Author note: I am so sorry about not updating my stories. I know some people are saying, "Hey dude, why are you posting new stories and not updating the old ones?" Truth be told, I am stuck in a writer's block with some of the stories. A Brother's Love is complicated, because I lost the soft copy of chapter 14 and I have to rewrite again. Not to mention, I have heaps of assignments due. Just bear with me.

Just so you forgot, Naruto's speech is in bold because he is talking with after-echoes.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~
(Chapter Three: Revolution In The Making)

Naruto slurped his ramen in an indignant fashion, much to his subordinates' dismay. Tossing his bowl away, the blond beamed fervently and let out a belch of content. "Ah! Good stuff! It has been a while since I let loose and have ramen for lunch! Good job, Tier-chan!"

Tier hid her miserable blush and retained an indifferent composure. "It is my pleasure to serve, milord."

Shutara, having recovered from malnourishment, was still unnerved by Naruto's distorted voice that echoed throughout the opulent dining hall. She stared warily at the lackadaisical conqueror and cleared her throat. "So, what now? I'm sure you have some evil plans for me. You have locked me up in your palace for a week now. I-"

"Patience, woman. Patience." Naruto snickered as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Now, let's discuss about our exigent problem, shall we? The old geezer never wanted you to kill me in the first place. He knew very well that if he was unable to hurt me, nobody could. Still, he deliberately sent you here on an impossible conquest to slay me. Don't you think that sounds ludicrous?"

"So, there is an ulterior motive?" Shutara arched a brow.

Naruto smirked. "Absolutely. You were bait from the very start. He wants to use you to verify his theory."

"Verify his theory?"

"That old fart is obsolete. After I defeated him, I'm sure he has been conniving like a scrawny little bitch." The blond sighed. "If he doesn't get what he wants, he will resort to obnoxious tactics. I may be powerful, but he's… petty. He has this fierce need for control. He fancy himself as a lord of all he surveys. In other words, if you returned without providing him substantial evidence of my execution, he will obliterate you. Therefore, in order to preserve your life, I must forfeit something valuable to you."

Without hesitation, Naruto materialised his nefarious odachi into his grasp and sliced his finger off, stupefying Tier and Shutara. The nonchalant blond licked his blood and watched as his dissected finger regenerated. "Take my finger to that old fart. Tell him you found my weak spot."

The reaper blanched as she collected the bifurcated finger. "H-Have you ever tried to make peace with our kind before?"

The blond chuckled. "Peace? Peace is a mere illusion fabricated by warmongers to promote their cause. The truth is… it is impossible to attain peace. We are only productive at war. Hollows and soul reapers will never coexist in harmony. There are existential differences. Insurmountable. If there were to be unity between both races, it wouldn't be a truce so much as a submission."

Shutara balled her trembling fist. "But if you never try, you-"

"It will never work, my dear." Naruto exuded an authoritarian aura as he stood up from his regal throne and strolled towards a painting, which depicted a battlefield of bedlam and chaos. "Peace is an overused word. Everybody uses it, but that's all it is. Word. Nothing more. In the end, it all comes down to pride, greed and vanity. It is because we possess such detrimental qualities, war becomes inevitable. There will never be an end to our strife for domination. The fight will never stop, not until one side is completely destroyed."

Shutara averted her frightful gaze; she had witnessed the philosophical devil's almighty powers. If the harbinger of apocalypse waged war against Soul Society, the raven-haired beauty feared that Naruto's campaign would herald the extinction of her race. "Is that even possible?"

The blond shrugged. "Who knows? I am the primogenitor of my race and I have experienced the passing of many great eras. One thing for sure. Soul Society and Hueco Mundo have existed since forever. You would think a century of self-reflection will cease the vicious cycle of hatred. However, when one preaches justice, the others would seek vengeance. Our worlds are ruled by hatred. I have lived for centuries and I can foretell our future."

Tier stood in a sequestered corner of the grand chamber, listening zealously to her monarch's profound speech.

Naruto softened his gaze and eyed the chandelier hung on the ceiling, which was decorated with mosaic tiles. "We are incapable of understanding each other. That is the fallacy of sentient creations. We are plagued by our incessant needs for personal satisfaction. It motivates us to commit sins. It is why humans should perish, because they are our roots. Once I rupture the balance, our world will gain freedom."

"Your plan… is insane." Shutara looked away. "You won't win this war, Uzumaki. You don't even know the extent of the Spirit King's power. Even if you managed to kill the Spirit King, the gods will stop you."

