Noctis Eternum
Chapter Four: Dream come true
Author Notes: For some odd reason when I uploaded chapter three it didn't update on the site and almost no one reviewed it. Anyone think this rewrite is better than the last?
I will be introducing very few OCs into this story. I'm making that clear. This is an AU but I don't like adding too many new characters. I will keep trying to make the revealed changes as unconfusing as possible.
After Leading him around the Southside islands Fu could not help but appreciate her new friend. She noticed that he looked quite dashing in what she had to guess were new cloths. With his black and burnt orange cloak and savvy attire he looked like a pro. Fu let her imagination wander and blushed.
'I just met him. Don't go there" she told herself.
'You never were very subtle Fu.' Chomei laughed.
Chomei and Fu had a special relationship that only Jinchuuriki could have. Ever since the girl was young her Bijuu had acted as her best friend. Chomei had been with her from the start and even taught the girl right from wrong just as the Sage had taught her.
'Comon I'm not that obvious. Right?" Fu asked her Bijuu.
Chomei laughed, "Girl if your teacher knew how much time you spend thinking about boys instead of training he would throw a fit. I can tell you find the blond boy quite attractive. In fact..."
Fu blushed as Chomei sent her mental images of what Fu wanted to do with Naruto.
Fighting down her blush before anyone noticed she cursed her perverted Bijuu.
"Hey Fu is something wrong you look a little feverish again" Naruto asked with concern.
Now Naruto is not dense in any way, but he had never interacted with a girl beyond Sakura much less one as pretty as Fu; who seem interested in him, so he was almost clueless when it came to girls. He only had Icha Icha as a guide for how he should act around a girl and he severely doubted Jiraiya should be a role model after everything that happened.
"It's... It's nothing Naruto I just feel a little hot is all." Fu answered quickly the red blush still present.
Now Naruto knew she was lying. It was raining and chilly though he was suspicious at first he definitely knew why she was acting this way now, but he decided to play it off for now.
"Ah I understand lets go look at the rest of the village."
"Sure Follow me" Fu answered though she still felt slightly flush.
Chomei was laughing at her predicament to her eternal embarrassment.
A few hours flew by with the two wandering about town. Naruto felt awesome. 'I can't believe how awesome today is. I met a cool new friend and I have the best house in the whole village.' he looked towards the giant tower that he would live in.
Fu still held his hand and he was not sure how to feel about that. He had just met her but he did not feel anything like he had felt for his friends in Konoha. Instead a tingly feeling had developed in his stomach like a floating cloud. It felt good.
He felt Fu tug on his hand and the duo walked inside a ramen stand. Fu plopped down on a seat and he sat down next to her. Fu beamed at him and he felt himself warm up.
"What do you want Naruto? " She asked.
He took a thinking pose, " I think I'll have the Miso ramen. "
Teuichi beamed, "I see you are back already and you brought a new customer!"
Naruto laughed, "Ya, I've been on a tour around town with my new friend." He tried to motion to her but realized their hands were still connected.
Teuchi looked at Fu and smiled, "It's good to hear that Naruto has found himself a companion. I have high hopes for you. Naruto did not have many friends back in his home village."
Fu squirmed in embarrassment. She was not familiar with praise, "Gomen" She said shyly.
Ayame came out from the back and started washing the counter where she spied Naruto, "Gasp, Naruto did you finally find a girlfriend?"
Naruto was confused, "Huh?"
Fu sweatdropped, "Eh?"
Flames from the deepest pits of tartarus lit up in Ayames eyes, "No hussy is going to hurt my little bro, so you better take real good care of him."
Naruto put up his hands, "Ayame-Ne! Please don't scare off my new friend."
Teuchi laughed, "Ayame dear let the kids have their fun. You are only young once you know."
Ayame pouted, "Tou-chan!"
Fu giggled, "You have some good friends Naruto."
He beamed, "Ayame-Neechan and Old man Teuchi are like family to me. I wouldn't trade them for anything."
"Even for all the ramen in the world?" Ayame chortled.
"Nope."
Ayame laughed and rubbed his head, "Hey!"
