EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
KONOHAGAKURE, HOKAGE'S OFFICE.
Minato Namikaze was not a happy man. His life was a myriad of ups and downs, with a lot to be thankful for, and a lot to regret. He was the leader of the most powerful military on the planet, subsequently the most powerful ninja alive - his known power said to be just below that of the legendary duo that had created his village. And the power had only really been last displayed during the attack of the nine tails, thirteen years prior in which he had a lot of time to train.
It was ironic that as a man of many achievements, who now had another child already of four years of age in his loving family and expecting another, was reminded of his biggest failure every time he had his child. That every time he played, taught, talked or even looked at his daughter, that at least some part of his mind would not let him forget his son. He would never wish to forget, but it did not make it any less painful.
He was a man of many failures perhaps like his teacher, but unlike his teacher, his biggest failure was his only regret.
The stress of the job had gotten to him a week ago, remaining over night in the Hokage Tower to ponder deeply with plenty of time to spare and a small tray of alcohol to at least keep his nerves stabilised, as the world melted down at a quicker pace than it should have. Between the incessant spies that mostly tried to identify the non-existent jinchuuriki in the Leaf since obvious logic dictated that his wife could no longer hold it, the border prowling of the Northern nations and the rampant rise in missing ninja activity, it was not a peaceful time to be a Kage.
The war, the first war on the continent of elemental nations between a country and another for the first time in eighteen years, signalled the build-up once more. Battles between minor nations had been the precursor of the second world war unlike the border scuffles that had been the precursor of the third world war, as minor nations - either independent like Ame or owing their allegiance to major hidden villages like Grass to Iwagakure - had been the first victims. Victims that had continued to bleed as the great war had then erupted.
It was a sign that he would not ignore. Rather than trying to prevent anything as he might have once done, Minato Namikaze was now a different man. He would this time, take the first pre-emptive action to ensure the safety of his village and family, as he had decided last night on what he was to do as the stress had evaporated as his mind cleared.
He would begin rectifying his greatest failure, and fixing Hiruzen Sarutobi's right there and now while he could.
So there he stood at the wide-sweeping windows of his office that afforded him such a view, taking it in for a few more moments to draw out the peace of his mind before he had to turn round to look at the creature currently in his office. His mind was settled, having settled resolutely on a decision, that had already been carried out now, before he'd even ordered it the night previous. It was the rage that licked at the core of his being, kept forcibly at bay by the necessity of it and the impracticality of unleashing it then.
With a small, and only sigh that he gave that day, he turned round to finally confront the situation as he had already carefully schooled his features to become impassive to the other occupants of his office. Between his teacher standing in the corner, and the Third Hokage sitting on a chair along the opposite wall, and Tenzo his most trusted current ANBU stood at the door, it was a small gathering of powerful men in one room. That also applied to the man he now gazed at, a look that Minato was sure both Jiraiya and Hiruzen had guessed was forcibly made blank as he surveyed the elderly man before his desk.
"I will give you one chance, Danzo." Minato began as he spoke quietly - the dim volume of his voice, as he stabbed straight into the heart of the matter, still conveyed clearly to the occupants of the office as he had been the only man to speak since the door had closed and the seals reinforcing the room and silencing it to the rest of the world had been activated. He looked to the one-eyed man who he had not bothered to have examined or stripped of the bandages he now knew to be hiding something - his crimes would be revealed any which way without Minato ever having to order them to be taken off.
"For fifteen years I have led this village now, and I'd like to think that during that time I've made a few things clear to every person whose ever seen or even knows of me." Minato's voice now got a bit louder as he spoke normally, taking a couple of gentle steps forward so he stood beside his desk, surveying the aged ninja before him better. "That I am a man of patience, willing to find alternative solutions to many situations and that I'd defend my village to my dying breath." A short pause came as Minato furrowed his brow, before then giving a minute shake of his head, the deliberate body movements he made to nail home his message playing in full force. "Yet, somehow Danzo, you managed to trample across all three to the extent that I find myself lacking the patiencetofind an alternate solution that keeps my village safe. I cannot have a monster such as yourself in my village."
Another short pause occurred before Minato gave his ultimatum. "Start with at least telling us why, and we can all at least keep our dignity in this situation."
In response, the elderly man that was both handcuffed to the arms of the chair he sat in and heavily weakened by the chakra-suppressing and paralyzing seals lining his torso, narrowed his eye in suspicion to the man he was always supposed to have obeyed. His lips pursed in a message to Minato that he knew he his death was already assured, and so he remained silent.
Minato then lightly sat on the corner of his desk, taking on a more carefree image that enraged Danzo internally as he saw the Hokage put his hands in his lap, one of his iconic kunai gripped with loose slack as a leg was left hanging free over the edge of the desk. Danzo would have spat out an insult if he hadn't been experienced enough to read deeper into emotions, spotting the hardened look in the blue irises of the powerful ninja before no matter how much he tried to hide it - the subtle bulging and quivering of the blood vessels around the eyes that showed the restraint the man was forcing upon himself. Eyes which blinked only once as he stared to the prisoner before him.
Still, nothing was said from the patriarch of the Shimura clan.
"So, Danzo." Minato spoke after a minute in a tone of voice that had been wiped clean of all inflections that could've given anything away. "You are indeed a stubborn man. Unfortunately for me, there is no such thing as a truth seal or serum, and I have no time to give you to Ibiki just to have him spend a significant portion of time trying to crack you, no matter how skilled he is. I will admit that much to you." A slight tilt of the head by Minato punctuated the sweeping look he gave Danzo as he if was analysing the man, before then narrowing his eyes. "Fortunately though, there exists the means to literally look inside your brain."
A single finger reached down and pushed a button on the office phone he had on his desk, alerting the person on the other side to walk in as Minato remotely deactivated the silencing and reinforcement seals on his office door with the half ram seal he held in his other hand. He would've continued through with re-activating the seals if not for the creaking of the seat that signalled Hiruzen standing up from it, and regarding Danzo with a look.
"I was brought here for one reason, and one reason only old friend." Hiruzen softly let out as he regarded Danzo with a pained, yet scathing look, before only closing his eyes for a second as a memory played out across his mind. "To fill in any gaps you may have intentionally left in with whatever you said with my own knowledge of years past. But I see now that there exists no reason for me to be here if you would not speak at all." He reopened his eyes with a tired look as he then gazed to the blonde man silently watching, perched on the desk as he absent-mindedly rotated the kunai in his hand. "If you do not mind, Minato, I cannot bear to be here any longer to watch my greatest failure manifest to its fullest. I only ask to leave to preserve any scraps of dignity of my old friendship left before all comes to light."
"Of course, Hiruzen." Minato responded, ensuring that a tone of appreciation was conveyed in an otherwise still-controlled voice. "Please do remember that this village owes you a great debt, no matter what you may think. You do not have to fear any talks of this as my advisor, as this shall not be dragged out any further than this room, today." The slow drifting of Minato's eyes from Hiruzen to Danzo let the Third Hokage know that this situation would be finalised.