The blond simply chuckled. "Spirit King? Gods? Power is not given to you by birth. Power is achieved by aggression and manipulation. You preach about god's existence. Such absurd notion. Let me enlighten you. Mortals are created to serve. That's why they require guidance for their pathetic lives. The source of their guidance derives from a superior being. God. A makeshift entity created by frail humans to depend upon. That's why humans are such an insufferable race. It is in their nature to crave subjugation!"

"Why do you resent the world so much?" Shutara fumed. "Are you not humans once?"

"I was, unfortunately. And I despised my memories of my past life. It only exists to taunt me." Naruto slotted his fists in his pockets and heaved a heavy sigh. "There will never be salvation. Peace is an idealism that will never be reality. These are cold, hard facts. My existence is a symbol of retribution. Even if I were to be killed, somebody will rise to uphold my mantle. My idea is immortal."

The blond ambled to the table and snatched a glass of champagne. "Besides, if the reapers were doing their job, I wouldn't be what I am today, no?"

Shutara bit her lips; the conqueror made a point. He wouldn't become the repugnant adversary of all creations if the reapers weren't engrossed in hunting hollows and instead prioritised their duties to liberate wandering souls. "So, when will I be leaving?"

Naruto took a sip from his alcoholic beverage and smirked. "You will leave when I've completed my task. Tier-chan, please provide our guest gracious hospitality in my absence."

"Your wish is my command."

"W-Where are you going?" Shutara rose to her feet and blinked nervously.

"Aww, I didn't think you would care."

"I-I'm not. I just-"

Naruto abruptly manifested his robust frame before the startled brunette and cupped her delicate chin. Delivering a peck on her cheek, the blond smiled with a debonair charm. "Hush, my dear. I have an errand to run. I will be back soon. Don't miss me too much."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Retsu browsed through her files, identifying potential recruits to join her division. She desired to obtain an ingenious protégé to improve her research and aid her in her endeavours to shatter the boundaries between soul reapers and hollows. Kirio, the faithful lieutenant, sat beside her mistress and observed the data. "Captain, have you found any freshman you wish to induct?"

"Yes. I do." The Shodai Kenpachi flipped through the archives and smiled. "I may have found our newest member."

"And who may it be?" The violet-haired lieutenant arched a brow.

Retsu presented the file to Kirio. "His name is Kisuke. I read his journal article about the boundary between soul reapers and hollows. He also wrote about his hypothesis of breaking the boundary. I must say that it is a fascinating read."

The lieutenant accepted the docket and skimmed through the content with avid interest. "Urahara Kisuke? His academic records are pretty bland. Average student. He has no exceptional talent in swordsmanship. His exams' scores fluctuate, barely consistent. Captain, why him?"

"He is an excellent choice, Kirio. Have faith with your captain." The Shodai Kenpachi grinned. "Bring him in. I will interview him myself."

"R-Right away, Captain Unohana."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Venturing through the harsh dunes of the unforgiving desert, Naruto arrived to a dilapidated house. He heard rumours speculating about a new-born Vasto Lorde with a deranged disposition who massacred the entire forest infested with a colony of horrific monstrosities. Naruto dusted his frock coat and strolled to the decrepit door. "I'm looking for-"

"Get the hell out of my house!"

Naruto blinked and knocked on the derelict door. "I only wish to-"

The door opened abruptly and revealed a violet-haired woman with voluptuous proportion glaring menacing daggers at the blond. Concealing her enthralling features was an intimidating mask with jagged fangs resembling a tigress. She toyed with her chrome-plated pistol and ruffled her tousled hair. "What do you want from me?"

"Are you Rebecca?"

"It's Revy," the woman corrected with annoyance. "What's it to ya?"

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto."

"I heard about you. The devil's advocate, hmm? The God of Hueco Mundo. Big names for a squirt like you." Revy smirked and aimed her handgun at Naruto's forehead. "Are you here to kill me?"

"On the contrary, I'm here to seek your allegiance."

"Give me one good fucking reason why you ain't like those cock-suckers that I killed? Give me one reason why I shouldn't just blow your fucking head off right here, right now?"

The blond frowned displeasingly at the abrasive woman's profanity and blatant animosity. Retaining a placid façade, the conqueror had noticed the gunslinger was an anomaly. Her evolution was magnificent as she retained a remnant of her humanity, a distinctive trait he discovered in Tier and Arturo. "It seems you have an unquenchable thirst for bloodshed. I can assist you to sedate your famine for souls while elevating your powers to newer heights."

"Oh yeah?" Revy arched a dubious brow. "I'm sure there ain't such thing as free fuckin' lunch. What's your deal?"

