Chapter 15: The Approaching Meteor
—Five days after that incident
The location being at the Five Digit region of Little Garden, Outer Gate Number 26745, [Thousand Eyes] Number 88th Territory. Outer Gate Number 26745 is one of the Outer Gates managed by the [Floor Master] Shiroyasha who lived a level above it. And located within her sphere of influence was the territory of [Perseus] that was similarly affiliated under the flag of [Thousand Eyes]. However, currently the flags hung around the white palace of the [Perseus] territory was only that of a white base depicting a 'Medusa's head'.
On the other hand, the flags with a red background depicting the twin goddess were not hung out. This is because Shiroyasha had exposed the conflict between [Perseus] and Kuro Usagi and the others while making known the dishonorable incident. Hence [Perseus] had been ordered to put away all flags of [Thousand Eyes] indefinitely.
Standing at the balcony of the highest floor in the white washed palace while looking down at lower floors, Laius murmured to his trusted aide who stood by him to await his orders
"It's been five days since that time and I thought that Kuro Usagi would be sure to find me to negotiate. In the end there's not even a sign of it happening. It sure is unfortunate and I had thought that I would definitely be able to obtain the [Moon Rabbit] this time too."
"But is it really okay like this? We of [Perseus] being able to stay at the territory located at the five digit Outer Gate is all thanks to [Thousand Eyes] that has acted as our support. Since there now comes the order issued for us to stash away the flags…"
"Ah~Hm, the worst possible result would be the order for us to move our Community's territory down by a level I guess. Forget it, it's nothing to worry about. Or should I say that it's better like this? After all dad has already passed on and to go to the root of the problem, just depending on us to continue staying in the Outer Gates of the five digits is indeed quite troublesome right? Or are you willing to support this whole Community?"
The male trusted aide revealed a dejected look. Although Laius had said all that, but it wasn't impossible if they really wanted to stay in the five digits Outer Gate because Laius possessed the strongest Gift that holds a power that Demon Lords needed to be careful around. As long as Laius used his leadership to bring all the members of the Community together, they who were his subordinates would also be able to receive a twelfth of the reward be it joining as a [Host] or a Participant.
However, Laius had never shown that sort of motivation even once.
"But seriously, that rabbit's really cute! Although she has that baby face, her voluptuous breasts and beautiful thighs are really sexy! Willing to sacrifice and contribute for others, strong-hearted, cute and a beauty that's really sexy, it sure fits my type of taste! Originally I had wanted to take this chance to leave [Thousand Eyes] and use the rabbit as my substitute brand name but it would really be a waste to display her before the other people! If only I can get her on my bed to make her moan a few times for my ears to relish, I swear that I will never tire of it!"
"…Oh…"
The male trusted aide replied while giving a deep sigh. The only three topics that Laius would enthusiastically talk about were only women, money and enjoyments in food and drink. He was just similar to the personification of the meaning of Hedonism. And it was especially worse during the last five days. Perhaps that Kuro Usagi really did catch his eye? He had spent both day and night talking about it while the documents of the Community had already piled up to form a small mountain-like stack in the office and Laius would not even take a look at them. Even though it's an emergency in the Community that was caused by him, he still intends to push his responsibilities to others to settle for him.
'Even if this goes on, we must not set a precedent by processing the documents for him….As I thought, we can only wait for him to take initiative in processing the official documents?'
The male trusted aide gave a shake of his head forlornly. Just at that moment, a female voice sounded on the balcony that was supposed to have only the both of them.
But Laius continued,
"That damn cripple, what does he think of himself? Disrespecting me like this, I would show him"
The male trusted aide again sighed, that's right for the past days ever since Laius had came from that meeting, he is going on and on about some cripple that disrespected him. Frankly the male trusted aide couldn't fathom the matter, he heard that even Shiroyasha was somewhat courtesies to that man so that says volume about the man's capabilities and his master didn't even think of this.
'Is it really okay?'
Not for first time the male trusted aide questioned his master's mindset. Five days ago that vampire has ran away from their community and later they found that she was making contact with the [No Names]. His master had sent people to retrieve after knowing this. After that what had happened he didn't know but none of the retrieval members has returned the only thing they knew is that the vampire has turned to a stone statue. His master didn't care but he is different.
At that time suddenly
"Sorry for the intrusion in the night to disturb you, Laius-sama."
"WHO'S THAT?!"
