(Chapter 27: A Royal Escort: Part 1)
The month of August while a sweltering one wasn't without its gains for our intrepid genin; given that they managed to not only continue their growth in training with or without Kazushi, but also the fact that they were racking up more successes with D-ranks than any other genin squad. Seeing as how; between Naruto's teleportation to ferry them, as well as Sasuke and Sakura knowing the Shadow Clone jutsu; allowed them to practically sweep the competition in terms of success rate.
So much so that Kazushi was able to talk Minato into giving them a higher-ranking mission; that he figured wouldn't hurt all things considered and was something they should be able to capably handle.
(August 14th, 997 S.E, Hokage Tower, 1:35 Pm)
It was a bit after half-past 1 in the afternoon as Team 7 were eagerly awaiting to hear the details of their next mission; given that through their 'mind radio' Kazushi had told them of her swinging a high-rank mission for them.
"Alright, Lord 4th. What's the big mission we're gonna get?" Kazushi asked the blonde Hokage
"Very well, then…Due to the Fire Daimyo's daughter and her accompaniment; having been hunted by an unknown assailant that not only possesses incredible physical strength, but also a unique fire-related kekkei genkai that has been used to wipe out many of her guards and wound one of her companions greatly. As such they are a threat that you are to engage with great caution." Minato answered back
'In other words, this is going to be light work for us.' Naruto said through their 'mind radio'
'Don't jinx it, Naruto. Remember that any and everything can be a danger…We may be strong, but we aren't strong enough yet to regard everything as nuisances quite yet.' Sasuke responded knowing that at any given moment their luck could change on a dime
'Oh come on, Sasuke. This is us we're talking about. We should be plenty fine, as is.' Sakura chimed in
'Yeah, I mean seriously. We pretty much can't be beat at the rate we're going, Sasuke. Not to mention, we've got you as our master tactician…So honestly, I don't see the problem.' Naruto said to Sasuke through their telepathic link
'We will discuss this later when Lord Hokage, isn't giving us important mission details.' Sasuke said giving them a gesture to pay attention to what was going on
"Alright, and where is she holed up at? Because I doubt she's gonna be anywhere fancy schmancy with an assassin chasing after her." Kazushi questioned Minato on the location of the Fire Daimyo's daughter
"For now she has been moved to Tanzaku Town for her wellbeing and safety…The location of where she is staying at, will be given to you all later on today. The details of the mission are simple, meet with the Fire Daimyo's daughter and escort her back to the capital. In addition, defeat and if possible terminate the assassin chasing after her…We cannot afford to let one of the Daimyo's children be killed on a mission, I don't need to tell all of you the fallout that could happen should she perish." Minato explained
"Sounds easy enough, when do you want us to leave?" Kazushi asked
"Do so at your earliest convenience, this is to be done as quickly as possible…After she has been brought back with her father, then you may do as you please from there." Minato answered back
"Well, there you have it. Go ahead and get ready, we've got a princess to take back home…I want you guys to meet up at my folks's place by 10'o clock sharp tomorrow morning, am I understood?!" Kazushi said to her genin
"Yes, Kazushi-sensei!" All 3 of genin sounded off in unison
"Good, now let's get moving. We have a lot of prep to do, and not a lot of time to do it. So get going dumbasses!" Kazushi said as she motioned for her 'dumbass kids' to leave and get ready for their impending mission pronto
"You and your genin may leave, however, I want to speak to Naruto for a few moments. If you will allow it?" Minato told the daughter of Tsunade
"You alright with this, Naruto? You know you don't gotta talk to him about anything you don't want too." Kazushi asked with slight concern in her voice for her cousin/student
"Don't worry, Kazushi-sensei. I'll be fine..This is me we're talking about, I'm always golden!" Naruto answered back
'Besides, we've got Mind-Radio on standby if things get shady as fuck.' Naruto told her through the telepathic link as he tapped at his right temple with one of his fingers
'Alright, and you better let me know if shit goes sideways. Or so help me to my great-grandpa, I'm punching the shit outta you.' Kazushi said with the protectiveness of a mother grizzly bear
'Relax, I've got this covered. Now go on and I'll catch up as soon as I can!' Naruto replied telepathically before giving her the thumbs up
"Well, you heard 'em you two. Get moving we've got shit to do!" Kazushi told them as the two nodded while Naruto told them the same through the Mind Radio
"Alright, Lord 4th let's do this. What is it that you wanna talk to me about? Because I've got a B-rank to prepare for apparently, and not a lot of time to do it. So let's make this quick, otherwise, Kazushi is gonna have my ass...Man, my sensei is scary intense." Naruto asked the blonde Hokage whilst standing at attention to show respect for his commanding leader
"I just wanted to know how things were going with your squad, was all? I haven't heard from you lately, given how busy you are...That is why as your Hokage, I wanted to check with you, and see how things were progressing so far." Minato questioned his son regarding the state of things with his teammates and sensei
"Everythings' been going fantastic! Kazushi-sensei has been awesome to train with, and after this mission she says we're going to ready to train against her Predaplants!" Naruto told the Hokage regarding his excitement of soon being able to test his and his friends' mettle against his cousins' pseudo summons
"Really? All 3 of you have grown that strong in so short a period of time?...That is honestly rather remarkable. Not even Team 7 has grown to that level of competence or teamwork." Minato said in surprise as Naruto nodded yes
"Yup! Turns out a bunch of menaces from the academy, being trained by the 2nd coming of Hashirama does that for you...Also, wait a sec, you mean to tell me that Toshiro and Mizore have one of the greatest jonin to ever do it, and they aren't on the level to fight Predaplants...Man, and here I thought we were gonna be lagging behind them." Naruto responded proud of himself and his friends had proven themselves to such a level of competence in Kazushi's eyes
"Yes, it seems that despite Team 7 being the 'Konoha Dream Team' as it were. That their overall teamwork, and as result level of skill has stagnated if not withered altogether...It is honestly rather disappointing to see if I am to be quite frank about it." Minato said in disappointment of his twin children
Seeing as how he had expected far more of his children and even moreso from the twins to work together as a unit that could potentiall put his own to shame given enough time, yet the reports he recieved from Kakashi had been brutally honest; in telling the ugly truth of how they would be lucky to succeed on a C-rank much less the Chunin Exams in one piece without constantly bickering.
