Naruto: The Red Fox
A/N: Alright here is Chapter 11. There is no NaruXSaku in this chapter since I'm trying to progress the storyline, but there will be NaruXSaku interaction within the next two chapters. Anyhow, this chapter reveals some secrets, but not all. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Naruto.
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
'Demon'
Chapter 11: Crystal of Power
"Alright, I want answers," Naruto paused, "Who are you? Who or what is Wotan? Why are you guys here? How come I don't sense any chakra from you or Wotan? Why-"
"Calm down, one question at a time," the hooded man interrupted.
"Fine," retorted Naruto. Naruto didn't really trust the man before him, but he decided to give him a chance because this same man saved him from death by the hands of Wotan. Naruto was sure that the two were enemies.
"Okay," the hooded man paused for a moment, "I believe it is only proper for me to tell you my real name. My name is Orion."
"Um, is that your surname or what?" asked Naruto.
"It is my only name. From where I come from, we are only given one name."
"Why?" inquired Naruto.
"That's a question I always wondered, but we're getting off topic," responded Orion. "It's only proper for me to reveal myself." Orion grabs the top of his hood and brings it down to his neck. An elderly face with white gray medium straight hair, black eyes, and a white-gray beard. Orion didn't remove his cloak and continued to stare at Naruto.
"So, I finally get to see your face," stated Naruto.
"You're a bit rude, but it doesn't matter," said Orion.
"Alright, so you told me your name and gave me a face to go with, so what is your purpose here? Why is Wotan here?"
Orion looks around Naruto's apartment before turning back to face him. "Have you ever heard of the Crystal of Power?"
A village ruin by war. Dead bodies littered the ground. Buildings destroyed by explosions. Sounds of screams and clash of metal are heard throughout the village. The Village Hidden in the Sand found itself in the middle of this conflict. Suna has suffered the effects of war. What remains in the village are the sand shinobi, the Zetsu army, and the Shadow Monsters. The villagers who escaped to the bunkers were being evacuated from Suna completely and their destination is Konoha. In the middle of Suna a fierce battle raged on as three sand shinobi battles a powerful individual.
A gust of powerful wind rages through the deserted streets of Suna. Temari swings her fan once more forcing her enemy Wotan to backtrack.
"Indeed, three versus one is quite fun," laughed Wotan as he dodged Temari's attack. Suddenly a wave of sand surrounded Wotan. Wotan disappeared and reappeared behind Gaara trying to stab him in the back. But before he got a chance, a puppet nearly hit Wotan who manages to dodge the puppets.
"Get back here!" yelled Kankuro as his puppet misses.
"Sand Shuriken," said Gaara as sand forms into shuriken and is launched towards Wotan. Wotan begins to block each shuriken with his katana. Gaara launches another wave of Sand Shuriken, then again and again.
Wotan continues to block each shuriken, but eventually begins to miss a few. 'Impressive, he's sending so many that even I'm having trouble blocking them all, heh, no matter I simply have to go faster,' thought Wotan as his speed began to increase. Wotan began to slowly move forward until he heard a voice.
"Secret Black Move: Salamander!" shouted Kankuro as a huge puppet appeared underneath Wotan completely swallowing him. "Ha got him!"
Kankuro's victory didn't last long as his puppet began to crack slowly and exploded.
"Sand Coffin," said Gaara as he successfully surrounds Wotan in sand.
"Gaara finish him!" shouted Temari, but Gaara didn't make a move. "What's wrong?" questioned Temari.
Gaara continues to look at the sand covered Wotan and states, "I didn't capture him."
"What are you talking about?" inquired Kankuro. "You caught him, we all saw that."
"Did you really?" a voice said. "I am having fun watching you pathetic siblings argue with each other. However, I think it's time for me to kill the three of you. I've noticed that you're forces are becoming smaller and not by death either. You're retreating and I highly doubt you'll do that if you have villagers to protect. Thus, you must have evacuated those villagers, but I don't know where to. Not that it matters. I'll hunt down every single person."
"You're a monster," shouted Temari. "How can you treat people like this, why are you doing this?"
"Because it's fun and I'm bored," Wotan simply stated as he revealed himself to the sand siblings.
"You really are a monster!" exclaimed Kankuro as he prepared his puppet.
"We'll end you here and now!" shouted Temari.
Gaara simply stared at Wotan while raising his hands causing the sand around him to move. The sand siblings all launch an attack against Wotan.
"The Crystal of Power?" asked a wondering Naruto.
