HIDDEN DREAM I - NIGHTMARE
Over the course of the next month, Teams Nine and Five pick up as many D and C-rank missions as they can, aiming to get as much experience as they possibly can.
Where previously D-ranks were seen as meaningless chores and busy work, they're actually now a welcome part of the work schedule. In-between the high ranked escort missions, guard duty, or monster subjugation, picking up litter is actually a breath of fresh air.
For one, they're actually recognized by the people they encounter more often on their D-rank missions and while it's nowhere near the fame Naruto-sensei has, it's kind of nice to have your work acknowledged and appreciated.
People wave to them, call out their names, even gift them something minor things like baked goods or apples.
Kotori and Kashiwama's now-official race, while tiresome at first, did eventually catch on to the others and they started more actively engaging in which team would perform their missions better. Naruto and Shino note both the positives and negatives of this little competition as it can lead to recklessness and rushing but it also motivates them to strive harder. With care from the sensei, the negatives were ironed out.
Hokage's Tower
For their next missions, both teams are actually taking their assignment directly from the Fifth Hokage rather than the Mission Assignment Desk.
Tsunade sits behind her desk with Shizune by her side, pressing two scrolls on the desk in front of her.
Naruto and Shino stand directly in front of her and their teams by their respective sides. Except for Kotori and Kashiwama who're clinging to the desk.
"Is it a good one!" Kotori hops in place as she looks her adoptive grandmother with pleading eyes.
"Give us the better mission!" Kashiwama urges his cousin.
Tsunade sighs and flicks both of them on the forehead. "Get back to your places, you two. You're in the Hokage's office. You need to learn exactly what that means."
Naruto chuckles and pulls Kotori to his side, while Kashiwama walks back in defeat.
"Your next missions will be of a diplomatic nature, to speak to two potential new members of the Shinobi Union. Team Five, you're to go to the Hidden Moon Village and Team Nine, you're to go to the Hidden Dreams Village." She hands them each a scroll.
Shino takes his while raising a quizzical brow. "Negotiations for the Union. Is that not something better suited for those more involved in its structure? Such as Hinata."
"The intent behind sending a team of Genin is to also serve as an exchange in experience; show them how our future shinobi are being trained and how the future is in safe hands. Team Five is among the elite so they're a good pick to showcase the Hidden Leaf." Tsunade explains.
Kashiwama puffs out his chest with pride. "Elite, huh? I guess that's not wrong."
"Be mindful, Kashiwama." Shino warns. "After all, confidence and arrogance are closely related."
"Yeah, well, we're being sent out, too, you know." Kotori crosses her arms. "So that means we're also elite, right?"
"Your assignment is more unique. Typically the founding members are to send out a team to potential members to negotiate, and the Hidden Leaf is sending Team Five. The Hidden Dreams, however, specifically request you, Naruto, so your team is going there."
"Me?" Naruto raises a brow. "Why me? I've never even heard of the Hidden Dreams Village, honestly..."
Shoto scratches his head. "I don't recall learning about it, either."
Tsunade shrugs. "It is what it is. Maybe they just want to see the hero himself. Like the Hidden Star Village, they've been very secretive and secluded and like the Hidden Star, they've never really participated in any conflicts. For them to want to come out of the woodworks is a big deal, so don't mess it up."
"I won't let you down, granny." Naruto declares. "If it's a hero they want, then it's a hero they'll get!" He pumps his fist.
Shizune giggles. "You say that, but you always get flustered when fans hound you."
Naruto turns beet red. "Y-y-you don't have to say it like that!" He protests.
"So, um," Yokumaru interrupts, much to Naruto's delight, "Why is it called the Hidden Dreams? How do you hide in a dream?"
"Then again, how do you hide in a moon?" Kashiwama scratches his head.
"It's called the Hidden Dreams because of the surrounding forest which is filled with a thick miasma that puts you under a heavy genjutsu. The locals know how to come and go, so you'll be met by Dreams ninja before you enter the forest."
"Got it." Naruto nods.
Tsunade then turns to Shino. "Any questions about the Hidden Moon?"
Shino shakes his head. "I'm familiar enough with it."
"Your mission details are all in the scroll. You leave tomorrow." Tsunade gives them a final confirming look.
The teams bow and take their leave, not having any further questions.
As soon as the door closes, Kotori pumps her fist and turns to Kashiwama. "You better get ready, 'cause we're gonna diplomacy this mission so hard! We're gonna… get all… diplomatic…" She trails off with a sigh. "How do we make this challenge even work?"
"You could, you know, not?" Genzai shrugs.
"Too boring." Kotori waves him off.
Naruto pats her on the head. "We talked about this. We gotta put the Hidden Dream Village first, before any competition you guys have. We gotta show 'em our best side.
"I wish you success on your mission." Shino says. "With the expansion of the Shinobi Union four years ago, this is the next important step in a peaceful world."
"You're right." Naruto nods. "I didn't think it was possible for this many villages to collaborate but it's been working out so far, right? And representatives like Hinata are why we're doing good. When we meet up after our missions, we can welcome the Moon and Dream into our ranks." He grins and holds out his fist to Shino.
Shino looks it over inquisitively and ultimately fistbumps him with some hesitation.
