The morning air was crisp as Nolan made his way through the streets to the local business office. The paperwork was simple, but the decision behind it felt monumental. "Grayson Construction," he muttered to himself, reading the name printed on the documents in front of him. It felt like a step into a completely new life, and in many ways, it was.
After signing the final forms, Nolan stood up from the desk and shook the hand of the clerk. "Thank you. This is just the beginning."
As he stepped out into the bustling city, Nolan felt a sense of clarity. This was his future now—not being a superhero, not being a part of the Viltrumite empire. This was something real, something grounded. A chance for a fresh start.
Later that day, as Nolan was heading back home, he felt a familiar presence enter his mind. It was a ping—something he had come to recognize as the system's prompt. But before he could even contemplate what it might be, he heard a soft whoosh from above.
Descending from the sky, Nolan landed softly outside the front door of his home. A black car was parked in the driveway, and standing in front of it, with his arms crossed, was none other than Cecil Stedman.
"Grayson," Cecil said, glancing at the sign in Nolan's hand. "I heard you were opening up a construction company. Interesting move. I figured you'd be going back to your old ways, but…"
Nolan waved a hand dismissively, walking past Cecil. "I'm not going back to that life, Cecil. I've made my choice. No more playing hero. No more fighting for a dying empire."
Cecil nodded, his expression unreadable. "I get it. I heard what happened, by the way. You told Mark the truth about the Viltrumites. Earth's not in immediate danger, but you've still got a lot to explain. The Viltrumites are far from a peaceful race."
Nolan paused at the door, looking back over his shoulder. "That's true. The Viltrumites are a warlike species. I told Mark what I could, but there's still a lot he doesn't understand." He glanced at the sky for a moment, as if reflecting on the past. "I'm just a mid-tier soldier, Cecil. I've had my orders, but I've never been in the same league as Conquest or Thagg. Those two are the real powerhouses in the empire."
Cecil nodded again, his face serious. "I need more information, Nolan. If the Viltrumites ever make a move on Earth again, we have to be prepared. I can't do this with just half the story."
Nolan frowned but agreed. "I'll tell you what I can. Conquest is a brutal one. He was my superior, and he's one of the empire's most feared warriors. He's the type to crush anything in his path without hesitation. Thagg, though, he's got a more… strategic mind. He operates with cunning and manipulation, something that makes him just as dangerous. If the Viltrumites attack again, those two will likely lead the charge."
Cecil processed the information, his mind already working on the next steps. "Thanks, Nolan. I know you're not in the business of saving Earth anymore, but if you change your mind—if you decide you want to help us protect it—let me know. You might be done with the Viltrumites, but I know you're still a force to be reckoned with."
"I'll help if I have to," Nolan replied, his voice colder now, "but don't expect me to be anyone's hero. I'm done with that."
With that, Nolan turned and walked into the house, leaving Cecil to his thoughts.
As Nolan stepped inside, the familiar warmth of home greeted him. He paused for a moment, scanning the living room where Mark was sitting, talking with Sasuke and Naruto. It had been a strange few days, but at least things were starting to feel normal again. The boys seemed happy, and that brought a sense of peace Nolan hadn't felt in years.
But just as he was about to go upstairs, a new ping echoed in his mind. It was another summoning prompt.
System Alert: New Summoning Available.
Nolan's eyes narrowed as the familiar blue screen materialized before him.
New Summoning:Itachi UchihaRequirements: None.Current Status: Summon Available.
Without hesitation, Nolan focused on the prompt and accepted the summoning. The world around him seemed to shimmer for a moment, and then, standing in front of him, was none other than Itachi Uchiha, the skilled and mysterious shinobi from the Naruto universe.
Itachi glanced around, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. He stood still, his expression unreadable, before his gaze fell on Nolan.
"You summoned me," Itachi said, his voice calm but carrying an air of authority. "What is it that you require?"
Nolan took a moment to study the Uchiha clan's prodigy. Itachi was a powerful figure, and Nolan had no doubts about his abilities. "You're going to stay with us," Nolan said. "I'm adopting you as my son. You'll train with the others, and I'll help you become stronger."
Itachi blinked, clearly unfazed by the abruptness of the situation, but he nodded, accepting the new circumstances. "Very well," he said simply. "I'll trust your judgment."
Nolan then motioned for Itachi to follow him inside. The boys were still sitting at the table, but when they saw Nolan walk in with Itachi, they looked up, curiosity written across their faces.
"Uh, who's this?" Naruto asked, tilting his head. "Another brother?"
"Yes," Nolan said with a slight smile. "This is Itachi. He's going to be your older brother, just like Mark."
Naruto immediately brightened. "An older brother? Cool! Hey, Itachi, do you know any awesome jutsu?"
Sasuke, always more reserved, simply nodded to Itachi, acknowledging his presence.
Mark, sitting at the table, watched with a small smile as the boys interacted. He felt a strange warmth as he looked at his "little brothers." Despite everything that had happened—despite the lies, the confusion, and the pain—it was clear that this was his new family. And, despite his lingering uncertainties, Mark couldn't help but feel a sense of peace.
That evening, the family gathered around the dinner table, the clinking of silverware and the soft chatter filling the room. For the first time in a long while, Nolan felt like he was doing the right thing. They were a family now—not just by blood, but by choice.
As they ate, Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi began to bond in their own way, and Nolan finally allowed himself to believe that, maybe, things could be okay again.