Chapter 3
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
There are a few time skips in this chapter, notes at bottom. Also, Naruto mastered the rasengan single handed so he no longer requires clones and Hinata mastered the 64 palms technique during the first skip.
Last time:
Jô nodded satisfied with Naruto's answer. "I see no reason why Hinata and Naruto shouldn't be able to stay in the village. I have judged them trustworthy and they have nowhere else to go. As our Shrine Maiden what is your verdict Kureha?"
Kureha bowed to Naruto and Hinata. "I humbly welcome you to the Hayabusa village Naruto-san and Hinata-san. Please accept my apology for my initial rudeness but as I am a guardian of this village I had to be sure."
"Thank you all." said Hinata as she and Naruto bowed in return. "We will be sure to follow the rules of the Hayabusa village and not cause any trouble. Please consider us your allies Jô-sama. If you need our help all you have to do is ask."
"Excellent. Let's find you two a place to stay for the night. I look forward to your help in the future." Jô stated with an approving smile.
The Hayabusa Village
It had been four months since Naruto and Hinata joined the Hayabusa village as their guests. It had been hard. Hearing that the Elemental Nations were wiped out and they could truly never go home had been a real shock to Naruto and Hinata and left them devastated as Kurama was. The first month they were in the Hayabusa village they were deep in a slump of depression. Hinata wept for her family nightly and was consoled by Naruto many, many times. They now had a small house in the village they shared. The two had become good friends and maybe more. At this point Naruto knew he really liked Hinata but he wasn't sure he loved her just yet.
Naruto and Kurama's relationship had changed as well. The two agreed that they should start anew as allies at least. Naruto found that Kurama was very wise (though obnoxious at times) and could help him learn from the fuinjutsu scrolls. They also found they could talk mentally without Naruto entering his mindscape. Though they weren't the best of friends they at least were accepting of each other. For his part, Kurama actually found out Naruto was a good listener and he spoke of the Sage of Six Paths and many events that happened in the old world. They decided together they would solve the mystery of what ended their world someday.
Right now the resolve of all three time travelers was to train and grow stronger….
Hinata and Naruto both befriended many in the village and after a bit of a cold spell, Hayabusa Ryu had become friends with them and began training them in earnest to improve their skills. Naruto was learning the fast, unpredictable Whirlpool style of kenjutsu from the scrolls he had under Ryu's careful guidance. Likewise, Hinata was learning a more traditional style of swordplay but given her flexibility and her byakugan her style resembled an extension of her Water style jūken that she was eagerly learning. She seemed to flow like water itself around her opponents and Jô helped her develop a unique style all her own.
They also were training under Omitsu with the bow and while Naruto's skill was passable, Hinata's was outstanding. Her eyes gave her a virtual sniper's scope so her aim was uncanny even at long range.
Amidst this they also managed to make friends with the villagers and the children loved them in particular. The ability to walk on walls and ceilings was absolutely fascinating to the youngsters. The fact Hinata could see through things and even behind her was even more exciting to them. (She did make a point to tell others she respected their privacy. The byakugan's abilities kind of freaked some people out at first). The young ninja Sanji made learning about chakra one of his goals and Hinata and Naruto were attempting to teach him. They also accompanied Ryu to the Mugen Tenshin village a couple of times and met the young clan leader Hayate among others.
Jô came to see Naruto and Hinata at their home to inform them of some things. "Naruto, Hinata; since the Shadow Ninja problem seems to have subsided I am heading back to the Sacred Wilderness to continue my training. I want you two to stay here and continue your training under the others. Ryu will be in charge and I expect you to support him and continue taking missions as you have with me. You two have livened up our quiet village and I hope you continue to live here while I am away to train. Until we meet again."
Both Naruto and Hinata joined the others in a quiet sendoff for Jô and Naruto once again saw a particular falcon that he knew was a mononoke. The falcon never spoke to him and seemed to keep a watchful eye over the village. At first the bird watched Naruto and Hinata with a great deal of suspicion but once it's curiosity was satisfied it went back to acting as if it was a normal bird. None of the villagers seemed to know a mononoke was among them but since the Hayabusa Clan's most revered animal was the Peregrine Falcon it was in no danger of being hurt there.
Two months later….
Hinata and Naruto were sitting in the Sea of Trees having a small dinner. The Mugen Tenshin kunoichi Ayane had asked Ryu to come and see his maternal Uncle Murai for unknown reasons so they were patrolling around outside the village at Ryu's behest. Many of the village inhabitants were away training now such as their friend Momiji who was Kureha's younger sister. They were a few miles from the Hayabusa Village when Naruto's sensory ninjutsu picked up something truly evil. "Hinata-chan, look towards the village. Something really bad is happening."
