Author's Notes: Rogue is most likely gone as well, I was looking through my reviews to satisfy my ego when I saw an old post that fit. Now for some review answers first, and one extra addition:
Zathol: If you're reading this fanfic still, would it be alright for me to use your Rogue? I know it's not the right race according to what I said, but that was only a balance preference.
Hakkyou no Yami: You'll see when he visits Gaithos and finds Kael
Dragon VS Phoenix: I've given a hint before – Fenix Skywalker and his wife are both Ranger-Generals. Fenix was not resurrected as a Ghoul or something weird but instead restored to his full power. I never said anything about Traxex (HINT HINT – if anyone's noticed, that's the name of Drow Ranger, I was serious about that)
Jo: I'm sorry for the loss of a reader, but OC's are necessary – World of Warcraft is dependent on having characters to work – characters that are unique and would count as OC's.
xNamikazeKyubix: Thank you, Er'ryl likes the pat on the head :D
BlackholeLord: In the WC3 storyline, he's actually pretty biased and actually went ahead and ignored Jaina's warnings. I think that was one of the first reasons Theramore, or rather Ogrimmar broke their ties with Theramore. I'm not sure if there's a no-fire treaty going on though, never went to Theramore before, and most certainly not going to unless I decide to raid Theramore and kill Jaina (IN WOW, NOT HERE, I DON'T NEED NARUTO GOING KYUBI (JUUBI LATER) ON THERAMORE OR AZEROTH… YET).
Last Time:
The horn sounded as Jaina paled even more.
"Oh no… it's too late…" she whispered, "My father is here…"
Chapter 32: Daelin Proudmoore
There was a bleak silence as Naruto looked at Jaina.
"I thought your father didn't know about this place?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow as Jaina turned.
"Guess he found out," Jaina said as Er'ryl tensed, signifying the coming of unknown people – a large group of unknown people – as the door opened from the main hall. And from there, a man walked in, his cape billowing out slightly behind him with every gait he took. Just one look at this man told Naruto that he was indeed quite powerful, and his scarred face proved that he was a veteran in battles. However, when his face softened at the sight of Jaina, Naruto couldn't help but notice the resemblance they had in their smiles, though Jaina's was slightly more brilliant while the Admiral's was a bit more reserved, a trait Naruto guessed was from battles rather than personality differences.
"Jaina!" Daelin exclaimed, "Thank the Gods you are alright! I feared for the worst when… wait, why are there Orcs here?"
"Father, wait-" Jaina tried to say before Daelin silenced her.
"I know your intentions Jaina, but they are the vilest creatures on this world… they are no better than animals and deserved what is coming!" Daelin said as troops began filing in. Jaina risked a look at the duo with stricken-filled eyes, before silently saying an apology and teleporting away suddenly. Naruto eyes narrowed at the Admiral's behavior as he turned to leave. Hiding from the shadows, Naruto observed the group as the doors finally closed, and the troops began assaulting the pair from the Horde. Wasting no time, Naruto quickly reappeared behind each troop, knocking them out.
"Get out of here, Rexxar," Naruto said urgently but quietly, "Before the Admiral comes back… hopefully I'm not in too much trouble."
"I've heard of you…" Rokhan suddenly said as Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Naruto Namikaze, the person responsible for the critical turning point in the Battle of Mount Hyjal, and a warrior capable of matching up with even the Warchief…"
"I thank you, Naruto," Rexxar said as Er'ryl bounded out, even as Rexxar summoned his bear, Misha, as well, "Be well on your journey, and be safe. We are in your debt, and though we wish we could help you, we need to report this to Warchief Thrall. Farewell, Naruto, and be safe."
"As to you," Naruto nodded at them as they quickly left, before Naruto quickly signaled for Ghosts.
"Make sure Rexxar and Rokhan makes it out alive, and make sure you don't kill any men," Naruto instructed as they nodded and left quickly. Naruto was sure they would be able to succeed – after all, with the sleeping agents on their tranquilizers being insanely potent and so mixed, he doubt anything could be traced back easily, unless they were captured alive. Naruto quickly disappeared in a shunshin.
"Father, that was uncalled for!" Jaina protested as she walked down the rows of houses on the northern side of the island nation.
