009: Of Rites and Men
Disclosure deals with some aspects of death during this chapter.
Thunder roared as rain lashed down, lightning illuminating the grim scene beneath the death-touched branches of the Sun Tree. Seven freshly dug graves stood as silent witnesses to the carnage about to unfold, the shovel standing up by the freshest dug grave.
Keyleth, the Air Ashari druid, stood defiant, her staff crackling with arcane energy. Her eyes, fierce and determined, locked onto the serpentine gaze of Orochimaru. Beside her, an echo of Naruto stood guard, its whisker-marked face set in grim determination.
CLANG!
The sound of metal on metal rang out, a discordant note in the storm's symphony.
Uzumaki Naruto, his fury palpable, snarled as he summoned his axe to block a vicious strike from a fully transformed curse mark user. Sparks flew as the Leviathan Axe met the spiked kanabo, the impact reverberating through the air.
"Looks like these sad experiments ain't all that, Hebi-teme!" Naruto taunted, his smirk faltering as a new threat emerged.
A serrated kubikiribocho slashed between the locked weapons, trapping Naruto's frost axe. The blonde's eyes widened in shock as the massive blade tore the Leviathan Axe from his grasp.
"Shit!" Naruto cursed, stumbling backward. The kanabo wielder, seizing the opportunity, lunged forward, swinging with murderous intent.
"Blazing Bagua!"
Naruto's trained eye caught a faint amber glow on the spiked weapon. Lightning flashed, illuminating Orochimaru's murderous gaze. 'Is that a-?!' Naruto's thought was cut short as an explosion engulfed him.
In a flash, the shinobi reappeared at Keyleth's side, letting his echo take the brunt of the explosion only leaving the clothes singed and skin flushed from the heat. Steam rose from his body as he shook off the blast.
"Naruto, are you alright?" Keyleth's voice was thick with concern.
"Damn bastard put an explosive seal on the kanabo," Naruto muttered, his eyes meeting Keyleth's. "You ready with that flash?"
Keyleth nodded, uncertainty flashing across her face. "Are you sure? I could kill you..."
"Hah!" Naruto barked, a reckless grin spreading across his face. "Just hit me… On my signal."
"But."
"Kiki," Naruto said "On this one I need to be my back up, these two clowns I can handle. I've whooped one of them already. Vampire's aren't very good and controlling chakra."
He stepped forward away from the druid back into the fray. His hand moved to his hair, fingers wrapping around a concealed weapon. In that instant, the zanbato-wielding leonine beast and the reptilian curse user flanked either side of him.
CLANG!
(Play Naruto OST: Enma theme)
The ringing from the clash off weapons sang throughout the courtyard.
Keyleth's eyes widened in awe as Naruto's new staff, commissioned from Gilmore, blazed to life with electric blue arcana. The blonde stood firm, effortlessly blocking both attackers.
"Tempesta's Embrace," the druid whispered the weapon's name, but it was seemingly heard by all on this battlefield.
Sporadic sparks of electricity teetered off each end of the interictally designed staff.
Even Orochimaru's ever-present smirk faltered, an eyebrow raised in grudging respect.
With a powerful sweep, Naruto sent both cursed beasts skidding back through the rain. He twirled the staff, settling into a stance that sparked recognition in Orochimaru's eyes.
'Knee bent slightly, angled to the side, providing a smaller target,' the Sannin observed. 'Similar to that old monkey's? What did you do Jiraiya?.' The snake thought as he observed a grace to blondes' movements he had never expected. 'This brat has improved significantly in just two years.'
Lightning danced in Keyleth's eyes as she channelled her power, connecting to the storm above. The air crackled with tension as both sides prepared for the next devastating exchange.
(Play Naruto OST: Anger)
The winds howled around the battlefield.
'The air it's burning?' Keyleth thought as she felt the air around heat up. It was at that moment that she almost threw up her lunch. 'Such hatred, you can taste the malice in the air.' She glanced to source her focus almost slipping when she realised who this power was coming from.
"N-Naruto," Keyleth whispered before she maintained control of her spell. "So much rage." She muttered to herself as she began drawing from the storm clouds above.
Naruto's eyes locked onto the cursed mark user, recognition flashing across his face. "I'd remember that blade anywhere," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. His gaze swept over the transformed figure, memories of their previous encounter on the road to Whitestone flooding back.
A smirk played across Naruto's lips as he called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Hey asshat, didn't I put you down once already?" His tone shifted, becoming deadly serious. "You know I already killed your boy, right? Back at the prison we burnt down."
The cursed mark user's face contorted with a spiteful distain. "We know," the vampire snarled his voice distorted by his transformation. "That's why we decided to attack with everything we have."
'Everything?!' Naruto thought "Whelp I guess it's time to show you fakers, that there's levels to this shit," he continued his thought out loud "And I certainly hope this isn't all you have," he taunted, his blue eyes glinting with challenge.
Suddenly, the air around Naruto began to shimmer and twist. Crimson chakra leaked from his body, spiralling around him in a mesmerizing dance of power. His ocean blue eyes flickered, transforming into a baleful crimson red that seemed to glow with an inner fire. His whisker marks deepened, etching themselves more prominently on his cheeks, while his canines elongated into sharp fangs.
