Hi guys Azza here!
Reviews
ThomasMCF – I left the idea of bringing Heller in open rather than defining anything even though the Mercer/Blacklight would already know the entire outcome having already watched it from the Throne so if there was enough interest I could bring him in however the way he would behave would naturally differ than the way I portrayed Mercer who was under the Blacklight influence.
Basically if there is enough interest I'll do it down the line when it would make some sense to insert him.
As for the TMNT I mean I could add them in and I probably could buff them by doing what Fate does best and over exaggerate their abilities to the max but if they were to fit in anywhere it'd be Vol III simply because of how diverse the amount of races are.
Anyway on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, Naruto or the Nasuverse.
Questions Both Moral And Ethical
/Eliza's POV/
Equilibrius truly was a beautiful realm from its flora to the natural architecture. Eliza often wondered who exactly created such a beautiful realm since the chances of Ahnkseram being able to create something so unique and beautiful was slim at best.
One unique piece of information that wasn't known about Equilibrius was that its sky was represented by the mood of the current Lord of the realm. Since Natsu was often cheerful the sky was usually a light blue colour with several white clouds in the shape of various things he'd recently seen or objects he'd recently interacted with.
Currently Eliza had taken to laying down on the grass outside her new home in Equilibrius to take up the intense sport of cloud watching. It was quite amusing to see things like birds, trees, kunai, ramen bowls or the occasional book that she would usually discreetly read later.
Today however the sky was darker than usual, not noticeable enough to cause any concern but noticeable enough to those who knew the more intricate workings of the realm. The clouds also weren't taking proper form instead simply acting as normal clouds do by drifting along in a boring fashion.
"You've noticed it too?"
Looking to her left Eliza saw Aizen lay down next to her on the grass, placing his hands behind his head to partake in cloud watching alongside her.
"Did I give you permission to lie on my back lawn Aizen?"
"No but you and I both know this is more than a social call," the Devil replied smoothly. "Alucard has also noticed and I'm positive that the drunk Red Hair sobered when he saw it."
"What do you think?"
"I don't know," Aizen admitted with a small frown. "Salem believes it to be a prelude to some great disaster and the Council aren't talking though that's to be expected."
"What is Natsu doing now?"
"He just defeated another Servant though from what Salem and I saw through observing his location he's more content with the outcome which means whatever this is it isn't related."
"Then if Salem's theory proves true whatever incident caused such a premature shift is something we should prepare for," Eliza said softly as Aizen raised an eyebrow.
"Prepare?"
"You know how sensitive the situation surrounding Natsu is, more than most, Aizen."
"Of course but-."
"As much as we all have faith in Natsu to do the right thing we all know he has lapses in his judgement, impulsiveness from his more humane side. Time is already damaged with the wound localized around him. The fact that Equilibrius is being affected by events in the future only adds to my growing fear of what may have befallen him."
"So what exactly are you trying to say?"
"You know what I'm saying Sosuke Aizen," Eliza said as he arched his neck to see Alucard, Salem, Shanks and Ainz standing behind him with the same grim looks on their faces.
"You want to kill him?"
"Of course that would be your first thought, this is why I'm the face of the paper because you don't have two brain cells to rub together," Salem scoffed.
"Natsu is not evil, whatever caused this is likely emotional trauma of some kind and although right now it's all just theory we still need to have a contingency of sorts in place," Ainz added as Aizen sat up in thought.
"As long as we aren't plotting to kill him or anything then I'm fine with it."
"We all owe him too much in our own way Aizen, none of this would be possible if it weren't for his sacrifice. For now keep this conversation between yourselves and if things look to be getting worse we'll go from there," Eliza said as the group nodded and opened portals up returning to their respective realms leaving just Eliza and Aizen alone.
"You know the majority would call us crazy for assuming the worst because the sky changes?"
"The majority also aren't as close to Natsu as we are and have little to no knowledge of the workings of this realm and do you believe Natsu wouldn't expect there to be a contingency plan in place for him anyway after the Alvarez incident?"
