A/N: EDIT: Can the flames stop, please? Their getting a little...nasty.
Also cleaned up the chapter a bit, added stuff, and polished up some scenes.
This is shorter than I'd like, and not wholly satisfied with it, but I promised an update for this today.
Wanted to update this last night, but SOMEONE shipped me a remastered copy of Dot Hack G.U. Last Recode.
...how the hell did they know what was my favorite game? In the PS2 era, no less! Trying not to play it and write instead, but the temptaaaatiiiiion...
Also got folks asking me to do Elden Ring stuff. Is the game out...?
As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here.
That's no joke. Really, it isn't. If folks don't like this, if people don't enjoy...well, I won't continue it. What's the point in writing something no one likes? Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule -two jobs!- I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!
Now, onto your questions comments and concerns!
Q: Getting some reeaaal Kakashi vibes from Naruto here...
A: You should because, Naruto goes full teacher mode in this chapter. Ironic, isn't it? He sees himself in Powder, but more than that...
Q: Which of your stories are ending soon?
A: Lets see: Best Served Cold, All Things Must Die, Lies Are Entertainment, Rags to Riches, Everybody Loves Cookies, Just a Bit of Bread, Kiss of Death, Embers at Midnight, the list goes on and on. Already finished Killing Monsters and Wolf in Sheep's Clothing last year. Dawn of Daybreak was likewise edited to give it a proper ending.
That's the only reason I occasionally add new stories.
Q: How many jutsu does Naruto know?! And why teach Powder the Rasengan?
A: He's seen a fair few, and thanks to Kurama -and Kakashi!- know the theory behind a good number. Furthermore, just because Naruto said he would TEACH Powder the Rasengan doesn't mean she'll be able to learn it that easily. Would she be patient enough to? That's the question.
Time will tell.
If anything Kakashi's lightning blade would be up her alley.
Easier to channel -harder to aim as a normal person!- but with a lot less jutsu theory behind it.
Problem is, that jutsu is lethal. No matter what version. The Rasengan can at least be watered down. Chidor/Raikiri is every bit an assassination jutsu.
Q: ...there's a war coming, isn't there? Piltover's boned.
A: *whistles innocently*
Q: Are some of your previews red herrings?
A: Some. Not at all. As you all know, not every preview comes to pass. Some are changed or altered.
And sometimes...well. A story startles you.
Alright then, I've kept you long enough. Lets get into the meat of the matter and have some fun!
Once more, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOT! A! THING!
Hope this chapter puts a smile on your face~!
"With great power comes great responsibility.
And if you're not careful...misery.
Such misery...
~?
Oh the Misery
Naruto had never seen something so ridiculous as an Enforcer before.
Needless to say, he wasn't impressed.
Not one bit.
To be fair, the police of Piltover may have appeared imposing to ordinary folk; large and looming, clad in heavy armor fused to their clothes, anonymous faces hid behind large goggles fused to bulky re-breathers; each of which their lent their every breath a menacing, rasping quality. But that's all they were. Men in armor. Toy soldiers. Armor hadn't stopped him back in the elemental nations and it was hardly going to impede him now if it came to a fight.
He saw them in the streets, scoffed, and kept walking.
Besides, the purpose of their visit was clear. If their brusqueness didn't give it away, their emotions -and the man leading them!- all but threw that notion to the wolves. They were looking for someone. Several someones. Weren't being too subtle with their questions either. Even a blind man could tell who they were after.
"Can you blame them? Powder and the rest were hardly subtle. Only makes sense they'd behunted.
"Ugh," he pinched the bridge of his nose to stifle an oncoming migraine. "Don't remind me...
A fresh commotion ahead caught his attention. Evidently they were interrogating someone. Couldn't see who from this angle. Still, there were only five of them; four heavily armored and one...not so. An interrogator or somesuch? He knew he could clear them out, but technically they weren't doing anything wrong.
A slight shrug rolled his shoulders. "Guess I'm taking the long way today.
Powder would understand once he explained himself.
"HEY!"
A sudden yelp had him turning back again, just in time to spy a familiar crop of pink hair in the guard's grasp. His first instinct was to ignore it. Really, what were the chances? Slim to none. There was just no way his luck was that. Then he glimpsed the rest of her and realization dawned; just as he saw her right arm locked in an enforcer's grip.
