"We're here!"

Aqua cheered and stuck her head out of the window to get a better view of the headquarters to her sect.

Alcanretia, the city most famous for its hot springs. As well as-

"Kazuma, I decided to enter the city to protect you and Wiz from the Axis Cultists. By my nindo, I will defend you both with my life. I'm sorry for what you're about to go through."

Naruto stated and placed a firm hand on Kazuma's shoulder. His friend had no idea what he was getting himself into, and Aqua's continuous acts of deception, coupled with the events of the past two days had been enough to solidify the adventurer's desire for a "vacation".

The poor fellow...

"Why are you looking at me with that pitiful expression? No matter how crazy you make out the Axis Order to be, they can't all be as bad as Aqua and Cecily. Also, hot springs."

Kazuma responded and smacked the shinobi's hand off his shoulder. That's right! His relaxing vacation was about to begin!

As the caravan units came to a stop in a clearing, the group could see a long bridge which stretched across a large body of spring water that eventually led to the city's entrance.

The group stepped out of the carriage and stretched after their long journey.

"I've never been to Alcanretia, so I'm excited to explore the city and meet all of the people here."

Darkness eagerly said while watching the other travelers making their way towards the bridge.

"Right? Right? What are we waiting for!? Let's go!"

Aqua chirped and was about to take off when Naruto grabbed her by the collar.

"Hang on, my most gracious maid. Aren't you forgetting something?"

The boy asked with a smug grin on his face, prompting the goddess to stiffen.

"R-right... My apologies, my master. I'll retrieve our luggage right away!"

Aqua stuttered and hastily ran back into the carriage to retrieve her and Naruto's luggage.

While he wasn't able to stop Aqua from deceiving Kazuma with false whispers and promises, Naruto was very successful in disciplining his maid with reminders of her earlier punishment for "accidentally" catching Wiz in one of her purification spells last night when another horde of zombies attacked the caravans.

Naruto snickered to himself as he watched the snobby goddess carry their supplies. All he brought was a sack with some scrolls that held actual supplies, so it was mostly weightless.

It was just so satisfying to make that girl work.

Now he just needed to grab Wiz who had been a casualty of war and they could be on their way.

"...What?"

Naruto asked upon seeing the looks Darkness and Megumin were giving him.

"Making a woman carry his luggage after what you put her through last night... Ah... I'm jealous."

"Nothing. I'm just starting to see you in a different light."

"!?"

The two girls said, causing the shinobi to falter in his steps as he now carried the unconscious Wiz on his back.

"D-don't look at me like that! I-it was a bet! Also, it's her fault Wiz is in this state again! Justice for Wiz!"

Naruto spouted in his defense, but Megumin simply shrugged while Darkness gave him an approving thumbs up. Cheeks burning red with frustration, the shinobi was about to give them an earful when he noticed their final member was acting strangely.

"Um... You good Kazuma?"

Naruto asked as the boy seemed to be holding back tears.

"Yeah... The lead caravan driver gave us these inn vouchers as thanks for all of our help."

Kazuma moped while raising the six vouchers for everyone to see.

This earned a huge reaction out of the group, as they were excited to be able to spend a couple nights in the city for free if they wanted to.

Naruto, on the other hand, paled at the thought of staying in the city of crazies for even one night. He had been under the impression that they'd walk around the city today, then leave that night. Even sooner once they realized just how dangerous the place was.

With those vouchers, there was no doubt the group would be inclined to stay.

'You know, this could prove to be an opportunity to rid the world of a great evil that rivals that of even the Demon King's Army.'

Kurama's voice suggested in the back of Naruto's mind.

'Are you still so bored that your answer has to be mass genocide? I've been sparring with you lately too...'

'Keh... Those spars are simple warm ups for the main threat: That pesky self-proclaimed goddess and her followers.'

'Don't worry, we'll be fine.'

Naruto responded to the fox while smiling bitterly. However, they were bound to eventually run into Cecily if they stayed too long. Was she the type to exact revenge?

...Were they going to be okay?

As they neared the gates to the city of water and hot springs, Aqua regained her chipper attitude.

"As the headquarters of the Axis Order, the biggest portion of my followers are located here. I wonder what's been going on that's got Cecily all worried. But there's no need to worry, because now that I'm here I can solve any problem for my precious children!"

Aqua boasted, her chin held high as she marched towards the gates.

