This is an idea that's been stewing, since I skipped over Weyard in my Dimensional Guardian series.
Bits and pieces may find their way into said series, but this story will be a different way than the last time.
Okay, here is the premise for this one:
Naruto manages to find himself in Weyard, near Belinsk, while he is young. He ends up staying there for a few years, and finds out more secrets than he should have, such as Kyuubi, and learns all he can. He manages to learn how to use Psynergy from the Beastmen, and starts liking Sveta. Who is 4 years younger than he is. He even manages to figure out how to use Beastform Psynergy, as that is how he got brought into it.
After a few years are up, Naruto gets sent back, right in front of Sveta, her father, and Volecheck. When this happens, he already has a copy of the Umbra Armor, which is enhanced by Kurama. Sveta and Naruto are also engaged at this point, and they were both happy with it. However, he gets sent back, about a week after he should've disappeared, which was weird to him.
He went through the Academy, playing the fool, and fooling everyone. He only used Psynergy when he knew he was alone, and since he learned Reveal, it was a lot easier, because no one can hide from it. He had learned the Beastmen's way of fighting, but he had mostly stuck to the Ninja Arts, using the Beastform to return to a Younger form, what he should be at the time.
He still graduated through the scroll incident, and has been in business for a good 3 weeks. But even he has patience. Though he had faked some of his irritation, it was mostly real.
Now, their first C-Rank will be different.
And Sakura's got a secret too.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything!
Chapter 1
It was mostly a calm day in Konohagakure.
That is, unless you're in the Mission Room.
Naruto Uzumaki, a 13 year old kid with a Bright Orange and blue Jumpsuit, was thoroughly annoyed. His hair was a golden blonde, his eyes a deep cerulean, each cheek had 3 whisker-like marks on them, a leather pouch on the right hip, and another pouch on the right thigh. He wore a Headband with a metal Plate that held a Spiral similar to a leaf.
Nearby were his teammates: Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno.
Sasuke was a male, the same age as Naruto. His hair was Black, and similar in shape to that of a duck's butt. He wore an Blue T-shirt that had a Red and White fan symbol on the back, the symbol of the Uchiha Clan. He also had on Tan shorts, along with a Kunai holster on the right leg, and white Arm warmers. He had headband identical to the one Naruto had around his forehead.
Sakura Haruno had on a Red battle Kimono, with White trim. There was also a White Circle on the back, the Symbol of the Haruno Clan. She had Bubblegum Pink hair, jade green eyes, and fairly pale skin. She also had a Kunai Holster on her right thigh.
The aged man looked at the blonde, and sighed. "Naruto, it seems you don't know how Missions work." He then went into an explanation, which Naruto tuned out. One thought crossed his mind, though he figured it would happen. It always did. "Are you even listening to me?"
Naruto looked at the Old man, and deadpanned a stare at the guy. "Jiji, these missions are degrading! They should've been assigned to Academy Students in their own teams! We need a higher Ranked Mission!"
"Naruto you seem to forget that you graduated..."
"I know when I graduated, and I know that you think we're not ready." Naruto cut off the Chuunin on duty. "I know Sasuke agrees with me on the fact that D-Ranks are not for progress." Looking at Sasuke, who gave an actual nod, he continued. "Sasuke, Sakura and I are ready for higher missions. I'm not the same kid that skipped class and pranked anyone that tried to wrong him."
The old man looked at the silver haired male in a Jounin Vest, face mask covering the lower half of his face, and his Headband, similar to the Genin in the room, over his left eye. "Kakashi, what do you think?"
"I think they can handle a C-Rank." The silver haired man, Kakashi replied.
No one noticed Naruto sigh. His teammates didn't know about it, but he had training elsewhere. Something they had no knowledge of, at the moment.
The old man nodded, and pulled a Scroll off the rack near him. "This is a Low C-Rank escort. Apparently, there is something to the northwest, and a Cryptologist wishes for a Shinobi Guard. He doesn't expect anything, but feels he can't help but be safe. Send him in."
A man with Sandy Blond hair, Brown eyes, and tanned skin came into the room. He wore a pair of jeans, and solid green T-shirt. "This is the team I asked for?" The man asked. "Doesn't look like much. Although, if I had to make any assumptions, I'd say the Blonde one has the most potential on this one."
"He was..." Sakura started, but was cut off by Naruto's hand over her mouth.
"Not a word, Sakura. You don't know everything, and you don't know me." Naruto whispered into her ear, earning a small nod, causing him to pull back.
Kakashi looked at Naruto in slight surprise, though he hid it well. Naruto moved faster than usual. He filed it away for later. "I'm surprised you think he would be the best suited for this, considering his personality."
"It's a gut feeling, really." The man replied. "Anyway, my name is Baku. I'm a Cryptologist from a nearby town. I'm asking for a small guard, even though I don't really expect anything, but I feel its better safe than sorry."
Kakashi nodded. "I see. Well, if there's anything the kids can't handle, I'm a Jounin, so I can handle it."
The man nodded, but looked at Naruto. 'Why do I feel like the blonde one has more of a connection to this than the others? My gut has never failed me, and it's telling me the Blonde one could make it personal, and Pinkie has a connection, though nothing personal. The other two don't.'
"Anyway, we can leave tomorrow. I'm in no hurry." Baku stated, earning a nod.
Kakashi, the Jounin, looked at the Genin. "Pack up for a 2 week trip. Meet at the North Gate at 0800 tomorrow. Dismissed."
The Genin Nodded, and left the room, though Naruto looked at the man, who seemed to be staring at him. "Something on my face?"
"Nothing... Just a gut feeling about you and this objective of mine." Baku replied.
"Such as?"
