Proeliator of Rutilus Diluculo

by Marutectz552

For him Fate is a meaning, it is worthless and so little to one man. He defied his own fate of being the savior of a world that had scarred him so. With him the world gave him his Sadness, for all his grief and anger that all were thrown upon him which brought fear to send his own world to the edge. So from as the Destroyer he becomes the Savior of a world anew, as he brings hope.

11. Chapter 11

"Spy Network"

The patrons at the lodge looked on edge at the two tables left of the door from the entrance as hooded figures filled its vacant space. Despite the owner reassuring them it was just a mere clergy pilgrimage of sorts. A simple quest which made the people felt somewhat apprehensive of a tale as the eight barely spoke since they arrived. It generally was wide known for priests to preach the will god, and to see these eight not utter not a word. It which caused suspicion to be injected into the small rumors came around so soon as refugees from the city of the north that was it's center. The city of Pieta, the city of the beginning was gone.

The rumor that Pieta's fate spread as no word was heard from the center of commerce for some time. The village was on edge since as it was almost seven in the morning from the sun high above the small populace.

Naruto looked around taking in to the see some other patrons flinch as he spoke to the other person who was unaware that she was in a genjutsu shielding to the tavern that Claymore there. The blond wasn't in the mood to deal with a pathetic sight of the village fearing these women. Naruto also knew that he did not need to afford unnecessary rumors to spread about the survivors so soon after the battle or the massacre of Pieta. It was similar to his own experiences as he looked back on some time.

If the continent or by extension the Organization knew of them alive, then they would be hunted for years to come. He had that feeling when he was on the run from Hunter Ninja during Grass Country, thankfully he killed them after a nice relapse in judgment. A fatal thing on their part not his. It was far too soon to be revealed, and he would take precautions until he left the small village. Still this was leading to the question that burned within him last night, how. How, or when could he start this new purpose of his.

How could he go against this lands version of an organization that was not totally far off from Akatsuki? This was the question that had to be addressed immediately as his resources were low enough if not useless in a single campaign. Even that idea was pretty much giving him an ego, and that was getting dangerous in it's own right. Still he didn't have the people who specialized in some areas which were espionage, strength, and precision. His Red Dawn needed the best of this land's in all areas to fight this dark power of artificial monsters. He knew there was a reason why they made Claymores, but what was it?

Naruto sighed there was an old saying, One alone shall not do what many can do as one. In short he needed individuals, enough power of his own to bring this Organization to it's knees. So who was the candidates in question? Shaking his head that was impossible to decide it was a joint species of human, and demon working together so right now he needed time to gather resources. Which lead to an obvious answer again, and his decision right now was to begin something simple. An information network, of sorts. The blond went back to his old thoughts for a moment again.

He needed allies, or at least individuals he could "control", and maybe create an organization based on counter-acting the current Claymore creators? At which he still was momentarily curious in what their agenda was. There had to be something else going on here. His teachers warning of looking past what was already in sight came to was the answer, was there any clues leading to this? He needed more information, he needed others to give him what he needed to solve this mystery of a shady beast. Beast huh, he sounded like some hero now. It was downright confusing, and pathetic though something made him clear his mind.

Naruto sighed audibly as a small tea cup was placed in front of him due to the courtesy of the barmaid. He nodded to the woman murmuring a quiet, "Thank you Miss." The maid merely blushed before smiling lightly at the man before returning to her post at the bar as patrons chatted about quietly. Slipping the tea it was warm, and good though he had the feeling it needed some herbal flavor. Shrugging for a bit he went back to collect his thoughts on how an Organization as the Akatsuki rose to power, history was indeed setting an example despite from different lands and continents.

To gather allies to conflict against a superior power was a concept he had little ingenuity to shape into a legitimate force. It was like shooting a kunai in a dark forest in hope of hitting the strongest predator without being seen. A concept of survival. This was very eerily similar to Pein, and Konan's rise of Akatsuki in the tyranny of Salamander Hanzo's hidden Rain Village. The sheer events leading that charge brought about the reappearance of Madara to help the young rebel after his best friend's death, due to the hands of the Konoha Black Ops division of Root. Danzou, even when he was mobile with two legs could create a cataclysmic future for the village after so long.

Still it was a lesson he had to learn to not happen here, any death of any sort for this group of Claymores would be after his head or against their previous Superiors. He had a feeling they would try to kill him first since he knew of them, and he smirked. It lead to something he needed to test in the future. Could these woman kill a normal human being if they had the choice to, an evil scum of the worst of humanity could create. Bandits, rape, murder, and pretty much all leading into that category? He certainly hoped for a moment for their sakes not his.

Naruto still remembered the fundamentals of the Red Dawn's rise. Although he had enough of dwelling on the part of his previous partnerships in Akatsuki. He tilted his since he just realized that he could create the second generation of the organization. In a way keep the legacy of the original members, the scientists, the strong manipulator, and everything else within the original ten. He hummed thoughtfully, it was plausible that this land would be caught unaware of this rise of another organization to combat the other Claymore Puppeteers. Although he did not wish to become some security force for villages at a whim, even against the Yoma.

There was a fine line he would be trying to avoid now, offering the Akatsuki a contract which they benefited from was his aim now. The contracts were the method not the mark, it was the destruction of the Claymore organization, or perhaps finding out their plans was what his own personal question was. He needed time and for the Red Dawn to act as some Policing force on the whole continent was too demeaning. They wouldn't be the guardians, they were merely a mark in history going to leave their part on the world. Naruto smirked faintly, yes history had a way to be written and it's figures well misunderstood. Madara Uchiha was considered to be a power hungry evil figure, but in truth he was like the Senju Hokage.

They both wanted to lead, and neither would back down for their ambitions to reflect on the world. It was simply politics in what each faction wanted to have, and it was all very confusing. Hence why wars were fought over some of the most simplest of things. Land, food, water, and commerce no doubt now. Still all of his thinking he knew this was just the beginning. "I can't wait till the contracts start coming in. I know somethings going to irritate me now." he sarcastically thought sighing, maybe the time for tea was good. He looked down in thought once more. Still was there any options for members of the Red Dawn?

Stirring his tea, it was certainly an ambitious plan to recruit members of the organization as various aspects to create a well balanced list of skills. They would vary from tracker, to defender, espionage, logistics, and even strategy. There were the makers of his last previous "associates" in the Red Dawn Organization. The more Naruto had thought and mused carefully about this possible path it was certainly bold, difficult, and possibly Nobel. Now that was some poetic irony, an evil organization such as the "Akatuski" was Nobel?

The last aspect almost and barely created a small smile to dose his lips as the last of the tea was ready to drink. Across from him was the leader of the seven Claymore's Miria, who had folded her hands, and was presently, musing on her current situation? Her circumstances were hard pressed to be sound for the surviving warriors, as she potentially fit into the criteria of the Akatsuki's aspects. Well certainly that was one candidate found, and he himself was the second. Those choices were obvious, and who was next?

Drinking the warm tea, he felt his body relish in the warming bask as he looked to the window to possibly figure out the next set of candidates he could likely "contact" in later times. It was far too soon, and the plans were still in an infancy stage so he had time to spare. Caution was well advised from his late mentor, the elder Uchiha brother Itachi, as the man was very stern to impose his knowledge during the brief training period. Those times seemed to nostalgic in some unknown way. It was bringing back memories as Naruto sighed sadly, his eyes which were a gift and a curse all the while. It was the start of Madara's plans.

Before the massacre of the Uchiha one could say his previous self was very "boisterous" though that was more of a mild term used to describe that distant persona? He was an ignorant, alone person and he had latched onto an idea of his being the leader of the village. A child's dream that cost him a lot, and forever would. That little blond haired child died at the moment his eyes were ripped out from their sockets, and having scars as permanent reminders that all shinobi were unpredictable. That was the final lesson he had paid attention too when Itachi fled the village, he took that lesson to heart as it remained with him till the present time.

It was always like that, looking over his shoulder to see if someone would stab him in the back. It was a never ending cycle that was the life of shinobi who truly had no purpose but to kill. A purpose to question his or her own existence to ask why. Why were they chosen to do the things they wished in life, why was it always greed that nearly killed many who deserved what they sought? It was just like one's own commitment to his or her friends, comrades and what they meant to the shinobi. Was it wrong to cut those attachments, to be alone, and grow powerful? Apparently not to the one man who wished that were not the case.

He was sitting in some low lying village to which in a tavern reflecting on his own past was something that an old man once did back in his village. It would be the "Professor" otherwise known to be as Hizuren Sarutobi the third Hokage of Konohakure no Sato. Naruto knew from his youngest days the man was just a shadow of his prime, he wasn't the same middle aged powerhouse he once was. So it was in this weakness it brought the failures to age him almost daily, it was quite pathetic yet humbling that many did not have his life. "Sometimes I wonder the more powerful you are almost everything is hard to grasp. It never gets simple." The blond thought sighing lowly as more memories came to the surface. He smirked at something he realized then in the village as well.

The Third was a man riddled with personal failures ranging from family, to students, and to personal wishes to remain from the past. The shinboi could name his son Asuma as the failure of his clan. Onward was the infamous Orochimaru before he went rouge breaking the Sannin trio. Despite that dark blemish mark to the village it also proved to the Leaf village's sense of "teamwork". The three greatest trio of their time going from Jutsu's which belonged to the Snake Master, to Sealing Arts which was the Toad Sage, and the Medic of Revolution Tsunade Senju. It was one of the greatest rises of trios to display this power yet have the most infamous breakup in the worst of moments. Also there was the biggest fact that Hanzo of the Salamanders defeated the three in their primes, which wasn't their smartest of jutsu choice during the battle apparently. It was war in that time period so he didn't linger on it for too much thought.

