Hunted
Namtar landed between the border of Iwagakure and Takigakure, Hypnos and Terra with him. He nodded to them, the duo nodding as they drew weapons, both drawing small tantos. Namtar glanced up at the rain above them, frowning as he narrowed his eyes. He could feel it. The slight sense of chakra in the rain. Namtar snorted, sending a spike into the rain, yet he frowned as the chakra signature didn't fluctuate in the slightest. There was no acknowledgement at his presence. Namtar frowned, reaching towards the blade at his side. His hand rested on the pommel, the trio of soldiers walking forwards, Namtar's sensing abilities extending far enough to protect them from any sneak attack. They were in enemy territory after all, but they had to be. Baraki was not an easy man to find. Neither was 'The Deceased', a militant group of Konoha rebels who wanted to take down the current regime. They had split off before Danzo had caught wind off their plans, and thus they were not absorbed into ROOT, yet they were here to offer a chance to be absorbed into the group.
Yet 'The Deceased' were not easy people to find. They were all legally dead according to Konohagakure, having died in the field according to Konohagakure records. The only reason Danzo knew of them was due to the unusual amount of chakra signatures in the area. Even that wouldn't be enough to draw conclusions about a group, as it could easily be deduced to mere incidents between Taki and Iwa, yet Danzo's spies in either village detected no change whatsoever in either village. There were no skirmishes between shinobi, no political incidents whatsoever. In fact, it seemed that both groups tried to avoid that area altogether, and whenever shinobi avoided and area it should be inspected very closely. 'The Deceased' were good at concealing their chakra, enough that Iwagakure hadn't come looking for them yet, but one didn't get to Danzo's level without being particularly diligent. Still, Namtar gave them points. They had all disappeared during the Third Shinobi World War, believed to be dead, and it wasn't hard to believe and fairly easy to pull off. The war had claimed a multitude of lives, and from the people Danzo believed to be members they were not especially powerful. Chunin-level at best, but one couldn't easily be a runaway ninja and survive this long by merely being Chunin-level, not without joining hands with another organization.
That was what Danzo was looking for, not the runaway members of Konoha, they were trivial, but the true ring leaders of 'The Deceased' the organization or true Jonin of the group that made such an existence even possible. However, even with a few elite Jonin the group couldn't afford to be very public with their actions. Not only would Konoha vilify them, but a few elite Jonin couldn't hope to hold off any decent force of major village shinobi. That was likely why the hid so close to Iwagakure. If they were discovered Iwagakure was the least likely village to expose them due to the fact that having an added, unseen enemy against Konohagakure would only make them happy. Iwa's hate of Konoha had only grown since the last war, and it was unlikely that it would ever be put out any time soon.
Namtar stopped, his sensing capabilities still detecting nothing. Glancing at Hypnos he nodded, and the ROOT operative merely started weaving through handseals, however he did not channel any chakra. Still no movement, not even the slightest fluctuation. Unless 'The Deceased' members were stalking them at a distance far enough away to not be in his range and simultaneously give off this oppressive feeling something was wrong, something he was missing, and it wasn't something as basic as a genjutsu there was nothing here. Genjutsu were hard to spot, especially the very subtle ones, but with his senses, along with his newfound eyes, he should have easily seen a genjutsu many yards before he was even within its range. Genjutsu wasn't the issue here.
Namtar took his hand off of his blade, this time weaving through handseals and molding his chakra. Slamming his hands on the ground he released a pulse of chakra, the pulse bouncing off of everything in the immediate vicinity, acting similar to echolocation. His own jutsu that he had invented with the help of Danzo-sama. Yet as his chakra pinged back at him he found nothing strange, at least until he got a notification of something underground, something that his chakra couldn't bypass. Namtar smirked, nodding at Terra.
The agent nodded, his eyes glowing with red power as he weaved through handseals. The ground slowly began to shake, a stairway forming in the ground leading to a steel door. Namtar smirked, walking forwards, his hand resting against the pommel of his katana once more, yet this time he felt the reaction. The rain immediately changed, chakra pulsing through it as a jutsu was cast.
"Above!" Namtar roared, the water above the trio's heads changing into sharp daggers of water that sped downwards. Hypnos immediately went into action, weaving through handseals, sending the water at their feet upwards in a defensive sphere, catching all of the water daggers. Namtar nodded, grabbing his blade before he smirked. Lightning crackled across the blade as he lunged forwards, yet suddenly a wall of earth appeared before the blade. The blade still speared through it, however it managed to slow the blade just enough that it just barely slipped into the door, not fully passing through it. Namtar frowned, however he immediately leapt backwards, dodging the fiery explosion that ripped from the door, sending a cloud of soot and dust out of the area. Hypnos and Terra patiently waited for Namtar's orders, trusting in his sensing abilities. Eventually the smoke cleared, and the trio walked towards where the door once stood, only to find rubble.
"They evacuated and blew up their base," Terra stated. Namtar frowned, sending out his echolocation jutsu once more, confirming Terra's assumption. "We report back to Danzo-sama," Namtar stated, the trio disappearing into the mountains as the words finished leaving his mouth.
Sai sat down, cracking his neck as Kakashi made an announcement about the Chunin Exams. The young spy cracked his neck as the Jonin passed out forms. Briefly glancing at his so-called teammates he frowned. Kakashi had mentioned that all three of them needed to sign the forms for them to be eligible to take the forms and that they were due at their next meeting two days from now. In the meantime he had left each of them with techniques and skills to practice on. Sai rolled his eyes at the offer, he didn't really need more skills. He was already quite capable. But his teammates on the other hand, they were not. He knew he had no humanity left in him, but he did not wish to see two Genin die because of their inability to fight off the threats they would undoubtedly face during the Chunin Exams. It would be a waste of potential shinobi for Danzo. As Kakashi dismissed them Sai had resolved himself to not sign the forms. As he walked off, disappearing from their view Kakashi appeared in front of him. Sai frowned, he hadn't noticed the Jonin sneaking up on him.
