Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-author and Beta: Etheral-23

Chapter 64: History and Legacy Part I

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

As Tobi became more involved with the affairs of the Cult, he began to understand how it functioned. Yamata's word was absolute; he was the undisputed lord of their order. Below him was his inner council, the Great Heralds, those who would be guaranteed to be rewarded by the goddess Ishtar herself upon her return to the mortal world and had the most authority over the various forces that made up the Cult.

Second to them were the Ascendants, those considered next in line to earn a spot in the inner circle. Leaders of military regiments, heads of covens, agents, enforcers, spies, and assassins working on the various branches of their power structure. All are neatly organized into well-structured sections dedicated to specific tasks, such as spreading political dissent within a country to foster civil conflict. Or assassins specifically sent to remove figures that would otherwise do their work of spreading such discord harder.

Or utterly annihilate everything in the area if their presence had nothing of value and got in the way of their operations.

It was fascinating for Tobi to see how they had operated for so long, hidden in the shadows, only acting sparingly until they recovered their strength.

While some groups within the Cult vied for Yamata's favor by taking the initiative and trying to out stage one another, Yamata made it clear he would not tolerate those within his ranks sabotaging each other, lest they desired to face his wrath. It fostered competitiveness and ambition but without countering each other's activities.

His direct ascension to the inner circle happened because Yamata greatly acknowledged and approved his work. The Bloody Mist, the Nine-Tails Attack, and countless other minor and major acts had inadvertently benefited the Cult. But most importantly, he had Pain's ear; he would be vital in directing him where the Cult wanted him. The Cult wanted him to obey, and Tobi was okay with it so long as that would fulfill his desires... and after witnessing the terrifying god in the sacred sanctum, he had no doubt they would...

Of course, this was not well received by many here.

Demons who had been rising through the ranks for centuries all wanted to slaughter him. Humans stared at him with scathing envy. But all were held by fear of Yamata's wrath.

Tobi was now a Herald, and they had to deal with it.

This only inspired various commanders and Ascendants to try harder. While Yamata could not oversee every single one of their activities, he at least had to be informed they were happening and notified immediately of significant developments in case he needed to change the plans directly.

So when the Ascendant Dhunarak plotted the downfall of the Land of Trees, utilizing an ancient and very powerful gashadokuro, he was expected to return triumphant.

He came wounded with over half his forces lost, the great demon slain, and forced to retreat with his tail between his legs.

Tobi watched impassively as the tall monster waved his hands wildly in the middle of the meeting chamber, defending himself before the Heralds, the various commanders, and before the baleful gaze of Yamata himself, one single head visible under the chamber's dark light, the others remaining in the shadows with their red eyes shining brightly.

"We could not have anticipated the reinforcements from the Land of Fire! Among their ranks were individuals of great power! The Fifth Hokage, the princess of Fire, the last of Uzumaki matriarch, and that swordswoman of the many styles!" Dhunarak loudly proclaimed, his sole visible eye desperately begging his master to understand. "What's more, the damnable sages arrived at the last moment!"

His prominent commanders, the two remainings, merely kneeled silently behind him. The seductress demon looked different since Tobi last saw her. Larger and more muscular, she had two great bat-like wings coming from her back. The blue-skinned muscle-bound devil had one broken horn and several lesser wounds around him. That sizeable red demon was missing; it seemed he was also a casualty.

Zu Zhang hummed from his chair, looking unimpressed at the demon sorcerer. "And when these reinforcements arrive, what was your course of action? Oh, wait," He leaned into his fist. "The report said that instead of sending your forces to hunt them down once they were separated, you chose to hunker down on the ruins of the capital. Keep the gashadokkuro there, and wait for all the human forces to regroup and attack you directly..."

Yamata's daughter Ibuki tilted her head, running a long nail at the side of her forehead. "That sounds like poor strategy, in my opinion,"

Dhunarak made a choking sound; he was not making a good case.

Aezvyn and Zoros wisely kept silent as they remained to kneel. A hooded Bai Shen paced around the trio with his arms behind his back, "The destruction of the Lands of Trees should have brought destabilization across the region." He stopped before the masked devil, "Had the Fire Daimyo died along with the others in the ensuing chaos. As it was our chance to do so."

Had the Fire Daimyo fallen, Amotsu and the rest of the nation would have been ripe for an attack from its long-standing enemies like Iwa and Kumo, inciting long, bloody wars.

"Your hubris of victory blinded you, Dhunarak." Bai Shen remarked with disappointment.

Yamata's lone visible head made no reaction as he stared.

Lazily Jeanne drank from her glass cup from her seat, "That fledgling Heir of Rama was also there. He should have been put down along with the rest."

The Succubus lowered her head further, hiding the terror in her eyes.

"And as we learned..." Yamata finally spoke, "Princess Maiyuri also bears the Will of Rama..."

"I... my lord, you must understand. The situation grew beyond our control."

The rumble from the great serpent almost made the room tremble. He was tired of his excuses and barely holding back his anger.

"Because you lost control," Tobi chose to speak for the first time. "You had all the advantages available to you and yet squandered every one of them."

"Tch!" Dhunarak's gaze snapped at the newest herald. Loathing radiating from his being as the site of Tobi sitting in one of the inner circle seats made his blood boil. To see the newcomer, the outsider, take a seat for himself instantly while he had toiled for centuries.

And yet here he was, an Ascendant, someone next in line to be considered for as one of the great leaders of glorious Ishtar's Cult, stepped over by a wretch like him.

"You wanted glory, and that cost you greatly. Not only did you fail to kill the Land of Fire's main succession line, but you also made them aware of our activities and capabilities." The orange-masked man reproached, "They'll prepare for us now; they know more of us are coming."

Dhunarak had enough, "Stop talking like you're one of us!"

Bai Shen's glare snapped at the hellborn demon. "That is a Great Herald you are speaking to. Mind your tongue!"

"No! I shall remain silent no longer! I will say what everyone in the order is thinking; That that man," He pointed a long finger at Tobi, who remained impassive at his outburst. "Does not belong here!"

"You question my judgment?" Yamata warned dangerously.

The demon merely placed a hand on his chest in supplication, not for his life, but for his lord to see reason. "My lord, whatever punishment you hold for me, I will accept," Many noticed he still did not take fault for the failure of his campaign. "But please, head the words of your servants! You invited a man who does not believe!"

"Oh, for hell's sake..." Jeanne rolled her red eyes.

"He has yet to prove his usefulness to the cause, and already he sits as a Herald. What has he done for the Cult to earn his place? In what way were his actions done for Great Ishtar's glory?!"

Yamata's many serpentine eyes narrowed. "Coincidentally or not, he has already achieved more for the cause than you have."

"Then why already the inner circle?! Why not a commander or coven leader?! We would have even understood as an Ascendant!" The demonic sorcerer continued. "Is it because of the false godling? Just because he has an ear? We can get rid of him without his aid!"

"Do not discard a tool if it has its uses," Yamata replied. "And you are failing to show me you still have to use yourself. Perhaps Ascendant is too much of a responsibility for you."

At the threat of removing his title, the demon panicked. "I am forever a weapon of our god!" Dhunarak shouted passionately. He was a faithful servant for centuries, fighting, scheming, and killing for the Cult. And yet this miscreant, this lowly human, achieved what so many like him had worked for centuries? It was unacceptable, the darkest stain on their honor. "My lord, you must see the risk of allowing an outsider like him, who had plotted for his ends long before he knew of us, to be a great risk! You cannot be so foolish as to-!"

Dhunarak fell silent.

Everything became silent.

Because all knew the moment that word escaped his mouth, that single slip off the tongue. Had sealed his fate.

Yamata's gaze burned like hellish fire, and his enormous head loomed above them as he glared at the demon who had unwittingly insulted him. The killing intent that began to fill the room was like a quicksand trap, slow but all-encompassing, a doom everyone could feel coming but no one could stop.

"You think me a fool?"

Bai Shen did not budge as the massive head of the serpent moved like lightning. Before Dhunarak could grovel in forgiveness, he was encased in darkness by jaws devouring him instantly.

