Yo, what's up FanFiction?! This is pain17ification with the final chapter of part one of Kouma Shōkan! Unless you saw the change in name, then this story has been given a part one name of "The Whirling Maelstrom", and is the first half of this story. The next half is in development as you read!
Part two will center on the events of Shippuden along with my own special arcs; the Summon Realm War being the biggest one. So, here we go with the end of part one!
Please note: pain17ification doesn't own anything except for the story idea
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
[Mental Speech]
"Bijuu/Techniques"
'Higher Being Thoughts'
(Translations and Notes)
[Scene Shift]
Chapter 12: Look to the Horizon
After the redemption ritual had been finished, Chrysalis and Kakashi took Naruto and the Mane Six inside one of the ruined buildings of Uzu that still had a sturdy structure. The Changeling Queen also had her subjects help bring them in as she made sure that they were laid down as comfortable as possible. Kakashi meanwhile looked through Naruto's supplies for anything that could be used to help in recovery.
He finally found something in one of the many sealing scrolls Naruto had on his person. Unsealed from it were a few bottles of greenish elixir while the other bottles had a bright blue elixir. He was unsure of which to choose before Chrysalis spoke up.
"The blue ones are what we need. They'll help restore their chakra levels to a stable level."
The Jonin nodded and handed the woman one of the bottles before he made to help Naruto. However, she beat him to it and the man saw nothing but worry and gratitude in her green eyes as she looked to his blonde student. He continued observing as she gently raised his head and helped the Uzumaki swallow the elixir with the upmost care.
He smiled beneath his facemask, impressed with the impact Naruto had on the once cursed queen. As he started helping Twilight drink, he mused, 'You never stop amazing me, Naruto. I can't wait to see how you'll amaze the rest of the world.'
Once the human and six mares had been given enough elixir to stabilize their chakra levels, the Mane Six disappeared in simultaneous plumes of smoke, showing their return to Equestria. However, another plume of smoke erupted inside the ruined building and, to Chrysalis' surprise and Kakashi's wonderment, Discord appeared.
The chimera looked around the building and hummed thoughtfully. "Chaos above, this village really got a well sized serving of destruction. It's amazing what the boy sets for goals." He then took notice of the others and disregarded the human in favor of the Changeling Queen. "Well well, it looks like the young lord healed you quite nicely, shape shifter. The taint you once held within you is all gone now."
She nodded in reply as she turned and smiled softly at the resting blonde. "Yes, and I'm forever grateful to Naruto-sama for his actions. I just hope I'll be able to prove myself worthy of his actions."
Discord nodded before Kakashi spoke up. "And you are…?"
"Ah, how careless of me!" exclaimed the Chaotic Entity. With a flourishing hand, he bowed and greeted, "Discord, Chaos Incarnate, at your service."
The Jonin looked skeptical and turned the Chrysalis who nodded in affirmation. Mentally shaking his head in bafflement, he returned, "Hatake Kakashi, Jonin of Konohagakure."
"Yes yes, you're both acquainted. Now can we get to why you're here, Discord?" asked a slightly annoyed Chrysalis. The young man who gave her a second chance was unconscious and she was on edge. Something was coming, and it was coming for the young Uzumaki.
"Ah yes, I was sent here by the princesses to see if the redemption was successful once the young mares returned unconscious. From what I can see, it was and the young lord took quite a toll on his reserves for his efforts."
Kakashi queried, "What was that other power he used when he ran low on chakra? I've never seen anything like that since he used that strange defensive technique during the Chunin Exam Finals."
"You mean the spell?" asked Chrysalis. "It uses mana, which is similar to nature chakra, but on a more spiritual level while nature chakra is physical. It helped secure the redemption, but it left him unconscious due to the mixed fatigue of chakra loss and high mana usage."
"How long will he be out after the elixir we gave him?"
"I'm unsure. I've never truly seen humans use mana like he did before. He's a natural at it."
"The young lord really is quite intriguing," agreed Discord. "He beat me in a game of riddles and helped me see the consequences of my actions. Truly one of the more interesting humans I've met."
"Is that a fact? That's impressive for a human."
Kakashi looked to Naruto's resting form with pride in his eye for what seemed like a major accomplishment. He was about to ask something else before he finally took note of something; or rather noticed something missing.
"Uh, Chrysalis-san?" he began awkwardly, mentally grateful that his mask hid his burning red face.
"Yes, Kakashi-san?" she asked back.
"You uh… You do realize that you're nude, right?"
She blinked at the question before she looked down at her form. It was true; she was in a nude human form that showed off her slender figure, round butt, and D-Cup breasts to the world.
Kakashi was mentally hoping she'd dress herself, but that was not the case when she spoke up. "Oh, so I am," she stated with such nonchalance that the Jonin did a double take. "I'm so used to being in my natural form and not having to worry about clothing that I never noticed."
