February 10, 1898
Blackwater, West Elizabeth
United States of America
The Navy Water.
That was the name on the back of the ship that was sailing into the Lannahechee channel, the ship had approximately 1000 immigrants from the land of the rising sun.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are currently travelling up the Lannahechee River. This here river was named after General Ralf Lannahechee the man who was able to get this land from a tribe of Injuns, they say he fought 50 of them with one gun as he was acting as a diversion as his men retreated. His body was found but he was unrecognisable. Due to his courage the state of New Austin had decided to name this very river after him." the tour guide announcer began as all those on the upper deck murmured in surprise and astonishment.
"This here river separate's America from Mexico. On your left you can see the country."
Everyone looked in the direction the guide was pointing except for one man, there standing by his lonesome and looking at the land that was in front of him he starred at it with surprise.
He was wearing a traditional Japanese conical hat, wooden sandals, black pants, a white undershirt, an emerald necklace and a black coat. In his mouth was a toothpick which he had used to clean his teeth. His blond hair and blue eyes made him stand out a lot in Japan whereas in this new country he wouldn't stand out at all.
Brrrrrrrr!
That was the ship's horn signalling that it was docking, when the ship stopped the tour guide spoke.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all to the land of opportunity. The United States of America, Yeaahh! Woo you made it!" the tour guide tried to lighten the mood, but no one looked excited. "Guys you're in America! Aren't you happy?"
No one said anything. "Does anyone of you understand English?"
"I understand." A hand was raised as the tour guide looked in the direction, his eyes were caught by the man's blue eyes and bond hair.
"Thank God. Can you tell these people that before they leave the boat they should get their complementary starter kit parcels before they leave."
The man translated as the people began nodding in understandment, some began speaking in Japanese to the tour guide. "Umm what are they saying because I don't understand them." The man glanced at the blond who translated. "They want to know where they will get their starter kit parcels." He stated.
"Tell them they should go to the train station and that they should tell the clerk that they are from Japan, he'll know what to do after that." The blond translated as all the people thanked the man for translating. When the ship docked, and the walk-up ledge was placed the tour guide bid all the passenger's farewell.
"Enjoy your time in America folks. Don't get in trouble when you're here, alright. I wouldn't want to read about one of ya' getting hanged." The tour guide stated as he stood at the exit of the ship, all of those who immigrated to the country got off as the blond was the last to get off.
"Thanks again for translating for me friend."
"No problem." The blond replied, "Say tell me how Japan is?"
"It's calm and quiet. But right now, it's transitioning to the new world and it's technology."
"I see well as a thank you for translating, here go by yourself a whiskey at the saloon." The man handed the blond a dollar note. "Now before you say it's a lot, I know it is but I'm getting paid $15 a month for being a guide so it won't hurt me that bad."
The blond put the dollar note in his pocket as he waved the man farewell. Going to the train station he waited in line. About thirty minutes later he was in front of the train station clerk's operating window. "Hello, you must be here for your starter kit parcel." the clerk said in Japanese much to the shock of the blond. "You know Japanese?"
"Yes. I learnt it from a hermit who I met at a bar one time."
"Interesting. But yes, I'm here for my parcel."
The clerk went to the back as he came back with a small, wrapped box. "Here's a list of all the things you'll find in the box." The clerk handed the blond a box and a written piece of paper. The blond read the contents on the piece of paper.
Things in the box:
-Shaving Kit
-Corn Beef Can
-Compass
-Silver Watch
-Strawberries Can
-Map
-Five Dollars
After reading the paper and being satisfied the blond folded the paper as he added it into his pocket. Taking the box, he was about to bid the man farewell just then gunshots were heard.
*Bang! *Bang! *Bang! *
The sound of the shots ripped through the atmosphere as the clerk and the blond ducked down since they didn't know where the shots came from. When the shots stopped both men got up from the ground. "What the hell was that?" the blond asked the clerk.
"Gunshots." The man muttered "I don't understand what is that these outlaws don't get. The Wild West Era is gone, the West is becoming civilised there's no room for gunslingers. I'm sorry for that sir, I promise you the West isn't like this." the man added with a smile which the blond wasn't buying.
"I should take my leave, farewell."
