I'm feeling lazy and I'm sure none of you really care about what took me so long. If you want to know PM me.
Disclaimer: If you don't know this by now, get off this site right now. Think I'd be wasting time here if I owned the damn things. Didn't think so...
Reminiscing and what makes a man
Naruto and Miria had left the town of Tempar about a day ago heading south to Miria's next assignment. Neither had spoken a word since they left, much to Miria's relief. She didn't think she could handle another day of that annoying whining of Narutos. But at the same time she was curious about the ancient beings silence.
It was not the first time she had wondered what went through his head and she was sure it wouldn't be the last, but it irritated her that she could read a single expression on his face even with the small smile on it. Then again, Naruto was over a millennium old so there was probably plenty for him to think about or possibly reminisce.
Miria was struck by a sudden question. Who exactly was Naruto? Why was he here? What made him do what he did? And most importantly, why in the world was he helping her and the other half awakeneds? He had no reason, no motif that she could see, no end goal in sight. So why? Why follow a hanyoma in the wilderness? Was he using them? Was this his own personal revenge on the organization for what they did? Was he-
"Miria!" yelled a voice in her ear.
Startled she turned to look at the owner of said voice. Naruto was looking at her, faint curiosity and a small amount of concern on his face.
"What? Is something wrong?" she asked. Naruto shook his head slightly, "No, you looked troubled by something and mildly distressed. Is something on your mind?"
'Shit. And the worst part is he can read me like a book.' Miria cursed in her head, somehow managing her inner musings to herself. Instead she looked at him semi stoically and replied. "No, I was simply thinking of the past and hit a bad memory. Nothing for you to concern yourself with." She said.
Naruto nodded slightly in understanding, "Do you want to tell me about it?" he asked.
Again Miria cursed in her head quietly. She hadn't expected him to actually be curious as to her past. Then again, how exactly does one predict a millennia old awakened? He switched moods too quickly to pin down his real persona, she learned nothing from his speech, knew very little of his past and only few facts of his present. In other words, he was about as open as her claymore.
Shaking her head in a negative, she said "No it is not too bad, and it has nothing to do with the present. Have no worries about it." Hoping to divert the conversation smoothly. Quickly thinking up an alternate subject, she spoke up, "So where is your weapon buried exactly? You mentioned it the other day but never said the exact location." She was honestly curious about that to be honest. Where on earth could he have hidden it?
Naruto was silent for a long moment before he spoke in a solemn tone.
"I hide my blade in the place where all of this began for me. The one place I regret the most." He said somewhat cryptically.
Miria narrowed her eyes slightly. Another epigamic answer? Why was he so secretive? Was he trying to hide something?
Deciding to once again that a change of subject was in order. "Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself Naruto? It's not often one meets a former number one and keeps their limbs." She said.
Naruto looked at her out of the corner of his eyes, a smirk pricking at the edge of his lips. "Curious, are you? About little old me?" he said in a slightly mocking way, amusement shining slightly in his eyes. Miria caught the smirk and smirked slightly back.
"With emphasise on the old." She replied cheekily. "Come now, I thought all old ones liked to talk of the past." Narutos smirk widened as the verbal banter went on.
Chuckling slightly he replied, "I guess I can shed a small portion of my past with you. But first tell me, what do you know already? I'd hate to bore you with useless knowledge." Miria thought for a bit, remembering back to her lessons on the former number one that the organization gave a long time ago.
"Naruto of the moonless night," she began, "Naruto the bloodrunner, Naruto the indomitable, Naruto the ninth, Naruto the slaughterer. These names were some of the few that were give to you before and after your service in the ranks. You came out of nowhere at the young age of 7, and was trained in the organization. You graduated top of your classes and was assigned the rank of number 7 upon your 'graduation'. You quickly rose within the ranks slaying yoma after yoma, never failing a single mission. Gaining the certification of number 1 at the young age of 22, a mere 6 years after your first certification. You were the pride of the male warriors, due to their quickly declining numbers, and were also the pride of the organization. Your generations single digits outmatched any other, even by today's standards."
Miria's face became thoughtful as she continued. "But something happened. You snapped and turned on the organization, marching on Staff alone against the entire force of the current generation. Dozens died, be they trainees or full fledged warriors, they fell to your hand and blade. Fighting your way to the inner chambers of the organizations chief command, you entered the room alone. After awhile an extremely large burst of yoki was felt and you fled from the chambers and Staff itself as if the hounds of hell were on your heels. You were chased into the mountains by the single digits and not heard from again. You were and still are presumed to be dead." She finished her story.
Naruto nodded lightly, remembering her similar story within the mountains. "You are correct in most of the story. I went by many names. But I was most famously called the slaughterer after my crippling of the organization oh so long ago. There is some of that I won't tell you simply because it is not your business," he said looking intently at her, making it clear he was not saying more then he wished. Miria nodded at the words, not expecting his full trust immediately.
"I was born in a small town close to the center of the continent." He began. "Don't ask its name it was wiped off the map over a millennium ago. At the age of 7 my home was attacked by yoma and nearly wiped out. Those that were left fled to other villages to the south and east. I myself made my way towards Staff, hiding in caravans and hitching rides with strangers on the way. I walked freely into Staff and talked to the chief. I was accepted into the training a week later after I had regained all my strength."
His eyes took a far off look as he thought of his past.
"The training was merciless to say the least. Hours upon hours of pain and suffering. But I persevered and trained as hard as I could. When I was finally given a rank, number 7, I was deployed on many missions in the southern quarter of the continent. I never failed and never faltered, slaying any yoma that stood in my way. I was the greatest weapon in the organizations control. I gained many comrades and by the time I was number 1 there was nine of us. The most powerful of the organization. Its pride and joy." He spoke smiling slightly about the past. Miria listened closely, entrapped by the story from his past.
" Number 9, Gaara of iron, whose iron defense was almost unrivaled within the ranks."
"Number 8, lightning Yugito. Her reflexes where unmatched."
"Number 7, Yagura. Despite not having a famous name, he more than earned his place."
"Number 6, Roshi the old one. He survived from the second generation and was the oldest of us."
"Number 5, Han the quiet. He slayed yoma without a sound, sometime before they knew it."
"Number 4, Utakata the just. A great leader and a powerful friend."
"Number 3, Fu the nightwalker. She was the only warrior I know of that had dark skin. It was that that based her name."
"Number 2, Kirabi the toneless. His raps were terrible...but he was a good friend."
"And finally Number 1, me. Naruto the bloodrunner. I left none that I faced alive."
