(Chapter 28: A Royal Escort: Part 2)
It would be a few short days of travel as Team 7 alongside Azula and Ty-Lee; with our intrepid genin having continued to plan their attack to eliminate Azula's would-be assasssin; whilst training along the way to the capital…Something that Naruto was all too excited for given that the superhuman blonde in question had never seen the capital beforehand, and as such had an almost childish excitement about it which was much to Azula's oddity given how she was raised within its walls all of her life.
(Fire Country, August 21st, 997 S.E, 11:25 Am)
It was nearly half past 11 as Team 7 were currently putting their plan into action against the would-be assassin who was chasing 'Azula and Ty-Lee' through the forests of Fire Country; whilst the intrepid genin lie in wait to ambush said assassin who was relentless chasing his quarry.
'I still can't believe that this Double Team technique of yours is that effective.' Sakura said through their Mind Radio as they watched the assassin continue to give chase
'That's the fun part Sakura. Turns out that using Double Team plus my Transform technique, makes for some really life-like dopplegangers. Honestly, I'm a little surprised they came out so well.' Naurto replied as they continued to watch them give chase
'My only question is, how do you keep making them that life-like?' Sakura questioned
'Turns out that when you work as a bus-boy and server at a restaurant for over 4 years. You get really good at memorizing faces and such.' Naruto answered back through their Mind Radio
'If that is the case, then that will definitely prove useful for identifying all of our future targets down the line.' Sasuke spoke as they continued to watch through their binoculars
From there the genin of Team 7 continued to watch the assassin in question who was a bald giant of a man at over several feet tall, with a black goatee, dark cruel eyes, a short beard and wearing simple ochre-colored clothing with a single metal clawed gauntlet on their right arm. All the while continuing to blast at Azula and Ty-Lee's dopplegangers via transparent bolts of fiery concussive energy that not only exploded with great force, but would land with deadly accuracy as well; given that even when a headshot would miss it would pierce through a shoulder or a doppleganger's collarbone.
The chase continued for nearly 5 minutes before the bald assassin was finally able to land his killing blows against the doppelgangers, with him landing an energy bolt through the back of Azula's doppleganger's head, and one through the heart of Ty-Lee's doppleganger…Both fell over dead as a doornail as they skidded across the ground from having run at near full-tilt for roughly 20 minutes, with the assassin in question quickly strode towards his downed targets to personally confirm that they had been truly eliminated.
However, as he went over to their bodies; he soon had a puzzled look at seeing them warble and smoke before dissipating into nothingness as though they were mounds of ash in the autumn winds…from there our intrepid heroes quickly teleported into action against the assassin. All the while the assassin was taking it in he was assaulted by Naruto striking him in the side of the ribs with a harsh Poison Jab, Sakura who was at 30% of her Removal landed a ferocious side kick to the jaw that cracked it slightly, and Sasuke impaling him in the stomach with his Jian and driving his chokuto into his left shoulder.
After being ambushed by the trio of Konoha genin, the assassin quickly whipped his head about in an arc to unleash a continuous beam of compressed fiery energy against them, however and luckily for them Naruto was able to quickly use Teleport to get them out of harms way. The trio quickly recovered before Naruto had to use Protect to shield them from another bolt of fiery energy that cracked the ground around them in a raucous explosion.
'Naruto, Sakura; give me some cover. I'll attack his legs and you two attack the body…Understood?' Sasuke ordered as Naruto shielded them from another powerful bolt of fiery energy
'Gotcha/Let's rock!' Naruto and Sakura responded
From there Naruto disengaged his Protect barrier to throw forth a small myriad of Seed Bombs out at the bald assassin; who in thinking nothing of the glowing seeds used another arcing beam of transparent fiery energy against them. However, this was much to his undoing given that the seeds in question erupted into a ferocious series of explosions that sent the assassin flying back and high into the air with a series of burns, and cracked bones from the explosions in question.
However, he was quickly beset upon Sakura leaping into the air and subsequently powerslamming him into a tree below with great force to the point it snapped in half upon impact, as Naruto wasn't far behind given that faster than he could react Naruto came running at incredible speeds to deliver a Wild Charge. The superhuman blonde deliver the attack via cladden in merigold-colored lightning, as he unleashed it in the form of a rib-shattering flying knee to the chest; that erupted in a miniature storm of lightning that shredded and burned everything in a 70 foot radius.
The aftermath revealed a jagged crater that wreaked heavily of ozone as on one hand Naruto stood grinning with a moderately bleeding nose and eyes from the recoil of his Wild Charge, meanwhile the assassin by contrast had heavy 2nd degree burns on his torso, abdomen, face, shoulders and thighs, and his clothes had been charred down to a pair of shorts. However, before the bald assassin could retaliate with a bolt of energy against Naruto, said blonde quickly used Teleport to nail him with a brutal Sky Uppercut to the liver to stun him before nailing him with a short flurry of Poison Jabs and Mach Punches to his burnt and battered chest.
Yet as said bald assassin was busy blocking Naruto's onslaught of venomous attacks, Sakura had come running in at full speeds that were bolstered by her Raging Fire technique to land a devastating jumping roundhouse kick to the side of the skull; before following it up with a heavy right cross to the sternum that had them nearly double over. From there both teams spared one another a brief glance before they both rushed at their stunned target with the ferocity and quickness of hungry panthers, with the taken-aback assassin managing to block a punch from both assailants albeit with the ground shaking beneath him and his legs buckling if only slightly.
