Chapter 18


Fujikaze Yukie sprinted through the town, looking back occasionally to make sure her tail wasn't on her. She could not see her pursuer, but she did not stop in her sprint to safety. Turning into an alley, she moved swiftly, turning any and every corner she came across. When she was finally satisfied that the pursuer was not behind her, she slowed her sprint to a trot and took a deep breath, taking stock of her surroundings.

Construction blocked her in, but there was no sight of life anywhere around. The relief it brought had her letting out a sigh.

"Oi, Princess." Yukia nearly jumped out of her skin at the familiar voice. Turning, she found what she was dreading. Her pursuer, a blonde kid with green bangs and wearing a combination of green and orange, stood before her. His face held a look of indifference, yet she could oddly feel a sense of irritation coming from him. "Please don't run again, Princess. I can't protect you if you run."

Yukie scoffed at that.

"You? Protect me? Don't make me laugh, kid." Despite the jab, the boy did not react. "How old are you anyway? Eight?"

"Old enough."

"That's not an answer."

"Age doesn't matter when wisdom can be gained through harsh experiences."

"Ooooh, fancy words. You get that from a book, kid?"

"One of my closest friends once told me that... and my name is not 'Kid'. It's Naruto."

"Riiiiiiiight..." Yukie stared into the blonde's eyes, silently admitting that the unique sea-foam color matched well with his hair and outfit. Moments later, she sighed in defeat. "Alright, Kid. You win. Let's go..." She walked forward, defeat in her posture. The blonde's eyes never left her for a moment, but that would prove to be his undoing.

The moment she believed she was close enough, she casually raised a lock of her hair to expose her ear. With a click of her earring, a red stream shot from the canister and at the Shinobi's face. His hand immediately shot up to block the stream and Yukie was already moving before the effects of the pepper spray could set in. Turning out of the alley, she was greeted with another alley, but with a street clear to see at the end. Pushing her tired legs forward, she ran forward in hopes of losing the Shinobi in the-

Something suddenly wrapped around her. Yukie barely had time to scream before her arms were bound tight together and she fell to the dirt. Unable to brace herself for the impact, her face impacted the dirt roughly, making her see stars for a moment. Forcing her vision to focus once more, she found a pair of sandals obstructing her view.

Looking up, she found the blonde looking down on her, holding the hilt of what she thought was a sword. Unlike before, the look of indifference on his face pissed her off something fierce.

"This is for your own good, Princess." Was all the boy said before he began walking out of her vision. It didn't take long before she realized she was moving along with the blonde. However, where she was clearly running before, now she was being dragged—she was letting her displeasure be known to anyone who could hear.

"H-hey, you stupid kid! Let me go! Help! HELP! Don't just stand there watching! I'm being kidnapped! Help!" Despite her pleas, no one moved to lend a hand. Despite the boy being, well, a child, the headband strapped around his head was more than enough to deter even the most chivalrous soul. He was a child, but they knew even a child with Shinobi training was worth at least 10 civilian bodies. Risking their lives for a woman, even the famous Princess Gale, wasn't enough to risk their necks for.

Yukie's screams and pleas continued all the way till they were clear of the town. The moment they touched the road, they were stopped by three blurs landing in front of them. For a moment, Yukie thought she was saved. The metal plates around the arm, forehead, and neck of the individuals killed that hope instantly. Naruto looked to the three Shinobi that stopped silently before lifting his sword towards them—unintentionally dragging Princess Gale forward in the process and garnering her ire once more.

"I found the Princess."


Present Location: Port City

"We truly cannot thank you enough for what you're doing for us." The diminutive director spoke, scratching the back of his head nervously as he tried his damnest to keep his eyes on the Kunoichi in front of him and almost her...asset—a task proven difficult seeing as his eye came right up to her bosom. And here he thought such attire was only reserved for porn and novels.

"It is our duty as Shinobi of the Leaf to complete the mission given. Nothing more."

The director's nervous laughter grew in pitch at the straightforward answer.

"Well, um, nothing should happen, but I look forward to your company. Feel free to mingle however you please. Oh, and don't let their looks fool ya! My staff is top-notch! Nothing but professionals in this bunch!"

"...Professional." Tenten could help but mumble next to her sensei, turning to where she'd just seen one of the cast members get smacked across the face for his hand wondering a little too close to a passing woman's backside.

