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Chapter 4
-Dragon's Nest, Serdio-
The group was in a cave underneath the forest. Why is this, you ask?
Because Dart was being an idiot and stepped on a Spider web, which turned out to be a cover for a giant hole, that caved under the pressure. Naruto, Sasuke, Kushina, and Rose landed on their feet. The others landed on their butt, or back.
Naruto's danger senses went haywire, just like when Shana stopped in the volcano. "He's here. And he's close."
"Hey, look at this!" Lavitz said.
"This water isn't tainted by the Dragon's Poison." Rose said. "I don't think Lavitz and Shana should touch it directly for a few minutes. I can sense it in you still, but it's not doing anything."
Dart filled up the canteens. "I think I actually did some good."
"You were being an idiot, Dart." Sasuke retorted.
"He did more good than harm." Naruto said looking down the cave. "Feyrbrand is here, and the Poison doesn't affect this area. That's 2 points. Pure water, that's another. We have a few hurt backs, but that's it."
"So, which weighs more?" Dart asked.
"There are times when partial idiocy saves lives." Naruto said. "This is one of those times."
Everyone nodded at that. "You know, I'm really starting to take you seriously." Sasuke said, looking down the caves. "Can you figure out where to go from here?"
Naruto looked up. "Feyrbrand is up there. The surface is higher. There's also a human here. High magical source."
"Dragoon?" Sasuke asked.
"Most likely." Naruto replied. "It also seems aligned with wind... for me to know that, we're too close."
"They're waiting for us." Lavitz said.
"Trap?"
"Not likely." Naruto said. "Feyrbrand and the other one are in the same area. They're not spending energy trying to find us in here. They're gonna make us find them. Funny thing is, I already know where they are, and a general idea of the area."
"Why the area?" Dart asked, thoroughly confused.. "You're probably just showing off."
"I'm using my Chakra as a pulse of sorts. Through this pulse, I'm reading the patterns of the Particles in the air. It's not easy, mind you."
"That's an Air pressure tracking ability." Kushina said. "That's rare. You been working on that yourself?"
"That's how I dodged your first strike." Naruto pointed out.
"The problem using it in a fight is that you can't attack while using it."
"Been working on that for a while." Naruto admitted. "Alright, I'll clear the path. There are a few obstacles. We'll stay here until the path is clear. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." 8 clones popped up, and fanned out.
"And now, we wait."
10 minutes later, Shana and Lavitz no longer had any Dragon Poison in them. Naruto looked at them both and said, "Alright, you're clean." They both sighed, and took some water for themselves.
"This is much better now than before."
"It was the Dragon's Poison. They were countering each other." Naruto explained.
Rose motioned for Naruto to follow her for a bit. They both got out of earshot, and rose spoke. "I don't like this."
"Neither do I, but out of the 3 options, this is the best one we've got, and will save the most lives." Naruto said. "If Feyrbrand attacks Bale, it will be a slaughter. We have to strike first. If we don't get rid of it here, then we might as well let them attack the other cities, making more people die. No death is justified, but they are necessary."
"And the other plans?"
"Feyrbrand attacks a minor City, and we're nowhere in the area. He gets away. He attacks Bale, and we're not there. King Albert dies, and the war is over, Sandora wins. He continues his conquest into Tiberoa. The problem will only escalate. This isn't a good option. It's the best option. You could send an entire legion after him, and they will fail. We've got a small group. Everyone in our group is overpowered for humans... Minus Lavitz."
"And why not Shana?"
"She's a variable. She has a lot of power, but she doesn't know it. Whether it's the Moon Child's power or not is yet to be seen. If she draws on it in defense, then I'll know. Korallo is still having me keep an eye on her because of that one variable."
-with the others-
Dart sat down next to Shana. "Dart, can I talk to you?"
"What's up?"
"I think Naruto knows."
"You mean what happened against that giant snake?" he asked. Sasuke paid attention, but didn't show it.
"Yeah... I think he knows what that light was. He may be able to help."
"I don't trust him. He knows too much already."
"Rose seems to know more than him."
"He named both of my parents. I never told anyone back in Seles. I made it there on my own when I was 7. 2 years after both of my parents died. He probably knows me better than I do."
"And that's what I'm counting on." She admitted. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at that. Kushina noticed, but also noticed where he was looking and listened in.
"Why are you counting on it?"
"Because if he knows what it is, then maybe he can help me learn to control it. He already pointed it out, and I don't have a clue what it is. I have to know, Dart. Lavitz having something similar can be seen as a Dragoon possibility. I've seen you turn into a Dragoon. I may be a little off, but the two are nowhere near similar. I just know it. The Virage? I think it's related to it. I... I'd be putting everyone in danger if I don't learn how to control it. The more I think about it, the more Naruto seems to know the answer. If he doesn't know, then he may be able to point out how to find the answer."
Sasuke looked at Kushina, who nodded. They shared one thought. 'Naruto suspects, but doesn't know for sure.'
"I'm going to ask him. I want you to be there when I do." Shana asked.
Dart was hesitant, but nodded. "I don't like it, but you're right. He may have the answers."
"He has an idea." Sasuke said, not even looking at them. "I just don't know what that idea is. Either Rose or Korallo gave him the idea, but I'd place my bet on Korallo."
Naruto and Rose walked back. "Sasuke, what are you talking about?"
"Shana want's to ask you something. Something I think we should all know the answer to." Sasuke stated. "Apparently, the power you pointed out earlier in her has been bothering her."
Naruto looked at her. "I do have an idea, and it's highly likely. However, I don't know for sure, so I couldn't tell you."
"What? Why not?" Dart shouted.
"I've been judged for reasons beyond my control all my life. Do you really think I'd do the same to someone else, without concrete proof? Especially when it doesn't feel good one bit?" Naruto retorted.
"Please... I want to know. If I can control it... I wouldn't be putting anyone else in danger. I think that's why Sandora took me from Seles in the first place." Shana begged. "I need to know what it could be."
Naruto sighed. "Have you used it before?" She nodded. "Was it before you reached Bale?" another nod. "How long beforehand?"
"A day, maybe 2." she said.
"How was it used then?"
"It... it took out the giant snake that was going to try and kill me."
"Or eat you alive." Sasuke said. They all looked at him, aside from Naruto who gave a slight shiver.
"Did you have to remind me of that?"
"Wait, it happened to you?" Sasuke asked, earning a nod from the blonde. "When?"
"Forest. Hebi-teme bit you within 3 hours later." Naruto said.
"That explains it. How was it?"
"Fucking crazy. The thing about snakes: when they eat you, and they're at least 10 times your size, they don't chew. They swallow you whole."
"How did you get out of it?" Rose asked, not recalling the memory.
"2 words: Kage Bunshin." Sasuke took a moment before realizing what made him do that.
"How can multiplying himself get him out of it?"
"He made the thing lose its lunch." Sasuke said, earning a nod from Naruto. "You got that idea from the Wave Mission during dinner, didn't you?"
"Bingo."
"Thought so." Sasuke said.
"What happened?"
"He burst into pieces." Naruto said.
"I don't like snakes." Lavitz said.
"It's better to be on one rather than in one. I should know." Naruto said.
"You were never on one."
"You were placed in a Tsukuyomi, again, and I was after Baa-chan for the Godaime at the time. Hebi-teme showed up. He brought out Manda, the Boss of the Snake contract... and the snake got an 8 story sword shoved into his mouth, pinning him to the ground."
"Who else was there?"
"Ero-sennin, and Baa-chan. Ero-sennin provided the sword, Baa-chan drove it in."
Kushina did the math. "I never did ask who they were. And now, I think I know who."
Sasuke looked at her. "Sannin." was their simultaneous response.
Dart coughed. "We're getting off track."
"I'm just answering questions. It was triggered in defense when you know you're about to die." There was a roar down the cave. "Looks like we'll have to continue this later. They got impatient. All my clones are dead. And I was right. There's a Dragoon here." Naruto looked up. "follow me, and stay close." Naruto jumped up and went into the upper level. Everyone went into the same hole, and followed him down the path. He stopped right in front of a Dragon.
"You gonna stick around this time? Or you just gonna poof like every other time?" The man said. Everyone else entered the room and Lavitz got pissed. "Greham... You traitor!"
"I have no time for you." He used his spear to shove Lavitz aside.
