Toru panted.
He didn't wake up, but he was thrashing blindly.
It was a beautiful, sunny day. Toru stood alongside his mother inside a high-rise building, and behind her, framed by a window, the lively streets of Konoha unfolded. Yet, something felt amiss – there was no lake at the heart of Konoha, was there?
His mother's gentle smile felt like a tender embrace, and he wished he could bask in her radiance for a bit longer. She drifted away to the next chamber, and the midday sky turned to dusk. Something was floating, falling down throughout the room, and it looked like feathers.
Even against the backdrop of her somber attire, he perceived it – he could see it, smell it. The scent of smoke, the slow dissolution of her being. Her back was burning, turning to ash. Toru struggled, reaching for her, desperation gripping his heart, but the space between them stretched and twisted, ever growing.
The feathery waltz grew heavier, darkening into ash as it claimed the room. With each passing moment, tall shadows grew.
Finally, his trembling hands found her.
But why were they crawling around her neck? This was not what he wanted. That was not it.
Panic surged through him, and there, staining his hands, was blood. Bright red, something that he could almost taste.
But that could not be. He hadn't killed her. Hadn't strangled her. And the sort of burn upon her back didn't bleed, he knew very well.
His mother disintegrated into a mound of lifeless cinders.
From the ashes, a monstrous beast of caduceus gold and incarnadine emerged, surrounded by ghostly apparitions. It let loose a haunting, terrible shriek—
A gentle touch stirred Toru from his slumber.
"Wha…?" He mumbled.
His surroundings took a moment to come into focus. Akemi stood over him, concern etched on her face.
"You were having a nightmare." She said, her worry mingling with a touch of understanding.
"…Yeah." He said, and his mouth tasted like ash. "Yeah."
Toru rubbed his weary eyes.
"…Were you dreaming of your mother?" She asked softly.
Silently, he nodded.
"…At this point, most of my memories of her seem to come from nightmares." Toru admitted, his laugh hollow and humorless.
Akemi held him close, offering solace without words.
"…Is there anything Ino could do?" Akemi asked.
She had witnessed Ino's uncanny ability to mend broken souls with just a touch. As most of the world had, really. There was a reason Ino tended to be overworked, Shadows or not.
"She's already helping." Toru offered a faint smile. "She's probably a big reason Naruto and I haven't spiraled out of control."
A brief silence filled the air. "I'll be fine this time." Toru reassured her, guessing what she was thinking about. "Already am — more or less."
"…How can you tell?"
Toru shrugged. "I just can." He said. "Besides… I have you. And these fuckers, too. A pretty decent support system, I guess."
"As long as you don't bottle shit up again."
"Nah. No more of that." He agreed. Toru then shook his head. "Gods know that otherwise… Eh. It doesn't feel right to use the expression anymore… We all know that guy would go off and declare war on the heavens themselves… and I'd likely be dangling from—"
"Don't." Akemi interjected sharply.
Toru winced. "Sorry."
…
Naruto mostly contended with brief spells of derealization.
Which was bad enough on its own; worse when one took in account how much power he had accumulated. But he could manage, and was not alone in this.
He suffered from nightmares as well.
He didn't try to run away from them either, even though that meant facing his many inner demons. With countless lifetimes behind him, he had grown accustomed to dealing with both the nightmares and the aftermath.
Besides, Naruto had a decent anchor in reality. With Sakura being the light sleeper that she was, he tended to get an elbow to the ribs if he ever began thrashing.
The power of the human mind, while seemingly inconsequential when compared to some of the kami some still revered, was widely considered to be a beautiful thing.
So it was no wonder that with the increasing number of people dreaming of storms, of lightning… It was no wonder some began believing a few happenstances to be miracles.
A sign sent by the kami.
In the city of Tajō, a temple was erected. It wasn't the last.
The problem with ruling the world was that you had to rule the world.
Which was why Naruto had left the day-to-day tasks to Kaitaro, once he had done most of the legwork. And aside from the fact that Kaitaro had been him at some point, Naruto had no desire to micromanage every detail.
Because really, what sort of interest did he have in such things…?
Unity and cooperation? That was tedious, "God-Emperor" or not. Encouraging cooperation between the various villages and nations, fostering understanding and diplomacy to resolve conflicts peacefully…
But both Naruto and Kaitaro understood that establishing strong alliances would do wonders when it came to preventing wars between different groups.
