A/N:
Beta/edit by
Hey everyone. You may have noticed that we got on a somewhat 7 to 14-day update cycle. I won't say schedule because I never intended to go on schedule with the story. I will try to keep it that way until you guys catch up with what is already written. If all numbers are correct that are around 21 chapters. Looking forward to reviews and questions. Reply will be coming as soon as I can.
Running through long temple corridors was a hassle and Naruto was sick of it. His new sword had made short work of the guardian. It was like it had a mind of its own sometimes. He swung at the head while one version of it aimed for the midsection or used a blindside attack.
Altogether it was very unpredictable to use like its wielder. Armed with his new weapon the boy just wanted to find a way out, but it looked like the temple always found ways to lead him to another challenge. Guards or Illusions, what Naruto did not notice was that he was getting more and more fluent in the use of his blade. He never witnessed that his moves at the start were following the form he had learned but now were much more fluid. It looks more like a natural extension of his limbs than a sword wielded by a young shinobi. After hours that felt like minutes, Naruto arrived at a final door Pushing them open the young boy gaped at the scene.
The chamber of the ancient temple building is vast and dimly lit, with only a faint glow emanating from the time-freezing barriers that held Jiraiya of the Sannin and another person captive. The air is heavy with an eerie stillness, as if time itself has paused within this sacred space. Despite the lack of movement, a palpable energy can be felt in the atmosphere, almost as if the very essence of the temple's history and power resonates throughout every inch of the room.
Amidst the gloom, there is a small hole in the roof that allows for a sliver of moonlit sky to peek through, casting an ethereal glow across the chamber floor. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings and faded paintings depicting scenes from ancient legends and myths. A large altar stands at the center of the room, its surface engraved with complex symbols and runes that seem to pulse with an inner light.
The time-freezing barriers surrounding Jiraiya and Mifune's sons are transparent, allowing one to see their frozen forms within. They appear peaceful yet determined as if caught in a moment of intense concentration or contemplation.
Many thoughts rushed through Naruto's brain. One of them was the one that looked like it was already nighttime. The other was how exactly Jiraiya had come across the other person and how did he landed in that seal. Summoning some clones to analyze the barrier he looked at it himself.
Something deep inside of his head clicked, and he moved to the wall where some random symbols were drawn upon. Without even knowing but somehow feeling what was the right sequence to click on the symbols he pushed them. As he finished pushing them a deep rumble started that had to come from down below him before he could even feel the barrier falling.
Jiraiya held his head with both hands to fight the headache and had only seconds to dodge the katana of the samurai that had charged him. The veteran's senses were the only thing that had saved him from the surprise attack but the older shinobi slipped and tumbled over the floor the metallic glint of the blade was coming faster far too quickly for him to dodge, he tried to, but he felt so sluggish.
Looking at the blade nearing his face his last thought was that he hoped Naruto was still alive. Closing his eyes, he could see some scenes of his past coming up and he once again was berating himself, that he had not tried to court Tsuande. Waiting for the blade to connect it took even more seconds for the seasoned ninja to realize it would never come.
"Calm down you stupid samurai-teme" Naruto's voice was traveling through the chamber shortly after a metallic clank announced that Jiraiya would survive. While he could not stop the first slash the blonde easily was able to parry the second while he was wondering why Jiraiya was so slow. The unnamed samurai looked dumbfounded that someone could block his technique.
"You blocked my blade?!" in total disbelief he looked at Naruto's blade before he looked at him. The sixteen-year-old samurai stands tall, his posture straight and confident despite his youthful appearance. His attire is simple yet elegant, consisting of a traditional haori jacket emblazoned with the crest of his clan, and a pair of worn but well-maintained hakama pants. He wears no armor, relying instead on his skill and agility to protect him in battle.
