Harloo~everybody! Thanks for leaving reviews and comments of my writing style. By the way, do you guys need "Previously," thing? I can put it in with no problem if you'd like. With that outta the way, let's get this story going.
Chapter 10: Lo and behold
"The freedom of will is but an illusion."
Across the violent tides of the swirling seas laid a beautiful island, vastly packed in thick jungle and fauna of rich varieties. Near the shores stood a large fishing village and even being in an isolated land surrounded by a large body of water, their economy still flourish thanks to the conviction of fishermen but most dare not to venture deep into the treacherous seas. A nice trek deep into the woods, one would stumble upon a huge japanese style castle with a massive training courtyard occupied by warrioress and graceful soldiers alike. One must take note that these warriors mostly consist of females with shades of red hair while the elders were aging men and women.
Graved above the entrance of the courtyard displayed - 'Uzushiogakure' and the warriorress were trained to be religiously prepared to defend their territory should you trespass.
The renown Uzumaki clan stood audacious against the tides of time for the survival of their well-being in the defense of overwhelming hostility. The wars had taken a huge toll for they had abandoned the old relic of their origin and rebuilt anew for the next generation to blossom. The battles had snatched away their husbands and sons leaving their wives and daughters to survive for the greater good of many. Men of dedicated beings had plummet to near absolute none and the young generation of females whom survived the war had to take their place or remain obsolete. Aged Uzumaki men had grown sterile resulting in the ratio of men to women of 1:200.
Military once men dominant were now replaced by women and young agile females alike.
Separated in groups according to their fighting styles, the military seperated them into different division and the most common were practitioners to the arts of shinobi while the latter, exercised in heavy duty combat in the usage of immense strength and skilled swordsmanship. Each to their own specialty. Thanks to the veterans, they were able to pass down their skills knowledge and make each and every individual to be prominent against the challenges ahead.
In the field, pillars of stone sprouted out of the ground for destruction to commence. Flashes of scarlet gracefully danced around with fluidity in a deadly rhythm destroying large pillars of rock to rubbles in a single unison of their swings. Specialized in field destruction and close combat, these redhead fighters are the heavy lifters in the frontlines and are deemed to be highly dangerous. They wore no uniform, and none are identical because their belief system are heavily based upon individuality causing a small internal sense of social hierarchy. They live by the sword and kneel only for the queen. They are The Warmaidens.
In their current state, if you were to encounter a single one of them, be warned for you must not underestimate or you will be fucked. Metaphorically.
For the interruption of the reader, the earth tumble as a rocky draconic being sprouted off the ground infusing its rage to the masses. Standing in its glare, a young woman with long, scarlet hair and penny eyes forwarded her keen gaze to the roaring beast. She wore a Heart Kreuz Armor consisted of a metal breastplate with a high armored collar and plated shoulderguards with each side being composed of four plates. Tightening her firm metallic grip onto her double-edged sword, her black knee high boots dug into ground as she sprinted forward.
The fat dragon saw her coming and raised its massive paw in an attempt to crush her but she leap over it and ran up grazing her sword into its rocky scales. In a blind moment, the beast lost its arm by her clean slice as she ran up its spine. Staggering forward, the dragon flapped its humongous wings and bullet into the sky forcing her to backflip onto solid ground. Howling a raging cry, the dragon homed down with jaws wide open. The young redhead planted her sword into the ground and all of a sudden, a hail of hellish swords shot out from the ground and into the dragon like chugged cheese. Raging once more for the lost of its wings, the dragon spew out a storm of rocks into her direction. Reacting quickly, she summoned a body sized shield as the wave succumbed the entire field. Ashes littered the sky as the dragon tumble the earth in ferocity at its mindless destruction. Before it can even blink, a claymore the size of a house chugged into its mouth disabling its ability to howl. Out of the dust, she pluff out into the sky with two identical swords and descended upon the unfortunate being like a rolling blade.
As the dust settles, she had her sword planted into the crumbs and a proud smile obscured by the light breeze of her scarlet hair. Her peers applaud for her as the training field reconstruct itself piece by piece from a rehabilitation seal. A woman with flame red hair in wild curls, a flock in which covers her right eye approached her. She wore black armour that shines like enamel and wields a slim, cross-shape spear.
"That was spectacle. Congratulations, Erza Uzumaki, you passed." Erza dropped down and bow as the proctor rummage her back and handed her a scroll. "You may meet the Queen for she will bestow her blessings to you."
The Uzumaki smiled earnestly and without hesitation, she caught her off guard and hugged her with an almost death beholding grip. "Thank you, Rosalia-sensei. I wouldn't be here without your teachings."
Rosalia's slim armor didn't help her a single bit as she was losing every second of air for her face turns purple. "Y-Yeah! Y-You're wel-come!" She shakily padded her hair as Erza spared her from the hug of death as she later bow once more. Rosalia raspily gasped in and sputtered a rather pissed word. "Bitchin heresy, don't do that to me ever again!" Composing herself, she lightly played with her flock hiding her shady cheeks. "Nevermind that, you came a long way and I'm proud of you. Go on." She tried to ushered her away but she stood firm. "What do you want now?"
"Can I...have cake later?"
