It took some time, but Naruto eventually figured out how to regenerate missing limbs, and how to change his body into that of his element. It was nowhere near close to being an instinctual thought, and Naruto was determined to change that. Jiraiya was pretty excited about him getting a logia, apparently many of the most powerful shinobi to ever live all had a Logia, despite their exceedingly rare chance of appearing. Naruto was told that the Jinchuriki for the Yonbi had the Lava Logia, which in combination with the built in Yonton that he got from the Bijuu, meant he was fully capable of rewriting an entire region into a volcano. However, due to his prowess, he was forbidden from actually entering his village.
Another example Jiraiya gave was the First Mizukage, who actually had the Snow Logia. He was also the one who invited the Yuki clan to join the village. The last example he gave was actually the Second Hokage, who in addition to his superior water Jutsu also had the Light Logia. It was his speed that the 4th Hokage was inspired by, creating the Hiraishin Technique, allowing for instantaneous movement. Jiraiya confessed not even he understood how he managed it.
The two had been traveling through Yuki no Kuni for a few days now. Apparently, Jiraiya had a spy up here, who was keeping an eye on the technological advancement of the country. They met with him just the other day. Apparently, Yuki no Kuni was developing something known as a 'Train.' A giant mechanical vehicle that could haul thousands of pounds of material extremely quickly. Konoha had an interest in the potential behind the machine, and wanted to see if it'd be possible to procure the schematics for it. Unfortunately, it seems progress is slow, and it's still not complete. They do seem to be on a breakthrough.
Naruto and Jiraiya were entering the capital of Yuki no Kuni, where Jiraiya had set up a meeting with Sōsetsu, to attempt to find out more about the rumors about a possible coup d'etat, and also meet up with the team of ANBU lead by Inu. Jiraiya led Naruto to an Inn, where upon entering he saw four cloaked figures with ceramic masks depicting various animals. One of which Naruto recognized as the ANBU that saved him that night, the only one he saw before he passed out.
The ANBU were wearing their typical outfit of a gray vest over a tight black compression shirt, though instead they had long sleeves. They were wearing a fur lined black cloak, likely to help stave off the cold without having to resort to minor heating jutsu, likely to prevent detection from chakra usage and to conserve chakra reserves. Other than Inu there was an ANBU with a panther mask, what looked to be a raccoon mask, and a tiger mask. Realistically, they all looked similar, with only slight differences, but that's what Naruto chose to interpret their masks as.
Jiraiya stepped forward, nodding his head to Inu. Naruto followed, slightly hiding behind Jiraiya. Naruto struggled to trust people, thus was wary of the ANBU. Especially since they were from Konoha. Inu had earned some of his trust as he was one of the ANBU who saved him that night, and he seemed familiar in another way, though Naruto couldn't quite put his finger on it. The other ANBU, however, Naruto didn't know and didn't trust.
"Inu, what's it looking like?" Jiraiya asked.
"It seems that the rumors of a possible coup are true, and that Doto, Sōsetsu's brother, shall be striking soon. Possibly tonight. We were about to go warn the royal family and possibly extract them to a safer location tonight. Lord Third has instructed us to prevent their deaths, and if possible, sabotage the coup and prevent it from happening at all. It's quite fortunate that you are here, as our chances have just skyrocketed. As skilled as the three ANBU with me are, they are still new recruits, and we are uncertain how many shinobi Doto has under his command."
"Well, then I suggest we go meet with Sōsetsu right now. I'd rather not risk him dying, he's a good man. A bit altruistic and a dreamer, perhaps, but a good man. Oh, by the way," Jiraiya nudged Naruto out from behind him, "you might remember Naruto, Inu. Make sure he's safe if I'm not around, understand?"
"Yes, Master Jiraiya. I'll protect Naruto with my life."
"Good." With that, the ANBU vanished in a blur of speed and leaves. Naruto and Jiraiya then made their way out of the inn and towards the palace, which stood in the center of the city. Stone paths that were caked with ice and snow lined the streets. Naruto noted that a happy side effect of eating the Ice Logia is that the cold doesn't bother him anymore.
"Ojisan, I've been thinking about a possible use for my devil fruit."