"Yes, this crystal is very unique and quite powerful. In matter of fact it's something that can give a person true power," stated Orion.
"True power? What do you mean by that?" inquired Naruto. Naruto didn't like where this conversation is heading. The last thing he needed to worry about is some sort of object that could possibly give someone a boost in power.
"Yes, true power. The Crystal of Power can give increase someone's natural born abilities and give them additional powers."
"As in?"
Orion sighed, "By natural born abilities I mean physical strength, stamina, speed, endurance, even chakra. By additional powers I mean that the person could gain powers they would never have been able to beforehand."
'Oh great,' thought Naruto sarcastically.
"But, the most important aspect of the crystal is its ability to give the person immortality or new life."
Naruto's eyes widened with statement. "Immortality or new life? Are you sure?"
"Yes, and it is very important that Wotan does not get his hands on the crystal; otherwise he could pretty much be invincible."
Naruto thought for a moment as he processed the information that Orion is giving him. At the same time he is unsure whether to trust Orion. With Madara, Kabuto, and Wotan on the enemy side, Naruto knew the situation isn't good for the Shinobi Alliance. Naruto asked the question on his mind.
"What if he does gain this so-call immortality is there any way to stop him?" questioned Naruto. "Come on, everyone has a weakness, right?"
"You're smarter than you look," stated Orion. This caused Naruto's eyebrow to twitch, but he chose to ignore the insult, for now.
"Yes, there still is a chance," Orion paused, "the Crystal of Power can give power, but can also take it away."
"But, why are you telling me this, what is your reason in fighting Wotan?" asked Naruto.
"That is a long story, but a story that I rather not tell, but I know I must gain your trust," answered Orion as he gathered his thoughts on how to further respond to Naruto's question.
"Secret Black Move: Iron Maiden!"
"Sand Coffin."
"Sandstorm Jutsu!"
"Burning Volley!"
The center of the Village of Suna is nearly unrecognizable. The buildings have been destroyed. Sand litters any nearby buildings that remain intact. A high velocity of winds continues to go through Suna as spots of poison could be seen. Various buildings can be seen on fire as the sand turns into glass. Yelling can be heard as four people continue their battle. The sand siblings Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro continue their hard battle against the mysterious opponent Wotan.
Almost an hour and a half has passed since the attack on the Sand Village began. Since then Suna forces have managed to keep the Akatsuki forces at bay until the arrival of the Shadow Monsters. Afterwards, Gaara had been force to issue a retreat. First the citizens of Suna who were located in the Suna bunker were completely evacuated and were lead to Konoha as a messenger was sent ahead. The evacuation process continues with only a few citizens remaining. The Sand Shinobi has slowly been retreating so that when their Kazekage orders their forces to fully retreat they can exit the village with little effort. Until then the sand siblings continue their battle with Wotan who was slowly gaining the upper hand.
"Damn, fighting Sasori and now this guy is very tiring," said Kankuro trying to catch his breath.
"We have to keep going," stated Gaara as his sand continues to pursue Wotan through the battlefield.
"One Sword Style: Tiger's Claw!" shouted Wotan as he swings his sword causing massive damage to anything below. "Impressive, your sand is quite strong, but I highly doubt it can take another attack.
Gaara managed to create a Sand Shield covering himself and his siblings. The sand is shown to be crumbling after blocking Wotan's attack. Gaara immediately realizes that his control over the sand around him is slowing down. Gaara wonders what type of attack Wotan used that caused his sand to act like this, but he didn't get a chance wonder anymore as Wotan charges toward Gaara. With his sand slower than usual Gaara is forced to dodge the attack. Unfortunately for Gaara, Wotan travels at lightning speed and manages to slash Gaara across his chest. Wotan then grabs Gaara head with his left hand as he prepares to drive his katana into Gaara. However, before Wotan has a chance to give the killing blow, he is forced to block an attack from Kankuro's puppet with his katana. Unable to stab Gaara, Wotan decides to hit Gaara's abdomen with his knee causing Gaara to cough up blood. Kankuro continues to attempt aiding Gaara, but is unable to get a hit on Wotan. Temari continues to watch the battle unable to attack without the risk of hitting Gaara. Wotan then head butts Gaara causing Gaara to reel backwards.
"Fire Breath!" yelled Wotan as flames are produced from his mouth and successfully hit Gaara's upper body. Gaara falls on the ground screaming in pain as the flames continue to burn his skin. Temari immediately tries to aid her brother, but she is stopped by Wotan's next attack.
