What is this Dimensional Chat???

Energy crackled with an intensity the magi hadn't felt before. Mash, Ritsuka, and the gathered Servants stood in anticipation, waiting to see who—or what—would emerge from the summoning circle. The brilliant light gradually dimmed, revealing three new arrivals: a tall figure clad in an assassin's hood, his face partially obscured; a striking blue-haired woman garbed in the attire of a formidable general; and one more yet to arrive.

The once-bustling summoning chamber had now shifted to an open meadow, where the fresh scent of nature filled the air.

A curious voice broke the silence.

"Are these the people you said would help us, Saber?"

Artoria nodded firmly. "That's right, Master. Rest assured, they are reliable."

One of the newcomers, a blond man in a hooded cloak, raised a hand in greeting. "Yo, Artoria-chan! How've you been?"

A twitch formed on Artoria's brow as she folded her arms. "Don't call me by such a ridiculous name. Just refer to me as Saber here." She cast a quick glance at her Master, as if wary of being perceived too intimately with the man before them.

Naruto grinned beneath his hood. "Alright, ma'am!"

A soft chuckle echoed through the air.

"Fufufu… Still as composed as ever, Lion King." The blue-haired woman smirked as she studied Artoria before turning her sharp gaze towards the others. "And who might your companions be?"

Gudako met her gaze with a confident smile. "I'm Gudako, the Master of Chaldea."

Mash Kyrielight, standing dutifully at her side, stepped forward. "My name is Mash Kyrielight. I am Gudako's… no, I am her shield—her Servant." Her voice was steady, her devotion unmistakable.

"My, my~ such unwavering loyalty in your eyes." Esdeath smiled. "I am Esdeath. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Naruto, scratching the back of his head, laughed nervously. "Heh, guess I should introduce myself too. The name's Naruto Uzumaki—just your average shinobi and a good friend of the Lioness here."

Mash tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "Naruto Uzumaki… a shinobi? How does the King of Britain have a connection with a shinobi? I don't recall reading about you in any Japanese literature."

Naruto chuckled. "That's a long and complicated story. All you need to know is—she's an important and precious person to me."

Artoria's face immediately turned red. "B-Stupid! Y-You talk too much, Naruto!"

Before anyone could react further, a loud, boisterous voice rang out across the meadow.

"HELLO, SOBAT KONOHA!!! Oh my… it's still early, and you're already cozying up to your girlfriend? Tsk, tsk, you're making me jealous!"

Emerging from the distance was an energetic young man, flanked by a golden wolf and a striking blonde woman.

Gudako blinked, looking between him and Artoria with a bewildered expression. "Girlfriend?"

Artoria exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "It's… complicated. For now, Master, I advise you to simply ignore his absurdities."

Mash, ever the protective shield, eyed the newcomer warily. "Is he a threat to us?"

Esdeath smirked. "No need to worry. He's on our side. And with Naruto here, there's nothing to be afraid of."

Naruto crossed his arms and smirked at the late arrival. "Finally decided to show up, huh, Jokester? Who'd you bring this time?"

With super speed, Satria suddenly appeared beside Naruto, throwing an arm around his shoulders. "Don't be like that, bro! We Konoha brotherhood gotta stick together! Besides, these guys are my family—I brought them here for a vacation!"

Naruto twitched in irritation. "Oi, don't just pop outta nowhere like that!"

"Wahaha! He's not wrong!" Kurama's deep, rumbling laugh echoed in Naruto's mind. "You two should get along! Besides, this brat homeland is often called Konoha by its neighboring country, so in a way, you are brothers!"

'Shut up, Kurama! Don't lump me together with this brat!' Naruto shot back mentally, thoroughly annoyed.

Meanwhile, Gudako was still processing what had just happened. So fast! She hadn't even seen Satria move. "Excuse me… Are you a Servant?"

"Me?" Satria grinned warmly, his red eyes gleaming with mischief. "Actually… I don't really know what I am either! But people often call me a handsome and brave hero from Teletubbies Mountain in Konoha—Satria, the Hero of Kindness!"

Gudako chuckled at his over-the-top introduction. "Hero of Kindness? That's the first time I've heard a title like that. And… where exactly are these Konoha and Teletubbies Mountains?"

