Chapter 24


Konoha

Hokage Tower

Sporadic acts of violence aren't a particular trait the Genin of Team 4 were known to possess. If anything, out of all the Genin teams that had passed in the last few years, Team 4 was practically tame despite the Uzumaki tied to their rank. In fact, the only time a problem arose with the team would be their first ever Tora mission (the less said about it, the better).

So, imagine the Hiruzen's shock when a message arrived from the Land of Snow (now named Springs) telling of a new Daimyo.

...Well, in truth, it wasn't necessarily a 'surprise' considering the true nature of the mission he'd sent the team out to complete. It was one of the many outcomes he and Danzo had predicted; the old hawk more so, as if the events were already preordained. Even now, it was hard to think someone could plan that far ahead. Say what you will about the man, but at least he's thorough.

And speaking of Shimura, there was the letter attached to the Daimyo's.

Hiruzen had to read the report multiple times just to make sure he'd read it all correctly. Even after the tenth time, he was sure he missed something important that could explain the madness on the piece of paper. Unfortunately, Kagero-hime was anything but a jester, so he had to accept what he'd read to be reality—no matter how unreal it may sound.

To quickly summarize events, Team 4 arrived in the Land of Snow where they were soon set upon by Snow Shinobi. Shortly afterwards, they were forced into hiding and eventually received help from a 'mysterious' third party claiming to know their resident Jinchuuriki. An escape plan was made, and the civilians were successfully evacuated. However, due to the contractor's 'treachery', they lost Koyuki to Doto and opted to inact a rescue mission. The mission was successful, the land of Springs was born, Kazahana Doto was dethroned, and Kazahana Koyuki has ascended as the new Daimyo. The 'Land of Springs' was then founded, while Doto was later murdered in his cell.

All in all, nothing of value was lost, and the Genin made it safely back to Konoha with no further incidents.

That was 9 days ago.

Now in the present, Team 4 stands before him. Kagero stood next to her Genin, as calm and disciplined as ever. Next to her was her Genin. For the most part, the 24 days that they were gone did very little for them in the looks department. They look as youthful as they did the day they left, not growing even an itch.

The major difference?

Killing intent, the likes Hiruzen never expected from the Genin, filled the office. It was coming off in waves, so much so that the Hokage himself found himself unconsciously gripping the armrest to not react. If he didn't know any better, he would say fully matured Konoha Shinobi walked through those doors.

And it was all aimed at their Sensei, their eyes boaring into the side of the woman's head as if trying to set her aflame with their eyes. Kagero took it in stride, the woman not even giving her students so much as a glance since they'd walked in.

"We've completed the missions assigned, Hokage-sama." The kunoichi spoke, her Genin still set in their death stare.

"That's good to hear." Hiruzen retorted, looking to the Genin before putting his gaze back on the heir. "Um, I hope there weren't any, complications."

All at once, three Genin turned to the Hokage.

"She's a witch."

"She left us to die."

"We want a new Sensei."

The three all spoke over each other, their voices overlapping into a single blob of anger. Hiruzen had to keep himself from reacting, though he couldn't help but notice the accused didn't so much as flinch at the accusations.

"Is this true?" He had to ask, the words she would say already playing in his head before she even opened her mouth.

"I did what was necessary, Hokage-sama."

Yep. Almost word for word.

"And what part of abandoning your students in a foreign nation to fight a war 'necessary'?" Neji pushed.

"Let's not forget we had to sail and travel all the back to Konoha by ourselves." Naruto added.

"Have anything to say for yourself? Or are you going to keep making excuses?" Tenten finished, all eyes judging the Shimura equally.

"I was close at all times, Hokage-sama. Their lives were never truly in danger."

"You mean like Sandayu? The man you conveniently 'replaced' as well? It makes me wonder what actually happened to him."

That statement finally got the woman to turn her attention to Higurashi, her brow furrowed into a light frown.