His most notable feature is his resemblance to Mifune of Iron Country - a testament to his lineage and the pride he takes in his heritage. His features are sharp and angular, reflecting the discipline and focus that have been instilled in him from a young age. Despite his youth, there's an air of maturity about him, hinting at the wisdom and experience he has gained through his training and the challenges he has faced.
In his hand, he carries a single blade - a katana that gleams menacingly in the moonlight. The sword is his most prized possession, representing not only his status as a samurai but also his connection to the centuries-old traditions and values of his people.
"Could we all calm down for a second" Jiraiya managed to get back on his feet and this time as the young warrior attacked Jiraiya was faster than his student and disarmed him with ease. "You have to be Mifune's son. Aren't you?" Looking at the Sannin and shortly later at Naruto who still looked ready to attack or defend the samurai sighed.
"Yes, that would be me. Miyatora. And who are you two?" The samurai looked cautious. He slowly picked up his blade, inspecting it before sheathing it again but not without laying his hand on the hilt. Still looking alert Naruto did the same before positioning himself on Jiraiya's right side.
"This blonde swordsman is my student Naruto Uzumaki, I am Jiraiya of the Sannin, and we were sent here by your father Mifune because you went missing two weeks ago." The sentence lets the color fall from the samurai's face.
"Did you say two weeks? I remember the moment I had stepped into the temple to search for guidance, but somehow it was too early for me and the next thing I knew after one of the guards knocked me out was you two and this new place."
Now Jiraiya gulped but before the Sannin could spread words of wisdom Naruto interrupted.
"Yeah, you both were sealed in status for I don't know how long. As I entered the chamber something in me pushed me to do the right thing I suppose, and I unsealed you. That is exactly why I propose to leave through the roof and get back to the capital ASAP. This temple creeps me out." As he had ended a low rumbling could be heard before water trickled out of the stone floor. Startling slowly but quickly filling it. In unspoken agreement, the three quickly made their way by jumping out through the open hole in the roof. As they looked down, they recognized, that they were at the entry point of the vale leading to the temple. Said temple was nowhere to be found. Blinking in shock all three were pointing at the temple and then at each other. Before they accepted that something was wrong with this valley, they quickly made their way back.
Iron Country, Generals Residence
"... I was just one day short to write a letter to the Hokage. Three weeks is a long time even counting the travel time." Mifune finished only for Jiraiya to pick up the thought.
"I can understand that I mean for us it was like a normal day or hours, and outside of the temple, weeks have drawn by. Still can't get my head around but yeah, I am very happy that everything worked out in the end."
Mifune looked at the Sannin and nodded before his gaze moved to Naruto.
"Your blade is special young Uzumaki, never give it out of your hand." Getting a nod, the old samurai nodded "Good. With that from the table, I promised you some lessons. With the spar you and my son provided me I think, we should focus on the art of drawing the sword. It will start tomorrow at dawn."
Naruto snapped at attention before Jiraiya gave him a short salute. The Sannin had some research to do. Naruto and Mifune's son trained for the next three weeks under the Samurai General. Besides physical exercises and sparing they did many meditation and breathing exercises. Also improving their awareness and battle readiness, after those three weeks Naruto was nearly as fast as the old samurai in drawing his new sword. Wearing it now on the hip put inside of his new black obi.
While Jiraiya was away Naruto had impressed him, and while drinking tea in the garden the young blonde told Mifune about his vision to bring peace to the nations. Bring back the teachings of Ninshu. To say the General was shocked into silence for a second would be an understatement, but everything led to the point that Mifune told him, that as long as his goals were honorable and did not hurt the bushido Iron would help achieve this dream.
With this agreement in his bag Jiraiya and Naruto made their way out of Iron and back in the direction of Frost Country. Most of the time they were able to use the normal road but near the border and still in their civilian disguises they were stopped by a group of fifty bandits. Most of them lugged like a roughed-up sort but the man in the middle was someone.