Wotan aims his hand toward Temari and yells, "Energy Blaster!" A wave of pure energy is shot at Temari who dodges. However, due to the speed of the attack Temari is grazed by it on her right leg. Temari screams in pain as she bleeds from her wound.
Kankuro summons another puppet. With one puppet still trying to get past Wotan's katana, Kankuro launches his newly summon puppet above Wotan with a poison katana drawn. Wotan sees the attack and jumps backwards successfully avoiding the attack. Almost instantly Kankuro launches both puppets to attack Wotan. Meanwhile Temari realizes that Gaara's sand return to normal speed and covered Gaara causing the flames to extinguish as Gaara moves around a bit indicating he is still alive. With Gaara no longer on fire and still with life, Temari turns her attention back to Wotan who continues to battle Kankuro's puppets.
"Damn it, at this rate we won't last much longer," said Temari to herself. "This Wotan guy has to have some sort of weakness." Temari continues to watch Wotan closely. Wotan battles Kankuro's puppets while laughing and swinging his sword and dodging around.
"Damn you!" yelled Kankuro. "Stop running away you coward, stay still and fight."
Temari watches and immediately notices a reaction from Wotan after Kankuro's insult. She notices Wotan beginning to push back. But, she also notices the annoyed reaction he had as well as how his fighting style weaken a bit before he regain his composure. Temari smirk at her discovery.
'He has a big ego. Of course, with all the power he has who wouldn't have a big ego,' thought Temari. 'And just like anyone who is insulted. He reacts angrily. Though his power increases, his fighting style becomes sloppy, though only for a few seconds, but it is an opening since he leaves himself opening during that time.'
Temari gets back to her feet ignoring the pain from her right leg as she begins to run toward Kankuro.
Naruto patiently waited for Orion's answer. A few minutes passed as Naruto started to lose his patience. But before that could happen, Orion finally spoke up.
"Well, like I said just now, I don't have time to tell you the whole story between Wotan and I, but I can tell you a summarize version of it."
"Alright, out with it," said Naruto.
"Calm down," replied Orion. "I should start with the relationship between Wotan and me. Wotan is one of my students many years ago."
Naruto knew this feeling. This also reminded him of Nagato and Jiraiya. Naruto sighs as he continues to listen to Orion.
"We had a good relationship," Orion continues, "everything seemed to be going well until," he pauses, "one day he finds a document regarding Crystal of Power. I always realized that Wotan enjoyed becoming stronger and challenging anyone who came across him. But I also noticed his massive ego and his desires for more power. But I was a fool; I chose to ignore these signs because I thought he would use his power for the protection of the world. Instead, he began to use his powers for far darker reasons. His desire for power is great, but he also noticed that one day he will eventually die. Thus, in an attempt to preserve himself, he wants the Crystal of Power to gain immortality."
"Alright, but why participate in this war? What purpose will this war serve to him?" asked Naruto.
"I'm sure he has a few reasons for that," answered Orion. "His blood lust definitely plays a role as well as his desire to fight and to become stronger after each fight. However, there is a much bigger reason behind his actions."
"What is his reason?" asked Naruto.
"Souls," Orion stated. "The Crystal of Power requires souls to be used."
"It uses souls? Why is it souls?" questioned Naruto.
"There are many views on souls, but from where I come from a soul is nothing but pure energy. In other words, the Crystal of Power requires energy to be activated. This can be done two ways. The first is the person willingly giving the crystal power, which could weaken the person or kill them if they give too much. The second is the crystal absorbing a person's entire soul by force, which definitely kills that person. Of course, the crystal requires many souls."
"How many souls does the crystal need?" asked Naruto.
"It's more of quality than quantity. You see not all souls produce the same amount of energy. Some are stronger than others," responded Orion. "I sense a very powerful soul inside of you."
"Yeah, the Kyuubi," sighed Naruto. "No wonder he took an interest in me."
"Yes, you also seem to have powerful soul with or without the Kyuubi. So, both of you are quite valuable. I'm sure the Kyuubi's soul is worth at least 1000 weaker souls. Yours might be a quarter of that."
"What a minute, if Wotan wants the Kyuubi's soul what would that do to Madara's plan," inquired Naruto.
"Good question. I'm sure that their plans conflict with each other. If Wotan uses the Kyuubi's soul then Madara wouldn't be able to use the fox. If Madara uses the Kyuubi, then it will be useless to Wotan. I suspect that Wotan hasn't told Madara the whole truth."