The male trusted aide drew his sword as he shouted out, suddenly alert. And the person who lightly landed on the balcony was none other than Kuro Usagi of the [No Name]. Laius immediately pushed away his trusted aide to greet her happily:
"Woah! What brings you here so suddenly today?! You've finally decided to join us over here right?"
"…Kuro Usagi came regarding that matter for tomorrow we would be hosting a discussion between our Community representatives, may we ask you to spare some time to attend?"
Kuro Usagi had a worried expression as she relayed her message. In comparison, Laius was really overjoyed as he spread his arms.
"OKOK! If that vampire isn't enough, I might be able to add some other conditions!"
"Laius-sama! The [Knight of Little Garden] is already in the final stages of the trade deal…"
The male trusted aide hurriedly stepped forth to protest but Laius only gave him a kick in the chest to cut him off. Maintaining her pained look, Kuro Usagi had nodded once more before leaping off from the balcony to take her leave. On the other hand, Laius had started to laugh and whoop as he spread his arms to happily spin in a circle.
"Hahaha, this is great! With this, there won't be any more need to show adulation and shower flattery over our advertising medium of [Thousand Eyes]! Luck's finally on my side!"
He showed no civility as he roared in laughter while looking at the skies, looking as if he had lost his mind. His trusted aide could only give a heavier sigh as he watched his master spinning around continuously while laughing like a madman.
'But to think that Kuro Usagi would be willing to accept the negotiation is it really impossible for them to escape their bloodline that compels them to sacrifice and contribute?'
Although the severing from [Thousand Eyes] had been a big loss to them, if they could really obtain the [Highborn of Little Garden] in return, it would still be quite a good deal. As long as they could form a Community that had that 'golden plated signboard', they could even find the Evil spirit of Rakshasa of the North or even the Eudemons of the South to negotiate a Game of equal footing. If they were to become an independent community, this might just be more beneficial in results.
Although Laius may be violent and lustful, but after using Kuro Usagi as a toy, it would at best last a month before he gets sick of his toy. Normal women might not be able to last till then but strong hearted rabbits shouldn't have such a problem right? As long as there's still life in her, it would still be usable as a mascot no matter what the situation might be. Maybe they could just completely teach her body until it became obedient to their commands. The loyal male trusted aide poured another cup of wine into his master's empty cup as he took another dissatisfied but forlorn glance at the mountain of documents on the table.
BREAK
Let's rewind the time a little…
Under the orders of Jin, Kuro Usagi was now sent and locked in her room to reflect on her actions. Standing beside her bedroom window while using her finger to draw across the water droplets that were rolling down the window pane, Kuro Usagi gazed out at Little Garden that was currently raining.
'Oh, it looks like it's the periodic rainfall period? Hm, unlike the South Side, the East isn't going to release the Veil'
Artificial rainfall events were to be executed at fixed intervals. Only during the allotted time for the rainfall period would the Little Garden's Veil have a visible change in appearance by using the manipulation of light to create an optical illusion that would be perceived as rain clouds. In other words, although the rainclouds didn't exist, they would create the illusion of 'there are clouds in the sky' before releasing the rain.
…To be honest, this was quite a high level technique that served no purpose. If there was a need for water, they could just release the Veil when it rained outside or even just do away with the need of the raincloud illusion and just release the showers. To actually allow such an astounding miraculous technique to be fully utilized on such a small point due to one's own interest, it could only be said to be consistent with the style of Little Garden to have such a generous act of consideration.
'Forget it. Little Garden's function is in itself mainly centered about the idea of entertainment and recreation. To nit-pick on such things would just be a waste of time, right?'
The storm is one of the important factors to add a touch of artistry to the unique characteristic of the seasons. From the ancient times, deities and demigods had always hidden in the clouds while transporting these natural disasters, the presence of rain clouds would then stand to have quite a significant meaning to them. If it were accompanied by a violent storm streaked with lightning and the rumble of thunder, Humans would assume that it's the result of the Dragon's Divine power.
Hence the origin of the reverence towards Dragon kind.
However if it were a Sunshower, it would be believed as the work of some mage practicing his or her ritual in a remote region somewhere. For the cities of Little Garden, just saying that there were Eight million Gods would still be way below the actual numbers. For the number of Gods and deities who created this world of Little Garden has legends and mythologies that would fill the world to the brim and more with all their respective stories compiled together.
