Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto
Co-author and Beta: Etheral-23
Chapter 43: Breaking the Leash Act 1
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"Why did you bring me along!?" A loud whine came from Kushina.
Tsunade rubbed her eyes in exasperation; "Because the other Jounin are all busy and I want three people to meet them. So you're coming" Spoke like an impatient mother dressing down a five year old.
"But I don't wanna meet the creepy eight-legged abominations from hell!" She was currently smacking the back of Jiraiya who had the redhead over one his shoulders. Said Sennin only deadpanned as the redhead wildly protested, kicking and screaming on their way to the Forest of Death. Where the meeting with spiders would take place.
The Gama Sannin groaned while being hit by the redhead's feet and hands; "Come on Red it's not that-"
"WE'RE MEETING SPIDERS! SPIDERS! EIGHT-LEGGED ELDRITCH OUTER-WORLD DEMONS FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE ABYSS 'TTBANE!"
It went without saying that Kushina was deathly afraid of arachnids. The woman who brought total fear and ruin to Iwa and Kumo forces during the Third Shinobi War. Whose legend had left its mark on both villages as much as her late husband. Was, utterly terrified of arthropods.
Tsunade and Jiraiya both groaned at the redhead's antics as they passed through one of secured gates of the forest.
Though they did not share her panic over the many limbed creatures, the two sannin couldn't say they didn't feel unease. Spiders were untrustworthy at best, and all guaranteed to stab you in the back at worst. But, they came into contact with their network of informants, they wanted to meet and do business. The fact the spiders let them choose their own territory for the meeting instead of one where they could have greater advantage did add to the possibility that their intentions were not duplicitous at least.
Getting into a fight against three legendary ninja like them in their own turf wouldn't present an advantageous situation for them. But it never hurt to be cautious. Tsunade was ready to summon at least 5% of Katsuyu's body if need be, crash the predators under the great slug's weight in one fell swoop.
Their trek through the Forest of Death was swift, standing close to a mile away south from the tower in the center of the training ground.
The forest was... oddly quiet. Much of its giant fauna was away from their location, which already set alarms in their heads. The foliage was extremely dense in that area, not even the light of the sun could pierce through the space in between the leaves.
As they waited, they heard a rustle in the trees, the sound of leaves and branches moving, followed by the clicking noise of thin limbs stabbing at the bark with their steps.
Jiraiya's narrowed eyes turned to his right, where he spotted a moving shade in between the trees. "Here they are..."
Tsunade, even with no light in the area, still made out the shapes of varying size quickly scuttling through the great trees. Some as small as her palm, others as large animals like dogs and horses. They all shared the same traits, long, hairy eight limbs, and eight dark beady eyes. All of them were looking at them intently, their fanged mouths twitching, emitting noises that would send shivers down the spine of most shinobi. Their appearance was straight out of a nightmare.
Kushina let out a muffled shrill, opting to hide behind Jiraiya when she looked up. The source of her fear becoming quite obvious to the two older ninja.
Ever so slowly, descending from a long thread coming out of its posterior, descended a great spider the size of a three story building, its form was all black, yet hairy. Its limbs touched the ground with a certain degree of elegance as it stood on all eight, looking down at the three ninja, with bale red eyes.
"Welcome" Came the fangled response from its maw, the voice somewhat feminine yet possessing a rather distorted tone that could fool some people regarding its gender, but there was no doubt in their mind this was a female. A queen. "Won't you come into my parlor?" It almost seemed to smile teasingly, even with those fangs and lack of anything resembling a mouth.
Jiraiya didn't look away as he grabbed Kushina by the arm, keeping her from running away.
The Hokage's eyes narrowed, "This is not your home, I will remind you, you are here as guests. Barely tolerated ones at that"
"Oh my~" The great queen chittered with amusement. "Such poor manners humans have. And yet it is my kin that has a... reputation. Let me show proper etiquette and introduce myself" The spider game a mocking bow, "You speak before Queen Yushkep" Jiraiya and Tsunade recognized the etymology of that name, it was an archaic language spoken only be remote nomadic tribes. "It is an honor~"
"Cut the false pleasantries" Jiraiya sternly spoke. "Our contacts tell us you somehow have info we want"
"Oh indeed, we noticed your little spies snooping around a certain territory. Quite rare to see someone interested in a place where there should be nothing of value... or is there perhaps~?" The queen tilted her head.
"We are looking for Blood Leash" Tsunade impatiently said, "How do we know you actually know your location?"
"Oh quite easy my dear" Yushkep once more gave an unnerving grin somehow. "My clan used to live there"
Both Sannin bore shock etched in their eyes while Kushina peered out from behind the tall man. "It was your home?" The Toad Sage question.