"Last time I was here, I was carrying a drunken Jiraiya-sensei across this bridge to get away from Cecily. I still don't know how she was able to follow me so easily in that wedding dress."

Naruto said and shivered at the memory, earning strange looks from the group aside from Aqua who was babbling on about how great her followers were.

"Pui!"

Megumin spat over the side of the bridge, then proceeded to avert her gaze when Naruto scowled at her.

"I... have so many questions."

Kazuma remarked with a bead of sweat trailing down the side of his face. But he had no time to inquire about the shinobi's history as they were greeted by some people at the gates.

They didn't seem to be guards, but rather priests dressed in blue robes. Their demeanor was pleasant, inviting even as they approached the adventurers.

"Welcome to Alcanretia, the city of water and hot springs mizuru~!" x2

. . .

"Eh?"

Aqua was the first to react, her cheerful expression frozen on her face as she tried to comprehend what she just heard. She brushed past the Axis Cultists and entered the bustling plaza.

"Oh! Let me help carry those boxes, mizuru~!"

"Hello, Eris Cultists! Does your Sect have enough bread for today's handout, mizuru~?"

"No, you don't have to join the Axis Cult for our help! We're just happy to assist, mizuru~!"

Aqua's expression slowly contorted into a look of pure horror after every interaction she witnessed.

"T-this... This is-"

"Wonderful!"

Naruto cut the goddess off as he stepped up beside her, a look of joy and hilarity on his face. He watched the Axis Cultists offering aid to those in need, even to Eris Cultists, and the best part:

None of them were pressuring people to join the Axis Order! He didn't know why they were saying that weird word though.

'Kehahaha! I couldn't agree more! Just look at her face!'

As Naruto and Kurama reveled in the change of events, Aqua clutched her head and visibly shook.

"Alright guys, let's go head to the inn and-"

"WAAAAAH!"

Aqua suddenly screamed and started violently shaking Naruto with a death grip on his vest.

"H-hey! What are you doing!?"

Naruto yelped as he struggled to maintain his grip on Wiz.

'This is the greatest day of my life.'

Kurama stated, relishing the image he was seeing through his jinchuriki's eyes.

"YOU DID THIS!"

Aqua wailed with teary eyes, and it took the combined efforts of Darkness and Kazuma to pry the Arch Priest off of the shinobi and restrain her.

"You devil! Scum! Stalker ninja! You defiled my precious children!"

"H-hey, please calm down Aqua! You're making a scene!"

Darkness pleaded with her teammate as people started looking their way.

-After a few minutes of shouting and scrambling, Aqua eventually broke down and started sobbing.

They had moved to the side of the street next to the plaza to avoid getting in anyone's way.

"What are you sad about, Aqua? Your Sect is in such good standing here! They're friendly, and helpful, and not a menace to society at all!"

Naruto offered with an ear to ear grin beaming on his face.

"But... I-I don't... say strange things like... mizuru...! Wahaah!"

Aqua moaned in dismay with tears freely falling from her eyes, prompting Darkness to pat the girl on her head comfortingly.

'Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that.'

Kazuma thought as he recalled the prank Naruto had pulled on Aqua all that time ago. To think that little stunt had sent ripples all the way to the headquarters of the Axis Order.

Did a priest who had witnessed the goddess's "descension" make their way to Alcanretia and preach about their experience?

"Well, I for one am stoked to not have to go through that experience again. I say we go to the inn to drop off our stuff and Wiz and explore the city!"

Naruto rejoiced before turning on his heel and leading the way through the busy streets.

"That guy has no remorse... But oh well, hot springs here we come!"

Kazuma exclaimed and followed his fellow adventurer towards a bright future.

The girls followed as well, with Aqua sniffling and muttering the same line over and over again.

Unbeknownst to the group, a pair of wide eyes glowered from a nearby alleyway. Specifically, on Naruto. Seeing the shinobi was on the move, the person fell back into the shadows.

As they traversed down the streets, Kazuma couldn't help but feel amazed at the sights. This city felt more like a fantasy world than anything he'd seen thus far. People of all different kinds were everywhere the eye could see. Humans, demi-humans, dwarves, and even elves were living out their daily lives.

Just like in Axel, there were numerous sales stands with the owners shouting out to try and attract business. Mages were performing shows with their magic, and adventurers prowled the roads with expensive looking armor and weapons.

Kazuma began to wonder what the capital of Belzerg was like.