'Come to think of it, Leticia-sama doesn't seem to like the rain….? Something about the uncomfortable smell of moisture and the metallic tang of blood being stifling and unable to dissipate…'
The rabbit sighed sadly as she thought about her guardian and friend from when she was just a child. The vampire named Leticia had taken care of her since she was a small child and lost her entire race to that creature. Now said friend is nothing but a shadow of her former self who had succumbed to a curse because of her.
What words to say when she's clearly a Vampire, right? Kuro Usagi gave a bitter laugh as she recalled that conversation.
Just as she resumed her gloomy gaze at the scene outside the window, a corridor echoed with the sound of someone giving a restrained knock on her door
"Well~The door is locked and there's no one in at the moment des~"
"…That means that we can enter?"
"I guess so?"
The voices belonged to Kudou Asuka and Kasukabe Yō. Although Kuro Usagi had clearly said 'there's no one in', but they still took it for a reply of 'you may enter'. What in the world could they be planning?
"Ara, it's really locked." [Asuka]
"Hm…it's true, force our way? [Yō]
*Kacha Kacha* The sounds of the doorknob being twisted and the lock mechanism preventing it from opening travelled into Kuro Usagi's ears and she stood up seemingly to give up her pointless resistance.
"Okay Okay, Kuro Usagi will unlock it now! You two should learn to be gentler or maybe it should be said as more tactful…"
"Might as well just destroy it?" Asuka proposed.
"You're right." Yō said
*Pak!*
"Gentle and tactful!" Kuro Usagi screamed.
"You're so noisy!"
Kuro Usagi who was chided by the both of them could only shut her mouth obediently.
It would seem that when up against the problem children of a different world, the wooden door just didn't stand a chance. Kuro Usagi drooped her rabbit ears as she clutched the broken door handle to burst into a wail.
Not bothering to wipe her tears, Kuro Usagi just took her own thermos to start preparing tea. And during this time, Asuka and Yō had also poured the contents of a small bag that they had brought along with them onto a small plate. It would seem that the contents were actually hand-made snacks.
"…could it be that you two…?"
"No, it was made by the children of the Community."
"The fox-eared girl and the other older children had brought this to us saying 'Please patch up with Kuro Usagi onee-san!'"
The three of them had an indescribable and complicated look of their faces then. Three days ago, after recounting the incident that had taken place at [Thousand Eyes], Jin and Yō had acted as was expected of them as they were also against the idea of Kuro Usagi's departure.
Jin was taking the viewpoint of a Community's leader while Yō based on the position of being new friends. There was no malicious intent then but it was just a difficult situation to speak in for everyone had been too agitated to think clearly. But after Asuka joined the fray, the situation quickly went out of hand and to calm the situation down, Jin made the call for her to do some self-reflection while locked in her room.
Whereas Izayoi who was the only one who was adamant about being just an observer to the whole saga had dropped a line of 'I will be going to play around in Little Garden' and had left, never to be seen since then. And everyone assumed that he might have gotten tired of [No Name] already. The only reason they didn't considered it afterwards because the line Naruto had said before he also disappeared 'I am making sure Izayoi didn't cause any trouble' and he also was missing since then.
The children must have also picked up on the charged atmosphere as well and after much thought on what they could do to help, the answer now lay in the plate of snacks before them.
"Those children sure are a despicable lot. Seeing how they had come running over with tears in their eyes to plead us, I think only evil spirits or demons would reject them?"
"No, Asuka, everyone already helped to create this chance for us, we must make the reconciliation a success."
Asuka gave a harrumph as she turned her head away while Yō tried to coax her. Seeing this scene before her, Kuro Usagi had also worn a troubled smile.
"You're right…Everyone in the Community would be really worried if we do not get our act together."
"Yes, that's the case. So, although it might not be sounds fair to you, but we won't allow you to go to another place. The core of this Community isn't Jin-chan nor is it us. But it's you who have invited us to join and supported this Community single-handedly till now, Kuro Usagi." [Yō]
"…yes that's right." [Kuro Usagi]
Those were also the words that Jin had said to Kuro Usagi. He had said that if Kuro Usagi were to leave now, the Community would definitely be unable to hold up. Be it the children who have been entrusted to her care or Izayoi and the others whom she had invited to join the Community.
The one who carried all the burden was none other than Kuro Usagi, herself.
"…I've heard from Asuka that the [Moon Rabbit] that you speak of is that of the legend?"
"YES. All the rabbit race in Little Garden have the same origin and that is the [Moon Rabbit]s."
