(Chapter 10: Reunion of Blades)
It would soon be the new year as Naruto had been continuing on working on his skills with Carnifex and channeling his Lava Release into his new axe which suffice to say had been coming along alright; with the exception of burns he sustained from the techniques created to go along with it. Yet overall he was finding a good deal of joy in his break in Iron Country seeing how it not only gave him some needed form of respite, but also the fact that he got to destroy Orochimaru's forces for fun was always a fun bonus.
Meanwhile Saeko had returned as well to Iron Country and suffice to say their reunion had been quite a joyful one with them catching up and palled around for a good deal of time, with Saeko having told Naruto of her having recently made lieutenant status within Iron Country's military something she was quite joyous for. Yet one thing that was on both of their minds was their match against each other for both craved this more than anything, as the two decided to have it in the Crucible which was an arena where samurai would train and battle in order to take their skills to their apex and also a perfect area to fight.
(January 9th 997 S.E, The Crucible, 12:00 Noon)
It was high noon as both warriors stood on opposite sides of the mile and a half wide arena that was the crucible, for the anticipation of the match between the two high caliber fighters was so intense that you could damn we choke on it as both couldn't wait to see whom was the superior warrior
"Well here we are Saeko this is the day we get to see who between the two of us is the better fighter; which I'm sure will be me." Naruto boasted in confidence
"I wouldn't have such a big head if I were you since anything can happen." Saeko spoke drawing her Jian
"Fair enough however, I'm pretty sure that I can and will win our match." Naruto responded as he held Carnifex in both hands
"We shall see about that." Saeko answered back with her Jian at ready to go
Saeko Busujima was a tall woman of 5 foot 9 with upper thigh length violet hair that shined in the light of the winter sun with a triangular fringe going across her face that obscured her left eye; that she brushed off to the side with her long arms holding her sword in a two handed grip with her angular face and piercing sapphire colored eyes set with with both confidence and determination to beat Naruto. For her very athletic frame boasted muscular mile long legs, a pert round rear, muscular arms from years of practice, a high D cup bust and prominent hourglass figure.
As she wore a modified version of samurai armor that was more form fitting and less segmented as well as more resembling plated armor on her chest plate, gauntlets and greaves which were colored royal blue and black. For in her hands was her Jian the handle was made of solid reinforced steel with navy colored wrappings around the handle, with the guard being a sapphire colored triquetra the size of a half dollar with the blade being 2 and 3 quarters long and half as wide as her hand with inscribed on the blade in sapphire were the kanji for morningstar.
And soon enough without a single word being further said the two went after each other with Saeko breaking into a full sprint and Naruto charging forth like a mad bull, before the two clashed their weapons clashing as they were engaged in a fearsome bladelock with neither one giving ground towards the other. With them swinging again at each other with such force and intensity not only was dust blown back, but also any stray rubble blown apart and ground showing small cracks, as they bore down on each other for neither refused to let the other have ground towards them as their bladelock continued as they struggled to overpower the other.
"I'm actually impressed Naruto you actually know how to wield that axe, as here I thought it was just going to be for show." Saeko said in a good natured jab towards Naruto's skill with Carnifex
"Well you haven't seen nothing yet, as you're not the only one who's been improving lately." Naruto responded as he broke off their bladelock
"Strike of the Fire Giant!" Naruto bellowed as he went in for wide swing with his now magma covered axe
"Impressive but not even close to being good enough." Saeko responded as she soon parried the blow with Morningstar
With her jian blade soon pulsing with trails of radiant energy that met the magma covered axe blade that stalemated the attack that seem to almost rot it away, before Saeko then began a vicious string of slashes and stabs towards him with discharges of radiant emerald energy coming out of the blade as Naruto defended with his axe. For the two clashed with Naruto going in for an axe swing at her stomach that she immediately parried and retaliated with a thrust at his neck, to which when it landed didn't cause a simple cut but rather like a heated scalpel peeled it off causing the small chunk of flesh to fall to the ground.
