Okay, been a while since I worked on this fic. Well, not too long, but longer then I anticipated. But hey, at least it has come out. After I've been working on my other fics.
I sincerely hope you all have followed up my last new fic I have published, the rebooted 'Uzumaki of the Desert' story, that I deleted a few years ago, but now finally have fully planned and is going to be worked on. With now,
Now, with that fic idea back up, the initial popularity of the GATE stories has been faltering, I know. But I'm at least glad this story is out, because it was something I felt missing. But now that it's out, I feel like I have gotten myself a bit more energy.
Also, if any of you have seen or played Vanguard, but I liked the story, especially Polina Petrova. Of course, because she's badass and hot. And I like that even though it felt like a movie, the game was at least satisfying to watch. Also, loved the Aussie characters, R.I.P. Des.
Anyhow, I hope you all like reading this slightly, short but last part of the chapter before the next arc.
Let's go!
Yajima was in Hargeon, right at the docks that were largely abandoned because of the storm that was making the seas wild at the moment.
He was waiting for someone to return from his short voyage. Needing to tell him something about what occurred just earlier today.
Flashback
Early that day
Magic Council
It was late at night in the town where the Magic Council's headquarters was located. And something important must've happened, because an emergency meeting was called in, forcing all the council members to assemble.
And in that circle, some were already beginning to ask what was so important for an meeting to be called in, especially one person who wasn't present in the previous meeting.
"Okay, what is the meaning of this sudden summoning?"
The one asking the question was Gran Doma, current Chairman and prominent member of the Magic Council, a typical long bearded elderly man, who was no stranger to politics within Fiore, the magical community and the rule of law.
He was a stern old man, who had a hardliner view on maintaining the law within Fiore, having no patience with troublemakers, and had a particular dislike for one certain guild that he had to deal with all too often.
"Apparently, the meeting was called in by two of our fellow council members: Siegrain and Ultear." Org brought up, answering the question. "They say that its about the latest developments on the events on Galuna Island."
"Galuna Island?" One council member asked confused about it being brought up. "I only heard an eruption occurred there, an active volcano."
"There was no volcano, we've been given false information."
That was Ultear speaking, she and Siegrain entered the council room, both being the last to enter, behind Yajima who came just in time to listen into the conversation and asked a question of his own.
"False information?"
"It looks like much was going on at Galuna Island than what we told about. With the first being that there was an attempt of a group of dark wizards, trying to revive, yet again, one of Zeref's unholy creatures."
That news immediately brought the fear into the room, followed by anger that demanded full explanation. Something that Ultear was glad to tell to the council, the full story of what she had 'gathered with informants she didn't want to disclose' she put a full picture of what occurred on Galuna Island.
And as usual, the Council could only respond in shock and anger.
"This is outrageous! Not even a full week and yet we're finding out another part of Zeref's Legacy was barely stopped without our knowledge!" Doma began, infuriated by the fact all of this has happened, only making the situation worse than he anticipated it. "Are you sure the threat of Deliora is gone?"
"My informant could confirm that Deliora disintegrated the moment the ice broke up." Ultear told them. "Having said that, we don't need to worry about that monster to wreak havoc anymore."
"And all that because of the wild chance, that a couple of Fairy Tail Wizards were caught accepting this S-class quest and came across this ritual."
Ultear nodded with a small smile. "Exactly."
The council made an collective groan, except for one of course, as frustration took presence in the room. With most of them not willing to accept the fact, that the most troublesome guild of the country had yet again put a stop to an illegal plot.
"I'm beginning to have conflicting feelings about that damn guild." Org stated with much contempt. "And the last thing I want is to be thankful for those trouble making brats of Makarov."
Yajima was the only one to let out a chuckle, being happy knowing that his old guild still was doing what it was good at: Taking out bad guys and pissing off the council.
"That leaves the matter of the 'Shinobi' part of the whole incident." Orc said, bringing that up caused the other council members to stay stiffened. "Ultear, are you sure they were there?"
