Legion of Shadow, The Shadow Fox

by Angel.of.Dawn

Original Idea from Akatsuki Leader13 A sector of the galaxy has been re discovered by the Imperium of man, it's secret; a new energy source. From these planets a primarch of a forgotten legion will be re-discovered, a new sector will join the Imperium during the great crusade, and the Imperium will change from it, for better or for worse, none can say.

2. Chapter 1: Elementia

Authors Note: Well I'm surprised that people took to that first part pretty well.

Firstly, welcome to all those that are reading this. I initially found "legion of shadows" by Akatsuki Leader13 and liked the whole concept of the elemental Nations actually being part of the big W30k/40k universe.

To clarify Amatsumi, Naruto 'technically' isn't the primarch but through certain events, which is going to be explained in this chapter and in the chapters that follow, he will be the 'primarch' but that'll show itself in the story.

Also the female part of the astartes legion will be explained, but don't expect it to be as simple as chakra = compatible. There will be a period for how this will happen, and I'll try and make it as convincing as possible

Initially i though of adding the Horus heresy to this but decided that this would be the 'beginning' for the legion as a whole. A sort of a pre-heresy legion story that is told in fragments of context while the Ulanor crusade is happening

Also: if anyone is looking for 30k accuracy, well ill have to say sorry but this story ain't gonna be accurate to the books as a whole. There will be parts about it that will delve into pre-30k and ill say right now that I will not be held responsible for the inaccuracy. This is not Lexicanum

Now with that over.

On with the story.

Side note: some parts of the initial chapter are indeed from Akatsuki Leader13's story, but those were the parts that resonated the most with me. The rest is me

Chapter 1: Elementia

-LoS-

Date: 398 M23

Operation Parameters: Unknown

Current Location: Unknown

-LoS-

"Vital signs are negative my lord. There is nothing here"

The emperor of man looked upon the outlying planet, a stern look upon his face but was still showing signs of suspicion. His fleet had made it into this system by pure chance and a feeling that something vital would be here, even now as he looks upon a planet that is a lush green and blue he still feels that something is amiss.

It started with the entire fleet appearing before a sudden warp storm, all the instruments and even the navigators and astropaths in the fleet could not see beyond the illusion, he could however. He ordered his fleet to proceed and when they were about to enter the storm itself the illusion faded.

Time and again his fleet would encounter problem after problem, sometimes an enemy armada would appear that would cripple their engines but when given the order they would 'miraculously' engage, other times it was just a blank expanse of space that would blank out even the stars themselves as it would be complete pitch blackness, again the fleet pushed forward of these obstacles and then a new set of obstacles would take their place.

Now he can see the nearest planet and yet an illusion was stopping his fleet from seeing what he can see, now he was both suspicious and also curious.

Was this a xeno race that wished themselves to not be found, or was it ancient human technology that some long lost colony utilized to keep this sector of the galaxy from being discovered. Either way he was about to get to the bottom of this.

"Malcador, have a landing party ready, we are going to go planet side, there is something strange going on"

Stop please, father of the star child

At once, the deck was silent as the message was received by all, the crew looking around in hesitation before the emperor spoke.

"Identify yourself, and how do you know of that?"

Forgive us, father of the star child. However the planets are not yet ready for outside influence. If you go planet side right now you will cause more harm than good. Millenia of work would be lost, and the very life of the planet will be in jeopardy. Your psychic presence will disrupt the delicate balance of the planet if you set foot right now

We the Ekouu urge you to please not go planet side just yet, but ask that you do not harm us at this moment if we reveal ourselves and we shall explain the situation at hand

The emperor was in contemplation as Malcador looked at his old friend with a curious look, this was held on for few minutes before the emperor had a firm resolved.

"I give you my word that no harm shall befall you"

Then we now reveal ourselves

And with that the sector drastically changed, no longer were the planets dead and barren, instead they were vibrant and full of life, the crew stared on in amazement as an entire Space city appeared before the fleet.

Orbiting the star, much like their planetary counterparts, the city was a mighty piece of engineering, a massive bubble of blue surrounded the city's surface as lush forest and sprawling highways and roads were visible even from the armada.

Their fleet ships found a port from where the main fleet ships docked, and from the airlocks A small envoy, consisting of the Emperor, Malcador the Sigilite, the primarchs Horus, Leman Russ, Magnus the Red, Sanguinius and Rogal Dorn, who had been accompanying the Emperor's Fleet at the time, as well as Archmagos Kane of Adeptus Mechanicus and a handful of Astartes from the Luna Wolves, Thousand Sons, Blood Angels, Imperial Fists and Space Wolves to serve as bodyguards, walked through the massive space chamber.

They were approached by hooded figures who bowed before the master of mankind, giving a small nod they pulled back their hoods to reveal

"Xenos!" Russ roared "What trickery is this!"

Indeed the beings before them were humanoid in nature, however their heads were distinctly not human, with more pointed heads the beings before them had eyes that were more avian, their hair instead of silky strands were instead extended feathers and their faces were mostly human with the small addition of a beak like chin that looked as though was facial hair, as shown by the lack of the beak on the more feminine looking of the bunch. Their hands were more avian looking than human as they had extended talons for fingernails and a distinct lack of a fifth finger.