The two curse mark users took an involuntary step back, their earlier bravado evaporating in the face of this terrifying transformation. Even Keyleth, accustomed to Naruto's abilities, looked on in awe, her eyes wide with a mixture of fascination and concern.
From his vantage point, Orochimaru watched with undisguised interest, his tongue flicking out to lick his lips in anticipation. 'So, the boy still has access to that power,' he mused, his golden eyes gleaming with malevolent curiosity.
The air crackled with energy as a phantasmal form began to take shape above Naruto. It grew larger and more defined, until a massive, nine-tailed kitsune towered over the battlefield. Its tails lashed the air, each movement sending shockwaves of power rippling outward. The spectral fox threw back its head and roared, the sound reverberating through the very bones of all present.
The curse mark users trembled, their own corrupted chakra paling in comparison to the raw, primal energy emanating from Naruto. Keyleth stood her ground, her hair whipping in the chakra-induced wind, her eyes never leaving her transformed companion.
Naruto stood at the centre of it all, a maelstrom of power barely contained in human form, ready to unleash hell upon his enemies.
Naruto, his crimson eyes blazing with a promise of death moved until they locked gazes with Orochimaru.
'He isn't using the cloaked form just the base chakra. Interesting.' The snake thought.
This was more than a battle; it was a clash of wills, a test of how far the young shinobi had come with no master, no support. As rain pelted down and thunder rumbled overhead, one thing was clear: the true storm was about to begin.
Naruto's clawed grasp tightened around his weapon.
"Orochimaru! Even if I need break every single bone in your body you're not leaving this city alive!" Naruto roared as the chakra cut off and Naruto vanished cracking the earth beneath his feet.
Two hours earlier, in the hidden bowels of a rundown tavern, Vox Machina and the rebels huddled together, their voices hushed as they plotted to free the youngest de'Rolo from the Briarwoods' clutches. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their impending mission hanging heavy over them all.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as Percy and Vax found themselves locked in a heated argument, their voices rising above the murmur of planning.
"Time to start talking, Percival," Vax demanded, his eyes flashing with a mixture of concern and anger. "What the fuck happened back there?"
Percy's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in his cheek as he fought to maintain his composure. "I assure you, I'm in control," he retorted, heat creeping into his usually measured tone.
Vax let out a bitter laugh, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, were you in control when you pointed that thing at me?" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I saw your eyes, Percy. That wasn't you."
Percy's hand instinctively moved to the Pepperbox at his hip, his fingers tracing the intricate engravings. "The Pepperbox is a potent tool," he argued, but the conviction in his voice wavered. He looked down, shame flickering across his face. "I-I may have gotten carried away," he admitted, sinking into a nearby chair.
In a flash, Vax was upon him, grabbing the collar of Percy's shirt and forcing the gunslinger to meet his gaze. "I swear, if you turn that thing on any of us again, I. Will. Not. Hesitate." The half-elf's voice was low, each word enunciated with deadly clarity. "I will kill you, Percival."
The tension in the room was palpable, the other members of Vox Machina watching the exchange with bated breath. It was Naruto who finally broke the standoff, his hand landing firmly on Vax's shoulder.
"That's enough," the blonde said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Take a walk, Vax."
Vax held Percy's gaze for a moment longer before releasing him with a huff. He stalked off to the side of the room, where Keyleth waited, her hand gently coming to rest on his arm in a silent gesture of comfort.
Naruto turned to Percy, his blue eyes hard as ice. "Tool or not, Percy," he began, choosing his words carefully, "Vax isn't wrong. If you let your lust for revenge blind you to who's friend or foe, you won't have to worry about a knife in the dark."
The promise hung in the air, heavy and ominous. Without breaking eye contact, Naruto shrugged off his furred jacket and pulled his vest over his head, letting both fall to the floor. The rebels gasped as a spiral-like burn scar was revealed, marring Naruto's pectoral and shoulder.
"I know you've seen this scar," Naruto said, his voice low and intense. "My last teammate who gave into revenge left me with this." His gaze bore into Percy, cold and unyielding.
Percy's eyes widened, a mix of horror and understanding dawning on his face. "Naruto, I would never—"
"That's what I thought about my teammate," Naruto cut him off, his voice sharp. "But that didn't stop him from shoving a lightning-covered fist into my chest. So forgive me if I'm a little cautious." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "But as long as you keep your bloodlust in check, I have your back as always, brother." He extended his fist, which Percy bumped after a moment's hesitation, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Vex'ahlia stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "When we came here, darling, you promised us no more lies. You owe us the truth."
Percy's shoulders sagged, the weight of his secrets visibly pressing down on him. "You're right," he sighed, running a hand through his shock-white hair. "The creation of the Pepperbox began five years ago..."
With my family murdered, I had no way to strike back." Percy while subconsciously shivering as if he was remembering the cold air from that night, the snow beneath his cut up feet. "I did the only thing I was able to flee."
"I was taken by the cold current, washed away to a new life." Percy continued. "I ended up on the shores of Ankharel and before managing to gain passage back to Tal Dorei. I wandered aimlessly my days became a struggle for survival, my nights filled with fear, blood and cruel nightmares."
Naruto, Archie and the others listened with bated breath.
"The unrelenting visions of my family's death, I worried that I was going to go mad from the grief." Percy paused taking a deep breath to calm his nerves as he recounted the 2nd most traumatic thing that had happened to him. "The hatred inside me grew, vengeance burning hotter than the black powder I employ, that feeling nearly consumed me."
