Author's Notes
Yo! Yo! Yo! What's going on my fellow Star Dragons?! This is ya boi, StarDragon001 here with the next chapter of Heir to the Kitsune Clan! It is time to start getting into the more spicy stuff with the mission that I have planned for team seven! First of all, it is something completely different, not the Land of Waves! It will take place somewhere very special… you will know soon enough! Either way, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Also, I would like to know, where are all the reviewers at? I would really at this point appreciate some feedback! The ones who are going to take the mission to Wave is Team Eight! Now, enough rambling on, I have lots of things planned for this arc, so let us get right into it baby!
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto, while NoX belongs to EA and WestWood.
Arc Two: Trouble In The Southern Lands!
Chapter Two – Mission Across The Seas!
-Naruto's Alchemy Shop, Early Morning-
It was a fine day for the kit as he just finished serving two customers; to which were shinobi yet again. Looks like over the course of a couple of months that the potion workshop has been open, the news have spread around fast of the magical effects they give. From genin to chunin and jonin that have come in, have yet to be anything interesting. Of course, Naruto had small talk with the ninja while he was getting their orders, though that is about it. Apparently, his potion-work has also increased mission rate success. Isn't that pretty neat? Even though this shop is licensed, it wasn't marked official since opening for quite some time, though was marked as it since the results started to sink in. It honestly baffled Minato when the multi-hair coloured kit in disguise was in his office talking about his work; it was unbelievable how complex this line of work is, but it is in the line of wizardry… so, it is understandable that the blonde-haired man doesn't. Even though he IS a ninja genius.
However, since he was hoping for something interesting to happen, he was going to go into the main workshop area, where he makes the potions to make himself busy, and continue on his 'Cure Poison' potion project, to which he still struggles to make to this day, making him slightly mad. Though, a challenge is a challenge, and he will complete it! Before he was going to teleport into the workshop through the use of the strange markings on the floor, he heard strange, eccentric voices that possibly belonged to a genin team. And, lo and behold, come walking in team nine, who were about to head out apparently on a mission outside of the village. They were all excitedly conversing with each other, well, except for one, who had strange white eyes; he heard that they were known to possess the byakugan: a powerful dojutsu that is known to have three-hundred and sixty-degree vision. The Hyuuga clan, now he remembers.
"With the power of youth… I will be able to get through any obstacle that would bar my way!" A very eccentric genin wearing green spandex declared as the team came through the door, ringing the small bell in the process.
"No Lee! You must be prepared at all times during a mission far from home! Even if you have the power of youth…" The adult version wisely responded to the genin's claim.
"Would you two just shut up already?!" A girl shouted with an angry look on her face, before pulling on their ears, making them rub them in the process. The boy with the white eyes in the meantime looked around the shop in curiosity at all the glowing magic bottles of strange, coloured liquid, before he spotted the clerk. If he remembers correctly; that boy is the rookie of the year of the recent graduates from the academy. And so, he decided to approach the boy, until he was at the counter. The boy was curious about the multi-haired kit in disguise to who was slightly unnerved by the gaze the Hyuuga boy was giving him, slightly backing off.
Naruto decided to break the little tense moment "Umm, hello sir? Is there anything you need?"
"Oh, I apologise if I rubbed you the wrong way… I'm Neji Hyuuga" He introduced himself with a bow, to which the kit did the same.
"I'm Naruto, nice to meet you" He responded with his own introduction a bit nervously.
From there the two conversed slightly, before the others introduced themselves as well. The girl with her hair done up in buns, TenTen, was interested in his wizard outfit, though he corrected her that it is a uniform basically. She of course apologised, though the kit still explained that the robe was made from the fur of a fire rat, which some of it was electrified, giving it that blue hue. TenTen was surprised, because she said it was impossible, though Naruto responded that 'when you're working with wizards, anything is possible'. Lee wanted to see a few magic tricks, though was told that this was not a circus. However, he told them that he could make the colours dance if he wanted to. Guy decided to buy a few potions for the team; Force Field, Health Restore, Haste and Vampirism. When the team got what they needed, Might Guy did his special 'nice guy' pose with Lee, before leaving. It made the purple-eyed kit sigh at their antics, before going into the workshop to continue working on his project. He for sure will remember those faces. It also seems that he's running out of ingredients for the potions, so, unfortunately, he will have to request a D-rank mission for it.
