Patronus Maximus
Chapter XLV: Life Finds a Way
The fourth day of July, Independence Day, came and went for the people in the United States. Although the states celebrate the day their nation declared sovereignty from Great Britain, Boston and its citizens were more passionate after the Siege of Boston. After all, their hero and patron saved their city with help from the Avengers.
And speaking of the Avengers, they were proud upon hearing the news that Patronus accepted membership into the famous team. It was more reason to celebrate the national holiday with more vigor, though they did become a little more eccentric with the alcohol. Those eccentric citizens had to face Patronus himself and they instantly sobered the next morning.
But Patronus was not out on patrol right now. His alter ego remained at home as he and his lady friends were busy in caring for two of the clan's members. Rhea and Kuroka groaned while they held their swollen stomachs on the couch.
"Get the hot water!"
"I did!"
"Then get more!"
"Naruto, watch—" Lara and the others cringed at the impact before they saw his outline in the wall. "—out." Lara said timidly.
Outside, a groaning Naruto chuckled loopy as his eyes swirled from the impact. "Of course, she's going to have the insane strength all birth mothers have."
"Naruto!"
"I'm coming!" Naruto shouted before rushing back inside, only to find Kuroka and Rhea's sheepish looks. "Don't tell me, false alarm?" This is the third week of false alarms for the Uzumaki Clan. "I get the feeling our kids are playing with us."
"More us than you, you mean?" Rhea asked innocently, actually the opposite of that. After all, she and Kuroka are the ones carrying the babies, not him.
The now nervous Naruto held his hands up defensively, "Of course, of course. I didn't mean anything else, Rhea dear." He quickly pecked Kuroka and Rhea's lips to show his meaning. "I can't believe they're going to be here soon!" He gave an eye-smile at his wives before looking at his present twins. "Masaki, Ashla, your new siblings will be here soon."
"Daddy, will it be a girl?"
"Or a boy?"
Kuroka smiled at her stepchildren, "Whichever will be fine with us as long as they're healthy." She used to worry—wanted a boy as her Nekoshou race dwindled in recent years. After meeting Naruto, and learning about his home world's fate, it changed to being concern for the next generation of both Shinobi and Nekoshou. Although her husband told her not to worry about such things, the Nekomata couldn't help herself.
"Kuroka, don't worry about it," Naruto told her, surprisingly the female. "Our child is the most important being to us so relax as much as you can. Stress isn't good for the baby and you."
Rhea placed her gentle hand on her fellow expecting mother, "He's right and I should know since I delivered my sister's kids and six children of my own."
"Uh, Rhea?" Lara called out, "Since you're a deity, shouldn't you have already delivered your child like months ago? Aren't goddesses extremely fertile and the babies grow at a fast rate?"
"Normally, that's true Lara, but I wanted to carry Naruto's and my child the full nine months," Rhea answered while rubbing her swollen stomach affectionately. "I always wondered how mortal women feel throughout this span of time and now I have." A look then consumed her face as the others gulped at her. "And I'm hungry again."
"Whose turn is it this time?" asked Kuroka as she lost track. Lately, hunger gripped her and Rhea because of their hybrid demigod children's appetite. At least for her child as it will be a demon/Nekoshou/god being so technically a tribrid. Who knows, but she kind of hopes that it will be that.
Lara, Medusa, Saeko, unanimously pointed at Naruto. Even the twins partook in the decision, much to his shock. "They're already against me?!"
"Such is the power of the mother."
"Don't say that all impressed!" Naruto had crocodile tears streaming down his cheeks, "I was hoping to groom them to be my side." He gave them an air kiss and left the manor via the basement. Although he was accompanied by someone soon after.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Boston, Massachusetts
Naruto in his civilian clothes—an orange t-shirt in a matching jacket with dark blue jeans and black sneakers—walked out of the pastry shop with said goodies in hand. Next to him was Medusa in a light blue blouse and jeans as her orangish-red hair was tied in a high pony-tail. Medusa chose to go with the new god as she was getting cabin fever for staying so long at the manor.
"So?"
"So what?"
"Are you nervous?" Medusa asked her husband. "About the births?"
"Of course, I'm nervous." Naruto replied honestly, "I was nervous when the twins were born and now I am for the next two. Hah~ Being a parent is hard." The last three months opened his eyes at the care of babies and made him more attentive for the children. Though they have more mothers, there's only one father in their lives and he needed them too.
He put more effort into taking care of the kids, allowing the women to relax often. Naruto loved and appreciate the amount of time spent with his family, particularly his children. Besides Kurama and the Tailed Beasts inside him, the ladies and kids are the only family he has left.
"That's good to hear," Medusa replied sweetly. "I wonder how everything is with the Amatsu-Kami."
After the Siege of Boston and during his recuperation, the entire Shinto pantheon learned of Naruto's status as the new God of Hope. And by a Protegenos of all beings! Rarely would such a being chose someone, especially an unknown god, to have residence in that area of power. Hope drives humans—nay, all beings to endure harsh times for something in the end.
Amaterasu had set a day to commemorate Naruto's ascension as the God of Hope. Though in Japan, he will be known in the language as Kido no Kami (God of Hope). How will the humans know about the latest addition to the pantheon, Naruto does not know, but Inari assures him that it is nothing to worry about.
Speaking of his stature, Naruto's training to control his new powers—both physically and energy-wise—was set to begin after his children's birth. Though his concentration during the fight against Esdeath allowed him to keep control, it seems that everyday life was more difficult to do so as the usual amount—before ascension—was that of a human, but he's a god now. Even using the littlest of his strength to hold a glass cup caused it to shatter.
On the other hand, both Inari and Leone informed him that he might be anxious about the powers. They told him to relax and be himself as usual. Still, he insisted training from them. Plus, he asked Jolnir for training his time-related powers in case something happens that grows out of his or the heroes' control.