"This brings back memories. Oh how ironic." He thought smiling lightly, as something about the Sannin made him one of the darkest marks in history for the leaf. Well including Sasuke was also that case. So way back then his team was selected to the next trio of "Sannin" and ironically all three were at least apprenticed to the original sannin. The Uchiha to the Snake, Sakura Haruno to the Medic, and him a brief time to the Toad Sage. However it wasn't meant to be for the predictions of the team. It all fell apart due to the two of the three holding their angers within, and both went rouge when their breaking points where met.

It was despite all of the power they gained, the comrades to him, and Sasuke it was nothing in the end. Only one loyal apprentice remained in Konoha which was Sakura who nearly went insane from apparently both of his and brother's missing status. He hardly cared for that woman at all, and the beginning of the end commenced for the Greatest Village of the World. It was greed, fear, and vengeance that would bring that place on it's knees. He sighed remembering all the political influences when Sasuke deflected, all remaining efforts to keep the only Namikaze in the village was desperate. Long story short faking his death robbing the Estate where his parents were made him a very wanted man.

Grimly amused Naruto looked down at his tea drink, and began to stir it gently. He glanced up over the small quiet chatter to see that Miria was up. Surprisingly he wondered if the other Claymore's would be waking up soon. He had to admit they needed sleep after that battle from the other night, and he was wary on what to do with these survivors. Could he ask them for help, or did they want his help? Either way wasn't too appealing as he grimaced at the thought of actually helping them train with their abilities. That wouldn't happen either but he sighed nonetheless he had to make use of what he had. Itachi's lessons came back into mind as he leaned against the chair, slowly relaxing with the warmth of the tavern.

Glancing down the blond sipped his drink contently before hearing the lead Claymore settle down in her chair. He looked a bit interested across to Miria who finally straightened herself before commenting lowly. She was looking around with her eyes as the people here were unnerving her. Which wasn't too shocking as he smirked due to the Genjutsu, so indefinitely useful branch of Shinobi Arts. "I'm surprised that none of the humans here are bothered by our presence. It's very strange, and rather…odd." The most powerful warrior remarked as Naruto merely gave a small nod before taking to his tea, as the aroma stretched to her nose. The woman was tempted to have some but pushed aside the urge before looking at the blond who was quiet still.

The blond was grinning under his veil as it was nice to know his genjutsu was holding up nicely. Apparently the years of training always paid off when something like this was needed to hide someone. He wouldn't boast but he was very clever at casting double layer illusions with his sharingan alone, which to say for a fact Original Uchiha's had a hard time doing. So it was a feat he was proud of nonetheless he was happy she was curious about it.

It was pleasant to have the calm feeling but she knew he would speak up. Since he returned an answer for the strange behavior, "That's true, and I wouldn't question it for now. The odds are this won't happen again in either case now." Miria sighed tiredly as Naruto took a moment to drink but sadly she smiled to see that the average village didn't glance at her or her comrades. It was nice to not have the entire population of a town to not be fearful of their kind, the circumstances here were a welcome moral relief in some way. "Try to enjoy it, unless you want to be in a war zone again." Naruto remarked lowly whiling sipping his drink, call Miria crazy but she nearly missed the sly smirk on his lips.

Miria was a bit flustered at his subtle joke of her circumstances but she leaned on the table nearly glaring at him. She noticed the man shift ever so slightly as if bracing himself for an attack or perhaps something akin to a comeback. She ignored the feeling her gut to verbally chew him out but she spoke ever so lowly.

"It's strange, it's all I can describe. Apart from here any humans usually are unnerved anywhere else." The Captain surveyed the tavern lobby about, as due to the genjutsu the patrons saw one of the "priests" look around and discussing any church related topics as the perception of sound, and sight was very easily manipulated by a master of the art of illusion. The said master was not even ten meters away from anyone. The warrior sighed lightly before leaning back in her seat, as the man sipped his tea across from her.

"Well it's a paradox then." Naruto tilted his head concluding the conversation as he appeared to not be interested. Although in her wariness of the establishment, which seemed off for some reason as Miria narrowed her eyes at the blond's last comment was hinting…amusement? Call her hearing disoriented but for a moment she swore that this "cold" man in front of her was apparently enjoying her confusion in the cryptic sense of a joke? This was definitely strange, this blond was trying to be a spirit lifter or some sly joker. It was annoying but welcoming all the while now.

The warrior apparently grunted, as if not in the right mood to keep the conversation alive as the sound of footsteps from down the stairs came to the attention of the entire tavern. Naruto looked up to see that three tired but irritated claymore Clare, Helen, and Deneve were seating at the dual tables that he had previously inclined to the owner as the size of his "apprentice" priests were problematic at the very very thought of them being his apprentices nearly made him laugh out loud, though it would cause heads to spin if they heard him. So he settled on asking the three Claymore sitting down finally.

Clare, and Deneve sat on the opposite sides of Miria, while Helen eyed her "companion" from her left, it appeared to be one who was wary of a would be murderer of the sort as beneath the veil Naruto smiled at the compliment. They didn't trust him yet, and it was getting to be almost a silent habit of his. Annoying women to his hearts content, it was childish but it was rather wise to assume something on that caliber. He was a murderer, avenger, shinobi, and whatever people called him then. He shut his eyes smiling all the while.

"Good Morning Helen. You seem lively despite the events of last night." Naurto remarked at her appearance the said warrior merely gave a strained answer. "Yeah you seem very alive too." The other three warriors merely laid in the comfort of the ignorance of the townsfolk around them, and neither had an indication it was a farce of twisting the senses of the human body, as dual layers gave the impression of them invisible to the most shallowest of perception. For several minutes the chatting of the tavern settled over their table before the one that broke the ice so to speak off was surprisingly Deneve as she intoned on their current situation.

"So what are we going to do now? Were considered dead if the organization hasn't sent scouts north right away, and add the fact we all need to become stronger. "The three Claymore warriors eyed her with sheer determination as the resolve to become stronger was a top priority for them to accomplish. However to the Naruto who was parallel to them was thinking far ahead in order to get them back into shape. Also he needed something to start with on his newest goal of bringing down the Organization, and that was information. He grunted, "Great now I'm mimicking the Toad, and Sasori. At least both had the greatest information networks in the Elemental Nations. Especially that one time within Bear Country or whatever it was." past lingering memories of bad spots just kept on coming this week much to the Blond's exhaustion.

Naruto knew what to create which was a spy network, and he needed some sort of resources to prepare with. The first steps of creating his next version of the Red Dawn would be first securing logistics such as metal, clothing, food, shelter, and possibly contacts that could supply information, or he could place mind alteration seals among their craniums to report forcefully. Any willing blacksmith or tailor would be immensely nice to convince, and prepare exchanging of currency to pay for their services. So it was banking he needed to add to his list of finding contacts, and it was a long one for once.

Also to consider would be the scouting of potential candidates to fill the ranks of the nine vacant spots, which one was filled as the leadership role. Current to his knowledge now he could potentially have four if not five candidates currently known to him as he looked to Miria as one to more of a strategic planner among fact it would be perfect since she was the leader of his rouge band of half breeds, and with a sub group under his control it would be perfect for them to "investigate" anything related to their personal plans. It all could work out but the next person in mind, well Naruto just signed lowly not in the mood to talk with her at all.

The next was someone who would be a rather "conflicted" person to persuasion which would be Riful the Abyssal of the West. That was which if she did agree to the position of being among the information gatherers, or possibly commanding any militarily resources was one, since her companion Dauf who was his name assuming could be simply hired muscle. His charisma with Riful was immense, and not to be underestimated if he could assume their relationship. Not surprisingly he had little depth to its value as of yet. That could be a problem or a blessing in disguise to have some of the strongest beings under his command or to have a "partnership" with at best. Either way he shrugged at the thoughts before drinking his tea to relax.

The last candidate so far was enigmatic at the least, and possibly the location of the individual would be difficult to narrow down as Isley the Abyssal of the North made the strength of the potential Red Dawn a threat. The Abyssal was suggested to be the strongest of the three Abyssal ones on the continent, add the assumption he was a master strategist, powerful, a leader, and hopefully a civil being as Riful was apparently too "playful" in any indication. This whole perception of the Red Dawn was not simply some mercenary force to destroy the world, as that was an agenda of original organization could claim that role on his land. "That brings back good times, and it was quite the battle." Naruto remarked to himself grinning.

His Akatsuki would be a unified force of human, Claymore, and Yoma in a working co-existence goal to determine what this "organization" on this continent wanted to accomplish. Not a single detail was provided by Riful on what the origins of this shady organization could be traced. If he could assuming persuade Riful, and Isley in cooperating together then maybe his goals of gaining the origins could be met. Then again they probably didn't know either so time was on his side nonetheless in recruiting them.

Naruto remembered on history altogether back in his academy days. What the teachers would've done was try to make their students right simple cause and effect sheets. It was blatantly obvious that any history was a system of clues to predict in what this situation can be of use. This was considered for any currently to be almost suicidal, if not impossible to assemble yet to fight with. Naruto thought in what he considered to be rather "ambitious" of an objective. He was willing and gleaming at the prospect of unraveling this enigma that had approached him in the form of Tina, Clare, Raki, and Mister Rubel. Those five were something that was bringing things together whether they knew it or not. However playing a match maker for a teen is something wasn't interested in since the two in question were.

The blond sighing lightly was stopped short from his musings as Helen spoke to Deneve, "Well what are we going to do huh, maybe train our asses off to the point of death? I'm not dumb to realize we have to get stronger, and quickly." That answer was obvious as Clare, and Miria were deep in thought as to what they should go from here, and the sound of chatter merely increased one of the warriors annoyance as the voice of their blond ninja provided an "assistance" to them to follow. Naruto was smirking at their expressions of his alias, he knew that would be gone eventually in the future. So be it all deception had a limit on it's price tag.

