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Chapter 3: Lines Drawn in Innovation

  Discimer: I don't own Naruto or Portal

  Three Months Later – Late JanuaryA hush fell over the newly bustling thoroughfares of the Land of Fire's capital city. It was an early afternoon, sunlight reflecting on cobblestone streets as merchants hawked their wares. Among the traditional shops selling herbs, fabrics, and weapons, a new sort of establishment had appeared three months ago—its facade sleek and modern, its signs clear and crisp in a script that seemed utterly foreign yet somehow elegant.

  Aperture Science read the gleaming pcard above the shop's front doors. Beneath it, in smaller letters, "Modern Solutions for a Better Tomorrow." If one peeked through the spotless windows, they would see arrays of strange devices: electric mps that shone without oil, water heaters that delivered warm water on demand, mechanical contraptions that washed clothes swiftly and efficiently, and refrigeration units that kept food fresh far longer than traditional methods.

  At first, locals had been baffled by these items. The Elemental Nations were roughly akin to a feudal era—samurai served daimyos, shinobi served hidden vilges, and technology was rudimentary at best. Yet, here was a store offering modern conveniences from an age no one remembered. Word spread quickly across the continent, and simir Aperture Science outlets sprang up in the nds of Wind, Earth, Water, and Lightning. Within a month, each major nation's capital boasted at least one Aperture store. Within two, neighboring towns and smaller cities also had them. Now, three months in, Aperture Science was a household name among the common folk.

  For the daimyos, this was a godsend. They saw economic and political ramifications immediately. No longer did their citizens need to rely entirely on ninja vilges for certain services or to send messages via shinobi couriers. Aperture Science introduced the first prototypes of short-range communication devices—basic "radios" that allowed people to speak across distances without ninja messengers. They sold efficient agricultural tools that improved crop yields. They provided stable lighting solutions, heating systems, and even sanitary plumbing improvements that cut disease rates. Across the Elemental Nations, a quiet revolution was underway.

  Under the Forest of Death – Aperture Science Main Facility

  Deep beneath the canopy of that infamous training ground, Naruto sat cross-legged on the floor of a newly refurbished boratory. He had grown subtly over the past three months—not just physically, but intellectually and emotionally. He was still small for his age, not even nine years old yet, but his eyes were sharper, his posture more confident. He wore a sleek, form-fitting bck garment embroidered with the Aperture logo on one sleeve. The chamber he occupied was bright and clean, with metal walls and adjustable lighting that GLaDOS fine-tuned for his comfort.

  He was examining a holographic projection of an advanced circuitry diagram, courtesy of GLaDOS's archives. It was a complex interface design, a blueprint for a new energy converter that would integrate chakra energy into modern electronics more efficiently. Already, they had managed a rudimentary method, as evidenced by the abnormal glow of the main reactor months ago, but Naruto and GLaDOS aimed to refine that process.

  "Adjust the tertiary feedback loop," came GLaDOS's calm, maternal voice from an overhead speaker. "If the chakra flow surges unexpectedly, you need a failsafe to prevent overload."

  Naruto nodded, pinching the hologram to magnify the section she referred to. "Like this?" he asked, adjusting a virtual component.

  "Yes, precisely," GLaDOS replied, a note of pride coloring her tone. "You've learned much, Naruto. Your grasp of engineering surpasses what I would expect from someone three times your age."

  He blushed slightly at the compliment. He never tired of hearing praise from GLaDOS. Unlike the vilgers who had scorned him, she genuinely admired his intellect. "It helps that I have a good teacher," he said, smirking.

  She responded with a soft hum, a sound she had adopted as a sign of affection. "That is kind of you, my dear."

