Naruto: Ice Burn
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Freezing
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Here is chapter 8. Enjoy!
[ ] Signifies hand signals
{ } Signifies a foreign language
Last Time:
Location Unknown
A robotic voice spoke. "Pandora activity detected at Point A".
"Platoon A Commander Chiffon Fairchild: Active."
"…"
"No other Pandoras from Platoon A Active."
"…"
"No Nova Activity Detected."
"Activate Platoon B? Yes/No"
"Deliberating…"
…
Sparring Grounds
Jiraiya decided to call it a morning and Chiffon took Naruto back inside the Daimyo's Compound. The four chunins were left to their own devices and after several minutes of silence Ino said, "I couldn't even keep up with Naruto or Jiraiya-sama visually, let alone physically. I'm just floored. How did Naruto get that strong?"
Choji pulled out a bag of chips and said, "The other day when I sparred with Naruto he wasn't going all out and I thought he was moving as fast as Asuma-sensei. I don't know what to think."
Shikamaru was resting his palm on his forehead. "Naruto is beyond troublesome. The hit he nailed Jiraiya-sama with at the beginning of the spar was enough to take out a charging rhino. Then again, Jiraiya-sama did train the Fourth Hokage."
"My ears are still ringing from the sounds of the hits Naruto took from Jiraiya-sama and the knucklehead didn't even flinch at the impacts." said the blonde kunoichi. "What was with Naruto glowing?"
Sakura said, "Jiraiya-sama said the glowing was senjutsu energy and that Naruto is becoming a sage."
"A sage?" asked Ino. "What all does that entail?"
"I don't have a clue." admitted Sakura. "Tsunade-sama said Jiraiya-sama is a Toad Sage and that senjutsu can give you a massive boost of power. I'll have to ask her more about it when we get back to Konoha. I still wonder how strong Chiffon-san is. She didn't even seem fazed by the power Naruto and Jiraiya-sama were throwing off."
"From what she said about being a Pandora, maybe those kind of power levels weren't unheard of in her time." Choji theorized. "Those Nova sound like they were bad news."
"Chiffon-san is a riddle; that much is certain." said Shikamaru. "I wonder how much Naruto actually knows about her."
…
Chapter 8
Fang Country, Daimyo's Compound
It was evening when Naruto gave his full report to Jiraiya going back to the mines in Iron Country all the way up to the battle at the hot springs with Kuriarare Kushimaru.
Jiraiya's head was spinning. "So in short, you befriended the Kyubi whose name is Kurama, found out you are a reincarnation of Otsutsuki Ashura who was one of the Sage of the Six Path's sons and are learning from his memories. Then you found Chiffon Aoi Fairchild who is a warrioress called a Pandora that existed before recorded history. Did I get it all?"
Naruto nodded, "That's it in a nutshell Jiraiya-sensei. Chiffon-chan's abilities are so different from ninja ones that it is kind of impossible to gage her. She's very discreet with them though so she only reveals what she has to when it's necessary. Chiffon's easily jonin level though. She says that gauntlet she can materialize is called Anti-Nova but I just call it the claw."
"So what else do you know about Pandoras?" asked Jiraiya.
The blonde thought a moment and said, "Chiffon-chan told me that there was an invasion of Earth long ago by beings called Nova from another dimension. No one knew why they attacked but the Pandoras were created through hyper technology to combat them. She said that she died before the war ended so she has no idea what happened or who won. She also said the computer there was damaged and didn't know squat about the timeline."
The prankster continued. "It must have been really bad the way she talks about it. She's got a lot of survivor's guilt I think because she's the last Pandora as far as we know."
Jiraiya said seriously, "Just be there for her and talk with her Naruto. Survivor's guilt is a hard thing to overcome. Hatake Kakashi never shook it off and he's had it for years."
"I'll do that Ero-sennin." said the blonde somberly.
