Rippling Tides -New Moon
~ Chapter One ~
~ Kayuya's Palace ~
' It is said that there are times when to move forward, one must first look backward.'
In most recent years, this is a saying with which Kaguya, the mother of Chakra, has become most familiar.
Not the most agreeable lesson, but one she was forced to deal with nonetheless.
"It can't be helped." Kaguya murmured. Her voice, pure and unearthly as one would expect of a goddess, held a sort of resignation.
The Chakra Goddess remembers her victory was blissful. Raising her arms to place her surviving enemies into eternal sleep had brought Kaguya even more gratification.
Her once stolen power, the Chakra long divided amongst the undeserving masses by her ungrateful spawn, was reclaimed at last by its rightful master.
Reveling in the memory of her hard-won victory, Kaguya laughs. Her bell-like voice was benevolent in sound.
"- A glorious confrontation, generations in the making." In Kaguya's eyes, it seemed as though fate itself had bent to her will.
"My traitorous children, it's regrettable you resisted. How I must have failed you as a mother... That is my shame. Of course, your betrayal was still your own...
I was never completely lost, yet, Not even reincarnation was enough for you to learn like I have. To choose correctly."
Placing the cold thoughts of her lost family aside, Kaguya believed herself content. For a time she was. The peace and solitude of her dimensional palace were nice, it's just too bad the serenity couldn't last.
Millennia after biting millenium. A silent, ever-growing tedium, came and went.
Contrary to her original expectations, perpetual solitude wasn't the answer. It wasn't loneliness per se, that was the problem. Not with her loyal children Black and White Zetsu at her side, but more the unbearable lack of stimuli and its crushing aggravation that couldn't be denied.
Left alone with time for nothing but thinking, the Moon Goddess understood too late perhaps a few better options might have been in order. "An equal. Perhaps not in power, but understanding."
Though long aware of the concept, these "Other worlds" are those alternative existences loosely intersecting with her own. For Millenia they were nothing more than a passing curiosity. A seemingly irrelevant novelty she'd long ignored.
Only now that she's trapped in this endless monotony did it finally occur to Kaguya to take a look.
"If nothing else my counterparts could prove to be true and worthy companions."
Growing more excited at the idea, Kaguya built up the potential in her mind. "The possibilities are surely infinite, my victory in each land must vary as well. I can't wait to see the differences in how each Hagoromo met his end."
Unfortunately for the moon goddess, her investigatory spirit was met with only horror. All too quickly she discovers herself an outlier, the singular face of victory in comparison to potentially millions of failures.
The further Kaguya explored the more tiresome and humiliating it became. Realizing she faced defeat thousands of times across many worlds and only one single victory. "Goddess of Nothing".
Merely this... wasteland.
Repulsed, the Mother of Chakra decided it best to analyze the many failures of her counterparts.
"No! Deep breaths... Alright, the next one, where exactly did things go wrong here?"
In doing so she began to notice a recurring theme.
"The founding of Konoha again? Could such a simple branch truly be the cause?"
Yes and no. While the elemental villages play a role, the truth is more complicated.
As the vexed Kaguya would realize, though it is true that to an extent the shinobi-controlled elemental villages often marked the beginning of her alternative selves end, certainly for her only loyal children, Black and White Zetsu... That's only part of it. "But of course, there's always more to history isn't there?"
"More specifically the founders and their consistently inconsistent conduct and overwhelming failures of leadership. That is the true breaking point. It inspired people who ARE capable and drove them against me... The one whom they owe most."
With this realization Kaguya applied herself. Examining history all the closer, ever so gradually she pieced together exactly where her counterparts met their specific turning point, and ever so gradually, a new better plan began to emerge.
Rummaging carefully about these other worlds and learning the habits and desires of shall we say 'key players' Kaguya's new plan could begin in earnest. We can live together in harmony... Hashirama Senju is a fool but I can agree with him there. But "Peace" and "Complacency" are not "one and the same".
"I can magnanimously share my power, but it will be under MY terms.
Carefully highjacking many a unique world-specific Black and White Zetsu (Each counterpart eventually merged within her own) these variant "instruments" of Kaguya's will were brought to her side- and with them came certain 'prizes'.
From one world- The genius Orocihimaru in his mental and emotional prime.
Another- the still-warm corpse of a young Mito Uzumaki, murdered in many worlds by Kaguya's loyal sons. Preventing her favored political status from bestowing any further legitimacy to Hashirama's claim. His political power more than halved.
Mito's Father; Kyou Uzumaki: Taken alive for a time, but his use expired all the same. Marked for inevitable death because his family seals are undeniably the root cause of Kaguya's Jubi being splinttered and weaponized into tools of war.
