DECLARATION OF WAR – COLONEL ZAHRA
King Max's Residence
Rana enters the hall where King Max typically awaits her ahead of their scheduled meetings. Normally the door would be shut tightly but seeing as it was ajar and she could hear voices, she decided to enter. Inside she sees the king speaking with her most senior subordinate, Colonel Zahra. As she walks down the length of the room towards the duo, she meets eyes with Zahra, wondering what she wants.
Rana has known Zahra a long time, and while the colonel has always maintained a polite and subservient demeanour, they both knew that it was a façade. Rana knows better than anyone that Zahra is always plotting, that's how she managed to ascend to her high rank. Currently, Zahra is the third most powerful authority residing in Aturia and that is no coincidence. Still, all she has at the moment are rumours to go on, she doesn't know that she has done anything wrong yet.
Rana arrives beside Zahra and Max, bowing politely to the latter as is customary in these situations.
"I hope it's not a problem that I let myself in my king."
"No, it's fine," Max remarks.
Rana glances at Zahra again, noticing that her subordinate is being less courteous than usual. "I'll accept a salute from you Zahra."
Zahra smirks, saluting to her supposed superior.
The king can only benefit from the two of them trying to prove their superiority. By trying to outdo one another at the moment, they will be given more incentives to apprehend Uzumaki Naruto. Should the day come when they do arrest Furst's great enemy, then when he hands him over to the emperor, he will surely be given great rewards. However, right now he has no time to watch their games.
"I hear that you have ordered all unrecognised travellers be arrested or killed," Max says, "Rana, would you care to justify this policy?"
"Sir, I believe this policy to be necessary in times like these. Uzumaki Naruto isn't the only potential rebel we need to concern ourselves with, many of them flooded into Aturia following the destruction of the Military Academy and we can't recognise them all. This policy is aimed at preventing any rebels sneaking past our patrols."
"You will drop this policy immediately," Max demands, his eyes returning to his books, "During the royal conference we encountered a hunter named Shao Chin, the emperor sent him after Naruto. Thanks to this policy, Shao Chin was almost killed by one of your patrols. If that had happened, you and I would likely have been executed."
Rana is diligent when she revises reports from her patrols, there has only been one recent incident where they have had to stop someone, she heard no mention of any hunter though. The stop was made by a patrol with connections to Zahra and the release of the traveller was authorised by a colonel known to be loyal to her. Additionally, it was in the east, exactly where Zahra would have been when the arrest was attempted. This is obviously a power play.
"Colonel Zahra, I believe you were in the East when the stop was made, why did you not inform me about this issue?" Rana asks.
"Me? I knew nothing of the arrest," Zahra replies.
Her fake outrage at the suggestion fails to fool anybody, but it doesn't matter. Zahra lifts her signature top hat a short way from her head, a mocking show of respect to her superior on the surface. In reality this gesture is the starting gun for the power struggle between them. It is now clear that she has her eyes on the position of General, that she wishes to lead the Imperial Guard of Aturia.
Rana raises her hand, adjusting her glasses to hide her own smirk. It's been a long time since she has entered a power struggle. The Generals of Homeworld's Imperial Guard seldom have to defend their seats for there are few people daring enough to attempt to take them away. Zahra may be a worthy challenger, and in theory she does have the power to be a General, but Rana is not worried, not in the least.
"Don't let this happen again," Max says before ordering the two of them to leave the room.
Rana and Zahra leave the room together, walking side-by-side in an awkward silence. Max watches their backs as they leave, noticing that neither of them are afraid. Zahra clearly has plans, her mind always thinking several steps ahead, if not for the genius Queen Nadia the empire would depend on her a lot more. Rana is different though, while she has a sharp mind it lacks compared to Zahra. The general's external confidence speaks volumes to the king though, she feels that she doesn't need a plan.
As the two soldiers leave the room, they resume their conversation.