"They are Orcs Jaina… you have not been fighting long enough to know the situation with them…" Daelin sighed, "I appreciate the thought that you placed into trying to create treaties, but such will only weaken us further, and when they turn the tables on us we will be pushed to extinction this time. Treaties such as this is only temporary."
"The Horde is different this time," Jaina argued back, "The leader, Thrall, is different from Ner'Zhul or Gul'Dan. He's trying to change the Orcs, the Horde, for the better. Why will you not give them a chance? Even if such treaties are temporary as you say, will it not be good to at least have this peace?"
Daelin was about to reply when some civilians greeted Jaina. Daelin watched with amusement and pride as Jaina talked amongst the citizens happily, content that she was running the nation well despite being at such a young age. It was only when a comment floated by that he actually concentrated.
"So, how is Lord Namikaze doing?" a random civilian said as Jaina reddened her cheeks.
"He's… doing well," Jaina stammered out as some giggled.
"He's always seen with you, how come he's barely seen with Lady Inverse or this Mei person we've heard about?" another villager asked as Daelin sighed.
Of all the people she got infatuated with, this is the most ridiculous… three women? I've heard of polygamy before but this is starting to get ridiculous… What, am I expecting another to appear? Daelin thought but turned to reality and horror as yet another comment reached him.
"And what about General Sylvanas?" another said as they giggled, though Daelin sighed with relief at Jaina's reply.
"What…? Sylvanas isn't dating Naruto," Jaina said curiously as they looked back curiously as well.
"Oh please Jaina, don't tell me you haven't noticed," one said as Jaina giggled lightly.
"Oh, I know she has a crush on him alright, she's just too stubborn to admit it… though I do wish she's a bit more open with his feelings," Jaina admitted finally as the group giggled. Having enough, Daelin walked forward.
"Who is this… Namikaze?" Daelin asked as Jaina turned.
"Naruto?" Jaina asked before a sudden tornado materialized beside her and out came Naruto, "Here he is."
Daelin managed to conceal his shock well enough at the sudden appearance, but took a look at the blond-haired shinobi.
"So you are Naruto Namikaze…?" Daelin asked as Naruto nodded before bowing.
"Naruto Namikaze, at your service, Admiral Proudmoore," Naruto said as Daelin huffed.
"So you know who I am, and you probably guessed my relation to Jaina, correct?" Daelin asked as Naruto nodded, "I wish to talk to you."
"Father…" Jaina began but was silenced as Daelin turned to her.
"No, Jaina, I will not have you live your life out by sharing with another, never mind three other women. Three More!" Daelin exclaimed, "That's crazy! Even King Terenas has had only one, and the most I've ever heard was three, never four women. What were you thinking Jaina?"
"You might want to take this somewhere else Admiral…" Naruto said as he looked at the crowd that's starting to gather. With a sigh, he waved them away, "Nothing to worry about, back to your own business before I kick your asses."
Some laughed as they returned to what they were doing before, knowing that was Naruto's way of ending a conversation, through threats that never turned out to be true. Naruto turned back as Jaina teleported them back to the main hall, only to find a group of unconscious troops.
"Wow… what happened here?" Naruto said feigning surprise as Er'ryl came over, "You did this?"
Er'ryl shook his head as he nudged Naruto lightly, Naruto stroking the fur on top of his head as he turned, "So what do you want to say Admiral?"
Ignoring yet another shock at the appearance of a rare animal species, especially one as rare as a Winterspring Frostsaber, he turned serious.
"End the relations with your other… mistresses, or end your relation with my daughter," he stated his ultimatum as Naruto glared at him.
"With all due respect, Admiral," Naruto said, but Jaina beat him to it.
"Father, stop pressuring Naruto! He loves all of us equally!" Jaina protested loudly as Daelin turned to her.
"You would want a life like this?" Daelin asked as Jaina nodded.
"I love him, father. I thought I loved Arthas, but this feeling goes even deeper than that… it's the same for Mei, Lina, and I'm pretty sure Sylvanas too," Jaina said as Naruto looked at her, shocked.
"Sylvanas-chan?" Naruto said in surprise, "Since when?"
"You're really dense aren't you?" Jaina deadpanned as Naruto chuckled nervously.
"You know me… it took me three years to learn of Hinata… remember?" Naruto said as Jaina sighed.
"So there's still another somewhere out there?" Daelin asked, now truly pissed off.
"No…" Naruto said solemnly, "She's gone. Dead. Torn apart by enemies of my village nearly two years ago."