The Jonin had to repress himself from face palming at that while Discord chuckled at the man's expense. "At any rate, we are set to meet a ship captain tomorrow afternoon to take us back to a port in Nami. I assume that you'll be accompanying us, Chrysalis-san?"
She nodded and added, "Along with my subjects. We are unable to return to Equestria until the princesses and Naruto add me back onto the contract. They will be able to fly after us and so can I if need be."
The Jonin nodded and went back to checking over his student. Discord then spoke up, "Well, I suppose things are fine on your end. The princesses will help the mares and I leave the young lord to you both."
"Very well, we'll be sure to take care of him. Give the princesses my regards for me, along with my gratitude for accepting Naruto-sama as their summoner."
The embodiment of Chaos nodded before he left in the same manner her arrived. It was only slightly after noon in the day, so they had at least another full day before the boat arrived.
[The Seal]
The blonde Uzumaki opened his cerulean orbs to the sight of the pipe-riddled ceiling of the seal. He was once again at the intersection between his three paths of Hyōton chakra, mana, and the Kyuubi's cage.
Although this time, there was another path open to him. This one was surprisingly smaller in size than the others, whose hallways reached the ceiling and were wide enough to fit the Kyuubi itself. The newest one had a hallway only as big as one that a person would find in a common household or building.
Curious, he got up from his lying position and began to walk down this path. Just like with the other three, the walls began to change as he went deeper. With Hyōton, the walls began to become covered in frost, the mana hallway had runes on the walls, and the Kyuubi's had extended sealing matrixes. This hallway began to change from the hallway appearance to that of stars and the cosmos.
By the time he reached the hallway's end, he had entered what looked to be an endless void of stars and space. There was surprisingly even a shooting star that flew by. However, his gaze was focused on the dark blue crescent moon that was floating ahead of him.
He made to take a step forward, but his body suddenly began to float. He tried to get back onto "ground", but it was impossible. So, he decided to move his body as if he were underwater and "swam" to the moon. Within a few minutes, he finally reached the lunar mass and was finally able to walk again.
He began to head for the center of the moon, taking note of how it was simply a lunar crescent and not a shadowed sphere like the real moon. As he walked, he began to hear soft murmuring and he grew curious as to what it was. He kept trekking and eventually came across a strange sight; a black alicorn mare with a wavy blue mane filled with stars, a purple flank that had a light blue moon symbol, and cyan eyes with slit pupils.
Her murmuring could finally be heard as he got closer. "…very strange indeed… To think that a mere human could have such a connection to the mana of the earth that it could remove taint from others… I'm surprised he's never realized my presence."
"I just did," he spoke up, making the mare turn her head to him. She turned the rest of her body as he got closer and stopped right in front of her. "You mind telling me who you are and why you're here?"
She smirked at the question before opening her wings wide and proudly. "You mean you do not see the resemblance? You cannot see how I'm connected to one of the mares you summon?"
The blonde narrowed his eyes as he looked at her better, taking in every detail. "You're connected to Luna, aren't you?"
"Correct, young human. I am what you might call her 'darker half' considering I was given the name Nightmare Moon. I once had control of Luna's body before the Elements of Harmony forced me out of control. I hid myself within her power before you came along." She began to slowly circle him as she continued, "At first I felt nothing around you, and so I felt safe. However, when you awakened your connection to mana and trained with it around the others, you were unconsciously forcing me out of her. I grew desperate and sought out a new host to take."
"And you chose me," finished Naruto. "But why me if I'm the one who forced you out?"
If anything, her smirk grew. "I believe that we may both benefit with me residing in your inner chakra coils and seal. It's a simple 'give and take' relationship I wish to start with you. You allow me to stay in existence and live within you while I give you access to my power. I was the one who supplied you with the chant required to save that cursed changeling, after all; so I believe I deserve some form of compensation."
"And me accepting your offer is that compensation?" he queried with a raised brow.
"Precisely," she answered. "I assure you that my motives are purely for the sake of survival since you could easily send me out of your body. I have no plans to use you or get revenge for what those six mares did to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's water under the bridge. And besides," her smirk grew even larger, "I find being sealed inside a most promising human as a slight…upgrade from a lunar princess. You have talent, potential, and an incredibly powerful will, Uzumaki Naruto. So if living means being sealed into you?" she asked with a shrug. "Well, there are worse things after all."
The blonde couldn't deny that. If he was in her position, he'd most likely be doing the same thing she was. "I see… Well, I suppose we'll just have to see how this works out."
Her smirk softened to a small smile. "I appreciate the opportunity, Uzumaki-san."
"Just call me Naruto," he corrected, not being a fan of formalities.
She nodded before retorting, "Then you must call me Tsuki."
He looked to her for a moment before he nodded with a smile. "Sure thing, Tsuki."
