Blade of the Maelstrom
Chapter Two — The Language of Serenity
In the stillness of the forest, words become whispers of the heart.
Naruto meandered through the forest, an explosion of colors wrapping him in its embrace. Sunlight painted a golden mosaic on the ground through the lattice of leaves overhead. Leaves rustled in a whispered symphony, and birds crafted melodies in the high branches. The earthy aroma of moss and the subtle perfume of wildflowers wafted around him.
His boots sunk slightly into the yielding earth, leaving ephemeral footprints. A void gnawed at his stomach from within, and a sigh escaped him, dissipating into the fresh forest air.
Stupid Pervy Sage, always ditching me with his dumb research. How am I gonna get stronger if he's never around?
A cool breeze meandered through the foliage, rustling leaves echoing his sentiments.
What do I even do—
A flash of light exploded in front of him. A cracked line appeared in the air, like porcelain breaking, and stretched into some kind of portal. It shone with crimson light, and lightning snapped out of it.
His eyed widened.
What the hell is going on here? This is insane!
Should he run? Would it follow him? Did it open in front of him for a reason? What—
A woman tumbled out of the portal, crumpling to the ground at his feet. Battered armor and crimson cloth encased her tall and slender form. The metal bore evidence of battles: cuts, scars, and indentations. Cold sweat plastered her flowing, crimson hair to her pallid face. The lack of color reminded him of the snow he'd seen on the bridge in Wave.
He blinked.
So… People are just falling out of portals now?
Cracks extended all over her skin. Like fractures in the earth during a drought, her skin brimmed with grooves, craters, and marks all as black as night. The crevices stretched over her eyes, leaving a broken patch of fractured gray and black skin where eyeholes should be. Golden prosthetics gleamed instead of flesh at her right arm, left leg, and the lower half of her right leg.
She coughed, spitting out gobs of blood.
Shit! Is she dying?
He crouched, cool soil pressing into his fingertips, and nudged her gently. " Yo, you alright there?"
Naruto, you dummy! Obviously, she's not okay. Why'd you even ask that? Get your head in the game!
His brows drew together. Branches creaked in the slight breeze, and insects buzzed as the woman started going still.
Damn it, what do I do?
Grandma Tsunade was too far away. Pervy Sage didn't know any healing techniques. Naruto himself sure as hell couldn't do anything.
If only he could summon Katsuyu like Grandma—
That's it!
He grinned and gathered his chakra.
Ha-ha, Naruto, you're a genius!
His chakra swelled, the familiar warmth and energy coursing through him. He moved his fingers with practiced grace and formed the hand signs one after the other.
He slammed his hand against the ground. "Summoning technique!"
Smoke swirled around him, ethereal tendrils dancing with untamed energy. As the smoke cleared, Gamakichi stood before him. A grin spread across his face as he locked eyes with Naruto, but then his amphibian body tensed.
"Naruto? What's going on?" He frowned.
"Gamakichi, no time to chat. We have an injured woman who needs immediate medical attention. Can you summon a toad with healing abilities?"
Gamakichi fixed his gaze on the woman, his eyes widening. "Whoa, that looks serious. I'll do you one better. Give me a second, and I'll reverse summon you to Mt. Myōboku. Grandma Shima will patch her up."
"Thanks a bunch, Gamakichi! You're a lifesaver, literally!"
"Just make sure to latch on to her with your chakra, or she stays behind."
Naruto nodded. He placed his hand on the woman's shoulder and focused his chakra. "I'm ready."
Gamakichi nodded and executed the reverse summoning technique.
Naruto's surroundings blurred into a whirlwind of chakra and smoke. In an instant, the forest vanished, replaced by the serene clearing atop Mount Myōboku. Spiritual energy saturated the air, mingling the scents of moss and damp earth with the rich aroma of blooming flowers. The sounds of nature enveloped him — the melodic trill of birdsong, leaves rustling, and a hidden stream gurgling in the distance.
He gently lowered the woman's limp body on a patch of grass.
Gamakichi hurried off.