That being said Sakura launched a right hook to the ribs that was deflected by the burnt giant of a man; who went to counter with a heavy-handed punch to her skull; that was met with Naruto using Crunch to bite at his meaty fist like a rabid dog. The superhuman blonde tore off 3 of his large fingers with ease causing said assassin to howl in pain as he clutched as his bloodied hand, as Sakura took this opportunity to quickly launch a Ironbreaker-enhanced Teep kick to the liver that sent him skidding back 10 feet.
In response to this, the assassin began to charge up a bolt of translucent energy to punch a hole through Sakura's chest, but this was soundly interrupted when Sasuke used Boar's Stampede to pierce into left thigh; sending the blades several inches through dense muscle and blood vessels. The assassin in response pivoted albeit shakily to land a haymaker with his metal arm that was soundly parried by Sasuke's chokuto, before he unleashed a flurry of short yet lightning-quick sword thrusts at his collarbone and left shoulder.
But before Sasuke could take a beam of concussive energy to the face, Naruto used Teleport to sub in for the sword-wielding Uchiha and land a Double-Kick to the assassin; with the first one cracking his lower jaw and the second one dislocating his right shoulder, causing the beam of concussive energy to go wide. All before Sakura came rushing up to deliver a full-force kick to the nuts that sent him flying into the air, before Sasuke used a One-Sword-Style technique called Great Panther's Tearing, which had Sasuke grasp his Chokuto with both hands and deliver a mighty overhand swing with such strength that it sliced through the assassin's left shoulder, and carved off a sizable cunk of his flesh.
The Uchiha landed on the ground alongside his compatriots as the assassin fell to the ground bleeding and clutching at his crotch, infuriated that he was being made a mockery of by a trio of genin…with him grinding his teeth as he forced fire chakra into his stump of an arm to cauterize the wound, as he stood shakily too his feet.
'Alright, everyone he's weakened. Let's finish this.' Sasuke said as they saw him power up another bolt of concussive energy
Said bolt of energy launched with great force as he aimed at Naruto's heart with nothing but lethal intentions, in response Naruto stomped on the ground to use Scorching Sands, causing it to rip apart as a miniature sandstorm that glowed reddish-orange from the sheer heat it emitted as it collided with the energy bolt in question…The quite literally scorching hot sands were able to engulf and neutralize it in a muted explosion that shook and cracked the area around them, yet this didn't stop Naruto from subsequently launching a Sludge Bomb nearly the size of a horse at the bald assassin.
Something that the bald assassin tried to evade, but Sakura using Raging Fire and her full speed 45% was able to quickly blindside the assassin and roundhouse kick him into the Sludge Bomb; whilst breaking more of his ribs and even some his vertebrae to boot; evident by the audible snapping of his spine on impact. Which was more than enough to send him careening into the caustic substance, causing him to bellow in immense pain as the caustic substance seeped/melted into his flesh; that left him unable to scream as it seeped down into his throat.
Which was more than enough for Sasuke to use his great amounts of agility and speed to quickly rush in and use Great Panther's Tearing once more, to slice off his remaining arm causing the limb to melt and corrode as it plopped to the ground. All the while Naruto came in swinging with a killer right hook of a Thunder Punch to the jaw that not only further fried the assassin's face into a blackened mess to the point that quarter-sized bits of smoking skull were visible, but also that there lower jaw had been blown clean off their face.
To which had left them as a target for Sakura to come in and with a Ironbreaker-enhanced Leg Thrust to the assassin's center mass with such force and power that it basically punched a watermelon-sized hole through their chest as their upper half and lower half were no longer held together, as they skidded apart from one another. The trio took a moment after checking and scanning the immediate area for any other impending threats that could come there way, what with Naruto also using his Thermal Vision and Aura sensory abilities to detect any additional hidden threats in their vicinity…hence why after several minutes of doing so they eventually decided to take it easy for a bit to collect themselves.
"So how did we do on time, Sakura?" Naruto asked as Sakura fished a stopwatch from her back pocket
"As it stands our time for taking this guy out was 3 minutes and 42 seconds…Not too bad for taking out a potentially A-Ranked threat to our Daimyo's daughter." Sakura told them
"Huh, that isn't too bad. Then again that fight felt a lot longer than what it did." Naruto said whilst Sakura powered down from her Removal enhanced state
"Considering that we've defeated our target in what is record time. I feel that it would be appropriate to return to Kazushi's sensei and the others as quickly as possible." Sasuke suggested to his teammates
"Fair point, and I guess we should take this poor sap with us too. Guess it won't hurt to see if they can identify what's left of the schmuck." Naruto said as he grabbed the beaten-to-shit and caustically eaten upper half of the assassin like it was a sack of flour
"Well, whoever it was that hired this guy. He definitely had a pretty cool bloodline to shoot whatever that stuff was at us…Damn near hard to see, quick as hell, and almost silent. No wonder he'd make for a damn good assassin, that's a pretty handy tool to have in anyone's arsenal." Sakura acknowledged in wanting to give credit toward the lethality of the assassin's bloodline
"Regardless of the nature of their kekkai genkai, we've done as needed…Naruto if you would." Sasuke said as Naruto continued dragging the eviscerated corpse
"Gotcha…Now grab on and hold tight you guys." Naruto instructed them before they grabbed onto his shoulders and soon enough the trio vanished out of sight
(Fire Country, Jonduri, 2 days later, 1:45 Pm, August 23rd, 997 S.E)
It would be a bit after our group had reached the Fire Country capital of Jonduri as they took some time to relax and rest after reuniting Azula with her father, yet instead of the entirety of Team 7 being called to meet with the Daimyo; he had specifically called for Kazushi and Naruto.
