Authornote: Yes. My schedule is finally settling back down to something I can predict(though still on call during the week). The random schedule has also eaten into my writing time, so hoping to get more writing done than I have the last week or two. I will be posting on Tuesdays, though if I get a random call out, I on that day, then expect the chapter on Wednesdays. However, the ball shall begin to really roll this chapter and onwards as we begin to see how messed up things have become. Hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Log Horizon. This is a fanfiction used to help with my writing skills and the fact I enjoy writing stories like these. All I own is the ideas and sub-plots used to make this fanfiction and explore Log Horizon and Naruto in a different way.
"So it wasn't a dream," Shiroe sighed, putting on his glasses and being greeted by the dim glow of a magical candlestick and his staff propped against the wall near the door. Seems I am not like Na. We are not able to return to our bodies through sleep. Shiroe thought, getting out of the bed before slamming into the floor face first.
"Itetete… I am still not used to my height," Shiroe grumbled, getting up off the floor and looking at cloak and shirt on the writing desk. I would kill for a pair of boxers right now. I regret not taking off my pants to sleep. Shiroe shivered at the odd feeling between his legs. Never knew how much I loved the convenience of things like underwear and such till now… Ah, should I wear the clothes I wore yesterday?
Shiroe pondered, looking into his inventory though his menu. Yesterday was still fresh on Shiroe's mind and it took everything he had not to break down into a new panic. Leaving out all of the information from Naruto's two sided live, Shiroe decided to focus on what he has found out so far.
Naotsugu and Shiroe managed to gather they were at least in a world similar to Elder Tales. And it was set much like the medieval ages. No electricity and other things. They still got hungry and needed sleep… As well as needing to use the restroom. However, it made Shiroe ponder how other people were dealing with the situation. Food had no taste, but mostly everyone had money and such to survive. It wasn't the worst case scenario like with fantasy stories.
"Good thing I had Naotsugu grab some of my lower rank gear." Shiroe sighed, watching as his body glowed blue and replaced his pants with a new shirt and pants. "So, using the menu can change your clothes without manually doing so… It's odd the weird stuff is still like the game." Shiroe frowned, grabbing his cloak and putting on. He saw the cloak appear in his equipment menu and saw the durability value.
"I wonder if you get the durability value back to 100 percent, does it make it clean as well?" Shiroe pondered aloud before shaking his head. Wearing the same thing day in and day out without cleaning it would still be awkward. Probably… I wonder if Na is awake? He might be able to at least explain a few things.
Shiroe picked up the odd candlestick up. It had the candle stand, but instead of candles at the top, there were flat pieces of metal that seem to attacked balls of glowing light. It turned on when he woke up, something Naruto seemed to have somehow programmed the item to do. Then again, he's technically a powerful mage in this world. Making a magical candlestick must be nothing for him. Shiroe thought with a sigh, opening the door of his room and stepping into the hallway.
"Oh, good morning, Shiroe-san." Shiroe nearly jumped out of his clothes, seeing the old man that was Sarutobi Hiruzen. He was also called by the ninja and Naruto Hokage or Third Hokage, the leader of their village. A real ninja village to boot with finding all Naruto spoke about was true.
Ninja is right. Shiroe sighed, his heart calming down from the small morning fright. "Good Morning to you as well… Ah, Sarutobi-san?" Shiroe asked, meekly asking. He had no idea how ninja address each other.
"Kind of hard to forget a name here when you can see it this menu thing," Hiruzen chuckled, holding a pipe in his hand. Shiroe noticed he was wearing Japanese like robes made for Sorcerers. "Surprised with the change of clothes? Naruto gave them to me. I was a bit confused, just thinking it was for spare clothes. However, it seems the instant I took off my armor I keep under my Hokage robes, this world labeled it for another class. When I tried to put it on this morning, I found myself under a great pressure that prevented me from moving."
"A great pressure?" Shiroe asked, his eyes widen in shock. That's right! There's equipment restrictions for classes. So it also applies with this being reality?
"Hai. Only did I take it off did I become able to move again. Seems it counts as a leather armor, so I might see if Naruto can mend it for his teammate from what he explained to me about classes last night." Hiruzen chuckled, nibbling on his pipe some. "Since we have no idea how long this situation will last, best not fret over the small stuff." Shiroe followed Hiruzen towards the staircase.
"Ah, Sarutobi-san, you're a ninja… So, you know what direct combat is like?" Shiroe asked, focusing on the man's pipe. Do our bodies get sick now? I know of the plague status, but can we get things like cancer?
