Naruto: Dragon's Maw
Chapter 52
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I've been going through several of my old stories and finally was able to give Dragon's Maw a well deserved update. This chapter begins the Juhyō Arc. I hope everyone will like it. Here is chapter 52. Enjoy!
For those keeping track; here are the character's current ages:
Ayane, Maya (physically): 16 (Maya 24 mentally)
Naruto, Hinata, Kasumi, Aoi: 17
Momiji, Hitomi: 18
Ryu, Kureha, Hayate: 23
[ ] Signifies hand signs
Last time:
Black Forest, Germany, Hitomi's Karate Dojo
…Hitomi watched the end of the Dead or Alive Tournament on television together with her new friend Ein. "So in the end they gave the prize money to Tina Armstrong? That's really weird. I have to wonder; why would Uzumaki Kasumi just up and leave like that?"
Ein wasn't fully recovered but he was getting around and exercising again. He'd decided to take the path of karate himself. "I don't know Hitomi …she must have had her reasons." In spite of the fact he didn't remember; Ein felt a great satisfaction seeing Raidou perish. The young man felt as if things had been put right for some strange reason. "Something about that man Raidou struck me as being very evil though."
The beautiful karate girl nodded. "I thought the red 'energy' around him was just ki but for him to get back up from a fatal blow proved he was some kind of monster…"
Hitomi's Father came in and said, "Hitomi, Ein; it's time to get to work. Let's go."
Ein nodded in the affirmative and said, "Yes Master; let us begin…"
….
Uzumaki Clan Compound, Hayabusa Village, Japan
Naruto and his wives were all exhausted and greatly relieved to be home at last. After leaving the Freedom Survivor the Group caught another ship; the Hakuchō which they rode clandestinely to the city of Kanazawa. From there they returned to the Hayabusa Village near Mount Fuji at ninja speeds on foot. Hien Tsiun was tearfully reunited with her clan mates and things were peaceful for the time being. For two weeks the Uzumaki Clan was resting and recovering though they did take a trip to the Mugen Tenshin Village in Miyama. Kasumi and Ayane were both welcomed as heroines for executing Raidou but at the same time they both felt melancholy because of the terrible loss of Hayate and the existence of Kasumi ἀ.
Ayame and Shiden warmly welcomed the sisters home and the girls were very pleased to see baby Kyofu was happy and healthy. The rest of the Uzumaki Clan was also given a warm welcome. Naruto, Maya and Hinata were reunited with Genra, Yomiko and Rokuro and the two groups swapped stories about escaping the U.S.A. and returning to Japan. Genra was shocked that his daughter and Kasumi managed to kill Raidou when Hayate could not. He was very congratulatory to both siblings and praised them highly but Ayane knew something was off. She tried to converse with her foster Father about it but he assured her that everything was fine.
Yomiko reported to Aoi that Genra had been of the firm belief (as if he was actually hoping) that Naruto and the others perished and had reported them simply as 'missing in action' to Shiden. However, the Master of the Mugen Tenshin Clan had faith in his son-in-law and that Naruto and the others would return. Aoi felt a bit disgruntled at Genra's attitude but decided to discuss it with Naruto and her clan mates rather than confronting Genra himself. As it was; the major threat that everyone agreed upon was Kasumi ἀ for the time being. The problem was they had no idea where she could possibly be at this point…
…
Now the Uzumaki clan was home in their compound relaxing. Naruto was sitting on the back deck watching his wives play with the Hien children in the light snowfall and was quite enchanted with the beautiful view. 'Ah, my vixens….things don't get much better than this…' he thought. Watching the snow drifting down lazily the Clan head pondered the first snow of the year and how it heralded the changing of the seasons. The blonde was about ready to join his wives when Hien Chiharu came padding out in her usual kimono and gently handed Naruto the phone. He was surprised but saw the number had a Tokyo Police Department caller identification on it. Thanking Chiharu; Naruto took his business voice and said, "Uzumaki Naruto speaking; who is it?"
"It's Inspector Otaki Seburo of the Tokyo PD Uzumaki. I know it's unusual for me to be contacting you out of the blue but our regular liaison is missing and your clan is the only ones I can trust with this matter." The Inspector sounded exhausted. "Can you help me out?"