Sighing in annoyance, she looked back at her with the 'are you serious look'. "A getaway gift ay? Fine, come by whenever you feel like it."
"ARIGATOU! Make sure no one eats it before I do!" Her excitement imploded as she ran to the castle with a happy-go-lucky look on her face.
"Sweets...why doesn't she ever get fat?"
Castle doorways
Even after years of living in an another segment of this huge castle, she would be always be amazed by the interiors for they are separated based on the design aesthetic. Seals and weaponry sprayed across the hallway ready to be used instead of a museum fashion. In her awe, she was not aware of the presence behind her as she was tapped onto the shoulder. In the most secured sector of the castle, there would not be any less of a reason to be petrified but she was so. She immediately turned to her back with her hand on guard but was met by empty air.
"...?!"
"Aw seriously? You would have already lost your head before you can even blink." A mischievous voice sounded behind her confirming her to ease off and face her roommate.
"Only you can take me on without laying a hand, your stealth are indeed, deadly. Chelsea." Erza complimented as a cloud of smoke puffed in front of her revealing a young woman of similar age. She had pale skin, pinkish-auburn hair, and red eyes. She wore a butterfly headphone accessory on her head. She wore a vocalist-like clothing consisting of a white long sleeve shirt with the collar tied with a red ribbon under a black vest a red checkered mini skirt, and black leather below-the-knee boots.
"...and you are the vigorous titania of which this country kneel for." She playfully teased knowing the embarrassment of being called various complementive names such as 'titan'.
"The names just keeps coming, don't they? Anyways, if you're here, does that mean you've passed?" She peered inquiringly as Chelsea sucked on her lollipop with a light shrug.
"It would be for naught if I were to return dead, and let me tell you, the world is changing faster than any of us can predict." She informed, for her former test involved operating beyond her country and collect information in secrecy. "If we're both here, my prediction has proven correct."
Erza nodded knowing that her roommate was basically known for her analytic but sometimes blunt predictions. "If what you assumed is true, what will happen next?"
She beamed at her and knocked onto the door. "Only one way to find out."
"Come in."
Once through the double doors, they were greeted by a radiant environment of the room filled with collective fauna, displayed evenly on every corner. Wooden tiled floor and pinkish red wall accompanied by works of art as well as portraits of former village rulers. Ducked before the balcony that shows the sea, a lady of red sat up from her mat cushion to greet her visitors. Her hair was a deep wine of cherry picked blossom, reaching down her curvaceous form and blue hairpin to frame her curved cheeks. A glossy rose of pink smeared across her lips that looked evenly natural. Her eyes were a perfect spring sky, her mind clear and her smile warmer than the gentle sun.
"Yosh~! I knew you two can do it!" She had a childlike cheer in her tone followed by a spontaneous grin. "Nothing like the power of our clan and the enriching force of my two daughters-dattabane!"
This is Uzumaki Kushina, simply known as the Uzukage of Uzushiogakure and The Red Hot Blooded Haberano, also the Queen. She took stead of the village many years ago and was responsible in conduct the recovery of the village which gave rise to the global power chart. During the process, she rescued them from being conscripted too early and trained them instead for a few years. Erza the powerhouse, and Chelsea in the shadows. Two deemed worthy under her and best together like ramen and chopsticks.
Erza. "Y...yeah."
Chelsea. "Right on."
She went around her floor desk and immediately succumbed them to her warm hug. For a fact that she's a Kage and such actions may suppose to be unprofessional, but who cares? She is the Uzukage and she can do whatever the hell she wants.
"You two haven't changed a bit," She beamed as she release them but rest assure her hands on shoulders. ", well, except getting sexier."
Erza tried to compose herself but was losing grip while Chelsea took it as a welcome gesture. "You're not getting older yourself, okaasan." The pinkish-red peered as the flamboyant lady smirked back.
"Hell if I know my own age, I could be in my 30's or 50's." A cringey expression appeared as she shove it off. "Urgh, the thought just make me feel very old-dattabane."
Erza injected in. "You're the most beautiful Queen of all the lands, surely such thoughts is a mere inconvenience to you."
Kushina smiled warmly then cupped her hands to their heads then hugged longingly once again. "Oh~I missed you two sooo much~!" She released them both and clasped her hands above her boobaroos. "Now, you may wonder why you are summoned here," They nodded. "Firstly, in my blessing, I bestow you honor as servants of Uzushiogakure." She planted her hand above Erza's heart and Chelsea's headphone. Her hands glow a sunshine as a mark of their clan appeared on Erza's armor above her heart as well on Chelsea's headphones. They had a bright look on their faces upon receiving the gift and bowed before the Queen.
-"Arigatou, Uzukage-sama."
"Aww~I don't need you two to thank me with such formalities." She lifted their chins and continued. "Back to business, I have discussed with my...uhm(council)...that you two will participate in the Chunin exams in the upcoming months."
"I don't mind but why does it to be this early." Chelsea said with zero concerns but such events are expected to be highly ineffectual to the status quo.
Erza nodded. "I understand, you want our skills to be tested."