"Sandayu was dead and replaced long before I ever met him to confirm the contract. It was Doto's men who you met, and it was he who whispered ideas to the director about filming in the Land of Snow. If not for me, your throats would have been slit in your sleep long before you ever touched land. Meanwhile," she turned to the blonde. "If anyone's loyalties are in question, then it would be Uzumaki procuring foreign entities, not to even mention the Jinchuuriki. All of whose loyalties are in question."

"They were friends, and I trust them more than I will ever trust you." Naruto shot back.

"No one outside of Konoha is your friend, Uzumaki. Trusting those whose loyalties do not align with Konoha will only put your comrades at risk."

"Kinda hypocritical coming from someone who so easily abandons their comrades. Makes me question your loyalties."

A new killing intent was beginning to surface in the room. The usually composed Shimura's eyes suddenly gained an edge, her pupils dilating as she stared down at the blonde Genin.

"My loyalties are to Konoha. As is yours, Uzumaki." She spoke, her voice dropping an octave as she stated the fact. Unsurprisingly, Uzumaki stood his ground, turning to the woman to give her a glare of his own.

"My loyalties are to my friends and allies, while enemies are anyone who puts them in danger. You are very close to being my enemy."

*CLAP*

*CLAP*

The clap cut cleanly through the building tension. At once, all eyes turned back to the Hokage, his expression anything but amused as his hands fell back to his desk.

"That's enough, all of you." He spoke, voice hard as he brought a pipe to his lips. A puff of smoke later and he was looking to the three kids awaiting his word. "Team 4, Konoha thanks you for your outstanding work. Since your mission went far above what a C-rank demanded, we shall pay you for a B-rank plus the first mission. It will be ready for you downstairs. In the meantime-"

A rapping on the door had the Hokage pause for a moment to hail the interruption in. His secretary peaked in, the woman looking over the Genin to make eye contact with her superior.

"Hokage-sama, Shimura Danzo is here as you requested."

"Ah, just in time." The old man said before giving his attention back to Team 4. "For your hard work, I'll be putting your team on administrative leave for the next week. Take this time to relax. If nothing else, then you are dismissed."

Without another word, Team 4 bowed and turned to exit the room.

"Not you, Kagero-hime." Hiruzen stopped the woman before she could move. A bit of satisfaction filled the three Genin at hearing that, their moods lifting considerably as they cleared the room. Kagero stood unfazed, awaiting her leader's orders while the secretary ushered the new figure in.

The moment Danzo entered the room, Kagero had to force herself not to kneel out of habit. Her job done, the secretary excused herself before closing the door, leaving the three to their business.

"ANBU," the single word was all the hidden shadows needed to drop from their hidden positions. At once, they all made hand gestures before the room was momentarily illuminated in a purple hue. When it disappeared, everything returned to how it was—not even a spec out of place.

"All clear Hokage-sama." All intoned at once before a nod from there leader had them jumping back into the shadows.

"...Were we successful?" Danzo was the first to get things going, getting straight to the point.

"In a sense." Hiruzen answered before taking another hit from his pipe. "Kagero-hime, is everything you've reported 100% accurate and without fabrication?"

"Hai, Hokage-sama. Everything I have written is what I have seen."

Hiruzen let out a sigh at that, hoping that at least some of it was at least a bit exaggerated.

"Dragons," Danzo said with a hint of incredulity. "They are said to be creatures of legends and fairy tales written in children's books. You would have us believe the boy is capable of summoning such creatures."

"It is what I have seen, Danzo-sama." Kagero confirmed, her stoic disposition acting more as proof than the words themselves.

"And these, strangers. You say they were summoned?" Hiruzen pushed.

"Hai, Hokage-sama. Uzumaki ventured out into the forest and returned with three unknowns, along with the seven-tailed Jinchuuriki." The statement was expected, yet it still surprising to the former teammates. "To my knowledge, Uzumaki himself doesn't understand how she was summoned. As for the foreigners, I am sure they were not natives, and I am even more sure they hold a connection with Uzumaki's mysterious benefactor. I also believe it was they who summoned the dragons, not Uzumaki himself. Wherever they hail is where the creatures reside."