Hinata activated her byakugan and then her eyes widened. "It's an army of….samurai? Naruto-kun, we have to go now!" By the time the two young ninja made it to the village the temple and many buildings were already in flames. They saw the samurai were cutting down all in their path.
Naruto was about to enter Sage Mode when he heard "Stop!" from above him. Naruto and Hinata looked up and saw the Falcon mononoke above them. "Do not fight the samurai Sage. It is a battle you cannot win. Both of you must use your skills to rescue those still alive, I will watch over the Hayabusa heir. Will you help me?"
Naruto and Hinata were torn. Naruto heard Kurama's voice 'It is as he said Naruto. Whatever that thing is leading them is out of our league. We have to choose our battles carefully.'
"Alright Falcon, where should we go first?" asked Naruto with regret in his voice.
The Falcon seemed to let out a sigh of relief. "Go to the shrine first. Your many clones can spirit survivors away to where your kunoichi companion can heal them."
Naruto turned to Hinata "Wait at the hidden entrance we used to first enter the village for me Hinata-chan. I'll sneak survivors back to you."
Hinata kissed his cheek. "I'll be waiting there Naruto-kun. Be careful and come back to me safely." With that she dashed off into the darkness.
Naruto said to the Falcon, "We'll discuss this when it's over." The Falcon nodded its head and flew off into the night. Naruto focused his chakra. "Shadow clone jutsu! You know what to do boys." He said as the army of shadow clones henged into random ninja. "Distract the samurai and get our friends out! I'm heading towards the shrine." With that Naruto and his clones rushed into the village and hoped for the best.
Slaughter was everywhere. Naruto wanted to get sick as he used chakra to hop across the roofs of intact structures and raced towards the shrine. When he arrived he saw the form of a massive samurai general that clearly was the main source of the evil he sensed outside the village. The being was cutting down ninjas left and right. Naruto dashed down following the monster's path of destruction and hoped to save somebody; anybody from it. He saw the samurai general behead a senior Hayabusa Ninja and then turned his attention to Kureha. Naruto formed two clones and hoped for the best as he body-flickered into the burning shrine to look for survivors.
Hayabusa Ryu arrived in time to see the same senior ninja beheaded that Naruto saw from the opposite direction. He then saw the monster slay his dear friend Kureha. Ryu rushed to confront him and engaged the general in a fierce duel but in the end the fiend was victorious and left Ryu's broken body behind along with so many others. Now unopposed, the general left triumphant with the Dark Dragon Blade in hand. No one noticed Kureha's body disappeared in a puff of smoke….
"I hope that Falcon keeps his word." said Naruto to himself as he carried the unconscious Kureha towards the place he hoped Hinata was waiting for him. Kureha was bleeding badly.
Naruto reached the hidden entrance and his clones ushered him in to see Hinata. "Hinata-chan, I have Kureha. She's hurt badly!"
Hinata gasped and motioned some of the others to clear a space to lay Kureha down. She gulped and said. "I'll do all I can Naruto-kun. You have to go out and find others. Most of those here are children…." Naruto searched throughout the night slaying the remaining samurai and mages acting as a rear guard with his chakra blade. He found the injured and unconscious Ryu and knew the Falcon mononoke had something to do with the Dragon Ninja even being alive. He'd seen Ryu get cut down and knew there was no other explanation for the clan heir's survival….
The next morning Naruto stood guard at the hidden entrance of the village in case the samurai returned. There was no sign of them but he had to remain vigilant. His clones were watching over the wounded and helping where they could. Hinata was worn out and was sleeping off chakra exhaustion. Of the fifty-four people he managed to rescue last night, forty-one would survive thanks to Hinata's healing jutsus. This included Kureha, Ryu and Ayane who apparently was in Murai's employ. Naruto considered sending a clone to Murai to inform him she was alive but knowing the man was a rogue ninja he felt the young kunoichi would be better off in their care.
Genjiro returned with Momiji in tow a few hours later. Momiji sensed something was wrong as a Shrine Maiden and they rushed back to find two Naruto clones guarding the smoking village's entrance. After an explanation Genjiro looked grim though his good eye was filled with sorrow. Momiji on the other hand fell to her knees in tears seeing the carnage. It wasn't until Naruto shook her said her sister Kureha needed her that she snapped out of it. Genjiro came to the hidden entrance and took charge as he was the most senior ninja there. The real Naruto explained what he had seen in person and through his clones.
With Genjiro in command, Naruto made more clones with the gruesome task of recovering the bodies. A few of the uninjured villagers and ninja were also helping but the vast majority of the work was done by Naruto's clones. Momiji stayed at the impromptu hospital that they'd formed at the hidden entrance and helped take care of the injured along with what few healers they had. When Hinata woke up she was glad that others were there to help as her chakra exhaustion would have her weak for days.
