AN-1: Hello it is I your humble author and after so very, very, very, Very long(Two Years or so) I bring you a new chapter. To be honest I also lost the muse but slowly I am getting it back. This should chapter cover most of the Glacier Arc or outright finish it it. I'll really only show suna, kumo and uzushio time on the island as they encounter the main baddies, sorry if that is a bother. Now let's start the Fucking Ruckus.
Glacier Island Expedition Teams and Awakened Generals in Pieta
Isley, Rigardo, Ophelia, Dauf, Riful, Luciela
Suna: Sasori, Kagura(Assigned from Yuki-Deneve)
Iwa: Hideyoshi, Han, Deidara(Assigned from Yuki-Helen)
Konoha: Fugaku, Orochimaru(Assigned from Yuki-Yuma)
Kumo: Darui, Yugito, Suzaku, (Assigned from Yuki-Illena)
Uzu: Naruto, Tsunade, Nagato(Assigned from Yuki-Jean)
Yuki Secondary Force: Galetea, Teresa, Cassandra,
Iron: Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hondakatsu, Yasuke (Assigned from Yuki-Miria)
"Speaking"
Summon/Biju
Zanpakuto
Transformed Voice/Shadow Soldier
[..Pause ...Long Pause]
Disclaimer: I Own NOTHING
-Ch9-
#Glacier Island#
"Raiton: Kuro Panther!" darui shouts, firing off a black panther of black lightning. Ophelia dodges the roaring panther and rushes towards darui, "Hahaha.. Interesting" she sneers with dark amusement, swinging her large sword. Darui narrowly dodges as illena uses her Quicksword to parry ophelia's attacks, "~Hoh~.. It's you Illena.. Ever the idealist" ophelia sneers, her lips curling into a wicked smile. Her blade starts to undulate to darui and yugito's shock like a living thing, "Do survive.. I want my name in the annals of history as the sword that surpasses Quicksword Illena" ophelia declares, her voice echoing a twisted pride. The two silver witches clash with swings so fast that not even the naked eye could pick up, disturbing the air, violently disturbing the snow around them and creating a swirling vortex of white.
"They're so fast" yugito says, preparing to deal with some yoma and guard suzaku. He is regenerating his right arm with his phoenix like abilities, "She managed to cut off my arm before I knew it" suzaku says, glaring at the clash.
"Be glad it wasn't your head" darui says, his body sparking with black lightning. Ophelia lands with a skid and rage is palpable on her face as illena remains calm, "You've grown powerful on this accursed island Ophelia" illena says, her voice carrying a hint of sadness beneath its steely resolve. The wind whips around them, carrying flurries of snow that seem to dance between the two formidable opponents.
"Indeed I have.. Any foolish humans who came here or Yoma who challenged me.. I devoured them all" ophelia says with malice, before rocketing forward and illena parries her attack into a yoma. The creature lets out a shriek as it is cleaved in two, "Your brother would be disgusted to see you've become the very Thing you fought against" illena says with disappointment, dodging ophelia's blade.
"Brother.. What brother.. He was a Fucking human weakling.. Who died with a smile on his face.. Like I give a Damn about him" ophelia hisses, as a magenta aura churns to life around her.
"Fuck him and FUCK YOU!" ophelia roars, exploding with power and taking her awakened form. The yoma around them flee in terror as the three kumo ninja stare on shock and disbelief, "I can see why S-rank hunters are needed" yugito says, her voice barely heard. Ophelia now has a very slender but serpentine build with light gray skin, green hair, and golden eyes. Blades grow from her back and from the end of her hair, and her elongated arms end in sharp claws with her lower body being a long, turquoise serpentine tail.
"She's mine!" suzaku shouts, blitzing forward with flame like wings but ophelia moves at a speed they could not keep up with.
"Solar..." suzaku starts before his head hits the snow covered ground as body continues forward and collapses.
"Suzaku?!" yugito shouts, in horror with her wide with disbelief. Ophelia licks blood from her sharp fingers with a smirk on his face, "He tastes spicy" she sneers, her voice a mixture of amusement and disdain. Yugito grits her teeth in anger and calls on some of matatabi's chakra as her nails and teeth sharpen, cobalt-blue and black fur rips through her sleeves.
"Calm yourselves" illena says, her tone steady despite the situation.
"She's right.. We rush in and we'll die" darui says, his voice grim but nods with agreement. The tension slowly begins to rise more and more as both sides prepare to continue fighting but ophelia shocks the kumo ninja by tearing out suzaku's heart, "I shouldn't let things go to waste" ophelia says, her voice dripping with malice as she devours the heart in one swift motion. Yugito makes the first move with a leap and creates flames with her claws, "Desgarrón" she shouts, firing flames slashes in the shape of claw marks. Ophelia dodges yugito's attack as darui appears in her line of sight, "Raiton: Raigen Raikōchū" he shouts, creating a wide and bright flash. Ophelia covers her eyes as illena rushes forward using her Quicksword but the awakened being manages to block with her claws.
"Nezumi Kedama" yugito shouts, firing mouse shape flame balls. Ophelia cries in pain from the flames and loses a hand as she slithers back, "You Bitch!" she shouts with fury, reaching a lake that wasn't frozen. Illena rushes ophelia once again in a furious clash and she slowly becomes more bestial but loses another arm in the process.
"Raiton: Kangekiha!" darui shouts, electrifying the water and ophelia screeches in pain.