"Well I'm shocked. Helen does have common sense, who knew? She is right however. " The man did not appeared to be worried since the said warrior merely cracked her knuckles out right before he continued. "She is correct. What can you assume to choose? Merely to become stronger you must have some adequate shielding from the outside world."The word's shield honestly meant for them to go into hiding which was obvious but caught all the Claymore's attention was that this man was actively going to help them. Despite his stoical annoyance to them he was helping them which was sending suspicion into their midst.

Naruto continued onward, not bothered by the staring. "My recommendation for you all is to simply use the local mountains to push your limits. Let the environment outside harden you to become stronger. However in order to determine when the time is right to move onto wherever you objectives lie, I'll let you know. How you wonder? It's that some information network must be assembled first." So they all knew he was making some sort of spy network, and having the contacts. However what made them really interested was how he was going to do this, and even demanding why he was controlling it to alert them to move on. They held their questions in order to wait for him to stop his explanation at the end of it all.

"Anyone in your positions would be hard to travel yet alone talk with one those people at hand." He indicated to the local human's around them, as the four had their attention fully directed at the man who did not appeared once more to be nervous or stutter under their gazes. In fact the blond was reminded of his past self where he was a leader back in the village, before all the hell was unleashed on him. Still it was nice to have others respect him to wait his answers to their problems, good times hopefully for them.

"I'm not usually chivalrous to people. However this is an objective where I choose to be, since it gives you all the advantage to prepare. Simply put I will be leaving soon on my journey, and I can't say we'll all meet face to face. I'll be watching you but you won't see me since you all think I'm some sort of hindrance." The chatter around the five dried out as each Claymore held her thoughts on what this man was going to provide for them, he was going to help them in unveiling the organization, and possibly destroying it as the revenge of their lost comrades burned within them all, more than so in others. But what gave them the kicker was how kind this man was placing his thoughts of himself to them.

He knew they didn't like them but he was offering his help to them, yet why? Most of the Claymores had the thought on their minds but only one just said it outright. "Oh Geez it's already after a day, and your pulling some ghost crap on us. Some fucking helpful source you are alright. "Helen remarked in a sarcastic tone as it was dully obvious that this guy in front of them did not seem to be particularly "secure" around them. She sighed before the temptation of ordering some ale would be enough to quell her headache, and annoyance. With that said the others gained more confidence in order to prod at this thing of a man, and Naruto took it all in stride calmly though he was somewhat irritated.

"So what do you get out of this Kenji?" asked Clare as her eyes bore right into the spot of the man's own were located as he shifted his view to her. His straw hat moved briefly before silence went among them. The emphasis on "you" was one of wariness, suspicion, and almost borderline hostility at its finest in a negotiation. The tavern barely noticed the tension as the five figures sat at the corner of the table.

Naruto looked to the window as the clouds above moved swiftly, "My gains are personal, and forever will be Clare. I understand your caution but it won't harm you, or any of you. At least physically if what your asking now." Helen sighed irritated as this was going to be referred as the newest saying, "The Cold Saito Stone answer." Both women could see he did not give way to reveal his own interests, and it was proving to be rather annoying, and irritated as he offered advice supposedly, and he would not provide anything to them about himself. At least they knew he wasn't out to report them to the organization, hell it was clear he was on their side but for what purpose. It was a mystery still.

"In any case we should be well placed to leave. The sooner we get out of contact with anything the better." Miria spoke up as she unfolded her arms, and legs speaking in her commanding tone of calamity, and sternness. "I agree Miria, I was leaving within the hour anyway. I hope you'll be departing with your comrades soon?" Naruto shrugged nonchalantly as he stood to gather Rei in his room, as the Raven was currently resting within the folds of his blankets. The bird was very close to hypothermia as the cold during the blizzard made the messenger summon sick, and to get him warmed soon was a priority. However it was the next speaking of words apparently caused him to look rather curious yet intently at the speaker.

Everything seem to going fine much to his own thankfulness to the gods, though some part of him snarled at the simple gesture what gods? He sighed not a subject he was going to kill himself over now. Though when Miria spoke in a calm demeanor as if knowing the future it caused him to freeze in place. What in the hell did she just do now!

"We will be departing Mister Saito. I do intend to gather the current information about the organization as well for a brief time. Deneve you'll be in charge of the remaining group here in the north, head to the mountains, as I'll track you there." The group was speechless, Phantom Miria was actually volunteering to travel with this man, this near soon to be a kin ghost, and enigma! Clare looked like she had witnessed some unexplained drunk right a memoir of his life. While Helen thought she had seen some paranormal hearing implosions, and Deneve merely looked a bit astonished.

It became silent as a graveyard of the dead, as Naruto seemed to be shocked to Miria's assumption, as the other three were stunned seemingly. Naruto himself took a moment to breathe before standing tall over the table, as his eyes narrowed into the bloodline that caused him to have his sight back. The Sharingan spun searching for a reason of her volunteerism to his journey. Something was off here, and he intended to find out why. What did she have to gain from this?

"May I ask in what you hope to gain from accompanying myself, Miria?" the blond ninja asked lowly as the tone of his voice gave-way to a recognized wariness laced into its depths. The three woman apart from the one who gave the answer were shocked quite a bit to hear the caution in this cold, and dull figure of a human. Miria merely shut her eyes as if this were a debriefing before an awakened being hunt. She knew he was secretive, and her motive was for the good of her comrades. Her friends lives were in her hands, and this man was wary with her presence which made her smirk copying his answer from before.

"My gains are quite obvious mister Saito, if you're trying to read further then your effort is wasted. Are you wary to have someone traveling alongside you perhaps you're hiding something?" the accusation was enough for Naruto to not persuade the woman otherwise. It was clear that any effort to convince her was not going to be simple at all. He merely stood before intoning in plain voice as he gestured to her clothing. The blond was almost ready to have kunai out to launch at the wall for this to happen. He lamentably replied with an answer much to her smirk.

"Well your determined aren't you? Still as you wish, but before we begin our journey you must change your dress wear. A Claymore's armor is something I do not wish to have recognized along our way. I'll go look around for some suitable clothing in this village." The ninja slowly made his way to the door as this new unprecedented situation arose. He was such an idiot he sighed as he let the double layered genjutsu remain over the lobby of the tavern as he stepped into the cloudy environment. Naruto really wanted to go destroy a forest somewhere now that he had to deal with this, having Miria around without training himself was going to be a hassle.

The snow had risen to above his ankles as he looked down the street to search for an indication of some general tailor shop, or at least the general shop. The crunching snow made his mind set to be more agitated than to be calmed at the moment as it had quite some time since an individual had surprised him. He just wanted to snarl outright, and tell the woman to leave him be but some part of him. The part that sought out contact with another person to be something, and make anything out of it. He promised Tina, he would protect them all. Though it was just for that battle...right?

Nauto was just confused now, he sighed trying to find reason within this madness but it wasn't insanity it was his word. His word to protect them all, and damn it all to hell he was starting to get an old mind set back. It was during his time that Emiko was alive that he had the drive to protect her, to become stronger for her sake, and his to be safe. Now he had that drive back, and it was leaving his stomach in a knot. It gave him a dry mouth with a bad taste but he was smirking. It seemed that that something inside him, his old self wanted that to happen. Maybe it was fine to do that, but another part of him warned that if anyone of them died he would be hurt. He would feel guilt again, and more rage.

The blond knew certainly it was a feeling he did not wish to have often. To be hurt, and to be so enraged that everything in sight was a target. Sighing he looked up as some symbol of clothing was on a sign to a structure on the right side of the main road through the village. Maybe that would get his mind of some things.

Naruto moved along as the seemingly random action of Miria just absolutely made him wary, as he did not entirely know why the Claymore wanted to travel with him. A subtle caution crept into the back of his thoughts again before squashing it in his mind scape. He entered the tailor's shop to see a long horizontal table with a clerk sitting behind in the center on a chair. On the table lay several layers, or varieties to protect one's body from the winter of the north.

Scanning the table there was fur coating, some sort of clothing that seemed to be made for flexibility as the black slick texture was an indicator. That seemed to be quite suited for his needs of his soon to be yet another female companion. Tina did represent his first brief traveling…friend in such a long time. The thoughts on her made him smile, her lips against his brought back a warmth that hadn't been paid attention to. Damn did his body have hormones rushing through his veins, and he hated it. While pleasantly smiling all the while.

He went up to the clerk before speaking in for once not seemingly a monotone, the seller found it be humane. "Good morning sir. What can I get ye? Do ye wish to see the greatest fur on the southern lands or to the slickest suits of the south eh?" the clerk was apparent to have some sort of accent as he lifted his straw hat to cast an illusion before he pointed to the black clothing. It seemed to be for a female's body, as the upper portion of the chest supported an obvious aspect. "Here I thought it was male." he thought in a joking fashion. Maybe it was time to drop the mask that was him, and let someone in or at least becoming himself.

"Ah that's one of the recent shipments I got, shame not many young ladies wish to take up arms. Damn chaps seem to get more careless every winter." He sighed before Naruto had a realization, perhaps this tailor, who supplied simple suited clothing could be recruited into his first of what he had assumed to be long list of contacts. "Yes, I would like one set of the black clothing. My companion would need something durable to say the least." The blond man remarked much to the tailors smirk, durable what was that man thinking? He sighed, perverted tailor indeed he was. At least he kept it to himself.

"Ah do ye have a lady friend?" the clerk inquired slyly, as he seemed to be twisting the mustache along his pale face. The former Red Dawn member merely inclined with a nod of his head. "May I ask something from you mister…" the clerk placed the black clothing into a bundle, "The names Riley Ganders my good man." Mister Ganders spoke in a friendly manner. "Kenji Saito." Both men shook each other's hand before Riley sat down into his chair charting the cost of the black clothing, it was now considered to be almost a second skin to help the individual move in battle. It was definitely well suited for his needs, though to convince this business to support his infant campaign against the Yoma, and the organization.

