Chapter 1-Demon Mercenary for Hire
Naruto awoke from his unconscious state feeling different, as he struggled to sit up from the ground he was on, only to find his body was on a simple single bed, and was in a room of a place the seemed to pulsate with power. Sitting upright, Naruto put a clawed hand to his head before pausing when he realized his hands were clawed like they were when using Kyuubi's chakra, and felt his teeth were much sharper then normal. Looking around, he realized the room was actually dark, but his eye sight was so enhanced that the Namikaze could see everything like it was day out, and hear the heartbeat of someone else in the area headed towards him.
By that point, Naruto realized he had fox ears on the back of his head, and now wished for a mirror to look at his face.
That line of thought ended however, when the door to his room opened, and an elderly man with a white beard, mostly white hair wearing all white, and was holding a staff that pulsated with power like the building they were in. Naruto was looking at the old man cautiously knowing that he was an uninvited guest in this place and would show some degree of respect until the signs of hostility from his host appeared.
"You're awake I see. I must say your transformation surprised me after I brought you in," said the old man eyeing Naruto just as cautiously as Naruto was him.
"I have a high recovery rate in terms of healing and I'm no stranger when it comes to pain being inflicted upon my body. Thank you for taking me in when you could have left me to die," said Naruto getting off the bed and was grateful he was still fully clothed.
"You're welcome young one. I must admit, your appearance surprises me, and I sense you are not human given the energy that radiates from your body," said the old man having seen the boy transform into this current hybrid animal looking state.
"You could say that. I don't really feel comfortable sharing such secrets about my past despite the debt I owe for this," said Naruto standing up and cracking his back.
"Fair enough. We all have our secrets. Though I don't suppose you would explain to me where it is you've come from since your clothing tells me you are not from this realm of Middle Earth," said the elderly man seeing Naruto let out a chuckle.
"You could say that. I'm from another realm where we have different territories called the Elemental Countries with each one named after a different element. Like Fire Country, Wind Country, Water Country, and any other element you can think of. Even the names of different kinds of animals, foods, and the seasons themselves were used to help name countries where I'm from," said Naruto seeing the old man's eyebrows being raised with interest to this information.
"Really? How interesting. I took the liberty of inspecting your weapons I saw were in your possession, which I will return of course, and saw they were the kind of weapons one finds on an assassin," said the old man seeing Naruto narrow his eyes at him.
"Where I'm from, we are called Shinobi, and yes we are assassins in most cases. We do many kind of missions paid for by the clients assigned to our village. We protect, guard, assassinate, and steal when it is required of us without being seen," said Naruto, as he saw the man nod in understanding, and the Namikaze suspected there were assassins in this world too.
Or something similar.
"So you are a mercenary of sorts from a strange land. One that works in the shadows," said the old man, as he saw Naruto nod, and knew deep down the boy was nervous knowing there was still the unresolved issue what happens now.
"Yeah. Look, I'm trying to be respectful, but if you could tell me your name, and what you do it would make things a lot more easier," said Naruto seeing the elderly man smile slightly at his bluntness like it was refreshing.
"My name is Saruman. I am a White Wizard that rules these lands in this fortress called Isengard. What is your name?" said Saruman, as he saw Naruto look at him skeptically, and it became clear that his profession was not held in such high esteem in the boy's dimension.
"My name is Naruto. It means maelstrom. When you say you're a wizard, does that mean you specialize in magic. Actual magic. Not the slight of hand smoke and mirrors type stuff that entertain kids, right? said Naruto seeing Saruman glowering at him.
"Do not think me so lowly as those fools, who would taint the mystic arts I have lived for countless centuries mastering boy," said Saruman seeing the boy slightly.
"Fair enough. So...what happens now?" said Naruto seeing the White Wizard looking away while thinking about this unusual situation before them.
"I sense no ill will aimed at my person from you Naruto so for a time, I will accept you as my guest here at Isengard, and help adjust to your new surroundings in Middle Earth," said Saruman, as he saw Naruto nod though it was clear the boy was suspicious of this generous offer, and was not use to people giving things to him out of the goodness of his heart.
"Thank you Lord Saruman. I will do everything in my power to repay you for this act of kindness you have shown me," said Naruto bowing slightly and walked with the taller elderly man out of the room to take a greater look at the new world before him.