Naruto trailed off, lost within his memories. Miria looked at him with some concern, worried that she had gone too far in her questioning. But she asked one last question.
"What happened to them all?" almost afraid of the answer. Naruto was quiet for a long minute before he answered.
"I killed every single one of them. Down to their last breath."
/Line break/
They had been walking for a couple of hours now until they hit a fork in the road, when Naruto spoke up.
"I must go left if I am to retrieve my blade. There is another path to the place of your assignment that branches off from where I left it." He said.
Miria nodded and began down the left path, shortly followed by Naruto. Walking for about another hour and a half they both came upon a large clearing. Roughly the size of a large village it was covered it green grass. Standing in the middle of it was a large stone. And on top of the stone was a claymore.
Miria slowed down a bit at the site of the large area. Naruto however had no such qualms and marched straight towards the stone. Miria watched him as she slowly followed as he walked, eyes never leaving the stone where the sword was placed.
Naruto walked straight up to the stone before staring at it for a minute, before getting on his knees and bowing his head. As Miria got closer to the stone and was able to make out writing in the weathered and wind beaten stone.
'Here lay those that fell to a great injustice. My they rest knowing that they will be avenged.'
Not too far from the large stone stood a smaller gravestone. It too had words on it.
'Here lays a women who believed in a monster. May she rest knowing that she saved a man.'
Confused at what she now knew was a memorial, she turned to Naruto, gaze questioning. Naruto feeling her gaze spoke without opening his eyes or turning to look at her.
"This is the reason why I turned from the organization. Three years after I received my number 1 certification, I was walking towards a place that I sensed a yoma in. However I was called by my handler at the time, and ordered to leave the town to the yoma."
Miria nodded slightly. That had happened many times in the organizations past. Villages refused or could not pay and thus were made an example of and left to the yoma.
Naruto opened his eyes, stood and turned to her, eyes frosty and cold. "But I refused my orders. I made my death sentence on the organization that day and quickly ran to the village. But I was too late. The yoma had burned the place to the ground. I buried each of them and marched upon Staff swearing on my very blood that I would destroy them."
Miria looked at him in astonishment. He had done all that for humans? For one village? As noble as it was it did not seem worth his life.
Naruto turned and pulled the blade from the stone, looking at the crest on it before putting it on his back. He began to walk away towards an old road that lead into the forest.
"Come. Your village is the next hour west. If we hurry we can reach it before midday." He said. Miria rushed to catch up with him.
/Line break/
They reached the village when Naruto said they would. Just in case the yoma could sense him, Naruto ate half of a suppressant pill while suppressing his yoki. Miria was surprised when she found she could no longer sense the abyssal even though he was not 3 feet away from her. That was a deadly and amazing tool to have. With it he could go anywhere and not ever get found.
As they entered the village they looked around. The villagers seem frightened, looking at Miria with a mix of hope and fear. Some even glared with open hostility and hate. Others were curious about the tall blonde man that had the massive claymore on his back. He wasn't dressed like a claymore, and he didn't even have the normal silver eyes. So who was he?
As they walk through town they were approached around town square b the village mayor. He was a short man with the beginnings of a stomach that showed he ate well. He was rather plain to look at and had no outstanding features.
'Mayors tend to be quite generic...maybe its just natural.' Thought Naruto. He had never figured out way all mayors were small, slightly pudgy men. He mentally shrugged. It didn't matter anyways.
Miria looked at the man stoically before speaking, "Are you the one that sent the request?" she stated, all business. The man nodded animatedly.
"Ai, young lass, that I did." Naruto nearly snorted at that. Even if she didn't look it, and never would, Miria was roughly in her 40's. "There have been signs of a yoma in the town and we figured that it was time to call in a claymore." He said, not noticing Mirias infinitesimal twitch at the word 'claymore'. Naruto caught it and understood completely. No one within the ranks enjoyed being called the weapon they carried.
"Very well. Gather everyone in the village in the town square, and we will find this yoma." Miria all but ordered. The headman nodded and called for everyone to gather. A few minutes later Miria stood in the middle of a large circle of the villagers, along with Naruto. Nodding at the people around, she closed her eyes and began to search the people for the hidden yoma.
After a minute her eyes opened again. She stood silent for a moment, before glancing at Naruto, a small smirk on her face.
"You or me?" she said.
Narutos feral smirk at the words was her answer as he turned slowly towards the villagers. He grabbed the massive blade from his back and pointed it at a middle aged woman with short sandy brown hair.
"It's no use hiding. I can smell your vile stench the moment I entered this village, beast." He said. People turned to the woman in surprise and quickly backed away and ran to their houses while the 'woman' transformed into a hulking shape of a yoma.
"That you found me out is quite impressive human, but you stand no chance against a superior predator!" the yoma yelled charging Naruto at high speeds.
Seeing the yoma charge, Naruto dodged to the side at the last second, and swung the massive blade in a slow swing, to his normal, and cut a gash through the yoma's back. Hissing the yoma arched and spun quickly facing the interesting human. It was fast, faster then the normal prey it hunted. Maybe this would be more interesting then it thought. Charging at even faster speeds it began swinging a barrage of powerful punches and attacks with its claws. All were blocked as the massive weapon was placed in front of the man like a makeshift shield as he backed away.
Jumping back quickly, he positioned himself in a way they made it easy to react to anything. The yoma surged forward, arm cocked back in a vicious punch. Ducking Naruto stabbed out, laying open a wound on the shoulder of the beast.
The yoma grunted in irritation. "Your defiantly stronger then the average fly. But I will still rip you apart!" it yelled.
Charging with a blow that would break any normal humans bones, the yoma swung like a hammer. It was surprised when that massive blade was brought up to blow the strike like a shield.
Suddenly Naruto dropped to a knee, spinning on the kneecap, he delivered a wide sweeping swing that cut through the yoma's legs like butter. Screaming in agony, the yoma fell to its back and continued screaming. It was suddenly silenced when the claymore was plunged through its neck. It gurgled a moment, then fell silent.
Silence reigned as the villagers stared at the man in amazement, watching as he swung the blood from the blade. Miria simply looked slightly amused.
"You sure didn't drag that out. You still need to work on your speed, you almost were hit on the first blow." Miria mock chastised, knowing full well that the yoma was little more then an ant to Naruto. But for the sake of the audience, she wouldn't let that slip that tidbit of information.
Naruto smiled lightly as he looked at Miria, fully aware of what she was doing, decided to play along.
"Yes ma'am. I'll work harder to impress! I swear!" he said, imitating a young person with ease. Miria mentally smiled at the act, not letting it show on her face. Nodding at him, she turned to the mayor who was fast approaching them.
