Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and believe it when I say I wish I did. Yes, the pun was intended.
ITALICS – thinking
BOLD – demon talk/jutsu
Arc One: A Warrior's Path
Chapter Seven
A week has passed since Naruto arrived in Iron Country, one very cold week I might add. Try as he might, Naruto could not seem to shake the bone numbing polar air and the almost constant snowfall. As a native to Fire Country, Naruto was used to warm temperatures almost year round. Thanks to this, he knew that the next three to four years up on the mountains would be one big pain in the ass. Speaking of our blonde samurai, we find him packing up for his training.
"Mess kit, canteen, tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes, skinning knife, sewing kit, and flint and steel. Hmm, and on my person I have my armor and bokken." Naruto paused as he thought about this training trip. "Say, fluffy, you think I will make it through this?"
"Would you stop calling me that?!" Kyuubi angrily said, a growl coming from his throat. "I am the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the strongest of all bijuu; I deserve to be called as such!" After a snort to calm itself, the bijuu responded to Naruto's question. "And no, I doubt you will make it out alive."
Naruto shook his head in mirth, "By the end of the four years, my furry friend, that hatred will be gone. Besides, what was that about turning over a new leaf?"
"I lied." The beast said simply with a snort of amusement.
The connection broke just as a knock on the door of his room was heard.
"Just a moment!" Naruto yelled at the door as he stood and went to let whomever in.
There, standing in the doorway was Fukui and Mifune, the latter of which was holding something that was wrapped in fine red silk.
"My student," Fukui started, "I will be the one to take you up the mountains, but afterwards I will leave. Do us proud Naruto Uzumaki, I hope to see what the Akuma no Senshi is like after the four years are up."
Mifune simply nodded while Naruto blushed in embarrassment and scratched the back of his head.
"Thanks master, I will make you and all of Iron Country proud."
Seeing that it was time, Mifune got on one knee and presented Naruto the wrapped object. With a quirked eyebrow, the samurai in training took the gift and unwrapped it, the sight of which brought a smile to Naruto's face. No longer would he use a wooden bokken, this one was made out of lightweight steel.
"Thank you Mifune-dono." Naruto bowed, "I will use this gift wisely."
The leader of Iron Country smiled and patted the boy on the shoulders. "I know you will…now come, it is time to take the next steps of your journey."
With a nod and a smile, Naruto grabbed his bag, affixed his new bokken, and followed Mifune and his master outside and, after a short walk, a path could be seen in the snow which went up to a massive mountain chain. From Naruto's vantage point though, said mountain looked small and unimposing. At the entrance to this path was kneeling samurai, their heads bowed and one fist was in the snow. Naruto blinked in shock as he wasn't used to such attention, but he smiled as his master laid a reassuring hand on his left shoulder.
"So my student, are you ready to take the final steps in your path?"
Naruto nodded, his voice and facial expressions were stern and stalwart. "Hai master, and from what I read in the scroll Mifune gave me, I fear that another war is upon us."
"Hai, I fear the same Uzumaki-san, but our history is marred with conflict as some see the shinobi way as superior." Mifune spoke in a soft, almost defeated tone. "There is no honor in that path, only revenge and the lust for power."
The wise words spoke volumes to Fukui and Naruto, both of which nodding in agreement. After a bow to those near the entrance of the path and Mifune, master and student started walking. It would be a day's journey for them, but for Naruto that journey would last much longer. A journey that would change Naruto in a way that he, nor others, would see coming.
Konoha
It has been over a week since Nagato's Animal Path went to Konoha and told Hiruzen that he would gladly take up the mantle. Two days after he accepted the position, the Animal Path summoned Nagato to a secret room in the hospital where Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen were all waiting for him. It was here the challenges began. The first challenge was to get the Uzumaki out of the device he was strapped to, and the next was how to make him walk once again. Although it took much trial and error, Nagato was eventually freed from his chair and was placed onto a bed where Tsunade began to diagnose the source of paralysis. To the Slug Sage's horror, it was far worse then she first imagined and feared that her treatment would not be enough.