"Oh! You wanna know? Sure, it's in—"

"Kindness, my ass, you stupid brat!" Naruto shoved Satria's arm off his shoulders. "Don't listen to him! We've got more important things to focus on!"

Gudako blinked and quickly composed herself. "Ah… You're right, Naruto-san! We can continue this conversation later, Satria-kun. But I do want to hear more about Teletubbies Mountain!"

"You're asking the wrong person! And there's no such thing as Teletubbies Mountain in Konoha!" Naruto growled in frustration.

Before the conversation could derail any further, another voice joined in.

"Uh, dear," Crom raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, "I thought this was supposed to be a 'just us' vacation?"

Satria laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I know, I know! But Dawn gets lonely! Besides, it's to make up for that day, and I thought it'd be fun to bring him along for some rides. He'd be sad if he stayed home!"

"Woof, woof!"

(Yup! I wanna play and walk with Master!)

Crom sighed as he watched Dawn happily settle in, his tongue lolling out and golden eyes shining with pure excitement.

"Aw~ What a big dog! He's beautiful!" Gudako gushed, unable to resist his cuteness.

"Grrrrrrrr...!"

(*I'm not a dog! I'm a WOLF!)

A golden aura flared around Dawn as his body expanded, his fur shining like sunlight, his fangs gleaming like swords. His piercing golden eyes locked onto the humans who dared to insult him.

"EHHHHH?! Why is he mad?!" Gudako panicked, stepping back in alarm.

"Master, stay behind me!" Mash quickly positioned herself in front of Gudako, her shield at the ready.

Saber, gripping her invisible blade, prepared to summon Excalibur—only to be stopped by Naruto.

"That's enough, Dawn. Back off."

Satria's voice was firm, filled with quiet but undeniable authority.

Dawn hesitated, his massive form towering over them, but then… he lowered his head slightly. He saw his master standing there—a wise, strong, and kind man whose presence alone could calm even the wildest storm.

Satria stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Dawn's golden brow. "Sorry, guys. This big guy's name is Dawn. He doesn't like being called a dog—he's a wolf."

Gudako's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! I see now! I'm sorry, Dawn!" Then, after a brief pause, her face lit up with excitement. "Satria-kun, can I pet him?"

Satria glanced at Dawn with a smile. The great wolf huffed but eventually nodded, shrinking back to his normal size.

"Of course," Satria said. "Go ahead."

With a low, contented rumble, Dawn lay down, lowering his head to her level, his eyes watching her intently as she reached out with excitement.

Esdeath's piercing gaze settled on the woman standing behind Satria, her curiosity evident. "Satria… who is she? I didn't see her when you visited Naruto's house that time."

Satria opened his mouth to answer, but before he could—

"I am Crom Cruach," the woman declared in a deep, rumbling voice, her golden eyes gleaming with power. "The Dragon who rejects Good and Evil in pursuit of Strength and Freedom."

A slight breeze passed through the meadow as the tension in the air shifted. Then, her expression softened into something almost reverent. "Faithful follower of Fatalis-sama… and mate of the Supreme Being, Satria-sama."

Gudako's initial surprise morphed into sheer fascination. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Wait… Crom Cruach? That Crom Cruach? The legendary dragon who refused to bow to gods, demons, or even other dragons? You're that Crom? And—wait, mate?!"

Crom's grin widened slightly, her golden gaze locking onto Gudako with pride. "So, you've heard of me? Good. I'm pleased to know my reputation hasn't been forgotten."

Esdeath, ever the predator when it came to teasing, leaned in slightly, smirking. "And yet… you pledged yourself to Satria?" Her voice was laced with amusement. "What makes him so different? How do you justify that claim?"

A faint blush crept onto Crom's cheeks as her sharp composure wavered for the first time. She clenched her fists and looked away, clearly flustered. "He's… he's an exception! And that's—that's none of your business, human!"

Esdeath chuckled, thoroughly entertained. "Fufu~ Such a strong declaration, yet so easily flustered. How amusing~"

•

Satria sat comfortably atop Dawn, arms resting behind his head, gazing up at the sky as if he had all the time in the world.

"What do you think of this world?"