"Yes. Though, I chose Sorcerer for my class since I did not think my old bones could handle being an Assassin. Though, seems my worries were missed place considering I just had the best sleep I had in a long time. Not a lick of back pain." Hiruzen said, smiling with joy as they reached the first floor. "Though, I really need to apology to Naruto. I always treated his words as imaginative stories. Even though it seemed he was telling the truth well before this event."
"I'm in the same boat." Shiroe sighed, "I always kept calling him a liar with too much time on his hands." Shiroe sighed, looking at the bookshelves near the benches to give those who wait something to do. I have no information outside the little Naotsugu and I gathered. Na, on the other hand, has a vast library of such. Maybe a way back is within one of his books?
"Though, I thought you would be younger considering how Naruto calls you his pupil." Shiroe frowned at the chuckle Hiruzen gave at him. "But, truth be said, it could be before time between this world and my own was off somehow."
"Off?" Shiroe asked before his eyes widen. "Wait, that's right. With the game, it moved twelve times faster than real world. Meaning roughly 1 day in-game means two hours in the real world… Wait, that means every 8 hours of sleep, means Na experiences roughly 4 days in this world before yesterday?" Shiroe said, adjusting his glasses. Wait, that means with Na having been in the game for roughly 13 years… Could that mean he is far older than he looks? Shiroe thought, his face pale at the thought of a child version of an old man being technically his master.
"Then, it matches up with the few odd times he been sent to the hospital." Shiroe looked at the Hokage with a bit of horror on his face. "Ah, nothing serious. He must have been doing something important in this world that it make people think he went into a coma where I come from. I believe he apologized often for causing trouble, saying he was asked to assist in a raid."
"Of course. Raids when it was a game lasted for sometimes hours to days to complete," Shiroe sighed as they reach the kitchen area next to the main door. "Put that into context in this world, no wonder Na said he took breaks between doing raiding requests. For him, it would be days to weeks. Maybe even months... I would not be surprised if anyone tried raiding dungeons, it would take 12 to 24 times compared to before with not realizing the resources needed like Na."
"Naruto voiced his worries to me of the possibility of monsters appearing on my world. I knew Naruto to be quite an expressive lad, but I never took him to be very emotional and could have anxiety attacks." Hiruzen sighed, a worried expression on his face.
"Yeah. Though, when standing in one wrong spot can get you killed in a raid, I now understand a lot more of Na's behavior." Shiroe sighed before noticing something. "Ah, wait, where is everyone?" Shiroe looked around, seeing noone in the kitchen. Then he noticed the clock. "4:00 am? Wow. I thought it was later than that."
"I am an early riser, so that's somewhat normal for me. Though, even I expected it to be later than that." Hiruzen mused before both heard a slight roaring sound from outside.
"Don't use my fence for a bulletin board!" Hiruzen and Shiroe rushed through the main door, finding Naruto pointing his finger at several Adventurers standing at his locked gate. "Use the damn Silverleaf Tree or a proper bulletin board in the inns!" Naruto was wearing an oddly formal suit with a neck tie. His hair was even comb back the spikes, giving him a more regal appearance of a very short nobleman instead of a kid. Only his red face of fury, the stream coming off his gloved hands, and the burning pieces of paper on fence showed he was a hot blooded boy able to use magic to the fullest.
"What's your problem, kid?" One of the gruff looking men, possible a warrior archtype, snorted back at him. "It's just a freakin' fence." Shiroe overlooked the small crowd, seeing they all belonged to the same guild.
"I like to be able to see who is coming onto my property, thank you very much!" Naruto said, stomping his foot in anger. It made much of the gentlemen's aura he had disappear with his tantrum. "You should at least ask the owner of a property before doing something like that. Especially when it is way too freaking early in the morning!"
"This isn't your place. It's just the game props." The leader of the group snorted. "How about I beat some sense-Ouch!" The man yelped, yanking back his hand with trying to open the gate. "The hell?"
"My property. I bought this place and it's my house." Naruto snorted, watching the guild looking at the gate oddly. "As owner, I can set the zone settings including who is allowed to entered. With seeing some of the buildings in the city on fire and such with coming back from a meeting, I wanted to make sure my belongings and comrades are safe from the increase of crime."