A few days later….
Naruto stood over to the edge of the village as he watched his clones assist with digging graves for the fallen. Help from the Mugen Tenshin Village had arrived as well. That was when he heard the flapping of wings. He looked up and saw the Falcon mononoke on a branch just above him. "You did all you could Sage and for that I am eternally grateful. The others will return to the village and it will be rebuilt."
"I wish I could have done more." said Naruto sadly. "I'm still burying many good people."
"You and your companion did more than humanly possible Sage. To ask more of you would be impossible. Believe me when I tell you that your actions are beyond reproach. There would be many more orphans than there are if you had not done what you did." said the Falcon in a sagely tone.
"I take it you are the reason Ryu survived?" asked Naruto rhetorically.
The Falcon cocked its head and nodded. "Aye, the heir to the Dragon Lineage is under my stewardship. I could not let him die but saving more lives was beyond my power. That is why I asked for your help."
"Who is the enemy?" was the next thing Naruto asked.
"The creature you saw was a Greater Fiend known as Doku and is a member of the Vigoor Empire." said the Falcon.
Suddenly the Falcon took off and Naruto saw Momiji coming over towards him. "Talking to yourself Naruto?" she asked.
Naruto just shook his head seeing the damned bird was long gone. "I was just thinking out loud, is everything okay Momiji?"
Momiji nodded. "Kureha said she was sure she was dead and didn't know how you saved her. I was wondering if you could explain it to me."
"Oh, that? I created a shadow clone that henged into her and pulled a body-switch with her." explained Naruto. "The 'fatal' wound was taken by the shadow clone and he fell down 'dead' in her place, see?"
Momiji smiled at Naruto with a blank look in her eyes and the letters 'WTF?' above her head. "Could you explain that to me in terms I know? What are a henge and a body-switch?"
Naruto wanted to smack himself. "Let me demonstrate. It will be easier to explain." He created a shadow clone. "This is a henge." he said as his clone transformed into an exact duplicate of Kureha.
"It looks so real…." said an amazed Momiji.
"What do you mean it?" asked 'Kureha.' "I can pass off for the real Kureha any time." The clone said in the exact voice and mannerisms of Momiji's older sister while poking the younger Shrine Maiden on the shoulder.
"This is a body-switch." said Naruto as he swapped places with 'Kureha.'
"So you made a solid clone look just like my sister and it traded places with her before she could be killed?" asked the stunned Shrine Maiden.
"Precisely." said Naruto and 'Kureha' at the same time. Naruto's clone dispersed after that.
"Can you teach me how to do that?!" asked Momiji with stars in her eyes.
Naruto had seen that look before. The look of a fan-girl! It was terrifying on Momiji's normally serious face. "It's a chakra technique! I don't know if you can learn it or not!" he said in a panicked, high-pitched voice.
"Rats!" said Momiji as her face went back to normal. "I heard about chakra from Kureha. Do you think I could learn to use it?"
Relieved Momiji's face was no longer….fan-girlish….Naruto said. "We'll look into it after the village is back on its feet."
Momiji was in deep thought. "Imagine the possibilities! You could imitate and impersonate anyone you wanted at any time. It would be perfect for infiltration, assassinations or body guard duty."
Naruto sweat-dropped. "That's why it was invented Momiji. Let's head back and I'll explain it to your sister."
'That was damn scary Kurama. No wonder the teme ran from fan-girls in the academy.' thought Naruto to his tenant.
'As much as I hate to admit it you're absolutely right. Human vixens can be frightening but you can't tell anyone I said that.'
'Your secret is safe with me Kurama.'
Then Naruto noticed Momiji trying to get his attention. "Hello? Naruto are you in there?"
"Sorry, I was lost in thought again." lied Naruto smoothly as they walked along. "Let's go see Kureha and see how she's feeling. I need to check on Hinata-chan too." With that they headed back to see the others.
They got back to the cave and the tents now set up with the help of the Mugen Tenshin clan. Momiji immediately took off to see her sister and explain what had happened. Naruto was on his way to see Hinata but saw Hayate kneeled down talking to Ayane who was apparently awake now. "Hello Hayate-sama. I'm happy you're here. I'm glad you are awake now Ayane-san. How are you feeling?" asked Naruto in a friendly tone.
Ayane frowned at the newcomer. She'd met Naruto in passing at the Mugen Tenshin village and thought the blond with the happy-go-lucky attitude and the whisker marks wasn't serious enough to ever amount to much as a ninja. "What do you want whiskers? Why did you interrupt Hayate-sama's conversation with me?"