She eyed Naruto with mischief in mind, "Then you make sure to keep your new friend safe."
Suddenly serous his eyes darkened, "I will."
Ayame stopped cleaning. She had a confused expression, "Oh I must have forgotten. Someone left a note telling you to head up to the central tower. I didn't read it but it seemed important."
Naruto was curious, "Let me see."
He opened the note eyes reading its contents, "It says I need to meet Pein-Sama once the sun sets."
Fu leaned into his ear, "We still have another hour or two if you want to explore more."
He felt his pulse race when he felt her hot breath on his ear and gulped. He knew he would be meeting Pein very soon from what Tobi had told him.
He noticed Fu had was still leaning against him. Before he could say something Teuchi brought them their food. He sighed in relief, "Let's dig in."
Fu's face stretched as she saw Naruto gulp down his food in Gusto. 'No one beats me' she thought. She dug into her bowl matching Naruto.
Ayame sweat dropped seeing the two eating faster then she thought was humanly possible.
Only moments later the duo had finished eating and Naruto belched. 'Ahhh. That was a good Meal. "
Fu rubbed her stomach, "I agree. Good cooking Ayame."
The ramen girl smiled, "Come back anytime you two.
Naruto laughed, "Will do. "
Fu grabbed him by the hand and laughed. "Come on Naruto your Tour isn't over yet." He felt himself get dragged along and groaned. 'Can't this woman give me a break?'
Leading Naruto through the north side they entered the Military district they felt the countless eyes of the nearby Shinobi watching their every move and sizing them up. After not deeming them a threat which took all of three seconds they went back to their business, selling various Shinobi wares and attending to the various customers.
Noticing the temporary looks sent their way Naruto felt curious. "Hey Fu why did they look at us suspiciously for a second."
"That's because we are not their usual customers. Here in Ame most foreigners are looked at with caution because they usually aren't here with good intentions." Fu answered.
"I see, were you looked at with distrust when you first arrived here" Naruto asked.
"No I wasn't. I can probably attribute that to the fact I'm not too old and that the adults here are more tolerant to most" she answered honestly.
Seeing the inherent logic Naruto agreed. Looking up the sun had already begun to fall behind the horizon. "Hey Fu I'm going to head to the central tower I promised my Sensei that I would be there before night time.
She turned around seeming pensive, "Since we live at the same place why don't you let me introduce you to Pein-Sama."
"Sounds good to me."
Once they got near the tower the guards asked them for their IDs which they handed over. After checking them to make sure they were real they entered the tower. Inside they found the tower was decorated like a military fortress with the architecture being tactically thought out. Not only was the entire tower built with chakra resistant metal but the entire tower had built in traps and mazes that could be activated at a moment's notice. Appreciating the grandiosity of the place Naruto soon found himself walking up the almost never-ending stairwell up.
Naruto scowled in irritation, "Hey Fu how long until we get to... wherever were going."
She grunted, "We need to check in with Pein so you can get settled in. He lives on the top floor."
He groaned. She offered a sheepish apology, "Sorry Naruto but we will have to walk all the way."
He did not bother replying and just let her take his hand. He felt awkward at first but now he just let it happen. He was too shy to deny the Green haired girl.
Finally after navigating countless flights of stairs they found themselves at the door to the village leaders office. Fu knocked twice and after a brisk ,"Enter" they went inside.
The office was the definition of Spartan with only the ornate oak desk and a few filing tables being the only furniture. In the center of the room was an hole that opened onto a ledge that extended for a dozen meters outside. The leader of the village was turned around on the edge of the metallic cliff facing the city, the ever present rain making a tapping sound against the walls.
"Welcome Naruto, Fu" with that the leader turned around and revealed himself. Slowly he entered the room completely dry and situated himself in on a chair behind his desk. Sitting in the chair was a tall and lean man with fair skin, orange hair, and the most unusual eyes. He had metal piercings all over his face. His eyes were a metallic blue with three concentric lines and a small pupil. Last he had the cloak that his Sensei Tobi wore.
Naruto asked the question nagging at him, "You are Pein?"
Fu looked over at him while the apparent leader of the village decided to introduce himself.