Aezvyn and Zoros recoiled out of terror at the act as Yamata's head slipped into the shadows for another to take its place. Neither moved as they stared in fear as crimson eyes glared down at them. "Do not repeat this mistake; am I clear?"

"Y-Yes, Lord Yamata." Both quickly composed themselves and bowed once more.

"Aezvyn, you are now commander of this unit. Restore your honor from this failure, am I understood?"

"Yes, my lord, we shall do as you say," The Succubus bowed quickly as Bai Shen ordered her and Zoros to leave.

"Such a shame," Akuma, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke, "I liked Dhunarak."

"You don't like anyone," Guildenstern quipped dryly.

A huff came from the hooded demon, "He was talented and devoted to our lady. But grew arrogant when he should have acted." He returned to his seat with a disheveled look, "And this gives us more problems now."

"Well, I seemed to have returned at a depressing time, didn't I?"

Yamata and the others shifted their gaze toward the entrance of the chamber. Ibuki soon released a happy squeal, waving, "You're finally back, Katsura-chan!"

Tobi took a good look from his lone eye at a gorgeous pale-skinned human woman who barely looked in her mid-twenties with purple hair so long it reached the floor. She dressed in a latex bodysuit that showed off her every curve and her endowed bosom with a piece of cloth draped over her chest, with a heart-shaped symbol linked to her collar. Another cloth was also draped around her waist, tied by rope. Samurai gauntlets were on her forearms with knee-length greaves on her legs. Her ornate katana, covered in tiger fur, hung lazily on her hip.

Her violet eyes glowed with warmth as she waved back to Yamata's daughter, "It is good to be back, Ibuki-sama," Her tone again was full of warmth and kindness. She soon turned to Yamata before bowing, "I've come to report my mission was a success, Yamata-sama."

"Ah!" Bai Shen exclaimed merrily as he rose from his seat, "Katsura! You bring much-needed good news. How was the trip outside of the Nations?"

Katsura giggled, "Those people and their customs were strange. Even their outfits were so goofy."

Tobi turned his gaze to Zu Zhang, "Who is that?"

"Ah, you were not introduced, given her extended mission. Our special Ascendant Katsura Ichimonji."

Memories of the past rushed into Tobi's mind. He knew he had heard that name before. A surviving remnant from the days of the clan wars. And said to be one of the most vicious and bloodthirsty clans ever to exist next to the Fuuma. But moreover, he finally recognized this woman from his past as this was the woman who stalked and hunted Kushina for years!

She should be in her forties by now!

Tobi remembered that time perfectly, and it was a wonder his Sharingan did not awaken that day. Accompanying Kushina on an escort mission in the Land of Flowers, the operation went off as expected. Minimal trouble by low-ranking shinobi. Nothing they couldn't handle.

Until she appeared.

Emerging from a literal carnage, standing on a pile of bodies from rogue shinobi, was the woman from the Ichimonji clan. Someone who would be considered very beautiful covered in blood and viscera, the smile she bore stained with blood as fires raged behind her, casting a dark shadow on her front. And yet those purple eyes shone with the same lightning coursing through her blade.

Kushina had ordered them to take the client; he had never heard her so terrified for their safety. And they dared not disobey. The killing intent radiating from the Ichimonji was sickening at the time.

They took the client and ran; it wasn't until a day later that Kushina returned. Heavily wounded but quickly healing thanks to the Nine-Tails inside her.

Katsura Ichimonji, one of the last of the warlike Ichimonji. A savage veiled in grace who pursued Kushina with zealotry and twisted passion, someone who could not dissociate bloodshed from affection. A sick mentality for barbarians whose entire lives were based on the battlefield.

And that same woman was staring at him with that same smile and unnerving look in his eyes. Had Tobi not been hardened by the hell that was their world, he would have found her terrifying.

"You... feel familiar," she tilted her head in a gesture that would have been innocent on other people. "Have we met?"

...Still, it was safer to avoid getting her attention. It would not do for her to learn he knew Kushina once upon a time.

"No," He said with finality.

"Katsura," The great serpent called firmly. "Did anyone know of your involvement?"

"None that live," She answered contently.

"Good," Yamata seemed satisfied. "We shall have your new assignment shortly."

"Ohhhh~" Her eyes lit up enthusiastically, "Is it her? Please, tell me it is her" A shuddering sigh escaped her lips as her hands cupped her cheeks. "I've been dreaming of this since I heard she came back, yes, yes." Her fingers pressed tightly into her cheeks as her smile widened. "That glorious bladework, that beautiful fighting spirit! A red haze like blood in the air!" She began laughing gently in volume, but the sound was anything but. "Ahh, Kushina! Kushina...!"

She kept laughing, the look in her eyes becoming maddened as the fingernails began digging into her skin and tore it, carving a bloody path down her cheeks. The killing intent coming from her was directionless, like roaring waves, and the chakra... to Tobi's Sharingan, there was an inhuman quality to it.

Reactions from the demons present were mixed. There was discomfort before the woman's 'episode' among those of lower rank. The Heralds' responses, however, ranged from annoyance to exasperation, except for Ibuki, who merely clapped and entertained as though this was something familiar to them.

"Katsura."

Akuma voiced her name in such a way from his supernatural ghostly voice that it created a resounding echo within the chamber, followed by a wave of killing intent. Not a pressure weighing down upon someone, but like a tar pit that quickly swallowed everything and dragged it to its depths.

Some of the lesser demons and other beings in the chamber fainted.

The woman stilled her bloodied hands, and her smile was frozen. Slowly she regained herself, lowering her hands and smiling softly as though nothing had happened.

"Ah, apologies, my master," She said sweetly. "I got a bit carried away."

Akuma scoffed; he did not even raise his gaze to look at her. He remained sitting on his throne with his arms crossed.

Tobi watched as the bloody tears in her cheeks healed at a fast rate. That was regeneration.

'Special Ascendant,' a fancy way of saying she was an operative. Someone they sent to kill and destroy. But it did not look like she was interested in being part of the council, merely a weapon. Tobi wondered if her 'Ascendant' status meant something else was done to her, something that made her more than human…

Zu Zhang faintly chuckled, "I'd imagine King Ivan was surprised to find the tribe at the border wiped out so suddenly; it must have caught his attention."

"Per orders of Yamata-sama and Akuma-sama, I remained directly in the shadows before delivering the slaughter. And vanished just as I appeared," Katsura politely quipped sweetly. "Hesseria will no longer have trouble moving their troops along that area."

Hesseria, as Tobi recalled from Bai Shen, was a nation in league with the Cult once. But cut all ties with them, killing their agent assigned there.

"Why secretly aid this nation if they no longer work for us?"

Yamata answered the hooded Uchiha's inquiry, "While Ivan and Hesseria are no longer with us, their actions still benefit the order. His aggressive expansion into neighboring countries keeps chaos flowing with constant wars."

"As brilliant as Ivan is," Bai Shen spoke with genuine respect for the human, "He is still our pawn whether he realizes it or not."

"You keep underestimating him," Zu Zhang admonished. "May I remind you that it is because of him we lost an Ascendant on his way to join the Heralds?"

The scarred demon looked back at the necromancer. "He is content with expanding his empire; his focus is Celteran, not us. And so long as he is still busy with their lands, he is not a threat."

"Yet," Almond-shaped eyes narrowed in warning.

"Regardless, he has his uses even if we cannot use him directly," Yamata said as his serpentine gaze looked over the crowd. "This leads me to our next order of business. Coven head Irene, step forth."

A figure emerged from their ranks, and staff tapping was heard along the steps. A woman emerged, a voluptuous and curvy figure displayed with risque garbs and a black top that displayed the underside of her bosom. It left her shoulders bare, but long, loose sleeves started on the bicep area; a dark gloved hand gripped a long staff while the other rested easily on the side of her hip. Her flat and slim stomach was in bare display, with a long tabard covering her hips and going halfway down to her knees. She wore no pants but two thigh-high leggings that displayed the curves of her legs, ending in two high-heeled shoes. The final piece of her attire was a broad hat with a jagged curved part protruding upwards from the center. Her most notable trait was her long, thickly braided scarlet-red hair, a fierce shade that stood out in the dark chambers.