"I still don't like it," Aizen sighed as he rose from his spot and schooled his features. "Remember how Ahnkseram became our enemy Eliza and pray we all don't screw this up and bring about our end. With the power of both Anti and Hybrid the true level of power he could reach when given enough of a push would be far beyond anything we could even begin to comprehend."
Walking through his portal Aizen left Eliza alone to silently stew over her own decision. Eliza didn't notice as another portal opened nearby with its silent listener escaping with the vital information in hand.
/Natsu's POV/
Natsu reached his waiting Servants who both turned to face him with neutral expressions on their faces though he could feel their concern through their shared link.
"How are you two?"
"I need something to eat after holding my Noble Phantasm for a good twenty minutes," Nobu sighed as Mordred nodded in agreement.
"Yeah busting out mine makes me wanna eat Father's horse!"
"Well we can eat all we want when we get back to the village but for now we'd better catch up to the others."
"Can we hunt something to eat and you just cook it with your fire?"
"You haven't seen the landscape have you," Natsu sighed as the two both realized what Natsu had done.
"How far?"
"Far as the eye can see Nobu I'm afraid."
"Did you have to use that much?"
"That virus was dangerous, to leave even the tiniest speck of it in existence in this realm would have ensured its destruction. When I met Mercer's Noble Phantasm head on I ensured that not only would he be destroyed but the virus as well."
"I suppose that makes sense but don't you think that's gonna attract a lot of attention from the other five villages?"
"Who cares if they find out Natsu did it I mean what can they do to him anyway," Mordred scoffed.
"By themselves they can't do anything but what if they have Servants working for them? What if they go after the people close to him?"
"Then we'll gut them," Mordred replied simply as Natsu placed a hand on Nobu's shoulder.
"I thank you for your concern Nobu and believe me I've had this conversation with Aava already. What I did was necessary to ensure the survival of this realm and I'd do it again if it were necessary."
"As long as you know what you're doing that's all I have to say on the matter."
"Hey I appreciate the input Nobu don't worry about it; by the way that Noble Phantasm of yours was quite impressive."
"O-of course it was, nothing can escape my innovative technique so I figured it would be perfect for the situation at hand," Nobu said as she blushed and looked away in embarrassment.
"Are you really embarrassed over a little praise, some ruler you are!"
"Settle down there Mordred I was impressed with how you tore into those Goliaths, I think if you had've fought Guts with the level of strength your at now you'd win."
Mordred was left gaping like a fish as Nobu began laughing at her relentlessly. As the two Servants began bickering amongst themselves Natsu let his senses wander across the now lifeless mountain range searching for anything they might be able to eat.
"Several miles North Father there are group of deer that must have evaded the attack."
"Ah yes I can sense them now thanks Aava."
Opening his eyes Natsu sighed as he watched Nobu and Mordred rolling around on the floor fighting. Walking over to the pair he picked them both up by the scruff of the neck and began flying toward the location of the deer as they both voiced their displeasure at the sudden manhandling.
"If you keep yelling you'll scare away dinner," Natsu sighed as the two promptly shut their mouths. "Now Nobu if you would kindly get ready to snipe a deer that would be great."
"Fine fine I'll do it you don't have to pull the whole disappointed Dad act," Nobu said rolling her eyes as she summoned a gun into her right hand and with practiced ease shot one of the deer clean through the skull.
"Nice shot now let's get down there and get to work," Natsu said with a playful grin as he gently tossed both Nobu and Mordred to the ground both rolling and immediately launching themselves at Natsu who chuckled and evaded their attacks.
"Was that really necessary Father?"
"Well now they both have a common enemy don't they," Natsu replied as he caught both their fists and pushed them back with a light burst of Gravity Magic.
"All right that's enough let's eat you two."
"Oh no you don't you tossed me like twenty feet in the air!"
"Mordred you are a Servant aren't you?"