The two then began talking about how she was defeated, since Naruto never got the full story, and the blonde was truly impressed with the threat level she was capable of on her own. According to her, the Elements of Harmony are the most powerful artifacts in Equestria and their power combined made the Mane Six on par with the two princesses at their peak. To say Naruto was impressed was an understatement.
After their talk, Naruto made to leave but first changed the scenery of the "room" she resided in and had it change into an ornate room that was fit for a pony of her stature. Tsuki enjoyed the change and thanked the blonde as he left.
Back at the four pathways, he took the path to the Kyuubi's cage and came face to muzzle with the beast. He stared at the fox's crimson eyes and asked, "Is there a reason why you didn't give me chakra for the seal?"
The Bijuu scoffed at the question. "I saw no reason to offer my power when you found the method needed. Why help when it is unnecessary to do so?"
"It could've stopped me from falling unconscious."
"I suppose, but then you wouldn't have met that Eclipsed Mare that decided to become my 'roommate' within you."
"That's another thing; why didn't you tell me of her presence?"
"Because at the time she was merely trying to preserve her pathetic existence. She's nothing more than a leech that stays alive by feeding on the energy of her host. Tread carefully with her, for she will end up draining you dry if you do not."
"I doubt that, fox. She may have been a being of darkness, but she's changed. I can sense her malice growing smaller and smaller while yours is just as large as ever." He frowned at the beast and asked, "Why are you so full of hate all the time, Kyuubi? Surely holding all of that in isn't good for you."
The Bijuu growled at him as its eyes let off a fierce gleam. "That is none of your concern, and you would do well to never bring it up again."
The Uzumaki nearly took a step back as the negativity from the fox nearly skyrocketed. However, he calmed himself and sighed in slight disappointment before he turned and began to walk off. "Someday Kyuubi, I'll end the hate inside of you, and then I'll end the hate that poisons the world we live in." He gave a look over his shoulder with a determined smirk and finished, "That's a promise."
As he left, the fox scowled at where he once stood before it laid its head in its forepaws and closed its eyes to sleep. 'End my hatred… Feh, what a joke.'
[Back Outside]
Naruto slowly opened his eyes to the sight of Kakashi seated on a piece of rubble with his infamous orange book in hand while a dark-skinned woman leaned on the wall beside his "bed" with her eyes closed and body tensed. It took a moment for him to remember that the woman was Chrysalis after the redemption ritual and he immediately blushed at seeing her exposed body.
Kakashi, in all his wonderful timing, chose that moment to look up from his book and see his student's blushing face. With a chuckle he greeted, "Welcome back to the land of the living, Naruto."
He jumped in surprise since he was so focused on looking at anything but Chrysalis' body. Meanwhile, said woman opened her eyes and smiled at seeing the Uzumaki awake. "Thank Equestria you're alright, Naruto-sama. I was worried you'd be out of it for a while."
The blonde gave an affirmative grunt and tried to sit up, only to struggle due to his body's reaction to the higher level spell he used for the ritual. "Damn… I'm up, but I won't be getting up for a while longer. I may have to rest for the night before I can."
"That's not a bad idea, and besides, we have until tomorrow afternoon until the boat returns for us. So rest as much as you can," suggested the Jonin sternly.
The Chunin sighed and nodded as he relaxed. "Alright, I'll rest. Oh by the way, in my bag there should be a scroll with some spare clothes in it for you, Chrysalis. Not to sound rude, but it's kinda awkward being in the room with a naked woman like you."
She wasn't offended by his words and she was able to see the dusting of pink on his cheeks, making her mentally chuckle at how shy he was. She looked through his bag until he let her know she found the right scroll and unsealed his old black and red-orange coat and put it on. However, since she was taller than he was, the sleeves stopped at her forearms and at her knees while it had to be partially unzipped due to her chest size. It hugged her form nicely, if the blushing Chunin and Jonin had anything to say about it.
Satisfied that she was somewhat clothed, Naruto relaxed into a calm sleep. Meanwhile, Kakashi decided to stay up since he was still uneasy on the island. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something felt wrong here. And by his observations of Chrysalis keeping an eye out the window, she felt it too.
Suddenly, a changeling rushed in and screeched frantically at its queen, making her return the noises to speak back. After some short exchanges, she turned to the Jonin and said, "A boat is headed for the island with no flags on it. What's more disturbing is how it's anchored away from the whirlpools."
"Do they have any idea who could be on the ship?" asked the Jonin.
"No, but I intend to find out for myself," she declared as she stepped out of the building they were in and headed to the shore of the island with Kakashi following, having left a clone and some ninken to watch over Naruto.
Across the water, the two saw the ship and the Konoha Jonin lifted his hiate up to reveal his Sharingan eye. The dojutsu looked over the boat and scanned four chakra signatures on it with one of them feeling like it had two sources along with a dark spot, two others with dark spots, and the other seemingly normal.