Also, avoiding revolution was always a safe choice.
…And a stable, prosperous world helped.
They had to tackle the issue of the balance of power, for the same reason. Extraordinary abilities, like the Tailed Beasts, back then… economical resources or their lack thereof… caused imbalances and tensions between factions.
So, they simply promoted a fair distribution of power and resources to ease those rivalries.
A global economy… and a few trusted leaders wielding the regular sort of Rinnegan.
Because at this point, what sort of harm could they even do…? The thought was as absurd as ever.
There was education, of course.
And just like addressing the cycle of hatred thing… It felt a bit too ironic for Naruto to be the one implementing systems that emphasized personal growth and ethical decision-making.
But focusing on the development of the younger generation would help create a more compassionate and understanding society, equipped to handle conflicts and challenges in a non-violent manner.
…Also, hopefully, in time, they would forget just how Naruto and the infamous Umi Seven had seized power. Or they would see it as needed. Maybe.
In any case…
Forgiveness. Empathy… Understanding.
A healthy sort of strive for… self-improvement, too.
And now… Combating existential threats.
Fucking kami. The first thing Naruto would do was to slowly dismantle their remaining cults.
Not only out of spite.
But if it came to fighting them… Well, it didn't even seem like the sort of thing Naruto could even use the ninja world for. Then again…
No one had said ruling the world was easy. Kaitaro and Naruto got back to work.
In late September of Year 0, Anko finally gave birth, and she was fairly overdue.
It happened without much fanfare, while she had been watching a rerun of a pretty bad series. Hanabi had the unique honor of retrieving Uchiha Shisui, the father-to-be.
Or rather, the man in question had the distinct pleasure of getting dragged through time and space by an impatient Empress.
In any case, Shisui rushed — was rushed — to his lover… and Mitarashi Yui was born with the dark hair shared by both her parents.
With all of them together, they welcomed her into the world.
It was a cause for celebration, and even Orochimaru, with his enigmatic smile, seemed to revel in the joyous atmosphere.
Naruto waited a bit before briefing them.
Upon learning about the kami, Shisui maintained his composure with remarkable grace, though three reinforced training logs fell victim to his frustration during the ensuing impromptu training session. A torrent of curses rained down from his mouth upon 'snakes' and 'tyrants' alike, however.
Orochimaru took the news with relative calmness, — one could be forgiven for thinking he had considered the possibility, even — and he called for the Council to gather.
Kaguya, on the other hand, appeared to be holding back a tide of anxious tears.
October 1st, Year Zero.
Ensuring the survival and evolution of humanity while trying to keep the kami at bay — or just an eye on them — was a difficult task.
Naruto had seized the world a while ago, now.
And with this near absolute power, stagnation and rebellion could arise. Kaitaro had generally taken care of the issue beforehand, and so had Naruto, ever since he had come back.
They had had to pick up the rhythm, though.
With the Mangekyō, Hanabi had obtained some degree of prescience, which was more of a burden than anything.
Not only because thinking about the implications of foresight when it came to determinism and free will was bad enough. Not only because with it also came the burden of making decisions while knowing of some futures.
But because it seemed to hinder them more than it helped.
Sometimes her visions happened, sometimes they didn't. It was all too unreliable, frankly. What she had said about Momoshiki's own ability proved true; there was rarely a time it was a useful thing to have.
Still, they took it into account… When it made sense to do so.
Relying on inconsistent visions, just as ignoring them entirely… was a good way to find yourself neck deep in trouble. Especially when either might be influenced by creatures beyond understanding.
Besides, he wasn't Madara and wasn't in a cave. He had more important things to focus on than ruminating.
…
The following assessment of the state of the Empire in the first year of the era of Uzumaki Naruto is extracted from The Inouye Abridgment. The original can be found in the Tsachi Village Archives, maintained by the Seiichi Clan. A comparison reveals that the abridged version does not detract from the essential accuracy of this account.
[…]
THE SHADOWS
The Emperor's legions of Shadows, which are currently holding power and/or working with local leaders, have voted in favor of the establishment of a worldwide network.
Five representatives will attend the meeting. [See attached list of names.]
[…]
The Shadows continue to emphasize alternative shinobi mission development, and de-emphasize military missions. This has had the expected result of increasing local confidence for the presence of shinobi throughout the nations.
