My favourite story, yet so infrequent updates? Well, I intend to make it epic and legendary, unlike my other works— not that I despise them; no, they are my beloved too. But this... this story is my emotion. This story always makes me cry... This is a chapter I wrote a long time ago. But still— it makes me emotional.
This briefly tells us where the Crystal Sage was after the Nine Tails' attack, Fourth Great Shinobi War, Otsutsuki attacks and so on.
In the next chapter, I'll tell you about Naruto's first C rank mission and... nah, you'll see.
I just came from the exam hall attending my literature exam. I'll need to attend my grammar exam on Tuesday. So, here's a chapter...
Uzu No Tenshi
It was the time of the Second Great Shinobi War. The Village Hidden in the Whirlpools, Uzushiogakure, had chosen to abstain from direct involvement in the war but extended aid to its allies in various strategic ways. Although they were not participating in the front lines, their reputation was anything but weak. In fact, the military might of the Uzumaki clan was so formidable that their very name invoked fear across the Elemental Nations.
A typical Chunin from the Uzumaki clan possessed chakra reserves rivaling those of Kage-level shinobi. Their stamina and endurance in battle were legendary, and their ability to outlast their opponents was a testament to their training and natural gifts. Among them, some wielded the Adamantine Sealing Chains, a bloodline limit unique to their clan. These chains were powerful enough to restrain even the mighty tailed beasts, making the Uzumakis invaluable in any conflict involving these massive creatures.
As their power grew, so did the fear and envy of other nations. This fear gave birth to hatred, a deep-seated animosity that festered beneath the surface. The other villages knew that if they did not act, the Uzumaki clan's influence would continue to grow unchecked.
During the war, tales of Uzumaki prowess spread like wildfire. Stories of their resilience, their unbreakable chains, and their impenetrable seals were whispered in hushed tones. The Uzumakis were seen as both a blessing and a curse. Allies sought their assistance, knowing that an Uzumaki on the battlefield was worth a hundred ordinary shinobi. Enemies, however, dreaded the sight of the red-haired warriors, their hearts filled with fear and loathing.
Despite their formidable power, the Uzumakis remained humble and focused on their duty. They did not seek glory or conquest; their primary goal was the protection of their people and allies. However, their humility did little to assuage the jealousy and fear of other nations. The other villages saw the Uzumakis as a threat that needed to be eliminated.
This growing animosity eventually led to a coordinated attack on Uzushiogakure. The other villages, driven by fear and hatred, united in a desperate bid to eradicate the Uzumaki clan. The attack was swift and brutal, catching the Uzumakis off guard. Despite their incredible power and resilience, the overwhelming numbers of their enemies proved too much.
In a final act of defiance and sacrifice, the Uzumakis unleashed their ultimate sealing techniques, protecting their allies and ensuring that their legacy would live on. Though Uzushiogakure was ultimately destroyed, the Uzumaki spirit remained unbroken. Survivors scattered across the world, carrying with them the knowledge and strength of their clan.
This is what happened in Dimension 1A, named by Naruto.
But in Dimension 1B, things were… not the same. It happened after the Battle of Suki in Dimension 1A when the Hokage was sealed for almost four decades.
His original body was in Dimension 1A within the seal. But his mind and soul were in Dimension 1B.
Unlike the other resets, Naruto discovered a different dimension instead of resetting the time.
When he arrived at Dimension 1B, he landed in the middle of a heated battle between Hanzo the Salamander and the students of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In Dimension 1A, Hanzo the Salamander named Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru the Sannin— the Three Legendary Shinobi. However, in Dimension 1B, Naruto Uzumaki named Hanzo the Salamander…
"You have the potential to bring peace to this place. But you lack the most important thing," Naruto said, his voice calm yet authoritative.
Hanzo, his breath ragged from the intense battle, narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
"Touch me once, just a tap, and you'll know."
The Sannin watched in awe as Naruto and Hanzo engaged. No, it wasn't a fight. It never was. It was a demonstration, a lesson. Hanzo's attacks were precise, deadly, yet they never seemed to land. Naruto moved with an otherworldly grace, effortlessly dodging each strike.
In the end, Naruto stood before Hanzo, his eyes filled with a mix of pity and disappointment. With a swift motion, he ripped off Hanzo's mask, breathing in front of the man's face like it was nothing.
"You fail," Naruto stated coldly.
"W-what?" Hanzo stammered, his eyes wide with shock.
"That's what you lack, Hanzo. You lack the determination. You lack time. You are… a Weak-Willed Man."
"Ishi Nō Yowai-Nin," Naruto named him, the words cutting deeper than any blade.