"I think you'd have another reason to be there, same with the Pink haired girl."
"Any idea what it is?" Naruto asked, a slight amount of Hope in his voice. Kakashi noticed, but didn't comment.
"Not sure." Baku replied, crossing him arms. "All I can say is its a personal reason, and probably something you kept secret for a while, but I got nothing else for you."
"What about my teammate?" Naruto asked, thinking his best friend was involved somehow.
"Well.. She's less important, probably she has something connected to it, but nothing else personal."
Naruto then thought about it. 'Does Sakura have Psynergy, too?'
"Naruto, you should go home and pack up. I'll keep him with me, and we'll talk on that Secret soon."
"I'm sorry sensei, but if it's what I think it is, I don't talk about it for a reason." Naruto's voice was subdued, and slightly pained. Kakashi noticed this, and, if he was right, this mission could help Naruto.
Naruto just walked off without saying another word.
-the next day, 0800-
Team 7 showed up on time, and Kakashi was walking up to them, Client next to him. Sakura's eyes widened, before she made a handseal. "Kai!" She muttered.
Naruto, not sensing any Genjutsu or illusion, just shook his head. "Sensei, I'm surprised you're not late." Naruto's voice was far calmer than it usually was, and it concerned both Sasuke and Sakura.
"Let's get going, Team. It shouldn't be long, nor should it be dangerous." Kakashi said, sending a glance to Naruto.
The Team and Baku walked along the path. Baku looked at Naruto, who seemed the same, but his eyes had a far off look. "I get the feeling the blonde's not usually like this." He commented.
"You're right, he isn't. He's usually much louder." Kakashi admitted. "What you told him yesterday came off as a surprise to me, and he's probably thinking on it."
"That's not it, Sensei." Naruto interrupted. This earned all of their attention. "I'll admit what he said got to me, but... If he's right, then something's going to happen. Something that's unexplainable, even in Shinobi terms."
"Care to explain?" Sasuke questioned, a single eyebrow raised.
"Just... there's only one thing on my end that would fit what he brought up. Not even the Hokage knows about it."
"Baka, the Hokage knows everything that happens in the village!" Sakura was about to hit him, but was stopped by a hand gripping her wrist. It was Naruto's. "Sakura, do you know anything about something known as Psynergy?" Naruto questioned.
Sakura's eyes widened. "How do you know about it?" Her voice denoted shock, but Naruto simply sighed and nodded. "I was right... Do you know of the Branches?"
"Only mine, and not it's name. I'm also not that far into it, in case you're going to ask."
"What do you know out of your Branch?"
"Only Quake, but what does that have to do with this?" Sakura asked. Everyone looked between the two as they continued walking.
"Venus then..." Naruto mused. "And I guess that explains why you always rejected me."
"Come again?" Sakura asked, actually confused.
"Alright, I'll put it in simpler terms. Psynergy is split into four Main Branches, and a few Side branches. The Four Main Branches are Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Mercury. Venus is aligned with Earth, and plants. I wouldn't confuse it with Mokuton, however. It's not the same. Mars is related to Fire and Lava. Most Uchiha Clan members, if they could access Psynergy, would fall under Mars. Mercury is based on Water and Ice. They're more for healing, than fighting. Finally, there's Jupiter: My branch." He sighed.
"Jupiter Psynergy is aligned with Wind and Lightning. They are mostly up close and personal fighters, but are also the trickiest of the four Branches. They are mostly support, but they're quick. Out of the four main branches, Jupiter Adepts are the fastest. Since you're not a Jupiter, I could help you in the theory of Psynergy, but I couldn't help you anywhere else, such as Progress." Naruto admitted.
"And how does that tie into me not liking you?"
"Venus and Jupiter are opposed. They rarely, if ever, get along romantically. There are a few rare cases in which they do, but it never lasts long." Naruto admitted. "Mars and Venus are more in tune with each other, so they get along better, in theory. Mars and Mercury are the same way as Venus and Jupiter: Polar Opposites. Jupiter and Mercury are the same as Mars and Venus."
"And why does that matter?" Kakashi asked.
"Sensei, if I were a betting man, Sasuke would fall under Mars if he could use Psynergy." Naruto told them, causing Kakashi to nod.
"I understand. And if it really works like that, then I would agree with you." Naruto nodded, in response, before turning his head forward. "Although, how did you learn to use Psynergy, or even learn about it? I know there's nothing in the library about all of this, Shinobi or civilian."
"Feh. He's probably a loser in that, too." Sasuke snorted.
"Sasuke." Naruto glared at the Uchiha. "Don't speak of what you know nothing about. I never came clean about my abilities in Psynergy, because I've had no reason to. If I were to put Psynergy on the Shinobi Scale, my skills would be beyond Kage level in Psynergy."
Sakura's eyes widened. "How?" Back to shock with her.
"Because, Sakura, I gained actual instruction when I was 8. I was missing for two weeks at the time... and when I came back I only practiced it in secret. I never told the Hokage about where I was, or what happened, or even why I couldn't trust him with it. I couldn't speak of those events for a a damn Good reason. If what I think this Mission will entail is correct, somehow we'll end up where I got my instruction in Psynergy." 'And maybe my Fiance, too.' He added as an afterthought.
"Did you do something you're not proud of then?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto shook his head. "If there's one thing I ever regret... it's why I don't talk about it." He just looked into the trees to his right. "It's also why I always wear a certain armor under my Jumpsuit."
This surprised everyone, as they didn't think he had the money for any armor.
Sasuke and Sakura couldn't speak, Baku let them talk, but Kakashi asked a question. "Do you mind if we see the armor?"
"It's probably a chea..." He was cut off by a Kunai whizzing past his hair.
