Chapter 2

Naruto, Age 10

It had been two years to the day that Naruto had met Ainz Oowl Goan and Erza, otherwise known as the Kyuubi no Yoko. Which had come to a bit of a shock to the poor boy when he had learned that the strongest and most feared of all the Bijuu, was a female. Not that he had any problem with it, which the young boy had vehemently made clear when the vixen woman had confronted him about it. While absorbing Ainz's memories, Naruto had gained a healthy respect for strong woman. Especially after witnessing how some of the Floor Guardians dispatch their foes from Ainz's own perspective.

Between his two tenants, Naruto had grown by leaps and bounds over the past two years. While the elder lich, whom the blonde had come to view as a grandfather figure, had taught the boy about the art of magic, runes, and enchantments; as well as lessons in politics, diplomacy, and subterfuge. When Naruto had inquired about the reasoning for the latter part of his lessons, Ainz had explained to him that not all battles could be won with physical confrontation, and that sometimes, it was best to take a less violent and less bloody path to achieve his goals.

Another thing the soon to be former Overlord had instructed the young blonde boy in, is the teleportation spells. Mostly to help Naruto elude any mobs that would attempt to form up and trap the poor child. Aside from the teleportation spells, Ainz had also made sure the boy knew the basic forms of conjuration. Allowing Naruto to have an unlimited supply of water and food, even if the selection of options left a lot to be desired for the time being. Though, that would be something that could be remedied later.

Erza on the other hand had taught her young container the ins and outs of being a shinobi. Working on the boys chakra control, ninjutsu, and genjutsu. The latter of which she excelled at, due to her kitsune nature. Which was perfect for the boy, as the young blonde had taken an interest in pulling pranks on the various citizens of the village that had done him wrong. Erza had seen this as an exceptional training exercise to test the boys stealth, as well as creativity. Citing that the same tactic won't always work, and that he would need to think outside the box to accomplish his goal.

It had also helped considerably when the Hokage himself had learned of these pranks and had dubbed them as training exercises for the victims, citing that since they were a shinobi village, everyone that resided within it's walls could be a potential victim to an enemy attack. A thought that a majority of the civilians never even considered to be a reality, assuming that only shinobi would be targeted in the event of any kind of attack. And the best part, the victims never once suspected they had fallen victim to the blonde boy they had scorned and condemned.

Though the best part of Erza's tutelage, was when she had instructed him how to use the Shadow Clone Technique. An extremely versatile ability that sped up all of his training by a considerable amount thanks to a handy little detail about the technique that transferred memories back to the original once they were dispelled. The only limitations being that unless they were reinforced, they would dispel after a strong enough hit, and the fact that they couldn't transfer physical results back to the original. Though muscle memory did, allowing the blonde to excel rapidly in his kunai and shurikan throwing skills.

'It is time.' The voice of the elder lich echoed in the back of his mind, causing the young blonde to flinch slightly.

While he knew this day was coming, he was not looking forward to it. Not even a full year ago, Ainz had been upfront about his mortality and had even meticulously counted down the days. Preparing Naruto for what was to come.

His return to the Great Tomb of Nazerick.

Reluctantly, the blonde nodded and stood up from his bed. After the attack on him two years ago, the elder village leader had given the boy an apartment to himself. Having learned that Naruto had been living on the streets for the better part of the year, after the orphanage had kicked him out. It had been a bid to keep the boy safe and to have a place of his own in peace, though it was never to be. Ignorance still ran rampart through the civilians, and thus, they would vandalize the outside of his once nice apartment.

At first, the blonde had attempted to keep it clean though quickly learned that it was futile. Any time he would manage to remove the vandalism, the mobs would return to do even more damage to the property. So he had let it go. Extending his arm out towards a coat hanger isolated in the corner of the room, he summoned his coat to him. It was nothing too extravagant. Just a long, black trench coat with dark red trimmings. Matching perfectly with his usual black shinobi pants, and burnt orange sleeveless shirt.

With a heavy sigh, the blonde boy focused his magic into a single point and with a mere gesture, opened a portal into the deepest parts of the Forest of Death. Squaring his shoulders, Naruto moved through the portal, allowing it to close behind him. Within the blink of an eye, Naruto found himself before a large entrance of a structure that reminded him of an ancient temple of some kind from a forgotten time.

'Here goes nothing.' Naruto thought as he made his way towards the entrance of the structure. Mentally preparing himself for anything that could possibly happen. As he approached the entrance to the structure, he could see various forms of bones begin to form and reshape into humanoid skeletons, each wielding a variety of weapons.

'First line of defense for the Great Tomb of Nazerick, they keep weaker enemies at bay while acting as an alarm for the Floor Guardians.' Ainz explained in the young blondes mind. 'Just flare your magic, it will neutralize them without needlessly destroying them.'

