I do not own anything.


FOX TAILS AND WHIRLPOOLS

Chapter 10 - Chaos, My Old Friend

Konoha General Hospital, one of the largest buildings in the entire village and on an average basis fairly packed. G


iven the nature of the village that wasn't too surprising given almost every day ninja were returning from missions with injuries of various degrees. When they'd come in for their mandatory check-up, they'd passed several patients either going into the ER or exiting it. As he and Tamamo patiently waited, Hakuno realized how eerily accustomed he'd become to things like death and blood, perhaps too accustomed to it.

Glancing down at his left hand where the silver ring on his ring-finger glistened, he figured that must have been the price he had to pay to move forward. He'd walked a long-jagged road since the day he'd "awaken" in a strange school with absolutely no memories of his previous life or how he ended up where he was. It didn't get easier from there, the pain of every kind assaulted him every step of the way, and yet he soldiered on through it all.

The pain he was feeling now was different. He'd lost friends, he'd lost allies…but he'd never known what it was like to lose family.

Even though it was only a few minor scrapes and bruises, Hakuno could do little to contain the worry mounting inside of him. Neither could Tamamo, matter of fact, she showed it by the constant pacing in front of him. All things considered, he supposed it was a good thing she was here instead of down by the police station where Fugaku was. Had it not been for Naruto himself, something told Hakuno that he and his Servant-wife would be in cells themselves. A part of him wondered what sort of punishment the three would face for their assault on Naruto and Sasuke; Hakuno wasn't going to get his hopes up as he knew the scene had already raised eyebrows around the village.

They'd raised quite a scene when they entered the hospital - the village's mysterious couple with their adoptive child along with the Uchiha Clan leader and his own son. Both boys had been taken a bit of a beating but the doctors said it was nothing to worry about. As parents, Hakuno, Tamamo, and Fugaku hadn't exactly been put at ease by the words. Once they were admitted, Fugaku took off promising he'd be back in a couple of minutes once things had been sorted out at the station. Hakuno had acknowledged his words, Tamamo had not.

Gently, he reached out and took hold of his lover's hand. Tamamo's pacing instantly stopped and her head whipped around to face him. A thin smile was all that was needed to make her sit down and lean her head against his shoulder.

"I'm a mess, aren't I? Only a couple of months in and already I've let our son get tossed around like a rag-doll, and the people responsible are still breathing." Mused the pink-haired Servant.

Even though they were hidden, Hakuno could have sworn he saw her foxy ears twitching in disappointment. He lightly squeezed her hand, "It was just a few scrapes and bruises, nothing that's going to scar him for life."

"He's already been scarred for life." She stated solemnly.

Alright, that one was a given. The first several nights they'd adopted Naruto he'd slept with them, which neither Hakuno nor Tamamo blamed him for doing. While Hakuno and Tamamo had needed time to recover, Naruto just needed warmth and comfort which they were more than willing to provide. After this little incident, he knew for a fact his wife and son were going to be on edge for the next couple of days. Hell, so was Hakuno. It took me almost one hundred and twelve seconds to get to Naruto. They'd arrived at the front door of the hospital with Naruto and Sasuke when the realization struck him. It was an after-thought, one he'd steadily given more time to as they waited for the two boys to be treated. One hundred and twelve seconds, one hundred seconds…ten seconds…Anyone of them could have made the difference in how things played out. Matter of fact, it was by complete chance he sensed Naruto's distress that he knew something was wrong. If he hadn't, well, he really didn't want to think about that.

"-faster than me."

"Uh?"

She giggled at his dumbfounded expression and following blush. Tamamo squeezed back, letting him know she needed him in reality. "You got to him before I did, you sensed his distress before I did." The Servant reached upward and gently kissed his cheek. "Usually I'm the one who's always keeping their ears open, and arriving just in the nick of time to save the day."

"Well, even the average guy can have his day." Laughed the human before placing a hand over his chest. It was becoming a subconscious habit he hoped wouldn't worry her. "So, how fast am I compared to…your brother?"

Almost instantly, the Servant's nose wrinkled and her eyes turned distant. "First off, you're much cuter and nicer than that snob. Never forget that. To answer your question - I'm sure one day you'll be three times faster than Tsuku, scratch that, I know it."

Mentally steeling himself, the Master said, "What about you? How fast can you go? And how hot do you think you can burn?"

Tamamo's grip on his hand grew tighter. If one had gone simply off her legend then now was the time they would have expected the foxy Servant to either incinerate them or curse them into oblivion. Neither of them happened, and so long as Hakuno was by her side Tamamo would never do such a thing, at least to people who didn't deserve it. Barely an hour ago three unlucky fools came close to being such people.

"So far, I can tell you can create radiation, which is both pretty cool and scary." He added, feeling his hand fall over her silver ring.

"Heh, just imagine how people will react to that. I suppose I'm going to do a better job at controlling my temper, aren't I?"

"Still, I do see it as kinda cool you can tap into Amaterasu's power here. Should come in handy one day." Offered the Master.

"I'm hoping I never have to, but we both know how the future can turn out. Don't we, darling?"

Thankfully, a nurse walked up to them just as Hakuno felt his facial muscles begin to move towards a frown. "Um, Mr. and Mrs. Kishinami? Where is Mr. Uchiha?"

"He said he'd be back in a little while," Hakuno answered. "How are Naruto and Sasuke?"

The nursed smiled at them. "They're right here, please, come with me."

Hand-in-hand, the pair followed and were rewarded with the sight of their adoptive son and his classmate sitting on a medical bed. Almost immediately Tamamo rushed toward Naruto, sweeping him up in her arms and cooing over his injuries. As expected, Naruto did his best to ward her off, especially as his ears registered the amused snickering of Sasuke. Glancing to his left, he found the young Uchiha dressed in a new set of clothes. He seemed none the worse for wear just like Naruto. "Enjoying the show?"

"Almost makes the entire thing worth it." Snickered the dark-eyed boy, causing his blond-haired counterpart to cast a sideways glare in his direction. "Um, where's my dad? Is he alright?"

Detecting the hint of fear in his voice, Hakuno placed a hand on the child's shoulder. "He just had some things he needed to oversee at the police station, give him a couple of minutes and he'll be back to take you home. Sasuke, thank you for protecting my son."

"You have my thanks as well." Echoed Tamamo winking at the dark-haired boy. "Naruto, isn't there something you want to say to Sasuke?" She softly nudged.

Expectedly, the whisker-faced boy's cheeks were a light pink color as he at first tried to look everywhere but Sasuke. Only after a moment or two did he turn his head to face his dark-haired counterpart. "Um…uh, Sasuke, th-thanks for…thanks for…thanks for coming to help me." A smile graced the lips of the young Uzumaki, one that Sasuke returned. "No one's ever done that for me, and I…sorta thought no one ever would."