"I can confirm it, yes." She answered. "All bodies, including that of the smugglers and many former Mist Shinobi have been accounted for, except for four at least."
"Four bodies?" Yajima questioned at that specific number.
"Former ANBU members, with all their bodies missing, but traces of their corpses being found all across the island." Siegrain stated. "The Special unit of the Royal Navy has managed to pinpoint the exact locations of their deaths. All apart, with enough blood that indicate they've died."
This confirmed to the council a nightmare scenario that they hoped would not happen: An active Shinobi presence off Fiore's shores that was barely stopped.
"And you're certain that Naruto Uzumaki was involved in stopping this presence from growing and rolling up this smugglers' route?" Doma asked for confirmation for this situation.
All eyes were fixated on the female council member, who then answered that question without hesitation.
"I can confirm Naruto took out the rogue Shinobi elements and eliminated the smuggler's route. All without the knowledge of the Fairy Tail members present on the island, nor its inhabitants."
The fact that it was just confirmed, brought both a sigh of collective relief by most.
"For once, that brat's skills are being used for what they're supposed to do." Doma spoke up the part. "Is that all for now?"
"Well, there is one thing, but its just an speculation." Ultear said, bringing up something she couldn't tell the whole thing about, but could hint the council about. "We believe that an investigation should be opened against one member of Fairy Tail."
That brought the topic of the whole session to another level, an investigation?
"Against whom?"
"Naruto Uzumaki, of course." Siegrain cleared it. "He's got his hands into something we've been suspecting him for."
"What precisely?" Yajima questioned.
"Human trafficking."
Flashback end
Yajima, ever since that council session, had made it an priority to speak with Naruto about the criminal investigation, that the council was willingly to use against him with the account of two members who backed this allegation.
Waiting in the storm rain, he watched as a ship appeared from afar, and started to make its way to one of the corners of the harbor, where, as he could see, the coast authorities seem to have little to no presence.
He stared on, as his raincoat was taking the wet blanket of water that falls over him. And watched as the ship docked.
"We need to talk."
THACK!
Once the plank finally had landed, a few cloak wearing individuals came out and held the plank down and made sure it wasn't blown away by the wind.
"Come down, now!"
"Hurry up!"
The first people to come off the ship, walked down the plank to get on land, with some still wearing their standard Shinobi sandals, of which many wore despite many reasons.
Because of the lack of cloaks, many of the immigrants had to run as was as they were beginning to be soaked in the merciless rain, with some only being prepared with a jacket or an hat.
Yet they still had arrived, they made the journey to the new land.
"Move along, move. Your ride is waiting." One of the disguised persons spoke. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Fiore!"
The arrivals followed the instructions of those who awaited for them, which, by groups, went to different directions and into the shadows of the buildings they disappeared in. Which was the usual routine for the operation.
They came into Fiore by the shadows, and now they disappeared into them.
This was being witnessed by a recently arrived Yajima, who watched all of this happening, and couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards them. As much as he knew that what was happening in front of him was illegal. His heart couldn't help but allow them to enter this land, as he could see that many of these new arrivals, were often groups of families, women and young children. And they were the lucky ones, as many ships weren't lucky to have made their final destination.
It was either by luck or sheer coincidence that a group was being escorted right past the presence of the Magic Council member, who was not seen by any of the adults, neither the volunteer helper nor the older immigrants, who ran past him.
But the child, a young girl who wore a hoodie over her head, did spot the old man briefly, and as innocent she was, waved her small hand towards him before being forced to come along with her parents.
This brought a smile to the old man, who waved back before she also, disappeared into the shadows of Hargeon's shadows. Most likely, this might've been the last time he'd see her.
"Poor souls…" Yajima muttered, pitying those who fled here, to restart their lives. Just then, he turned his head back to the ship.
There he saw the person he needed to talk to:
"Last group!"
