Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other works that I use for inspiration.
"Speaking"- Speech
"Thinking" - Thoughts
"Speaking" - Non-Mortal Speech
"Thinking" - Non-Mortal Thoughts
Chapter Nine: Trips
A few days had passed after what transpired within the walls of Konoha.
Despite the repairs to the village being completed, the townsfolk were calling for Naruto to be harshly punished. With the leadership ignoring their demands, some decided to take matters into their own hands to deliver the justice they sought. The demon had laid a hand on not only their home, but their princess and that couldn't go unpunished.
They laid in wait for the right moment whether it was when he was alone or the darkness of the night. Unfortunately for all that would try, a once feared sound yet again resonated through the village. The chilling screech. . . The malice filled hisses. . . They descended yet again, etching the terror deep within their beings.
Regardless of what he learned or the strength he gained; he knew they were his true might.
They were the embodiment of his desire. They allowed him to be the monster. One that could strike down all before him. One that could devour everything. They were his ambition. One link after the other, spanning infinitely.
*Drip*
*Drip*
*Drip*
In the dark of the night, they danced around him. They twirled and swayed as if for his entertainment.
"I know. . . I haven't let you come out and play in a while, but we will be able to have much more fun now. . ."
They hissed and jangled frantically. Naruto knew they were overjoyed by his words.
*Drip*
*Drip*
*Drip*
"We should thank our friends here. . . It's been some time since we've been graced by their presence. Before I wasn't in a position to ask questions, but my status has changed. . . So, care to introduce yourselves to the king?"
Naruto spoke to one of the white-masked assailants that were ensnared in his chains.
Naruto had been going out of his way to give the people of the village what they wanted, a chance to punish the demon. On this night, he had a late dinner at Ichiraku's and took the long way home. As he was close to reaching his apartment, they moved in for the kill.
The strangely clad attackers had once again descended upon the young lord in the dead of night with hopes to end him. They found he was no longer the little boy from all those years back.
"I didn't expect your friends to die so easily. But you know how it is right? It was either them. . . or me."
The chains moved faster than they could comprehend, intercepting and killing the first pair of assailants without the boy lifting a finger. They danced eerily as they bashed, slashed, and pierced through Naruto's attackers. Only one managed to survive, albeit barely. Blood continued to spill from their wounds.
"They didn't disappoint though. . . They helped paint such a wonderful scene."
Naruto led the rest of the attackers into the forest.
Onyx links danced eerily as they bashed, slashed, and pierced through Naruto's attackers. As the moon's rays cut through the tree line one could see the illuminated crimson splashed chaotically through the woodland.
"Doesn't it look beautiful? It's truly a work of art in my opinion. I think I'll call it "Fox Hunt'', or do you think that's too on the nose?"
Naruto sat upon a tree branch as he spoke to his capture, the masked attacker remaining silent.
"You may think I'm going to kill you, but I have something better in mind. . ."
Naruto brought the individual to meet his eyes with the blank holes of the mask.
"Whoever you guys are you aren't normal shinobi. It would be foolish of me to leave you alone to interfere with my plans later on."
Mask or no mask, Naruto knew he had caught the attention of his captive.
"Besides. . . Your people came after a dear friend of mine once."
These attackers not only had answers for him but Kagura as well.
"You're going to lead me to your master. . . One way or another. I would like to thank them for all they've done for me. If it wasn't for you lot, I might not have been made aware of my true calling."
His captive began to flail about frantically, in attempts to escape. The chains rattled and rang, but their hold never broke.
"That's the spirit! I was worried that you were more hurt than you were letting on."
They never stopped. Like a trapped animal, Naruto's captive continued to flail about more and more widely.
"I'm excited too, my friend!"
Naruto willed his chains to slam the masked individual into the ground, rendering them unconscious.
Naruto lowered himself to the forest floor using his chains and pulled 2 scrolls and a brush kit out of his haori. With some swift brush strokes, he was able to seal the dead bodies in the first scroll and the living individual in the second.
*Beep*
*Beep*
"Naruto-sama, do you copy?"
"Yes Sasuke, I copy. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, all is well. I'm informing you that Malice-sensei and the others have arrived via the gate."
"Excellent. I'll be there shortly."
Naruto took off towards the bunker, little did he know that someone lied in wait. Once the coast was clear, the observer took off into the night.
Unknown Underground Base
"Report."
The gruff old voice echoed throughout the blackened chambers.
This was the perfect place for their base of operations. For they were the ones conducting deeds in the dark.
"Fox has indeed been hiding a great deal of skill and what appears to be a Kekkei Genkai. He summons and manipulates chains at will. Their speed and power proved more than enough to deal with the group you had assigned with minimal difficulty."
The speaker appeared like the others, clad in complete black with a blank white mask having only eye holes. Yet this one was considerably smaller than the others.
"An interesting specimen, indeed. There is no mention of a Kekkei Genkai for either of his parents' clans, yet he has an ability that allows him to swat away insects."
"There is one problem, Danzo-sama. . . He was able to capture one of them alive."
The owner of the older voice stepped out of the shadows into a dim light shining from above.
He appeared to be a frail, old man, holding himself up with a cane. He had black, shaggy hair, and his right eye was bandaged and an x-shaped scar on his chin. He wore a white shirt, with a black or dark grey robe over the top of it covering from his feet, to just over his right shoulder, with the robe concealing his right arm.
"That is of little consequence. There's nothing he could do to be able to break my agents. . . They completed their mission; that's all that matters. The fox is either an asset or a liability, but one I'm sure will assist us in our goals to lead this village to a better future. . . Was there anything else of note?"
"He appeared to have a communication device of some sorts. Before he left the area, Fox referred to the Uchiha and confirmed that he would meet him, though I'm not sure where. Also, Fox was proficient enough to be able to seal the bodies in scrolls."
"Yes, the boys have pulled the wool over the eyes of the old fool and his lackeys. They were helpful enough to fill in some of the blanks. I'm surprised to hear he has some level of proficiency with Fūinjutsu. It's also concerning. Considering his lineage, he could prove to be as troublesome as his father."
"Your orders, my lord?"
"I'll need you to contact an associate of mine. I'll be using a new team to engage Fox. If my calculations are correct, they'll be able to capture him and bring him to me. . . You've done well, Sai. You are dismissed."
Uzumaki Hidden Bunker
Naruto entered the bunker but found it abnormally cold.
"You have some potential. If you try your absolute best, I'm sure you'll be of use to Naruto-sama someday."
"I'm sure. Our majesty is benevolent enough to be able to find use for anyone, even you."
It wasn't power or aura the two of them were giving off, but whatever it was Naruto could have sworn he saw the air around the Hinata and Haku distort. He felt it best to try and break up the tension. . .
Before someone got hurt.
"It seems that everyone is getting properly acquainted. I'm sure you'll all be fast friends."
"Naruto-sama!"
Upon his arrival, the prince became Hinata's sole focus.
After agreeing to join the cause, Hinata had been spending her time with Naruto, Sasuke, and Shizune when she was able to break away from Tsunade. She had been training, as well as being brought up to speed on all thing's empire.
Hinata also recieved her introduction to the Uzumaki Chakra application, beginning the early stages of her training.