No more was supposed to be said by Hiruzen as he merely placed his hand on the handle of the door to leave behind the situation he truly did not want to know the depths of any more than he had so far been clued in on; if not for Danzo speaking for the first, and only, time that day. "Everything I did was for the village, old friend." Came the muttering from the aged and paralyzed man that the rest of the occupants of the office were gathered round.
It still carried clear to the ears of the Third Hokage, whose head lifted slightly with a small, sad smile unconsciously coming across it as he thought only to the times of his genin team, his eyes beneath the brim of the hat he wore not turning to look back at the man he once called friend. "Do not try and justify yourself now, Danzo." He said aloud, still not looking back as the rest of the office remained respectfully silent to the man who had done more for their village than any other standing there. "Your greatest weakness, and why you were never chosen to be Hokage no matter how much you wanted it, was that you always failed to understand who the true king of the village was."
A slight twitch of the head forced Hiruzen to look away from the man he had briefly considered looking back to, but instead looked to the door handle which he then opened. "You wereneverthe roots of the village you stopped serving long ago." And just like that, Hiruzen Sarutobi disappeared from the office as Minato remotely activated the seals on the now closed door.
"Rip apart his mind if you have to. Tear it all down and glean every piece of information available which you shall then relay to me." Minato ordered to Inoichi Yamanaka who had walked into the office before Hiruzen left. He didn't look at the Yamanaka as the carefully constructed persona that he had kept up around Hiruzen, and likely failed at, fell in short order as the hate in his now solidly unblinking eyes visibly took hold as his mouth downturned, and fingers clenched on he kunai. "I do not care what you have to do. I have already sentenced this man to death, and we do not leave this office until I knoweverything."
Inoichi opened his mouth to let out an affirmative response to his supreme commander and to also try and hide the tremble in his hands from the powerful emotion let out by said man's last word, but never got the chance as Minato leaned forward.
"There are few people who know the extents that I've gone to try and find my lost son, with perhaps the only man who knows the full picture being my teacher who heads our spy efforts. I can admit to you, as you are about to die, that I've foundvery little." Minato whispered directly into the ear of the condemned man before him, the soft words sending tremors down Danzo's spine as he forced it to remain unseen as he looked out the corner of his singular eye to the Hokage. "Your death will bring me great satisfaction, Danzo, whether or not you do know anything of my son which is perhaps my greatest reason for doing this. A small investigation will be opened by a small squad of low-ranking investigators to investigate your disappearance, and they will findnothing.Your body will be gone, along with your personal guards, and your entire legacy."
A breathy chuckle in his ear finally cracked Danzo as his eye widened to Minato's next words. "I could not think of a more fitting end to a man who always did want to crawl out the underground, accomplished as the Hokage whose ego thought only he could lead Konoha. You will die a mystery, unknown to all."
An easy but forceful jab to Danzo's throat locked up his entire jaw to prevent him from speaking as Minato withdrew, finally looking to Inoichi as he nodded to the man.
Outside the office, Hiruzen walked down the road slowly as the small smile had put on in the office remained on his face, refusing to let it go as both he steered his mind to other thoughts and as he greeted the denizens of the village he once ruled along the way. He'd have time to actually ponder the downfall of Danzo later in his private quarters of the Sarutobi clan compound along with his own failures in the matter. He'd have nothing but time since the murder of his wife Biwako thirteen years prior.
For now, his only thoughts were of how Minato was only further confirming how right he was to choose him as the successor to the Hokage title as he dealt with what he considered his greatest failing.
Jiraiya of the Sannin was not thinking along the same lines. Stood stock still, arms folded and back straight up against the corner of the office as he gazed at Minato who now was just once more perched on the desk, watching with unblinking eyes as Inoichi approached Danzo and put a hand on his head. Having not said a word throughout the entire scene before him, his thoughts too were upon the changes that had undergone in his student - in that he was now unsure if his student would truly be the man to bring his dream of peace to the world. The capability was there as was the belief, but the resolve was now in doubt by Jiraiya. Resolve as to whether the world would let Minato make it better, or if the man would even let himself change the world that took his son in a way Jiraiya could currently only dream of.
EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
AME, WESTERN CIVILIAN DISTRICT.
The current war had not gone unnoticed within the aggressor nation even if it conducted war outside its own border. Entirely planned to win a quick victory, curfews and heightened security had been implemented immediately regardless of a population which may begin to simmer under such drastic measures despite it feeling like there was no impact upon them from the war. However, given the quickness of the situation, the deference the nation had to its leader (out of love or fear) and the intolerance the ninja forces employed to any available crackdown, unhappiness was slow at manifesting visibly.
A woman screamed as a metal armoured boot slammed against the front door and caved in the lock in a powerful strike, the door slamming inwards against the front hallway wall as it swung inwards on its hinges. The clanking of metal armour filled the hall as two figures rushed in, completely unrecognisable due to the midnight-black metal chakra armour both wore. Covered from shoulders to the soles of their feet in metal plates which moved in a sliding fashion over one another to avoid too much restriction of movement, they were clearly members of Ame's elite battalions. Metal helmets covered every part of their head and face, with only a filtered mouthpiece on the front and red-tinted eye lenses built into the helmet seeming to give any indication that they were indeed human.
A metal armoured foot stepped forth through the wreckage of the doorway, signifying a third elite ninja entering the premises, the eye lenses looking around before focusing upon the man who had rushed into the hallway and drew a kunai in a defensive stance against the three elite ninja invading his home. A singular bar of white was etched into the shoulder armour present upon the newly arrived elite ninja, enabling them to be recognised as a elite jonin in charge of the elite squad.
"Jonin Ruloske. You are under arrest for charges of treason against the state government, collaboration with insurgent enemy forces and intention to murder." The elite jonin stated, their voice made deep and artificially sounding through the filters of the helmet as it seemed to scramble their voice; the red lenses even only allowing the black of their eyes to be seen. "It is strongly advised you remain silent and cooperative before your trial, as any resistance or insulting of your handlers may result in your premature execution and the consequential damage being placed upon your family."
The jonin seemed taken aback by the charges, before stammering out. "But I haven't done anything! You have no evidence of my involvement in anything!"
The elite jonin wasn't fazed. "That is for the military courts to decide. You have five seconds to drop the weapon, unstrap all weapons on your person and get down on your knees to comply with your arrest or you will also be charged with resisting arrest."
The jonin took a second before slowly placing the kunai on a nearby table, unstrapping the kunai pouch on their leg and allowing it to fall to the floor before sinking to his knees with his hands behind his head.
"Good." The elite jonin sounded out, before motioning to the man to the two other armoured ninja. "Seize him."
The two stepped forth, one seizing both arms from behind his back to restrain him as the other patted down his person to ensure there were no remaining weapons leftover before standing up, nodding and handing over a pair of handcuffs to the restraining elite ninja. The jonin winced as the handcuffs were tightly clamped down upon his wrists to the extent that he could feel his own blood flow, before an uncomfortable sensation overcame all the chakra points in his hands as a seal glowed on the handcuffs and forcibly closed them.
"Let's move-" The elite jonin began before a shout interrupted him, a crying woman appearing before them.