Aqua had bounced back from her earlier stupor and was engaging with every Axis Cultist they came across. But every interaction ended with her in tears.

"I won't give up! They must be under some kind of spell! No one in their right mind would think a gracious goddess like me would actually say that word!"

She declared as they started crossing a bridge that stood above one of the city's many canals.

To have your own followers reject your ideals... Naruto almost felt bad for the goddess. Almost.

"Give it a rest, Aqua, and enjoy the wonderful sights! The food is amazing too! Thank you, mizuru~!"

Naruto stopped and handed some Eris to a food stall owner who was offering fresh kabobs.

"Hey, I thought you were broke too. Where'd you get the money to pay for that?"

Kazuma asked with narrow eyes, although the food did look good... and he was feeling rather peckish. They hadn't eaten anything since that morning, and it was well past noon.

"I confiscated a nice little money pouch Aqua had as her first payment to the tab she built in my name. She said something about an 'emergency fund' she found at the mansion?"

Naruto disclosed with a shrug and offered a kabob to everyone in the group.

"Seriously, where did you get that money Aqua!? If you stole my emergency fund I'll-"

Kazuma began to say but he was interrupted by the sounds of his party members gushing over the meat.

"This is the greatest kabob I've ever had! The glaze is so flavorful, and the meat melts in your mouth! Can I have more please!?"

Megumin cooed while holding her cheeks in delight.

"Thank you, dear customers! That right there is the result of the Axis and Eris members combining recipes that have been passed down for generations! Never have I seen such unity between the sister cults, and its effects are definitely showing! I finally got my wife to marry me last month because I was finally able to find peace in letting go of my outlandish desires with the help of the Eris Church!"

The man explained and emphasized his Axis Cult pendant before wrapping an arm around his wife, who was wearing the pendant of the Eris Order.

"B-but as long as your desires aren't anything illegal, then you should pursue what makes you happy!"

Aqua chimed in with a hopeful tone in her voice, but the man shook his head.

"If I hadn't given up those desires, then I wouldn't be as happy as I am right now selling the best kabobs in generations with my wife. Praise the gods, mizuru~!"

The man responded, earning a peck on the cheek from his wife.

Aqua deflated and munched on the kabob. Never had been so sad to eat something so delicious.

Kazuma grumbled to himself, deciding to leave the money situation aside for now. The meat really was good, so why was Aqua complaining? It seemed like that the stall owner was really happy too, and it sounded like the city was definitely benefitting from the unity between the cults.

Naruto chuckled as Megumin continued to stuff her face with kabobs. But as the group started moving on, he stopped when he sensed a sudden approach from behind.

"Treeeeat meeee toooooo-WOOOOF!"

Someone came running towards them while screaming, and Naruto, acting out of reflex, grabbed the person's outstretched arm before they could grab him and flipped them over his shoulder and into the canal.

Splash!

"Hm? What is it, Naruto? Do you want me to hold Wiz?"

Darkness turned back and asked when she noticed the shinobi had stopped.

Naruto was staring at the canal triumphantly, but he shook his head upon hearing the knight's words and grinned.

"That's okay. Despite how she looks, Wiz is actually really light! Maybe I haven't been feeding her enough..."

"Y-you shouldn't say things like that about a woman, you know? Women aren't heavy at all."

Darkness scolded while staring at the kabob in her hand dubiously, earning a quizzical look from her fellow blonde.

"Hm? Are you worried about your weight, Darkness? I already offered to help Kazuma with his training. You can join us if you want, y'know?"

"!?"

Naruto offered with a fox-like grin, causing Darkness to turn bright red at the shinobi's bluntness.

"I-I-I'm not...! I haven't...!"

She blabbered out a series of nonsensical noises as Naruto continued to ponder to himself.

"I always wrote off your weight as you wearing heavy armor, but I guess you guys haven't been going on as many quests recently. It's funny though, Kazuma's always talking about how toned your body is. He said he swore you had a six pack the last time he walked in on you chang-"

"E-e-enough! You know this isn't the kind of torture that I want from you!"

It seemed Naruto had touched a nerve as Darkness stormed ahead of the group with a face redder than his mother's hair.

"Hehe... That's one down."

Naruto mumbled to himself before eyeing a certain Crimson Demon with a mischievous grin growing on his lips.

What? He wasn't about to let their earlier comments go without a little payback, now was he?

