A/N: Alright, another new story popped into my head and I feel I needed to write this down. Of course I'll still be working on my two other stories with "Second Chance" being the main priority to work on but the other this and the other will be updated at a much slower pace.
Now about this story... I've decided to write a completely new setting and rules to the Naruto world (Basically an AU). You'll find out as you read this chapter. Basically consider this chapter as a sort of prologue to explain some of the basic concepts and rules of what I have in mind for this fantasy setting. I hope you guys will enjoy this story. Now read on and I'll explain further at the end of this chapter :)
CHAPTER 1: THE DREAM
"Where are we going?" Naruto whined as he was being pulled by his friend.
"I already told you, we're going to the arena!" Kuwato exclaimed, his black hair dancing in the sunlight, "Don't you know what's going on today?"
"Not interested…" Naruto responded, causing his friend to roll his eyes.
"Come on, you've never even seen any of the Elemental Knights in action! This is a great chance! I mean, we actually got free tickets! Now come on!"
"I thought you never liked going to these kind of events." Naruto said, hoping to still convince the boy of changing his plans.
"Well not this one!" Kuwato replied instantly, "Besides everyone in the empire of Fire is coming down to Konoha JUST to attend this event! Don't you think we're lucky we got this for free?!"
Naruto made no comment so Kuwato added in, "Besides maybe you'll see a couple of cute girls too!"
Naruto groaned and simply allowed his friend to just pull him to whatever destination Kuwato wanted to go. He was just fine a couple of minutes ago, enjoying a bowl of Ramen at the orphanage when without a word, Kuwato had dragged Naruto away from his meal and said they were going to the arena.
The arena of Konoha; a stadium in the center of the capital was a structure that allowed at least 20,000 people to witness any event that was being held. However Naruto realized that Kuwato had not told him what even they were going to watch; only something about some knights going to do something. The young blonde bothered to not ask seeing as he would find out soon enough anyway.
Indeed Kuwato was right however; there were a large number of people moving in the direction of where the stadium was located. They were all chattering amongst themselves excitedly, not paying attention to the two ten year old orphans at all. Whatever it was, it seems that this event was popular it seemed.
The Fire Empire was huge after all, consisting of a large amount of villages and towns in its control with Konoha being the capital of the empire. The king of Konoha lived here as well as the 'Hokage', considered as the most powerful knight under the command of the king. Naruto never paid much attention to any of this stuff.
"Alright we're here!" Kuwato said excitedly.
Naruto cringed at the sight. They were now in a long line and from what Naruto could see, the place was packed with people. Even though they had around twenty lines, it was still not enough as more and more people entered the lines.
"Ugh, do we really have to watch this? I mean, look at the line! It's going to take forever!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Well we're just going to be patient. Trust me Naruto; it's going to be worth it!"
Naruto sighed, "You better be right! Or else, I'm going to make you clean my room for a week. Believe it!"
Fortunately for the two orphans, the whole ordeal only lasted for a thirty minutes before they arrived at the ticket booth. After handing their tickets, they were allowed to pass, prompting Kuwato to run into the entrance while dragging Naruto along with him.
The two simply followed the crowd in the corridor, assuming that it would lead to the where the seats would be located. On the walls of the corridor were several lit torches to bring some light into the dark tunnel, the flames dancing on the torches as if to entertain those who passed by in the tunnels.
As the pair followed the adults, the blonde could still hear the endless chatter. With Naruto's curiosity finally got the better of him, the blonde nudged his friend on the ribs.
"So… What are we actually watching?" Naruto whispered to his friend.
"The Ascending!" Kuwato answered, as if the answer was something to mean something.
"…And what is that?"
"You… You really don't pay much attention on what's happening in Konoha, do you?"
"Just tell me already!" Naruto ordered as the pair turned a corner in the corridor.
Kuwato laughed at this, "Alright, alright, I'll explain to you… The Ascending is a yearly event that Konoha holds at this stadium. Anyone in the army can participate but of course they don't because only the best of the best qualifies into the finals, which is today!"
Naruto nodded in understanding and Kuwato continued, "And the reason why everyone is excited about the Ascending is because most of the time, only the best of the Elemental Knights make it through! There are only a select few who become Elemental Knights and to actually get to see them in action for us civilians is great!"
Naruto shrugged and then asked, "So… What's an Elemental Knight?"
Kuwato stared at Naruto with eyes that said 'are-you-serious?' kind of look but Naruto merely stared back, expecting an answer. Kuwato face-palmed at this but then realized that it was not really surprising. Naruto held little interest in the affairs of Konoha, preferring to simply eat his Ramen at the orphanage and survive the next day.
"You seriously never heard of what an Elemental Knight is?" Kuwato said in disbelief, "I mean, I know you don't really care about a lot of things that's going on but… you must have at least heard what they are, right?"
"Nope," Naruto confirmed nonchalantly, "The only thing I care about is just getting out of the orphanage and living my life… But since I'm here and whatever going on here… this 'Ascending'…? Yeah, I'm going to need to know in detail what these Elemental Knights are."