"I would like to extend my thanks to your team for their efforts in protecting Azula and her friend...It would have been catastrophic should anything have happened to her" Lord Ozai spoke to them
"Hey, it wasn't a problem at all…My team can handle just about anything, Lord Ozai. So getting everyone back safe and sound was light work." Kazushi said to the Fire Daimyo in question
"That there is no doubt of, given that your genin did in nearly 5 minutes what my guards had failed to do." Lord Ozai responded as his gaze shifted toward Naruto
'When you have friends/genin like mine. Just about everybody ain't shit compared to us/them.' Were the thoughts of Naruto and Kazushi
"In fact, that makes things all the more interesting. As tell me something, aren't you Minato's son?" Lord Ozai spoke to the superhuman blonde
"Yep! I'm his oldest kid…I don't see how that figures into everything, your grace." Naruto said back not seeing why his being the 4th's son had anything to do with his accomplishment
"Hmmm, I only ask because I have made note of your condition; to not externally use chakra after the 9 tails attack. And yet my daughter informed me of your unique abilities." Lord Ozai spoke as his gaze turned more calculative
"So if I may ask, how is it that you are not only capable enough to perform admirably against a powerful assassin. But also wield such powerful abilities?" Lord Ozai further inquired curious as to how Naruto was able to wield powers akin to ninjutsu but on a more powerful scale from what Azula had told him
"Well, on the whole being good enough to go toe to toe with assassins. When you hang around the Kure Clan long enough and are best friends with one of 'em. You get real good at taijutsu…Then on the subject of my superpowers, well there basically just superpowers. I can't really explain it, but apparently, I've got some X factor in me that lets me do all this stuff without having to need chakra more or less." Naruto answered back in his best workaround explanation to his god powers
'That's without adding my summons on top of that…Which reminds me that I could probably use one of them to see Gaara super fast. That would definitely cut down on travel time; now that I think about it.' Naruto internally added to himself
"How interesting, and I will circle back to that bit of information in a few moments. For now, I would like to attend to the matter of your reward and the bonus of such for a job well done." Lord Ozai spoke in seeing it as only fair to do so for their commendable job
"Thank you, Lord Ozai. It's very much appreciated all things considered." Kazushi said to the Fire Daimyo
"Of course, but then again. I would see it as disrespectful to those that have performed admirably, not to do so." Lord Ozai said back
"Thanks a ton, and believe me when I say that I'm gonna put all of this to good use, sir…Finally, I can have enough to get my farm goin'!" Naruto said in palpable excitement of soon being able to get everything operational
"A farm you say? It's rare that I hear of a shinobi wanting to pursue anything of that sort…Especially, with someone of your capabilities. Someone with your particular skillset would do well as a jonin in the future, or even as part of the Guardian 12, if I were to go so far." Lord Ozai spoke finding such a thing odd from someone with Naruto's destructive powerset
"Well, I figured it that it wouildn't hurt to have something in my back pocket; in case being a shinobi doesn't work…Besides, I'm pretty sure that once I get started, I can grow some pretty great stuff for everyone. All I need is some time, and a place to get things going." Naruto replied in full confidence
"Hmmm, if that is the case, and since you speak with such confidence. I will have my coffers put in a bit more for your bonus." Lord Ozai spoke
"However, by the next harvesting period. Seeing as how it would be unfair to collect now, that I expect for you to deliver and more on your capacity to grow something outstanding." Lord Ozai further spoke in deciding to humor the blonde
"Don't worry, Lord Ozai. I'm pretty sure that I can make a lot of stuff happen, between now and then." Naruto replied
'All, I gotta do is get my chance to go to Wave Country, and get the Splash Plate. Then everything will be all kosher for me to make that Jewel of whatever, Mr. Arceus has told me about…Until then, I can just summon Celebi and have them help me out.' Naruto noted to himself thankful that he had Celebi around for a Plan B until he gained said Plate
"Good, good. Now then, unless there is anything else left to say. I believe it is time to circle back to the matter at hand." Lord Ozai spoke before clearing his throat
"Now then, given the fact that your team has proven themselves as exceptionally capable. I wish to see what they, or more specifically Naruto here is capable of. Given that from what my daughter has informed me of, he is potentially the strongest of your genin." Lord Ozai added
"And what do you have in mind for one of my students, Lord Ozai?" Kazushi questioned
"Just a friendly exhibition between Azula and your ward here. After all, if what my daughter says is to hold any weight. Then I wish to see it for myself in full view…Even moreso when he was supposedly instrumental in the defeat of my daughters' would-be killer." Lord Ozai added
Since the Fire Daimyo wouldn't be lying if he said that he wasn't intrigued to see what exactly this young man was capable of, given that with the breadth of abilities he supposedly had at his disposal that his interest wasn't piqued.