Smirking at her husband's pondering, Medusa gently led him to the nearest entrance back to the manor. As they made sure no eyes, both organic and technological, was watching, the duo entered through the wall-opened entrance before it closed behind them. "Have you thought about any names?" Medusa asked softly.
"I did run a couple of them to Rhea and Kuroka, but they shot them down. Apparently, baseball and basketball player names are 'not suited for a deity's spawn.' So, that's out. What do you think?"
"I think I'm going to love them no matter their names," Medusa replied happily before slightly blushing, "And I hope… my turn will come soon."
"Eh?"
"Nothing~"
"Whoa, another one wants your seed, kid! Yaw!"
"Shut up, Shukaku!"
"Perhaps you should wait, Naruto. You probably will split her in half in two seconds."
"Not you too, Chomei!"
Kurama chuckled as his brethren continued to tease their Jinchuriki after that night. Now he wasn't alone and Naruto has additional firepower from the other eight Tailed Beasts. How they will fare against beings stronger than Esdeath is yet to remain unseen in the future.
Seeing her husband groan, Medusa smiled at him, "Are the Tailed Beasts playing with you again?"
"That obvious, huh?" Naruto asked knowingly.
The former priestess giggled before petting the ninja's cheek. "You're so cute when you're annoyed~"
"Don't tempt me now, Medusa," Naruto whined as he hasn't had sex for three months. "It's a nightmare!"
"Um, Naruto?"
"Yeah?"
"Where are we?"
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked "We're back… home… now." He realized what she meant by the loud chattering. "Oh hell, where are we now?"
The ninja and his orange-haired beauty looked around while walking through the crowd of wary citizens. The town or city they were in looked dirty from pollution in the air and overcrowding by the people. Naruto and Medusa eventually found a path that led them to the outside, but then the former held his ears after a loud screech penetrated them.
"Naruto? What is it?" Medusa asked concerningly.
Naruto shook his head before walking in a random direction. "They're screaming."
"Who?"
"All of them."
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
The duo found themselves standing in front of a wrecked ruin that used to be a house. That wasn't the weird part; the fact of over dozens of people entered without so much a line outside. Naruto pulled out a hood from his jacket while Medusa's clothing changed to a jacket-shirt and jeans combo via Kuroka's magic on command.
They shared a nod and entered themselves without a problem. What the couple had found contrasted the house's exterior as the inside was decorated with splendor luxury furniture and lighting akin to a 1900s party event. They followed the commotion to a balcony that gave them a view below: a grand hall that resembled an opera house or theater with scarlet seats. 300 seats in total. They were filled by the attending guests of different ethnicities and wardrobes from other countries.
Medusa gently nudged to Naruto and pointed her head at the lighting above them. It was a railing that held the lights. It also provided them clear vantage in the room. The God of Harmonious Nature spun his finger around and conjured a small breeze that briefly overtook the candles' flames. By the time the flames regained their brightness, Naruto and Medusa were already perched on the railing as they looked down at the spectacle.
Looking over at Naruto, Medusa noticed him snarling lowly and assumed that he sensed something negative here. While she doesn't have such capacity like his, the archer could not shake off the bad feeling inside of her. "This is bad. Something here is making Naruto angry and I hope it doesn't push him to the extreme." Medusa hoped as he was still hurting from the loss of his home world.
It is not prominent now and lessened, but the pain is still there.
"Welcome! Welcome, fellow clients and exotic collectors!"
All attendees put their collective gazes at the stage as the voice belonged to a man. His stature is short, no taller than a 13-year-old kid, with thinning hair and remnants of said facial feature around his head. His eyes a deep brown but held amorality in them. The attire looked like circus showman with a cane supported by his right hand.
"I see many of my regular customers as well some new faces! Good, good! As you all know, I am Baxter Moriarty. I'm sure you are aware the world has grown stricter after the Siege of Boston back in America. However, that does little to impede our efforts to bring the next batch of exotics to you!"
As he finished saying that, Baxter shot out his arms as yellow/orange fiery energy sparked from them and opened crackling portals behind him on the stage. Five different rectangular cages popped out and landed on the wooden floor after the portals ceased via Baxter's command. What excited the attendees and shocked the god and his wife were the occupants in the cages.
"Our first prize hails from the native region of Mexico. Its blood if drunk will give you immense strength, but only for a limited time. I present the Re'em!"
The Re'em resembled a giant ox with golden hide, its shade similar to the Golden Fleece but very light. Its long horns curved upwards, but the right tip was missing, showing it was captured rather violent. The Re'em bellowed as it slammed its body against the cage's bars.
"The next creature for bidding comes from Chinese myth but possess magical might! Its body tuned for impossible flight and strong enough to face the Hulk himself!" Naruto and Medusa scoffed at the man's proclamation. "I give you the Zouwu!"
The Zouwu is a gigantic elephant-sized cat and five-colored from red, orange, black and yellow in stripes. Its body resembled a tiger's and possessed a scraggly mane. Four fangs curled out of its mouth as it was angered but scared at the same time. The sharp and long claws could not penetrate the cage despite its best. The disproportionately long and ruffled multicolored tail thrashed in the inside of the cage as the Zouwu yearned for freedom.
"Our third creature comes from the ponds of Japan, known to strangle anyone who dared to venture to close to them. If you have children, make sure they have a cucumber ready to appease it. The water yokai, the Kappa!"
The Kappa looked different than the ones Naruto saw in appearance and stature. This Kappa looked like a scale-covered monkey with webbed hands. A water-filled depression formed the top part of its head. Medusa knows that the water in said hollow is the sources of its strength. And it was almost empty, which explained its slightly pale complexion and overall tiredness.
"Fourth on the list is a creature known to have skin tougher than dragons themselves! Its ferocity knows no bounds and rival creatures like the Basilisk! Originating from the mountains of Europe… the Graphorn!"