By now the two boys had walked out of the corridors and entered the stands. A large number of people were already taking the nearest seats they could find, meaning the place was a free-seating. Naruto and Kuwato quickly searched for two free seats, which they found quickly enough.
"So what is an Elemental Knight?" Naruto asked as he sat down.
"The Elemental Knight is the elite forces of the Fire Empire's military force. However they are not just ordinary soldiers but they can manipulate the natural elements on their weapons, thus the name Elemental Knights. Of course not everyone can use the elements thus it is not just the skills needed to become an Elemental Knight but also the ability to use an element on your weapons." Kuwato explained.
"Wait, you mean they can use like, fire on their swords or something?"
Kuwato nodded, "That's an example I guess… There are altogether five elements I think… Lightning, fire, earth, water and air are the five elements that the Elemental Knights normally use."
"Whoa… Okay, now I think I know why everyone's so excited." Naruto muttered, looking at the stadium getting full with people.
Kuwato crossed his arms on his chest, "Still that doesn't mean only those who can manipulate the elements are allowed to become the Elemental Knights. Some who cannot manipulate any elements but are extremely skilled in their skills are allowed to be elected to become an Elemental Knight… Although to be frank, I find it's kind of stupid to be called an Elemental Knight when you don't control any natural element but that's just my opinion."
"There are some who can become an Elemental Knight without controlling an element?"
"Yeah," Kuwato answered, "However those are rare cases. Like one of them… his name is Maito Gai I believe… He's one of the best Lancers in the whole of Konoha and can't control any natural element. Another good example was the late Hokage, the 'Yellow Flash' of Konoha."
Now that was a familiar title that Naruto knew. The 'Yellow Flash' of Konoha was one of the most famed swordsmen but Naruto had no idea he was an Elemental Knight. He had died on one of the major battles between the Fire Empire and the Lightning Empire but only because he sacrificed himself so that his team could complete the mission.
The 'Yellow Flash' wielded dual blades as his weapon and was said that his weapons were made out of his gold and his speed along with his reflexes earned him the nickname of the Yellow Flash. He was the one man that Naruto paid attention to for reasons that Naruto could not understand. Still he had no idea the man was considered an Elemental Knight.
"So… The Elemental Knights will be participating in this Ascending… and then what?" Naruto questioned.
"This competition is all to show everyone who is the best. It is all about gaining reputation for yourself and with that, you will have a much easier life. It must be really great, huh?" Kuwato was in a dreamy state at this point.
"That's all they get?"
Kuwato shook his head, "Well no… Also the one who beats everyone will have the honor to face the strongest Elemental Knight of the Fire Empire; the Hokage. Whoever wins in that duel will become the new Hokage but I'm sure even you know that the Hokage have not changed hands for the past twenty years… Basically he is the 3rd Hokage of the Elemental Knights and has not changed hands in a long time."
"Is he that powerful?" Naruto asked in a curios tone.
"Well he's known as 'The Professor' because he knows every technique, stance, skill and weapons known in the world. He uses that knowledge to adept and attacks his opponent's weak spot. So even in his old age, that guy is still the most powerful Elemental Knight of the Fire Empire."
"He can manipulate an element as well?"
"Yeah… I think it's the fire element but I'm not sure. I also don't know what type of weapon he uses." Kuwato replied.
"And Elemental Knights… get an easy life…?"
"That's for sure…" Kuwato sighed, "Man, I wish I could become an Elemental Knight…"
Soon enough the crowd began cheering as the first two contestants entered the arena. On the left side, the man wielded what seemed to be a broadsword infused with lightning and his opponent, a woman with long black hair with red pupils wielding a shield and a mace, the mace surrounded in flames as well.
Naruto was enthralled at the sight, watching the two Elemental Knights battle it out. The crowd cheered loudly each time one of them almost defeated the other only for the opponent to counter. It was almost impossible to tell who was going to win. However the sight mesmerized Naruto, seeing such swift movements excited him.
"Alright… I made my decision!" Naruto said with a smirk.
"Huh?"
"I'm going to become an Elemental Knight! Believe it!"
***CHAPTER END***
A/N: And this brings the end of the prologue chapter. So I hope I explained enough for you guys to grasp the concept but for those who dont...
Basically this is not the Ninja world we know. While Naruto does not have the Kyuubi in him, he will have the Kyuubi in another form that will grant him the unique status of being part of Kyuubi.
Now this is not the Ninja world so there are no wall-climbing, chakra, jutsu, shurikens and whatever related in the canon anime. Instead the normal 'ninjas' in this world are simply normal soldiers in the army while those who can manipulate the elements, the Elemental Knights, are of the elite forces like Kakashi, Gai etc etc...
I believe thats it for now. Tell me what you guys think of this idea for a story and whether you liked it or not. Any constructive criticism will be well appreciated. So leave a review and I'll see you guys in chapter 2.