"Mr. Ganders tell me in how your business is running currently?" Naruto asked as he walked to the edge of the displayed outfits. Some he saw were covered in rabbit furs, some wolves, and apparently some sort cotton as he felt the warmth emitted. "Me business has been down lately, some sort of weird news from Pieta. That was me sole market now long distance trading with other guilds in other villages will likely force me to drop my prices. Damned demons starting trouble I reckon." Naruto smirked from under his veil, as the clerk was certainly displaying hostility against the Yoma, so far it was enlightening.

"True to make a profit competition is certainly a hindrance." He agreed quietly as he continued to move along the table, slowly reaching the center to where the tailor was tallying the total as he grumbled under his breath about some lack of income to support fair markets. "Mr. Ganders, tell me what you think of the organization that uses Claymore to slay demons." At the mention of the word Claymore and demons Riley looked up with a look that only foretold a harsh past involving the subject. "Ye what I think eh?" he spoke quietly as he set the sheet of paper down onto the oak style table.

"You want an ignorant answer, or do ye wish to know that the people in black earn a fortune from killing a single demon." Naruto stopped to look at him before he smirked again under his veil, this was becoming quite a morning, and it seemed to be gaining good fortune. "An honest answer if you would." He said with a low nod of his own head, as Ganders eyed him as if gazing to see the reason in why he asked that. "Before I answer, remove the hat. I wish to gaze upon a man who faces another on equal grounds." The tailor did not apparently trust the barrier between the one asking a question about a sore subject he had with the "organization" that those men in black reported to. Not many knew about its size or power over the lands. It was fearful to just imagine so, Riley shivered.

Naruto took the back of his straw hat, and lifted it above his tied back blond hair as his scars, and eyes were revealed to Ganders. The clerk flinched at the scars layered upon his face, and those undead green jade eyes held no comfort to incline that living man in front was a part of the living. "This is a story I share often with most who ask with the utmost curiosity, and not very often do I believe my life affects the asked. Though your different, ye stands before me, as veteran soldier, and with the mind of a wise man." He settled back into his chair as Naruto watched patiently for the clerk to begin his tale of the past.

"About twenty and five winters ago, I was a young lad then. Full of youth, energy, and ignorance." He smiled grimly before resuming after the brief pause. "It was in my village that a rash string of butchering occurred, it didn't take long to see that one of the demons was among us. I wasn't scar or ye wonder anything could unnerve me than. The warnings from me mother didn't faze my foolhardiness but it was a night I snuck out from home with my youngest sibling, Riana." He sighed as apparent memories of his younger sister pleaded with him to stay in bed, and let the monsters be beaten by the other monsters. She was scared for him, but he did not take notice of it.

"Now the day before an elder contacted one those men in black who were astonishing taking a small leave of sorts in our village. He agreed for the sliver eyed women to slay the Yoma for a hefty price of five hundred gold coins, greedy bastards in my mind." He scoffed as he looked to see that Naruto was merely standing, and listening patiently with his story, which was quite respectful, many younger ones did not have the dignity to learn from another person's mistakes. The clerk got up before he placed chair over the side of the payment parchment, and he indicated for the blond haired man to sit to which he did before murmuring a quiet thanks.

"Ah where was I? It was during a night that I felt compelled to search for the demon as I had a short board sword for an arm to fight, though my younger sister Riana tried to stop me. She tried to plead with me to let the monster be killed by the sliver eyed ones, but alas I moved on with her behind me scared out of her dressers. We moved on through the streets to hear a scream. I rushed into the direction leaving Riana behind with a small candle in the misty night, and ye can guess in what I discovered huh?" Riley crossed his legs sighing as his eyes were clenched as the burning agony was etched in his face.

"The demon stood taller than any man I had ever saw in my life than, and still now. Blood was dripping from its jaws as it ate some poor sap as his neck was completely chomped like one would eat a chicken leg. I felt fear from those amber eyes slit into something beyond any imagination can create. It seemed that hell was alive in a form of purple flesh intent on ripping me to shreds as it lunged at me, foolishly I blocked it before it smashed its bugling fist into my gut sending me back into the street. I was scared, no I was terrified by the monster, and looking up to see Riana dropping her source of light as the demon moved from the alley to spot her. I couldn't move as I tried to scream for my sister to run, but my voice left me as I watched in sheer agony to see my sister scream as the jaws of the monster swept her back in the dark." Riley was rambling as the retelling of his past did not settle any past horrors to heal as it was similar to his own tragedy in his own village. Naurto could relate to it to an extent if not his own feelings were mirrored. Part of his stomach was ready to twirl around in a sick dance, and he hated the feeling of helplessness. It was that made him lose his eyes in the first place, to be so weak you couldn't do a thing.

"Ye can hardly imagine what I felt as my head hit the ground to see the cape of some man, a man dressed in black. His eyes seemed to be uncaring as he was hardly startled to hear a four year scream for her mother, her sister, and her own brother as the demon tore into her innards. He spoke to another figure that I saw as some woman, stoic as the screams penetrated the cool night. 'Such a shame, well finish it off. We have other places to be.' The way he put off the dying screams of a child made my anger boil as he walked away, with the woman who smiled faintly to me before rushing to the alley. Needless to say I passed out after wards from the trauma to me head."

He concluded his story telling of the past as Naruto merely had his eyes gazing ever so intently, Riley saw that the man held his lips in a tight line as if a bit angry to see that a child that could potentially be saved was placed as some minor inconvenience. It was enraging to most to not attempt to save the small child. Children were the innocence of all things, and to see one so brutally killed it was sickening. Riley could imagine the thoughts running through the blond's head as his own eyes narrowed in the memory of his sister.

"What I learned was to never believe that with this organization of the claymore was any sort of saviors, they do it because they want people to live in fear. Fear that they can't stand up to the demons, and use my example to place facts that these woman who place themselves more likely forced to fight these damned bastards. Not a day goes by if I see a Claymore I can't help but wonder who that woman was then, and if she has any sort of disgust at the death of a child. I hate the organization but their warriors I can respect." He sighed as he finally revealed his true honest opinion about the only defenders of human kind, and personally it was the superiors who acted to be accustomed to death. It was sheer arrogance from what this man described as the clerk added one thought.

"Although it's ironic as there are some normal humans who can fight the demons. It's when their larger do they call the Claymores for help." He chuckled grimly as he sat back, the parchment in front of him as he calculated the price for the black combat suit. Naruto was smiling slightly at the irony of it all, ironic that humans couldn't fight a demon but it was possible just the more larger ones did they could not. Sighing true irony with a hint of amusement, strange but comforting all the while.

Though had to merely voice his thoughts on the matter. "Yes it's necessary for this organization, but even they are not well known. It's a question I intend to find out if you're willing to support a counter operation." This got Gander's attention right away as he looked upon Naruto with an expression of disbelief yet he seemed curious on how. Something was in his eyes, the blond saw it as hope to bring down the organization and remember his sister's death.

"Do you care to say how, and what is this organization to fight the other eh?" the clerk inclined as he was cautious that no such power or force was in existence, and the question was how even a subject like that could become reality. "This new group is in its beginning stages, as I will need backers to supply information, weapons, clothing, food, and possibly safe areas for rest. I'm willingly to allow you to be accepted in the circle to bring this 'organization' in the light, and figure out what they truly are." Naruto paused as he went into his pocket stack a neat gold coins, as he added half of that to be a sliver stack next to the larger value.

"This group is known as the Akatsuki, or the Red Dawn. You will be well compensated in return of your service as you can see. If you accept this, it will be a contract for one year of provisions until the next payment." The clerk while was sympathetic to this group's cause, he was a business man in heart, and rather wary to accept this money that would keep him in business for some time as the dozens of gold coins were a temptation that would affect his life. He wrote out on the parchment before he asked while writing the final transaction for purchase.

"Ye have me interested, but what will my services have to be? Will my business be effected in any sort of way?" the questions were piling but Naruto could see this man was almost in his grasp as he folded his legs, before removing a scroll from the inside of his jacket. He released the scroll which held the name, "Informant Contracts" to emphasize the contract's specifics. He unrolled it over the bundle he was currently purchasing as Riley laid his pen down to read what his "Red Dawn" offered.

Akatsuki Contract

Clause I

(I.) The supplier to back the mercenary, security, and information organization of the Red Dawn will hereby sign at the bottom at the list of benefits that the supplier of disclosed resources is entitled to. As the Red Dawn will have benefits from the backer as payment.

(II.) The supplier will be entitled to a limited cost, pending on the severity of the required escort detail of personal interest. Any security of loading or shipment of resources within the supplier's business shall have no cost to hire any Red Dawn member.

(III.) Furthermore any Red Dawn member shall not harm a contact supplier unless hostility is confirmed due to sabotage, or if the supplier is a collaborator against the Red Dawn Organization itself.

(IV.) Any backer of the Red Dawn will not be disclosed in a public eye as all suppliers will hence be confidential, and not be implanted in their local area. As such members except for the leader of the Akatsuki will have sole knowledge of all the suppliers.

(V.) No rash conduct will be expected from one of the Red Dawn's security detail on a contract from a supplier, no illegal mishandling of any goods, arms, or escorts will be met with harsh punishment if not by fatal judgment from the other members of the Red Dawn itself.

(VI.) Any mission requested by the backer that involves economic hindrance or espionage of another business establishment will require a small fee of twenty silver coins pending if the mission requires more than a single pair of Red Dawn members.

Clause II

The supplier is hereby held to these benefits from the Organization of the Red Dawn. For the supplier to keep his or her bargain the mercenary, security, and information will be supplied with the following conditions from the backer.

