Well here it is everyone the latest update to Kōjin no Kotei now I know its been awhile, but a lot is happening with me, and its severely reduced the amount of time I have on the site.
Anyway before we begin I want to address something, I have seen some worries reviewers have given me, and I thank you for pointing them out, but don't worry its apart of the story.
Also guys I am still looking for a Beta Reader if anyone is interested
And on a different note I would like to point out that I have put up challenges on my page if anyone is interested in taking any of them up I will update my page with new challenges when I think up new idea's so you guys can take up the challenge for yourselves. Just PM if you want to take up one.
Now on to the story!
Legend of the Kōjin no Kōtei
Chapter 2: Message and Departure
Uzumaki Kenshin could not have seen a far better sight then now as he stood within his office looking through his window so that he could oversee the village of Uzushiogakure, the home of the Uzumaki Clan itself. It had been merely hours since the failed invasion brought down by the combined forces of Kumo, Iwa and Kiri. Thankfully so far no damage or casualties inside the village have been reported only the outer edges had any sort of aftermath activity. Just stragglers from the enemy force they had killed on the spot.
No more mercy was to be given an order he personally made to his men, the only reason he spared Mida was to send him back with his tail between his legs. So that he could be the result of what will now happen to anyone that crosses the Uzumaki Clan. With how things were to go now Kenshin had to start preparing his Clan for the worst, but first he had something a bit more important to deal with.
And it was with that thought he turned around to see possibly the savior of his Clan from total extinction. Oda Naruto stood before him in all his noble bodily stature, and any wounds or burns many would have thought he would have received after his battle against Main Invasion force and the Sandaime Raikage and Nidaime Tsuchikage were not even seen. Truly he looked as if he hadn't just fought an entire army and two legendary kage shinobi.
Truly remarkable...
Shaking his head Kenshin addressed the man, ''Sorry to have you wait like this, but before anything I would like formally introduce you to my family, and myself. Something I couldn't do beforehand because of what transpired prior.'' the blond merely glanced at him before giving him a nod. However the blond's mind was on other things which transpired during his fight with the two kage's, Z and Mu. At the time he was about to finish them, but there was something else that had caught his attention something that sent a sense of familiarity through him. And being asleep for kami knows how long he no longer cared for anything else then to hone in on what made that tremor within the fabric of the spiritual realm. Yet to his annoyance it vanished before he could hone in on its location.
From there he didn't feel the need to waste any further time on the two kages, and merely left them be however should they cross sights again...there would not be a second chance.
''So...you're the man that saved Kushina-nee-chan?'' a voice spoke out causing Naruto merely glance to his side to see three women sitting on a couch against the wall. He looked to see it was three redheads with matching similarities that made them easily related.
The first one he easily recognized was the ever excitable Kushina, but it seemed she was wearing better garments then what she was when they arrived. However it was the other two that caught his gaze.
The first was a girl that looked everything like Kushina besides a few differences with her hair being a scarlet shade with bold brown eyes. The girl was dressed in the Uzumaki kunoichi garb, but in addition she carried a small sigil on her form that showed her apart of the Clan Head Family.
The second however was a woman that Naruto could easily see was Kushina's mother just from the sheer fact that her eyes were the exact same shade as Kushina's. Plus the same facial features, and slight round eyes were a dead giveaway. Still as the three came inside, and as the door closed behind them he saw Kushina seem to find his gaze causing her face to light up before she looked away.
Slightly bemused at her reaction he felt a gaze on him making him look to see Kushina's look-a-like seemingly staring at him, and if she could through him. However she was unprepared for her eyes to meet his because as soon as her brown eyes met his smoldering azure orbs the scarlet haired girl was left stricken on the spot.
For Erza Uzumaki when she along with her mother and sister came in to see their father after being escorted from the shelters she was long in wait to see the man that saved her sister. So when she found her gaze from her father, and onto the strange man with him she found her sole attention on him. The way he looked seemed so foreign to what she had seen amongst her clansmen with his robes, but just from looking at him Erza could feel that he was someone to take note of, and on some level she felt the need to mind herself.
That confused her, but when she found her gaze meet smoldering azure orbs of the blond man she felt her entire world stop for the briefest second. Erza could see the sheer intensity his eyes held while unintentionally or not they gave off a feeling of a cold gaze that sent a shiver up her own spine.
'Those eyes...their scarier then kaa-san's...'
Kirara however studied Naruto for the briefest moment, and while her two daughters seemed to not catch it she did. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the man's garb and clothing, the way he held himself, and the air of nobility that came off was staggering. There wasn't an ounce of arrogance nor pride that she could see or feel from the blond haired man, but she felt a bit uneasy from the sight of his blue eyes.
Being the Matriarch of the Uzumaki Clan she had seen many nobles in her day, but this man was a different kind, a much different noble from the ones she's ever seen. Plus she could feel the way he held himself which was that of a calm and composed warrior that seemed relaxed, but the slightest act of aggression would be met with brutal and lethal force in the blink of an eye. Her eyes trailed the man's appearance remembering every last detail from the unique shade of his bright golden spiky hair, and smoldering azure eyes to his unique garments.