"You miserable humans" ophelia hisses, her voice filled with hatred and pain. In a desperate move, begins firing her scales like deadly projectiles but illena is ever vigilant and blocks the assault with her sword, the scales clanging harmlessly against the blade. Yugito closes the gap from enhanced speed and slashes ophelia with her claws to spray dark purple blood on the water, "Damn you!" ophelia shouts, her voice a mixture of pain and fury.
"Illena... I can end this but I need time to do it" darui says, his voice low and determined.
"How long" illena says, her gaze never leaving ophelia's.
"A minute" darui says, his right arm already beginning to crackle with energy.
"And you will have it" illena says, rushing to join yugito. Darui clutches his right arm and holds it down like a spear with four fingers outstretched. Ophelia uses the blades on her back and head to attack but illena and yugito dodge or counter.
"I will not die here" ophelia thought, before collapsing in on herself and moving through her body.
"What is she doing?!" yugito says, her voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of fear. A human arm bursts from the tail and then the nude human half of ophelia, "I've channeled all that made me human here.. If you wish to kill me.. You'll have to cut through my tail or should I say tails" she says with a twisted smile, as four more tails burst from the main body. Illena channels more yoki into her body as yugito does the same with matatabi's chakra, before both rush forward and attack ophelia's body.
"Fools.. I'll enjoy devouring you all" ophelia thought, so focused ahead but not on the death surging from behind. A hand bursts from her chest from behind with black lightning surging from it, "Jigokuzuki: Yonhon Nukite" darui utters, as ophelia spits up a copious amount of blood. Darui pulls his arm free and falls to one knee with his arm smoking as ophelia falls on her back as her eyes were no longer by malice but regret and longing.
"Big Brother.. Was I wrong.. Let's meet on the other side and Play like we use too" ophelia thought, her mind drifting to memories long buried and with it draws her last breaths.
"Darui?!" yugito says, rushing to his side and her eyes scanning his body with concern.
"What was that attack" illena asks, a mix of curiosity and respect in her gaze.
"It was something my late sensei and Sandaime Raikage taught me but my body doesn't measure up to his body" darui says while wincing and holding his arm.
"We should retreat back to the coast.. Your injury could be a detriment" illena says, her voice carrying the weight of experience. Both kumo ninja nod in agreement as yugito helps darui to his feet, supporting him as he found his balance. They prepare to leave but their eyes were drawn one last time to ophelia's body as in death, looked almost peaceful and a stark contrast to the monster she had become. The snow and lake around her is stained with her blood, a somber reminder of the battle that had just taken place.
#-#
"Riful these humans no fun" dauf shouts, his massive form now fully transformed. His hulking body is covered in thick armor plates and the ground trembles beneath his feet as he shifts his weight, eager for more destruction. Sasori glares at the towering dauf with blood running down his forehead but his shifts his gaze to riful, who is simply watching with a smile on her face. Deneve is watching over kagura as she took a full power punch from dauf, "I can only do so much" deneve says, her eyes filled with concern. She has silver eyes and pale blonde hair styled in a pixie cut, wearing a white bodysuit and a leather outfit. Their group had landed on the southeastern shore and were making their way inland when they encountered dauf and riful.
"Just play with them a little longer Dauf.. Someone interesting is coming" riful says, sitting on a rock with an amused smile. Dauf rushes forward with speed not meant for his size as sasori sends his dance of a hundred forward, their wooden limbs a blur of motion. But dauf's raw power proves too much as he tears through the puppets like paper, sending splinters flying in all directions.
"Arrow Shock Wave" echoes out as something crashes into dauf and sends him staggering back.
"Huh?!" dauf says, looking at a dent on his chest.
"Dauf.. We have more guests" riful says, giggling and her eyes sparkling with interest. Sasori looks back to see tsunade, nagato with five of his armors and jean.
"Where Naruto" sasori says, his voice slightly strained from the battle.
"Heading further inland" nagato says, as tsunade attends to kagura.
"Don't Ignore me!" dauf shouts, enraged by being ignored and moves forward.
"Iron Rock Crusher" hardrock declares, driving its tetsubo with a naginata blade down to trap one of dauf's feet in a fissure.
"Thunder Bolt Cut" halo declares, bring its nodachi having a shuriken hilt down. Dauf crashes back with a crack in his armor from halo's blade, "That Hurt Riful" he says, his voice a mix of pain and frustration.
"I know Dauf but remember.. When we eat them.. We'll grow so much stronger" riful says, her voice soothing yet chilling. Nagato has his armors surround tsunade and kagura as jean and deneve grip their swords but riful simply giggles as her body starts to awaken, flexing her inhuman aura.
"Is this the power of an Awakened Being" deneve thought, worrying for her friend undine. Riful now towers over them with glowing, pupil-less red eyes and retaining a feminine humanoid form, composed of green ribbon-like strips. Her lower body is an immense mass of such strips that vaguely resemble a ball gown.
"Let's Play some more" riful says, sending her threads forward and everyone dodges to narrowly avoiding the attack as they prepare for the next phase of this increasingly dangerous battle.
"Super Wave Smasher" torrent declares, sending a tight blast of water from its trident but riful swats it away like a summer breeze. Dauf fires several rods from his body to destroy a few of sasori's puppets as strata fires several arrows from its golden bow.
"Twin Flame Slash!" wildfire declares, slashing dauf with his flames but he pushes through and crushes wildfire with a heavy punch in the ground making a loud crunch. Jean attempts her drill-sword but dauf dodges and swats her away as riful crushes torrent and strata with terrifying ease. The sound of metal crumpling fills the air as the two armors were reduced to twisted heaps.
