Hello and welcome to the next chapter.

Things are starting off on a good note so far. Very little plothole issues, good dialogue and a decent writing format. I'll be honest, my format has always been a bit of a touchy subject for me. It's hard for me to write a good format.

So far I've had a few reviews. One of which actually had a question involving why I chose it as a Naruto/FFXV crossover when there wasn't any reference to Naruto in the prologue chapter. Well if it isn't obvious by now I'll tell you.

The prologue chapter was meant to expose my goals and hint at what would be happening later on in the story, hopefully. The world I would be going to isn't Eos. Not even close. There MIGHT be references to Eos and maybe even a few scenes there later on but the current setting is the land of Iron in the elemental nations, AKA the Narutoverse.

I don't know whether or not I'll be following canon as close as some of you may want and I won't promise I will. This story isn't about Naruto, but he may make quite a few appearances. He may even be a main character but this story is mainly about me and my journey to heal my own broken mentality.

I'll be completely honest with you guys, I'm fucked up in the head, when I say I never go anywhere or do anything interesting. It isn't because I don't want to do them. It's because my entire life I've been told I can't, or I shouldn't.

Enough about me. I just realised I started to rant. I shouldn't have done that. I should probably delete it but if I do it probably will never get out there. I will say this though, I felt a kinship with Naruto the second I watched the first episode. Whereas he had Iruka, Hiruzen, Teuchi and Ayame to talk and unload his problems onto I never had even that. I'll talk about that more later but please think about what I said and how ignoring people can have negative effects on everyone, even you. The guilt will eat you alive when you realise you could have done something to prevent it.

Story start

After my failed escape attempt the bandits had patched me up with their reasons being 'your useless if you bleed to death.' and while I doubt it would have gone that far it could have gotten infected.

So the help was appreciated.

Almost makes me feel bad for what will happen once we get to the Haven. I will not betray them lightly, I never liked being manipulative, but if it kept me alive and allowed me freedom I'll do what I have to.

Looking at the map I noticed we had finally made it to the entrance of the Haven. A small mountain pass that cut into a cliff face. Barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side. I didn't want to reveal my hand yet but I've never been very good at hiding certain facts.

I smile when I lie. The only reason they didn't pick up on this earlier was because of the pain I felt made it physically impossible to smile. But now that the ache in my shoulder had dulled to a prickling throb it was significantly harder to keep a straight face.

It wasn't until we were halfway through the pass that I finally allowed the smile to split my lips the moment I heard a few words of confusion and shouts of surprise. Looking back I see the group pressing against a translucent hexagonal barrier staring at me and then the barrier wide eyed.

My smirk lit up my features as I winked at them. "Thanks for the escort gentleman." Looking up at the sky I see the sun finally beginning it's inevitable descent below the distant horizon. "With time to spare to. I wouldn't be here when I walk back out. Cause I'll be armed and ready for you." A bluff but my smirk made it seem genuine.

The map hadn't shown a secondary entrance to the Haven so if I wanted to leave I had to leave the way I came in. I'd much rather not have this exit blocked when I walk back out.

Turning away from the group I hear them raving at my betrayal. I admit I felt a hint of satisfaction that I played them so well, but almost immediately that feeling was crushed by my own maturity. They were a means to an end, nothing more nothing less, compared to the Shinobi of this world they weren't even that much of a threat. But they did have their uses.

Shaking that thought out of my head I marched on with my pack slung haphazardly over my shoulder. The group's useless death threats and screams for vengeance slowly faded until only a dull whistle from the opening of the pass far above me could be heard.

I felt myself shiver as the cold air suddenly got much worse. It must have dropped at least ten degrees. I wasn't sure if this was a bad omen but I hoped it wasn't. Thankfully, I reached the end of the trail. An opening in the cliff that lead out onto the top of a snow covered hill with the only exception being the apex. Where a very unnatural rock seemed to sit separate from the hill. The rock was a very dark shade of blue with glowing blue glyphs etched into the stone.

I had finally made it.

"Finally, some good news." climbing onto the Haven I allowed myself to breathe a sigh of relief. Too much was happening all at once. I can't process all of it at this rate. Looking around my new camp I realised only half the work was actually done. I still had to pitch the tent and make the fire before I could truly start to relax.

