As soon as the groups set down the book, Naruto looked at Sunset shimmer as she grew more and more pale.
"You worried?"
"OF COURSE WE'RE WORRIED, DARLING!" Sunset cried.
"Relax...even if it's an alternate universe, at least Equestria won't fight alone. My other self won't allow it and neither would that alternate Konoha." the object of Sunset's secret crush assured her and the others.
"You seem pretty sure of that, Darling...how?" Sunset asked, she needed the reassurances...needed hope.
Naruto smiled, "Because," he said, "there's no how or why, it's our nature to be there for those who we care about when they need it. That's as true for Konoha as it is Equestria." The other ninjas all nodded firmly, showing they felt that way.
To say Celiestia and Luna weren't upset or worried was a lie. Even knowing it was merely an alternate universe didn't really help. Equestria was still their home. So they smiled at the way Naruto dispelled their concerns.
"He really is good at being a reassuring presence. No mystery why he's the Prince with all of the Elements of Harmony in his soul in the story...got to wonder what'll happen when his counterpart gets to the tree." Luna whispered to her sister who nodded. Naruto Uzumaki, the Prince of Harmony...she had to admit, it suited him. And Naruto coming across the Tree of Harmony would indeed prove interesting.
"Last chapter before another break?" Kushina asked, taking the book herself.
Everyone nodded.
Chapter 9: Facing Chaos
At the title of the ninth chapter, Celiestia and Luna both started twitching, and the Mane Six groaned. Oh man...not this! Not again!
"Uh...what am I missing?" Sunset shimmer asked, concerned.
"You have no idea Sunset, and can I just say I admit I envy you for it..." Twilight said.
"He did get better." Fluttershy pointed out.
"Who got better?" Choji asked.
"...You'll see..." Applejack said, sounding strained.
The travel back to Konoha was thankfully not too exciting. The only issue was a run in with one of Tsunade's debt collectors, but Jiraiya was quick to pay it off; much to his distress due to the number of zeros.
Naruto snickered. "Funny...if it's such a big deal, then why's he carrying around that much like it's pocket change?" he smirked.
Tsunade laughed. "Nice point! How'd you figure that?" she asked Naruto with a grin.
"Saw his banking account book after he dropped it." he said, causing the two to reach over and high-five one another.
Naruto had decided to have Fluttershy walk around with him, much to her pleasure since she was especially fond of the surrounding nature and wildlife. She even got friendly with a bear! That was a surprise for the blonde Uzumaki.
Kiba smirked. Dang! Could Fluttershy be any more perfect?! Akamaru gave his human a look. And he denied that he was crushing on the transformed yellow pony?
Tsunade had asked him about the Pony Summons that he had and Naruto had answered that they were very versatile and had their own unique skills and abilities.
The collective mares all looked at Tsunade, who blushed and turned away. "I know, I know...but can you at least cut me some slack? If my grandmother couldn't find it when she was who PUT the scroll there, how was I supposed to know about that secret passage? Naruto's other self found it completely by chance, after all." she huffed in admission.
The mares shared a look, then nodded thoughtfully. True enough.
Fluttershy had helped with the conversation by showing off her Jinton, though she had shyly admitted that she preferred to be away from a battlefield and felt much more comfortable supporting or healing her partners.
"Sounds like you...kind and helpful to a fault and T." Rainbow dash told her friend.
Flutershy blushed with a tiny smile at that.
The Slug Sannin was eager to teach her, as was Shizune who Fluttershy was especially comfortable around. The two had quickly become good friends and bonded over Tonton, healing herbs and fauna, and simple pleasures such as favorite teas and other things.
Naruto blinked, then looked over at the pink-haired mare-girl. Then nodded "I can honestly see that. Her and Shizune being friends."
Tsunade nodded.
Naruto was glad that she had gotten comfortable with the others and was pleased that she had become more open around him as well. At first she was so soft spoken and a bit distant from him, but now she was speaking more confidently and didn't shy away from him…much.
The mares all snicker as Fluttershy went scarlet.
"She really is a lot like Hinata..." Ino whispered in Sakura's ear, getting a smile and nod at that.
