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Chapter 4
The group of Adepts, and Kakashi, managed to escape the Darkness, though with a single problem. Before they could reach the Light side, a storm had come in. During said storm, Naruto was at the Helm, trying to lower the strength of said storm. It worked, but only by a small Margin. Using Chakra and Psynergy at once is draining, especially in large quantities.
As they finally got out, Naruto had passed out from exhaustion. The group looked at him. "Can't say that was a surprise." Kakashi said, before using a Medical Scan he copied a while back. "It's just Exhaustion. Chakra Exhaustion is minor, but its more than that. He's mentally exhausted."
"That explains it." Kushina said, before putting a small Psynergy Stone on his forehead. "Check his mind again."
Kakashi did so and was slightly surprised. "No longer Mentally Exhausted." He looked at her. "How did that rock do that?"
"It's a Psynergy Stone. You saw a bigger version of it at Talon's Peak. As he was Mentally Exhausted, it was a quick fix. He just drained his Psynergy."
"And the rock cures it." Kakashi stated.
"Larger ones are more sturdy, but the smaller ones tend to be a single use." Kushina explained. "There are other ways to restore Psynergy, but this is the fastest way."
Sveta walked up to them, and checked on Naruto, who was fine. "He's okay... He shouldn't have done that."
"He shouldn't have, but I'm not surprised in the slightest. If I could've then I would do the same thing." Kushina stated. "It's an Uzumaki thing. It's too bad I couldn't."
Sveta then looked at Kushina. "I think you guy should take the rest and disembark. Figure out if there is any sign of the Red or Yellow Orbs."
"Red and Yellow Orbs?" Sakura asked.
Sveta pulled out a Bright Blue Orb. "They look like this, but are in different colors. There's a total of three of them. I took this from Blados a while back. I didn't trust him, so I took something that would give me some leverage. This is one of the gems we need to get into the Apollo Lens. Naruto didn't know that Blados held it, and I wasn't able to tell him but I intended on doing so once Blados was either taken care of, or we had to leave Belinsk to continue in his plan, which he did tell me about."
Kushina nodded. "Alright. Sveta and I will stay on the ship. The rest of you should go ashore and get the supplies."
Eoleo was about to protest, but they heard Naruto, which was a surprise. "Kushina, Sasuke and Kakashi stay. Two of each Branch goes."
"Naruto..." Sveta was about to continue at the side of his prone body, but he continued, his voice weak. "Two of each Branch will help chances. We don't need more than that in a group."
"Karis should be fine on her own."
"Karis is more on Support. You and I are Offensive. Karis... won't be enough."
"Sochi, don't talk. You need to rest." Kushina stated.
"She's right, Naruto. You need it." Sveta added. "Don't make me use Sheep Count."
Naruto tried to shake his head, but his body was still numb. "Sveta... You need to..." He then saw sheep over his head, and he quickly fell asleep. "I'm not leaving you behind." She then used Spirit Sense on him, and found out there was another reason for them going there. "So that's what it was..."
"What?" Kakashi questioned.
"There was another reason for us going here. A rumor about the Third Eye." Sveta shook her head. "We'll have to completely open the Warrior's Temple on Warrior's Hill, we need to find it, and see who has it. In case Naruto can't use Reveal for us, a bearer of the Third Eye could do the same thing, but the Eye itself chooses, at least that's what he knows. The rest is just hearsay, and rumors. He thinks it may help us in the long run to have it."
Kushina looked at her. "You should go. Don't worry, we'll make sure he doesn't go out. You'll hear explosions from miles out, and, if you're above ground, you'll see them, too. If something happens, you'll know."
Sveta was hesitant, but nodded. "If there's one scratch on him, it's on you." Her glare turned her eyes from their usual green, to completely Blood Red, no pupil, no sclera, just pure Blood Red eyes. "Am I clear?"
Kushina noted the voice, and felt a shiver down her spine.
She didn't like the feeling she got: The feeling that one girl would completely obliterate her, and there would be nothing she could do about it. Then she shook her head. "If you want to do something to me for that, you'd be too late. If something happened to him, I'm already dead, and my body would be vaporized. One arm and no legs? I'll keep fighting. No arms and no legs? I'll bite... or just use the most powerful technique for Mercury Psynergy. I can summon Boreas without the Djinn. I figure he can do the same with Thor, though I haven't seen him do it."
Sveta saw she meant every word, and nodded, more sure of it. She then disembarked alongside Sakura, and joined the rest. Sveta filled them in on what Naruto was hoping to find out here, alongside getting supplies. And Since he was unconscious at the moment, they could check it out.
They weren't able to get back for 3 days, in which, something did happen to Naruto.
Kushina was worried, but Kakashi and Sasuke knew what happened... somewhat.
Apparently, Naruto had become Naruko, a 19 year old female, with C-cup, almost D-cup breasts. She was still the same height as when she was Naruto, but her hair turned a Deep crimson, matching Kushina's own, and seemed to reach Mid-back. They couldn't check the eyes without opening them, but the whisker marks faded from her cheeks. The face was now less angled, and more heart shaped. The armor had also changed to a Dark Purple one-piece knee-length dress that gave off the same aura of power.
The boots he was wearing now looked like 3" heeled boots in the same color as the dress, with the same aura. She also had an amulet around her neck, which radiated the same power and aura as the dress. The headband had fallen off, and wasn't affected. He was also wearing a pair of Dark purple gloves that looked to be made of Satin, but the three watching over him knew it wasn't.
No, it gave off the same aura as most of the Umbra armor he wore before.
Kushina was a little saddened that he had become a girl completely, but when the sadness passed, she was giddy that she now had a daughter to spoil... Two if she counted Sveta.