"Oh…" Daelin said, wishing that he could take that back, but continues nonetheless, "Well… I'm sorry at your loss then, but the truth is-"
"I understand your predicament, Admiral, I really do, but I love them all… I can't really choose, and you can't make me make that decision," Naruto said, quieting at the last bit.
"Very well then…" Daelin sighed as he looked at Jaina, "I'm putting you into an arranged marriage then."
"What?" Jaina yelled in protest once more, "With whom?"
"I will find a suitable person for you, Jaina, but I will not have you like this," Daelin said before he left, but as he turned, he heard Jaina's voice.
"Then I invoke my rights. I wish to challenge him with a champion of my choice – and Naruto Namikaze is my chosen champion," Jaina said coldly as Daelin turned in shock.
"You can't be serious!" Daelin said as Jaina looked back.
"Love can make us do many things, father," Jaina said, "Do not make the challenge come true – Naruto is amongst the most powerful people I know, with only Antonidas topping him in intelligence, but nowhere close in raw power."
Daelin looked at her disbelievingly, before his face steeled itself and he looked at them.
"Then you leave me no choice but to accept," Daelin sighed as he turned, before leaving. Naruto looked at her.
"Jaina-chan…" Naruto said as Jaina collapsed, out of strength, and only Er'ryl's sudden action prevented her complete collapse as she rode on the Frostsaber who looked at her with concern even in his eyes. Naruto bent over to pick her up, bridal style, saying a thanks to his companion.
"Just… leave me be, Naruto," Jaina sighed as Naruto let her down gently.
"You know where I will be Jaina-chan," Naruto said as he kissed her, before leaving in a shunshin, taking Er'ryl with him.
"What do I do…?" Jaina said to herself as she walked away, deep in thought, but she did notice something that wasn't there before.
"Wait… why is there blood…?" Jaina asked herself as she kneeled and looked at the blood spots behind the curtains, before looking up. There was nothing, and the blood was dried.
"This is getting creepy…" Jaina said quietly as she shrugged and walked away. She would get someone to investigate it later when she gets around to it. Right now, she just wanted peace. As she left, she passed by a cloaked man, but paid no attention to him, even as said man looked back for a moment, his slit eyes focusing on her, before he left. As he left, a snake slowly appeared by the cloak, hissing, before withdrawing.
Meanwhile, Naruto was simply walking by when a blue and red blur appeared by his side and attached themselves onto his arms, catching him by semi-surprise.
"Mei-chan, Lina-chan?" Naruto asked with a smile as they kissed his cheeks, Mei taking sure to kiss him right on the whiskered regions, tickling him.
"You know that bit's ticklish Mei-chan," Naruto replied as he looked at Mei, who shrugged.
"Why did you leave so suddenly, Naruto-kun?" Mei pouted, "You disappeared without telling any of us… except Jaina-chan. How come she gets special privileges? I thought you had no favoritism?"
"Uhh…" Naruto said, flustered, "That's not it…"
"Then what was it?" Lina interrogated him this time, though he quickly silenced them both with two searing kisses, causing Mei to moan slightly and Lina to giggle uncontrollably.
"You're not getting away with it," Lina said with a playful growl as Naruto smirked. Out of nowhere Er'ryl bounded up and caught both Mei and Lina on his back, as Naruto escaped with a wind shunshin.
"Only if you catch me, Lina-chan, bye Mei-chan!" Naruto said playfully as Mei smirked and disappeared in a swirl of water. Lina pouted.
"Er'ryl… can you help me?" Lina said sweetly, a bit too sweetly as fire appeared on her palm. Taking quick action with a sweatdrop, Er'ryl quickly followed the trail of chakra that the two left behind. Lina grinned as she rode on the Frostsaber. Sometimes, Er'ryl was just too handy as a blackmail material, though she did suspect that Er'ryl didn't mind for some reason. Oh well, yay! thought Lina as she sped away on his back.
Naruto was simply speeding through the forest, looking occasionally behind him to make sure they didn't catch up, before turning around and smashing headfirst into Mei. They fell through the trees, though Naruto managed to get his bearings straight enough to catch her as they fell, but before she had time to register the fact that Naruto actually fell into the trap, she was released onto a platform of branches and Naruto disappeared once more.
