Chapter 13
A few days later
Gideon was currently looking over the amulet that the penguin gave to Naofumi, "I don't see anything wrong with it. If anything, I think any power it had is definitely gone." he said.
"Double check, I don't want it to be some kind of tracking device." Naofumi said.
"I think it would help if I could somehow power it up." Gideon replied.
"Don't do that. It might explode or turn the wearer against the rest of us or even attract monsters." Seiya said in his distrustful tone.
"You have trust issues." Gideon commented.
Naofumi sighed, "If you're around him long enough. You might be distrustful of everything too." he said making Gideon sweat drop. "Anyways, is Rein still dead?" he asked.
"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia shouted.
"Rein isn't dead! He just moved his spirit to a bird!" Kanade explained.
"Then he's technically dead." Naofumi countered.
Rit agreed, "Yeah, his spirit is gone so that unfortunately counts as dead." she said making the demi human girls freak out.
Then Rein woke up, "Hey everyone, I'm back." he said.
"Now he's alive." Git said.
Kanade crushed Rein in a hug, "Rein, tell them you weren't dead!" she said.
"What's going on?" Rein asked.
"Could we please stop talking about death?" Rishia asked with a scared look on her face.
"Intel, got any?" Naofumi asked.
Rein answered once he broke free of Kanade, "That's right, there's quite a commotion going up ahead in the next town. It looks like everyone is packing up and leaving their homes." he explained.
"It's probably that stupid turtle." Seiya said.
"I didn't see anything concerning outside of a few wild animals. So I think we're good for the moment." Rein added.
"Then hopefully it stays that way until we reach the rendezvous point." Naofumi said as they continued following the dirt road.
"So what's going on with the amulet?" Rein asked.
"We haven't found anything going on with it yet." Naofumi answered.
"Just chuck it out the wagon. We don't know if that penguin had good intentions." Seiya said.
"But it was a cute penguin." Elulu said.
Seiya gave her a blank stare, "So were the lizard children and they tried to poison us before trying to sacrifice you for a sword." he countered.
"Is there anything not dangerous on this quest?" Rishia asked.
"Everything will stop being dangerous when the quest is over." Naofumi answered.
"That statement, I mostly agree with it." Seiya said.
"Of course you do." Mash said sarcastically.
Meanwhile, near the town
"Iris!" A few voices could be heard.
Naruto stood outside of a building being constructed by a type of projection magic. Where he would help establish one of the meeting points with the allied forces. As of now, Naruto's own sect was scouting the area while preparing for this meeting in person. However, he was still able to maintain contact with some of his fellow leaders.
Right now, Naruto was connected with Alucard, Minato, The Raikage and Queen Mirellia. All of whom appeared via hologram projections to communicate.
"As of right now, the evacuation is still underway without incident. No signs of monsters or any significant threats." Naruto reported in.
"Just how dangerous is this turtle exactly? The bijuu themselves have the power to ravage the Elemental Nations, so I think we deserve to know how dangerous these son's of bitches are." the Raikage said bluntly.
"I'm afraid not all monsters such as the sacred beats rely on brute force and destructive power, Raikage-dono." Mirellia started to say. "The waves have been a danger to our realm for many centuries and the sacred beass were originally born to combat them." She explained.
"Is it safe to assume they weren't able to recognize ally from foe?" Minato asked.
"You have guessed correctly, Hokage-dono. Even then, the Spirit Tortoise is still a danger had it been remotely close to being an ally." Mirellia answered.
"I heard stories from grandmother Momon about these monsters along with the Three Great Demon Beasts." Naruto spoke up. "Only I know very little and Momon was still a child. She explained the various abilities she heard amongst the townspeople between travels." he explained.
"The Spirit Tortoise has been dormant for centuries." Mirellia said.
"Momon can turn into a dragon and Greyfarn is an ancient human. Both lived through those cataclysms as well as other ones." Naruto explained. "As well as accidentally starting a few apocalyptic level conflicts, but that's another story for another day." he added.
"Let's get back on topic, how are our respective forces? I already have a couple of heavy teams on the way with the Daimyo's support." Minato explained.
"With security issues, I wasn't able to send as much besides a small company. If I didn't have to worry about that, I would have likely sent Bee and more of personal jounin." the Raikage said.
"My forces should already be heading towards the meeting point. Though I heard rumors that King Ramprosa is sending some of his aerial units." Mirellia stated.
"I am personally arriving with my airship fleet and preparing to assess the situation as well." Alucard stated.
"Then I will be seeing those forces arrive shortly and begin organization once the Shield and Sword Heroes arrive." Naruto said before an officer approached him.
"Your majesty, we spotted an incoming wave of hostiles heading towards the town." the officer said.
"Are the civilians completely evacuated?" Naruto asked.
"There are still quite a few still running for their lives." the officer answered.
Naruto cursed, "I'm afraid I will have to wrap up this meeting. The civilians are in danger from an imminent monster attack." he told his fellow leaders.
With that, Naruto disconnected his transmission with the other leaders. Just as the construction of the meeting point was about to be finished. Naruto had begun to scramble for soldiers to defend the evacuating town.
In the town
Things were seemingly calm despite the sea of people leaving their homes. There was nothing unusual aside from hearing random chatter. Most of the topics being rumors of the impending attack and the alleged casualty count. It made some people like Rishia feel nervous about what they're about to face.
Then things became hectic when a horde of bat like monsters with turtle shells arrived and started blocking out the sky with their sheer numbers. Alongside them were some sort of ape like creatures with white fur. Seeing the trouble and the amount of civilians still around. Naofumi knew it was time to start fighting.
"Okay, road trip is over. I need everyone out now." Naofumi said as he released Filo from the carriage.
"Spiral Strike!" Filo yelled as she rammed through several ape monsters.
"Time to earn our keep Gideon!" Rit said as she jumped out with her curve shaped swords.
"Nyah, that goes the same for us Rein!" Kanade said as she jumped out.
Both boys came stumbling out after their respective partners. With Rein accidentally hitting the ground pretty hard. Luckily Gideon and Mash were kind enough to help pick him up. Seiya just walked over them without a care as he prepared his own strategy from the background.
"Riot Squad Shield!" Naofumi calls out as he summons a group of men to charge at the apes. "I need two groups! One to handle the monsters and one to protect the crowd!" he shouted.
"Kanade and Rit, you guys follow me." Raphtalia said as she ran towards the apes.
"Right!" both girls said as they started fighting the apes.
"Rishia, you can help me lead the civilians away." Rein said.
"O-Okay." Rishia stuttered out.
"I'll help!" Gideon said as he drew his bronze sword.
Mash and Elulu also jumped in an attempt to support their friends. Meanwhile Seiya started floating towards the sky and carefully navigated around the turtle shelled bat monsters. Where he slowly made his way towards a certain point in the middle of the crowd.
"Maximum Inferno!" Seiya yells as he burns a chunk of the bats from the sky.
"Raise your shields!" Mash yelled.
"Not all of us have shields. Also, why would that matter?" Kanade asked before punching out another ape.
"Because Seiya overdoes things and likes to spam that attack!" Mash warned.
