The newly aged versions of Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, and the rest of the boys stood in the living room, taking in the new weight of their bodies, their memories, their experience.
Naruto's eyes gleamed with the excitement of newfound power, his Six Paths Chakra humming just below the surface. Sasuke looked more reserved, but his Rinnegan eyes glowed with quiet intensity. Minato was calm, like the wind before a storm. Itachi, always composed, stood as if the world hadn't shifted beneath his feet. Kakashi just raised an eyebrow, his Sharingan already assessing the room and its new dynamics.
Mark was in awe, unsure of what to make of all this, but filled with a strange pride. He couldn't quite grasp how fast everything was changing.
Nolan stood at the center of it all, arms crossed, assessing the new power before him.
"We'll need to adjust the training," Nolan said, his voice authoritative, but with a hint of excitement. "With all of you now equipped with your future selves' knowledge, we need to push your limits, see what you can do. There are threats out there that won't wait for us to catch up."
Naruto, ever enthusiastic, bounced on his heels. "What do we do first, Dad?"
Nolan grinned at the eagerness. "For starters, Naruto, I want you to focus on using your Shadow Clones for water walking. Sasuke, Itachi—use your clones for training in different environments. We're going to need your skills sharp, and fast. Battle Beast…" Nolan turned to the towering warrior, who stood there, fists clenched. "You're going to join in on the sparring with them. Get them ready for what's coming."
"Finally," Battle Beast grunted, already cracking his knuckles.
Mark watched, his eyes flickering between his father and the others. It felt like everything was shifting, and he wasn't sure where he fit in anymore. He thought back to what his dad had said about stepping away from being a hero, about wanting to live a normal life... but now, seeing the newly empowered versions of his younger brothers and the looming danger, Mark wasn't so sure.
He crossed the room toward his father, a concerned look on his face. "Dad... what's the plan? After all of this training, after we've gotten stronger?"
Nolan turned, his expression hardening just slightly. "The Viltrumites are still a threat, Mark. But my priority is protecting Earth. That means we need to be prepared for anything." He paused, looking at the others, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "The rest of the universe can fight their own battles. Earth comes first."
Mark felt a sinking sensation in his stomach, his internal conflict growing. "But what about the other worlds? Allen's asking you to fight with them, to help protect the rest of the universe. Why are you so focused on Earth? Don't we need to be a part of something bigger?"
Nolan's eyes softened for a brief moment, but his voice remained firm. "Some things, Mark... are more personal. Earth is my home now. I won't let anything happen to it, no matter what. As for helping the rest of the universe…" Nolan looked down for a second, as if weighing his words. "I'll protect Earth. The rest... is up to others."
Mark opened his mouth to argue but stopped when he saw the weight of his father's words settling in.
"Get to work," Nolan said, cutting the tension. "You all have a lot to learn."
The boys nodded, breaking up into small groups. Naruto and Sasuke immediately began practicing their clones. Itachi and Minato went off to meditate and focus on their chakra control, while Kakashi stood back, ready to intervene if anyone needed guidance.
Nolan looked at Battle Beast, who stood by, clearly eager for a real fight.
"You've got the basics of the fight down, Battle Beast," Nolan said. "Now you need to learn how to teach them. Their growth depends on you pushing them to their limits. You're not just here to battle; you're here to shape them."
Battle Beast nodded, his eyes narrowing in determination. "Understood."
Just as Nolan was about to turn and walk upstairs to check on Debbie, Mark approached again, his expression still filled with questions.
"Dad... do you really think we can win? Against everything that's coming?"
Nolan paused, meeting his son's eyes with a steely gaze. "I don't think we can win, Mark. I know we can."
Mark took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his father's words. It was rare to hear such certainty from Nolan—Omni-Man—the man who had killed the Guardians of the Globe, the man who had stood against the world. But hearing him say it... for some reason, Mark felt the spark of hope reignite within him.
"We'll be ready," Nolan added, before walking out the door to help the boys train.