Chapter Forty-Five - A Little Change In Plans
I'm sorry I didn't tell you in person, Naruto. I really wish I had the time and choice to come to you directly but I couldn't stay any longer.
Avallac'h says the Wild Hunt is getting closer and the only way to be free is to fulfil the prophecy tied to my birth. I have to go back home, the home I told you about, and see things through. Please do not come chasing after me. After everything is done and when I have won I will return to you and everyone else. We will have our family before I finish my Trials. We will go see Emily and Danny too. They must have grown so much.
I love you, Naruto.
Cirilla
Naruto's hand trembled after reading the note left on his desk while he was out overseeing his military branches until he finally dropped the paper. This was Ciri's handwriting, which he had checked for forgery as the idea that his love would suddenly up and leave was not something he thought she would do. He thought that maybe she was kidnapped and this was the kidnapper's attempt to make him not go looking, but that was not the case.
He felt his heart pounding against his chest and his fingers trembled as he gripped his leg anxiously. Her note haunted his mind even as he turned away to look out the window to see Whirlpool's nightlife.
"How can I not desire to chase after you, Ciri?" His voice trembled with fear as he held his head, staring at the floor between his legs.
The Wild Hunt is still sniffing around his territories even after their search parties faced gruesome ends at the hands of his Souls and defence seals. That was the main reason he kept Ciri on the island. It was how she could remain protected without him being around at every waking moment, even if he would gladly do so. But why is she suddenly concerned about them, and who is this Avallac'h bastard that convinced her to leave?
He could protect her! There was no need to risk her life for a prophecy she had no reason to even acknowledge! She had the ability to live a happy life. She was the aunt of his children, and the future mother of their own once she was ready. They promised everything to each other and their growing family.
He knew that she would have to leave back home at some point as they talked plenty of times about her reconnecting with her adoptive parents. She missed them and he knew that she needed her parents' love once more. She had even joked about her taking over as Empress of her birth father's kingdom and bringing the entire world under his shadow. He expected more time, however, especially now that war is growing closer. He needed more time to handle this side of the world first.
Looks like I'm speeding up the agenda. Naruto sighed as his steely eyes glanced up into the night sky.
Uzushio, Whirlpool
"As a small nation, we have always expected to be outnumbered and it was for that expectation we had honed our skills in one-versus-many fights. For each of us, we must be able to fight three, five, or ten people before dying. That means you, as the second in line to be leaders of entire legions and army groups, of varying experiences and hardship, must double this number."
Naruto stood in the podium booth of the arena, overlooking the nine individuals gathered for advanced Uzumaki-style training. The audience is filled with civilians and soldiers of various branches of military and industry, the VIP booth behind him has the Captains of the participants as well. Also with them is a delegation from Konoha - consisting of Kakashi, Asuma, Guy, and each of their students - as well as one from Suna - being Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari. They came as both had ideas of tying closer international relations with him, for reasons they would go over during the week, but they agreed to watch the testing of Uzushio warriors.
"For the next three days, each day will focus on one team and they will be facing challenges set by me. Your opponents will be well beyond or equal to your power, but they will outnumber your team. I expect you to be smarter, to do better, than the previous generations. If you can't, then I have no need for you in my officer corps." Naruto's voice was clear and unwavering even as he left the broad threat hanging in the air.
Seeing as everyone had no comments or showed any hesitation, he continued speaking. "Team A consists of Retsu Unohana, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, and Yuyu Yayahara. Team B has Yachiru Kusajishi, Atau Rindo, and Byakuya Kuchiki. And finally, Team B will be Erza Scarlet, Renji Abarai, and Rangiku Matsumoto. Each of you will face enemies chosen by me, and you may know them or not. However, I must warn you of one thing."
With this, Naruto raised his hand and a black-red aura rose from his palm. The ground shifted like quicksand as a meaty mass began forming, squirming and pulsing as it shifted into humanoid forms. However, there was very little human about these beings. Gasps rang out from the audience as it was truly seen the hideous forms of his creations and even his Captains and guests were disturbed by the sight.
