Author's Note: Yayy! I have a WoW character now! Finally I can base some facts from World of Warcraft when the era comes… In any case, he'll appear in this story at a much later date… or earlier if I can get to him. Of course, there's going to be some major differences between the actually character I play and the character I'm going to display here, since the name's not going to work.
Oxycoon, regarding Hecate, I don't think I can actually leave her human and warlock… well I could but I might let her in the Horde instead of the Alliance, and then a few events after that to finalize the Warlocks in my story. PM me for details if you want, but sorry about the sudden change.
And, I'm completely OVERWHELMED (note sarcasm please -.-) on the amount of reviews I receive. Seriously guys... =.=||| it'll only take a few minutes, 2 at the most T.T *at least I got a lot of hits :D* Oh and everything here's gone to hell comparatively to the conservative nature I tried in the beginning :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Warcraft… of course I would want to though, but I do have a WoW account now.
Chapter 26: Arising Threats
One year after the events of chapter 25:
The night was dark, yet it was not silent. A figure flew through, chased by yet another. Wings flapped as they charged and dodged at each other, clangs of metal was heard as they dueled each other with wicked blades mounted on their arms, or wielded with their forearms. Discharges of lethal energy bursts were sent blasting at each other, occasionally splashing onto nearby trees, setting them aglow with faint green lights which slowly ate away at the tree, or dispersed after a few seconds. As they leapt out of the forested region, the two imposing figures stood, one close to the cliff edge, and one by the edge of the forest.
"This is the end for you," the figure close to the forest said, as he walked out, "Come with me for trial now, or face being annihilated. You've got nowhere else to run."
"That's what you think, Illidan," the figure mocked, standing right by the edge of the cliff, "I have gotten myself powerful new allies… and you've fallen right for it!"
Illidan had no time to react as several nets threw themselves at him, though he managed to slice them open with his blades and jumped back, his wings flaring wildly to stabilize his landing, "What?"
"Armies of the tides… aid me in my endeavor to crush the night elves…" the figure chanted as several dark blurs moved out of the ocean, and Illidan steeled himself for battle. With a loud battle cry, he charged forward, his blades flaring with demonic energy that he himself was supplying. Damn this, I need more reinforcements… Illidan thought as he slashed his way through the endless waves of enemy creatures – the Naga.
Eventually, however, even Illidan had to get tired from the constant stream of enemies pouring at him, attacking him. Even if he was powerful, it was still one against an army, and Illidan suffered a gash on his right side just as he destroyed a horde of enemies on his left. Holding onto his bleeding side, Illidan suffered two more slashes, only managed to duck the next attempt on his head by rolling on the ground, before using his wings to blast the poor soul up into the air, before leaping up and slashing the enemy into four sections, neatly bisected by two razor-thin lines and leaving him to drop onto the ground, dead. As Illidan was in the air, he used his massive wings to propel himself farther away, trying to escape the clutches of the enemy, and began sprinting, aided by his training as a demon hunter, back into the continent.
Gotta get to Malfurion before shit hits the fan… was Illidan's last thoughts before an arrow whistled past his ears, and he redoubled his speed and turned random turns to escape his pursuers, knowing that he was at his limits after chasing continuously for days.
He wasn't sure if it was a luck or a curse when he tripped over a small rock outcropping, as focused as he was on outrunning, and was sent sprawling into a dense bush, tumbling until he stopped, staring at the sky, completely exhausted. At the edge of his hearing, he heard the enemy coming closer, and he braced himself to fight again, or die. Only it never came, as the pursuers charged at a phantom ghost to his right, and he relaxed, falling into blissful unconsciousness for the first time in days.
Darkterror… Illidan thought as he drifted away from the land of consciousness, What have you done?Malfurion… I hope I can get to you on time for this… or I would have failed your trust…
Theramore, Main Castle Compound
A screech of a hawk reached Naruto's ears as he looked up. Surely, a hawk was descending onto him, flapping it's wings powerfully. Naruto reached up, his navy blue robes falling back, as the talons found purchase. Then, Naruto swiftly grabbed the message from the leg, before feeding the bird with a snack, and sending it away, opening the letter as well. Naruto absentmindedly noted that it was from Darnassus, the new Night Elven village.
