Hey fellow readers here's chapter 3 hope you enjoy remember to read and review.
I don't own anything.
It was the next day and Naruto was just waking up.
"Mmmm (Yawn) well that was a better sleep that I've had in a while, well better get ready for the day". Said Naruto as he got dressed in his gear. He is wearing a dark red shirt under a black trench coat, for pants he is wearing black loose pants, completing the outfit is his two teigus, kaen megami on his right and kaze no megami on his left. After getting ready he heads out to the training field. As he got there he sees Bulat training his speed by quickly swinging a wooden pole.
After having finished his set, Bulat sees Naruto approaching. "Good morning Naruto". Said Bulat as he wipes the sweat from his face. "Morning Bulat, I see you have been training early this morning, guess that military mentality still sticks to those who have deserted the empire".Said Naruto as he stands before Bulat.
"Heh yeah no matter how much time passes something's never get forgotten, especially military training. But you would know all about that being a former general". Said Bulat with a friendly smile on his face.
"Heh Yea, but that doesn't mean I've been slacking off myself, but since I'm still new to Night Raid I will need help to come up to par with you guys". Said Naruto as he returns the smile.
"True that is an issue, but that's why Najenda tasked me with your training, so if your ready we can start now". Said Bulat as he grabs incursios key and activates the armor.
"The legendary armor incursio, said to be the most difficult teigu to bond with. It was said that only someone with an indomitable will could even touch the armor without getting killed, many have tried to bond with it but all have died. Seeing you wear the armor says alot about your strength and will". Said Naruto as he takes in the armor.
"So you know of this armor, not surprising since its been with the empire since its creation, all the same I thank you for the compliment, now enough talk let's begin". With that Bulat shot off towards Naruto who quickly dodged the Lance.
'He's fast but not so much that I can't see him, regardless I should not underestimate him'. Thought Naruto as he draws Kaze no megami and gets into a ready stance with the sword held in front of him.
"Ahh the wind danger beast sword Kaze no Megami, it's said that the wielder is granted complete control of the winds themselves. Rumor has it that you were given the title Fujin, it's truly an honor to be able to see it in action". Said Bulat as he prepares to attack.
"While it is true that I was granted the title, it does not mean I am a God but no less powerful, now come let's continue". Said Naruto with that they began training.
Bulat came straight at him, as he got close he swung his lance for an over head strike that was blocked but what he wasn't expecting was for a blast of air to send him back a few feet. After regaining his balance he saw Naruto running at him, having no time to dodge he blocked the sword strike and kicked Naruto in the chest knocking him back. While in midair Naruto twisted his body to land feet first and swung his sword sending a wind slice at Bulat.
Seeing it coming Bulat dodged the attack and quickly used his invisibility to sneak up on Naruto, but it didn't work as Naruto had sensed him before he could do anything Bulat was hit with a gust of wind that sent him of his feet. Not one to give up easily he quickly jumped to his feet and charged at Naruto. Seeing that the warm up was over evident by the fact that Bulat was running faster than before Naruto brought out Kaen megami.
"Well it's really an honor to be faced with not only Kaze no megami but the fire danger beast Kaen megami the sword said to be able to control the deadly flames of Amaterasu and the sword through gave you the title Dark Flame Fox. Each sword is dangerous by themselves but together they are truly deadly". Said Bulat as he and Naruto are in a deadlock, but Bulat had to jump back when red flames came from Kaen megami. After jumping back he saw that Naruto took a different stance where he held Kaze no megami on his right hand by his head with the sharp end facing up and Kaen megami in his left hand by his waist. Seeing this Bulat prepares for the attack, but nothing could have prepared him for what came next.
After Bulat had jumped back Naruto charged kaze no megami with wind and kaen megami with flames. After he was ready he swung his swords and called out his attack. "it's over Bulat, FIRE STORM". Yelled Naruto with That he swung his swords in an x formation and unleashed a Hugh fire storm on Bulat but because of his armor he wasn't hurt that bad but the spar was over.
(Pant).. (Pant). "Well that was an amazing battle it's no wonder you were a general anyone with that kind of power really deserves the rank". Said Bulat as he deactivated Incursio and with a little difficulty stood up and walked back into hq with Naruto.
"Thanks but like I said just because I was a general doesn't mean that strength was all that was needed". Said Naruto as they both walked into the building, neither were aware that they actually had a person watching them.