Sasuke looked at Lavitz. "Bad blood?" He asked the Dragoon.
"You have no idea."
"I saw the look in his eyes. Vengeance. Hatred. The feeling of being betrayed." Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"Sasuke..."
"I know. I can't get mine." He took his Rapier out. "But the least I can do is help him out. Lavitz. You up for a double team on this guy."
"No! I have to..."
"Do this alone?" Sasuke cut him off. "I was like you. I was after someone that killed my entire Clan. 200 family members. Dead. Their blood still warm when I saw the bodies. My father fell at his hand in front of me. He left me alive. I know what you're feeling, because I've been there. If I can't get mine, the least I can do is help you get yours. You want to do this alone, but you'll have a better chance with someone at your side."
Shana and Dart walked up to his side. "We're with you, Lavitz."
Naruto, Kushina and Rose looked at each other, nodded and turned towards the dragon. "We've got the dragon. You take him out." The 3 pulled out their weapons, and charged Feyrbrand.
Sasuke's rapier was in hand, and Lavitz drew his spear. Shana moved back, and drew her bow. Dart had his sword out already. "We've got this bastard."
-fight vs Greham-
Sasuke charged Greham and occupied the man's spear. Lavitz was running along the wall, and hit Greham from the side knocking him away. Dart came up to Greham, and cut off a wing. Shana let loose her first arrow, and it knocked out his left arm.
Sasuke knocked the spear out of Greham's hand. Lavitz was ready to give the final blow to the neck. Greham spoke up. "Lavitz... You did well."
He stopped where he was. "I was always jealous of your father. I felt like I reached my limit. This... This is what got me past that limit. Doel. He gave me the way past it. He gave me this power. Killing your father... was the biggest mistake I've ever made. I felt hollow. But my choice was made. I couldn't go back to Basil like that. Don't make the same mistake I did. Doel is listening to someone else. That person wants her." He managed to point at Shana. "I don't know much. I have only heard she holds the world's fate. That's all I know. That man... don't trust him. He needs her alive. Kill her, and his plans are useless."
Sasuke looked between Shana and Greham. "Your reasoning is as good as any other. Lavitz?"
"Is there anything else about Doel that you know?"
"Just a rumor. Beware of lightning. That's all." Greham died after that.
Sasuke looked at Lavitz. "So?"
Lavitz shook his head. "So what?"
"Was it worth it? To get revenge." Lavitz shook his head.
"No, it isn't. I'd suggest you give up yours, too. I doubt you would, though."
Sasuke shook his head. "I won't, but now I'm not going after him alone." they all felt an influx of power, and looked towards the other group. "Oh shit." Sasuke said.
-team vs Feyrbrand-
Naruto, Rose and Kushina charged Feyrbrand. They attacked the hide, but with different ways to harm him. Kushina used Wind Chakra with her Katana. Rose was a Dragoon. Naruto was using Dragon's Horn, which pierced the hide easily.
Feyrbrand took the hits and dealt out more. Kushina was hit once, and hit her head on a rock, knocking her out. "Kushina!" Rose shouted, before getting sent flying.
"ROSE!" Naruto was immediately next to her. "Rose, speak to me."
"Naru...to..." Rose passed out. Naruto was livid. No, livid didn't even begin to describe it.
Naruto was starting to feel rage. Utter Rage. He set Rose down gently. "You..." His nails grew, whisker marks got more defined. His eyes went red with black slits. "You..." He turned his head slowly towards the Dragon, as a fox-like cloak surrounded him. It had 2 tails when the head saw the Dragon. "I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" The was a loud roar, and everyone else looked at him, but Sasuke's eyes widened to epic proportions.
"Everyone, GET DOWN!" He shouted, as they all hit the deck. The ceiling was destroyed, and Naruto sent Feyrbrand skyward. Everyone else looked at the scene in shock, but Sasuke's eyes held fear.
Dart looked at Sasuke. "You've seen this, right? What just happened?"
Sasuke sent a scared look Dart's way. "You don't want to know."
"Okay, now I have to know." Lavitz said.
Sasuke shook his head. "Pray that you don't trigger his rage enough to get that cloak on him. I've only seen it at One tail. This time... I saw 2. I don't think Rose would be able to... Rose!" He searched the area for her, and found her unconscious. "Shana, I hope you know first aid. I have doubts that he'd revert back if she's dead."
Shana immediately started checking Rose out, while Sasuke looked for Kushina. He found her and she groaned as he reached her. "Stupid Dragon... One hit and I was sent flying. He's packs more of a punch than Guy." She saw Sasuke. "What happened?" She then noticed the ceiling was gone. "And who demolished the place?"
"Naruto."
"Oh no... where's rose?"
"Unconscious." He replied. "Shana is checking her now."
"Let me see her." Sasuke and Kushina were next to Rose. "Sasuke, use your Sharingan and copy this Jutsu. I'll need some help with this."
"But you said..."
"Dammit! There's no time!" She shouted. "Rose being in this state triggered what's going on!"
Sasuke nodded, and activated his Sharingan copying the handseals, and Chakra manipulation. He did the same and started working on Rose. She groaned, and tried to sit up. She cried in pain. "Lie still, Rose. We're working on your wounds now."
"What... Naruto... Urgh!"
"He's fine, but I don't think he will be for long. He's gone 2 tails. That's not a good sign." Sasuke said.
"What do you mean?" Kushina asked.
"A Red-orange Fox shaped cloak. It has 2 tails behind it. At least, he did when he sent the Dragon through the roof." Sasuke said.
"That makes this even worse than I thought." Kushina said. 'Drawing on 2 tails is bad enough. If it progresses as Rose is still in this state... But if it came out because of her being in this state...' "Rose, don't move. Don't go after him. I'm afraid to say there's nothing any of us can do to help him, and you're in no condition to. Our best chance for survival is hope that he kills Feyrbrand before he reaches 9 tails, and you're in a better condition than you are now."
"How bad is it?"
"14 broken ribs, ruptured kidney, and a blood vessel popped. I fixed the blood vessel first, and I'm working on the ribs now."
Rose nodded weakly. "Please, just fix it. But don't go after him. Shana... If she's the moon child, as we think... she could help... I hope."
Shana looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"The power he sensed... he thinks its that of the Moon Child." Rose said. "Think about what caused it last time. Focus it to heal, if you can."
Shana tried to focus on bringing it out. She glowed, and it covered Shana, but she found herself in a completely white space. She found someone else in front of her. "Who are you? Where am I?"
"I am not really here. I am in the Moon That Never Sets. My body is there, but my soul is bound with yours. That girl you're trying to save. If she finds out you're the Moon Child, as they call it, she will kill you. Why are you trying to save her?"
"I want to help. I can't be a burden to them, and it will help Naruto out. Please... I need to know. Can I heal with my power?"
"Yes, you can. The power of the Moon Child is actually mine. My name is Melbu Frahma. And she was there in the Dragon Campaign, as you humans call it. She had killed everyone that had my power so far, so it can't reach my body."
"Melbu, is this the only time I'll see you?"
"Not likely. Someone is trying to bring you to me. His name is Zieg, and I managed to petrify him before I died. Zieg wants to release me. All this time caused me to lose any sense of myself. My sanity has suffered so much, that I wouldn't be able to think properly if I did."
"And the power to heal?"
"I will send you a few chants that will activate spells you will need. As time progresses, you will remember more. Those are spells I could use, but not all of them I did use."
Shana nodded. "Which one heals?"
"You'll know when you need it."
Melbu dissolved and Shana found herself next to everyone else. "Shana?" Dart waved a hand.
"Dart..." She immediately went through her mind, and found what she was looking for. "In brightest day, in blackest night. He who sleeps, bear my sight." rose's eyes widened as she recognized the incantation. "The Moon the sets, leads the way. The light of night, greets the bay." Her body glowed.
"The one who dies, shall not be gone. For he who lives, will be Soldaigonna" Shana finished by saying that exact word, but only Rose understood it. Rose was covered in a light blue glow, as all her injuries healed. Her energy was replenished completely. She tested her limbs, and got up. When she stood, she almost fell, bur regained her balance. "Rose, you have to sit down!" Kushina shouted.
"No... I have to help him. Maybe seeing me will bring him back."
