One more!
Had to sit down and crunch this one out a little bit.
Nothing hard, just had to focus.
Sorry I didn't respond to comments until I posted!
That's how focused I was!
As you noticed, for those following at least, the title has officially changed to Guiding Light.
No one was saying anything so I made the decision.
It still designated as the remake of Fox of Remnant for a lot of the first half of the story (Volumes I and II) are retellings with the new plot and the characters feel more natural.
Anyways, onto the chapter!
Reference:
"Italicized" - Emphasis/Tone Shift
Italicized - Thoughts
Bold Italicized - Emphasis
They see you as small and helpless
They see you as just a child
Surprise when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild
Prepare for your greatest moments
Prepare for your finest hour
The dream that you've always dreamed is suddenly about to flower
We are lightning
Straying from the thunder
Miracles of ancient wonder
This will be the day we've waited for
This will be the day we open up the door
I don't wanna hear your absolution
Hope you're ready for a revolution?
Welcome to a world of new solutions
Welcome to a world of bloody evolution
In time, your heart will open minds
A story will be told
And victory is in a simple soul
"Shima! Where have you been?" A worried voice called to her as she returned. "I have been worried sick! I couldn't reverse the process!"
"He's returned!" Shima ecstatically leapt forward, embracing a stunned Fukasaku. "Naruto-boy truly is full of surprises! He is the one who called me!"
Fukasaku stiffened in her grasp.
Naruto… Was alive?
But they had attended his…
Saw his…
But only someone who signed their contract could…
"Ma," he gazed gingerly at Shima. "Are you sure it was him?"
"You doubt me!" Shima shoved Fukasaku, glaring at him. "There could be no other! That infectious and indomitable spirit! He's trapped in another world! He had to use his destined power to summon me! But it was so taxed it hasn't begun to recharge…"
"I believe you!" Fukasaku placated his upset wife, now fuming at him.
His brow furrowed at this revelation.
Their summoner had passed on in this world.
But if Shima was sure it was him…
In another world…
"Tell me everything, Ma." Fukasaku calmly spoke. "We must inform everyone what has happened and inform them of Naruto's whereabouts."
"So they can help prepare the means to return our boy home, whatever that may be."
A whispery breeze washed over his exposed skin, stealing his warmth.
A cold morning. Winter was almost here.
He sighed, limply lying in the vacant branches of one of the trees on the campus.
Gazing upon the partially cloudy sky above.
He didn't have anywhere in particular to go. He needed a moment alone to think, anyway.
Clear his head.
Fighting and training unusually did the trick, but…
Would draw a little too much attention here…
Didn't need that.
Naruto exhaled wistfully.
Where did he go from here?
His options were limited.
Naruto scowled.
He was stuck here for the time being.
Gaea had mentioned her Mother several times and the Great Tree.
Another world.
One she could not return to due to her current state due to the damages inflicted on the world.
Naruto flicked his hands through his hair. His newfound ears swished out of the way.
He was starting to get used to them…
So, if he wanted to progress things on this end, he would need to work with Gaea on restoring balance to this world.
Restoring her and her sister's glory.
Ozpin didn't seem keen on such a prospect.
It was peculiar.
The man brought him to Gaea, and yet…
He couldn't place it.
What he knew was he said to take some time and to talk to him later…
After all his monitoring of him, which he understood… He was an unknown quantity. Couldn't blame him, but it didn't make it any less frustrating!
Naruto knew he should take care of that here soon.
After clearing his head. Getting a little to eat.
His stomach was rumbling…
He jumped off the tree, visibly alone for the first time.
He reversed-summoned Shima when he could tap into that power once more. Allowed her to handle business back home and maybe get something figured out on her end…
He hoped she and Fukasaku could, for the leads were running dry here…
He needed to count on his friends back home. Hope he could rely on them to search for alternative routes and a plan on their end.
With his summoning angle now off the table, unless Sasuke was found, he needed some ideas from their side. He was tough and could deal, gather what he needed, and figure things out…
This was a strange situation.
He could use a few suggestions on how to proceed. Solve more complex issues.
Get a few things back from home while he was here.
