..::..
So here we are for chapter 03.
I'm rather surprised with how popular this rewrite has gotten. To be honest, I was expecting about half of the current favourites and follows than I currently have for this story. It certainly makes me feel a lot better in knowing that despite the time constraints, my updates are still being so well received, so thank you. :D
I do apologise for the late posting … I'm doing better but the medications make me sleep a lot more than I used to. That and they take whatever energy I have left for the day in general. Despite this however, an update is an update, and here we are no?
Something I thought I should mention: Naruto and his twin will be 15 years old, whilst the graduating class will be 14 years old. Graduation is at 14 years old for the graduating class - which means Naruto and his twin will be 15 years old for graduation.
Please enjoy the story update.
..::..
I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR THE FATE SERIES!
..::..
"Ramen" – Speech
'Ramen' – Thoughts
"Ramen" – Bijuu/Summon Speech
'Ramen' – Bijuu/Summon Thoughts
"Ramen" – God/Deity Speech
'Ramen' – God/Deity Thoughts
..::..
If there was one thing that Naruto was disgusted by, it was arrogant chakra users. Since Naruto had fused with Gilgamesh, he'd inadvertently inherited the Uzumaki King's distaste towards those who boasted their skills without having the ability to back up their words … it honestly sickened the black haired youth – and this man reeked of arrogance with no conceivable power to back that arrogance up with.
"This lowly worm begins to annoy me," Gilgamesh's voice echoed once more through Naruto's mind. Naruto agreed with the Uzumaki King and it was as he mentally agreed with his ancestor, that he recognised the man.
"Keep talking mongrel," Naruto spoke, projecting his 'Inner Gilgamesh'. "Give me a reason to remove you from this world."
The man stopped his laughter at Naruto's words and gulped nervously. His name was Minoru Yukikaze. The man was 30 years old and bore a plain, common looking appearance of brown hair and eyes. He was tan, showing the hours that he spent in the sun, but the man was ultimately lazy as the time he spent in the sun was lounging about. Minoru never showed any initiative, he would make the effort to meet the requirements for the Guardian Program but nothing more … he had no aspirations higher than simply being a Guardian … and that was not acceptable to the Fire Daimyo, Asuma and Chiriku. Therefore, Minoru had failed to make the Guardian Program and as a result, he felt quite bitter towards the Daimyo.
Minoru decided that if he couldn't be a Guardian, then he'd eliminate their reason to exist … then he'd show them what he could do! In the end, he chose to attack the staff entrance to the side of the Imperial Palace and infiltrate the Palace that way but he had possibly the worst timing.
..::..
Naruto woke from a restless sleep.
Since the merging with the Uzumaki King, and subsequently taking in an everlasting supply of Mana, his Mana Circuits had been taking their time in adapting to the vast power. The process wasn't painful but the nightmares were. Naruto had been reliving Gilgamesh's past life's memories every night since the joining, and when you'd been reborn constantly … you had a LOT of memories to sort through. The plus side to the reliving of his memories was the knowledge that came with them … they provided locations and forgotten places that had been lost to the sands of time. Places and locations that were highly spiritual and possessed an exceptionally high concentration of Mana … these locations would help him adapt to the true essence of Gilgamesh's power … Instantaneous Projection.
If he wasn't mentally exhausted by the amalgamation of their memories, he was training physically.
The training was gruelling in nature and he was still only on the Guardian Program's basic training regime. It was mostly extending one's limits by running constantly with stretching and weights added to make sure the program's candidates didn't lose their flexibility either. Every day the candidates woke early, while the sun was still hidden by the morning's darkened sky, and were subjected to the strenuous training … that added to Naruto's political training and his personal training, led Naruto to excel as the top candidate in the program.
Naruto's personal training wasn't a secret to the other candidates, but it confused them. The training was essentially learning with the Ninja Guardian's Blacksmith, who was simply named 'the Blacksmith' by the other Guardians. While under his tutelage, Naruto learned about various metals. Their weight, feel, touch and most importantly … their properties were all memorised. This in turn, strengthened his knowledge in the art of Weapon Projection.
It was becoming easier to project his weapons and use them in combat, his style that revolved around Kanshou and Bakuya was becoming infamous within the Imperial Palace's walls and word was spreading … fast. So fast in fact that his reputation was being revered by the court and the people of the Imperial City … the people simply loved the Uzumaki King and they loved the concept of a hero … and that was what he was to the people … a hero.
Often, when Naruto wandered the streets and market places, he kindly greeted those that greeted him, or helped those that needed help. He had foiled many thefts and murders and the population had taken him in as one of their own. Naruto, by just being himself, had become an icon and a symbol of justice to the Imperial City.
That didn't mean that Naruto was perfect though.
Naruto's tendency to insult those that 'deserved' it was also infamous. Naruto liked to call it his 'Inner Gilgamesh' and he often projected this quirk in his personality when facing the enemies that weren't worthy to face him head on in combat. Instead, Naruto took Gilgamesh's style of standing there and using his projected weapons lay waste to his enemies from afar. If his opponent was worthy, then Naruto fought them one on one, hand to hand.
Naruto's true achievement though, was his 'sniping'. Using his Sharingan, in conjunction with his mastery level in archery had earned him the moniker 'The Land of Fire's Archer' and later, 'Konoha's Archer' when the people discovered that he'd come from Konoha. He'd earned the moniker because of his 'sniping' … usually that meant that he hid and using his projected bow and arrows, he took out enemies when they least expected it. His record for 'sniping' someone was from five miles away, with a clean shot to the man's heart.
It was truly impossible to most, especially the other Guardians and the candidates, but to the people of the Imperial City, it elevated him more in their eyes as a hero that could accomplish the impossible.
Naruto was feeling restless, so he stood and left his room. Naruto walked calmly towards his destination. It was still early, and as the sun hadn't realised it was time to wake up – neither had the inhabitants of the Imperial Palace in the Capital of the Land of Fire. The exceptions to this rule were the various Guardian hopefuls and the servants, who were tirelessly working to prepare for the day. Naruto enjoyed the early morning as he was often left alone, and only really had to deal with the nosy, gossipy kitchen staff or the jealous gazes of those hoping to be selected for the Guardian Corps.
Naruto ignored the blushing gazes of the maids and kitchen staff as he casually walked through the kitchens towards his destination: the Palace Gardens. Naruto had made the exact same journey to the exact same spot since he'd discovered the Palace Gardens. They held a view of the entire Imperial City and since the flowers were in a constant state of bloom – an apparent gift from Hashirama Senju and his wife Mito Uzumaki-Senju. The Gardens were blessed by Hashirama's chakra and sealed by Mito's Fūinjutsu – so their seasonal blooms lasted longer and the beautiful fragrance lingered longer.
It was for this very reason that Naruto journeyed there every morning to watch the sun rise over the Land of Fire – the scenery and the smells calmed him and was the perfect way for him to start the day. Naruto finally reached his destination and paused to breathe deeply of the garden's scent before hopping onto the high fence that separated the gardens from the kitchens and Palace.
