Ajisai grunted as she and her team landed back on the courtyard, feet skidding on the dirt as they to push back against the explosion that had sent them flying. She expected to have run into some resistance, but to see THAT jinchuriki once again was definitely a surprise. And she could tell he had gotten stronger.
Capture the Priestess and undo the seal that trapped the demon. Freeing it to wreak havoc and weaken her Village's enemies, while bringing back the Priestess' unique doujutsu as well, that was their mission. Given by Lady Angel herself.
She and her team would complete it.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Ajisai cried as she slammed her two fists into the ground, a pair of ringed seals appearing under each palm as two plumes of smoke were summoned. The first a giant panda that stood proud and tall. While the other was a large giant drilled-beak bird with large black rods embedded in its body, a purple ringed pattern on its eyes.
A reward for her work on the last mission, Lady Angel having said it was from Lord Pain himself. A fraction of his power now under her control.
She would not squander it.
"Suiren! Fuyo! I'm going after the Priestess! You two deal with any potential pursuers!" Ajisai commanded as she stood atop the winged bird, its wings flapping as it took off for the secret exit the Priestess and her bodyguard would no doubt emerge from. The Rain team having found it during their earlier scouting.
"Got it!"
"No need to tell us!"
Ajisai's teammates shouted those words as she took off.
"Oh no you don't!" Naruto shouted with determination as he appeared from out the building's door, seeing Ajisai and her summoning taking off. Feeling a sense of dread run through him momentarily as he saw the bird's eyes. But he couldn't hesitate.
"Chain' em down!" Naruto commanded his two clones as they ran out alongside him, hands together in a seal as they each summoned their own set of golden chains that burst from their stomachs and traveled towards the large bird.
Both chains were able to reach their target in time, wrapping around the bird's feet and interrupting its accent, causing it to lose air as it tried to regain stability in the air.
"Don't let her gain any more air," Naruto commanded his clones, who nodded their heads and began to swing their chains about, causing it to wave and ripple up to the bird and tug it in either direction, making it even harder to stabilize.
"We can't hold this for long!" One of the clones informed Naruto, these chains still took a lot of chakra at a very fast weight, and with their limited reserves, the clones wouldn't hold it forever.
"Damn," Ajisai tsk with annoyance, tapping her foot against the bird's neck. The creature followed the silent command as it proceeded to dive towards the clones keeping it chained to the ground, intent to dissipate them before flying back up.
"Come on~" The original Naruto muttered as the bird continued diving towards his clones, a pair of kunai gripped in the hands behind his back and attached with two paper bombs, ready to be thrown at the bird once it was close enough.
"Huh?!" Naruto gasped as Ajisai suddenly had the bird expand its wings to curve its descent, using the power it gained from its fall and converting it into lift as it curved back up. The force it gained was enough to pull both his clones off their feet as they were taken into the air, their bodies slamming into the building behind them and dissipating.
"Damn it," Naruto muttered under his breath, seeing Ajisai and her bird fly off.
"Rwwarr!"
Naruto looked down at the courtyard to see the giant panda start to charge at him, the blonde briefly thinking back to his confrontation with the beast back during the Chunin Exams. And found himself wanting some payback.
He couldn't stop the girl and her bird it looked like, so he would at least deal with her teammates and this summon.
Naruto waited at the top of the steps, watching as the giant panda rushed up the wooden planks with impressive speed, but Naruto wasn't fazed, not when he remembered already facing it once. And so, taking a deep breath, he headed his Mother's lessons and waited.
"Rwwarr!" The Panda roared as it finally reached Naruto, his arms held high above its head and it came down to crush where Naruto was standing, But it left the beast wide open, just what Naruto was hoping for.
The blonde remembered his battle with the beast, how durable it seemed in taking his blunt attacks without much problem. So if he wanted to do some real damage, he couldn't just punch it, but target its vital organs.
"Hyah!" Naruto cried as he thrust his blade forward, stabbing through the beast's flesh and causing it to roar in pain. Losing momentum in its assault as it stepped back from the damage just caused to its insides.
But Naruto didn't pause in his assault, his hands forming into a quick seal a set of clones to aid him.
"Uz-" The first one yelled as it ran past and sliced through the panda's side.
"Zu-" The second one continued as it mirrored the first on the other side.
"Ma-" A third one joined in as it slid underneath the beast with a quick spin, slashing through the sides of its shin and calf.