Russ drew his sword, preparing to strike down this xeno

"Hold!" The emperor said. "I gave them my word that no harm shall befall them, I am a man of my word"

"I thank you, lord Emperor of the Imperium of Man" The head person said, this one being distinctly female looking "I am Arhisa of the Ekouu, overseer of the chakra initiative"

"chakra?"

"A project to herald our salvation from this dark galaxy. But this will be explained in time" she said

"You wish to see the Star Child, correct?"

The Emperor nodded "Yes. Show me this "Star Child"

Arhisa bowed her head "Very well, follow me"

She lead the envoy into the main city, where they witnessed the sight of a typical day, all around them they saw people doing all manner of activities, some were even flying through the forest and such with an uncanny precision.

She lead them into an impressive looking building, filled with architectural designs from different styles, this lead into a massive laboratory type room, in it was a series of chambers that had strange energies flowing through them, each one a different colour than the last.

"You see, our race is mentally powerful and highly intelligent. However, we are physically weak in a manner of speaking. We rely on hiding and illusions to keep us safe. But we knew that it wasn't enough to stop the Dark Ones that dwell in the Realm between Realms. Then we found these worlds and the star child. We knew that these worlds could be cultivated to serve as protectors"

"Dark ones?" Dorn asked. "What are these Dark Ones?"

Arhisa stared at the giant. "They are the Living Terrors that seek to extinguish the light of the universe and engulf it in eternal darkness."

"But what are they? Xenos?"

Arhisa shook her head. "Like children." she said. "You cannot comprehend the universe as it truly is."

"I will not have an alien talk down to me!"

"Enough!" the Emperor said. "You said they could be cultivated. What did you do?"

"As you experienced, we hid this planet and the others from the rest of the galaxy." she said. "We then used our vast scientific knowledge and the Star child as a template to create an entire world."

"Genetic manipulation on a planetary scale?"

"Yes. We made them stronger. Strengthen their mental defenses against the Dark Ones' whispers. And in the process, gave them abilities unlike any beings before them. See for yourselves."

On the screens showed different clips of people accomplishing extraordinary things, some people had singular abilities that either enhanced their Strength, made them unleash the power of the elements or augmented one aspect of their world or the surroundings such as Speed or the power of Illusions.

On another screen were another set of people, these ones fielding giant machines that fought against massive aliens, their firepower and sheer awe reminding the envoy of the war machines of Mars, Archmagos Kane was looking at these screens in intense scrutiny but also a hint of excitement as he witnessed a class of Titan that was not yet seen in the Imperium's borders.

The last screen showed people once more, but these wielded powers that were beyond the first people, where the first only had singular powers these people wielded nature's wrath in all of it's fury, they saw people harness the powers of the elements themselves, summon massive creatures that dwarfed even titan class war machines and fought using powers beyond their understanding.

With blade and these powers they fought massive wars that shaped the planet, created natural wonders and disasters on a massive scale and fought with a fury and precision that was both uncanny and unsettling.

"Extraordinary..." Magnus said. "Some form of psykers?"

"No. They have no..." Arhisa paused, saying the next word with difficultly. "psykers, as you call them. They use the power in the bodies of all beings. The very energy that causes all living things to function. They manipulate it and shape it into the abilities you see here. That is chakra"

The group appeared before a tube of energy, it's flow changing as various colours settled across the energy, the walls around the tube had various blood samples and other machines that showed the genome of the blood samples, and within the middle is a stasis pod. Inside the pod was the body of an Infant. A dead infant. One of his Sons, one who was dead before even reaching adulthood.

"What is the meaning of this?!" the Emperor said, his fury barely contained. "Why is my son dead?!"

"We tried all we could Emperor, to save your child. But the planet he landed upon was absent of an atmosphere and there was no life upon the planet, his pod was severely damaged, and try as we might we could not save him. We brought him here to preserve his body by interring it into this stasis chamber, but that is only delaying the inevitable."

"However, it seems your son is a lot more resilient then even we thought. Where his body was destroyed, your son still lives... in a way"

"My son lives?" The Emperor said "How?"

Arhisa looked upon the chamber where the energy was flowing, as it changed from a dull blue to a vibrant yellow. She gave a small smile at the chamber as she pointed towards it

"This is your son my Emperor"

The Emperor and the envoy looked upon the glowing chamber as the energy rapidly changed colour from a vibrant yellow to an excited orange

"I... do not understand"

"Your sons body was dead, but his Soul was still trying hard to remain in this plane of existence, this is when we stored the energy into this chamber and found that his soul still remains. In fact it was because of the planet that your son inherited this form. Through some sort of freak accident or because of the planets special properties, your son's soul changed into pure energy"

"My... Son" The Emperor said as he touched the glass, the energy becoming brighter as the light poured out from the chamber

"It seems he remembers you very well lord Emperor, he is very glad to see you"

The envoy looked on as the emperor smiled at the chamber, the other primarchs were looking at the glass with either expressions of sympathy or just outright confusion.

"My lord" Malcador said, pulling the Emperor from his activity "This is a very interesting development, but we must ask how this is at all possible, We have not seen this kind of energy in the entire galaxy"

"Yes Malcador" The Emperor turned around, purpose and curiosity in his look

"How is this even possible?"

"It is possible through chakra"

"You said that before, what is it?"