"Call the Armor Cheap, and you'll lose your head." Naruto told him, his eyes blood red. Kakashi noticed this, and tried to calm him down. "Naruto, the armor was a gift, wasn't it?"
The eyed turned blue again, and he unzipped his jacket, revealing a Dark Purple Armor with a symbol on it that Kakashi didn't recognize. "This is only the chest plate. The boots have a seal on them making them look and function like Sandals. The same ones I've got on." He then revealed his Knuckle busters. "These are the Umbra Knuckles. The Umbra Goggles I have sealed, same with the Gauntlets. Ironically, they're the same Goggles I wore during the Academy. There is another set of Umbra Gear, and what I have isn't the original set. Mine may be a replica, but they're also enhanced to fit me. They're also made to re-size as needed."
"RE-size? You mean you could use those with the Akimichi Clan jutsu?" Kakashi asked.
"If I knew them, yeah. But I don't." Naruto admitted. "No, the only ones to be able to use the Umbra Gear, the original set at least, were a race called Beastmen. And the traits show. They also have a certain point in Psynergy called Beastform. Under normal Circumstances, human's can't learn Beastform."
"Then why bring it up?" Sasuke questioned, hiding his curiosity.
"You can use it, can't you?" Kakashi asked, earning a nod. "I'm an exception. One they found, and trained. It's how I know. It's how I'm so far. And the fact that I could pull it off at all was a surprise, too." he sighed, and looked up. "I found someone during all that... Someone..." His eyes closed, and Kakashi saw a sliver of a tear around Naruto's eye, which actually surprised him.
Naruto never cried.
"You had a lover, didn't you?" Kakashi asked, earning a sad nod from Naruto, who just looked down. "How far did it go?"
Naruto just brought up his left hand, showing off a marking, before it showed a ring. Sakura, Baku and Kakashi noticed the significance, and their eyes widened. "No..."
Naruto didn't even meet their eyes. "It was scheduled for 2 weeks after I was taken back. I was there for years, and coming back here... leaving her... is my greatest regret."
Kakashi sent a silent message to Sasuke not to ask. Sakura knew, but said something. "I'm sorry."
Naruto saw her eyes, and his own hardened. "Don't pity me. I may regret it, but I fucking hate pity."
Sakura backed off, not expecting the rage. Then again, with what he said, it was probably earned.
Naruto was silent the rest of the way, but now Sasuke was intrigued. 'What else is the dobe hiding? I knew he was hiding something but this? I must find out how they trained him.'
It was almost 4 in the afternoon, when they reached the place they were going. It was a small camp with a few archeologists. "Baku, you made it!" One of them said.
Naruto, on the other hand, was looking at something else, and his eyes widened. 'I've seen that before! What's a Psynergy Vortex doing here?' He thought.
"Naruto... I'm getting a pull." Sakura said.
"I know."
"I'm not feeling anything." Kakashi stated.
"That's because it's not on our Chakra, Sensei." Naruto told him.
"Whatever it is it's trying to drain your Psynergy, isn't it?" Kakashi asked.
"That's what that thing does." Naruto pointed at the Black hole-like vortex.
Baku looked at Naruto. "There are no records of that here. That's why we were called in."
"It's called a Psynergy Vortex. It's main purpose, that is known to me, is to drain the Psynergy of Adepts. The Elemental Nations doesn't have many Adepts to my knowledge. Normally, there's a monster of some sort near it. Destroy the monster, the Vortex will vanish. Not much else is known, and this is experience talking. I've gotten rid of 3 of these things before."
Everyone looked at Naruto. "You don't think that this would be able to give us more information, do you?" Baku asked.
Naruto was about to answer, but stopped short. Why?
He heard a voice he knew he shouldn't be hearing. Sakura had heard it too. The two of them turned to the Vortex. "Naruto... These eight years have been a pain. Volecheck has gone mad, Father's gone, and I can't seem to be happy at all. I just wish you would find a way back here. I can't seem to figure out how you left, much less how you got here. I just wish you could hear me. I've always loved you. I'll never be complete without you and now..." The two heard sobbing, but the rest didn't. "Now... There's nothing left. I can't find happiness, I can't even hold a stable relationship. Everything is just going downhill!"
Naruto's eyes widened. He remember those feelings. He knew that voice. He closed his eyes, and sent a wave of Psynergy through with a message. "Sveta. I'm coming!" Naruto then opened his eyes and ran towards the Vortex. "Naruto!" Sakura went after him, but no one, not even Kakashi, could stop him before he got too close and was pulled in. Sakura, who had a hold of his wrist, Sasuke, who had Sakura's, and Kakashi, who held Naruto's shoulder, went through as well. Once they were all through, they found themselves traveling through a multicolored tunnel.
In this tunnel, Sakura and Kakashi were forced to let go, as Naruto aged. He now looked 20 years old, his Jumpsuit tearing apart, and the armor back to where it should've been. However, letting go was a mistake. Because the moment the aging process finished, Naruto vanished.
The other three, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi, continued and then found themselves in a danky forest.
Sakura shivered.
"Hey, this way!" They heard a male voice. They all went on guard, Kakashi ready to strike. Just then, four people came into the clearing. Three males, and one female. Two of the males seemed about 35 years old, while the other looked about 17 or 18. The female looked to be the same age as the younger male.
The two older men wore a type of body armor, and held Claymores. One of them had sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, wore leather boots, jeans, undershirt, a jacket, and leather armlets.
The other one, who looked annoyed, had red hair, auburn red eyes, which Kakashi felt was slightly weird. He wore similar clothing to the other older male, just more green and red than blue.
