Naruto: Path of Radiance
Gallia arc
Kurama no Kyubi: Last chapter, I'm sure that you were all surprised about Minato's reference. Well, I hadn't planned it, it just seemed like a good idea. Besides I'm planning for Naruto to learn the Hirashin.
Naruto: Really? Cool!
Kurama no Kyubi: Anyway, on to the reviews.
yukicrewger2: mou, you forget to put their items on the bottom. also, there's those scrolls that give special abilities, like Luna, or that special one ike gets... what will Naruto's be?
Kurama no Kyubi: You're talking about those skill scroll, right? I did consider putting them there together with their techniques, but I decided against it 'cause most of them aren't really attacks, but then again neither is Bunshin (and variants), Henge (and variants) and Kawarimi (and variants). About the items, simple… their NOT weapons! But of course, if you think that I should add the items and skill scrolls then tell me in your reviews and I'll start adding them in the first chapter of the Begnion arc which actually starts in just a couple of chapters.
Izanagi: Nice chap Rolf got a good use of jutsu's and wonder how Obito/Tobi are involved in this.
Kurama no Kyubi: Well that's not easy to say, but Tobi will of course be the main villain at the end.
Izanagi: Also were Minato and Kushina Laguz? I'm still voting for Sanaki and do you think you can put up the how many votes Naruto,Sasuke and Sakura have?
Kurama no Kyubi: Of course they were Laguz, how would Naruto possibly be one if they weren't? also I've noted your vote and I'll let the genins in question answer how many votes they have respectively.
Naruto: Lethe-san: 12, Mia-san: 10, Mist-chan: 7, Sanaki-chan: 7, Sakura-chan: 6.
Sasuke: Leanne: 4, Ena: 4, Micaiah: 3, Sakura: 3, Jill: 1.
Sakura: Naruto: 3, Sasuke-kun: 1, Rolf-kun: 1, Sothe-kun: 1, Kurthnaga-san: 0.
Izanagi: One thing I like to see is if Konoha gets involed in the war or atleast Tsunade or Jiraiya since they could have Minato's bodyguards use Hiraishin to cross the desert.
Tsunade: I am the Hokage so I can't leave the village and I've already assigned Jiraiya to a very important mission that you'll find out about at the end of this arc!
Kurama no Kyubi: If it'll make you happy, they'll be in the sequel… which would actually be pretty obvious 'cause neither of them would of course be petrified by Ashera.
kalakauai: ... I'm surprised Minato's Reference was not expected. Are Naruto's parents both Laguz or he a part branded with fox aspects?
Kurama no Kyubi: Yes both Minato and Kushina were Laguz, Minato was a fox and Kushina… you'll find that out later in the story, but for now it's a secret!
kalakauai: Spoilers: (Do Not Mention this to the Naruto Characters, Especially Kakashi...) What do you think of the New Naruto chapters so far? Obito!
Kurama no Kyubi: Sorry, but the only shop in my hometown, Bergen, that sells Manga only has up to volume 57 though volume 58 will come this September.
kalakauai: btw, by Concentrating on one story, what story did you mean?
Kurama no Kyubi: ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? Obviously since I just updated this story, I'll be concentrating on THIS story until I'm done with the Gallia arc. Though the cycle of stories are like this: Dragon Ball Shippuden, Naruto: Path of Radiance, Tales of Shippuden, Naruto: the Legend of Aang, Naruto: Rinnegan Jinchuriki, Naruto's Blue Dragon, The Legend of Naruto, Sonic and the Jinchuriki. (The last one's currently on hold)
Mzr90: Cool chapter wonder how Naruto will confront Kakashi over his Father and is their a chance of Jiraiya showing up I can see him use Naruto as inspiration for Icha-Icha.
Jiraiya: Unfortunately, Tsunade-hime has assigned me to an important mission that is not in any way related to Tellius!
Mzr90: I can see what you mean about Sanaki but I think she might go for it if she is the "head" wife and the others are concubines Mia might go for that since she's pretty mellow and Lethe well I can see her begrudgingly accept it as long as she's respected as a equal.
Kurama no Kyubi: Good point.
Naruto: Time for the story to continue, Dattebayo!
"Fire Emblem." Normal speech
'Fire Emblem.' Normal thought
"Fire Emblem." Biju and transformed Laguz speech
'Fire Emblem.' Biju and transformed Laguz thought
Ike: Kurama no Kyubi doesn't own anything!
Chapter 9: Prisoner release
"Hey, Ike-san! I heard you're leaving. Going to Begnion, eh?" Ranulf said as he approached Ike, Naruto and Elincia.
"Hello, Ranulf-san. I was hoping I'd see you. I'd wanted to thank you for everything you've done. I'm glad to have the chance before I leave." Ike said.
"Well, aren't you the dutiful one! Hey, that reminds me… you were born here in Gallia, right? I knew there was something odd about you. You're awfully friendly for a Beorc, you know! Oh, you might not know, but a Beorc is what…" Ranulf said, but Ike cut him off.
"I know what it means. It's what you call us humans, right?" Ike said.
"Oh, knew that, did you? Well then, let me tell you something else. When we use the word "human", we mean much the way you Beorc do when you call us "sub-human"." Ranulf said.
"Really? It's an insult to be called human? I'm glad you told me. I would have never guessed." Ike said.
"I should warn you, if you run across any Laguz who call you that, be careful. They are no friend of yours." Ranulf warned.
"Got it. thanks. I won't forget." Ike said.
"Well, at least I don't have to worry about that!" Naruto said while showing off his foxy grin.
"True, but you might watch out for the female population though!" Ranulf said.