"Who cares about that!"
"Do you want to eat or not?"
Mordred was about to retort when her stomach let out a gurgling noise much to her embarrassment as Natsu inched closer to the dead deer.
"Let's get stuck into this deer so we can eat soon alright you two then you can try beat me up all you want alright."
The two Servants nodded slowly as they moved to assist Natsu with skinning the deer as darkness descended on the small clearing they'd found themselves in.
Several hours later the trio could be found lounging around a small campfire finishing off the last pieces of meat from the deer Nobu had killed. No words needed to be exchanged as the trio simply enjoyed one another's company, pride preventing them from outright admitting it however.
Natsu finished his last piece and with a wave of his hand put out the flames with Nobu and Mordred immediately rising from their places ready to head out.
"So they went back to the village did they?"
"Yeah that's where Yugao said they were gonna go after Aava explained the situation," Nobu replied as she too finished her last piece. "It'd be a safe bet that they would've arrived back by now if they didn't stop for rest."
"Then I guess we'll just head straight back," Natsu said and with a snap of his fingers the three went through a portal arriving just outside the gates.
Walking toward the front gates they were met by the eternal gate guards Izumo and Kotetsu who both seemed surprised at their sudden appearance but brushed it off just as fast as Izumo quickly began to speak.
"Excuse me Lord Natsu there is a situation in the centre of the village that requires your immediate attention!"
"And that situation would be what exactly?"
"Well it's kind of hard to explain but there is a blonde haired man wearing some rather unusual clothes standing atop the power lines with a bottle of wine in his hand demanding to speak with you …"
"Did he give a name?"
"No he kept saying something about being far above us and that to know his name meant you were someone of great importance or something like that …"
"Why is he here I wonder," Natsu muttered as Mordred and Nobu exchanged knowing looks. "Don't worry you guys I'll go deal with it just make sure you log in our return."
"Of course Lord Natsu," Kotetsu said quickly as Natsu and his Servants made their way to the centre of the village.
Upon arriving Natsu could tell quite a crowd had gathered and the man at the centre of it all was lapping up every second of it as he somehow balanced with one leg on a power pole as he slugged from a bottle of wine.
"Rejoice peasants as my mere presence elevates you to greater heights! Perhaps if you all impress me enough with your devotion I shall reward you with treasures beyond your wildest dreams!"
Natsu shook his head at the man before him as he expertly leapt to another poll and continued to drink. He wore a black leather jacket with a white undershirt with a pair of baggy blue jeans with a pair of black and white trainers.
Unlike the last time Natsu saw him his hair wasn't standing upright and seemed to have succumb to the harsh reality of gravity returning to a shaggy state just barely reaching his wine red coloured eyes as they surveyed the crowd.
"Alright that's enough what's going on here," Natsu sighed as he heard the man's over enthusiastic form of surprise.
"And there he is its the King of Balance himself!"
"Hello there King of Heroes or King of Kings," Natsu replied as the man grinned and jumped off the power pole landing right in front of Natsu with amusement alight in his eyes.
"I see you still wear the crown even when not formally acting as the King of Balance?"
It doesn't break and can't be knocked off my head so I actually forgot about it," Natsu replied slightly embarrassed that he had forgotten about it as it vanished into his requip space. "But tell me what exactly are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here you ask? Why I'm here to see for myself the kind of living conditions the famous King of Balance gets when not at the Throne!"
"You do realize I'm the human version right?"
"Of course I know such trivial information don't be silly! No I simply wished to once more grace you with my very presence!"
"I'm not stupid enough to believe that's it so how about telling me why you really came?"
"Always right to the point even at this age, sad but also respectable. Alright then let us return to whichever one of these … houses you reside in and discuss things."
Leading the blonde back to Yugao's home the group entered and sat in the living room with the King of Heroes sprawling out across the couch summoning a goblet from a small portal and filling it with some wine.
"So now that we aren't in public I'll ask again, why are you here Gilgamesh?"