"You can't do this! We have rights!" The woman shouted at them through her tears. "You can't just seize people based upon nought but suspicion!"
The elite jonin blankly looked at the woman. "War-time protocols has been declared, prompting the use of emergency protocols and powers. Your rights have been temporarily suspended throughout this period to allow state forces to achieve their objectives." With another motioning hand sign, the elite ninja holding the jonin forced them up and began shoving them to the doorway.
"Fuck you!" Came the warning shout, as the woman seized the kunai from the nearby table and swiped it clumsily at the elite jonin who had his back turned to her. "At least Hanzo left the civilians in peace!"
Unfortunately for her, a civilian woman could not match even a genin, let alone an elite jonin who was a part of the elite forces, complete in full body armour. The kunai uselessly clanged against the neck section that the woman had aimed for.
Turning around slowly, the red-glinting lenses were all the woman saw before the elite jonin's hand blurred out, roughly gripped the wrist holding the kunai in a strong metal grip, fluidly breaking it before sending the woman sprawling to the floor. The jonin was also sent tumbling to the floor, still bound and restrained at the elite jonin's command, a metal boot stomping upon both person's torsos to prevent them from getting up.
The elite jonin's eye lenses seemingly flashed as they pulled themselves up to their fullest height before giving their judgement. "As evidenced by your partner, jonin Ruloske, you are hereby found guilty of holding sympathies for the deceased traitorous Hanzo of the Salamander, and in accordance found guilty of thus treason and potential collaboration with insurgents. As you have been found guilty of two capital charges and your partner found guilty of one capital charge, I hereby sentence both of you to death."
The jonin thrashed under the boot on the floor. "You can't do this! Your not the judge who decides!"
"You are wrong." The elite jonin calmly spoke, blankly staring at the two struggling people on the floor. "Under paragraph two, subsection thirty-six, of the level five emergency protocol, ninja given permission by a superior of red ranking status may dispose of renegade forces as they see fit. Be grateful that we are mercifully giving you an instant death that traitors like you do not deserve." A swift downward motion of the elite jonin's hand silenced the two's panicked complaints and struggles as two kunai penetrated their heads, thrown from outstretched hands of their restraining elite ninja.
Taking only a moment to see their success, the elite jonin nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Call a clean-up crew." They ordered, getting an affirming nod from one who pulled out a radio handset, before they turned to the other elite ninja of the squad. "Begin moving to the residence of the next target. We do not have much time.
EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
AME CENTRAL HOSPITAL - NINJA WING.
The ninja portion of the central hospital of the capital of the Land of Rain was actually the smallest in the country, given most ninja were actually situated outside the capital and the heavily built up area of skyscrapers holding millions of civilians was at its densest in the centre. But it was there that the leader of the country had personally ordered the revealed jinchuuriki to be taken.
Steel-reinforced straps held down the body of the teenager to the hospital bed, sedatives administered via a drip and a slip of paper stuck to their forehead with a sealing array upon it that forced the boy to keep sleeping. Given that was the secondary function of the sealing array, it helped that the primary function was a dense chakra suppressing tag. It was only strong enough to handle a single tail of chakra from a tailed beast, but that was more than enough in the context as it had been applied to suppress tailed beast chakra that had not emerged.
One of the according medical ninja was taking the measurements that had been scheduled for every hour, with two fingers gripping the wrist of the teenage jinchuuriki that had been a shock to a lot of the people whose desk the report had crossed. As it was, the nurse had been sworn to secrecy as a medic team had been specifically diverted from a nearby military base to attend to the jinchuuriki rather than use the still-adequately competent civilian staff.
The checklist that had been put together for the case before the nurse was mostly just for analysis of the jinchuuriki, both as the conditions that required a hospital stay in the first place mostly required rest, and for gathering data. As the first tailed beast holder ever within the Land of Rain, both ninja and medical staff had been interested in creating as thorough a profile on the teenager as possible, with the thorough vitals check having been conducted upon first submission and now an analysis every hour to take measurements through time.
Tailed beast chakra was the only noted chakra on the planet that was toxic to all other lifeforms without the usage of a technique to assist it. In small amounts such as in the streams of binding chakra that held together the sand of the one-tailed racoon, it did very little damage in comparison to the grinding nature of the sand it crashed upon its enemies. But in larger amounts such as the version one cloak of any jinchuuriki where tailed beast chakra rolled off them in waves seemingly without end, it was a death sentence for any ninja whose wounds were contaminated with the energy.
Suffice to say, it was well worth the effort of conducting numerous tests on the jinchuuriki to examine the first ever case of immunity to tailed beast chakra that the nation had ever seen.
It helped that the literal 'Angel of Ame' had been present for a long period of the jinchuuriki's stay, the orange irises of the purple-haired woman giving nothing away as she had been a quiet observer of the proceedings. Nervous tension had been present in the medical staff who tended to the teenager, as wherever their leader's right hand went no doubt signalled the personal interest of Lord Pain in the context. Quite well-versed in the medical field herself, Konan of Amegakure was able to understand all that was happening around her as she observed.
And from what she had gathered, whatever hope the boy had for being able to use normal chakra techniques whether elemental or not - as hard as it would've been with his already high chakra amount and awful chakra control - were now permanently over. Whilst the nine tails' chakra, as had been confirmed, had not been present before to anyone else's knowledge as the boy had never shown it before nor had it been detected in any of the check-ups or exercises during his time training as an initiate; it was now heavily present.
Moving through the chakra coils of Naruto in amounts that had grown throughout the first few days of the hospital stay as if it sought to reach an equilibrium with the normal blue chakra flowing through them, it had stabilised soon after as had been confirmed ever since. Despite being the minority of chakra running through the chakra coils compared to the flowing amounts of blue intertwined with the thinner branches and streams of interlocking red chakra, it was seemingly kept squeezed inside the mesh of red chakra. Given the sheer density of the tailed beast chakra belonging to the most powerful of the nine, the unfavourable ratio of red to blue chakra was far outweighed by the percentage of energy it mad up coursing through the coils.
It would come with advantages of course, given it would no doubt amplify whatever beneficial traits the nine-tails would give its host such as the advanced healing rate, and even the large expansion in the reserves of chakra the boy had now from the forced enlarging of his coils was a boon in some ways. But there was a very large disadvantage - with the almost certain removal of any chance to control the flow of chakra as the vast majority of control exercises were just not meant for that level or density, the variety of ninja techniques available for usage by the teen had just been cut off.
With the removal of elemental based techniques, medical jutsu, and other branches of chakra usage, it had vastly narrowed what was available to topics such as sheer chakra channelling and manipulation, his tailed beast chakra and the upcoming sealing arts the boy seemed to be proud of. In a world full of numerous techniques and equally numerous counters, to limit oneself was to pose a big weakness that could hobble any area they expertise in. Such was the problem with highly specialist ninja who got their names in the Bingo Book.
Time would tell how the boy would try and adapt. There were of course, more areas to specialise in including close quarters combat and a weapon of some description, and it was perhaps fortunate that this had occurred whilst the boy was still in training and not set in his ways. But it would be a challenge to create good solutions and counters to cover for a more limited repertoire.