"Huh? Why…?" Naruto asked.
"Because female Laguz like men who are strong, and according to Lethe-san, you're quite strong whether you're in your humanoid form or your fox form!" Ranulf said and Naruto gulped before Ranulf continued "But I've digressed long enough. Let me explain why I'm here."
"huh?" Ike wondered.
"Princess Elincia-sama, may I have a moment of your time?" Ranulf asked.
"Y-yes. Of course." Elincia said.
"The king asked that I give you this. Please, accept it as a gift." Ranulf said as he gave her a leather pouch.
"What? May I ask…" Elincia said before Ranulf cut her off.
"Within that leather pouch is 20.000 Gold pieces. Beorc currency, of course." Ranulf said.
"Oh… I truly appreciate this generous offer, but a gift of this magnitude is not something I can accept. King Caineghis-sama has done so much more than necessary already…" Elincia said.
"The king is ashamed that he cannot – at this time – provide any personal support. Please. Will you accept his apology and acknowledge his desire to aid you?" Ranulf said.
"But…" Elincia said.
"No? Well then, let's try this…" Ranulf said getting an idea.
"Yes?" Elincia asked.
"You accept the king's gift. Then, as payment for conducting you safely to Gallia, you hand it over to Ike-san…" Ranulf said.
"Um…" Elincia said.
"Come on, Ranulf-san. You can't expect her to accept this. And it's an outrageous fee, no matter how you look at it." Ike said.
"20.000 Gold for the life of a princess? Perfectly reasonable. In fact, it almost borders on insulting! Consider how you have suffered, the lives you have lost… ten, no, a hundred times this amount would not be unreasonable." Ranulf said.
"I… I have reconsidered. I will accept the king's kindness. In turn, I will present it to Ike-san… you will accept it, will you not?" Elincia said.
"I… I will. Thank you." Ike said as he took the pouch.
"No, Ike-san. It is I who must thank you." Elincia said.
"Well, now that that's settled, let's move on. Unfortunately, we do not have any ships here in Gallia. If you are to find a ship that will take you to Begnion, you must return to occupied Crimea." Ranulf said.
"If there's no other way, then we'll just have to risk it." Ike said.
"No matter how cautiously you proceed, you're certain to run into Daein forces. Keep that in mind." Ranulf said.
"I understand. It's too bad we're so short on soldiers… still, there's not much we can do about that now. However, I will review our supplies carefully before we depart." Ike said.
"In regard to your personnel problems, the king has decided to lend you what aid he can. Lethe-san! Mordecai-san!" Ranulf said before Lethe and Mordecai appeared.
"I will join you." Mordecai said.
"Mordecai-san! And Lethe-san? Both of you? Are you sure?" Ike said.
"None of the others could stand the idea of travelling with Beorc. I myself tremble with loathing at the thought of going to Begnion, but…" Lethe said before she looked at Naruto and started blushing before she continued "When the king gives an order, obedience is the only option."
"That may be, but having witnessed the combat prowess of the Gallians for myself, I know how fortunate we are." Ike said.
"We will not fail you." Mordecai said.
"Hsss! I've no intention of becoming friends! Do not forget that… and stay out of my way!" Lethe said before she and Mordecai left.
"Ha ha! You must forgive Lethe-san. Her tongue cuts as deep as her claws do. I will return once I've reported to the king. While I'm gone, please finish your preparations for departure." Ranulf said.
"Very well." Ike said before Ranulf left in the direction of the throne room, but he stopped when he remembered something.
"Oh, and I almost forgot!" He said before turning around, walking over to Naruto and giving him two scrolls.
"What's this?" Naruto asked.
"Their scrolls left here by your father, the king wanted you to have them! One of them contains the details of the jutsu that made him famous as the Yellow Flash, Hirashin no jutsu! And the other on contains details about the…" Ranulf said, but Naruto cut him off.
"… Rasengan!" He said.
"Yes, you know it?" Ranulf asked.
"Yeah, but I haven't completely mastered it yet." Naruto said.
"Well then, maybe that scroll' help you master it! also while we're on the journey through Crimea, I would like to train you to transform into your fox form!" Ranulf said and Naruto looked up from the scrolls.
"Really?" He exclaimed.
"Yes, but now I should go and report to the king. Bye." Ranulf said before walking off.
Castle Gallia, mercenaries quarters
Ike walked into the building that the king had temporarily given them and as he came inside, Soren approached him.
"Ike-san, here's a summary of our last battle." Soren said as he gave Ike a report. (Kurama no Kyubi: Note that most of – if not all – of the shopping takes place "off-screen" so to speak.)
Report
Earned: 20.000 G
Spent: 2.320 G
Current: 25.180 G
Combat Exp: 1.244 P
Bonus Exp: 495 P
MVP: Naruto
New Ally: Lethe, Mordecai, Mist, Rolf, Marcia
Fallen: none
Report end
"There were no casualties, and no one suffered permanent injury. We fought excellently. That's all I have to report. If you'll excuse me." Soren said before walking away.
Support conversations
Naruto/Lethe – support C
"Rawr!" Was one of the many sounds the many female Laguz made as Naruto walked through the gardens.
"Hey, Naruto-kun!" Naruto turned around at the calling of his name to see Lethe-san walking towards him.
"Ah, hello there, Lethe-san." Naruto said as Lethe looked around.
"Hsss!" Lethe hissed at the other female Laguz and they all left.
"Thanks, I guess. I was getting tired of all those stares… not to mention all the times some of them asked me out on a date!" Naruto said.
"Naruto-kun, Laguz don't go on dates!" Lethe said.