"These are abominations created with an amalgamation of human souls I've deemed irredeemable in my normal way," Naruto stated as his golden eyes peered at his creations. "My Scarlet Nightmares will also be facing you in this exercise. You have the Slashers, notable for their two protruding arms out of their backs with scythe-like blades. Next you have the Spitters, who let out a projectile acidic spit that will melt your muscle and bones within moments. Then you have the Brutes, excessively large and having an exterior shell that protects it. Lastly, the childlike souls who are excessively evil are called Lurkers, taking the form of an adolescent child with three tentacles that shoot out bone projectiles."
Quite a few of the Sergeants and Lieutenants looked at the decaying forms of the Nightmares with disgust; Retsu was the only one to remain undisturbed. Her eyes stared at the grotesque abominations with apathetic eyes, and Naruto can see the strong desire to prove oneself in the face of adversity. He expected to see this, even as she remained looking like the caring woman that healed rather than kill people, and he wanted to see how far she would actually go to return to her previous strength.
It is amusing, if he was honest, because it made Zaraki offer the title Kenpachi back to her as he had his own scars to know that even out of her prime she had bested him in more than one way. But she refused it, saying that the title was more than who was the strongest warrior in the Prince's forces. She did not want or desire the title, seeing it best represented with him anyway, and that her march back to her prime is purely selfish desire.
"Here are your enemies," Naruto proclaimed and the ground shook as a section of the large stone walls under him crumbled neatly to dust to reveal a dark room. "Team C. You will be facing four Scarlet Nightmares, three Lurkers and one Spitter, as well as Fubuki Kakuyoku, Nadare Roga, Kidomaru of Rivers, and Kakuzu of Taki. They have been chosen for your obvious weaknesses."
As the ones he mentioned exited the room, he continued speaking. "Team B. You will be facing three Nightmares, two Brutes and one Lurker, as well as the twins, Sakon and Ukon, Mizore Fuyukuma, Jirobo of Grass, and Hidan the Jashinist."
As the second group exited into the open, the two teams of officers felt themselves genuinely concerned for their fights as they knew that these people were among Naruto's claimed Souls. They are extremely strong in life but now that they are under the Prince's control, their abilities are now broadened and tied together to their fellow Souls. Kakuzu was nigh-immortal in life? Give him the Scorch Style from Maya, and now he has a wide-scale jutsu style that covers the weakness of his more precision-focused stitches techniques.
"And finally, Team A," Naruto announced as his eyes glanced over his officers before settling on Retsu. "Because of one's experience, you were found to be capable of fighting tougher opponents. Fifteen Scarlet Nightmares, consisting of ten Slashers, two Brutes, two Spitters, and one Lurker. Your opponents are especially unique, as each have fought in wars and across many battles and for that they have served their countries with honour and extreme loyalty. First is the previous Lieutenant of the Fourth Division, the Bloodthirsty Ogre, Saito Furofushi. Second is the previous Captain of the Third Division, the Silent Gardener, Furuoki Otogawa. Third is the Professor, the God of Shinobi, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi."
"What!"
Naruto paused and turned to look over his shoulder to stare at Asuma as the man seethed from his outburst, gaining the attention of the Uzushio Captains and civilian representatives. "Is there a problem, Sarutobi-san?"
"You mean to use my father as some kind of spectacle?!" Asuma shouted, ignoring and scoffing off Kakashi when the man ordered him to stop. "Have you no honour, no respect for him? After all he did for you in your childhood?!"
Naruto did not move or say anything, keeping the majority of his back facing the man, but his eyes narrowed slightly as his people began to chatter among themselves over this event. It was not favourable for them to see him be shouted at by a foreign guest let alone one that did not lead the nation they represent. "I will ignore your outburst and shouting in respect for Kakashi, but you will sit down and you will refrain from any further outbursts."
"Don't you-!"
A heavy weight laid upon the entire area, drawing gasps and breaths from everyone in the arena. The civilians were saved most of it as Naruto had enough control to make sure nothing happened to them when he fully exerted his Divine aura, but his military and the guests were not spared such grace. His officers in the arena were taking deep breaths as if breathing thin air in a scorching hot desert, sweat gathering on their foreheads. The others in the booth were facing similar looks as they tried to fight the urge to burst under the pressure.