"...Professional," Neji echoed, a similar thing happening to his left, only the guy succeeding in grabbing a woman, only to be rewarded with pepper in his eyes and a kick to his groin.

"Ahem, yes." The director nervously laughed, rubbing the back of his head once more. "As you can see, they are all very experienced in the industry. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make sure the set is ready before sailing. Anything that's ours is yours, so don't hesitate to ask!" With that, the old director scurried off, yelling at one of his staff about matters none of them paid particular attention to.

Turning, Kagero looked over her Genin, preparing to give orders before she realized something quite obvious.

"Where is Uzumaki?"

"On the boat... Fishing with the princess." Tenten confirmed, somewhat exasperatedly.

"He said he had a feeling we were going to need food. Wanted to get a head start on it." Neji added, just as exasperated. Their sensei acknowledged their words before turning to walk onto the boat. Ignoring the flurry of activity going on throughout the ship, the trio sought out their blonde member. They found him hanging off the edge of the ship railing, doing exactly as the Genin said he'd be doing.

Thing is, he wasn't alone.

Sitting next to him, arms restricted to her sides and a fishing pole tied to her back, was none other than their 'top priority' for this mission, Fujikaze Yukie. Face a modicum of calm, she looked to the approaching Shinobi; the fight in her long since deminished since her capture.

"Oh great. As if one of you wasn't bad enough, now I'm forced to deal with all four of my kidnappers. Tell me, you guys get your rocks off from seeing your victims tied up?" The movie star drawled, observing the incoming Shinobi before her gaze landed on their leader. Her eyes seemed to look the woman up and down before saying snidely, "I know this one does."

Despite the clear insinuation, it slipped right off of the Sensei's skin as she turned to the blonde hanging over the edge to ask, "Is there a reason she is still restrained?"

"She tried to run again." The blonde stated simply, not looking away from the sea. Apparently, nothing else had to be said on the matter because Kagero simply nodded before looking back at the unamused and unashamed princess.

"It'll take two days to arrive in the Land of Snow. Please do not cause anymore trouble for us until we get there, Yukie-sama."

The Genin expected the woman to snark back, but was slightly taken off guard when her head fell in what they thought was defeat. "You really have no idea what's going to happen, do you?" She said softly, almost impossible to hear over the water and movement around them.

"There is no need to worry about your safety. My team is more than capable."

Yukie snorted at the words.

"And I'm supposed to just take your word for it? That I'm apparently safe because some bimbo in a wet-fantasy costume and her kids say they can protect me? In that country?"

"It is our mission to protect you, and we will. All we ask is that you are cooperative and stay out of danger." Kagero reaffirmed, not at all affected by the woman's insult.

Yukie shook her head, almost looking disappointed.

"Doesn't really matter what I do while on this trip. As far as I'm concerned, you killed me the moment you accepted your 'mission'. The least you can let me do is grieve while I'm here. How about making yourselves useful and grab me a bottle of sake? If I'm going to die, then at least let me have a few drinks before I kick the bucket."

"Geez, what a drama queen." Tenten whispered to her teammate, the Hyuga oddly agreeing silently. The look the actor gave the Genin told them she had heard and was not impressed.

"Don't worry, Princess," Naruto reassured, looking down to make eye contact with the actress. "I may be small, but I kick ass. You'll see. Just wait until someone tries something-"

Nearly at the same moment he turned, the string on the fishing pole moved. Not a moment later, the string was pulled. It didn't matter what was on the line. What mattered was that the fish not only yanked the pole, but the blonde as well. One moment he was sitting on the railing, and the next, he was yanked off the edge and into the sea. Team 4, the tied-up Yukie, and anyone who'd seen the blonde get pulled into the sea looked over the deck—most shocked aside from the Shinobi.

Strangely enough, no one jumped in to save him. Whether no one knew how to swim or everyone was sure the Shinobi kid would survive, time ticked by. It wasn't until a full minute had passed that one of the actors was ready to jump in.

Thankfully, it was not necessary.

He did re-emerge, but not alone. Arms high, the boy held a fish. The fish dwarfed the blonde in size, likely capable of feeding over 10 men. And yet, despite this, he did not seem to struggle to hold it up as he loudly proclaimed, "I caught dinner!"

The cheers from the crew, the relieved look from his team, and the flabbergasted expression on the princess's face were definitely worth giving them a scare.