"See, isn't that cool to do?"
"Hm." Shino thinks it over. "I suppose it does offer some semblance of closeness and understanding."
"Um, yeah." Naruto scratches his head. "It's also just cool to do." As they leave the building, Naruto cracks his knuckles. "Alright, Team Nine, go and get some rest. We got a bit of a travel ahead of us. You do your best, too, Team Five."
"We'll do way more than our best!" Kashiwama declares.
"I'm pretty sure that's grammatically impossible." Jiriki notes.
With that, the two teams part ways as everyone heads home to rest for the day and prepare for their diplomatic missions the next day.
-x-
Shoto enters his home with a bit of a skip to his step, showing visible excitement when he usually isn't one to do so.
As he comes to the kitchen to sit down just in time for lunch, Itosuke and Asami raise a brow at his behaviour.
Itosuke closes his newspaper and sets it to the side. "What's got you in a good mood today?"
"We've received a diplomatic mission." Shoto boasts. "We leave tomorrow of the Hidden Dream Village?"
Itosuke scrunches his nose. "... Hidden Dream? Where's that?"
Shoto shrugs. "Somewhere east apparently. Beyond the Land of Earth."
"So why is a team from the Leaf being sent?" Asami asks from behind the kitchen counter, finishing up her cooking. "And on such short notice, too."
"Sounds like they wanted Naruto-shisho to be their contact so we're going with him. I suppose that's what happens when you're famous."
"Even if Naruto is the one they want, be sure to make a good impression. You kids' actions will reflect on him, as well." Itosuke notes.
"I will, father." Shoto nods. "I won't bring shame to Naruto-shisho's name."
Asami walks over and places a bowl in front of her husband and son. When she does, she leans down and kisses Shoto on the top of the head. "Whatever you do, I'm certain Naruto wouldn't be ashamed of you. He doesn't strike me as the type."
"No, he probably isn't." Shoto laughs and looks down to his bowl. "Is this…"
"Miso soup. Your favourite." She goes back to grab a bowl for herself and sits at the table with her family. "Now why don't you tell us more about your mission?"
-x-
When Yokumaru comes home, he's immediately met by the sight of Yukimaru tending to the garden in front of their house while the twins sleep in the rocking swing, after presumably a day of running around. He decides to take a detour to say hi to his adopted cousin.
"Hello, Yoku." Yukimaru greets him with a smile.
"Hey." Yokumaru motions to the twins. "Little ones tired out?"
"They are." Yukimaru chuckles. "Spent all the energy they had. What about you, back from a mission?"
"Back from getting one, actually. We leave tomorrow for an apparently important diplomatic mission." Yokumaru slightly lowers his gaze.
Yukimaru picks up on his more guarded demeanor. "You don't want to?"
"No, I do!" Yokumaru gets defensive. "It's just… important. I don't really know if I can really help with something like that. I'm just a kid from the slums."
"Hm. I don't think that's true. We're a lot more than where we came from. By that logic, Kotori is just a simple orphan, right?"
"No she isn't! She's a lot more than-" Yokumaru stops and relaxes his tensed up muscles. "Oh."
"See? You've changed a lot and are a person who is trusted with this kind of mission. So it's all good! Even when you don't know something, you can learn, right?"
"I dunno. I don't think this mission is one where you have time to learn."
"Depends on what you're learning, right? You do your thing and Naruto will do his. Same with Kotori and Shoto. Just trust in yourself, like Guren does."
"Maybe." Yokumaru tries to steer the conversation to an end, not wanting to really lay out his insecurities. "We'll see how the mission goes, right? Maybe it'll be fine."
"I think so, too." Yukimaru smiles.
-x-
As Naruto and Kotori come home, he immediately heads into the living room and picks up Hiroto from the couch and snuggles up with him.
Hinata chuckles from the other side of the couch, caught by surprise by her husband's sudden appearance. "Welcome back, dear."
"Hi, mom." Kotori walks in with a laugh and sit down by Hiroto's to pinch his cheek. "Hey, lil guy."
"Back so soon?" Hinata asks. "I thought you had a mission today."
"We leave tomorrow for the Hidden Dream Village." Naruto nibbles on Hiroto's nose, causing the boy to grumble in response. "Important diplomatic stuff."
"Already?" She cocks her head. "I thought it wouldn't be for a while."
"You know about the mission, mom?" Kotori asks.
"Of course I do. I'm a representative for the Shinobi Union, their request to meet Naruto went through us first."
"Eh?" Naruto looks up over Hiroto to look at Hinata. "For real?"
Hinata rubs his knee with an empathic smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, but it had to go through Lady Tsunade's hands first before anything was revealed."
Naruto leans his head back. "There's a lotta things you gotta consider when you're in a leading position, huh? Things you can't even share with your family."
"It's like that when you're a clan head, as well, isn't it? You'll experience it a lot more when you become Hokage." She smiles.
"Is it really certain you're gonna be Hokage?" Kotori asks.
"Of course it is! I'm super strong, y'know." Naruto boasts.
"Is that all it takes?" She scratches her head.
"It's certainly a part of it." Hinata answers. "But most importantly, the Hokage is someone who's garnered the trust and respect of the village and Naruto has more than achieved that."