Without acknowledging that he had heard the elder lich, Naruto pulsed his magic outwards. Causing an arcane shock wave to wash over the skeletal army, causing their bones to rattle before they fell to the ground in pieces, but not destroyed.

"I suppose they know I am here then." He mused out loud to himself as he continued to make his way into the massive complex. Feeling numerous high magical signatures zeroing in on his location. Knowing that the Floor Guardians were no doubt converging at a single point just ahead of him, the young blonde continued his trek through the massive hallway. To be honest, while he didn't show it on the outside, Naruto was extremely nervous about coming face to face with the Floor Guardians. From Ainz's memories, the blonde knew how strong each one was. Which had left him with a sense of awe, and a healthy respect for each of their fighting prowess.

After a handful of minutes of walking, Naruto found himself standing in an intersection, with thirteen individuals standing before him. Standing firm, the young blonde analyzed those the stood before him. Each of them, with the exception of two, wore an expression of surprise to see a mere boy standing before them. At the front of the group was an elderly looking man dressed in an elegant and graceful manner. As expected of the head butler of The Great Tomb of Nazerick.

"Sebas Tian." Naruto commented, much to the shock of the elderly looking man, before the blonde scanned over the rest of the group. "Yuri Alpha, Lupusregina Beta, Shizu Delta, Narberal Gamma, Solution Epsilon, and Entoma Vasilissa Zeta."

One by one, Naruto had named off each of the Pleiades, much to each individuals shock. Even the arachnid battle maid was not immune to showing clear surprise in her body language, despite her masked face being covered. Moving on from the Battle Maids of Nazerick, the young blonde focused his attention on the Floor Guardians themselves. Though, he was concerned with how the Overseer and her rival would take the news they were about to be given.

"Albedo." The blonde boy addressed the overseer of the Floor Guardians, much to the surprise of the succubus, despite her hearing the boy call out the names of each of the Pleiades. Similar to before, Naruto turned his attention to the other Floor Guardians. "Shalltear Bloodfallen, Demiurge, Cocytus, Aura Bella Fiora, and Mare Bello Fiore. Only missing Victim and Gargantua."

"Wh-who are you?" Sebas managed to choke out, alarm in his piercing eyes.

"Forgive me for having you at a disadvantage." The blonde boy stated before giving a slight bow of respect towards the servants of Nazerick. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I must say, it is good to see you all again and for the first time."

"What do you mean, to see us all again if this is the first time you have met us?" Demiurge inquired, a look of suspicion evident on his face.

"Perhaps it would be best explained by someone else." Naruto stated, before bringing his hands together and focusing his magic outwards. As he did so, his body gained a purplish aura around it before a stream of magic pooled out into a single point. Within seconds a very familiar figure was standing before the Nazerick denizens.

"A-Ainz-sama!" They called out in joy upon seeing the elder lich reappear before them.

"It is good to see you have returned, Ainz-sama." Sebas stated as he knelt before the lich.

"It is good to be back." Ainz mused as he took in the sight of his loyal followers. Knowing this would be the last time he would see them. "For as short as it may be."

"Ainz-sama?" The head butler questioned, looking uncertain.

Wordlessly, Ainz opened a portal to his personal pocket dimension and pulled out his fabled Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. An intricate golden staff, entwined by seven serpents. Each with a different colored jewel being held in their mouths. Silently, the Elder Lich admired the staff before turning to address his loyal servants one last time.

"Ten years ago, I departed to investigate a surge of power." The Overlord began. "And I found the source. The village Nazerick resides within was under siege by a being of extraordinary power. The villagers leader, Minato Namikaze, also known as the Hokage, was battling it. However, in order for a mortal to defeat a being of such power, he had to call upon a god to subdue the beast, at the cost of his own life."

While the Elder Lich explained the circumstances, Naruto took the time to watch the various reactions of the tombs denizens. Some, like Demiurge, Sebas, and even Yuri had quickly connected the dots, casting a curious glance at the blonde boy.

"In the Hokage's final act to defend his home, he sealed the powerful beast into his own son with the aid of the god he had summoned, a being know as the Shinigami in this world." He continued. "As such, I too fell victim to be sealed within the boy."

Hearing this, all eyes turned to Naruto, prompting the blonde to flinch slightly, despite himself. Especially with the way both Shalltear and Albedo were glaring at the boy.

"Let it be known now, that my Heir is not to be blamed for what had happened." Ainz stated with finality in his voice, having seen the way the two Floor Guardian's were looking at his current vessel. However, his final words resonated among those gathered.

"Ainz-sama, what do you mean by your Heir?" Yuri inquired, as her eyes drifted from Naruto, back to Ainz's form, earning a tired sigh from the elder lich.