It was of no matter to Pain and Konan how far along the nine tails jinchuuriki went, merely taking advantage of utilising the power of a tailed beast as a part of state forces. But he would fall like all the rest would, and even if challenges were posed, steps had already been taken to render any counter to their plans by the nine tails jinchuuriki in future void. Not that it was expected at all, as the jinchuuriki had no personal tutor or apprenticeship, and even the upcoming transfer to the elites should only make the boy at best an A rank. Any ninja at all that did not have specialist training, were with utmost certainty guaranteed not to reach S rank status - shown in the raw statistics that just less than 100 S ranks existed in a world of millions of ninja.
For now, it was important that all tailed beasts remained within their sights and plans. Whilst most jinchuuriki became S rank due to their captives, shown by that five of the nine jinchuuriki currently were S rank and two of the others were children showing potential with specialist training, the removal of the most powerful of the nine from such specialist training was wise. The forced departure from a family of two S ranks, one of which was the most powerful on the planet, and put amongst the regular ninja forces would guarantee a stunted potential for easier retrieval in future. Aligning with benefits such as being closely watched by superiors that reported to them and utilising the strength of a jinchuuriki for their nation's purposes in the mean time, it slotted in with their current plans.
The Akatsuki was so far not yet at full strength, and even if it were, the funding necessary for such an organisation was currently strained - it would be at least two years yet before they built up the reserves to enact any plan which would then spur the major nations from giving them any missions. Cash flow from Ame was what kept the organisation balanced so far between the numerous building and maintenance of bases across the continent, expensive material acquisitions for the projects of its members or other such expenditures. But with the majority of Ame's positive income being rerouted to strengthening its military, the ability to fund the Akatsuki at full strength through Ame alone which had its own expenditures, would be impossible.
Having gleaned all she could and needed elsewhere, sheets of paper began peeling from the form of Konan as she dissipated to her next destination.
TWO DAYS LATER.
A gloved hand reached forth, and yanked the slip of paper off the red-headed boy's head - getting an immediate reaction as his eyes flew open; blue irises spasming about in the rapid blinks from eyes forcing themselves shut against light it hadn't seen in days yet the brain forcing them open to take stock of a situation it hadn't known about in days. Deep, audible breaths were sucked into Naruto's lungs as they clawed for deeper pockets of air to feed a heart that had been jolt-started from a resting state to an immediate alert state. Heightened tension came upon Naruto's face as he immediately looked round for the enemy, ingrained motions directing his hand to grab a kunai reflexively from a kunai pouch no longer attached to his thigh as his hand still closed round itself next to his leg.
The Land of Grass had been the last place he'd been awake, facing down an elite sword-wielding platoon and knowing he could die - before forcibly being dragged out of the fog of his scrambling brain; as a hand clutched his head tightly as the fingers tightly dug into his scalp to the extent that Naruto winced at the same time he flinched. No words accompanied the action, merely slowly twisting the boy's head to look at the person who had grabbed his head.
The armoured figure clutching his head was immediately noticeable, given how much they stood out against the hospital settings. They were completely decked out in black - a helmet of good metal quality having been painted a deep black which encompassed the entire skull of the man within. A hardened, blackened metal plate completely covered their face which had no eyes, only red-tinted lenses where they should've been that made them look completely non-human. The rest of the figure was made up of black-painted chakra armour, metal plates that lined the limbs but allowed space for the joints to move. Somewhat weighty, but the man would obviously be trained to utilise fighting in all the armour. The torso was completely lined in the metal armour, a metallic sheen coming from the armour that only highlighted the obsidian black this figure was dressed in. Combat boots added to the professional air of this figure standing straight, rivets of the same sliding armour panels even decking the fingers that clutched his head as Naruto's eyes flicked from the figure to their hand and back.
"Genin Initiate Naruto, temporary license ID #24628." The figure spoke in a bland tone, a voice that was so stripped of itself that even the inexperienced teenager knew it not to be natural in the slightest. "The medical staff of this hospital has finally declared you fit for duty. Please find here your transfer orders and field promotion, whilst as per standard protocol and as a member of your transfer organisation I will be present to detail your new set of orders."
Confusion was all the armoured ninja got in response as a clipboard containing several papers was dropped into his arms, the hand at his leg jerking up to catch it.
Silence set in as despite the metal lining the figure before him, very little noise being emitted to the extent that only Naruto watching the figure allowed him to detect it. He could hear the chair making more noise as they sat in it than the slight clink of metal from the foot shifting on the floor, the only audible noise of metal despite moving all their limbs. Wide eyes continued to just stare at the armoured figure Naruto only knew to be human, before a patient gesture to the paperwork in his hand drew his eyes to it after a few moments.
Sure enough, the top piece paper already had a red stamp that had imprinted the red initials of the Central Administrative Authority that dealt with such things for the ninja of the Land of Rain, obviously affirming the form it had ben inked on. It was the first sheet of paper of a few attached to the clipboard, and Naruto did not have to flip to any of the others of the same form as it had in bold the fact that it was a field promotion form. Already having been filled out, signed and stamped by other people without any input from him, Naruto had been made an official genin.
Sensing his eyes roving over the bit of paper, the armoured ninja claiming to be of his supposedly new transfer spoke up again. "You will, of course, have to supply other information on your behalf as well as a photo for the records, which will be dealt with at headquarters. I'm afraid now, with your transfer to the elite forces, all such information will be handled within house to remain within our own records rather than going to the CAA." The widened eyes of the jinchuuriki before him signalled the boy's shock, as the dual surprise of the armoured figure belonging to the elite forces of Rain and the transfer came at once. Without speaking, a gloved hand reached over and lifted up all the paper so only the last sheet had its inked details visible.
A quick scan of the paper consisting only of a few boxes including only his name and ID still gave Naruto enough information. "Eclipse?" Naruto's first word croaked out from his throat, the slight hoarseness of it audible from not using it for a period of time.
"Correct." His superior responded. "Eclipse are what some may call 'the elite of the elite.' You will get a detailed briefing in your induction to the organisation, but for now think of it as the hidden branch of the elite forces responsible for undertaking specific missions handed out only by the Elite Commander or Lord Pain."
Naruto looked over the papers in his hand for a minute more as the ninja next to him leaned back into the chair as he did, even flipping the pages back and forth to try and glean any more information, before he looked back to the armoured figure. "...I don't really understand." Naruto admitted.
A moment was taken by the ninja behind the red lens of the helmet to analyse, before they gave a minute shake of their head. "It is of no matter, you have your transfer orders and that is all you have to follow today." They responded, with the same artificially blended tone that gave away none of the thought their words otherwise reflected. "Your induction into Eclipse will provide the necessary details for you to understand our methods and purpose. Otherwise, you will have three days of light exercise and your own time for recuperation after waking up now from partaking in battle, before your induction."
Naruto watched as the ninja stood up, them looking to Naruto just once more in that hospital room, before voicing an order. "Get ready. You will be taken to our headquarters where you will be based the next few days." With that, they strode from the room as Naruto remained in the bed, still not understanding how a set of orders that would most likely change the entire status quo of his life could be just stated like any other.
