Evolution Geass: Uzumaki of the Retribution

by SoulEmbrace2010

Naruto, Naruko, and Lucienne aim to destroy Britannia, in memory of their departed loved ones. The trio trained and prepared for the future war, but their hands are forced when they got caught up in the Shinjuku incident. In response, they start their campaign early to free Japan, only to find that there's more going on, and the world is at stake. AU, OOC, Naru/Harem, Mass-Xovers

18. STAGE 17: The Island of The Rising Sun

The calm before the storm that is the Mao arc, and it's going to be a lot of fun.

Special thanks to Castlecrasher009 and NorthSouthGorem for co-writing and beta-reading.

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto, Code Geass, or any other crossover that appears.

On with the show!

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Uzu Island. The final untouched remnant of the island nation of Japan. The island that defied an Empire and remained independent, self-ruled by a clan that had called it home since before the time of the Warring States.

The vast island itself was situated halfway between Japan and the Chinese Federation. Before the Emperor of Japan gifted it to the Uzumaki Clan as their sovereign territory for safeguarding the nation from the Mongol Invasion, it had been known as Tsushima.

When the Mongols invaded the island, the samurai who ruled it were wiped out when the Mongols established their foothold, leaving the island virtually undefended. To protect their home, the hidden Uzumaki Clan rallied their allies and led a gorilla war campaign against the invaders. The people of Tsushima began to revere the ninjas as their phantom protectors and called them the 'Ghosts of Tsushima'.

Eventually, the Uzumaki and their allies drove the Mongols to the northern tip of Tsushima just as a great storm blew in to sink the Mongol fleet. With their fleet sunk and their forces decimated, the remaining Mongols surrendered.

Some say the Uzumaki themselves called for the storm, but many dismissed this idea as ludicrous.

But who knows what the truth is?

With the island under their control and the Clan now operating in the open, the Clan waited for the Emperor to send new samurai to take up lordship of the island. They were surprised, however, to learn of the Emperor's willingness to bequeath the island to the Clan as a reward for their bravery and perseverance against the invaders. Some speculated that the Emperor was weary of sending more vessels and resources to such a remote island. In contrast, others thought he had become fearful of the Uzumaki and their mystical abilities and offered the island as a peace offering. Others thought the Emperor planned to use the island and the inhabitants as a buffer for further invasions from the Asian Continent.

Regardless of the reason, the Uzumaki found themselves the Lords of Tsushima by Imperial Decree and would go on to rename the island as simply 'Uzushio', but widely known as 'Uzu' for short.

Uzu's architecture was a mixture of old Edo and modern buildings, carefully built to preserve the island's heritage. Most of the buildings were built more recently to accommodate the refugees who came to the island after Britannia invaded the mainland. The people enjoyed the luxury of openly practicing traditions that were now barred by those who had conquered and controlled their mainland.

With a fleet patrolling the strait between Uzu and Area 11, Britannia thought it could prevent Uzu from interfering in its affairs.

How wrong they were, especially with the additional protections that were the swirling eddies circling the waters and the shores.

There's also unconfirmed rumors of kaiju nesting in and beneath the island that people have yet to tell the tale of…

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STAGE 17 - The Island of The Rising Sun

---

"Welcome, honorable guests, to Uzu Island," a woman greeted them with a bow. She was accompanied by several other women, all of whom shared the same black hair and dark eyes. They wore traditional kimonos with white and red fans on their backs.

The attendants bowed to the members of the Crimson Suns who departed the train in the underground station designated for passengers. Further down the line, a few hundred meters was the larger maintenance and freight area, where cranes and machines could move freely to load and unload the cars of large cargo. It would be the next stop for the rail train after everyone departed.

The members of the Suns were filled with excitement. Never in their dreams did they imagine that they would be here, on the fabled Uzu Island. Tamaki looked like he was almost vibrating.

"Thank you. It's such an honor to be here," Ohgi, his group's spokesman, said.

"We know of your exploits and have been instructed to provide you with a first-class experience of our island's wonders," the head of the group told them all. My name is Uchiha Mikoto. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with while you are staying here on the island."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Uchiha-san." Ohgi greeted me with a friendly smile.

"Oh, please, I insist you call me Mikoto. Although handsome, you can call me Mikoto-chan if you want." Mikoto giggled with a wink.

"Doh, uh, well, that, um…" Ohgi babbled as he grew flustered. His friends in the resistance grinned at the man, clearly enjoying his predicament. "That really wouldn't be proper, would it…?"

"Oh-ho?" Cypher cooed with a cat smirk emoji on her helmet.

Mikoto batted her hand. "Oh, come now. You have done so much to help the Japanese people. You deserve to have some fun, and we are here to deliver. We'll all be spending quite some time together while you are here. Now, if you follow me, we shall be showing you the sights and culture I'm sure you have been dearly missing." She gestured to the group to follow, and she, along with the other ladies, headed towards the exit.

Tamaki grinned as he playfully elbowed his old leader. "Well, well. It looks like you have a fan, buddy. This trip may turn out better for you than the rest of us. You might even get lucky tonight." The man waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Eh, well…" Ohgi laughed nervously, scratching his face.

"Tamaki!" Kallen scolded, elbowing him.

"Hey, none of that, Kallen. Let Oghi and Mikoto-san get to know each other before any sparks fly. I don't think they'll need any help with that," Joker said with a chuckle as he sensed a spark between them. "As for us, Cypher, Rei, and I need to report to the head honcho. Enjoy Uzu in all its splendor, for it is our primary base of operations. There are lots to see and plenty to do. Have fun!"

Joker and Cypher flash-stepped away, with the Kozuki Group and the surviving Crimson Suns recruits in shock at seeing the leaders speeding up one of the elevators. In Rei's case, it looked as if she was flying away while sitting, as Scáthach was carrying her away in her spirit form.

"Show-offs," Odin snorted as he stepped back on the train. "I'll see to the offloading, and then I have some work to do. Enjoy your stay in Uzu, fellas…and ladies…"

"Hmm," the Samurai looked towards where the twins and Rei jumped off and then in another direction. "I'll go check out the environment at my own pace. I'll catch up with you all later." He stalked off in a random direction before shooting up to where the twins and Rei went.

"There they go…" Aki murmured. "And then there's us."

"What do you mean? I'm still here." Athena piped up. "I'm looking forward to seeing my old friend again in person."

As the train moved further down, the Suns headed to the exit, where they met up with Mikoto, who was standing at a junction with halls leading to various locations in the facility.

"Now, if you would follow us to our main military base. We shall convene there before assigning guides to tour the rest of the island." Mikoto informed everyone, gesturing for the group to follow her.

They entered one of the elevator lifts and went up thanks to Mikoto's keycard. It was neither fast or slow, but soon, they found themselves in the military compound surrounded by high cast-like walls. Vehicles rolled by and troops ran past as the Crimson Suns made their way to the main building that resembled a Japanese castle. At the security doors, Mikoto swiped her ID and allowed herself to be scanned by the camera.

"This is Uchiha Mikoto with the Crimson Suns," she greeted the camera before the doors opened.

As the group arrived at the common area, they were greeted by the sight of a group of…maids? Yes, maids in what looked like combat fatigue-like uniforms stood at attention. At the front stood a tall, dark green-haired maid with sharp eyes and a sheathed katana in her hand.

"I am Tsurugi Konoe, Uzu's Captain of the Guard," Konoe announced as her eyes narrowed. "I take the safety and security of this island seriously, and although you may be fighting for the sake of our country and guests here on the island, you are still outsiders. Until you have earned the trust of my lady, you will be kept under surveillance. If you start any trouble, you will answer me. Is that clear?"

"Go easy on them, Konoe-san. They're first timers." Yoko giggled.

"Uh, normally I'd say what's with the maid outfit," Tamaki began, followed by Konoe shifting her grip on her weapon meaningfully. "But considering everything that has happened and what I've seen, I'm going to shut up now. I just wanted to point that out!"

"Appearances can be deceiving, Tamaki Shinichirō-san. Had you met the old me years ago, your head would've been sent flying for your perceived disrespect." Konoe said coolly.

"No disrespect meant at all!" Tamaki yelped, hands raised. "You must be the Captain of the Guard for a reason!"

"It's all right, Tsurugi-san. Please refrain from setting an example. He has the trust of the Crimson Suns leaders, after all." Mikoto chided her gently.

"Of course, Uchiha-san. It's just that examples have to be made." Konoe acquiesced, lowering her katana. "Understand that while you're a so-called vigilante group, you are in reality, an unofficial part of Uzu's military, for now. Our assets are at your disposal, but we do not give them out lightly. As Uchiha-san said, you have earned the trust of the Uzu military's VIPs. I suggest you don't lose it. Now come, my lady would like to meet with you all before you set out on the remainder of Uzu."

"Good grief. I figured those Phantom Thieves were important to Uzu, but I underestimated how much." Ohgi said thoughtfully.

Mikoto giggled. "Does it make you curious to know who they are?"

"A little, yeah," Ohgi admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "But they must have a reason to stay hidden, so I won't pry. The three and their friends have given us too much already." he said while glancing at Athena.

Yoko smirked at him. "In more ways than one."

"That's an understatement." Yoshida commented.

The group reached a sizable elevator, already moving to the first floor. When it reached the floor, it opened to reveal two people coming out with a girl with pink hair, green eyes, and red Chinese clothing, excitedly bickering at a boy with dark blue hair, brown eyes, and dark clothing who looked done.