After a few days travel, they had reached the village gates and were met with relieved villagers; some even giving Naruto thankful and respectful nods. Fluttershy had returned to Ponyville before they reached the gates out of anxiety and Naruto was quick to let her know that he appreciated her company; although, she did surprise him and herself when she boldly kissed his cheek before leaving with a cherry red face.
"Wait...WHAT?!" Rainbow dash cried, grinning like a loon. Everyone else that knew Fluttershy gawked at the projector image, shocked.
Kiba scowled as he tried to avoid lunging at Naruto. 'Alternate universe...alternate universe...that happened in an alternate universe...! Just gotta keep telling yourself Fluttershy kissed Naruto in an ALTERNATE! UNIVERSE!' he mentally chanted to himself.
The adults chuckled at that while Naruto simply gave a small smile.
By the time they reached the Kage Tower, Tsunade had met with the Elders and had them call together a Council Meeting.
Tsunade opened her mouth and stuck a finger in it in the sign for 'gag me' at that.
She wished to formally take the title of Kage in front of them while also having Naruto inducted as the new Uzumaki Head.
Minato and Kushina beamed with pride at that.
Not even a half an hour later, the Council had been assembled and Tsunade stood before them beside Naruto with Shizune and Jiraiya hanging back. "This Council has been called together to instate Senju Tsunade as the Godaime Hokage. Is the Shinobi Council in agreement?" asked Koharu.
"Surprised Danzo never spoke up..." Naruto scowled.
The ninja half of the reading group all muttered darkly in agreement at that.
Shikaku stood up and nodded firmly. "We are, Koharu-sama. We look forward to serving Tsunade-sama as our Godaime."
She nodded before she turned to the Civilian Members. "And does anyone oppose on this end?"
There were some murmurs before Haruno Mebuki stood up and shook her head. "No opposition here, Lady Koharu."
The Elder nodded once again before Homura stood up from his seat and declared, "Then the Council recognizes you as Godaime Hokage. We look forward to serving you, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade nodded and took her now rightful seat on the Kage's chair of the Council. "I thank you for your support and I promise to bring forth great changes to this village for the better. The first matter I'd like to bring up however is the induction of Uzumaki Naruto as Clad Head of the Uzumaki."
"Oh, this'll be good..." Kushina said, pausing her reading.
Councilwoman Inoue smirked at that, finding the proposal as a way to help repay the Uzumaki for helping her win that large bet. She was one of the few from the Civilian side who looked to the teen with interest while the others regarded him with caution.
Naruto hummed at that while everyone else smiled.
"I'd like to vote 'Yay" for his induction, Hokage-sama," she stated, smiling at him when he turned to her. "I believe we need more shinobi like Uzumaki-san in this village if what he showed at the Chunin Finals was anything to go by."
"I agree with Inoue-san," declared Danzo
"Can somebody kill me? Please? If that THING is acting supportive, no good'll come of it." Naruto growled.
as he stood up. "Konoha needs competent shinobi, and if we were to enact the CRA on Uzumaki, we could bring back the strength once renowned by the Uzumaki Clan."
Naruto went red and stuck his fingers in his ears.
"What's the CRA?" Twilight asked.
"Stands for Clan Restoration Act." Minato said, then seeing his wife's face, "What I was Hokage, I had to know this stuff." he said in his defense. Then he stood and went over to the mares and threw up a barrier around him and them, ans started talking, obviously telling them everything about the CRA, and when he finished and dropped the barrier, all their faces were red.
The Shinobi side all gave motions of agreement while Tsume grinned at the blonde
Naruto both somehow paled and went red at that as he choked on his own siliva at that...so did Kiba! Neither liked the implications of that, given what was being voted on right now!
standing before them. The Civilian side was full of murmurs before Tsunade finally called for a vote. With only three out of the fifteen voters saying "Nay", Naruto was officially accepted as the Head of the Clan. Once Tsunade stated this, she had Naruto take his seat between Shikaku and Inoichi with an empty seat between himself and the Nara; the one for the Uchiha Clan.
Kushina nodded, enjoying he was in that spot.
"Now, I move for the enactment of the CRA upon Uzumaki-sama," Danzo declared, making sure to show respect for the blonde's new position, much to the Uzumaki's suspicion.
