Galuna Island: Beach, Late Evening…
A boat was pulled onto the shore by a man with black eyes and spiky, black hair. He wore a long-sleeved green shirt which was tight to his torso, with matching gloves, a white belt, and black combat boots.
The young man sighed before looking off in the direction of the temple. "This has to be it." He started jogging not even intending to go to the village. "Ur, one way or another, Deliora won't be leaving this island. That's a promise!"
He suddenly stopped as he noticed a relatively short man standing off to the side. This man wore a red mask covering their eyes, had long, bushy green hair, and wore tribal clothing which seemed rather distinct.
"Well. Well. Well." The short man laughed. "Seems you've officially caught up with us Obito Uchiha. Not only that, but you're also closer than you've ever been."
"Zalty." Obito growled. "Thanks for telling me I'm at the right place."
"Oh, do you honestly think I wouldn't tell you without a reason?" Zalty laughed. "You seem to think you can end what's going to happen, but no amount of interference is going to stop something years in the making." He ran off. "Deliora goes free tonight!"
It was clear Zalty was heading straight for the temple, so Obito resolved to follow him while also trying to stop him.
"Fire Make: Bear!" Obito declared.
Under the Moon Temple: Night…
Kakashi had patently listened to Gray's story before nodding. "The failure to protect those we hold close, and the mistakes we make being the reason other suffer or die." He shook his head. "I've been there as well, so I know you don't need to hear it wasn't your fault.
Just as the people who've suffered or died because of my failures are my fault, Ur's death is yours." Kakashi offered him a smile. "It takes a long time, and there are mistakes that can't be corrected; however, we can learn as not to repeat them."
"We really are more similar than I thought." Gray stated.
"Gray, there's no telling how this mission will go, but I can tell you this." Kakashi stated. "You have a lot of people back at the guild who care for you. Just keep that in mind as this mission moves forward and think through your actions. Always treasure the last words Ur told you."
"Yeah." Gray nodded seriously. "I will become the best Wizard I can to make Ur proud of me, and one day, when I see her again, I want to have a lifetime's worth of stories to share with her." He looked to the ice. "That may be her, but it can't always be that way. It just can't."
Kakashi nodded. "I think those are great sentiments."
Suddenly, the cave began to shake drawing their attention before a purple magic circle appeared above the ice shell letting loose a beam of light down on it.
"That light is shining down on Deliora." Gray started running. "Come on, we need to figure out where this is really coming from."
Once they were gone, Madara appeared in the room looking at the demon trapped in ice. He approached and placed a hand on the ice. Almost immediately, the demon glowed a crimson red before vanishing. Not even a moment later, what seemed to be that same demon appeared within.
"Now that I've acquired Deliora, I'll need to undo the damage of this ice mage to bring about his strength once more." Madara thought before vanishing.
Inside the Temple
They made it back to the main floor of the temple only to see that same magic circle on the ground and ceiling.
"This has to be in relation to that glow we saw upon our arrival." Kakashi stated.
"Let's keep going." Gray stated.
Top of the Temple
The pair finally came out at the top only to hear chanting and see Minato crouched behind some destroyed wall. He noticed them and motioned for the pair to come over.
"I did a thorough search before coming across these people preparing for the ritual up here." Minato pointed to the magic circles which extended all the way to the moon. "See this? It's known as the Moon Drip and is used to melt what common means can't."
"Gray and I came across what they're trying to melt." Kakashi informed. "It's the Demon of Destruction, Deliora. He's currently encased in the ice shell below the temple itself."
"No matter their reason, even if it's good, Deliora cannot be aloud free." Minato stated. "Obito spoke about its destruction, and I will not see that inflicted on the world."
"Those idiots." Gray was angry. "I can't believe anyone would want to free that monster."
"Well, this also explains the so-called curse the islanders have been going through." Minato stated. "Once we stop them, we can free the villagers."
"Hold on, someone is coming." Kakashi spoke up.
It was a guy accompanied by Yuka, Toby, and Sherry. He was a slim, young man of average height with a muscular body. He wore a large orange cape with golden edges, a helmet.
"What a waste." Yuka declared. "I lost precious sleep over nothing. We searched all day for those intruders yet never found a trace of them."
"Maybe there wasn't any!" Toby yelled.
"I'm afraid it seems those intruders got away somehow Flame Emperor." Sherry declared. "I cannot speak of love in this situation."
"So, that's the Flame Emperor." Gray growled.
"Has Deliora been awoken yet?" FE asked.
"It should tonight sir." Sherry replied.