"Hello, Naruto-sama! It's been too long."
Haku was also excited to see him. She'd hope that he would like the changes she'd undergone.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stick around to see the end of your training session. I would've helped, but-"
"It's cool ki-, I mean boss. Just wish someone told us what we were signing up for prior. Got to say with those weird seals, we were able to do a crazy amount of training in like no time at all."
Zabuza corrected himself quickly when he caught a glare Malice had shot him.
After going through many of her training sessions, he knew of what she was capable of. He had also learned it was best not to anger the woman.
Zabuza was now dressed in a high collar sleeveless indigo shirt, black pants with a pair of modified combat boots, and black cloth covering his left leg and arm. He had on a shoulder pauldron, and his chest was covered by two straps, held in place by a badge representing the Uzumaki, the symbolic swirl. Zabuza's lower face was wrapped in black bandages and a black forehead protector with the Uzushiogakure swirl etched in.
"Yes, Naruto-sama. The training was excruciating, but I think I speak for both of us when I say, we never thought we could obtain this kind of power. Thankfully, Sasuke-sama was there to offer aid along with everyone else."
Haku had gone through her own set of changes.
Her outfit was a short black kimono-style dress with various flowery accessories. Haku also wore a dark pair of stockings with armored combat heel boots. Her hair was done up in odango buns with red ties. She had also looked a tad more mature and developed, with a more pronounced figure and curves.
"Well, you both look great!"
"Bando-san was kind enough to commission these outfits for us during our training."
"I can hardly understand half of what that guy says. When he gave us these new clothes he started talkin' about seals and ummm. . . What'd he call it again, Haku?"
"I believe he referred to it as mesh armor. From what I remember, Bando-san explained it to be made of natural or synthetic leathers and reinforced with a lining of flexible metal mesh, similar to chain mail but lighter and stronger. The combination of the material and the seals allow for our clothing to absorb and redistribute kinetic energy."
"Very good Haku. Bando-san and many others have worked tirelessly within our science division, Umi. There, they've been able to refine these wondrous materials for our use in textiles."
Naruto had loved what had become of the empire's science division.
With the mind of Bando leading the charge, they had developed what they believed would help assure them the safest and most efficient victories for their upcoming battles, and all the cool inventions and science Naruto got to interact with made it all the sweeter. Spending whatever time he could with the scientist helped spark the inquisitive nature of the young man as well and their instruction helped him immensely when learning what he needed for atmospheric manipulation via his Fun'iki, or through the practice of his Oka-san's arts.
"The Uzumaki imperial tailors and armorers are also immensely skilled in the art of seamstry, with more being added to their ranks from the Wave. Naruto-sama has created a training syllabus including defense and enhancement Fūinjutsu, allowing them to reinforce them with beneficial enchantments. The clothing and armor our ranks are adorned in are resilient enough to reduce or stop penetration by bladed weaponry and projectiles."
As a leader within their ranks, Malice made it a point to be well versed in all within the empire, down to the attire on their people's backs.
"I've learned a good deal about the current operations within the empire and how important someone like him is. Just didn't think our resident brainiac would be a giant with an eye for fashion."
Zabuza quipped.
"Bando and the rest of our people have been working hard for the sake of the empire. You are now knights whose armor has been imbued with the faith of their people. Wear those garbs with pride."
As a knight, Sasuke understood armor was a luxury. Those who rode into battle adorned were fortunate.
"Where are my manners? Hinata, allow me to introduce you. The big bruiser over there is Zabuza Momochi and this is the lovely Haku."
"We've had a chance to get acquainted. Isn't that right, Hinata-san?"
"Correct, Haku-san. Very well acquainted."
Hinata had been emboldened after joining her beloved's cause. It had been a few days, and in those days she learned that she had to strive for her desires. She would not back down in any of her pursuits, even if she had competition from fellow pursuers.
"Mhm. . . The benefits of youth. Zabuza and Haku were just given an assignment from Bando when they found me on my way to retrieve Hinata to begin her round of training. That's when they insisted on tagging along."
"Haku insisted! If it were up to me, I'd be face first in some of those high-grade Sora bit-"
"Zabuza-Otō!"
Haku was repeatedly pummeling on Zaubuza's poor arm.
How Haku referred to Zabuza didn't go unnoticed, but to many in the room, it was understandable. The dilation room also allowed for bonds to strengthen somewhat faster as well.
"What!? Can't a guy appreciate his alcohol? They got some strong liquor back in Sora and the bitters they add are magnificent."
"Anyways. . . Allow me to also introduce Malice Rinha. She has been a pillar of the empire since she joined. If it wasn't for her contribution, as well as her tutelage Sasuke and I wouldn't have come nearly as far as we have."
"It's an honor Rinha-sensei. Thank you so much for everyone you've done for both Naruto-sama and Sasuke-san. I'm so glad to know that Naruto wasn't as lonely as I feared for all these years. I hope that I can meet your expectations."
"The honor is mine, Hinata-san. Our majesty is very kind in his description of me. Naruto-sama has asked me, along with Kagura, to oversee your training personally. We will teach you our ways while helping you to hone the art of your clan."
From the short interaction, Hinata could tell that Malice was a woman to be feared, and revered.
"You're in for it, girly. This lady's an absolute beast! She'll break you in half, then fix you up better than before she broke you."
"What Zabuza was garishly trying to say is that Malice-sensei is a medical shinobi of the highest prestige. Soon there will come a day where her name will be revered as it should."
"You got a problem with the way I talk?"
"And if I do?"
Zabuza just had to take the bait.
"You wanna go bird boy!?"
Zabuza started to refer to Sasuke as such for the times he saw Sasuke with his owl summonings during their training in Sora.
Sasuke quickly unsheathed his sword and went to point it at the tall man's neck, but Zabuza was quick to react.
"You're still a Shōi(Ensign) compared to me. Watch the way you address your superiors, you damned devil."
Sasuke hated to admit it, but he was impressed by the man's development. A month ago, Zabuza couldn't hope to follow a fly much less one of his blade swipes. Now, he was arming himself and defending in the same breath.
And standing his ground.
"My, you boys. . . I appreciate the kind word. And Zabuza, your training shows. Though, proceed with caution. Sasuke-san has endure multiple stays in hell. You've yet to lodge for the night."
"Hmm. . . Noted."
The demon's uncharacteristic action surprised most except for his surrogate daughter, and Hinata who was quite lost.
The boys worked harder than anyone he had ever met to obtain their strength. If they had done more arduous training than what he had been through, he was not yet at the level of contending with them seriously.
"Pride makes us artificial. Humility makes us real."
"That's what Lady Tiamat said to us after our training."
Haku remembered seeing the tall woman after they had finished their training.
"That means she at least recognizes you've grown. That also means that she's roaming around Sora waiting for me to come back. . ."
Hinata was overcome by laughter as she gazed upon Naruto's stressed expression.
He truly loved spending time with Tiamat. It was the fact that she never wanted it to end that would at times become a problem.
"You're all so friendly with each other. May I ask how long you've all known each other?"
Hinata managed to get her question out through the giggles.