"My name is indeed Pein. I am the leader of Amegakure and the leader of Akatsuki" the man now revealed as Pein explained with a dead tone.
"Okay but where is my Sensei. He said to meet him here" Naruto asked
"Your sensei is a colleague of mine and he is currently standing behind you" Pein replied
Turning about in a spin revealed that Tobi indeed had been standing right behind him the entire time. "I'm disappointed Naruto. I expected you to be aware of your surroundings, though with your lack of experience it can't be helped" Tobi chastened.
Pain apprised the situation before telling them what he had planned, "Seeing as it is late and you two have had quite the day you can return in the morning. You will be sharing a room with Fu for the time being and I won't hear any arguments." Pein finished.
Brightening up and seeing an opportunity Fu instantly agreed. He was not given a chance to protest when Fu grabbed him and flew out the door with him in tow.
As the rooms flew by one by one he had a single thought, 'What Have I gotten myself into?"
Mikokado stared at Konoha from his perch. The city was still smoking from its sudden civil war days earlier. He was the highest Authority in the land except the daimyo himself. He adorned himself in dark Green colored Samurai armor. Glowing indigo eyes glared from his red Oni facemask.
The city had been heavily ravaged by the time the Daimyo's forces had arrived to help restore order. By then the Rebels had escaped and the Civilian councils forces subdued.
A samurai handed him a scroll. He opened it. Revulsion filled him and he crushed the scroll beneath his armored fist.
Tsunade the Fifth Hokage had defected and become a nuke nin. Mikokado was a samurai of the Highest order and had been ordered by the liege to take control of Konoha in her absence.
His Samurai moved into Konoha like a well oiled machine. They had been trained specifically to handle civil disorder. They responded to every command professionally and without question.
Most of the civilians had been subdued by the Shinobi already eased the burden off his men. He strode through the front gates of the village. One of the behemoth doors was completely demolished.
Dried blood and ash covered the ruined and burnt buildings and streets like a fresh coat of snow. Mikokado walked through the market district taking note of every defiled body. He eyed every detail extensively.
"strangled, hung, gutted, raped, eaten alive, crucified, killed by Genjutsu," He took note of everything. This was the incident that had sparked the whole fiasco and he knew better then to take a scene at face value.
Two veteran samurai flanked him. From their disgusted grimace he guessed even they were not familiar with this kind of barbarism.
He walked briskly to the rebuilt Hokage tower. The old hokage tower had been replaced by the beginning of a monolithic fortress. Still in construction it gleamed black as night. Dark iron plates covered it almost entirely. Mikokado snorted at the fortress. He did not care how they built it so fast or why. This was a chance to assert his dominance over these frail ninja.
When arrived at the Hokage tower an Anbu with a hawk mask appeared. "Welcome Lord Mikokado."
He roared, "'Enough with the pleasantries! Bring me to your council before I end you."
The Anbu nodded stiffly and he was lead into the fortress. He made way past countless secretaries and paper pusher Ninja along his way to the 'esteemed council.'
Mikokado finally arrived at the double doors that marked the council chambers. As he walked in Mikokado found the Council waiting quietly inside.
The entire Shinobi council was assembled along with a quarter of the old civilian council. The old civilian council had over twenty seats and now only six members were left. The ones alive currently are the ones who were either too smart or afraid to join their fellow members in treason.
Danzo Shimura sat at the head of the table with Nara Shikkaku and Inoichi Yamanaka at his side. The rest consisted of Tsume Inuzuka, Choza Akamachi, Shibi Aburame, Ibiki morino, Hyuuga Hiashi, Homura Mitokado, Koharu utatane and lastly Sasuke Uchiha.
Danzo faced Mikokado with an air of caution and barely veiled anger. Danzo stood up with the rest of the council, "Welcome Lord Mikokado. I hope your journey was pleasant" Danzo spoke with false kindness.
Mikokado laughed harshly, "Don't shower me with your flowery dribble worm."
Danzo's visible eye held visible anger and he gripped his cane harshly, "My apologies Lord Mikokado I did not mean to insult you or the Fire Daimyo by proxy."
Mikokado let a sneer cross his face.