A hand went up to rub the aging Hokage's brow. To think the mysteries surrounding his surrogate grandson only seemed to grow the further they dug into his secrets.

"I take it there's more?" Danzo asked pointedly, to which his heir's brow furrowed and she began to contemplate. It was for but a moment before she was spilling her thoughts.

"Just, a query. One I must speak with Might Guy personally to confirm. Unfortunately, the mission wasn't successful in proving the Kyuubi's continued existence. Uzumaki is simply far too skilled to force him into such a situation without putting him into conditions where we may potentially lose him or his trust."

"...So, in short, we've made little progress." Hiruzen lamented.

"No, the information we have now is more than we did a month ago." Danzo corrected before turning to his heir. "You continue to do Konoha proud, Kagero."

Kagero immediately bowed at the waist at what was no doubt a praise worth 1000 pounds in gold.

"I only do what is best for Konoha, Danzo-sama."

Seeing no further reason to hold the woman, Hiruzen raised a hand to dismiss her. She was about halfway through opening the door when the Hokage called out to her. Turning, she held her gaze with the aging Shinobi.

"Word of advice. What you or I may deem as 'necessary' may not be the same for your Genin. Next time, try understanding their point of view before allowing them to confront potential Jonin scenarios. Understood."

Kagero took a moment to process what was being asked of her. It wasn't hard to find the meaning in the words, though the reason for them was a mystery to her.

"I, do not." She admitted. She trusted them and their abilities. If she did not, they would have never been nominated for the mission. How they could be upset over giving trust, to a Genin no less, was beyond her. She would go as far to say it was downright ungrateful.

"A good leader will always understand their subordinates, Kagero-hime. Expecting them to always understand you is unreasonable."

For a second, Kagero thought to challenge the advice.

A Shinobi was meant to follow orders, no matter what they may be. To question it was unthinkable—as unthinkable as defying her father, regardless of what his intentions may be.

Looking at the man in question, she sought to gauge his reaction to the Hokage's words. His face didn't change even the slightest, so she relented and bowed.

"Hai, Hokage-sama."

The words felt like a lie on her tongue.


Fodlan

Mess Hall

"OK, now that we finally have some time away from possible interruptions..." Sothis started, her voice as sweet as candy as she lovingly caressed her ward's head before-

*TWACK*

Naruto rubbed his head soothingly as he desperately tried to ease the growing lump on his head. Floating in front of him, the Goddess's hand smoked as she glared down at him with Divine fury.

"What were THINKING pulling out such a dangerous technique like that?! Do you have any idea the strain you put your body through with such a stunt? Or, let me guess, you weren't thinking at all, were you?! How many times must I tell you that acting in such a brash way only leads to accidents and potential death!"

"I don't see what the big deal is..." The flat reply nearly caused the Goddess to burst a blood vessel in her temple.

"You tore every muscle in your body! That's not to even mention the damage you did to your bones! The pain alone was enough to knock you unconscious, Child!"

"But you fixed me."

"It's the principle, Child! The PRINCIPLE!"

She all but screamed, the blonde thankful no one was around to hear her voice. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, a hand went to her brow to ease the growing headache. "I don't even know why I bother. You're just going to do it again like the wreckless buffoon you are."

"Flayn said that's part of my charm." Naruto commented, smiling knowingly before popping strawberry into his mouth.

"There is no 'charm' in being reckless, Child. And whatever charm you do possess cannot be seen if you were to perish in your reckless endeavors." Sothis argued.

"But I had to protect my friends. There was no other way I could think of to break through his armor without killing him." Was the blonde's defense.

"So killing is off limits, but potential permanent brain damage is OK?"

"At least he'll still be alive to think about what he'd done...and pay for the medical bills."

"Th-the stupidity..." Sothis had no counterargument to that, though it was mostly due to the fact she was too flabbergasted by the statement that she nearly shut down.

"I really don't see the big deal." The blonde popped another strawberry into his mouth before continuing. "I didn't kill anyone. The only one I hurt was myself, and I kept my promise. Why are you mad?"