"And for good reason!"
"While the CRA is very useful, Danzo-sama, I believe it would be best to wait for Uzumaki-sama to reach an age more fitting for the Act. Fourteen is not an appropriate age for this," stated Shikaku, earning him a lot of points in Naruto's book.
"Shikamaru...can I just say you're dad rocks?" Naruto said, making the shadow-user smirk.
"I agree," Tsume added. "The pup's too young, so it'd be best to wait a few years. Wait 'til he's seventeen at least.
Naruto and Kiba both let out relieved sighs at that.
This could also give him time to find the appropriate number of willing candidates for his wives."
Both Sunset Shimmer and Hinata growled at the thought.
"How many would I need to fulfill the CRA, Inuzuka-sama?" asked Naruto with hidden worry.
"Excuse my language, but...no shit I'd worry about that!" Naruto said, getting his mom to smack him upside the head with the book. "Oooowww! Come on, mom! I have every reason to say that!" he whined.
She still glared at the swear as the mares all nodded at her actions, though they did feel Naruto had a bit of a point.
She seemed to sense it though, for she gave him her best attempt at a reassuring smile.
Kiba clamped his eyes shut and plugged his ears, humming loudly to himself. He did NOT want any implied images defacing his mind!
"At least three would be required, Uzumaki-sama. We need to ensure you produce an heir or heiress for your clan and try to repopulate it."
Naruto paled.
"You're minimum number is three, Uzumaki-sama," Aburame Shibi calmly interjected. "However, the Act has believed a maximum of six to be logically enough."
Naruto paled further, while the Mane Six, thinking of their alternates, blushed. Oh, just great!
"I see," the whiskered blonde murmured as the Council went to a vote.
At the end of the meeting, Naruto was declared to find at least three wives by his seventeenth birthday.
Naruto let out a moan. Make it go away!
[The Next Day]
"Thank you timeskip!" Naruto said.
The new Uzumaki Head walked through the village streets with his hands in his pockets and his cerulean eyes searching the vacated buildings of Konoha's red light district. There were quite a few, but Naruto needed a decent sized one for the order given to him by Tsunade as a "rebuilding" clan.
"Why's that?" Sunset asked.
The order was simple; each clan in the village provides something to help bolster Konoha's power, wealth, or standing. As such, Naruto decided to find a building to be used to sell seals for the shinobi forces.
The mares nodded. A contribution.
He sighed in annoyance since, in a way, Danzo got what he had requested of him before he left with Jiraiya.
All the readers scowled at that.
Konoha is
"Should be "was"." Twilight said, making her friends moans as Rainbow dash cackled. She was gonna be rich by the time this book was over!
getting high quality seals from one of the last Uzumaki in the Elemental Nations. However, at least Naruto had final say on which seals he allows shinobi to purchase.
Naruto and his mom smirked, take THAT Danzo! HA!
This meant no Chakra Ken (Chakra Blade) seals for the masses. A good thing too since they would be abused in his eyes.
"Smart call." Shikamaru said, nodding.
Finally stopping at a particular one, he pushed the door open to step inside. However, the door was so weak and unmaintained that it fell right off of its weak hinges. A sigh escaped his lips as he stepped further inside and out of view of bystanders.
"Kuchiyose: Rarity," he declared as he pressed his hand against a weak looking support beam and summoned forth said unicorn.
"Oh...this'll be good..." Choji chuckled.
Rarity scowled.
She smiled when she saw him before her entire visage took on one of absolute horror at that surrounding internal structure of the building. "Dear Equestria, where are we?!"
"I can actually picture myself acting that way..." Rarity shuddered.
Sheepishly, the blonde answered, "Well…we're actually in a vacated building that I wish to restore for clan purposes. To make sure that the Uzumaki can be accepted as a restoring clan, I need to do something for the village's benefit. Thus," he opened his arms wide, "the location for the Uzumaki Shōten (Whirlpool Shop)!"
"I…see," she hesitantly replied before she carefully took a step closer to him, afraid of brushing some of the dust with her tail…or any part of her body. "And why, pray tell, did you summon me here?"