Naruto took a step back. "I was simply concerned if you were okay, you were injured pretty badly and-"
"I don't need your concern!" she said with a huff.
Naruto was incensed. "Why are you so hostile?"
Hayate wanted to interfere before Ayane said something hurtful but she blurted out. "You wouldn't understand. You're so damn happy. You've never been alone."
The temperature dropped in the tent as the killing intent rolled off Naruto. He glared at Ayane with eyes cold as ice and said in a hiss, "I was orphaned at birth and lived in the streets for years where I grew up. I've been alone my entire fucking life!"
Her eyes widened in more than a little fear and some guilt as well. She tried to stammer out a reply but Hayate got in between them before things got worse. "Naruto-san please accept my apologies for my clansman. The pain medication has Ayane a little incoherent right now and I assure you she didn't mean to offend."
"I know exactly what she meant Hayate-sama." Naruto reeled in his killing intent and took a calming breath. "What an ungrateful girl." Naruto turned and left to see Hinata regretting he'd made this little detour.
After Naruto left, Hayate turned back to Ayane. She said, "Hayate-sama, I'm not on any pain medication. Why did you tell a lie?"
"I did it because I hoped he would believe it although I'm sure he didn't. I needed to apologize for your rudeness to him." said Hayate shaking his head in frustration.
Ayane looked ashamed. "I-I'm sorry Hayate-sama. I thought because he was so happy that-"
"Some people hide their pain behind a mask of happiness Ayane. I believe Naruto-san is one of those people. How else could he smile amidst all this misery?" asked the young clan head.
Ayane nodded in silence seeing Hayate's logic. Hayate continued, "At any rate, once you are healed I expect you to give him a formal apology. He was the one who saved your life after all."
Ayane's eyes widened again. "Ryu-sama didn't save me…?"
Hayate shook his head. "Ryu did give you some first aid but his duty was to come back here and save his village. It was hours later that Naruto found you and brought you back here with the others. Naruto is responsible for rescuing almost everyone recovering here including Ryu from what I've been told."
"But how…?" asked the flustered kunoichi.
Hayate sat back down at her side. "I will tell you what Genjiro-san told me. Naruto-san came running back from his patrol with his friend Hinata-san after they saw an attack was taking place. The enemy's leader was simply too powerful for Naruto to fight head-on and was the one who defeated Ryu later. Naruto wanted to battle the enemy but instead he swallowed his pride and started rescuing survivors and bringing them back to Hinata-san as she apparently is a skilled healer. He stayed up all through the night killing the rear guard of the samurai army and rescuing people. You were one of the many he found. Most of the Hayabusa villagers consider Naruto and Hinata as heroes for their actions"
"I've really messed up. I need to apologize immediately!" said Ayane to herself as much to Hayate.
She started to get up but Hayate gently pressed her back down. "What you need to do is rest. Right now Naruto-san is obviously very angry. You can apologize to him formally and thank him for saving you once you are healed up and he is in a calm mood again."
"Very well Hayate-sama." she replied in a regretful tone. "I still need to report back to Murai-sama."
Hayate stated in an iron tone, "I am terminating your contract with Murai, Ayane. You were in his employ as a messenger and he never bothered to even report to us you were missing. He left you for dead. I had doubts about him to begin with but now I am absolutely certain he cannot be trusted. I will not do any further business with him Ayane; your life is too precious. My decision is final."
Ayane took comfort that Hayate wanted to protect her from harm. She really wanted to apologize to Naruto though. She heard Hayate say, "Rest now Ayane-chan." Soon the young kunoichi fell into a dreamless sleep.
In Hinata's tent….
Naruto was sitting beside Hinata who was resting but not happy about it. "This chakra exhaustion is miserable Naruto-kun! I want to be up helping and healing others; not sitting here like a bump on a log."
While Hinata ranted Naruto sat with a smile on his face listening to her. The first time he realized she had an angry side was when they first moved into the house they shared. She had been upset with him for being such a slob and made him clean the place up. (Her room was always spotless). She was later embarrassed that she'd lost her temper and acted so unladylike but Naruto told her he was glad that she was honest with him. After that she started being much more open around him with her opinions and the trust they had between them grew….of course now they didn't even have a house….bummer.
"Are you listening to me Uzumaki Naruto?!" asked Hinata hotly.
'Oh, shit!' thought Naruto.
'Oh, shit is right! Yep, you're royally screwed now kid. She used your full name!' chimed in Kurama.
"I'm sorry Hinata-chan; I got distracted thinking about all the damage to the village. I know you want to help everyone and I do too but there's only so much we can do –and I'm sorry you have chakra exhaustion. I've never experienced it and it must be miserable." said Naruto as soothingly as he could.