"Why must I have a reason to acknowledge your suicidal behavior or the clear lack of care you show for yourself? Does the possibility of death not warrant caution?"

"But I can't die." Naruto said with surety in his voice. "I made you a promise—a promise that I would change the world. I can't die before I fulfill that promise."

"You would put the weight of mere words over your own life?" Sothis asked. In truth, she was slowly beginning to develop genuine anger. She was frustrated at the boy for refusing to see anything other than the self-destructive path he chose to walk down, but in truth, she was frustrated with herself for allowing this to go on for as long as it had.

"But my promise to you means everything to me." Naruto spoke, halting her thoughts for the moment. The sheer intensity in the seafoam orbs that looked up to her spoke of sincerity and an emotion not easy to make out through his ashen stare. "You are the reason I'm no longer alone. Without you, I would have never met so many great people. I would have been alone in this world, no friends or family to call my own. You are the reason I have something to protect, and are my reason for living. If I can't do something as simple as keep my word, then I have no right to call you my friend. My will to live will never be as strong as my desire to protect what is precious to me."

For the longest time, Sothis was silent. For the life of her, she couldn't think of a single thing to say to that, her mind coming up blank every time. The words had taken whatever fight and anger she had inside of her and stomped it viciously into the flooring.

How exactly did one react to that? Was she even meant to say anything? Why was he still looking at her like that, and when did it get so hot in here?

Sothis suddenly found it hard to look at her ward and turned away. Absent-mindedly, a hand went up to her bangs, twirling the strands idly. Soon enough, she realized how long she'd been lost in her thoughts and decided to say whatever first came to mind.

"W-well, I suppose I'll take that to mean you truly value our relationship, so I'll let this slide...for now." She ended with a slight mumble while finding the roof to be particularly interesting.

"Excuse me."

A voice cut the atmosphere.

Instantly, both turned to the source; their surprise a testament to how deep they were in their conversation. Due to the lighting (that being a candling in their hand), not much could be seen of the new arrival in regards to her attire aside from her upper body. A simple sleeveless beige shirt adorned her top, it's dampness a sign that some form of exertion has taken place.

As for the arrival themselve?

A pale face adorned with hair as white as her skin looked on with intense violet eyes. She had a lithe, delicate form that gave a hint to her younger years. If that wasn't enough, then her stature would be a greater indicator.

She was short.

Like, Sothis short.

In fact, if the two were put side by side in the Goddess's younger former, she'd only stand over the Goddess by 2 inches (approximately 4 inches taller than Naruto himself). The only clue to her maturity was the slight baritone in her voice, and even then, you'd have to be looking for it.

"Sorry if I disturbed you. I wasn't expecting anyone to be around at this time of night."

"...It's fine. I just got here." Naruto was able to reply this time, while Sothis observed silently.

The woman's eyes glanced at the bowl of strawberries that was still half full before a small smile played across her face.

"Late night snack, I suppose?"

"I was actually bringing this to share with a friend of mine... Guess I got hungry along the way." Naruto admitted, taking a moment to glance at the bowl of fruit before offering, "Want some?"

"Maybe another time." The girl chuckled. "I don't believe I've seen you around the monastery before. Are you a new student?"

Naruto truly didn't know how to answer that. In the past, he and Flayn did their best not to mingle with any of the students since there was no logical explanation for his presence. The best they could do was introduce him as a relative if the need arose, yet even that excuse has holes—more so in this situation, so what could he do?

"I'm a student."

The sigh Sothis let out was audible.

"Oh? From what House do you hail?"

Damn...

"...The Leaf."

Quiet passed between the two, both unmoved and expressionless.

"You're not a very good liar." The girl intoned.

"That's what my friends say...though I'm starting to believe I'm not very good at telling the truth either." The comment gave the unintended effect of making the girl cover her mouth melodic chuckles escaped.

"You're interesting, if nothing else." She commented before gesturing to the spot next to him. "Do you mind if I sit? It's not often I get the chance to speak to those outside my house."