(I.) The backer of the organization is required to provide lodgings, food, and clothing for if a Red Dawn Member is in the present area of the local supplier. Failure to meet this requirement is immediate removal of support from the organization.

(II.) Any information set on narrowing to hinder the Yoma Slaying organization is set to be required if the contact can gather such information.

(III.) Any willingly investors in the Akatsuki shall be well endorsed by the organization with the terms of this contract. Economic disputes will not hinder these terms otherwise unspecified.

(IV.) Notifications of any movement of Claymore warriors or Yoma will be mandatory during the time of payment of these conditions.

The method of choice of payment is through a raven that shall wait in its specified point on the establishment of the backer, as a parchment will be required to list all events related to these conditions. Failure to list any events will result in a harsh disciplinary consequence.

The suppler will hereby sign on this line, agreeing to the conditions to which the Red Dawn will comply with its own list of conditions to the supplier. This contract is valid for one year of use; any further usage will be made in half payment from the Red Dawn or the supplier to remain part of its original standing. The Red Dawn will pay the backer for his service, and will incline to allow Yoma slaying contracts individual for a fee of thirty gold coins, and allow immediate lodgings for recovery after the first year of service.

Sign here on this dotted line. "...…."

Riley Ganders read the contract, and liked in what he saw. This contract was simply filled with loopholes for the supplier, or backer to gain additional benefits if it required someone either silenced, or their business ruined by shady means. Yet also this Red Dawn held its own in requirement of service, if the man Kenji was going to be the sole member to have all the contacts listed it kept damage of identity rumors of all the backers. He thought long and hard as this could prove to be beneficial if he could spread this contract to another business in the southern regions as they could make a joint venture to raise profits, and revenue.

"Aye this is legitimately sound for me. To back the Red Dawn I do need a small escort to a village called Bruckim to the south west. I trust you can handle this even though be warmed that damned leeches of snow bandits have been active as of late." Naruto smiled at the success as Riley Ganders took half of the gold stack, and the whole silver as he gave some respect to not take all the money that was there to entice him to accept. He would do this to all future contracts, perhaps more which could provide substantial resources that could appear in the future. This was a good step in the right direction as he sighed lightly since Gander's gave him an incentive for him.

"Ai I'll throw this suit for your lady friend for free, there is a small cart I have in the back that is pulled by a horse. Once you reach the destination old buck will be taken care off. Have a pleasant day sir." The clerk Ganders said shutting his eyes as Naruto took back the contract before intoning in a formal voice, as he placed the bundle in between his arms, "Mission…Accepted." He went to the window before placing a paper seal to which any of his summons could follow the chakra surge in some month's time from now. "This will be the mark for when the raven will arrive. Oh and please keep this to yourself. My real name is Naruto Namikaze." With that Naruto walked out the door, and moved to the back to where the horse cart was waiting. The clerk raised his eyebrows before nodding, confidential was trust between them. He knew his support, and the leader of the Akatsuki's identity was his trust to him. It was good to do right for the world indeed.

The animal named Old Buck was a strong, and healthy stallion that was once likely the most dominant in its youth, but time weakens all as he pulled light weighted carts now, as it was covered by a black over-top likely protecting the supplier's goods. The brown coated animal nickered friendly as he reached out, and stroked the stallion on the side of his face where a single white spot covered half its head. It nickered impatiently as if wishing to travel, it was rather admirable of the noble animal but his owner appeared from his back door.

"Before you go on ye way, I have to ask to give this parchment to the owner in Bruckim. She'll understand." Naruto merely nodded as he accepted the folded tan paper as it held a small wax seal of some sort before he placed it into his pocket. The stallion nickered again his hooves gnawed at the snow before he took the reins from the side and gave a small firm yank to start the old horse moving. The cart slowly but was gaining speed as the stallion followed his directions by the tugging of the reins as he moved down the street to where the tavern was. Before reaching the front window he said lowly, "Whoa." The stallion apparently had heard the command in the past as he stopped at the sound before he pat the junction between his eyes giving him his positive remarks. Naruto tied the noose on a small nod below the window as his tying ability would be enough for the horse to stay in place.

Making his way through the door, the patrons of the tavern looked up, and resumed chatting as they saw that the "priest" had returned. He looked to the table in where he left previously, and none of the Claymore's remained as they were upstairs awaiting his return from the shop. Sighing lightly be made his way to the stairs, as his footsteps were a little too hard pressed as the sound vibrated onto the next level as he turned into the hall to see one the Claymore's he assumed to be Cynthia as she appeared bored, while Deneve was talking quietly with Helen. The others were likely in their rooms preparing to leave.

"Miria is in her room, getting ready. Though I have fair warning to you Mr. Icicle." It was Cynthia who spoke looking at him as she tilted her head, appearing bored however he knew that the Claymore was likely as close to serious to a human then anything currently. "If you so think of running out I swear I'll hunt you down, maybe Yuma if I can imagine being better. Don't do anything you'll regret around Miria, else we'll make it your last thing to see alive." The man regarded the innocent looking woman as she flipped her pigtails back as something that barely made him flinch. It made him grin at the threatening tone, if only she knew what he had did well her tone would be changing.

Naruto just shrugged lightly passing her by speaking dully."I will be well to remember Miss Cynthia." There was no need to cause anymore delays, he was rather anxious if he could describe the turmoil to complete the assignment, and go recruit more contacts. Sighing he calmed himself before entering the room, and shutting the door lightly as he did not want any interruptions before he spoke to the Captain of the surviving warriors. Gods did he have to act like some rookie Chunnin? No, it was rhetorical to himself as the blond looked inside his room to see something that made him shake his head in amusement.

He saw Miria leaning over Rei, and stroking his neck apparently as the raven which gave a contented caw, as the woman looked up ever so stoic by nature. "Your back, did you get anything to be suitable?" she asked while he went to the window, and leaned against sighing lightly, as the Claymore picked it up with her advanced hearing. Miria stared puzzled at the man, as he appeared to be rather annoyed or tired, though she didn't think it was the latter. It was strange to see human characteristics from him, as he usually was so secluded, and calm. It was like he didn't know how to act around others, and that was gaining her interest as he began to speak in a somewhat relaxed tone.

"Before we begin our travel, I will let you know that there will be conditions in order for you to follow when being my, companion." The blond nearly winced as his voice took a dip on the last part which made him scowl to himself. He couldn't afford to be uncomfortable since there was a lot of pressure on this mission. Sighing to calm himself he noticed Miria raise her eyebrows as if laughing at his discomfort. He narrowed his own eyes from behind his veil at the silent claymore who was perfectly hiding her laughter.

"You will be employed by the Akatsuki, the Red Dawn during your duration of travel with me until otherwise. I have a spare hat, and cloak so you are affiliated with this group as we have our first mission from my associate who so graciously let me purchase this body suit of yours for free. Shocking isn't? " The claymore looked to be a bit apprehensive, as she seemed to unwrap the outfit, it would fit her body perfectly, as there were straps revealing the skin under her arms as it allowed flexibility, and the tight black clothe clung to her like a tick. Miria tilted her head at it's texture, it felt good in a sense.

Although she liked the general outfit, she was curious on his reasons as to way."Is there a reason in why I'm a part of this Red Dawn group? What exactly are saying you've already gotten a contact to help us?" Miria spoke curiously as she flipped the suit back, and forth inspecting the design for any flaws, and there was little to have a negative comment about the clothing. It was certainly much more reliant in battle than her current outfit. Sighing he began taking her armored shoulder pieces, and battle skirt apart leaving the second to not be worn again. Naruto answered her question rhetorically, "A reason to see a rouge Claymore with a wanted human to the organization? My how not so suspicious nor strange." his humor barely made Miria glare as she smirked at his sarcastic remark.

Miria simply began to unstrap the back of her outfit provided from the organization, as her back became exposed as her creamy skin was visible from Naruto's view. The blond felt his mouth instantly dry out as whatever water he had the man suddenly doubted would sate his thirst. It was thirst for something else besides water that made him uncomfortable. Maybe it was the fact he had little physical contact with people nowadays. Either she had to realize he was still standing there, watching her undress.

He grunted lowly as she apparently did not find the fact that there was someone watching, and it gave an indication that there was no modesty from the superiors of individual warriors. "I get the feeling you've never had to strip in front someone who wasn't your handler?" Naruto asked curious for a moment as Miria scowled to herself, she didn't realize he was there watching the free show she turned holding her breasts, as her arms crossed under them so that the outfit would not reveal anything that would "entice" him to enjoy.

"Turn around or something, and get that hat off I don't need you to be watching with my back turned." Miria said annoyed as the man merely nodded much to shock. Something new here was that he was very modest when it came to woman. It made her sigh in relief and feel amused. Naruto removed his straw hat as the pony tail of blond hair, and his green eyes watched in a bored fashion. Perhaps he has seen the opposite sex naked, which would be a shock if he didn't then he would've been sheltered. His face held those scars that sent a brief shiver down her spine as they seemed to much more intense on humans than anything else.

The blond moved to the window as he had Rei flap onto his shoulder as he opened the glass panel to bring cold air into the room. The fire that smoldered died out, as the cold did not affect her body due to the Yoma blood within her veins, as she shrugged off the outfit. The white and tan outline slide to reveal her figure to the world as she moved to the bed, getting the black suit onto herself. Her hair drooped onto her shoulders, as she slid her body leg first to feel the insides were comfortable.

Slipping her arms into their destinations the suit fit nicely over her chest, as it was firm enough to move around in. She could almost say this was probably on par with the outfits that the organizations best could produce. Quietly sighing she also decided to tie her two long whims of silvery hair into a ponytail, a small black piece of leather let a few strands fall over her face.

