Land of Snow Arc I
Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto
It's been a few days since Naruto and his female companion have been traveling across the five great nations on a journey to meet Tsunade who's one of the legendary Sannin and greatest medical ninja in the world.
Walking past a small town, villagers are seen doing their daily routines, living their day to day life.
The green haired girl looks at the people here, seeing strung out civilians, panhandlers and of course shady looking people.
"Man, this place sure is gloomy." She pouts, the Uzumaki kept walking, focusing on the task in hand.
"This place was once known as 'The land of money'. But thanks to the great depression that happened a few years ago, but thanks to their feudal lord, who squandered their money in hopes of profiting from the civil war Mizu no Kuni had." The girl awed at the brief history lesson.
Stopping by a bounty hunter office, Naruto looks back towards the girl.
"Fuu, stay here I'll be back out." She salutes, much to the blonde humor as he chuckles before shaking his head.
The Land of money was once a gold mine for shinobi that didn't have a home, lively and carried the biggest gambling ports you could think of.
Now it's just a ghost town for those who do shady business, more like a black market. It serves Naruto well ever since he became a rogue ninja. Often doing business here when he wants quick cash or information on the Akatsuki.
Once he entered, he placed his hand on the door pad, sensing his chakra opening up as he entered.
There is a bald man with a scar over his eye, wearing a full black outfit, including gloves.
"Welcome my boy, happy to see my favorite client. You returned with the scroll?" His eyebrows went incredibly high.
Digging in his armor, fishing out the scroll handing it to him. "Guy was a pain in the ass to find, but here ya go." Tossing it towards the dealer.
Inspecting it, he is pleased as he goes under his desk to hand over the money.
"You know, word got out that you ran into more of those Iwagakure ninjas in the Land of Crystals. Better be careful, your bounty only increases." Naruto, biting the coins making sure of its authenticity.
"It doesn't matter, you're young but one of the best ninja I've seen yet. You didn't gain the name 'Carnage' for nothing."
Finishing his count, placing his money in his armor, heading out the door.
"Wait, you aren't going to see if there's more bounties worth your time?" Continues to head out, he just waves off the bald man.
"No need, I'm going far out to the Land of Snow." Exiting the room completely.
Fuu is dangling her feet, watching the butterflies play, whistling in a childlike manner.
"Fuu, let's get going." She hops up, following the boy.
"So Tsunade is all the way out in the Land of Snow, I wonder what for?" In her mind it seems so random for someone like that to be in a non ninja country.
"Beats me, I just know she got something I need, so we're going to get it."
She was curious what that would be? Shrugging her shoulders, knowing Naruto by now if he was going to say what it is he'll flat out say it.
Time has passed as both ninja are at the docks, getting ready for their long journey.
It's a nice sizable boat, much to their comfort, the crew that is going to escort them are very familiar.
"Thanks for taking us, Tazuna, Inari." He greets with a warm smile, getting comfortable in his seat.
Inari, smiling back, happy to see his friend. "Of course, when grandfather got your letter we couldn't say no."
The old man, finishing his preparations before setting sail, tips his hat."Long time no see kid, I see you brought along a companion."
Fuu, eyes blinking before she smiles and waves at them both.
"Hello, I'm Fuu." Inari and Tazuna wave back.
Tazuna shares a glance at Inari who nods and rushes over to untie the boat, as Tazuna starts steering, their journey is underway it will be quite a ride.
Akatsuki Hideout
In a dark cave, the moisture from the density adds an aesthetic to the scene. Just then nine holograms appeared.
"We're gathered again so soon. How long has it been? 4 months now?" A shark-like figure says.
"Too soon seeing any of you fucks again that's for sure." Shouted another member.
"Silence, a recent client has hired us, and my informant filled me in on the details." Everyone had shut up, attention completely fallen on the man, his presence makes it clear that he's the leader.
His ripple pattern eyes glowing. "The ruler Doto Kazahana, from the Land of Snow, is in need of our service. The rebels hired Tsunade Senju for her medical services and it's turning an upside in their position in war."