"I told you, didn't I? I seek your loyalty."Naruto smiled with an enticing benevolence. "I am building an empire. A kingdom cannot flourish without an armed force. I need commanders with exceptional talents to rally my troops, implement cultures and enforce discipline. I heard about your exploits and I acknowledged your strength. I am offering you a position in my ranks."

Revy contemplated; she might be reckless, but she was not a fool. The devil's supremacy was unrivalled and his notoriety as the mightiest predator of Hueco Mundo was unchallenged too. "You want me to be your subordinate?"

"Associate," Naruto rectified. "I can give you a purpose. Or, you can continue your languorous life in this wasteland, seeking an answer for your existence. It is a mundane endeavour that will lead you nowhere."

"How about the last option? I blow your fucking head off?"

"I welcome you to try." The blond chuckled. "You will find that I don't die that easily."

"You're not even giving me any options!" Revy grasped her head to ease her migraine; she was somewhat honoured to be recognised for her strength. "Damn it! Thinking gives me headaches."

Naruto spun around. "A new life of adventure or a boring life of daily routines. I'm not overly fond of routines though. Well, that's just me. Think about it."

The blond trekked away, mentally counting down.

"W-Wait!"

He grinned triumphantly.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Baraggan Louisenbairn was an egocentric and a tyrannical ruler who desired to marshal a horde of subservient soldiers to govern the realm. He was reputable as the King of Bones and his paramount powers were a force to be reckoned with. Naruto arrived to a crumbled coliseum and stood at the epicentre of an arena. He surveyed his environment with disdain and cringed. "What a distasteful choice for a hideout."

"You tread on my property, stranger. Who might you be?" Baraggan, a ghastly spectre of skeletal features who wore a crown ornamented with jewels, eyed the intruder dispassionately. "Are you here to pledge your devotion to me? Or are you here to give me your soul to feast upon?"

"Your mouth is clearly as big as your ego." Naruto smiled. "I take it that you're the Baraggan?"

Baraggan chuckled. "Guilty as charged. So, what do you want, ant?"

"I want to recruit you, Baraggan. I need powerful allies who are willing to join my pantheon. I envisioned raising a garrison of patriots who fight under my hegemony. It will be a revolution." Naruto stroked his sapphire ring and discerned murderous intent emanating from the skeleton emperor. "I hate to break it to you, Baraggan. You lack integrity. Your pedigree is feeble. Your legislation is flawed. I could go on but we'd be here for days, so manifolds are your faults, so deficient are your merits."

"You dare barge into my territory, coerce my peace and disparage my dictatorship?" Baraggan growled. "This is a pointless banter. I will make you suffer for your ignorance! Men! Exterminate this vermin for his denigration!"

A swarm of barbaric hollows charged towards the unperturbed Naruto. Remorselessly, the blond unsheathed his malevolent blade and evaded a raging bull's assault before beheading the beast with a fluid slice. Swinging his odachi with stylish grace, Naruto discharged a virulent wave of energy at his foes, decapitating the horde in the process. Naruto unleashed a dreadful spiritual pressure and the stadium was demolished instantly.

The bewildered skeletal emperor was in trepidation as the formidable intruder had performed genocide without a hint of repentance. "T-This atrocity! H-How dare you!"

Naruto stared laxly at the quavering fleet of primitive hollows and beckoned. "You sure you want to do this? I'm just going to slaughter you all. And for what? Because that oppressor over there asks you to do so? Join me. All of you. Together, we can build a nation. My plan is thriving. Join me and I promise you that you will not regret this prudent decision. After all, the weak seeks the strong for protection and self-preservation, no? Come to me."

The blond chortled in glee as the hollows bowed before him. "I work along befits the greater good, Baraggan. You may beg to differ, but it's all a matter of perspective. There is no path through life that does no harm. I would not say what I did was just. I simply wish to give Hueco Mundo a better future. With my reign, I will guarantee order and structure. With my reign, I will bring prosperity."

"Your reign?" The skeletal emperor scoffed. "You are nothing but a delusional fool!"

Naruto sighed. "For once, put that arrogant attitude of yours aside and think rationally. Can you reshape this world? Do you even have the power necessary to alter the future as we speak? I am the alpha and omega. I am the God of Hueco Mundo. I can change this world. You can choose to reject my invitation, but your loss is more or less affirmed. After all, you cannot deny the fact that I am stronger than you in every aspect of the word."

Baraggan drummed his bony fingers on the armrest of his gothic throne and grunted.

"Join me, Baraggan. Become the commander of my army! I promise you. You will not regret it."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Shutara strolled through the tenebrous hallway, accompanied by Arturo. She could discern and gauge the attendant's strength. The reaper was genuinely astonished by the fact that Arturo's tremendous strength rivalled any captain in Soul Society. "So, how long have you been serving that jerk?"