"Oh, bye and enjoy your time in America and don't worry who ever did those gunshots will get caught by the law." The man shouted out. The blond strolled on the sidewalks of Blackwater as his legs felt a little wobbly since he had been on the ship for a couple of months.
Arriving at the saloon he walked in as everyone in the bar looked at him. The pianist who was playing stopped as he looked as well to the new figure. The blond walked up to where the bar tender was stationed sitting down at one of the stools, he put his parcel box beside him.
"Wha'yu want." The bartender asked as he was cleaning some glasses.
"Let me get a glass of water." There was silence as everyone in the bar broke out in laughter.
"Aha! You want a glass of water! (laughs) he wants a glass of water!" one of the patrons laughed "Boy you don't know where you are (laughs) Quinten wouldn't have a glass of water even if his life depended on it." Another laughed.
"Now Matthew, Jeff. If you two, make fun of my customer like that one more time I'll ban you for life." Quinten was a no-nonsense bar owner; he had a policy that if you walk in through those doors of his bar then you were a customer, and his customers were protected from humiliation no matter.
Taking a jug filled with water, the man poured it into a glass as he handed it to Naruto, taking his drink and enjoying it Naruto took a big sigh in relief.
"Thank you, how much was that?"
"50 cents." the man replied, "Well that's expensive."
"Hey, don't complain now that's purified water, Cholera won't be a problem for you."
"Between 50 cents and Cholera." Naruto gave the man a dollar. "i choose the 50 cents."
After getting his change the blond was about to leave the bar, just then bashing into the bar was the State Marshal.
"Boy I've been looking for you the past five minutes, but now I found you."
The blond looked around as he pointed at himself. "You're talking to me?" the blond asked. "Yes I'm talking to you. You're under arrest for murder." the Marshal took out his revolver from his holster as he pointed at the blond.
"Woah, I didn't kill anyone." the blond complained.
"Well, a lot of witnesses said you did."
"Okay then let's say if I did kill whoever got killed why would I stay in town?"
"Because you're a sick bastard, now put your hands in the air boy or else I'll put a bullet in your skull." the blond did so as everyone in the bar just remained quiet. "I'm sorry for ruining your morning folks, but it seems the justice system has failed." the blond went to the Marshal who pushed him out of the bar as he handed him to the Blackwater sheriff's deputy who took him to the Sheriff's office.
"Okay, sheriff. Here he is." the deputies said as they pushed Naruto into the office. "Tell the marshal this ain't how we do things here." the sheriff who was leaning on his chair replied.
"But I'll oblidge him, this once." the sheriff then got off his chair as he hoisted his hat on his head.
"Alright boy, going in that room, it's time to get you Miss USA picture." the sheriff chuckled at his joke as the deputy chuckled "Good one sir." the deputy added as the blond rolled his eyes, entering the room he was followed by the sheriff who was holding a pen and paper.
"I'm gonna need your details. Starting with your name."
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki." the sheriff wrote it down. "From what I hear, you ain't leaving us any time soon."
"Sheriff, can I say my plead?"
"Sure, you can tell me anything except that you're innocent."
"Then there's nothing else I can tell you then."
"Good, now tell me your age."
"I'm 25 years old."
"So young and already a murderer, your parents must be ashamed."
"My parents are dead."
"Oh well my condolences. Now from what I can see you're an athletic boy, that's good to know that you don't just sit around and eat all the food in the house."
The sheriff wrote it down. "Show me your teeth." Naruto smiled "That's some healthy teeth you got there." he wrote down the teeth, his hair colour and eye colour.
"Okay, Let's get a photograph. Sit down on that chair and show me the back of your hands." Naruto did so as he held up his hands with a smile. "Don't smile." the moment he dropped his smile the sheriff took the photo.
Naruto Uzumaki
21797
"So now what?" Naruto asked, "Jail time." the Uzumaki scowled.
Sisika Penitentiary
Male Wing
Some Months Later...
The last six months Naruto had to work labour all day long, his bright black and white prisoner clothes that he got when he arrived at the Penitentiary now had stains of mud and a bit of blood on them. He felt like complaining but seeing that those who complained got whopped for five minutes straight he kept quiet so because of that good behaviour streak he had he was chosen to do a work detail. Near a town called Valentine.