"Nice try Mei-chan!" Naruto shouted from far away as Mei growled and disappeared as well, chasing after Naruto. It was only when Naruto saw the frantic face on Ricky that he stopped.
"Whoa, what's the rush Ricky?" Naruto asked as Ricky looked back.
"Did you piss off Jaina's father, Naruto?" Ricky asked as Naruto nodded.
"Well, not exactly, he didn't approve of me and I basically 'offed' him," Naruto shrugged, "Why?"
"Well… in addition to that, he just received news that the two from the Horde escaped in a ship… you didn't have anything to do with it right?" Ricky said as Naruto shrugged exaggeratedly.
"No," Naruto said unconvincingly in an innocent voice as Ricky grinned.
"I thought so," Ricky said before turning serious, "He's approached me, Naruto. What do I do?"
"You realize if you accept you're going to be fighting me," Naruto said as he nodded.
"Heaven only knows how far he's going to go, Naruto. I'm afraid he's going to find someone who is willing to use Jaina as leverage for this, I'm warning you Naruto, be careful," Ricky said as Naruto shrugged, this time serious.
"I know, I will," Naruto said as Ricky sighed in relief.
"That's good, anything I can do to help then?" Ricky asked as Naruto was about to decline, before waiting a moment.
"Actually… yes, there is," Naruto said, "You said her father approached you, correct?"
"Yeah, so what?" Ricky asked as Naruto outlined his plan. After close to a minute of pondering he looked at Naruto, "Promise you won't pummel me too badly?"
"Not going to pummel you, we need to make it seem even remember?" Naruto asked as Ricky nodded.
"Good, just… I don't know, just make me forfeit with a sword on my neck or something. Don't draw blood!" Ricky said as Naruto laughed a bit, before waving goodbye to Ricky for him to make the proposal. Lina appeared just then, but, seeing the expression on Naruto's face, stopped.
"What's going on?" Lina asked as Naruto turned back to Lina.
"You know, sometimes, I wish things were simpler" Naruto said as Lina leaned on him, feeling the warmth emanating from his body.
"So what's going on then? You're not telling me anything and I can't help you," Lina retorted.
"Admiral Proudmoore is pretty much dead-set on finding someone suitable for Jaina-chan, against her wishes, since he doesn't approve of me," Naruto said, "Normally I would just flick him off, but he's not only Jaina-chan's father, but also an Admiral. Be as it may he's not going to be easy to defeat either."
"So what happens?" Lina asked as Naruto shrugged.
"Hopefully this goes away in a few days, if not then I'm screwed," Naruto said plainly, "Kabuto's coming too."
"Kabuto… isn't he the one the weird guy in green was talking about when you sparred?" Lina asked as Naruto nodded, "What exactly are his abilities?"
"For one thing, he's a medic, first and foremost, and that's what you have to worry about," Naruto said grimly, "With just a touch he can disable you, since he has techniques that cuts right through the tendons, muscles, and bones with just a flick of his finger provided you are in melee range. Then, there's the fact that he's researched. A lot. He's created… things, monstrosities probably worse than whatever the Scourge can throw at us, at least the cannon fodders can be killed. Kabuto's can't," Naruto described, looking at Lina's horror-stricken face with regret. They had to know his abilities before fighting.
"What do you mean Kabuto's troops can't be killed?" Lina asked with dread in her voice.
"He uses a resurrection technique, Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei, a forbidden technique in our arsenals. Basically, it recalls a soul from the deceased world, the pure world, and summon it here at the cost of another's life, which is what makes it forbidden. Thing is, so long as it's in combat, it will regenerate any wound unless the caster dispels the technique or the seal is destroyed, essentially fat chance. Not even the death of the caster will dispel the technique. What's more, he's got hundreds of the best warriors in my world – Tsuchikages, Raikages, famous shinobi and kunoichi, Mizukage, even the past jinchurikis are his to command," Naruto said as Lina nearly fainted, "but, most was destroyed, only leaving… oh, the original nine give or take a few others?"
"Original nine?"
"Akatsuki, just below Madara in terms of power levels but probably equaling to Sasuke's right now with all the death knight abilities he's acquired, or else Sasuke's a piece of dead meat," Naruto said, "I've only beaten them by surprise before, but now he has the element of surprise on his hands, and that they are essentially invincible unless I shove a Rasenshuriken to their heads to disintegrate the seals."