"It's when people acknowledge you that you can become Hokage." Naruto recites Itachi's words.
"Seems like a lot of work." Kotori notes.
"Maybe." Naruto stands up from his lying position, still holding Hiroto by his chest. "But you're already being acknowledged, aren't you? All the people you guys help on your missions are happy to see you when you walk by."
"Yeah, but that's like small stuff."
Hinata stands from the couch and goes to sit by Kotori's side, wrapping her arms around the young girl. "It might feel small now, but small gestures have a way of growing into something much grander."
"If you say so…"
"How about we eat?" Naruto suggests. "Then we can get in some last minute training before we head out tomorrow."
"Sure thing!"
The family of four get set around the table, with Kotori sitting next to Hiroto's high chair to feed him.
That night, Kotori goes to bed with excitement to go on a kind of mission she'd never done before. A mission that could potentially affect the future of the shinobi world. It's a heavy mission, probably heavier than even she realizes, but she's eager to meet people from even more villages.
Hidden Dreams Village
In the far corners of the map, one particular village rests undisturbed from the rest of the world. Surrounded by a large and winding forest, protected from invaders, the Hidden Dream has always kept to itself, long ago deciding that the conflicts of the world cause too much suffering and destruction.
In truth, the Hidden Dreams Village can be considered the first hidden village, founded long before the Hidden Leaf, although they served very different purposes. The Dreams' goal was to isolate while the Leaf's goal was to organize. The village system founded by the Senju and the Uchiha aimed to build a system of reliability between the nations and the shinobi clans, whereas the shinobi here wanted to get as far away from any of that as possible.
Of course, times change and the people must change with it.
For this purpose, the heads of the three leading clans have gathered.
Enzo Tenrō, head of the Tenrō clan, is a bulky man wearing light clothes that all shinobi of his clan wear, namely a sleeveless kimono with a tuft of black fur around his shoulders and loose pants.
Yomitatsu Hirasaka, head of the Hirasaka clan, is a lithe man donned in the attire of his clan- loose robes that cover his whole body and a mask from which only his eyes are visible.
Gensui Amagiri, head of the Amagiri clan and leader of the Hidden Dreams Village, is an older man clad in armour plating.
Behind Gensui, standing a fair distance from him, is a man simply known as Mōkin. He's dressed in looser long sleeved robes with a vest over it and wooden geta shoes, but the most curious feature is his mask. It bears the image of a bearded older man with an exaggerated long nose.
Mōkin stands away from the clan heads, remaining silent as they converse.
Enzo appears agitated, with his legs crossed and hand running over his chin. "I still don't like the idea." He shakes his head.
"It's a necessity." Yomitatsu states.
"It's not." Enzo retorts.
"Surely you remember, Enzo," Gensui speaks, his words slow and calculated from age, "What the purpose of the village was when it was founded."
"Of course I do." Enzo answers. "To distance ourselves from the squabbling of the other shinobi clans, to live peacefully, not bound by the bickering of nobles. It's not a history lesson that I need, Lord Gensui, it's an explanation."
"The world has changed." Yomitatsu speaks. "What we once sought to stay away from, the other shinobi now seek to stay away from. If we're to ever see eye to eye with them, it's now.
Gensui nods. "Yomitatsu speaks true. We no longer need to hide ourselves, they've shown willingness to listen."
Enzo grumbles. "Doesn't mean I'm going to trust them. What if…" Enzo glances at the quiet Mōkin, "They learn too much about us?"
"You may speak freely, Enzo. As my aide, Mōkin is well aware of the goings on of our village. As for our secret weapon, we won't reveal our cards just yet. We must be sure we can trust our new friends first."
"If this is your decision, then I'll follow it. That's why we vote, after all. Who's coming to negotiate?"
"The Hidden Leaf." Yomitatsu answers. "Maybe a member of the Inuzuka clan will arrive." Yomitatsu chuckles lightly. "That would be a reunion."
"Please." Enzo crosses his arms. "The Tenrō and the Inuzuka have had no relationship in centuries. Whatever blood bond we once had is no more."
Gensui stands up and leans on the table, bringing attention to himself. "Whatever the case may be, our three mighty clans founded this village with peace in mind. As long as we keep that focus in our minds, I know we can co-exist with the rest of the shinobi villages."
"If that's what you believe, then I won't question your judgement." Enzo sighs. "Either of yours. I just hope you're right."
"I hope so, as well." Gensui smiles and reaches over to pat the younger man on the shoulder.
Enzo and Yomitatsu stand up from their seats and bow before they take their leave.
Gensui turns to leave from the back entrance. As he passes, he pats Mōkin on the shoulder. "May I leave the rest in your hands? I feel quite tired so I'll retire to my room."
"Of course." Mōkin nods. "That's why I'm here."
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you." Gensui takes his leave.
Mōkin steps outside shortly after Gensui, leaning on the wooden railing that looks over the Amagiri clan's garden. He remains motionless for a few brief moments before turning his head to the side. Just as he does, a member of the Amagiri clan Flickers by his side, kneeling and holding out a scroll.
"The jinchūriki is on his way." The man reports. "All is going as scheduled."