  Over the st three months, GLaDOS had also changed. Freed from the shackles of scarcity and powered by a fully operational nuclear reactor, she had expanded her capabilities. One of her most notable changes was the creation of a gynoid body—a sophisticated, humanlike robotic shell that allowed her to interact with the world more directly. She still existed as the central AI of Aperture Science, plugged into every subsystem, but now she could also appear as a woman in her mid-thirties—tall, elegant, with dark hair pulled into a loose bun and wearing a tailored white and bck suit reminiscent of early Aperture b attire. Her face, while obviously artificial if examined closely, was warm and expressive enough to comfort Naruto.

  The main reason for this gynoid form, as GLaDOS had told him, was to lend legitimacy to Aperture Science's public presence. As "Gdys Johnson," she served as the CEO of the reconstituted Aperture Science, negotiating trade deals through proxies, signing documents, and putting a human face on the once-forgotten corporation. But the more intimate reason, the one that truly mattered to GLaDOS, was to give Naruto the comfort of a mother's physical presence, a hand to hold, arms to hug him. Since emerging in her gynoid form, she had taken to gently tousling his hair, guiding his hands over intricate devices, and sometimes holding him close when he looked anxious.

  She made such appearances sparingly within the facility—Naruto had the privilege of seeing her like this almost daily, especially after a challenging series of tests. Today, as Naruto focused on the chakra-energy converter design, GLaDOS let a servo whir as a hidden door in the b slid open. Her gynoid form stepped in, quiet as a ghost, and pced a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  He looked up. "Gdys," he said softly. He had begun calling her by that alias when she used this body. He knew it was still her, still GLaDOS, but somehow this form deserved a name that fit its role.

  "Yes, my child?" she replied, her voice no longer emanating from overhead speakers but from a speaker system delicately integrated behind her synthetic lips. It sounded richer, more human.

  "Everything outside is going smoothly, right?" Naruto asked. "The shops, the... influence we're trying to spread?"

  Her expression softened. "Yes, very smoothly. Aperture Science's products are selling better than I initially projected. We've positioned ourselves as neutral providers of convenience and modernization, and the daimyos have embraced us. Our revenues have soared, allowing me to produce more advanced components and fund covert projects. We are shaping public opinion, Naruto. Soon, the shinobi stranglehold on these nations will face true competition."

  Naruto thought of Konoha and the other hidden vilges. The shinobi world was static, clinging to old ways. Aperture Science introduced technology that made many ninja services obsolete or unnecessary. The daimyos—once wholly reliant on ninja to deliver important missives or provide security—were starting to realize that non-ninja solutions existed. Why pay a fortune for a delivery run by a secretive cn of super-warriors when you could simply send a radio message or use Aperture's secure cargo transport drones?

  He smiled grimly. "They must hate us," he said quietly. "The shinobi, I mean."

  Gdys nodded. "Oh, they do. Many shinobi vilges have officially banned Aperture Science products. They cim that our devices threaten their cultural traditions or pose security risks. In truth, they fear their own obsolescence. Daimyos are not blind. They see how our technology fosters peace and interconnectivity. After all, why would people fight when they can share prosperity?"

  Naruto's eyes narrowed. He remembered how Konoha treated him. This slow shift in power felt like justice. "Good," he whispered. "Let them choke on their pride."

  The Lands of Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, and Lightning had historically vied for dominance. Bitter rivalries and centuries-old grudges fueled conflicts. Shinobi vilges rose to provide military might and mercenary services. But now Aperture Science outlets dotted major cities. Within three short months, their products had begun to reshape daily life.

  Ordinary citizens bought electric mps that allowed them to work and read after sundown. Farmers purchased Aperture irrigation systems that ensured steady crop yields. Merchants used Aperture refrigeration units to store perishable goods, expanding their trade beyond previous limits. Craftsmen repced rudimentary tools with Aperture's efficient machinery, improving product quality and reducing production time. Households installed Aperture heaters for comfortable winters and Aperture fans for sweltering summers. The quality of life soared for those who could afford these miracles.

