longbowchris50: I am taking this as motivation. Also do not call me a mongrel *^*
Shurukkah: I know that's his real name, but at the time didn't he take Cu Chulainn as his name and preferred that one over his original/ Correct me if I am wrong.
Yolea Irk's Yes, they are going to wreck Konoha, and they are going to have help along the way. Hahaha.
Chapter 1
Emiya Shirou, mostly known as Archer if any stranger were to ask his name, is a heroic spirit. To be more specific, a Counter Guardian.
Does he like being a Counter Guardian? No, it makes him do things that he wishes he had not. He'd rather be a regular heroic spirit- or human- but that is besides the point.
The point is he has been summoned but he has no master. Well, he does have a master but his master is not in the estate he was summoned in.
The house he was summoned in was so empty, there weren't any signs of life in it. He could tell it was an estate of some sort because it had a dojo and many other rooms. It reminded him of his old home.
Let us move on.
In all honesty, his first thought was that his master most of died during the summoning. Which meant that he had only a few days before he would disappear without a trace.
That was not the case.
One week later and he was still alive and in perfect health. There was no sign of fatigue, there was no pain. He felt like he could fight an army if needed.
Strange.
After spending so much time in his spirit form he materialized and began to explore.
The house was dusty- of course. Most of the rooms were empty. The kitchen was in good condition and he found out that the electricity and water pressure still worked.
Huh.
He explores more.
The dojo is the same as most of the rooms, covered in a layer of dust. There is a closet filled with weapons. Some of them are practice swords made of wood. There are also various throwing knives. At the back of the closet, he finds what looks like a training dummy.
He leaves the dojo to explore the west side of the estate.
The west side of the estate is more furnished. There are two bedrooms. One is obviously meant for a child and the other is a master bedroom. He doesn't linger too long in either of them.
The last door leads down towards a basement. Before Shirou opens it he sees what looks like ink marking on the door. He tries to open the door and it doesn't budge at all.
Alright, we'll leave that one for another time.
He spends the next few days cleaning because come on he doesn't care if he is the only one here, this place is filthy and needs to look like someone lives in it. Not only that, it's a habit for him.
The next few days after are spent exploring the area around the estate. The estate is surrounded by trees, in a nice secluded area. There is a pond nearby and what looks like what was supposed to be a garden. There was also a shed, which had similar ink marking like the door to the basement did.
It doesn't open.
The next day is spent actually searching the house and taking inventory. No groceries, there are few clothes in the two bedrooms, and the dojo is filled with dull weapons. That's it.
By then two weeks have gone by since he has been summoned. So he decides to go beyond the small forest surrounding the estate. It doesn't take long since he traveled in spirit form. He managed to travel quickly and break through the trees without being noticed.
To see a village.
Apparently, he and the estate was still in village limits. The forests seemed common in this village and it was bigger than he thought. He hums to himself.
He spends the day in spirit form, waking the streets and trying to get familiar with the place. He also keeps a lookout for any more like him, just in case. He doesn't know if there are more servants out there or if this was an accidental summon but he keeps his guard up.
It was a thriving village, lots of people. However, something had clearly happened. Some buildings were destroyed and there were many tents set up. Some families were in said tents.
He mostly observes. He learns that there has been a war a not too long ago. The village looks like it was fresh out of destruction, so Shiro guesses that it happened only weeks ago.
He also takes notice of the different 'social classes'. There were the people with headbands and the people without headbands. The people with headbands were known as shinobi, the people without headbands were regular civilians.
Emiya hums, as he listens to a few conversations. Shinobis, ninjas, were basically the equivalent to soldiers of the villages. Well, in his mind he thinks they are mercenaries. They are being paid to go on various missions and some are even being paid to kill and assassinate. He saw it no other way in his mind. They were killers, that's just it.
There is also a head of the village. They refer to them as the 'Hokage', the god of shinobi. Emiya isn't sure if the man is an actual god but he makes a mental note of it.
He stays in the village a little while longer, gathering information. He makes a mental map in his head. Take note of which shops were what. He found out what the currency was like and how people traded.