To most men, she was a vision of beauty. To Tobi, all he could see was power radiating from her being. Devious cunning and ambition shone in her dark green eyes, and the smile on her lips was not a friendly gesture.

The witch, Irene, leaned down her staff as she placed one hand over her chest. "Great Yamata, honored Heralds," She spoke with an air of aristocracy and elegance.

"Begin your report," The serpent god commanded.

"The druid's actions remain elusive as ever," She said. "But the splintering factions of Albion betray some of his telltale signs. He's involved himself in the events."

"Hmm, intriguing." The great calamity said. "If it warrants his attention, it should warrant ours as well. Have your agents investigate, but do not involve yourself until I say otherwise."

"By your command," The woman bowed her head.

"What of the local vampire courts?" Jeanne asked, "Are they finally stepping up? Or am I going to have to force them?"

Irene smiled wickedly, "I've managed to procure the aid of no less than fifteen clans. And I'm in talks with the Styrian court."

"Truly now?" Bai Shen smiled widely, the exposed muscles in the twisted half of his face shifting with the gesture. "Carmilla has stayed content in her land for ages. She's showing interest now?"

"Cautious interest," The witch replied. "She wants to be certain we'll be the winning side."

"Continue your negotiations with them, but do not pressure them. It's more useful if they join willingly." Yamata-no-Orochi firmly said before lowering his massive head towards the woman; she did not back away as the snake god drew near. "Well done, Coven Head Irene. In your century of service to the Cult, you've provided consistent success and displayed good initiative and progress in your endeavors."

"I live to serve the Cult, my lord," The woman replied with less astute ears would consider genuine loyalty. But Tobi understood what lay in her voice. She served the Cult because they held something she wanted, the reason he had also joined.

"Such usefulness for our order's cause is to be rewarded," Yamata intoned, raising his great head. "You are now Ascendant, and I give you command of not just your coven but also the 14th regiment. Their ranks are now yours to direct as you see fit."

The woman smiled, "Thank you very much, my lord."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Nurses and doctors were either jogging or fast walking through the halls of the Amotsu medical facility. While much larger than the one in the Leaf village, the numbers among the injured Fire and Tree forces were staggering and filled up nearly all rooms. All five surgery rooms were active, with the more critically injured being attended to while others had to wait and be treated as best they could to keep them alive.

Those with non-life-threatening injuries found themselves cramped into rooms in groups while being treated by the staff.

While for most people, this would be a bleak scene out of a disaster or war film. But the mood among the less injured was lighthearted and hopeful. Energized by the bold declaration made by Princess Maiyuri after their victory.

The evil demons were defeated, the monstrous gashadokuro was slain, and the Land of Trees was saved. It'd be a long journey, but they would eventually rebuild their land. Uninjured refugees were already being escorted towards the Land of Fire; large camps were being set up for their people to regroup, tend to their wounded, organize, and eventually leave to return to their sundered homeland and start rebuilding. Maiyuri would stay true to her promise, providing economic aid and labor to help the Land of Trees. But it'd take time. For now, they had to heal. They all did.

Once more, Naruto found himself stuck in a hospital, he wasn't severely injured, and his regeneration had taken care of the worst. But still, they wanted him to remain on observation. If Naruto sounded like a broken record of how much he hated hospitals, it was because he hated them. The sterile smells, the quiet, the food, having to remain put in one place. This place was an antithesis to him. He idly looked at Sasuke, who occupied the bed next to him, his gaze focused on a tiger scroll unfolded on his lap. In front of him, Karin had taken to sit in Sakura's bed, the two talking about their friends and how they were doing. Soujiro was seated on a chair at his side, doing... pretty much nothing. He looked so calm and quiet, and Naruto wagered he was meditating or something.

Many of his peers did not need medical attention, so they just visited other friends and comrades who did. Like Ino, Sakura was worried sick after the head trauma that damn demon had inflicted on her. Doctors said she'd be fine but had to rest for now.

The Blond loudly huffed as he dropped his head back on his pillow, garnering an annoyed look from Sakura, "You might be able to heal your wounds from the Kyuubi. But your body needs rest, Naruto. Watch TV or something."

"Nothing good on"

"Read a book."

"I said I'm bored. How would that help?"

"I swear if we weren't in a hospital..."

"We fought one of the worst battles of our young lives," Sasuke said from his bed, looking at his teammate with annoyance. "You could be thankful we made it out alive instead of complaining about how you hate hospitals."

"Exactly, we should be out celebrating!" He said, sitting up again. "Not stuck in this place!"

"I believe being here ensures we can celebrate later," Soujiro conveyed.

"See?! Soujiro agrees with me!"

"I didn't exactly-"

Karin deadpanned, "Let it go."

A warm giggle came from the room door, "I certainly see you have Kushina's quirks and personality Naruto-kun." A friendly, soothing feminine voice came from the short slender gorgeous, ageless-looking woman with blue eyes, fair skin, and very long black hair. Her doctor's coat was unbuttoned, and she showed off her beautiful curves and endowed bosom adorned in a black kimono and hakama with sandals. The head doctor of the Amotsu Hospital, Retsu Unohana. They had met her days ago upon entering the place in question.

Following her was a fairly tall and beautiful young woman with short silver hair with braids on the side hanging down on the side. Dressed in the same attire as the other woman, minus the doctor's coat, showed off her figure and large breasts. "We know it can feel like a prison here at your age, but please rest, Uzumaki-kun." The tall woman addressed in a quiet tone. Retsu's apprentice and fellow doctor, Isane Kotetsu.

"We were in a real prison," Sasuke absently remarked, "I'll take being in here than back in there."

"It is so weird hearing you make full sentences," Naruto quipped, earning a dry glare from the Uchiha. "It's okay if I leave for a few minutes and grab good food, right?"

"Oh my, no," The head doctor giggled gently. "You're required to stay here full time,"

"Then I'll send a clone."

"That is against regulations as the chakra fluctuation might disrupt the healing process."

Uuuugh! All these rules were getting on his nerves. "But I feel fine! What's the big deal?"

"I have to insist."

...Did the room suddenly get a lot colder?

The way Unohana looked down at him, approaching his bed, it... it was wrong. The smile was wrong, and the way her eyes closed in a seemingly kind gesture was wrong. Everything about this situation made him feel something horrible was going on. It triggered his fight-or-flight instincts, yet he could only remain frozen on his bed. Even as the source of his was so close to him.

This wasn't killing intent. The woman did not exude any intention of bringing him harm. Yet this cold pressure building up in the room told him he was in great danger.

Naruto began sweating coldly, letting out strangled sounds as the sheer 'wrongness' increased when the woman leaned her face very close to his. From the corner of his vision, he saw Sakura, Karin, and even Soujiro stiffen and look nervously at the scene before them. He didn't need to turn around to know the same was happening to Sasuke.

Oh good, it wasn't just him.

"As a doctor, I strongly advise you to follow the procedure." Her eyes slowly opened, and the sheer malice behind him made him feel he'd die any second now. "So please... behave like a good patient."

The jinchuuriki let out a strangled sound.

"Oh hey Retsu, there you are," The Godaime's voice said; the woman stopped by the door and casually greeted the head doctor. "Been looking for you."

The sheer dread drowning the room a moment ago vanished instantly. Unohana's features no longer screamed danger but true joy at the sight of the woman, "Oh, hello, sensei! Are you done with your rounds?"

"Yeah, wanted to see if you were up for some tea."

"Oh certainly, I'm about to end my shift anyway" The head doctor walked by her apprentice, "Would you be so kind as to finish up here, Isane?"

"Y-Yes, shishou," The tall silver-haired woman said as sweat rolled down her cheek.

"You kids behave," The Hokage waved them off as she and her former apprentice walked away.

The silence in the room was so deep one could hear a pin drop.

Until Naruto blurted out, "What the hell was that?!" He panted, holding his heart and trying to get it to calm down.