Not seeing any reason to deny, Naruto nodded and the girl sat, placing the candle down next to his own. Now closer, he could make out her expressions more clearly, her eyes holding a curiosity he wasn't able to see before.

"You are not native to Fodlan, are you?" She decided to go right in, that inquisitive look not leaving her eye.

"...Do you always creep around this late at night?" The blonde countered, to which a smile grew on the girl's face in return.

"For the most part. I often find it hard to stay asleep, so I walk to keep my mind active."

"Isn't that counter-productive?"

"Only if sleep is my end goal. It is common for those in my position to sacrifice sleep in order to perform the duties expected of us. However, a tired mind will only serve to make matters worse in the long run, so I often take Arum Lilies to ease me back to sleep."

"That, uh, sounds kinda unhealthy." He decided to say, even if he didn't truly understand what 'Arum Lilies' were.

"If it were anyone else, I'd agree. Unfortunately, I've little choice. My ambitions demand that I make small sacrifices in order to see a brighter future. How about yourself? Why are you up this late?"

Naruto blinked at that. He did not have a conventional answer for the question, but he did have a question he wanted answered.

"Are you a princess?" From the way she talked to the way she sat, all the signs of nobility were practically falling in place. If the girl wasn't a noble then he would eat his sword.

"Are you related to the Archbishop by any chance?"

There was a lull in the conversation. Naruto stared at the girl blankly while the stranger leaned on a fist—a knowing look in her eye from throwing the blonde's tactics right back at him.

"Tit for tat, Child." Sothis commented amusedly.

"...No." He begrudgingly admitted.

"Then what is your relationship to the church?"

"...You ask a lot of personal questions for someone you just met." The blonde stated, his training kicking in at the realization.

"True, though I do believe I am justified in this matter, especially when one as mysterious as yourself appears." She said, her meaningful smile dropping ever so slightly.

"How am I suspicious? If anything, you're more suspicious than me." The blonde accused.

"The fact that you do not know who I am, yet are currently taking sanctuary in the manestary is questionable enough to raise suspicion. The only reason I do not suspect you to wish me harm is that even the most common civilian is aware that Arum Lilies are poisoness. So much so that a single drop of its nectar is enough to put a babe to sleep, permanently."

Naruto stared at the girl aimlessly. It had been a while since he'd fallen into such a trap and it felt somewhat humbling. It was his own fault of course, but at least it was from someone he was sure he could take and not another that witch or another Shinobi trying to get the better of him.

"...So you are a princess," was all he could think to say.

"In a sense." She chuckled. "Though it is not a term we use in the Empire. In truth, I am heiress to the throne of Adrestia." She said with a bit of flair, sitting straighter with a look of expectance crossing her features.

"Where is that?"

The question made the heiress visibly sag in shock. Despite her upbringing, her mouth hung agape and all elegance left her as she stared bewilderedly at the blonde.

"You, are either very ill-informed or the most remarkable actor I've ever met." She said, hoping her words would bring a reaction. Unfortunately, the only thing she received was a tilt of the head and that same unemotive stare she couldn't see through. "If, you do not mind me asking, how old are you?"

"Twelve." The boy answered easily enough.

"Only two name days..." The heiress mumbled to herself. "And where are you from?"

"A place far far away."

The incredulous stare the white-haired girl gave him mirrored the Goddess in his head.

"You do realize such an answer only makes you more suspicious."

"...Sorry. Force of habit... And you wouldn't believe me if I told you, nor can I. I wouldn't be a good Shinobi if I did."

"She...nobee?" The girl tested the unfamiliar word on her tongue.

"It's, uh, a job... A very, conspicuous one..."

"I see. And what is it you do as a 'Shinobi'?"

Naruto thought of the best way to answer that question without being too informative.

"I help people for a living... Mostly our own, but there are times I get to travel outside my home to other countries. Like recently, I saved a princess."

"Did you now." The girl said with some curiosity at the blonde who visibly stuck out his chest in what she assumed was pride. "And would you care to share such an adventure? Or am I not worthy of such a tale?"