"Well… does that mean only Mei and you can combat them?"
"No, you and Jaina could probably take them on, but you need to be careful who you deal with. Some are immortal in nearly the literal sense – as in they don't die unless you go through some desperate measures, and some are just plain freaky in terms of power, like Nagato. He's from the same clan as me, so you can pretty much guess what bloodline he has."
"Rinnegan… we're facing a Rinnegan user who has more experience than you at using it, is ruthless, and is a killing machine that won't die, and then we're facing others that even you would have a hard time facing… we're dead," Lina replied flatly as Naruto frowned before kissing her deeply, earning a surprised 'eep' from Lina.
"Lina-chan, stop being pessimistic and underestimate your own abilities. I said I was a ninja, an assassin; not all shinobi are like that. It's like comparing Recons to footman, that's the range of stealth we actually have in our armies, you should know that. Take a shinobi like Gai-sensei and Lee, they're… actually, bad comparison. Take the Akimichi clan, the big dudes you saw in armor – they are frontline fighters and have no need for stealth. Now take someone like Sai and the ANBU I'm sure you sensed; they're the real assassins in there. Those guys there aren't assassins, or at least most aren't – who needs it when they can and do wreak havoc on a massive scale?" Naruto asked rhetorically as Lina seemed even more down, "Hey, don't look down, I'll protect you with my life, that's my nindo, my way, and I promise on that – I'll protect all of Theramore with my life. Now… I don't want to see you so down, so…"
Naruto proceeded with tickling Lina frantically across her stomach, earning several loud giggles from Lina who was caught completely off-guard at the maneuver, and sent a half-hearted glare at Naruto, who simply returned it with a challenging smirk as another clone with the same expression appeared beside him. Lina paled even as she giggled.
"Oh no you don't. Unhand me this instant, Naruto Nami – hehehe, stop, please!" Lina was cut off by another bout of giggles as the second Naruto joined the first on the assault, "Okay, okay, stop, stop! My ribs hurt! Hehehe…"
Naruto finally stopped after five minutes and looked at her, "Feeling better?"
"No, not really," Lina admitted, holding her stomach, "Only because you made me laugh so hard."
"So you want it again?" Naruto said with a hidden smirk that she could sense radiating off him.
"No," Lina said flatly as Er'ryl nudged Naruto, before pounding on him, "Go Er'ryl!"
"You're suppose to take my side Er'ryl!" Naruto groaned playfully as Er'ryl growled and licked him on his face, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry for not letting you go with me on that trip! How was I suppose to know that chase would take so long? Fine, I'll take you on small conflicts too okay?"
Finally satisfied with his master's promise, Er'ryl sat back on his hind legs obediently as Naruto got back up.
"Side with them, wouldn't you, Er'ryl?" Naruto growled, smirking, before pouncing on the startled duo.
The next day, in the main citadel
Jaina sighed for the umpteenth time as she stared at the clouds, floating around.
I think I see what that Shikamaru person does now… Jaina reflected watching the clouds. A soothing effect came over her as she closed her eyes, feeling the grass tickling her skin and the breath of the wind blowing past. There was a sudden disturbance in her sensory field, however, as Jaina looked up and saw her father. Quickly standing up, she called out, "Father!"
"Ah, Jaina, just the person I've been looking for," Daelin said, "I have found you a suitable… suitor."
"Father, you know how I stand on this," Jaina said irritably as Daelin ignored the comment, or so she thought.
"It's still better for you, my daughter. Perhaps Namikaze is a good man, but I will not have my only daughter wasting her life sharing with a man that might not even hold his convictions if he was to amass as much as four and potentially five women to his side," Daelin said resolutely as Jaina sighed.
"So who is it that you found father?" Jaina said, signing the fate of the person to defeat.
"I'm sure you remember your old classmate, Ricky," Daelin said as her head shot up.
You've got to be kidding me, I thought he was over this when he talked with Naruto… Jaina thought before seeing Ricky's face. It was not one of triumph at gaining the favor, but one of triumph at an unknown plan, Whoa, hold on a second, I know that face… that's the face whenever Naruto's made a prank on the civilians here… I wonder what's going on…
"Ricky, I thought you said you're over this?" Jaina asked, testing his reactions.
"Well, I thought it might be a good chance?" Ricky said, though his statement sounded more of a questioning challenge that had Jaina deadpan to herself.