"You know I would feel sorry for Kakashi, but he was the one all excited to have them on his team. But now look at him...ain't karma something else." Naruto spoke chuckling at how things had flipped on their headed for the legendary jonin in question
"At the very least, it seems that your team is progressing very well...So congratulations are in order." Minato said to his eldest
" Thanks, Lord 4th...But back on topic with me and my team. I have been having an absolute blast being on a team with my best friends! I swear I couldn't be happier, being with them." Naruto further spoke in elation of the few months spent with his friends
"That is…That is very good news to hear, Naruto." Minato replied
"Well, yeah. I can't really explain it, but now that I'm on a team with everyone…It feels like life is finally going my way, and I'm living my best life right now. I wouldn't change where I'm at right now with them, for anything in the world." Naruto said back with a small yet earnest smile on his face that had Minato tense slightly
'At least, I know now that the right decision was made in keeping Naruto separate from Toshiro and Mizore…Although, even though I'm happy for him; it still stings to hear that I've failed this far; if I take into account everything I've been told.' Minato said in a mix of happiness for Naruto for where he stood with his team, and shame that if he had done his original plan with his children that he would've crushed his sons' joys more than he already had
"Is there something wrong, Lord 4th?" Naruto questioned the elder blonde before him
"No, not all. Just the stresses of the job is all…Things have been rather trying lately." Minato answered back not wanting to worry his son with his internal thoughts
"I'd believe it, since it looks like you've got more than your fair share of work ahead of you. I swear the workload you have is...phenomenal." Naruto remarked over the small stacks of paperwork covering the desk
"That I do, honestly I don't expect to be done by later this afternoon even with Shadow Clones." Minato said with a small chuckle to try and break the awkwardness lingering in the room
"Perhaps, you should hire some assistants to help you out. Even I know that a little extra pair of hands wouldn't hurt." Naruto suggested
"Hmph, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all." Minato acknowledged
"Well, I don't want to hold you up anymore than you already are with work. So if there's nothing else that's important to talk about, or any extra stuff you didn't tell Kazushi. Then I'll get going." Naruto spoke waiting for Minato to speak up
"No…No, you are free to leave." Minato said as Naruto nodded and left the Hokage's office to catch-up to everyone
"...Looks like, Danzo's advice held true…I may not be able to make things right as his father, but I can at least take baby-steps towards making amends as his Hokage…It is the least I can do for him." Minato said in stoic solemness before returning back to his paperwork
'I don't get why he was acting so weird about everything, but I'm not gonna complain…I've got shit to do.' Naruto said to himself as he ran to catch up to everyone
(The next day, Tanzaku Town, August 15th, 997 S.E, 2:30 Pm)
It was the following day later, as Team 7 had ventured to Tanzaku Town with the aid of Naruto's Teleport; the quartet on their way toward the location of the Fire Daimyo's daughter and her compatriots.