"We can't get close to them" nagato says, losing hardrock to riful as well.
"Riful is known as Abysmal One.. She's powerful Awakened Being.. She's close to Isley in power" deneve says, her face etched with concern.
"We'll need to try" sasori says, his fingers twitching as he prepared to summon more puppets. Tsunade now has kagura back on her feet as nagato dons the white inferno armor with living poltergeist's help, "I agree.. Inferno uses fire like Wildfire but stronger" nagato says, his voice resonating from within the armor.
"I'll help you with Wind" kagura says, her eyes narrowing in concentration.
"Then I'll clear a path" tsunade says, cracking her knuckles with a smirk.
"Are you done planning" riful says, giggling and her voice dripping with amusement. Her ribbon-like body swayed gently as if moving by an unseen breeze.
"Rage of the Inferno-Wind Gust!" nagato and kagura shout in unison, creating a scalding firestorm but has the effect of creating a cloud of steam.
"Satetsu Kaiho" sasori shouts, using his sandaime kazekage mimic. Everyone dodges as riful's threads burst from the waning steam and dauf rushes towards tsunade but she meets him with a thunderous punch, the ground beneath them cracking under the immense pressure.
"A strong female.. You will mate with me" dauf says, pushing his fist and tsunade digging her boots into the ground.
"The Hell I will!.. I have Boyfriend!" tsunade shouts with fury, pushing his fist enough for her to leap and slam a dropkick to dauf's face. He tries to swat her but tsunade weaves signs with an inhale as her right eye turns red, "Dokugiri" she thought, spewing a poison cloud into dauf's face. The noxious fumes seep into every crack and crevice of his armor, causing him to cry out in pain.
"Arghh.. Riful!" dauf shouts, staggering back. Tsunade quickly weaves more signs and slams her hands into the ground, "Mokuton: Cursed Garden" she thought, her blonde hair now having black streaks. The ground rumbles and riful's eyes widen as green vines burst from the ground with five petal flowers emitting a sick yellow gas to purple and green gases as well to create a toxic miasma.
"Riful.. Riful.. It hurts" dauf cries, his voice filled with pain and confusion. Riful watches in horror as cracks began to form in dauf's seemingly impenetrable armor, "What have you done?!" she hisses, her childlike demeanor replaced by cold fury.
"Poison.. Poison that attacks on the cellular levels.. Thanks to I Querehsha.. Monarch of Plagues" tsunade says, in dual voices of her and querehsha. The cursed garden continues to spread, its toxic blooms a stark contrast to the devastation of the battlefield while it continues to infect their opponents.
"Monarch of Plagues" riful thought, her eyes narrowing.
"Seems we made it in time" teresa says, appearing behind the combined group with galatea and cassandra.
"You three were sent" deneve says, relief in her voice. Dauf rushes towards them but teresa vanishes and his head falls from his body as his body crashes to the snow with a thud and dustup of snow.
"She killed him in one blow" kagura and nagato thought simultaneously, their minds struggling to comprehend teresa's incredible speed and power. Riful glares at the newly arrived silver witches but especially teresa and tsunade, "I've lost.. I feel this poison permeating through my body" riful thought and turns her head to them, "Fufufu.. You've won.. Your poison is impressive Monarch.. So I'll give you a secret Isley has hidden.. A Monarch resides here" riful says, her voice a mix of amusement and resignation as her body starts to break down.
"A Monarch here.. Which One?!" querehsha and tsunade shout, their voices blending into an otherworldly echo.
"Wouldn't you like to know" riful says, as her head crashes to the ground to never rise again.
"That's a serious thing to throw around" galatea says, her tone grave.
"Naruto will handle it" tsunade says confidently, after querehsha recedes.
"Since you're all unharmed.. We should continue to the Pieta" teresa says, her silver eyes scanning the group.
"My armors were destroyed but this was a good test for them.. I think we should continue" nagato says, his voice filled with determination.
"Most of my puppets were destroyed but I can still fight" sasori says, his red hair matted with sweat and dirt.
"Tsunade has healed me.. So I can continue" kagura says, standing tall despite her recent injuries.
"Then we continue on.. Isley has yet to move and Rigardo is close to encountering Naruto Uzumaki" galatea says, her senses gauging things on the island.
"Then things will get seriously dangerous.. Naruto is never one to do things in moderation" nagato says with a hint of amusement at his cousin's strength. Tsunade is ignoring the others speaking and galatea revealing the fates of undine and flora's team to jean and deneve.
"Which one of them would come here" querehsha says, a whisper of concern in her voice.
"I wouldn't know.. Could it be Antares" tsunade thought, furrowing her brow.
"No.. Antares wouldn't leave the upper floors of the Tower.. Same with Frost.. It could be Iron Body or Yogumunt.. However the two them won't act without Antares' say so" querehsha says, tinged with uncertainty.
"What about Legia" tsunade comments, her mind racing with possibilities.
"I have not seen him in decades.. My assumption was he hid in the Demon Tower but that wasn't the case as it was Baran" querehsha says, her tone reflective.
"Tsunade.. Are you ready to depart" jean asks, shaking the blonde from her debate and tsunade blinks back to reality.
"Yeah.. Let's continue on and put an end to this nightmare" tsunade says with resolve, following the others.
