The backyard had turned into a makeshift training ground. The grass was scorched in patches from earlier clone drills, and the air was thick with tension and focus.
Nolan and Battle Beast stood with arms folded, watching closely.
Minato and Kakashi darted across the yard, clashing in a fast-paced blur of movement and chakra. Kunai clinked, small bursts of wind erupted with each deflection. Both boys were quick and calculating, but Itachi's sudden appearance in the match changed everything.
"This is now a three-way spar," Itachi said calmly as he dropped into the fray.
Minato grinned. "You're on!"
Kakashi adjusted his forehead protector. "Why do I feel like we're about to lose?"
In another corner of the yard, Naruto and Sasuke were facing off. Sasuke's expression was sharp, Sharingan activated, while Naruto had two shadow clones weaving between him and his rival.
"You're getting better, Naruto," Sasuke muttered, dodging a clone's kick.
"Of course!" Naruto beamed. "Big Bro Nolan's training's working!"
Nolan smiled faintly as he watched them all — his mismatched sons from different worlds, training like brothers.
"They're adapting quickly," Battle Beast observed.
"They're strong," Nolan replied. "But what matters more is that they're growing."
Battle Beast gave a soft grunt. "You've changed."
Nolan chuckled. "So have you."
There was a brief silence, then Nolan glanced sideways at his towering new son.
"How about a challenge?" he said. "Arm wrestling?"
Battle Beast turned, one eye gleaming. "You challenge me?"
Nolan smirked. "Don't get too excited. We'll keep it friendly."
The boys stopped sparring and ran over immediately, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"YES!" Naruto shouted. "This is gonna be awesome!"
"Do it!" Minato laughed.
Sasuke and Itachi exchanged a rare amused glance, while Kakashi just whispered, "Place your bets."
Right then, the back door creaked open.
Debbie stepped out, sunglasses on her head, a grocery bag in each hand. She took one look at the crowd gathering around a patio table and said flatly, "If either of you uses even 1% of your power, you'll destroy the house."
Battle Beast looked genuinely disappointed. "Then what's the point?"
Mark came jogging through the side gate at that exact moment, William close behind. "Did I miss— Oh my god, they're arm wrestling?"
William's eyes widened. "This is better than pay-per-view."
Nolan glanced at Battle Beast, then back at Debbie. "We'll save it for later."
Battle Beast grumbled but nodded. "Then when?"
"We can spar again tomorrow," Nolan offered.
Battle Beast looked at him, surprised but silent.
In the back of Nolan's mind, he sighed to himself.I really did this… because I felt bad for him. He looked so lost. And—well—he was my favorite character from the Invincible comics.
Battle Beast stepped back with a proud grunt. "Very well. Tomorrow, then. A proper battle."
Mark laughed, clapping William on the back. "This house is actually insane."
William grinned. "And I love every second of it."
As the sun set and the kids resumed training in smaller groups, Nolan stood at the edge of the yard, arms crossed, watching it all unfold. His house was full, loud, chaotic… and alive.
And for the first time in a long time, that didn't scare him.