*Growl*

Glancing down at my stomach in annoyance I just remembered I hadn't eaten anything since before I died. So I had to feed myself soon. First the fire.

Unceremoniously dropping my bag off next to the centre of the Haven I opened it up and grabbed the firestarter. Luckily this place already seemed stocked with a few sticks of wood for the fire otherwise I'd have to trudge off to look look for some. Now I only needed something to start the fire.

Searching my bag for something to use I stumbled onto something that I had apparently missed during my first inspection, Lighter fluid. Handy.

Grabbing the plastic container I squeezed out a bit of it with a small trail leading outside of the fire pit, took the firestarter hovered it just above the fluid and pushed down creating a spark. Thankfully it caught the lighter fluid which quickly put on fire.

Following the chain reaction I finally had a source of warmth I could rely on. Not too soon either, the light of the sun had just vanished the moment I started the match.

Sighing in relief at my achievement I allowed myself a moment to relish the feeling. I felt a bit emotional, more emotional than I had in a long while. Thinking back to my childhood was a pointless process. I could hardly remember everything that happened, all I get are a few meaningful, yet painful memories, or a glimpse of what happened with no true detail. But I know for a fact that camping, true camping, was something I've never done before.

It was something I always wanted to try but we never seemed to have the money for it. At the thought I felt a spontaneous burst of anger light inside my chest.

"Would have had money for a lot of things if you and mom didn't go out and blow it all on partying asshole." Realising where those thoughts would go if I let them continue I closed my eyes and willed them away with the release of a deep breath.

"Alright, time to start on the tent." I moved to do just that with Gladiolus book of survival in hand for reference on pitching a tent.

Despite having a book for reference my hands moved on their own when I felt myself being pulled into one of the few rare happy memories of my childhood.

Before my family and I moved. Before my mom started seeing my step dad. Before my sister was born. Before my hell officially started.

Unfortunately before I could truly get bogged down my body ran out of motions to go through when it came to pitching the tent.

With nothing left to do I decided to get some water ready for drinking. So I grabbed the metal bowl from my bag and used it to scoop up some snow off the haven and placed it near the fire. I decided it was best to start with my studies on magic. Unfortunately it was highly likely the bandits I duped wouldn't just leave me alone after embarrassing them the way I did. So I need to be ready for the probable confrontation.

Curling up next to the fire with the kingsguard guide to magic in hand I started to read and learn the first steps to learning elemancy while munching on my dried potatoes and fish jerky.

Magic is often used as a general term for manipulating one of many forces of nature without the aid of science. We will start with the most common form of magic which we will refer as elemancy.

Elemancy is the art of manipulating the three most common and therefore basic elements that make up our world. These three elements are known as the foundation elements in which all advanced magic spawns from. From even the weakest elemental spells to the most devastating. The foundation elements are known as the following.

Fire- the wild element. Known for it's raw destructive potential this element has the unique ability to make itself stronger should it find material to feed itself. While helpful in small moderations and used in the proper hands the fire element will make for a strong beginning.

Water/ice- the hydro element. Known for it's ability to be easily molded into the shape of whatever the caster needs or desires. Strong against the fire element and weak against lightning. This element is very adaptable and relatively easy to come by. The strongest practitioners of water magic have been able to draw it from the air around them to use in their spells.

Thunder- the lightning element. The most powerful of the three foundation elements but also the easiest to counter. Whereas all the elements we have discussed this far have a passive damaging effect there isn't much that can be done to counter frost damage or burning damage. But lightning can simply be grounded with a lightning rod which is common in tropical and rainy regions. Has a tendency to branch off from the intended target and hurt others in the surrounding area. Hard to control impossible to predict.

Next lesson is how to harness these elements. The easiest method for harnessing an element is to find a deposit of the said element. These deposits are scattered all over the world in various places but can commonly be found at Havens.

The next step for harnessing the power of the elements is to contain them in glass orbs known as flasks. But if no true flask is available any container would do but accessing the harnessed energy is much harder and more dangerous. If no flask is available then use your mana to guide the element into the container.