"C'mon, Sasuke-kun, just one more date! One that lasts more than 2 and a half minutes!"

"And I told you that as soon as I beat Naruto in something, anything, I will go on that…date."

"Now Sasuke, you know that's going to be impossible considering how busy he is," Mikoto told him with a sweatdrop, surprising the two teens. "And what's this about a two-and a-half minute date? What exactly did you two do last time?"

"We, uh," Sasuke cringed under his mother's piercing gaze. "Just…sat on a bench…near the cliffside…"

"For two and a half minutes? Wow." Aki drawled, looking unimpressed.

"Bruh, you're lucky enough to have a girl on you," Tamaki pointed out. "Give her the time of day."

"Tch," Sasuke grumbled and looked away. "I'm outta here."

"Oh, that's right! Kushina-sama and the Council are expecting you all. We won't hold you up." Sakura said as she went after Sasuke. "See you later!"

"Oh, that boy…what will I do with him?" Mikoto asked herself while cupping her cheek in thought. "He takes that rivalry so seriously. Poor Sakura."

Ohgi blinked. "Excuse me, Mikoto…er…chan, but do you know that boy well?"

"I should certainly hope so. I carried him for 9 months, after all," Mikoto smiled with pride.

The Suns collectively did a spit-take. "He's your son!?"

Tamaki looked between the woman and the direction her son and his friend had left. "Um, just how old are you? You don't look old enough to be a mother."

"Tamaki!" Both Kallen and Aki punched the back of the guy's head, sending him to the floor as Yoko sweatdropped. "You don't blatantly ask for a woman's age!"

"Agreed. It's rude to ask for a woman's age, but I thank you for the compliment." Mikoto smiled.

"...No…problem…"

Ohgi looked slightly dejected. "Oh… so you are married."

Mikoto shook her head. "No, I'm a widow, I am afraid. My husband passed away nine years ago."

Ohgi winced. "Ah…sorry."

"There is no need to apologize. You didn't know, and I've moved on from it. Now, shall we continue?"

Kallen leaned over to her sister. "Still, you wouldn't think with her looks that she would be a mother to a guy our age. I hope I look half as good at that age."

"You and me both." Aki nodded as they followed everyone into the elevator. Tamaki brought up the rear after he scraped himself off the floor.

"How come we guys eat the dirt when asking but not the other way around?" Tamaki mumbled to himself.

"It's best to leave that kind of thing alone," Minami advised, adjusting his glasses.

The elevator opened to the top floor, revealing a huge Integrated Command Center that acted as a logistics center. People moved around, carrying and delivering reports; others worked and typed away at computer consoles, and information was shared with maps and radars around them. Thankfully, it wasn't so chaotic, allowing Mikoto to lead the Suns to the main table, where Kushina was with the rest of the Uzu Council.

"Kushina-san, the Crimson Suns are here," Mikoto greeted her long-time friend.

What greeted the Suns was the most absolutely stunning woman they had ever seen. Long, flowing red hair, a gorgeous face, an hourglass figure. And her sizes? Wow!

Despite her vibrant red hair and stormy gray eyes, she was Japanese in features, and the white kimono and red sash, barring the Uzumaki swirl, were a nice touch.

Around the table sat numerous other people. A semi-bald old man wearing a top-knot in a red shogun kimono sipping tea, a younger bearded man in business attire, the maid that threatened them earlier (how'd she get up there so fast?!), a violet-haired woman in combat fatigues, a blonde woman wearing a ponytail, a gray casual kimono and seemingly possessing the Biggest Damn Hooters In The World, a handsome man in a Blue dress shirt and slacks under a beige trenchcoat, and another man in a black trenchcoat and a black bandana covering his head.

The redhead stood and bowed to the Suns in greeting. "Welcome, members of the vaunted Crimson Suns. I am Uzumaki Kushina, leader of Uzu and head of the Uzumaki Clan. We are honored to have you here."

"Wow, it is a pleasure, Uzumaki-san. I never thought we would be here in Uzu, talking with you for everyone. You and your family's reputation precedes you." Ohgi said with a respectable bow.

'The images don't do her justice. She really is beautiful. Hard to believe that she's the twins' mother…' Aki thought in admiration. 'She looks so young, like Mikoto-san…'

"Hmm, Joker and his friends chose well out of the many resistance groups in Japan. You did well to take a chance on them, to walk on their path to freeing the homeland." Kushina said with a smile.

"I must say that the path they're on defies all logic." Kallen pointed out. "It's still taking all we have to follow it."

"There are many paths one can take to reach one's goals. A few of them require an open mind to traverse," said Iroh with a serene smile. "Apologies. I am Iroh, Uzu Military Advisor."

"And in one path, Joker and Cypher tend to leave the most carnage in their wake back in the day. That was until Rei joined them." Revees added with a chuckle. "Civil Advisor, Reeves Tuesti. At your service. Also head of Public Relations."

"No offense, but I'm surprised to see a foreigner on the Uzu Council." The bluette Inoue noted.

"No problem. I get that a lot." Reeves said with a chuckle

"He's not the only one. The last will be here shortly. In the meantime, let's allow the rest of the council to introduce themselves." Kushina gestured to the remaining council members.

"Kusanagi Motoko, and I serve as Head Commander of Uzu's Military Forces."

"Shinomori Aoshi. I run Uzu's Intelligence Division. You don't know me yet, but I know you."

"Morino Ibiki. Torture and Interrogation is my specialty. I usually come as a last resort, as you can imagine."

"Senju Tsunade, head of Uzu's Medical Division. Fun fact: the Senju and Uzumaki are clan cousins."

'BIG!' Kallen and Aki thought as they stared at the woman's exposed cleavage, feeling somewhat envious of the sheer size of her breasts. Sure they had met the woman when she tended to their mother, but it still left them in awe to see just how big they were. When they noticed Tsunade giving them a smirk with a raised eyebrow, they both turned away, blushing.

'Good lord, what did they feed this lady?!' Tamaki yelled in his mind as his sense of preservation kicked in, feeling that pissing off this lady was a really bad idea.

"And in case you're no doubt asking in your heads…." Tsunade added with a smirk as she suddenly and casually lifted the table with little effort. "106 centimeters."

Jaws, meet floor. "S-Strong!" the guys yelled out.

Tsunade and Kushina began to laugh at the pole-axed expressions on everyone's faces.

"Must you show off, Tsunade-san?" Motoko sighed and shook her head.

"You know first impressions are very important," Ibiki said as Tsunade set the table again. "And there's more to the Council than strength." he said, taking off the scarf on his head, show off the scars and screw marks in his head. "You have to know what you're doing."

"Shit, you've been tortured," Tamaki said, voicing almost everyone's horror.

"Compliments of Britannia when they tried to storm the gates years ago," Ibiki said as he put his scarf back on. "I gave them nothing."

"Sorry, I'm late. I had some last-minute work to take care of."

The group turned to the young man who had just walked through the doors.

"Nines?!" Kallen and Aki blurted out in surprise and shock.

"Huh? You know this kid?" Tamaki asked before realizing. "Wait, no way you're-?!"

"Head of Research and Development. Miles 'Nines' Emmerich, at your service." Nines introduced himself.

"Wait, Nines? As in the elusive hacker?" asked Yoshida.

"Yep, he's the other foreigner and the youngest member of the Council, too," Reeve revealed, making the Suns gape at him.

"Research and Development, at such a young age? You look like you're the same age as Kallen and Aki!" Ohgi said in disbelief.

"Oh, I am. I go to Ashford as well when I'm not here. I recently transferred, too. I'm even a part of the Student Council alongside them, where some important VIPs have covered for their absences more than once." Nines said with a wink at the two girls.

"Yeah, we figured," Aki drawled dryly.

"Nines here has proved more than capable of serving on the Uzu Council. That and some of our other scientists don't have the patience for our meetings. Nevertheless, he has been integral to the defense of Uzu like many others," Kushina told them, "I know you must be wary of foreigners such as Britannians, but rest assured that Reeves and Nines, along with many others, are trustworthy."

"I understand, but if you don't mind me asking, how do the masked ones fit into the equation? Have they come here from Uzu?" Ohgi inquired. "Their abilities are…otherworldly, like yours claim to be."

Kushina smiled. "They are from Uzu, at least Joker and Cypher. Rei is actually a foreigner who has Uzu citizenship. They are the ones spearheading Japan's liberation plan that was started early due to Shinjuku."

"The initial plan was to wait until they were of age, a promise that they accepted to keep them from starting early like they were eager to do. So they settled for Phantom Thievery, with a few low-profile assassinations here and there. Their energy could barely be contained, their school life notwithstanding." Motoko explained as the holo-screens showed images of Joker, Cypher, and Rei from the past and present.

It was interesting to see how their masks and appearances have been upgraded over the years, from simple to sleek and stylish.

"So hyperactive. It's like looking into a mirror, huh Kushina?" Athena teased her from the back of the group. "The only difference is that there's barely any lines."

Kushina's eyes twitched as she gained a tickmark, suddenly flash-stepping in front of Athena. "It's called graceful aging, C.C.," she growled, yanking her helmet off. "A girl like you should know all too well, right?" she pressed with a dark smile, "Care to try again?"

"A young girl?" Inoue asked in surprise.

