A Shinobi of Paradis Chapter 6 (Meeting Armin) (Patreon)

"Tell me, Naruto, what is that you think when you grow trees?" As the first rays of dawn bathed the lush forest in a golden glow, Grisha's inquisitive voice cut through the tranquil scene, addressing Naruto with genuine curiosity. They strolled leisurely amidst the towering sentinels of nature, their footsteps blending harmoniously with the symphony of chirping birds and the soothing whispers of the morning breeze. Grisha's question hung in the air, lingering like the delicate petals of a blooming sakura tree.

As the golden sun ascended into the sky, its radiant beams danced through the dense foliage of the enchanting forest, casting ethereal rays of light that pierced through the intricate web of branches, illuminating the verdant undergrowth below. Amidst this mesmerizing spectacle, Naruto found himself lost in a moment of introspection. His brow furrowed with contemplation as he pondered his father's query, searching for the perfect words to articulate his response.

As Naruto gracefully leaped from the sturdy trunk to the lush green ground, his contemplative gaze wandered into the distance, mirroring the vast expanse of his thoughts. With a hint of uncertainty dancing in his eyes, he voiced his musings, "I'm not sure, I just think of wanting to grow a tree, and it grows, but it gets harder when I try to grow it an unusual way," As he landed, the soft impact of his feet resonated through the forest floor, connecting him with the vibrant energy pulsating beneath his soles.

Naruto's heightened awareness allowed him to feel the invisible threads that connected him to the intricate web of life around him. Within that symphony of existence, he could sense the presence of countless creatures. The subtle rustling of leaves, the gentle scurrying of tiny paws, and the melodic chirping of birds filled the air, creating a harmonious cadence. Amidst this vivid tapestry, his acute perception honed in on a sprightly squirrel, its nimble form gracefully ascending the towering heights of a nearby tree.

Grisha had a thoughtful look after hearing that, using his own knowledge of Titan Shifting to understand how Naruto's abilities worked exactly and while he had yet to understand it fully. He knew it wasn't as difficult as he had thought. "Why?"

With a perplexed expression clouding his face, Naruto responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "I don't know. It is very easy to grow a normal tree. I just have to picture it, but when it comes to growing trees in an unusual way, it gets harder." As he uttered these words, a faint shrug escaped him, his hand gingerly brushing against the rough bark of a towering oak.

As Naruto approached the towering tree, his eyes widened at the sight of its magnificent trunk, which stretched out in all directions, displaying an impressive width. Intriguingly, multiple slash marks adorned the tree's weathered skin, resembling intricate battle scars that whispered tales of long-forgotten conflicts. Curiosity compelled Naruto to extend his hand, gingerly brushing his fingertips against the rough bark. A subtle tremor coursed through his palm, transmitting a distressing vulnerability that resonated deep within him. It became unmistakably clear that this once-mighty tree teetered on the precipice of collapse. The abundant evidence of fallen branches strewn about the tree's base further accentuated its fragile state.

"So you need to picture in your mind how a tree will look like before you grow the said tree." As the gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, Grisha, his voice barely above a whisper, A glimmer of triumph danced in Grisha's eyes. Leaning in, his forefinger gently caressed the underside of his chin, a gesture of deep contemplation as he delved into the recesses of his mind, searching for that elusive spark of inspiration to ignite his next idea.

As Naruto stood amidst the serene forest, a soft breeze rustling through the leaves, he closed his eyes, immersing himself at the moment. With each passing second, he could sense the tree's vibrant energy gradually dwindling, slipping away like elusive water cascading through his fingertips. Determined to restore its vitality, Naruto harnessed the power within himself, his essence pulsating with a resolute focus.

Carefully, he directed his energy, akin to pouring water into a cup, infusing the tree with his life force. A mesmerizing transformation began to unfold before his eyes as the once-dwindling tree began to radiate an ethereal glow, its stature gradually towering higher and higher. The scars that marred its trunk, the remnants of past struggles, slowly faded away, leaving no trace of the tree's former fragility. Now, it stood proudly, brimming with newfound strength and resilience, no longer a precarious symbol of imminent collapse.