They were currently in the countryside of New Hanover; the Heartlands was the nickname of the region. "You know my wife Carol has aquired some ideas significantly above her station. She's been reading too many goddamn books. Personally, I'm against education. Of women I mean..." Naruto listened in to Officer Miliken and Jenkins conversations since there wasn't anything else to do, those who he was in the back of the prison wagon with didn't feel like talking.
"And men, I guess. Unnecessary. Doesn't add much to the world. Education..." he scoffed at the word. Naruto just tuned out the rest of the conversation since he couldn't understand these two, he was lucky he was able to get his education from an English school that opened up in Kyoto, Japan. He was able to learn how to read, count, speak English and write in the language. All of the basic things he would need in this new frontier.
A couple minutes later the wagon stopped as a new voice was heard. "Good day gentlemen." Naruto looked through the cage to see a Davis Overland Dispatch Co. wagon on the middle of the road and three-armed man.
"Don't do anything stupid, nobody gets shot." a mid-50s man said wearing a navy blue coat, a white undershirt with a bow tie and a black with brown pants.
'Ah crap. A prison breaking...just great.' Naruto thought as the man continued "Act like fools and the pair of you will be dead within a minute. Now what are your names?"
"Jenkins and Miliken." Officer Jenkins said with a bit of tension in his voice. "Well, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Miliken throw your guns to the ground and get down here." both men did so. As they got off the wagon.
"That's it. Very glad meeting you two, it's not worth being rash. You boys get paid a salary. You get that salary whether these people escape or not. Your wives presumbly want you alive? Let 'em out." the man told Jenkins as he pointed the double barrel shotgun at him. "Now!"
"Okay, okay."
Jenkins went to the back of the wagon as he searched his pocket taking out a key, he unlocked the wagon as he opened it. "Now. You all run away..." the prisoners began to climb out as some had a look of hope in their eyes. "Aside from you." the man pointed at Naruto. 'Just great.' he grimaced.
"Try to stay outta trouble. This is a stroke of good fortune for all of you. Use it." he said to the prisoners that had gotten out as they all ran into the wilderness. The old man took his attention to the two guards as Naruto jump off the wagon." Now, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Miliken be so kind as to quickly run away. Before somebody gets shot entirely unnecessarily."
Miliken and Jenkins ran in the opposite direction. "Go on, don't look back!" the man shouted as he changed his attention to his two hired guns. "Mr. Went and Mr. Jackson. I believe it was fifty dollars we agreed on?"
"It was." Mr. Went stated as the man took out two fifty dollar notes from his pocket. "Here's fifty each." he handed one to Mr. Went who looked confused. "Each?"
"Yes. Now get outta here, both of you. My employer and I appreciate your professionalism."
"All we did was stand there and look tough." Mr. Went tried to argue.
"And you did it fantastically well." the man replied satisfied with the two men's performance. "Good day gentlemen."
The two men left as they went to their horses. "Say Matthew wasn't that, that guy who ordered for a glass of water back at Quinten's saloon a couple months back?" Mr. Jackson asked his partner. Mr. Went looked back at Naruto and that's when he realised, he did look familiar. "Say I think you're right that was him. But let's not get ourselves involved with other people's business."
"True that. Hey how about a race back to Blackwater. Loser pays for the first round."
Matthew smirked "Get ready to buy me a whiskey."
Back with Naruto and the man.
"Now, sir. How about you pick up these guns and we move out." Naruto picked up Jenkins holster and gun or should he say his gun and holster now. He wrapped it around his waist as he also picked up Miliken's gun. 'Carbine Repeater. Miliken has taste.' Naruto thought as he scoped the gun.
"My mistress is waiting for us." the man said, "Come along...then you better get on this horse."
Naruto was about to follow the man when he noticed the horses that were pulling the prison wagon. Going back Naruto went to free the horses. "You're free. Go." Naruto told one of the horses as he told the other one. When he saw the horses leave, he turned around to see the old man have a smile on his face.
"Come let's not waste time." Following the man, they arrived to where two horses were waiting for them. "It's not much of an animal, but we haven't got far to ride." Meeting the horse's gaze, it was a black male Tennessee Walker from what Naruto could deduce so he put on his friendly face which put the horse at ease. "I'm gonna call you Scrawny Nag." he stated as the horse huffed at the name, "I'm joking how about Cole?" the horse seemed to like the name "Cole it is then." he climbed onto the horse as he sat on his saddle.