The younger male looked to be the Older Blonde's son. The major differences in their outfits was the younger one had a yellow scarf, but also held a Shortsword. His eyes were also a lighter shade of blue than his apparent father's.
The female had green hair, purple eyes, which actually surprised Kakashi. Her clothing was mainly white, and consisted of a button up coat, dark brown pants, Silver boots, and a blue cape. She had a wooden staff in hand.
"Don't you know this forest is dangerous at night?" The older blonde asked.
Kakashi narrowed his visible eye. "I doubt there's anything here that can handle me."
The younger blonde, however, was more silent and in shock. Sakura was staring at him, too. The older male with red hair noticed this. "Matthew, you know them?"
He walked up to them, and Sakura did the same. "I... I thought I dreamt you up." The kid said.
"Matthew?" The only female in their group asked.
"You're Sakura, aren't you?" The younger blonde, now known as Matthew, asked, earning a nod from pinky.
"I never thought you were real, either." Sakura admitted.
"Sakura, back away from them." Kakashi stated.
Matthew looked at Kakashi. "Friends of yours?"
"Sensei and one of my teammates." Sakura answered. "You mind telling me where we are? I don't exactly recognize this forest."
"This is the Tanglewood Forest. My home's not far from here." Matthew said. "But I'm afraid I'm not here because I want to be."
"What happened?" Sakura asked.
"Long story short, My best friend was being a stubborn idiot, and took the soarwing, made by Karis' father, and went into the forest, since he couldn't control it." Matthew said.
"Hey! My son is not an idiot!" The red head shouted.
"Garet, you were the same way at his age." The older blonde stated, before holding a hand out to Kakashi. "My name is Issac. I'm a Venus Adept. This is my cousin Garet, he's a Mars Adept. My son seems to know your student. The only girl in our group is Karis. She's a Jupiter Adept. Matthew is a Venus Adept as well." Kakashi shook his hand.
"So, that's your father?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah, that's him." Matthew said.
"My son, Tyrell, is in this forest. We have to find him before any monsters do." Garet stated. "And that's why we're here. Now what about you?"
"Got sucked into some black hole. Ended up here." Sakura said, before pulling out a Camera, and showing them a picture she took of it. "It looked like this. My other teammate, who didn't end up here, told me it was called a..."
"A Psynergy Vortex!" Issac's eyes widened. "You're lucky to be alive!"
"Come again?" Kakashi asked.
"Look. Not much is known about Psynergy Vortexes, but one thing we do know, is that it drains Psynergy, and can't be destroyed by it. I've been studying them for the past 35 years since they started showing up." Issac stated. "I haven't found out much, sadly. Adepts have to be wary around them, and not get too close."
"Issac, Tyrell?" Garet reminded him. Karis, on the other hand, was silent. She knew these people didn't belong. How, she didn't know, but she knew.
"I didn't forget, Garet." Issac replied.
"Maybe we can help." Sakura suggested. "I mean, I need some training in Psynergy, and I just found out that I'm a Venus. I didn't exactly know what it was called until recently, though."
"Then how did you find out?"
"My other teammate, the one that told us we were looking at a Psynergy Vortex, is a Jupiter Adept. Said he was trained by the Beastmen, but I've never heard of them."
"Does your teammate have bestial features?"
"The closest he has are whisker marks that seem burned into his skin. Three on each cheek. Aside from that, I don't know."
This caught Karis' attention. "Golden Blond hair, Deep cerulean eyes, should be about 20 years old right now?"
"He's 13." Kakashi stated.
"Remember, he said that he was using the Beastform in order to look the same as he did before all this?" Sakura asked. "Maybe he spent more time here and time passes differently. I'm willing to bet that the 8 years that voice mentioned was really a smaller amount of time for us."
"Voice?"
"I'll explain later. The voice was female, that much I know. But it didn't sound like her." Sakura pointed at Karis. "But yeah, he does look like that."
Karis then knew what it was. "Naruto Uzumaki... The only human to achieve the Beastform Psynergy. My mother took me to Belinsk once. We saw him there, playing with someone. It was ten years ago. He looked like he was 13, and I was told he was there for 5 years beforehand."
Issac nodded. "Well, I think we may be able to help. But first, we'll need to find Tyrell. He's our first priority. Help us with this, and we'll help you find your teammate. Deal?"
Kakashi thought for a a moment, and nodded. "We'll help. Maybe, if we find another Psynergy Vortex, we'll be able to make it back to our home."
"No guarantee there, but if that's what got you here, that should get you back. I can't say for sure."
-elsewhere-
Naruto was opening his eyes, and found himself in a bed. "You're finally awake." The voice was familiar, and not one that he want he wanted to hear crying.
"Sveta... Is that you?" Naruto asked, somewhat weakened.
"Naruto..." He then felt tears on his chest, and heard the sobs that came with. He couldn't hear much, but she was continually saying she was sorry. That much, he could hear.
"Sveta, you did nothing wrong." He ran a hair through the lavender colored hair on the woman crying into his chest. "You didn't know what happened, but I just had to go home. I never stopped thinking about you."
He managed to sit up, and lift her head, to see her green eyes. 'That must be why I chose Sakura. They have the same eye color.' "Sveta, not a day went by that I didn't think of you. I've only one regret, and that's when I left. My village hated me for a reason beyond my control, and that was high on its own. I hated myself 20 times more than they did because of how I left. I didn't have a choice, but I hated myself for it."
"8 years..." She sniffled. "8 years and you still care for me...?"
"Sveta, I never stopped caring. I wouldn't be who I am if I did." Naruto told her softly. "But on my end, it's only been 4 years. It's probably a time displacement between worlds."
"Naruto..."