Karin rubbed her arms with her eyes wide, her body shivering intensely. Even with Kimimaro's near void-less demeanor, you could feel some things. But what she felt coming off the head doctor was sheer cold and dread.

Isane nervously chuckled, "Shishou can be a little intense."

"A little?" Sasuke muttered dryly.

"B-but she means well! And cares for every patient in here." Sakura felt this lady had to say this several times to herself and others. "At any rate, all of you should be able to leave the day after tomorrow."

A weak thumbs up came from the blond Uzumaki, unable to bring himself to make a snarky retort. "Um, how are the princess and her dad?"

"Akiha-sama," Sakura abolished.

"Akiha-sama only received minor injuries and nothing fatal. Maiyuri-hime sustained numerous cuts, bruises, and micro-fractures to her bones. However, those are mending quickly, but she will neither fight nor spar for several weeks."

"Imagine she is not too happy with that part," Karin conveyed.

Hearing that, the tall, beautiful buxom doctor sighed, "She can be a bit of a handful sometimes."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Said princess was sitting on her bed, sharing the room with her dearest friends. Maiyuri's hands were on her lap; her eyes closed as she shut her mind to anything around her. She ignored the sounds of Namika's loud bites of her snacks nor the sharp sound of Miharu's pen as he wrote in his journal. Right now, she was utterly focused on nothing but her thoughts.

Her father had come in earlier to check on her, to tell her...

Good gods, it was truly happening.

She had wanted this for so long. She had dreamt of this. And now that she would finally have the authority and power to enact her dreams, she just... didn't know where to start. It was all too overwhelming.

After the battle of her life with an enormous monster, she was making an impassioned speech that moved those around her, and now she was being hit with the reality of it all.

Such thoughts bore heavily on her, despite her efforts to consider her options and shutting off the world around her. She could not ignore it as Yuma grabbed her sheathed sword and poked her on the cheek from the other bed, having to reach over so the length would touch.

"Yoooo, Mai-chan," The swordswoman said slowly. "Are you there? Are you okay? Are you suddenly overwhelmed by the realization of all the responsibility to be put on your shoulders so that you can achieve your goals?"

"Yes, Yuma" Maiyuri's eyes opened but only halfway, for her face was not locked in a frown. "Thank you for summarising my existential crisis so succinctly."

And yet she still was poking her...

Namika sighed, "Becoming Shogun... When was the last time we ever had one of them?"

"During the Clan War Era, there hasn't been one in the Fire Country for a hundred years," Miharu answered, not looking away from his journal.

"I expect a reaction with the other nations once the news spreads," Maiyuri addressed with a long sigh while Yuma kept poking her. "...Will you please stop that..." The pinkette grumbled at her buxom friend with her eye twitching. Still, Yuma kept at it as her longtime friend grabbed her sheathed blade, "Stop doing that before I smack you with your katana," The future Shogun snarled through her teeth, now scowling over at the swordswoman.

Yuma only stared back, "You finally got what you wanted. But you have this aura of 'what the hell am I going to do now' glowing off you."

"Because that is exactly what I'm feeling right now," Maiyuri lightly snapped before reigning in her temper. She rubbed her eyes, "I just... I'm trying to figure out where I take things from here." Rolling her eyes, her longtime friend leaned over and flicked her in the ear, "OW!"

"Out of you, me, and Mitsuri, you were the brains of our little trio. But you always had one problem."

"And that is?"

"Overthinking. Sure, you are self-assured and confident with your ideals and stuff. But then you start mentally rambling over and over on what and how to do things."

"I do not."

"Yes, you do. I've known you for ten years; your quirks are easy to read for me."

The princess glared at her friend, lips pursing as if to stop herself from admitting she was right. It was always painful to say Yuma was right about something; that woman could get so impossibly smug afterward. "Fine, yes, I'm overthinking things."

And there was the smugness.

"But I believe this warrants overthinking," Maiyuri continued. "I want to unify the Elemental Nations, and I swore I would. So here lies the question; How do I achieve that?"

Her friends looked at each other, concern briefly flashing in their eyes.

"There you go," The princess nodded, "The path of unification will not be peaceful. I want to bring peace in our time, and... the only option available to me is conquest? It makes me sound like a hypocrite of the highest caliber."

"You're not the type to roll with an army, crush any opposition, and then force people to obey," Namika pointed, "You'd never do that."

"Exactly. So how do I even start?"

Miharu made a thoughtful sound, brushing a few strands of black-white-tipped hair behind his ear. "The minor nations always need something, either greater economic growth or major military build-up. By promising whichever they need, you can start forming links of alliances."

"That is assuming they even would accept bowing to my authority," Maiyuri countered, "What reason could they have to consider it?"

"What reason?" Miharu said incredulously, "Mai... an entire nation was destroyed. By demons."

Maiyuri fell silent.

"You can bet the rest of the world has heard of it by now. The Land of Trees was the greatest example, but you've read the reports. Demonic activity in the countryside is on the increase. And now we're finding demons meddling with nations as it happened in Han'ei. Nobody is safe."

"I see what you mean..." The princess muttered, "I would offer a mutual protection and assistance pact in exchange for them to swear allegiance to the Land of Fire. Our assets would be their assets."

"That's good and all," Nimaka brought up. "What about the countries who want nothing to do with you?"

"I refuse to be the offender of a conflict. So be it if they want to be left to their own devices."

"And if someone wants to FIGHT you?"

"Then I'll let them come for me first."

Three pairs of eyes widened in shock.

"Wait, wait, wait," Yuma waved her hands before her. "You're saying if someone, either stupid or paranoid enough to make the first move... you'd let them. Mai, a lot of them would come directly for you! You're the first person in a century to embark on a campaign like this; you'll be everyone's target! Rogue-nin, mercenaries, and shinobi sanctioned by their governments would try to kill you! If they don't attack your forces yet!"

"Then, by right, I am duty-bound to reply in kind!"

"Well, yes, but-!" Yuma stopped herself. "Oh."

Maiyuri nodded, "Yes."

"You'd let them make the first move to have the political justification to attack..." The swordswoman realized. She knew Maiyuri would never attack civilians or do anything that would harm the common folk of any country. But by giving herself the justification of defending herself and any perceived threats to her nation, she would target the opposing country's military directly.

They were not shinobi; the leading military of nations was still made up of people who followed the old codes. They would meet her on the field with their honor and independence at stake. Some would even answer to the challenge of single combat and offer their strongest warriors to determine the outcome of battles with a duel instead of suffering significant losses.

If Maiyuri invaded a nation, then there would only be resistance any step of the way. But if the civilians had no reason to fight and did not suffer casualties at the hand of any hypothetical invading force, then the population would want hostilities to end before they could escalate. Civilians would surrender, and towns and cities would switch banners.

This did not only give her the moral high ground with the civilians of whichever nation she was in conflict with but the poorer countries and those oppressed by ineffective or downright cruel rulers would be even faster to join her. Presenting themselves as liberators rather than conquerors.

"Man, I knew you had political clout, but I didn't know you could be pragmatic about things too..." Yuma muttered.

"One must be pragmatic with the endeavor I aim to achieve." Maiyuri soon dryly glanced at her longtime friend, "An, unlike someone, I never skipped my formal studies." Yuma stuck her tongue at her.

"I know enough not to be an idiot!" The future Shogun seriously wondered about that.

Namika pulled out a small wrapped candy, "So, have you figured out how to start being Shogun?" She popped the sweet into her mouth.

"Yes... The Land of Trees showed us all what must be done for the sake of the Nations. And for that-"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"I solemnly swear to bring our people and nation to full prosperity and peace."

Maiyuri knelt on one knee before her father, stepmother, the fire court, Yuma, her royal guards (Team seven with Kosuke and Soujiro included), Tsunade, Tomoe, Jiraiya, Shizune, Hiruzen, and the Konoha elders, the jonin, Anko, Lyn, Kya, and Tree Shinobi, who were healthy enough to join this occasion. As well as the citizens of Amotsu stood in awe and cheer as the morning sun rose, and all stood out in front of the Fire Palace. At the top of the stone steps, Daimyo Akiha's gaze was stern, "Do you accept the weight of the responsibility placed upon you once becoming Shogun?"

