Author's Note: I would like to point out to people reading this story that a lot of the monsters appearing in this story won't just be from the Witcher game. Since monsters in the Witcher game and novels are based off creatures taken from Scandinavian and European folklore, a lot of the creatures I have picked for this story originate from Japan- and come with their own slew of unique abilities.
So, if anyone says 'this monster' should've been beaten by someone of Chunin level or Jonin level, you would be dead wrong in that regard. While I would like to throw in the argument that even a Jonin can't fight wind or a ghost, because trying to wound either is impossible without magic, many of these creatures have the strength of a basic Summon. Any ninja who tries to fight a Summon usually ends up in a world of hurt, mostly because Summons- like monsters and beasts endowed with supernatural abilities- can just steam roll through any tactics or strategies a ninja can throw at them. It's why they make such effective battle companions and one of the best ninjutsu in a shinobi's arsenal.
The Basan that appeared in the last chapter is the Japanese equivalent to a Cockatrice. However, the Basan is described to be a lot larger and more mystical than a Cockatrice, especially since it practically towers over bamboo forests, breathes ghost fire, and disappears every time someone hears it and tries to catch a glimpse of it. This gives it ghost like powers on top of being a giant monster, so trying to attack something like this is next to impossible- as emphasized in Naruto's battle with it.
This is the wiki entry for this monster:
The Basan (波山), alternatively referred to as Basabasa (婆娑婆娑) or Inuhōō (犬鳳凰), is a fowl-like bird with origins stemming from Japanese mythology and folklore and illustrated in Takehara Shunsen's Ehon Hyaku Monogatari and the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō.
Mythology
It is said to live in the mountains of Iyo Province (today Ehime Prefecture). According to the description on the illustration, it resembles a large chicken and breathes ghost-fire from its mouth. It is described as having a bright red cockscomb and spits an equally brilliant-hued fire. The fire is a cold fire, a glow, and it does not burn.
It usually lives in the bamboo groves of mountain recesses but sometimes materializes in human villages late at night. When the Basan flaps its wings, an eerie rustling ("basa basa") sound can be heard. Supposedly, if a human hears the sound and looks outside, the bird's form will suddenly vanish. It is sometimes depicted with blue hackles and claws, green regimes and sickle feathers, and a red body. It is also sometimes called the "Fire Rooster"
I'll describe each monster in the bestiary entries, but if you're unsure whether the monster is of European origin or Japanese origin, you can always google the name.
NARUTO
Wild Hunt
Humble Vagrants
(The next day)
(Konohagakure)
The final semester at the academy had been growing incredibly well for Sakura Haruno. Not only was she getting top marks in every test and class, but she was also receiving high praise from all her teachers for her chakra control and her problem-solving skills. Heck, putting aside the physical aspects of her training- in which students like Sasuke Uchiha and Kiba Inuzuka were considered the top achieving students- she was probably the best student in literacy and math overall.
Though her friend and rival Ino liked to argue otherwise, Sakura was fully aware of her capabilities and aimed to refine them to the point of perfection. Though half of this motivation was driven by her desire to impress the school's resident prodigy and pretty boy Sasuke, the pinkette was also keen to build her skills and earn more praise from her teachers and the village leader.
With the days at the academy quickly leading into its final period, the atmosphere on campus was at an all-time high. All the children were excited for their upcoming exams, and since they'd spent the better part of the year training and studying their butts off in preparation for the abovementioned trials, everyone was in high spirits. Considering the final test was to perform a perfect Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique) in front of the school's instructors in order to acquire a headband, you could tell that all of them were pretty confident about their ability to pass.
After all, the standard Bunshin was one of the simplest supplementary abilities for a shinobi to perform- and is a technique that all ninja was expected to use on the fly. All the children in the school, whether smart, dim, or just plain ecstatic at their tenure at the academy coming to an end, knew without a shadow of a doubt that their final exam was going to be a cake walk.
Sakura knew this too- a fact that kept popping up in her head as she strolled across the yard alongside Ino- gabbing on with the blonde over how they were going to nail the last test.