"Maximum Inferno!" Seiya yelled again, creating another giant explosion.
However, the spamming of this attack started to get a bit out of hand despite the increasing number of bats. No one was around for when Seiya went overkill on a slime, but some of them have seen his actions with that spell on more recent events.
"Shield Prison!" Naofumi shouts as he covers himself and some of his party.
Right before Seiya unleashes another inferno attack that almost burned the group in the process. For a man considered to be so cautious. It seems that Seiya overdoes it with this horde.
Eventually, Seiya gave up on his barrage when he noticed a lot of civilians getting cornered. So he decided to adjust his tactics as to avoid causing unnecessary damage. Though if anyone were to ask him about this change, he would likely say that he was concerned about his low MP when he's only wasted about 10% of it during this entire attack.
Just as the Shield Prison timed out, Naofumi ordered his party to help the remaining civilians. Meanwhile he would redirect the incoming horde of monsters.
"Hate Reaction!" Naofumi shouts as he gains the attention of the horde and runs away.
With the escaping civilians
*CRASH*
With a powerful kick, Rein sent an ape crashing through a group of other apes. All of them being killed by the monstrous impact of the kick.
"Wow, you are super powerful." Rishia said.
Rein answered too modestly, "Not really, I'm just sharing the same ability with Kanade. It's really her doing." he answered.
Though now Rishia was confused when given that answer. Before she could try to ask for details, she saw several airships incoming. All of them belonging to Naruto's forces who started to open fire on the incoming horde.
"Are they on our side?" Rein asked.
"Yes! Emperor Naruto's men have arrived!" Rishia said with great relief in her voice.
"He sounds like a good man." Rein said, though he didn't know who Naruto was.
Before any form of celebrations could occur as clean up had taken place. The two shivered as the air began to feel thick. When at the center of the battlefield, a giant crimson flash of energy had shot up into the sky. Before long, the energy expanded and released a giant explosion in the far distance. Where Rishia and Rein found themselves needed to take cover as small dust storm had followed after the explosion.
"What is that!?" Rishia asked.
"I don't know, but hopefully the citizens are safe!" Rein replied as he struggled to see through the dirt.
At the explosion
Having no other choice when surrounded by a near endless number of monsters, Naofumi had tapped into the Rage Shield. Forcing him to bare a monstrous form before unleashing a destructive wave of energy that resulted in creating a massive crater where he stood. On the positive side ot Naofumi losing control, the monsters were finally wiped out and the rest of the horde were finished off by the incoming soldiers and other party members.
"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia shouts as she runs to the crater.
Before Naofumi registered Raphtalia's presence, he heard another voice.
"Shield Hero." they said.
Naofumi looked up to find a hooded woman approaching the crater. The Shield Hero felt weary around the woman as she looked at Naofumi with pleading eyes.
"You are the fabled Shield Hero, are you not?" the woman asked.
"Yeah, that's me." Naofumi said as he saw one of the airships fly over him.
The woman clasped her hands together before Naofumi, "I ask you, please kill me and put an end to this." she begged.
Naofumi was taken aback by the request. As he thought of ways to respond to the woman's frightening request. Naofumi saw Naruto land in the crater with him.
"I'm glad you made it." Naruto said.
'Well that's reassuring.' Naofumi thought, to hear a male monarch not condescend, disrespect or threaten him.
"And who's your acquaintance?" Naruto asked as he noticed the robed woman.
Later that day, at the meeting point
The Shield Hero's party and the stranger were all escorted to the meeting point. Where the stranger and Naofumi would sit in for the meeting to discuss the Spirit Tortoise as the robed woman claims to have knowledge on the creature. Just before any talks began, Ren finally arrived.
"Sorry, there was a lot of traffic." Ren said.
"You know, you have a knack for showing up late." Naofumi points.
The Shield Hero referred to the clean up of a dragon that Ren killed but never disposed of it's corpse. Then again, Naofumi could have confused Ren for Itsuki. He can't remember who, but someone was left in charge to help some people who were living in pestilence caused by the dead dragon. Naofumi didn't care, the two of them were being jealous idiots about it at the time.
"I'm gonna go sit right there." Ren said, feeling a bit awkward.
"Everyone please take your seats." a random guard said.
As everyone took their seats, Naofumi and Ren noticed a few new faces. Along with the fact that the new people bare the mark of foreign nations. They would soon learn that these are generals and other high ranking officers of other nations of this realm. All of whom are also preparing to bring down the Spirit Tortoise. When the series of introductions had ended, the woman in the robe had revealed herself.
"And you would be?" Naruto asked.
"Ost Horai." the mysterious woman answered.
One foreign general recognized her, "Are you not the regent of the Spirit Tortoise Nation?" they asked.
"I thought she was the concubine of the nation's king." another said.
'So now this thing is a country now?' Naofumi wondered.
Ost took a deep breath before explaining herself, "Those are my public titles, yes. However, I am a familiar of the Spirit Tortoise itself and ask for one of the heroes to kill me." she said, greatly surprising everyone with her confession.
"Like the monsters that the Shield Hero's party had engaged?" Naruto asked.
'I really need to speed things. A freaking shielder is soloing this.' Ren thought as his pride and sense of self worth took a hit.
That and it leaves him concerned with other dangers he's probably missing out on.
"In a way, but my duties are not like those of the savages. Though they are not meant to be malevolent." Ost began to explain. "My duties for the Spirit Tortoise were to collect souls to block the incoming waves. As the Guardian Beasts are meant to protect the world." she continued.
"But these creatures have the potential to destroy the world." another general points. "Just as the Spirit Tortoise is doing now as it continues moving." they add.
"The Spirit Tortoise is not acting out of it's own volition. Someone unsealed it and now controls it." Ost explained. "You see, the Guardian Beasts are meant to work as a last line of defense should the Cardinal Heroes fail in their duties or face their demise." she added.
"So who would be able to take control of Spirit Tortoise?" Mirellia asked, speaking for the first time.
"That I am not sure of right now." Ost answered.
"And how can we tell if your words have an validity or that if killing you will help in stopping the tortoise's rampage?" Naruto asked.
"The Emperor brings up a good point." Naofumi said as he felt suspicious about that.
It was a good question, if Ost had information (and hopefully valid information), then what purpose would there be in killing her. Even Seiya who could vaguely hear everything from outside already felt suspicious.
"We'll come back to that." a foreign general interrupted. "For now we have to worry about defeating the Spirit Tortoise. Regardless of it's purpose, it needs to be destroyed before it destroys us and the rest of the kingdoms." they stated.
"I suppose we should adjust the battle with our new present intel." Naruto added as he looked at Ost with careful eye.
Later that night, at the camp
Kanade looked at Raphtalia with wide eyes, "I heard of tough love, but it sounds tough trying to fill that Naofumi guy with love." she said after Raphtalia finished her tale of her master.
"Master is still the best master. He doesn't have to be super nice to care." Filo said.
"I guess that's one way to put it, nya." Kanade said with a smile.