A voice echoed in his mind—calm, analytical, yet carrying a hint of unease.

[Something… is hiding. Watching us. Don't make any extraordinary movements. Unlike the others… this world does not welcome foreigners well.]

Satria exhaled through his nose, barely reacting. "I see… I can't really blame them. It's the fate of a handsome and brilliant young man like me—always the center of attention!"

[Idiot. I'm serious!]

The voice grew more urgent, shifting into a strategic tone.

[Analyzing the world… Host, here's what we know so far about this Orleans Singularity:

• Jeanne Alter's forces control 70% of Orleans.

• Dragon activity has surged by 30%.

• Servant corruption has increased by 50%.

• Most of her forces are clustered around high-value locations—villages, fortresses—to draw us out.

What are you going to do?*]

Satria yawned, stretching lazily. "Nothing. Just relax~ Why are you guys always so serious? Dobe and his friends can handle it."

[*It's not us who are 'too serious,' Host. It's you who's too lazy!]

Satria grinned, feigning a look of betrayal. "Too lazy? I call it enjoying life." He leaned back further against Dawn's soft fur with a content sigh. "If I keep busy all the time, how will I appreciate this beautiful day?"

[How did I end up stuck with you? I'm wasted! Could you at least transfer me to one of your wives? I'm sure they could maximize my abilities… unlike a slacker like you]

Satria's grin twitched. "You ungrateful bastard. I should transfer you into a neighbor's chicken instead! Turn it into a high-SDM Japanese chicken and rename you Sujatmiko Arafuru!"

A few feet away, Artoria was watching the one-sided conversation unfold with an exasperated look. She turned to Crom, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong with your husband? Has he gone completely beyond saving?"

Crom let out a sigh, rubbing her temples. "He's talking to something inside him. We've… gotten used to it."

Meanwhile, Naruto was not in the mood for jokes. His face twitched in sheer disbelief as he spotted Satria lounging on Dawn's back—completely at ease—with an iced Teh Botol in one hand and a tray of snacks beside him. Crispy tempura, cilok, and his favorite, fried tofu.

The scene was idyllic. Too idyllic.

Except for one thing.

His comrades were still fighting for their lives, locked in battle against a swarm of wyverns under Jeanne d'Arc Alter's command.

"Damn it, brat! Are you seriously just sitting there?!" Naruto barked, dodging a wyvern's claw as he pointed accusingly at the relaxed warrior. "Even these ladies are fighting on the front lines while you're over there sipping tea? Unbelievable!"

Satria merely shrugged, raising his ice tea with a relaxed grin. "Hey, it's the age of gender equality, right? They're always saying they're just as strong as any man—and I believe it! So I'm here, fully supporting you all!"

Mash, barely holding back another strike from a wyvern, shot him a glare. "When we said equality, we meant things like… cooking or housework! Not dragon-slaying!"

Esdeath, unimpressed, swung her sword in a perfect arc, releasing a powerful wave of ice and fire that decimated several wyverns at once. "Focus! That wyvern isn't going to slay itself."

Just then, a surge of vibrant orange chakra erupted as Naruto dashed to the front lines. His determined expression and blazing energy reinvigorated the battlefield, reigniting everyone's fighting spirit.

Satria, watching from his comfortable seat, smirked. "Well, well… guess it's time for the main character to shine, huh?"

Mash Kyrielight was the first to break the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "This power… it feels ancient, yet unlike any magical energy I've sensed before. Is this what Naruto is capable of?"

Nearby, Gudako's eyes widened in shock and amazement. "Incredible… he wields the power of a creature like no other. Even through this overwhelming force, I can feel his resolve and kindness. It's like he's made peace with the very embodiment of power."

Just as the tension in the battlefield reached its peak—

"Omg, Omg! He's gonna say it!"

Satria, eyes gleaming with mischief, snapped his fingers, and from seemingly nowhere, an explosive anime-style battle soundtrack erupted across the land—pounding drums, shredding electric guitar riffs, and bold brass blaring dramatically.

"Wait, wait, let me prepare myself! This scene needs flair!"

As the epic music filled the battlefield, Mash, Gudako, and even the enemies sweatdropped at his sheer audacity.