"Vi...?"
"She matches the description." One of the enforcer's was visible, his eyes, at the very least. "Take her."
'Nope. Not having that.'
...are we doing this? Right here? Right now?"
Of course they were. Powder would never let him live it down if he walked away now.
Three quick strides carried him forward, then three more; by the sixth, chakra was already surging through his veins. He didn't so much walk as he did glide forward. Even with one arm, it was the simplest thing to slip in between the men. They didn't even notice him until he was among them, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, now!" he bodily interposed himself between them and prized her out of the enforcer's grasp. "There you are. I was looking all over for you. You had me worried."
"You?!" Violet sputtered. "Now wait just a second-
"Honestly, Naruto most certainly did not and talked right over her. "Kids these days. Don't mind me; just picking up my daughter. We'll be on our way now~! Isn't that right, kiddo?"
Vi nodded, but glared bloody red daggers at him, promising death if he called her his offspring again.
A hand came down on his shoulder, stopping them short.
"You there!" the half-masked enforcer regarded him balefully. "Do you live here?"
"No," Naruto plastered a smile to his face, "I'm afraid we don't. Just passing through, friend."
...I don't like your tone."
.
..
...so much for the easy way out.
If they were going to force this, they'd be sorely dissapointed.
"No?" a tilt of the head followed. "But I was being polite. Thought you law and order types liked that."
The man made a grab for him. "Listen here, you...!"
"Ah!" Naruto batted the hand away. "Don't touch what you can't afford. I like this jacket." it was almost worth it to see his face purple like that. "Hands off."
"You're not going anywhere! The pompous little man tried to shove him and failed miserably. "Identify yourself!"
"Sure." he was all too happy to make a scene with so man eyes on him. "I'm Naruto, and you are?"
"Not yours, you blithering oaf!"
Naruto feigned a gasp. "Did you forget your own name? How sad!"
Vi snorted and the younger enforcer paused, realizing he'd been had. "I know my name, damnit!"
"Do you? You don't seem terribly bright."
"And that name would be...?"
"Marcus!"
Had he ever been this hot-headed? He already knew the answer. Just thinking about it shamed him.
"Alright, then. Marcus," he began slowly, choosing each word with infinite care. "You don't want to do this. Its clearly a case of mistaken identity, so lets just let bygones be bygones and...
The largest of the Enforcers stepped forward. He was a great big brute of a man; easily a head taller than him, brimming with muscle. Naruto felt a tiny flicker of hostility long before he resolved himself to act. Even so, he stood his ground. With his good arm, he pushed Violet behind him.
"Don't." he warned, looking up at him. "Be smart about this."
An arm swung back. Ponderously. Slow. So very slow. He could've dodged it any number of ways, taken the fist and the arms besides. Those of the Lanes might even praise him for such savagery. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth and evil for evil. Blue eyes narrowed, shimmering with a sliver of gold as he pulled on the natural energy in the air.
Not a heartbeat later, clenched knuckles plowed into his face...
"Aaaargh!"
...and the enforcer dropped to his knees with a shriek as every bone in his fist shattered. Anger sparked to life in him, burning bright and white hot. They were still screaming when a kick caught his chin and laid him out flat. So uncivilized...
"Listen, friend." Naruto cracked his neck, rolled his eyes, and turned to face him. "Do you really wanna do this dance?"
"What the hell was that?!" Marcus stumbled back, eyes wide. "Who are you?!
"I'm just a simple man making his way in the world, like my father before me." He tutted and started forward. Another enforcer lunged. He kicked backward like a mule, launching them into their wounded comrade, never once breaking eye contact. "You think you know what strength is; what monsters are." He stood before Marcus, looming in a way he hadn't in ages. "You have no idea. I've got one inside me." he tapped a finger to his stomac. He's begging me to kill you."
"Am not!"
"Shhh! Just lemme scare 'em off."
Outwardly, he smiled. "So why don't you just-
A black baton cracked don on the back of his head hard enough to make him bite his tongue. Steel met skull and snapped in half. A faint noise of disbelief trickled through the third enforcer's mask. Naruto craned his neck back to regard them. Though those heavy goggles and helm hid his face he felt the man's confusion keenly as his own anger.