With eyes widened in sheer disbelief, Grisha stood transfixed, his breath caught in his throat, as he bore witness to a wondrous spectacle unfolding before him. The once dying tree now stretched skyward. Its damaged bark, once marred and wounded, seamlessly began to mend as if time itself were reversing its cruel touch. The tree's branches, severed and lost, sprouted anew, their growth mirroring the ethereal grace of magic. Even though Grisha had been privy to Naruto's extraordinary abilities on numerous occasions, the awe and astonishment that washed over him at that moment remained undiminished.

As Naruto gently retracted his hand from the aged bark of the towering tree, the tree stopped growing. Waves of fatigue washed over Naruto, causing his chest to rise and fall with labored breaths, akin to one who had valiantly sprinted for an unyielding ten minutes without respite. With a twinge of exhaustion lingering in his bones, he turned his gaze, only to be met by the sight of his father's beaming countenance, an expression radiating with unadulterated pride that ignited a profound sense of elation within the heart of young Naruto.

"Naruto, you didn't tell me you could heal," Grisha pointed out with a smile. With each purposeful stride, Grisha approached his son, a proud smile illuminating his face as he gently rested a hand on Naruto's shoulder, a gesture of fatherly affection and appreciation. Meanwhile, his other hand extended towards the once withered and weathered trunk of the tree, now pulsating with newfound vitality. Its rough surface, once barren and lifeless, now bore the unmistakable marks of Naruto's healing prowess. As Grisha's fingertips grazed the rejuvenated bark, he couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable transformation that had taken place in a matter of moments. The tree, once on the brink of demise, now stood tall and vibrant.

Naruto's voice faltered, his words hanging in the air as a rosy blush crept up his cheeks, causing his gaze to shyly drift downwards in an endearingly cute manner. "You see," he began, his voice a delicate whisper, "Eren got a little cut on his pinky, and I don't like it when Mother is concerned," A soft chuckle escaped Naruto's lips, a melody of warmth and affection, as his father affectionately tousled his unruly hair, a gesture of familial love that always managed to bring forth a tender smile.

As Grisha and his son ventured deeper into the enchanting forest, their steps guided by the sun's warm rays, five more minutes passed. As they emerged from the dense foliage, a breathtaking sight greeted their eyes - a vast clearing bathed in the golden embrace of the sunlight, revealing nature's hidden treasures.

The emerald grass carpet beneath their feet shimmered like a sea of glistening gems, captivating their senses in awe. Amidst this picturesque scene, their senses were suddenly captivated by a graceful deer delicately grazing on the succulent grass. As they drew nearer, the deer gracefully raised its head, turning its gaze toward the mesmerized Naruto.

"Come here, pretty deer," young Naruto spoke with a cute voice, his small hand gracefully motioning for the fully grown creature to draw near. With a heart full of caution, Grisha anticipated the deer to flee swiftly, as countless wild animals would instinctively do. However, much to their astonishment, the deer defied convention and began to amble closer, its eyes fixated solely on Naruto, brimming with an enchanting curiosity.

As Grisha glanced surreptitiously at Naruto from the corner of his eyes, a captivating realization dawned upon him. It became abundantly clear to him that Naruto possessed an extraordinary gift that seemed to beckon and enchant all creatures effortlessly. This remarkable ability had not escaped Grisha's keen observation, for he had previously observed Naruto's harmonious interactions with birds and other diminutive beings. However, now, before his very eyes, a fully grown deer made its way toward Naruto.

Naruto's heart leaped with uncontainable delight as he beheld the deer gracefully inclining its head towards the young boy, a gesture of silent understanding and connection. With bated breath, Naruto cautiously extended his hand, his fingertips trembling with anticipation, and gently caressed the deer's velvety dark nose, savoring the tangible exchange of warmth and affection. A radiant smile illuminated Naruto's face as if an ethereal light had been kindled within him, radiating an incandescent glow that could brighten even the darkest recesses of a dimly lit room. Every fiber of his being reveled in the sheer softness and comforting warmth of the deer's fur.