Soon after, the smallest toad Naruto's ever seen hopped into the clearing, Her large, golden eyes scanning the woman. Her olive skin bore wrinkles, and her purple hair curled into a ball on top of her head.
Is that Grandma Shima?
"You must be our new summoner." Her voice carried a calm tone. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Naruto-boy. Who is our other guest?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Grandma Shima." He pointed to the unconscious figure. "I have no idea who she is, she fell out of some kind of portal."
She approached the woman and placed her webbed hand on her forehead. "I sense great turmoil and an unknown power within this one. Her wounds are more than physical."
"Can you help her?"
"Fear not, Naruto-boy." She closed her eyes and channeled green chakra over her hands. "I will do all in my power."
As the green chakra shone over the woman, he stood up and started pacing. Dew laden grass squelched beneath his sandals. His gaze darted between the woman and the surroundings. The vibrant colors of the flora and the quiet murmur of water and crickets tugged at his nerves like a musician at his instrument. The scars and callouses from relentless kunai handling itched on his hands.
Who the heck are you, huh? Why'd you have to drop in on me like this?
Lush foliage sprawled across the clearing, exotic flowers bursting into vibrant colors under the speckled sunlight filtering through the overhead canopy. A rustle in the underbrush prickled his senses, his head snapping towards the sound. Sapphire eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the surroundings – a sea of greenery offering no hint of intrusion. He exhaled, the faint tension in his shoulders easing.
Stop being so jumpy, Naruto. You're with the toads.
He looked back at the woman.
Grandma Shima was hunching over her, the green chakra shining like a beacon in the night. The knot seizing his gut loosened, and he smiled. Who knew the toads were so versatile? He always thought they were all about growing huge and strong like Gamabunta…
"Guess I was wrong about that one." He shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What did you say, Naruto-boy?"
"Nothing, Grandma Shima, sorry." He rubbed the back of his head. "Is she going to be ok?"
She look up from her task, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. "Patience, Naruto-boy. All in good time."
His fists flexed at his sides, the strain turning his knuckles white. Just his luck to find a woman dropping out of a mysterious portal. Who knew how much training he'd lose on watching out for her. He'd do it anyway, of course, but that didn't mean he had to like it.
My ninja way can be such a drag sometimes.
He sighed.
Damn it, now I'm starting to sound like Shikamaru.
A dull throb echoed in his chest as he resumed pacing. The rhythm of his steps matched the ebbing of Grandma Shima's chakra. His muscles coiled within him like serpents about to strike, and he kept his eyes glued to the woman.
The green chakra receded.
The clearing plunged back into its natural hues. A silence enveloped them, the symphony of the forest holding its breath in anticipation of the woman's fate. His heart pounded against his ribs, a silent drum banging in a fast rhythm. He squared his shoulders and steeled his gaze.
Grandma Shima stepped back. "There. She's stabilized."
He gulped. "She's going to be ok?"
"I… I'm not sure."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Like I told you earlier, her wounds go beyond the physical. Something is tormenting her from within. Something violent and dark." She looked down. "I've never seen anything like it."
"So, what's the plan? How can we help her out?"
"We wait to see if she can tell us herself. No diagnostic technique I know can reveal anything, and I doubt she'd survive another trip." She bore her gaze into him. "You'll have to take care of her, Naruto-boy. What she has may be contagious. The toads must stay away."
"What?" His breathing quickened. "Are you and Gamakichi going to be ok?"
"You're something else, Naruto." She chuckled. "Gamakichi and I will be fine. I scanned him on the way, and there's no trace of the foreign energy in my system."
"Phew." He shook his head and fell down on his butt. "That's good. I'd have never forgiven myself if something happened because of me."
"You have a big heart, Naruto-boy. That's why we respect you as our summoner." Her voice carried warmth. "You needn't worry about yourself either, though I noticed you didn't even ask. This energy, whatever it is, is nothing compared to the might of the Nine-Tails."
Why would I worry about myself? Like anyone would miss me, anyway…
"Oh yeah, that makes sense! No wonder I never get sick!" He grinned. "Thanks, Old Grandma Toad. I owe you one."
"Worry about yourself more. That's thanks enough for me."
