Sengoku Maidens
Early AN: Hi everyone this is yours truly with a new story for your entertainment!
As I have previously announced in my Sengoku Naruto story, this story will be inspired by the Hyakka Ryuoran Samurai Girls Light Novel / Manga miniseries / Anime. Which basically presents girls who become super powered over the top warriors through the kiss of a man deemed a General.
My story though won't have cross over characters and hopefully will develop its own story along the way. As in my previous projects, it's just the concept I am borrowing while filling it with our beloved Naruto verse characters in my own original plot. And as before this one will be a Harem story with a main romance NaruSaku
I had originally written a first very long chapter for this story and was on the process of editing and polishing when Kishimoto betrayed all logic and went for a very forced NaruHina ending just to please his corporate masters and the guys from Studio Pierrot. So I decided, out of pettiness I admit, to stamp out the Hinata character out of every single one of my new projects and replace her with other characters from either the manga or the anime (Filler episodes and movies) when fitting. Hinata was after all a secondary background character…
Now to the story at hand, the world is that from the Naruto verse with the Elemental Lands and different locations and the time period would be something like the early Meiji period of Japan's history when the country went through a period of modernization in which a feudal society transformed into an industrialized one. So expect to see stuff like firearms and steam powered machinery.
Now a small overview of terms for you to become well acquainted with the story:
-There is no Chakra, there is Ki. It is essentially the same as Chakra and here it basically powers up both the Samurai and their Generals. Ki is found not only in people but animals, plants and large things like mountains, lakes, oceans and so on.
-Ashigaru is the term I'll be giving both Samurai and Daimyo hopefuls.
-Generals will be named Daimyo which is, I believe a title given to the warlords of the Japanese Sengoku period.
-A Shogun is basically the same as a Kage and rules over the Land's other Samurai and Daimyo along with the entire civilian population. Basically a dictatorship like the one found in the Tokugawa period of Japan's history.
-The world is that of Naruto, which basically is the Elemental Lands found in several maps of the Naruto verse. I use one I found to be made exceptionally well in deviantart, if you wish me to tell you which please PM me.
-The Samurai girls will use a varied assortment of weapons as just using Katanas is rather plain and boring in my opinion.
Now without further ado, here is Sengoku Maidens first chapter!
Chapter 1: Samurai and Daimyo
"Give him back…" said in a low voice a woman of messy long pink hair as she rose from her knees holding a Naginata in a bloodied fist that tightened its grip on the weapon making her knuckles go white.
"Give him back…" she repeated lifting a face smeared in dirt and tears with bloodshot eyes that observed a line of black armored men close the distance in perfect step and without showing any hesitation about their advance.
Letting a growl out the girl bared her clenched teeth as a faint dark red glow covered her entire figure and bringing back the Naginata she brought it forth in a wide arc as the edge of the weapon flared to life with a bright red light that at the swipe of the blade in front of the warriors made the light materialize and create a crescent of pure energy that clove the front ranks of warriors apart and as far as ten men behind them.
"Give him back!" wailed the girl as more warriors began their approach trampling over the remains of their comrades without a care and bringing their own armaments to bear.
The girl now brought the Naginata down and once more a crescent of bright red energy was shot forwards cleaving even more warriors apart while sending flying those not directly obliterated.
Sakura was moving again to attack when she gasped as two small hits struck her back and right shoulder.
Turning around angrily she saw two archers on the rooftop of an old house knocking fresh arrows on their bows and tensing them. The girl didn't let them and instead delivered another crescent of energy that obliterated them along with the whole edifice producing a thick cloud of dust.
The girl turned angrily in the dust looking for her enemies when a hand made her turn around to face a dirt smeared girl of platinum blonde hair who looked sad but above all scared over what was happening.
"S-Sakura?" asked the girl with a trembling voice as she let go of the girl whose expression didn't soften at all.
The blonde girl looked down and saw the prone body of a young blonde man with three arrows buried deep in his chest and a content smile on his face.
Looking back at the pink haired girl called Sakura, the girl said "S-Sakura…we must go!"
Sakura's eyes went wide and growling she brought her large weapon about and lifting it said "Give him back!"
The blonde girl's eyes closed as the weapon's shining edge came for her…
Days Before
"Can you see it yet?! Can you?!" excitedly asked a cheery long platinum haired girl sticking her head out the narrow window from a large moving wagon that rode on a long stretch of metal tracks passing through the area faster than most horses could.
"With you on top of me is rather difficult to see anything you pig!" growled a long pink haired girl as she finally managed to push back the platinum haired one back on her seat within the wagon which rocked occasionally.
"Sorry forehead but it's hard not to be excited you know?! I mean, so long dusty boring Konoha and hello bustling and modern Keishi!" excitedly said the blonde girl as she fidgeted on her seat with glee.
The pinkette sighed and said "You do know we aren't going to Keishi for some tourism and shopping Ino. So maybe you should focus a bit more on what we are actually going to be doing"
Ino pouted and replied "Of course I know Sakura, you seem to confuse me for the actual blonde idiot of Konoha. But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun on the side, we are going to be there for four years at the least you know?"
Softening her expression, Sakura sighed and said "Sorry Ino, Keishi does sound exciting but becoming a Samurai is important to me. I mean, you come from the Yamanaka who have produced Daimyo and Samurai for several generations. I am the first hopeful for the Haruno so if I make it, then my family's future will be secure"
Ino smiled softly for her friend who was dressed in red Kimono top with pink cherry blossoms stamped on the fabric. Her bottom was covered in tight fitting black pants that reached down to her knees with a white circle on the left thigh. Her feet were covered in high heeled black sandals.
Her soft smile then turned into a mischievous smirk and the girl said "But you do know what entails becoming a Samurai, don't you? Which means you must have a Daimyo in mind right?"
At that Sakura blinked and blushing she lowered her head in embarrassment while saying "Y-You too since you also want to become a Samurai!"
Ino giggled and said "Sure I do, and for that matter you too. Our Konoha's top hopeful Daimyo Sasuke Uchiha right?"
Sakura looked sideways sparing a glance to Ino who was dressed in a purple kimono top with gold flowers stamped on it which ended just below her breasts, exposing her toned belly. Her bottom was covered in a purple mini skirt which on her left side extended into a long one, with larger golden flowers stamped, effectively covering her entire left leg. Her feet, like Sakura's, were covered in high heeled black sandals.
"So our competition carries on…I wonder who he'll pick?" asked Ino knowing the young man occupied her friend's thoughts about becoming a Samurai.
"Anyway, you heard if someone else from Konoha is getting sent to Keishi?" asked Ino removing the rather uncomfortable issue of becoming a Samurai from their conversation.
"I heard Kiba and Shino are being sent. No wonder since their families have also produced Samurai and Daimyo in the past" answered Sakura becoming relaxed once again.
Ino nodded and added "Shikamaru and Chouji are being sent, their families legacy as well likely played a hand"
"Yeah, your family and that from those two have always fought together right?" asked Sakura.
"Yeah, daddy never stops talking about that. He can be so transparent sometimes when he clearly wishes me to become the Samurai of either of them. As if I would become a Samurai to a lazy rude bum or a walking bottomless pit!" said Ino with a bit more venom than she really intended.
"Someone else I am not remembering?" added Ino wanting to not think too much on her male "friends"
Sakura mused the question but just as she was about to answer she hesitated and then said "Nope…no one else"
Ino saw through her hesitation though and narrowing her eyes asked "What of you know who? The guy always asking for a date and whatnot?"