Naruto raised a blonde eyebrow. "What's the nature of the case Inspector?"
"Suffice it to say I need a problem fixed surgically. I can't say much more on the phone. Too many ears." answered Seburo.
The clan head fidgeted. 'Ordinarily I'd ask about payment but Otaki sounds like he's desperate….' "Tell me where to meet you Otaki."
"How about the service entrance to the Tokyo Dome?" asked the Inspector. "I can be there at-"
"Be there at 12:00 AM Inspector. We'll find you." said Naruto.
Otaki exhaled in relief. "Thanks Uzumaki; I owe you one…"
Naruto quietly turned off the phone and flared his chakra to get the attention of his lovely wives…
…
Once everyone was inside and sitting down at the table; Naruto activated the silencing seals. "It seems that the Tokyo Police Department needs our help. Inspector Otaki Seburo called. He sounded pretty desperate. I'm not too keen on this without further information but I want to hear Otaki out. Some of us need to head to Tokyo."
"I'm in." said Maya. "I want to check on my old hometown."
"Count me in too. There Dragon Spirits are restless and I need to investigate." added Momiji.
Aoi smiled and said; "I've been itching for action. Besides; someone needs to watch over you Naruto-kun."
The blonde sweat dropped as the girls chuckled at his expense…
"I'll stay here in case any other jobs turn up." said Hinata. "I can coordinate us in case you need more help."
"Kasumi nee-chan and I want to keep sifting through evidence to try to find Hayate-nii." said Ayane as Kasumi nodded along. "We'll stay here."
Naruto nodded. "Okay; Maya-chan, Momiji-chan and Aoi-chan are coming with me tonight and Hinata-chan, Kasumi-chan and Ayane-chan are staying here. Everybody stay in touch and stay safe. I have a feeling this could be a wild one…"
…
Naruto, Aoi, Momiji and Maya bundled up in their winter gear and set out for Tokyo at ninja speeds. It seemed that the closer they got to their destination; the more the temperature dropped. By the time they were in Tokyo proper the weather was almost blizzard like.
Soon they were hopping building to building and had the Tokyo Dome in sight…
…
Tokyo Dome, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
When the four members of the Uzumaki Clan arrived in the blustery snow of Tokyo at 10:00 PM the Tokyo Dome was already covered in ice and snow. Naruto adjusted his snow muffler and activated his sensory ninjustsu to see if there were any ki users or fiend activity in the area. 'This snow isn't natural… It's laced with ki energy.' he thought.
He felt Aoi land on the roof beside him and she said, "Momiji-chan and Maya-chan both claim they can detect spiritual energy but they can't pinpoint a source." Her hazel eyes reflected concern. "It's the same kind of energy that Obaba used from time to time when reading the stars."
"So you think it's magical in nature Aoi-chan?" asked Naruto.
Aoi shook her head. "I don't know Naruto-kun. I can feel the energy but I was never trained to use it. It worries me that a high level sorcerer like Obaba is involved."
Naruto squeezed her hand and said, "We'll get through it together Aoi-chan. We'll just have to be careful."
…
The Uzumaki ninja reconnoitered the vicinity thoroughly and found no signs of enemies in the area. By 11:30 PM they were silently waiting in the shadows for Otaki to arrive…
…It wasn't long before an unmarked Toyota Crown Police cruiser came driving up in the snow with Inspector Otaki at the wheel. With him in the Toyota was Maya's old bodyguard Officer Yamada in the front passenger seat. "Do you think the Uzumakis can fix this mess sir?" asked Yamada. "It wasn't this bad until two weeks ago when everything snowballed." Looking outside at the icy weather and feeling the equally icy stare of Otaki; Yamada cringed. "No pun intended sir!"
Otaki sighed and adjusted the car's heater to warm them up a bit more. "Don't worry about it Yamada. I trust the Uzumakis. These other ninjas that your superior hired got bogged down in this mess. I personally blame her for kowtowing to the Commissioner."
"She did say the Uzumaki's charged exorbitant fees." said Yamada.
"They also get the job done." replied the Inspector.