When he was close enough he said, "Thank you Claymore, and thank you young man," Naruto nearly burst out laughing at that, "thanks to you two we can finally rest in peace at night. If there is anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to ask." He said, smiling largely.
"No thanks are needed. A man in black will come to collect the money owed soon. Give it to him." Miria answered, before turning to leave and meet her handler. Naruto waved a the townspeople like an energetic teenager and ran to catch up with Miria, almost tripping over a loose rock, eliciting chuckles from the villagers.
/Line break/
Once far enough away from the village, Miria spoke up. "Has anyone ever told you that you are a really good actor?" she remarked, smirking lightly.
Naruto chuckled and patted her head, much to her annoyance. "Reach my age Ria, and its easy." He said using his pet name for her. She turned away with a huff and walked a bit faster.
After a few minutes they came upon a man in all black. Naruto stiffened unnoticeably at the sight. Miria walked towards the man.
"Mission accomplished. The yoma has been exterminated. Pay awaits in the town." She said, completely monotonous as she spoke to her handler. The man in black looked at Miria, nodded and then looked at Naruto in curiosity.
"And who is this tall, young man? And how did he come to possess a weapon of the organization?" the man asked, almost demanding the information. Instead of Miria answering, Naruto beat her to it.
"My name is Cole. I used to live in a small town to the west a few years back, before I left in search of a new life. I traveled south looking for anything that could interest me, when I came across a large fielded memorial, with the blade you see stuck in it. Seeing as the blade looked unwanted I took it and tried to learn how to use it. It wasn't for a few months after that when I met Miria. She was kind enough to watch me and teach me a few things. She even lets me attempt to kill yoma. I apologize for not informing you or anyone of my presence but I did not want to cause Miss Miria trouble." Naruto explained, bowing towards the man, innerly disgusted that he had to do this. He wanted nothing more then to lop the mans head off.
The man in black was silent for a while before nodding at him. Naruto could feel the mans smile as he spoke. "Well it is always good to see a young man so motivated. I wish you good luck on your training." The man said gruffly, but not unkindly. Naruto was lightly surprised by the kind words, before thanking the man and stepping back.
The man in black turned back to Miria, who was waiting patiently, before he spoke again.
"New orders from the top. You are being assigned to the north. Number 7 was recently lost due to the sudden increase in awakened beings in the north. You along with many other warriors are being sent up north to subdue this threat."
Miria was slightly shocked. A large amount of awakened beings? In the north?
"But why am I being sent instead of one of the top five? Surly they would have less problems in the north then someone like I." She stated.
Nodding at the wisdom in her argument he answered her. "You are as wise as ever my dear." He said smiling at her. "Normally that would be the first priority, however the top five have been scattered over the continent. Numbers 1 and 2 are currently at Staff for its protection, Number 3 is just returning in the west and is preparing to move out southbound. Number 4 has fallen. And number 5 cannot be sent. You are the next best choice to lead the warriors in the north." He said. Miria was surprised at his words. Number 4 Ophelia was dead? She was ecstatic! Finally the bitch got what was coming to her! Her love of blood went too far and she died! Miria was laughing manically in her head while somehow keeping a straight face. "I see. Very well then." She said before turning north. She halted her progress at the handlers next words.
"Boy, Cole was it?" he said, gaining a nod from Naruto. "Would you mind letting me see the symbol of the blade you carry? After all, you might be holding the blade of someone famous." The handler said in an upbeat tone. Naruto stiffened slightly before pulling the blade out off his back and turning it, symbol forward towards the man in black. The man leaned in close, inspecting the symbol closely. Leaning back again he said "Well, that symbol belongs to... someone I do not know. Must be very old for that, or maybe my mind is leaving me. I'm not very young by any means so I wouldn't be surprised. Either way thank you for showing me." he said, a smile could be felt behind the hood he wore.
Naruto smiled at the man, mentally putting the man on a relatively short list of people he knew from the organization that weren't complete assholes. That didn't mean he trusted him. Oh no, hell would freeze before that happened. But he wouldn't kill him outright.
"Thank you, sir. Have a pleasant day!" acting his part as the young youth. The man nodded back then nodded to Miria, who had been watching the ordeal and turned and left towards the village.
Naruto walked up beside Miria before walking with her. He spoke up after a few minutes.
"He was nice." He said simply.
Miria facepalmed.
Timeskip- approaching the north...finally got here didn't i?
The snow was murderously cold as it battered the two as they walked towards the town of pieta. Both were unbothered by the cold, using their yoki as a type of shield. Well, Miria was, Naruto couldn't use his yoki as he had once again taken a suppressant to hide his yoki, just incase there were already warriors in the town.
This turned out to be wise as when they approached town square they found a good many warriors gathered chatting with one another. Around 20 warriors had gathered. It was probably the most warriors every gathered in one spot at any one time, besides Narutos defection.
One of the warriors walked towards them. She was tall, about 5' 10 with light blond hair that fell to her chest in soft waves. Several locks framed her face and hung in front of her forehead. She wore the standard organization warrior's uniform and had silver eyes like all warriors did.
"Greetings, My name is Flora currently ranked number 8 in the organization. Please state your name and rank so I may greet you properly." She said, her voice soft and polite.
"My name is Miria, I am ranked currently as number 6 within the organization. I will be the commanding officer in this campaign, by orders of the high council. It is a pleasure to meet you." Miria replied, voice formal and firm. Flora nodded politely at her before turning to look at Naruto.
"All civilians have been ordered to evacuate the area, I must ask you to do the same." She said pointedly, remarking on Naruto's 'human' self. Naruto chuckled lightly before replying politely.
"I am afraid I must decline your request. I fully intend to stay alongside Miria. I thank you for your concern and it is noted."
Flora seemed slightly surprised that a human would deny the request of a warrior, and looked to Miria for answers. Miria nodded while saying, "He is strong for a human. He came of his own free will and would not be denied. His death would not be on our hands if occurs." Naruto nearly chuckled at that. He highly doubted anything short of Pricilla herself or another Abyssal would pose a threat to his life. This warriors couldn't harm him even if they wished to.
Flora nodded uneasily, unnerved by the fact that the 6th ranked warrior believed this man could actually help them. However looking at him, she could see strength and no small amount of it too.
"Come," she said gesturing towards town square, "I will take you to our base of operations."
Miria nodded then turned to Naruto. "Stay in town square and don't wander. And for the gods sakes, don't start any fights."
