This story...
Is gonna have a unique approach to it.
This is something to combat my burnout, especially toward Naruto in general.
So while Naruto is the core of the story, expect Genshin to be the focus.
It's gonna have an interesting approach to it along with its story.
Let me know what you think below.
Enjoy.
The heat burned and touched her skin.
Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes glowed, dazzled at the golden glow.
The legend stood before her. She had been whisked to safety from the devastation of the battlefield…
A simple touch completely healed her wounds. The battle ended after his mere involvement. Gods, Deities, and Demons stopped at his arrival.
All knew his prestige and power, and his presence could end skirmishes. Even the Rules fell before his very might…
Was he to end this futile war? Bring about peace to the land once again after having disappeared for so long? Why did he save her in particular?
And why did she feel her heart skip at his touch as she looked into his beautiful oceanic eyes…
A face flushed a deep scarlet.
A page flipped, and eyes scanned the next paragraph, enthralled with the direction the story had taken.
Kamisato Ayaka stood before the Yae Publishing house, having purchased the newest release for the series she had been following. It was a wonderful tale that she had seen quite a few women, young and old, and quite a few men enjoying lately. And with Yoimiya recommending it personally, she decided to give it a try.
Hinata, the Sword Princess, and the Golden Kitsune pulled her interest with its vivid story-telling, plot, world-building, and action with the teasing of potential romances. Still, none felt suitable for the proud, gentle warrior.
She couldn't believe where the start of this chapter of this release began! With the last chapter leaving off with the cliffhanger of Hinata on the brink of death against the Rabbit Goddess, the payoff to all the legends and lore that had been building up about the Kyuubi no Kitsune finally came to fruition upon his emphatic arrival.
Yet it felt like Ayake knew this character as he began to speak with Hinata. How he talked to her was very similar to another character in the story so far…
"Oh my," A voice startled Ayaka, causing her to fumble the book in her hands and snap it shut as she managed to regain her hold. "Now isn't a sight to behold. The Shirasagi Himegimi reading in front of my publishing house. This is a rare honor."
Eyes widened in alarm. Of all the people it could be to catch her absorbed and unaware of her surroundings, it had to be her.
The Head Shrine Maiden of the Grand Naruto Shrine. Lady Guuji herself…
Yae Miko.
The editor-in-chief of Yae Publishing House.
This encounter would be most embarrassing. She was sure of it. While Lady Guuji was known to be a kind and gentle person to most who didn't know or interact with her…
"My, are you enjoying the latest copy of my series, my dear?" A smirk crossed Yae's features while carefully gauging Ayaka's reactions, loving the small twitchings, and rises from her teasing. "I dare say it is unusual for you to open one of your purchases right in front of the store. I usually spot you in a secluded Sakura tree, daintily laying in the branches while scanning through the pages…"
Ayaka's blush had fully adorned her entire face. While she knew her brother and her housekeeper Thoma and a few other servants knew of her reading habits, the fact that Lady Guuji was aware of them caused her great distress.
However, her eyes darted to the cover of the book and the pen name before frowning at reading Lady Haniyyah. She knew most authors didn't use their real names to protect their social lives but to think that the currently the most popular book series in Inazuma was penned by Lady Guuji herself…
"This is your work?" Ayaka asked, her curiosity piqued. "I would think with your time devoted to the shrine and the publishing house as the chief editor; you wouldn't have much time to write yourself. And with the situation Watasumi deteriorating…"
"Ah, like all things in life, there may be a delay in the next release, unfortunately." Yae nodded while swaying her hand in confirmation before her ears perked. "But while my time is precious, there isn't much work for me to do with this particular story. For you see… I already wrote it long ago when I was much younger. It only needs edits so it can keep up with the times."
"You already wrote it?" Ayaka expressed her astonishment. "But then why wait for so many years to publish the story? I am well aware sometimes it takes years or even decades for some of the greatest stories to get recognized, but could it have been due to the state of Inazuma at the time or…"
"That, is a story for another time, my dear," Yae smirked and tilted her head with closed eyes. "Let us say that someone far wiser advised me to wait until the right time to release this particular story for you see…"
"Some stories have far more meaning within them than the words on the pages express." Miko's eyes opened and gleamed with intent.