The diagnosis was a completely severed spine with severe bone and nerve damage that ran up the whole length of the spine, minus the neck. When asked how this was possible, Nagato told the story of what happened with Hanzo and of the technique he used. Shocked would not begin to describe how the Hokage, Tsunade, and Jiraiya felt. Luckily for them, Nagato suddenly had an idea how to fix his back but knew his health would be put in risk because of it. Why? The technique would almost completely drain his chakra resources. The name of such a technique?
The Creation of All Things.
Amid protest, not even knowing if a back transplant was even possible, they eventually saw reason after much debate. So, for the first time since the Sage of Six Paths era, Nagato performed the legendary jutsu, but not before Tsunade gathered plenty of anatomy books to help the Uzumaki visualize. With a nod of thanks, Nagato closed his eyes and concentrated on the task at hand. Soon, a red aura formed in his right hand, a blue aura in the other. Once the image was in his head, Nagato put his hands together and grunted in pain as he felt his chakra being sapped. Within a couple minutes, a transplantable spine fell onto Nagato's lap, but the strain on his body was too much and he passed out which made everyone's heart skip a beat. However, these worries were settled after a quick diagnosis from Tsunade confirmed that he wasn't dead.
In the present, we find Nagato sitting at the Hokage desk with a smile on his face and a genjutsu to cover up his weak looking frame. It was another thing Tsunade was trying to find a cure for. The reason for the smile? The back surgery was a complete success, and, thanks to his Uzumaki heritage and the healing powers of the Rinnegan, Nagato recovered quickly though he still had twinges of pain every now and again.
"Enter." The Godaime said calmly as a knock was heard on the office door. As it did, the Hokage couldn't help but groan internally at who it was. "I told you, Tsunade-san, that I am more than healthy enough. I don't see why these check-ups are needed."
"Pfft, just like Kushina…stubborn as hell." Tsunade said with a smirk as she walked to Nagato with her hands glowing green. "Now be a good Hokage and let me do my job."
Nagato audibly groaned this time as he let Tsunade do her thing, but after a minute, she nodded, seemingly pleased with the diagnosis.
"Hmm, your spine is healing up nicely but I advise not doing strenuous activities for another week at least. Other than that, you have a clean bill of health."
"Thank you Tsunade-san, is there anything else you need?" Nagato asked.
The Slug Sage shook her head with a smile, "Nah, though Sensei wants to know how you enjoy the paperwork."
"Well, as Kami, I have six other people to do my work for me. Observe."
With a puff of smoke, and a smirk on his face, the six paths were summoned in the office and immediately began to do their assigned tasks. Seeing this, a tick mark formed on Tsunade's head.
"Will you quit with that Kami shit! Jeez, ever since you got here its Kami this and Kami that…ugh!" The Sannin took a deep breath before continuing. "Are you sure that's not a trait that comes with those eyes?"
Nagato simply smirked then laughed as Tsunade stormed out of the office. She was likely going to the bar to have a couple bottles of sake before heading back to the hospital. After the door closed, Nagato leaned back in the chair and sighed. After the coronation ceremony yesterday, he sensed multiple persons with varying emotions. Almost all the Konoha residents were overjoyed, though there were a select few that were nervous and filled with fear. To Nagato, this meant they were either spies or villagers who thought he would enact punishment for how they treated the Uzumaki heir. Although unnerved by this, he knew that enemies would think twice about going to war with the second coming of the Sage of Six Paths. So, with a grin, the Godaime Hokage got up from his seat and decided to roam Konoha.
"If they so wish to forfeit their lives, then they will know pain. If they so wish to fight Kami, then they will be humbled."
Suna – Kazekage Office
A knock on the door was heard which prompted the Kazekage to let the person enter. When they did, they bowed and hurriedly told him the newest report from Konoha.
"Kazekage-sama, a new Hokage has been appointed…and…and, it was the former Amekage!"