"chakra was a project that we started when we discovered the condition your son was left in when we rescued him from the planet. Apparently the planet itself has an energy source that is independent of any other factors, this energy leaked into your son and infused him, putting him into this state"

"We studied the planet further and found that this system was full of these 'chakra worlds' as we called them, so we set out to make the best of this new source of energy. What we found was astonishing. This energy allowed for remarkable abilities in the host, from either intense augmentation of the body to acts of nature that defy scientific laws, all powered by an energy source that relies only upon the body itself"

Arhisa walked towards a large console of screens, her fingers typing into the system as she showed up the research that they had been working on for the last millennium.

"We decided to terraform the nearest three planets, these named Remnant, Teraria and Elementia. We used the genetic template of your son to create the first species of humanity on these worlds and decided to do the chakra project in incremental steps"

As she was saying this the screens showed the progress that they used to create the now habitable worlds that hey had seen before.

"However there was one things that fascinated us more than anything else"

Turning around in her seat she looked at the Emperor

"Tell me lord Emperor, do you believe in re-incarnation?"

-LoS-

"So you are telling me that my son has been re-incarnated three times on these worlds?"

This was the scenario that the Emperor was told. His son had actually both genetically and spiritually been re-incarnated into the planets populations no more than three times. The envoy was told that chakra worked much differently than any other source of energy in existence.

For one, chakra proliferates on to a new host, each time bringing the previous iterations and in effect making the person more stronger as the cycle of re-incarnation begins anew. His son had been re-incarnated no more than three times, but each time he had been pivotal in both the development of the world that he inhabited but also in maintaining the peace among the humans on the planet.

"Yes my lord, each time he has become a pivotal person on the planet, his latest incarnation is a child of remarkable resilience and honour. But it came with much hardship and he was hated by his own people at first"

Arhisa showed them a video. "Bear witness to his life and understand." she said.

A giant nine-tailed fox tore through a vast forest, leaving nothing but death and destruction. It was heading for a village in the centre of the forest. Warriors fought and died, trying to stop the monster. But nothing could stop it. Suddenly, the giant toad they had seen before appeared, atop its head was a blond haired man, holding a blond haired infant.

The man said something, in a language none of them bar the Emperor knew. A bright light filled the screen for a few minutes. When the light faded, the fox was gone and the man on the toad was dead. Still holding the infant in his arms. Whisker-like marks adorned his face. A group of warriors and an elderly man appeared. The old man picked up the child and spoke in that same unknown language.

They watched the boy grow up, seemingly hated by virtually all in the village. But the child persevered, striking back at those that made his life miserable. Not with violence like some would, but humiliating them with childish pranks.

"Lively little bugger, isn't he." Russ said, chuckling at the boy's pranks.

"But why was he so hated?" the Emperor asked.

"The day he was born, the Nine-Tailed Fox, a result of a project known as the god fruit, was sealed into him. The village leader decreed that none could tell him or those too young to have known what happen, that it was sealed into him. It was hoped that the people would see him as a hero, for being damned to forever keeping the Kyuubi imprisoned within his being. Sadly, while the decree was not broken for many years, the people viewed the boy as the reincarnation of the Kyuubi and blamed him for the death and destruction it caused."

They watched the boy train in an academy alongside other children.

"He persevered. Striving to become hokage, the greatest warrior in his village, its leader and protector, then, the night he became a true ninja, he learned the truth of why he was hated. In the end, nothing changed. He still sought to become hokage."

They watched him join a team of other children, a pale, black haired boy, a pink haired girl and brown haired boy with a sword, commanded by silver haired man. The blond haired boy and the black haired boy argued and fought constantly. Like rivals. Like brothers.

They watched the team's missions and battles. Ultimately, leading up the black haired boy's betrayal and the splitting up of their team as each trained under one of four powerful warriors that had once been teammates for three years. Many battles played out, all manipulated by a lone masked man seeking power and domination over all others. Black hair boy betrayed and slew his master. Then he battled another man. The grueling battle ended with the man dying. Then the masked man approached the boy, telling him something and winning over his loyalty.

In the end, a great war showing legions of these shinobi fighting against the wills of a madman, only to bear witness to a giant tree that placed others in some sort of illusion. The Emperor watched as the boy was given the power of an ancient deity the shinobi worshiped and fought against the equivalent of a god to save his friends and comrades. He had seen the dark haired boy fight alongside his son only for him to show his true intentions after victory had been claimed by their combined might.

Their battle was brief but in that time they both took a great understanding from each other and in the end their arms were both destroyed from the wrist as their most powerful techniques were used in the final confrontation.

Finally they saw him fighting a being on the very moon, saving his planet and showing that the boy had a love interest in one of the native people of this world, a female with dark blue hair and a pair of striking violet eyes.

"That was six years ago my lord. Since then he has been chosen as hokage, where the people once hated him now show undying loyalty and respect for him, his very presence, a result of your sons ability to connect with even his most hated enemies instead formed bonds of friendship and brotherhood among all who follow in his steps"

"These worlds were created to allow humans a chance to grow with this remarkable energy. Each iteration of the chakra project came with both it's upsides and downsides. Yet we feel in the end that these worlds hold the key to not only the survival of our race, but the survival of all sentient life in this galaxy"

Arihisa's gaze turned to him. "We have explained everything to you, Emperor of Man." she said. "Our fate, as is the fate of all of those on these chakra Worlds are in your hands. Destroy us. Use us. Leave us alone. Whatever you do, we cannot stop you and we accept our fates."