Naruto listened intently, his mind racing. 'Could there be a third party at play?' he wondered. 'Is Percy some kind of pseudo-jinchuuriki, or is it just the grief?'
Percy's story reached its climax as he held up the Pepperbox, his smile hollow and haunting. "I was a noble who was average at fencing at best, so I dreamt of this."
The revelation of "The List" sent a chill through the room. As Percy named his targets, Vax and Vex exchanged worried glances. "Swore to who?" Vax asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Before Percy could answer, Scanlan's voice cut through the tension. "Hold up, there are only five names. Who's the sixth barrel for?"
Suddenly, the acrid smell of smoke filled the air. Vex'ahlia and Naruto's heightened senses picked it up first, their heads snapping towards the source just as the tavern erupted in flames.
"Fire!" Keyleth shouted, already moving to contain the blaze.
As chaos erupted around them, the members of Vox Machina found themselves facing not just external threats, but the dangerous secrets lurking within their own ranks.
Forty minutes had passed, and Vox Machina moved through Whitestone like ghosts. The overcast sky and heavy rain provided a natural cloak, making their clandestine journey through the city far easier than it should have been. Droplets cascaded down cobblestone streets, creating a constant, muffling white noise that masked their footsteps.
As they crept along, Naruto's mind wandered, his thoughts drifting back to a rain-soaked training session from years ago:
'Rain makes humans uncomfortable,' Naruto mused, his blue eyes scanning the empty streets. 'No one really likes the rain; it's instinct, everyone wants to get out from under it.'
The memory of Jiraiya's gravelly voice echoed in his mind.
"Naruto, if you take anything away from this training trip, remember this: A true shinobi never has disdain for the rain. A true shinobi endures it."
Young Naruto's face had scrunched up in confusion. "What does that mean, Ero-sennin?"
Jiraiya's exasperated sigh had been audible even over the downpour. "Hmph, still a knucklehead, I see. Well, how about this..."
"What?" Naruto had asked, guard dropping for just a moment.
"DODGE!" Jiraiya had roared, and before Naruto could react, the Sannin's knee was buried in his gut, sending the young genin flying into a nearby lake with a spectacular splash.
"After Whitestone fell to the usurpers," Archie's hushed voice snapped Naruto back to the present, the Halfling's words barely audible over the patter of rain.
As they finished sneaking past a small patrol, Archie continued his explanation, gesturing to the grand houses lining the street. "These noble residences belonged to the de Rolos, showcasing your family's connections to the people," he said, addressing Percy directly. "Now they hand them out to their top cronies, the new nobles."
Vax nodded, his voice a whisper carried on the damp air. "Makes sense. Put people you trust in positions of power."
Percy's eyes darted from house to house, a mix of recognition and disgust evident in his gaze. "Who are the other collaborators?" he asked quickly, a hint of dread in his voice as he hoped it wasn't someone he had known from his childhood.
Archie's face twisted as if he'd tasted something foul. "You offed one already – Sir Kerrion Stonefell," he spat, the name like poison on his tongue. "You have Duke Vedmire, head enforcer of the Briarwoods. Lord Orochi, Count Tyleri, Countess Jazan Gaban, and..." he hesitated, glancing at Percy, "...your old professor."
"Anders?" Percy growled, his hand instinctively tightening on his pepperbox.
Archie nodded grimly. "Our latest intel is that he's in the company of the Kestrel here."
"Cassandra," Percy breathed, thoughts of his baby sister flooding his mind. His voice hardened with resolve. "So then, what are we waiting for?"
Vex'ahlia stepped forward, her hand gently resting on Percy's arm. "Hate to burst your bubble, darling, but we can't just storm through the front door. There's like a million guards, and we'd all die a thousand deaths."
Grog's brow furrowed in confusion. "Um, is that a lot?"
"She's right," Archie interjected, his voice tinged with frustration. "We've tried and failed before. Cassandra is their prize hostage." He turned to Percy, his eyes pleading. "If she was free, the whole city would take up arms."
As the group fell into a tense silence, Naruto's eyes lit up with an idea. He leaned close to Grog, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, Grog."
"Yeah!" the goliath responded enthusiastically.
Vex'ahlia immediately shushed him, her small form somehow imposing. "Grog, inside voice."
Grog looked around, bewildered. "But we're outside," he whispered back, genuinely confused.
Naruto suppressed a chuckle. "Grog, focus," he urged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I bet you those new nobles have got a shit ton of booze tucked away for a rainy day."
The half-giant's eyes widened comically, understanding dawning on his face.
Naruto grinned, pressing his advantage. "After we save Percy's sister, how about we pay the 'New Nobles' a visit?"
"HELL YEAH!" Grog bellowed, his excitement overriding any sense of stealth.
"Goddamnit, Grog," Naruto said through a face palm, his exasperated voices barely audible over the sudden, frantic shushing from the rest of the group.
The rain continued to fall, a constant patter that masked their whispered conversation. Vox Machina huddled beneath the meagre shelter of an overhanging roof their eyes fixed on the imposing silhouette of Anders' residence. The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of wet stone.