"Oh? They don't? But I was sure that they asked me out!" Naruto said.
"They might have heard the term and tried to use it, so they'd get into…" Lethe trailed off as she started blushing.
"So they'd get into what?" Naruto asked.
"Ah, nothing. You'll probably find out when you're older!" Lethe said.
"But say, Lethe-san. Do you know how it is that I understood them? I mean, they only made those growling sounds, but I was still able to understand what they said!" Naruto said.
"That'd be because you're a Beast Laguz. Any beasts can understand it. And any beast should be able to make those growling sounds too!" Lethe said.
"Really? But when I tried it, everyone just laughed at it!" Naruto said.
"Oh, then growl now, I'd like to hear it!" Lethe said.
"Rawr." Naruto growled and Lethe suddenly started blushing.
"Well, I can see why they laughed, but don't worry. I'll teach you how to growl properly!" Lethe said.
Ike/Titania – support C
"Hey, Ike-san. Training?" Titania asked as she approached Ike.
"Yeah. You too, huh? Hey, do you want to spar? I learn a lot when we team up." Ike said.
"Really? I'm glad to hear that. I thought you no longer needed my lessons." Titania said.
"What are you talking about? You're the one who put the finishing touches on what swordsmanship I inherited from tou-san." Ike said.
"Hmm. I'm honored to hear you say so." Titania said.
"I mean it." Ike said.
"But the talent you inherited from your father is one of a kind. I want you to cherish it." Titania said.
"Huh… hey, Titania-taichou? When did you meet tou-san? You used to be a Crimean knight, right?" Ike asked.
"That's right… but it's a long story, and we need to train! Get ready! Focus!" Titania said as she got into a stance.
"Fine…" Ike said as he got into a stance of his own.
Sakura/Ilyana – support C
Sakura was holding the thunder tome that she had found the other day and she said the incarnation before a thunder bolt came down and missed a training dummy by a few cm.
"Training?" Sakura turned around at the voice to see Ilyana.
"Yeah, but it's harder than I thought it'd be!" Sakura said.
"I could help you if you want!" Ilyana said as she held up her own thunder tome.
"Oh, yeah. You use thunder magic too!" Sakura said and Ilyana nodded.
"Thunder is one of the hardest of the three main magic elements to control due to its speed! And the smaller the target, the harder it is to land a hit! Now watch!" Ilyana said as she said the incarnation for the spell before a thunder bolt came down and completely destroyed the training dummy.
"Whoa! You're good!" Sakura exclaimed.
"You could become that good too." Ilyana said before her stomach suddenly growled "I can start training you… after I've had something to eat!"
Mist/Rolf – support C
"Rolf-kun! Oh, there you are!" Mist said as she found her long-time friend.
"Mist-chan! Were you looking for me?" Rolf asked.
"Yes. I've been meaning to talk to you." Mist said.
"We haven't had a chance to talk since that day we fought for the first time." Mist said.
"I'm glad you're safe… somehow, we're both still alive." Rolf said.
"Yes… we've been so lucky." Mist said.
"My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking so badly that I almost shot an arrow into Boyd-nii-san's backside." Rolf said.
"Tee hee! Good thing you didn't, or he would have given you a smacking! I was so… scared. I heard yelling, screaming and the most awful howls of agony. I felt dizzy and sick." Mist said.
"I wasn't scared at all. Maybe I was a little nervous… but by the end, I was almost hitting my targets!" Rolf said.
"You weren't even a little scared?" Mist asked.
"No way. I can't wait for the next battle. I'll fight better next time. You'll see. I'll feather a horde of slobbering enemies! See you later, Mist-chan. I've got to go practice!" Rolf said before running off.
"Oh, Rolf-kun! Rolf-kun…" Mist said.
Support conversations end
Info conversations
Soldier
Ike was walking around the corridors of the palace when a Gallian soldier walked over to him.
"You there! Beorc! What do you think you are doing?" He said.
"I was trying to get back to my room, but I've lost my way. Can you tell me which way I need to go?" Ike said.
"It's this way. Follow me." The Laguz said as he started leading Ike towards his room "Hey! Not so close! Walk behind me."
"What?" Ike asked.
"Er… pardon me. the king has ordered us to treat Beorc with kindness, but… it will… take some time. It is difficult to fight that instinct. Perhaps some memory of the slavery our forefathers suffered at Beorc hands flows in our blood." The Laguz said.
"I understand. I'll keep my distance." Ike said.
"Very well… let's go." The Laguz said.
"All right." Ike said.
Marcia
"And so we put this guy right here, and this dealy-bobber goes there… and we're finished!" Marcia said as she packed when Ike walked in.
"Packing, huh? Want some help?" He asked.
"Do I want some…? Pfff! You're a hoot, handsome! I'm already done!" Marcia said.
"You're more skillful at this than I would've imagined. Or is it that Mist-imoto is woefully inept?" Ike said.
"Aw, the Begnion Pegasus Knights were always moving around, so I learned to pack quickly. They used to train us on it all the time… go here, pack this… fun stuff!" Marcia said.
"Is that so? I can see that you have a strong sense of duty. Quitting the Begnion Pegasus Knights to join us must seem…" Ike said, but Marcia cut him off.
"What are you saying? I'm a burden now?" She asked.
"Um… no. I'm very grateful you're here. As I told you before, we're short on personnel." Ike said.
"Oh. Good then! And I'm happy to be here! Um… say, Ike-san? You don't need to worry about me quitting the Begnion service. My decision wasn't based solely on my decision to repay you guys…" Marcia said.
"You had other reasons?" Ike asked.