THE DAIMYŌ
Except for several natural deaths and replacements, there have been no significant changes, when it comes to the former ruler class.
Their few remaining duties are being reduced; discontentment is however not rising significantly, as the former Houses slowly disappear from the public eye.
AGRICULTURE
As has been observed by many investigators, during this first year of the Emperor's reign, the agricultural system has seen significant advancements.
With the global incorporation of chakra-enhanced farming techniques, crop yields have increased exponentially. The new shared ways, the mastery of animal handling, has contributed to the development of sustainable livestock management practices.
These advancements have improved food security and reduced the burden on resources in the world. [See attached table for numerical values.]
In addition to the remarkable improvements in traditional agriculture, the Emperor's reign has also witnessed the introduction of groundbreaking transmuted food solutions.
By harnessing the power of advanced chakra powers, the Emperor's board of experts has successfully developed a range of nutrient-rich, artificial food products, which are both sustainable and customizable to individual dietary needs.
These innovative food options have not only alleviated pressure on land and water resources, but also provided a viable solution to addressing limited resources and improving overall public health. As we continue to integrate these transmuted foods into the global food system, we anticipate a significant reduction in food waste and further advancements in personalized nutrition.
MEDICINE
Medicine has undergone remarkable progress, with both traditional and chakra-based healing methods being utilized.
Claims of "miracles" continue to spread throughout the mainland, unabated.
Several life-threatening diseases seemingly have been all but eradicated. [See attached table for numerical values.]
[…]
The field of mental health has witnessed significant advancements in medical treatment, incorporating various approaches, including traditional methods and chakra-based therapies.
Furthermore, research and development endeavors continue to explore innovative treatments and techniques, aiming to enhance the overall mental resilience and happiness of the populace.
Substantial strides have been made in mitigating life-threatening mental conditions, resulting in a noticeable decline in their prevalence. Instances of extraordinary recoveries continue to increase at a staggering rate. [See attached table for numerical values.]
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation system once peculiar to Umi, enabling swifter, — often instantaneous — and more efficient movement of goods and people is becoming increasingly widespread across the world.
[…]
This development can be attributed to the ongoing installation of Waygates throughout various regions, an effort that is being closely monitored.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction practices have also experienced a renaissance in the last year.
Chakra-enhanced materials and techniques, such as Earth Release and the use of Seals, have expedited the construction of sturdy and sustainable structures.
Iwagakure, with their expertise in Earth Release, has played a significant role in sharing knowledge and refining these methods across the Shinobi World.
EDUCATION
Education has emerged as a key focus in recent times, with an emphasis on supporting the growth of young minds and fostering a sense of unity among the population. It is believed that these initiatives are contributing to the development of a harmonious and forward-thinking society, as the world adapts to new systems and paradigms.
[…]
The academy system, previously limited to the shinobi arts, has undergone notable changes. It now provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers chakra-based and non-chakra-based arts, while promoting intellectual growth, moral development, and critical thinking skills.
Additionally, the academies have broadened their offerings to include subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as arts and humanities. This well-rounded approach to education aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
Moreover, recent education policies stress the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.
Scholarships and financial support programs have been implemented to increase access to quality education, with special attention given to underserved communities.
Through investing in the development of the younger generation, it is hoped that a brighter future and a more cohesive society can be achieved.
ECONOMICS
With Basic Income being implemented across the world, as well as increasing stability and prosperity, discussions have emerged regarding the equitable distribution of resources to ensure the well-being of all citizens.
[…]
Advocates of this initiative argue that a guaranteed income alleviates poverty, promotes social harmony, and provides a safety net for those affected by the changing economic landscape. All of these results have been observed already.
Critics, on the other hand, express concerns about potential impacts on motivation and productivity. As the debate unfolds, the Emperor stands firm by his decision, declaring to one such critic:
"Bah. Tell your masters that I have no regard for their… insights. It stays."
ART
Artistic expression has experienced growth in recent times, with a range of visual, musical, and performing arts gaining increased attention.
Chakra-enhanced art has developed as a distinct field, opening up opportunities for exploring new artistic boundaries. Festivals and cultural events have expanded to become more inclusive, fostering an environment of artistic exchange and appreciation across various communities.
ENERGY PRODUCTION
Energy production in the Uzumaki era has shifted toward sustainable and chakra-based sources.
