I do not own Akame ga Kill or Naruto; this is fan fiction only.
For those who anticipate the lighthearted and optimistic version of Naruto, it would be wise to search for another story altogether. This rendition of Naruto embodies a darker and more violent narrative that diverges sharply from the traditional portrayal. Consider yourself forewarned about the grim themes and intense situations that lie ahead.
In the depths of my memory, I recall my name from the fading letters that adorned the cell door. I was merely a war orphan, trapped in a village that acted as my prison, a place where the walls bore witness to countless tragedies. The village had a cruel policy of casting all orphans into a grim prison facility, where we were forced to fight—not for honor, not for pride, but solely for the perverse amusement of the Kage and the council members who watched us like predators eyeing their prey.
From the moment I became aware of my existence, I understood that survival dictated the harsh realities we faced. The village was notorious for molding ruthless assassins, cunning spies, and masterful saboteurs out of its youngest inhabitants. The training regimen was unforgiving, as we were pitted against one another in brutal combat. Yet, it was not just our fellow orphans who became our adversaries; we were also made to face monstrous creatures that the village captured and imprisoned for the sole purpose of entertaining the bloodthirsty spectators.
By the time I reached the tender age of six, I had already taken the lives of several of these creatures. It was during this bleak period that a turning point occurred in my life. A vampire, embodying both grace and menace, intervened at a moment when my existence hung by a thread. At first, I perceived her act as anything but merciful, but as the years unfolded, I came to recognize the depth of her kindness. In a moment of desperation, she bit me, and soon after, a ravenous hunger surged through me, a thirst so potent that it ignited an ache deep within my throat.
In an instinctual frenzy, I threw myself upon her, draining her blood with an insatiable ferocity until there was nothing left of her but a withering husk. In that moment, she could have easily cast me aside, yet she chose to smile—a haunting expression as her being slowly dissolved into ashes.
Our fights took place in an underground arena, a setting that shielded us from the relentless rays of the sun, allowing me to unleash my primal urges without fear of exposure. As I reached the age of seven, I discovered that consuming the blood of those I defeated did not merely quell my hunger; it healed my wounds and bestowed upon me the knowledge and abilities of my victims. This realization marked a pivotal moment in my life, as I soon garnered a reputation that echoed through the underbelly of the village; they began to regard me as a monster, a reflection of the very horrors we were forced to confront.
On the day I turned nine, an unexpected change occurred—an opportunity for training finally presented itself. But truthfully, I had no need for formal instruction. Over the years, I had feasted on the life force of numerous rogue ninjas, honing my abilities to an exceptional level. The only significant consequence of this brutal existence was that my physical growth began to stagnate, effectively halting my aging process altogether when I reached twenty-one. It was then that the weight of my extended existence bore down upon me, the anguish of watching friends and lovers succumb to the ravages of time became unbearable.
I wandered through the sands of time, living for what felt like an eternity, never once faltering in my pursuit of mastery over my abilities. In the face of countless trials and tribulations, I grew increasingly detached. The fleeting moments of remorse I once felt after taking a life, even that of a monster, faded into obscurity. As I reflect on those emotions, they now seem trivial—almost foolish. My journey through this dark and violent world has transformed me in ways I could never have anticipated, shaping a being forged in the crucible of despair and survival.
Throughout the ages, civilizations have risen to great heights only to crumble into dust, yet amidst this relentless cycle of growth and decay, my existence remained largely unchanged. It was a world governed by the harsh principle of survival; a relentless eat-or-be-eaten mentality loomed over us all. In this atmosphere of perpetual conflict and competition, I encountered a remarkable man destined to unify the world. His vision was ambitious, and he possessed a charisma that drew many to his side. In a moment of vulnerability and perhaps misguided kindness, I offered him the gift of a prolonged life, hoping to enhance his leadership with my unique abilities. However, he simply laughed at my proposition.