The Police cruiser pulled up to the service entrance at 11:45 PM and quietly waited for the Uzumaki Clan to arrive…
About that time a snowplow truck came around the corner and started clearing the roads off leading to the Tokyo Dome. Neither Yamada nor Otaki paid much attention to it until it turned directly towards them and started accelerating. Otaki shifted the Toyota into drive and gunned it to get out of the way. Unfortunately the speeding truck followed them and the Inspector careened down into the dock area where they unloaded trucks. The area hadn't been cleared of snow and the two policemen found their car was getting bogged down.
Otaki managed to skillfully keep the car from wiping out or getting stuck but the truck was closing quickly. The Inspector watched the truck getting bigger and bigger in the rearview mirror and started making a right turn to evade the truck as he was running out of space. The truck missed them by centimeters but the Toyota spun out and slid into deeper snow. The two Tokyo PD policemen were attempting to get out of the stranded car so the speeding truck wouldn't crush them. By that time the snowplow had turned around and was closing on them again.
Yamada saw the truck's headlights closing and said a small prayer. That's when he saw a human figure appear in front of the snowplow with a red Sage coat on. "Is that Uzumaki?!" yelled the bodyguard. Yamada and Otaki both cringed as the massive truck impacted the lone ninja. They expected to hear a meaty squelch noise but instead heard the racket of metal tearing and the sound of the truck stopping flat as its diesel engine died. The smoking truck sat there still as a post and Otaki's jaw dropped as Naruto walked around unhurt and inspected the truck...
Aoi appeared from behind the snowplow and climbed up the side to the cab to check on the driver. She made an ANBU hand sign to Naruto before doing the same at Otaki and Yamada.
"What does that hand signal mean sir?" asked Officer Yamada.
The Inspector shrugged; "I haven't got a clue Yamada; I'm no ninja."
"That's the truth." said a deep female voice behind them; which caused the two men to freak out completely.
"W-what the hell?!" shrieked Otaki.
"Eeeeek!" screeched Yamada. He turned around rapidly and saw Uzumaki Maya sitting behind him with her facemask up.
"Bwahaha! I've always wanted to do that. Put that gun away before you hurt yourself Yamada." ordered Maya.
Officer Yamada was dumbfounded; "D-detective Arii?! Is that you?!"
She visibly smiled under her mask. "It's good to see you Yamada; but it's Uzumaki Maya now. I'm not a ghost."
"It's good to see you but… how are you alive Ma'am?" asked the Officer. "…And your eyes! I know you were MIA but-"
"We'll get to all that later." said Maya. "The driver of that snowplow that Naruto-kun stopped was under a genjutsu. He was under an illusion so he would kill you."
"Naruto-kun?" asked Otaki.
She said warmly; "He is my husband too now."
The Inspector just sweat dropped…
…
After getting the Police car out of the snow, Maya rode along with the two police officers and Momiji, Naruto and Aoi shadowed them in case of another attack. Inside the car, Inspector Otaki Seburo and Officer Yamada briefed the former detective on the situation…
"…So there was a power vacuum in the criminal underworld when the Karasu Clan of ninjas left town." said Maya. "I guess it's really no surprise. So what happened? Was there some sort of ninja turf war?"
Inspector Otaki grimaced. "Not exactly; a Tokyo Yakuza group; the Tetsu-Kai felt threatened by a new group of ninja called the Juhyō Clan. The Juhyō are more than just a ninja clan; they are a crime syndicate as well. We've been investigating and it seems that the majority of their income comes from designer drugs… Just like the Tetsu-Kai. The net result has been a bloodbath. The Tetsu-Kai were nearly wiped out but have survived because they are deeply entrenched in local businesses; both legal and otherwise."
The violet eyed kunoichi raised a delicate eyebrow. "I thought the Tetsu-Kai trafficked methamphetamines rather than designer drugs."
"One of the Tetsu-Kai chemists came up with a derivative of the anesthesia Ketalar that causes a waking dream state." explained Officer Yamada. "It turns off the body's natural muscle inhibitors and grants the user super strength for a time. Unfortunately it causes massive damage to the skeletal muscles with prolonged use and can cripple or kill a person. A lot of people in gangs are shooting up on the stuff before entering fights."