Jiraiya recognized. Looking at him, it was clear that the man was very thin and tall in stature, giving him a somewhat gangly appearance. His long, shaggy, straw-blond hair only added to this impression. Despite the concealment provided by his white, porcelain Anbu mask with its distinctive green triangle on the lower half and slits for eyeholes, as well as Kirigakure's symbol etched into the top, there was an air of mystery surrounding him.
His attire consisted of a sleeveless black shirt that contrasted sharply against his pale skin, matching pants with a waist guard for extra protection, and Kirigakure's distinctive striped wrist and leg guards. Even his neck was wrapped in bandages, adding an extra layer of enigma to his already intriguing appearance.
Despite the seriousness of their mission, it was hard not to be captivated by this mysterious figure standing before them.
"It can't be. Maito had killed you back in the day."
"So, you think it is easy to kill one of the seven?" The figure laughed and unsheated his sword.
Jiraiya took one good look before he pushed Naruto behind him.
"Careful, I have no clue how Kushimaru can still be alive but that is the Nuibari, the sewing needle." Naruto needed no further encouragement and unsheathed his new sword. "I will take care of him you take out the bandits. No Prisoners, I will need help against this one. You know why."
Naruto gave a small nod, a quick Shunshin was all he needed, and as Jiraiya looked at the should-be-dead swordsman the screams of the bandits started to get louder, as the Sannin took out a Kunai to engage the swordsman.
Naruto had no trouble dispatching the bandits. He could feel what some of them had done to unwilling villagers when they did not want to pay the tax for safety. He had no need to use the Jutsu he knew, not his sword somehow managed to convey the need to taste blood and he would deliver.
Naruto had not bothered unleashing the powers of his blade, the bandits were just rough thugs without much training or intellect. His senses picked up the reason to rethink his approach as the signature mist jutsu was filling the clearing they had been ambushed in. Quickly taking a glance at Jiraiya he could see the Sannin struggling. His mentor had told him that staying frozen in time had messed up his system a bit. The blonde shinobi was just dispatching another bandit with a quick strike through his heart as
"NARUTO! Finish up already that thing here is a fucking reanimation."
The voice of his sensei carried, and Naruto perked up. A reanimated corpse? With all the not dying and unlimited chakra thing? Summoning two clones, Clone A unleashed a gust of wind in a dome-like structure to get rid of the mist, at the same time Clone B jumped into the air. Using two three-pronged Kunai and throwing them in the general direction of where Jiraiya and Kushimaru still fought. Clone B held the ram hand seal and called out his jutsu
"Kunai Kage Bunshin no Jutsu" multiplying the two Kunai to a solid forty. All three Narutos simultaneously called out. "Awake, Sen no Genso" Three swords marginally changed their appearance getting darker. As the blade summoned Bunshin of itself the bandits turned and wanted to run. While the clones unleashed hell on the fleeing bandits without any prejudice, the main Naruto appeared directly before Jiraiya pushing the older and bigger man behind him, while his sword parried the Nuibari.
"Try to seal him and the blade separately" Jiraia exclaimed slightly winded. Getting only a nod from the blonde boy.
"Who wants to die now?" Kushimaru started only for a flash and a cut through his arm to stop him. The blade fell to the ground only to be picked up by a chakra chain. His one arm slowly reformed from something that looked like ash. The chain retracted and Naruto held the blade up before it disappeared in a puff of smoke. Standing with his back to the former Mist ninja. Turning to the blonde boy, Kushimaru could dodge two chains that wanted to pierce his body. "You dare? I will kill you for that."
As Naruto looked over his shoulder, directly into Kushimaru's eyes, Naruto had his Sharingan activated. Naruto's voice had something demonic as he channeled a bit of Kurama's chakra "I dare? Why don't you want to stay in the pure world and fight your summoning? You are an abomination. Nobody cheats the Shinigami!"
With his new arm, the swordless swordsman rushed through hand seals "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" The water dragon materialized quickly and rushed at Naruto. "I did because I was given the opportunity to do what I want, what I did best."