Noticing that little thing in mind he proceeded to keep up his defensive so as not to be peeled apart like a banana with him blocking with a stalwart defensive; while Saeko just kept laying into him with a non-stop salvo of attacks that looked like a weave of pulsing green light. For Naruto soon teleported 2 stories into the air before throwing Carnifex that went through the air with a trail of volcanic ash behind it with Saeko deflecting it away however, Naruto used a Bansho Tenin to rocket himself towards her and his recalling his axe to him to slam into her like a battering ram.
The result was him slamming down in an overhand cleave so hard that the ground caved in around them, yet Saeko refused to budge holding her ground as he rained down heavy blow upon heavy blow upon her, to which the ground began to crack and warp around them until Saeko soon saw an opening. With that in mind she pushed a considerable amount of chakra into her blade and the result was her blade in through one of the gaps in his shoulder plating and the result was radiant energy drilling through it and causing flesh to be peeled off from his right shoulder and collarbone.
"Well who would've thought that this would be so much of a challenge." Naruto said as the cold air stung at his wounds
"You still haven't seen all of what I could do, so allow me to show you." Saeko spoke as soon enough the image of a crescent moon formed behind her as she drew her sword around her in circular fashion
"This can't be good." Naruto thought charging up an attack of his own as as volcanic smoke and lava began to pour out of the axe handle
"Revolver Phantom!" Saeko cried out as the image soon turned into and soon became a phantasmal full moon before she pierced it as the radiant energy became more drill and spiral shaped as it formed a partial mach cone around her
"Tiamat's Talon." Naruto intoned as he charged Carnifex further
With that Naruto launched a trio of dense waves of magma and volcanic ash that melted the snow within a several foot radius as Saeko soon clashed with the waves that formed into one as pulses of power and heat radiated from it; until soon enough both attacks dissolved into a concussive feedback of light and heat that sent both flipping through the air. Although Saeko being the more dextrous between them quickly and acrobatically regained her footing allowing her to retaliate with a staccato like barrage of attacks, as she rained down fresh hell upon Naruto who proceeded to do block the vicious barrage of attacks unleashed upon him that came in like a frenzied swarm of hornets.
With pulses of light lit up the winter sky as she attacked him like she was possessed, with Naruto having to put up a stalwart defense against the samurai who attacked him with a frenzied viciousness that he was having trouble off against. Despite that he soldiered onwards managing to counter with a some swings of his own as they continued, yet Saeko was still able to keep to control the pace of the battle with her abilities as a swordswoman being able to supersede Naruto's brute strength and ability to improvise
For Saeko was taking great satisfaction in being able to whittle down Naruto's defenses bit by bit as he defended against the vicious swordswoman who was irrefutably relentless in her assault against Naruto, with her taking the perfect opportunity to disable him via when he overextended for an overhead chop. She sliced out the tendons on his knees as well as his Achillies tendons that allowed him to stand up that caused him to promptly fall onto the snow; with him trying to stand but his now bloodied legs protested as they forced him back down while Saeko dashed behind him with her sword at his neck.
"Well I guess this means I win our match then; which means in martial combat with a weapon I'm the better between us." Saeko spoke with a smug and superior smile on her face
"Keep living it up for now Saeko because sooner or later I'm gonna pass you up one of these days." Naruto spoke as he waited for his legs to heal back up while Saeko extended out a hand
"Regardless Naruto you did pretty well, as hear as to show I'm a good sport I'll help you up." Saeko replied as she helped him back up
"So how long are you gonna be here?" Saeko questioned as they walked out of The Crucible
"About a month or so after I help you guys clear Orochimaru's forces away from here, since being here is part of my vacation. Which is why anything else I do here constitutes as a bonus for me." Naruto answered back since anything that he really did here in Iron Country was a bonus
"Good to know since it'll be nice having you around for, just try to keep up with me alright." Saeko spoke as Naruto flashed her a smile
"Oh believe me I can and will Naruto." Naruto replied as they went out of the arena
(The next morning, January 10th 997 S.E, Konoha, 10:50 Am)
It was 10 till 11 as Hiruzen sat by himself with a pensive look on his face, after all it was nearing the 2 month anniversary of Kakashi's death something of which still carries an intense weight and gravity to it.