"Malice we've known for about as long as we've known Shizune, five years or so. As for Haku and Zabuza, I believe a month? Maybe a month and a half?"
A glace towards his trusted knight got him a confirmatory nod.
"You all appear to be very familiar with each other."
"That's what it means to be touched by the Conqueror's charisma. Before you realize, your defenses have already crumbled down."
Malice believed that some people were destined to lead. People who possessed breeding, passion, and what might be the most important, charisma.
"Regardless of how long, we've decided to follow Naruto-sama and hopefully I'll get to know him a lot better along the way."
Haku did her best to hide her nervousness before her king.
"It's an honor to have any of you stand behind me. Whether new or old, you guys are my family and as King, I will present my family with the world! It's the least I can do for all you've done for me."
"If the world's what we're after then I'm on board."
"Same for me, Naruto-sama, but please understand we choose this of our own volition. You aren't obligated to repay us."
"Though I won't turn it down."
Father and daughter had made their choice, and they were happy with it. This is where they would be able to best ensure a good life for the other.
"I'm glad everyone is getting along swimmingly, but we came with a purpose."
"Yes, Malice-san. Due to Hinata's dojutsu and inability to use clones, Malice-san is here to create a copy to stand in for you while you leave to train. One that will be in your exact image."
"How will she do that?"
Hinata was confused by what Naruto was telling her. Despite seeing him use clone and transform jutsu, she had never seen nor heard of a clone that would be able to copy inherited abilities.
"Like you, Haku and Sasuke, Malice-san possess a Kekkei Genkai that allows her to absorb the chakra of someone and create a copy, usually by imbuing a puppet with the absorbed energy."
"Though for this, she will be using her Hatsu."
"Please keep in mind, Lady Hinata; Malice-san's Hatsu is a bit different from others among us."
Both Naruto and Sasuke's adressed Malice's ability in quite the strange manner.
Hinata felt her stomach do an anxious flip that brought along a sweat or two. Warm hands fell onto her shoulders to provide the relief she needed. Her undivided attention now belonged to her new teacher.
Malice's aura began to take shape behind her.
An angelic figure appeared, veiled in what looked like a plain white long-sleeved robe. The figure's face was covered by an almost transparent thin veil. Its face resembled that of an enchanting woman with long lustrous black hair, nearly identical to Malice's own.
When one looked at her face, they were greeted by a tormented angel; blessed with beauty but cursed by anguish. Most notably were the lines that ran down its eyes and the corners of its mouth. Lines could also be seen at the joints of its hands.
"It's. . . Beautiful."
Hinata was stunned.
She could've sworn her mother's spirit had descended from the heavens, to bless her with her beauty one more time.
"This is my Hatsu, Godmother. It takes my ability to make a replica of a person whose chakra I've absorbed and enhances it. One of her abilities allows me to create a perfect clone instead of the clones of my Kekkei Genkai. This clone will not be dispelled unless I desire such. Its energy is depleted, or it is killed like a regular person. This puppet is granted any weapons, techniques, memories, and bloodline traits the original had and can be controlled perfectly, even being able to follow complex orders from a great distance away. The limitations are that I can only make one at a time and cannot use my Kekkei Genkai when its ability is active."
The figure continued to float behind her as Malice explained her ability.
"Stand still while I create the copy. You might feel somewhat weak after. I'll be draining a considerable amount of your chakra to fuel the clone."
Malice summoned a white blank marionette puppet. The figure being her then placed a hand on Hinata's head and grabbed the puppet in its large hands.
"Re: Birth."
An emerald glow covered Hinata and the puppet for a few moments. The light then fluttered away, like a swarm of fireflies as the figure removed its hands.
Now stood two Hinatas, indistinguishable from one another.
"For the price of being able to make multiple versatile copies you double down by making one super copy with all the capabilities of the original and more durability. You have an amazing set of skills, Rinha-sensei!"
It was a stunning sight to behold. To truly look into her own eyes. To see what her love loved in them.
Hinata stared in amazement with the clone staring back. It mimicked all her movements, from her silent mouthing to her adorable head cocking. It even activated and deactivate its Byakugan as she did.
"I'm glad to see that this village hasn't been able to sink its venomous fangs into you, my dear. You've been raised well."
She was glad to receive such a compliment, yet the white-eyed girl couldn't help but think as to who she would credit to raising her, her mother. Hinata aspired to be the woman her mother was, a saint of a person who always saw the beauty in all around her.
Her smile could light up the darkest of days, like the sun.
"Thank you, Rinha-sensei. . ."
Her smile had succumbed to the melancholy blooming in her heart.
"Hinata. . . I apologize if I brought back any unpleasant memories for you, but I know that face all too well. I know it's hard now, but every day, it gets a little easier. The only thing is you'll deal with it every day. That's the hard part. Fortunately, you get to choose how you deal with it and if you'd like some help."
Malice could sympathize with the young girl off her look alone. Like many among them, it seemed like the world had taken away one she had loved dearly.
"My empire will be a place where no one has to feel alone or rejected for what they can't control."
"A place where brothers and sisters will be able to live in harmony amongst each other. Where they'll never have to turn their blade to one another."
The king and his knight shared a brief smile.
To have a brother to share a dream; they didn't know it was what they wanted until it was what they had.
"In our short, crazy time amongst them, we've learned it's a place where everyone is treated for who they are-"
Haku would've continued if it wasn't for her newly dubbed father hijacking her thoughts.
"Regardless of the stupid shit everyone else is so bitchy about. We're all monsters or demons of some kind, but you're a lot better than most of the people of this world"
As Zabuza gazed upon them he only had this in mind.
These were his comrades.
They had shown him things about the world he never thought possible and things about himself he never thought plausible. If needed, he'd do any and all thing needs to protect what he'd gained here.
"T-thank you, everyone. . . I-I'll give my all, for all of you! For the empire! So please take good care of me!"
They helped fan the flames of her resolve. She had a new reason to strive for better, as well as her initial motivator.
"Yes! It's because now the person I've admired for so long is finally looking at me. Seeing me...In front of him, I couldn't bear failing!"
"Then I'll give my all when it comes to your instruction. But be warned, I am an unforgiving teacher, and my lessons don't end until I get the results I want. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Rinha-sensei!"
"I'll grow, Mother. I'll get the strength to change. . . And with Naruto's help, I'll avenge you. . . I'll change our clan!"
"Perfect! with that we will be on our way."
Malice was eager to start Hinata's training.
Now with the opportunity to mother another badass female present, there was no time to waste.
"A few things before you leave. First, what mission did Bando want to send you two on?"
The prince looked towards his new vassels.
"Bando-san wanted us to travel to Benisu Island and interact with the shinobi force they've established. They're located right next to Nanakusa Island, one of the world's largest varied and abundant reserves of herbs and other ingredients to medicine and military pills."
"No major village has been able to take control of this land due to their location and the amount of military power it would take to maintain it. Bando explained that with the degree of technology we possess and the assistance of the Benisu shinobi we would be able to secure the island for the empire."
This would be Haku and Zabuza's first mission gor their new lord. They made sure to study its peremiters front and back, for the sucess of the assignment was pivotal to the empire's plans.