Naruto nodded, the picture of innocence plastered on his face. "Why ever would you believe I would start trouble Ria?" he asked.
Miria's deadpan face said it all. "Because your you." She said before walking off, Flora following closely behind.
Naruto pouted slightly at her lack of trust, before shrugging it off and walking over to mingle with the other warriors.
'This will be fun' he thought with a smirk.
Naruto approach the warriors, who were slowly taking notice in the tall blonde man before all of them turned to look at him in confusion. Why was a human here? Weren't they forced to evacuate?
A tall muscular warrior with two swords on her back, marched towards Naruto, face practically screaming arrogance. She, or he Naruto mused due to her highly masculine looks, walked up and glared at the hidden yoma, who looked down slightly at her calmly.
Raising an eyebrow he spoke, "Yes? Is there something you need?"
The warrior grunted before speaking in a highly arrogant voice. "Yeah. All humans were told to get the hell out of here. Don't you know a battlefield when you see one? Or are you too stupid to notice?" she spoke in a condescending tone.
Narutos brow rose higher before deeming it worth an answer. "Wow. So you do have some brains behind all that muscle. I was afraid it was all mush. My apologizes for being wrong." He said, sarcasm oozing from his words.
The surrounding warriors gasped at the humans blatant disregard to the warrior. Said warrior was growling at the nerve of the human.
"I am Undine ranked 11 and the strongest warrior in the organization." She said arrogantly.
Narutos eyebrow didn't falter as he took a bored look. "Really? That's nice." He spoke in a bored tone. He looked unimpressed by the declaration. "I was under the impression that the rank 1 was the strongest."
Undine was furious. "I am ordering you to leave this town immediately before I kick your ass out." She growled out.
Narutos eyebrow lowered, shifting his face into an amused look as he stared at the shorter warrior.
"I am not within your organization or its ranks 'anymore' and as such cannot be ordered by you or any of your fellows. As for you kicking my ass out of town? Please, I doubt you could." He said/thought, tone amused and slightly condesending.
Undine was fuming in anger at this point. She reached up to grab her swords when a voiced yelled out.
"Enough! Didn't I tell you not to start fights?" It was Miria, who was stalking up to the disguised abyssal, sword drawn. She pulled her arm back and swung like it was a bat, striking Naruto with the flat side of the sword, sending him flying into a building much to the shock of the other warriors. Seeing him not move, she walked over to where he lay and kicked him in the ribs.
"Get up. I know your faking being hurt. That normally wouldn't even faze you." She said looking down at the fallen form of Naruto.
Much to the surprise of the other warriors, Naruto groaned and slowly stood, brushing down his clothes before turning to look at Miria. "These are new you know? And they're not cheap either! Did you have to hit me with the sword? You could have just punched me you know." He said annoyed.
Smirking she said, "I could have...but this is far more fun."
Narutos eyebrow twitched rapidly in irritation at his companions words. He grumbled mild obscenities under his breath before walking away, heading for the abandoned church.
"I'll be on the top floor if you're looking for me." He said before entering the building. Miria shook her head before turning to a stunned group of warriors.
"What?"
Timeskip
Clare was marching towards the town of pieta. She had been assigned to the north in attempt to clear her name after running from the organization for the last little while. She rubbed her arm, not from the bite of the cold, but from the feeling of the new arm that took its place. Irene quicksword had given her arm in place of hers so she could learn to use the legendary move.
Behind her was the current Number 9 of the organization, Jean. She wielded the powerful Drillsword technique, a powerful move that allowed her to punch through every the toughest of armors that a yoma could bare. As of the moment, she was following the current 47 to honor a life debt. Clare had saved her life in the caverns of the Abyssal of the west, Riful mistress of the blades.
As Clare and Jean entered the town square, Clare was treated to a sight that shocked her. At least 20 warriors had gathered and stood in town square, milling around chatting aimlessly. But that wasn't the final surprise. Looking onward, she spied a man leaning against the corner wall of the church, a large claymore sitting next to him. He was dressed in slightly baggy black pants and a grey top. He wore a long sleeve black vest over a gray shirt. Leather could be seen over the top serving as straps for the claymore blade going over his shoulder. Brown fingerless gloves finished the image. A shock of blonde hair stood wildly on his head. His eyes were closed. In fact, if Clare didn't know any better she would have said he was asleep.
"So this is the northern lands. The town of pieta." Jean mumbled behind her. Clare had to resist rolling her eyes. The single digit was getting annoying, following her everywhere.
"I have received equal compensation from you, so as I said there is no reason for you to follow me Jean." She replied, a hint of bite hidden in her tone.
"Now now Clare, that's no way to talk to a young lady." Said a voice behind them. Both of them spun around, swords ready and drawn, to see the man that was leaning against the church standing not two feet behind Jean. Jeans blade had already been in motion the moment to words were said, the blade singing towards the man's head.
In response the man reached back and drew his blade slightly off his back, stopping the deadly arc of steel from lopping off his head. Raising an eyebrow at the smaller single digit he spoke.
"Now that wasn't nice. You could have hurt me seriously with that." He said, eyebrow arced. Jean sheathed her sword in slight embarrassment at the act. Clare spoke up almost yelling at the man.
"Naruto! What in the world are you doing here?" she yelled eyes wide at the sight of the yoma. She was surprised when she found she couldn't sense an ounce of yoki from him. 'He must be hiding.' She deduced.
"Just admiring the scenery. The north is quite beautiful this time of year. I also heard word that a fight was going on so I decided to check it out." He said. Raising his voice he spoke louder.
"Helen don't even think about it." He said, confusing the other two. Suddenly Helen jumped down from the roof of a nearby building, pouting heavily.
"Awww. You ruin all the fun." She said pouting still. Suddenly, in a flash of motion, she pulled her blade from her back and struck out at the number 47. Clare blocked the strike quickly and struggled slightly to hold it back.
Helen gave a gleeful look at Clare. "Hahaha! So you are still alive eh? It's definitely been awhile!" she said smirk plastered on her face. She then had to quickly flip to avoid being pierced in the throat by Jeans blade. Jean took a half step forward, ready to attack, when suddenly Deneve appeared, claymore at Jeans neck looking past the warrior.
Jean looked surprised at the sudden appearance of the warrior. Deneve spoke, "Do not interfere with a greeting between two old friends in such an unrefined fashion."
Clare was shocked. "Deneve!"
Twisting her arm quickly in a pseudo version of her drill sword, jean quickly escaped Deneve's grasp, surprising the warrior. Jean looked at her in the eye. "How undignified of a greeting. Even between old friends, something like that requires gratitude."
