Digital Emperor (Naruto X Digimon)

Kari's thoughts were tangled as she walked alongside Naruto and Rika, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her mind. Last night, sleep had eluded her as she wrestled with the feelings that had blossomed inside her for Naruto. She cared for him deeply—more than she had ever anticipated. But love? True love? That was the question that gnawed at her.

She liked him, she enjoyed the moments of quiet connection, the casual intimacy of cuddling, and the soft kisses they shared. But the thought of a deeper commitment—the possibility of sharing him with others, the complexities of an open relationship—left her uneasy. She wasn't sure if her feelings were enough to carry her through the demands of such a situation.

Her mind wandered to the struggles of others she had known. Sentry had suffered when his relationship fell apart because his partner couldn't satisfy his needs. And Thor's past relationship had been shattered by dissatisfaction, leaving both of them empty despite their love. She understood the risks, the potential heartache that came with such choices. But despite her hesitation, her heart knew that she cared for Naruto enough to try, to take a leap and trust that they could find a way to make it work.

She also acknowledged the practicality of the situation. The challenge of satisfying Naruto's needs, especially his physical ones, could be addressed in a way that didn't leave her feeling overwhelmed. Her solution was simple: he could be with the maids, Eve, and perhaps even a Digimon partner like Morrigan's. That way, he wouldn't feel deprived, and she wouldn't have to feel the pressure of being everything for him. It was a compromise, a way to keep the emotional bond strong while finding a balance with the physical demands that would come with their relationship.

Rika's possessiveness made her view the situation differently. She wasn't willing to share Naruto in the same way Kari was, and that gave her a different perspective on the matter. Kari, on the other hand, was willing to step back if it meant maintaining harmony, especially if it meant Naruto could have what he needed and still choose to be with her. The unspoken understanding between them was clear—Rika had a more intense emotional attachment, while Kari had a gentler, more accepting approach.

Naruto, sensing the complexity of their emotions, smiled softly, knowing exactly what he was getting into. He had always been aware of their nature, and though he desired to be loved, he also understood the inherent selfishness that could come with the need to possess them. There was no denying it—he cared deeply for both of them, but there was a part of him that felt the need to claim them, to make them his in a way that felt fulfilling on a deeper, perhaps unconscious level.

He stopped, gently taking Kari's hand and pressing a soft kiss to it. "Thank you for your feelings," he said, his voice sincere. "I will make sure to answer them with a beautiful response." His words were meant to reassure her, to let her know that he understood her concerns and that he would do his best to honor their bond.

With that, Naruto turned toward the gym, his two companions in tow. There was nothing left to hide, nothing to feel ashamed of. He knew that his feelings for both Kari and Rika were genuine, even if the road ahead might be complicated. It was a path he was willing to walk, for them, for himself, and for whatever the future might bring. They could figure it out together—one step at a time.

The underground gym echoed with the sounds of grunting and the soft thud of flesh meeting muscle. The sandy field where Tai and Ryu were sparring was drenched in sweat and effort. Tai, a seasoned fighter with years of experience under his belt, was giving it his all, though Ryu's superior skill was apparent. The powerful Wargreymon was a force to be reckoned with, his control over his body and strength unmatched by most.

Tai, wearing nothing but shorts, stood as a testament to the discipline and dedication of every Tamer. His body, lean yet muscular, glistened with sweat as he tried to shake off the exhaustion that had settled into his limbs. It was a standard look for any serious Tamer—only those who were retired or had left the field of battle for too long found themselves with anything less than a toned physique. Tai had been training for most of his life, and it showed.

Ryu, having had his stats suppressed by the Crest of Courage, still maintained an overwhelming advantage. His combat prowess was on a different level, and Tai had found himself once again in the grip of Ryu's python-like hold. With a tap on the sand, signaling surrender, Ryu released him, and Tai struggled to his feet, a chuckle escaping his lips despite the fatigue that clung to him.

"Damn, I'm tired. How many rounds have we gone?" Tai asked, wiping his brow and brushing the sand from his face. He walked over to the seat, his body sore from the brutal match, and grabbed a bottle of water.

"It was the 60th round, so we still got 40 more to go," Ryu replied with a grin, clearly pleased with the workout. His bond with Tai had strengthened over the years, and despite the struggles they'd faced, he knew they were making progress. Ryu appreciated his partner's ambition and drive, unlike some other partners he'd seen who lacked the same fire.

Tai's laughter filled the gym as he poured water over his body to cool down. "Hahaha, shit. I thought we were close to finishing. You must've hit me too hard."

Ryu chuckled, but his expression shifted as his sharp eyes noticed figures walking into the gym. His gaze immediately focused on Naruto, Hikari, and Rika, and though his face remained neutral, there was a palpable tension in the air.