Taking the reins, he followed the man. "I waited on them moving you some weeks. It ain't time for you to ride on your own not quite yet. Now come along."
Following the man, they passed the prison wagon as they now rode onto the dirt road. "I hope you'll forgive the secrecy. My employer particularly values discretion."
"I don't have a problem."
"Good. My name is Horley, by the way." they passed the crossroads as they rode onto the sheltered bridge "Six months at Sisika Penitentiary awaiting a hanging for a murder you did not commit. It must have felt a whole lot longer, my friend."
"It did, you know I was arrested on the same day I arrived in this country."
"I am deeply sorry for that kind of introduction this country has made for you. But you still seem strong, though."
"Yeah at least."
"I mean it doesn't look like breaking all those rocks has left you entirely broken...in body or spirit. I hope I am right about that." Naruto used one hand to steer his horse as he hanged his right hand beside his body.
"No that was light work. The training I received from my sensei back in Okinawa was way more painful."
"I see...but still those sham trials? They were a disgrace. Made a mockery of the rule of law. I still can't quite believe they got away with it."
"Who's 'they'?" Naruto questioned as they continued trudging along. "Those who worked the trials, there were others convicted when you were, they came out breathing fire. Maybe you're like that too."
"I can assure you I'm not. I'm more of a calm and collected type of person." Naruto explained as he catched up to the speed Horley's horse was going.
"I see, maybe you just want to put it all behind you, forget you were in there at all. That would be fine of course. But you will listen to my mistress first. She spent a good sum getting you folks out. You owe her an audience at least."
"I'm really grateful of that, sir. But you need to understand I can't forget about this the moment Miliken and Jenkins tell their supervisors I'm going to be wanted all over the states. I need to clear my name and if helping your mistress is the way to do it. So be it."
"Well, that was reasonable of you, your freedom can wait a while longer but don't worry. You've been away for a while, so we'll help you get set up in the world. My mistress helps those she adores."
"Looking forward to it." Naruto glanced at the shallow river they were passing, the sun beginning to set as it's reflection was shining on the water.
'Peaceful.' Naruto thought as they continued to ride for a few minutes "Soon as we're done, you can start your own posse since from as far as I know you've never been in one have you?"
"Nope, I always worked alone."
"Well, you'll have money in your pocket to go to the store with and there'll be chances to make more if that's what you're after and chances to raise hell too if you feel you're in need of them."
"When I came to this country, I wanted to make money the right way. But then again not all the rich people made money the right way."
Horley disagreed "Well my mistress's husband used to work as a businessman, he did his work by the law. An honest man, I tell you, he didn't get none of those riots from his workers down by his factory in Saint Denis, unlike Leviticus Cornwall, that lot's workers are always in the paper complaining about civil right and wage increases." They passed a crossroad still going straight with it.
"Okay. We haven't got far to go now." Horley stated as he and Naruto followed the road for a few seconds, turning left into a field of tall grass. Naruto had his free right hand have the grass gently touch his hand as he rid.
"She's just up here." Horley added as he and Naruto rid side to side. "There's camp. Hitch your horse."
Looking up ahead Naruto saw some wagons filled with goods and some tents. A few horses were just outside camp as they were feasting on a bale of hay. The camp had a pot on the fire in the middle of the camp as some stew was being made. Naruto approached the hitching post as he hitched Cole must to the appreciation of the Tennessee Walker . "Rest now. Cole." Naruto told his horse as he patted Cole's head. Cole just neighed in response.
"This way." Naruto followed Horley as they walked into the camp "She's anxious to meet you." Horley stated as Naruto was busy looking around the camp noting it had a lot of things. There was a medicine wagon filled to the brim with treatments, a chicken coup that had two chickens in it and more. Horley snapped his fingers to get Naruto's attention as they approached an open tent that was well decorated.
It had a white-painted vase at the entrance, a record player, and a bed. There sitting in front of a white desk writing was Horley's mistress, she was currently writing some paperwork.