"It's Operation Red Round. Establish essential businesses tied to the empire and make it the economic backbone of the world. Controlling one of the biggest deposits of medicinal herbs will allow it to not only sell ingredients but manufacture and sell pre-produced medicine at almost any price we would like."
Naruto and his cabinet knew that physical power wouldn't be the only power they needed in the world. If they wanted to rule the world, they would need to rule all aspects of it.
"Secondly, I'd like for you to take care of something for me, Malice-san. Earlier I was visited by a few guests. Only one decided to stick around long enough though so I'd like for you to see if you can get them to tell you anything."
Naruto pulled out the two scrolls from earlier tonight.
"The second one contains the rest of them. See if they hold any secrets we should know about. I'm sure Kagura will be happy to have some new friends to play with."
"Of course, Naruto-sama. It will be done. Although Kagura is currently out on a mission. I don't expect her to be away too long, so we'll have answers for you upon Hinata's return."
"Where has Kagura gone on assignment?"
Sasuke inquired.
"She's gone to the land of keys, more specifically Jōmae Village. The shinobi there, much like Benisu, aren't recognized by the major shinobi villages. Hopefully, they will join us for our financial backing and the military might we would be supporting them with. The Jōmae specialize more in espionage and deception rather than combat capability. Add their skills with our combat enhancing techniques and we've got ourselves a welcomed addition to our forces."
Malice spoke knowlegably of the plan for she had a heavy hand in its conception. She and Kagura scouted potential wothwhile endevors, decideding that the Jōmae would fit many of their lacking areas.
"Excellent! Thank you all for working so hard! I hope that one day I will be able to repay you all for your trust and effort."
His dream was becoming clearer by the day.
An empire was not its emperor but its people and seeing all these different people being able to come together was a reminder of that. He wanted to change the world so that demons and monsters could laugh together with the rest of the world just like they had.
"You've worked hard as well Naruto-sama. These are your plans in motion after all. And it was you who said it best: "Once the little links join together, they'll never break the chain." Come Hinata, it is time for us to take our leave."
"Yea Haku, it's probably best we head out as well. At least with your Hatsu, getting to the island won't be that much of a hassle."
"Damn, I missed you guys discovering your Hatsu. Time feels even weirder in the deep. . . What did they end up being?"
"You'll see when I get my rematch, boss."
"Yes, I think we should wait for an opportune moment to show our abilities."
Zabuza and Haku wanted to keep a few surprises to themselves.
"Fine. . . Just know, you guys are no fun."
It was then that Hinata approached the whiskered boy.
"N-Naruto-sama. . . Please wait for me. When I return. . . Y-you be able to recognize me!"
Hinata made a promise to herself.
Once she crossed that threshold into a new world, the timid shy girl she knew would die. In this new world, she would be reborn as the woman she desires to be the most.
"I'll gladly wait for you, Lady Hinata. Come back to me as the person you want to be. And please do not worry, I'll watch over Hanabi while you're gone."
Hinata had already moved in for a hug before she could process the thought, much to Haku's displeasure.
Hinata broke away from Naruto for them to share one more look before she nodded and headed towards Malice and the gate. Haku mustered all her courage to run up and give the most nervous hug of her life to Naruto.
"U-ntil next time, N-Naruto-sama."
Haku trembled throughout the embrace. This caused Naruto to snicker slightly, before returning the hug.
"Until we meet again, Haku-san. By the way. . ."
Naruto then moved to get his lips right by her ear.
"You. Look. Stunning. . ."
He whispered in her ear, causing her to go beet red.
"LET'S GO, ZABUZA-OTŌ!"
Haku broke away from her king and speed-walked in the opposite direction, clearly having no idea where to go.
"Benisu is closer to here and Bando said we would be able to get outside of the village with one of the bunkers exit tunnels."
"Yes, Sasuke, would you be so kind as to help them out?"
"Come demon. Let's get her before she gets herself lost."
Zabuza couldn't help chucking as they made their way to the exit.
"After you. . . Bird boy."
Naruto's Apartment (The Next Day)
With the suspicion on him and Sasuke, and with many of their plans in action, Naruto thought it wise for them to be present and accountable for a while to the Konoha brass. He had just finished his breakfast and was about to sit down to some tea along with working on a new seal when he received a knock on his door.
Who else were to be at his humble abode; disturbing his peace, then the famed Toad hermit.
"Hey, kid."
"Can I help you with something, Jiraiya?"
"Good, I guess you do know who I am. That should make things much easier."
"Make what easier?"
"If you know who I am, then you must know who my student was."
The young man also knew this was going to drag on longer then he'd like.
"Yes, the Yondaime Hokage. What does that have to do with me?"
"*Sigh* Are we really doing this? I know you know kid so why don't we cut the theatrics and get down to business."
"I'm sorry, Jiraiya. I'm not too sure as to what you're referring to. Would you mind informing me? It seems like something I should know if you came this early this far out."
They were locked in a staring contest and it seemed neither one of them would budge.
"Jiraiya, my apologies yet again, but I just finished making the perfect cup of green tea. You see the key is to get it to just the perfect temperature and to let the leaves boil for no more than 2 or 3 minutes."
"Are you explaining how to make tea to me?"
A prominent tick mark could be seen right on the corner of the toad sage's forehead.
"Did you know that this technique allows for the perfect sweet to bitter ratio?"
"Listen, I'm here to make you an offer. Will you hear it?"
"Of course Jiraiya. What would the Hokage-maker need with a lowly orphan?"
"Yondaime was a "lowly" orphan as you put it."
He figured he finally got the boy.
"From what I know, even from a young age Sir Namikaze was respected throughout the village, his parentage wasn't what people saw, it was the man. I use the word lowly when I refer to myself because that is how I'm referred to here."
That wasn't the response he was looking for, that's for damned sure.
"Geez, Kid. . . Listen, I want to take you on as my apprentice."
Instead of the hooping and hollering any child should display after getting a super cool, super spy as a sensei, Jiraiya recieved a pensive stare.
"I'm not too sure that would be a good idea. My reputation in this village is pisspoor for lack of a better word. I wouldn't want one of the legendary sannin to get mixed up with me. Especially after last time."
"That's not a concern for me. I saw your little exchange with Tsunade-hime and you've got more skills than you let on. You've got no reason to trust me-"
"Yes, Jiraiya. I believe you're right. I don't have a reason to trust you. So, if that will be all I'll be going back to my tea."
Jiraiya was close to testing out his theory.
Maybe all he needed to connect to the boy was to tell him the truth for once. He would've crossed that line if it wasn't for Kakashi's arrival.
"Good morning, Jiraiya-sama. Is there a reason you're here at Naruto's this early?"
Kakashi did his best to hide his knowledge and involvement in all this. To Naruto, it was just another round of jesters entertaining the king.
"I came to talk to the boy about something. What about you Kakashi?"
"I came because we've just been assigned a mission. Naruto, if you need, we can spare a couple minutes, but we need to head to the Hokage's for a briefing."
"I'm never going to have my tea. . . Let me throw my shoes on and I'll be right behind you Hatake."
The jōnin had noticed the change to how the boys referred to him, now only using his last name. They'd also stoped calling him sensei all together.
