Author's note: It appears I did a disservice to my readers and broke my promise about displaying Archer's stats to compare to Saber Shirou last chapter. To which I formally apologize and bow for that.
Servant Archer
Real Name Emiya Shirou
Male
187cm 79kg
True Neutral Alignment
Stats:
Strength D
Endurance C
Agility C
Magical Energy B
Luck D
Nobel Phantasm E-A++
Class Skills
Magical Resistance D: Nullifies single action magic. Equivalent to wearing a talisman. Also nullifies low level genjutsu
Independent Action B: Capable of remaining in this world for two days without a established contract. Also capable to live on for a short period of time after suffering extensive damage on his spiritual core.
Skills:
Clairvoyance C: Allows clear vision of distant objects. Improves body movement and vision.
Magic C-: Knowledge of orthodox magic. At this strength able to identify all common forms of magic but is unable to perform any. Has an unclassified magic to call his own however.
Magic detection B: Able to locate source of a spell or a barrier field seals within half a mile. At B rate is unable to identify exact type of spell used.
Mind's Eye (True) B: Insight fostered by intense training. A 'combat logic' that allows for calm analysis of the situation and the enemy's ability in spite of danger, and a consideration of all possible actions in a particular situation. If there is even a 0.1% chance of a comeback this ability greatly improves the chances of success
Bravery B: The ability to negate mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. At B rank,a bonus effect of increasing melee damage is applied.
Eye for Weapons S: Has a 100% chance to identify a weapon if it possesses legendary or mythic properties. Skill reduced three levels for non-blade weapons
Nobel Phantasm:
Unlimited Blade Works: Infinite Sword Creation
A special magic called a Reality Marble
Usable only by Emiya Shirou
Able to duplicate any weapon seen
Any duplicated weapons will be reduced by one rank
Able to ignore rank reduction by creating Broken Phantasms
Broken phantasms require two to three times the energy to produce
Defensive equipment is also possible
Technique requires two to three times the energy to produce
Rank: E-A++
Type: ?
Range: ?
Maximum Target: ?
Shroud of Martin
A black armor with a red cape and coat worn by Emiya Shirou at all times
Originally belonging to an unknown saint but now recognized as Shirou's
Unknown how he obtained it
Outfit protects wearer from heat and cold
Self repairs any damage done to the outfit
Outfit will never get wet or hinder wearer in combat
Outfit is always worn and requires no Prana to use
Rank E
Type: Pro-Unit
Range: N/A
Maximum target : 1
Description: Emiya Shirou became a Counter Guardian by offering his soul after death for the power to save that which could not be saved. He spent his entire life trying to live up to a flawed ideal of saving people. Ended up saving people by killing people. Was considered a hero for a very short time before he was treated with suspicion for having unknown motives. Was killed when a person he saved betrayed him.
Heroic Accomplishments:
Saved a small village from a natural disaster (Made deal with planet to do so)
Brought an end to the First Southern Asia War (Blamed for the cause of it)
Wiped out the Khufus in Africa to end tribal warfare'
Forced ceasefire between Laos, Vietnam, Tailand, and Cambodia.
Saved a grand total of 1,359,063 people over the course of his life
Killed a total of 124,972 people while alive
Servant Saber
Real name: Emiya Shirou
Male
187cm 79kg
Lawful Good alignment
Strength C
Endurance B
Agility B
Magical Energy B+
Luck C+
Nobel Phantasm E-A++
Abilities:
Magical Resistance D: Nullifies single action magic. Equivalent to wearing a talisman. Also nullifies low level genjutsu
Independent Action E: Able to remain in the world for thirty minutes without a contract
Skills:
Clairvoyance C: Allows clear vision of distant objects. Improves body movement and vision.
Magic C-: Knowledge of orthodox magic. At this strength able to identify all common forms of magic but is unable to perform any. Has an unclassified magic of his own however.
Magic detection B: Able to locate source of a spell or a barrier field seals within half a mile. At B rate is unable to identify exact type of spell used.
Mind's Eye (True) B+: Insight fostered by intense training. A 'combat logic' that allows for calm analysis of the situation and the enemy's ability in spite of danger, and a consideration of all possible actions in a particular situation. If there is less than 0.1% chance of a comeback this ability greatly improves the chances of success
Bravery A: The ability to negate mental interference such as pressure, confusion and fascination. At B rank,a bonus effect of increasing melee damage is applied. At A rank, receives a C rank skill of Intimidation skill and a bonus in pain resistance.
Intimidation C: The ability to weaken an opponent's attack and defense. At C rank, enemy's stats are reduced by one rank unless the enemy has either Mind's eye or Bravery of C rank or higher.
Eye for Weapons S: Has a 100% chance to identify a weapon if it possesses legendary or mythic properties. Skill reduced three levels for non-blade weapons
Nobel Phantasm: Same as Archer's
Heroic Achievements include:
Killed Primate Fury (at the cost of his own life)
Fought the Battle of the Blood Moon
The Four Hour Battle with the 25th Dead Apostle Ancestor. (Note: was only able to delay Dead Apostle until Arcrueid Brunestud arrived)
Cleansing of the Dark Pyramid
Responsible for the defense of Gibraltar
Evacuation of Mecca
Champion of Israel (First Middle Eastern War)
Killed 438 of Mad Cain's golems
Recovered the first Dragon egg found in 2000 years (last seen in the possession of Kischur Zelretch)
As you can see, Archer is inferior to Saber in stats.
The main differences between the two is this. Saber is stronger and faster than Archer because of his class and the training he got from his friends that Archer never made. Archer, however, is faster at tracing and a better fighter as he is the 'ideal.' Archer has far more experience, not even counting the added experience he gained as a counter guardian.
Imagine Saber as a stronger and faster boxer, while Archer is a more clever and experienced one. Of course, they were both experienced when they died, but the sheer number battles goes in Archer's favor.
Oh, before I forget, as an apology for not displaying the stats last chapter, I am going to add a few stats to Berserker's profile. Enjoy.
Servant Berserker
True Name: Unknown at present time
Male
189cm 187kg
Alignment: Chaotic Mad
Stats
Strength B (A)
Endurance B (A)
Agility A (A+ )
Luck E (C)
Magical Energy C (A)
Nobel Phantasm ?