"How's her hair all green?" Tamaki wondered.

"Temper, temper, Kushina." C.C. smiled as her green hair flowed down. "Such anger will get you those age lines sooner. But…" she started to sweat as more tickmarks appeared on the redhead. "You're still as lovely as ever…age marks and all."

"…You're dead."

Everyone was now witness to C.C. now running from her life from an irate Kushina, the people ducking down and hugging the wall as the two zoomed around.

"I don't know why Kushina bothers. She knows she can't kill her." Tsunade sighed.

"Better Kushina than you in my opinion." Aoshi pointed out.

"You goddamn right." Tsunade grinned, flexing her arm.

"There's so much going on, I don't know where to start now. Athena unmasked, she's a girl called C.C.; Uzumaki-san is trying to murder her, and C.C. can't be killed?" Ohgi tried to list off.

"Because she's immortal and she was the so-called poison gas we stole." Kallen said dryly as the Kozuki Group rounded on her. "It's true. She even took a bullet to the head for Joker and the others and didn't die- Oh." Kushina finally caught C.C. and snapped her neck, the latter crumbling to the floor to the horror of those not in the know. "Ouch."

"What the fuck?! I thought she couldn't kill her!" Tamaki yelled in shock. "Time out-!"

"Hold on, wait for it." Yoko said with a hand up as the Crimsons started to panic at the sight of cold-blooded murder, looking at the redhead as if she'd gone mad.

Even more concerning is that Kallen and Aki barely reacted themselves.

It took a while, but suddenly, C.C.'s neck snapped itself back into place with a loud, sickening crunch, followed by C.C. get up and roll her neck to get the kinks out. "Worth it. That one spot was bothering me all week."

"...What the fuck just happened?!" Tamaki yelped, pointing a shaking finger at the immortal young girl. "I've seen others get killed like that! No way she should be alive!"

Aki giggled. "Like we said. She's immortal."

"And I take it all back. You haven't aged a day, Kushina." C.C. said, hugging her old friend.

Kushina rolled her eyes. "You know, there are better ways to show off your immortality without pissing me off. But I guess that's just classic you, C.C."

"There are only a handful of people in this world that knows about my condition and yet still treats me with such familiarity rather than either a goddess or a plague." C.C. said with a small smile, "I'm glad you are one of them. You Uzumaki keep things so entertaining in my dull life."

"Unbelievable." Inoue whispered as C.C. brushed herself off.

"Under the mask, I am Athena. But in reality, I am the immortal witch known as C.C." she introduced herself, crossing her hands and arms behind her head. "I've been around since the Dark Ages, witnessing the birth of Britannia and the founding of the Uzumaki clan. I bore easily, so try to be entertaining just like Joker and his friends, ne?"

To Kallen and Aki, it was out of character for C.C. to put that kind of pose, but from what they'd seen, it felt like Uzu was the only place the immortal witch could let loose, pose notwithstanding. And speaking of poses, there was someone behind her pulling the same pose she was with a mischievous look on her face.

"So uh, other than having even more questions, I'm guessing that's your uh, long-lost sister?" Ohgi asked, pointing behind her.

"Wha?" C.C. looked behind her to see a violet-haired young woman. "Who are-?"

"What's better than one immortal witch? Two immortal witches!" She cheered as she suddenly went into various poses, each more weirder than the last before returning to normal and shaking C.C.'s hand. "I'm Kurokami Medaka. Pleased to finally meet you, senpai!"

"Sen…pai?" C.C. asked in bewilderment until her eyes went wide when she spotted a certain sigil on Medaka's forehead hidden behind her bangs while the violet-haired girl grinned. "...I-It can't be…."

"Yes! I am the same as you, my dear C.C. As M.M., I too share the burden of the curse you carry. Your time of being alone for all the centuries has come to an end. Fear not, my sister! I shall shower you with the affection you have been starved of all these long years!"

"Another one?!" Kallen groaned incredulously with a hint of dread.

"This one is a lot weirder than C.C. herself." Aki added with a sweatdrop.

"We-Well now! It seems that a lot has happened while I was gone, Kushina!" C.C. grunted as she tried to get free of the girl.

"A lot can happen in more than a decade, C.C. In fact, we'll need to have a private discussion about a great many things." Kushina said and turned towards the others. "As for the rest of you, we won't hold you. We just wanted to meet the ones who Joker trusts, and I have to say, I'm impressed."

"Instead. They haven't gone mad with everything that's been thrown in their faces." Ibiki noted with a grin.

Kushina nodded. "For now, we'll assign you guides to take you around the island. They should be at their usual spot right about now, so meet them there. C.C. knows, so she can lead you there."

"Ichiraku Ramen, right? As long as this one comes with, I don't mind." C.C. agreed with Medaka draped over her. "I have so many questions."

"I am an open book, Senpai!" Medaka cheered and turned to Nines. "What say you, dear?"

"I'd love to, but I got a debrief here. You go ahead and bond with your fellow Bearer. But rest assured that I will see you later, Emmie-chan." Nines told her, making Medaka squeal.

"It's a date!"

'Nines and this Code Bearer are together? Interesting.' C.C. thought to herself before addressing the others. "Alright everyone, if you'll follow me."

"…Quite the interesting bunch my children pull there." Kushina mused as the group left. "They have been successful today, but they'll need training for the battles ahead."

"You're not wrong, Kushina-san. They've only got by by sheer luck and the kids covering them." Yoko agreed as she stayed behind.

"As long as we don't scar them too much. Their friends back at Ashford get enough of that." Tsunade added.

"Milly has that covered if you ask me." Nines mused and clapped his hands. "So what did I miss?"

---

"Huh, where's Yoko?" Ohgi asked, looking around.

"Your friend elected to stay behind." Medaka guessed. "I guess she's inquiring about that new toy Nines gave her."

After exiting the military compound, the group was driven along a path from the base that looked like the Japanese countryside, with rice fields and a few houses. Soon they found themselves in the main city that was bustling with life. Semi-tall buildings and signs greeted them as they looked around in wonder, seeing stores, restaurants, and hang-out spots. The people nearly turned their heads, gazing curiously at the new group of arrivals, who in turn were mesmerized by the sights of traditional Japanese buildings mixed in with modern buildings with Japanese signs.

"We've never got as far as the hospital. This is incredible." Kallen said in awe. "It looks like the Japanese metropolis of old, but modernized."

"Indeed. I can see a few buildings that were built years ago have been completed." C.C. said as she gazed at some of the taller buildings. "I'm surprised they look so normal and not flashy."

"The last thing Lady Kushina wanted was for all of Uzu to look like a casino city of sorts. A modest and humble approach is better according to her. But there are times where her children come to visit and add their…personal touches to the city." Medaka said with a laugh.

Kallen and Aki could only mentally guess that it had something to do painting buildings in various colors like how the twins painted the entirety of Ashford Academy pink with rainbows.

"We're here." C.C. said as the transports came to a stop. "Ichiraku Ramen."

What was once a ramen stand long ago was a moderate-sized restaurant with outside seats and tables. The group entered to find that it looked like a regular establishment with tables and chairs, along with benches where people could eat at the counter.

And the twins Naruto and Naruko were there at the counter, finishing up their umpteeth bowl of ramen, with the other empty bowls balancing at top of each other at their sides.

"You two really are your mother's children, inheriting her iron stomach and all." C.C. called out to them as they turned around.

"Ah, it's been a day, so we took a little detour." Naruko said as Naruto handled the payment. "I see you're with familiar company," she said, winking at the Kozuki siblings. "And some familiar faces. I'm Naruko, Uzumaki Naruko."

"Um, Uzumaki-hime?" Ohgi asked as they shook hands.

"We don't do that here. No Prince, no princess, no titles. Royal stuff is so exhausting. I'm Naruto, by the way. Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto introduced himself with a cheesy grin. "We've heard a great deal about you all from Joker."

Both Kozuki sisters' eyes twitched at that.

"I-it's an honor to meet you," Ohgi said, shaking Naruto's hand.

"If you're wondering about the hair, we got it from our tou-chan. I got his eyes, and Naruko's got kaa-chan's eyes. And you're a long way from school, eh Akiza and Kallen?" Naruto asked, grinning cheekily.

"Wait, what do you-?" Kallen started to say but Aki discreetly stepped on her foot to shut her up. "Gah!"

"And you two are a long way from Ashford. How you fool everyone into thinking you have Britannian features is a miracle and of itself." Aki replied, with Kallen now understanding since the others don't know their personal connection yet.

"It's all makeup. Lots and lots of makeup." Naruko giggled while Kallen scoffed.

"Just one question." Tamaki said and pointed at C.C. "You kids know that she's immortal? How many times have you seen your mother kill her?"

"Well, she's taken a bullet to the head for us, so yeah, we know." Naruto said as Ohgi and Tamaki looked stunned. "As for kaa-chan killing her, can't say. What did you even do this time, C.C.?"

"I'll tell you if you can tell me about this one." C.C. drawled, jabbing her thumb at Medaka. "You've been holding out on me."

"Later, C.C. It's a long story, but Medaka-san hasn't aged a day like you. Thankfully Nines caught her eye. Milly's already too much for me." Naruto said whimfully, with Kallen snorting as he clapped his hands. "Now, time for the grand tour. Hold all purchases until tomorrow. If you see what you want, it'll be there."

