Mastery
In a world entranced by the spectacle of power, Orochimaru is the ink that writes history in secret, the silence that gives weight to unspeakable chants.
A serpent born from the essence of the ninja world, he is wrapped around its very heart. Ever elusive, his tongue flicks the air, tasting the secrets that others bury.
When the many are transfixed by the black and white of heroism and villainy, he is a swirl of gray; the question no one dares to ask, the line no one dares to cross.
To call him a genius willing to dissect the world would be an understatement; he defies easy labels.
And the world might be fractured, but when his hand wields the hammer, it isn't to break.
Rather, he is caressing its new and complex landscape with the reverence of an archaeologist holding a timeless relic.
Amid the fleeting sandcastles others hurriedly construct against the tides of time, he looks beyond, to the cosmic constant, to that which stands when all else crumbles.
In this boundless classroom that is the universe, Orochimaru is both an eternal student and a reluctant mentor, forever beckoning one to consider if, just maybe, the cosmos can feel.
LORD OF THE MORNING
Naruto sat alone on the rim of the Outer ring, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
In space, the concept of a traditional sunrise didn't apply; they weren't orbiting any celestial body. The sun operated on its own whims.
It was evident that he would have to simulate conditions for a regular, artificial sunrise for the people, if only for their psychological comfort.
And he would make this work. All of it.
Ring/Plans
"So, another construct…?" Naruto asked Orochimaru.
It was getting hard for him to tell all of these new technologies apart.
Inside the bustling, high-tech lab, Orochimaru stood in front of a holographic display, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Karin's clone was here; so was Aruni — Aru for short, a name he despised, which only encouraged its use. And Naruto, as well as many more.
All were gathered around Orochimaru, their attention focused on the model rotating slowly in the air.
"Exactly." Orochimaru began, sweeping his hand across the display. "Something we've been developing, thanks to that device we found along with that stranded Uchiha person, before we sent him back. Think of it as a self-sufficient factory, able to manufacture virtually anything we need, given the right raw materials."
Naruto considered this. "So we're abandoning the Rinnegan vessel stations? The Creation of All Things technique won't be administered by trusted helpers?"
"Not at all." Orochimaru shook his head. "This is an additional asset, not a replacement."
Naruto nodded. "And the raw materials? I can conjure things into existence, but there's got to be a more efficient way."
"The universe itself will provide." Orochimaru answered, a magnanimous grin on his face.
"Could you be less cryptic?"
"I'm quite serious." Orochimaru's smile held steady. "Asteroids, comets, cosmic dust — all can be harvested, moved and repurposed. From parts for our technology to structural elements for expanding the Rings. The construct is designed to do just that."
"That's handy." Naruto admitted. Less manual input was always nice, especially considering the scale the entire place was likely to reach.
He had trained specific individuals to use the Rinnegan, promising rewards he was still unsure of, to fulfill these very needs.
"Where did you steal the concept, again?" Naruto asked.
"Out and about." Orochimaru vaguely replied, shrugging. "Moreover, the construct can replicate itself."
"By itself?" Naruto's eyebrow arched.
"Yes. Meaning it is exponential. As long as there are sufficient resources, it can duplicate. It's a way to bolster our resource acquisition and production."
"This is impressive..." Naruto admitted. "And also concerning. Please tell me—"
"They won't go rogue and consume all available resources, no." Orochimaru assured.
"…Oh?"
Naruto glanced at Karin, catching her subtle smile. Orochimaru's assurances often came with caveats. Or the possibility of humanity's extinction.
One or two versions of him had done just that, bringing the Edo Tensei jutsu back to life in an all too public fashion — they had not been invited aboard.
"They are built to account for that." Karin stated. "Thanks to Aru."
"Do not call me that." Aru snapped. "I only contributed because your pathetic efforts were becoming painful to watch."
"As he so eloquently puts it." Orochimaru nodded. "These constructs are multi-purpose. They can be adapted for various roles, not just mining."
Orochimaru slid a file toward him. "I had it dumbed down so that even your slower brain might understand our work."
"Much appreciated." Naruto said, his tone dry as he picked up the file.
…
The following assessment of the advancements in the Empire during the era of Uzumaki Naruto is extracted from recent discussions with Lord Orochimaru and his close advisors.
The record of these proceedings can be found in the central archives, maintained by the Boa Council. The essential accuracy of this account holds true to the presented facts.
[…]
AUTONOMOUS CONSTRUCTS
The Empire stands on the cusp of a new frontier.
Under the guidance of Lord Orochimaru's Research Team One (R1) has realized a significant leap in operational capabilities through the creation of autonomous constructs.
With a primary design to extract useful elements from space resources such as asteroids and space dust, these constructs have demonstrated equal efficiency with more typical resources found on our homeworlds.
These constructs possess a unique capability to self-replicate, promising exponential growth in the Empire's resource acquisition and production capabilities.
With their innate ability to generate refined materials, the need for direct manual intervention has been substantially reduced, possibly nullified.
The presence and efficiency of these constructs have boosted confidence in their potential to support and expand the Empire's reach.
Five unique construct functions have been established.
[See attached list of functions.]
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
In the realm of infrastructure development, the application of autonomous constructs has presented significant potential.
These constructs are designed to repurpose extracted materials into vital components for infrastructure expansion, from parts for advanced technology to structural elements for the Rings.
Their self-replicating nature eliminates the need for traditional construction methods and promises swift and efficient construction and further reconstruction of the Empire's infrastructure.
This innovative approach will likely be widely welcomed by the Empire.
FOOD PRODUCTION
The first two years of the Emperor's reign have witnessed remarkable advancements in food production already.
Because of this new development, further progress is expected, at a faster rate.
The constructs are capable of establishing and overseeing automated farming systems, promising a significant increase in crop yield and consistent food source for the Empire.
The constructs are designed to manage tasks ranging from seed planting to crop growth monitoring and harvesting.
Additionally, they can adjust the scale of farming operations as required, creating a sustainable network of 'farmer constructs.'
WATER MANAGEMENT
Water management represents another critical function of these autonomous constructs.
They are capable of establishing and maintaining water management systems, desalinating non-potable water, building advanced wastewater treatment plants for recycling, and designing systems for capturing atmospheric moisture.
Their implementation ensures a steady and reliable water supply throughout the Rings, significantly enhancing the sustainability of the Empire's habitats.
POWER PRODUCTION
Power production is another area where these constructs have demonstrated significant capabilities.
They can construct and maintain solar panels to harness abundant sunlight in space, and oversee the operations of nuclear fusion plants.
Beyond power generation, these constructs can also establish energy storage systems, such as advanced battery banks, and build advanced energy storage systems and smart grids for efficient power distribution.
In conclusion, these autonomous constructs promise significant advancements in resource acquisition, infrastructure development, food and water management, and power production.
Respectfully submitted:
Hagiwara Hana, on behalf of the Boa Council
…
Naruto reclined in his chair, absorbing the weight of the report's implications. Across the table, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, a subtle but unmistakable sign of satisfaction.
"You were right." Naruto acknowledged.