One of the members added his opinion. "Tsunade is nothing but a wanderer who's not even fighting anymore for the past two decades, she shouldn't be hard to handle."
"Hmph, even so, she's still one of the legendary three. It's best to not underestimate her. But that's not why I accepted this mission, cause a war as of now isn't in our favor."
Everyone is still silent as he elaborates further.
"The Kyuubi and Chomei are heading there, for reasons unknown. Itachi, Kisame. I want you two to take this mission, I don't care about their civil war as the payment has already been confirmed, the Bijuu is our only priority."
Itachi is silent the entire time, opening his eyes, revealing the sharingan. "We'll get started right away." Nothing more is said.
"Now that part is out of the way, preparations are almost ready, everyone else make sure y'all keep gathering funds." Fading out of intermission, as did the rest.
xXXXXxx
It's been a few days since they've been on sea, out of reach from the Five Great Nations.
During this time, everyone was getting acquainted with one another, Fuu showcased a natural talent at catching fish, Inari telling Naruto some of the changes his village underwent since his last visit.
Naruto despite the changes mentally, and somewhat physically tries to still be friendly to those who didn't do him wrong.
"We're getting close." Warned Tazuna, as the boat is approaching now wearing a scarf and jacket.
Naruto who's now on his feet, only thing added was a brown cloak. "Alright, let's get this out of the way."
Ready for the search for Tsunade, he couldn't wait to get started.
Meanwhile, the highest point in the country is a kingdom where a family rules the Land of Snow.
Sosetsu Kazahana and Doto Kazahana, inherited their father's throne, and throughout the decades they ruled united.
Until one day an assanation attempt on Sosetsu was a success, causing the land in an uproar, greed causing the rift between the brothers, in response Koyuki Kazahana, the daughter of Sosetsu, and his loyal subordinates went into hiding.
This wasn't the end however, Koyuki returned to her land to gain back control from Doto causing a ten year civil war, which resulted in countless lives being lost. Now in the final stages of the war, Koyuki is walking alongside her most loyal servant, Sandayu Asama.
"Princess, we're close to the finishing touches to siege the castle, Doto is residing." Adjusting his glasses, as the princess continues towards her throne room.
Koyuki, a beautiful young woman, wearing crystal blue armor with a pink cape, a crystal around her neck, hair tied in a ponytail having a sword around her waist.
Opening the door, appearing before her is a giant map marked with 'x' and o's.
Observing it, taking mental notes where her army stands and what territories are marked as theirs.
"I must thank you Sandayu. Thanks to you convincing Tsunade-sama to take on this contract we have been regaining territories we lost throughout this war."
Bowing, honored that he received her praise."I'm very grateful princess, even though I had deceived Tsunade-sama, the fact she still stayed to help heal our wounded is a blessing.
"Yes, but this land being so out of reach from the five great nations played to our benefits. It would be impossible to know this land has been at war for so long unless you happen to come visit."
Still, she feels slightly unease despite the significant gain in the war.
Sandayu, picking up on her concern."Princess?"
Snapping out of it, "Nevermind me, anyways I'll say in four days we can make our final push to Doto's castle and my father's death will be avenged." With so much determination in her voice.
XxxXXx
Past the check in station, the group was alerted about a war within this nation.
Naruto changed strategies, not wanting to be lumped in part of a war he has nothing to do with.
Fuu, on orders to search for leads on Tsunade whereabouts, ensuring Tazuna and Inari safety he has them stay in an inn until they're ready to depart.
"Carnage" himself? He begins his investigation, gaining more information about this war, believing Tsunade is linked to it somehow.
Entering a bar, using his cloak to cover his head he sits down to get a drink. Over the course of a year since he became a rogue ninja, he realized the best places for information tend to be bars.
Despite him only being thirteen, his lifestyle forced him to grow up fast, to be able to interact with other adults. He uses a henge of an older version of himself.
Ordering a drink, the bartender came back and gave him a cup of sake as he chugs it down, observing everybody around him.