All in the room stared at the Emperor. Waiting to hear his verdict on things. No doubt, his sons had reached their own decisions on the matter. "Before I make my decision, I will have your council, my sons."

Magnus was the first to speak. "These humans, despite their augmentations, could be a great boon to the Imperium. If what we've seen is true, than we should bring them into the Imperium. And if that boy is truly our brother re-incarnated, than let us welcome him back into the fold."

"These people have been the play things of aliens for years." Rogal Dorn said, his voice filled with disgust. "Neither they nor these creatures can be trusted. They and their alien masters would slit our throats at the first chance. And that child is not my brother. My brother is lying dead in a pod and this chakra that is his soul must be an illusion."

"I advise caution." Horus said. "The abilities of these people could indeed be of great benefit to the Imperium. But we cannot overlook their origins. We should welcome them back into the Imperium, but we should also carefully watch them just to be on the safe side. Just as we should with the boy, if he truly is our brother."

"I must agree with Horus." Sanguinius said. "We should welcome them, but with caution."

"Bah. This whole thing is nothing but one big joke." Leman Russ said. "How do we know that this isn't just one big alien trick?"

"You raise a good point, Russ." Malcador said. "If I may, my liege."

The Emperor nodded. "Speak my friend."

"There is indeed the possibility that this whole thing has been one big ruse. I suggest that we see these abilities and this boy in person before you decide. If Russ doubts them, than he should challenge the boy. If he truly is a re-incarnated Primarch, than he should be able to hold his own for a while against Russ."

"You want me to fight a little whelp?!"

"Why not? It would answer any doubts."

"I agree. We shall go see this child with our own eyes." the Emperor said, turning to Arhisa. "You will take us to his village."

Arhisa nodded. "As you wish. As I said before, we cannot stop you. Nor do we choose to. The planets have adapted to your psychic presence so no backlash should occur"

"What is the boy's name?"

-LoS-

"Naruto"

Naruto, walking along with Hinata through the village park, were approached by one of the ANBU guard, It seems that the ANBU was in a rush

"What's wrong Jackal?"

"There is a convoy of people approaching from the south gate. They are lead by a man who is calling out for you lord Naruto"

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata looks at him with concern, he holds her hand and smiles

"Don't worry Hinata. I'll sort this out, but I'm gonna have to hold out on this date for a while. Is that ok?"

Hinata nods her head towards Naruto, a smile on her face

"I know that hokage is going to be a tough job Naruto, but I wouldn't have anyone else to do this. Go"

With that Naruto smiles towards Hinata as he dashes with the ANBU guard towards the south gate, Hinata gave him a wave and looked on as a smile showed on her face.

She knew that Naruto could tackle any problem that would show itself, he was the most selfless and strongest person she knows.

And being his girlfriend wasn't being biased one bit

-LoS-

"Come face me Naruto Uzumaki, for I am Leman of the Russ, wolf king of Fenris, lord of winter and primarch of the space wolves, honour demands you face me!"

The gates were surrounded by senior jounin and Anbu guard as people were nervous, this giant of a man was someone they couldn't understand but the only phrase they could translate was the name of their hokage.

"Hold position until lord hokage arrives"

Leman Russ looked upon the fighters with a sneer, he could see that they were all itching for a fight, well Russ was itching for a warm-up, and thought why not see what the locals could do.

Drawing his sword, he rushed towards the first of the Anbu guard holding the gate, this stated the fight as squads engaged the giant in hit and run tactics. Their blades, even thought they were made from some of the finest metals in the nation, were but pinpricks against Russ's Armour. Tactics were changed and some resorted to ninjutsu to subdue the man.

Russ laughed at their attempts as he ripped the bindings from his hands and legs, with a mighty swing of his fist he delivered a telling blow to the first Anbu guard that was too slow to dodge, headbutting another while swinging his sword at a third, Russ took amusement at how the warriors of this village were becoming more agitated with him as he manhandled more of the defenders.

But Russ was not expecting someone to shock him from behind, the nerves in his body being electrocuted as a flash of pain went to his brain, he swung his sword at the intruder but was held back by a silvered blade.

The man behind him had silver hair as two blood red eyes looked into his own, Russ felt a hint of excitement flow through him as he felt he found a challenge in this man.

The two clashed blades through the field in front of the village, Russ striking with blows that could fall a normal man, but the silvered haired man held his ground. Not even faltering when Russ poured his Strength into the blows.

The man pulled back, making Russ feel confusion as to why his opponent was retreating, that was then answered as a fist sent him flying into a line of tree's. If Russ were noticing he would of seen a female with the most interesting pink hair come into view as steam poured from the fist that struck the primarch in the face.

The convoy were watching the fight with a hint of amazement, under a stern,unflinching gaze. Some had seen the act of merely standing toe to toe in terms of strength with a primarch to be quite an achievement, while others viewed the local's acts of teamwork to be nothing sort of amazing.

Russ stood from the attack, a little concussed but otherwise surprised at the strength of the population, he had thought these local people would be child's play. But it seems that there are a few exceptional people among these warriors.

He always liked having a challenge

"Sensei" the pink haired girl, Sakura said "This guy is tough"

"We're told to hold here until Naruto comes"

"You should be honored. Not many can say they stood their ground against a primarch. But this is where I show you how outmatched you truly are"

Kakashi and Sakura was not expecting this, the giant had moved at a speed that pushed their senses to the limit, they only had moments to react as Russ shoulder charged Kakashi, barely dodging the blow Russ then executed a backhand into Kakashi's skull, sending the man flying. He embraced unconsciousness.