Kakashi had tried to dispel it, but it didn't work. Not even Kushina could, and it was strange. It was after she had checked him with a Medical Ninjutsu that she figured it out. Whatever happened turned Naruto into a full time woman.
The second night, Kushina came in to check on her, and her eyes narrowed, before trying to sense her Chakra. 'Nothing... I can sense Chakra for 8 miles. She's asleep and no one is fast enough to get in, get out, and still be unnoticed by me in 5 minutes. Unconscious Teleport, maybe?' Kushina was confused and worried, she wrote up a note, and then walked out, her Katana ready, before trying to sense any trace of the former blonde's Chakra, or even her Psynergy.
After ten minutes of extensive Searching, she still had no luck. Her face hardened, and her hair was starting to flail.
Sveta came back, alongside the other Adepts, only to find Kushina pissed off. Sveta used Spirit Sense and found out she was constantly looking for a Chakra Trail, but can't find one. "Don't tell me..."
Kushina stiffly nodded, not caring if she tried to harm her. "How?"
"Trying to figure that out. No trails to follow, no sign of him, and no one, not even I am fast enough to get in, get out, and go 8 miles without some kind of energy trail to follow. And there isn't any."
"What happened?" Sveta's voice was serious.
Kushina explained it. First day, the Gender Change. Second Night, the disappearance. Sveta's eyes darkened, before she started using her Spirit Sense Psynergy, but not on anyone present.
No, she used it on her mark, for some reason. She didn't know why, but it was what she found out that got her attention. Her eyes were no longer shadowed, and now showed surprise, before she turned to Eoleo. "How fast can you get us to Nihan Island?"
"Uh, four days if the weather allows it. No more than a week, though. Why?"
"That's where he's at. Yamata City, on the Island of Nihan. Same place where the Great Serpent used to be, before it was defeated by the Warriors of Vale." Sveta explained, her voice serious.
Eoleo looked at Matthew. "It's your call. You tend to lead without Naruto here, from what I know."
Matthew looked at the others. "We head for Yamata City. Naruto has the full aspect of his plan, and not even Sveta knows it. We need him for it, and I remember him saying that is where his friend is. We can kill two birds with one stone."
The rest of the group nodded, though Kushina and Sveta's faces hardened. The same thought passed through both of their minds. 'If something happens to you I swear... Whoever did it will pay!'
-Nihan Island, 5 days later-
Naruko was sitting at the rim of the Dormant Volcano, she had gotten everything she needed and now she was trying to reactivate her Psynergy, so she could reverse it. She already figured out what was needed, as it happened back in Konohagakure.
-Flashback-
Anko found a sleeping blonde in the middle of the Forest of Death. As she got there, the blonde turned into a Red headed female, with pretty generous assets for her age. "Gaki, what happened to you?"
Anko had decided to keep her in the Tower, and the kid finally woke up 3 days later. She had already found Chakra Exhaustion, and the girl was still recovering from that. "Gaki, what happened?" Anko asked, confused. "I mean, you're a girl now."
The red head looked at herself, and saw a 17 year old female, and the clothes she was wearing were a match for Anko's. "I... I don't know. I mean, I had a Shadow Clone use Sleep Psynergy on me, and... well, I was also low on Chakra. I don't know if the Chakra Exhaustion is a part of it, or it's just a side effect of Sleep on me. It could be, but I don't know."
"Look, gaki. As it stands, I'm having a hard enough time convincing the Hokage about not knowing where Naruto Uzumaki is, so I think you'll need a new name." Anko pointed out.
"Call me Miko. She appeared in my mind after... My Psynergy unlocked." The red Head answered. "If I'm female and blonde, it's Naruko. Female like this, Miko. Male, just call me Naruto or whatever Alias I'm using at the time." She closed her eyes. "I can't draw on my Chakra... And my Psynergy is locked? Oh no."
"Can't take it down can you?" Anko shook her head. "Look, I'll teach you what you need to know while being a girl. I can tell you won't like it, though."
"You think I'd need the information if I get married?" Miko half-joked.
"It could help. You'd know what your wife needs, and when she'd need them. Why?"
"Oh, just wondering." Miko asked with a large, though fake, smile.
Anko noticed this, and didn't push the subject.
-End Flashback-
After two months, they had figured out how to reverse it, as they found out that Sleep triggered the Beastform Psynergy, which Naruto explained after feeling it out. However, it really only happened under two conditions:
First, he needs to be awake while suffering from Chakra Exhaustion.
Second, he can't be using Beastform to change his body.
When these two conditions are met, Sleep Psynergy will force him back into his "Miko" form, which he was now in. It would normally take 6 days to get his Chakra Reserves back to full. When that happens, his Psynergy would unlock itself, and he'd be able to use Beastform, before going back to his normal male form.
After that, he usually went back to his child form, but this time she wouldn't. This time, she intended to stay in the 19 year old Naruto form. But what got him was how he managed to use Warp Psynergy, being both unconscious, and unable to use Psynergy. He still wondered about the Staff 'she' had on her back.
She revealed a seal on her right forearm. 'This seal has the information I needed on the Umbra Gear.' She looked at the left forearm now. 'This one has the Red Orb. Never did I think that it was in Yamata City.'
-Flashback-
Miko had just entered the Palace at Yamata City, claiming to have business with King Susa. She was let through with hesitance, and was led through the Palace to the Audience Room where the man was, right next to his wife, Lady Kushinada. "Susa, it's been a while."
King Susa was confused. "I don't recognize you. Who are you?"
"My name is Miko. You met my brother 12 years ago. He saved your life back then, too. His name is Naruto Uzumaki."