Naruto claimed her lips with his own, his eyes closed, and her eyes did the same. When they pulled apart, Naruto looked into her eyes. "I'm glad this isn't a dream, like all the other times. That would've woken me up, if it were."
She then embraced him, and cried into his shoulder. He returned it, and rubbed her back. "It's alright. I'm not gonna leave you. You'll never leave my heart." Tears started flowing down his face.
She soon fell asleep in that position, and he laid her back down on the bed, and felt a presence. "Volecheck." He didn't even look at the door, where the buff man was.
"What took you so long?" The man asked, his voice gruff.
"Couldn't figure out how to get me back."
"And the headband?"
"The symbol of my home's military." Naruto said, now looking at the big beast. "I figured I would be able to find a way faster if I joined, so I did. And I was right. My first mission outside of my own home, a Psynergy Vortex was found. Like an idiot, I jumped in."
"Not an idiot. Just impulsive." Volecheck said, looking at the female, who was in a nightgown. "You know, she hasn't slept for 3 days. Let her get some rest. I take it she hasn't filled you in, yet?" Naruto shook his head. "Then come with me. I could use some advice."
Naruto looked at Sveta, made his cross handsign, and a clone of him appeared. "Watch over her. If something happens, I want it taken care of. You know what I'd do if she's harmed in any way." Naruto told the clone.
"I'm you. I know exactly what you'd do." The clone said, earning a nod from the original, who then walked up to Volecheck. "Let's go."
Naruto and the big man walked through the halls, and into the throne room. "Alright, I need some advice, and with what you did for my father before me, I figure you'd know better than I do."
"What's the problem?" Naruto asked.
Volecheck then filled him in, the Tuaparang, what they're trying to do, and their forces, threats, and everything else. "I may not be able to find a flaw, but I figure you could. You always could see anyone's flaws, and know how to correct them."
Naruto thought about it. "Volecheck, you're an idiot." was his first statement, earning a growl. "First off, where's the guarantee that, should they finish their plans, you'd be spared? Same with your people." This stopped his growling. "There isn't any guarantee. They just said it would be in your best interest, after waving around their overpriced weapons, and armor. That's a sure sign that, should you refuse, they'd strike everyone down, including you, and do it anyway. Either way, you were fucked."
Volecheck nodded, now that he thought about it. It made sense. "Then what would you have done?"
"Honestly? I'd have done the same thing, but I would've been preparing in case they did betray me. That's where you messed up. You took them at face value. They essentially threatened your people, and you let them. You didn't mention any plans in case they turned on you. Taking their deal would have allowed me to get more information on them, and if they decided to betray me, then I'd know how to counter anything they did."
Volecheck nodded. "I've gotten some of that information, but not enough, I don't think."
"Mind if I see?" Volecheck nodded, and told him what he knew.
"Hmm..." Naruto took a thoughtful pose. "Yeah, that's not much, but if you have a Prankster's mind, then it's more than enough."
"And you're a prankster." Volecheck said, remembering his last visit. "You got Sveta into them, and she pulled a single big one every year. I'm the only one that knew, and I didn't say anything, because I knew why she did it."
"It was so she never forgot me, isn't it?" Naruto asked, solemnly, earning a nod.
"She did everything she could to remember, and for 2 years, searched for any sign of where you went."
Naruto sighed. "I was taken home. Turns out when Kurama was completely absorbed into me, I became his successor. Now, I'm basically a Bijuu, in human form. I'll live longer than all my friends, but I can make it so Sveta lives as long as I do. Kurama taught me that much. I was planning to ask her on the night we were to be wed."
"Hmm... We can still hold the wedding. It was already agreed upon last time around, and the only reason it didn't happen was because of your untimely disappearance."
"And that's the only regret I've ever had, even if I didn't have a choice in the matter. Once Kurama was finished being Absorbed, he had already told me everything I needed to know about being a Bijuu. I learned everything I could from him, but always made time for Sveta. If she still wishes to be wed, then I'll be happy. If she doesn't, it'll hurt me, but I'll accept her decision, as long as she's happy with it."
"She'll accept. I know she will. Think you'll be ready in a week?" Volecheck asked, a smirk on his face.
"I was ready 4 years ago. It may have been 8 for her, but I've been gone for 4 on my end. In the end, the choice is hers. Whatever she chooses, I'll accept it, as long as she knows she'll be happy with it." Naruto stated.
Volecheck nodded. "Will you be staying this time?"
Naruto looked up. "I've got a bad feeling right now. Something big is about to happen." He shook his head, and looked at Volecheck. "I'd need to see if my teammates from home managed to make it here. If they did, I'll need to be able to find a way back, but for them. If Sveta and I are wed, then she'll have to come with me. I remember the laws of Morgal. If Sveta marries outside of the Beastman race, she automatically gives up her claim to any noble position she may have. That means, she'd give up her claim to the throne. I may be considered one, but my blood is that of a human. I leave the decision to her."
"Hmm... You have a point. That means I'd need someone else in case I die without an heir." Volecheck stated. "Perhaps our younger brother would be able to do so."
"Younger brother?" Naruto asked, confused. "I don't remember you having a Younger Brother."
"He was born a year after you left. We told him of you, and he has taken to your teachings like a fish to water. I swear, it's like he's a clone of you."
Naruto shook his head with a grin. "Maybe I can tell him a few things about how I learned them."
"I'd prefer you not, actually." Volecheck admitted. "Sveta needs you right now. She hasn't been right ever since you left. When you appeared in Town Square, she immediately picked you up and brought you here. 10 hours you slept. 10 hours, she cried over your prone body. I ask that you stay here for a while. At the very least, I hope you don't up and disappear from us again."