The next step is mixing the elements to produce different results. Adding different amounts of the different elements produce a wide variety of effects. Adding more fire element will increase the chance of the spell being fire natured. Lightning has the same effect, as does water/ice. Another similarity shared between the mixtures is the higher quantity of elemental energy, regardless of nature, will increase the spells potency based on the level of skill you have for the art of elemancy. Adding items will also give a variety of effects but there are simply too many variations to name. A list will be provided in a later volume.

Next is the rare elements. Was as far as I got before I realised how late it was.

Sighing in aggravation I closed the book with a page folded to preserve my place put it away then crawled into the tent to sleep.

The moment my head hit the stone floor of my tent I was out. Unfortunately for me it wasn't a sleep that would last. Because no sooner had my eyes closed were they flying open when I felt something land on my stomach, hard. Flying upward I looked to the source of my rude awakening to see Carbuncle gazing at me with a mix of amusement and excitement. Not even looking apologetic that he woke me up the way he did.

*Vvvvvm*

Rolling my eyes in annoyance I pulled my phone from the relative safety of my pocket for good, I hope, use.

"Mou~ get up, get up! There's someone here to meet you!"

Looking back at the place where Carbuncle is, or at least was. I noticed he disappeared with the only evidence anyone was here being the flap of the tent being left open and unzipped. How did Carbuncle even manage to get in? He didn't even have opposable thumbs!

Sighing to myself at the ridiculous anime logic that seemed to have made itself known I decided it was best to see what Carbuncle wanted. Or meet who he brought here.

Seeing as I slept in the clothes from yesterday and currently lacked the means of putting anything else on I decided I was as ready as I was going to be and slipped out of my tent. To be seen staring at the aged face of one of the Naruto world's most prominent military leaders. Mifune, leader of the samurai of iron country.

Mifune stared me down with a look so intense I felt myself nearly crumble from it. He was analysing me, studying me for all I was worth and from the look in his eye he wasn't exactly impressed by what he was seeing. His normal facial expression is that of a stoic noble who takes his position and all the responsibility that comes with it very seriously. But from the way his brow creased and eyes narrowed at me I could just tell he wasn't happy.

"This is the child chosen to be the next king? He is no warrior, he lacks the stance, the build, the awareness and the light in his eye is all but extinguished." From the massive breakdown of my characteristics I felt my head drop. "He doesn't even have the will to stand up for himself. I am not normally one for underestimating an individual but I am certain that he is no king, a false king perhaps but not a true king."

After my self esteem took that massive hit I looked into his impassive eyes and nearly felt myself snarl. He had the same look in his eye as him, the man my mother married. A judging look as if he were inspecting my very soul, it absolutely burned me up! So overcome with rage, the rage that has tempted me every day since the moment I met my stepfather. A wrath so all consuming my entire body shook with the effort to restrain myself. My vision shakes from the effort. But against all odds I manage to contain myself, just as I have time and time again.

"Your right" I stated with a hard look and cold tone "I'm not a warrior and I'm certainly not a king." Here my gaze hardened. "But who are you to say such things? For one so respected and revered for his insight you truly are blind!" I snarled, "I won't deny the fact I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. But I'm not here to listen to you insult and debase me. I'm here to learn how to become a warrior, how to become a king, even if I am a false one. So you can either shut your trap and point me in the right direction or I'll find someone else who will!" ignoring for a moment I had nowhere else I could go.

For a moment all was silent. Carbuncle glancing between me and Mifune with what looked like interest while the man himself simply looked stoic. Then just as I was gonna start my tirade again I was halted my Mifune speaking.

"Hmmm, maybe he isn't as much a coward I assumed he would be. Very few in the Shinobi world would disrespect me as he has. Even fewer with the skill of a half trained civilian. Maybe there is hope for you yet, false king." Mifune allowed a small twitch of his aged lips to indicate just how affected he was at my earlier words.

"As for helping you on your way, that is why I am here. First, let us discuss how I am here, why I was contracted by... Carbuncle, you called him?" He asked with me nodding my head looking on in interest. " Carbuncle and how I am going to help you."

He seemed to sit up a bit straighter than what he was before, which shouldn't even be physically possible. "As for my presence here, the six allowed me to be here. I was contracted by Carbuncle to be your benefactor." Mifune started pacing in place looking the perfect picture of a feudal period samurai commander.