"That's the way." he tutted. "Keep trying, keep trying."
His knee crashed upward and embedded itself in the man's torso. He folded like a wet paper bag, slumping at his feet. A quick stomp on his armored skull put him out of commission entirely. Where once there had been five, now there were only two. Marcus, and his single guard, the latter of which reached for their rifle. It was a large, unwieldy thing, of little use at close range. No chance of killing him.
"You look nervous." Naruto cooed at him, crooking two fingers forward. "What's wrong? Want me to praise you-
He was still speaking enforcer shot him point blank in the face. Not a bad shot. Quick, lethal, to the point. His head snapped back from the sheer momentum of it as a wisp of smoke filled the air. Vi screamed...until his head swung back down, bullet clutched between his teeth.
"The funny thing is." Naruto bit down hard, shattering the casing between sharpened incisors. "Under any other circumstance, you might've have a point, there." he turned his head aside to spit out the ruined remains of the round. "Let me offer my counterpoint."
His eyes blazed. Killing intent spiked.
"RUN!"
Every semblance of color drained from Marcus's face. At his side, the final enforcer fainted dead away, leaving him alone. His resolve wavered. Wilted as he realized everyone was looking at him. Some were reaching for their weapons. One of them drew a sword and that was it; he turned and ran like a kicked dog, tail between his legs. His comrades were left behind to the mercy of the Lanes.
"This isn't over!" he hallooed over his shoulder. "Just you wait!"
Naruto winged a pebble at his back and sent him stumbling. "Yes, it is."
Vi coughed into a fist behind him. Oops. He'd been so wrapped up in his act, that he'd clear forgotten about her.
"Relax," he pivoted and plastered a smile to his face, "You're safe now."
She slapped his hand aside and rounded on him with a snarl. "Why did you let them go?! You should've finished them off!"
"Why?" he didn't see the point in it. "They're beaten."
The young girl flung up her arms. "They'll just come back!"
His lips pursed. "Not if they know what's good for them they won't.
She tore her gaze away. "Their kind never know."
Silence stretched between them and for an awful moment he wondered if he'd done something wrong. Beating up a few pompous guards was one thing, but he was hardly about to kill men and women in cold blood. That just wasn't his way. That she thought it was concerned him more than words.
"Would you rather I kill them?"
"Yes!" Vi answered without hesitation.
"And keep killing anyone who might be a threat?"
"If they're going to storm the Lanes, then you should!
"And I suppose I should keep killing from there," he hummed on, "Until everyone's suffered just the same as you."
Vi went silent, her mouth sealing into a thin, angry line of defiance.
"...!"
"Well?" he planted a hand on his up. Is that what you want?"
She didn't answer, bless her simple soul, but she didn't give up either. Instead she sought a new avenue of attack.
"Teach me, then."
Naruto's smile died an ugly death. "Excuse me?"
"I said teach me!" she latched onto his lone arm, tugging at his sleeve with surprising force for one so young. "Like you taught Powder! You made her strong, strong enough to take on someone twice her size and win!" When he didn't answer immediately she she wilted under his state. "Whatever gift you gave my sister...I want it-no, I need that. You made her strong. Tell me how you did it. Please. I'm begging you."
Naruto reared back.
Well, wasn't this familiar?
"Powder was always strong." he said instead, dodging the question. "I just helped her. Why should I teach you? What do you intend to with chakra, assuming I give it to you?"
"..."
An awful thought dawned as he gazed overlong at the surly girl clinging to him. Vander had given him a spotty recollection of the kids and their past, but here and now, he saw anger in Vi's eyes. Spite. A burning need to lash out, craving...vengeance. He didn't like that. No sir, not at all.
"You remind me of an old friend." he frowned at her. "He wanted power too, though his reasons were a bit...different than yours. It didn't end well for him."
"I just want to protect my sister!"
"That's maybe be part and parcel why you seek power, but we both know there's more to it than that, don't we?" she didn't deny it, leaving him to bull onward. "Vander told me enough. You want vengeance for your parents. For the life that was stolen from you and Powder. You want to make Piltover hurt, the way the two of you were hurt."
"And what if I do?"
