Hey everyone. How's it going? Pretty good on myside. Hoping you all enjoyed the last chapter. Well I actually didn't procrastinate on this one to much. Had lots of spare time recently so. Well I don't have much to say. Thanks for everyone who's reviewing. Appreciate it. Well without further-a-do. Lets get this story on the road. Oh yea. If anyone has questions and/or suggestions. Do let me know.
( Mi'hean Highroads )
Every so often the white haired man periodically turns his head. Jiraiya memorizes his surroundings as he leaps through the dirt trail in flashes. Using some ruined buildings as trees to leap off of. 'I miss the trees back in Fire Country. Never was one for traveling on the ground.' Small bursts of speed allow Jiraiya to be nothing, but a small flash to the travelers along the Mi'hean Highroad.
As Jiraiya travels further down the dirt trail travelers begin to shift how they travel. Well more of a drastic change to him. Once travelers smiling and enjoying the trail are now panicing, screaming, and all of the sorts. 'What's up with them? I doubt this is common scene.' Coming to a halt Jiraiya shouts to a random man who's fleeing toward him. "Hey, what's going on up ahead?!"
"Fiend! The fiend is back!" The paniced man rushes pass Jiraiya with his arms wildly in the air. Jiraiya follows him with his eyes before looking back forward with a quirked eyebrow.
"Well...so much for that." Jiraiya kicks off the dirt filled trail covering gaps of distance. All along shouts of 'fiend' repeat themselves as he continues along. Periodically he hears something about the yellow bird, Chocobos, that he learned about on the boat trip. Upon his third kick off from the dirt trail he reaches the Mi'hean Highroad's inn. 'Well...I don't think this is an everyday occurance.'
Upon his arrive to the inn. He notices travelers have fled the zone, but a small group appears to be in combat with the monster known as a 'fiend'. Remaining on the sideline Jiraiya analyzes the situation. He notices the fiend is a towering height to the human males. Jiraiya quickly assumes with the fiend's physical body make up. It excels in strength. With that analysis he turns his gaze toward the people fighting the fiend. 'Three close combat personal and three range supporters. Two sword specialists and a spear specialists.' Shifting his eyes to gain a better view of the range fighters he predicts their occupation to the best of what he knows.
'I'm guessing the young woman in white is the medic of the group. Seeing as how she's supporting everyone else and not fighting. I'm assuming the woman in black is calling upon..techniques..I'm guessing she's the ninjutsu-like specialist, and lastly appears the orange haired man is the long ranged fighter with that spherical weapon.' Shifting his eyes toward the fiend he notices the close combat fighter weapons are having little effect. Except the man in red wielding a large broad sword. 'Seems like the fiend has stone-like skin. Will need a heavy weapon with force to puncture through. Which I don't have. Seems I'll have to work with jutsus for this.'
Upon his analysis he notices the large fiend hesitating toward the fire elements the woman in black is casting. With a grin an idea springs to his mind. 'Time to take one from the Old Man's book.' His grin widens further up with another idea. 'Of course with a Jiraiya twist to it.' Jiraiya spots an opening as all the close-combat fighters dart back as the woman in black casts a stronger flame element toward the fiend. The fiend taking a few steps back hesitating more than the first few times. 'Now!'
"Get back!" Quickly rushing through hand signs Jiraiya shouts out with fierce. "Earth Element, Moving Land River!" Instantly mud water sprounts from the ground flooding toward the fiend sweeping him away. Rushing through another set of hand signs Jiraya bellows out another technique. "Earth Element, Earth Dragon Missle!" Jiraiya rushes through a third set of hand seals as the mud water forms into a dragon's head at the base of the water. Opening its mouth mud sprews out toward the fiend swept from the muddy flood. "Fire Element, Fire Dragon Missle!" Jiraiya finishes with his hand signs as they remain in the tora seal. Taking a deep breath Jiraiya sprews forth fierce flames covering the mud bullets hurling toward the fiend.
With a loud clash the fiend is engulfed in fierce flames as the fiend bellows in pain upon the earth and flames scorching his skin. Moving his hands out of the tora seal the mud river and earth dragon begin to fade into the earth. Darting forward Jiraiya pulls his right hand back as blue wind begins to swirl into his palm. Jumping to the side Jiraiya positions himself behind the fiend as he covers the rest of the distance with a dash. Thrusting his right palm forward he shouts out his final move. "Rasengan!"
Rasengan contacts into the flames as the wind ignites the flames into the skies. The flame roars fiercely swirling the fiend devouring the monster ravishly. Forcing the Rasengan further the force rockets the sphere of flame with the beast forward. "You in the red! Finish him off!" Said man in red slides his left foot against the mixed landscape of grass and dirt. His hands firmly grasp the hilt of his large broad sword. He motions his sword's hilt near his head while the blade directing toward the sphere of flame.
Kicking off from the ground he shifts his broad sword across his body, dragging the tip against the ground. Meters away from the ball of flame his grip tightens onto the handle as he calculates the timing. Using his body weight for added strength the man slashes toward the ball of flames. Striking the sphere in an angle forcing the ball of flames to alter its course into the blue sky. Casting his gaze into the blue sky with the sphere of flame the man in red leaps into the sky. His red cloak flapping into the wind as he ascends slightly higher than the sphere. Grunting the man in red slashes downwards hurling the sphere back into the earth.