Naruto sighed in bliss as the cool morning air brushed across his skin; his now waist length pony tail swaying gently to the wind's rhythm. He was oblivious to the young girls that worked at the Palace as they sighed dreamily at him … romance wasn't something that Naruto strived to understand. Oh, he was well aware that he'd have to carry on the Uzumaki Bloodline by taking a wife … or five if the Fire Daimyo had his way, but Naruto remained closed off on the topic, choosing to train harder and longer than the other recruits … he wanted to earn his place and not have it given to him for his status.
From his vantage point on the wall, Naruto watched the cherry blossoms fall gracefully to the ground, the peace of the courtyard and the chirping birds made it all the more beautiful to him.
"Your ritual, while soothing to the senses, is tiresome Copycat," Gilgamesh's voice echoed from the depths of Naruto's mind. Naruto ignored the voice – he wasn't going to let Gilgamesh ruin the start of his day. Gilgamesh huffed but remained silent – since he'd essentially repeated the exact same words every day since the ritual first began.
Instead of the customary banter between the two of them after a period of silence, the serenity of the morning was interrupted by the screams of the maids and kitchen staff. Naruto reluctantly cracked an eye open and slid it in the scream's direction.
"Fucking Guardians," slurred a male voice as he smashed an expensive bottle of Sake onto the wall outside the kitchens.
"Tsk," Naruto clicked his tongue in annoyance at the interruption. Picking up a nearby pebble, Naruto flicked it in the man's direction and watched it hit the drunken man square in the forehead.
"What? Who did that?" the man slurred once more – before his gaze landed on Naruto's slouched form on the wall. Once spotted, Naruto clicked his tongue again in irritation while the drunken man seemed to sober up … at least a little.
"Are they serious … they send the brat that can't use chakra to try to stop me?" the man taunted. "How you of all people got accepted for Guardian Training is beyond me, but hey, they need meat shields don't they?"
"Keep talking mongrel," Naruto spoke, projecting his 'Inner Gilgamesh'. "I was already here fool - you failed to sense me, but please keep going - give me a reason to remove you from this world."
Minoru immediately gulped at Naruto's words and fell silent – though that didn't last for long and he grew bold enough to speak.
"I'm not scared of you freak," Minoru snarled, though the tremor in his voice was unmistakeable. "Where do you get off talking to your superiors like that huh?"
Naruto let out a condescending chuckle. "Oh? I'm a Freak am I? And I feel your definition of whose superior over whom is rather twisted, as it is I that is superior to you … I am a King!"
Minoru blinked – a split second in time gone from the simple action – but that single moment of time cost Minoru deeply. For the next thing Minoru knew, he was falling. Minoru blinked again and grunted in pain as his back hit the dirt. He moved to stand but discovered why he had hit the ground in the first place as his legs had been severed from his body – right from the thigh down. Blood gushed out and showed no signs of stopping as he started to choke in air at the sight of his bloody stumps that used to be his legs.
Minoru wailed in shock as he glanced upwards to see Naruto.
Naruto stared down at him as if he were a mere pest.
"Feel honoured that you met your end by my hand worm," Naruto stated emotionlessly.
Minoru couldn't even scream in pain as the mixture of a burning sensation from whatever weapon Naruto had used, and the sheer amount of blood that he'd lost had all but destroyed his pain receptors … leaving him completely numb as Naruto simply raised a hand.
The hand descended lazily and that was all Minoru saw as seconds later a lance of pure gold pierced his chest … dead centre. Minoru only gurgled and choked on his own blood before his body slumped to the ground – a silent look of shock forever plastered on his face.
"You Chakra users never cease to disgust me," Naruto spat to the now dead ex-candidate. "You think chakra makes you superior to me … how foolish a thought."
Naruto tilted his head towards the sunrise and sighed sadly as it had already risen, signifying the new day.
"Tch, the ignorant fool cost me my morning entertainment," Naruto commented. "I'm starting to think that I should have made him suffer more. Next time I won't use Mana to destroy an enemy's nerve receptors … I'll let them feel the pain for disturbing my free time."
"Ara Ara little king … you're starting to sound more like me every day," Gilgamesh stated humorously. "I wonder if this is what a parent feels like … I'm so proud."
'Don't patronize me Gilgamesh, you may have granted me this power but your ideals are not my own," Naruto thought in annoyance. 'I may agree with you on these fools but I want to help people … not just watch them burn for your entertainment.'
Naruto could hear Gilgamesh's quiet growl before he huffed and disappeared back into his mindscape, but not before giving one last comment. "One day you will understand my little heir."
Naruto blinked as the Uzumaki King disappeared into his mind's depths … what was that supposed to mean? Shrugging, Naruto turned his gaze to the shadow of a tree and whispered. "Skull, come forth."
Less than a second later, Skull appeared and bowed lowly. "You called my King?"
"Yes, please dispose of this refuse … his blood is not fit for the grounds of the Imperial Palace," Naruto commented.
Skull bowed and several more members of the [Black Mask Division] materialized from seemingly nothing at all. They took Minoru's remains and sank back into the shadows, whilst another used a long forgotten Water Jutsu to erase the evidence.
Naruto sighed as Skull left with his mysterious comrades back into the shadows … he couldn't figure them out, were they human or summons? He glanced at the sun and grimaced, he was going to be late if he didn't hurry … he just hoped that his day didn't get any worse.
Little did Naruto know that he'd jinxed himself … or that on that particular day, he'd earn his second moniker.
..::..
Mikoto Uchiha woke feeling well rested and content with her life, true she was still married to that monster Fugaku, but her life had only gotten better … as had her relationship with her son, Naruto. They often spent the afternoons together, either over tea and conversation or just in silence playing a game or two of Shogi. There were the rare moments where her day wasn't so full in the capital, where they trained with each other … but with Naruto training with the Guardians and undertaking missions on the Fire Daimyo's behalf – completely for trainings sake of course, she was often left to her thoughts and they drifted to her home in Konoha.
Despite her youngest son's attitude, she did care for Sasuke's wellbeing, but it was Itachi that had her worried. Itachi had apparently become a bit of a recluse, and he had been acting strangely. Things were continuing to stir amongst the Uchiha Clan and Mikoto knew it. She wasn't blind to the machinations of her husband, and Fugaku had alluded to a plan that would restore the Uchiha's rightful place … or so he said.
Mikoto glanced to the sky, it was time for breakfast and knowing Naruto and his training habits, he'd likely neglect to eat. He really did enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the sunrise and sunset … her thoughts were interrupted by a Crow flying through the open window. It took her a mere second to recognise it as one of Itachi's summons and she quickly took the attached scroll. She read the information in disbelief … her Clan, her family was in trouble … they were planning a coup and they intended to strike tomorrow night.