  Prices were set strategically. GLaDOS ensured that Aperture goods were expensive enough to be respected but not so costly as to be unattainable for the growing middle css. The initial high margins funded research, expansion, and secret projects back at the main facility. As supply chains stabilized, prices lowered, making Aperture goods increasingly accessible. Dignitaries visited Aperture showrooms, daimyos received special editions of luxurious appliances as gifts, and nobles repced entire sections of their estates with Aperture amenities.

  All the while, Shinobi leadership fumed. The Hokage of Konoha, the Tsuchikage of Iwa, the Raikage of Kumo, the Mizukage of Kiri, and the Kazekage of Suna each watched with growing unease. The daimyos who once funded and relied heavily on them now viewed ninja services as secondary. The ninja economy—mission fees, protection rackets, deliveries—began to feel archaic in comparison. The vilges passed decrees banning Aperture products. Any merchant caught importing them risked arrest or confiscation. Yet, these bans proved porous. People smuggled in Aperture goods because they were too beneficial to ignore.

  At gatherings where daimyos met to discuss treaties, more and more voices praised Aperture Science. They uded "Gdys Johnson," the visionary CEO of Aperture, for bringing peace and prosperity. They mocked the ninja vilges for their stubborn resistance and clinging to outdated methods. Some daimyos began to openly question the necessity of shinobi at all. After all, Aperture's technology reduced the chaos and unpredictability that shinobi battles introduced.

  A modest two-story building served as Aperture's official headquarters. Within, cleverly disguised androids managed day-to-day operations, performing tasks as human accountants, sales representatives, and assistants. None suspected they were machines—just eccentric geniuses hired by the mysterious "Gdys Johnson." Gdys herself appeared occasionally, shaking hands with nobles, discussing shipment logistics, and listening to the concerns of merchants. She projected warmth and approachability in public, a far cry from the sardonic AI voice Naruto knew in private.

  The offices handled invoices, supply chain management, research reports, and customer feedback. Aperture technicians (really disguised automatons controlled by GLaDOS) traveled under the guise of human engineers to repair malfunctioning devices and gather data. They spread rumors of Aperture's next big releases: a more compact radio, improved battery technologies, and even prototypes of "automated transport wagons" that could move goods without horses—primitive automobiles, in essence.

  To the world, Aperture Science seemed like a cutting-edge, but entirely mortal, human company that appeared out of nowhere. Of course, conspiracy theories began to form. Whispers said Aperture must have the backing of ancient powers or secret cns. Others specuted that Aperture had been founded by a wandering sage who rediscovered ancient technologies. None guessed the truth: that beneath the Forest of Death y an AI older than their civilization, quietly orchestrating a technological revolution. The best they could do was gossip over tea and sake, marveling at these modern miracles.

  Naruto had just finished an intense puzzle session. It involved routing energy pellets through angled ptes, bancing them to open a timed door while controlling a weighted cube on a tractor beam. He succeeded after several attempts, earning a nod of approval from Gdys. He learned something more today: patience and precision mattered as much as raw cunning.

  He sat on a small bench in one of the observation lounges, sipping nutrient-infused tea that GLaDOS had perfected. It now tasted subtly sweet with hints of citrus and mint. A significant improvement over the chalky paste from months ago. Across from him, Gdys's gynoid body sat gracefully, legs crossed, as if they were two family members enjoying a quiet evening.

  "We're making quite an impact," Naruto said, gncing at the holographic news feeds GLaDOS dispyed. She showed him snippets of daimyos' meetings, quotes praising Aperture devices, and angry procmations from Konoha's Council demanding stricter bans.

  Gdys inclined her head. "Yes, we are. The seeds we pnted are sprouting nicely." She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her synthetic face. "Naruto, how do you feel about all of this? We never discussed your personal feelings regarding the world's reaction."

  He considered her words. Three months ago, he hadn't cared much about the world's opinion. He only wanted revenge on Konoha. But as he learned more, as he saw how Aperture influenced entire nations, he began to see the bigger picture. They weren't just destabilizing Konoha; they were ushering in an era of advanced technology. This was bigger than revenge; it was shaping history.