Realization dawned on Susa's face. "Ah, right! I almost forgot about him. I still haven't paid him back, yet."
"What happened?" Kushinada asked.
"Long story short, my guard was taken out right outside the port near Harapa. Remember when I was trying to get a peace agreement in that area?" Susa asked, earning a nod. "Well, some of the locals didn't like the new agreements, and decided to attack me and my guards. The guards were injured, and I was still unharmed, but... a kid, no more than 12 years old, managed to take them all out on his own. He gave his name, and ask if I was okay, but he left before I could offer him anything in return."
"He did not see the point in being rewarded at the time. He did so, because it was the right thing to do. However, he needs some help with something now. Something he didn't see coming before, and he's currently unable to make it here. As such, I told him I'd get it for him." Miko replied. "I figured that you wanted to repay him for his deeds back then, but as you said, he left before you could ask what he wanted."
Susa nodded slightly. "What does he need? I still feel the need to repay him. If it's within my power, I'll get it for him."
Miko nodded, while Lady Kushinada just stared. "Dear, what about the kingdom?"
"Love, I still owe him my life. If not for him, I wouldn't be here today." Susa stated.
Kushinada was slightly hesitant, but saw the point. "What does he wish to have?" She asked, sighing.
Miko told them what Naruto was looking for: The Location of the Umbra Gear, and 3 Sphere Shaped Gems. She said that he knew they wouldn't have the Umbra Gear, but she gave the possible size of the Gems.
After a few moments of silence, Susa got up, and walked to a picture in the room, before removing it, revealing a Red Orb that was about a foot in Diameter. "This fit the bill for the Gem?" Susa asked.
"How long have you had that?" Kushinada asked, confused. "I've never seen it."
"Something my father told me about, but never knew what its true purpose was. The only thing he knew was it had some kind of connection to Sol. What it was, not even he knew."
Miko walked over to it, and her eyes glowed, before she blinked them back to normal. "That's one of them, alright. Now we just need the other two. Any idea where they are?"
"I'm sorry, I don't. As for the Armor you described, this is a much older map that has the location of where each one was supposed to be hidden. As to where they would be on today's maps, I couldn't tell you. You'll need a historian that knows how the world has changed since the events of the Golden Sun to figure it out. Either that, or someone good at guessing while comparing the two maps." Susa shook his head. "I'm afraid that's all I can give. I'm sorry if it's not enough."
She looked at the map, and nodded. "This should do quite nicely. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it, and I believe he would too."
"That is all you are asking for?" Kushinada asked, now confused. "I mean, you don't have all the information you asked for, but you're fine with that?"
"He doesn't have any more information we need, so it's not like I'm going to ask for something else that we don't need, and there's nothing we really want aside from protecting our precious people."
Kushinada shook her head, got up and walked over to Miko. "I don't think those clothes are good for someone like you. They aren't practical, especially if you're looking for the Apollo Lens."
"Oh, we know where it is. Just not the keys, and the map is enough. And these clothes are far more efficient than they look."
"You don't believe you both could use Formal Clothing?" Kushinada asked.
"Hmm... Don't need it. We don't like formalities. We never did, and it's genetic." Miko asked. "In our eyes, if we can't fight in it, we don't need it. Plain and simple."
Kushinada shook her head. "Just give me your measurements, along with his. I'll have it made of the most durable material we have, but still try to make it look formal. Trust me, you'll need it."
"Oh, fine." She took out a notepad, which caused the two to blink, she started writing in it, and drawing as well. She then ripped out two pages, and handed them to Kushinada. "That's all there is for both of us. If you insist on making us Formal Clothing, that's our measurements."
Kushinada looked at them both and nodded. "Alright. I'll have them made as soon as possible. Could you stick around town for now? At least until they're done."
Miko sighed, and nodded. "Alright, I will. But I don't do good sitting in one place for too long. My brother and I are the same in that regard."
"I see. Well, maybe you can help our daughter. Something ails her, but we can't find the cause. Do you think you can help? It would give you something to do."
Miko's eyes glinted. "Oh, I think that would help me out, quite a bit."
Kushinada nodded at Susa, who then lead Miko to a brown haired girl that was currently in a coma. Miko looked all over, and shook her head. Then her eyes glowed for a few seconds. "Hmm... At least I can still use Reveal. That'll help me out, I suppose." Miko shook her head, before her eyes started glowing again. After a few minutes, Miko shook her head, before looking at Susa.
"Lady Miko?"
"I know what's going on, but... I'm afraid I can't help." Miko looked at Himi. "She has powers, and abilities that her body and mind can't seem to handle. That, in tandem with something she saw that was traumatic, caused the coma. I'm sorry, but I can't help."
Susa sighed. "I was afraid of this. Don't worry, I won't hold it against you. The healers couldn't figure that much, anyway. At least now we know the cause of it."
Miko then shook her head. "Just because I can't help, doesn't mean I don't know how to fix it. I just don't have the means on my person."
"Wait, you know what is needed?"
Miko nodded. "Yes, I do." She looked at Himi again. "She needs a Medium. Something to help her maintain it. I don't have anything that could pose as that on me, but I'm sure my brother has a few ideas. I'll have to check with him."
"Could you please? It should help. My wife and I would be forever grateful." Susa nearly begged.
"I think it'll be a good idea. But I'll have to wait for him to get here. I don't know where he's at right now. He travels too much to pinpoint him. I can, however, send out a Pulse, letting him know I need some help. He'll try to get to wherever the pulse originated from, and he'll make his way here."
"Thank you." Susa stated. "Hopefully he has something that could help."