It was somewhat annoying but that was par for the course. When he looked towards the toad sage it was like they were looking at their reflection.
Naruto stepped out of his home and closed the door which appeared to set off a resounding thunk, as if some massive lock had been set on the gates of a castle.
"Alright. I'm ready when you are, Hatake. And Jiraiya, if you need to later, I'm sure we will be able to talk again."
"That would be great, kid."
Kakashi and Naruto signaled their departure and took off, leaving Jiraiya to scoop out the place.
"Let's see what we got in here."
Jiraiya reached for the doorknob.
*ZAP*
"MOTHERFUCKER!"
The searing pain for the savage shock surged through the sannin so fast he couldn't help but swear.
Once he got the feeling back in his extremities, he was left staring at the apartment, his newest challenge.
Hokage's office
"Good morning, Team 7. I will begin your mission briefing by introducing our clients."
Team 7 had been gathered before their client, an older gentleman with short grey hair with a beard and moustache along with small black eyes. He wore small glasses, and a baby blue long-sleeve shirt with a navy blue blazer on top.
"Good morning to you all. My name is Sandayū Asama, and I am the manager for Yukie Fujikaze."
"Wait, are you talking about the actress that plays Princess Gale!?"
Sakura had frequented the movies due to the decent amount of free time she had lately, thanks to the efficiency of her teammates.
There she watched the riveting adventures of Princess Gale, the warrior princess who fought against the force of darkness for the sake of her people. To Sakura, the princess was another strong female role model, plus her male supporters were a handsome bonus.
"Haha yes, the very same. I've come looking for bodyguards for Lady Fujikaze and your Hokage suggested your team. He believed there was no better group to escort and protect such a high valued client."
"Well, if our Hokage has so much faith in us, we will have to meet those expectations. And where are my manners? Please, allow me to introduce you to Kakashi Hatake, Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha, and my name, good sir, is Naruto Uzumaki. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Naruto had yet again taken the lead when it came to the team's operations. Even the handshake he went forward to give their client was reminiscent of businessmen closing a major deal.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Sir Uzumaki. You speak with a level of regality that I have not seen in a very long time. . ."
Naruto could hear the twinge of sadness in the old man's words.
"It takes a particular ear to catch something of that nature, Sir Asama. You hold yourself with the demeanor of a dedicated knight."
"Haha, I'm not too sure about being a knight. I'm simply a manager who prides himself on his work. I must ask, what do you know of knights, my boy?"
"A king must be able to assess whether one possesses the virtues of a knight, especially when a king should be following those same virtues."
The blonde one's words reminded him of another life, where he followed a man with similar beliefs.
To arouse such feelings of nostalgia, Asama could not doubt that this young man possessed the qualities of a great leader.
"Spoken like a true leader, Uzumaki-san."
Naruto flashed one of his signature smiles at Asama, which the man returned in kind.
"Moving on, Yukie Fujikaze and the filming crew will be traveling to Yuki no Kuni (Land of Snow) for their latest project. You will be escorting and protecting her until they finish their project."
Hiruzen finished informing the team on the details of their mission.
"No need to worry, Sandaime-sama. Team 7 will handle this mission swimmingly."
"There's one more thing. . ."
"What do you mean, Hokage-sama?"
Sakura inquired, to which Asama began to reply.
"You see. . . Lady Fujikaze can be difficult at times."
"Difficult to what extent, Sir Asama?"
Sasuke was the inquisitive one this time.
"Well. . . You see, She-"
The manager was cut off by the screams and shouts originating from the village streets.
Konoha's citizens barely avoided being trampled by a brown horse carrying a lovely black-haired maiden. Several pursuers dressed in black samurai-like armor were chasing her down on horseback the road towards the direction of the village gate.
"The Princess! Those guys are trying to kidnap her!"
Sakura proclaimed as they saw the scene down below from the Hokage tower.
"I doubt it, Sakura. To kidnap someone that important broad day in a ninja village would be a bad idea no matter who you were. I believe this has to do with what Sir Asama was about to tell us."
Naruto said as the room turned to the manager.
"*Sigh* Lady Fujikaze is very adamant against the trip and has been trying to flee before we begin our voyage. . ."
"And what reason has she to refuse to go?"
Naruto's question was answer ith dead air. It's recipient, diverted his gaze in shame.
"My apologies, Sir Asama. I overstepped my boundaries with my last question. To make up for this, I'll go and retrieve your princess before any harm comes to anyone. You deserve a moment of peace for once, so please rest easy for our return."
A tear pushed its way through and rolled down his cheek.
It had been far too long since someone showed that level of concern for him. He felt obligated to listen to the young man's order as some of the achings on his weathered bones lifted.
"Sasuke, please escort Sir Asama back to the film crew and inform them to prepare for departure. Kakashi and Sakura, it would be best for you to stop the pursuers, who I'm guessing are bodyguards. You can kindly escort them back to the crew's location."
The King glided towards the exit while assigning the team with their objectives.
"Naru-"
"I'll be along shortly with the princess, safe and sound."
He never turned back, threw up his hand in a wave, and vanished.
Kakashi decided to let go of yet another rude display from the Uzumaki and go along with the part he was given.
"That lad is certainly unique."
Asama couldn't help but comment on Naruto.
It wouldn't go unnoticed to him how quick and decisive Naruto was with team assignment and execution.
"He certainly is Sir Asama. Shall we be on our way?"
Sasuke greeted the man with a handshake.
"Yes, thank you, Uchiha-san."
As they headed towards the exit, the older man felt a degree of familiarity with the young man beside him.
"Alright. . . Sakura, you're with me. If you'll excuse us, Sandaime-sama."
The two remaining members of the team bowed and exited the office.
The remaining old man was left with his thoughts.
"Will we ever have a normal interaction in this office. . ?"
With Naruto
"They're getting better at following orders, my lord. There may be hope for them yet."
Kurama chimed as she watched along with her King from the top of the hokage tower.
Naruto was using In to conceal his presence and his visor's sensory tech to track Fujikaze to a small stream outside the village, where she stopped to allow her horse to drink.
"I can't understand why they allow their pride to get in the way of a good plan. It matters little in the end."
"Yes, your majesty! You are most correct. For as we speak, your will is being executed to shape the world in your image."
"It has crossed my mind, Kurama-san. Is this the way my parents would've wanted me to go about things?"
"Naruto-sama. . . Your parents and I didn't always see eye to eye. Minato favored diplomacy over violence and your mother believed that one's actions said more than their words."
A calm always washed over the boy whenever Kurama reminisced about his parents.
"I will not be so bold as to assume how they would've wanted you to handle the situation with the village or your goals for the world, but I do know that they wanted you to grow in the world and become your own man. To be able to stand on your own and make your own decisions."
The fox's words resonated within the deepest reaches of his being.
"You are royalty. Meaning you must carry yourself with a strength of character and conviction. Whether by breed, by choice, or by selection, you are a King! The moment your resolve begins to crumble, so does your kingdom."
"I would never allow that! I would return from the dead to protect my realm!"
"Then understand that with what you were given in this world, you forged your path."
"I understand. There is no point in questioning my choices now. . . Besides, I'm happy with how I turned out. I think they would be too, with the possible exception of the occasional slaughter."
