Naruto X Ayaka.

Eons ago, long before the Heavenly Principles and the time of the Archons…

Before the Primordial One felled the Sovereign…

A great disaster befell Teyvat before it was known as such. The relentless parasites repeatedly attempted to seize this world until the Aeons, weary of their persistence, intervened and eradicated them. Yet, they couldn't ignore the valiant heroes who had stood against the parasites. In recognition of their bravery, they bestowed upon them and their loved ones the gift of reincarnation, for they knew Teyvat would one day need their aid again, and that day was fast approaching.

Sometimes, I wonder if the Aeons know what a blessing is… Or if they are simply fools.

Alas, a story is but a story. Is it but a story for me to tell… Or is there more to it?

"Bah, your stories are too long, nee-chan!" A young, spiky, blonde-haired kitsune squinted, his long ears folding on the top of his head while he crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. He sat before a woman dressed in flamboyant shrine maiden attire, with vivid pink hair and fox ears that twitched as she batted her fellow kitsune with her uchiwa.

"Now, now. Pay attention, Naruto. These stories are not just stories. They are our history. Learning from our past so we do not repeat our mistakes is invaluable. Do you wish to make the same mistakes that led to the dark days before the Catastrophe?"

"Of course not!" Naruto growled, his tail swishing violently behind him as he glared at an amused Miko, his frustration palpable.

"Good," Yae smirked, her eyes glinting at the bristling kitsune as she covered half her face with her fan. Then, with a sigh, she lowered her fan and sat on the steps beside him, looking down at the grand view of the shrine provided. "I was once in your position at one time. Rambunctious and wild. Loving to play pranks on all around me…"

"I don't think that one has changed." Naruto scowled and shot Miko a sharp glare.

"It hasn't." Yae's lips curled into a smile as she chuckled and patted Naruto's head, much to his chagrin. "All of that is okay. You don't have to change who you are to learn from the mistakes of our past and become better for it. Lady Saiguu was just as free-spirited as I was and could even give you a run for how much of a trickster she could be."

"Really?" Naruto's ears perked, and his eyes glistened when he heard about Saiguu having a similar nature to his own.

"Oh yes. She certainly was." Yae giggled, recalling memories of her master before shaking her head. "Have I told you all the tricks she played on the Tanuki? They are a bunch of pranksters competing throughout the land, but their leaders upset Ei, which almost ended in his death… If it wasn't for Lady Saiguu… It's a pity the Cataclysm happened. I do not know how to reverse what happened. "

"Oh… That sounds… Oh wow… " Naruto grimaced, knowing how badly some of his schemes went, and for Lady Saiguu to have to trap all the Tanuki in the forest like that? They had to do something fierce…

This only brought his thoughts to his Oni buddy, Itto, and their pranks. Unfortunately, he was usually the one who took the brunt of the load when they went wrong. It didn't matter if he tried to claim it or not… There was a spy in their little group, and he knew it. Itto just didn't want to believe it as he crushed on her. Stupid crow girl kept tatting on them… Gonna prove to him it was her soon…

Miko smiled, observing Naruto, adrift in his thoughts. Her gaze shifted to the horizon as Sakura blooms sparked around them, and petals fluttered all around. "Naruto, you were chosen for greatness. Even our Archon, separated in her own little world, sensed your potential. It was one of the few times she left her solitude to seek you out upon your birth, for she saw what you bring forth for Eternity. We are here to help guide you on that path, nothing more. I know you want to go out and cause mischief. It is in our nature. I cannot deny it. I still cause it. But you must show some restraint and control that urge. Show dedication, respect, dignity, and honor for our ancestors to continue our heritage. There are so few left. We have to look out for one another, understand?"

Naruto's ears curled. Hearing the burden of the responsibilities placed on his shoulders when he just wanted to go out and have fun… When Lady Shogun personally chose him to be part of her court and went out of her way to find him… Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. He wanted to meet those expectations but at the same time…

"Yes, Lady Guuji." "He nodded sullenly, exhaling softly as he gazed at the peaceful skies above Inazuma." "I understand."

"Very good." Miko rubbed his shoulder, a thin smile gracing her lips as she tilted her head. "Take the time to sort out your thoughts. We will start again tomorrow. I have my duties to return to."