"The time has almost come." As FE spoke, Gray couldn't believe the voice he was hearing. "If you see these intruders, kill them. I don't want anyone getting in my way."
"They must have been villagers." Sherry informed. "They are the only other people on this island."
"Then, destroy the village." FE declared.
"Yes sir." Yuka stated.
Toby growled.
"Understood." Sherry added.
Those three then took off within the temple through another exit.
"I'm going to take care of those three." Kakashi stated.
"Understood." Minato nodded before Kakashi left and he turned to Gray. "Hm, is something wrong?"
"That man." Gray looked at him. "He's Lyon."
"I see." Minato nodded. "You want to take him, don't you?"
Gray nodded. "I have to."
"I'll agree and take on everyone in cloaks if you promise me one thing." Minato stated.
"What is…" Gray stopped as he saw Minato holding out a fist to him.
"Win." Minato stated. "No matter what, your old friend needs to be stopped, so take him down." Gray bumped the fist. "Alright, I'll go in first and attack the men drawing Lyon's attention. You then rush in and get him down that set of stairs over there."
Gray nodded. "Got it."
Minato withdrew two bulky scrolls and unrolled them revealing 10 of his signature kunai. He then picked them up before nodding to Gray and standing. He jumped into the air and threw the kunai around the chanting people with one landing in the middle of their ritual.
Everyone noticed with the Flame Emperor only getting a momentary glance of Minato before he vanished and appeared in the center of the ritual. "Great Breakthrough!"
He held his hands down resulting in a strong gust of wind blowing everyone back disrupting the ritual. While this would not halt it completely, Minato had no intention of letting them start again. He began vanishing and reappearing delivering precise strikes meant to knock them out.
With his full attention on Minato, and intent to attack him, Lyon never noticed Gray until he was in the guy's face delivering one hell of a haymaker. "This ceremony is over!"
The mask fell off revealing Lyon's face. He was utterly shocked as he flew through the nearby doorway, and Gray ran after him.
Throne Room
Lyon managed to land somewhat successful within the temple's throne room as Gray jumped down the last few steps landing before his old friend. "Lyon, how could you? Do you have any idea what you're doing?"
Despite the hit he took, Lyon maintained his cool. "Oh Gray, it has been quite a while, hasn't it?"
"Why would you even think of freeing Deliora?" Gray questioned.
"To think, you would be one of the people called in to help those villagers." Lyon commented. "Did you come knowing you'd find me, or is this just mere coincidence? Not that it makes any difference to me."
"I had no idea you were here, but I do know the day we parted left a lot unresolved between us." Gray nodded. "Now, it's time we put it to rest once and for all."
"You seem awfully confident." Lyon commented.
"Lyon, you were right." Gray stated. "That day, everything fell to pieces because of me, but you're no better than me. You plan to harm the villagers and aim to destroy what Ur gave her life to create. The difference is, I'm not running away from that day. Not anymore."
"Here I always thought you never had a sense of humor, yet you're cracking jokes." Lyon scoffed. "You assume I've been running."
"I know it." Gray declared. "Ur wanted us to live on and never release her ritual." He pointed at his old friend. "All this makes it clear you never left the past and have been running from the future."
"My. My." Lyon smirked. "You've become quite the boisterous boy Gray. So, you really want to fight me? I mean, we know whose been stronger between us, and I haven't stopped training…"
"That's enough." Gray had to try one more time to reach his old friend. "Lyon, forget Deliora."
"You just keep surprising me." Lyon stated. "I never thought you of all people would turn to begging. The rebellious boy you were grew into a cowardly teen."
Gray really didn't want it to come to this. "Lyon…" There was no choice now. "…there's something you must know."
"Oh, what is it?" Lyon questioned.
"Ur is still alive." Gray revealed. "The Ice Shell doesn't kill it's caster because their body is used to form the barrier. The ice keeping Deliora sealed away, that ice you seek to melt, is Ur. I'm sorry Obito nor I told you the truth, but she made us promise to keep quiet."
"You are an idiot." Lyon smirked. "Did you honestly think, in all my years of training, I'd never again look into the Ice Shell. That ice might be Ur, but it's not like she can ever come back. If you honestly believe she's alive, then you're truly pitiful."
"You knew the truth?" Gray's rage was building as he clenched his teeth and fist. "You knew the truth, yet you still did all of this?"
"What of it?" Lyon questioned.
"That is enough." Gray uppercut Lyon knocking him on his back. "I wanted desperately to save you, but I've given up."