Then the Toad Sage fixed him with a stare. "However, the most important thing right now is NO SAGE CHAKRA. You need to be trained properly to use it Naruto. Otherwise, you could end up turning to stone. We're going to go to Mount Myōboku and teach you correctly by Ma and Pa. It will take a few months but trust me when I say it will be worth it. The last thing I want is my prized apprentice to become a statue."
Naruto sighed, "Alright, no senjutsu until I'm trained. When can we go to Mount Myōboku?"
"I was planning to wait until you were sixteen but given how much advanced; I have to talk to Ma and Pa." said the Toad Sage.
The Master and apprentice talked until nearly midnight when Naruto returned to his bedroom where he found Chiffon was snoring cutely while clutching a pillow. The blonde ninja slipped into bed and curled up with her and her gold eyes opened up. "Is everything alright Naruto-kun?" she asked,
Naruto smiled as he looked into her eyes. "You are so beautiful." he said before giving her a peck on the lips. "Master Jiraiya wanted a thorough report on everything that happened while he was in the hospital. It took hours. He doesn't want me using senjutsu without more training."
She ran her hands through his hair and said, "One day at a time Naruto-kun. You'll get there,"
The two kissed each other sweetly before going to sleep for the night…
…
The next morning Naruto was speaking with Shikamaru and his chunin team. "You won't be coming back to Konoha with us?" asked Choji. "You're already ridiculously strong."
"My training still isn't complete." replied the blonde prankster. "I still have to master senjutsu."
Shikamaru nodded. "It's troublesome but I understand Naruto. It's been good seeing you."
Sakura gave him gentle hug. "Stay safe Naruto. We all miss you."
"I hope you come home soon Naruto." said Ino. "Konoha isn't the same without you,"
Naruto grinned at his friends. "I'll be home before you know it. Tell everyone I said hi."
…
Jiraiya and Chiffon were waiting for Naruto when he returned from bidding his friends farewell. The blonde ninja smiled and said, "Where are we headed Jiraiya sensei?"
The Toad sanin said, "Anywhere but here. When Tsunade finds out you're learning senjutsu I guarantee she will issue a recall order." 'Not to mention you're travelling with a concubine. Oh, let's face it; I'm as good as dead,,,'
Chiffon looked towards the sky and saw a star like dot crossing it. She said, "A satellite...? I wonder what else is left of my era." She turned to Jiraiya and said, "I hadn't thought of it before but there may be space satellites still in orbit from my era. I'm going to attempt to link up with them."
Jiraiya said, "You mean your people actually traveled up into space?"
"Oh yes, we had a thriving space industry." replied the Pandora.
The Toad sanin grinned, "This could be an interesting little detour."
Naruto smiled, "You think this could lead to more of your people Chiffon-chan?"
"It's remotely possible." said Chiffon. "At least I hope so."
"Let try it then." said Naruto. "There's a mystery to be solved!"
Jiraiya was equally enthused. "Go ahead and try to contact these satellites, Chiffon. Our scientists have theorized about them but never accomplished it."
Chiffon closed her eyes and sent out and electronic signal to the heavens. 'There used to be a vast solar powered network, maybe I'll get lucky and some relic will still be active.'
Within minutes she smiled. "Two satellites are in standby mode and one is active. They are coming online."
UPLINK ESTABLSHED: SATJP103
Identity Confirmed: Chiffon AoI Fairchild
Born: 2022 CE
Died: 2065 CE
Recreated: 2069 CE
Status: Active
Station: Point A
Rank: Platoon A Leader
SCANNING…NO NOVA THREAT DETECTED
SCANNING…
…EAST GENETICS PLATOON A: ACTIVE/ONE MEMBER *①
…EAST GENETICS PLATOON B: ACTIVE/ON STANDBY
…EAST GENETICS PLATOON C: INACTIVE/UNKNOWN
…WEST GENETICS PLATOON D: INACTIVE/DESTROYED*②
…WEST GENETICS PLATOON E: INACTIVE/DESTROYED
Chiffon asked, 'Computer, what is the location of Platoon B?'