The Kage's eyes widened before a grin formed on his face, "Well, well, looks like the old monkey finally retired. And what a replacement he picked." After a pause for thought, he sternly continued. "Send an envoy to Konoha immediately so that the treaty can be restructured and strengthened."
The messenger bowed, "At once Kazekage-sama."
Iwa
Onoki was in his office doing paperwork when a pecking noise at the window interrupted him. With a grunt, the Tsuchikage floated out of his seat and took the message from the bird before it flew off. After he unrolled it, what he read made his eyes widen as a myriad of emotions came forth. Shock, fear, hate, and these three were just the tip of the iceberg.
"I thought we wiped the Uzumaki out! First Kushina, then Naruto…and now this Nagato!"
The kage released his frustrations by blasting his most recognized Dust Release technique through the window where the bird was at. Thanks to this, his guards rushed in to see the back wall of the office completely gone.
"Um…Onoki-sama, are you alright?"
Apparently that was the wrong thing to say as all those who rushed in flinched at the extremely pissed look on their kage's face.
"Does it look like I'm alright?!" He took a deep breath to calm himself, but it didn't help. "Send a message to Oto…tell that snake I accept his offer."
Kumo
Like in Suna, a knock interrupted A from his duties. As he let the person in, he groaned as it was his adopted brother Killer B.
"What now B!" A said in a gruff tone.
"Yo bro, the old monkey retired, that's no joke, but the replacement is no push-over bloke!"
A face-palmed at the terrible rap, but he grinned at what it meant. "So, the old coot finally had enough….so, who is the Godaime?"
Deciding to forgo his rap as this was serious, B spoke in a stern tone. "The former Amekage."
The office went silent before A asked his question. "I'm sorry…did you say the former Amekage?"
"Yo bro, that's what I said, get your ears checked out before you end up dead! Fool ya fool!"
"Fuck." Was the simple defeated reply.
After a tense silence, A sighed as he knew that he could not take up Orochimaru's offer.
"Send an envoy to Konoha, maybe we can set up a treaty of sorts."
"Hai." B said and left the office to do as ordered.
Oto
Orochimaru was bored, so bored in fact that he was tapping his fingers on his throne. Luckily, this boredom was alleviated by Kabuto suddenly arriving with fear in his eyes. Something which shocked Orochimaru as he never saw his second in command show much emotion at all.
"Report!"
With a gulp, Kabuto began. "O-Orochimaru…you won't like who is Godaime."
The snake narrowed his eyes, but chuckled. "Ku ku ku, so Sensei finally stepped down. And why would I be afraid as Tsunade likely took the spot."
"I-it's the former Amekage my Lord, and I fear that I can no longer stay a spy." Kabuto replied, completely dismantling the snake's previous notions.
Orochimaru cursed. He knew who the Amekage was thanks to Tobi and knew that even with his faux immortality, he would stand no chance against Nagato.
"Most troubling, ku ku ku, it appears that I might have to cancel my invasion plans. With Danzo gone, I will be running in blind, unless…yes that would work out lovely."
As Orchimaru chuckled, Kabuto quirked an eyebrow at his master. It wasn't long until the snake calmed down and gave his second in command his orders. Kabuto grinned and silently walked out of the throne room.
Iron Country
It has been many hours since Fukui and Naruto started their trek, but as they climbed, the okygen became less and it was starting to get hard to breath. For Naruto, who was experiencing this for the first time, thought his lungs would explode, but for his master it was nothing. Although this caused both of them to take 30 minute breaks every once and while, Naruto was thankful as he knew it was enough to help him get somewhat acclimated. Currently, they were taking a break as the next part of the journey would be a very steep climb which ended at the base of where Naruto would spend the next four years. As Naruto sat down, he brushed some snow away to find a piece of burnt wood. Curious about this development, he looked around the area to see what could have been here. It wasn't long until he spotted what looked like the shell of a home not even ten feet from him.