The Next Day

The Genin of Team 4 would willingly admit they never thought they'd see themselves in their shoes. Becoming Shinobi of the Leaf, they knew it would afford them more opportunities than they would ever get from working a basic desk job, but even then, they would have never thought they would be escorting a movie star, much less Princess Gale herself.

And the kicker? They got to watch how all the magic unfolded.

Bodies sprawled about the deck, the scene on the ship was one of battle and loss. Leaning over the body of one of her closest comrades was Princess Gale, tears in her eyes and putting on a performance that would truly put even the best kunoichi to shame. Everything from her words to the crack in her voice spoke of someone in anguish, Tenten not sure she could put on such an act even on her best day. In fact, it was so good that tears were building in her eyes. It was truly a scene of mourning that only Fujikaze Yukie could perform.

"All right, stop. Sandayu. Eye drops. Make it quick. Any longer and my eyes'll dry out."

The image and atmosphere promptly shattered at the actor's casualness. Instantly, the Genin were reminded that this woman was no princess, but an actor—one who seemed to be able to flip a switch at any given moment.

Next to them, a bespectacled man with a goatee ran up to the princess—Sandayu, she guessed. Eye drops held over the actors eyes, liquid fell, the bottle was closed, Princess was happy, and he was back at their side within seconds.

"The more I watch this, the more I find it hard to believe that this is actually Princess Gale." Tenten couldn't help but mutter, her blonde teammate giving an 'un' in confirmation while the Hyuga and Shimura stood as stoic as statues.

"Please, do not let her behavior off the camera cloud your judgment of her." Sandayu voices, a smile present despite his heaving breaths. "Fujikaze-san is a dedicated actress who puts all her being into each of her roles. She is a woman who can change from a crying widow into a hardened vigilante within seconds. That is why we love her."

Looking away from the man, Team 4 observed the actress once more. She was back in her act, tears freely streaming down her face as the camera took in every bit of it. About a minute later, the director called the scene, a cheer of applause traveling through the ship as Yukie and the former 'deceased' men around her stood—satisfaction written on all but the stars' faces.

"And that is also why we need to get her to the Land of Snow ASAP. This movie is supposed to premiere in less than a month!" The director suddenly shouted, looking at Team 4 with a wide grin. "I don't know what it is, but I can feel it! This movie will be my greatest masterpiece yet! The world will see Yukie as the talent she is and we'll make history!"

"...I don't see the reason for all of this excitement. Aren't they just practicing for a play?" Sothis voiced her question, pulling the blonde from his interest in the scene.

"Yeah, but it's not a play. It's a movie... Sorta like a moving book."

"Moving, book?"

"Mmm hmm." Naruto confirmed, pointing back at the box with the lens not far from them. "That's a camera. It takes pictures, and a projector shows them on a screen. That's how a movie is made."

"I see..." The blonde could tell Sothis wasn't 100% following his explanation, but it was better than nothing. "And this...'movie' will show her acting? And the public will pay to see it?"

"Um. They'll pay a lot too since Princess Gale is very popular. It helps that the world knows a lot of the movies she does are true stories."

"Truly? And people pay to see such things when a book can easily save the memory and be revisited?"

"Some people like seeing the action instead of imagining it... Like you, for instance."

"Me?" Sothis perked a brow at that.

"You enjoy watching my life more than me telling you about it. That means you like seeing more than visualizing."

"...Huh, I never thought of it that way..."

"You seriously talking to yourself, kid?"

Naruto blinked as his surroundings came into focus once more. The first thing he noticed was Princess Gale herself standing in front of him. Glancing around, he realized that his team was nowhere to be found, along with the camera crew. Eventually, his eyes landed back on the actress, her uncaring stare a stark contrast to her previously distraught demeanor.

"...I was talking to my imaginary friend."

Yukie snorted, not saying anything as she walked past him without a care. Seeing his ward walk away, he followed at a measured pace, much to the princess's annoyance.

They ended up in the ship's dining hall, Yukie hounding the chef for a bottle of sakè before they found themselves seated at one of the tables at the back of the hall. The cap of the Sakè bottle was popped off almost the moment Yukie's rear hit the seat, pouring her a cup of the liquid before downing it just as fast. She was in the middle of pouring her second shot when she finally acknowledged the kid sitting across from her. With a sigh, she pushed the shot glass towards the kid, the blonde looking down at it blankly.

"Drink up, kid. Consider it a professional courtesy."