Having just woken up Najenda started getting ready for the day. 'I wonder how both Naruto and Tatsumi are doing, I know Naruto was and is strong having seen him when we were with the empire but Tatsumi, aside from the basics he has no real training, hence why I tasked Akame to train him. I just hope it with work out, I guess only time will tell'. Thought Najenda as she walks through the halls, as she does she sees Naruto and Bulat sparing when all of a sudden Naruto creates a fire storm which shocked Najenda a little haven't been expecting it. 'My God what power, seems that his skills haven't dulled at all, though I shouldn't really be surprised he wasn't a general for nothing after all's. With that and seeing the spar was over Najenda continued walking as she had work to do.
After entering the building both Naruto and Bulat separated one to wash up the other went to grab breakfast.
"Well that was a great morning exercise but it made me kinda hungry". Said Naruto to himself as he made his way into the kitchen and saw sheele there.
"Oh good morning Sheele how are you"? Asked Naruto as he started making something to eat.
"Hmm oh good Morning Naruto I'm fine thanks for asking". Said Sheele as she saw who greeted her.
"That's good by the way I haven't seen the others where are they"? Asked Naruto as he sat and began eating.
"Well Akame and Tatsumi are out training, Mine went to the range to train with pumpkin Leone went into town to find us some contracts and Lubbock is also in town at the bookstore he owns as a cover for our operations". Said Sheele as she thinks on what she should do.
"Huh well at least everyone is busy anyway I'm going to see if Najenda has anything I can do, see you later Sheele". Said Naruto as he left the kitchen.
"Oh yes bye Naruto". Said Sheele as she went back to thinking.
After leaving the kitchen Naruto walked around the building on his way to see Najenda. After a few minutes he is in front of the throne room and knocks on the door. Having heard the knock Najenda allows the person inside and saw that it was Naruto.
"Ah Naruto glad your here I have a mission for you". Said Najenda as Naruto came closer to her.
"What is the Mission". Asked Naruto as he waits for his instructions.
"it's a simple recon mission there has been word that the empire is having a tournament, that in itself isn't a problem but there is a rumor that the top fighters are given the chance to join a special group in the empire I don't have any concrete proof of this so I need you to head to town find out the truth and if you must infiltrate the tournament and be one of the top fighters with you on the inside we'll learn more about the inner workings and plan accordingly". Said Najenda.
"OK but what if I'm compromised I mean I did desert the empire remember, I mean sure it's been a few years but I doubt that they have forgotten". Said Naruto as he thought on how he could do this.
"Yes I know that will be an issue but that can work to our advantage, though you deserted the empire if they see how powerful you are then they will look passed it and offer you to join their ranks again if so you are to do so, understood". Said Najenda with a serious look on her face.
"Understood I will head out now I'll report anything I find before the tournament". Said Naruto as he leaves the throne room to prepare to leave.
'(Sigh) I really hope nothing goes wrong on this mission'. Thought Najenda as she saw Naruto leave.
After getting ready Naruto heads out towards the town, ready to make his debut return to the town.
After getting to town Naruto wasted no time to gather information on the going insane in the town, from what he could see people were busy setting things up. Shop owners were opening there stores preparing for the day. Seeing people walking around and children playing brought a smile to his face seeing that even in times of war and strife the people can still live happily. Seeing this just brings back the life that the empire lost when Honest took control. After a while Naruto had come across something that caught his eyes a poster describing the tournament.
Attention all warriors and soldiers
There is to be a tournament to choose the best of the best
For a new group for the empire
So if you have what it takes sign up at the nearest military office
The winner will get a reward of $1,000,000
Seeing this Naruto heads over to the military office but hid his face by the hood of his trench coat and signed up for the tournament that was to happen latter that day. After doing that he sent a report to Najenda describing what was the reward and the fact that the empire was looking for people for the new group was true. No sooner that he sent the report he got a message back saying that the reward money could come to great use to them so he was ordered to be the winner of the tournament. After getting his orders he went to where the tournament was and waited for the tournament to begin. After being lead into the arena where the other fighters were he and the rest looked up to see the one over seeing the whole thing but what shocked Naruto was who he saw. There standing in her fearsome beauty was Esdeath the one who had stolen his heart at first sight, and he hers, if there was anything he regretted from deserting the empire was leaving her heartbroken. Just looking at her now showed him that even though she was hiding it very well he saw that she was still hurting and knowing it was him who caused it hurt more than any wound that he got from the battlefield.
'Oh my sweet Esdeath have you been that heartbroken since my desertion, I am so sorry my love you were the last one I had ever wanted to hurt, but I had to leave I just couldn't stay in a place that has lost its way but I have returned and soon we'll be together again. Just hold on Esdeath, please'. Thought Naruto as he waited for the tournament to begin.