"Master, are you seeing what I am?" Naruto questioned but no response came. "Master?"
Naruto looked at his master with a questioned gaze, one which became a frown as he sensed his master in deep concentration.
"Of all the places we have to rest…my parent's home, a home Takeshi and I lived in until that fateful day."
Flashback
It was the middle of the first civil war in Iron Country, a way which would grant Mifune leadership status over all of Iron Country. Although most of the country was in turmoil, one family managed to stay out of it entirely; the only known Harumasa's left in existence.
A ten year old Fukui was playing tag along with his equally older brother. Both have been raised to follow Bushido and dabbled in the samurai fighting, but not too much as their parents wanted to live a peaceful existence. Eventually dusk arrived and the time for play was over. Dinner was about to be served.
"Fukui, Takeshi, time for dinner!" The mother yelled out the front door, then smiled as she saw her sons trying to race each other.
The mother, Naomi, was just like her name implied; beautiful. She had a petite face, stunning emerald colored eyes, shoulder length, dirty blonde hair, and a fair complexion. The father, Kenshin, who recently walked up to Naomi, had black hair which was set in a topknot, a royal looking face, coal black eyes, and had tan skin.
Fukui got to the door first, but it wasn't long until Takeshi caught up.
"I beat you Takeshi, nyah, nyah!"
"You always beat me Fukui…no fair." Takeshi whined, only later sticking his tongue out at his brother.
"Ok you two, let's get you washed up and ready for dinner." Kenshin said as he held back his laughter at his son's antics.
"Dad, can you teach me more about our lineage and about the samurai? Fukui asked as he walked inside with his brother. "I want to carry on our family name!"
Naomi and Kenshin looked at each other with worry.
"I know you want to, my son, but you, Takeshi, and I are the only Harumasa's left." He said in a sad, yet understanding tone. "If you go into battle, then the chances of our line continuing would likely fall apart."
Although ten years old, Fukui read up and studied Bushido to the point where it would be near impossible for someone to sway him from the code of honor. The response his father gave did not sit well with him as being a coward was not honorable, it was a disgrace.
"Being a coward is not what Bushido intended father, why can't you let me go my own path instead of keeping me prisoner in this home!"
Naomi sighed and closed her eyes, she knew that the past couple years has put a strain on Fukui and her husband's relationship. The reason for what was recently brought up.
Kenshin palmed his face and brought it down with a sigh, "Look, Fukui, I know what you wish for but I am your father and you will do as I say."
The son looked at his father with a hateful glare, one which he would regret for the rest of his life. Why? Because on this day, Fukui Harumasa would witness and be, what he thought, the soul surviving member of his clan.
Just as another argument was about to erupt, the sound of breaking glass could be heard followed by the smell of smoke which prompted The Harumasa family to run to their rooms to get their belongings. However, this action would be for naught as flames started to engulf the wooden home. Kenshin, seeing what was happening around him as well as hearing his children's frightened screams, cursed knowing that his samurai skills would likely have to be utilized.
"Damn rebels, they finally found our home. And now they torch it to try and lure us out…fine, I will show them how a Harumasa dances."
As Kenshin grabbed the katana from his room, he heard the scream of his wife and quickly went to the front door to see the rebels trying to kidnap her.
"Leave my mother alone!" Takeshi yelled and ran up to the rebels, only to get backhanded into the nearby wall.
Fukui, who was just about to run and help, froze as he watched his brother slide to the floor in an unconscious state. His shock only being broken by his father's hand on his shoulder, an act which made Fukui look up into his father's cold, determined eyes.
"Go, my son, run to the main village and find your path there." Kenshin said, knowing his past actions had hurt Fukui greatly. "I may not have been the greatest of father's the past two years, but I will not sit idly while my family is being attacked."
Fukui looked around and simply nodded before he ran out the back door and kept on running until he couldn't hear the sounds of fighting anymore. All the while, tears ran down his face as he remembered hearing his father's last words as he left his home.