Naruto, the one without the hoodie over his head with his drenched hair, was down to the dock, helping the last group of people getting off the ship.
First was an elderly man, who was already in his eighties, while holding a child in his arms. Presumably his grandchild who was having it rough.
Secondly was perhaps the mother of the child, who was holding onto a suitcase in each hand, one of herself and one of her child.
And lastly, helping him by offering his hand, Naruto lend his hand to a young lady, perhaps his age, who was seen to have a long braided ponytail, having dark blue color of hair, and despite wore fishnet leggings that exposed her slender legs underneath her short cloak. Carrying both a bag and an suitcase, she was led by Naruto.
"Ma'am, you're the last one to have exited the ship." He told her in a calm and helpful manner, adding. "I can only say, good luck with rebuilding your life."
"Thank you, for your services." The young woman thanked him, without raising her head, she indirectly spoke to Naruto, who only proceeded to answer.
"I only did what I could, ma'am."
"The men on the ship told us you're responsible for our passage..." The braid-ponytail woman continued without looking at him. "That you paid for it all, out of your own pockets."
The two stood silent, in the middle of the storm, having an conversation in an unsuitable place, yet continued on with Naruto following:
"Like I said, I only did what I could." Being as polite as possible, Naruto bowed his head. Still holding her hand gently, as she slipped a paper into his hand, to which he noticed.
"You-"
"Keep it, Naruto Uzumaki." The woman said with a visible smile under her hood. "We'll meet again, I hope, the next time."
She walked towards her group, with leaving Naruto a bit confused, as he never had revealed his full name to any of the refugees, to ensure his identity.
Before she left, the woman turned around and said one last thing.
"If you wonder how I know your name. We've met before, you'll just have to figure out from where. May we meet again!"
"Let's go!"
The final group was then seen leaving, going through the fish market, before they also disappeared from Naruto's sight, into the shadows of the city in darkness.
This left Naruto to turn around to Tayuya and tell him. "Your part here is done! Go and help our two friends, and bring them to the safe house!"
"Are you sure allowing the Six-Tailed Jinchuuriki and his apprentice to be living here is a good plan?!" Tayuya shouted through the rain. "Let alone the fact they've got big painted targets on their heads!"
"Like we're one to talk!" Naruto shouted back. "We're both wanted by the Leaf! With me being the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki, and you being a former Orochimaru elite!"
"I guess you got a fair fucking point!"
"Whatever the points are, you got to move now!" Naruto shouted, handing over something to her. "They're arriving by ship just thirty miles west of here. Wait them up and then bring them to safety!"
"What about those two Kiri nin!" Tayuya asked.
"What about them?"
"You fucking moron, you just allowed them to return back with that big ship!" Tayuya cursed him out for that, what she protested. "Who says they'll commit their promise and not send hunters after you?!"
"I don't know if you've noticed this, cousin - but-" Naruto then loudly shouted. "I've already got hunters send after me!"
"Fine! Give me that"
She yanked the item from Naruto's hand and left on her own, just when the big ship was seen leaving the dock, with all the smugglers having left the dock. This left Naruto to be the only one, being given the presence of Kazuo.
"Another complete run, kid!" He tapped Naruto on the back, "Let's split up for now, the authorities will be searching this port now."
Naruto was then seen left alone by himself as all parties had split up, leaving him to stare at the sea in front of him.
Thinking back, what Tayuya talked about with the Kiri nin.
Flashback
Few hours earlier
Off the coast of Fiore
With the storm still having gone strong, the two ships remained defiant as they were kept close, even when that, itself, was highly risky.
And it was especially dangerous for those who were walking the plank that connected both ships.
Naruto watched, as these new arrivals entered the smaller ship, and brought below deck, where they would be waiting until they finally reached land.
Closing the hatch after the last person entered, Kazuo yelled out to those on the bigger ship.
"We're all set! Waiting for you!"
On the bigger ship, Naruto now stood with the captain and a few others, finishing the final touches-
"Alright, that's around eighty people in that ship." The smuggler captain said. "You've already given my men the money?"