Upon arriving at their selected inn, Naruto placed Wiz on one of the beds in the girl's room. He hoped Wiz would wake up soon... But it made sense why it was taking her so long to recover.

Having taken a blast from Vanir's death laser thing, and then recovering from that only to be nearly purified by Aqua.

"Poor thing... Well, once you wake up you'll be able to recover in one of the hot springs. Okay, Wiz?"

Naruto said while tucking his friend under the sheets then patted her on the head.

With Wiz taken care of, they were free to get back out there and explore!

"I'll take my stuff now, Aqua. You know? Aside from that initial hiccup at the gates, you've been quite well behaved today. If you keep it up, I might just reward you with some wine that Ero-Senin told me you can only get in Alcanretia."

Naruto said while wiggling his eyebrows, and the priestess's eyes widened. But it was only briefly as she went back to her sunken demeanor.

"How could I indulge myself in delicious food and wine while my children are suffering? I am but a goddess whose reputation has fallen to that of a weirdo who says strange things like mizuru..."

Aqua moped while placing the blonde's traveling sack into his hands.

Naruto looked at the others, earning shrugs from each of them. What suffering was this woman talking about? The citizens seemed happier and livelier than ever. The Axis Cultists were acting like model citizens and got along well with their sister Sect. Why wasn't Aqua happy about that?

Letting out a sigh, Naruto started making his way towards the exit to stash his belongings in the room he would be sharing with Kazuma.

"Tell you what, Aqua. Let's walk around the city one more time. If you still think something's wrong with the Axis Cult, I'll help you figure it out. If not, then we'll come back to the inn, enjoy the hot springs, then head out to the monster tamer village in the morning."

Naruto looked back from the door and offered, and this got the reaction he was hoping for as Aqua's eyes lit up with confidence.

"Okay! I'll prove it then make you undo the evils you brought upon this wonderful city! Just you wait!"

The goddess proclaimed before rushing to her bag and began to pull out some papers and other supplies.

"Right..."

Naruto smiled wryly. But that was the Aqua he had come to know. They bickered, she took advantage of him sometimes, and he sure as hell would make sure she paid him back in the form of a prank or two. But he didn't want Aqua to suffer or be sad like she'd been acting all day.

That just wasn't him.

"Tsundere."

Kazuma and Megumin said in unison, bringing the shinobi out of his thoughts with a start.

"S-shut up! I can be nice to my maid every now and then!"

When their stares only became more amused, Naruto's ears burned bright red and he stomped over to the boy's room while grumbling to himself.

Walking into his shared room, Naruto tossed his pack onto one of the beds and sighed.

Click!

Hearing the door close, he tensed. He knew this was coming, he tried to put it off, but it was time.

"So... You followed us here, huh CecileeeeEEEEE!?"

Naruto said coolly as he turned around, only to gawk at the woman's appearance and spun right back around. He only saw for a split second, but Cecily wore nothing but her underwear which consisted of a white bra and panties. She was soaked to the bone, which made the thin cloth nearly see through.

He heard a series of footsteps coming towards him, which snapped his attention back in place.

'Snap out of it, Uzumaki! You're better than this! You can face a horde of Succubi, so a nearly naked rabid priest should be nothing!'

Naruto turned around to face his foe with newfound determination, only to shut his eyes again at the sight of the girl's bouncing assets as she ferociously approached him.

'Ahhhhh! I can't do it...!'

He thought as he sidestepped the woman, grabbed her by the wrist, then spun them in a circle until he was standing behind the woman with her arms pressed against her back.

"W-what are you doing in my room in this state?"

"Fufufu... Does my wet voluptuous body entice you, Naruto-san? For the low low price of marriage and twenty-five thousand Eris a week for spending money, this body can be all yoooooOOOORRRRS-OWOWOW! It's gonna snap! It's gonna snaaap!"

When Cecily responded with complete and utter nonsense, Naruto began to fold her arms inward. This proved to be quite painful for the Axis Cultist's arms were not supposed to bend in such a fashion.

-Now wrapped in a bathrobe, Cecily knelt on the floor in front of Naruto while performing the seiza position.

"I'm sorry! I am truly and honestly sorry! I have learned my lesson! Arigathanks gozaimuch!"

Cecily declared in a formal matter that was clearly practiced.

Naruto hummed in response and crossed his arms. Did this girl really learn her lesson? Well, he guessed it was fine if she wasn't out for revenge for him shipping her to Alcanretia or anything.