"Excellent." Mōkin takes the scroll and begins reading through it. "Alert everyone. We act soon."
"Yes, sir." The Amagiri shinobi disappears, leaving Mōkin alone.
He takes out a small piece of paper and writes down something quick. He rolls up the paper and extends his arm. A falcon flies in from above and lands on his forearm. Mōkin ties the paper to its leg and sends it flying away.
He chuckles under his tengu mark. "Soon this power will be ours."
-x-
Out in the Hidden Dream itself, three young shinobi sit on a rooftop of a random high building. The architecture is more traditional in design as opposed to the more modern villages like the Hidden Leaf, although there are some clans like the Hyūga that have stuck to similar values as the Hidden Dream has.
Because of its more traditional architecture, there aren't actually a lot of tall buildings for these three shinobi to sit on, although they make due.
Ryuka Tenrō is dressed in similar light kimono as all members of her clan, with hers being various shades of pink and red. Her wild violet hair doing its best to overtake her happuri face plate that covers her cheeks as well as her forehead.
Taisa Amagiri is a younger boy in dark robes and red armour plates that cover his arms, chest, and legs. His short spiky hair just barely pokes out from under his helmet.
Yomito Hirasaka, the oldest of the three, clad in the same loose robes as all in his clan but with only his head covered, leaving his boyish features on display.
"I wonder what's gonna change." Taisa wonders.
"With that?" Ryuka cocks her head.
"You know, this Shinobi Union thing." Taisa clarifies. "Letting others enter our village. Is it gonna be a bad thing?"
"I dunno." Ryuka shakes her head. "But, like, if they're willing to talk to us that means we can be friends, right?"
"Allies, at least." Yomito interjects. "I think it's too early for friendships."
"No need to be a spoilsport." Ryuka pouts.
"It's just the truth." Yomito shrugs.
"Some people say they're gonna steal our jutsu." Taisa notes. "But that's not true, right?"
"Of course not! If they want to take our jutsu, then there'll be no deal. Simple!" Ryuka states.
Yomito scratches his head over his headdress. "I don't think it's quite that simple, but still… Our fathers have surely thought this out. They wouldn't do something that endangers the village or its people."
"Exactly!" Ryuka agrees with him.
"Ryuka!" A very familiar deep and booming voice calls out to her. "Get down from there."
She looks down to see her father and Yomitatsu down on the street, looking somewhat displeased. At least Enzo is, Yomitatsu is more difficult to read with his features hidden. The three of them hop down, deciding it best not to try their luck.
"Hey, dad, uncle Yomitatsu." Ryuka greets them as if nothing had happened.
Yomitatsu chuckles. "It's good to see you all in high spirits."
"We've talked about this." Enzo crosses his arms. "Don't hang out on the roof."
Ryuka just stares at him with a curious look.
"What is it?"
"'Hang out' seems a bit too modern for you. Doesn't quite sit right."
Enzo sighs and ushers his daughter to walk with him. "Come, let's go home."
Yomitatsu turns to his son Yomito. "You as well, Yomito. We've your training to continue."
"Is father still at home?" Taisa asks.
"He is, yes." Enzo answers. "If he isn't, Mōkin should know where he is."
"Alright." Taisa nods. "I'll see you guys tomorrow!" He waves off his friends and heads home.
The two families bid their own farewells and leave.
Walking through the streets of the Hidden Dream Village, Enzo and Ryuka are met by an idyllic scene. For all intents and purpose, it's a normal village full of normal people looking to make a living and support their families.
Shops just like in any village, food stalls just like in any village.
Walking through the streets is one of Ryuka's favourite things to do, next to probably travelling via rooftops. She loves the people and she loves learning about their days, and in turn the people love hearing about hers.
One of the people she's probably closest to is someone they run into not long in their walk back home.
This person is old, older than her own dad. A scruffy man who's apparently always led a modest life, never needing much more than a simple robe on his back. He always keeps to himself, living at the very edge of the village in a small house full of only the absolute basics. For some he's an enigma despite the decades he's been part of the village. He's not originally from here and was found some twenty-odd years roaming around. He's one of the very few outsiders who've ever been accepted, the other being Gensui's personal advisor Mōkin. Still, Ryuka enjoys his presence nonetheless.
"Yaizu!" She runs over to him just as he's buying some apples from a stall.
He slowly turns around to find her already by his side, grinning up to him. "Hello, Lady Ryuka."
"Drop the 'lady' part." She pouts.
"I can't very well disrespect the daughter of the Tenrō clan's head, can I?" Yaizu chuckles.
Enzo walks over and exchanges a nod with him. "How are you, old man?"
"As well as an old man can be." Yaizu says. "Say, I've been meaning to ask. Is it true what the people say? About us opening to the other villages."
Enzo grumbles as he scratches his chin. "It is, yes."
"You appear… displeased?" Yaizu notes his demeanor.
"It's nothing." Enzo waves off the man's concerns. "It's not something I should concern other people with."
"I understand." Yaizu nods his head. "Some matters are best left between the ones ruling."
During this conversation, the group naturally begins walking down the street once Yaizu pays for the apples, now speaking as they head to their respective homes.
"Are there a lot of secrets like that?" Ryuka looks up to her dad.