Certainly he fit the description of the man who saved his daughter, but he didn't look over the age of maybe 20, 21 at the most, and yet Kirara felt this man held more wisdom then even her own grandfather.
'But then there's that mark he bares...' she thought as her eyes briefly rested upon the sigil on Naruto's clothing.
Naruto just eyed the one who spoke to him the scarlet haired Kushina look-a-like who seemed to freeze upon eye contact before he just nodded her way.
''You would be correct in your assumption...?'' he led on causing the girl to stand up before him pushing down any sense of nervousness she felt prior. She looked up at him with bold brown eyes with her hands placed on her hips.
''The name is Uzumaki Erza, Kushina-nee-chan's sister!'' she declared which only made Naruto give a small nod already seeing the clear similarities she and Kushina shared. The blond merely looked at the girl, and once again saw that she too was indeed much like her sister. She didn't fear him nor shy away because of his presence, and even though he could see some inkling nervousness she was still able to stand before him without an ounce of fear.
True she hadn't witnessed what he could do, but still an admirable aspect nonetheless...
Kushina just slapped her hand over her face trying in vain to hide her embarrassment from what her sister had done, and infront of her savior nonetheless! Her eyes glanced to see her mother giving her an amused expression causing her cheeks to flush a deeper shade of red. She just knew her mother was going to pick at her about this.
''I see it is a pleasure'' he said giving a small nod to the girl who blinked at his words before she saw his gaze fall on her causing her cheeks to light up before she looked away.
However Kirara caught it, and could merely chuckle at the shyness before she took a step forward garnering the attention of the blond man. ''And I'm Uzumaki Kirara Matriarch of the Uzumaki Clan and mother to Kushina and Erza. It's a pleasure to finally meet the man who saved Kushina, so for that you have my utmost gratitude Naruto-san.'' she said with a bow.
Naruto merely met her bow with a nod of his head.
''It's a pleasure to meet you as well Uzumaki-san, and as for your daughter she has done me a service, and I chose to repay that in fold. Therefore by saving her, and returning her home my debt to her is paid in full.'' he said to the Uzumaki families confusion, but Kushina seemed to understand a bit as a small smile formed on her face.
Turning his gaze on Kenshin he spoke, ''Now Uzukage-san I do believe you promised me something in return for helping you, and your clan against the forces. You know about my Clan, and even mentioned a tablet...care to explain?'' he asked causing Kenshin to give a sigh whilst his wife glanced between Naruto and her husband in confusion. Erza and Kushina seemed just as confused as their mother, but they remained silent due to the tension rising within the room.
Finally Kenshin looked toward Naruto, and nodded. ''I did, and I intend to honor my promise, but first...'' here he snapped his fingers causing his guards to appear.
Waving his hand in dismissal he spoke ''Leave us...''
''Hai, Uzukage-sama!'' they vanished leaving the family and Naruto alone in the office. The Oda raised an eyebrow when Kenshin wordlessly walked over to a vacant wall on the left side of his desk. Pulling his hand up he bit his thumb before swiping his blood on the wall, and then a seal appeared glowing a bright red color before it shimmered away as the sound of a distant lock being unlocked rang out.
Looking over his shoulder he nodded towards Naruto, ''Follow me Oda-dono'' he said causing the man to nod.
Kirara on the other hands eyes snapped wide open when she heard the name Oda she snapped her gaze directly toward the blond with a sense of bewilderment, and even disbelief. That is until she saw Kenshin looking at her with dead serious eyes.
''Kirara bring Kushina and Erza as well with them being the heir to the Clan they must learn of the secrets, and that of the History of our Ancestors.'' he received confused glances from the two girls, but Kirara masked her shock before giving a nod.
''Very well...''
Satisfied with that Kenshin turned back to the wall as it slowly started to slide down into the floor revealing a winding staircase that went down into the blackness.
''Now if you will follow me...I will show you all the Uzumaki know of your Clan, Naruto-san.'' the blond merely gave him a nod before he followed him in with the three redheads in tow. As they walked in the wall slid back in place hiding any signs of what just transpired.
With Naruto as he traversed the deep staircase he looked into the deepening darkness with narrowed eyes. When he took that first step onto the stair case he felt that very same familiar dinging sound from before when he was fighting the two kages. Only now it was getting stronger as he went deeper into the abyss. He could feel a sort of spiritual power as he went deeper within it felt very familiar to him, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
''So where are we going exactly tou-san?'' Kushina asked the same question that her twin had been thinking. However it was Kirara that answered her question.
''We're heading into the Ancestral Vault of the Uzumaki Clan where the Heads of our Clan of the past have all passed on their knowledge, history, techniques and all that has happened in the past are recorded and stored into the Vault. It is there where the next heir or heir's when they are of the right age are to go as it is their birthright, and learn what it means to be the Head of the Uzumaki Clan. Entry into the vault is only allowed by the blood of the current Clan head, and those of his blood related kin.'' she said causing Kenshin to nod.