Hmm… haven't heard from them for almost six months… wonder what's going on now? Naruto wondered as he walked, reading the letter.
Over the course of the year, Naruto had changed slightly, though the main change was in his choice of wardrobe. He no longer sported the combat gear he wore when he first arrived, opting instead to go for an Akatsuki-like robe which covered a simple mesh shirt, as well as light combat boots, complemented with fingerless gloves and his hitai-ate. Unlike the Akatsuki, however, his robe was navy blue, with silver lines running from the shoulder down the length of the arm, and on the right side, on top of his heart, laid a crest of the alliance, and on the back, the symbol of Uzushiogakure. And unlike the robes of Akatsuki, the top was more open, more resembling that which his father had worn. Naruto paused as he read the final bits of the letter, before frowning.
Six months ago, the leaders, including him, Jaina, Sylvanas, Malfurion, Tyrande, and Illidan had gathered together to discuss any possible future and the-then events, and it had been disturbing at the least. Naruto had learnt that another night elf, also a convict at that, had been in the area when Illidan had drawn in the demonic energy from the forest, and the result had also corrupted him. Feeling the enormous power, the night elf left to wander, honing his powers where no others could disturb him. That was when Kil'Jaedan found the lone elf, and offered it something. Illidan had not been close enough to hear it, but had rushed back to report as fast as possible. The name of the night elf had been lost over the years, but the name which he had called himself during the War of the Ancients had remained: Darkterror. And from the letter, Illidan had managed to intercept Darkterror, and engaged him in combat, but Darkterror had summoned new forces with which to attack Illidan, wounding him and forcing Illidan to retreat. There, he was found by Maiev, in charge of recapturing Darkterror, and though they had a rough start at first agreed to a temporary truce as they were under the same orders. Now, Tyrande sent him a message, requesting that he be on the lookout for strange looking creatures rising from the sea. Though the message was short, Naruto got a feeling that it would soon involve the humans once more, and as he swept across the terrace, a single figure leapt down silently beside him, unmoving in his kneeling position.
"Ghost-one, what had you found?" Naruto said as he turned around. The figure stood up, though his face was obscured by a mask acting as a helmet.
"Our scouts had discovered strange creatures coming up from the ocean, sir. What will you have us do?" Ghost-one asked as Naruto took a look at the papers.
"Show me," Naruto ordered as Ghost-one bowed once more before disappearing, with Naruto following in a slight torrent of wind. They soon reappeared at the western edge of the island, with a team of Ghosts standing by. Naruto finally got a good look at the creatures they were describing, before Naruto looked at the letter, once more.
Naga, Naruto mentally said, looking at the picture enclosed as well, before looking back up, "Kill them before they reach the island."
"Yes, sir," Ghost-one affirmed as the team of four jumped forward to engage, Naruto following soon after.
The Ghost program was a program which Naruto had suggested initially to General Northstrong almost a year ago, and now was almost to completion. It's function was almost the same as those of ROOT, and was even dressed in armor similar to the ANBU, with slight exceptions. It was composed of a unit of 103 men, in small units ranging from solo to a group of eight, in covert operations too sensitive for the normal military to deal with, even the Recon units. In fact, the Recon units were built around the need of the Ghosts, as Naruto needed a platform in public to launch a secret program to avoid suspicion. Though the Recons were not under his control, the Ghosts listen to only him, and he watched as the four took on the enemy with swift strikes and short bursts of fire, demolishing a small squad of the enemy within minutes, before Naruto leapt in, his katana flashing and slicing through four enemies with ease, before Naruto turned on the balls of his left foot and impaled another, slashing up to bisect the Naga Guard and launching an overhead attack on a Siren, easily killing it. The entire fight was over in minutes as Naruto and his team of Ghosts took out the enemy with efficient strikes and slashes that seemed more like a dance with death.