At the very least, he still had his connection to the summoning contract…
"When did you come back? You were supposed to call!"
"Huh?" Naruto flatly resonated, turning around to see Blake marching toward him. "Oh, hey… Things led me back here last night… Slept in this tree."
Blake blinked. Looked up into the branches of the tree and then back down at Naruto and shivered. "And you didn't call? It was cold last night! You could have stayed warm!"
Naruto blankly glanced at Blake. Clueless at what she meant.
Her bow twitched in irritation.
He already forgot.
"Huh, what is making that sound?" Naruto noticed Blake pull out her scroll and tap on it before a ringing came from his pouch. "Wait… Dammit!"
Blake crossed her arms. "Coming back to you now?"
Naruto chuckled, scratching his cheek. "Yeah… Gonna have to get used to that. Having tech to call someone when we're out is too new. Never crossed my mind."
Relaxing her posture. Her demeanor softened. "You seemed… Lost in thought? Find a lead?"
"Might have found one," Naruto confirmed, wincing. "Not one I'm thrilled about…"
"That doesn't sound hopeful." Blake frowned, hand on her hip. "What is it?"
"Oh, it's something I would have never expected." Naruto shook his head before waving Blake to follow, his stomach rumbling. "I'll tell you over breakfast."
"I'm starving, and my stomach is going to revolt if I don't have ramen in the next ten minutes!"
"He's a child, Oz! The same age as many of our students!"
"He has not accepted the position," Ozpin refrained from chastising her for lecturing him about his decisions. "Nor have I officially offered him this position. He has a few certain issues to sort out, and once those are taken care of, then I will consider offering it."
"My issue still stands." Glynda crossed her arms. "Students will not respect someone their age or younger than them. It will cause conflict. How do you expect this to work out?"
"Considering the role I will be handing him, well. It's perfectly suited for him, I believe. After a class or two, well, I believe we will learn new material and be shown up." Ozpin replied confidently.
Glynda's lips pursed for a moment. Then she scowled.
"What exact subject do you have him planned on covering?"
"Combat studies and applications."
Glynda's brow furrowed furiously. Her eyes are as sharp as freshly crafted daggers. "That's my course."
"I am aware." Oz sipped on his freshly brewed cocoa. "You will be on administration duties if he accepts."
"That's your job."
"I am aware."
A mixture of concern and befuddlement crossed Glynda's expression. "Oz?"
Ozpin sighed, gently placing down his mug. "Glynda, I won't be here for much longer. Most of my lives… Don't live this long. It's rare I get to be this old. …It's nice."
Seeing Glynda's rigid and somber expression, Ozpin chuckled.
He rarely ever saw her lose her composure. At least from her more strict and stern demeanor.
It was an oddly refreshing sight.
"I've prepared for this scenario for far longer than you can imagine." Ozpin sighed, vacantly glancing outside toward the forest. "And yet, all I can do is monitor and keep watch. Guide it and hope I can only help the wanderer return to where he is lost."
"You," mildly recovering, listening to Ozpin's melancholy spiel, Glynda pursed her lips, "want him here? Is he some sort of magician like yourself? And you are trying to keep him from her hands?"
Chuckling, closing his eyes, and enjoying the laugh, he shook his head. "No, I am afraid not. She is far from who I fear in this circumstance. If she were to cross him… Hmm, I don't know. Can't say I'm enthused to find out."
Glynda's brow furrowed further.
She wasn't his concern.
At least his main focus in this instant?
Then what else possible could…
"Are you familiar with The Four Roots?"
"The creation mythos?" Glynda frowned, her eyes narrowing. "About the four titans that forged Remnant… You can't mean…"
"Every fairytale has an origin." Ozpin laced his fingers. "Our dear friend is intrinsically linked with it. And I fear if he plays his role…"
"Remnant will be worse for it."
"Fairy tales are… Fairy tales are real…"
Naruto openly expressed worry.
Blake wasn't handling what he told her too well.
She was constantly muttering and rocking back and forth, eyes wide and dilated.
Perhaps he might not need to be so honest…
It was a shock to learn he wasn't of this world, and now to be told something impossible in her world was a thing?