"I'm telling you, Ino- this last test is gonna be a breeze," the pinkette chirped with a big smile on her face as she waved her hand in front of her in an exaggerated manner. "I just don't see why Iruka-sensei doesn't just give us the headbands straight up, since he knows all of us will pass this year."
The blue-eyed preteen in the purple tunic and skirt walking alongside Sakura shrugged in a rather doubtful manner. "Well, you and I will definitely pass. But Choji and Shikamaru… eeeh… I don't know."
"Oh, come on," the pinkette exclaimed with an incredibly disbelieving look on her face. "Even old lazy bones should be able to produce a clone or two on command. I mean… we don't ever really see him use any ninjutsu besides his clan's shadow possession one. But I bet even he's hiding a couple of tricks under his sleeves."
"Hmm… maybe you're right," Ino replied, figuring that maybe her family friend would be able to muster enough stamina to luck out during the final exam. But considering the Nara preferred sleeping in class as opposed to performing tests, the blonde still had some doubts in the kid putting genuine effort into the test. "I suppose if he doesn't want to make his mom angry, he's definitely gonna have to do it. What about you, forehead? Are your parents expecting you to pass with flying colours?"
Sakura stuck her nose in the air and grinned. "Oh, they know I'm gonna pass. After all the grades I've been bringing back over the last couple of months, I wouldn't be surprised if they have the banners and cakes for my celebration already prepared."
Ino grunted when she copped a full view of the pinkette's confidence. "Right. I guess that massive brow of yours isn't just for show. You have enough brain in that head for three students to pass."
As always, the pink-haired girl shot her friend a glare, before then looking ahead of her and grinning. "You're just jealous," she remarked, earning a huff from the blonde as they continued to stroll along. As they did, a rather grim look then came over her face. "The only thing I'm really worried about is the written bestiary exam. I mean… I can pass the test on identifying and fighting against monsters, sure… but are we really going to run into a lot of creatures outside of the village?"
"Most likely," Ino answered, her expression also steeling when she looked ahead of her with an uncomfortable frown. "From what I heard, there are more and more showing up every day. Last night, my dad told me about a Genin squad getting ambushed by a pack of drowners on a road just a mile outside of the village. One of the kids got badly mauled by one, but their teacher was able to save him before anything else could happen."
A shiver ran down Sakura's back at the thought of coming across one of those blue-skinned beasts. As far as otherworldly beasts went, drowners were as common as they came. Though they were dangerous in swarms and posed a small threat to unsuspecting shinobi, of the plethora of beasts out there, they were by far the easiest to take down. And that wasn't counting wolves, bears, boars, and other animals they were likely to come across in the wild. "Well… hopefully our first mission outside of the hidden leaf doesn't end up the same way." Coming up on the area behind the main building of the academy, Sakura immediately spied the restrooms and nudged her friend in the arm. "Come on. I have to use the loo."
"Alright," Ino nodded, following her friend over to the entrance.
The banter between Sakura and Ino was business as usual. Though both students competed fiercely for Sasuke's affections whenever they were in view of him, the two of them were still able to share some moments of pleasantry and wisdom. Being able to chat and converse, while making small jabs at one another's appearances or abilities, was practically the norm for these two girls. Though most of what they said to one another was harmless teasing, the pair rarely ever came to blows over insults.
They preferred saving their energy for the periods of the day that they could impress the Uchiha. That was their primary day-to-day recourse. Everything else was just fodder in comparison.
Upon retiring to the lavatories, the pair spent the next couple of minutes completing whatever business they had. Ino of course waited by the sinks, washing her face with water while her friend sat at the end stall humming to herself. Once the pinkette was done a little while later, the girl then came out of the cubicle and proceeded to wash her hands at the furthest sink- all with a pleasant smile in her face and a tune in her voice.
However, while Sakura was rinsing her hands and thinking about how she was going to best impress her teachers at the final exam- whether by creating two clones or four- both she and Ino suddenly heard a low growl.