— The [Moon Rabbit]. In order to save an injured old man, a rabbit willingly leapt into the flames to offer its body and blood. That was one of the stories in the collection of Buddhist teachings. In Buddhism, suicide is seen to be a great sin. But the rabbit's act is seen to be one of mercy and self sacrifice, leading to Indra's summon to create the first Moon Rabbit. And the rabbits of Little Garden were the descendants of that [Moon Rabbit].
"Because of our ability to draw our power from the core of Little Garden, a [Moon Rabbit] will experience a change in color from the hair to the rabbit ears when they use their power. But there are also some differences between individuals too."
"Oh I see now. So that means the alarming roll of thunder three days ago had also been Kuro Usagi's doing?"
"Yes, a small portion of rabbits can call on the power of our first ancestor, the Herald of Indra to possess the Authority to wield Indra's weapons. If up against normal opponents, Kuro Usagi will never lose!"
*Hei Hei* Kuro Usagi proudly puffed her chest and perked her ears in pride.
"But when you want to join Gift Games, they will limit the qualification of the Participants right?"
"Well…yes, that's true."
Her rabbit ears flopped down once more. Observing the rabbit ears that easily showed her true feelings, Yō and Asuka were quite impressed by that function.
"But it's still quite surprising. Because when we talk about [Moon Rabbit]s, it's something that's so well known that it can also be found in the records of Man'yōshū. And it's something that is quite famous in my world."
"Is …Is that so?"
"Nn—But, We do not intend to let you jump into the fire. Because we, the four of us were summoned over by your invitation letter after all"
Holding the invitation letter in her hand, Yō reached out her hand to lightly rest it over Kuro Usagi's hand.
'You shall cast aside your family, friends, possessions and everything in the world of yours. And come forth to our [Little Garden].'
For the four who have been summoned by that letter, this was a catch phrase that really struck a chord in them time and time again. And the whole reason why three out of four who have already been sick and tired of their previous worlds were able to muster up an enthusiasm in life was all thanks to Kuro Usagi who approached them with that phrase. If she were to leave for another Community, then for what reason did the trio come to Little Garden is a question that one might ask.
At the same time in another location two people are standing infront of a massive octopus above which stood some creatures with only one eye. Needless to say that these men are none other than Naruto and Izayoi, earlier Naruto had asked Shiroyasha of a way and the way she said is this… to hunt down the creatures known as Kraken and Graeae receive a gift from them.
Unfortunately it took two days to hunt down their lair even with the help of Naruto's [Universal teleportation]. Now they finally caught up with the damn creatures and what they found isn't what they were expecting. Contrary of popular belief kraken is just an overgrown octopus with mighty strength and Graeae, well until now they can only call them as Cyclops.
Naruto is the first one to voice out their doubt
"Is this the legendary creature that would give the absolute gift?"
"I think so" Izayoi was quick to answer.
"Are they male or female?" [Naruto]
"I guess they are genderless" [Izayoi]
But before their rude conversation could continue they were startled by the voices of those one eyed creatures.
"Welcome, brave souls. You did well to come this far now all you have to do is to defeat us…"
"Yeah whatever! Izayoi leave this to me" [Naruto]
"I can't do that" [Izayoi]
"Then let's do it that way"
And like that both boys started doing Jan-ken-pon infront of kraken and Graeae. This sight pissed off them more than they would care to admit. Finally the winner of Jan-ken-pon was Naruto and hence he decided to finish them with one move. After putting away his crutch he started floating infront of them, after getting face to face with them he extended both his arms from both sides and clapped them together.
For a second nothing happened but soon the space around kraken began weirdly constrict as if something invisible was pressing them from both sides. A kind of invisible wall formed and started pressing the kraken.
[Space Constriction]
It took only ten seconds before both the kraken and three one-eyed freaks were defeated and Naruto became the winner. After being defeated by Naruto in less than ten seconds the creatures gifted them their desired item, two spherical gems with emblem of [Perseus] one blue and one red.
They are the gifts which give them the qualification to challenge the [Perseus] to a gift game.
"Let's go" Naruto said and Izayoi nodded and both of them vanished as if they were never there to begin with.
Back in [No Name] base, Kuro Usagi is being chewed out by Asuka and Yō. Finally accreting her mistake the rabbit apologized to them and now they are thinking of a plan to help out the vampire. Suddenly at that time the door of their room was knocked out of his hings.
"We are coming in" the ever arrogant voice of Izayoi was heard from outside.