Arturo blinked. "I take it you're referring to Lord Naruto. I have been serving him for years. He gave me power and knowledge. He taught me the ways of life. I did not know why he chose me, but I am forever in his debt."

"Oh? So his power has always been so bizarre?" Shutara probed. "I mean… how can anybody be that powerful?"

"Honestly, I do not know. And I did not inquire either. He told me about how Hueco Mundo used to be separated into five continents, but something happened. I am, however, sure that he has been roaming in this purgatory for centuries." The Immortal Phoenix retorted. "His sovereignty is absolute, Shutara-dono. It is a preposterous notion to suggest otherwise. I have only once managed to catch a glimpse of his powers."

The reaper cocked a baffled brow. "And?"

"I have never been so terrified."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Naruto soared through the granite sky and caught a glimpse of a fierce thunderstorm hovering atop a mountain. Gravity intensified in astounding degrees and the blond struggled in his flight. Channelling arcane energy, Naruto blitzed towards the disturbance while an outburst of sonic ripples exploded beneath his feet. Landing gracefully on an earthen platform, the blond furrowed his brows. "It's rare to find lightning in this barren wasteland."

"Lightning. It flashes bright, then fades away. It can't protect. It only destroys," an alluring voice interjected. "Why have you come?"

Naruto diverted his sight to an exquisite Valkyrie who sat on her frozen throne. She had a slender physique and her elegant armour resembled an angelic paladin. Her jousting helmet exposed the vibrant curls of her vibrant orchid pink hair. She crossed her legs and tilted her head in confusion. "Are you not going to answer me, God of Hueco Mundo?"

"I'm sorry. I was simply marvelled by your beauty. I heard about you, Claire Farron. Brave beyond measure. Loyal and intelligent. Peerless in character. And unshakable in conviction." Naruto smiled with an inveigling charisma. "I need talents such as yours to aid me in my crusade. I am building an empire, Claire. I may be powerful, but an army cannot operate without commanders."

The Valkyrie chuckled. "Your flattery will not get you anywhere. For me, there is nothing worth to strive. There is no reason for me to fight. There is no hope. I am to be blamed for many sufferings. I would have chained myself in this crystal tomb and become an eternal epitaph if you did not intervene."

Naruto took a bold step forward. "You have lost faith. However, you have a purpose now, Claire. I plan to revolutionise this realm and reshape it as my vision denotes. I need competent allies to unite my battalions and legislate policies. I used to see the world the way it is, unwilling to make changes. Now, I wish to see the world as it would be. My empire will be born of a realisation. It shall require no creed. No indoctrination."

"I only wish to bear the sorrow of the dead in this dead dune. It is my atonement."

The blond shook his head. "No. If you give up, you will not become a memory. You become nothingness. It is the worst punishment you can inflict on yourself. It is unnecessary. It is foolish. There are so many things that need to be done. So many obstacles to be overcome. Once I remodelled Hueco Mundo, this world shall be different and you will live to see it. Nobody truly desires death. They just want to find a will to live. Allow me to keep your hope alive. Give me your servitude and I will give you the will to live."

"A will… to live?" Claire muttered with an enchanting voice. "Keep my hope alive?"

"Serve me, Claire." Naruto grinned. "And I will show you a better future. I will drag you out of the chaos that is suffocating you and bring forth salvation!"

"I decide my own future."

The blond chuckled. "Then I hope you choose a bright one."

The Valkyrie sighed. "Call me Lightning."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Ophis Vin Minevelia, the Dragon God of Hueco Mundo, was unlike an ordinary hollow. She was bestowed with nigh-omnipotence and had fought with the God of Hueco Mundo to a stalemate for several times in the past; their battles had ripped the desert apart. Her ferocity was unsurpassed, but those who triggered her wrath only knew death. She was the embodiment of calamity, but preferred to be recluse.

When Naruto decided to visit her stronghold, she was surprised. "Are you here to settle our scores? I believe the last time we fought, you weren't completely serious. I am unpleased, my dear little fox."

The blond took a sip from his saucer of wine and sighed aloud. He gazed with an impassive temerity at the majestic dragon, which had shimmering obsidian scales that seeped rivulets of potent energy. Its draconic mask had a pair of protruding diabolical horns and its titanic wings sprouted with glorified pride. "It seems you never change, Ophis."

The mammoth dragon snickered impishly. "You too, foxy."

"I'm here to offer you a proposal, Ophis." Naruto smirked. "I will be frank with you. I am building a kingdom in this world. I need ample resources. I wish to enlist your help. Lend me your strength, Ophis, and I will let you hear the clamour of revolution."