Asuma himself, facing the brunt of the aura, collapsed to his hands and knees as sweat rolled down his face and the beginning of tears began to fall down his cheeks. He felt small, like an ant, in front of a raised foot of something he could not fathom to believe in his insignificant life. It is an innate feeling that has been written into his and his ancestors' DNA; they were nothing in front of the gods, in front of beings too large to even look at them as any more than one would look at dirt on their shoe. He was nothing, and he had scorned one that would have otherwise ignored his very existence.
Naruto stared at the man with nothing but pity. He did not hate him, and he surely did not care what he thought about him. But he will not be disrespected. "'Don't you' what? Don't I forgive you? If I don't, then how will you atone for your sins."
With the final word, Asuma knew then that he was no longer in control. He was a sinful man that spat on the forgiveness of a god. He has to do something to make up for this, right?
Naruto watched as the man moved to grab a kunai from his pouch, reading the intent for suicide for what it was. This is how the gods maintained their godhood. They made humans realise who they serve, and they gain sacrifices to boost their power and make examples of others. It was a sick and twisted way to maintain their position at the top, but for moments like these it was not always intentional. His mere emotions influenced the actions of others even if he did not want them to do so. But right now, even if it was not his intention, he would not stop the man.
"Prince-sama, please forgive him!"
Naruto blinked as the small voice begged into his ear, halting Asuma's kunai hand as it was beginning to raise to his waist.
"Forgive him, Prince-sama, even if he doesn't deserve it!"
Another voice, another prayer, reached Naruto's ears and he turned to look out into the crowd. Various people bowed forward from their seats and were praying to him. To him they were begging for an outsider's transgressions, one they knew did not deserve the forgiveness spat on mere moments ago.
I hear you, Naruto said to himself and turned back to Asuma before lifting his aura. "You do not need to give penance anymore, Asuma Sarutobi, for you were saved by others' prayers today. Do not waste it, and get back into your seat."
After Asuma did as he was told, with no one giving any sympathetic looks in his direction, Naruto turned back to the arena. "Continuing with the last participant. He is the one person who was on par with our previous Prince; the previous First Division Captain, the Fire Devil, the Master of the Scorched Earth, Shigekuni Yamamoto."
Gasps ring out from the crowd as the last man exited the arena, appearing from the the shadows of the colosseum's bowels as as if a specter from the very moment he died in life. His eyes remained sharp, however, as he regarded Retsu with a calculating stare that made her own eyes narrow with a dead glare of her own.
"Naruto wasn't lying when he said you've gotten weaker," Yamamoto stated with a blunt tone.
"I said no such thing, gramps!" Naruto glared at the man with mild irritation. "I said she needed help getting back in her prime."
"Same difference," the man harrumphed.
Naruto's eye twitched before he rubbed his face to rid the irritation. "Alright, sure, whatever you say. I can't stand my own clan's stubbornness that appears in the men. It's a wonder how we have survived let alone thrived all this time."
Ohatsu Village, O'uzu Island
"Captain Uzumaki."
Shanks was startled from his reverie from the sudden voice, pausing his drink at his lips as he looked over in the direction the voice came from. He found one of the Prince's Soul servants standing to the side, not even being acknowledged by the drunken celebrating pirates.
"What do I owe the pleasure for your arrival, Maya," Shanks quickly took a swig of his tankard.
"New orders and commandments from Prince-sama," Maya answered while producing a good-sized scroll from her containment seal. "To be read by your eyes, and a copy to be given to Luffy after you give confirmation that you understand your orders."
Shanks raised an eyebrow at the woman's tone and extended his hand. "Let me see it then. I wonder what puts my cousin in such a mood that he needs such confirmation."
He opened the scroll once it was in his hand and his eyes skimmed over the neat handwriting.
Order One. Gain control of Demons' northern and southern seas but stay in international waters. Scuttle or steal any captured naval ship flying their banner. We need domination for upcoming diplomatic talks.
Order Two. Force Demons' trade allies to break the agreements. Main targets are Wood, Valley and Vegetable.
Order Three. Recruit more. Need 20 more ships by Autumn.
You are now Grand Admiral of the Uzushio Privateers. Act in Uzushio's best interests.