The Graphorn has grayish-purple skin and humped-back. It is large enough to be taller than Naruto and Medusa, perhaps enough for Hulk to ride on it without collapsing. Two golden horns on the forehead as it paced on large four-thumbed feet. The mouth consisted of tentacle-like appendages as they curled from stress. To Medusa, it resembled the extinct saber-tooth tiger in stature.
"And last but not least, a creature hailing from Massachusetts said to be rivals with the Thunderbird, I give you the Horned Serpent! This serpent emits low musical note to sound danger, which is handy for those targeted by people who hate you. The jewel on its head grants flight and invisibility who fancies it."
The Horned Serpent has black skin and blue eyes. Its head is horned, hence the name. Two fangs protruded from the upper jaw as its forked tongue hissed with contempt. A cyan-blue jewel shined from its forehead, which elicited fierce stares by impatient attendees. The Horned Serpent looked around the hall until its gaze looked at railing intently.
A startled Medusa recovered quickly from the stare while Naruto returned its gaze. The Horned Serpent wasn't alone as its fellow captives placed their line of sights directly at the god. Since he's a nature god, his connection to the Earth and her creatures grew to higher levels. This included communication with numerous animals.
And the captives pleaded with him in the same words: "Save us!"
"And the bidding will begin!"
Except it didn't as Naruto now in his Patronus alias landed in front of Baxter and held him in the air. He was using every bit of self-control to restrain his godly strength to the lowest level. The attendees screamed and panicked as they fled from the hall. Or at least tried to.
Medusa had already beaten them at the exit and opened her eyes after much concentration. Instead of her light red eyes, the pupils were gone and replaced with bright green as they shone at the attendees. The screams ceased instantly and the intended buyers frozen like statues. Literal statues.
Petrification. Her old and infamous power she used to claim countless victims after being formerly cursed by Athena. After she reconciled with Poseidon in her home dimension, Medusa rediscovered her original power and trained to use it for defense, both personal and the clan's. Unlike before, the people are still alive but they remain frozen like pale clay unless she dispels the effects.
"Gagrh!" Baxter wheezed out under Patronus's godly strength. "You? But how?!" Even he knew of the Boston-based hero and his monstrous powers. "Ha!"
Naruto's eyes widened when sparking red vines wrapped around his neck, arms and legs while Baxter vanished from sight. A clone it seems, but a poorly-executed one to him. The Ninja God, as he self-proclaimed himself, calmly turned around as a mischievous looking Baxter floated in the airspace.
"Dare I say you are a fine specimen, Patronus. I've heard of your deeds in whispers, but in Boston…" Baxter shuddered, "I really didn't want to ever cross paths with you."
"…"
Sweat started to fall along down his cheek. "How about this, Patronus? You let me go and I'll give you these exotics as pets for $100,000." Baxter offered confidently. The hero gradually floated to his eye-level, making him nervous. "How about $50,000?" He sweated profusely as Patronus slowly invaded the smuggler's personal space. "Or free! You can have them for free!"
Seeing that the hero stopped in his place, Baxter sighed in relief. That is until Patronus lashed out with a gripping hand. Baxter retreated into one of his portals and emerged at another part of the auction theater before several clones came alive, surrounding the god.
"Let's play~"
Except they couldn't as a bright green light blasted over the clones, shattering them but one. Medusa rubbed her eyes from the sudden activation of Petrification. She gasped before rolling to the side and avoided a sword swipe from Baxter. She tried to use her ability again, but Baxter swiped at her again as Medusa flipped over sideways and kicked Baxter's face.
Baxter shook it off and charged at Medusa, but his sword hand was grabbed tightly by Patronus. What scared him after that wasn't his intimidating presence. It was the unrestrained creatures he captured as they snarled and glared at him behind Patronus.
"You can control them?!" Baxter asked in fear as his sword dissipated seconds later.
Patronus shook his head, "No. They want what I want—" He let go of the smuggler, only for him to pounced on by the five creatures. "…Justice."
Walking around the creatures as they tortured the smuggler for the abuse, Medusa stood next to Patronus. Before the carnage could begin, all of the occupants including the statues fell into a massive portal not unlike Baxter's.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
By the time Medusa was behind Naruto, they were already in a strange room. It looked to be Asian in origin, but Nepalese maybe? There was no speck of dust or disorder in the room. Signs of dedication and discipline in martial arts and monkhood.
All the creatures and Baxter are gone. The couple thought Baxter escaped with the creatures, but that wasn't the case. Naruto senses the man's ki outside of the room and the beasts as well.
"Naruto…" Medusa whispered with a nudge of her head. "We're not alone."
The Ninja God looked ahead and saw the one most likely responsible for their current whereabouts. A woman of undiscernible age as she completely lacked hair. She wore light orange Nepalese sleeveless robes with fastened clothes around the legs. A strange air of wisdom and mystery surrounded her, which puzzled Medusa.
"She's powerful. I don't know why I know that, but she just is," Medusa stated internally as she was intimidated.
"Do not be alarmed. You are among friends here."
"…"
"I understand your hesitation, Patronus. What you went through that night… anyone would be wary of strangers." The woman gestured the duo to sit as she did in seiza. Naruto and Medusa warily sat down as they picked up their cups. "I appreciate you rescuing those creatures from Baxter. He's been troublesome to us for some time now."
"You sound like you know him," Medusa inquired after a sip.
"Yes. He was one of my students." The host answered as Naruto growled audibly. "While I hold your sentiment about Baxter, he was victim to his own earthly desires and greed. My only regret is he used my teachings to traffic the magical creatures you two rescued. Thanks to your efforts, Baxter will lose his powers and memories of this sacred place."
Naruto's eyes slightly narrowed about the 'sacred place' part. "What is this anyway?"
