Okay Time for the next chapter. Sry for the wait, but I've been busy. Now I want to clear this up, since someone brought it up. I've already decided on six, for the harem. No more, no less. I already have stories for them, and have already integrated them into the future parts of my story. Sorry if that's to many for you, but it's where I'm at. On the angle of Riley being Kaguya's granddaughter, you'll just have to wait and see how that was possible. Perhaps she reincarnated herself, perhaps she somehow did what Asura and Indra did in canon, maybe she sent down a piece of herself, to be reborn in a new body, you'll just have to read to find out. Anyway, moving on, I'll be really diving through the year from this point out, I'll try to cover a lot this chapter, so that we can finally reach the end of fourth year, within a chapter or two. Note from here on out, the bodies are gonna start piling up, I haven't really killed any minor or major characters yet, because I didn't want to just end them, without them playing some sort of part. I think the only one I killed early, was peter pettigrew, anyway, the darkness and horror will be ratcheting up, strap in!
Broken Angel
Chapter 35: Ralael
Kurama and Madara sat quietly in Riley's mindscape, both were contemplating a very unique revelation. This revelation? The possibility that Madara's wife, Riley's grandmother, had been the reincarnation of Kayuga Ōtsutsuki. But… in both their minds they knew it was impossible. It couldn't be true, it was just an insane coincidence. I mean, everyone had someone whom looked like them, and Kaguya wasn't a rare name. That's all this was, just one huge coincidence. Though they both knew they were just rationalizing this, neither was ready to admit to themselves that there was a real chance that the Rabbit Goddess could have returned. Madara sat contemplating all the time he had spent with his wife, he recalled all the times she spoke, looking for any subtle hint that she may actually have a connection to the legendary goddess.
The two decided to give the idea some thought before bringing it to Riley's attention, I mean, they were probably wrong, it was all probably a coincidence and currently, Riley had a lot occupying her thought, and therefore they didn't want to bother her with their wild speculation, at least not until they were sure.
The next few days flew by, Riley had noticed that Kurama and Madara seemed to be deep in thought, however she knew if it was something that had anything to do with her health or well being, they would tell her. Otherwise, they were probably just working on some sort of project.
Riley was eager for the next stage of the mixed tournament. She had finally figured out what the overall goal of all three tournaments was. Cooperation. The Triwizard tournament was supposed to instill friendly rivalries amongst each other, the Chuunin exams was meant to encourage the individual teams to work together and form rivalries, while the mixed tournament was all about forming bonds with new friends.
Riley had overheard a Kumo nin talking to one of his pals, he believed he had figured out how the rest of the tournament would play out. Riley listened in, and had to admit, his theory sounded reasonable.
He believed that the five stages of the mixed tournament were meant to establish, strengthen and then test the bond that the partners shared. The first test was just to see if they had gotten to know each other yet and also to instill in them a desire to win. He guessed that the next test would be to build trust in each other. Then the third would strengthen that trust. So would the fourth, and the fifth would put it to the test.
It turns out, he was pretty spot on, at least with the second test. They had said it would be a test of balance. When they said balance, they meant in the sense that you'd have to be willing to balance your own honesty with that of your partner. The second test was simple. Everyone was placed on a five foot wide circular platform, sitting on top of the water. The two participants would have to stand on it and answer statements about one another. Basically one would say something like, 'I like fish.' and the other would have to reply in a similar manner, with something like, 'I like pork.' if they lied or took to long to answer, the platform they were standing on would grow smaller. Basically, it boiled down to how much about yourself you were willing to share in order to win. For everything they shared, they would earn a point. If they repeated something they would lose a point, and if they lied they would lose five and the platform would shrink. If they fell into the water, they lost all their points and walked away with none for the round. If they could make it thirty minutes without falling into the water, or off the platform since shinobi could walk on water, then they essentially got to keep their points. So basically the challenge was to answer as many statements, in thirty minutes, without falling off the platform as you could.
Riley was actually really, really happy that this was the second test, since it allowed her to get to know Gaia better, and tell her about herself. The students all came to watch as all the teams were placed on their platforms, atop the freezing cold lake. Luckily the platforms they were on didn't shift so they were able to stay balanced, but they weren't big, and Riley doubted someone could lie more then five or six times before they fell in. On top of just making it through, there was the race to say as much about yourself as possible, without repeating yourself and without taking to long. Each answer had to be given within ten seconds, and within another ten seconds you had to have a new statement out, otherwise you lost points.
Gaia and Riley stood before each other. Gaia looked lighter, and less tired. She had probably spent the last few days sleeping, since Riley fixed up her seal. Riley simply wore a smile, and soon a cannon shot rung through the air and the competition began.
Riley immediately started. "My Favorite color is black."
Gaia answered, "Mine is red." She then stated her part, "I like to go on walks."
"I like to train." Riley answered with a smile. "My favorite food is steak. I love steak."
And from there it continued. At first the points soared as people just stated simple facts about themselves like height, hair color, eye color, gender, simple things but they quickly started to run out of simple facts to say about themselves, and the heavier stuff started to come out, like hobbies, favorite places, favorite tv shows, or books.
The people in the crowd watched, as soon the lies started to come out, as some of the students and shinobi got intimate with their statements, like talking about lovers or family or people they hated or shit about their governments they didn't like. It was about eight minutes in, that the first team fell into the water.