Yeah, that was a mistake.
Slurping down the last of his ramen cup and setting it down, Naruto poked her in the shoulder. "Didn't break ya, did I?"
She slumped over, falling onto the concrete, still shaking and muttering.
He palmed his face before laughing. "Yup, broke her."
"Surprised I'm not like that."
Work…
Work…
There so much work…
She didn't want to keep doing this any longer.
Her eyes glistened.
She shook the thought from her mind.
That wasn't what he would want.
He would be hard at work.
After sleeping in.
She chuckled.
Yeah, he would definitely still be sleeping in at this time in the morning.
Would have worked himself into a stupor…
A knock at the door.
She knew who it was.
There was only one person who it could be at this time of the day.
Probably more papers to file.
"Come in." she absently waved to the door, examining the document sheets on her desk.
Funding for more damages… They were still dealing with the Akatsuki incident before the Great War.
At least she had gotten the egregious issues out of the way and was handling the small matters now!
"Sorry for the intrusion, Lady Tsunade." She heard Shizune's timid voice as she entered the office, bringing in a small bundle of scrolls.
Tsunade repressed a sigh—the Daily Mission Assignments.
She almost wished she had forgotten about them…
She scowled.
How did Minato do this so effortlessly?
Her sensei had a grasp of it in his old age, but by then, he took it slow and was always a little behind. Her grandfather's desk was always a bit messy. Her grand uncle was always busy…
Minato never seemed bothered and was ahead of everything!
He had free time!
What was his secret?!
"Let me see them," Tsunade grumbled, holding her hand for the scrolls, rubbing her temple with her other. "Did you see anything that might be off? To make my life easier…"
"I did not," Shizune apologized with a bow. "All the employers for the C rank and higher ranked missions passed the background checks are reputable. There should be no issues…"
"They get by when they want to, Shizune." Tsunade reminded her apprentice, taking the scroll and poring over them herself. "How is everything running at the hospital? I haven't been able to check…"
"It has been running smoothly," Shizune replied thoughtfully. "Construction is nearly complete. Medics are, as always, in short supply. I can only hope with what we went through… We will see a surge in those wanting to take up the arts…"
"That's not what I was asking about," Tsunade glanced up from the scroll, frowning. "How is she doing?"
"Oh," Shizune shrunk sheepishly, rubbing her shoulder. "I can't say she's well. …She has… Stopped seeing her friends. Sacrificed her personal life. Running double shifts daily. …She listens to me. Still considerate with her words… I fear she's become like you, Lady Tsunade…"
"She's lost in her grief," Tsunade lowered her head, her eyes glistening. "I see… I'm gonna have to make the time for her somehow… Or die trying."
"Now, don't do that!" Shizune chirped, coyly smiling. "Just giving it your all is what he ever did. All we could ever hope to… Whoa!"
Sitting straight at her desk, Tsunade was alert as smoke plumed in her office.
A summon?
Very few summons could willfully call themselves into this office.
Very few.
She could name them…
Whatever this had to be…
"Fukasaku? Shima?" Tsunade laced her fingers, looking down upon the toads summoned into her office.
This was a troubling matter.
If it was the two of them…
"Forgive us for the intrusion, Lady Tsunade," Fukasaku bowed respectfully. "I come with news you would wish to hear."
"Let's hear it then." Tsunade frowned, a pit knotting within her stomach.
Instead of speaking, Shima hopped onto her desk, withdrew a scroll, and handed it to Tsunade. "I was instructed to give this to you. He wanted you to read this."
"He?" Tsunade's eyes flickered, snapping the scroll out of Shima's hand before she glared daggers. "What do you mean he?"
"It will become clear once you read it and activate the storage seal within," Shima responded, returning beside Fukasaku. "It is difficult to explain and have you believe. Given what has happened with our boy, It is understandable… But he has always managed to do the impossible."
As Shizune gasped, recognition glimmered within Tsunade's eyes.
It couldn't be.
It was impossible.