Upon inpact flames sprew surrounding the crater as the bubble like substances glisten into the heavens. Gazing as they ascend into the heavens Jiraiya gazes with a blank expression. 'That's unusual.' With a sigh the hermit scratches the back of his head. 'Of course this is another dimension. Of course there would be unusual things. Way to state the obvious, genious.' Jiraiya moves his hand back down to his side as the group of warriors pace toward him with their weapons held non-threatenly. Although Jiraiya remains cautious with his kunais hidden in his sleeves to fly.
The man in red approaches Jiraiya ahead of the group. Nodding his head toward Jiraiya he begins to speak. "Your assistance was appreciated by all of us. We owe you our thanks." He bows toward Jiraiya as his companions join him except for the dirty blond who smiles toward Jiraiya. He also notices the blue humaniod beast nodding slightly in his direction instead of bowing. He assumes it is his way of gratitude. Although he only assumes since he isn't aware of their cultures here. Jiraiya isn't to bother by him being a beast. After all when you've fought a man who has the features of a shark weilding a large broad sword and water techniques. You tend to ignore the beastial features and put your attention onto the sword swinging at you.
Motion his hand dismissively, Jiraiya shakes his head with little expression on his face. "You need not worry about gratitude of the likes. I just did the right thing to do. Formalities aren't my thing anyways. Anyone mind explaining to me what happened?" Crossing his arms infront of his broad chest he arches an eyebrow curiously at the group.
Shuffling reaches his ear as his eyes slide toward a female teen in the white dress. Relaxing at her body features he notices she means no harm in anyway. Even then he had analyzed their skills in the fight before joining in. Knowing she has little to no offense capablities his posture relaxes slightly. Though still tense for her companions if something goes wrong.
Placing her clamped hands near her legs she speaks softly toward Jiraiya. "That fiend had shown while we were nearing the inn. It appeared the fiend had been terrorizing the travelers of this inn. We decided to aid the travelers in their time of trouble by fending off the fiend. We had some trouble, but thanks to you we were able to defeat it once and for all. Again I must express my gratitude." Bowing mid level she expresses her thanks again to the white haired man.
"Don't worry about it." Releasing his crossed arm he places his left on his hip. "Well if that's all then I need to head out. I have to carry about my business. Have a blond idiot of an apprentice to find." Before turning to leave he notices the woman in black taking a step forward to speak. As Jiraiya turns his head toward the woman his eyes widen at the sight. Never before has he seen such an exotic beauty as this woman infront of him. Holding her stance with pride with what appears to be an attitude of one with wisdom and doesn't take crap from anyone. Though he could do without that last one if he wants to flirt with her.
Clearing his throat his expression changes to a charming as he gazes toward the black haired beauty. His left hand on his hip with his right cupping his chin. Arching his eyebrow toward the woman with an attempt to charm. "Yes, is there something you'd like to say?"
Wrapping her arms under her bust the woman doesn't notice is bizzare attempts to 'charm' her. "Yes, I have a question if I may?" Receiving a nod and some statement about listening to a gentleman always listening to a woman, or something of the sort. She asks her question to the white haired man. "That final technique that you had used. I've seen it before. If I recall it is called the 'Rasengan', correct?"
Jiraiya quickly tosses all attempts to charm the woman on hold as he resumes his business stance. "Yes, that was as a technique called the Rasengan. However I'd like to ask you a question now. There are only three people who know how to use that technique. One being my apprentice, and the other is not among the living." Of course there are four people if you count everyone who is able to perform the technique. One is no longer among the living, the second is not within this dimention, third is himself, and lastly is the idiot of an apprentice who is lost in this dimension. "Where have you heard or seen this technique?"
Un-phased by his sudden change in attitude she continues on the coversation. "Someone we met was able to perform the technique. However he claimed to of not been from this world. Seeing you know the same technique are you from this world or another?"
Jiraiya mentally sighs, 'I knew I should of been harder on subtility with the idiot. He's in dimension he has no idea about, and he's off prancing around saying he's from another dimension. Idiot.' With a small slow nod he continues, "Yes, I am." He notices everyone in the woman's group now staring at him more intently, curiously. "I assume the person you met has blond hair, blue eyes, three whisker marks on both of his cheeks, and is an idiot?"
"Naruto?" Angling his head toward the woman in white he nods his head toward her. "You've just described him, and you said you're searching for your apprentice. Does that mean he's your pupil?" Again she is answered with a nod. "Perhaps, we should stay a night at the inn. I believe there are some changes that you should know that occured to Naruto."
'Changes? The hell. Did the seal alter his gentics or something? How would they of even known what he looked like before he arrived here if that happened? Does that mean he changed while they had met? Damn, giving me a migraine and you aren't even here.'
"What changes are you talking about?"
"Perhaps we should go inside the inn to continue our conversation, ya?" Voiced out the orange haired man in a odd accent toward Jiraiya. His accent reminds him of the more civilians living near the ocean waters back in the Elemental Nations. "The owner of the inn is inside. I'm sure there is a room available for you tonight, ya."