"So quick question, Kazushi-sensei. Is the Daimyo's daughter strong or is she soft as dog-shit?" Sakura questioned the amazon as they headed toward the hotel she was staying at
"From what I do know, she is definitely not weak that's for sure. In fact, if I had to scale her strength overall; I'd say that she could definitely make it as a jonin…probably an elite jonin in my opinion." Kazushi told the pink-haired assassin on the level of what the Daimyo's daughter was at
"Is she truly that strong?" Sasuke asked regarding the power of the Daimyo's daughter
"She is, considering that you don't get to be our Daimyo's daughter and be weak…In fact, her father is a fucking powerhouse himself. Pretty scary guy himself too from the stories Asuma has told me about him." Kazushi answered back
"If I ever had to put someone in my top 5 strongest people on our side, then it would definitely be our Daimyo. Since he's pretty much up there with Naruto's dad to shoot it straight with you guys. There's a reason he was called the Burning Nightmare during the war if that gives you any indication...Pretty much the only other guy in the country besides the Hokage to get a flee-on-sight order too." Kazushi offhandedly added in regards to the level of power of said Daimyo
'Holy shit, he's strong!' Were the simeutaneous thoughts of both Sakura and Naruto
"Then if that's the case on how strong she is; then whoever we're dealing with is a solid if not an upper A-rank threat at best. Because if this guy is dangerous enough to take out guards assigned to the Daimyo's daughter, and force her and whoever she's with to be on the run. Then this guy isn't a lightweight by the slightest." Sakura surmised on the lethality level of the assassin that was after the Daimyo's daughter
"With that in mind, we will need to be on guard for when they may strike…Given that the next time that they attack, we will need all of our strength to pursue them and defend her." Sasuke replied
"Well, whatever you guys are going to do to get this assassin; if we fight the schmuck. Then you'd better make it a good one. This mission is for you guys to succeed; not for me to play babysitter…So I'll help you out as much as I can, and intervene if you guys can't hack it." Kazushi told them as they continued their way to the hotel
"Other than that, the three of you are on your own...This is your chance to shine and show what more your made of on an actual mission." Kazushi added
"Even if he's that strong, we should be totally fine with whatever comes our way. Ain't that right, Naruto?" Sakura spoke as Naruto was looking in confusion at his hands
"Y-Yeah. We should be totally good…by the way, I'm gonna need to talk to you guys when we're by ourselves." Naruto replied in having felt odd as of late ever since he absorbed the Stone Plate
"Is everything ok?" Sakura asked her 'brother'
"Yeah, I think so, but I just wanna double-check to be safe. I don't know what the heck is going on with me, but I wanna make sure it ain't anything serious." Naruto answered back as they continued on their way
From there it wasn't much longer before Team 7 reached the hotel where their Daimyo's daughter was staying; which was a rather high-end one by the looks of it and as such after a few minutes of using his Aura tracking abilities locked onto the Daimyo's daughter and her companion in which hotel room they were in…Kazushi then gave him the go-ahead to teleport to the hotel room where they were residing in once the quartet managed to get to a place where they could do so out of public eyesight, they were soon transported to said room within the blink of an eye.
All the while Ty Lee who was with her long-time friend and daughter of the Fire Daimyo himself; Princess Azula were currently eating lunch in their room that they had ordered to it via room service, with the duo being understandably surprised by the sudden appearance of Team 7 in their hotel room. As such in thinking that this was another pair of assassins sent after them; they both got ready to defend themselves albeit Ty-Lee stumbling given the severe burns on her bandaged leg was still ready to engage; while Azula had both her hands flare to life with royal blue flames.
However, before an accidental and overal ruinous firefight could break out; Sasuke was able to quickly produce a copy of the mission scroll to help confirm that they weren't intruders nor assassins, and proceeded to hand it to a still defensive Azula; who extinguished the flames in her left hand to take and read it…And so after waiting for a few tense moments of her reading it and double, triple and even quadruple checking to make sure this was nothing short of an official document, she eventually conceded after having taken many a scrutinizing look through it and seeing that it was her family's official emblem on it.
As such everyone eventually settled down and the atmosphere while tense eventually calmed down, and everyone was soon able to take their seats; albeit with Naruto going over to heal Ty-Lee's burned and bandaged leg with a Heal Pulse.