#-#
Naruto rides atop his clydesdale with his arms folded and surrounded by hati with bone, dozens of wolves lead by beast in his wolf form and ironside on his back, several lions and tigers, even a few yoma that caught his interest. The group were nearing one of the towns before pieta and it seems he would be the first to arrive, "Here We Go!" naruto shouts as bone, hati, ironside and beast roar. In the ruins of the town rigardo hears the roars and narrows his eyes, "Perhaps He'll be pleasing prey" he thought, pulling his claymore from the roof. Many yoma and awakened were here as rigardo leaps down, "Prepare yourselves" he declares, his voice carrying authority that none dared question. The sound of hoof beats catch rigardo's ears and sees naruto's group but senses the tremendous power emitting from the monarch. Naruto pulls the rein of his horse as his forces halt with loud growling from both sides beginning to permeate.
"You are someone who can't be ignored" rigardo says, his voice a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"I am.. I have business with Isley" naruto says, dismounting his horse and dispelling it. Rigardo grips the hilt of his sword tighter, "You will not see him.. This is where your story ends" he says, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. The air around them seems to grow heavier as the two powerful beings face off. Naruto's summons shift restlessly and ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. The yoma and awakened beings behind rigardo tense, their monstrous features twisted with anticipation of the coming conflict.
[Music: Gladiator - Doom Eternal(Loop)]
Naruto slowly draws zetsuei with a faint smile on his face, "My story hasn't finished" he says, his eyes glowing a sinister purple. Their auras start to clash as both sides were baring their fangs in anticipation as the wind picks up but by some unseen call, both sides rush forward as rigardo and naruto remain unmoving. Rigardo suddenly vanishes with a swirl of snow and naruto blocks into a furious clash as their aura bounce off their weapons. Each parry or miss disturbs the air around them as their forces clash around them, awakened beings destroy shadow soldiers as hati, bone, ironside and beast tear through them. Naruto breaks the clash into a somersault but rigardo meets him with a piercing strike, pushing the monarch back with a skid.
"Your skill with the sword is impressive" rigardo remarks, pushing naruto back but he spews his light-purple flames. Rigardo dodges and lands with a skid as naruto closes the gap into another furious clash into the town, buildings unable to support the clash of auras. Rigardo cries out as naruto slashes his side, back and kicks out his legs, dropping him to his knees into a spinning downward strike but rigardo blocks with his sword and the impact is tremendous. However the sword can longer take the stress and shatters into pieces but naruto misses rigardo at a hairsbreadth with a small crater from the miss forming.
"Now your sword is gone.. Show me your True measure Rigardo.. Silver Eyed Lion King" naruto says, his voice carrying a hint of challenge and his eyes gleaming. Rigardo stares at his broken sword and tosses it aside, "You will Regret this Human" he says, as his red aura explodes outward and whipping the snow away. He takes his awakened form of a humanoid lion with a wolf's elongated snout and is three meters in height. Rigardo vanishes and cracks naruto square in the face with a devastating blow, sending the monarch crashing through a few buildings and losing zetsuei in the process. Rigardo appears behind naruto and grabs the back of his head to drag him along the snow covered ground. He then tosses naruto into the air and appears above him with sledgehammer blow, sending naruto crashing down with enough force to destroy the area around them.
"Your sword is gone.. Show Me you true measure.. Shadow Monarch" rigardo says, taunting naruto with his own words. Naruto slowly rises with rubble falling off him and blood dripping from a few wounds, his coat is ripped in places along with his pants. His face is hidden by shadows but one could see a single Sharingan eye and a thin but predatory smile, "My true measure would see you Dead in moments but if that is desire" naruto says with an eerily calm tone, his purple-black reiatsu pulsing.
"Awaken.. My Beloved Other Half" naruto says, his voice carrying power and authority. Rigardo ears pick up a small rumbling as a thin pillar of energy explodes from the debris and shoots to naruto's hand right hand in the form a black claymore with reddish tint. The silver eyed lion king grits teeth and roars to the sky as his aura explodes around him, before both fighters meet in a thunderous clash. Claws and Quicksword violently disturb the air around them as naruto's Sharingan tomoes were swirling. Naruto breaks the clash and vanishes as rigardo's nails extend like whips, "Hoh.. You were able to Perceive it" rigardo says, retracting his nails and a grudging respect in his tone.
"Nothing gets pass these eyes" naruto says, shifting to an Ox-guard stance and his Sharingan gleaming.
"Then I will Pluck out your eyes" rigardo remarks, his monstrous face contorting with savage intent. He sprints forward with claws extended and ready to strike. Naruto raises his sword as rigardo approaches but the awakened being's instincts scream for him to move. He does as naruto brings his sword down to create a ten foot gash in the land a fifteen foot geyser of dirt and snow. Rigardo lands gracefully on a building but naruto flashes behind him aiming for his head but slices a shoulder with a spray of dark blood as rigardo lands with a skid.
"Was that just the Force of his swing?!.. That sword is dangerous" rigardo thought, his eyes widening and his mind racing. Naruto rushes him again a furious clash but the monarch seems to speeding up until rigardo's right arm flies away from his body, "What?!" rigardo hisses, staring at his detached limb in disbelief.
"Looks like my speed is now too much for you" naruto says, a sly smirk on his face. Rigardo rushes naruto but break right towards his arm, "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu" echoes out, forcing him to dodge the large light-purple flame at the cost of his arm.