"I can't say I approve of it all, but it sounds like Naofumi-san is kind of enough to put his hate on those under deserving of it." Rein said. "Honestly, I think I would would have been depressed in his position." He added.
"But now you have me and Naofumi has Raphtalia! But you know what would really support us Rein?" Kanade asked.
Rein looked curious, "No, what would help? Tell me and I'll help to the best of my ability." he said.
Kanade grinned, "Head pats." she answered. She then grabbed Rein's hand, "Head pats give us all the power boosts we need." she said.
Rein started gently patting and rubbing Kanade's head, making the cat spirit purr with delight. Raphtalia reached for the top of her own head as she looked at the pair with jealousy. Luckily, that's when Naofumi had arrived as he prepared to introduce Ost to the group.
"Everyone, this Ost, she'll be joining us for now." Naofumi said.
As everyone greeted the Spirit Tortoise's familiar. Raphtalia nervously stood up to face Naofumi and gently grabbed his hand. Naofumi was about to ask what Raphtalia was asking of him when he felt his hand reach for her head.
"Could you maybe…?"
"What? You feel itchy?" Naofumi asked as he started scratching her head.
"No! Can you just rub it? Maybe pat it?" Raphtalia asked.
"Uh… sure." Naofumi said, thinking Raphtalia just wanted attention.
To the Shield Hero's surprise, Raphtalia looked euphoric and happy as Naofumi gently rubbed his hand on the girl's head. This caused Filo to get jealous as she grabbed onto Naofumi's cape and tugged on it.
"Filo wants her head rubbed too master." Filo pleaded.
Rit started grabbing Gideon's hand too, "Give me a pat too Gideon!" she said.
"Is this a trend?" Gideon asked.
Seiya did the same thing and started rubbing the heads of Mash and Elulu. Only he was doing it too roughly as he expected a reward or some sort of power up for the kids. He looked slightly frustrated as he saw there was nothing going on other than the kids looking uncomfortable.
"I'm giving you two head rubs and pats. What else am I missing?" Seiya asked.
"We don't want any of those things!" Mash complained.
"You're being too rough!" Elulu also complained.
Seiya sighed, "Fine, take these instead." he said as he pulled out some candy.
"Uh, where did you get these." Mash asked.
"Some gifts from the village. I made Shield double check them for poison and other dangers. They're fine if you're wondering." Seiya said. "Also, I hate sweets and baked food." he added.
The children hesitantly accepted the sweets. Leaving Seiya to just look at everyone who was either receiving or giving a head pat. The Cautious Hero only imagined that Rista would try to force Seiya to give her a head pat or some kind of physical affection. Seiya pretends not to notice, but that "useless" goddess has tried seducing him with kisses and hugs.
Kind of weird considering she does frequently bring up that gods and humans can't have romantic relationships.
"Hey, that's too rough!" Kanade said.
"Oops, sorry!" Rein said as he slowed down with his rubs.
"You know, I might give you a rash this way right?" Naofumi asked Raphtalia and Filo who didn't care.
Ost just smiled away at the scene.
In Makai
Kushina saluted a random official, "Liaison Uzumaki ready for duty, nice to meet you!" she said.
The official sweat dropped as they looked at Yasaka, "Your majesty, who is this?" they asked.
"My mother-in-law." Yasaka answered.
"Uh…"
"I do not wish to go into detail." Yasaka interrupted.
"And the infants? The prince and princess?" the official asked.
The official pointed at Kushina who was carrying a baby carrier capable of holding twins. Kushina has a face of pure seriousness and looked professional in how she dressed. Yet it couldn't be helped that she looked silly as Kairi and Ichigo were actively moving around in the baby carrier attached to their grandmother.
"They love their grandmother." Yasaka said before they moved on.
Kushina grinned as she followed her daughter-in-law, "This place isn't so spooky after all." she said.
"The land of the dead is close, but it's not here." Yasaka said as a reminder. "Now Kushina-sama, you may be husband's mother but all I ask is for you to act professional." she said.
"Yasaka-chan, I did not volunteer myself solely to babysit my grandchildren." Kushina said but Yasaka gave her a blank stare. "I admit, it's a big part of motivating me, but I'm representing my village as well." she said.
"Ah!" Ichigo squealed.
"That's right Ichigo-chan, for the old country!" Kushina said as Ichigo giggled.
Kairi on the other hand just looked confused and unaware of what was going on. All the while she was trying to grab her grandmother's long red hair again. Yasaka sighed at her children as she could imagine that they would distract Kushina from her duties.
'It doesn't help that Kunou should be finishing the school day by now.' Yasaka thought as her escort would take her to Kunou's prep school.
A little while later
Kushina did her best to hide her excitement as she waited for Kunou to leave school. She even watched in awe as she saw all the yokai and demi-human students exiting as well. Where Kushina saw kids with feline like ears, tails, feline like eyes and humanoids with with sharp teeth and claws. Kushina wondered what exactly causes someone to look different from a human as she doubted that this was a demonic act.
To be fair, shinobi clans could be called mutants as the Bloody Mist era in Kiri wanted to exterminate anyone with a bloodline. So that can range from someone like the current Mizukage who can spit out lava to someone with a dojutsu like the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans. The Uzumaki used this as an example as the two prestigious clans in her village have more visible appearance changes thanks to their DNA. Meanwhile the Uzumaki clan and similar clans aren't physically different since it won't be easy to notice high vitality and higher chakra reserves.
'If I take good care of myself, everyone will probably confuse me with Mito in 20 years.' Kushina thought.
Now the cute image of Mito looking like a blond Kushina appeared in the woman's head.
"Okaa-sama!" Kunou called out, snapping Kushina out of her thoughts.
Yasaka extended her hands as Kunou ran up to her, "Kunou, did you learn anything today?" she asked.
"Just lectures for a future assignment Okaa-sama." Kunou answered.
Kushina couldn't contain herself anymore, "Hi Kunou-chan!" she called out, resulting in gaining the attention of the entire student body.
Kunou turned and bowed to Kushina, "Hello Uzumaki-sama, I am grateful to be acquainted with you." she said respectfully, as if this is the first time she has spoken with Kushina
Kushina sweat dropped, "Kunou-chan, please don't be so formal." she said.
"I wish to show you respect during your stay Uzumaki-sama. I hope you are satisfied with the welcoming." Kunou said.
"Sweetie please, don't be like that. Call me obaa-chan!" Kushina pleaded.
"It would be rude to call you nicknames Uzumaki-sama. I hope my younger siblings have not been rude to you during your stay." Kunou said as the babies looked at their sister curiously.
Yasaka stifled a laugh as they entered the escort carriage. Deciding to let loose a bit, Yasaka decided to play a prank on Kushina. By having her contacts reach Kunou in between classes and instruct her to treat Kushina like any other foreign dignitary. Now Kushina is uncomfortably trying to get Kunou to treat her like family rather than a stranger. Even the little girl was having a bit too much fun by messing with her airheaded grandmother.
"I do hope you take this chance to grow close to Makai and speak of how well we've treated you Uzumaki-sama." Kunou said.
"Kunou-chan, I'm your grandmother! Please stop treating me like this!" Kushina pleaded.