During his time in the workshop a couple of minutes later, he heard the bell ring once more. Naruto just needed to add a couple more ingredients to test for the poison cure… and it failed once more, making him bash his head against the table a couple of times in the process. The kit then heard a familiar female voice, before sighing and stretching his arms.
"Hold on, I'll be right there" He shouted as he heard a more higher pitched kid voice then before.
Teleporting into the shop, the kid and the red head Uzumaki were surprised to see Naruto, who was just rubbing his head in slight embarrassment. A lot of things happened today in the shop, and he did wish for something interesting to happen after all…
"Hey, Naruto-kun! I didn't know you were the owner of the store! Wow… look at all the glowing bottles! You sure have been hard at work!" Hikari complimented with a grin.
The kit in disguise then soon replied with a smile of his own "Of course, with all the customers I have been getting lately, I've been quite busy…"
"I want to see you do some magic!" A little kid replied, who was standing beside the girl with a grin.
Naruto raised an eyebrow "Hikari-chan, who's this?"
"Oh, sorry about him… he's Konohamaru, a friend of mine I met not too long ago, we met earlier today while I was speaking to dad in the office" She explained, ruffling the kid's hair, making him pout.
"Why hello there Konohamaru, I am Naruto, the master wizard… how may I be of service kiddo?" The purple-eyed kit asked in a cheery tone. He's actually alright with little kids, he doesn't mind them at all. As long as they're not annoying brats that is…
Konohamaru then responded, a big grin still plastered on his face "I would like to see you do some magic! Also, I want to become your apprentice!"
Naruto laughed in response "For that… you are going to have to prove your worth my friend, if you ever want to be part of the wizard faction!"
"So, so, how do I do that?!" The kid exclaimed in excitement.
"Well…" The kit in disguise started.
From there, another friendship was formed, and another human bond made. He explained that he had to open the tome that his mother explained to him finally; It apparently tests humans for the affinity they have: Either close combat, summoning and taming creatures, or complete mastery in spells and chemistry. Once the little kid excitedly and instantly opened the book, he was greeted with a flash of light, before he was chosen to be the Conjurer. Now, that doesn't mean that he can't be his apprentice… Konohamaru still can, it's just that his magic is much different to his (even though he can cast those spells as well, it's just that he prefers wizardry more). The little kid cheered, and then after that asked when his training will begin. That is when Hikari realised what she wanted him for.
"Uh, sorry to interrupt Naruto-kun, but our sensei wants us to meet soon" She informed, making him nod.
"Sorry kiddo, though maybe our first magic lesson will start once I have finished with my ninja duties!" Naruto responded.
Konohamaru sagged his shoulders in disappointment slightly, though cheered up and saluted "Good luck master Naruto! Stay safe!"
"Thanks kid, I will" Naruto replied with a nod.
'Master?' He thought to himself in slight amusement.
"Alright Hikari-chan… let's go and meet with Anko-sensei and see what she wants from us" The kit in disguise said, before he closed down shop for the day, and went off to their usual training ground.
-Early Afternoon Training, and D-ranks-
"Alright kid, and kits… I think that is enough training for today! Why don't we go and bond over some missions together? What do you three say?" Anko exclaimed with a grin as she watched her exhausted students.
"Damn… when it comes to training, she's a damn devil…" Kinua managed to say through pants, wiping some sweat from his face.
"Think about it, at least we are getting stronger, my sense of smell of hearing can reach further with the exercises she gave us two!" Naruto grinned, breathing heavily, though still standing.