Though some people were completely open and honest with their partners. These were the people whom had already made friends with their partners, and thus had little problem with talking about intimate stuff.
"I think I like my sister the best, out of all my loved ones." Gaia commented.
"Hm… I think I like Fleur the best out of all my loved ones, though that's probably because I've been in love with her the longest. And her father doesn't own a gun." Riley answered as she shot a look over at the crowd and spotted Katie whom scratched behind her ear and turned away trying to hide the fact that her own father had still given 'that' talk to Riley, even though she was a girl.
He'd decided to do it anyway, since Katie was his precious girl. He'd threatened Riley, that if she ever broke Katie's heart he'd shoot her in her woman balls.
"Hm… I'd say I have the biggest crush on Sakura Haruno. She is just so beautiful." Lee commented. Everyone in the crowd could just hear Sakura blanch. "Well… I think Hannah Abbot is the one I've got a crush on." Neville replied, and they all heard chattering coming from the stands, and Neville did his best to hide a blush, as he realized that she'd heard him.
As time went by more teams fell in, and more teams lost points as they started to repeat themselves. Finally the last few minutes began to wind down. Sixty percent of the teams had fallen in the water, and some more were dangerously close.
Riley was trying real hard to think of something else to say about herself, but it wasn't easy. She had a difficult time coming up with something that she hadn't already said. She noticed the timer clock over on the shore and saw that there was only a few seconds left, so she simply said, "I like you, Gaia."
Gaia looked taken aback for a second. Before smiling softly and replying, "I don't really know what I feel about you."
"That's fine. Take your time." Riley replied as the cannon sounded.
They were all given their scores. Turns out Neville and Lee won again. Though Riley and Gaia managed to make third place. Though that still left them at about the middle since they'd bombed the last test. They were all informed that the next task would be the day after the second round of the Triwizard tournament.
Everyone went their separate ways, and Riley found herself wandering the halls aimlessly. She was finally cornered by her mates, whom pulled her into a side hall.
"Can I help you ladies?" Riley inquired.
"Yes… the Yule ball is in a week. Who are you taking?" Fleur asked.
"Oh… uh… I don't know." Riley answered with a shrug.
"Well, you need to pick, so the rest of us can figure out our situation." Katie urged her.
"Well… whoever I pick, the others are gonna feel left out, and I don't want that. Besides, the ball is more tradition. I don't lose my magic if I don't go, I just look like an asshole, but I'm fine with that." Riley stated.
"Come on Riley. None of us will be mad. Just pick one." Fleur told her.
"Why don't you ask Gaia?" Luna inquired.
"Gaia?" Riley stated curiously.
"Yeah… I can go with Daphne. Katie can go with Fleur, and you can take Gaia. I'm sure she's never been on a date before, and I know you like her." Luna answered.
"I see no problem wiz that." Fleur agreed. Katie nodded too, as did Daphne.
"Well, alright then. Since we're in agreement, I'll go ask Gaia." Riley stated as she turned and headed off.
-Later-
Temari and Kankuro stood watching as Gaia conversed with Riley. The girl had approached them and asked to speak with Gaia for a moment.
While Kankuro was happy for his sister, he naturally didn't trust Riley. He knew she was far too powerful for someone her age and that bothered him. Still, it was nice to see Gaia smiling again.
Temari, meanwhile, was ecstatic for her sister. She was happy that Gaia had a friend. One whom seemed interested in her well being, and since making friends with Riley, Gaia seemed lighter and more friendly.
Both of them, had a similar worry however, well two worries. The first was how their father would react when he heard, and the second was how this would affect, 'the plan'.
They both saw Gaia nod and Riley smiled and turned to head off. Gaia stood where she was for several moments before turning to walk over to them.
"What was that all about?" Kankuro inquired.
"She… asked me to Yule ball." Gaia replied.
Kankuro and Temari stood silently for several seconds before Temari smiled widely. "Well, then. We'll need to get you a kimono. And find something to do with that hair of yours." Temari started listing, happy that for the first time she could do the things that big sister do with their little sisters.
"Temari, don't be annoying." Gaia stated.
"Ya know… you're gonna have to learn to dance too." Kankuro noted.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you." Temari told her.
"You know how to dance?" Kankuro asked with a surprised look.
"Of course. I am father's heir after all. And besides, I needed to refine my skills for the ball." Temari replied.
"You found a date?" Kankuro asked.
"Yep… did you?" Temari replied.
"Yeah, of course." Kankuro replied indignantly.
"Crow doesn't count." Temari muttered, earning a snort of laughter from Gaia.
"You two are annoying." Gaia noted as she turned and walked off.
The two shared a look before following after her as they continued their argument. Both happy that they were becoming a family again, but both were also worried about what would happen when their father caught wind of this.
-One week later-
Time flew by and eventually the day of the Yule ball had arrived. Everyone was there, and the castle had been decked out to look amazing. The Triwizard champions were meant to have the first dance, so they all had to enter together and in form.
All of Riley's mates looked amazing. Daphne had her hair up in a bun, and wore a beautiful, silver green dress that hung elegantly off her slender frame. Luna was dressed less extravagantly, but no less beautiful. She wore her hair in a pony tail, and had on a dark red dress with frilly ends that went down to her knees. She also wore a green and red striped shirt and stockings beneath her dress, that completed an appearance that was both Christmas themed, and so very 'Luna'.