The babies giggled as if they were in on the joke as well.
"Kunou is just respecting foreign officials as she's taught. Right musume?" Yasaka asked.
Kunou held back her desire to giggle, "Yes okaa-sama." she said
The mother and daughter would eventually give poor Kushina a break after the basic business topics were finished. Kushina had to remember that she wasn't here just for fun.
"Were you this way with Naruto?" Kushina asked, remembering that Naruto wasn't always serious according to Momon.
"I said very little as possible in the beginning." Yasaka answered.
"Then when did you get together?" Kushina asked, really wanting to understand her daughter-in-law.
Kunou also looked up at her mother with curious eyes. Only to see a tired look in Yasaka's eyes.
"About the same time I developed a disdain for giraffes." Yasaka answered.
"What do giraffes have to do with…"
"Kushina-sama, please don't make me think about it." Yasaka said.
Apparently something involving giraffes happened shortly before Kunou was conceived.
The next day
Naruto was overlooking the map and looking at where everyone was stationed. With various mages, knights and other miscellaneous groups establishing their position. Last night, everyone heard a lout animalistic roar that created a small tremor around the encampment. Thus signaling everyone to begin the next morning with haste as the Spirit Tortoise is likely drawing closer.
Now the defense coalition had to prepare for an ambush. Apparently, Naofumi's party (minus Seiya's group) is working as bait and being supported by a massive army lead by Eclair Seaetto. Eclair is the daughter of a noble who was in charge of a demi-human reservation in Melromarc but Eclair's father was killed when the first wave arrived and for some reason that no professional psychologist could understand. Aultcray ordered for that reservation to be attacked and any demi-human who was not killed ended up being locked away and turned into a slave.
It turned out to be Raphtalia's home, but the real disgrace is the fact that Aultcray's actions are technically an act of treason. Since that reservation was established by Mirellia herself. Unlike the former king, it looks like Eclair will redeem herself since she never had the chance to catch the soldiers and nobles who were a part of that attack.
"I shouldn't worry about recent events." Naruto said to himself.
That's when he heard another roar in the distance.
"I need a report on all positions. Then establish communications between all generals." Naruto ordered.
"Sir Gabiru and company are ready for a scouting mission!" Gabiru shouted as he suddenly appeared behind Naruto with his fanboys.
"We can handle it your majesty!" the fanboys added.
Naruto groaned, "Remain on standby. I'm not randomly sending out scouts when we need everyone." he said.
"Waiting with patience! Yes sir!" Gabiru said as they just stood around.
"Could someone give me an update already?" Naruto asked as he wanted to ignore the idiots.
"The Shield and Sword Hero parties are engaging familiars from the Spirit Tortoise." one officer reported.
"Does that mean that Spirit Tortoise itself is close?" Naruto asked.
"We're unsure, it could be a random counter attack." the officer replied.
"Have half of our scouting parties watch over the command points. Spirit Tortoise or not, we can't afford to have those points compromised." Naruto ordered.
"Yes sir!" the officer said before spreading the order.
Gabiru had to remind Naruto of his presence, "Sir Gabiru feels pride in his emperor and so does his party who just so happen to be a scouting party!" he said.
Naruto suppressed a groan, 'Why is he speaking in the third person all of a sudden?' he mentally asked. "Gabiru, take your team and try seeking out either hero. We can't afford them to be compromised either." he said.
"Yes sir! Follow me men!" Gabiru announced as he started running out of the camp.
'I'll send funeral flowers to his sister and father.' Naruto thought.
With Naofumi's party
Rein was currently speaking to a random bird, "I see, thank you for your efforts. I hope you and your flock stay safe." he told the bird.
"Did it see anything?" Naofumi asked.
"Just the incoming wave of monsters. It could just be another random attack from the Spirit Tortoise though." Rein said, deep down hoping that's just the case.
"That just means more training, right Rit?" Kanade asked.
"Right!" Rit replied as she drew her swords.
That's when they party saw a giant amount of bats with turtle shells on their backs. As the group lead the way, they saw the soldiers following Eclair heading their way.
"Okay, maybe that's one too many." Kanade said.
"Everyone stay together! I'll try to direct them towards us!" Naofumi ordered.
"Is that a good idea?" Rishia asked, not wanting to be surrounded by monsters.
Naofumi ignored him and raised his shield into the air, "Hate Reaction!" He shouted.
As with before, the incoming Spirit Tortoise familiars focused their attention on Naofumi. Leading between 70 to 80 percent of the incoming enemy force towards them.
"Here they come!" Gideon warned.
Ost stood up and generated a black orb between her hands, "Gravity Enhancement: Sinking Temple!" she cries out.
The result of the spell forced the surrounding familiars to be pulled down to the earth. Losing their mobility as a result of the heavy gravitational pull. This helped everyone who didn't have any ranged skills to get to work.
"Stupid bats!" Kanade yelled as she stomped on one of them.
"These things look quite odd if you ask me." Rein said, for the turtle shells looked too weird to him.
"Just focus on what they are, not what they look like." Gideon suggested as he cuts down a few more familiars.
Before the battle could really become intense. Another wave of foes started to make their way into the battle from behind Eclair's army. Just as the woman realized she was about to be flanked. The creatures ran past the army and ignored them.
"What the heck?" Mash asked.
"Where are they going?" Rit asked.
"If it's not towards us, that's the best thing. Then again…" Seiya said as he felt suspicious of the monsters.
"That's not natural, there's no telling what those things are really after." Naofumi said.
Unknown to Naofumi and everyone else present on the battlefield. The creatures were the same black masses that had infected the prisoners in Konoha and the same ones that attacked Aultcray's camp some time ago. Only now, these monstrous sentient masses were much more organized and appeared less animalistic as they ran past the heroes and armies.
Naofumi kept his guard up as he ordered everyone else to do the same. The old saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" does not always apply. As far as some of the more intellectual members of the group were concerned, the black sentient masses were just targeting the spirit tortoise familiars as they were deemed to be rivals.
"The spirit tortoise's avatars are losing the battle." Ost said as she clutched her chest.
"What does that mean for us? Are those things going to target us next?" Seiya asked.
"I'm not quite sure, but I sense more avatars incoming along with…" Ost was caught off my loud tremors around them. "It's here!" she exclaimed.
It took a while for everyone to mentally adjust to it despite Ost's announcement. Never did the Shield Hero or his companions ever expect the current threat to this world would be this terrifying. It wasn't as if the spirit tortoise shared the appearance of an eldritch demon. The cause of fear was the fact that the giant monster looked like a mountain with the giant forestry on it's back and the fact that it looked like a hostile reptile that fused with nature only made most of them nervous.
"What's the plan now?" Gideon asked.
"There is no way we can just hit that thing hard." Kanade said as she looked stunned.
"We have to lead it around. The other country's armies have their own magic and weapons that should be able to kill it, if not stun it." Naofumi said. "For now, we can only lead it around by distracting it." He added.
"You sure we can do that? I think those monsters are climbing up that creature." Rein said as he points at the black sentient masses.
"It's all we can do for now. We can't worry about those monsters right now." Naofumi replied.
