Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Note: "Major announcement time

So, I think we should get one thing clear out of the way;

We're doofuses

Big time

We went a long spiel about before regarding pairing for Naruto, alienating a lot of people who were not into our decisions... and guess what? Once more we changed our mind

I know, I know, we're as frustrated with it as you are with us.

The thing about doing such a long project like this, with intervals in between due to real life keeping us busy, is that you have a long time to think things

And rethink them.

Not the first time there's been major overhauls with what we wanted to do. We're well aware some people don't like them, and some people do. The type of story this is being more important than a pairing, even if it is with Naruto. But we feel this is still something you people deserve to know, after having put up with us for so long.

As a writer, you change and evolve over time, your perspective, your plans; they all are subject to change. Really, only core things about this story are set in stone. And romance has not been one of them.

So, to make up for our failings we decided to just be clear about the latest decisions we agreed to; Naruto's pairing shall be with Fuu, the Seven Tails Jinchuuriki

You may rant at your leisure, if you like it or not, that's the character we decided has more affinity with him and one we both like and can see end up being with him romantically.

Sorry if we disappoint you guys, and we promise this time to stick to the decision. We'll it be strictly the two together? Maybe, maybe not. Might be a type of fluid relationship that is not exactly closed, but neither will it become a harem. You're all familiar with the 'friends with benefits concept' right?

Don't worry, we're sure this story will have more stuff you'll disagree with more strongly.

But to those who just follow it for the plot, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We're just trying to write a story we have fun with that other people might enjoy as well

Now, minor secondary announcement;

This is NOT a crossover, nor will it be labeled as one. Yes, we take elements, concepts and characters from other series (don't think Fate is the only one), but they're adapted so they fit THIS setting, as though they have always been part of it. It is not that type of crossover. So no, we will not be changing the labels for this story

That is all, thank you for your time"

Chapter 52: Origin

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

After the major whirlwind that was this whole affair, Naruto just felt like lying back on the grass, watch the clouds, and try to keep a clear mind.

Which he did, with moderate success. He could not keep his thoughts from running a marathon.

The clan, HIS clan, might reunite. All the Uzumaki hiding in the nations, gathering once more, rebuilding what they lost. Becoming an actual family again.

He felt so happy just thinking about it.

He had started alone, and slowly as time went by friends and family began taking place in his life. Now he had an entire clan to look forward too.

And he just couldn't wait.

His thoughts finally took a turn when a gentle hand caressed the locks of his wild blonde hair. Looking up, his eyes met the golden orbs with slits that were his great-great-grandmother's eyes, giving him the same look granny Tsunade would give him sometimes.

"I hope you don't mind me getting affectionate" She said with mirth. "Though Maw-Maw cares not if you do either way, she will pat you and hug you whenever she wants"

"That sounds kinda nice..." He admitted.

"Also, keep you in my mouth"

"Now that doesn't"

A pout came from the ancient dragon while a sigh escaped Kushina's lips; "Maw-Maw," she dryly droned.

"I have the right to shower affection however I please."

Haruki (whom returned to human form) sat beside her daughter as she spoke; "No one is against that, it's just your sense of affection is..." The kitsune was trying to find the most delicate word needed.

"Waterlogged in saliva," Sasuke reproached bluntly sitting under a tree with his tigers lounging beside him.

Outside of the wolves, Yuri, and Yasaka who returned to their respected homes. Genryu and Kamiko remained with the group who took to some much needed unwinding in an open area of Mount Myōboku. Despite having the talks reaching an accord, it had been a draining day for everyone.

"There is going to be a lot to do when getting back," Tsunade quipped, sipping a jug of water.