The Uzukage shrugged her shoulders. "Eh, partly. Your skills are well prepared in combat and I have no doubt that you will falter. Besides, you have months to be well equipped. We are way too far behind in the power charts but I couldn't care any less about it. You two have contributed a fair amount for this village and now, especially you Za-chan, to familiarised yourselves in the outside world."
"I am to leave the land?"
Kushina shook her head yes and folded her arms beneath her chest. "Without experience you ineffective. Chel-chan will teach what there is to know of the world because you'll be paired with her." They both nodded. "I have assigned Rosalia-san as your guidance." At that moment, Rosalia came in and bowed.
"Rosalia-sensei?" They looked back at Kushina.
"Your first mission as a squad is of utmost importance and failure is not an option. Understood?" Receiving respective confirmations from all heads, she motioned to the lolipop sucker. "From her recent scourge in the mainland, Chelsea discovered a High Value Target. Chelsea."
The redhead stepped forward and faced her small audience. "Hai. In my recent reconnaissance in Konoha, I discovered this man." She flipped out a photograph and showed a whiskered blonde of similar age walking with a black haired female but her visage was captured out of frame. "Upon further investigations and many speculations, it is in my believe he is a blood bearer of the Uzumaki clan." Chelsea explained further, shock was an understatement for none would thought a man of royal blood would live in such conditions and out of sight. "I've searched through the hospital's archive and he is, an actual mere half-blooded of our clan. Uzumaki Naruto is his name."
A nagging feeling was screaming in Kushina's head after hearing the name but she quickly shove it back and address them in a serious manner. "As you all know, our population is dwindling and a male of our blood is a pure gem. Your mission is to lure him into our side for we must breed our clan back to its glorious days." They stood firm in acknowledgement, watching her lips waver. "Or remain obsolete."
Naruto burst through the doors like a child about to receive free candy from a stranger because he just passed the genin exams. Waiting outside the Academy, Amena stepped forward to congratulate him as he boasted. "Who would have thought, you made it."
He indirectly shoved the leaf head protector right to her face causing her to roll her eyes. "Look! I'm so awesome they gave me a black one! Not exactly my favorite color but hey! I made it!"
"Don't get your hopes over the roof, we are yet to be assigned to a squad. Furthermore, you are still severely under-trained to be considered a full fledge shinobi. Far from it to be exact." She informed as they proceed to take their usual walk home.
"I know," He tied the protector to his head and frowned slightly a sign that did not go unnoticed by Amena. "I really wanted to talk to Iruka-sensei, that's all. If he was there, all I wanted was him to congratulate me."
"That's a deep shame." Unfortunately, the village had been on a state of emergency since the recent attack and all conscripted chunin was prep to maintain internal security so Iruka had to take part. Knowing the lecturer was one of the few people he deeply cherish, she chimed in. "You know, he would probably treat you to an unlimited amount of ramen."
That cheered him a bit. "Yeah, he probably would. But you obviously won't, though."
"That's okay, I just got my pay so consider this as a graduation gift." She assured him as Naruto fist pump and marched forward.
"Yosh! Onwards to Ichiraku's!" He grinned ear to ear almost forgetting something. "Oh right, I promised Kobato the wonders of ramen. Imma invite her too-dattebayo!" Later, they arrived to the Uzumaki household to find only the young blonde witch to dawdle in front of the television. His eyes shifted side to side as he entered the apartment. "Where's Kina?"
"She left just a minute ago." Kobato emerged from the sofa and hearing that made him skeptical. "She said she have business to deal with, alone."
"That's weird." He supposed celebration can wait but if it was that important to her, he wouldn't mind. Grin plastered in his face, he faced towards Kobato. "Want to Ramen and Chill?"
"What?"
The Uchiha was still outside noticing a sensitive barrier was installed around the premises. A technique she had known only one person can implement such a thing in a discreet manner, the Hyuga. 'Seems like I'm not the only one noticed we've been watched...apart from the ANBU's.' As far as she was concerned, the hidden operatives had such, been keeping a close eye on them within certain periods but kept a relatively fair distance. However, none can she speculate that wish to cause them harm. 'Hm. It appears they aren't here. Could they be maintaining the village's security? Or perhaps executing missions against The Revolution Army.'
"We're ready!"
Ichiraku Ramen
The Head-chef yelled out, "IS THAT YOUR KID NARUTO!?" Teuchi had been staring at her since their arrival and their resemblance were utterly on point.
A tick mark appeared over his head as the group looked into their orders. "Goddamit, old man. For the last time, NO!" He wouldn't be able to say for sure until the legal system decided to take action. Naruto bat his eyes towards Kobato whom was still indecisive in her pickings.
"Do I want this one, no. It looks really ugly. Maybe this one, nah. It looks kinda stale." Pondering aloud at the menu, Teuchi was gaping at her oblivious honest statements and its effect felt like a grave was dug for the honor of his pride.
Smirking, Naruto pointed at the top right. "How about this one? It's the first one I ever ordered." Ah yes, Salt Ramen. He remembered till this day when Ayame served him a good bowl and extras for the first time with his own money.
Kobato twisted her lips and narrowed her eyes. "No, such portions will succumb my powers. They're hideous. I want something that tastes like sweetrolls but not sweetrolls."