"Only if you're not easily jealous." Naruto shot back, the beginnings of excitement feeling him as the chance to retail his adventures had finally come.

"I'm not so sure about jealousy, but I do know I'm intrigued enough to listen. I only question if your storytelling skills are as good as your boast."

The blonde's excitement only seemed to grow at the challenge.

Taking a moment to organize the events, he began his tale.

Without giving too much detail of his home, he spoke of his ventures.

He told her of his mission to Taki and of the girl they met via her sending his friend through a wall. He spoke of the ambush leading to her village, as well as her poor vocabulary. He then went on to tell of the mission to snow and how a famous actor princess turned out to be an actual princess. From there, he could tell that the more he went on, the less believable it sounded to someone not affiliated with the Shinobi world.

But nevertheless, she listened—all the way till he got to the part where the Land of Snow became the Land of Springs.

"My, your work sounds adventurous." The girl commented, even if she questioned the validity of the story.

"It has its ups and downs, but I can't think of a better job." Naruto replied proudly, to which the girl gave him a knowing smile.

"Well, if there's ever a time your passion for the sword runs dry, I have every confidence in your ability to be a bard. Though, you'd do well to add a bit more tone to your dialogue."

There was a giggle, but not from either of the two present.

Suddenly, the girls expression changed from amusement to curiosity. There was a question on her mind—one she'd been meaning to ask since the boy had first revealed his profession.

"Sorry if I'm being blunt, but why the life of a mercenary? Surely there are alternatives to making a living than being a sellsword, no?"

The question caused Naruto pause. He was sure the girl didn't mean to put him on the spot, but it was the first time anyone had asked him that or any reason why he wanted to be a Shinobi other than Sothis. It took him off guard, and for a moment, he struggled to answer. When he did, he spoke wistfully, as if remembering better days.

"...Because where I'm from, it's the only job where I can make a change." He admitted, turning away from the girl to look into the slowly diminishing candle on the table. "In the beginning, I only did it to be acknowledged. I wanted people to see me for who I am and not who they thought I was. I learned that that reasoning was shallow. Though I still wish for people to see me for who I am, I gained a new reason for becoming a Shinobi."

He finally looked back at the girl.

A smile spread across his face as he proudly declared, "I made a promise. A promise to change the world. To change the world for the better—one where we end the cycle of hatred. That is why I am a Shinobi, and I swore to never go back on my word." He positively beamed after his declaration, the pride he felt in himself, and the hope that she would understand.

"...I see." Yet, despite his rarely seen exuberance, the girl's face had fallen to neutrality. "And tell me, what do you plan to sacrifice to achieve such a dream?"

"...Sorry?" The blonde asked, the smile sliding right off his face.

"I wish to know what you plan to sacrifice in the name of peace." She stated more sternly, her brow furrowing as she tried to get across the seriousness of her question. "In order to change the world, sacrifices must be made. Without sacrifice, your promises are nothing but words."

The joy that had filled him vanished.

"Do not mistake my words for an act of cruelty. The world you envision is one worth building. If humans weren't so fickle, then peace would have been obtained long ago. But as long as man shall want, a society of everlasting peace will forever be unattainable. That is why I say change comes with sacrifice."

The girl broke eye contact to look at her hands. Lavender eyes stared intensely through their palm, opening and closing it as if to make sure it was actually there.

"Much like you, I too have ambitions of change. And to achieve those ambitions, I must take from others. That is an inevitability, and one of which I cannot avoid." She admitted, the words carrying a weight unknown to the blonde. "If I wish for the majority to be happy, I must upset, and sometimes kill those who oppose me. If I do not, then best case, they shatter my dreams. Worst case, they take away something, or someone, precious to me."

"So you just kill them? Just because of what they could do?"

"Yes." The girl replied almost immediately. In a rare show, the blonde's brow furrowed and a look almost resembling that of a snarl appeared on his face.

"Then you only repeat the cycle. Nothing will change, and you'll be back to where you started."