"You better believe it, reuniting the clan is a great endeavor" Meihui sighed contently, closing her eyes in thought. "To once more see a village full of red, we have dreamt of such a time for years"

"Aunt Tsukiko would be so proud of what we achieved today" Kamiko remarked, the great dragon looked nostalgic. "Not just for the clan, but what it means for the order"

"Of that you can be sure" Tomoe smiled. Naruto couldn't help but notice she didn't look very relaxed. She was standing up, and looked ready to leave any second now. "Teacher always sought to help people make bridges, even in a time where it looked like such a thing was impossible. I should know, she always tried to make two sides of a conflict stand down. But sadly, human foolishness gets in the way of peace"

It sounded like she talked from experience.

"I am curious" Soujiro voiced what was in their minds. "How did you meet great-grandmother?"

"Like I said before, it was at my lowest point where she found me. And showed me a new path, one I took with pride"

"If it's too painful to talk about-" Karin interjected, but Tomoe simply waved it off.

"It was thousands of years ago" She laughed softly, "But it is kind of you to worry. I suppose I should start by saying I was an onna-musha in service to the Minamoto clan. Seldom were women allowed to fight in my time, but my military prowess stopped any naysayers."

"Nice" Kushina grinned alongside Lyn.

"You show them, girl!"

She chuckled, "Indeed. My loyalties laid with my husband Yoshinaka, such that when a civil war split the clan in two, I of course took his side"

"You were too good for him" Meihui declared with no uncertainty.

Tomoe crossed her arms and gave her a look, "I will disagree with you, just as much as I disagreed with your daughter"

O-kay, that sounded like it was a touchy subject, the others quickly realized.

"I will spare you the details, for it is a long and complicated story. In the end, I was not able to fight at his side when he fell in battle..." There was still some lingering regret in her red eyes, even after all these years. "With my side defeated, the lord and husband I served dead, there was only way for me to regain my honor"

Sakura's eyes widened in realization. "You mean..."

"Indeed, I was ready to commit seppuku"

"Shit..." Samenosuke muttered, his eyes wide alongside the others.

The ritualistic suicide had a... very mixed view in this day and age. Depending on who you asked, it was an act of loyalty to regain your dignity and honor, or it was a pointless waste for someone who could still do much.

Kushina's subtly shifted her gaze to Kakashi. As always, the masked expression of the Copy Ninja showed nothing.

"I was ready to end it on a hill, overlooking the lands of my lords. The local monks would take care of my body" She paused, "But I did not expect a sage to appear, saying at least I was owed someone to bear witness" The white haired woman sighed softly.

No matter how much time passed, the memories would forever remain fresh on her mind.

She did not have to do it. What could warrant a disgraced warrior the honor of having a sage be witness of her last moments? Why offer that kindness to a stranger?

Tomoe remembered how the blade in her hand shook, as she willed everything she had left of spirit into bury it in her stomach, only to find herself unable to do so. If her own hand could not kill her, then she was sure her shame would...

"Tsukiko did not try to stop me, but it was only when I showed hesitation, when the blade in my hand refused to move, that she said to me; 'Your life seems to have ended already to me, why not start anew?'"

Such simple words, but had a profound impact that altered her life forever.

The white haired immortal gazed at her hands; "She was right, the Minamoto were broken and Yoshinaka was gone. That part of me died with him, but there was still so much more I could do with my talents and skills. So I pledged myself to Tsukiko and followed her throughout Japan, China, India, and even Europe." She received blank stares from the kids and few of the adults. "Heh, I'll explain all that another time. Suffice to say I learned at my teacher's feet and went from Onna-musha to Sage and defender of the world."

"She gave you a renewed purpose," Saito addressed with respect. "Most people never get a second chance at life."

"And I am forever grateful."

Meihui huffed crossing her arms; "Now if you could learn the value of relaxing every once in a while."

The ancient dragon's words garnered a few raised brows while Tomoe merely retorted; "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."

"Confucius never met someone who had the work ethic of a madwoman," Meihui quipped earning an eye roll from the Onna-musha. "Even Zhang Guolao knew when to have time for himself."

"Could we move to another subject please?"

Karin felt the tension coming off both woman and quickly interjected; "Umm, Elder Meihui." The ancient dragon sharply glanced towards her; "The origins of the Uzumaki started with you and some sage correct?"