The two "adults" did their best to hold in their amused chuckles as they watched the exchange. Doing his best to ignore them, Sasuke straightened up. "W-Well, i-it was the right thing to do. I-I mean…you're…you're a kid, a student, my classmate. I always thought you were a little annoying…but not so much now."

"Alright then, onto the next topic." Proclaimed Tamamo, clapping her hands together then turning to face her son. "Naruto, you were supposed to be in class, what were you doing on the way to the shop?"

Somehow, the word busted seemed to have gained an unfathomable level if weight to it. Naruto felt his mouth go dry and the desire to run seized his body and nearly made him do so. Often his classmates had talked about what had happened to them whenever their parents caught them doing something they weren't supposed to be doing; as an orphan, he never had to go through that. As he was no longer an orphan, he was no longer shielded. Tamamo's golden eyes bore into him with the motherly toughness he knew he had no chance of winning against. "I…I wanted to grab some snacks so I could…pay Sasuke and the others back." he admitted, looking down towards the floor.

While Sasuke's eyebrows rose in clear shock, Hakuno's soft in soft resignation. Save for Tamamo, no one noticed the thin smile that pulled at his lips. The fox-eared Servant glanced at her husband then back to her son.

Honestly, I was NEVER this pure and trusting as a child. As that realization set in it just made Tamamo's heart ached all the more. In spite of everything, he must have been through before their arrival, he still found it in him to be so kind and generous. No, maybe he's just giving back what's been given to him. Affection. Breathed out a quiet sigh, she placed her hands on the Jinchūriki's shoulders. "Naruto, what you did…it was two things: foolish…and brave. For better or for worse, those two things are often tied together. I'm happy you were thoughtfully enough to want to pay Sasuke-"

"And Iruka-sensei." Interrupted the boy before shyly lowering his head. "Chōji and a few others, they all sorta…when they saw the marks they all pitched in a little so I wanted to…"

His words died in his mouth and confusion spread as he spotted the smiles spreading on the faces of both his parents. Leaning forward, the Caster-class Servant kissed her son's forehead. "What you did was still foolish, but it's the kind of foolishness that separates good men from fools. You're the former, and I'm proud of that." His unease turned into excitement, practically causing him to bounce in her arms. "Sasuke," called the pink-haired woman. "Thank you for sharing your lunch with my Naru, and thank you for defending him."

A crimson blush colored the Uchiha's cheeks, causing him to look away. Naruto's chance for payback had arrived as he snickered at the embarrassment of his classmate. Tearing his eyes away from the scene, Hakuno looked back to the doorway.

"Think he made a reckless decision, Mr. Fugaku?"

The laughter of the boys died as they noticed the Uchiha Clan leader standing in the doorway. Immediately, Sasuke straightened up and attempted to look as presentable as possible as his father strutted over to him. His mouth opened to vocalize the list of explanations he'd frantically came up with in hopes of staving off his father's disappointment or anger. They weren't needed. Whereas Tamamo's had held Naruto's shoulders, Fugaku went for the head, softly silencing his son. "There's nothing I have to say that Tamamo hasn't already. What you did was reckless," For the first time in what felt like weeks, Sasuke saw his father smile at him. "But it was the right thing to do. We leaf shinobi stand up for our own."

Having dispelled the fog of fear and doubt, Sasuke let his emotions take hold and jumped into Fugaku's arms. The veteran ninja was somewhat taken back by the physical contact as rarely did he get this close to his youngest son, usually it was his wife who was the gentler one. His confusion didn't last long as he wrapped his arm around his son, silently noting how big he'd become. Sasuke, how long has it been since I held you like this? Not since you were a baby probably? Too long, way too damn long. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Hakuno and Tamamo giving him well-hidden smiles.

"Ah-hem, well then, I for one believe that's enough excitement for one evening. Naruto, Hakuno, I think it's best we head home since it's been a rather eventful day." When her golden eyes fell on Fugaku, they were no longer playful, they had a sharp edge to them. "I'm assuming those three…hoodlums will face proper punishment for their actions?"

"They will," Fugaku responded almost automatically. One thing he had to say about Tamamo Kishinami was her uncanny ability to switch between softness and hardness. He actually found it admirable. "As we speak, they're all currently sitting in a cell with their ability to use jutsu restrained. In a few days, either of you may be called to file a witness report."

"That's fine." Hakuno affirmed, turning to his family. "Say, before heading home, we could probably use a bite to eat. How's Ichiraku sound?"

"Yes!" Shouted his fox-eared wife and whisker-faced son.

Naruto was already a ramen addict, and it looks like he's turned Tamamo into one. Realized the brown-haired human with a small amused smile before turning to the Uchihas. "Mr. Fugaku, Sasuke, would either of you be interested in coming? It'd be our treat for what you did for Naruto."

Sasuke's eyes went wide before he looked to his father for silent confirmation. The conversation from the night prior replayed in their minds.

"Well…I…I suppose I could drop in for a minute or two, don't expect me to stay the entire sit-down though. Sorry."

It may not have been exactly what he wanted, but for Sasuke it was close enough. With the adults content and the boys safe, preparations were made for their departure. Tamamo protectively hovered above Naruto with Sasuke within arms reach in case something happened. Neither spoke a word directly, but Hakuno and Fugaku kept their eyes open as they filled out the proper paperwork that would allow the two families to leave Konoha Hospital. Both males knew danger could have come from the most unexpected places, even those that were supposed to be sanctuaries.

I guess I can use this day as my new benchmark. Believing it to be a safe time as well as prime time, Hakuno shut his eyes and emptied his mind. Within his mental landscape flashed a white light, then came the pulse that spread out in all directions. Souls, the life essence of a living creature, any living creature really. To him, they all appeared as shimmering white balls of light, the brighter the glow the healthier a person was. Being in a hospital, Hakuno was treated to the sight of an array of white-colored orbs of various sizes and textures. Some were on death's door, some were seconds from passing on, and others had escaped the reaper's sickle. The first time Hakuno used this "sonar" ability, he'd been somewhat overwhelmed by all the information, but in time he'd learned how to adjust to the feedback. He'd have to learn if he was going to make practical use of the corona's ability to detect souls.

In contrast to the Uchiha pair, the souls of his wife and son were…different. Unlike normal humans, Tamamo's soul was golden - a swirling mass of tail-like flames that was beautiful to look at and were they not in public, that's exactly what Hakuno would have done. Naruto's soul, while looking a normal shade of whitish blue like the others, had a crimson tinge in the center of it, the Nine-Tailed Fox. From what he could gather the ability to see souls was uncommon in this world, hell, it was rather out of the way in their old world. Hopefully, with this new ability, he'd be able to detect danger before it-

THUMP!

Red, crimson as blood and moving swift like the wind.

Running through him like a winter chill was the bloodlust, the unrelenting sense of malice that would have frozen the blood of ordinary people.

Hakuno glanced to his far right. He saw it right there - a scarlet light that was moving at near lightning speed towards…

"FUGAKU!"