"I don't think we should focus on making new enemies." Rit suggested.
"For once, I wholeheartidly agree with something and that something is a retreat." Seiya said, feeling unprepared for the spirit tortoise.
That's when they saw the lizard men flying over the air, "Fear not! The Great Sir Gabiru has arrived!" he announced. "We will deal with the vermin while you all escape!" he shouts.
"You heard the gecko. Let's move." Seiya said as they started moving away from the danger.
"Let us show them the power of the lizardmen! Vortex Crash!" Gabiru shouts as he fires at the spirit tortoise directly.
"Flame Breath!"
"Thunder Breath!"
Each individual lizardman continued to open fire on the Spirit Tortoise with their own abilities. However, the results of each attack only left meager results. With the guardian beast barely acknowledging them despite the large impact of their attacks. However, that didn't discourage Gabiru or his squadron as they continued to attack with all of their might.
When out of nowhere, a large projectile crashed onto the back of the spirit tortoise and caused it to fall onto it's stomach for a few minutes.
"Aha! You are no match for our might!" Gabiru shouted arrogantly. "Which one of you did that? That is clearly worth some applause." he said.
"Sir Gabiru, none of us landed an attack that powerful." A lizardman said.
"Really now? I suppose it was a meteor. The heavens side with us!" Gabiru said before continuing his assault.
With Naruto again
With Gabiru's team officially engaging the spirit tortoise, Naruto and everyone present is fully aware of the spirit tortoise's appearance on the battlefield. However, now they were also being concerned by an incoming wave of monsters made from some sort of sentient black mass.
"Those again? Recall all scouting parties! Including Gabiru's group!" Naruto ordered.
"All parties should be regrouping. Suggest preparing aerial bombardment." an officer said.
"I want a group of airships prepped and ready to support allied artillery. They only have enough energy for one shot so we can't lose an opportunity." Naruto said.
That's when Alucard stepped forward, "You seem oddly stressed." he said.
"And where were you other day?" Naruto asked, remembering that his brother figure wasn't around for the meeting.
"I'll get to that later. For now, you may also want to keep an eye out for that projectile that hit the spirit tortoise." Alucard said as he pointed at the tortoise on the holographic map.
"What about it?" Naruto asked, not feeling too much concern about it.
"The trajectory, the object didn't come from stray artillery or a magical attack." Alucard said. "In fact, my own officers detected a heavy amount of holy magic." he added.
Naruto looked suspicious, "A stray member from the church of three heroes?" he asked.
"I doubt it, that replica weapon is very powerful but like the cardinal weapons at true form. This strange object makes the replica insignificant and worthless in terms of power." Alucard explained.
"A holy meteor?" Naruto asked.
"Excuse the interruption, your majesties!" an officer called out. "We've detected the Spear and Bow heroes entering the battlefield." he said.
"How did those bloody fools get here?" Alucard asked.
"We're detecting their cardinal weapons among the mass of foreign monsters. It now appears that they've entered the spirit tortoise." The officer explained.
Naruto growled, "I want the loyal heroes to be covered. We need to get this nonsense with the other heroes investigated." he said.
"I'll be sure to contact Queen Mirellia about this." Alucard said, knowing quite well that the idiots should have been imprisoned by now.
Back to the heroes
After about an hour or so of fighting, Naofumi's group attempted to find a way to make it to the tortoise. Along the way, a gigantic avian had arrived and shook the battlefield with it's presence. The massive bird proceeded to ram the spirit tortoise with great strength, causing to fall down from the stunning attack.
"Is that a filolial?" Naofumi asked with wide eyes.
"This is what happens when you overfeed your pets." Seiya said.
"Filo wants to be giant too!" Filo said with excitement.
"I think you should stay small for the time being." Raphtalia said.
"Yeah, otherwise you won't fit in the wagon, nya." Kanade added.
"Hopefully this one isn't a potential enemy." Gideon said.
"I have my doubts." Seiya said, very negatively.
"When do you not have any doubts? Seriously, why can't you be like Rein?" Kanade asked, sounding annoyed.
Seiya didn't acknowledge the fact that Kanade was speaking with him. He only gave Rein a brief glimpse and he could see that he was too soft hearted. The type to do very reckless things to protect someone else. It felt familiar in a way, but it annoyed him to no end.
"Just leave him alone Kanade, everyone is different. Sometimes for better or worse." Gideon said.
"Hey Rishia, you've been really quiet lately." Rit pointed out.
"Um, uh… don't mind me." Rishia said.
"Okay then, just speak up if you need anything." Rit said with some concern.
Rishia nodded back as her mind was being plagued by various thoughts.
Within the spirit tortoise
As Ost stated, the Spirit Tortoise is not a malevolent beast but a guardian that no longer has any free will. With the true mastermind and puppet master of the guardian beast manipulating spirit tortoise's trajectory. However, it seemed that the puppet master is having his plans slowed down by the incoming monsters that were attacking the spirit tortoise's avatars.
"And for what reason are there wild animals trying to impede my progress?" the mastermind asked as he walked through the cave like body of the spirit tortoise.
That's when he saw an armored man leading the black sentient masses.
"You must be the slave master of the spirit tortoise." The man said.
"Yes, you may call me Kyo.' Kyo said.
"I am Graf Dumas." Graf said as he revealed himself.
Kyo already felt hostile towards Dumas, "Care to explain the reason for your trespassing? We already have introductions out of the way, but so little time in my schedule." he said.
"This guardian beast is quite powerful, but wasted on a madman with no direction." Dumas said, making Kyo feel insulted.
"This coming from a man with no reason to exist. Merely a pawn in a universe generated by man." Kyo said.
"You have a strange view of the world." Dumas said.
Kyo stifled his laughter, "Because it is quite true, however I can see you are not here for a partnership, alliance or have anything to offer. So I'll just treat you the same way I treat any other mob." he said as he adjusted his glasses.
"You are a lesser man if you believe you omniscient knowledge." Dumas said.
"Enough of this. I already wasted too much time by speaking with you." Kyo said as several familiars started coming out of the caves.
"Likewise." Dumas said as his monsters began to rip the avatars apart. Surprising Kyo as Dumas walked towards him, "You should have prepared the body as you did the mind." he said as he drew his sword.
Kyo pulled out a book in response, "The mind controls and defeats the body you fool." he said as he attempted to use magic.
"Then you should have used the mind, more thoroughly." Dumas said as he flashed away in front of Kyo.
"I will not fall for these tricks!" Kyo said, attacking before Dumas could appear again.
"You will fall, but these are not tricks." Dumas replied.
At that moment, Kyo narrowly avoided a sword aimed for his neck. He raised his book towards Dumas. As the armored man prepared to attack again, several pages ripped out of the book and came to life. Each page flew quickly at Dumas and proceeded to slash his body, but did no damage to him.
"I expected more than paper cuts from a vassal hero. Then again, "Hero" is a loose term in these parts. Where all of you indulge in hubris." Dumas said.
Kyo smirked, "You speak as if someone should be judged for their freewill." He said before his pages started turning again. "Composition Form one: Bird of Flame." he casts.