"Oh yes, my brood were quite content residing there." Yushkep happily reminisced; "Prey was easy to catch for my young. Their screams were like a hymn of a lullaby as we drained them dry."
Tsunade felt the bile in her throat as she shook her head; "so what happened? How did the Blood Leash take it?"
An angered clicking sound came from the spider queen; "Their ships came one day. We thought them to be easy prey. We were wrong. They butchered many of my sweet children before we had no choice but to flee with the eggs." Yushkep spat in anger; "They stole our home, what rightfully belongs to us!"
"You want it back, but since you know you don't have the strength you reached out," Jiraiya summed up crossing his arms.
Yushkep nodded calming herself; "Given our reputation I know this seems dubious to you."
"You don't exactly help your cause with how you do business with others." Tsunade quipped; "For all we know this could be a trap for Kurokiba."
At that the queen hissed; "Manda is an insufferable arrogant serpent. Clinging to old grudges of dead ages gone by. Boss Khan is far more agreeable."
Jiraiya leaned in; "And you didn't go to the old cobra?"
"Boss Khan is powerful, but even I would not push my luck with his clan. And I have heard many things of your village and that group having a past. Old debts I imagine you would enjoy collecting."
Tsunade hummed in thought, crossing her arms under her bust. "The fact you don't think Khan's clan will be enough on their own... You fought Goro then?"
"The wretched slave master" Yushkep hissed, "His strength is... colossal. Few times have I seen a human who could shrug off the bites of even the oldest of my clan"
The three shinobi shared a worrying look, just how powerful was Goro? What kind of abilities did he truly have?
"The mercenaries are smart. Their leaders are diverse in skills, they took us by surprise" The great spider grumbled, "It was a humbling experience, to us who consider ourselves the masters of ambush..." Soon, anger shone in her multiple eyes. "So, here is my proposal; my kin will show you the way through our caves, lead you deeper into the pathways towards the grotto, where the fortress they have built lie, and in return, we will have our home back"
"That is all you want?" Jiraiya cocked a brow.
Once more the spider queen grinned; "It will suffice, for now"
Tsunade paced as her mind went through multiple scenarios. As much as she loathed this, this might be their only chance to go after the Blood Leash and finish them. But she had to take into account the spiders NEVER did something out of the goodness of their hearts. There were going to be repercussions, but were they be sooner or later? Ugh, she needed some sake right now.
She stopped as she turned to face Yushkep; "We accept, but make no mistake. One underhanded move and we will retaliate." She spoke in a cold steely tone.
"Understandable, getting out home back is our priority, human. We shall show you the way, and you can deal with them however you wish."
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The darkness of the chamber, the humidity in the air, the muffled cries and whimpers of her fellow prisoners, it all had become unfortunately common for Akeno. The succubus let out a long wary sigh as her eyes looked over her people, the various demons who had been captured in Lanka with her. The despair on their faces made her heart throb painfully. Many of them looked so defeated, any semblance of hope long since squashed.
Though those dreadful whispers of surrender assaulted her ear at times, she knew she couldn't allow them to take hold. Akeno held firm in her believe their queen would come for them, and tried to make sure the others would not lose heart.
But when the only thing around you is darkness and pain, the promise of hope was a very cruel thing.
In contrast, Koneko seemed to be fairing much better than the others, certainly much better than Akeno herself was doing. The nekoshou had no doubt in her mind that rescue would come eventually, as the young white haired girl put it; "My sister is going to beat them all up"
At hearing that Akeno smiled patting Koneko's head. "Yes she is Koneko-chan, she and the queen will save us."
"Our queen is likely dead." A demon chided back in despair.
Once more her heart throbbed in the hopelessness and despondency glowing from her fellow kin. She shook her head; "No, we cannot lose heart. Our queen lives." The young succubus spoke back with certainty. All eyes turned to her as she looked at all of them; "Queen Kuroreimei will never stop looking for us. And she will find us."
"None will find you Akeno." The demons in the cells cowered as the traitorous Gōyoku stood at the cell. His eyes glared at the girl who kept his back to him. "Will you not face me, girl?" he growled at her defiance
"...No." Akeno's face turned to a harsh frown as she glared ahead; "I will only look upon you once your head is cut from your neck."
The old Oni nodded; "That may happen, perhaps Mitsuko will find me." Koneko growled with a hiss at him. "But by then you both will be someone personal pets. Though Goro is thinking of keeping you for himself and his lover to play with, Akeno."
For a moment Akeno's eyes turned crimson but kept her back to him. "What do you want?"