"Best have a good reason." the human-shaped-unicorn warned.
At this, Naruto smiled warmly. "Well, it's no secret that you are incredibly good at design. I mean, you've given me two great outfits lately and told me some time ago that you were in the process of a third. I was hoping you could help me in restoring this building and making it presentable for Konoha.
"Ah...that is a good reason." Rarity said with a nod while her friends rolled their eyes.
I'd give you total artistic control over this, Rarity-chan."
"...Gonna regret that..." Applejack muttered about the other Naruto's decision.
She blushed prettily at his compliment and the affectionate suffix added to her name. Humming in thought as she took another look at the inside, many different design ideas flew through her mind before one finally popped out and made her smile brightly. "Yes… Yes, I do believe I have the most glorious design for this little shop of yours! Oh my, so much to do!" She turned to him and he blinked as she was practically right in his face in excitement. "Oh Naruto darling, you are simply the best!" she exclaimed before she kissed his cheek and started using her magic to clear the dust as Naruto blushed.
"Glad Spike's not here, if he heard all that, he'd be crushed." Pinkie said in a whisper to Twilight, who nodded grimly at the thought.
Coughing to recompose himself, and because of the dust, he smiled back at her. "I'm just calling on the best person for the job, Rarity-chan. I look forward to your finished design."
"Oh yes, of course dear! I promise you that you will absolutely love it!" she giddily replied as he left.
"Doubtlessly he will." Rarity said, feeling pleased by her other self's recognition.
As soon as he stepped outside, he placed up a couple of seals to restrict access to anyone who was too curious for their own good. Once that was finished, he made his way to Tsunade's office to let her know what he planned to do and gave her a small list of seals he would sell. There were basic storage seals, bomb seals (both regular and advanced), restriction seals, paralysis seals, and the most valuable would be the Chakra Kaifuku(Chakra Recovery) seal.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!...What was that last one?!" Ino cried.
"Chakra recovery seal, fill it up with stored chakra and when you need it, just activate the sealand it'll load you full of the stored chakra...very useful in a bad situation." Kushina nodded, pleased.
"No fooling its useful...and to think there was an entire village full of people that knew how to make things like that..." the Yamanaka said with a shiver. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but I can see why people were that afraid of Uzu."
Minato, Kushina, and Naruto frowned. They understood that, but they didn't like it.
The Godaime was pleased with the plan and gave it her official seal of approval, cementing Naruto's clan being regarded as "restoring" amongst the populace once the shop was up and running. This left Naruto with a few more things to do regarding his clan. Apparently, according to what Jiraiya and Tsunade had informed him, Naruto was able to take in others and have them as "honorary" clan members. As such, he needed to make rules for them to follow.
He smiled as he knew exactly what to make the first rule. By the end of the day, he had a personalized plaque made that had the clan's most sacred rule of all inscribed on it:
The Uzumaki Creed is thusly: Family over Pride, Family over Glory, Family over All.
The mares all smiled at that, no matter how many times they heard it, it was still a good one.
This Creed would act as the foundation for all of the Uzumaki's future Clan Laws. Naruto was proud to say that the restoration was progressing very well. However, he had to put it on hold when a messenger hawk cawed from above and landed next to him on a nearby bench.
Turning around, the hawk presented a scroll to him which he opened and read. He sighed at reading an update on Kakashi and Sasuke's conditions after Tsunade healed them. He was glad Kakashi was alright and sort of relieved that Sasuke was as well. At least it would get Sakura off his back if she decided to blame him.
"I would not! I'd just be glad Sasuke was better!" Sakura said.
"I know you would." Naruto said with a nod.
He wrote a reply that he understood and that he would continue with his clan duties before he sent the hawk back to the Hokage. Not even a minute after doing so, he felt a tug on his chakra before he vanished in a plume of smoke.
[Canterlot Throne Room]
"Here we go..." Twilight said with a tone like she was preparing for a high dive.
Blinking in surprise, Naruto took notice of the land outside the windows of the castle in absolute disarray. Buildings were floating upside down, the roads were slippery with super bubbly soap, the skies were raining…chocolate?