"Ki-" The original Naruto finished as he jumped forward at the disoriented beasts, kicking it in the stomach and causing it to fall down the stairs with a loud crash.
"Uzumaki Barrage: Sword Version!" The Naruto's declared as they fell down upon the recovering beasts, their swords thrusting down with the aid of gravity and piercing through its body.
"Rwwaarr!" The Beast cried in one last roar of pain before dissipating in a puff of smoke.
But Naruto knew he didn't have time to bask in his victory, he and his clones quickly jumped back up the stairs as a storm of needles flew their way. One of the clones was not lucky as it was riddled by the small blades which pierced his body, causing it to dissipate.
Looking at its source, Naruto saw one of Ajisai's teammates spinning her open metallic umbrella at them where the needles seemed to have emerged from. But noticed that the other girl was missing, Naruto and his clones immediately looked for her by facing different directions, with the clone facing up being the one to do so..
Only to let out a quick gasp as the girl threw her metallic umbrella at the clone, piercing through its body and subsequently poofing away. Naruto's last clone though was able to save itself as it brought its arms up in a defensive cross as the girl tried to dropkick him. The rain girl, not missing a beat, used his arms as a springboard to launch herself towards her umbrella and pick it up. Grabbing a hold of it and launching towards the original Naruto with the intention of striking him with it.
Bringing his sword up, Naruto found himself in a struggle as his thin blade clashed with the metallic rod-like object, his superior strength allowing him to keep even. His clone meanwhile, wasn't available to help out as he was in his bladed struggle with the other rain ninja who had made her way over here.
"What's your objective?" Naruto asked
"Opposite of yours," Fuyo simply answered back.
But before Naruto could try and ask anything else, his teammates arrived.
"Ninja Art:" Sai started as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his scroll opened up as his brush ran across it, "Super Beast Scroll!"
A pair of lion-like beasts emerged from the scroll, an ink coating to their body as they ran up the steps towards the two rain ninja.
The duo tsked as they jumped to the roof to avoid the twin beasts, extending out and opening their metallic umbrellas to shower the group with its hidden black and white lions bursting into ink from the attack while Naruto and his clone doe back inside the compound to shield themselves. Sai though, wasn't so lucky, as despite jumping back, one of his legs didn't move out in time, a few needles burying itself in his skin.
After the shower was over, Naruto and his clone jumped onto the roof to resume the battle, only to find them gone.
Turning back towards the courtyard, Naruto saw Sai sitting down, extending one leg out to examine the damage done to it. Only to see Ino run towards him.
"You're hurt," The lightish blonde comment as she kneeled down, "I'll handle it."
Sai said nothing as he let the medically-trained ninja do her work.
Naruto meanwhile, could only let out a growl as he slammed his fist together, he let his opponents getaway.
"Damn it, where is she?" Ajisai muttered as she flew over the cliff from the compound towards the waterfall that was situated on the other side of the mountain. Believing this would be the Priestess exit point, but still had yet to see her and the guard emerge.
Until they finally did.
"Finally," The girl muttered in relief as the guard came out of the waterfall, carrying the priestess on her back. The girl seemed unresponsive as her guard looked around frantically for any pursuers. Except he didn't look up.
That would be his mistake. Patting her summon, Ajisai had her bird dive down towards the duo, ready to snatch the girl away, or kill the guard if needed.
The guard noticed a sudden shadow start to eclipse over him and the woman he was carrying, looking up to see a terrifying-looking bird diving towards him. Coming too fast for him to react.
Clenching his eyes he positioned himself as best he could to shield the priestess from a frontal assault, hoping that it would be enough.
"Shadow Possession Jutsu!"
The guard opened his eyes, shock coursing through them at the sight of the bird paralyzed in mid-flight, its beak inches away from piercing his chest.
The girl riding atop of it looked shocked, becoming even more so as shadows wrapped around the birds form completely, heading towards her.
Thinking fast, Ajisai jumped off away from the bird, releasing it from its summon as it puffed away. The shadow that had wrapped around it dissipated away. But she noticed a single line leading away. Recognizing the technique, she quickly made her way into the shades inside the forest, protecting her shadow from the jutsu's grasp.
Shikamaru tsked at her actions, quickly making his way in between her and the priestess along with her guard.