Ayaka stood perplexed, giving an inquisitive gaze towards the Head Shrine Maiden, her curiosity aroused further. But before she could say another word, a voice drew her attention. "My lady! There you are! I've been looking for you!"
"Thoma?" Ayaka recognized her resident housekeeper and butler calmly approaching her before she grimaced. "Oh, I apologize! I forgot that they were arriving today. We must make sure to prepare everything accordingly…"
A faded expression crossed the Guuji's lips upon hearing those words, her ears flicking upon hearing those whispers. Her eyes quickly gleamed, and a fanged grin replaced those features. "Ah, so you, too, are expecting the acclaimed Travelers, no? The heroes of Liyue and the honorary Knights of Favonius are finally making their long-awaited journey here."
Miko, once more, enjoyed the rise she received from the two. No matter how composed they tried to maintain themselves or how collected they reacted, she could see through it, and she thoroughly relished their reactions.
"Um, yes," Ayaka calmly retained her composure, covering with a fake smile. "I've heard so much about them. I wanted to see them myself.…"
"You don't have to explain to me your reasons." Lady Guuji smirked with a glint in her eye. "The two have been garnering quite the attention as of recently. So much so that our Lady Shoguns would also like to request an audience with them upon their arrival here in Inazuma City. Please pass on that message when you meet with them. I fear with their particular choice of transport, their entrance into Ritou may be a little… Troublesome."
"How did you know how they were arriving…"
"My dear, I have friends in Liyue who are very informed on all the happenings within their borders." Miko's smirk grew wider as she placed her hand on her hip. "So you may want to head down there to help clear them with their issues. I fear dealing with the Kanjou Commission and the complexities of Inazuma's laws on arrival may be too much for our wayward travelers."
With a surprised expression on her face, Ayaka then grimaced. Thoma only nodded in agreement. "We should be going, my lady. With the seas being clear, they should arrive soon, and if we want to clear up any issues that arrive, we will need to be there…"
"Yes…" Ayaka frowned, gazing at Yae with a peculiar expression, trying to gauge her before gently bowing. "We will take our leave, Lady Guuji. Farewell."
"It was a pleasure as always, Lady Kamisato." Miko held her hands and returned the gesture. "If you could, do tell them to visit the shrine. I am very curious after hearing about them and would like to see them with my own eyes as well…"
"I will. The Grand Naruto Shrine is a site all guests to Inazuma should come to see." Ayaka subtly nodded and turned to Thoma. "Shall we?"
"Yes, my lady." Thoma took the first step after giving a farewell bow to Miko, heading away from the store and making their way out of the city.
Sighing ever so gently at the scene, Yae crossed her arms over her chest as she watched the two head out. A modicum of dissatisfaction filled her before she softly smiled. "Ah, to be so young and believe in heroes… What a joy that feeling is…"
"Is that not what this book you release is about? If I am reading it correctly, this book is about him. The story has only been adjusted and told from a different lens…"
"Has anyone told you before that you are horrible at eavesdropping?" Miko scowled at the voice, and her ears drooped before she turned as a sandal stepped toward her, a woman absorbed in the book standing before her as many onlookers looked on in utter disbelief at the sight. "Why is it that you are here, Shogun Beelzebub?"
Snapping the book shut, a sliver of a smile appeared on the woman's face as Sakura petals fluttered around her as the wind gently blew. Purple hair fluttered as two sets of dazzling violet eyes gazed into one another. "Ah, yes. I didn't want to disturb you while you were having such a lovely conversation…"
Yae's scowl deepened, her eyes glinting with annoyance as they bored into amused ones.
She knew exactly what her Shogun was playing at. Ever since then…
"Ah yes, I shouldn't delay any further." Ei's satisfied smile dispersed as she sighed and gazed upon the western seas with disillusion for what could come soon. "A meeting to discuss the current events with the Tri-Commision leads has been called. They will be arriving shortly. As such, I came to fetch you."
As the two locked eyes again, the tone shifted, and Yae dreaded the following words. "As the Head of the Grand Naruto Shrine, my sister believes your thoughts should also be heard on the matter, and I concur."
"The Watatsumi Rebellion has made their intent official. War is inevitable."
Of all Gods, Deities, and Immortals, one stood apart.