"Rose, I may have healed you, but your body isn't recognizing it's healed! You need to rest!" Shana grabbed her, and sat her down on a rock. "Just the fact that you're alive is good enough for now. You're body need to realize that it's already been healed, and you need to regain your strength."
-outside-
After Feyrbrand got sent flying, he crashed into a plain near the forest. Naruto came up to him, and stopped right in front of him, 3 tails flowing. The Dragon managed to hit Naruto. But it did nothing but burn the limb. "You will suffer for what you've done." Naruto threw an arm at him, and the cloak expanded to harm the Dragon, which screamed. He let out a roar, which would've blown any normal human back. Naruto started forming a fourth tail. "NARUTO CALM THE FUCK DOWN! You've reached your limit!"
But of course, Naruto didn't heed the warning. The fourth tail formed, and his entire body went black. The eyes went completely white. The two continued to fight, but Feyrbrand was suffering far more damage than Naruto, who got hit far more often
2 minutes later, 5 tails. More damage. More carnage.
3 minutes later. 7 tails. By this point, the landscape is starting to suffer. Feyrbrand was starting to realize it's either finish this now, or die. But that was before the Eighth tail formed. Skin seemed to form as well.
Feyrbrand froze where he was, before he fled in fear.
-Lohan, 20 minutes ago.-
Jiraiya and Yugito were entering Lohan. "You sure this is where we're supposed to be?" Yugito asked.
Jiraiya nodded. "The sign said Lohan. Shirley said Lohan was where I'd find them." he looked around. "And by the look of things, I can gather some information here as well."
"You are not going to peep on girls here."
"There's no time for that. I have a bad feeling that something's going on, and I should be there, but I don't know where it is, or why." They started walking in, before Jiraiya stopped where he was and turned towards a powerful Chakra spike. Yugito looked in the same direction.
"That was a blast of Youki..." she said.
"NARUTO!" Jiraiya yelled, before being grappled by Yugito, stopping him from moving.
"Jiraiya! Calm down! You won't be able to help him from this distance! You'd never make it before he loses himself! He probably already has!"
"Let me go! I have to help him!"
"THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO AT THIS POINT!" She shouted at him, as he struggled.
He charged his Chakra, but she countered with Olivia's Chakra, which overpowered his easily. "Jiraiya, it doesn't matter what you do. By the time you get there, hours will have passed by. By that time, he would've released too much and the seal will break. There is nothing we can do but wait and hope he pulls through. That's all we can do."
Jiraiya calmed down, and passed out. Yugito grabbed him and put him over her shoulder. "Men and their honor." She deadpanned, before looking at one of the onlookers. "Where's the Inn here?"
-Naruto's mindscape-
Naruto's eyes looked dead as he lay down in the water flooded sewers. "Naruto, can you hear me? Naruto!"
Naruto got up, and walked towards the gate. More specifically, the piece of paper on the gate. "Stop!" Naruto didn't listen, and gripped the piece of paper. He started to pull, but his wrist was grabbed, by someone else, and he was pulled back, regaining himself in the process.
Between Naruto and the gate stood one man. Someone the fox behind the gate recognized, and released a sigh. "What a relief."
The older man was in a white trench coat with red flames at the bottom. On the back, there was the Kanji for the Fourth Hokage. He had blonde hair, blue eyes, and an angled face. He looked at the fox in confusion. "what do you mean by that?"
"If he released the seal without my goading, think about what would happen."
"I find it hard to believe you didn't make him release you."
"Trust me. The last thing I want to do is worry his mother, and the one person here he cares for more than himself. That one happens to be an old friend of mine, before I became a Bijuu. If he released me like this, he'd die, and she'd go ballistic if she survives."
"I... I was about to let you out?" Naruto asked, scared for second. "Why would I do that?" he then noticed the other guest. "D-dad?"
Minato looked at him. "Yeah son?"
Naruto walked up to him and punched him in the gut. The fox chuckled behind the gate. "You know you had that one coming, Minato."
Minato groaned, but nodded. "Yeah... I probably shouldn't have done anything. But I thought when a Bijuu is removed, the host will die. Kushina can't be alive."
"She is, and she's nearby."
"Not anymore, kit. You saw Rose in bad shape, and you immediately went 2 tails with the cloak. You reach 4 tails, you lose all sense of yourself. Your rage kept building, and by the time you reached 8 tails... Feyrbrand fled with his tail between his legs. Literally. He'll be scarred for life, that much is certain."
"Rose! Is she okay?"
"I don't know, we moved 4 miles out of the forest with the nest. Your body is on autopilot right now. If anything comes close to you, you'll kill them. This includes Rose. Kushina knows this, and is probably holding her back right now, or healing her. Both are likely."
"If she dies, I'm taking it out of Doel's head, and anyone that causes terror."
"Naruto, it's not healthy to think like that." Minato pointed out.
"I know that. But if she goes out, it's coming out of someone's hide. Doel is only the first. If I find out someone else is distributing the Dragoon Spirits, they're going to die as well. They're the reason she would've died." Naruto retorted.
"Son... How old are you?"
"I'm 14 now. But can you fix the seal?"
"That's what I'm here for." Minato replied. "It was a fail safe, if you should ever try to release the Kyuubi, but I wasn't expecting you two to be on good terms when it happened."
"It wasn't easy, but him getting us sent here was a good thing. I ran into an old friend, and I calmed down. Said friend has fallen for him."
"And the same applies to me." Naruto stated. "Korallo, I think we've done enough tests with Sasuke. I want you to do it."
"What are... Wait, you mean..."
"Yes, Korallo. I think it will do all of us more good if it happened. It's already been proven that Sasuke is still stable in mind and body, even after killing several with its power. He's gone back to a partially innocent boy. He hasn't forgotten his revenge, but now he's rethinking it. Repeated use is possible, all things considered. If we do the same, and charge your power into something else, and stabilize it, we won't have to worry about this happening again."
"You'd have to destroy my soul to do that."
"Wait. What are you two talking about?"
Naruto explained the idea, and what testing has been done and what it was done for. "And it works?"
"It did. By applying the theory to me and Korallo..."
"It'll work." Minato said. "The seal was designed to absorb the Kyuubi's Chakra, and make it your own, thus killing him when it was done. When he died, the memories were likely to be transferred to you. And by the way... I wasn't born in the elemental nations. I know who my father is. You'll fine his home in the Evergreen Forest, in the country of Millie Seseau. His name is Blano, that's all I know. I'm a full blood, if you figure out what I mean."
"You mean... I'm 50% Wingly?" Naruto asked, earning a nod.
"Well, that settles that problem. Naruto, take Dragon Horn, and shove it into my left eye. Charge your Chakra into the blade, and send some of my own if you have to. You need to turn my soul into a Soul Stone. If you charge enough, it will make the stone as if it were my eye in shape and color, and it will fit in your hand. When this happens, it will appear in your hand, and you will not be able to ask me any questions. You won't have to. You'll have all of my memories. All my memories of my life as Korallo. All my memories of my life as Kurama. Every time I was sealed, you'll know what they learned. Just hope you don't lose yourself to the insanity that is my life."
"Insanity is a part of life. Anyone that tries to deny it is stupid and crazy." Naruto replied, as Dragon Horn appeared, unsheathed. "Any last requests?"
"Just one. If you find Shirley, then tell her I'm sorry for not seeing her in the afterlife. I know where I'm heading after this. I'll never be able to join her in Mayfil."
Naruto nodded, as he went towards the seal. "Wait a minute!"
"Dad, this has to be done. I don't like it, I'll admit. But it's the best option. Not a likable one, sure. But the best one we've got." Naruto said. "I know you can understand that. After all, you made one the day I was born."
Minato couldn't argue with that. "Go on."
Naruto stabbed the Rapier in Korallo's eye, and the fox's form glowed, before it expanded and then contracted, forming a small sphere, that destroyed the gate itself. The glowing orb didn't even move after the gate was destroyed.
"The seal! NARUTO!"
The orb stopped in front of Naruto, and he heard a voice. "When you touch me as an orb, I will appear in the real world as a small stone in your hand. It will look like a petrified version of my eye, the same one you stabbed. My power will be under your direct control. Do not lose sight of what matters most. Don't let those that care about you suffer because you are in pain. Grab me and you'll wake up. Don't worry about the seal. There will be no need for it. Talk with your father, and then grab me. I'm sorry it had to be this way, but I didn't see any other way."