The pages in Kyo's vassal book took the shape of a bird that immediately burst into fire before crashing into Dumas. Exploding upon impact, but Kyo did not bother to double check his results. As he focused on the Spirit Tortoise avatars that were quickly losing the battle against the army that Dumas brought with him.
"Expanding Composition Form Six: Invigorate." Kyo said as he threw a bottle into the crowd.
The bottle then released a gas that increased the strength of the avatars. However, it only managed to push back the sentient ooze army just slightly. As even more the creatures started to slip into the spirit tortoise itself.
"Never focus solely on the mobs." Dumas said, as he appeared behind Kyo
"Composition Four: Constriction!" Kyo yells out as he summons a cage from the vassal book.
Kyo would only find himself having to put more effort into the battle. As the cage that he trapped Dumas in had no lasted very long. Because the mysterious man quickly shattered the cage with a blade that left a trail of white flames in it's wake.
"Blazing Sphere." Dumas calls out as he trapped Kyo in a circle of white flames. "White Inferno." He said, now summoning a wave of fire at Kyo.
"I see you like fire. Flame Formation: Magic Explosion!" Kyo yells as he uses Dumas' magic against him.
This in turn transforms the white flames into regular fire that rained upon Dumas. However, it didn't last long as Dumas released a powerful gust of wind to blow away the surrounding flames.
"I see you only enjoy games." Dumas said, mocking Kyo who growled at him.
"This is a game, a game where only I will win." Kyo said arrogantly as he continued launching paper themed projectiles at Dumas.
As Kyo continued his fruitless attempts to kill Dumas. Dumas himself marched up to Kyo with haste. Having no desire to take matters slowly like a generic villain. He cleared a small path from the flames he generated and gripped Kyo by the shoulder. Kyo struggled to fight back against the urge to scream in pain as it felt like his shoulder bones were being crushed. Before feeling a giant stabbing pain in his gut.
Looking down, Kyo witnessed Dumas allowing some sort of parasitic worm drill into his body. Like a homeless animal seeking refuge, the worm dug itself deep within Kyo and navigated around his inner body. By then, Kyo was let go and stumbled backwards and caught fire on his back.
'Damn him! I can't stay here!' Kyo angrily thought as he was forced to flee.
While also contacting a few more avatars to cover arrive at his location to cover his escape. Leaving Dumas to contemplate the next step of his plan. When he suddenly felt the entire spirit tortoise shake.
"The Crimson Emperor has arrived, hasn't he?" Dumas asked as he looked over the corner of his shoulder.
With Naruto
Having arrived at the battlefield, Naruto assumed a full fox transformation. Allowing him to assist the heroes into the spirit tortoise while providing his own support from the outside.
"What is that!?" Kanade shouted.
"A giant fox. Maybe it's friendly." Rein said, sounding optimistic.
Naruto lowered his tails by Naofumi's group, "Grab, I will assist with your entry." He said. "The beast may only be defeated from within." he said.
"I guess he is friendly." Kanade said.
"I think this is Emperor Naruto!" Raphtalia said with shock in her voice.
"Well he is a powerful yokai, so should we be surprised?" Naofumi asked.
"He makes the giant filolial look like an egg. I think the size should be worth some surprise." Gideon said as they started climbing Naruto.
"Filo wants to be super sized too!" Filo complained.
"Enough chatter!" Naruto shouted as he grappled the spirit tortoise.
As the guardian beast struggled in the hold. The knights of Melromarc and the empire started to lessen their attacks as to not hit Naofumi's group. In the corner of his eye, Naruto noticed the Sword Hero's party making their way towards the spirit tortoise as well. Naruto attempted to plan out a way to have them climb in after Naofumi's group next. When he felt the vibrations of the spirit tortoise to the point that he lost his grip.
"Damn." Naruto cursed.
"Continue holding it in place Crimson Emperor. The beast can be killed, but it will keep dying." The massive filolial warned.
"I see that Filolial Queen, help the Sword Hero's party." Naruto said.
During the battle, between the monsters battling it out. The spirit tortoise had been believed to be stunned, only for a few to realize it was actually killed with all the pressure put onto the guardian beast. This proved that the spirit tortoise needed to be permanently killed as exterior attacks would only temporarily stop it's path of destruction.
There was also the little bit of research every faction found. Including some old Japanese kanji that Naofumi discovered with the queen. Some of which was no longer legible due to the age of the writing. The old message supposedly stated something about killing the spirit tortoise and possibly how to permanently defeat it.
However, just as Naruto was giving Fitoria a chance to try and support Ren's party. Naruto felt the entire ground shake as several meteors crashed onto the battlefield. Naruto briefly lost his grip on the spirit tortoise as the impact had shaken the entire canyon.
"What was that?" Naruto asked.
"More combatants, quite the large amount." Fitoria answered.
Naruto growled as he saw more of those black sentients. However, just as he was about to order his forces to engage them. He heard the familiar roars of a dragon in the near distance. The Crimson Emperor's stress started to build up as he recognized the two incoming dragons that were approaching the battlefield.
"No need to fear, the cavalry is here!" shouted Arashi as he and Mito arrived on Tomoe and Tania's backs.
"You idiots! Who brought you here!?" Naruto asked.
"Talking fox!" Arashi screamed in terror.
Despite the initial appearance of the dragons a few months ago in Konoha. Neither sibling had witnessed Yasaka's transformation and they weren't present for the battle against Pope Balmus when Naruto transformed then. So neither had witnessed a literal kyuubi in battle.
"Evasive action!" Mito commanded.
"Isn't that your brother? You sister-in-law could transform, so wouldn't he do the same?" Tania asked.
"Onii-chan!?" the twins asked.
Naruto shook his head at them while Fitoria tried to ignore them.
"Do you know them?" Fitoria asked.
"I will explain later, when the crisis is over." Naruto said before sensing another presence.
Naruto took a while to notice, but there was an unknown individual standing in the forest on the spirit tortoise's back. The individual stumbled around the forest before falling into one of the holes leading into the cave inside of the spirit tortoise. Leaving Naruto confused and concerned as to what was the cause of the strange power surge he had felt.
None of this was making sense to anyone. The guardian beast's rampage is one thing, but for some odd reason. It was being significantly more complicated and difficult for some reason.
Back inside of the spirit tortoise
Naofumi's group were making their way through the caverns inside of the spirit tortoise. Everyone was debating on whether or not to split up as they could cover more ground with their large party. Though there was the concern of running into traps as well as any avatars of the spirit tortise that they could run into.
"Ost, any advice on moving around this thing?" Naofumi asked.
"I can sense many of my fellow avatars, but they all seemed focus and converging on one location far away from here." Ost answered.
"It's either a trap or a preparation for us. They can probably feel us because of this woman." Seiya said.
"Is that true?" Naofumi asked Ost.
Ost looked unsure, "I suppose, it could be a possibly. Though I have my doubts." she answered.
"Then we can't trust this turtle lady to not accidentally lead us into trouble." Seiya said.
"Hey, give her a break already! We all knew the risks for this job!" Rit said in Ost's defense.