"We won't take too long. We know how tired you all must be after that little skirmish in Narita. So we'll keep it brief and show you all the hot spots." Naruko said as they exited the ramen restaurant.

"'Skirmish', she says. Like we didn't just go toe-to-toe with the Viceroy and her personal Knights. Yeah, it was a cakewalk." Takami muttered sarcastically.

---

[Uzu Grand Tour]

The twins commandeered the transports, zooming out of the military compound and passing the main hospital, driving everyone around the main roads.

"From here, you can see the Uzu Sky Tower. It's similar to the one in Tokyo that's now a museum. Not only can you get a good view from up there, but you can also look across the water to where Japan is." Naruto said, pointing to the tower that does remind the others of the Tokyo Skytree, but was also inspired by the Eiffel Tower from its structure. "The passes we'll be handing out tomorrow will take you up there if you want to go."

"Is that really okay?" Ohgi questioned him.

"Of course! All expenses for tomorrow will be paid by both of us! Plus, you'll be safe. Britannia won't be looking for you here, so relax," Naruko said and smiled. "Feels kinda nice to be able to let your guard down completely, doesn't it?"

"I guess," Kallen murmured and leaned into Naruto's ear. "What are you playing at?"

"TLC. Think of us introducing everyone to the main hub area." He replied cheekily and booped her nose. "Don't worry, all the debriefing is being done for us, so chill out. We're all safe."

"Hey!" Kallen squeaked with a blush, rubbing her nose.

"By the way, the Sky Tower is the tallest building on the island, with the second most tallest being this building we're driving by right now," Naruko called over, "Say hello to the Uzu Metropolitan Government Building."

It was a massive building with three octagonal skyscraper towers, joined by aerial walkways on various floors. Each tower was over 999 meters tall and supported by nine sentry towers, with three per skyscraper. All three towers also had helipads, and a sprawling Japanese mansion was between them.

"Holy smokes!" Tamaki exclaimed.

"It's bigger than I remember." C.C. drawled.

"As an island nation with our own autonomy, we have to have our own government. Uzu was once tied to Japan's government until they cut us off. We spiraled for a bit before recovering, and drew some trial and error and some otherworldly inspiration, we got our own economy going." Naruto explained before sighing. "Politics still suck. Not my strong suit."

"Don't forget the paperwork." Naruko added, with Naruto making puking sounds.

"Don't remind me. We've seen what several stacks of that monstrosity does to kaa-chan."

"I saw her set fire to a few stacks over the years." Medaka piped up. "But it was fun to try and restore them!"

The others could only sweatdrop as they continued on their way.

"So Uzu is just all buildings?" Inoue inquired, looking around.

"We have neighborhoods too. They're your regular, run of the mill two-story houses that residents can customize to their liking." Naruko informed them as the city buildings slowly transitioned to said neighborhood homes, demonstrating her point. "A few blocks down and we'll be near the campus of Uzu Academy." We'll drive around it so you can get a feel for it."

...

Uzu Academy, upon first glance, looked around any other school. But on closer inspection, it looked like a college campus and was as big as a few city blocks; with buildings for elementary level, junior-high level, high school level and college levels. Elementary, junior high, and high school level has the least amount of building with the college levels having the most which took up most of the land.

"It's a school village. There were separate school buildings around the neighborhood before Uzu decided to bring them together. It made it easier on the traffic, and got the senpai and kouhai to get along well. The teachers teach their students everything they need to know; it's not through a Britannian lens, and they actually put a stop to hazing and bullying. There are a few incidents here and there, but they're handled quickly. There's even students from abroad from transfers and foreign exchange." Naruto explained as they saw a few kids studying outside.

"We've been here before transferring to Ashford. One, because we're pretty well known and would be a distraction, and two, personal reasons." Naruko added, dragging the last part out.

"There are those orphans back in Japan that could benefit from this." Ohgi pointed out.

"Most of them are here. Uzu's not blind, we help and place those that we can, from children to adults." Medaka clarified.

"Something tells me it's not that easy?" he guessed.

"Just like life, not everything's so simple," C.C. piped up.

"Wait, there's two kids fighting over there!" Inoue called out, pointing at them.

They drove up to see two delinquent-looking kids throwing punches at each other. One had black hair in a green uniform, and his opponent had orange hair with a green uniform. As soon as the twins saw who they were, they both sighed.

"Yo, Yusuke! Kuwabara!" Naruto called out at them, causing them to stop and look. "What's the record?"

"30-29!" Yusuke replied while holding back one of Kuwabara's punches. "Good to see ya again- Oof!"

"And I'm about to make it even and beyond!" Kuwabara declared, kicking Yusuke in the gut.

"Aren't you going to stop them?" Kallen questioned as Naruto and Naruko sweatdropped.

"Boys will be boys, especially with those two," Naruko laughed. "As long as those who fight are of equal skill and consent, then it's fine. Besides, those two keep any potential bullies in check."

"We'll see you guys later. Just don't give the nurses a hard time!" Naruto called out to the boys as they drove off.

"Heh, next thing you're going to tell me is that they'll be boots on the ground if you guys get into it with Britannia." Tamaki quipped.

"Well, not all training happens on the military or forward operating base." Naruto told them with a smirk. "Of which I heard there's a lot in Britannia now. The Shinjuku incident really ruffled a lot of feathers…"

"What did you think of it?" Ohgi asked, to which Naruto grimaced.

"...That we should no longer wait a few more years to free the world from Britannia. Thankfully those Phantom Thieves fired the first salvo. We can hardly wait to see what they do next." Naruto grinned darkly at the last part.

Aki shivered while Kallen looked exasperated.

"Alright, enough with the doom and gloom. Joker and his buddies have Cornelia handled," Naruko chided lightly, "Let's go to the Shopping District. Hope it's not too busy."

...

The Shopping District took up several blocks on the main road, with different shops lining the buildings and some restaurants at the corners. There were also several strip malls selling different things as well as small restaurants, and a shopping mall that took up a few city blocks with restaurants, clothing stores and other stories that sold miscellaneous things. While the shopping area was smaller than the neighborhood area, it did feel big.

"So this is where most of the money flows." Tamaki noted.

"One of the areas where the money flows." Naruto corrected him. "But yeah, this is mostly where residents get their necessities. While Uzu grows and manufactures its own goods, we also do trade with other countries as well. Britannia is not on the list, but the other countries do give us their overstock of Britannian goods to sell. Still, they are a rare commodity around here, especially of the Japanese variety."

"Wouldn't Britannia have a problem with that?" Aki asked.

"They can always talk to our kaa-chan if there's an issue. It's not like they can do anything since it's all legal. Plus, Britannian delicacies tend to be bland and boring sometimes, hence the overstock." Naruko said before noticing someone familiar. "Huh, what's Nick doing here?"

"Shopping, obviously." Naruto chuckled as they pulled over to where Nick was coming out of the kimono store. "Fancy seeing you here, Nick. Getting some kimonos for the girls? There is a festival, but it's a few months out if you're interested."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind…but yeah, these are for Hakari, Meme…and Laila," he said, muttering the last name to himself.

"A Britannian? Haven't I seen him," Tamaki said before realizing. "Ah, I remember you! You were with Kururugi and those Britannian Princesses weeks ago! You called me Japanese instead of an Eleven!"

"Yep, that was me. Those students' hearts were in the right place, but I had to give them a talking to. I see you're doing well." He glanced at Kallen and Aki. "With some familiar company."

Aki smiled cheekily. "Hope you're not spending too much money, given you get on Milly's butt about money and all."

"I'm the Student Council Treasurer. Of course I have to keep rich girls like her in check. Though I could use those help on that front," Nick said with a subtle stink-eye to Naruto.

"You know how much Naruko and I love the chaos. It keeps everyone on their toes. Besides, you've seen how Milly-chan isn't that bad." Naruto said with a knowing look.

"I guess you're right. It doesn't mean that her antics don't drive everyone nuts," Nick grunted, and nodded to the newcomers. "I guess you're their tour guide?"

"Yep. Our kaa-chan wanted to keep us busy. By the way, you want to join in? There's more to see in Uzu." Naruko offered, but Nick shook his head.

"It's alright. I wanna get some souvenirs for my friends. Besides," he walked away, waving. "I like going at my own pace."

"Why must he act all mysterious?" Kallen grumbled.

"When doesn't he?" Naruko giggled. "Let's continue onward."

...

The transports returned to the main road, this time heading towards one of the shores. The crew then noticed a large domed structure that was an indoor stadium in the shape of an egg. It was the Uzu Dome Stadium, based off the Tokyo Dome that was dismantled to make room for new housing by the Britannians. Ironically, some of the Britannians wanted to keep the old dome around for sporting events, but the royals always got their way in the end.

"So there's sports here too?" Ohgi asked.

Medaka nodded. "Yep! We offer a wide assortment like baseball, basketball, football, hockey, etc."

"That, along with concerts and special events," Naruto added as they made a turn. "This is our Entertainment District."

Right next door to the Uzu Dome Stadium was the Uzu Sports Field, a large outdoor field shaped like a cone. There was also a large concert stage and theater hall nearby. Plus, there were warehouses that look similar to movie studios.

"We have almost everything in Uzu, so anyone can find a job that they're comfortable with once they go through the process of becoming an Uzu resident," Naruko said brightly before continuing. "Now that we got the boring stuff out of the way, let's head to the fun stuff!"