Naruto let a tear fall. "Korallo..." Minato hugged Naruto, who returned it and let the tears flow freely.
"It's okay son. It'll be okay." He assured.
After Naruto finished crying he spoke. "The seal... don't fix it. It's useless."
"What about his power?"
"The power is mine to use as I see fit. That was how Dragoon Spirits were made. The only difference is, it happened with Dragons. The Kyuubi is dead. Only the Spirit of Korallo will live. He... he wanted me to talk to you. You don't have much time, do you?"
Minato shook his head. "If I'm not going to fix the seal, then I'll last another hour." Naruto nodded.
"Is there anything you wanted to say, that mom wouldn't know about?"
Minato nodded. "The Rasengan wasn't complete. You know about it, right?" Naruto nodded, as he tried to make it in one hand. "You can use it, too. Not bad for your age. Okay, I was planning on adding an Element to it. Try it with your Main Chakra element first. Oh, and the majority of Wingly spells that originate in the hand will also be a lot easier now that you can use the Rasengan in one. Just channel your Mana, Magical energy, into your hand like you do for the Rasengan. The more Mana in the spell, the more powerful it will be. If you can manipulate the elements in your hand, Magic of the same element will come much more easily. That's something I was working on. Just... don't ask how I know this."
"You did it yourself, but couldn't combine the two processes?" Minato scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah... it was a pain to figure out. But I managed. By the way, I couldn't help but notice you used a Rapier similar to the Dragon buster."
"It's called Dragon Horn, made from Belzac's Dragoon Armor. It works in a similar way to the Nidaime's Raijin. I'm the only one that can use it."
Minato nodded, and continued giving out ideas he had but could never test, before he started to fade. "Looks like my time is up. Give your enemies hell, son. Make me proud. Make Korallo proud. Show them who you are." His body completely faded, but he gave off one more sentence. "Good luck with the Insanity that is life. You'll need it."
Naruto sighed in agreement. He looked into the water, and found that Kushina and Rose were carrying him into a town, and someone that he didn't think should be there was out there.
-outside-
"Look, we should take him to the Inn. I have to check the seal. I'm not going to let him die." Jiraiya shouted.
"I'm telling you it's not necessary!" Rose shouted. "The seal is useless right now, anyway!"
"That seal holds back the most powerful demon the elemental Nations has ever known! If it breaks, then there's nothing stopping it from going on a rampage!"
"What if the demon was an old friend of mine, and didn't want to hurt someone I cared for?" Rose retorted.
"That's impossible!"
"Jiraiya!" Yugito shouted.
"What?" Rose and Jiraiya shouted at her. "I think you should know that the seal is gone, and he can hear everything you're saying." Yugito pointed at Naruto.
Rose set him down gently, as he opened his eyes. "Naruto..."
"Rose... he's gone. He did it." His hand, which was clenched at the moment, opened up to reveal a Blood Red stone with a small slit in the center of it. She knew what the stone meant.
"He... He really did... Why?"
"It was either that... or losing an extra hour with my father. He wanted me to be with my father. I'll be out of it for a while." Naruto said. "Get me to a place to rest, please. Find Shirley. Tell her he's sorry he couldn't see her again. And I'm half. I'll explain it later." He conked out. Rose saw what he meant, and nodded. "Alright, white hair. Where's the inn?"
"This way. I have a room ready for use when I need it." He walked off. "You can go faster, you know?"
Jiraiya shrugged, and jumped up to a higher level. Rose did the same, followed by Sasuke and Kushina. The others deadpanned. "Lucky bastards." An old man nearby said. "Able to jump so high, and still move fast."
Dart recognized him. "Hachel?"
The old man looked at Dart. "Dart Feld... What are you doing here?"
"Helping the blonde one get here. Still looking for your daughter?"
"Afraid so."
"Come on. We'll check on Naruto. He has some explaining to do, and I would rather be present for it."
They walked to the Inn, and found Jiraiya quickly, who signaled them to follow.
"Remember this room. I'll be watching over him like I should. Everyone else take a look around, and find something to keep yourself occupied. I'm not leaving his side." Jiraiya said.
Rose pulled up a chair and sat on it. "I'm not leaving him either. Kushina, pass on the message to Shirley. She has a temple nearby. Head through the forest that was the Dragon's nest. You'll find a temple in the area. It may look like ruins by now. Head to the top. Find Shirley, if there is someone there, tell them you have a message for Shirley, and we'll need the White Silver D-Spirit."
"Shirley?" Jiraiya asked. "I owe her for leading me to what she called a Wingly Portal in Wave Country. Tell her I said thanks. And Kushina, we need to talk. Just... don't blow up while I'm talking."
Kushina looked at him, and then at Rose. "Man am I glad I took a sip from Naruto's GR bottle."
She raised an eyebrow. "GR?"
"Wait, are you talking about that experimental potion he made?" Jiraiya asked.
"You knew about it?" Kushina asked.
"Of course. I was one of the tests, believe it or not. I couldn't get pissed off no matter what he did. And normally, I'd kill someone for doing half the shit he did while I was under the effects of it." He looked at Naruto. "If not for that, and the fact that he's my godson, he would've been dead already. I can't let Minato down."
"Oh? And where were you during the first 12 years of his life?" Kushina asked, knowing he'd be off peeping.
" I know what you're really asking, and there was 3 things I was doing: Keeping an eye on my spy network was one. My research for my novels is number two. The third is tied to number 2. I knew the Orphan's Fund wouldn't be enough, so I sent him 5% of all sales I got every month. They're 10 Ryou each, and I sell millions every month. You do the math as to how much I give him." Jiraiya said.
Kushina did the math and was a little surprised.
Rose looked at him. "That's why he was getting close to 5,000 each month?"
"That's not even close to what I came up with."
"5,000? I sent upwards of 30,000 a month." Jiraiya mused. "Sarutobi-sensei set up a bank account for him. The rest probably went into a savings account there. I'd have to ask about the account number to know for sure."
"If it was Hiruzen, then he probably didn't even tell him about his heritage."
"No one knows of his father's heritage, and there's a decree. Anyone that knows of his parents, aside from him, can't say a word on the matter, or die. It was classified as a SSS-rank secret. The Elders don't even know. The only ones that know the truth, are Hiruzen, me, 3 ANBU which protected him for the first 3 years of his life, and you. You probably already told him of his father, but the decree is still in effect. As much as I want to, I can't say anything... but you can. You can tell him of his father. I want to, by Kami as my witness I've wanted to since he was 5 and I gave him the Frog wallet. He doesn't even know I was the one that got it for him... And the Hyuuga Heiress is the one that delivered it. She stalked him for who knows how long."
"My son had a stalker?" Kushina asked, surprised.
"Yeah, and he beat her cousin up because he nearly killed her during the Chuunin Exams." Jiraiya stated. "I'll be here for 3 years, or until he goes back. The latter is more likely. Until then, I'll help train him in usage of the Toad Summons. He was to be my apprentice, and Tsunade already signed off on it. It took 3 weeks to find a lead to get here, and I followed it up the moment I found it. It turned out to be right, because it lead me to Tiberoa. Rose, right?"
She stared at him. "A specter named Shirley is the only reason I'm here. She told me the location of what she called a Wingly Teleporter in Wave Country, and that when we head back, we can use that to get back. Yugito was there... but the Nibi took over the moment Shirley appeared. I removed the seals that kept her bound to Kumogakure, and brought her here. I also found Tracker Seal on her and removed it. I put it on a tree nearby, instead of destroying it. That helped us get away in time to get to the device, and use it."
Hachel looked at Dart. "Don't tell me you believe all this."
"Given the fact that I saw Feyrbrand running in fear from the blonde male, and that's why we're here, I'm a lot more open to the idea."
"Feyrbrand?"
"The Dragon Sandora had on their side." Dart explained.
"Ah. And you believe he really did that?"
"If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't either." Dart pointed out.
"Kushina, about that. What happened?"
Rose held up a hand. "I'll explain it." So she did. She explained the fight, and what happened. "When I was hit, my only guess is that Naruto went into a frenzy."
"She had 14 broken ribs, her kidney was ruptured, and a blood vessel popped. The thing knocked me back, and I got knocked out by hitting my head. The worst I got was a headache and about a minute of being unconscious. I got hit first."