"Yes, all ten million Jewels." Naruto shouted the amount of the currency he's been collecting. "That's enough for you and your men!"
The captain chuckled. "Sure, more than enough!"
Naruto then turned to Tayuya and told her. "Go back to the ship! And take Hotaru and Utakata with you!"
Tayuya yelled. "Are you sure?"
The eyes focused back to Chōjūrō and Ao, who both were watching from a distance, waiting to be approached.
"Yeah, Its good. Just move it on! I'll be right back at you!" Naruto responded before walking over towards the Kiri-nin. With the captain heard yelling.
"We'll leave in five minutes for the Alvarez Empire! So make it quick!"
Naruto heard that and then finally talked to the two Kiri nin. "I hope you guys make a safe journey back!"
"Thank you!" Chōjūrō said to him, Ao on the other hand, still had a few unfinished words for him.
"Kid, you know that I'm still going to fulfill my obligations, right?!"
"Ao-"
"Let it, man!" Naruto interrupted him to allow the veteran shinobi to speak. "Continue!"
"The fact you're an remaining Uzumaki! An community is presence here and that you're actively helping the Six-Tailed Jinchuuriki, Utakata avoid arrest, you know that I cannot hide it from the Mizukage when we arrive back!"
Naruto responded by that. "I'm no fool, Ao! I know precisely what you're going to do!" He turned back to the swordsman. "And you, don't think I've forgotten you!"
"Huh!?"
"I've talked to Kazuo earlier! He told me the news is already spreading about the civil war having ended!" Naruto told the swordsman, having kept his promise. "I cannot assure you if anybody will think twice of leaving their new lives for that. But its spreading across Fiore now!"
Chōjūrō was smiling to know at least the word was out and bowed his head. "Thank you! It means a lot!"
Naruto and Chōjūrō shook hands, making their final farewell.
"Good luck!"
"You too!"
End flashback
Now having finished everything today, Naruto, who was still standing in the rain, he sighs the breath out off his lungs and said to himself.
"I could use a fucking drink."
A few feet back, he was getting his response, by Yajima.
"Asides the profanities, mind if I pay for it?"
A loud thunderbolt could be seen across the sky, illuminating the moment.
Magnolia
Fairy Tail Guild Hall
The thunderbolt could be even seen from Magnolia, where the storm was now just reduced to light rainfall.
Still, inside the guildhall, some entered with drenched rain coats, as they hanged them somewhere to dry before getting something warm to eat.
One of those who was watching the rain, was Lucy, with her and everybody else of her team having arrived back at the guild hall. She hadn't gone back to her home yet, as she wanted to hang around a little more before going back to her home. But didn't expect the rain.
"Ugh, my luck." Lucy sighs, "just when I don't have a coat, it begins to rain."
Sitting next to her at the counter, Cana was busy drinking from a mug before she slammed the empty one down to answer.
"What's to complain about? Its just a little rain." She answered, half tipsy. "I heard it was worse in Hargeon. Well, the weather forecast said it."
Mira was seen walking with a tray and commented. "Never expected you to be the pay attention to that, Cana."
"Hey, don't judge a book by its cover!" Cana raised her mug up, while her assets bounced, her blue bra. Snickering. "Of course, not that cover!"
While the guild hall itself was getting a bit crowded, with hot food being passed around by the Strauss sisters who were happy to cook a large amount of the supplies that were left in the backroom.
Erza herself, was seen in her normal garments, enjoying a piece of strawberry cake she ordered. Sitting at the same table with some of the only guild members who weren't frightened of her.
Levy was one of them, enjoying some hot stew as she asked. "So Erza, where are Gray and Natsu? I haven't heard them."
The mentioning of those two names alone, got most of the hall to plea for some rest, as they just wanted one night, just one, without turning it into a brawl.