"Wretched Human" rigardo says but his thoughts were on the thrill of fighting a worthy opponent. Naruto shoots forward into furious clash of speeds as rigardo's blood boils with excitement, "Not since I fought Isley have I wanted to defeat someone so badly" rigardo thought, a savage grin spreading across his monstrous face.
"I am Rigardo!.. In The name of Silver-eyed Lion King.. I Shall Defeat You!" rigardo roars, flexing his red aura. Naruto rushes first as they blitz around the destroyed town, buildings shuttering and breaking from the force of the two warriors. Rigardo roars as he lifts a large statue, "This is my Victory" he shouts, bring it down in naruto's path. However he phases through the statue with kamui and leaps above rigardo, "Dragon Moon Strike: Half Moon" naruto declares, throwing zetsuei towards him.
"What?!" rigardo says, his voice a mix of shock and awe as zetsuei splits into six. Naruto strikes rigardo seemingly from everywhere with each sword and leaving afterimages, "Amazing" rigardo thought, as his head leaves his body. Rigardo's body crashes into the snow as naruto stares as his eye start to glow purple, "Ari..." naruto starts but halts.
[Music Change: The DOOM Hunter into Icon of Sin - Doom Eternal]
Naruto turns to see a figure approaching with long silver hair that shimmers and piercing ice-blue eyes, wearing white pants having grey wrapping down to black shoes with a black belt. A long sleeve dark blue shirt with silver wrapping around his forearm and a light blue cape having silver like feather motifs on the top, and lower edges.
"I am Isley.. The White Silver King and I greet the Shadow Monarch" the figure says with a calm and measured tone but his gaze never leaves naruto, while removing his cape and draping it over rigardo's body. Naruto notices the sword on isley's hip and it is a curved katana, its hilt wrapped in white and plasma green with a jagged design down the blade in the same plasma green color and the guard is round and imprinted with an eastern dragon in a hazy mirage.
"How do you know that name" naruto says, his voice tinged with curiosity and wariness.
"Defeat me and I shall tell you" isley says with a small and reaching for his sword. Naruto's grin widens as his eyes glow purple once again, "Before that... Arise!" he utters, his voice carrying the otherworldly dominion over death. Isley freezes as a shadow variant of rigardo rises from his corpse and kneels to one knee next to naruto, "Milord" rigardo says, its voice a ghostly echo of the once-proud warrior. Isley flashes forward with his sword aimed at naruto's head but he dodges as blood sprays from his cheek.
"Interesting" naruto thought with his blood pumping, rushing isley into a furious clash across the destroyed town.
"This sword belong to Caserion Ryuji.. A very skilled swordsmen" isley says, parrying and countering naruto's strikes as they move out of the town.
"Indeed he was" naruto says, swinging isley above the tree line and leaps after him. Isley swings his sword rapidly to counter naruto as gravity takes them back down, "Then you know the stories about his sword the Mirage Blade" isley says and smirks, "Explosion!" isley says, his voice echoing outwards. Naruto jerks as he is engulfed by a large explosion that sends him crashing through a few trees, "That's new" he thought, quickly regaining his footing. Isley sends the sword forward and it extends like a whip sword but when it cracks it sends a wave of lightning towards naruto, "Lightning Dragon Dance" naruto shouts, countering with his own lightning. The two attacks collide in a brilliant display of crackling energy, illuminating the forest in a dazzling light show. Isley's eyes narrow as the light dies but excitement dances in his eyes, "Silfarion" he declares and his speed picking up greatly as naruto blocks, "Mel Force" isley adds, his blade connecting with naruto's guard. The force behind the attack is tremendous, driving naruto into the ground with a thunderous crash. Dust and debris billow around naruto at the bottom of a small crater. Isley leaps skyward with silfarion with his sword raised, "Howl of the Dragon!" he shouts, swinging down and a green chinese dragon forms.
"You call That a Dragon" naruto shouts, kipping up as zetsuei starts to howl.
"Dragonstrike!" naruto roars, bring out his wailing blue eyed dragon. It easily crashes through isley's dragon but the abysmal one smirks griping his sword, "Full Counter" he utters, swinging his blade with precision. Naruto jerks as isley swings and his dragonstrike comes back even stronger to detonate in a thunderous explosion that a few on the island can see.
"What was That?!" kagura says, her eyes wide with concern.
"Isley and Naruto Uzumaki have started fighting.. A large blast has engulfed Naruto" galatea says, her eyes closed in concentration.
"Then things are about to get a whole lot worse" tsunade says, her voice tinged with both worry and excitement.
"How" deneve asks, curiosity evident in her tone.
"Naruto is not just an Unranked Hunter or a Monarch or even a Daimyo.. He is Battle Junkie" nagato says, his eyes scanning the horizon.
"If Isley has peaked his interest.. Then will Naruto will crank things up and this island become a wasteland" tsunade adds, shocking the suna group and peaking the interest of the silver witches. Isley looks down into the fifteen foot deep and thirty foot wide crater and sees naruto laying partial visible from the dirt and unmoving, his top missing with skin bruised and bleeding.
"Full Counter.. It sends your attack back at double the power" isley says, his voice carrying a hint of respect but goes on guard as naruto's eyes shoot open. A pillar of purple accented by black kisses the sky as his heavy weight crashes on isley.
"Lord Hideoyoshi" hanbei says, concern in his voice.
"I seems this expedition may soon be over" hideoyoshi says, observing the spectacle with keen interest. On one of ships darui with his right arm in a sling sees the pillar as yugito walks up, "What could That be?!" she says, her voice filled with awe and concern.