"Naruto drew on 2 tails off the bat, and sent the damn thing flying through the ceiling before chasing after him. By the time I was able to catch up with him 4 miles out, he wasn't moving and Feyrbrand had his tail between his back 4 legs as he fled. The fox version of Naruto just sat there at that point, not even bothering to go after him. It was as if he wasn't even paying attention. I didn't get any closer, but the others got there as Feyrbrand was finally leaving sight."
"Poor Dragon was scared shitless." Rose added.
"You would be too if you were faced with a 10 story tall Demonic fox." Jiraiya stated. "It was 10 stories, right?"
"If Feyrbrand returns, he'll run at the sight of Naruto. That much is a given." Sasuke said. "Oh, and yes, it was. There was skin, but no fur. A Ninth tail was more of an ethereal tail, but I could see it. After a while like that, the giant fox was covered in smoke, and Naruto popped out on the ground."
"By the way, Sasuke"
"If you're going to ask why I left, I'll only say this once. Orochimaru offered me power through his cursed seal. It was unsealed by the Sound Four on the way back. Naruto and I fought, and we ended up near Seles as Feyrbrand was in the area."
"Actually, I found you both 2 days beforehand. The day afterwards, he woke, and we got rid of the curse."
"So he really found a way to get rid of the damn thing?" Jiraiya asked, surprised.
"Yes, is it that surprising?" Rose asked.
"And it works?"
Sasuke shrugged before glowing. He ended up in his Flying Snake form. "This is the Flying Snake form. It's similar to a Dragoon in usage. There are no side effects so far. I have no intention of going to Orochimaru at this point. If I see him, I'm going to mutilate him for giving me a defective power."
Jiraiya nodded. "I see. And you have no intentions to go to him?"
Sasuke sighed. "When we head back, I don't think we'll be going directly back to Konoha."
"Oh?"
Sasuke looked at Naruto. "If you ask me, I'd say we'd be going after Akatsuki first. They're after Naruto, right?"
"You're only going after them because of Itachi." Jiraiya pointed out.
"That's one reason, yes. But not the main one." Sasuke sighed, earning a raised eyebrow from Jiraiya. "Before I came here, revenge was all I thought about. Since I came here, I've had time to think. And back in the Dragon's nest..." he looked at Lavitz. "That was the reason I asked you that question."
"Revenge isn't worth it." Lavitz said. "Take it from someone who's been there."
"I did. And that's why I'm not going after Itachi for my dead family." Sasuke said, looking at Naruto. "I'm going after them, because they're after my current family. Itachi isn't my brother. Not until I find out the truth. I don't mean the official truth. I mean the real truth. They're going after the only one I can truly consider a brother right now. I was blind to his true actions, and only by coming here did I realized what he did for me. Naruto is family to me. I'm only going back if he goes back. Knowing him, and the fact that he said he'd return, we'll be going back. But I'm going back on his terms, not anyone else's."
"So, you're siding with him?" Jiraiya questioned. Sasuke nodded in response.
"If you want to know why I changed my mind, you can thank him. But there's more to it, than just being here." Sasuke looked at Kushina. "I think he has roots here."
"I know Korallo was from here, but that's all."
"No, I'm thinking more like: his father was born here." This sent everyone for a loop.
"Wait... he said he's half." Jiraiya remembered. "Does that have something to do with it?"
Rose's eyes widened, as she remembered what Korallo showed her, and what she saw. Dart and Shana were the first to realize the recognition on her face. "You know what he meant?"
Rose nodded. "It was how much... he wasn't human."
"He's only half human?" Jiraiya asked. "You mean in skills right?"
"No... Blood."
Dart held Hachel back, as he knew the old man would've charged at him.
"Well, he can't be a demon, otherwise the Kyuubi's Chakra would pose no danger for him to use. That's not the case as it is still a little deteriorating."
"He's not. He's Half-Wingly. That's what he meant by Half. We already established he has Wingly Blood in him. It was just the matter of how much. Now I'm beginning to wonder why it didn't start taking place until he came here." Rose explained.
"The Winglies had us under their thumb 11,000 years ago! Why would we care for them?"
"Because he's only Half-Wingly. The other Half is human." Kushina stated. "I'm completely human. He's my son by blood. Being Half-Wingly won't change that. And if you go after me, to get to him, he'll mutilate you."
Hachel stopped, and Dart let go. "Martial Arts is an art of composure. I lost mine for minute there. I am sorry."
Sasuke looked at him. "Perv, Rant, or Pen?"
"Come again?"
Sasuke walked right next to him, and whispered into his ear. "Ah. That would be the first one. The second would make me lose Composure, and the last one is just wrong."
"Noted." He then sighed. "Don't let it out around Kushina, Rose, or Naruto. He holds no love for any of them. That's the reason he says he created his first Original Jutsu."
Jiraiya instantly knew what he was talking about, and pulled out an Orange book. "My first novel... if it's what I think it is, then you might like it."
"Which one?" Kushina narrowed her eyes. "You didn't like this one."
Hachel took it and opened it up. He went through the first few pages. He threw it at Jiraiya's head. "Too much perversion. Not enough action."
Jiraiya was on the ground. Dart picked it up, and read it. "This... I'll be right back."
Sasuke stopped Shana from going after him. "Don't interfere with this." A few minutes later, Rose and Lavitz looked up.
"What is he doing?" Lavitz said.
Rose narrowed her eyes, before sighing. "It's not an enemy. But he's using a spell."
"Against what?" Lavitz questioned.
"If I could take a guess?" Hachel started. Everyone looked at him. "If it's a fire Spell, then the target is the book."
"What do you mean?"
"He checked it out, and even though I was only alongside him for 3 months, I know he holds no tolerance for active perversion." Hachel pointed out.
"And his Dragoon Element is Fire." Rose said, Lavitz and Shana nodding in agreement. "But if you ask me, Final Burst is a little overkill."
"Wait, he used Final Burst on it?" Yugito asked.
"You know of it?"
"Olivia saw Zieg use it during the Dragon Campaign. To use that on a book IS Overkill." Everyone watched as Dart came back in. "Ok, I'm good." He turned his head to Jiraiya. "If you make any of those books here, your ass is mine."
Jiraiya looked at Kushina, and tossed a book her way. She saw the title before she burned it. "This is..."
"Yeah. Remember, they didn't sell well. That's why I went for the Icha Icha. It sold. That one didn't."
Kushina nodded. "How many copies do you have?"
"Only 3. I keep one of them one me at all times for Minato's sake. It's the only one he liked, after all."
"He hated Icha Icha as much as any woman. It's a wonder why he didn't ban Icha Icha in the village."
"Chaos would ensue. He knew it. 75% of the village is into that book. 92% of the males are into it. About 30% of them are addicted to it. But only one of them reads it in public. That would be Naruto's Jounin Sensei."
"Kakashi Hatake?" Rose asked, earning a raised eyebrow, and a nod.
"How do you..."
"I was walked through his memories with Korallo's guidance. I know all about his life that he can remember, and a few things he had locked away. If it were me, I would've slaughtered the village by the time he was 6. You can thank Teuchi and Ayame for bringing him in for treatment, teaching him how to read, and all those lives that would've been lost. Those two were his saving grace, and they saved the village with their action."
Jiraiya shook his head. "The select few that actually care for him in the village, and there's only 4 that I know of, though Shirley did say he mentioned there was 5 that were living, 1 more that was dead. I'm wracking my brain as to who that Fifth one is. I know it isn't me."
"I wouldn't be so sure, Jiraiya. He said that one reminds him of Lavender, female. Another female and her father, that's Teuchi and Ayame. That's why he was so much into Ramen. It's because of them. The other two that were alive actually taught him something useful, though one of them was in the Academy."
"Wait, I didn't really teach him anything useful... And neither did Kakashi."
"Then who taught him what he calls the Rasengan?" Rose questioned.
"Me, but I can't be on that list. There's no way he'd allow me to be." Jiraiya reiterated. "I only taught him 3 things: Summoning, Water Walking, and the Rasengan. That was it."
Rose nodded. "Yeah, it's you. The fifth one, though he usually calls him Ero-sennin..." she didn't finish because Jiraiya shouted.
"I KEEP TELLING HIM NOT TO CALL ME THAT!"