Mikoto stood hurriedly and wrote a reply stating that she'd make haste and rush there to try to stop it … just like Itachi had suggested … in her fear and anxiety, Mikoto never noticed that while a good forgery, it wasn't Itachi's handwriting and the Crow was simply an ordinary Crow that had been trained and disguised with a subtle Genjutsu that she would've noticed if her Sharingan had been active.
In her rush, she informed one of the passing Guardians of her intentions … the young woman nodded and took off to inform the Fire Daimyo and the King of Uzu.
..::..
Naruto had a bad feeling, it was the kind of feeling that he usually started to get when really bad news was coming, and judging by the rushing and quite nervous looking Guardian running towards the Fire Daimyo and himself … it was going to be very bad news.
The Guardian, in a testament to her training, didn't even sound winded and once the relayed message was delivered, she left. Naruto immediately stood and glared at the floor in thought.
"I'm sure that she'll be fine Lord Uzumaki," the Fire Daimyo spoke. "Your mother is as strong as some of my Guardians … I would even recruit her if I could."
Naruto shifted his gaze to the Daimyo's. "Something's not right … my Lord."
Fire Daimyo, Masahiko Shinji tensed as he remembered the last time Naruto gazed at him like that. It was just before the Ninja Guardian Coup, and that was thankfully over before it began … thanks to the combined efforts of Asuma, Chiriku and Naruto.
"You really believe something is wrong?" he asked seriously.
"Of course," Naruto responded promptly. "But I will have one of my summons shadow her and reverse summon me, if something is amiss."
The Daimyo nodded thoughtfully. "A very reasonable suggestion … but she's your mother."
"Meaning my Lord," Naruto instantly replied. "My training here and your safety has precedence … do not mistake my blasé attitude for complete indifference. I would rather drop everything to follow and protect her."
The Daimyo nodded, very pleased by the answer. "Then go … I'm sure you can catch her if you rush."
Naruto blinked. "Are you quite certain my Lord?"
At the Fire Daimyo's nod, Naruto didn't even hesitate to teleport out of the room … and minutes later, Naruto burst into his mother's quarters. He found the letter and analysed it with a critical eye, Sharingan activated. He noticed the loops and the slight tremor that the person who'd written it had tried to conceal, but to Naruto, who had read a letter from Itachi in the past … it was clearly a forgery.
If the letter was to be understood correctly … the Uchiha Clan was attempting a little coup … but why would they want Mikoto to be there?
Naruto's eyes widened as the thought hit him. 'Whoever has planned this wants to make sure that there are no witnesses and that means no Uchiha Clan survivors … that means that they intend to dispose of my mother? T-The sheer … audacity of these fools … they will pay for trying to take something that belongs to me.'
Mere minutes later, a fully equipped Naruto was rushing out of the Imperial City at full speed.
"Something is very wrong," Naruto muttered to himself, his Sharingan eyes active and memorising absolutely everything that crossed his path. "I need to be faster … if I cut across the borders of Kiri and Wave and I can match her estimated travelling speed … then I could cut her off and safely travel with her to uncover what this is all about."
Naruto's mind made up, he changed course, intent catching his mother.
..::..
She was going to die … she knew she was, this revelation had forced her to abandon her spot at the garbage bins and now she was content to find a quiet and preferably pretty place to die. She had been suffering for so long now, she was already 14 years old with four, almost 5 years of that time spent on the street, and she'd managed to prevent being attacked like the other girls by hiding under copious amounts of dirt and garbage.
"Why … why did you do it Tou-chan?" the girl sniffled to herself. "Why did you kill kaa-chan and try to kill me?"
Unfortunately for the young girl, someone overheard her sniffling.
"Well, what do we have here?" a gruff voice burped.
'Oh no … that's the sex trade slaver,' the girl sobbed as the man walked closer. 'And he's drunk too.'
The man was rather diminutive in stature, and possessed a chubby appearance. He was well known in Kiri as a man that could provide certain people with certain … tastes. His business was the pleasure of others and he used any means necessary in obtaining 'merchandise' that would further please his customers and line his pockets.
The man burped again, the smell of cheap sake wafting through the air as he closed the distance between the girl and himself. The winter snow did little to help the girl's situation as the wetness that it provided had removed some of her protective camouflage of dirt and grime, and helped to reveal her 14 year old form.
"You are a pretty little thing aren't you?" he sneered. "You'd fetch a lovely price with some of my more … particular clients."
The girl shivered, and not just because of the snow as the man staggered closer. The girl would have had the ability to defend herself against the drunk were it not for her weak and emaciated state, so instead all she could do was let out a weak scream as he grabbed her by her hair roughly.
The man dragged her by her hair towards the closest building in which he did business, but he didn't count on a soft spoken, but deadly voice stopping him.
"Release the girl and leave midget," the voice hissed. "Or I shall take great pleasure in tearing you limb from limb."
..::..
Naruto was rushing through the forest and making excellent time as well, his ability to utilize his Mana was so refined now that he didn't break a sweat as he pumped it into his legs to increase his speed and reaction time.
A weak and muffled scream drew his attention and caused him to come to a complete stop. He hesitated briefly, he needed to get to his mother as fast as he could, but his very sense of justice and honour compelled him to investigate the source.
"Your bleeding heart is unbecoming my heir," Gilgamesh's voice echoed with a hint of aggravation.
'And I'm pretty sure that I don't care what you think at the moment Gilgamesh,' Naruto mentally retorted. 'Just because you don't value life as I do, doesn't give you command over me … don't make the mistake of thinking that I have to obey your whims.'
Gilgamesh growled but otherwise went silent … his time would come and he'd show his heir the right way of thinking. Naruto nodded to himself as he made up his mind … he'd investigate the source himself. He created a clone to move ahead and scout the path; perhaps he'd get lucky and come across his mother.
The scene that he arrived to was of a short, fat man that was dragging a girl maybe a year older than him by her hair towards a shady looking warehouse. Naruto wasn't stupid, he knew exactly what the man was thinking of doing to the girl and he'd seen the man's picture in the Fire Daimyo's folder of targets to avoid in business deals … the man's name was Gato.
"Release the girl and leave midget," Naruto hissed. "Or I shall take great pleasure in tearing you limb from limb."
The short man turned drunkenly in anger for being interrupted and insulted, but whatever he was about to say vanished as he gazed upon the voice's owner … it was a child with long black hair in a high ponytail. He was dressed in high quality Ninja Attire and his eyes were a crimson red that glowed with a dangerous glint … the man was no fool and he let the girl go as if burned.
"F-Fine," he stuttered. "Take the bitch and leave me alone."
Naruto debated as to whether or not to end the man's existence, but ended up just watching the man run for dear life before shifting his gaze to meet the girls.
"Are you injured girl?" Naruto spoke clearly.
She shook her head negatively and he sighed in relief, though that changed as she opened her mouth to respond to him.
"I am fine Ninja-sama," she smiled.
"Then I believe it would be best for you to return to your home," he suggested.
"I … I no longer have a home to return to Ninja-sama," she responded sadly.
"Why do you address me in such a manner?" he replied with curiosity. "Furthermore … what is your name girl?"