Naruto looked thoughtful. Other than the floating buildings, seemed pretty harmless. Inconvenient, sure, but as a master prankster himself, he knew that was part of the territory when you were messing with someone for laughs.
"O…kay," he slowly mumbled before he turned to look at the Elemental Mares, save for Rarity.
Twilight looked sheepish as she addressed him, "Glad you could make it Naruto. As you can see…we have a bit of a problem."
"More than a bit..." Applejack groaned.
"A bit, huh?" he asked in a deadpanned tone.
"Even my other finds that an understatement." Naruto said, shaking his head.
"What the hell happened to this place?"
"Explain, please!" Sunset said, feeling panicked over the state Equestria was in.
"Discord happened," Dash answered with a frown. "He took the Elements of Harmony and he won't give them back."
"Uh, who is Discord, now?"
"Murphy's law...hate that thing!" Sakura grumbled..
A sudden voice spoke from right behind him and the blonde turned to see a dragon-like creature merged into the stained glass window. "That would be me." The pieces of stained glass that made up the creature suddenly burst from the window, breaking it entirely before they grew in size and gained a natural form.
Standing before Naruto was a creature that could only be described as a chimera. Its head was horse-like, though much different from other ponies' head styles. It had a deer antler on the right, a blue goat horn on the left, one long fang, different-sized pupils, a snake tongue, a goat beard, and white bushy eyebrows. Its right arm resembled that of a lion, the left claw of an eagle, the right leg of a lizard, and the left leg of a goat. In addition, it had a bat's right wing, a Pegasus' left wing, a horse's mane and a dragon-like snake's tail with a white tail tuft while the shape of its body resembles that of a snake.
Sunset's jaw dropped. No way...he existed?! Sure she'd heard of Discord, but this was her first time seeing one of her old teacher's most powerful enemies!
With a grin, Discord spoke, "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Narrowing his eyes, the blonde replied, "Uzumaki Naruto, Chunin of Konoha, Summoner of the Ponies, and new Clan Head of the Uzumaki."
A gleam came to Discord's eye as he snaked around Naruto, extending his body to incredibly long proportions. "You also forgot your old title; The Prank Master from Hell!
"WHAT THE...?!" Naruto cried, eyes widening, "How did he...? Who told...? My old..." he sputtered.
I honestly love a good prank. It shows a healthy dose of chaos, which we all need to experience from time to time." He suddenly got in Naruto's face, practically touching foreheads with him. "Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Prankster?"
The mares all paled. Oh...just perfect!
"...Discord was looking forward to meeting him..." Celestia said in a small voice as Luna gulped.
Not flinching, the Uzumaki answered, "I suppose… However, there's such a thing as 'taking it too far' after all. And what you've done to Ponyville proves to me that you lack control over your own childish desires."
Naruto made a face at that. Oh god...his other sounded so...prudish!
Discord merely grinned and turned into hundreds of bubbles that all popped into a large puddle on the floor that had his face reflected in it. "Oh come now, Naruto. I'm Chaos Incarnate! I can't be tied down by foolish words such as 'control'! I need to let my powers run free!"
"Sad thing is, he had a point..." Rainbow dash said grimly.
"What you need is to stop this nonsense!" Naruto retorted, glaring at the puddle that evaporated and turned into steam before suddenly everyone was teleported outside and standing under the chocolate rain. "You're not helping out Ponyville or Equestria with your antics! Don't you realize that there's a war coming in the future?! Don't you even care about this place?!"
"Why can't you ever be that mature?" Sakura asked Naruto.
Pinkie frowned at that. At least the actual Naruto remembered what "fun" was, the story version was starting to be a too-serious, party-pooper!
The storm clouds all gathered together, making a cloudy silhouette of Discord with lightning outlining his facial features. "War, is it? I think it's you who fails to see what will happen. After all, to me war is simply a much more potent form of chaos! And I do love me some outside chaos! I can't be causing disharmony all the time, you know! Other people and creatures need to cause some of their own sometimes!"
"Ok...THAT is BEYOND being sick, twisted, and wrong!" Naruto said.
"We know...there was a reason we petrified him..." Celestia said.