Turning his head toward the vercinty of the inn, Jiraiya lets out a small sigh as he looks back toward the group. 'This will give Naruto further distance away from me, but information is golden here. Besides if he has gone through some changes I need to know what.' Nodding his head at the group his stance looses to a friendly gesture. "Alright, then. Lets head inside to continue our conversation." Sheepishly smiling slightly, Jiraiya rubs the back of his head. "Sorry, but I forgot to introduce myself." 'Perhaps I should hold off on my dance. I don't think I have enough reputation for it to be successful, and I doubt they'd want to talk to me further afterwards.' Mentally nodding to himself he continues his introduction. "I am Jiraiya, the Toad Hermit."
The man in red introductions himself to Jiraiya first from the group. "Auron." Nodding in confirmation he looks toward the female teenager. "I am Summoner Yuna." Jiraiya waves her off as she does some bizzare jester toward the hermit. Telling the young woman he'd rather do without the formalities. Shifting his head toward the other direction he gets a thumbs up from the orange haired man. "Wakka, ya." Next to the man known as Wakka. Jiraiya notices a male teenager next to him. Smiling brightly he waves his hand toward him. "Heya, I'm Tidus." Tidus points behind him with his thumb. "That's Kimahri. He doesn't talk much." Jiraiya nods as he recalls not hearing a peep from the blue beast the whole conversation.
Lastly he notices the exotic woman toward the group's right. Her arms hugging herself under her ample bust. Shifting into his charming mood he mysteriously glides toward the woman with his chin cupped. "May I trouble one beauty such as youself, for your humble name?" Tidus in the background catwhistles as Yuna looks between everyone present repeatly with a small blush on her face.
As the beauty tilts her head to the side slightly her body features remain unchanged toward the man's advances. "My name is Lulu." A ghastly smirk forms at the corner of her lustious violet lips. Slightly entertained by the man's futile attempts to charm her. Though perhaps she'd best end his attempts before they begin. If this man is truely from another dimension and is Naruto's teacher. Than both parties shall need to be focused on their conversation and not playing child games. "Your attempts to charm will be futile. It would be best to place such games aside while we converse."
Wakka winches with a low-tone whistle as Tidus lets out an 'ouch' from Lulu's shut out. Yuna remains slightly puzzled, yet understands what had happened between the two elders. Lulu had crushed the man known as Jiraiya. Yuna looks toward him with a facial expression of concern.
Jiraya smiles as he stands with his arms crossed infront of his chest. Yet if you could see inside his mind, you'd find a crying chibi Jiraiya growing mushrooms in a dark corner of his mind. 'Ouch...of all my failed attempts. This one has had to be one of the most brutal. Perhaps second only to Tsunade due to her near death-like beatings.' "You are correct. We should place such games aside while we converse. Just don't assume I have given up with that. You'll find I am more resilient than that."
Lulu ignores his smirking face as she lets out a small hmph, "So be it than. Let us be on our way inside now." Coldly turning her shoulder to the advancing man the black haired beauty paces toward the inn ahead of the group. Lulu is followed by Auron, Yuna, Kimahri, and Wakka as Tidus stays behind with Jiraiya.
Tidus stands next to Jiraiya with a large smirk on his face. Peering toward the blond teenager Jiraiya ponders what the kid wants. "Sorry kid, but I don't swing that way if you know what I mean. So mind the distance a bit."
Growling Tidus bites back at Jiraiya, "Here I was going to offer some comfort to a man who's heart was broken, so much for offering some help." Tidus smirks as he pats Jiraiya on his shoulder. "She didn't let you down. She crushed you, man. I feel sorry for you."
'Who the hell does this kid thing he is? I, Jiraiya the Super Pervert being crushed?' Motioning his arm he swats Tidus's hand away annoyed. "Listen kid. I don't know who you're kidding, but Jiraiya doesn't get crushed that easy my boy. Oh no it's going to take a lot more than that to bring down this man!" Posing with his chest out he quickly turns his head toward the dirty blond teenager with a smug grin. "Besides, I shall the looks you were giving that brown haired beauty. Her name was Yuna if I recall, correct? Tried to make a move on her have you?"
"What?! No way! Yuna is different from the others!" Thrusting his arm forward he points toward the grown man. "Besides I don't go around openly flirting with women like some pervert! Besides you're like twice her age! You could possibly pass as her father or something!"
Setting his back straight his smug grin never leaves his face. "Exactly my boy! One's ages doesn't matter when it comes love! All that matter is the looks!" Jiraiya points out toward the sky as two clouds of smoke exhaust from his nose." Looking back at Tidus he continues his bizzare ranting. "Let me tell you. That Lulu chick has all the looks! Her piercing red eyes, such pure snow skin, lustious violet lips, and the figure of a goddess!" In a flash blood oozes out of his nose as the pervert feriously scribbles down in a new purpe covered book.
Tidus scowls at the open pervert. Kicking a pebble on the ground he mumbles about old fart perverts while storming off inside the inn. Raising an eyebrow at the dirty blond, Jiraiya places his book back inside his clothing. 'If that kid was more energetic, wasn't a bit of a pervert himself, and was more of an idiot. I think he could easily pass as Naruto.' With a sigh Jiraiya starts off toward the inn. 'God forbid we don't need another Naruto running around. One is enough to make my white hair go gray.'