"I hope so too." She looked at Himi. "Neither of us like seeing a girl as beautiful as Himi sad, and it's clear that she is. For what reason, I couldn't find out, but she is."
Susa nodded. "Could you send it out right now?"
"I think it best if I do this outside the city limits. The pulse tends to have... destructive tendencies. As much as I'd love to cause Chaos, it's not a good idea, at the moment, so... Yeah." Miko admitted.
Susa nodded, and a few guards led her outside the city limits, off the island the city was on, and she walked towards the dormant Volcano. "Please, leave me. I don't want you blown off."
"We were ordered to escort you until the pulse was used."
"The pulse will send you flying, but if you're not going to leave, I suggest you stab your swords deep into the ground, and hold on the them tightly."
The guards were worried, but did so. The wind started whipping around, before there was a large pulse send out.
The guards were glad they had their swords in the ground hilt deep. Their feet went into the air as the pulse was released.
As the winds faded, she sighed, before sitting down on a nearby rock. "That... was tiring."
-elsewhere, on the sea-
On the ship, the Adepts and Kakashi all turned their heads in one direction. "That was from the direction of Nihan Isle..." Eoleo mused. "Anyone have any idea what that was?"
Sveta's eyes hardened. "That pulse was Naruto. No doubt about it. That was Psynergy with Chakra enhancement."
Kushina nodded. "She's right. He's the only one that's not on this ship that can do that."
The group nodded. "Alright! That's where we're headed."
-Flashback over-
Luckily, the guards had left, and the others in the group had just entered her sensory range. 'Looks like they're finally here.'
She then made her way down, and waited on the beach for the ship to appear. It was a good 3 hours before it did, and she felt the influx of energy within her. She then closed her eyes, reverted to her Beastform, and then went back to normal, before he draw a lot of blood along his arm, and made a Blood Clone, before having it take the form, and personality of Miko. The two looked at each other and nodded. It wasn't long before they reached the beach, and disembarked.
Sveta, Kushina and Kakashi were the first ones off, and were running towards the two. The three of them stopped, mainly because Kushina was the only one of the three that knew who the girl was. "Naruto..." Sveta's voice was setting off alarms in Naruto's head.
"Sveta, let me explain before you go off on me." Naruto said, his calm tone forced.
"30 seconds." She replied.
"This is Miko, my female alter-ego." Naruto told her.
"I thought that she would've been blonde." Kakashi pointed out.
Naruto shook his head. "That's Naruko. Naruko has Golden Blonde hair and whiskers. Miko has no whiskers, as you can see, and Red hair."
"How did "Miko" come about, Naruto?" Kushina asked.
"Well, it happened after I got back to the Elemental Nations. Turns out, when Sleep Psynergy is used on me while I have Chakra Exhaustion, I'm out for longer than was intended, and my body shifts to Miko's form, as if I used Beastform Psynergy. When that happens, I can't use Chakra, and normally my Psynergy is blocked. This time, for some reason, I could still use Reveal, but that was it."
"Why is she still here, then?" Sveta questioned, her voice still dangerous.
"Because of what happened before I could change back." Naruto then explained what happened ever since he had woken up. Naruto and Sveta looked at Miko, who looked sheepish. "Didn't think much else could've been done, and I saw that she wouldn't budge. I just saved us both the trouble, and agreed."
"Is this a form of Multiple Personality Disorder?" Kakashi asked.
The two nodded. "Yeah, it kind of is. Miko was developed based more on Sveta, and a bit of Anko. Naruko is straight up Anko. No contest." Naruto explained. "Think I should make another blood clone, and have that one become Naruko, so you can talk to all three of us? They're all essentially me, but really, the three of us are like siblings. With the Blood Clone Jutsu, the two can walk around independently of me, and they have their actual personalities."
Kushina and Sveta looked at each other, then back at him, before nodding. "Do it." Sveta replied.
"I only gave birth to a son, but I got two daughters out of it as well." Kushina stated.
Naruto nodded, and made a large gash on his left arm, before doing a few handsigns, causing the blood to form into a female with Golden blonde hair in ponytails, Blue eyes, whisker marks, but fully clothed in a Semi-formal kimono. She looked at Naruto. "What's up?" She asked.
Naruto pointed at the group of Adepts, his mother and Kakashi. The rest had gotten to them, and saw the second Blood Clone being made. Oddly enough, the wound he caused had already healed, which confused all but Kushina and Sveta.
Karis was confused. "How is it healed already?"
Kushina, Sveta, Naruto, Naruko, and Miko replied at once. "Kurama."
The rest got the message, and shrugged, nodded, or, in Sasuke's case, grunted.
"So, if you got what we needed from here, we should head out." Sasuke stated.
Sakura shook her head. "We need more supplies." She then looked at Naruto. "You've got the map to the Umbra Gear, right?" Miko nodded, and unsealed it from her right forearm.
"When something is sealed on my body, and I'm brought out through a Blood Clone, the sealed items and seals themselves are transferred to the Clone I'm using." Miko stated.
She then handed it to Kraden. "We actually need a bit of help from someone who can figure out the general location of the gear. The map is old, and the Umbra Gear has been hidden since then. There are actually 3 maps like this, but I'm afraid I couldn't translate it myself. I just don't have the knowledge to do so."
"Neither do we." Naruko and Naruto added.
Karis looked at it, and pulled out her own, before humming a bit. Sakura decided to leave it to her, and after about 10 minutes, she marked a few places on the Main Map. "I believe they would be in these places." Karis said, pointing at the Five Marked places, looking at Kraden. "You think otherwise?"
After Kraden looked between the two he nodded. "That would seem about right. You learned from your father, I see." Karis nodded with a smile.