"If I wasn't already aware of how blunt you were I'd be insulted with that tone of voice Natsu however at the same time I can understand given the current state of things. As to why I'm here we are allied and loathe as I am to be the courier for information I do possess the ability of Babylon allowing me to show you this."
Raising the goblet slightly both Mordred and Nobu nearly fell out of their seats as Natsu leant forward just now realizing the almost limitless power source before him.
"Is that a-!"
"Of course I would set out to acquire one of the Holy Grails Natsu I simply wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection on my part! Yes this is indeed one of the Holy Grails necessary to summon the Realis Holy Grail though would you care to take a guess as to why I hold this particular Grail in particular?"
"There doesn't seem to be anything off about it aside from the massive amount of power being contained within it," Nobu said as she moved closer to examine the Grail. "Though the energy held within it feels different somehow …"
"Oh yes the energy stored within the Grail is different and if it were to be released it would destroy more than one reality I'd wager. Indeed I'm glad I've aligned myself with you now knowing the endless destruction these Grails hold within them, the warning you gave could not have predicted this upset in the game."
"Upset," Mordred asked as Gilgamesh nodded.
"As you know I'm currently rooming with the Egyptian Kings and through Nitocris' efforts we discovered just how these Grails are being powered."
"How they are powered is actually a good question since normally Grails require precise rituals such as the Fuyuki system in order to function," Nobu said as her normally cheerful and relaxed demeanour faded away to be replaced by one of grim realization.
"I see you've begun to realize, no doubt the King of Innovation understands the sacrifices required to power even one such artefact as a Holy Grail."
"Well excuse me for not knowing but I've yet to be exposed to these Grail Wars yet so could you please elaborate," Natsu said as Gilgamesh grinned.
"Rather than simply tell you … I'll show you."
The wine in the goblet began to fill itself until it began to spill over the sides as the goblet itself was glowing a bright white colour and all four felt themselves being sucked through what felt like a thin tube.
All four landed on their feet as the group began to look around in confusion. Noticing they were in a rather primitive looking area Natsu turned to Gilgamesh who had what appeared to be a look of fond remembrance on his face.
"Where are we?"
"Where are we you ask? We are in the one place we shouldn't be," Gilgamesh replied as Natsu's jaw nearly dropped when he saw several familiar faces as well as a few less familiar ones running along a road several feet below them.
"Th-that's me and those two are Fujimaru and Mash!"
"Do you understand what this is Natsu?"
Natsu looked back to the group below and realized that there was a slightly different looking Gilgamesh with them along with several others he didn't know yet all fighting against what appeared to be Demons.
"This is Planet Earth in the year 2655 B.C. To be more specific however this is a distorted version of that year brought about by the Grand Caster Solomon's effort to extinguish humanity before it even began."
"Wait a minute so this is-!"
"My homeland of Ancient Mesopotamia," Gilgamesh replied softly. "Seventh Singularity: Absolute Demonic Front – Babylonia. The last singularity before the final confrontation with the Grand Caster and the highest threat to human history according to the threat ranking system done by Chaldea with a ranking of EX++."
"How do you know this?"
"I had the two from Chaldea inform me of course," Gilgamesh replied smugly as he turned to face them. "This singularity was Solomon's last attempt to destroy all creation by usurping a civilization at its most pivotal point, at a fixed point in time."
"What did he do?"
"I can't spoil too much since it's your future but suffice to say Solomon abused his power and deliberately ripped open the Ravine of Time on this period in order to break humanity at its most vulnerable."
"How?"
"This was the earliest age where humanity attempted to part ways with the Gods, the first point of true thought and reflection which ended up leading to humanity gaining a better understanding of itself and its actions."
"So this was the point where the humans of this world finally learned to think for themselves huh?"
"I am proof of its success and through my legends countless others who dare oppose Solomon were able to rise. They call my tale The Epic of Gilgamesh, Solomon sought to erase myself and it from existence and by extension all opposition."