"I don't know Yugito" darui says, his usually laid-back demeanor replaced by tension.
"Now That is an Explosion-hmm" deidara says, his artistic sensibilities thrilled by the display of raw power from his clay bird.
"AHAHAAHAAAHAAAAA! WHAHAHAHAHAAA! UGHHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!" naruto howls and throwing his head back, rising from the crater with a wide grin and his blue eyes glowing brightly. Isley sees the visage of cackling mad man with eye-patch over his eye overlapping naruto, "Come Isley.. Don't hold back.. Show me more" naruto roars, his voice dripping with excitement. Isley rockets forward with silfarion and naruto meets with shockwave as isley dragon scales on naruto's body as his sword clang on his scales.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō" naruto declares, slamming an orb of crimson into isley's face and sending him flying in red flames.
"Sprinkled on the bones of the beast.. Sharp Tower.. Red Crystal.. Steel Ring.. Move and become the wind.. Stop and become the calm.. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle.. Hadō# 63: Raikōhō" naruto recites and braces his left hand, firing a large electric yellow blast. Isley gets to his feet as the blast carves up the ground, "Full Counter" he says, redirecting the blast back even stronger.
"Bakudō #81: Dankū" naruto says and a translucent wall tanks the blast. This obscures isley's vision for a moment, "Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku" echoes out, as a thick yellow rope grabs his sword and yanks it away into naruto's hands.
"Say Goodbye" naruto says, as the sword vanishes in a puff of smoke.
"That is not my only weapon" isley says, as his aura explodes violently and creates a large debris cloud as two glowing eyes appear within. Isely's awakened form resembles a centaur with armor plates on his horse half, his skin dark and arms long as two horns jut from his wavy hair. Two long wings having no feathers but leaving the bone structure on his back and he stands about twenty-five feet tall with armor like helm on his head. Naruto stands with an awestruck look on his face as isley looms over him, "What's wrong.. Are you so shocked by my transformation.. That you can not speak" isley says with a hint of mockery, as his right arm morphs in a one-sided axe and bringing it down. Naruto sidesteps it and points his right hand to fire a dark purple cero but isley's left arm forms into a shield, throwing the blast and it explodes not far from them.
"Hmph.. Looks like I need step up" naruto says with anticipation, raising his right hand and zetsuei appears.
"Bankai... Kaosu Heiki Zetsuei!" naruto shouts and she glows, expanding into a new weapon. She is now a halberd weapon having a large double-edge sword shape and its pommel has a large crescent moon-like design. Naruto spins his other half and rockets forward as isley swings his axe but the monarch dodges, "Dragon Thunder Clap" naruto shouts, firing red lightning. Isley dodges with a speed not seen for his size as his shield arm becomes a recurve bow, firing a flesh arrow made from his body. Naruto get up his weapon and the arrow crashes into him, pushing him back nearly three dozen feet.
"That's new" zetsuei says with a hint of surprise. Naruto shoots forward as isley fires a few more arrows that mire the land greatly as they are either dodged or parried, "He keeping a distance but..." naruto thought, spinning his large weapon.
"Dragon's Maelstrom!" naruto shouts, creating a vortex of debris and snow. Isley disperses the vortex with a swing on his arm as naruto charges another cero but this one is distorted and a blue color, "Gran Rey Cero" naruto says, firing the blast. Isley shifts his bow in a shield to block as it collides, exploding violently and blows him back several feet, destroying his shield and left arm in the process.
"Your powers are impressive Shadow Monarch" isley says, starting to regenerate but naruto wasn't done. He spins zetsuei over his head but spews his light purple flames into her, "So are yours Isley" naruto says, as zetsuei's blade in now burning red. Naruto vanishes with a buzz of static into isley's line of sight with his zetsuei coming up for an upward strike, "Dragon's Infernal Maelstrom!" naruto roars, engulfing isley in a flaming red-black vortex. The vortex scalds the lands violently and melts all the snow for nearly a half mile. Naruto finds isley now back in human form but only his upper body in a shallow pool of water, "You are the Victor Shadow Monarch.. Use me well and I have one last thing to give... In Pieta is a Gate to A-another Monarch" isley says, his head listing to the side. [song ends]
#-#
"A Monarch here?!" zetsuei says, returning to her sealed form as naruto's eyes glow a menacing purple. He brings isley back as a shadow soldier and like rigardo in his awakened form, "What Monarch" naruto says, his voice low and commanding.
"One known as Legia.. A guardian protects his prison.. Now that I am dead.. The Guardian is free" isley says, his voice echoing with an otherworldly quality. Naruto brings out his dark coat from a seal and slips it on with a sigh, "A prison" he says, rubbing his bare chest.
"Yes.. I do not know how it came to be but the Gate is a prison" isley says, his head bowed.
"Well then.. One last fight to free Glacier from its horrific past" naruto says and isley enters his shadow, before the monarch launches away towards pieta. Naruto soon lands on a ridge with dustup of snow and sees the town of pieta or what was left a fifty foot giant stands in front of a gate. The giant has tan skin is wearing barbarian furs and two long elk like horns with a halberd axe in his hands.
"That is the Guardian" isley says, from naruto's shadow.
"Looks confident from here" naruto muses, slipping a menthol in his mouth and lighting it with his new zippo but his eyes narrow. He looks left as tsunade lands next to him in a graceful crouch, "Nice of you to join us Dear" naruto says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Riful told us a Monarch was here" tsunade says, her eyes fixed on the giant in the distance.