"I know how I got sent back. Kurama left, and I was immediately taken back. The way I got here this time, I'm aware of. It was a Psynergy Vortex." Naruto said, causing Volecheck's eyes to widen. "I know, like I said, I was being an idiot, and jumped in. But I do have one reason, that, ironically, I find drove me to said idiotic decision."
"What could make you jump into a Psynergy Vortex?"
"Sveta's voice. I heard it, and I knew it was coming from the Vortex. I sent a message along the same Mental Frequency, and jumped in. One of my teammates grabbed my shoulder, and another grabbed my wrist, but I wasn't focused on them. No, it was the thought that, no matter how dangerous the Psynergy Vortex was, it could lead me back to Sveta. I had hope it would, and it did." He shook his head. "I'm willing to bet that my teammates, all three of them, are somewhere in Weyard."
"You think they're somewhere in Morgal?" Volecheck asked.
"No, but I don't think they'd try to stick around long. They'll try to find me. If I'm gonna find them, I think we should put a notice in the towns of Morgal, mainly on the borders. Especially Border Town. Humans have a much better way of finding them, believe it or not. If they somehow make it to Border Town, then hopefully it's after the message gets there."
Volecheck thought about it and nodded. "You got a description?"
Naruto pulled out a picture, that was in his chestplate. "This is them, and me in my disguise back home." It was a picture of Team 7 framed. "You can tell which is me."
Volecheck nodded, and called someone in. "Make an accurate description and distribute it to the towns. If they are found, they are to know that Naruto Uzumaki is in Belinsk, waiting for them. Border Town, as well."
"Yes, your Majesty." The man wrote up a description of them from the photo, and handed it back, before leaving the room to give the news flash. Volecheck gave the picture back. "We'll find them. For now, you stay here, and give Sveta the happiness she deserves. Let us find them."
Naruto was about to retort, but then realized that he had an entire kingdom on the lookout now. "Thanks, man."
"I owe you much. I don't think I could ever repay you, but this is a start." Volecheck said. "Head back to your room. The Palace is the same, and your room has been mostly untouched. Only Sveta goes in there. Most of your stuff is intact. The outfits should fit."
Naruto nodded. "Thank you, Volecheck. I'll make sure Sveta is happy for now. But if my teammates show up, then I would like to know."
"I know. If they are found, then we'll be informed immediately, as will they in case they have to take a detour. Once I know, I'll let you know."
Naruto nodded, and turned around. "I'll make sure Sveta is okay until they get here. I'll also bring up the wedding, and if it's still on, I'll send a clone to let you know." Volecheck nodded, and Naruto left to go back through the halls into his old room, and looked at Sveta's prone form, then at the clone, who nodded and dispelled. He absorbed the memories, and nodded. Nothing happened.
He got into the bed, and laid down, embracing her. 'Sveta. I will never leave you. Believe it.' He thought, before he decided to fall asleep.
-with Kakashi-
It had been a day since they had gotten to this world. Sakura had shown skills that she never did before, and Sasuke was slightly envious since his Sharingan had shown up in the cave, and found he couldn't copy it.
Kakashi then decided to try and get his questions about Psynergy answered from Issac. He was quite forthcoming with the information, and he had told Sakura the same thing. It was something she didn't have that stopped her from progressing much: Experience. Her Spiritual Energy levels were low, and that's why. Mental and Spiritual Energy is what allowed them to use the information to create Psynergy.
Chakra is made of Physical and Spiritual Energy, so the experience and training would do her wonders. They were going to head out in the morning to get the Mountain Roc feather.
When Sakura spoke up on this, saying they needed to find Naruto, Kakashi intervened. It was a better idea to travel with the locals around. They could help out a bit more, and traveling would happen either way. They could try to find some kind of idea as to where Naruto may be.
If there's one thing the team knows, is that Naruto is too stubborn to die.
Besides, if what they know is any indication, Belinsk would be a good place to start looking for him.
And now, they were entering a place known as Patcher's place. Kakashi was on the lookout for Naruto or his Chakra, but couldn't sense him. Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura decided to stick with them, even though they're new to Psynergy, they could still learn alongside Sakura. Matthew and Sakura got along a little too well, but that helped.
He looked on as Tyrell was about to lose his temper, and figured that losing their temper was a bad thing for normal Adepts. Sakura bonked him on the head, knocking him out, and stopping whatever he was about to do. Matthew looked at Sakura, who shook her head. "You know, I wonder who's more of a hothead, him or Kiba."
"Who's Kiba?" Matthew asked.
"A friend of Naruto's. Ego driven, more dog like than most of us." Sakura told him. They talked to Patcher, and found out there was no news of Naruto, even with a picture shown, however, there was a rumor going around for the last 8 years.
"Apparently, this Nine Tailed Fox helps people and just vanishes. Come to think of it, its fur is the same color as this kid's hair, it hasn't been seen in 8 years, but people are wary when, or if, it will return. No one ever saw the eyes. If you want more information on that one, I'd go to Morgal. Border Town is your best bet to get there." Patcher said.
"We're also looking for a Mountain Roc. Any idea on where one is?" Matthew asked.
"Morgal. Definitely Morgal. I'd say check a mountain range there. That's your best bet. I'd say you check out Belinsk. It would serve as a Double Purpose. It's the Capital of Morgal, so if there's been any sighting of the Nine Tailed Fox recently, then I'd say that's where it'll be. Same with Information on the Mountain Roc."
Kakashi nodded. "Looks like we've got a path set. Border town it is."
"You watching those kids?" Patcher pointed at Tyrell.
"It's give and take. We're not from around here."
"You from Sana?" Patcher asked.
"No. Me and my two students, believe it or not, are not from Weyard." Kakashi admitted.