"Despite my actions I still hold a certain... fondness for the people I spent so much time with. I thought of extending a bit of courtesy"
Koneko looked at the cowering prisoners, "You have a funny way of showing that"
"Oh please, they were just prey" The pale faced oni derided, "You on the other hand, you still have the chance to be predators. Dear Mitsuko too had that potential..." He shook his head in disappointment, "But she choose to squander it"
"Because she's not heartless like you"
"Compassion in equal measure to everyone is a waste. No, only one's own strength dictates if you're worthy of anything in this life" Gōyoku said without a shred of doubt. "Kuroreimei threw hers away, hiding from the world, always crying about the state of her people" The old demon said in disgust. "She knows not what it is to struggle..."
To live in squalor, hiding from civilization, persecuted by humans. That was the life of an oni. The only times they have ever known success was under the leadership of Shuten-Doji.
"You decide to join the humans," Akeno sneered still not turning around; "If I recall you despised humanity."
The old demon nodded; "Indeed I do. But I learned something from Kuro after all these years. No matter what race, there shall always be prey and predators. And I have seen that in humanity. How long has it been since I saw true strength to take what you wanted and kill whoever you wished? I see that now more in humanity than demons in this age."
Koneko processed what she heard with an unreadable expression; "You betrayed us to re-live the glory days?" pure disgust rang her voice as the other demons in their cells shared her gaze. "You're pathetic..."
"What is pathetic is you lot" He snarled at the prisoners, "Cowering and sharing scraps when you could take what you need, yet you choose to slowly starve yourselves. Do you even realize what we had? What we lost?!" He banged his hands on the bars, startling many of the frightened demons. "We were great once! And now you revere those who constantly brought our downfall! The so called 'heroes' humans sing in their tales. What's pathetic is that queen of yours revering the legacy of a god who slaughtered demons by the hundreds of thousands"
Akeno exhaled softly, closing her eyes. "And what legacy should we follow then? That of the demons who always fell due to their own hubris? You will just share their fate... No, we are more than barbarians and warlords. We're children of this world, just as humans are" Her eyes opened, gaze resolute, yet refused to look back at the traitor. "Great Vibhishana taught us that; a demon can live with honor and follow dharma"
Her fellow Lankans nodded, muttering in agreement. Holding the teachings passed down by the great king close to their hearts.
"...Better to die a king than to live a slave. Keep your hollow honor in hand, at least mine will never be empty" The old oni spat. "I gave you a choice to rule, but you choose bondage" He growled, sharply turning, his dark cloak fluttering behind him. Gōyoku shouted over his shoulder, "For your sake, it is better your queen doesn't come! ...For I will parade her head to you"
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Tsunade sighed as she sat back down on her chair in the meeting room. Having returned from their talk with the spiders her mind ran through multiple thoughts. Around her were several Jounin and retired Sandaime, Kushina who shivered as she sat down on a chair. Jiraiya groaned taking a seat beside the redhead.
"So what was the news from the spiders?" Asuma spoke up beside Kurenai and his father.
The room was silent as the Senju rubbed her forehead. "We have a way to the Leash's fortress." All heads lifted up; "All it takes is to trust the spiders to help us get there."
"'Trust' and 'spiders' don't go in the same sentence" One of the jounin said, "If I may say so, my lady"
"You don't need to tell me" The Godaime replied, leaning forward on her desk and interlocking her fingers. "I already sent a few scouts on a flying summon with a pair of the damn critters to guide them. In a few hours they'll contact me, tell me if their information is true"
Various of the shinobi gathered let out a sigh, a few talked to themselves about the possibility of finally finding the slavers' hideout.
"At least there is chance, right?" Another voice asked, a bit of desperation lingering in her voice.
Eyes turned to the person who had actually employed them with this monumental mission. The woman in her red kimono, hime cut black hair, blood red eyes shining with concern, Kuroreimei looked at the Hokage with hope in her gaze. Their employer had been a bit of a mystery, after all, who comes from nowhere with a coffer's worth of treasure, with the mission to eliminate one of the biggest criminal elements in the Nations?
Tsunade could never shake the feeling about something being off about this woman and her party.
The strange set of events had been arousing her suspicions for quite some time now. But it was what her shinobi had told her about this woman that particularly bothered her.
She had been in Konoha before, during the Chunin exams.
"Who are you?"
The sudden question made the pale skinned woman blink in surprise, lips lightly parting as she stared at the Hokage.
"It's strange you were in my village before, at a time when it was invaded"
Realization shone in her eyes, even as suspicion mounted her ninja, all of them tensing.
"Ah" She said, "Yes, I suppose I can't keep my secrets if we are to work together... As for why I was here, I assure there was no ill intent for your village, I came to witness something, and the winds of fate happened to blow through Konoha"
"Uh-huh" Tsunade said unconvinced.