"And by sparing them, you give them the opportunity to win." She shot back, a challenging frown of her own present. "There are certain people in this world who will not listen to reason and need to be put down. There are monsters in this world who will never change and have committed acts so vile that they deserve to suffer for eternity. By allowing them to live, to walk free, you become part of the problem."

"Everyone deserves a second chance."

"NO THEY DON'T!"

The shout traveled, combining ringing of table as a fist slammed against the surface. The nearly-burnt candles fluttered, threatening to send the room into darkness yet held.

Naruto did not break his gaze from the girl whose eyes held a fire that seemed to pry into his very being. Regardless, the blonde did not back down. He refused to. What she spoke of went against everything he believed in. In the Nations, everyone thought like her, which was why there was never change. Change would not come if he thought like they did, and he refused to allow anyone to force him into believing so—no matter how many people tried to dissuade him.

Surprisingly, it was she who broke their gaze first. The anger on her face seemed to melt away into surprise before she looked away entirely. A deep breath later, and she had returned to a state of neutrality.

"Forgive me. I, lost myself for a moment." She apologized, yet it did nothing to quell the blonde's mood.

A pregnant silence passed, neither having anything to say to the other. The only thing that had changed was that the blonde was no longer glaring at the girl, but joining her in staring holes into the table.

"...It is not my intention to dissuade you from your dream." She started once more. "I, simply wish for you to understand the world for what it truly is." Unseen to the blonde, the girls hands came together to rest on the table. They were trembling, forcing her to tighten her grip so he could not see her weakness. "There are monsters in this world. Monsters who destroy with no remorse and will not hesitate to take everyone and everything you love if given the chance. All I ask is that, going down your path, you do not allow them to take that chance. The only thing worse than a tragedy...is living knowing you could have prevented it."

Finishing her spill, she hesitantly glanced over at her fellow stranger, hoping her words were meaningful council.

The boy hadn't even flinched during her speech. In fact, the only change she could see aside from the scowl was the clenched fist she had on the table.

Sighing to herself, she stood from her chair, the screeching of the wood against the floor sounding louder in the lull.

"It would seem presence is no longer wanted. I shall take my leave." Despite how the conversation had turned, the heiress gave a bow of respect. With that, she turned and made her way to the exit, the Shinobi not so much as glancing in her direction.

...

Upon leaving the mess hall, a figure immediately greeted the girl.

His elderly face and brown hair were the first indicator of who the man was, yet despite the grandfatherly smile, she was on edge.

"Ah, what a coincidence it is running into you at this hour, Lady Edelgard." The man greeted, his fake surprise combined with his sickeningly sweet tone making the heiress want to vomit.

"...What do you want." The heiress asked plainly, her gaze never leaving the older man.

"Ah, must you be so shrewd? Is a greeting not in order in encounters such as this?" He continued despite the girl's obvious hostility.

"That is certainly the case in some retrospect. However, I neither want nor welcome your presence. So I ask again: What do you want?"

The man chuckled at that, his face taking on an expression she recognized as genuine amusement.

"Cold as always. It is good to know that aspect of you hasn't dwindled even the slightest. Keep it. It shall prove useful in the coming days."

The words were as ominous as his sudden look of seriousness.

"We've found it."

The three words were like bells ringing in her ears. Her eyes widened to the point they threatened to leave her sockets, while her heart began racing rapidly.

"Where," was all she asked.

"West of Aegir, in a cabin only 5 miles away from the capital. Rumors of brigands and overzealous lords going missing have made way to my spies. Most haven't returned, but one," a grin, wide and inhuman, spread across the man's face. "The nearby villages call her the 'Angel of the Woods', and yet the bodies she stacks is nothing short of demonic. It is her, no doubt."

"...And why have you deemed me worthy of such information?" Edelgard asked, having a sinking suspicion of where this was going.

"My dear, it is because, just like Kronya and I, you have been chosen to take part in its retrieval." The man explained, his grin now downright inhuman. From his robes, he pulled out a mask. It was white in color, with the right side of the mask painted red in patterns similar to flames. "It shall be your first task as the Flame Emperor. No doubt, the completion of this mission shall prove your loyalty once and for all. Do you accept?"