Sakura yelled a battle cry as she unleashed a flurry of punches, each one making Russ stumble at the power and precision of each blow. Parrying a set of blows that made his arms feel like they were on fire, he delivered a brutal headbutt to Sakura, the blow sending her into unconsciousness.

A few others from the guard sprung into action, each attack doing some form of damage to Russ but each time he would either dodge an attack that looked dangerous, or shrugged of the attack all together. Some attacks caught the primarch off guard as a blow was made with a few devastating attacks, but his amour held out for most of them.

Feeling a bit winded, Russ looked on towards the gate as a man walked towards them, thinking back at the video he showed a fanged smile, the little boy looked every bit like the man who was walking towards him.

"Why are you here, threatening my village and hurting my people?" Naruto said as he looked upon Russ

"I come to challenge you Naruto Uzumaki. I will see if you are worthy of being called brother. Don't hold anything back!"

Russ dashed towards Naruto, his fist flying at lightning speeds. He was surprised then, when Naruto held his fist with his hand, not a single bit of strain or exertion used. Russ tried to pry his hand back but found Naruto had a tight and unflinching grip, a fist then met his stomach as he was sent flying.

Naruto walked forward as Russ rolled on the ground, upon standing up he noticed the taste of blood in his mouth. Spitting the blood out he gave a fanged grin as he charged towards Naruto. Delivering a set of blows at amazing speeds he was surprised when Naruto either parried the blows or dodged them, each time having that same neutral face.

Russ was getting agitated; he, the wolf king of Fenris was being held back by a child. In his mind he realized that this was the re-incarnation of one of his brothers, so he would not need to hold back. With a loud battle-cry, he continued his assault of Naruto.

For a while Russ was getting progressively faster, all the while Naruto still had that neutral expression on his face, Each blow was becoming more and more powerful but even still Naruto didn't falter one bit.

"Show me what you are made of Naruto, show me if you are worthy of being called brother!"

Naruto, even thought he couldn't understand what the man was saying, understood on a fundamental level that this man was challenging him, to what end he still didn't know

"If that is what you wish... Then I'll happily kick your ass"

Russ didn't know what happened, one moment he was looking at Naruto and the next he felt pain all over his chest, he looked down to see a golden aura surrounding a fist. Looking up he looked into the eyes of Naruto, his appearance was much different. Instead of his normal clothes, he was surrounded by a golden aura, with spiral markings surrounding him. His slit shaped pupils were looking at Russ with a sense of conviction.

Russ swings his fist to clobber Naruto with a vicious hay-maker, but was parried and delivered another blow to his body, this made Russ stumble as Naruto delivered ten vicious blows to his chest. Unlike his body, Russ's armor couldn't handle the strain and promptly broke into pieces as parts of wire and metal crumpled under the strength of what was amounted to a Land Raider hitting his body at full speed.

Pulling apart his armor and showing his scarred and modified chest, Russ tapped into his power as a blue aura surrounded him, this being the result of his hardship on Fenris and his mighty strength amplified through his aged and hardened body.

They clashed like titans, each blow becoming more pronounced and vicious with each second they fought, Russ was enjoying himself, it had been ages since he had a fight this fun, while Naruto was slowly feeling Russ through each blow that was delivered.

On a fundamental level, these two fighters were hearing each other out through the voice of their fist, yet both were actually enjoying themselves.

But each blow was telling a different story, while Naruto had initially shrugged off the attacks from Russ, the blows were taking their toll and it was showing with his strength waning after each vicious blow, Russ on the other hand felt a uncomfortable ache settle in his arms as Naruto's blows were draining him of his strength.

They both knew that the fight could go either way and that it was a test of will now to see who will cave in first.

Dodging a right hay-maker, Naruto delivered a vicious blow to Russ's right arm, the sound of bones breaking telling everyone that Naruto had delivered a telling blow, Russ responded by headbutting Naruto, giving him a mild concussion.

Russ then grappled Naruto and broke his left arm, yet he did not scream and instead delivered a headbutt in kind to Russ, momentarily stunning him with a mild concussion as well.

Adrenaline was coursing through both warriors as Naruto low kicked one of Russ's legs from under him, the telltale 'snap' making Russ go to one knee, in response Russ tackled him while he fell forcing Naruto to go along with him.

Even on the ground they both clawed and punched each other as they wrestled on the ground. Russ got the first advantage as he pinned Naruto's upper body and proceeded to smash his face in with his left fist.

Taking a few punches as blood flowed from his face, Naruto Staggered Russ with a headbutt before using his strength to pin Russ instead, now Russ was facing Naruto's wrath as Naruto first snapped Russ's left arm, but then proceeded to punch Russ repeatedly in the face.

Russ was seeing white as his face was being pummeled into the ground, each time Naruto delivered a punch that made his head bounce on the ground. Before he faded into unconsciousness he roared his last battle-cry as he shoulder charged Naruto. Both fighters were now away from each other, lying on their backs as the pain from their fight now caught up to them.

Both the convoy and the ANBU were starting to walk towards the two, hoping to help their fellow companions when they both yelled

"No... stay back, this fight is not over yet"

They both took their time standing up on their good legs, both shaking with fatigue as their conviction met. They both agreed that this was their final attack, staring upon each other they leaped forward as they both delivered a vicious hay-maker to each others skulls. And with that the both of them embraced unconsciousness.

