A/N: This is my second story, as some of you may already know English isn't my native language so don't hesitate to point out grammar or spelling mistakes to me, I am always eager to learn and improve my English skills.
Well it seems that no one saw a problem in using cannons with Naruto's warships, you don't seem to grasp everything that could be done with gun powder, why stop to the big version and not have guns or even machine guns ? Those are the issues that I was expecting since it could totally ruin the story to have such things introduced, I guess it's fine as it is then …
Reading the reviews I saw some misconceptions, I never said anything about Hiruzen being dead. I was surprised to see that some of you thought he was. His return has been fairly well received so far as well as his new role as a part of Naruto's group.
There was also the fact that the Leaf team managed to catch up with the blond even though they had left hours after he escaped. I did say that the girls never received any form of ninja training, I guess I should have been more specific. So yes, they can undoubtedly match or even surpass a jonin speed but only in instant bursts, however, they weren't trained to run over long distances at full speed. Add to that the psychological effect of knowing you are being hunted, and you have the reason why they were more tired than the shinobi.
I was hoping someone would point out the reference to the 'Sasuke retrieval mission' that is used so often in the stories on this site, with the Duck ass taking our favorite blond's spot. Sadly no one did but, hopefully, I'll try my chance again later :)
Anyway, welcome to the next chapter of Umi no Haoshoku.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any other manga I may inspire myself from, for that matter.
Chapter 9 : Lost Blood
On board the Musashi
The Musashi, a warship armed with a dozen cannons and capable of housing up to one hundred men, departed from River Country's shores, just after they got their passengers on board. The men and women from its crew knew what to do, from its maintenance to the different tasks that needed to be performed to accommodate the guests, so Hiruzen was quite relaxed as he went to speak with his former disciple.
Naruto was leisurely sunbathing on the deck of the Musashi, the girls had all gone to sleep after the exhausting trip they had just taken. He would have normally joined them but he had things to speak of, that couldn't wait, with his former teacher. Naruto may have been the supreme commander of the fleet, as he was fully reminded when all the men and women who saw him bowed and saluted their leader, however, he had an absolute faith in his captains' skills and waited for Hiruzen to finish with his duties without interfering before the two of them could discuss privately.
"I take it your mission was a success, judging by the additional 'friends' you brought with you back in River Country." Hiruzen asked, as he took a seat near Naruto.
"That's correct, sensei. I got to admit though, I didn't think they would chase us this far, even inside a foreign country, pretty sure good old Danzo didn't ask the permission from the Daimyo to send his troops inside these lands." Naruto replied.
"It still amaze me they let that old fool take the hat, I was sure either Jiraiya or Tsunade would take it and in the event they didn't, I really thought Kakashi would step up but I guess I was wrong." The older man said without a hint of remorse.
"It seems like you don't care about the fate of Konoha, it was still your responsibility not that long ago, don't you have any afterthoughts, especially after seeing what it became ?" Naruto asked, this was something he always wondered, whether or not the old man regretted his choice in leaving the village ten years ago to go look for him.
"Let me tell you something, my predecessors, the Shodaime and Nidaime both died young, leaving behind them their legacies and a mission to me, their successor, to protect the villagers and the next generation. I, in turn, did the same with your father, but we both know what became of it, so I had to retake the hat for a time since the village was in ruins. When I felt the village was at peace again, I decided to trust in the next generation again, trust in their Will of Fire, so I stepped down and went to accomplish one last mission, one I had received from another Kage, you father. They should have stood up and not let someone like Danzo, a phantom of the past, seize the power. Their Will of Fire died down and all that happens to them from there is not my responsibility anymore." Hiruzen said.
"I see, I guess it makes sense but what about your family ? It's been ten years since you last saw any of them. Why chose me over your son or grandson ? Don't misunderstand me, I really appreciate all the things you did for me, I'm just curious." Naruto asked.
"It's just as you said, they are together and can depend on each other. Konohamaru, like his uncle, is being treated like a VIP just because he's related to me while you were … , well you get my point." The old man replied. He then took notice of the scroll strapped to his student's back.