''Yes, and though I wanted to keep this a secret for a bit longer it seems I can't hold it out any longer. There are many secrets the Clan left behind for us some of which we still have yet to decipher, but I think that now we shall all learn one of our deepest secrets with Oda-dono here.'' he said causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow.
However he remained silent as they continued their trek into the abyss, but it was when he heard Kushina's sister Erza speak as she eyed him with a studious gaze.
''I have a questioni f you don't mind, what was the Oda Clan Naruto-san?'' asking him directly causing him to look her way while her family seemed a bit tense at her words Kushina more so while Kenshin kept a sharp glance between her musume and the Oda. Naruto just kept his gaze securely on Erza staring her down for the briefest of moments before he looked ahead as they stepped further into the darkness with the dimly lit torches lighting their path.
''The Oda Clan, my Clan were a proud noble people that did not rely on this energy you call Chakra, but on the separate energies that made up the two worlds. The world you, and the majority I would say know as the physical world, and the other world known solely as the spiritual world. We lived as nomads cut off from the rest of society, but we would tend to assist those that needed the help of our Clan.'' he explained only for Erza to frown in confusion.
''So your clan were like Monks?'' she asked causing Naruto close his eyes.
''In a manner of speaking...'' this response only intrigued her further by how he seemed to answer her, and then again avoid her question. Still she had another question that when she spoke it gained the attention of her family.
''W-what about this spiritual world, what did you mean by that? What is it exactly?'' she asked only to gain a cold chill when Naruto looked her way with an even colder glaze in his eyes then usual.
''To be blunt I mean the Realm of the Dead, the Spiritual world is a place my Clan was able to traverse, and embrace because we welcomed the ideal of another world beyond the material one. This is why we were able to traverse the Realm of the Dead or as others may call it the Underworld, City of the Dead, even Makai in some cases. Now that is all I shall speak about this matter...'' he said cutting off all other attempts for information.
Still what he said was enough to leave them all in a state of shock if what Naruto said was true, and that the Oda Clan was potentially able to do the things he said...made them question.
Who or what exactly was the Oda Clan...
Ancestral Uzumaki Vault
When the group reached the last step they were greeted with a black dimly lit chamber with two underground walls leading from the stairs directly a few feet from them. Ahead of them was another giant wall only in the middle of it was giant set of doors crafted by a strange metal alloy due to the silvery shade the doors gave off. Even then Naruto saw attached on the sides of the two doors were torches giving off a dimly lit orange glow which revealed the many set of seals placed upon the door.
He couldn't even count how many seals were on it, but among them he did see one in particular in the dead center. The seal looked like any normal paper seal tag, but it glowed with a variety of different colors from red, green, yellow to even black all of which were morphing into one another. He followed Kenshin whilst Kirara stood with her two surprised daughters whilst the Uzukage stepped toward the door.
''Only the blood of the current Clan head can open this door, and should anyone that wasn't a Clan head try to breach this door it would react with lethal force. This door hasn't been opened since my ceremony to becoming the Clan Head, but now things have become too dire for it to remain closed.'' he said before he walked closer to the door before he nicked his finger. Letting the blood flow around his hand he placed his palm on the seal and uttered only one word.
''Kai''
It was in that moment the seal reacted with Kenshin's touch as it slowly started to glow a bright white before the glow soon faded only to have the seal meld into the door. From there the doors started to open causing a great rumbling sound to occur within the room, as they opened a deafening howl of wind circulated out from the doors blowing into the faces of the five occupants, but 3 of the 5 remained impassive as they were greeted to another chamber where darkness itself seemed to engulf the very chamber.
Upon entering with Naruto and his family in tow Kenshin merely slammed his hand on the wall to his right before he spoke again.
''Kai''
Then the doors behind them slowly closed, but while they did so the group was greeted with rows upon rows of torches lit up. The vastness of these torches kept going for what seemed like miles lighting up the darkness before them until braziers hanging from the walls and the ceiling lit up. Finally he watched the row of torches stop nearly 3 miles ahead only light up another set of torches that lit the other side of the wall.
Then Naruto fully looked un the content of what lay within the vault...
''Woaaaahhhh~'' Kushina and Erza said in unison as the two stared up in sheer awe at what the two were seeing, and Naruto couldn't really blame the two girls for even he was a bit impressed with what he saw. The Uzumaki truly had been holding everything they ever learned, created or gained over their many years of existing. Because shelves upon shelves filled to the brim with books and scrolls littered the many hallways. The sheer number of them was truly amazing to say the least, and that wasn't counting the number of artifacts all being held on pedestals among the walls to his left and right.
''So, what do you think Oda-dono?'' Kenshin asked only to receive a nod from the man.