"Goodbye my son, remember that Naomi and I loved you both so very much."
It would be almost a day later when the matron of the orphanage found Fukui and took him in. Not even a month later, Fukui was curled in the fetal position in the alley near the orphanage as the matron somehow forgot about him. He was locked out, cold, and hungry, and had nowhere to go. That was until a 25 year old Mifune found the boy and gave him an offer that the Harumasa couldn't refuse.
Flashback End
"And that was fifty years ago. Almost fifty years until I knew what happened to my parents."
Fukui sighed and wiped stay tears from his eyes, he knew that the time was now to tell Naruto why he trained him so hard.
"Master, are you OK?" Naruto said worriedly.
"No my student, but I will tell you the reason why, I will tell you about my past." The retired samurai stood and brushed the snow off his armor. "Come, we will make camp in a few hours."
Naruto dumbly nodded, and followed his master as they continued up the path. Many hours later, camp was set up but Naruto could not get any sleep. How could he when he learned that his master's past was just as bad, if not worse, than his own. Eventually, Naruto found his eyes closing in fatigue and fell in a dreamless sleep. In Naruto's mind, however, Fukui's past struck a deep emotional chord with Kyuubi.
"Hmm, perhaps I have been too harsh to the mortal, perhaps I have judged too quickly." Kyuubi paused and looked at the forest in front of him with a smile. "A test, yes, a test is what I will give my jailor when the time comes."
With that, the beast went silent, but in the deep recesses of Naruto's mind Yami was still healing over his failure.
"Boohoo, I had a hard life…pathetic. When I heal fully, and when I find that special moment of weakness again." Yami chuckled evilly then took a deep breath. "You. Will. Be. Mine!"
It was the following day, and the journey to the mountain was a success. Although the goodbye was quick which left Naruto all alone, he wasn't deterred in his search for a cave. Luckily, one was nearby which was filled with scrolls on various samurai techniques, some being that of which Mifune used in his repertoire. With a smile, Naruto started to unpack his bag.
"Home sweet home."
Following Morning
Not much happened the first day other than going over the scrolls and training in the techniques he picked out, ones which focused on how to augment Ki into the blade and force it out in one massive cutting wave. Naruto knew that if he mastered these attacks, they would be perfect for tight situations. Currently, we find our blonde samurai on the cold rocky ground and about to get up from his sleep. As Naruto groaned and began to stretch, however, he felt a pressure on his chest. Confused, he slowly opened his eyes to see an arctic fox laying on his stomach, its blue eyes were staring into his own. The samurai and fox stayed like this for a full minute before the wild animal did something unexpected.
It licked Naruto on the face and let out an excited yip which somehow Naruto understood.
"Hello to you too." The Uzumaki said with a smile. "Wanna tag along as I look around the mountains?"
The fox yipped twice and jumped off of Naruto's chest where it started to run in circles before it sat on its haunches, patiently waiting. Naruto chuckled at this, then got up and gathered his equipment before he headed out.
"Say Kyuubi, any idea why I can understand this fox pup? Is it because of you?"
"Of course you stupid mortal, I am a fox after all." Kyuubi boasted.
"Fluffy woke up on the wrong side of the cave today it seems." Naruto mentally said with a teasing tone.
"Bite me!"
Naruto smirked and affixed his bokken before he looked at the fox kit.
"We need a name for you…hmm…Yuki, yes that will be your name. Do you like that Yuki?"
The fox yipped happily while its tail wagged back and forth in excitement. Naruto nodded and headed out of the cave with a smile, his new partner tagging along.
An hour into the journey, another cave was found, but instead of scrolls it was filled dry wood. Mentally noting this cave, he would come back when he had a sled of sorts so it could be transported to his main cave. Just as they were about to leave, the snow started to pick up outside which made Naruto sigh.
"Guess it's going to be one of those days."
Just as he was about to sit down and wait for the storm to subside, he felt something calling him.
A pull on his conscious.