"Hmm... With Garet and Issac nearby, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to believe that. Much as I'd love to chat, I think you should get going."
The group went outside through the top, and found the Psynergy Training Grounds. Karis decided to ask a question. "Why were you interested in the Fox Legend? Sure, I've never seen it, but..."
"There's something called the Bijuu where we're from. Naruto was born on the same day a Nine Tailed Fox, or as we know it, the Kyuubi no Yoko, attacked our home. He shares a few traits, and I believe that they may be connected. Find this fox, we may find Naruto."
"Please, you're effectively saying that Naruto is the Fox." Sakura stated.
"A Shinobi must taken in all possibilities. I'm not ruling out that he may be this fox, but I won't believe that he is unless I see it." Kakashi replied.
Sakura thought about it, and nodded. "I guess. It's the only lead we have right now, so that's probably our best bet."
Sasuke just grunted, and Tyrell was already awake and following them.
Sakura decided to try out the Training grounds alongside the other 3 Present Adepts. They got back out 30 minutes later, and then began to travel out. Sakura was slightly winded from the Training Grounds, but was mostly well.
Kakashi also noticed the Rapier at Sakura's side as they left the outpost.
It took them 3 days of travel to get to the Carver's Camp, and apparently the way across was torn down by a Psynergy Vortex. Seeing that jumping it was not an option for the entire group, they decided to ask for another way around. Apparently, the Konpa Ruins, and is the fastest route. Along the way, Sakura had found two Djinni. She had decided not to use the Djinn, and let the others handle it.
Now knowing what she lacked for Psynergy, she decided to try and pull her own weight. She had learned a lot from Matthew on Psynergy, and tips on Rapier usage from Karis. As it turns out, Sakura was a natural with the Rapier.
It took them a good 2 days walking, what with all the monsters attacking them. Sasuke, Sakura, and the other Adepts did most of the fighting. He saw it watching his students progress.
Since he knew he couldn't copy Psynergy, he had decided against using his Sharingan.
As they reached the ruins, however, news was now spreading of Naruto being in Belinsk, and the subsequent marriage between him and their lady.
-with Naruto-
Naruto had 2 days until the wedding, which was still on.
-Flashback-
Naruto had just filled Sveta in on what was going on, and told her about the wedding. "It's your choice, Sveta. As long as you're happy with it, I'll live with it." Naruto told her.
She didn't say anything. Instead, she just grabbed him, pulled him into a heated make-out session, and said, "Does that answer your question?"
Naruto hid his smirk well, before doing the same. When they pulled apart, he spoke. "Yes. Yes it does."
-End Flashback-
He chuckled as he recalled that moment. 'The wedding is going to be the happiest day in my life so far. We're both 19, after all. I'm pretty sure that Jiji will go apeshit on me for hiding it, but I don't care. I've got a woman that loves me, a Clan I learned from, and one day a family to raise.'
He looked out over the seas from the highest point of the roof of the Castle. 'Although, the Tuaparang is not something I'd count as friendly, I do wonder if they'll bring the Shadow Armies through the Eclipse. If they activate the Alchemy Dynamo, then the Eclipse will start by Covering Belinsk, and spread out. Where the shadows reach, the Shadow Army will be. Kurama knew the Shadow Army well. He was the leader of it at one point. Then he was sealed inside of Mito. He hasn't seen them since. But if they come out, I'm bringing Kurama's old form to the table.'
He chuckled. "Just 2 more days. Two days until I'm married to my dream girl. At which point, I'm automatically inducted as Beastman, regardless of my heritage, although she'd be bumped down a class level, she'd still have a home in the castle if Volecheck allows it. Knowing him, he will."
He then stood up on the roof, and looked down at the Town Square. 'This place is my second home. I feel closer to this place than I do at home. My inner beast is a Fox, and my Beast Form has Nine tails. Now, I'm Kurama's successor. My true form is that of a human, and I won't age past a certain point due to being Kurama's successor. Heh... I'm glad Sveta agreed to it.'
-Flashback-
"Sveta there's something I have to come clean about. Something that I figure you'd want to know." Naruto said, currently in his room.
"It's about Konoha, isn't it?"
Naruto shook his head. "It's about me and my... position."
"Please don't tell me you're cheating on me?"
"No way. The only way I'd ever do that is to fake everyone else out. I told you about Sakura. She fit the bill for the act I had to put up. She's close, but not enough for a stable relationship. And besides, I could never stop thinking about you." He shook his head. "But that's not it. I told you and Volecheck about Kurama, right?"
"Oh. What happened to him?"
"He's gone... and I'm his successor." Naruto sighed. "I'm effectively a Bijuu. I die, my body will reform. I'll outlive you, eventually."
"Then I'll stay with you to the end of my days."
"That's where I've got an offer. One Kurama didn't take, not finding anyone that didn't want him for the power he held, or what he could do."
"An offer?"
Naruto nodded. "Sveta... the offer would make you live as long as I do. Until I pass on my title as the Kyuubi, I'll be alive. Killing me won't make me die. Until I pass on he title, I won't age past my prime. The same would hold true to you. If you're willing to live that long, we'd be together for much longer. Eternal Mates, as they're called. Do you..."
She cut him off. "Of course I'd take it! I'd be a fool not to!"
"Sveta, are you sure?" Naruto asked, serious. "If you take this offer, we'd even outlive our children, grandchildren, hell any of our descendants as long as I hold the title."
"As long as I'm with you, I don't care." She told him, her voice resolute.
Naruto sighed, and then sent her a smile. "Thanks. That makes me feel better."
Sveta nodded, and laid her head on his shoulder. "So... About Sakura..."
"I'm not going after her. That was fake, and I knew it." Naruto told her.