The girl smiled a truly beautiful smile in response. "You saved me Ninja-sama, and I am thankful for it … that man would have sold me as a prostitute."
"I see," Naruto pondered out loud. He seemed to be deep in thought and appeared conflicted as well.
'I cannot just leave her here alone,' Naruto thought to himself. 'But I've already lost too much time by saving her. I'll offer her protection and have her follow me … that would be the best course of action. My clone hasn't dispelled so I can assume that the path ahead is clear of danger."
"If you wish, you may come with me," Naruto finally spoke. "I offer you protection from the retaliation that would no doubt arise from my stopping that man."
The girl's smile was infectious and Naruto smiled softly in return. "Well?"
She happily nodded her consent and bowed her head, she had finally found someone that would treat her well and she'd serve him faithfully. "I accept your offer Ninja-sama."
"My name is Naruto," Naruto introduced. "Naruto Uzumaki … again I ask you; what is your name?"
"Naruto-sama," she chirped happily, testing the name of her saviour on her tongue, she quickly memorised her new master's name before answering his question. "My name is Haku."
..::..
Whilst the real Naruto saw to the protection of the girl, Haku … his Kage Bunshin had made an incredible amount of progress. The clone had picked up his mother's signature and was getting closer to her location. Mikoto was cutting cleanly through the Land of Fire, no hidden routes or double backing either … just a straight line through to Konoha and her speed was amazing … it was moments like these that reminded Naruto that his mother was still considered an A-Rank Kunoichi.
The Clone stopped rather suddenly, he felt like he'd just crossed into another dimension … and a sign to the Mana User, clone or not, that he'd crossed into a bound field … but was it Genjutsu or Fūinjutsu, or maybe rarer still … both. The Clone wasn't about to risk his progress though, channelling his Mana, the Clone pressed his hand, palm down into the soil. He subtly sent a wave of his Mana into his surroundings – forceful enough to differentiate his surroundings, but not enough to alert the user/s to his position.
He frowned at the results, there was nothing wrong according to his sensory technique, that in itself of course was suspicious but he'd clearly felt the shift. So either the user/s was of a higher level of Fūinjutsu than he was, or he'd imagined the feeling.
'There's no time to second guess myself,' the Clone thought. 'My original must be made aware of this though, I don't possess enough Mana to investigate or summon, I have no choice but to dispel and notify my creator."
The Clone dispelled himself seconds later and transferred the knowledge to his creator.
..::..
Naruto paused in his step and blinked as the information he'd received from his clone sorted itself out in his brain.
'Shit,' Naruto swore. 'Whatever that bound field was … it was created by a master in the Arts of Old.'
Naruto unsealed a map from his pack and unrolled it, using the trunk of the tree as a makeshift board. He used a pencil to mark the location on his map and then surveyed the surrounding area.
'The Land of Waves,' Naruto mused thoughtfully. 'Interesting … perhaps it's an Uzumaki Outpost, warded by those who aren't of Uzumaki Blood?'
"Pardon me Naruto-sama … why have we stopped?" Haku's soft voice sounded from beside him.
"Ah Haku, my clone just dispelled itself," Naruto answered. "I will carry onwards but I'll have a Clone escort you back to the Daimyo's Palace, my Clone will provide for your care until I return."
Haku looked to complain, but thought twice on the matter. In the end she settled on merely nodding and replied softly as her voice was, while her doe-coloured brown eyes were full of worry.
"I understand Naruto-sama," Haku replied softly. "Please stay safe."
Naruto raised a brow, less than an hour of travelling together after he saved her, fed her and then treated her wounds and she was this devoted to him? The memory of Sakura and her mother flashed into his mind and he sighed.
"Haku," Naruto spoke calmly. "I do not need nor want mindless servants."
Haku's face became ashen and tears welled up in her eyes. "I-I understand Naruto-sama … do you want me to go?"
Naruto silently cursed his bleeding heart as it thumped painfully. "No Haku! I'm merely telling you that I don't want a servant … but I do want a friend."
Haku blinked her still teary eyes. "I don't understand Naruto-sama."
"Haku, I want you to be my friend … not my servant." Naruto supplied. "I have too many people that simper about me and treat me politely, but no one to be a true friend … will you please be my friend Haku."
Haku blushed softly; she really did find the one person that she could call precious to her.
Haku nodded shyly. "Hai Naruto-kun."
Naruto beamed a smile. "There you go Haku-chan."
Haku turned her head and blushed once more while Naruto created another clone, though he reinforced this new one with extra Mana.
"I want you to return to the Capital and take Haku-chan here with you … give the Fire Daimyo my promise of an explanation on my return, but I want you to stay with Haku and oversee her recovery until I do return … questions?" Naruto ordered his Clone, upon receiving a negative from his clone he nodded.
Thinking twice on the matter, Naruto looked to a shadowy tree and called for Skull. "Skull, I have need of you."
"What is thy command, my king?" Skull spoke in his gravelly voice.
"I command you to follow my Clone and Haku-chan here," Naruto commanded as he gestured to the two of them. "And ensure that they reach the Daimyo's Palace as soon as possible."
"It will be done, my lord," Skull intoned as he melted back into the tree's shadow. Naruto nodded and turned to speak to Haku again. Haku surprised him as instead of fear reflected in her eyes over seeing Skull, a curious gleam was there instead.
"I promise to return soon, I don't know when but you will be well cared for until I do … okay?" Naruto spoke softly.
Haku nodded shyly and waved goodbye to Naruto as he turned and zoomed off.
'Naruto-kun,' Haku thought blissfully as a blush found its way onto her face. 'My precious person.'
..::..
Naruto took in a deep breath as he watched Haku leave with his Shadow Clone. It was the first time, in a long time, that he'd felt so conflicted about another person, aside from his makeshift family. He couldn't, and certainly wouldn't deny that he'd become distant and even arrogant since he'd merged with Gilgamesh; the fact that he'd also inherited the Uzumaki Ancestor's infamous temper was certainly clear to any that knew what to look for. His reason for being conflicted was due to the already strong display of devotion from the doe eyed girl. Never before had someone, other than his family, drawn his caring side out so easily … and while the human Uzumaki in him liked it, the Uzumaki side inherited from Gilgamesh, despised it. Emotions were an attachment that he couldn't afford until he'd grown enough in power to protect his loved ones.
Naruto's eyes widened suddenly as he instantly realised that he'd sounded just like Danzo Shimura.
After the destruction of ROOT, by his order, the [Black Mask Division] had provided a complete Dossier on the man, complete with a full Psychological Profile. Naruto effectively knew how the man worked, his Sharingan helped greatly in that regard, as memorizing the man's methods proved rather useful, especially when reviewing Danzo's training programs and strategic mind. The man was truly despicable – but while despicable, his methods pathed the way for new Military Training that the Hokage and his pseudo-grandfather, Hiruzen, had implemented instantly to the original ANBU Training.