Katie was dressed in a long Blue dress that matched Fleur's in color. Her dress went to her knees and while she didn't have an undershirt like Luna, she was wearing a greyish stockings underneath her dress. Katie had her hair up in a pony tail, but allowed some of her bangs to hang forward to frame her face. Fleur was dressed beautifully in a long silvery blue gown. Her hair was tied back in a bun and she had two beautiful diamond earrings, shown for everyone to see.
Gaia was dressed quite beautifully as well. She wore a long dark red Kimono, that was tied off by a yellow bow at the waist. There was little that could be done with her hair since it was so short, though it did seem to be brushed down so it wasn't so wild and messy looking. Riley… well… she looked like Riley. She was dressed in a simple long dark red dress. Her hair was down and all of it had been brushed over her shoulder so it hung behind her and flowed with elegance, with each step.
Pretty much every one of her friends was there, everyone had a date, and it seems Neville had asked Hannah Abbot, while Draco and Hermione had come together.
The champions and their dates were all forced to have the first dance, and Riley had to try her damnedest to keep her attention on Gaia, because her sister and her date were just too amusing. Naruko it seems had been forced to come with Sasuke, whom looked similarly blackmailed into having to participate. Both held looks of resentment at being forced to dance together, and Riley guessed Kakashi had something to do with it.
"You look very beautiful Gaia." Riley complimented as her and Gaia danced across the floor.
"Thank you for asking me to come." Gaia replied.
"Eh, no problem. It was actually Luna's suggestion, I didn't want to come. But I guess I had too. Besides, I figured it would be nice to get to know you better." Riley replied as they continued to dance to the slow lovely melody.
"Luna? Which one is that?" Gaia inquired.
"Oh, Blonde hair, blue eyes, pale. Always seems kinda dreamy. Acts strange sometimes. She's got the one decked out in the Christmas colors." Riley answered, just as they turned enough for Gaia to catch sight of Luna and Daphne.
"I see. Why did she suggest you ask me?" Gaia asked.
"Because she knows I like you." Riley answered simply, though her answer made Gaia tense up a bit, and almost threw them off their rhythm as they continued to dance.
"You... like me?" Gaia muttered, more to herself, than as a question, her eyes having fallen from Riley's face.
"I do. I mean, I like you more than as a friend." Riley admitted, smiling as Gaia brought her gaze back up to Riley's face.
The One-Tails' Jinchuriki was silent for a moment, as she fought off the blush that threatened to bleed through her Sand Armor, finally she was able to offer her dance partner a genuine smile.
Riley returned her smile, as the two continued to dance.
On the sidelines, stood several of the Kage, whom had been invited to come and enjoy the ball. Along with the parents of many of the students and ninja. "Naruko seems to be enjoying herself." Lily noted with a chuckle as her and Minato watched the champions dance.
"Eh..." Was Minato's reply, knowing his wife was being sarcastic.
"Narumi, looks beautiful tonight." Lily stated as her eyes fell on her eldest daughter, and the Kazekage's child.
"I just hope she knows what she getting into with that child." Minato replied as he glanced down at the Kazekage whom was watching the two intently.
"Kakashi." Minato spoke, and in a flash Kakashi was at his side.
"Yes sensei?" Kakashi asked.
"Keep an eye on the Kazekage for me. Let me know if he makes a move towards Narumi." Minato ordered. Kakashi nodded and Shunshined away.
The Dance continued as the first song ended, and more people joined in. Soon the entire floor was filled with people dancing, the entire time, Gaia wore a smile as she danced with Riley. She had never before had someone's attention so solely fixed on her, and in a positive way. Riley chatted with her as they danced, as to how she was enjoying herself. And things continued that way through several more songs.
Eventually the faster songs began playing and Riley and Gaia found themselves sitting at one of the tables. Daphne and Fleur had joined them, while Katie and Luna were now dancing together out on the floor to the faster music.
"Having fun?" Riley questioned her mates.
"Indeed." Fleur replied while Daphne simply nodded and drank from her punch.
"Would you like some punch?" Riley asked Gaia. Gaia stared at her for a second before nodding. Riley quickly got to her feet and headed off.
Gaia wore a smile on her face, one that Daphne and Fleur both noticed.
"You seem happy?" Daphne stated.
"I… guess I am." Gaia replied, rather shyly. She was growing comfortable around Riley, however Riley's mates were a different story. She didn't know them, but Riley liked them, so she'd be friendly.
"Riley is a real sweetheart when you get to know her." Fleur noted with a chuckle. Daphne and Gaia both nodded in agreement.
Gaia continued to wear a smile on her face until she felt someone behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and found a Suna anbu standing there.
"What is it?" Gaia asked, rather darkly.
"The Kazekage wishes to speak with you. Now." The man stated as he jerked his thumb towards one of the doorways that led outside.
Gaia let out a sigh as she rose to her feet, and followed after the Anbu. Daphne and Fleur shared a look, and spotted Temari and Kankuro, watching Gaia like hawks. The two quickly left their dates to follow after her and the Anbu.
After a moment, Riley walked back and glanced around for Gaia.
"A Suna ninja told her that the Kazekage needed to speak with her." Daphne stated. At that, Riley's eyes darkened and she turned towards the direction they went, her eyes locked on the exit.
"My lord. I think somethings happening." Kakashi informed Minato.