Even if he didn't know all that an experienced ninja knew, he did know enough to understand that a genin-level ninja not even officially out of training yet was not just promoted and then transferred to the best organisation of the military in the country after on battle; and he surely did not remember doing anything that impressive. What he didn't understand was what was so special that this had happened anyway?
TEN MINUTES LATER.
Naruto felt a tremendous jolt shudder through the very core of his being as some of the speed from the technique that transported him here transferred over to him as he stumbled over his feet forward a few steps before falling onto his hands. Trying to calm his troubled stomach as he looked back to the ninja in metallic black armour with some of the queasiness showing on his face despite his efforts. "What was that?!" He questioned aloud as the previous action he'd taken had only been to hold the gloved hand before it felt like he'd been thrown across half the city, perhaps literally given the change in his surroundings.
"Never do that again. Even I felt that."Came a complaint from upstairs, but Naruto didn't have the focus to respond as the other person then talked.
"The body flicker technique. A jonin-level technique which utilises raw speed to transport an individual somewhere, which does require supervised training to overcome the effects of nausea - so do not fear the feelings." The bland voice of the ninja responded, before then raising a hand and gesturing to the building in front of them. "We are now here at the central ninja headquarters of Ame, the administration centre of all ninja operations in the Land of Rain."
Though the Elite Commander much preferred to utilise their assigned office and desk spaces within Pain's Tower, their official assigned space was in the military headquarters in Ame of which they would be the highest ranking superior there. The military headquarters was the primary place in the Land of Rain where all of the missions were funnelled through, before being sorted and categorised - and then being dispatched to the relevant barracks across the nation. It also sorted out many other factors such as the logistics division was based in the headquarters along with a liaison for the research and development centre on the other side of the city who received their orders for their projects. But it was primarily the administrative heart for the hundreds of thousands of ninjas who were loyal to Ame.
It also contained a number of training rooms for the military personnel inhabiting the building. Though a strange place to train at first, it made sense in the long term as much of the work that was carried on in the headquarters was administration work, which could cause senses and skills to dull with disuse. Thus, a place to train nearby was constructed to ensure this was countered, as well as for any other ninja wishing to use it. It also held a few accommodation wings for when it was needed, such as the war in the Land of Grass which had not been a long-planned event for most of the workers there.
It also of good convenience to Sasori, as for security and simplicity reasons, the headquarters was the building directly right of Pain's Tower. The heavy concentration of security already in the centre of Ame could thus be merely extended over the headquarters. Along the same lines as Pain's Tower, it was itself a steel-constructed skyscraper-like building that differed only from its generic skyscraper counterparts from the heavily reinforced steel sections along it and the guard posts dotted along it.
Following after the armoured ninja as they began to stride into the building, it was a surprise to Naruto as rather than walk into the reception area or even toward the guarded barriers that obviously led to the rest of the restricted building, the ninja took an immediate left as soon as they were through the door. Walking into a deserted hallway unlike at least the semi-busy reception area that had been full of workers and guards, the area they now stood in was just an empty corridor of tiles and white paint.
"Don't trust everything you see, kid." The bland tone of the ninja stated idly as they saw Naruto looking round, knowing he'd only see one camera pointed at them as the only visible signs of security. "Your record shows you know of sealing, amongst the other ways we have to secure a building."
Merely pushing a button on the wall, the ninja walked quickly towards a set of opening doors to the elevator that had begun opening instantly at the touch, given its lack of use as Naruto hastily stopped looking round and darted after the armoured figure. Going up twelve floors as the lift showed, the ninja then stepped out with Naruto not far behind. Not a single soul was in sight as a bold sign stood above the entrance that it identified as the elite departmental sector, the security there much more visible in the numerous cameras and reinforced walls with a set of double steel doors as the entrance.
There was no reception area to speak of as instead there was only a single desk in the middle of the not-so-spacious room that served as the entry point for the department, seating only the person on duty and two standing guards. The woman at the desk wearing full-body, cyan tinted armour that formed a solid metal, flexible sheet of protection unlike the sliding plate armour on the other ninja looked up to the two, and merely spoke up.
"Please state your business in the elite department." The guard ordered in a clipped tone, much unlike the artificial sounding one of the elite ninja he'd been following this whole time.
"To utilise one of the rooms in the accommodation wing for four days, and to set up an induction on the fourth day." The Eclipse ninja responded in said bland tone.
The only sign of a personal opinion expressed by the guard was the raising of an eyebrow as she looked to Naruto, before she held out a metal-plated hand. "I'll have to see proof of your identity then, as well as the confirmation of your chakra signature."
Depositing a laminate card into the outstretched hand that was obviously their license, the Eclipse ninja then placed their hand onto a raised black, electronic board set into the desk with a large handprint embedded in it. It was evidently satisfactory as they withdrew their hand at a nod from the guard who handed them back their license, before then looking back to Naruto.
"I will also require their chakra signature for the record if this is indeed their first time in the elite department." The woman spoke, getting Naruto to step forth after only a hesitant look to the Eclipse ninja who only folded their arms in response. Placing his hand onto the electronic board, he channelled the smallest amount of chakra he could manage, which was still enough that the machine spat out an audible beeping noise after just a second. "Not so much in future, please." The guard stated, before making a dismissive gesture as she pointed to another set of doors, which opened on their own accord. "All is in order. You may pass through, the accommodation wing is the first door on the left."
Briskly then striding through the opened doors with Naruto dashing after them, the doors closed behind them as the Eclipse ninja took the indicated left and entered into a hallway which held only ten corresponding doors for ten bedrooms. Picking the first on the left which indicated on the sign outside that it was empty, the Eclipse ninja showed Naruto into the room as they stayed in the doorway. A room not much unlike a hotel room, it held a double complete with the basic amenities required for a short stay including an attached bathroom, desk and chair.
"You will find on top of the desk for your own studying and entertainment the replacement for the basic supplies you may have lost in Grass including the standard issue weaponry kit and a sealing supplies box, as well as a few books." The Eclipse ninja spoke in what was meant to bee an informative way if not for the completely bland tone it came out as. "I will be along at 9am tomorrow to direct you on light exercises that shall, as discussed already, span the course of three days to ensure a healthy return to duty. After that, your induction into the Eclipse unit shall begin."
Without any further words, the ninja closed the door to the room - leaving Naruto to sit down on the bed in the unfamiliar room.
'Kurama, what's going on?" He finally got to ask in thought to his ever-present companion. 'This can't all be just because of my seals.' A hard to believe reason as he wasn't proficient in sealing for a lot of combat uses, disbelieving enough that he voiced it to his only friend, but it was literally the only thing he could think of impressive enough that he'd ever shown.
"...Give me time, Naruto. There is a few things yet that you do not know, and I think it may be time you knew."Kurama slowly stated after a minute, making Naruto feel deeply confused - but not voicing it as he complied with giving his friend the thinking time he wanted.
EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
LAND OF EARTH'S BORDER.