"Damn lady, you sure can outdrink a bear." On the other side of the counter is a woman with blonde pigtails, wearing a heavy blue jacket, black pants and a scarf around her neck.
Drinking the entire bottle, as her cheeks flushed."Yeah? I had a long day so now it's time for me to get my booze!" She chirped, wiping her mouth, showing signs of being intoxicated.
'She has a similar resemblance to Tsunade, but she should be an old lady.' He thought.
Hard to know how she looks these days, as she's been living off the grid before he was even thought of. Shrugging mentally, he makes his way over to the lady to confirm something.
"Quite the drinker I see." Made his way over to the woman, as she looked over the "man".
Giving him a buzz off expression."What's it to ya?" Coming off snappy, which Naruto puts up his hands.
"I mean no harm, just everyone here comes off as a lightweight." Taking a seat, as she observes him further.
Eyebrows raised."What do you bargain for?" Now this is getting somewhere.
Grinning menacingly. "How about a fair trade of drinks?"
xXxXxX
"It sure is a drag coming here, Samehada shivers from this harsh weather." Both men in their akatsuki robes walking deep in the snow, wearing straw hats to cover the snow from their faces.
"No point in complaining. Leader-sama gave us orders to capture the Chomei and Kyuubi." Said the Uchiha.
"Yea, yea, I know. But still, those two all the way out here are suspicious, this faraway land doesn't have much knowledge what Jinchuuriki are, and if they know anything about that Kyuubi brat they would keep him away."
"Whatever the case is, matters little. Our last encounter with those two won't be the same as last time, when we officially arrive at the castle I'll tell you the plans." Kisame only lets out that signature chuckle as they continue to their destination.
Back to the scene, Tsunade is hunched over in the alley, puking while Naruto rubbing her back, making sure she gets it all out of her system.
"I must admit, you're pretty good, the amount of alcohol you consume did nothing to you." Coughing, rubbing her mouth as she recovered.
Chuckling, "I've had my fair share of drinking, but we had a deal." Returning to the subject.
Lifting her head up, taking a breath of fresh air. "Alright, what's the question you have for me?" Questioned the Sannin.
"Are you Tsunade Senju?" This question had alarms going off in her head, cautious of his motives.
"If I am?" He simply drops his henge, causing the kunoichi to stagger a bit, realizing he's no older than her little brother when he was alive.
"You mean this entire time I got beaten by a brat!?" Feeling embarrassed and upset.
Naruto ignores that, he has much more pressing things to care about.
"I come in peace, I'm here because I need your assistance with an issue I've been having." Pointing to his arm.
She takes a look, a green glow is formed, putting it over his left arm. Puzzled, never seen anything like this before.
"I'll need a deeper examination. This district is secured by Koyuki's men so walking the streets to the headquarters will be fine." Naruto simply nods his head, following her.
Fuu has been searching through the eastern side of the country, so far no luck.
Pouting to herself, as she was looking for hours something alerted her was a scream.
Making her way to the scene, she sees two men's bodies covered in gray armor surrounding a woman who appears to be a civilian and an older gentleman that seems to be her father.
"You're in Lord Doto region, and you're rude to one of his guards, you better get on your knees and beg." He said sadistically.
The older man covers the girl, protecting her as the crowd watches in silence. "Please, spare my granddaughter, it was an accident."
However one of the men walked over and kicked him hard in the ribs, causing him to roll over in agony.
"Grandpa!" Rushing to him until one of the men roughly grabs her by the hair, dragging her towards them. Licking his chops as if he found a new meal.
"I don't like repeating myself, I'll tell you once more, get on your knees and beg for me!" Tossing her on the ground, she takes a second to recover before slowly getting in position, kneeling before the men.
Both are laughing radically, people slowly start dispersing from the scene, too cowardly to step in for the poor family.
"Hah! I like the way you're down on your knees baby girl, but don't worry we'll take good care of you." He said in his perversion, but soon he got hit in the neck with a senbon seemingly laced with poison, collapsing instantly.