Naruto and Teuchi shared the same reaction of absolute horror and contempt at her blunt statement for the bold comment nailed a coffin. Naruto damned himself and looked around noticing something amissed. "Where's Raizo?"
Hearing that, Teuchi folded his arms. "I've gotta let him vacant my ol'family store instead. Ayame had been kept busy with her own work as well but she'll return soon."
Naruto nodded then phased his gaze towards Amena. "Have you decided yet?" Unbeknownst to him, obscured by the menu in her hands, she was reminiscing longingly about the bracelet as he called out to her. "Amena?"
She looked visibly shaken at his call and stuttered. "Wha-what...I mean-uh…sorry."
Teuchi folded his hands back and smiled assuringly. "Don't worry young lady, you'll get the best quality from the finest chef all around."
Taking it to heart before smiling in response, they ordered and later the jaws of hunger were serving in satisfaction. Kobato took her first bite and before everyone knew it, she asked for second which the Ramen chef humbly comply. In effect, Naruto directed his sunken face at Amena who amusingly muttered 'Go ahead' with a roll of her eyes and thus, a competition was held within the small stand along with a chorus of laughter and lighthearted chuckles accompanied by a vibrant atmosphere.
The blondes finished up their 7th broths of war then satisfyingly grinned at each other before nodding cheekily. All along Teuchi was pondering if they could be biologically siblings or possibly related to a degree due to the fact they were finishing at the same time and consuming the same way. But overall, he couldn't feel more happier than to see his customers enjoying their meals.
Kobato 'burped' cutely and it took a swell to everyone's heart when she apologised obscuring her lips with her tiny fingers. "Pardon me."
Naruto kept his grin in place and beamed, "Where you want to go now?"
"There," She pointed far South at the highest peak of the village.
Naruto looked into her direction and thought wistfully. "The Hokage Monument? Sure."
Teuchi chimed in, "Hey, good time. Tomorrow is the Shodaime's birthday and it'll be expected to be very crowded because it's a holiday. The ceremony involves giving out wishes and tocommemorate the founder's death."
Amena pensively mused with a skeptical brow, "People celebrate someone's death? That's strange."
Teuchi laughed before adding his own to the mix, "Not as strange as the public holiday."
The Third Hokage skimmed through the huge amount of data on his table and thought grimly, 'This is unprecedented.' To think that all the events were about to unfold laid before him. He formerly dismissed such allegations about the dawn of the rising storm and thought it as a feudal myth, a pipe dream. With near limitless information at his tips, he could wield it with an iron fist and bring justice to the wrong-doing. Someone blew the whistle, and the duer stood patiently before him. "Firstly, I have to thanked you."
She held up her hand, halting his continuity. "Your gratitude may lay wasted on a single individual such as myself. This is a work of multiple hands and spilled blood to obtain the knowledge of a forgotten secrecy. It will be for naught for me to receive your honor. You may instead express your heartfelt thanks to my superiors."
He firmly nodded, eyeing her straight posture and manner of tone. "Being an agent of The Rairon as well as their representative, I understand what you mean. Kina Hyuga is your alias, is that correct?"
She tipped her head to the side then spoke in an abstract manner. "It's my birthright, but I fail to see what you intend to do."
Hiruzen pointed his pipe at her and narrowed his eyes. "Don't misjudge me. You caused quite a hail of unravish pep talk in the past, in which that has yet to be resolved with your clan. So my question is this, what do you intend to do now? For what you may or may not, will inflict an everlasting outcome in the future."
Giving her a moment to ponder, Hiruzen blew his pipe as she answered. "For what I may or may not do, hiding my identity is but a mere futile. They may not or know me. They may find me and corner me, for my answer will be no."
Hiruzen grumbled underneath his breath, completely aware the dilemma between her and the clan. "Hrrrgh, I'll close one eye on this but if the situation persists, you may turn to me for help. Consider it as a return for your service." The Vanilla eyed bowed then straightened herself but didn't move an inch. The Hokage looked to her with a raised head. "What else do you need?"
Redirecting her thoughtful gaze from the floor to the prominent figure, her lips twitched to a smile. "If I may, Hokage-sama. I have one simple request…two if I might add."
He reflected right back at her, smoke emanating from the side of his lips. "Heh, name it."
Evening approached as Naruto and his small audience made their way up the flight of stairs to the Hokage monument. Due to Kobato's petite frame, she became exhausted really fast and he had to carry her by his shoulders, much to her embarrassment. Fortunately, under the evening sky above the brightly lit village, she was indefinitely stunned by the view as her eyes sparkled ravishingly beneath the constellation belt.
"Wah~", She awed at the spectacle as they move higher and higher. The Uzumaki didn't know it was her first time and thought bringing her along will be all worth it. Even Amena couldn't contain her seemless curiosity. Kobato tapped his head then pointed at a distant. "NehNeh-What's that tall thing over there?"
He mused and answered her excitement. "That's a watchtower. Birds from all over the world fly there to give messages."
She 'ooh' then tapped again. "What about that treeish place?"
He didn't knew what she meant so he stopped and narrowed his eyes at the distance. "Oh yeah, that's The Life and something park. It's where I met Amena-chan!"
Kobato jolt in excitement and asked, "Really?! How did you two met?"