"Spare me your indignation Kyou, I am merely collecting the toll. For your family began an arms race that kills thousands of innocents. Please be grateful, your death... it has meaning here."
- A youthful Kushina Uzumaki- "The Maiden". Snatched away from her Kumo attackers, seconds before her relentless stalker Minato could win over the volatile redhead's affections by playing "hero".
Mikoto Uchiha – a gracious new "Mother". Stolen from her bed mere hours after giving birth to a certain weasel. "Both her renowned, delicate beauty and the ancient power within her noble line will lend themselves nicely to "The Template".
Tsunade Senju- cut down alongside her degenerate teammate Jirayia before their state-sanctioned crimes against Ame- In Kaguya's eyes this once-destined crone is perhaps the most important ingredient to her plan.
"Another crucial piece to "the template", her control and efficiency in expending one's Chakra are invaluable. As is the latent potential for Wood Release."
All these fragments and more... they form the basis of a trick... A wacky 'prank' if you will.
A well-defined path that can only end with a new and improved shinobi world happily bowing before her. "Or at least one version. Well, there's always room for expansion" Kaguya mused.
Less relevant to the plan but oh so amusing to Kaguya are the many a dead Tobirama- mostly because his pompous arrogance irritates her.
As her youngest son, Black Zetsu places the freshest corpse with the others, out of habit, Kaguya examines the mutilated body in silence. Satisfied with what lies before her, she mockingly pondered aloud.
"What has this monster done to warrant such an ego? I know propaganda is effective but these so-called forbidden techniques... - They have brought more harm to his people than good.
"It's truly a wonder he didn't spread them around so the users would kill themselves and spare his loyal shinobi the bloodshed. At least then the many dead test subjects he experimented on wouldn't have died in vain."
Dismissing these and other distractive thoughts, she turned her attention to Orochimaru.
Far on the other side of her domain. Encompassing the eastern wing, there his lab resides. Within contains all Orochimaru's fixtures and data, collected from many periods and perfectly recreated in this one convenient place.
Boldly striding within, Kaguya is straight to the point. "Orochimaru. Pardon my intrusion but time is short. My curated world is just about where I need it to be, I assume you have everything in order?"
"Absolutely. Without a doubt, the vessels for your… children, are just about perfect.
"You'll find them adept in concealing the boys... shall we say unique origin."
His voice softens, Orochimaru's tone inquisitive. "She too is also about ready."
"Ah yes, the girl... I concur, she will do nicely. Merely a toddler, yet already an ingenue in the making! Dare I say it Orochimaru? By the time she is seventeen half the battle will already be won."
Orochimaru shifts, Kaguya wouldn't describe his posturing as uncomfortable, but he's definitely not at ease like she'd prefer.
Before she can comment and attempt to soothe his nerves, he responds smoothly, his usual deliberate hiss absent. "I agree. No matter whom she chooses for a partner, the resulting lineage will only contribute to your otherworldly counterpart's stable rebirth."
"Though I think we all agree it's best she aims high as possible. Better the deck be stacked in ... her favor."
Looking at the shortest glass tube, a container holding a slumbering child floating in a sickly color liquid. Kaguya smiles brighter.
Orochimaru notes that for the first time, which he's known Kaguya he's seeing complete sincerity in her silver eyes. "She is... calmer than before. Ten years we've collaborated and only now-"
Her words jolt him out of his nostalgia.
"You have done well. My expectations are more than surpassed. As promised, once I enter my chamber for slumber, you may claim your reward."
Inclining his head lightly, Orochimaru is a bit more deferential but still proud.
"I appreciate it. It's a pity so many had to die, nonetheless, these final maiden, mother, and crone 'variants' your children gathered, will make fine subjects for my own improved vessel. I only wish "the boy" could have survived too."
"Poor dear, you know I spared your world's Tsunade just for you right? It's not your fault, her brother died."
The War Hawk was never going to let Nowaki live. Dan too. You kept them both alive a few good years longer than any other alternate, but the sad truth is that neither had the power to thrive in earnest.
"It was beyond your control."
"I get it, I've seen those... other worlds, I am grateful at least my Tsunade isn't wallowing quite so hard... She and Shizune actually drop by Konoha.
"Not often, but it's preferable to the countless alcoholic disasters..."
Swiftly moving the subject matter, Orochimaru is more firm. "Now then, I have some final tidbits of note, see for yourself."
Handing the stack forward, Orochimaru's passion for his "art" leaks through his attempt at stoicism.