As Naruto tenderly stroked the deer's head, a warm smile playing on his lips, "I will call you Seele." The deer, seemingly content in Naruto's company, emitted a melodic hum, relishing the affection bestowed upon it. This harmonious exchange of affection brought sheer elation to Naruto, causing him to erupt in a joyous giggle that echoed through the surrounding foliage.

Grisha couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of pride and happiness welling up within him. His gaze fixated on Naruto with a profound sense of adoration. As Grisha's eyes scanned the tranquil surroundings, he couldn't help but entertain a fleeting thought, pondering if any other animal was approaching. The memory of a previous encounter with a bear is still fresh in his mind.

In an instant, Grisha was engulfed in a piercing pang coursing through his mind, accompanied by a vivid surge of memories that cascaded before his eyes like bolts of lightning in a stormy sky. Amidst this whirlwind of sensations, a resolute declaration echoed within Grisha's psyche, a voice that resonated with a mix of determination and protectiveness.

"I will protect what is precious to me. I won't allow any of you to harm him. My brother is the future of Humanity." Grisha heard the voice in his head. It sounded similar to Naruto but much older.

Grisha escaped; his ruminations were abruptly shattered by the sight of the deer pirouetting in the distance, its eyes meeting his for a fleeting moment before it pivoted and darted away into the ethereal embrace of the forest. Meanwhile, Naruto couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as he observed the animal's retreat, yet, undeterred, he valiantly maintained a resolute smile upon his countenance.

"Naruto," Grisha reassured with a comforting tone, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence, "don't worry. I'm sure Seele will return one day." Tenderly, Grisha's hand gently descended upon Naruto's shoulder, a gesture of solace in the face of their shared concern. In perfect synchrony, Naruto's head bobbed in agreement, his trust in his father unwavering and resolute.

However, as his gaze shifted upwards, an inquisitive spark ignited within his eyes, prompting an earnest question to escape his lips. "Father, what are we doing here?"A knowing smile danced upon Grisha's lips. Serenely, he settled atop a petite rock, his gaze fixed upon Naruto. With gentle yet purposeful gestures, his finger extended, directing Naruto's attention toward the expansive clearing that lay before them.

"Naruto, I want you to imagine a house in your mind. Can you do that?" As Grisha's words hung in the air, young Naruto, his curiosity piqued, raised an inquisitive eyebrow, his gaze mirroring the puzzlement that danced within his eyes. With a determined nod, he acquiesced, allowing his eyelids to close gently. And there, the first image that materialized was his home.

"Did you imagine it?" Grisha inquired with a curious glimmer in his eyes. His voice filled with anticipation. Naruto nodded in response. With a gentle, Grisha extracted a weathered notebook from the depths of his jacket's inner pocket, its pages adorned with scribbles and sketches. Completing the scene, he revealed a time-worn pencil.

"Alright, now try to grow a tree, but imagine it is growing like the house in your mind," Grisha instructed as he started writing in his notebook, wanting to see the results.

With a solemn nod, Naruto lowered himself to the ground, his hands gently touching the earth's surface. As his palms made contact, serpentine veins of trees erupted from the ground, reaching toward the sky with unstoppable vigor. At first glance, it seemed as if these arboreal tendrils were simply growing in the same manner as any ordinary tree. However, keen-eyed Grisha soon discerned a peculiar pattern emerging within the verdant maze. Gradually, the sinuous branches began intertwining, meticulously weaving together an enchanting domicile, a house constructed entirely from wood.

Grisha smiled once he recognized that the house Naruto was making with his ability was his own house. Soon, the house was made, but Grisha quickly noticed that it didn't look like it should look.

Naruto stood before his whimsical creation, a peculiar house crafted entirely from wood. Its walls and roof boasted an enchanting array of branches, playfully reaching out as if eager to embrace the world beyond. Yet, as Naruto cautiously stepped inside, he discovered a disarray of timeworn planks and a floor that seemed to fade away into ephemeral whispers. Naruto's eyes welled up with tears, teetering on the precipice of disappointment, for his ardent pursuit to replicate his beloved home had fallen short of perfection.