"Zahra, I have a quick warning to offer you," Rana says. "When we first assumed our positions as generals there were many who sought to replace us. Back then nobody succeeded, and when others saw their failed efforts, they wisely decided against taking us on. I thought you were amongst those wise ones who held back. Remember that, nobody has ever replaced one of the Generals, if you try you will be the latest in a long line of failures."
"I am always grateful for your warnings and your wise words general," Zahra sarcastically replies, "I used to be sure, as you are, of your superiority. However, capturing one pocket-worlder should have been easy. Yet, somehow, for one year you have failed to capture Uzumaki Naruto. I'm not so convinced about your powers anymore."
"Uzumaki Naruto has been in the wilderness with his family for almost his entire time in Aturia," Rana reveals, "It has been impossible to trace him for even our most adept trackers. That is why the emperor has sent this new hunter. I can see now that you intend to take credit for it when this Shao Chin captures Naruto, do you really think the king and the emperor will fall for that?"
"I believe they will see who is most suitable for the position of General. When that happens, it won't be Naruto who hides in the wilderness."
"No, it will not."
"I will always remember that you have been good to me, Rana," Zahra says with sincere gratitude, "When the end comes and Aturia has a new general, I will make sure that your end is merciful."
With her final words on the subject spoken, Zahra turns and walks away from Rana. A slap in the face, just last year she would have saluted and asked for permission to walk away. Rana, despite having been threatened, finds the situation amusing, Uzumaki Naruto really has changed the complexion of Aturia. Who knows what will happen when he finally wakes up?
Near the Volcanic Ring
Shao Chin sits on a tree in the forested hill region to the north of Aturia's famous volcanic ring. From here he can see for miles. His nose has led him to this spot after a year of tracking one target, the longest he has ever spent looking for anyone. Now, for the first time in such a long while, he has eyes on his target.
Sat in a small clearing in the dense forest is a man in an orange jumpsuit. His eyes are clearly glowing with the white light of his element, with 'life' energy. He sits cross legged, calm and unmoving as the world moves around him. A bird rests on his shoulder, showing him to be perfectly at one with the environment. Shao Chin smiles, delighted, this man is meditating on his element, this man is his target, this man is Uzumaki Naruto.
Naruto is surrounded by a small group within which Shao Chin finds a couple of surprises. First, there is a baby amongst this group, an infant that surely can't be more than a few days old. His sense of smell is useful in grabbing information about the group, he believes that two of these individuals are Naruto's parents, that the baby is his sister and that the other woman is his daughter. Lastly, there is a single male unrelated to the others, he appears to be in control of the situation.
Shao Chin prepares to catch them in the most efficient way possible, knowing that if his attack misses then they will flea without hesitation. If that is the case there is only one direction, he wants them to run, towards him.
Shao Chin draws his bow and readies in arrow, aiming it a long way to the side of the group he aims to attack. Concentrating with his 'gale' powers, he fires the arrow past the group, using the wind like force to bend it around so that it jets towards them from behind.
Minato is quick to react when he feels the arrow coming, the 'gale' powers in the air remarkably similar to his own 'wind' powers. He activates his nine-tails chakra mode, using Kurama's energy to bind the group together and teleport to the last safely marked location.
Most people would have to search around for that location, but Shao Chin's sense of smell helps him to locate the group immediately. Teleportation, he wasn't expecting that. Still, even from this far he can see the mark on the ground common to the point where Minato started from and ended up. His eyes scan the surroundings, identifying all such markings. He picks the one he wants to use, moving to it and firing another deceptive arrow towards Naruto's group.
The direction of the attack confuses Minato. As he teleports away from the arrow, he arrives at another location he marked and finds the hunter awaiting him.
Shao Chin already has his bow ready, an arrow in hand as they arrive.
"Hello," he says, before releasing the arrow.