Yuki yipped in concern as it saw Naruto start to walk into the storm, but it reluctantly followed the samurai to wherever he was going. Hours passed, and the storm didn't let up, in fact, it got worse. As Naruto walked in a trance like state, not a word was said until a growl snapped him out of it. With quick thinking, Naruto ducked just as a claw passed overhead then jumped back and put a hand on his bokken.
"Yuki, hide, I got this!"
The fox yipped and started to burrow in the snow while Naruto closed his eyes and focused on his surroundings. All of a sudden, the bokken was drawn almost in a blur as it blocked another swipe of a claw. The snow cleared a little at this moment to show Naruto what he was facing.
A very hungry arctic wolf, drool coming out of its mouth, and its beady, black eyes were filled with bloodlust and hunger.
Naruto took a deep breath, pushed the claw aside, and followed up with a quick jab in the eyeball. Sadly, the wolf caught the bokken in its jaws and flung Naruto into a nearby rock face. As our protagonist grunted in pain as the sharp rocks pierced his armor and dug into his back, he looked at the wolf again and noticed something else within its eyes.
A need to protect or guard.
"But guard what?" Naruto thought then quickly ducked and jabbed the tip of the bokken in the wolf's jaw which made it howl in agony.
As the wolf stumbled back, Naruto took advantage and decided to try one of the techniques he just recently started to practice. He sheathed his bokken, then got in a horse stance and waited for the wolf to charge. Once it did, Naruto quickly drew his practice sword and attempted to force Ki through it. To Naruto's horror, nothing resulted; his eyes widening as the wolf continued to rush towards him. Before darkness overcame him, Naruto could only say what was on his mind at the time.
"Oh shit!"
The wolf slammed Naruto's body harshly against the rock face to where the breaking of some bones could be heard. However, instead of Naruto simply falling onto the snowy ground as the wolf retreated, the snow and ice under Naruto's feet cracked and opened up which made him fall into the deep crevasse below. Yuki sadly whimpered as it saw Naruto fall, the wolf, however, smirked. It knew its job was completed. With a glow of white, the wolf disappeared into thin air.
Unknown
Naruto groaned as he awoke then gasped at the last thing he remembered. As he sat up however, he was confused at his surroundings. For one, it was warm, and two the place looked like a home built into a massive cavern.
"What is this place?" Naruto questioned then looked himself for injuries. Finding none, he stood and decided to check the place out.
As he did, he looked up to see where he came from, but nothing could be seen. Naruto shrugged and went down the hallway to his right. What he found attached to this was a small bedroom and a massive forging area. Heading back to where he fell, he took the left hallway and found more bedrooms and a room filled with decaying, ancient scrolls. When he went back to where he began, he attempted to go through the front corridor when he was suddenly pushed back by an unknown force. Confused, Naruto tried a couple more times before he knew that getting in was impossible.
"Whatever is in there must be important." He muttered then shrugged his shoulders, "Well, looks like I'm going to be here a while, but what will I do for food?"
"Look behind you dumbass!" Kyuubi rolled his eyes at his containers stupidity.
Naruto did and rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, "Oh, what do you know, a kitchen and an exit to the outside."
Curious, Naruto went out through the exit, but upon looking around he knew that he wasn't where he used to be. Why? All Naruto could see is a snow covered forest and the ocean in the distance, but as he looked up, Naruto saw that he fell quite a distance. The mountain chain was high above him to the point where he knew he couldn't climb up. Although saddened by the turn of events, Naruto's samurai training kicked into high gear and he decided to make the best out of the situation.
"Well, I better start hunting and reading those scrolls if I ever want to get out of here."
Journal Entry One, Day Seven
Seven days have passed since I awoke in this place. From the scrolls, I found that a famous sword smith once lived here, but as to the name I am unable to read it as the scrolls are badly decayed. On another note, the forest is filled with various creatures which have helped me keep my food supply in the positive. Kyuubi has not spoken to me in quite a while which unnerves me; I wonder what the fox is up to? Speaking of foxes, I miss Yuki and wish for his or her company.