"Naruto, you tried your best. I'm actually impressed you were able to do this much on your first try," Grisha commended, his voice resonating with genuine admiration as he enveloped his son in a warm, heartfelt embrace. The pride radiating from Grisha's eyes mirrored the immense astonishment he felt, acknowledging the extraordinary progress Naruto had achieved on his very first attempt.

"But Father, I failed," Naruto murmured, his voice tinged with a hint of dejection, seeking solace against his father's protective shoulder.

"And?" Grisha's eyes sparkled with wisdom as he gently tilted Naruto's chin, ensuring their gazes met. "There's nothing wrong with failing. We all fail. It is wrong only if you give up and decide to be a failure for your whole life," Grisha spoke with a hint of seriousness in his voice. His little boy looked at him with a bit of awe before using his palm to wipe away the tears.

"I should never give up?"

"That's right, no matter what is in front of you, you have to keep moving forward. If you fall, you stand up again and again. If you don't try, you lose. Only if you try you can win. Only those that keep moving forward will learn the truth."

Year 842

"Grandpa?" Armin's voice reverberated through the spacious house, resonating with a blend of curiosity and anticipation. As he gracefully emerged from the sanctuary of his room, the sound of his footsteps danced along the deserted hallway, accompanied by the faint rustle of his worn-out socks gliding across the polished floor. Their once vibrant colors now faded, yet Armin paid no mind to their tattered state, for he knew that within a week's time, a delightful adventure awaited him and his beloved grandfather. Together, they would buy new clothes.

As the scorching heat engulfed the city of Siganshina, it seemed as if an unprecedented record was being set, compelling Armin to believe that the very air surrounding him was undergoing a mesmerizing transformation, causing it to shimmer in the pale glow emitted by the solitary lamp.

In an attempt to navigate his way through this ethereal atmosphere, Armin decided to shed the confinement of his socks, ensuring every step he took was devoid of unnecessary hindrances. As he cautiously moved forward, one hand pressed firmly against the wall, he sought solace in its sturdy presence, offering the equilibrium he desperately sought.

However, as his foot made contact with the ground, it landed with a less-than-graceful finesse, causing him to stumble momentarily, teetering on the brink of an undignified descent onto his posterior. Yet, in a remarkable display of reflexes, he managed to avert disaster, his hands frantically clawing at the rough surface of the wall, desperately seeking purchase to regain his stability in this surreal environment.

Sebastian Arlet found himself in the solitude of another room, surrounded by a hushed atmosphere that echoed with anticipation. With a gentle yet purposeful motion, he delicately shut close the worn book.

The soft snap of the pages, akin to a secret whispered in the wind, reverberated ever so slightly within the empty space. Carefully, he placed the cherished book upon the plush couch, its well-worn pages telling tales of countless adventures.

He had heard his grandson approaching and had been waiting for him to arrive. When it came down to it, he always preferred a quiet evening. No interruptions. Nothing to distract from a good book. It was his favorite place on earth, his own makeshift library without even the slightest hint of noise or distraction. It was heaven on Earth. It really was.

But that wouldn't be happening tonight, and he would much rather have Armin sitting in his lap than the peaceful evening he'd been hoping for.

Soon enough, there was a little blond head poking from the doorway, knuckles white like ivory as he gripped the cheap wood. Armin took a step forward and immediately spotted the book sitting on one of the two worn, leather couches from better days, a bookmark almost hanging from its spine, some pages dog eared, others crumpled, and the corners of the book torn from years' worth of use and abuse. It wasn't as pristine as it had been years ago, but it only cemented its worth in the Arlet household.

"Armin, is it too hot to sleep?" His voice was weathered and old as he took a few steps towards the door, opening it to greet his grandson with a mildly concerned expression on his face, mirth present on the wrinkles of his forehead and cheeks.