He shook his head. "Let it go."
She sucked in a breath so raw it sounded painful to hear. "What? No! Never! Screw you then, I'll find another-
A golden claw burst from the stump of Naruto ruined arm and slammed into Vi, pinning her to a wall before you she could run.
"I said you've got to forget about revenge." he tightened his grip on her when she tried to struggle. "I've met so many people who had the same look in their eyes as you do now." baleful eyes blazed at an unpleasant memory. "Trust me, for those who follow the path of revenge, it never ends well. You'll only tear yourself apart.
"Shut up!"
"I will not. And even if you succeed with your revenge, what would you have then... "I'll tell you what." he drawled. "Nothing, emptiness."
"Easy for you to say!" Her eyes flashed as she snarled up a him. "You have no idea what we've lost! What we've suffered, what we've done to survive down here! Maybe if you lost everything in your life, your parents, your friends, your family, maybe then I'd listen to you!"
Naruto flinched.
"You killed me, Naruto."
...hate to break it to you, but you're a little late on that front." was it wrong to feel a flash of petty spite when she winced? Maybe Because he did. "Everyone you're talking about has already been killed."
Violet recoiled, looking like he'd slapped her across the face.
"You're not the only one who knows what its like to lose somebody." he crouched down before her and patted her head; it was a testament to her shock that she didn't try to escape. "Thankfully, you're not all that bad off as you think. You still have your sister, don't you? Maybe be a little nicer to her, yeah? She adores you, ya know." Tan fingers tweaked her cheek, drawing a growl from her. "Come to think of it, ya have Claggor and Mylo, not to mention Vander, too. Sure, you lost your birth parents, but I think they'd be happy to know you're not alone...unlike me."
"What about you?!"
"What about me?" he sighed. "I don't even have those anymore." there it was, the painful truth, the misery he'd been avoiding for so long. "My parents are gone, I probably killed my best friend on accident, and I have no way of getting back to my world.
She hiccuped.
"But your world is here." he jabbed her collarbone with a finger. "Don't lose sight of it. Not for anything."
Tear stung at her eyes. "I hate you...
"No, you hate the truth." he released Kurama's claw and let her slump to the ground, gasping for air. "Be grateful for what you have, Vi. Don't throw it away for the sake of revenge."
She struggled to her hands and knees and flopped forward, weeping onto the floor.
"...see you around, kiddo. Be good."
His peace said, he turned his back on her.
"Wait!" She called out as he slipped away. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it!"
He raised a hand over his head and kept walking. Vi tried to follow -such a silly girl!- but he lost her in the crowd. Everyone gave him a wide berth after that. Perhaps they sensed his mood. Maybe they knew better than to mess with a man like him. Just as well. If they tried now, he'd absolutely thrash them.
...you alright?"
No. He wasn't. Not at all.
"Damnit." he palmed his face. "I need a drink...
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto looked tired.
That was Powder's first thought when he strolled into the den some hours later. Dark circles loomed around his eyes, a telltale sign of his exhaustion, but it was more than that; his shoulders almost seemed to slump; as if bowing beneath the weight of some terrible burden. He'd be alright, of course. He always was. He was Naruto for crying out loud. Nothing put him down. Not for long.
"You alright?" she pulled out a chair for him to sink into. "Heard you got into a fight. Everybody's buzzing about it."
"Did you, now? He patted her head and didn't elaborate further. "I ran into your sister again.
"Vi?" Powder fought down a stab of dread. "W-What did she want?"
Blue eyes drilled into hers. "For me to train her."
Dread became fear. "You said, no right?"
His head bobbed. "She's not ready."
Powder didn't ever want her to be ready. This was hers. Selfish as it might sound, she didn't want to share this with anyone else. It made her feel powerful. Respected. Unique. If Naruto up and started training Vi, then he would pay less attention to her. Worse, her sister would probably surpass her. Vi was always good at things. Everything she couldn't do, couldn't say, couldn't be. Naruto might even start mentoring Claggor and Mylo, and then where would she be? The runt of the litter again.
"How's the training going?"
Those words cut into her, and not in a good way. She sulked at the bitter reminder and flung herself down into a chair. "Nowhere fast. I can't do it."
"Do what?"