"Of course I was—"
"I mean about the report." Naruto nodded. "Even I could understand it. They did a marvelous job with that."
Annoyance flickered across Orochimaru's face. "Must you tarnish every victory?"
"Only yours."
Banter aside… It was somewhat mind-boggling.
This was more than a fleeting glimpse of what lay ahead; it was a window into a future brimming with unrealized possibilities. Coupled with their ability to traverse worlds, the constructs hinted at an expansive, promising horizon.
The daunting obstacles that loomed in their path now seemed not just manageable, but conquerable.
Naruto's eyes shifted, locking onto the gaze of each person in the room — Orochimaru, Aru, the clone of Karin, and the members of Research Team One who were present.
"As always, thank you for your work." His voice carried a depth of gratitude that mere words could hardly convey.
Ring/Changes
Grand Hall 54 was filled with anticipation, the air heavy with a mix of awe and nervousness.
Naruto — a clone — stood at the elevated platform, and knew his station had likely much to do with it.
He scanned the assembly, a diverse congregation of faces waiting for his words. In his palm, a small talisman glowed subtly, its inner luminescence emanating softly. He lifted it high for all to see.
"This." He began, his voice resonating through the hall "Will be your lifeline — a link to home."
He handed the talisman to a nearby woman. Her hands quivered as she accepted it.
"With it." Naruto continued. "You'll have the ability to return to your personal lodgings no matter where you are in this world."
Moving on, he presented another talisman to a man standing close by.
"It is more than just an easy way to home — or to any place you are allowed to warp to." Naruto added, turning back to face the crowd. "It's also your key to access the systems here on the Ring. Communication, navigation, resource management, and so forth — it will help you. It will also allow you to access the inner part of the Rings, where the land lies. In the future, we may augment their capabilities, but that's a discussion for another day."
A ripple of murmurs ran through the crowd.
"Rest assured, you won't lose it."
He paused to let his words sink in.
"Over the course of today and tomorrow, we will activate all of these talismans. Please, come forward one at a time."
He retreated a step, signaling for the crowd to arrange itself.
"Do not fret about safety either." Naruto concluded. "We have that under control."
Many struggled with the adjustment.
In the quiet solitude of his new home on the Celestial Rings, a man found himself locked in a quiet contemplation with his own reflection.
Digital metrics ebbed and flowed at the periphery of the mirror, offering real-time insight into his health metrics—heart rate, sleep quality, nutritional intake.
Sure, he had been curious about what the technology could show, but…
This was a world apart from the rustic simplicity he was accustomed to back home on Earth. His once humble dwelling had been supplanted by a compact, technologically sophisticated apartment.
All of it was a jarring reminder of the staggering leap mankind had made. A leap taken somewhat blindly, it felt.
With a hesitant hand, he touched the cool, responsive glass of the mirror.
A tidal wave of nostalgia washed over him, filling his lungs and heart, as he let out a heavy, laden sigh.
…
Perched on the edge of her new high-rise apartment's balcony, a young woman named Akiko gazed out at the sprawling network of the Outer Ring stretching towards the artificial horizon.
Marble white and greenery too flawless not to be chakra-made.
A blueish barrier above, that didn't quite look like skies either, and would supposedly be modified in the future.
For a woman who had spent most of her life in a conventional city, the sight was both awe-inspiring… and terrifying.
She reached down to the empty space by her side, instinctively seeking the comforting rustle of a cheap, worn pillow.
Instead, her fingers brushed against the sleek surface of the handheld device provided to all residents, her guide to this new world.
Its screen displayed an array of tasks and schedules all were welcome to join or not, all curated to aid her in acclimating to her new life.
There were guides on using the high-tech appliances in her home, sessions on understanding the recycling process for materials, and even virtual reality programs to simulate earthly experiences while the real thing was being set up.
As she scrolled through these options, a feeling of dislocation welled up within her.
As she navigated through these options, a sense of dislocation enveloped her. Everything here was so efficient, so automated, so far removed from the tactile world she had known.
She missed the feel of the hard pavement, the mess of the city, the scent of ripening crops in the distance, the constant noise of a chaotic place under the open sky.
Akiko stood up and headed outside — which to her, still felt like 'inside' —, her heart aching for the Earthly simplicity lost amidst this… celestial complexity.
…
Yoshida, once a high-powered business executive from one of the bustling metropolises on Earth, found himself struggling.
He walked through one of the many residential districts with higher population density, and his eyes scanned the homes, each filled with state-of-the-art technology that catered to his every need.
His mind was grappling with the absence of something he had never thought he could miss: the world of business and the relentless pursuit of growth.
It was the absence of the familiar — the rat race, the chase for material success — that left him feeling unmoored.
The Celestial Rings functioned on a new economic paradigm, one where jobs were optional…
And currency was not a very tangible concept anymore, had lost its traditional weight.
Basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare were taken care of, with society's focus redirected toward personal development, community engagement, and creative pursuits.
Anything else, people could choose to trade for, ask for… or produce on their own.
Yoshida stared at the surreal scene outside the looking glass, his reflection mirroring his bafflement and loss.
He hadn't realized it yet, but he had been a man defined by his work, his success measured in tangible riches.
Now, in a society that deemed such things as secondary and scarcity was becoming an antiqued concept, he felt like a ship adrift.
He wasn't alone in this struggle.
His device pinged with an invitation for a meet-up with other 'Earth-business' veterans. With a heavy sigh, Yoshida acknowledged the notification.
He might go; then again, he might not.
There was no rush.
People converged on what was becoming known as the Celestial Plain, located on the Inner Ring.
This vast expanse, where previously floating cities were being guided to converge and integrate seamlessly with the terrain… was allegedly a product of human creation.
It was hard to believe.
It was a marvel of engineering and chakra manipulation, a landscape that mirrored the pristine beauty of Earth - undulating hills, verdant grasslands, and the first rivers that wound through the plain like shimmering silver ribbons.
They stood at the edge of the plain, under the inky skies.
Children frolicked about while adults conversed in hushed tones, their voices carried away by the gentle breeze—
Wind. There was wind, now.
Then, without warning, the first droplet fell.
Then another fell, and another, until a gentle patter and the smell of petrichor filled the air. A man looked up, entranced.
It was a moment frozen in time. The droplets glinted against the backdrop of the artificial Eden, before they broke against tree leaves and soil.
On Earth, no rain had been truly enjoyable for the last months of godly intervention. And now…
Man-made rain in the Celestial Rings.
The crowd erupted in disbelief, laughter, and joyful shouts as the sky replicated an Earthly downpour.
Children ran and danced, and adults turned their faces toward the heavens, welcoming the rain like an old friend.
Their smiles were a mixture of nostalgia and relief, and the familiar sensation of warm downpour, its comforting scent, was a balm to their hearts.
Yoisen, who had seen a myriad of different worlds, found herself struggling some, too.
She had long since become more of an observer, particularly since the loss of Uzushio.
In spite of her interest, investing emotional energy into comprehending the depths of the new worlds she encountered had become a more difficult endeavor. In alternate realities, she had felt as though she was under a time constraint, too.