"Apologies, for the sudden dropping in. But we didn't really wanna take any risks of anyone following us." Kazushi told Azula
"It is fine, father did inform me that Konoha shinobi would be coming. However, I didn't expect…this." Azula responded although still at a semi-loss for words at seeing shinobi appear out of thin air
"Well, lucky for you, princess. We are one of the most exceptional squads that Konoha has to offer. So trust me when I say that we'll have whoever this assassin is; dead as can be and you home in no time." Kazushi promised Azula regarding her 'dumbass kids'
"Seeing as how father went out of his way to have the daughter of one of the Sannin, and her genin as my new guards…Hopefully, the 4 of you will prove far more capable than the guards sent to 'protect' myself and Ty-Lee." Azula responded whilst sparring a peripheral glance at Naruto and Ty-Lee
"Alright, there you go. Your leg is all brand-spankin' new...Just be careful to not put too much weight on it for a few hours" Naruto told the chipper acrobat who finished with his use of Heal Pulse
"Wow, your right! My legs feel better than ever, thank you!" Ty-Lee cheered as she then quickly wrapped Naruto in a thankful hug
"Hey, its not a problem at all. Besides, this is the least I can do since you seem real nice and stuff." Naruto replied returning the hug
"Thanks, and hey about you and your cute friend over there hang out with us sometime. He looks really cool too." Ty-Lee said as she looked over to a stunned Sasuke whose head shot up after hearing that
"I'm sure he'd love that. Since you seem like a ton of fun, and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt for you guys to have a nice time together." Naruto said back with an impish grin
'...I'm not gonna say anything…I'm just gonna wait, and get him back once we get home.' Sasuke said making mental note to get Naruto back for putting him on the spot
"That sounds lovely, but first things first we should focus on getting Princess Azula home safely. That is our main priority after all." Sasuke added in getting things back on track
"Right, so how about you guys finish up eating, and then we can help get everyone packed up and headed on the road." Naruto suggested
"Sounds great to me!" Ty-Lee replied enthusiastically and even more so with her newly healed legs
"I will admit, a change of scenery would be nice." Azula said ready to leave Tanzaku Town behind
"Good to hear. We'll leave you two alone for a while, and help you get packed in a few minutes." Kazushi said to he Fire Daimyo's daughter and her compatriot
'Hey Sakura…' Naruto said over the Mind-Radio
"What, Naruto' Sakura asked back
'D-Did you think the Daimyo's daughter was gonna look this good?…Because, I'm not gonna lie she's looking real good.' Naruto answered back in having to admit that Azula had it going on in his opinion
'Why? Are you trying to get it on with her?' Sakura questioned as Naruto shrugged
'Maybe, maybe not. I mean if she wanted too after everything, then I wouldn't being saying no too it. Besides. She does have a nice ass.' Naruto replied in not helping himself when it came to sneaking a look or two at Azula's notable rear end that was accompanied by muscular thighs and wide hips
'If you are going to go for it, then best of luck. Because from what the rumors are about her are true, your gonna need all the luck you can to keep up. Since she's a spitfire and a half from what everyone in the clan tells me about what goes on in the Daimyo's court.' Sakura told Naruto over the Mind-Radio over Azula's domineering personality
'I should be fine, then. If I can stomach my dickhead brother and sister for who knows how many years. Then getting around our princess shouldn't be too much trouble.' Naruto mentally replied with a cocksure grin over his chances
'The only thing I can say to that; is godspeed Naruto.' Sakura said as eventually they began the process of helping Ty-Lee and Azula pack their things and heading out of Tanzaku Town
(8 hours later, 10:54 Pm, Hidden Sound Village, Rice Country)
Meanwhile, Orochimaru was in their nightgown readying themselves for slumber after an arduous day of paperwork; did they venture toward their bedroom…But not before they felt something was amiss in their home as they sensed an all too familiar chakra lurking in their household.
'They must truly think I am an amateur, if they think to so blatantly hide within my own home...Here I thought that they would think better of me than to try something this foolish.' Orochimaru said to themselves as their gaze turned towards the floors beneath them
All before a quintet of blackish-silver chakra chains with sharpened blades similar to their Kusanagi except shorter and slightly straightened appeared from their back and pierced the floors below, with them moving around like writhing serpents until they pierced into and wrapped around something struggling in its grip. Once Orochimaru had a strong approximation that their guest had been ensnared in their chains, they forced them up and out from their hiding place beneath, the chains bringing forth into the Sannin's line of sight the struggling form of Zetsu who was attempting to wrench themselves free.
The Serpent Sannin knowing that Zetsu was a particularly evasive and wily creature quickly used a combination of their Rinnegan and the power of the Iron Plate; to create Black Reciever rods using their chakra chains as a medium to have them pierce into various parts of the otherworldly looking shinobi's body. All the while the monochromatic Akatsuki member howled in pain as they felt multiple rods pierce into and embed themselves into their bodies, with the Sannin manipulating them to make it an interconnected structure within their bodies to prevent them from splitting in twain.
Once the deed was done of making sure that Zetsu's body had been not only embedded with the receivers in question, they quickly shoved them into a corner of their bedroom with two of the chains, while having another close the door and subsequently lock it. All the while Zetsu who was struggling against the receivers in their body that overpowered their chakra with the foul overwhelming force that was Orochimaru's own, as the Sannin then proceeded to use their chakra chains like spider-legs to move themselves to their bed.