Sakura frowned in annoyance and replied "He…didn't made the cut. I saw the list of approved names when we received our acceptance scrolls and didn't saw his name on it. Also, he never even came to the War Field that day, so I guess he was informed earlier"
"And how did you noticed?" asked Ino seeing that Sakura was somehow conflicted over it.
"I expected the moron to come asking for a date or something, so I was on the lookout. Didn't want him to ruin the day with his usual antics" replied Sakura looking out the window resting her chin on her hand.
"Well, guess he really didn't have it in him after all. I mean, to have an orphan join the War Field in the first place was already an oddity. Guess he will turn a farmer or perhaps get a job somewhere in town, he could also join the military as a rank and file grunt" started to muse Ino considering the other paths of life beyond her dream as Sakura listened without much apparent interest.
"But I guess that suits him better, he will also get his head out of the clouds and get himself a decent life, then get married and whatnot. Just hope he doesn't end up becoming a wrongdoer" finished saying Ino while also looking out the window and noticing that Sakura was looking at her with nothing close to amusement.
"W-What?" asked Ino suddenly feeling a bit threatened.
Frowning at first and then relaxing, Sakura said "That moron won't end up becoming a criminal…"
Ino blinked in surprise and laughing awkwardly said "S-Sure he won't you need brains to be a criminal and get away with it!"
Wanting to change the focus of the conversation Ino chirped "Talking of drop outs! You remember that girl with the freaky eyes that dropped out a couple of years ago? The one who couldn't even start the fight with you when you let out your "Shanaroo" war cry?!"
Sakura blushed at the mention of her involuntary war cry and thinking on it managed to remember the meek pale girl she faced back when weapon training started when they were 12.
Sakura snorted and said "What of her?"
"Well her family is marrying her to the heir of a ship building company! Tough luck huh? Bet she wishes she had the courage to at least put up a fight. But not like she can complain, she is marrying into big money!" said Ino with an almost cruel smirk that Sakura shared for a second before feeling guilty over the boost in her confidence she felt back then. Still the path of the Samurai was not for the squeamish and someone who dropped her blade upon meeting the enemy wasn't going to survive long in it.
As they pondered on the past, the wagon suddenly shifted its inclination and throughout it the roar of a metallic beast made both girls jump slightly.
"Finally!" said Ino looking out the window to observe that the otherwise flat ground started to climb towards a massive rocky wall that dominated the entire observable horizon.
An Hour Later
The vehicle upon which the girls rode was called a train and behind the smoke belching engine it pulled a long line of wagons linked to one another. This machine made the last trek with effort as it climbed into the mouth of an ancient massive super volcano that now was extinct and in it nested the vast and ever growing city of Keishi.
Keishi was the modern capital of the Land of Fire and it was were the Samurai and Daimyo resided and were deployed from.
The train took about 30 minutes more to reach the city's grand station named after the Land of Fire's current Shogun, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and upon arrival the girls couldn't stop staring at everything in awe.
The station was bustling with more people than they had ever seen in their lives milling around each other and moving with purpose despite the great chaos revolving all around them. Travelers stared impatiently at the latest mechanical devices that allowed to measure the passage of time in an accurate manner. They were called clocks or watches and worked by cranking them up every now and then every time they stopped.
People were also strangely dressed here as the latest fashion was to wear more functional clothing instead of the traditional and more colorful apparels. Men in particular now wore rough cloth jackets, pants usually of the same color and materials, soft looking shirts with wooden buttons instead of laces, and soft leather sandals people called shoes or boots if they were large enough to envelop ones legs as well.
Women though still dressed quite colorfully and in similar attires to the ones they wore albeit less revealing. Still many now walked around in soft leather heeled sandals or shoes and also sported small or medium sized leather bags they carried with themselves and from which they procured money and other utilities usually carried in pouches, cloth sacks or pockets in the kimono sleeves.
Giving some measure of order to the chaos revolving around them were soldiers of the Land of Fire who wore the latest weaponry produced by the burgeoning industry.
Long gone were the traditional sets of armor made of tanned leather, wood and iron. They now wore rough cloth dark red jackets with brass buttons, pants of the same materials, and knee high soft leather boots. Their heads were capped with lusterless metallic helmets that resembled old helmets usually worn by Samurai and Daimyo in the oldest times with a bowl like top and a segmented "skirt" that protected the sides and the back of the head.
Their backs were covered by large soft dark brown leather backpacks from which several essentials protruded from. A shovel for trench digging work to the sticks of individual tents.
But their most distinctive sign were the long barreled firearms hanging straight from their shoulders. They were called muskets and though their rate of fire was somewhat slow, a single shot was enough to punch a man off his feet and pass through most personal armor sets by firing a single iron projectile. Also hanging from their belts one could see a short straight blade with a ring forged on the hilt.
An almost painfully loud whistle went through the station as the train finally came to a full stop and with that the girls struggled their way out of the wagon amidst the other passengers. More than one male attempted to cup a feel from them only to get their fingers and hands twisted away painfully…
As they descended they went to where workers were unloading the train's cargo and it didn't took them long to find their belonging which were medium sized light wood boxes wrapped in colorful fabrics mounted on a wooden harness. Some people looked at them with curiosity due to how unusual such a sight was becoming amidst the more convenient and flexible leather cases.
Nevertheless when a soldier walked with a long pole arm with the edge of it covered in a bright red leather scabbard and a set of bow and arrows the people took a step back making the girls feel somewhat embarrassed.
The soldier handed them over and bowing sharply returned to keep order around. The rest of the people observed them with mixed reactions. Some with curiosity, others with reverence while a few looked somewhat resentful.
The girls dismissed those looks but as they made their way to the exit a group of men with white arm bands surrounded them with angry stares. This in turn made the girls take a grip of their weapons while tensing up.
"Look! They mean to oppress us once again!" suddenly shouted a man making Sakura and Ino look puzzled while passersby turned around for a moment before most of them resumed their road.
"W-What do you want?!" said Sakura looking worried but ready to defend herself.
"Look at how the Samurai once more steps on the little man! How can it be that in this modern age we are still meant to serve these killing machines?!" roared the man making Sakura and Ino surprised with such a declaration.
But before either girl could speak again a loud commanding voice shouted "Alright, that's enough! You and your lot are all under arrest!"
Suddenly a group of soldiers appeared and wrestled down several of the men with white armbands while a few managed to scamper away. Their leader was dropped by a single punch to the gut by the meaty hand of a broad and tall bearded soldier with brass pins on his shoulders indicating a rank of import.
Having the protesters taken away the large man turned to the girls and taking a deep bow he said "My apologies little ladies, these scumbags won't bother you or anyone again under my watch"
Sakura and Ino nodded their thanks and it was the first who asked "Who were they?"
"Malcontents who resent the government, they think that the country's current ways no longer support the rule of the Shogun and his Samurai. Fools I say, we are great because of them!" replied the large soldier whose head barely fitted in his regular sized helmet.
"Are there many like them?" asked Ino feeling somewhat concerned.
The soldier shook his head and said "No my Lady, they are just a small group of miserable men who cast the blame on others for their own failings. They are known for gathering at Sake houses and opium dens where they can scream all they want to drunkards and languishing losers"
"They do gather around here though to seek out Samurai hopefuls like yourselves misses and harass them. I usually keep them away but they sneak in from everywhere" said the man with reverence for the girls.
"How did you know who we were?" asked Sakura curious as to how they figured them out from all the crowd.
The man blinked and chuckling said "Well, the old fashioned weapons are a dead giveaway while your beauty is a close second"
The girls blushed and eventually giggled as they bowed the man in return and continued their way out. Still, as they left they heard a large commotion where guard whistles sounded and a loud laughter made them have a vague feeling.