His voice shook the entire lobby like thunder, freezing patient, doctor, and civilian alike. The Military Police head definitely heard him as his face went deadly serious, just in time to catch sight of the crimson-colored blade heading straight for him. Hakuno saw it all in slow-motion from his point of view - a sword, the color of blood, heading straight for the neck of the man who'd shown him and his family kindness. His body moved by reflex, transforming into a solid light and slamming into him. The older man's grunted as he hit the ground, though at the very least his head was still attached to his neck.

Hakuno's vision moved from the dark-haired man to his attacker. His eyes went wide seeing the blood-colored katana held tightly in hand and the straw-hat tipped over the head. From beneath the holes in it, a set of near-demonic red eyes peered back at him.

"Oh, you avoided my sword, you've gotten better, kid. Of course, that may have just been luck." Cackled the mysterious figure, pointing his sword towards Fugaku. "Move aside, the head of Wicked Eye Fugaku's mine!

At the sound of his wartime nickname, Fugaku's eyes went wide as dinner plates, then they narrowed into slits. Pushing Hakuno off of him while moving in front of him and Tamamo, who was tightly gripping Naruto and Sasuke, he kept his gaze focused on the mysterious attacker. Sweat began to form on his brow while his mind analyzed the situation before him. He couldn't fight here in the hospital, it was far too dangerous and too much could happen; the battle would have to be moved elsewhere.

"You," snarled Tamamo, her expression had gone from one of tension to pure disgust. Clinging to her dress were Naruto and Sasuke, their faces morphed into horrific terror at the sight of the sword-wielding demon before them. They were far from alone as countless other hospital-goers were equally frightened, some more so than others. "I'd ask if you have a sense of shame, but I know you don't. What else could be expected from a dog."

One eye twitched; the sword demon drew its second weapon and pointed it directly at Tamamo. "Big words coming from a fox always on the run! Be silent less I take your head like I originally planned on doing!"

"But you came for me, right?" Challenged the police head, keeping his eyes glued to the swordsman. "If you want my head, fine, but must you involve everyone here? This is a hospital, samurai."

"Don't inflate his ego!" Snapped Tamamo.

Boastful laughter spewed from the nonexistent mouth of the sword-wielding Servant. He eyed Fugaku with an expression that resembled a wolf about to go for the kill. "Still running that mouth of yours, aren't you? Guess you can't teach a fox new tricks. As for you, Wicked Eye, bigger bleeding heart than I was expecting. Hard to believe you've commanded such a high bounty on your head."

"That's very easy to say when you've pretty much got him cornered." Spoke Hakuno with a glare as cold as ice. He was fast, fast enough the normal human eye couldn't see him and the trained eye could barely catch him. But how fast was he compared to a Servant? Especially one who made his living off of assassinating others via swordsmanship? Honey colored eyes met charcoal-black before looking back to the red-eyed specter. "Quick question, is the bounty on Fugaku's head enough to pay off your debts? Or do you plan on taking him captive and ransoming the entire Uchiha Clan? My money's on the latter."

"Hey! Watch it, you stupid-"

Fugaku shut his eyes while Tamamo instinctively shielded Naruto and Sasuke her body. Blinding light exploded from the teenage human's palm, illuminating the hospital lobby. Doctors and nurses reacted on impulse and threw themselves in front of their patients as did several others in fear that danger would find them. The Assassin cursed at the "parlor" trick he'd pulled, his string of profanities and insults were cut off by the feel of two fists slamming into his gut. His invisible mouth broke open as his body was ejected backwards, through the glass doors and down the stairway onto the rain-soaked grass. Not so surprisingly, he recovered quickly and shot his face up, anger flashing in his red eyes. A new string of profanities erupted from his mouth catching sight of the literal wall of shurikens and kunai heading straight for him. In what seemed to be one swift slash, the projectiles were either cut down or deflected into the mud.

"If you want my head, you'll have to take it from me by force!" Shouted the Uchiha Clan head, sprinting to the right leaving a trail of footprints in the mud.

"That was the plan, bastard! Run, run all across this village, you cannot escape the Manslayer Izou!" Sheathing one of his swords, the hat-wearing Assassin took off after his prey, frightening citizens as he went.

Hakuno ran out the door just in time to catch the faint crimson trail left by Okada's katana. Just as he readied himself to chase after the pair, a firm hand fell upon his shoulders. Whipping around, he found Tamamo staring back at him. Seriousness colored her face as she grabbed his hand.

"Stay here with the boys, I'll deal with Okada, he and I have a score to settle anyway." Her Eightfold Blessings appeared by her side, the droplets of rain casting an almost ethereal glow over the Divine Construct. "Don't worry, that silly little idiot's no match for me. Be back in a bit, Master!"

"Tamamo! Tamamo!" It was no use, she was already gone like the other two, leaving him standing alone in the rain with nothing but his workout clothes. It occurred to him for the first time in probably hours, that he'd yet to change and might have come off as somewhat ridiculous-looking.

"D-Dad?"

Turning to his left, he mentally cursed realizing in the commotion Naruto and Sasuke had practically been forgotten about. While both had been scared by recent events, Sasuke looked outright terrified, not that Hakuno could blame either of them.

"W-Who was that?! What was that?! Why is he after my dad?!" He cried, running up to Hakuno.

Because he's a chronic gambler and for all I know, he needs Fugaku's bounty to pay off whatever debts he's racked up here? If Okada was here, that meant Chandler wasn't far behind, scratch, the fact Okada had done something as drastic as an attempt to start a fight in a hospital meant something must have happened to his Master. While his focus remained on the academy students, a part of his mind observed the surroundings alert for any sign of danger. Reigning in his worry, he kneeled before the pair. "Listen, I'll explain later. But for now, I need you two to stay here with everyone else where it's safe."

"But what about mom?!" Naruto yelled.

"And my dad?!" Echoed Sasuke.

"Tamamo won't let anything happen to your father, Sasuke, I promise." He said first to the dark-haired child before turning to his own. "Remember what happened when we got here, Naruto? Your mom's one of the toughest people you'll ever meet, trust me on that." Taking them both by the shoulder, he guided them back through the hospital doors. Unsurprisingly, what he found was chaos as people in all sorts of a panic. "Listen to me, you two stay here. I promise I'll come back for both of you, but you need to be out of harm's way. Understand?"

It felt like hours as the two boys looked between each other then back to Hakuno. Reluctantly, they nodded their heads in unison, somewhat putting Hakuno's heart at ease. Fairing a nearby nurse, he left them in the lobby while he moved back outside. The rain had begun to fall in earnest yet Hakuno didn't really mind the cold chill it sent up his skin. Turning to face the rooftop, he focused his photokinetic energies into his legs. For him, it was a single step, to onlookers he seemingly disappeared. Standing on the rooftop, the gray sky looked just a little bit closer than before. As he did in the lobby before the attack, he silence his mind and reached out. If Chandler was still alive, he had to be close enough to still command Okada, he hoped. While not quite a friendly person, to his targets at least, he was reasonable and as Hakuno had discovered he could be talked into a cease-fire. Not to mention, he had an almost iron hold over his manslayer of a Servant. If anyone could stop Okada and keep him in line, it was Chandler Ardoin.