"Yeah, Ost is our friend!" Filo added with most of the group nodding in agreement.
"We should still be cautious. The spirit tortoise doesn't have self control like Ost said, remember?" Gideon asked.
Rit let out an annoyed groan, "Can we stop with the negativity? Please? This job is already pretty intense as it is." she said.
Naofumi sighed, "Rit's right, we…" he stopped mid-sentence as he felt the spirit tortoise shake. "Just move!" he ordered.
The group continued to move as they felt the heavy pounding against the guardian beast. Everyone assumed it was likely the combined might of Fitoria, Naruto and the allied forces putting pressure on the creature. Everyone was further motivated to move with haste as they feared the impact of each hit. However, it wasn't the yokai and filolia queen that was responsible for all of these tremors.
"Scan." Seiya whispered as he attempts to seek out a potential threat.
A few seconds later, Seiya shook his head as he couldn't find anything. Though that didn't discourage him from continuing his search. As his overly cautious personality made him paranoid and gave him the desire to discover dangers as to avoid them.
"There's three people coming this way and they're pretty strong." Seiya whispered.
"People? Not monsters?" Naofumi asked.
"I want to believe there aren't monsters, but there probably are monsters on the way." Seiya answered. "Assuming these guys can't summon monsters." he added.
As Seiya predicted, three seemingly normal people came waking by. The first two looked like an ordinary confused pair and the third was in the back trying to hide their face. The good thing about having Seiya around is that 85% of his recent predictions are accurate which helps the group stay prepared.
"Oh thank goodness! Other people!" the man said. "We've been lost for so long!" he said, sounding distressed.
Gideon decided to play along, "Are you also adventurers? How did you three get stuck here?" he asked.
"It's quite a story, we were just following a quest. We thought this was some ordinary cave when we came across these monsters with turtle shells." The man said.
"That sounds like quite the situation." Naofumi said, pretending to play along.
"Do you need help escaping?" Rein asked, actually thinking they're innocent victims.
"Rein, you can't trust them." Kanade whispered.
Everyone in the background chose to ignore Rein's naivety. With Naofumi and Seiya pretending to care for the innocent looking pair while the third person just stayed quiet. In fact, the third really seems to find more interest outside of Naofumi's party.
"So, what are your names?" Naofumi asked.
The woman answered this question, "I'm Therese and this is L'Arc." she said in a friendly tone.
"Okay, what about your friend? They seem pretty shaken." Naofumi said with suspicion.
"Oh? Our friend here is…"
"Glass." Seiya said, having used his scan ability.
Naofumi looked over L'Arc's shoulder, "Are you serious?" he asked. "Glass, is that really you?" he asked.
L'Arc immediately reached out for his weapon, "She doesn't know you!" he exclaimed.
Unknown to most of the group, Glass is the name of a woman who arrived from one oof the portals during one of the Wave attacks. Specifically, the attack from right before Naofumi's arrival in the Elemental Nations. Glass wasn't from Raphtalia's world and proved to be quite dangerous as she was able to three of the heroes without any effort but had to take Naofumi more seriously.
She didn't take any damage during her initial battle, but was forced to flee when the waves ended. Though this created the catastrophic teleportation that sent everyone to the Land of Water. It seemed like fate had a strange way of bringing people together.
Realizing she was recognized, no thanks to Seiya's Scan ability, Glass revealed herself. Though she was wearing a completely different outfit.
"Greetings Shield Hero." Glass said.
At that moment, everyone was ready to fight as the tension in the air had suddenly risen. When out of nowhere, Naofumi said something outrageous and out of character for him when he gazed upon Glass.
"Did you pick out your clothes in the dark?" Naofumi asked.
Everyone minus Seiya sweat dropped upon hearing that question. Glass decided to take the high ground and stay composed. She pointed her fan at Naofumi in a challenging manner as a response.
"I believe you should stick your profession in slaying monsters. I would not believe you to be a professional in style." Glass said.
L'Arc looked at his teammate with strange eyes, "So, are we fighting him or…" he was interrupted when Naofumi threw a magazine at them.
"Give them a call." Naofumi said.
Glass' party looked at the magazine and were surprised to see the high quality photography and graphic design. Immediately after, they saw Naofumi dressed in some sort of business casual clothing style. With fancy dress shoes and a vest, but with nice looking genes and buttoned shirt. Initially, it was embarrassing for Naofumi but he was promised a big commission if he participated in a photoshoot for one of Momon's business partners.
Momon also tried to drag Seiya in, but he was too stubborn because he under the suspicion that he would be trapped in a photograph or permanently lose his sight during the camera flashes.
Glass glared at Naofumi, "You may have won the battle of fashion, but our current battle will be in our favor." she said.
"Where were you keeping that magazine?" Rit asked.
Before any conflict could begin or any questions could be answered. Everyone felt a heavy presence approaching them. All hostilities had to be pushed away as they sensed a new individual approaching them.
"For someone loathed for no reason, you seem to have built quite the amount of allies, Shield Hero." Dumas said as he presented himself. "I congratulate you and your party for making it this far. I expected less with the previous acts of the other heroes. Who I do admit were… lackluster in their abilities." he said.
"And you are?" Naofumi asked.
"Dumas, just Dumas." Dumas answered.
"Sounds like a good name for a cult." Kanade commented.
Ost stepped forward, "Are you the one tampering with the Spirit Tortoise?" she asked.
"I'm afraid not, but it does have use for me. If you wish to deal with the pathetic anarchist, then seek him out on your own." Dumas said. "I will continue my own quest unimpeded. Which will do nicely, seeing as the spirit and her party seem to be under the wrong impression." he explained.
"Spirit? Who?" Raphtalia asked.
Dumas shook his head, "I will leave it up to you and the "fashion disaster", as you call her, to figure it out." he said before disappearing.
"Hey wait!" Naofumi shouted.
Therese gave Glass a sympathetic look, "I do not believe you to be a fashion disaster Glass." she said.
"That doesn't matter right now Therese. Right now, that man knows something." Glass said.
"Then move out of the way. We were here first and we're beating this stupid turtle." Seiya said.
"Listen here kid!" L'Arc began to get angry.
"L'Arc, not now. We have our objective and we do not have time to fight." Glass said. "We'll settle this another time." she told Naofumi before heading towards another direction.
Naofumi sighed, "She's right, let's go." he said.
"Just who was that "Dumas" guy?" Rit asked.
"That guy looked intense, I don't think we'll like the answer." Rishia said.
That's when they heard the sounds of animalistic growls and roars in the distance. Though no one could tell that they were different compared to the horde of avatars generated by the spirit tortoise. For the monsters of Dumas were on their way. Made from the same sentient black mass, the Black Berserkers were about to arrive.
Right above the battlefield
As the war on the spirit tortoise continued. Several imperial airships under the central command of Alucard were spreading out as they detected a new signal. They assumed a third party or some other beast had started making its way towards the battle. As they prepared for the potential attack, a large floating object started to fly over the battlefield.
Though this strange flying object appeared to be under fire as it started falling apart. With it flying around erratically, the flying object flew past the battlefield and made a rough landing in the near distance.