Kushina sweatdropped. "You know, I really think it fits."
"He is a self-proclaimed Super pervert."
"You saw when he met me, didn't you?"
"Yes, now that you mention it. The Summoning Jutsu he used against Gaara in the forest. Saved his teammates, and beat that giant Sand Badger."
"He beat Shukaku..."
"Yeah, but is that really grounds for this?"
"You taught him the Rasengan, which helped send him here. Without realizing it, you helped him find his mother, and his father's heritage. If you weren't on that list, then I'd be both surprised and disappointed. The last one he told me about reminded him of Toads."
Jiraiya went slackjawed. 'He really does think of me like family... And if what she says is true, and the Rasengan helped get him here... I don't believe it.' "I don't believe it." He said, looking at Naruto.
"You really think of me as one of the precious people you talked about... I didn't think it was possible with the little I did. I just don't see how it's possible... at least I didn't." He glanced at Rose. "I hope you're right about this. I don't care if Kushina doesn't accept me, but this is something I was hoping I could have one day, but didn't think I ever would for not showing myself earlier than I did."
"He found you in the bathhouse." Rose pointed out. "You knocked out the one that was supposed to teach him water walking. By the way, I saw the seal before. It looked like a containment sealing method the Winglies would use."
"His father showed that one off. He created it. He made it usable, but the secrets went out with the Sandaime. The secrets of it was taken with him to the grave. I only know the function and what it looks like. He never said where he got the idea from."
Naruto groaned, before sitting up. "You're all here?" Everyone nodded. "Ero-sennin?"
"How many times have I told you..."
"Don't call you that?" He cut him off. "Sorry, I came up with it, and it stuck. Only 2 people got away with calling the Sandaime Jiji. I'm one of them. With that in mind, do you really think I'd stop calling you Ero-sennin when it fits?"
Jiraiya blinked a few times. "You've got a point there, gaki."
"Now that that's established... The Kyuubi is dead." Naruto said. "But that's not all." He pulled out the stone that was in his hand. "This stone holds his soul."
"We'll have to..."
"We're not destroying it." Naruto cut him off. "It's the soul of someone that was there for me my whole life. He's just as much a father to me, as my mom is a mother. But there's more to it than that."
"Explain." Kushina said.
He sighed. "Korallo gave me his memories. All of them. That's why I was out of it this time." He looked at rose. "Remember when Belzac tripped over Zieg's sword?"
Rose looked at him in surprise. "That was a funny moment."
"Especially considering it was lying down on the flat of the blade."
"What about when Zieg stumbled his words..."
"during the proposal." They finished simultaneously. "Classic mistake, but you didn't care. Since then..."
"I'm not even sure if he's alive right now. And even if he is, I'd rather be with you." she cut him off. "You're insane. Your ideas are crazy. You just don't know when to give up." His face went down when she said that, but she didn't stop. "But you're loyal. Not knowing when to give up increases your determination. Your strength of will is far beyond anyone else I've ever known, human or Wingly. You stand by your word, no matter what it is. You give advice where it's needed, and even when you think it could help. You put yourself in harms way for anyone that is even remotely close to you." She sighed, as everyone looked at her in shock.
"Call me crazy. Call me insane. Call me impossible. I think all three apply with this, too." Naruto put a finger to her lips.
"Don't say it. Please, not now." he said, before getting next to her ear. "Wait until Jiraiya is gone. I already know what you were going to say, anyway." He pulled back and removed his finger. "Are you sure about it, though? I mean, the insanity can scare damn near anyone away."
"That's why I'm calling myself crazy because of it." Rose admitted.
"What is it?" Kushina asked, close to her face. "I have an idea, and if it's true, then you'll need more than fancy moves, and a strong will to impress me for it."
Everyone but Hachel and Jiraiya were confused. They looked at each other. "She is, isn't she?"
"No doubt about it." Jiraiya replied.
"Any chance of filling us in?" Dart asked Hachel.
"That's their decision, Dart. I would like to see how well he works with his Martial Arts."
Naruto looked at Hachel. "Taijutsu sucks. It's gotten better while working with Dragon Horn, but it's not enough."
"There's an arena in Lohan. We could use that, and your friends can watch as well."
"First, I'm hungry." Naruto said, as he looked at Rose. "Shark or eel?"
"I'm thinking eel first. Remember, we're selling 3 sharks."
"You caught 10 of them."
"And they're 2 million each, last time someone sold them. 3 will last us for some time." Naruto told her. He got up and got a scroll. "After we eat, I'm going to try and sell the Lava Sharks. Rose?"
"Sure, I'll come. That Piranha was good, too."
"Tell me about it. Normal Chakra cooking. Tastes great."
They started cooking the Lava Eels, and then started eating. After they were done, Hachel nodded. "I'll admit I'm surprised these were found in lava, I'm even more surprised at the taste."
Dart nodded. "So, any leads on your daughter?"
"No, I've found nothing so far. I've searched Tiberoa, and Serdio. No one knows where she is."
Naruto looked at him. "I may be able to help out. Give me a name and a description of her, and I'll be able to find out a lot more than most would think."
"Since when were you good at information gathering?" Jiraiya asked.
"He found out things about me that I haven't told anyone. I didn't even tell those in Seles the name of my parents, and yet he found out."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You do realize you tend to talk in your sleep, right?" He pointed out.
"What do you know?"
"A little birdie told me that he heard those names one night while you were sleeping near it's nest." Naruto replied.
"You're kidding me." Dart said, astonished.
Shana nodded in agreement. "It's true, he does. But most of the time, when I hear it I can't make it out."
Naruto nodded. "Human witness makes it even more believable."
"You were being serious about the little birdie, weren't you?" Sasuke asked.
"I told you about how I figured out a lot of things around the village. Same thing helps everywhere."
Sasuke sighed. Hachel raised an eyebrow. "Alright, I'll buy. Her name is Clarice, but I heard a few people call her Claire from time to time." He took out a picture. "That picture is 24 years ago, in Donau. She left a year later, and I went searching for her 3 years after that."
Naruto looked at the picture. 'Hmm...' He looked at Dart for second and then back at the picture, switching between the two every few seconds. He then looked at Rose. "Rose, can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?"
She raised an eyebrow, but nodded. Naruto grabbed her shoulder and they both disappeared.
"Where did they go?" Dart asked.
"Their presence is completely concealed." Kushina stated.
"That picture is all I have left of her!"
"Don't worry, Hachel. The matter is private, but it probably has to do with something regarding Dart, and your daughter."
"What do you mean Dart is involved?"
"I don't know, but that's something they'll figure out."
-Rooftops, Lohan-
Naruto and Rose appeared near the Arena. "Rose, do you remember this one when you attacked Neet for the Moon Child?"
She looked at the picture. "No. I sensed her, but I couldn't find her. Being as she wasn't who I was looking for, I didn't do anything else to her. There are 2 people I knew were there, but left alone. Dart would make a third. Zieg would make a fourth if he were alive. Both that I knew were there were female. This could be the other one. I don't know where she is, in case you're wondering."
"I wasn't going to ask that one, because I didn't think you would. But this gives me a good start. If we end up going to Millie Seseau, I'm heading to Neet, and searching the surrounding area for information. 18 years ago, that was her last known location. That's all I can figure out here." Naruto memorized the picture, and nodded. "Let's head back to give him this picture back. I have a feeling this is all he has left of her."
He phased out, and landed in the room in front of Hachel. "Here's this back, and I do have a lead. 18 years ago, she may have survived the attack on Neet."
"I'm the only survivor that I know of." Dart pointed out. "What makes you think there are more?"
"You'd be surprised what travels around. There are 4 possible survivors. 2 of them are guaranteed, and one of them is in Millie Seseau. I don't have a name, but she's blind. That's all I know."
Dart threw a fist on the wall. "Damn that Black Monster!"
"Dart, calm down. There's no use going after someone that appears, and leaves no traces that can be followed."
"The Black Monster appears every 108 years." Hachel pointed out. "It can't die."
"Maybe it's hiding somewhere?" Lavitz said. "that would mean a big problem."
"No, it's not hiding. It doesn't exist." Naruto said. "At least not how people think. Rose knows the truth about the Black Monster, and why it appears every 108 years, as do I. The reason is the birth of the Moon Child. They are looked on as polar opposites. In reality, they are much the same. Powerful beings. It's their choices that make them who they are."