Shin Kumogakure, located within the Greater Umi islands and known for its experts in Lightning Release, has been at the forefront of developing chakra-infused power systems.
This shift has led to cleaner and more efficient energy production, lessening the world's dependence on non-renewable resources and minimizing environmental consequences.
THE EMPEROR
As ever, the Emperor declines to take part in the assessment directly. His address to us is and continues to be:
"I'll send a Shadow."
The Emperor has provided no new answers to either question submitted to him.
Respectfully submitted:
Hagiwara Hana
…
Naruto carefully read through the mostly neutral report.
He nodded to himself.
The missive had come from a trusted accomplice from the former Land of Iron. He had expected more struggle, in all honesty. Given the current state of affairs, he had anticipated having to fight yet another uphill battle.
Then again, he could find enough of that with the Council.
In his other hand, Naruto held another report, this one detailing the events of a recent meeting he had attended.
…
Meeting of the Multiversal Council
September 29th, Year Zero of the Unification
Projection Set In Imperial Palace's Heaven Room
Safe, R-Encrypted Copy
PRESENT
[…]
Two New Arrivals:
Orochimaru, from World #9851 (Mai's Note to K,N: A universe where Orochimaru is a misunderstood scientist, seeking to advance knowledge for the greater good.)
Orochimaru, from World #8134 (Shizune's Note to K,N: A world where the Tailed Beasts must find love to break the curse of their power. Please do not ask me to go through this one again.)
1. Discussion of the Kami
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Alright, let's get this started. A lot of ground to cover today—
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): As you know, our agenda focuses on the kami threat. But first, let's welcome our new arrivals from World #9851 and World #8134, both Orochimaru.
Orochimaru (#9851): […] Thank you Kaitaro-sama, Naruto-sama. As mentioned, I am Orochimaru. I originate from a universe where my reputation, I understand… may diverge from what you might anticipate. I am a scientist, dedicating my work to the progression of knowledge and technology for the greater good.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Yes, we've heard this one before […].
Orochimaru (#8134): And I am Orochimaru, hailing from the world you have designated #8134. I simply refer to it as home. In our world, Tailed Beasts traverse the land, burdened with immense power—
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): We are aware.
Orochimaru (#8134): Very well.
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): Thank you for those introductions. Now, let's move on to the primary agenda - the kami threat. As most of you may now know, we have detected a series of anomalies coming from the stars.
Orochimaru (#8134): Tailed Beasts?
Orochimaru (#7570): Not everything has to relate to these creatures.
Orochimaru (#323): Many things do. What do you suggest, as for our next recourse? You are the one who said you were familiar with the concept, were you not?
Orochimaru (#7570): With Shintō kami.
Orochimaru (#323): Yes.
Orochimaru (#7570): I do not believe them to be the same.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): And neither does he. Do not allow him to provoke you. He has a peculiar relationship with the Tailed Beasts due to his daughter.
Nara Shikamaru (#07): Are they coming for you? For us? What is the time frame?
Orochimaru (Chair): That information remains unconfirmed.
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): Precisely. Their appearance in [World #626] might have been a test, an experiment of sorts. To better understand these entities, we must gather more information.
Nara Shikamaru (#07): Then let's prioritize reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): That is something we agree upon.
Orochimaru (#8134): And if the situation calls for it, I may be able to call upon the Tailed Beasts for assistance.
Orochimaru (Chair): Thank you, Orochimaru. We shall… consider that offer as a… potential resolution.
Nara Shikamaru (#07): There is no time for sarcasm. We should set up a dedicated task force to monitor the situation around the clock and provide regular updates to the Council.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): We initiated that already. Assemble a team of specialists from across your world to [work on this].
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): Agreed. All available resources, in order to prepare for any potential outcome. We shall draft these outcomes [today].
2. Discussion of Technology
Uzumaki Kage (#07): You guys said something about technology, right?
Uchiha Jinsuke (#07): They have […].
Orochimaru (#7570): There is no world that I have read about in [your briefings] that possesses technology the likes of the one I am from, as of yet.
Orochimaru (Chair): How quaint of you to believe such a thing.
Orochimaru (#7570): Your world seems to be stuck in this strange limbo of sorts, with technologies dating from half a century ago in ours. […] And magic.