"Well, Lord Ozai. That's all up to Naruto on if he wants to do this…Because at the end of the day, I'm not gonna force him into anything he doesn't want to do." Kazushi told the Fire Daimyo
"Very well…Tell me, Naruto. Are you fine with an exhibition match between yourself and my daughter?" The Fire Daimyo asked
"Sure…I don't see why not, since its not gonna be anything too serious. Although, afterwards, I do wanna talk to you about something, if you wouldn't mind it." Naruto answered back more than content with doing the exhibition against Azula
"Considering what you've done, I will hear you out on whatever it is you have to say…However, if it isn't something important, then I will be extremely disappointed." Lord Ozai responded as if there was one thing he despised it was having his time wasted in any capacity
"Believe me, you won't be. If anything I'm surprised that no one brought this up to you sooner." Naruto said to the Daimyo in question
"I will hold you to that, young man…However, until that time, you are free to leave and enjoy what our capital has to offer." The Fire Daimyo in question replied to the two shinobi who quickly took their leave
"...Soooo, what the hell are you gonna talk to our country's leader about?" Kazushi asked her cousin
"Well, I wanna talk to him about some stuff concerning all this prophecy business. Since it seems real fishy that in all this time, there hasn't been any talk on the whole logistics of all this crap…Because you'd think that for all the hype that's around this stuff; that someone would've talked to him about it." Naruto answered back in having found it highly suspect that no one really ever talked about the logistics that the prophecy would have if it came to pass
"So I figured that it wouldn't hurt to have a talk with our Daimyo about the stuff…Because, hey, this stuff effects him just as much as it effects us if it goes through." Naruto added
"Hmph, if you think its worth it then go for it. Besides, as long as it dicks over Jiraiya. Then I'm all here for it." Kazushi responded
"Well, considering that with all the times they've gone about the stuff. But no ones' talked about how its gonna impact everyone, once 'peace' is brough to all the nations. Then I'm pretty sure that the Daimyo in there's gonna have a lot to say about it." Naruto said in knowing full well that there was gonna be a lot to be said about said prophecy, or rather prophecies with the newest one that concerned him
"Like I just said, go for it…Just make sure that if you're gonna bullshit him, that it's gonna be on some Grade-A stuff…Otherwise, your gonna have one of the strongest if not the strongest wielder of fire manipulation pissed off at you…And trust me, if he gave his wife the boot for badmouthing him in front of a war council; then I doubt that it'll go well for someone like you, regardless if your crazy strong or not." Kazushi said in knowing that Ozai ran a very tight ship with his family
"Don't worry, I'll be totally fine…Right now, all I have to do is worry about an exhibition with a princess." Naruto replied
"Oh yeah, and that reminds me…Since you are going up against her, put on a good show, and try not to embarrass her in front of her pops." Kazushi told her cousin
"Don't worry, Kazu. I've got it all under control." Naruto said back with a broad grin
'Myself up against the Daimyo's powerhouse daughter…This oughtta be fun.' Naruto remarked to himself over what was to come
(2 days later, Janduri, August 26th, 997 S.E, 11:25 Am)
It was a bit later on into the week as Naruto and his genin team alongside Fire Daimyo Ozai, Azula, Ty-Lee were in one of the collesuems for the exhibition at hand, with former General Iroh himself acting as the referee for the exhibition on Ozai's behest.
"Are you two ready to begin?" Iroh asked the two combatants
"I'm ready to get this started!" Naruto said already in his low-guard stance
"Let us begin, Uncle. I'm keen to see what more he is capable of." Azula answered back
"Very well then, and remember this is a friendly exhibition match." Iroh said while looking toward his niece who looked more than eager to get the match underway
"You worry too much, Uncle. Besides, it isn't my fault that Zuzu couldn't keep up." Was Azula's snide response to her retired general of an Uncle
"If there is nothing else then you two may begin." Iroh said quickly getting out of the way from what would no doubt be a fearsome bout
Those in attendance watched on in apprehension at what was too commence as both Naruto and Azula stood in place briefly, waiting to see which between them would make the first move as the ethereal royal blue of Naruto's met the fierce yet calculating amber gold of Azula's…So with Naruto having grown impatient in waiting for the other too move he decided to come out swinging with a Sky Uppercut to the liver, that Azula was quick to use her powers of Flame Manipulation to evade via a quick propulsive burst of azure flame that sent her upwards 10 feet.
All before she rapidly descended downwards to deliver a fiery axe kick to Naruto's skull that the superhuman blonde was able to evade via Teleport, as the ground around her cratered into a modestly-sized pit of sapphire flame and fire…Azula on the otherhand was barely able to parry a Mach Punch to her right temple that was followed by a lightning quick Double-Kick to her nose and collarbone, before lancing forward with a point-blank blast of fire at Naruto's face that he immediately countered with a Flame Burst of his own.
The two attacks forcing both Azula and himself back in explosive fireball of merigold and sapphire flames, yet both were quick to launch attacks against the other in the immediate aftermath; with Naruto using Flamethrower to launch a stream of brilliant flame at Azula who launched twin stream of scorching blue fire at the superhuman in question. Which had the result of the two meeting in the middle as the clashing flames tried to devour one another like wolves trying to devour the other, as the heat from the ensuing clash was enough to cause the air to warp and distort as both put more and more power behind their respective streams.
All until Naruto had his power surge forth to the point that it caused his flames to turn from merigold to a bright pumpkin orange as they soon dwarfed and ravaged Azula's own, causing his Flamethrower attack to surge forward as a almost monstrous line of fire that roared towards her. However, Azula remained unfazed and allowed the attack to surge towards her as much to Naruto's surprise she not only caught the flames with her bare hands, but was able to warp and mold it until it resembled a large sphere of azure flames that floated above her; that she proceed to soccer-kick toward Naruto.
The blonde in question seeing only one answer as it rocketed towards him, used Mega Kick to kick it up and away into the air where it exploded with such force the colosseum seemed to shake as though an angry titan had drunkenly belly flopped on top of everyone. Yet this left Naruto wide open to be stricken by Azula who propelled towards him like fiery rocket to land a swift punch to the kidneys, before delivering a blisteringly quick combination of punches to his stomach, that was eventually countered by a Brick Break to the shoulder hard enough to crack apart her armor.