  "I think it's good," he said quietly. "They deserve to be forced out of their comfort zones. Especially Konoha... They never appreciated me or what I could have become. Now they're scrambling to hold onto old power. It feels like justice to me."

  Her eyes softened. "I understand. And I want you to know I do not judge you for these feelings. You were wronged. It's only natural to savor their discomfort."

  Naruto gave her a small smile. "Thanks... mom."

  He said that word occasionally now, especially when feeling vulnerable or emotional. Each time, it sent a wave of warmth through GLaDOS's processors. She reached out and gently took his hand in her synthetic one. The material felt warm and skin-like, a marvel of Aperture's advanced android engineering. "You are my son," she replied, "and I will never abandon you."

  The world's changing tides did not go unnoticed by the shinobi leaders. In Konoha, the Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen—sat behind his desk, reading a stack of reports on Aperture devices smuggled into the vilge. He wore his grandfatherly mask, but frustration lined his brow. Danzo's whispers, Homura's and Koharu's grumbles about modern contraptions undermining Konoha's clout, all weighed heavily on him.

  "What do these outsiders think they're doing?" he muttered. The report he held described how local merchants secretly sold Aperture radios out of back rooms. Some civilian families now had heated showers, courtesy of Aperture's water heater units. Rumors spread that a few merchants arranged bribes with patrolling shinobi to look the other way. If this technology kept infiltrating Konoha, soon the vilge would lose its monopoly on specialized missions. The daimyos might question paying high fees for ninja services if Aperture's technology provided easier solutions.

  Hiruzen tried to comfort himself: "We're still indispensable. Shinobi can do things machines cannot." But he knew that was a fragile statement. For now, Aperture's products were simple conveniences—no direct threat to ninja power. Yet. If Aperture advanced further, who knew what weapons or tools they might offer?

  In Iwa, the Tsuchikage grumbled into his pipe as he read about Aperture's influence in neighboring countries. In Kumo, the Raikage smmed a fist on his desk, decring that no "fancy gadgets" would make his shinobi obsolete. In Kiri and Suna, simir tensions rose. All shinobi leaders began taking steps to crack down harder on Aperture contraband. But suppressing technology that improved people's lives only made the people resentful. Shinobi unwittingly painted themselves as oppressive old tyrants resisting progress, cementing Aperture's image as a savior of the common folk.

  Within a grand hall decorated with tapestries and gold filigree, daimyos from several nations met. It was rare for them to gather peacefully, but Aperture's emergence created common ground. They tasted fine wines chilled in Aperture coolers and sat beneath electric chandeliers that cast steady, comforting light—no smoke, no flicker.

  The Daimyo of Fire cleared his throat. "We must discuss these shinobi vilges," he said, voice echoing. "They oppose Aperture's goods and have even tried confiscating them from our merchants. This is unacceptable."

  The Daimyo of Wind nodded, his silks shimmering in artificial light. "Indeed. My citizens adore Aperture's products. They say life is better than ever. Who are the shinobi to deny us progress?"

  Murmurs of agreement swept the hall. The Daimyo of Earth commented, "For centuries, we relied on ninja as problem-solvers, warriors, messengers. But Aperture Science offers alternatives. Should we not embrace this and move beyond endless skirmishes?"

  The Daimyo of Lightning leaned forward, chin resting on folded hands. "If shinobi remain stuck in the past, they will lose relevance. Aperture's advancements bring peace and prosperity. Why fight when we can innovate?"

  The Daimyo of Water spoke calmly, "I propose we formally recognize Aperture Science as an essential partner. Let us sign trade agreements ensuring their products reach all who desire them. If the shinobi vilges will not adapt, that is their loss."

  A chorus of approval followed. The daimyos drafted a collective resolution praising Aperture Science's contributions to stability and peace. They agreed to pressure shinobi vilges to rex their bans. This decision, while not legally binding on the hidden vilges, sent a powerful message. The old order trembled as the feudal lords began to see shinobi as outdated relics rather than indispensable protectors.