The masses could hardly believe it, a new Shogun! The first in a century, and it was Princess Maiyuri, no less! Her successful campaign to save her father and the Land of Trees from the monstrous demon horde swept through the capital like wildfire. As well as her goals of uniting the entire Elemental Nations.

Just the mere thought of such an ambitious goal left many reeling. But others were wary; such an act would no doubt bring conflict. And even more frightening, war...

Did the princess want war with the other nations?

Maiyuri's soft emerald orbs stared at her father, "I fully understand what it means to take this role. And I shall perform my duties with honor and dignity."

"Then rise, Shogun Maiyuri Sasaki." He gestured a hand to the masses. "Let the people of Fire know of your goals."

Kosuke lightly glared down at the former robes he was ordered to wear, and Naruto did the same. Kushina lightly smacked both while they adjusted their respective collars.

Rising to her feet, Maiyuri took a long deep breath keeping her eyes on her father. A warm smile replaced his stern face, "Tell them." He whispered gently.

With a light nod, the newly appointed Shogun turned towards the masses, who looked back with varying expressions.

She took a deep breath and spoke from the heart.

"Citizens of Amotsu, you have all grown up in generations of peace. The horrors of war have always been a distant memory, a page in our history books," The princess spoke, her voice enhanced by the chakra coursing through her vocal cords, ensuring all would hear her. "But to say we live in a time of peace... is nothing but a sick lie."

Murmurs rang throughout the crowd.

"The only reason this capital, this nation, has not been dragged into another conflict is that we have forced our shinobi to pay the price instead. Even before the founding of the hidden villages, before the shinobi of Fire took an oath to the daimyo, we have been using them to fight our battles. Ending conflicts before they started. We believed we found a way to prevent further tragedy..." The Shogun's eyes closed in disappointment. "All we did was made them pay with their blood instead of ours."

Silence settled. And the shinobi present looked at the princess with a turmoil of emotions.

"We give them a degree of independence to continue operating freely. 'Out of sight, out of mind' has been these nations' motto for too long! In our hypocrisy, we claimed we entered a new era of stability, but all we did was relegate our wars to others. We refined it! We mass-produced it!" She paused, "And then we kept selling it, buying it... blood. The economy of the shinobi villages runs on nothing but blood. And we are to blame for it."

Her hand lashed out, "It turned the world into what it is today! Beyond these walls, you will not find prosperity and safety! But bloodshed, suffering, death, and worse! Countless unmarked graves filled with the bodies of shinobi to whom war did not become that which they had to prevent... but the ultimate outcome once it reaches a tipping point. An inevitability they have all come to accept"

Many of the shinobi felt their spirits go down at those words. It was a harsh reality of their lives. To train, fight, and die for the village, over and over, with no end in sight. The wars became routine, and they had all accepted one day, there'd be another one. The best they could hope for was that it wouldn't be during their lifetimes, but even then, that was hoping for much...

"And it is not just the suffering of the shinobi! The world outside... it's broken. Corruption and tyranny run rampant in lands you may have never heard of! As we reap the benefits of our blood money, others starve and suffer under oppression!" Her gaze hardened, "And worst of all... I have seen pure malice borne manifest in acts of untold savagery and chaos! There are creatures out there, evil and ravenous! They plot our destruction as we speak!"

It was not just a call for the people to open their eyes. She needed them to understand their home, the world they had grown accustomed to, was unsafe.

"If we do not prepare... then we may not survive."

The princess let the gravity of her words settle.

"So I..." Her fist tightened over her chest. "I want to make things better. I KNOW things can be better. And I know, with a heavy heart, the cost of what I'm asking... I know the hypocrisy of my words, but this is how far things have gone. These are the only options available to us right now!"

Her soft green eyes glowed with steely resolution.

"I will embark on a campaign of unification! I will seek out those who would join the Land of Fire to head into a new age! I will topple down tyrants and monsters if that is what it takes! If there is to be bloodshed, so be it! We are going to fight so we no longer have to send children to die for the sake of this carcass of 'prosperity!'"

Hiruzen kept his eyes on Maiyuri, 'You're finally spreading your wings. Let us see if the people believe in your vision.'

There, she had laid her heart bear to her people, as she did in the Land of Trees days ago. Now she waited with bated breath on how they would react. Her eyes took in everyone there, looking at one another with varied expressions.

"I stand with you, Shogun Maiyuri!" Eyes turned to an elderly woman who stepped forward, "I saw the horrors of all three wars. I've lost family and friends in all. The cycle must end!"

Her words roused those around her, with many who lost loved ones in those damnable conflicts. And for what? Countless dead men, women, and children for the illusion of peace?

No, there had to be something better. There must be.

Soon another voice rose in favor of Maiyuri's goal, another, and another. Finally, all the citizens of Amotsu raised their fists and chanted Maiyuri's name to the heavens.

The newly appointed Shogun felt her lower lip tremble as she fought the tears in her eyes as a smile graced her lips. Now raising her fist in cheer.

A serene smile formed on the lips of Tomoe with her hands behind her back, 'The first step is made. You would be proud, sensei.' A slight pang clenched at her heart, 'My dearest late husband. I see so much of your spirit within these young ones.'

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Even after the historic moment, things had to die down somewhat. Many things had to be arranged, Maiyuri had to start somewhere, and she proceeded by talking to the Hokage. At the main hall, as multiple politicians and officers of the army spoke among themselves, Naruto stood at the side with his mother and friends. Technically, they were at Maiyuri's side now, considering their position. This was Maiyuri's first real act of changing things. The Shogun was now kneeling at the head of the table, several officers and politicians spread out over its length as they surveyed the documents she had drafted. The new plans and orders for their army's readiness and local and foreign policy changes.

Tsunade did not look at ease with the Shogun's words as she crossed her arms and pondered. "So... that's it then."

"Yes," Maiyuri nodded. "Konoha's semi-independence is over. I do not expect you to cease your wetwork or stop espionage and assassination. I'm a woman of war now and need my hidden blades. But from now on, Konohagakure no Sato's public actions will be laid at Amotsu's doorstep. We take all the responsibility, and in return for our continued funding, the shinobi force shall act more directly as the branch of the Land of Fire's military it is." The young woman was still in progress. Oh no, she was winding up for something larger. "Moreover, there will be NO shinobi graduate from the academy under sixteen. Regardless of age, all active shinobi may keep their status, but I will not have children in my army."

From their spot on the sidelines, the jonin just looked on slackjawed.

"Holy shit..." It was not Anko, Asuma, or even Kakashi who muttered those words; Kurenai drove to point out how serious this was.

"You're asking me to reduce the available number of my ninja for years," Tsunade said, her eyes widening. "We've continued with this tradition because it's necessary."

The Shogun shrugged, "The shinobi force will no longer fight our wars for us. You are detachments now. So it doesn't matter in the end, does it?"

Tsunade paused, "Oh, I'm going to have to deal with so much shit back home. This will NOT go over well with the more traditionalist elements of my village."

"I don't care. Tell them it is their Shogun's will"

"Right, right..." The Hokage sighed. "We will need to have this formally documented and signed; the decree needs to be official and go through the proper channels."

"I will have my scribe work on it."

A low grunt came from Jiraiya, leaning against the wall beside Kushina and Kosuke, "If Koharu and Homura keep going over those documents, they might need medical attention." He gestured to the elders sitting beside Hiruzen, who looked over several newly made papers.

On either side of the retired Sandaime, his fellow elders looked three shades paler, reviewing each document. "By the Gods," Koharu uttered with wide eyes.

"I am getting too old for this," Grumpted Homura massaging his forehead, feeling a headache.

The third elder among them only appeared more energized than normal, faintly grinning while reviewing everything handed to them. His wizened orbs glanced at Kushina, who also bore a grin on her lips. 'Everything you wanted to do for the Leaf is finally happening, Minato.' She looked up at the ceiling before closing her eyes. She knew where her late husband's soul was... And perhaps it was finally time to use 'that' to set him free.