"As we hoped, in forcing them from "recessive" to "dominant", the true potential residing within the ancestral abilities buried in the "donor" cells lent themselves even more efficiently to your children's revised template." Under his breath, he murmurs, "They will do the same for me."
"So I see. Remarkable efforts all around."
"Successfully incorporating the Uzumaki Adamantine Chains from Kushina was a nice touch. Such a rare ability, even amongst her family. It's bad enough my Byakugan had to be suppressed, I was worried something more would have to be sacrificed."
"Naturally, I went out of my way to avoid that, It's regrettable but the Byakugan ties them to the ghastly Hyuuga clan, and we can't have them hounding the children.
"They'd force that appalling Caged Bird seal upon their forehead and reduce them to slaves of the main household."
"Oppositely so, the adamantine chains will prove paramount in legitimizing their supposed 'truth' of origin. Their hair is "close enough" but the children lacking the famous "Uzumaki violet" eyes will be impossible to miss." Interjected Kaguya.
"Yes, I'm aware Lady Kaguya. They bear roughly fifty-one percent Uzumaki blood, but without the visual cues, it's too easily missed. the hint of red in their hair isn't enough."
"We'd be risking accusations of slander and deceit. In this way, their story can't be perceived as anything BUT the truth. How could it NOT be? The Uzumaki noble household will be left humiliated."
"Humiliated yes Orochimaru, but not removed from the picture entirely. For the best really, they aren't without "use" and we don't want genocide of our own making. That's a tactic best left to our lessers. Something to publically shame them for and turn their remaining allies towards "us"."
Humming a deceptively gentle melody, Kaguya studies the offered notes additionally confirming the flawless "Mokuton" Wood and Ice Chakra present in her three perfect hybrids. Though not to the same extent. 'That would be impractical.' Kaguya hummed at the thought...
'A biting snowstorm for dear Shiroyuki, galloping lightning for sweet Reiji and eternal blooms of infinite potential for Sakuya.'
'Alone they are great, worthy of reverence, but together, my children will be unstoppable.'
'My traitorous two... This could have been you as well. Why did you choose your miserable father?'
After a time she feels Oorochimaru's stare.
"May I help you?"
"Oh I'm merely curious. Have you thought of a name, for your counterpart's soon-to-be mother? I've been cooperating with you for years. I saw as you chose Shiroyuki and Reiji with such care, I can't help but wonder."
"I try to be more careful with her. When she looks at me, she sees only an illusion of her "mother". The Senju/Uchiha hybrid. Despite the guilded cage, as a prisoner, she wouldn't be particularly close to children fathered by her captor and I'm keeping to that "role".
"It's really important to you that she be "Innocent" hmm?
"Of course my Snakling, Authenticity is key. I won't risk her kind heart coming off as performative. That would jeopardise my aims."
"She will comply with her brothers because she has no reason to doubt. It's her "truth".
"Now since you asked, indeed I have picked one. Sakuya- the Ootsutsuki name is lost yet her blood belies an amalgamation of my own plus the most idolized bloodlines. There is zero chance she and her dear older brothers won't- Well that's not yours to know."
"They know the plan, arrive from the waters of Waves, a direct shot from the deadly whirlpools of Uzushio.
'Accidentally' expose their identity as the results of an Uchiha and Senju bastard mother and Kyou Uzumaki. Let them infer the selfish Uzumaki Lord, kept the poor girl as his unwilling plaything."
"So that's why you had me combing the beaches of the dead world? So many variants and so few pearls to show for it."
"I feel stupid now, here I thought I must have done something to upset you...
The coveted Uzushio pearls will adorn their throat... The protected chains, It's all further proof of their heritage."
"This black Uzusiho pearl pendant must be for Reiji and the white pearl is obviously for your Shiroyuki. Although I see nothing for the girl."
"Her gift is already accounted for Orochimaru, make no mistake I am NOT favoring the boys."
"She is too young, but they know that when the time is right to present Sakuya with this."
Looking closely at the circle of perfectly symmetrical white and black pearls, the silvery links of chakra metal between the pearls. Every link discreetly etched with protective engraved seals, the scientist retracts his ill-informed disapproval.
"I see, by the time this surfaces, they'll have heard years of denial, but with something so incriminating..."
"Yes, for in the world I've so carefully chosen, it's been missing from the treasury for years. Poor Kyou, when this comes out, his closest friends and allies won't believe him. There is a way for him to make the best of, let's see if his pride allows it."
Seeing what Kaguya implied, Orochimaru shakes his head. "You aren't concerned this could be taken as an act of redemption? Someone might think it romantic and decide the children's mother wasn't actually a captive but a willing consort?"