35.4437° N, 139.6380° E Yokohama
'What is my current location?' she asked.
35.7880° N, 139.2758° E Ōme
"Do you have a map Jiraiya-sama?" asked the dark blonde Pandora.
The Toad sanin nodded and unsealed a small scroll of the Elemental Nations. Chiffon quickly cross referenced the satellite data with the map in front of her and said, "This is where Platoon B is."
Naruto looked at the map and said, "That's in Tea Country near Degarashi Port. I've been there before; it looks like it's northwest in the mountains near there. It will take a week walking to get to Tea Country from Fang. What do you think Jiraiya-sensei?"
Jiraiya rubbed his chin and said, "This could be a worthwhile trip. I know that there are ruins that archaeologists have been poking around down there for decades. It could be another hidden base of your people Chiffon-chan."
Chiffon said eagerly, "There may be other Pandoras there. Without Nova to fight maybe we can have a peaceful existence." After resupplying and submitting a report to Tsunade, the group of three headed towards Tea Country. Chiffon kept Naruto and Jiraiya entertained with the history of the world before the Nova Clashes.
…
Fire Country, Konoha, Hokage's Office
Nara Shikamaru and his chunin team made it back to Konoha about a week later with their reports on what had transpired in Fang Country. Her eyes nearly bugged out when she read about Naruto using senjutsu. 'Jiraiya never said anything about turning Naruto into a Sage.' she thought 'I can't believe that idiot teammate of mine.'
Then Tsunade's jaw hit the floor. "Since when has Naruto had a concubine?! Oh there is HELL to pay!" She turned to Sakura. "How the hell did Naruto end up with a concubine?!"
Sakura answered, "We don't exactly know Tsunade-sama. "We estimate she's jonin level though. All we know is Naruto rescued her from some sort of underground lab and saved her life."
Tsunade thumbed ahead in her reports and found Sakura's medical entries on Chiffon.
Subject: Chiffon Aoi Fairchild
Age: 17
Height: 166 cm
Weight: 54 kg
Bloodtype: AB
Skin color: Fair
Hair color: Dark Blonde
Eye color: Gold
Unusual Characteristics: Line through pupils, Healing factor
Bloodline: Unknown. Has the ability to materialize a massive metal claw called Anti-Nova, her exact nature is unknown as she does not appear to use chakra in a convention sense. Was stored in a hibernation chamber for hundreds of years before being rescued by Uzumaki Naruto…
Sakura's medical observations went on for several pages that Tsunade read in detail. After she finished reading Tsunade asked Sakura, "Is Fairchild-san a threat?"
Sakura shook her head. "She is extremely powerful but I don't believe she is any sort of threat. Ino's mind scans show she is very protective of Naruto and generally has a friendly disposition towards others. On the other hand she was able to catch one of my chakra enhanced punches effortlessly. How she became Naruto's concubine is a riddle to me."
Tsunade frowned. "I'm recalling Jiraiya to Konoha regardless of what the situation is. He always did have a weakness for pretty faces. I'm guessing Chiffon-san is attractive?"
"Actually, she's very beautiful." said Sakura.
The Fifth Hokage shook her head, "I'm guessing Naruto is ga-ga over her as well?"
Sakura blushed hotly and said, "They seem to be head over heels for each other."
Tsunade was going to ask about the blushing but thought to herself. "It might be better not to know."
…
Tea Country, Degarashi Port
Jiraiya got proper travelling paperwork for Chiffon once they got inside the Fire Country Border. Then the trio crossed through the Tea Country Border. Soon Naruto was explaining Tea Country Politics to Chiffon. "Tea Country is run by a Daimyo but the local governments are controlled by crime families. Some are benevolent but many are not. Degarashi Port is currently controlled by the Wasabi family. The last time I was here it was being fought over by the Wasabi and Wagarashi families. It was a real mess*③."
Chiffon listened to Naruto recounting the tale regarding Morino Idate and the Todoroki Great Shrine Race and she asked, "How old were you at the time Naruto-kun?"