As the water reddened, Naruto had the bodies moved up shore, before initiating with a sequence of seals.
"Katon: Goukakyou no Jutsu!" Naruto called as he incinerated the bodies, ensuring that no one else would know of the presence. He then looked at the Ghosts.
"Have Team Eight report to me in twenty minutes," Naruto said as he disappeared, only to reappear inside the castle without ever hearing the captain's acknowledgement. He walked up to Jaina, who was busy looking at some random reports, but looked up when she sensed the surge of power.
"Naruto!" Jaina said happily as she stood up and embraced him, kissing him lightly at the same time. Naruto smiled a bit. Jaina's outfit had changed slightly as well, where it now more resembled his. In fact, Lina, Jaina, and Naruto had nearly the same outfit, with Mei opting to keep her own the same due to preferences, "Found some extra time?"
"Sadly, no," Naruto said as he snuggled into her hair happily, "Bad news from Tyrande."
"What is it?" Jaina asked as Naruto led her back to her chair.
"You might want to sit down," Naruto said before also taking a seat, "What you're about to hear is not to be discussed with anyone else beyond General Northstrong, Lina-chan, and Sylvanas-chan, alright? Not even Mei-chan… not yet at least, alright Jaina-chan?"
"How bad?" Jaina asked as Naruto relayed all that had transpired, while presenting the letter to her. After Jaina read through it a few times, Naruto started again.
"I'm taking Team Eight with me," Naruto said, "I need to see what's going on before I can report more things back. Team Six is out there but I can't contact them that easily, so I have to go myself."
"Must you, Naruto?" Jaina asked as Naruto sighed.
"I wish I didn't have to, but unless I can confirm everything with Illidan or this Maiev I can't be sure, and this sounds like an emergency. You know Night Elves, Jaina-chan. They're powerful, and they won't send letters like this for simple situations, they're too proud for that too."
"I guess so…" Jaina said, "How long away will you be?"
"Depends on them," Naruto said, "I'm just hoping this hasn't had anything to do with the Scourge again, they're starting up again and I would like to know why. After the death of the Burning Legion I can guess Arthas took control, but why are they just starting to act up now?"
"Timing, perhaps?" Jaina suggested, "Or maybe they've finally mustered enough strength?"
"Perhaps," Naruto affirmed, "But we won't know until Team Six gets back either, so can you take their report in for me?"
"Sure, Naruto," Jaina smiled sadly, "Go ahead, Naruto, good luck."
"Sayonara, Jaina-chan," Naruto said one more time as he kissed her deeply, before leaving in a soft whistle of wind, leaving Jaina just sitting there, sighing. Sure, he was around the whole year, but it was still hard when he does have to leave, since he had to devote much of his time training the Ghost and Recon units to protect the island from harm. Jaina quickly wrote up a draft before signing it, and signaling. A Recon unit appeared.
"Your orders, milady?" the Recon asked as Jaina handed him the draft.
"Give it to General Northstrong," Jaina said, "And lock this room down until I return."
"Yes, milady," the Recon said as it disappeared in a blur, and Jaina disappeared in a quick flash of blue.
Meanwhile, Naruto stood by the pier, with a small team of Ghosts surrounding him, and a small seal array. Naruto looked at the team.
"You know your orders, once we reach the shoreline, follow my lead until I tell you otherwise," Naruto said as the group nodded, before they stepped into the middle of the array. Naruto concentrated on the chakra remnants that he had expired nearly a year ago, trying to find any concentrated bit, before finally finding one which had lingered due to Sage Chakra and Kyubi's Chakra, and pulled it together to form a shape. Knowing that it was going to expire in the next few seconds, Naruto instantly teleported the group, as they reappeared a few kilometers away from Mount Hyjal. Naruto took their bearings in instantly, his Rinnegan, now without the pattern of the Mangekyou Sharingan, appeared, and he looked a bit to the right, before motioning for his men to follow. They disappeared in several blurs as they leapt through the trees at insane speeds. They had work to do, and they had little time to waste.