Still, the sight of the sprawling city before them made them forget quickly.
The city of Keishi filled almost the entire mouth of the vast ancient volcano and given the sights, it would soon occupy every available space and even the spill from it to the outer skirts of the elevation.
The buildings were a mishmash of different styles, where the older ones were mostly wooden and no taller than 3 floors, the newer ones were made of whitish bricks and reared up to five or six floors. The overall exterior designs were similar particularly at the rooftops.
Smoke, black and white, spilled from many chimneys across the city and the amount of people walking the streets was even bigger than inside the station.
Most people walked while several other rode on horses or small carriages. But the most intriguing sight was that from a small wagon without windows that advanced at a moderate speed through the main streets on metallic tracks that shone against the cobbled streets.
Looking ahead, the girls noticed the ancient walls the divided the city into districts and sitting at the center, they observed the imposing sight of the Palace/Castle of the Shogun the supreme ruler of the Land of Fire.
"Wow…it's a long way from here. Guess we can't walk over there" said Ino not used to such long distances having come from a smaller city where life was slower.
"Should we use one of those carriages?" suggested Sakura pointing to a sort of station where several carriages and their drivers waited reading newspapers, talking with each other or smoking.
Ino looked at the drivers and almost replied a sound "No!" but not seeing another way she nodded and tightening her grip on her belongings, walked with Sakura towards them.
Finally after speaking with the youngest driver and explaining them where they needed to go, Sakura and Ino were mounted on the carriage and already heading towards the Castle on the distance.
As they moved the driver told them about the many parts of the city they should pay a visit to and which parts best to avoid. In their case, the Red Light district was an absolute no go zone for them as women were forbidden from entering it.
Still there were plenty of other places the girls did took note to visit when possible like the public gardens, the baths and the national museums and memorials.
The driver explained them that the place where they were headed to was not exactly the Castle itself but the Academy within the Castle's district. He spoke of common knowledge city folk had of the place as they were forbidden from entering upon being executed.
The Castle District contained not only the official residence of the Shogun but also housed the War Hall and the Academy. Within the expansive district the students and the most important members of the country's leadership were given housings too. The driver mentioned that several of the Land's currently active Samurai-Daimyo couples lived within in their own Dojo's where they trained and "deepened" their bonds vigorously.
The last bit, which the driver said with a grin, made the girls blush and fantasize.
Moving further within the city, they observed numerous shops selling the latest in terms of tools, fashion and literature. Also numerous shops sold Samurai related merchandise like toy swords and illustrations of some of the Land's most notable ones, dead or alive.
The buildings closer to the Castle district started to change in aspect as they went from utilitarian ones to more elegant ones. Some were temples dedicated to the Will of Fire and others expansive states built by the rich and the powerful.
Ino managed to recognize some of the crests present around these buildings and pointed them to Sakura. One she claimed belonged to the family of the girl they talked about at the train and guessed that somewhere was the residence of the Uchiha family.
After admiring the upper class District, the carriage finally arrived to the imposing bronze gates at the walls that marked the limit from which the Castle district began in the city. Standing next to it were two large guards dressed in ceremonial armor but terrible looking weapons they seem quite capable of using. On their belts though they carried ornamented but functional firearms as to give them an edge with the current age modern weaponry.
The girls paid the driver who gave them a court bow and then retired rather quickly as the guards glared at him.
Approaching the gate the girls carried their belonging until at last the guard lifted their hands and as one asked "Who seeks entrance to the Castle District?"
Their loud voice made the girls flinch but swallowing both advance lifting their chins and looking as courageous as they could. Then also with some synchrony, both produce a scroll from within their garments and unrolled them before the guards.
"I, Ino Yamanaka, seek entrance to the Academy as is my earned right on the War Fields" said Ino remembering what the instructors taught them upon receiving their acceptance scrolls.
Sakura in turn said "I, Sakura Haruno, seek entrance to the Academy as is my earned right on the War Fields"
The guards nodded their acknowledgment and then each took a scroll and began to read them carefully taking their time.
Sakura guessed that such scrutiny with the scrolls was probably from candidates who had attempted to forge their own to enter the Academy. She guessed those attempts didn't end well for them as the scrolls seemed rather elaborate to the point of being called works of art.
After a while the guards lifted their eyes from the scrolls and somewhat softening their expressions, both bowed and once more as one said "We bid you welcome honorable ones! May your worth be made greater in service to our Land"
The girls finally let out their breaths which they didn't know they were holding and taking back the scrolls bowed back to the guards uncertain of how they should act in such a situation.
The guards seemed to appreciate the gesture and were about to turn when a loud young male's voice resounded "Wait for me!"
The guards immediately went for their weapons and stepping ahead of the girls adopted a defensive posture. The girls though seemed to have recognized the voice and sidestepping the guards observed the approaching figure with widening eyes.
The young man approaching had a bright blonde spiky mane, bright sapphire blue eyes, tanned healthy skin and a big mischievous grin framed by a set of whisker marks.
"No way!" exclaimed Ino as Sakura was muted with surprise.
The boy was dressed in a dirty bright orange jacket (Like a Karate outfit with short sleeves) black slightly worn loose pants and straw woven sandals. His hands and forearms were covered in worn dirty bandages and on his back an oversized green sack tied around his neck. With one hand he was holding on to the sack so that it wouldn't strangle him and with the other he carried a Spear which in truth was just an uneven wooden stick with a rusted iron flint for a tip blade.
The boy saw the posture of the guards and gasping a "Yikes!" skidded on the cobbled street and ended up falling and rolling until he was right in front of them. The guards quickly placed their blades next to his neck and growled.
"H-Hey guys! Guess I can't have a hand here?" asked Naruto trying to relax the guards who only seemed to get angrier.
"Naruto?" softly said Sakura making the young man remove his gaze from the guards and look at her. His eyes went wide and with a grin he squirmed away from the guards who couldn't move fast enough to catch him.
"Sakura-chan!" shouted the young man as he extended his arms to try and give the girl a big hug. But just as he was within reach, a straight fist to his face stopped him instantly.
Naruto dropped on his rear rubbing his nose before getting back on his feet with an unfazed grin on his face and a slight blush.
"It's great to see you…ack!" began to say Naruto when he was taken to the ground and his arm twisted in a painful position.
One of the guards turned to the girls and asked "Do you know this scumbag?!"
Sakura blinked but it was Ino who having overcome her surprise, replied "Huh…yeah we know him. He went with us to the War Field back in Konoha"
"He is a candidate then?!" asked the guard quite unable to believe that someone in such rags could be a candidate to join the Academy or even hope to become a Daimyo.
"No…he didn't receive a scroll of acceptance" commented Sakura without thinking making the guard deliver a kick to Naruto's side.
Coughing over the kick Naruto gasped "B-But I do have a scroll of acceptance!"
"WHAT?!" was the common response from both girls and the guards.
Naruto chuckled despite the pain on his side and said "In my jacket…"
The guard lifted him back to his feet and letting him go placed his blade next to his neck once more now fully aware of how fast the boy could move. The other stepped in front and slightly opening his jacket retrieved a crumpled scroll which made him frown at his poor treatment of such an important document.
The guard unrolled it then and started a very thorough examination of the document. The guard had to straighten several parts and even moved the scroll around and setting it against the light.
Sakura and Ino shared a look knowing the guards hadn't been this careful with their scrolls and couldn't help but feel a bit bad for Naruto. Nevertheless they couldn't believe Naruto would go so far as to try to forge such a document since it could cost him his head.