Knowing she had lost the element of surprise, Ajisai decided to retreat, walking back behind a tree trunk and concealing her form, until not a trace of it was left.
Checking his surroundings one more time, Shikamaru let out a huff at realizing she was truly gone. Having retreated to find another chance to attack. Turning towards the priestess and her guard, Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head.
"I'm pretty sure you know who I am right? No need for needless explaining?" He asked.
The Guard nodded, the Priestess he carried through, remained still.
"Then follow me, we need to group up with the rest of my team." Shikamaru stated as he had the two follow him back into the path of the waterfall to meet up with Naruto and the others.
Naruto, along with Shikamaru, Ino, and Sai sat inside the main room of the compound, the doors to the courtyard closed as the surviving guards tended to the wounded and buried the deceased. The Leaf Ninja eyes focused on the Priestess and her guard.
Naruto took note of their appearance. The guard had shoulder-length brown-hair, wore glasses that covered his pupil-less blue eyes. His attire consisted of a white kimono covered by a green vest and white armor, a tall hat adorning his head. His weapon of choice appeared to be a bow considering he had that and a quiver strapped to his back, with a small sheathed dagger strapped to his side just in case he needed It.
Turning towards the Priestess, Naruto had to prevent himself from gaining a light blush. She looked similar to Hinata, in both build, and face structure. Her hair was a light shade of blonde while being kept back by a golden headpiece, her eyes were a pale lavender color. Most of her body, meanwhile, was covered by a patterned Kimono, but even despite its loose appearance, Naruto could see hints of the curves she possessed underneath, along with how the top of it around her chest seemed to be pushed out quite a bit.
Naruto shook his head, now wasn't the time.
"I must thank you again for your help," The guard spoke, helping Naruto to focus on something else other than lewd thoughts, "Thanks to your arrival, we were able to stop those ninja from gaining ground in their mission, and thankfully, saved the lives of a few of the guards."
"No problem!" Naruto replied back a bit cheerfully, hoping that it would lighten the mood, even if his teammates gave him a somewhat disapproving look from his tone.
The guard meanwhile, didn't seem to mind, turning towards the priestess he began to speak again, "Allow me to introduce us formally, this is Lady Shion, The Priestess of the Land of Demons." He gestured to himself, "And I am Taruho, her assistant and bodyguard."
"Greetings," Shikamaru said with a respectful tone, "My name is Shikamaru, leader of this team from the Leaf, my teammates being," He gestured to his side for them to speak.
"Ino,"
"Sai,"
"Naruto!" The genin finished with a proud tone.
Shikamaru spoke up once again, "As you know, our mission is to help escort Lady Shion to the shrine where the demon is sealed to strengthen the seal once again. However, I would like for you to elaborate on the details, as of course there's a difference from hearing it from a second-hand source, and from you directly."
Taruho nodded his head in agreement and understanding, "Of course," He responded before elaborating on the details of their mission, "The demon we are sealing is a is one called Moryo, who centuries ago, was able to create armies of stone statues that devastated the lands. However, one of Lady Shion's ancestors, with the help of Ancestors of the Uzumaki and Senju clan, were able to stop the assault and split the body and spirit. Stopping his chaos of terror. More than half-a-century ago, Moryo's spirit was set free, but thanks to the efforts of the recently created Hidden Leaf, they destroyed it before it could join with his body."
"Why didn't they do the same to the body as well?" Naruto cut in curious.
Taruho turned to address the valid question, "They deemed it too risky, as by that point, Moryo's body had dissipated, and all that was left was the power it held. Undoing the seal it was kept under would risk it spreading like a mist and splitting in all sorts of directions, there was no guarantee it could all be destroyed quick enough before individual parts of the split power reached some sort of host and gained enough sense to hide away and regain its strength."
Naruto nodded in understanding as the man continued.
"Originally, we were planning to set out and strengthen the seal on the demon on a later date. But after Lady Shion's precognition of an attack, we set out a message to the leaf and prepared our defenses as soon as possible."
"Precognition," Naruto repeated, a bit surprised, "She can see into the future?" He questioned, noticing how Shikamaru and Ino also looked a bit off guard, though Sai was stoic.
Taruho nodded, "Yes, part of Lady Shion's power is the ability to see into the future, she foretold of the attack just a few hours ago, and that we would suffer a large loss of lives, including some of my dear friends."
Naruto felt sympathy for the man as he noticed the tense grip he suddenly had on the fabric of his vest.