"Hrrggghhh… reeeed…. ooor bluuuueee…."
A cold shiver running up their backs, both Sakura and Ino quickly looked at one another, with the pinkette's hands remaining frozen under the running water.
"Was… that you?" the Yamanaka asked with a slight tremor in her voice.
Sakura shook her head. "N-No…" She then quickly looked behind her towards the stalls, with her friend Ino also creeping over to investigate.
For the next couple of minutes, the restroom remained completely silent, with the two academy students holding their breaths and eyeing the open stalls behind them in search of the voice that'd spoken. The echo created by the low growling of words had almost sounded like the person that'd uttered them had been standing directly behind the pair, which had immediately put both kunoichi-in-training on guard.
About a minute more of silence later and the voice spoke again- this time a little louder and with a gurgle.
"Reeeed…. hrrrgghh… or bluuuee. Raaghhh… choooose…." The sound was deep and threatening… almost like that of a man dying of starvation.
As the water from the tap continued to run beside her friend, Ino narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth when she attempted to connect the voice with someone they knew. After years of experiencing pranks and dealing with idiots, the blonde immediately happened upon a culprit. "Damn it, Kiba. Was that you, you creep? Answer me!"
Sakura frowned when her eyes darted between the stalls. "I… I don't think that was Kiba…"
As the two girls continued to watch the cubicles and the toilets, a very cold chill suddenly fell over them- the temperature dropping and causing frost to start building in the corners of the mirror behind them. Noticing a light fog appear on the floor, both girls let out a shaky breath, their muscles twitching as their fight or flight instincts quickly kicked in.
"Let's get out of here," Ino whispered, looking across at Sakura. However, the moment she did, her eyes widened in horror when she noticed something hovering behind her friend.
The pinkette glancing at the blonde, noticed her startled gaze and- slowly- turned her head. When the pair both found themselves looking up at the bathroom mirror, they saw, in its reflection, a floating figure in a ragged red cloak with a hood pulled over their head. Seeing that the figure was towering over them in the glass, both girls immediately felt a cold wave of fear wash over them, which in turn had them take an alarmed step back.
Through the frost and glare of the glass, they saw the figure peer up at them from under their veil. When they did, Sakura and Ino felt their chests tighten when they saw a grinning, blood-covered mask glaring back at them, and a pair of piercing yellow eyes shining from the holes.
Before they could so much as scream, the hooded phantom then did something completely unexpected. Like an illusion, the cloaked figure dove at them through the glass and grabbed both girls by the throats. Their cries of terror silenced, Sakura and Ino were effortlessly picked up off the floor and pulled through the air, during which time the masked figure dove towards the toilet in the last stall.
In that instant, what looked like a tiny black hole- a tear in the fabric of space- opened above the U-bend, which allowed the hooded figure to dive through the gap with his two victims in tow. The moment he and the pair of kunoichi-in-training passed through the threshold, the black hole sealed itself shut and the entire room fell silent once more.
Almost a few seconds after the three figures vanished, another student- sporting purple hair, a black shirt, fishnet arm bands, and black shorts- stepped in through the entrance.
Her eye looking around the surprisingly cold area in search of her classmates, Ami gave a couple of blinks. "Uhh… Sakura… Ino? You guys still in here?"
There was no answer…
XXX
(A few days later)
(Elsewhere)
Sleeping beneath trees or inside abandoned homes almost every night when travelling cross country, had become a bit of a regular habit for Naruto these days. Ever since he finished his training back in his clan's hometown of Uzushiogakure (Village Hidden by Whirling Tides), the act of finding secluded places to catch a few hours of shuteye without being disturbed by either locals or monsters, had almost become second nature.
For starters, since he had to go for many days and weeks without work every so often, he was able to save up the coin that he earned from his jobs so that he could spend it on other stuff that were useful to his craft. By also not having to pay for any sort of rent or accommodation every month, also meant that he had enough in his pockets to spend on other goods and services- such as new weapons, ammunition, repairs for his gear, and hot food.