"As to who I truly am" Her lips pursed. "I am Kuroreimei, descendant of the line of Ravana"
Jiraiya let out a chocked breath, his eyes widening in pure shock.
"The current queen of Lanka... the demon nation"
A pin could have dropped in the room as it had gotten deathly silent. Hiruzen cupped his bearded chin; "I recall... Very old myths and stories told to me when I was younger. A land where demons ruled themselves."
"It is very real Lord Sarutobi." Kuro remarked with respect to the man; "Lanka has existed for thousands of years. In the shadows, undisturbed for centuries." She paced around the room as every eye was on her; "Given how our races have had difficulties with one another we chose to remain in self-seclusion. We prospered, for a time..." Her voice became distant she stopped in front of Tsunade's desk. "Time has grown rough for us. But my seer saw something we have not seen ages. This is what led me to here, Konoha."
Tsunade cocked a brow; "And that is?"
"The heir of Rama's will." Once more Jiraiya stiffened which was noticed by the demon queen; "You know this, Lord Jiraiya?"
"...Yeah."
Kuro nodded; "I came to verify that. In doing I felt it be time for Lanka not to be isolated any longer."
"And what?" A Jounin asked; "Invade?"
"Have the world see us for who we are" The queen replied, "Because I was told our fates are intertwined. And given our current predicament, I'm inclined to believe that"
"Well, shit" The sannin rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I think I believe that too"
"Seriously?" Tsunade shook her head, "Look, I don't know what it is you were looking for." Oh Tsunade was lying, she definitely knew. She had that long talk with Kushina and their family regarding Tsukiko-baachan that one time. She had a very strong suspicion of what, or rather whom, the queen was talking about. "But if you're going to hire to people for an operation like this, especially if you plan on joining it, then it's a must that you come clear about"
"Would you have listened to us then?"
The Hokage paused, "Probably not" She admitted. "Last time I encountered a demon, it was trying to eat my face"
"There is a large distinction between a wild demon and a sapient one"
Someone amongst the jounin snorted, 'Pfft, right'. It was clear her ninja were not comfortable with this discovery.
"Regardless" Tsunade continued, "That desperation you feel, the fact that you actually went out of your way to come to us for aid, regardless of whatever dangers it could have posed for you... That tells me you're being honest about why you want to take out Blood Leash"
More than a few Jounin spoke up; "But she's a demon!"
"And that should make a difference?" surprisingly it was Kakashi who spoke up. "I see a client in needing our services against an enemy we have been after for decades. And she is willing to pay." The silver haired Jounin turned to Kuro; "How much by the way?"
Shikaku groaned at his chair; "From the all gold and jewels given we estimated they are giving us eight hundred million ryō."
"EIGHT HUNDRED MILLION!" Everyone ninja in the room chorused.
"As my daughter put it, enough to buy a town." Kuro smirked before getting serious; "Money is abstract compared to the lives of my people. The blood Leash took them like animals. This transgression will not be tolerated."
"With that amount of money you could have hired anyone" Kushina pointed out.
"And yet I choose Konoha, because I believe I can trust you with this"
Tsunade sighed, "Very well. If you're to join the raid then at least I want my shinobi to familiarize themselves with your people's skills. Kushina" She turned to her daughter, "Take them to a training field to spar later today"
"Got it"
"Once we get confirmation from our agents, we'll prepare our strategy" The Hokage waved her hand at the gathered ninja, "Dismissed" The jounin stood at attention and bowed, one by one leaving the office.
"Can you stay for a moment please?" The Uzumaki asked the demon woman, "I want to discuss something with you" The queen stared at her for a moment before nodding.
Jiraiya and Tsunade shared a look, knowing full well what the redhead wanted to talk about. The sage in particular already foresaw how this conversation would go down; he did share a very similar one with Kushina not long ago.
As everyone left the room Kuro watched the Uzumaki matriarch pace about before stopping in front of her; "When you mentioned the Heir of Rama's will." she spoke slowly looking to the ground before turning her sharp gaze upwards to the demon queen; "You meant my son."
"Naruto bears Rama's will." Kuro admitted freely; "Look what your son accomplished during the invasion. Being able to not only defeat a Bijuu, but also help its Jinchurriki regain his humanity. I would be proud of that."
"I am more proud of my son than you will ever know. He is a far better person than I'll ever be." Kushina remarked in a quiet tone. "But I will not have Naruto wrapped up in some saving the world prophecy or whatever chosen ones are supposed to do. Not my son!"
"I wouldn't either. I'd be just as horrified if my Kyoka or Maikako were bound to such a fate." Kuro spoke with her hand to her heart, eyes shone with complete understanding; "But no one can stop destiny, Uzumaki-san. Conflict will always find him; true evil will never stop till one who smiles against all odds brings it down."