Abilities:
Mad Enhancement B: Rank up parameters as marked by parenthesis, but most of one's reason is robbed. Mad Enhancemnt at this level will negate or lower mental skills such as Bravery and Instinct as well as some Noble Phantasms, namely the ones that require activation. Passive Noble Phantasms are not affected
Skills: Unknown at present time
Noble Phantasm: Unknown at present time
Description: Unknown at Present time
Heroic Accomplishments: Unknown at present time
Note: Stats and Abilities discovered will likely alter known traits. Please stand by, and try not to get killed finding out what they are...
Story Start
Naruto woke up to the delicious smell of his second favorite food in the world, pancakes. Those warm fluffy flapjacks with syrup were the perfect way to start the day. Naruot hooped out of bed and quickly got ready for the day.
"Good morning Master," Rider said to him as he left his room.
"Good morning Rider," Naruto replied back as he dashed for breakfast. "Please call me Naruto"
"Yes Master," Rider answered, "As you command Master"
Naruto rolled his eyes, this must have been the millionth time that he and Rider had done that same song and dance. Never did any good, but there was always tomorrow.
Naruto dashed to the table and pulled up a seat just as Sasuke knocked on the door. Naruto mildly grumbled about just getting comfortable but opened the door for the emo. Naruto dashed back just as his plate was served.
"Good Morning Naruto," Saber asked. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yep, I had the most interesting of dreams last night." Naruto said hinting to Saber.
"Hmpf, dreamed of a land of ramen again?" Sasuke asked sarcastically. He never knew what it was like to be a Master. To see horrors and wonders from beyond the normal world. Or in this case, ninja world.
Naruto felt like retorting, but the whole things was too silly anymore. Naruto suddenly blinked, 'When did I start changing?' Naruto thought. 'I would have yelled him out at the top of my lungs last year.'
"What's the matter dope?" Sasuke mocked slightly, "Can't take a joke?"
Naruto smiled and pointed to Saber. His faithful Servant had already traced a wooden sword.
"Sasuke," Saber warned, "We do not mock other people's dreams. Especially during breakfast."
Naruto had the pleasure of seeing Sasuke pale at the sight of that demon sword. Naruto shook his head, the mornings were all so different now. Last year, he would be eating alone in his small cramped apartment eating instant ramen. Now, he was living in a nice sized house with two adults who would fight to the death to protect him and Sasuke who came every breakfast and most dinners.
Saber was like the father Naruto never had. Saber was always cooking, cleaning, and taking care of him. He never tolerated anyone ever harassing or cheating him. There had been several drunks that tried to beat him one time, only for Saber to disable them with quick strikes with that wooden sword he favored. Honestly, as long as Saber was around, Naruto had no fear of anything in the village. Before, he had always been smiling as a mask to hide his pain. Over the months, his smile had become a real one.
Rider was like the teasing older sister that Kiba had. She was always making remarks that ended up being misunderstood and causing Naruto to be attacked by an enraged Sakura. Yet, as soon as anyone showed any true malice to him, Rider had her chain nails at the ready. Rider was always enjoying a good prank herself. While Saber was a strict believer in no pranks, Rider would watch, encourage, and sometimes join in on some of Naruto's new pranks. Naruto only heard it a few times, but Rider's laugh was like wind chimes. The sound of her light laughing was worth any punishment met out by Saber.
Iruka used to be the father figure that he looked up to, but after Saber showed up, Iruka was more like an older brother who visited when he could. Iruka was always worried about Naruto and how the life of a ninja was treating Naruto. Honestly, some of those times felt constricted, but it was comforting. He felt safe and secure knowing that there was someone always worried about him.
Ichiraku across the street was doing spectacular these days. With the increased menu and larger building, customers were more than willing to walk a bit to eat the finest ramen in the country, if not the whole world. Apparently, even the Fire Daimyo had visited Ichiraku and asked for seconds.
Back when he was younger, he used to cry himself to sleep from the loneliness. Everyone but jiji, Iruka, and Ichiraku hated him. Now, he had friends, family, and many precious people. Several new stores allowed him to do business, and didn't overcharge him. More people respected him, or at least didn't judge him for his prisoner.
Yes, life was going up for Naruto.
But Fate, she's a mean little bitch with a nasty sense of humor...
Team Yugito
Yugito woke up in her usual manner. Quick, alert, ready for danger.
Until she got out of bed.
Yugito always hated this one moment of weakness. Once out of bed, gravity always seemed to double and the world was always a little shaky.
"Mmm," Yugito said as she staggered towards the fridge. Milk, she needed her morning milk or she was useless for an hour. 'Stupid cat.' She thought to her tenant.
"Now kitten, I can't help my nature. Besides, I suspect you would act like this every morning even without me." Niibi mumbled. As bad as Yugito was at moving in the morning, Niibi was worse. Nothing could match the laziness of a cat when waking.
Somehow, she made it to the fridge and immediately drank from the carton.
"Hmm, I must say that I seem to have a trend with women. The last one I had an acquaintance with had these very same problems in the morning." Archer said with amusement.
Yugito rolled her eyes. She still hated to being compared to a woman who was probably dead for centuries. Yes, whoever this Rin was sounded far too arrogant and stubborn for her to get along with.
"Morning Archer," Yugito says, then instantly regrets it. She actually said his damned name.
"About time kitten. Now is not the time for petty grievances. There will be war here." Niibi said with a bit of satisfaction. Yugito had been doing her best to refer to Archer as Him rather than actually using her Servant's title. The whole thing had amused Niibi for a while, but this was too critical for them to bicker now.
"The confirmed Servants are now Saber, me, Lancer back in Kumo, and Berserker." Archer said. "That still leaves Assassin and Caster who may or may not have been summoned."
Niibi considered that and nodded. "And the status of Rider is unknown at this point. It could be that the old turtle was defeated by one of the other Servants."
"I have to say," Archer told the Cat, "Your Ceremony is by far the the largest in territory. All the others that I have been in were fought on much smaller areas. Cities, islands, those sorts of things."
Yugito wished she could shut the two up when they began planning for their Ceremony. It's not like she has any desire to participate.
"It's not like I designed it Archer. The whole thing was arranged long before my time." Niibi said defensively. "If it had been me, I would have us summon our champions at the same time on some mountain somewhere."
Yugito snorted, "No, if it were up to you, the whole thing would be a napping competition."