"His name was Asa," so much emotion came from her as she recalled those times. "And like his name he spent his life being a healer but also a defender for those who could not defend themselves."

"He had the kindest of eyes, and the reddest of hair, a trait of his heritage. I met him long ago, before your ancestors even had a name for the land of their ancestors. His was a mighty lineage, for he was the son of Lava, King of Shravasti" She soon grinned, "And grandson of Rama"

Her words had the intended effect, as those unaware of that particular tidbit of information soon let their jaws hit the floor.

Tomoe smirked to herself, shaking her head in amusement. A sentiment shared by Genryu and Haruki.

"What?!" Tamamo shouted, turning to her mother in shock. "You knew and you never told me?!"

"You never asked" Her pink haired mother gave her an impish foxy grin.

"Wait, wait, wait" Naruto waved his arms in front of him as he sat up. "Rama, as in, that super king-god-whatever?"

"Oh indeed" Meihui's smile turned all the wider. "Asa was not the direct heir of the throne to his city, so instead he pursued the path of a sage. His travels would take him north and then further east, where the two of us would meet" She ran a hand through her white locks. "You didn't think your red hair came from me, didn't you? Oh no, Rama's line was known for having a very fiery shade of red hair"

Lyn's mouth opened and clothed repeatedly. "We descend from a god?"

"Don't be so shocked, my niece" Genryu chuckled, "You'd be surprised how often such things happen. The blood of the gods runs through all. In some, it runs stronger than others"

"Tsukiko was my firstborn" Meihui continued. "My other children with Asa were Koyin, Tsuroka, Bhagesh, Marai, and Sakama. From their children, and their children's children, the Uzumaki clan was born"

Kakashi rubbed his chin; "So that would explain the Uzumaki longevity and immense chakra reserves."

"Indeed," Genryu nodded. "Divine and draconian blood is a potent mixture."

"Another tidbit of information for you," Meihui raised a clawed finger; "As the Uzumaki name started with my other children's descendants, Tsukiko merely adopted the last name once rejoining the clan centuries ago."

"Ohhhhh" A curious sound was drawn out by the younger generation of Uzu, along with Kushina, Samenosuke and Lyn. "That makes sense"

"So... then our parents happened" Kushina brought up, waving a hand to Lyn and Saito. "With grandpa Korin"

"Hmph, indeed. Your grandmother loved to put that 'I'm-so-impassive-and-detached' attitude of hers, but your grandfather was the only man who I've ever seen getting under her skin" The elder dragon laughed. "Oh the times she ranted about that 'infuriating man', I was already picking baby clothes and names"

"Oh you should have met your great-grandpa, kids" Lyn smirked, "He was so badass. Huge too! Almost two meters tall"

"Awww" Naruto whined to himself, "Why did I get all the short genes of the family..."

"Ohh don't you worry about it, sweetie" Meihui pinched his cheek. "You'll hit your growth spurts in no time"

"Or you'll stop at 5'4 like I did..." Kushina let out a choked sob.

Meihui leaned over to Naruto with an appraising gaze; "I have a feeling you will be a bit like Korin. He was a runt when was a child too, and everyone was surprised how he turned out."

The blond raised a brow before a question came from Sasuke; "There is one thing I find curious. When did the Senju and Uzumaki become cousins? All we know is that they are related, but now we find your clan is even older than that"

A hum came from the ancient dragon woman; "Many generations before Hashirama and Tobirama, the Senju had encountered our clan and brokered alliances. As well as marriages within the main branch of the Uzu. The Adamantine Chakra Chains came to be as a result of those unions, as well as an improved potency in chakra and life force for the Senju"

"That would be so awesome to have," Naruto chirped brightly.

"That gift mostly manifests in Uzumaki women," Hazuki declared as her tails swayed.

Sasuke cocked a brow to his teammate; "And you've got Shoton. Think you're covered."