Naruto stared at the shot glass for a moment before looking back up at the actress.

"I'm still a kid."

The woman raised a brow at that.

"You're old enough to kill, yet not old enough to get wasted?"

"Yes... and I don't kill people."

The incredulous stare Yukie gave the blonde lasted almost a full minute.

"You're joking..."

"Why would I joke about that?"

"Kid, you're a Shinobi. It's in your job description to kill people. You're either a fool or delusional to think you never will."

"...Why?" The question seemed to confuse the woman, so Naruto continued, "I want to know why it is bad that I don't want to kill people. Why is it so wrong?"

"Because they will try and kill you." She said it as if the answer were obvious.

"And that's reason enough to take their life?"

"It's kill or be killed, kid." Yukie said simply before taking the shot in the blonde's place. Pouring another shot, she continued, "That's the way of the Shinobi. Hell, that's how this world works. If you're not strong enough, then you'll either be taken advantage of or killed. Make an enemy? Kill them or they will take everything you love. It's a shitty world, yet it's one we live in and one you can either adapt to or get swallowed up in."

"That's a very shallow way of thinking." Yukie paused the shot glass midway to her lips at the blonde's comment. "You're right. The strong are the ones who decide who lives or dies. However, if all the strong choose to kill, then when will there ever be change? How can we make a better world when all leaders think the same?"

Yukie's glass came back down to the table. Her eyes showed hurt, a sight Naruto had seen before.

"It's idealistic thinking like that that gets people killed. Good people." Yukie whispered before downing the shot and going for a refill. "I don't know if anyone told you this kid, but there is no room in this world for idealists. People like that dream big, but die young. Take my advice to heart before you end up like the many others before you."

"Is that what happened to you?" The question froze the actress in her spot, a look of hurt flashing across her face for a split second. Flashes of fire and blood splatter played through her mind, a time that no amount of alcohol had been able to drown out or make her forget.

"...That's none of your damn business." She hissed, pouring her third shot and downing it just as quickly. Her actions had been more frantic this time, almost desperate, as she poured her fourth. "Look, just shut up and drink the damn alcohol already."

"But I'm not done talking-"

"But I'm done listening, and I'm in no mood for a therapy session from a brat. Now, you can either drink with me or I'll have you replaced with that stuck-up team member of yours. At least he knows how to keep his mouth shut."

Naruto looked between the woman and the shot glass. Eventually, he caved and reached for the shot glass. Without hesitation, he downed it much like he'd seen the actress do the last three times. Regret hit him almost instantly as the burning of his throat combined with the taste nearly had him gagging.

"Don't knock it back like that." Yukie chastised as she grabbed the small cup from the blonde. "It's meant to be enjoyed, not gulped. Let the taste sit and enjoy the burn."

"How do adults enjoy this stuff..."

"With patience, willpower, and years of experience. Now, let's continue." Yukie went to pour the next shot, only to find the bottle empty. "Oi, Chef, another bottle on the double!"


It took all of two days to arrive at the Land of Snow. By then, Team 4 was more than familiar with the princess, having seen her work on set. Neither of them had anything particularly good to say about the woman in their time of guard duty, but they could finally rest well knowing they'd finally made it. Their contract would last 4 more days, but who wanted to talk about the negative anyway?

Standing on the shore, the Genin of Team 4 stood before their Sensei expectantly, waiting for her to give orders. To their surprise, it wasn't orders, but something else none of them would have ever expected.

"You have all conducted yourselves well on this mission so far. For that, I wish to present you with somewhat of a reward."

The Genin looked among each other, a feeling of confusion passing between them.

"A reward? Like...a jutsu?" Tenten asked, excitement shining bright. Her teammates did not show the girl's exuberance, but the shine in the Uzumaki's eyes and the way Neji became slightly more tense showed they were just as excited.

"Something of the sort." The Shimura said, not exactly denying their hope. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out three scrolls before tossing them towards the Genin. "What you hold in your hands are Jutsu I specifically picked out for the three of you. In order to learn the Jutsu inside, you must first decode what is written within the scroll."

At that, the Genin looked over the scrolls curiously before they each opened them one by one.

"Survival." Neji voiced, pondering the meaning behind the singular word written within.

"Only in death does duty end... How mysterious." Tenten read, her sarcasm evident.