"Tai," Ryu muttered, his body trembling slightly. He could feel the anger bubbling inside him, the protective instinct toward Kari stirring. The thought of anyone approaching her with less-than-appropriate intentions immediately put him on edge.

Tai, ever the calm and collected one, didn't jump to conclusions. He looked over at the group, sizing them up before turning his attention back to Ryu. He didn't want to react hastily without understanding the situation fully.

"Hey, kiddos, what brought you here?" Tai asked casually, his voice friendly but cautious as he took another swig from his water bottle to regain some of his lost energy.

Naruto, stepping forward with his usual easygoing smile, shrugged slightly. "Hello, Tai. Sorry to disturb your training montage, but I have something important to ask."

Tai's lips curled into an amused grin as he picked up on Naruto's words. "Haha, does this something have to do with Kari?" he asked, unable to hide the teasing in his tone. It was clear that this was the reason for their visit, and the playful banter felt familiar.

Naruto's smile didn't falter. "Yes, I apologize in advance for my words." He stopped a few feet from Tai, his posture respectful but resolute.

Tai watched him carefully, anticipating what would come next.

"I want to date Hikari while I also have other girls."

Ryu's reaction was immediate. His eyes narrowed, and his muscles tensed as if he were ready to strike. His protective instincts for Kari, whom he'd watched over like a little sister for years, flared to life. He hadn't expected this kind of admission, and it caused his blood to boil.

"Speak carefully, Uzumaki," Ryu growled, his voice dangerously low as he glared at Naruto with an intensity that seemed to come from the very core of his being. The dragon inside him was stirring, and it was clear that this was not a conversation he was willing to tolerate lightly.

Tai, sensing the rising tension, stood up slowly, his expression a mix of calm and seriousness. He placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, offering a firm but gentle grip. The weight of his words was evident as he spoke, his tone more measured than before.

"He's right, Naruto," Tai said, his voice steady. "We're friends, so you shouldn't speak such words lightly. It could ruin our relationship."

Tai turned his gaze toward Kari, and for a brief moment, it seemed like he was assessing her stance. She appeared calm, her expression unreadable, but Tai could see that she was in alignment with Naruto on some level. This made the situation all the more complex, and Tai didn't like where this was heading.

The tension in the gym had shifted. Naruto's clarification had taken everyone by surprise, especially Hikari and Rika, who stood beside him, their faces painted with shock. The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, and even Tai, always the easygoing one, was clearly processing the weight of Naruto's words.

Naruto, trying to ease the situation, spoke with a more careful tone. "Sorry about that, I meant that I might date your sister along with another girl in the future. I haven't decided yet, but these girls are very persistent, and I do like their style. So, it's just a matter of time. I just wanted you to know beforehand."

His words were direct, and although they were an indirect confession, both Hikari and Rika stood frozen, their minds racing. They had expected something along these lines but hearing it spoken aloud—so casually—was jarring. The implications were heavy, and it felt like they were caught between excitement and uncertainty.

Tai, on the other hand, wasn't so shocked. He liked Naruto; there was no denying that. Naruto had proven himself as a good person over the years, and he saw the bond the young man shared with Kari. But this? This was not something he had ever anticipated. For someone to come to him and openly ask for his sister to join a harem—it was unheard of.

Tai's mind raced as he processed everything. He had known Naruto to be a passionate and driven person, someone who had faced his own share of emotional challenges, but this proposal threw him off. He'd had his own discussions with people like Sentry and Thor about relationships, and though Tai was content with his own path, this whole idea seemed like a storm on the horizon.

Looking at Kari, Tai's protective instincts surged. He had always shielded her, and now, seeing her poised yet calm, he was unsure if he could completely trust this situation.

"Kari, are you fine with this?" Tai's voice was stern, carrying the weight of a big brother's concern. He placed his hand on his back, a gentle but deliberate gesture as he walked towards her. "Naruto is a good guy, but looking at this, we can be sure that he's a natural-born pervert. Both of you are not compatible physically, so do you trust him to love you the way you desire?"

Kari didn't flinch at the harsh words; in fact, she was prepared for this line of questioning. She knew her brother would always be protective, but she had made her decision.

"I do," she replied with unwavering confidence. "And just in case, I have made him take an oath that we will have a platonic relationship for six months."

Tai paused at her words, his protective stance softening just a little. He knew how determined she could be. But the situation still troubled him.

Turning back to Naruto, Tai's expression hardened once more. "Naruto, are you confident in making this work? You know it can go bad."

Naruto didn't hesitate. He could feel the weight of the decision, and the sincerity in his voice was clear. "I am confident in making this work. I will give it my all for it. I've cared for Kari and Rika for a long time now, so it is impossible for me to break their hearts."

Tai's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his voice taking on a rare ferocity. "What is the price you are willing to pay if you break this promise?"