"So that's it ? The Uzumaki sacred scroll, a record of all the knowledge created during the reign of the Uzumaki Clan and the reason you risk exposure to Konoha ?" Hiruzen asked, still eying it. This was the first time he ever saw it.
Naruto's mother and Mito Uzumaki before her, were very secretive about it. All he knew was that it contained everything the Uzumaki Clan ever created, in terms of technological or jutsu advances. It could have been enough to earn the interest of any leader in the world, since their knowledge in the fuinjutsu field was quite impressive, however Naruto was not seeking the scroll for that purpose. He was told by Hiruzen about his Uzumaki origins and also that some others like him sharing the blood of his ancestors may still be alive.
Indeed, after the destruction of their village, Uzushiogakure, the survivors fled in several directions, trying to escape from their enemy. Kushina Uzumaki, Naruto's mother, was not among them since she was sent early on to the Leaf in order to live with Mito. According to Hiruzen, the older woman was obsessed with finding survivors from her clan, and, as the head of the Senju clan, she devoted a lot of time and resources into that quest. Hiruzen thought the scroll could also contains the record of her findings.
Naruto was not back here in the Elemental Nations for power nor revenge, he was here to find out whether or not he still had people he could call his family, sharing the same ancestors as him. This was a long shot and he knew it, but growing up alone, family was the one thing he respected above all. Of course he had formed his own family over time, but in the event someone was still out there, alone or suffering like he did, he wanted to be there for that person. His new family and the people currently following his lead understood that and came with him knowing the risks.
"It's got several seals protecting it against stealing or unauthorized reading. First there's the anti seal protection, a classic one. Then it gets more complicated, a anti genjutsu protection, against the use of Henge to hide it most likely." Naruto started to analyze the scroll.
"Mito sure was someone that knew how to protect her possessions." Hiruzen said with a chuckle as Naruto continued to study the scroll.
"Next comes the truly interesting part, there is an active blood seal, the variant of the classic blood analyzing one. Only a living Uzumaki with a regular heartbeat will be able to unlock the scroll by applying his or her blood on that seal. This was done most likely to protect it against anyone who would have stolen the blood of an Uzumaki. Furthermore, any interference, due to external threat if someone is somehow forcing an Uzumaki to open the lock, will be detected and blocked. The same applies to someone on the run, be it an Uzumaki or not, the scroll can only be open by someone not running away or force to do it." Naruto said.
"No wonder it's still safe to this day, even with Danzo in command for more than a decade. I never tried to open it, but somehow I can tell my old comrade Danzo tried with everything he had, only to fail. Where did you find it anyway ? Was it still stashed in the Hokage vault ?" The old man said.
"Yes, and with your instructions and them focused on me and the girls in the council room, it was really easy to retrieve it. They really left the same defenses and patrol rotations as in the past, I'm seriously starting to wonder if it really was necessary to create a diversion in the first place." The blond answered his sensei.
"Alright then, what are you waiting for ? You aren't on the run anymore and you do match all the other requirements needed for someone to open that scroll. No matter what you find in that scroll, you already have a family and friends that love you. Whether or not you are the last Uzumaki on earth doesn't change who you truly are and what you achieved on your own over the years." The captain of the Musashi told his fleet commander, seeing him hesitate.
The blond nodded to his teacher and then cut his finger a bit, in order to draw some blood for the seal. He then held the scroll and let it analyze his pulse and blood for some time. During all this, Hiruzen looked anxious for his student, sure he told him that it was fine and all, but he was still worried for Naruto. After some time, a clicking sound could be heard from the seal and it seemed like a lock just opened. Naruto pulled his hand back and both master and student looked as the scroll finally snapped open in a puff of smoke.
As the smoke cleared out, three smaller scrolls appeared, each had different markings on them. The first had the word 'jutsu' written on it, the second had 'technology' while the last one had 'Uzumaki' on it. Naruto put the first two aside and obviously went to check the third one first, using his blood again to open it. The blond quickly scanned its content and then smiled at Hiruzen who was looking at him the whole time.