"Oh, by the way…" He scratched the back of his head. "Do you mind not telling Pervy Sage I'm here?"
"Why not?"
"He's been ditching me a lot lately, and I want him to worry a little." Naruto crossed his arms over his chest, scowling at a distant tree.
Hah! That'll teach him not to ditch me all the time.
She chuckled softly. "Very well. Jiraiya will not know you're here. Just remember, though, he Jiraiya cares for you in his own way."
He has a funny way of showing it.
He nodded, and Old Grandma Toad hopped away.
The serenity of the clearing became weighted. The cool breeze whispered through the trees, and the nearby stream rumbled like an approaching army.
Naruto sat down next to the woman, to wait.
Naruto perched on a mossy stone, the silence of Mount Myōboku's lush forest wrapping him in a cocoon. Verdant leaves rustled in a gentle breeze above him, a natural melody punctuated by the distant murmur of a cascading waterfall. Birds flitted through the canopy, their song almost sounding sad.
The rhythm of the woman's shallow breaths shifted, and she stirred.
Finally!
He jumped down from the stone and rushed to her side.
She scanned her surroundings, as if she could see through the burned skin over her eyes. As he sat by her, she moved her head to him.
Can… Can she see me?
"Yo!." He smiled at her. "Don't worry, you're totally safe now!"
Words tumbled from her lips, a melody of unfamiliar sounds that echoed around them.
Stupid, stupid, Naruto. She's from a completely different dimension, why would she speak your language?
His eyebrows knitted together.
What the heck am I gonna do now? Teach her my language? I've never taught anyone languages before!
He took a deep breath.
It's fine. I'll just improvise. I'm good at that.
He tapped his chest with a firm thumb. "Naruto."
He repeated the gesture and pointed towards her.
Her face scrunched, her eyes darting between Naruto and his outstretched finger. She studied him, her burned skin staring at his eyes. With a hesitant nod, she pointed to him.
"N... Na... Naruto." Her voice came out as a whisper, a faint echo of his own.
A broad grin split Naruto's face. " Yeah, that's right, Naruto, believe it!"
Once more, he pointed at her,
She nodded again, a shaky finger pointing at her chest. "Ma-le-nia."
"Malenia…" The foreign syllables rolled over his tongue. He stood up and offered her his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Malenia!"
Dawn unfurled its golden tendrils into the morning fog, and the forest pulsated with chirps, croaks, and the ageless whisper of water. The rustling leaves whispered inaudible secrets, and birds flew all around Naruto, as if trying to play with him. Malenia sat before him cross legged, the burned stumps where her eyes should be staring straight at him.
I can't wait to ask her how she can see.
Agile as a lynx, he sprang onto a boulder and pointed at a tree. "Tree."
Is this really the way to teach her our language? Old Grandma Toad wouldn't mess with me… right?
Malenia traced the path of his outstretched finger. She stepped up to the tree, fingers brushing against the rough bark. Her fingertips caressed each grove and grove, as if reading a story in braille. She moved her lips, as if trying to say the word without saying it.
"Tree." The word flew from her mouth like a melody, her accent impeccable.
He grinned, bobbing his head.
She's so good at this. I can barely even pronounce my own language half the time.
He spread his arms, imitating the birds soaring above them. "Bird."
"Bird." A playful smile danced on her lips.
He vaulted off his rocky podium, landing by the babbling stream with a soft crunch. He crouched down, his fingers tipping into the water's chilled surface.
"And this…" He smirked and flicked a spray of droplets her way, "is water."
I hope she doesn't get mad at me for that. Sakura would pound me on the head so hard…
Malenia laughed, her hands coming up instinctively to shield from the splash. She shuffled to his side, her fingers dabbling in the stream.
"Water…" She nodded. "Water."
Moments such as these peppered their following days of learning. Their vocabulary bloomed amidst the tongue-tangling challenges of their languages. Any missteps and mix-ups disappeared in shared laughter.
One day, Naruto, reclining against a tree, watched Malenia mimic a bird's song.
She's so talented. I could never do anything like that.