"Man, I feel like this will just bring more work on us," Shikamaru grumbled, sitting beside his team and friends on the floor.

Kiba scratched the back of his neck, "Won't this work out in the long run?"

"Yes and no," Karin said, "There is still so much to be done, and what comes next will be the hardest task."

Shikamaru clicked his tongue, pointing to the redhead, "Bingo, our new Shogun wants to unite all of the Elemental Nations. We know at least two major ones who might not take kindly about that."

Iwagakure and Kumogakure... oh, they would not take this laying down. But indeed, it would not be the villages that would respond. It had to be their daimyos and no doubt they'd be plagued by indecision.

"While also not forgetting the minor villages," The Nara heir brings up, "Some might take the offer gladly. Not everyone will." He stated it more as a fact.

With a bandage on her head, Ino huffed beside Sakura, "So complicated."

Neji raised in voice in the conversation, "Very much so, Yamanaka-san."

"The new version of the Konohagakure no Sato treaty will be done in a day or two after the details have been hashed out," Maiyuri said as she looked at the elders, "They'll need to be signed by the current Hokage and Council. I expect you won't have too much difficulty reigning them in?"

"It... will be done, shogun-sama," Homura said after a pause, followed by nods from his peers.

"Good," She seemed to relax slightly. "Tomorrow, I'll have a meeting with my dignitaries and generals. The proposals of my alliance will be drafted to the most neighboring countries, and I'll need the army to start mobilizing."

"You already have your first target?" Tsunade asked with some surprise.

"The Land of Lions"

"Their daimyo has kept an iron grip on her country for many years," The Hokage replied. "She will not give up control. She'll be so offended she'll consider killing you just at the mere suggestion of surrender."

"I am aware. But I need to send a message, and I need the world to know I'm serious. I'll take down a despotic daimyo and take control of a country."

"...You are not gonna do things by half, are you, girl?" Jiraiya said from his place on the wall.

"Change will not come easily, Jiraiya-dono. You know this" Nor would it be peaceful.

Jiraiya sighed, "I spent so much time trying to find an answer to peace and have done shit-all with it... Maybe you're right; maybe we all need someone to destroy the status quo once and for all."

"I've seen warlords rise and fall," the Sage of the Flame voice spoke up as she approached the princess. Dressed in her white and blue attire, her white hair with a tinge of light blue remained peerless as ever, and her blazing red eyes held a touch of nostalgia. "Be they great strategists or charismatic orators, the one thing they have in common is that they believe in their cause. Hold your belief close to your heart, young Shogun, or else victory will never be yours."

The princess realized this was the first proper time she spoke with the Sage Tomoe, she had heard about the woman recently, but the first time she's ever seen her was on that eventful day in the Land of Trees. Her words carried a warning to them, and Maiyuri could not disagree with her words.

"The enemy of this era is the system we put in place," The Shogun replied. "I must build things over if we want to progress."

Though approving of her reply, Tomoe still let out a weary breath. "I'm afraid that is not the only enemy you will face. Your goals of order and progress have made you an enemy of people who seek to tear it all down, and you know this. You have faced them in the Land of Trees."

Maiyuri's eyes narrowed as Yuma strolled up to her friend, "The cult of Jashin."

"That is the current title they assume in this age. They have had many others throughout the long centuries." Tomoe addressed, "And it is time you become fully aware of who lurks in the shadows of our world. Because with your plans of unifying the Elemental Nations, they will be coming for you to ensure you never do."

The Sage of Fire's words brought a heavy silence to the people within the hall.

The newly appointed Shogun gazed at the table and her longtime friend, who nodded to her. "If I am to bring unity to the Nations." She shifted her emeralds to Tomoe's slit crimson, "Then I need to know who my enemies are."

Tomoe gave a small courtly bow, "Very well. But this information is solely for you and a small group you wish to bring to the Valley of Courage and Perseverance."

"The Land of the Monkeys?" Homura spoke up, glancing at Hiruzen, who bore a knowing look.

"Yes, it has become our base of operations for rebuilding our Order." Tomoe explained, "Shogun Maiyuri, who do you wish to bring with you?"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Namika let out a small whine, "Why can't I go!?"

"Because we're needed here to finish the documents," Miharu rolled his eyes as his sister whined louder.

Maiyuri stood beside Yuma with Naruto and his team, Tsunade, Kushina, and Kosuke. Lyn and Kya were also included, with Jiraiya being the last one.

"Is everyone ready?" Hiruzen asked as he stood beside Tomoe.

The Blond felt a wave of excitement rushing into him. He had heard so many stories about the Valley of Courage from Jiji! Sakura did her best not to look too excited, but she was, but she couldn't hide the smile. Karin adjusted her glasses while looking at Soujiro and Sasuke, who bore reflective looks of thought.

"Let us depart Sarutobi-dono," Maiyuri nodded to him.

Without another word, the retired Hokage went through several hand seals before biting his thumbs and slamming them onto the floor.

A puff of smoke erupted on an enormous, ornate veranda with several decorated Torii gates. With the smoke fading, Hiruzen could not help but smirk, hearing the gasps of awe once the haze faded around the group. "Welcome," He looked back to everyone, "To the Valley of Courage and Perseverance."

As far as Naruto could see, he saw large peaks with waterfalls and rivers connected to vast forested lands that looked endless. Countless structures correlated with the peaks and forests, all connected as one gigantic city. Along with the city were two colossal stone statues of humanoid-like monkeys, one male and the other female, in unique garments. The male statue was meditative, while the female held a long bo staff against her shoulders with a smirk on her lips.

There was something... mystical about this place, the way the mountain peaks reached up to the skies like giant fingers to grasp the clouds. The way trees grew everywhere unimpeded by buildings or the presence of civilization. The gentle streams of the valley to the loud waterfalls. There was a clear presence of spiritual energy here; this valley was not just the home of the monkey clans; it was something else. It MEANT something else.

What, Naruto was not sure yet.

They walked into the valley, those unfamiliar with it looking at the sights with enraptured fascination. There was a mix of traditional buildings of houses, pagodas, and large stone structures that looked like they belonged to a different culture, their design almost making them feel ancient.

The current chief of the clan met them, the monkey king Enma, who grinned at them as he crossed his arms. "About time you lot are here. Come on," He waved at them to follow, "A few of the guests already arrived."

"Where are we going?" Kushina asked, "To a meeting?"

"Of great importance," Tomoe stressed. "Here in the Valley of Courage and Perseverance, we'll hold a council to reforge a society whose goal will be to stop the Cult, to spread order and stability, to fight for harmony and peace."

"It is here," Enma took over, "in our sacred home where we honor the ways of Hanuman, son of the Sun God Surya, Friend of Rama, the Mighty Sage of the Himalayas. And remember our great lord and master, and following in her footsteps as the Victorious Fighting Buddha, the Great Sage Equal of Heaven, Sun Wukong."

It was then they looked back at the two statues of the monkey-like beings. One was more ape-like in appearance with his facial structure, his fur thicker. At the same time, the woman with the monkey tail and the staff had a more human appearance. They quickly put two and two together.

"Wait," Sakura called out in surprise, pointing at the statue of the woman. "That's the legendary Sun Wukong?"

"The one and only!" Enma said proudly.

"But she's a woman," Naruto pointed out, "How come she's always been named 'King' then?"

"Because there's no difference," The current Monkey King replied with a shrug. "'King,' the kanji is gender neutral."

"Ohhhh..." Various voices replied in unison. So that explained it.

Getting back on track, Kakashi said, "You said you're going to form a society to fight this Cult," He then asked, "You mean a new group of the sages and their allies?"

And by 'allies,' it had to be the groups of people they saw training in martial arts, instructed my several mentors. They weren't just monkeys. There were... humans among them. All of their training to become a fighting force. Just what kind of society were they planning to form here?