Armin, in turn, shook his head with surprising finality, lips pressed together in striking resemblance to his mother."Not really. I just couldn't sleep and thought that maybe you'd be awa—"

The sentence was left incomplete as he knelt down to pick up the boy. Heavens he was certainly heavier than what he remembered, but it was still manageable for him, even as he knew that his back would complain the following day and for the whole week. Armin's arms automatically wrapped around his neck. He nudged the wooden door close, the creaking of the rusted hinges filling the room with anything other than silence.

"Do you want to read a book together? Tomorrow's Sunday, so I doubt you staying up late will do any harm." Armin was deposited on the couch like a small cat, and he strode towards the bookshelf to find a suitable book. Soon enough, there was the noise of something heavy being placed on Armin's lap, followed by the whispering sound of pages flipping. It wasn't sharp the way it had been once upon the time— the time when the album was new and ready to be filled with memories drawn by a friend or an artist.

Then, it had all gone to hell.

Still, he had grieved over the death of his daughter and son-in-law for over a month when they had first disappeared in mysterious circumstances, even though he had a hunch that perhaps it wasn't an accident after all.

It was a dangerous hunch, one which would leave Armin an orphan, but it was still just a small hunch some crazy old man had—

"How old was I when they died?" Armin knew the answer, but the question was one that he often asked as if trying to excuse the fact that he had nothing more than blurry images in his mind when it came to his parents and a few hazy memories.

The deep chuckle that was ingrained in the very being of his father, the smell of lilac on the small necklace his mother wore on Sundays, and the taste of a piping hot apple pie baked in chilling winter.

"You were just learning how to talk when they... they disappeared." Armin didn't know the truth yet, for 9 was too young an age to expose him to the cruel world that existed outside of their home. Then again, he was well aware of the bullies—

"How was school?" He asked casually, still not turning around to face the child.

"Uhh... well-" His voice was full of hesitation, and a few seconds passed before he answered softly. "It was nice. We were taught geography, but it was mainly about the Walls. How they were made and—" Armin lowered his tone, and Sebastian let out a sharp breath at his following words, eyes widening the same way they had widened when Darius had announced his intentions of using a hot air balloon to go and explore the wall outside the wall.

"Grandpa, can I ask you something?"

Ah.

He spun on his heel with surprising grace and speed for someone his age. He built, taking practiced, nimble steps towards the window and tugging on the curtains with more harshness than needed, going as far as to yank at the particularly stubborn piece of cloth, refusing to cover every inch of the glass pane with a sort of frustration.

Armin watched him with an uncertain look in his eyes, hand gripping the tattered album with even more determination lest it is snatched away by some unknown ghost.

When he was finally satisfied with the little privacy that they had, he turned to meet Armin's gaze, unspoken permission to speak.

"How did we build the walls when we were under the constant attack of titans?" Armin questioned with a voice of innocence. His grandfather kept a calm look on his face before turning to face his grandson.

"Armin, how about I prepare you your favorite meal, and then we can talk about school?" A mischievous twinkle shimmered in his grandfather's eyes as he proposed this enticing proposition.

Armin's face lit up like a radiant sunflower, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He eagerly nodded in agreement, his smile reflecting the sheer delight bubbling within his heart.

A gentle sigh of relief escaped his grandfather's lips. With a renewed spring in his step, he gracefully whisked himself away to the kitchen, where pots and pans awaited his culinary wizardry. The clinking of utensils and the aromatic dance of spices filled the air, creating an enticing symphony that beckoned Armin closer.

However, as the enchanting aroma seeped through the hallway, Armin's once-joyful expression waned, replaced by a tinge of confusion. His brow furrowed ever so slightly, and a perplexed frown etched itself upon his face. His grandfather's sudden departure left him with a lingering sense of curiosity, a burning question that refused to be ignored. Why did his grandfather dodge the question?

Tomorrow

As the aroma of a satisfying breakfast wafted through the air, Armin's mind brimmed with the possibilities that lay ahead. The morning sun danced upon the gentle ripples of the river that gracefully wound its way through the town of Shiganshina.