"I don't believe it…" whispered the guard to himself before taking air and say "The scroll is real…he is a candidate"
The guard watching over Naruto had his eyes go wide and reluctantly he sheathed his blade before walking to stand next to his partner.
The guard with the scroll returned it to Naruto and said "Next time walk kid…And keep these documents in better shape!"
Naruto dusted himself and taking the scroll resisted the urge to give them a piece of his mind over his rude treatment. But casting his gaze in Sakura's direction was enough to dispel his anger and once more the boy began to smile and blush slightly.
"Hey there Sakura-chan! Glad to see me?!" asked Naruto scratching the back of his head while grinning.
Sakura though was frowning and like a lightning took hold of his ear and bringing him close to her she whispered hurriedly "What are you doing here?! Did you stole that scroll from someone?! You can get executed!"
Naruto though chuckled and managing to pry his ear away from Sakura's iron grip replied "I am here to try and become a Daimyo you know? And no, I didn't stole the scroll! It even has my name and all!"
Naruto then handed over his scroll to Sakura who opened it alongside a curious Ino and both were quite surprised to see his name neatly written on it with no signs of overwriting or erasures.
"But…you didn't get your scroll at the War Field. Your name wasn't on the list" commented Sakura quite confused.
Naruto chuckled once more and said "Yeah! A guy though later showed up at my shack later on the day and handed it over. He said there had been shortage of scroll paper and mine had to be done later on! So they sent him to deliver it to me"
At that reply both girls' jaws slackened and it took them a couple of second to process what the blonde numbskull just said.
Sakura was the first who exploded saying "Are you out of your freaking mind?! Who takes things from complete strangers in this day and age?! He could have given you a forgery you know?!"
"That's right you moron! You could have been beheaded right here! How could you trust something given to you in such a shady manner?!" added Ino always an enemy of such foolishness no matter the source.
Naruto considered it for a moment and after shuddering for a second, smiled again and laughing said "Heh, guess my lucky star didn't left me then!"
"A-And how did you get here?" asked Sakura still trying to get her head around his mystery.
"By train, this place is really far you know?" said Naruto in a tone that made Sakura slightly mad over the implied notion of her being silly.
"We didn't see you on the train and we rode economic" commented Ino quite certain she would have noticed someone dressed so scandalously.
Naruto blushed and laughing said "Well…I kind of couldn't afford the ticket so I hopped on top of the train when it was leaving and rode on it all the way here"
For a second Sakura felt like punching him again but thinking on his humble condition she guessed she couldn't blame him that much. Still she delivered a "soft" punch to his arm and said "That's illegal and very dangerous too. Don't do that again you dummy"
Naruto though blushed and grinning said "Wow Sakura-chan! I didn't know you worried so much about me"
Blushing Sakura drew her fist back making Ino dodge and Naruto get scared. But when she was about to deliver her fury a guard moved distracting her
"Still, his scroll is authentic my ladies" intruded one of the guards as the other opened a concealed separate door which the young ones understood to be their way into the district as the main gates wouldn't part for a couple of aspirants.
Naruto and the girls then took their things and made for the door as the guard said "Enter and then follow the causeway to the Eastern block. That's where the Academy is located within the District. You are fortunate as today is the welcoming ceremony for the new generation of aspirants. They'll be gathering at the Founder's plaza beneath the shadow of our greatest heroes"
Sakura and Ino nodded their gratitude while Naruto made a quick rude gesture at them before following after the girls with his oversized luggage.
"The academy sure is lowering its standards these days" commented one of the guards in annoyance as he closed the door and returned to his post.
Moments Later
Once inside the Castle District, the younglings took a moment to bask in the glory of their nation.
The Shogun's Castle/Palace was by far the biggest building any of them had ever seen in their lives with over 10 large floors tall. And the adjacent complexes around it were no less impressive if only shorter in stature.
Many statues lined the causeway to the Castle and it didn't took much to guess who they were. They were the fallen Samurai and Daimyo of the Land of Fire who had fought in some of the most bloody and incredible battles.
On one side of the rode stood the male Daimyo clad in armor and on the other stood the female Samurai clad in armor as well and holding her weapon of choice.
At the end of the causeway stood an ever burning pyre and above it a large arch from where a white flag with a red flame danced against the wind.
Sakura and Ino bowed to pay their respects…Sakura though had to elbow Naruto in his gut to make him bow.
Afterwards, the trio followed the guard's instructions and headed towards the Academy grounds where they would carry on with the welcoming ceremony.
It didn't took them long to reach the Founders' Plaza and it was there that they realized the origin of the name. For on one side of it stood two giant red jade statues. One of a handsome but affable looking man and the other of a stern but beautiful woman.
"Wow! Who are they?!" asked Naruto as he stood in awe before the statues.
"You dummy. Those are Lord Hashirama Senju and Lady Mito the War Dancer" answered Sakura pushing Naruto.
"Who?" asked Naruto a bit embarrassed as he just couldn't remove his eyes from the statues.
"I can't believe they gave you a scroll…Lord Hashirama and Lady Mito are for all intents and purposes, the founders of the Land of Fire as a unified country. He is the first Shogun and she is the greatest Samurai that has ever lived or ever will!" answered Ino this time helping Sakura push him towards where they could see people was already gathering.
As they approached the trio's faces lit up upon recognition of several of the faces present.
An ill-humored boy with black hair tied up in a short spiky pony tail with sharp eyes and dressed in black and grey with a short light grey jacket with a deer's head stamped on its back was identified by Ino as Shikamaru Nara. He had a whip coiled about his waist.
Next to him dressed in grey and red stood a broad young man with spiky brown hair and an affable demeanor. He was munching at a bag of chips, a new culinary sensation spreading through the country. He too was identified by Ino as Chouji Akimichi. He had a wooden octagonal pole with its tips cased in steel jackets.
Next to the pair was another. One was a messy looking young man with red fang tattoos on his face dressed in black and grey with a tanned leather jacket with steel claw gauntlets hanging from his belt. The other was a tall pale skinned man dressed in black and wearing a dark green overcoat that even had a hoody while his eyes were covered by blacked glasses called shades which were becoming a hit among men wanting to adopt a "mysterious" look. He had a set of throwing knives attached on his pants.
They were named Kiba Inuzuka and the other was Shino Aburame.
What they all had in common was that they were the scions of noble families that at one point of another have had Daimyo and Samurai in their ranks and so the potential for more put them aside from many other candidates.
The girls though didn't recognize anyone among the other present female candidates and as such simply sighed and went to join them as Naruto, now oblivious to them rushed excitedly to where the guys stood.
"Hey guys! You made it too?!" loudly said Naruto with a big grin making the other standing there take a few moments to recognize the young man in front.
"What the hell is the dead last doing here?!" said Kiba with a feral grin that was meant to shame the newcomer. But to his chagrin, Naruto didn't paid him more than a passing glance.
"That's a good question…" chimed Shino only be equally ignored by Naruto making go into a stoic but unnoticeable depression.
"What are you doing here Naruto?" asked Chouji with genuine surprise although a bit embarrassed to make the question since not even he imagined Naruto would be there that day.
"Does it matter, just another troublesome person" said Shikamaru with a yawn but keeping his sharp eyes on Naruto nonetheless.
Naruto grinned further, oblivious to the derision, and putting his hand in his jacket produced his scroll of acceptance and displayed it for everyone to see.
"No way! You forged that didn't you?!" asked Kiba sounding a bit angry since he remembered how much effort he had to put into being accepted while Naruto was dead last and unable to get most of the basics right.