Scanlan, his eyes glinting with mischief despite the grim situation, suddenly perked up. "Ohh Ohh! What if I lure the guards away?" he suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.
Grog's deep, rumbling laugh broke the tension, while Naruto snickered quietly. The blonde shinobi closed his eyes, focusing on his avatar, his face a mask of concentration.
"Yeah, good one, Scan man," the goliath dismissed, his voice tinged with amusement.
Vex'ahlia shot a sharp look at the bard, her patience wearing thin. "Come on, real ideas," she hissed, her fingers drumming nervously on her bow.
Keyleth, ever practical, offered, "I could shape that tree into some sort of ladder." Her words were cut short as a shadow slipped into their small hideout.
Vax materialized from the darkness, rainwater dripping from his leather armour. "Nope, just scouted that tree. Even more guards around back," he reported, wiping rain from his brow with a grimace.
Naruto's eyes snapped open, blue irises replacing the eerie grey of his avatar state. "Well, they definitely know we're in this city," he announced, his voice grim. "They're shifting heavy artillery from the nobles' homes up to the main castle."
Keyleth's brow furrowed with concern. "Are they expecting an attack?"
Naruto shook his head, his expression sombre. "Nope, I know this protocol," he explained, cutting a glance towards Percy. "We burnt down that prison, and Stonefell has failed to check in since his demise. Back in Konoha, my home, if you attacked our interrogation centres and were successful, you'd consolidate power around the more easily defensible positions. Castles are built to withstand sieges for days, weeks if you're smart enough."
Vex'ahlia leaned in, her voice low. "So, you're saying what, sweetie?"
"That Orochimaru may be higher up the food chain than I initially thought," Naruto replied, pulling out a notebook. His hand moved swiftly, sketching the supply routes between the nobles' residences and the castle.
Archie, his voice barely audible over the rain, added, "Lord Orochi is said to be Sylas' best friend and is the only one of the nobles the vampire lord likes to have around."
Vax's eyes narrowed. "How do you know this, Archie?"
"Word from the Kestrel," the halfling explained, his eyes darting nervously.
Scanlan, undeterred, pressed on. "Back to my point, I can make them all leave."
Vex'ahlia's patience finally snapped. "This is no time for jokes," she hissed, her voice sharp.
Naruto, ever the mediator, interjected, "To be fair, Scan, you're always against splitting the party."
Scanlan's eyes blazed with determination. "This time it will be different. I'm Scanlan the Revolutionary, and with these three potions, I can take on the world. Just you watch me."
Naruto locked eyes with the gnome, seeing nothing but conviction in his gaze. The blonde nodded slowly, a newfound respect in his eyes.
Scanlan continued, his voice uncharacteristically serious, "Look, I get it, but I can distract while you save Percy's sister. Vex, you call me annoying all the time. Let me be annoying, I'll burn down that dicks house the one he just passed on the way."
"You mean Duke Vedmire's?"
"Yeah Dick Vedmire's residence."
A heavy silence fell over the group, broken only by the steady drumming of rain. Finally, Naruto spoke up, his voice resolute. "Well, if he's going on his own, I'm heading over to the Sun Tree."
Archie's eyes widened. "Why?"
Naruto's voice grew hard, a growl escaping his throat. "If they already know we're here, I'm going to cut down your townspeople. I may be a lot of things, but leaving corpses to swing from branches rubs me the wrong way."
Vex sighed heavily, "I'll come with."
Naruto shook his head, giving the archer a meaningful look. The unspoken message was clear: 'Someone needs to watch Percy and Vax.'
She nodded reluctantly, understanding the gravity of the situation, before reaching into her pouch and retrieving two kunai she retrieved from the prison. "You may be in need of these sweetie." The archer handed over the two foreign daggers.
"And besides," Naruto added, "I move quicker by myself anyway. Less risk." The blonde moved over to Grog and placed his hand deep into the bag of holding and retrieved a rusty shovel, before shouldering it.
Keyleth, her voice soft but determined, spoke up. "Um, actually, I would like to join you. Maybe I could find out what happened to the Sun Tree in the last five years. It might give us a clue about what the Briarwoods are doing with that Ziggurat."
The group fell silent, each member weighing the risks and potential rewards of their daring plan. The rain continued to fall, washing away their footprints but not their resolve. In the heart of enemy territory, Vox Machina prepared to split up, each with a crucial role to play in the liberation of Whitestone.
"Look as soon as Scanlan burns down the Dukes house we'll know to storm towards here we'll be the calvary coming a few minutes early." Naruto said simply as he and the druid snuck out of the cover and began making their way towards the Suntree.
As the remaining crew huddled closer, using to make space watching the backs of the three disappear in the rainy mist. The rest of Vox Machina began to formulate their plan. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, but underneath it all, a current of hope began to flow. They were in the heart of enemy territory, outnumbered and outgunned, but they had something the Briarwoods and their lackeys didn't: each other, and a cause worth fighting for.
The pair split off from Scanlan as they passed by discreetly, their footsteps muffled by the persistent rain. Keyleth and Naruto moved with practiced stealth, their senses on high alert for any sign of patrols. The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of wet stone.
"After we get them down, I'll help boost your connection to the tree," Naruto offered, his voice barely above a whisper. His blue eyes scanned the surroundings constantly, searching for any hint of danger.