Naruto was very surprised to see not only a change in the landscape due to being in this new realm, but the fact he was in a tall tower of a fortress that had a view as far as ones eyes could see, and it was clear to see there was much to explore in this world. Saruman had produced a recent map showing off Middle Earth and let the boy give it a once over before explaining the different areas of the realm along with the history behind it. The different races that lived in different areas of the lands, from Elves to Dwarves, and Men to Hobbits. What each race was like, how they acted, and how to speak to them in a way that they'll listen. Saruman even showed Naruto the Palantir, which was one of the seeing stones made ages ago, and one of the few not lost to the world. Naruto told Saruman that the Kages of the Shinobi villages each had orbs similar to these, but only had a limited range of seeing anything inside the village, and were complex to use.
Naruto found this to be interesting to say the least, as he absorbed Saruman's words like a sponge, and in return had told the White Wizard about his abilities called chakra to use Jutsus that commanded the elements by Shinobi in his world. How they could manipulate the elements using chakra to destroy buildings, flood areas, and many other deadly things that impressed the White Wizard. Indeed, Naruto was just as interesting as Saruman had hoped, and more so with the boy demonstrating some of the attacks learned through his young life. The Namikaze also explained the use of sealing, as it would have the power to bind things, weaken, enhance, and even store things away to be used for later.
It had impressed Saruman immensely at the untapped abilities Naruto was providing at the moment and over the next several Months had taught each other about many different things. Saruman taught Naruto about Middle Earth and Naruto in turn agreed to help Saruman with anything he may need in the near future regarding Middle Earth. It was clear to the Namikaze that something was coming, which the White Wizard did not tell Naruto about for his own reasons, possibly because it was an important matter beyond his understanding, and respected Saruman's decision to not say what this something was. As for keeping up with his own arts, Naruto would practice on top of the fortress tower, or in the forest area around the fortress ring.
Eventually however, Naruto could had nothing left to learn from Saruman, and it was time for the boy to set out on his own to make his way into this world. After being given some money that was locked away in the tower of Isengard given to him by the elderly man, Naruto set out on his travels, and make a name for himself like he told Saruman was his plan.
As the White Wizard had concluded Naruto's profession was that of a mercenary, it was something the boy was going to pursue here in this world, and see if he could handle it.
"Take care yourself young Master Naruto," said Saruman, as he had been impressed by Naruto's abilities to learn, and the fact those "Shadow Clones" further helped in the boy teachings in understanding the ways of Middle Earth.
"I will Lord Saruman. Should there come a time when you require my services, I will come to assist, and help in your mission," said Naruto seeing this would be a way to pay of his debt to the White Wizard.
"You have learned much in your time with me Master Naruto. It's a shame you cannot learn the arts of magic, as you would have made a great apprentice, and a White Wizard yourself one day," said Saruman, as he saw Naruto laugh at the idea, and waving it away.
"Sadly, that's not my path I have to walk. If you hear about a demonic mercenary running around Middle Earth, you'll know who it is, and can find me easier," said Naruto, as he smiled at the elderly man, and headed out in pursuit of exploring Middle Earth.
"There goes a boy, who has the power to cut through the Fates like a blade, and I can only pity the unfortunate souls brave enough to make him their enemy," said Saruman before walking inside his tower to continue his work on studying the coming storm the White Council had charged him with.
(4 Years Later-Lake-town)
The town of Esgaroth, also known as Lake-town was a wonderful town to be in full of trade, happiness, and joy for all people living there. At the moment, a single figure sat at the local pub, sitting inside by the window, wearing a combination of Elves, and Ranger clothing gathered from his travels. Crimson red mixed with brown, black, and a hint of orange though the last color was from the cloth wrapped around the lower part of his face to keep his facial appearance a secret. He was wearing a well rounded straw hat with a few bells hanging from them like the Akatsuki wore when he first met them when Jiraiya was tracking Tsunade down.
The figure's name was Namikaze Naruto.
And right now Naruto was peacefully smoking some pipe-weed.
His last assignment went well and the money acquired from killing that group of bandits for that small kingdom to the East. Now he was relaxing here, having restored all of his supplies spent on the last assignment, and was ready to head out on the next mission when it popped up.
And it would.