"Not possible Kiba. The guards are highly trained to distinguish forgeries from the real thing. Naruto has been truly accepted though how or why is quite a mystery I admit" added Shino placing a hand on his peer.
"Hey! They just ran out of scroll paper! Of course they would accept me!" said Naruto while pouting.
Kiba and Chouji started snickering as Shino was about to reply but Naruto beat him to it by cocking his head and asking "Who are you by the way?"
At that Kiba cracked up along with Chouji while Shikamaru turned away to conceal his smile as Shino seemed to tremble slightly before taking a hold of Naruto's shirt and say "I am Shino Aburame! Shino Aburame! I have been attending the War Field with you since we were 5!"
Noticing he was losing his cool, Shino let go of a freaked out Naruto and coughing said "Do try to remember people's names Naruto. It's rude otherwise…"
"The true wonder is how any of you louts made it here…" said a young male voice with an annoyed tone laced with arrogance bred from confidence.
At that barb the young men turned to meet their interlocutor but they already knew who it was.
The young man that walked up to them was of pale white skin, black hair combed in a slightly spiky manner and sported two black sharp and penetrating eyes. He was dressed in a pristine white shirt, a deep blue jacket (Samurai Style) with a crest in the form of a war fan of white and red. His lower body was covered in dark grey loose pants and his legs encased in black lusterless soft leather boots.
On his belt a straight one edged blade hung from a deep blue scabbard of great quality.
"Sasuke Uchiha…as pleasant as always" muttered Shino making Kiba nod briskly.
"Still with that attitude duck ass hair?!" mocked Naruto making the young noble looking man miss a step and round on Naruto with ire and no little embarrassment as other candidates snickered at the rather accurate remark on his hair style.
Sasuke calmed down quickly and looking down on Naruto said "The Academy is soiled with the likes of you being here…still I am surprised you were accepted here. Their standards must be getting lower or someone made a mistake"
Naruto bristled at that but a heavy hand of Chouji stopped him from advancing on Sasuke.
Sasuke smirked and added "Perhaps you are a charity case as to encourage others to try harder. If they take a drag like yourself, then anyone has a shot"
Growling, Naruto shook Chouji's hand and charged Sasuke but the young male had been expecting that and didn't took him any effort to take Naruto's fist and throw him over his shoulder. But Naruto's hand managed to get a hold of Sasuke's jacket and as he was being thrown, he pulled the jacket over Sasuke's head and bringing him to his knees using his weight.
At that Shino and Chouji finally stepped in as the two were about to start a brawl.
From a distance Sakura and Ino sighed as they saw the boy's interactions play.
"They haven't changed one bit" complained Sakura a bit embarrassed over seeing Sasuke humiliated in such a strange manner.
"Well, Naruto has an entire book of flaws but being a coward isn't one. Going up against a noble of Sasuke's caliber is quite daring if absolutely foolish. Then again he may not be brave but just really dumb" commented Ino sharing in Sakura's embarrassment.
"I don't recognize any of the girls here…" eventually said Sakura as the boys settled down.
"Well that comes as no surprise. Daddy says that the number of people that actually makes it to Samurai or Daimyo has been diminishing since the country's unification and though the country actively trains candidates the number remains very low" replied Ino also looking for a familiar face among the female elements of the gathering.
"They say that only about seven girls in every hundred candidates become Samurai for the Land of Fire…And that's the highest number among the Elemental Nations" added Sakura having read on the subject extensively.
Ino nodded and then chimed "Now that I think about it, last year a girl from Konoha was actually accepted at the Academy. She is the daughter of a blacksmith working for one of town's most notable clans"
Sakura seemed to still not know who her friend was speaking about but as she was about to ask further a set of Sea Shells blew a high note drawing the assembled candidates attention towards the direction of the Academy's gates which were being parted to let a procession of people stream from.
At the head stood a middle aged man of long white spiky hair tied in a long pony tail. His face may have been brusquely handsome at some point and his eyes though amenable were sharp. He wore a green and red attire that resembled a Kabuki actor for some reason with wooden sandals.
Next to him the visage was very different. A woman of light blonde hair tied up in twin tails with jade ornaments on them. Her face was beautiful beyond compare with honey colored eyes, but her expression was a mix of impatience and sadness that made her look somewhat like a statue.
She was of a very feminine complexion with very large breasts and ample hips contained in a light green kimono with nature inspired stamping in viridian.
Behind each came a long line of escorts dressed in varying outfits. Some seemed like civil servants while others looked like combat instructors. All though looked slightly imposing and the candidates soon imagined they would be their instructors at the Academy.
The procession came to a stop and the now silent candidates bowed in respect…except for Naruto who knew nothing of the recent arrivals.
"What are you doing you moron?!" wondered Sakura when she spied on the boys and noticed the blonde boy not even having the sense to imitate his peers.
Ino giggled softly and whispered "He is more likely to get beheaded than being expelled at this rate"
The two leading figures of the procession surveyed the bowing candidates until they noticed the still standing and confused looking Naruto.
"That's one moron for you" softly muttered the woman making the man next to her chuckle.
"Is that how you pay your respects to your superiors? Asked the white haired man with a smirk making Naruto angry at his expression.
"Perhaps if knew who you are" replied Naruto making everyone around flinch over his suicidal idiocy.
The man though far from looking upset seemed amused and raising an eyebrow said "Well I would happen to be Jiraiya the Land of Fire's Chief of Staff and Co-Director of this Academy"
Pointing with his thumb at the woman besides him, Jiraiya added "And this hottie here happens to be Princess Tsunade Senju the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju and Mito the War Dancer. She also goes by the name of War Princess and is a hero of the country"
At that Naruto seemed to tremble and blushing reluctantly bowed.
"That's better kid" said a smug looking Jiraiya when a sudden killing aura filled the area.
"Who's a hottie you moron?! And what kind of introduction is that?!" asked Tsunade taking an iron grip on Jiraiya's hand and twisting it easily into a submission hold.
"I didn't say anything untrue!" said Jiraiya in his defense making everyone around wonder if the place infected people with suicidal idiocy.
Tsunade twisted further but noticing the strained atmosphere she let him go and coughing began "I welcome you all hopefuls of the Land of Fire to Keishi and to this Grand Academy. As my colleague here said, I am Tsunade Senju and I am THE Director of this facility"
After that she fell silent and after taking a moment to observed the still bowing candidates she added "Rise up young ones, you have earned your spot here"
With that the candidates stood up. Naruto even pushing his chest proudly although he was still blushing in embarrassment.
Looking at their faces Tsunade seemed somewhat disappointed and continued "Many if not all of you have come here with a simple goal. To become Daimyo or Samurai of the Land of Fire but for now you are nothing but lowly Ashigaru"
At the mention of the Land's finest the candidates faces lit up in excitement making the woman smirk a bit cruelly.
"You may dim your hopes now young ones for perhaps, this generation alone may only yield single one of each if any at all" said Tsunade making the candidates look deflated but to their credit not entirely daunted.
"That's better…" thought Tsunade.
"This Academy's goal is not only to produce Daimyo and Samurai. But to produce leaders for the Land of Fire" added the Princess and before the candidates could respond she continued "This Academy will make of you the Land's elite. You'll be our industry leaders, our talented officials and our Generals and Rulers"
"Rest assured that your presence here already has a bright future assured for each and every one of you should you succeed to graduate. So simply be earnest and hardworking, no more is asked from you" finished saying Tsunade surprising the candidate on how sparse she was on their main interest to join the Academy.
With that Tsunade and a recovered Jiraiya seemed to make back for the building until they stopped in mid step.