Keyleth responded softly, her voice tinged with concern, "Thanks, Naru. Do you think Percy is going to be okay?"
Naruto paused, considering his words carefully. "Honestly, I don't know," he admitted, his expression grim. "My track record with revenge-driven idiots isn't great, but Percival is our friend. We'll back him to the bitter end."
Keyleth nodded, a mix of worry and determination in her eyes. The pair continued their journey in relative silence, the quite reminiscent of their early days together when Naruto couldn't speak Common. The familiarity of their companionship was a small comfort in the oppressive atmosphere of Whitestone.
As they approached the courtyard, the massive trunk of the Sun Tree came into view, its branches reaching towards the grey sky like gnarled fingers. The rain eased slightly, as if granting them a moment of respite for their grim task.
A gentle breeze whispered through the courtyard, causing the bodies hanging from the tree to sway gently. The sight was a stark reminder of the cruelty they were fighting against.
"Why do we bring death?" Keyleth's voice was barely audible, heavy with the weight of their mission.
Naruto's response was immediate and firm. "We don't. Death is the one constant." He turned to the Ashari, his eyes softening slightly. "You don't court death like the rest of us. You're closer to Lady Pike the Pious than you realize."
Keyleth's brow furrowed, processing Naruto's words. Before she could respond, the blonde continued, his voice taking on a determined edge. "Now then, let's cut these poor souls from the Sun Tree."
With fluid grace, Naruto raised his axe, the Leviathan gleaming dully in the muted light. He reared back, muscles tensing, before launching the mystical weapon with deadly precision. The axe arced through the air, its blade singing a mournful tune as it severed the first rope.
As the body fell, Keyleth moved forward, her hands already weaving intricate patterns in the air. Roots burst from the ground, catching the fallen form and gently lowering it to the earth. The druid's eyes glowed with an inner light, her connection to nature providing a moment of dignity for the deceased.
Naruto and Keyleth worked in tandem, a dance of axe and nature magic, as they freed the bodies one by one. With each life they honoured, the air seemed to lighten, as if the Sun Tree itself was breathing easier.
Their task was far from over, but in this moment, amidst the rain and sorrow, they were bringing a small measure of peace to Whitestone.
"Whelp, I guess I better start digging," Naruto muttered, his eyes scanning the area surrounding the Sun Tree. The rain had eased to a light drizzle, the droplets glistening on the leaves above.
As Keyleth tended to the bodies with gentle reverence, Naruto's gaze swept over the courtyard. His muscles tensed, ready for action at a moment's notice. The air was thick with the scent of wet earth and the lingering aroma of death.
Keyleth stood, her movements fluid and purposeful. She walked a short distance away, her bare feet sinking slightly into the muddy ground. Placing her palm on the earth, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Earth Shape." The words carried power, and the very stone beneath her hand seemed to ripple and shift.
Before Naruto's eyes, the unyielding cobblestones transmuted into soft, fertile soil. A patch large enough to accommodate all eight bodies now lay ready, a final resting place for the victims of the Briarwoods' cruelty.
"So, I didn't need the shovel then," Naruto said, a hint of admiration in his voice. He turned to Keyleth, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Sor-" Keyleth began, but her words were cut short as a wave of overwhelming killing intent crashed over them like a tsunami of malice.
Naruto's eyes widened, a familiar shiver running down his spine. He turned to Keyleth, horror etched on his face as he saw her begin to hyperventilate, her body trembling under the weight of the murderous aura.
"Kiki, no! Don't!" Naruto shouted, his voice cutting through the oppressive atmosphere. In a blur of motion, he dove towards her, tackling her to the ground. A gleaming blade sliced through the air where she had been standing mere moments before, the whistle of its passage a chilling reminder of how close death had come.
Rolling to his feet, Naruto placed himself between Keyleth and their unseen assailant. His own chakra flared, creating a protective barrier around them both. The Leviathan Axe materialized in his hand, frost already creeping along its edge.
His eyes tracked the retreating sword, following its path back to the wielder. As his gaze fell upon the weapon's guard and grip, a hiss escaped his lips. "Kusanagi," he growled, recognition and dread mingling in his voice.
A sarcastic, snake-like chuckle cut through the air, grating on Naruto's every nerve. "Ku ku ku ku, my my, Naruto-kun. Look at how you've grown." The voice dripped with false affection and barely concealed malice.
"Orochimaru," Naruto spat, his grip tightening on his axe. "How you survived the trip here, I don't know. But your days are numbered."
The Sannin continued his approach, each step measured and unhurried. His golden eyes gleamed with cruel amusement, his pale skin a stark contrast to the darkening sky above.
Naruto's mind raced, formulating a plan. With a quick clap of his hands, he left behind an echo to shield Keyleth from the snake's oppressive killing intent. 'Element of surprise, baby,' he thought, a reckless grin spreading across his face as he launched himself towards Orochimaru.
But the snake's smirk only widened. Two bursts of foul chakra erupted from behind him, and Naruto's eyes widened in shock. 'Chakra?! No... corrupted curse marks,' he realized, his heart sinking as two shadowy figures emerged, their bodies already twisting into monstrous forms.
The cursed warriors' weapons were a blur, catching Naruto mid-leap. The impact sent him skidding backwards, his feet digging furrows in the muddy ground. Above, the sky darkened further, thunderous clouds gathering with unnatural speed.