-LoS-

Date: 005 M30

Operation Parameters: Crusade

Current Imperial Forces: 1,900,000 Est Troops

Current Enemy Forces: 175,380,000,000 Est Troops

Casualties:

Imperial Forces: 400,000 Est Troops

Enemy Forces: 81,120,000,000 Est Troops

Reinforcements:

Imperial Forces: 18,000,000 Est Troops

ETA to arrival... 3 – 7 Days

-LoS-

Shouting a battle-cry, Naruto,Horus and the Emperor had engaged Urlakk Urg and his bodyguards, already they had to grudgingly accept that the ork is deceptively powerful.

Flowing in and out of each others strike zones the three would of made even the most battle hardened enemy think twice before engaging in their zone of death, Urlakk Urg however, relished in their co-ordinated fighting. Each time laughing with glee as he parried all of their weapons and attacks while using his brute strength to deal staggering blows to the three.

Horus flanked his left side while Naruto pulled to the right, the ork showing his strength by holding both primarchs attacks with his mighty claws. The emperor dashed towards him, his blade coming in for a overhead slice, Urlakk Urg headbutted the emperor in his face, all the while he threw his sons as though they were pieces of wood.

"YA THOGHT YA KAN KILLS MEEB LOIKE DA OVVAZ DID YA! YA UMIE BIGG, BIGG BOSS!"

Naruto recovered first, a ball of compressed energy within his palm, dashing to his blind spot, he thrust his attack into Urlakk Urg, but the ork swung his arm as the attack destabilized from the swing cutting the energy.

Horus, holding worldbreaker and his claw rushed the other side of Urlakk Urg, intending of cutting his arms into tiny pieces, Urlakk Urg however stopped him dead cold as his claw encircled Horus's head, Horus,using worldbreaker to smash the brute's arm tried to make the brute release his hold, Urlakk Urg threw the primarch into the ground, a satisfying crack was heard as Horus's body laid motionless for the moment.

The Emperor, his flaming blade in hand delivered a string of quick, vicious blows to the brute, each time the two of them either parrying each others blows or dodging out of the way.

They both then rushed each other as sword and claw tried to overpower the other, Urlakk Urg however received a brutal attack from behind as Naruto struck him with a powered orb of energy. This made Urlakk Urg stagger which allowed the Emperor to deliver a vicious cut to Urlakk Urg's chest.

The beast was laughing all the while, even when blood flowed from his chest and the mechanics of his arms were straining under the constant intense fighting. By this time Horus, who had momentarily lost consciousness was slowly standing back up, his face set into a snarl as he was seeing red.

Even all around them the sounds of fighting and dying screams were heard they didn't lose sight of their opponent for one second.

Again and Again they fought tooth and Nail against Urlakk Urg, each time either doing minor damage to the ork brute or being injured themselves, Horus had taken a vicious blow to his right arm as Urlakk Urg's power claw dug into his soft flesh, Naruto had taken a few vicious blows to the head, his vision was fading in and out as he struggled to hold onto consciousness, and even the Emperor had not come out of this fight unscathed as when he tried to deliver a devastating mind attack to Urlakk Urg he was flooded with the raw energy of the Waagh as his mind was hemorrhaging from the explosive backlash of billions of creatures attacking his mind all at once.

All the while, the beast laughed at them as thought they were but children being laughed at from an adult.

"you dare beast to stand against the Imperium!" Horus yelled as he held his arm, blood flowing upon his claw, Naruto was looking at the brute, his left eye closed as he tried to hold his balance.

"Ya tink ya kan bullee meeb around, well tink again. DIS IZ AWL MINE,AWL THEYZ WOILDS BELONG TER MEEB AN NO 'UMIE IZ GOIN' TER STOP MEEB FROM GERRIN MI STUF! WAAAGH!"

Urlakk Urg shoulder charged Horus as Naruto smashed his fist into Urlakk Urgs side, machinery and flesh being pummeled by the blow. Urg backhanded Naruto, striking him to the ground as Horus was staggered from the shoulder charge, Urg was about to strike Naruto with his claw when the Emperor delivered a blow to Urg's midsection, the blow was deep enough that blood was shooting from his chest among all the oil and fluids that powered his armour. Urg however, was still laughing as his waagh energy was mending his armour, parts of blood and oil were merging again towards his body as he parried the Emperor's second strike and struck the Emperor with a vicious backhand.

Stumbling from the blow, the Emperor focused his psychic power into his blade, golden flames draping his weapon as he looked upon Urlakk Urg with a look of utter disgust. He dashes towards the ork brute, a mighty battle cry on his lips.

-LoS-

Date: 400 M23

Operation Parameters: Unknown

Current Location: Emperor Class Battleship- Talon of Humanity

-LoS-

It had been two days

During that time both Naruto and Russ were treated for their wounds by both medics from Elementia and the apothecary corps that had been escorts towards the village of Konoha. At the moment a select escort of close contacts with Naruto had been escorted to a drop ship.

The escort included Hinata, Tsunade, Sakura, Kakashi and Garra who had been staying at Konoha at the time. The original convoy that had gone to the village had introduced themselves as envoys of the Imperium of Man, with the Emperor introducing himself as the stalwart protector and leader of all the Imperium and it's worlds.