A field of candle-like lights appeared before his mind's eye. Amongst them, he saw Tamamo's golden flame and the whipping crimson red that he knew to be Fugaku's soul. The police head was still doing his best to lead the Assassin away from the densely populated parts of the village with his Servant-turned-wife tailing closely behind them. While he had his many faults, Okada was still extremely dangerous; he had no idea how truly strong the village's ninja were, but Okada hadn't earned the title manslayer for nothing. Sweat poured down his brow as he searched and searched for the magical energy that came along with Command Seals. On that note, he was actually praying that Chandler still had his Command Seals.

What happened to Servants in this world when a Master used up all their Command Seals?

In the distance, he heard explosions and felt the ground shake as a building came toppling down.

Dammit, Kishinami! Search! He's got to be here somewhere! Another sonar wave went out, far stronger than the previous ones thus allowing it to travel further. Suddenly, a red insignia appeared in his mind - a malformed diamond whose features he couldn't quite make out. When Hakuno's eyes popped open, they were focused and steady.

Hakuno's feet caused a ripple in the puddles that had formed on the rooftop. Like the dozens of droplets hitting the earth, he was gone, only a faint trail of silver light trailing him through the downpour.


Fugaku would have told Tamamo not to fire off any more of her talismans if he could afford to take the minute to call out to her. Thanks to the persistence of his attacker, he wasn't able to do that. All he could hope was Okada deflecting two of her thrown charms into nearby buildings and destroying them was enough for her to get the hint. The cold wave from the ice charm was almost immediately canceled out by the fire charm, turning the rooftop to his right into a roaring inferno. Barely a second after the two attacks had been deflected, Fugaku felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Once his feet touched down on something solid he pivoted to the right. Roaring past him came to a near invisible blade-shaped blast of air that sliced clean through a walkway and the ground.

"The next one will split you down the middle, that's a promise!" Bellowed the swordsman with a near maniac laugh.

"Oh, give it a rest already, bigmouth!" Came Tamamo's evidently annoyed voice.

As he raced along the buildings, Fugaku realized if he didn't act fast, they were going to end up getting someone hurt or killed. As head of the Uchiha Clan and the military police, the blame would fall on him, and that was the last thing needed at such a time. He knew he had to end this fast or move the battle to a remote location. In order to do that, he'd have to activate his Mangekyō Sharingan. I must have tempted fate. Mentally chuckled, the man as he dodged another windblast. The day after I confront the clan elders this happens, hell, one could almost take it as a-!

CLANG!

Upon seeing the wakizashi spin into the air, the Uchiha instinctively activated his clan's dojutsu.

"Ah, so that's the famous Sharingan, now I can take your head!"

His right arm struck out with his kunai, only to be batted away by an elbow strike that left his arm feeling numb from the pain. The next thing Fugaku knew was his world quite literally turning upside down before he was brutally slammed against the ground. His red eyes caught sight of the crimson blade rising above him, about to plunge into his chest. In the span of one second, as his eyes were about to change shape into their third form, a gold-accented object slammed into the Assassin's side sending him sliding across the rain-soaked rooftop. His heart rate decreased ever so slightly while Tamamo strutted across the ground to stand in front of him. "Thank you."

"I'd advise you to remain back and allow me to handle this. Sadly, this isn't the first time I've dealt with this vermin. But hopefully, it will be the last." Firmly spoke the pink-haired woman. The spell disguising her appearance had faded, revealing her fox ears and tails.

"Mind telling me who he is?" Questioned the leaf ninja, masking his wariness.

"Who am I?" Chuckled the swordsman, having gotten to his feet and recalled his second sword. Rained dripped from his straw hat and his ragged robe along with his katana. The crimson glow of the blade was all the more visible in the evening shower that had fell upon the village. "I am-"

"A rabid dog with a sword, Mr. Fugaku, nothing more." Waved off Tamamo in a nonchalant manner.

"You want me to take your head too, stupid courtesan!" Screamed the Assassin, once more waving his sword in the direction of the Caster.

"Servants greater than you have tried and failed, so forgive me for not trembling in fear." Fired back Tamamo, always unfazed with this brute. "You barge into this village attempting to kill its head of police and now have the nerve to threaten me with death for attempting to stop you. Okada, tell me, would you prefer to be beheaded again or would you rather I get creative in sending you to Yomi?"

"The only one going to hell is you, you fox-bitch. Besides, it's where you properly belong."

Keeping his thoughts to himself, Fugaku glanced around them hoping no one had found them yet. Smoke was rising from the building that had been set on fire and causing enough of a disturbance, he had a possible window of time to act. "Tamamo," he whispered, sliding his foot forward. One of the Servant's golden eyes met his in a silent exchange. Fierce intelligence stared back at him and he answered her question with a silent answer. Her lips remained a straight line, though he caught an answer in the glow of her eyes - a yes. Alright then, time to see just how powerful I truly am.

Tamamo summoned three talismans and threw them at Okada at near-superhuman speed. The samurai reacted as expected with a mighty swing of his sword. A cloud of red-hot flames briefly consumed the swordsman before he charged through it, his cloak besmeared by burning embers and scorch marks. Screaming a near-primal war cry, he closed in on the pair, his sword raised high then coming down like a lightning bolt.

The three tomoe of the war veteran's Sharingan merged together into a triple-pointed star flanked by three dots. "Okunitama!"

Tamamo's fox ears instantly perked up hearing the name. Her shock remained as tar-like matter erupted from Fugaku's eyes and quickly swirled around the two of them and their approaching assailant. In seconds, the entire outside world was obscured in darkness, and then in just a short amount of time, the darkness was lifted.

She hit the ground running, her mirror right beside her and ready to be used as a blunt weapon. Her target was disoriented as expected from the teleportation stunt giving her a window to attack, she took it. Okada's string of bewildered curses came to an end as he noticed his head was mere seconds away from being caved in by a blue and gold-accented mirror. His katana flew from his side, just barely managing to deflect the blow. The samurai's troubles didn't end there as he saw Tamamo's left foot flying towards him with speed and power that would knock the air out of him. Rather gracefully, he twirled out of the way.

"Fire Style-Phoenix Flower!"

Upon catching sight of the multiple fireballs heading towards him, Okada's red eyes seemed to burn all the brighter. "Gah! I've had enough of fire for one day!" Charging straight towards the flames, he swung his sword in swift and powerful arcs that sliced apart the elemental projectiles and continued heading for Fugaku.