"My time is growing short for this world." He stated as he turned towards Naruto before grasping his staff one final time before handing it over to the boy, whom gingerly took it. "As such, I have named young Naruto Uzumaki as my heir. For the last few years, I have been instructing him to take my place, and above all, to take care of all of you."

As soon as the staff left his hands, his skeletal body began to slowly crumble away, much to the shock of all those present. Casually, he watched as the bone fragments from his hands began to fall away before he turned towards the tombs denizens.

"It appears my time is coming to an end." Ainz casually stated before once again turning to his vessel as more of his skeletal body began to dissipate. "Naruto Uzumaki-Namekazi, I have poured all of my knowledge into you. Now, it is up to you to care for The Great Tomb of Nazerick, and above all, those who are precious to me."

"I promise, Ainz-ji-ji." Naruto sniffled as tears streamed down his cheeks. While the Elder Lich had done all he could to prepare the boy for this inevitable day, it still didn't lesson the pain of losing someone the boy had held dear. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, and I know you will do me proud." The dissolving skeletal figure chuckled lightly, turning his attention on last time to the Floor Guardians and Pleiades that were gathered. "It has been an honor to have been with you all. I now ask that you support young Naruto and help him grow into the mantle that I have placed upon him."

"It will be done, Ainz-sama." Sebas stated, holding back his own tears.

With one last nod in acknowledgment, Ainz's body completely dissolved into the air as the magic used to sustain his form returned to Naruto's body, leaving behind all to grieve his passing. For his part, Sebas remained stoic, while both Aura and Mare wept openly at the Lich's passing. Both Abeldo and Shalltear had departed in a fit of grief with a mix of rage swirling within each of them.

After a few minutes had passed, Sebas approached the newly appointed Overlord and knelt before him, prompting the rest to follow suit to carryout the last request given to them by Ainz. One by one, each of the Floor Guardians and Pleiades knelt before the blonde boy, each showing their solidarity towards the new Overlord.

"As per Ainz-sama's last request, we shall do our best to support you, Naruto-sama." Sebas stated.

"I….thank you, Sebas-san." Naruto smiled, before turning to address the rest. "But I would like the chance to earn all of your trust and loyalty. I've never been one to accept anything to be handed to me, as such, I would like to earn the title Ainz-ji-ji had bestowed upon me."

"That is a very admirable trait, Naruto-sama." Yuri commented with a small smile, appreciating the boys resolve to earn his status rather then just accepting it. A clear sign that Ainz had chosen well.

"What of Albedo and Shalltear?" Demiurge inquired.

"Both are extremely hurt with Ainz-sama's passing." Sebas pointed out.

"No doubt, blaming you, Naruto-sama." Yuri added, prompting the blonde to nod in understanding.

"I will go and talk with them individually." Naruto stated, much to the surprise of those still present.

"But, what if they…." Aura attempted to ask.

"Then I will allow them to take out their anger until they are calm enough to talk." The blonde interrupted. "I promised Ainz-ji-ji I would look out for all of you, and that is what I intend to do."

Without waiting for a reply, Naruto turned and teleported on the spot towards the closest room of the two grieving Floor Guardians, which happened to be Albedo. From Ainz's memories, Naruto knew quite well of the succubus's temper; as well as her battle prowess. There was a reason she was the Overseer of the Floor Guardians.

Meanwhile, the remaining Floor Guardians and Pleiades stared at the now empty spot the boy had just occupied. Some musing thoughtfully at the boys actions, while others looked concerned. None more so then the two dark elf twins.

"Do-do you think Naruto-sama will be alright?" Mare inquired out loud, concern laced in his voice.

"I believe Naruto-sama will be fine." Demiurge spoke up with a slight chuckle. "I can see that the boy has the potential to match Ainz-sama, if not surpass him. The years to come shall prove interesting."

"Indeed." Sebas stated with a thoughtful grunt. "For now, let us return to our duties and await for Naruto-sama's orders."

"Hai!" Each acknowledged before separating to their own designated areas, leaving the head butler to himself.

'So this is what you meant that night, ten years ago.' He mused, recalling his final communication with the Elder Lich. 'You knew there was no escape but didn't want us to worry. Still, you faced it head on. Even preparing the young boy to take your mantle.'

With Naruto

In a flash, the young blonde appeared at a large, purple colored door. Taking a moment, he looked to the staff that was still within his hands before depositing it in the pocket dimension, having a feeling that if he kept it with him, it would only serve as a greater reminder of the Elder Lich's passing. Even more so then himself.