"Yes Kakashi-sensei," he asked, his facade not dropping for a second. Kakashi frowned at the action. He knew he had sneaked up on Sai, the only telltale sign was the slight shuffling of feet as Sai's body seemed to instantly reach towards the tanto he had on his form. Such a move wasn't something a Genin, even one from the reserves should be capable of accomplishing. This confirmed it, this boy was someone he would have to keep his eye on.
"You will sign those forms," Kakashi stated. Sai blinked, confused. "I'm confused sensei. I thought I had the choice to sign those forms or not?" Kakashi frowned at the faux emotion he could hear in Sai's voice. 'If you're going to fake at least be good at it,' Kakashi stated. "Not in your case. Let me be very clear here Sai," Kakashi stated, releasing some killing intent. Sai's hand barely moved, slowly inching towards the tanto. Kakashi barely acknowledged the movement. He would annihilate the child before he even knew what was happening to him. "You are under the authority of the Hokage to sign those forms. Make sure you remember that. You don't have a choice."
Sai nodded, the fake smile still remaining on his face. "Understood sensei," he said, attempting a cheery tone in his voice.
He was a mile off and Kakashi noticed it. The man was great at detecting lies, his entire life had been one massive one. "Good," Kakashi stated, disappearing in a burst of speed. Sai continued to walk down the street, the smile still on his face. Danzo-sama would want to know about this.
Kakashi walked into the Hiruzen's office, frowning. "How is he?"
"Suspicious as always. He'll likely try and report to Danzo that he is being forced to do the Chunin Exams." Hiruzen sighed. "Good. In the meantime Tsuande is being recalled as we speak. Konoha will have gathered it's strength once more." Kakashi glanced at the other man in the room, Shikaku Nara as he spoke. "I disagree," the Clan Head stated. "Iwa will likely try and pounce on us the second Tsunade returns. To have us consolidating our strength like this? Iwa and Kumo will likely prepare for war. They won't trust us to just sit content with all of our cards back in hand." Hiruzen smirked. "Do not worry for that. I am perfectly prepared to handle Kumo and Iwa. Iwa's Jinchuriki can be met with just as much brute force with Gai on our side." Shikaku frowned. "Even if you do manage to snag one of the Jinchuriki like you plan on doing, what will you do if Gai has to face both of them at the same time? Or they're both separated and Gai can only go to one place?"
Hiruzen smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "I am not called the 'Kami no Shinobi' for nothing Shikaku. You know this to be true." Shikaku frowned but nodded nonetheless. "I still would prefer we have another countermeasure."
"That's what the entire operation is about," Hiruzen stated. "To gain a new countermeasure against this very threat. I hate to do this, to think of Naruto like this, but with his banishment we have lost a valuable asset. He and Gai were the two meant to play the role of stopping any Jinchuriki that may attack. With Sasuke not ready to defend against a Bijuu threat with the Sharingan...I'm afraid that we have to do something drastic."
"And what of the news when it leaks that we supposedly have three Bijuu and broke the Chunin Exam treaty?" Hiruzen frowned. "Danzo wanted a world where Konohagakure ruled. I'm afraid that at this rate his dream will be accomplished, even if it must be through the Fourth Shinobi World War." Kakashi sighed. "We're not capable of winning another war though."
"Exactly," Hiruzen stated. "That's why we need to cripple our enemies strength severely before the war even begins."
"Is it wise to even go to war though," Kakashi asked. Hiruzen sighed. "What other option do you think we are presented with?" Kakashi was silent but Shikaku opened his mouth. "It is possible to colonize the entirety of Kirigakure under the Konoha banner. Approach the rebels and tell them that we will assist them, but only if they will join the banner of Konohagakure."
"And if they refuse," Kakashi asked. Shikaku gave him an icy look. "Then we go to Kirigakure and help them. Either way we need allies, regardless of how bloody the actions we commit may be."
"I see," Kakashi muttered. "I agree." Hiruzen sighed. "Yes, I see your points." Kakashi and Shikaku nodded. They couldn't make decisions, but advising Hiruzen was the closest thing to it. They knew that the Hokage would always try and make the best decision for the village. That was part of the reason they understood his switching of border patrol schedules and all defense schedules actually. Danzo knew them all, and Hiruzen couldn't allow Danzo to remain in power in any way over the village. The lone exception to this rule, Sai, was merely because Hiruzen saw an opportunity to cripple Danzo's army if they got the opportunity.
Hiruzen sighed. "Tell Murakumo and Unkai to mobilize. Those two should be enough for a democratic offering, and if not well then they're our best genjutsu-experts for a reason. In the meantime Shikaku i want the border patrol around Iwa to increase. If we see any sightings of their Jinchuriki I want a summon to notify me immediately. Gai and I are on standby already with a summoning seal to attack. Am I clear?"
Shikaku nodded, glancing at Kakashi who sighed. "Hiruzen-sama...do you think we can survive these upcoming years?"
Hiruzen did not respond.
Hinata frowned, dropping into her Juken stance as did her sister. Her eyes quickly cut towards her father as he said begin before she rushed forwards, Hanabi's eyes widening slightly at the action. Hinata never struck first. However Hanabi paid it no mind, rushing forwards to meet her. Hinata then flipped as she rain, her legs swinging upwards in an arc before dropping downwards like lightning, her foot cracking diagonally across Hanabi's jaw, rattling her. Hiashi's eyes widened at the action, completely unprepared for the move. That was not a part of Juken, and Hinata never fought like that, ever. However, he quickly paid closer attention to the fight as it continued, Hanabi barely managing to stay on her feet after the skull-rattling attack.