Armin's footsteps guided him to the water's edge. With a mischievous glimmer in his eye, he plucked a smooth pebble from the ground, its weight comforting in his palm. Like a playful conductor orchestrating a symphony, Armin propelled the rock with a flick of his wrist, sending it skimming across the river's shimmering surface.

The stone leaped and pirouetted through the air before succumbing to the depths below. Mesmerized by the mesmerizing spectacle, Armin found himself entranced by the kaleidoscope of colors that danced upon the water's mirror-like canvas. The summer sun, resplendent in its warmth and radiance, painted the river's surface with a gilded sheen, beckoning Armin to bask in its gentle embrace.

Armin stood beneath the shadow of his insecurities, his fingertips gently caressing the crown of his head as he pondered. He hoped someone in Shiganshina would want his friendship.

And then, like a sudden gust of wind, the rhythmic cadence of approaching footsteps broke through the veil of silence. Armin's heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening, as he swiftly pivoted on his heel, his eyes wide with anticipation. Before him stood three bullies from the school; their countenances bore the weight of mischief, their smug smirks etched upon their faces.

"Look who's alone!" With an air of superiority and a smug smile etched across his face, the first bully taunted Armin with a condescending remark, mocking his solitude. Fueled by his own arrogance, he proceeded to forcefully nudge Armin on his shoulder, a deliberate act to assert dominance.

Not content with mere words, the other two bullies eagerly joined in, their strong hands propelled forward in tandem, threatening to propel Armin perilously close to the depths of the nearby river. Armin displayed remarkable restraint, keeping his hands firmly at his sides, his mind racing to devise a cunning strategy that would extricate him from this precarious predicament.

"What is that you want?" Armin questioned, not bothering to try and fight them. They were bigger than him, and there were three of them.

"Why don't you fight back?" The first bully questioned with a smug smile; Armin kept his hands down despite his temptation.

With a smug expression plastered across his face, the first bully, brimming with misplaced confidence, confidently goaded Armin, "Go ahead, hit me right here." He leaned in closer, his cheek mere inches away from Armin's trembling fist, emphasizing his audacity by pointing at the very target he dared his victim to strike with his index finger.

"No, just what is that you want," Armin said dismissively. With a menacing growl, the first guy's fingers clenched tightly around Armin's tunic, hoisting him effortlessly into the air as if he were a mere feather in the wind. Desperate to break free from the iron grip, Armin's muscles strained against the oppressor's strength, only to be met with a sudden, brutal blow from the second boy's clenched fist, mercilessly driving the air from his lungs.

Gasping for precious breaths, his mouth expelled saliva, desperately attempting to regain some semblance of control. Then, with a callous disregard for Armin's well-being, the menacing figure who held him captive released his grip, flinging him unceremoniously to the unforgiving ground. As Armin's body collided with the earth, a searing pain radiated through his forehead, causing him to instinctively touch the source of his anguish, his trembling finger coming away stained with the crimson evidence of his suffering.

"We heard what you said about the Walls. It's time to teach you a lesson," the third bully, his contemptuous gaze fixed on Armin's writhing form, couldn't resist the urge to add further insult to injury, unleashing a disdainful spray of spittle upon the wounded teenager's crumpled frame. Armin, his grip on his aching abdomen betraying the agony coursing through his body, could only grit his teeth in anguish. Meanwhile, the first bully, his menacing foot poised to deliver a blow directly to Armin's already battered stomach.

"What the Hell do you think you're Doing?" an indignant voice bellowed, resonating through the air like thunder. Startled, the initial bully swiftly swiveled his head, his eyes widening in dismay.

In that fleeting moment, he glimpsed a clenched fist hurtling toward his countenance with unyielding force, causing a symphony of agony to reverberate through his entire being. An anguished groan escaped his lips as he collided with the unyielding terrain beneath him, pain seeping into every fiber of his existence.

Meanwhile, the second bully bore the brunt of a resounding kick to his dental fortress, a searing pain shooting through his gums, rendering him helpless and convulsing on the ground. Amidst his painful cries, a solitary tooth lay shattered and crimson, a testament to the raw power unleashed upon him.