Meihui perked up; "OH! That's right, Kushi mentioned that!" She turned her focus back to the blond who leaned back; "This is first I ever heard of this Shoton within the clan. I have never met any Uzumaki who gained a new bloodline limit outside the Chakra Chains. Let me see!"

Lifting his hand a purple crystal manifested on his palm.

"Well now" Her eyes glistened with interest as she took the crystal from his hand and inspected. "Isn't this curious. I wonder how such a thing came to be"

"Beats me" Naruto shrugged, "I just developed it one day"

"Just like that?" She asked.

"Just like that"

Meihui gave him a very long look, her eyes narrowing in thought. Naruto felt as though she wasn't just looking at him, she was looking right through him. As if she perceived something more than the eyes could see. It was such an intense gaze that despite not being longer than a few seconds, to him it felt like minutes.

"Wind and earth, those are your in-born affinities right? No other types?"

"N-No?"

"Hmm," Her face was locked in a frown, not one of annoyance, but one of deep thought. As though she was pondering on something. "Very interesting..." She muttered.

Suffice to say, everyone was giving the elder a strange look.

"Um, did you figure something out Maw-Maw?" Kushina asked after a moment.

"Hmm?" She seemed to snap out. "Oh, nope" She threw the crystal over her shoulders. "Haven't the foggiest"

Everyone around her face faulted and earned deadpanned glares; "Yeesh lady," Gamakichi quipped besides a sighing Hien and Yasu. "Here I was expecting a profound revelation or something."

Meihui gave a cheerful shrug with a cryptic smile.

Jiraiya sighed; "Well we're trying to figure out how gaki got such a bloodline. While learning his wind and earth natures."

"Earth nature is a freaking pain," Naruto groaned out recalling the training.

"But worthwhile once you master it," Kya finally spoke up.

Meihui gave the woman a surprised look; "So you do speak." That got her a dry glare from the buxom blonde; "I just thought you sat there and looked pretty."

"That's only half of what she does with her time" Lyn quipped, then winced from the punch on her shoulder delivered by her still sitting girlfriend; her expression had not changed a bit. "Ouch! You know I'm happy you're expressing yourself more, but not at my wellbeing's expense"

"Oh you knuckleheads need someone to beat sense into you from time to time" The great dragon elder said in turn, "You look like someone who can keep her grounded. So make sure to always knock her on the head when she's being dumb"

"With pleasure" Kya replied in a soft spoken monotone.

"Hah!" Tsunade barked a laugh, "Oh I have experience in that field" Kushina whimpered at the memories. "I can give you tips on how to keep your crazy redhead in line, sweetie"

"You know, it scares me that I don't know if you're joking or not..." Lyn mumbled as she ruffled her wild mane of hair.

"Who's joking here?" Haruki said with a smile. Patting the place between her daughter's fox ears, to which she grumbled, feeling a touch humiliated she was being treated like a child. "I had to make sure my Tamamo wouldn't go off the rails. Half-mortal half-fox spirit? Now that is a recipe for disaster"

"I'm a well dignified lady!" The buxom half-kitsune replied, crossing her arms under her bust. "Please mother, I'm well on my way to become a proper wife one day"

"And it was a long road, one I'm not sure is over yet" The bespectacled fox woman smirked, "Or do I have remind you of all the petty arguments and fights you get with 'some people' back home"

"She is always taunting me! Just because she's a bit older-"

"She's your senior for nearly a century, honey"

"-Grrr whatever!" She declared, folding her fists over her lap. "The day I no longer have to hide my ears, I'll show everyone the strength of my lineage" She placed a daintily hand on her chest as she smirked proudly. "Suitors will be lining up for a chance at my hand~"

"Yeesh, you trying to be a yamato nadeshiko or something?" Karin muttered in a deadpan.