"My adamantine chains are much more manageable then before… though I have no idea how you two are still standing" She said while resting on the cool earth, hungry for oxygen.
Anko then smiled "Well, to me it all looks like you're saying yes"
After their training, they all went home to quickly change into their mission outfits, before meeting up at the hokage's office. It was D-rank after D-rank, chore after chore that people aren't bothered doing themselves for god's sake. Gosh, most humans have become lazy these days! How in the world did they build the village in the first place? Well, he had heard rumours that the first hokage had built it from the ground up himself using the wood style he's infamously known for. It took all the kitsune clan together to build the home that they know today, using methods of pure magic and crazy building methods! Stupid shortcuts… anyways, after a couple of 'missions', they were told about a higher D-rank, that gave the genin slight hope… though realised that it was the worst mission yet: capturing a damn feline. Honestly, they are not big fans of them at all.
-Mission: Rescue Tora the Demon Cat-
The cat that escaped from the daimyo's wife made a big mistake messing with team seven. Kitsune are naturally gifted at the stealth aspect, even more so than cats themselves. Their plan: was for the two kits to sneak up to the stupid feline and grab it. However, if that fails, then plan B would be to capture it by force by using the adamantine chains that Hikari has prepared her chakra for. This requires perfect timing and coordination, which are both aspects of teamwork that are being showed off right this moment. Of course, their sensei was watching them do the work in the background, while eating a dango stick.
{R.R. Hood, what's the status of the target?} Anko stated through the radio with a chuckle.
Hikari sighed in annoyance through the radio {Target in sight, unaware of our presence}
{Good, you may proceed with the plan} The snake mistress approved.
The red head Uzumaki then confirmed with her teammates {Rainbow and Emo, you guys may proceed with the plan!}
Two responses then were heard {Affirmative, target in sight}
However, Kinua paused as he heard the nicknames… before whisper-shouting through the mic {Who the hell even comes up with these damn stupid nicknames?!}
{Don't ask me, ask sensei!} Hikari responded with a slight growl of annoyance.
However, the two kits decided to then initiate plan A, silently and stealthily weaving through the undergrowth of the forest on all fours, and once they were close to the target…
"Got you stupid cat!" Naruto shouted as he grabbed it with his bare hands, as it panicked at the unexpected sneak attack from the ninja, though smelling the kid that caught him made it pale, realising it is a yokai in disguise, wisely shutting its mouth just in case it pisses it off.
"Good work team! Mission accomplished!" Anko grinned, making the genin cheer at the fact that it is over.
-Hokage's Office-
They witnessed the most horrific thing in the world: as they were almost sorry for the poor cat. The key word being 'almost'. It was being hugged to death by madam Shijimi, the wife of the fire daimyo. For the team, they were told by the hokage that they have the fastest time at capturing the feline, making them sigh, at least they got something good out of it. Once she left and paid for the mission, the blonde hokage started listing more potential chor… he means missions. Yes, missions. However, this pissed off his daughter greatly, of course, the kits felt the same, though hid it well, except the purple-eyed kit twitched an eye at each 'mission' that was listed off.
"I've had enough of these stupid D-Rank missions! Give us something more CHALLENGING for god's sake!" She exclaimed in pure rage, making her father sweat slightly at the righteous female fury.
"Hikari, will you at least…" Iruka was about to teach a lesson of 'respect the hokage', though wisely shut up at the death stare he received from her.
"Yeah, like what the hell man?! We've been training our asses off for who knows how long and all we get are bloody CHORES?" Kinua agreed, finally letting it all out.
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head "I have to agree with my pals here…"
"Well, you heard the kids lord hokage! We're ready for a higher ranked mission!" Anko declared, making them cheer.
Iruka then shook his head in the negative, before deciding to be logical "You are all just genin barely out of the academy… you are all not ready for such a mission yet"
"Have some faith in them Iruka, I've been getting many good reports on this team lately… so, I have decided to give you a challenge" Minato smiled, making them all grin.
