. The morning would be safer, and he could have someone with him.

"No, worries Carla," Grisha said with a reassuring smile as he put on his signature Fedora hat. "Hannes is waiting for me at the gate. I won't be alone," he added, his voice filled with confidence and determination. Carla, who had doubts about Hannes' reliability, wanted to say that he was probably sleeping or drunk, but she held her tongue, knowing her husband would go there even if he were alone.

"Very well, I will wait for you," Carla said with a sigh as Grisha closed the door. As she turned to face her surroundings, her eyes fell upon baby Naruto in her arms, still feeding. Carla's gaze softened as she looked upon his tiny form, marveling at the perfection of his features. She couldn't help but smile as she placed her index finger on his little cheek, feeling the softness of his skin beneath her touch. And then, her eyes widened in delight as she noticed the strange but undeniably adorable whiskers that adorned his face.

Carla's gentle voice echoed in the quiet room as she gazed down at the angelic face of the little boy cradled in her arms.

"You're so beautiful, little boy," she whispered, smiling affectionately at him. "Such a cute little boy." Naruto's blue eyes sparkled with love and innocence, capturing Carla's heart. She couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the sight before her, knowing that this precious bundle of joy was a gift from above.

Feeling a deep sense of motherly love, Carla began to sing a soothing lullaby, her voice soft and melodic. Naruto's tiny body relaxed in her arms, his breathing becoming slow and steady as he drifted off to sleep. Carefully, Carla laid him down in his crib, tucking him in snugly with a warm blanket. She watched him sleep for a few moments longer, admiring the peaceful expression on his face, before turning her attention to Eren. With a quick and efficient movement, Carla checked on Eren, ensuring he was sound asleep before tiptoeing out of the room.

Grisha

"I'm still surprised you are awake," Grisha said, his tone laced with amusement and disbelief as he looked at Hannes, who was diligently holding onto the reins of the horse that pulled their carriage. The night was still young, the moon casting a silvery glow on the winding road that stretched ahead of them. Hannes couldn't help but chuckle at the comment, his eyes darting toward his companion, who looked rather dazed and disheveled.

As the carriage rolled down the dusty road, Hannes turned to Grisha and spoke with a hint of amusement in his voice, "Do not underestimate me, Grisha. I was drunk, but I wasn't that drunk." Despite still feeling a bit lightheaded from the night before, Hannes was determined to maintain his composure during their journey and focused intently on the bumpy path ahead.

As the carriage trundled along the bumpy dirt road, Hannes could feel his anticipation growing. As they drew closer, Hannes couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The village was once a bustling community, filled with life and laughter, but now it lay abandoned, its houses covered in vines and overrun with small animals. The silence was eerie, broken only by the creaking of the carriage and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Hannes felt a chill run down his spine as he gazed out at the desolate village.

It didn't take long for them to find the body; without hesitation, they hoisted the limp body into the carriage, and as Grisha held up the lantern to get a better look, his eyes widened in horror as he saw the gruesome sight before him. The once-beautiful woman had a deep, gaping wound on her stomach, so severe it almost seemed as if someone had taken a sword and sliced through her with one swift motion.

The air was thick with the stench of death and decay, and he could feel his stomach churning with nausea. With a trembling voice, "Dear gods, who could have done this?" His face had turned pale. His eyes were transfixed on the corpse before him. As a Garrison soldier, Hannes had seen his fair share of death and carnage, but this was different. This was something that sent shivers down his spine, something that made him question whether he would ever be able to forget this horrific sight.

While Hannes wondered who could have killed the woman, Grisha couldn't fathom how the woman was alive when he had found her an hour ago; from what he saw, the wound should have killed her right away, within seconds.

As Grisha gazed upon the lifeless body lying before him, he couldn't help but wonder about... "How did she speak?" he murmured to himself, his mind racing with questions. The gruesome scene revealed the extent of the damage inflicted upon the unfortunate victim - her kidneys were missing, her liver was shredded, and a significant portion of her lungs had been obliterated. The sheer brutality of the act left Grisha in a state of shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend what kind of monster was capable of such an atrocity. He couldn't shake the feeling that whoever did this was not of this world.