They soon passed a large archway they could see lead into a large open-aired chamber, and the specific form of the great Genryu stood there, dwarfing others whose silhouettes they couldn't make out properly at this distance.

"Not a new group," Tomoe shook her head, "We'll remake our sacred order, the ones who stood together in a time of chaos to fight back against the darkness that plagued our world for ages past. A brotherhood comprised of like-minded individuals" Her voice carried immense reverence, and she sounded heavier than they'd ever heard her before. "The Order of the White Lotus."

The name drew Sasuke's attention, "I recall that name mentioned at Mount Myōboku when the dragons, wolves, and fox were speaking."

"Indeed," Enma expressed, "We can explain the order once all the guests arrive." He froze and blinked as a blur ran past him and lightning speed.

"MY BABIES!" Maiyuri and Yuma jumped back at a strange white-haired woman with horns on her head. And in a bluish-white kimono tackled Kushina, Lyn, Naruto, Karin, and Soujiro onto the ground. "What took you so long~!" She whined, almost like a child hugging all of them. It was then the two noticed the woman having a... White-scaled Dragon tail? Wrapped around the redheads plus one blond.

A long sigh escaped the monkey king, turning on his heels, "You could have waited, Meihui."

"I haven't seen my babies in weeks! I'm within my rights to cuddle them as much as I want!"

Kya dryly stared down at her lover, "Will she do this every time?"

Her buxom lover chuckled, "Maw-Maw in a nutshell."

"Maw-Maw," Maiyuri and Yuma parroted in question.

Jiraiya snorted while Tsunade stated, "The is elder Meihui, Clan mother of the entire Uzumaki."

"...Oh." It was the only articulate word from Maiyuri's lips, staring wide-eyed.

"Good to see ya again Maw-Maw," Naruto groaned beside Karin.

Maihui beamed brightly with her fanged teeth, "Oh, it is so good seeing all of you again! I want to know everything you all have been up... To..." Her voice trailed off as her nose twitched, sniffing the air. Letting go of the rest, much to their relief, the Uzumaki matron rose to her feet, sniffing the air more and coming to Kosuke, who looked down at her. Taking one of his hands, she brought it to her face taking in all his scent. Her head shot upwards with shock in her eyes, "Ksouke-chan?"

Emotion glowed in the large leather-clad man as he nodded, smiling. "It's me Maw-Maw..." his voice breaking with each word before Meihui let out a cheer jumping and hugging him.

She looked back to the meeting area up at Genryu, who was looking over, "GENRYU! KOSUKE-CHAN IS ALIVE!"

The great silver dragon looked down fondly and lovingly at the two. "I know. He was there in the battle. We..." He paused, looming over the large human. "We did not have the time to speak properly, my boy."

"Too busy," The wild-maned man spoke with a large smile, eyes softening. "There was a war going on."

"Indeed"

His mother, however, was not so understanding, "So you mean to say you knew one of my babies was alive, and you waited all this time to tell me?"

The dragon chief reared back; his expression troubled as he knew no answer would satisfy her. "Um..."

"First, Kushina doesn't tell me herself that she's alive! And now this! Everyone's sense of priorities in this family is screwed up!" The dragon woman accused, swiping her arm at the entirety of her family present. "You're all grounded for three hundred years!"

"But-"

"GROUNDED!"

"...I didn't even do anything," Naruto grumbles under his breath as Sasuke and Sakura smile mirthfully at the scene.

Kushina and Lyn smiled back fondly as Kosuke scratched his head, unsure how to respond to their great-grandmother's antics. This was very familiar. It felt like they were back at home. Chasing fairies and playing in Tsukiko's garden...

"My oh my, well, isn't this the charming scene" It was then they took greater notice of the other person present at the meeting approaching.

Not even Sasuke could mask the faint blush on his cheeks alongside his team as a peerless beautiful dark toffee-skinned woman with long, flowing dark purple hair that rivaled Kushina's in length. Wrapped around her shapely curved is a red silk with an ornate gold lining sarong skirt, revealing only one of her flawless legs with thigh-high red, black, and gold high heels. Her lovely flat stomach was shown to all with a shortcut plunging halter top, showing off her endowed bosom while matching the colors of her skirt. On each arm were detached sleeves going up to her biceps, with gold jewelry dropped everywhere on her form. Her green eyes looked almost like green gemstones on her perfectly round face with light red eyeshadow around them.

Her luscious dark lips curved into a smile, "Welcome." Her voice was so soothing and warm.

Naruto's heart was pounding so loud he could barely hear much of anything as his cheeks and face matched his mother's hair. By the GODS, this had to be one of the most gorgeous women he had ever seen! Even a tiny tint of red on Soujiro's cheeks spoke volumes!

Kushina lightly adjusted her collar, was it getting hot or something? Maiyuri and Yuma weren't fairing much better than Sakura or Karin, who couldn't stop staring at the woman. Tsunade dryly glared at Jiraiya, who was slightly drooling from his mouth. There was a faint red under Kakashi's mask, but he seemed to be the most composed as he noticed the unique traits of the woman. Mainly the large canine ears replacing human ears that should be there, and a long fluffy canine tail...

Hiruzen looked critically at the woman, "Your aura does not give off that of a demon."

"Correct, I am beastfolk… well, sort of. My heritage is much more complicated." She responded before giving a courtly bow, "My name is Makeda."

Lyn whistled before being smacked on the arm by Kya, "I only just whistled!"

"I know you're leering."

"You pretty," Naruto clamped his hand over his mouth as he spoke before his mind could process the action.

A sweet giggle came from Makeda, "Thank you."

"Well, look who showed up! About fucking time!"

Recognition bloomed in the faces of the Genin of team seven. They knew that rough, gruff voice.

Walking from one side of Makeda with his usual scowling visage was Brok. "You are here!" The teen pinkette gaped.

"We both are," They soon saw the blue-skinned dwarf's brother, who waved on the Beastwoman's other side, "Good to see you again."

"Shinji!"

Brok groaned with a growl, "His real name is Sindri!" He turned on his heels, waving them to follow, "Now, move your gods damn feet to the meeting table. We ain't got all fucking day!"

"Would it kill you to be nice!" His brother snapped at him before huffing and looking back to the others, "We use aliases when traveling outside of Norsca."

...

"The hell is Norsca?" Kushina muttered out loud.

"WAAAY up north!" Brok yelled back as everyone followed, "Colder than banshee tits! And I know from experience!"

"THEY DON'T NEED DETAILS!" Sindri screamed back with a mortified look.

"Oh man, I missed these two," Naruto said as they were led into the center of the area, where a massive stone table resided. "They're so fun."

"And weird," Sasuke muttered dryly.

As they drew near, they noticed the table was circular. Made from a grayish-type of stone, not too dark in coloration, sufficiently light to make out all the details. On the edges of its circumference was an endless trail of lotus flowers, in between each of them a symbol they did not recognize, but among them, they could spot a few kanji scattered.

The surface of the table was intricately carved. And the first thing it caught their attention was that Gogyou-koku was seen displayed over it. Yet the Elemental Nations was not the only land, for connecting to the western borders was the large and equally diverse lands of Jiāyuán, a continent as similar as it was different to their lands. One that had a long history of war with them in ages past.

The two continents were not the only ones on display; they weren't even in the center. Around them were gentle carvings mimicking what had to be the water's surface. The oceans, they realized, and beyond them laid more places. Landmasses are completely alien and unfamiliar to them.

A great territory in the far north, another vast land to the south, and further to the west, two towering lands almost as close to Gogyou-koku and Jiāyuán, but smaller seas separated them.

This great table was a map. A map of the world.

The sight of unknown places brought down on them the scope of how vast and mysterious the rest of the world truly was. And it made a few perspectives shift at that moment.

"Is this the rest of the planet?" Tsunade muttered, "I've never even seen maps beyond Jiāyuán..."

"Look at Gogyou-koku," Kushina pointed out. "We're a lot smaller compared to those continents..."

Jiraiya softly snorted, "Makes you feel small, doesn't it?" He had been in their shoes the first time he's seen it.