"So, hokage-sama… what's the C-rank?" Anko curiously asked.
"Well, it's a completely… new and strange one; it says here that some place called Galava Castle requests assistance from the Leaf, and it is a great emergency. Details will be stated by the client" Minato read out, making the purple-eyed kit wide eyed.
"Wait… Galava Castle? The realm of the wizards?!" Naruto was shocked by the description.
"You know of it?" Anko asked, eyebrow raised.
Naruto then decided to start explaining "Galava Castle is the home of the wizards; the place where all the magic I use comes from. All wizard and magic experiments are overseen by the Arch-Wizard by the name of Horvath"
Before he could even continue the explanation, a man in a light green and red wizard robe, wearing a hat with a blue sapphire imbedded in it teleported into the room "And this is where I come in"
Everyone were completely stunned, even the hidden anbu who were poised to attack just in case it was an enemy. Though, Minato raised a hand that it was all fine, realising that it is the client.
The blonde hokage then spoke "Would you mind if you first introduce yourself, before explaining the situation you and your village are facing?"
"Alright, I am Aluneth, who was sent here by the arch-wizard Horvath to bring grave news; a strange darkness looms over our world, and Horvath wants to break the barrier that's stopping him from seeing through and figuring out the disbalance. However, the key lies within the amulet of clarity and the book of oblivion, that were stolen not too long ago. Mana supplies have been running low, and the only source of it would be from the mana mines, having been shut for quite some time" The wizard known as Aluneth explained.
"We haven't heard from Stravas, who was supposed to deliver the amulet of teleportation, for quite some time now. The amulet is supposed to help us solve the problems with the mana shortages" He continued.
"And that is why we need your help!" Aluneth finished his explanation.
Iruka was pondering this "Sounds something like it would be much higher than a C-rank…"
Aluneth then bowed in a pleading way "Please, our faction is in a dire state, we need your help!"
"Lord hokage, we accept!" Naruto declared; the team having determined looks on their faces.
Anko grinned at her student's enthusiasm "Well, you heard the kids, we accept!"
"Well, it's official then, Aluneth, this team, known as Team Seven, will be escorting you back to Galava, do not worry, have full faith in them" Minato reassured him with a smile.
"I thank you for your cooperation hokage-sama, team seven, though, I suggest you prepare for a two-week journey to the Land of Nox, since it is located oversees" Aluneth explained and thanked.
"Alright, you heard the man! Give us a day to prepare, and tomorrow I expect you all to be at the north gates by eight am!" Anko gave the details, getting a chorus of "Hai!" from the genin, before leaving to prepare, however, the multi-hair coloured kit was stopped by the veteran wizard.
"Hey kid, mind if we take a walk?" He asked.
Naruto was a bit nervous, though responded with a nod "Sure…"
-Forest of Konoha, Kitsune Sanctuary, Early Evening-
The kit returned home later this day, slightly tired of the events that occurred; at first, of course he had the talk with Aluneth, and the man was completely surprised that he owned his own potion workshop. It was approved by the man as well, saying that Naruto has a good grasp of the art of potion-work, though said the kit had a long way to go still. He asked curiously on what it was, though said he would figure it out on his own. It is better to learn from trial and error, well, it is good to gain some advice at first, though the rest is up to him. Naruto told Aluneth that he was working on a potion project that has been taking a couple of years now; the 'cure poison' potion, and this made the veteran smirk slightly, as the Land of Nox already had it produced. The kit asked for some tips, though the man said unless he helps them out, he won't get any hints. It made Naruto cry fake tears, though grinned at the prospect.
Later that day he came back to his second home with a smile, making his parents happy at the same time, wondering what happened today.
"So, Naruto-kun, mind telling us how your day went today?" Inari asked as she was preparing dinner along with the help of her husband.