"What do you want Akame, since if you've come to bother me then leave. Since if its not anything important than just go away." Hiruzen told his twin who he knew was poor at keeping hidden
"I still can't believe you didn't come to Kakashi's funeral, as what the hell Hiruzen? He was the closest thing we had to an older brother or uncle so why didn't you show up." Akame questioned as Hiruzen sighed at this and went to walk away
"Hiruzen don't walk away from me, because if you still cared about Kakashi you'd tell me why!" Akame exclaimed getting Hiruzen's attention
"Fine I'll tell you...its because it made me finally realize my own mortality and moreover the fact that what's the point anymore." Hiruzen answered back to his sister who had a puzzled look on her face
"What do you mean there's no point anymore?" Akame asked of her brother
"I mean what's the point of fighting the fact that no matter what happens; that Naruto will always win out. Which is why I've just cut to the trouble of accepting the fact that once he comes for me and tries to kill me that I'm not going to bother to fight, since Kakashi dying made me realize one thing. That when it comes to us trying to go against him, we'd be better fighting hand to hand against Might Guy." Hiruzen answered back grimly with a defeatist tone of voice
Because the moment he saw Kakashi's remains and knowing that Naruto had been the one to kill him; he came to one singular conclusion that was now stuck within him like a pack of wolves before they chase down and maul a deer. Which was the fact that there was no real point in trying to fight against his estranged elder brother who's clearly shown he's leagues far above what he'll be; with his prior defeat in Wave further highlighting that fact that resisting him was a futile effort which made him face facts that it was better to surrender to the superior fighter.
"After all I've made my peace with it Akame, since who is anyone kidding we'll die before the Akatsuki come to take us. It's only a matter of time, so we may as well enjoy what little we have left." Hiruzen added since he realized that if the Akatsuki didn't get to him first then Naruto would soon
"I can't believe your saying this Hiruzen. So what you're just gonna give up like that?!" Akame wondered as Hiruzen nodded
"Yes I am because unlike you I can see that no amount of trying will help in even defeating Naruto, since you've got to realize this Akame he's an almost unstoppable force. Because if he's able to kill Kakashi but not even just that and kill off the Jinchuriki's of the 3 and 4 tails; then what chance do genin that don't even have a fraction of that control over our Tailed Beast's have against him?" Hiruzen replied having realized that against Naruto there was no hope in trying to fight back against him when the gap in power was too insurmountable
"Well I refuse to give up against him, as I won't let him having killed Kakashi go in vain Hiruzen. Because unlike you I refuse to give up in the face of such odds; for I will rise above that and not only avenge Kakashi. But I'll also bring back Naruto to repair our family to what it should've been from the start, before all of this since I won't give up no matter what." Akame shot back as she refused to let this stop her from her goal at hand
"Then you'll wind up dead Akame, because if the Akatsuki don't get one of us. Then Naruto absolutely will, since no matter how many ways you try we'll die either way." Hiruzen answered back solemnly as he looked back at her
"Besides how is it that you have so much that you'll be able to bring back? Since you can believe and try all you want Akame, but facts are facts and the fact is that Naruto is far too powerful for either of us. Since even if we trained till we were blue in the face for 5 years straight, there's still no way we'd be able to defeat him since the gap between us all is just too great. For its only going to get wider no matter what we do since if he didn't go all out against Kakashi and it took jinchuriki who are far beyond Kakashi, to have him use all of his bag of tricks against him. Then what chance no not even so much as that Akame; what hope do you or I have of beating him much less bringing him back here?" Hiruzen added having had time to realize the crushing reality of his life was
That being of the fact that either way and no matter how much he tried to slice it; he was hopelessly and quite laughably outmatched against the adversaries out there beyond the walls of Konoha that were out to get him. Because no matter what he'd tried and or put in the amount of training he'd never be able to stack up against his opposition in Naruto or the Akatsuki; to which he realized overtime and Kakashi's death cementing it that it was better left if he just surrendered and went out quietly instead of a pointless and bombastic battle.