"Madam, we're back." Horley caught the woman's attention as she put the stamp, she held on the desk. "Hello." the woman greeted "Jessica LeClerk, how do you do? Mr?"
"Uzumaki. Naruto Uzumaki." He bowed "Oh there's no need to bow."
"It's just my culture's tradition."
"I see. Well, what did you tell him?" this question was directed to Horley "Nothing. As we discussed."
"Thank you, Horley." Jessica got off her chair as she dusted herself. "I do hope we haven't inconvenienced you dreadfully but seeing as you were due to be hanged in a week. I'm sure you don't object too strongly." She walked outside her tent as she stopped infront of Naruto noticing the sleeping chef, so she signalled for Horley to wake up the sleeping chef.
"Not at all." Naruto replied as he looked at Horley who walked to wake up a sleeping chef who was dozing off with his face on his hand.
"I know you're innocent well, not perhaps exactly innocent."
"I am exactly innocent I've never killed or anything that major in my life." Naruto reprimanded
"Well, my apologies as I was saying you aren't guilty for what you were accused. I know you were more than a patsie, you see you were set up by one of three men or a woman possibly by all of them. I can't be sure but that is all I know so far."
Horley returned as he spoke "And one of these people also made Mrs. LeClerk a widow." Horley said sadly as Jessica had a fiery look in her eyes "And I will avenge my husband's death so help me God." She stated.
"But I will not avenge it upon them who did not cause it or caused it unwillingly." She sighed slightly "Anyway. I'm sure this is all a though confusing and melodramatic." She was about to continue as she noticed Naruto's clothes. "Oh, where are my manners. Horley, please show our guest to his tent and give him some fresh clothes to put on." Jessica returned inside the tent.
"Very good madam." Horley responded "Then serve us both a little refreshment." Jessica finished as she sat down on her chair. "Certainly madam. This way." Horley gestured for him to follow. Following Horley they arrived at a small tent that wasn't that far away from Jessica's. "You'll find a change of clothes in there alongside a few other items you might need, a lasso, a knife, and a lantern. I believe."
Naruto walked in as he closed the tent entrance, 'Never knew I would take these off.' He thought as he took off his prisoners pants which he kicked off as he slid out of his prisoner shirt. Opening one of the containers he found a couple shirts, coats, vests and more.
He took out a brown Duster Coat, a Buckskin King Vest, an Everyday Side Collar Shirt in the colour blue, dark brown Lumber Boots and red Cuffed Town Pants. Wearing the clothes and the essentials, his lasso, knife and lantern Naruto finally added a Western Hat to the top of his head as he opened the tent and exited. He approached Mrs LeClerk who turned from stamping some papers in front of her desk. "Hard at work?" Naruto asked "Yes, since I've inherited my husband's businesses I have to make sure they run smoothly." She explained as she changed the subject, "That looks more comfortable. Horley." She called out for the man who appeared with a tray that had two glasses and a wine bottle on it. "Here, madam." Horley stated as he indicated for Naruto to take a glass.
Naruto took a filled glass as Mrs LeClerk walked out of her tent as she also took a glass. "To your very good health, I suppose it's better than dying, hmm?"
"It is." Naruto downed the some of the wine. "Mrs LeClerk's husband was murdered by one of his business partners." Horley began as Jessica walked passed them "And I intend to find out which one or rather I intend for you to find out and kill them." she emphasised 'kill them' as she continued "You're the only person I could possibly trust to do whatever it takes Mr. Uzumaki." She put down a box of pistol cartridges on a round table that had a sheltered umbrella.
"Because you're the only victim of their lies still alive." Naruto took another swig as Horley rested the tray on the round table. "You see you walked into Blackwater at approximately the same time my husband was shot in the back but by another gun." Jessica sat down on one of the chairs.
"Firing different bullets to those you possessed when you were arrested."
"I never had a gun. Plus, I think if my memory's correct, I was at the train station during the shooting." Naruto explained as he poured himself another glass. Just then Jessica took out three empty shell casings. "My mistake but these bullets. This was their mistake." She returned them into the cartridge box as she sustained "You were rounded up and sentenced to death all because you came to town on that same very day and you seemed like you were nasty." She took some photos which Horley had brought.