"I'm heading out on my first ever C-rank tomorrow kaachan, touchan!" The kit revealed with a big grin.
"Ho, and where are you going that has you so excited son?" Kurama asked with a cheeky glint in his eye that is only exclusive to kitsune.
Naruto sighed at his father's antics, before grinning "I'm heading off to the Land of Nox! Specifically the realm of the wizards, Galava Castle!"
Inari's eyes widened before grinning as she quickly went upstairs, making Naruto curious, before she came back with a new uniform; It was an ocean blue wizard robe with a natural light green hue, and a wizard hat that had a red ruby imbedded into it. The metal plate with the Leaf symbol was stuck to the arm of the robe. The kit was shocked at the new outfit his mother has made for him, and tackled his mother in a big hug, thanking her for this gift.
"Thank you kaachan! You're the best!" Naruto shouted with a big grin, making his mother smile.
Inari then responded by ruffling his hair "You're welcome son; this wizard uniform will provide ample protection from electricity and fire, while at the same time providing healing magic at the small cost of your mana, which you have a lot of"
"Awesome!" The kit exclaimed in excitement, making his parents chuckle slightly at his enthusiastic antics.
And so the day ended with them having a nice family dinner, chatting about the mission that he received, which his parents found shocking that it is a C-rank, though told him to still be careful either way, he was told that looks could be deceiving, and he agreed with them. Not every mission that is sent through are actually C-rank, there could be an instance where one easy mission could turn around into a much higher difficulty. It was only a heads up.
-Morning, North Gate-
Team Seven and the client, known as Aluneth were standing at the gates with Anko, who is the leader of the team of course. Naruto actually came by his shop earlier to stack up on a couple of potions for his teammates, sealing them into scrolls to carry them easier. Before they were able to move forward out of the village gates however, they heard a familiar voice, before turning around to see Team Eight with Kakashi Hatake walking over to them with their own client, to whom was Tazuna from the Land of Waves.
"Hey guys! What's going on here?" Kiba asked as he approached the team.
"Well, we were just about to head out for a mission… until you guys showed up" Hikari sighed.
Kakashi put a hand on his shoulder "Just letting you know, Kiba-kun, is that this is not a joint mission, they have a completely separate mission compared to us, as you can see by the strange client they have"
He looked at the man in the wizard clothes, before nodding his head "Pretty cool uniforms I must say"
"Is this some dress up party?" Sakura decided to open her mouth, getting dirty looks from the two wizards, making her shut up.
And so, they decided to travel together for a bit of the journey. Encountering the demon brothers along the way, with team seven, Kiba and Sasuke taking the lead and taking them out. The one eyed jonin figured out that it was the bridge builder that they were after, and not the wizard client, therefore, capturing and the snake mistress interrogating the two, to which team seven felt sorry for them… almost. After this, they continued their journey in the direction of the Land of Waves. However, once they reached the beach, they realised there was a sort of floating ship just above the water, and the captain was conversing with the man who was going to escort Team Eight to the other side, into the man known as Gato's territory that the bridge builder explained about.
"Ah, you're here… good! I never really expected to have multiple guests here on the ship!" The captain joyfully chuckled. He was a slight chubby man wearing the full-on captain's outfit with black leather boots, along with the hat and a small sword in a sheath on his right hip.
Aluneth then replied with a simple wave of his hand, pointing at team eight "It is not them that are coming along with us, since team eight are on a separate mission, but the ones I'm with are team seven"
"Ah, I apologise my fellow passengers for my misconceptions… come on board to my airship! We have no time to waste, and quite a journey ahead of us!" The captain enthusiastically said, waving them over, following the man.
"Hey, Naruto! Make sure you guys don't get killed out there! I would like to spar with you once we come back from our missions!" Kiba cupped his hands and shouted.
"Sure, Kiba, don't die as well…" The kit responded with a sweat drop as when the team and Aluneth entered the ship, it started lifting, before gaining slight speed and taking off.