"Be careful," he advised. "There are four people with Jonin level chakra on that ship and three of them carry strange areas of darker chakra on them."
"Understood. Any sign of what they're doing?"
The Jonin kept on looking before he saw the four suddenly leap off the boat and into the air over the whirlpools. One of them flashed through handseals before it summoned an incredibly large spider that the four used as a kickstand to continue their flight over the raging waters.
"Damn, they've cleared the whirlpools," cursed the Jonin before he saw the intruders more clearly. Three were males while the last was a woman. A silverette with strangely two heads, a dark-skinned one with six arms, a husky one with an orange mohawk, and the lone woman with dark blue hair.
In their descent, the silverette performed a summoning of his own and brought forth two large snakes that crashed onto the sandy shores. The two serpents hissed and bared their fangs at Kakashi and Chrysalis, making the Jonin tense and the Changeling Queen snarl. If there was one she hated now above all else it was snakes, and seeing two of them here in the sacred island of her savior's people made her blood boil.
Stepping forward, she declared, "You four have no business here on this island! Leave now or your lives will be forfeit!"
The silverette smirked and barked out a laugh at the demand slash threat. "In case you haven't noticed bitch, we have the upper hand here! It's five and two snakes on two!"
At this, Chrysalis simply smirked as her eyes gave off a bright green glow. "Oh really?" she asked as she summoned forth the changelings on the island; the total numbering nearly thirty. "Because I see it as five and two worms against thirty-two."
The Oto shinobi all tensed at the sight of the changelings hissing defiantly at them. Sakon growled, seeing his first true mission as the Leader of the Neo Oto Four already going south. He wasn't given the chance to speak or give out an order when the changeling all rose up in the air with their beating wings and charged at them all.
The four invaders (five if you counted Ukon) all leapt off of their snake perches while said serpents thrashed out against the changelings that attacked from everywhere in a way that reminded Kakashi of the Aburame Clan's insect based techniques. The Jonin snapped out of his observation when he noticed the six-armed shinobi land in front of him with black markings spreading over his body.
"So that's what those dark spots were; they were Juin," commented Kakashi to himself. He pulled out a kunai and charged at Kidomaru who made two kunai with a strange bronze-like substance. Meeting in the middle, the two shinobi clashed their weapons together with Kakashi having the advantage due to his eye.
With Chrysalis, she faced down the silverette that had insulted her before, absently taking note of the large one and the female taking on two of her subjects each. "Last chance, worm; leave or die," she threatened.
"Like I said bitch, we have the advantage here," challenged the shinobi before the second head split from his body and stood with a body of his own. The twins then called upon their Juin and grinned cruelly at her while she narrowed her eyes and her pupils became slitted.
They charged in and went for a duel strike, but she deflected it with a wave of her hand that caused a gust of wind to push them back. Eyes shining a bright green, she called on her connection to the mana in the air and swiped at the twins with sharp blades of wind, which forced them to take evasive actions due to the near invisibility of the air.
"Damn bitch, she's not even using handseals!" exclaimed Sakon while ducking under another wind blade.
"Keep moving brother!" urged Ukon as he narrowly avoided losing a limp.
"Spiritus Dei, ut et furor aera discerpunt ululantes!" exclaimed Chrysalis as she threw a hand to the sky and summoned forth a raging hurricane that surrounded the two Oto shinobi. She held the same hand to the raging vortex and closed it slowly, making it get thinner and thinner in size while the twins were forced to move closer and closer to one another. "Vanish," she murmured as she clenched her hand fully, making the hurricane collapse in on itself and slice into both of them.
They screamed in pain as their bodies were littered in cuts and blood, but they somehow were able to survive when they called upon the second level of their Juin, making them take the appearance of twin ogres with armor on one half of their bodies.
"Now you're gonna get it, bitch!" raged Sakon as they charged again.
Kakashi ducked under another swing and performed a perfect roundhouse kick to Kidomaru's abdomen that pushed him back. However, the man felt no pain as once again bits of the strange substance fell off of his body. "I told you, Copy-Nin; your attacks won't work on me!" he cried as he leapt back and entered his Level Two state as well, taking the appearance of a three-eyes ogre and forming a bow and arrow.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the weapon and charged, his Sharingan eye keeping track of the beastly man's actions. An arrow was notched and fired quickly, but the Jonin saw it coming and evaded with a quick spin that didn't force him to lose momentum and continue his charge. Kidomaru sneered at that and kept jumping back while readying another arrow.