Tsunade had introduced herself as the Fifth hokage of Konoha, while Kakashi, who was just temporarily knocked out from Leman Russ introduced himself as the Sixth hokage, and Naruto's previous teacher and the one who picked him for the position of hokage.

The Emperor found familiarity with the language that they were speaking and became the translator for the entire convoy. One by one the convoy introduced themselves as the Emperor explained the situation that they had arrived into.

Leman Russ, who had recovered from the fight and was receiving treatment from Tsunade gave a nod of respect to Kakashi, and even said that he must of deserved the title of leader if he could do damage to him. Kakashi took that as a compliment as he looked with a laid back style as the Emperor was discussing things.

It was agreed upon that they would be able to see the Ekikou stronghold and be given a brief history lesson about the Imperium and it's ongoing battles and the current great crusade.

Now, still unconscious but recovering on the Battleship Talon of Humanity,Naruto was being watched over by the Emperor as he started to return to consciousness.

"It seems your awake child"

Naruto was not familiar with the voice as his vision regained focus, he looked to his left and saw a man looking at him, he looked in his prime and had brown hair and piercing eyes. Laying up from the bed he was on, he rubbed his head to rid himself of the pounding headache that had settled in momentarily.

"I... have we met before?"

"No, we have not met before."

"Are you sure? Because I have the weirdest feeling we have met before. But I don't remember when"

"I think you are still recovering from your duel"

Naruto suddenly remembered what happened two days ago "That's right! That man was talking weird and I think he was trying to fight me. We punched each other and then I don't remember what happened next"

"You were both knocked unconscious. The duel ended in a draw"

"I see"

Naruto looked around the room, finding it weird how everything was all metallic and golden. In his eyes this was screaming overkill in the looks department, even his house didn't look this exorbitant and he was hokage.

"I'm sorry... I almost forgot, my name is Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki"

"Hello Naruto, I am known as the Emperor of The Imperium"

"Imperium? Never heard of that before, are you from one of the distant continents?"

"Not Exactly. I think I need to show you something to help you understand"

The Emperor stood up and walked to the door, it slid open automatically which intrigued Naruto as how it was doing that, perhaps some seal allows the door to open and close.

"If you would follow me Naruto, all can be explained"

Naruto stood up as the both of them walked through a lit corridor, already Naruto could see that wherever they are it was fancy than most houses he had visited, the immaculate corridors and dim lights reminding him of a time when he explored secret underground rooms and such. They appeared before a door that was a grandiose size as the Emperor looked at him.

"What you are about to see might be a shock to you, but I promise everything will be explained in due time"

"It sounds like you're expecting me to be shocked or something old man. Not much can shock me since my fight on the moon and all"

"If that is what you think. Don't say I warned you"

The emperor opened the door as Naruto stepped through, he looked on as his breath had literally been taken away.

Before them was an observatory, it's gilded steps a straight contrast with the metallic structure of the place, panels of glass were all over the room as machinery hummed in the background.

But that wasn't what caught Naruto's attention.

What caught his attention was the fact he was looking at a ball of inferno while surrounded by pitch blackness, he can see a familiar globe in the distance as he see's massive things floating in front of him.

Elementia was in the distance, already Naruto could see that they were a distance away from it and even from lumanin, the moon of Elementia with it's clearly written 'mission complete' sign that Kurama had scratched on the surface.

Already Naruto's mind was going a mile a minute, just who was this person, and how the heck are they going through the void?

"I thought you said you weren't going to be shocked"

"I... just... huh?"

"I guess I can add confused to that statement as well"

"How is this possible. Who are you?"

"Like I said Naruto, I am the Emperor of the Imperium. And you are on my ship, a ship that can travel through the void. The Imperium I protect is not just a country. It's an Empire in a galaxy of planets"

"But... why us? How did we not know about this? I had literally seen the void and there is nothing but stars"

"That is a long story Naruto, but like I said before. All will be explained in time"

-LoS-

Date: 400 M23

Operation Parameters: Unknown

Current Location: Ekouu Homestation, Elementia Sector

-LoS-

"This is a lot to take in"

Naruto said as the escort group looked upon the massive station that dozens of imperial ships had taken to patrolling, the group were looking in awe as massive ships were cruising around the space station in patrolling routes as the envoy ship was approaching a newly expanding docking port. Crews of mechanicus and Ekouu were around the new area as supply convoys were being shipped in from local sectors to add to the growing dock.

"So this 'Imperium' is more than one planet? And that your mission is to re unite humanity into one unified empire?"

"That is putting it simply. But yes, that is the plan"

When Naruto had re-united with the group that came with him, they all took in turn to ask the Emperor and some of the escorts that were with him questions about the great beyond.

Some of these were questions about the different worlds that they came from, from Baal to Fenrus to Prospero to even Terra itself. Other questions were about what happened to humanity in the incredible span of time before the Imperium and even how such a massive empire can handle the distances between planets in terms of communications and travel.

The Emperor and envoys answered these questions as best they could, but Naruto could see that some of them were a bit careful in what they said. The emotions that he could sense from everyone were as varied as the answers they gave to the party, he didn't think too much upon them cause he knew that they could be trusted. Even now he could see that each of them held a sense of hope that the Imperium's goals could be accomplished, even with the massive challenges that will impact them.