After that, Naruto left the battlefield and headed to Uzushiogakure..
The tale of mass massacre and mass salvation awaited him.
This was the tale of mass massacre and mass salvation. The tale of Uzu Nō Tenshi— the Angel of the Whirlpools.
oOo
The day started just like every other autumn day in Whirlpool Village. People were going about their daily routines, children playing in the playground, and life seemed normal. But a few hours after sunrise, something unexpected happened.
"Mom," a little girl, no older than five, looked at her mother with wide eyes. "Are we going to die?"
The mother gave her daughter an uncertain look for a moment before hugging her tightly and whispering softly, "God will send His angel, Nana. Be assured, we won't die."
"Then why are you crying?" the girl asked, puzzled. "If we are going to be saved?"
The mother had no answer to that. She kept sobbing.
Not too far from the island, hundreds of ships were anchored. These medium-sized warships were almost empty though—because the ninjas were standing on the water. Thousands of warriors in their battle stance, waiting for any indication to start the assault.
The Kage of Kumo looked at the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki and gave a firm nod. "Attack!" the Raikage roared.
The bijuu-jinchuriki fired the huge condensed chakra balls. The sound was majestic, echoing across the sea. The sky lit up with a bright purple light as the tailed beast balls rushed towards Whirlpool Island, ready to destroy it.
The citizens closed their eyes, tears streaming down their cheeks. Some began praying desperately. Women and children's sobs filled the air. The soldiers looked at their beloved city for one last time, sorrow in their eyes. 'Gentlemen,' they said to one another, 'it's been an honor serving the nation with you.'
"Kami-sama," the possibly last Uzukage said, standing on top of a rock on the shore, looking at the approaching annihilation with awe. "Save my people, please."
Three seconds from impact.
Two.
One…
Boom!
A huge explosion occurred. For a moment, a dense smoke engulfed the area. It took eight full seconds for everyone to understand what had happened.
"What…!" Everyone who saw it exclaimed with wide eyes, awe visible.
"Mommy, is that the ANGEL?" Nana asked her sobbing mother. The mother looked up, her jaw hanging comically.
The massive chakra ball never touched the island. Instead, it hit something else, something much stronger. They saw a pinkish-red shield protecting Whirlpool City. It was semi-transparent. Above the mighty barrier, there was a figure. A winged figure. The wings were huge and shining like diamonds. The figure had shoulder-length red hair. Each Uzumaki is born with an extremely capable body, hence they noticed something others didn't. The person was wearing a white cloak. On the back of the cloak, there was kanji for 'Crystal' (結晶) in red.
Both sides shared a common feeling, 'Who or WHAT is that?' On the island, people looked at the newcomer with hope in their eyes. The enemy troops looked at him with awe. 'What is he…' the three Kage thought in unison. 'How can someone stop a tailed-beast's bomb?'
"Once more!" the Mizukage shouted.
The Sanbi Jinchuuriki immediately started gathering tailed beast chakra in its mouth and within ten seconds, another bomb was released. It moved straight ahead with great speed.
"Sage Art:" It was barely a whisper, nobody heard it. "Crystal Shield." Immediately another barrier materialized, and the bomb clashed with the semi-transparent crimson wall.
Boom!
Everyone's jaws dropped. The barrier didn't even get a scratch. The caster of the jutsu was still flying with a stoic face, showing no sign of chakra exhaustion.
"I shall count to five," the person said, loud enough for everyone to hear. It sounded a bit high-pitched—like an adult woman or a child. "Go back, or be eradicated—believe this."
"Who are you?" the Mizukage shouted.
"I am your death," the person stated calmly, flapping their wings. The Uzu people were mesmerized by the beauty of it while the enemy felt a twist in their stomach.
"Your name, damn it!" the Tsuchikage shouted.
"I am…" the person looked down at the people of Uzu, specifically a girl. 'Didn't that girl call me an angel?' "…an Angel. But you can call me Naruto."
The Whirlpool people cheered loudly, believing God was directly helping them. The enemy soldiers began to whisper among themselves, 'Angel? What is he saying? Alas! I suspected there was something strange about these red-haired people. So can they communicate directly with God? Through this self-proclaimed angel?'
"You're no Angel!" the Raikage sneered, seeing confidence breaking down in the allied army. "I'll prove it right away!"
"Five."
Some of the Iwa-Kumo-Kiri troops stepped back, the booming sound breaking their remaining confidence.
"Four."
The Kages ordered their jinchurikis to prepare another tailed-beast bomb. The demon vessels started gathering chakra once more. But somewhere in their mindscape, the tailed beasts shouted in unison—That boy is not normal, he has extremely potent Otsutsuki chakra. We are no match for him. You better run!