Right now, however, she felt a new sense of urgency.
The evidence of Naruto and Orochimaru's tireless endeavors over the past few months was tangible in the massive celestial structure.
They had been very busy since the others had first left, certainly, and she had seen it in Umi when she had come back.
But this…
Gods.
The sheer scale… standing amidst the Rings, their creation stirred a concern within her for their mental well-being.
In a mere span of seven months, and particularly so during the last ones, they had conceived and executed myriad designs, each seemingly independent… and only became truly interconnected at the most critical of moments.
Officially, they had never truly planned to vacate Earth for an extended period.
Initially, the elaborate plans for the Rings had been framed as contingency measures, unlikely scenarios for a distant future. All for safety.
Right now, standing amidst the intricate result of those plans, Yoisen began to question that assumption.
The meticulous detail and the foresight that went into the construction of the Celestial Rings were far beyond what one would invest in a mere possibility.
It was evident that Naruto and Orochimaru had anticipated the off chance a kami might decide to upend the entire table.
And one had done so, if brought there by Naruto himself.
Faced with their incredible commitment, Yoisen found herself questioning her own level of engagement. She couldn't afford to remain a bystander.
Not when so many others were fully invested.
Not just Naruto's friends she knew — Ino, Karin, Toru, Hanabi, Yugito, Anko, Sasuke, Kage and his brooding friend. As well as all the others she was less familiar with.
Everyone, it seemed.
With all this in mind, and duplicates of herself running around Earth, gathering, pilfering and hoarding knowledge and historical records…
Taking images, clear memories of what she couldn't bring, with the hopes of doing something with these someday…
And more of her on the Rings overseeing the planning, guiding the construction process…
Yoisen resolved to give this endeavor her all.
It was a task far more meaningful than dwelling on mortality or being a mere spectator in the unfolding narrative of humanity's change. This was no time for half-measures.
The main problem with Mokuton, Sasuke felt, was that there were too few good users of it.
Even across multiple worlds, genuine expertise in the art seemed scarce.
The Zetsu were helpful with that, to some limited degree. The same thing went for Hashirama, who kept on giving him friendly, more and more nonsensical advice about the topic:
'You just like… fwoosh. Then swish. Fwoosh really hard and—'
And sure, Jūbi bearers could wield a variant of Mokuton, but it was more a tool of destruction than creation.
Then there were those with Rinnegan, who could manage a crude version of it, somewhere between mud and water—hardly ideal for crafting landscapes or atmospheres. Even Karin had only come close to something resembling true, non-toxic Mokuton.
But the stakes were high. The authentic form of Mokuton was crucial; it had the potential to craft an atmosphere similar to Earth's and to infuse the surroundings with a richness of natural energy.
It could make life seem vibrant again in a way that no other chakra form could, as though breathing color back into a black and white picture.
The silver lining? Sasuke sensed that his chakra reserves were expanding, perhaps a byproduct of the relentless labor he and his numerous counterparts had recently undertaken.
It was a shred of comfort against the feeling that his very soul was being drained in service to Naruto's grand designs.
…As always.
Well, better this than conquering other worlds, which he had been afraid of for a while.
If that came later, he would have to beat some sense into that dangerous idiot.
…Or try to, at least.
Earth/Conversions
The old man settled into his porch chair, the creaks echoing the wear of time.
Their mining town, hidden within the embrace of the mountain range, had faded just like the colors on the walls of his shop — washed away by years of elemental battering. Constant wind and rain washed the once vibrant paints into faded shades of their former selves.
The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains, throwing long, dramatic shadows across the dust-covered streets.
The old man held a wooden pipe between his weathered fingers, the faint glow of the embers illuminating his craggy face.
Across him sat Roku.
The old man drew in a slow puff from his pipe before speaking. "You might find it hard to understand, stranger." His exhale mingled with the evening air, the smoke's gradual dissipation mimicking his own resignation. "These mines are both our homes and our tombs."
Roku's frown deepened in the dimming light. "You're willing to die for nothing." He retorted, folding his arms across his chest.
He himself had done everything to ensure that his people would survive.
The concept of resigning oneself to a grim fate was alien to him, and the bitterness in his voice couldn't solely be attributed to the harsh environment.
He looked at the old man and saw a community clinging to a draining life, their steadfast loyalty to the mines both admirable and absurd.
Roku could respect conviction, even though he disagreed with this particular one.
But there were other people here, and not all of them were nearly as old or stubborn, he was sure.
Roku understood that salvation was a two-way street; he could only help those willing to help themselves. His resolve firmed: he would try harder to reach them.
If in the end, they still chose to stay… well, that choice was on them.
…
"Are you fucking kidding me…?"
Gama was possibly known for his volatile temper.
Recently, he'd been trying to rein it in, however.
Their evacuation journey had led them to a remote village nestled at the foot of a mountain range in Earth Country. And of course, Roku was nowhere to be seen, when he could use his help.
Standing in the heart of the village square, Gama cleared his throat and began to speak again.
He was met with the same suspicious eyes and cold shoulders.
"Look, I understand you're scared — Fuck, I am, too." He began, addressing the gathering crowd. "You think this is some conspiracy, some big lie. But it isn't. It's real, all of it—"
He ducked to dodge a rotten fruit, whose splattered remains still splashed against his back. He took a deep, long breath.
"Fuck off!" One of the villagers spat. "Tell that man we don't buy his lies!"
Gama was sorely tempted to summon one of That Man's clones here.
But he still wasn't sure how much patience that man was willing to expend upon people who might just take this as yet another sign of near-almighty fuckery.
Gama pictured a lightning strike, turning everything to charred glass, at worst.
He closed his eyes and prepared to speak again.
…
Killer Bee stood at the center of a bustling market square, surrounded by skeptical faces and guarded eyes.
He felt like a performer on a stage, which was something he relished in, usually.
But this audience wasn't looking for entertainment. The world was in crisis, and these people had no idea how bad it could get.
Drawing a deep breath, he launched into his pitch.
"Listen up, good people, don't give me that frown. Got something to say, that might save your town."
A few people snickered, probably more at his rhymes than his message. But laughter wasn't what he was after.
Next to him, his little bro Naruto winced and continued.
"We ain't selling a tale, and we ain't lying. There's a big storm coming, no point in denying." Naruto gestured expansively, seeking to include everyone in his plea. "The—"
"Get outta here!" someone yelled from the crowd. "We've had enough of your nonsense!"
Killer Bee glanced at the angry vein on Naruto's forehead. His usual approach, full of flair and rhymes, wasn't breaking through.
Likely because the younger man was way worse than Gaara at this — he really should have brought the redhead instead.
Time for a different tactic.
Bee took off his sunglasses, letting his earnest eyes meet theirs.
"Look, I get it. This is your home. It's tough to hear that you've got to leave it. But there are threats out there — ones you can't even imagine — that are coming for all of us. And staying here puts you and your loved ones in danger."
He could see his words sinking in some slowly, chipping away at the walls of skepticism. Bee leaned in.
"This ain't a show, and I ain't a jester. We're here to save lives, make your future better. It's a heavy burden, a real tough call. But if we don't act now, we might just lose it all."