Niibi shook it's head. "Foolish kitten. This is about becoming the spirit of the planet. The will of the planet itself. One does not do such things lightly."
"Basically, it's like becoming a god in a sense." Archer tried to put in.
Yugito couldn't care less. The servant was granted a wish and the Demon would ascend, but there was nothing on the fate of the host.
"Can't help it kitten, Jinchuriki had never been conceived when the ceremony first began all those millennia ago. You humans were still playing with rocks and sticks back then." Niibi said as Yugito went out to meet her team.
"All right you three," Yugito told her students, "The exam takes place in a few days. Till then we are to discretely analyze the strength of Konoha as well as see if there is truth in the rumor of a jinchuriki here."
Tamaki raised his hand, "Sensei. Since Saber is here, doesn't that mean that they have one of the demons?"
Yugito sighed, "No, all it means is that someone that goes by the name Saber is here. We have no confirmation if that one is a Servant or just has the name as coincidence. Besides, it could be that Saber is from a neighboring village and visits often."
.
"Ace, you and Tamaki will wander the main roads. Stay away from the alleys and focus on the number of genin you see. Naru, you're with me." Yugito ordered. Archer, as always would watch her back whether she wanted him to or not. "Above all, keep away from that Suna team. Their jinchuriki is a known psychopath and serial killer."
"S-sensei," Naru spoke up, "Should w-we really split up? We are in an enemy village."
"Konoha and Kumo are in the middle of a cease fire. Neither us nor Konoha want to start a war at the moment." Yugito said. 'I hope.' she added in her thoughts.
Ace smiled and hugged Naru causing her to develop a blush, "Don't worry, we have immunity during the exam. They may hate us, but they can't do anything to us."
"We'll be fine," Tamaki reassured her, "I'll keep him safe for you."
Unlike certain characters that can't tell that someone has a crush on them, the entire team was well aware of Naru's affections. The two hadn't done much other than lunch dates and sometimes hold hands, but the two were an unofficial couple for now.
This was one of the many reasons why Yugito was sure that her team was not ready for the exams. 'Kami, if you are there, please keep these three idiots alive...or at least until I can kill them when we get home.'
She and her team split up her two male students headed towards the center of the village to begin counting.
She, Naru, and Archer began heading towards the fringes of the village.
'Why does the Raikage want to determine Konoha's strength?' Naru thought quietly. 'War? Alliance? Looking for weaknesses?' True she was a ninja and would obey orders, but the quiet kunochi questioned the true reason for the orders.
Archer looked around as they walked searching for signs of this 'Saber.' What he did notice was that while the villagers viewed his Master with suspicion, he seemed to gain a number of smiles.
"Keep up the good work." One ninja that was playing cards called out.
"Good luck keeping an eye out on those Kumo nins they're all sneaky." An old woman called out.
One chunin however stalked up to Archer and said coldly, "First you consort with demons, now you deal with our enemy? Where is your pride Saber?"
Archer smelled the hint of alcohol on his breath, even though it was just the morning. Truly, it was always 5:00 somewhere.
"Lay off mac," a road worker yelled back, "The Hokage probably asked him to show them Kumos around or something."
"Something like that," Archer mumbled.
"There yah see? Saber ain't no traitor. Not like certain drunks who want to break rules round here." the road worker said pointedly.
The drunk suddenly paled and looked around with a great deal more sober senses. He seemed relieved when he didn't see anything, but scurried off like a rat.
Yugito glanced at Archer, it seemed that the odds were good that Saber was a Servant if that demon was real.
"Excuse me," Yugito asked, trying to talk to the helpful road worker. "What is wrong with Saber here?"
"Nothing at all ma'am, just the ramblings of an idiot." the road worker said getting back to work. "Look, no offense, but foreign ninja asking questions is a bad thing round these parts. I suggest you keep your question to yourself or the Hokage. Keeps men like me from being questioned later on what we talked about."
Yugito nodded, she figured she would get rebuffed, but at least the man was polite enough when he told her to go away. "I apologize, I was just curious. I'll let you get back to work."
The worker grunted as he began putting orange cones out around his work space.
Yugito, Naru, and Archer began making their way towards one section of the village, when her sense of danger began tingling. Before her, she saw the team from Suna pass her by. The red head jinchuriki stopped and looked at her a minute before he broke into a smile.
"Mother will enjoy tasting your blood." The boy said creepily.
"We shall see Shukaku," Niibi muttered, "We shall see."
Gaara continued to walk through the village with his two companions staying as far back as they dared. Yugito could feel the pressure lessen as the three of them left.
"Archer, where was Berserker?" Yugito asked a bit nervous.
"Right beside him, though you could not see him. Make no mistake, Berserker would have attacked us at that moment if given the order. We need to find an ideal place to fight quickly." Archer told her.
Yugito nodded, she may hold the two tailed cat, but that boy was like death incarnate in that brief encounter. Pride went out the window when the red head declared her fate.
"What do you recommend?" Yugito asked.
"Someplace with a view. A tall building, or the top of the mountain." Archer said, "But first we should wake her up."
Yugito looked down and saw Naru had passed out.
Ace and Tamaki were quickly beginning to feel discouraged with their job. So far, they had only seen three Konoha genin in the village. Yet, there were seemingly a dozen chunin and a few jonin that were more than willing to walk the same way as them for a brief time.
Chunin exams or not, these people did not trust anyone from Kumo. The only other genin they had seen was a team from a new village with a musical note on their heads and a team from the hidden in the rain village. Strange people those were. They were wearing masks to breathe underwater in a place that only had a few lakes and small rivers.
"At least we haven't seen any Hyugas." Tamaki joked.
"Yeah, they'd probably kill us on sight." Ace added.
The two sighed, they just wanted to get through the day and get back to the hotel. There was safety in numbers here.
They ended up getting a bit far from their intended area while trying to complete their mission. They were now in a corner of the village and needed to head back and continue looking.
"It's strange," Tamaki said, "We should have seen more genin while here. While we are early, there should be more groups of genin in the village."
"Yeah, it's like they all decided to sleep in today." Ace agreed.
"Probably because they are." A familiar voice called out as they passed.
Ace and Tamaki whipped their heads to the right. There, a compound with a white and red fan of the dead Uchiha clan stood. Yet, the place looked well cared for, as well as there was a ramen restaurant that was closed for the moment.