"Iza…Izayoi –san! Where were you all this while…No! Before that, can all of you not destroy stuff when you enter?!"
Although she had already given up, but the act of destroying a room door that wasn't even locked was clearly a deliberate act of finding fault with something that didn't have one. However, Izayoi only shrugged his shoulders without a sign of wanting to reflect on his actions.
"Well, because the door is locked."
"Ah, I see! Then what is this door handle doing in Kuro Usagi's hand huh?! You BAKA!"
Kuro Usagi exerted her full force into her throw. Izayoi laughed heartily as he used the large bundle under his armpit to receive the door handle thrown at him.
"What's inside that bundle?" Yō stared at the big bundle with curiosity in her eyes.
"Game Trophies, want to have a look?" Izayoi slightly loosened the bundle's opening to allow Kasukabe Yō to have a look. And Yō's expression could be seen changing in an instant. From being calm and quiet earlier, Kasukabe Yō who lacked much variation in her expression could be seen staring at the contents with widened eyes in surprise.
"—…this…how did you get it?"
"Didn't I already say that this is a game trophy?"
"…? What's up with you guys?"
It was now Kudou Asuka's turn to run to the bundle to take a peek. Although Asuka had initially displayed a look of puzzlement in response to the contents that she saw before her, but at the moment of understanding it, a little giggle escaped her lips.
*Puhu! * Asuka clamped down on the corners of her lips as she seemed to be controlling her urge to laugh while wearing that expression of repressing her smile as she accosted Izayoi:
"Could it be…all this time you had been running around to collect these things alone?"
"Alone I am not, Naruto was with me. We are running all over the place for these things ya'know" Izayoi replayed.
"Fufu, I see. But, Izayoi-san…"
Asuka had a fierce look as she grabbed Izayoi's ear while feinting displeasure:
"Since you had such an interesting plan… be sure to report to me from now on, you got that?"
"Well, I guess I'm really sorry about this then, I will be sure to tell you next time, Ojou-sama."
They exchanged a playful smile. It was a smile on the two problem children that could be liken to the radiance exuded from children who had found a new game. Lastly, Izayoi brought the bundle before Kuro Usagi.
"Kuro Usagi, We've already brought the ticket that can reverse the current situation. You do not have to go to [Thousand Eyes] anymore and as for the rest, I will be leaving it to you to make the choice."
He tossed the bundle onto Kuro Usagi's lap but Kuro Usagi didn't even confirm the contents as she just stared at Izayoi who looked quite pleased with himself with an incredulous expression.
"Could it be…in that short amout of time…for real…?"
"Nn. Thankfully I am not alone and compared to the Game itself, the main problem was the race against time. It's fortunate that we managed to pull it off in time." Izayoi gave a shrug while replying in a frivolous manner.
"Thank you… with your…with this, Kuro Usagi can lift her head high to issue her challenge to [Perseus]."
"There's nothing to thank me for, it's Naruto who found them and fought them besides the fun will only start later" Izayoi said with a smirk.
There wasn't a need to remind others that without a doubt Izayoi and Naruto had definitely fought for the Community. Just that act alone was good enough to make Kuro Usagi feel touched. She decided to thank Naruto but to her surprise she couldn't find Naruto with Izayoi.
"Izayoi-san! Naruto san?" the rabbit asked.
"I don't know. After leaving me here he immediately disappeared to somewhere"
"I see"
Her rabbit ears flopped down reflecting her mood.
Currently Naruto was floating atop of [Perseus] community looking down. He looked some more before looking up towards sky. Slowly he extended his right hand towards it and made a grabbing pose. His fist gave a purple glow as he pulled his hands down. After that he vanished from there but not before giving the community a last look.
At the sametime, thousands of kilometer above the community, beyond the bounds of plane of little garden and beyond the sky, a little blue dot could be seen getting bigger. If one is to zoom on that dot then he would find that a fairly large meteor was approaching towards little harden with an incomparable speed. Its path of trajectory was directly towards the perseus community.
This is one of Naruto's ultimate moves that is an AoE.
[Collapsing Star]
The meteor approaches the community called Perseus. Can perseus know about this before they would get hit by the meteor? What is Naruto planning?
END
Finally finished, it's really a pain to write and introduce Naruto's part without affecting story dynamics and sacrificing any of the main character's roles. I really don't like when the original characters were sacrificed for the sake of author's convenience.
So, How is it?
Give me nice reviews.
Bye…