"The children won't confirm either way so it doesn't matter."
"Besides in the eyes of civilians, even "if" he loved them, it doesn't change the fact he still called for their death. Ah, Without a doubt the pity the civilians will feel for the six-year-old twins and the little sister they dote upon... It will fuel their worry."
"-Even if i'm wrong Orochimaru, what matters is that through their compassion and concern for the most vulnerable, will arrange these "innocent" children's transportation to safety. That much is a certainty."
Far away from the cowardly family who threw away their mother once his legitimate daughter Mito and her mother threatened to expose their existence.
"Above all, the budding resentment they already feel for the privileged Uzumaki name will tip, discrediting their influence. If only a little."
"I see Lady Kaguya. If I could be so bold I assume that from there it's on our little 'Shiroyuki and his fraternal twin brother Reiji' to handle the rest.
"Going by the specifics of what you had me inscribe on their new hereditary imprint, the Biju of that universe will gradually disperse, their energy solidifying Sakuya and both her brother's bodies. None can assassinate them."
Turning her head Kaguya looks him in the eye. And what else? I'm sure you aren't finished."
Releasing a hiss-like sigh, Orochimaru whispers. "And pass the reformed Jubi forward through their resulting families."
"Well look at you my Snakling, you figured it out. Not that it was supposed to be a secret. Kaguya gently chided.
"One of the first things I shared with you Orochimaru is that this world's Mito won't live past her twentieth year. And that Tobirama Senju will die in Izuna Uchiha's stead. Erased from history just as he intended for the Uchihas. It doesn't take much to infer steps three and on."
"I'm not complaining Lady Kaguya, it will be fascinating to observe the continued war. -From the safety and stability of my own world of course."
"Naturally, my darling snakeling has earned his promised reward and more. Upon your return, you'll find the position of Hokage all but yours. Claiming it will be but a formality."
"My boys personally ensured the biggest annoyances are already taken care of. A fatal heart attack for Homura, a stroke paralyzing more than half her body for hypocritical Koharu, and old reliable pulmonary embolism for your traitorous war hawk."
"Believe me Lady Kaguya I am far from ungrateful. I've observed that with his teacher dead and "Precious Kushina" MIA, poor, poor Minato has been floundering. He is no threat to my ascension and never will be."
"It's always nice to focus on the positives, just don't forget your image. Ever. The people need a strong, capable leader that much I agree, but above all, they must be able to trust you. Be their beacon of trust and transparency.
"For that end I offer you a final present. A permanent doorway to my palace between worlds. Here you will be free to continue learning as much as your heart desires. I only advise you to keep any and all of your more questionable experimentation to the dead of these many failed existences. You won't be hurting for cadavers as the corpses here remain fresh as the day they stopped breathing.
"Of course, you have my word. Now then I think it's about time. I assume you don't require my presence and I best be on my way."
Wishing him a life of satisfaction and dismissing her kind a sort of son, with a nod, Kaguya calls her two deserving children; Black and White to her side.
Releasing a breath of anticipation Kaguya murmurs to herself. "Finally, at long last, it's finally time."
Carefully assisting them with the binding into their new hybrid bodies, and guiding them through bathing, Kaguya eases their silent worry.
"Reiji and Shiroyuki, my true children… You who never betrayed me. This will not be easy."
"I wish I could do more to comfort you, but in truth, you will be among enemies. At least for the time being.
"The biggest note of relief is that your alternate counterparts won't be too much trouble. These vessels can't hinder your innate connection so absorbing them into yourselves shouldn't be any different from before. Still, due to the restrictions on your new forms, the battle will be ugly.
"Please remember, these bodies are that of children, human children. I know as mine you're each many times stronger than ordinary mortals, but I urge you to delay.
"Avoid confronting them as long as possible. It's your decision, but perhaps after the One-tail is assimilated? Maybe the Two-tails as well, just to be sure."
Cuddling them into an affectionate embrace, she whispers fondly. "Please just be cautious. It's not worth the risk. You three are a sacrifice I'm not willing to make.
"Now then take good care of your… sister, Sakuya needs you both just as you will need her. I cannot overstate it, NO dying on each other understand?"
"Sacrifice anything else if necessary, but NEVER each other."
The eerily beautiful 'little boys' before her nod, the sincerity of their devotion radiating off in warm comforting waves of warmth.
Once again Kaguya finds herself pleased that her choice to treat them with more maternal affection than most of her failed counterparts has borne such delicious, loyal fruit.