The two shared a hearty laugh imagining the boy being reprimanded for ripping his enemies apart without remorse.
"I wouldn't be so sure. Minato and Kushina seemed to prefer their enemies diced, minced, shredded, or all the above."
She couldn't help but think back on all the battles she had witnessed by Kushina's side. The savagery those two could display at times satisfied some of her more animalistic urges.
"Thank you. . . Kurama-haha. For everything."
It was moments like this that the kitsune lived for. This boy for her filled a void she didn't know she had. Kurama was prepared to give everything for his sake, for he was her everything.
"There's no need to thank me, my lord. Now, go out there and act like the king you are."
"Yes ma'am!"
Naruto placed his visors over his eyes and began channeling chakra into his boots.
With a bend of his knees, the wind jets of his boots took Naruto off into the sky, getting right above the cloud line. He flew for a few minutes before arriving at the stream Yukie had stopped at. While the horse drank, Yukie sat in a fetal position, with the air of melancholy wafting over her. Naruto decided to land slightly down the road and approach her by foot so as not to startle her.
"Are you hurt, princess?"
Asked Naruto as he closed in a couple of feet from the young woman. She shot him a glance but said nothing.
"There are people who are awaiting your safe return."
She remained silent, not even turning to acknowledge the boy this time.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I am a Konoha shinobi. Sandayū Asama, your manager, I gave him my word that I would return you to the set safely."
The actress sprang to action, showing her horse riding proficiency by mounting her steed and taking off with speed and grace.
Naruto stepped out of the way of the horse as it galloped past him, getting back on the road and speeding up. Fujikaze turned her head as she heard a whistling noise behind her.
"Is all this necessary?"
What she saw almost made her fall off the stallion.
The blonde boy appeared to be skating on the ground as if it were ice, hand behind his back, keeping up with her horse with ease.
She signaled her steed to go even faster, as they reentered the village and started darting through alleyways. All the while, Naruto stayed on her tail. As she was able to exit another alley, some children walked by and froze at the sight of the large beast coming towards them.
*Sigh*
Naruto came to a screeching halt and slammed both of his hands on the ground. Onyx chains then burst out of the ground between the steed and the children and made a makeshift bridge, carrying the horse above them. Once in the street, Fujikaze forced the horse to make a sharp left as it took off once more.
"Are you all alright? Were any of you hurt anywhere?"
Naruto approached the children as the chains faded.
"Y-yes. We're fine."
"Thanks, a lot for helping mister!"
"Yea, that was so cool!"
The children's eyes were filled with such spender as they gazed upon Naruto.
"Hehe! If you think that was cool, feast your eyes on this!"
Naruto once again shielded his eyes with his visors before blasting off into the air again.
"WOW!"
The children marveled as they saw their savior take off into the sky like a bird.
"You are a King of the people, my lord."
"Of course! Now, let's catch the celebrity troublemaker before she gets someone trampled."
Naruto caught up to the actress from the air as she ducked into another alley.
Naruto cut off his jets and crash-landed before her, spooking her stead.
As it bucked, Fujikaze went flying off. She clenched her eyes shut anticipating the painful encounter she was to have with the ground, but it never came. Instead, she felt something wrap around her waist and gently place her feet on the ground. She opened her eyes to the feeling of the ground beneath her feet to the sight of Naruto soothing the horse. Despite feeling something earlier, Yukie inspected her waist to see nothing was there.
"That could've been quite the trip. Are you ready to head back now?"
Naruto approached the actress with the stallion's reins in hand.
"STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!"
She took off in the opposite direction on foot. As she neared the exit of the alley, the whiskered boy turned the corner, blocking the way out.
"Please, Lady Fujikaze. This is getting rather tiresome."
The starlet looked back to see that there were two Narutos.
"I'M SERIOUS! STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!"
Yukie turned to the first Naruto with the horse and shouted.
"Sir Asama is a patient man indeed. If this is just a fraction of what he has endured then that look of exhaustion he wore was well earned. You owe him a moment of tranquility."
All her panic and adrenaline vanished in an instant as her world went dark. Yukie went plummeting towards the ground but was caught by the clone behind her.
"Good job. The sleeper tag seems to be performing as expected. Let's remember to note that test #59 was a success in the logs."
Naruto said to his clone as they made their way towards the filming camp. He looked at the woman as she slumbered.
"It's sad. . . When a royal refuses to see the blight of their people, especially their closest supporters. At least this way, we'll have somewhat of a peaceful trip.
With Team 7
Memories. . . They played in her mind like the scenes of a movie reel.
She saw the enchanting setting of a castle, caked in the powdery shimmer of fresh snow.
A little girl walked down a long hall gazing left and right to view the snowflakes falling from the heavens. She called out for her father again and again until she finally found him in a room. The man wore glasses and a kind smile, always welcoming the little girl to his side. They were surrounded by mirrors that reflected them in the center of the room. Whenever the little girl asked what the man was doing, he would always answer that he was looking for a way to warm his people, for they would give the shirts off their backs to warm him.
"Mirrors can show us all we need to see, even answers we didn't know we could find."
The man would say as the little girl approached one of the mirrors.
The visions played on in flashes.
One moment, the girl was submerged. The chill etched in her soul.
The next vision was of all she had known, being engulfed in ravenous flames.
The sight of that welcoming smile burning away. . . That was the sight that would wake her up every morning, and today was no different.
*Yawn*
"Didn't get enough sleep yet again, princess."
Yukie looked over to see the members of team 7 approached, with the one she had come to know as Naruto leading the pack.
Upon arrival, the team made changes to their wardrobe to combat the cold temps of the land.
Sakura wore arm and leg warmers as well as a beige hooded cloak while Kakashi chose to don a mustard-colored scarf.
Naruto, instead of his regular hooded haori, and Sasuke wore long black leather hooded coats, plainly adorned with a silver zipper and silver beaded pull strings for the hood that form a semi-circle in the middle. They also wore black leather gloves.
Throughout the last couple of days, she learned of the team that was charged with escorting and protecting her during the project filming. The pink-haired girl seemed harmless enough as she fawned over most of her male co-stars, and as long as she didn't engage with the white-haired man, she believed she would be alright. The sight of Naruto and his companion is what irritated her.
When Yukie came to after her interaction with the boy in the alley, she found herself upon a ship with cast and crew on their way to the snow. Everywhere she turned, there they were. The fact that he would always call her princess. That emotionless look his friend always wore. And that damned smile on his face whenever she saw him. She hated its familiarity.
They had even managed to get the good graces of the cast and crew, even Makino the director of the film, and began helping with positions here and there. The crew members became friendly with the two rather quickly, if not for their work effort, then for the fact that they were giving so many a well-deserved break.
As they entered the land of snow, a massive glacier blocked their way. Feeling inspired, the director chose to set anchor and film one of the movie's final scenes.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stay the hell away from me?"
They learned much about the starlet as well.
The role she played as princess Gale could be considered Yukie's antithesis. Where the princess was loving, kind, and gentle, Yukie was cold and cynical. She had no motivation to propel her career or do anything worthwhile with her life. Where the cast and crew were putting their hearts and souls into their projects, she saw it as merely another job. This upset Naruto, though he wasn't so quick to dismiss the young woman. He saw in her what he saw in many of his comrades.