Night Elf Camp, near the edge of Ashenvale Forest
Illidan groaned as he finally began stirring, before a voice broke over him, "Mistress, he's awake!"
"Ugh… where am I?" Illidan groaned as he tried to sit up, though a hand stopped him.
"Stay still, Illidan," a voice which he recognized all too well said.
"Maiev Shadowsong. What are you doing here?" Illidan said, the barest hint of malice in his voice. Though he knew that he was to blame for his imprisonment, he still had a bit of anger left in him, and he was still trying to work it out.
"Chasing that other renegade down," Maiev said without remorse, "We found you by the edge of the clearing, half-dead. What was going on?"
"I fought him," Illidan said, "I was ordered to track him down a few months ago by my brother and Priestess Tyrande, and I managed to get to him, and we fought."
"I presume he had help then, or have your skills dulled that much that you get injured fighting a single opponent?" Maiev's disbelieve was evident in her tone, and Illidan winced, "It is the former, no?"
"You are correct, Maiev," Illidan sighed, "He summoned an army from the depths of the ocean, one I've heard of during the past year: the Naga. An entire army assaulted me, and as hard as I have fought, I cannot defeat them all. Be aware of them, they are tenacious close-ranged fighters, and they can submerge in water at will."
"Duly noted," Maiev said curtly, "Now rest, we shall wait here until you have recovered before we move on."
"What? You're suggesting for us to find him together?" Illidan said in surprise.
"Though I do harbor feelings of… resentment, I do not forget my priorities. I am to capture Darkterror at all costs, and though I do not particularly like the idea of working with you, if it will achieve the goal faster, then I am completely willing to comply. In addition, was that not your objective as well?"
"More like I volunteered for it since I can sense demonic energies," Illidan muttered but Maiev still heard it.
"And that makes things far easier," Maiev announced, "Several tracks were discovered leading away from where you laid, and though we have attempted to track it, it is far too hard to track without assistance."
Just then, a messenger arrived, "Mistress Shadowsong."
"What is it?" Maiev said, turning around.
"Priestess Tyrande sent her words. A human is coming over to see what is going on and assist if possible."
"A human? What would their kind be doing here?" Maiev said with doubt, though Illidan could guess at who it was.
"Don't worry about him, Maiev. I think I know who this person is. Tell me, messenger, is this person called Naruto by any chance?" Illidan said.
"Yes, he is," the messenger confirmed, "He should be here within the hour, as I was sent a day earlier than he was."
"Yet he will arrive at almost the same time as you?" Maiev said, raising an eyebrow, "Excuse me if I find that hard to believe."
"I felt his presence coming closer on my way here, Mistress Shadowsong. This is the best of my estimation at this sort of pace," the messenger said as Maiev shrugged.
"Very well then, thank you for the message. Inform the troops of this new arrival," Maiev said as the messenger nodded and left. Maiev then turned to Illidan.
"Tell me what you know of this Naruto person, if you will," Maiev said as Illidan smiled.
"Naruto? He's… powerful, to say the least. He was the deciding factor in the Battle for Mount Hyjal, or so brother had claimed. I saw him slay hordes of undead singlehandedly, while taking on a dreadlord, and killing it in a single hit."
"A single hit?" Maiev said, "Is there anything this person cannot do? Next thing you're telling me is that he can blink entire distances entirely without any exhaustion."
Illidan didn't reply to that as Maiev breathed out, "You're kidding me."
"I assure you, Maiev, that I am not, though Tyrande did mention a marker with which he teleports around, and I have seen that in action as well. He can teleport himself to dozens of places at once, and completely decimate the enemy wave."
"Once more, excuse me if this sounds hard to believe," Maiev said once more as Illidan laughed hoarsely.
"Had I not been there and… seen with my own two eyes, I would not have believed it either," Illidan said quietly, "Yet, he is just that powerful. And speaking of that, I think he's arriving. Let me greet him, I know I'm fully recovered. Demonic Absorption does give me enhanced regeneration after all."