However, sympathy soon turned into anger, as for the first time Naruto could recall, Shion spoke.
"Naturally," She began, catching the attention of all the occupants in the room as their attention turned to her.
Her lavender eyes gazed towards them with an uncaring stare, "However, I still live. I'm sure they shoulder no regret, as they've completed their duty."
Her tone was distant, it may not have been cold, but it held no warmth for those who lost their lives.
The lives of people Naruto saw dead right on the other side of the door behind them, lifeless bodies filled with needles, or crushed by debris.
He clenched his fist, mind moving before his body as he jumped where he was sitting towards where Shion sat. Surprising her by his strength and ferocity despite his smaller stature than her. Some of the other occupants of the room were also surprised as he grabbed her by the collar of her dress.
"Now listen here, Those people gave their lives for you, show a little respect," He almost spat as he gazed into her widened eyes.
"Naruto!" Shikamaru called out to him as he and Ino got up, ready to take him off the priestess and scold him for his actions.
However, before either of them could move, Naruto's grip on Shion's collar loosened as he let out a gasp. A sudden loss of air from his lungs as an elbow dug into his stomach, forcing the blonde genin to stumble a bit back. Glaring towards his assailant as he looked back at him with stoic, uncaring black eyes, standing between him and the Priestess.
"You really are an idiot, aren't you?" Sai stated at him with a small smile.
Naruto growled back, but before he could do or say anything else, his movements were restricted as Shikmaru hooked both his arms under his shoulder, while Ino prevented him from saying anything as she placed a hand over his mouth.
"We're really sorry about his behavior," Ino apologized to the priestess, using her other hand to pinch the fellow blondes cheek in order to help scold him like his Mother and Sister did at times. Causing Naruto squeal in his mouth in pain.
However, Shion didn't respond, returning to her stoic appearance as she gazed down at Naruto, bending forward a bit to look at him at eye level, the genin feeling as though she was examining him. Until turning towards, Sai, expecting the boy's features, her eyes widening before returning to their lidded appearance.
"You're gonna die, very soon." She told the pale-skinned boy.
Naruto, along with Ino and Shikamaru went silent.
Sai, however, only blinked at the statement, before giving one of his smiles and saying, "Is that so? May I ask how?"
"Gruesomely," Shion answered, "You will be pierced, in the chest."
Sai didn't even flinch, "My, that doesn't sound very pleasant."
"Aww, this is great, having to protect someone like her," Naruto grumbled as he leaned against a wall, his teammates sitting by his side while Shion's guard, Taruho sat opposite of them. The group was in one room while Shion was somewhere else in the compound.
Taruho bowed at the group, "I hope you forgive Lady Shion's words," He stated, responding to Naruto's remarks as he continued, "She often has visions of people's deaths, but you shouldn't let it bother you"
"Visions, so she's some sort of fortune-teller?" Naruto replied.
Taruho shook his head, "Well, not exactly, as all her visions so far have been 100 percent accurate."
"My, that doesn't bode well for me," Sai commented, a simple smile still on his face while his face remained stoic, not seemingly minding that his life was very much in danger, "If she said my death was soon, I would assume it might happen during this mission."
Naruto, Shikamaru, and Ino looked at Sai with a confused look, not knowing how he could seem so relaxed about the information.
Taruho meanwhile, turned to look at him, "The longest time it took for her visions to come to light was a week, on average they usually happen in two to three days. And considering it'll take at least two to reach the shrine, it's a very likely possibility." He answered.
Sai still didn't seem very fazed by the answer, "In that case, I should probably write out some letters to my superiors informing them. It'll give them more time to find a replacement, along with some possible suggestions." Standing up, the pale teen gave a slight bow to his teammates, "If you'll excuse me."
And with that, he exited the room, stunning his teammates.
Turning to look at the remaining Leaf ninja, Taruho spoke, "If you'll excuse me as well, I will need to go and ready the remaining guards for departure to the shrine." Standing up, the man left the trio. Who said nothing.
With Naruto gritting his teeth and clenching his fist.
"I'm sure that some of you are still recovering from the attack on our compound, and have yet to properly grieve for our fallen, however, as you know it now appears clear that Lady Shion must be escorted to the shrine. Only step up if you feel you will be able to perform that task, while risking your lives as well." Taruho stated to the group of guards standing in front of him.