Shikkaku spoke up, "I'm sure were all very stressed with this recent disaster. Why don't we start this meeting"
Homura and Koharu reached forward to shake hands with Mikokado, "We of the honorable council would like to welcome you." Koharu said kindly.
Mikokado shook her hand and faced Homura. Homura smiled at him nervously, 'I'm sure my fellow council member did not mean to insult you my lord. Danzo is just stressed."
Mikokado regarded Homura with nothing less than utter apathy, "I care not for your diplomacy or false kindness. I'm only here to take charge of this village by the fire Daimyo's order. Until the Yondaime returns you are all under my command, understood."
The civilians were too afraid but one stood up. "Why should we follow a Samurai of all things. I don't care if you are under the Daimy...ACK"
Mikokado appeared before him faster than anyone could follow. Mikokado sheathed his sword with a click and everyone wondered what had happened.
The leader of the banking clan was wide eyed and seemed unusually pale. "Impossible" he whispered. Lines appeared all over him and blood leaked out. The man slumped apart into thousands of Pieces and everyone let out a gasp.
"Lord Mikokado what is the meaning of this" Danzo yelled.
Everyone was standing up with their weapons ready. Before Danzo could utter another word an enormous pressure weighed them down. The force was so crushing all of the civilians passed out and the Shinobi council was forced to their knees.
Mikokado stepped in front of Danzo and drew his sword. The blades metal was black and had a reddish sheen. "I am above you both in station and power worm."
Danzo gritted his teeth, "You may be the 'Bane of the Shinobi' but we are the primary Military force of the Daimyo. You won't kill us."
Mikokado glared at the worm before him, "That may be but you forget your place. I have been put in charge until the time the Yondaime arrives. I will not tolerate any disrespect from cowardly scum like yourself.'
Danzo sucked in a breath and stayed his tongue. He knew he would meet the wrong end of a blade if he insulted the Fire Daimyo's emissary and such a powerful warrior. 'I will make sure to convince Minato to kill this man once he returns. He is a wild card.'
Mikokado's gaze bore into Danzo. The elderly cripple got onto his knees and bowed, "Forgive me my lord I did not mean to disrespect an honorable warrior such as yourself." He said humbly.
Mikokado laughed harshly and sheathed his blade. "Remember that next time we meet." He looked at the rest of the council that was near comatose.
"Remember this Shinobi. I will be running this village. Any who dishonor me will commit seppuku or I will execute them myself. This village will be run by way of Bushido.
He looked at the pathetic council before him, "Remember that I own you and by extension the Daimyo. Follow me unconditionally and we will have no trouble." He left the room and everyone let out a collective breath.
One of the civilians shakily stood up and asked the question on everyone's mind, "Lord Danzo who is that Man?"
Shikkaku and Inoichi glanced at each other as did Koharu and Homura. Danzo sat down in a heap, "That man is the paragon of the Fire Country's army and the Daimyo's right hand man. He has been alive for as long as Konoha's existed and very strong."
Inoichi himself was curious now, "I knew he was strong but how has he been alive that long?"
Koharu answered him, "There have long been rumors that he stole Lord Hashirama's blood in their last bout and has used it to live this long. They were never confirmed and the man's station makes him almost untouchable."
Danzo continued where Koharu left off, "besides that the man is very mysterious. No one besides the late lord Hashirama and Uchiha Madara have ever lived after fighting him. Neither of the aforementioned two are alive and they never told a word of each other's abilities."
The council gasped. Many were shocked that someone with that kind of power was still alive.
Shikkaku spoke, "If he's that powerful then why haven't we heard about him?"
Danzo grimaced, "That is because like I said no one has lived after they fought him. He also prefers to stay in the royal palace in his old age and teach the Guardian twelve."
Jiraiya was not having the best week so far. He had started his week with the imprisonment of the Demon brat, although Jiraiya knew he was just a normal kid; not that he cared either way. Everything was for the betterment of Konoha. Children were just another sacrifice that each generation made to keep the tree that was konoha strong and healthy.
He compared children to nutrients; they were vital to the healthy state of the tree and they were vital to the next generations development. Something that he often compared to acorns and the budding of saplings.