"I'm simply doing my job, princess."
"Well, go do your job the hell away from me! All of this. . . It's pointless."
He still couldn't understand why she went out her way to be melancholic, but everyone was entitled to their choices.
The team walked over to the side where Makino sat as the filming began.
"Good morning, Sir Makino."
Naruto greeted an elderly man, with grey hair, and small squinted eyes. He wore a pair of blue glasses, a brown hat along with a long orange coat and brown gloves for the cold weather.
"Morning. Perfect day for filming! And this location, couldn't ask for any better!"
Makino was very passionate about his work and thought that this film would be his crowning achievement.
"Well, everything appears to be going well. Glad to see the cold isn't affecting filming."
"We made sure to have the best equipment for the conditions Sandayū described. He was right though, it's breathtaking here. Has it changed since your last trip, Kakashi?"
"It's hard to say. . . It's been a long time. It's still cold."
"Tell me about it! Sandayū came through when it came to preparations. If we brought the equipment we had prepared before his input, we'd be frozen solid."
Said the director's assistant.
"Thanks again for the help, Naruto. You sped up the setup and now we can start filming hours ahead of schedule, with all this prime light!"
Naruto had summoned several clones when they had gotten off the ship to help get everything in place for today's shoot.
"A good leader should make everyone's job easier if they can."
"Well, if you ever get in the business kid you let us know. Plenty of crewmen would give their all for a boss like you, and I'm sure you'd make a hit!"
The old director would love to have a successor to continue advancing his true love, cinema. Plus, with all the boy's talk of kings and knights, he might have a compelling tale on his hands."
"Maybe one day I'll dip my toe in. For now, we'll have to focus on our work as shinobi."
It was then Makino's assistant informed him they were ready to shoot.
"EVERYBODY READY? ALRIGHT AND ACTION!"
*BOOM*
"Wait, was that in the script?"
One of the actors called out as an explosion went off on an ice pillar.
"HEY! WHATHAHELL DOYATHINK YADOING!?"
Makino fumed at the sight of Kakashi throwing a paper bomb kunai at the pillar for no apparent reason.
"Good work, Hatake. The early bird and all that. Now, what do you people want?"
Three figures appeared, two landing on ice pillars while the last one popped out from under the snow, a few yards behind the team.
"We're here to welcome you to the Snow."
"It's you!"
The first to speak was a thin pale tone man with small diagonal purple marks below both of his teal pupil-less eyes. He had long purple hair held in a long ponytail running down his back, along with a long, thin strand of purple hair hanging over the right side of his face. Kakashi appeared to recognize the man.
"As for what we want, that would be the hexagonal crystal. Did you happen to bring it, Princess Koyuki?"
The second person was a female who had green eyes and pink spiky hair that stuck out of two holes at the top of her grey helmet, reminiscent of pigtails.
"Princess Koyuki?"
Kakashi's stunned expression was shared by many others among them, as well as the look of fear and panic.
"Looks like you were able to sniff us out before we could close in. You and your brats are good, Kakashi."
The last individual was a rather large man with a short crop of purple hair and dark eyes.
Each of the three dressed in peculiar attire consisting of blue and white, with the larger man's outfit looking more like armor with a large mechanical arm.
"Well, that look on Kakashi's face tells me that things just got interesting. Sakura, you stay on Yukie. This location hinders your combat abilities. I'm pretty sure Hatake gets the tall guy, so Sasuke you take the big one and I'll take the last one."
Once Naruto delivered his orders, Sasuke was on the move. He had reached the large man and attempted to end him swiftly with a downward arc. It was deflected by the man's red snowboard.
"It's a good plan. . . Let's go with it. Everybody back to the ship! Provide as much cover to the civilians as possible as they get back to the boat."
The rest of team 7 sprang into action.
"Fubuki, Mizore, I'll leave Princess Koyuki to you."
"Whatever. Just be quick about it, Rōga."
The now identified Fubuki went straight for Yukie, but Sakura landed right in front of the actress.
"Stay behind me no matter what."
Sakura received no response. Her client stood behind her petrified.
"Little girl, do you really think you'll be able to-"
"Impact Wind!"
Naruto rocketed into Fubuki while she sprinted to the princess, sending the foreign assailant hurling into an ice formation. A burst of wind in front of Sakura cleared the snow cloud that had been kicked up, to reveal to her their self-elected team leader.
"You alright, Haruno?"
"Yea, no worries."
Sakura had been diligent in her training for a moment like this. She was ready. It wasn't going to be like the Wave.
As the cast and crew ran towards their ship, Sandayū came running towards the princess' side. Yukie barely uttered her manager's name before she collapsed, with said man managing to catch her before her fall.
"I like that look in your eyes, Haruno. Training with Hatake must be paying off. Call if you need help."
Naruto went to engage Fubuki as she rose to her feet. He was somewhat surprised to see the woman appeared unarmed.
"These people are not to be underestimated. The fact that one can keep up with Hatake attests to that."
As Kurama spoke, Naruto turned towards Kakashi to see he had engaged his opponent in a heated exchange of blows. They traded punch for punch and kick for kick as they continued to climb to the highest part of the glacier.
"I hope you aren't planning on disappointing me by fleeing again, copycat?"
"Nadare Rōga. . ."
They were locked in a grapple bout, both fighting for supremacy over the other.
"It's great to see that you remember me. Allow me to be your final memory!"
They broke off from each other and started running through hand signs.
"Ice Style: Dragon Vs. Tiger!"
"Water Style: Water Dragon!"
A massive ice tiger and a giant water dragon went on the assault, weaving and moving to avoid the other and stroke down the caster. Upon contact, the water dragon mixed and froze with the tiger.
"STAY STILL YOU BRAT!"
Naruto looked in the other direction to Mizore despite being a larger man, was very fast and quite the skilled taijutsu practitioner. He tried to overpower Sasuke due to his size advantage, but found that the boy was just as strong as he was, maybe even stronger.
"That armor. . . "
The knight found it difficult to get through the man's defenses. Sasuke had several opportunities to end the man but found an invisible barrier blocking his finishing moves.
"It's chakra armor. It increases our chakra and strengthens our techniques. It also creates a wall of chakra around the body, and it even nullifies your chakra. It doesn't matter what kind of jutsu you use, they won't work."
"Chakra armor. . ?"
Naruto questioned as he looked at the opponent in front of him. He concluded that the armor must be how the woman tank'd his attack.
"It was dirty for you to sneak attack me like that, you bastard. I'll make you pay."
She scowled as two mechanical wings sprouted from Fubuki's back as she took off into the air.
"Ice Style: Tsubame Blizzard!"
A cluster of ice took the shape of miniature swallows, flying like a swarm at the young monarch. He dodged, but the projectiles changed direction in midair, trying to slash through the boy with their sharp wings.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullets!"
Naruto took a deep breath and then exhaled, releasing a rapid volley of small high pressurized blasts of wind in such a manner that they dispersed over an expansive range, enough to destroy all the ice swallows. Fubuki's chakra barrier deflected most of the bullets, though several got through, damaging the armor's wings and grounding her.