Within the next year, the fresh crop of ANBU would prove to the Elemental Nations that Konoha was still at the forefront in Military Training … at least, where their ANBU were concerned, their Gennin Training Program needed reviewing, but that wasn't necessary to the task at hand.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Naruto exhaled sharply. Upon the release of his breath, he shot off the ground and into the trees like a rocket, travelling at incredible speeds to make up for the lost time … he'd reach Konoha in two hours if he kept up his pace.
'Please be fine kaa-chan,' Naruto prayed.
..::..
Haku watched the Naruto Clone like a hawk, watching how her saviour moved, breathed and surveyed everything with startling precision. Even something simple, like navigating his way through the forests of Hi no Kuni (The Land of Fire) seemed to come so easily to him that it bordered on an art form. Her saviour's clone's eyes picked up the smallest of details, and all but glided with the shifting air currents without needing to stop or adjust, like she'd seen so many others with Shinobi Training do.
"You are staring Haku-san," the Clone commented, breaking Haku's thoughts. "Please inform me if you require a break or medical attention."
Haku blushed at being caught but replied quickly. "I-I'm alright, I promise. I was just distracted by your ability to navigate the terrain."
"I see, is it your desire to learn?" Naruto enquired without pausing in his pace.
"The Ninja Arts," Haku pondered out loud. "Perhaps the Medical Arts, rather than Ninjutsu … but I want to master the Yuki Clan's Kekkei Genkai."
"Is that so, in that case, I'd be happy for you to join me in my training," Naruto replied calmly.
Haku faltered briefly in her steps at Naruto's reply, and she looked to him in shock. "Just like that, you'd allow me such freedom?"
Naruto suddenly stopped on a branch and looked to her thoughtfully. "Yes, just like that. You seem to forget that my creator wished you to be his/my friend, not servant. Like he explained earlier, he has too many people who simper and serve him. He has no true friends, outside of an acquaintance from Konoha called Sakura Haruno. I believe that he would want you to reach your full potential, he/I … we have no intentions of denying you your chance to achieve your goals in life."
Haku's eyes started to mist over, as tears formed. No one bar her now deceased mother believed that she could accomplish her dream of mastering the Ice Release Bloodline, but even then, her mother forced her to hide her natural born gifts from her father.
"Thank you," was all she could whisper in reply.
"You … you're welcome," the Clone replied hesitantly – he was nervous and inexperienced with comforting others, after all. "We should press on Haku-san, the Imperial City is still several hours away, and I promised my creator to have you there as soon as possible."
Haku nodded with a small but happy smile on her face. "Let's go then."
..::..
Naruto finally caught a glimpse of Konoha in the distance. He was tired – both physically and mentally, but he was on a tight schedule. Landing in front of the check-in station, manned by the infamous 'Eternal Chunin' in a rather impressive fashion – as he'd created a small crater due to the enormous amount of Mana running through his body – he immediately presented his Guardian's Identification, before quickly signing in and speeding off in a scarily impressive imitation of his father's Hiraishin no Jutsu.
He came to an abrupt halt as he came upon the gates to the Uchiha District. To his immediate joy, his mother was standing there looking at him in surprise and a little nervousness. Naruto breathed deeply as he simply strolled up in a brisk pace and hugged her tightly.
"Don't ever just disappear like that Kaa-chan," Naruto murmured softly. "I was worried; you do know that the letter from Itachi was fake right?"
Mikoto gasped at his revelation.
"I-I didn't," she replied. "I thought it was genuine, that is until I ran into Itachi here."
Naruto shifted his fully matured Sharingan gaze to Itachi and watched the boy closely. Itachi was genuinely surprised to see that Naruto possessed the Sharingan, let alone a fully matured set, but he wasn't a genius for nothing and he immediately connected the dots.
"I see, Mother's irregular hospital visits," Itachi commented. "You are the reason for her Blood and Chakra infusion appointments years ago."
Naruto narrowed his gaze at Itachi, but it didn't deter the boy from continuing.
"Nevertheless, you do possess the Sharingan," Itachi continued, before a genuine smile made its way onto his face. "I'm rather glad to see a non-Uchiha possess our sacred Bloodline – I was beginning to lose hope about the future of our Clan. The inbreeding alone has caused our once great Clan to fall into hatred and insanity. Father is a perfect example – though I do believe that he's nothing more than a puppet at the moment."
"What do you mean Itachi-san?" Naruto enquired, while Gilgamesh listened closely.
"What I mean, Uzumaki-sama," Itachi responded. "Is that my father's actions are clearly not of his own volition. Or at least he's not the architect of his crazy plan – my father is unfortunately not that bright a man."
Mikoto gasped at Itachi's comment; clearly a lot had changed in Konoha since her departure. Itachi had shown more emotion, despite his emotionless face, than she'd ever witnessed before – and it pleased her to no end. Her son was growing up well.
"We have to go now," stressed Itachi. "Father has allowed an unknown man into the Uchiha Temple, and his chakra alone is dark in nature."
Naruto twitched as Gilgamesh informed him of an interesting piece of information.
"The Uchiha Temple once belonged to the Uzumaki Clan," Naruto revealed, as he tapped his chin in thought. "It has several Fūinjutsu Sealing Arrays that are vital to the Village's Security, and if a single Seal was altered or destroyed … the Village would be open to all enemies – foreign or domestic. It would take Hokage-sama, Lady Namikaze, Jiraiya-sensei and I to restore them – and that could take months, even up to a year to accomplish."
Itachi's gaze narrowed and Mikoto gasped.
"Then we can waste no more time dawdling," Itachi firmly stated.
"Agreed Itachi-san," Naruto promptly replied. "I am skilled in all ranges of Combat, though I excel at long and close range combat more so than mid-range."
"And I know Mother excels at Mid-range combat," Itachi pondered. "Whilst I am like you in regards to combat proficiency."
"Then we appear to complement each other's individual skills," Naruto concluded, before gesturing in the direction of the Uchiha Temple. "Excellent, I believe I speak for all of us when I say – after you Itachi-san."
Itachi smiled at the comment, he liked the Uzumaki. Mikoto watched the interaction with great interest – she'd often pondered the outcome of these two meeting, and it appeared as though she had her answer. Mikoto smiled at the scene, this was what she wanted her family to be like.
Itachi spun and launched himself into the compound, many Uchiha Civilians watching in awe as he did so. Naruto and Mikoto followed suit and followed the young Uchiha. They were blurs to the many confused onlookers – they could tell something was wrong, but they could do nothing but watch the trio head towards their most sacred of places – the Uchiha Temple.
..::..
Haku was in awe as she watched her saviour's clone speak to the Fire Daimyo. The clone was completely at ease, even though he was addressing one of the most powerful men in the entire Elemental Nations. She watched as they discussed various topics in relatively quiet tones, before the clone gestured to her and then to the Imperial Palace. The Fire Daimyo adopted a rather knowing look, before nodding to the clone.
"The Fire Daimyo has granted you sanctuary, as you are under my personal protection," Naruto's clone informed her. "We will rest here and get you treated medically while waiting for word from the boss."