Now Jiraiya may be one of the most carefree Shinobi that anyone knew, but those that really knew him saw a cold and calculating Shinobi who wouldn't hesitate to do anything to keep his village at the top.
Right now Jiraiya was heading toward Tsunade's reported position. He was dismayed that another teammate had betrayed Konoha. He readied himself for what must be done. Tsunade had made her decision.
Jiraiya stood still preparing himself for sage mode. He knew that time was precious and he was the only one capable of tracking down Tsunade before she got out of Fire country. His features began getting more toad like with warts appearing on his face and gaining bar shaped pupils.
Once he had gained enough stored energy he blasted off heading towards her signature. "Why did it have to end this way?" he thought.
As he started to gain on her trail he made the RAM hand sign triggering a seal far away that he had made in preparation a few days before incase such an event might occur.
Tsunade and Shizune had almost made it to the border near grass country. Tsunade had thought if they kept themselves to a civilians pace they might avoid suspicion. They had made good time when they stopped for a break in a grassy field. They were about to take off again when a seal suddenly appeared on Tsunades neck and started glowing. Immediately feeling her strength waning and unbearable pain she fell to the ground.
"Tsunade!" Shizune yelled
"No stay away Shizune that pervert Jiraiya must have put a seal on me. You must get away before he gets here!"
Noticing her masters serious tone she ran for the border leaving her master to her fate. "I'm so sorry lady Tsunade" Shizune thought. She was crying as she fled.
Five minutes later, slowly walking towards her from the south with a confident step was none other than Jiraiya. Jiraiya had a frown on his face. Now just a few feet away he stopped.
"Tsunade you must underestimate me, Jiraiya, Konohagakures's greatest spymaster and second greatest seal master to not have put a seal on you if given the chance" Jiraiya said with a chortle.
"No, But I thought that you weren't complete scum." She replied through gritted teeth.
"Damn you to hell!", she tried standing only for the seal to glow brightly and feel excruciating pain.
Jiraiya snorted "Please Like I care. You gave me the opportunity when you slept with me months ago. The only thing that matters is that you're the last Senju and it's time for you to bear strong children for the betterment of the village. You brought this on yourself for defying the Yondaime." He ended his statement with a discreet hand seal
Crunch, Jiraiya gasped as a kunai sunk into his gut while a fist knocked a unresponsive Tsunade to the ground.
"AHHHHHHHHHH, SON OF A BITCH!"
A figure slowly approached the bleeding perverted Sage before stopping. Jiraiya looked up with half lidded eyes at the man looking down at him, "Hello Jiraiya."
Jiraiya snarled, "YOU!"
The man stepped forward revealing one Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Yes, me."
Fu finally let him go and plopped onto his bed. He mock glared at his Green haired friend. "Could you have at least let me walk for once without dragging me along?"
Fu puffed her cheeks and faced away, "I didn't mean it like that."
Naruto sighed, "It's ok Fu."
"So...Which bed is yours?"
Fu looked at the Bed he was laying on which had purple colored bedsheets then at the only other bed which had crimson colored bed sheets. "I'll take the one you're on." She said.
He nodded. He went over to the crimson bed and jumped. He landed on his stomach and laughed. Fu looked over at him with a curious expression, "What's so funny?"
He laid his head on a pillow and looked over at his friend. Fu was laying on her side and he could not help but admire how beautiful she was. Fu's gorgeous green hair covered her left eye and she was splayed on her bed. "Beautiful"
"Naruto?" her voice startled him bringing him back to reality. He realized he'd been staring.
"I was just thinking about how much better I have it here than I did in Konoha."
She smirked at him, "If your life was anything like mine I can see why."
He waved her off, "It wasn't really that bad until the end. I realized I was living a lie and someone very nice helped me escape." He closed his eyes and tried to slow his breathing.
Fu leaned in to listen but realized Naruto wasn't going to elaborate anytime soon. She sighed and closed her eyes. The next day would be a very special one for them.
III
Naruto woke up with a yawn. He opened his eyes as sunlight streaked through the window. " I wonder what today has in store for me."