"So, what do I owe the pleasure of Pein's watchdog? I thought I had made it clear, that when I left the Akatsuki that I didn't want to be disturbed." Orochimaru questioned as they sat upon their bed and retracted their chakra chains
"From your having kidnapped Hidan, and potentially crippled Kakuzu. To the fact that you have eyes the same as Pein's…Take your pick." Zetsu answered back with cheeky albeit pained sarcasm in their voice
"I already knew of the fact that he would send someone after me eventually…I am not a ignorant fool to think that he wouldn't send for me eventually after what had happened." Orochimaru said
"However, I asked why you came here, Zetsu. Not to hear your cheeky remarks and spy on me within my own village no less." Orochimaru further added tightening their chakra chains to enforce their point
"...Fine, if you want to know. Pein has decided that given the circumstances of what you've done to Hidan and Kakuzu. On top of the fact that you are the only other Rinnegan wielder in existence. That he has decided that you are to be reinstated into the ranks of the Akatsuki." Zetsu spoke as they continued to struggle against the receivers that had invade their body to no avail
"Hmmm, I am afraid that I will have to decline. Given that as you can see I am rather busy managing a shinobi village among other things…All of which leave me very precious little time to be involved in the affairs of a cripple pretending to be a God." Orochimaru replied having very little interest if any at all in Pein's schemes
"Perhaps…you fail to understand. Your reinstatement isn't negotiable, Orochimaru. You are to join the Akatsuki willingly or unwillingly; given the fact that your transgressions have already earned you his ire…And you know how angry he can get when he is denied something." Zetsu said back
"You act as though I should be afraid of someone who constantly boasts and parades themselves as a deity. Yet for all their bravado and grandstanding, they are nothing but a cripple whose ego dwarfs his sensei. The only difference between them is that at least Jiraiya has the charisma and 'sensibilities' to give his demands actual substance. Meanwhile, without the Rinnegan; Pein is naught more than a paraplegic who would be a deadman within minutes without his precious eyes." Orochimaru responded with not even an modicum of fear at the 'wrath' of Ame's supposed God
"Are you truly that arrogant to believe that you stand a chance against him? You may have a new body, Orochimaru, but even you are smart enough to know that Pein's power is nearly 2nd to none within the Akatsuki." Zetsu inquired knowing that even for the Serpent Sannin this was a new level of bravado and arrogance on their part
"You may have obliterated Kakuzu and Hidan, but he is of an entirely different caliber…So what is it that you have that makes you think you can stand against the leader of the Akatsuki?" Zetsu questioned further in wanting to know what it was that had Orochimaru so confident
"It is very simple, Zetsu. Unlike my former leader, I am not blinded by delusions of godhood and enchained by ideas of false peace through utter stupidity…A plan which even still; vexes me by the utter idiocy of what he intends to do with such power...To not know what uniting all 9 of those beasts would yield, for bringing about 'peace' is nothing if not the height of foolishness and arrogance." Orochimaru answered back still repulsed by the utterly pigheaded plan of Pein's
"And you think you can come up with a better plan for peace across the nations?...You a living parasite, pretending to be a woman? " Zetsu responded mockingly
"Understand that I do not care for peace in any form or fashion. Why would I bother with something so fleeting and temporary as that….No I plan for something greater than a fragile peace, that would be a pathetic and overall disgusting way to ensure cooperation between others." Orochimaru said back
"No, what I intend to do is something I had planned before I left my home. Which to simply put is to improve and enhance what is possible, and create shinobi who are stronger and longer-lasting. My plans are simply to improve the world around me, not play peacekeeper. As the evolving of what is around me and my allies is all that matters…Not something that will fall away within a few meager years if not a decade or two." Orochimaru explained as to what their intentions were all things considered
"That is it?! That is your master plan?" Zetsu spoke
"Yes. Granted it isn't something as grandiose as what Pein desires. But at least mine is more within the realm of realism, and won't bring about a worldwide apocalpyse." Orochimaru replied in contentment with their mission statement
"...Then I take it that your refusing the invitation to 'rejoin' the Akatsuki." Zetsu said back
"What do you think?...As I had said when I left, I will bow to no one ever again. So unfortunately your travel here to convince me; was all in vain." Orochimaru spoke their expression unmoving from its predatory gaze that unsettled the monochromatic being
"You know what this means, right? Pein will rain down wrath and ruin for your refusal to join…He isn't going to allow your existence to continue for much longer. So why bother when you know what will happen to this nice little village of yours?" Zetsu questioned
"Because I know that should the worst come to pass, and he invades my village. That I will come out on top as the victor in the end…While he may present himself as a God, you and I both know he is no such thing." Orochimaru answered back
"...Granted, I will give him his credit as a fearsome shinobi and powerful being similar to myself given we both wield the eyes of the Sage of 6 Paths. However, unlike myself, he has grown complacent with the gifts at his disposal; while I have only tapped into the powers I wield and discovered the immensity of their abilities. Therefore, my advantages in combating him far outweigh the cons of his 'divine judgment' for refusing his call to arms as a member of the Akatsuki…So to put it simply, Zetsu. The odds are stacked far, far more in my favor than his." Orochimaru added with a raptatorial smile spreading across their pale face
The black and white Akatsuki member felt themselves growing smaller and smaller, as the full weight of Orochimaru's presence and malevolent chakra weighed down on them as though they were being crushed by the weight of a dragon ready to scorch the earth ablaze on a whim. With them being unable to look away from the Serpent Sannin who they saw held confidence in their power and prowess, that the belief that they could defeat Pein and his paths wasn't just belief but a simple fact that could and would occur should the time come.