What caught their attention was their favorite mentor Archer beside a blond boy with blue eyes and a hideously bright orange outfit and a beautiful woman with purple hair and a black outfit that could only be described as sexy.
"Archer?" Ace asked. "Shouldn't you be with Sensei?"
The blond boy looked like he wanted to say something, but Archer placed a hand on his mouth lightly.
"I'm busy with something right now. What are you two doing here." Archer asked them.
Tamaki blinked, "Uh, we were just following orders and went a bit far in scouting."
Archer placed a hand on his chin for a second. As if he was thinking of something. This was different from what Archer did normally.
"How's the scouting going?" Archer asked.
Ace shrugged, "Not well, so far all we've seen are three...well four now. What did you mean that they were probably sleeping in? Konoha can't let their genin be that lazy."
The blond boy seemed to want to shout something, but Archer was keeping his mouth firmly on the boy's mouth.
'Is this one of the reasons we are here?' Tamaki thought. He had a sudden vision of death as he remembered the Kumo diplomat kidnapping the Hyuga. Kidnapping in broad daylight was suicide. Yet, the boy seemed to not fight Archer.
"Right, carry on, I've got my job here to do." Archer told them as he led the boy and the woman away.
Ace and Tamaki nodded and walked away.
"What's going on?" Tamaki asked Ace. "We can't be here to kidnap someone in the chunin exams. All the other villages would declare war on us for breaking the peace of the exams."
Ace narrowed his eyes, "I don't know, but we need to ask Sensei now." Not only was Archer acting suspicious, but he was acting different as well. The way he held himself, the aura, the feeling of superiority was different. While there, Archer had seemed somewhere between friendlier and more suspicious at the same time.
It was him though, the same voice, the same clothes. While the stance was a bit different minutely, it was still the same. The way he held his hands at the ready to bring forth countless weapons, only Archer ever kept his hands like that at all times.
The two headed off to talk to their sensei, not realizing that they had picked up a tail in spirit form.
Saber had asked Rider to follow them and see if this 'Archer' was indeed real. If so, this village was in for a world of danger.
"What's going on Saber? Why did they seem to know you? They kept getting your name wrong though." Naruto asked.
"No, Archer is another Servant class." Saber said shaking his head grimly.
Naruto blinked, "Hey, is it possible that it's the same Archer as from the Grail war you were in?"
Saber shrugged, "I don't know Naruto. It's possible since Rider is here. In the mean time, I want you to hide yourself in the house. I've got a secret place to hide you."
"No," Naruto declared, "If you got to stay near Ria, then I get to stay near you."
Saber sighed, this was going to be a tougher battle, but he would do as he was asked.
"As you command Master."
"Naruto, my name is Naruto." his little master corrected.
"True, but at that moment you were acting as a Master," Saber said smiling. "So deal with it Naruto."
Naruto smiled, "Great, now about that secret place."
Saber shook his head, "I'd rather that be a place used as a last resort." 'I'll have to finish the escape tunnel tonight.'
"Where is it?" Naruto asked curious. He liked secret. "Don't worry, I can keep quiet."
Saber sighed, "It's a hidden room under the place where I sit to eat. The door is opened by pressing your thumb into the knot on the wood then pulling it up by your thumb. Don't use it unless you have no choice."
Naruto nodded, a secret room, yes that was a good place to hide. "'Kay, but I'm still coming with you."
"Understood, but we need to inform the Hokage of the possibility of danger to the village. Archer may not care how many people die so long as we both do." Saber said.
The two made their way towards the office carefully. The last thing they needed was to bump into the Servant. Luckily, Naruto in his years as the king of pranks knew every back corner, hidden passage, and alley like the back of his hand. With Naruto leading and Saber in spirit form, the two were able to sneak into the Hokage's office without being seen by anyone. A feat that impressed but Saber and the Hokage.
"So," The Hokage said as he filled out more forms. "What brings you two here? Missions?"
Naruto shook his head, "No, we came to warn you."
The Hokage looked up from his work and gave them his full attention. "Oh? What is it?"
"A third Servant, under the name of Archer is possibly here. If so, he and I may end up fighting. If that happens, there will be casualties." Saber told Hiruzen.
The old man inhaled his pipe. "Is there no way to avoid the conflict?"
Saber shrugged, "Possibly, this is a battle royal, but Servants usually prefer to fight without witnesses lest others learn our weaknesses."
The Third sighed, "What do you recommend?"
Saber considered it and said, "As far as I can tell, the one that goes by the name of Archer is with two boys with clouds on their plates. Kumo I believe is the name. The boys said they had been sent as scouts, and found four of something. The purpose of the scouting is unknown, but the Archer class is by far the best when it comes to scouting and independent action."
"Kumo huh?" The old Hokage went through a pile of paper work and pulled out a folder. In it he showed the pictures of the jonin instructor, a girl and two boys. "Are any of these familiar?"
Saber nodded, "I recognize the two boys, but not the girl or the woman."
Naruto nodded as well, "Yeah, the two of them were together near my house and Ichiraku."
"Very well, I will...hmm, there's a note attached that says that you were there Saber at the time they arrived at the gate." The Hokage said
Saber blinked, were they there? He couldn't remember. Naruto looked at him as well. He, Rider, Archer, the rest of the genin twelve as well as all their instructors had come at the same time. There hadn't been anyone but those that came from the camp at the time.
Saber spoke up "I don't think so, but the two boys seemed to think I was Archer. It's just a conjecture, but it could be that Archer looks a great deal like me."
Naruto added, "Yeah, just as the rest of us at the camp. We all came together at the same time. Saber's been with me since."
The Hokage nodded convinced. That was plenty of witnesses to testify that Saber had already entered the village. "Very well, I will send out some of my jonins to collect the team."
"If I could alter that, use a single chunin or two. Make it seem like there is a problem with the paperwork, a T not crossed or a signature not filled in." Saber said. "Don't antagonize them as a Servant will attack if you plan on doing the same."
The Hokage smiled, Saber was devious. "Alright, then what?"
"Then confirm if it is Archer. If so, let him in, but don't attack. Archer's may be long range specialists, but there are always exceptions. I'll keep my Master and myself on a low profile for awhile and hope that they leave. If not, I will lead Archer out of the village and kill him." Saber said.
"I cannot allow violence to take place during the exams." the Third responded.
"Then hope that Archer is not willing to seek us out. When Servants meet, there will be battle." Saber said finally.