"So how exactly are we here," Mordred asked as Gilgamesh nodded in understanding.
"Normally I would make fun of you for being so mentally challenged however in this particular case lack of understanding is to be expected. You see we are not truly here Knight of Rebellion rather we are still in the living room of Natsu Dragneel's hovel."
"So it's an illusion …"
"A projection would be far more accurate since what you see before you is real. Do any of you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"
"If I didn't see it with my own eyes I'd say you were lying but …"
"What is it Nobu," Natsu asked as she gestured to the entire singularity with a wave of her hand.
"All of this is what's powering that Grail Natsu," Nobu said as all three Servants frowned in unison.
"His title of the King of Magic is well deserved," Gilgamesh added as he began to pace. "Manipulation of Magic on such a scale is unprecedented."
"But to actually manipulate Magic on such a scale wouldn't that be a merger of the Six True Magics," Mordred asked as Gilgamesh nodded.
"Such a feat should not be possible but to manipulate this many different fields and still manage to fight one of the Grand Class Servants … you see why I've come to speak with you all about it now."
"We should leave this place before I learn about any future events," Natsu said as Gilgamesh snapped his fingers and the group returned to the living room with the Holy Grail once again stored away inside Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon.
"Anyway you should know that through the efforts of Nitocris and Skadi we've discovered what nine of the singularities powering the Grails are however there are still a few they've yet to crack."
"Well thanks for coming to tell us anyway we appreciate it," Natsu said sincerely as the uncharacteristically caring Gilgamesh vanished with the smug one returning as he returned to his position on the couch.
"Perhaps you could all do a small favour for me, to demonstrate just how appreciative you are of course?"
"And just like that he goes back to being pathetic," Nobu sighed as Gilgamesh began laughing in a mocking like manner as he began to float up toward the ceiling.
"Of course I'm simply joking however the fight between myself and the King of Balance has yet to reach its conclusion therefore-!"
The trio were floored as Gilgamesh simply broke through the ceiling and continued to float away taking a swing from his bottle before continuing to speak.
"Once this mess is concluded I demand a conclusion to our battle!"
Watching as someone who was meant to be the role model for all Kings acted so childish Natsu couldn't help but laugh as he gave Gilgamesh a thumbs up.
"You have my word Gilgamesh of Uruk, once this is over the version of me on the Throne will give you the fight you seek."
The King of Heroes vanished into the distance as Natsu shook his head, light chuckles still rolling off of him at the man's carefree attitude.
"I suppose we should go report in now shouldn't we?"
"But Natsu shouldn't we fix the hole in the roof and the second floor," Nobu asked as Natsu's grin faltered momentarily.
"I suppose we should since it isn't our house but are either of you good at fixing things like that because I'm more of a blow it up and let others sort it out type of person?"
The two Servants looked between one another before looking back at Natsu as the trio adopted shady looks and quickly sprinted upstairs to … 'fix' the holes in Yugao's home.
An hour later the trio stumbled into Tsunade's Office covered in sawdust with Mordred's hair playing host to nails of varying size and shape with many being bent sideways. The Hokage simply studied their guilty expressions ultimately deciding she wasn't even willing to attempt involving herself in such a troublesome mess.
"You have returned I see."
"Yes we have resolved the … complication that arose from Orochimaru's actions," Natsu replied carefully as he watched the Slug Sannin's eyebrow twitch.
"Resolved? You say you resolved the issue?"
"Yes."
"So you call burning an entire mountain range rendering it almost uninhabitable for the foreseeable future resolved," Tsunade roared as she smashed her desk in half much to the surprise of the three who weren't expecting such an outburst.
"But Tsunade just hear me out for a sec-!"
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU FOOLS HAVE DONE WITH THIS LITTLE STUNT! LOOK AT THE INFLUX OF LETTERS I'VE BEEN GETTING FROM THE OTHER KAGE DEMANDING YOU BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW!"