"Hey, what the hell happened? Get-" His partner soon met the same fate as he fell.
Everyone awed at what they saw, Fuu eyeing the crowd she saw a woman wearing a black jacket as she started pacing away from the crowd.
Following the woman, Fuu picks up her pace.
The woman sensing the green haired Jinchuuriki following her, corner after corner, taking sharp turns.
Fuu however catches the woman by extending her wings, tripping her in the process.
"You're quite fast." Commented Fuu, who's gliding mid air, with her heavenly wings before retreating in her back as she drops down.
The woman who's holding on to the pig despite falling over looks at the kunoichi with caution.
"You aren't one of Doto's men." She said more than asked.
Blinking her eyes, Fuu shakes her head rapidly. "Nope! I'm just a rogue ninja!" Fuu said happily.
"I'm sorry for following you, me and my friends just arrived and we're looking for someone valuable, so when I saw you attack those bullies, I'm certain you are a part of the rebels."
Chuckled nervously, she gets a hand from the green haired girl, as she dusts herself off with her free hand.
"You right, I'm not in Doto's service but I'm not a part of the rebels. Mi lady has a contract with them so I've been gathering herbs and medicine for the army to help."
A light bulb went off, now leading to her question. "I'm Fuu!" Offering her hand.
Looking down for a moment before shaking it."I'm Shizune, nice to meet you."
XxxXx
Naruto and Tsunade entered the hideout where the rebels stayed. Around him he sees the casualties of war, those who are injured, or the rooms where those who died.
Looking over at the young ninja, whose face remained the same as he kept walking alongside the Sannin.
"You look rather unphased by all of this." She suddenly said, however Naruto remained silent for a moment.
"I'm used to seeing stuff like this, no matter how far out of the great nations we are, war and death still follow us." Something that is sad but true.
Time like this leaves little room to reflect, split between the families caused this nation to suffer losses that won't recover but once the war subsides things can change and hopefully be for the better.
Stepping inside a dome shaped room, both blondes waited until Sandayu opened the door, greeting Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama, glad to see you made it back from drinking." Bowing.
She blushes, being called out on her drinking habits.
"Nice to see you Sandayu, I brought here a ninja from the five great nations, he seeks my assistance but I want to make sure if that's alright with the princess?" Naruto just waves before looking uninterested.
Observing the blonde, just a chill left his body. 'He looks so intense.'
"What's your name, young man?"
"Naruto Uzumaki." Leaving it short and simple.
Nodding his head, he turns back to the door before him, leaving them alone once again.
Minutes passed as the door opened for the second time, coming out would be Koyuki Kazahana, the princess of the family.
Tsunade bowed, while Naruto stood there until the older woman forced him to kneel out of respect, which the Jinchuuriki hated.
"Glad to see you make it back milady, and I see you got a visitor. What's your name?" Her face could light up a room with the way she smiles.
Naruto introduced himself to the princess, as they got acquainted with Koyuki then proceeded to chat with Tsunade for a moment, while Sandayu kept the young blonde busy.
"So you're from the five great nations like Tsunade-sama I see, what brings you out here? I was certain you were one of the Konoha shinobi trying to bring her back." Sandayu is pouring tea in his cup.
Shaking his head, as he takes a sip of tea. "I'm affiliated to no village, I'm just here because of her work that's all."
"Well from what I can tell you're quite strong yourself, despite young age we live in a world where those who can walk are strong enough to kill." He just listens to the old man, while waiting for Tsunade to check up on him.
Right on cue, Tsunade comes by Naruto telling him to follow her to the room so he can get his arm examined.
This medical room is carved with sealings all around, Naruto who's now shirtless and armorless waits for the next instructions.
"Alright, let's see what's behind these bandages." She requested.
Just then, he starts to unravel his bandaged arm, as it slowly unseals a burst of dark red chakra burst out, causing Tsunade to sprawl back from the outburst as her eyes widens.
His entire left arm is completely covered in Kyuubi chakra with his flesh completely gone.