Saber began to leave the room when he said, "You know Naruto, your shadow clones will do wonders for willing out all that paperwork when you're Hokage. I have no idea how your Hokage gets it all done."
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been Hokage for decades and been known as the Professor, but right now, he felt like an idiot.
As Naruto and Saber let, they distinctly heard the old man yell out, "Kage Bushin no Jutsu."
"Hmm, I guess he does that too." Saber said to Naruto who shrugged. Naruto had never seen the old man make a Kage Bushin in his life.
Back in the office, the Hokage was finally able to read the newest Icha Icha book after it came out months ago. "So that's why Minato was always so free of paperwork." Around him, three clones were diving into the paperwork while one was ordering Iruka to find the team from Kumo and tell them that the forgot to sign something on their forms.
"I should have done this back when I first started," The Third said as he went back to his book and began giggling slightly.
Yugito was not pleased. She was sure that she had filled out all the paperwork properly before she left the village and handed it off to the gate guards. 'What did I miss? I thought I double checked it.'
"You triple checked it kitten. Trust me, you were obsessed with making sure nothing would go wrong about entering the village." The Niibi assured her.
"I apologize if this is an inconvenience, the scarred chunin said, but the Hokage has asked for you to head to his office and fill out that last bit of paperwork before you can participate in the exams."
With that, the man turned to leave.
"Wait," Yugito asked, "Don't you need to escort us?"
Iruka shook his head, "No, you just need to head on over to his office sometime today. Anyway, I need to get to the academy to teach my next class. You can follow me if you want, the academy is on the way towards the Hokage's office."
Iruka began to leave once more, but stopped and smiled, "Ah, Saber. Good to see you. Your specials at Ichiraku are the best."
Archer felt uncomfortable. He had never been mistaken by another person before he came to this village. "Ah...that's good to hear."
"Yeah," Iruka said as they followed him. "How is Naruto? I've been so busy, I haven't had time to visit. Not to mention that training camp you assembled for those four teams. I haven't seen Naruto in about a month now."
Archer considered the options then said, "He was well last I saw him. He's off elsewhere right now."
"Ah, is today you watch over Hanabi? Well, she just started the academy about a week ago now. So you'll have to wait till she gets out of class." Iruka said cheerfully.
Archer and Yugito were confused by the antics of this Saber. Lancer and Archer never leave their master's sides. Though Archer said that as and Archer, he is well suited towards independent assignments away from her. It seemed that saber was organizing various genin for something, probably the exam, but it could be something else.
"Well, Saber could probably direct you towards the office." Iruka said to Yugito, "This is where we part." Up ahead was the academy.
Iruka was about to leave, when he turned around. A thought had crossed his mind. "Say, Saber. Why are you with these two from Kumo anyway?"
The three outsiders were freed from commenting when a major outcry came from behind them.
"ONIIIIIIIIIII-" The voice was young, high pitched, and full of joy. Archer had just enough time to turn around when a small missile tried to collide with him. Instinct took over as he dodged the attack.
"CHAan?" the missile finished in confusion as she missed her target and smashed into the ground.
"Itai," the young girl cried, "Baka Onii-chan. You were supposed to catch me like you always do."
Archer blinked in confusion, while Yugito's and Naru's blood turned to ice. It was a Hyuga girl, a main branch Hyuga.
'This is not good,' Yugito thought. She had no intentions of going anywhere near the Hyuga residence. Why did Fate decide that one would literally throw herself at her?
"Onii-chan?" Hanabi asked as saber would already have said something. "Are you okay?"
Archer was silent, unsure of what to say. For that one moment, he saw Illya's famous flying tackle again, complete with yelling onii-chan voice action.
"Onii-chan, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Hanabi asked a it afraid. Saber was shaking, even retreating a bit from her. "Did you get hurt? Did daddy hurt you last night?" Hanabi began advancing as Archer was retreating.
As he looked at the girl, he could see Illya again, poor sweet dead Illya.
All his fault.
All his fault.
He couldn't protect her and she died.
She died, the last person to believe in him.
No.
No
Nononono
No, he couldn't take it, he needed to get away.
Not this, he couldn't go through this again.
Hanabi was beginning to cry, "Please onii-chan, don't run, please I won't hurt you. Not again. Never again." It was almost too much for her. Saber was abandoning her. No, he couldn't he was the one who beat the bad ones. What would happen to her if he left her?
"Mistress, please don't run ahead of little old me." her new caretaker called. Hinoko Hyuga was once a powerful Kunochi, but age had dulled her movements. At seventy years old, she was a shadow of her former self, but she was viewed by all as the kindly grandmother of the family. Though she could have applied for the council, Hinoko had always preferred to stay out of clan politics and honor her dead husband.
However, old or not, she took one look at the Kumo head plate and charged forward like a ferocious lioness. Though her joints ached, she moved as fast as any chunin with the experience unmatched by many jonin. "Get away from Hanabi you scum. Touch my grandniece and I'll rip your heads off."
Yugiko found herself backing away from the old woman. She had no doubt that there could have been an army of Kumo nin and that old woman would have killed them all to get to her little Hanabi.
Hanabi found herself clutching the sides of Hinoko. The sight of Saber had blinded her to the two kidnappers. "No," she whispered, "No,no,nononono, please don't let them take me away again."
Yugito noticed that Iruka had vanished, but was unable to do anything. She and her team were in deep shit right now. To flee was to brand them as kidnappers, to fight would be suicide, to stay was dangerous. But only in staying still was there a chance that her team would get though this alive.
"Saber," Hinoko accused, "Why are you with these kidnappers? You were the one who rescued Hanabi. What are you doing?"
"What are you talking about? The foolish attempt to kidnap a Hyuga was seven years ago." Yugito retorted.
"Don't play the idiot with me harpy. The rest of the clan might have let it go thanks to this ingrates help, but I won't let it go you monster." Hinoko snarled. She was like an old lioness protecting the last of her cubs to the death.
An alarm was sounding, Iruka had hit the alarm and was summoning assistance. The scarred chunin was running back with various teachers while the students ran for shelter.
All around the odd stand off, various ninjas were all assembling to protect the children of the academy.
This was not good. Yugito was trapped, Naru was shivering, and Archer looked like he was suffering a trauma of sorts.
Saber and Naruto were almost home when the alarm sounded.