"Go, Naruto!" Satria struck a ridiculous pose, fist raised high. "I believe in the power of our bond!"

The battlefield collectively paused for a second, as if the sheer absurdity of Satria's antics had momentarily disrupted the flow of time itself.

Naruto's eye twitched. He didn't even need to turn around to know exactly who was responsible.

"Alright, listen up, everyone!" Naruto yelled, his voice cutting through the absurd music. "Forget the moron behind me and let's show these Wyverns what we're made of!"

The battlefield roared back into motion. With a single hand sign, Naruto summoned dozens of Shadow Clones, each springing into action with Rasengans, kunai, and a variety of jutsu to tear through the enemy ranks. His sheer energy was overwhelming, his clones moving in perfect unison, weaving around the battlefield to create openings for the others to strike.

The Chaldean Servants were left in awe.

Jeanne d'Arc—the true Jeanne—watched the display, struck by the shinobi's unwavering courage. "Such bravery… I've never seen anything like it." She then blinked, tilting her head slightly. "And… what is this music? Who are they?"

Satria grinned, placing a hand on his chest. "Fear not, my comrades! This is the soundtrack of Shippuden! The background music for heroes!"

Naruto, mid-combat, turned briefly to glare. "Shut up, Brat!"

Meanwhile…

In a fierce battle outside Orleans, Crom Cruach stood against a dozen dragons under Jeanne Alter's command.

Despite the overwhelming numbers, her expression remained calm—almost amused.

The dragons roared, their corrupted forms surging with dark energy, but Crom moved like a storm. Claws met unyielding scales, fire was countered with devastating force, and one by one, the beasts fell before her sheer might. She danced through the battlefield, her raw power tearing through them like a hurricane.

The remaining dragons hesitated.

Sensing their fear, Crom addressed them—not as an opponent, but as a being far above them.

"You are lesser dragons, content to follow a false leader," she declared, her voice resounding with authority. "I am Crom Cruach, one who has forged her own path. Submit or be destroyed."

A tense silence fell.

Several of the wyverns, recognizing her overwhelming presence, turned and fled, unwilling to face certain annihilation. Those foolish enough to stay were reduced to nothing but ash and echoes.

The battlefield had finally fallen silent.

With the monstrous wyverns defeated and the remnants of Jeanne Alter's forces scattered, the warriors of Chaldea took a moment to catch their breath.

Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking over the land that had been turned into a battleground. Satria, despite doing nothing, stretched lazily atop Dawn's back as if he had just saved the world.

Then—he noticed a figure moving gracefully across the scorched earth.

Jeanne d'Arc, the true Jeanne, approached the Chaldea group with a warm smile. Her silver armor gleamed under the fading light of the sky, her presence radiating peace amidst the aftermath of war.

The other Servants instinctively stepped back, giving space—knowing this meeting carried great significance.

Naruto, stepping forward, met her gaze.

Jeanne stopped in front of them and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you for helping us. Your strength and courage have brought us one step closer to freeing Orleans from this nightmare."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "No need to thank me like that! I'm just happy I could help. Besides, it's my job to protect people. No one should have to live in fear like this."

Jeanne smiled warmly at his sincerity.

Meanwhile, Crom, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement, turned to her mate. "So, dear," she purred, "what do you really think of me?"

Satria grinned proudly, leaning back with his arms crossed like he was about to deliver the most profound speech of his life. "Crom, you are the strongest, bravest, and most amazing Evil Dragon I know. Watching you slay those Wyverns and face challenges head-on is honestly incredible! I'm so proud of you!"

Crom blushed ever so slightly at his words, pleased by the praise. But the others, seated nearby, simply exchanged unimpressed glances.

"Stupid brat," Naruto interjected, pointing an accusing finger. "All of that's true, but… you weren't the one slaying or facing challenges. You weren't even doing anything!"

Satria shrugged, flashing a carefree grin. "Who says? I supported you all with the song of encouragement, and that counts for something, right?"

Artoria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Enough. Replying to him only makes you dizzy and emotional."

Crom, arms crossed, stared at her mate with mild exasperation. "Honestly, dear, could you try being serious for once?"