He was…
Without further hesitation, she unsealed and unraveled the scroll. Intently combing over the contents within…
A hesitant and fearful expression slowly shifted. Tears welling. A hysteric and short cry left her lips. "How do you keep doing this…"
"What are these?!" Tsunade expressed, releasing the seal and gazing upon the strange objects within. "I've never seen anything like these before!"
"It is as Naruto-boy wrote." Shima answered, "He's trapped in another world, unable to be called back here. He needed to use that power to call me there and back. He has minimal access to it, so he is searching for another route home…"
"Then we better help find him a path on our end!" Tsunade's eyes glistened tearfully before she wiped them clean. "Shizune! Call Sakura… Hinata… Everyone!"
"Naruto's alive, and we need everyone available!"
"How are you just okay with any of this?! The possibility of having to go to another world to get back home? To confront another, what I can only assume, Goddess?"
"Mah, I told you earlier." Naruto waved Blake's pestering off. "I don't let things bother or weigh me down. I push forward. Make the most of what I have put in front of me. What I have to do now… Which reminds me… Probably gonna need a job while I'm here. I might be in this for the long haul. Guess I might have to take him up on his offer."
"Offer? What offer?" Blake squinted. "What are you talking about? Who are you talking about?"
"Guy in charge here." Naruto thumbed over toward the tower. "Said something indirectly about offering me a position here. Had me evaluate a potential student's combat prowess. Think he might be looking at me as a candidate for a Combat Instructor or something; I dunno. Never really saw myself as a teacher…"
"He what?!" Blake expressed her dismay, stepping back. "I don't believe that… You're… The same age as me!"
"What does that matter?" Naruto frowned, not seeing the issue. "Age is just a number. Skill is what is valued. My sensei was promoted to Jonin… You don't know what that is… The highest-ranked shinobi class by twelve. That is the same age everyone else graduates from the academy. In theory, he could have been teaching students the same age as he was. So if he wanted…"
Blake coughed, choking on her spit, much to the amusement of Naruto.
His amusement caught her ire.
"Prove it."
"Huh?" Naruto was taken by surprise. "Prove what?"
"Every Professor and Instructor is a trained Huntsman and Huntress. Experienced and successful ones. " Blake explained with a scowl. "I don't doubt you are skilled… You have to be if you somehow saved your world. But that doesn't necessarily mean it was just through strength alone. Or that it translates to being a teacher. Prove it."
Pursing his lips.
Examining her rigid posture.
She made an excellent point.
He wasn't a Huntsman.
He was shinobi.
But he was an experienced shinobi who, unfortunately, saw the horrors of war…
And wished it didn't have to come to that.
"Are you asking for a spar?" Naruto responded, his eyes glinting eagerly. "Cause I kind of need to blow off a little steam…"
"What are my restrictions so I don't go too hard on ya."
Blake narrowed her eyes.
She didn't like his tone…
And yet…
She felt he was playing with her.
"Velvet, we have training this morning."
"I know, Coco." Velvet timidly held her head down, eyes shifting around, searching around as their team left the dorms together, heading to the cafeteria. "I was looking for someone…"
"The new girl?" Coco responded, glancing at the heads, searching for a particular one. "Rarely see you talk to other people… Well, unless they are… Hm? Wait, is she…"
"No!" Velvet's voice spiked, shaking her head furiously as she adamantly denied it.
"Someone's lying." Fox frowned, squinting as he touched Velvet's shoulder, sensing where she was. "You know I can tell how you are feeling, right?"
"We will not speak a word," Yatsu added, glancing toward Coco. "Right?"
"What?" Coco flinched at his accusing tone before recognizing where it came from.
Velvet had trust issues.
She struggled to get along with Yatsu simply because he came from Mistral.
A place where racism toward Faunus was still rampant.
She didn't want to be on the team with him.
It took a tremendous amount of effort on his part to earn her trust.
"You have her number, don't you?" Fox asked reassuringly. "Why don't you call her? Ask her to join us. We can show her around today."
"Can we?" Velvet perked up before her attention shifted to Coco expectantly.
Coco flatly stared at Fox, who scrunched his face and waved at Velvet as Yatsu nodded sagely. She caved, agreeing with their assessment.
Velvet needed it.