He tries to think of some sort of way where he could interact. He can materialize clothes in his person so that was one thing down. Even though he is a spirit he would like to eat because believe it or not he can gather some mana from eating (even though it is very little). Not only that he misses the presence of food and being able to cook. It should give him some sort of distraction.
But if he wanted food then he would need money. Lots of it. Then again he could probably go hunting, there were plenty of forests around.
That aside, he thinks that it should be relatively easy to interact and blend in now that he thinks about it. The village is going through a building stage. There are lots of houses and buildings missing. It was likely some people and their families were scattered as well. He should be able to weasel in and receive money or food for helping around.
Moving on.
He also needed to find out how and who summoned him. If he could find them then maybe he could find out what was going on. Normally, when summoned the servant manages to receive all the information needed about the era they're in. So far the only thing he knew about this village was the language since it was Japanese.
He materializes in the common room of the estate. Well, it probably was just a regular room but if he had furniture it would be a common room.
Keeping these things in mind he walks through the estate toward the door that leads to the basement. He wanted to get a good look at those marking that was on it. They did not look like runes he has ever seen before. They looked more like Kanji symbols and had weird artistic designs.
He makes his way there but freezes. The next second he jumps back just as the doors explode open off their hinges. He braces himself and summons his dual swords because he can feel mana coming from there.
Not a second later a blue blur is racing towards him.
That side of the estate is a mess. The bedrooms that were there are totally trashed- along with some of the bathrooms. The doors to the dojo is gone, the floor has a huge hole in it. That shed that was in the backyard isn't destroyed but it is leaning so far to the right that Emiya thinks if the wind blew the whole thing would fall over.
The lancer sits crouched on the floor, arms resting on his thighs. His spear rests in his arms and he had very few bruises compared to Emiya.
They are in the kitchen, one of few places that is not scratched. After being thrown through a wall the two came to a small stand-off. Archer chose then and there to explain the situation because there is no way he is going to try to outrun the lancer. It took Emiya a few attempts to realize that the lancer didn't speak Japanese. Therefore the archer had to go through a long list of languages before he could get a proper response. After that, he explained what he had known and that he had no master, so there wasn't a reason to fight.
Surprisingly that was enough to make him come off his fighting stance and actually listen.
So here they are now, sitting, in the kitchen. Emiya wishes that there was at least ice in the damn fridge but sadly there was none for him to use on his head. He mentally sighs.
The lancer looks down at the floor for a moment, red eyes in deep thought. Emiya has a creeping suspicion of what his true name is. There are only a few spearmen with that man's speed and strength. Given the fact he understands the Gaelic language Emiya has narrowed down his options to one.
He doesn't say the man's name because the lancer beats him to it.
"I go by Cu Chulainn. Call me whatever." The lancer throws a fanged smile his way, red eyes sharp. Archer is reminded that this man is a true heroic spirit and also a demigod.
"Emiya Shirou. I'm mostly called Archer when I am summoned."
"Well," Cu stands, moving his lance to rest across his shoulders, "since we're gonna be here awhile I'll call ya Shirou. Speaking of which, where is here?"
Archer frowns, he honestly didn't know. Usually upon summoning the servant would immediately gather information from the grail. However, he wasn't sure if there was a grail seeing as though he only knew the language. That was because they spoke the same language he did in the future.
"Not sure about that, I know we're somewhere in the past- it might be the future for you." In all honesty, he wasn't sure if that was correct or not. "I know we're in a village that is just fresh out of a war. I also know the language, but not the year or the exact name of the village."
Cu made a noise that sounded like a snort. "Damn," The Irishman grumbled. He scratches the nape of his neck.
"I have an idea," Archer says after taking a deep breath. His headache was finally easing. The lancer looks over at him.
"We could pretend to be civilians. This village is currently doing damage control and rebuilding. So slipping in shouldn't be too much of a problem. With as much going on they wouldn't care if the two of us helped out. If we help long enough people will probably won't be suspicious."
"Why civilians?"