Hanabi rose, crying out in rage as she launched a palm strike towards Hinata. Yet Hanabi sidestepped, knocking the strike wide with her palm before she lashed out with two quick palm strikes to Hanabi's face, the girl stumbling backwards. Hinata then rushed forwards, kicking at one of Hanabi's legs, forcing it off the ground, before she grabbed launched another palm strike, this one cracking against the girls chest and sending her hopping backwards. Hinata rushed forwards, taking advantage of Hanabi's exposed guard, swinging her leg like a whip, snaking it behind Hanabi's head before she pushed off her other leg, ramming her knee firmly into Hanabi's chest, dropping the young girl.
Hiashi stared at Hinata's brutal way of finishing the fight. She had done something completely unexpected, she had beaten Hanabi, but she had simultaneously done it in perhaps the most brutal way Hiashi had ever seen, even when compared to some of the elders. But it was the fact that it was so brutal that surprised Hiashi. Hinata had never been brutal, ever. He genuinely thought the girl didn't have a sense for it and that was why he didn't want her to become a shinobi. Yet here she was, executing moves that would stun many a foe excellently, and fluid as water. He had seen the killer instinct in her. He had seen in flash in her eyes right before the final strike that brought Hanabi down. If Hinata had wanted to, she could have easily crushed Hanabi's throat with her knee, yet she didn't, if only because this was a practice fight. There was no love in those eyes. Only the threat ex-Anbu members showed when they had to kill someone. He had never known his daughter was capable of such eyes. Even he, despite his years of experience over his own daughter, had never obtained those eyes, yet here they were, in his daughter, his incapable daughter nonetheless.
For the first time in his life Hiashi felt a small amount of pride about Hinata, however it soon turned to fear as the girl scoffed at Hanabi and slithered away. That wouldn't do. He knew the two girls never had the best relationship, but he couldn't allow the two to hate each other, yet that is what seemed to be evolving between the two. Hiashi sighed, letting Hinata walk off. Maybe it was for the best. After all, Kami knows he and Hizashi didn't get along whatsoever.
The clan head could only sigh, glancing over at his youngest daughter. He picked Hanabi's injured form, quickly making his way to the clan's medic. The medic seemed surprised to be treating Hanabi, as her spars against Hinata were common knowledge, butthe medic accepted the task without any comment. Hiashi was grateful for that. He wasn't exactly sure what he would do if the medic had begun to ask questions.
Naruto smiled as he watched Morgiana walk in front of him, wonder on her face as the girl raced around the ground, excited to experience the world in ways she was previously incapable of as a slave. It was refreshing, to see someone so happy, so free. Naruto merely shook his head, returning to the fish in his hand. It had been a week or so since Morgiana and he had begun travelling together, and the group following him had yet to attack. They seemed to be very patient, stalking him almost, waiting for him to slip up. Naruto could only shrug indifferently. They weren't truly causing him hassle, and while he knew he would have to deal with them eventually he would prefer to deal with them once he was confident he was strong enough to handle them all. Sure he was much stronger than he was beforehand, but even still he didn't think he was capable of taking on a group of that size.
He had managed to learn some basic jutsu of his clans Kekkei Genkai though, along with learn that his chakra nature was wind. That was extremely interesting, but Naruto would deal with the knowledge of his skills later.
The group had moved. Naruto stood, his eyes moving like madmen, attempting to keep track of the approaching threats. However before he could react a red blur shot forwards, a hand grasping his throat while several other blurs shot around Morgiana, her eyes widening at the sight.
Naruto immediately grasped the hand on his throat, calling upon the Spirit, before he lashed out with a vicious kick that sent the person holding his throat stumbling back just enough that Naruto was able to free himself. Naruto shot away, doing several backflips before he skidded to a stop, glaring at the four red haired people in front of him, three of whom were surrounding Morgiana.
"Masrur!" she stated, happiness in her voice. The large, red haired man looked down at Morgiana a small smile creeping up on his face. "Little sister," he stated plainly. Naruto's eyes widened at the knowledge before his eyes turned to the red head in front of him, noticing the mans long hair swish in the breeze.
"You must be her family," Naruto stated. The man in front of Naruto nodded, glaring at the boy. "And you must be her slaver then no? Although I will admit that you are a much kinder slaver than most. For that I thank you." Naruto's eyes widened before he put his hands up, shaking his head vehemently. "What! No, I'm not that Jamil guy! I didn't enslave her. I rescued her from slavery," Naruto stated. The man in front of him snorted, "Likely story," he stated, shooting forwards with intense speeds. Naruto's eyes widened as even with the Spirit he was completely incapable of dodging the attack. The blow slammed into his gut, bringing him to his knees, on the verge of unconsciousness.
"Who are you people?"
"The Fanalis," the man stated as Naruto collapsed unconscious. The man then turned to Morgiana who was glaring at him. "Morg? What's wrong? Did I do something?" The young Fanalis glared at her chieftain's right-hand, an irritated look on her face. "He wasn't lying. He saved me from the slavers. He is a kind person. He even offered to let me travel with him Muu."
The now dubbed Muu's jaw dropped before he glanced back at the boy. "CRAP! Wake up kid! Please don't be dead, please don't be dead, please don't be dead. I don't need that on my conscious. NOOOOOO!"
Masrur smirked at his lieutenants actions, walking up to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe we should take him back to the camp for now, and apologize to him appropriately there." Muu glanced at his second-in-command, nodding at his wisdom. "Good idea. Lo'lo', Razol, let's get to moving!"
The two other Fanalis nodded, Muu picking up Naruto as the red haired group shot off at speeds unattainable for most shinobi, even with chakra.
Sasuke sat in front of a massive sign of the Uchiha fan on the wall, reading over the scroll in front of him. The raven-haired Uchiha could only stare in awe at the jutsu contained in the scroll. Ever since he Naruto had left he had started to look into the Uchiha Library, trying his best to master the jutsu within, but he had so far only made progress on one jutsu, the Hi Bunshin (Fire Clone). It was a useful technique, one that he planned on using to detrimental affect on others during the Chunin Exams. He so far could create a clone, but it would be solidly wreathed in fire, giving away the surprise attack Sasuke wanted to use. Sasuke smirked as he thought back to Naruto. It seemed he was beginning to copy his friend more than he thought he was.
