Wolven Phoenix: I'm really glad that you're enjoying it. As for Leviathan, I wish I could say that it had an origin that cool but the idea came from wanting to as fierce of a creature as possible for Naruto's summon and at the time I kind of had a flashback to a monster named Leviathan in the Bible. I'm not really that religious but it just sorta clicked I guess. Not the best origin for the idea but it is what it is. Also in my opinion the name's pretty cool.
PinkiePieParty122894: Yup, Jiraiya will get a reality check eventually. How he will react to his reality check is to be determined.
Animaman: It's definitely possible for the twins to turn on the Shinigami's Blade, but Tsuranabi is there to keep them in check. I will be graduall giving the toads a little more time in the story and they actually pretty much discover who he really is this chapter. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you ask, the entirety of the Akatsuki were killed by the Shinigami's Blade because they were an obstacle. Danzo will eventually start keeping an eye on Naruto and might try to get a hold of his sword. I think that I will have the contemplations of Minato and Kushina during the Kiri arc and Tsunade had a similar mindset as Jiraiya's just not near as radical.
Zero fullbuster: I'm happy that you enjoyed the chapter and hope that you enjoy this one as well.
(Namikaze Compound)
Naruto was in his room preparing to meditate while thinking about the training that he had been undergoing for the past six months. It had been difficult and his father was not an easy teacher, but the results more than made up for it. He had become stronger, faster, and smarter. He had started sealing and found himself to have a natural talent for it and had even started to learn the hiraishin. He had been splitting time with his father and the serpents. With his father, he focused on taijutsu and sealing. When he was with the serpents, he focused on ninjutsu, mostly water and lightning jutsu. He practiced his swordsmanship and created new moves on his own time. At the moment, he was trying to calm his mind in hopes that it would help out his training. Closing his eyes, Naruto began to meditate.
(Naruto's Mindscape)
Naruto sat in nothingness. Surrounded by light, he simply stared forward.
"How's my favorite little apprentice" said the voice of Naruto's master before materializing next to him. For a while, Naruto didn't respond, he simply continued to look ahead. "Sera, why did you choose me?" Naruto asked breaking his silence. Sera looked at the blonde with a raised eyebrow. "Of all the people in the elemental nations, you chose a kid running away from home. Why?" he asked now looking at his blue haired teacher for an answer. Sera looked into his eyes as if she were looking for something before answering. "Would you believe me if I said that you were a convenient pick at the time?" she asked with a smile but got a deadpan look from her apprentice in response. Sera sighed. "Naruto, when I saw you, I saw pain. I saw someone who needed a purpose. I also saw strength and courage. You witnessed me kill bandits right in front of you and your reaction wasn't to scream or throw up. You asked me to train you. That's when I saw why you wanted to be stronger, why you wanted me to train you. You wanted the power to control your own destiny and show that you could be great too. A dream I knew all too well" she said putting her hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"I saw good in your heart and the potential to be great Naruto. So far, you haven't let me down" Sera said with a proud smile before looking forward. "Your journey is going to be hard and filled with adversity. You face warriors of unimaginable strength who want nothing more than to see this world at their fingertips" Sera said turning back to her student. "For all their strength, the kages will not win this. It will be up to you Naruto. You are too young to have such a burden on your shoulders, but I wouldn't have marked you as my successor if I thought you couldn't handle it" she said with a small smile. Naruto smiled back at her. Both smiling, the two stood up and faced each other.
"So, are you ready to become a legendary swordsman?" Sera asked gaining a nod from Naruto in return. Sera whistled loudly and nine other swordsmen, the same that Naruto saw when he performed his Legacy Slash, appeared next to Sera. "You've got ten of the greatest swordsmen in history at your disposal Naruto. It's time to add you into the mix" Sera said as all ten of the swordsmen in front of Naruto summoned their swords to their hands and entered their battle stances. Naruto smiled widely before stretching out his arm and summoning his sword. Holding his blade tightly, Naruto rushed at the ten swordsmen.