"You seriously want to go in there head first with that cursed spear in a village full of fighters?"
Cu narrowed his eyes. The archer sighs. "In this village, there are civilians and people called shinobi. For some reason, the civilians seem harmless. On the other hand, these shinobi are like hired mercenaries. I also think they fought in the war and they seem to take up most of the population in the village. So if we appear as a threat…"
"Keh, say no more, but I like fighting. However, I ain't stupid enough to actually start a fight with some random person, especially people who've just been in a war," the lancer then sighed, "I could probably take 'em on, but I ain't fighting for no reason."
Emiya rolls his eyes. "Yeah, whatever." The lancer snorts and makes his spear disappear. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow, after we fix this house," Emiya grumbles. Seriously, it was a good house. Cu rolls his eyes then disappears down the hall leading out the kitchen.
It was relatively easy to blend in. They managed to help a lot in the village, mostly helping people move around. In Emiya's case, he was dubbed the Master Chef of the soup kitchen in two days. Cu mainly helped with the heavy lifting and distributing things.
It took three weeks for the Irishman to be able to understand some phrases of the language. It took another month for him to actually get the basics down and to be able to form up his own responses, thanks to some academy teachers. Then they teach him how to read and write it as thanks for helping build the academy.
They were rather liked, surprisingly. Well, they were mostly liked by the civilians, the shinobi kept their distance (until it was time to eat, then they would all hoard around the two.)
Shirou took to gathering as much information as possible. The village's name is Konohagakure. Apparently, the previous leader of the village died and now an old one was coming back to take lead. It must have been a big blow to the village. He also hears a rumor about a demon being sealed away. He doesn't worry too much because they are indeed rumors.
Oh well…
Five Years Later
"I wonder what orphanage that kid stays at?" Cu asks after letting out a drag from the cigarette he was smoking. Emiya shrugged. How long has it been since they saved that kid in the street? Two weeks at most, he's sure of it.
Now they are out buying things- specifically groceries. They have a garden- a big one. But there is only so much they can do with fruit and vegetables. Not only that if Cu went more than two days without some type meat to eat he would probably go crazy. Emiya doesn't know why but the hound just goes around destroying trees when he doesn't get enough protein.
Huh, maybe it's a dog thing.
The Irishman sniffs, "None of these are dog are they?"
"No." Emiya quickly answers. He remembers how Cu nearly went apeshit at the mention of people eating dog. Apparently, someone had offered him some food and it turned out it was dog meat. The lancer had bolted in a matter of seconds and Shirou found him in the forest surrounded by the wrecked trees and some dead boars.
Emiya purchases the meat and waits as the cashier wraps it. Cu lets out another puff of smoke as he looks toward the streets. Emiya thanks the cashier as he is given the groceries.
"I'm taking these home to put in the fridge."
"Yeah, yeah. Go ahead, our little animal friends are on guard again."
Oh? The ones in the white masks? That meant that the blonde kid was around somewhere. Emiya hums before taking off.
Cu walks through the streets, hands in the pockets of his hoodie. He makes a few more turns, if he is correct then that orphanage should be a few minutes away…
There is a shout and he sees the orange blur before it runs into his legs. Cu doesn't give way of course but the sudden movement startles him.
"What-"
"Hide me!"
True enough it is the Uzumaki boy and Cu doesn't have time to ask why because he sees the people that were apparently chasing the kid.
"What's up?" He questions, keeping a grip on one of Naruto's arms so the boy doesn't run away. Instead, Naruto twists so he is behind him and Cu is tall and big enough for the child to hide behind him.
The people have already seen the kid though but they don't make a move at seeing the child hide behind Cu. When he doesn't get an answer he raises an eyebrow. Maybe he said it wrong?
"That demon-" WOW, "Was around my shop!" A man speaks up. Cu doesn't recognize him but he feels himself scowling.
"The hell? I'm pretty sure lots of people are around your shop."
"Yes but that thing isn't a person it's a demon!" A woman this time.
Cu feels a vein pop out his head as he flicks some ash off his cigarette. Before he can speak Uzumaki beats him to it.