Shana tensed up, and Jiraiya noticed. "what's got your panties in a jumble?" He asked.
"Nothing." She said.
"That's a lie if I ever saw one."
Naruto looked at her. "I take it I was right about you being the Moon Child?" She looked at him in shock. "Your expression says that I am."
"We all saw her heal Rose with the power she has. How could she be like that... that thing?" Dart shouted at him.
"Because of the fact that they kept each other in balance. It's like North and South. Right and Wrong. Light and Dark. They are beings of equal strength, but only if they know how to use it. The only real difference is how they're viewed. Korallo was there during the Last Dragon Campaign. I have his memories. The Moon Child is like a Larva form of the Virage Embryo, the God of Destruction. When you think about it, the Black Monster thinks he's doing the world a favor by getting rid of a possible threat to the peace. He's been doing so since the Dragon Campaign ended. The way I see it, the Moon Child is only as dangerous as they make themselves out to be. If they do good, then they'll be good. If they do bad, they'll be bad. Power is just that. The only thing that people make judgments on the power by are the actions of those that use it."
"Human psychology." Jiraiya said. "That actually makes sense, you know?"
"That's what I told Rose when I saw her, and she saw it. She knew the truth about the Moon Child as well. She probably knows that Shana is the Moon child."
"She knows. I had to heal her. That's the only reason she's okay right now."
"Then you may be able to change the mind of those that do know the truth of the Moon Child."
Shana nodded. 'I can't let them know I already know someone is going to come after me to bring me to the Moon that Never sets.' She looked at Dart. 'Especially not Dart. He'll get overprotective.'
Naruto noticed she was in thought. 'She knows something else. She may not say anything else. I'll let it go for now. And I have a feeling that someone else really is going to try and bring her to the Moon that Never Sets.'
"Alright, I'm done here for now. I'll head out to sell the Sharks, and then I'll meet you guys at the Arena."
"What about my daughter?"
"I don't know, but if I make it to Millie Seseau, then I'll be able to find out."
"Then that's my next area."
"You won't get there easily."
"And why not?"
"The only place that has a dock that will go there is Donau. The path itself has been ravaged by a Sea Monster, and I'm thinking it's another dragon. Until that monster is gone, Millie Seseau is a no go. For now, you're better off with us, Hachel. Knowing the luck of half of this group, we'll end up going after it sooner or later."
"If it's anything like Feyrbrand, then we'll need a lot of strength to take it down." Kushina admitted.
Naruto nodded. "Now, I'm out." He left in smoke.
-elsewhere-
Naruto and Rose entered a shop. They walked up to the person behind the counter. "I'm looking to sell some fish. Where can I get the most money for it?"
"What kind?" the girl asked. "I'm kind of new here, but I know this store will buy most of the food and survival supplies."
Naruto took out a scroll, and unsealed a Lava Shark. "I got this Shark in Volcano Villude. Fished it out myself."
The girl's eye widened. "I've only heard about these... Wait right here." She went into another room, and came out with someone noticeably older.
"I hear you have a Shark... from..." He noticed the Shark. "That..." He looked at Naruto. "i don't know how many of these things you've got, but around here? I could sell this to Royalty for 3 million easy! You don't look like a hardcore fisherman, though. How did you get it?"
"Heat-proof wire. You can see the line coming from the mouth." Naruto pointed it out.
"Where did you get it?"
"The thing is naturally Heat-proof, though normally, it's used for Intense flames, not Lava. And no, I'm not a Hardcore Fisherman. I'm more of a jack of all trades. Master of none, worker of all." Naruto admitted. "I have 10 of these, but I'm saving 7 for later on. I'll need food on the road, you know?"
"So, you'll sell 3 here?" He asked, earning a nod. "Alright then. Come into the back, and bring what you're selling. Lava fish, no matter what type, are extremely rare on the market."
Naruto, Rose, and the man sat down in 3 Chairs. "Alright, I can give you 2.5 million for these. Ever since the last one came in a sold them I've been wondering when he gets another one. He never came back."
Naruto looked at him. "3 million."
"I can't pay 9 million. I don't have that kind of money. 2.6 million."
Naruto looked in thought. "7 Million for all 3. If you sell them, you'll make a 2 million profit."
The man looked hesitant, but considered his option. Naruto spoke again. "7 million for all, or I walk. Simple as that."
The man sighed, and pulled out the safe. "Deal, I just hope you can carry that much." Naruto unsealed 2 more Sharks. "Same way I travel with Sharks on my body. Now you've got 3." The man saw Naruto hold a scroll to the safe, and sealed it up.
"That's a nice contraption you've got there."
"Sorry, but that's not for sale."
"Not like I could buy something of that magnitude so easily."
"Where I come from, they cost a lot. Possible equivalent is about 7,000 gold, and that's on a Close out sale, which is about 50% off. They usually cost a lot more." Naruto admitted. "I had to make this thing myself, and trust me, it's not easy for someone that has no instruction. I almost blew myself up twice making one."
"Ouch. Anyone that can help me learn?"
"Not likely. This is a lost art around here. Not many know how to perform it. I picked it up faster than most, but it's still complicated as hell to explain to someone that doesn't know the components, or lingo." Naruto admitted.
"I'm older than he is, and I didn't get an explanation one bit."
"And that was the basics." Naruto pointed out. "Thanks for the pay, though."
"This stuff'll be gone within a week. If you're still here, and you have some more, drop on by."
Naruto nodded. "I'll think about it."
Rose walked out. "You sure know how to bargain."
"I went below his original offer." Naruto said. "He couldn't do the math that quickly."
"Isn't that bad?"
"The Fire Bird told me the last guy got 10 million for 5 Lava Sharks. I still got more than him." Naruto admitted, before he found the weapon store. "One more place before we head to the arena."
"Weapon shop?"
"Yeah, I think we could use some armor around here. Something tough, but flexible. I'm not going to stray when it comes to weaponry." He fingered Dragon Horn. "The weapon I have is both a memento and a weapon. It was Korallo's. I'm not switching my weapon, and disgracing him." They entered the shop.
A man came up to Naruto as he was browsing. "Looking for something for your friend?"
"A few friends and myself, actually. Only one of them came by."
"Alright, what are you looking for."
"Something sturdy, but flexible. Style isn't what I'm looking for, but it could help." Naruto replied.
"Oh... I don't have much like that, but I do have some headgear. Not easy to make, mind you." He said, as he led Naruto to a shelf. "This shelf is made here in this shop. They are the most sturdy we have, and second most flexible. How many you looking for?"
Naruto thought for a moment. "4 for sure. I may come back for more with others."
"Of course, but that's quite a bit. 40,000 gold for all of them." Naruto pulled out a scroll, and took a bag out. "50,000 is in this bag. That'll pay for a fifth I do come back."
"You loaded?" He asked.
"I just sold 3 Lava Sharks. I'm set for a while, but I'll still be working."
"Oh shit. That's... Alright, I'll buy. How did you get Lava Sharks?"
"Not gonna reveal my spot. I had to take out one bad ass to fish there, though. He singed my favorite shirt too."
Naruto walked with the man to Rose. "You finding everything okay?"
"Yes. I'm actually interested in this." She pulled a Rapier off the stand.
"You have a fine eye. Unfortunately, I can't sell that one."
"Why not?"
"The last 3 people that bought it thought it was cursed, and they dropped it off before they committed suicide. They ended up seeing ghosts, and dead people. I personally don't believe it's cursed, but the proof is that no one has ever used it."
Rose seemed to think. "I'd buy it."
"You're insane." The shopkeeper said.
"We're both insane. You get used to it after a while." Naruto admitted. "Very few learn to live with it, and accept it as a part of life, and they tend to be seen as insane."
The man blinked a few times. "I'd sell it to you for 500, because of the bad history." he handed Naruto 9,500 gold back in his bag. "Here's your change. If you come back, I'll happily sell you something I've got. Not many understand that life is insane."
"Tell me about it." Naruto said, as he started drawing some symbols on the helmets. "What are you doing?"
"Making them look like Headbands. It'll make it easier for access, and still provide the same protection, just won't get in the way as much."
The man nodded, and let him finish. After Naruto finished, he went through a few handseals, and tapped each one. "New seal?"