"What are you talking about kid? There's no laws in this world." Another member chuckled. "Hey, wait a second. You're not a guild. Why not-"
"Nope. Get out of here before I decided to use you as test subjects to see if the Cathedral is working." Naruto snapped back before looking back at Shiroe and Hiruzen. "Ah! Shiroe, Old Man… Sorry if I woke you up with my shouting." Naruto said, giving an apologetic look to the two. The shift in emotions almost an 180 if Shiroe had not seen it before.
"No. We were already awake when we heard the commotion." Hiruzen sighed, looking at the guild. "Which, technically isn't your fault. It seems Earth does not teach it's youngsters manners."
"Old man, you want a fight?" Another member growled before yelping when a blade swung before him. "The hell!" Shiroe turned to the owner of the blade, seeing a red hair man in jet black armor he knew quite well.
"Isaac! What are you doing?" Shiroe shouted, glaring right at the leader of the Black Sword Knights. "If you use a combat action, you'll summon the Royal Guard!"
"It's no problem if nobody takes any damage." Isaac said, a cocky grin on his face. "Now scram, scum. I got some business with the two mages here."
Well, that was convenient turn of events. Shiroe thought, watching as the smaller guild left while grumbling and cursing. "What are you doing here, Isaac? I don't think you came all this way to chase off people."
"Always straight to the point, Villain in Glasses." Isaac chimed, putting his wicked looking broadsword back on his back. "I came here to see if Na would join my guild, but I am extending the invite to you as-"
"De-nied." Naruto said in deadpan tone, kicking Isaac through the bars of his fence. The Guardian collapsed to the ground, cradling his family jewels while Shiroe and Hiruzen flinched in pain from seeing it.
"B-Brat.. W-Why… down...Agh…" Tears was in Isaac's eyes as he groaned. Shiroe note that Guardian's didn't even escape the pain of a below the belt bow even with high defense.
"Cause you're a level 90 Guardian. I'm not in a good mood right now, so take that as a warning to not cross me for the next few days. I don't want to be dealing with any business with guilds. This includes raids."
"W-Wait, seriously?" Isaac stuttered, getting back on his feet. "What about you, Villain in Glasses?"
More like why are you backing away? Shiroe thought, seeing Isaac slipped back a few inches, giving a good distance between him and the gate. "No. I am not a fan of guilds and Na is going to need help with the current situation he is in."
"Situation?" Issac asked before they all heard the door fully opening.
"What is going on out here?" Iruka asked, all the ninja at the door with annoyed and confused looks on their faces. Even Sasuke was half asleep, his headband crooked from getting dressed quickly. He looked exactly liked the pissed cat Shiroe's neighbor had that sometimes tried to mob his feet when forced to visit said neighbor.
"Oh, so you two are making your own guild, huh?" Isaac smirked at them.
"No. Oh, good thing I made copies." Naruto said reaching into his magic bag. "Hey, Isaac, if you see any people with these names, could you refer them to my place." Naruto held out a scroll.
"Why would you be gathering people if you aren't making a guild?" Isaac asked, carefully taking the scroll from the blond. He opened it and his eyes widen. "Wait, these are people's real names. What idiot uses their real name in a game?"
"Those who were forcibly teleported to this unknown world." Isaac looked at Hiruzen. "That must be the list of people teleported here from Konoha, correct?"
"Yeah. Luckily, not that many people, but I already confirmed they could be in any Adventurer's City in either Yamato or the world. Oh, Shiroe, did you return to your body when you slept like I do?" Naruto asked, looking at Shiroe.
"No. It seems you are the only one who can do that." Shiroe sighed, looking back at Isaac. "PKers are already attacking other players, Isaac. Na saved two kids I was teaching basics to yesterday from some. I understand your guild is strict on entry into it, but you may want to be careful if you plan to fight in this world."
"Thanks for the warning, but my guild can take on anything. PKers are just weak trash who can't take on the real challenges. They stand no chance against the Black Sword Knights." Isaac said, grinning. "Though, you mean there is non-gamers in the game now with no experience?"
"Ah, are you referring to the ninja?" Shiroe watched as the leader of the guild D.D.D., Krusty, came into view. His blue armor making him look taller even though he had a handsome face and glasses. "Ah, the Supervillian and his pupil. Good to see you both. However, it seems I came at the right-"
"Krusty… I don't want your noble bastard antics right now." Shiroe gulped, feeling the animosity coming off Naruto.
What has Na pissed? Shiroe thought, rarely seeing Na this mad. He has seen it and it resulted in him single handedly kill a raid boss on his own while Shiroe suffered from silence status and the rest of the raid either death or trying to get back into position. "Ah, Krusty, you met several ninja from Na's world?" Shiroe asked, trying to shift the focus.