"Yes. I-I'm searching for my missing brother. He may be a dolt and a scoundrel, but he's all the family I have in this world. Remember when Naruto-san first found me? When we were fighting the pirates? Well, I was trying to track him down. But every time I go looking for him, I end up in some dangerous situation with some ugly boat monkeys trying to kill me." Marcia said.
"Heh. So that's why you decided to join us, is it? I can understand." Ike said.
"So, are you sorry you asked?" Marcia asked.
"Not at all. The important thing is finding your brother as quickly as possible, right?" Ike said.
"That's the plan!" Marcia said.
Daniel
Naruto walked into the room were Daniel currently were to see him forging something before he noticed the blond Laguz.
"Ah, Naruto-san. What can I do for you?" Daniel asked and Naruto unrolled a scroll over a table before pointing at a three-pronged kunai.
"Do you think that you could make a kunai like this?" Naruto asked.
"I think so, but it seems a little complex. And it'll take some time." Daniel said.
"How much do you think it'll cost?" Naruto asked.
"I can't say yet, let's rather talk price after I've made it, okay?" Daniel said.
"Okay!" Naruto said before leaving.
Info conversations end
After his father's death places the mantle of leadership on his young shoulders, Ike agrees to continue as Elincia's escort. The company heads now for the Begnion Empire, the oldest and largest nation on the continent of Tellius. As Crimea is a former fiefdom of Begnion, the princess turns to them for succor, much as a scared child returns to a parent. Many in Tellius believe that without Begnion's might and influence, Crimea's reconstruction will be nigh impossible. However, Begnion and Gallia have no diplomatic ties and are further separated by an impassable mountain range. So the company is forced to locate a ship to carry them to Begnion.
Accompanied by Ranulf – the warrior who has volunteered to guide them – the company leaves Castle Gallia behind. With heavy hearts and wounded spirits, they begin the long march back to Crimea.
Crimea, outside Canteus Castle
"Hey, Ike-san! Hold up a moment." Ranulf said as they approached a castle before he continued "You know, I was thinking… since this castle is on the way, we should probably stop by."
"Um… really? Why? Is there something special about this place?" Ike asked.
"Why yes! There is! This is Canteus Castle! Daein seized it early on in the war. Now, it serves as a camp for prisoners. I've even heard there are a number of Crimean retainers being held captive in the dungeon beneath the castle." Ranulf said.
"What? Are you certain?" Elincia asked.
"Princess, I'm hurt! Of course my information is reliable." Ranulf said.
"If we can rescue some Crimean soldiers they might decide to join us. that would be quite a boon, would it not?" Titania said.
"Yes, it would. I think it's worth the risk." Ike said before they entered the castle.
Canteus Castle, dungeon
"The question now is how to open these cells and free the prisoners?" Ranulf said as they came down into the dungeon.
"The cells are certain to be locked, so in order to open them…" Ike said.
"Logic would dictate that the keys will be in the possession of the jailer. We've got no choice but to steal them. If we're lucky, the guards will have keys as well…" Soren said.
"Actually, me and Sakura-chan could easily open those doors without a key!" Naruto said.
"In either case, we must move with caution. We don't want to trade blows with the entire castle garrison." Soren said.
"Me and Sakura-chan would be able to get around without getting spotted, but as soon as the cell doors open, the guards will know that something's up!" Naruto said.
"All right, then. Naruto-san and Sakura-san will go in first and the rest of us will follow when they've opened the cells!" Ike said before Naruto noticed something and he turned around towards the stairs that they had come down.
"Hey! Who's there?" He asked and a man with brown hair, a red headband and black clothes came down.
"I have business with Greil-san. Where is he?" The man asked.
"You're sorely lacking in social etiquette, aren't you? State your business." Soren said.
"I'll speak with Greil-san and Greil-san alone. Now take me to him." The man said.
"What you ask is impossible. Commander Greil-san is dead." Titania said.
"Well. That is a problem." The man said.
"Just who are you, anyway?" Titania asked.
"Call me Volke. Greil-san hired me. I'm in… intelligence." The man, now identified as Volke said.
"Tou-san hired you?" Ike asked.
"You are Greil-san's son, correct? You'll do. Greil-san hired me to investigate something. You pay my price, and I'll give you my report. Deal?" Volke said.
"How much?" Ike asked.
"50.000." Volke said as though it was normal for people to ask for so much Gold.
"That's a bit steep." Ike said.
"And worth every penny." Volke said.
"I don't have that much… give me some time." Ike said.
"So, you're willing to pay?" Volke asked.
"Tou-san hired you. He must have had a good reason." Ike said.
"Are you sure, Commander? We have no way of knowing if he's telling the truth." Titania said.
"We'll know when we see the contents of that report. Until then, let's have him travel with us." Ike said.
"So that's your plan, eh? Listen, you get that report when I get paid, and I'm not waiting around until then. I'll keep my information for the time being. Call me when you've got the Gold. Stop into any tavern along your way. Tell the barkeep you've in need of a fireman. You'll see me within an hour." Volke said before he turned to leave.
"Hold a moment!" Soren said and Volke turned around "Intelligence… you said you were in intelligence, right? Is information the only thing you sell?"
"Come out with it. What are you asking?" Volke asked.
"Locks. Can you open locks?" Soren asked.
"Sure. 50 Gold per lock." Volke said.
"You're going to have him help with opening the cell doors?" Ike asked.
"Is that wise? We've only just met him. There's no telling if we can trust him." Titania said.
"What do the three of you think?" Ike asked as he looked at Naruto, Titania and Soren.
"Under the circumstances, I think trusting a man about whom we know nothing is dangerous. I am opposed to this." Titania said.