In the last four years, according to the Middle Earth Calendar, Naruto had made quite a name for himself, and was called the "Demon Fox Mercenary" throughout the lands. He was called a fox because the former Leaf Shinobi had outsmarted his prey and yet fault like a demon. Naruto could only smile at how true that was after learning what he had become shortly after literally crash landing into this world and changing into the actual Kyuubi in human form. The amount of Kyuubi's chakra he used after unsealing his body before crushing Sasuke at the Valley of the End kicked started a process that accelerated when he went through the dimensional rift into Middle Earth. Last year was when the process became complete and Namikaze Naruto became an all out demon, as the sky is blue, and has clouds to watch when bored.
"Are you the Demon Fox Mercenary?" said a figure wearing black robes that covered his or her entire hunched body with the hood hiding his face.
"That depends. Are you here to hire or kill me?" said Naruto, as he had acquired quite a few enemies, and some had hired others to remove him from this world.
"My Master wishes to hire you," said the figure.
"Does your Master have a name?" said Naruto knowing that being hired by a third party of a client can lead to...complications with being paid.
"Saruman," said the figure making Naruto pause look at his direction.
"I see. When does he need me for his assignment?" said Naruto seeing the figure of the male, if the voice was any indication, shift in surprise, and knew he wasn't expecting an immediate acceptance of being hired.
"You don't want to haggle over price for your service?" said the figure clearly puzzled by this.
"I owe the White Wizard a great deal. I'm simply repaying my debt. Now when should I head to Isengard?" said Naruto calmly before smoking more weed from his pipe.
"In seven days," said the figure, who wisely let the matter drop, and leave it for the White Wizard to understand.
"I'll be there. Head back to your Master. Tell him I'll repay back the debt I owe with this hiring," said Naruto seeing the figure nod slightly and leave out the door.
"Another client for the infamous Fox Mercenary?" said the waitress many called Missy in this place.
"Yeah. Only this time, I'm the one paying," said Naruto smiling politely behind the cloth at the woman, who knew by the way he was dressed his identity, and had been polite to him all the same.
Paying for the pint of the brew the place made, Naruto discreetly drank the contents of it, and paid for it at the same time before going back to reading the book in his free hand. He could easily get to Isengard in four or five days so it gave Naruto every right to relax for the moment before going out into the Hell that awaited him if Saruman was in need of his services.
(Isengard-4 Days Later)
"Are you sure he will come my Lord?" said Grima Wormtongue, as he had his doubts about this mercenary, and the White Wizard's faith in this supposed demon.
"He will come. Of that I have no doubts," said Saruman confidently.
"But how do you know my Lord? What power do you possess that can command a demon?" said Grima wondering how the elderly man could be so confident.
"Because he owes a great debt to me and will come here to repay it in full. Isn't that right, Master Naruto?" said Saruman, as he turned to his right, and saw Naruto appear from the shadows of the room causing Grima to jump in fright.
"Well said Lord Saruman. What is this mission you have for me?" said Naruto seeing Grima backing away from him and ignored the smaller cowering man while focusing on Saruman.
"I need you find someone for me Naruto. Someone, who hold information that needs to be extracted, and time is of the essence," said Saruman seeing Naruto giving him a nod in understanding since there were some clients in the past wishing for things to get done quickly.
"Who's the target and where is the general area to look?" said Naruto seeing Saruman walk over to the dark orb that was the Palantir and made an image of lanky pale looking creature wearing only a loin cloth.
"His name is Gollum. He generally lives in the Misty Mountains, but has not been there for some time, and has information pertaining to a valuable object belonging to someone of...great importance. Once you've capture this creature, I want you to bring him Mordor, and the Fortress of Barad-dur where the information shall be...extracted," said Saruman seeing the young man that was once a boy a few years ago nod in understanding.
"Does this 'someone of great importance' know I'm bringing this creature to his Fortress? Does his army know I'll be coming by?" said Naruto, as he didn't want to cause conflict unless it was necessary, and Mordor from what the Namikaze understood wasn't a nice place to go.
Considering the history behind it.
"He will. Once they have learned what the creature knows, head back here to deliver to me the same information, and more work will be available," said Saruman, as he saw Naruto nod, and look at Gollum one more time before walking back into the shadows of the room.
"This mercenary walks through the shadows like he is one. I did not think such a being existed," said Grima in shock at seeing it for himself.
"All the more reason to employ him Grima. The last thing I want is for our enemies to try recruiting our new ally to their side. Now head to Rohan and slowly gain control over King Théoden to become my puppet in order to slow his Kingdom down to a crawl," said Saruman seeing the dark haired man nod and head out to do his mission.