Then he saw Hinata smirking at him. "Nice save Naruto-kun. I thought you were completely spaced out and ignoring me. Will you stay with me a while and visit with me? It's so lonely just lying around here by myself." she said with puppy dog eyes.
'Must….resist….overwhelming….cuteness!' thought Naruto as Hinata added a small pout that completely leveled his resistance.
"Sure Hinata-chan. I'd be happy to stay and keep you company." said the now totally compliant Naruto as they held hands.
'Damn! These human vixens really are scary. Poor kid; he doesn't stand a chance in hell.' thought Kurama to himself.
It wasn't long before Naruto and Hinata nodded off for a while. The stress of the last few days finally caught up with them.
Late that night….
Something rancid was in the air. The movements of the Vigoorian Empire did not go unnoticed even by those who would be their allies. Long ago, the Supreme Creator Fiend known as Goghon founded the Holy Vigoor Empire. It was said that he ruled for a time and then wandered the world afterwards looking for something. He eventually died peacefully in South America.
A follower of Goghon named Asag was a worshiper of Goghon and believed his Master would revive one day. As a seer among the fiends, Asag prophesized that Doku's failure to kill the Heir to the Dragon Lineage would result in the end of the Vigoor Empire. Not wanting to see this happen, he sent one of his own servants to Japan to crush what was left of the Hayabusa Village; a Greater Fiend of his own creation known as Gallu. Gallu set out in human form weeks ago by ship and as his Master Asag predicted, the Dragon Ninja's village was broken but not destroyed. He would be sure to rectify that….
Gallu was once a soldier of fortune who fell under Asag's influence long ago. A heavy substance abuser who was borderline psychotic, he lived to kill but he was growing old. Being denied the glorious death in battle he wanted he stumbled across Goghon's tomb and the corruption in his foul soul drew Asag out of his hiding place. It wasn't difficult for the Greater Fiend Asag to convince the mercenary to join him and soon the killer was reborn as a Greater Fiend himself named Gallu. Gallu forgot his human name and ran wild through the forests like the beast he was for a time until Asag brought him to heel and reminded him that he lived to serve Asag and through Asag, Goghon. Gallu was not on Doku's level but he was more than enough to finish off the still badly injured Hayabusa Ryu.
'Naruto wake up! Something big is coming. We need to take it out!' urged Kurama.
"Five more minutes…." drawled out Naruto groggily.
'WAKE UP NOW!' screamed Kurama in his head.
The young toad sage was awake in an instant. He sent clones to get the other villagers out of danger and set out towards the bridge leading into the village….Naruto took out Nagato and now he was determined take this thing out too. He grabbed his combat gear and his chakra blade and set out with his sage coat billowing behind him….
Gallu was at the scorched bridge that led into the Hayabusa village where Masakado had an epic duel with Hayabusa Ryu nights before and died by the Dragon Ninja's hand. The fiend laughed seeing the signs of battle around. It reminded him of his vague memories when he was a mere mortal human fighting in human wars. When he got to the edge of the bridge he bellowed out in agony as his body twisted, morphed and changed shape into its true, monstrous form. He now looked like a black Minotaur of Minoan Myth. The heat coming off his muscular body steamed as he belched flames and grew to his full twelve foot height.
The pain of his transformation made Gallu feel alive! Hooves dug into the dirt and muscles contorted he felt the adrenaline rush as he prepared to butcher everyone to the last child. He was drooling as he bellowed in anticipation and joy of letting loose his full might again. This would be a slaughter! He pulled out a black whip that flamed like his body did. Sometimes he enjoyed killing his victims slowly and a lashing with a flame whip could do just that….That was when Gallu heard a young but commanding voice from the other and of the bridge. "Go back from where you came or you will die!"
Naruto stood with his Sage Mode activated and eyed at this bull/man hybrid with disgust. He could see the bloodlust and depravity in its eyes. It wasn't like his friend Gaara once was. Naruto could respect an enemy if they had a purpose even if he was totally against it. But this bellowing thing was just mindless! Putting this creature down would be an act of mercy compared to letting the bull like thing live. The fiend was bellowing like an animal and thrashing its whip around in madness. Drawing his chakra blade, Naruto said, "Come…."
Gallu didn't hold back at the little human's invitation to crush him. Letting loose a roar, Gallu charged aiming to gore his opponent with the horns on his head. Naruto anticipated this move and leapt over the fiend striking it's backside with a wind enhanced slash. The glancing damage was superficial but now Gallu's attention was focused solely on him which would buy the villagers more time. Gallu lashed out with his whip to strike Naruto in the eyes but the young sage rolled back before it could connect. Charging again, Gallu tried to crush his smaller opponent but hit a piece of timber Naruto body-switched with.