Ophis chortled mockingly. "Why should I help you? You don't deserve my aid. After our last battle, my home was levelled. I have to migrate to another place to settle down, you insolent idiot!"

Naruto sighed as he unsheathed his sword. "It seems your decision is what I have anticipated. Words will not sway your thoughts. I will prove it to you. I will defeat you and make you comprehend my perspective. You will join me, Ophis!"

"Defeat me and prove to me your superiority, Naruto! Or you can surrender to me and meet your death!" The ebony leviathan roared and the desert suffered an ungodly earthquake that shattered the nearby mountains. "Today shall be the day I deliver submission. You will kneel before me!"

Naruto grinned. "Nothing will forestall the rise of my empire."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"You must be Urahara Kisuke." Kirio narrowed her eyes and stroked her chin. "I really don't see anything special about you."

Kisuke, a freshman, scratched his scalp and chuckled nervously. "Uh, yeah! I'm truly honoured to be inducted into the science department."

"Who say anything about induction?" The lieutenant deadpanned.

"B-But-"

"You were told that Captain Unohana has recommended you to join the barracks. However, you are not informed that you have been enlisted into the twelve division yet." Kirio smirked and patted a deflated Kisuke's shoulder. "But, don't worry. I'm sure Captain Unohana has her reasons for choosing you as her junior assistant."

"So… is your captain a scary person?"

"It's best you get to know her by yourself." The bubbly lieutenant guffawed. "She is very unpredictable. Try not to piss her off… if you cherish your life."

Kisuke swallowed hard. "Is she that scary?"

"Oh, you have no idea!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Naruto sat on a barrel and tidied his peaked collar. Gazing insouciantly at the soporific moonlight, the blond smiled. "On any given day, I will never ask such a daring request from you. However, in order to seek for a better future, I need reliable resources and adequate commanders to take charge. I plan to build an empire. You are the infamous Dark King, Silver Rayleigh. Your strength is indomitable. You are the perfect candidate. What do you say? Join me!"

A diabolical knight donned in azure armour; battered cape; and malicious horned helmet, was accompanied by the apathetic blond. Rayleigh was an imposing entity who possessed overwhelming power and emitted a domineering aura; he was the nightmare of all monsters that roamed the hostile desert. He cocked a perplexed brow behind his malevolent helmet. "Join you? Empire? I'm too old for this charade."

"Then live a little longer to enjoy it! This is destiny, Rayleigh. You and I are meant to do great things. Don't waste your eternity indulging in your cannibalistic instincts. Release your potential to contribute for a better world!"

"Destiny? Contribute? What nonsense. Just leave me alone and go away."

"You are strong, Rayleigh. With your alliance, my cavalry will become unconquerable. Admit it, old friend. Whoever governs Hueco Mundo must have the will in him. Or give it up! The position of supremacy is not a trivial affair. Together, we can change everything. We will start removing disorder! Repairing the dysfunctional evolutionary tautology of 'survival of the fittest' that is driving our species to extinction and compel our people to embrace a cohesive society! Sounds like fun, don't you think?"

"Hey! Don't go decide things for me!"

"Stop being uncertain about the unknown! Let's do this, Rayleigh! Let's take this world by storm!"

"Are you not the God of Hueco Mundo?" Rayleigh buried his foot in the sand and sighed. "I'm sure you can fulfil your dreams and-"

"Meh. That is just an epithet. A symbol of dominance and destruction." Naruto chuckled. "I don't even know who gave it to me. I just assume the role as the god of this world. God is an abstract notion. Hollows never really have power, only the illusion of it. The truth is… they don't want it. The responsibility is too great to bear and they still have their carnal instincts to overcome. They want to be told what to do. They yearn for a great leader. And they aspire to make changes in this godforsaken wasteland. As a god, I serve to inspire."

"And what makes you think you are qualified to rule?"

The blond smirked confidently. "Someone needs to make a stand. As I walk this empty desert, I see how our kind preys on each other to survive. I see how the weak has no say to anything, even in their death. What can be done to stop this madness and depravity? I ponder for years. I do not think dialogue will make significant differences, especially when the majority of our kinds are savages. I can only think how nobody is willing to make the first step. Because no one else will, I feel obligated to do it. Well, better me than some demented absolutist."

"In your haste to change this world, take care you don't destroy it." Rayleigh patted Naruto's shoulder. "I'll live a little longer. See how this turns out. I hope you entertain me with your plans, Naruto-kun."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Kisuke believed he was in a dilemma. It wasn't the opposing aura Captain Unohana emanated that intimidated him, or her unparalleled beauty that
confounded him. It was the fact that his commander-to-be was studying him with an unsettling intensity that it frightened him. She was pervading his comfort zone with just a mere stare. "Uh, ma'am, I was told to report to your-"

"Do you know what this department is about?" The Shodai Kenpachi removed her glasses and scowled. "Can you even comprehend what this organisation aspires?"

