What is this 'Dimensional Chat' ?

Chapter 50. Fran's Journey

The atmosphere in the carriage turned heavy after Satria's words. His bluntness cut through the chatter, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts, each grappling with the truth he had spoken. Deep down, they all knew he was right—children like Fran weren’t meant to shoulder the dangers of adventuring.

The living sword shifted uncomfortably in its sheath, breaking the silence internally. "What was I thinking, supporting Fran's decision to become an adventurer? It’s true—a girl her age should be playing, not wielding a sword and staring into the ugly face of this world. A child should feel the warmth of family, not endure this cold cruelty."

The merchant, holding the reins with a furrowed brow, also wrestled with his emotions. He glanced at Fran, imagining his own daughter in her place. "The young man is right," he admitted to himself. "No child should face this life. But in this world, where privilege is scarce, children like Fran often have no choice. It’s either this or starvation." Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder. "Is this young master from a noble family? That would explain both his wisdom and his...spoiled nature."

Naruto, sitting across from Fran, clenched his fists tightly. Her quiet resolve and the weight of Satria’s words stirred a storm in him. He’d grown up knowing how wrong it was to force children into dangerous roles, yet the world he came from wasn’t so different. His mind flashed back to the harsh years of his own childhood, to the missions and burdens placed on him at an age when he should have been carefree.

Kurama, sensing his partner’s turmoil, spoke in his usual gruff tone. "You should’ve expected this, Naruto. The strong prey on the weak in every world. The difference here is how blatant it is."

Son Goku’s voice chimed in, recalling his own experience. "Hmph. My Jinchūriki’s country didn’t care about such morals either. Every child with the potential to fight was molded into a soldier, willing or not."

"True," Isobu agreed. "In my land, those who refused were branded cowards or traitors...and killed. You think your ‘choice’ made it better? War doesn’t care about the age of its soldiers."

Fran, for her part, had been silent the entire time. Her small hands trembled slightly on her lap. She felt conflicted. She hated being treated like she was weak or fragile—especially by him. And yet, another part of her—a small, quiet part she tried to ignore—felt warmed by his concern.

But there was no denying her determination. She had her own reasons for wanting to become an adventurer. She clenched her fists tightly as memories surfaced: the faces of the people who murdered her parents and sold her into slavery. Her heart burned with the desire for revenge, but deep down, she hoped for something more—a life of peace, free from fear.

Naruto caught the expression on Fran’s face—a mix of quiet fury and sorrow. It was a face he knew well, one that mirrored Sasuke’s in the early days. His chest tightened.

Satria, sensing the growing tension in the air, sighed heavily. He hadn’t meant for the conversation to spiral into this. The somber silence felt like a weight on everyone’s shoulders, and he decided to break it.

"Hey," he said, his tone suddenly light. "How about we take a break over there? I’m starving, and I bet you guys are too." He pointed to a serene lake glistening in the distance.

Fran nodded, touching her belly with a shy smile. She was definitely hungry.

The merchant perked up, grateful for the change of subject. "A fine idea, Satria-sama. My horses could use a rest as well."

The group’s spirits began to lift as the carriage veered off the road toward the lake.

"Great!" Naruto grinned, his excitement practically radiating off him. "I feel the same, and I’ve got a treat for you guys! Get ready to experience the Food of the Gods!" His tone was triumphant, as though he were about to unveil the world’s greatest secret.