"Dammit Discord, this isn't the time to fool around!" raged Naruto as he sent a burst of snow and wind at the clouds, making them disperse. "What happens when the war becomes too chaotic for you to take control of?! What happens if something overpowers you with chaos?!"
"Not an issue for me," answered the chimera as he appeared behind Naruto, leaning his head down over the blonde's left shoulder. "To me, chaos is chaos! No need to worry about it overtaking me or worry about how it affects what's around me."
Naruto growled as he absently noted the Elemental Mares searching frantically for the Elements of Harmony. "Why can't you see that you're making things worse for this world? Don't you understand that these ponies have lived happily for a long time before you came and wrecked the place? Just look, dammit!"
He pointed to the many ponies panicking over the ensuing chaos and frantically trying to help one another out. What really got the Uzumaki angry was the sight of a young filly, scared and alone, calling out for her mother as she cried out in fear at everything that popped out at her.
Naruto growled at that.
"These ponies have done nothing to you that would warrant all of this chaos happening to them!" Naruto continued to rant as he walked up to the filly and gently picked her up in his arms, frowning as she shivered in his grasp. He turned his face to Discord, who was staring at him blankly, as he formed a clone to look for the filly's mother. "Just how much chaos will it take to satisfy you, Discord? How many lives do you have to ruin before you finally realize…enough is enough?"
"Ok...as much as I'm starting to dislike the guy, my other's got a point." Naruto nodded.
"Discord's never had a positive influence at this point though. Not really his fault he was that way." Fluttershy said.
The chimera just stared at him as his clone came back with a mare that immediately hugged her daughter and thanked the blonde repeatedly before she and her daughter ran off. "Why do you help them when you have more chaos to deal with than I've created?"
He glared at the chaotic being as he pulled a stallion out of his cupcake prison and helped him to his hooves. "I help them because I've suffered enough and would never wish it upon anyone else. To my village, I'm just a demon in human skin; a monster that should've died long ago. You don't have to be like me in the eyes of these ponies, Discord. You can make something of yourself and have them give you a chance! Admit it; you aren't really as aloof about the fate of this place as you say you are. Deep down, you want to be accepted and be seen as something great instead of the monster you will be seen as if you continue."
Fluttershy nodded at the other Naruto's words. They were true about Discord. But how could he prove he wasn't bad if he was never given a fair chance before? That was the problem.
"Bah! You know nothing about me!" the chimera yelled at him in growing ire. "You don't know what it's like to be born different and with powers that will never be seen as 'good' or 'harmonic'!"
"Wrong thing to say..." Kushina said heatedly. Being her son's predecessor for hosting Kurama, she knew you never say things like that to a Jinchuriki!
"You think I don't know?!" raged back the blonde, his chakra surging against Discord's own chaotic mana. "Didn't you hear me before?! I'm a demon, a monster, a plague, a worthless creature! What about you?! What were you before you decided to spread your chaos around the world?!"
That actually made the Spirit of Chaos flinch back and recede his power. He tried to look the Uzumaki in the eye, but those pools of accusatory blue made him look away. They practically pierced his soul with their gaze.
The mares all winced at the look on the other Naruto's face.
"I…was once a ruler of this place," he answered. "At first, I was accepted before I let my power take over me…and became this! It was only thanks to Celestia and Luna that I was taken down and sealed away, but my powers only festered inside. I swore revenge and let the power continue to blind me…"
Everyone winced. Power overload had altered his mind and warped his body. They'd all seen things like that at one point or another.
Naruto pulled back on his surging chakra and looked to the chimera sadly. Walking up to him, he placed a hand on his shoulder and declared, "You can still do what's right. You just need to learn to control your own power and use it for the benefit of this place. Equestria needs the help of everyone, Discord."
The chimera looked down in deep thought before an idea struck him. "I have one more game I want to play…and this time I wish to try and best the Prank Master from Hell."
Everyone except Naruto paled at that.
Narrowing his eyes, Naruto asked, "What is it?"
"Riddles," answered Discord, making the blonde raise a brow. "You and I will have a Game of Riddles and stakes will be made."
"Stakes?"
"That's right! If I win, you must relinquish the Pony Contract and never set foot in this place again. In exchange, I will have you sign a contract between myself and you." Grinning, he continued, "This way, Ponyville and Equestria are free from chaos…but they lose their salvation."