"Looks like I'll have to make this quick." Lyon declared as he stood back up.
He held out a hand sending a ball of fire Gray's way.
Gray held out his hands. "Ice Make: Shield!" The shield made of ice appeared taking the fire attack and creating steam. "You're going to have to do better than that because I've spent years fighting a Fire Dragon Slayer."
"Allow me to oblige." Lyon held out one hand. "Fire Make: Eagles!"
Gray performed the correct stance. "Ice Make: Lance!" An equal amount of ice lances met the eagles head on merely creating water as Gray jumped into the air. "Ice Make: Hammer!"
An ice hammer appeared above Lyon who held up one hand. "Fire Make: Lion!" A lion of fire surged upward canceling out the ice as Gray landed. "How pathetic that you still use two hands when casting a spell."
"Yeah, that's what Ur taught me, and I know it's what Obito taught you." Gray returned. "Single handed Maker Magic is incomplete and unbalanced."
"I'm an exception to that rule." Lyon countered. "I surpassed Ur and Obito long ago."
"Shut your mouth." Gray growled before charging him. "You don't have the right to judge that!"
He slammed a fist into Lyon's stomach shocking him. That shock quickly turned to rage as he grabbed Gray's head and slammed it into his knee. He channeled that rage into a quick succession of punches before slamming a kick into Gray knocking him back.
"You just keep getting these lucky…" Lyon began.
Gray slammed his arm into Lyon's chest knocking him hard into a wall. "My guild, Fairy Tail, speaks with fist over words most of the time, so there's no luck to be had. This is everything I've learned from people stronger than Ur or Obito."
"Gray." Lyon growled.
They charged one another with each gearing up a fist. They punched one another in the face, but Gray held his ground firm while Lyon was sent flying.
"If you want to beat me, step you game up." Gray removed his top, threw it away, and put his fist over his chest. "Fairy Tail Wizards are not easily bested!"
Lyon lunged froward delivering a more powerful punch to Gray's face, but he retaliated with a head-butt. The two of them then exchanged punches and kicks. All Gray could think about were the many fights he and Natsu had. He gave a mighty yell as he kicked Lyon away once more.
Lyon ended up leaning against a wall panting. "The Flame Emperor defeated in battle by the likes of you." He was enraged. "I will not stand for it!"
Gray was still standing strong. "Then, get over here and fight."
Lyon looked at him before growing and holding out two hands. "Ice Make: Snow Dragon and Fire Make: Flame Dragon!"
Two long dragons, made of their respective elements, came from each one of Lyon's hands twisting around each other before heading straight for his opponent.
Gray immediately jumped into the air with the right stance. "Ice Make: Platforms"
Ice appeared in rapid succession under Gray allowing him to avoid the flame dragon, but the snow dragon managed to catch him with its mouth taking the young man straight for the ground. Gray elbowed the dragon managing to free himself.
Gray hit the ground. with his left side messed up from that thing's teeth, before looking at Lyon. "I not finished yet."
"All of this is pointless." Lyon declared. "No matter what, Deliora will be released."
Gray got back to his feet. "I already told you that Fairy Tail doesn't know when to give up."
"That's just your choice then." Lyon removed his cape and flung it away. "I'll simply need to keep showing you how outclassed you really are."
Gray grit his teeth as he forced himself to stand tall. "Bring it on Lyon!"
Underneath the Temple
Obito had chased after and flung his magic at Zalty, but the guy managed to avoid everything while leading him here. Upon seeing Deliora, rage passed over the Uchiha's face. They never should have moved that demon.
"I will commend you Obito." Zalty grinned. "You're aim is getting better."
"It's not good enough since I couldn't knock that stupid mask off your face." Obito retorted.
"Oh, I've been waiting for the day that I no longer need to keep you distracted." Zalty rose two fingers. "I am overjoyed that day has finally come."
A large circular chunk of the roof fell with Obito closing eyes. Just as the stone almost reached him, dark red markings spread across his body,
Obito held up a single hand. "Fire Devil's Prism!"
A prism of dark red fire appeared around the entire chunk of stone suspending it in midair. Fire balls then assaulted it from every side tearing up the earth before the entire thing exploded. Obito kept his now Sharingan filled eyes firmly on Zalty who was shocked.
"So, you learned a Lost Magic." Zalty glanced at what he perceived to be Deliora. "Not just any Lost Magic, but the perfect magic to combat demons."
"I spent years cultivating this magic ever since I found out Deliora was taken." Obito retorted firmly. "You may not be a demon, but this magic is powerful all on its own. It should be more than enough to finally take you down!"