Yep, Naruto's plan alright, what are they up to… Jaina thought as she sighed once more.
"You know I'm going to invoke my rights, right Ricky?" Jaina said, "No offense, but for one I don't like you, and for two you know Naruto's strength."
"Don't worry about that my dear, I did retrieve some souvenirs after all from the ruins of Dalaran. At first I hoped to give it to you seeing as how this is Antonidas' staff, despite losing its focusing crystal, but for this task I've given it to Ricky first for his endeavor."
"Whoa, what? Seriously? Admiral Proudmoore, that's too much!" Ricky protested as Jaina looked on, "I mean, I'm not even his apprentice, I'm only in one of his classes, I don't deserve it."
"It shall be alright, Ricky," Daelin said, "You wish for my daughter's wellbeing do you not?"
"I do, but… fine, I'll do it," Ricky said as he sighed too, before Daelin turned.
"I shall leave you two to your own business then, farewell," Daelin said before disappearing, "The Horde is not gone yet, and I wish to purge them once and for all."
When he was out of earshot, Ricky looked at Jaina and was about to speak when Jaina beat him to it.
"Alright, what did you and Naruto plan?" Jaina asked as Ricky scratched the back of his head.
"Was it that obvious?" Ricky asked as Jaina nodded, "You're no fun Jaina. You see, to make sure everything goes smoothly, I volunteered myself for the position so that no one else can, so that Naruto could come up with something. In return, he owes me a small favor, well at least that's what he told me. I told him it was fine but he insisted, so here I am."
"You're trying to make this into a prank?" Jaina asked as Ricky shook his head.
"Heavens no, Jaina! What would cause you to think that?" Ricky asked, slightly shocked at her accusation, "Man, you're too paranoid, what's biting you?"
Before she had a chance to reply, there was a commotion as nearly a hundred men and women, all cloaked, gathered in the area, as Naruto appeared in a tornado.
"Naruto!" Jaina exclaimed, surprised at the sudden entrance of not only the Recons but also the Ghost units she recognized amongst them. Ricky did not notice as he looked. Naruto turned to him apologetically.
"Sorry Ricky, but we need to discuss things about security," Naruto said as Ricky shrugged.
"Alright then, sensitive stuff?"Ricky asked as Naruto nodded, before he left. Naruto turned as Jaina looked on.
"We have a security breach," Naruto said seriously as Jaina looked at him, concerned.
"What do you mean?" Jaina asked as Naruto turned to her
"The blood on the floor… it belongs to formerly Recon sixteen and recon forty eight, the two recons that were reported missing by you a few days ago. From what I remember of the schedule they were to protect you during the particular time period," Naruto replied, "They had been poisoned by senbon and then killed by snapping their necks. That's why there's so little blood on the floor. What's more, the poison was identified to be a snake not indigenous to this region, or even Azeroth.
It belongs to my world. There's only one person who makes this type of poison, but not the only one with the antitode. Yakushi Kabuto."
"So… you mean he managed to sneak into our base and attack directly from the shadows?" Jaina asked as Naruto shook his head.
"Most likely he still got into a scuffle against the Recons. Strong or not, and poisoned or not, Recons can still fight with above average abilities. In close range, not even you can defeat them… yet. You simply do not have the ability to contend with them at close range," Naruto said, "So here's what we do: we know that he's coming, make no mistake. When he does there's going to be mass panic, since he's going to be summoning Manda, or a reanimated Manda to be more accurate, to do his bidding, and that thing is massive, and I mean massive as in as big as Gamabunta. Lead him to me, and I'll deal with him myself, once and for all."
"And me? What do you want me to do?" Jaina asked as Naruto turned.
"I need you to evacuate all the civilians to the shelters we built," Naruto said, before looking at Jaina.
"No Jaina," Naruto said softly, "But this is my fight, and the only one who will accompany me is Mei-chan. Kabuto is dangerous, more dangerous than you know… and he plays tricks on the enemy's mind, there's no telling what you might have to endure."
"Try me," Jaina said stubbornly as Naruto sighed, before an idea what was actually very plausible coming up.
"What happens if he summoned Antonidas to fight you from his grave, at full power and full personality?" Naruto asked as Jaina froze.
"He wouldn't…" Jaina said quietly as Naruto shook his head.