"No thank you, Naruto," he replied with a mix of amusement and seriousness. "I don't think I could live like you do. When my time comes, I wish to embrace my mortality as a human. I appreciate your assistance in crafting these new weapons, my friend, but even in my death, I want to ensure that these weapons will protect my empire long after I am gone."
As I observed him, I could not help but label his faith in humanity as folly. The history of our kind was littered with examples of ambition gone awry; power was a seductive force that twisted even the noblest of intentions, driving men to act in ways that strayed far from their original humanity.
In response to my skepticism, he questioned how I could make such assertions considering my own significant power and skills. With a mirthless chuckle, I looked him squarely in the eyes and replied, "And since when did I ever claim to be human, to begin with?"
The thrill of hunting danger beasts fueled my spirit. Among all the creatures I faced, there was one that captured my heart: the dragons. These majestic beings, often adorned with shimmering scales and capable of unleashing fiery breath, brought a unique joy to the fight. Confronting them was not merely an act of survival; it was a dance of strategy and prowess that I relished.
As time passed and my friend drew closer to his end, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me. I noticed how his wife looked at me with a mixture of grief and resentment. Her gaze reflected the passage of time and the inevitable changes it wrought. I, unchanged and ageless, stood as a stark contrast to her, who had aged and become more cantankerous over the years. This was perhaps a consequence of her anguish, or perhaps it was my presence that provoked her sharp words more than others.
Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to leave the capital and seek solace in a small town situated to the south. In this new setting, I found a sense of purpose. I dedicated myself to the community, assisting the townspeople in constructing their homes and ensuring their safety from the lurking dangers of the world. I even engaged in the rhythms of rural life, lending a hand with planting and harvesting crops on occasion. This new chapter brought a sense of fulfillment, allowing me to forge deeper connections with those around me while distancing myself from the heavy memories of a life intertwined with the complexities of power and loss.
Three kids had become as dear to me as if they were my own flesh and blood. They were orphans, navigating a world that had dealt them a difficult hand, yet I took it upon myself to share with them all the knowledge and skills I had acquired during my academy days. This was not merely an act of charity; it was a joy to witness their transformation. I took immense pride in seeing them develop into young men and women, each carving their unique paths while embodying the lessons I had imparted.
Tatsumi, with his fierce determination and unwavering spirit, chose to follow the path of the blade. It mirrored my own journey, and each swing of his sword resonated with the discipline and respect I had for the art. Sayo opted for the path of the dagger, with swift and precise movements that showcased her agility and instinct. She brought a new perspective to combat that I found both thrilling and inspiring. Then there was Ieatsu, our sharpshooter, whose prowess with a bow and arrow left me in awe. His shots hit the mark with a level of accuracy that reminded me of the greatest marksmen I had ever known. Together, they were a promise of hope and strength, embodying the future of our village.
However, it was with a heavy heart that I learned of their decision to leave for the capital. They aimed to earn enough money to purchase the land our village resided on. This endeavor was driven by the harsh reality we faced: the imperial government could impose exorbitant taxes on us, effectively draining our resources. No amount of work, even with the help of my shadow clones, would suffice to ensure that everyone in the village remained well-fed under such circumstances. Their ambition was admirable, but it brought an undeniable sadness to my heart to see them go.
As I reflected on their departure, I was struck by a profound realization. Since my days spent alongside my friend, the Emperor, humanity had seemingly lost its ability to harness chakra altogether. It felt as if the Sage of the Six Paths had withdrawn his blessing from the entire race, leaving us with echoes of what once was. My students, while they had honed their technical and theoretical knowledge of ninja skills, could never reach the heights attained by my old friends. They were unable to perform even the simplest of jutsus, and the realms of ninjutsu and genjutsu had become nothing more than distant tales to them.
After a week filled with worry about my three beloved kids, I resolved to travel to the capital. My only objective was to find them and ensure their safety. The thought of anyone daring to harm them ignited a fierce resolve within me. I would hold those responsible accountable. No one could threaten my children and escape the consequences.