(Yakumo's House)
Yakumo was in her backyard practicing with her scythe when her parents, Murakumo and Uroko came out. Yakumo's mother looked at the ground while her father had his arms crossed and looked at his daughter angrily. "Yakumo what do you think you're doing?" the man asked. Yakumo stopped swinging her scythe and rested it on her shoulder similiar to how Naruto rested his sword on his shoulder. "I'm practicing dad. Kushina sensei and Konan sensei told me to practice with my scythe everyday" she said before going back to her exercises.
Apparently Yakumo's answer was not satisfactory to her father. "Yakumo, you should be practicing your genjutsu not wasting your time with weapons" the man said which caused Yakumo to shake her head. "I've been keeping up with my genjutsu but it would be better for me to be more well rounded. Kushina sensei and Konan sensei have been teaching me ninjutsu as well" Yakumo answered which got a shocked look from her parents. "Yakumo, our clan has always been genjutsu specialists. We don't use ninjutsu much less regular weapons" Yakumo's father argued. Yakumo sighed. "Dad, it's that attitude that has kept the Kurama clan from being recognized as a prominent clan of Konoha. We are one of the most skilled clans at genjutsu but we don't focus on anything else. Look at the Uchiha. They are able to make genjutsu on par with ours due to the sharingan but also focus on ninjutsu and taijutsu as well. Focusing solely on one area can get you killed out there and I don't plan on dying anytime soon. I'm going to Naruto's house. Maybe Kushina sensei will teach me some ninjutsu" she said walking past her parents. Yakumo's father was frowning while Yakumo's mother had a small smile on her face.
Yakumo's father sighed and put a hand on his head. "Maybe I'm being too hard on her. I don't want her out there in danger. I was hoping that she would put her genjutsu to use and work at the T and I department where she would be safe in the village. I only want her to be safe" Murakumo said looking at the ground. Uroko lifted her husband's face up to meet her's. "Murakumo, your only crime is being a caring father. I know that you want her to be safe, but you have to let her follow her own path. Besides from what I understand, she's in good company. Her teacher is the strongest kunoitchi in the village, she's personal friends with the Uchiha heir, and not to mention she's dating the boy who defeated a man that nearly killed three kages. I think she'll be okay" Uroko said with a gentle smile. Her husband nodded at his wife's wisdom before looking up quickly. "DATING!? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? WHERE IS HE?" Murakumo asked in rapid succession. Uroko chuckled at her husband's fatherly response.
(Uchiha Estate)
Sasuke rushed at Orochimaru with one blade of his spear engulfed in flames while the other was covered in electricity. Making a quick jab with his weapon, Sasuke jumped backwards after the jab was blocked by Orochimaru's Kusanagi. Throwing his spear into the air, Sasuke did a few quick handsigns before shouting "Lightning Rain" causing large sparks of electricity to rain down from the spear towards Orochimaru. The Snake Sannin barely avoided the strikes by jumping back continuously as the sparks had locked onto his chakra signature. When the lightning stopped, he looked up to see Sasuke in midair holding his spear preparing to throw the weapon at him.
As Sasuke launched his weapon, the spear was engulfed in flames as it flew at Orochimaru. The Sannin recognizing the danger of the attack quickly used the substitution jutsu with a log which was subsequently impaled by the spear. After being impaled, the log quickly erupted in flames. Sasuke landed quickly and grabbed his spear just in time to dodge Orochimaru. The man stood across from Sasuke smiling before looking at Itachi who was watching the whole thing at a distance. "Itachi, I believe both of you would benefit if you stepped in" the Sannin said before backing away.
Without a word, Itachi entered the battle area and got into the Uchiha Interceptor stance. Sasuke stabbed his spear into the ground and got into the same stance as his brother. Both activated their three tomoe sharingan before rushing at each other. Sasuke attacked quickly while avoiding his brother's strikes. Dodging a right hook by jumping sideways, Sasuke immediately launched a left handed punch at his brother's face only to hit nothing but air. Landing on one foot, Sasuke quickly did a back flip avoiding a kick to the back and launched two kunai at his attacker while still in mid flip. Itachi jumped to the side to dodge the kunai while Sasuke flipped away until he had gained some distance between he and his brother. When Sasuke had reached an appropriate distance, he shouted "Phoenix Sage Fire Technique" and launched a series of fireballs at his brother. Itachi dodged each fireball before his instincts went off making him jump up. "Electromagnetic Field" shouted Sasuke causing the field to pulse electricity covering the entire training ground. Even Orochimaru had jumped up into a nearby tree.