"I can't believe that you're giving up like that, as you're just going to let yourself get killed?!" Akame questioned heatedly
"Well maybe I want to die." Hiruzen answered back grimly
"What did you just say?" Akame asked again
"You heard me I want to die." Hiruzen repeated himself again
"Why would you want to die Hiruzen? There's so much you haven't done yet and so we have to do, besides you have so much going for you."Akame wondered as to why her brother would want death upon himself
"Really Akame since the only thing I've got going for me is being the container for a beast that could destroy the village if it wanted to. Then we've got the fact that I'm part of some lousy prophecy which by the way is the reason; our family is fractured apart but not only that. But the fact that within this prophecy that I'm practically supposed to sacrifice myself and all for what to be a martyr for a peace that may work. No I won't have anymore to do with something that's been nothing but self destruction, for not our family but more often my own." Hiruzen answered for her since when he really boiled it down that despite everything his future was looking bleak and all because of a stupid prophecy
"I'll admit had that prophecy not been issued by Jiraiya our family would still be together and we wouldn't be as cracked apart as we are now. Not to mention that Kakashi would still be alive, but that doesn't mean I'll let myself die because of that. Because unlike you I refuse to go out just because the odds are against me." Akame declared refusing to give up as Hiruzen scoffed at her
"Then I guess this is where we disagree and part ways, for one of us accepts their own demise and the other prolongs it...well at least mine will be a quick one." Hiruzen responded before shunshining away
"Just you wait Hiruzen, as I'll beat them all so you won't die mark my words." Akame swore to herself
(Iron Country, 3 days later, January 13th 996, S.E, 12:25 Pm)
It was 5 minutes till half past noon with Naruto having to meet with Mifune today; which he did like considering that if there was one certainty was that Mifune was one of the few that Naruto held in high esteem and showed a great deal of respect.
"Hello Mifune what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Naruto asked the leader of the samurai
"Yes well as you may know with everything that's been going on of late the Chunin Exams are being moved up to this spring. With them happening sometime this May and as such after Orochimaru's forces are dealt with, you and Saeko will accompany to them as my bodyguards." Mifune informed Naruto of the fact that with all of the recent events happening the Exams were being moved up to May
"That's good and all but I don't understand what that has to do with either one of us?" Naruto questioned wondering how this concerned either one of them
"Simple because as a country that has been as militant as ours for so long it stands to reason to see what this newer generation is capable of. Because granted we are a country that has remained neutral for countless decades; it doesn't mean that we shouldn't see what those around are capable us. Since if we remained closed off because of our neutrality to others then we wouldn't be able to maintain ourselves as the military force we are now." Mifune answered back with an expression that was from years as a soldier and military commander
Because Mifune knew that to keep his country in their continued position of neutral that he had to be constantly aware of the strength of those around him, which is why he always went to view the Chunin Exams when he could to see the strength of the next generation and how he could better prepare his men should worst come to worst.