"Anyways, I guess it was you who tried to sneak attack me earlier? Sorry for throwing you in the canal, it was a reflex."

Naruto offered a halfhearted apology, and the priestess took that as an okay to sit up.

"Yes... My clothes were soaked back then, and the poor me couldn't afford replacement robes. So I followed you here, then snuck in through the window when I heard which rooms you would be staying in to prepare for our reunion."

Cecily admitted while wiping away a stray tear.

"What kind of reunion were you expecting?"

Naruto asked with a slight scowl. Any reunion that involved sneaking into someone's room and pouncing on them was no good.

"A romantic reunion full of passion between two long lost lovers that had been separated due to an unfortunate turn of events... By the way, I prayed to Lady Aqua upon my arrival and learned that I have developed fettish for being bound and taken against my will after what you did to me. So take responsibility, kay~?"

Cecily explained before casually revealing some shocking information with a wink.

Naruto's expression shifted from a scowl to complete disdain.

Yup. This woman was completely hopeless.

"Sigh... I miss Yunyun."

"Me too! Where is that developed loli! Also, I need my daily dose of Megumin! She's here too, right!? It's my dream to have a harem of lolis calling me Cecily-nee, you know?"

The nun eagerly asked with steam blowing out of her nostrils.

"No one should have such a useless dream. Anyways, Yunyun isn't here. She went back to the Crimson Demon Village to visit family. As for Megumin, she's in the other room. But don't even think about leaving this room without getting dressed. We're about to explore the city a little more before hopping into the hot springs then calling it a night. I'm sure Aqua would like it if you tagged along, so feel free to join us. I'm not treating you to anything though."

Naruto explained before adding that last bit when Cecily turned to bolt out of the room.

Upon hearing the boy's invite, a wide smile spread across Cecily's face and she pounced on him while squealing in delight.

"Yaaaayyy-Ugu..."

Her face collided with Naruto's outstretched palm as he kept the girl at arm's length.

"I will have none of that. Cecily, I am a changed man. No longer will I tolerate being pushed around and toyed with by women like you and Aqua. Nor will I allow anymore misunderstandings to... occur."

Naruto's words trailed off as he watched Cecily's bathrobe, that had unraveled from her sudden movement, then slip down her body and hit the floor.

At that moment, the door opened to reveal Kazuma who poked his head in just in time to witness something amazing.

Upon seeing his friend's stoic face, Naruto blushed furiously and moved his hands to try and both cover his eyes and pick up Cecily's towel to cover her at the same time. But in doing so, the girl fell forward and grabbed the first thing she could... Which happened to be Naruto's pants.

Naruto, with his pants pulled down, was now on his knees with Cecily's face buried in his boxers.

"...Sorry to disturb you."

Kazuma said in a robotic tone before retreating and shutting the door.

"HOLD IT!'

. . .

"I can see why people call you 'Naruto the Player'."

"It's not like that..."

"Must be nice, being called a hero and having pretty women fawn over you."

"Trust me. This is not a blessing."

Kazuma and Naruto went back and forth like this as the group followed a determined Aqua towards the city plaza.

After explaining himself, Naruto had been dubbed a "player" once again by the group much to the shinobi's dislike.

Cecily, the cause of it all, was currently fawning over Megumin. The poor Crimson Demon had her cheeks pinched, hugged to death, and chased around the room for several minutes. She was currently being held like one would carry a puppy in their arms.

Naruto let out a sigh before smirking at the mage, having been the one to catch Megumin and ultimately hand the girl over to the predatory priestess. Now he was two for two.

"Is that what they call 'lucky pervert' moments? This is why you should tag along with us more often, Naruto! As a female knight, I'll gladly take the place of those unfortunate females that fall prey to you!"

Darkness declared while gesturing to herself with a blush staining her cheeks.

Her intentions were clear as day. Was she even bothering to hide her weird fetish anymore?

"Are you making fun of me? I was going to keep that little box of wonders that you keep hidden in your room a secret, but if you insist on calling me a pervert-hmf..."

Naruto began, only to be cut off by Darkness who deftly clamped his mouth shut with her hand.

"You...! You promised not to tell anyone about that night!"

She hissed, but she hadn't been quick enough as Kazuma's ear twitched and looked back at them.

"Hang on. You just said something I can't ignore. What's a 'box of secrets'? Also, 'that night'? Did something happen between you two besides that one time in the Dustiness manner?"