He let his words resonate, his eyes scanning the crowd. This was his one shot at convincing them, and he hoped he'd made it count.
Naruto continued. "So pack up your things… take what you need. Let's escape this doom, uh, let's all take heed."
Slowly, nods began to ripple through the crowd. It was a start.
And in these hard sort of times, a start was all Killer Bee could hope for.
…
Aside from the whole eternal night shebang, Umi, which was now part of the ever-larger Inner Ring, had not changed that much.
(It was not actually night, but the lack of a true sky sure made it feel like it at times.)
That's what Anko thought, as she prepared to set off to Earth again.
She could finally stretch her legs again, after months of being cooped up inside.
And Shisui could spend some time taking care of their daughter, in spite of how goofy he was at the whole thing. She trusted him, and Toru had turned out… mostly fine, idiosyncrasies aside, regardless.
Sensei was deeply busy, along with Karin and their latest allies/friends, including that grumpy, stuffy, long-eared one, who was always hanging around them.
Anko… had always been much more practically minded.
She didn't find much comfort in being hunched over research projects.
Recruiting, on the other hand… Yeah. That was something she was pretty sure she was half-decent at.
(Others might disagree.)
"Hey there." Anko grinned, dropping in the first place out of many. "Which of you fine people wants a free house up in space?"
…
"—it's funny, y'know." Kage said, eyes ablaze.
His words lingered in the air like a promise. "A few years ago, I thought I'd be alone forever. Friends were something out of reach for me. But now? I've got people who trust me, people who believe in me. They're the reason I stand here."
He closed his eyes, with the pain of the just ."…And I would do anything to protect them."
He raised a hand, fingers slightly curled as if he was holding onto something precious. "I care about them so much that it hurts, y'know? It hurts because I want to protect them, to see them smile, to make sure they never have to experience pain."
His expression was resolute, filled with a conviction that seemed to shake the very air around him.
"That pain… it fuels me. It's the fire that keeps me going, keeps me fighting, no matter how tough the situation. Because they're worth fighting for. They're worth all the pain."
His eyes snapped open, a fire in them that could match the sun. "I won't let any of you die here needlessly. Not while I'm here, not while I'm still breathing. I won't let your dreams fade away. I won't scatter them to the heartless abyss."
He clenched both fists, raw power surging around him.
"Because I am Uzumaki N—… Kage, and I never go back on my word. That's my nindō, my ninja way!" He slammed his fist against his chest, powerfully.
The air was charged with energy as Kage finished his speech, looking defiant.
Jinsuke nodded. This was a decent one — not his best, but it would do.
Thousands followed.
Tanabe Mai and the PR Nightmare
Tanabe Mai, Head of Intel, sat at her desk, her posture impeccable, her expression one of deep concentration.
As if she were a statue carved from a single block of determination, and not a very much human woman whose only notable skill, at least to herself, was an almost (definitely) neurotic need for organization.
She was drafting an official press release regarding the Emperor's latest initiative: the integration of Zetsu into the human workforce — as its near complete replacement, in fact.
"As the Emperor unveils his transformative plan to integrate new beings into the workforce..." She muttered, rejecting 'magical entities' for its potentially inflammatory connotations.
Also because there was nothing quite so magical about the Zetsu, they were still somewhat unsettling as of now. They were supposed to do something about that, too. Mai rubbed her temples.
It was imperative that the language of this release reflected both the gravity and the innovation of the act, she knew.
One wrong word could ignite a public relations inferno.
…
"Naruto-sama, I must insist that you refrain from discussing your pact with the kami, the nature of the worst realities, and the capabilities of your Rinnegan abilities."
Naruto's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Then what's left for me to talk about?"
…
It wasn't just about what Naruto-sama thought he should say; it was about what the world was ready to hear.
…
Mai's eyes scrutinized Kaitaro's outfit, a complex weave of symbols that seemed to echo cosmic mysteries. "Kaitaro-sama, might I recommend an attire less... laden with metaphysical connotations for your public appearance?"
Kaitaro laughed softly. "Hanabi designed it. Too much for you?"
"It's not about my preferences, Kaitaro-sama. It's about public perception. Your current attire makes you look like a deity. What if that triggers some cosmic event?"
…
But it was also about what people should say, too.
…
"Remember, the term 'extraterrestrial' can be considered offensive in some cultures. The preferred term is 'interdimensional being.'"
A staff member raised a hand. "What if they're actually from another planet in this reality?"
Mai sighed. "In that case, the term would be 'extraplanetary,' not 'extraterrestrial.'"
…
And what they should do.
…
"Given the Council's unique abilities, we must be prepared for unannounced visits of a highly unusual nature." Mai said, making annotations in the margin.
A staff member looked puzzled. "How do we prepare for the unexpected?"
Mai sighed. "By expecting it."
…
The door eased open, disrupting the room's concentrated atmosphere as a shaft of light invaded the dim space. Kaitaro's focus remained unbroken, his fingers navigating through files. Mai fought the impulse to grit her teeth at the interruption.
"How's your day going?" Shizune's voice permeated the room as she stepped in, nodding briefly at Kaitaro.
Mai met Shizune's eyes for a moment. If anyone could understand the weight of the day...
"It's going."
Several more days passed, and many more embarked upon the Celestial Ring.
The Ghosts of Faded Eagle Inn
The blizzard howled outside.
It was far west, of course, away from the Elemental Nations and their endless conflict. Oh, they had their own conflicts, too, but it was nothing like what history said happened there, back then, thank you very much.
Night had set days ago already, shrouding the world in darkness for months at a time.
The ever-biting cold was felt, even indoors.
The usual crowd had gathered at the Faded Eagle Inn. Twenty people or so, which could be seen as a lot, considering the location… and all the same, not that much, considering it was the only inn around.
Men and women drank together at the bar.
"Have you heard the stories…?" A plump man asked. "Do you know about the wandering ghost…?"
A woman just motioned for him to continue.
"They say that on cold nights — nights just like this, the ghost appears, wandering the towns and villages… looking for its next meal."
"That makes no sense." Another replied. "Why would a ghost even need to eat…?"
A pause ensued, and someone laughed. The first man sputtered. "That's just what I heard."
"What I heard…" The second laughed. "Is that you like the drink a bit too much during the Sunless months."
"...I just drink socially." The first one grumbled. "Nothin' wrong with that." He motioned to the bartender. "We're thirsty men — and women — in here!"
Then someone gasped, and the room turned silent.
"Wait… What is this…?" The woman put her hand to her ear.
The first man paused. "…What is it?"
She gasped, too. "I think… someone is coming."
The man froze. "No way… in this cold?"
"...I hear it too." Another man whispered.
"I can already imagine it." She said, putting her hand to her chest. "They heard you. And now… they're coming for your soul!"
"No way!" He countered. "Stop fucking..."
Now that he really tried, he thought he could hear footsteps outside.
"No fucking way." He stood up abruptly, hands fisting what was left of his hair. "What do I do…?"