Soon the group found themselves driving on the highway along the coastline, giving them a clear distant view of Japan. The Suns noticed that while there was something up ahead, the beaches were suspiciously almost empty, save for a few birds and crabs, and military personnel running in groups.

"We got cannons and anti-air artillery under there in case Britannia decides to get cute." Naruto said with a grin. "Just like the maelstroms, they'll be all around the island."

"Buried in the sand?" Kallen inquired.

"Not like that, Kally-chan. More underground. We do want to preserve the scenery instead of reminding everyone of the fight." Naruko replied.

"Anti-air artillery…like the Metal Gear?" Inoue asked.

"That's less 'anti-air' and more 'we can hit you an eighth of the way across the globe if you want to Find Out,'" Naruto corrected her.

...

As they drove, the empty beaches slowly showed signs of life with beach houses and food stands now appearing. There were children happily running around enjoying the sun and water, with their parents and relatives lying under umbrellas. Some played beach volleyball, built sand castles, and swam around with the lifeguards looking out for everyone. The beach also doubled as a water park, as some areas had separate pools, water slides from big to small, and wave pools for everyone to enjoy.

They eventually passed by a store for beach goers, which included all types of swimwear, from the modest to the revealing. There were some on display that were down right risqué, like a micro-sling bikini that left nothing to the imagination.

Kallen looked scandalized when she spotted it. "What the hell!? They display those things in the open like that?!"

Naruto shrugged. "How else do you advertise? And believe it or not, it is rather popular. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot a few girls sporting them...like those girls right there."

As he pointed out the window, the entirety of the males present practically teleported over to the side of the vehicle that faced the beach. And sure enough, a group of fairly young and attractive women were walking around in various designs of sling-kinis. Obviously, they had no qualms about showing off their bodies.

"I WANNA LIVE HERE!" Tamaki yelled as the boys turned into drooling idiots, save for Ohgi, who turned away with a red face.

Kallen scoffed at the reaction and crossed her arms. "Pigs…"

Naruto laughed. "Can ya blame them? It's been a long time since any of them have seen living girls dressed like that. Seven years in fact." His smile then turned into a grin. "Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing the two of you in those. I bet you'd look absolutely gorgeous showing those girls down there how to work them."

Kallen turned shades of red brighter than her hair as steam waffed off the top of her head, while Aki also blushed, but kept glancing back and forth between the shop behind them and Naruto.

"Of course, there's some beef for the ladies to enjoy," Naruto added, motioning to some men with beach bodies flexing and stunting their abs, with Inoue and the other girls drooling themselves. "A little something for everyone."

Unknown to the sisters, Naruko was shooting a text message about the idea of getting said sling bikinis to a certain Ashford heiress, who wasted no time in getting the order in using the uniform measurements they had on file for the Kozuki sisters.

Said twins suddenly felt a chill go up their spines.

"I know where I'm going tomorrow, Ohgi. Don't wait for me," Tamaki said, making Ohgi sigh.

...

Driving back into the island, they drove down large, open fields with different structures. Upon close inspection, they saw that there were various degrees of obstacle courses with different themes. There weren't just obstacle courses that people were racing on, as there were rope-climbing challenges, bouldering, rock-climbing, buildings built around trees, and zip-lines.

"This is the Uzu's recreational Adventure Park, and over there," Naruko pointed out to where the obstacle courses are. "Are where the obstacle courses are for those with peak physical conditioning. You have to be built different to take on these three levels of hell. It's what makes it our favorite area!"

Naruto smirked at the Crimson Suns, who were looking on in shock, awe, and horror at what was unfolding at the three sites of the advanced obstacle courses.

The first site was surrounded by water, with various platforms with different gimmicks, designed to test endurance and awareness. The challengers were getting bludgeoned by hazards that punished them for mistiming movements and jumps, wiping them out into the water. But none was more punishing than the challenge near the end of the course that were four big red balls that the challengers had to jump, with the 'motivator' not giving them time to prepare. The challengers could complete the course, but they would be battered and soaked at the end. It looked like fun, but getting through the first site without succumbing to the hazards qualified the course challengers to get to the second site.

The second site had minimal bodies of water, but mostly damp mud. It also had a series of platforms and areas that looked like a militaristic adventure park, designed to test mostly stamina, dexterity, and speed. It was composed mostly of logs, ropes, and steel platforms, designed for competitors to jump and climb, and made them use their limbs to traverse the course. Due to the designs of the obstacles and how they're meant to be traversed, it does put a stain on the unprepared, and they can fall. But with enough training to pass the course, and climb the two-story rope to ring the buzzer, one could be considered a 'Ninja Warrior.'

As for the third area, it was quite the supernatural sight: a platform surrounded by blocks floated five stories high over a lake. The platform was the starting point, while the blocks were randomly configured with pathways, traps, hazards and power-ups. The starting platform also served as a finish line, where the runner must go down the flaghole to complete the course. At first glance, the third site looked humanly impossible, but a certain former Princess was proving that wasn't the case.

Dressed with a black tracksuit with gold trim, Lucienne was running the course, expertly dodging hazards such as ground spikes, mock flamethrowers, collapsing blocks, and metallic venus flytraps. The newcomers gasped as Lucienne was jumping across great distances and wall-jumping off the ever-changing block structures. At the final stretch, missiles with monster-faces were fired at her, but she grinned as she charged ahead. Leaping off the last block, she bounded off the rockets, jumping off the last time to deliver a flying Rider Kick to what appeared to be a cutout board of the Britannian Emperor, and reached the flaggoal, sliding down the pole.

"Damn, five minutes off," she murmured, opening up her jacket and accepting a towel from Scathach, wiping her sweaty face. "So close," she said before noticing the tour group and waved at them. "Good evening, mates!"

"It's not even dark yet!" Naruko called back. "So have you broken the record yet?"

"No, but I keep getting close!" Lucienne replied. "I'll join you guys later! I just need to take my mind off a few things! And yes Kallen and Akiza, I am that durable," she giggled, seeing that the sisters' jaws were agape.

"HOW THE FUCK DID YOU DO THAT?!" Tamaki finally voiced the rest of the group's disbelief.

"Hours and hours of practice," Medaka stated as if it were normal.

"More like seven years of training." C.C. elaborated knowingly.

"Wiping out too many times to count on those courses!" Lucienne said, pointing at the two sites. "You should try this sometime. It's simple once you get the layout."

"ON WHAT PLANET IS ANY OF THAT SIMPLE?!" Kallen shouted, shaking her fist at her.

"Three-fourths of Uzu's forces have cleared it. It's not a requirement, but it helps with survivability." Medaka informed them brightly.

"...I guess you have to be prepared for anything," C.C. said absentmindedly, watching a runner fail to bounce across the big balls and wiping out into the water. "I'm surprised this isn't in the military area."

"It was, but there were those that claimed that they could conquer the courses so we moved it here. I think we've set a world record for the most humbled crowd ever! It did keep Lady Tsunade and Shizune busy. Nevertheless, I applaud the ones who came back for more!" Medaka said proudly.

"We'll see you later tonight, Lucy. Don't wear yourself down." Naruto called out to her,

Lucienne just waved it off as the tour group departed. She was running the course to take her mind off the fact that her playful joke had turned out to be true.

That Suzaku was Lancelot's pilot.

"Just how much has he changed?" she wondered, punching the button to reset the course. "Is he even the same Suzaku I first met when coming to Japan? What happened to you?"

"You know, I know of a few Servants that could use this area," Scathach quipped.

"I thought you Heroic Spirits don't need it, being made of magic and all," Lucienne replied.

"True, but some are children, and others are lazy."

"Huh, how interesting…"

...

The tour continued down the road. On the way, they saw traditional wooden houses with rice fields, farmland with harvesters, and gardens in the distance. Nearby was a resort with steam floating upward near some nice scenery. All in all, it looked peaceful compared to the chaotic obstacle courses that the newbies had just seen miles ago.

"This is the more traditional area of the island. If you want peace, this is the place to be. There are trails with raised elevations and nice views of what you see. There are foxes out there, and they are as friendly as the cats you've seen in the city. If you get lost, they'll guide you out." Naruto explained, nodding to a pack of foxes roaming along the edge of the nearby forest.

"Is that why you two got fox whisker tattoos?" Tamaki inquired, pointing at the twins' cheeks.

"We were born with them." Naruto and Naruko answered together.

"It's true. They're quite sensitive about them," Aki teased, reaching out to stroke Naruko's cheek, with the blonde grimacing, fighting the urge to purr and mentally vowing payback.

"Let's head back for now," Naruto said, looking amused. "After we take a little shortcut."

...

Soon, they were back in the city and on their way back to the military complex. Going through the entertainment district, they noticed the lights on the buildings were getting brighter and brighter thanks to the sun setting. There were fancy-looking hotels, restaurants, vehicles, and people in sharp suits and beautiful dresses that spoke to their character. Plus, there were a few casinos, as well as a giant ferris wheel.

"Welcome to Uzu's Vice Strip." Naruto said, chuckling at the looks he was getting. "What? There needs to be a playground for adults too. Plus, it provides more jobs for everyone to work."

"I understand, but this feels more foreign to everything else we've seen here." Ohgi said, looking uneasy.