Ming Dai's reaction is quicker than Minato's, he leaps into the path of the arrow, just managing to create a shield out of his 'strength' energy so that he can knock it off course. Even with his powers, he is surprised by the force that the hunter was able to put into the attack, and he is even more surprised by his identity. Shao Chin does not bear the marks of the Imperial Guard, and Ming Dai doesn't recognise him from his master's extensive list of contacts.
"That was very good, you have a lot of skill," Shao Chin compliments Ming Dai as he puts his bow away.
"I am the student of Muto Sora," Ming Dai boasts.
Shao Chin has no idea who this Muto Sora is, but he sounds like a big deal. Still, his target remains the same as it did a few seconds prior, that is Uzumaki Naruto. Having two powerful targets to hunt will be fun though, at least more fun than having one.
"Evacuate the others as far as you can," Ming Dai instructs Minato, "I will take down this guy and catch up with you."
Minato doesn't argue, he binds the others together with Kurama's chakra and teleports away. This leaves Ming Dai to face Shao Chin.
With just the two of them present, Shao Chin draws a blade from his belt. This is curious to Ming Dai, although weapons can be powerful when they are forged with divine energy, few bother to do so. Most warriors of Homeworld use morph their energy into a weapon temporarily, rather than carrying around such an item permanently. Whoever Shao Chin is he is definitely not a conventional warrior.
Ming Dai rushes towards Shao Chin, immediately landing a series of blows on the hunter. The hunter is hurt greatly by each blow, feeling every ounce of his opponent's 'strength' power, but accepting them, nonetheless. Clearly, Ming Dai has been well trained, but even the best trained warriors have weaknesses.
Shao Chin waits for a break in Ming Dai's onslaught, haphazardly swinging his knife towards the latter's head. Ming Dai dodges easily, a careless attack from what appears to be a careless opponent. Shao Chin continues to absorb damage from his opponent before striking casually again, missing once more. As Ming Dai begins to attack once again, he doesn't realise that he has fallen for Shao Chin's trap.
He has transitioned unknowingly into Shao Chin's rhythm.
Shao Chin manages to dodge the following seven strikes, all with his eyes closed. His opponent's technique is marvellous, his strikes powerful, but only a perfect technique cannot be evaded, and when your opponent falls into your rhythm, they become easy to predict.
After dodging the seventh strike, Shao Chin slips past Ming Dai, shoving his blade into the warrior's back.
Ming Dai cries out in pain, falling to his knees. A few seconds ago, he thought he was in complete control of the fight, this twist in the tale is beyond his comprehension. The rhythm of combat is not best understood in Homeworld, an important distinction for shinobi but largely irrelevant to a soldier. Such intricacies matter little when powers can differ so greatly from warrior to warrior.
Shao Chin walks back to Ming Dai's front, grabbing him underneath his chin and raising his head to look at him. Amazing how the proud student of Muto Sora, whoever he may be, can so quickly fall from grace.
"I am going to kill Uzumaki Naruto," Shao Chin reveals, "But I am no longer interested in you. A pity, I get the feeling you're holding back, but now we will never know."
Minato teleports to Ming Dai's rear, places a hand on the injured warrior's shoulder and teleports away. This amuses Shao Chin, he knows that these pocket-worlders supposedly have a reputation for remarkable healing prowess, but Shao Chin's injuries are severe. There is only one miracle healer said to be that powerful, and right now he is meditating.
Imperial Guard HQ, Okarin
General Odion and General Dodi often accompany one another, as they did when they searched the Military Academy for Uzumaki Naruto. They report to King Swen and Queen Nadia respectively and like their commanders, they get along despite conflicting personalities. Odion is more confident and bureaucratic, Dodi more apathetic and silent.
Together, they approach Head General Safura in her courtyard, the most powerful member of the Imperial Guard. Calm in her manner as usual, all of her subordinates respect her, especially the Generals for Gavaria and Seblix.
Safura gets up to her feet and turns to face her two approaching subordinates.
"Good evening both, what do you wish to discuss?"