"The six have influenced our way of life in subtle ways. Most don't even realise it but it is fact. We, the samurai, have come into possession of several artifacts that give proof to the existence of the six and tell stories of the worlds the artifacts we have come from. Some of these artifacts we have yet to fully grasp and others come easier. No other nation is influenced like we are. While without a doubt there are some who have come to possess some artifacts we hold the majority and the most understanding of them."

Mifune stopped in place before pulling a necklace out from under his chest plate. The necklace wasn't actually a necklace, but a key, a stereotype silver key like you would see in old cartoons with only two short teeth. Only this key was just a bit larger than normal.

"This is the key to one such artifact. Before we came to understand what this artifact was and what it represented we had foolishly allowed all who sought to claim it face it's trial. Unfortunately none ever completed the trial. But now that you have come I see an opportunity to test your metal. I will mark down the location of the artifact on your map and it will be up to you to do the rest." He took the necklace off and handed it to me.

"Whether you pass or fail will determine what happens next. Before I knew that you had come I had given the five nations permission to enter iron country and hunt down the source of that energy from yesterday, you. So while I will keep them off your trail for a while I will not hold them forever. Like I said before, what happens next depends on the results of your venture. Good luck, you will be needing it."

Having already given him my map I allowed the information he had given me to sink in. When my map was returned I felt an odd sense of familiarity hit me. "Mifune, what would the name of this location be?"

I seen him halt his movements for a fraction of a second, obviously annoyed at the lack of proper respectful honorific but did very little to show it.

"The heart of Shiva. The coldest place in iron country. Named in honor of Lady Shiva. Perhaps you could gain her favor there."

I wasn't sure if that was a genuine hint or what but it never hurt to explore a bit. As shown in just about every game and movie in existence. So might as well explore when I got there.

"One last thing." Mifune said, examining my blood caked shirt and sweatpants. "You'll be needing more protection for the cold. The Heart of Shiva is not a place you wish to go underprepared. Thankfully for you I always carry with me a spare set clothing when I'm not expecting to return home any time soon." He pulled a bag from…. Somewhere and tossed it at my feet.

End

Well so far so good. Let me know what you guys think. I felt that would be a decent enough place to end the chapter. So now my adventure takes me deeper into the frigid heart of tetsu no kuni. Where something lies buried for my hands alone.

I'm almost positive a number of you who have actually read the story have already figured out what is there. I've dropped a few hints here and there. Virtual cookie for anyone who manages to get it right.

It's a miracle! I've felt a jolt of happiness from writing this! The first jolt in years in fact! Not over exaggerating either, it really has been a few years since I've felt any measure of true happiness.

I don't think many people are viewing this story. Probably because so few people look for crossovers of this nature. So I'd like the help of anyone who's willing to help me advertise.

Getting back on track, I know there are several ways I could improve my writing format but you've got to admit. For a guy who's teaching himself how to write a story with absolutely no help from anyone it's pretty good. The only real problem I'm having is with my format. It's not like I don't try to fix it. I've requested you guys to help me out several times but no one ever takes the time to give constructive criticism.

How am I supposed to improve without examples, statements on what I'm doing wrong, how it can be fixed, etc.? And criticizing my own work can only get me so far.

Next up is a little insight on mifune's talk with the Gokage (five shadows) and what happens during it. I'm not yet sure if I'll make much of an appearance next chapter, I haven't decided yet, but we'll see.

Honorifics, I'm American born and raised, well born anyway, and as a lot of you know honorifics aren't in our vocabulary, at least not the way Japanese tend to use them. But I respect Japanese/Asian culture enough that I will be using them for people of great importance in a little while. Common folk will be treated like we Americans treat each other simply because it's how I was, somewhat? Raised. I might even throw in a few sans- and chans- here and there to humour you all and myself.

Language that techniques will be used in will be tricky. I know the translations for several but not all. I don't know true Japanese, so what if I want to create an AO attack? I could always use Google translate but I don't know exactly how reliable that is so I don't trust it. So for the mean time, unless something changes, I will not be using Japanese to English translations, it will be solely in English.

Rasengan will be spiralling sphere, chidori will be one thousand chirping birds, gokakkyu will be great fireball etc, etc. NO EXCEPTIONS! The only way this will change is if someone is willing to lend me a hand in translating them.

You all know the drill, RR. Goodbye