Naruto meanwhile, looked on from above as he leaned over a railing. Feeling a tick on his forehead pop up as the guards started saying things like how they owe her and that they would offer up their lives.
She didn't seem to care for their lives considering the tone she spoke about the ones who were lost during the previous attack. And so what if her visions of deaths were true, why would that matter if you apparently couldn't avoid it.
Tilting his head up, Naruto's eyes widened as he saw Shion looking down at the group as well from another part of the balcony. Noticing how her fist seemed to tighten while she brought it to her chest, before turning and walking away.
'What was that about?' He thought', deciding not to think much about it much more as he turned back to walk into the room where some of his teammates sat, Shikamaru seemingly resting, or thinking, it was hard to tell which.
Ino though, looked a bit annoyed, "How much longer are we gonna stay here? We're wasting time," She huffed, "Besides those guards will only really slow us down, we saw that they won't be able to do much against those ninja that attack, so they'll only be stalling with their lives, for maybe a few seconds. "
Naruto nodded in agreement, Shikamaru though, said nothing.
The door to the room opened up, revealing Sai, holding what appeared to be a letter in hand. Closing the door behind him, the root ninja walked towards Shikamaru, extending the letter to him, "I assume you'll know who to hand that to, in the case that I die on this mission and not gain the chance to do it myself."
Shikamaru said nothing, extending his hand out to take the letter. However, before he could grasp it, Naruto interrupted.
"Why are you acting like you're gonna die?" Naruto asked with a somewhat harsh tone.
Sai turned to look at him, "Well that's what the Priestess said, was it not?"
Naruto growled at the answer, "And you're just gonna accept it?"
"Yes," Sai said simply and with no hesitation, slightly catching Naruto along with the others off guard as he continued, "As you heard before, her visions have never been wrong. So what good would it do if I were to ignore it? I'd most likely still die. However, with that information, I can now plan around that fact, and hopefully make sure this mission, and my other duties can still proceed, even after I pass on."
Naruto clenched his fist at his words, "And what about your life? Don't you want to live?"
"I won't say I want to die," Sai replied, "But that's mostly because it would hinder my other duties, however, as I stated before, we ninja, are tools for our village to use, and dying is simply a process of our jobs. My wants should not affect that duty, and once it is fulfilled, we are no longer of use. And it seems my duty is to die on this mission, so I simply need to inform my superiors of it as well as to hopefully not hinder their duties."
Naruto's eyes widened in rage as he walked across the room, his steps heavy against the floor as Ino and Shimaru gazed at him a bit worriedly, the former more so as the genin reached his root counterpart, grabbing his collar and lifting it up. Giving him an angry gaze straight into his eyes.
"Then you might as well just drop dead right now!" Naruto shouted at the unflinching teen, "Ninjas are not tools, we're people! We have a duty not just to our village, but to our family, friends, and ourselves! That's what my family taught me! And it's what I believe in!"
Naruto tightened his grip on Sai's collar, "What will it do to just be a tool? No emotions, to just be tossed aside when you're no longer of use? How could you change anything, affect anything with a mindset like that? All you do is just make yourselves mindless pawns for someone else's benefit!"
Naruto's words stop, silence filling the room as he continued to gaze at Sai with an angry look, Ino and Shikamaru looking on carefully.
"And what do you suggest?" Sai simply replied, unfazed by his little speech, "I may be a pawn but so are many others, we do so in order for someone of greater will, of greater vision to perform a chance we will believe in. But say we all follow your mindset, to serve not just the village, but our friends and families, and ourselves. How can we truly unite to best serve the village when everyone has a different agenda?"
The root ninja paused momentarily before asking, "Tell me, do you know of the Leaf's White Fang?"
'Huh?' Naruto, along with Shikamaru flinched, his grip on Sai's collar loosening at the mention of that name, 'That sounds, familiar.'
Deciding to enlighten him, Sai continued, "On a mission, he was faced with a decision, save his friends, or carry out his mission, do you know what he chose? His friends. Despite them all knowing the risks of the mission, he saved them, and it caused the village a great loss, one of the many that helped start the Third Great Ninja War."
Naruto stumbled back from the information, Sai not letting up in his words, "Due to his duty to his friends, he made the village suffer. But he is not the only example, countless times in the history of ninja, we are shown examples of how emotions, personal needs negatively affect a village, be it deciding to save one rather than many due to personal ties. Or on a path of seeking out revenge causing a ninja to abandon their village. Open up a textbook, and you'll see the failures of that mindset."