Journal Entry 75, October 10th
I believe today is my birthday, I am now nine years old. Three more years before I head back to see Mifune and Master Harumasa, that is if I can escape this place. The scrolls have not yielded any reason as to why I cannot access the barrier to the front corridor nor has it told me who this mysterious sword smith is. I cannot help but wonder if that is the answer to everything, the answer to who owned this place, to how I can escape. On another note, Kyuubi has started to chat more, and I am wondering as to why that is. A test perhaps, or maybe the bijuu is just lonely.
Time Skip – Naruto's Age 10
Journal entry after journal entry, Naruto wrote what was on his mind. He was currently munching on a piece of cooked deer while he looked over another one of the scrolls, the last one in the library to be exact. And still, nothing on this damn sword smith. With a sigh, Naruto finished reading the scroll and put it back on the shelf.
"What can I do Kyuubi? Nothing seems to get me past that barrier…am I ever going to get out?"
The bijuu snorted in amusement. Ever since they fell into this place, Kyuubi had started to grow attached to its jailer.
"Some samurai you are…afraid of dying."
Naruto put his hands in his face, a face which resembled the Yondaime Hokage's as all the training he did down here made him lose his baby fat. He was taller than average for a ten year old, and his mind was sharper than before thanks to having to fend for himself.
"I'm not in the mood for games Kyuubi." Naruto mentally groaned. "I just can't help but feel this sword smith's name is the answer to everything."
"Check the forge and bedroom in that corridor again, maybe there's something you missed." Kyuubi shrugged as he laid down in his cave.
"I've searched that place from top to bottom ever since I started reading these scrolls," Naruto said, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "And yet, nothing is there."
"Dammit Naruto, either you check again or I will forcefully drag you in here and skin you alive!" Kyuubi yelled in the hopes of getting his container back in a better mood.
Not wanting that, Naruto got up and mumbled "fine" under his breath which made the bijuu chuckle.
First, Naruto went to the bedroom which had one bed and a simple desk. Like before, he checked the bed for any hidden compartments and, after five minutes of searching, he found nothing. Next was the desk, though for this one he was more thorough in his search. About ten minutes in, there was nothing out of the ordinary until Naruto brushed against one of the sides of the desk; a protrusion was in the wood.
"Now why would that be there?" Naruto said to himself then decided to push.
A click suddenly sounded which made Naruto look up to see that a door on the top of the desk popped open. With haste, he opened the compartment the rest of the way to find a well preserved note. Confused, Naruto picked it up and read what was on it.
To anyone who finds this,
My name will still be a mystery until one thing is done, one thing which has not been done since I made my last sword then fell ill soon after. Now, you may have questions on why you arrived here or why a wolf suddenly appeared in a blizzard, but I'm sure your intelligence will prevail. My final sword is my finest work; it is sentient, can cut through almost any material, and will not receive any damage so long as you take care of it like your own son or daughter. Go to my forge and light it, if you already read my library then this will be but a simple task.
Stick to the path you have forged, good luck.
Naruto put the note back where it was and quickly ran to the forge only to realize he had no wood, or an axe to cut any. He almost face-palmed when he remembered he had those new Ki attacks. As he ran out to the forest, Naruto laughed then smiled.
"Now it makes sense, the wolf was a guardian of this place and was simply testing my resolve. I cannot wait to see what is behind that barrier!"
The Kyuubi chuckled at its containers excitement before it decided to take a nap as it knew its work was done.
"The time nears my container, and the events that happen during my test will either propel you to greatness or put you in darkness for eternity." The fox thought before it dozed off.