Sasuke stood, forming the single hand seal required for the jutsu and channeling his fire chakra. Slowly in front of him a body began to form, looking like Sasuke, but only on fire. The Uchiha cursed, dispelling the clone, sweat pouring down his brow from the heat of the clone. He still couldn't get the jutsu to work properly. Sure, he could definitely make a combat-capable fighter made of fire, which may have it's own uses, but for what Sasuke desired it wouldn't be effective. Shinobi were supposed to be stealthy, despite the fact that most lacked the quality nowadays, and he wanted this to be a relatively stealthy jutsu that would leave his opponent in a prime position to be finished off.
Sasuke's chakra spiked once more, his fire chakra swelling before he let out a steady stream of fire in front of him, forming a flaming Sasuke. Irritated Sasuke continued to breathe fire onto the clone, letting his frustration take control over him briefly. However, to Sasuke's amazement the clone seemed to take a more human-shape, losing it's flames before forming a perfect clone of Sasuke. Sasuke's eyes widened before he dispelled the clone, his eyes widening as it exploded in a column of flames that singed the roof. Sasuke rolled his eyes. He would get to cleaning that later, he had a jutsu to analyze.
It didn't make sense after all. What type of fire jutsu looked less like fire the more fire you put into it? He could only presume that the fire wasn't hot enough to take on a human shape beforehand, despite the fact that that made absolutely no sense. Sasuke didn't understand. Quickly performing the jutsu once more Sasuke activated his Sharingan to make sure what he was observing was correct. His eyes widened when he saw what was happening.
He was partially correct. The more flames he created the more the flames began to resemble a human shape, but it had nothing to do with the heat of the jutsu. The flame clones he was producing beforehand had merely been the internal layer of the clone, the explosion that would be released upon being dispelled. As it hadn't been contained beforehand the explosion upon release had not been truly powerful. However, as he continued to breathe fire on it the extra fire formed a casing around it with the help of his chakra, forming the human-like appearance, while simultaneously compressing the internal fire to the point where it exploded upon the casing being pierced or destroyed.
The complexity of the jutsu was astonishing to say the least.
Sasuke deactivated his Kekkei Genkai, sitting down on the floor once more, breathing deeply as he tried to regain his energy. That jutsu took up a monstrous amount of chakra, which was why it was significantly rarer and a clan jutsu, unlike it's water and earth, or even shadow, variants. While Naruto's prized clone technique took up more chakra, it was much easier to create a clone considering you were just manipulating pre-existing chakra. The earth and water variants not only took up less chakra but they were also elements that were much easier to mold to one's wishes, unlike fire. Sasuke could only ponder why no one other than Uchiha had attempted to create a clone made of fire though. Despite it's strain it certainly would have been an affect tool. Then again, wind clones would also be extremely effective, and yet they hadn't even been created for as much as he knew.
Sasuke could only shudder at the madman who would create those, for they would be created, if they hadn't already. Little did Sasuke know that somewhere in another shinobi village a young redheaded child sneezed.
Sasuke slowly stood, albeit on shaking legs, his Sharingan flaring. It was time for him to get back to training. he didn't have much longer until the Chunin Exams. He had already signed the papers, and was excited to fight the most powerful Genin the shinobi villages had to offer. He couldn't wait to defeat every single one of them in combat, and defeat them he would.
Hinata sat down, looking over the forms in front of her. She could only look over them once more. The Chunin Exams. Where the strongest shinobi would come to compete and prove their worth to their home villages and earn revenue for them. It was a massive global competition hosted whenever the Five Great Shinobi Villages were at peace, and this one would be happening in Konohagakure. The challenge presented by the Chunin Exams was immense. Few teams managed to pass, and each year it seemed to get harder and harder.
She was going to pass it with flying colors.
Hinata already knew what she had to do. She had to become an ANBU as fast as she possibly could, and that meant no holding back, no being afraid, and no childishness. She couldn't afford to be the shy little girl she was once before. Not while he was so far out of her reach. She had to become powerful and quickly, while simultaneously being free from her leash in Konohagakure's regular shinobi corps to search for Naruto. She would leave the village to search for him, however that would be far to risky. She wasn't strong enough to survive the wilds of the shinobi world without supervision or help. She had to grow in an environment that protected her like one of her own, even if she no longer felt like one herself. She would be able to be strong enough to survive on her lonesome as an ANBU, and it wouldn't even be hard for her to go far from the village and fake her death in combat. She would be able to search freely from there for Naruto.
A small rational part of her mind also spoke, stating the obvious fact. Naruto was a Genin like her, and thus he also faced extremely unlikely odds in the wilds, likely having died by now, but Hinata refused to give that voice in her mind any gravity in its opinions. If Naruto was dead she didn't know what she would do. He was her rock, her islands on the sea of this ever-changing world, a light in the darkness that seemed to coat her in his protection, and know he had been cruelly ripped from under her, and she had been left to drown in the darkness and water below. Maybe that was where this demented and detached person she was now came from, but she couldn't dwell on that now. If her being detached would let her reach her knight, then she would do it. A princess would become a witch if that was what it took to be reunited with her knight in shining armor.
She would do anything to be reunited with him.
Naruto awoke with a groan, the pain in his stomach flaring up once more. Naruto groaned. 'I feel like I got hit by a truck.' Naruto slowly moved, shifting his body so he was sitting upright.
"Naruto-san! You're awake!"
Naruto looked to his right, smiling lightly as he saw Morgiana. "Hey Morgiana," he stated before his eyes widened as his memories of what happened snapped back into the forefront of his mind. Ignoring his pain Naruto immediately leapt to his feet, chakra roaring through his body as chains began to sprout from his hands. His eyes snapped around, carefully eyeing his surroundings, even Morgiana.