"Three."
The long-range fighters went through hand signs: 'Lightning Style—', 'Wind Style—', 'Fire Style—', 'Water Style—', and 'Earth Style—'. Some of the Kekkei Genkai holders also flashed through hand signs: 'Ice Release—', 'Lava Release—' and more.
"Two."
Six percent of the soldiers of the army were already gone. 'Punishment be damned! Life comes first. This guy is on a whole other level.'
"One."
Pin drop silence for a fraction of a second.
"Time's up." "Attack."
Thousands upon thousands of powerful jutsus were seen fired towards the certain individual. The people of Uzu gulped, 'Will he be able to save us…?'
Meanwhile, the Kages smirked. 'Let's see how you handle three tailed beast bombs along with all sorts of thousands of long-range jutsu. Angel? My…'
"Sage Art:" this time it was not a whisper. "Gentle Mirror."
A huge mirror materialized, covering the entire island. What happened next would be remembered in the history of Shinobi for eternity.
Every attack, every jutsu was absorbed into the mirror.
A pregnant pause.
"Sage Art:" Naruto clapped his hands together. Everyone looked at him in anticipation. "Gentle Touch."
The mirror vibrated for a moment before something was seen coming out of the huge mirror.
"Run!"
Before anyone could register who shouted like that or why they shouted, they heard an ominous sound.
Wheeze. Wheeze.
A lightning bolt hit a man.
Bang!
A mud ball hit another.
Splash! Splash!
Water bullets swiftly took down a kunoichi.
It took a moment for everyone to realize that the techniques they had thrown at the 'Angel' had been reflected back at them.
In mere seconds, the whole setting was filled with screams. Ninjas standing on water lost their control and drowned. The ships were wrecked, some sinking. The jinchurikis reverted to their human forms, one panting heavily while others drowned.
The Kages were stunned. One thing was clear as crystal. The redhead is actually not human and they stand no chance.
In a matter of minutes, the army of thirty thousand was reduced to twenty thousand. No one ever in the history of Shinobi killed so many people with such ease.
The Kages had three options—retreat, probably the best but humiliating; resume assault, foolish but honorable; and finally… alliance. The first and the last were out of the question as both were extremely humiliating—although they were humiliated enough for at least a century.
"Shinobi of Iwa!" the Tsuchikage drew attention towards him. "Victory or death! Show them the Will of Stone!"
Some cheered while others ran away… who could blame them.
"Kumo! Don't fear," the Raikage raised his hands. "Either we will have an honorable death or proud victory. March…!"
Without giving any thought, thousands of Shinobis sprinted towards the island, ignoring the powerful whirlpools. They can't cross it, can they? They would die… it's foolish… why? Naruto's eyes widened in recognition. He looked at the marching Shinobis. Their eyes reflected something he saw in Duy's eyes.
Determination. The will to protect something precious.
"You fight for what you believe is true and best for your villages." He spoke, halting everyone with his powerful authoritative voice. His diamond wings flapped rapidly, creating a soothing sound. "You will be granted an honorable end." He dived downward, gained high speed, and flew towards them.
Each Shinobi standing on the water and soil looked at the 'Angel' with newfound respect. They ran towards the approaching 'Angel'.
The massacre was over in fifteen minutes. In the end, no Shinobi from Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri survived the assault. They never got the chance to land a single strike. The blue water of the sea turned crimson with their blood.
To the naked eye, it was nothing but a red and white blur. But those who could follow such speed to a certain extent recognized the taijutsu style as some sort of Hummingbird Style. The crystallized katana cut necks in a smooth motion, as if a heated knife cutting butter.
The final Shinobi to stand on the sea was the Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki. The 'Angel' approached him in slow motion, his wings no longer on his back, glass-like katana in his right hand.
"We never stood a chance," the fallen Kage said, his voice laced with a bitter resignation. "Did we?"
"No, you never did," Naruto stated calmly. "But you fought bravely."
"Before you end this, may I ask a question?"
"Okay." Naruto frowned slightly, curious.
"Where did you come from?"
"A different world."
"As expected from someone like you." The Kage weakly chuckled. "Say, do you think there will ever be true peace?"
"No," was his immediate reply, startling the Kage. "I've lived long enough to know that there is nothing such as 'true peace.' As long as there is a difference between two people's opinions, there will always be conflict. Arguments follow conflict, and war comes after arguments."
"I see." Gengetsu felt a bit disappointed. "All of this was for nothing, I guess."