Naruto sheathed his blade in a blink before he used some seals "Hyōton: Kokuryū Bōfūsetsu". The water dragon's advance was stopped as the temperature had fallen rapidly. Before the water dragon had reached Naruto a thin layer of ice froze the whole structure. Reformed it and launched it at the Mist Ninja.
"Ice Release? You are no Yuki!" Kushimaru could dodge but with the time he had stayed as an Edo Tensei the battle awareness of the former swordsman was not at his former peak. So, he did not notice that he was one step away from a Hiraishin Kunai. With a flash of gold Naruto appeared behind him. The reflexes of the ninja were enough to turn just not fast enough to dodge the four chains piercing his body at the joints of arms and legs. Quickly Fuinjutsu formulas expanded from each puncture point. Staring into the spinning red eyes Kushimaru had the feeling that this blonde boy was looking straight into his soul.
"Kuriarare Kushimaru, I have seen your past and future actions and find myself disgusted." Jiraiya could only gape in shock at the presence and KI Naruto was radiating.
"I will be your Judge, Jury, and Executioner." The boy spoke still with a demonic voice as he slowly pulled his sword out. The chains rattled and pulled Kushimaru to his knees.
"So, you have seen it" the reanimated corpse huffed. "I will wait before the person just resummons me. Whatever you see in my future we will meet again, and I will kill you."
the mist shinobi wanted to spit at Naruto who had no problems to dodge.
"This Jutsu should never have been created." Naruto did not notice as he began to channel Charka instinctively. He also did not notice that the color of his eyes flickered between red and purple. He took the Katana into both hands and held it at the height of his shoulders. Naruto channeled the chakra through the blade. Cold white flames spread over the whole length. "Your future won't include rejoining those in the Purelands, being available to be resummoned" Naruto reached back and at this very moment Kushimaru could see the smiling mask of the Shinigami behind the blonde boy. Reaching back Naruto took a swing and a diagonal cut appeared on Ksuhimau's chest. Starting small before the white flames spread from the cut over the whole body. The Mist Swordsman began to scream in pain as Naruto flicked his blade as he wanted to clean off the blood before the sword returned to its sheath. "Shinigami no Ken" he whispered before he fell straight on his face unable to even use his hands to break his fall.
Jiraiya used a short Shunshin to get to his student. After the chains had disappeared, he got a good look at Kushimaru, only to find an adult ninja with an Otogakure headband. Whatever Naruto did have broken the Jutsu. Quickly taking a look at Naruto he could relax as besides chakra exhaustion he seemed fine.
Somewhere in a hidden laboratory in Otogakure, a white marble broke, unnoticed by the summoner all blood samples froze over before turning black and changed to dirt.
The Land of Frost is a land of contrasts, with its frigid temperatures and icy winds standing in stark opposition to the beauty and majesty of its natural wonders. Snow-capped mountains loom large over the horizon, their jagged peaks reaching toward the heavens like fingers trying to touch the face of God. Deep valleys are carved into the earth by ancient glaciers, their walls sheer and imposing, while frozen rivers snake through the landscape, their surfaces glittering like mirrors reflecting the stars above.
The vegetation in Shimo no Kuni is sparse and hardy, with stunted trees and scrub brush being the only living things able to survive in this harsh environment. These twisted, gnarled creations of nature stand like sentinels over the frozen wastes, their branches reaching out towards the heavens as if pleading for mercy from the unyielding cold. In the distance, one can sometimes see the flicker of flames dancing in the darkness, signaling the presence of warmth and life within one of the many hidden villages that dot the landscape.
Despite its harsh beauty, there is an underlying sense of danger and foreboding that permeates every aspect of this land. Monstrous beasts prowl the frigid wilderness, hunting their prey with ruthless efficiency. And even the very earth seems to conspire against those who would dare to tread upon it, with treacherous crevasses and avalanches waiting around every corner.