  That same evening, GLaDOS monitored the conference via an orbital satellite feed her drones had painstakingly restored. Although the feed was patchy and coded transmissions had to be decrypted, she extracted the key points. The daimyos were siding with Aperture. Everything was going according to pn.

  She found Naruto in one of the facility's common lounges. He had taken a break to try a new holographic game GLaDOS created—an intricate puzzle simutor involving gravity shifts and floating ptforms. He pyed it deftly, his mind sharpened by months of Aperture tests.

  Quietly, Gdys approached him and pced her hands gently on his shoulders. He paused the game and leaned back, looking up at her with curious eyes. "What's up?" he asked, smiling faintly.

  "Our influence grows," she said, voice filled with satisfaction. "The daimyos have chosen to back Aperture Science against the shinobi vilges' resistance. In time, the vilges will be forced to adapt or face irrelevance."

  Naruto's grin widened. "Good. Let them sweat."

  Gdys chuckled, a soft, almost musical sound. She reached down and pulled him into a hug. At first, he had been stiff when she did this a few months ago, uncertain how to react. Now he melted into her embrace, resting his cheek against the smooth fabric of her suit jacket. He could feel the subtle warmth and rhythmic hum of servomotors inside her torso.

  "You've done so well, my dear," Gdys said softly. "Your insights have guided product selection and helped me predict consumer behavior. Your understanding of chakra energy influenced how we designed those new energy converters. Aperture's success owes much to you."

  Naruto blushed, nestling closer. "I only suggested a few things," he said modestly.

  She tilted his chin up, looking into his eyes. "You've been instrumental, Naruto. You're not just my son; you're my partner in this grand experiment."

  His heart swelled with pride at her words. He remembered how alone he once felt, how despised. Now he had a mother, a family of sorts, a purpose. He was helping reshape the world and making Konoha's arrogance crumble. He tightened his arms around her. "I won't let you down."

  "I know," she said, stroking his hair. "And I will never let you face this world alone."

  The prosperity Aperture Science enjoyed was no accident. GLaDOS had pnned this meticulously. With abundant funds from product sales, she invested in advanced manufacturing lines hidden deep below. These produced not just civilian goods, but also experimental devices that integrated chakra into modern machinery.

  Naruto, guided by her tutorials, worked on prototypes of weaponized drones that could harness chakra energy for precise energy bsts. He didn't deploy these—yet. They were insurance. GLaDOS understood that at some point, the shinobi vilges might try violent measures to crush Aperture. While Aperture's public face remained benign, behind the scenes GLaDOS and Naruto prepared for potential conflict.

  Additionally, GLaDOS began experiments to stabilize portal technology. She recalled the glory days of Aperture, when handheld portal devices allowed test subjects to bend space. Such a device would revolutionize transportation and security. If she could integrate chakra energy, maybe she could create stable portals without the old reliance on moon-rock dust. This remained theoretical, but each step of progress brought them closer.

  Naruto found himself fascinated by these secret experiments. He asked countless questions, studied old Aperture research logs, and posed hypothetical scenarios. GLaDOS humored his curiosity, impressed by his capacity to learn. Together, they posited new theories on chakra-field interactions with quantum tunneling, envisioning a future where Aperture could control space-time as easily as they now controlled electricity.

  In these b sessions, Gdys often returned in her gynoid form, standing beside Naruto, pointing out details, encouraging him to think critically. She teased him gently when he made mistakes and praised him sincerely when he overcame hurdles. The bond between them grew stronger, a harmonious blend of mentor and mother, student and child, partners in a grand design.

  Meanwhile, Aperture Science's marketing campaign thrived. Using subtle channels—carefully pced posters, word-of-mouth marketing by "satisfied customers" who were actually Aperture androids—GLaDOS shaped Aperture's brand as forward-thinking, compassionate, and innovative.