Lord Kyuubi no Kitsune. The Golden Fox Lord.
Mountains crumbled at his roars. Oceans parted at flicks of one of his majestic tails. The Rules bowed before his very presence.
A gentle and kind soul that protected the innocent and healed the sick with a simple touch. A loyal and proud individual who would never cede a challenge or give up on a friend.
An outsider. Born from another land, brought forth due to unknown circumstances.
Accepted as one of this world and protected it with all his might. The Rules broke that day, and their grip was no longer iron clad…
She had always wondered how much of this legend was true. Standing before the Golden Fox, render of the Godly Rules…
"What's that?"
"Ah!" A shrill voice shrieked, snapping the book closed, her heart leaping out of her throat. "Shenhe! Don't sneak on me like that! Weren't you with my brother?"
"He and the Fixer are currently dealing with our… Um, passports and transportation issues. He told me to come out and find you, wanting to ensure you weren't alone." Shenhe responded before frowning, bringing her hand to her chin. "However, I fail to understand the problem. Is it not normal to travel between regions? Why is this a necessary procedure?"
Smiling at her brother's sincere gesture before sighing at Shenhe's cluelessness, not that she could blame the young woman given her background, Lumine adjusted the flower in her hair. "It's so that the governing body can track who is coming in and out of the region. From what we told, Inazuma could face a civil war soon, and tensions are high, so it is natural they are keeping a close eye and track on all that is coming through the borders."
"…Don't know why my brother thought it was a good idea to try and slip in through Beidou's ship and why she allowed it. We are well renowned that even when we headed back between Mondstadt and Liyue, it generated buzz. He should have known better…" Lumine muttered, her bangs shading her eyes in shadows, her annoyance with her sibling clear.
Nothing she said could have convinced him otherwise, and Shenhe was entirely in support of his headstrong plan. Of course, she would get outvoted because he didn't realize the sway he had on the poor woman…
The tone she had put on Thomas' nickname, who was assisting them in straightening this mess out, indicated that! Shenhe had nearly snapped poor Xingqui in two because he whispered a joke to them!
Lumine would say she had jealousy issues. However, her solution to most problems almost always resorted to violence. Usually involving the person's skull being caved into concrete or dirt for simply annoying her or getting in her way…
Given that the red ropes muted her personality and feelings and she still had this malicious intent, she suspected that she was Calamity Incarnate. Or if the deity she had fought when she naught but a child had indeed won and simply possessed the superior body…
"What is this book?" Shenhe had seemingly taken the book from Lumine's hands without her realizing it and was examining it. "I've noticed you've been reading other books similar to this one recently. I have also seen other copies of this book in people's hands since arriving today. What kind of story could this be to have garnered this much attention, I wonder?"
Blinking, not having felt Shenhe having taken the book, Lumine could only smile at the inquisitive nature of her friend. "I could lend you the first book of the series if you would like to try it. It's about a young woman, the Warrior Princess of Flowers, and he travels to the western sea to learn more about the world and come to understand more about herself through her travels and meeting with legends and Gods. The current chapter seems focused on the legend of the Golden Kitsune while others have been focused on other legends and Gods like the Whispers of the Wind, the Rock Dragon, or even the twin Goddesses of Peace and War."
Tilting her head, Shenhe nodded as she handed over the book. "I would like that. That sounds intriguing. It almost reminds me of a story Cloud Retainer told me of."
"What?" Lumine was taken by surprise, looking up at her partner in disbelief. "But this story is recent! All the chapters have been released since my brother, and I have been journeying across Teyvat!"
"I can't say for sure," Shenhe shook her head. "But the story of wanderer traveling across the lands is a time-tested story and one Cloud Retainer was fond of."
As Lumine relaxed, realizing Shenhe only meant the story's tropes sounded familiar, which was fair, her partner continued. "But I do wonder as I've heard her tell stories about a Golden Kitsune before that wandered the lands. It is interesting that this story also includes details about it, and I find that fascinating. I would very much like to read and discover the details for myself."
This information drew Lumine's attention. Cloud Retainer told stories of a Golden Kitsune? From what information, she and her brother had done much research before heading to Inazuma, and the local races rarely ventured from their homelands. So hearing a story that was well renowned enough that an Adeptus would tell it about one from Inazuma was further surprising.