"Which is why its of utmost importance that I leave for this and why you and Saeko help in destroying Orochimaru's forces here. Because I want all of this squared away, so I won't have to worry about that treacherous serpent doing a surprise invasion behind my back while I'm gone." Mifune told him since he wanted all of this done and over with so he wouldn't have to worry about that snake trying anything
"Don't worry I've got it all under control; after all by the time they even retaliate against us we'll have rained down punishment like they've never seen before." Naruto replied with confidence that he and Saeko could obliterate the forces of Orochimaru
"Just what I want to hear because I will not allow that treacherous serpent to run amok in my lands." Mifune replied since he held a good amount of disdain for Orochimaru
"Understood loud and clear. And I assume that they'll be in Konoha this time around right?" Naruto asked as Mifune nodded
"Correct as this time Konoha shall be hosting the exams and considering how you killed one of their most elite and respected ninja. I think it would do well for you to be in disguise since I'd rather not have to have a whole debacle of why your with me." Mifune advised Naruto considering it wouldn't be a great for him to be there in broad daylight
"Good idea especially since I've got things and people there that I'd rather keep away from. Because while I don't really care about my bastard family knowing I'm there, since I'd live it up no matter what. Its the fact that someone I know all to well would more than likely try and roast me for having done what I've been in terms of having faked my own death for years." Naruto agreed knowing it was best he was disguised for a good while
"Since I'm not going anywhere near Mikoto because I refuse to get my ass scorched by that woman." Naruto thought to himself knowing that Mikoto would let him have it sevenfold
"I will not pry into personal matters, yet I can tell that its of the female persuasion that is at the base of it." Mifune guessed as Naruto nodded at that
"Yes let's go with that since believe me while she's great and all, she's the one woman that I will not go near when she's mad. Which is saying something since rarely is there anything that can actually make me afraid." Naruto answered back considering that Mikoto was the one woman that he'd retreat from
"Still there will be a few things I will be wanting to do once we reach Konoha some of which I've been planning on for quite awhile now." Naruto spoke with an avaricious grin on his face
"Whatever it is that your planning Naruto better now come back towards me or Iron Country in general. Because while I like having you around and find you a standup person despite your greed, I will not allow your actions to put my home and people in jeopardy." Mifune told Naruto as he would not allow for anything to put his people in danger
"Relax you've got nothing to worry about, as all I'm going to do is go there and get what I know belongs to me. Since there's something there that overtime I've realized that should belong to me in knowing that kind of strength if all mine and rightfully so to claim." Naruto replied that avaricious grin never leaving his face
"It sounds whatever it is you plan to claim is a very large gamble, which is why I'll have to ask if you know exactly what you're doing?" Mifune questioned as it sounded that this was a pretty great risk Naruto was taking
"Oh I know that completely; which is why I've been planning this for quite awhile now; for this isn't something that I'd take lightly at all. So I can assure you that I will not fail and if all works out then I will become the apex predator among mercenaries, because what I'll be going to claim will grant me so much power and strength." Naruto answered back since he knew the risk he was taking but he also knew that something like this needed timing and careful planning
"Besides if in the rare chance that I fail and get caught during this I've got everything under control, so nothing gets traced back to you. For I may be a greedy bastard, but I'm not so much of one that I'd carelessly let people who I remotely care about get dragged into it. Since you've done too much for me to cross you like that; which is why you have my word that none of this will be traced back to you." Naruto added as he made sure if things backfired that Mifune and Saeko wouldn't get caught in the middle
"Thank you Naruto I appreciate this, because I maybe getting on in age but one thing is clear in my mind. That my country still needs protecting which is what I'll continue to do until I'm a withered husk of an old man, which when that happens Saeko will take over." Mifune thanked Naruto for having been diligent and considered enough to account for it
"No problem after all I look out for everyone who's done right by me." Naruto replied as he alway made sure to do right by people who did the same by him
"And my men have appreciated you doing so considering that you've made contributions to our men allowing us to afford better weaponry and armor to be made for them. For I thought that you didn't like sharing your wealth with others." Mifune spoke with a bit of a teasing tone at the end that made Naruto give a light chuckle
"Like I said Mifune I like to do right by the people who've done the same for me. So if that means parting with all the money I've worked hard to save and bust my butt for then so be it. Since I felt it's only right that I pay forward all you've done in helping me get this far." Naruto replied since he felt that it was the right thing to pay forward and do a kickback for all of what Mifune's done for him
"Well still Naruto everything you've been doing for me has been appreciated." Mifune thanked him
"It's no problem and if there isn't anything else you want to talk to me about then I'll take my leave." Naruto spoke wanting to excuse himself if there was nothing else
"No that is all for now you may leave." Mifune told him as Naruto soon left as his avaricious smile returned
"Just you wait as once I come there I'm gonna take the power those two brats have been squandering for years, for let's see how the chosen ones in that blasted prophecy stand when their power belongs to someone who knows what their doing." Naruto said under his breath as his avaricious smile grew wider
"Because once I've got all that power at my disposal then there won't be hardly nothing in this world that can stop me." Naruto thought as soon he'd have power to show that he'd soon become indestructible
(4 days later, January 17th 997 S.E, Konoha, 1:45 Pm)
It was a quarter till 2 as the tension within the Konoha Council Chambers was quite tense especially with not only Minato having to have been there in attendance, but also that of Jiraiya himself with the subject being none other than that of Naruto himself.