The two of them looked at each other and nodded.
They both raced back towards the sound of the alarm.
Saber nearly had a heart attack when he saw that the alarm was coming from the school grounds.
'Not the children, don't you dare harm the children.' Saber thought with gritted teeth. If the children were dead, there would be no mercy for the Servant.
Another Servant and Master were attracted by the noise.
"Let's go mother, let us see what is going on." Gaara said with a hint of glee.
Ace and Tamaki knew that something had gone wrong as soon as the alarms began.
"Not good." Ace said.
"What do you want to bet that we're in for hell?" Tamaki asked.
Ace didn't both to answer, instead, he and Tamaki dove into a narrow alley and prepared to fight if necessary.
Watching them, Rider debated leaving them, but Saber would need all the information on Archer. No, she would wait, watch, and listen. Saber should be enough to protect the master long enough for her to sense any danger to her master.
Saber and Naruto dashed along the roofs till they leaped towards the middle of the crowd of ninjas.
The first thing Saber noticed was Hanabi being protected by an old woman.
The second thing he noticed was...Archer. He could feel the Servant's power as he approached. He could see Archer stiffen as he approached. Saber knew that Archer must have felt him too.
Saber was coming in for a landing quickly, his twin swords ready.
He could only see the back of Archer, but he was already recognizing it.
The Shroud of Martin. The outfit of a long dead and forgotten saint.
The very outfit he was wearing now.
'No,' Saber thought as his foot hit the ground and Archer turned towards him. 'No, it can't be. A Servant cannot be summoned twice in a war.'
Archer was now facing him, his own twin swords at the ready.
'No, it can't be...me?' Saber thought in disbelief. No, it wasn't him. There was something wrong, something twisted about Archer. For some reason, Saber could only feel disgust towards and despise Archer upon meeting him. There was no way Saber would be able to cooperate with Archer. It was as primal a feeling as fear and love. Inside his most basic core, Saber hated Archer.
"Emiya Shirou," Archer declared.
Saber wasn't surprised that Archer knew his name. Hell, he knew Archer's name too. Before him, memories of a life he never lived flowed into his mind. The two were one, yet not.
He could see it, Archer had spent his life following his ideal silently and doggedly. There had been points in Saber's life where he had to abandon his ideal to meet Saber, but Archer did not take them. Archer sacrificed everything for his ideal. Saber could not sacrifice his love for Saber. Given the choice, the ideal was sacrificed for the woman.
Both Saber and Archer could feel a blinding headache as their memories transferred between the two alternates.
Archer watched as Saber turned his back on the ideal, turned back on the promise of power to save the village and lives that Archer did. The deal that Archer took, Saber rejected to be with Arthuria. Archer watched as saber made friends he never did, help a True Ancestor he never met, fought where he never fought. Battles in the middle east where Archer had been busy elsewhere. But more than anything else was something there that Archer never had, words of thanks.
Archer had always kept his ideal silent. It was his, not to be shared or showed like a medal. Yet, Saber was always telling others about it. Where Archer was despised as none knew his purpose, saber was admired for his flawed ideal. Allies, honors, glories, and admiration were showered over the modest Saber while the Archer languished with scorn and hate. Mankind will always fear and hate what it does not understand. Archer was the unknown Samaritan who did things without need of thanks or praise. He was alone, unknown, and feared. Saber was the hero, his dreams and ideals were known and admired. Though flawed, the people thought it was a beautiful dream. They ate up the ideal and tried to copy it. Many died fighting for the ideal, but Saber died for her.
Saber watched in horror as he witnessed the fate of Archer. He always hated when a person's work was not appreciated or rewarded. Yet, for all the work Archer did, he died alone, betrayed by someone he saved. Alone, on a hill of swords. Illya died a horrible death not long after the war, Rin turned her back on him and buried herself in research, Saber never said she loved him, Luvia ignored him, Acruied and Shiki never met him, Zelretch thought he was boring, Aoko thought he was dull... Everyone in Saber's life that had been good to him had left Archer alone.
Alone to die, without a single person to mourn him. Then the hell that was a counter guardian began. Counter guardians are not like Heroic Spirits. Counter guardians are cleaners, they arrive when the world is on the verge of ruin and clean up the place. They kill those responsible and leave the ruined world behind them. People are not saved by Counter Guardians. Counter Guardians just clean up the mess and leave the few surviving humans to pick themselves up.
The ideal that should have let Archer continue to save men after death had betrayed Archer too far. All that remained of Archer was hatred for his damned ideal, and his damned life. There was only one thing that could ease Archer's pain a bit.
Kill Emiya Shirou.
He had gambled on it, bet his existence on the most miniscule chance that he could kill his past in the Grail war. And he was successful...on being summoned anyway.
Archer had the chance, to kill his past. Not that it would spare him from his own fate. Heroic Spirits and Counter Guardians are outside the flow of time. No, Archer was doomed to forever kill, but he lied to himself that killing his past self would ease his agony.
Instead, a mistake was made. He hesitated a moment when he saw her, Saber. Beautiful blond Saber in the moon light. The hesitation causing him agony and a near fatal blow. Had cost Archer his one chance at revenge. And yet, he now had a second one...
Archer watched in hatred as he witnessed the fate of Saber. How dare Saber abandon the ideal, the ideal that had condemned and betrayed Archer in life and death. Saber did not save that burning village before him. Instead, he rejected the planet's offer for power and went in alone to save the few that he could. Saber relied on his mind, his body, and his one talent to save those he could. No promise of power was accepted. No deals were made. Saber fought, sometimes alone, sometimes with an army for a belief he had stopped believing in since he was fourteen.
And so he died, dragging Primate Fury with him to the grave. Not for an ideal, but for a woman.
In a land of golden fields. Free of the hell that is a Counter Guardian, free to be with her. The woman that never loved him.
All around the two of them, there was a muttering.
"Twins?" one ninja asked
"No, this might be Kage Bushin." another argued
"Whoever head of a clone causing a headache while still active?" A third asked
Saber and Archer were holding a hand on their heads in pain as the memories flowed between them.
"Maybe that one's an evil twin?" one ninja joked half heartedly.
"If that's a henge, it's the most complete one I've ever seen. Look at how they hold themselves, henge only changes looks, not personal quirks." A jonin said to his companion.
"T-two onii-chans?" Hanabi asked, "N-no way."