Meanwhile, Kakashi summoned forth Raiton chakra into his right hand and made a sweeping motion with a cry of, "Raiton: Raijū Hashiri no Jutsu (Lightning Beast Running)!" The chakra based lightning stretched from his hand and took the form of a wolf made of pure lightning that raced after Kidomaru at speeds greater than Jonin. It was on him far too fast for him to react and bit into his collar, surging lightning into his system and making his heart beat so fast that it imploded.
The Jonin cancelled the technique when he saw Kidomaru cough out blood and fall over dead. He sighed at the death of another life at his hands before he rushed off to help Chrysalis.
Said woman formed another mana based wall that blocked the harsh punch that Ukon sent her before she ducked under Sakon's diving kick and blasted him away with a burst of wind. She growled at how they were still able to fight before she leapt back and called forth mana into her hands directly. It grew brighter and slightly solid in her hands before she unleashed twin blasts of condensed green energy at the twins. It was too fast for them to evade, but they were able to summon form a Rashomon, a large gate with a demonic face on it.
The twin blasts collided with the gate and caused it to form hundreds of spider-web cracks before it shattered and hit them with concussive force. The force rocked their bodies from the inside and damaged a few of their inner organs before they were both beheaded by a final wind blade. The two bodies fell lifelessly and she sighed in slight exhaustion at the overuse of mana.
A sudden shriek caused her eyes to widen and she turned in horror to see four of her changelings killed by the remaining Oto ninja. "No…" she whispered, seeing their bodies either drained dry of their energy (Jirobo) or nothing more than shards of pink crystal (Guren). Rage filled her as she prepared to call upon another surge of mana, but she halted at the sight of Kakashi landing beside her.
"Chrysalis, calm down!" he ordered, seeing her nearly lose herself.
"You expect me to calm down after seeing four of my subjects killed?!" she yelled.
"I know that you want these two to pay, but you need to think clearly, otherwise they could get the drop on you."
She growled at his words, but she reluctantly obeyed them and forced herself to calm down. "You better have a plan…"
"I do," he replied, seeing Jirobo enter his Level Two state, looking like a horned ogre with an orange mane, while Guren formed floating crystals around herself. From what I saw, the cursed one drains his targets of their chakra while the woman has a Shoton (Crystal Release) bloodline. You've used up a lot of your energy, so I need you to provide me support while I take point."
She frowned at not being in the lead for the attack but she nodded. She took a quick look at her other subjects and mentally sighed in relief as she took note of them finishing off the last of the two snakes, sending it back to the Summon Realm. She had them form up around the four of them, leaving no room to escape save for underground.
"Normally, I'd allow you both the choice to surrender, but that opportunity died the moment you killed my subjects. I don't take kindly to losing those I cherish."
The two were tense as their eyes kept darting to the floating changelings, the Konoha Jonin, and the Changeling Queen. This was without a doubt their final stand, so they decided to go down swinging. Jirobo went through the seals for his Iwa no Zangai (Rock Wreckage) technique while Guren had her crystals form dozens of triangle-shaped shuriken and covered herself in crystallized skin.
With twin roars, the Doton jutsu released continuous shots of earthen shrapnel while Guren fired her shuriken and charged at Kakashi. Said Jonin charged as well with his Raikiri (Lightning Edge) in hand while using his Sharingan to avoid the assault. The changelings dodged the jutsu as well with their aerial maneuvers before they charged at Jirobo.
As one, both the Raiton jutsu and the dive-bombing changelings struck their targets. Kakashi had his hand speared through Guren's left chest and through her heart while the changelings that crashed into Jirobo were covered in green flames by Chrysalis' mana.
At last, the fighting was over, and though the loss of four changelings was hard for her to swallow, Chrysalis felt relieved and proud that she and her subjects had defended Uzu.
Meanwhile, Naruto had woken up when the snakes first crashed onto the shore of the island and made to try and help, but the clone Kakashi left reassured him that the original and Chrysalis would handle it. It took both the clone's words and the summoned ninken blocking the doorway to make the blonde reluctantly let the others handle it. When they returned, he was relieved that they were alright, but he silently offered prayers for the fallen changelings.
The night had taken a toll on everyone and they all rested wearily for the night.
[The Following Morning]
Just as Naruto predicted, he was well enough to move without major pain when he woke up. His body still felt slightly sore, but he was used to such feelings during his many months of training as a shinobi. As far as he was concerned, he was fine.
He took note that he was the only one awake and looked outside to see that it was just past dawn. So, he got up from his "bed" and stepped outside to feel the cool ocean breeze of the morning. A soft smile came to his face as he closed his eyes and opened his arms wide, taking it all in and basking in the relaxing aura of the morning.
"I could just stay here forever," he murmured to himself, opening his eyes to the still rising sun. A grin came to his face as he leapt onto the highest ruined building and sat down to stare at the horizon with the sun's reflection mirrored on the ocean waters. He chuckled as he commented, "I'll bet the nights are just as beautiful."