Upon hearing that, Amena tried keeping her blush from exploding remembering how it humorously went and gruesomely ended. Naruto laughed at her immediate reaction which pique Kobato's interest further. "Let's say she got my hand and I faint by her lovely touch."
It didn't help her embarrassment at the very least but Kobato perked her head to the side switching her gaze to the blonde and raven. "Did you guys do something dirty?"
Naruto chuckled. "You could say that, it ended real dirty." He continued climbing up the stairs with the bashful Uchicha on tail. "I'll give you one hint: It involved blood." Kobato was instantly wide-eyed and gasped.
"Stop misleading her with suggestive hints!"
They were below the First Hokage's head and climbing up goes right beneath his chin. Standing there were the last people Naruto expect to stumble upon. "Iruka-sensei?"
The scar-faced chunin shared the same impression. "Woah, Naruto! Good to see y-IS THAT YOUR KID?!"
"GIVE ME A BREAK!" After a short explanation that his 'mission' was to babysit her, Iruka seemed to have bought it.
"I see, I see." Iruka mused then joked. "With your looks, I wouldn't have a single shred of doubt."
Naruto sweatdropped for seeing him laughing at his own jokes until Mizuki tapped his shoulder and said, "Be quick, I'll be right up ahead."
"Gotcha." The silver haired left and as he went passed Amena, she felt very uneasy but hid it behind her composed visage. A sign that she must be as far away from him as possible or to be dealt with.
"Senpai, I'll be with her down ahead." She lift the young girl off his shoulders then to her side. "It's good to see you, Iruka-sensei." They bowed respectively then left to wait around the Second Hokage's neck.
Once they were out of sight, Kobato tucked her sleeve looking at her somewhat nervously. "Amena-neechan, I think I've seen him somewhere."
"What'd you mean?"
Iruka almost lost his footing after noticing the head protector shining at him. "Wow, Naruto! You god dammit did it!" He proudly said, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.
Naruto grinned fervently as he thumbed his head. "Yup! Hardly no thanks to you!"
A mark appeared over his head. "Oh you came here to boast?!" They shared a brotherly laughter before settling in. "But seriously, it's all on you. Practice goes dull without effort and I never had a shred of doubt you don't. I'm proud of you."
"Aw man, thanks sensei." He scratched the back of his head, feeling a tad bit embarrassed. "So-how you've been?"
Iruka sighed tiringly as he leaned against the railing. "I'm on patrol. Things hasn't been peaceful lately. We just got word someone had been plowing explosive materials near the Hokage's residence. The Captain of the police force detained him and don't tell this to anyone, but the guy turns out to be a sleeper agent."
"Is that dangerous?"
He nodded grimly. "Someone's definitely trying to spark. Unfortunately, this is a rather confusing time to be alive. First the Revolutionary army and now even our own forces are stale. Be wise on your decisions, Naruto-kun." His former lecturer advised as he planted a hand onto his shoulder. "Trust isn't something that come by very often, be sure to know who you're dealing with. Okay?"
He pushed away his arm and thumbs up plastering a huge grin. "You don't have to worry, sensei! I know what I'm doing."
"Do you, really?" There was deep emptiness in his tone that took Naruto completely off guard. "View yourself as another person and think for a moment. Is this really what you want? What will you get out of it? Being a shinobi isn't child's play, Naruto." Iruka pushed himself up and stood by him. "Prepare for the worst, and stood by the right. Do what you can, because the world will not be gentle. See ya." With that, he left the blonde alone with the howling wind of the night. His words struck a deep end and that made him think about the ethical dilemma he will soon face. Naruto would maim himself as ignorantly oblivious, a type of person who would want the world to be fit in his expectations, all knowing what a pipe dream he himself imaged. The time to grow up may just be waiting for him in the corner, with reality on tow.
Taking in the nightly breeze, he marched ahead without ever looking back.
Waiting patiently in the Academy, Amena watched as one by one her classmates leave the room to be formed as a squad along with their newly appointed team leader. It wasn't announced whom they will be with but one would obviously tell at the end since only them remain in the once bustling classroom.
"Seems like we're in the same squad." Amena speculated as the doors closed, leaving only her with the blonde immersed in his book. She predicted such a thing would happened since her mission involves watching over him at all times. Proving her assumption further that The Rairon Organisation and The Hokage, formed a pact. She turned to her partner and...Wait…is he reading? "What are you reading?" She piqued in seeing him visibly engrossed in the book titled 'The Fourth Hokage'.
"Did you know The Fourth Hokage can teleport from one place to another in an instant?"
She tilted her head to the side. "Yeah, he used the Hiraishin. It was first developed by Tobirama Senju and later modified by The Fourth. Why'd you ask?"
He put down the book and began to ponder. "Since I'm gonna be a shinobi, I can't look after Kobato all the time. And to compensate for it, I want to see if I can learn the technique." Naruto proposed and he was met with utter silence. "What?"
Amena folded her arms and leg over the other. Looking at him straight in the eye. "That's an incredulous statement. How are you possibly going to do that?"