Satria, completely unbothered, popped another snack into his mouth. "I'm plenty serious. I'm just saying, not everything has to be a battle plan. We're supposed to enjoy life, too, right?"

Naruto groaned in frustration. "Enjoying life doesn't mean ignoring all responsibility!"

Their argument quickly escalated, voices growing louder as they went back and forth. Their allies exchanged wary glances, unsure whether to intervene or let them tire themselves out.

Finally, the saintly presence among them—Jeanne d'Arc—stepped forward.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her hands, her expression calm but firm. "Alright, you two," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable authority, "let's take a moment to breathe."

Naruto and Satria blinked at her sudden intervention, their bickering momentarily paused.

Jeanne looked between them with kind but resolute eyes. "I don't know what your issue is, but shouldn't you make up already? We have the same goal, don't we? We should help each other, not argue over nonsense."

Naruto folded his arms, mumbling, "Tell that to him."

Satria, meanwhile, looked at Jeanne with a fascinated expression before suddenly grinning. "You should listen to her, Dobe. She's right. Also, miss—who're you?"

Jeanne blinked in surprise. "I'm Saint of Orleans, The one tasked with rectifying the mess caused by the other me."

Satria whistled. "Wow. It actually fits. But I gotta say, I never expected a country like Francistan to have someone with such a pure and beautiful soul like you. You're too good for them, wahahahaha!"

Jeanne tilted her head, puzzled. "Francistan?"

Satria waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing, nothing… Just thinking about the future. Trust me, you do not want to see what happens to this place in a few hundred years…"

Naruto smacked him upside the head. "Stop talking nonsense!"

Satria simply laughed, rubbing the back of his head.

Jeanne, meanwhile, could only stare at them, wondering what kind of mad group she had just allied with.

Dr. Roman's voice crackled over the communication line, his tone filled with unease.

[This person is really annoying. It's my first time seeing someone like him. I don't think it's wise to let him stay with us—he could jeopardize the mission]

Gudako frowned, gripping her communicator. "Dr. Roman, are you sure? But... his wife and friend are strong. They could be a great help."

[He's too chaotic. They're anomalies. He might be a spy sent by our enemies. And an Evil Dragon like Crom Cruach fighting for peace? That's completely implausible]

"I..." Just as Gudako was about to argue, Jeanne's voice cut through the tension.

The Ruler Servant took a deep breath, placing a hand over her heart. Her serene yet commanding gaze met each of theirs as she spoke with conviction.

"Ahem! Allow me to introducing my self again. My name is Jeanne d'Arc, Ruler-class servant. I fought in the Hundred Years' War, standing for justice and freedom. I serve the will of God and seek to protect the innocent."

Her words carried the weight of her devotion, but instead of admiration, they were met with a sharp snort of disdain.

Satria scoffed, arms crossed. "Freedom? Coming from a Westerner? Now that's the funniest thing I've ever heard." Everyone turned toward him as his expression darkened. "Tell me, Jeanne, where was this 'freedom' when your kind looted and colonized lands across Asia, Amerika, and Africa? When they enslaved and slaughtered entire civilizations in the name of their so-called justice? Not forgetting their infamous motto of 3G."

The air turned heavy. The battlefield's earlier tension paled in comparison to the atmosphere surrounding them now.

Naruto stepped forward, his expression serious. "Brat… that's enough."

Satria's crimson gaze met his, challenging.

"Not everyone in the West is like that," Naruto continued. "You know that. There are good people—just like Jeanne, just like the ones standing here. Just like how there are good and bad people on your side too."

"You think I don't know that?" Satria's voice remained calm, yet the power behind it rumbled like distant thunder. "I'm not some naive fool, Naruto. But history doesn't change just because we wish it to."

The air vibrated with unseen energy. Absolute Light and Absolute Darkness—two forces of nature in human form—stood on the verge of colliding. The ground trembled beneath them, cracks forming under the sheer pressure of their clashing wills.

"Oh great," Esdeath muttered, stepping back. "Where's a Satria Tamer when you need one?"

Artoria turned toward Crom. "You're his wife! Do something!"

Crom folded her arms, unsure. "And how exactly do you expect me to do that?"

The tension rose to unbearable heights. Some clutched their weapons, others held their breath, their hearts pounding in time with the raw energy in the air.