She turned to him, her eyebrow raised. He hesitated but gave it a shot. When his attempt sounded more like the caw of a crow than the melody of a bird of song. Her laughter rang through the trees, bouncing off the trunks, and he found himself echoing her mirth.
I can't believe someone actually finds me funny instead of annoying.
He spotted a squirrel, darting up a tree, its tail a fluffy question mark. He signaled Malenia to it, eager to hear her recall the creature's name. She squinted, her lips mouthing silent rehearsals. The forest seemed to lean in, holding its breath.
"Squ… Squorl?" Her fingers mimicked the squirrel's darting movements.
Naruto erupted into good-natured laughter. "Close, but it's squirrel."
She chuckled and nudged him with her elbow. "Squirrel."
Days turned into weeks.
The nature around them seemed to be as invested in their learning journey as they were. The leaves rustled when they spoke. Birds stood on their shoulders. The meandering stream grew gentler with each passing day. The more of each other's language they learned, the more the symphony of their conversation echoed through the woods. Each day, their exchanges became more profound, their vocabulary expanding like the sprawling branches of the ancient trees.
Three months passed like this.
The time for the talk Naruto had been putting off came.
The canopy of towering trees filtered the fading daylight and cast shadows along the ground. A breeze rustled through the leaves, birds chirped, and small creatures creaked in the underbrush. Moss-covered rocks dotted the edges of the pond, leaving small alcoves open for frogs and insects. The air carried a faint scent of damp earth, mingling with the delicate fragrance of wildflowers and the distant aroma of pine.
Whoa! Frogs on Mt. Myōboku? Wait, aren't they like enemies of toads or something?
He shifted to Malenia, who stood near the edge of a crystal-clear pond. Wildflowers swayed around her, and the water's surface shone with the crimson and gold of her armor. Light and shadow danced over her face as he stepped closer. Her hair cascaded down her back like a crimson river, wavering in the rhythm of the wind.
With a gesture of her hand, she invited him to join her on a moss-covered rock.
Yeah, I guess she saw this coming too…
They sat down next to each other.
"Uh, hey Malenia…" He cleared his throat. "We gotta talk, you know?"
"Yes." Her slender fingers traced an intricate pattern in the soft moss. "Ask the question."
"You, uh..." He took a deep breath. "Are you sick?"
She parted her lips to speak but then closed them.
Silence stretched between them.
The sun began its descent, casting long, spectral shadows that danced and swayed among the trees. The tranquil pond mirrored the darkening sky, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors as day turned to dusk. A symphony of sounds filled the air- the twittering of birds, the rustling of leaves, the occasional splash of a frog diving into the pond.
He shoulders dropped under an invisible weight, and she nodded.
His heart sank. "So, what's going on with you?"
She hesitated.
A soft twilight bathed the forest. Wisps of mist began to rise from the pond, curling around the moss-covered rocks and obscuring the water's edge. The wildflowers, their vibrant hues fading in the waning light, swayed gently in the breeze.
Her movement as slow as a snail, she took her good arm out of the cape she'd been hiding it in. Tattered cloth swathed a decaying limb, flooding with burns, scars, and black spots of dead flesh. He reached out to touch it but stopped an inch away. His fingertips hovered in the air, and he gulped.
What could be messing with her this badly?
She pulled the arm back and hid it in the cape again. "Its name is Scarlet Rot."
His jaw tightened, and his muscles tensed as if a boulder had fallen upon his shoulders. The breeze ruffled his hair, colder than before, and the moss beneath him tickled his skin like a colony of ants.
Man, that sounds like a nasty deal.
"Scarlet Rot…" He barely forced the words out. " Is it, ya know, contagious?"
"Contagious?" She bit her lower lip and fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "Others can get it from me?"
"Yes, that's what I mean."
The forest quietened. The soft hooting of owls and the chittering of nocturnal creatures replaced the excited chitter of the birds of the day. The pond became a still, black mirror. Malenia's eyes drifted away, as if lost in a distant memory, before returning to meet his gaze once more. She raised a hand to her forehead, her fingertips pressing gently against her temples.
"Not now." Her shoulders slumped. "But soon."