Matthew looked at Naruto. "So, you going to go back to Yamata City for that Himi girl?"
The three nodded, before Miko spoke. "I said I would call my brother, as I hoped he would have something to help her, though I knew he didn't."
Naruto sent a deadpanned look at her. "Seriously? You thought I would have it?"
"Hey, it was worth a shot. Besides, I don't have all of your knowledge. You're the one that liked the age old artifacts." Miko retorted.
"Don't you think you're putting too much thought into it, Naruto?" Naruko questioned. "I mean, surely there's one artifact that could work."
Naruto crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and thought for a few moments. When they opened, he spoke. "The Third Eye." He then looked at Matthew. "Did you manage to find it on Warrior's Hill?"
They all nodded, and Matthew pulled it out. "This is it, but none of us can use it."
Naruto inspected it, and nodded with a smile. "Yes. This'll definitely do the trick." He looked at Miko and nodded. "You were right. I did know what could help. And now, I'm glad that we sent them into the Temple on Warrior's Hill."
Matthew held it towards Naruto. "You hold onto it. We're just traveling companions, and Adepts."
Naruto, Naruko and Miko nodded. "Come on. Lord Susa is waiting for us." Miko stated, earning nods from the group.
They walked towards Yamata City, and the group entered, Kraden included. When a guard saw them, he ran up to Miko. "Lady Miko, Lord Susa and Lady Kushinada wanted to see you the moment you got back. Lady Kushinada stated that what she ordered for you and your brother was ready." The guard spoke.
Miko nodded. "My brother has arrived, already, and he did have something that could help Lady Himi." Naruto nodded in agreement.
The Guard nodded, and led them through the bustling streets to the Palace, and then into the Throne room, where Susa and Kushinada were waiting. Susa looked at Naruto and instantly recognized him. "Yes, I remember you. You're the one that saved me all those years ago. My god, you don't even look 20 years old yet." Susa said, walking up to him.
"Oh yeah! I remember now." Naruto said, snapping his fingers. "You're the guy that was being attacked by 50 bandits, and a little over 20 Monsters right outside of Harapa. Sorry I didn't stick around, but I wasn't really supposed to be there at the time."
Susa nodded. "I owe you my life. I'm glad your sister, who is present, came to me about it. I had wondered what happened to you. Never found out where you went."
Naruto shrugged. "It happens, I guess." He looked at Miko. "Miko's been very helpful in finding out where what I need is, and for that, I thank her. Also, I heard about your daughter Himi. I think I know of a way to help her out, but if it works, we'll probably need her to come along with us on our journey."
"What do you mean?"
"The item I believe would help would give a certain type of Psynergy, in theory. If it works, it will bond with her, allowing her full usage of it. We'd actually need it, to be honest." Naruto admitted. "So, would you lead the way? I don't exactly know where she is."
Susa nodded, as did Kushinada, as they led the group into the room where Himi was sleeping. The White ball with a Red marking on it left Naruto's Pouch, and he watched it, as it floated over towards Himi's head, and looked at Naruto. "This is the one. She shall have my power." Naruto looked at Susa "I was right, apparently."
Miko looked at the floating sphere. "Can you also stabilize her abilities? She wouldn't be able to help out if that doesn't happen."
"That would've been a given, Miko." The eye stated.
"Oh. That's good." Miko looked at Naruto, who nodded in response. The eye then merged with her forehead, causing a marking to appear on Himi's forehead, resembling an eye. The young girl opened her eyes slowly, revealing chocolate brown eyes. She had looked around and spotted Naruto, and then Matthew. "You two... I remember you. The ones to use the Apollo Lens. It's your job to stop it."
Naruto nodded, knowing what she meant. Matthew nodded as well, but only because Naruto had mentioned using the Apollo Lens before.
"So, Himi. How are you feeling?"
"Sore, but otherwise, ready to go." Himi replied.
"Himi! You must rest!" Kushinada scolded her daughter.
"Mother... I have to go. I already know what's going to happen, and if it's not stopped the world is doomed. They know this. I can help. I know where to look, too. The Third eye also wants me to help them."
"Wait, how do you know about it?" Susa asked.
"It told me." Himi replied. "Anyway, I need to leave with them. Don't worry, daddy. I'll have 11 Adepts, and a Legend with me. I'll be fine."
Susa was slightly torn. "Rest for one more day. I wish to speak with Naruto and his Sister first."
"Both of them?" Naruto asked, earning a confused look. Miko and Naruko both walked forward. "Naruko is the blonde one. Miko, you've already met. They're both my sisters." He then thumbed at Kushina. "That's my mother, Kushina." He then walked over to Sveta. "This is my wife, Sveta." His eyes went cold. "But if you say anything bad about her just because she's from Morgal, then say goodbye to your head. King or not, I don't tolerate that."
Susa, seeing it as something akin to advice, nodded. "Y-yes. Of course." The cold disposition Naruto had was instantly brightened at the response.
"Good."
Miko looked at Kushinada. "I told you, didn't I?"
Kushinada sighed and nodded. "Yes, you did... I didn't think he'd have the balls to insult a king, period."
"Oh, that wasn't an insult. That was a promise. And he never breaks them." Naruko stated. "Besides, he constantly called someone that could've kill him Old Man, in front of Royal dignitaries back home. He has a complete lack of respect towards authority, unfortunately." The blonde girl sighed. "I'm the one that usually does the Diplomacy. Naruto won't mince words, I'll admit, but he's the fighter between the three of us. Too adventurous. Miko is more subdued, but still doesn't like formality. At least she can use it when she needs it."