"Yes. They were quite confused about the situation when my guild members found them. They joined my guild… Ah, though the ones so far in my guild don't have the same symbol on their headbands like the one next to you." Krusty said, pointing at Hiruzen. His headband worn as a bandana on his head. "I have two with a mist like symbol and three with a cloud like symbol in my guild and helping them search for others of their village."
"Kirigakure and Kumogakure." Hiruzen sighed, grimacing with the facts. "I am Hiruzen, Hokage of Konohagakure. Though, now I am a bit worried if the other Kages have teleported here as well."
"Indeed," Naruto said, glaring at the two Guardians. "Though, if the amount from Konoha ninja matches the other villages, then it doesn't make sense unless it's a beta. I mean, the Adventurers were all teleported into their avatars and easily still outnumber the ninja teleported."
"A beta? What for?" Isaac said, cocking his head with a bit of confusion.
"Most likely due to catkra and the jutsu that use it." Naruto answered.
"Naruto. Chakra." Hiruzen corrected, getting a glare from Naruto while he smiled back. "However, I experiment with some of my jutsu I still have last night. It seems jutsu still works, but I have a third bar for chakra and taking it out result in the jutsu taking from the other two bars."
"I really hope I get that chakra bar. I mean, I just freaking pass the Genin Exam yesterday and can't use any jutsu." Naruto sighed, puffing his cheeks some. "But, what did you want anyways, Krusty?"
"I was wondering if you would join my guild. Considering your vast knowledge-"
"N-Ouwch!" Naruto yelped, his attempt to kick Krusty below the belt failing and he began hop around while holding his foot. At least Krusty had the smarts to get armor to protect his family jewels. Shiroe pondered if mages could get crotch protectors considering the men's weak spot was now useable against them in this place.
"I guess your attempt of harming my pride means no." Krusty gave a slight chuckle, though his face a little pale. "You're quite vicious today, Na. More so than you usually are when I seem to interrupt your research."
"You would be too considering I am in jail in the other world!" Naruto snorted before instantly turning red with embarrassment. "Ah, sorry, I mean I being watched like a prisoner…" Naruto sheepishly said before seeing the fatherly stare from Hiruzen. The kind that demands the truth out of a son. "Okay. I am in jail. Know who Danzo is, Old Man?"
"I see. I should not be surprise how quickly he got his hands into things." Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head. "What are the charges against you?"
"Being a spy and possibly the culprit to your disappearances. Though, the council members realize the political implications of my arrest with the village and hence have it so no one knows and I am to be treated not as a prisoner by my wardens who are ANBU. Only upside is due to Ibiki disappearing right before them, they now take my words seriously… But, Danzo is a sore loser for the seat?"
"Yes." Hiruzen sighed, "And I removed him from the council a few years ago after going behind my back."
"Explains some things. His understanding of politics and economics are horrific. He makes me furious just thinking of his choices." Naruto growled, rubbing his hair in frustration and turning them back into spikes. "Why the hell is a guy like that is in Konoha politics?"
"Ah, you're not a fan of politics." Shiroe said, remembering Naruto's distaste of politics. He always complained about dealing with idiots in politics. He always prefers to avoid such idiots, but he's a glutton for punishment from all the politic quests he keeps doing.
"I see. So that is also why you're avoiding guilds." Krusty said, giving an understanding smile to Naruto. "If you're already getting this much slack without being in a guild, a guild would just make things worse in your country."
"Correct." Naruto sighed, still glaring at Krusty while pulling out a scroll. "This is the list of ninja from Konoha who teleported here so far. I am giving all my fellow comrades shelter at my home and I will be combing Akiba soon to try and find them. I don't mind if they join a guild, but we want them to at least report here to the Hokage and let us know where they will be staying if they choose not to accept the goodwill."
"Understood. I will tell the ninja I have about you as well and they might want some information from you." Naruto nodded at Krusty, who had quickly retreated from the fence once getting the scroll.
"Hey, what's so special about these ninja?" Issac sighed, "This Hokage is just in the 70s."
"And could kill you easily with a pencil. Means that could kill you… Ah, I mean, stuff that kill you in the other world can kill you here. Though, that means I no longer have my PvP advantage anymore since I was basically using kill shots on people." Naruto give a little chuckle… That sounded fit for a murderer ready to strike.