"No Japanese buildings were torn down for this area to be made. Believe it or not, it was once an empty forest area a long time ago until it was destroyed in a duel. The people needed more jobs so the council commissioned this adult playground here. You'll find a mix of Uzushio-jin, Japanese, foreigners, and even a few visiting Britannians." Naruto said and laughed at the shocked looks. "Don't worry, they behave. Not all Britannians are the same. You get some like Nick who is a Japanophile, and those who want to see all the hype."

"Ya know, you're making Uzu sound too perfect." Tamaki said, swiping his mouth from drooling over some of the sexily-dressed women. "You gotta have a troublemaker or two."

"Yeah, of course we do. They range from wanting a lot more than what Uzu gives them, to just starting crap at the detriment of others. For foreigners, there's a three strike system in place for misdemeanors. For the first two, you'll spend some time in the detention center. Third strike, and you get deported back where you came from. If you murder in cold blood, you get sent to prison," Naruto explained with a sigh. "I bet you've seen the ones Uzu sent back to Japan, at least the ones that haven't been caught by the Knight Police."

"There's a few we've seen, but most of us figured that the deported wouldn't have gotten kicked out without good reason." Inoue replied.

"Sounds like something you'll have to deal with when the time comes," Kallen said, leaning over to Naruto. "Soon, this will be all yours."

"Yeah, it's gonna be a lot of fun," Naruto grumbled before brightening up. "Which is why one of our teachers, Gai-sensei, says we should enjoy our Flames of Youth while we still can."

Naruko blinked and then started giggling. "And I know someone who is taking that to heart." She said as she pointed out the window.

Naruto looked to where his sister was pointing and started chuckling too. There, walking down the sidewalk was Nines, his arms wrapped around Ryofu and Kan'u's waists. Both girls were dressed like Joshi Kōsei in some very skimpy short skirts and shirt combos. Ryofu had her shirt open, but tied off in a knot under her round breasts, exposing her stomach and a generous slice of cleavage, showing off a risqué leopard-print bikini top as well just to preserve her modesty. A matching pair of string panties rode high on her exposed hips.

Kan'u wore her clothing more conservatively but left her top unbuttoned as well to show off quite a bit of skin.

Tamaki gaped. "Goddamn, four-eyes is a playboy too?"

"What? You think Miles would be stuck in a lab all day? Geniuses need some fresh air too. Don't discount his girls for eye-candy. They're two of many of Uzu's strongest martial artists." Medaka said as they pulled up beside the trio. "Having a fun time with the gals, Milo~?"

"Ah, Emmie. I see you guys got this far on the tour. As for these two, well, they ambushed me after I got away from the council. Well, I did promise them some quality time."

"So, it seems." Medaka chuckled before grinning. "Heya girls! Enjoying some time with our mutual beau?"

"Sure are! We haven't had much time lately, so we're taking the opportunity to show our man some love~" Ryofu purred as she rubbed herself against the Inventor. Kan'u nodded and hugged Nine's arm deeper in her cleavage.

Tamaki's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "This guy is going out with three babes, and they're fine with sharing!? THAT LUCKY BASTARD!"

"Heh heh heh! Makin' up for time lost, eh chaps? Finally gettin' that date?" Naruto asked in cheeky Britannian speak.

"Our tou-chan was half-Britannian." Naruko clarified to the others.

"We know," Kallen and Aki drawled together.

"Yo, Naruto. Yeah, just trying to give my girls some attention. Although, I think eating is the last thing on their minds right now."

"Oh, something is getting devoured, alright…" Ryofu purred in a sultry tone.

Most of the people in the vehicle blushed at the not-so-hidden meaning.

"Sounds like a fun time, especially after today." Naruko giggled and winked. "Don't go too crazy now."

"No promises." Ryofu grinned.

"Don't forget, it'll be my turn after," Medaka cooed. "Really, really, soon~"

"Looking forward to it, love," Nines replied as he was dragged away by his apparent dates.

Naruto chuckled. "Just remember that the Red Light District is right down there should you need to rest."

"We have our own room for that, but thanks for the generous tip. But in all honesty, I know a few ladies who would love to join you there." Nines countered with a subtle nod towards Aki, who smirked, with Kallen's face becoming as red as a tomato.

"Touche~ See ya tomorrow!" Naruto chirped as they drove off.

"Just for the record, he doesn't speak for me!" Kallen bit out.

"But he didn't say anything about you," Naruko sang back at her, making Kallen groan.

"Since they both have the same guy, and they're strong martial artists, I wonder who's going to win between him for his hand in marriage- wait a minute!" Tamaki rounded on Medaka. "Aren't you going out with him?!"

"Yes! Polygamy is allowed here," Medaka quipped happily, causing the newcomers to round on her. "And I'm one of Nine's first two girlfriends!"

"Wait, two? But those other two babes were- the kid has four?!" Tamaki wailed.

"Really? Who's the other one?" Ohgi asked.

"You'll never guess who~" C.C. said mysteriously as they drove off.

"She's not wrong. But, you've already seen her," Kallen hinted unhelpfully with a dry smile.

...

As the tour made their way back to the military base, the Kozuki Group, including Kallen and Aki, had a lot on their minds on what they had seen of Uzu as the sun was setting. The island was like a glimpse of Japan if it wasn't ravaged by Britannian invaders. Everyone looked happy, living their lives, and being themselves. While it was a slice of paradise with the makings of a utopia, the presence of foreigners, the acknowledgment of trouble, and the constant threat of Britannia was a bit of a red flag, but not everywhere was perfect. But Uzu was a much better preferable alternative than Britannian-controlled Japan.

"We hope you all enjoyed the grand tour. From what we've heard, you're welcome to spend a lot of time here. In video game terms, think of it as a main hub area for the Crimson Suns where you can train and engage in activities, especially the obstacle courses." Naruto chuckled before continuing. "Once Japan is freed, we hope that Japan becomes a bigger version of Uzu. Of course, that'll take a long time, considering how the Britannian nobility butchered Japan with their blandless. At least some of the Japanese architecture is still left intact…for now."

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you two do for Uzu in Japan? You don't sound like the type to do nothing after Shinjuku." Takami said.

"We assist the Phantom Thieves, who bloomed into the Crimson Suns. We get the information, they execute." Naruto said with technical truth, smirking at Aki and Kallen's deadpan looks. "Trust us, Joker, Cypher, and Rei wouldn't have done the thing they could do if it weren't for us. If there's a chance to give Britannia a black-eye, we're in. Believe it!"

"Britannia's chickens are finally coming home to roost, and there's no way we'll miss an opportunity to push their shit in." Naruko added gleefully as she and her brother started speeding up.

Soon they reached the military complex, with the security gates letting them in as soon as the cameras saw Naruto and Naruko's faces. They sped to the main building, where Kushina and Mikoto were waiting. At the last moment, the twins slammed on the brakes, causing everyone to lurch forward, with the vehicles stopping mere millimeters in front of the women.

"Perfect control. I'm glad to see your licenses haven't been wasted." an unfazed Kushina quipped, while Mikoto sighed with a sweatdrop. "How was the outing?"

"Peaceful. We do want to see all of them on one of the obstacle courses. Especially the third one." Naruko opined with an evil smile.

"I like living, thank you!" Kallen screeched.

Tamaki nodded rapidly. "Hey, I'll follow Joker to hell and back, but I'm not going on those floating blocks! One slip up and I'll fall!"

As most laughed at his expense, Ohgi addressed Kushina and Mikoto. "Thank you for the tour of the island. It's amazing to see most of our Japanese striving here compared to what's happening in our homeland. But…" He gazed out in the direction of Japan with a bittersweet look. "I don't mean to complain, but there's more out here that should be here."

"I know, but Uzu is not the size of Japan. Uzu is like Hawaii, if it weren't separate islands. There's only so many people we can take from there. There were lots of people here before the Britannian occupation of Japan, so it was a struggle to accept refugees for seven years. We've made some room, but we had to stop taking in newcomers in order to avoid disturbing the island's natural resources and ecosystem." Kushina told them with a far off look, before grinning. "Fortunately, we have a nice alternative, so once we reached full capacity, we started sending them along to another destination."

"What? Where?" Tamaki asked as the Kozuki sisters rounded on the twins, who were sharing their mother's grin.

"That's for us to know, for now. Trust us, they are in good hands," Mikoto replied serenely, "And before you ask why not continue to funnel refugees through, think about this. What would Britannia think if suddenly the majority of the Japanese population suddenly vanished right under their noses?"

Ohgi frowned. "Many believe that they wouldn't care. But…the nobility see our people as glorified punching bags. If all the Japanese disappear, they would want to know where we've gone, and bring us back to continue tormenting us for their amusement."

"But we just can't all run away and-" Kallen started to say.

"Kallen, think of it as moving to a safe haven until the storm clears. While home is where the heart is and where you go, we're not having the Japanese just up and abandon their ancestral home." Naruto asked with a confident smile before turning to look towards the much larger island nation. "Japan has been under siege for seven years. No matter how unjust their invasion was, to the victor goes the spoils for Britannia. But after Shinjuku, this will be their final year of occupation. They will be crushed, Japan will be back in the hands of the people, and we will keep it that way."

"And it'll be a 24/7 job," Naruko added with a skip and a bounce, "I'm sure you've been told that this won't be a one and done. If there one thing we've learned watching things go down, it's that the work of making this world resemble one that you would prefer to live in is a lunchpail fucking job day in and day out; where focused and dedicated people have to stay on to make sure the result holds. In other words, you gotta be in for the grind in this fight. As long as people like Charles rule Britannia, and other world leaders like him exist, you'll have to defend Japan…until the sun runs out of hydrogen."