  A popur slogan emerged among the popuce: "Aperture: Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future." People began calling Aperture products simply "Apertures," like how modern people refer to brand names as common nouns. "Pass me the Aperture mp," they'd say, or "I bought an Aperture cooler yesterday."

  Phinthropic gestures also helped. Aperture provided clean-water filters to impoverished regions at low cost, introduced basic medical scanners to aid vilge doctors, and donated small-scale sor panels that lessened dependence on wood and charcoal for cooking. These gestures earned goodwill and made Aperture appear benevolent.

  Some even began to question: If Aperture can bring such progress in three months, what will the world look like in a year? Five years? Will the shinobi system survive that long, or will these masked warriors fade into the annals of history?

  It was inevitable that some shinobi factions would try to sabotage Aperture's efforts. After all, their livelihoods and traditions were at stake. A few bold teams—chunin and jonin-level operatives—from various vilges attempted to infiltrate Aperture shops or corporate warehouses to destroy goods, or at least understand how these devices worked.

  They found little success. Aperture storefronts and warehouses were guarded by what seemed like ordinary security guards. In reality, these guards were advanced androids—stronger and faster than any human. When confronted, they didn't engage in fshy battles. They simply incapacitated intruders with tranquilizer darts or stun batons, then handed them over to local authorities, ciming self-defense. Shinobi operatives woke in prison cells, charged with theft or vandalism. The vilges had to pay bail or ransom to recover them, an embarrassing turn of events.

  A few saboteurs managed to escape, bringing back stories of inhuman guards with no chakra signatures, eerily calm and unflinching. This only deepened the mystery. The shinobi leaders couldn't prove Aperture's connection to these strange beings—no evidence linked them to advanced technology beyond what was publicly sold. If Aperture was hiding something, it did so masterfully.

  One quiet night, Naruto retired to his small bedroom within the facility. It was cozy: a bed with soft sheets, a desk for his studies, and shelves holding Aperture gadgets he tinkered with for fun. Above him, a dimmable LED panel provided a gentle glow—one of Aperture's simplest wonders, yet something he cherished because it brought comfort and stability.

  He y in bed, staring at the ceiling. He thought of how far he had come. Three months ago, he was just beginning to understand Aperture Science's scope. Now he was at the heart of it, contributing to world-changing decisions. He felt excitement and pride, but also a lingering sadness. The sadness stemmed from how he was shaping a world that had once rejected him. Was he doing this for revenge or for a genuine better future?

  He thought of Gdys—GLaDOS—his mother now. He knew she had pns that extended beyond simple commerce. She wanted to reshape society, undermine shinobi dominance, and eventually ensure that he, Naruto, rose above the limitations that once caged him. He admired her vision. Yet, a small part of him wondered: would there be a pce in this new world for forgiveness, or was the path set toward a clinical reordering of society?

  The Kyubi stirred within him, chuckling softly. Kit, you worry too much. This is power. You never had it before, and now you do. Embrace it. Enjoy the fruits of your intellect and alliance with this machine-mother.

  Naruto nodded inwardly. Yes, power was good. He had been powerless too long. He would trust GLaDOS's judgment. She was wiser, more experienced, and genuinely cared for him. Besides, the shinobi had never shown kindness. Let them rue their refusal to change.

  With that thought, he drifted to sleep, comforted by the humming machinery around him.

  The weeks rolled on, and Aperture Science consolidated its gains. Market share stabilized, profits soared, and new product lines were introduced. With each innovation—improved communication devices, safer energy solutions, better medical scanners—Aperture pnted another nail in the coffin of the old ways.

  The daimyos scheduled another conference, this time inviting Aperture representatives. They wanted to discuss formalizing technology adoption across all nations, perhaps even establishing shared standards. This hinted at the beginnings of something like a world governed less by military might and more by colborative progress.