"Kamar-Taj of Nepal," The woman responded with the smallest hint of pride. "This is the headquarters for the Masters of the Mystic Arts and I its leader: the Sorcerer Supreme."
"Sorcerer Supreme?" asked both Naruto and Medusa internally.
"You may call me the Ancient One."
"Ancient One?"
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Turtles' Sewer Base
Boston, Massachusetts
A Naruto clone does his best to ignore the sewer stench in favor of training. Not his, but the four new proteges of shinobi. The turtles are in the midst of their training to not only prepare their bodies for ki manipulation in the near future, but to make them stronger against powerful beings like gods or demons.
Leonardo's exercise consists of him in a full leg split on thin wooden posts as he holds a pair of chopsticks in both hands. Each chopstick pair holds one egg while the third one balanced itself on top of his head. The leader breathed in a tremble as the eggs and his legs shook from fatigue.
Rafael stands on top of a rickety child's tricycle while he sewed a red sweater. Halfway finished as the torso, neckline, and bottom were already completed. Only the two long-sleeve portions remained, but he wasn't done after this. The temperamental turtle has to complete fifty pairs of sweaters and this is his fifteen set.
Donny withheld nausea as his body stood on top of a wooden board, spinning around while keeping the paddleballs off the ground. He accomplished this with said paddles. However, the tech ninja has to keep his balance as the board would wobble if he leans too much on either side.
As for Mikey, he was upside-down in a handstand and remained perfectly still on a slow-spinning chair.
"Hey guys, I'm in the zone," Mikey said excitedly. "There's literally nothing that can break me right now." Cue a tossed pizza box in the center of the room. "Starting to break." His form immediately wobbled at the hot cheese smell.
"You guys are good; probably better than me when I was younger," The clone said off-handedly. "Still, I was faster and stronger at the time too. Which is why we're doing this." He gave a pointed look at Mikey, "Plus a shinobi needs to avoid being distracted at all times, especially during combat."
"Even if it's pizza," Mikey asked horrified.
"Yes."
Though he, the original, trained them for a couple of weeks, the god sent a clone to oversee the training just in case Kuroka and Rhea go into labor for real. The clone was impressed with the turtles' current condition and believed they may be ready for instruction in ki, but the Tailed Beasts believed the opposite. They needed further training and gradual control of their bodies before usage of the internal energy.
"Mikey! Leave some for us!"
Donny's shout brought back the clone's attention as the latter, Rafael and Mikey all had pizza slices in their mouths. Only Leonardo remained with his exercise. "The dutiful leader, huh?" The clone queried about the swordsman. "And for that boys, we're going to go for another four hours."
"Oh, come on!" Rafael whined as he was about to put back his slice.
The clone raised a hand as to stop him, "After your much-needed break."
"Hai sensei!" The turtles agreed with crocodile tears of joy as a team before they took their much-needed break. The clone then snickered viciously behind his hand, making the brothers sweat-drop nervously. "What else does he have in mind for us?!"
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Kamar-Taj
Nepal, Asia
"The Ancient One?"
"Yes."
"You are the Ancient One and the supposed Sorcerer Supreme?" Naruto asked incredulously. "So, you know that weird magic Baxter uses?"
"That and more."
"And what does the Sorcerer Supreme do exactly?" Medusa queried internally. She never heard a title like the Sorcerer Supreme in her home dimension.
After taking the final sip, the Ancient One explained vividly. "The Sorcerer Supreme is a practitioner of the mystic arts who have either greater skills than others or controls a greater quantity of magical energies than any beings on Earth and our dimension. Sometimes the person is both. He or she protect the Earth from extra-dimensional threats."
"Okay."
"And I am the current Sorcerer Supreme." The Ancient One responded humbly as she waved her head in front of her. Naruto raised his arm to defend Medusa in case it was an attack. "As I said, you are safe here. The magic we Masters of the Mystic Arts use is called Eldtrich Magic, characterized by its sparks and fiery energy. There are many types of magic in the world, all powered by three sources of energies: personal energies, universal energies, and dimensional energies."
"Personal, universal, and dimensional?" Naruto wondered aloud. "Personal energies like chakra and ki?" He then asked her, "So what does universal and dimensional entail exactly?"
"Universal energies come from the vast universe itself as the name implies."
Medusa stifled her chuckle when Naruto groaned displeasingly, "And dimensional energy?" She asked audibly.
"That comes from other dimensions not our own and usually through pacts of the beings who dwell there like the Dark Dimension."
"Dark Dimension?" Medusa asked herself. "Dark versions parallel to this dimension or more?"
Naruto sighed audibly. "Thank you for the info, but why do you tell us about this? I'm sure only those accepted in your tutelage is granted knowledge of this."
"It is my job as the Sorcerer Supreme to know of every being who are a threat to this world such as you," The Ancient One informed strongly with a pointed look. "Especially that your power has increased during the Siege of Boston." Naruto growled in response. "Of course, you are intriguing as your magic is fueled by your personal energies. Energies that are far vast than most beings on Earth within you."
"Um, it's not magic. It's Ninjutsu," Naruto corrected softly. Actually, it should be renamed Ninshu.
"Ninjutsu?" Ancient One repeated confusingly. Her face then returned to normal with the smallest hint of a smile. "A shinobi in nature I see. Ninjutsu, angel and demon magic, light and dark magic, they are all powered by either our personal energies or external sources."
Neither could argue with that. Despite the differences in name and attributes, they are all powered by the life energy inside. In fact, Naruto was coming to grips that chakra may not be special. It was just a name for his people to call the life energy inside them. Although chakra has a unique origin as it became inherent over time in his home dimension; a power coming from a tree's fruit of all things.
Still, with him being the last adult and his children, both here and arriving, it wouldn't be bad to learn something new for a change. And he could teach this to Lara, Saeko, and Kuroka after lessons. That was another issue in the clan as the mortal women needed more to defend themselves against serious threats like gods or demons. Even if he doesn't learn this magic, Medusa, Lara, and Kuroka may learn it as well.