"What?" Minato asked as he and Lily danced.
"The Kazekage just pulled his daughter away to chat with her outside." Kakashi informed him.
"Damn." Minato swore as he and Lily shared a look.
-Meanwhile-
Gaia stood outside, she was standing before the Kazekage, her father, along with about ten of his Anbu. The man wore a stern glare, one that she returned. There was nothing but hatred in either of their eyes. No love, no kindness, no familial connection. Just hatred.
"What do you want?" Gaia asked.
"What do you think you're doing?" The Kazekage asked, as his Anbu kept an eye out for any eavesdroppers.
"Having fun. Is that a crime Lord Kazekage?" Gaia asked, her voice dripping with hatred and sarcasm.
"You know what I mean. You know your purpose, and we both know what you are. Sooner or later, you'll kill that girl. So why don't you do the smart thing and break it off? You're nothing but a monster. You know it. I know it. You're mother knew it." The Kazekage stated darkly.
Gaia's eyes widened in sudden rage as sand shot out of her sleeves and shot towards the Kazekage. The sand was stopped as a golden mist shot out from a gourd strapped to the Kazekage's side. The golden dust pushed Gaia's sand back. And then shot forward slamming into her gut. The Kazekage held a bored look as he watched Gaia fall to her knees, gasping for air.
"I'm going to kill you." Gaia growled out.
"I know you'll try. That's what monsters like you do. Don't worry though. Only a few more months and you'll have fulfilled your purpose. Then I'll finally give you the death you deserve." The Kazekage stated, his tone filled with boredom.
"My Lord… somethings wrong with her seal. I sense foreign chakra in it." One of the Anbu stated to the Kazekage.
Hearing that, the Kazekage's face darkened.
Faster then Gaia could react, Golden sand surged around her and encased her entire body, leaving only her head visible. The Kazekage rose and approached his restrained daughter.
"You allowed someone to mess with the seal? Who was it?" The Kazekage demanded as he placed his hand on the seal on her forehead and felt the foreign chakra within it.
"Damn you!" Gaia hissed as the sand armor on her face cracked off and shot forward, intent on spearing the Kazekage in the eye. The man's body quickly dissolved into golden sand and reformed a few feet back.
"Defiant as ever." The Kazekage noted. He then turned and motioned for his Anbu to follow him.
"Where are we going my lord?" One of the Anbu inquired.
"I recognize this Chakra." The Kazekage stated with a sneer.
"If you think to even lay a hand on her, mother and I will kill every single one of you!" Gaia roared in rage.
"Be silent. Monster." The Kazekage stated as the golden dust condescend around Gaia, and the sound of bones cracking could be heard, as she grit her teeth in pain and rage.
-Back inside-
Riley and her mates sat, waiting for Gaia's return. Riley's head suddenly snapped to one of the doorways when gasps were heard. She glanced over and spotted the Kazekage, along with ten Anbu at his flanks. Behind him, hovering in a cocoon of golden sand, was Gaia whom looked to be in pain.
Seeing the Kazekage's making such a bold and forceful approach, caused Riley to instinctively place herself between him and her mates. She also immediately began scanning the room, locating each one of her friends, taking note of their exact location, just in case this got ugly.
When her eyes settled on Gaia, and how she was being manhandled, and was seemingly in pain, caused Riley's temper to flare, and only the gentle act of Luna reaching out to take her hand, stopped her from immediately rushing forward to free her friend, from her father's clutches.
"Lord Kazekage… what is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore asked as he noticed the aggressive stance, the lord of Sunagakure was taking as he focused his attention on Riley.
"Uchiwa. You placed a seal on this girl?" The Kazekage accused as he focused on Riley. Temari and Kankuro could be seen in the background, being held back by Baki.
"I did." Riley answered, staring at him intently.
"You did what?" Minato asked as he shot a look at his eldest daughter. He knew this was trouble, placing a seal on a foreign ninja was a capital offense, one that could be punishable by death. Due to the nature of seals, and their versatility, placing one on a foreign ninja, was basically seen as an attack.
"You placed an unwarranted seal onto a shinobi of Sunagakure. By my right and authority I hereby place you under arrest." The Kazekage stated, rage in his eyes.
"Wait a minute." Minato stated, but before he could get any further the Anbu reached for their blades. Before anyone could react a sharp popping noise pierced the air.
The Kazekage's eyes widened as he heard his Anbu curse and then fall to the ground. Each one had a small, black, metal rod, sticking out of their guts.
"I can't…. feel my chakra..." One of the Anbu cried as he tried and failed to pull the rod out.
"You honestly thought you could arrest me?" Riley asked with a chuckle as she slowly approached him. Suddenly everyone in the room was focused on this situation.
"You placed an illegal seal on one of my ninja. By that act alone I can claim your life." The Kazekage stated with as menacing a glare as he could manage.
"Narumi… tell me you didn't place a seal on a foreign ninja?" Minato asked her.
"I did." Riley stated without much care for hiding it. Her gaze was intent, locked onto the Kazekage.
"Ms. Slytherin… why? You must know something like that is highly illegal." Dumbledore asked her.
Riley glanced at the headmaster for several moments before a cruel smirk crossed her face. Dumbledore noticed the gleam in her eyes, and he finally remembered whom he was talking to. Riley always had a plan, she always had an out. She knew the laws and loopholes of this land, and others, and she could easily shield herself politically and legally, in fact she may have been better at manipulating the laws, then she was at fighting. He knew, just by looking at that smirk that she was about to turn this whole thing around.