Gnashing her teeth Kushina leaned in; "Destiny can have someone else! I won't let Jiraiya fill my son's head with his nonsense any more than I will have you!" She sharply turned storming out of the room she spoke over her shoulder before nearing the door; "Training ground 7, five o'clock, don't be late"
Kuro only smiled as the redhead slammed the door shut; "You're a good mother, Kushina." She cocked her head as a saucier look grew on her face; "Wonder if she is single."
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So... things had taken a turn. Naruto thought that after the dangerous missions and crazy situations he's got himself in, he figured things would follow a sort of 'pattern' if you will. Go do a thing, thing turned out to be more complicated and more dangerous than first thought, adapt and deal with it, rinse and repeat.
This though? This was new.
A raid on the biggest slavers in the Land of Fire? Good gods...
And he and his peers were all meant to take part in it, to serve as ground forces along with a lot chunin and jounin.
Konoha was gearing for a war, and this time it'd be one of their choosing.
As he leaned back on one of the three logs of the training ground, Naruto folded his arms behind his head. "We can take 'em"
"I'd take this more seriously if I were you" Sasuke droned, leaning against another log with his hands on his pockets. "This is Blood Leash we're talking about. Nobody ever took out any of their top lieutenants. Those Warlords are extremely dangerous"
"Because nobody ever found them before. They are very meticulous in that aspect" Karin added, "Every time Orochimaru made business with them; it was always in a place of their choosing"
"He bought slaves from them?" Sakura tilted her head in confusion. "Why?"
The Uzumaki gave her a deadpanning look. "Why do you think?"
...Right, evil experiments of the inhuman variety.
Leaning against the log Naruto was on Kakashi looked down from his book in his hand; "I want to make this clear. Do not go against the Warlords, especially Goro. These people range from Class A to S in how dangerous they are. You encounter one, do not engage. Wait for backup" He looked specifically at Naruto and Sasuke. "If it's necessary, assist in a support role, but only act per orders of a Jounin. Understood?"
The two boys of team 7 deadpan; "You think we're that crazy?" The blond of the group quipped back. Now the girls plus their sensei dryly stare back. "You guys suck."
"Our duel with Maiyuri-Hime taught us humility." Sasuke crossed his arms with a grunt.
Explaining that to Kakashi and Kushina nearly made the two have a heart attack. Added to the tongue lashing both got from Sakura and Karin, these two did know better. At least the Hatake hoped to every god in the heavens they were listening at least.
Naruto looked around; "Aren't the other teams joining us?"
"Nope." Kushina's voice rang out as she appeared via shunshin; "Mom said me and Kakashi can evaluate Queen Kuroreimei and her group."
At that Naruto paled; 'I can't believe I groped a freaking Queen...' He absently rubbed his neck, thankfully he got no repercussions from that. Kurama only rolled his eyes.
Soon footsteps could be heard as said raven haired woman, her children, and two guards walked into the area. "We meet again," Kuro spoke pleasantly with a grin. It did not fade as she noticed the tenseness from some of them; "I hope us being demons is not too worrying."
"For me? Ehhh don't worry" Naruto smiled that blinding grin of his. "I mean, hey, I hang around Sakura of all people"
The pinkette blinked a few times. "Wait, why am I the example?!" A vein throbbed in her forehead as her knuckles popped.
Naruto wisely moved further away from her.
"I've spent enough time around people to know it's your actions that make you evil" Karin stated.
Sakura, abandoning her quest to crack Naruto's skull. Her lips pursed in uncertainty, "I mean it's... a lot to get used to. But we have a common cause don't we?"
Kushina couldn't feel prouder of her kids than she did now.
"I do not trust you" Sasuke bluntly informed, giving the foreigners a very judging look. "At all"
The Uzumaki matriarch growled, placing her arms akimbo and giving Sasuke her most disapproving look.
Maikako herself grunted; taking a few steps forwards to glare directly at the Uchiha. As there were no civilians around, she let her disguise drop to reveal her inhuman nature. The red skin around her arms and feet, the clawed fingers, the horns sprouting on her head. A few of the genin flinched, but Sasuke remained stoic.
"Got a problem with us demons?"
"I think any sensible person would" Sasuke replied, "My problem is that I don't know you, and I don't care to do so"
The people present could feel the intensity between the youths' glares. Kakashi was about to admonish his student, but the queen's soft laughter prevented him from doing so.