''Impressive Uzumaki-san, your clan's knowledge has exceeded my expectations because to gather this vast amount of knowledge is simply astounding, and a symbol to your Clans hard work and willpower.''
''I'm honored to hear you say that, but please all that the Uzumaki know of your Clan are kept securely separate from my Clans own. This way...'' he said leading the man, and the silent awe stricken girls, and a silent Kirara down into the Vaults contents. Following Kenshin Naruto kept his gaze steadfast, but that same dinging sound only got stronger and now he could even pin point its location leading his gaze to be directly toward the opposite wall to the entrance of the vault. He walked with Kenshin as the man led them up a staircase leading up to the wall.
The wall itself seemed to be made out of the same material as the door had been, but walking to a particular wall Naruto beheld the sight of yet another door only this one held another seal. One of which Kenshin released, but this time stood aside causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow at the man.
He saw this, and bowed his head respectfully.
''This door leads into the Chamber of the Oda where all that we know and have learned about your Clan has been stored for all these years. It is only fitting for the first person to ever enter this Chamber be you Oda-dono.'' he said causing Naruto to stare at the man before he looked towards the door for the briefest of seconds.
That infernal dinging sound was so strong that if Naruto hadn't channeled his energy into his ears they would have bled due to the sheer intensity of it, but now he knew that Kenshin spoke the truth for whatever lay behind this door did belong to his Clan. Because those of the spiritual realm would be able to hear this sound, and sense the many spiritual residue within.
Still it made him wonder as to why the Uzumaki had done this why save his Clans knowledge, and whatever history they could find for safe keeping. What had caused them to do this, and for that matter what had his Clan done in his absence?
Placing his palm on the door he pushed it open and walked in soon followed by the Uzumaki's, and it was there Naruto's eyes azure orbs surveyed the contents within the chamber. Unlike the Uzumaki's vault what as within this one didn't even hold a quarter of the Uzumaki's knowledge, but that didn't matter to Naruto. His eyes swept across the chamber counting at least 4 book shelves holding a vast amount of dusty old scrolls that seemed to haven't been touched in ages. However among them it was the object that lay in the middle of the chamber that caught his attention the most.
It was a giant tablet standing on the floor it stood nearly 7 feet tall, and 4 feet in width. However age seemed to have never touched the tablet due the stone not have crumbled away, and the text etched into the stone wasn't even faded in the slightest. It was this very text that covered the entire stones smooth end. A dialect that confused Kushina and Erza since it didn't look like anything they had seen in their teachings before.
Kenshin seemed to catch what his eyes were on and decided to elaborate, ''This is the only artifact we have ever recovered from your Clan. A tablet my Great Grandfather Uzumaki Raijin had discovered in some ruins in Oni no Kuni, and when we discovered it to be connected to the Oda Clan we seized it as quickly as possible. However we have never been able to decipher its contents or the message your Clan left behind, and that leads me to believe that they left this message...for someone a possible descendant perhaps, but now that you have appeared...I know it was meant for you.'' he said.
Naruto merely nodded before he walked up to the tablet before he looked up at the very top of the scripture, and spoke.
''Even if you had mastered my Clans language the Uzumaki Clan would have never translated this because this was meant for the eyes of the next Head.'' he said causing Kenshin's eyes to widen. Naruto ignored this in favor of reading the scripture, the text and the words left behind by his Clan. Raising his hand his index finger soon glowed a faint blue before his finger met in contact with the tablet before he closed his eyes.
Then the texts glowed blue as well before they started to appear in his mind relaying the message within his mind for him to see.
I know you will find this Naruto-dono, and that is why I shall leave these messages for you to find, and for you to learn of whats happened since your absence. I leave these tablets for your eyes only as the next heir to the Clan your eyes will be the only ones that can read this, of that I made sure of.
Now I won't be able to fit all of this on one tablet so there will be more where they are even I don't know where they will end up with my death. But I know you will find them but for now I leave this dire message for you so that you can learn of whats happened. When you entered the Shinseina suimin The Elders tried to make sure the Clan survived until your awakening, but with that traitor on the loose we could do nothing as he destroyed all of what made us a Clan. He's systematically killing us off like a snakes venom does to its prey.
That is why after nearly 5 years nearly half of our original numbers had been killed off by either that traitor or his partner's forces. It was because of this the remainder of us fled our home where I took everything including the most precious object to our Clan with us. It was during this time we met with a tribe of nomads that specialized in sealing, and in return for helping us we helped them learn the ways of fighting. Their art of sealing proved useful for many of our knowledge to be kept locked away.
We became allies, and hopefully that alliance still stands even now in whatever time you awaken in.
But what is important for you to know above all else is that he is still out there, and with you gone he has done everything he can to kill us off, and take what is yours. You know of what I speak of, the most blessed artifact of our Clan passed down from your fathers father. I've done as you have asked, and hidden it away should this have ever happened, but if anything he has proven to be quite stubborn in his search for it. But I know that you will awaken, and keep it out of his hands for it was meant only for your hands, Naruto-dono.