He paused when he realized he was surrounded by the red-haired people who defeated him in the first place. "Kid seems to have some fire in him! I like it," roared a man, his smile instilling some fear in Naruto. The man seemed feral, almost as though he was barely held in place by whoever was in charge. Naruto's eyes swerved before he found the man he was looking for, the man with the long hair, undoubtedly the chieftain.
"You," Naruto hissed, already preparing himself to unleash a genjutsu and escape. There was no way he could escape the group of people with him still in play. Naruto was so focused on preparing his genjutsu that he didn't notice Morgiana attempting to calm him, just processing her as background noise. However, before Naruto could launch the attack a hand rested on his shoulder.
"Calm down child."
Naruto immediately spun, a chain shooting from his hands in the attempt to bind and shred the person who appeared behind him, yet the man merely raised his hand, catching the chains and breaking them with ease. Naruto's eyes widened as he took in the short red-haired mans form, preparing to leap away and launch a genjutsu at him. However the man leapt towards Naruto grabbing his hands before he landed, Naruto unable to move away due to the mans superior strength.
Naruto wasn't going to give up however, chains sprouting from his hands towards the man's chest yet Muu and the terrifying man from before appeared grabbing the chains with ease.
"Yeah, lots of spunk. I really like him."
"Enough Lo'lo', you're scaring him," Masrur stated. Naruto glared at Masrur, anger in his eyes. "And you're not? Look I just want to leave, I don't want any problems." Masrur looked at the boy in front of him, noticing the fear and worry in his eyes before he nodded, letting Naruto's hands go in a sign of peace. Naruto seemed to have gotten the message, as he let his chains disappear and didn't attack again, although he still looked tense.
"It seems that we got off on the wrong foot," Masrur stated, roughly grabbing Muu's head before forcing the man to bow to Naruto, getting a chuckle from Lo'lo'. "My subordinate here thought you were a slaver, but he has realized the error of his ways. Morgiana explained that you saved her from captivity."
Naruto nodded slowly, glancing at Morgiana who looked at him, happiness in her eyes. Naruto then looked at Muu. He was still angry with the man, but it was better to have an ally that an enemy. "Apology accepted."
Muu managed to mutter out a "Thank you" while his face was still buried in the dirt. As soon as those words left his mouth Masrur let the man stand, his eyes never leaving Naruto, much like one who eye a cornered animal. "You must understand," he stated. "The Fanalis are hunted by slavers quite often due to us being extraordinarily strong. We make quite good slaves if they can manage to capture us."
Naruto's eyes widened. "I see. I am sorry that your fates are hindered by outside forces. I have seen similar decisions thrust upon others without their choice in the matter."
Masrur raised an eyebrow. "You have experience with slavery." Naruto looked at Masrur. "Not slavery. Where I come from it is illegal. But for one to lose autonomy due to higher ups on the so-called food chain, I have experienced. To be treated cruelly and betrayed."
Masrur supposed that was why there was such fear and suspicion in the boys eyes. "Am I free to go?"
Masrur could only stare at Naruto. "Of course you are child of the Elemental Nations. Although, for saving Morgiana you are free to stay with us for as long as you like." A series of boo's came from the crowd, causing Naruto to frown but a quick glare from Masrur silenced them. "You have helped one of our own. Regardless of what the others may think that is worthy of something in return."
Naruto frowned, "Thank you, but I know what it is like to not be welcome," he stated plainly, before his eyes caught sight of Morgiana, her eyes pleading with him to stay. Naruto felt his resolve shatter right then and there. "Although I suppose I could stay for a little while," he stated, annoyed his resolve had been destroyed so easily. Masrur nodded, before he turned. "Come then child."
"Wait!"
Masrur turned again, looking at Naruto curiously. "What did you mean by Elemental Nations? Are we not there anymore?"
Masrur nodded. "Surely they teach you in the Academy's of the Elemental Nations that there is more to this world than merely that landmass and surrounding islands? You are currently still in the Elemental Nations, however you are much closer to the Rukh Continent. A mere ride across the ocean, passed the Land of Whirlpools and Land of Water, and you will have reached a world that the Elemental Countries seems reluctant to explore."
Naruto frowned. "This Rukh country. How do I get there?"
Masrur smiled. "We were headed there anyways child. You may come with us and abandon your demons if you so wish." Naruto looked at Masrur, his eyes hard. "Yes," he stated, "that's something I would like to do very much."
Akahoshi sat calmly in front of the ROOT operative glancing at him curiously. "Danzo wishes for us to do what exactly?" Terra stood before the man, his Sharingan covered by the mask on his face. "I do not believe that you need me to repeat myself Hoshikage-sama. Danzo wishes for you to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams and assist in the invasion plans."
Akahoshi frowned. "Believe me when I say that I am loyal to the directive, but you must understand that we are still far to weak to consider leading an invasion against a major power, not to mention the unwanted attention that will bring upon us. We would be destroyed in the fallout."
Terra was quiet momentarily before he continued. "You misunderstand," he stated plainly. "You will not be leading the invasion but assisting with it." Akahoshi wanted to snort at the shinobi in front of him. Even he knew that Danzo would never allow himself to lose more than those he controlled, regardless of their loyalty. The fact that the shinobi hadn't denied the possibility of Hoshigakure's destruction only proved that fact. Hoshigakure couldn't withstand the scrutiny of the Five Great Nations, even with Danzo's backing. The man had already been made public enemy number one by one village, he had no doubt that another village would soon be following in their footsteps.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that even we will need some form of guarantee that we will benefit from this." Terra nodded. "Danzo-sama stated that you may require that. That is why Danzo-sama has offered Hoshigakure surrogate status. Upon Konoha's fall Danzo's village will rise to take it's place, stopping any form of power vacuum. You will be protected due to it."
Akahoshi snorted. "Even you cannot believe that merely declaring yourself the next Great Village will make it so. Ame and Taki are the two most powerful minor villages, bar the other ones in our organization. There is no way that they would allow that to happen. Iwa and Kumo would also retaliate. I am beginning to fear that Danzo is becoming overconfident."