Then—

"Enough!"

A voice, unwavering and filled with undeniable authority, cut through the chaos.

Jeanne d'Arc stood between them. Though small compared to the immense power gathering on both sides, her presence felt monumental.

"I don't know why you seem to resent us," she said, her voice both gentle and firm. "But if I have wronged you in any way—if my people have—then let me offer my apology on their behalf. I will do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness—"

"Auch! Why?"

Jeanne flinched as Satria flicked her forehead.

He smirked, his previous anger melting into something softer. "What I hate isn't your people, Jeanne. It's the politicians, the greed, the policies that lead to suffering. I won't burden you with that anger and it's my fault for letting my emotions controlling me."

She blinked, caught off guard.

"But," Satria continued, his tone unusually warm, "thank you for stopping me. You're a brave woman. You truly deserve the title of Saint… so don't do that again. I don't want to hurt someone as beautiful as you."

A faint blush dusted Jeanne's cheeks. She wasn't used to such direct praise; after all, her role had always been that of a protector, not someone who received admiration. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide the soft pink color warming her face.

The moment stretched between them—charged, yet unexpectedly calm.

Behind them, Naruto exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Great, now he's flirting. Why am I even surprised?"

Crom narrowed her eyes at Satria. "Dear, are you really flirting with a Saint in front of me?"

Satria merely grinned. "What? She deserves a little praise! No need to be jealous, Crom."

"I am not jealous!"

The group finally relaxed, the storm having passed. Yet, as the tension faded, Jeanne couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of their journey together.

And maybe, just maybe… Satria wasn't as reckless as he seemed.

•

After a long and grueling battle, the Chaldea team finally had a moment to breathe. The night was quiet, the only sounds being the crackling of their small campfire and the distant rustling of trees in the breeze. The group sat in a loose circle around the fire, a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos of Orleans.

Jeanne d'Arc, who had been silent for most of the evening, finally spoke, her voice gentle yet weighed with concern. "Everyone, there is something I need to tell you… about my abilities in this Singularity."

The others turned to her, their tired eyes filled with curiosity. Jeanne hesitated, glancing down at her hands before continuing. "Because there is another version of me here—the one who has been corrupted and now leads the dragons—my power is greatly diminished. Two of the same souls cannot fully exist at the same time. That's why… my strength isn't what it should be."

Mash frowned, concern evident on her face. "So that's why you haven't been able to use your Noble Phantasm at full power…"

Jeanne nodded solemnly. "Yes. And without enough energy to sustain myself, I cannot fully aid you in the battles ahead." A brief silence settled over the group as they processed her words. Then, with newfound determination, she lifted her gaze. "However, there is a way. If someone were to form a contract with me as my Master, I could regain some of my strength. The Holy Grail's influence is strong here, and a Master's bond would help me resist its corruption."

The air grew heavier as the weight of her request sank in.

"Then... who is going to be her Master?"

The group exchanged glances, uncertain.

Naruto, who had been quietly listening, furrowed his brow in thought. But before he could speak, something caught his eye—a flicker of movement near the lake just beyond their camp.

There, under the silver glow of the moon, were two lovebird lost in their own world.

Satria and Crom stood by the crystal-clear lake, completely detached from the tension surrounding the others. Crom leaned slightly against him, her tail swaying as she looked up at the night sky, while Satria stood with his arms crossed, a confident smirk on his face. They whispered to each other, laughing softly, as if the chaos of the world didn't exist.

Naruto sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course those two are off having a romantic moment while we're over here stressing about life and death…"

Mash followed his gaze, her expression torn between exasperation and amusement. "Senpai… should we call them back?"

Jeanne, watching them curiously, smiled faintly. "Perhaps… they already understand something we do not."

"Hey, beautiful," Satria called, attempting to sound casual but utterly failing as his grin stretched from ear to ear. "Are you sure you want to be here with me? You could be on a magazine cover instead."

Crom turned, raising an eyebrow. "And miss this?" She gestured to the serene lake, the soft moonlight reflecting off its crystal-clear surface. "I'd take this over a magazine cover any day."

Satria chuckled, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. "You know, this lake could use a queen," he said, puffing out his chest dramatically. "How about we take a royal dip?"