"If you don't like fire then you shouldn't have messed with the Uchiha!" Shouted the hard-faced man. "Fire Style-Fist of Flames!" Seconds after the tiger seal was complete, the black-haired man's hands became engulfed by swirling tendrils of red and orange flames. Meeting Okada's battle cry with one of his own, he swung out with his right fist, meeting his sword in a clash of steel and metal. Okada fell backward, his red eyes showing visible awe at having his blade deflected. Through the darkness of his "wraith form", he smiled then swung again. Fugaku sneered and met the sword with his left fist.

The ninja and samurai moved all across the wet grass as they exchanged blows. To the manslayer's shock, glee, and even irritation, Fugaku's fists not only withstand repeated blows against his katana, but quite a few of his flaming punches and even kicks came close to hitting him. His already worn robes were set ablaze, causing his skin to feel the heat of the attacks. While exhilarating in a warrior manner, it made Okada snarl in annoyance as he shouldn't have been tip-toeing the lone of injury. He was a Servant! A manslayer! This lowly ninja would not make a fool of a legend like him!

While his attention mainly stayed his opponent, the clan head made sure to keep track of Tamamo moving about in the background. Even as his hands began to sting and groan in pain, he inwardly smirked. Crafty as a fox! The flames in his right hand roared bright as he reared the limb back then shot it forward, meeting a horizontal clash. The flames reacted with the metal blade in creating a small but powerful explosion. Both males were sent sliding backwards, but only one into danger.

"GAH!" Screamed the Edo-era warrior was the mystical talisman between his feet lit up with magical energy. Bright yellow arcs of lightning rose up and tore into his skin. Were it not for his strength of will, his katana would have dropped to the ground. His eyes struggled to remain open as the electrical shock grew stronger, and a second later it tripled as more talismans activated, trapping the Heroic Spirit in a near-literal cage of lightning. "Y-Y-Y-You s-stupid f-f-fur-faced bitch!" Snarled the man, struggling to move.

Standing beside Fugaku, Tamamo snorted. "Goodbye dog of the Emperor, you will not be missed. Mr. Fugaku."

"Fire Style-Fireball Jutsu!"

"Curse-Chaotic Heaven!"

The human's fireball shot first, a massive sphere of condensed heat and light that vaporized the moisture in the air as it passed. In her hand, Tamamo's talisman glowed ethereal violet, it exploded outwards as a similarly colored whirlwind that joined the fireball. The flaming mass near tripled in size, easily dwarfing Okada who could only stare in horror at the gigantic death ball heading his way. His screams were silenced in seconds as the fireball engulfed him then proceeded to tear through the forest, leaving a scorched and burnt trail.

Glancing to her unlikely battle partner, Tamamo whistled. "With all due respect Mr. Fugaku, you're a little more reckless than I would have expected."

"In this world, we shinobi rely on hand signs to cast jutsu. To counter this, samurai perfected the art of the Iaidō; hand signs are useless when your enemy is able to close the distance and sever your limbs, or your head. Believe me, it's not the first time I've been forced into a situation like this." As the adrenaline of battle faded, the pain in his hands became evident. A part of Fugaku dared not look at his hands to see the extent of the injuries he'd suffered in battling Okada unarmed. Less than an hour ago, he'd admonished his son for being reckless, and then he went out and got into a fist-fight with a samurai. "My wife's not gonna be happy."

"Oh, I believe I can do something about that." Giggled Tamamo, taking hold of his right hand. Deep cuts and lacerations covered the back of the clan head's hand, the fact the appendage was still attached to his body was something of a testament to how resilient Fugaku Uchiha was. Murmuring a sacred hum, a translucent blue light appeared to cover Fugaku's hand. The man watched in wide-eyed awe as his wounds began to close and heal themselves thanks to Tamamo's intervention. "Witchcraft isn't all bad, now the other hand."

"How about the head?" Sneered a familiar voice.

Sensing danger, Tamamo summoned her shield and created a magical barrier in front of them. Two katanas bounced off the barrier, their blades cracking as a result of coming into contact with the forcefield. Himself sensing trouble, Fugaku drew a kunai struck out with his healed right hand. What he cut through was a burning mantle that made his Sharingan eyes go wide.

Swooping in like a bird of prey, Okada grinned as he caught the brief look of fear in Tamamo's eyes. His hand gripped his sword before he removed it from the scabbard at near lightning speed.

SLISH!

"Bastard!" Screamed Tamamo, bringing her mirror down atop of the Assassin.

Years of combat experience had taught Fugaku when the urge to move came at times, it was best to listen to your body. This was one of those times where the urge had saved his life, albeit he was probably going to be living with a new scar. Blood poured from the vertical slash that ran down his shoulder. If he hadn't moved when he did, he knew he'd either have lost his entire left arm or been split down the middle. Compared to those things, a wound that would heal in time was welcome. Falling back while holding his shoulder, he watched the colored blurs that were Tamamo and Okada. Enough, I can't allow this to continue! This man is far too dangerous for us to continue toying with, not to mention he's seen my Okunitama! The realization sunk in that so too had Tamamo, with her superhuman senses she must have seen his Mangekyō Sharingan when he activated it. Steadying his nerves, he glanced around the rainy forest. For all intents and purposes, it appeared it was just him and the two superpowerful familiars duking it out. This is life or death, I have no choice.

"Idiot fox, just get out of my way and let me take that bastard's head! I promise I'll leave you and your Master alone for a while until the time comes for me to kill you two!" Yelled the samurai, attempting to press his attack.

To the man's growing frustration, Tamamo was bobbing and weaving out of the way of his sword swings. It was clear she was finding joy in his failure and was waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. "After hearing that, you just gave me more inclination to end your pathetic life here and now! A death in the rain suits a dog like you doesn't it!"

"No, it suits an animal like you! Just look at those stupid ears and tail!" When he deflected the next blow, Okada allowed his right hand to slide free of his katana. It immediately shot towards his wakizashi, which was drawn with superhuman speed and force, enough force it completely knocked away the Eightfold Blessing leaving Tamamo open to attack. "Now, die!"

Tamamo smiled. "You first, dog."

The Assassin's mind had three seconds to contemplate the absolutely devilish grin on his opponent's face. His questions were immediately answered upon feelings something absolutely massive and hard slam into his side. Pain flared throughout his entire body before it went numb. Trees, rocks, and dirt, he crashed through all of it like a cannonball skipping along the ground before coming to a stop. He tasted blood and dirt in his mouth and hated it. "Gah! Gahhhh…" Everything hurt from his cheeks to his feet, just attempting to get up was a battle unto itself. "What in…the emperor's name…was that?" As soon as he found the hilt of his katana, the strength to stand returned to him, he used it. Spitting out the blood and dirt, Okada raised his head in the direction of his attacker. "I should have seen a sucker punch coming! That's the…only…way…way…" The manslayer's eyes went wide and a wave of fear fell over him as he took in the sight before him. "Wha…what the hell is that?!"