"I ain't a demon!"
"Shut up scum! The Hokage should've killed you."
"Jiji wouldn't do that-" Cu places a hand over the child's mouth because honesty he wishes Shirou was here. If Shirou was here he could resolve this without throwing a person through a wall. Cu wasn't good with words and he had a very short temper when it came to these things. Seriously, what was wrong with these people treating a kid like this? And all because he was standing around a shop.
There's a black blur that drops down in between him and the other civilians. Cu recognizes it as one of those people that follow the kid around. He sees the silver hair and white armor over the dark clothes.
"Leave." The person- most likely a male orders. "Or Hokage-sama will be hearing of this."
That's enough to send them running.
Cu is still a bit pissed off though.
The person turns, the mask he's wearing looks canine-like. He tilts his head to the side and Naruto peaks from behind Cu. He recognizes that mask!
"Dog!"
"Shh, I'm not supposed to be talking to you while on duty."
"You don't talk to me off duty," Naruto pouts. The dog masks chuckles and Cu takes another drag of his cigarette. Okay, the kid knows him.
"Dog! This is the nii-san that helped me. Well, one of 'em I don't know where the other one is."
"Ah, yes, the one with the pretty long blue hair."
Cu barks out a laugh as Naruto turns red. Never in his life has he been referred to as pretty. Even if the kid was describing his hair it was still funny and a bit ironic.
"I didn't say that!"
"Maa, but I recall you saying they were both pretty. You were just specific about this one."
"I said pretty COOL hair! COOL HAIR!"
"Hah," Cu tilts his head, "Doesn't change the fact that you called my hair pretty. Thanks, kid." He pats Naruto's head. Naruto freezes at the contact and Cu sees the 'Dog' stiffen from the corner of his eye.
Naruto seems to blink before scratching the back of his head, suddenly bashful. "Yea- Yeah, whatever."
"I have to go back on duty. Later Naruto." There is a flicker and 'Dog' is gone. Cu wonders if it some type of magic but knows it isn't. This village doesn't have or use magic.
Anyway.
"Anyway, where are ya heading too?" Cu asks as he turned around. Naruto hums. "You talk weird! 'N I was thinking about just uh… uh… somewhere…"
"What about that orphanage you stay at?"
"Got kicked out again." Cu stops walking at the answer.
"Well, that's not good." Shirou voices from behind them. Naruto squeaks and jumps away. "How'd you do that!"
'Magic' they both thought but didn't say it out loud. "I walked." Shirou answers. Cu looks over his shoulder at the other. "The kid got kicked out of the orphanage." He informs.
"Your point?" Shiro says in a disinteresting tone. Cu growls.
"Take us to the orphanage kid."
The second Shirou lays eyes on the orphanage he automatically thinks: No. When he actually sees Naruto trying to sneak in through the second story window he kicks the door to the orphanage open while dragging the child. Apparently, the head of the orphanage was a woman who was about to bad mouth the kid until Cu gave her a look. Then she shut up real quick.
Cu waits outside as finishes his smoke. By the time he is down Emiya comes back with a look of disgust on his face, a shocked looking Naruto, and a very small bag- wait it was a pillowcase!
The lancer doesn't say anything because he knows that look on the archer's face.
Welp, they have a new housemate.
Naruto explores every single inch of the estate. Literally, he does. The inside, the outside, the garden, the bedrooms, the bathrooms, the dojo and the kitchen.
Naruto has never had a home before. The five-year-old has never actually had people talk and look at him. Never had a bed to sleep in or a working bath.
Shirou goes straight to the kitchen to make dinner and Naruto follows him, asking questions.
"Am I really going to stay here?"
"Yes."
"You two live in this place?"
"Yes."
"Which room is mine?"
"Pick one."
"Can we have ramen?"
"We're having Katsudon, we'll have ramen tomorrow."
"Aw. Can I make the ramen."
"No. I am the only one that can cook in the kitchen. Cu can cook but he needs my seal of approval."