"Thanks to all those who have come, know now that this tournament is for those of you who are the best of the best to see who will join my elite group. Be aware that one of the top 3 with be the one to be chosen and the winner will be my right hand. With that let the tournament BEGIN"! yelled Esdeath as she retook her seat and watches the tournament.
'Just wait Esdeath I'll be with you again soon, and hopefully I can convince you to come back with me'!. Thought Naruto as he and the rest who weren't fighting yet went back to the participants box.
After getting to the contestants booth Naruto took the time to look over the people who are note worthy. As he looked around he saw that half the people there were arrogant fools only in it for the money, they wouldn't last long here. Now the other half seemed more competent, they were the real threat, probably all of the empires soldiers.
The first was a tall man, he was wearing the empires armor and white pants with a sword hanging by his side. He was tanned skinned with black and white hair, he has a scar over his left eye having lost it earlier in life.
Next was an orange haired girl not too far from the tall man. She also had the empires armor female version. She had a kind look about her but Naruto could see the true person behind the mask having learned to read people over the years. What he saw was an insane girl who enjoys killing anyone who stands in her way. She has guns hanging from her hips and has a dog she drags around by a leash.
The next was another man but this one seemed normal compared to the others. He had a friendly look about him. He is wearing a white shirt with a blue stripe in the front with a red scarf with an anchor symbol on it, over that he had a blue jacket with a white collar with brown pants.
The next three people were grouped together each wearing the same uniform but in different styles. The first was a blond man with an arrogant smirk on his face with his black jacket opened showing the white shirt underneath. The second was a silver haired man with a serious expression on his face with his uniform kept in order. The last was was a young boy with blond hair with a playful expression he seemed out of place being here, but Naruto knew better then to assume that just because of appearance didn't mean they weren't dangerous.
'Hmm from what I can see they are the only ones that might make it to the end of the tournament, I'll have to keep my mind focused if I am to have a chance of winning'. Thought Naruto as they waited to be called and watch the matches. The first match wasn't impressive it was just two arrogant fighters that didn't have anything going for them. After a few minutes the fight was over with both knocked out the next two fights went the same only that the third fight had a winner.
The next fight was between two of the black uniformed people Deidara and Natural. After they were called they headed to the arena where they got ready.
"Heh man what a let down I thought I was going to level up by fighting someone new, oh well let's just get on with it". Said Deidara as he got his teigu ready. They were short battle axes. After seeing that Deidara was ready Nyau took out his short staff and got ready. "I'm sorry that we were paired against each other but this will be nothing short of an actual battle". Said Nyau with that they began fighting with Deidara coming in for an over head strike that was dodged by Nyau who retaliated by swinging the staff at Deidara who blocked it with one of the axes and used the other to attack which Nyau barely dodged by still got cut at he side. "Heh first blood goes to me". Said Deidara as he reveled in his achievement but it was short lived as he was hit by Nyau's staff having been swung at him with that Nyau pressed his advantage and kept Deidara on the defensive.
"Excellent just what I expected from my own group, this was a much needed battle they others were weak compared to these two. I wonder if there is one that can actually best them". Said Esdeath as she continues to watch the fight.
"Oh I doubt that there is such a person lady Esdeath" said an empire soldier as he stood behind Esdeath. " I mean they were trained by you and who can beat you"? Asked the soldier.
"There was a person who could and did beat me regardless of my strength, the one who had bested me and still had the strength to stand even with the injuries I inflicted, the one who also stole my heart, the only man who could stand with me". Said Esdeath in sadness.
'Wow this person must be something else if he was able to not only beat her but also have melted the ice empress's heart, something many a man thought impossible'. Thought the soldier as he asked "umm if it's not to much to ask what happened to this man"? "(Sigh) he deserted the empire. No one knows why he did, rumor has it that he was a traitor, others say he just couldn't take it anymore. No one really knows the real reason he left. Many believe he is dead but I don't believe that". Said Esdeath as she remembers the man she loves.
"Wow he sounds like he was the best of us, what was his name"? Asked the soldier. "Yes he was the best of anyone of us, his name was Naruto Namikaze". Said Esdeath shocking the soldier. "The Maelstrom". Said the soldier in awe having heard of the legendary general of the empire. Many soldiers looked up-to and many were saddened by his dissertion.
The fight has been going on for the last few minutes and both fighters have been injured somewhere along the fight they were disarmed and fought hand to hand. They were evenly matched and decided that the fight needed to end with that they both charged at each other and knocked each other out.
"Seems that they both knocked each other out, I expected nothing less". Said Esdeath as she saw the medics take the fighters out of the arena waited for the next match.