"So then everyone can agree why were here right?" Shikaku asked as everyone nodded in agreement
"Yes about Naruto and all of what he's done recently, since he's becoming quite a driving force with all he's done." Mikoto spoke with pride at her former lover in his accomplishments
"Yes as his rise in power and threat level have proven concerning; especially with Kakashi's death in our having lost such a valued shinobi of the village." Shibi spoke since the cyclopean ninja's death still was felt throughout the village
"It doesn't help that he literally had us gift wrapped back to us in pieces, as to say it was a troublesome way to go is an understatement." Shikaku noted in agreement considering that when it was made present of his death the state of which he was returned to was horrific to say the least
Because while ninja had often died it was rarely to which they were literally returned home and gift wrapped in pieces with them having been delivered in his head, arms, legs, stomach and chest; with such a sight having caused Minato to projectile vomit in revulsion at seeing the state of his now deceased student.
"Yes as his death was one that we never wished would've happened there's one thing that needs to be acknowledged; which is the cause of this." Danzo spoke up getting everyone's attention
"Where are you going with this Shimura, since this had better be good?" Tsume questioned wondering where the warhawk was going with this
"Simple really its that blame needs to be assigned to a guilty party. With the guilty parties in question being our own Hokage and Jiraiya himself." Danzo responded getting glares from both
"I didn't do anything to get Kakashi killed!" Jiraiya exclaimed in defense of himself
"But you see that's where your wrong since in fact if I'm to go a step further all people with a leaf headband that've been killed by Naruto; were because of you and our Hokage for the both of you have gone hand in hand in this matter." Danzo responded with a stalwart expression on his face
"Elaborate for us Danzo." Inoichi spoke as Danzo nodded
"Well its all common knowledge that Jiraiya had issued out a prophecy declaring Akame and Hiruzen the chosen ones said to bring peace to not just the village but the nations as a whole correct. Isn't that right Lord Hokage?" Danzo stated as he turned his attention towards Minato
"Yes as we trained them and have continued to do so to prepare them for what's underway." Minato answered back
"And yet you didn't train your eldest son Naruto and relegated him to becoming a civilian; despite him being able to from my own operatives and that of the Uchiha clansmen show prodigious amounts of strength and stamina above those of his age group. You and your wife still relegated him towards that of being a civilian, would you care to explain this decision." Danzo responded gaining the council's attention
"No matter what we tried with him he never showed any talent or affinity for fuinjutsu or kenjutsu, it was because of that eventually we decided that it would be better to have him be a civilian. Since it was better him be a ninja and get himself killed in the field." Minato bitterly admitted that upon hindsight was a colossal failure on his part
"However, we've let those like Rock Lee whom while his skills in ninjutsu and or genjutsu are abysmal; his immense talent and skill were greater than the difference of what he lacked in. Which brings the question of why couldn't you make the same exception for your own son, as surely you could've and as Mikoto and I've stated and have evidence on to collaborate on this fact? That he showed prodigious physical strength, taijutsu ability and stamina and with his large reserves would've like all Uzumaki been absolutely devastating in ninjutsu." Danzo questioned the blonde Hokage cursing his luck
"And if I may also jump in Danzo why not have Jiraiya or Minato or any one of them relegate him to someone in the village that could've worked with him on these shortcomings? After all their would've been dozens to choose from that would've died for that chance." Mikoto asked as well wondering why they didn't find a teacher for him to work with him on those shortcomings
Since with how many they had in their ranks and with Naruto's status as the Hokage's son at the time; they're would've been more than enough people clamoring at the chance to have taught him had they given someone to work with instead of squandering such potential.