"I-I do." Kisuke muttered.

"No, you don't." Retsu narrowed her eyes; the gravitas she exuded was smothering the blond. "I don't like liars."

"I-I didn't- Uh! I mean-"

"I'm just kidding." The commander chuckled. "Don't be so tense. I am not going to kill you."

Kisuke feigned laughter and fidgeted. "Y-Yeah! Of course not! I mean, you can kill me so easily if you want."

Retsu stopped her chortling abruptly and blinked. "You say something?"

"N-Nothing!"

"Excellent." The Shodai Kenpachi chirped. "Let's start with the interview, shall we? I read your report. Why did you express interest with the science division? We are, after all, a very new organisation standing on a shaky foundation."

Kisuke cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Well, I'm always interested in aerodynamic and biomedical engineering. You may be wondering about my grades in the academy. With all due respect, ma'am, but if you have revised through the coursework, you will find many flaws in the curriculum. I mean, why did the academy refuse to fund the battle simulation project? And the academy should promote physical training. Why the hell did they prioritise it during the last year of our coursework? I mean, it make no sense!"

Retsu tilted her head. "You talk too much."

"O-Oh! I'm sorry." The blonde swallowed hard. "I talk a lot when I'm nervous."

The Shodai Kenpachi tided her documents and smiled. "Welcome abroad, Kisuke. My expectation is simple. I want to see results. You give me what I want and I assure you your days here will be a pleasant one. I realised you do not have the necessary experience. Frankly, this is a new department. I, however, would not have recruited you amongst my ranks if I do not have complete faith in your capability to succeed."

"O-Oh? That's it? I-I mean, of course!" Kisuke smiled uneasily, the sudden burden atop his shoulders somewhat felt heavy. "I will not fail you, ma'am."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Naruto gazed upon the river of blood with a solemn demeanour. He had embarked on an arduous journey to search for the legendary God of War, rumoured to possess insatiable thirst for vengeance, in Hueco Mundo. Naruto stumbled across a man, with a hulk physique, sitting atop a tower of mutilated corpses. "You must be Kratos Sparta. The God of War. Slayer of Gods. Destroyer of Worlds. Quite an infamous reputation you have there. I heard many great things about your exploits."

"Who's asking?" It was a monocratic voice of a warlord, and it sounded exhausted.

"I am Naruto Uzumaki."

"I have heard." Kratos murmured. "You are the ruler of this desert. They told me about your deeds and how you conquer Soul Society."

"And who might they be?" Naruto arched a curious brow.

The warlord pointed a finger at the macabre blood splashed on the sand. "You are standing on them. The beasts I have slayed have told me that the king of the desert would one day come to end my madness. I hope you precede your reputation, God."

"I believe you are a man with honour. A man who sternly believes action speaks louder than words. I respect that." The blond manifested his blade into his grasp and smirked. "Truth be told, I too am a man of actions. If I defeat you, will you aid me in my crusade to build an empire?"

"You want me to place my faith in you?"

"All sentient creatures place their faith in someone more powerful than them and they cannot live without such indulgence." Naruto unleashed an inconceivable spiritual pressure, decimating the surroundings in the process. "The one who receives that faith seeks out someone who stands at a higher pedestal to soothe the overbearing pressure. This is how god kings are born. You do not need to believe in me yet, Kratos."

The God of War was stupefied as he was struggling to raise his blades. "T-This power… it's even more overwhelming than mine! That's not possible!"

"A God comprehends what his people needs. What they want. And he must be cognisant of his people's values and belief to stir their hearts. I know what you want, Kratos. You want redemption. I am inclined to give it to you. You have not encountered a worthy foe yet, but that doesn't mean you are the apex predator. Allow me to show you what a god is capable of. Subscribing to my proposition comes later."

Naruto charged forward and the imminent explosions were cataclysmic.

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Captain Commander Yamamoto sat on his respective seat in the council hall, accompanied by his lieutenant. The politicians and governors of Soul Society had gathered to open a discourse with the veteran general of their military and shared his views about the God of Hollow. After all, Shigekuni had fought the beast and survived to tell the tale. "Commander, I am sure you are aware why we have summoned you here for this meeting."

The aged commander nodded. "We are here to discuss the prospect of the uprising threat that is Uzumaki Naruto and the… questionable security of our realm. I understand everybody is in fright. However, fear is not the appropriate reaction. Right now, Seireitei is in ruins. It is the perfect opportunity for that monster to attack us again. So that begs the question. Why didn't he?"