I am running out of room so I shall continue my message, and record all that's happened to the next tablet. Hopefully you find it by then, and search for what has been kept hidden away from the traitors hands.
This is farewell for now my friend.
Oda Kisuke, Keeper of the Oda Clan's Records
Blinking, Naruto narrowed his eyes with the information given to him his finger left the tablet, but all the information given to him made him just stand there as his mind soaked up everything he learned. The events prior to his eventual absence had been under rather stressful times with the Juubi's awakening his coming time for the Shinseina Suimin was nearing. There was no avoiding the sleep as it was a sacred tradition for every future Head to take.
Shinseina Suimin was a sacred act where every Heir to the Oda Clan would come of age, and having proved their skill and prowess in the Clans ways would enter a state of deep slumber. This was in hopes they would leave their body on the spiritual level so that their soul could delve into the realm of the spiritual, and harmonize itself with the world of the spiritual. It was a Rite of Passage, and should you succeed in awakening from the slumber then you would be downed as the next Clan head of the Oda Clan. The estimated time to awaken is never predetermined, but in most cases one would awaken after a few days others weeks and some rare cases a year or two.
But there was risks because in some cases many never woke up again...
However Naruto's mind raced on trying to think up as to why he had been asleep for so long he now knew that it had been more then a millennium since he went into slumber, but to sleep for so long while his Clan was in peril.
'Why...it only felt like yesterday that I'd faced the Juubi...did the sleep truly effect my sense of time for so long...?' he remembered delving into darkness, and linking himself with the real of spirits. His time in the realm was long, but to sleep this long...
His hands twitched at the mention Kisuke's message, and the words he spoke of his eyes turned soulless as he remembered of whom he spoke of.
The Traitor...
He knew of the man Kisuke spoke of after all the man had betrayed his Clan to a foreign element in the old days when the Elemental Nations was still new. Punishment for that was death, but the man proved elusive like that of a ghost in many aspects, but as the blond looked down at his hand he clenched it till his knuckles popped while his azure eyes hardened in a cold merciless glaze.
'You escaped my grasp once, but you shall not do so again...' releasing his hand in its vice clench he looked toward the stone again with a monotonous expression.
'You did your duty well Kisuke, now rest...'
''N-naruto? Are you okay?'' Kushina's voice echoed within his ears causing him to look to the side where he saw Kushina standing at his side looking at him with a worried gaze. Deciding to ease her worry he gave a nod before he looked back at the tablet that seemed drained in some manner.
''Yes Kushina, I'm fine just a lot to take in so don't worry about me...'' he said, but he did notice the way she seemed to gaze at him longer then before as if truly peering at him to see if he was lying. Her deep seeded worry for him confused him, but what surprised him was how this young girl was actually learning to quickly read him even better then most people in his time ever had. It was small, but she was learning nonetheless.
Pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind he turned toward Kenshin, and nodded.
''It would seem we have much to speak about Kenshin Uzumaki...'' he said causing the man to frown in confusion.
Uzumaki Clan Household
''So what you read in that tablet specifies of an Alliance made between your Clan and the ancestors to the Uzumaki's? Is that why our Clan has always kept our vigilance for any information regarding the Oda's. To keep all historic records of our ancient allies that even predate the time of our Ancestors.'' Kenshin asked himself as he, and his family were situated within his study. He looked to see Naruto standing out near the window as he looked out at the village.
The trip from the Vault to his household had been a quiet one since the village was still tense due to the attempted invasion so they had been able to get to his home unhindered despite the looks they received from the one or two villager or Clansmen that saw them.
''That would be correct in assuming that those same nomads were indeed the very same Ancestors to your Clan. Taking this into consideration my Clan seemed to have been the ones who taught your Ancestors how to fight how to fight, and in return gave my Clansmen shelter.'' he said before Kenshin seemed to massaged his temples as the flux of information coming his way. To be honest he shouldn't e surprised because he always had an inkling suspicion that the Uzumaki were allies with the Oda in way back, but to hear they had actually taught them out to fight in the old days was shocking even for him.
''Was there anything else on the tablet?'' Kenshin asked only to have Naruto close his eyes, and shake his head.
''No, only affairs concerning my Clan that I must fix on my own'' he said causing him to receive confused looks Kenshin and Kirara while he got a worried one from Kushina. Erza on the other hand frowned at his words. While the scarlet haired tomboy was captivated by a great many things that had happened in the last few hours her interest was growing minute by minute in not only this seemingly old Clan that had been allies of her Ancestors way back, but in the man who had saved her sister from a fate worse than death.
Not that she would say it...
Kenshin just nodded in respect ''Very well, but the question now is what will you do now?'' he only received a raised eyebrow from the blond before he looked back out at the village. His gaze looking out in the far distance of the mainland.
''I must go, and deal with this matter at hand...''