Otaki added, "It's called alpha-ketamine but the street name for the stuff is Rocket Fuel like a lot of other stimulants. Someone high on the stuff is a monster as you can imagine… I had a junkie rip a car door off and throw it at one of my men 20 meters away. It is seriously bad shit."
"So the Juhyō Ninja Clan duplicated alpha-ketamine and a street war broke out in Tokyo as a result?" asked Maya.
"That's pretty much it." replied Yamada. "Now other Yakuza groups are getting involved and taking sides with one group or the other."
The ex-detective sighed. "So what did my replacement do about it? Last I heard Detective Akihara Minako took my place as the Ninja Liaison."
Inspector Otaki growled; "She's a good-for-nothing, chain smoking, alcoholic whore that should be thrown off the Police Force. Akihara sided with the Police Commissioner that the Uzumaki's cost too much and hired a group called the Shiranui Clan."
"What do you know about the Shiranui Clan?" asked the Uzumaki kunoichi. "I remember they were pyrokinetics and from around Osaka."
"Right you are." replied Officer Yamada. "I wish you were still in charge Ma'am."
"So what happened?" asked Maya.
"The Shiranui Clan kind of bungled the job and Detective Akihara got captured along with one of the Shiranui kunoichi guarding her." explained Yamada. "That turned into a hostage situation so the Shiranui Clan backed off and the Juhyō Clan has been running wild ever since."
Otaki shook his head. "After that; Commissioner Kobayashi pulled me in on the case and said fix this. Needless to say I called the Uzumakis because you've earned my trust unlike the other ninja clans Akihara had scribbled in her notes. It's a total clusterfuck."
…
Yebisu Garden Place, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Known as a shopping and cultural center in Tokyo; Yebisu Garden Palace is known for its many attractions. The area regularly hosts events and markets on weekends. It is also known for its upper class and trendy bars and restaurants. At this point in time the weather was so bad that it was practically a ghost town…
…This is where the Shiranui Clan had temporarily set up their safehouse and was contemplating their next move. Their Master Hanzo Shiranui had sent a squad of ninja up from the south to deal with the northern Juhyō Clan. Their kunoichi leader Shiranui Akina was captured by the Juhyō in an attempt to rescue the errant Detective Akihara Minako who was their Police liaison. Left rudderless without their leader, the remaining Shiranui ninja appealed to their Master Hanzo for help. Hanzo didn't have anyone to send except his prize granddaughter Shiranui Mai*① who is heiress to the Clan.
Hanzo was a bit reluctant to send Mai because he felt she wasn't ready to lead being only 17. That wasn't to say Mai isn't a very skilled kunoichi. She has a very cheerful personality that generally makes her get along well with others and is respected by her clan mates. However; she tends to be somewhat of an airhead and admires any kind of beauty or attractiveness which sometimes comes across as being vain. Hanzo really wasn't sure what to do with his beautiful granddaughter at times. At any rate Mai arrived at Yebisu Garden Palace the same evening that the Uzumakis arrived in Tokyo.
Unfortunately Mai was almost sent out too late. The Juhyō Clan had already struck before she arrived and four of her ten clan mates she was supposed to take command of were already frozen to death by ice ninpos. The Shiranui Clan heiress was angry and hot for revenge. She decided to seek out the Juhyō and exterminate them… Provided she could find them of course…
…
Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
The Juhyō Clan set up their headquarters in the Sumida Ward and were using the Tokyo Skytree*② as their central command point. Why that particular place? It is the tallest man made tower in Japan standing at 634 meters and an ideal place to control the local weather with the ice ninpo that the Juhyō ninja specialized in.
The current Leader of the Juhyo Clan was Ashensunō and he wanted one thing above all else; control of his destiny. Having grown up impoverished with the rest of his clan in the Kurile Islands north of Japan; he was convinced that the solution to his Clan's issue was power and through it; providence. His insanity knew no bounds and in his quest for power and his Clan was going to take over Tokyo by freezing it into submission. Just as bad he had a messiah complex and his clan mates were fanatical and loyal unto death.