"Hanabi, get to the shelter," Hinoko ordered.
Hanabi wanted to see the end result of the meeting between the two onii-chans, but Hinoko was right, she needed to get out of there.
'Yes, that wasn't onii-chan,' Hanabi thought with a bit of happiness, 'Onii-chan doesn't hate me, doesn't work with the bad ones.' She ran to the academy and headed for the shelter.
"What's going on?" The Hokag asked as he and a dozen Anbu appeared at the scene.
"These monsters were going to harm my little Hanabi," Hinoko accused.
"That's a lie," Yugito retorted, "We were summoned by the Hokage to fill out some paperwork and were passing by when your little girl mistook Archer for Saber."
The Hokage glanced at the two and couldn't tell who was Archer and who was Saber. The phrase identical was a perfect match for the pair. Yet, there was pure hatred in the eyes of the one near the Kumo nins, while the one near Naruto seemed to have pity in his eyes.
"Saber," The Hokage called out. The one near Naruto responded, "Yes Hokage-sama?"
Hiruzen figured it would be the one near Naruto, "Back off." he ordered
Saber looked over at Archer, fighting his headache, "Can I convince you to let us leave in peace today?"
"Yes," Yugito broke in. "We are only here for my students to enter the chunin exams."
Archer glared at her while Saber focused on her
"You are Archer's master?" Saber asked.
"I am," Yugito nodded.
"As long as you do not attack my Master, I have no interest in fighting you." Saber informed her.
"I will kill you Emiya Shirou," Archer hissed. His killing intent backed his words.
"Maybe," Saber shrugged, "But it won't give you what you truly want."
Archer's face promised a painful death.
"Archer," Yugito warned, "Don't make me command you."
Archer pointedly turned his back to Saber but he then hesitated, "How is she?" Archer asked
"We met again in the end. But she still waits for me to come back home when I'm done here." Saber answered.
"I see, that's good. I couldn't do that for her." Archer said a bit sadly.
"She didn't give you the option, don't worry about it." Saber said reassuringly.
Archer, Yugito and Naru were all taken away while Saber and Naruto remained. None of the other ninja's knew how close they were to having a cataclysmic battle occur through their village.
"Saber," Naruto asked, "What was that?"
"A reunion," Saber said sadly, "Just an old reunion."
Hinoko came up to him cautiously, "Saber?" she asked curiously.
To prove it was him, he pulled out his new book, "I still haven't finished the book yet."
Hinoko remembered hearing about how the old fool Hiro and been beaten by Saber while he read an orange colored book. She had been sure that it was one of those filthy Ichi Ichi books, or whatever they were called, but the title was completely different, The Tale of the Utterly Guts Ninja. Hinoko had never heard of it.
"Apologies, but my master and I should leave before we make any more of a scene." Saber bowed and half dragged Naruto away.
The other ninjas shook their heads and dispersed. The Hokage would let them know if they needed anything. Right now, things were confusing enough with look alike people, and that was just with Gai and his mini-clone Lee...
"What are your intentions Yugito Nii?" the Hokage asked seriously.
"As I said, I brought my team here to enter the chunin exams. I didn't want to bring Archer, but he insisted. Blame your guards for not taking his paperwork. It's all here and filled out." Yugito said.
The Hokage picked it up and read the paperwork. It was Archer's paperwork for allowing him to enter the village to act as a guard as Kumo was not viewed warmly in Konoha. Everything was in order, and there was nothing more the Hokage could do.
Hiruzen sighed, "Please ensure the the guards actually look through and take all relevant files next time. While the exams are a good show of unity, we cannot afford unregistered visitors to wander in our village."
Yugito bowed deeply, "I apologize for my lapse, I will endeavor to do better next time."
The Hokage dismissed her, waited a bit, then summoned his secretary. "Have an Anbu keep an eye on her, but do not interfere. Most likely, Kumo is using the girl to evaluate our defenses."
The secretary bowed and began to carry out the plan. The Hokage turned and went into a side room where the three clones were still going through paperwork. 'I need to thank Saber later.' The rejuvenated Hokage thought. He was sure he could finish Icha Icha before the day was over, and relax with a good bottle of sake.
While today was exciting, at least Saber and Archer were behaving themselves.
"Emiya Shirou," The Hokage mused, "A good name, too bad you had to hide it Saber."
Yes, that was tense, but at least the danger was over.
Too bad The Hokage did not realize that Archers are notorious for their independent actions.
Gaara was annoyed, the two Servants had merely glared at each other. Was this supposed to be the bloody Ceremony mother promised?
"No beloved, this was nothing more than an introduction. Just wait, they'll kill each other soon enough, then you can finish the winner off." Mother soothed him.
Gaara grinned maniacally, things were going to get interesting, even before the exams.
Temari and Kankuro shivered at the sight of that smile and prayed that they would be long gone before they had to witness another person's death thanks to Gaara.
Naruto was worried about Saber, the sight of Archer had shaken Saber deeply. It wasn't obvious, but Naruto recognized that look in his eyes when he was hurt by something.
The two of them had quietly gone home and waited for Rider.
When Rider arrived, Saber held a hand up and said, "We know who Archer is already, we met him not too long ago."
Rider nodded soberly, "It's you."
Saber shook his head, "No, only a possibility of what I could have become."
"I don't understand," Naruto said.
Saber sighed, "Servants are outside of time once they become Heroic spirits. The one known as Archer was a possibility of me that became a spirit and was able to come back in the fifth grail war. Somehow, his existence altered my future and made me the man I am today."
Naruto wanted to snort and say that was nonsense, but Saber was serious, which meant it had to be magical or something again.
"That one, Archer, lived his entire life chasing the ideal we both have." Saber continued. "I never had the strength, the will, the passion to follow that ideal as doggedly as he did since the end of the Grail war."
"Is he better than you?" Rider asked.
Saber shrugged, "From what I saw, if we were both humans, or Servants of the same class, he would win. He is faster at tracing and better at his swordsmanship."
"But you are Saber and he is Archer," Rider said smiling.
"Indeed, by being summoned as Saber, I became physically faster and Stronger than him." Saber finished.
"So...you could beat him?" Naruto asked.
Saber shrugged, "We're both experienced veterans, but from what I saw, he spent more time fighting than I did, though I was able to live a few years longer than him."