"The rasengan! What else?! Its too hard!"
"Relax." he claimed the throw pillow opposite her and plonked down onto it. "It took me awhile to get the hang of this, even longer to get it down pat." a hand came down to tousle her hair. "You're making great progress for your age."
"No!" she ducked out from under his hand. "I mean I can't do it! Teach me something else!"
A foxy brow rose. "Powder."
Her face burned.
"Please?"
The weight of his gaze was a physical thing, but she sat straight beneath it. Naruto respected those who held firm to their beliefs. She'd learned that early on. So long as she had a concrete reason for her beliefs and told him the reasons behind them, he would listen to her. He always did.
Eventually he yielded. "Well, I could try to each you that...
Powder perked up. "That..?
"Kakashi-sensei told me the basics once, but I couldn't do it. Had next to no skill at it myself." he sounded almost sheepish. Embarrassed, even
Her hand rose. "...what's a sensei?"
Naruto favored her with a tired smile. "In my world, it means teacher."
Realization dawned. A hint of happy pink hit her cheeks. Teacher. He really was, wasn't he? He'd taught her so much, and in the years to come, she'd learn much more. She had a goal in him now, a secret one she refused to speak of. Not here. Not yet. Not until she was older.
"Heh." she thumbed her nose instead. "Neat. So what're ya gonna teach me?"
"Careful, now." he flicked her forehead. "There's a caveat."
"I'll do anything!"
"You're not allowed to use this jutsu on friends or family, not in training or anything else." a tan finger rose. "Only me. I'm fast enough to dodge it. They aren't. Do you understand? After that affinity training we did, you probably have the right stuff for this. Even so, I want your word."
Why was he being so serious all of a sudden? Still her head bobbed.
"No, I don't think you do." He crouched down, the better to look her in the eye. "If you misuse this for selfish means," he jabbed her shoulder with said finger, "if you turn this technique on Vi, Vander, anyone who isn't genuinely trying to take your life...then I will take your chakra away."
Her blood ran cold.
Naruto had never said those words to her before. The idea of being powerless again terrified her. She'd be a nothing. Nobody. No one. Not that. Anything but that. Chakra defined her, everything that she was. Without it, what was she? Nothing. Just poor powerless, Powder. Her bombs and traps still didn't work. And if he took this power from her...?
No! She'd rather die.
"I promise." she warbled, hooking her little finger around his. "I won't let you down. Pinkie promise."
Naruto stared at her intently, judging her. His eyes traveled to their interlocked fingers. Something flashed through his gaze, an emotion he couldn't read. She wasn't sure he wanted to. Did he have a bad experience with this jutsu in the past? That was the only thing she could think of. Whatever the case, he didn't speak of it. At length, he nodded.
"Will you keep trying to learn the Rasengan at least? I'm sure you can learn."
Not bloody likely, but for his sake, she'd continued to try. "...alright."
"Here." he held out his hand. "Give me your right arm."
She did so without hesitation, not even a little.
"Clench your fingers into a claw."
Powder did so.
"Now grip your wrist like so." he mimed the motion, gripping his own tight. "Like this."
Her brow furrowed. "I don't feel anything."
"Because you haven't done anything yet." low laughter rumbled in her ears. "Take a stance and close your eyes."
No hesitation. Why would she? She trusted him implicitly.
"Good." he nudged her arm a little, humming softly as she kept her eyes closed. "Now I want you to channel as much chakra as you can to your palm and keep it there." Easy enough. "Imagine it as a blade. Do you see it? The sharpest blade you can possibly think of." his voice guided her in the dark. "A sword to protect, to cut through anyone and anything that would hurt your family. Do you have that image in your mind?"
...yup."
She heard him scoff. "Yup, she says. Kids these days...now grasp it."
Powder complied. Something sparked to life in her.
She yelped, despite herself.
Sparks burned her vision behind closed lids and roared in her ears, like a thousand bird chirping in unison. She heard Naruto gasp; to which her eyes snapped open. And she saw. Bright blue light, such a sight as to sear her eyes. A tiny ember of excitement sprang to life n her chest. It was beautiful; easily the prettiest thing she'd ever seen. Better than the brightest blast, than the most exciting explosion.
"I did it!"