As he said this he missed the look he got from his wayward redhead companion as she gazed at him with a look of worry. In all honesty Kushina didn't want him to go not after all he's done for her, her home and her family just for him to up and leave. Plus the time she spent traveling with him back to her homeland had been possibly some moments she had ever had in her life. Granted she didn't know as much about him as she did now, but still being with the blond for all this time spawned a feeling of wanting him to stay.
Still her gaze fell as she realized one thing, 'He has no obligations to stay nor should I be selfish about this...he does have his on goals to accomplish.'
Yet the pain stung at knowing he was going to leave it felt like a dull pain at first, but hearing him actually say it felt like a dagger stabbed into her heart, and it twisted to deepen the pain.
Kirara looked down at her daughter, and frowned at her state of quick depression it was small, but she had noticed it when Naruto said those words. No it was before then she had noticed that she was nervous about the inevitable, but she saw her flinch, and look down in sadness at his response. A small sad smile crossed Kirara's features as she looked down at her downtrodden daughter. In truth she knew right when her daughter came bursting through the door running into her arms telling of her of what happened that the blond Oda had not only made a deep impression on Kushina.
He had done much more then that...
He'd become very important to Kushina in such a small amount of time she dare say her daughter was beginning to become smitten by him.
'Then again its to soon to tell, but she is showing the signs...but for now..let your kaa-chan help you out my little musume' she thought as she gazed at her daughter with a loving gaze.
Then she turned her gaze toward the silent Naruto before she spoke, ''Excuse me Naruto-dono?'' she spoke causing the man to look her way.
''Yes, Uzumaki-san?'' he asked only for the woman to smile as she gained confused looks from the others before she said only one thing that gained varied reactions.
''I would like to humbly ask of one small thing of you if you would be so inclined.'' she said with a sweet smile whilst Naruto looked at her with a keen eye.
''And that would be?'' he said only for Kirara to point her hand to Kushina causing her eyes to widen as she spoke.
''Take Kushina with you on this trip...'' she said causing Kenshin eyes to widen before he received a sharp look from his wife with the message being clear.
'We'll discuss this later'
Erza on the other hand looked like a fish out of water complete the expression and all as she looked from her mother to the silent blond back and forth she went as she tried to comprehend what her mother had just suggested. Finally she felt her mind reboot only for her plop down on the couch as she came to realize something as her eyes went from her mother to her sister.
'Kaa-chan is planning something again...' her mother had always been like that a schemer, but this was new even for her. She then looked at her sister only for her brown eyes to widen when she saw Kushina face looking positively shocked so stumped that Kushina hadn't even uttered a single word. She waved her hand infront of Kushina's face before starting to poke, pull and pinch her cheeks before flicking her in the forehead.
Nothing...
Naruto on the other hand kept his gaze coolly on the still smiling woman, and while normally he would have outright denied the woman's request on the basis Kushina would only be a hindrance to his goal. However that was not the case because Kushina was in fact not defenseless of that he knew because while she was still in training he had seen her practicing as they traveled to Uzu no Kuni, and he could assume her skill was on par with some of the ranking shinobi called Genin or Chunin he'd heard about.
Yes, she was young, but when he was thrown in the field he was much younger, and had done a lot more then she ever had at her age the training he went through, the spars, battles, and eventual kills he made for his Clan had been for its safety. Plus if he was being honest he could sense an abnormal amount of potential in Kushina from the moment he saw her practice.
'That, and admit it my wielder you have gained a soft spot for young Uzumaki.' an age old voice boomed within his mind causing him to frown slightly.
'Of all the times for you to contact me its now, and about this of all things...' he voice his thoughts in his inner world only to gain a chuckle in response.
'Details details, what I'm more interested in is the fact you did not deny what I just said.' Naruto could swear he heard amusement lacing his tenants tone. Deciding not to respond he kept his gaze on Kirara for a moment before he turned his gaze toward Kushina.
''Why ask me this? Why ask me to take your daughter an heiress to the Uzumaki Clan with me? A trip that will undoubtedly be dangerous to her life. What makes you trust me with her life, Uzumaki-san?'' he asked only for him to gain a small tick in his brow when he saw her smile widen.
''Because for One even if you weren't an Oda you saved my home from devastation meaning you are a man I can trust with my daughters safety. Two, you saved her life, and even brought her back home no matter the circumstances still speaks well about your character. And most importantly three, I think she would do very well to travel with you for a bit.'' she said seemingly point out three major points that seemed to prove that she made her point.
Still Naruto remained silent before he looked towards Kushina bringing his full attention on her, and seeing how she felt his gaze on, and she looked up at him only for her face to turn beet red he spoke.
''Still this is her choice to make I nor will you make that decision for her so what do you say, Kushina?'' addressing the redhead causing her to shake from her shock induced stupor only to find herself again stricken under Naruto's azure gaze. Being rooted on the spot Kushina for once didn't even know what to say. While she was still shocked at her mothers proposal, and secretly thanking her for it she was still surprised that Naruto. Her savior, the cold merciless blond was actually considering it, and with her own approval at that!