Arcs of lightning raced along the surface of the towering yellow humanoid construct that hovered above Fugaku Uchiha. The creature stood out bright in the darkness of the rain-soaked forest, mostly because Raijin's golden fire raced through its still-forming body, a body which seemed like something spawned from the underworld. Muscle tissue and skin was slowly forming over the ethereal skeleton that the jonin had summoned with his abnormal eyes. Right before Okada, almost the entire left side of the body was covered in bright yellow armor that sharply stood out against the darkness of the rainy forest with the right side eventually following suit. The skeleton held out its right arm, summoning forth a gigantic sickle which itself cackled with electricity illuminating not just the immediate area, but perhaps the entire forest. A set of orangish-red eyes zeroed in on the frozen samurai with cold malice.

"Well then," Boomed the head of the Hidden Leaf's Military Police Force. Tamamo placed a hand to his shoulder and was quickly working to stop the bleeding. "You said you've had enough of fire, so how's about we try lightning. Maybe you'll find that more to your liking."

An unearthly wail left the mouth of the giant spectral warrior before it raised its two sickle-wielding arms. It brought them down and from them came two roaring waves of golden-colored lightning that raced towards Okada like a pair of hunting dogs.


"Seems even mother nature decided to shit on me today. Perfect."

When he and his Servant had first awoken in this strange new world, Chandler Ardoin had been a little happy learning it was indeed a real world instead of a digital one. Truth be told, he never quite liked the idea of .PH hosting an entire virtual world for people to live. Call him old fashion, but he preferred the real-world to cyberspace. It didn't take long for him and his Assassin to find out this new world was just as dangerous as the Moon Cell. At the very least, it reminded Okada of his homeland…and to an extent the time period he'd grown up somewhat fantasizing. Chandler had studied history well and feudal Japan was not exactly the best place to be unless you knew how to handle yourself. Luckily, the French national knew how to take care of himself, not to mention he had a Heroic Spirit by his side.

But then they started exploring and Okada's bad habits had begun to take a strong hold on him. It didn't help that it took them several weeks to figure out where the hell they were. In his opinion, they were lucky they hadn't encountered any other hostile parties such as Kenelm, any of the Tamamo Nine, or Stephen. Even with the cultural boost, Chandler knew they were in no way prepared to handle the beings that had threatened the Moon Cell's very existence, not to mention the threats this new world could throw at them. It was one of those threats that had him, lying against a tree waiting for his Servant to return with much-needed medicine.

Oh, who am I kidding, no medicine can help me. I'm a dead man walking, or sitting. Pulling back his hand, he wasn't surprised to find the bleeding in his left side hadn't stopped. The burns on his back and left leg hadn't healed completely nor would they without proper medical care. If Okada didn't come back soon, he was going to die. The concept of dying here, in a nameless forest in the middle of God knew where didn't bother him as much as it should have. He knew the risks of becoming a field operative for the Harway Family, there was no one to blame but himself. Still, I would have liked to have enjoyed one last glass of Burgundy. Bringing him out of his thoughts was the rustling of leaves and greenery. Chandler knew it wasn't the wind. "Putain," Raising his right arm, he gathered sentiments and rock fragments creating a ring of rock and stone that would hopefully be enough to scare away his first attacker.

"Détends-toi, je viens en paix." Came a male and rather young voice, made the bleeding man's eyes turned wide.

"No fucking way," At first, he thought it was the rain. It had to be. Quite literally appearing before him, dressed in what could only be described as exercise clothing, was Hakuno Kishinami. He looked…normal, well, normal enough for a person standing in the rain in gym shorts and a work-out t-shirt. He wasn't shivering or anything, even more, the minute his honey-colored eyes fell on Chandler they showed visible relief. "Kishinami?"

"The one and only," Laughed the Japanese teenager, examining Chandler's ragged form. "You look like hell."

"Well, if you fought a guy who possessed the ability to detach parts of himself and create weird-ass monsters using masks and TV cables, then had to sit and wait for your Servant to bring back help, you'd understand." Fired back the Harway operative, attempting to stand up only to fail miserably. "Before you kill me, you wouldn't happen to have any wine on you, would you?"

"I could run down to the local winery if you want."

"I promise, I'll be right here when you get back, give me one sip then my head's all yours."

Rolling his eyes, the teen kneeled down to examine Chandler's wounded body. He didn't at all seem worried about the ring of earth circling his head, the ring of earth he could slam into his head and bash his brains in. Does this kid ever change?

"You've got a couple of second and third-degree burns, some fractions, three of your ribs are broken, and there's…something wrong with you." It could have been his imagination, but Chandler was sure he saw Hakuno's eyes glowing silver. That was most definitely not right. "Listen, I-"

"Am going to get the hell out of here, kid." Barked a male voice far deeper and cruder than Hakuno's.

The two Masters turned to find they had company. From out of the bushes they came-tattooed, scar-faced, and wielding a plethora of weapons. In total there were eight of them, all looking like thugs one would find hustling on the side of the road or in a dark alley. As he surveyed each of them, Chandler cursed and tried once again to sit up. Apparently, this day could have gotten worse, and it just did.

"Friends of yours?" Hakuno innocently questioned, standing over him.

"Listen up, brat," Shouted a bandana-wearing thug wielding a kanabō. He was quite large, standing at maybe six-foot-five with his weapon almost as big as he was. "That bastard lying against the tree owes us money, you don't want to get hurt you'll move your tiny ass and hand him over."

"And if I don't?" Replied the teenager in a near sing-song voice that had Chandler doing a double-take.

The one wielding zanbatō threw back his head in laughter. "Oh, looks like we got ourselves a tough guy! Great, I've been meaning to cut something up all day! You guys take mister big-shot, the kid's all mine!"

Presumably, the leader of the gang stepped forward, his one good eye glaring at Hakuno as if it would be enough to scare him away. "Last chance, brat, move it or lose it."

Chandler watched in wide-eyed shock as Hakuno spoke one word that sealed the next series of events. "No."

"Waste him!" Shouted the leader and all eight men charged, bloodlust evident in their eyes.

What happened next, Chandler Ardoin wanted to believe was a result of his pain-delirious mind.

His dark green eyes saw a silver flash, then he heard the pained gasp of the big one. His massive body flew backwards through several trees while his kanabōwas caught in the air by Hakuno, who quickly hurled it at the leader. He ducked his head, causing the weapon to crash into the soaked-ground behind him. The second thug, wielding a kusarigama, screamed at the teenager then hurled his sickle blade directly at him. Chandler saw Hakuno's eyes, now definitely sporting a silver rim to them. He caught the sickle blade, a look of complete disinterest on his face. In one blink, the second thug was pulled into the air, then sent crashing to the ground with a mighty powerful punch that knocked out a few of his teeth.

"You little bastard!" Shouted the zanbatō wielder, charging Hakuno as he finally made landfall. The giant sword was raised and fell like an ax - only to be caught by Hakuno's glowing left hand that. "What the-"

CRACK!