Miko and Naruto glared at her. "What? You know it's true."
"You didn't have to bring it up." Naruto retorted.
"If I didn't, neither of you would have." Naruko told them. "I'm the one that usually handles Royal Matters... and interrogation." Her smirk reminded Kakashi of Anko.
"Naruko, you've spent too much time around Anko." Miko told her.
"Yeah, you need to cut down on the time with her." Naruto added.
"What? She's like a sister to us, and you know it." Naruko told them both.
The rest just watched the three, Kushina and Sveta in amusement.
"That doesn't matter. It's hazardous to your health." Miko told her.
"Not to mention the fact that I think she's part vampire." Naruto commented.
"Oh come on!" Naruko whined. "Isn't that going a little overboard?"
"No!" Naruto and Miko shouted. Kakashi said it too, but in a much lower voice.
"She's drunk all of our blood!" Naruto told the blonde.
"She nearly drained me! TWICE!" Miko told her.
"But you know that I learned everything I know from her." Naruko smirked, letting the two know she hid something from them. "She also taught me her techniques for Torture and Interrogation... And I picked up her Drinking habits."
Naruto's and Miko's eyes widened. They knew what she meant by that. "No... You didn't..." Naruto was now slightly scared, which confused the others.
"What's so bad about that?" Kakashi asked. "It's probably just Sake."
"Not quite." Miko said, also slightly scared.
Naruko pulled a Kunai out and eyed it, as if using it as a mirror. "You know... I could use a drink." She wrapped her left Ponytail around the ear, before her eyes suddenly shifted to Tyrell, and she threw the Kunai with great speed, causing it to draw blood from his cheek. Before anyone could stop her, she was already behind him, licking the blood. Tyrell was shocked that he couldn't see it, nor could he move in time to dodge it.
In short, Tyrell was stiff as Naruko was licking his blood off of his cheek.
Naruto and Miko glanced at Kakashi. "Told you." They said simultaneously.
"No comment." Kakashi stated.
Kushinada shook her head. "We only need Naruto and Miko. The rest can stay in the Palace for this." The two nodded, and walked out behind Lord Susa, and Lady Kushinada watched the others, before they started to roam. Sveta hung out with Naruko and Kushina, while Tyrell and Sasuke stuck together. Karis stuck next to Matthew and Sakura, while Kakashi was on his own, reading Volume 13 of Icha Icha on the roof.
-In the throne room-
Naruto, Miko, Lord Susa, and Lady Kushinada were in the Throne Room. "I don't know if I should be happy that the one that saved my life, and helped my daughter recover from something the most experienced Healers couldn't, or disappointed that said person has a lack of respect for authority."
Naruto shrugged. "That's really up to you. Can't tell you how to feel, after all."
Miko sighed. "Naruto... You really can be a dunce sometimes, you know?"
Naruto sent her a deadpanned look at her. "You're starting to sound like an Arrogant Uchiha."
"You only know one Uchiha."
"Not quite. I know two." Naruto looked at the two Nobles. "Sorry, but that's what happens when I live for 10 years not knowing who my parents were, and another 9 years not knowing who my father was. From the time I was born, to when I was 8, I had to constantly be on guard, not sure when my next meal was, or even if I would live another day. Then I somehow found my way to Weyard, and ended up in Morgal. Long story short, I stayed there until I was almost 15. Was taken back without warning, and played it out as if nothing had happened, but it was impossible to forget my time with the woman of my dreams. Namely: Sveta." He shook his head.
"In a nutshell, I had no guardians growing up, in a place where few liked me, and 98% of the residents either hated me, or were indifferent. In a city of over 10,000 people, no more than 10 actually cared for me. Assassination attempts, poisons, torture sessions, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I've been told that, had anyone else been in my situation, they'd have leveled the place three times by now."
Miko nodded. "If it wasn't for those he considers precious to him, those select few that cared, he would've gone down that very path. It was when he was 8 that he truly had gained a reason to live. That reason was a family. The people in Morgal didn't exactly trust him, but that's because he's human. Long explanation short, he had to restrain himself from hugging them to death just for calling him human." She shook her head. "All his life, he'd been considered a Demon where he was born, but people in a place that no one from there had ever seen and recorded, called him and treated him like he was human. He didn't want to go back, but he didn't have a choice in the matter. As a result, He created 2 Female Alter Egos. Those two 'other selves' became his sisters."
Naruto nodded. "Miko and Naruko are basically my twins, because they're really just me in another mindset. I'm the Normal Me. Miko originally had the Emotional Help, but she went even further to make sure that I was kept happy by getting into Information gathering. She's good, and I'm glad for it." Naruto shook his head.
"And I presume Naruko is the other side of you?" Lady Kushinada questioned, now curious.
Naruto and Miko nodded. "Yeah, she is basically the sadistic side of me. She can and will kill off something when she comes out." He scratched his cheek with a finger. "Whether it's a human, pride, honor, will, or just flat out torture and interrogation, it's her department. And as you saw... she's developed a Fetish for blood." He looked at Miko. "Any idea how we let it get this far? I didn't develop that habit, and I'm pretty sure you didn't."
Miko shook her head. "No, I didn't. True, I drink my own blood, but never anyone else's, and that's only when I bleed." Then an idea hit her. "Wait, if she learned everything she knew from Anko... Do you think she learned that Tongue thing?"
Naruto looked at her in surprise. "You really want her using that on us? Or even anyone else?"
Miko then whispered a few words into his ear, causing his eyes to widen, before a goofy grin appeared on his face. "Oh... so that's you plan, eh?" Naruto asked, earning a nod. "You really think she'll teach any of us? I mean, you and Naruko could use it on any guy you want, minus me because only Sveta will get mine, and I could go even deeper in my wife."