"However, you are not worthy of my teachings."
Huh? This is a first. No one wants to train him in their arts since his departure of his home world. Oddly, it is refreshing to say the least.
"After this manner with Baxter, it is best that I close off Kamar Taj from outsiders including you two," The Ancient One said sternly.
An upset Medusa exhaled sharply, "First you allow us into your home, and now you're kicking us out? Such a rude host," She insulted not-so-subtle to the sorcerer. Temptation to petrify her rise by the second. "Let's get out of here."
"Yeah, let's," Naruto said before he finished his tea in one gulp. "Before that, what about the creatures?"
The Ancient One titled her head slightly, "What of them?"
"They should be returned home, should they not?" Naruto asked rhetorically. The Ancient One nodded once. "With your permission, I'd like to take them back to their native regions far away from unwanted eyes."
Medusa leaned in to his ear, "But you don't know where they lived." She whispered lowly.
"But I do," The host answered humbly. "Why must I allow you to return these creatures? How do I know you won't exploit them for profit?"
For a moment, the ancient building shook tremendously as an earthquake struck the vicinity. Despite its intensity, the Ancient One wasn't fazed by the display of power. Medusa on the other hand reacted the opposite way. "What was that?!" Medusa slapped the back of his head, yelping when her hand stung as Naruto wasn't fazed at all.
"Just to show her that I do not like being compared to a scum like Baxter," Naruto stated firmly after he flared his power. "Unlike most people, I care about the Earth and its natural environments. That includes its inhabitants." Despite the progress they have towards nature, the majority of humans still remained ignorant and dismissive to said environment. "So, are you going to tell me or will this place be the next victim of a future battle?"
Medusa gulped nervously as the atmosphere grew suddenly intense. Naruto is a god, but the Ancient One doesn't seem to be fazed by him at all. Is it confidence or arrogance? One thing for sure is that her safety, and those outside, might be in danger if this continues any longer.
"Very well. I will tell you, but I'll be watching—"
"Ancient One!" The atmosphere ceased when a man in distinct robes entered the room with men behind him. He seems to be in his forties with long gray hair tied neatly into a ponytail. "Pardon our interruption, but the creatures have escaped!"
The Ancient One sighed at this development, "How unfortunate. What happened, Kaecilius?"
This time a shaved Asian man with portly body answered her this time, "We were in the midst of putting them to sleep when the Graphorn caught us off guard."
"And how's that, Wong?"
Wong and Kaecilius shared a brief but uneasy glance. "The men in charge of that were… waiting for udon to be ready."
"Udon?"
The subtle not-so-innocent tone put everyone on alert except Naruto.
"I guess you two should get started," The Ancient One said in an intriguing tone. "Find the creatures and take them there to their homes. Bring them safely and I might consider changing my mind about you… maybe."
"How do we find them?"
"You're the god of nature. I'm sure you can figure it out," Ancient One answered confidently before swiping her index and middle fingers horizontally. A portal appeared underneath Naruto and Medusa as they fell inside seconds later. "Now what about that udon?"
"Master, is there reason to allow them to retrieve the creatures? We are more than qualified to take them to their homes," Kacilius stated to his teacher and leader.
Wong gently nudged the man, giving him a scolding look, "The Ancient One would not do this without a reason. Still, that was Patronus of Boston. His might and ascension reached even to Kamar-Taj. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to meet him at all."
The Ancient One keeps rigorous watch on all beings who she deems dangerous to Earth's safety. Though Thor and Hercules of the Asgardian and Olympian pantheons are allies and heroes, the Sorcerer Supreme keeps a watchful eye on them due to their incredible power. Now that she met him, the sorcerer felt his energy originates from the Far East, specifically in Asia.
Still, the abilities and transformation she saw him utilize against Esdeath the Ice Queen warrants further surveillance. His entire being in general threw her off while he sat in the same room. It felt like Patronus was part of the Earth's flow. She has no doubts that he will be a force to be reckon with in the future for all his enemies.
But for now, his test will be the capture and return of the creatures. The same creatures whose release she ordered moments before Patronus's arrival. Now she must wait and see if he is the God of Harmonious Nature and Hope.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
The fiery portal tore a hole in the sky as Naruto landed on the ground and held out his arms. Medusa fell into them as she held to him bridal-style. "Oh my…" She gasped as it felt exhilarating. "Now, where are we?"
"According to that sign…" Naruto pointed with his finger at said sign 'London'. "We are in the capital of the United Kingdom. All righty, where are the creatures?"
"You're the nature god. Shouldn't you know?"
She has a point. He can talk with other animals besides horses and sea creatures given their pleas back at the auction house. Perhaps Naruto can sense for them specifically. After placing Medusa on her feet, the Ninja God placed his hand against the ground and closed his eyes. "Everything is connected."
As a Sage and God of Nature, Naruto has the latent ability to sense the ground all around him. His sensing abilities skyrocketed after his full ascension and now he must find the creatures. This will be a great test of his abilities. The shinobi focused in his surroundings as he searched for the creatures' unique energies.
Inside his mind he could see the environment blur past his eyesight. Cars, buildings, people couldn't register until it stopped on one of the creatures. Scared British citizens fled from the scene as the magical beast, the Graphorn, rammed through a van like a knife cutting through butter.
"The Graphorn!" Naruto opened his eyes as he stood up and grabbed Medusa by her hip. "It's in the city and I know where."
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Arriving on the scene was not Patronus and Medusa, but another. It was a hero that hailed from Britain and recognized as one of the best in Europe. One of his powers included flight as he floated above the scene. This was his modus operadi as he didn't want to blindly engage without information.