Turning around with a cruel smirk Tsunade said "Oh yes, there is though a simple you should observe over all others here and best it comes from my lips"
"I love this moment" chuckled Jiraiya as a large banner began to unfurl from the main building with "NO LOVE" written in capital letters.
"Romantic relationships of any kind are forbidden on this institution" said Tsunade obviously taking pleasure in the shocked faces of the candidates.
With that Jiraiya and Tsunade departed giggling like accomplices as some of the instructors stayed behind to give the students directions and final instructions…
Days Later
After the shocking first day at the Grand Academy of Keishi, the candidates got a true measure both the city and place that would be their home for the next four years.
The city of Keishi located in the crater of an ancient huge but extinct volcano was divided in large Districts.
The Commercial District which was the largest of the city boasting shops, restaurants, parks, museums, theaters and all the entertainment the city could provide next to the businesses central operations of many companies that were actively changing the face of the Land.
The Residential District was the main housing area of the city where most of the population dwelled in. It had smaller parks, youth recreation centers and expansive housing for the tens of thousands that called the city their home.
The Industrial District was where the heavy industry of the country was based and where it's most recent technological marvels were born and introduced to the Land of Fire and in many occasions to the world itself.
The Lower Government District was were the day to day activities of the Land of Fire were dealt with. Mostly a bureaucratic nightmare of buildings where one needed to attend to register children, open a business, get permits or seek justice at court.
Finally the Palace District located at the center had the Grand Academy next to it. This District housed the Land of Fire's Shogun's palace where the supreme ruler of the Land governed the country and dispatched its absolute orders. The Academy was in fact an extension of the Palatial complex and within amidst the buildings a smaller replica of the things found outside could be found.
The reason for this was to keep a close eye on the youth that would carry the future of the country someday and avoid harmful interference from interested parties.
Sakura and Ino, also noticed that instructors didn't mention the Red Light District the driver did. They guessed that such a place was not befitting the youth of the Academy but also suspected that sooner or later the guys would find out…
One thing they found odd though was that so far their education wasn't focused on them becoming Daimyo or Samurai as much as it was in making them elite students and learn about the latest trends in the Land of Fire and neighboring countries.
The girls noticed that Naruto was genuinely struggling to keep up. They couldn't help but sympathize with him a bit seeing the strain on his face to understand the concepts of the lectures.
Eventually as the week carried on, they finally got the instructors they were hoping for.
One was a silver haired man wearing a mask covering his nose and mouse with an eye patch over his left eye. He introduced himself as Kakashi Hatake and usually walked around in regular modern grey military fatigues despite the usual color being red. He wore black leather boots and had his hands covered in fingerless gloves with metal plates on the back of the hand.
He was particularly incisive with Naruto while bringing down Sasuke's pride when pointing his lack of knowledge on certain areas. The girls couldn't stand him for this and the fact that he openly read erotic literature in front of them didn't help.
The other instructor was a female and her name was Anko Mitarashi. A woman of purplish hair, light brown eyes and generous female proportions she flaunted with a fishnet shirt that covered nothing and depended on a large tan overcoat for modesty. She also wore a very short dark orange miniskirt and her legs were encased in a set of not very feminine leather boots.
"Alright you brats! The moment you were waiting for has finally come!" excitedly declared Anko making the whole class go silent.
But when the silence became somewhat awkward Kakashi looked up from his book and said "I think they don't know what you are talking about…just saying"
Anko blushed and giving Kakashi a dirty glance said "Perverted jerk…anyway, you lot all dream of becoming Daimyo and Samurai, well the instruction for that will begin in earnest this week at the Killing Grounds!"
At such an ominous name the students didn't cheered as Anko expected so sighing Kakashi said "The Killing Grounds are basically a combat field were you'll be pitted against an opposing enemy force. You all have been trained at your cities' War Fields in weapons combat but we need to not only see your proficiency but also your strategic skills in combat. Consider it a measuring test…"
That explanation made Anko blush once again in embarrassment and the class sigh in relief and actually start chattering more excitedly.
"Finally I'll be able to show what I am made from!" said Naruto a bit louder than he should drawing snickering from around and some dirty glances from others. Partly due to his cockiness and partly for his garments.
Sakura had noticed that Naruto had a tendency to wear the same clothes constantly and whatever fresh garments he wore, looked worn and had several stitches and patches on them. She had always known he was poor but this brought a new light to the term.
Her musings stopped when Anko summersaulted in the air and landed on Naruto's desk. She then squatted in front of Naruto and said "Oh, aren't you a confident one? Uzumaki correct? I saw your grades and I have to say that you being here is nothing short of a miracle and by miracle I mean someone making a big mistake during grading"
Naruto flushed in anger at the remark and Anko seemed to make for a challenging uplifting comment. But as her legs parted a bit drawing Naruto's attention the boy's face became scarlet red.
Anko looked down and blushing a bit she stuck her tongue out and said "Opps, forgot to wear any!"
At that Sakura fumed for some reason while the rest of the class exploded into laughter as the embarrassed teacher made her way back to the front of the class trying her best to look shameless but failing a bit.
Kakashi made a comment about "Who's the pervert again?" causing Anko to trip his chair and make him fall on his back.
After Classes
"Well, finally they'll teach us something useful" said Ino as she and Sakura went about their lunch at one of the Academy's gardens after picking up their meals at the food court.
"Considering that so few actually become Daimyo and Samurai every generation, it's no surprise they put a greater focus on other areas" said Sakura biting down on her rice ball.
"Yeah, but they always say that the country's security rests on the shoulders of its Daimyo and Samurai and the leadership of the Shogun. One would think that they would put more emphasis on raising them to the highest number possible" countered Ino as she ate some egg rolls.
Sakura mused this last point and replied "Well, maybe they do know more about it than they give. I mean, there isn't much that we actually know about them in the first place. Invincible warriors must have a way of becoming so"
Ino finished her lunch and said "Well, you are right I guess…but what's with that stupid rule of no romance?! I mean the Daimyo – Samurai couples are known for becoming long lasting marriages and make for some of the country's top romance stories"
"That is a mystery indeed…" agreed Sakura as she also finished her lunch and leaned back on the grass using her arms to stay seated.
Ino observed Sakura for a moment and suddenly said "Want to take a look at the Killing Fields?"
Sakura blinked in confusion and asked "What?"
"I was thinking that we could get an edge if we went and took a look at the place and see what it has in store for us. That way we could get ahead of the other girls and catch Sasuke's eye early on" said Ino with a playful smile and cunning eyes.
Sakura blinked and blushed a little at the mention of the Uchiha youth.
Shaking her head Sakura replied "But wouldn't it be dangerous? I mean, it's named Killing Field for a reason. And besides, I am pretty certain they won't allow us to get near it"
Ino huffed and said "We will only take a peek forehead! Just to see what kind of place it is and what we can expect. That way we can show off a little! Remember that the role of the Daimyo is to lead so he will want the best Samurai under his command"
Sakura felt uneasy about the proposal but had to grant that it was quite clever. Very few Samurai and Daimyo became so every generation and for that to happen, candidates must first form bonds of teamwork between them.
"Alright…when?" finally agreed Sakura still not looking very convinced of Ino's idea.
"Tonight! I found out from the staff where the place is. We will bring our weapons just in case. And if by chance we run into an instructor we can say we went out for some late training to blow some steam and get ahead" said Ino clapping her hands happy that Sakura would follow along.
At Night
Sakura and Ino slipped away from the dormitories which to their surprise were loosely guarded though a curfew was in effect for them. They reasoned that no girl would risk getting herself in trouble and ruin her chances at the Academy.