"Thank you, Lady Miko." Naruto gently bowed before the Head Shrine Priest, preparing to descend from the shrine to Inazuma City. He then winced, remembering his friend was unfortunately in a heap of trouble. "Oh right… Don't think Itto is out yet…"

"Did he get arrested again for such a petty violation of vandalism?" Miko frowned, scrunching her face before rolling her eyes to the back of her head. With a groan, her ears twitched, and she shook her head as she stood up and crossed her arms into her sleeves. "I will send word, and he will be out by morning. You have my word. Some of the laws are too stringent, I swear… It punishes our very nature even when we try to be light-hearted about it."

"Thank you again, Lady Miko. I'll be sure to have him send his regards… This time." Naruto bowed once more before he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. Itto was horrible at giving thanks to people for helping him. It took an army to get him to show his gratitude.

"Think nothing of it. Part of my job is to help integrate youkai into human society and learn their rules… Or ways are fading. We have to adapt." Yae flashed a solemn smile before waving her hand. "Well, off with you. If you have nothing else to do, perhaps you should check out Chinju Forest?"

"Perhaps you will find something there that will direct you on the path you should take?"

That poor Tanuki… Did he not realize that Saiguu was gone forever? Was he stuck in his hide-and-seek game for eternity and doomed to be a statue?

"Think, Naruto, think…" He pondered, scratching his chin as he walked through Chinju Forest, growling under his breath. Perhaps he could use his natural illusionary magic to convince Ioroi he was Saiguu, and their game was over? No… Obviously, that was something Miko had thought of… She was better at it than he was!

What could he do?! This was frustrating! He was all about power! He knew that! It was something Miko and the Shogun had expressed to him!

"This is all so stupid!" Naruto raged in frustration, unable to think what to do, and stomped toward a nearby tree and kicked it. "Why can't I… What's screaming?"

"Aah!" A shrill scream cried as a young girl fell out of the tree, and Naruto absently caught her, blinking.

"Um, hello? Who are you?" Naruto intelligently responded to the white-haired girl he had mysteriously caught, unable to process what had just happened.

"I… Uh… Kamisato Ayaka…" She flushed, embarrassed at the situation. "Could you please put me down?"

"Oh, right! Sorry!" Naruto panicked but still gently set Ayaka down. Nervously laughing, he ruffled his hair. "Why were you in the tree? Oh, and sorry about that! I was just frustrated as I was trying to solve a problem! Didn't realize you were up there!"

"I… I had some time for myself… So I like to find a place to get away and read." Ayaka responded, her face still flushed a deep crimson.

"Oh, that explains this." Naruto bent down and picked up the book from the dewy grass beneath before handing it over. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Ayaka gently smiled. Her expression softened as she gazed upon the young male kitsune. "You said you were trying to solve a problem? What kind of problem? Perhaps I could help?"

"I dunno. Maybe?" Naruto shrugged, his attention turning to the forest's center and frowning. "You see, the baki-danuki at the center of the forest has been playing a hide-and-seek game with the former Shrine Priestess before the Cataclysm occurred to protect him. He wasn't aware of this, and she didn't make it; unfortunately, he caused havoc while waiting and was sealed away into a statue by Lady Shogun. I wish to restore him to his former state to give him a second chance."

"Oh…" Ayaka's eyes flickered, growing wide, hearing the frustration yet the genuine concern in his voice as he spoke. Bringing her hand to her chest, curiously gazing at the curiously, she tilted her head. "Are you, perhaps, from the shrine?"

"Um, yeah?" Naruto nodded, returning his attention to Ayaka. "Oh, right! I didn't introduce myself."

"My name is Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto! Nice to meet you!"

With deep, labored breaths, onyx stared into the darkness at the single figure before him slowly approaching. Her elegant form blended with the shadows as she outstretched her hand, and the void bent around her form before crashing around him before he could move.

"You were too slow, Sasuke. Try again."

His eyes flashed red momentarily. Electricity crackled around him as his Vision on his belt glowed violently. Slowly to his feet, his chest labored as he steadily caught his breath. His fist clenched around his breath as he stared into the eyes of his master, her crimson pupils with no visible shine, staring at him in amusement. "I'm still only using one hand."

"Come at me with everything if you wish to appease Lady Tsaritsa and join the Harbingers."

R & R.