Shanks simply took another swig of his ale before leaning back in his chair. "Tell Naruto I understand."
Maya nodded her head in confirmation before disappearing in a blur, leaving the red haired captain to nurse his drink. He was no longer in the festive mood, even as he watched his men laugh and sing and stumble about.
He can only assume how Luffy will take this as the younger boy only wanted to have fun and travel the world. It will be difficult for him if he chooses to disregard Naruto's orders in favour of his own ideas, possibly even putting him at odds with the Divine Prince. But they were loyal to Uzushio, their family, and when they needed to they would have to answer her call for service.
They were pirates with a home, free from the restrictions of land, and their cannons can and will scar the landscape.
"Ma'am."
Zoya looked up to see Earl entering her tent, his stoic face looking at her as he presented a scroll.
"What's this?" She asked as she took it into her hands and undid it.
"Scroll delivered by one of the Uzumaki Prince's servants," he answered simply as he relaxed at the other side of her desk. "For your own eyes, they said."
Zoya hummed softly as she looked at the scroll written with her love's neat handwriting.
Escalate the plans. Civil War is now inevitable and I want Ichijo disposed of by the end of Summer. Capture him and his family, I want none of them killed but if they need to be maimed then so be it. So long as they can still answer questions.
As Zoya read the single paragraph, she was surprised to see black lines begin writing themselves. They reacted to her miniscule chakra, as she had sensed the slight pull from the paper, so she understood now it was a secret message from her husband.
Zoya, I need things done fast. Ichijo is one of many steps I am taking to get rid of my enemies on this continent. I know it seems sudden, as previously I wanted things done at a more balanced pace, but I can't afford that anymore.
We have three months at most to get everything settled and the new regime in place for our allies. I need to make sure everyone is on my side and will not fight me or each other.
Ciri has left for her home to fulfil her prophecy that may cost her life. Those bastards I saved her from are after her again and I don't think the man travelling with her is enough protection.
I need to head West as soon as possible and find her or her adoptive parents. I have a retinue of Souls travelling across the Expansive Wastes with a Teleportation Marker until they find proper civilisation.
"Oh boy," Zoya sighed and set the scroll down, watching as the secret message disappeared.
"What's wrong?"
"Naruto wants the war to happen and end as quickly as possible," Zoya answered and thought to herself. "This will be a bloody conflict if we are to win within our time crunch, and Nobunaga is still trying to rally her allies among the other Fire Lords."
Earl was silent as he glanced over his shoulder for a few moments before speaking. "I think that's why the Prince sent the message with four messengers."
"Four?" Zoya repeated and saw Earl motion with his head to outside the tent.
She got up from her seat and rushed outside to be greeted with familiar people, all but one having a horrifying appearance and power.
The Uzumaki Codex of Threats, as she had read before, offered six levels of power. However, the sixth threat level is relatively new and was made because of the growing number of blessed individuals that exceeded that of multiple level fives. Of that few number of entries in Level Six, three of them were standing in front of her. Dreya, Mantis, and Nox - the fourth being poor Hecate who stood to the side with a remorseful look even though there was nothing wrong.
"Oh, Naruto-kun isn't kidding when he says he wants things done fast," Zoya hummed with slight surprise at seeing all four in front of her. "I'm guessing you girls are knowledgeable about your tasks?"
"Naruto-sama was very clear," Hecate answered with a nod as the three Level Six women were silent. "We are to dominate and end the Daimyo's loyalist armies under the banner of the Oda Insurrectionists. We will then make the capture of the capital as easy for the rebels as possible."
Zoya nodded her head. "You have Legion's resources at your will, just let me know what you need." She was silent before booking at them with worrisome eyes. "Be safe. Remember that your lives are precious to Naruto. Do not disappoint or make him regret putting you in harm's way."
"We understand, Zoya-sama," Nox was the one to speak, surprising the woman with her light if not flat tone that betrayed the small smile on her emotionless face. "Do not worry about us. We have been taught our worth and we will make sure we are safe in the coming battles."
Zoya nodded her head, a relieved smile on her face as she cared for these cursed girls and did not want them to just throw away their lives now that they found meaning.