Coming towards the docks the Emperor told them of how these systems were created by the Ekouu, and that their co-operation with Imperial efforts lead them to the current situation that Naruto and the others were now seeing.

Walking through the massive gates leading into the spaceport, they were greeted by Arhisa and a few Ekouu scientist, at first Naruto and the others looked at them for an extended period, but eventually they proceeded with the party without a second thought

"You all looked hesitant for a moment but are now completely fine with how the Ekouu look" the Emperor said, curiosity in his voice "Why the sudden change of stance?"

The others looked at each other and then Naruto answered

"Something like this is pretty normal where we come from, with the fact we have partners and companions that aren't exactly human."

They proceeded to the medical and research laboratories that were being used by certain magos biologist and where the Emperor had setup a small genetic research facility to further study the effects of chakra upon a human body.

"Lord Emperor. I come with the genetic readings you requested to see" Arhisa said as they walked through the complex with everyone "If you wish it is uploaded into your station for your viewing leisure"

"Thank you Arhisa" The emperor said "Are my forces giving you or your people any trouble?"

"At the moment interaction between imperial personnel and my people are a bit... shaky. But many different scientific personnel are communicating swimmingly among themselves"

As she said this, they walked pass a party of three people, an Ekouu scientist, a imperial magos and a techmagos from the mechanicum in a heated discussion about a scientific fact

"I am telling you, the Eletromagnetic output upon the two metal rails creates a right angle electromagnetic field that could be maintained with a sufficient power supply, this in effect would create a rail line that could be used with any material to create a projectile based shooter that doesn't require any moving parts." the Ekouu scientist said

"What of it's spiritual nature? If this mechanical theory is true, wouldn't the machine perform better in it's application if the acknowledgment of it's purpose is given to it's machine spirit?" the Techmagos said

"That is saying that your 'spirit' theory would imply that the machine itself has some form of sentience and that the technology would not be fully operational if the machine itself doesn't know it's full functionality, that would be insane because then a machine wouldn't function unless the design itself is implied in it's function"

"Can we proceed then with this theory?" the Imperial magos said, his attitude clearly showing he had enough of this discussion "If we apply both theories then it should be fine then. Correct?"

"I would greatly imply that their theory is pushing into the bounds of silly" the Ekouu scientist said

"Our scientific knowledge has ensured our survival for generations. Surely something should be warranted from this theory if that is the case"

As they passed the room they could still hear the three debating on the topic, the sound of bird squawks and buzzing could be heard as they cleared the stations.

As they walked towards the main genetics and genealogy facility they looked upon the different places as Imperium personnel and Ekouu staff can be seen congregating and testing scientific theory, the Emperor had given the order that these actions are sanctioned by his order and that Imperium personnel should 'try' and understand what is happening.

They appeared in the main facility and took a right towards the genetics and chakra initiative facilities as the Emperor walked along with them. They even saw the different primarchs being asked for blood samples as their individual genomes were being studied along with any genetic 'mutagens' that are encountered in their genomes that could lead to problems with the compatibility of the progenoid glands that are in current stock on board the Imperial warships.

" The emperor is interested in something since we haven't been able to take any blood samples from the natives of these worlds. If one of you would like to give a blood sample? That would be appreciated" Arhisa said as they walked into a research lab.

"If it isn't going to harm us them sure" Tsunade said as scientist walked into the room. One at a time a scientist would perform a simple drawing of their blood, this would then be placed into a tube which was placed in a machine.

After an hour, as some people; Naruto mostly, were scared of needles the procedures were finishing up as the Emperor looked upon the holographic projections that showed the individual Dual helix of each individual, their name showing of the top right of the projection as he studied the data with a critical eye.

"Incredible" the Emperor said

"I'm surprised that you noticed it as well my lord Emperor" Arhisa "But it is indeed incredible as you described it"

"What's so amazing about our blood?" Hinata said as the others were thinking along the same lines as her

"The genetic mutagens are changing in a constant, stable state. But the resulting effect is producing a genetic stability unlike any other organism we have seen"

"Uhh" Naruto asked "In normal speak?"

"What she is saying" the Emperor said as he looked at the group "Is your bodies are constantly adapting to your environment, in theory this means that your bodies can adapt to any scenario or planet that you would be able to walk upon"

"That's... good to know" Garra said as his sand covers the spot on his arm that they took blood, the plaster being covered in sand

"This changes a lot of things we know about genetics. Imagine an Organism that could not only adapt to any scenario but imagine if it applied to specific energies. The capacity to not only negate harmful energies that are considered toxic, if not deadly to organisms would no longer apply! Imagine the possibilities about this!" Arhisa said as she looked on in excitement at the results showed upon the display.

The Emperor agreed with this, his mind racing at the thought about his legion astartes being able to adapt to even energy based attacks and walk away without being killed from the resulting organ failures.

"This is something that needs further study. If this so called 'gene adaptation' coincides with chakra then the possibility of colonizing worlds become an even better prospect"

"This is cool and all, old man. But this just leaves one question, why are we here in the first place?" Naruto said as he refitted his hokage robes after the doctor had taken his blood sample.

"Because there is something you should know, you see. You might not believe this but you are a re-incarnation of one of my sons. And that there might be a chance we can merge you once again to the chakra of my son to make you a complete version of my son"

The room looked at the Emperor with a look of shock, but none more than Naruto who looked at the Emperor as though he just said that everything about him was in fact a lie.

"Umm... What?"