Itachi smirked. His brother had come far in his training. When the lightning jutsu ended, Itachi launched himself at Sasuke from a tree that he had landed in. Sasuke was too tired to avoid Itachi as the eldest Uchiha landed in front of him with a kunai to his throat. "You did well Sasuke. Pretty soon, I wouldn't be surprised if you beat me" Itachi said with a smile. His smile faded when Sasuke looked up at him with a smile of his own. "Who said this fight was over?" asked Sasuke before exploding into a black tar that covered Itachi blinding him and constricting his movements. He had been caught in his younger brother's genjutsu. By the time Itachi broke the genjutsu, Sasuke was behind him with a kunai digging into the back of his neck. "Looks like I win Itachi" said Sasuke with a smirk. Itachi chuckled. "You've definitely improved Sasuke" Itachi said before bursting into an explosion of black crow feathers. "But you've still got a ways to go" Itachi said now behind his younger brother with a kunai now at his throat.
(Private Hokage Training Ground)
Naruto and Minato were currently punching and kicking at each other so quickly that it would be hard pressed for a chunin to see their attacks. The constant attacks ended when both blondes landed a punch to one another's jaw knocking each other backwards. Minato pulled out two three pronged kunai with a smirk while Naruto smirked right back at him. Concentrating his chakra, Naruto raised both of his arms pulling water from the air around him until it formed to make a large wave behind him. Placing his hand into the wave, Naruto released a fair amount of lightning chakra which spread quickly throughout the wave. "Voltage Wave" Naruto shouted before sending the wave speeding at his father. As the wave came closer, it began to pick up speed as well. Making a split decision, Minato threw one of his three pronged kunai up and flashed to it while looking at the result of the jutsu. His loss of focus proved to be costly as he barely noticed a kunai fly right by him. In an instant, his son flashed behind him and launched a chakra enhanced punch to the man's back knocking him into the ground.
When Naruto landed on the ground, he waited for the dust from the impact to clear before noticing a log in place of what should be his father. Quickly jumping backwards, he avoided a punch from his father. As the two looked at each other, they both had the same thought. It was time to finish this. At the same time, both blondes outstretched their arms. Both formed a regular rasengan and rushed at one another. When they were close enough, their rasengans collided. Each one pushed their rasengan with all of their might, but in the end the Hokage won as his rasengan overpowered his son's and knocked him onto the ground.
Crossing his arms and smiling, Minato watched as his son slowly got up. "Wow Naruto, you've really improved. You've come so far in using the hiraishin and in your taijutsu. It's good that you're learning not to rely on your sword. I'm proud of you son" Minato said which gained a smile from Naruto. "Thanks dad. I've still got a while before the hiraishin is battle ready but it's going better than I had expected. I've also been working on my sealing but I think I'll keep that a surprise" he said getting a nod from his father. "Well, I gotta go meet up with Levios so I'll be back soon. Tell mom and Yakumo I said bye" he said. Minato nodded. "I will son, give Levios my regards" Minato said before Naruto eventually disappeared into a wave of mist signifying that he had left for the realm of the serpents.
(Namikaze Compound)
Yakumo came at Kushina with her scythe as it clashed against her red headed teacher's sword. The two battled back and forth with their weapons before Yakumo forced Kushina backwards with a large swipe of her scythe. Taking the opportunity of having her distance, Yakumo began to spin her scythe in her hand quickly before dashing at her teacher. Still spinning her weapon, Yakumo forced Kushina to stay on guard as she had to block every slash from the scythe which were coming in rapid succession of one another. When Yakumo's blade finally stopped spinning, Kushina lunged at her student aiming for a non-vital area. At the moment of impact, Yakumo collapsed into hundreds of pieces of paper scattered throughout the backyard. Looking around, Kushina tried to sense her student but her sensor abilities never got the chance to activate as Yakumo appeared from a piece of paper behind the red head. Without hesitation, the brunette swung her scythe only for it to be blocked by one of Kushina's chakra chains. Multiple others began to form afterwards and wrapped the girl up to a point where she could no longer move. Kushina had won.