"Why of course. Just because I'm a mischievous fox doesn't mean I don't want to settle down" Tamamo replied. "I'm already a great miko, I cleanse spiritually polluted places and chase away bad spirits. Now all I need is to find a worthy man"

"You know, depending on the crowd" Samenosuke said from his place on the ground, laying on one side against the grass, head prompted up his hand, and the other twirling a jug of sake. "Those ears and tail of yours would be quite the man-catchers"

Haruki let out a stern 'hmph!' "Mortals do so love to fetishize us foxes. That kind of attitude is dangerous, they can't tell the difference between a good fox spirit and a bad one"

"Aren't all foxes tricksters?" Sasuke asked.

"A good fox spirit will either help you or just trick you. A benign one will prank you. An evil one will eat your liver"

Sakura unconsciously rubbed the side of her stomach; "Glad you're a friendly kitsune then."

"Are there any more Uzumaki are with the Fox clan?" Tsunade questioned.

"Just me and Eiji," Lyn quipped; "Just like there's only Saito, Soujiro, and Same are with the wolves."

Naruto kept his attention to Tamamo; "So what else can you do Tam-chan?"

'Tam-chan..,' the older teen squinted; "Well I do enjoy singing, cooking, dancing, cleaning"

The skills of a wife, they realized with a sweatdrop.

"And quite talented at it," Hazuki remarked proudly.

"But my true talent is my spell casting" She grinned, showing a small sharp fang. A flicker of her bushy tail, and a sphere of light manifested behind her. "The perks of being half-yokai. Humans have their chakra networks and points, while my entire body functions as one giant chakra point. Jutsu and spells come to me naturally in a way similar to Breathing"

"That's an interesting way of phrasing it" Sakura noted, finding the statement to mean more than regular breathing.

"Breathing is what they call another type of casting" Kakashi, ever the knowledgeable jonin, informed her. "Regulating the flow of chakra without using hand signs, merely your will and concentration through the aid of careful breathing methods to make your body mold it as you desire"

"But... that's high level chakra manipulation!" Sakura replied in astonishment. "The only people who can do such free control have decades of experience, or a huge talent for it!"

"You say that because you're a ninja" Tomoe said, stating a fact. "Hand signs are designed to aid in the molding of chakra. Ninjas favor that use for all their techniques because it's easier, it fits their utilitarian and pragmatic techniques. Masters of onmyōdō will use hand signs when it comes to complex techniques, but warriors such as samurai utilize Breathing so their limbs are never busy or leave themselves open. Ninjas however will use it for everything"

"It's part of the reason why ninja schools have replaced so many samurai schools" Saito threw in, "Ninjutsu is easier to learn because it relies on the quicker paths. But that doesn't make it superior to other styles"

"I seldom use handsigns, unless I'm devising a complex technique or seal" Tamamo stated, "Oh you should see what I can do once I find a leyline to tap into"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Spending time with family like this had been great. Just sharing stories, laughing over dumb little things. Naruto couldn't get enough of it. But sadly all good things came to an end eventually.

Tamamo gave each of her younger cousins a long warm hug; "OH~," she bemoaned; "Can't believe time flew so fast. I just got to meet you!"

"It's not like we'll never see them again," her mother chimed back; "We can reverse summon ourselves in Konoha any time." The kitsune peered over to Tsunade; "I trust Konoha won't complain?"

"As long as you're in human form there shouldn't be a panic. But I'll give word about you two just in case. The Uzumaki are the only real family I have left, people want to gripe they can take it up with me."

Tomoe lightly chuckled before bowing; "It was a great pleasure to meet you like this. But for now I must depart, there are other duties I must attend to."

"Already?" Meihui said with a concerned frown. "You just came out of a five day assignment. You could slow down once in a while, Tomoe"

"It's fine. I don't get tired like regular people do"

"It's more than that" Genryu added, a frown forming on his silver scaled features. "Sometimes we worry about you"

"And I thank you for your concern, but as I said" She raised a hand in a half-ram sign. "I am busy" She gave the group a hearty smile, "I hope we see each other again soon" And vanished in a swath of flames.

Meihui raised a hand as if to stop her. She sighed, shaking her head in disappointment as she settled her hand back on her lap. "That girl..."