Enzo pats her on the head, ruffling her violet hair. "You'll learn when you succeed me."
"That'll take so long, though!" Ryuka complains.
"That could be seen as a good thing." Yaizu notes. "If it takes long, that means your father is in good health."
"That's quite the outlook." Enzo laughs. "But maybe we can start easing you in a little bit, huh?" He looks to his daughter. "One step at a time."
"You'll be a beloved clan head, Lady Ryuka. The village already respects you so you have an early start."
"Yeah, I do, don't I?" She grins. "But also, drop the 'lady' part."
"Perhaps one." Yaizu smiles. As they reach a certain street crossing, he stops. "I believe this is where we part ways."
"Always a pleasure to see you, Yaizu." Enzo nods.
"You, as well, Lord Enzo." Yaizu nods back.
"We'll talk some other time, alright!" Ryuka prods.
"Promise."
With that, Enzo and Ryuka separate from Yaizu, going in the opposite direction. The two have important clan matters to attend to, one being the preparation of the Hidden Leaf's arrival. It's an unprecedented time that will surely change the village.
Naruto looks outside the window of the inn they're staying at. A violent wind rages, sending the heavy rain flying in every direction. Trees bend under its might, any loose items that had been left unattended now fly through the streets, carried away.
About a day before reaching the Hidden Dream Village, he noticed the skies quickly turning a very dark grey. Deciding that they wouldn't be able to avoid them, he had his team take a slight detour to a nearby town and now he's glad they did.
Kotori looks out the window with him, whistling at the terrifying but also slightly impressive sight. "I've never seen anything like this."
"And I thought the Hidden Rain was rough. This is way worse." Yokumaru looks at the clothes they've hanged up to dry.
While they did manage to avoid the brunt of it, they were still caught in the early rain, so now their clothes are all wet while they stay in their room in more plain, everyday clothes.
"Yeah, some places have it rougher than others." Naruto closes the blinds and shuts the windows. It doesn't really silence the vicious howling but at least they don't feel it.
There's a light knock on the sliding door. "Pardon the interruption." The hostess calls to them before she slides the door open, kneeling by it, and brings trays of food inside. "Your meal is ready."
"Ah, thank you!" Naruto, in his hunger and impatience, goes to grab the trays but the woman lightly raises a hand to signal him to not do so.
"Allow me." She brings the food inside and meticulously places each tray in the centre of the room, in two rows that face each other. "Please enjoy."
"Ah, before you go." Naruto decides to ask some pertinent questions. "Do you know how long the storms here usually last?"
"The heavier storms may sometimes last up to a week before quieting down. Luckily, this one is rather mild."
Shoto raises a brow and looks toward the window that's being thrashed by the wind. 'Mild?'
"Tomorrow I predict will be clear skies. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, I would normally advise against travel, however seeing that you're shinobi, you may be able to outrun a potential second storm."
Naruto folds his arm and scratches his chin. "I see. We don't really get weather like this back home. Thanks!"
The woman bows and takes her leave.
"A day in this great vacation spot, huh?" Shoto sighs. "Anyone want to sunbathe?"
Naruto sits down on the ground and bumps him on the shoulder. "Come on, we can have fun while we're at it! How about playing some cards? Or word games! Those are always fun."
"Rather not." Shoto slumps to the ground.
"Let's play word chain!" Kotori hops in place. "My word is 'sparrow'." She grabs an onigiri from the food tray in front of her.
"Will it be a problem that we're going to be late?" Shoto asks.
Kotori puffs her cheeks and glares at him. "You're technically following the rules, but I don't think you're actually playing."
"Nah, I think we're fine. We'll only arrive a day later than they expect us; shouldn't be a problem. Besides, they know what the weather's like around here so they'll probably understand."
"I do hope we don't cause an incident." Yokumaru worries. "It wouldn't look good if our first diplomatic mission doesn't end well."
"But they also probably know what the weather's like in these parts so we got nothing to worry about. If something like this was enough to break the negotiations, then they wouldn't have extended the offer themselves, yeah?"
"I suppose."
"So what's this Hidden Dream place even like?" Kotori asks.
Nauto shrugs. "I don't really know. The mission scroll gives the most basic info about its creation, its three founding 's a pretty dry read."
"I hope we can make friends with them fast!" Kotori grins.
"Is that so we can beat Team Five?" Yokumaru chuckles.
"Well, I mean, yeah. But also just to make more friends. You can never have enough friends.
"At some point your positivity has to run out, right?" Shoto questions.
Kotori cackles. "Never!"
"Well," Naruto interrupts their joking around, "Let's not waste our host's generous food, yeah?" Naruto finally sits in front of one of the trays. "We can talk about the Hidden Dream or play games after."
With that, the four of them gather around to eat dinner and carry out the heavy storm.
In the end, Naruto, Kotori, and Yokumaru would end up playing games that eventually Shoto would begrudgingly join. They manage to make the best out of a lousy situation.
It's a quiet and unassuming day in the Hidden Dream Village, but also a special one. Both shinobi and civilians alike are gathered en masse in the foggy streets by the village entrance in heavy anticipation.