Sasori of the Red Sands and Konan entered into a tavern which was situated in a small village. Nestled within a mountain range on the border between the Lands of Earth and Lightning, the village saw a fair bit of traffic passing through of mainly ninja and tourists. As such, two of the biggest businesses in the village were both the tavern and the bounty claiming station which were next door to one another.
Pushing open the entrance door to the tavern and finding it to be a large front area filled with tables and chairs, piano music lightly being played in the corner by an employee as the manager was obviously behind the bar on the right. A curious eye was glanced over to the confident woman striding in with a masked hunchback following behind her, but that was all. Nobody could do anything when ninja of different nations with many different loyalties were in the room, with guards from both the Lands of Earth and Lightning only a shout away before they could crack down in force. No, it was better not to try anything for the average ninja.
"That's most likely him." Sasori murmured as his eyes swept the bar area of the tavern, finding the ninja around him to be of little threat aside from the group of Rock ninja at the table near the bar, most likely an ANBU squad who could provide a little challenge for him, and a cloaked figure enjoying a drink in the shadowy corner. "The cloak, briefcase and lone attitude all match up."
"Good." Konan spoke. "Allow me to do the talking."
"By all means." Sasori responded, not having the patience at that time to dabble in negotiation which he was normally good at, but he did feel this was somewhat beneath him. Anyway, it wasn't like he was going to countermand the order of someone protected by Pain. Sasori wouldn't admit it, but his Leader scared him on a base level.
The two walked over to the cloaked man in the corner, who seemed to be extremely interested in the briefcase he was fiddling with on the table, seemingly absorbed in some task with it. Sasori recognised that though, having seen the tell-tale shifts of the irises as he kept a constant watch on the crowds around him - one eye becoming solely fixed on them as they approached him.
"That's far enough." The cloaked man growled out in a deep tone of voice, his eyes only narrowing as he slowly closed the lid on his briefcase and put it on the floor as Konan ignored his demand and placed herself in the chair opposite the figure - Sasori himself coming to a stop behind her.
The cloaked figure took a swig of his drink, Sasori noting that one of the vibrant green irises was permanently watching them as he did so before he put the alcohol down and stared at them. "Normally a person meaning no harm in this world of ours simply doesn't approach someone by themselves in a place they obviously want to be alone in. Mind explaining why you two are making an odd exception?"
Konan stayed silent for a moment before shifting her posture to lean back into the chair. "Kakuzu, a missing-nin from the Waterfall village." Konan stated bluntly, getting her desired affirmation as the now-named Kakuzu narrowed his eyes further at her.
"Your intimidation tactics won't work against me." Kakuzu replied coarsely, gazing from Konan to Sasori before speaking further. "If you supposedly know a lot about me as you'd probably continue to say, you should know I've lived a lot longer than you have. I've seen and experienced more than you'll ever see."
Konan only gave a small, disingenuous smile at the man. "Oh no, nothing like that. But we do know you can be a reasonable man."
Kakuzu's eyes lost none of their frostiness, even if the expression of what could be seen of his face from behind the mask relaxed back into that of neutrality. "Ah, you're here with a proposition. Is there a specific person you need killing, or something you need retrieving? Just know that my services are not cheap."
Konan only shook her head. "We have heard of that, of course. And well, we would need more of...bothreally. All I can tell you right now is that there is a group of people we need captured. However, this is not our proposition as you have phrased it."
Kakuzu gave a grunt, Sasori watching the man quietly with curiosity. Even if his fingers were never far from the scroll where he kept his puppets. "You two really are an odd exception. Tell me first of all, do you have the money to afford me?" Kakuzu questioned, raising the glass to take another swig as his mask was gently lowered in a fashion that they couldn't see his face still.
Konan gave another smile as she reached into her cloak, Kakuzu watching all the while from his drink. Nothing dangerous or dodgy came out, as instead a wad of bound cash was put on the table. "10,000, all there. I believe that is your usual charge for a job, no?" Konan questioned, receiving only a piercing glance from Kakuzu as he drained the last of his drink. "Just know that we can afford to pay you much more for working with us. Are you interested?"
Kakuzu slowly placed his empty glass on the table, taking a seconds pause to reaffirm his mask back upon his face as he considered it. He knew nothing about these people and their intentions, but then his entire clientele was always going to be at least somewhat dodgy. No actual authority would hire a missing-nin after all. He gave a grunt and spoke. "Tell me more." The coarse tone demanded.
TEN MINUTES LATER.
The shifting apparition appeared before Deva's eyes, his own rainbow coloured projection increasing in the shifting static before it calmed as the projection of Kakuzu appeared before him. Placing his arms behind his back as the two apparitions regarded each other in the wooded are they had appeared in, only a single crackling campfire between them.
"So." Kakuzu began, his narrowed eyes gleaning as much information from the appearance of Deva as he could. Not that there was much to tell in the shifting static forms of a projection, but the tell-tale special eyes of the figure revealed they were indeed someone powerful. "You are the illustrious leader of the organisation I have been invited to join."
Deva regarded Kakuzu with an apathetic stare the likes of which only the dead could achieve - making Kakuzu feel more alert, wary of this figure. "Indeed." The baritone voice sounded out. "Though I'm sure a man of your experience can realise the situation."
"Indeed." Kakuzu repeated, though an obvious undercurrent of distastefulness accompanied it. Kakuzu obviously knew better than to use a tone of bitterness around him, even if he really wanted to. He had been betrayed before the last time he had been a part of something, but there was no helping this one.
As soon as he had recognised the rinnegan in the eye sockets of that man in front of him, he knew he had been press-ganged into the services of this Akatsuki. After all, he had been curb-stomped when Hashirama had pulled out his own pair of special eyes.
"Good." Deva gave a satisfied nod, before speaking. "I am known as Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki. For now, you may continue about your business before I pair you up with a partner." Seeing Kakuzu's eyes narrow, Pain gave a chuckle. "Do not worry. You will find there is much to benefit from, for combined with our knowledge of the world and equipment and other such factors we can provide you, you will be making much more money than ever. However, I assure you, you will not like the consequences of betraying me. No amount of hearts will save you then, Kakuzu."
Kakuzu's eyes widened as the very secret behind his immortality was blatantly stated, but before he could say a word he was thrown out of the projection.
EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
ACCOMODATION ROOM, AME CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS.
It was now the third evening he'd spent in this room, a temporary lodging whilst he was evaluated, inducted, trained or whatever else they wanted to call it, he mused. Naruto strongly suspected that the three days of 'light exercises' were more to buy time in arranging background processes and logistics for somebody smaller than the standard equipment probably issued to the elite unit. Either way, when it had only been a short stay in the hospital and even the medical staff signing him off as perfectly capable, it should've required at most a small evaluation rather than three days.
Sat at his desk, he hadn't gotten anywhere with personally trying to figure out the reason for the dramatic shift and had halted his own processes in favour of just waiting for Kurama to spell it out for him as he didn't have the necessary information. So as he waited, he had finally the privacy he'd wanted for some time now to at least take brush to paper and begin scribbling some sealing ideas to at least start depicting what he'd been thinking of for a while.