Top of the Temple
Minato had taken down every member and tied them up as an extra measure.
Before the S Class could leave, an old lady spoke up. "You must stop. We must finish the ritual. You will not stop the Flame Emperor."
Minato walked forward and removed her hood only to recognize the head piece she wore. "You're from the Northern Continent. I see now."
Temple Interior
Yuka, Toby, and Sherry were all walking towards the exit of the temple unaware of the fights that had started in their absence.
"We cannot rest until the demon, Deliora, has been revived." Sherry declared. "Anyone who dares to stand in our way must die."
"Sorry, not happening." Kakashi had rushed forward and slammed Yuka into the ground before applying Ice Make Magic to freeze him over. "Unfortunately for you, Shinobi or Mage, I take the protection of the client quite seriously."
He immediately lunged forward before turning to face his adversaries.
"Whoa, that guy works fast." Toby declared.
"I see now." Sherry declared. "You must actually be one of those intruders our people picked up. Well, I'm certain the Flame Emperor would want you dead considering you are impeding his last order."
"Body Flicker!" Kakashi vanished from sight before appearing behind Toby. "Fire Dragon's Iron Roar!"
The dog man had just turned around in shock before being met with a point black roar sending him crashing straight through a nearby wall. Taking out Yuka by surprise was understandable but finishing Toby that quickly finally put some emotion of Sherry's face. She was utterly shocked.
"Yuka the Wave." Kakashi stated. "He was my first target because of his Anti-Magic; however, it only works if he's aware of Magic being used in the first place. I immediately neutralized him followed by your friend.
Now, will you surrender peacefully or must I do the same to you." Kakashi let his killer intent slip hoping it could take the girl out for him. "You three were members of Lamia Scales, and I remember reading about you. It made my strategy easy to concoct."
"I will not lose the Flame Emperor's trust." Sherry seemed to have enough determination not to fall. "I will never lose his love." She glared at Kakashi. "I will defeat you!"
"She kind of reminds me of Sakura fresh out of the academy." Kakashi thought in disbelief.
A large, pink magic circle appeared from Sherry's left hand. "Marionette Attack: Rock Doll!"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow as scattered rocks around the temple formed into a golem which Sherry sat in waving her fingers. It was impressive, but Kakashi wasn't certain he had any use for it himself.
"Do you think you can beat my Rock Doll?" Sherry asked.
"You seem to forget what magic I have." A fist came down at Kakashi. "Body Flicker!"
The Copy Magic vanished causing the fist to impact with the ground. Sherry didn't have to look for long as he appeared behind her. Kakashi picked the mage up causing her fingers to stop moving which froze the doll. He then threw her into the ground below.
"This shouldn't be happening." Sherry struggled to rise to her feet. "I never lose."
"You know, you should be more open to new experiences." Kakashi landed behind her and karate chopped her neck knocking Sherry out. "After all, there is much that can be learned from the failures of one's past."
Her rock doll crumbled behind Kakashi before he went about tying them, save Yuka who was still frozen, with ninja wire. He took extra care to make sure Sherry and Toby couldn't use their magic or unique trait.
Underneath the Temple
Obito took in a deep breath. "Fire Devil's Rage!"
He breathed a stream of dark red fire at Zalty who managed to dodge. "Are you so sure you want to use fire magic this strong at a time like this? After all, Deliora is quite close to being free."
"I have faith in my wife's last spell." Obito declared firmly before jumping. "Fire Devil's Orb!"
A sphere of dark red fire appeared in his hand, and he thrust it at Zalty nailing him in the chest. The opposing Mage was knocked down to a section of earth in the water.
"My, you have grown stronger." Zalty stood while chuckling. "Should have known my bluffs wouldn't get to you of all people."
Suddenly, the shell began to shake shocking them.
Throne Room
Lyon and Gray took note of the shaking.
"I got a bad feeling that isn't Kakashi or Minato." Gray commented.
Lyon laughed. "I don't know how it's happening because the ritual hasn't been started all this time, but I don't care. Soon, Deliora will be free. Now, there's nothing you can do." He waved his hand causing fire to whirl around him. "You and your friend's have failed."
"How many times do I need to tell you Fairy Tail doesn't know how to give up." Gray declared.
"Fight to the bitter end for all I care." Lyon declared. "It won't matter. Do you know how long I've waited for this moment? Since I saw you last, I've obtained knowledge, trained, and gathered allies who will aid me." He held up his hand. "Fire Make: Eagles!"