Shining silver ice covered the weapon starting from where Hakuno had gripped the blade. In one move it broke; its owner had no time to contemplate what had happened as a swift jab to the gut knocked the air and life out of him. Before the body had hit the ground, Hakuno moved on to his next target. Thug number four saw him coming and swing at him with his spear - the former high school student disappeared. Only Chandler saw him reappear directly above him, his foot came down in a beautiful downward kick that left the spear-wielder groaning in a face full of wet dirt. The next two came at Hakuno together, an ax and sword respectively, raised high and coming down within seconds of each other.

THUMP!

Chandler's eyes twitched while the two men flew backwards crashing through a tree each before stopping. His eyes had seen it even if the unconscious thugs and spectators couldn't. That was a gravity push, no doubt about it! Damn, was Alscher's training really this successful?!

Thug number seven, wielding a straight katana, ran at Hakuno with his hand on his weapon in what was clearly going to be a drawing slash. He was almost within striking distance of Hakuno when his face met the boy's left fist. It was surreal honestly, watching the man's entire body lunched backwards, then watching Hakuno deliver an ax kick that had him bouncing off the ground. That left only one member of the gang, and he'd seen the bloodless massacre happen with horrified eyes. His hands came together in a series of hand signs.

"Earth Style," he stomped the ground, causing dozens of rocks and chunks of earth to rise and condense into dozens of sharpening blades. "Stone Shuriken!"

All Hakuno did was hold out his hand. Silver energy raced from his chest out his palm, forming a giant circle-shaped barrier that easily deflected the projectiles. Once the rain ended, Hakuno's open palm morphed into a fist. The hard-light barrier condensed and warped into a sparkling mass of ice-like rock that shot directly into the gut of the final thug. Chandler watched it carry him far back until they both hit a tree, causing the spear rock to explode. When he could see again, he found the one-eyed bounty hunter was now frozen to the tree, a layer of crystalline-like frost holding him in place. Slack-jawed, he looked back to Hakuno, who merely smiled at him.

"As you can see, I've changed a little since we got here."

"C'est bien peu dire!" Shouted the Frenchman before his body tensed up and he broke off into a fit of coughing and wheezing.

"Chandler?!" Called the brown-haired boy with his expression shifted to worry, quickly discarding his bravado. Racing over, he took hold of the dark-haired man and straightened him. "Hey, hey, hang in there! Listen, there's a village nearby, I'm-!"

"H-Hak-Hakuno," Groaned the French Master with blood trailing his lips. "There's no treatment for me, not unless your girlfriend's got some of her divine power back."

More than his former pursuer using his first name was his mentioning of Tamamo's divine heritage. Eyes wide with unease, he reached for the edge of Chandler's shirt and pulled it upward. "Chan…Chandler…you're…"

He smiled in spite of the pain. The younger male's eyes sucked in the sight of the crimson growths that had spread through Chandler's lower and upper body. To his disgust, a few of them seemed to be pulsating and throbbing as if some vile substance were flowing through them. Given what he'd seen, that was probably true; he had no idea how Scorn's virus had mutated here in a world of flesh and blood instead of data. In fact, the spread of the infection seemed worse than on the digital avatars of the Moon Cell. Hakuno had to fight the urge to reach out and touch the growths for fear of agitating them. Finally, he pulled away, a look of shame on his face.

"I'm sorry."

"Save your pity, where's Okada?"

"That's why I came to look for you. Trust me, we have to go,"

"After you've answered some questions." Snapped a somewhat irritated male voice, causing Chandler to groan.

The two turned to their right finding themselves staring down the faces of several rather angry-looking uniformed men flanked by two deer. Standing at the head was a scar-faced man who seemed to be looking Hakuno's way.

"You're trespassing on the territory of the Nara Clan." Spoke up the leader of the group with a rather dry expression yet voice that carried a threatening edge to it. "It's a drag, but we're gonna need an explanation for this."

BOOM!

All eyes present looked to the sky, wherein the far-off distance they saw a yellow burst of yellow followed by a thunderous explosion that rolled across the landscape. More thunderclaps echoed.

Neither Hakuno nor Chandler needed the throbbing in their hands to know trouble was afoot. "We can explain, but that can come later. Please, Mr. Shikaku, we have to get over there! I promise I'll accept full responsibility for this and make it up to you!" Sounded Hakuno, bowing his head.

Not just the other ninja, but even the deer turned to the man identified as Shikaku who glared at the teenager before heaving a mighty sigh. "Fine, but I'm expecting a damn good explanation for this, make sure your friend knows that."

"Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?!" Snarled the Frenchman, looking at Hakuno. "Where's Okada?!" The boy swallowed the lump in his throat then leaned in to whisper into his ear. Chandler's eyes flew wide, then they closed shut with pure rage. "OKADA, YOU MOTHER-"


"FUCKING BASTARD!" Screamed the hitokiri as he dodged yet another swing from the giant-sized sickle that had carved up the landscape around him. Having failed at the first attack, Fugaku directed his construct to attempt a follow-up with its second arm. Rather than run, Okada reared back his sword and brought it forward to parry the giant electrified sword.

CLANG!

Fighting through the electric shock, he raced towards his target, murderous fury blazing in his eyes. From his right came the right blade. "WHY?!"

CLINK!

"WON'T!"

CLANG!

"YOU!"

CLINK!

"GO DOWN!?"

Taking one shaky step forward, the clan head created two spatial rifts into which his Susanoo threw his kusarigama into. "Don't underestimate the Uchiha!" He shouted as the rifts opened directly above Okada's head, bringing forth his weapons. Screaming in anger, the samurai fell back, just barely avoiding being crushed by the weapons. Sneering, Fugaku commanded his massive warrior self to pull back the blades, and that he did bring his chained scythes with.

Lightning exploded in all directions along with piles of rock and trees as the massive blades carved up the earth, sending the Assassin into a wild panic. He has flown aside like a rag-doll amongst the debris, blood pouring from his lips. When he came back down, it was in a pile of heated dirt that had him groaning in agony. One word repeated itself in his mind as he once more pushed himself upward from the dirt.

"Do you know who I am?!" Shouted the dark-haired Servant. "I am Manslayer Izou, Okada Izou! I will not be defeated by-huh?" Just as the massive ethereal warrior had terrified him, it now confused him. Its fear-inducing form suddenly warped and spasmed, the electric glow of its weapons and body growing dull and even declining. Okada looked to its owner and was quite surprised to find blood dripping for his target's eyes. "Oh, not so invulnerable, are you?" A mad grin painted on his face, the Assassin kicked off the ground, racing through the rubble and downed trees towards his prey. "Maybe I'll cut those eyes of yours out after I take your head!"

"Just try it!" Shouted Fugaku, sending his right arm blade toward the Servant.

CLANG! CRACK!

Though the katana broke, its purpose had been served. Flipping the shattered blade into the air, Okada launched it toward his target and laughed when he saw it penetrate the yellow shield that protected Fugaku. Summoning another katana, he sped towards the jonin, believing he'd succeeded in outlasting his opponent.