"I'd have to agree with you," voiced Tsuki from within the seal. "I may be a being of the night, but even I can respect the beauty the sun can produce."
Naruto stayed silent and just watched the sunrise while his right eye changed to match Tsuki's eye so that she could watch as well. He let the warmth of the solar sphere engulf him and, for one of the few times in his life, felt at peace.
Tsuki strangely felt the same. It confused her, but it also comforted her at the same time. The alicorn deduced that she was subconsciously latching onto the feelings of her new host, which ordinarily would be cause enough for concern. However, she ignored that concern in favor of feeling this peaceful silence that the blonde Uzumaki was experiencing.
"I had a feeling you'd be up this early," commented Kakashi as he landed beside Naruto. His lone eye followed the gaze of his student and he couldn't help but smile himself at the beautiful sight. "You know, I'll bet that we're the first humans to have experienced this for at least a couple of decades."
"No kidding," agreed the Jinchuriki. "I wish I could've been here when this place was in its prime. I'd be able to see this every morning and watch the moon follow suit in the evenings."
"I never personally saw this place back then; but from what I've heard from Kushina-senpai, it was a beautiful village full of contentment and peace. She'd have loved to show you her homeland, Naruto."
Naruto smiled at the man's words, eyes moistening at the idea of his mother showing him their ancestral home. He quickly wiped away the tears before they even fell before he stood up with his back to Kakashi.
"I'm going to restore this place, sensei." He looked over his shoulder and grinned at the Jonin who looked back with an eye-smile. "I'm going to bring this village back to its prime and let the world know that my people are not fully gone."
"I have no doubt about that," the silverette replied as he stepped up to stand beside Naruto. "I'll be looking forward to the day you finish."
A comfortable silence followed the man's words as the two shinobi just kept watching the horizon, unaware of Chrysalis having heard from the shadows. The redeemed queen had a smile on her face, one full of hope that her savior would restore this once sacred place. 'I promise to aid you in this, Naruto-sama. We will see this place restored to its former glory.'
[Nami (Later that Afternoon)]
It was amusing to the shinobi when they saw the utter bafflement on the faces of the ship captain and his crew when they saw Chrysalis and her subjects following the boat by air. Of course, the captain had dealt with ninja before and their strange techniques, but he had never seen anything like the changelings before. So yes, it was silently enjoyed by the Chunin and Jonin.
They had docked not even ten minutes ago and paid the captain for his services while Naruto sent a clone to say farewell to the bridge builder and his family. Once their affairs were in order, the two, along with their 27 travelling companions, took off for Konoha. This time though, since Kakashi now knew of his ability to grow wings, Naruto had decided to travel at a more rapid speed.
Kakashi mentally promised himself that he would never admit to having hitched a ride on his transformed student.
Due to the flight lessening the trip significantly, they reached the gates within a couple hours instead of half a day like the trip to Nami took. They had landed about half a mile away so that they could be seen walking towards the gates and so that Naruto's abilities could remain secret. However, that didn't stop Chrysalis and her subjects from being seen.
It was rather awkward for the Jonin to check them all in, but as soon as he did they headed for Tsunade's office. Though if checking in was awkward, then practically parading through the streets with Chrysalis and the changelings was downright uncomfortable. Even Naruto felt uneasy with how they were being stared at.
Fortunately, Tsunade and a duo of ANBU appeared before them and had them all follow her to the Council Chambers. Along the way, she addressed her fellow blonde. "So, what exactly am I dealing with here?"
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly and replied, "Well…this is Chrysalis, the lost member I told you about, and her changeling subjects. I still need to go through the process of reinstating them to the Summon Contract with Celestia and Luna."
The Godaime pinched the bridge of her nose at that. "And what exactly made you think it was a good idea to parade them through the streets?"
"Uh… Would it upset you if I said I didn't really plan to have the village see?" he asked hopefully, making her brow twitch. "I thought so… Look, I'll reinstate them as soon as we're done reporting to you."
"That will have to wait since the Council has decided to have a meeting concerning you on the night you brought back those other clan members of yours." She nodded to the approaching doors of the Council Chamber and finished, "Let's just hope that the story we came up with sticks."
"It's not like it was a total lie, baa-chan," muttered the Chunin, earning him a whap to the head courtesy of Tsunade.
The group entered the Chamber and Tsunade took her seat at the Kage Chair while Naruto stood in the center of the room and Kakashi, Chrysalis, and the changelings stood behind him against the wall. Tsunade nodded to the Shinobi Council before she did the same to the Civilian side.
"This meeting of the Council has been called to order. The topic of discussion is the recent actions of Uzumaki Naruto a few nights ago," declared Tsunade.
"Uzumaki-san," began Koharu, "where were you on that evening?"
Naruto took a short breath to relax himself before he answered, "I was heading to Otogakure."
"For what purpose were you heading there?" Homura questioned.