"I refuse to make that same mistake, if this mission fails, it will potentially weaken the Leaf enough that the Akaski will use it as an opportunity to strike, if my death is required to prevent that, then I will accept it with no hesitation."
Naruto's face along with his fist tightened up, as he seemed to almost become blind with anger. Shikamaru and Ino looked at each other briefly before deciding to step in.
Only for Naruto to say once again, "I'll prove you wrong." The blonde simply stated in a tone that held back his anger and instead voiced his determination, "I'll show that with this mindset, of how much I can help the village, but my friends, family, and teammates as well. Starting with you."
For the first time since Naruto could recall, Sai looked surprised, his eyes widening just the tiniest bit as he continued, "I'm gonna make sure you don't die, and have you prove to you this mindset isn't useless. By flipping that stupid prediction on its head."
Sai's somewhat surprised expression once again turned stoic, appearing ready to respond, until a new voice cut in.
"You cannot change my prediction."
"Huh," Naruto gasped a bit surprised, turning his head along with his teammates to the newly arrived priestess. Shion now sporting a new attire as she forgone her kimono and instead wore a somewhat oversized mustard-yellow jacket, opened up to show the white, bra-like top she sported underneath, with red shorts that cuffed above her knees. The crown-like headpiece that had kept her head up previously gone as it now allowed her long hair to flow down.
If Naruto was of calm mind, he would've thought she looked rather nice, however, at the moment, he didn't seem all that fazed by her, "Is that so?" He asked with a challenging tone, responding to her earlier remark.
Shion decided to answer his question, "Yes, in fact here's another prediction, you won't even be there at his death, so you won't even have a chance to intervene." Her tone was somewhat prideful as she leaned down to look at him at eye level, as though mocking him.
"Oh really?" Naruto asked with a tick on his head, letting go of Sai's collar and bringing his hands into a seal, summoning a clone of himself who he then proceeded to have transformed into some sort of scarff. Taking the scarff, Naruto proceeded to wrap it around a somewhat confused Sai as a dumbstruck Shikamaru and Ino watched on.
Shion though, looked impassive, as Naruto flashed her a cocky grin, only for that grin to then turn into surprise as Sai proceeded to unwrap the strap and let it fall onto the floor. Not seemingly liking Naruto's plan as he stepped on the object, causing it to transform back into Naruto's clone before puffing away.
Shion smirked as she turned away, "Can't escape death," She stated in a light victorious tone.
Naruto growled, "I'll prove you wrong, hear me? That's a promise." His tone flat and determination filled.
And it seemed to cause Shion to pause for a moment, as though she was taken aback by his words. However, what the Leaf Ninja failed to see, was her eye transforming into a unique pattern, her eyelid widening as her mind was filled with a vision, one that seemed similar to before, but with one slight change.
The glimpse of a boy in an orange jumpsuit was now present.
Shaking her head, the priestess dismissed it. Deciding to carry on what she originally came here for, "Come now Shinobi. Let us depart."
Shikamaru stood up, "Very well, we are under your command." He answered, finally speaking, rubbing the back of his neck before questioning, "And what about Taruho? Should we not inform him? Or does he already know? He is still gathering guards after all."
"I am the Priestess of the Lands of Demon," Shion spoke with a confident tone, "If I wish to leave my attendants behind, then I may, besides time is of the essences"
Giving a slight sigh, Shikamaru turned towards the rest of his teammates, giving them a gesture to follow her, which they did. With Naruto giving a slight grumble as well.
Naruto along with the others jumped from tree branch to tree branch in the dense forest. Making their way from the compound and towards their destination. Naruto kept a bit ahead to act as vanguard while Shikamaru lead and directed him from a little bit behind. Sai defended the rear while Ino carried Shion through the middle.
With the ponytailed blond doing her best from 'accidentally' knocking the girl to sleep. Almost having it with her constant complaining about how rough she carried her from her constant jumping.
However, a sudden whizzing of something cutting through the air had Naruto and the other's slow down, the blonde genin stopping on the branch the arrow producing itself embedded itself on. But even so, it was close, Naruto could tell it wasn't meant to harm him, more like a warning.