Kazuma demanded, causing both blondes to avert their gaze which was suspicious as hell.

"I know you've been having strange developments recently, but just remember when we talked about Darkness. You don't want to go down that dark path again."

"W-what!? You two talked about me!? What did you talk about? What does a dark path mean? Also, Kazuma! Are you trying to dissuade Naruto from pursuing me because you've already claimed me as your woman!? Ngh...! I bet you two probably talked about sharing me! What you two did to me in front of Balter-dono was wonderful enough... What else are you planning to do with me!?"

Darkness began to spiral in her sentences, her face turning three shades darker as she excitedly demanded information out of the two boys.

Naruto and Kazuma stared at the hopeless Crusader with thin lips.

"Don't worry, Kazuma. Cecily is like that too. I want nothing to do with that dark path."

"Good. But tell me about that box of secrets later. I'll buy you a drink in exchange."

The pair of adventurers briefly exchanged before giving each other a thumbs up.

"What a damn minute! Don't just go and make a deal right in front of me!"

Darkness barked, and visibly started shaking when the boys started whistling innocently.

"Hey hey! If you're all done talking about useless things, we're almost to the plaza! Cecily, help me gather people around the fountain! It's time to free the Axis Order from their suffering!"

Aqua remarked before she and Cecily ran off to gather as many people as they could.

Megumin, now free from the crazy nun's clutches, walked over to Naruto and stuck her hand out expectantly.

Raising an eyebrow, Naruto slapped the girl's hand in the form of a low-five.

"Wrong! I demand compensation for handing me off like some pet to that woman!"

Megumin barked and stomped her foot in frustration.

"No way. That's what you get for making fun of me earlier. Naruto Uzumaki is many things, but a pervert is not one of them!"

Naruto shot back, and the mage's jaw dropped.

That man's willpower was supposed to crumble in front of a woman's fury. When did he become so stubborn? Grumbling to herself, Megumin moved on to Kazuma and extended her hand.

"...Can I please have some spending money for more kabobs?"

"Sure..."

Kazuma said and placed some Eris into the girl's hand.

Glancing at the huffing shinobi with a look of vengeance, Megumin walked off towards the food stalls.

"I'm surprised at how willful you've become, Naruto. You make this senpai proud. Although, you better watch out for that one later."

Kazuma remarked while nodding to himself, pleased to see that the blonde had been taking his advice to heart. It seemed the Naruto that let troublesome people take advantage of him was no more.

"Pfft! What's Megumin gonna do? Force me to learn Explosion magic again? Hahaha-Ah. I better keep my adventurer's card away from her. She almost spent all of my points on upgrading it the other night."

Naruto muttered the last bit while narrowing his eyes at the little girl.

"Naruto's development has been wonderful as of late. I wonder how far he'll fall... Maybe he just needs a little push."

Darkness chimed in while uttering something ominous.

Naruto sighed and walked up to the Crusader which confused the girl. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled weakly before making his way towards the fountain where a lot of people were now gathered.

"!?"

Darkness's mouth opened and closed as she was at a complete loss for words, turning from Naruto to Kazuma for answers.

"Is this a new kind of play!? What did that mean!? I don't know whether to be happy or upset! Kazuma, what is this feeling!? Did you teach him that too!?"

The female knight clutched her head as she struggled to comprehend what she was feeling.

"Come on, let's go see what Aqua's stirring up."

Kazuma said with a sigh and dragged his struggling companion along. He hoped that useless goddess didn't get into trouble. The last thing he wanted was to clean up after a mess she made when he was supposed to be on vacation.

Just as they met up with Naruto, Aqua hopped up onto the fountain's railings and shouted for everyone's attention.

"Thank you for coming, followers of the Axis Order! I am an Arch Priest from Axel! Upon my arrival at this beautiful city, I expected to be greeted by worshipers that were freely living their best lives, only to find the precious people of Axis shackled to the weight of society's expectations! I have come to free you from what is binding you from pursuing your truest desires, and to stop you from saying strange things like mizuru!"

Aqua announced as loud as she could so everyone could hear her.

The people began to chatter amongst each other, expressing confusion from the priestess's words until one man stepped forward and smiled kindly.

"You said you come from Axel, miss? Then surely you were present for Lady Aqua's descent! The love she holds for her children and kohai Eris-sama, and the kindness she showed for the one that denounced her to her face... It was a story that moved us all into becoming better people, mizuru!"