Tomoe walked over to the table, placing a hand over the edges and running her fingers softly. "Gogyou-koku and Jiāyuán, Norsca to the north, Kemet to the south, Celtaran and Mexica to the west, with thousands of islands and oceanic kingdoms sprawled through the Seven-" She stopped herself for a moment, "The Nine Seas... This is the world we fight for, the goal of our order. The protection of these lands, and its people, from the forces that seek to destroy them all."

They could only remain silent at her proclamation. The sheer scope of it... they barely could begin to understand it.

Makeda, the exotic woman with canine traits, joined at Tomoe's side. "Long ago, our order tried to safeguard the world during chaos and war... We failed," Her ears dropped mournfully, "We will not fail again" She almost seethed through clenched teeth.

Maiyuri took a step forward, looking at the two women. "You said this is why you brought us here, to warn us of this enemy, the Cult..."

"Yes, though I'd prefer to wait for the last three guests we invited here," The Sage of Flames said, looking at her companions. "Any words from him?"

"Oh!" Makeda's ears perked; she fidgeted and picked up a folded paper from her robes. "He sent us this note."

Tomoe took it and opened it, looking into its contents. A frow soon marred her features. "This just says 'Busy'"

"Did you expect anything else from him?" Meihui deadpanned.

"Grrrr!" It was the first time they had seen Tomoe irritated; she crumbled up the note in a ball and then set it on fire. "That damn druid..." She sighed, trying to reign in her anger before looking at their smaller guests. "What about the Valkyries?"

"Sigrun's flying over right as we speak," Sindri replied earnestly.

"Speaking off..." His blue brother trailed off, looking at the sky.

Naruto frowned; he was not the other one as they heard the loud batting of wings. The distance made the figure appear in a vague dark shape. But the wings were unmistakable. Some of a large bird.

Then it drew closer, and they realized it was no bird. It was a human with enormous wings.

The figure landed a few feet on the opposite side of the table. Donned in the armor of completely foreign design, heavy plates with unknown markings over hard leathers, it shone with a magnificent silver. It possessed traits of gold alloyed into the material. Her wings were glorious, golden, and shimmering with faint light, yet like an illusion, they vanished into motes of light. A head of full messy platinum-blonde hair was the only feature they saw until the face rose. The newcomer was a woman whose features were so delicate and perfectly symmetrical it was almost unnatural. Her eyes were bright silver and so deep and penetrating they seemed to stare into their souls.

While Makeda was a vision of beauty that had made their hearts quiver. This woman was... Something mystical about her awed them as much as it disturbed them. It was like some instinctual reaction. Foreboding. Like this woman dealt in so much death.

She stood up and marched to the table. "Sorry, I'm late" Her voice was soft yet firm. She reached into her back and seemed to unhook something from her belt.

She placed a head on the table.

A severed head.

Naruto and his peers gasped in horror while the adults stiffened. The man's head was odd, horns sprouted from the top of his forehead, and his skull was littered with foreign kanji, or whatever the equivalent was called. The poor bastard's mouth hung open as a long grey beard sprawled over the table's surface.

In their experience, such an act was a declaration of war.

And yet... why were the people who invited them here NOT put off by it?

Enma snorted, "So dramatic..." The monkey king said in amusement.

"Good to see you, Sigrun," Tomoe smiled pleasantly.

"My lady," Sindri gave a small bow while Brock nodded.

"Hello, there~!" Makeda amicably waved.

"...What is wrong with you people?!" Yuma shouted, "She just put a severed head on the table!"

The woman, Sigrun, perked up. "Ah, one moment" She flicked the head with her fingers. "Wake up!"

The head then snorted, like someone being suddenly awoken from his sleep. "Ack! Wha- We're here?"

...

...

...

"Oh, hello there!" The head smiled at them, speaking with a strange accented tone.

...

...

...

"AAAAAHHHHHH!" Training humans and monkeys nearly jumped out of their skins upon hearing a loud chorus of bloodcurdling screams far above them.

The screams were soon mixed with booming laughter, "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Said guffawing came only from Brok, who almost fell over in his merriment. "THAT'S THIRTY HACKSILVER SINDRI HAHAHAHAHA!"

Makeda held her canine ears wincing at the high volumes of shrieking, "Well, they acted rationally," Her tone remained remarkably calm, glancing at Tomoe, who covered her ears.

"WILL YOU BLOODY STOP ALREADY!" The severed head yelled

"YOU'RE A TALKING SEVERED HEAD!" Naruto, Karin, and Kushina roared back.

"THANKS FOR STATING THE OBVIOUS! NOW HUSH UP!" At that, his voice seemed to bellow, silencing the screaming bunch.

Maihui could not stop snickering seeing Yuma in Maiyuri's arms in a bridal carry, hugging each other in terror. Lyn and even Kya fell onto their backsides with Hiruzen's, Kakashi's, and Sasuke's eyes wide as humanly possible with Soujiro's. Jiraiya dryly grunted as Tsunade climbed on top of him, bear-hugging the large man. Kosuke blinked with Kushina, Karin, Naruto, and Sakura hiding behind him, peeking from behind.

Genryu shook his massive head with ringing still in his ears, along with Enma, who wiggled a finger in his own.

"You know," The toad sage mumbled as his face was buried in Tsunade's cleavage, "On a normal day, this would be paradise." He strained out as he tried prying his teammate off of him.

A long growl of a huff came from the severed head, "That used to be funny centuries ago."

Sigrun rolled her eyes, "You never were funny, Mimir."

"Oh, now you are just being mean!"

"EXCUSE ME!" Sakura screeched behind Kosuke, "What is that!?"

Mimir looked offended, "Lass, do I look like a thing? I'm a 'he,' thank you. Name is Mimir, god of wisdom!"

All the previous shock and outright terror were replaced by bafflement and incredulity. Horrified gazes turned into confusion and awkward disbelief. At least it was better than the shouting.

"Really?" Kushina's eyebrows were almost touching. She didn't speak with rudeness in her voice. Just... confusion. "You're a god."

"Indeed!"

"You?"

"Yes!"

"The severed head?"

"Undoubtedly!"

"...Yeah, I don't buy it."

A chorus of agreement rang among the others.

"Ack!" The severed head, Mimir, scoffed in pure indignation. "How dare you, lassie?! I know every tale, every language, every legend! I am Mimir, Smartest Man Alive! I'll have you know I'm the advisor to the All-Father Odin himself!"

"The who?" Naruto squinted.

"They have no frame of reference to what you're talking about, Mimir," The silver-eyed woman Sigrun said with a drawl as she crossed her arms.

"These lands have been incredibly isolated for the past millennia, Mimir," Tomoe said apologetically. "Nobody here has any idea about the cultures beyond or the other pantheons" The head just made a squirming noise conveying how he felt.

"Wait, you're vouching for him," Sasuke shook his head, "He's a god?"

"Yes. Mimir, God of Wisdom and Knowledge from the northern pantheons. Advisor of the Aesir," The Sage replied.

It took a second or two for that to sink in.

"Okay, wow," Tsunade sounded very disappointed. "Divinity is not at all what it's cracked up to be."

"It's not my fault! I lack a huge chunk of my powers!" Mimir called out, his gaze shifting. "I'm... not dead but not alive either."

"He died and was reanimated as a head." Sigrun dryly added, "His divinity is as brilliant as a speck of dust."

"Always so kind, Sigrun..." Mimir cleared his throat, "But that is enough about me. You were invited to know the truth of the enemy we shall all face." His voice grew severe.

"The cult of Jashin," Kakashi's eyes narrow.

"Aye, what they are known as in your lands, eh?" Tomoe nodded, "The Veiled Shadows, we call them up in Norsca. They've caused innumerable atrocities while hidden so well to be known only as a myth to most. But as you all have seen, they are no myth. And have been causing all manner of discord and chaos worldwide for thousands of years."

His eyes sunk into everyone as a pregnant silence grew.

Walking past the others, Maiyuri approached the table, "...I feel we need to know everything. Don't we?"

"Yes," Mimir looked the young woman in the eyes, "You do."

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