The tall, lanky man could almost pass off as an albino with his fair complexion and long white hair. But like the rest of his clan; Ashensunō had dark eyes. His inner circle was a group of four ice users that had the titles of Yuki (Snow), Mizore (Sleet), Kōri (Ice) and Moya (Mist). Each of them had twenty ninja below them and if the current leader was killed then one of his or her troops would replace that person as leader. As things currently stood, there were sixty Juhyō Clan ninjas in Tokyo as Moya's group of twenty was back at their home village in the Kurile Islands.
Currently Ashensunō was raining down a mass ninpo known only to him simply called Fubuki (Snowstorm) and he intended to use it until Tokyo was a frozen wasteland…
…
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
The Uzumakis converged on a safehouse assigned to them by Inspector Otaki which was right below the Police Department Headquarters in the Chiyoda Ward. Naruto, Aoi and Momiji were quickly updated on the situation by Maya and Yamada.
Naruto stroked his chin. "So we have a hostage situation and then the Juhyō Clan itself. Whether the two are in the same place is debatable but probably not."
"Why do you say that?" asked Yamada.
"If you have a prisoner and they are set free or escaped you don't want them at your main base of operations." explained Aoi. "The hostage could lead your enemies right back to you."
Otaki was impressed. "It makes perfect sense to me."
Maya smiled. She enjoyed detective work even if she was a kunoichi now. Turning to Otaki she asked, "What about the hostage situation? Do we have any idea about when or where Detective Akihara was when she was abducted?"
"She and her ninja bodyguard were supposed to meet a contact at Ryōgoku Station off of the Sumida Riverfront." Yamada replied. "There were signs of a fight there but nothing conclusive. After that the Juhyō contacted both the Police and the Shiranui Clan to inform us they had hostages and to give them free reign or else."
"Did you have any luck tracing the call?" asked Momiji.
"Negative." said Otaki shaking his head. "They hung up as soon as the message was delivered. You are welcome to listen to it if you think it will help."
The Uzumaki Clan head nodded. "Maya-chan and Aoi-chan can look into the kidnapping. Momiji-chan and I will look into the main base of the Juhyō Clan. Inspector, can you two get in touch with the Shiranui Clan? If we could secure their cooperation it could be a great help."
"I'll see what I can do." replied Yamada. "I can't make any guarantees though…"
…
Gran Tokyo North Tower, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Soon; Momiji and Naruto were on top of the Gran Tokyo North Tower; one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chiyoda. Naruto was meditating in Sage Mode with Momiji guarding over him. He opened his toad like eyes and said, "It's northeast from here." The two Uzumakis went from roof to roof all evening using Naruto's Sage Mode to track the source of the ki charged snow until they made it to the Sumida Ward. It took hours but eventually they came to the conclusion that the source of the ki energy was high above them in the center of Sumida.
The tower called the Tokyo Skytree…
…
Ryōgoku Station, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Aoi and Maya arrived at the scene of Detective Akihara's abduction late that night so they wouldn't be bothered by the masses of daytime railway passengers. Under the henge of civilians; the two Uzumaki kunoichi slipped down into the underground Toei Subway Station to investigate. The site had been taped off by the police over a week ago and Maya had several pictures of the crime scene from when it was fresh. She was checking the angles of the photos to see if anything was missed.
"The investigation was pretty thorough." said Maya quietly. "There is nothing here that the photos don't cover."
Aoi was leaning against the wall. "Well, unless some clue drops out of the sky-"
"Hello pretty ladies…" said a male voice. "Are you girls lost?" A group of men came out of the dark of the subway tunnel and their apparent leader said, "It's dangerous down here in the tunnels at night." He pulled a bokken. "Very dangerous."
Maya glared angrily but Aoi gave a predatory smile. The redhead said in a sultry tone, "I don't suppose you boys know what happened down here. I heard a Policewoman got abducted…?" ["There are thirteen of them Maya-chan. Let's take them out."] Aoi hand signed.
Maya nodded and reached up to grip her Yawarakai-Ti while still under henge.
"And what if I do know?" asked the thug's leader.
Maya dropped her henge and drew her sword. It glowed with holy chakra in the darkness. "If you do know then it just might save your life." hissed the violet eyed kunoichi as she blasted them with killing intent.
Aoi added as she pulled out her Sais; "If you don't know you're dead anyway."