"Did you know Dumbledore… that when the charter was signed by the Elemental Nations, to join the ICW, one of the stipulations was that Jinchuriki were recognized as living weapons. Part of the charter stated that they were not allowed into any ICW allied country without notifying the leader of said county." Riley inquired to Dumbledore.
"I… did know that." Dumbledore answered as people began to give each other looks.
"Tell me… Minister Fudge. Madam Bones. How many Jinchuriki are in this room?" Riley asked.
Fudge and Bones stood off to the side, they both shared looks before Fudge answered. "Two?"
"And who are they?" Riley asked.
"You and the Girl-Who-Lived." Fudge answered as he pointed at Naruko.
"Well… you're wrong. They're are more then two. The red headed girl there, she's a Jinchuriki… one with a faulty seal as well. The Kazekage snuck a Jinchuriki into our nation." Riley fired back at the Kazekage whom suddenly realized he may have just made a huge mistake.
The Tsuchikage and Raikage both stood off to the side watching with immense interest. The Raikage made a mental note to speak to Riley about why she didn't rat out Yugito later.
"You did what?" Minato asked as he locked eyes with his ally.
"She was here to take the chuunin exams and..." The Kazekage began, but was cut off by Minato.
"So was my daughter. Britain has been one of our allies for years, you knew they would keep the Jinchuriki's identity a secret, so why did you hide it? Such an act is incredibly suspicious." Minato stated darkly.
"He's right Lord Kazekage. Such an act is highly suspicious." Dumbledore agreed eying the Kazekage intently.
"This is grave news lord Kazekage. Jinchuriki are dangerous. To sneak one into our lands, could be considered an act of war." Fudge threatened obviously displeased by this turn of events.
"On top of everything… Ms. Slytherin claims that the seal is faulty?" Amelia added, as she gave the Kazekage a stern glare.
"Her seal is fine, it'…." The Kazekage began but was cut off by a loud laugh from Riley.
"Fine? You're telling us that a seal so weak, that if she even falls asleep… the demon can take over, is fine? Are you a fucking idiot?" Riley stated earning gasps of surprise from the people, especially Minato whom was a seal master, and knew that something like that was not nearly good enough.
"Poor Gaia here, hasn't had a full nights sleep in years, because of that damn seal. I just fixed it up. Allowed her to sleep." Riley stated.
"You still placed a seal on a foreign ninja..." The Kazekage tried to deflect the attention back onto Riley.
"As well she should have. Especially if that ninja, just so happened to be a walking time bomb. What I want to know is why you didn't report this when you first learned of it, Lady Uchiwa?" Amelia fired back before turning her question towards Riley.
"As he said, Gaia was only here to take the Chuunin Exams, and she's my friend. I didn't want to do anything that could have caused her to be kicked out, all because her braying jackass of a father wanted to keep secrets." Riley answered, her response being mostly honest. She hadn't actually thought about it at the time, but looking back, if she had to have a reason for not ratting out that Gaia was a Jinchuriki, that would've been her reasoning.
"What did you hope to gain from all this mistrust Lord Kazekage? If you had been honest, then none of this would have happened." Minato stated with a disappointed sigh.
"Karura would be disappointed in the man you've become. It's probably why she keeps trying to kill you." Riley stated with a dark chuckle.
"What did you say?" The Kazekage asked his eyes widening, Kankuro and Temari both caught by her statement, their own eyes locked on Riley. Even Gaia had stopped struggling and was currently processing what Riley had just said.
"Gaia's mother's will resides within the sand. It's what protects her, shields her from you. You are a disgrace. A mother like that… she's too good a woman for scum like you." Riley growled out at him.
The Kazekage's eyes widened in rage. The golden dust dropped Gaia and lurched forward at intense speed. Everyone's eyes widened as the wave of golden sand rushed towards Riley. Minato's hand shot back to one of his Hirashin Kunai but he was stopped by a hand on his wrist. He glanced over to see Itachi standing there.
"Itachi?" Minato got out.
"She'll be fine." Itachi stated to him as he watched the fight with interest. He had come to see his little brother dance, like so many other parents and older siblings had, but he had never expected things to turn out like this.
"Riley..." Gaia growled out as she watched the wave of heavy golden dust, crush her friend beneath it.
"Never ever, speak of my wife." The Kazekage growled out as his sand crushed the annoying girl.
"Very well then… I hereby declare war between my house and Sunagakure. For the duration of the conflict I am no longer affiliated with Britain." They all heard Riley's voice. The Kazekage glanced over to see her standing in front of Amelia and Fudge. Both wore frightened looks on their faces but managed to nod.
Riley spun around and glared at the Kazekage, her Rinne Sharingan suddenly glowed red and she began to advance towards him. Riley raised her hand and suddenly all ten of the Suna Anbu levitated into the air. With a flick of her wrist they all shot together into a large clump of human beings. Suddenly, Riley stared at them intently and they all began to vanish into a black hole in the air. Riley had sucked them all into Kamui.
She then fished out a kunai and her wand. By this time the Kazekage pointed his palm at her, and his golden sand rushed towards her. Riley threw the kunai into the air, above the wave of sand. Minato was able to catch a glimpse of the kunai and his jaw dropped. It looked exactly like his Hiraishin Kunai, only the wrapping around the handle was red instead of tan.