"I appreciate your open minds" She said to Naruto, Sakura and Karin. "As much as I appreciate your candidness" The black haired woman gave Sasuke a smile, despite his antagonistic words. "I wouldn't expect you to be alright with us in the least. It's natural to be suspicious. Why, I believe your teacher here shares that view" She shifted her gaze to Kakashi. "Do you not? You've never let us a moment away from your sight"
"I'm always suspicious around people who aren't from Konoha" Kakashi simply replied, "Part of the job"
Kuro gave a nod; "I believe introductions are in order." She gestured to her children; "This is my son Kyoka and my daughter Maikako." She looks to her guards who make their way to her; "This is Mitsuko and Kuroka. I'd ask that you keep a conversation brief with Kuroka. The attack on Lanka has affected her greatly." The cat-girl (not hiding her feline features now) gave a grateful nod to her queen.
"Okay," Naruto remarked slowly; "Nice to meet ya."
Mitsuko gave a formal bow surprising them; "I do hope we prove ourselves trustworthy to you. Being formally human I understand the caution."
That got the team's attention; "Say what?" Kushina uttered peering to the silver haired woman and Kuro.
Kyoka spoke up; "That is bit of a long story."
"For one we don't have time to share presently." Kuro finished.
Not to mention it was very personal, if Mitsuko wanted to tell anyone that was her business. "We should start by knowing each other's capabilities then, if we want to cooperate in the raid. I of course know your people practice that brand of combat magic known as ninjutsu"
Sakura made a face, "Do you have to call it 'magic'? It sounds so... archaic. We can explain jutsu without going back to old beliefs"
"I can spawn chains out of my body" Kushina pointed out.
"My eyes do more things than I even know" Sasuke added.
"Hebi-teme brought back the Shodai, the Nidaime, AND my grandpa from beyond the grave by summoning their SOULS" Naruto said with a touch of exasperation. "How is any of that NOT magic?"
"...Okay, fair point" The pinkette was forced to admit.
Through an amused smile in her lips, Kuroreimei continued. "We demons are more magically inclined than humans. Magic comes easier to us. For me, my father's bloodline possesses a powerful fire affinity" To prove her point, she called forth a flame in her palm with a thought. "Not only that, but my mother was a yuki-onna" Raising her other arm frost soon appeared in her left palm. "I command both fire and ice."
"That is cool." Naruto spoke in awe.
Maikako made a dismissive snort; "Fire is more my thing." The young demoness raised her own hand with flames cloaking it.
"While my way is more in-tuned with the art of the sword like Mitsuko. I do have elemental powers myself." Kyoka explained, tapping the handle of his trusty blade.
Dispelling her flames and ice the queen gestured to Kuroka; "My trusted nekoshou is renowned in the magical arts."
"What can she do?" Karin asked innocently.
"Things that would take even your oldest ninja years of experience and effort with only a flick of my fingers" The nekoshou stated proudly. The spectacle wearing girl crossed her arms defiantly at the taunt.
"I heard the old magic bypasses the need for bloodline limits if you're talented enough" Kushina commented, intrigued by the prospect. "Ice, wood and more. Ninjas have been wanting to get the hands on that for a long time"
"Typical humans" Maikako derided with a snort. "Always so hungry for power"
"Maikako" Her mother admonished her.
"She's right though" Kakashi calmly shrugged. "Were this another village, the moment you revealed your nature they would kept you prisoners to see exactly how to use those abilities."
"Is there really such a difference between ninjutsu and... old magic?" Sakura said, trailing off a bit at the end. Saying things like 'magic' hurt her scientific perception.
"All jutsu is magic. But ninjutsu are merely the techniques used by ninjas" Kushina explained. "At least, that's how it used to be. Over time as ninjas rose to power they began taking in things from other schools. Nowadays we're using things that really belonged to real practitioners of onmyōdō"
Maikako muttered, "Like the thieves they are..."
This time she was silenced by a strong bonk on the head courtesy of her mother. Everyone sweatdropped as she held her head with teary eyes, a comically large bump rising.
"Sages like my grandmother do know a lot more of true onmyōdō" The Uzumaki matriarch grinned proudly as she remembered. "She could make flowers bloom, read the future with the stars, and even talk with the spirits"
"Badass!" Naruto said in amazement.
"Who is your grandmother if I may ask?" Kuro asked out of curiosity.
Kushina beamed; "Tsukiko Uzumaki." The human side quickly noticed the queen, her kids, and even guards froze up; "Um, you okay?"
"Y-y-your grandmother is THE Tsukiko Uzumaki. The legendary dragon sage of the flame." Kuroka questioned with fear in her eyes. "The Goddess of Fūinjutsu!"
Kakashi cocked a brow; "I take it people in Lanka have heard of Tsukiko-Sama?"
The demon queen shivered; "There are many stories far and wide of Lady Tsukiko. She is greatly feared and respected by all of demon kind. I heard tales she had a long standing rivalry with a powerful lord of Hell."