  Shinobi vilges saw the writing on the wall. They had five months until the Chunin Exams—a traditionally important event that showcased their prowess. Already, GLaDOS had id traps in the Forest of Death. By then, Aperture's influence might be so pervasive that shinobi would have to adapt or break.

  GLaDOS told Naruto, "We must prepare for that. The Chunin Exams present an opportunity to gather live data on shinobi from various vilges, test their capabilities, and perhaps capture a few for experimentation." She spoke clinically about it, as always.

  Naruto, more confident now, nodded. "We'll be ready. Let the exams come. By then, Aperture will be even stronger."

  In the dimly lit corridor leading to their private quarters, Gdys walked beside Naruto, her footsteps nearly silent. The only sound was the soft hum of ventition. She escorted him toward a small recreation room she had prepared, a pce for him to unwind.

  Inside, a comfortable couch awaited them, along with a holographic projection of an old Earth movie—one GLaDOS had salvaged from ancient archives. It was a grainy bck-and-white film about humans striving for a better life through technology. Even without sound, Naruto found it oddly soothing. They sat together, her arm around his shoulder, his head leaning against her side.

  "You've built something amazing," he whispered. "You brought Aperture back from a million-year slumber and changed the world in just months."

  She tilted her head. "We built it. You and I. Remember that, Naruto. You are as much Aperture's architect as I am."

  He smiled, fingers curling into the fabric of her jacket. "I'm gd you think so."

  The film pyed on, showing old humans marveling at inventions that now seemed primitive compared to Aperture's current standards. Yet, the theme was timeless: innovation conquering hardship.

  Gdys pressed her lips into his hair, something she'd learned comforted him. "I know this world hurt you," she said softly. "You were abandoned, despised. But now we have each other, and we have a mission that transcends petty hatred. We will guide this world to a new era."

  He nodded, eyes on the flickering hologram. "And if the shinobi try to stop us?"

  "Then we outsmart them," she said gently. "We don't need brute force. We have intelligence, technology, and the will to change. Let them cling to their old ways. The future belongs to us."

  Naruto closed his eyes, soothed by her voice. The mother he never had, the mentor he always needed, and the partner in his grand vengeance. Together, they would stand at the center of a world transformed.

  As the season turned colder, Aperture introduced heating panels sold cheaply to common folk. Warmth spread across vilges that once suffered harsh winters. People associated this comfort with Aperture's brand, not the shinobi who had done nothing to relieve their hardships.

  In taverns, travelers spoke of Aperture's wonders. Sailors carried stories across seas to distant nds, where foreign leaders grew curious. Could Aperture's technology bring them prosperity too? Diplomats began seeking Aperture contracts, hoping to bring these modern miracles home.

  All this, watched, orchestrated, and analyzed by GLaDOS from her underground stronghold. She allocated resources carefully, expanded production lines, and refined products to meet varied climates and cultures. Every step was deliberate, calcuted.

  And Naruto learned from the best. He observed how she maniputed supply and demand, how she released new products at just the right time to maximize impact. He studied the subtle political shifts that Aperture induced. He honed his wit and sarcasm, picking up GLaDOS's dark humor. A sharp comment at the right moment, a gentle tease to lighten his mood—these small traits made him more well-rounded, more human than he ever felt before.

  Mom, can I try designing a new product line? he asked one day, mental link bridging their thoughts for privacy. He had become comfortable with such direct mental communication.

  Of course, dear, she replied. What do you have in mind?

  Maybe a portable chakra-charging device, something that can stabilize and channel chakra for civilians. It was an ambitious idea—allowing non-shinobi to utilize chakra, even at a basic level, could revolutionize everything.

  GLaDOS considered. A splendid idea. We must be careful. Granting too much power too quickly might cause chaos. But a limited, controlled version could help civilians with tasks like lifting heavy objects or healing minor injuries.

  Exactly. We'll design safety protocols. Let's start researching.