Then suddenly, Riley vanished in a blackish red flash.
'She knows the Hiraishin. How?' Minato thought as he heard Itachi chuckle.
"Always full of surprises eh Riley?" Itachi stated.
Riley had appeared in the air where her Kunai was, she caught it, twisted, and fired it down towards the shocked Kazekage. The blade landed at his feet, faster then he could react, and in a second flash Riley was right in front of him. Her wand shot out, pointed right at his chest and in a burst of gore, a reducto fired out of her wand and blew a hole the size of a cantaloupe in his chest.
Blood burst out of the Kazekage's mouth. He hadn't expected her to know the Hiraishin. To know how to move faster than the speed of light. That mistake had cost him, his own arrogance had cost him, and now he was dying.
"Enjoy hell." Riley muttered as her wand wrapped in fire and she drove it like a blade, right into the Kazekage's heart.
The Golden dust fell and settled on the ground as everyone watched the Kazekage collapse with a hole where his heart should be. Gasps were heard from everyone, and people let out startled cries.
"She… She just killed the Kazekage." Lily got out as her hands shot to her mouth. Minato stared at his eldest daughter, shock adorning all of his features. This fight had lasted less then a minute and Riley had ended it without any difficulty what so ever. She even knew his Hiraishin. If there was any doubt in Minato's mind that Riley had surpassed him, it was gone now. She had just killed a Kage in a minute.
"Seriously… this man was a Kage? He must have been the weakest Kage in history. His only redeeming ability was Magnet release. What a waste." Riley muttered kicking the Kazekage's corpse before she turned towards Baki whom was staring at his dead leader's body, horror etched into his every feature.
"Do you wish to continue this war between my house and Suna. Or shall you call an end to it?" Riley asked as she pointed her wand at him and smiled.
"N-No… no… it's over… please… no more…" Baki begged as he raised his hands in surrender. Kankuro and Temari were trapped between two emotions, shock and joy. They both knew their father was a monster, he never showed any of them love, and now he was finally dead. But… just the way he died, how fast and simple it was. It was almost too hard to believe.
"Fine. As for terms of Surrender, all I desire is amnesty for my crimes." Riley told them.
"Cr-Crimes? What crimes?" Baki asked, still terrified beyond belief of this girl whom had just slaughtered his leader like he was an ant.
"For placing the seal on Gaia. Give me amnesty for that crime and I will allow your surrender without further violence." Riley offered.
"Uh… yes… fine! Deal." Baki agreed with a nod. With that Riley smiled though that smile quickly turned into a scowl and a harsh glare.
"You are pathetic." She stated as she snapped her fingers. Suddenly her body and the Kazekage's burned away. Everyone blinked and suddenly they noticed Riley still standing by Fudge and Amelia and the Kazekage was now alive standing where he originally was, as were his Anbu. The horror in his features was unmistakable.
"You see how weak you are compared to me? You see how weak your ninja are? You are nothing before me. I claim Gaia as my ward, challenge me on this and I will do unto you, all that you just saw." Riley stated with a viscous grin.
"What… just happened?" Daphne asked as she glanced around the room and saw confusion on everyone's faces.
"Genjutsu." Itachi said with a smile. Minato heard him and his jaw dropped. Riley had managed to cast a Genjutsu on the entire room, so powerful not even the Kage could see through it, and it was so subtle, that none of them had noticed it being cast.
"Itachi... did you know?" Minato asked, still staring at his eldest daughter in disbelief.
"No. But it's obvious how she did it. Her Rinngen must possess the same ocular ability as the Sharingan. She can cast genjutsu with her eyes. My guess... the moment they flashed red, drawing all eyes to her." Itachi answered, earning a slow nod of understanding and agreement from Minato.
"You… how…?" The Kazekage sputtered as he touched his chest, feeling where the hole used to be.
"You underestimate the power of my eyes." Riley stated as her eyes returned to their normal lavender color.
Suddenly, realization struck the Kazekage as he recalled when her eyes turned red and he looked into them. She had cast an illusion on the whole room. Everyone else heard and saw what happened, but he felt it, because he actually looked into her eyes.
"I claim Gaia as my own. Do you accept my claim, or shall we fight?" Riley asked as she took a step closer to him.
The Kazekage took an instinctive step back. He was no longer the mighty Kage of Sunagakure. He wasn't an S-Ranked ninja anymore. He was a man, standing before a monster. She had controlled him so easily, he didn't even know if this was real or not anymore.
"Do you dispute my claim, or not?" Riley asked as she took another step towards him.
"I-If I agree… you must leave Suna alone. End this conflict. No fighting. No war." The Kazekage got out, the fear in his voice was easily noticeable, even the students could detect it.
"Very well. Gaia is now a ward of my house. I end the conflict between us. Step forward and let us perform the absolvement ritual." Riley told him as she stepped up to him and stuck her hand out.
The Kazekage stared at her for a moment, his eyes never drifting to her face, for fear of falling into another illusion. He took her hand, and in a moment felt his magic and hers intermingle. A second or two passed before their magic flashed a greenish color and then settled, signifying that magic had acknowledged that they were no longer enemies.