Rain began to pour once more, the droplets feeling almost oppressive as they pelted down. Lightning flashed, illuminating the grotesque features of Orochimaru's cursed followers.
Naruto's mind raced, assessing the situation. His gaze flickered to Keyleth, who was slowly regaining her composure. An idea formed, desperate but potentially game-changing.
"Kiki," he called out, his voice steady despite the dire circumstances, "get ready to drop the flash. Directly on me."
Keyleth's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you crazy?!" she shouted back, her voice barely audible over a rumble of thunder.
Naruto just grinned, holding up his hand and pressing his index finger to his thumb, indicating a tiny space. The message was clear: 'Trust me, just a little.'
As Orochimaru and his minions advanced, Naruto stood his ground, the Leviathan Axe humming with power in his grip. The air crackled with tension, both from the gathering storm and the impending clash of titans. In this moment, beneath the ancient boughs of the Sun Tree.
The air crackled with tension as Naruto faced off against the curse-marked vampire, Benson. Rain pelted down, turning the battlefield into a treacherous, muddy arena. Lightning flashed overhead, illuminating the grotesque features of the transformed foes.
Benson, his face contorted with rage, lunged at Naruto. The blonde shinobi, moving with fluid grace, ducked under the attack. His staff, wreathed in crackling electricity, connected with Benson's jaw. The impact was thunderous, knocking a fang loose and sending it spiralling through the air.
"Keep still!" the reptilian curse mark user, Jace, roared. His kanabo, pulsing with explosive energy, whistled through the air as he swung with all his might.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, time seeming to slow as he calculated his move. At the last possible moment, he ducked and weaved past the strike. The force of the swing ruffled his hair, the scent of ozone filling his nostrils.
In one fluid motion, Naruto spun on his heel, Tempesta's Embrace singing through the air. The staff connected with the side of Benson's knee with a sickening crunch. The vampire's leg buckled, caving under the impact and bending at an unnatural angle.
Without missing a beat, Naruto flipped behind Jace, bringing his staff down across the flat of the brute's back. The impact catapulted Jace forward, sending him sprawling at Orochimaru's feet.
Benson, recovering quickly despite his mangled knee, charged at Naruto. The shinobi, displaying inhuman flexibility, bent backwards, his foot lashing out in a devastating up kick that caught Benson square on the chin.
As Benson stumbled back, Naruto's keen eyes caught sight of something in the distance. 'Is that a fire?' he thought, exchanging a quick glance with Keyleth. Her slight nod confirmed his suspicions. 'Scanlan managed it. Time to move.'
Naruto's mind raced, formulating a plan. He charged at Benson, who raised his blade in a desperate defence. The blonde's dropkick connected, pushing the cursed user back. Using the momentum, Naruto flipped into the air, Tempesta's Embrace grew extending into the ground propelling the blonde even higher, his quarter staff flowing around him in a dazzling display of skill and power.
"Now Keyleth!" Naruto's voice cut through the chaos of battle.
The druid's eyes glowed with arcane power as she dropped her hand. The heavens themselves seemed to scream in response.
A massive bolt of purple lightning, more powerful than any natural phenomenon, streaked down from the storm-wracked sky. It homed in on Naruto with unerring accuracy, the air itself splitting apart in its wake.
Orochimaru's golden eyes widened, a mix of curiosity and caution in his gaze. 'What's the plan here, Naruto-kun?' he mused, glancing at the unconscious Jace at his feet and the awestruck Benson.
The lightning struck the tip of Naruto's staff, and for a moment, the world went white. When vision returned, Tempesta's Embrace vibrated with barely contained power, elongating like Orochimaru's Kusanagi or the Third Hokage's Enma.
Naruto's muscles strained to maintain control of such an elemental force.
Naruto roared, a primal sound that shook the very air. He brought the staff down on Benson with earth-shattering force. The vampire was flattened instantly, his body smoking from the electrical discharge. But Naruto wasn't done. With a twist of his wrists, he redirected the massive blast towards Orochimaru.
The Snake Sannin's hands blurred through seals, erecting an eldritch shield just as the energy wave crashed into him. The ground beneath their feet cracked and split, trees in the vicinity bursting into flame from the sheer heat of the attack.
As the energy dissipated, revealing a scorched and cratered battlefield, Orochimaru stood tall. His shield cracked and fell away in shards of ethereal energy, but the Sannin himself was unharmed. His servants lay scattered and broken around him, weapons strewn across the scarred earth.
"Kukukuku, how impressive, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru chuckled, his voice carrying a note of genuine admiration. His serpentine eyes scanned the area, searching for his opponents. To his surprise, both Naruto and Keyleth had vanished.
'Even his axe is gone,' Orochimaru thought as he could see the glinting of a flying axe in the far distance.
The Sannin's gaze drifted to the fire in the distance, pieces falling into place in his cunning mind. "Interesting," he mused, a smirk playing across his pale features. "Who would have thought you would be on your way to becoming a major player? Very well played, indeed."
As Orochimaru stood amidst the devastation, the rain continued on. This skirmish was over, but the war for Whitestone had only just begun. In the distance, the flames of rebellion burned bright, a beacon of hope in the darkness that had engulfed the city for far too long.