"Oh, they're busy for the moment, no need to worry." Erza replied, haven taken a bit from her cake and cleaning her lips with her napkin. "So for a few hours, we'll be having peace."
Sounding like music into ears, the guild was put at ease and continued on enjoying their gathering. With booze and food, going around, and filling up everyone's bellies.
Back at the counter, Lucy and Cana were having an discussion as they were only mere meters away from Master Makarov, who was sitting by himself on the counter with his legs crossed.
Lisanna who was behind the counter, noticed this and approached the guild master and asked. "Something wrong, master?"
Makarov shot his head towards the girl and smiled. "Oh, nothing, dear. Just in my own thoughts."
Taken by his comments, Lisanna then turned back to the other patrons and went to them. Leaving the guild master by himself and his thoughts.
TRASH!
His thoughts were interrupted when he looked up and saw what made his eyes roll, Natsu and Gray somehow came out of the room they were locked in, and were fighting in the guild hall again, already breaking a few tables and chairs.
"Come on guys!"
"Just one night!"
Already, either half of the guild hall then jumped into the brawl, or avoided it and trying to finish off their food. Erza was one of them, who moved over towards the counter with her plate with cake.
"Okay, there they go again." Cana commented. "Guess they'll just need to blow off steam."
Lucy shook her head and watched on. "One night couldn't be enough…"
The fighting continued as Happy emerges from the chaos, flying up high and watching the spectacle going its normal course.
"A flying chair here, a broke plate there." Happy flew around and asking. "Please, someone, a fish for my ca-"
BOINK!
Happy didn't get the chance to finish his sentence, because he got hit right in the face by a table that was thrown around, talking about bad luck.
The mayhem continued, even in front of Makarov, who didn't pay attention to the whole routine debacle. With Macao being given the chance to approach the master.
"They're at it again, Makarov."
"I know."
"You're not going to do anything about it?" Macao asked, before noticing the look on his face that he often made when he was in deep thoughts.
Lowering his voice, he asked the master. "Is it about Naruto?"
"..."
"So it is about him."
Makarov sighs, looking around, seeing nobody else paid attention to them and calmly stated.
"Yes."
"Alright, if that's so." Macao whispered to him. "We'll keep this to us, until he'll come back."
"That, for the better." Makarov replied. Looking at the small riot. "With what I've heard, we both got to try and look out for him…"
That last comment, made Macao only nod, knowing what the old man meant, he casually went back to hid own table. Their conversation however, was picked up by two guild members who did catch this moment.
From the second floor, Laxus, who has been keeping himself silent for most part of the day, even holding back his taunts against the others to listen on his grandfather.
And Erza, who despite being busy eating her cake, had her ears open for any word to be listened to.
Things were going to be tricky for the next few weeks - so long nothing unexpected happened.
With the rain having gone away mostly, outside in the street, two people were seen observing the guild hall from an reasonable distance.
"This the place?"
"Yeah, of course, it's Fairy Tail." The second person scoffed. "According to the master, Lucy Heartfilia joined this guild a while back."
"Can't believe her old man is willing to pay a lot for her daughter's return." His partner replied, thinking about the amount of money that was involved for this massive job. "And the risk we're taking."
"Since when do we care about risk, boy? We're Phantom Lord." The guy revealed their affiliation, "I'm not going to be scared by some government assholes, let alone by some flies."
"Okay," The partner then asked. "Should we go in and see if she's here?"
"No need to reveal ourselves. We're just the scouting party." The guy told his guild mate. "We'll let the Element 4 handle this - by first, sending a message."
"What kind of message?"
The guy smirked as he took a look at the big building that long stood in Magnolia, a piece of history.
"A surgical strike."
To Be Continued
Okay, I know this is shorter than most of my chapters, but forgive me, this is the last one before the Phantom Lord Arc begins, promised.
Hopefully, you guys (and girls) liked it, and I wish you all a good health.
Be kind to leave a review, follow the story if you're new, and best of all, enjoy the fic.
See ya!