"Old one. Used by one of Kurama's containers. Her name was Mito Uzumaki. Wife of the Shodai Hokage." Naruto admitted. Rose nodded, knowing it was after Korallo was turned into a fox.
Looking at the Headbands, Naruto took the plate off of the Headband he had on, and placed it on the one he just bought. "Perfect fit." He said.
"That's a nice metal plate."
"Thanks. It's the symbol of my home. Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves."
The man stiffened. "You're from Konoha?"
"You know of it?"
"I lived there during the Third Great Shinobi world. There's no way back, so I used some skills I had as a smith, and opened up a shop. Were you a Shinobi?"
"Genin. 6 months, before I landed here with my teammate."
"6 months Genin? What happened that got you sent here? It had to have been a C-rank."
"A-rank. My third, A-rank, actually. First C-rank turned A-rank when a former Seven Swordsman came after the client. Lack of funds. Second A-rank was to Snow Country. Actress, turned out to be Princess Koyuki Kazahana. She's now queen, and thinks she owes me. She gets along with Konoha because of me. Last one was to stop a Rogue. It was only 2 months after the Chuunin Exams. I didn't make Chuunin, but I did make the finals. They were stopped short, though. Orochimaru of the Sannin went rogue some years ago, marked my teammate, and the same Teammate was about to head to the Hebi-teme. That was the last one, and it ended up Rasengan vs Chidori, and the result was the two of us ended up here. Jiraiya of the Sannin is also in the area."
"Holy shit, dude." The man said. "How do you plan on returning?"
"Wingly Magic got him here. It can get us back, just as easily." Naruto replied.
"Now, I understand why you're insane. To live there, and come here..."
"Actually, the reason I accept insanity is because of the fact I'm alive is crazy. I've had attempts on my life when I was 2 for Kami's sake."
"Jinchuuriki?" Naruto nodded. "Dude, you're fucked if you go back. You know that, right?"
"True, but I have to go back. My dream is to become Hokage. I made it to the finals in my First Chuunin Exams. I stopped the Ichibi from rampaging in the Eastern forests while Sand and Sound were invading. All the time, people tried to stunt my progress. They failed."
"That's not a fail." The man said. "That's an Epic fail. You're insane, but you're not insane. For a Jinchuuriki? The fact that you haven't gone killing everyone in sight is a sign that you're still sane."
"I'm tempted to, but I don't. It only proves I'm what they think I am: a Demon. The same demon who is now dead, and I have his memories. Along with a weapon he forged in a past life." Naruto pulled out Dragon Horn, and unsheathed it. "This weapon was his. He entrusted it to me. That in itself is questionable, but I use it naturally. I'm not switching weapons. He was there when no one else was. Now that he's gone, this and his memories are all that I have left."
"Damn kid. No parents?"
"Dad sealed him into me. Mom supposedly died the next day, ended up in Tiberoa."
"Kid, you've got one fucked up family."
"No kidding. But you want to know what's really sad? My dad was a full blood Wingly." Naruto added.
"Oh fuck. Whats your name?"
"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze." he replied. "Around here, though, I've been building a name as the Golden Fox. My mother is the Red Devil here, Red Death back home. Father is dead, but known as the Yellow flash back home, and the Yondaime Hokage."
"Okay, I'm sorry, but that is just fucked up. Dude, I respect your ability to stay sane with all that."
"I'm not really sane. I just accept the fact that the Insanity is there, and move on. It's that simple." Naruto shrugged. "Anyway, let's get going Rose. I want to get these things back to the others."
She nodded. "Who are they for anyway?"
He tossed one to her. "I was wondering when you were going to ask. You're getting one, my mom's getting one, and Sasuke's getting one."
She looked at it. "How much did those helmets cost anyway?"
"10 grand each."
"You bought 4 Legend Casques?" She asked, surprised.
"I wanted something sturdy and flexible. It wasn't flexible enough for my taste, but I could fix that easily. We'll head down to the arena now." Naruto replied.
"Wait." He stopped and looked at her, before she planted one on his cheek. "Okay, let's go." They both ran towards the arena, where they saw Hachel and the others. "Come along, young man. I'll be seeing what you need to improve with."
They both walked into the arena, and people started drawing around. Not many, but enough. "Sorry about the crowd, if you're nervous."
"Nah, I've fought in front of bigger crowds."
"I got a basic assessment of your fighting skills, but I would prefer to see for myself. No weapons. Come at me full force."
"Okay... I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're probably stronger than your age will suggest."
"You pick up things quickly." Haschel said, as he took a stance. Naruto took the usual stance he did. "Your stance is all wrong."
"No, this is right. It's something I made myself."
In the stands, Jiraiya was confused. "What is he talking about? I've never seen him in that stance."
Kushina looked at him. "That's what he's been using lately in spars." She looked back at Naruto. "Then again, usually he has his Rapier in hand when he does."
"This is a no-weapons fight. He's likely to get himself beat."
Naruto and Haschel went at each other. After a few hits, they both backed off. 'That's strange. He's off balance half of the time, but he still makes good movements. Some moves seem wasted, but from what I see that's a part of the style.' They went back at each other, and Haschel knocked Naruto down, before Naruto caught the ground with his hand, and kicked Haschel's jaw, sending him backwards. Haschel went down to the ground, but rolled to his feet. 'That's why he's off balance at times. He let's his opponents hit him off balance on his terms, and counters when they think they're home free. This kid is good, and can improvise easily.'
Naruto was back on his feet. "Not bad for a rookie, huh?"
"You're no rookie. Jiraiya was seriously off about your skills. However, there seems to be more to your style than you think."
"Oh? I can tell you already realized the lack of balance at certain points." Naruto pointed out.
"And you're smarter than he stated, too."
"he called me stupid, didn't he?"
"Not stupid. Just not that good on brains when it comes to books." Haschel corrected. "You're more the type of think on your feet. The style suits that mindset. No moves are planned out, but they are precise. You don't aim for your hits, they just fly, and you hit. Not a good thing."
"I don't aim for hits before I go for it. I fire, and then I aim. I always hit my mark. Knocked out a soldier with a strike to the arm here."
"Let's see you try that on me." Haschel said. Naruto then shifted his stance a bit to the left.
'He's going after the right arm.' Naruto phased out. 'Behind!' haschel thought, before throwing a punch behind him. At that point, Naruto phased in. 'Front?' Yes, Naruto stopped right in front of Hachel and launched a strike.
He dodged the strike, but barely. His arm still felt the tingle of electricity. "Are those punches charged with Lightning?"
"Not lightning. Wind." Naruto said. "My hits aren't affected by Wind resistance, because the Wind moves out of the way for them, partially increasing the power behind the hit. The shock from the impact moves down to the spine, and shuts down the body from that point down. That's how the Soldier went down."
Haschel shook his hand. "That's a deadly move."
"I noticed the first time I used it. It's not a move I would use regularly." Naruto admitted. "Shall we continue?"
"Alright then. I'll be using a different form that I use from time to time." Haschel's stance didn't change, but he charged. Naruto blocked the first one, and barely dodged the flipping kick. He almost hit Haschel, but hands blocked the kick, and slammed Naruto down on the ground. Haschel landed. "There's a reason that's called the Summon Four Gods form of my style. Four hits, and I've won."
Naruto then got up. "Damn. You're good, Haschel."
"I know."
Naruto walked up to his side, and they walked out of the arena, applause coming out. "Your form would seem better with a small blade that has a knuckle guard."
"I know. That's how I've been making it. To accommodate the weapon I have."
"Mind if I see?" Naruto pulled out Dragon Horn. "I see what you mean. A Knuckle guard, but no blade." Naruto unsheathed the blade. "Ah. Ethereal blade."
"It cut through Feyrbrand's hide with ease. I can sharpen the cuts with this thing, and I've cut off an arm like that."
"Ouch. I'd like to see it one day. I'll be sticking with you, until we reach Millie Seseau. Say, why don't you enter the Heroes tournament in a week? I plan to participate as well. I could see how you really fight no holds barred."
"I'll think on it." Naruto said as they continued walking. "But I might as well."
They walked back to the Inn, but Naruto and Rose got a different room. With one bed, and they didn't tell Jiraiya where it was.
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Alright, I think it's obvious what Naruto and Rose were doing, but in case you have a dirty mind, they were clothed, and nothing like that happened.
Peace!