Naruto pouts but doesn't say anything else. He's a bit timid around them but that's okay. Shirou has experience with children. So he'll give the child time.
The next day Naruto wakes up in a comfortable bed to the smell of something delicious. He knows from the evening before that it must be Shirou's cooking because it smells like Kami has cooked.
He sits up and rubs his face. He blinks open his eyes and sees something at the corner of his eye.
It is Dog, sitting criss-cross on the floor with a book in hand. He marks his page before placing the book down. "Yo." He gives a lazy wave. Naruto blinks.
"Hi, how'd you find me?"
"I am your guard Naruto. I know where you are whenever I'm on duty." Dog answers and rests his chin on his palm. "Mind telling me about your friends?"
"If you watch me all the time you'd know!" Naruto says matter of factly. The masks tilt.
"Maa, you're right but I don't personally-" He sits up straight when the door slides open. He is gone before Shirou pokes his head inside.
"Breakfast." Is all he says and walks away.
Dog is back in a few moments.
"Tell your friend he can eat too!" Shirou yells and Naruto hears Dog curse.
"Oi Archer, there's a dog hanging around on our roof," Cu says as he walks into the kitchen, yawning and hair out of its tie. He smelled the guard earlier before he came out his room.
"Great, now I have a guard dog and watchdog," Shirou says as he catches the fork Cu threw his way. Then the archer shrugged, "I told him he could eat. He didn't come when Naruto came."
Naruto was currently too busy wolfing down the blessed food that had been bestowed upon him. Seriously Shirou was a great cook. He didn't know rice and fish could taste this good.
"Maa, I'm not a watchdog." The guard appears in the seat next to Naruto at the bar. Instead of the shocked reaction, he was looking for, Shirou slides him a plate.
"I don't care what you are. Just don't break anything and don't mess up my kitchen."
He sees the watchdog twitch, obviously not happy with his reaction. Shirou doesn't care.
"Sadly I cannot stay too long," even though he says this he takes his plate then gives a lazy wave before flickering away.
That was going to take some getting used to.
"Mind telling us who he is kid?" Cu asks, he's picking his teeth with a knife and Naruto is a bit amazed at how sharp the man's teeth are.
"I don't know his real name. I call him Dog because his mask is a dog. He's one of the bodyguards Jiji gave me, but he isn't around much because he has to take missions a lot. I like him and the other two. The rest can go get lost somewhere."
"There's more than one?" Shirou asks.
Naruto nods, "I don't like 'em. The only ones I like are Dog, Weasel, and the one with the freaky eyes." Naruto makes circles around his eyes and makes them go wide to a certain point. Archer is reminded of a certain caster.
"Right, so this kid has bodyguards?" Cu asks, wondering what they had gotten themselves into. The kid didn't look like a royal or a noble of sorts.
Shirou shrugs.
"Those three are the only ones that actually protect me. I've spoken to them but I talk to dog the most."
Huh.
One sometimes has to think whether they should do the right or wrong thing. It depends on the situation- really. Then again it can depend on your morals.
Anyway.
When one is driven so much by fear they begin to hate the things they fear. I got over my fear because I didn't want to- no I couldn't come to hate Naruto. But I hated how the villages treated him and how the Sandaime operates… things.
Maa, was that last sentence counted as treason? I'll cross it out later.
Anyway, I went against Sandaime's order, so did the other two but I'm not gonna mention their names. They can speak for themselves.
*Note: Keep an eye out and gather Information on Emiya and Chulainn (whatever kind of name that is). Naruto likes them but I'm not that naive. I'm a bit impressed that the blue one smelled me (maybe he has Inuzuka blood?).
Also, find out how they got access to the Namikaze estate ASAP.
Hatake Kakashi.
Author's notes:
Crap, I left a few things out but I guess I'll have to write it out in the next chapter. Thank you for the reviews on here and the Kudos on AO3. They mean a lot.
I would like to note, that this might be a slow build fanfic. That's a strong might.
Also, I plan on making Archer and Cu the only fate characters here. The majority of the characters will be from Naruto.
