AN: You might notice a few cameos. This is not a crossover fic per se. I just thought it might be nice to touch on some of my favorite fandoms of the past and present. A virtual cookie for anyone who guesses ALL THREE within the first four hundred words of this chapter. Whether it be items, or characters etc. ;)
MY GIFT TO YOU FOR THE LAST CHAPTER BEING SO SHORT. A NEW CHAPTER LESS THAN A WEEK LATER! WHY? BECAUSE YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!
Reviews Answered:END OF CHAPTER.
Naruto's world crashed all around him. All of the power he had available to him could do nothing to save the life of the man he considered a grandfather. His body already screamed out from the pain he felt from the strain of Kurama's might, but he didn't let even the slightest sound escape his mouth until he could no longer contain his rage, his sadness, and his feeling of loneliness. No one had even felt the power of the once fearsome Kyuubi's normally malevolent aura. It was more like a warm comforting breeze. But once the mental image of the man he considered a grandfather died before his eyes truly hit him, Naruto screamed. His voice reverberated throughout all of Konoha. Those surrounding him were shaken by she pained sound, including the one known as Pein.
"Now you, young one know pain. Now kneel before your kami," Pein taunted carefully, not knowings the extent of this boy's strange powers.
Naruto's glowing form dropped and he started spitting out bits of blood, but he still didn't even notice it. His glare returned and he noted his bow and arrows remained. He stood, barely able to support his weight, but he found the strength to shoot one single arrow into the sky as he screamed on one thing before losing consciousness.
"Celeste nee-chan!"
GATES OF ETERNITY
Celeste, drawn to her ward's call raced to aid him, but was stopped by the one who truly had the power to face her head on. Out of all of the upper kami, not even they stood against her when her anger took hold. It wasn't that they feared her really, but the destruction from the last two times just wasn't worth it. Nor the punishment she received after as it usually made more paperwork for them. The bane of all leaders everywhere. But one dared to stand in her way. The one she respected most. Her father, Yamamoto Genryusai: The Shinigami King. While the two have had disagreements in the past, it was always the shinigami who came out on top as he was far stronger, faster, knowledgeable, and eons of wisdom she did not possess. They came to celestial battle once and Celeste was thoroughly trounced. To see her stand before him again in a defensive stance as she pulled back her jacket and revealed twin swords. The twin swords of Eternia finally returned to the realm of the Eternals after nearly two thousand years. The shinigami, while not afraid of battle knew that crossing this path would prevent either from ever coming back.
"If you do this... there must be a price paid. I see your determination, your passion and your willingness to die for this young boy for some reason... that reason eluding me. But I will not have you challenge me again. For the next time you do... one shall never see another sunrise again. We are not at the beck and call of these mortals." the shinigami king warned.
Celeste merely rolled her eyes, but nodded despite the hypocrisy of what he said and walked past him as no words needed be spoken. The message was clearly received... on both ends of the conversation. All of this took place within a tenth of a second in the world of mortals. She walked to the edge of her home upon the one of the stars above the night sky and leaned slightly over. She descended faster and faster toward the place to which she was called. The heavens thundered as her body transformed into that of her guardian form. Those who felt her presence before knew ahead of time knew to kneel quickly including Itachi who'd only been told, but understood immediately upon the reactions of Jiraiya, and the remaining summoned toad Gamaken.
The enemies felt the weight upon their bodies multiply and found it nearly impossible to move. Even with the might of the all powerful Rinnegan, the attacking force were brought to their knees as a magnificent beast soared down from the sky on mighty wings and landed as softly as a feather. Celeste looked to Naruto and felt her heart ache. Her gaze upon his small body brought about a small glow and a small fox with nine tails formed from it. He bowed before his deity and empress.
"My lady. I live to serve thee," he offered genuinely.
Celeste's gaze was hard as she asked, "Why was I summoned? Why is my Naruto-kun in such a condition? I already sense you were trying to heal him, but what happened to bring this about?"
The great fox's eyes narrowed as sadly as he raised his head respectfully. "He felt the life of his grandfather figure in grave danger. He asked to use a portion of my purified chakra. I assumed he would do what he did when he trained with Mitarashi Anko, only take five or so percent. Maybe even up to twenty in his anguish, but I underestimated how much anguish the gaki truly felt. He took nearly a full third of my chakra as he raced here, and he summoned your gift. The one you gave him directly. The Celestial Bow and Arrow set. Now that he has subconsciously summoned such power so early, I fear he may have to relearn a lot as his chakra coils, and his gifted mystic force have collided internally. I fear I was not prepared for such a development," He offered his goddess who sighed. "It was the one called Pein, who seems to fancy himself Kami. And has the gall to not even bother considering himself a lower kami."