Soon enough the next two came out they were Seryu and Ogre.
"Finally I get to show you how much I have improved under you sensei". Said Seryu as she got ready. "Well then show me that I have not wasted my time with you, come at me full force". Said Ogre as he readies his sword. With that Seryu started by firing at Ogre who blocked the bullets with his sword and charges after Seryu stops and slashes at her guns destroying them and causes Seryu to backflip to avoid getting slashed and takes a martial arts stance which Ogre mimics as he believed that the fight should be matched regardless of advantage. With that he struck first by sending a punch towards Seryu who blocked the attack and sent a kick at him catching him by the leg causing him to loss his balance, as she tried to continue her advantage Ogre surprised her with his speed by punching her in the gut sending her flying towards the wall.
"Heh I can't believe I let my guard down, knowing that I shouldn't until I know the target is dead". Said Seryu as she gets back up with difficulty. With that they continued exchanging blows.
"Very good Seryu keep it up and you may surpass me someday". Said Ogre as he blocked a punch and sent a punch too fast for Seryu to see that knocked her back.
"Thank you Sensei". Said Seryu with the last of her strength as she finally fell to the floor knocked out. With that the match was over.
"Hmm that Seryu girl was decent but she will need more training to by up to my standards for the group and Ogre seems to be fine where he is so far no one has impressed me enough to be chosen". Said Esdeath as she watched the medics come and take Seryu out of the ring and the ref call out the next fight.
"Finally I was beginning to wonder when my turn would be and judging by the look of things only some will move on to the finals from what I have seen I was right to assume that the competent ones are the real challenge that Ogre person seems to really strong I can tell he wasn't using his full strength'. Thought Naruto as he stands before his opponent.
"Heh I can't believe your my opponent, might as well give up you have no chance to win". Said the arrogant man as he got into a ready stance and saw that Naruto didn't get into a stance just standing there with a bored look on his face which the man can barely see. This pissed the guy off.
"HEY TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY DAMN IT"! Said the man as he continues to watch Naruto, who kept standing there with his bored look causing the man to charge towa4d Naruto with a yell but what he didn't see was the drawing of Kaze no Megami until it was too late and he lost his arms in the attack. Having not felt anything at first he began thinking what happened until his brain registered that he lost his arms and then sreamed loudly as he was bleeding profusely as Naruto was declared the winner.
"Wow that was brutal and it happened so fast that I didn't see him move much less draw his sword". Said the soldier with Esdeath as they watch the match, but when he heard no response from Esdeath he look and saw he wide eyes as she looked like she saw a ghost it was strange seeing the strongest of the empire like this.
"General Esdeath are you alright"? Asked the soldier as he didn't know what to do now.
"I-it can't be". Esdeath said to herself as she saw the attack, she only knew of one person who could do this, but he had disappeared years ago it couldn't be him. 'Is it really you my love have you finally returned'. Esdeath thought to herself as she saw the unknown fighter leave the arena and is shaken from her thoughts by the soldier asking if she was OK to which she just nods and leaves it at that as they continue watching the matches.
The next match was between Wave and Liver. The two of them came to the arena and stood facing each other. They were sizing each other up and soon they were going at it in hand to hand combat to get a feel for their opponent, after a few minutes they jump back.
"Heh you aren't a slouch in the least huh". Said Wave as he kept his eyes on Liver. "And you aren't that bad for a young man, but I believe that the warm-up is over let's see who is better". Said Legit as he drew his sword and Wave activated his Teigu.
"Ah the second armor Teigu Grand Chariot the second generation Teigu rumor has it that it's creation was based upon the threat of incursio falling into enemy hands. It's both an ironic and fitting that the armor it was based on is the one that it was to be used against. I'm honored to have the chance to fight against it". Said Liver as he got ready.
"I see that you know of my Teigu and you are correct about the rumor it was solely created for that purpose but enough of that let go". Said Wave as he summoned his sword, with that they began fighting with Wave coming in with a diangonal slash which was blocked. With that Liver pushed him off and went for a side slash which Wave jumped over and sent a punch toward Liver that connects and sends him back a few feet but Liver recovers quickly and charges toward Wave and s2ings his sword at his mod section which is blocked causing them to be locked in a stale mate.
"It seems that Grand Chariot is just as strong as it was made out to be, though it's capabilities have yet to be tested against the purpose of its creation, many doubt it will be able to be used against Incursio. From what I see it has a long way to go to be able to be ready for that encounter". Said Esdeath as she continues to watch her top soldier go against the second armor Teigu, but can't help but wonder if the mysterious fighter was the one she believed him to be.