"If we want to get those cells open, I think risk is going to be inevitable. If we don't have to steal keys, we can reduce that risk and improve our chances of rescuing the prisoners. It's worth a shot." Soren said.
"Well, I don't know about any of you, but I trust him, so I say we have him help!" Naruto said.
"You think that he's telling the truth?" Titania asked and Naruto nodded.
"Yep, he said that Greil-san hired him, right? He does have Greil-san's scent on him!" Naruto said.
"You can smell that?" Lethe asked.
"Yeah, can't you?" Naruto asked.
"Laguz noses are sharper than Beorc noses, but not that sharp!" Ranulf said.
"Well, maybe foxes have sharper noses than other Laguz." Naruto said, but Ranulf shook his head.
"No, Minato-san didn't have such a sharp nose!" Ranulf said.
"Huh. Strange." Naruto said as Ike looked back at Volke.
"Volke-san, will you help us break into these cells?" Ike asked.
"As long as I get paid, I've got no complaint." Volke said.
"Titania-taichou? Objections?" Ike asked.
"I told you before, didn't I? You're the commander. If you decide on a course of action, I will but follow." Titania said.
"Righto! I'm off. Good luck and all that." Ranulf said.
"What? Wait! You're not going to help us here?" Ike asked.
"Much as I would like to, I have a job to do. I will rejoin you when I'm finished." Ranulf said.
"Hmm… I see. Well, good luck to you then." Ike said.
"Yes, and to you as well!" Ranulf said before he ran upstairs.
"Alright. Naruto-san, Sakura-san and Volke-san, the three of you should get going to the three cells and rescue the prisoners!" Ike said and the three of them… even Volke shunshined away. (Kurama no Kyubi: Okay, how the heck does Volke know Shunshin no jutsu?)
Inside one of the cells were a heavily armored soldier and a Crimean knight with red armor who was sitting on his horse. (Kurama no Kyubi: Weird how they take away their weapons, but leave behind the armor and animals.)
"Uh… tell me something, will you? What's going to happen to us? Those Daein soldiers took my friends away, and they didn't never come back. What did they do to them? Oh, something bad happened! I just know it!" The heavily armored soldier said.
"Quiet, fool! Keep your cowardly mutterings to yourself. It matters not what vile torture they devise. A true knight of Crimea is bold, steadfast, and strong. I care not if they pull out my nails with tongs or insert pins into the soft flesh of my underbelly or yank…" The Crimean knight said, but the other one interrupted him.
"STOP IT! I can't bear torture! I'm not a professional soldier! I'm just part of the militia! I can't believe I left my family behind for this… will I ever see them again? Oh, I want to go home." He said.
"Curses… if only I had a weapon of some sort." The Crimean knight said. (Kurama no Kyubi: And what were you planning to use that weapon for?)
In another cell was a woman with long green hair who – for some reason – still had her shield.
"Help… will… come. I will not… give up…" She said. (Kurama no Kyubi: Is she a psychic since she knows that help will come, or something?)
With Naruto
Naruto dropped down just in front of a cell door and he quickly opened it before walking into the cell to see none other than Sephiran.
"Sephiran-san? What are you doing here?" He asked.
"Naruto-san, it's been a while!" Sephiran said.
"Yeah, but you didn't answer my question." Naruto said.
"Well, you see. I was tending to a Crimean soldier's wounds when we were found by Daein soldiers!" Sephiran said.
"Oh, well, we should get out of here quickly. Follow me!" Naruto said before he looked out of the cell to see if the coast was clear.
With Volke
Volke dropped down in front of the cell that the heavily armored soldier and the Crimean knight were in and he quickly opened the lock.
"Look, someone's saving us!" The heavily armored soldier exclaimed.
With Sakura
Sakura dropped down in front of the cell that the woman was in and she quickly opened the lock.
"You're a Crimean soldier, right? I've opened your cell. Let's get out of here." Sakura said.
"Who… are you?" The woman asked.
"I'm Haruno Sakura. I'm currently with a mercenary company hired by Princess Crimea-sama. We can fill you in on the details later. For the time being, you'll just have to trust me." Sakura said.
"… Very well." The woman said.
A Daein soldier then noticed Sakura and yelled "L-look out! We're under attack!"
Sakura turned towards the Daein and threw a shuriken into his throat.
With the commander of the Daein forces
"Commander Danomill-san! The castle defenses have been breached! What are your orders, sir?" A Daein soldier said.
"What fortunate timing. We were starting to run low on prisoners. Do try to capture them alive. I won't have you robbing me of my fun!" The commander, Danomill said.
"As you command, sir!" The soldier said before several Daein troops came out of each of the only three exits.
With the mercenaries
"We've been spotted. There's nothing left to do but fight!" Ike said.
A Daein Knight walked towards Titania and tried to stab her, but she blocked it with her axe and suddenly, a thunder bolt shot down and hit the Knight.
A Daein Myrmidon then charged at Boyd, but his sword was suddenly blocked by Mia's before Soren used a Wind spell and blew him up the stairs.
A Daein Archer then aimed at Marcia's Pegasus and he was about to fire before he was suddenly hit in the chest by an arrow, courtesy of Rolf.
Another Myrmidon charged at Rolf, but Aran came up in front of him and stabbed him with his lance.
A Daein soldier came into Sephiran's cell, but just as quickly as he came in, he came spiraling out again and he shot into the wall. (Kurama no Kyubi: Those of you who can guess what happened, gets an invisible cookie! Good luck trying to find it!)