In brief, the periods in which Naruto spent on non-essentials were few and far between. And while the outcome of his latest job meant he had to stop off at a tailor to mend his ruined clothing and patch up his pants, Naruto didn't have any fears of his funds going into the red- at least not at this stage. Thanks to pooling all his coin and loot into several secret stashes and safety deposit boxes scattered across the continent, the young hunter had ensured he had enough hidden away in case of rain.
After making sure to bank his cash at the next station and catch a quick dip in a hot spring to clean himself up, the blonde then headed on his way back up to Konohagakure. Wanting to take it easy after his scruff with the Basan, the child made sure to take the scenic route- one that wasn't laden with beasts, monsters, bandits, or other obstacles that could potentially cause a few headaches.
Though he carried the marks of a Ryōshi, this didn't mean he was free of pests. No matter where he went, there were always going to be pricks and fiends wanting to mess with him.
Honestly, he preferred monsters more then the men. At least the beasts he killed daily didn't goad him into engagements or hurl insults his way.
With Kurama riding shotgun on his shoulder and sleeping for most of the time, Naruto was able to have a very pleasant walk up country. Passing over hills, through the valleys, and crossing the occasional farmland, the child was able to admire the scenery and soak in the beauty of the world about him. It was only after his third day of travelling on foot that the need to fill his gut with something other than fish and wild game finally sank in. After counting the coins in his jacket, the boy made a quick stop at a small settlement- just a full day shy of the Hidden Leaf.
The inside of the Udon restaurant was lively with a handful of villagers from the local area- as well as merchants advertising their goods on the road. While the men and women seated at the bar and the tables pushed up along the wall were enjoying a pleasant meal and a chat with their co-workers, the moment they heard the entrance's bells ring, all eyes turned towards the curtains.
The moment Naruto ducked in through the cloths hanging over the front of the noodle bar, almost all the people seated inside went silent when they immediately recognized the child from the two swords at his side and the uniform he was wearing. When the scar-faced hunter slowly passed over the threshold and approached the counter where the owner of the restaurant was standing and cleaning dishes, the men around the tables began whispering to one another.
"Hey… is that-"
"A Ryōshi," another finished, his eyes narrowing on the blonde with the fox sleeping on his shoulder. "A monster hunter. There's one roaming around the area?"
"It sure seems like it."
"But… he's just a kid," another said under his breath, with a combination of amazement and doubt. "A child that young hunts and kills monsters for a living?"
After glancing around the room to see all the patrons eyeing him, the red-eyed Naruto inhaled sharply and approached the bar. Along the way, the boy caught wind of a few other words being uttered that he was more or less used to hearing in the towns he passed through.
"What a freak…"
"Spoiled my appetite…"
"Smell that? He reeks of blood and sewage."
"Disgusting."
"They shouldn't let freaks like that wander around the countryside."
Stopping for a moment to shoot a glare across at the table that was hissing the most insults about him, the blonde allowed his stare to linger before eventually stepping towards the counter. Upon which he then gave the menu a quick scan.
"Don't mind them," the owner behind the bar- a woman- said, drawing Naruto's gaze toward her. When he saw the kindly female in the apron and head handkerchief smile, she then proceeded to engage in pleasantries with him. "Some of those boys are a little bit weary from their travels, so things are a little bit tense around here. You know what it's like. Monsters around every corner… beasts around every second… and bandits every third. Real dangerous roads out there."
"Hm… yeah. I already got my fill of the first," Naruto responded, before then turning his eyes back to the board behind the freckled bar owner. "I just got through completing a contract."
"Oh? Whereabouts?" the restaurant owner asked.
"Maiyama Farm… a few days south of here," Naruto answered while jabbing a thumb over his shoulder. "Villagers were having a problem with a Basan that'd made a home in their hills… so I went in to clear it out. It was a tough bird, but I managed to bring it down in the end."
"Ooh… sounds like you had a busy couple of days," the waitress chirped, smiling broadly before swinging her arms out. "Well, whatever the case, food and drinks are half-price. What would you like?"