All before following through a brutal right hook of a Thunder Punch to the chest that sent her flying some 30 feet away, with Azula using her control over fire to send out a propulsive burst of flame to stop her flight across the battlefield, before sommersaulting with a level of acrobatic agility that put Mizore to shame. Yet Azula who looked over at the damaged state of her armor and back at Naruto who only looked more amped as his hands began to glow with bright merigold and white light, before he launched a salvo of orange and apple seeds at her.
"So what do you think so far, Lord Ozai?" Kazushi questioned whilst Azula sent out arcs of azure flame to cut through/impede the Seed Bombs coming her way
"I will admit, your student is a formidable warrior indeed. However, there is still much to witness." Lord Ozai replied as Naruto was quick to use Vine Whip to wrap around Azula's waist and send her reeling toward him
"Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet." Kazushi said as Naruto quickly used Thunderbolt to attempt to electrocute Azula
The key word was attempt as Azula was able to quickly generate a knife made of scorching flame to slash through the gnarled vines around her waist before she was electrocuted, before turning her dagger of flame into a javelin of royal blue flames that she launched toward Naruto with great force. The superhuman blonde was able to use Double Kick to first kick the spear of flame upwards before roundhouse kicking it right back at Azula, who quickly evaded it as it carved a deep blackened trench into the ground behind her; singing of some of her hair in the process as well.
Yet this didn't stop Naruto from barreling into her with a Psyshield Bash in a burst of speed so intense that Azula was barely able to perceive it as he crashed into her like a raging bull; with Azula causing a concussive burst of fire to erupt behind her in order to help her push back against Naruto's psionically enhanced charge. Something that caused the two forces to be caught in a stalemate of sorts as Azula pushed back against Naruto in equal force as bright sapphire flames continued to erupt behind her and propel like a rocket against Naruto who was shrouded in multicolored ethereal energies that tried to budge and push against her.
The two opposing forces clashing against one another until soon enough the ground cratered beneath them in a shockwave of power; that sent debris spiraling upward and outwards as it soon cleared to reveal Azula and Naruto in a high intensity clash of blows. From Naruto unleashing an almost smothering amount of punches and kicks against Azula as he did everything from blocking, deflecting, and slipping punches of his own to counter her attacks, as Azula by contrast unleashed a ferocious yet precise offensive of her own, as each punch, kick, and elbow was done with the intent to debilitate the larger blonde before her.
All those in attendence were watching with great fervor in seeing Naruto and Azula strike out against each other in a deadly almost dance-like exchange be it from Naruto using his superhuman speed to evade the close-range blasts and bursts of azure fire from Azula who did so with the relentlessness of a dragon. Yet by contrast Azula was using all of her grace and agility to parry and evade Naruto's own punishing attacks that would crack away at her armor whenever they hit, as a Sky Uppercut or Brick Break made her body shudder from within as he struck out with the ferocity of a raging grizzly bear.
The exchange being ended when Naruto was able to catch Azula aiming a roundhouse kick at his side and using it as the impoteus to send her bouncing across the colosseum grounds with a Vital Throw, with Azula showing an unnatural amount of toughness in quickly recovering, as she used the momentum to backflip onto her feet. All before weaving her hands in flourish-like arcs as lightning began to arc and crack around her before she unleashed a blast of lightning at Naruto who in responded thrust his hand outward and used Thunderbolt to counter and neutralize it.
"Wait a minute, you can shoot lightning without chakra?!" Naruto questioned in surprise in having not sensed any chakra used in her last attack
"Yes, it is one the many talents I possess. After all, lightning is merely the cold-blood sister of fire." Azula answered back with a smug expression on her face
"I'm not gonna lie, your pretty awesome, Princess. Here I thought this was gonna be a walk in the park." Naruto said causing a smile to spread across her face
"While, I am glad to see someone acknowledge my prowess. I'm afraid that it will do little to stop your inevitable defeat." Azula said back as unleashed another torrent of lightning against Naruto who countered with another Thunderbolt
"You say that now, but here's the real question…Can you dodge this?" Naruto asked back as he stomped on the ground as he used Earth Power
The ground around him began to shake and tear apart as merigold and earthen brown energies began to rapidly travel toward Azula before soon erupting around her in a mighty explosion of power and force from the earth itself. Yet to Naruto's and his teammates surprise Azula was able to neutralize a good chunk of the attacks power by surrounding herself in a barrier of sapphire-colored flames to protect herself, like a fiery bubble of scorching flame that illuminated itself against the pillar of terrestrial power.
…Yet Azula did not come out of this unscathed given that her chestplate had been blasted to a crumpled heap to the point she was forced to discard it, revealing smoking chainmail underneath, her greaves and shinguards cracked and her breathing somewhat ragged as she felt her ribs having been cracked under the weight of the attack. However, instead of any sort of trepidation or worry in her features there was a sort of dark delight that danced in her amber eyes at the fact that there was someone who could fight as her equal…perhaps in superior in pitched combat; causing her flames to dance brighter than normal, turning from sapphire to a deep shade of royal blue.
All the while Naruto was grinning as well as he began to channel energy into his left hand for a Focus Punch as Azula surged forward like a bullet with a wave of flames right behind her, as Naruto held his stance as Azula surged towards him ever closer as she rose into the air and soar forward like a eagle into the sky before descending down. It was as she was a dozen or so feet away from him as she began to pinwheel dowards did Naruto leap into the air to meet and clash against her, as the air itself seemed to shake with streaks of merigold and royal blue erupting from the collision point.