What separates this day from most others is the anxiousness from anticipating the arrival of outsiders. A team from the Hidden Leaf village is set to arrive to negotiate, which hasn't happened in longer than anyone can remember.
Their peaceful lives of being isolated from the warring outside may very well come to an end. Or they may become even more peaceful. No one knows for certain.
As per the orders of Lord Gensui Amagiri, the village has been kept in immaculate condition, shops are open and fully stocked. The Hidden Dream Village is dressed to impress.
Ryuka, Yomito, and Taisa have their spot picked out on one of the rooftops, where they usually hang out despite their fathers repeatedly telling them not to. For one, it can damage the tiles but it's also just rude to climb on people's property all willy-nilly.
Still, from their vantage point, they can see practically everyone and everything.
"People sure are antsy." Taisa notes. "Is it really that big of a deal?"
Yomito nods. "It is. For our village to break from ancient tradition like this is unheard of. I've heard some are displeased with your father for doing so."
"Oh…" Taisa frowns and lowers his head. "I know some have been kind of tense lately, but dad kept saying not to worry."
Ryuka pats her friend on the back. "If Lord Gensui said not to worry, then we have nothing to worry about. He knows what he's doing."
"That's right." Yomito says. "Lord Gensui does not make rash decisions. If our fathers all came to this agreement, they must have weighed their decisions carefully."
"Yeah." Taisa looks up with a light smile. "I guess I have a lot more to learn about all this, huh? If I'm going to one day become head of the Amagiri clan."
"We have all the time we need." Ryuka grins.
The kids turn their attention back to the bustling streets of the Hidden Dream that await the arrival of the foreign shinobi.
From the corner of his eyes, Yomito spots a presence he hadn't before- a man standing atop a nearby building just like them, although this is not someone he recognizes. The man is a bit far to clearly make out his features but there's two distinguishing marks that truly stand- his blond hair and his orange cloak.
The man simply stands there, observing the village.
Yomito nudges Taisa to get his and Ryuka's attention. "Hey, who's that?" He points to the man.
The two turn around and furrow their brows, not recognizing him ,either. "I don't know?"
Just then, the man releases his chakra, the pressure being felt by everyone in the vicinity. The tower he stands on cracks, any small animals unlucky enough to be near him become chittering and howling in pain. Even standing becomes a heavy burden as many civilians and shinobi drop to their knees while the more resilient shinobi try to keep themselves
He ends it.
Members of the Hirasaka clan immediately surround him, weapons drawn.
"You!" Enzo stomps forward. "Identify yourself!"
Naruto sneers. "You don't even know? Did you seriously only now figure out I'm here?"
As more attention is brought to him, his features are easier to make out- his horned Hidden Leaf forehead protector, his blue eyes, his clothes.
"Are you… from the Hidden Leaf?" Enzo notes his appearance. "Why did you exert pressure on us?"
"To see what you're made of." Naruto explains. "And just as one would expect from this village of cowards and rejects, you're not worth a single shit." He hisses in disappointment.
Gensui steps in front of Enzo. "You best watch your tongue, boy." He warns.
"Or what?" Naruto's laughter fills the streets with unease. "You'll run away again? Hide somewhere else?" He spits. "Pathetic. You've no place in the Shinobi Union or even the shinobi world in general. What you need is to be taught a lesson."
Naruto hunches over as red chakra surrounds his entire body. The Hirasaka shinobi immediately spring into action but masses of chakra, forming in claws, reach out and grabs them, squeezing them until they stop moving.
The red chakra grows more and more intense as Naruto roars, an unnerving sound that grows only fiercer as his chakra grows. Eventually, the chakra takes the form of a vicious nine-tailed fox that looms over the village.
"It can't be…" Enzo stares at the monster with hopeless eyes. "Why… is this happening?"
Kurama swings his tails, sweeping several buildings to the ground. The debris is sent flying over buildings, crashing into nearby structures, tearing them down.
Everyone runs in a panic.
Screams fill the streets.
Gensui leaps up toward Kurama. "ENZO! YOMITATSU!" He calls out to his close friends. "Protect the village!"
"Lord Gensui?" Enzo looks up to him. "Where are you going?"
"To do the same." Gensui declares and sends a barrage of kunai flying at Kurama, grabbing his attention.
Ryuka, Taisa, and Yomito Flicker by Enzo's side.
"Ryuka!" Enzo calls out her name in surprise. "You shouldn't be here! Run!"
"But, dad, we can help!" Ryuka says.
"No, you can't! Leave this to Lord Gensui and save as many as you can. The more time you waste, the more people will die." Enzo looks back to the battle between Gensui and the Nine-Tailed Fox. He, too, wants to jump in and help but his priority right now is to save anyone who can't save themselves. "Yaizu!" He calls the older man making his way toward them. "Take the kids with you."
"Dad, please!" Ryuka protests.
"I can't just leave father here!" Taisa says but looking at the battle his father is engaged in, he knows there's nothing he can do.
Yaizu runs over to them, stopping by the kids' side. "Lord Enzo, what's happening? Why's the Hidden Leaf attacking us?"
"I don't know, but if anyone can stop that Naruto Uzumaki, it's Lord Gensui."
Yaizu freezes on hearing the name. "... Uzumaki?" He whispers in disbelief.