She flexed the new clothing before getting into her armored footwear before sighing once more. It was the start of a new adventure that not a soul could guess in how long this would take. She turned around after a bit examining the new clothe, and looked shocked to see Naruto sitting on the window sill watching the skies. He looked over here as his green eyes for once almost softened before yawning slightly. What she didn't know was that the blond shinobi was impressed with the outfit, and had to offer Riley his expertise when it came to that sort of thing. She looked, well like a warrior but an attractive one. The blond mentally berated himself for using that word now. It just lead to necessary things, or did it? It was time to set off, and he had to focus for now.

Miria saw that his raven Rei was flying into the sky as she heard him mummer, "Devious foes lie in wait on the ground. Fly swift in the liberated skies Rei." He sighed before reaching into his black cloak to reveal a pair of clothing items that would've been hard pressed to hide yet a single black cloak, and a similar hat to his own. Miria had to wonder how in the hell he hid those under his own cloak. It was strange to hide that on anyone's person honestly so she took them, and inspected her new gear.

The hat had small strings with tiny bells attached at the end, as they jingled lightly. "Those are yours, however they once belonged to a teacher of mine. Well that hat designs was anyways..." She gave him an amused look at his anxiety, it was all too easy to see that. He moved across the room grabbing his hat along the way before placing it on his head smoother than most could have. "When this escort mission begins I will ensure that nothing will disturb its contents. Then we'll see if your curiosity will last after what I can do." He smirked slightly as Miria saw his lips twitch as he placed his veil over his face once more, the smirk sent shivers down her spinal column once more. Something in her gut told her to watch whatever he had in store.

Miria walked to put on the black cloak, though she sheathed her giant claymore onto her back, as it fit nicely. Walking to the bed the cloak widened exponentially the width covered her arms as she stretched them into their sockets, as the height as well masked the blade of her sword. Only the handle remained visible past her neck, and adding the hat onto her as it almost fully concealed the weapon. It was remarkable as she thought stretching to get a feel for the clothing, and Naruto was watching from the door. He felt the anxiety from the other Claymore's beyond their way, and he did not worry about their reactions. "Well I hope that fits to your liking? Still I hope your comrades approve..." the blond remarked quietly, he stood as his veil pointed into her direction. Miria wanted to answer but she let it go, there would be time later but now her friends were what mattered for the moment.

Miria merely nodded, "It's fine, though it's strange wearing this sort of outfit." Her eyes locked onto the small bells as they chimed with every step she took and to Naruto it was a reminder of his old mentor as the sound was very nostalgic to listen to once more. To the claymore she saw him smile ever so slight from the thin sheets of paper. It was barely open to see his lips. "You'll get used it in no time, now let us begin our journey." His hand pulled the door open as four anxious warrior waited to see their commander in a similar version of getup he wore currently.

When Naruto stepped through the door, Helen, Cynthia, and Yuma gasped in shock to see that Miria walked through tilting her own version the straw hat that signified Kenji Saito, though instead of him a pair of sliver eyes watched them with the utmost seriousness. "Remember, Deneve your in charge till we return in the future. Please everyone get stronger, push your limits as we don't have time to be lax, and anytime the organization could discover us. Be safe, all of you." Their captain gave her request, and the last orders she tell them to as they were longer under her command till the next time they met in the future which was uncertain.

The now leading warrior Deneve due to her rank, and experience in apparently having some leadership quality told the remaining four warriors, "Let us go now, the more time we waste its more time for us to become weaker. We'll head to the mountains in the northwest, and remain there until we need to leave otherwise." The four shared determined looks as they were about to begin a journey that would shape the continent they lived on forever, and its history began a new chapter. The chapter began of the Red Dawn's Ascension.

"Deneve, if you need any clothing or supplies go to the tailor shop, and ask the clerk Riley Ganders for such. Tell him, the Akatsuki require payment for service to the town of Bruckim." Naruto gave their first contact if they need anything to be replaced, or for the matter to acquire new clothing. He nodded to the calm woman who moved to the stairs as the other four followed her lead behind the now two Akatsuki members who were beginning their ascent on the continent.

The patrons in the bar witnessed the holy contingent of priests moving on as several said prayers for their journey, and to the illusion around the six warriors it was a real awkward sight to see humans praying good graces for them. They felt uneasy as the illusion of humans, and those in close proximity would be fading away as they stepped outside into the day light. Naruto and Miria both stood next to the stallion as the captain of her remaining troops, no her friends left to the mountains in the north honing their strength to return in the future to combat the Organization.

Naruto once more looked to his now partner in the newest beginning of the Red Dawn, "Let us go now Miria." He undid the reins for the stallion, Old Buck who nicked in excitement as his handler patted the side of his jaw. Now examining the cart there was a large bag of what he supposed was the horses feed as the trip could take a day or more onto the next village to the southwest.

The male Akatsuki member tucked the reins partly into his pocket as he pulled them firmly forward as the stallion moved. Walking with hands in each pocket he glanced to his right to see Miria moving along with him at ease as her hat covered her own face.

Naruto had looked to skies to see the figure of his raven flying without worry watching above as the warning that Riley gave him about the snow bandits would be his first of what he thought to minor nuisances to come. It would likely be that could be attacked or simply ignored though with a two person pair against a group of them would get their greed ahead of themselves. He sighed it was going to be a long annoying trip to say the least. However it didn't mean he could let loose his darker side when it came to bandits. "Let them come, and they will hither into the winds."

- Several Hours Later -

Snow lightly fell as the flakes had slowly created a thin coating over the black top on the cart. Traveling in the general direction of the next village which was their destination was easier said than done if that phrase could describe the snow hindering the escorts. Naruto sighed lightly again as he was doing it more often as his boots crunched into the snowy surface beneath him. The reins were still tucked inside his pockets as he surveyed the environment around Miria and road was leading in a descending direction as the rocks rose on both sides of them.

The blond heard something, or perhaps one group of human from .the multiple sounds of crunching snow. The snow bandits as it was, were trying to judge the target, basically them. They would likely think this would be a wary target with armed escorts but some part of him knew their greed got the better of them. The simple rule of Quantity over Quality, or ten to two huh? The blond smirked nonetheless on the bandits decision to attack them with the thought of overwhelming them.

"They could try but it wouldn't be enough either way." Naruto thought as his eyes glanced to the side on occasion to watch their movement. While doing that a small mound came up to them, his knees forced him up the sleek surface though for the stallion Old Buck, since the horse was having a hassle in getting the cart from tipping on its side. The male Akatsuki member looked back as he was concerned about the shipment of goods though his partner merely grabbed the edge of the wooden cart, and simply held it steady with the barest of her strength. Abating the cart was forced down on two wheels with her enhanced strength. Naruto smirked, she was annoyed at using her enhanced strength to support a wooden cart, it was too comical. He smiled at the situation.

It was quite helpful to have Miria merely become annoyed to deal with a small feat to assist him. It was a hidden amusement to watch personally as Miria spoke aloud to increase his silent mirth. "I'm not doing this every time we have some hill, the next gap in these walls the horse rests." The woman yanked the cart forward enough for the stallion to move a little too quickly as her partner had to get his pace moving a bit faster. The Claymore knew he was smiling at her in either amusement or thanks but to her it was slightly irritating to help with that. Sighing lightly the Claymore merely continued onward with her path, ever so attuned to their surroundings as well.

Onward they went as the only sounds penetrating the silence was the breathing of pulling stallion, and the occasional chiming of the bells on the female Akatsuki member. To the blond shinobi it was nostalgic due to the sound and very tranquil from the lack of conversation between them to draw too much attention as the sounds did echo off the walls. A few rocks slid from his left, and Naruto saw mounds of small snow gain in size from their fall at the peak of the granite walls.

His nose then picked up three distinct scents that he knew automatically were going to a nuisance, it was sweat, blood, and old sexual reminders on the pants of likely to be the resident snow bandit gang, Riley did warn them that they were active as of late. Apparently the bandits had decided to attack, it was going to be very interesting. He was curious if Miria had the mind set to kill a human being, could she to protect the shipment or someone else?Another client was one or an innocent? It was a question he would have to answer in the future, somehow anyways.

To his right the suspicions were confirmed as Miria let go of the cart, and moved to within feet of him. "Were being followed, it's been happening ever since we entered this canyon of sorts. I really can't yet determine how many but seems to be at least ten." Naruto nodded lightly before responding calmly that merely made Miria listen ever more so intently. "Ah its must be the snow bandits that our contact warned off. Miria tell me can you actually kill a human?" the question startled the rouge warrior as she did not actually break the most sacred cardinal rule, which was simply to never kill a human being. It was time to break that rule in the man's mind next to her. Memories of her best friend's blood on her hands stopped her own blood cold in it's tracks. She glanced at him with a scowl on her face on what he was also hinting at now.

"Don't tell were actually going to fight them? It's just simple a one handed battle, and well not worth my time." Miria intoned annoyed as Naruto merely looked back down at her, she was stalling, and avoiding the question he asked. "Miria these vermin are not human in my eyes, their insects that prey upon defenseless homes of others. They pillage, burn, and destroy to consume their greed which is insatiable." He was speaking so calm, and so causal that it caused the Claymore to listen ever so as she could detect the anger, disgust, and even loathing in his tone. She was a bit surprise to the hear the passion in his voice when it came to criminals of this sort, and it was strange to have him visibly angry now.

It was ever so subtle, and it became obvious as he said the next single reason that caused him to get very irritated. "These vermin do occasionally rape their captives, mindless if there woman or children. If they approach, you will see why I questioned if your curiosity will last after what I can do." Naruto intoned flatly as he glanced to the top, as his kunai were placed into his free hand without the reins inside his left pocket. Miria was interested yet wary of what the warning had indicated as she would witness the brutality of this docile and quiet man in moment's time as he stopped the horse, with the cart in tow.