"How does that even work?" He tilted his head. "How can something not be contagious and then become contagious?"
"Because of me." She brought her trembling fingers in front of the scar tissue of her eyes. "With others, it's just a sickness. With me, it's more."
"Huh? What are you getting at?"
"I carry it from birth." She released a slow, shaky breath. "It's a part of me. A part of my soul."
"No way."
"It is." The scars of her eyes locked onto his own. She leaned forward, mirroring his posture, her prosthetic hand reaching out to gently touch his forearm. "The Scarlet Rot comes from an Outer God. It—"
"Hold up a second…" He shook his head. "A God gave you this? Are you for real?"
"Not God like you know. An Outer God exists outside reality. They have no form or body. They have great power but can't use it alone. They need…" She pursed her lips. "What do you call something that carries something else?"
He gulped. "A vessel."
"Yes. They need a vessel."
He leaned back. His fingers clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white. The air turned crisp with, carrying with it the scent of dew-kissed foliage and the distant aroma of pine. The forest seemed to hold its breath. The puzzle pieces fell into place.
"You're a jinchūriki."
Hard to believe that other places could be as messed up as here…
"What is this word? Jin… Jin"
"Jinchūriki. Human sacrifice." He crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "That's like... someone who's got a Tailed Beast inside them. Or a God, in your case."
She inhaled and exhaled. "What is this Tailed Beast?"
"No one really knows." He looked up, raising his hand to grab at the sun. "They exist and they're incredibly powerful. In your world, they'd be Gods as well."
"Incredible..." She tapped her nails against the stone. "I never expected someone like me to exist. Does yours eat you too?"
"Is that what happens to you?"
"Yes." She sighed and clutched her chest. "The Scarlet Rot burns inside me every day. It's like my body is full of worms and each one eats my flesh. It attacks my mind. It wants me to become a beast."
"Wow... I really need to apologize to the big furball." He ran his hand through his hair. "All he does is try to convince me to use enough of his chakra to take over me and escape."
"What is this word, chakra?"
"Ah..." He scratched his head, eyes darting around the clearing. "Well… It's kinda hard to explain… but it's sort of like our power source. It's what we ninja use to do all our cool moves."
"Ninja?" She tilted her head.
"You'd call them warriors."
"You are a warrior?"
"Heh, yeah, but I'm just a newbie." He looked down at his hands, toying with a blade of grass. "Supposed to be training the last three months."
"You..." Her eyes widened and her hand flew over her mouth. "You delay training for me?"
The moss-covered rock was starting to dampen his pants. The forest rippled with shadows. Only the occasional croak of a frog, the soft rustle of leaves, and the gentle lap of water against the pond's edge broke the silence. The whispering wind spoke no words yet carried with it tales of another time and place.
"Heck yeah." Naruto straightened his posture, and his chest puffed out. "Wouldn't be much of a ninja if I just left you in a mess, now would I?"
She chuckled softly, her shoulders relaxing as she let out a sigh. "You are a strange one, Uzumaki Naruto. I will… Hm… How do you say something that will happen tomorrow or after that?"
"In the future."
"No, not future. Well, yes, but not like that." She snapped her fingers and leaned in. "How do I say happen in the future?"
"Oh, I get it." He smiled. "Will happen."
"Yes, thank you." She put her hand on his forearm. "I will miss you."
Leathery wings flapped above, and small creatures rushed through the underbrush. The shadows grew longer and deeper, creating a beautiful mosaic of darkness and moonlight. The pond, now a silver mirror under the moon's glow, shone like a pool of liquid magic.
"Do you really gotta go?"
"Others spread the Scarlet Rot through contagious mist or water." She grimaced. "It's safe for them here."
"Not for you?"
"No. I spread the Scarlet Rot by existing. It is a part of my Divine Essence." She touched her chest, her fingers pressing lightly against her breastbone. "It spreads from me, every day."
"So, how come it hasn't made anyone sick yet?"
"Divine Essence is energy. It is not physical." Her hands hovered in the air. "It's not..."
"Tangible."