"I guess I would have been thirteen at the time." replied the blonde prankster. "It seems like it was a lifetime ago now."
Naruto, Jiraiya and Chiffon entered Degarashi Port and were welcomed there by the Wasabi Family Guards that recognized Naruto from his spiky blonde hair. Welcome back Uzumaki-san. Your timing is excellent. Wasabi Jirōchō-san would love to see you again. Please visit him while you are here."
"Who is Wasabi Jirōchō?" asked Chiffon in a whisper.
He's the head of the Wasabi family." replied Naruto. "He's also a friend of Tsunade. I guess it won't hurt to check on him and maybe see Idate again."
…
Wasabi Family Compound
Wasabi Jirōchō was an older man with shaggy gray hair and dark eyes. He welcomed Naruto heartily. "Young Uzumaki-san, you've grown a lot since you were here in Degarashi Port last. What has it been; two years now?"
"Wasabi-san, it's good to see you again." said Naruto. "Allow me to introduce my companions Chiffon Fairchild and Jiraiya of the sanin."
Chiffon bowed politely and Jiraiya nodded in respect of the Wasabi Clan head. Jirōchō said, "It's nice to meet you both. Please join me for some lunch."
After eating Naruto asked, "So how are things here in Degarashi Port, Wasabi-san?"
"Well, to be honest there have been some strange happenings up near the ruins in the mountains just northwest of here." said Jirōchō. "It has me concerned and several locals worried. Some members of the archaeological team disappeared. I sent a request to Konoha a few days ago for a ninja team and haven't heard back yet. Given your skills as a ninja and all; I was hoping you might look into it for me. You would be compensated for your trouble of course."
Jiraiya nodded and said, "As a member of the sanin I'm authorized to take on missions for Konoha. We'll check things out at the ruins for you Wasabi-san." 'This worked out beautifully.' thought the Toad sage. 'We'll be free and clear to explore as we see fit.'
…
The next morning Jiraiya, Naruto and Chiffon travelled up a winding mountain road towards the mysterious ruins they suspected was East Genetics Platoon Point B. After a couple of hours of climbing they found the archaeological dig site and saw a tower sticking 40 meters out of the ground with kanji engraved in it that Jiraiya and Naruto couldn't make heads or tails of because they were English letters that said, {EAST GENET.}
Chiffon smiled and clapped, "East Genetics! This looks like the central spire…or what's left of it. There should be and elevator shaft inside that goes up and down inside the spire. The trio came over and looked down into the dig site that went another 30 meters down into the ground. Chiffon could easily make out the {-ICS}. In "Genetics."
The Pandora said, "From the central spire outwards, East Genetics radiated out in a hexagonal shape. All but the easternmost section of the hexagon is an arena for live combat. The eastern section was the teaching facilities that faced the sea. Outside of the hexagon was the dorms and recreational facilities. I visited East Genetics many times during my years at West Genetics."
She drew a hexagon in the dirt and said, "Unless I miss my guess, we are approximately here over the educational facilities. The inner defensive bunker was underground directly under the spire. I would assume that any preserved Pandora would be below that level."
Naruto commented, "If it is anything like the lab you were at Chiffon-chan then it will be really deep underground in solid rock."
The always smiling Panora said, "Hopefully this hibernation lab will be intact. The one I woke up in still gives me nightmares."
Naruto gently held her hand in his. "I have nightmares too, Chiffon-chan. How do you think we can get in?"
The dark blonde young woman stated, "There should be an access door at the base of the spire. If it has power, I should be able to get us in easily."
A guard came up from the dig site. "This isn't for sightseeing folks; I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Jiraiya stood up and said, "We're Konoha ninja. Wasabi Jirōchō sent us up here to investigate some disappearances. We'll need to see the head of the guards."
The guard saw Naruto's Konoha forehead protector on his headband and said, "Oh! That's different then. Follow me and watch your step."