The bureaucrats gulped; their anxiety was palpable in the conference room. "Perhaps he is recovering as well?"

"Unlikely. There will be a moment when Naruto realise he alone cannot triumph. He has all the qualities of a leader, so why shouldn't he lead. That realisation will compel him to envisage his own kingdom." Captain Commander Yamamoto carried an inscrutable visage as he stared at the mewling councilmen. "Whether you want to accept or not to accept is not dependant on your likings. Question is, will Naruto's campaign prosper?"

Apprehension etched on the governor's face as he queried. "Are you saying he is going to build an empire to destroy us? What is the context of his hatred towards us? Could such a shenanigan be a result from the beast's primal nature?"

Shigekuni sighed. "He may be a beast, but naked aggression is not his style. It might contradict his crimes, but I honestly don't think he will simply build an army and proceed to attack us. It is too simple for both you and him. No. He would strike fear to our hearts by humiliating us first. He will use everything in his power to bring us to our knees as he savages victory. I am not going to allow that to happen."

"But how can you justify that when we are clearly in danger! And you are no exception in this plight!"

The aged captain clenched his fists and seethed. "Let me assure you something, councilman. I am not in danger. I am the danger!"

Flinching from the sheer ferocity of Shigekuni's tone, the hall became unsettlingly quiet.

"We were unprepared when he launched his attack. He knew we would not repeat the same mistake. We must have the resolution and capacity to settle this war quickly. Because this is a different kind of war. The opposing side is not in uniform, but we are. As for the context of his hatred, I believe every creature in this universe is built to harbour the desire to rule."

"What do you think is appropriate to embolden our troops' morale? We have lost a battle against a single hollow. We also know Captain Unohana has lost in her endeavour to defeat that monster. What do you think we should do?"

"Less than a decade ago, I advised the council to strengthen our barracks. We may have been in peace after this council was constituted, but you were convinced that nothing can be possibly be a threat to us. Our guards were down as a consequence." The aged captain responded with a diplomatic tone. "It is no use asking me now for my opinion what you should have decided before. We got to live with today, not what it might have been the day before yesterday! Therefore, I propose that you give me the right to remodel the curriculum of the academy, adjusting the schematics of our soldier's requisites skills and the power to enact impromptu laws during the period of any crisis!"

The councilmen hesitated warily.

"I have talked to Captain Unohana after her espionage mission. She has told me that the monster has the desire to build a unified nation in Hueco Mundo. That means his movement has been set in motion. We are running out of time. If you believe we can still stand idly by and not expect an invasion, than you are making a grave mistake. Because the next time he comes, he will bring an army to us! Right now, we are vulnerable. But I can help you change that."

Shigekuni scowled. "I am sure you have brought me here to seek my advice. My solution is simple. Give me what I want and I will provide a capable security for Soul Society."

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

"You, of all people, should know the eastern desert belongs to me. Why have you invaded my sanctuary, God of Hollow?" The lithe hollow was dressed in a black dress with a comical bunny mask adorning her face. Her golden locks were tied in pigtails. She was accompanied by her elderly butler; a hollow dressed in a formal tuxedo and had a ferocious wolf mask concealing his aged features.

"It has been a while, hasn't it?" Naruto pocketed his fists. "Queen of Vampires, Rachel Alucard. Wolf King, Valkenhayn R. Hellsing."

"That was in the past, Lord Naruto. I believed you have exceeded my reputation." Valkenhayn took a graceful bow and smiled. "I am now Lady Rachel's attendant."

"You don't need to be modest with me, Valkenhayn. You were once regarded as the persona of the apocalypse."

Rachel coughed, interrupting the conversation as she spoke with a distinctive accent. "Are we going to continue addressing each other with our epithets? Why are you here, Fox-san?"

"Revolution is in the air." Naruto grinned, shifting his attention to the blonde hollow. "Meeting you is very much a coincidence though."

"There are no such thing as coincidence, my dear." Rachel rested her elbow on the armrest of her gothic throne. "There is only the illusion of coincidence. Revolution, you say? There are many men who came before you, seeking my assistance. They were buried alive by the avalanche of their incompetence. What makes you think you are so different?"

"I am not Death. I am not the destroyer of worlds." Naruto smirked. "However, I can promise you an empire where its people shares a common goal. I can assure you that the new era will bring forth a better future. It will be a world of justice and stringent laws. Policies will be made. Laws will be safeguarded. Senseless cannibalism and meaningless carnage will be abolished. I have already found the cure to quench the endless thirst for souls that our race has been suffering for millenniums. I need only your cooperation."