"Tangible, thank you. You can't avoid it, but you can fight back. Stronger energy fights the Rot longer." She took a deep breath. "This place is strong."
"But eventually, it won't work. I get it." He frowned. "Wait a sec, did you say Divine Energy?"
"Yes."
"You do understand that Divine means God?"
"Yes."
He leaned back, eyes widened. "You're a God?"
"No." She crossed her arms over her chest. "My mother is a God. I am half-god. I am..."
"A demigod…"
She nodded. "Thank you. Yes."
"Wow…"
The forest canopy formed a medley of leaves and branches above. The age-old trees, silent guardians of the forest, stood tall and majestic, their roots spreading deep and wide. Every so often, a gust of wind would whip through, ruffling Naruto and Malenia's hairs. Underfoot, twigs, moss, and fallen leaves twisted into a mosaic. Nearby, a fallen tree, its bark covered in moss and fungi, served as a perch for a parliament of owls that watched them with unblinking eyes.
Malenia leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on Naruto's forehead.
He turned a deep shade of red. "What... What was that for?"
"These three months... How do you say… Be before but still be now?"
"Have been."
"Thank you. These three months have been hard for me." She gulped. "Before I come here, I fight war. Now, I am here. I have no way back. I can never return home."
"But that ain't true. There's gotta be a way—"
"No." She shook her head. "Only the Rot God can open the portal again, and I don't know where he will send me if I try. It's too risky."
"I don't care." He slammed his fist on the rock. " I told you I'm gonna help you get home, and I mean it. I don't go back on my word."
"I appreciate you, Naruto." She caressed his cheek. "But you can't help me. We will not see each other again."
"Why not?"
"I carry the Scarlet Rot." She looked down. "I will infect you."
He scoffed. "I told you, I have a God in my stomach as well. If the big furball is good for anything, it's keeping me healthy. Trust me, I'll be fine."
"The Scarlet Rot infects Gods."
A smile tugged at his lips. "He can handle it."
"Going with me is a bad decision."
"Maybe…" He chuckled. "But it's mine to make."
Fireflies emerged from the shrubbery, their tiny lights flickering like living embers as they danced among the trees and wildflowers. The faint sound of a waterfall came from the distance, and the temperature dropped. A thin layer of mist began to form over the surface of the pond. The moss-covered rocks glistened with dew. The wildflowers closed their petals for the night.
"What about your training?" She crossed her arms. "You are a warrior. You must train to become stronger."
"No." His voice held firm and unwavering. "My dream is to be Hokage. How can I be a leader if I just abandon you in a world you don't understand? If anything happened to you, I couldn't live with myself."
"You barely know me," she whispered.
He reached out and took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. " Three months is plenty. Doesn't matter how long I've known you. I promised to help, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do. I told you already, I don't go back on my word. That's my nindō, my ninja way. Believe it!"
She stayed contemplative for a while, her gaze locked with his.
She nodded. "Thank you. I will accept your help."
"Awesome!" A wide grin spread across his face. "We'll—"
"But." Her voice turned to stone. "You want to throw away your training for me. I can't allow that."
"What?"
She flew up with the grace of a flowing river. In a swift motion, a gleaming katana materialized in her prosthetic arm.
Whoa! How long has she had that?
"My brother and I are the strongest of all demigods." She clenched her fists. "I will train you. I will make you strong."
"Really?" His breath caught in his throat, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "You want to train me? For real? You won't run away from me like the Pervy Sage?"
"I will never abandon you, Naruto. I swear it on the Haligtree."
The heck is the Haligtree?
"Are you sure you're strong enough?" He scratched the back of his head. "No offense, but we ninja are pretty tough. Your world might be different, but—"
"Come then. Let me prove it to you."
"What, right now?"
"Yes." She tilted her head down. "Fight me and see."
"Alright." He started jumping up and down. "We have some time before we have to leave."
"Heed my words, Uzumaki Naruto. I am Malenia, Blade of Miquella." She swung her katana to the side, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. "And I have never known defeat."
That's it for chapter two. Hope you enjoyed it.
Let me know what you thought about it in the reviews. I look forward to every single one.
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See you at chapter three!