"Isley said the same.. Where are the others" naruto asks, fully turning to her.
"Retreating.. Your battle with Isley was tough on Galatea.. Her senses were overpowered by your clashing auras" tsunade replies with a sigh.
"Well let's put an end to this and see our kin" naruto says, understanding the toll such immense power could take on sensitive abilities. Tsunade smirks with a mischievous glint in her eye despite the gravity of the situation, "And get out of this weather.. My nipples can cut glass at this point" she says and naruto snorts as both vanish, leaving only swirling snow in their wake as they raced towards the impending battle.
[Music: The Super Gore Nest - DOOM Eternal]
Naruto and tsunade land on a building about three miles from the gate guardian, "Arise!" he says, spreading his arms out and his shadow explodes outward. The giant's pupil-less eyes narrow as bellion, ingris, ironside, greed, mercurius, kumanga, tyrant, hati, bone, beast, rigardo, isley and various other shadow soldiers rise to face the giant. It slams its halberd as dozens of other giants emerge from the gate as naruto whistles, "Isley.. Mercurius.. Start us off" naruto says, raising his hand before bringing it down in a decisive gesture. Rigardo releases a bone-chilling roars to the skies as both sides rush forward and mercurius buffing everyone before raising warriors of his own. Isley fires arrows from his spot as clashes begin and the giants using their height to their advantage but not by much.
"Let's go Dear" naruto says, his voice filled with anticipation and both join the fray.
"Mokuton: Noroi no Yari" tsunade declares, joining the fray with a flurry of signs. Dark spears of wood burst from the ground and pierce the feet of few giants. The massive beings topple with their falls creating miniature earthquakes as they crash to the earth.
"Darkness-Flame Dragon Dance!" naruto shouts, slicing into the chest of a giant with a dark red flame slashes and flies towards the guardian. It swings its halberd with enough force to violently disturb the air and destroying everything for two miles, "What power.. I need to stop him from swinging again" naruto thought, hovering above the destruction. Naruto dispels zetsuei to point his index and middle fingers on his right as a black cero accented by purple forms, "Cero Oscuras" he says, firing it towards the guardian. It roars in pain as the black cero tears into its right arm, making it drop the halberd with a thunderous crash and allowing his soldiers to move in. Naruto too rockets forward as a Rasengan forms but it screeches as expands to look like four point shuriken, "Rasenshuriken" he says, tossing it towards the guardian's eyes.
"Rrraaghh!" the guardian cries, as the Rasenshuriken tears into its left eye and crashes to its knees. The impact sent tremors through the earth, causing nearby structures to crumble. Naruto heads for the gate and passes through but into a very large hall about a hundred feet high having torches with statues under them.
"High enough for giants to pass through" naruto says but ominous laughter echoes, before follow it towards his left.
"Hilarious.. Hilarious.. Welcome Thine Kin" a voice says, its tone dark and gravelly. Naruto reaches the end of the hall to see a kneeling figure locked in heavy chains, rods through his joints and an inscription carved into the floor. He is a huge and muscular man with bluish-gray skin, long messy black hair with a sloppy beard, glowing red eyes and a long tattered white loincloth.
"You know me" naruto says, his voice calm despite the tension in the air.
"Hahaha.. I do Ashborn" the figure says and grins wide, seeing ashborn superimposed over naruto.
"Who sealed you here Legia" naruto says, his eyes narrowed.
"I was captured.. I do not know who.. Release me and I will aid you Ashborn" legia says, then his eyes light up with a poorly veiled look of desperate hope. Naruto's eyes glow purple as beast rises from his shadow to legia's shock, "I am not Ashborn.. I am Naruto Uzumaki.. Monarch of Shadow... I did not come to free you Legia.. I came here for your life" naruto says, a faint smile on his face. Legia lurches towards naruto but the rods dig into his joints, "The Beast Monarch.. Frost Monarch and Querehsha tried to kill me but failed.. Beast serves me as a shadow.. Frost fled into the Heaven Tower and Querehsha..." naruto says, his voice cold and commanding.
"I became apart of his lover and serve him Faithfully" querehsha says, stepping out the shadows and fully out in tsunade.
"Traitorous Witch" legia hisses, his chains rattling as he strained against them. His red eyes burning with hatred and betrayal. Naruto brings out his other half and points it inches from legia's face, "Prepare to work for me Legia" naruto says, before removing legia's head.
"Do you mind if I take this stone.. This One will grow stronger through it" querehsha says, picking a glowing stone from legia's chest cavity.
"Of course my Dear... Arise!" naruto says, being legia back as a shadow soldier. At the same time on the ninetieth floor of the heaven tower on the balcony of a castle. The Ghost of the Uchiha Madara Uchiha and host of Antares King of Dragons and the Monarch of Destruction halts a teacup from his lips, "Legia has died" he says, a glint of recognition in his glowing red eyes. He has black-blue waist-length hair with shoulder-length bangs framing the sides of his face. He wears a white dress shirt with a dark blue tie and a red formal suit vest, black gloves and matching slacks with black-white dress shoes.
"How?!" Yogumunt says, King of Demonic Spectres and the Monarch of Transfiguration. He is a feeble looking old man with gray hair, light red eyes, and a blood-red blob symbol on his torso, wearing a tattered blackish-purple hooded cloak, a pale yellow bone-like mask over his mouth, and two metallic horn-like objects extending from his upper back.