"Oh? Go on, Naruto."
"Well, I was thinking I could instantly generate seals using ice. It'd require an incredible amount of control, but I think I could do it."
"That sounds amazing, Naruto." Jiraiya ruffled Naruto's hair and grinned down at him, before giving him a thumbs up. "You'll make an amazing shinobi, I'm sure of it. You're devouring those Fuinjutsu scrolls like nobody's business! In fact, you're already on the intermediate level of Fuinjutsu."
"I am?"
"Yeah, actually, you completed the beginner lessons last week. I was waiting to see if you'd notice." Naruto, in fact, didn't notice. Fuinjutsu just came easy to him, Naruto didn't completely understand it himself. "It must be your Uzumaki genes coming out."
"What do you mean by that, Ojisan?" Jiraiya paused.
"Did I really not tell you? The Uzumaki Clan were renowned for their mastery of Fuinjutsu. In fact, it's the entire reason why they were exterminated in the first place, during the second shinobi war. They say that, despite there only being a few hundred Uzumaki, they managed to bring down almost every single shinobi that attacked them down to the last man, which had numbered in the thousands. The combined might of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure was completely destroyed. Unfortunately, it came at the cost of all the Uzumaki that had once resided in Uzushiogakure. There are likely only a handful of Uzumaki left, scattered through the elemental nations."
"That… was a lot of information that I wish I had known sooner, Ojisan. I had a clan? And it was exterminated?"
"Yeah… I'm sorry, Naruto. Maybe we'll run into some Uzumaki as we travel?"
"I think I'd like that…"
"Y'know, other than your mother, I had met an Uzumaki child once. His name was Nagato Uzumaki. He… he was a unique child. He possessed a legendary Dojutsu known as the Rinnegan. I found him along with two other orphans during the last Great Shinobi War. Yahiko and Konan. Konan loved origami, and Yahiko was a boisterous youth, always smiling. He wanted peace more than anything. Nagato and you were similar, I think. Relatively quiet, but smart. Unfortunately, I lost track of them at one point, and got a letter that they had passed away. I will always regret that I hadn't done more for them."
"I'm sorry, Ojisan. I wish I had gotten to know them…"
"They'd be slightly older than Inu, if they were still alive. Nagato would have been 26 this year." Jiraiya turned to Naruto, and smiled. "You're turning seven next week, aren't you?" Naruto was startled. Right, today was October 2nd. Naruto wondered where the time went.
The duo finally made it to the gates, and after some quick security checks and verifications, they were let into the palace, where they were joined by the ANBU moments later. The guards led them to a small waiting room.
"Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki will be ready for you shortly." The guard bowed, and stepped away, sliding the door shut behind him. Jiraiya let out a quiet chuckle.
"You know, I'm pretty sure Daimyo does this as a power play, though with Lord Sōsetsu it's hard to tell. He's not the type." After a few minutes, the guard opened the door, informing them that Sōsetsu was ready for them. He lead them into a large room, where a a finely dressed man with a receding hairline and round glasses were waiting, along with a young woman with dark hair and startling purple eyes, a very unique color. She was very pretty, and Naruto flushed a little from embarrassment and awe. They were sitting on comfortable pillows, and gestured Jiraiya and Naruto to sit, Lord Sōsetsu smiling in a kind, if kind of goofy way.
"Lord Jiraiya! It's been so long! And who's this strapping young lad with you?"
"Lord Sōsetsu, it's a pleasure to see you again. This is my Godson, Naruto. He's traveling with me until he's old enough to become a shinobi. Unfortunately, my visit, along with the ANBU with me, is not a casual one. Tell me, are you aware of Doto's plan to overthrow you?"
"What? Doto? My brother? Where have you heard this?" Jiraiya gestured Inu to step forward.
"My team and I have been investigating rumors the last two weeks, and have only recently got them confirmed. Doto's planning a coup d'etat, and will be striking soon, possibly tonight. Our mission is to help secure you and your daughter, and to prevent the coup from being successful."
"I… I see. This is concerning news. Do you have any plans on how to deal with the coup?" Jiraiya exchanged a glance with Inu, before turning back to Sōsetsu with a serious expression.