His laughter was maniacal as he was already on his feet. "Haha! I planned this out last night! Behold!" He pulled out a huge canvas right out of his jacket and pinned it at the wall behind them. It was riddled with information that one would expect from a conspiracy theorist. "Let me explain; In the books, Minato Namikaze had a wife, no one knew her real identity but many believed she was an Uzumaki. Way before that, the Uzumakis built temples across the globe for the sole purpose of containing the vast secret arts of Fuinjutsu. Why they did that was simply because they don't believe putting them all in one place was a good idea at that time which led to the creation of these secret' temples.
Anyway, because Konoha and Uzushio had a pact, they granted him access and in one of the hundreds of temples, he took of the god fucking power of teleportation which blew the ass of the Third Shinobi War!" Naruto pulled out a party confetti and blew them into the air.
Amena paid the fullest attention as the confetti laid around her hair. "That's interesting but how are you going to find it? They were built ages ago and most of them were likely succumbed to the nature of time."
"A-ha!" He pointed his index finger at her. "That's what they want you to believe! Look here!" He showed her a map of the Elemental Countries and pointed at the island at bottom right. "This right here,"
She wide-eyed, "You intend to infiltrate the VILLAGE itself?" She exclaimed, completely stupefied.
"Oops, heheh," He realised his mistake and clumsily pointed westward, shores of the mainland. "Chikigakure (Village hidden in the Blood). I never went there but rumor has it there's a temple still intact and underguard by a lone Uzumaki." She raised her hand. "WHAT?!" He questioned erratically.
"Assuming if it's there, how can you be sure it is where The Fourth found it?"
"I have no idea where he could have gotten it but the Uzumakis have a tendency to leave hints in the form of overly complicated puzzles. Even if it doesn't have what I'm looking for, it'll at least give me a lead." He assured her confidently.
She nodded, digesting information as he explained further. One thing to take note, Naruto seemed to exclude himself as singular and describe his clan as third-person. Though he simply bear the name but to him, it simply was a matter of personal innuendo. "And you, thought out all this through in one night?"
"Yup!" The bags over the neglection of sleep were clearly visible as he stood audacious. "All in one night," Neither of them would believe he would pull it off knowing he had a tendency to procrastinate. An astonishing feat, he would say.
If Amena hadn't known his true objective, she would immediately outright oppose it. However, he seemed very serious and he prove it to more to himself than to her how far he was willing to go. Possibly, beyond the boundaries of his knowledge and flaws. Knowing him, he wouldn't back down in a promise.
Amena sighed and stood up from her chair. "You're crazy. What you bout to do is crazy. And if I'm gonna let you do it without me, I'm crazy."
"Does that mean-"
She smirked. "I can't let you off my sight. Whatever out there that is going to kill you, it has to be me. Yer'got that?" She flipped out her pinky, her determined filled eyes looking at him expectantly with pink hue on her cheeks.
Naruto grinned from ear to ear, their pinkies intertwined. "Hehe, got it." In this day, a promise was made. He couldn't comprehend of how relieved and proud he was when they joined hands, a sensation he rarely felt. With that out of the way, he laid his hands by the hips and looked over the empty class. "So-uh...where is everyone?"
At that moment, the door slid open as a person of black hair and vanilla eyes peaked her head in. "Sup guys~!" She announced casually as she walked in with Kobato.
"Kina-chan?"
"What are you two doing here?"
Upon entering her former class, The Hyuga was overcome with nostalgia as she stood on the platform, drifting her fingers across the chalkboard. "Wah~! This place hasn't changed a bit."
Kobato climbed up the stairs to the duo and phased her eyes throughout the entire classroom. "This seems like a good place to seat."
"What?" Said Naruto, switching his confused gaze towards wistful Hyuga. "Kina-chan, what the heck is going on?"
She danced her way up and beamed at them, "I convinced the Hokage to let her live a normal life. An awesome perk as an agent of Rairon!"
"What?!" They were flabbergasted at her claim as she lost her cheeky smile.
She pouted sadly, "Awwwhat? You guys don't appreciate what I do?"
Naruto retorted from his shock and flew his arms wide. "No! I mean-That's great! You're so awesome!" Naruto fervently embraced her which almost took her by surprise.
"Hehe~I know I am!" She looked over his shoulder to her arms-folding comrade who tried her best to look away.
Amena appeared hesitant, their previous refute still fresh in her mind. "You did good. T-Thanks…" Her bashful tone was enough to produce an earnest reaction. 'You made him happy…'
"You're welcome." Naruto eventually released her so she could go into detail of her discussion with the Hokage. Time had motionlessly passed as they conversed within the empty classroom. "...Kobato will be under constant surveillance by the ANBU's. If anything were to happen to her, they swore full responsibility in their name. In return, I have to be part of the Konoha's force." They looked down at the girl, fantasizing amongst herself on the podium.
"Do they know of her kinship?" Amena asked, intently.
She shook her head in confirmation. "Nope, at least not yet. Her lineage were swept too deep under the rug to care. This is a temporary solution if we really want to keep her safe, for the time being."
Naruto hummed in thought, balancing back against his chair. "I would be lying if I said I'm not worried to leave her in the hands of the Hokage. But, bringing her along to missions would be really stupid." This would just encourage him to pursue the Flying Thunder God even more. "By the way, why are you here?"