(Mordor-Fortress of Barad-dur)
Naruto was glad the cloth wrapped around his lower face had special seals on it that were of his own design to keep out the poisonous fumes out of places like the one he was at now. It had been easy to catch Gollum and even easier to get him to Morder since the horrible smelly thing was less then a day from there when caught. When Naruto had first entered past the Black Gate into Mordor, it looked like he had entered one of the nine circles of Hell, and the great red eye reminded him almost of Kyuubi's two crimson orbs that use to stare at him behind the cage in his mind.
Even now, Naruto missed the fur ball, and those wonderful conversations they had ages ago when training.
"How much longer will this take?" said Naruto to the orc torturing Gollum for the information about the Ring of Power belonging to the Dark Lord Sauron.
"It will be done when its done mercenary. Mind your tongue!" said the orc using the device Gollum was on to pull the creature painfully to his limits.
'This better be worth it. I'm surprised this thing had the Ring of Power for so long before losing it,' thought Naruto, as he heard Gollum screaming, crying out for mercy, and it was hurting the man's sensitive ears.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, if not days of keeping this up, Gollum could take no more brutality, and spoke to words for all to hear that would listen.
"SHIRE! BAGGINS!" yelled Gollum making Naruto's eyes widen and leave immediately to report his findings to Saruman.
Moments later, after Naruto left Mordor for Isengard, did nine riders in black come out of the gates of Minas Morgul, riding towards the Shire, and hunt down anyone they came across with the name Baggins attached to them.
The hunt for the Ring of Power had begun.
(Isengard-2 Days Later)
"So the creature Gollum spoke of someone named Baggins and that they were living in the Shire," said Saruman seeing Naruto standing there telling what Gollum cried out.
"Yes. Though I'm surprised it would be in the Shire since only Hobbits live there," said Naruto seeing Saruman nod with a hand smoothing out his beard.
"My old friend Gandalf the Grey, a fellow wizard visits there quite often, and entertains them with his magic. A complete waste of his time and it seems his love for the Halflings has clearly dulled his mind," said Saruman wondering if Gandalf now knew what he did about the Ring of Power being in Shire.
The signs of Sauron returning were all too clear even for someone like Gandalf to miss.
"What are the chances Gandalf will head here for counsel from you should he learn of the Ring of Power?" said Naruto seeing Saruman stop for a moment and then grin back at the mercenary.
"Quite good actually. All the signs of Sauron's return are showing. Smoke rises from Mount Doom, orcs are gathering in Morder, and Gandalf the Grey rides here to Isengard to seek my counsel. For that is why you are here...my old friend," said Saruman walking down the steps of Isengard to meet the Grey Wizard dismounting from his horse.
"Saruman," said Gandalf bowing respectively before telling the White Wizard what the man already knew.
"So the Ring of Power has been in the Shire the entire time. Your love for the Halflings has indeed dulled your mind," said Saruman, as he walked with Gandalf beside him, and sensed Naruto watching them from one of the balconies above.
"We may still have time act. Time to counter Sauron if we act quickly!" said Gandalf hoping the more powerful wizard would agree.
"Time? Counter? Ha!" said Saruman, as he saw Gandalf looking at him in surprise, and knew the Grey Wizard wasn't expecting that response.
The two eventually made their way into the tower of Isengard to discuss some form of strategy, as Naruto continued to watch from the sidelines in the shadows, and silently gauging the Grey Wizard with calculating eyes. When Saruman sat down in the chair in his study next to the desk filled with parchments, scrolls, and other pieces of information before talking about Sauron's return. About how the great eye of the Dark Lord could see all and how Sauron was in the final stages of planning an all out assault on Middle Earth.
"You know this?" said Gandalf in surprise to how much Saruman knew.
"I have seen it," said Saruman getting up from his chair and showing Gandalf the Palantir to him.
"But they are not all accounted for, the lost seeing stones. We do not know who else may be watching," said Gandalf trying to cover the orb and saw a flash of the Dark Lord's fire like eye.
"The hour is later then you realize my old friend," said Saruman before explaining how nine riders in black were going to find carrier of the Ring of Power...and kill him.
"Frodo!" said Gandalf before rushing to a door, which then closed, followed by another, and then another with it being abundantly clear who was the one closing them.