Riley released his hand and turned towards Minister Fudge. "Minister. The conflict between my house and the Kazekage of Suna is over. I would like to ask for reinstatement as a British citizen, and to apologize for any strain my actions may cause in future relations with Sunagakure."
"Yes… well. As Minister of Magic in the lands of Britain I hereby accept your houses return, and accept you back as a British citizen. The ministry accepts your apology and wishes you and your house all the best for the future." Minister Fudge stated. Riley smiled and nodded before turning and walking over to Gaia.
"What just happened?" Gaia inquired as Riley helped her to her feet.
"Technically I'm now your legal guardian. Your father just accepted you becoming my ward as a means of surrender for himself. So technically, I get to decide your future." Riley stated with a smile.
"Oh..." Gaia stated, not sure how she felt about that, then she felt Riley take her hands and she locked eyes with her.
"My first act as your guardian, since you are a shinobi, is to emancipate you. As your guardian, I and my house recognize you as an adult, and due to the laws of the Land of Wind, from which you are a citizen, as a shinobi you are legally an adult. Now that I have emancipated you, you are free to do as you wish. Minister Fudge, Headmaster, do either of you dispute my right to emancipate my ward here?" Riley inquired as she shot a look at the two of them.
"Well… the ICW recognizes shinobi as adults even if they are underage. Because she is your ward, as ordered by her ruling Kage, you are free and justified in making such a decision." Dumbledore stated.
"Okay… now what happened?" Gaia asked again.
"I emancipated you Gaia. You are now a legal adult. Able to make your own decisions." Riley informed her with a smile.
"Really?" Gaia asked.
"Yep. You're still a ninja of Suna, but now you are a legal adult." Riley stated as she shot a look over at the Kazekage and smirked.
"I'll make you pay for this." The Kazekage growled to himself. But some people could still hear him.
"You'll try… and you'll fail." Riley stated to him, earning a surprised look from the man, since he assumed she couldn't hear him.
"I think you should go, Lord Kazekage." Minato suggested. A few quiet seconds went by before the Kazekage turned with his Anbu and left.
"So… ah, who wants punch?" Riley inquired, trying to lighten the mood.
"Oh Riley… nozings ever normal around you." Fleur stated, earning a nod of agreement from her fellow mates.
"His only control over me now, is as Kazekage. Thank you Riley." Gaia thanked her with a smile as she finally understood that she was basically free from him, in most ways. Like now he couldn't tell her where to live or who she could be friends with, now he only had control of her, in a shinobi sense, when it came to missions and military matters. But when it came to her social life, she was free of his control. She could do what she wanted.
"No problem." Riley said with a smile.
-Six days Later-
The Kazekage sat alone in his dark office. Wondering to himself, where he could have gone so wrong. His control over Gaia was minimal already, she had no respect for him as a leader, or a father. She only did what he said because he was legally the one in charge of her. Now that she was emancipated, the Daimyo and the council wouldn't be able to support him in controlling her. He was alone now, and his shinobi were shaken by what they had learned from the events at the Ball. They were frightened by how easily he had been defeated. He had even heard some talk of the council searching for a replacement. People were even starting to doubt 'the plan'. He needed everyone back in order. If Sunagakure was going to regain it's position it needed to follow through with Orochimaru's plan, otherwise, Konoha would continue to steal their missions and drive them further into obscurity.
He needed a way to get Gaia back under his control. Kankuro and Temari were being of little help. The two had chosen Gaia over him, they spent their time with their sister, rebuilding bonds, that he had made sure were severed years ago. All three of his children were defiant, that made him look weak. The Hokage had seen his weakness and was now giving him the cold shoulder. The Kazekage let out a growl, he'd show that pompous blonde asshole. Once they launched the plan into action, Minato and the top ninja of Konoha would be crippled, and they could launch an invasion of the village itself. Then with Konoha gone, no one would stand in their way.
He was in the middle of his thoughts when he heard a fluttering sound, like cloth falling to the floor. He glanced up at the two Anbu that stood on either side of the entrance to his office. Their cloaks had fallen off, though both still stood stock still, like they hadn't noticed.
The Kazekage watched as the two masked ninja, one man, and one woman, remained perfectly motionless as their flak jackets were ripped from their bodies. Revealing their chests.
The Kazekage's eyes widened, neither was reacting, almost like they couldn't feel what was happening to them, he could see the two were breathing, so it's not like they were frozen, but they couldn't feel anything. It was odd since he knew at least one of them was prudish, and she would most definitely never flash her Kage. But there she stood, chest revealed for him to see, and she didn't even seem to notice.
The Kazekage was about to speak when he noticed blood start to trickle from their chests. It started about three inches above both of their right breasts, a line in their skins, like someone was carving their flesh with a kunai. The Kazekage's eyes widened in horror as he watched the two Anbu, remain motionless as their chests were carved open. He slowly realized that it was writing of some sort, the carving was forming letters across their chests.
He saw blood trickle from the wounds as a word began to take shape on both their chests.
'R' was the first letter.
'A' was the second, and at this moment the Kazekage reached for a kunai and started to rise from his desk.
'L' was the next letter, and a horrible chill began to creep across his back.
'A' was the one that followed and that cold feeling turned to dread. "No..." The Kazekage thought as he fearfully came to realize what was happening.
'E' came next and he knew something horrible had come for him. He glanced at the ceiling wondering why the Anbu squad up there hadn't come down to confront what was happening.