"Then your injuries will be your own responsibility," Maiev said, "Though I guess you are correct in the fact that it does heal you faster…"
Illidan then left through the tent, his wings flapping out as he approached the fast arriving group. Within minutes Naruto arrived with his group of Ghosts hiding away, as Illidan looked at Naruto.
"Greetings, Naruto. I hope you have been well," Illidan said as Naruto chuckled.
"Likewise, Illidan, but I see you've had better days," Naruto said, "This the doing of that 'Naga'?"
"Yes," Illidan replied, "Those beasts are vicious and powerful, I would advise to be careful in dealing with them."
"Too late," Naruto said, "We've already had contact and killed some."
"What were they like in your territory?" Maiev said as Naruto turned around.
"You must be Maiev Shadowsong, correct?" Naruto said, "They were… vicious and bloodthirsty, but thankfully we suffered no casualties. I fought them myself, and I guess it was luck that prevented us from losing the first beachhead they might have gained on Theramore. Now, what was the situation? The letter Tyrande sent me only said something about finding Darkterror once more, yet nothing else short of he had gained an army of unknown number or strength."
"That was the best I could come up with," Illidan said, "But there were tracks leading into Ashenvale Forest which perhaps we could follow."
"But there are three sets," Maiev added, "So how will we do this?"
"Split up," Naruto said, "I'll take one way, Illidan, you take another with some troops, and Maiev could take the last way, I suppose…"
"And you're going without backup?" Maiev asked as two more Naruto's shimmered into existence.
"I can create an entire army if needed," Naruto said, "Though hopefully that won't come, the memory feedback is a bitch…"
"Then it is settled," Maiev announced, "Watchers, move out! Half of you go with Illidan, while the rest, follow me. Naruto, if the Priestess and Shan'do trusts you, then I shall as well. Take the right-most route, and follow it. Destroy any creatures that seem undead or of the enemy. If you find Darkterror, do not engage until the rest of us meet up."
"Fair enough," Naruto agreed before setting off in a blast of wind as Maiev stared. And then stared some more.
"By Elune, they're right…" Maiev murmured, "He really can blink away… my maximum range is barely to the edge of this clearing, yet by my sensory range he is already close to those tracks…"
"Something wrong, Maiev?" Illidan asked as Maiev shook her head.
"No, Illidan, I suggest we move out now," Maiev said as Illidan nodded, and they took off each with a legion of Night Elves.
Meanwhile, Naruto raced along the burning tracks, his unit of Ghosts following him silently, stealthily, as they fast approached a gate. Without a moment's hesitation they leapt up, and, using the woods as leverage, performed several jumps in series, finally clearing and landing on the opposite side.
"Kami, what the…?" Naruto said in wonder as he looked upon the devastation. Demonic energy filled the air, causing the well-trained Ghosts to fidget somewhat as they were not exposed to such energy before. Naruto quickly flared his chakra, being denser, to blast the demonic energy away.
"The village is destroyed… Ghosts, spread out and search for survivors," Naruto orders as the team of four jumped down and they tried to look for any surviving Night Elves, to no avail. Or so they thought.
"Milord, over here!" a Ghost said quickly as Naruto joined. There, lying on the ground with an obviously fatal wound, is a Night Elf woman.
"What happened here? Did the Naga attack?" Naruto said urgently as the woman looked up.
"Those creatures rose… from the ocean and… slaughtered us all…" the woman said.
"Which way did they go?" Naruto said as he looked at the splitting tracks again. The woman pointed to the left track, before relaxing.
"That's… where the majority…" the Night Elf said before her life was extinguished, and Naruto stood up.
"We must hurry, there's no telling what they might have done down the roads," Naruto said, "We'll take the left route, but we need to be quick. Ghosts, abandon stealth, we're going full-speed."
"Yes, milord," the Ghosts said as several glows appeared, and seals were taken off. Then, they shot off like panthers on steroids, dashing through the trees at neck breaking speeds, following the tracks. On their way, they were able to see glimpses of the other teams as they converged on a single position, before Naruto stopped suddenly, causing the Ghosts to have to force themselves to stop as well.