Terra was silent for a long while, causing Akahoshi to pale. Perhaps he himself had gotten overconfident and overstepped a line. He knew that even with the star's power he would fail to defeat Danzo and the power the man had at his disposal. He was powerful, but not that powerful. Hoshigakure would fall if they refused to join Danzo, but they would fall even if they did, yet Akahoshi would rather turn this all on the man causing him such a headache rather than see it through to the end on nothing but blind faith.
Terra eventually spoke up. "You would do well to mind your tongue Akahoshi." Akahoshi paled at the lack of formality in his name. He had clearly overstepped a line. He could only hope that Danzo didn't see fit to try and discipline him. There was no doubt in his mind that he would die if that was what the man had in mind, and no amount of words of loyalty, regardless of how true they were, would be enough to convince the man.
"We understand your worries however. I will report back to Danzo-sama with this turn of events. I will return with his response." Just as Terra began to leave Akahoshi called out to him, desperate to try and amend the situation before Danzo did away with him as he likely would. "Make no mistake, Hoshigakure shinobi will participate in the Chunin Exams to show our strength to the world, however we cannot promise an invasion force without some form of reassurance."
Terra nodded before he disappeared.
Akahoshi sighed at the man's disappearance, the chill he hadn't even known he was suppressing releasing its way from his body. Akahoshi glanced to his left, the person next to him only looking at the man with worry. "Are you sure this is a good idea," the man asked.
Akahoshi glanced at Shiso, before he turned to look out the window, revealing the decent sized village outside. "No, day by day I am more nervous of this alliance with Danzo Shimura. But we have nothing to loss and everything to gain truly as long as we aren't discovered. At times like this, with war so close on the horizon, one must play do or die all the time. It is one of the many burdens of being a Kage."
Shiso was silent at that.
Gaku sighed, standing to look at the group behind him, shaking his head with annoyance. Jiraiya cursed, tightening his fists. Naruto's trail had gone cold. Jiraiya sighed, frustration showing on his face. "I'm afraid there's not much more I can do unless we can somehow catch onto Naruto's scent once more," he stated, rubbing his ninken's fur. The ninken, Kuro, the group had learned, barked, before staring at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya turned, glancing at Tokuma who frowned. "I can check with my Byakugan to see if there is anything noteworthy." Jiraiya nodded, and soon after Tokuma's Byakugan sprang to life. Not one to be left out Natsu quickly followed suite. The duo then immediately turned one direction, their eyes narrowing. Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Tokuma frowned. "It seems like Naruto's chakra, or at least some chakra, is lingering over in this general area. It is leading towards the nearby ocean..."
"I see.." Jiraiya stated, before he took off, the group following not far after him. It didn't take them long before Kuro stated to get excited, stopping to begin to sniff the ground. The group stopped, watching the ninken with interest.
"It seems Naruto's trail caught up again," Gaku stated as Kuro barked, taking off again. The group followed closely behind the dog, each of them eager to find the blonde regardless of their personal reasons for such. Itachi wanted to see Sasuke again and explain everything to him, Jiraiya wanted to see his godson, Gaku, Tokuma, and Muta merely wanted to return home, Gaku wanted to find his friend's son, and Natsu just wanted to be done with a mission that required her to assist the demon of Konoha. Yet the two came to pause, watching as they reached a nearby town.
"It'll be hard to follow his scent once we go into that place," Gaku stated. Jiraiya frowned. "How long do you think it will take Kuro to pinpoint track Naruto's position while in the city." Gaku sighed, an annoyed look crossing his face. "At least two days at the fastest. It won't be easy." Jiraiya sighed nodding. "Get started then. The rest of you stock up on supplies. I have a feeling we're going to need it."
The group nodded, dispersing into the town.
Tokuma sighed as he rubbed the back of his head, Itachi walking next to him. Natsu had split from him the second she had seen some store. Tokuma wasn't really paying attention. The girl was frustrating. The Hyuga frowned however as he walked through the town. It was far to small for them to resupply. He glanced at Itachi. "Itachi-san there seems to be nothing for us to do in this area. Naruto's chakra is covered up by the chakra of the general populace. I suggest we train." Itachi glanced at Tokuma nodding.
The duo left the city quickly, going to a clearing still within visible distant of the village before they turned to face one another. "I am assuming you want to spar like we did last time," Itachi stated, causing Tokuma to nod. Itachi nodded, his red eyes boring holes into Tokuma's head. Tokuma frowned, his Byakugan exploding to life. Itachi didn't react to the action, even as Tokuma rushed towards him. Itachi leapt into the air as Tokuma launched a palm strike, coming down with a heel drop, yet Tokuma sidestepped, launching two strikes towards Itachi's arms that landed only for Itachi's form to disappear in a puff of smoke.
Tokuma's eyes widened before they narrowed. 'I didn't even notice him create the clone. He's still so much faster and smoother than me.' Tokuma's thoughts were cut off as he saw Itachi approaching from behind with his vision, spinning on his heel, and launching a palm strike that shattered the kunai Itachi had in his hand. Itachi didn't seem perturbed however, launching a spinning kick to the gut that Tokuma pushed out of the way before following up with a palm strike to the chest. Itachi watched the blow land before he disappeared in a puff of smoke. Tokuma's eyes narrowed before he spun on his heel, chakra pulsing out of his body as he spun.
"Hakkesho Kaiten (Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation)!"
Itachi's eyes narrowed as his fireball surrounded the dome of chakra, failing to break through it as the fire dissipated. Itachi immediately launched a kunai, and with a quick application of a jutsu, the kunai multiplied into a storm of metal just as Tokuma stopped spinning. Tokuma's eyes narrowed as he saw that incoming storm before he lashed out with his palms, a vacuum of force shooting forwards, stopping all of the kunai. Itachi's eyes narrowed.