"Jaina-chan, he summoned Zabuza against me as well, and he was actually one of the few that acknowledged me, can you think of how I felt? I don't want you in there, Jaina-chan, and most of all I don't want you in the crossfire."
"If he summons Antonidas, then I'll take him down myself," Jaina said quietly as Naruto shook his head once more, sighing.
"It's not that easy, Jaina-chan. If you insist… then perhaps. But you can join the fight only when or if he summons Antonidas or any other mage, but there's one thing you must remember… destroy their head utterly, then capture their soul. You have more of those soul gems right?"
"Yeah…" Jaina said slowly unsure of his intent.
"Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei, the technique he uses, relies on having the soul of the person you wish to bring back. If you trap them, the technique, having no anchor, will dissipate, then you can simply release the soul and let them be gone, back into the pure world. That's the basis of finishing off the technique, so if you can use it."
"Got it," Jaina said as Naruto turned back to them.
"If the need really arises, I hereby, as Head of Special Operations, initiate Directive 4189, which states that under emergency Ghost units are allowed to reveal themselves to the general public. If the need arises for you, send a report via your tattoo and I will dictate the situation before allowing such a maneuver. Our time frame is roughly a week."
"One week?"
"I'm estimating that amount of time before the Horde breaks through Admiral Proudmoore's blockade. Thrall is nothing if persistent, he will win against your father, Jaina-chan, and hopefully he will."
"For peace, it must… if only he will listen to me," Jaina said as Naruto held her close.
"Keep monitoring the coastline in the meantime, and do not engage any Orcs under any circumstances," Naruto ordered the two separate groups, "Until then, keep your presence hidden, Ghosts. Dismissed."
The group disappeared swiftly as Naruto laid his head down on Jaina's hair, taking a deep breath and relaxing. She had this atmosphere around her that made him relax, as if telling everyone that it would be alright. Lina's, on the other hand, allowed him to feel… free, for a lack of a better word. Her aura relaxes him in a different way, as if telling him he can put down the reservations that he had to keep up. Mei's aura around her, however, felt more caring. In her embrace, Naruto felt as if he could be safe, as if Mei could take care of any problem, almost like the Sandaime when he was younger, only with more passion in it. Naruto simply leaned down and signed, before sitting down with her on his lap, as she leaned in, listening to his heartbeat.
"What will you do when Kabuto really comes around?" Jaina asked as Naruto sighed.
"I will fight him head on, Jaina-chan," Naruto said, "You need to relax more, you're too tense."
"Well, what can I do then?" Jaina asked dejectedly, "Theramore needs me right now…"
"Not always," Naruto said quietly, his breath tickling her ear, "You don't always have to be the woman they look up to all the time. There's Sylvanas-chan, Lina-chan, Mei-chan… well maybe, and maybe even me. You're not alone, Jaina-chan, for once, be yourself."
"But it's hard…"
"Relax, Jaina-chan. That's an order, don't make me make you do it," Naruto said with a sly smirk as Jaina looked back. Without warning, Naruto began to furiously tickle Jaina, causing her to laugh. That continued for a few minutes until Jaina managed to struggle her way out of his grasp.
"Okay… okay… I get your point… I'll relax…" Jaina gasped out as Naruto laughed.
"See? That wasn't so hard now was it?" Naruto smirked as Jaina mock glared at him, before swooping in and kissing him deeply.
"That's my thanks," Jaina said quietly as she bounded up and left, leaving a stunned Naruto there.
Whoa… Naruto thought as he looked at the place she disappeared to, before shrugging and disappearing in a swirl of wind as well, as he had instructed his Ghosts to gather for additional training before the week is up. Quickly swiping through seals, he gathered chakra before pushing it into the ground. In a cloud of smoke emerged a wolf.
"What will you ask of me?" the wolf asked as Naruto looked at it. This was his second companion, the first being Er'ryl. Ace, the wolf's name, is more suited for tracking, however, than combat, which was the expertise of Er'ryl.
"I need you to check something out for me," Naruto said as Ace caught up to him, "I have a sample scent that I want you to follow. Do not engage under any circumstances, only scout. Report whatever you can find, but as I said, do not go too far in. Retreat immediately if you even think you have a chance of being discovered."
"I shall do as you ask, my master," Ace said as Naruto groaned in exasperation.
"How come you call me master, Ace?" Naruto asked as Ace gave the equivalent of a shrug.