This is Captain Britain, the counterpart to Captain America. His attire was similar to Captain America except its colors were in Britain's colors and no shield. A mask covered most of his face expect the bottom portion. Captain Britain's eyes twitched as an unknown party arrived at the scene on top on one of the nearby buildings.
"Now who is this?"
At ground level, the Graphorn ran down the bridge near the Big Ben Clock. Cars and people swerved to the sides as they avoided its charge until it stopped suddenly. Why? The rescuer from the auction appeared in front of him via a yellow flash. "You!"
"Easy, big guy." Naruto said soothingly with his hands up. Telepathy with animals? A perk as a nature god and based on his senjutsu traning. "You do not know me very well, but I'm a god of nature. I'm here to help you."
"To be locked away again?"
"No. To take you back to your home."
"The others."
"Where are they?"
"We all got separated from each other under those… holes in the floor."
"Holes? As in more than one?"
"Will you take us home?"
"I promise." The hooded Naruto heard approaching sirens and clapped his hands together. Suddenly a great blanket of dense fog rolled over the area with only the Big Ben clock standing tall. "Ninpo: Kirigakure no Jutsu (Ninja Technique: Hiding in Mist Technique)." A dense fog instantly covered the entire bridge and surrounding perimeter out of nowhere. He walked to the Graphorn and placed his hand on its hide before leaving with silence.
As they appeared far away the perimeter with the Shunshin no Jutsu, Naruto turned invisible along with the Graphorn and flew the rest of the way. However, they were not alone as the ninja casually looked to the side. "Captain America?"
"Clearly you are trespassing over British airspace and responsible for that creature you carry. Now please land," Captain Britain politely asked the American hero.
Turning back invisible, a sheepish Patronus rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, but I'm a little busy right now. I don't mean to cause a ruckus and all. Chow!" He and the Graphorn disappeared in a bright yellow flash that briefly blinded the British hero.
"That wasn't pure speed," Captain Britain mused as he stopped his chase. "Hmm, interesting. From the looks of its, I say that was Patronus." He pulled out the communicator and opened the line. "Was he scoping us out or is something else happening?" Perhaps it is time for the organization EXCALIBUR to appear beyond Europe's lines.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Brighton, East Essex
United Kingdom
"One down and four to go," Naruto said as he guided his chakra-coated hands in front of him.
Medusa watched a portal of divine energy appeared in front of them and saw a grand infrastructure within. Naruto walked inside with the Graphorn and emerged out alone as it closed behind him. "Naruto, what was that? You've never told us at all about this."
"A technique I've been working for quite a while actually," Naruto answered her. "Since I gained my full powers and the godly energies inside me, it got a lot easier to use. Though I'm still not sure it's ready for combat yet."
The priestess shook her head with a smile. She knows how powerful Naruto is pre-ascension, but post? No idea at all. Hopefully they can find out without him having to be in a life-and-death battle. "Anyways, where are we now? France?"
"No, we're still in the United Kingdom."
"What kind of creature are we looking for this time?"
"I think it's a Horned Serpent." Naruto answered unsurely.
"A Horned Serpent?"
"You know what it is?"
"Of course." Medusa answered proudly. "I was cursed by Athena in my home and I had a lot of time on my hands."
"You talked to Horned Serpents from folklore back then," Naruto stated in a questioning manner.
"Yes, I did."
"And speaking of snakes, how long did you have your stone eyes power?"
"When we were still in my home dimension. I didn't say anything until I can control it," Medusa said to him, "Especially for the children."
Naruto gave her a small smile with one peck on the cheek, "You're awesome, babe." He snapped his fingers before his clothes were replaced by the new Patronus outfit. "Better. And as for you…" Medusa's outfit morphed into her Assassin outfit that she wore back in last Halloween. "There, much better. Okay, now to find the Horned Serpent."
Medusa watched her husband sit cross-leg as he focused onto the Horned Serpent's location through the Earth itself. She took out her Shienkyu longbow and briefly yanked its string. Her training by the weapons master, Shigure, improved her prowess considerably back in the previous dimension. Medusa had been helping Lara with her archery back at the Homestead and Croft Manor for the past two years.
Her sharply-trained senses alerted her of something behind their location as she looked at the native flora, "Hello." Naruto didn't react as he remained focused on his current activity. The Shienkyu summoned a thin shaft with a bird arrowhead as Medusa lightly gripped its end, but didn't raised the weapon. "Hello?" Medusa asked aloud.
"Hmm, the human woman seems to notice my presence. It is a shame she cannot hear me."
"Actually, I can."
"Now she's pretending to hear me. Foolish human in her abhorrent outfit and ridiculous breasts."
"Excuse me?! Any man would be lucky to have me!"
Naruto was snapped out of his concentration as he fell on his back. "Medusa?!" He cried out at a fuming Medusa who sent him a death glare. "Ugh, honey…" The ninja timidly said, "What are you doing?"
"The Horned Serpent is here and he said that my breasts are ridiculous!"
"What?!" An angry Naruto immediately jumped to his feet. "Where is he?! I'll make a snake-skinned belt out of him!"
"Both of them can hear me!" Materializing into existence, the Horned Serpent had its head lowered in front of the couple, "Please forgive my verbal transgressions, my Lord!"
"Lord?" Medusa and Naruto repeated, tilting their heads with question marks above them.
"And Lady of course. Had I known you were a god and his consort, I'd never be disrespectful."
"Um, okay?" Both Naruto and Medusa responded unsurely. "You have a name, Horned Serpent?" The self-proclaimed Ninja God asked the creature.
"I do, but human cannot understand our native tongue. The closest translation is Habatsurugi."
Naruto's right eyebrow rose a little, "Habatsurugi? Are you from Japan?"
"Nihongo actually. We still call it Nihongo. Will you take me and the others back to our homes?"
"We already found the Graphorn. He's safe and you will be too."
"You say that, but you must do something to prove it."
"Such as?" Medusa asked hesitatingly.