Celeste eyes flashed purple briefly as she looked over to the group on their knees. Her eyes focused on what looked to be an organic puppet to which she would normally be intrigued by, despite it's potential moral implications. She took in a deep breath and said, "Show yourself Uzumaki Nagato. And know I do not like being kept waiting."
Pein's real body was still close enough to control it's Deva path, but far enough away to be kept safe from danger, or so he thought. Celeste patience wore thin after only few seconds. No long enough for Pein to contemplate his next move. His body and the machination it was connected to lifted and moved toward a wall. He was certain he would be crushed as his Rinnegan would not activate. For the first time in many years the man known as Uzumaki Nagato felt fear. His heart sped up as the stone brick wall came closer and closer, but to his surprise, he and the devices connected to him were phased through the wall and soared through the very skies with incredible speed. His eyes widened slightly as his descent began, but to his surprise, it was at a reasonable rate. Whoever this woman was did not want him dead. At least not immediately and figured it would be prudent to mind his tongue in this woman's presence.
"No one could say the Uzumaki were not wise. You are right to watch your tongue and thoughts around me Uzumaki Nagato. I should eviscerate you for claiming the title of kami. Not even a kami, but the big Kami of Kami. And also for the headache you have brought me this evening. You don't know who I am, but here's a hint. My father is the Shinigami King. One of the uppers on the board of directors of the universe. I am a jr. member of that board. That said, I am Celeste. Guardian of the Summoning Contracts. Now... you have one chance to convince me not to follow through on my original thought process of taking your soul back to my father as recompense for this day's trouble. Why did you attack this village and kill it's hokage?"
Jiraiya, not being able to process that these really were his students completely collapsed and fell into unconsciousness.
Her voice strong, yet compassionate. Terrifying, yet calming. Nagato found himself so conflicted, but did not want to test his possible benefactor's patience. He then spoke, "My Rinnegan detected the awakening of a massive power here in Konoha. A power unlike anything I had ever felt before until now, this evening with you. It's not as powerful, but it's still far more powerful than anything I'd felt up until that point. It's too dangerous to leave in the hands of anyone but myself who seeks to bring peace to this world. United. It's why my best friends Yahiko and Konan created the original Akatsuki. To work together to bring peace to the word. Before Yahiko died a few years ago," He offered in hopes his pleas would not fall upon deaf ears.
"You would attack the village of one of your kin?" Celeste asked, her gaze still hard.
"I have no kin left. After Uzu was destroyed, the few of us who survived stayed together in the outskirts of Amegakure no Sato. Then the rest of us were... eliminated," he said sadly. "I am the only true Uzumaki left."
"If you believe that, then you are a fool. I look at you and see that you are closely related to Uzumaki Naruto of the Hidden Leaf. Konoha has protected him until you brought him pain. He is the son of Uzumaki Kushina. Heir, and princess to the Uzumaki clan, thus passing the title of heir to him. Not to mention, Senju Tsunade. Uzumaki Mito was her grandmother."
This conflicted Nagato greatly. His thoughts pulled away from the damage and pain he caused this day as his eyes watered, "Kushina nee-sama." He began to cry. He couldn't help it knowing that the one person he loved more than anyone else growing up left a part of herself alive. His loving older sister (For this story's purposes). "Lady Mito," he whispered.
"Yes. Your sister. He also has a similar dream to yours. I have seen your infinite tsukoyomi plan. It is appalling, forcing people into forced servitude, and forced 'happiness.' Humans were given free will for a reason. And that reason was not for you to toy with it. And as you won't likely be alive within the next few minutes I suppose I will reveal this much. The power you felt was an artifact of a former king. It's power great as that king was destined for greatness from a young age. Another is also destined for greatness. The fact that the artifact awoke near here is a sign that it is nearly time for the next chosen to be awakened to his or her destiny. You cannot be allowed to interfere."
Nagato took a deep, strained breath as he asked, "Can I at least do one thing? I know you are blocking my use of Chakra, but please release it. I can give my life to return the life of the Sandaime and those who lost there lives here today. I can do this in exchange for my own life."
"No Nagato!" his best friend and now love called from the ground, finding unnatural strength to fight against the force holding her down.
"Konan," Nagato whispered sadly, tears fell, he hated causing her pain.