He jumped out of bed and looked at his new room. "Not very homely." Indeed the room was very Spartan with only two beds and a bathroom. He looked over at Fu and found her sprawled on the bed with the blankets twisted everywhere. She was clad only in a bra and panties.
He felt his pants tighten and blushed, "I better get going. I don't want Fu to think I'm a perv."
Unbeknownst to him Fu was wide awake. 'Dann what do I need to do to get his attention?' She thought.
He threw on his cloak and clothes after taking a shower and headed out. He assumed Fu would join him after she woke up. "I wonder why she's acting so touchy... Must be a girl thing' he thought.
He walked out the door and spotted the dreadfully long stairway. The drab colors of the spire annoyed him as he walked up to the top floor. Step after step had him anticipating his meeting with Pein. He seemed like a nice guy but that could just be an act. Konoha had manipulated him for years.
They had played him like a fiddle. He was nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded on their whim. He would not submit again!
He was drawn out of his inner turmoil when he arrived at his destination. The hard oak door that marked the entrance to Pein's abode was in front of him. "Relax. He seems reasonable enough. "
He knocked on the door and waited. "Come in" Came Pein's monotonous voice.
He walked inside slowly and closed the door. He faced the reputed god of Ame with a respectful bow. Pein's stare bore into him and he suppressed the urge to flinch.
Pein(Deva Path) sat in his chair with Konan at his side. Pein's metallic purple Rinnegan eyes held nothing but apathy in them as he regarded Naruto. "I see you are up early just as I asked." He said, even though they both knew it was an order.
Naruto stepped forward, "Pein-Sama If I may ask what do you want of me?"
Pein's left eye twitched, "I am aware that my associate recruited you."
Naruto nodded. Pein regarded him with veiled suspicion, "I see...he has told you of his intention to induct you into Akatsuki yes?"
"Yes, he told me that I would be trained by Akatsuki and become a member once my skill level is ascertained." Naruto said.
"Correct you will become the Akatsuki's judgment upon Konohagakure. I'm certain you won't disappoint me." Pein stated.
Naruto shook his head, "Of course not. I hate that shithole."
Pein smirked, "That's good to hear... Naruto. I would have hated to kill you if you held any loyalty to Konoha."
Naruto gulped. 'This just reminds me that I need watch myself. I might enjoy living here but this guy isn't one to joke around.'
Konan had been silent the whole time but Naruto felt like she was staring at him. Naruto stood silently in front of Pein while he read papers on his desk. Naruto looked at Konan at the corner of his eye and found her looking at him strangely...
'Why is she looking at me like that...' Naruto thought.
Konan was sending him a wary glare, while standing behind Pein. She silently moved her lips, "Watch yourself" She mouthed, and eyed him like a predator. Gulping he started sweating when Pein looked up. "Naruto I will begin training you tomorrow morning as per your sensei's instructions."
He almost fell over. Pein was teaching him?
Pein stood up from his chair, "Tomorrow I will begin instructing you. Be prepared as I will not tolerate failure." Pein said with a harsh tone.
He nodded, "I will not fail you Pein-Sama."
"Your dismissed then." Pein motioned for the door. Naruto walked outside and calmly traveled back to his room.
Once the door closed Pein glared holes at the door which the blond had walked out of. He turned to Konan, "Should we eliminate him?"
Konan took a thoughtful expression, "We should not trust him. That Madara is shady and any pawn of his should not be trusted."
Pein sighed, "We cannot take on Madara as of yet, but I need someone to watch over him. I want you to try to get as close as possible to the boy understood."
"I doubt he would let me get close if he had ill intentions Nagato." Konan said wistfully.
Pein walked over to the opening in his room that lead outside to a narrow ridge. The constant rain thumped against the metal. He turned his back to Konan as he looked outside. "I will leave the boy in your hands. If he is as innocent as he appears I want you to sway him to us and away from Madara."
"And how do you expect me to do that." She asked.
Pein glanced at her with his cold metallic eyes, "Use your relationship with the girl. She looks up to you."
"Understood"
"Dismissed"
Konan not for the last time silently wept for her apathetic friend.