The odd trio followed the guard down into the dig site and he said "Two guards and three civilians have disappeared since we opened that door. There have been all sorts of unholy noises coming from below. It's got us all spooked."
They were soon talking to the captain of the guards who was a heavy-set man named Hashimoto, The Captain explained, "When we opened the door at the base of the tower three of our archeological team members went in and vanished without a trace. I sent two guards in to look for them, but they vanished too. That's been a week ago now and we're losing hope."
Naruto nodded. "We understand. Take us to the door and we'll see what we can find."
"Alright ninja-san, just be careful." said Hashimoto. "We have no idea what's making the noises."
The group travelled down to the entrance at the base of the spire and saw the door was partially pried open. Chiffon changed her clothing to her West Genetics school uniform and placed her hand on a panel on the wall. Then she said in English, {"Computer, Chiffon Aoi Fairchild Platoon A Leader. Activate power and lighting so I may enter."}
Suddenly lights started crackling to life within. There were the sounds of snapping and hissing a power crackled and sparked through the ancient power lines. The door made a groaning sound as the locks on it disengaged. Then Chiffon none to gently shoved the door the rest of the way open and said, (Deactivate defense mechanisms."}
All off the archaeologists and guards stared in awe and she said, "There are a lot of traps in these places and I suspect your friends may have run afoul of them. It would be best if you stayed out of here even with the lights on inside."
Jiraiya said, "Everyone just stay back until we locate the five that are missing. We're treating this as a rescue operation and are assuming they are alive until we have proof to the contrary."
Naruto started reaching out with his sensory Ninjutsu and said, "I sense masses of unfocused killing intent below. Be ready for the worst."
"Do you know the way Chiffon?" asked Jiraiya.
She nodded, "I have a pretty good idea. Let's tread carefully."
The three crept down an intact, mostly lit hallway until they found human remains. All five missing people were there and cut to pieces by laser fire. Chiffon activated her volt weapon and waved it around within the laser's cutting range. "The auto defenses are inactive now from the looks of it. We still need to be careful though. There may still be some turned on."
As they went around the sliced up remains, Chiffon came to another computer access panel and placed her hand on it. {"Computer, how many floors down is the hibernation chamber?"}
{"23 Levels."} replied the computer in English. {"Would you like a map?"} it asked.
Chiffon answered, {"Yes please."} and a holographic map appeared showing the way down.
Jiraiya said. "It looks like a straight shot via the elevator down or taking the stairs around it."
That's when the hall vibrated and they heard a howl. {"Computer, how many Pandora were revived?"}
{"50 Pandora were awakened."} said the computer pleasantly.
The hall shook again. Chiffon asked, {"How many Pandoras were successfully awakened?"}
The computer made a buzzing nose and said, {"6 Pandoras were successfully awakened."}
{"And the others?"} asked Chiffon.
The pleasant voice said, {"44 Pandoras were awakened in partially crystalized states, of them 27 are still active."}
Chiffon felt panic. {"How many successfully awakened Pandoras are still active?"}
{"3 remain active."} answered the computer.
Chiffon turned to Naruto and said, "3 sane Pandoras are alive down there, 27 crystalized ones are active as well. We have to go down there now if we want to save them!"
"We take the elevator then." said Naruto
{"Computer, activate the elevator to the hibernation chamber."} ordered Chiffon.
{"Acknowledged Platoon Leader."} replied the computer.
…
Hibernation Chamber
{"They just keep coming!"} roared Cassie Lockhart as she cut down an enemy with her arm blades, Falchion.
Arnett McMillan swung her Scythe Machina and screamed, {"Shut up and keep fighting Cassie!"}
Cassie saw another ally die horribly. {"There are only three of us left! I-"}
{"The three of us will have to be enough."} said Ticy Phenyl as she swung her zanbato Gigantes Glaive and shattered a crystalized Pandora.
The three remaining Pandoras were pushed back further and further Until Ticy's zanbato was the only thing between them and destruction.