As I made my way toward the capital, I encountered a comical scene unfolding before me. A pair of merchants were struggling to free the wheel of their cart, which had become lodged in the mud. Just as I approached to lend a hand, the ground trembled ominously, and a massive earth dragon emerged from below. Panic erupted among the merchants as shouts of "It's an earth dragon! Run for your lives!" filled the air. But I knew the futility of their attempts to escape; the creature was far too powerful to be outrun.
Stepping between the dragon and the merchants, I confronted the beast with a steady gaze. "I know you're bored," I said, my voice steady and confident. "Why not leave these humans alone and face me instead? I could use a good fight, and I promise to make it worth your while. Just don't mind becoming my lunch afterward; I am quite hungry."
I could swear that the earth dragon was mocking me, laughter rumbling in the deep timbre of its voice. With determination surging through my veins, I gripped my katana tightly and charged toward the beast, my heart pounding with adrenaline. In response to my approach, the dragon hurled massive boulders with frightening force, the sound of rock shattering against the ground resonating like thunder. As I closed the distance, I swung my blade with precision, severing his right arm in a swift motion, causing it to fall away ineffectively. "Oh come on, don't just lie there. Regrow your limb, get back up. The fun has hardly begun," I taunted, feeling a mix of exhilaration and confidence.
Our battle intensified, each moment stretching on as we clashed against one another. For five relentless minutes, I fought fiercely, cutting off both of his limbs and even his tail. The dragon, however, was no easy foe. He managed to land a few well-aimed scratches, tearing at my armor and leaving stains of crimson. It was a brutal dance, and I could feel the toll it was taking on both of us. Yet, as I witnessed him begin to falter, I seized the opportunity. With a powerful leap, I landed on his shoulder, biting into his flesh to quench the gnawing hunger within me.
The dragon thrashed and struggled, desperately trying to dislodge me, but his efforts were in vain. Each sip of his blood drained his strength, leaving him weaker and weaker, while my thirst grew ever more insatiable. I drank deeply until he was completely drained, his lifeless form collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud, a heap of scales and sinew, now devoid of life.
With the threat neutralized, I turned my attention to the merchants nearby. They gazed at me, expressions of fear etched onto their faces, far more terrified of me than they had been of the dragon moments before. "Come on, step aside," I commanded, "I'll clear your wagon from the path." Striding over, I effortlessly lifted the cart with a single hand and set it down on the road.
One merchant, his voice trembling, couldn't help but express his awe. "Man, that was both frightening and amazing. Mind telling me where you are headed? Maybe we could even offer you a lift." I regarded him with a knowing glance; his true intention was clear—he sought the safety of my company as I journeyed ahead.
"That would be nice," I replied. "I'm headed toward the capital. My children ventured there to join the imperial military, hoping to make a name for themselves and provide for our village. However, I cannot shake the worry that has settled in my heart. It's been too long since I've heard from them, and I need to see what has happened."
At that moment, another merchant, who had been listening intently, cast me a sorrowful look. "I wouldn't go there expecting a joyous reunion. In the capital, it's the people you need to watch out for; they're far more dangerous than the dragon you just killed." His words hung heavy in the air, a grim warning.
As we made our way closer to the capital, I was bombarded with shocking and disturbing realities that clashed with the noble ideals my friend had once established. The tales of rampant corruption infiltrated my ears; civilians lived in constant fear, more terrified of their own government than the threats posed by monstrous creatures. The so-called nobles wielded power as tyrants, and the imperial army, instead of serving to protect, operated much like a band of criminals, all under the cruel commands of a power-hungry prime minister.
After expressing my gratitude to the merchants for their company and assistance, I began my walk through the streets of the capital. The surroundings were deceptively beautiful, with clean facades and a thriving economy on display. Yet, beneath the surface, I sensed the underlying despair. One glance at the face of a young woman passing by told me everything I needed to know: the people here were suffering, trapped in a gilded cage.