"I was heading there to free Uzumaki Tayuya and Uzumaki Karin from his custody. One was branded with his Juin while the other was most likely one of his scientists or medics considering her knowledge in the subjects."
Danzo spoke up next. "You realize that your actions border on attempted desertion from the village, do you not?"
"Of course I do," replied the Chunin with a slight scowl. "However, I know my clan's laws much better and what they say concerning family. I saw the chance to save two members of my broken and scattered clan, so I took it. I don't regret my actions since I now have two new members to add to my family and we have gained valuable information from them concerning Orochimaru."
"And what of Uchiha-san?" asked one of the Civilian Council. "He had been abducted the same night you were gone by some of Orochimaru's subordinates."
"I don't see how this concerns me since I never saw the Uchiha that night," answered the Jinchuriki truthfully. He may have sensed him while he was talking with Orochimaru, but he didn't physically see him at all that day. "I didn't even know of his abduction until I returned with my fellow clan members to report to Tsunade-sama."
Murmurs were heard as the blonde's words were thought over by the Council. It was true that Naruto had returned after Sasuke had been "taken" from Konoha, so his excuse had merit. However, there weren't any witnesses to support his alibi, which made the excuse debatable.
Danzo eyed the Chunin carefully, looking for anything that would give away that he was lying. The teen was calm under the gaze of the Council and his tone was normal throughout, if not more professional than normal. However, professionalism was to be expected in a Council Meeting. Although, the Uzumaki's body was also tense, which gave the elderly shinobi enough of a sign to see that the blonde was not entirely truthful.
But, this was not a major cause for concern to him. After all, the Uchiha was always a flight risk after the mental trauma he had sustained from his traitorous elder brother and his Tsukuyomi. That kind of emotional and mental damage was too much to overlook, but it still was and the boy was allowed to become a Genin and eventually a Chunin of the village. In Danzo's eyes, the Uchiha was already gone when he was marked by Orochimaru and he was honestly expecting the day the Uchiha left for the Sannin to come.
So he'd stay silent since it was a trivial matter in his opinion.
The Council continued to silently debate before they reached a conclusion. Shikaku stood up and stated, "Uzumaki Naruto, your actions border on attempted desertion of Konoha; however you still returned and with both new members and information concerning one of the village's most notorious traitors. As such, you are to be on temporary suspension from active duty for the remainder of the probation of your fellow clan members."
Blue eyes turned to honey brown and Tsunade nodded to the Jinchuriki, showing her approval of the punishment. He then turned back to the Council and gave a polite bow. "As the Council wills, I will listen."
"Very well," Tsunade declared. "This meeting is adjourned." The rest of the Council left, leaving the chamber empty save for the Godaime, the two Konoha shinobi, and the changelings. "I want you to get the affairs concerning your companions in order while Kakashi gives me the report."
Naruto once again nodded and left the chambers with Chrysalis and the other changelings in tow to an empty training field. There, he would summon the two princesses and reinstate the changelings into the Kouma Contract.
Meanwhile, Kakashi had just finished his report to Tsunade back in her office. The woman was leaning her chin against her clasped fingers as she mentally went over the report. "He already formed an attachment to the ruined village, Tsunade-sama. He even proclaimed a promise to restore it in the future."
"Yes, and that concerns me. I cannot deny him his right to restore what is by all rights his, but he is still a member of this village. Restoring Uzu may finally place Naruto under treason of the village."
Kakashi frowned at that, unable to deny the truth in that fact. "Then what do you suggest we do about it?"
The Godaime hummed in thought, mentally going over any kind of plan that could ensure her distant cousin and younger brother figure safety from the village laws. "I'm not sure at the moment. I have a few ideas, but they will never stick."
Kakashi was also deep in thought about what to do. He wracked his brain for a solution before one slowly began to form in his mind. It was risky, but if they succeeded then it would work for both sides.
"Tsunade-sama, what if you allowed the Uzumaki Clan to leave the village under terms of a contract or treaty?"
The woman raised a brow at the Jonin's words, thinking them over before she said, "Go on…"
"Naruto has already set up a shop for his seals here in the village. If he was allowed to leave and restore Uzu as a village, then you as Hokage could forge an alliance with him and provide him with both supplies and a few shinobi while he continues to sell his seals here in Konoha."
The Senju rolled the idea around, seeing the merit in it and slowly warming up to the idea. With a small, but growing, smirk, she replied, "I believe that this idea of yours is our best bet, Kakashi. I'll be sure to bring it up to the Council since this is not just a decision I can make on my own. Be sure to tell Naruto when you get the chance, as well as the other two Uzumaki."
The Jonin nodded and left quickly to inform his student. He would finally be able to do something more than just teach and work with the son of his late teacher. Now, he'd be able to help his student forge his own path in the world.