The Uzumaki Codex of Threats
Twenty-Fifth Revision
September 1, XX19
Dangers range across countries relative to their own personal strengths. The Uzumaki are especially brutal when they rank individuals as they have many millennia to divide such power scalings. As of this revision, there are six levels under the Uzumaki Codex of Threats - updated as of September 1, XX19.
The following is a summary of each threat level, as well as a collection of individuals under the Uzumaki nation that fit each criteria.
Threat Level One
These individuals are the lowest of threats and are usually inexperienced or of average skill. Typical members of this category are E and D-rank genin from Elementia, apprentice mages from Gaal, and the average bandit group found around the world.
- Rei Takashima
Threat Level Two
These individuals are low-mid threats and have the largest number of individuals out of any category. Typical members of this category are C-rank chunin from Elementia, rookie samurai found in Iron and among national militaries, and disciple mages from Gaal.
- Levy McGarden, Mashiro Kuna, Shuhei Hisagi
Threat Level Three
These individuals are mid threats that make up experienced soldiers, often newly promoted officers of many militaries around the world. Typical members of this category include B-rank chunin and jonin from Elementia, experienced samurai from Iron and other national militaries, and disciple mages from Gaal.
- Atau Rindo, Ciel Phantomhive, Kaien Shiba, Kiyone Kotetsu, Kukaku Shiba, Lisa Yadomaru, Miyako Shiba, Momo Hinamori, Nanao Ise, Nemu Kurotsuchi, Nielliel Tu Odelschwanck, Rangiku Matsumoto, Rukia Abarai, Yuyu Yayahara
Threat Level Four
These individuals are high levelled threats that are often experienced officers. Typical members of this category include A-rank jonin from Elementia, veteran samurai retainers from Iron and other national militaries, and master mages from Gaal.
- Erza Scarlet, Hecate, Hiyori Sarugaki, Ichigo Kurosaki, Ikkuku Madarame, Isane Kotetsu, Izuru Kira, Masaki Kurosaki, Natsu Dragneel, Renji Abarai, Shanks Uzumaki, Tayuya Uzumaki, Tessai Tsukabishi, Tetsuzaemon Iba, Tier Harribel, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Yachiru Kusajishi, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Zeref Dragneel, Zommari Rureaux
Threat Level Five
These individuals are the most dangerous threats typically found and are the epitome of military might. Typical members of this category include S-rank shinobi from Elementia, samurai lords from Iron and other national militaries, and Archmages from Gaal.
- Byakuya Kuchiki, Gin Ichimaru, Ginrei Kuchiki, Isshin Kurosaki, Kaname Tosen, Kirio Hikifune, Kisuke Urahara, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Michaelis, Retsu Unohana, Shunsui Kyoraku, Sosuke Aizen, Sui Feng, Tsunade Senju, Yoruichi Shihoin, Zaraki
Threat Level Six
These individuals are blessed or otherwise enhanced with world-ending power. The only members of this category are SS-rank shinobi of Elementia, Divine mages of Gaal, and the children of gods.
- Dreya, Irene Belserion, Karin Uzumaki, Mantis, Nox
Shorter chapter but the next one will (should I hope) be out pretty soon. I am almost done with that one. The last part is an exerpt of the Uzumaki Codex of Threats which has been eluded to the entire series but I actually took the time to set up. It's just Uzumaki insets but I have the others already put in as well.
Semester is almost done, about to graduate so I will be busy for a while as well. I hope to see you guys soon in the next chapter!
Krieger Techpriest: Lmaoooooo they gon learn today!
Guest: Next chapter will show who/what are in the rings, but it'll be the next chapter or one after that before we learn how or where Orochimaru obtained these powers.
Primarx: Thank you :D
Guest2: Onoki I never found as stupid and did not understand why others would make him out to be. He has survived a long time in a very dangerous profession, and I always seen him in the same light as Hiruzen. He wanted the best for his village and he made many decisions that have been good and bad. I mostly blame the populace of Iwa for many problems as their mentality is what has caused them to face as much as they did. As for Orochimaru still being around, we never got rid of all of his curse marks and as such now we have no idea how many more he has made. He will be around for a while longer.
kr0n0s00: Hinata likely to happen