"...I knew my grandmother slew demons. Never heard anything about the last part." Kushina looked wide eyed while trying to remember anything about some super demon her baachan fought.
Karin shrugged; "That could be just idle gossip." She'd be among the first to defend her clan's prowess, particularly Tsukiko-sama's, but at some point things would just get ridiculous.
"Tall tales" Sasuke blandly added.
"Well, I think we spent enough time talking" Kakashi announced, "Shall we practice?"
"Of course" The queen of Lanka nodded. "While I believe someone of your caliber will be a challenge to my skills, I first would like to see how one of my people fares against you, Copy Nin" She turned to her armored son, "Kyoka, if you would?"
"Oh I sure wouldn't" The young man eagerly said, stepping forward. "I once heard you killed three people with nothing but a pencil. Is that true?"
"No" The masked shinobi simple replied.
The armored warrior grew disappointed. "Oh..."
"Why would I use a pencil?" The ninja wondered as they stepped into the field. "I carry like twenty kunai on me at all times"
As the two walked towards the center of the training grounds, Kushina turned to the queen. "I'll be direct, how strong would you say you are?"
"I may have age, but I'm not that much more powerful than any of your seasoned jounin" The red eyed woman admitted. "I do have magic and skills that give me an edge in certain areas, but I'm far from epitome of powerful demons of the old days were"
"Hmm" Kushina let out a thoughtful sound. From Lyn's stories, she was expecting this 'queen of demons' to have been able to unleash some terrifying power.
"I'm not the strongest of Lanka, no..." Her gaze sharpened. "That title belonged to Gōyoku" She bitterly remarked.
"...The one who betrayed you?"
"He is mighty" She cautioned with a low wary tone. "And he's seen millennia of battle"
"So expect a war facing him." Kushina got a nod from the demon woman. "Got'cha."
Maikako impatiently tapped her foot; "Mine if I spar with the brats?" Her mother deadpanned with the lack of any respect shown.
"Brats..." Naturally her tone got to the more hotheaded bunch of the team; "You look around our age pipsqueak!" Naruto quipped back with a nod from a sour looking Sakura and Karin.
"I'm in my twenties thank you very much!"
"Twenties?" Sakura and Karin chorused. Both girls looked the horned woman over and then themselves. "You're flatter than we are."
"WHAT YOU SAY!?" Kuroka faintly giggled earning a glare from Maikako; "Something funny?!"
"They're not wrong."
"SHUT UP YOU BOOB MONSTER!"
"Man, you're a firecracker, short fuse and all" Naruto commented.
"O-KAY that is it!" Flames burst from her arms, even her hair seemed to be burning, as she threw herself at Naruto.
The blonde in question jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding those scorching claws of her. "Wow! What did I do?!"
"You called me short!"
"But you are short!"
That only served to enraged her more.
Sakura sighed, waving at Sasuke and Karin to follow her, "Come on, let's make sure they don't kill each other"
All the while, the two mothers just chuckled with amusement at their children's antics. "They are very easy to rile up"
"Yep, seems they have that in common" Kushina smiled cheerfully before she directed her gaze to the nekoshou. "So, I'd actually like to get a magician's look on some seals I've been working on. If I get it right I might be able to do some pretty interesting elemental combinations"
"Well, I suppose if I must help" The cat woman said with faux vague interest.
As soon as Kushina beamed, she perked up, realizing something. "Oh right, we should get someone to train with her right?" She said, looking at the tanned silver haired woman.
Mitsuko's eyes were currently closed, her expression one of complete serenity, as if nothing could disturb her.
"We will need Mitsuko to be on the fight against Gōyoku" The queen of Lanka stated, "She was Gōyoku's apprentice, she knows how he fights. And more than that, she's on her way to become extremely powerful. I dare say she's already stronger than me"
"That so huh?" Kushina mused. There was... something about this young woman. In this meditative state of hers, Kushina could feel absolutely nothing coming from her, as if nothing could ever disturb her. She exhumed such calmness that the Uzumaki wondered if it was possible she had reached a superior mental state with that blade of hers. A serene mind, with no errant thoughts on the battlefield, approaching a state close to nothingness...
Then Mitsuko's head bobbled and she let out a soft snore as a snot bubble formed.
Kushina, Kuroka, and Kuro all face faulted at the sight; "Forgot to mention... Mitsuko has narcolepsy" The demon queen weakly remarked.
"Good to know 'ttebane."