For Naruto, the scroll did not start with words, but with a location. A location with a crystal-like image in the center surrounded by pillars that he was apparently meant to decipher in a land not his own. Below the image, his message was even more ominous than that of his teammates.

"'Progress is impossible without change. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything'... More forward than the others, I suppose." Sothis echoed the words. If the blonde didn't know any better, the biggest task looked to be on his shoulders...

"The time limit for this task is the end of this mission. Do take it seriously, for my decision to give you more in the future will depend on the success of this task." The Sensei informed her team. Before they could move it on, Naruto raised a hand.

"Any particular reason you are giving this to us now and not on the way home? Feels as if this is out of the blue...and a bit out of character."

Kagero stared at the blonde for a moment, likely deciding whether or not to answer his curiosity. "This task is meaningless outside of this mission. This is an opportunity to gain experience, which I am sure you will not get on any other mission. It will look good on your careers and likely open you to more missions in the future."

"...What are you not telling us?" Neji asked aloud, his teammates silently agreeing.

"There is nothing more for me to tell. The purpose of this mission is to test your abilities. What I have given you is a bone—a chance. If you look underneath the underneath, then I have faith you all will pass. Whether or not you succeed is entirely up to your efforts."

The Genin hummed at the response before turning their attention back to the scroll.

"Shinobi!"

The call of their titles had the entire team on edge as they turned in the direction of the voice. Running up to them were the familiar forms of the director and Sandayu, panic clear to see on their faces.

"What has happened?" Kagero questioned, allowing the men to catch their breaths.

"Y-Yukie! It's Yukie! My star has gone missing!" The director screeched, shocking most of Team 4.

"I-I was only away for a few seconds to grab her make-up. When I came back, sh-she was nowhere to be seen." Sandayu tried explaining, the panic on his face more akin to fear than anger like the director. "We've already searched the ship and the town. N-nothing! Nothing! Not a trace!"

"Calm down." Kagero ordered, looking towards her students, particularly the blonde. Understanding what she wanted, he shook her head. Getting confirmation, she closed her eyes and focused. It only took around half a minute before the tension in her body left and she looked back to the director and servant. "Worry not. She will return shortly."

The two looked taken back by the statement.

"What? Just like that?" Sandayu asked, not sure if he should be relieved or not.

What sounded like an angry tirade answered his question. Walking from the town was a familiar blonde. Behind him, tied up and cursing like a sailor, was their missing princess. The director and servant met the kid halfway, disregarding the blonde to scold the princess who had suddenly gone quiet upon seeing them.

"Yukie-sama! Do you know how worried we were?! And look at the state you're in! We'll have to find a new dress! Again!" The director shouted, getting a scoff from the woman.

"Hmph. I'm not some brat. If I want to go for a walk, then I'll damn well do it."

"I didn't know sneaking around counted as 'just going for a walk'." The blonde said, his eyes closed tight for some reason. As the director and servant argued and scolded the woman, Team 4 finally caught up to them. The second blonde seemed relieved upon feeling his counterpart nearby. "Boss, I caught the princess... Now, can you please dispell me? My eyes are killing me."

The Naruto with Team 4 blinked slowly at the other, confusion clear. "Uh, Boss. You're the original."

A moment of silence passed between the two.

"Ah... You're right..." Team 4 looked to the original incredulously, not understanding how one could forget they were a clone or not. "Sensei, can I please take a dip in the ocean? I got pepper spray in my eyes."

"...Do what you must, Uzumaki."

Getting confirmation, the blonde moved towards the ocean about 30 yards away from the group and ready to hop in. Problem was, he never let go of the rope. Yukie protested upon being dragged, but it suddenly became louder and more frantic upon realizing where they were heading.

"W-wait! Wait damn it! Hey! Untie me before youheyAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"YUKIE-SAMAAAAAA!"

A *splash* followed by the cry of the servant and director indicated that Naruto had succeeded in what he set out to do—a not-so-willing tagalong following close behind into the depths. When they were pulled from the sea, a shivering Princess Gale demanded the blonde be as far away from her as possible (for her own safety) or she would refuse to film the rest of the movie regardless of her contract. The director agreed, and the blonde was put in the only place he could reasonably be as far away from the princess as possible—that being, the back of the caravan.

It was a fitting punishment, but definitely worth it.

...