There was her smile again as Amena rubbed the bridge between her nose. "I forgot how painfully clueless you are."
"Huh?"
Kina giggled at his antics. "Isn't it obvious? I'm part of your squad, dummy!"
A resounding thud was painfully heard as Naruto fell back back from his chair. He rolled across the floor, clutching the back of his head dearly. "AaaarghOwOwOw! AMENA! I need your voodoo magic thing!"
The raven haired sighed. "Thought your head would be thicker than this." She then peered to the Hyuga ignoring his distressful cries. "Do you have an idea who our squad leader might be?"
She shrugged, "He said we'll know till tomorrow. Probably because it was a last minute proposal." Her voice then quirked to a suggestive tone( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) "...aaand speaking of proposals, what is that on your hand?" She nudged her shoulder and pointed at the bracelet then winked playfully.
The Uchiha fumed shades of red and recoiled away off of prying eyes. "It's not what you think it is!"
"O~ho, really?" She pried closer, closing the gap between them in a very seductive manner. "I take it you accepted it, willingly? There's no denying that~ ." She singed-song, her tone deep and sensual.
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!"
The Hokage Rock is a mountain overlooking Konohagakure that has all the faces of the Hokage carved into the stone. It was envisioned by Hashirama Senju as a symbol that the Hokage would always watch over the village. For its populate, it symbolises the village's pride and unwavering heart to bolster their relentless service for the people. Pride. But, what if you took that away and replaced with a sin far greater? Fear.
That was the thought of one man as he stood in the darkness with shadowy men kneeled behind his throne. Masked men in thick robes appeared right before him, as if their service wasn't enough for their uniform appeared shredded and tainted. "Mission accomplished." They said in unison as their voices lacked emotion behind their hollow masks.
The aged man stood with his cane and tapped it which emanated a blood curling echo in the dark chamber. "Good." With a wave of his hand, they disappeared in an instant. He turned to his army of forgotten kin and furrowed his wrinkled brows. "My sons and daughters, in the bellow of this village, who are we?"
"The necessary evil!"
"Why are we necessary?!"
"To purge Worshippers of the False Emperor!"
"And what do we do with them?!"
"Erase their sins off the face of Light!"
The man exhaled and claimed under his breath. "For the world will seek fear."
"Alpha-Charlie! Report status! Repeat, Alpha-Charlie! Report Status!" None could have heard the crackling of the blood soaked radio belonging to a fallen shinobi within the bustling festival.
Visitors of Konoha came to the Hokage Monument to celebrate the Shodaime's nameday and remember his passing. Within the head of the Shodaime, a shrine was built within and the only passage of greeting was a small tunnel.
"Papa, who's the Shodaime?" Said one young girl, watching the visitors offering gifts such as boutiques on the shrine before praying.
"He was Hashirama Senju, the founder of this village. If it weren't for him, neither you or mommy would be here." The girl awed as her mother bent down.
"That's right, Moegi-chan. He was a hero and the savior of dark times. And the world appreciate his service."
The orange-haired girl smiled and beamed. "I'm gonna be great as him one day!"
Her parents chuckled and took her by the hands. "Someday you will, Moegi-chan." They followed the line to offer their prayers and wishes.
Naruto
"Kobato-chan. Do you want to go to the festival?" Asked Naruto as he kneeled down in front of the distraught young girl. She closely hugged her companion looking down at the dirt ground, tears welling up at the corner of her eyes. He would not forcibly corner her into submission nor could he really blame her for what she had gone through. Every crowd she had went disappeared right before her eyes for causes she not intend to do, and their deaths triggered an emotional breakdown. As if she thought herself as a matchstick thrown in a haystack. Through and through of traumatic events were too much for a young girl to handle, possibly more than she hoped for.
"What if I did it again? I don't want to hurt anybody…I don't want to be a monster..." She sniffled behind her bunny, looking visibly shaken.
Naruto's gaze soften as he pat her on the head to comfort her best as he possibly could. "You're not a monster, Kobato-chan. If anyone is to be called a monster, it would be me."
She looked up from the dirt to the sky in his eyes. "You're not a monster. You take good care of me. You're a very kind person who refuses to back down."
Naruto chuckled, rubbing her head soothingly. "You were never one. You are Kobato-chan. A girl I know who loves sweet rolls and hates spicy food." His words struck a deep end into her heart much as her soiling pure-hearted soul, causing her to bury half of her face into her doll.
She stepped forward and buried her head into his chest and he responded by coiling his arms around her petite frame, surrounding her in his warmth. Wow, no wonder she always sees Kina takes any chance she can get just to cuddle with him. It's amazing. Derailing her train of thought, Kobato raised her head from his beating chest and indirectly looked at him due to extreme embarrassment. "Will...will you hold my hand?"
His radiant grin skipped her beat as he stood. "Heheh! Of course!" He opened up his palm giving her a moment to slowly raise her hand and calmly land onto his soft touch.
'His hand is so rough...and gentle.'
"You're ready?"
Without a second thought, she nodded excitedly. "Hn!"
"There you go! I knew you could do it! Ikuzo! I hear they sell sweet rolls."
"Really? I hope they have strawberry flavor."