"I did warn you this was highly likely Father."
"I know and I'll handle it Aava," Natsu sighed as Tsunade stomped forward and grabbed Natsu by the collar of his overcoat.
"If it weren't for the fact that the weather was so bad in Iron right now a Five Kage Summit would've been called with YOU as the main topic! The fact that not only did you reveal yourself to the Tsuchikage's forces and basically threatened the Raikage in his own village but now have demonstrated attacks that could level villages has raised tensions which could lead to another war!"
"Tsunade if I didn't do what I did there would soon no longer be any shinobi to wage said war as they would've been infected and turned into mindless drones following the will of a virus," Natsu replied as her grip lessened slightly.
"Explain!"
"A horrific virus called the Blacklight Virus had infected the village that was at the centre of the blast and had I not wiped away every last speck of life it would've continued to spread and nothing of this world could've stopped it. If they choose to see me as the villain for saving the entire populace then their deaths would mean nothing to my conscience."
"It's all well and good to say you'll kill them Natsu but I wonder could you actually defeat at the very least all of Rock and Cloud's forces? Could you defeat them and guarantee the safety of Konoha because as Hokage these are the things I'm being forced to think about when you go around destroying miles worth of land."
Nobu and Mordred seemed genuinely surprised at what Tsunade just said even if it was only subtle. Looking to see Natsu's reaction they were surprised to see the Hokage's words didn't even faze him.
"Why don't you simply speak your mind Tsunade Senju instead of playing around with words? Hashirama for the brief time I had the pleasure of fighting with him and his brother Tobirama showed me they were leaders who did as such and I'd hoped as a descendent of their line you would inherit such a trait."
"You know why I'm not simply outright saying anything," Tsunade snapped.
"Because at the end of it all you fear me like most of the others," Natsu said plainly as the Hokage narrowed her eyes. "Of course it is to be expected given the way this village seems to treat those with circumstances that defer from the norm."
"Now hold on a minute-!"
"No I think you need to be silent Tsunade and listen for once in your life. Despite what you may believe you are as prejudiced as most others in this village if you fear me for I have done nothing but carry out the will of the village according to YOUR wishes!"
"Yes but-!"
"I went back you know, back to Naruto's early childhood and watched what he endured, and I contemplated burning this village to the ground," Natsu said darkly as Tsunade visibly paled as she gazed into his now cold, empty orbs.
"Wh-why-!"
"Whatever this village was supposed to be died when Minato Namikaze did with the inhabitants growing to embrace hatred and fear above all. No one individual who originates from this village is exempt from this rule however back to the matter at hand …"
"Y-you mean yourself?"
"I am feared because I wield power most of you cannot comprehend yet somehow those who have actually taken the time to know me see me as comrade and friend. If I perform an action it is not without reason but if you choose to embrace fear and ignorance then I shall not stop you."
"B-but-!"
"I must admit however I am curious as to how you believe any investigation into me would work anyway after all I'm clearly above all others here and Naruto will not strike me as he understands the path laid out before him."
"What are you trying to say?"
"What I'm saying Tsunade is that you fear that which you do not understand and by confronting me directly you believe yourself to have an advantage of some sort over me. I can tell you right now I cannot be sealed up like Kurama was as the Reaper Death Seal does not affect me and your Jinchuuriki just so happens to house one of my co workers who I outrank. What position of power do you dare judge my actions from Tsunade Senju, what shred of evidence do you possess that could even possibly incriminate me in any form of malicious activity against this world because I'm just dying to hear it?"
"Natsu I-I'm just trying to do my job as the Hokage and protect my people as best I can. If there is the possibility that one individual could start a war I need to address it no matter who they are, even someone as powerful as you."
"Well it's nice to see you've grown into the role," Natsu sighed with Tsunade blinking in surprise when no outburst came. "In all honesty I cannot deny such a noble reason as to protect the innocent however as you already know from the note your predecessor left I'm remaining here regardless of your allowance to train Naruto into the role burdened upon him by bearing the fox."