"Wait, how do you know of Madara's plan?" asked Naruto.
"Simple I've been keeping track of the events before this war began," answered Orion.
"This is a lot to take in, but you what is your purpose? And you mention yourself as if you are a Daimyo. Are you one?" asked Naruto. Naruto wasn't sure to trust Orion, but he had a feeling he should try.
Orion turns toward Naruto's window and looks at the moon. He returns his gaze back to Naruto as he spoke.
"Yes, you can say that I'm a former Daimyo. But I have to undo the wrongs I did," said Orion in a sad tone. "I've done so much in my past, so many mistakes. Wotan is one of those mistakes. Like I told you before, he was my apprentice. I told him to enjoy power. I told him to use his powers for absolute justice. But his sense of justice is incorrect. Actually, my sense of justice was wrong as well at that time. I ruled with an iron fist. I thought justice was complete control of the population where the law is to be followed to every word. I used to think that fate drove us and must be followed and that those with power should have complete control over the weak. It wasn't until a certain event in my life and Wotan's betrayal that I realized my view of justice was wrong. I am such a fool to believe people could be controlled with power and stature." Orion expression shows a mixture of sadness and regret as he recalls his last meeting with Wotan.
Flashback
"Is there something you need Wotan?" asked a younger Orion as he watches the sunset.
"My lord why are you acting like this?" asked Wotan. "Ever since that day, you've changed for the worse."
"Wotan, yes I have changed, but I do not believe I changed for the worse," responded Orion.
"W-What! How can you say that? For years you've taught me and the others to follow absolute justice. How can you change your mind all of a sudden! After all these years, why change!" Wotan waited for an answer, but Orion simply stood there without a word. "Damn it Orion! ANSWER ME!"
"You forget your place Wotan, I am still your king, your lord, speak to me with respect," responded Orion in a surprisingly calm tone. "They didn't have to die."
"Is this about your family?" asked Wotan.
"Yes it is," answered Orion.
"I knew this was going to backfire," said Wotan. "You told us years ago to never have a family because it could make our jobs harder. Then you met that woman and have three children."
"Sometimes destiny wants to show you a new way of life. I'm glad it did because now I understand what it truly means to be loved. I never had parents. I was an orphan. But Selene changed my life. She showed me the true path of justice. I now realize my original view is incorrect and I must fix the damage I've done."
"You must be joking," said Wotan in a frustrated tone. "You let one woman change your views, how could you? Has my entire life been a lie? You've raised me since I was a child and you've taught me to uphold the law without emotion. Yet here you are letting your emotions get the better of you."
"Wotan," replied Orion, "you just don't understand that sometimes there is more than just the law. What I taught you hasn't been completely true. I realize that now. Upholding the law is needed, but to truly protect the people of this land it requires more than a rule of an iron fist, but to rule with compassion and love. I always knew that should have been the method to rule, but I was afraid. I was afraid to give my love to the people only for it to be crushed by betrayal."
Wotan continues to look at Orion in disgust. He couldn't believe that his master who believed in power and fame could become someone as weak as he is.
"You've become weak Orion," said Wotan. "Ever since that man killed your wife, son, and daughter you've been in this damn mood and you having done shit since then."
Orion sighs as he gathers his thoughts. "I've simply been thinking about the recent events."
"That's it. You simply thought. What about revenge against the man who killed your family? Are you going to let him go like nothing?" At this point Wotan is fuming. Not only did Orion change, but he wouldn't take any action against his family murder. Orion would have done something before, but now it seemed so different.
"It's my fault," replied Orion. "If I had realized my ways were incorrect sooner, then my family would have never been killed. This rebellion started because of my mistakes. I've paid the price, but I still have one daughter left. I'll make sure to protect her at all cost."
"What? What about your rule? Are you going to abandon everything just for a single useless child?"
Orion could no longer take Wotan's criticizing of his family. He immediately grabs Wotan by his shirt and pushes him to a nearby wall. "You need to open your eyes Wotan as do the rest of my apprentices! It took me the loss of my family just to realize the path I choose has been wrong! I'm trying to save you now," said Orion as he calms down. "You need to understand that power isn't everything. It never has been and never will. That is what this rebellion has taught me. There is still time to fix this. My time as ruler has ended, but there are many others who can do a much better job than me. I'm asking you to come with me. To help me right the wrongs I did in my past." Orion let Wotan go as Wotan fell onto the ground. Orion extends his hand to Wotan offering a chance to go with him. "What do you say?"