"Enough. I think I have an idea of what you could work on." Tokuma paused, raising an eyebrow. "And that would be?"
Itachi nodded. "You rely to heavily on your taijutsu and its extensions. What about any ninjutsu? Do you know your chakra nature?" Tokuma frowned but nodded nonetheless. "It's water. But it doesn't matter. The Hyuga have a rule of not using ninjutsu." Itachi snorted. "That is stupid." Tokuma's eyes twitched as he glared at Itachi, his Byakugan seeming to glint in the sunlight. "Mind your words Uchiha."
Itachi merely looked at Tokuma blankly. "I meant no offense. However, it makes no sense why you would limit yourself. You may not have to learn everything about your element, but you should at least be capable of combing your element with your taijutsu style."
Tokuma frowned. "Even if I did listen to you what would it matter? The way the Juken works it's not exactly something easy to mix with a water element." Itachi shrugged. "I have no idea, but that is the next hurdle you must face if you truly wish to be capable of fighting evenly with the Akatsuki." Tokuma rolled his eyes. "I'm fighting pretty evenly with you am I not?"
Itachi merely stared at Tokuma, unnerving him as his eyes slowly shifted into a different design and Itachi's chakra leaked from his body, giving him a dark aura. "I have not been going all out in our fight Tokuma, for your sake. My strongest jutsu are not spar-friendly. They are designed to kill."
Tokuma fell to his knees, nodding, his eyes wide. Itachi's eyes shifted back into their regular Sharingan, before he turned on his heel. "You can practice later. Let us see how the search is going."
Tokuma could only nod dumbly.
The time limit was over. Sasuke had given the papers to Kakashi not many days ago, and the Chunin Exams were going to begin soon. It was hard for someone to not know, considering the sudden influx of foreign shinobi in the village. Sasuke had noticed a fair amount of diverse shinobi from villages such as Suna, Kumo, Hoshigakure, Taki, and Ame just to name a few. Needless to say Sasuke was excited. He would be competing against all of these powerful shinobi and it was his duty as a fighter to defeat them.
Sasuke stood in front of the Academy, looking around to find his two teammates. He smirked as he saw Sakura walking up waving. He didn't wave back, although he was glad to see the girl. Honestly he didn't think she would show up, despite the fact that she had turned in her papers to Kakashi just a few days ago. But it seemed like his nerves were misplaced. Responding to her greeting with a mere grunt Sasuke looked around, annoyed at the turn of events. Sai hadn't shown up yet and it wouldn't be much longer until the Chunin Exams started.
The Uchiha began to scowl, irritation forming on his features before he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning he was stunned to find Sai standing behind him, a plaster smile on his face. "Ah, Dickless," Sasuke's eyes narrowed at the name but he said nothing, "you two have arrived. I guess it is time for us to start our next chapter together is it not?"
Sasuke merely grunted, shoving passed the pasty boy as he stormed into the building. Chuckling Sai followed after him, Sakura watching the pasty Genin go with worry in her eyes. Ever since Sai had joined the team he had continued to frustrate Sasuke to no end, undoubtedly attempting to get a rise out of the boy. But Sakura couldn't understand for the life of her why the Genin would want to do that. She just didn't understand what he stood to gain from the irritating the Uchiha. If anything he had things to gain by at the very least attempting to be Sasuke's ally.
Sakura just didn't understand the black haired boy.
The pink haired Genin walked through the building, walking up the first flight of stairs to see a group of Genin gathered around the a door that had the room sign that they were told to go into on it. The pink haired girl couldn't help but frown. They had only gone up one flight of stairs, it made no sense why this room would say it was on the third level when it was clearly on the second. Just as Sasuke began to walk towards the door to barge in she grabbed him, causing his eyes to narrow.
"What?"
"Don't disturb them," Sakura said. "This is the second level, and Kakashi-sensei said that the exam starts on the third floor. Unless Kakashi-sensei was trying to trick us, which I highly doubt, this is a genjutsu. They're trying to trick us. Without even letting us know, the exam has already started."
Sasuke's eyes widened at Sakura's catch but he smirked nonetheless. "Nice catch Sakura." Sai merely looked at the pink haired girl with interest, and a slight surprise. 'I wasn't expecting her to catch that. She's sharper than she looks. At least she has some potential. She'll likely be a B-rank shinobi when she achieves her potential. Not necessarily the most powerful shinobi, but an important cog in the machine nonetheless.'
The trio of Genin just walked passed the group of Genin clustered around the door, ignored by most of the other Genin teams who believed that they were at the right place. However, one specific team noticed this before they too realized the trick and immediately left the area. The guards of the door noticed the sudden shift in attention as people then started to pay attention and silently cursed, strengthening the genjutsu and making it more realistic, making more of the Genin begin to pay attention once again.
Naruto looked over the sea, noticing the Fanalis leader, Masrur, thanked the captain of the ship for allowing them to come aboard. He thought back over his situation with Konoha the intense feeling taking over him once again. The feeling of abandonment. He had never felt something like this in his life, even when the Sandaime had told him of his parents death at the hands of the Kyuubi. The blonde leaned over the railing, looking down into the ocean, washing the waves go by. His blonde hair flapped over his face as he looked down at the dull orbs staring back at him. His eyes were focused on his forehead, imaging the one object that he used to treasure. Value. The one object that tied him to his old home despite his reluctance to think of Konoha as home anymore.
The Konohagakure headband.
Naruto stared at it in his reflection, unable to take his eyes off of his imaginary construct. He slightly wished he had kept it, kept it as a reminder of the people that had wronged him and yet, he felt empty still. That feeling was still there. The one that no words could explain. Suddenly, Naruto felt very sick as he looked at the headband, almost unable to look at it. He closed his eyes breathing deeply.
"You okay kid?"
Naruto sighed. 'What do you think fox?'