Marcia rode towards a group of three Daeins and she stabbed her javelin through one of them before throwing it at another one as the third one – which was a mage – fired a fire ball at her. Ilyana then came up in front of the fire ball and fired a thunder bolt that went straight through the fire and hit the enemy Mage.
Lethe – in her cat form – ran at an enemy Knight and jumped up, clawed him in the face and when she landed, she rammed into him.
Volke blocked a Daeins sword before he kicked said Daein away and slammed his knife into him.
The Crimean knight noticed Oscar and rode towards him.
"It's you!" He said and Oscar looked at him with a confused expression on his face.
"Pardon?" He asked and the Crimean knight took off his helmet.
"I could never forget that squint! Knights of Crimea, twelfth regiment… your name is Oscar!" The Crimean knight said.
"And you're… wait a moment… you're Kieran-san, right?" Oscar said as he recognized his old rival.
"That is correct! I am Kieran… the same Kieran who has sworn himself to be your eternal rival!" Kieran said. (Kurama no Kyubi: Anyone else thinking of Guy here?)
"Uh… right… Kieran-san… so… how've you been? You look good." Oscar said.
"As always, your manner is listless and inappropriate. It befits one who would call me foe! You were discharged three years ago… what are you doing here now? Aha! Could it be… you dastard! You've turned your coat and gone over to Daein, haven't you? Rarrrrr! What despicable, contemptible behavior! Unforgivable! Have you no shame? You were my one true rival! Where has your pride gone?" Kieran yelled angrily as he pointed an accusing finger at Oscar.
"The mercenary company I'm attached to serves under the command of the princess of Crimea! We came here to free any Crimean prisoners." Oscar said.
"The princess of Crimea? You're not part of the royal guard! How do you know about the princess?" Kieran asked.
"Well, like I said, the princess is our employer and…" Oscar said, but Kieran cut him off.
"Aha! So that's your scheme, is it? You hope to distinguish yourself by meritorious service and gain the glory that's rightfully mine! Admit it!" He said.
"Look, my duty is…" Oscar started, but Kieran once again interrupted him.
"Blast you! Curse your name! Curse the name of Oscar and all who call him kin! I will never let you surpass me! Princess! I'm coming! Kieran will be forever at your side!" Kieran yelled before he rode off as Oscar sweatdropped.
"Whoa… he's even more excitable than I remember. Hard to believe he's actually a decent knight…" he said.
Mia blocked the lance of a Daein Knight with her sword before she pushed the lance out of the way and swung her sword at the Daein's armor, but the sword didn't even make a dent. The Knight then stabbed his lance forward as Mia tried to dodge to the left, but her right shoulder got grazed and she fell down into a crouched position.
"Mia-san!" Mist yelled as she ran towards Mia, and as she reached the purple-haired girl, she started healing the wound with her staff as the Daein Knight prepared to kill both of them.
Boyd then came and blocked the Daein's lance with his iron axe before taking out his hand axe and using it to cut the lance in two before swinging both axes in an x over the Daein's chest.
Mordecai – in his tiger form – charged at two Daein soldiers, quickly cutting down one of them before the other one tried to stab the tiger with his lance, but Mordecai grabbed the lance with his mouth before pulling the Daein towards him. Mordecai then let go of the lance and used his tail to swipe the Daeins feet so he fell down on the ground and the tiger then brought his claws into the Daein's chest.
Sakura blocked a Daein's lance with one of her kunai and she pushed the Daein back before throwing a shuriken at him. Then a Daein Knight came and threw his javelin at her, but suddenly, the javelin was sliced in half and Titania came on her horse before she cut down the Daein as the others came up the stairs to where Sakura and the woman that she had freed were.
"Sakura-chan, are you all right?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, of course I am. Naruto." Sakura said before a Daein with a short spear threw said spear towards the pinkette and it hit her in the back.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" Naruto yelled before he charged angrily at the Daein and quickly cut him with his claws while both Rhys and Mist tended to Sakura.
Ike then entered the room where the commander of the Daein forces were and two Daein Myrmidons charged at him, but he quickly cut them down before he stopped and stared at Danomill.
"Oh, yes… excellent. What a defiant stare you have. You're exactly the type of prisoner I long for. I will watch as hope fades from your eyes and revel as despair clouds your vision. It will be transcendent." Danomill said.
"… Don't count on it." Ike said before he held his sword horizontally in front of him.
"Critical hit." He yelled as he shot towards Danomill and seemed to go straight through him.
"You'll not escape… I will see all of you… dead… you will be exe… cu… ted…" Danomill said before he collapsed down on the ground and died.
With the others
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto said as he kneeled down beside her before looking at Rhys "Will she be okay?"
"It's not easy to say. She's suffered massive internal damage!" Rhys said as Sephiran came over.
"May I?" He asked.
"Who are you?" Rhys asked.
"I'm a monk on a pilgrimage, and I think I can help your friend!" Sephiran said before Rhys moved out of the way and Sephiran knelt down and placed his hand over the wound. The hand then started emitting a white glow and the wound suddenly started closing itself.
"Impossible, he's healing it without a staff!" Rhys said mostly to himself.
As Naruto watched what Sephiran was doing, he suddenly saw the image of a man that looked like Sephiran except that he had long blond hair, large white wings and he wore a white robe.
"There, now she should be just fine!" Sephiran said as Ike walked out of the room where the enemy commander was in. Naruto then picked up Sakura bridal-style and they started walking towards the exit.
"Time to get out of here!" Ike said before all of them walked out of the castle's dungeon.
Outside Canteus Castle
When they had gotten out of the castle, Ike brought Kieran over to where Elincia was waiting.
"I've brought one of the Crimean soldiers who was being held prisoner." Ike said.