Dropping down to the ground below along with the other. Naruto took a relaxed stance as he walked a bit forward, "Now who else could be out here?" he asked, waiting for the person in question to reveal themselves.
Which they did as the sound of someone jumping down and landing on the grass caught everyone else's attention. Turning to the source and finding themselves mildly surprised at who it was.
"Oh, hey Taruho," Naruto greeted politely. Impressed that the man was able to seemingly catch up to them despite not seemingly possessing the skills of a ninja.
Shion though, had her face morph into an irritated look as she gazed at her assistant, "What are you doing here?!" She shouted at the man.
Who didn't seem to take offense to her tone, as he walked towards her, "Where you go I go. It will always be my duty to watch over you, Lady Shion." He told her.
The priestess appeared not to like the answer, "You're nothing but a burden to me!" She shouted back, waving her hand in a fashion that expressed she wanted him to leave before she pointed it at him, "Now go back to the village!" She ordered.
"I will not," Taruho simply replied
"Go back home!" Shino shouted irritated in frustration.
"I will not"
"Leave!"
"I will not."
"I mean it!"
Naruto turned his head at Shikamaru, giving him a questioning look,with the Jonin just shrugging his shoulders. Giving a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck.
'Why am I always given the most annoying missions?' The Nara though, 'What a drag.'
Ino's eyes were closed in concentration, a single hand brought up in a seal as she scanned the area carefully. Searching for any signs of suspicious chakra.
"I don't see any sign of the enemy," She told Shikamaru as she opened her eyes back up.
The Nara let out a slight huff before saying, "We'll make camp here."
"Why?" Naruto interrupted. "Aren't we a bit pressed for time? Besides at this pace, I can keep going for another day."
Shikamaru simply gestured towards their side at both Shion and Taruho, the former resting atop a rock while her assistant squatted down on the small pond she was next to, taking care to wash her feet.
Speaking up, the Nara decided to also explain his decision, "If it was just us, sure, but those two have just about reached their limits."
"I told you I'm fine!" Shion shouted back as she overheard him. Turning back to look at him with an irritated look.
"Lady Shion, the sealing jutsu is very taxing, you must take this moment to rest and help prepare for it." Taruho reminded her. Though Naruto believed that at the very least a small part of him was also thankful for the break. He was no ninja, so it only made it all the more impressive that he was able to keep up with them, if just barely.
To which the priestess only huffed out, "Bring me food, I'm hungry!"
Naruto and the others sweatdropped at the demand.
"Girl's way too picky for her own good," Naruto grumbled as he kneeled down, picking up the spilled and tossed food the Priestess had refused to eat due to it not being up to her 'standards'. Glancing to the side, he saw Shion resting under some covers, with Shikamaru, Ino, and Sai, guarding right next to her, while he guarded the outer perimeter, along with Taruho.
Walking to where the man was stationed, the guard noticed his arrival, looking a bit surprised as Naruto handed him a rice ball to eat.
"Looks like we'll be running all day tomorrow, so you better get your energy up." Naruto suggested, taking a bite out of his own rice ball.
Taruho gave a thankful nod, taking the offered food and biting into it.
The two sat down together, the light from the moon allowing them to look over the cliff and across the vast forest below. Eating in silence, until Naruto finally decided to ask a question that's been on his mind.
"Hey, so about these visions," He began
Immediately understanding his desire, Taruho cut in to explain, "Her visions seem to only focus on attendants or people who are close, "
"And no one has been able to avoid it? Even if they know what will happen." Naruto asked.
The man shook his head, "Right, so far no one who she had stated will die in her visions live to prove it wrong." His voice became a bit more sorrowful yet still strong as he added, "No matter what we do, death can not be cheated, and will still come for us in the end.
Naruto turned away a bit dejectedly.
"However," Taruho continued, catching Naruto's attention once again, "All the people who have died so far in those visions, were people who were honored to do so, and without question. Though there haven't been any cases of someone truly trying to escape their death."
"But if any of them did try and defy fate, then I am sure that Lady Shion would've died instead." Taruho finished
The information caught Naruto a bit off guard, "Wait, you mean, that these visions are a result of situations where she nearly could've died? But someone else's life was given to prevent it."
The Priestess's guard tilted his head down, "I'm not sure, I, and I perhaps even Lady Shion herself truly understand how her power works. And that causes fear in her power, to the point where even people of our own land tend to avoid her."