Konan's love for Nagato gave her the strength to stand up and she glared at Celeste eye to eye and said, "I don't have the power to fight you, but I will put my life on the line before I allow Nagato to give up his. Take my life in his place."
"NO!" Nagato panicked, knowing Konan would do so without a second thought. And while Celeste was annoyed that a mere mortal dared stand up to her, but she respected the fact that it was done in love, and nothing but love. She smiled sadly and took a moment to think and to figure out what possible price would make be forced to extract this day. But to her surprise, a volunteer tried to step forward, but the gravity around the area was still too great, but he was now close enough, and heard enough of what happened.
"Excuse me. Are you the same Celeste-sama who offered my father a chance to speak with my mother again?" he queried as respectfully as his voice would allow.
"I am," she answered simply.
"My father is not a man I would say I was especially close to, but for that you have my ever gratitude."
Celeste gave a slight verbal affirmative, still waiting for the man to get to the point. "I caught my father earlier today speaking to my mother after a fight with Jiraiya-sama. He knew I was there, and called me into his private study at in our old home. He said his goodbye and gave me his last thirty minutes to speak with my mother. While I hadn't the intention on dying anytime soon, I think this may be the right time and the right way to do so. I have given my all to Konoha before and after my service to my Daimyo as one of his twelve guardians. I have lived a relatively fulfilled life. So I offer my life as the sacrifice on behalf of my father, and the young Uzumaki Naruto as he seemed to bring my father a bit of joy in his old age. If that is acceptable to you Celeste-sama?" he humbly asked after ensuring his cigar was out as to not offend her.
Celeste found herself smiling despite the situation. She could not be happier to be standing in the presence of those who would likely remake a circle of nobility like only one before. Nobility of those from all walks of life and social statures. Young and old. She looked at Asuma who she had not put much pressure on and said, "Rise noble-hearted one. I accept, but not just yet. You will have ten more years, and will only join me if you fall in battle within that time. If so I will personally collect your soul and deliver it to the Plain of The Noble of Heart. With your sacrifice, you may have just saved everyone here, but not all will be the same. I have chosen to send fifty or so villagers away for a few years. Maybe up to four years. They will return, but I will need you, your father, Tsunade and Jiraiya to keep the peace until then as they will not be able to track them save the Aburame to which I will allow just for the purposes of knowing they are safe."
Without waiting on Sarutobi Asuma's reply, she looked once again to Nagato and asked, "If you could live, what would you do? And be careful how you answer Uzumaki Nagato. I have seen your mind, and I know you plan on using my great beasts in your quest... that is something I will never allow. Even more so since Naruto carries one of them."
Nagato was shaken from his fear stricken state. He thought about his answer as sweat permeated his face. Konan still stood strong against impossible odds of doing so. Nagato sighed and stated plainly, "Help in the training of my little cousin to achieve our shared goal, but leave the over planning and execution of it to him. It's time the Akatsuki went back to what it was originally meant to be. An organization meant to help those in need and to broker a true peace. I know a few members will not follow me with that philosophy, but a good number might," he said tentatively.
"What would you need to survive and bring those back to life here?"
"My health is not strong enough to do both my lady," he admitted reluctantly.
Nagato found himself disconnected from his machines and his frail form healing rapidly. Konan's resolve melted at this and she fell to her knees. Nagato's gray hair took on it's bright red shine again as his face lost wrinkles, and the dark spots under his eyes. His muscle mass returned plus a bit more. His chakra reserves a bit more than they ever were. His Chakra now his to control again, he thought for the briefest of seconds to try attacking Celeste long enough to get him and Konan away, but thought better it quickly and knelt once his body met the earth beneath his feet.
Uzumaki Nagato simply said, "Thank you for this opportunity Celeste-sama. I will not let you down." He began a few hand signs, and then his eyes began to glow as he called out, "Gedō — Rinne Tensei no Jutsu!" As the jutsu began an extremely evil spirit was summoned. Meifu no Ō. Upon seeing the dark spirit she remembered a time long past when he tried to kill her as a young girl before she fully came into her powers. As a punishment he was sealed into the body of a large puppet like head. Seeing him again made anger flash upon Celeste eyes, but opted to intervene with the technique. She added purified magical energy to the mix which converted the king of hell into a less vile beast. One that also only took a quarter of Nagato's life energy as his technique finished, and the life force and healing completed.
"We shall talk again within a few hours Nagato Uzumaki. Do not make me regret my decision," Celeste said, then with a wave of her hand Naruto, Nagato, Konan, and various villagers vanished in a flash of light. As Hiruzen's eyes focused slightly, he looked to see Celeste and then noted that he was completely healed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply as he was just with his wife and parents for but a moment, but figured he still had work to do if he was beckoned back. So he asked, slightly coyly, "So what do I owe the pleasure Celeste-sama?"