"Because it was decided that since he never showed any promise that it would be better for him to stay where he wouldn't get himself killed; that and more focus needed to be put on both of the twins than him." Jiraiya chimed in as to the reasoning behind it
"And yet it's illogical thinking like that, to which got one of our most prodigious ninja killed. Because it would make sense that Naruto was a late bloomer and that his talents and true potential wouldn't have showed until later on. After all isn't that what happened with you when you were apart of Lord 3rd's squad with Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade?" Shibi stated in his usual monotone as the cold logic in his words struck a nerve in that regard
"Good point to make there Shibi, since had none of you relegated Naruto to civilian status his being a late bloomer would've worked wonders for the village. Because we would've been able to have someone who would've been a future jonin commander or Anbu Lieutenant with that sort of power. Instead we now have one of the most notorious bounty hunters to ever come about; all because of Jiraiya in his infinite wisdom thinking that Naruto wasn't ready when the facts have proven he was merely a late bloomer." Mikoto chastised Jiraiya for his decisions that led to this
"Also one thing of note I'd like to bring up is that it was highly illogical to put such stock in prophecies, due to the fact that not only are they subject to change. But because of the fact that rarely do they ever come true making them a poor source to rely on when it comes to the futures of others." Shibi remarked since to a clan that always valued cold hard facts and logic something as fickle and uncertain as a prophecy seemed rather useless
"Agreed Councilman Shibi as why would you rely on something such as a prophecy; without it being backed up by something substantial. For tell me Jiraiya besides your summons having issued this prophecy did they provide you with anything at all, anything besides words that have no weight behind them? Because did they provide you with detail and cold hard and dead accurate facts and details that everything that this prophecy provided; would be something that's reliable." Danzo questioned as Jiraiya remained silent
"I guess we can take your silence as proof of such evidence and also is there anything else that would like to be added before we convene?" Danzo asked as the council remained in silence
"Yes actually its too Minato." Mikoto spoke up as she stood
"Its simply this. Minato I know that man has been your sensei for a very long time, yet how could you take advice on how to raise your family from someone like him? Since that man has fathered nearly as many bastards in his lifetime as he has writing smut. For let me ask you this my fellow council members before we convene. Should we really trust our Hokage with the lives of our men when he takes advice from men who can't even hold down a relationship and because of advice like that have given birth to one of the most notorious mercenaries to ever exist." Mikoto spoke as the council found themselves nodding in agreement
"With wise words from Mikoto Uchiha I feel as though that's enough to leave you to think about the state of things." Danzo spoke as soon enough the council meeting was adjourned until it left only Minato and Jiraiya
"Minato I have something to tell you,,, and its important." Jiraiya told Minato who looked at him with a defeated look on his usually optimistic face
"What is it sensei since I've been through enough already these past few months?" Minato questioned as to what he wanted
"The prophecy its i don't know how or why….but it's changed." Jiraiya informed Minato who looked like he got hit with Might Guy and Rock Lee's illusion
"I'm sorry but I didn't hear that right...as your telling me that the prophecy that tore my family apart and we've spent years training the twins for has changed." Minato spoke in shock of what he was now told
"You heard me right as yesterday night I was recalled to Mount Myoboku to have it be told to me that it changed and the thing is that it concerns Naruto." Jiraiya told Minato who's looked like he got hit by a 10 ton hammer
"How does it concern Naruto?" Minato asked
"The prophecy now read as follows. The firstborn with the power of the Six Paths shall if not lifted up by his loved ones descend into to a dark avarice and shall not only claim the power that smashed his life to ruins, but also cast down destruction wherever his blackened and greed filled heart shall roam." Jiraiya recited the newly changed prophecy
"Just our luck that when things can't possibly get any worse it does." Minato lamented
"So what's the plan because from the way the prophecy talks of it sounds Naruto is coming for the twins and the halves of the 9 tails." Jiraiya surmised wondering what the plan for this was
For if Naruto got ahold of the 9 tails then combined with everything else he was capable of, then there wouldn't be any real form of stopping him should he decide to go forth and obliterate everyone and everything in his path.