Her concentration faltered in her glee, taking her control with it. Her jutsu fizzled out into harmless sparks, but still! It had lasted for a moment, yet she saw.
"Alright." Naruto leaned back and exhaled softly. "That's...that's great, Powder. I didn't think you'd manage it on your first try.
Why did he sound so concerned?
"You really do pick this up quickly." he prattled on, running a hand through his hair. "Give it a few months and we'll have it down. Still, I'm putting another rule on you for now, just in case."
She blinked. "Another one?"
"To make sure you don't use this until you're ready." his hands came down on her shoulders. "Promise me you won't use it frivolously.
Her head bobbed in a quick, jerky nod.
"Thatta girl. Now, lets move onto something a little safer." his smile returned in earnest. "How you feel about a little theory and sage training?"
Powder's hand shot up again. "Question! "What's a sage?"
Naruto's smile was all teeth.
"You're about to learn."
(.0.0.0.)
"Are you certain about this, boy?"
Deckard clutched the vial of Shimmer in his fist.
"He humiliated me...made a fool of me...him and that brat of his! I'll kill them!"
(.0.0.0.)
Another drink slid across the counter. A hand snatched it up. Downed it.
Naruto slammed it back down.
"Another."
Vander complied with a rueful smile. "Trouble in paradise?"
He received a middle finger salute for his troubles flipped. "She's learning too fast."
"Powder?"
The blond's glare drilled a hole in his head. Cheeky bugger, but he was in no mood for games tonight, it seemed. That was his ninth glass in as many minutes, and he was still only slightly tipsy. His body burned off the booze faster than he could consume it.
"I've never been a teacher before." he sloshed the drink in the glass around, slurring a little. "I'm pants at this. I know all these techniques and tricks but...damnit, I just want her to do well. I wanna see her strive. Thrive. Excel. Is that wrong?"
"No," the former brawler allowed, "But from I've been hearing, she's drawing attention to herself was getting around. You need to set limits."
"I haaaaaave!" Naruto buried his head in his arms. "I wouldn't teach her the literal definition of a nuke. Even made her swear to keep her from using jutsu selfishly." just thinking of it made him wince. "If she doesn't keep her word...
"She will. Girl's got a crush on you."
Naruto recoiled. "Seriously?! She's a kid! A runt! Also your kid!"
"Maybe now," he chortled. "But give her a few years, maybe a decade. Let her grow up. Might be surprised...
For a fleeting moment he pictured her in the far flung future. Long blue braids, an impish smile, bright eyes that flashed like-GAH! Treachery!
"No. No, no, no." he tried to stand, then thought better of it when his legs protested. "We are not having this conversation." an ugly thought occurred to him "And if you're talking about limits, you need to have a long chat with Violet, pretty damn soon, too.
Vander frowned. "What's wrong with Vi...?"
Incredulity sparked to life in him. "You don't know? She's obsessed with-
His sixth sense shrilled a warning too late; he was only just beginning to pivot the pub door crashed open behind him. Likewise, he sensed the enforcers coming and pivoted back hunching down, reducing his profile long before they approached the bar. Even then he had an instant to take them in. Ten of them this time. And leading them...
"Well. Some fools never learn."
Oblivious to it all, Vander leaned past him.
"Evenin', officer." he smiled, wholly at his ease. "What can I get you?"
Marcus -because of course it was him!- remained silent for a long moment. At length, he spoke. "Four street rats will do. Search the place."
Naruto went still as a guard bulled past him. The kids were just downstairs. If they were discovered...
Vander didn't falter, not even for a moment. "Hmm...can't say I know any street rats. What about you, kid?"
Naruto blew out a sigh.
"Nope."
"I don't have time for-you!" Marcus finally noticed him then; his irritating glare turned downright murderous. "You've got some nerve hanging around here after what you did this morning! I'll have you in irons this time!"
Kurama was of a different opinion. "Can I eat him?"
Naruto nearly snorted into his glass.
"No idea what you're talking about." He took another drink to fortify himself and hide his laughter. "I'm afraid topsider business isn't my concern.
"Its every one of you trenchers concern now." the little man actually dared to slap the glass clear out of his hand. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!"