Naruto didn't hesitate in his response, his voice firm with conviction. "My freedom. Is that enough?"

Tai didn't expect such a bold answer, but he understood the gravity behind it. They weren't children anymore. Tai knew that words had consequences, and what Naruto offered was a weighty sacrifice. Tai stared at him, gauging his sincerity, before speaking again.

"You can't go back from that, you know."

"I'm willing."

Tai nodded slowly, his gaze softening just a touch. "Fine, I'll allow it. I would have broken all your bones today if you were playing around with Kari, but it seems you're serious about it." He looked directly into Naruto's eyes, a smile appearing on his face, though it was tempered with the seriousness of the situation. "You will have a trial period of six months, just as Kari wants. You will serve the Digi-destined for 30 years if you betray Kari's heart. Finally, I want to see the intensity of your affection for Kari. You will battle all the new Digi-Destined one month from now and win—no holds barred, a pure Digimon battle. Is that okay with you, or do you want to step down now?"

Naruto didn't flinch. He had expected a challenge, but he was ready to face whatever came his way. "I'm fine with this arrangement, and I will not let you down. You are like a brother to me."

Tai's smile remained, but his eyes were sharp and discerning. He had a sense of pride in seeing Naruto stand so firmly, understanding the weight of his words and actions. Tai, along with his team and digimons, could rival any force, but Naruto had proven time and time again that he could hold his own. His respect for Tai and the Digi-destined was genuine, and Tai recognized that.

"Good. I expect nothing less." Tai placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders, his demeanor a mix of pride and challenge. The decision was made, and now it was time for Naruto to prove his commitment.

In the underground gym, the atmosphere gradually shifted as the tension dissipated, leaving behind a calm but charged energy. Tai stood firm, his gaze lingering on Naruto as he mulled over everything that had transpired. Despite the unorthodox situation, he couldn't deny the maturity Naruto had displayed throughout the conversation. It wasn't just words; Naruto's conviction was palpable, and Tai respected that.

Tai knew the strength of his team—his Digimon partners and himself were a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, their bond had grown to rival legends, with their combined strength capable of toppling even the mightiest opponents. Tai understood the power dynamics in this world. Mega-level Digimon were no joke.

The sheer destructive power of these Digimon was awe-inspiring, with even the weakest capable of obliterating continents and mid-levels possessing the capability to devastate entire planets. However, the real terror lay in the unique abilities they wielded—abilities that could rewrite the rules of battle, nullify attacks, or erase enemies from existence entirely. In comparison, even Naruto's prime felt lacking in raw power and versatility. Tai smiled faintly, knowing his team's strength wasn't just physical—it was built on trust, strategy, and unbreakable bonds.

Naruto's words had been reassuring, but Tai's protective instincts lingered. Deep down, he wished Kari could have a simpler, more traditional relationship. A part of him was uneasy about the arrangement, especially the idea of Kari sharing Naruto with others. However, Tai valued Kari's judgment above all. He had raised her, guided her, and trusted her to make wise decisions. She was intelligent, strong-willed, and empathetic—someone who wouldn't let herself be trapped in a bad relationship or hide her true feelings from him.

Still, Tai's protective streak couldn't be silenced entirely. He resolved that the moment Naruto hurt Kari or betrayed her trust, he would intervene without hesitation. In matters of family, Tai could be ruthless. His bond with Kari and his girlfriend, Akali, was unshakable, and he would go to any lengths to protect them.

After a moment of reflection, Tai's expression softened. "I will be watching, little brother," he said, his voice calm but carrying a clear warning. He turned to Kari, his eyes gentle. "Are you happy with this?"

Kari's response was immediate. Without hesitation, she leapt into his arms, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "You are the best big brother ever!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with relief and joy. She giggled softly, resting her head against his chest. The warmth of his embrace and his acceptance meant the world to her.

Tai couldn't help but smile as he held her close. The tough exterior he had maintained cracked in the face of Kari's affection. He loosened his hold just enough to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Yes, I am. Now, you guys can leave—I still have training to finish."

"Thank you for listening to us," Naruto said sincerely, bowing deeply before stepping forward to hug Tai. It was a gesture of respect, one that Tai appreciated. With that, Naruto walked away with the girls, his steps steady and confident.

As the trio moved toward the exit, Ryu, who had been watching quietly, stepped closer to Naruto. In a low, rumbling voice, he whispered in the ancient dragon tongue, "I hope you don't let me down, Naruto. I am a fan. Don't make me hate you."

Naruto paused, understanding the weight behind Ryu's words. While Rika wasn't fluent enough to understand, Kari caught the meaning, her expression shifting briefly as she glanced at Naruto. Without missing a beat, Naruto replied in the same tongue, his voice steady and firm. "I won't."

The subtle exchange lingered as they left the gym.