"You keep saying you saw, but what do you mean?" Naruto asked.
Saber shrugged, "I just saw his memories, or at least parts of them. At the same time, I know he saw mine."
"Why?" Naruto asked.
"They are the same," Rider answered, "The same soul, though broken and torn, they are the same. When two pieces of the soul meet, they exchange information."
"True, I fell like I can trace a bit faster, though I bet that he is still far better than me." Saber said.
"Do you think he gained anything?" Rider asked.
"I'm sure of it," Saber said. "I just don't know what."
"What are we going to do?" Naruto asked.
Saber sighed, "I've got a plan. It's risky, but it will end the hostilities for a while."
He went on to explain the plan to the two, who both told him he was crazy.
"Maybe, but it's the only way." Saber said, "Oh, before I forget...Rider, cancel the barrier. We don't want to give away you as our trump card."
Rider exhaled and felt her barrier in the Colosseum fall. Inwardly she sighed, it had taken two weeks for that barrier to get ready, and it all went to waste.
"I'm sorry," Saber apologized, "But that's the nature of plans, they change."
"What barrier?" Naruto asked suspiciously.
"Simply put, we placed a trap in the Colosseum, but we just deactivated it." Saber explained.
"A trap?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, but it's gone now." Saber said with a hint of regret. Archer would probably be too familiar with the feel of Rider's Blood Fort Andromeda.
"What would have done?" Naruto asked curiously
"Kill people," Saber said bluntly, "Why else would we set a trap?"
Naruto flinched, to which Saber glared a bit, "Don't go skittish Naruto, you wanted to enter this kind of world. You could have chosen to stay as a civilian. Heck, I bet you would have loved to be a ramen chef. No, you chose the life of a ninja, so get used to the idea of deadly traps master."
Naruto nodded numbly and went up to his room to think for a while.
"Did you have to say it that way Saber?" Rider asked
Shirou sighed, he wish he could have, but the life Naruto chose was a harsh one that the boy was still unready for.
"I could have, but it would have been the same." Saber replied, "He wants to be an adult and be treated as such, but the world he is in now is far too dangerous for him to take halfheartedly. If he wants to live to see his dream come true, he needs to be prepared to kill or be killed."
Rider strode up to him, gripped him by the collar and dragged him to her eye level. "He is our master, and it is our job to protect him. It is out job to keep him safe. It is our job, our duty to see his dream fulfilled."
"And how long can you promise to be there for him?" Saber retorted, "We will not always be there for him. Not unless you plan on seeing if the Ceremony is real or not. No, we will eventually leave him. We need him to be able to match a Servant as fast as we can."
"No human can match a Servant." Rider argued
"I could have, before I was twenty five I could have killed most Servants." Saber told her flatly
"And how many humans are able to enter the Throne of Heroes? One a decade? One a century? Since the Age of the Gods ended the number of new heroes dropped as the ages turned. You were probably the first human to enter in over a hundred years." Rider shouted angrily
Saber shrugged, "Only I had the drive in over a hundred years to do so. Face it Rider, it is Willpower, as much as Strength and Skill that lets one enter the Throne."
Rider leaned in close and hissed, "And look what your will could have taken you towards mister Counter Guardian."
Shirou shrugged, "Neither of us regretted our ends, he only regrets what came after the end."
Rider smacked him on the face, "Then think about those who you left behind."
Saber looked away from her, "I know all to well what happened to those I left, but I would not stop then, and I will not stop now. I have my ideal, it is flawed, it is contradictory, but it is mine. Naruto has his dream, and I will do whatever it takes to help him achieve it."
Rider swore she saw a single tear flow down Saber's eye. It had gone a bit too far, this was starting to get away from the master, and more on Saber's choices.
At the top of the stairs, Naruto heard everything. He began to look at his own life. Was he really committed on being Hokage? Was he prepared to kill and be killed for the title? What was it that he would do to be Hokage?
Naruto began to think back on all the dreams he had seen. Saber had been hooked on his ideal since the fire. The look in his father's eyes had infatuated Saber. As he grew up, he devoted his entire being to help people because that was the best he could do at the time. He practiced magic that could easily kill him just so he could become a hero one day. And finally, the Grail War. Time and time again, Saber threw himself in harms way to save and protect those around him. He didn't know them all, he didn't like them all, but he tried to save them. And in the end, he killed Berserker. He had help, but he killed a Servant when he was only a little older than Naruto.
'Every minute of his life since the fire was devoted to his ideal.' Naruto thought, 'Not once was Shirou smiling, not once was he happy or having fun. He lived, he breathed his ideal, and was never satisfied. Is that what it will take to be Hokage? No, my dream is less than his, but...maybe I need to do more.'
A Hokage was not just about being the strongest, it was also about being the wisest and smartest person in the village. Jiji was always thought of as the Professor and knew as many forms of decorum as he knew jutsu. The Fourth Hokage was known ot be a master negotiator as well as a master ninja. Yes, the more Naruto thought on it, the more he realized that he had only focused on a small portion on what it meant to be a Hokage. From now on, Naruto was going to have to focus on all aspects on being Hokage, not just the smartest.
Only time would tell for sure, but something in Naruto seemed to change that day.
The day passed by for the village peacefully enough, but the night would be very different.
It was roughly eleven at night at the Kumo hotel. Yugito and her team were sound asleep, while Archer stayed at the top of the hotel to keep an eye out for attacks.
Archer could feel him approaching.
Saber.
It seems the idealist was coming to meet him. Archer turned to face his enemy. On a roof, a few hundred meters from him, he saw his enemy motion to follow him, sword and bow in hand.
'So, we shall end this charade tonight.' Archer thought. It was fine with him.
Tonight, Emiya Shirou would die
Author's note: And I'm an Ass. It's a cliffhanger baby.
Yeah yeah, curse me and all that, but I wanted to get this chapter done and begin the much anticipated Saber versus Archer chapter. Already drooling from the epicness.
Who will win?
Who will die?
Will Gaara interfere?
Will Anko ever get a second date? (Wait...what does this have to do with...)
Will Rin, Luvia, and Aoko ever give Shirou the beating he deserves? (Okay, this is getting...)
Will Sakura ever get Sasuke to like her (Seriously, stop...)
Will L33t horo's ideas for some NarutoxRider fluff be heard? (Okay, that's it. Shut this thing off)
Find out next time on FateNinja Storm