Wotan looks at Orion then looks at his hand. Wotan slaps Orion's hand away. "You old fool!" shouted Orion. "You really have changed beyond the person you once were. Damn old timer. I refuse to follow someone as weak as you. I will become stronger and show you true power. And I will use this power to conquer all."
Orion gazes at Wotan and understands that Wotan is beyond help and has too deep in darkness to pull out. "I feel sorry for you Wotan. You will live a lonely life. But mark my words if you continue this path you will die one day. Death will claim you whether it is by hands or someone else's."
Wotan becomes quite upset with Orion's speech. "Old timer, do you think I will die that easily. I will defy death. I will achieve immortality by the Crystal of Power!"
Orion's eyes widen as Wotan begins to slowly fall back. "H-How do you know about the crystal?"
"Did you think I wasn't watching you closely? I knew of your research and I know what the crystal can do. Thanks to you, I've found a way to rule for all eternity."
Realizing the dangers Wotan can do, Orion begins to summon his seals and prepares for battle. "I have no choice now," Orion paused, "You've become too dangers and out of control. I must kill you. Your death will secure the safety of the land. I'm sorry it came to this." A tear runs down Orion's cheek. "I will always love you like a son."
Orion strikes at Wotan who dodges the attack. Wotan immediately begins to run away. Orion chases after him.
"Sorry old timer, but I can't afford to die here. I know I'm not strong enough to kill you yet." Wotan begins to summon fire in his hand. "One day I will achieve true power. Now I will show you the weakness of love. Fire Shot!" Wotan shots a ball of flame to a nearby room. "Now what would you choose? Will you chase me or save your last child? Hahahahaha."
Wotan breaks through a nearby windows and runs away. Orion ignores him and runs straight to the ablaze room. He breaks in as the fire spreads quickly. Orion runs to a nearby crib. He picks up a small baby girl and runs out a nearby window. He checks to see if the child had been harmed in anyway and relief flows through him as he realizes the child is unharmed.
"Thalia, my little girl, don't cry," said Orion as he rubs the crying Thalia's cheek. "I'll make sure no harm comes to you. I will find a way to fix my mistakes, I promise you." Orion turns and looks at the burning building. "Wotan, what have I done to you? What have I made you into?"
Flashback Ends
"Um, hello, are you still in there?" asked Naruto trying to gain Orion's attention.
"Huh, oh, sorry about that, just a memory about my past," replied Orion.
Naruto could easily see the sadness in Orion's eyes as well as regret. It is at this moment that Naruto knew he could trust Orion. He knew Orion is telling him the truth.
"Alright, I trust you," said Naruto. "What do you plan to do about Wotan?"
"Wotan has become much stronger. I might not be able to defeat him alone anymore. I'll need your help." Orion looks at Naruto and sees a small amount of fear. "Your last encounter with Wotan seems to have left a scar in her heart. You're afraid of him, aren't you?"
Naruto's expression change into one of fear, but it disappears just as fast as it came. "What are you talking about?"
"It's alright Naruto. Many fear Wotan, especially with the army he has gained."
"By the way, what the hell are those monsters?"
Orion sighs, "Those are the Shadow Monsters. They are a race of powerful creatures born in complete darkness. Only people whose hearts are corrupted can control these monsters. They feed on the negative emotions and fear of people. The Shadow Monsters that you've seen in that cave are only a few of the many types. This is an army not be taken lightly. Nonetheless, I want to talk to about something Naruto."
"What will that be?" inquired Naruto.
'Do you understand?" Temari asks Kankuro. Temari told Kankuro about Wotan's ego.
"Yeah, use his ego against him," replied Kankuro.
"What the hell you are two whispering about?" asked Wotan as he stood across the two sand siblings impatiently waiting for them to make a move. "Come on, ever since I took the Kazekage down, all you two have been doing is dodging my attacks. This is getting boring."
Kankuro smirks, "What's wrong? Are you in a rush to lose? Someone like you will never achieve anything."
Wotan simply looks at Kankuro before he spoke. "You fuck. 'I will never achiever anything' how dare you, say such as thing. I will not be degraded by inferior beings such as you. I am invincible and you all will become my slaves. I have true power and all shall bow before me!"
Wotan unleashes a massive amount of flames around and launches toward Temari and Kankuro. The sand siblings prepare themselves for another round of fighting.
A/N: Well Chapter 11 is done. I hope everyone enjoyed the story. Please review.