"We can." Coco fused and shrugged defeatedly. "But! You are not to use your weapon and semblance in training today, got it? Have to keep the element of surprise! You are our secret weapon, Velvet!"
"Right! Strongest out of all four of us!" Fox laughed hardily.
"I concur." Yatsu lightly smiled.
Velvet beamed at the praise, seemingly energized by it. An aura of positivity radiated around she couldn't contain her excitement, reaching for her scroll. "Got it! Thank you so much!"
"Just looking out for you." Coco smiled back, shaking her head. "Now, let's get some break… What is happening over in the courtyard? That's a lot of people gathered…"
"Seems like a fight." Yatsu frowned, crossing his arms.
"Nah, I'm not getting any negative intent. Some enjoyment actually… A little too much on one side… Perhaps it's a spar. …And they didn't know where the arena was? That's concerning." Fox shook his head, glancing in the direction where he felt every one.
"Hm?" Velvet looked up from her scroll toward the commotion upon Fox's words.
And her heart sank.
She recognized who it was.
"Blake! Naruto!"
Standing across one another.
A crowd of students began to draw.
A murmur followed, bets taking place.
The frigid air frosted their faces.
His stance lax.
His confidence swelled at each waning second they waiting. He watched her nervously fidget.
So this was what it felt like for Kakashi when he first stood before him during their test.
Neat.
Blake was far more composed and reserved than ever was. He would credit her for that.
He would spout some nonsense and charged him by now.
Still might have.
Never knew.
Had to keep everyone on their toes.
Might be the last thing they ever expect and give him the advantage.
…In fact…
"Are those ears under there?!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs, reaching into his pouches while pointing at her bow, much to Blake's horror, leaving her shell-shocked.
Only to find several shuriken flying toward her.
Each shot down with precision as the barrel of her gun smoked.
Her eyes narrowed.
He had vanished.
In the split second it took her to shoot the shuriken, he used it to duck away and head for cover.
But what cover?
They were in the middle of the courtyard
There was the fountain…
There were walls, sure. But if he made it that far so quickly…
"Too distracted!"
Above!
Golden eyes glimmered.
A foot came crashing down onto her skull.
Naruto whistled, his foot planting on Blake's head before it dispersed into shadows. Keeping his eyes firmly on the real one as she jumped back, eyes dilated on him. "You and I have something in common! I have that, too!"
"What?!" Blake tensed; her eyes shimmered.
A dread filled her.
The air shifted beside her.
Her eyes shifted. But her body couldn't react.
She was launched from her feet, skidding across the frigid grass.
A fist connecting her cheek was the cause.
"See?" Naruto chirped, still standing in his previous location. "Got that technique. Want to see another?"
"That's not a technique! That's a Semblance!" Someone in the crowd cried out.
"What does he mean another?" Someone else followed up, bewildered by his statement.
Blake picked herself up to a knee. Her eyes shifted between the two versions of him…
Watching as the other dispersed into smoke.
He had an exact replica of her ability…
Could use it offensively…
And had more!
She gathered her breath.
Her determination
She knew he was strong.
He had to be.
He saved his world.
But that wasn't what this was about…
It was whether or not he could teach…
"You're getting lost in thought." Naruto's voice caught her, a kunai strike forcing her to engage the wakizashi weapon mode. "You're thinking too much. Let the fight come to you, ya know?"
Blake snarled.
Arcing a long, powerful slash to push him off and gain some distance. "That's not the only way to fight! You have to be thoughtful and careful too! Strategize! Come up with plans!"
"You're absolutely right!" Naruto watched her weapon transform as she firmly wrapped the ribbon around her wrist.
Transforming it into a kusarigama, whipping it around her elegantly.
Like a dance.
Yet he weaved through her dance. Blocking the strikes, he pressed his advantage, forcing her to draw her sheath to use as a defense.
"Oh, that's a blade too! Nice!"
"Shut it!"
"Don't know how!" Naruto playfully taunted, his eyes glinting. "Because, as you so elegantly put it, there is more than one way to fight… I've been employing one of my favorite tactics! Messing with ya!"
Blake's eyes glint dangerously.
He was right.
He was baiting her, and she took it!