Orochimaru (Chair): An insightful observation […]. I have, however, acquired [technologies] from my most recent expedition, which I am amenable to sharing with all of you, naturally.
Orochimaru (#7570): […] I suppose it is a vast universe, out there. So we shall share, then.
Orochimaru (#07): I concur.
Orochimaru (#8134): Surely you must have something of interest as well.
Orochimaru (#07): Not of the sort that might interest you, the furry variety, but in fact, yes. I do.
Orochimaru (#8134): […]
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Please bring [the drafts] forward, starting now. Copies shall be made by my fellow Chairs.[…]
3. New Security Measures
a. Enhancing Perimeter Defenses
b. Surveillance Protocols
c. Manifestation: Theories
Orochimaru (#07): Fascinating indeed. Based on [your observations], it appears that a partial or complete manifestation is necessary for either kami to exert influence on the physical realm. This exerted power is presumably detectable, subsequently imposing limitations on their capabilities. These limitations may arise due to an equilibrium of power between the kami or potentially because their influence is restricted to a select few locations or worlds.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Waiting might be just as dangerous. However, it is our best theory, as of now. And that is half the point of having people located throughout different worlds.
Orochimaru (Chair): Although still speculative, temporal factors appear to play a significant role. To date, no kami has successfully penetrated the physical realm, either partially or completely, in a world where their prospects have not been present for a minimum duration of several hours. I propose that the strength of the manifestation is directly proportional to the time invested in the channeling process.
[…]
4. Developing Countermeasures against Mind-Infestation
[…]
b. Detection Devices
Nara Shikamaru (#07): Truly…? An emergency… talisman?
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Best we can do, as of now.
[…]
5. Long-term Goals and the New World Order
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): […] What of it? Are you succumbing to stage fright?
Uzumaki Kage (#07): Hardly.
[…]
6. Managing Internal Dissent and Maintaining Unity
[…]
c. Implementation of Mediation and Conflict Resolution Protocols
[…]
7. Allocation of Defense Resources
[…]
Uchiha Jinsuke (#07): You did not just [suggest that].
[…]
8. Expanding Recruitment Efforts
a. Interdimensional Talent Search
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): […] But that's not a reaction we can predict. So we shall continue.
b. Specialized Training Programs
[…]
9. Command Structure
a. Establishing Unified Hierarchies
[…]
Orochimaru (#1209): That sounds suspiciously like a covert attempt to seize more power for yourself. And Umigakure.
Uzumaki Naruto (Chair): Oh, it is nothing quite so veiled, I assure you.
b. Cross-World Communication
[…]
10. Permanent Relocation in the Greater Umi Islands
[…]
11. Staff and Secretarial Services
[…]
12. Intelligence Sharing and Counterintelligence Measures
[…]
Orochimaru (Chair): Thank you all for your active participation and valuable contributions throughout this meeting. Before we adjourn, let's summarize our discussions and outline the next steps moving forward.
[…]
Uzumaki Kaitaro (Chair): With that, I declare the conclusion of this meeting. Safe travels to each of you, and until we meet again in three day's time.
[END OF TRANSCRIPT]
The meeting adjourned at 1630.
As recorded by:
Tanabe Mai,
Secretary
Katō Shizune,
Secretary
…
To Orochimaru's credit, he had brought back very interesting plans.
Where exactly he had found them… Naruto wasn't entirely sure.
Orochimaru had just given him an amused, fond smile. Had he not been around half of Naruto's size, he might have tried to rub his hair, too.
The Stars, My Destination
It took being a fool to try to become a space cadet.
There was only danger up there, his adoptive mother kept on saying. And war, too.
Still, Naruto was seven when he fell in love with the idea. Which he assumed made him naive, more than foolish.
"Squad 7: Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura… Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto groaned.
"For real…?"
Sasuke didn't look much happier, in truth. Iruka rolled his eyes. "I know what I said."
Naruto cursed under his breath and went back to wander over the holographic star maps as Iruka continued to list the training teams.
This better be worth it.
Two hours later, when Iruka was gone and they were the only ones left in the Konoha Space Academy, cleaning the rooms, the intercom crackled to life.
It was broadcasting a distress signal from a nearby colony. An urgent one, too.
But no one was here to answer.
It was no surprise to Naruto that he decided to rush to the hangar, where he boarded a ship, very illegally.
Someone needed help, after all.