"I think you're going to have to sacrifice yourself for us. It is the only way." The other man nodded, very seriously.
The woman barely hid her mirth.
"…You're fucking with me, aren't you…?" The first man asked, growling, as he realized.
A chuckle escaped her.
"Sorry, it was just too tempting—"
The inn's door slammed open and everyone jumped.
A dark shape stood in the doorway.
Shrieks were heard all around. And not only the wind's, which brought snow and freezing air into the inside of the room.
A man fell to his knees, crying.
Calm, slightly amused golden eyes took over the entirety of the inn. A woman with long, white hair entered the room.
Fire, which had been surrounding her, unnoticed by the people of the inn, fell away.
The tense atmosphere didn't.
"...Ah." The innkeeper stared at her hesitantly. "Is there anything I can do for you…?"
The woman looked around, slowly.
"Did I scare you…?" She asked.
"What do you think…?" A second person entered the inn. "And people say I'm dramatic."
"But you are, Naruto." The woman nodded. "It's in your blood."
"Soul." He corrected. "My blood is perfectly blue."
She nodded gracefully. 'Naruto' closed the door, because the winds were howling, and snow was getting in.
The innkeeper stared at them both, at how the woman stood just slightly closer to the man than was typical.
"Hello." The man named Naruto greeted the innkeeper. "Mind if we sit here for a while…?
…
"Sorry about bringing snow in." Naruto said.
The innkeeper just shrugged. "It keeps on happening, anyway. Not much we can do about it. I'm more surprised about getting visitors, truly." She said.
"Do you not get many?" Yoisen asked.
More for politeness' sake than anything else, in truth.
The region they had stumbled upon was a harsh yet breathtakingly beautiful tableau of frosted peaks and quiet valleys.
Nestled high in the mountains it was a place where the snowy tendrils of winter clung on persistently, even in the warmest months.
Here, time seemed to be as frozen as the landscape, bound to the eternal rhythm of falling snowflakes.
The valley's slopes gently undulated under a soft blanket of snow. Evergreen forests carpeted their sides, the tips of pines peeking out from the white, glistening in the light of the moon and stars.
There was a stillness to the air, broken only by the far-off call of a mountain bird or the hushed whisper of the wind as it swept across the frozen expanse.
To Yoisen, it was no wonder the people here half-believed in ghosts.
Remote and inaccessible for much of the year, the region was mostly void of human activity. The few villages scattered across this icy expanse were mere specks, hardy communities accustomed to the isolation.
She and Naruto — who desperately needed a break, according to Hanabi — had come to the mostly unfamiliar continent of Ryūtai together.
…
"I know Naruto well. He's getting stir-crazy, all cooped up in meeting rooms, buried in scheming, plotting and planning things he has covered a thousand times already — or work he could delegate to a clone. Someone needs to take him out and I can't do it myself right now."
Yoisen studied the Uzumaki (in a Hyūga sort of way) woman, seeing through the veneer of levity she tried to maintain.
Trying to find Sakura, still.
Yoisen could see how tired the other woman looked, and knew how personally Hanabi had taken the entire affair. She was full of forced cheer, and if anyone needed a break as much as Naruto did, she was among the growing list's numbers.
Yoisen hesitated. "Doesn't his duty require him to remain here?"
Hanabi shook her head. "No, not at the moment. The situation here is stable, everything's under control. We'll contact him if anything urgent comes up." She flashed Yoisen a sly grin. "You were planning to go down today too anyway, weren't you?"
"I… well, yes, but it's not some leisurely trip. I aim to preserve historical treasures." Yoisen answered. "On the continent of—"
Hanabi nodded. "Perfect! Looking for ruins, places that he himself doesn't know… That sounds like the sort of thing my old man would enjoy. You should take him along."
"But—"
Hanabi rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. "We've got our clones dispersed everywhere, handling everything. You need to cut yourself some slack; you've just recovered from death, after all."
"But—"
"Yes, yes." Hanabi interrupted, impatiently brushing off her protest. "Send additional clones out there if you must. Naruto was due to go there eventually. You'd just be speeding the process up."
"I…"
"Perfect." Hanabi grinned. "It's settled, then." Then, leaning in, conspiratorially. "Please don't—… Try not to abscond with him or end up in bed together. Ino would kill you without a second thought, and you're okay in the end, so…"
Yoisen could only respond with a vague mumble, at a loss for any suitable reply.
…
"…Naruto?" Yoisen called out.
"Hmm?" Naruto turned to face her, his tired eyes twinkling with some curiosity. Hanabi was right.
Yoisen took a sharp breath. "I… was planning to leave soon, to continue my mission." She paused, peeking at Naruto through her lashes. "And Hanabi suggested that maybe you'd like to join me?"
Naruto blinked, surprised at her sudden proposition. And he couldn't help but think that she was holding his gaze for just a little too long, too.
"Ah…" He said, scratching his cheek, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "That would be nice, I'm sure, but there are many things I am supposed to be doing."
"Anything that would require you being here yourself?"
A pause.
"Not right now." Naruto admitted.
"Anything that a clone couldn't do?"
"…No." Naruto conceded. "Tomorrow at noon, yes. But…"
"So, it's settled, then?" Yoisen asked.
Naruto gave her a long, thoughtful look, the silence stretching between them as he considered her proposition.
Then, the ghost of a smile grew into a grin, easing the weariness on his face.
"…You know what? Why not? It might be a good change of pace. I've been spending days outside of time, until I had everything fully planned out and then and then only went back to sleep—" Naruto blinked. "…Yeah, okay. Maybe that would do me some good. If anything urgent comes up, they can always reach out to us."
"Indeed." Yoisen nodded, and as she turned to leave. "Besides, it is serious work, not a vacation."
"Of course, Yoisen." He answered, smiling. "I promise, I'll be on my best behavior."
…
In any case, the northern part of the continent of Ryūtai was mostly inhabited, aside from the "People of the Ice," a tribe Yoisen had heard about, long ago.
(And some of their cannibalistic cousins, which Naruto and she had met today, but there wasn't much of a story there, aside from a valiant attempt at eating them and the sounds of lightning striking the leaders of that particular movement.)
They descended from seafaring people, who had traveled the coldest areas of Elemental Nations using their vast knowledge of celestial navigation and the ocean currents.
They had traversed the sea to settle here before Kaguya had come at all, and as such, were likely unaware of chakra. They had embarked on a long voyage, guided by their Elder's visions — whether this part was true or not remained unclear to Yoisen.
After long months of seafaring, they had arrived on the shores of Ryūtai, which was previously unpopulated, and established a new home there.
In order to survive, the ancestors of those who had now become the People of the Ice had quickly adapted to their new environment. They were skilled hunters and fishers, relying on the local fauna for food and clothing.
They had built insulated dwellings out of snow and ice, and their descendants had apparently moved to the mountains themselves, long after their time.
Yoisen snapped back to the present moment; such reminiscing always made her feel about as old as she truly was.
The innkeeper, who was a weathered woman with eyes as clear as the mountain streams, leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Visitors?" She echoed, her voice carrying the echo of a long-forgotten melody. "In these parts, they're as rare as summer snow. Folks prefer the lowlands; life's easier there."