"Anyway, here they are. The people who run Blackwater. Mr. Jeremiah Shaw." She showed Naruto the picture of a mid 40s man, wearing a top hat, some reading glasses and side chops as facial hair. "Banker, real estate speculator and crook." Naruto put the glass down as he took the picture to analyse it. "Mr. Amos Lancing." She continued as Naruto took the picture seeing a mid 40s man with a massive under chin beard. "Ranch owner, speculator and crook."
"Mrs. Grace Lancing, his wife. Society patroness, lover of the arts, crook and my former best friend." Mrs LeClerk announced with a bit of malice, Naruto saw that the lady was in her late 30s at best. "Teddy Brown her disgraced brother." She handed Naruto the picture and from what he could see from the picture this Teddy Brown looked like an asshole.
"Outlaw, wanted man and still in contact with them." She added as Naruto gave Horley the pictures, which the man gave him a tin plate with some stew on it. "All I ask of you is your help in finding out quite what happened." She finished taking her glass as she drank.
"Mrs. LeClerk would like to help you get back on your feet, so get back to work." Naruto took a spoon of stew as he left it in his mouth.
"Whatever your work may be. I don't judge. You wanna rob? Rob. You wanna save innocent folk? Do that as well." sitting at the round table opposite Mrs LeClerk who continued "But you need me just as much as I need you. I think we all understand each other."
"I hope we do." Horley added
"That's fair enough. I think I can do that." Naruto stated as he took another bite at his stew.
"Good." Mrs LeClerk stood up as Naruto did the same "I look forward to rewarding you for killing those who made me a widow." The two walked back to her tent as Horley took Naruto's plate away. "My husband was a true believer in this country and in the West. He was killed for greed. Foul greed when there's enough for everybody. I don't care what your scruples are as to killing I will take the full burden of that sin upon my shoulders. Goodbye for now." she walked back inside her tent "Then Horley go introduce him to nice Mr. Cripps." Horley nodded as he was followed by Naruto to the other side of camp.
"I think you'll like Cripps well enough. He's long past his prime of course, but uh he hasn't gone entirely crazy just yet and he will help you, better than most of his ilk." The two approached a tent that had barrels of liquour and milk sheltered in it. An old man in probably his 50s was sitting underneath it, sleeping.
"Cripps get up." Horley called out as he and Naruto helped the awakening man up. "Hello, partner, Horley." He greeted both man with a chuckle, "This is your new boss." Horley said as Cripps looked at Naruto "Oh." He spit into his right hand as he went to shake Naruto's hand. "Pleased to meet you, partner." Naruto shook the old man's hand since it would be rude if he didn't.
"You can call me Naruto." He greeted the man with a smile
"Well Naruto. JB Cripps, at your service."
"We'll pay to get your camp established. Mrs LeClerk is a generous benefactor." Horley stated as Naruto nodded. Just then Cripps took out a map from his satchel. "And umm, where are we heading?"
Giving Naruto the map he scanned the map looking for the perfect place "A small camp can hold up to four of us." Cripps added as Naruto nodded in understandment. "Well like right now we need to find a place were all our essential services are met. Cripps set up camp at this spot in The Heartlands there we can get ourselves some food and stuff."
"Okay then." Cripps took the map. Naruto was about to leave with Cripps but Horley called out to him "Oh and Mr. Uzumaki. While Cripps is establishing your camp perhaps you can go to the station in Valentine and see the clerk. Then head to Clay Davies, he's a horse thief and not a terribly nice one. Then meet Cripps back at your camp. Here's where you'll Davies." He gave Naruto a piece of paper.
"Well I'm off see you shortly, boss." Cripps saluted Naruto "Oh no there's no need for you to call me boss. You're my elder you can call me Naruto." Cripps just smiled he was starting to like the kid "Well then see you shortly Naruto." Cripps walked away as he climbed onto a wagon that had a lot of cargo.
"Good luck." Horley told Naruto who nodded as he walked back to the hitching post. "I'm sure you're tired. Get this done and you can rest." Horley stated as he walked back to camp. "Come on Cole." Naruto unhitched his horse as he got on the saddle. "Let's go to Valentine." Cole strolled back onto the rode as by Naruto's command he began galloping towards the livestock town of Valentine.