Back under their cover, Vox Machina huddled in tense anticipation. Suddenly, Vax'ildan's keen eyes caught sight of flames and smoke billowing in the distance, a beacon of chaos in the rain-soaked night.
"Holy shit, he did it," the rogue breathed, a mix of awe and respect in his voice. "And it looks like he went all out."
Grog, his massive form barely contained by their meagre shelter, grinned wickedly. "Oh yeah, he's into that freaky stuff," the goliath chuckled, his eyes gleaming with the reflected firelight.
As if on cue, the guards surrounding Anders' residence began to race towards the conflagration, their shouts of alarm barely audible over the pounding rain.
Archie, his face a mask of grim satisfaction, nodded approvingly. "Excellent plan, Vox Machina," he complimented, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
Vax, ever the showman, couldn't resist a quip. "I mean, that's what we're known for," he replied with a roguish wink.
Their moment of triumph was short-lived. Without warning, the entire skyline erupted in a blinding flash of light, followed by a thunderclap so powerful it shook the very foundations of the city. The group instinctively ducked, feeling the vibrations through the sodden ground beneath their feet.
Vex'ahlia's voice cut through the ringing in their ears, concern etched in every syllable. "I don't think that was Scanlan."
Archie, his face set with determination, turned to the group. "I'll rally the rebels. When you have her, send a signal that will secure everyone's trust and allegiance." He clasped Percy's hand, his eyes meeting those of his childhood friend. "Try not to get yourself killed."
Percy's lips quirked into a wry smirk. "Hey, I was dead yesterday, remember? Can only improve from here." The two shared a moment of understanding before Archie slipped away into the rain-soaked shadows.
As Vex, Vax, Grog, and Percy moved towards Anders' property, the rain intensified, as if nature itself was trying to wash away the sins of Whitestone. They lined up on either side of the front door, water cascading off their forms.
"Just going to check for traps," Vax whispered, his nimble fingers reaching for the door.
Grog, his patience worn thin by the anticipation of battle, stepped forward impatiently. "Not everything is a trap, you twit," he snapped, shoving the rogue aside. With a mighty roar, he delivered a thunderous kick that sent the door flying off its hinges.
As Grog stepped into the threshold, his massive frame filling the doorway, he found himself face-to-face with a room full of armed soldiers, their arrows nocked and drawn. The goliath's eyes widened comically as he realized his mistake.
"Oh..." Grog muttered, his voice uncharacteristically small. "It's a trap."
In the blink of an eye, a volley of arrows was unleashed, their deadly points finding purchase in Grog's muscled torso. From outside, Vex'ahlia's voice carried a hint of amusement rather than concern.
"You good, buddy?"
Vax, unable to contain his mirth, chuckled darkly. "Ha! They are fucked now."
True to form, Grog's response was a primal roar that shook the very rafters of the house. Ignoring the arrows protruding from his body as if they were mere splinters, he charged headlong into the mass of guards, his massive arms already swinging in deadly arcs.
As Vox Machina prepared to follow their berserker companion into the fray, the air crackled with tension and the promise of violence.
Naruto raced across the rain-slicked rooftops of Whitestone, Keyleth cradled in his arms. Tempesta's Embrace, shrunk to a more manageable size, was secured at his back, humming with latent energy. Keyleth clutched her own staff and the Leviathan axe, which had mysteriously caught up with them, its icy aura a stark contrast to the warm rain.
'He's faster than Vax? Since when?' Keyleth marveled, the world blurring into a tapestry of greys and muted colors. Her auburn hair whipped wildly, raindrops stinging her face as they leapt from building to building, the wind howling past their ears.
Naruto glanced down, his cerulean eyes meeting Keyleth's emerald ones. "Sorry about this," he said, voice barely audible over the tempest. "I can't fight Orochimaru and defend you simultaneously."
"Bu-," Keyleth began to protest, but Naruto cut her off with a gentle yet firm tone.
"No buts. You're not weak," he insisted. "You're incredibly powerful, but Orochimaru is one of the most dangerous beings from my realm."
Keyleth's mouth snapped shut, her cheeks flushing slightly as she nestled closer. 'Maybe this counts as a short rest,' she thought wryly, feeling the warmth of Naruto's chakra-enhanced body.
As they cleared another building, the cacophony of battle assaulted their ears - the clash of steel, agonized screams, and Grog's distinctive roar echoing through the rain-soaked air. They had arrived at Anders' compound.
"Trap?" Keyleth asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
"Definitely a trap," Naruto confirmed, a reckless grin spreading across his face as he coiled like a spring. "Ready for a grand entrance, Kiki?"
Before Keyleth could respond, Naruto launched them skyward. The druid's scream of surprise morphed into exhilaration as they crashed through a window, glass shards glittering around them like deadly rain. They found themselves amidst chaos - Vox Machina, minus Pike and Scanlan, locked in fierce combat against a sea of guards.
"Cassandra!" Percy's anguished cry cut through the din, reaching the ears of Vax, Vex, and Naruto.
"Keyleth, get to Percy now!" Naruto ordered his voice sharp with urgency. He threw her into the air with practiced ease.
Keyleth, mind racing, nodded. "Wild Shape: Falcon!" she shouted. Green arcane energy enveloped her, and in an instant, a majestic falcon took flight, swooping towards Percy, on the second floor.