The two briefly clashed against one another before the energies imploded upon each other and sent the two hurtling from one another, but Azula ever the persistent one used her flame manipulation to propel herself toward Naruto like a falcon divebombing toward its prey. Yet once she got within range, Naruto was able to use Teleport to evade by a hairsbreadth before she could punch him in the sternum and land an accompanying fireball along with it, yet Naruto was quick to reappear behind her and land a Sucker Punch to the back of her head; causing her neat bun to unravel into a curtain of raven-colored hair.
All before Naruto unleashed a follow-through Thunder Punch to the middle of her back that sent her careening to the ground below, as it blasted apart a large section of her chainmail shirt, while both some of her ribs were cracked open and she was intensely electrocuted as well as she descended downwards. Yet as she began to crash down she managed to turn herself around and not only stop her descent as she forced flames to jet out from beneath her to keep her aloft, but also shoot out a torrent of supercharged flame as Naruto continued to dive down towards her.
However, instead of teleporting out of harms way as he normally would; Naruto used Double Team to generate a doppleganger to throw him out of the way and further towards Azula at such speeds that he nearly began to form a mach cone around himself. And yet as he touched down onto the ground he used every ounce of agility and balance possible to use Wicked Blow in order to launch himself into her stomach with such force that not only was her chainmail blasted off of her body, but she herself was sent flying into the coliseum walls with great force.
Once the smoke cleared and a solid thump was heard it revealed an unconscious Azula sprawled out on the ground with an distorted looking orangish-purple bruises nearly the size of a human skull on her midsection, as she breathed out in labored breaths; with Naruto quick to teleport toward her and begin using Heal Pulse on her.
"Wow, that Naruto guy is really strong!" Ty-Lee said impressed that Naruto was able to defeat Azula
"To be fair, he could've defeated her within seconds had he not been screwing around." Sasuke remarked
"What do you mean?...Is he actually that much stronger than Azula?" Ty-Lee questioned as Sasuke smirked at the bruntette
"Trust me when I say that, my comrade is far stronger than he let on…The only reason why Lord Ozai's daughter lasted so long against him, is due to the fact that he wanted to put on a show. Nothing more or less than that." Sasuke answered back knowing that Naruto was far, far more capable than nearly anyone in the country bar the likes of their sensei, the Daimyo himself, Lord 4th and the Sannin
"Give Naruto a break, Sasuke. Let him have a little fun…Besides, he did give her hell and then some." Sakura replied in giving a light elbow to the stony-faced swordsman
"Regardless, my point still stands. That being said, however, he did put on a great performance against her." Sasuke said as Naruto eventually finished healing Azula
"You guys took on an assassin by yourselves, and one of you are strongest enough take down Azula…What can't you guys do?!" Ty-Lee said in amazement of the genin's talents
"Trust me, there isn't anything we can't do…Just wait till you see us in action. Then we'll pull off some stuff that'll really knock your socks off!" Sakura swore to Ty Lee
"That sounds wonderful!...Maybe I could see what your friend can do sometime while your in the capital?" Ty-Lee asked as Naruto helped Azula to be taken to the medical facilities
"If possible then yes. After all, it wouldn't hurt to showcase some of what I'm capable of…After all, I feel that it wouldn't hurt to showcase what I am capable of with my 3-Swords-Style. That is if you are interested?" Sasuke answered back
"I don't know what that is, but it sounds awesome and I wanna see it!" Ty-Lee exclaimed starry eyed at whatever this was
"Oh you're going to be in for a treat." Sasuke replied with a small smile happy to showcase his abilities in kenjutsu
'So Sasuke's starting up something with a circus girl, and Naruto dukes it out with the Daimyo's daughter…Honestly, not a bad way to start off the day.' Sakura remarked to herself over how the day had gone so far
(9 and a half hours later, 9:12 Pm, Jonduri, Fire Country)
Soon enough after the exhibition fight between Azula and Naruto, as the latter of the two was in his hotel room in his pajamas sitting beside himself starring at the starry night before Sakura came to check in with her 'brother' and see how he was doing.
"So how're you doing champ?!" Sakura asked with a proud grin on her face
"To be honest, I'm feeling pretty good…Great actually, since I'm pretty sure I just beat the odds against Lord Ozai's daughter." Naruto answered back in having felt pretty great about his victory overall
"Well, of course, you should, you overpowered goof! I mean seriously, you've done what a lot of other suitors, and jonin alike have tried and failed to do to get her hand…So to that, I say congrats!" Sakura said with pride and joy in her 'little brother'
"Thanks, and I'll give her her roses. She's definitely something else in a fight, and to say that she's a jonin level threat is an understatement. Because it felt like she's more of a top-tier one than that, hell if anything she could maybe be a solid Kage-level threat if she wanted to go all out." Naruto remarked from what he felt with Azula during their fight
"Wait really? I know she's strong, but is she really 'that' strong?" Sakura inquired
"Trust me, Sakura. When I was fighting her, I could see her aura, and she has a lot more in her gas tank than she let's on…So trust me when I say that she's powerhouse in the waiting." Naruto answered back
Since the inheiritor of Arceus's will saw and felt that during their fight that Azula's power were more than what she even knew she was capable of, as the only way he could possibly describe it was that…it felt as though she had the power of a living sun within her, and that all that was needed to utilize such strength; was to reach out and take hold of it.