When Yakumo was let out of her confinement, she stood up and faced her teacher. Kushina looked at Yakumo for a moment before commenting on her progress. "I see that you have been working on your sealing and paper ninjutsu. I must say that I'm impressed and if Konan were here today then she would be as well" Kushina said making Yakumo smile. "But, you are too impatient. Instead of attacking so quickly when you were hidden in the paper, you should have waited for the right moment to strike. Don't get too down about it because I was just like you when I was your age. Just be aware that there is a time and a place for everything" she advised which gained a nod from Yakumo.
"Where is Konan sensei?" asked Yakumo. Kushina sighed. "Konan is over in Kiri assessing the situation over there. The civil war is starting to cause problems for the elemental nations and if we're going to beat the Shinigami's Blade then it will take all of the ninja villages. Konan is checking how the rebels are fairing and will report on what they need us to do" she said to which Yakumo nodded in understanding.
Once Kushina returned inside, Yakumo sat on the ground resting. She had come a long way since becoming a genin. Not just as a ninja but as a person. She and Naruto were going steady and their relationship was as strong as ever though she had not told her parents about him yet. Definitely on her to do list. Ever since the invasion, she and Naruto had become more affectionate towards each other. Not too affectionate seeing as they were too young to go to far, but the two had regular make out sessions when the opportunity arose. As time had passed, she had started to see Kushina as a second mother which would become a reality in the years to come if she had anything to do about it. Just like "Mei Terumi's Guide to Lasting Relationships" said, "When you find your man, make sure to make him yours". On more than one occasion Yakumo had to scare away some harpy trying to get their claws on her man. Let's just say that each attempt resulted in about a month of gruesome nightmares for each girl who went after her Naruto.
Sighing happily, she felt truly content with her life right now. She was regarded as one of the most fearsome genjtsu users in all of Konoha, soon she would make herself know as one of the best weapon users in Konoha, and her sealing and ninjutsu were increasing at a fast pace. On top of all that, she was in love. Things were perfect for her right now.
(Realm of the Serpents)
Naruto sat in front of Levios who was at his full size at the moment. "Naruto, it is about time that we learn to truly work in tandem. I have taught you a few jutsu, but we have yet to train in combining our abilities. It is imperative that we train in our teamwork if we are ever to form into one" Levios said. Naruto nodded at Levios' conclusion. "I look forward to it Levios. I'm actually pretty excited about it as well. I'm ready to work towards becoming a worthy partner for you" Naruto said with a smile which spread to Levios.
"Well then my friend, let's begin" said the serpent.
(Unknown Location)
Tsuranabi watched as the two holders of the Kyubi biju weapons battled against the third swordsman Karasala and fifth swordsman Kuro of the Shinigami's Blade. Sitting next to him was the second swordsman Sashira who watched in silence. "They are progressing quickly" Sashira said turning to Tsuranabi. Tsuranabi nodded at her comment. "Hatred can be an excellent form of motivation. They hate their brother and those who didn't treat them with the respect they felt that they deserved. Soon, they will be useful assets to us and our goal of peace will be that much closer within our grasp" he said. Sashira nodded. "What about their brother? He was strong enough to kill Iliel alone. I can only assume that he will get stronger and if he is from the same line as Sera, then he will provide a serious obstacle for us in the future. Why not kill him now?" Sashira asked which gained a chuckle from Tsuranabi. "Because Sashira, so long as a swordsman like Sera and Naruto exists, then our plan will be in danger of falling through. The line of swordsmen that Sera and Naruto belong to is unique to say the least. Once I end that line, no one will be a threat to us. But it must be when Naruto has reached his full potential, otherwise another may rise up to challenge us. That is why I will wait" Tsuranabi stated.
"What about their special abilities? Each of us have special abilities so where does that leave them?" Sashira asked. "They are jinchuriki. Their ability is to completely harness the power of a nine tailed biju. At the moment, they don't need a special ability. You are thinking too hard on this Sashira. I assure you that I have already thought of the benefits and consequences regarding Menma and Narumi joining us. Their introduction into our organization will only further our plan" the swordsman said.