( Mushroom Rock )
Ocean blue water meets the white sandy beach with a crushing sound. Echoing for all to hear. Two teenagers remain gazing into each others eyes. Blue of purest form interwinding with a dull lifeless red. Naruto and Paine remain motionless as their gazes never alter from each other. With the passing of a pause Paine's body lowers as her gaze breaks off toward the side. "Even though you look different. Those whiskers on your cheek prove you're Naruto." Plastering on a lifeless smile she looks at Naruto. "How are you?"
People always refer to him as the dead last, the idiot, and the know-nothing person, but he was always gifted in understanding people. Being able to read them with little difficultly than the rest. Although right now. He knows that hidious smile is fake. That disgusting smile that he saw everyday in the mirrior before he was able to meet Iruka. Naruto is a kind-hearted person. He doesn't like seeing people hurt in any sort of way. Even if they are the enemy. He doesn't know where he learned it from. His past was a horrible experience, so how was it he turned out to be a kind-hearted person?
Naruto cuts off his thoughts as his lips curl into a comforting smile. It wasn't his happy smile, nor was it goofy smile. It was comforting. "I'm doing well. As you can see. I've gone through a few changes." With a soft chuckle he attempts to spare some light into her eyes.
Paine adverts her gaze toward an interesting rock with various shades of brown. "I can tell, but to be honest..I much prefer you in your orange outfit. Solid black..doesn't suit you..atleast in my opinion." Twisting her neck she glances back toward the blond with her disgusting fake smile.
"I know right?! Orange is such a much better color than this! I mean orange is the greatest color ever, yet everyone is always telling me. 'No, you shouldn't wear orange', 'Orange doesn't make a good ninja', or 'Orange is a stupid color'. Orange isn't that bad! It's great!" Naruto's sudden enthusiastic rant shocks Paine as she ever so slightly chuckles at the blond haired ninja.
Paine distinctly picks up sounds of another female person laughing in the direction of Naruto. Naruto's rants and motions cover the distance behind his figure. Leaning toward her side on the rock she notices the female laughing. Her fiery red hair demands attention as she tosses her first glances followed by her red and black clothing.
Noticing Naruto gazing at her out the corner of her eye she notices his grin before facing toward the female further behind him. He calls out to the fiery red head as she is unable to hear her name from her slight trance. Paine straightens out her back as the two companions bicker at each other. Soft giggles to herself she notices the red head coming to a victory as she smirks while Naruto lets out a deep sigh.
Hunching his back slightly in a lazy fashion he points toward the fiery red head next to him. "This is my friend, Amberly Dincht." Straightening out his back with a smile he directs his hand now pointing toward Paine. "Idiot, this is my friend, Paine." Instantly pain assaults his arm from a hard smack from Amber. Nursing his arm he notices she's looking innocently at Paine who's baring a smile.
Amber waves her hand toward the female on the rock. "Hey, nice to meet'cha! As the idiot said, my name is Amberly Dincht, but I would prefer if you call me, Amber." Cracking a toothy grin she coos as Naruto continues to nurse his pain filled arm.
With the escape of another soft giggle she gazes at the antics of the two friends. Smiling ever so softly. This smile dwindling with a small light of life within her crimson eyes. "It is a pleasure, Amber. I'm Paine as Naruto stated. I am guessing you two are traveling together?"
"Yup! Without me the idiot would be lost in this big scary world!" Amber pats Naruto on the back with firm smacks. "I have to baby sit the kid!"
Paine smiles as Naruto retaliates with a booming voice into Amber's ear. Only for her to counter with another smack on his arm causing him to nurse his hurt arm once again. Even if they bicker quite abit she notices they are enjoying their company with small smiles every second the two teenagers bicker. Paine decides to let both of them have their fun as she swirls on the rock gazing out into the setting sun. Orange interwind with yellow radiate far off from the horizon emitting a beautiful scenery. Paine is lost in a trance to such a beautiful scenery. Far to deep into her trance as Naruto and Amber approach the tranced female at both of her sides.
Amber gazes in awe as the radiating lights reflect off her light hazel eyes. With a cooling breeze breezing through the three teenagers, Amber breaks the silence with a soft voice. "It's beautiful."
Nodding in responce even though Amber is unable to see him he responds with his voice slightly above a whisper gazing into the sunset. "Isn't it? I've seen many sunsets...yet not one is ever the same."
"And tomorrow...this place will be drenched with blood."
Amber and Naruto stiffen their bodies as their necks snap toward Paine. "What are you talking about? Why would this place become drenched in blood? What's going to happen tomorrow?" Amber remains silent as Naruto questions Paine multipul times.
Dull red eyes stare into the setting sun. Unable to tear away from such an exotic scenery in the horizon. "Tomorrow..there is going to be a meaningless slaughter. The Al-bhed and Crusaders have decided to unite together to attempt to defeat sin. Even though their goal is honorable...Sin will without a doubt..slaughter them all, yet the Maesters do nothing about it."
"No way!" Bursts out the fiery red haired teenager. "I can understand with what you mean about their goal, but are they really going to attempt to defeat Sin? Are they planning on using Machina? There's no way they would win! Why would the Maesters even allow such a thing?! That can't be true!"
Naruto remains speechless in the conversation, unknowning what his friends are conversing about. Paine flexes her legs near her body as she swirls off the rock with a small leap. "It's getting late. If you two don't have a place to sleep, I was able to find a small cove isolated from the rest of the Crusaders. There is plenty of room...as my roommates have...gone away for awhile."