The first batch crashed down while Gray dodged, but Lyon sent more. "It was no easy task transporting Deliora from the Northern Continent. Especially with my old master always trailing us. Not to mention the moon drip's taken three years."
Gray constantly created ice to block the coming birds of fire. "You've waisted so many years on this stupid plan."
"Stupid." Lyon's rage caused his magic to go wild. "You've waisted 10 years in a useless guild pedaling your life away!"
A massive eagle shot off at Gray, but he leapt back avoiding it. "It wasn't a waste when I lived the way Ur wanted us to!" Ur's words about stronger wizards ran through Lyon's mind. "I went west and made it to Fairy Tail. You know that guild was full of many powerful Wizards.
I even asked my master if there was a way to free her. He had one, but quickly dissuaded it. I didn't know it, but I'm sure he was talking about the moon drip. After everything Ur did for us, after everything Obito taught you, you'd kill her without a second thought. You make me sick."
"Say what you will, but I don't care." Lyon declared. "My entire life has led up to this moment. My master was surpassed my Ur who is now long dead. If we want to surpass them, we must do what they never could.
Think Gray!" He lept forward with ice in the shape of a lion's head covering his fist as he went about attacking him. "Deliora! I will surpass Ur and Obito by defeating what they could not! I will vanquish that demon!"
Gray dodged him. "That's a pretty ambitious plan, but you've missed the point somewhere along the way!" He created a sword of ice and used it to smash the lion's head shocking Lyon. "Someone as blind as you will never be better than them! Wake up Lyon!"
He slashed into Lyon only for him to immediately turn to ice as the real Lyon appeared behind his old friend. "Fooled you, didn't I?" He held out a hand. "Fire Make: Flame Tiger!"
A tiger of fire shot at Gray who jumped into the air while holding down his hands. "Ice Make: Prison!" The two attacks clashed creating steam as he landed before Lyon. "You're really starting to slip, and that comes from your lack of understanding."
"You're just speaking nonsense." Lyon declared.
Gray slammed a fist into his gut. "You know Lyon, you may very well have me beat in the magic department if you bothered to remember what our masters taught us. Single handed Maker Magic is unbalanced. Weak." He kicked him away. "Ice Make: Canon!"
A canon made of ice appeared before he used it to fire on Lyon. The Maker Wizard was sent straight through a wall by the powerful blast kicking up dust and debris. When it cleared, Lyon's unconscious body was revealed to be hanging off the wall as the wind blew.
With the battle now over, Gray suddenly felt the pain from his wound, so he froze it over. "Wish I thought of this earlier."
Suddenly, a roar ripped through the temple.
Interior of the Temple
Kakashi had been climbing back up to his guildmates, but he immediately ran back down intending to jump back down that hole. "This isn't good!"
Top of the Temple
Minato left the bound people, flashed around collecting his kunai, and immediately beelined for the passage Kakashi and Gray came from. He hopped those two had been with the demon based on what they told him.
Underneath the Temple
The Ice Shell had cracked and fell into the water unleashing the demon upon the world. Obito clenched his teeth and growled. The ice was slowly melting into the water now which meant his wife really was gone now.
Zalty laughed. "Yes, it's free!"
Obito yelled to the heavens as his Devil Slayer Magic, despite his training, was inflicting him with some real rage. "Good damnit Lyon!"
Throne Room
"That sound." Gray remembered it all too well. "I could never forget it."
Lyon's eyes suddenly opened. "Deliora…"
"There's only one thing I can do now." Gray clenched his fist. "Ice Shell."
Galuna Island
The island itself was shaking and the water, many feet out, rippled as the raw energy of the roar rang out. The village itself saw the people within running and being blown away. In a pure sense, it was utter chaos.
Underneath the Temple
"Finally!" Zalty was reveling in this. "The moment is here!"
"You bastard!" Obito jumped down to his level aiming a punch only for an orb to come sailing at him. "I've seen this stupid parlor trick before." He caught the orb and smashed it into Zalty's face shattering it. "Your magic sucks!" He picked Zalty up. "Get lost already!"
He threw the little guy with all his might straight into a section of rock which broke around him. Obito was panting as he turned his attention to Deliora. This is what Minato, Gray, and Kakashi all ran into see.
All three of them were shocked. "Obito!"
He looked back at them shocked to see three people from his past together, but now was not the time. "Just stay back because I'm finishing what Ur and I started all those years ago." He came to stand before Deliora and got into a position mimicking the ice shell stance. "I will end this!"