"Find me without disturbing the nature around us."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
The Horned Serpent blended with the surrounding area and slithered away from them. Medusa could not see indentations in the sand or grass. Then again, she can say the same for Naruto. It wasn't even five seconds when the former priestess heard surprised hisses near her.
"I did not even hear you coming at all. Impressive and scary at the same time, my lord."
"I know."
Naruto was still scared that his physical abilities are beyond what they had been before. Just now he didn't even use the Shunshin no Jutsu, only his pure speed. Though he may be a god, this doesn't mean training was out of the question for him. However, it'll probably be tough for him to find harsh environments that is rough on a god for training.
If only there was a pocket dimension or device that can make any environment tough for anyone, even gods, to train themselves.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
(Hours Later)
Hong Kong, China
The Graphorn, Horned Serpent, Re'em, and Kappa were easily gathered mainly due to Naruto's charisma and nature as a god. The reason it took hours is the creatures engaged in talking with their savior and guiding him and his mate—their words—through their homes and relatives. However, their mutual consensus at the end of each stop was that the last creature might be difficult to bring back safely. Mainly because it was kept in captivity since birth and abused by animal traffickers.
What also doesn't help here is that China strongly frowns upon uninvited guests, even those of the hero type. It is why Naruto left Medusa back home before teleporting here. He formed a single hand-sign before turning invisible. "Tōton Jutsu (Transparent Escape Technique)."
He was fond of this technique since Jiraiya created it during his youth. Of course, the fact he created it meant his intentions were not pure of heart at the least. Evidently his "research" into bathing spas.
Naruto inspected his body and found that he cannot see his movements wading through the air. Talk about gone with the wind scenario. "And that's my cue." He mentioned after hearing screams from few blocks away. Naruto leaped as usual, but was caught off-guard when he passed by eight buildings. He forgot again about his godly physical prowess.
The shinobi easily fixed himself and landed on a building's side without sound before running towards the noise. It wasn't pretty. Numerous cars were turned over; screaming citizens calling for 'help'; police sealing off the perimeter. At the center of it was the Zouwou, snarling at the slightest sign of assumed provocation.
"How to go about this?"
"You could sneak up from behind and use the Hiraishin to—" Kurama said but was cut off by the rambunctious of the Tailed Beasts.
"Oh, is the great Kyuubi actually proposing to fly away?" Shukaku teased cockily. "I'd say we tackle this head-on!"
"*Sigh* This is why tanuki are lower than kitsune."
"Oh man," The other Tailed Beasts chorused together.
"Say that again, fox, and I'll kick your ass!"
An annoyed Naruto exhaled while palming his face, "Not again. Guys, what do you suggest?" He asked the non-quarrelling tenants.
Son Gokū was the first, "We can use my Yōton (Lava Release) to separate it from the humans."
"But that will destroy more property and put the humans at even more risk." Kokuo interjected, "I think we should both my Boil Release and Saiken's Suiton to keep it at bay for a while."
Matatabi gave her input, "Valid ideas, but we're in foreign territory and not to mention the last land we were in, our presence didn't go unnoticed."
"Which is why I'm using Ero-Sennin's technique; I'll sneak behind the Zouwu and use the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) to teleport us somewhere safe. Hopefully I can calm it down without any jutsu."
The quarreling 'brothers' stopped their bout and scoffed at his plan, "Weak."
"What are they, children?" Gyuki muttered under breath.
The Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuriki were alerted by a howl that grew louder by each second. Naruto slightly yelped when the Chinese creature was already in his gaze, long limbs outstretched with flared claws. "Or I could do a tactical retreat!" He pulled a 'Kenichi' just now.
To the public eye, it looked like the creature was randomly jumping from building to building, then swatting at the air like a kitten playing with a fox tail. The Zouwu flew to the sky before it disappeared suddenly just as the authorities arrived along with other characters in matching uniforms.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Eastern China Province
Two dust pillars sprouted and disturbed the environment. Emerging from one of them was a now-visible Naruto as the Zouwu chased after him. Besides effortlessly dodging, Naruto was putting together of they were in Japan instead of China just now. From what he gathered, the creature warped space just like he does with his father's Hiraishin.
The Zouwu snarled at Naruto as it pounced on him, but he safely redirected it away and landed on all fours. Naruto raised his arms up defensively to show the Zouwu he means no harm. That did not work as it continued to go after him so he tried a different approach.
Let himself be a play toy. And it worked like a charm.
Several minutes of felling trees, upturning chunks of earth, and plowing through rocks, an uninjured Naruto rolled across the ground as the Zouwu towered over him. The snarls turned into growls of cautious curiosity as a claw picked the god up and gazed at the latter.
"It's okay," Naruto whispered soothingly to the creature. "I know you're scared and have every right to be wary of anything human, but I am here to help you."
"Why do humans hurt us?"
"… I don't know, but I'm not one of them." Technically he's a god. "Let me take you back to your native land. This is your home, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. But I'm afraid to go by myself."
"I'll go with you all day if that's what it takes." Naruto said kindly as he took off his hood, showing the genuine smile he was known for back home. The Zouwu cooed like a kitten as it slowly tilted its curious head at the god.
It felt no sense of betrayal or unexplained malice from him. An aura of tranquility perplexed the magical creature as well. It was like he was part of the natural earth itself.
Seeing the creature's body relax, Naruto slowly reached for the remaining restraints and grabbed hold as his wind chakra cut through them into nothing. The Zouwu finally put the god on his feet before the latter gently petted its face, showing no harm to the creature at all.
The last creature has been safely caught and brought back to its natural habitat with the Amatsu-Kami's help. It was not long afterwards that Naruto was alerted to somewhere closer to home and instantly vanished akin to his father but significantly faster.
Nearby on a separate mountain stood the Ancient One with her disciples not too far behind. "Master, I still do not think this'd be a good idea."