"Oh thank papa you've lightened up a bit," she said with exasperated overacting which got a small chuckle out of the old Hokage who managed with Asuma's help to stand as his body was a bit stiff as were those of the rest who were brought back.
"I hope you manage to keep that sense of humor," she said resignedly.
"Hm?" he asked a bit concerned.
"We need to talk. I have temporarily taken forty or so of your villagers temporarily."
Tsunade walked up with a batter Kisame being dragged back by one leg. The Sandaime said, "Tsunade, Your the Godaime."
"The Fuck?!"
To Be Continued! DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW AND HIT ME UP WITH THAT FEEDBACK. THANKS FOR THE LOVE PEOPLE. :) It means a LOT, AND IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS I GOTTHIS CHAPTER OUT SO FAST.
REVIEWS ANSWERED HERE.
fanofthisfiction chapter 8 . Aug 24
Action and conversation had this chapter keeping pace with Naruto's adventurous life. I like what you did with his lesson to learn the Kage Bushin no Jutsu. I had never really considered how his failure at the Academy may have been due to too much chakra, so that was a nice revelation.
There is always personality that shines through in word choices you use for the characters. Anko in particular has some memorable antics.
Wow, the next update is in September. How exciting!
THANK YOU, I AM UPDATING TODAY AS A THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU WHO WAITED PATIENTLY ON THE LAST SUPER SHORT UPDATE, FAVED AND REVIEWED RECENTLY. I HOPE I DON'T DISAPPOINT.
Assassin Master Uzumaki chapter 8 . Aug 24
i really enjoy your story but i dont like having to read through reviews to get to it maybe move the replies to the end that will let people who dont like them to skip them easier but in the end its your story so your choice.
AS YOU CAN SEE, I AM GIVING IT A TRY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CHAPTER. THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION.
Angel Hatake chapter 8 . Aug 23
Again, anoth
Angel Hatake chapter 10 . Oct 22
Awwwwwwww! That's not fair! Why did he have to die like that?!
DON'T WORRY, THE OLD MAN'S NOT COMPLETELY OUT OF THE STORY. ;)
Ziltoid chapter 10 . Oct 22
A bit early for Naruto to be able to sustain that much of the Kyuubi's chakra, isn't it?
I don't it being short. It's strong enough as it is :P
I KNOW, WHICH IS ADDRESSED THIS CHAPTER. THERE MUST BE CONSEQUENCES FOR SUCH POWER, RIGHT? :)
Frankthetriviaman chapter 10 . Oct 22
Hello Sagemodesasuke;
I have been busy with other things in real life, so although I have followed this story for a while, it is only now that I am able to review.
Though it has been years since I watched Naruto, I did understand enough that I recognized the familiar characters and terms. I must say, this is a fantastic story, with great development and a solid plot.
Keep up the great work; I am curious to see where the story goes next.
-Frank
THANKS FRANK. HOPE ALL'S WELL WITH YOU AND WELCOME ABOARD MY nARUTO LINE OF STORIES.
fanofthisfiction chapter 9 . Oct 4
It was rather nice to dedicate a chapter to a fellow author. That made me smile.
I also enjoyed the hints of humor throughout this chapter. No matter how serious or action packed the moment is, humor added to it.
A lot certainly happened and more and more characters are being introduced. Just to clarify, were the effects of the Almighty Push to flatten buildings or explode things from a center point? Since Naruto and Tenten were able to make it to a shelter that was located under ground, I suppose I came to the impression that the technique just flattened the buildings so the underground safe houses were still intact.
There are new friendship dynamics that change a lot of things in your story. Juggling everyone must be challenging but it will be interesting to see how it turns out.
AYRMED WAS AN AMAZING WRITER. SHE WILL BE MISSED.
I AM NOT ACTUALLY GOOD WITH HUMOR, SO TO HEAR THAT MEANS A LOT. :)
IN THIS CASE, THE ATTACK WAS FROM A CENTER POINT AND SPREAD OUT. SO YOU ARE RIGHT IN A WAY. THAT IS WHY THE SAFEHOUSES WERE IN TACT. I THINK IT WILL WORK OUT. )
Kuro kaze no aka kira chapter 3 . Oct 2
Celeste is the Shinigami's daughter, and yet her uncle is also the Shinigami? ... What?
FIXED. HE IS HER FATHER.