"Is it that bad?" Kushina asked her great-grandmother.

"All she does is work" Genryu replied, "There is being dutiful and then there is making that duty your entire life. And we fear Tomoe drifts towards the latter more and more"

Kamiko offered some words; "Given the era she was born in that likely plays a factor."

"People can grow and change," Meihui quipped

"She's immortal" Karin threw in, "How much can people like her change?"

"Not very fast" The elder dragon was forced to admit. "Look at me; it took me centuries to grow out of my 'Eat-anyone-who-annoys-me' phase. Because apparently dragons now need to abide by human standards and morality..."

"Mother" Genryu admonished with a stern look.

"I served in Susano'o's court! If I wanted to smite someone, I was well within my rights!"

"Maw-Maw!" The chorus of redheads intoned with glares.

"Oh fine, fine..." the ancient dragon flicked a bang from her forehead. "Whatever. Next time I see that girl I'll nail her feet to the floor if I have too"

"Can see where the Uzumaki get their social skills now" Sakura deadpanned.

A low grunt came from Sasuke; "You're not big on words are you," Ty Lee murmured earning a dry glare from her summoner.

Jiraiya snorted; "Well we should be getting back."

"I'm afraid neither Samenosuke nor I will be. At least for some time," Saito spoke up garnering the attention of the rest.

A surprised gaze dawned on Kushina the most; "Nii-san?"

"Saito and I decided we will be helping the wolves track our kin down. They could use another redhead to explain to them the situation. Might takes us some time, but figured this was best so our cousins don't freak out when some foxes and wolves show up." the roguish Uzumaki remarked with a grin.

Soujiro turned to his father; "Shall I pack my things then?"

"No," Saito shook his head; "You'll be staying with your aunt Kushina."

"Oh" The young swordsman paused for a moment, blinking as he processed the information. "Alright" While he did seem a touch bothered at the fact that he would be away from his father for a time, and he broke no argument about it.

Which, given by the pained tired looked from Saito, was exactly what worried him.

The family watched as the older swordsman let out a long sigh, running a hang over his slicked back hair and moving a few of the strands out of the way. "Yeah... Yeah I shouldn't be surprised this is how you react" He stood on one knee before the wavy haired boy. "Son, in my duties as a father to you I fear I neglected very important aspects"

"I do not understand" Soujiro squared his shoulders slightly. "I know how to fight, to defend myself and the clan. I've learned much from following you"

"And that is problem" Saito placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Soujiro... what do you want?"

The boy looked a touch taken aback. "Father?"

"What do you want out of your life?" He asked, "What do you desire? What are your aims, the goals you want to achieve?" His regarded his son with a remorseful look. "What makes you happy?"

The boy only took a few seconds to reply. "I am happy when we are all together"

"And that is fine... but you must have your own goals to strive for, my son. You are at the age where you must make your own choices, decide what you want for yourself, not in regards to others" The father said. "All these years I've taught you to survive but I fear I never taught you to live" He paused before sighing. "And I believe some time without you feeling you have to follow me will be good for you"

That was the first time Naruto, his mother, and Karin witnessed genuine confusion on the face of the young swordsman. "I don't understand, but I will do as you say and remain with Aunt Kushina." Once more a pained expression appeared on Saito's face.

'That kiddo has some issues,' Tamamo mentally mused but saw understanding from her mother's mournful gaze.

Lyn exhaled a sigh; "Kya and I don't have any jobs so guess we will stay in Konoha."

"Probably for the best," Saito quipped as he stood; "in case Kushina or Naruto and Karin, are dispatched. You can be there to greet them."

Samenosuke grinned; "Be sure to put on the charm!"

Her eyes closed and she sniffed, throwing a not so humble smirk as she put an arm around Kya's arm. "How do you think I landed this beauty?"

"With desperation and pity" Kya replied dryly.

"Baaaaabe! You're supposed to make me look cool!"