Amber crosses her arms on her chest with an approving grunt. "Alright, but we're going to continue this coversation when we get there. Something isn't right about all this." Paine motions her head in confirmation as she heads off infront of the blond and red head teenagers. Amber grunts to no one in particular, "I don't like this, Naruto. I don't know about you, but I want to find out what's wrong before we continue on. You may go on without me tomorrow morning, but I will probably stick around to see what the Maesters are thinking."
Placing his hands behind his head, Naruto leans back looking up into the dark red sky. "I don't really know what a Maester is. Just that they are supposedly some big shot noble people in a religion or something." Naruto lowers his hands as his right thrusts out with his thumb up. Giving Amber a 'nice-guy' pose. "Don't worry about it. I'll stick around if you do. If there really is going to be a battle against Sin, I am going to do my best to avoid another disaster like Kilika."
Amber tilts her head toward her left side with a thankful smile on her face. Naruto returns the smile before he looks toward the ground with a raspberry face. "Can't leave an idiot all by herself anyways. No telling what kind of trouble she'd get in." Naruto stiffens his body preparing for a smack on his arm that never came. Looking back up he notices Amber looking at him with an unchanged face.
"You're right. You can't leave an idiot all by herself. You need another idiot with her so they can keep an eye on each other. An idiot doesn't get along with a genious, but with another idiot they can understand each other better." Naruto smiles brightly as Amber's wides at his nice smile. Amber lets out a small sigh, yet her smile never fades. "Great, now Paine might be angry at us for keeping her waiting. Lets hurry up, idiot."
"Sure thing, idiot." Nodding toward the light hazel eyed girl he notices her turning around to follow in Paine's direction. Gazing toward her back, Naruto follows after Amber with a smile never fading from his lips.
"Hey, idiot."
Naruto motions his head toward the side as he gazes into Amber, "Yea?"
"Thanks."
Widening his smile he nods even if she can't see his figure. "Anytime." Halting the blond twists his upper body to look back into the now dark sky. His blue eyes gaze into the moon as it rises into the sky. 'The moon is going to be a good distance away at it's pace.' He notices the moon reflecting light onto the earth as it glows a dull yellow in the star filled sky. Losing himself in a trance the moon reflects in his eyes. Blue mixing with the dull yellow light reflecting from the moon.
"Hey idiot! Lets go!"
Cracking a grin he looks back at Amber who's waving with a smile toward him. "Ah, sorry about that. I sorta got lost on the road of life." Naruto looks shocked before he bursts into a booming laughter. Amber stops waving with a raised eyebrow. "Ah-haha sorry, but..Ah-haha..I just remember something my squad leader would do everytime he was late." Naruto continues to snicker as he approaches Amber who continues to gaze at him. 'Haha, perhaps that's why he says he gets lost on the road of life. Though perhaps he doesn't gaze at the moon, but at something else. I'll have to ask him when I get back.'
Amber shrugs as both teens continue on their path as they spot Paine waiting for them while tapping her foot. Both teenagers smile sheepishly as they approach the gray haired teenager. Radiating against their backs is the bright yellow moon in the night sky, yet if an astronomer were to look into the star filled sky. He would notice the Cetus constellation engulfing neighboring stars in the night sky.
( Mi'hean Highroad Inn )
"Alright, so you mean to tell me that..when you all were in Luca, Blitzball stadium. There was a mass swarm of..fiends..causing mass chaos to all the civilians, but what really strikes odd is how they got in unnoticed in such a large swarm?" Jiraiya receives comfirmation from Wakka as he continues on. "However before the battle everyone was split into groups, but during mid-fight, everyone except Naruto and..Auron.." A nod confirms Jiraiya's unspoken question. "were able to come together. During that battle however." Jiraiya points toward Yuna. "You were ambushed by fiends, and everyone was preoccupied to give assistance."
"Well..Lulu was able to destroy one of them, but.." Yuna's expression lowers as she recalls the battle within Luca stadium. "I wasn't strong enough to defend myself." Gently the light brown haired teenager grasps the clothing on her chest with a disappointed expression.
Jiraiya gazes toward her before shrugging. "Yea probably, but you know what." Yuna snaps her head toward Jiraiya with a curious expression. "Get over it. If you weren't strong enough then get stronger. Don't mope about it or it will happen again. That's my advice for you." Yuna stares at Jiraiya with confusion as she had expected something more...soothing?
"However Naruto was able to arrive at your most time of need and used the Rasengan to destroy the fiend." Receiving a nod from Lulu, Jiraiya crosses his arms infront of his chest as he leans back in his chair. "That part I understand completely. However the next bit of information is puzzling. Obviously his transformation was triggered from the daggers he was given to combat with." Jiraiya shifts his gaze toward the orange haired man, Wakka. "From what I've heard. You are the one who gave Naruto those daggers. Do you happen to know about them?"
Motioning his head no, he responds toward the white haired ninja. "No, I got no idea what they are. Chappu was the one who found them. I don't know where he got them, or what they are, ya." Wakka rubs the back of his neck as Jiraiya questions about asking Chappu for information. "My brudda Chappu, he's no longer with us."
Jiraiya shuts his eyes as he slightly leans his head down toward his chest in thought. 'Well this just got more complicated. First, it would seem the Fourth's seal is still intact and functioning. Though for how long, I don't know. Second, it would appear those dagger weapons have caused a change in Naruto, yet the person who knows about them is no longer among us. Damn, going to have to do this the old fashion way and actually DO research.'