"Ahem… I'm sure you are unaware of this, but I am…" Elincia said, but Kieran cut her off.
"Princess Elincia-sama!" He said as he kneeled down in front of her.
"Oh… yes. Quite right." Elincia said.
"I am Kieran! I served under General Geoffrey-taichou, as leader of Crimea's fifth platoon. My platoon had the honor of escorting you from the palace during Daein's attack!" Kieran said.
"Really? You were there when…" Elincia said.
"I was! Renning-sama ordered my platoon to accompany General Geoffrey-taichou and serve as your escort. Our mission was to see you safely out of Crimea to Gallia's king. But we failed you… and when you were lost to us… I believed my worthless life was at its end… yet here you are! To think that I would be so blessed as to see you again… such emotion… I… the tears… sniff..." Kieran said as tears started coming out of his eyes.
"Kieran-san, were there any others?" Elincia asked.
"Such terrific emotion… so… beg your pardon?" Kieran said as he hadn't quite caught what Elincia had said.
"Did anyone other than yourself survive?" Elincia asked.
"Of course! Though I was the only one unfortunate enough to suffer the misery of captivity. General Geoffrey-taichou and several of his soldiers fought off the Daein attack. They were able to slip away. Even now, they wait in Crimea, hoping for one last chance to strike a blow against Daein." Kieran said.
"Geoffrey-san… he is alive? Ah… how those words drive off the shadows across my heart… thank you, Kieran-san. Thank you… for surviving." Elincia said.
"You are too kind, Your Highness. The opportunity to serve you again is the greatest reward I could ask for. For as long as I draw breath, I will stand ready at your side! This, I swear." Kieran said.
Ike then brought Elincia over to the other two Crimean soldiers.
"All right, we all know where Kieran-san stands… how about you two? Will you recognize Princess Elincia-san as the rightful heir to the Crimean throne? Will you fight for her?" He said.
"Look here. My name's Brom, and this lass is Nephenee. We're just simple country militiamen from the same territory. Now, we don't know much about nobles and stuff. Kings and queens don't matter much when you're workin' the fields. 'Course, we know we'll be in trouble if someone takes our fields away from us, so that's why we joined the militia! This king of Daein's no friend of ours. And I hear he's doing terrible things, too… vile tortures with rusty nails and… and more! What's going to happen to my family? I left them all back home, and I'm so worried I can hardly see straight." The heavily armored soldier, now identified as Brom said.
"If you can defeat the king of Daein, will this country return to the way it used to be? Is that what you're after?" Nephenee asked.
"It is my hope. I may not be as powerful as my father, but I will never abandon Crimea." Elincia said.
"You sound like a lady who stands by her word. Looks like my choice is easy!" Brom said.
"Mine too." Nephenee said.
"I'll fight in your name. I'll help you and yours, and we'll send those Daein milksops packing!" Brom said.
"Thank you." Elincia said.
"I beg your pardon…" They turned towards the voice to see Sephiran.
"You're…" Ike started but Nephenee cut him off.
"O blessed saint…" She said.
"Sephiran-san! You live!" Brom said.
"Brom-san, Nephenee-san… are either of you wounded?" Sephiran asked.
"We're fine, but what about you? You were jailed for helping us… I'm so sorry! Oh, I hope they didn't hurt you!" Brom said.
"It is nothing to fret about. Everyone is safe, and that is what matters." Sephiran said.
"O blessed one…" Nephenee said.
"Pardon me, may I have a moment?" Ike asked as he and Sephiran walked a little away from the others.
"Yes?" Sephiran said.
"I was just wondering, why did you save Sakura-san?" Ike asked.
"Tell me something. If you saw a wounded person, could you ignore their plight?" Sephiran asked.
"Normally… no, I could not. But in times like these, where it means risking my own life… I don't know. It's tough to say." Ike said.
"Ha ha… you're quite honest. However, if actually faced with such a choice, a man such as yourself would not hesitate. If faced with an individual in pain, you would act instinctively. Your body would not wait for the command." Sephiran said.
"Who… who are you? Really. You're so calm, so full of peace." Ike said.
"If you'll forgive me, I must be going. Fare thee well, young warrior. I am certain we will meet again." Sephiran said before walking away.
"…Ike-san." Ike turned to the voice to see Volke.
"Oh, hello, Volke-san. What do you want?" Ike asked.
"I was thinking about traveling with you for a bit. I'll be in the general area, so if you need anything, you can call me. I'll help you out… for a fee, of course." Volke said.
"What did you say?" Titania asked as she approached.
"Why would you do such a thing? In times such as these, there must be many parties that need… intelligence." Ike said.
"Well, you've sparked my curiosity. And besides… no, we'll just have to leave it at that." Volke said.
"That's not acceptable." Titania said.
"Don't be so inflexible. It's not as if I'll be joining your merry band or anything. This is strictly business." Volke said.
"And yet you…" Titania started, but Ike cut her off.
"Titania-taichou." He said.
"I believe this is a good opportunity. We will almost certainly have need of this man's talents. He is a dubious character at best, but at least we know his motives. Everything begins and ends with Gold. He'll be easy to control." Soren said as he approached.
"Soren-san, he's standing right there." Ike said.
"I don't think he minds." Soren said.
"What will it be, Ike-san? The decision's yours." Titania said.
"Very well. You may do as you like." Ike said as he looked at Volke.
"Excellent. Call me if you need anything." Volke said before leaving as Ranulf came.
"First the thief and then that monk… what an odd band of characters you've attracted!" He said.
"Ranulf-san! Have you finished your errands?" Ike asked.
"All done! But about those two…" Ranulf said.