"I see. So even level 60 is probably able to keep up with my guys." Isaac grin, "And they have experience fighting, too, right? That's great since with the bit of training we done so far, the old way of playing won't cut it. Though, I like this way better. Easier to gauge things now facing the enemy head on and a lot more exciting."
"Well, if any of your members die, let us know if the Cathedral works." Naruto sighed before Shiroe heard him groan. "Come on. I know I am going to be swarmed by Landers today. Why Adventurers as well?" Shiroe looked up, seeing another major battle guild master walking up. A long hair Elf Assassin known as William Massachusetts, leader of the Silver Sword guild.
"What did you come here for, William? Recruiting for your guild?" Shiroe step forward, deciding to try and let his teacher cool off. Especially since William doesn't have the same defense as Isaac and Krusty. Shiroe held back a shiver with just seeing two guys get it from Naruto.
"No." William answered, glaring at Shiroe. "With the fact noone can access the game guides, the only one with information on raids and dungeons is Na." William pointed at a now sheepishly Naruto. "I need access to your archives, Na."
"That's right!" Isaac said, both Krusty and him also give an interested look in Na. "You managed to encoded all the game guides into your library of yours."
"Ah… Give me a week or so." Naruto groaned, glaring back at the three guild masters. "My libraries are in a total mess due to preparing for the Expansion. With what has happened, I am going to be up to my eyeballs with just collecting information and putting it together. Even with help, I got a lot on my plate."
He knows people will want to look for a way out. Shiroe thought, Even though I know he would not stop people from trying, Na probably already know most of the wrong ways and wants to get them put away so people don't harm themselves. Shiroe frowned, wondering if Naruto would let him see those documents. He knew at least the magic vaguely that caused their situation, but not enough to give a clear clue.
"I understand. If you need any help, you can-"
"Krusty. I am standing on a combat zone." Naruto said, reaching on his back, "Want to see how fast I can get an arrow up your ass?"
"Alright. I hope your day gets better though I don't get how getting in jail-" Naruto managed to whip out his bow and fire a show in 2 seconds flat, an arrow shooting right passed Krusty's head, making William and Isaac sweat with looks of horror. "Point taken. I shall take my leave." Krusty said, waving as if nothing happen.
"S-Same here." Both Assassin and Guardian said before leaving swiftly.
"...I need a hit of scotch before the breakfast." Naruto grumbled, putting his bow away. "Though, at least I got the three major troubles I was expecting out of the way off the bat. So that's a plus considering how rough things have been."
"I did not think you were a drinker." Shiroe sighed, though could understand why the kid wanted a buzz.
"Only when I am pissed and need to calm down this early." Naruto said, stomping towards his home. "Ah… Sorry about that." Naruto said with noticing the others.
"Remind me never to piss you off." Sasuke said, giving a sympathetic look to Naruto.
"But, Naruto, aren't you a little too young for drinking alcohol?" Kakashi said, giving an eye smile.
"I'm older than I look, Kakashi-sensei. If I was in my other body, then you would be correct. Though, wished this body at least aged more appropriately as I am kind of tired of lolicons." Naruto snapped before moving past the group and heading to his kitchen. Everyone gave each other a worried look.
"Hiruzen-san, you want to comb the city once sun rises?" Shiroe asked, understanding full well Naruto's frustration. He's overwhelmed. He wants to do all he can, but he knows there is not much he can do alone. Along with in the other world. I feel frustrated as well since we have no clues as to the cause of it as what could have looked like a spell could be something more. Shiroe thought, getting a nod from Hiruzen.
"I think it would be best to get some work off Naruto's shoulders. Kakashi, Iruka-san, I want you two to join me. Sakura, Sasuke, see what you can do to help Naruto out here." Hiruzen got nods from the four before they went back into the building. "What are you planning to do Shiroe-san?"
"I will see what Na needs from me. Either I will be helping him in the libraries, with the meetings he possibly has, or searching for your people." Shiroe sighed, letting his own emotions sink into his stomach. "But, I think everyone wants a light breakfast before we get things rolling." Hiruzen nodded in understanding as they both headed for the door. Shiroe looked back at the buildings. He noticed the slight glow off further of fires, though he could not tell if they were building fires or camp fires.
That's right. Na and I aren't the only ones stressed. Everyone now trapped in this world is just wanting answers or closure. Shiroe thought, walking back into the building and closing the door. He found the front area now a light with magical lanterns and candlesticks. Naruto was busy getting out ingredients and food items and the others talking. Akatsuki and Naotsugu had come from downstairs and noticed the sour mood of Naruto. This is going to be a long day.