Walking through cold weather wasn't a problem for Shinobi. Their chakra was more than enough to keep their bodies warm or cool in most climates if properly trained, added with the discipline of training through harsh climates back in the academy. It was why the only thing the Shinobi had to wear on this journey was a cloak. It was more for practical reasons like hiding your movements from enemies, but it also gave slight protection from the wind.

However, though they were prepared, the same could not be said for the rest of the caravan. Heavy jackets, scarves, boots, and gloves were the only things protecting them from the harsh climate, and it barely did much at that. Add in the fact that they were now heading up a hill towards higher ground and you got quite the recipe for unhappy employees.

The only thing saving them from freezing to death was the multiple stops they took along the way, the current being their final. Hot cocoa was passed around in droves, a delicacy Naruto had never had. Of course, he readily shared with his friendly ghost, both consuming the drink in the trees—far away from those who didn't understand that it was perfectly normal to give your ghost something to drink.

Now on patrol after being fired from his last job, Naruto and Sothis observed the people below as they were setting up the cameras and various other props around the area. It was a sight the blonde had become accustomed to during his stay, one he'd likely miss once he left.

"This, movie thing is fascinating. To think humans would do so much just to see a bunch of pictures on a screen." Sothis commented, none the wiser to the white foam stache on her upper lip from her chocolatey beverage.

"It's called entertainment." Naruto retorted, a similar stache on his own lip.

"And that is not found reading a book? Or painting? I can see the attraction, but I feel as if it takes away from the experience your imagination gives."

"Some people don't have time for books or the talent for paintings. One takes hours, if not days, while the other is not easily picked up. A movie can put all of that into one without the work."

"...Sounds lazy if you ask me."

"Says the one who would rather float than use her own two feet."

"I resent that remark. Floating is just as difficult as walking. Never insult what you do not understand, Child."

"I understand that you like to hear everything but the truth."

"And I understand that your talents in debate are lacking. Now, tell me, what is that man doing?"

Naruto's eyes looked from the group below to the man in the direction Sothis pointed. He was a large fellow, almost twice the size of the director. However, where he looked feeble, this man was stocky. His features were harsh, almost as if he had been through many battles in his life.

"That's the guy who died back on the ship... Looks like he is actually working for the antagonist."

"Antagonist?"

"Villain. The bad guy of the story."

"Hmmm... So what was his purpose for betrayal? Was it money? Power? Love?"

"I don't know. I haven't read the script or watched any of the movies."

"Then how do you expect me to follow this if you yourself do not know what's going on?"

"It's supposed to be like a mystery. We're supposed to find out his motivations through the rest of the movie."

"That's stupid. Why can't I just be told now? Why must I be left in suspense?"

"Suspense is often well received in movies and books; more so in movies."

"And there is no way to simply ask the author his motivations?"

Naruto turned towards the Goddess, his eyes incredulous.

"Why would you want to do that? It would ruin the movie."

Sothis frowned back and said, "My experience is already being ruined while being held in this 'suspense'. Why can I not simply be allowed to know his motivations?"

"I told you, it's because it would ruin the movie. Holding the audience in suspense is what makes a good movie great. If they told you everything at the beginning, then there would be nothing to look forward to. No excitement. It's almost half the reason for watching the movie in the first place."

"And if the outcome is either asinine or lackluster? You expect me to waste time on a twist that potentially ruins any enjoyment I have for the story?"

"Who in their right mind thinks like that? The journey of the story is what attracts you, and the twist or suspense is what often keeps you. Take away either, and you don't have a story—just a bunch of writing on a page. I thought you of all people would understand that considering the amount of books you have in my head."

"Hmph, my books are all meant for educational purposes or to pass the time. If ever I have a book with such a plot device, I simply skip forward to see what awaits me. If I find it entertaining enough, I resume where I left off. If not, I find something else to read. Simple as that."

Naruto allowed the words to process in his head as he looked at the Goddess as if she were a fish climbing a tree. Then that fish suddenly grew legs and began tap-dancing to a tune about fearing the edge of dawn.

"What about my life? Isn't the enjoyment you get from watching me because of the suspense?"

Sothis scoffed.

"I already understand where it's going, so I am never surprised by an outcome. I'm simply entertained by the journey. Nothing more."

The comment nearly made a gear in the blonde's mind go off track.

"...Are you stupid?" Was all he could think to say in the end. The Goddess has the nerve to look offended.

"Am I interrupting something?"