Noticing her ribbon was loosely wrapped around his ankle, Blake yanked.
Naruto slyly smirked, allowing himself to be tripped up by her attack.
He always wanted to do this after seeing Kakashi do it to Sasuke the first time…
Wondered what the crowd's reaction would be…
"Oum!" Blake gasped in horror as the blade of the kusarigama embedded into Naruto's chest, clasping her hands over her mouth.
A loud gasp filled the air.
People started crying for help.
This wasn't her intent!
She was just trying to trip him up and get the advantage!
She thought he would dodge as he had been!
Or be able to take such a measly hit…
…Why was there smoke pluming around his body?
"Strategy." Naruto's voice echoed from behind her before feeling the coldness of a blade press against the back of her neck. "My friend is good at that. Out thinks everyone. Can never beat him if it comes down to tactics. But you overlooked a minor detail of why strategy wasn't important here."
"Neither of us knew what the other can do," Naruto stated as the smoke cleared, the kusarigama wedged firmly into a log to the shock of everyone watching. "There is no way to plan for that. Maybe a precise plan of attack could have overwhelmed me; ya never know. But we never fought before! How could we know what the other could do? The best you can do is adapt and improvise in the heat of the moment, ya know?"
Blake's gaze shimmered.
Her head slumped.
She didn't even feel him remove the kunai from her neck.
He was right.
Strategy was a critical aspect…
It could win you a fight when well implemented.
But you had to know what you were doing and what you were fighting against.
"Well said." Ozpin's voice carried, drawing all attention toward him, strolling toward the scene, Glynda glowering toward Naruto in tow. "By chance, are you willing to accept my offer? I am more than aware of your situation… I will do what I can to assist you on your way."
"Mah, I still have my issues with you." Naruto stretched his arms over his head, leering at Oz. "Really could go either way with it."
"And I have mine with you," Ozpin replied nonchalantly. "We work together. The faster we can move past this."
"Huh, well, that's good we got that out of the way," Naruto smirked before scrunching his face in thought. "So what exactly would I have to do if I accepted the job here…"
"Job?" Coco's voice echoed from the crowd. "Oh, no, no, no!"
"He cannot become one of my instructors!"
No…
Who was this?
Why couldn't she find anything on this man?
Why could he summon fire?
Push her with this power…
This didn't make any sense…
No, she was still incomplete…
She needed the other half!
Then…
A light thud.
Amber eyes dilated.
Amused heterochromatic eyes glistened daringly.
Staring into hers defiantly as the owner grinned manically, lying listlessly across the desk she was using.
Glass shards shattered around her as she formed from the air.
"You," she snarled, displeased. "You return to mock me?"
Lifting from the desk, Cheshire grin; a parcel opened, fluttering parted waist-length pink and brown hair. The two locked eyes, refusing to budge.
Until horror flickered within her eyes, flames flickering in the palms of her hands. "I am so sorry, but I have a new job for you."
"Your time with Roman will just have to wait."
"Lady Tsunade, why have you brought us all together… Here, of all places? It seems strange to hold a meeting here. I know he isn't harmful… But disturbing him… Well… "
Within a large tunnel hollowed within the cliffside, meant for something to allow passage for something far more significant than humans could conceive, flames flickered at the entrance.
Everyone Tsunade had requested had arrived as she stood at the entrance, glancing within the tunnel. Observing for movement.
Waiting for something.
"I requested everyone involved in this, Kakashi," Tsunade replied, focusing intently on the shadows. "Not everyone can fit into my office without destroying it, unfortunately, to hear the news… That Naruto is alive."
"What?"
A raucous discourse filled the air.
Surprise.
Shock.
Disbelief.
Relief.
The emotions varied, each asking their questions.
Until a roar silenced everything, the very earth-shaking.
Dust and rocks shaking loose from the tunnel walls.
Two large scarlet eyes burning through the shadows…
A single word spoken by a Nine-Tailed fox emerged from within.
Where?
Hope everything was to your standards!
If like to leave a word, I would very much be appreciative as always!
I'll try to get back, honest!
I was just busy!
Anyways, hope everything is going well my friends!
And until next time.
Peace.