"Emperor Tepes, the object has been identified as a type of aircraft of unknown build. Would you like a squadron to intercept?" an officer asked.
"No, focus on supporting against the spirit tortoise's avatars. The two heroes should be making their way to heart of the beast." Alucard said. "We'll confirm the wreckage once we are sure that the beast is defeated for good." he added.
"Your majesty, we are detecting a heavy amount of magical pressure from within the spirit tortoise itself!" another officer stated.
"How is this any different?" Alucard asked before noticing a light coming out of the guardian beast. "Never mind, it's as clear as day now." he said.
That's when he saw Arashi and Mito's teams head straight for the spirit tortoise. Where they were immediately caught in the middle of the light. However, the light itself was not the danger but it looks like those two and their teammates were getting into more trouble. As they managed to pierce through the turtle's back and went inside of the guardian beast.
"And now things have become much worse." Alucard said.
Back with Naruto
Naruto looked shocked as he saw his siblings enter the spirit tortoise, "Those fools!" He shouted.
That's when the spirit tortoise released a heavy amount of electricity from it's mouth and shot at Naruto. The massive fox hit the ground but quickly recovered and prepared to fire a chakra beam from his mouth. Both attacks collided and remained in stalemate for a few seconds before Naruto overpowered the creature. Causing the spirit tortoise to die again once enough pressure was put onto it.
However, it would be some time before it ended up regenerating again. At least, that was the concern before the signs of recovery from the spirit tortoise had come to a complete halt. Finally, the spirit tortoise just stopped moving altogether and it would be a long time before anyone realized what had happened.
Once again, a light source escaped from the spirit tortoise.
"I need to find those two kids!" Naruto said as he shrunk back down in his humanoid form.
Where he proceeded to climb up the spirit tortoise's corpse. All the while Fitoria looked over the mess and tried to see where she needed to help clean up. At the very least, it looked like the spirit tortoise's familiars were all dead. With no more being spawned, further confirming the Spirit Tortoise's death.
In the distance
While Naruto and the rest were dealing with the aftermath of the battle. Alucard decided to take a look at the crash sight of the foreign airship. Upon arrival, Alucard was at a loss of words for how advanced the aircraft appeared. Though that only concerned him as he could see it was quite big and heavily armed.
This was clearly not a civilian ship or a cruise liner. This is clearly an instrument of war from an unknown faction in his eyes.
"Stay alert, a ship this size should carry at least a platoon of soldiers and armed crewmen." Alucard warned as his personal guards looked ready.
As the soldiers looked around the airship for potential threats. Alucard heard some voices and some sounds of metal being moved around. The dhampir floated towards the sounds and found a door being kicked down.
"Oh boy! That was really intense!" said a dark haired young man who came out of the door.
Just as the young man was talking about his experience in the crash and whining about his airship. Alucard and his guards made their appearance known. The young man gave Alucard a bored look before realizing that he was surrounded.
"Um… I'm not trespassing am I?" the boy asked.
"You and your crewmen are to leave the vessel and identify yourself. Please come out peacefully, I would prefer keeping it civil." Alucard said.
"You better be civil. The last "civil" guy, asked a bunch of people to kick me while I was on the ground." the young man said as he raised up his hands. "Guys, you can come out now! We're surrounded!" he shouted.
Suddenly a few robots and a couple of young girls came out.
"Is this all of you?" Alucard asked.
"Yup, totally all of us. Not that some of US, were told to stay in hiding in case of DANGER!" the boy said, sounding too suspicious.
Alucard looked at his guards, "Check the entire structure." he said.
"Hey, I said this was it!" the boy shouted. "Look, my name is Leon Fou Bartfort, Earth to the…"
"Marquess, you're a marquess now." A girl with red eyes interrupted.
"That doesn't matter Angelica. I'm… I swear, I hate being promoted." Leon said. "Also, this is Angelica, she's the daughter of Duke Redgrave. That other girl is my friend, Olivia." he said.
Alucard nodded, "Leon, Angelica and Olivia. Is this really all?" he asked.
Leon was about to lie when the most stupid person he knew had made appearance. Alucard turned around and saw a blue haired young man with a sword run up at him.
"And I am Julius Rapha Holfort!" Julius said as he dashed at Alucard.
Alucard immediately appeared in front of Julius with his superior speed. Where he proceeded to punch Julius in the stomach, causing Julius to let out a pain filled gasp before collapsing onto the ground.
"I see why you chose to hide him. He's an idiot, isn't he?" Alucard asked, sounding a bit sympathetic asked.
"Pretty much." Leon answered bluntly.
"Leon! Prince Julius may foolish, but he's the son of a monarch!" Angelica pointed out.
"Yeah, but he's not heir anymore so… is it really a problem? Queen Mylene even gets mad at him." Leon asked very casually.
Then came a green haired man with a bow, "That's right, he is my future king and closest friend, you fiend." he told Alcuard.
"And there's Jilk." Leon said as Jilk started shooting arrows at Alucard.
Unfortunately for Jilk, those arrows were pretty generic and Alcuard wooden have been injured by them even in his younger years. Had they been made of a strong material or enchanted by strong magic, maybe Alucard would be hurt. But it looks like Alucard was just annoyed by the arrows.
"My loyal subordinates, you are free to gang up on him." Alucard said.
A second later, Jilk was on the ground and being beaten up as if he were a common thug. Jilk cried out in pain until another voice was heard.
"Please stop this at once!" came the voice of a beautiful regal looking woman with ash blonde hair.
"Queen Mylene!" Angelica and Olivia cried out.
"Your majesty, now is not a good time to show yourself!" Leon warned.
Mylene shoed no fear, "I am Queen Mylene Rapha Holfort, from the Kingdom of Holfort." she announced. "I beseech you to stop your attack on my son and foster son. Even if… it was their own faults." she said.
"I apologize master, it seems that Queen Mylene was adamant about not hiding like a coward." came the voice of a floating machine.
Alucard signaled for the guards to stop their assault, "I apologize for the sight, your majesty. However, upon seeing a miniature dreadnought crashing down in the middle of an assault. It does leave some of us on edge." he explained.
"Wait, there was a war going on?" Leon asked with wide eyes.
"We don't mean any harm, honest!" Olivia said in everyone's defense.
Alucard nodded, "Very well, then let us escort you to camp. We will leave your warship on guard." he said.
"Not a warship, it just has lots of guns." Leon said.
"That's what a warship contains." Alucard replied as the soldiers began to escort the group from Holfort.
With one conflict seemingly over. The alliance seems to have a few duties left to fulfill.
TO BE CONTINUED…
NOTES: Sorry about the late post again everyone, I've just been having some trouble with my schedule again. But I really don't want to get into that can of worms and I know I repeat this a lot, but if I did go into detail… you would all be uncomfortable. I'll leave it at that, no one wants to be uncomfortable.
It probably doesn't matter as much but my White Day Poll is still up. Not sure if anyone is interested in voting, but I think I have my winner already. Though for the sake of me being bad at schedules, I'll do three one chapter stories for the top three winners of the poll. See you all next time.