That's when they heard the elevator 'Ding' and a terrible killer intent washed over everyone in the room…
…
Elevator
Naruto knew his sweetheart was about to cut loose from the way she was flexing her claw in anger and anticipation. He had a kunai in each hand and was ready for action himself.
Chiffon said smiling darkly, "If they are crystal, shatter them without mercy. If they are flesh and blood then protect them. That's all."
Naruto and Jiraiya thought as one, 'Just what in the hell have I gotten myself into?'
…
'Ding' The elevator doors slid open. "It's go time!" announced Jiraiya as he powered up a rasengan in each hand. Naruto streamed wind down his kunai forming two swords of cutting wind…And Chiffon's dreaded Anti-Nova started crushing everything in sight.
The three surviving Pandora saw the Unmatched Smiling Monster appear in an illusion turn and crush three of their foes into shards
Naruto remember fighting the crystal Pandora in the mine tunnel what seemed like a lifetime ago and said, "Destroy their heads Ero-sennin! It's the only way to kill them!"
The remaining crystalized Pandoras were caught between Naruto and Jiraiya on one side. Three vengeful Pandoras on the other side and Chiffon who was everywhere using her illusion turn.
When the dust settled 10 minutes later there wasn't a single crystalized Pandora left in existence…but they'd lost Cassie Lockhart in the process she'd been torn to pieces while trying to protect the others...
…
Jiraiya and Naruto were a bit concerned for the two remaining beat up and bloodied Pandoras that they'd helped to rescue but Chiffon informed them that all Pandoras had healing factors like she did and that they would be okay. Ticy and Chiffon were both crying in happiness that they were reunited and the three Pandoras were soon chattering away in English about what had happened since their deaths.
Chiffon came over to Naruto and Jiraiya and said "Naruto-kun, Jiraiya-sama, I want you to meet my friends, I have yet to teach them your language, so I'll have to be an interpreter temporarily. This is Ticy Phenyl and Arnett McMillan. I hope you become friends with both of them. I'm afraid Cassie Lockhart and the three other survivors didn't make it though."
The two ninja exchanged greetings with the two recently revived Pandoras and Chiffon said sadly, {"Cassie Lockhart possessed 5 Stigmata, 3 of the are Heroic stigmata. We need to retrieve them if possible."}
The three Pandora went through the grisly task of recovering Cassie's stigmata from her remains. All three of them were visibly upset but did their best to stay strong.
Jiraiya whispered to his apprentice, "What is it they a doing Naruto?"
"I'm not sure Jiraiya-sensei." replied the blonde. "Maybe it's some sort of ritual?" he whispered back.
Chiffon smiled sadly at Naruto's questioning look and said, "I'll explain later." The blonde ninja just nodded in return.
Arnett said, {"That's all five of them."} She had a haunted look.
Ticy wondered aloud, {"What exactly happened? I remember the 13th Nova Clash*④ and then nothing."}
{"That's the last thing I remember too."} said Arnett.
Chiffon replied, {"That's probably when you died. The last thing I remember was the 11th Nova Clash."}
…
The group of five took the elevator back up and Chiffon locked the lower sections of the East Genetics Facility down. Chiffon said to Ticy and Arnett, {"You'll have to learn the modern language. I'll upload it into the computer so you can download it properly*⑤."}
It took about three hours to upload the Elemental Nation's dialect of Japanese and another two hours to download the information into Arnett and Ticy;s psyches. Naruto and Jiraiya didn't have a clue as to how the technology worked but were both happy to be able to communicate directly with the two new Pandoras.
By the time the very tired group emerged, it was nighttime and Jiraiya explained to Hashimoto, "The traps are deactivated but your five people are dead. They are about 20 meters inside. It's a real mess but their remains need to be recovered."
Hashimoto lowered his head. "I was afraid of that." Noticing the battered appearance of the three Pandoras and two ninja, the captain asked, "Are you alright? Where did these other two come from?"