The third bully glared furiously at the two new boys who kicked his friends while Armin looked confused, wondering why the two unknown boys were helping him.

With an air of audacity, the third bully lunged forward, his clenched fist hurtling toward the blonde. Yet, like a nimble fox evading its predator, the blonde dipped beneath the incoming blow, narrowly escaping its vicious trajectory as it sailed harmlessly above his shoulder.

In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, a surge of adrenaline pulsed through his veins, empowering him to seize the opportunity that lay before him. Swiftly, his hands wrapped around the bully's outstretched arms, immobilizing them with unexpected strength.

With a fierce determination etched upon Eren's face, he launched a precise and forceful kick, aiming unyieldingly for the third bully's visage. The resounding impact reverberated through the air as the bully's face met Eren's formidable strike, sending him sprawling to the unforgiving ground below.

"Try this again, losers. Me and Naruto will kick your butts," Eren shouted, glaring at the bullies. The bullies, initially filled with rage, felt their bravado waver as they locked eyes with the formidable duo. However, their pride took a backseat to self-preservation, prompting them to retreat, tails metaphorically tucked between their legs, resembling defeated dogs scampering away.

"See them walk away, Naruto. We are unstoppable," Eren spoke with pride. Yet, as Eren shifted his gaze toward Naruto, he saw Naruto as he extended a helping hand to the downtrodden child.

With a mix of concern and curiosity in his voice, Naruto gently inquired, "Are you alright?" as he extended his compassionate hands toward the kid, hoping to offer comfort and assistance. The child hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixated on Naruto's outstretched hand, before finally accepting the gesture of kindness. In a seamless display of camaraderie, Naruto aided the young one in rising to his feet while Eren approached and stood in solidarity beside Naruto.

Just as Armin was about to express his gratitude for their assistance, Eren's inquisitive nature took hold, prompting him to pose a thought-provoking question. With a curious tilt of his head, Eren pointedly asked, "Why didn't you try to fight them?" As his words hung in the air, Eren's keen observation skills kicked in, recalling the countless instances when he had witnessed the boy's victimization without any hint of resistance. The perplexity etched on Eren's face grew more pronounced, for he simply could not fathom why Armin never attempted to assert himself. Sensing the weight of Eren's query, Armin's gaze dropped, his posture betraying a hint of shame, while his fingertips instinctively sought solace in the gentle caress of his own scalp.

"I will put myself on the same level as them." His words were almost lost in the air, barely reaching the ears of Eren and Naruto, who were engrossed in their own perplexed thoughts.

Eren, his eyebrow arched in confusion, couldn't quite grasp the direction in which this statement was heading, prompting him to inquire, "Huh?"

"They're nothing but bullies. They can't say anything to counter me, so they can do nothing but beat me. I have already won, and they know it," Armin explained. Naruto, intrigued by the astuteness of Armin's argument, couldn't help but raise an inquisitive eyebrow, silently acknowledging the sound reasoning behind his words.

On the other hand, Eren, though visibly inclined to challenge Armin's stance, ultimately opted to dismiss it, choosing instead to extend his hand toward Armin.

"My name is Eren Yeager, and this is my little brother," Eren introduced himself before pointing at the blonde kid standing beside him.

"Naruto Yeager," Naruto introduced himself and waved at Armin in a friendly way.

"Huhh!" Armin couldn't help but arch an eyebrow in surprise after hearing that. He looked at both Naruto and Eren. One had dark hair and green eyes, while the other had blonde hair and blue eyes. They looked nothing alike, especially the strange whiskers on Naruto's face. Armin had never seen brothers that looked so different from one another.

"What is it?" Naruto asked as he noticed that Armin looked distracted, especially Armin's surprised face, but Armin quickly put on a smile, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

With a nonchalant wave of his hand and a casual smile, Armin swiftly brushed off their concerns, assuring them, "Nothing, don't worry about it." As his gaze shifted from Eren to Naruto, Armin's grin widened, radiating genuine delight. It was a moment of sheer joy for him, finally finding friends.

"My name is Armin Arlert,"