They stared each other in the eye, waiting for the other to make the first move. The tension grew and grew before...
"Oh enough already! My god you all are like children. Squabbling among one another over the most petty of reasons." Naruto said, stepping in between the two, annoyed with the antics of what was supposed to be trained warriors. Both looked down in slight embarrassment.
"Now introduce yourselves and shake hands and make up damn it!" Naruto said irritated. When neither went to make the first move Naruto practically roared, "NOW!"
Helen spoke first. "My name is Helen I am number 22 in the organization." She was reasonably chastised by the disguised Abyssal.
Deneve spoke next."My name is Deneve. I have been given the rank of 15 in the organization."
Jean was wondering at the strange human that these two seemed to know. What was he that made them so chastised by a mere human? "My name is Jean. I am ranked number 9 in the organization." She said.
Helen was shocked by the declaration. "What the hell! That`s a single digit! Then why the hell are you hanging around Clare, she`s only a number 47."
Jean looked her in the eye. "I did not ask her number when she saved my life nor do I care about it now. I owe her a deep debt and I will repay it." She said.
Naruto let loose a chuckle at the scene. "A warrior with honor. That can be a rare sight nowadays. Most are arrogant or prideful over themselves. Seeing someone like you Jean shows a great improvement in the ranks." He said, a warm smile on his face.
Jean nodded at him in respect. Deneve apologized to the single digit for her behaviour as well as Helen. Jean accepted both as they turned and walked back into the town square. Naruto looked after them with a small smile on his lips.
'Youngsters these days.' He thought.
/Line Break/
"Please everyone assemble. There will be a synoptical explanation for this operation now." Flora said. She was standing at the bottom of the steps, facing the assembled warriors. Naruto had reclaimed his position from before at the entrance to the church by the door. He casually leaned against the wall, eyes closed, seemingly shut off from the world around him.
"My name is Flora and I am ranked as the organizations number 8." Flora introduced.
Helen whistled, "Well that's something you don't see every day. Two single digits, the number 8 and 9." Speaking louder to be heard she said, "If there are two single digits around, then the higher ranked one becomes the leader right? That means your the leader of this expedition." Helen said.
Flora shook her head as a negative. "No, there is a higher ranked warrior then me here today." She proclaimed, shocking everyone slightly. A small almost invisible smile formed on Narutos lips as everyone started muttering to one another.
Footsteps where heard from behind the gathering as a new warrior approached. Turning to look, Clare, Helen and Deneve were easily able to pick out the familiar silhouette.
"Miria!" the cried out happily.
Miria turned and looked at the three younger warriors. A small smile lite her face for a moment before she spoke. "I see the three of you are still alive. Seems like we've all made it to the north." She said, almost grimly.
Whispers of awe could be heard around from the gathered warriors.
"That's Number 6!"
"Phantom Miria!"
"...I've never seen her in person before."
Turning the rest of the soldiers gathered Miria spoke.
"Greetings everyone, and thank you for the efforts you have gone to to come here from your respective districts. My name is Miria, I am currently ranked number 6 within the organization. I will be leading this operation." She announced.
Stepping forward to the base of the church overlooking the plaza, Miria turned and addressed the gathered warriors on the issue before them. She told them of their mission and what it entailed. Unsurprisingly most were surprised that yoma were gathering an mass. Miria further went to explain that a group had attempted the mission before and as a result were killed.
"What?!"
"So many yoma..."
"Even Number 7 fell.."
"Do we have a chance?"
"If your wetting your pants like wimps now, then you might as well run away now." Spoke out an arrogant voice. It was none other then Undine. "Our job is to kick yoma ass any time, any where. If your pissing yourself now then your going to be useless in front of a real enemy. Better quit now."
Silence flooded the area as many looked at the brutish looking women in anger. Then, small giggles came from the top of the church, which turned into chuckles which turned into booming laughter.
Turning to the source of the noise, they all found it to be Naruto, who was doubled over laughing like he had heard the most spectacular joke. Naruto's laughter boomed into the area like thunder, echoing off the townhouses.
Undine gritted her teeth in annoyance and anger. "What? Something funny, human?" she shouted, spitting the word human like vemon.
Naruto's laughter dimmed down slowly, before dying completely to nothing. When he looked up, mirth gleaming in his eyes, he spoke. "So you say it is useless to fear, Strong armed Undine? That it is a weakness to fear an opponent?" he asked.
Undine growled at him. "There is no point in fearing an enemy. Cowards fear and are weaklings. They freeze and die. Anyone who fears fighting is weak and should just give up and die." She spat.
Narutos face went extremely serious, a shadow cast on his face. He walked down the steps, each footstep echoing throughout the area. Miria watched, tense as a bowstring at his reaction. As he drew alongside her and moved to pass her, she grabbed his wrist.
She looked up and met his eyes and gasped, letting go unintentionally. Without missing a beat Naruto continued his march, walking past warriors to the one who stood, arms crossed arrogant in her claims and firm in her belief that no human could ever dream of beating her.
Naruto stepped in front of her, an imposing figure by anyone's standards. At 6'3, he towered over Undine like a mountain. He looked up at the muscled warrior.
Undine shook at the sight of this man's eyes. Not for his height and or any imposing part of him. His eyes. They were chips of steel, forged in fire and doused in blood. This man knew death.
The raw power of his gaze forced Undine to take a step back, momentarily unnerved. Naruto spoke, voice loud and firm.
"Fear is a tool. Just as much as a sword or a knife. When applied to an enemy it is a great asset. However what you speak of is a complete lack of fear. That is not bravery. Its foolishness."
Everyone listened intently, captivated by this human insight.
"Any person that does not fear their strength, or the strength of their enemy, is doomed to die. Fear motivates us. If you don't have it, then you are weak." He hissed, eye locked on Undines.
Undine was angry. No, scratch that, she was beyond angry. A meer human lecturing her on weakness? Absurd! No matter how strong he was or how frightening he was, he was still human!
"BASTARD!" She screamed, grabbing both blades and swing them down, fully bent on ending the pest in front of her.
Everyone gasped as the blades drew closer. Naruto continued to look in Undines eyes with sharp interest.
There was a flash of silver and the ring of steel.
Miria had appeared, faster then the normal eye could follow, and had blocked Undines swing dead in its path.
"Enough." She spoke, voice like the snow around them. Undine was somewhat shocked at the number 6's appearance. Miria, however, wasn't focused on the 11th rank. Her eyes were focused on the minute twitch that had gone through Naruto's hand. So fast and subtle that even she almost missed it, yet oh so important.