What was a surprise, however, was the fact that he wasn't alone in doing so.
Sasuke and Sakura followed, taking their spots in the ship silently.
"It was like stumbling upon a hidden puzzle, you know?" He would later say. "And like, out of nowhere, three mysterious pieces just clicked together perfectly, revealing this… mind-blowing picture I didn't even know was possible. It was like… reaching max level in Ascended Sins, and finding out that 70 was only the start."
"You're shit at metaphors." Sakura would later say. "And at the game."
…
Their little moment of courage got them in a fair amount of shit.
And racing through the void to reach the besieged outpost also got the three of them an apprenticeship with a supposedly great pilot.
Jiraiya had an impressive track record, certainly. He was also the strangest man Naruto had ever met. Light and breezy one moment… and a harsh taskmaster the next.
But he also brought them to the opulent Water Empire palace, where they could eye the myriad alien species and gleaming chandeliers that were said to be antiques from a time long gone.
The music swelled; the young pilots mingled with the galaxy's elite.
Jiraiya didn't seem too fond of some of these people, but Naruto knew he kinda had something against the Water Empire. Likely that old war.
Which made it all the more surprising that he had bothered to take them here in the first place, just because of Sakura's insistence.
…
Alarms were blaring throughout the Konoha Republic when the Uchiha fleet emerged from the darkness of space.
It was nothing like their usual return trips.
They came in, cannons blazing; t hey were attacking.
Sasuke froze.
That was Itachi's ship leading the assault, he knew for sure. And his piloting skills were unmistakable: who else could make other elite pilots look like children in training?
It meant only one thing. The Uchiha, a dynasty renowned for the quality of pilots they had always produced… were traitors.
And Sasuke had been left behind, too.
…
Naruto pulled Sasuke out of the ruins of the hangar.
Naruto didn't quite manage to get him out of the hole he seemed to dig himself into, however. And he himself was feeling horrified.
There had been kids in there. What could the Uchiha even hope to do, with these actions…?
Sasuke's father would roll over in his grave if he saw such a thing.
By the time the Uchiha fleet left, the battle was lost, and the Konoha Space Academy was a burning wreck.
And Sasuke had been branded the brother of the most vile traitor in the Fire Empire.
…
Hyūga Hinata, in spite of her age, was a skilled astrophysicist from the Hyuga dynasty.
In spite of this, she never looked down on Sasuke, in spite of his suddenly less-than-stellar reputation.
It was the first thing Naruto liked about her.
Then she showed him her Ascended Sins characters, and he decided he was in love.
…
Because of Sasuke's brother, it was a while before anyone in the Fire Empire, aside from Jiraiya and some of his associates, trusted them enough to let them go out on their own again.
But with a mysterious cosmic anomaly and a sudden lack of personnel to spare, Squad 7 (plus Jiraiya and Hinata) were sent to investigate.
Together, they delved into the heart of a cosmic anomaly, navigating its swirling energies and otherworldly dangers.
But there was nothing there.
Nothing but a strange trio of people they soon had no more memory of.
And Jiraiya wasn't entirely sure why he suddenly felt the need to pay his pale-faced bastard of a copilot a visit.
Naruto could imagine.
But again, he didn't exactly push for more information.
And speaking of information... Naruto found that he could not trust the secrecy of words spoken out loud anymore.
More so when he set privacy wards, and he had established plenty of these… but even then.
Whenever he needed to convey something he truly did not want anyone, anything to hear, he tended to rely more on thought transmission.
Perhaps it was mad. But he did not have all of the facts.
Perhaps the kami could read that as well. It at least had the benefit of making him feel a little bit safer. And considering how little of the feeling he felt, these days… that was a luxury.
Naruto didn't show it much, and he did his best to act very casual… but Ino had picked up on it already. His body felt tense, and the tension persisted. He felt trapped into a state of vigilance that didn't help him much, as though he were constantly scanning for threats.
And Toru looked constantly tired, too.
He hadn't said much about the issue, but the simple fact that he was dreaming about his mother again could not be a good sign.
Naruto shook his head and focused again.
He had a workable theory for their next steps: the Kami showed little regard for the Rinnegan; the eyes alone didn't garner much interest from them. This was particularly true when they were not Impressed upon.
Which left the status quo largely unchanged across the majority of worlds.
For the time being… It was seemingly about him and perhaps the people he cared about.