"Go!" Enzo roars and goes to help his fellow shinobi form a perimeter of defence, erecting barrier ninjutsu to stop any more destruction.
Yaizu and the more composed Yomito grab Ryuka and Taisa and run back.
Yomitatsu disappears to help with the evacuation. He goes through the destroyed buildings, getting out anyone who can be saved, people who are stuck or injured and unable to get out in time. Members of the Hirasaka clan in general are looking over every corner for survivors of the sudden attack.
Yomitatsu bites his finger to draw blood and after going through the necessary hand signs, slams his hand on the ground.
[Ninja Art: Summoning]
What appears from beneath the smoke are no ordinary summons. Somewhat ape-like in their appearance, these obsidian creatures have a vastly disproportionate body. Their wide torso and monstrously oversized fists seem like they shouldn't be held up by their much thinner legs, but they somehow are. Their empty demon-like faces almost look porcelain and contrast their dark bodies by being an off-white.
"Nuiba," Yomitatsu commands his summons, "Help anyone in need."
The Nuiba scatter while Yomitatsu goes separately to cover more ground.
At one building, he hears a voice. "Yomitatsu! Help!"
He turns the corner and sees Mōkin, Gensui's trusted advisor, holding up a fallen wall to the best of his abilities.
Mōkin cries in pain as the weight gets him to his knee. Yomitatsu runs over and helps him lift it up. Yomitatsu's arms bulk out under his loose robes, his arms and hands becoming much larger and disproportionate to his body. With an increased strength, the wall proves much lighter.
"I have this, Mōkin. Get them out." Yomitatsu says.
"It's already too late for them, and for you." Mōkin says in a cold voice under his tengu mask as he holds his hands in the 'Bird' hand sign.
Before Yomitatsu can question him, he feels a sharp pain in his legs, multiple sharp objects digging into his calves, thigh, and back.
"Mōkin… What're you doing?!" Yomitatsu growls in pain.
"Eliminating a threat." Mōkin extends an open hand.
Feathers materialize around him from seemingly nowhere, fluttering toward his hand. He grabs the base of one feather as others latch onto it. With the tip of the feathers pointed downward, he now holds what resembles a saw made purely out of feathers.
Yomitatsu pushes off the piece of wall he'd been holding.
His body begins to morph even more, his face taking on exaggerated demon-like features, almost resembling a mask. His torso grows to match the proportions of his hammer-like arms, taking on a more obsidian colouration.
[Ninja Art: Possession Summoning: Nuiba]
Yomitatsu swings his massive fist, but Mōkin seemingly disappears from sight. As Yomitatsu hits the part of the wall that's still standing, Mōkin comes at him from above. The feather blade slams into his chest and sinks deep, deeper than the impact would initially suggest. It almost feels like the feathers are digging in all on their own.
Yomitatsu tries to land another punch but he already has way more wounds than he can reasonably sustain. He misses as he winces in pain.
With a single 'Bird' hand sign, Mōkin commands the feathers to tear the man apart from within.
"Damn… you…" Yomitatsu manages to hiss out.
Yomitatsu Hirasaka falls to the ground, his body unable to take the damage.
Mōkin stands above his fallen foe. "I'm glad that worked as well as it did. Now it's all up to you." He looks towards the battle between Gensui and Kurama.
He looks around to ensure no one has been around to witness his betrayal. Certain it was only the two of them around, Mōkin goes to what appears to be a fence with several bent pointed tips. He drags it to the body of Yomitatsu to make his death look like an accidental impalement.
Back at the main battle, Enzo bites his lip. Unable to take it anymore, he steps in front of the barrier.
"Lord Enzo, wait!" One of the shinobi holding the barrier ninjutsu tries to stop him.
"I'm done waiting. I'm going to aid Lord Gensui." Enzo declares.
His body twitches, growing buffer as he walks forward. His nails turns to claws, fur grows on his muscular body, his face taking on a canine appearance.
[Human Beast Transformation: Heavenly Wolf]
Enzo howls in his new form and charges forward.
Gensui looks back at his leaping friend and cries out. "No, it's too dangerous!"
"We can win together, Lord Gensui!" Enzo calls back.
Just then, Kurama proves him wrong. Gather a massive ball of sinister black chakra by his gaping maws, Kurama continues to use his tails to destroy the city and ward off any attempts to interrupt him.
Sensing the danger, Gensui rushes back to drag Enzo away but he realizes it's too late for anything.
He stops and faces Kurama.
"Stand back, Enzo." He warns. "I don't want you to get caught in this."
Lightning crackles around his body, gathering electricity just as Kurama is gathering chakra.
[Lightning Style: Heaven Rage]
A thunderstorm powerful enough to match the real thing emanates from Gensui Amagiri's body just as Kurama fires his chakra.
Gensui fires a powerful bolt of lightning, the power deafening everyone in the village and the brightness blinding them.
-x-
No one really knows what happened next. It was far too bright and far too loud for anyone to make out anything.
All they know is that after they regained their senses, the Nine Tailed Demon Fox was nowhere to be seen and that Gensui Amagiri, head of the Amagiri clan and leader of the Hidden Dream Village, had died in battle.