Kina and Amena had been watching the entire time and it was like the cutest thing they had ever seen. The Hyuga was the most affected as she was twirling around like a merry-go-round and couldn't contain herself as she had her palms on her cheeks. "AWwWwwWWww~! Did you see that?! That was the cutest thing I had ever seen? (I've just said it) Shut up! Just imagined if we had kids! EheheheEHeh~!"
"..." Amena kept quiet though she now knew why the people around him held such delicate feelings up to a personal degree. He may have induced a significant impact on their lives but she wonder what does he feel when he get nothing in return? His kindness, a trait that can be easily take advantage of and run over like shit-stain. She can't let that happen, if it does, she'll demoralize the perpetrator. She was derailed from her train of thought by Kina poking her left breast which she instantly slapped away. "What?"
She smiled amusingly. "While you were taking your next train to , they're having fun!" Kobato was playing a game of dart-throwin-at-balloons-or-something but was doing awfully. It seemed fun at first.
Naruto was supporting her. "Just aim at the center, Kobato-chan!" Hearing his advise, she cock her arm back and threw it with unrelenting force. 'Tuck' It comically bounced around the stand and miraculously landed 'Quench' into Naruto's forehead. Everyone around him cringed as blood poured out of the 'bullseye' for they were stupefied when he looked around completely zombified.
"What you looking at?"
"Na-chan! Your head!"
He looked up to where she was pointing and casually plucked it out and gave it back to her. "Tis but a scratch." He then pointed his unintentional bloody glare at the stand owner who quelled in fear. "It doesn't count, right?"
He shook at his seat and stuttered. "S-She can throw as many as she want, sir!"
Unfazed by his unorthodox condition, he cheered for her next throw. "Ganbantte! Kobato-chan!"
Amena sighed in remedy at his unconditional antics. "Yareyare(Good grief), maybe I'm overthinking this."
Kina blinked. "Hm? What are you talking about?"
She shook her head, sweat morphing down her face. "Nothing, let's get this over with. I don't feel too good."
"Oh you~," The Hyuga pulled her into the least crowded area towards Naruto, "Don't be such a gypsy on pills."
"Wait-yamete!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!
Everything rattled like a freight train just passed, they looked up the mountain and horror filled their eyes...there was an enormous explosion. It was as though a fist of orange flame had decided to punch its way out of the faced-mountain. The shockwave engulfed them. Windows shattered. Smoke and fire rushed out. Thousands of pieces of glass and rubble, a deadly rainfall, showered down. Alarms - shrill and deafening- erupted. A huge bite had been taken out of the side of the Hokage Monument...or what's left of it. At first no-one moved, their brains unable to make sense of the input from their ears and feet. The mountain was crumbling and the noise was like extended thunder only worse because the shower of fiery plume were heading towards them. Perishing all in its hellish tide.
Chapter 10 leaves in an another cliffhanger!
Finally! The Uzumakis have appeared in this story with really kinky ulterior motives, but could it be more?
Chelsea from Akame Ga Kill
Erza from Fairy tail
Their skills will be mostly the same but will also follow the laws of the Naruto Universe
Anyway, thoughts? Your concern will be greatly appreciated within constructive boundaries.
Have a great weekend!
Omake 1: Working in Retail
Raizo tucked his hands to the back, formerly dressed for the job. An old lady was browsing through the line of clothing and brought her purchase-to-be towards the counter.
"Excuse me, are you the manager here?"
Well, since the management doesn't really work here, he might as well employ himself as it. "Why, yes, ma'am. How can I help you?"
"DON'T YOU BACKTALK ME!"
Customer service in a nutshell...
Omake 2: The picture
Amena was in the living room reading through her scroll. She gaze outside and it was still heavily pouring since the night before forcing her to postpone training in fear of sickness getting in the way. Taking the glass of water by the sofa table, she drank it half-way through before taking in a deep breath as she reminisced the night before. After putting Kobato to sleep, everyone got seriously wasted and the end result was trashing the entire apartment. How only three people end up doing that was beyond her. Fortunately, gifted with god blessed skills, she got it cleaned up in one morning. Light flashed through the glass followed by a thunderstruck in the distance. 'This gonna take a while...'
The door to Naruto's room creaked opened as a certain blonde walks out. "You're awake. Good morning." She greeted without looking up from her scroll.
"Hnnngh, morning." Naruto slurred as his feet touched the cold wooden floor. "Errhjaaa, I'mgonagh take a bath."
If she simply raised her head she would have seen the stark naked blonde walking around the apartment with his junk free and wiggly colliding against walls and furnitures. He eventually found the towel by the kitchen table and make his to the bathroom. Amena noticed his shadow passing in front of her and...is he opening the balcony window? Isn't cold as it already is? She looked up from her reading session and regretted doing so.
Naruto in his birthday suit, was showering under the heavy rain and his shampoo as dish soap. Her scroll rolled onto the floor for she was unable to comprehend the situation. Her gaping reaction morphed from 'You're-naked-and-I-don't-know-how-to-react' to 'You're-naked-so-I'm-gonna-kill-you!'
Across the street, a mysterious figure snapped a shot of an idiot showering on the balcony, his junk obscured by the fence.
No joke. My college roommate did exactly as that. Laughed my ass off till graduation.