"Damn…Now that's something to think about. Especially, when she was going at it with you pretty hard." Sakura remarked at Azula managing to put Naruto through his place for a bit
"You don't need to tell me that, Sakura. Because holy crap; was she really was an awesome fight to go up against!...Honestly, this whole mission has worked wonders for me the more I think about it." Naruto replied with a rising smile across his face
"Really?...I mean I know it's been great since we took down an assassin all by ourselves, and got a pretty big payout from the Daimyo. But I gotta ask how that is, exactly?" Sakura inquired
Well, for the first time since we went to go do our 'asssessment' in Takigakure. My scar hasn't itched or bothered me days…I haven't thought about the twin terrors that are my brother and sister, and moreover I haven't had anything that normally weighs on me normally bother me since we've left the village…So to be honest, I've felt fucking great!" Naruto answered back
"And it kind of made me realize, that…maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea that once I made Chunin. That I find a place that's a ways away from the village." Naruto added causing a puzzled look to come across the pink-haired assassin's face
"So what, you're gonna leave the village then?" Sakura asked almost apprehensively
"Not necessarily…I mean don't get me wrong, I love being in the village and hanging out with you, Sasuke, Kazushi, Hanabi, Choji, or anyone in the village that's around me. Since you guys are irreplaceable and then some." Naruto answered
"It's just that with everything else going on, between Pervy-Sage trying to force whatever nonsense prophecy he's got for me, my folks finding out about my doppleganger, and Mizore and Toshiro still being assholes…I just think that maybe a change of scenery would be better for me is all." Naruto further elaborated in feeling that a change from the village would help immensely
"Well, if that's the case. Then just promise that you'll swing by and visit when you get wherever your new place is. Because I'd miss the hell out of my 'brother' if you were gone…Things just don't hit the same without you." Sakura told the superhuman blonde who cracked a smile
"Hey, you aren't gonna get rid of me that easy. I may be a demigod in waiting, but I'm never gonna be too far from one of my favorite people in the world!" Naruto said before he was wrangled into a side-hug from the pink-haired terror
"I better be one of your favorite people in the world, you goof!" Sakura said back as Naruto chuckled and returned said side-hug
"Of course, you are, who else is gonna be my fellow menace in arms? Because even if I'm stronger than Madara Uchiha on bath salts, I'm gonna need my best buddy there with me to cause havoc." Naruto replied with an impish grin on his face
"Hey, I'm always down to cause chaos with you, Naruto. All you have to do is say something and I'll be right there to start shit." Sakura told the superhuman blonde
"Trust me, with all the stupid stuff that goes on in my life. There won't be a shortage of fuckery that I'm willing to get up too…Also, when we get back to the village. You wanna help me mess with Pervy-Sage?" Naruto replied
"Just say the word for what the game plan is, and I will be ready to fuck his life up…I mean we already did a number on him after the hot-springs incident we all pulled off." Sakura said back with a devious grin of her own
"Yeeaahhh, that was great. But to be honest, I think we can do better." Naruto replied as his impish grin began to broaden
"What do you have in mind? Because I doubt there's much that can top what we did; when we knocked him out and left him in BDSM gear in front of everybody." Sakura said in wondering what they could do to top said incident
"I've got a few things I've been thinking of, but I wanna workshop them with you first." Naruto told her
"Alright let's hear a few of 'em, Naruto. Since they've gotta be good to top what we did to Lord of Lechers." Sakura spoke as Naruto went over to his backpack and pulled out a satchel
"Alright, I've got a few that are good, and then some pretty decent ones…So let's start narrowing down which one's are gonna be great the next time he comes around." Naruto replied as the two began their plotting of their next prank against the Toad Sannin
Meanwhile, whilst Naruto and Sakura were busy plotting against the Toad Sannin; Azula who after being checked upon by the court doctors was currently in her room; both pouring over books on warfare and combative techniques…or at least she would've continued to do so had she not been visited upon by her Uncle Iroh.
"What do you want, Uncle?" Azula asked tersely
"There is no need to be so harsh, Azula. I simply wanted to come and see how my niece was doing after her exhibition, against one of her saviors." Iroh answered back as he walked into his niece's room
"To be honest, Uncle. I am faring better than expected…If anything my recent defeat has left me inspired and interested in Naruto…and his friend" Azula told the greying ex-general
"You interested in a boy?...Now this is a first if I've ever seen one." Iroh said back as he went to sit across from Azula
"Is it truly that hard to believe that I would have an interest in boys?" Azula asked back
"Yes…" Was Iroh's deadpan response
"If all you're coming here was to accomplish, deriding me for my 'interests' then the door is that way." Azula replied gesturing toward the door
"I'm joking, I'm joking…If anything I'm elated to see that your taking an interest in the opposite gender. After all, with you being as ambitious and headstrong as your father. I was starting to think that you run out of suitors." Iroh said back putting his hands up in a placating manner
"That is because all of the suitors father and…mother had chosen before she left. Were weak simpletons, who couldn't hold my attention, or match my strength in any capacity." Azula spoke
"Yet with these two it is hard to explain, Uncle. On the other Naruto is someone who makes for a fantastic rival, to further myself. The level of power he has is unreal, and yet for some unknown reason he refuses to go further with it, when he could dominate all those around him. Meanwhile, the Uchiha is something I wished that my suitors were. He is driven, commanding, knows what he wants and is a skilled tactician, in tandem with being a talented swordsman…I am almost tempted to visit Konoha to know more about him." Azula further spoke on the subject
"If that is the case then why not spend the time in getting to better know him, while he and his teammates are here? I'm sure he wouldn't be too adverse to getting to know you." Iroh suggested
"That does sound like a very sound plan…However, I don't know where to start with him." Azula replied