One of the men's eyes widened and he said, "Shit! More ninja!" He turned to run but had a kunai dead center in his skull before he moved a meter. He was dead before his body hit the ground.
The other twelve men looked terrified and the leader said, "A-attack guys!"
"Leave the leader alive." said Aoi. "The rest are fodder."
Maya took her stance as the gang charged at them and whispered. "Mirage blade." before she appeared behind them.
Aoi went through hand signs in a blur and said, "Earth spikes." under her breath. A group of stalagmites appeared below the men and impaled them before receding back into the ground…
Between the two jutsus, all but the petrified leader were dead in a second.
The bokken carrying leader screamed in fear before he was gripped from behind by Maya with her sword at his throat. "Shut up!" she ordered. "You're going to do exactly what I say when I say it you Yakuza wannabe. Understand?"
The man whispered, "Y-y-yes Ma'am! I'll do anything you say."
Aoi got in his face and said, "Who abducted the Policewoman and her friend? …And where did they take her?"
"It was the Juhyō Clan!" he answered. "I overhead them saying something about the Edo-Tokyo Museum.*③ That's all I know! Honest!"
Aoi locked eyes with the man and said; "You got lucky. Sweet dreams." He felt a needle stab him in the neck and passed out seconds later. Maya lowered him to the floor silently and the two kunoichi vanished in a body flicker…
...
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Inspector Otaki's Office
Inspector Otaki was staring in disbelief at Naruto and Momji. "This snow isn't natural?! It's caused by ninja magic?! The meteorologists are saying this is the worst snow since the blizzard back in 2014 and you are saying it's caused by the Juhyō Clan?!"
"That would be correct." said Naruto "We've narrowed it down to the Sumida Ward."
Momiji added. "Get your people to check the temperature and snowfall patterns in Sumida. The weather radar should show it up and lead us right to them. We read it dead center where the Tokyo Skytree is.
'Well, I thought the whole business with ley lines was crazy and the Uzumakis were right.' thought Otaki. "I'll get our weather people on it."
…
The two Uzumaki ninja quietly waited for about an hour before the report came in for the Inspector. An older man with a salt and pepper beard came in and said, "I've got the requested weather reports Inspector Otaki. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. The Tokyo Skytree is at the exact center of the snowstorms. The further away you get from the Sumida; the less snow there is. It gets warmer too. It's still an area wide storm but the origin of it is the Skytree is the heart of it."
"Thanks Tomoki. This is a huge help." said Otaki.
Tomoki asked, "But how did you figure it out Inspector?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." said Seburo. "A little bird told me."
The Meteorologist shrugged. "See if you can hire that little bird to work for us Otaki."
"Will do Tomoki… and thanks." replied the Inspector.
…
Yebisu Garden Place, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Officer Yamada was at the Shiranui safehouse in the Shibuya Ward where he was negotiating with their new leader, Shiranui Mai. "What do you mean you've brought in extra help from the Uzumaki Ninja Clan?!" asked Mai. "We have the situation well in hand."
Yamada said calmly to the temperamental kunoici, "They've already located the main base of the Juhyō Clan and are investigating the hostage situation. They already have a solid lead. The Uzumakis specifically requested that you be contacted so your clan and theirs could cooperate against the Juhyō."
"So how much are the Uzumakis getting paid for this job?" asked Mai.
Yamada sighed. "That's out of my hands. I have no idea how much compensation they are getting. I know you've fought a lot of Rocket Fuel users and they haven't. If you combine your resources I'm sure we will all benefit. What do you say?"
"I'm willing to meet a representative of the Uzumaki Clan." said Mai. "Call me with the arrangements. Ninja Clans don't always get along though so don't count on this working."
"As long as you are willing to try; that's all I ask." replied Yamada in a placating tone. After that, Yamada quickly departed.
"…He's kind of cute." said Mai as her clan mates all sweat dropped. "What do we know about the Uzumaki Clan? I know the Karasu Clan left Tokyo because of the Uzumakis."
"They are staunch allies of the honorable Mugen Tenshin Clan." said one of Mai's clan mates. "That counts for a lot."