"It's a long story." said Jiraiya. "These two ladies were from Konoha and got themselves lost down there. I'll explain it all to Wasabi-san back in Degarashi Port." 'That's a lot more believable than reality. Truth really is stranger than fiction. That's a given.'
The Konoha group was exhausted and gladly accepted the hospitality of the archaeological party that got them fed, washed and bandaged up as needed. They all slept in spare bunks that night before setting out for Degarashi Port in the morning…
…
Wasabi Family Compound
Wasabi Jirōchō was surprised by the speed Jiraiya and the others took care of things but saddened by the loss of the archaeologists and guards. He quickly sent out a message to Tsunade that Naruto's group had resolved the issue,
Jiraiya said to Naruto, "As much as I'd like to drag these three young ladies around with us, it wouldn't work out Naruto. I'm afraid that it's time to head home. Once we get to Konoha I'll reverse summon to Mount Myōboku and talk to the sages about your senjutsu training."
…
Chiffon was talking to Arnett and Ticy about the world as it stood. "It seems like early to mid-20th century technology here. They still use horse drawn carts and messenger birds but have short range radios. Tech here is very uneven."
"What about your limiter?" asked Ticy. "I would have expected him to use Freezing on those crystalized Pandoras."
"Naruto-kun isn't my limiter." said Chiffon. "He's a powerful ninja in his own right. Pandoras and Limiters don't really exist in this era. The closest thing to a Pandora now seems to be a kunoichi but I've only met two of them. They have totally different abilities from us. One I met could physically heal others and the other had psychic abilities like reading minds."
Arnett asked, "If they don't have high end skills or volt weapons then how strong are they?"
"Between chakra and jutsus they use you'll find they are quite amazing." answered the smiling Pandora. "There is one vital difference you should both note though."
"What's that?" asked the redheaded Pandora sounding unimpressed.
Chiffon explained, "They are trained virtually from birth as assassins and move silently."
Ticy's gray eyes widened and Arnett looked distinctively uncomfortable.
"That's going to take some getting used to." said Ticy.
"What's that, ladies?" asked Jiraiya as he and Naruto walked up.
Chiffon laughed, "I was just explaining how you ninjas move in total silence."
The blonde ninja chuckled. "We wouldn't be very good at or jobs if we were noisy. Jiraiya-sensei says we need to check in with the Hokage in Konoha. It will take about five days if we walk. Do you want to go?"
Chiffon said, "Of course I'm going!" she turned to the other two and said, "You'll join us, won't you?"
Ticy smiled and nodded and Arnett said, "We're going to a village of assassins?"
Jiraiya grinned and said, "You'll be perfectly safe there as long as you don't do anything crazy Arnett-san.
The Mad Dog Arnett smiled weakly and said, "Great…"
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Yes, I know Chiffon was from West Genetics originally, but the base she was recreated at was in the East for this story. East Genetics was said to have been in the vicinity of Yokohama, so the map coordinates are for that area. Since the Elemental Nations weren't put anywhere in particular in Naruto, I guess they could be anywhere really.
*②: West Genetics was said to be an artificial island created on the west coast of Japan. I put the West Genetics Platoons around the Osaka Bay area as a result. I figure the odds of bases surviving out in the ocean were nil.
*③: This was the Land of Tea Escort Mission from the anime. See Narutopedia for details.
*④: As far as I can tell, both Ticy and Arnett survived the 13th Nova Clash in the Freezing Manga, but I never read any further than that, For the sake of this story they died at that point,
*⑤: Yes, this is a cop out on your author's part, but I don't want to write months of Chiffon having to be an interpreter.
This chapter didn't work out too bad except for the melee fight in the hibernation chamber. I tried to write it out, but it was nothing but mass confusion and gore (kind of like the Carnival in the Freezing Manga). I ended up settling for a synopsis instead. As far as Arnett and Ticy are concerned, they are the only other Pandoras I intend to have in the story. See you next time. Blue out. 4/30/22