The greenettes forcefully halted their discussion to turn their attention towards the voice that has joined them. Now standing on the same branch as they were sitting was Team 4's Sensei, the woman looking down on them with a face of indifference. Naruto blinked at the woman, looked to Sothis, who was likely only a floating cup in the woman's eyes, then back to woman.

"Ooooooooooo a floating cup~. How mysterious~." He tried, wiggling his fingers to add to the act.

"Save it, Uzumaki. I've long since grown numb to the supernatural surrounding you."

Kagero responded, her words earning her a grin from the 'ghost' who continued sipping at her beverage. "What do you have to report? Have you found anything out of the ordinary yet?"

The Uzumaki thought about it before looking down at the actor that had started the argument between him and his friend. "Nothing...other than the plot twist."

"...I see." The woman acknowledged. The blonde thought that would be the end of their conversation, but to his surprise, she proceeded to sit down next to him. He stared at her, confused on the reason why she suddenly decided to prolong her stay, but got nothing from the taciturn woman. Since she did not seem interested in talking, the blonde decided to follow suit and turn to the action down below.

Almost five minutes went by before the woman finally decided to speak.

"Tell me something, Uzumaki, what is it that motivates you?" The blonde and Goddess turned to the woman, both blinking in confusion at the sudden question.

"Um, excuse me?"

"Your teammates—they both have a clear motive for being Shinobi. Neji wishes to prove a point to his clan, while Tenten wishes to be known. Each has something that drives them, be it anger or grandeur. You have sworn to be Hokage, and yet I can see no reason why one who is ostracized, belittled, and abused by so many would want to protect the same people who despise him. So I ask again, what is it that motivates you?"

"...May I ask a question before I answer yours?" He asked.

"I am willing to answer as long as you keep your word to answer my own."

The blonde nodded in agreement before being as blunt as he could, "Is the reason you don't trust me is because I'm a Jinchuuriki?"

"Yes."

"...Didn't even have to think about it." Sothis commented absentmindedly at the woman's lightning-quick retort.

"But why?" He tried getting her to elaborate. There was a pause between the two, the woman looking away in a motion that Naruto took as hesitence; a first for the woman.

"...You are far too intelligent for a Jinchuuriki." The woman finally admitted it. "Aside from the Academy and myself, you have received no prior training from any other Shinobi, and yet you have skills on par with a Jonin and an S-rank Jutsu that isn't even taught to Jonin. My only guess is that you learned outside of the ANBU supervision during your...disappearances, which only leaves the logical conclusion that you were not taught by someone, but something. It would explain your intelligence, but it makes me trust you even less. The only reason you are even here and not permanently stationed in Konoha, where it is safe, is because you have those in high places that favor you, and that I am not Hokage."

"...Y'know, this may sound weird, but in a strange way, I think she actually cares about you." Sothis commented once more, the blonde having to stop himself from turning an incredulous brow at the greenette. Instead, he looked down, his eyes staring at the man below them. It was a while before he decided to answer, and when he did, he didn't bother to look back up.

"...I made a promise to someone." He started, knowing the one in question would know who he spoke of instantly. "I want to be Hokage to prove everyone in the village wrong about me...but that is only a stepping stone to my actual goal. I don't want to change only Konoha, but the world. To make it a place actually worth living in and not this constant need to fight and kill. I promised her I'd do it, and I always keep my word."

"...So that's it? Are you seriously telling me that your motivation stems from love?" Naruto looked to the woman, surprised to hear what he thought was disgust in her tone even if her face was good at hiding it.

"And what is wrong with that?" He challenged. "Why is it OK for others to be selfish with their dreams, but mine is considered naive?"

"Your dream is no dream for a Shinobi. It is the dream of an idealist." The Shimura spat, her face slightly contorting into rage. "Wars are not won by those who show kindness to their enemies. An enemy you leave alive is an enemy that will one day return to kill someone precious to you."

"But if you kill everyone just because someone tells you they are your enemy, then it makes us no better than machines and nothing will ever change." Naruto shot back, feeling himself getting riled up at the sudden turn of the conversation. "In order for there to be change, there first needs to be someone willing to go above and beyond. In order to stop this cycle of hatred, you can't do it through hate. Understanding is the only way things will ever get better in this world."

"Human hearts are not so easily swayed by words. Action does." Kageri countered. "Without power, you can change nothing."

"And without hope and leaders willing to lead by example, then there is only stagnation."