After a quick peruse of the menu, Naruto elected to go for the Udon, beef and egg combo, extra large portion, along with some tea. Upon putting his coins on the counter, he then marched his way over to an empty table in the corner of the restaurant. Ignoring the looks and glares he received from the group of travellers at the table kicking up the most fuss over his presence, the child slid into the booth and made himself comfortable.
He didn't have to wait long for the store owner to bring out his food and tea on a tray. Once he had the steaming bowl of noodles placed in front of him and had thanked the cook for her hard work and kindness, the whiskered boy then split the chop sticks and dug in. Having spent the last couple of weeks on the road, Naruto made sure to take his time with his food and savour every slurp.
Things seemed to simmer down around the country bar a few minutes after that. When the group of antagonistic travellers finally left a little while later, along with several other locals eager to get back to work, the blonde hunter was left to enjoy his noodles in peace. By the time he was halfway done, the only people left in the restaurant were the store owner washing cups by the sink, a couple farmers at another table discussing papers and planning over a drink, and a female store clerk still eating her meal at another table.
With Kurama still napping on his shoulder, Naruto figured that he could order something else while he was here. However, just as he was about to finish off his soup, he suddenly heard the 'klak' of a cup being set in front of him and saw a man sit down in the chair across from him.
Smiling pleasantly, the adult stranger nodded towards the boy when he saw the child give him a strange look. "Greetings. Mind if I sit here?"
Naruto, at first a little surprised at suddenly having a stranger take up the chair at his table, spared a quick glance around at the other empty places available, before eventually shrugging. "Sure. Go ahead. I don't see why not?"
"Heheh. Always better to share your tea with someone rather than by one's self. It makes for a more pleasant outing," the mysterious stranger continued in a jaunty, cheerful voice. Sliding a cup across to Naruto, he then picked up the tea pot he'd carried over with him and proceeded to pour both himself and the boy a drink. "Come. It'll lift your spirits."
"Thanks," Naruto replied, having gone through much of his tea already yet still feeling somewhat parched. After seeing the man set the pot down, the blonde picked up the freshly poured brew, held it up to the stranger gratefully and took a sip.
When he set his cup down and saw the stranger take a gulp of his own, the young hunter with the twin swords at his side blinked as he looked the stranger over curiously.
The man was of average height and build- bald but with black eyebrows, a round kindly face, and a light five o'clock shadow. Aside from his very ordinary look, the man was also sporting an orange-brown hooded jacket with blue lines on the sleeves, fingerless gloves, travel sacks, belts around his waist holding numerous things from scrolls to wooden spoons, leather trousers, and sandal-style boots. Overall, the guy had the look of a seasoned traveller and purveyor of goods about him- one made more apparent from the material he had on his person, and the dirt covering bits of his clothing and footwear.
Upon sizing the stranger up, Naruto decided to make small talk. "Awfully nice of you."
The bald traveller chuckled after setting his glass down. "When you've been on the road as long as I have, you learn that showing a little courtesy and kindness toward others can go a long way." He then grinned and waved a hand across to the side. "It helps to build connections for potential business- especially if I happen to have a monster problem. And who better to solve such a problem than a Ryōshi?"
Naruto cocked an eyebrow at that statement. "So… you know who I am?"
The man bowed his head slightly. "Fortune must be smiling on me today. To run into Naruto Uzumaki- The Butcher of Tanzaku Quarters himself. It is a real honour."
"Hmm. The pleasure is all mine," Naruto answered, feeling a smile tug at his lips at the man's obvious admiration towards him. After watching him take another sip from his tea, the blonde then gestured towards him. "How exactly did you hear about me, if I might ask?"
"What a question," the traveller remarked while leaning back in his seat. "Jiraiya-sama's anthology of course- The Tale of a Gutsy Ryōshi. The only way a humble merchant might hope to rub up against greatness." He then tapped the top of his table pointedly. "As it so happens, I managed to get a signature from the Legendary Sannin while he was promoting his new issue of Icha Icha over in the village of Tagama a few weeks ago. Now that was a day I will not soon forget."