Miko shrugged. "It's worth a shot." The two looked at the confused Nobles, and shook their heads. "Personal stuff. Don't worry."
Lady Kushinada shook her head, as a rack came in with several formal gowns and several more Kimonos on them. "Ah, here they are. Care to try them on?" She asked. "I hope we got them right."
After 30 minutes, the two were in the formal clothing, and Naruto found he could still fight in it. They both used Reveal, and found something interesting. The clothing was made of Mythril Threads.
They looked at each other, and nodded with smiles, before the looked at the two. "Thank you. These are actually quite useful, and don't restrict movement." Miko replied. "Brother?"
Naruto looked at her and nodded. "I agree. Not as free as my Umbra Armor, which is a replica, not the original set, but still form fitting, yet flexible." He threw a few punches, which the two nobles could barely see the blurs. "Yeah, they'll work. But I doubt they'll survive the Apollo Sanctum. The light up there is intense. It's not going to be an easy fix, either."
Miko nodded, before switching back to her Umbra set. Naruto now had his on, as well, before they sealed their new clothing into their own scroll, and then sealed the scroll on their bodies. Miko also had a Dark orange Pole on her back, which Naruto raised an eyebrow at. "I've been wondering why you chose that thing in the first place."
Miko looked at the pole, and shrugged. "It's made to handle a Flash Bolt, and sends out actual lightning. By channeling a Flash Bolt into it, you turn the entire thing to Lightning and can use it as such. Plus, it can extend to nearly any length. Pretty nifty, if I do say so myself."
"And Naruko uses Senbon, Kunai, and Shuriken."
"Not to mention she's got the Dark Jupiter Blade." Miko pointed out.
"Exactly, how does she use it without cutting her own arm off or falling to the blood lust?" Naruto asked, before he blinked at his own question. "Let me rephrase that: How does she use it without cutting her arm off? We both know she's already lustful for blood. She'd have gotten that from Anko."
Miko shrugged. "Beats the hell out of me. I don't even know where she keeps it."
"Dark Jupiter Blade?" Susa asked.
Naruto looked at Susa. "No Adept has been known to be able to wield it without losing limbs. It's a Cursed blade that I've actually tried to keep hidden. It's a powerful blade made of 3 alloys. They are commonly known as: Dark Matter, Orihalcon, and Mythril. If you're not a Jupiter Adept, it'll take your soul out of your body and shrivel it into a husk. After 2 years of searching, there hasn't been a single person that I found that could wield it without repercussions. The two Jupiter Adepts that tried to, went berserk, and I had to knock them out and sheath it before any more damage could be done. Anyone that wasn't an Adept and tried had their head explode. I figured out why after the tenth. You must be an Adept, more specifically a Jupiter Adept. And that's the part that is bad. There's no Jupiter Adept that would use a blade like it."
"What do you mean?"
"The Dark Jupiter blade is more of a Zanbatou Class blade." Seeing the confusion, he elaborated. "The blade itself is 5 feet 11 inches long and 10 inches wide, while the handle is 8 inches long. Zanbatou Class blades are usually around that size. Give or take a few inches on the Blade Length." Susa then nodded, knowing most Jupiter Adepts preferred lighter weapons. "You can see why I couldn't find one that would use it."
"That I do. Even your so called sister has a light weapon." Susa pointed at Miko.
"Technically, we are siblings. I was created from his dormant DNA, and given my own personality. Naruko, Naruto and I are effectively triplets, since we are born from the same DNA strands. Taking a DNA test would put me and Naruko as Naruto's triplets. Parental Tests would give the same results. We're the same deep down, but when you look at us, we are different in looks and personality." Miko shrugged. "Although you are right. The Zeus Staff is considered a Light Weapon, no matter the size it takes."
"And I use Knuckles and claws." Naruto pointed out. "But I use the Zeus Staff myself when she's resting in my mind. I know its abilities, but... I've never tried to use the Dark Jupiter Blade."
"Maybe you can actually use it, but it just falls to Naruko since you don't." Miko suggested. "It's possible."
Naruto shrugged. "I'd have to learn to use it. I don't use that kind of blade. I prefer my Dark Knuckles, to be honest."
"I know, but the possibility is still there." Miko pointed out.
"Yeah, just like I can use the Zeus Staff like you can, at the same level as you, I might be able to use the Dark Jupiter Blade." Naruto nodded. "We'll ask after this whole mess is over with." The two looked at the Nobles, and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your help, Lord Susa. Lady Kushinada." They got back up. "And we'll make sure Lady Himi is returned safely. All of us."
"Please do."
As they turned to leave, Naruto spoke once more before going through the door. "If I have anything to say about it, only one person will be killed on our end, as it has been from the beginning. Long before Himi was requested to join us, or we even knew of her. And the plan hasn't changed."
With that, Naruto left to find Naruko, and Miko as well. They found Naruko with Kushina and Sveta near the bamboo trees behind the palace. "Naruko, we need to talk." Naruto had said this with a cold and serious tone.
"Is it about my weapon of choice?" She asked, slightly innocent. Naruto nodded, his face denoting pure Seriousness. "Alright. Sorry we have to cut this short, Kaa-san. I've been expecting this for a few years, to be honest."
"I haven't seen you use a single weapon." Kushina pointed out.
"And for that, you should be glad." Naruko replied. "It's not one I can give out freely, nor do I like to show it off." She nodded at Naruto and followed the two to a more secluded place, where Naruto put up a sound barrier around them.
"Why?" Naruto asked. "Why did you try to use the Dark Jupiter Blade? You know what it does to people!"