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Gōyoku's steps carried him to the ends of the tunnel, until the darkness gave way to the sunlight coming from the enormous cave's entrance, illuminating the massive area which connected straight to the sea. Inside the grotto was built a well sized wharf, with at least four ships docked. Multiple storehouses of utilitarian design were built alongside the wharf's east side, where he saw the slave masters quickly and efficiently directing the slaves to march into under the threat of whipping.
He ignored the gazes and glares of a small contingent of swordsmen and archer as he moved closer to the area where the barracks were placed. Dozens of squads of professional mercenaries trained in the large courtyard in separate groups, while dozens more rested in the barracks until their shift came. His destination being a three story building that still did not manage to even scrap the cave's roof, not by a long shot, a testament to the sheer size of this place.
It was a very efficient and well-kept secret operation, mercenary and slaver business had been very good for these people.
Hiding in caves, keeping human slaves, then go out and raid... hmph, his age was getting to him, for he found it all very nostalgic.
He entered the large building, walking into the large well-furnished where the leader of this entire operation rested. Tended by slaves dressed in rags, sitting on a large couch, an attractive human woman with long brown hair, wearing a long blue tunic and furs over her shoulders, rested against his shoulder.
The large specimen of a human man, with dark tanned skin with multiple traditions tattoos decorating his arms, long wild white hair, looked as though he felt like the lord of his very own kingdom. Which for all intents and purposes he was. Dressing in the finest silk, wearing the most expensive of jewels. He lunged upon the great couch like he didn't have a single care in the world, with slaves tending to his every need.
"Our new clients from the west say they'll be arriving in a few days" The woman at his side informed him.
"Impatient little buggers, I did promise them the product and they still want to pick up in person" He snorted, annoyance evident on his yellow eyes. He picked a wine goblet from a tray-carrying slave. "Well they ain't getting close to the hideout; those foreigners will go to the meeting site as arranged"
"Of course" His lover, Sarnai, said as her eyes shifted to the demon who had come in. Her eyes bore into his baleful blue, looking as though the very sight of him repulsed her, perhaps due to his inhuman looks, like the horns on his head, the bone white pale skin, and the dark patches instead of white in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
A soft growl rumbled on his chest. Gōyoku could say the feelings of disgust and dislike was very much mutual.
"Now, now" Goro waved it off good naturedly, "I did summon him, wanted to hear how our new member is finding his new home"
The ancient Oni gave a nod to the man; "They are more accommodating than my previous dwelling."
"First you betray them, then you insult their hospitality," Sarnai sneered. "No sympathy for your own kind, I see"
"They are not my kind," Gōyoku growled once more; "They were weak, prey undeserving of my protection."
The warrior woman pressed; "You were awfully quick to sell them out. How do we know we're not next?"
"Sarnai." Her lover spoke in a strong tone.
"You actually trust him, Goro?"
The ruler of Leash chuckled; "I trust only two people. Me and you my dear." He gently stroked her cheek. "But I do respect strength when shown, and he has shown a great deal of it. Though I am curious why you reached out to us humans? You could found another place where places where demons dwell."
"I could, but just like Lanka they're just shadows of their former selves. Weaklings to the last. They know nothing of true conquest and battle."
"But you do" Goro smiled widely, predatorily. "You do, I could see it in your eyes since the day I met you"
Gōyoku remembered that day all too well, it was his turn to scout the mainland. And his travels had taken him to a small village in the middle of a raid. The burning houses, the screams of the villagers as they were put in jails, dragged from their homes kicking and screaming...
It reminded him of the good old days, when Kyoto knew to fear them. Ahhh how Ibaraki would sing of their victories, he always had a great singing voice.
The sight had entranced him with melancholy, such that he didn't even move when the slave master himself came before him, demanding to know what he was doing.
Gōyoku's reply had been, 'I'm admiring a job well done'
"You understand how the world works" Goro wiggled a finger at the demon. "You're either an owner, or you are owned. Master and slave. It's just how things are" He shrugged his massive shoulders before spreading his arms, "That's why we do this, we provide a valuable service" He shifted his position, crossing a leg over the other, snapping his fingers for another slave to bring him food. "Now, realistically speaking. Slaves are terrible investment economically, you need to feed them, make sure they're healthy or else they're really no use, and that's not getting into the revolts. People don't buy slaves for the servitude" He grinned, "No, what we truly sell isn't slaves; we sell the satisfaction of knowing you have power. Power over others, over their lives"
"And I have not seen such power in millennia." An evil grin came to Gōyoku's lips; "Long have I yearned to feel that again. It matters not if you're human or demon, I understand that now, there is only one code in this world. That of the wolf and the sheep. And your Leash has shown to be true predators deserving of my sword… My power is at your disposal."
Goro's grin never faded; "Welcome to the Leash, Warlord Gōyoku." He chuckled.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
OC arc beings.