"You do not believe a Hobbit could contest the will and power of Sauron, did you? There are none who can. We must join with him Gandalf," said Saruman, as he saw Gandalf look at his old friend with disappointment on his face, and knew the Grey Wizard was too prideful to join.
"Tell me...friend, since when did Saruman the White give up reason for madness!" said Gandalf seeing Saruman quickly attack him using his staff and the magic behind it.
Gandalf immediately retaliated with his own, which soon had the two wizards fighting each other in a brutal battle of magic, and after Saruman was thrown through one of the shut doors did Naruto act. Throwing a dagger at Gandalf, it struck the Grey Wizard with the butt end of the weapon making the surprised man drop his staff onto the ground, and giving Saruman time to use his power to take it. Before Gandalf could do anything, the White Wizard had him slowly spinning around on the floor, and had an angry look upon his face.
"I gave you the chance...of aiding me willingly...but you have elected the way of...PAIN!" said Saruman using both staffs to force Gandalf high into the air towards the ceiling of the tower where darkness claimed him.
After Gandalf was sent to the only place he couldn't escape with his wizard staff having been seized from him, the now fully healed White Wizard Saruman headed back to the main area of the tower to plan the next stage of his attack against Middle Earth, and with Naruto beside him. The mercenary was looking over a map of realms, looking at where the Shire was, and the many areas Gandalf could have sent the Hobbit with the Ring of Power.
"There are many areas to hide, but few Gandalf would let the Halfling go where he could not be discovered so easily, and it is those places where we need look to find him," said Naruto seeing Saruman nodding in agreement with the young mercenary.
"If Gandalf did send this Hobbit away from the Shire, he will have wished to have this Frodo head East to Rivendell, and home of the Elves that live there. He will wish them to protect the Hobbit from anyone seeking the power of the One Ring until a plan can be crafted to deal with it. The areas leading to Rivendell is where the Hobbit will travel and it is where you need to go to retrieve the Hobbit with the One Ring," said Saruman seeing Naruto raise an eyebrow at him.
"You want me to retrieve the Hobbit along with the One Ring? Why not kill the Halfling and just retrieve it?" said Naruto seeing Saruman smile a cruel smile.
"Because there is something about this Hobbit that intrigues me and I wish to have my curiosity satisfied in knowing how he got the Ring of Power in the first place," said Saruman seeing Naruto nod and leave through the shadows provided around them.
'And I can find a way to make my own Ring of Power with my own qualities add to it,' thought Naruto smiling behind the cloth and went in pursuit of his prey.
As he did this, Saruman walked towards the Palantir, and used its power to communicate with Sauron once more.
"The power of Isengard is yours to command, Lord Sauron: Dark Lord of Middle Earth," said Saruman now awaiting the command of the Dark Lord.
"Build me an army...worthy of Mordor!" said the dark cruel voice of Sauron, which echoed throughout the room, and seemed to shake the great fortress down to its very foundation.
"What orders from Mordor my Lord. What does the Great Eye command?" said one of the two orcs entering the room to see Saruman arms folded while deep in thought.
"We have work to do!" said Saruman knowing what army needed to be made that was worthy of the Dark Lord's favor.
(Bree-Several Days Later)
Naruto arrived just outside of town, seeing the entrance had been kicked down, and the sign of hoofs from horse being a clear indicator to him that the Ring Wraiths had been here. Leaping over the wall, on top of the roofs of the buildings, Naruto moved silently, as he followed the hoof prints still deep in the mud on the ground despite the tracks being two days old, and saw they led to the Prancing Pony. Following the tracks from there, the Demon Fox Mercenary followed them until they went outside of the town on the opposite end, and leading into the forest area headed towards Rivendell.
It wasn't long before the tracks of the Ring Wraiths branched off in different direction with most of them following a single path, which led to the Weathertop that was once the great fortress Amon Sul, and once had an all seeing stone like Saruman currently had. The horse tracks from the Ring Wraiths stopped at bottom of massive hill and then eventually moved away from it with his nose picking up the scent of smoke from a fire. Leaping up the hill's walls, he found a fire had been made midway to the top, meaning the Hobbit had indeed been here before the Ring Wraiths learned of the Halfling being at this place. Upon further investigation at the top of the broken looking fortress, Naruto saw a struggle had happened here, as there was a sword on the ground, and the faint smell of burned flesh hit his senses. Putting his right hand on the ground, Naruto released red chakra from his palm, and began use it in combination with his now red eyes to see the events that took place here.