She almost wanted to hear the long-winded Adeptus tell the story if only to compare it to what was said in the story. See if there were any similarities…
"That was more of a hassle than was necessary…" A voice exasperatedly expressed with a deep sigh.
Lumine rolled her eyes as she turned to face the owner of the voice. Her brother, looking tired and withered, having dealt with the negotiations and mess he had brought upon them.
And she had no sympathy for him as she huffed and placed her hands on hips, ignoring the displeasure of her book pressing against her side. "Oh? Was it now? I wonder if there was a way to avoid this situation, dear brother?"
"Look, I didn't think it was gonna be an issue, okay! We didn't need passports or anything like when traveling between Mondstadt and Liyue!" Aether defended his position, albeit meekly, as he was already broken and defeated. "You don't have to rub it in, alright! You've already won! I'll listen to you from now on!"
"We both know that's a lie. I would just like you to be more careful and consider my opinion more often." Lumine rolled her eyes, seeing her brother's shoulder slump as he deflated before noticing a new person was standing beside her brother alongside Thoma. "Oh, forgive me. Didn't mean to air my grievances with my brother in front of others. I'm Lumine."
"Ayaka. Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission. And think nothing of it." Ayaka bowed, repressing a light giggle as Lumine returned to gesture, having learned a few things having researched the culture before having made their journey here. "It reminds me of when my brother and I would argue when we were younger… How I cherish those days we lost."
"The Yashiro Commission?" Aether and Lumine exchanged glances for the briefest moment, nodding to one another to confirm before he puckered hips. "Well, I appreciate the help getting us registered, but isn't that a little out of your jurisdiction?"
"Wait, you knew of our laws, and you still came here this way?" Thoma blinked in confusion as a loud and emphatic sigh escaped Lumine's lips, drawing his attention. "Oh… Oh! I think I see…"
"Anyways!" Aether gritted his teeth, ignoring his sister's disapproval, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Not to sound paranoid, but it is a little suspicious that two commission members unrelated to transportation were here and waiting for us. I do appreciate your generosity, but given our recent history, we can't be too careful of who we deal with…"
"The Fatui." Lumine cut in with a flat stare and snarl in her voice.
"Oh, I've been hearing they've been causing a commotion throughout Teyvat." Thoma scratched his chin. "But here they are polite and dignified. Haven't had a single commotion besides a few odd problems here and there outside the common ones."
Once more, the twins shared a look as they inferred with one another while Ayaka sighed and drew their attention. "I understand. It is suspicious that people would be here waiting for you. I apologize, but I did not know another way to approach you. I'm afraid everyone will reach out for the Heroes of Liyue assistance without properly explaining the situation."
"Inazuma is on the brink of a civil war. One Shogun is desperately trying to keep our nation together through this crisis without resorting to drastic measures, while the other wishes to swiftly crush this rebellion without solving the underlying cause of this issue."
"How? How did you…"
"Easily." The Golden Fox didn't even let Hinata's question finish before he chirped at her with a smile on her face.
Hinata was infuriated by her response. How dare he interrupt her? Did he know who he was talking to?
She was the Warrior Princess of Flowers! She demanded the respect of all her peers…
And here he was, just smiling at her like a fool!
The nerve!
"That doesn't answer my question!"
"Wasn't meant to!" He chirped brightly.
Hinata felt like tearing those ears off his head. She knew she would not be able to, but no one disrespected her like this! And why was he acting so jovial?
She couldn't stand this man!
"Ah! You are so infuriating! Can't you be normal for one second?"
"Nah! That's too boring! This is more fun!" He only smiled, a twinkle in his eye as the princess stormed off with an exasperated howl of despair. "Hey, don't leave me!"
"I wanna know more about ya, my lady!"
"She really has been building this story for this particular chapter, hasn't she?"
Sitting upon the steps of a shrine standing on high, a white-haired woman with fox ears looked upon a torii gate where another shrine stood. Of one of the substantial branches of the tree the shrine rested upon, the head of a roaring fox that had been groomed by herself and the current Head Shrine Maiden.
Saiguu let out a sigh before shaking her head. "That girl… He may have left an impression on all of us, but he left his mark on you the most, didn't he? So much so that you could never let his story fade away… So you simply found a new way to bring his story to light, huh?"