"It is proper," Ace replied.
"Er'ryl doesn't do it," Naruto reminded him.
"He's still relatively young, he will have to do it at some point."
"No, I want companions, I want friends, not a slave or a servant, you're my friend Ace, not my minion to command, I ask you of this, not request you of these missions," Naruto said, "If you insist on calling me master, then, as your master, I forbid you from calling me that. Call me Naruto, okay?"
"As you wish, mas… Naruto," Ace said reluctantly as Naruto smiled.
"Now get going, take care," Naruto said as Ace nodded before disappearing. Ace was unique in the fact that he was much more intelligent than any wolf Naruto had encountered in Kalimdor, meeting this particular one and taming him while in the northern regions to train Er'ryl. Sensing him, Er'ryl told Naruto, who investigated and found Ace. From there, it was a matter of taming Ace to be able to talk. Surprisingly, Ace had already learned to talk, though Naruto suspected a previous master who had been particularly cruel to him in order for him to have such a dark shadow in his aura and intelligence. He would need that to survive a brutal master. Arriving at the field, Naruto glanced at the remaining Ghosts. Ninety-eight of them, in fact, were present, as two were killed by Kabuto.
"Alright, so here's what we are planning," Naruto began, "You people will mingle with the Recons during the patrol missions, and the instant you sight any gigantic snakes, be prepared for engagement. I will be teaching you a few things to allow you to fight even better in such conditions. You elves will be learning a personal favorite of mine, the water dragon. Those who have a lower capacity will be learning more powerful arcane-based techniques, most notably something which is more direct than the way you use it for combat currently."
"Sir?" a Ghost raised his hand as Naruto looked at him, "What exactly are the details of those techniques?"
"One of them is literally an assassination technique. Basically, you shape you mana into the shape of a needle," Naruto said as a clone popped into existence beside him, as his hand glowed blue, and a shape of a needle emerged before flaring back in, dissipating to form a crystal blue needle, "Then, depending on your control, you can either simply stab it."
At that, Naruto suddenly thrusted his palm at the clone, dispelling it, but before that there was a clear hole in his stomach where the needle of chakra had pierced.
"Or you can throw it like you would a needle," Naruto said as he flicked it forward, the needle flaring a bit during departure, before almost suddenly the tree blew up, "When it enters the enemy target it simultaneously combusts, hurting the enemy. Unlike what Fenix Skywalker could do though, this technique cannot backtrack on the source of the enemy as a feedback, so the power depends on how much mana you put into the technique. It can either puncture, or obliterate depending on what you want. Against the snake, obliterate it at all costs."
"The next technique, I'm sure you've all seen before," Naruto said as he flashed through seals, before a dragon of water appeared, "This is a rather complex technique for a simple purpose so good control plus good capacity is needed, but in the right hands it is devastating. Watch."
Naruto said as he directed the dragon onto a tree, smashing through it and continuing on.
"It uses blunt force trauma to inflict its damage on the enemy, so against a large target it's even more effective, which is the only reason I'm teaching this to you – to combat Manda or any other possible summons Kabuto can come up with. Like I said, split up, some will go with my clone, the others come with me."
Naruto said that as a clone appeared, before walking forward and meeting the elves, "And, along the way, there's an important news I must tell you…
Quel'Thalas has been annihilated and nearly all those there are gone… assimilated into the Scourge," Naruto said as their eyes widened, "Fenix Skywalker is captured by Arthas Menethil and has been turned into a Death Knight, but I think he's trying to escape judging from the way his eyes flickered. That's why you need to train even harder, so that such a thing will not befall you. Your fellow brethren had renamed themselves Blood Elves in honor of those that had fallen, led by Prince Kael. Come tomorrow, I will try and contact him once more, and see what will happen."
"As you command Lord Namikaze," an elf replied. Naruto grimaced at their emotionless tone.
"Come tomorrow, all of you will take the day off. Grieve with your family, I will make an announcement tomorrow about the situation in the Eastern Kingdoms," Naruto said, referring to the now renamed continent as the Elves bowed in recognition of the order, "Now, let's get started."
Further away, another Naruto stood, waiting.
Done! The next chapter will be a small timeskip – one and a half week to be exact. Chapter will update when I finish or I get enough reviews for motivation. In other words, more reviews = faster update as usual.