"I know …"
"Then why bother bringing it up?"
"Because I need to know just how important remaining in this village is to you," Tsunade sighed as she opened her draw and slapped a file down in front of Natsu who picked it up and began to read.
"This is from Kayuya's time in the T&I Department?"
"Her mind is shattered for the most part however what was left suggests that the leader of the Akatsuki soon plans to come for Naruto and will use all his resources to claim the fox inside him."
"And how did Kayuya come to bear this information?"
"By simply being in the leader's presence and not having her mind re shattered."
"And you've confirmed this?"
"Inoichi Yamanaka as you no doubt already know is one of the most skilled at his clan's signature jutsu, more specifically in the art of Mindwalking. If he believes her mind to be shattered with only scraps of information left then I will not doubt his judgement."
"So what are you going to do with this information?"
"I don't know," Tsunade sighed as she turned to face the village with a contemplative expression marring her features. "The Akatsuki Organization is one comprised of all Kage Level Shinobi who each can wipe out small armies if given the right circumstances. An assault from the entire organization and its allies could very well end the village in its current state."
"Which is why you wanted to gauge my reaction to being forced out, to test my resolve of staying here? Whilst admirable you forget that not only does Naruto tie me here but so does Yugao so I would fight regardless provided I am allowed to do so."
"You are constantly an unknown variable Natsu, one that none can truly plan for. I need to be one hundred percent certain that any plan directly involving you will be created with the knowledge that you are indeed going to aid the village. Anything less and entire plans must be redrawn, that is how much of an impact you have here."
"Even if that is true Tsunade I would advise against including me in any plans," Natsu replied as Tsunade's eyes darted toward his own in shock. "Despite my appearance before you and all my acts thus far you must always remember that I am merely a visitor to this world taking part in events that I have no place taking part in. The strands of Fate and Destiny are woven across many in this village for events yet to pass and I must tread lightly to ensure that I do not cause more trouble than I already have."
"I'm not sure I truly understand you Natsu because you preach that you will not get involved in main events yet my being appointed Hokage was essentially because of you," Tsunade pointed out. "Are you saying that my reign as Hokage is not significant in any way?"
"Quite the opposite actually however you have already made the first mistake by simply judging my actions on a past event to ones that have yet to take place. There are opponents that must be defeated by others that shape them into who they were always destined to become, quests to partake in that help some find a part of themselves they lacked or missed entirely and even certain items that will only fall into the hands of those who perform certain acts. All these things and more are just the beginning of my thought process when deciding what to do, where to do it and when."
"You are such a headache …"
"I am to please," Natsu replied with a mock bow as Tsunade scowled before turning back to face the village once again.
"Jiraiya spoke to me of that request."
"And?"
"I'm not entirely convinced that what you two are doing is right even if it was requested by the participant and even that is questionable at best."
"But you do understand why we want to do it though don't you?"
"Of course," Tsunade replied softly as she turned back to face Natsu with a much softer expression. "But to bring the dead back with that vile jutsu even for such a noble purpose is something I'm not entirely sure I can justify regardless of the benefits."
"Tsunade …"
Tsunade sighed as she slowly rose from her chair and reached for the photo of Hashirama and moved it aside to reveal a stash of alcohol.
"I haven't touched a drop in over a year you know, not after what you said before you left with Jiraiya. Today however do you believe it fair to indulge myself a little?"
"I understand Tsunade you don't need to be there, if the temptation is that great then please rely on Jiraiya and myself to do the right thing."
"Very well," Tsunade sighed as she poured herself a cup of sake and slammed it down on her desk before looking up at Natsu with her years reflected in her eyes. "Jiraiya is at the mausoleum so go do what needs to be done."
"Thank you," Natsu said softly as he opened a portal which the trio began to walk through with Natsu catching Tsunade's final words just as he left.
"May the Shinigami have mercy on all our souls, especially yours … Minato."
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!