Still feeling the full weight of this Kushina looked at her family her contemplative father, her smiling if a bit scheming mother, and expecting twin sister. If she accepted she would be leaving them behind temporarily though it still meant she would be willing to leave them to travel with Naruto. To travel with him again caused a feeling of happiness to swell up in her chest, but at the same time nervous to the unknown.
Then she looked to Naruto before her violet eyes went up into his azure orbs, and right then as she looked into his eyes Kushina decided.
''I'll go...'' she said as a fierce fire of determination burst forth in her eyes. A sight that brought a smile to her father, her mother only smiled even more whilst Erza seemed to be happy with her choice she looked a bit sad, but quickly hid it well.
But it was Naruto that saw the glow the most, and for the first time in a long while a small smirk crossed his features, his eyes lit up slightly at seeing the amount of drive the young girl was giving off in her eyes. It was deep, and intense something he hadn't seen since...
'Remind you of someone...?' his inner tenant seemed to read his thoughts, and Naruto just kept silent.
Clap!
''Well since that is decided, Kushina go pack your essentials, Naruto-dono will meet you at the Gate. Erza go and help your sister if you would be so kind'' Kirara proclaimed causing the two girls to nod before they raced off into the household. From there the last remaining three were left with silence before Kenshin spoke.
''If you could have my daughter back in 3 months from now that would be greatly appreciated Naruto-dono.'' he asked getting a raised eyebrow from the man whilst Kirara giggled into her hand.
''What he means to say is that he wants to have Kushina back in a least 3 months time so she can start her training in more of the Uzumaki Clan's techniques. Seeing as she is in the Clans eyes the heiress she and Erza will be needing more advanced training as they mature. However until then I don't see why she can't travel with you for a bit'' she said.
Naruto merely gave a nod before Kenshin reached under his desk before pulling out a spare rolled up parchment. Handing it to Naruto he spoke seeing the confusion forming on his face.
''Now with that settled I would like to give you a map since I am sure the Elemental Nations has changed since your time.'' he said making Naruto raise an eyebrow before he took the map from the Uzukage's hand. Unfurling the map his eyes scanned the parchment giving it a once over taking in each point of all the countries from Uzu no Kuni to the five major countries. He viewed the minor ones, and seen as a matter of fact that many countries outnumbered the major ones like Hi no Kuni or Kaminari no Kuni.
Still overall looking at the sheer scale the land he once knew had indeed changed from just the sheer change in structure or at least from what he was seeing on the map. It was moderate, but enough to change many things. Still he rolled it back up, and put it away inside his robes before he looked towards the two.
''Very well, I shall make my departure as soon as Kushina meets me by the gate.'' and with that said he turned and walked towards the door only as his hand went to grab the knob he heard Kenshin speak.
''Naruto-dono, while I know you are more then capable...please make sure Kushina comes back we nearly lost her once so please as a father take care of her will you?'' he asked. While he didn't know what his wife was planning Kenshin was already thinking up the pro's of allowing Kushina to go along with his wife's suggestion. Her safety was a priority that much can be assured, but protecting the Clan was important, and the village was still tense after all that's happened so to assure Kushina's safety he was all for to let her go along with Naruto.
If he were any other man he would have declined, but he knew Naruto was capable not only was he powerful if he was able to do what he did to the Main invasion force, but also he was an ally of the Uzumaki a friendship held between his and Naruto's clan that went so deep that it went back to the time of his Ancestor's. If there was anyone he could trust with his daughters safety it was the blond himself.
'Not only that, but with her out of the village it decreases the chance of Konoha asking for her or any potential leak in the village getting out that she was in the village. With her traveling with Naruto it both gives me a chance to root out any leaks in the villages defense system, and deal with Konoha as a whole.' was his thoughts not knowing this his wife was thinking entirely different matters concerning this event.
Had he known what her intentions were he may have been a bit more hesitant to allow this...
The blond decided to speak, ''You have my word as an Oda, Uzumaki Kenshin that no harm shall befall the girl. Now I must be off...'' gaining a nod from the two he opened the door, and left leaving the two Uzumaki's alone only for Kenshin to glance toward his wife with a studious gaze.
''Okay Kirara-chan what are you planning at now?'' he asked only to receive a small slap on the head from his wife. He frowned as she gave a soft giggled her violet eyes peered down at him with a look he knew all too well from their youth. Mischief was clear as day in those eyes, and it only caused a sinking feeling in his stomach from the way she smiled at him.
''Nothing dear nothing at all just helping out our little Kushi-chan'' she said causing Kenshin to raise an eyebrow at his wife.
''Help her how?'' but to his annoyance his wife just sauntered off while twirling her finger in the air.
''Oh nothing just giving her a little push in the right direction is all.'' and thankfully Kirara thanked how dense her husband could be at times could she could literally feel his confused eyes staring into her back.
Still she wondered how hings would progress between her musume, and the blond Oda during this trip...