'L' was the final letter carved into their chests, and the Kazekage quickly flared his chakra, trying to dispel whatever illusion they were under.
He had shut his eyes when he flared his chakra, and when he opened them, he nearly let out a scream. There, standing on the opposite side of his desk, was the Angel of Carnage, Ralael.
With a shout the Kazekage threw his kunai at the angel's head, the blade passed right through it and before he could react a blue ball of light shot from the angel's chest and hit him dead on, knocking him unconscious.
-Later-
Pain was all the Kazekage felt as his eyes fluttered open, his head felt as if it had been torn in half. He reached up to rub his temple, when a burning pain shot through his hand. He glanced down and nearly screamed in shock. His hand was gone, and in it's place was a burnt stump. He looked at his other hand, and again he saw that it was nothing more than a stump. He tried to get to his feet but the same burning feeling passed through his feet. He glanced down in horror as he realized that both of his feet, were also missing.
The Kazekage glanced around, he realized he was still in his office. He looked around and noticed that he was surrounded by seven Anbu. Two were the ones who guarded the door, and the other five were the squad that hid in the ceiling. Each one was completely nude, with Ralael's name carved into their chests. Each had hundreds, no thousands of tiny inch wide cuts all over their bodies. They were as thin as paper cuts, but they were everywhere. Every square inch of their bodies were covered in these cuts. Tiny streams of blood trickled from each one. He also noticed that they were all missing their eyes.
These were his most loyal men and women. They may not have been the best shinobi in the village, but they were undoubtedly loyal to him. They'd taken part in many of his schemes and twisted acts in the past, and to see his comrades so injured and defiled, it very nearly made him wretch.
Even with all the damage that was done to them, even with all the pain they must be feeling, each one stood with the same bored expression on their face. Almost like they believed they were still on guard duty. It was then that the Kazekage realized that, that was exactly what they all thought. None of them realized that they were under an illusion of some sort. That they had been stripped nude, and had their bodies carved up. None of them seemed aware of the fact that their eyes were now missing.
The Kazekage didn't get much more time to think of the state of himself and his Anbu when Ralael glided into the room. She had passed right through the door, like she was made of smoke. The angel slowly glided towards him, her face hidden by the hood of her ghastly cloak, her wings hung open, poised ready to flap, and push the angel into the air with great force, should the need arise. Three whip like tails glided out from beneath her cloak as she floated towards him, they poked out for a few brief moments before vanishing beneath her dark shroud.
"Why? Why did you do this to me?" The Kazekage asked, his voice came out in an airy raspy tone, he felt his throat tighten and crack, almost like he had been breathing in sand for hours. It hurt to speak, and hurt even more to move his lips, which he noted were dry and cracked.
"The 'Why?' is already known to you. You sought war. You sought to elevate yourself, by murdering children. I have seen into your mind… I know of what you plan. You, would bring war to the innocent, you shall die." Ralael answered, it's tone menacing and full of rage.
The Kazekage watched as Ralael reached into her cloak and pulled out a small red jewel.
"Do you know what this is?" Ralael asked as she floated closer to him.
The Kazekage remained silent, trying his best to remain defiant even in the face of death.
"This is a creation of humanity. A Philosophers Stone. A jewel that can create wealth, and grant eternal life. By placing a piece of gold next to the stone, it can create exact copies of the currency. Or… if you place the stone on an object, it will turn it to gold. You wield gold as a weapon. It is only fitting that you die by that weapon." Ralael stated as she floated even closer to him. The Kazekage's eyes widened in horror as he realized what was going to happen to him. He felt himself levitate off the ground, felt himself hover in the air. Ralael was in front of him now. She hovered before him, staring at him.
The Kazekage tried to look defiant as she reached out and placed the jewel to his right arm. He felt magic, pass through it into himself. Suddenly a burning pain, worse then anything he'd ever imagined, began to crawl up his arm. He glanced down and to his horror, saw that his arm was turning into solid gold.
"Sunagakure will not stand for this. You will DIE!" The Kazekage shouted in rage as the gold reached his shoulder.
"Suna, will very soon be under my control." Ralael stated as she locked eyes with him.
The Kazekage felt his heart stop. In his final moments, as the gold reached his heart and his face, he locked eyes with the Angel, and there staring back at him were the glowing red eyes of the Rinne Sharingan.
It took several more moments for the rest of the Kazekage's body to be converted into gold by the stone. As soon as it was done, Ralael absorbed the Kazekage's soul. She smiled beneath her hood, she had a few stops to make before leaving the village. One to steal the villages sacred scrolls and hidden jutsu, and the other was to collect the scrolls on Magnet Release. As Ralael glided out of the office, she released her illusion on the guards. She heard them all begin to scream in pure agony, and she knew reinforcements would be there soon to help them. They would see what she had done, and they would look upon what their Kazekage had become. A man who could use gold to defeat even a tailed beast, became his greatest weapon. She wondered, morbidly, if they'd melt him down to pay for some of their financial woes.
Though, those thoughts aside, she now knew what the 'plan' was. She knew what the hidden villages were going to be doing at the end of the year, and she now had to prepare. She would definitely be paying a visit to the other villages, they would all soon learn, the wrath of Ralael.
-To be Continued-
Alright there it is, hope you all enjoyed, we'll be shooting through the other challenges next chapter, and we'll be getting to the final's very soon, hope you enjoy.
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