"Aside from the cannibals?" Yoisen asked.
"...What cannibals?"
"It does not matter, I suppose."
Yoisen filed the information away. These were people they would need to find as well. Naruto smiled slightly at that.
"I can't argue with you." He said. "Life might be easier elsewhere. The journey here wasn't a walk in the park."
…It had been, in truth, because they had chakra. But both of them knew to take this conversation step by step.
His purple eyes then took on a serious glint, and he leaned in closer, lowering his voice.
"But we didn't brave the snow and ice just for the view. We were hoping to meet with your ruler… Do you think that's possible?"
Her body language shifted abruptly.
The innkeeper's gaze was unreadable as she studied Naruto, eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment, she smiled cryptically.
"A ruler…?" She asked.
Naruto nodded, maintaining a respectful composure.
"You must be a mainlander. We don't have a ruler." She stated. "We live as equals, here." She said the last word with some force.
Naruto realized it and gave her his most appeasing smile. Perhaps it worked, Yoisen thought. He could be charming, at times.
The innkeeper nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Our people, the descendants of the nomads…" Yoisen withheld a knowing nod. "…don't have a single ruler, no king or queen to dictate our lives. They left all this back then, along with the mainland."
Naruto briefly glanced at Yoisen, and gave her an awkward smile. She struggled to keep her composure.
"We are all equals, each person holds equal respect and responsibility in the community. It's been our tradition for centuries." The innkeeper continued.
Naruto nodded, and forced himself to not motion for her to continue.
"Decisions aren't made by one, but by the community as a whole. We gather in the council hall during the Great Thaw, when the ice retreats to reveal the stone beneath.
"It's a grand occasion, one where the voice of every individual, young or old, man or woman, is heard and considered. It is then that we decide our course for the year to come. We debate, discuss, sometimes argue, but in the end…" She nodded proudly. "We make decisions together."
"That is interesting." Naruto nodded.
Yoisen knew what he thought: 'And mostly possible because your numbers are so low.'
The innkeeper paused, her eyes twinkling with an unspoken pride. "It's not an easy way of life, mind you. But it has kept our community intact and strong, unbroken by the harsh winters and the tougher times."
Naruto nodded. "…I might have something to share — Please finish, however."
"So, if you're looking to meet our 'ruler'… you'll have to wait for the Thaw." The innkeeper finished with a soft smile. "And you'll not meet just one, but the entire community."
…
The innkeeper's eyebrow arched skyward, her face as impassive as the icy mountains outside, as Naruto told her what, to her, were obvious fabrications.
"The Emperor?" She echoed. "Ruler…? Of the mainlanders, you mean?"
Naruto nodded. "Of the world, actually."
The innkeeper let out a barking chuckle. "A man, ruling the entire world? And coming to these remote lands? By the Spirits, you mainlanders and your idiotic jokes…"
Naruto shrugged.
The innkeeper stopped laughing. "I do not find this particularly funny, actually." She said. "And I do not believe you. But you are a ruler of some sort, I can see it in your arrogance. We all knew the day would come one of you would try—"
"I didn't come here to try and subjugate you."
"Good, because I assure you, it wouldn't end well for you." The innkeeper retorted, her expression hardening.
"I'm sure." Naruto nodded, trying to dissipate the growing tension. "I know it, and I respect that. Your way of life is unique, and I have no intentions of disrupting it. I only… intervene where it is needed."
The innkeeper scoffed and threw his words back at him. "I'm sure."
Naruto lifted an eyebrow. "And I'm sure you had no idea how bad things were, out there."
"I can guess."
"It was worse. We had to step in. And then... more trouble, of course."
The innkeeper eyed him warily, mockingly. "Well, what brings the 'Emperor of the World' to our icy corners, then?"
She still didn't believe him, clearly.
Yoisen spoke. "It might sound a bit… Well, apocalyptic."
The innkeeper's eyebrows shot up, her interest clearly piqued. "Apocalyptic?… Doomsayers, on top of everything else…? I'm considering letting you out of here entirely."
Yoisen continued, undeterred. "The world will end in about two weeks."
"That's right." Naruto confirmed.
The innkeeper blinked at them.
"…Get out of my inn."
…
Yoisen summoned a flame within her palm.
…
Silence filled the room, punctuated only by the crackle of the fire in the hearth.
Then, with a shake of her head, the innkeeper let out another chuckle, albeit it sounded very strained this time.
"Well, Empress, you surely know how to make an impression. World domination, the apocalypse. Mystical powers." She said, looking ready for this day to be over.
Yoisen spoke up. "I am not—"
"What's next? Dragons?" The innkeeper asked, shaking her head.
"…Two did come down from the heavens, recently. We fought them off. Maybe you noticed something off in the sky, even from here...?"
Silence.
"…Dragons." There was still disbelief in her voice, and apprehension, too.
"Yes." Naruto said, still sounding tense about the affair. "They're… a part of this whole world-ending scenario."
The innkeeper sighed heavily, massaging her temples as she slumped in a chair behind the counter.
"This is too much." She said. "…And here I thought a late snowfall was the worst of my worries."
Yoisen chimed in, her voice calm and soothing.
"We understand it's a lot to take in, and we didn't come here to bring chaos or stress. We came to offer you a way out."
The innkeeper's expression held a mix of resignation and curiosity.
She slowly raised her eyes to meet Yoisen's. Her voice was a mere whisper, carried on a sigh.
"A way out, huh? I suppose this is where you ask us to kneel, to conform, to abandon our ways and join the rest of the 'civilized' world?"
Yoisen and Naruto exchanged glances before Naruto shook his head. "Not really, no. Aside from leaving this dying world, that is."
The innkeeper looked skeptical, but she gestured for him to continue.
Naruto leaned forward on the counter, his expression serious. Yoisen did, too, unconsciously, and he could nearly feel her warm breath.
"Part of what happened is my fault." Naruto said, and didn't elaborate. "We aren't here to make you give up your customs or your way of life. Your tradition, your values, you can keep them."
He paused for a moment.
"All we're offering is a chance for your people to survive, to continue living as they always have. We're building a new world, and we want…" He hesitated for an instant.
'The People of the Ice.' Yoisen supplied, and closed her mind off again.
"The descendants of the People of the Ice to be a part of it. No strings attached. You'll have autonomy, just as you always have."
That was what he wanted for the rest of the world, too.
…Once they were ready for it.
In the meantime, anyone was free to go live anywhere, should they find a culture that fit their desires more.
The innkeeper stared at him, her gaze thoughtful as she processed his words.
It was clear she had expected demands, conditions, maybe even threats. But an offer made in seemingly good faith, with no attempt to control or manipulate? That was something she hadn't anticipated.
"What's the catch, then?" She asked.
He was pretty terrible at mind reading, but he could understand her feelings.
Culture was what she believed in. Houses could be rebuilt.
"For curiosity's sake... Do your people believe in kami? Pray at their altar?" Naruto asked, seemingly switching topics abruptly.
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. "…Like the mainlanders…?" She shook her head. "No. Spirits are an entirely different thing."