"Yes, they're both rather mysterious." Ike said.
"Well, the monk seems like a decent enough fellow." Ranulf said.
"Determining who is a friend and who is a foe is something I must be able to do. But it's just so hard." Ike said.
"That's only because you don't have enough information to base your judgment on. All we can do now is press on." Ranulf said.
"You're right…" Ike said.
With Naruto
Naruto was sitting next to the still unconscious form of Sakura as he thought back to the image he saw earlier when he looked at Sephiran-san.
"N-Naruto?" Naruto looked down to see that Sakura-chan was finally awake.
"Sakura-chan, are you all right?" He asked concerned.
"I'm fine." Sakura said as she sat up "… But what happened?"
"Some Daein jerk hit you with a spear, but Sephiran-san healed you!" Naruto said.
"Sephiran-san…?" Sakura asked and Naruto nodded.
"Mm-hm. He was among the prisoners that we saved!" Naruto said before he noticed Sephiran-san in the distance, walking away from them "Look, there he is!"
Naruto pointed towards where Sephiran was and Sakura looked towards him as well. But then Sephiran looked over his shoulder and smiled back at them as Naruto once again saw the image of the blond angel-like man before Sephiran continued to walk.
"He's quite mysterious, isn't he?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah, I guess he is." Naruto said just before Sephiran suddenly vanished into thin air as though he was never there.
Chapter preview
Ike "What's with this place? The people are going about their business. Why aren't they worried about Daein? About the war?"
Soren "Ignorance is a form of bliss, is it not? These people don't know what it's like to lose a war. They don't want to know. Crimea as a nation has always been blessed by peace. Perhaps this is due to the temperament of its rulers, but the country hasn't seen serious warfare for centuries."
Soldier "Attention citizens! We've received reports of Crimean army stragglers hiding in this town! From this point forth, the Daein army will blockade all points of entry! No one comes or goes without our leave! The harbor is also closed! No ships will be allowed to set sail!"
Zihark "Hold on! Please! … I am not an enemy to Laguz!"
The Black Knight "All these men. And they're still having problems? Did I make a miscalculation?"
Nasir "Next time on Naruto: Path of Radiance: Blood runs red."
Naruto "You, you're the one who killed Greil-san! You're the Black Knight, aren't you?"
Character status
Naruto: Class: Genin.
Level: 18
Techniques: Henge, Kawarimi, Oroike, Harem, Kage Bunshin, Uzumaki Naruto rendan, Kuchiyose, Rasengan, Futon: Kamikaze.
Weapons: kunai, shuriken.
Race: Fox Laguz.
Supports: Ike, Soren, Mia, Sakura, Mist, Rolf, Lethe.
Ike: class: Ranger.
Level: 16
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: regal sword.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Naruto, Oscar, Soren, Titania, Lethe.
Titania: Class: Paladin.
Level: 15
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: steel axe.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Rhys, Ike, Boyd, Mist, Sakura.
Boyd: Class: Fighter.
Level: 14
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron axe, hand axe.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Titania, Mist.
Oscar: Class: Lance knight.
Level: 15
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron lance.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Ike, Aran.
Rhys: Class: Priest.
Level: 10
Techniques: Heal, Restore.
Weapons: heal staff, mend staff, restore staff.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Titania, Mia, Rolf, Sakura.
Soren: Class: Mage.
Level: 10
Techniques: Wind, Critical hit.
Weapons: Wind tome.
Race: Branded.
Supports: Ike, Naruto.
Mia: Class: Myrmidon.
Level: 10
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron sword.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Naruto, Rhys, Sakura, Ilyana.
Sakura: Class: Genin.
Level: 6
Techniques: Henge, Kawarimi, Bunshin, Thunder.
Weapons: kunai, shuriken, thunder tome.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Naruto, Aran, Titania, Rhys, Mia, Ilyana, Mist.
Aran: Class: Soldier.
Level: 12
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: iron lance.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Sakura, Oscar.
Ilyana: Class: Mage.
Level: 9
Techniques: Thunder, El-Thunder.
Weapons: Thunder tome.
Race: Branded.
Supports: Mia, Sakura, Mordecai.
Mist: Class: Cleric.
Level: 2
Techniques: Bunshin, Henge, Kawarimi, Heal.
Weapons: heal staff.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Rolf, Boyd, Titania, Naruto, Sakura, Mordecai.
Rolf: Class: Archer.
Level: 3
Techniques: Bunshin, Henge, Kawarimi, Critical hit.
Weapons: Rolf's bow.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Rhys, Mist, Naruto, Marcia.
Marcia: Class: Pegasus Knight.
Level: 5
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: javelin.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: Rolf.
Lethe: Class: Cat.
Level: 4
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: none
Race: Cat Laguz.
Supports: Naruto, Ike.
Mordecai: Class: Tiger.
Level: 3
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: none
Race: Tiger Laguz.
Supports: Ilyana, Mist.
Volke: Class: Thief.
Level: 10
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: knife.
Race: Beorc.
Supports: none
Danomill: Class: General.
Level: 3
Techniques: Critical hit.
Weapons: steel blade, steel lance.
Race: Beorc.
Kurama no Kyubi: Next chapter, Naruto will fight the Black Knight and die!
Naruto: WHA…?
Kurama no Kyubi: Just kidding. Anyway, I would like your opinion on which Akatsuki members should be Laguz. Also if there's one that you think should be a Laguz, then tell me what kind of Laguz he/she should be. And you can also come up with your own Laguz species. For example: Kisame as a Shark Laguz. Also those Akatsuki members that aren't Laguz, will be Branded!