Haku nodded shyly, the kindness shown to her wasn't something she was used to, and Naruto was already becoming the most precious person to her. His continued kindness and his actions to help her, further cemented that truth: Naruto wasn't just her precious person, he was her most precious person … and she'd die to protect him.
..::..
As Itachi, Naruto and Mikoto arrived at the Uchiha Temple, they watched as Fugaku spotted them and rushed one of the figures inside whilst he, and the other figure turned to them, preparing to fight.
The trio came to a complete stop in front of Fugaku and the other figure.
"Itachi-san, correct me if I'm wrong," Naruto enquired. "But did you not say that only one man had accompanied your father?"
"Hn, misinformation is used on both enemies and allies," Itachi replied casually. "I didn't think you'd complain about it though."
"I don't need you to lecture me on 'The Art of War', Itachi-san," Naruto chuckled. "And I'm certainly not complaining, I was merely stating the obvious – you got something wrong."
If Itachi reacted to the barb – he didn't show it, but a small smile appeared on his face.
"Oh, we must play Shogi sometime Uzumaki-sama," Itachi offered.
"Your gracious invitation is accepted Itachi-san," Naruto replied, smiling back. "And please, you may address me by my first name."
As Naruto and Itachi bantered back and forth, Mikoto noticed that Fugaku was getting rather irritated by their civility towards one another, if she didn't know any better; she'd think that they were doing it deliberately. Wait – they were! Fugaku's irritation was going to make him reckless – it was a genius move by her two children.
"Enough," Fugaku commanded. He turned to the figure next to him and spoke to the individual. "Orochimaru-sama ordered you to help me, so help me fool."
The figure's hand twitched and they turned their head to glare at Fugaku.
"Orochimaru-sama ordered me to stall his enemies," a male voice spoke. "Not to help you Uchiha."
Fugaku scowled and raised a kunai to show the peasant who was boss, but he found himself being sent flying into a stone pillar from the temple, his body pierced to it by multiple bones.
Fugaku Uchiha was dead in seconds.
The method of disposal however, notified both Itachi and Naruto to the only Clan that possessed such a skill – The Kaguya Clan.
"Interesting," came Naruto's whistled response. "A Kaguya with the Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) still yet lives."
The newly identified Kaguya removed his cloak and revealed himself to the trio of Ninja. [AN1]
The Kaguya tilted his head in respect to the trio. "You are not like others that I've faced. You're all calm, collected and in control of your emotions. It's a pity that you must meet your end here. I am Kimimaro Kaguya and I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Well, your manners are impeccable Kimimaro-san," Naruto responded, he paused before continuing. "I can address you as Kimimaro, can't I?"
Kimimaro nodded softly. "Address me as you wish, for you shall all perish here."
"In that case," Naruto smiled in response. "I am Naruto Uzumaki – a pleasure Kimimaro-san."
Mikoto and Itachi followed suit and introduced themselves, though they found it rather strange to introduce themselves to a foe.
"Forgive them Kimimaro-san," Naruto continued to smile – it unnerved the Kaguya for some reason. "They are not familiar with formalities pertaining to Clans such as ours – us being related and all."
That confused the Kaguya. "We are not related Uzumaki-san."
"Please – Naruto is fine," Naruto chided. "And but we are related. The Kaguya Clan was originally the outcasts of the Hyūga Clan – their blood relatives. The Kaguya Clan sought their own path, and created a peace-pact with the original King Gilgamesh. The Uzumaki Clan and the Kaguya Clan were then joined by marriage – your first female Shikotsumyaku user and the original King of Uzu. So in short Kimimaro-san … we are related."
Kimimaro stared at the strange Uzumaki. He had family? Sure, the Uzumaki didn't share the Dead Bone Pulse Bloodline, but they were related … a pity.
"This does not change your fate," Kimimaro replied. "Lord Orochimaru has tasked me with stalling you, so stall you I shall. Please remain where you are – lest I am forced to terminate you Uzumaki-san."
"Well, I did try," Naruto shrugged, before a truly powerful glare was levelled at the Kaguya. "And if you insist on being formal – it's King Uzumaki to you!"
Kimimaro shivered, that look was all too similar to a certain Snake Sannin. It was a look that demanded respect and radiated power.
'I may have to use my Curse Seal to fight these ones,' Kimimaro thought.
That thought was frozen however, as a thick blanket of Spiritual Energy engulfed the entire area. He cautiously glanced at the Uzumaki King and he instantly regretted the action. Naruto's eyes were glowing ominously, the red of the Sharingan spinning slowly only increased the intimidation of the sight. Itachi and Mikoto's gazes weren't helping.
'Perhaps fighting the Sharingan is a bad idea,' Kimimaro shivered.
Before Kimimaro could blink, Naruto vanished in a sudden blur of speed. He appeared behind him in the blink of an eye and thrust down. Kimimaro wasn't worried, that was until a weapon magically materialised out of thin air. Naruto growled as he pushed his weight into the strike, and then, something that Kimimaro couldn't fathom occurred. Naruto's blade sliced into the flesh of his shoulder, effortlessly cutting through his tissue as if it were paper. This was impossible though – the Kaguya had instantly reinforced that area of his body with his bloodline, and it shouldn't have been possible for the Uzumaki to wound him – but he had.
Kimimaro hissed and forced his bones to attack the black haired Uzumaki. The strike hit true and Naruto's eyes widened before he coughed out blood and hit the ground. Kimimaro was about to check the corpse when it suddenly burst into a hauntingly beautiful cloud of black ravens. He swerved his head around just in time to avoid an otherwise fatal strike to the head, courtesy of Mikoto, who'd unsealed her legendary Katana called Black Blade – so named for its 100% pure chakra blade, tainted by the blood of the blacksmith who created it. The Blade had come out looking completely Black, though once dyed in blood; it looked as though it was drinking it up.
He struck her in her left breast, but she too then dissolved into Black Ravens. Kimimaro's gaze turned to Itachi – he was the one casting Genjutsu. Kimimaro charged forward and lifted his hand towards the Uchiha boy.
"Teshi Sendan (Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets)," Kimimaro cried out.
Itachi simply flickered out of existence and appeared behind the Kaguya, effortlessly dodging the then finger fragments of bone launched at him. Itachi gracefully flowed through hand signs before taking a deep breath and whispering his technique.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)," Itachi simply whispered, almost completely silent.
A giant ball of fire left Itachi's mouth and flew at Kimimaro; its speed was astounding, as it was almost triple the speed of a normal version of the technique. Kimimaro spun his body, his bones creating a shield around him. He took the attack, but staggered at the power behind it – this Uchiha was more powerful than he appeared to be.
He had a moment to register that another was in his personal space, before Mikoto somehow materialised above him, angling her Black Blade to take his arm off. Kimimaro shifted his weight and redirected the blow, but was unable to dodge the kunai that found its way into his right thigh, courtesy of Itachi. The teamwork and effortless flow of battle between the two Uchiha were astounding to the Kaguya, it made him grow quite concerned as to the outcome of this battle – wait … Uchiha? Where was the Uzumaki?