Karin said that she and Ino had been able to identify the distinct touch of a Kami. Going from that, she also thought they would be able to craft something that would do the job for them.
Naruto had probably looked a bit skeptical, then.
"Who the hell do you think I am?" She had asked, laughing. "Give me a few days."
And if the kami were even half as arrogant as legend said they were, they were probably amused at their attempts, seeing it as mere child's play, whether they succeeded in doing so or not.
Because the kami thought they would have their way, likely.
And why would they not think so…? They had seemed so remote, in their approaches. Had he even escaped Inari at all…? He felt the same icy feeling—
Naruto exhaled and turned his mind outward again.
…
"They won't play nice." Yoisen stated, once she was done reading through the meeting's transcript.
Naruto lifted his hand from the scroll — he hadn't bothered with pens for a long time —, and turned to face her. In the palace, it was all too frequent for her to suddenly appear. And he never minded her presence, anyway.
"Individuals like these other… Orochimaru." She elaborated. "They will seek to manipulate, perhaps even undermine you."
Naruto chuckled.
"Of course they will." He said. "That's precisely what I expect from them."
"Why, then, do you choose to engage with them? So often, at that." Yoisen asked, her brow furrowed in concern. "I am not sure what it is you see in them. Smart, they might be, but they are only here for their own selfish motives."
And some were… unpleasant.
"Exactly." Naruto nodded. "I just need their cooperation. It's because I know them that I know they'll stop at nothing to achieve their aims. And dangling such… Fascinating, he would say. By presenting them with such fascinating projects, cutting-edge technologies and resources they simply cannot obtain on their own… I am pretty sure they'll toe the line for now. Orochimaru himself agrees, too. Because the desire to see change is the exact thing that seems to drive all of them."
Yoisen sighed, understanding the point, but still feeling somewhat uneasy. It was pragmatic. The fact that some of the men reminded her all too much of some of Indra's associates was her own burden to bear.
"I've taken precautions, regardless." Naruto added, almost nonchalantly.
Yoisen didn't know about all of them, but she understood that the selection process for the Council was meticulous and deliberate. The same level of care was applied when sharing power with its members.
Most of them were not yet granted the ability to traverse between worlds; while the meetings took place in the palace, the majority of the members were limited to attending as holographic projections, unable to venture beyond that space.
Yoisen's thoughts drifted back to one of the few conversations she had shared with Ino.
It had started as it usually did. They had sparred, and were now lying in the sand, seemingly too exhausted to trade verbal jabs.
"No. I agree with you." Yoisen said. "Same soul or not. They are very different people."
Ino stopped herself. "You… agree?"
"I wouldn't be here otherwise." Yoisen stated.
Surprisingly, Ino seemed to be listening attentively. It was one thing Yoisen could respect about her.
"Indra often tried to present himself as… more." Yoisen remarked, a faint smile playing on her lips. "And it was easy to believe, too."
She paused for a moment.
"Naruto, on the other hand..."
Ino closed her eyes. "…Often does the opposite."
"Yes." Yoisen agreed, her smile warm and affectionate. "But try as he might to downplay himself, he can't pretend to be anything less than who he is."
"If you mean that he is similar to that man—"
"No." Yoisen shook her head. Then she paused, wincing. "…Well, perhaps in some aspects, still."
Ino made a disgruntled noise. "…Perhaps. Indra was an… important part of his growth, I suppose."
"Indeed."
"Different people, though."
"Fortunately."
Yoisen smiled slightly.
"As you say." She conceded.
She fell silent then, and the two sat for a moment, leaning against the soft pillows and looking up to the evening sky.
Naruto finally shook his head. "…All of this is insane, isn't it?"
Yoisen nodded. "All of it."
Naruto smiled. He slowly began to slump against the wall of pillows, until it looked as though he were about to fall asleep. He was getting pretty close to her, too.
"…What are you doing?" Yoisen asked, a hint of nervousness in her tone.
"Just resting my eyes for a moment." Naruto murmured. "There are plenty of things I need to do. I'm not going to fall asleep."
"…Very well." Yoisen acquiesced.
He did, however.
lensdump com i kp2xP7
The Lightning-Emperor's Nap
AN:
Covid's soon to be over, mostly outlining and drawing things right now!
(...and playing Tears of the Kingdom, admittedly.)