"I don't like that..." Celestia muttered.
"Relax...Darling will win." Sunset said as if it was as inevitable as a person's next breath, "after all, if Discord was actually looking forward to meeting him, that meant he actually admired him and will have to work to win."
Everyone stared at her. Sheesh...that was some faith she had in Naruto, but the weirdest thing was how Hinata was nodding along with Sunset Shimmer's logic.
Glaring, Naruto asked, "And should you lose?"
"Should I lose, I will still leave this place alone and free from chaos, and I'll willingly let myself be resealed."
The mares that had to deal with Discord whistled. Those were some stakes!
The two locked eyes for some time before Naruto finally nodded. "Deal. You start."
"Very well… What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees; up, up it goes, and yet never grows?"
"Mountain..." Naruto yawned, Come on, Discord, make him work for it!
Naruto frowned at this before a sudden thought came to him. "While we play, I want you to return everything to normal."
"Of course," replied the chimera as he restored everything with a snap of his eagle claw.
The mares nodded at that.
"There we are. Now, answer the riddle."
Nodding, the Uzumaki paced as he thought over each part of the riddle while the citizens of Ponyville watched in silence. The Elemental Mares watched on as well with worry etched on their faces before they saw Naruto perk up.
"A Mountain," he declared, making Discord smirk.
"Correct! Your turn."
Naruto hummed in thought before he began, "Thirty white horses on a red hill. First they champ, then they stamp, and then they stand still."
Naruto rolled his eyes. Seriously?! THAT was the best the other him could do?! Teeth?!
The chimera smirked at the riddle before he began to float with a thoughtful look. "Interesting idea… However, the wording is far too human for my taste. The answer is Teeth."
"That's right."
"Of course it is! Now then… Voiceless it cries, wingless it flutters, toothless it bites, and mouthless it mutters."
"Wind.." Naruto droned. This was so BORING!
The blonde scowled at this one as he paced once more. "You really do like causing chaos… My mind's going crazy trying to come up with an answer." He continued to pace before he felt a small breeze brush against his skin, making him perk up. "I got it; it's Wind!"
Snapping his finger, Discord nodded. "Yes, that is correct…"
"Alright, let's see… How about this one? A box without hinges, key, or lid; yet golden treasure inside is hid."
"Ooh! A tricky one for sure," praised the Chaotic Spirit as he continuously floated in thought, orbiting Naruto from above. "Well, not everything that has 'golden treasure' is a box. The answer, dear boy, is an Egg."
"Damn," he cursed, though he had a small grin. "Thought I had you with that one…"
"You might have, if I were any less a chaotic being. Now then, let's see you get this one! All things it devours; birds, beasts, trees, flowers. It gnaws iron, bites steel, and grinds hard stones to meal. It slays king, ruins the town, and beats the high mountain down."
"Time...speaking of, he's making me fall asleep here with these easy ones...can I got sleep for a few hours?" Naruto said with a yawn.
The ponies all murmured at this one while Twilight wracked her brain for the answer. Naruto meanwhile was thinking over the words of the riddle as well, though he decided to take a seat as he thought. "All things it devours…" he repeated thoughtfully.
"Tick tock, tick tock," Discord pressed, making Naruto pause in his thinking. "You're making me run out of patience…"
'Wait a minute… Could it really be…?'
"Figure it out yet?" asked the Kyuubi in annoyance. Riddles were never enjoyable to the fox and this "Game of Riddles" was getting on its nerves.
'Maybe…'
Before the teen could continue, Discord gave an "Oh well" gesture with his hands. "Time's up."
He was surprised though when the blonde actually chuckled. "You just answered your own riddle there, Discord. The answer is Time."
"Idiot..." the actual Naruto said, " throw the answer in my face, why don't you?"
"Darling...could you not sound so egotistical?" Sunset asked.
"Sorry Sunset, but come on, really? He can mess with reality, but can't give me a hard riddle when he knows I think the same way he does and actually wanted to meet me because of that fact? What's up with that?" he asked.
Sunset had to nod, she'd give Darling that one.