"What is it, milord?" Ghost-seven said as Naruto turned. There, was a Wildkin, but it was obviously infected with the foul energies. It roared as it charged, and Naruto, along with his team, rolled away.
"Damnit…" Naruto said, "Stay back! Chidori Shindo!"
A pulse of electricity struck the Wildkin, making it stumble, though it came back, angrier than ever, as the Ghosts threw poisoned daggers at the Wildkin, embedding themselves deep into the hide, even as they retreated.
"The hide's too thick for their weapons to work…" Naruto murmured, before one breathed out a string of fire which set the Wildkin ablaze. Taking the opportunity, Naruto immediately sent a powerful wave of air onto the Wildkin.
"Futon: Atsugai!" Naruto shouted as a ball of compressed air impacted onto the blazing Wildkin, and blasted it back several feet and smashing into the tree, while two Ghosts ran damage control as they drew water out and extinguished the flames.
"Poor Wildkin… it was driven mad by the Burning Legion," Naruto said sadly, "There is no choice, we must move on, however."
"Naruto! What was that?" Illidan's voice came through as the Ghosts scattered instantly, "I felt an energy discharge from here and… why does the ground smell burnt?"
"Corrupted wildkin," Naruto said, "I had to put it out of its misery."
"I see… similar events have happened across the forests we travelled, though thankfully not much else. What of your end?"
"The Naga destroyed one of your seaside villages. It was razed completely to the ground, and we were able to find one who lived long enough to tell us where they went before she died herself," Naruto said as he looked down.
"Damnit… Darkterror…" Illidan growled, "Even if you no longer feel kinship with us, you should've spared at least the civilians…"
"We must move," Naruto said, "We haven't have time to lose."
"Yes, you're right," Illidan said as they hurried along, heading back to the intersection, as Maiev waited there. Once there, Illidan narrated the story as Naruto sent out clones to scout, before reporting back.
"Dire news, you two," Naruto said, "Darkterror's trying to cross the sea, for what reason I don't know. We need to hurry before he reaches the next harbor."
"Then we must move, now," Maiev said as they charged forward, eliminating Satyrs and Naga along the way until they reached a gate.
"It's locked," Maiev said on closer inspection, "And we don't have the firepower to destroy it."
"How much power?" Naruto asked as Maiev thought for a moment.
"One could hold back potentially at the very least a pack of felhounds," Maiev said as Naruto moved forward, a clone by his side.
"You won't mind if I overkill, right?" Naruto said with a smirk. Oh how he loved destruction.
"As long as we can get to our objective, then I have no qualms about it," Maiev said, "Stopping Darkterror is our primary goal. Gates can be rebuilt. If you can, do it, Naruto."
"Here we go," Naruto said as he and his clone charged, an enlarged Rasengan in their hands, "Odama Rasengan!"
The gate never stood a chance as the locks were completely obliterated and the two pieces of the gate were sent hurtling down at least a hundred meters, impacting those too unfortunate to be in the way. Darkterror stood, right in front, as Naruto, without waiting for the other two, charged forward, even as Ghosts threw invisible senbons at the enemy and killing them with the venom coats. Naruto crossed blades with Darkterror as he sneered.
"Truly Malfurion must be desperate if he sends for a pathetic human to attack me," Darkterror growled, "And perhaps you shall be the first to perish under my new powers."
"Not as fast as you think, Darkterror," Naruto said as he ducked under a sweeping blade and kicked forward, knocking Darkterror off balance, before charging forward to land a light cut across his chest, even as Darkterror activated his immolation. Knowing the risks, Illidan tried to help Naruto, though Naruto ignored the pain and instead landed yet another kick on Darkterror, surprising him.
"Naruto!" Illidan said, "Careful, immolation is not something to be trifled with."
"I know," Naruto coughed out, "It feels like fire… damn you people know how to use shit like that?"
"No, just demon hunters," Illidan said as he engaged Darkterror in combat, "Take those enemies down before they destroy the ships!"
