With the newfound knowledge that the demon in his dreams bore a resemblance to the sand demon he had previously encountered, Naruto reached out to his masters. Tsunade had been the first to sense the imprint left on Naruto's spirit from his dream encounters, an imprint that resonated with a dark, ancient power.
Deciding it was better to continue their conversation in person Naruto crossed the threshold of the temple, Tsunade was already in the swamp, sitting across Jiraiya on the old wooden table.
Jiraiya produced a scroll so ancient its edges were frayed, and the ink had faded in parts. "I can't believe the answer was right under my nose" - he grumbled
This scroll, once thought to be merely a legend, told of nine immensely powerful demons, each sealed within human vessels and used by various kingdoms and civilizations to wield unimaginable power. But one demon stood out among them: the nine-tailed demon fox, known for its devastating strength and unmatched fury.
Naruto listened intently as the frog sage began to read from the scroll. "The scroll speaks of signs and omens heralding the fox's return. The visions you have been experiencing, Naruto, bear the mark of this ancient evil."
The blonde's heart pounded in his chest as he absorbed Jiraiya's words. "But why me? Why now?"
"These things are never random," Tsunade said, her tone grave. "The demon fox seeks out those with the potential to either wield its power or challenge his strength. Your encounter with Gaara and the sand demon has made you a beacon to these demon. The imprint left on you serves as a link, he will find you wherever you go"
Naruto nodded, feeling the weight of his task pressing down on him. "What do I need to do?"
"The scroll mentions a ritual of confinement, a way to seal the demon fox's power once more, but..." - Jiraiya stopped mid sentence, the young mage knew the rest. With a sad smile he placed his hand over the older wrinkled hand. "I'll be ok" - he tried to convince himself and the others in the room.
Sasuke was waiting for him behind the magical door that connected the swamp to the temple, his face awashed with worry. Naruto forced a smile, he knew that if the god understood the full extent of the danger, he would never allow him to face it alone. To protect him from worry and to ensure his own safety, he chose to keep him unaware of the true threat.
" I need you fortify the barriers around the mountains, forest, and village. All your domain needs to be a safe heaven for anyone that takes cover from danger" - Sasuke nodded and complied without hesitation.
Sasuke stood at the heart of their home, his black wings spread wide, catching the soft light of the setting sun. The breeze played with his dark hair, sending some strands dancing around his serene face. His pale hands joined in a prayer gesture, fingertips glowing.
Naruto felt a pang in his heart as he observed the raven. He was a vision of grace and otherworldly presence, a reminder of the peace and beauty he was determined to protect. He knew that by withholding the full truth, he was placing the burden on himself. Yet, he also understood that this was the only way to ensure Sasuke would not try to stop him.
When the incantation had finally concluded, Sasuke turned to the blonde, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "The barriers are stronger now," he said softly, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "No harm will come to our home while I am here."
Naruto stepped forward, taking the pale hands in his. "You mean everything to me."
Sasuke tilted his head, studying him with those deep, knowing eyes. Naruto leaned in for a kiss, which the god returned with fervor. "no matter what happens, know that I will always return to you."
Early the next morning, Naruto left their house, his heart heavy with the weight of the future. He had to visit an old friend he had met in his travels, a master smith and painter named Sai.
Sai was known for his unparalleled skill in creating enchanted weapons and intricate artworks that came to life.
Sai greeted him warmly, his hands stained with paint and soot.
"Sai, my friend," Naruto began, unrolling the ancient scroll he had brought. "I need your help."
Sai's eyes scanned the scroll, focusing on the drawing of a dagger marked with intricate runes. "This is a weapon of great power," he mused "What do you need it for?"
Naruto took a deep breath. "To fight a demon of immense power. The runes must be perfect, and the materials the finest. I will infuse it with magic as you forge it."
Sai nodded, already gathering the necessary materials: the finest steel, rare crystals, and threads of pure gold. "Let's begin."
As Sai worked the forge, hammering the steel and engraving the runes with skilled precision, the blonde stood nearby, focusing his energy. He began to chant, his voice steady and rhythmic, weaving a spell to the dagger.
"By earth and flame, by star and sky. Infuse this blade with strength and might. Let this weapon reach where shadows lie. Runes of power, bind and hold, strong and bold. Forge a weapon to banish darkness and bring forth light."
Sai's hammer strikes resonated with the spell, each hit synchronizing with the magic being woven into the weapon.
The crystals embedded in the hilt shimmered, capturing the essence of his words. Sai's hammer strikes resonated with the spell.
Hours passed, and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the workshop. Finally, Sai quenched the dagger in a basin of sacred water, steam rising with a loud hiss. He held the finished blade up to the light, its edge gleaming with an ethereal glow, the runes pulsating softly with power.
"It's done," Sai said, handing the dagger to Naruto.
The mage took the weapon, feeling the power running through it. "Thank you, Sai"
Sai clasped Naruto's shoulder. "Good luck, my friend. May the gods watch over you."
With the enchanted dagger in hand, Naruto set off back towards the mountains.