The man preached, arms spread as others stepped forward with him in agreement to his testament.

"That's right! We mustn't say disrespectful things, even if they might be true!"

"The old teachings were misleading us! Our eyes were reopened by the goddess's presence, mizuru~!"

"I think Aqua-sama's verbal tic is adorable, mizuru~!"

As more and more people began to step forward while praising the goddess's teachings, the crowd became very cheerful as they fondly spoke of their shared beliefs.

Aqua started panicking. This wasn't going the way she'd planned. What was she missing... How could she make them see?

An idea formed in her head, and she smirked.

Even at the distance he was at, Kazuma saw the shift in the Arch Priest's expression which caused him to go pale. Why did he get the feeling things were about to go very south?

"Hey, Kazuma. Go grab Megumin and Darkness and start heading back to the inn. Things are about to get a little ugly, so I'll grab Aqua and meet you guys there."

Naruto said while smiling wryly, and Kazuma nodded before pulling Darkness off to go find Megumin.

You didn't have to tell Kazuma Satou twice to avoid danger!

"If you all are so confident in that false goddess's teachings, then I challenge her myself! Oh, wait! She can't show up because she isn't real! Puehehehe!"

The crowd fell deathly silent after the words left Aqua's mouth. She nearly faltered, but managed to retain her confident smile and pressed on.

"That's right! It was all a show! A hoax! It wasn't the real Goddess of Water that descended onto Axel, but a fake! How's that for your new teachings? Puehehehe!"

As Aqua laughed to herself, a wave of anger began to spread throughout the crowd. It seemed she hit a nerve. Just like she planned!

"Mock the gods and you will receive divine punishment, mizuru..."

The man who had been first to speak up, whose friendly demeanor was long gone, spoke the crowd's thoughts with a firm tone.

"Hah? Who's going to punish me? Myself? Yes, that is correct my children! I am Aqua! The very goddess of your worship! I have come in person to spare you of these false ideals! By my name, you are now free of the unreasonable expectations of society. Oh, and you can stop saying nonsense that is mizuru too."

Aqua declared while proudly gesturing to herself, expecting to be showered with praise and cheers.

"Wait a minute... An Arch Priest with blue hair and goes by the name of the goddess? You're that girl who mocked Lady Aqua when she descended to praise you!"

"I was thrown off by the silly maid outfit, but you're right!"

"How dare you mock the sacred verbal tic!"

The crowd roared and jeered at Aqua, who frantically looked from side to side in confusion. Some people even began to throw half eaten food at her. A tomato caught the girl square in the face, the red mush sliding down her cheeks.

At that moment, a smoke bomb went off right in front of the fountain. People gasped and moved away from the gas while the braver ones charged right in to pounce on their goddess's offender.

But when the smoke cleared, they found the girl had vanished.

"Yeah! We scared her off, mizuru~!"

"Good riddance, mizuru~!"

"Mizuru for life!"

These were amongst the things Naruto could hear as he carried Aqua across the nearby rooftops. He looked down at the sobbing girl in his arms and frowned.

Stopping a few buildings away from the plaza, Naruto placed the sniffling girl on her feet.

Pulling out a handkerchief, he began to wipe away the remaining tomato from her face. Her maid's outfit was stained, so she would have to change. But that was okay. He wasn't planning on ordering her around for the entire week anyway.

"Why... Why won't they listen? Am I that much of a failure of a goddess, that even my own followers hate me?"

Aqua muttered as the blonde cleaned her face.

Naruto didn't say anything at first and just kept wiping. In a way, Aqua had brought this outcome on herself. But it hadn't been her fault that Naruto's prank had spread this far and changed the very nature of her Sect.

So, in a sense, one could say there WAS something wrong with the Axis Cult.

"Hey, Aqua. I think I have an idea."

. . .

Kazuma, dressed in his bathrobe, made his way to a nearby bathhouse. He was pretty sure this was the place the innkeeper had mentioned.

When he, Darkness, and Megumin showed up and found that Wiz was gone, Kazuma did what anyone would have done if they'd been in their shoes.

He stripped.

It took him no more than sixty seconds to remove his gear and other garments, then grab the nearest bathrobe, before he was out the door again to ask the innkeeper for directions.

Nothing would stop him, not the fact that Naruto would have to soak by himself, nor the cold stares of his companions.