Scribbled sketches of differing primary arrays already lay strewn across the desk on individual sheets of paper, creating outlines on each piece of paper of different purposed seals for his project. The one, ultimate truth of the sealing arts was that a 'singular' seal could only contain one primary array - whilst it could become layered with other kanji to ring it and hold secondary arrays that allowed for other capabilities to function within the seal; the primary array was the dominant capability of it. Each seal could do one thing well with branching competencies into other areas.
An example was the storage seal, for example. It could store increasing numbers of objects dependent upon how complex the supporting arrays were made in support of the primary purpose and array of the seal. It could be linked with secondary barrier arrays that could output a miniature barrier across the entire seal to help mask its chakra signature, but it would always be weak. It would never stand up to anything more than minute force because the potential of the barrier arrays inscribed into the seal were stunted in that it was not the primary array, only a supporting secondary array.
Thus, where cross-dimensional seals came into play. Inscribed together onto one background, several primary arrays could be linked together to perform multiple capabilities at once with no stunted potential in the purposes of the arrays. The problem was that unless the secondary transference arrays were also joined together correctly across the entire seal to make the chakra flow evenly across it, the multiple primary arrays would compete for dominance and ruin the seal as it collapsed; perhaps with dangerous consequences. Any primary array receiving more chakra than the others would start to enact its power earlier than the others, leading to a short burst of its capability before it clashed with the others and caused the entire seal to collapse.
Therefore, cross-dimensional seals were not for those studying the basics of the sealing arts given their inherent danger, but rather for those reaching a practitioner level. A practitioner of the sealing arts could competently blend the primary arrays with secondary transference arrays to ensure a cross-dimensional seal with equalised chakra across it. An expert was somebody who could inscribe further secondary arrays into the seal to give it further capabilities and competence than just the primary arrays and transference secondary arrays across it. A so-called 'master' wasn't really an official rank, but itwasoften used across the elemental nations for recognised individuals who could clearly make specialist seals that held unique, powerful abilities that was clearly more than a cross-dimensional seal whipped up by an expert.
It was Naruto's dream that he could stand amongst that calibre one day. He had to admit, the reason why he'd enthusiastically taken up the sealing arts at first was because it was to spend more time with his friend, and that it gave him an edge over all his other platoon members. Close quarters combat and sealing were his specialties after all, as he'd only ever lost two hand-to-hand combat spars in the training compound over the years he was there, and he understood why the instructors never let him show the other initiates his seals; let alone try them around anyone else. It was the most dangerous ninja branch after all, and some seals could explode even if the arrays didn't hold any kanji stating 'explosive'.
But over time, as the notoriety of it wore off, he began to stick with it for another reason. Sealing was too limitless to just be called 'training' to him like it was just another thing to study, and as so few people were versed enough in the art to be taken away to train an initiate of all people, he learnt in his own way with Kurama's guidance. He'd been given the go ahead as there was always a need for more ninjas with expertise in the sealing arts, but it was only officially trained to more experienced chunin due to its danger. Thus, it was his own 'thing', something that over the few years he'd been studying it had become his hobby just as much as it was something to aid his ninja career.
His ultimate ambition was to be recognised all over just like the other sealing 'masters' he'd read about in the Bingo Book he'd got hold of since his instructor had shown him it, with his own unique technique that made him stand out. From the generic training given to all initiates, with no news ever let into the training compound and the boredom that would strike Naruto at oftentimes, he wanted to be different. The Land of Rain was a country that had isolated itself with closed borders to all but trade, limiting the news from abroad and even the missing ninja that may have fled its borders.
It would've been a more peaceful nation if not for the heavy militarisation occurring within. Surrounded by so many ninjas and yet only having one person who he could say was his friend, Naruto wanted to be recognised. He understood he was different ever since he'd found out he was a jinchuuriki by himself, but he had only ever experienced the generic training everyone else got - there was no team system like as in Konohagakure but instead platoons of ninja to ensure a more powerful deployment. All Naruto wanted was to thus be recognised, for as time had gone on he had to admit that he'd never been really enthused by the Land of Rain.
Perhaps it was his own fault for never making friends, but all he'd ever known was the inside of an orphanage or fenced-up training compound. He wanted to be free and recognised.
His close combat skills were good, but it was sealing that he truly enjoyed and could say he definitely would make something of his own within one day. He had a couple of projects right now that he was so trying to scribble out across the desk as he thought, and though he understood it would be years before it came to fruition as he wasn't yet a practitioner able to make cross-dimensional seals; he was close. Kurama was helping him, and he'd crack the secret within the next couple of months.
A shorter time span than perhaps expected given the complicated arts, but it seemed to 'click' for him. It was what he mostly dedicated his spare time to aside from books, and he did have a lot of help.
"Remember, a chakra transference array isn't complicated in terms of how it interacts with the primary array. All it does, after all, is send chakra in a specific direction away from the primary array."Came Kurama's voice as he stared at the mass of symbols interlocking and weaving together to form a singular function, but it looked different from most as it had a chain of arrays connected by strings of kanji to where it wanted to transfer chakra energy to."It's complicated with how it melds together. It requires primary arrays connected to one another to transfer chakra down each transference array, with supporting kanji on each transference array to solve issues such as timings, amount, etc."
"Of course." Naruto mumbled. "This is only practice, I've got the basics down about this version of the seal. What remains to be seen is how I can make it react correctly together. That's what I'm struggling with, to link it all together - once I do that, I'll be there."
"Yes, but you're making it too big."Kurama commented as Naruto's eyes relayed the information to the fox."As secondary, and supporting arrays, it should not be as big a ratio in area to the primary array. If the seal had a complex function it would necessitate it, but right now this is a weak barrier seal interlocked with other weaker arrays, it should not be so big. You're thinking of this wrong."A pause was allowed as the Fox thought, before grunting and speaking again."Start again, this time go smaller. Even if you only get two primary arrays interlocked together rather than four as you're attempting now, you'll understand enough to go bigger."
A new sheet of paper was plucked from the sealing supplies box, with the brush in Naruto's hand lashing out to begin scribbling kanji away on it. Much of the first two years of learning the sealing arts had been half grounded in studying the theory of the basics of it all, and the other half had been simply learning the kanji and how to write them. Kurama hadn't been too worried about getting the necessary speed down required for combat applications as it would be slow going anyway with then moving to combining kanji into arrays that made up seals themselves; speeding up as time went on.
Sure enough, it all paid off as a primary array containing the dominant kanji for 'chakra storage seal' supported only by a smaller chakra absorption secondary array interlocked with the only other primary array on the paper, where the few kanji within that primary array showed it was a weak barrier seal. The simplistic nature of the basic cross-dimensional seal had it drawn out in just under a minute unlike the previous paper he'd been reading which had taken above five minutes.
"Good, good. See? I can clearly see your mistake now."Kurama spoke from within Naruto's mind as the boy had an inkling that the tailed beast was smirking in amusement."Normally, in more complex cross-dimensional seals there is multiple pathways in which for the chakra to flow which lessens the stress on each transference seal. But you've only ever been giving it one pathway, which stresses the transference seals as you don't have the chakra control to feed it less chakra than you already have."Naruto huffed as he once more heard of his chakra control problem.