Nodding his head in understanding- and inwardly rolling his eyes at hearing about the Sannin's recent endeavour- then tilted his head. "And… what about you? You mentioned earlier that you were a merchant?"
The bald stranger smiled. "A mangy vagrant. Gaunter O'Dimm, at your service." He placed a hand over his chest and lowered his head in a greeting.
Naruto chuckled a little. "Vagrant? That a profession now?"
The man then breathed a sigh while resting forward on the table. "Ah, once a merchant of mirrors. The madding crowd dubbed me Master Mirror… or the Man of Glass." He then smiled broadly when he saw Naruto take another swig of his tea, which in turn led the man to crane his head. "Forgive me for asking but, would you and your charming animal companion happen to be heading for Konoha by any chance?"
When Naruto lowered his cup, he sensed Kurama crack open an eye to glance across at the bald stranger. After the fox got a good look at the man, she then shut her eye again and went back to sleep, allowing her blonde partner to continue his talk without interruption. "Actually, yeah. I'm traveling there to return a scroll to the Hokage. Why?"
O'Dimm's eyes twinkled in response, which was then followed by the bald traveller leaning forward and speaking to the child in a low voice. "Word on the road is that the Hidden Leaf is in a bit of an uproar. Folk across town have been mysteriously vanishing one after the other- with no clues or indications as to who or what is doing it. Some say that some kind of phantom might be responsible for these disappearances."
"Huh. Fascinating," Naruto whispered, glancing down momentarily in thought. "Could be a vampire… or a wraith." He then looked back up at the bald merchant and frowned. "Any other details you're willing to share? Who were the latest victims?"
"A boy from a powerful shinobi family," O'Dimm answered, before then tracing a line across the top of the table. "And before him two young girls from the ninja academy. Just up and vanished into thin air, without a wisp or a trace."
The blonde narrowed his brow, "Where were they last seen?"
This question earned a scoff from the bald vagrant. "I'm not omniscient. Ask at the Hokage Tower. I'm sure the village leader will be happy to give you the rundown."
Contemplating over this for a few more seconds, Naruto then gave the man a polite nod of gratitude. "Thanks a lot. Really."
After observing the man drink the rest of his tea and set his cup down, the blonde then watched O'Dimm stand up, shuffle out of the booth, and stroll past him. As he left, the helpful merchant gave the young hunter a pleasant, parting word of farewell. "We men of the road must stick together. Perhaps one day I'll be in trouble… and you'll be nearby to help."
Upon allowing the travelling vagrant to step out of his peripheral vision for but a second, Naruto then turned around to give him a final expression of thanks. However, the moment he did, the blonde recoiled in shock when he saw that the man had suddenly vanished into thin air. Eyes darting about in alarm, he attempted to figure out where the guy had gone- as not only was there no exit in the direction he had walked, but not a single damn window either.
When she sensed this, the previously napping Kurama lifted her head off Naruto's shoulder as her ears pointed straight up. "What the fuck? Where did he go?"
"Dunno," Naruto uttered back, completely at a loss as to what'd happened.
Figuring the man might've been some sort of powerful mage or sorcerer, the blonde made sure to finish his noodles and the pot of tea that O'Dimm had shared with him. Upon which the child then stood up, adjusted the swords hanging from his waist, and started out of the bar. When he stepped outside, he did one last sweep of the area to see if the generous vagrant was still about. Finding nothing, the Ryōshi decided to hit the road.
Though he had no idea who this O'Dimm character was, all Naruto knew was that he had another job waiting for him up ahead. And from the sound of things, it was going to keep him busy for another couple of days.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note: If anyone on this site has any idea how a Jonin versed in chakra could possibly stop a ghost that can literally bleed through walls, make themselves intangible to ALL attacks, and teleport from dimension to dimension without magic (as I made a clear indication here, magic and chakra are completely separate entities and don't mix. The only individuals in this world who can use both are Ryoshi), I'm all ears.
Also, anyone want to guess what kind of wraith is terrorizing Konoha? You get three guesses.