After a few minutes they were reaching the end of the fight as they are injured and Wave had to deactivate Grand chariot when it took too much damage and they decided to end it with there last hit, they charged at each other and just as they meet they swung at each other but Wave Missed and took the hit toward his face and was knocked out.
With that the three remaining fighters came to the arena waiting for the next match.
"You three have shown that you have what it takes to be the best but alas there can only be one winner, that's not to say that only one of you will be chosen but sadly none of the others could cut it but regardless if it's just one or no one at all doesn't matter it was to see if there were anyone that could be strong enough for the empire and I have seen that you three have what it takes to be the empires strongest, so I ask you if you wish to join please remain in the arena". Said Esdeath after a minute she saw that none have left the arena. "Very good, it's great to see ones commitment to the empire, now because there are only three of you left we'll have a free for all and the winner will get the cash prize, now let the last match Begin"! Yelled Esdeath as she retook her seat and watched as the three got ready for the last match.
Knowing that he will need to get serious Naruto drew both blades and took the stance with Kaze no Megami in his right hand near his face and Kaen Megami in his left hand by his waist. He watches both of them as they do the same. The stare down ends when Ogre sword drawn charges Naruto causing him to block the stike with Kaen Megami and swings Kaze no Megami at Liver who tried to take advantage of the situation, seeing the attack coming he blocked the attack what he didn't expect was for the sword to suddenly cut through his sword so easily which caused him to receive a deep cut across his chest which took him out of the fight where the medics avoiding the last two fighters and take Liver out of the arena. Having dealt with one opponent Naruto can now focus on Ogre. After jumping back from the stale mate both fighters got ready to continue. Growing impatient Ogre rushes toward Naruto with an over head strike that Naruto blocks with both swords in an x formation, but with Ogre being taller than him Naruto knew that he had to use ranged attacks, with that he diverted the strike to the side and jumped back. After getting some distance Naruto charges his wind sword with wind and swings the sword sending wind blades at Ogre who didn't see them coming gets cut up but it wasn't as effective as Naruto would have liked, when he saw Ogre charge towards him he set his fire sword ablaze with red flames and swung his sword sending a wave of fire which Ogre jumped over where Naruto took advantage and sent a concentrated blast of wind sending ogre back and destroying his armor but even that wasn't enough to beat Ogre who got back up and readied his sword again.
"Heh you not half bad, you actually destroyed my armor that's no easy feat. I guess it's time to get serious". Said Ogre and he charges at Naruto faster than he was before catching Naruto off guard and sends him flying, thankfully his hood didn't come off it the attack. After getting up from the floor Naruto charges Kaen Megami with Dark flames shocking everyone especially Esdeath who recognize the flamesimmediately. 'It is you'. Thought Esdeath as she saw the fabled flames of Amaterasu.
"You should feel honored that I'm using this next attack none who see it live to tell about it, you'll be the first to see it and live". Said Naruto as he swings his sword upwards while calling his attack "DARK PHOENEX" yelled naruto as the flames on his sword were unleashed and took the form of the legendary fire bird the Phoenix. After the attack was formed it dive bombed near Ogre and exploded sending him towards the walls where he was knocked unconscious. After getting over their shock everyone started cheering while Naruto was declared the winner.
After getting over her shock Esdeath quickly got up and ran toward the arena shocking the soldier that was with her. After getting to the arena she quickly approached the hooded figure having a good idea who it was.
After being declared the winner Naruto waited for the prize money, what he didn't expect was for Esdeath to quickly come down towards him but he had a feeling she knew who he really was if his attacks were any clue to those who saw them before. So it came to little to no surprise that as soon as she stood before him she quickly lowered his hood confirming her thoughts on who he really was.
"it's really you, please let this not be a dream or a sick joke". Said Esdeath to herself with tears in her eyes.
"It's been a long time huh my Ice Empress". Said Naruto as he hugs Esdeath as she cry's her eyes out having her love returned to her.
"Yes it has my Dark Flame King". Said Esdeath, both using the names only each of them knew.
"I'm sorry that I have caused you such pain I never intended to hurt you". Said Naruto as they broke the hug.
"I know but I will not forgive you yet you still have to answer for your desertion and I will only forgive you if you fight me one on one to earn my forgiveness". Said Esdeath as they both look into each others eyes. "I glad you came back to me my love". Said Esdeath as she leans in for a kiss.
"I'm glad that I was able to see you again after all this time my Esdeath-chan". Said Naruto as he returned the kiss.
There's chapter 3 hope you enjoyed it remember to read and review. NeoGamer93 out.