Standing and shrugging off Undines weapons, she turned to the warrior. "We are not here to quarrel amongst one another! Hold your blades Number 11." She spoke, voice harsh. Turning to Naruto she gave him the look. Naruto cringed.
"And you. I expected better from you of all people Naruto."
Naruto lowered his head, suitably chastised.
Satisfied that they were done, Miria moved back to her original position.
"Will Number 8, Flora, Number 9, Jean, Number 11, Undine, and Number 13, Veronica, please step forward."
The four warriors stepped forward. Miria nodded.
"Now we are going to split the rest of you into squads, each with its own captain to lead it. Some of you will remember that this is the standard for fighting Awakened Beings. Thus this will maximize our fighting potential."
The group nodded to themselves, seeing the wisdom in the plan. Even Undine grinned at the thought.
As the warriors were divided up into groups, Naruto analyzed Miria's plan. As a former Number 1, it was almost a habit.
It was smart. Dividing the higher ranks into increase their fighting, with lower ranks allowing everyone to gain experience from it. Furthermore, she split the three semi-awakened warriors into different teams as a kind of backup power. Brilliantly thought out truly. But it was not without its flaws. Lower ranks were far more susceptible to the fear of a first time awakened being and were more likely to panic, causing some to break formation and make hasty moves and desperate ploys. This made them easy pickings for an awakened being. In the end, either all of them would make it or they were going to sustain heavy losses. That was the risk of battle.
He was quickly snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed everyone leaving and Miria had turned to look at him.
Arching an eyebrow at her look. "Yes?" he asked.
"Was there a reason you almost blew your cover right off the bat? And picked a fight with one of my warriors? That was inexcusable!" she growled out slightly.
Narutos eyes darkened a bit and he uncrossed his muscled arms. He looked at Miria with a look that could pierce ice. "You forget, I am not one of your little warriors. I do not follow your orders Miria and I am not worried about how any other warriors think of me. I did not attack your soldier, she attacked me." He spoke back, voice hard and firm.
Turning to walk away, he spoke back to Miria. "I will be in the top of the bell tower resting."
Miria mumbled curses under her breath quietly as the yoma marched away. Honestly he was as stubborn as she was sometimes. But there was nothing she could do at the moment.
Sighing to herself, she left to meet up with the others.
/Line break/
"What would you assess as our chances of success on this operation, Miria?" Clare spoke.
The four had met up in a cave on the outskirts of the town to avoid unwanted company. Turns out that unwanted company followed them, in the form of Jean. Clare however was quick to explain that Jean was in a similar situation as they were. The others were astounded that Jean had to willpower and mental fortitude to revert a full body awakening. Such a thing was unheard of!
Finally getting back to the topic at hand, Clare posed the question that had been bugging her for awhile now. Now they sat, waiting expectantly on Mirias answer.
Miria intertwined her fingers in front of her face and stared at the fire for a moment as if in thought. When she finally spoke up however, it was not the answer they were hoping for.
"This operation... has a zero possibility of succeeding."
Everyone was in shock.
"W-what do you mean!" Helen exclaimed. "How can you just say that, that can't be true."
"If this was simply an extermination of yoma then we would have a chance. Not the best chance or even a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless. However, due to the mastermind behind this all, we stand no chance." Miria spoke grimly.
"Isley, the silver king of the north." Clare spoke. "That is our enemy."
Miria was slightly surprised. "You knew?"
"Yes. Riful of the west told me in person." She confirmed.
"I see. So all of you see it now? We were not simply sent here to kill awakened beings, but to also kill the Abyssal of the north." Miria said. Her face was grim as if she was issuing a death warrant.
Helen bolted to her feet, face indignant and scared. "Is the organization insane?! There is no way we can do that!" Then in an instant it hit her. They couldn't do it. That was the point. They weren't meant to.
"Most likely the organization is simply buying time. We are a simple road block that they have placed in Isley's way. They have also picked out the top five from this operation and the ones that seem most loyal. There are always more recruits, and they can always create more warriors. We are the cannon-fodder. Expendable." Miria said.
/Line break/
In the town bell tower, Naruto was thinking. Now normally this wouldn't be far from the normal. His mind never truly stopped running, unless nothing worth think of was happening.
But, something was happening. Two somethings actually.
The first was this...mission that he had chosen to bear witness to. It was not a normal mission, that much was clear to him. After all, sending so few to fight the likes of Isley was nothing short of a suicide mission. Even he didn't believe he would be able to outright beat Isley in a one on one. Naruto was physically stronger and faster, but the elder held more then a centuries experience over him.
Naruto narrowed his eyes. It was just like before. Only this time the role were reversed. The warriors were the organization playthings. They held no thought nor mercy for tools and they were quick to dispose of the ones they couldn't control.
And so they sent all these soldiers up north. To save face and make it look like they were trying to actually defeat Isley. They sent over half their forces with a commander that had only been on a few hunts herself.
Which lead him to his second something of the day.
Miria.
The young hanyoma confused him. She acted cold and tough and calculative, but if she opened up she truly was a good person. Even fun to be around. He had even got her to open up a bit on that church almost two weeks ago and the weeks after had only helped.
Dare he say it, he was becoming fond of the woman.
He was a little upset at himself for his actions earlier in the courtyard and his harsh words. He acted without thought and thought he would test one of the warriors. He didn't even think on the consequences. Damn his impulsiveness. He was supposed to be an Ex-number 1 and here he was acting like a child. And Miria had berated him like he was one.
Thinking back on Miria, he thought of most of her defining features.
She was strong, courageous, loyal, damn brilliant and yet at the same time managed to be compassionate and calm. Maybe...
'NO! Can't be thinking those kinds of thought now of all times.' He thought viciously to himself. He perked up a bit when he felt three yoki signatures making their way towards town rapidly. Looking out the window, he was just in time to see Mirias team engage with an awakened being. Farther around town he sensed similar battles raging.
Vanishing from his spot, he reappeared on the rooftop overlooking the nearby battles. If any of them slipped up he could be there in an instant.
As each battle progressed farther along he quickly saw that none of the warriors were in desperate need of help. Although he did get a chuckle when the one awakened being tried and failed to push Deneve and Clare over their limits. A good plan, but useless in the end.
As each of the Awakened's lives were extinguished, Naruto was pleased to sense that no one had died and Miria hadn't even gotten a scratch.
As everyone gathered for a status report Naruto watched as Undine, 'Insolent child.', marched off on her own for a new change of clothes. Clare and Flora walked off. And Miria...