"The cure for our race?" Rachel raised a brow of piqued interest. "How can you guarantee your victory in the upcoming war?"

"Those who oppose me will be crushed, that I guarantee you. Before creation, there must be destruction. I have led the apocalypse to this plane of existence once. It is time I bring upon a new age."

The vampire queen took a sip from her cup of tea and smiled. "Now, having just met you after such a long time, I wouldn't go as far as calling you a cold-hearted bastard."

Naruto merely chuckled. "Of course not."

"But it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine." Rachel's saccharine smile was dipped with venomous disdain as she continued, "I know your type. You think of women as disposable pleasure, rather than meaningful pursuits. Do not misjudge me. I did not become what I am today by the grace of someone else's charity. So as charming as you are, God, I will keep my interest as priority."

"I wouldn't hope for any less. As I implied before, I seek only your allegiance."

"It seems like you wish to amalgamate every kingdom in Hueco Mundo and become the sovereign of a new world." The gothic queen narrowed her eyes. "He who wishes to wear the crown must bear its weight. Are you capable of such feat? Are you able to soar to the heavens with your dreams and hopes intact? Or are you going to crash into the unforgiving ground called reality?"

"You clearly underestimate what I am capable of."Naruto chuckled. "Why don't you be a witness yourself? Be part of my dream and soar to the heavens with me, Rachel!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~

Captain Hyosube snickered as he pour the steaming oolong tea from the pot into a cup. "You knew, didn't you?"

"People are only motivated by fear, hunger and money. After the monster's invasion, Seireitei's treasury is in jeopardy. The cost of repair will inadvertently force the council to use their reserve to sustain the economy. The nobles will not let the council plunders their fortunes. An imminent civil conflict will arise. The fear is too much for them to bear." Shigekuni drank his tea and smiled. "I knew they would summon me. They can't afford to wage war against the nobles. I just didn't expect it to come so soon."

"I see." Ichibei stroked his beard. "You played the role of a humble and submissive servant, knowing full well they will rely upon your knowledge and experience when the time comes. You use that to make them give you additional rights to govern Seireitei and subsequently Soul Society."

"They are bureaucrats. They want the truth. I gave them cold hard facts. What they really want is the convenient truth, because they can't handle it. Ichibei, we live in a world that has walls. Those walls are guarded by the right men. Who's going to guard it? Those lofty politicians? I have a great responsibility that even the Central 46 cannot fathom. They have the luxury to not know what I know." The aged captain snorted. "We use honour, integrity, loyalty as the foundation of this institution. Those bureaucrats can never understand it. They are so easily manipulated. They are a pathetic bunch of cranky hypocrites."

Captain Hyosube listened aptly and drank his tea. "What is your next step, sir?"

"The Central 46 has always held their share of power over Gotei Thirteen. However, their policies will only bring our white city crumbling to ruins. This realm will not cease to exist; I will not allow it. Those politicians rise and sleep under the roof of the very freedom that I provide and have the audacity to question the manner in which I provided. Now, they have forfeited those rights. I will rule Seireitei as I please."

The monk arched a brow. "What about Uzumaki Naruto."

"He won't launch his attack so soon. It would be unwise. He knows that I know he is coming. Where is the surprise in that? He is a man with a strong sense of theatre. He wants attention. It won't be long before he returns Captain Senjumaru to us. He wants us to know he has the power to kill both Captain Unohana and Captain Senjumaru, but he chose not. Because he is waiting for the precise moment to announce the horror and desolation of war that he will lead."

"That means we have ample time to rebuild the Gotei Thirteen."

"That's right." Shigekuni chortled. "It won't be long when I get what I want. I always get what I want. The Gotei Thirteen. This world. The King of Souls. Everything is falling into place. Uzumaki Naruto, just keep playing your part as the villain. The one who will kill you and be a hero… will be me!"

~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~X~o~
Finally! Got it done! I got inspirations from many sources. Pacific Rim, Mentalist, Suits, Supernatural, A Few Good Man, and the list goes on.

Disclaimers: The characters that I have picked from One Piece, Final Fantasy, Black Lagoon, Blazblue, Highschool DxD, and God of War do not belong to me. They belong to their respective franchises.

I hope I have portrayed Naruto as a charismatic individual.

Pairings wise, feel free to drop a few suggestions. Your idea counts. Trust me.
1.) NarutoXRetsu
2.) NarutoXShutara
3.) NarutoXHarribel
4.) NarutoXNeliel
5.) NarutoXSui Feng
6.) NarutoXHarem

Please kindly review.