"Well, this was an experience… but I think we should get going" Tazuna said, as team eight agreed.
-On The Airship, With Team Seven-
The team were all now above deck, watching the entire world from sky high as they floated above the Land of Waves, the captain was steering the ship until it turned south, almost to the point of being above the clouds. Everyone were in awe, and the snake mistress was impressed on the technology. It was nothing new for the client as he knows the captain personally and was smiling at the antics of the kids. To be young again… oh what would he do to experience youth again? Though, there's nothing he can do, time moves on along with age. It's life, what can you say?
After a couple of minutes of travelling and looking down at their home; the elemental nations, they were well on their way to the Land of Nox, their island getting smaller and smaller, until it was completely out of view because of distance fog. The beautiful scenery and the fresh smells of the sea was just pure, making everyone relaxed. They also had conversations with the airship captain and Aluneth, telling them both all about the elemental nations, in turn the two telling the ninja about the Land of Nox. All in all, both parties were interested in the history and chemistry of the lands. It is the first time that the snake mistress felt at peace on this journey; after receiving the glares because of her past for such a long time, she can forget about it all on this mission.
The journey was quite uneventful, except for the team to pass the time by playing a few tabletop games, and the two wizards actually performing some magic tricks. Aluneth was impressed by his mastery; Naruto was a natural at the arts, a wizard genius. The kit was asked if he would like to join the wizard faction, to which the multi-haired kit responded with a frantic nod of his head, making the client chuckle. He will try and get a good word in for the purple-eyed kit to the arch-wizard Horvath… since he is looking for an apprentice after all.
It was truly a great day for Naruto.
-Two Weeks Later, Land Of Nox-
"This is as close as I can take you to Galava friends, though, I wish you all luck in your mission… the wizard faction needs you" The captain said with a salute.
"So, where exactly are we?" Anko asked.
"We are on the West Coast of the castle, but from here, I can just teleport you all easily, so hold on" Aluneth explained, getting nods from the genin and special jonin, before they disappeared, the only trace leaving were the slight electric sparks.
-Galava Castle-
"Welcome to Galava Castle! The realm of the wizards, you will need to head down through Spire Street to reach the Tower of Illusion, where we will need to meet Horvath, though, since you will be staying here for quite a while, I recommend the Inn known as 'Maximillian's', it is the finest Inn in the village! Don't tarry too long however, as you are needed at the Tower as soon as possible!" Aluneth welcomed them, as the team was looking around in slight awe at the ancient building style, and realised that the client was now gone, the remnants were the small sparks of electricity.
"Well then, my sweet genin, this is the type of mission where you are in complete stranger territory, where you do not know the layout at all, think of this as experience; we will first get our rooms at the Inn our client has recommended, before scouting the surroundings, imprint the whole thing in our minds of where everything is, got it?" Anko said, getting excited nods from the genin, especially Naruto, who was intrigued by the place initially. The place where all the magic he uses comes from… this is exciting!
"Hai!" Was their in-chorus response, making the snake mistress smile.
And so, became an adventure that they will never forget.
End of Chapter
Hey everyone, I hope you all have enjoyed this little update of a chapter, sorry if it is shorter then usual, it is because it is actually difficult to basically write something original and new. I'm moving into a territory I have not explored, and plus, this was a bit more of a chilled-out chapter, though, promise there will be much more happening later on in this arc! Possibly some action? Who knows? I'll try to think of something, though combining Nox and Naruto is really something else… difficult I should say, that's why I'm having a bit of a struggle. I have the idea of what's going to happen in my head, it is just difficult to get it out on 'paper'. I hope I'm making sense here of what I mean…
Also, come on… where are the reviews at? Come on my fellow readers! I would really love some feedback (make sure it isn't one sentence/one word feedback though)! Anyways, no new techniques this time, though we'll see some probably in the next chapter… who knows?
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you all in the next one!
Ja Ne!
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Ideas for this story are appreciated
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Read on people!