Feeling the weight of the atmosphere, I decided to seek solace in a nearby bar. As I stepped inside, the inviting scent of ale filled the air. I ordered myself a drink, eager to take a moment to collect my thoughts. Just then, a striking woman with an eye-catching presence settled down right in front of me, flashing a smile that could lure even the most cautious of souls. Her golden blonde hair glinted in the light, and her outfit left little to the imagination, making it clear that she was no stranger to drawing attention. I sensed her intentions immediately—she was a practiced hand at charming unsuspecting patrons.
"Hey, handsome," she purred, leaning closer. "I've noticed you since you walked into the capital. You seem like you're on the hunt for something or someone. Buy a girl a few drinks, and I'll help you find what you need."
Amused and intrigued by her forwardness, I decided to indulge her. "Sure," I replied. "Bartender, bring me two mugs of your finest beer, one for me and one for this lovely lady." I couldn't help but notice the way the bartender's expression shifted, reflecting disdain rather than admiration as he hastily set down the drinks and scurried off. It seemed this establishment didn't allow for lingering or idle chatter.
As I took a sip of my beer, I couldn't shake the feeling that in this capital, appearances were everything, and beneath the surface, chaos reigned.
I am desperately searching for my three children, who decided to embark on an ambitious adventure to the capital, driven by the dreams of making it big and ultimately contributing enough to help purchase the village we call home. This decision, while filled with youthful aspiration, has left me in a state of worry, particularly because I haven't heard a single word from them since they left. The silence is unnerving, and as a parent, the instinctual concern for their well-being consumes my thoughts.
In that moment, the smile that had brightened her face dissipated completely, replaced by a serious demeanor. She turned to me, acknowledging my unease. "Your worries are well-founded," she remarked, her voice low and deliberate. "I happen to know of a family in the capital that enjoys toying with the lives of those naive enough to come from the countryside. I can only hope they treat your children with the care they deserve."
My mind raced with questions, and I pressed for clarity. "Who are you talking about?" I inquired, not quite grasping the gravity of her words. At that, she burst into laughter, an incredulous sound that echoed through the air. "You must really be out of the loop if you haven't heard of Night Raid," she said, shaking her head. "They're a notorious group of assassins known for targeting corrupt nobles and the wealthy elite in this hellhole we once fondly referred to as the capital."
An unsettling feeling began to creep into my gut as I processed her words. "So where can I locate this family that seemingly plays with the lives of others?" I demanded, my tone sharper than intended. She produced a map, and with a quick glance, I etched the layout into my mind. The capital had seen little transformation since the days when my friend held sway. Her finger traced a path to a large mansion.
"They reside here," she indicated, "but they are heavily guarded. You won't be able to just waltz in. They do seek out those from impoverished backgrounds, though. Perhaps you can use that to your advantage, playing the pity card to gain entry and ask about your kids."
A fire ignited within me at her suggestion, and I could feel my expression shift as determination replaced the worry. "Don't you worry," I assured her, meeting her gaze with intensity. "If they know anything about my kids, they will share it. But if they have harmed them in any way, they will wish for Night Raid to come for them before I reach them. I show no mercy to those who threaten my loved ones."
With my resolve solidified, I turned and made my way towards the main bridge, a plan forming in my mind. Utilizing the henge jutsu would allow me to transform into someone who fits the profile of an impoverished villager, ensuring that I caught the attention of those within the mansion. This disguise would provide me the opportunity to inquire about my missing children without raising suspicion.
Simultaneously, I would summon several shadow clones, instructing them to blend into the shadows and discreetly follow my lead. These clones would gather crucial information regarding the presence of my children in the mansion and uncover the truth about the so-called family that lurked within its walls. Should they have laid a finger on my kids, I would ensure that they regretted crossing paths with me. May the sage have mercy on their souls if any harm has come to my beloved children, for I would stop at nothing to protect them.