"This is everything Mito and my mother found out about the few Uzumaki refugees who managed to escape the destruction of Uzushiogakure. It's organized in several family trees, each one retracing those families back to their roots in Uzu. I'm on the same one as my mother, there's Mito too, with your former student Tsunade in the same as hers. Confirmed deaths are marked with a cross over their names, unfortunately most of the names are crossed and date to the previous generation, the same as my mother's. I'm one of the very few from my generation." Naruto announced.
"I take it by your tone and smirk that you found out you are not alone." Sarutobi asked him.
"You are correct Sensei, there are still four names that are not crossed out in the register, mine and three others. Two of them are from my generation while the remaining one is from my mother's generation. It's not really giving specific names for them, only their lineage and probable location." Naruto replied as he studied Mito's and his mother's researches on their clan members.
"I see, I'm glad for you but don't forget it has not been updated since your mother died. They may or may not be alive anymore, everything is possible in the ninja world. Don't get your hopes too high for now. Anyway where will you be going first then ?" Hiruzen said to him.
"What can you tell me about Yugakure ?" Naruto asked with a smirk.
Rice Country, Otogakure
A week passed since the events that took place in Konoha with the news of the team that destroyed the Hokage Monument spreading throughout the world. It was impossible for Danzo and his goons to cover up the whole event, since the damn thing could be seen from miles away. Only few people knew the truth about it, namely the council. It was decided to pass it as a terrorist attack instead of Naruto bluffing them and calmly walking away from the village without anyone stopping him. Of course the blond was still held responsible for the bombing, the council meeting was erased from the records and they made it look like he attacked Konoha without a reason.
One man was very interested by such news, anything that made Konoha look like fools caught that man's attention. Orochimaru, former student of the Sandaime Hokage, was quite eager to meet the man who brought Danzo to his knees. He had to hold off on his plans to destroy the leaf ten years ago, with the Sandaime suddenly disappearing and Danzo taking his place. The War Hawk's wasn't as easy going as the Third when it came to security. As such it was much harder to infiltrate the leaf than during the previous Hokage's reign. Orochimaru remained patient and forged alliances left and right, waiting for the right time to strike against his former village.
"Kabuto, have you found anything of use on that man ?" Orochimaru asked his second in command.
"In addition to what we already knew of him from his profile in the Bingo book, I was also able to discover that the whole story about him attacking the Leaf with no reason is a lie, made up to hide the fact that they couldn't stop him. I have many witness saying that he was escorted back into the village prior to the explosion by a team of Leaf chunin and jonin. He left with his bodyguards soon after the explosion with no one following him. Whatever motivated him to attack them happened during the meeting he had with them after his arrival. He must have anticipated their conversation and went in prepared." Kabuto answered.
"Of course he did, no one would attack the supposedly strongest village in the Elemental Nations with no good reason. That man is very interesting, have you any clues to where he could be right now ?" The Otokage asked.
"Not precisely I'm afraid, I lost all track of him in River Country when he escaped from the Leaf's pursuit team. He apparently left using the rivers that led to the sea and from there he could really be absolutely everywhere in the continent or even around it." Kabuto explained.
"We may try our luck in Yugakure, since it has one of those port town that his fleet uses for their business. The only other one I know of is in Wave and I doubt he will show up there again for some time since it's the one he came from when he was escorted back into Fire Country by Konoha." The man added.
"Very well, you will send Tayuya to find out more clues about him and his group. She comes from there so it might help." Orochimaru replied with a smirk as Kabuto nodded and left the room to go execute his master's orders.
Wind Country, Sunagakure
Shikamaru opened his eyes as he woke up in a room that he didn't recognize. He then remembered that he was not in his own house, as a matter of fact he was not even in his own village. They had been escorted back into Wind Country by the Suna team that saved them from the last attack from the masked man forces in River Country. Going backward into Fire Country was not an option as the Daimyo had sent his forces to check out the area where countless explosions were heard.
Given that they did not receive the permission to cross, much less fight, into these lands they had to escape from another embarrassing humiliation and decided to follow after the Suna team. They would lay low for a few days and then discretely go back home, where Danzo would most likely yell at them for failing. All in all he wasn't that sad to not go home directly.