His answer came from a long, pure white arrow that pierced his chest, narrowly missing his heart. Kimimaro gasped in pain, he couldn't die like this – he would have to use the Curse Seal. Willing the energy to come forth, he was surprised when it didn't respond. Kimimaro tried again, but yet again, it didn't respond. He was about to try again when pain registered in his mind. Glancing down he saw another pure white arrow lodged in his chest, right on top of the Curse Seal.
Another followed – right through his left arm, then a secondary arrow to the right arm. Two more followed to the legs, right where the hip met the leg – crushing his sockets. He refused to cry out in pain though, and held his head up high in defiance to the trio that had brought him to his knees without much effort. He was helpless as both Uchiha raised their respective weapons and stabbed them through his stomach. The last thing he saw was Naruto approaching slowly, he murmured something to the woman Uchiha before he gently placed a thumb to his forehead and his palm to his chest … then there was darkness.
Kimimaro Kaguya … was defeated.
The trio's short victory was cut short as a shockwave shook the ground.
"Looks like Orochimaru found the Fūinjutsu Pillar," Naruto commented idly. "You may wish to alert the Hokage, Itachi-san. He's already on route but a status report might stop any unnecessary loss of life."
"Of course … Naruto-san," Itachi replied. He vanished in a puff of smoke seconds later, indicating the Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique).
Naruto turned to Mikoto and gestured to the screaming civilians nearby. "You should go and calm your people Kaa-chan."
Mikoto nodded, proud of her son and of how far he'd come as both a human and a Guardian. She forgot about Orochimaru though.
As soon as Mikoto had left, Naruto turned his attention to the Temples entrance. "I guess I have a snake to distract."
..::..
Orochimaru was rather pleased with himself.
Tricking Fugaku had been child's play, a mere promise of power – to return the prestige to the Uchiha Clan, and the man was an obedient servant to be used. His desire for the Sharingan was on hold at this point, it wouldn't stop him from taking a child or two on the way out, but his current goal was the Infamous Uzumaki Fūinjutsu Sealing Arrays, that lay innocently and unprotected in the Temples darkest depths.
It took him several twists, turns and redirections, but he found it! The central Fūinjutsu Pillar – not only did it hold the future of Konoha's Defences, but it also held the secrets to perfecting his Curse Seals. He lifted his arm to touch it and instantly drew back as a powerful surge of electricity cut his approach. Orochimaru frowned, so close yet it appeared to be still too far out of his reach. No matter – he had the ability to decipher them without touching them. He'd have to return to destroy Konoha's Defences later.
He ignored the shockwave as he activated his Copying Jutsu, so he could copy the writings; he heard the slow approaching steps of an unknown person and turned, the boy in front of him was clearly an Uchiha, but how did he navigate an Uzumaki Temple so easily? Grinning at his stroke of fortune, Orochimaru turned to face the child, removing his cloak in the process.
..::..
Naruto used the memories granted to him by Gilgamesh to navigate the maze that was the Old Uzumaki – now Uchiha Temple. The Temple was given to the Uchiha, by their demands – so that the peace treaty could be settled. It seemed that the Uchiha Clan weren't as foolish as they appeared to be by Gilgamesh. They knew that there was something of worth there – they just didn't know what, and now this Orochimaru had discovered what was there: the Uzumaki Clan's Cursed Seals. Sure the Security and Defence Seals were there too, but any Seal Master worth their salt would kill to get their hands on the forbidden knowledge that the seals held. They were sealed there, never to return after the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, used them in a crude fashion to imprison the minds of his ANBU, thus the birth of the ROOT Seal of Silence.
The Uzumaki had forever sealed that knowledge away, but Orochimaru found it – the question was how? It didn't matter, all that mattered at that moment was stopping the Snake Sannin, or at least delay him until the Hokage arrived.
Finally reaching the Central Pillar Chamber, he was startled to find the room alight from the Seals on the Pillar. Did Orochimaru have an Uzumaki Copying Technique – he must have, or the Seals would remain dormant.
Naruto calmly walked into the room, watching as Orochimaru smoothly turned whilst discarding his cloak in one movement. As the face of the Snake Sannin was revealed, Naruto's left eye twitched and his eyes narrowed into a sharp glare, Sharingan active.
Orochimaru smirked as he raised an arm and instantly serpents were unleashed into the room, heading right for Naruto.
Twenty feet away – Naruto raised an arm.
Fifteen feet away – he summoned his Mana.
Ten feet away – and Naruto had already created his weapons.
Five feet away – Naruto lazily pointed to the Snake Sannin.
Right on him – and they were cut into ribbons, whilst Orochimaru was astounded when he was suddenly surrounded by blades, axes, lances and spears. There seemed to be no escape – but it was his curiosity that had been peaked. He'd never even heard of an Uchiha with this ability … he had to have this child. Using what knowledge of the Curse Seals he had gleaned, along with his already brilliant skill, he struck.
Quicker than Naruto could realise – even with his Sharingan, he found Orochimaru had used a hole in his technique and his neck had extended, just like his summons. Seconds later he felt excruciating pain erupt from his neck. He screamed as his body felt like it was on fire, whilst Orochimaru simply watched as the various weapons fell to the ground and shattered like glass.
"KuKuKu," he chuckled ominously. "I don't know your name child, but with that mark – you will seek me out soon. But dear me, it seems we have guests waiting outside and it would be a shame to leave without greeting them."
Orochimaru left Naruto there, gasping and screaming in pain. He walked through the maze-like labyrinth and revealed himself to his waiting audience.
Said audience consisted of the Minato Namikaze, Kushina Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsunade Senju, Mikoto Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, along with several platoons of ANBU.
"KuKuKu," Orochimaru snickered. "Hello there dear sensei, how lovely to see you again. And Tsunade – a pleasure as always; all we need now is that big oaf Jiraiya, and we'd be a complete set."
The various Leaf-Nins growled, but it was Hiruzen that spoke.
"Orochimaru, you're surrounded," he spoke fiercely. "Give up now and surrender."
Orochimaru cackled. "Surely you're joking dearest sensei – did you honestly believe that I came here without an escape strategy."
The Ninja all tensed at the statement, Tsunade growled menacingly and spoke.
"What did you come back for traitor," Tsunade hissed.
"Oh dear, sweet Tsunade," Orochimaru spoke, as if speaking to a child. "I came for two things, knowledge and the Sharingan. Since the wonderfully talented child that detained me is currently writhing in pain from my little gift, I would say that I was successful no? KuKuKu."
It took seconds for Mikoto to realise just who he meant. "N-Naruto-kun, what did you do you monster?"
"His name is Naruto then," Orochimaru pondered. "I look forward to seeing just how he uses my little gift … assuming he survives of course."