One of the many abilities he learned were at his disposal when a client in a town under the control of Gondor asked for his help in finding out who murdered his wife. Since everyone generated energy from their bodies, with some generating more then others, it was possible for Naruto to manipulate his chakra to tap into the excess energies of others that were left behind, and see events long after they happened if enough of an imprint was left behind.
In this case, the battle up here on Weathertop had more then enough, and could see what happened with Frodo along with the trio of Hobbits with the holder of the One Ring. The sight of them, as they showed a sense of unity for their fellow Halfling, and brought a smile to Naruto's face. He envied that Hobbit in having such devoted friends, but the smile left him after seeing a Ranger known as Strider, who even Naruto had heard of, and knew not to underestimate in battle.
Something the group of Ring Wraiths did when Strider came to Frodo's rescue and helped the downed Hobbit escape with the others to make their way quickly to Rivendell.
Seeing enough, Naruto made a small army of Shadow Clones, and ordered them to poke around while he leaped off the hill to the ground, landing on his feet with loud crashing sound, and took off running at incredible speed in the direction of Rivendell knowing he was close to his prey yet his prey was even closer to their direction. Personally, Naruto didn't want to fight the Elves, as it would mean releasing from his weapons scroll one of his more deadlier weapons in his arsenal, which was ironically enough a special hybrid design of one of their own, and be hunted down by the Immortal creatures for using it.
Naruto didn't want that to happen, at least not yet, and only if it was unavoidable. While the number of elves was slowly, but noticeably decreasing over the passing years, they still had more then enough to cause problems, and could still help oppose Sauron should they choose to ally with Men once more.
Soon enough, Naruto saw nine riders in black off in the distance, on their equally black horses with blood red eyes, and blood running down their bodies, and they were pursing someone on a white horse holding what many would suspect at first glance to be a sick child. However, from what Naruto knew of what happened on Weathertop, the "sick child" was in fact the Hobbit he was searching for, and was holding the Ring of Power. Naruto had no clue where Strider or the three other Hobbits were at the moment, but if he were to make a guess, then it would be that they took off in another direction to Rivendell while this rider was taking a more direct, and quicker path to the home of the Elves.
By the time Naruto caught up to the group of Ring Wraiths, they were at a river on one side, and the rider now seeing it was a She-Elf they were pursuing on the other side with her sword out.
"Give us the Halfling She-Elf!" said the Ring Wraith that seemed to be the leader of the nine.
"If you want him...come and claim him!" said the Elf, as she saw them draw swords, and slowly command their horses to cross the shallow river.
'Something is off here. She can't fight all nine by herself and protect the Hobbit in his condition. She's got an ace up her sleeve!' thought Naruto looking down at the group from his position above them on one of the trees.
Sure enough, the She-Elf did have an ace up her sleeve, as she began chanting in her native tongue, and soon the water in the river increased just as the Ring Wraiths were halfway across before they were consumed by the raging water heading towards them. Naruto leaped higher from his perch on the tree to avoid the water and the shaking the tree he was on had created before looking down to see the She-Elf cradling the Hobbit in her arms.
Now was the time to strike.
Leaping down from his position, Naruto drawing a pair of daggers, crossing the river, and intending for this to be quick to the point in killing the woman in order to complete his mission. The She-Elf looked at him in fear now knowing there was no chance of her being able to protect Frodo after using a great deal of strength to summon the water to remove the Ring Wraiths from their pursuit.
"Stay away!" said the She-Elf, as she drew her sword once more, and was acting like a protective Mother defending her child.
"I won't kill you. Not if you give me the Hobbit and One Ring," said Naruto, as he had no intention of killing the woman, and still wouldn't if she complied.
"Agent of Sauron," said the She-Elf hatefully.
"No, but close enough. I don't want to kill you for the Hobbit, but I will if you continue to resist, and struggle with then notion of being noble. What is wrong with the Halfling?" said Naruto looking at Frodo and seeing the Hobbit looked deathly pale.
"Why do you care?" said the She-Elf seeing Naruto look from Frodo to her.
"I don't. I'm just curious as to what would cause such a reaction? It is certainly not the Ring of Power. He's barely been exposed to it," said Naruto seeing the woman eyeing him cautiously and wondering whether to tell him or not.
Finally, she decided to speak, and tell him.