Flicking her ears, hearing soft steps slowly making their way in this direction, Saiguu let out another soft sigh. She could feel the tension in the air and knew who it was. "My dear, what troubles you also bothers me, but do not let it control you. We were well aware of what could happen when Makoto made this decision and split the duties of the Shogun with Ei. Strife between them was inevitable, and now Inazuma's eternal harmony is threatened because of it."
"The harmony he worked so hard to create for us…" Yae whispered, head lowered, and her ears entirely drooped on the sides of her head. "If they cannot work together and solve this problem, I fear the worst possible outcome. Makoto has always had a way of opening Ei's eyes before, but now, her wisdom may fall on deaf ears…"
"Perhaps, in your fervor to prevent war, you aren't listening to Ei's wisdom and only hearing Makoto's?" Saiguu interrupted, drawing an inquisitive glance from her younger counterpart. "Makoto is the more experienced ruling Shogun, but Ei has been at her side all along. She has experienced all the disasters and wars. She knows the consequences and the fallout. She is aware of what her decision will lead to…"
"It's the people supporting her decision I worry about." Miko scowled while her ears curled. "This issue should have never escalated to this point. Every time something broke down in communication, and we are now on the brink, but I know the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island. These are not actions she would take."
Letting out a deep but knowing sigh, Saiguu closed her eyes. "On that, we agree. So what will you do about it, my dear Head Priestess? What action will you take to shed light on what has happened and possibly mend this situation for the best before our dear temperamental Shogun does what she does best? I say Makoto can only stall Ei for so long…"
"Oh?" Miko's eyes narrowed at her predecessor. "If I didn't know any better, it feels like you are testing me, my lady… And you know how I feel about that."
"It's your first taste of a tense situation while in this role, my dear. I look forward to seeing how you handle it." Saiguu smirked, ignoring the daggers being glared at her. "You were always my heir. You were groomed for this very position… And that didn't change even when he arrived, and you went on your little adventure with him throughout Teyvat."
Yae's eyes flickered for a moment at his mention. Noticing the book in Saiguu's hands made her frown.
Had she been reading her story as well? She hadn't expected her to read it, nor this melancholy expression. "That journey only helped to expand your views of the world. Guided you to see yourself in a new light and grow in a way you never could while here. It helped prepare you and shape you into the wonderful woman you have turned into…"
"Lady Saiguu?" Miko's expression turned to worry as something felt off.
She didn't want to imagine it, but it almost seemed like Saiguu was preparing herself for the end. While Yae knew that time was coming soon…
"This is your situation to handle, and I'm hardly of any use anymore. I only hear what the Shuumatsuban keeps me informed of." Saiguu softly sighed, gazing upon herself. "These old bones can barely make the trip down the shrine these days to Inazuma City… I barely see Makoto anymore outside of her visits, and I fear I won't see her any longer if something drastic occurs. So do me a favor…"
"I already have something in the works," Miko forced a smile, closing her eyes at her predecessor. "You'll see her one last time, mark my words."
"Thank you, Miko." Saiguu returned the smile, knowing the difficulty of what the burden placed on Yae's shoulders before gasping. "Oh, that's right. I found something this morning that might interest ya."
"Hm?" Miko tilted her head in curiosity, wondering what she found that could be so interesting, scrunching her nose when seeing a book she did not recognize. "Oh. Another book was left on the shrine. Ah, fine. I'll have one of my editors look at it later…"
"Nah, I think you should look at this one." Saiguu closed her eyes as she outstretched the book for Yae to take. "Trust me on this one. This one is meant for your eyes."
Staring doubtfully at her longtime mentor and then at the book, having had many dropped off at the shrine for her to review and approve since establishing the publishing house, Yae gingerly took the book from Saiguu's hands. She wouldn't tell her, but she would hand it to one of her editors…
"Hm?" Miko's attention was drawn by the title, and her curiosity peaked, flipping open the book. "Tales of the Gutsy Ninja? Where have I heard this before…"
The book nearly fumbled from her grasp and fell on the concrete, only for Saiguu to swiftly snatch it out of the air. Looking upon the distraught features, she only tilted her head and smiled brightly at him. "I told you the book was for you…"
"Naruto has returned, dear. Now we have to find him."