Kurama rolled his eyes but nodded nonetheless. "Focusing on it won't help any. Think about something other than Konoha. Like how to control this newfound power of yours." Naruto's eyes twitched. 'That would be easier if you would give me an explanation of what the Spirit of the Fox was.' Kurama sighed, grumbling something under his breath but nodded.
"Well essentially the Spirit of the Fox is sort of like a filter. It allows you to draw upon my power. Well no that's not exactly accurate. Let me start from the beginning. I am a Bijuu, or a construct of chakra."
Naruto rolled his eyes. 'Yes I know this. Even I'm not that stupid.' Kurama growled at Naruto's snappish tone, causing the blonde to go quiet. Pleased with the outcome Kurama continued, "As I was saying I am a construct of chakra, but I did not always exist. Before me, and all the other Bijuu, was another Bijuu, one of immense power. The Juubi."
Naruto's eyes widened. 'What are you saying! Is there another Bijuu out there? One stronger than even you!'
"Stop interrupting for five seconds and maybe you would understand!" Kurama snapped, silencing Naruto. The fox let out a huff before he continued. "Anyways, yes the Nine Bijuu that you shinobi know today didn't always exist. We all used to be the same entity, the Juubi. We were immensely powerful, and we were full of rage. Of malice. I do not know how long we were like that, and I do not know what created us, but I remember fighting him. The Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo."
'Hagoromo is the Sage of Six Paths! I thought he was just a myth! I didn't think he actually existed! That would explain how he knew so much about you though.'
Kurama nodded. "Indeed. The stories about Hagoromo are not false nor are they exaggerated. He was an extraordinarily powerful man. Anyways, Hagoromo found us one day, and with an ally of his, I believe his name was Solomon, defeated us. Hagoromo then sealed us into himself, transforming himself into the first Jinchuriki. However, upon his death we would have been released once more. So he split us into entities, the Bijuu that you know today. However he was not strong enough to separate the vast might of our power by himself. Solomon helped him, splitting our energies from our bodies and scattering them across the world. We had lost our capability to use our most feared weapon...Rukh."
Naruto's raised an eyebrow. 'Rukh?'
Kurama sighed. "To be honest I'm not sure what it is. All I know is that the word always appears in my head whenever I think back on the Spirit. But I do know the Solomon created the Spirits. To my knowledge they are merely channels, ways for those who embody some similarities to the Bijuu to channel our power, our true power. I have only seen this active once before, in Hagoromo's son Asura. He had the Spirit of the Fox also, and through our endeavors together I learned more about it. Asura stated it was similar to feeling the flow of life, but somehow being disconnected from it, as if being capable of seeing a massive cyclical flow but only through glass. Asura said that it is similar to falling into darkness, or depravity. A sinking ship that one cannot escape. The shakujo Hagoromo gave you is made with this energy. Asura was only able to fight it because of all the people had to support him, mainly Hagoromo who was accustomed to the power because of Solomon."
'This Solomon. Who was he?'
"I'm not sure if I'm being honest. He was a powerful man that much is sure, at least on the level of Hagoromo. I remember Hagoromo referring to him as a King several times. I do remember one word that Hagoromo called him though. Magician."
'Magician? What? Magic doesn't exist.'
Kurama frowned. "I wouldn't be so sure of that kit. We don't know what this Rukh is or it's powers. All we know is the the Spirit gives you a way to channel its abilities. I suggest you ask Hagoromo when you get the chance."
'When I get the chance?'
Kurama nodded. "The red-haired girl you saved has been looking at you for quite some time. I think she wants something." Naruto snapped back to the real world, looking at Morgiana, a look of shock appearing on his face before he quickly replaced it with regret. "Hey Morg, sorry about that. I was thinking."
"I could tell," the redhead responded, a small smile on her face. "Masrur wanted to talk with you." Naruto nodded preparing to follow after Morg before he paused, looking back over the ocean to the retreating figure of the Elemental Nations. Naruto once again felt the crushing presence on his body, and the world seemed to visibly darken. He clenched his fist as fire burned in his eyes, tears trying to escape. Slowly he reached up, feeling his forehead, going through the motions of untying his headband once again despite the fact that it wasn't there. Naruto held his empty hand over the water, letting the imaginary headband fall into the water, watching as it was gently carried by the wind towards the Elemental Nations, before the wind carrying it tuckered out and the headband fizzled out of existence, Naruto no longer imagining it.
Little did Naruto know that a small, black, butterfly-looking thing left his hand as he opened it to follow after Morgiana.
Sooo...Hinata's crazy yall? Why am I putting a question mark after that? It's not a question, Hinata IS crazy. Her obsession with Naruto has driven her into a dark place now that he's no longer in the village. I can only be worried about what she'll find if she achieves her goals. I mean come on now, faking her death to find a boy? That sounds unhealthy, especially considering all she has in Konoha. She should probably get some treatment. Crazy girl be crazy. And I finally did an in-depth explanation of the Spirit. I know I left some parts out, but don't worry, those will be explained pretty soon, like either next chapter or the one after that. I mean come on now, Naruto can access Hagoromo whenever he wants because of the shakujo. It's not exactly hard to get an explanation. And before anyone asks no, I will not be making Naruto in a Magi. He will never use magic to the extent of characters like Aladdin, Mogamett, Yamraiha, or anyone even remotely close to that. Hagoromo will explain exactly what the Spirit of the Fox does when Naruto talks to him about it, along with who Solomon is and why he's important. Also, for any of those that may ask, Hamura doesn't exist in this story. Because I didn't really see any point of him existing in this story. He doesn't really seem too important, and Solomon pretty much is much more useful. When I was ideating the story I initially thought of making Solomon Hamura, but I felt like that would be a disservice to the Magiverse. I didn't wanna take a cop-out. Blending these two universe's overarching lore is kinda hard, and making Hamura Solomon seemed like a disservice to all of you. And for those of you who are gonna be nitpicky about me saying the Black Rukh around Naruto don't look like butterfly's as Ugo named them after birds, well I don't really care. They look like butterfly's to ME.