Bondrewd's words were like a stone dropped into a deep pool, sending ripples through everyone's hearts.
"-Don't call me by that 'name'... Mr. Bondrewd."
As a "Precision Clone," Naruto began reciting his lines according to his programmed logic.
Ace and Marco both froze, turning toward their modified companion.
Reg-Two. Hearing that name from Bondrewd was one thing. Having their companion admit it himself was another.
"After all, your 'characteristics' are far too obvious, young Reg-Two. Anyone well-informed has already more or less figured it out."
Bondrewd's tone remained perfectly even, nothing like someone exposing a secret.
"Ah... my apologies. Would you rather I call you 'Reg'? That would be a little..."
Electric arcs flickered across Naruto's body, his expression complicated.
"Hey, Bondrewd... damn it..."
Ace stepped forward, clenching his fists, anger and the urge to defend his brother mingling in his eyes.
But remembering everything Bondrewd had done for them, his voice weakened again.
"Naruto is just-Naruto..."
"Captain."
Naruto raised an arm, gently stopping Ace. He turned to Bondrewd and nodded.
"That's right. I'm 'Reg-Two Number 2,' created by the Mechanical King. A 'counterfeit' modeled after 'Shining' when he was still 'human.' But... the person I am now is 'Naruto.'"
Naruto wore an "I am Iron Man" expression.
He looked back at Ace and Marco, his voice dropping a little.
"Sorry. I never found the right chance to tell you."
A brief silence followed.
All the signs they had seen before suggested it was true.
Then Ace grinned, his smile as bright and warm as ever, as though it could sweep away every shadow.
He gave Naruto's shoulder a heavy slap, producing a dull thud.
"Idiot! Why even say that? You're Naruto, you're my brother! That's never changed! Who cares whether you used to be made of flesh or iron!"