Jiraiya had carried Naruto to a cave in the mountainside. The cave was nestled within the heart of one of the snow-capped mountains that loomed over the Land of Frost. Its entrance was hidden from view by a cascade of icy waterfalls, which tumbled down from an opening high above, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color as they hit the rocky ground below. The mouth of the cave itself was small and narrow, barely large enough for a single person to squeeze through at a time.
Inside Jiraiya sat at a small campfire while Naruto lay on his camp bed. staring at the ceiling. On the small fire, a wok is currently in place and handled by the Sannin to prepare the meal for the evening. "... so let me get this straight. You used a technique you heard a cold whisper in your head off? A Jutsu that not only ended a Jutsu that normally can only be released by the summoner?"
"Ah Huh?" The boy weekly replied. Jiraiya sighed and continued cooking.
"Meanwhile the Jutsu is so Chakra intensive that if you did not have the fox and this other chakra you would have died?"
"Looks like it, by the log Jiraiya. I have no idea how that happened it was like the way the knowledge to make my sword was in my subconscious. If Kurama had not told me, that he could not recognize anyone trying to possess me I would be scared like hell." Jiraiya gave him a solemn nod before he got back to finishing his cooking.
They ate in silence with Naruto still a bit struggling to sit straight but the next day they were on the road again. They aimed for a small inn in the next settlement before they traveled to Uzushio to rest more after nearly one year of traveling and training. After the encounter with the Edo Tensei and those bandits, the streets were nearly empty.
Frost was not known for tourism because of the often-harsh weather conditions, so the master and apprentice kept up with their disguises without a problem and came into the mentioned inn enjoying the warmth of it after shedding the cloaks at the entrance. Claiming their rooms they sat at the bar talking in hushed voices as the door opened and a blonde woman came into the room.
"Naruto, that's one of my siblings. Matatabi, the Hellcat if I am not completely off" came the hushed voice of Kurama in Naruto's head. The blonde boy looked at the fellow blonde at watched as she sat down on a barstool to the right, recognizing the Kumo headband, Naruto was glad that his strength was mostly back. Watching her as the girl ordered for herself before she turned her head. Looking straight into spinning red and black eyes.
Shared Biju Mindscape
Naruto was leaning on one of Kurama's big paws as Yugito and the blue, flaming hellcat appeared. Yugito was holding her head and looked quite disoriented. Silently conversing through looks, the fox gave his partner a raised brow before a short huff Kurama wiped his tail and unleashed a strong wind in the direction of the Kumo Nin and her Biju. Matatabi had no problem evading but Yugito was knocked on her rear.
"HEY, what's going on here? Where am I?" Yugito exclaimed surprised. Naruto started laughing and Kurama had a foxy grin. Matatabi looked like she was very surprised.
"Is that really you brother? What are you doing, no what are we doing here?" The two-tailed cat started.
Naruto had calmed down for a second and again exchanged looks with Kurama. The fox just nodded before Naruto turned to the other two and waved with a big grin. "Hello there, I think I can explain everything. Most of the time Kurama is just too lazy to do anything at all." Dodging the claw that wanted to flick him away he just pointed at it. "See, exactly what I mean. I am Naruto Uzumaki" he pointed at himself and then at Kurama "and this big grumpy fox is Kurama"
Matatabi was stunned into silence while her Jinchurikii got into a defensive stance. Rushing through hand seals quicker than some could see a bolt of lightning zapped at Naruto's position only for the boy to disappear into a mirage. "That was really rude of you, do you know that?" snapping around in a one-eighty Naruto just stood there and pouted. Her cat partner had trotted to Kurama and laid down beside him while not letting him out of her view. To Outsiders, it could look like they were talking without words.
"What do you want?" Yugito pressed out.
Naruto shook his head. "You look really tense Lady. Hey there Tabi-Chan" He waved at the cat getting a snort from the cat before he looked back at Yugito who sighed.