"Even if you do defeat Pein, what makes you think that there won't be something else waiting in the wings to destroy you?" Zetsu questioned
"I have contingencies in place for those as well. However, those are neither here nor there…What does matter is what to do with you, and the message that I will be sending to Pein…Given that I can't exactly let you return; seeing as how you've gathered a decent layout of my village." Orochimaru answered back causing the pitch-black and stark-white of Zetsu's faces to pale
"What are you going to do with us?" Zetsu asked as a growing sense of fear began to invade their voice
"Oh don't worry, I have something special planned for you. All you need to know is that I plan to see what makes you tick…But first off, I need to guarantee that you won't be a problem, or attempt to contact the rest of the Akatsuki." Orochimaru answered back as they used Bansho Tenin to snatch their ring
"Now then, while I could use one the Rinnegan's abilities to silence you forever. I am too curious to see what exactly makes you tick. So for now, I will have you gain so much needed rest." Orochimaru added
"What are you talking about, you AAARRRAGGGHHH, ACCCHARRRCKKK! Zetsu howled as they felt immense pain erupt through their body
Given that the source of said pain was a flooding of their system with lightning and fire chakra to the point where it wouldn't kill them persay, but it would definitely keep them immobile yet still ready for all of what the Sannin had planned. The monochromatic being thrashing about as it was both electrocuted and burned from the inside, with what felt like almost a solid hour of being cooked internally having passed before eventually they retreated into sweet unconsciousness as they eventually went limp from being overloaded with so much pain to their innards.
All the while smoke began to billow from their mouth and ears as they lay still; the receivers still interconnected and embedd within their body like some twisted torture contraption, and yet the moment they were left unconscious Orochimaru summoned forth a toad twice the size of a grown man with skin of ruddy magenta and silver. The summon upon Orochimaru's mental command had opened it's jaws and swallowed Zetsu's body into it's mouth; it's face and throat stretching and widening to an unnatural degree to fit them within their mouth before the crawled and slunk away to one of Orochimaru's laboratories to deliver the contained being to a holding cell for future tests.
'...Now then, I finally get to see what exactly Zetsu is after all this time…With any luck, I can potentially create some fascinating from him.' Orochimaru said to themselves before a small yawn escaped them whilst the toad spat out Zetsu's Akatsuki ring conviently on their dresser
"But that can wait till tomorrow. For now, I must rest..I have quite the day ahead of me; with how much the village has grown so far." Orochimaru added before crawling underneath the covers and lying their head down to sleep
(3 days later, Fire Country, August 18th, 997 S.E, 3:10 Pm)
It would be on their 3rd day of travel toward the Fire Country capital as our party of 6 had set up camp for the day, with Azula still looking on at Naruto who had single-handedly eviscerated an entire bandit convoy with a use of his Discharge attack…The event in question had her curiosity and interest as to how a single genin was able to dispose of a company's worth of bandits as easily as flipping a coin.
"So what's got your attention on my cousin there, princess? I figured you'd be with your friend or bothering Sasuke for our arrival time." Kazushi asked Azula who was watching Naruto and Sakura go at it in a 'friendly' sparring match
"I am curious as to how someone who casually dispatched of an entire band of bandits with ease, is still a genin. On top of the fact that he is able to teleport himself and others, as well as possess healing capabilities." Azula replied as she had a calculative look about herself as she watched Naruto engage against Sakura
"Oh trust me. That's not even half of what he can do…If anything that was more or less him just screwing around. Since believe it not he has more power in him than most Kage, or even a jinchuuriki to be real with you." Kazushi told a now surprised Azula
"Which is why, he knows damn well he could have gotten the job done with a little less flash. But then again, who am I to stop my dumbass kids from having fun." Kazushi added with slight admonishment but nonetheless happiness at her cousins' being a menace
"I knew that Konoha was a shinobi village of prodigies, but hearing it and seeing it are greatly different things…When this is over, I want to see his abilities firsthand. Perhaps an exhibition match between myself and Naruto would do just that." Azula said to Kazushi as her expression became more calculative regarding the superhuman
"Are you sure you wanna try and go up against my cousin? No offense, your highness. But Naruto would probably obliterate you within minutes he really wanted too." Kazushi warned the Daimyo's daughter
"While I'm sure he is without a doubt capable. I doubt he can defeat me in a duel…Unlike the children of other nobles, father saw too it that I would have the power as well as the skill to one day take the throne when the day arises." Azula replied in full confidence of her ability to defeat Naruto in a fight
"Trust me when I say this, but in a fight or duel as you fancy folk call it. My cousin will still wipe the floor with you, and then some when he wants to really go at it…Naruto is one of those weird combinations of disturbingly powerful, and incredibly talented." Kazushi said back firm in her belief that Naruto fighting against Azula would be a cakewalk
"Then if you are so confident in his abilities and combat prowess. Then tell me, where exactly do you rank him in terms of strength?" Azula questioned
"Oh that's easy. Naruto's easily at the level of a Kage with just his sheer power alone, and if I had to ballpark it; I'd say that he would be a upper A-rank threat…Don't get me wrong he would be an S-rank if he had more battle experience under his belt. But for now he's definitely a solid A-rank and then some." Kazushi answered back on where she ranked Naruto's overall abilites
'And that's without whatever his full powers are like…I don't think there's a scale high enough for the shitshow that is. How the hell he can make the 9-tails look like a 4-year-old throwing a tantrum, I'll never know.' Kazushi remarked more to herself in regards to Naruto's powers
Since Kazushi couldn't deny the overwhelming fact that her cousin was a powerhouse with loads upon loads of obscene power at his disposal, and as such knew that only thing hindering him from being a true world-class menace was his lacking of constant battlefield and mission experience…Hence why she was pushing them to be as proficient as possible by the time the Chunin Exams came about, so that once they aced it as she knew they would; that Naruto would then have more than ample access to missions to help him on his way toward being something truly incredible.