"Actually, I was wondering if anyone ever saw through your act."
Naruto snorted. "Not a chance. Remember, everyone hated me for having Kurama sealed in me. I may have found a few exceptions, but none of them have seen the real me. The only time I ever practiced with my Beastform, that way I never settle down, is in the Sewers, which no one ever went into until about a year ago. Sometimes, I used Training Ground 44, or the Forest of Death. No one goes in there, aside from a Crazy Snake chick, unless they have to. Not even Jiji did."
"Forest of Death, huh? Why is it that I don't think I'd be scared of the creatures there?"
"Probably because you could kick their ass." Naruto said, chuckling.
-End Flashback-
Naruto chuckled at that. 'She really could kick their ass. The two of us alone could take on a Spider nest there. Add in Anko, and she'd be fine. Picked up a few lessons on being a Sadist from Anko, in exchange for telling her about Psynergy. I only told her about Psynergy, and the Forest as the only place I could use. Besides, if I had to choose between the Village and the Forest of Death, the Forest is more appealing for me. Same for her, too. We decided to keep each other's secret, as Brother and Sister. No one knows of our connection, except maybe the Hokage.'
He looked down and saw Sveta looking for him. He decided to jump down, and land next to her. "What's up?"
"Where were you?" She asked.
Naruto just pointed to the highest point. "Up there. Great thinking point, I'll admit."
Sveta shook her head. "News just came in. They had to go through the Konpa ruins. Apparently, they're traveling with 3 young Adepts. A Venus, a Mars, and a Jupiter. Their names are unknown, but they left the day before they reached Carver's Camp. They're already looking for a way here for some reason."
"Any idea what it is?"
"Not a clue." Sveta stated. "It would take them a good 3 weeks for them to get here, taking that route, unless something happens."
"Hmm... I'm betting on 2 months."
"Why?"
"The Tuaparang are giving me a bad vibe. When Chalis and Blados came here earlier, I was hidden for the most part. I don't like them."
"I thought you wouldn't. I hope you can contain that rage."
"I figure what they're really after is the Alchemy Dynamo. They're giving me the same vibe Mizuki did, and you know what I did to him. They want Volecheck for some reason. The only thing I can think of is the Alchemy Dynamo. If they activate it..."
"That would be bad. An Eternal Eclipse."
"Even worse is, using Alchemy to do such a thing could bring out the Shadow Army."
"Shadow Army?"
"It's an army that used to follow Kurama a few hundred years ago. Then he was sealed. If the army doesn't recognize the power, then we're screwed. More so than we would be before." Naruto explained.
"But if you're his successor..."
"It's not a guarantee they'd follow me. Especially if I have to prove myself." Naruto said. "But if I do, they'll attack until I prove it. I may have to use the Imari."
"I see. Well, what do you say have some fun?"
"Field or bed?" Naruto asked.
"Field. Save Bed for later." Sveta replied.
Naruto and Sveta then walked through the halls, Naruto already wearing his armor, Sveta wearing battle clothing, Gauntlets, and a chainmail cap, as they went outside the city limits, a good distance.
A good distance from the city, which was still in sight, Naruto and Sveta faced each other, 10 feet apart.
"So, rules?"
"No Beastform until 20 minutes in. No other Psynergy. For me, no Jutsu. It simply wouldn't be fair. For now, straight up Taijutsu, or Martial Arts." Naruto said. "Agreed?"
Sveta nodded, and took her stance. Naruto took a similar stance, but his arms were further out, his hands were not as clenched as hers would. The wind passed through the area, and like an unheard signal, they charged each other.
Sveta started off with a Right straight, which Naruto dodged to the outside, before landing a left hook into her side, since she moved slightly, but couldn't dodge.
She went back quite a bit. 'Not even 10 seconds in and I'm already hit?'
"You've been slacking, Sveta." Naruto told her.
"I realize that." She replied, before going for him again.
Naruto followed suit, and dodged the kick sent his way by jumping over it, and landing a roundhouse to her shoulder, though he could've gone higher and hit her head, but the hit did more than it should have, as it sent her flying out, and skipped over the dirt several times, before rolling and then sliding on her knees, before she could look.
If she weren't in a spar, she'd have gaped at how much power was put into it. She was kicked well over 50 feet!
Naruto was also coming towards her at a pretty fast pace, but nothing she couldn't see. She tried to move out of the way, but when he switched directions, and then went ahead of her and jumped for a kick, she was surprised. So much so, she couldn't stop, before he landed a kick straight into her side. The same side he got a hit on, and she still went flying a good 35 feet.
He then walked up to her, and used Nature's Boon to heal her injuries. "Sveta... You've got a long way to go. I see that it's not just you that's been slacking. I've been going overdrive, at the same time." He held out a hand, and she gripped it, still panting, as he pulled her up.
"Seriously, girl. You've got a long way to go to get back to my level. Sure my Taijutsu is different, but the basics are the same as before."
She nodded, now seeing that she had a long way to go to even think of calling herself his equal. "I've got a long way to go."
"With the right training, it'll take less time. I'll put you through my training regime. Arguably the most dangerous, but also the most effective."
"When does it start?"
"4 days from now." Naruto said.
"Why that long?"
"Wedding night will cause a few strains on your end. I can guarantee you'll be limping for at least a few hours after waking, if what I found out is any indication. And even then, you'll be sore all over from the marking. You'll need time to adjust. Then we can begin with my training."
Sveta thought for a moment, and nodded. "So... why would I be limping from it all?"
"Let's just say, being Kurama's replacement has its perks." Naruto grinned.
Sveta nodded.
00000x00000
Chapter complete!
ALL HAIL INSANITY! ALL HAIL THE LOG!