"Until we know for sure where he is; then we can't really do anything. For now we just keep on alert and have guards at the ready the moment anything should happen to the twins." Minato spoke knowing that it was now there best course of action
"So will you tell them that the prophecy has changed then?" Jiraiya asked as Minato shook his head
"No its better if they don't know, for they should still enjoy these moments while they still can. Besides I'd rather not shatter what happiness there is." Minato answered knowing that they should still retain what happiness they had
"Good idea and I'll be on the watch for when and if Naruto pops up." Jiraiya replied knowing that now more than ever was a time to be vigilant
"See to it you are, because thanks to the prophecy having been changed we must be on our guard now more than ever. Especially with the twins." Minato told Jiraiya who soon disappeared via shunshin
"Just when I think that things can get better, things like this happen. For sometimes I dread being Hokage." Minato thought lamenting and dreading his situation
So then with Naruto and Saeko having reunited in battle and Naruto having signed on as a bodyguard for the Chunin Exams; we see things unfolding for Konoha as they take a more grim turn. For find out how this all comes together in the new chapters of You'll never keep me Down.
Jutsu List
Tiamat's Talon (A-Ranked, Mid to Long Range, Offensive, Requires Carnifex) Using Carnifex Naruto sends out dense waves of magma that converge onto a single target and smashes into them as one singular and mass wave magma that will incinerate a target with full certainty of a kill.
Phantom Revolver (A-Ranked, Close to Mid Ranged, Offensive, Requires Saeko's Sword) By concentrating chakra into her sword Saeko can use this buildup in power to literally drill through an opponent's defenses. With the radiant energy being able to pierce through armor and most defenses.
Well guys I hoped you like this chapter an sorry for the wait as I've had to deal with family issues such as my grandmother passing away a few months ago; to which affected everyone on my father's side of the family. However, me having taken time to get back up to speed I'm ready to go again so without further ado let's get down to it.
First up we've got the match between Naruto and Saeko who as you've guessed it is based off of her Highschool of the Dead counterpart as the granddaughter of Mifune which I thought would be cool all things considered. And as for why Naruto lost outright against her think of it this way in that for one the match was on pure martial skill and no jutsu allowed; which allowed for me to show that despite Naruto being a powerhouse that in some fields there will always be someone a few steps ahead.
After that we've got the scene between Hiruzen and Akame which I wanted to do for the fact that it shows that Kakashi's death has affected things in regards to Hiruzen having given up hope; with him seeing no point in going on when the power gap of the adversaries around him is too great and therefore sees no point in resisting in a fight where all that'll amount to is his demise.
Following that up we've got the part between Mifune and Naruto which I thought would be cool in not only giving him a reason to be included into the Chunin Exams, but also give a bit into the relationship between him and Mifune which is always nice.
Lastly we've got the council meeting where it shows the fact of the matter in which Jiraiya and Minato's fallacies in shoving Naruto to the side have come back to bite them in the ass; something I've had planned to show that not only have things royally messed up for them but also how now the twins are no longer the children of the prophecy but instead it's Naruto.
With all that being said please continue to favorite, follow, review and share this story as much as possible and thanks for the support you've shown it so far I really do appreciate it as you guys are a big part of what makes this possible in being the popular and great story it is now. Also please drop reviews whenever you can since they help the story and let me know what you like about it so far, furthermore flames will be ignored and criticism as long as its reasonable and well thought out is welcome.
That being said next chapter is Saeko and Naruto going up against some of Orochimaru's forces among some familiar faces coming to Iron Country.
Part 1 Theme Song: Exile by Soilwork
Random End Song: Bladed Vaults by Solution.45