"It's Aturia," Odion explains, "Colonel Zahra has set her eyes on Rana's position. We are concerned that this sets a bet precedent. Do you know anything about this Colonel Zahra?"
Safura nods. "I know about her, a very cunning woman from the Aturia Imperial Guard. When I was made the head general after the emperor took the throne, I went through a rigorous selection process with the royals. That's how you all got your jobs, though in your cases Nadia had a lot of influence.
"When I was helping King Max to find a General for Aturia we looked over many candidates. At the top of that list there were two names. Of course, one of those candidates was your fellow General Rana who eventually got the job. The other of the two candidates was Colonel Zahra."
"I find the situation worrying," Dodi admits.
"Tell me more," Safura says.
"I am worried that Rana will not be able to capture Uzumaki Naruto. I don't lack faith in my comrade, but these pocket-worlders are very elusive, it won't be through any fault of her own if he escapes. If Naruto goes unchecked for too long, then he will likely meet some important individuals. It's very possible that when they see he uses 'life' they will be willing to side with him. If that happens there may be a war."
"Yes, a war is a very real possibility," Safura admits. "You needn't worry though Dodi, such a war would be of little concern to us. The royals cannot be defeated."
"I'm worried that this the wrong time for colonels to start vying for our jobs," Dodi explains.
Safura nods, doing her best to appear like she understands their concerns. There are no real competitors for her job. The only other one who was considered for the Head General of the Imperial Guard was General Nero, but she doesn't want the power and her temperament makes her less suitable for the job.
Dodi is right from a tactical point of view though; however unlikely it is that they would lose a war they want to stand united against any theoretical enemy. This is the wrong time for internal squabbles, and if the emperor were to hear of it, he would likely be displeased with her for allowing them to go ahead. This situation she cannot intervene in though, ultimately if King Max wants Zahra as the General for Aturia there is little she can do in protest.
"Then perhaps it is best that Zahra is doing this now, before war has broken out," Safura shrugs.
Odion scoffs, "I hardly think encouraging that sort of thing is a good idea. If nothing else you are Rana's friend, isn't it best that you stay in her good books. The last thing you want is for the generals is to rebel."
"I know Odion. I know. You don't need to worry though; the colonels may be in the same battle class as us, but you were all chosen after an extensive search. I had a hand in picking all of you and I did so for a reason.
"The Generals of the Imperial Guard are the most intelligent, gifted and powerful class 8 warriors to have ever lived. We have skillsets that compare to the royals, and we are next in line for promotion to the thrones if they are ever vacated.
"General Zahra may have ambitions to supplant Rana, but if she collides with her, she will realise why she was chosen. General Rana is the most skilled of us in all of Aturia, when Zahra learns about that it will be a message to anyone else who wants to challenge you.
"Challenging a General of the Imperial Guard only ends one way. Death."
Author Note
Hi All,
The suggested names for Naruto's sister are as follows:
- Menma (I assume Memma was a typo)
- Mito
- Zelica
- Hikari
If any of these are preferrable please let me know.
If none emerge as more popular than the others I'll use a random number generator.
Thanks for reading,
Me
In Response to XX104's Question
About how many parts this story will have
I don't know exactly. My current guess would be 14 although I think some of the future ones will be a bit shorter.
My expectation is that part 10 is going to be the longest one left, but will be shorter than some of the previous ones.
It may be worth asking again in future when my plan is a bit more developed.
Thanks for reading.
In Repsonse to 's Question
About when Naruto will wake up
I can't answer that exactly without giving away spoilers.
However, he is the main character of this story and the vast majority of what's left will focus on him.
Hopefully that covers your question.
Thanks for reading.
In Response to sarada chan san's Question
About whether Shao Chin has divine energy
Yes. As I have revealed in this chapter, he uses 'gale' divine energy, which is a transcendent power with similar uses to 'wind' energy.
All warriors of Homeworld use divine energy as their source of power.
Thanks for reading.