"Hmmm, well if that is the case. Then I cannot wait to see how he performs against my would-be assassin." Azula responded keen to see how Naruto would preform
"Believe me when I say that Naruto and my genin; are going to make light work out of this schmuck. That much I can guarantee you, Princess." Kazushi said back in full confidence of her charges' combative prowess
"If that is the case, then you will have my word that I will request that Father give your team an additional bonus to your payment." Azula told the Wood Release user
"Is that so? Because I'm warnin' you right now, my genin aren't anything to turn your nose up at." Kazushi asked as Azula smirked
"I am a woman of my word, Kazushi Senju. Furthermore, I see no reason not to make that request should they do so…After all, if they can not only do what my guards had failed to do in eliminating my would-be killer. Then it is only fair that they recieve an additional award for their efforts." Azula answered back
"Well, damn. I can't say no to that…You're on Princess!" Kazushi said back with a large grin on her face as she eventually returned her attention back to Sakura and Naruto's spar
Soon enough day turned into dusk as everyone eventually decided to head into their tents for a bit of respite after dinner had been eaten for the night, yet Naruto was currently with Sasuke who was looking him over with his Sharingan to see what was going on with Naruto. Seeing as how during their days of travel in escorting Azula and Ty-Lee back to the capital, the superhuman blonde had remarked that he had felt off-kilter in the recent weeks…describing it as something shifting and moving about inside himself.
"...So, what's going on with me?" Naruto questioned the Uchiha
"Hmmm, while I am not a Hyuga. I was able to see what was going on, and suffice to say it is both interesting and concerning to a degree." Sasuke said with a puzzled look on his face as his Sharingan turned back to their normal obsidian color
"Alright, mind giving me more details?" Naruto said to the swordsman
"Very well. From what I was able to see with my Sharingan, it seems as though your chakra is all together…fading away." Sasuke replied
"I'm sorry, my chakra is what now?!" Naruto said back in confusion
"Yes, fading away, disappearing, or what have you…The bottom line, is that your chakra and by extension your chakra network is all together dissipating and yet somehow you are still alive. This is a concerning factor; given that all living things need chakra to sustain themselves. Yet in a case like yours, you should be dying or terminally ill given the fact that your chakra is all together dissipating into nothingness." Sasuke further elaborated on what he was able to see with his Sharingan in regards to Naruto's ever-fading chakra
"Ok, that's pretty weird, since I feel just fine…I mean my powers are still as strong as ever, and I feel as healthy as horse." Naruto replied in having not felt sick or anything to that degree
"Heck, if anything, Sasuke. I've felt stronger than I ever have…Like I could punch a mountain in half, is I really wanted too." Naruto added in feeling physically better than ever
"...When exactly did you feel this change occur, Naruto?" Sasuke questioned
"About a day or two after I absorbed that last Plate I found in Wind Country's deserts. After that, I've felt supercharged." Naruto answered back as to when he began feeling as such
"If that is the case, then I think I may know what is going on with you…Granted its a theory, but with what little we have to go off on. It is the best answer we have at the moment." Sasuke replied
"Well, come on man. What's your big answer on what the hell's up with me." Naruto asked the Uchiha
"To put it simply, your powers have reached the point where for all intents and purposes…Are causing you to go through further changes, and as such causing you to evolve." Sasuke answered back
"I'm what now?" Naruto said with a tilted head in confusion
"Yes, evolving…and it makes sense when you think about it…You are wielding powers beyond any of our understanding, and at this point have absorbed enough to a point where you are shifting and evolving to better withstand and wield them." Sasuke replied
"Which would make some sense as to why your chakra is dissipating entirely. Your powers have grown too a point to where, it has more than likely deemed it as unnecessary to your further growth…As such its getting rid of it, and more than likely repurposing it into further strengthening your body overall." Sasuke further spoke in his best approximation of what was going on with Naruto on a physiological level
"So I'm basically going through god puberty then?" Naruto said back
"More or less, that would be so…Honestly, did you really expect anything else? All of that power was going to start having larger scale changes; than just your eyes changing color, and your teeth turning into fangs." Sasuke replied
"Well, shit. If my chakra going away, and all my stuff physically getting even more amped up is the start…Then what the hell is the end result; when I'm done going through god puberty?" Naruto wondered as to what his 'final form' would potentially be
"I can't answer that. However, given everything else that has happened to you. I have no doubts that it will be nothing short of incredible, all things considered." Sasuke replied knowing that Naruto's 'evolution' as it were would yield itself into something unreal
"Hey, as long as I turn into something awesome. I'm all here for it!" Naruto replied