Naruto took a moment to tilt his head up at the left wall to see three heads duck down, he smiled they knew he saw them. That was the reason they stopped, and he looked over to the Claymore who walked to the opposite side of the cart perhaps getting ready to talk their way out of this. To Miria humans were still worth saving, the blond snorted out loud at her thinking. What she didn't know was that humans were split in worth to be saved, and beyond redemption.

The sound of some war call echoed down the ravine they were in, as six men leaped over the sides of the walls riding pieces of flattened wood to skid in front of their route. The men landed with little grace or formation as they smirked like starved wolves finding an apparent weak prey item, Naruto simply clicked his tongue as the sound startled his partner, the way he clicked his jaw or tongue was that of one who saw the most disgusting thing he or she had ever seen. Whatever made him irritated or angry with human lowlifes as these Miria wanted to know, yet she was wary in what he could do to them? Somehow it was going to be something she would remember for a while, it was in her gut that force fed her suspicion.

All the bandits wore some sort of white fur jacket, as scarves hid their faces on some, but one or two gave an unwelcome view of their teeth as yellowed unhealthy bone. All the bandits wore some of tan vest with swords on their waists, and the edges of their foot war had white fur sticking out as they were a wolf pack. "There just dogs, and it's making me sick to smell them." Naruto thought disgustedly when he let the reins part from his pocket, and stood calmly as one bandit who he assumed was the leader had a beard that rivaled one Asuma Sarutobi as he had an ugly scar running across his forehead. Now that was a rare resemblance, and it made him clench his jaw tightly. Every shinobi in the world he knew despised bandits, the lowest that any person would go now.

"Well, well, well. Look here boys it seems so new prey has entered on our turf. Not bad though can't be picky as the last one barely had anything too much of value." He gruffly spoke chuckling as the half a dozen men stood laughing, and there were an addition four or so awaiting as reinforcements. It would not be enough against the one who did not want to talk, but Mira began to at least to be "Civil" with the bandit crew. She attempted to be diplomatic to delay their deaths. Kind of her but the blond either way prepared his weapons in his hands.

"Excuse us gentlemen, were merely traveling merchants going to the next village. We did not know this was your territory, please can we move through with little trouble?" the warrior spoke in crisp clear voice as a few men wolf whistled at the sound of a woman. The former sixth ranked warrior felt the bile rising and even claymore's didn't vomit but she came close as the bearded leader grinned as if find the most interesting object he had ever seen. "Oh you sound so sexy lady, how about this try to convince the boys and me eh? C'mon else I could just kill your friend there, and we'll all be alone." He chuckled darkly as the bandits licked their lips, and drew their swords to show they were meaning some really "darker" thoughts. Rape was clearly on their minds, and the Claymore had the urge to cut them down but held it in check.

Miria tried once more as her voice was annoyed, "I'm sure we could, but we are moving on a very tight time frame. Can this be settled with us passing along peacefully?" the bandits laughed as one commented with grinning, "Yeah I'll bet you're tight alright. Is it your pussy or asshole huh?" The bandit hollowed as some other patted him on the back. Naruto growled lowly in his throat at the comment, c'mon this was downright sickening for him to listen to. He murdered yes but acting a sick piece of trash that knew no limits to ignorance, and arrogance was too tempting to kill. Add the fact being disrespectful to a woman was something on his list to kill big time, and now it was getting worse. Sighing lowly he moved with a subtle step towards his partner.

Another comment got the situation to turn even worse and more disturbing. "Bet she would love to be in a groupie eh, get some meat and boy I'm getting a hard one guys." He laughed like some wicked high pitched woman, it was downright disturbing to even imagine it coming from a male's vocal cords. One other bandit to the far right even grabbed his crouch pointing it at Miria's direction, and his comment was becoming sickening as well. "C'mon sweets first come be served. I'll even let the small dick-less wonder to be spared as he probably can't compete with this log eh?" Miria was becoming enraged as her knuckles cracked violently as Yoki was pulsing in her system, the rule of not to kill humans was heavily being levied to break as it stuck with her after years of becoming of what she was, and she not kill a human even becoming rouge. Her friend Hida's face was etched in her mind as the will to never kill a human was strainned as memories of her battles went around her mind. Do not kill human beings ever her mind screamed at her to remain calm.

"Alright Tiu let's get some ass before dinner, always wanted to do the dirty way in." the leader was named Tiu apparently as he nodded his head to side as the one who held the screeching wicked laughing tone walked forward ignoring the woman's companion as he thought the man was dead either way. "Don't be shy sweetie, we'll take good care of you." He laughed in that sickening sound as Miria stood rigid as the code of her previous life stood rooted as the grimy glove inched forward to her chest opening as her coat revealed her neck.

The man felt his hand reach out mere inches away as suddenly he felt a breeze from his side, and he looked over to see the towering man who stood a good foot over him. He gripped his wrist retching back, and twisted as the result was what sheer unrelenting pain became.

He screamed as his hand was twisted in a circular notion, as his elbow had punctured from inside his skin, as the white tip was visible in his upper arm. His stomach imploded as a black knife lodged into his left side, before it tore revealing his intestines to the open world.

A sea of blood splattered along the snowy ground with thirty feet of small intestine followed by the larger organs into a pile of meat, blood flooded the ground around the man. It was a sea of dark red that matched the darkest pits of hell, and the bandit was still screamed as his conscious faded due to sheer information his nerves sent to the brain.

A kunai implanted itself under his jaw, and came up into the upper jaw hitting the small part of the brain inside the skull as some gurgling noise was created, when the knife came out blood flew once more as the man died in the most brutal death any had seen to a man.

Naruto stood over the corpse before stepping over the dead man, as he opened his arms palms face up as if placating some quarreling children. His gloves held the blotches of blood, and pieces of organ on its surface. He was looking over the other bandits who watched in horrified fashions at the brutality, and it made him chuckle on the inside. It was time to end this little nuisance, these weren't humans they were scum, and as such expendable. So why not give them a chance to defend themselves.

"Gentlemen, please she was trying to civil to avoid your deaths. Now you're merely an obstacle." The monotone voice of death chilled the living human's bones to the marrow as the leader Tiu saw the man gesture with his knife still dripping blood to come forward if they dared. "You know what they about obstacles, they need to be...eliminated." that was the straw that broke the camels back as it was. The bandits all snarled out like dogs to the blond who smirked despite the battle, no slaughter ahead.

"Get the fucking bastard!" the bandit group leader roared out as two bandits came forward as Naruto walked towards the rushing men, "Come hither, and wither into the winds." He spoke as a bandit roared out in a war call his broadsword coming down. The blond made a clicked sound with his tongue again as he parried the sword easily as he slid along the length of the sword using his leverage to block the other man, as he snapped his leg forward into the opposite man who was thrown onto the ground from the force behind it.

He looked onto the fearful face of the bandit who held himself against the tips of the kunai onto his chest, the shinobi jabbed them into his the cavity of his heart as he coughed out blood before the Akatsuki member elbowed him in his jaw cracking the bones, as he flung backward. Naruto then through threw his kunai into the air as the two whistled high above.

While he moved so fluently and quick to the naked eye he had stuck the broadsword into the stomach of the unfortunate man, twisting the sword vertically he split the man too his spine as all the organs fell out as he kicked him towards the slope of the ravine. Dark red liquid sprayed almost a good ten meters along the snowy banks. It ran down the slopes into the snow path as blood almost encircled the slaughter. Red lined the ravine. The smell was similar to a gutted pig, and that was imaging the scent to the Claymore's own experiences, Miria was watching stunned.

Pivoting on his ankle he let the sword lodge itself into the heart of the other man who had gotten up to see the blade within him. His fingers nerveless let the handle tumble into the open gloved hand of Naruto Namikaze as he plunged the downed man's weapon into the center of his neck severing his spinal cord. The blond breathed out in amusement.

With a growl he yanked the swords free kicking the body back as more blood sputtered, and sprayed behind him creating a red mist. He plunged the swords into the ground before facing his palms open to the sky to have the handles of the kunai land in dead center. He pointed one kunai forward, and left the other idle on his right. The bandits watched in complete horror as four men were butchered so easily by this…this monster or fucking demon. He watched the monster look at them before he whistled sharply to have four more then slid down the slopes to swarm the knife wielding man.

Naruto did not panic nor flinch as he flung his kunai into the air once more, and grabbed the first pair of stuck broadswords he flipped them around his wrist before throwing one over his shoulder to impale one man to the side of the ravine as it landed dead center of his chest. Still twisting the sword with his wrist, he pivoted on his ankles to fling the sword sideways to lodge its length into the location of the second sliding bandit, his face contorted in some gurgle or gasp as blood poured out between his lips spilling on his vest, and leading into the snowy ground.

The two bandits reached the bottom both charging with their swords held high, the Akatsuki male didn't even flinch as ducked to see them miss over head as fear overrode any sense of precision, or what little they did have. He spun low kicking out their left knees from their sockets, as they stumbled he spun again using opposite swords to impale their chest cavities with the others weapon. "Dumb asses." he mentally scoffed at them, no sense of using their heads in a battle. Pathetic as always.

They both coughed out blood simultaneously as gurgling came from their throats, the lungs simply filling with the crimson liquid. He got up, and held his hands to grip the falling handles once more as his thumb was on the ring of the kunai's that were drenched in blood. It dripped in front of the remaining patch of white as the sheer amount of blood was simply creating a sea of red. Tiu the now soon to be dead man watched in complete horror, and his mind was flooded with impossibilities that one man could slaughter so causally, such in well précised fashion was just…just. "Impossible?" Naruto intoned as he walked slowly, and deliberately as the cloaked fighter moved over limbs, or bodies as his feet left slushy imprints. His eyes were lip reading the incoherent words right out from the bandits mouth, it was so easy to see them form now.