"He was stabbed my a Morgul-blade by one of the Ring Wraiths. If I do not get him to my Father, he will become one of them, and a slave to the will of Sauron. Not that you would care since you are one of his servants too," said the She-Elf now surprised to see sadness in the man's eyes.
"As I said you are close enough. In regards to young Frodo here, I am not so heartless that I would let a spirit such as his become enslaved to the shadows, and to the Dark Lord I serve through another. Take him to your Father, but know that the next time my path crosses with Master Baggins here, I will not be so merciful, and I will complete my task assigned to me," said Naruto putting his daggers into their holsters, and walked away with the She-Elf staring at him in surprise.
"What is your name?" said the She-Elf knowing it could be useful to know for the future.
"I'm the Demon Fox Mercenary. My name...is Naruto. It means maelstrom. What is yours She-Elf," said Naruto looking back at her beyond his straw hat.
"My name is Arwen, daughter of Elrond the Lord of Rivendell," said Arwen seeing Naruto nod and continued to walk away.
"Do not fear me Arwen, daughter of Elrond the Lord of Rivendell, as this will most likely be the only meeting we will ever have, and I do not wish it to end with bloodshed," said Naruto, as he vanished into the shadows of the forest, and went to report his failure to Saruman.
(Isengard-Several Days Later)
Naruto didn't like how things turned out when he arrived back at the tower, as he liked the trees that once covered the vast space around the ring, and outside of it too. Now, it was a wasteland, smelling of fire, steel, and the new life of dark things being born in the ground below the tower. Still, it was not his place to question the man, and White Wizard currently overseeing the project though it was clear the man was less then pleased to hear of the failure to capture the Hobbit holding the One Ring.
Even more so knowing that Gandalf had managed to escape Saruman with the help from the smarter animals that allied with the Grey Wizard. Naruto knew the two were close, which was why Saruman wanted Gandalf by his side rather then opposing it, and could see the hurt in the White Wizard's eyes before it left soon after.
"So the Halfling is with Elrond now," said Saruman knowing this was troubling news, but in reality a minor setback, and could be countered soon enough.
"He's being treated for a stab wound from a Morgul-blade that one of the Ring Wraiths had successfully stabbed him with. Do the Elves still have sufficient numbers to oppose you and Sauron?" said Naruto seeing Saruman's mind calculating the odds.
"No. They don't have the vast numbers they ages ago. The greatness of the Elves has long since diminished considerably since the time they allied with Men to fight the Dark Lord long ago," said Saruman before looking at the pit of evil creatures slowly being born in the mud.
"Does Gandalf know what your making?" said Naruto seeing Saruman nod slowly.
"My old friend is not so dull in the senses like I first believed. He will eventually tell the Elf Lord about my creations before leaving Rivendell," said Saruman, as he knew the Grey Wizard better then anyone, and had used it to his advantage for the most part.
"Elrond is not stupid. He knows what we do in regards to opposing Sauron. The Ring of Power will not stay Rivendell for long," said Naruto, as he saw Saruman nod, but could see that the this short window of opportunity to grab Frodo Baggins, and the One Ring was not large enough to exploit.
Whatever Saruman was brewing down here in terms of an army, it was nowhere near ready, and wouldn't be until much later. By that point, the One Ring will have left the protection of Rivendell, and would be out in the open to hunt again with less restraint though Naruto suspected the Halfling holding the One Ring would not be alone.
"You will need to follow the Halfling's trail once he leaves the protection the Elves will grant him. Once the moment is right...strike!" said Saruman seeing Naruto nod.
"What of that Gollum creature?" said Naruto curiously.
"He was set free. I sense his crazed desire for the One Ring could be useful to us," said Saruman simply.
"And should Gollum come into possession of the item we seek, I have permission to kill him, and bring the Ring of Power here?" said Naruto seeing Saruman smile evilly at him.
"Of course. Such a creature will have used up its purpose by that point," said Saruman seeing the creations he had spawned slowly growing in number while the orcs hammered away in making armor, shields, spears, crossbows, and swords in this war machine the White Wizard created.
"I'll keep that in mind. I have a few contacts, who hear things, and owe me a few favors. One in particular may help me," said Naruto seeing what Saruman was looking at before heading out to check on some of his contacts.
"Is it wise to trust that mercenary my Lord?" said one of the orcs approaching the White Wizard after seeing Naruto leave.