(Mount Myoboku)
Jiraiya sat with Ma, Pa, and the Toad Sage. He was exhausted. His search for his beloved godchildren had not been going well. It was as if they had vanished from the face of the earth. The entire situation infuriated him. The only thing that infuriated him more was that he seemed to be the only one who cared about Menma and Narumi anymore. Minato and Kushina were so hung up on Naruto that they had practically given up on their other children. Naruto. That's where the problems all seemed to stem from. Ever since that disgrace had returned, everything had gone to hell. The boy had turned everyone against the children of prophecy and may have started the destruction of the ninja world. The Toad Sannin was tempted to shove a rasengan right into the boy's gut for the good of everyone else, but doing so would inevitably lead to his death at the hands of his student.
"So Jiraiya boy, have you found Menma and Narumi?" Pa asked to which Jiraiya shook his head. "No and i'm running out of places to look. I can't find any trace of them and I'm running out of ideas. I fear that Minato and Kushina just don't care anymore. I need to find them Pa, if something has happened to them" Jiraiya said not finishing the sentence as tears began to flow from his eyes causing the toads to look down. They knew that Jiraiya was a tough man so to see him in so much pain both hurt and angered them.
"And the worst part is, that the one who caused this is getting all of the attention from Minato and Kushina. It's unbelievable. He's ruined everything. For all I know, he may have caused the destruction of the ninja world. The little brat probably did it on purpose out of spite because his siblings are the children of prophecy. Then the pathetic piece of shit had the gall to say that Menma and Narumi defected on their own. I almost shoved a rasengan into him right then and there" Jiraiya said with his fists clenched hard.
The toads looked at each other then at Jiraiya with worried expressions. "Jiraiya calm down" said the Toad Sage. "Tell us what happened from the beginning" the Toad Sage said. Jiraiya nodded and told them everything from when he told Minato and Kushina about the prophecy to Naruto's return to Konoha. By the end of his story, all three toads were shaking in anger. "YOU IDIOT" shouted Ma. "We told you that prophecy in hopes that you would supervise and assist the children of prophecy, not cause the neglect of a child" she yelled out. Pa shook his head at the man. The Toad Sage however looked at Jiraiya in thought.
"Jiraiya, you said the boy used a sword?" the Toad Sage asked to which Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, according to Minato and Itachi, the brat is pretty good with it too. Apparently it increases his strength at night or something like that" Jiraiya said. "Anything else that's significant that we should know about the boy?" the Toad Sage asked. Jiraiya crossed his arms in thought before looking up at the toad. "Minato told me that he found out that Naruto had a summoning contract with something. I think he called them serpents" Jiraiya said shrugging. When he looked back up at the toads, he noticed that each of them were pale and their mouths had dropped. "A-a-are you sure Jiraiya? Are you absolutely sure?" asked Pa. Jiraiya nodded at the question. "Yeah he told me serpents. Why, what's the big deal?" Jiraiya asked.
The Toad Sage shook uncontrollably. "The serpents were one of the three most feared creatures that ever existed. I believed that they were gone. Their power is virtually unmatched. Jiraiya, this boy you speak of is no ordinary boy. The fact that the serpents have accepted him has confirmed my suspicions. Naruto has great power within him. I fear that you have made a critical mistake, one that you must fix on your own. As for your godchildren, do not give up hope, but do not become blinded by your goal" the Toad Sage advised. Jiraiya nodded and left without a word, heavily in thought.
Author's Note: 100 REVIEWS! The Lunar Swordsman has officially reached over one hundred reviews and it's all thanks to my dedicated readers. Thank you everyone for all the continued support and contributions of ideas. It means so much to me that so many people are enjoying the story and I hope that I continue to entertain. This was a pretty short chapter just because I wanted to do a time skip but also give insight to their training. I decided to release it early because it was so short. Anyway, next chapter will probably begin the Kiri Civil War Arc. That arc will really define Team 11 as serious ninja so be prepared. Still deciding on how to go with Jiraiya but I guess we'll see later on. Thank you everyone once again for the support and don't forget to review.