Both carried their weapons closely and moving through alleyways both girls made their way in the general direction Ino have found out the Killing Fields were located. Ino had guessed that the place was some sort of special area and that it would be easy to identify but after a while of looking, there was no sign of anything special.
"We are lost" finally said Sakura looking frustrated and little angry at her friend who was peering into now empty streets in one direction and the other.
"We aren't!...But we should be able to see something by now" replied Ino wondering where exactly they were. Having moved through backstreets threw her sense of direction despite having headed in the direction she was informed.
"I think they misled you on purpose" chimed Sakura making Ino grind her teeth and bite her lip to not reply with an insult.
Ino sighed and looking again for a sign of anything special she noticed something else.
"Hey…don't you think it's too quiet here?" said Ino looking at the fences of homes and the long empty streets.
"It's the middle of the night and there is a curfew for candidates, what did you expect?" asked Sakura leaning on her Naginata.
"No…I mean, there should be guards doing their rounds and some lights from some windows. But only the lamp posts are on" said Ino adjusting her quiver's position on her hip for an easy reach of her arrows.
Sakura then looked around and quickly noticed what Ino did and bringing her Naginata said "Maybe we should get out of here. I don't think we should be around this part of the District in any case"
Ino nodded but right before she could say a word the sound of rushing footsteps drew their attention to the street right behind them which was poorly lit.
Instinctively Ino knocked an arrow on her bow while Sakura adopted a guarded stance. Both knew that they should be safe in such a District but being out during curfew could make them pass as intruders and be attacked. Being able to defend themselves to avoid injury was a lesson well drilled into them back on the War Field.
The footsteps increased their pace making both girls ready themselves and swallow.
"Sakura-chan!" said a voice from the darkness making Ino loose her string in surprise and shoot straight at the source of the voice within the darkness.
Sakura blinked in surprise and said "Naruto?!"
From the darkness came Naruto looking a bit pale with his "spear" split in two after apparently the arrow struck it dead center. And being just a stick with a rusted iron flint on the tip it didn't withstood the arrow's force and superior quality.
"Dang it Ino! Who shoots arrows at people these days?! I know you don't like me but I don't think I deserve being shot at!" complained Naruto looking at the split halves of his only weapon and grimacing of how to get a replacement.
Ino was dumbfounded but blushed quickly enough over jumping at shadows and reacting scared like that. Such behavior wasn't fitting a true Samurai after all…
"Naruto!" barked Sakura bonking the boy on his head and followed "What the hell?! That was very dangerous!"
Naruto rubbed his head and replied "Sorry Sakura-chan, didn't mean to startle you"
Sakura huffed but said nothing and seeing that Ino looked both relieved and embarrassed she closed her eyes and said "I think we better leave, we never got to the Killing Fields and we'll get into a lot of trouble if we get caught like this"
This seemed to bring Ino out from her shock and blinking she looked at Naruto and asked "What are you doing here?"
Naruto blushed and scratching the back of his head replied "Well, I was out for a late snack from the kitchens when I saw you two scurrying about. I followed you then and here we are"
Sakura narrowed her eyes and pointed "And you did that with your "spear" in hand?"
At that Naruto looked briefly ashamed and said "Force of habit to carry this along…"
The boy looked at the remains of his "spear" and sighing added "Guess I'll need a new one…"
Ino flinched and smiling guiltily said "Guess I'll have to buy you a new proper one…"
Naruto brightened up at that and said "Really?! Wow thanks!"
Ino blushed embarrassed while Sakura frowned slightly a bit angry at Naruto for not showing a bit more of pride over having a girl buying him stuff.
Just as she was about to scold them the sound of new footsteps made them go silent and look for the source which was straight ahead of them.
Ahead the light of a lamp post revealed a tall male figure clad in completely black classical armor and holding to a long Spear not seen since before the coming of widespread use of gunpowder.
At that the three teens panicked and Ino was quick to say "H-Hi sir! Good evening! I know we should be out so late but we were training until late and lost track of time!"
"Y-Yeah! These two can keep me going for hours!" added Naruto making Ino and Sakura blush intensely over the alternate interpretation those words could have.
Sakura slapped him over the head and looking at the armored man said "Don't listen to this jackass! We were already on our way but got a bit lost. You see, we are new arrivals"
The armored man stopped and then adopted a guarded stance with his Spear while approaching them at a slow pace.
Naruto stood between the man and the girls holding his split spear as a couple of batons now and said "Woah dude, calm down will you? I don't think going late to bed deserved getting all aggressive!"
The man seemed unfazed and instead kept advancing until it was within striking distance from Naruto who didn't back down. At this the man made a very telegraphed thrust that was parried not by Naruto but by Sakura who pulled Naruto back in the same motion.
The armored man recovered its stance and once again thrust only to be parried easily again by Sakura who warned "Stand down! We don't want to fight!"
By this point Ino had knocked another arrow and was aiming for the man's shoulder as Sakura kept her distance with the Naginata held in front of her. The man seemed undeterred despite being in an obvious disadvantage of numbers and skill.
The guard's unfazed attitude and the teens unwillingness to fight made them retreat slowly which allowed them to better observe their opponent and to their surprise the man's face under the helmet was completely white like a doll's and it's eyes were not existent.
At such unnatural trait Sakura finally had enough and parrying the simple thrust this time she brought the blade of her Naginata back slicing the armored man's exposed throat effectively beheading it.
Ino faltered as the head of the man dropped but sighed in relief when upon touching the ground it broke into shards that became dust instantly.
"Sakura-chan?" said Naruto seeing that Sakura was a bit shaken over actually beheading something that looked like a man in so many aspects.
The pink haired girl blinked and breathed as she said "What…What the hell was that?"
Ino collected her bearings and said "Don't know but I don't want to remain here to find out…"
This made both Naruto and Sakura nod and the three started walking back on their tracks but the barely lit streets made them weary when more slow footsteps started to sound from several directions.
As they ran, from adjacent streets more such black armored men started to appear armed now not only with spears but with blades as well. In some points there were so many that they were forced to make turns they didn't want to.
Eventually the pressure mounted and Sakura stepped up to smite them since they were inferior warriors that crumbled easily under her powerful attacks. But despite her obvious superiority, the enemies kept coming and increasingly in greater numbers and with a wider assortment of weapons. Thankfully, they were still classical weapons and not firearms.
As they turned on yet another identical street this time Ino barked "Get down!" as she heard the peculiar whistle of arrows on the flight. Naruto and Sakura obeyed and right where they were three arrows struck the wall next to them.
Ino then loosed an arrow of her own striking a standing archer on a roof top who was mechanically preparing to shoot again.
"Now archers?! What the hell?!" complained Sakura as she panted lightly over the effort of fighting and running.
"Watch out Sakura-chan!" shouted Naruto as he threw the tipped half of his spear into the face of a blade warrior that came from the portal of the house they were next to.
At that the trio started running once again but Naruto didn't manage to get back his tipped half and just kept the other end as a club. Sakura told him to stay on tow as he was poorly armed and the press of enemies didn't allow them to pick up other weapons.
As they ran and stopped to fight, Sakura would fend off approaching enemies to clear a path or put more distance while Ino scanned the rooftops and shot down any archers.
"I am running out of arrows!" warned Ino as she felt the lighter weight of her quiver next to her hip. Sakura just nodded as her breath was coming more labored, only Naruto remained somewhat rested as he was the one trying to get them out of there. But for some reason, even though he was well oriented he couldn't manage to work a way out there as the enemies cut off paths and the streets were maze like identical in general outlay.