"Good."
"You didn't answer my question. What's the catch?" She asked. "What will you require from us…?"
They were a region lacking in precious goods to trade, and the innkeeper didn't believe the Emperor was interested in them.
Naruto leaned back. "Afraid you can't afford the move…?" He asked.
"Our wealth is our culture, our community. Our traditions." She bristled. "Not in gold or jewels or furs. Besides, I told you already." She leaned forward. "I do not speak for the others."
Naruto nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I'm not asking for any of those."
"So, what then?" The innkeeper asked, her tone cautious. "What will it cost us?"
Naruto leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I'll tell you, then. It's going to be a high price, I can't hide that from you."
The innkeeper tensed.
Her hands, which were previously restlessly drumming upon the table, stilled completely.
She stared right back at him, teeth clenched.
"Say it." She gritted out.
"As you say." Naruto nodded briefly. "My price…? A room for the night, for me and my companion here." He said, gesturing to Yoisen. "That's all."
The innkeeper blinked, taken aback by his request. "A... room?" She echoed. "You say you... And all you want is a room for the night?"
"Right." Naruto nodded. "It's been a long day."
He and Yoisen had reached plenty of places since this morning.
There weren't many people to be found, and not that much history to be found on this continent, but it didn't mean they would not try their hardest.
Yoisen nodded. "And we'd love to hear more about your traditions, if you have a little bit more time."
Slowly, a small, wry smile curved the innkeeper's lips.
"Well, you're right… Emperor." She began, a spark of her earlier humor returning to her voice. "That is a high price. Well… You'll have to convince the others to move yourself, anyway. Tomorrow. Personally, I agree!"
Yoisen remained submerged up to her nose in the steaming water, her wide eyes the only visible feature above the surface.
Her skin was tinged pink, a delicate blush that was at once due to the scalding heat and the acute awareness of her current predicament.
She had been curious about local customs when she spoke to the innkeeper. Ancient rituals or folk dances, unique craftsmanship, she'd thought, not sharing a hot spring with Naruto.
Across the water, Naruto reclined against the rocky edge of the pool, his muscles relaxed, his demeanor serene. He looked as though he'd been frequenting communal hot springs his whole life. Considering he had constructed the Rejuvenation Pool back home, albeit on Yūshirō's mother's suggestion, perhaps he had.
The steam rising from the spring curled around him, partially concealing his too perfect form and making Yoisen's heart race a bit faster.
Every ripple across the water, each sigh that escaped his lips sent a warm shiver through her.
Memories of Hanabi's cautionary words flashed in her mind, urging her to maintain a respectable distance. It was hard to do when he kept his guard down and his eyes closed and he kept on sighing in pleasure.
"It's nice, isn't it?" Naruto's voice took her out of her thoughts. "There's something about these springs. I'm going to steal a few ideas."
Mumbling an agreement, Yoisen averted her eyes, fixating on the water's surface. Her fingers absentmindedly twisted strands of her hair.
"—the heat, the minerals in this water are unique, that's what the innkeeper said, and they're very good for the body." Naruto said. "And the soul, apparently. Although, what that means, exactly... Helps to unwind, right?"
"…I suppose so."
…
It did feel blissful, in the end.
It was only casual nudity, after all, and the initial awkwardness was swept away.
The tension in her muscles melted away into the heated water, her thoughts and worries following suit.
Ah, no. Not for long. It was a fleeting reprieve.
She had plenty of things to think about, in truth. And they loomed large.
Yoisen found her mind drifting, not to Naraka, which already felt hazelike, but back to her failure, to the impending apocalypse. Sakura's disappearance.
Suddenly, the comforting heat of the springs felt a bit stifling, when compared to the urgency of their reality.
Naruto seemed to sense her shift in mood, as he often sensed negative emotions, and his eyes opened to fix on her thoughtful expression.
"Yoisen." He began, his voice breaking the silence that had settled between them. "You're making that face again."
She blinked, and then sighed. "Should we be here, idling away, when the world is in chaos? When Sakura is missing?"
Naruto watched her quietly for a moment before replying. "We have to wait for everything to be ready, to finalize our next move. We've deemed any rash actions too risky.
"We cannot really act before these two weeks are over — or everyone's up there. Either." He said. Then, leaning backward with a tired sigh. "…Besides, this isn't entirely unlike what Hanabi said to you, is it...? Something like 'the world won't be saved by people who are too exhausted or stressed to think straight,' or…?"
Yoisen felt the ghost of a smile pull at her lips. "Not in as many words."
"We're doing everything possible to find Sakura." Naruto assured her.
Short of summoning Susanoo again. Which had crossed his mind but he wouldn't do. All of them had agreed it was far too risky, which was saying something.
"…Guilt and worry won't speed up the process." He said, and it sounded as though he had told himself the same thing many times. "We need to be patient and keep our wits about us for what comes next."
His words, though simple, held enough truth, it seemed. Yoisen stared at him, her worry slightly easing under his earnest gaze.
She drew a deep breath, the steamy air of the hot spring filling her lungs before she released it in a long, slow exhale.
"Perhaps you're right, Naruto." She admitted softly, a small smile touching her lips. "Thank you."
A warm grin spread across Naruto's face, matching the soothing embrace of the hot springs.
They lapsed back into silence, but this time, it was comfortable.
A silence that was broken by the rustling sound of approaching footsteps. They had felt her presence before, of course. A figure emerged from the snowy path. The innkeeper stood at the edge of the spring, her body bare except for a pair of thick socks and sturdy sandals.
Naruto and Yoisen found themselves momentarily speechless, taken aback by the woman's unabashed arrival. Their eyes involuntarily dropped to her sock-clad feet, then snapped back up quickly. Did she actually walk through the snow like this?
"Never seen socks before...?" The innkeeper inquired.
Naruto chuckled lightly. "Can't say I've ever seen them worn quite like that before."
"Mainlanders." The innkeeper muttered, shaking her head as she made her way towards the spring.
"Islanders, actually." Naruto corrected with a smile.
The innkeeper halted, turning to regard him with a puzzled expression.
Naruto simply met her gaze, amused. "Though, I was born on the mainland, so I suppose you're partially right."
Seemingly satisfied with his concession, the innkeeper rolled her eyes. "Can't take the mainland out of a man."
Naruto laughed. "Maybe not."
Turning to Yoisen, she asked, "So, you're interested in learning about our traditions?"
Yoisen nodded. "Yes, we'd be honored."
"I could hardly tell her it was closer to a spacecraft than a planet, right now." Naruto's shoulders moved in a half-hearted shrug.
Yoisen laughed softly and her breath frosted in the frigid air. "Perhaps you were right." She agreed, her voice light. "There were enough revelations for one day."
The innkeeper had spun stories of the People of the Ice — tales of bravery and courage, of their ancestors' travel to this faraway land, of festivals celebrated under the endless night sky, of sacred springs that were considered a gift from the earth.
They resumed their walk, the crunch of their boots on the snow-covered path echoing in the stillness of the night. The soft glow of the hot springs receded behind them, replaced by the pale moonlight filtering through the dense forest canopy.