Naruto sent in clones and played cat-and-mouse with the more and more enraged beast. More than once observers thought Naruto had been run though by a horn only to find it was a clone that burst into smoke. Naruto slashed the fiend several times with his wind blade but the Minotaur didn't even slow down. The blood from its own wounds seemed to drive it further into a frenzy! Charging madly the fiend finally connected its horn with Naruto's shoulder on his sword arm causing Naruto to lose his blade. The bestial creature seemed to roar out in triumph but then saw a wind powered rasengan in Naruto's other hand.
Gallu seemed confused as Naruto braced himself with his still-impaled bad arm and drove the wind powered rasengan right into the face of the Minotaur sending blood, teeth and gore in every direction as the lower jaw of the fiend was ground into oblivion. Gallu shrieked out in agony smashing Naruto away from it and breaking the end of its horn off in the process. Naruto flew back from the brutal impact stunned and feeling some ribs break. He crashed into the side of the bridge and groaned in pain. Kurama was pumping chakra into him to heal him but it could only work so fast. They didn't have time and it took a few seconds for Naruto to regain his bearings and stand back up.
The Greater Fiend was in agony. This human had badly hurt him! This kind of pain made the creature reach up and feel its features and somehow it realized the lower half of its face was gone! Its tongue still lolled about though it was half detached several of its upper teeth were shattered into jagged stumps. Blood flowed like a river. Gallu had to kill this human or he would die!
Naruto was eyeing his chakra blade that was lying back where the Minotaur was. He pulled the tip of the horn out of his shoulder with a meaty squelch and made two clones that fanned out across the bridge. Gallu stared at the three Narutos with the hatred of one possessed and charged to finish off his wounded foe once and for all. One Naruto jumped high, one slid low and the other drove a kunai into the mad bull's left eye before bursting into smoke from the impact. The Naruto that slid past the fiend scooped up the sword and said; "Here boss!" before tossing the chakra blade to the real Naruto who was standing several feet up out of Gallu's reach on one of the bridge's remaining pillars.
Gallu looked out of its intact right eye and charged mindlessly at the clone that was just standing there. Naruto lunged down from above pumping wind chakra into his blade while the beast was distracted by the clone. Gallu had no time to react when Naruto's feet connected to its shoulders with chakra and Naruto's blade thrust deep into the back of its head. Naruto pulled the chakra blade out in a spectacular spray of blood as he beheaded the monster. Gallu was dead before its lifeless body hit the ground and it dissolved into mystic ashes leaving a headless human skeleton there in front of Naruto on the bridge. The human skeleton soon crumbled into dust as well. The battle was over….
Naruto fell to one knee panting and heard the sounds of footsteps rushing up behind him. He looked back and saw Genjiro and the remaining able bodied ninjas running to his side. Realizing he was among friends Naruto smiled at the approving look on Genjiro's face before he blissfully slipped into unconsciousness….
The next day around noon….
Naruto woke up to the smell of food cooking and saw Hinata working away preparing something. "….Hinata-chan?"
Hinata looked over and smiled approvingly at Naruto. "Good morning Naruto-kun. How are you feeling?"
"I feel like I got run over by an angry giant man/bull thing." said Naruto as he felt the pain throughout his body. His shoulder and ribs were still really sore. His stomach growled then.
"I take it you're hungry?" asked Hinata. "There isn't a lot of variety to go around but I've got some rice balls, miso soup and some greens to share –and you will eat your greens. Your body is healing and you need the nutrients."
Naruto struggled into a sitting position and said in a resigned tone. "All right, I'll eat my vegetables even if I don't like them. I'm starving."
Hinata smiled and brought the food over. "There's plenty here for you Naruto so eat up. You did very well in defeating that Minotaur. You've been out for about twelve hours and a lot of people have visited waiting to see if you were awake yet. I've spent the whole morning shooing them away."
As Naruto scarfed down his food he asked Hinata, "Is that what that thing was called; a Minotaur?"
"Apparently so. It's a mythical creature from a country called Greece is what the villagers told me." answered Hinata. "I watched with my byakugan from across the village. You were very brave and I'm so very proud of you."
Naruto got a warm feeling inside knowing Hinata was proud of him. "Was anyone else hurt Hinata-chan?"
She shook her head 'no.' "Everyone else is fine. Genjiro and every able bodied ninja were on standby watching the fight but since you and the Minotaur were locked in high speed combat there was no way anyone could intervene. Many ninjas were very impressed at your skill. Even Genjiro said he could not have taken on that beast."