"Let's just go back," Grisha said, using a white blanket to cover her body; Hannes quickly nodded in agreement; the last thing he wanted was to stay in the Abandoned Village any longer than necessary, especially with the danger of a killer on the loose hanging above their head's like a hanging rope.

One Week Later

The morning after they found Naruto, Hannes reached out to the Military Police for assistance, hoping they would be able to bring the killer to justice. However, to his dismay, he soon discovered that the MPs were a group of inept, bumbling fools incapable of solving even the simplest crimes. Despite their fancy uniforms and lofty titles, they were nothing more than a bunch of morons who wouldn't be able to find their own ass in the darkness, let alone track down a cunning killer.

After the MP left after doing absolutely nothing to help find the killer, Grisha, and Hannes tried to find Naruto's father or whoever was left from Naruto's family, but they had no luck; after a week of searching around, Grisha came to the conclusion that Naruto had no one left to find him, they either were dead, or his parents didn't have anyone left, whatever the case, Naruto was a child with no one left.

As the morning started, the sun was already high in the sky, and its rays were streaming through the windows of Carla's bedroom. She was quick to wake up, eager to check on her two little ones, Naruto and Eren, who were sleeping peacefully beside one another like two little cherubs. Carla couldn't thank the gods enough that Eren didn't cry much, which was a blessing for a new mother like her, and apparently, Naruto was following in his footsteps. The room was filled with a sense of calm and serenity, and Carla couldn't help but feel grateful for the beautiful moment she was experiencing. The gentle breeze that flowed through the open windows carried the sweet fragrance of the blooming flowers, and the birds outside were chirping their melodious songs, adding to the moment's tranquility.

After preparing breakfast for the house, she made her way to Eren's crib, who was eagerly waiting for his loving mother. Carla scooped him up, holding him close to her chest, cherishing the moment as she gazed lovingly into his big, round eyes.

Meanwhile, Grisha was engrossed in playing with Naruto, who was giggling uncontrollably as Grisha tickled his puffy red cheeks. The room was filled with the sounds of laughter and joy, and it was evident that both father and son were enjoying each other's company.

Carla smiled at the sight. She felt like she had fallen for Grisha all over again; the way he played with both Eren and Naruto warmed her heart, but after a week of pushing it, Carla took a deep breath and decided to ask Grisha what she had wanted to ask since the first day of Naruto sleeping in their house.

"Grisha, you want to adopt him, don't you?" Carla questioned as if she was stating something obvious, as she was holding Eren in her arms.

Carla's voice seemed to make Grisha escape his thoughts, he heard what she said, and yes, he wanted to adopt Naruto; he looked so much like Zeke when he had been little, to the point that Naruto even looked similar to Dina. Grisha knew that was impossible, but he still couldn't shake off the bond he already had with the boy.

Grisha's heart was racing as he looked up at Carla and asked, "Yes. But I want to ask you first?" He desperately hoped she would say yes, for he knew that adopting a child while they already had one of their own might seem like too much for some people. But Naruto was alone in the world, and Grisha couldn't bear the thought of abandoning him somewhere.

"Yes," Carla answered quickly with a smile. Grisha arched an eyebrow and failed to hide the surprise in his voice.

"You want to?"

"Eren is our baby boy, but I wouldn't mind for Eren to have a brother. Naruto could be that one. Naruto could be our second child." Carla spoke sweetly, kissing Eren's little nose, making the one-month-old boy chuckle.

And my third one, Grisha thought, remembering Kruger's words from three years ago. He stood up and kissed Carla, showing his love for her.

Unknown to them, Naruto's presence made the trees seem to stand taller and more vibrant, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. An insignificant flower caught Naruto's eye. The flower began to stir. Slowly but surely, the lifeless petals began to stretch and unfurl until, finally, a beautiful red flower emerged, its petals glowing in the sun's warmth.

A Beautiful Red Flower.