A sound of someone shifting from their postion shatters Jiraiya's train of thought as he looks over lazily. Wakka stretches onto his feet as he lets out a slight yawn. "Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm gonna head to my room to sleep, ya." Few other members of their group react in the same manner as Wakka after his yawn.
Tidus nods toward Wakka stretching his arms behind his head. "Yea, that battle earlier totally wiped me out. I'm going to crash in early today." Tidus places his left hand on his hip as his right rubs the back of his dirty blond hair. "Hey, who's room am I sleeping in, Wakka's?" Receiving a nod from Lulu he lets out a deep sigh. "Alright, just don't snore so freakin loud, man. No one will be able to sleep if you do." Tidus steps off toward their room to sleep as Wakka follows after arguing with the teenager.
Jiraiya notices the the blue beast of a man gone from the room. Auron leans off a nearby wall as he takes a few steps forward toward the hallway. "I myself am in need of rest. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." Nodding toward Jiraiya he receives one in-return before he disappears into the hall.
Lulu slowly shifts her chair back as she stands to her feet. Her hair beads making soft bell sounds as they touch. "It would appear everyone has turned in for the night. I too wish to join them in a good night's rest." Lulu gazes toward Yuna with soft eyes. "Perhaps it is time for us to get some rest as well. Shall you accompany me toward our room?"
Yuna's soft expressing lingers at Lulu's soft gaze before she lears over toward Jiraiya earning a raised eyebrow from him. "I'll join you in a moment. I would like to have a word with Sir Jiraiya if possible." Jiraiya gazes at the young girl wondering how in the world he got the title of Sir. It is something he doesn't like. He's already old,and doesn't need a title that makes him feel even older such as Sir.
Lulu gazes silently toward Yuna causing her to shift uncomfortably from the stare. "Very well. Do not stay up to late. I shall expect you within our room before I am asleep. We will need plenty of rest for our travels tomorrow." Receiving a nod from Yuna, Lulu adverts her gaze toward the white haired man. "Good night." Jiraiya motions his head toward her, as she advances into the hallway for the night.
Jiraiya lets out a small sigh as he looks toward Yuna, "Well what did you wish to talk about? I know I'm dashingly good looking, but you're to young for me. Perhaps in a few more years we'll talk." Jiraiya grins perverted toward Yuna perfecting her older self in his mind. Jiraiya chuckles as Yuna begins to stutter before shaking her head quickly spouting out nonsense. "I am only teasing you. Don't worry yourself to much. Now on to business, so what did you really want to talk to me about?"
Yuna sets herself in her seat as Jiraiya paces over to lean on a nearby wall. "Um..you were Naruto's teacher am I right? So you know many things about him, right?" Jiraiya nods toward her as he raises an eyebrow at her mumbling out an 'Uh huh.' Yuna fidgets in her seat as she places a finger near her chin while looking down at her lap. "Well..we didn't mention it, but..When we were leaving Luca..I had to make a choice.."
Jiraiya mentally sighs at her beating around the bush. He inwardly notes to himself this girl is very similar to the older Hyuga heiress sibling. "Well, I had to choose if I made Naruto my guardian, or..Sir Auron. I couldn't choose, and I am afraid I may of hurt Naruto's feelings; but now I want him to be my guardian. Though I don't know if he would want to let alone be friends with me."
Jiraiya lets out a soft laugh earning a confused look from the young teenager. Jiraiya waves his hand dismissively at the light brown haired woman in her seat. "You shouldn't worry yourself about it anymore. Out of everyone he knows; I've known him for the fourth longest in his life. I can positively say, he holds no grudge against you what-so-ever." Jiraiya smiles slightly toward the young woman. "He has never held a grudge against anyone." Jiraiya has a mental image of Orochimaru and his sinister smirk. "Well..only one person.."
Yuna gazes toward Jiraiya with questioning eyes, "You really think he doesn't hold a grudge against me, or hates me?" Her voice is soft and timid, as if one small negative word would crumble her spirit.
"Trust me on this. No way that brat could ever hold a grudge against you. You're way to nice for him to hold anything against you. Why do you ask anyways?" Jiraiya smirks as he leans forward constantly arching his brow upward and downward at the woman. "Grown attached to the knucklehead?"
Yuna supports a very transparent blush on her face, as she once against shakes her head in denial. "N-no. It's just that he's my friend, and I do not want to be a cause of pain toward him. I do not have many friends..so I do not want to lose the ones I have."
Jiraiya smiles as he gazes up toward the ceiling. Gazing as if the ceiling was non-existent gazing into the night time stars in the sky. "Naruto will not hate you, nor will he not want to be your friend anymore. Out of the three years I have known him; I can say without a doubt he will easily give his life if he must to protect you. That's the type of person he is. He can't bring it to himself to hold a grudge against anymore. Most likely he's already forgot about it and is out there somewhere gazing into the moon."
Yuna smiles in relief believing in the words of Jiraiya. Inside she's over joyed to know he wouldn't hold anything against. Although in the back of her mind her doubt lingers. Recalling some of his wording she gazes toward him with a small curious blink. "Um..you said you're the fourth person who's known him the longest, correct?" Receiving a nod she continues. "Yet you said you've known him for only three years. I don't really understand. Would there not be people who've known him his whole life?"