She was walking towards the bell tower.
Coming to see him?
Listening and hearing her steps walk up the stairs that lead to the bell towers top floor, Naruto didn't move from his position overlooking the area. Hearing the door open behind him, his ears twitched a bit, but he still didn't move.
Sitting down beside him, she looked out at the town. The snow lightly fell in the wind and the dim light from the hidden sun caused it to sparkle slightly. All things considered, the days was nice and the view was nothing to scoff at.
Narutos eyes were focused firmly on the horizon. Miria sat beside him, waiting.
"What is the farthest back you can remember?"
Miria was slightly startled by the seemingly random question, but quickly answered. "I don't know. I never look into my past much."
Naruto nodded lightly.
"Take one look. A brief one. Just remember as far back as possible. Humor this old man."
Pondering his question for a moment before answering, she said, "The farthest back I can remember is when I was very young, a mere child. I remember sitting around the dinner table with my mother and older brother, saying grace and eating and laughing as a family. I remember laughing at my brothers jokes and feeling warm when my mother tucked me in at night. That is the furthest back that I remember."
"I see..." Naruto said, tone low.
Miria looked at him from the corner of her eyes. "What is the furthest you remember?" she was curious as to the memory of the elder former hanyoma.
Naruto was silent for a long time. Miria almost didn't think he would answer.
"Blood."
"What?"
"The farthest I remember is blood. From the beginning of my years as a warrior to the present is splattered with the blood of thousands. Yoma and awakened and humans alike, I've killed and survived all this time by way of death. My job was to kill, so I killed. I was the best at it. Now it is that I kill to live."
Miria looked at the once great man and thought of how hard it must have taken to his morals and emotions after he awakened. The weight of the years pressing down on him. The guilt and shame. The way he talked, he had friends, many of them. And he threw them all away for the sake of a human village and his own morals. To have fallen so far so quickly would have broken most.
This was one of the strongest beings that walked the mortal world. No one seemed to remember that he was a man with a tortured past.
"Why do you fight, Miria?"
Miria was startled by the sudden question. Choosing her answer carefully she spoke.
"Because I can't afford to die quite yet."
"And when your purpose has been fulfilled? What then?"
"Then I will accept whatever end that is given to me."
"So you will give up?"
Miria looked at him strangely. Naruto eyes finally drew away from the horizon to meet hers.
"You plan to drift off in the pages of history? Like a lost record or a dying race?"
"..." Miria had no answer.
Naruto looked down into the courtyard and the gathered people below. "When this is over, I plan to find the farthest corner of the earth that exists. There I will stay, the last true monster of the world. That is if I survive all of this in the first place." He said chuckling hollowly at the end.
"I don't think you're a monster."
Narutos head shot to look at Miria so fast he would have broken his neck were he normal. His eyes were wide and surprised at the statement of the woman beside him. Miria stared back at him, impassive and totally calm, acting like she hadn't delivered a mind blowing statement to the man before her.
"W-w-what did you say?" Naruto asked, not quite believing his ears.
"Are you simple? I'll say it again slowly for you this time." She said a teasing grin on her face. "I. Do. Not. Think..."
Naruto interrupted by waving his arms frantically and somewhat comically as he cut her off. "No no no, I got that part but could you perhaps explain that sentence a little?"
"I don't see what needs to be explained. Sure you eat humans from time to time and I won't ever be truly happy about that part, but you aren't like other awakened. Firstly, you didn't attack us when we first met. Second, you have made no moves to harm anyone, sans that small stunt in the courtyard earlier." She glared lightly at him for that, to which he shrugged and waved it off.
Taking a breath Miria sighed. "Lastly, you don't even act like other awakened. You laugh, smile, talk normally, are free about your past too an extent and in a small way kinda helpful."
Naruto shook his head though.
"Miria that is sweet and all. But as I told you the day we got here, I won't really be able to help. This is one thing where I have no choice. I can't interfere with your affairs too much. It would look suspicious. I refuse to be captured and hunted again. I'm sorry."
Miria nodded solemnly knowing his position. Even the great abyssal couldn't roam freely without risk. Due to their massive power the organization did it's best to corral them in the far corners, letting them squabble amongst each other.
"I know..."
They sat in silence, wind whipping in the light snow stirring up the white flakes like wind tossed leaves.
/Line break/
The next day rolled around faster then the gathered soldiers wished for. The impending attack that inevitably occur that day. Each warrior was nervous, but steady. This is what they trained for, what they did, how they lived.
Miria was standing at the head of the gathered soldiers, face grim and set in stone.
'I can sense them.' She thought, feeling the overwhelming presence of numerous yoki signals many of them powerful. It was impossible to sense how many there was due to the sheer amount of yoki in the area, but if she had to guess, it was probably more then she had warriors.
"Are all citizens evacuated from the town?" she called.
"Yes. The last left some hours ago for a city to the south."
"Wounded?"
"Yumas arm is almost recovered, it should bring no major problems in the coming fight."
"I see..."
She stared into the white snow, as if trying to see the far off threat.
"All soldiers are assembled."
"Very well." Miria nodded, reaching for her blade. Others mimicked her movement, some drew the weapons, while others simply stood in silence.
'How many of us will survive this? Just how many will fall today?'
"And so it begins."
/Line break/
Naruto stood on top of the town hall. Being the tallest building, it gave him a great view to watch the coming battle.
Naruto sat and analyzed the odds of the coming battle. From what he could sense there was about 27 awakened beings. From their yoki levels, none were former single digits which was thankful in on itself. If a single digit was among them then the party below wouldn't stand a chance.
'Although,' he mused, 'they still don't stand a good chance anyways.'
Regardless, Miria had a plan even for that. She had taken a great risk informing the other warriors of the organizations treachery. They gathered could have usurped her position and fled. Surprisingly most took it the way she expected, anger and confusing and fear. Her greatest idea yet though, in Naruto's mind, was her idea to keep as many people alive as possible. Taking his own idea as inspiration, she had each warrior take a half of a suppression pill. The pill would do nothing to their yoki and skills, but if they were knocked unconscious then the pill would wipe their aura off the map. It would be as if they had died. Once again Naruto had to marvel at the sheer resourcefulness of the woman. It baffled him how the plans she made sprung to her head like magic.
Shaking his head lightly, he chuckled. He was fond of the woman. Gods willing, she would survive this. He had grown to like her company.
Sensing the first of the yoma enter town, his thoughts went morbid.
'It begins.'
/Line break/
The battle had gone well in the beginning. The narrow streets allowed the warriors better places to fight in and forced the awakened into corners. Rooftop fighting was a bit trickier but they managed with it as well.