"Sasuke, Hatake! The barriers are weak to piercing attacks!"
"Got it!"
The two of them shouted back to the blonde as they disengaged their enemies to prepare.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
Sasuke spat out fireballs that transformed into dragon heads in mid-flight, with their roar eclipsing all other sounds on the glacier.
"I won't lie, that was a good shot. It still won't be enough to break through my barrier!"
The bruiser had his barrier take on the brunt of the Uchiha's attack, with his armor suffering from minor singes.
*Sssssiiizzzz*
"YOOOOUUUUUUCCCCCHHHHH"
The brute felt an intense searing pain on the left side of his face. He clutched it in pain, looking around to see where his opponent had disappeared to.
"Now that I've drawn my blade, I suggest you surrender."
The man looked behind where the voice came from to see his opponent had his back turned to him.
His cloaked silhouette stood still with his blade having gone through a transformation. Now it was a brilliant azure with small wicks of flames wafting off from time to time. It hummed in his hand, seemingly in anticipation.
"W-what the hell did you do to my face?"
"Isn't it obvious? I cut you. With my Mugen, I'll take your head."
As Sasuke pointed his blade towards Mizore, the man jumped back and launched the hand of his mechanical arm at the knight. Swiftly spinning to the side, the young man twirled his blade several times, severing the cable connecting the two components in several places.
"Excellent form, Sasuke!"
"Thank you, Naruto-sama, but are you going to keep playing?"
Sasuke couldn't help but send an annoyed look his lord's way.
"Fine. . . It's a bad habit for sure."
Naruto backflipped, dodging a kick from his opponent. As he landed, he pulled out a kunai with his right hand and made several seals with his left.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Blade!"
Like a snake slithering up a branch, the vibrant green aura Naruto had exhaled danced around the kunai. It morphed around the small blade, the aura resembling a living scimitar. It moved and bent but never lost its sharp appearance.
"What's with these guys? Never expected them to be this tough. Ice Prison Jutsu!"
Ice pillars began to jut out of the glacier surface towards the king. He slashed through the pillars with his vacuum blade as he began making his way to finish off the woman.
"Stay away!"
Faster and faster, more pillars appeared and began to surround the boy. With swift spinning maneuvers, he continued to cut through the pillars.
"Burst Wind!"
Naruto burst forward in a massive gust of wind and appeared in front of his attacker. Suddenly, he was encased in ice.
"Hehehe. You might be good, but you're still just a kid. Mizore! You look like you're having a rough time."
Seeing as she had dealt with her, she decided to tease her teammate for having difficulty. She observed as the black haired boy slashed down on Mizore's gauntlet, forcing the man to unequip it before it exploded. Mizore ended up landing right next to Fubuki.
"Next time, mind your damn business Fubuki. Now help me kill this one so we can get the princess."
Both of them stared down at Sasuke from the ice perch they stood upon.
"Haruno-san. I can watch over the princess so you can provide Uzumaki-san with assistance."
Asama assured Sakura as Yukie laid in his arms.
"Thank you, Sandayū-san. But it won't be necessary."
This caused the man to raise a brow.
"He's not the one who's going to need help. . ."
As if on cue, the ice encased Naruto glowed with a bright white light before erupting into a massive explosion.
"What the-"
Nadare's focus was drawn to the explosion, allowing Kakashi to deliver a powerful roundhouse kick that sent him a distance away. Out of the smoke of the explosion, the signed forms of Fubuki and Mizore emerged, landing next to their other teammate.
"Damnit, this isn't how things were supposed to unfold. They were meant to be a team of rookies."
Mizore spat out as he held his scarred face.
"Is it age or experience that breeds arrogance? I'm sure I'll never know."
The three looked to the Uchiha, as the voice came in his direction. It was then that Naruto appeared from behind Sasuke, with Kakashi landing next to them.
"That's it. . . Fubuki, Mizore, let's end this!"
Ram → Bird → Monkey → Horse → Snake → Dog
As the three foreign shinobi finished weaving through their signs the entire glacier began to shake violently.
"Ice Style: One Horned White Whale!"
They shouted in unison as three gigantic whales with long narwhal horns made from the preexisting ice jutted out from under the glacier, breaking it in two. The behemoths then began to fall towards the team.
"Sakura! Get them back on the boat now!" .
Kakashi ordered, with Sakura throwing both on her shoulder and taking off for the ship which was being rocked violently on the disturbed waters.
"Sasuke, Follow my lead! Kakashi, muster up your strength into a powerful fire jutsu."
With the looming threat of being crushed and buried within the freezing depths, Kakashi had little room to argue.
"Wind Style: Wind Lord's Breath."
From the monarch's mouth came a small emerald orb that then became an enormous bullet of concentrated wind streams, whipping wildly along its form.
"Fire Style: Roaring Flame Sphere."
The knight exhaled a miniature crimson orb in a similar fashion to his king.
And following the lead of his lord's attack, Sasuke's technique expanded to a gleaming sphere of heat that distorted the air around it.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Kakashi hesitated a tad at the majesty of his student's attacks.
He'd never heard of such arts despite being famed for his jutsu arsenal. The two massive orbs the boys fired merged, expanding multiple times bigger than the sum of its parts. It expanded a bit more as Kakashi's jutsu joined.
"Unison Art:"
The three assailants couldn't help the fear they felt, hitting them like the heat from the orb. It neared the whales with what could only be described as miniature flame twisters crawling along its surface.
"Infinite Incinerator!"
The attacks clashed creating a massive shockwave that rocked and shattered the glacier's surface. The whales began to shatter and melt apart as the massive heat orb continued to push through.
There was no stopping the devastating force of the fireball, with it ripping through the ice jutsu and colliding with the section of the glacier the enemy had been on. It quickly melted all in its path and continued burning brilliantly.
"It'll burn out eventually. . . Come, let's make sure everyone is alright."
Kakashi felt he had to watch on. It was so far from them now, but he could still see its brilliance. He still felt warm winds on his face. There was nothing before him but the vast ocean, with steam wafting off the surface. When he came to his senses, he realized he was left alone, with the boys nearly at the ship. All he could do was turn to join them, his head reeling from his thoughts.
Out of the water, a red board splashed onto the surface. Soon after it, Mizore's large hand grabbed its surface. He pulled himself out of the water, along with his teammates who all used chakra to steady themselves on the water. As they watched their target sail away, Fubuki broke the silence.
"If we didn't dive, we could've died."
"I'll fucking kill those brats when we see them!"
Mizore fumed, grabbing the burn scar the Uchiha gifted him. They both looked to their last teammate. Rōga gritted his teeth so hard, one would think they were going to shatter.
"That bastard Kakashi got away again. . . We must head back. Dotō-sama will not be pleased."
Chapter Nine End
Author's Notes: Hello everyone thanks for reading the 9th Chapter of Naruto: Paradox!
For visualization:
Zabuza's new outfit is based on Cloud's advent children outfit.
Haku's is based on Tifa's exotic dress from FF7 Remake.
The coats Naruto and Sasuke are wearing are the Leather coats worn by Organization 13 from Kingdom Hearts.
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