"You believe you can change the world by sticking to such morals? No man in history has ever changed the world without getting their hands dirty, and you will be no different, regardless of whether you become Hokage or not."

"I won't know unless I try."

The two stared each other down, both locked in their convictions and waiting for the other to crack. In the end, it was the older who looked away, not in defeat but in disappointment.

"I thought you'd mature over the years, but it would seem you are still the same naive child you were 7 years ago." The woman said. The blonde had a retort at the tip of his tongue for the remark, but felt as if saying it would somehow prove her point. Instead, he watched as she stood up, looking down at the proceedings happening below. "Despite your naivety, you are the most skilled among your fellow Genin."

She paused to look back at him, the blonde feeling as if she were trying to convey a message through her eyes.

"Do not let your naivety get your team and those around you killed." With that, she left, hopping from tree to tree before stopping on one to the far east of the group.

Relieved the conversation was over, Naruto looked to his cocoa, the once warm beverage now cold. Losing interest in the drink, he turned to his friend, her mug held securely in her lap as her legs kicked back and forward distractingly. He was going to go back to his watch, but a question suddenly arose in his head—one he didn't think needed to be asked, but one he saw no harm in asking.

"Sothis?" The Goddess looked his way, her eyes curious. "Do you think I am naive?"

"Of course I do." She said almost immediately, her tone that of incredulity, as if he should have already known what her answer would be. Naruto wouldn't say he was hurt by her bluntness, but he couldn't say he was completely unaffected either. "I told you years ago, what you seek to accomplish is a futile task. The hearts of man are not so easily swayed. I have accepted you not because I think it is possible to change the world through pacifistic means, but because I do not believe you to be so easily swayed to mortal desires. I've seen your desire to use my power for man, and that is why I accept you."

"...Then you agree with her then?"

"I did not say that." The Goddess denied, a frown taking place at the accusation. "Her way is more extreme, even if there is truth in her words. She is the perfect personification of this world—one who accepts it for what it is and adapts accordingly. You two are complete opposites, yet you both care in your own way."

Naruto blinked at that.

"You truly think she cares about me?" he asked, getting a chuckle from the Divine.

"She would not be so persistent otherwise." The blonde thought on the words before turning back to where the Shimura was perched. He didn't fully believe his friend, but maybe there was some truth to her words.

A loud noise from that same direction had the duo turning towards it. From the tunnel in the distances, a large medal contraption can be seen emerging on the tracks, dark smoke emitting from a large pipe at the front of the machine. Naruto and Sothis stared at the machine curiously, the Goddess's curiosity peaked.

"What is that thing?"

"It's a train." Naruto immediately answered his friend's question. The Goddess became more interested as the moving metal machine grew closer. Looking below, Naruto noticed the actors continuing their work despite the incoming contraption. Yukie was locked in combat with the man they once thought dead while her other companions battled unknown figures around her.

Screeching brought his attention back to the train. The machine had stopped right in front of the scene, the actors finally stopped their work to look confusedly at the contraption.

What happened next occurred within the span of 5 seconds.

One second, a large man appeared on the top of the train before aiming his metal-like arm at the actors.

Two seconds, the arm shot forward, going right for Princess Gale herself.

Three seconds, Kagero appeared out of thin air, deflecting the arm and immediately shooting toward the man.

Four seconds, there was a sharp noise, followed by Kagero suddenly coughing up blood.

Five seconds, a large explosion erupted from where the Shimura had been halfway to the train.

The explosion caused chaos to ensue, but Naruto saw none of it.

His eyes were too focused on the charred form that was slowly descending from the sky.


A/N: Surprise! Was going to release this in 2024 but got done editing it and the other three chapters sooner than expected so decided to have release earlier than I said I would. As you can see, most of the chapter was dialogue, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, yet kinda felt off to me. What do you guys think?

Also, I have a genuine question for you guys. A friend of mine brought my attention to the story at large. While they have no problem with Naruto's story, they say they lose interest due to the POV's of the Fodlan residents. My argument to this is that the Fodlan residents are important to Naruto's development, and future events. However, I understand what they are talking about for readers who have no interest in what goes on in Fodlan and its residents. With that being said, do you guys think it would be better if I take everything from the previous chapters regarding Byleth's POV and put it into one big chapter to better appease those who do not care for her or do I leave things how it is?

Merry Christmas to the lot of you, hope you enjoyed, and I hope you all have a damn good day!