Mikoto screamed as she ran forward, the Snake Sannin swiftly dodged and impaled her with his Kusanagi. He gave a truly ecstatic look that screamed pleasure before he dropped her and glanced back at the group.
"How … disappointing," he chided. "I had hoped for a challenge, but I'm afraid that I must be saying goodbye."
He ran through a staggering fifty hand signs before slamming his hands on to the ground.
"This technique has no name yet," he sighed dramatically. "I'll be sure to think of one for the next time we meet. KuKuKu."
The nearby civilians screamed in fear as a literal army of serpents spewed forth from the ground. They attacked all without mercy; their venom was far deadlier than their bites were. The Leaf-Nin were a blur of motion, they struck as many as they could, but for every snake they slayed, ten would replace it. It was never ending, and they weren't sure how to end the technique.
..::..
Naruto groaned in pain as he shuffled to his side. He whimpered as every movement caused him unfathomable amounts of pain, he could hear Gilgamesh berating him for looking weak in front of the enemy, and for once he couldn't disagree with the Ancient King.
He had failed miserably.
Fighting through the agony, he managed to stand on shaky legs and looked to his reflection on a nearby mirrored pillar. The bite mark was still swollen, but his noticeably newest feature, was a glowing seal on his chest. It flared an angry red as he gazed at it, almost like it was alive. The Seal was a simple singular line that went straight down his chest. At the bottom of the Seal, two circular lines cut it off, making it appear as two almost complete circles; it was completed by another circular line that sat in the opposite direction of the others. [AN2]
"Ara Ara little King," Gilgamesh taunting voice echoed in his head. "A Fourth Heaven's Feel Sealing Mark. How … appropriate that this is the seal he branded you with. The foolish mongrel thought he's cursed you, but he's blessed you instead."
"Blessed me, what do you mean Gilgamesh?" Naruto hissed as the pain was still unbearably strong. "At least tell me if I can purify it."
His answer was silence and he shrugged awkwardly.
Finally getting his balance, Naruto limped out of the Temple. As he finally stepped outside, the chaos unleashed was horrible. Many Uchiha civilians and Ninja were lying dead, their precious blood dyeing the streets below as children screamed in terror. Naruto hobbled his way over to the steps of the Temple, and that's when he saw it.
His mother: Mikoto Uchiha, lying there and not moving. Tsunade was struggling to heal everyone but she was being beaten by the amount of people dying.
Naruto didn't hear the cries of worry from Tsunade or Hiruzen, all he saw was Mikoto. Her body lying motionless as blood, her blood pooled around her. Pure unadulterated fury and hatred swept through him like a fire … it burned through his veins and the Seal on his chest lit up to match his fury. Then pain, his eyes burned hotter than he had ever felt before, he felt his eyes changing, but that paled in comparison to the pain in his heart as he gazed upon his mother's body.
If he'd paid attention to Tsunade or Hiruzen, he'd have heard their gasps at him awakening the next stage of the Sharingan – the Mangekyo Sharingan. They spun ominously as the triple tomoe pattern grew and morphed into a new pattern. The design looked like a pure black gear looking symbol with a bio-hazard symbol inside it that merged with the sides. [AN3]
Naruto ignored everything, his mother was dead. The thought rang through his mind over and over again. He started to breath heavily as the revelation threatened to force him to shut down, all the while the chaos in the streets rang in his ears.
Gilgamesh hissed in frustration, his heir was standing there like a useless mongrel, but now he had an outlet.
"Hmph, you'd better thank me for this my heir," Gilgamesh grunted. "You disappoint me Copycat."
A sudden and tremendous amount of Spiritual Energy erupted from Naruto's body. The Seal flared and added to the energy that spiralled around him, it drew the attention of the Snake Army and they changed course, heading directly for Naruto as the source of the power.
Golden Armour materialised over Naruto's clothes and his eyes glowed as brightly as the day they first appeared in the Council Chambers. All of this drew the attention of the civilians and Ninja alike, as they looked on in confusion as the snakes left them all alone, in search of the powerful prey. They all gazed upon the golden clad youth, with his hair whipping around due to the power emanating from him, with the Uchiha recognising the Sharingan spinning proudly in the golden clad youth's eyes.
"Vermin, you dare attack a King's people?" Gilgamesh's voice echoed through the now dead silent streets. "You disgusting little worms, your punishment is death … be honoured that you perished by the hand of the King of Uzu!"
Instantly following the statement, the entire sky behind Naruto lit up as thousands of golden portals appeared. Each portal holding various weapons that not even Naruto's family had seen before. A growl later and hell descended upon the streets. Weapons rained down in a beautiful display of golden light, each one spearing, tearing, slicing and even obliterating the snakes.
After what seemed like an eternity, the rain of gold ended and every serpent had been slain – not a single one remained. Civilian and Ninja alike all stared at the golden clad youth in shock. A mere boy had exterminated thousands of snakes like it was child's play. A civilian girl gazed upon the boy and suddenly exclaimed in a hushed, but excited tone, "He said he was the King of Uzu. He's Uzu's Golden King!"
The shouts of praise echoed through the streets as the civilians, more than the Ninja, exclaimed the name with vigour … the moniker 'Uzu's Golden King' had been born.
"Hmph, over already, a pity," Gilgamesh hummed. "Remember this moment my heir … it was by my power that you survived, and didn't I say that you'd understand what I meant eventually? Until next time copycat."
The Golden Armour vanished in a show of golden petals, awing the crowd. Naruto staggered briefly, before his gaze snapped to his mother's form. He rushed forward and fell to his knees next to her body. Tsunade stepped forward and sighed at her son in all but blood, it was a sad moment but it was life and death in the Ninja world. She raised a glowing hand to Mikoto's body and gasped: she was alive! The poison hadn't killed her – immediately a whirlwind of action she barked at her apprentice that had just arrived with the medical teams, to help her.
"Don't worry Naruto," Tsunade grunted. "Mikoto will be fine, I promise. See? She's already improving."
And Tsunade was right – as Mikoto's vitals were stabilising by the second. A tear rolled down Naruto's face; his mother was alive!
Everything was going to be alright now – at the revelation Naruto sighed tiredly and fell into the blissful land of the unconscious, the last words he heard was from a medic nin.
"We have another survivor over here," the medic nin cried. "The white-haired child survived!"
..::..
And now we've come to the end of the previous content of the story. It's mostly the same, but I've edited his interactions and hopefully cleaned up the grammar. I also hope that the story flows better and has less chunky moments ne?
Before I explain the ANs I'll point out that Haku is one year older than Naruto … so if she's 14, that makes him 13 years old at this point okay?
AN1 – You all know what Kimimaro looks like, but if not – please use google images.
AN2 – It's from Fate/Zero – Tohsaka Tokiomi's command seal.
AN3 – It's the same as the EMS design from Uzumaki: Subject Zero, but picture the Sith Gear-like symbol from Star Wars and then overlap a bio-hazard symbol on the inside.
..::..
AS ALWAYS: PLEASE READ AND REVIEW.
..::..
\^o^/