Currently Enzo Tenrō is overseeing the rescue efforts, trying to identify all the fallen, to take care of the survivors, to assess the damages. With the passing of Gensui and the disappearance of Yomitatsu, it all falls on him.
He enters a building on the edge of the village that's being used as a temporary relief centre, since the actual medical facilities were caught in the Nine Tails' rampage. There, his daughter Ryuka and Gensui's son Taisa are helping treat the injured.
Enzo's heart breaks everytime he sees the young boy. He quietly walks over to him, going through the motions with a blank stare.
"Taisa, you should go rest." Enzo says with a hoarse voice, his own emotions still not fully in check.
Taisa sniffs and wipes his eyes with his sleeves. "I have to help."
Enzo kneels down and grabs the boy's shoulder. "I know you're hurting, son. You don't have to push yourself; take time to process it, to cry, to scream. Anything."
With a trembling hand, Taisa pats Enzo's. "Please, uncle. I need to do this." He looks up to him with a pained smile.
"Alright." Enzo nods and hugs the boy before turning his attention to the rest of the injured.
At this point, Yomito and Yaizu walk into the room, both carrying more injured.
"We need two beds." Yaizu calls out to the medics who lead them to available beds.
Enzo walks over and helps get them comfortably on them. "Thank you for your aid, Yaizu."
"It's the least I can do." Yaizu nods.
"Have you…" Enzo apprehensively looks back to Yomito from the corner of his eye. "Have you found-"
"No." Yaizu answers, knowing full well what he wanted to ask.
Yomito grips the edge of the bed. "He's out there somewhere. I know it."
"Lord Enzo?" Mōkin enters the room, as well. "We've found-" He stops when he sees Yomito standing in the room.
"Yes, Mōkin?" Enzo motions for him to continue.
"Is it my dad?" Yomito rushes over to Mōkin, grabbing the man by the shoulder in a desperate plea. "Did you find him? Where is he?"
Mōkin lowers his head, his expression completely unreadable because of his tengu mask but his body language says it all. "I'm sorry."
Yomito crumples to the ground.
Ryuka slowly makes her way toward him, not knowing what words she can give to her childhood friend at this time. "Yomito…"
Taisa makes his way to him and pulls him into a hug, the two consoling each other over the loss of their fathers. The two shed uncontrollable tears, unable to do anything else besides curse the one responsible.
Enzo walks over to Mōkin and pulls him to the side, away from the mourning boys. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure." Mōkin answers. "We found him buried under rubble, impaled by a fence. Most of his body was crushed."
Yomito tries to find his voice through his tears. "I need to see him."
"I don't think that's a good idea." Enzo shakes his head. "Let the medics tend to him first."
"Please, uncle Enzo. This is something I have to do."
"You kids… are really something else." Enzo sighs. "Mōkin, would you please accompany them?"
"Of course." Mōkin nods. He leans down and helps Yomito and Taisa up. "Let's go."
Ryuka runs over and grabs both of their arms, pulling them as close to her as possible. "I'm coming, too."
Yomito looks down with a very light smile. "Thanks."
As Mōkin escorts the three of them outside, Enzo grunts in frustration. He stomps out of the room and onto the balcony where he slams his fist on the railing with as much force as he can.
Yaizu walks over to him and leans on the railing. "Lord Enzo?"
"Damn the Hidden Leaf." Enzo curses through gritted teeth. "If this Shinobi Union thinks it can bend us to their will, they're sorely mistaken."
"Sir, about the Nine Tails' host. You said his name was…"
"Naruto Uzumaki." Enzo breathes in. "You're not an active shinobi so I guess you never needed to know. He's the Leaf's jinchūriki. Supposedly a hero from the war five years ago that left the whole world in ruins. Guess he's only a hero to the fucking Great Nations."
"But, if he's an Uzumaki, I don't see why he'd do this. The Uzumaki clan would never stoop to doing something like this!" Yaizu says with a hint of desperation in his voice. "Surely there has to be something more to this."
"We all saw what happened, Yaizu. The Hidden Leaf attacked us and they didn't even care to hide it. If they think this is enough to scare us, they're sorely mistaken." Enzo growls.
"I'm just not certain about it, sir."
"Why are you so quick to defend someone who destroyed your home?!" Enzo snaps. "Or do you know something we don't, Yaizu?" He gets close to the older man, staring daggers into him.
"No, sir." Yaizu looks away. "I just... don't want to believe they'd do something like this."
"Seeing is believing, isn't it?" Enzo steps away. "The Hidden Leaf initiated a war, and I intend to retaliate." He growls.
Name meanings
Yomitatsu Hirasaka (比良坂 ヨミタツ, Hirasaka Yomitatsu) - Just like his game-canon son, Yomito Hirasaka, he's named after the Yomotsu Hirasaka from Shinto mythology- the mountain slope that descents to Yomi, the underworld.
Mōkin (モウキン, Mōkin) - bird of prey.
Yaizu (ヤイズ, Yaizu) - named after Yaizu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Trivia
The Hidden Dreams Village is a game-only village from "Naruto Shippūden: Kizuna Drive", while the Hidden Moon Village was featured in the game "Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3". I'll be honest, I'm going to basically rip off those games with the next two arcs.