"Of course I know." Naruko replied, her voice now more serious than sorry. "I don't regret it either. Because now, I know what it tried to do to all of them. I have all of your hatred and pain in me, in case you didn't know. A Jupiter Adept with enough Willpower that even gods could not move. We've had three against us all our lives. They couldn't put us down for long, and he found that out. We never gave in to all the pain. All the abuse. Instead, we used it to push ahead. The three of us never gave into our hatred. We control it. We don't let it control us. We never did. That's why I could use it. He told me this himself. The others that tried couldn't handle their own hatred amplified by 1,000 in an instant. I could. No matter how much he increased in by, and he even raised the bar to 2,000 times the normal levels, I still didn't cave. I held strong."
Naruto and Miko looked at each other, then back at Naruko. "And how do you hide it?"
"Simple. I tied it to my soul. Essentially, you both have part of my soul, and the reverse is true." Naruko stated. "We may have been based on you, Naruto, but we're separate entities. Even still, our Souls are still connected. It's how I hide it. Through this connection, we can talk to each other Telepathically. And that's how you bring it out."
After a few moments, Naruto spoke again. "Could you teach me how to use it? I don't know much about how to use Zanbatou Class blades."
"Sure!" Naruko replied. "I knew you would ask when you found out. But, like me, you have to pass his test. Even though we are Spiritually linked enough to be considered one soul, we are still different entities. What's more is, if I'm using it, you can't bring it out. Unless, of course, I'm in your mindscape. Then all you have to do is warn me that you're taking it, and I'll let go."
Naruto nodded. "We'll be working on it later."
Miko then sent a pointed look at Naruto. "Since we're in a Sound proof barrier, do you really think this plan will work?"
"It will."
"What about..." Miko was cut off.
"Miko, I know what you're saying. I don't like it either but like I told Susa: If all goes according to plan, only one person on our side will be killed."
"What about us?" Naruko asked.
"You two are separate entities. You both would know if I was truly dead or not. Same with Sveta. If the mark disappears from her neck, then it's official, and I'm effectively dead. Make sure you tell her that if the plan works." Naruto stated. "You're blood clones. If I die, you won't dispel. You'll become completely independent of me. And you're both staying out of my mind until after we're done. We're also not going back until Sasuke and Sakura are up to Kakashi's level Shinobi Wise, and have been declared Master of their Branches Psynergy Wise... and then they'll have to go through my training regime."
"Don't you think that's a bit harsh?" Miko asked.
"Harsh or not, it'll be good." Naruko commented. "I assume you mean to get them to Jounin Level before the Chuunin Exams?"
Naruto nodded. "That's the idea. Kakashi-sensei has plenty of Jutsu to spare, so he can handle that. Kurama taught me quite a bit about Medical Ninjutsu, and how to fix things, but not much else along those lines. He also said my mother would be able to help in that regard, as he couldn't teach me them all in time. Medical Scan was easy to figure out. It's like using Reveal through your hands, only with Chakra. As for my training... That's going last. As it is, I doubt Sakura could handle it. Sasuke might, but Sakura wouldn't. For that reason, I'd be working with Naruko first. Gotta learn to use the Dark Jupiter Blade properly."
"In your true form, the one you're in now, you have the strength and stamina to wield him in one hand, as I do. But a word of warning. He didn't increase my blood lust. Anko did that. He just made it so I'm more susceptible to it. It's why I've taken so many of Anko's habits, even the Vampiric Qualities she has. I was just more susceptible to picking them up. It may happen to you, too."
Naruto shrugged. "Fair enough, I guess."
"So, will we be telling Kaa-san about this?" Naruko asked.
"Only if she asks." Miko said.
"Not the plan. My part in the plan is to be kept secret until it's already done. Remember that." Naruto added. "The Dark Jupiter Blade, sure. But the plan is to be kept secret. I'm sorry, but they put their trust in me. To find out what I plan to do at the end..." He shook his head. "If Sveta found out, she'd never let me do it. It's why I always blocked her attempts to read my mind since I came up with the plan. If she knew, I know she wouldn't let me go through with it. Now that Kaa-san's in the group, I know that she would side with Sveta. Neither of them would let me do it if they knew. You both know that. If Sasuke or Sakura were told, they'd tell Kakashi, and he can't keep a secret from Kaa-san to save his life. Tyrell and Eoleo can't know, because they'd blab it to everyone else. Rief isn't exactly a loose lips, but he's a little too open. Karis would tell Sveta the first chance she could. Amiti may be able to, but it's Kakashi's connection to the Ice Queen and the fact that Amiti can talk to her. Kakashi would find out that way, and Kaa-san would then find out." He sighed.
"Sveta, the moment she heard it, would tie me down in a way that I can't get out of before I can do so. Kaa-san would do the same, but also would lock away my Chakra and Psynergy."
"What about Himi?" Naruko asked.
Naruto sent her a deadpanned look. "Himi already knows. And when she woke up, I told her telepathically to never tell anyone the true results of the plan."
The two girls looked at each other and then back at Naruto, before nodding. "Alright. Let's get back to the others."
They walked back towards the Palace, but none of them noticed that they had someone watching them, which was strange. 'Naruto... Are you planning to sacrifice yourself and never come home? Because if you are, I won't stand for it. Not after what Alex put me through to prove myself to you... and his son.'
Naruto turned slightly, looking back at the site they talked at. "Something wrong?" Naruko asked.
"Nothing... I just thought I missed something earlier." Naruto turned back to the others, but Miko figured it out, and she didn't like it.
Someone else knew, and she knew it.
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Chapter Complete!