As they conversed over their meal, they were interrupted by Sanji who poked his head into the tent. "Naruto-niisan! You're awake. You were so awesome last night! I was really scared but you took down that monster with no problems! I have to tell everybody you're up!" Before Hinata could stop him Sanji took off like a rocket.
"Well, so much for peace and quiet." said Hinata as she retrieved the dishes. "I'll be back later to check on you so try to rest while your visitors are here. I'm going to go and check on those still injured. Be nice to your guests."
Naruto looked a little desperate that Hinata was leaving. "Don't leave me all alone Hinata-chan!"
Hinata giggled. "You're a hero so you'll just have to take it like a man. Seriously though, don't move around too much. You need to heal." Hinata stepped out of the tent and addressed the crowd telling them to visit quietly in small groups. With that she departed to help those that still needed medical care. Her mystic palm jutsu was a godsend to the villagers.
Naruto groaned and greeted his many visitors one at a time. Kurama was snickering at Naruto's unwanted fame and making obnoxious comments the whole afternoon. Later, Kureha (who was still a bit injured) and Momiji showed up. Momiji came in very excited whereas Kureha was moving at a more sedate pace. "You were amazing Naruto-kun!" congratulated Momiji. "I was there watching with Genjiro and the others. Your skill is far beyond what we all knew. I believe even Ryu-sama would have been really impressed. There is no doubt in my mind you will be a master level ninja one day."
While Momiji gushed about Naruto's performance Kureha sat quietly amused at Momiji's enthusiasm. Momiji had always had great admiration for Ryu but it seemed she was in Naruto's fan group now. "Ryu sends his greetings. He would like to have come here but I currently have him restrained so he will heal properly." stated the elder sister serenely.
Naruto sweat-dropped at the image of poor Ryu trying to escape his bonds and being tied down to his bed by Kureha. 'Who'd have guessed the 'oh so gentle Shrine Maiden' was a closet dominatrix?' asked Kurama. 'Who knows what she and her younger sister are wearing under those Shrine Maiden outfits. I'm betting on tight, tight black and red leather.'
'Shut up Ero-fox!' thought Naruto desperately as an enormous blush rushed to his face at the assault of mental images of the two sisters in all kinds of revealing leather outfits.
"Are you all right Naruto-kun? Your face is all red; are you too hot?" asked Momiji concerned.
"Sorry, it is a bit hot in here." stammered out Naruto. "I think I need some water." he said as he buried his face in a glass of water.
Kureha smiled. "Well, Momiji and I must take our leave. We're both so glad to see you are recovering quickly like Genjiro said you would."
"If you need anything just let us know." said Momiji.
Naruto nodded banishing the erotic images from his mind. "Thank you for coming by girls; I'll be better before you know it." Momiji gave him a huge smile on the way out.
Kureha and Momiji returned to check on Ryu when the older sister mentioned "So it's 'Naruto-kun,' Momiji?"
Momiji blushed. "Did I say that out loud?! It must have just slipped out!" Kureha laughed at her younger sister's embarrassment.
Some of the village children were visiting Naruto when Hinata arrived with dinner. Naruto was overjoyed to see her and relieved as she shooed the kids out so she and Naruto could eat in peace.
"I've had an exhausting day Hinata-chan. Almost everyone came to see me. They know more about the battle that I had on the bridge than I do -and I was the one doing the fighting!" complained Naruto.
Hinata giggled at his expense. "You just had to go and save the village Naruto-kun. Next time you will know better. No good deed goes unpunished." Then she turned serious. "Apparently the Vigoor Empire was behind the attack. Ryu-sama told me he was going after them to avenge those who died as soon as he is well enough."
"By himself?" asked Naruto incredulously.
Hinata nodded gravely. "He says it's his responsibility and his alone. Kureha tried to talk him out of it but he said that you and Genjiro could keep the village safe in his absence. He has a lot of faith in you Naruto-kun."
"I wonder if I could talk him out of it." mused Naruto.
"If Kureha can't convince him then nobody can. They are best friends and maybe more. Ryu-sama is going to do what he's going to do." stated Hinata.
They had just finished their dinner and Hinata took the dishes back to clean them up. Currently the village kind of had a communal kitchen since most of the houses burned down.
That's when an unexpected visitor arrived; it was the violet haired, red-eyed kunoichi Ayane. Ayane had quietly waited until she saw Hinata leave so she could apologize to Naruto in private. She seemed shy rather than aloof when she parted the entrance to the tent. "Naruto-san, it's me Ayane of the Mugen Tenshin clan. I was wondering if I could have a little of your time."