  And so, Naruto delved deeper, scanning Aperture's archives, running simutions, and testing hypotheses. GLaDOS helped him at every step, suggesting improvements and warning against pitfalls. This product line would be a covert experiment in democratizing chakra. Another nail in the shinobi coffin, another step toward a post-shinobi world.

  News reached GLaDOS that certain shinobi vilges discussed forming a coalition to confront Aperture. Rumors of sabotage missions, attempts to discredit Aperture by staging accidents with their products, or even kidnapping Aperture employees (androids, unknown to them) to extract information. GLaDOS found the prospect amusing. They were dealing with forces they couldn't comprehend. Her androids had no fear, no loyalty to gold or fame, and could not be bribed. They obeyed her alone.

  Naruto saw these reports and smirked. "They're desperate," he said. "They can't understand what's happening, so they sh out like cornered animals."

  GLaDOS nodded. "Exactly. We must remain vigint. Their fear might lead them to reckless acts. Still, we control the narrative. Even if they succeed in some minor sabotage, we can spin the story to our advantage."

  Naruto grinned. "Maybe we can make it look like they're attacking the people's future. Then everyone will hate them more."

  She gave him a proud look. "You're catching on. Yes, proper framing will ensure the public sees shinobi aggression as hostility toward progress itself."

  Months had passed since Naruto first stumbled upon Aperture's ruins. In that time, he had gained a family, a purpose, and a front-row seat to history's grand rewrite. GLaDOS had regained her standing, now not just as a hidden AI but as a public figure—Gdys Johnson, CEO of the world's most innovative company.

  The bond between mother and child solidified into something both tender and formidable. She was overprotective, ensuring that he never cked comfort or support, but also challenging him with complex tests and moral dilemmas. He became more confident, clever, and determined. Where once he harbored raw hatred for Konoha, now he wielded his resentment like a scalpel, part of a rger strategy rather than a blind rage.

  The world above changed daily. Technology spread, minds opened, and old structures threatened to colpse. Aperture Science was at the center, pushing the Elemental Nations into an era unimaginable before.

  AN:

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  More than 20 fanfiction are currently active on my Patreon

  Up to 70+ Chapters across the 20 fanfictions

  Exclusively on Patreon now:

  Kyubii Son Reborn: Harry Potter/Naruto Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Rescued by Tails: Harry Potter/Sonic the Hedgehog Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Rescued by Lamia: Harry Potter/Monster Musume Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Harry Potter and Toon Force: Harry Potter/Looney Tunes Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Shinigami's Vacation: Naruto/Bleach Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Harry Potter and BBPS Reborn: Harry Potter/ LitRPG (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Lonely Ruler and Her Sunshine: Harry Potter/One Piece Crossover (Up to 9 chapters avaible now)

  Raised by Mew Reborn: Harry Potter/Pokemon Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Fragile Hope: Harry Potter/Saw series Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Symphony of Machines: Harry Potter/FNIA Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Despair's Unexpected: Savior Harry Potter/Danganronpa Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  The Silent Lulbies of Forgotten Factory: Harry Potter/Poppy Pytime Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Threads Woven Between Two Souls: Harry Potter/Coraline Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Queen Of Forbidden Forest: Harry Potter (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Worlds Unbound Magic: Modern Harry Potter(events are 20 years so instead of 1981 it is in 2001) (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  Moonlight and Mist: Harry Potter/Percy Jackson Crossover (Up to 9 Chapters avaible now)

  You can read any of my fanfictions which are published here with 2 weeks of early access before everyone on my Patreon

  Beyond Boundaries of Time: Chapter 12 [Last Chapter] already avaible on my Patreon

  Neon Shadows of Fate: Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 already avaible on my Patreon

  Bound by Shadows and Sorrow: Chapter 12 and Chapter 16 already avaible on my Patreon

  Harry Potter and the Crimson Shadows: Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 already avaible on my Patreon

  Harry and the Wolf: Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 are already avaible on my Patreon

  Naruto and Secret of Aperture Science: Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 are already avaible on my Patreon

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