"We have a few ideas, but first, we need to ensure your safety. Is there a secure location where we can take you and Princess Koyuki?"
Sōsetsu nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, there's a hidden safe house outside the city. It's a place only a select few know about. We can go there until this situation is resolved."
"Good," Jiraiya replied. "We'll escort you there immediately. In the meantime, we'll set up an ambush for Doto. I'll use some shadow clones transformed into you as bait, then when they attack we'll be ready." With that settled, the group quickly made their way out of the palace, guided by the ANBU team led by Inu. They moved swiftly and silently through the streets, wary of revealing the evacuation. Naruto kept close to Jiraiya, his senses alert for any signs of danger.
As they reached the outskirts of the city,they approached a nondescript building concealed within the thick forest and snow. The hidden safe house was well-protected and fortified against intrusion. Jiraiya further reinforced the base with some barrier seals. Inside, they found a comfortable and secure environment, where Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki would be safe.
"Naruto, I want you to stay with Lord Sōsetsu and Koyuki while the ANBU team and I handle this, understood?"
"What? But, Ojisan, I can help!"
"Not this time, Naruto. You're only six years old, and have only been training for about a month. Yes, you're advanced with Fuinjutsu for your age and you have a Logia, but you are young, and barely trained. I cannot in good conscience allow you to come with us. Besides, you can protect Lord Sōsetsu and Koyuki while I'm gone, can't you?"
"I- I guess…" Naruto replioed, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I'll stay here with them. But promise me you'll come back safely."
Jiraiya crouched down to Naruto's eye level, his expression softening with understanding. "Hey there, kiddo. I know you want to help, but this time it's too dangerous. You need to stay here with Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki, okay?"
Naruto hesitated, his eyes darting between Jiraiya and the departing ANBU team. He felt a pang of worry gnawing at his chest, coupled with a sense of helplessness. He nodded reluctantly, his small fists clenched tightly.
"But what if something happens? What if you don't come back?" Naruto's voice wavered with uncertainty, betraying the fear that lingered beneath his tough exterior.
Jiraiya smiled gently, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Who do you think I am? I'm the Gallant Jiraiya, none can possibly defeat me! We'll handle this and be back before you know it."
With that reassurance, Jiraiya straightened up and joined the ANBU team as they departed, leaving Naruto behind with Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki. Naruto watched them go with a mixture of worry and anxiety swirling within him. He felt a knot of fear tightening in his stomach, the weight of his past experiences weighing heavily on his young shoulders. He wasn't used to having someone to care about him, and desperately didn't want to lose Jiraiya.
As the hours stretched on, Naruto found himself pacing anxiously within the safe house, his thoughts consumed by the dangers that awaited Jiraiya and the others. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him, the memories of past trauma and abandonment lingering in his mind.
Sensing Naruto's distress, Princess Koyuki approached him with a gentle smile, her presence offering a glimmer of solace amidst the turmoil. "Hey, Naruto, right?" she said softly, her voice carrying a comforting warmth. "I know it's scary waiting like this, but try not to worry too much. Lord Jiraiya and the others are strong. They'll come back safely, I'm sure of it."
Naruto paused in his pacing, turning to face Koyuki with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. He hadn't expected her to reach out to him, let alone offer words of reassurance. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Princess Koyuki."
Koyuki returned his smile, her eyes softening with empathy. "It's no problem, Naruto. We're in this together, after all." She gestured for him to sit beside her, patting the space next to her on the cushioned floor.
Naruto hesitated for a moment before joining her, the warmth of her presence easing the knots of tension in his chest. As they sat together in quiet companionship, Naruto found himself opening up to Koyuki in a way he hadn't expected. He shared stories of his childhood in the village, his dreams of becoming a powerful shinobi, and his struggles with connecting with people, and trying to remember how to be happy again.
To his surprise, Koyuki listened with genuine interest, taking his hand and offering words of encouragement and understanding. As they talked, Naruto felt a bond form between them. He's still not used to making friends, so he was glad that the older girl was willing to comfort him.
By the time Jiraiya and the ANBU team returned, Naruto found himself feeling a lot lighter, buoyed by the comfort Princess Koyuki offered. When Jiraiya returned, Naruto's eyes lit up with relief at the sight of his safe return. He rushed forward in an uncharacteristic display of affection, wrapping his arms around Jiraiya.