Uzushiogakure's Gate
Kushina was literally beaming with excitement as she stood side by side with her blond traveling companion. While she had been still surprised at what was happening she was coming to terms with the fact that she was actually going to be able to travel the Elemental Nations, and with Naruto which only made it all the better for her. Hell she wanted to hug her mother fiercely for giving her this chance she was fine with smiling as wide as she could at hr equally smiling mother.
She'd packed her essentials in a variety of storage scrolls which she put into her backpack, but she still replaced some of her clothing with the Uzu kunoichi standard. Like her sister she wore similar gear, but instead of long sleeved shirt she wore a short sleeved with a black long sleeved shirt underneath. She wore black pants that went down to her black shinobi sandals while strapped her right hip was a kunai/shuriken pouch while on her left hip was a variety of 6 scrolls strapped to her hip in a leather holster. Finally proudly tied around her forehead was the Uzushio headband in all its glory securely fashioned on her forehead. Her hair fell down her back as usual with her two trademark twin bangs framing her face. A trait she shared with her twin sister.
Overall Kushina looked ready and rearing to go, but she stayed put as she said her goodbyes to her family while Naruto stood off to the side looking out from the village keeping his gaze firmly out on the mainland.
''You better be careful out there nee-san and try not to get yourself into too much trouble okay?'' her sister said causing Kushina to pout at her smirking sister before pinching her cheeks causing her yelp.
''Shut up, ttebane!'' she continued to pull her Erza's cheeks only for her hands to be slapped away before Erza surprised her by giving her a hug. With her eyes going wide at the contact Kushina looked down as Erza hugged her sister for all she was worth, and it was there she heard her sister speak.
''Please be safe Kushina-nee, I'll miss you...'' Erza spoke with her words carrying a soft tone of worry for her sister. Kushina just smiled before wrapping her arms around her sister.
''Don't worry I'll be fine worry about getting stronger till the next time we meet, okay?'' she felt her sister nod into her shoulder before Erza pulled away only to give a silent glare directed to the blond as if scrutinizing him. Kushina saw this and sighed at her sisters action perhaps Erza was a bit more protective of her then she first thought.
Kenshin just put his hand ontop of Erza's head while he gave a respectful nod to the blond who seen it from the corner of his returned before looking to his daughter.
''Now Kushina I want you to take this as a chance to learn all you can, and take this as a lesson to learn of the world we live in. All may not look as it seems from first glance so take this as a chance to learn, and grow as a respectful Kunoichi, understand?'' he said causing Kushina to look up at her father with a serious expression before she gave a nod.
''I will tou-san.'' she said with a nod while her eyes glowed with that same intense drive that even now Naruto saw to be extremely nostalgic.
Then Kirara came up before pulling her daughter in for a hug, but it was when she bent down to her ears that Kirara spoke so her words were only heard by Kushina.
''And while you do what your father suggested musume don't forget to find the time to have fun musume life is too short to not experience a bit of fun. So take the time to enjoy this trip with Naruto-san, okay?'' she said with a wink causing Kushina to blink at her mother as she tried to comprehend her words. That was when she realized what she was implying causing her face to flush a deep cherry red before pulling away as if she was burned while looking away from not only her smirking mother, but especially Naruto.
Oh she did not want Naruto to see her face right now...
'Stupid kaa-san why won't she stop saying such embarrassing things!?' was her thoughts, but still her mothers words were now teasing and haunting her at the back of her mind. Like an annoying gnat that wouldn't stop flying around you. Taking a chance her eyes glanced to Naruto only to look away when she found him looking her way with a raised eyebrow.
Feeling everything was settled the blond turned to Kushina, ''Are you ready to go?'' his voice seemed to cause her to tense before she dared to look his way before giving a meek nod.
''H-hai!''
With that Naruto nodded before he started to walk away followed by Kushina leaving her family to look at their backs as they traversed into the forests, and out of the village. This time for a good amount of time with one of the Uzumaki Clan's heiress traveling with the Heir to the Uzumaki's oldest allies.
Truly a unique sight if someone besides the family knew of Naruto's status...
Still this presented a question what will happen now with the likes of Naruto Oda unleashed upon the Elemental Nations after so long in deep slumber?
No one could tell...
End
Thus ends the latest update to Kojin no Kotei, and for you readers I just want to thank you again for all the support, and apologies bout the late update. Again real life sucks with all the crap I am going through right now, but hey that's life I guess.
Anyway please tell me what you thought about this chapter was it bad? Good? Horrible? Too mushy? What?
I am trying to expand upon Naruto and Kushina's relationship a bit here so any opinions or advice would be appreciated.
Also I am setting Kushina and Erza's age to be 14 as of right now.
BTW I am still looking for a BETA Reader if anyone is interested just keeping that out there for you all.
Till then have a good day everyone!
Musume: Daughter
Kaa-san: Mother
Shinseina Suimin: Sacred Sleep
Baka: Idiot
Nee-san: Sister