"Oh really?" Crom teased, pretending to consider. "And who would be the royal subjects? You and me?"

"Of course! We can even invite the ducks for an audience," he said, pointing at a group of ducks lazily paddling nearby. "Your royal majesty can make a grand entrance."

Crom laughed, her golden eyes sparkling with delight. "Okay, but only if you promise to make me a crown out of flowers."

"Forget flowers. I'll get you a diamond crown from the nearest planet, my dear Evil Dragon," Satria said softly, his voice unusually sincere.

From a distance, the Chaldea group peered at them in disbelief. Whispers spread through the camp.

"Master… is that really Crom Cruach, the legendary Evil Dragon?" Mash asked, her expression filled with confusion.

Gudako sighed, rubbing her temples. "Don't ask me. At this point, I've given up trying to understand the Satria family."

"They're so affectionate~ You should learn a thing or two, Artoria," Esdeath teased, elbowing the King of Knights.

Artoria stiffened, her expression instantly guarded. "Don't ask for the impossible," she replied firmly, her pride refusing to acknowledge such sentimentality.

Meanwhile, Jeanne d'Arc sat slightly apart from the group, watching the interaction unfold. She tried to focus on their current predicament—the battle against her corrupted self, the need for a Master—but her gaze kept drifting toward Satria and Crom, and for some reason, it unsettled her.

"Jeanne?" Mash's gentle voice broke her thoughts. "Are you okay?"

Jeanne blinked, forcing a polite smile. "I'm fine! Just… thinking." She tightened her grip on her flagstaff, unable to shake the strange feeling in her chest.

"He will," Naruto said, his voice firm. "If making a contract with you can help bring peace to this place, then he should do it. Besides, someone has to keep this brat from causing more trouble."

Without waiting for an argument, Naruto marched toward Satria, grabbed him by the collar, and dragged him toward the group.

"Oi, what the hell?! You're interrupting my precious moment, man!" Satria whined, squirming in Naruto's grip. "We're in the country of love! Show some respect!"

Naruto ignored his protests. "Jeanne needs a contract to restore her strength. You're doing it."

Jeanne's eyes widened slightly, her hands instinctively tightening around her flag. "I appreciate the offer, but… making a contract is no small matter. I wouldn't want to be a burden—especially not between you two."

Satria glanced at Crom, unsure about making a decision without consulting her. Crom, ever the amused observer, gave him a teasing wink.

"Hey, no worries! I don't mind lending him to you," Crom said with a sly grin. "But be careful... Once you're caught, don't expect to escape from the predator."

Jeanne blinked, confused. "P-Predator?"

Satria sighed, rubbing his temples. "First of all, don't listen to her. She's trying to mess with you." He turned to Jeanne, his voice losing its usual playful edge. "If working together helps you regain your strength, then I'm in. You're not a burden, Jeanne."

His sincerity caught her off guard, and warmth blossomed in her chest. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she nodded. "Thank you, Satria… or rather, my Master."

Satria held out his hand, and Jeanne hesitated only a moment before placing hers in his. The moment their hands touched, a surge of golden light enveloped them. The air pulsed with divine energy as the contract sealed, linking their fates. Jeanne gasped as power coursed through her veins—not just returning her lost strength, but multiplying it.

The warmth, the surge of energy… it was overwhelming. Jeanne clutched her chest, her eyes glowing with newfound intensity. She felt… whole again. No—stronger than she had ever been.

She turned to Satria, her determination burning brighter than before. "Together," she said firmly, "we will bring peace to Orleans and defeat the darkness that has taken root here."

Satria grinned. "Heh, this is one hell of a team-up. I wonder how the netizen in my world would react to this… Actually, scratch that. I don't wanna know."

As the golden light faded, Gudako, Mash, and the others looked on, stunned. Esdeath smirked, resting her chin on her palm.

"Oh? She forming a contract with him?" She chuckled. "This is getting interesting."

Artoria sighed. "At this point, I refuse to be surprised anymore."

From a distance, Crom simply smiled. "Enjoy your new partner, Jeanne," she murmured to herself. "You'll see soon enough… he's not as easy to handle as he seems."

To be continued...