Jiraiya stiffens before his shoulders sag with a far off look in his eyes. Yuna shutters slightly in his reaction she soon starts to regret asking the question. Before she can apologize Jiraiya speaks before she does. "In normal cases you would be right, but Naruto is a special case from where we are from. He was born an orphan not knowing who his parents were, and as he grew older he had no friends. Though Old Man Sarutobi was the person who knew him the longest. Second was the Ichiruka shack people, and third was his academy teacher, Iruka."
Yuna's eyes lower at the thought of Naruto being an orphan. You would never think he was an orphan with his smiling happy features. Always cheering and laughing. "Even though I have only spent about three years with him. I spent mostly everyday with him, so even if it wasn't the longest. I was with him everyday and got to know who he truely is." Jiraiya looks toward Yuna with a soft smile from his earlier perverted smiles, or his grins. "So trust in me when I say, he holds no grudge toward you what-so-ever."
Jiraiya presses himself off the wall as the man paces toward Yuna standing next to her. Jiraiya gently ruffles her hair with his hand, and a smile on his face. "So, stop worrying about it." Yuna scrunches up in her chair as Jiraiya ruffles her hair. Feeling his firm hand retract from her head she looks up toward the elder. "It is late we should be off to bed. Especially you. I do not want to get introuble with that Lulu person for keeping you up late at night."
Jiraiya gazes toward the hallway as his face goes slightly blank. Only holding a smile to keep Yuna from questioning him. 'What was that person eavesdropping for? Wanting to make sure I didn't try anything with this girl, or what? Ah, well doesn't seem like they will cause any trouble.' Jiraiya takes a step away from Yuna allowing her room to stand. Motioning his head toward the hallway he takes back a gaze toward Yuna. "Lets get some sleep. Though I don't know which room I am staying in. Would you mind showing me to my room?"
Standing to her feet she nods with entusiasm toward Jiraiya. "I would be honored. Your room is two doors down from ours, so it is not to much trouble." With a step back from Jiraiya, and his flattery of, 'Ladies first'. Yuna giggles softly leading Jiraya into the hallway. Yuna halts at her door as she points two door down from Lulu and her's. "That is the room you will spending the night in." Yuna retracts her hand back to her. "There is no key since they are always unlocked unless you lock from the inside, so do not worry about one." Receving a nod both exchange their good-byes as they each head into their respective rooms for sleep.
Upon entering his room, Jiraiya shuts the door with a swift motion locking it as well. With a sigh he leaps onto the bed onto his back. Using his fingers as a pillow behind his head. Jiraiya gazes into the ceiling with a concetrated face. 'Well this isn't as bad as it could be I suppose. Could of been a far worse dimension with no humans. Atleast Naruto met some decent people when he arrived. Who knows if he would of survived.' His face scruntches up in annoyance. "Damn brat. You better be well, or Tsunade will have my head. She isn't the only one who misses you after all." With the closure of his eyes, Jiraiya is hit with sleep as his light breathe dominates the room.
( Mushroom Rock )
Sizzling echoes through out the coven of rocks as a fire devours a small campfire. Three teenagers huddle around the fire as they finish the last of their meals. Echoing happy sighs emit from a fiery red head and bright blond. Within the night as the fire roars within the cave it reflects the blond's hair a darker shade of color of orange, as the fiery red head's hair is a shade of dark crimson red. Both toss their disposable plates into the fire as their eyes shift toward the third member around the fire.
With a slower pace she tosses her now empty disposable plate into the engulfing fire. Her gray hair clashing with the fire causing her hair a shade of dull brown in the night filled sky. Shifting to a more comfortable position she glances between both of the teenagers across from her before a soft sigh escapes her lips. "Well..we have alittle time before we need to rest for the night, so I can answer a few questions if I'm able, and if I also have the right to not answer if I do not want to."
Amber motions her head in confirmation as the fire dances within her eyes for all to see. "Would you mind explaining exactly what's happening tomorrow? From what you have spoken so far, the Crusaders and Al-bhed are going to battle against Sin. I personally find that really.." Amber diverts her gaze toward the blond who gazes back at her innocently curious. Diverting her vision back toward Paine her expression blank. "stupid."
Naruto scowls at the subtile jab, but lets it slide wanting Paine to elaborate. "That is pretty much correct. Don't get me wrong. I am with the Crusaders and Al-bhed coming together, uniting for a similar goal. But I strongly disagree with their method." Amber leans forward to question Paine, but she motions her hand before she speaks. "Allow me to elaborate on the situation the best that I know of. From what word around the camp is that the Al-bhed are going to supply the Crusaders with Machina, and they will use that to combat Sin."
Amber clutches her hands on her knees while she leans forward. "That's absurd! I am not be one to fully follow in the teachings of Yevon, but there have been many battles against Sin with or without Machina! They have all led to death for the people who faught against it. Don't they understand that? Why would the Maesters even allow it?"
"They must have obviously have a strong..Machina..and a strategy. I bet they know that, and are not going to just rush in against Sin."