"Hmmm… That's true." replied the heiress. "Grandfather highly respects the Mugen Tenshin Clan."
A Shiranui kunoichi said, "Mai-sama; as I understand it the Uzumaki Clan are Fiend Hunters. They would make powerful allies."
"I have to wonder just how strong they are…" said Mai curiously.
…
Uzumaki Safehouse, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
The Uzumakis regrouped at their safehouse early Sunday morning.
"We scoped out the Edo-Tokyo Museum this morning Naruto-kun." said Maya. "It's not that apparent but there are ki signatures within it."
Aoi nodded. "I'm no sensor but I felt something underground there like dark magic."
"Looks like a good thing to check out in your Sage Mode Naruto-kun." said Momiji.
"I can check it out after they close tonight." replied Naruto. When do they shut the doors?"
"They close at 17:30 tonight." said Aoi. "They are also closed on Mondays."
About that time Naruto's phone rang. He looked at the number and said; "It's Yamada." The blonde answered saying, "Uzumaki here."
"This is Yamada. I'm in touch with the Shiranui Clan and they want to arrange a meeting." said the Officer.
"When and where?" asked Naruto.
"Today at 12:00." replied Yamada. "I've arranged for an unmarked van to pick you up at the Tokyo PD Entrance."
Naruto sighed. "Alright; I'll be there at 12:00 then."
…
Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Juhyō Mizore reported in to Ashensunō's meditation area at the top of the Tokyo Skytree. She was a short, slender woman with a pretty face and long brown hair. She had a cell phone out and said; "Forgive me Ashensunō-sama; but we have a situation."
The white haired man turned around and said in a soothing voice; "I see you have Detective Akihara's cell phone there. I trust you've found out something; yes?"
She bowed. "Yes my Lord. We've tapped into her assistant Yamada's phone line as you ordered. Yamada somehow called in another ninja clan; the Uzumakis."
Ashensunō chuckled before breaking out into raucous laughter. "The Uzumaki's? Now there is a challenge! Let me hear the recording."
"Yes Ashensunō-sama; at once!" she answered. She set Akihara's phone down, pulled out a microrecorder and hit the playback button:
…
"…Uzumaki here."
"…This is Yamada. I'm in touch with the Shiranui Clan and they want to arrange a meeting."
"…When and where?"
"…Today at 12:00. I've arranged for an unmarked van to pick you up at the Tokyo PD Entrance."
"…Alright; I'll be there at 12:00 then."
…
"Wonderful!" said Ashensunō. "Officer Yamada and his ilk are quite foolish to have gone against me. This should be amusing."
"What about the Uzumaki Clan my Lord?" asked Mizore.
The Juhyō's leader pondered a moment and said, "Make an example of them. Blow up the van and everyone in it right in front of the Tokyo Police Department. I do believe you have a rocket launcher in your possession."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Ashensunō-sama; wouldn't that be a bit… indiscreet?"
He laughed again. "There is a time to be discreet Mizore; but this is a time to be ostentatious! I want to make the news in a big way. Besides, the Uzumaki Clan is supposed to be incredibly dangerous. I'm rather interested in seeing if they will survive this…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: See the SNK and DOA Wikis. This is early on in Mai's career when her Grandfather Hanzo is alive and before she got involved in the King of Fighter or Dead or Alive Tournaments.
*②: Tokyo Skytree: The tower is the primary television and radio broadcast site for the Kantō region because the older Tokyo Tower no longer gives complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because it is surrounded by high-rise buildings. Skytree was completed on Leap Day, 29 February 2012, with the tower opening to the public on 22 May 2012. The tower is the centerpiece of a large commercial development funded by Tobu Railway.
*③: Edo Tokyo Museum: It is a historical museum located in Sumida, Tokyo in the Ryōgoku district. The museum opened in March 1993 to preserve Edo's cultural heritage and features city models of Edo and Tokyo between 1590 and 1964. It was the first museum built dedicated to the history of Tokyo.
This chapter flowed pretty well once I got rolling. I've had the idea for the Juhyō Clan of ninjas for months but couldn't figure out how to fit them into the story until now. Writer's block is a nightmare. The next chapter is tentatively named Streetfighter. See you next time. Blue out. 1/16/21