He was wrong.

The wave of water came suddenly and without warning surprising both Okada and Fugaku. Falling to his knee, the latter watched as Tamamo-no-Mae once more stood in front of him, a seven-foot-long spear held tightly in her head. Okada, meanwhile, struggled and slashed at the animated mass of water holding him in place. Tamamo reeled the spear back then performed what appeared to be an upward slash; the watery tower broke revealing a giant crimson gash running up Okada's left shoulder mirroring the one he'd inflicted on Fugaku.

As her target fell to the soaked ground, the fox-eared woman turned back to the kneeling clan head. "Mr. Fugaku, I believe it's time we brought this little scuffle to a finish, don't you?"

Grimly nodding, the black-haired man summoned the last of his strength and commanded his Susanoo to raise his sickle blade. One last surge of lightning was channeled into the blade seconds before it was brought down. The golden snakes raced along the trail of water and found their prey, who was helpless against their burning embrace.

"Gaaaaaahhhh!" Screamed the Assassin whose very skin became black and charred under the fifteen-second assault. As quickly as the lightning had come, it ended as a result of Fugaku groaning in pain and covering his head. Smoke coiled from the roasted form of Okada Izou, who through it all still maintained a hold on his cracked and broken blade. Stomping his left foot down, he raised his head, his dark blue hair having fallen loose around his face. "Y-Y-You…you…"

"Still alive, don't worry, I'll take care of that." Snarled Tamamo, raising her spear. It resembled a yari spear. With a twirl the weapon before pointing it directly at her wounded and staggering foe. "DIE!" At her mental command, her body slid across the water with the tip of the spear glittering in the rain and posed to run Okada through.

Raising his cracked katana Okada barked, "WITCH!"

The spear and sword were drawn back and ready to clash until two voices reached their respective owners, freezing them in their tracks.

"TAMAMO!"

"OKADA!"

"STOP!" They said in unison.

To the awe of the downed shinobi, the two Servants did just that. A look of sheer embarrassment spread across their faces as they jointly turned int the direction of the voices. He did so as well and was taken back to find Hakuno walking towards them, a black-haired man slung over his shoulder. His green eyes locked on the samurai screaming bloody murder.

"Espece de con!" Shouted the stranger, jumping off of Hakuno and storming towards Okada despite his visible injuries. "I told you to get medicine and supplies! Not invade a fucking village and piss of the locals, le crétin!"

Naturally, Okada fired back. "I was gonna do that, you stupid gaijin of a Master!"

"When?! Before or after you'd become a wanted criminal by murdering one of this village's government officials?!"

"We're bounty hunters now, aren't we?! I saw a bounty and decided I'd get your medicine and grab us some spending money on the way!"

"Hey!" For the first time, Hakuno and Tamamo heard Fugaku Uchiha shout and jumped when they did so. He'd wiped the blood from his eyes and glared daggers at the still wounded samurai. The pair got the very unsubtle impression he was trying to burn the enemy Servant to death where he stood, which he could do if he wanted. "You held up a hospital, endangering my son! By all rights, I should kill you right here and now!"

"If you want I wouldn't stop you." Chandler spat.

"Hey! What kind of Master are you?!" Cried Okada.

"The kind that likes a Servant that can follow a simple order, not go to make us public enemy number one!"

Stepping beside him, Tamamo put on her best persuasive face and said to her lover, "Master, can I kill him, please? I promise I won't make it too messy."

Face-palming, Hakuno mumbled, "Not with kids watching." His words shocked the other four. "Naruto, Sasuke, come out, and please mind the craters and fire."

Far off to the right came the rustling of bushes. To Tamamo and Fugaku's immense horror, their children emerged from the debris, soot and water covering their tiny forms. Neither of them looked injured, but their sheer presence on the battlefield gave the parents heart attacks.

"Uh, hehe, hi, mom, dad?" Mouthed Naruto, looking sheepish and waving at his adoptive parents.

"It was his idea!" Screamed Sasuke pointing at Naruto, who turned and gawked in offense at the Uchiha child.

"Hey! You're the one who said he wanted to see his dad in action!" Fired back the blond.

Chandler felt his brain stop working as he looked to Tamamo with wide eyes of dumbfounding, then Hakuno. "Mom? Dad?"

Through a hole in his hands, the seventeen-year-old glanced at his former enemy. Sasuke spotted the blood on his father and immediately ran toward him, throwing himself into his stunned arms. Naruto, meanwhile, took his time knowing he'd just bought himself maybe a weeks' worth of being grounded. Maybe two.

Nervously fidgeting, he looked around him at the devastation then turned to his parents. "So…does this mean no Ichiraku Ramen tonight?"

No sooner had the words been said did more guests drop in. Hakuno sensed them all come like a pack of sharks drawn to a bleeding whale. First was Shikaku Nara, then came other jonin, and finally the Anbu showed up. Chiefly among them was the dog-masked member with gray hair done up in a somewhat spiky manner. All of them appeared on the branches of trees, atop of downed trees, and on the ground glancing around the arena before finally settling on them.

Tamamo dismissed her spear, forgot her anger, and held Naruto by her leg as she looked to her beloved.

"No, Naruto, definitely no Ichiraku Ramen tonight."


Sorry of this chapter was a bit longer than expected, just had a lot I crammed in without really stopping. I figured this would be a good way to introduce Okada and foreshadow what his role in this story would be-causing chaos. While planning this story he was revealed and I realized given his personality and history he'd be perfect for certain roles. I wanted to introduce him in the midst of doing what he does best and Fugaku was a good candidate for him to clash against.

Him possessing a Susanoo is entirely an original idea, one I had a friend's help with in creating. Personally, I figured if he had the Mangekyo Sharingan he more than likely had access to the Susanoo, which was another reason Itachi was unsure of what his odds of winning against him would be, especially since his father was older and a war veteran. His Okunitama ability is also completely made up, a spatial jutsu that is similar to the Flying Raijin since I see him as Minato's anti-heroic foil (like their sons are and will be).

Okunitama is another name for Okuninushi, god and original ruler of the Izumo Province. After Ninigi took the position he was made ruler of the unseen world of spirits and magic.

Putain is the French word for "fuck".

Détends-toi, je viens en paix is French for "relax, I come in peace".

C'est bien peu dire is French for "That's an understatement".

Espece de con is French for "you stupid bastard".

le crétin is French for "you cretin".

Gaijin is, for those that don't know, a way Japanese people refer to foreigners. It can be a neutral phrase but is often used as a slur. Given the time period Okada comes from and views he expressed in life (hardcore isolationist), it's something I believe he'd say if angered by a non-Japanese person, especially his Master.

Next chapter will see the fallout of this little mess including Sarutobi and another other old Kage learning living to retirement age isn't all it's cracked up to be. Oh, and a certain cyclops makes an appearance.