'I wonder if I'll get something kickass out of it, like wings or flesh-eating death rays.' Naruto wondered to himself on what other stuff would come out of his 'god puberty'
"As long as you don't wind up destroying the village, or end up hurtling yourself in the process. Then I do not have a problem with whatever you transform into…At the end of the day, your still my chaotic jackass for a friend." Sasuke replied with a small smile
"And you are still my killjoy uber-swordsman for a friend too, Sasuke…Thanks a ton for helping me make sense of all this." Naruto said back with a smile of his own
"Your welcome, Naruto…Now then, I think you should head back to your tent. We have a long days' worth of travel tomorrow, and we still need to finalize our plan to draw out the assassin." Sasuke told the superhuman blonde
"Well do, captain." Naruto said before he hopped to his feet to give a mock salute
"...Just go to your tent and get some rest." Sasuke told Naruto who rolled his eyes before leaving
"...How I wound up as the responsible one of our group, I will never know." Sasuke said to himself as he steadied himself in place before doing so meditation to clear and focus his mind
'I wonder if my god puberty is gonna help me with whatever my Sage Mode is gonna be…Ooohhh, maybe it is my Sage Mode, but permanent and more awesome!' Naruto said to himself as he went back to his tent in excitement of what he was becoming
So with our intrepid genin now on a mission to return Princess Azula and her companion to the Fire Country capital, and prevent her killer from finishing the deed; and Orochimaru making plans for Zetsu in their refusal to rejoin the Akatsuki…Things are looking to be rather interesting for what's to come for all parties involved, and as such stay tuned for the next installments of, Naruto: The Pokesage to see what happens next!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we finish Part 1 in this Escort mission for our resident Princess, as I hoped you enjoyed the fact that we now have some Avatar characters in the mix of things. Because I figured it'd be a nice switch-up from what we usually get with the Fire Daimyo when they're involved.
Furthermore, I'm glad to see that people are continuing to enjoy the story so far, since to this point I'm still surprised that we've made it this far and that you guys are liking everything. And for that I am super happy to see everything continuing to still have support for the story, and as such I hope you guys will still continue to do so and share this story, and review whenever you get a chance to do so…since it does mean a lot.
That being said however, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Seeing as how next time we'll be kicking off the next part in the Escort mission with the Fire Daimyo's daughter. So stay tuned for all of that good stuff.
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: Fire it Up by Thousand Foot Krutch
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
Guest: Naruto already have the Dark-Type Plate and too be honest having him gain that as an additional ability sounds pretty cool, and is something that I'll definitely keep in mind for later on as the story progresses. Also, I'm glad your enjoying the story so far my guy.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: I'm glad you like the fight between Isane and Tayuya, considering that this was a long time coming. Given that again, Tayuya's being able to last that long was simply because like many companies that are starting up and still growing she only lasted so long because they were basically short-staffed and didn't have much too work with. But now that she's been kicked out of Orochimaru's Inner Circle and replaced by Isane, she's gonna find out that her big mouth has pretty much nuked any bridges she could've built into oblivion, and that now her being a still skilled illusionist won't cut it given that she can no longer throw her weight around to get away with stuff like she used too. Also, with Orochimaru getting rid of Iwa within a few months in the context of the story, this means that its free real estate for them to expand their territory and turn into something under their purview, as after all why waste potential resources when you can take over and make it your own. Also, if Orochimaru trained and took in Minato instead of Jiraiya it would basically be if Ra's Al Ghul, canon Minato, Lex Luthor, and Doctor Doom did the fusion dance and as a result would have someone who while less kind than canon Minato; would be vastly more intelligent and capable, and that there wouldn't really be an Iwa so much as Neo Konoha since they would see that as something in their way and would put it under their thumb to absorb it into Konoha proper so that they can learn from it until its been fully assimilated.
God of Wind 200: Thanks for clearing up the Restraining Order idea, I appreciate that. Also, the reason why he doesn't do it is because he's pretty much had it made up in his mind that doing so wouldn't matter; given how they've sided with Jiraiya and the twins all his life. That by his accounts, that it wouldn't matter too him since the answer is in his head that his value is so little too them that they would only be on his side so as to save face in the public eye so to speak; given how you gotta look good as a unified front when your a child of the Hokage after all. So I hope that answers things on how Naruto sees it from his point of view.