His dream, the fantasy he'd been imagining the entire trip... It was about to become real!

Stepping into the bathhouse, Kazuma was met with three segways.

Mens, Mixed, Womens.

He chose the mixed option without hesitation.

Stepping into the dressing area, he noticed a basket that held some dark cloth that resembled Wiz's cloak.

His heart began to race. This was it. On the other side of that sliding door was a great beauty, harmlessly soaking in the hot springs.

But-

Kazuma's heart wavered.

Wiz was Naruto's cherished friend. Those two kind of had a thing too, didn't they? Even if they didn't realize it yet.

Then again, he could say the same thing about Naruto and Darkness.

And Yunyun.

And Luna.

And Cecily.

And Aqua.

Dust even told him the Succubi had a soft spot for the guy due to his hax power.

. . .

'Screw that damn shonen protagonist! It's my turn to have a "lucky pervert" moment!'

With that thought, Kazuma's heart no longer wavered and he stepped forward.

Mom... Dad... Today, your boy becomes a man...

This was Kazuma's final thought as he entered the mixed bath.

It was a spacious open air bath with steaming water pouring down the rocks that the room had been built alongside.

It was hard to see with all of the steam, but Kazuma could make out a figure in the water. They were facing away from him, so all he could see was their long blonde hair.

Darkness?

No, she was back at the hotel. She and Megumin made it very clear they wouldn't be joining him.

Naruto using his transformation technique?

Welcome, but he was still out in the city with Aqua.

Eddy?

No, she was allegedly taken to heaven to train with Eris. Thank god.

So that meant-

'A fateful encounter has arrived!'

Kazuma thought with wide eyes as he made his way to the showers to rinse himself.

What kind of person was she going to be? Was she big? Small? Not that he minded either way.

'Please... Please have a decent personality!'

Let his luck stat prove that it was more than just a digit on his adventurer's card!

After he finished washing himself, Kazuma stood and wrapped his towel around his waist before making his way to the other side of the bath. He didn't want to make his fateful encounter uncomfortable.

What were they doing, anyway? They sure were quiet...

Kazuma glanced at the blonde to find they were floating face first in the water.

"!?"

Kazuma dove into the water and rushed over to the woman who was apparently drowning(?).

Did they pass out from the heat? How long were they under?

"Hey, miss! Are you okay!? Miss! Mis... ter?"

After reaching the person and flipping them over, Kazuma found that "he" was a very toned male with long blonde hair.

Damn. So his luck stat really was just some digits on a card.

"...Guhah!"

"Wah!"

Splash!

The man suddenly opened his eyes and spewed water from his mouth, surprising Kazuma enough to drop him back in the water.

"Cough! Cough! Huh!? Wha-Damn it! It happened again!? Curse the gods for these episodes!"

After resurfacing and hacking up some more water, the man gasped for air before raising an angry fist and cursed into the heavens.

Kazuma took the opportunity to slink back one or ten steps. Maybe his luck stat was good for something after all...

Good for attracting crazy people!

The man sighed before sinking back down into the water. It was then he noticed Kazuma, who was trying his best to remain neutral.

"Sorry to scare you, kid. The gods play a sick joke on me sometimes by letting me die for a couple minutes. It happens here and there."

What kind of joke was that? Also, how did someone talk about dying for a couple minutes so casually? Was this guy shot in the head? Did he lose brain cells after drowning?

"Ahhh! I'm beginning to hate this game of cat and mouse, Wolbach! You said you'd be in this city, but here I am, and here you are not! Again!"

Now he was complaining about an acquaintance? Did he get stood up? Was he stalking this Wolbach person?

Kazuma decided he definitely did not want to get involved with this suspicious man and closed his eyes. He would just ignore everything and relax in the water.

"I guess it's not all bad. This city has some nice hot springs, and the people are tolerable. I heard my predecessor wanted to destroy this place for some reason. Something about crazy cultists and what not."

Destroy...?

'No no no. Just ignore it, Kazuma. Anyone who casually talks about death and destruction is a living red flag.'

"Hey, kid."

'Great. Now he's talking to me...'

Groaning internally, Kazuma opened his eyes and looked at the man.

"Tell me. What do you think art is?"

. . .

A/N: What do you think art is? ;)

Let me know what your thoughts are!

Anyways, hope you enjoyed and I'll see you all in the next one!

Spirit out!