"Yes can it be impossible Tiu?" The bandit leader quivered as his knees gave way as he tried to crawl back while kicking snow in the direction to in a futile attempt stop this machine of death. The leader whimpered as his sword lay at his side, he tried to grab the handle but a black weapon severed his left hand, he screamed in agony as he clutched the bloody stump. The man hyperventilated as Kenji stood above him, he reached down, and grabbed the fur vest at the bandit's neck lifting him to face all six feet of the monster.

"Does it hurt you little cretin of a man? You are beyond redemption, beyond saving." Naruto spoke in the coldest voice that sent fear into the bandit's body, as he lost control of his bladder as a foul smell appeared. The killer did not give an indication to the loss of control though Tiu managed to gasp as the choking tightened around his throat, "What…what are you?" he mustered as a kunai jabbed into his kidney, then stomach, and finally the second kunai was position above his jugular vein on his neck.

Naruto then leaned forward as he whispered through his veil, since Tiu could feel the warm breathe of his death as cold spread throughout his body from the blood loss. "I am human, and you are…nothing." The last word left the cloaked man's mouth, the kunai punctured his neck as Tiu only saw darkness. Naruto pushed the man back with both of his now "dirtied" weapons, and instantly found two more knives ready to use as the cool sharpen tips met his index fingers. He looked to Miria who stood rooted to her spot as he could tell she had her eyes wide, and watched in sheer disbelief that he killed all these so easily.

He frowned as the questions would have to wait a little while longer as his partner grunted as the lone remaining bandit member still lived. This one had snuck in from behind, and likely the scout as he attempted to have a hostage, as he probably wanted to live to see next knew that wouldn't happen, still this was a child. A young teenager if he could compare this to Raki. Though his promise to Clare on if he had the choice to complete an objective over saving the child himself it was the objective that won out. So he steeled his resolve to kill the teen, unless he took the chance to run.

"Stand back you fucking bastard…or cut this woman's throat open to the world ." It sounded to be a teenager's voice, such a shame he wouldn't survive the next half an hour. The teen was scared, not he was scared that fear was the only function of his brain that could process as the broadsword shook as Naruto made his way as if it were a stroll through the country side. He wasn't too worried, since the Claymore could have broken the hold, and killed him. It was getting to be a priority to get Miria to be willing to kill a human, if things ever went bad for some innocent person now.

"I highly doubt you will carry out that threat kid." The Akatsuki member said in a dull voice as he stopped roughly three meters in front of the frightened bandit whose grip on the sword quivered violently as the blade did not even settle in front of his hostage's neck, who was well in the state of mind to slay her "captor" down into the ground. Miria could've broke the hold, but she wanted to see what the man in front of her was capable of, sometimes that saying of no guts no glory was put to the test. She would use herself as bait to draw out in what this man was, or at the very least see how skilled he thought to be.

"What makes you sure I won't slice this bitch open huh!" the teenage human snarled out angrily as his breathing shook, as he watched the butcher of his friends take his hat off. "I know you will not because simply…you are afraid. A miserable pathetic child who doesn't have the courage to fight his attacker head on. It's very unwise to underestimate a man's resourcefulness, now." The hat came off as green jade eyes looked right at the man whose own heart raced into his ears, as the blood pumped furiously around his body. The adrenaline rush was effecting his sense of sanity, as Kenji flung the hat to the cart were it perfect caught the corner on the opposite side of the cart. It hung with precision, as he looked to the left.

Naruto saw two swords sticking out in two bandits, as he reached over, and yanked them from their owner's carcasses. Flipping his wrist as the blade cut through the air experimentally the Akatsuki male looked on as he stepped forward, as his first use of the infamous Uchiha bloodline would come to life in the public eye. It was time to end this small delay, and he wanted to move on now. It was boring to smell the blood around him now.

"I shall give you seven seconds to release my partner else you will die in the most extricating situation possible. Kid do the smart choice, and run." He gave a simple ultimatum to the teen that was shaking as would a leaf in the rough winds, he began to move forward as his boots sunk into the slushy ground of water, and blood. It was like something kept him to stare at the blond who was starting to smirk for a bit. It was like evil in human form, the bandit hyperventilated now.

The teen had hyperventilated since he could hear a cold whisper echo into his mind. No he felt the chill but how in the hell was it true! "One…two…three. Here I come for you." His arm jerked as the eyes of this…this monster, no this fucking demon locked onto his own eyes as he desperately wanted to flee but he was rooted to the spot behind his brief human shield, he bit his lip as the voice continued closer to his death.

"Four…now five, better run." The small icy voice spoke as he realized it was this guy's actual words, but how! This was insane, there was no way this man was a…"A monster, child? Six, and now…"

Naruto placed a burst of chakra as he vanished for a split second appearing in front of his partner, the surrounding snow blew away as a shockwave was created from the past the brief sound barrier.

Miria looked upon the blond's eyes, as the green dead Isis's turned into something much more phenomenal, it started as the center of the pupil of the eye shifted larger. It deepened into a dark red. The whole eye coloring changed from white into crimson, it was so startling that Miria simply let out a breath as three small tear drop like tomoes spun around the center of the eye, they seemed to watch everything, and anything all together. Two individual black circular lines marked the lighter contrast of red, to the darker portion to where the white was previously.

"Seven. Now hither into the wind." The eyes spun around the Isis as the teen coughed violently, blood traced his bottom lip as he looked to his ribs, and winced as a burning white hot feeling scorched his insides. Naruto was almost pressed against Miria, as his arms were under her forearms as the two broadswords hit the liver, heart, and the major arteries in the young raider's chest now who dropped his sword to the feet of his killer.

Twisting the blades the edges face a vertical climb as he thrust upward hitting under each of Miria's arms as the bandits two arms were sliced off as blood sprayed up in the air landing on the hat of the female Akatsuki in the process.

The Claymore woman watched in stun fascination as blood dripped from the edge of her headgear, almost in the arms of a butcher that did not appear to have noticed the close proximity of the two.

Those crimson eyes, full of hate, power, and sorrow as she blinked in surprise to see them fade as her partner looked down at her. He was only taller by about several inches as she felt his breath, warm, calm, and unchanging as she felt her own heart race. She took in a breath to calm herself down. Naruto also was looking down at the woman, her silver eyes watched with little fear or surprise as he smirked at her courage or discipline. His own heart was beating a mile a minute but not from the battle, and he needed to end this quickly. Sighing he stepped back before letting the body fall to the ground behind them.

"Now that was certainly a let down. Do you mind in waiting till we reach the town to ask questions?" Naruto asked quietly as he stood away throwing the discarded weapons into the ravine walls. He moved to the stallion was nickering impatiently as the smell of blood littered the air, he dosed his hat onto his head before placing the reins in the original spot inside his pocket before tugging the cart threw the slush of water, blood, and rock. He felt warm now, and it was making him smirk which was something he did do previous out of habit. It seemed to be a good thing now.

Miria did not respond though she did nod her head, there were indeed dozens of questions ranging from how he killed with practiced ease, to whom he was, and how did he arrange a contact mission so quickly. The variety was briefly overwhelming as she sighed deeply, the smell of human flesh did not particularly smell delighting as it lingered on her person.

Sighing deeply she moved with her partner waiting till they reached their destination to gain the trust, and support of the first backer of the Red Dawn.

The sea of death moved behind them, as the sheer quantity of bodies gave enough heat from the blood to melt the snow as it slowly appeared to be moving behind them till it dried into the air. Far above them a raven cawed out hungrily, and soon more would arrive to feast upon the dead rabid dogs that nature simply not do on its own. They were put down on cold feet, permanently.

"End Spy Network"

Author's Note: Well I honestly needed some time off from this story, and writing in general. It's only been due to some OC challenge to a friend on another story was not writing anything down. I had begun writing several days ago, and I put off this story so I had time to clear my mind. It was relaxing also to spend a week at a friends house just relaxing, and doing whatever we did. Now I've honestly gotten some critics in PM's stating "Repetitive Subjects". So I'll answer a few just to make things like I don't notice the mistakes.

Ok I do know there is a ton of grammar errors, I speak fluent English I was born into an English speaking household so screw off if I can't write what I picture in my mind. I don't mind if people say it but it was those fucking PM's that annoyed me again. I see in the reviews, and just take it in stride trying to do whatever people ask me in the next chapter so I'm improving on the go. I love to write, it's a passion I love, and Naruto in general was something I never intended to get into. So I'm fuzzy at creating third person things in a story and now I think I got the hang of it. It's all still a learning experience for me regardless, unless you have the imagination to write this story? Cause I want to see you try, if you think your better than me so go your own story that's this size, and has your own personal touch it cause I don't think any "People who are confidential in my PM's" have the brain power to do so.

My irritation just spiked because of that now. Again that was to those who think they are better than me in my PM's, the reviewers can offer constructive advice I'm not upset nor annoyed with them and do any of you know a willing beta? I'm not going to pester the entire lot of them now, some of the best are so busy with editing chapters I don't want to annoy them now.

Now honestly I need some more votes for the poll I have, so if you haven't voted please due so. I need a large amount to see what everyone wants, and well I hinted at a few poll leaders in this chapter. I'll reveal the polls when Naruto fights against a very well known foe who is in the Claymore verse. I won't say who yet till the chapter is up, and created in my hard drive. Which is still a work in progress. Now I do believe there will be a lemon next chapter, though I could be wrong since I have a lot of chapters sorting through for other stories. No it's not between Miria, and Naruto so no go there yet till later on.

(Please note Miria's outfit is the same after the seven year time skip in the manga.) That is true, Miria's outfit is the one in the seven year time skip. So that sheds light on the whole black uniform thing up in the north cause something tells me they didn't knit those together at all.

Well it's good to be back which is a nice thing, and c'mon keep voting since this bloodbath hopefully got others to sate their needs to see death in a story.