"This is one of the few times where I envy Ty-Lee…Everything in terms of socializing with everyone comes so easily to her. Yet every time I talk to a boy, and before I know it they're running with their tail between their legs…I may as well have horns, fangs, and hooves with how many times I scare off everyone." Azula added in more than self-aware enough to know that she has scared off more than her fair share of boys when she tried to be 'sociable'
"Then perhaps it would be best if you take things…not as intensively with this young man. As if you are serious about wanting to get to know this young man as you are. Then perhaps think of this, as though you are trying to win an important battle for Fire Country…After all, I know more than anyone that not all battles are won with domineering force and overwhelming ferocity. Some more often than not require finesse and precise planning." Iroh replied in the best way he knew to reach his niece on the subject
"Hmmm, you do present a very good point…I will make note to do so in my future encounters with Sasuke…He is far too much of interest to me to simply let him slip through my fingers." Azula said back as her mind started to strategize the best ways on how to sway Sasuke to to her
"Then I wish you the best of luck, Azula. I'm glad that even in my old age, that I could be of help." Iroh said glad that in some ways he could still help out
"By the way, Uncle. There was one additional thing I want to ask before you leave." Azula said to the Dragon of the West who began to rise from his seat to leave
"What is it?" Iroh questioned
"Do you think that I will be a good leader, once father passes the throne to me?" Azula asked the 'Dragon of the West'
"You have an indomitable will, are one of the strongest young women that I know, and a resolve that would put most Kage to shame, and a talented mind that would make you a terrifying commander in times of war…So if I were to choose anyone to lead the country should things become dire, then I would choose you without question…As I have no doubt in my heart of hearts that you excel when the time comes." Iroh answered back causing a small smile and slight reddening of his niece's face
"Thank you, Uncle. Those are very much appreciated words." Azula thanked her Uncle
"Not a problem at all…Now then, get some rest. You still need to recover from your match...You did take quite a lot of punishment today." Iroh advised to Azula
'Naruto Uzumaki…Hmm, I think that I've finally found my potential equal in you..And to you Sasuke Uchiha, perhaps a future suitor and someone finally worthy of my time..' Azula said to herself with her smile widening as potential strategies began to swarm in her head concerning the blonde
So with Azula having been safely escorted back to the capital, and her assassin having been eliminated; we see also that Naruto and Azula test themselves in a bout that showcased more of what each had to offer in a thrilling battle…What awaits our intrepid genin team when they return to Konoha, is something you'll have to stay tuned for the new chapters of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
Alright, that takes care of that as I hoped you enjoyed part 2 of the Royal Escort chapter and everything that went in on it, since what went on here in the capital going forward is gonna be coming back for both Jiraiya and Naruto in varying degrees…and trust me both are gonna change things even further than what they already are when we get into it.
That being said, I'm glad to see that thus far everyone has continued to enjoy the story since there's still so much I have to tell concerning the story, and I can't wait to share all of what I've got in the works with you guys. So that being said, I hope I will continue to see you guys support the story and share it out with everyone as we continue Part 2 of the story.
So with all that being said this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with the next chapter having Naruto and Hanabi going out more, and our blonde meeting with Gaara and all the stuff that will entail.
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: Burn by Sevendust
Now then onto some of the prior reviews from the last chapter.
Skull Flame: Oh yeah, as this version of things with Orochimaru has them as someone who isn't more sensible in their decisions but actually has common sense to things more often than what you'd normally see. Given that they know what will happen when you combine all 9-tailed beasts for the 'superweapon' that Pein wants, and as such wants no part of it; given that they would've researched and studied what such a thing could bring. Hence why they weren't really having it when Zetsu was trying to compel them to return to the Akatsuki. This brings me to another point that Kaguya and by proxy the 4th Shinobi War probably won't happen, due to the fact that without Zetsu in play Kaguya can't really come back for her revival in the story. On top of that with how things have shifted so far in the story, a lot of factors that went into the 4th Shinobi War and it setting up for Kaguya to come back can't really come to pass, and as such I doubt that Kaguya or said war will happen in the story.
SPark681: Well, I'll say this much it ain't gonna be a walk in the park. Given how Orochimaru would no doubt keep that stuff under lock and key, with how valuable they are to their operations. So if Naruto does go after those remaining plates, then he's gonna have his work cut out for him in reaching them...Which is to say if Orochimaru doens't somehow sweet talk him into joining their side.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: That's the thing there in that Minato is self-aware enough to recognize that while he can't be there for his son in the capacity a father would for his son, then he can still do so as a Hokage in the capacity that can be done for one of their shinobi if that makes any sense. Also, when the twins find out about Naruto and his team going on such a high-ranking/profile mission; then they're gonna be real pissed, and as such is gonna only have Kakashi reinforce why they can't go on high-end missions yet due to them being both toxic and so unwieldy as a team that going on a higher-ranking mission than a D-rank is out of the question at the current point in time. Also, with Orochimaru putting Zetsu in their place; this also opens up something that I've got planned for both Zetsu and Hidan; given that only some real fucked Bio-Weapon type shit can come out of experimenting with an immortal and a plant-based mutant like Zetsu.
God of Wind: Also, I can see that too and as such I think I can start setting something like that up for what's to come. Furthermore, they wouldn't necessarily know about it; given that in this iteration of things; the Sage of 6 Paths has faded into obscurity as a folktale and as such wouldn't have heard much about it. Also, Naruto pretty much does have a summoning contract set up more or less; except that for the time being it is Arceus who is the Pokemon's boss summon instead of Naruto who has a while to go before that happens.