Naruto, now unencumbered, continued his descent. "Dynamic Entry!" he bellowed, his foot connecting with the furthest guard's face with a sickening crunch. The unfortunate soldier crumpled, and Naruto used the body as a springboard, coming to a skidding stop in a shower of sparks.
"Hey guys, did you miss me?" Naruto called out cheekily. His enhanced reflexes saved him as he ducked under a guard Grog had unceremoniously flung in his direction.
"Like coke after Lent!" Grog roared back, cleaving another guard's helmet in two with his massive axe, blood and metal fragments spraying the air.
"Wait what?!" Naruto exclaimed, momentarily baffled by the goliath's odd simile. Shaking it off, he drew his axe and launched it at another guard. The Leviathan Axe sliced deep into the cheap plate armour, frost spreading from the point of impact and freezing the guard in place with a horrifying crackle.
A wicked idea formed in Naruto's mind. "Hey Grog, throw another one!" he shouted, eyes gleaming with mischief.
The barbarian, grinning with bloodthirsty glee, grabbed a hapless guard and hurled him skyward. Naruto sprang into action, leaping and flipping over the airborne guard. With pinpoint precision, he lashed out with a devastating axe kick, driving the guard headfirst into the ground.
With a clap of his hands, an echo materialized, stomping the soldier's skull further through the floorboards with a sickening crunch. The unfortunate guard's head disappeared into the floor, leaving only part of his neck, torso, and legs visible, twitching slightly before falling still.
While airborne, Naruto's hands blurred, launching two kunai with deadly accuracy. The blades found their mark, burying deep into the throats of two more guards. 'Suck on that, Sasuke!' Naruto thought triumphantly as he twisted in the air, landing gracefully amidst the chaos.
As Naruto surveyed the battlefield, he realized the true scale of the conflict. His friends were holding their own, but the sheer number of guards was overwhelming. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid smell of smoke. Lightning flashed outside, briefly illuminating the scene through shattered windows, casting eerie shadows across the faces of friend and foe alike.
The blonde shinobi's eyes narrowed, a predatory gleam flickering in their azure depths. With practiced ease, his hand reached for Tempesta's Embrace, the weapon responding to his touch as if alive. It grew to its full quarterstaff length, crackling with residual energy from its earlier discharge, casting an eerie blue glow across Naruto's determined face.
In a heartbeat, Naruto's gaze swept across the ground floor, taking in the chaotic scene. His comrades were engaged in fierce combat, their forms blurred with motion as they fought against the overwhelming odds. The air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood.
Suddenly, the sharp report of the Pepperbox cut through the din of battle. Naruto's enhanced hearing picked up the distinctive sound, and his mind raced with understanding. 'Percy is going after whoever is up there,' he thought, a mixture of concern and determination flashing across his face.
Just as Naruto prepared to leap into action, a whistling sound caught his attention. An arrow sailed past him with deadly precision, finding its mark in a guard who had been attempting to flank the shinobi. The would-be attacker crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering uselessly beside him.
Naruto spun around, his eyes meeting Vex'ahlia's across the battlefield. The ranger stood poised, her bow already nocked with another arrow, a fierce grin playing on her lips.
"Thanks, beautiful!" Naruto shouted, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation and camaraderie.
Without missing a beat, Naruto launched himself into the fray. Tempesta's Embrace hummed with power in his hands, its electric blue energy casting dancing shadows across the faces of friend and foe alike. The staff's earlier discharge seemed to have only intensified its power, sparks flying with each devastating blow Naruto landed.
As he waded into the thick of battle, Naruto's movements were a blur of deadly grace. His staff whirled and struck with precision, each impact accompanied by a crackle of energy and a cry of pain from his opponents. The air around him seemed to shimmer with barely contained power, a testament to the formidable warrior he had become.
Yet even as he fought, Naruto's mind raced with strategies and concerns for his companions. The sound of the Pepperbox echoed in his ears, a reminder of the personal vendetta that drove Percy. With each guard he felled, Naruto inched closer to the stairs, determined to provide backup for his friend if needed.
The battle raged on, a symphony of clashing steel, crackling energy, and desperate cries. But in the midst of the chaos, Vox Machina new they had to make up those stairs and quickly.
The END
A.N
So a little shorter than my previous chapters but this episode/chapter is more to drive the plot forward so more dialogue next chapter.
Did we like Keyleth and Naruto time.
Scanlan mission goes as canon nothing changes their hence why i didn't cover it.
Thoughts on Naruto emulating the 3rd?
next chapter we catch up with Pike I've got something cooking for our Cleric
Sorry about the delay work takes a lot my time espically since its a new job but writing helps my mental H so theres that.
in regards to bg3 characters i was thinking like using them like how the table top had guest characters for a mission and depending on how they bond with the troupe determines if they come back
Who is exicted for S3
Also just some heads up after s1 completed were are going to Kraghammer and then Season 2 will begin
Like coke after lent I cannot take credit for that so shout out to TFS
Lowkey curious if anyone would want to do a Naruto/Vox Machina reading of this fic or if I should do it myself. Love a good reading story especially when its a relatively small cast
One last thing let me know if the music suited the read.
p.s thanks for letting me know about my mistake in my head it seemed to fit the scene and probably wasn't paying attention so updated with the corrections.
because it was a small change i'm not expecting people to fully reread this.