Fire blazed to life around him.
"Obito!" Gray ran forward. "No, don't lose your life over…"
"Stop!" Obito shouted stopping Gray. "This spell may look like the Ice Shell, but it is just an image meant to honor her. Observe! He uncrossed his arms. "Fire Devil's Fallen Angel!"
Multiple dark red magic circles appeared around Deliora, but before anything could happen, Lyon came crawling into the room. "No one here is strong enough, but I am. I will defeat it."
"Lyon." Gray stated in pity.
"I will surpass you Obito." Lyon declared. "I will surpass you by surpassing Ur."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't a better master Lyon." Obito closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Still, if anyone's ending this, it'll be me! Now!"
A large, dark red beam of fire fired down from the top into Deliora. Rather than the perceived, continuous assault Obito thought it'd take, that first attack shattered Deliora completely. Everyone watching this was shocked save Minato.
"The demon was long dead." The S rank mage stepped forward. "Obito, I really wish I'd gotten the chance to meet that wife of yours because she truly was a one-of-a-kind Wizard.
"No." Lyon was despairing as he voiced what Minato or Kakashi would have said next. "Deliora was already dead."
All the water within the temple flowed out and into the greater ocean.
Obito watched this as he returned to normal and fresh tears fell. "Ur… thank you."
"These 10 years, Ur has been zapping the demon of his power." Lyon managed to clench his fist. "What we saw was nothing more than his last, dying breaths." He punched the ground with tears in his eyes. "My dream is dead."
Kakashi put a hand on Gray's shoulder. "Your teacher wasn't just an astounding Mage, but a truly great person." He looked where Deliora had been standing. "Hold your head high and be proud."
"I know." Tears fell from Gray's eyes. "She really did save me from my darkness."
"In the end, I couldn't stop Sasuke from walking into his darkness." Kakashi thought. "I have to wonder if someone like Ur could have. I wish he had someone like Gray had her."
Minato walked over to his former, crying student and brought him in for a hug. Eventually, Gray collected himself and helped Lyon.
Outside: Cliff
Everyone had gathered on a cliff under the stars.
"Well, this turned out to be quite the job request." Kakashi stated.
Gray managed to chuckle. "Flame brain is going to be pissed when I tell him about this."
"If he hadn't put Happy up to stealing it, and came to talk to me, he would be here now." Minato stated. "Of course, we're not done. We found and stopped the cause, but the moon still glows purple. Fortunately, I think I've figured out how we end this."
"Well, what are we going to do with him?" Kakashi was referring to Lyon who was sat against a rock nearby.
"Can we just be done with him." Obito spoke up. "Despite his dream, Lyon gave all those people hope. They lost everything and were doing what they believed to be right. I know they went about it the wrong way, and I don't have the right to ask. Just…"
"Come on everyone." Minato turned away from Lyon. "We're heading back to the village."
Obito breathed a sigh of relief before he and Kakashi followed him.
Gray stayed and looked back at his old comrade. "What are you looking at Gray?"
"I know you don't want to hear it, but you really should join a guild." Gray informed. "You make new friends, meet new rivals, and maybe even find a new dream to live for."
Lyon was shocked to hear that before turning his head. "Whatever. Just leave already."
Gray just smiled.
Galuna Village
The group, now with Obito, entered the village only to be greeted by Moka. "You're finally back." He stared intently at them. "When are you wizards going to lift this curse?"
"Not to worry sir." Minato smiled. "Our expedition into your island proved rather fruitful, but I would like to ask you a few questions if that's alright?"
"Very well." Moka stated. "Ask away."
"So, the first time you all took on demonic forms was when the moon turned purple, correct?" Minato questioned.
"Yes." Moka nodded. "During the day we are fine, but when the island is bathed in purple light, we take on the forms you see now."
"The moon first turned purple three years ago?" Minato questioned.
"That is about the time." Moka replied.
"Around that time, a ceremony started on your island over at a temple depicting the moon." Minato stated. "It produced a light you could not miss, so why did you or your people never think to check it out?"
"We would have looked into it, but according to village lore, we must never go near it." Moka replied. "Despite our lore, we tried to investigate ourselves, but could never get near it like you lot. Please believe us. Every time we'd get close, we'd end up back here mysteriously."
"So, the conclusion I reached was correct." Minato nodded. "Alright, I have everything I need." He looked to Kakashi. "Gray's been through a lot, so I'll need your Ice Make Magic to help us finish this job."
Kakashi nodded. "I see where you're going with this."