Naruto didn't; instead his eyes followed the tumbling glass and the sweet release it offered. It struck the floor and shattered, taking his hopes of a peaceful night with it. A low roar rose in his ears. He'd been enjoying that drink, reveling in the simple pleasure of not having to think for once. Behind him, he physically felt Vander wince. Dimly, he became aware of the man speaking, saying something. It almost sounded like "Don't do it!" but surely that couldn't be right, no?
"Listen to me!" An open palm cracked across his face, snapping him back to reality. He blinked and found Marcus looming over him. Or, well, trying to loom. He wasn't terribly good at it. "Give me a name and this all goes away. I'll even forget your little...mistake."
Vander groaned. Naruto inhaled sharply through his nose.
"Sure." He hummed. "I'll give ya two. C'mere."
Marcus leaned in.
Naruto reached around, grabbed the bottle from the counter, and broke it over the man's head.
It made a very nice sound as it shattered he thought. Moreso the noise the booze made as it soaked his uniform through.
"Screw. You."
"You people down here are all the same!" he stumbled back, sputtering. "Mistaking arrogance for bravery. You think you're standing up for something?"
Naruto tilted is head.
...yeah, I'm thinkin' I am."
"You aren't!" his adversary sneered back. "You're just a small man in a little hole the world forget to bury." his gaze roved over the lot of them, one hand snapping to the baton at his waist. "And I'm gonna bury the lot of you!"
"Bigger mean than you have tried." Naruto raised his head, knowing full well what was bout to transpire. "You know what I see when I look at you?" tired blue eyes met his. "A big fish in a little pond, with his little words, blowing his little bubbles, never once realizing the danger. Because you see, now, he's not in a pond at all. This is the ocean...
Vander heaved a sigh.
Behind Naruto, chairs scrapped back.
...and there are MONSTERS in these waters."
He didn't feel a thing as Marcus balked at him. No, wait. He told a lie. Pity. Today was a rare exception. He was starting to enjoy those. It had taken him the better part of three second to decide if he was willing to pounce on his bait. But now that they had...
...but you?" A finger jabbed Marcus in the nose. "I don't like your tone. Take that back. Apologize, and we can drop this."
The enforcer looked up at him. "And if I don't?"
Naruto smiled. "Smack."
"The hell does that-
His fist flickered.
A proper shinobi would've seen it coming, or at the very least, realized their peril. An Uchiha would have dodged away, a Hyuuga, deflected, an Uzumaki endured.
Marcus was none of these things. He took the hit like any human would.
In a word? Poorly.
In short, the uppercut SLAMMED into Marcus' glass chin and sent him spinning away end over end, mask-over-ass-over-elbows, shedding clothes as he went from sheer momentum alone. He struck a table, left in little more than a pair of boxers. Drink and food flew, spattering more than a few patrons. Silence descended over the bar as everyone, to a man, climbed to their feet. The man himself didn't rise again. He'd been knocked clean out.
His guards bristled. Ten enforcers. Alone. Outnumbered. Surrounded by thirty angry patrons.
Naruto crossed his fingers. Ten clones joined them. The outcome was never in question.
In the background, Sevika wore a wolfish grin and whistled sharply.
At least fifteen more chairs drew back.
One of enforcers swore. "Oh, shi-
Everyone lunged at them.
A/N: There we go.
As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't.
If folks don't like this...well, I'll not continue it. Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule, I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!
Reviews are my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
They keeps an old man alive.
And enjoy the previews.
As ever:
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Get ready to smile~!
Obvious references are obvious~!
(POTENTIAL!) Previews! What can I say? I've been busy.
"You have all this power! But you don't use it! You're weak!"
...it takes more strength to restrain yourself than you could possibly know, Vi."
"All I "know" is that you're full of hot air. You won't fight. Not when it matters. He was right about you."
...who is he?"
"I have power now!"
"Put that vial down before you do something you regret."
"Are you feeling angry, humiliated, is that it?!" He caught their fist, snatched them up by the ground and slammed them down. "Dumbass! You don't know what humiliation is!"
"I'm trying to HELP this place, but you're all making this so...damn...difficult...!
Powder preened. "Are you proud of me?"
Naruto bit back a retort and patted her head instead. "Good girl."
Was this what it felt like to be a parent
R&R~!