The Nara heir also knew that the back-up team that was following them would not go through the borders of River Country as they did, albeit under the orders of Sasuke. Speaking of devil, Sasuke and also Neji were not at the top of their game since they suffered injuries from whatever jutsu the enemy was using. Without the help of those Suna nins they would most likely be dead right now.
Shikamaru then thought about the very jutsu that saved their lives, a wall of sand appeared around them and blocked the black rocks that were thrown at them. He immediately recognized the one responsible for that, Sabaku no Gaara, son of the Kazekage and jinchuriki of the Ichibi no Tanuki. The mind of the genius from Konoha instantly understood what had happened, their Hokage must have 'asked' them to render assistance, since Wind Country wasn't that far away, most likely using one of their fastest communication bird in order to relay the message.
Sunagakure was their historical ally and would not refuse a support mission from them since their economy was more or less in their hands. Danzo knew about their difficulties to get more support from their Daimyo and used it fully to his advantage. He sent them missions, the more dangerous and less lucrative ones in exchange for their support and as such, Konoha became a huge part of Suna's economy. The Kazekage knew Danzo had spies everywhere and would immediately crush them if they chose disobey or betray them.
Shikamaru also knew Danzo tried to pit Gaara against the masked man, in an attempt to fish out more about his abilities since he was supposedly the one who killed Yagura, the previous Kage of the Hidden Mist and jinchuriki of the Sanbi. Unfortunately for Danzo, the Suna team was too late and their target had already escaped. The plan would have most likely worked, had they arrived a little bit earlier since that Gaara character seemed highly unstable and according to Kiba his sand reeked of blood. The jinchuriki would have certainly tried to attack the masked man, if given the possibility. Shikamaru was interrupted in his musing by the arrival of Choji and Kiba in his room.
"Hey Shikamaru, are you ready ? The Kazekage wants to see us before we head back home. Neji and Sasuke's injuries are fully healed so we can go now." Choji said as he entered the room with some food in his hands. The Nara sighed and then joined his team for their meeting with the Kage.
Hot Springs Country, Northern Shores
Naruto and the girls were on the deck of the Musashi, everyone fully rested and ready to disembark. Hiruzen suddenly appeared from the captain's quarters and came to them with a small book they all recognized. It was a newly edited version of the Bingo book and seeing his face, they could all take a guess at whose profile was updated. Naruto took the book from his sensei and opened it at his page, it read :
Name : Unknown
Nickname : Kuro Kitsune
Age : 20-25
Rank : S
Status : Unknown, at least Jonin
Attributes: Kenjutsu(S) Ninjutsu(S) and Taijutsu(S)
Affinities : Wind, Fire, Lightning, Earth
Bloodline : Unknown
Description : Blond hair, blue eyes; See picture
Wears a face mask to keep his identity hidden
Holder of the Whales Summoning contract
Defeated S-Rank Kiri Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura the Jinchuriki of the Sanbi
Destroyed the Hokage Monument in Konohagakure
Action : Engage with caution
Bounty : 50,000,000 Ryo in Konohagakure and Sunagakure, Dead or Alive
25,000,000 Ryo in Otogakure, Alive
"Well I guess they put in everything they knew about me since our visit in the Leaf, still, I'm a bit surprised at the interest of Otogakure for me." Naruto mused as he passed the book around.
"Be careful with Orochimaru, Naruto. He is as dangerous as he is cunning, I should have finished him when I had the chance all those years ago." Hiruzen said with regret in his voice.
"Don't worry sensei, I will. Keep an eye on Wave Country and the Yamato for me, will you ?" The blond reassured his teacher and then left the ship with the girls. The Musashi left not long after that and made its way to Wave Country.
A/N : Alright, that's it for now. Please continue to read and leave reviews.
No action in this chapter but a little world tour as the aftermath of the previous chapter.
Now, part of Naruto's quest have been explained, it should be pretty clear to see where this is going. The final woman should be easy to find out now that you read this chapter.
I know there are parts that have yet to be explored, such as Naruto's status as a jinchuriki. Where the hell is the Kyuubi, Akatsuki and so on … Don't worry I have not forgotten them.