"I-I never seen anything like this. How did this happen?" Amazed by the velocity of his chakra, she quickly performed a jutsu to stop his arm from slashing out for the moment.
Wincing in pain,"It happened 8 months ago, I encountered some ninja from an organization. I almost died until I let the Kyuubi out." Recalling the encounter he had.
"But still, that doesn't explain why your arm didn't recover once you were able to subside the demon." Something isn't adding up.
"There was this man who damaged my arm too far from repair." He said as he continued to get checked out.
"Besides, is there any explanation when it comes to an abnormality such as the Kyuubi?" He shrugs off.
She agreed, but the word "organization" lingered on her mind. Deciding to press for more information about that later.
"Guess not, but I'm impressed how much control you have with him. I can see why you were made a vessel." His potential is astonishing but with his luck she also can understand why he was banished from Konoha.
"You talk as if you know who I am." She just laughs a bit.
"At first I didn't but as soon as I learned you're a Jinchuuriki, it confirmed it for me. Plus I can see Minato in you, and the armor your mother wore is a dead giveaway." She explains, much to the younger blonde minor pout.
"You're quite famous in some parts. I went back to Konoha to help with some of the healing and damage the invasion caused, plus your incident. Jiraiya really has a lot of regrets regarding you."
Looking away with thoughts plastering his mind. "I don't resent him from banishing me. I get it, really I do." His mind wanders back to that day, as sadness and anger overcomes his thoughts before he shakes from them.
She smiles at him, in the short time getting to know the blonde, she can tell he lived a rough life but despite that cold exterior he displays, he has a level of maturity mixed with some child still in him.
"I wonder though, why do you leave the village as freely as you do? You have a home." Curious as to why she chose to be a wanderer despite her resources to her clan.
"At first it was depression, and me losing two loves of my life that made me hate the life of a shinobi. I just took Shizune with me and just moved as far as I could…but." Looking in her eyes.
"There's more to life than the village. Other places to call home, different cultures and of course the gambling." She just laughs to herself about that last part.
These two would talk a little bit more, understanding where she was coming from, despite him being a rogue ninja for a year, he learned to appreciate different aspects of being a wanderer where he wouldn't have if he stayed in the village.
BOOM, both shinobi were on alert.
This can't be good. Tsunade rushed out, while Naruto quickly put his gear on, heading out to check the scene as well.
The castle was raided, Koyuki's men were fending off the assault, but slowly were getting overrun.
"Koyuki, what's happening!?" Tsunade rushed to where she was last located.
"I don't know how this is possible. They don't have the manpower to go on a full assault like this unless something happened." Theories rushing to her head but nothing comes to reason.
Naruto, observing the flames. 'Black? Wait, can it be?' Quickly rushing off, as if that was a sign he started rushing towards the top of the castle, soon he heard a loud boom.
"Wait, Naruto!" Tsunade said but before she can rush after him, a member of the enemy forces charges at her and Koyuki, but is met with a ferocious kick which causes him to fly.
This was a scene that was gruesome, the rebel forces soaked in blood, about twenty bodies around one man.
That one man has a sharingan, and is wearing a black cloak with red clouds on it.
"It's been awhile, Naruto-san." He said, as his eyes glazed over the Uzumaki.
"Itachi Uchiha." Said Naruto as he cracked his knuckles, avoiding eye contact.
Wondering why he would be here of all places, but that thought quickly left him as he got to fight someone who's been a boogeyman of his for the past year.
A/N:
That's it for chapter 2! I once again want to thank you guys for the support and positive reviews for chapter 1. I'm glad that y'all like the balance between things being dark at the appropriate moments, that's the point of this story I want to clear up. Although it's dark fantasy there will still be innocent moments in the story hopefully to keep you engaged.
This arc is going to lead up to some important moments and I can't wait for chapter three as it focuses more on Fuu and gives some insight on her backstory.
With that all said, hopefully y'all enjoy chapter 2 and any questions feel free to pm or leave a review!
Sushi out!