Taruho looked towards Naruto momentarily as he finished, "I can't say for certain if her visions will always come true, perhaps it all depends on the person."
Naruto looked away, sadness in his eyes as he viewed the Priestess in a new light.
He still thought she was bratty, immature, selfish, and cold. But now, now there appears to be a reason for it.
A reason he could empathize with.
"She must be very lonely." Naruto simply said, "No wonder she acts spoiled."
Taruho nodded in agreement, not denying his words, "Her story is a sad one."
"What about you, Taruho?" Naruto spoke to the guard, "What if she said you were gonna die?"
The man gave a slight smile, "My clan is deeply indebted to Lady Shion's Mother, if offering up my life to safeguard her daughter helps repay her kindness anyway, then I would not hesitate."
Turning to look at genin, Taruhou finished with a kind smile, "For even if fate takes me to a gruesome end, as long as my heart remains true, I can be at peace."
Naruto frowned suddenly at the declaration, not knowing how to respond.
Only for their conversation to be interrupted by the brightening light of the rising sun shining over the horizon, causing them both to raise a hand up to shield their eyes while also tilting it back.
Which had them noticing the arrival of a certain priestess.
Naruto had a sympathetic look as he gazed at her stoic face, 'Might as well be nice, she's had it rough,' He thought, before bringing his face into a cheerful look, a bright smile directed at her, "Morning!" He waved
Only for Shion to huff away, making a point to ignore him. It caused Naruto to sweatdrop along with forming a bit of a tick, 'Still a Bratty Princess though,' He reminded himself. Being nice wasn't easy.
The girl walked forward, her gaze on her guard as she said, "Go home Taruho,"
But her Guard simply shook her head, "You know I can't and won't do that." He answered
The girl tsked annoyed, "You're nothing but a burden, slowing us down. So leave us."
Naruto felt another tick pop up on his forehead, 'Can't she try and be a bit respectful?' He thought, almost ready to interrupt and tell her to have some manners.
Only for Taruho to stop him as he stated, "You had a vision, didn't you?"
The response caught both Naruto and Shion off-guard. The former looking at the latter with a surprised look.
"It's ok, you can be honest with me, my Lady," Taruho assured, Shion looking away with a look Naruto could only describe as nervous. The first time he's seen her like that.
"My pulse quickened, and I heard the chiming of bells," Shion stated, "And your future, became clear."
Forcing herself to look at her guard with a determined look, she stated with all her might, "If you do not turn back Taruho, you are going to die."
Naruto's face remained in shock as he looked from the nervous priestess, to the stoic guard, and back to the priestess, her gaze no longer nervous, but a touch sorrowful.
And Naruto looked at her in sympathy, feeling he now understood her a bit better.
Naruto jumped from branch to branch, keeping in front of the group as vanguard. Feeling something in the air that was causing goosebumps on his skin. He and the group were almost to the shrine, after exiting this forest and traversing a mountain, they would have a straight shot.
Of course, that also means their enemies would most likely take this chance to attack.
"Uhh!" Naruto gasped as he saw a storm of metallic needle-like projectiles appear from beyond. Head straight towards him and in turn, his group.
Thinking fast, Naruto called back to his group, "Take cover!" He advised before looking back at the incoming projectiles, arranging his right hand into a seal as he called on a power he had gotten a bit more used to, tsking as he was forced to waste chakra that he could've saved if he had more preparation. But he didn't, and right now, he had to protect himself and his friends.
Out from his shot a bright golden chain, wide as two of his fingers, and longer than two of his arms put together. Placing it in front of him and kneeling down, he quickly spun the chain around to the point it became a blur that seemed to create a circle, creating a makeshift shield that helped to protect him and prevent some parts of this barrage from reaching his teammates.
Keeping it up, Naruto made sure to steady his breathing, not wanting to waste more chakra than necessary if he could help it. And once he felt the barrage stopped, he dissipated his chains and grabbed his sword. Just in time, as he brought it up to help defend himself against an attack from Ajisai, who used what appeared to be that same metallic rod he remembered being stabbed with during the chunin exams.
The girl looked down at him as they continued to struggle with their respective weapons.
But Naruto could only smirk at her.
'Time for a proper rematch' He thought.
Author's Note: So, don't really have much to say about this chapter. Just me adapting the story of the first Naruto movie to fit with this universe. Two more chapters left for this arc, so yeah, until than, later.