"Got it," Naruto said as a team of archer took aim and fired, taking one of the flying creatures down, while Naruto flashed through seals rapidly.
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no jutsu!" Naruto yelled as a giant dragon of water rose, roaring and smashing against the rest, blasting them inland where the entire legion of Sentinels could engage properly. One shrieked as it was torn apart by a dryad's attack, shot through its throat, while the rest were impaled by thousands of arrows, multiplied multi-folds by Naruto's kage bunshin technique, even as Darkterror jumped onto a ship, blasting Illidan away with a horde of Naga troops that just came out of the ocean.
"Damnit!" Illidan growled as he took down three Naga in succession, "Take them all down and follow that ship!"
"On our way," the Sentinels replied as they renewed their attacks on the enemy troops, with Naruto supporting with several powerful techniques in between, before dashing in close to engage. Naruto, as he got within range of the first enemy, took out his katana from his robe and stabbed right through its head, using it as a lever to propel himself up into the air, where he began rotating quickly. Though he had not meant to copy, his massive reserves had allowed him to unleash the ultimate defense of the Hyuga clan with some slight modifications.
"Futon: Kaiten!" Naruto yelled as he was covered in a spinning dome of rapidly cutting air, descending right into the thickest of the enemy formations, slicing quite literally right through the enemy formations like a hot knife through butter. When Naruto had stopped spinning, he immediately spun on his toes and slashed his katana right through, destroying one of the pikes a Naga Royal Guard had been wielding, before reversing his grip and stabbing it, turning forward to blast another Royal Guard with a Rasengan. That continued until the enemy had been completely destroyed, and their bodies littered on the ground. Maiev gathered her troops, ordering them on board the ships, as Illidan moved forward. He frowned a bit at the damages, before turning to Naruto.
"Bad news, the ships are damaged, they won't be able to support all of us. Some will have to stay behind, and…" Illidan trailed off, knowing that it was Night Elf business, but he couldn't bring himself to reject Naruto's offer of aid. Naruto, meanwhile, smiled, as he stepped onto the surface of the port and summoned a few transport toads.
"Problem solved," Naruto said as Illidan sighed.
"I forgot you could do that… that would've made things so much simpler…" Illidan said with a slight smile as Naruto told the rest of the Sentinels to get onto the toads, before asking the toads to follow the ship that had departed, while making discreet hands signals to his team, who departed with but a noise, sent back to report to Jaina.
"Alright, let's go!" Naruto said as he summoned yet another toad, Gamakichi.
"Yo, bro!" Gamakichi said happily, "Long time no see!"
"Likewise, Kichi," Naruto said, "We need to capture a convict."
"Well, then, where off to?" Gamakichi asked, "Oh, by the way, the contract scroll isn't in Konoha anymore. Pops took it back."
"Why?" Naruto asked curiously as Gamakichi replied.
"Pops said it was more of a family contract, and that since you're the current toad summoner, and the only one at that, you're the only one with the privilege to summon us unless you deem someone in Konoha worthy."
"Bet the council was pissed at that," Naruto said with a chuckle as Gamakichi swam along.
"Sure are," Gamakichi said with a snicker, "But they were in a even bigger surprise when Ichigo came along with me. They were so adamant on getting the Phoenix contract that it wasn't until I told them it belonged to you as well that they shut up. Then they argued about taking you back by force."
"Let me guess… baa-chan stopped them," Naruto said with a smirk as Gamakichi's eyes dropped, "What happened?"
"Tsunade-sama has been missing for two months now," Gamakichi said, "They have no idea of her whereabouts. The last thing anyone heard was that she went out with her apprentice to a Kage summit, in regards to the now-three remaining jinchuriki, but Gaara said it was already decided between the three of you some time before."
"Yeah, it was…" Naruto said, deep in thought, "Has anyone sent trackers out yet?"
"No, but we're in contact with Katsuya, but even she hasn't been summoned by Tsunade-sama yet," Gamakichi replied, "We're getting worried that something might have happened to Tsunade-sama."