Naruto was surprised she was there but motioned the young woman to come in. "Is there something I can do for you Ayane-san? I'm rather tired."
Ayane kneeled and said without preamble, "I deeply apologize for my previous behavior. I completely misjudged you and I had no idea that it was you who saved me." Naruto nodded slowly and Ayane continued sounding very unsure of herself. "I am so sorry and I beg for your forgiveness."
Ayane waited for him to scornfully tell her to get out and leave his sight but Naruto simply said, "You are forgiven, Ayane-san. Aren't you still injured? Kneeling like that must be painful so please sit."
Ayane looked up surprised. "Are you sure?" she asked flabbergasted.
Naruto nodded. "Yes, you should sit. I can tell you are hurting."
Sitting up, Ayane said, "I meant are you sure about forgiving me."
"I've found that holding grudges gets you nowhere Ayane-san." explained Naruto. "I don't know your circumstances but I'm guessing from what you said that you had a rough childhood so you probably act that way to protect yourself. Don't worry about it. I was tired at the time and got angry. I should probably apologize myself."
"No, no; Naruto-san! I was totally out of line. Do not apologize!" she said passionately.
Naruto was astounded that she felt so strongly about the subject but decided to let it slide. "Well, I hope we can get along in the future. I'm new to this area so I value my friends."
"You would consider being friends with me?" she asked.
"Why not? Hayate-sama obviously holds you in high regard. You seem very skilled. Besides, you seem nice once you aren't angry."
Ayane blushed slightly embarrassed. "I….I saw your battle with that Minotaur. I was prepared to fight it though I was injured. You were magnificent. I have seen few aside of Hayate-sama and Ryu-sama who could rival your performance."
'Magnificent?' he thought. No one put it quite that way before. "Ummm….Well, thank you but I had to give my all to protect everyone else."
Ayane heard noise outside the tent. "Well, I must be going. Thank you for your time. I will visit you again, Naruto-san. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Ayane-san." With that she departed quickly.
Hinata returned a minute or two later. "Was she another fan of yours Naruto-kun? I noticed she was a bit skittish."
"She came to apologize for being rude to me. I guess she was really embarrassed." explained Naruto.
Hinata smiled. "Well, her secret's safe with me. She's a member of the Mugen Tenshin clan isn't she?"
Naruto nodded. "Yes, her name is Ayane-san. She seemed surprised I was friendly with her. I don't know her very well but I think she's a little mean because she had it tough growing up."
"That's too bad. Maybe we can become friends with her in the future." said Hinata.
"That's what I thought Hinata-chan." Naruto yawned. "Man, it's been a long day."
"Lay down and get some sleep Naruto-kun. I'll join you shortly." said Hinata.
"I think I will Hinata-chan. Goodnight." He said as he closed his eyes.
"Sweet dreams." replied the heiress.
Two weeks later….
Hayabusa Ryu had on his Black Falcon suit and was ready to go. "I wish I could talk you out of this Ryu." said Naruto. "It's going to be tough all by yourself."
"It's something I have to do or else the whole world could be in danger. The Dark Dragon Blade is too dangerous in the wrong hands." said Ryu. "I know I'm placing a huge burden on your hands but please help Genjiro and Kureha keep the village safe. As more villagers return rebuilding can start in earnest."
"You just want to use my shadow clones as a source of cheap labor to rebuild the village." grumped Naruto.
Ryu snickered. "Actually, that was Kureha's idea."
Kureha turned red with embarrassment. "Ryu! You weren't supposed to tell him that!"
"I will return soon. Take care everyone." With that the Dragon Ninja departed for the Vigoorian Empire.
POSTSCRIPT:
I originally intended to depict some of the initial trauma the time travelers went through in more detail but it just didn't make good reading. It was just depressing, hence the time skip. Same goes for Hinata and Naruto advancing their techniques through training in stuff they already knew (more or less).
The inspiration for the Greater Fiend Gallu was the demon Gallu from Mesopotamian myths that took the form of a bull. The Minotaur was also an obvious influence as was the Balrog from Lord of the Rings that carried a flame whip. I see the late Greater Fiend Goghon from the games (just referenced and never described or seen) as one of many possible sources for potential foes and plotlines that Naruto and company can face without having Naruto fighting all the canon bad guys from the games. We'll see how it goes over.
The first Ninja Gaiden on X-Box has started and Ryu is out of the picture for now as he is off to destroy the Vigoor Empire. Saving Kureha was something I always wanted to do and she may become Ryu's main love interest in this story. I may have read into the Ninja Gaiden plot a little too deeply but I was under the impression they were childhood sweethearts.
I've heard arguments both for and against a harem situation for Naruto so that is still totally up in the air. Blue out. 8/23/14