Edelgard took hold of the mask, forcing down every instinct within her to not flinch away from the worm's hand. "And when do we move?" She asked next.

"Tomorrow," was his answer. "Do make sure you're in the appropriate attire. Our lord hates to be disappointed." A nod was all the confirmation she gave before turning on her heel to march back to her room. She didn't even get three steps before the worm called for her again. Looking over her shoulder, she found the man not looking at her, but at the door she had walked through not too long ago.

"The boy." He asked, curiosity lacing his tone. "He feels...familiar... Who is he?"

Edelgard glanced to the door of the mess hall. Their conversation immediately flashed through her head, a mix of dreams and aspirations.

"...No one important."


Takigakure

Fū blinked several times upon entering her home.

It was clean.

Very clean.

Like, unnaturally clean.

Her floor was dirt and grass, and even then, it was as flat as paper itself. The clothes that were once sprawled across her home for easy access were all neatly stacked in a pile on her bedroll. Even the things she salvaged from the junkyard stood in the corner next to the couch, it's status as 'tripping hazard' no longer a possibility.

And finally, there was the blonde sitting on her bed, staring at her as owlishly as she had been observing her new surroundings.

"...How did you get in?" Was the first thing that came to mind, to which the blonde slowly leaned to the side to look behind her at the doorless entrance.

"I knocked, but no one answered." The blonde replied.

"So you thought it was OK to let yourself in?" She asked.

"You weren't here, and there was no sign to say you were busy. Plus, I didn't think you'd care."

"I don't, but a warning that you're dropping by would be nice." Fū smiled before walking over to join the blonde on her bed. "So, what brings you here? Couldn't wait to see me again, huh?"

Despite the playful jab, her friend didn't reply, nor even acknowledge that he'd heard her. It made the smile she had fall right from her face.

"Is something wro-"

"Let's fight."

"Huh?" Fū stared dumbly at her friend, wondering if she heard correctly.

"Let's fight." Naruto repeated, turning fully to the greenette with an expression she couldn't describe.

"You, want to fight? As in, you want to willingly get your ass kicked?" She asked, just to make sure.

"Yes. You can hit me as hard as you want, as long as I can do the same. No powers, no Jutsu, just hands." The greenette's excitement was palpable at this point. Naruto held up a finger before the girl could get too excited. "In return, you can't ask why I'm here, and you can't ask what happened. Deal?"

Fū was on her feet before he could finish. A wild grin was on her face as she eagerly cracked her knuckles.

"Keep your secrets and get your ass outside, Uzumaki! I've been waiting to cave that face of yours in for far too long!"


A/N: I don't think I need to tell you guys who the next interlude will be, nor do I have to say it's contents. It's pretty obvious from the chapter alone.

More clashing ideals, and it all comes to a head in the next few chapters. But be warned. There be snakes in these parts 'hint hint'.

I always thought someone like Edelgard wouldn't clash well with Naruto's morality. Someone who throws away years of friendship to create a world in her image wouldn't agree with someone who isn't willing to dip his hands and blood to save the many. It won't be their last interaction, but I promise their next will be much longer.

I really tried to have this out on Tuesday, but I had to scrap the Omake. It just didn't work, and I wanted to focus more on the story and nothing else. It would have made more sense to have it in this chapter, but I will see about putting it in the next one.

For the most part, I like that the last two chapters were received well. I know it was kind of rushed, but to be honest I was running out of ideas by the end. This arc Well hopefully make up for all that. And for all of those who asked what was going on between Byleth and Kurama, You're going to find out in the next four chapters. It's going to be quite the buildup so please be patient with me. Also, after this arc you will see the changes that have happened around Fodlan thanks to Sothis's influence. It will be mentioned briefly, but I hope it's satisfactory.

As for those who were expecting the Leaf to meet Rhea? In due time. As in, after this arc lol.

As always, thank you all for the follows, favs, and reviews and have a damn good day.