Twitching at his own mess up, Discord huffed in annoyance through his nostrils, making purple smoke burst out. "Well, go on and ask me the riddle! This one will decide it!"
Naruto nodded before he paced in thought. He thought of every riddle he ever knew, but they were all easily answerable to the Chaotic Spirit. He turned to his friends and saw them smile in support before it hit him.
"This should be good..." Twilight grinned.
"Alright, I got one for you. From the soul of the Whirling Tide, this Creed shall always reside. This answer shall be for Eternity, the very Creed of the Uzumaki."
Everyone snickered. They knew the answer.
Discord, who was at first grinning at seeing the teen squirm at trying to come up with a riddle, suddenly paled at the one that was given. It was worded exactly like a riddle would be and the answer obviously existed since the Elemental Mares suddenly perked up and smiled together. He gulped as he began to sweat at his wracking brain. Dozens of answers flew through his mind before he finally came to an epiphany.
'I…I lost,' he thought in total shock before he turned to a smiling Naruto. "I…don't know the answer," he admitted before he fell to his knees. "Y-You won…"
Celestia, Luna and the Mane Six's jaws all dropped.
"See? I told you, nothing to worry about. Darling could handle it!" Sunset said, beaming triumphantly.
It was silent for a few seconds before Pinkie cried out, "He won!" The ponies all began to cheer with delight while Pinkie and the others all hugged Naruto and thanked him for his efforts.
"Wait a minute!" Discord cried out. "What was the answer?! What is the very Creed of the Uzumaki?!"
A sudden flash of radiance covered the land as Celestia and Luna descended from the clouds. Landing before a still shocked Discord, Celestia offered him a hoof to help him up. It took a few moments, but he finally accepted and was helped to his feet.
"The answer, Discord is this," Celestia started.
"Family," Luna finished with a smile towards Naruto. "The Creed of the Uzumaki orders members of the clan to place one thing above all others."
"Boo-ya!" Naruto smirked.
His parents beamed with pride at their son.
"And that answer is Family," Naruto stated as he stepped up to Discord. "The full Creed goes:Family over Pride, Family over Glory, Family over All. It is the one law that I will hold above all others when my clan is fully restored. And Discord…" He extended a hand to the Spirit of Chaos who stared at the teen in wonder. "I'd like to invite you into my family."
This shocked everypony there, save for Celestia and Luna who both had soft smiles on their faces for their Summoner.
"So...he reforms Discord? Just like that?" Applejack said.
Fluttershy nodded, feeling happy for the alternate of the chimera.
"You are as much a part of this world as everypony else in Ponyville and Equestria. As such, it's only right and fair that I offer you kinship. So, Discord of Chaos," he began, making the chimera give him full attention, "will you accept?"
Discord looked to the other ponies, seeing some who looked apprehensive while others gave him small smiles. The biggest shock came from the little filly who Naruto had helped before. When he locked eyes with her, she didn't flinch away. Instead, she gave him the brightest of smiles and a reassuring nod as she leaned into her mother.
Smiling back, he nodded to her before turning back to Naruto. "I accept…Lord Uzumaki."
"That's OUR kid!" Kushina cheered as Minato laughed.
[Hidden Lair in Rice Country]
"Oh great...him again?!" Naruto moaned.
"You both understand the task Orochimaru-sama has given you?"
At Orochimaru's name, the readers all groaned. The creep just would NOT go away! What was he, a snake or a cockroach?!
asked Kabuto to two silhouettes
"Wonder who those two are?" Tsunade frowned.
who both nodded silently from their bowed positions. "Good, then leave and get it done."
Without another word, the two silhouettes disappeared in twin blurs, leaving Kabuto to smirk at the brilliance of his lord's plan.
"Yeah right...!" Kiba snorted. "What's that psycho's half-baked scheme this time?!"
Kushina nodded, but one look at the next line and she went pale, understanding the significance of it.
Meanwhile on the floor, a few strands of red hair were seen glinting in the artificial lighting.
"Uh...is that suppose to mean something?" Rainbow dash asked.
Kushina and Tsunade nodded, both looking shaken.
"Yeah...and for Naruto's other...something bad." Kushina said.
Everyone gulped as the book was set down.