The snowfall had lessened, but the world around them was blanketed in a thick layer of fresh snow.
Each step they took left behind a distinct footprint, a mark of their passage. Trees laden with snow stood tall on either side of the path, their branches bending under the weight. They moved at the same pace, unhurried, and their breaths misting.
Once they reached the inn, they bade each other good night and retired to their respective rooms.
They were simple rooms, with traditional futons laid out on tatami floors and a small hearth in the corner to stave off the chill of the mountains.
While lying in bed, Naruto found sleep elusive. Despite the toll of a day spent rallying cities and deploying clones, his mind buzzed with restless energy. Every creak of the old inn, every gust of wind howling outside, only served as a distraction to his wakefulness.
Across the hall, Yoisen faced a similar predicament. She lay in the dimly lit room, her gaze tracing the unfamiliar patterns on the doors. The usually comforting silence of the night felt heavy, pregnant with unspoken concerns and unanswered questions. After what felt like hours of restless contemplation, Yoisen pushed back the warm blankets and stood up.
The inn was silent, save for the sporadic gusts of wind rattling the window panes. She padded softly down the hallway, her destination clear.
She paused outside Naruto's door, deliberating. With a final nod to herself, she reached out and rapped lightly on the door.
Naruto sensed her even before the soft rap on his door, of course.
"Are you awake?" She asked quietly.
"Yoisen." His voice held a trace of a smile. "Insomnia's contagious, it seems."
A pause hung between them before Yoisen spoke. "Would you come outside with me?"
"Of course."
…
Perched on the inn's rooftop, they looked over the quiet village blanketed in snow. The occasional lit window punctuated the darkness like forgotten stars.
"Everyone's sleeping." Naruto said. "It's a pretty peaceful place, isn't it?"
"It is." Yoisen agreed, a small smile tugging at her lips.
They appreciated the stillness, the harmony that emanated from the slumbering village.
His expression shifted minutely, and Yoisen noticed it.
"Is there anything on your mind…?" She asked.
"I…" Naruto hesitated. The words came out laced with reluctance. "I feel like I ruined that peace, on top of everything else."
Yoisen glanced at him. "Because we called upon Susanoo?"
'We.'
Naruto felt the same warmth he always did for her.
"Yes. Or that Strike, afterward." He sighed. "And in spite of what I say, that it was 'necessary', that most of the people who are now alive to complain about it would be dead otherwise… I can't help but wonder."
He was quiet for a moment, before raising his eyes to meet Yoisen's gaze.
Yoisen's eyes were deep into his own. She spoke.
"…If you could have done more. If you could have found another way. If perhaps there was some way you would have played things a different way, one that didn't leave our world in ruins. If someone else could have done a better job."
Naruto let out a long-suffering sigh.
"…Yeah, I'd say that about sums it up." Naruto said, offering her a strained smile, a rueful twist of lips that didn't reach his eyes.
"…I ask the same of myself." Yoisen said, pushing thoughts of her hometown, and of Uzushio, away. "If I could have… Well. It is not the first time."
"…I knew." Naruto admitted. "What's your answer?"
There was a moment of silence.
"We are still here." Yoisen smiled. "Perhaps only to dwell on it. But we can't change the past anyway. I try to see it as a chance." Yoisen gestured towards the village, its serene silence echoing her sentiments. "We can strive for something like this, for a world where such tranquility becomes the status quo. The strife from the past will be nothing but a topic for the history books."
"…And we'll be here to watch it unfold." Naruto said, a contemplative expression on his face. "...Or write those books, I guess."
There was something very vulnerable in Yoisen's eyes. "…So we shall be." Her expression was hopeful, too. "We have the power to create, to rebuild. To mend. To create a world better than the one we've lost. I believe in that." She said. "And I believe in you. Us."
"...In me?"
"In you, specifically, as well." Yoisen affirmed, a note of certainty underscoring her words. "You are the best suited person for the task, I believe. As unfortunate for you as that may be."
Naruto blinked.
Then, almost spontaneously, he threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, his amusement echoing in the quiet night. "Ah, well." He said, grinning. "In that case, I suppose I have no choice but to try my hardest, then."
Yoisen smiled. "I have seen you." She shook her head. "I do not believe you could put more effort in it. We will succeed."
Naruto said nothing, content to just smile at her, in a way that made her heart race.
"Thanks, Yoisen."
"There is no need to thank me."
The village's quietness was a silent lullaby and they basked in it for a while longer.
"…What are you planning to do after all this?" Yoisen asked. "Once we rescue Sakura and settle everything. Once the world is whole, built and safe."
Something about the certainty in her voice made him want to smile.
"After all this, huh?" Naruto mused, the corners of his lips rising.
"Yes." Yoisen affirmed, a soft smile gracing her features as well, a hint of hesitation shimmering in her eyes. "Are you going to stay aboard the Ring?"
Naruto shrugged. "Not all the time, no. Besides, leading is more or less Kaitaro's thing by now. He grumbles, but I think he actually enjoys it. Can you imagine that…?"
"I can try." Yoisen's response was light, playing along with his mirth.
"As for your question…" Naruto paused. "Well, I think I'd like to see more of the worlds. To learn more. Bring things back home so that we can make it a better place in every way. This sort of thing."
"It does sound like a good idea." Yoisen nodded. Her words held a thought, a pause. "…Could I come with you?"
"Are you not interested in city planning anymore?" Naruto teased.
"I am. But I have laid the groundwork." She said, and she was the first to admit she wasn't the best with the newest, futuristic sort of technologies. "The foundation upon which the rest will be built. The rest, I can always revise later on. And we have Shadows, clones… Orochimaru's…?" She fumbled for a word. "Computer intelligence?"
"The AI?" Naruto supplied, to which she nodded in agreement. "That O.R.O. thing?"
"Yes, that one." Yoisen said. "Besides…"
"Besides…?" Naruto prompted.
There was momentary hesitation, dancing on her features.
"…I want to be with you."
The confession hung in the air between them, leaving Naruto momentarily speechless. He blinked in surprise, and his lips parted to try and form a response. But she spoke first, adding a few words quickly:
"…With your group, that is."
Naruto nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I would like that."
"Truly?" She asked, a bit too quickly, before clearing her throat. "I mean — It is settled, then."
"Yup."
"Mmmh."
"It's a promise. I'm still pretty young, in any case." He said, shrugging. "Still got a few millennia of wandering in me, I'm sure."
"…You can't change your mind, now." She warned him, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "You still remember what we do to liars, don't you…?"
"I wasn't planning to change my mind." Naruto said, matching her grin. "There are still so many movies to watch."
"Perfect."
…
They ended up talking some more as the night grew deeper, before the last few days' exhaustion fully caught up with them.
Nestled against Naruto, her back to his own, and before she even realized it, Yoisen fell asleep.
Behind them, the firepit crackled; dancing flames, a comforting backdrop to their reprieve.
It was a steady hum.
lensdump:
i/dCnld5 : The Ring
i/dCn5fH : The Great and Terrible Flame-Bearer