"Baa-chan's strong, don't worry about her," Naruto assured Gamakichi, "What's more important right now is following that ship… if only I know where it's going, then I can teleport there with the dash…."
"Dash?" Gamakichi asked as Naruto smiled faintly.
"If you stick around long enough, and the situation gets desperate enough, maybe I'll show you," Naruto said as they neared a speeding ship, "Crap, judging by this we're going to be out here for a few days…"
"It's going to get rough," Gamakichi suddenly warned as Naruto, sensing the danger, leapt up, following by Gamakichi who leapt and spat out a giant ball of water at the surface of the ocean, sending a powerful splash which dislodged several Naga, including one with a bow.
"A Naga elite…?" Naruto murmured as he dodged a frost arrow, retaliating with a speeding dragon of water once more. This time, however, the dragon opened its mouth to reveal a massive Rasengan as it plowed into the enemy formation. The formations scattered as the Rasengan and the dragon exploded, sending tendrils of water shooting at high speeds at anything within range, cutting down three Naga brutally, even as Naruto sent a small electrical charge, while in the air, at the water, electrocuting the rest and letting them sink. Naruto sighed.
"We're wasting too much time…" Naruto said as Gamakichi looked at Naruto.
"Your enemy lives in the sea, bro?" Gamakichi asked as Naruto nodded.
"We think, at least, but we need to catch up to Darkterror first, then we can decide," Naruto replied as he saw the approaching ships containing the Night Elf Watchers, and Naruto sped off with Gamakichi, intending to establish a beachhead first before they arrive.
Theramore castle, Forested Training Ground
"Done for the day, Ricky?" Jaina said with a smirk as she watched Ricky lying panting on the ground.
"It's not fair, Jaina, Naruto's helping you…" Ricky panted out, "He's so damn powerful that it's not even funny…"
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, he's better than me?" Jaina said with obvious humor. Six months ago, Naruto had confronted Ricky directly with his issues concerning Naruto and those of his world. Through some negotiations, peaceful and aggressive, they had come to understand each other from their points-of-view; Ricky, though he was still slightly jealous of Naruto for having Jaina as a girlfriend, was much friendlier, and on some occasions even support Naruto on his ideas, provided they made sense. Unfortunately, most of Naruto's schemes are downright insane or random. Jaina just looked at Ricky and sighed.
"What am I going to do with you then…?" Jaina asked as she sensed those of Team Eight returning, "Never mind… training is over for today, come along tomorrow or something if you want."
"Paperwork again?" Ricky asked as Jaina shook her head.
"No, personal business," Jaina replied as she left, and Ricky teleported away.
Bet it's a letter from Naruto… Ricky thought with a smirk, even as Jaina stood by and watched the tree line, when four Ghosts appeared.
"Lady Proudmoore," one of the Ghosts' said as they knelt down.
"What of the news on the front with Naruto?" Jaina asked, serious.
"Lord Namikaze is engaging a massive army of Naga with the help of Sentinel Watchers, led by Maiev Shadowsong and Illidan Stormrage, and is converging on Darkterror even as of now," the Ghost replied, "When Lord Namikaze sent us back, they were heading out to the sea to the east, towards Lordaeron with unknown intentions."
"I see…" Jaina said, "Is there any units that were stationed there?"
"No, milady, the only units stationed out is Ghost Team Six, and that's somewhere in mainland Kalimdor," the Ghost replied, "Orders?"
Though Ghosts were trained to almost exclusively follow Naruto's orders, on occasion they do follow orders from Jaina and General Northstrong.
"Nothing as of now, there's no point trying to catch up to Naruto when he's chasing like this," Jaina sighed, "You're dismissed, take the days off for now, I want you back on duty in five days."
"Thank you, milady," the Ghost replied as their posture relaxed somewhat, "We'll be off then, Lady Proudmoore."
Jaina waved them away as they disappeared, presumably to change out of their armor and back into their civilian cloths. Jaina sighed in envy of those men, before her thoughts turned back to Naruto. Stay safe, my love…
And that's the end of it. Next Chapter: The Tomb of Sargeras. Please review =.=