"He maybe a mercenary, but I can trust him far more then you with the tasks I need done, and they require the utmost discretion," said Saruman seeing the orc nod and say no more on the subject.
(Gondor-Minas Tirith-Several Days Later)
Naruto silently walked through the shadows of the White City that was the Capital of Gondor, his mind moving in a hundred different directions, as he walked through the less then honorable places the city possessed, and only opened late at night. Naruto knew of a merchant in this area selling in exotic goods many would consider to be dark in nature, and was something the Namikaze was indeed interested in.
Knocking on the door in a specific pattern, the mercenary waited until the barely audible "click!" of the door unlocking was heard, and the man opened it to be greeted with his supplier of questionable goods. A man named Marcus Honeydew, who like Naruto didn't care what was happening in the world, as long as they could survive in it, and make a little profit along the way. Marcus was a man, who kept his ears to the ground, but mouth shut unless money was offered, and then he would do the exact opposite. Normally, the kind of person with that kind of habit didn't live long, but Naruto was his only client, and the slightly portly balding man had already been threatened a painful death if he spilled his guts to anyone about the mercenary.
"You came at a good time Naruto. You seem to be doing that a lot," said Marcus, as he could never understand how the mercenary knew when to come by when the moment was just ripe, and not a day later.
"Good instincts do that. I came here because you know things that I need to know," said Naruto seeing Marcus smirk slightly.
"You came to the right place for that...for the right price of course," said Marcus, as he saw Naruto smirk back despite the cloth on the Demon Fox's face, and saw the sack of money thrown onto the table.
"That should cover it," said Naruto knowing that Marcus was a bit on the expensive side when buying information, the man was far more accurate, and knew that it was best kind to have when dealing with someone of his caliber.
"I heard from a friend of mine not that long ago, who has a sister working as a maid for Boromir the oldest son of the Steward of Gondor, and found out he left immediately on a special summons to a secret meeting from the Elf Lord Elrond of Rivendell. From what I gathered from my friend's sister, she heard from Boromir that there were others from all over Middle Earth being summoned to Rivendell for this meeting. I'm talking about all the high ranking Elves, Dwarves, and several other Lords from different kingdoms are heading there," said Marcus, as he saw Naruto nod at this, and knew the mercenary was possibly going to get in on the soon to be action.
'So Elrond is gathering allies from all over Middle Earth to oppose Sauron, but will he tell them about the Ring of Power, and if so...will they submit to temptation to use it for themselves?' thought Naruto before focusing on the next phase of his own plan and threw another sack of money onto the table.
"What's this for?" said Marcus seeing the wealth being given had now doubled.
"Come on Marcus. I know you. Whenever you have good information for me, rare items are not that far behind, and I have yet to hear that you don't have anything to sell," said Naruto seeing Marcus chuckle at him knowing he had the man dead to rights.
"You're right. As a matter of fact I do have something. I'm not sure what, but knowing your tastes, and may be of interest," said Marcus, as he went back to his storage area, and came back with something round wrapped in a simple plain cloth, and held it out for Naruto to take.
Putting it down on the table, Naruto unwrapped it to see it was none other then a Palantir just like Saruman had in Isengard, and the mercenary looked back at Marcus in surprise.
"Where did you get this?" said Naruto showing he was clearly interested in this particular item.
"A fisherman found it deep beneath the sea at a special fishing spot his old man use to go and offered it to me. Had no idea what it was at the time. Hell, I still don't know what it is, but I know this thing is mystical, and I know how you get about rare mystical items," said Marcus seeing Naruto grinning behind the cloth on his face and heard the mercenary laughing at his good fortune.
"She always did say I had the Devil's luck," said Naruto thinking of Tsunade for a brief moment.
"Huh?" said Marcus not understanding what was just said.
"Nothing. Inside joke. I'll take it," said Naruto wrapping it in the cloth again and shook Marcus's hand to further cement the deal.
"Pleasure doing business with you Naruto. Come by anytime," said Marcus seeing the Demon Fox Mercenary smirking.
"You keep selling me things I'm interested in and I'll keep buying," said Naruto before leaving his contact's place of business to report his findings to Saruman.
Being a mercenary ruled, but deep down Naruto had a secret ambition, an ambitious goal that was second only to returning to Hinata, and this goal was slowly making its way to the surface of his mind.
(YAY! I updated. Hope you liked it as much as I did. Until next time...PEACE!)