[End of Probation/Sentence (Kage Office)]
Standing before the Godaime Hokage were Naruto, Tayuya, and Karin with the two women sporting new attires. Tayuya still had her bandaged cap, but she now wore a dark gray shirt over a long sleeved black one, black pants with her flute in a kunai pouch, and ANBU styled sandals while her hair was tied in a ponytail.
Karin still wore her purple top, but it was now open to reveal a mesh shirt underneath and a black halter top beneath that. She wore shorts that fell to her knees and hugged her figure along with matching sandals to her fellow redhead.
Tsunade had just called them to her office to discuss something with the three of them, so here they stood waiting for her to speak. "It came to my attention a while back that you had plans to restore Uzushiogakure, Naruto." The blonde nodded, making her smirk. "Well, you three were told of the plan Kakashi and I decided on, correct?" Another nod, but with the girls nodding as well. "Then you three should know that I spoke with the Council about this, and believe me when I say it was a long debate to decide on an answer."
She grew silent at that, making the three Uzumaki anxious to hear the decision, and Tayuya was the first to break the silence. "Dammit you old hag, just fucking tell us already!"
Naruto barely bit back a laugh while Karin bit her lip to stay silent. Tsunade on the other hand had a vein throbbing on her forehead and a madly twitching brow. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that in light of your good fortune."
That made the trio freeze before they looked to her in surprise. "S-So you mean that-"
"Yep," answered the Senju, interrupting Karin. "You three are allowed to go and restore Uzu, provided that we establish some form of Alliance slash Trade Agreement at the end of three years. Jiraiya will be going with you three as well so that he can teach you all enough to bring you to nothing less than Jonin level. I would send Kakashi also, but that's too much to ask for with the Council still slightly on the fence about the decision."
The three Uzumaki nodded, grins sporting all of their faces. "We understand, baa-chan," stated Naruto. "To honor our end, the Uzumaki Shōten will begin business sometime this year so that Konoha gets quality seals. This should help quell any lingering doubt on the future agreement."
Tsunade nodded and called out, "Get in here, you pervert!"
The three Uzumaki smirked at the nickname and at the Gama Sennin's complaints about it towards his buxom old teammate. After getting whacked in the head with a paperweight, the Sannin turned to his three charges and grinned with no sign of injury; much to Tsunade's annoyance.
"Alright then," he began. "We set out for Uzu in an hour, so pack all that you need."
The three nodded and headed off to prepare, leaving the two Sannin alone. "You will keep an eye on those three, won't you?" asked Tsunade in concern. The three were her only blood relatives left in the world; even if the blood was thinned by familial distance.
"Two eyes," assured Jiraiya. "And I will for as often as I can spare. I will still need to visit my spy network during these three years after all, hime."
She nodded in understanding before she turned in her chair and looked to the village. Her heart was slightly heavy at seeing Naruto go, but she knew that he wouldn't be too far away. She could always message him and ask for his aid at any time, if need be.
She dismissed Jiraiya as her gaze on the village softened. "Take care, Naruto," she whispered to herself.
After the hour was up, the Sannin and three Uzumaki were all rendezvoused at the main gate of Konoha. With an exuberant grin, the Gama Sennin led them on toward Uzu while Naruto looked back to his old village. His gaze focused on the Hokage Tower in the distance and he raised a fist to it, knowing Tsunade would see it, before he followed after Jiraiya and the girls.
It would be three years before Konoha got word of the blonde Uzumaki again. However, dark forces were on the move as well. A white snake was busy training his prize, a snake lord was gathering his forces, and a criminal organization was biding their time before they acted.
The future of the Ninja and the Summon worlds would be decided in time.
(End Chapter)
Spiritus Dei, ut et furor aera discerpunt ululantes translates to: Divine Wind, howl and rage as you tear the air apart
And there you have it; the final chapter of Part One of Kouma Shōkan! Part two is in development and won't be up for a little while. Sorry everyone.
To recap in concern to Naruto's accomplishments: he has the Kouma (Pony) Contract, Chakra Chains, a Hyōton affinity, is nearly a Master Sealer (Jonin Level), turned Discord to his side and added him to the contract, redeemed Chrysalis and reinstated the changelings into the contract, has access to mana and an alicorn form, has reached an understanding with the Kyuubi, and has Nightmare Moon (Tsuki) residing in the seal with Kyuubi.
Quite a lot so far, right? Well, I hope you all are excited for Part Two when his skills after three years are revealed! Oh the wonderful plans I have for the future and the lovely little Arcs I plan to create!
*sighs contently* Such brilliant ideas…
Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed this and please for the love of all that is good and peaceful in this world, REVIEW! Your reviews sustain me! *fanged grin*
Stay Tuned for the eventual sequel to this Xover FanFiction; Kouma Shōkan: Swirling War!
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