"Your intentions were pure, but your method was dirty. However, from what I can tell, there is always hope. The next generation can be the hope. They are the king after all, you people do dirty things to protect them."
"You…"
"I know, Mizukage. I know. You see the sun?" He pointed to the setting sun. "It's going to be dark soon. However, there is going to be another sunrise, another chance to change."
The Kage looked at the beautiful setting sun. The crimson-orange orb looked metaphorical. "It is truly beautiful," he said with a smile. "I am glad that I am going to die in such a beautiful moment in such a majestic place and in the hands of such a pure entity."
Slash!
A faint yet noticeable smile was seen on the drowning head of the Second Mizukage.
When Naruto landed on the devastated island, he felt a whirlwind of emotions. Grief. Hatred. Anger. Happiness. Sorrow… The list went on and on.
Some people were mourning for the dead. Some held their beloved's corpse in their hands, barely restraining themselves from crying.
They had a similar thought—'Surely he can bring… I shouldn't get my hopes high…'
But they were almost wrong. Because when you know what to do and how to do it, then almost nothing is impossible.
"Sage Art!" He slammed his hands on the ground. "Mass Mitotic Regeneration."
Immediately, the entire area was filled with green chakra. Those who were knowledgeable enough recognized it as medical chakra. 'Is he…?'
The chakra reached everyone, gently touching their wounds and healing little scars to regrowing missing limbs and organs. It healed them at such a speed that they were speechless. It is impossible to regrow organs. Even the best doctors had their eyes coming out of their sockets. Although, after seeing what the 'Angel' is capable of, this doesn't seem to be an illusion.
A man had his fingers missing. After the warm chakra touched him, they were there!
A woman had her eyes busted. Now she could see clearly!
The children, elderly, civilians, and Shinobi—everybody was healed. They began cheering for him; he healed them all!
But the 'Angel' wasn't done.
"Sage Art: Life Force Transfer Technique!" This time, he clasped his hands together.
The corpses began to float. A yellowish-green chakra engulfed them. Soon, the bodies began to shake tremendously. The chakra started entering their bodies at a very fast rate. Within the next fifteen seconds, their bodies absorbed the chakra completely. Finally, the bodies gently landed on the soil.
After a couple of moments, they opened their eyes. They had tears coming out. They were alive!
Meanwhile, the entire citizens were looking at the occurrence with awe in their eyes. Beads of sweat were descending at an unbelievable rate from their heads. They realized something… The epitome of medical science. This is the pinnacle of science. This is the ultimate medical ninjutsu ever to exist. No one has ever done something like this. No one has been capable of doing this, and no one ever will be.
Then the earth shook with a single chorus.
"UZU NO TENSHI!"
"UZU NO TENSHI!"
"UZU NO TENSHI!"
oOo
The village of Whirlpool, once a mighty place in the Elemental Nations, was on the brink of destruction. The place had more than a hundred buildings, four towers, and hundreds of small houses and buildings. After the attack, they had less than thirty buildings, most of which barely remained unharmed during the assault. Almost no house was left standing.
Casualties? Fifty thousand people lived on the island. After the attack—thirty thousand remained—if you include the heavily injured ones.
But it was a statistic before a divine being appeared. He had wings of diamonds, hair redder than any Uzumaki, and chakra so immense that one would believe it is bottomless. His strength was so great that he defeated an entire army of Shinobi. Alone. Not to mention the army consisted of three Kage and four jinchuriki. He introduced himself as an 'Angel.' His name was Naruto. Maelstrom.
He saved an entire country from extinction. He is a savior. A messiah. Whirlpool can never repay his debt. But…
But everyone has limitations… no one can bring back the dead. Nobody can play God. Even children know that. At least they thought so.
However, they got something else… something far more… majestic.
Everyone that 'died' was alive once again. According to the 'Angel,' this wasn't a miracle, but rather a technique lost to time, once known by ancient healers of his world. Naruto demonstrated the ultimate mastery of this ancient art, a feat that not even the most skilled medical ninjas in history could achieve.
In the history of Shinobi, Whirlpool would be called the Land of the Phoenix, not the Land of Whirlpool anymore. Because what happened that day changed the Shinobi world forever. That day, a figure emerged from the heavens and saved them… He is Naruto, Uzu No Tenshi (渦の天使), The 'Angel of Whirlpool.'
The village rose from the ashes, just like a phoenix. The people of Whirlpool Village, now the Land of the Phoenix, would forever remember the day their savior descended from the heavens. Their faith was not misplaced, for Naruto, the Angel of Whirlpool, had given them a second chance at life, a second chance to rebuild, and a second chance to hope for a better future.
TBC