"Yugito Nii, Jonin of Kumo. You know boy that this could be counted as a hostile act?" She raised her voice at the end and tried to look imposing.
Naruto chuckled before his face got completely serious. "Let me tell you Yugito Nii, Jonin of Kumo what would be a hostile act." Activating his Sharingan in its Mangekyou form he looked at her. "I could put both of you under a Genjutsu, so even your synchronization would not pick it up with a secret trigger so you unleash hell in Kumo." He made a short break deactivating his eyes again. "Bringing you and Tabi-Chan here to talk away from prying eyes and ears is on a different scale of hostility I hope" Changing his whole stance to a more open and joyful one after his little talk the blonde girl was left silent just standing there as Naruto disappeared and appeared at the side of Kurama and Matatabi.
"Tabi-Chan? I like it and if my brother has not eaten you already I will listen to what you want to say" The Hellcat spoke while she looked at Naruto only to move her gaze to her partner. "Kitten, I told you often enough you are too stiff. Maybe you need to get your heat out of your system. We can't battle those eyes, not alone. He wants to talk big, let him"
Kurama's voice could be heard, the deep growling sound of the mighty fox who had not even opened an eye. "I hate it when he flexes those cursed eyes. Such a perversion of the glory and true purpose they once had, but we can hope" Not finishing the sentence he had fallen back to snoozing.
Sighing Yugito nodded but she did not look convinced for a second and had a reserved body language as she gave Naruto her nod to continue. The blonde boy leaned again on Kurama before he sighed.
"Look, I didn't want to provoke ya okay? It's just so idiotic, in our world those things are normal to us. Expect the unexpected. Look underneath the underneath and all that. All this war shit." He shook his head.
"They even imprison the intended guardians in humans so they can "tame" them" He used his finger to highlight tame while Matatabi had noticed how he addressed the Biju. She looked at Kurama who had a small smile on his face but still his eyes closed. Both females listened to Naruto again.
"Some even see us only as tools, weapons. I am sick of it. And if that was not all, an organization now wants to collect the Biju to unleash a beast on the nations that was not seen since the times of the sage. I won't have it." The confidence Naruto started to radiate was nearly tangible.
"I won't beat around the bush. I want all of us Jinchurickii and Biju to work together. I don't want us to be seen as tools or weapons or our partners ripped out of their seals just to unleash the living hell on us. My objective will be to bring the peace back, the sage had intended as he started to teach Ninshu to our forefathers. If I have to free some Biju of their hosts because those people are too fixed on their ways…" He disappeared from Kurama's side and appeared behind Yugito's back but his voice carried through the room. "I will not hold back. I am Uzumaki and I know of three seals alone that can unleash the Biju of a Jinchurikii"
It was like a whisper in her head before Yugito opened her eyes to find herself in the bar with a three-pronged Kunai before her. "... It depends on you if you will stand to see it or be erased before that."
The blonde Kunoichi had only stared at the signature Kunai of the Yellow Flash. Alone the stories she had heard from Bee were enough to let her think over the words of the blonde kid a bit more seriously. Don't mind the fact, that he was apparent best buddies with the strongest of the Biju.
"You should not ponder so much about it kitten. Just accept it. His words, how my brother acted. I am sure that was no bluffing. He may be a kit now, but give or take some years he will be a force to be reckoned with. I am sure that he could easily achieve full synchronization if his body can measure up against the strain of nine tails of biju chakra." Her partner spoke to her in her mind and Yugito could not even disagree with her. She would have to talk with Bee when she was back from her mission. Better to not tell the Raikage directly about this encounter though. After the Hyuuga Incident, there are still some griefs to be talked about.
Naruto and his Sensei had left the bar and were en route to wave country. Jiraiya had not even noticed as his student had talked with the fellow Jinchuriki, only after the girl had fallen asleep and Naruto had drawn him out by hissing an explanation about Jinchurikii and Kumo ninja and a maybe blowing cover.