"I agreed to no such thing"

"Oh my, can't even get your girlfriend to compliment you" Kushina's mocking smile could not be hidden under the dainty gesture of her fingertips over her lips. "Speaks volume"

The demon hunter growled, "I will shove my naginata so far up your ass..."

"See? It's stuff like that why Kya doesn't defend you" Samenosuke took his turn with his own teasing grin.

"Okay, that's it, you're both getting it"

Before the three could get into yet another mock-fight of hair pulling and other such childish antics. The half-kitsune of their family spoke up. "You should put a ring on her" The foxy smirk on Tamamo's face was back. "That way she'll be duty-bound to sing her spouse's praise"

Her words had the hilarious outcome of causing Lyn to choke on seemingly nothing but her own breath. And even the ever serious Kya to blush heavily, mocha skinned cheeks twitching as she tried to reign in her nervousness.

The laughter that followed was shared freely amongst them.

Naruto got a taste of what big family of redheads would bring, and he couldn't wait to get more.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Feet crunched through a grassy forest as a platoon of armored soldiers marched. Their regiment composed of dozens of soldiers had spearmen, swordsmen, archers, and most important of all, riflemen, who stood at the front of their formation. The moonlight only gave minimal lighting as shadows and darkness surrounded them. Their breathing was uneven and heavy, despite having years of discipline and training, all felt trepidation and fear.

"D-Did we really have to come here sir?" a solider whispered. "Reports were sketchy at best"

The platoon commander glanced back; "We follow the orders of our Daimyo. The rebels were seen around here."

"But what if that beast is waiting for us?" another of his troopers addressed with pronounced terror.

"He's still a man. Are you soldiers or dainty tea makers?" Despite his own words even he felt a sliver of fear at the thought of that beast.

This was merely another rebellion. Just another mob disrupting the peace of the country. He had a duty tasked by his brother, and he would not fail, more than his personal honor was at stake. The sooner they could get things under control the faster things would go back to normal.

The faster he could return to his family and spend his days without worry.

A branched cracked, and at least two riflemen aimed their weapons. The metal clinked against wood from the shaky hands.

That did not mean the rebels were to be underestimated...

This recent uprising had mustered very talented forces in such a short time. At first their acts of sabotage were manageable, but when they began assassinating officials and officers it became clear they were not messing around. Their acts of savagery only became worse as time went on.

They cared not how many families they ruined, or how much chaos they would plunge their nation.

It only became worse when they hired those mercenaries, and then that Beast arrived... He had seen his work. Bodies broken like a wild animal had gotten to them.

Though he urged his men to follow his example, even he could not lie and say he wasn't fully worried. As such, he only gave an unnoticeable jump when he heard the branch cracking.

He held up a hand as his men stood in position.

A rabbit jumped out of the bushes. It looked at them and tilted its head

"Just a damn rabbit..." The platoon commander grunted. "Keep moving"

"Sir?" Came the fearful voice from another of his men at the back of the line. "Hokado's gone"

"What?" The commander sharply turned, looking for the man in question, seeing he was indeed gone. "What do you mean 'gone'? Where is he?"

"H-He was here one second ago! When I turned h-h-he just wasn't here!"

Terror was beginning to creep into the soldier's hearts. "He's here," a soldier shuddered gazing around frantically holding his rifle.

The commander turned sharply; "Quell your fe-" Before he could finish the frightened solider who spoke was now gone too. That set the rest of the troops into a near panic.

A bloodcurdling scream soon broke from the night. The soldiers became deathly still, none moved or even breathed. Soon a large dark shadow flew towards them with great speed. Some cried out before dropping to the ground, other were not as quick as the mangled body of Hokado struck them. Sending them crashing onto the ground.

The commander's eyes were wide like saucers, his skin a pale white as he stared at Hokado's form. It was like he was crushed and twisted with immense near inhuman strength.

Then, it was chaos.

Silent projectiles came from the trees. Shuriken and arrow both as the embedded into limbs and chest. His soldiers screamed, rifles fired blindly in the dark, the brief flashes of ignited gunpowder illuminating their surroundings for only brief seconds. Yet in those seconds they saw them, coming out of the shadows like wraiths, they did not speak a word as they began cutting down his men.