"We'll be in trouble if I can't shoot at the archers…" warned Ino as she loosed another arrow at a standing archer who thankfully pulled another with it as it dropped neutralized.
Sakura nodded and turned to Naruto "Any way out yet? Otherwise we may have to get into one of the houses for shelter…but we will be trapped and surrounded and my weapon isn't for closed environments"
Naruto nodded a bit nervously and replied "I-I can't find a way out Sakura-chan…it's like we are being herded and this place just gets me lost. Also, there are few stars up there to even work as a guide…"
"I am sorry Sakura…Naruto. I brought you out here over a stupid reason…" said Ino looking quite guilty.
Naruto chuckled and said "No worries, I am always getting in trouble so this is no biggie for me!"
Sakura was indeed a bit angry at Ino but seeing her like that made her put a hand on Ino's shoulder and say "Hey…I came along right? So I am just as dumb and to be honest I wanted the same as you. If anything you were the bolder of us"
Ino teared up but Naruto pushed her and Sakura apart as the whistling of arrows alerted them again to an attack. Ino quickly rounded on the archers and quickly dispatched them leaving just three more arrows in her quiver.
"Quickly, less talk and more running!" Ino barked ready to move again but upon turning to check on her companions her eyes went wide with shock as Sakura had let her Naginata drop to the ground as she held Naruto upright with her arms. The boy had three arrows buried deep in his chest and his eyes were just as shocked as hers.
For a moment that stretched for hours for them, they remained still as more enemies turned the corner and began to close on them.
Then Sakura's knees finally buckled and she dropped to them still cradling Naruto's body that came to rest on her lap with his face twisting in pain as his arms trembled.
Ino couldn't believe the scene before her but knowing they were in danger she threw her bow and Sakura's Naginata through the opened gate of a fence around a large house and turning to Sakura she said "Get him to cover! These guys doesn't seem that smart so a fence might keep them busy as they try to find a way in!"
Sakura just nodded looking dumbstruck and helped by Ino dragged Naruto's body through the fence gate and quickly closed it and barred it with a log standing next to it.
Once inside it didn't took long for the armored men to start battering at the gates, but they seemed to hold strong for the moment which allowed the girls to see to the stricken Naruto.
Sakura's first instinct was to reach for the arrows but Ino's swift hand stopped her while saying "Don't! Pull them out and you risk making him bleed faster!"
"T-Then what do we do?! Replied Sakura with a trembling quickly panicking voice.
"G-Get out of here…" said Naruto looking tired and pale.
"What are you saying you idiot?! We need to get you some help…" said Sakura with wide eyes that went from his face to the three black arrows piercing his chest.
Naruto chuckled very lightly and replied "I-I don't think it will do me much good…But I can buy you a few seconds…Use the yards of these houses to avoid those creeps and keep going as far as you can…Heh heh, should have done that before huh?"
Sakura was about to bonk him out of instinct but her hand simply dropped on his forehead softly and she used it to clear the hair from his dulling eyes.
At that moment the battering on the door became harder and the sound of creaking wood warned that it wouldn't be long before they broke through.
"Sakura…" whispered Ino placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder which the pink hair shrugged off.
"No! We can't! We can't leave this idiot here! He'll get scolded with us and you still need to buy him a new spear!" said Sakura as her voice started to whimper.
Naruto looked up and giving Ino a knowing look, he then stared at Sakura and smiling said "You'll think I am terrible but even like this you still look really pretty Sakura-chan…"
That made Sakura's tears sprout from her eyes and drop on Naruto's face.
"Say Sakura-chan…Before you go, can I ask you for something?" asked Naruto still smiling.
Sakura was unable to speak and simply nodded.
"Would you mind giving me my first kiss? I know I am not the one you would like to kiss but then again, I don't think I'll be able to earn it fairly later…" said Naruto barely in a whisper.
At this, even Ino's tears rolled down her eyes as Sakura blushed amidst tears but closing her eyes she nodded and placing Naruto's head gently on the grass of the yard she hovered above him carefully as to not disturb the arrows.
She gulped and wiping the tears from her face leaned until her lips were less than a finger away from Naruto's slightly parted ones.
Hesitating a bit she said "I am sorry Naruto…"
Naruto chuckled and said "I love you Sakura"
Naruto managed to lift his head and met Sakura's lips midway almost laughing in it but knowing that his time was short simply deepened the kiss as best as he could and to his joy Sakura replied in kind awkwardly at first but eventually they found each other's perfect position and shared in that intimate moment.
Sakura closed her eyes and all she could think of was of how many times Naruto had encouraged her as they grew and how he was the only guy in Konoha to ever say she was pretty and the most amazing girl in the world. She always thought him annoying and getting in her way, but the truth simply shattered her heart further.
Ino turned her face away and instead focused on the gate which started to crack under the constant battering from the armored men.
"Sakura…" said Ino thinking they should be moving soon but her next words died in her throat when she saw what was happening, for before her eyes something unlike anything she has ever witnessed was taking place.
Sakura and Naruto were still locked in their farewell kiss but around them a glowing dark red aura was growing.
"W-What's that? Sakura?" wondered Ino aloud as the couple finally stopped kissing.
"Don't give up Sakura-chan…" whispered Naruto as he closed his eyes.
"N-Naruto?..." asked Sakura in confusion of his last words, but seeing him silent and unmoving made her gasp just as the armored men broke through prompting Ino to round on them and deliver her last arrows on the front ones.
Sakura turned to the sound of the fighting and turning her eyes back to the content looking Naruto she growled "Give him back…"
At this moment Ino had reversed the grip of her bow to use it as a staff but given its composition it wouldn't give her more than a stick of a weapon with which to overcome armored warriors.
"Give him back!" shouted Sakura in an almost warped voice that made Ino turn around just in time to evade a coming crescent of bright red light that obliterated the gate, the warriors pouring through and most of the house's tall fence.
The force of the attack had propelled Ino back from the fence and as she recovered from the blast, she observed how Sakura threw herself at the coming enemies with reckless abandon splitting them and obliterating them with her glaive.
Sakura would cut most of the enemies down and every once in a while would deliver another wave of that materialized light that went through the warriors destroying them with explosive force.
Ino gasped when attacks began to land on the reckless Sakura but to her surprise the weapons not only failed to even scratch her, but splinter and snap against her frame.
After a couple of arrows struck Sakura's back and she retaliated against the archers standing on rooftop, she walked back to stand over Naruto's body as to guard it while she welcomed the coming tides of enemies.
Here, Ino finally gathered the courage to approach Sakura before the growing press of enemies was too much for this changed warrior. She placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder and made her turn slightly
"S-Sakura?" asked the girl with a trembling voice as she let go of the girl whose expression didn't soften at all.
The blonde girl looked down and saw the prone body of Naruto three arrows buried deep in his chest and a content smile on his face.
Looking back at the pink haired girl called Sakura, the girl said "S-Sakura…we must go!"
Sakura's eyes went wide and growling she brought her large weapon about and lifting it, said "Give him back!"
The blonde girl's eyes closed as the weapon's shining edge came for her…
AN: And that's it for the first chapter of my new story!
Love it, hate it? Be sure to let me know so I can keep on this or perhaps focus somewhere else.
Now, I know the first chapter may be a bit too long but no matter how I looked at it, I just couldn't shorten it. I thought of giving you a two part intro chapter but better to let you have the whole thing already to hear your thoughts.
For fans of my other stories, I know I promised to update and release these stories sooner but I had to buy a new Laptop (I just can't write in a tablet) since the old one went bust on me.
Anyway, hope you like my newest project!
Read, Enjoy and Review!