"I missed you, Ojisan. I'm glad you're back." Naruto whispered into Jiraiya's cloak, his voice filled with relief.
Jiraiya smiled warmly at Naruto. "Of course, kiddo. Was there any doubt?" he teased, tousling Naruto's hair affectionately.
Naruto grinned up at him, feeling a rush of gratitude and affection. The last few weeks have definitely been the best ones in his life, and it was all because of his Godfather. "Yeah, I did," he admitted, his gaze flickering over to the ANBU team who stood nearby. He got the feeling Inu was smiling.
Jiraiya turned to face Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki, his expression solemn as he prepared to deliver his report. "Lord Sōsetsu, we've dealt with Doto and his followers. Doto has been apprehended, though the shinobi working under him were dealt with in… other manners. Doto is in custody, awaiting your judgment."
Lord Sōsetsu nodded gravely, his expression reflecting a mix of relief, grief, and concern. "Thank you, Lord Jiraiya. I will see to it that he is punished harshly. Treason… my own brother."
Princess Koyuki stepped forward, her gaze meeting Jiraiya's with unwavering resolve. "Keep taking good care of Naruto. He's a good friend." Jiraiya regarded her with a thoughtful expression, recognizing the protective affection in her eyes, and grinned. Naruto was already a lady killer, huh?
With Doto safely in custody, Jiraya and the ANBU team escorted Lord Sōsetsu and Princess Koyuki back to the palace, where they would determine Doto's fate. As they made their way through the snow-covered streets, Naruto felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that everything had turned out okay.
As they reached the gates of the palace, Lord Sōsetsu turned to Jiraiya with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lord Jiraiya. Your assistance has proved invaluable, and likely saved my life. Is there anything you wish for in return?"
At this, Jiraiya hesitated, glancing down at Jiraiya. "Actually… yes. Unfortunately, There have been some startling rumors back at the village, and I don't think Naruto would be comfortable returning quite yet. In addition, I'll need to be going to Tsuchi no Kuni to check on my network there. Naruto wouldn't be safe with me, as it's still relatively dangerous. I'd like you to watch him for a few months, if that'd be okay with you?"
Lord Sōsetsu startled, before smiling. "Of course I can do that." Naruto, on the other hand, looked at Jiraiya with a feeling of betrayal.
"You're leaving me?" He asked, his voice cracking, tears welling up in his eyes. Jiraiay winced.
"I'll be back, Naruto. I promise. I would never abandon you, you understand?" Jiraiya crouched down to Naruto's level. "This is a promise. I'll be back. You can use this time to practice your devil fruit, okay?" Jiraiya pulled out a scroll. "Here, this is filled with the rest of the intermediate Fuinjutsu scrolls and some chakra control practice. I expect you to have mastered them by the time I return, okay? I want to see some progress with your devil fruit too, and what better place to learn to control ice than Yuki no Kuni?"
Naruto swallowed, before nodding hesitantly. "You promise you'll come back?"
"Always," Jiraiya replied, his expression softening as he reached out to ruffle Naruto's hair affectionately. "I'll be counting on you to become even stronger while I'm away, alright?"
Naruto nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite the sadness in his heart. "I will, Ojisan. I'll make you proud," he vowed, determination shining in his eyes.
With one last reassuring smile, Jiraiya stood up and turned to face Lord Sōsetsu. "Thank you for watching Naruto, Lord Sōsetsu. I trust that he'll be in good hands while I'm away," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Lord Sōsetsu nodded, his expression understanding. "You have my word, Lord Jiraiya, Naruto will be well taken care of," he promised, his gaze shifting to the young boy standing beside them.
As Jiraiya and Lord Sōsetsu exchanged their final farewells, Naruto watched them with a mixture of sadness and determination. He knew that he would miss Jiraiya dearly during his absence, but he also understood the importance of his training and the promise they had made to each other. Naruto sighed, and went into the palace with Lord Sōsetsu and Koyuki. At least he'd be staying with a friend. Royalty too!
Jiraiya will be missing his birthday…