Amber and Paine swiftly gaze toward Naruto. He had been quiet upon their conversation from the beginning. Paine nods toward him as Amber huffs back in aggrevation. "You are correct, Naruto. It would be illogical to just rush to their death. However their method is completely stating fail. For starters they plan to lure Sin here by bringing his spawns together in one area." Paine ignores the shout of 'what' from Amber as she continues on. "This has disaster written all over it as they will most likely be able to break free from their grip when formed together. Secondly the Crusaders are planning on combating the smaller spawns from Sin along the coast of the beach. Again this also has disaster written all over it. If you look at the coastal area you would notice the large cliffs right along the coast. Sin is large and his power is flung everywhere. No doubt there will be many rock slides."
Naruto scruntches his fast as he listens to Paine's explanation of all the details. He's able to follow the major faults of the Crusaders battle along the coast, yet he has a small idea about the Sin spawns if they are anything like he fought back in Kilika. Of course the one after the jungle. He notices a small pause from Paine before she speaks. "Thirdly..I do not really have a clue to what it is. All that I know is the Al-bhed are planning to use a large Machina they have built on a narrow cliff hanging over the beach. Do I really need to elaborate the faults on this when it will be doing the most damage against Sin? I think it is self-explanatory."
Both teenagers nod toward Paine slightly leaning back. 'Of course that would be a horrible idea. A large..Machina must weight heavily on a cliff hanging over the beach. No doubt they will use it to draw Sin's attention. With its weight I have little doubt some force from Sin could cause a collapse.' With a sigh he looks toward Paine. "I don't know much about this place, but if what you say is true then we will have to do what we can to stop them. We can't let this much blood be shed meaninglessly." Amber nods along as Paine waves her hand dismissively.
"Do not bother trying to stop them. People have tried, and they just will not back down. They even have the backing of the Maesters which is driving them on even more. There is no point in trying to stop them. It is also to late to try as the battle takes place tomorrow late in the afternoon bordering evening." Paine catches the glint in Naruto's eyes as she sighs having a hint of what he's thinking. "Do not bother trying to talk the Maesters to stop them. They will not heed your warnings, and will just spout out nonsense. Even going as far as saying turning a blind eye."
"No way in hell! As I said before I really do not follow the teachings of Yevon, but why in hell would they just let the Crusaders and Al-bhed do this? Would they not try to stop them from killing themselves instead of encouraging them?" Amber fidgets as her hand continues its tight grip on her knee in motion upward and downward frantically. "There is something fishy going on."
Paine nods solemnly toward the hazel eyed woman. "I understand what you mean...I myself am no longer that much of a Yevon follower from recent events, but there is something going on underneath all this. Maesters should be against this action, yet they turn blind eyes and encourage it." Paine looks up into the star filled sky. "However there is nothing we can do about it. Everything is already complete, and the operation begins tomorrow."
"Like hell we can't!" Both females of the group snap toward Naruto who's smirking with hard stoned eyes. "Like hell we can't do nothing about it. We may not beable to stop them, but that doesn't mean we can stop as many deaths as possible." Naruto gazes toward Paine with a large grin. "Basicly there are only three main forces going against Sin, right?" Receiving a nod he looks into the fire as it roars within his blue eyes. Echoing with the roar of a lion's might. Demanding to be set free into the night. "There is three of us right?" Receiving a nod from both females, and a large grin from Amber he continues on.
"I may not be smart, but that pervert didn't beat some strategies into my thick skull for nothing. It is not much of a plan, but I may have a way we can decrease the amount of bloodshed tomorrow. That is if you two are willing to hear me out on this. If you two don't like it then we can think of something else." Amber and Paine gaze toward each other as their eyes gaze into each others. Nodding they look toward Naruto. One with a large grin while the other has a small smirk of amusement.
Roughly an hour passes as Naruto, Amber, and Paine converse about their little plan for the operation tomorrow. Upon hearing Naruto's plan Amber and Paine had looks of amusement. Amber had chuckled thinking it was exactly like him from the time she had known him. Which was not long. Paine notices the simpleness of the plan. Nothing to really alter the operation, or really change the outcome. Though she had a small hint of amusement on her part. It was nothing big as Ambers, but she doesn't want Amber's position as she believes her mind set is not there.
Paine blinks as she gazes toward Naruto who returns her look. "Naruto, what will you be doing? You have not explained what you are going to be doing in our plan." Amber blinks as she nods toward Naruto with a blink. Wanting to know what his part will be. Naruto grins as he stands toward his feet looking into the night time sky. His eyes reflecting light from the stars and moon.
Within the star filled sky a certain set of stars catch his eye, as they shine the brightest of all its brethren in the dark sky. If he had knowledge of the sky he would notice that set is the Perseus constellation. Showning as if charging toward the Cetus constellation who's engulfing its neighboring stars. Naruto smiles as his gaze adverts toward the mighty fire in the center of the three teenagers. His smirk morphs into a large grin as his eyes display determination with the fire's might.
"I'm going to personally introduce Sin to an Old Friend of mine that has been wanting to see me."
Whew there we go. Sorry for the long wait, but I tried to get this chapter as best I could. I hope you people did not wait to long even though I'm sure yall did. Well I would really like to know what you all think of this chapter, so feed back would be nice. Hope you all had a good Halloween if you celebrate it. I'll see if I can get the next Chapter at a much faster pace, but I'll probably procrastinate abit. Hope you had enjoyed this chapter. If you got any questions due let me know, so I may answer. Ciao.