A chuckle brought his focus back to the seal as Kurama revealed the solution."I'm sure you've already thought of adding more transference seals to make another pathway, but this makes it more complex than needs be. The sealing arts are limitless, and other arrays can always support the secondary arrays too."Kurama explained."For example, beef up the structural integrity of the pathway by supporting the transference seal with a reinforcement array."
Naruto quickly drew a line of further kanji on both sides around the secondary array interlocking the two primary arrays of the seal, which although doubling the size of the pathway itself to four lines; was indeed much smaller than the previous attempts he'd been doing. Letting a curse slip, Naruto sighed. "Why didn't I think of that?" He muttered aloud.
A proper laugh sounded from the Fox as he experienced Naruto's embarrassment instead of just a chuckle this time, before speaking."That's why experience is truly something that can make the difference, Naruto. It is not just ingraining the motions of a close combat style to make it natural, but also the ability to adapt and make new ideas up quickly from experiencing more of the world."Kurama explained with mirth still present in his voice, but it dropped off in his last sentence as he became audibly more serious."But that is enough for today. I think I've put it off for long enough."
'Put it off?' Naruto asked back in curious thought, before the topic of conversation from three days prior drifted into his mind. 'You mean the stuff you wanted to tell me?'
"Exactly."Was all the deep, baritone tone of Kurama's voice stated, before his consciousness was forcibly dragged into his mindscape by the Fox as his physical body slumped in the chair.
MINDSCAPE.
Appearing within the world of a night sky filled with astronomy and a dark, mirrored surface that reflected the sky above, it was accordingly easy to spot the Fox who inhabited the mindscape as a permanent home. Getting up from the floor which was a little awkward as he'd fallen onto his leg given he'd previously been sitting in a chair to stand up and facing toward the Fox, Naruto looked up at his friend and gave a grin. Kurama's own snout lifted up in amusement as he gave a forced exhale of air, sending Naruto back to the floor.
"Oi!" Naruto exclaimed as he shook his fist at the tailed beast. "Don't do that!"
The large size difference between the red-headed teenager and the vulpine being that would've stood at more than a hundred metres tall standing was still clearly seen as the Fox's head lay on top of its hands. Far from the terrified ordeal he'd put up with upon first seeing Kurama, multiple visits to his mindscape every week had meant the large tailed beast was now greeted with a friendly smile by the boy. The black stripe that ran the inside of the tailed beast's ears and even ran further down to encompass his eyes only showed Kurama's endearment for his host as they were crinkled in amusement.
"Oh?"The nine tails spoke with mirth."And why shouldn't I?"
"Cos you gotta explain some things to me, that's why!" Naruto shouted back as he pointed up at the face of the Fox and his other hand pointed to himself. "I really wanted to know these past three days, and you're not going to put it off any longer!"
An audible hum came from the tailed beast, which was emitted as a reverberation that Naruto felt."I suppose there's no more 'putting it off' as you say."Kurama stated."I guess what I'll first share is the fact that you're a jinchuuriki."
Naruto was obviously not impressed as he folded his arms in annoyance. "I know that!" He responded. "My instructor helped explain that part."
"Yes, but what you didn't know was how that fed into global politics and doctrine."The nine tails idly spoke as a a couple of tails moved through the air behind him as he thought, looking to Naruto who visibly loosened his arms as his interest was caught. Evidently, the boy truly did not know how important the tailed beasts were on the continent."Your instructor did impression on you the tailed beasts were stronger power-wise than any individual ninja, and only by exploiting one of our weaknesses could any ninja go toe-to-toe with us. But what they didn't explain is how, of the several ways to measure the strength of a nation, one of them is through the presence of a tailed beast."
Kurama paused as he saw his host scrunch his face up a bit, obviously pondering something before Naruto asked his question. "All the nine tailed beasts are in jinchuuriki, right?"
The tailed beast gave a chuckle at that."Yes, Naruto, I assure you that no tailed beast would just work for anyone like that."Kurama explained."Since we are immortal, walking symbols of strength and elemental power, then any jinchuuriki that utilises even a portion of its tailed beast's chakra will have a significant boost. Those that are a 'perfect jinchuuriki', can expect to outweigh any lesser S rank. As such, jinchuuriki make for incredibly powerful ninja who are well suited to taking out hordes of other ninja and warriors, making them the closest things to weapons of mass destruction this world has. They are the main symbol of deterrence to war in this world, given the deployment of any trained jinchuuriki will hinder even an army as they are the only guaranteed ninja to be capable to wipe them out entirely, even compared to other S ranks."
Taking all of that in was making sense to Naruto at first, but as he thought about it he couldn't quite get his head round all of it. "But if nobody wants to fight a jinchuuriki, then how come there's been, like, three world wars?" He let out in a confused tone.
"Because you're world is a lot more willing to accept the casualties than it lets on, Naruto. I may not know a lot of human conflict, but I do know the third war had millions of casualties."Kurama responded with a closed eye in thought, before opening it to look at Naruto."And that's not some kind of reflection of humanity, either, by the way. Every disagreement between a tailed beast has ended up in violence, to which in comparison humanity shows a lot more restraint. I'm simply saying its the natural order."
Naruto was silently watching Kurama for a few moments as his finger prodded his face in contemplation, to which the nine tails sighed."It means to just watch yourself, Naruto. Don't just be loyal to any nation which would use us a stick to deter their enemies with, but make your own choices."The tailed beast spoke in a quieter voice."Either way, you may have to fight for yourself given our situation. I merely expect you to be aware of the danger as you seek to live your life."
Naruto blinked, before nodding - that was a good way to put it to him. "Thanks, Kurama." He responded with a smile.
"No problem."The nine tails murmured with a small grin of his own, the volume of the tailed beast making it clearly audible anyway despite the quieter way it was spoken, as he then let out a yawn."Anyway, Naruto, its getting late and you'll want to go to sleep in a bed rather than a chair. So here's the quick rundown - I was sealed into you at birth. You were born in the Hidden Leaf Village of the Land of Fire. Your parents are actually Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of said Leaf Village as well as Kushina Uzumaki. The Uzumaki are actually a clan I can teach you a singular technique from that I do know enough about. I can only suspect that a certain Uchiha out there was the one to kidnap you to a foreign nation."
Bringing a hand up to scratch an itch, Kurama then just shrugged."I think that's everything."He remarked.
Naruto, to his credit, took it a bit better than the tailed beast expected as he looked up at his friend with slack-jawed expression and wide eyes, the frozen-stiff posture of the boy signalling just how stunned he was. To say he hadn't expected that level of secrets probably was an understatement, as it took him another minute to speak. "...Can you say that slower?" Naruto asked slowly, very sure he hadn't picked up half of what he'd been told as his surprise had increased throughout.
A smirk overcame the snout of the nine tails."Certainly."Kurama answered with amusement heavily visible in his tone - he was undoubtedly enjoying the revelation and the future trouble it would cause.