Ziltoid chapter 9 . Oct 1
Wow, that was abrupt.. The NaruTen was probably the thing which made me frown the most: where's the build up, development, etc? Not to mention, two 8/9 year olds in a relationship feels a bit awkward imho. By comparison, the Akatsuki surpise was a lot better. Even though I wonder why they're striking this early. Didn't Nagato need those years to prepare? If I'm not mistaken, Jiraiya took Naruto on that three year training trip because he knew they couldn't move before that, just like Oro needed time before he could 'take' Sasuke's body.
Hmm.. I might be wrong though, but still. Akatsuki striking so way ahead of schedule makes me wonder what motivates them to do so :p
NARUTEN IS ONLY TEMPORARY. IT WAS MEANT FOR NARUTO TO START UNDERSTANDING THE BARE BASICS OF A ROMANTIC LOVE SO HE'S NOT SUCH A DUNCE IN THE FUTURE. IT WAS MEANT TO BE ADORABLE AT THE MOST AS, LIKE YOU SAID, THEY ARE 8/9. HOLDING HANDS AND PLAY DATES IS AS FAR AS SOMETHING LIKE THAT SHOULD BE. AS FOR MOTIVES... THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ANSWERED HERE IN THIS CHAPTER.
Roxie.88 chapter 8 . Aug 31
So narutos training has started. Will he it increase now that Nigeria has the clones? And who was that stranger who awoke after a long time?
NIGERIA HAS THE CLONES. LOL. THAT MADE ME LAUGH HARD. :) THE STRANGER... IS A SECRET. SPOILERS. ;)
Roxie.88 chapter 7 . Aug 31
Wow! Who knew stake could whoop some ass! That was awesome! So I'm looking forward to what narutos new look will be as well as the story behind the ranger corps. I just hope ten ten isn't narutos love interest. And what happened to wolfs team?
TENTEN ISN'T HIS MAIN LOVE INTEREST FOR THE STORY.
Roxie.88 chapter 6 . Aug 31
So naruto meet an old friend but will he be able to stay friends? And will he make new ones? And what happens to kakashis team?
HM...
Roxie.88 chapter 5 . Aug 31
Flag naruto has hi difficult family and is going to he trained! Disappointed in the hokage for what he sees naruto as, but I am still glad naruto will get his uzumaki inheritance.
EVENTUALLY HE WILL GET HIS INHERITANCE... OR WILL THAT BE SOONER THAN EXPECTED? HM? ;)
Roxie.88 chapter 4 . Aug 31
Another great chapter. Like where you are taking this story but does the hokage have to e such a duouch?! Man he is more like than danzo than he thinks to deny naruto a family just so he can have him under his fingers. Look forward to the next chapter!
HE DIDN'T MIND NARUTO HAVING A FAMILY. HE JUST WANTED IT TO BE JIRAIYA OR TSUNADE SO HE'D BE MORE LOYAL TO THEM, THUS KONOHA. AND JIRAIYA IS HIS GODFATHER TECHINICALLY.
Roxie.88 chapter 3 . Aug 31
Awesome chapter in my opinion! Now hat naruto know the truth about his family will e tell anyone? An who will train him or help him in his family arts... By that I mean not just the fourth because the uzumaki also had a reputation so r should also learn the clans fuinjutsu and kenjutsu. And what's up with the shadows? Will it be trouble for naruto later?
HM...
Roxie.88 chapter 2 . Aug 31
Do tsunade made it to the village but will she be able to help naruto? If so what will kuramas punishment be?
POOR, POOR KURAMA.
Roxie.88 chapter 1 . Aug 31
Definitely interesting. So will they get tsunade back in time to save naruto?
I THINK THEY JUST MIGHT HAVE. LOL. ;)
Ziltoid chapter 8 . Aug 27
Did I forget reviewing the previous chapter? I think I did.. Srry bout that, was kinda busy.
Anyway, I liked the interaction between Naruto and Anko. I must say that making Teuchi and Ayame shinobi is not something I would've done, but hey: this is your fiction. Some more Anko wouldn't hurt though: is she loyal to Orochimaru, Konoha, or Naruto?
Keep up the good work!
NO WORRIES, WE ALL HAVE LIVES OFFLINE ETC. TECHNICALLY TEUCHI AND AYAME AREN'T NINJA, THEY ARE RANGERS, WHICH WILL BE EXPLORED UPON MORE LATER. ANKO IS LOYAL TO KONOHA AND POSSIBLY TO NARUTO.
SEE YOU SOON! ;)