For Naruto, it took almost two hours to get enough wood so that the forge could stay lit for a while, but thanks to the scrolls in the library, Naruto knew how to make a fire and how to get the forge up to temp. Once the fire was lit, the large bellows were used to increase the temperature of the flame. After another hour of adding wood and getting it up to temp, Naruto was sweating as the heat in the room was intense. Although exhausted, he looked around the forge area to see if anything was out of the ordinary, but so far he was out of luck. Tired, Naruto went to rest on the side of the forge only to feel one of the stones on the chimney in press inwards followed by the sound of a mechanism unlocking. Looking around once more, Naruto soon found an indent in the cavern wall. Upon pushing the small space open, Naruto gasped at what was inside; a simple looking scabbard for a katana. It was blood red, was polished to a shine, and on it was kanji which spelt out a name. A name which Naruto gasped at, a name which was in Iron Countries history. Even Kyuubi couldn't believe what it was seeing.
"Masamune/Masamune!" Naruto and Kyuubi yelled out at the same time.
After getting over his stupor, Naruto rushed to the front corridor intent on seeing if he was allowed to enter.
"If the blade is sentient, then so can the scabbard." Naruto said stoically as he slowly advanced towards the barrier he was denied access to before. "I was led here for a reason, and now that reason will be found."
With a deep breath of resolve, Naruto took one step into the barrier, and then another to find that he had made it to the other side. With a smile, Naruto walked the rest of the way which led to a massive room that was made out of white marble. In the center of the room was an altar, and on it laid the katana which went with the scabbard. The blade was polished steel and the hand grip was blood red like the scabbard, but had black leather lacing around it in a crisscross pattern. A silver hand guard was also added which was carved with elegant designs. To the right of the room was what looked to be a casket of sorts that had writing engraved into the lid. Without a thought, Naruto advanced towards it, already having an idea who was buried inside.
Here lies Masamune, one of the greatest sword smith to live and a most beloved teacher of the samurai arts. May his soul rest in peace and enjoy everlasting harmony.
Naruto kneeled down and placed one hand on the casket in prayer.
"Thank you Masamune for crafting such a fine piece of art, but fear not as I will use it to protect those around me and vanquish any who dare harm them and the Bushido way." Naruto sadly stated. "Your library has filled me with the knowledge of the ancient ways of the samurai, ones before Ki even existed, and the many tales of your students and of your life. May you rest in peace Masamune."
After a minute, Naruto stood and slowly advanced on the katana. Once up close, there was another inscription on the blade which was almost invisible to the naked eye.
"Honjo" it read.
With a deep breath, Naruto grasped the handle then felt a pulse of energy which blew his shoulder length hair back, and made his eyes widen. After what seemed like forever, which was a couple seconds in actuality, the pulse disappeared and a smile formed on Naruto's face. He sheathed the Honjo Masamune and placed it next to his bokken, but vowed not to use it until he was fully inducted as a samurai. Before Naruto could go back and search for another way out, a grating sound was heard to the left of the room which grabbed Naruto's attention. As he looked over, his eyes lit up as another door was opened, one which had stairs which went up the mountain.
Looks like we are finally getting out of this place my furry friend." A relieved Naruto said.
"So it seems Naruto, but remember that a samurai never drops their guard." Kyuubi mysteriously replied, one that made Naruto's eyes narrow.
"Are you implying something Kyuubi."
The beast smirked inside his cave, "Perhaps, perhaps not…you decide."
With a huff of annoyance, Naruto went back and gathered his stuff which included some of the food and the skins he collected over the time he spent here. All of this was put in two massive backpacks which Naruto made from multiple deer skins. Once Naruto started up the stairs, however, the mountain seemed to shake which prompted the jinchuriki to look behind him. With tears in his eyes, Naruto watched as Masamune's home collapsed in on itself. It was then that the true implications hit Naruto.
He was the last to read about the ancient samurai, and the last to see where the great Masamune lived. To top it off, he was the one chosen to carry the final blade the master ever crafted. Gripping the handle of Honjo with a stern and determined look in his eyes, Naruto ascended the stairs and vowed to do two things.
One was to keep the legacy of Masamune alive by wielding his finest blade, and the other was to ensure that the ancient history of the samurai was not lost to the sands of time.
Edited: 5/17/15