Then something went wrong.
In quick succession 3 warriors fell as an awakened sprung a trap on them. The awakened was killed quickly but that brought friendly losses up to 5. Three awakened lay dead in the snow.
Naruto thought that it was little more then a miracle. The overwhelming odds had forced risks to be taken that normally wouldn't be taken. Miraculously they seemed to be paying off in the end.
However apparently, Naruto wasn't the only one with that idea.
ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRR RRR!
Off in the distance a deep, ominous, booming roar that sent shivers down the spines of the gathered. Naruto slowly stood from his seated position on the rooftop, horror written on his face at the sound.
'No!' he thought. 'Why is he here?!'
Looking down, he saw Miria was having a similar revelation.
The gathered yoma looked back towards the source of the noise. Suddenly they leaped away, vanishing quickly into the blizzard.
"They're retreating!"
"Have we won?"
"No way."
The remaining warriors chattered confused, weapons still drawn, muscles tense.
From within the snow walked out what looked like a young man, probably in his early 20's. Raven black hair hung from his head in a somewhat handsome way. Silver eyes gleamed through the snow like twin lanterns. As he drew closer, he stopped beside the head of a dead awakened and rested his hand on the head lightly. Looking among the warriors, his voice echoed out in the soft stillness.
"1...2...3...4...5. So there are five. It is evidently the reason why you have lasted as long as you have. You must have a brilliant commander. However, I cannot allow you to destroy my forces as you have been."
Massive amounts of yoki roared around the man, shielding him from view for a moment. A terrifying roar shook through the gathered to the core.
Miria spoke through numb lips, horror plastered on her face. "Silver eyed lion king, Rigaldo. Why is he here!?" she practically yelled.
The yoki died down to reveal the awakened's new form. It was that of a bipedal lion, fur deep grey with a mane of grey fur surrounding the awakened's neck. Claws sharp as a sword hung from his hands. Overall he was an imposing figure that towered over the gathered.
Vanishing in a blur of speed, kicking up snow as he moved, Rigaldo appeared in front of Veronica in a flash.
"Number 1."
Faster then the eye could track, deadly claws slashed through Veronica, severing her top hlf from the bottom. Both ends flopped to the ground lifelessly. Everyone gasped at the brutal death. A warrior tried to decapitate the lion in rage, but was baffled to find the yoma had vanished again.
Appearing in front of Undine he spoke again.
"Number 2."
Bringing his arm down in a deadly arc, he was surprised to find his strike blocked by the twin blades of the number 11.
"Your quick. However..."
The second arm came up faster then the first, severing the arms of the twin wielding warrior at the forearms.
"..I'm quicker."
The next strike cut in half from her right shoulder to under her left breast. Surprise and anger was shown on her face.
"God...damn...it.." said the number 11 as she breathed her last.
"UNDINE!" screamed Deneve in anguish.
Moving on to his next target as if he was killing flies, Rigaldo appeared in front of Jean claws out ready to rip her apart.
"Jean!" Clare yelled, moving to aid her comrade.
"Stay back! Protect Flora!" Jean yelled raising her blade quickly to block the powerful blows of the awakened. Back stepping rapidly, she blocked quickly showing her merit as a single digit warrior.
"He's trying to kill the leaders! Next is-!" she yelled, but was cut off abruptly when Rigaldo's arm plunged through her stomach, causing a mortal wound. Gasping blood from her mouth, she was quickly flicked off of the arm like blood from a blade.
"Bastard!" Clare screamed, her yoki surging forth as she charged the stronger yoma. Rigaldo simply pushed her out of the way like a parent would a child that had gotten rowdy. Charging Flora, Rigaldo aimed a heavy cleaving blow, aiming to cleave her from forehead to groin. Panicking flora quickly committed her windcutter technique as a last second defensive ploy. Rigaldo swatted her hard, sending her flying into a building headfirst, knocking her unconscious with blood running down her head.
Rigaldo didn't even give her a second look. Charging faster then any of the gathered warriors could dream to catch with their eyes. Miria saw him approach. He was far to fast for her to block, anyone else was too far away to be of any help. Squeezing her eyes shut she prepared for her death.
CLANG!
...
...
...
A great gasp went up among the gathered. Miria almost dared not to look. Had a warrior made it in time? Peeking up with her eyes, she gasped at the sight that presented itself to her.
For in front of her was none other than Naruto, blade raised in one hand blocking the deadly paw of Rigaldo. His eyes were unseen as a shadow cast itself over them.
Faster than sight, a leg flew up and buried itself in the stomach of the lion king, shoving the larger being away.
Rigaldo was baffled. No one ever hit him that hard or moved that fast, most of all not a human. The man in front of him emitted no yoki at all, and yet he had blocked his strike and moved faster than he could, intercepting him before he could finish the last commander.
Growling, he spoke, his voice deep and gruff, "Who are you that stands up to me?"
Naruto didn't move or speak for a long moment. Then, slowly he raised glowing amethyst eyes to the Awakened, rage visible within the depths of the violent orbs. The air seemed to shiver for a moment as something started to flicker along the surface of the man's skin like wisps of fire.
Miria was gobsmacked and in awe. "Naruto..."
Narutos head turned slightly at her words. "Step back Miria." He said, voice soft.
Nodding her head, she slowly stepped backwards a few meters.
"I will not repeat myself again. Who. Are. You." Rigaldo growled out angry at being ignored.
Narutos eyes turned back to regard him.
A small gasp went through some as they began to sense yoki swirling within the man.
The purple light, now identifiable as the mans yoki, grew more prominent as each second went by. Finally Naruto spoke.
"Your death."
Hell broke loose.
DONE!
Damn this took me awhile...don't look at me like that.
My main reason I took so long was due to an important surgery I had to go through. Long story short I lost my left arm.
Not fun...
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a job with only ne arm?
Not fun...
Anyways, the next chapter will be more on Narutos past and the fight between hhim and Rigaldo. I wonder how it will end?
Well I know but you don't and that makes me happy.
Also I got my first flamer awhile ago. I would mention names cause I don't believe in making stupid people into martyrs.
If anyone does not wish to read my stories, get the fuck off this story and find something else. I made this for the enjoyment and learning experience of others, NOT so jerkwad bastards could spit all over it like its garbage. I appreciate if people give me gentle criticism. That's what I'm here for. To make my writing better and entertain you all. So please, if you have a comment that is flaming, please direct it to the nearest brick wall. It give more of a fuck then I do.
Rant done.
Review.