Knowing that it would be futile to knock and request entry, the blonde sighed and reluctantly opened the door and stepped in. Preparing himself to be met with the wrath of an angry succubus. The first thing Naruto noticed was the mess the room was in currently. Banners had been torn down from the walls and ripped to shreds, whilst various furniture pieces had been over turned, and some even broken beyond normal means of repair. Though what concerned the blonde the most, was seeing a pile of freshly torn in half plushies and body pillows of Ainz himself.

'Maybe I should have spoken with Shalltear first.' He silently mused, though didn't have any further time to ponder as he caught a pair of glowing yellow eyes staring at him from the corner of the room.

"What are you doing here?" Albedo growled out, glaring at the blonde that had intruded upon her sanctum.

"I was concerned about you." Naruto replied, not moving from his position.

As soon as those words left his mouth, Albedo exploded from her corner and tackled the young blonde with so much force, that the two collided with the wall on the other side of the massive room, earning a small grunt from the young blonde. Leaving Naruto halfway buried into it.

"You!" She seethed. "You took him away from me!"

Naruto said nothing, as he allowed the succubus to vent her anger out as she pounded on his chest with closed fists. Though the power that should have been there was absent.

"Why!?" She cried out as she brought her balled fists down onto his chest. "Why did he have to go?"

Wordlessly, Naruto wrapped his arms around her crying form to offer what comfort he could to the grieving succubus.

"Ainz-ji-ji use to tell me stories of his time with all of you." He spoke softly, catching the sobbing woman's attention as he gently rubbed her upper back in a comforting manner. "But you know, he spoke the most about you and Shalltear."

Hearing this, the trembling succubus took the chance to gaze up at the young boys cerulean blue eyes, that seemed to glow in the shadows, due to the magic coursing through his body. Peering into his blue eyes, Albedo could only see kindness, admiration, and concern. There was also a touch of restrained power as well, lingering behind those blue pools, making the succubus realize that the boy had allowed her to beat him into the wall. A revelation that shook her to her core.

"I-…." She began.

"You know, he may not have been able to convey it." Naruto smiled. "But I could tell that he loved you both dearly."

"He….loved me?" Albedo stammered out, looking to the blonde for confirmation, in which Naruto could only smile and nod.

"I'll be honest with you, Albedo-chan." Naruto began, as he allowed himself to slide down the wall to get into a more comfortable position. "When I had finally learned that Ainz-ji-ji was separated from all of you, I almost tore off the seal from their prison myself. Even though it would have cost me my own life."

"Why?" Albedo inquired, looking to the blonde boy in confusion, wondering why someone so young would sacrifice their life in such a way.

"Because of the event that happened ten years ago, I am not well liked within the village." The blonde boy began, with a somber tone that did not match his age. "For the past five years, I have been hunted down, beaten, and tortured by the villagers. To be honest, I don't really have many that would miss me if I were gone. Not like Ainz-ji-ji had all of you, so if my life would reunite him with all of you, I felt it would have been worth it."

For her part, Albedo could only gawk at the blonde. To learn that not only had the boy, the heir chosen by Ainz himself had offered to sacrifice his own life to free the Elder Lich from his prison; but to also learn that he had suffered greatly at the hands of the villagers of his own home village.

"But Ainz-ji-ji wouldn't let me. Nor my other tenant." Naruto continued, with a slight chuckle as his remaining tenant was grumbling in the back of his mind about the boys reckless offer. "As much as he wanted to return to you all, he knew that if I broke the seal without the key, it would not only kill me, but also take him and my other tenant along with me. Since the Shinigami designed the seal to link all of our souls together. So instead of working on a way to safely break the seal, Ainz-ji-ji focused on training me instead. To carry forth his will, and above all, to take care of all of you."

"Why do you call Ainz-sama, Ji-ji?"

"As much as it would hurt the old man to admit it out loud, I saw Ainz-ji-ji more as my grandfather figure then old man Hokage himself." The blonde replied with a caring smile, turning his gaze towards her. "Know this, I am not, nor will I ever try to take Ainz-ji-ji's place, no one can. As I told the others, I will earn all of your trust and loyalty."

"I…." Albedo moved to speak, only to be shushed by the blonde Overlord, whom had now coerced her head to lay upon his shoulder as he combed his fingers through her hair in a comforting manner, eliciting a sigh of contentment from the succubus.

After a few minutes had passed, Naruto had noticed that Alebdo's breathing had become more soft, and relaxed. Indicating that she had fallen asleep in his arms. With a soft smile, he gently lifted her sleeping form with ease, despite his current small frame. Summoning forth a seal less Shadow Clone to clear off her bed, allowing him to lay her down upon it so that she could rest.

'That went well.' Naruto mused to himself as he dismissed his clone. 'I hope the talk with Shalltear will go as smoothly.'

If only he knew how wrong he would be.