The first two figures that stood out in the dark wore white sleeveless garbs with white hoods, dark masks hid their faces as the shadow of the hood hid the rest. In the night, it was like they had no visage. They moved like specters, too fast and fluids for the soldiers to pin down. One threw kunai with such speed and precision the soldiers fell down like flies, the weapons buried between their eyes. The other struck with fierce fast limbs, breaking arms and parrying weapons skillfully. As one of his soldiers hastily took aim and fired, the assassin just grabbed another soldier in front of him and used him as a shield, he gasped in pain and gurgle. The rifleman wasn't even halfway through his reload before he died with a palm strike in the chest that made bones snap.

The commander's head snapped from left to right, no orders came from his trembling lips as his soldiers were slaughtered, given no quarter nor any semblance of mercy. Shaky fingers reached into his belt pulled out the flintlock pistol, trying to take aim.

The ground shook. And a monster descended upon them.

Taller than any of his men, bigger than any men he had met before. Standing half a head taller than even himself, the incredibly large and wild mane of red hair blazed through the night. Large fists descended upon the soldiers unlucky enough to be caught in his path. Bones broke like twigs.

Bladed weapons were like mosquito stings on him, barely able to pierce the bulging hardened muscle. One soldier who tried to run him through with his sword had his neck snapped, just from a backhand. The commander shouted when his head did a 180, dead eyes staring at him. As the body fell, he looked at the green eyes of his killer, and saw the wicked grin on those lips.

His legs failed him, the commander fell to the ground and hastily aimed his pistol. The moment he pulled the trigger a shuriken hit the barrel, deflecting his shot as this one rang out. The weapon fell from his hand, useless now.

The commander's heart thundered in his chest, he could even hear his own heartbeat, even as his own breath was too loud on his ears. His men, every single one of them... they were all dead.

The sound of footsteps on the grass drew his gaze to another person. He was young, couldn't even be older than twenty. His attire consisted mostly of traditional sleeveless robes with a full body blue garb paired with a white sash tied around his waist. His face was fair, with delicate features one would even call feminine. Long dark hair pulled in a ponytail, a large bang hiding one eye as the rest fell with long strands over his shoulders, the other almond shaped blue eye staring at him with cold anger.

The commander immediately knew who this man was, he didn't need to hear the assassins to confirm it.

"Job's done here, Takeda" One of the masked men said.

"We left this one for you" The other promised darkly.

The rebel leader said, "Thank you"

The large red haired man grunted, crossing large arms over that broad chest of his.

The commander gasped as the young rebel approached, the hatred in his eyes seemed to stab directly into his soul. "N-No, please. Gods I beg you, spare me...!"

"Why should I?" He coldly asked, standing right above him.

"I have a family!" He cried.

Gods have mercy, he had a home to return to. Ancestors, grant him the chance to see his daughter again.

Takeda just stared at him... and slowly pulled out a short blade from his waist.

"So did I"

Shiing!

The commander's head fell from his shoulder. And the night was silent again.

Takeda looked at the bloodied blade in his hand with emotionless eyes before taking a tissue and cleaning it.

"You okay, kid?" The large man asked him, his voice deep and rough but still filled with warm concern.

"I am now. Thank you" He replied, grateful for his compassion. "But our mission is far from done, Kosuke... let's go. This country won't liberate itself"

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

And that's a wrap! We thank for sticking so far, and once more we apologize

That last part here is a tease for the next arc, and a VERY important development for Naruto

Being a ninja is cool huh? You on crazy adventures with your friend, save people, become a hero to others even!

No… that was just good fortune that decided you were on the right side

At the end of the day, being a ninja is to be a mercenary, and your feelings have very little to do with the mission at hand

That's all we gonna say about it, if you wanna see more stay tuned!

Next up, its two chapters from Dovahkiin, so like always it'll take a while before we get back to this one