"Patronus showed great restrain towards the creatures. There was no collateral damage in all the places where we sent the creatures." Wong countered verbally, "For a god, he was very subtle and calm such as a Master of the Mystic Arts should be. Though I suspect he may not choose my tutelage."
"Then what was the purpose of this?" Wong asked his teacher.
The Ancient One stood there, silently watching the formerly-captured Zouwu resting contently within its natural environment. He and his friend bowed before opening an Eldtrich portal back Kamar-Taj, knowing that she always had reasons for her actions. They know to trust her and watch as it happens.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Uzumaki Manor, Homestead Grounds
Forested Massachusetts
The recently returned god rushed through the doors as the screams of birth labor grew louder in an instant. Naruto reached the living room and fell to his knees between the two expecting mothers. Without words, they grabbed his hands and squeezed them tightly.
Normal women were scary during birth as they summoned unbelievable strength to combat the unbearable pain. When it came to a centuries-old Titaness and a young Nekomata, even his hands are in danger. Well, only one of them actually. Naruto grimaced as Rhea threatened to break his wrist despite his god-level durability.
"Just ignore the pain!" thought Naruto as he stifled a groan.
Saeko and Lara were the handmaidens for Kuroka and Rhea, respectively. During the duo's pregnancy, Rhea taught them everything she knows about childbirth in due part of her Titaness of Motherhood. And they certainly needed it given how she was kicking everything unrestrained.
"It hurts!" Kuroka cried out before biting down on Naruto's left ear. "Damn you and your hunkiness!"
Naruto gagged when Rhea's other hand wrapped around his neck. "You did this to us!"
"Y-Yu-You… wanted it," Naruto gagged between brief releases before the grip tightened, restricting even more of his air flow. "I'm—I… I'm sorry."
Medusa winced at her husband's current position, but she put that aside to aid her sister-wives in labor.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
They did not know how much time had passed, but none of the clan members focused on that. All of them raced to bring two new lives. The new generation of shinobi, born as either full deity or demi-god. No matter what, they will love the children with all their hearts.
Then they heard it. They heard them.
The cries of two babies penetrated the atmosphere as all attendants stared at them. The most stunned was Naruto as he struggled to find words. Saeko and Lara had tears of joy like the new mothers as the children took in their first few breaths. The new set of newborns' cords were cut by the handmaidens' sterile clips and gently wrapped in white cloths. Kuroka and Rhea had their arms stretched out and pulled them in when their children to their chests.
Rhea's child was a girl with small tuft of hair. It was blonde like Naruto's hair but a deeper shade. Her eyes were mainly scarlet red with hints of green and cerulean near the pupils. Unlike her older siblings, she had a set of one whisker marks akin to Naruto's birthmarks but barely noticeable.
As for Kuroka, her child was a boy. A fussy boy with his father's blond hair and random streaks of his mother's blackness. Like his newborn half-sister, he has a set of one whisker-like birthmarks on his cheeks. His eyes were mainly light blue with tints of hazel color from his mother.
"Oh my God, they're here," Lara sobbed joyfully behind her clasped hands. Medusa and Saeko couldn't hold back their tears of joy.
But the ones who were overwhelmed the most were the parents. For Rhea, it was her new beginning with a child whose father she loved genuinely and no fear towards him. As for Kuroka, her child signified the family she wanted since her human father rejected them via neglect. Plus, it was a boy and the Nekoshou race will thrive once more.
"Do you have their names?" Saeko asked the new mothers as the newborns calmed in their arms.
Rhea and Kuroka smiled at their children while Naruto pecked their soft cheeks, then the women's lips. The Titaness went first. "I want to honor her shinobi heritage, but I think it'll honor her home world here. Her name is Hagumi."
"Hi Hagumi," The girls greeted the young one. "Kuroka?" asked Medusa.
Kuroka sniffed as her son blinked at her with his beautiful eyes. "I loved my mother so much. I made a promise to keep Shirone safe after she died, but my mother also wanted me to be happy." She looked at her son and smiled upon his face. "He has her eyes." The shape of Kuroka's mother's eyes. "His name is Fujimai."
"Hi Fujimai, Hagumi," Naruto greeted his newborn children. The two glanced at him and smiled their toothless smiles. He then noticed his older kids nearby the archway and gestured them towards him. "Come here, Masaki, Ashla." The twins approached him and he showed them to the newborns. "Meet your new brother and sister: Fujimai and Hagumi."
Ashla was the first to greet them, "Hi, I'm Ashla. I'm your big brother."
"And I'm your big sister, Masaki," Masaki cooed at her younger sister while Fujimai playfully kicked Ashla's cheeks.
Naruto chuckled as his children and their mothers are together for this grand moment. There is nowhere else he'd rather be right now.
TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM
Unknown Number of Galaxies Away from Milky Way
A lone planet stood great distances from the nearest sun. It was light red, indicating the center burning out the little hydrogen to sustain the great star. The inhabitants felt hopeless and called to their gods for help, but they didn't answer them. Not out of their own choice, but something else interfered with them.
A legend who struck fear against powerful beings of light with a lone weapon capable of killing everything in existence.
Sitting hunched over was an unnatural shadow hovering above a bloodied body adorned in unnatural armor. Nothing happened for however long ago. The shadow stared at the victim as if it dared the body to move even a finger. It did and the body yelped out a last grunt of pain after a thin razor blade stabbed through the back.
Gods. Why do people glorify these self-proclaimed important beings? They are nothing more than scions of arrogance who believe they make life a better place. He spent his life dedicated to praying to the deities of his home world, but they did not answer him.
It was all the same after each one fell by his hand. Then something changed not long ago as he felt a great surge of power completely unknown to him. A new god? Fine with him as his mission remains the same: the destruction of all gods.
Only then will the universe be at peace.
END OF CHAPTER