"I seriously doubt the Britannian Empire will last that long." C.C. drawled, making everyone sweatdrop.

"But we might be there to see it, senpai," Medaka laughed, hugging the green-haired witch.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. It's what we all signed up for after giving Britannia the bird. So, just continue to follow the masked trio. They will continue to lead you to victory just like they did today." Naruto continued, turning back to the Kozuki Group and nodding. His iDroid suddenly buzzed, prompting him to check it. "And that is our exit. Enjoy your rest day everyone, for this is one victory out of many. By your leave, kaa-chan, Mikoto-san."

"Don't be a stranger, Naruto-kun, Naruko-chan," Mikoto said with a smile.

"Before you run off, take this to Rueben," Kushina instructed the twins, handing Naruto a scroll. "These are instructions for him, just in case he is compromised."

"I doubt it'll get to that point, but we'll give it to 'im," Naruto said, passing it to Naruko, who stuffed it between her boobs. "We'll be back. Love ya."

"Love ya more~" Kushina shot back as the twins departed.

"We'll see you out there!" Ohgi called after them.

"We're much closer than you think!" Naruto replied with a wave. "Kallen, Akiza, we'll see you at school!"

"Seriously? He's just as bad as Nick," Kallen groaned with an exasperated smile.

"If they're doing what I think they're going to do, I'm going to need a camera," Aki whispered with a giggle.

"There will be a camera function in the iDroids that we will be providing to all of you," Mikoto told them, making the sisters jump since she'd appeared out of nowhere behind them. "Now, if you would all follow me to the dorms…"

"Talk about the VIP treatment," Tamaki mused.

"But it's something that we have to work for. This island is our chance at getting stronger for our people and to save Japan. This is a blessing that we shouldn't take for granted, and we're not going to waste it." Ohgi commented, drawing a nod from the others.

"And I hope for your sake you don't. You're all in too deep to walk away," Kushina informed them as she strode off. "Just remember to keep an open mind~"

"...Sometimes I wonder if this is just a dream-" Kallen said before Aki pinched her on the arm. "Ow! Aki!"

"This is real. It's unfortunate that this is happening because of Shinjuku. If it wasn't for the negative propaganda against the Uzumaki thanks to the JFL, maybe things would be different, and much sooner…" Aki said with a forlorn look.

"That's why I say that it's a dream that I'm afraid to wake up from. For years, all we could do was resist the Britannians. I took pride in my Japanese heritage, but all of us weren't united because of how we did things differently. And JFL, the supposed powerful resistance, did nothing. But in the span of a month, everything changed…and I fear we'll lose it all to some cruel twist of fate."

"And we won't. I too hate that it took this long, and it took the lives that were lost in Shinjuku to get to this point, but we finally have everything we wished for to take back our country. Competent leaders, powerful Knightmare Frames, exotic weapons, Geasses with Heroic Spirits, and…" Aki grinned. "A future that we're fighting for."

"...What do you mean by that?" Kallen asked, sensing a double entendre at that last part.

"Let's just say that I'm not the only one who wants kids of my own, you know. But first," she teasingly smirked at a gaping Kallen. "I'd like to feel how Naruto is all the rage with the other girls, beyond cuddling and spooning!"

"Seriously?! What's with you and the others being so perverted at a time like this?!"

"Kallen! Aki! Everything alright?" Ohgi called over.

"Yeah! We're coming over!" Aki said as she and Kallen ran over to the departing group.

It may be sunset, but the sun was finally rising on the Japanese, and the world…

---

[Narita Mountains]

Cornelia looked over the aftermath of her and her forces' battle against Crimson Suns. The JLF wasn't a major factor in the carnage due to being holed up in their mountain base during the assault. Thanks to the Suns and the Four Holy Swords that flanked them, the remnants of the JLF had gotten away, however. What was left now was a mountain, and a city buried under several feet of dirt, with the only casualties being most of Cornelia's troops and few members of the Crimson Suns. For the former, some were buried alive, while others had died in direct combat with the Suns.

But her mind was barely on the results of the battle, instead racing. Her forces had lost against the Crimson Suns; worse, her and Euphemia had gotten captured, and now there's an inkling of hope that Lucienne and Nunnally were still alive. Worse, the masked trio got to her, got inside her head and exposed her fears, not to mention that she was now part of a crazy bet instigated by Odin for her to sleep with Joker somehow. Too much was happening at the same time and surveying the damage made it difficult to process it all.

"Viceroy, so far there hasn't been any civilian casualties found." Guilford reported as he walked up to her. "Princess Euphemia's plan to clear out the town worked."

"As far as we know." Cornelia replied and growled. 'I need a drink. How is she?"

"Shakened but unharmed. Princess, from what we know, our troops have forced out those that have resisted at gunpoint. She had every building sweeped before the landslide happened. Her initiative saved a lot of lives today." Guilford said as Darlton joined them.

"Still, it wouldn't have been necessary had the Crimson Suns not attacked us during our operation to finish the JLF. We lost many good men today because of them." Darlton grunted in displeasure. "Vigilantes my ass."

"The real question is why they let the Princesses go. What's the gain from releasing them? It doesn't make sense," Guilford asked.

Cornelia sighed. "Nothing about the leaders of the Crimson Suns make any sense. They just captured me to ask meaningless questions and left Euphemia and I in that cave," she said through gritted teeth, not wanting to divulge the whole discussion. "Their insane rhetoric…distracted me from questioning them about Code-R and what they know."

"Ah, that's right. I've come over to report that Bourne and his team are on-site." Darlton reported, with Cornelia frowning.

"Bourne? Why is he here?" Cornelia wondered.

The three walked down to where William Bourne was as some Knightmare Frames were digging in a specific spot near a building, with his vintage coffee mug in one hand and a tablet in another.

"Mr. Bourne? What are you doing here? And why do you have my troops here again? We already checked this area." Cornelia said as a test with some computer systems were being set up.

"We finally had a breakthrough on Clovis's computers. Our IT discovered a shared private network regarding Code-R, and after cracking one of the firewalls, we uncovered information that there was a lab here in Narita. We believe that the lab was set up here due to the rumors, now confirmed, that the JLF was stationed here."

"A Code-R lab, here?" Guilford asked, voicing his, Cornelia's, and Darlton's shock.

"Indeed, and it's underneath us." Bourne said, pointing under the building that was being dug up.

"Do you think the Crimson Suns knew?" Darlton wondered.

"Maybe? Maybe not. I'm not sure." Bourne shook his head. "But judging from theirs and the Princess's exchange about Code-R and what Athena did to Clovis, I can only guess they're not as keen on Code-R either. I guess that's one similarly we share with those Phantom Thieves, as much I hate to admit. We can only hope the computers and hard drives down there are still intact-"

"Mr. Bourne, sir! Please, come quick!" one of the troops called out with a speaker.

"What's wrong? You got something?" Bourne asked as she and the others looked down the pit.

"We've reached the target and- Gah, oh shit! Turn off the machinery, now!"

"What the hell is going on?!" Cornelia demanded as she slid down, followed by Guilford, Darlton, and Bourne.

There was sand and dirt pouring out of a doorway. Upon closer inspection, they were horrified to find that the troops were pulled on what appeared to be a limb. They successfully pulled, producing a body that was wearing a lab coat and was unresponsive. One of the soldiers quickly checked for a pulse, and after a few moments, shook their head.

"This is where…the lab is…" Bourne said in disbelief.

"Gather all available troops to hollow out this laboratory now!" Cornelia roared, with the soldiers rushing to carry out her order. "The Crimson Suns finally have a civilian body count." she added with an evil grin.

"I don't think it's going to be that simple, ma'am…" Bourne murmured grimly. "In fact, I have a bad feeling about this…"

It was going to be a long day for everyone, with lots of tears heading their way…

---

[Uzu Skytree]

"I say today went well."

"Ya don't say."

Naruto and Naruko were sitting on the rooftop of the Uzu Skytree, watching the bright, moving lights of the island below them. It was a beautiful site, compared to the much larger island-nation across the way.

"The first black eye to Britannia! We did that! Our friends did that! We totally kicked their asses!" Naruko cheered with a fist-pump. "The first out of many and we killed it! Believe it!"

"There wasn't any doubt, but Britannia will turn up the difficulty with the next skirmish. Today was just the opening salvo of a longer war." Naruto agreed and looked over to Japan. "World War I lasted for four years, and World War II lasted for six years. Let's try to end this within two years, eh sis?"

"Preferably before graduation." Naruko laughed before sighing. "It won't be the end though. Britannia won't be the only ones knocking on Japan's doorstep. They showed off the benefits of Sakuradite too much and soon after they're dealt with, every country is going to want a piece."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there, not that they'll get far. But the war is not the only thing we have to worry about. It's Charles and the Geass Order." Naruto said as the Medusa twins rose from the shadows. "Charles is planning some kind of singularity-level event, and with Servants on the board, the Geass Assassins are going to be more of a problem than they were before. We can't exactly keep it all to ourselves."

"..The Six Houses of Kyoto," Naruko rubbed the back of her hand. "Telling them is going to be a risk. Those old farts already know about Uzu being home to super humans, but add Geass on top of that? All it takes is one to have delusions of grandeur and that'll be another problem we will have to deal with."