' Although it seems these new bodies are making it a bit more pronounced. Ah well, better for me and them. This childish innocence can only benefit their situation."
"Let's go over it once more. Shiroyuki, as the eldest brother, when they ask, 'Who is your family', what will be your response?"
Bunching his left fist the boy brightens, his smile posetively angelic "I tell them our father is Lord Kyou Uzumaki. Mama is just Mama, "Sora" doesn't know her family, but her eyes turn red like blood."
"Very good Shiro. Straight to the point and very much a child's answer. Now Reiji, what is the reason you three are fleeing the Uzu Whirlpool village?"
Looking thoroughly distraught, 'Reiji' faces the ground, his shoulders trembling. "Mama says our big sister Mito made Papa choose between her and Aika Uzumaki or us. He chose them cause they're his 'real family'.
"Disgraces to their noble legacy must be purged. Mama helped us escape on a boat but lost her life in the process" A two tomoe sharingan flashing in his eyes, presumably awakened by the horrible ordeal.
"Excellent performance Sweet Reiji, just try to keep it on the simpler side.
"This applies to you too Shiroyuki- Don't use such eloquent phrasing." "Remember to these people you are lost children in need of protection. An oppressive power unjustly targeting you for reasons, not your fault.
"To better emphasize your innocence, hold back on the more explicit detail, it's usually better to let them draw their own conclusions. Only a truly independent investigation will find a hidden corpse of Senju and Uchiha blood."
There, the template "Sora" will be exposed as 'your mother' and that highly traumatic and most incriminating discovery will begin the Uzumaki alienation"
Creating the crack-like rift connecting to the distant warring era, the sound of roaring tides impossible to ignore, Kaguya keeps them calm.
Tucking a loose blood moon-colored lock behind Shiroyuki's ear, and ruffling the shy, giggling Reiji's bangs she smiles with a soothing, maternal air.
"It seems our time is up, remember as follows." Handling a squirming Sakuya to Shiroyuki, Kaguya is calm.
"Erase Tobirama, ensure he isn't so much as a footnote in Konoha's founding. Remove him from any heroic ties or associations. Exactly like he has done in so many existences to the Uchiha after they stopped being useful to his spineless brother. "Two and most importantly, destabilize Hashirama Senju's path to power. Killing Mito Uzumaki and disgracing her lord father Kyou as 'his ill-gotten bastards' whom he tried to eliminate is a good start... But there are always alternative avenues worth exploring."
"If you, my children are so inclined you can help them mend their reputation later, Absolve them through "forgiveness" or "acceptance", but I suggest only bothering if doing so will further your aims.
"Naturally there is no obligation... They do hold some legitimate blame for many of the world's problems. I wouldn't blame you for thinking any retaliation the civilians unleash could be acceptable.
"Still just remember, their full extermination IS NOT on the table. So long as that line remains uncrossed, their fate should be of little concern to you three. I imagine Kyou's ego and the Uzumaki's need to "Keep Face" will surely prevent his direct interference."
The rift before her is now big enough for the children to enter, Kaguya kisses each firmly on the brow and urges them forward.
"Go now, Mother loves you with all her being and knows everything will be as planned. If you ever find yourselves faltering simply remember that as my children a part of me and our blood legacy is always with you. You have nothing to fear.
"So long as the two tasks are fulfilled, you may live your new lives as you see fit. Do with my blessings what you will."
With these final words the three make their way inside, falling into the sea below their feet. Though relatively close to shore, the rippling tide sweeps them upward. The foamy sea is eager as always to claim new blood, but Kaguya is unconcerned.
' My darlings will be fine, the boys know I timed it to open just as the fishing boats are making their return for the evening. They know their role and have never failed me."
Contenting herself with reassurance and her confidence in their abilities, Kaguya smiles. Serene and joyful, her lips barely containing her rising anticipation.
Striding toward her comfortable seating, a place Kaguya prepared for her slumber, the goddess's thoughts are full of content excitement.
"Let us see how my other self handles these curve-balls… Even if by some disaster she fails to allow herself to be reborn through my magnificent avatar, Sakuya, I win. By virtue of throwing everything asunder, I already won.'
'All that's left is for my Reiji and Shiroyuki to react accordingly.
In one form or another Konoha may very well come to exist, too bad for Hashirama Senju his idealized Will of Fire is no more. At least in the way he envisioned... On that day at the river... With Madara."
Slipping into a comfortable position for her sleep, a melody flows from Kaguya's lips. "In the dark night, twin blades glow, bearing hands know, fools can't know, waking dreams, cease to be.
"Our new dawn begins."