Naruto snorted. "Then it'll be up to us to convince the possible idiots on how much of a bad idea. Get your head out of Nines' virtual simulations of his world's history."

"Hey, you can never be too careful. But it is bad that I hope someone would fuck around and find out?" Naruko asked cutely with a bit of sadism. "With a tear in my eye?"

"Britannia did that with Shinjuku, you know," Naruto groaned with a sweatdrop. "Among other things…"

"Just send us to Britannia and the Emperor will be as good as dead by tomorrow," Medusa Alter offered.

"Medie, no." Naruko drawled, getting in her face. "I'm not going to lose you to any surprises. Stay here with me. Got it?"

Alter's eye twitched before huffed. "Fine."

"Be a good girl and I might send you out on an assassination run~"

"You don't have to patronize me, Master…"

"It's Naruko! Na-ru-ko!"

Naruto laughed as Naruko teased her pouting Servant, and turned to his own. "So Medusa, you need to stretch out your legs? Kill some Britannia royals?"

"I'm not that bloodthirsty, Master." Medusa said, now sweatdropping.

"You too? It's Naruto."

"But I'm just a Servant-"

"And I'm ordering you to call me by my damn name."

"...Hai…Ma- Naruto-sama."

Naruto grumbled. "We'll work on it. Believe it."

---

[Uzu Beach]

C.C. and Medaka were walking along the sandy shores of Uzu. The greenette kept her eyes on the violette, many questions on her mind. While she'd kept to herself all these years, she occasionally met with other Code Bearers while wandering the world. C.C. had met most of, if not all of them, and she'd never even heard of Medaka until now. The surname Kurokami nagged at her, as she was sure she'd heard of them in her travels.

When you lived as long as C.C. had, you tended to forget some things now and then.

"You've had your eye on me all day, senpai. I'm not going anywhere." Medaka spoke up as she and C.C. walked along the waves. "I am an open book!" She completed the statement with a wacky pose that made C.C. sigh.

"What's your story?" she simply asked. "Beginning with how old you are-"

"Forever 16, for over several hundred years!" Medaka answered instantly with a peace sign.

"I guess being vague is one thing we share, along with time stopping for us at 16." C.C. noted in amusement. "Not that it looks like it." she said with a glance at Medaka's bouncing assets.

Medaka noticed her eyes and grinned. "You're beautiful as well. You should take pride in your figure, senpai!" she proclaimed earnestly, leaning into her with mock bedroom eyes.

'Just like Kushina and Marianne…' C.C. grumbled as she stepped back. "Where're your Servants?"

"Aww, change of subject. They're around the world, helping in their own way. There's more to fighting in a conflict, it's helping the people and bringing smiles to their faces. And of course, protecting the helpless in the shadows, just like the Ghosts of Tsushima, the Ghosts of Yotei, and all the Ghosts of legend." Medaka said and held up her palm. "I have five Servants, with one of them near the World Tree, inside-"

"The World Tree?" C.C. repeated, with Medaka looking confused.

"Don't you know the World Tree, senpai? The huge tree that reaches to the heavens, hidden from the eyes of the masses. It's the source of almost everything in this world." Medaka said with her arms spread out. "And when you look inside, there's a starry night, like a whole galaxy."

C.C. looked skeptical. "I would remember seeing something like that in my 700 years of traveling the world."

"Eh? So you never thought to look into the origins of the Geass? Our Codes of Immortality? Any of it?"

"I have when I was leading the Geass Order, but nothing came of it. Charles deemed it a fruitless endeavor." C.C. said with a shrug.

"And that's where your mistake is. Those who want to find the origin of Geass, but not use it, would be able to find and open the path." Medaka revealed.

"Find it, but not use it…that explains so much. Humans always have a habit of weaponizing anything and everything they find." C.C. commented as she looked out into the ocean. "I never found it necessary. But how is this supposed World Tree connected to Geass and the Codes?"

"We will find the Adam or Eve of this world and ask them. That's what my Servants are truly doing. Interestingly enough, it's what my family was looking into, years ago." Medaka pulled out a journal. "If we can decipher the secrets of this world and Geass, we'll be able to stop what Charles is planning."

"What Charles is planning, and what I once was a part of, is to create a world without lies, and rule over it." The green-haired witch revealed with some regret in her voice. "And after getting betrayed, it's nothing but a foolish endeavor in the end."

"...If that's what Charles is planning, then why does he need the Holy Grail? The Apples of Eden? The Keys to…Atlantis?"

C.C. eyes widened and rounded on Medaka, who was now holding up an object that was a red triangle surrounded in a golden ring with an icon of a shark. "T-That's-!"

"A Key to Atlantis. One of five. Britannia- Charles has two. The last two are out there, one of them in Japan. The way to the World Tree is through Atlantis, and if Charles gains access, who knows what might happen? I don't know about you senpai, but if this is to rid the world of lies, then he is going overboard."

"It's more than that. It's to destroy the barriers between life and death, and unite mankind into a single body." C.C. explained, Medaka frowning. "That was the plan…so what changed? All he needs is the Code…"

"Maybe this will give you an idea?" the other immortal offered, handing her the journal, "It's not much, but something might jog your memory?"

C..C took it and skimmed through it. It ended up giving her more questions than answers, but one word made her stop.

"Lostbelt…?"

---

End of Chapter 17

---

One arc closes, and another opens.

As the Crimson Suns continue their campaign against Britannia, a figure from C.C.'s past makes an appearance and threatens to unravel everything, starting with putting one of their dear friends into the crossfire…

Next time…

STAGE 18

Consequences of Victory

Let the Mao arc begin.

---

[References and Explanations]

Castle wrote the opening, which was inspired by Ghosts of Tsushima.

Maelstroms, "Kaiju," Metal Gears; Uzu is well protected. Time will tell if that remains true.

Nope, Sasuke will not be a dirtbag in this story, and he will be with Sakura.

Sasuke and Sakura did have a date that lasted 2 and a half minutes in the Naruto sequel canon.

Tsunade's boobs are indeed 106cm…maybe even more.

Medaka does make those crazy Ginyu-esque poses in her home series.

We used the FGO Summer event maps as inspiration for Uzu, specifically the ServantFes one.

The Uzu Sky Tower is their version of the Tokyo Skytree, just as the Uzu Metropolitan Government Building is their version of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, except its modeled after the DOATEC HQ in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden. A lot of locations are based off of real-life places in Japan that probably don't exist in the Code Geass verse.

Yusuke and Kuwabara are from YuYu Hakusho. If you haven't watched the series, watch it.

You'll see a lot of use of FAFO due to all of us watching Habitual Linecrosser skits on YouTube.

The obstacle courses are Wipeout, SASUKE/Ninja Warrior, and the Mushroom Kingdom course in the Super Mario Bros movie.

The Uzu Vice Strip is basically Las Vegas.

Naruko partially quoted Jon Stewart's One Thing speech from his return to the Daily Show at the end of the monologue section.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom" I'm reading that it's a Thomas Jefferson quote, but its from somewhere else.

The Keys to Atlantis is from a 2010 LEGO set.

A Lostbelt is from Fate Grand Order. Simply, they are what-could-have-been timelines that the world deems unnecessary.

---

Released: Saturday, October 5, 2024

---

"So…what do you think?" Kushina asked her dear friend Mikoto.

"A bit rough around the edges, but your kids chose well, Yoko-chan too," Mikoto replied, looking over to the other redhead.

"I'm just glad that my vouching for them paid off. I did have to keep them from doing good things that would've disqualified them." Yoko piped up.

"And I'm glad you did. I like the sisters. They remind me of myself when I was their age, hair color and all." Kushina giggled, liking the idea that there were more women like herself running around.

"Well with all due respect, Kallen has your temper and Aki your bloodthirsty tendencies, so it was quite the challenge." Yoko said with a nervous chuckle.

"I can imagine." Mikoto said with a smirk towards Kushina, who cleared her throat.

"Ahem! Anyway…" Kushina shook her head in amusement. "With the victory over Cornelia-chan's forces, Britannia will supply them with more firepower. Which will make the next battle different. How they will accomplish that, we have yet to see, but we won't be waiting."

"Are you thinking of something insane again?"

"Aww come on, Miko-chan, this is actually tame! I know Cornelia-chan. She'll bounce back with something new to even the odds, but we don't want them even. We want them in our favor, so we'll have a surprise waiting for her!" Kushina declared, rubbing her hands together. "And it should be here any minute…" Just as she said that, a train rolled in, carrying a giant hunk of metal that was folded neatly in place in its standby mode. "Ah, and there's the beauty! Fresh from down under!"

Mikoto sweatdropped. "One, don't do that again. Second, is that the new model?" she asked, seeing the amphibious fins and hind legs on the design of the machine.

"Metal Gear. Designated…Ray! Per the blueprints by Nines!" Kushina eagerly revealed, complete with dancing hands towards it. "Isn't she gorgeous?"

"Looks bigger than Rex." Mikoto noted. "You have a pilot?"

"She's already trained up and ready to go for the next operation. And my babies will be surprised to see who volunteered for their sake. Hence why she'll be a secret~" Kushina said with a sly grin.

"That tells me it's not Sasuke. At least not yet."

"He and the rookie will get their chance to shine." Kushina said before looking grim. "But something tells me it might come sooner than later…"