"I was only a matter of time.. Perhaps my Great Grandson found him" madara says, his lips curling into a smirk.
"If that is what happened.. He will have two Monarchs as his shades and Querehsha betrayed us as well" yogumunt says, his eyes widening in fear.
"It matters no Yogumunt.. If Naruto killed Legia.. Then I want him as strong as possible" madara says, drinking his tea and unperturbed by the information. The two monarchs fall into silence with each contemplating the implications of this new development. The pieces on the board were moving and the game was far from over. [song ends]
#-#
News would quickly spread of the success of the fourth expedition on glacier island, ending a nightmare that hovered over elemental nations for years. Many believed all the souls who lost their lives on the island could now finally rest in peace. The countries that took part in the raid were praised and their hunters heroes, save for one country as once konoha again retreated from the mission after fugaku's death. Naturally konoha used fugaku's death as the reason for konoha's early departure to keep their treachery a secret. Hiruzen was livid not only had orochimaru fled like a coward but lost fugaku's eyes in the process, costing them a pair precious Mangekyo Sharingan. He did manage to spin things with sasuke by blaming naruto as he didn't help and save his father. This would turn most of konoha's rookies against naruto and they would rally around sasuke and kawaki. Publicly konoha and fire country tried this same tactic but it fell on deaf ears as public opinion for both fell.
Hiruzen did get a crumb of acknowledgment as participant of the raid of monies and honoring of fugaku but it was nothing compared to suna, kumo, iwa and uzu which left a very bad taste in the kage and daimyo's mouths. They watched with barely concealed envy as the other nations basked in the glory of their victory, their own contributions all but forgotten in the annals of history. Speaking of the likes of uzu naruto was praised for defeating the likes of rigardo and isley but also closing the hidden gate as well. He also gained some powerful shadows in rigardo, isley, the guardian now Ledgic and his giant kin but also legia their king. Naruto took the praise in a humble matter and said it was a group effort to the ire of the likes of konoha, due to wishing he was theirs. A daimyo summit would be held in iron to discuss the fallout from glacier and what to do about the island going forward.
#Iron Country - One Month After Glacier#
"How are things in Water Country Lord Kenshin" naruto asks with concern, sitting with the five major daimyo and koyuki but also oichi in place of her uncle the fire daimyo.
"We are healing Lord Naruto.. There some dissidents but we are working on fixing matters" kenshin says, his face bearing the weariness of a leader dealing with a nation in flux.
"That's good to here.. Any help we can provide.. You just need to ask" naruto says and kenshin nods.
"Lord Naruto.. I too would like to thank you for your help with Suna and creating a constant water supply for the village" the new wind daimyo Azai Kyogoku says, her voice filled with gratitude. She has light silver hair in a few braids and blue eyes, wearing light green and white colors.
"Think nothing of it.. My Mother was the driving force and laid the groundwork" naruto says, being ever humble and deflecting the praise.
"What will be done about Glacier" makura asks, steering the conversation to the heart of the matter.
"I am working with Lord Tsuichi to prepare and cultivate the island but it will Years before the island will ever be habitual" koyuki says, her voice carrying the authority of her position.
"The terrain is an issue as well" naruto says, his mind no doubt recalling the treacherous landscape he encountered during the expedition and the destruction he caused.
"I agree.. There is also the risk of Gates opening back up" tsuichi says, his face creased with concern. Oichi leans forward and her eyes sparkling with an idea, "Perhaps we could establish a dedicated force.. Similar to the Silver Witches of Snow Country to police the island until things settle" she suggests, her voice filled with calm rationale. The room falls silent for a moment as the other leaders consider her proposal. Naruto nods thoughtfully and impressed by oichi's insight, "That's an excellent idea Lady Oichi" he said, his blue eyes meeting hers with approval.
"A similar force could indeed be vital for Glacier Island's future security" koyuki says, her voice tinged with pride.
"A specialized force would certainly be beneficial.. But who would train them.. And more importantly who would they answer to" makura muses, her expression one of pensiveness.
"Perhaps this could be a joint effort.. Each nation could contribute skilled Hunters to form this new force.. They could be trained in various disciplines to handle any potential threats unique to Glacier Island" azai says, tapping her fingers on the table rhythmically.
"And they could report to a council consisting of representatives from each participating nation" tsuichi says, his earlier concern giving way to cautious optimism.
"We'd need to be careful about the balance of power.. This force must be impartial and dedicated solely to the island's safety.. Not to any one nation's interests" naruto says, considering the implications and how a few nations could take advantage of this.
"What if we involved the samurai of the Land of Iron.. Their neutrality is well-established and they could provide an unbiased core for this new force" kenshin suggests, leaning back in his chair. The suggestion is met with murmurs of approval around the table as naruto crosses his legs, "These are all excellent ideas" he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. Kenshin nods with his eyes thoughtful, "I agree.. Also we should bring in the Kage to get their input as well.. Their expertise in could prove invaluable in this discussion" he said, his voice calm but firm. The other daimyo exchange glances while considering kenshin's proposal, "That's a good point Lord Kenshin.. The Kage's perspectives could add another layer to our planning" naruto said with his eyes lighting up, appreciating the water daimyo's inclusive approach. Makura tucks a strand of her dark hair behind her ear with her expression contemplative, "Let's take a break then.. This will allow them to finish their meeting and join us with fresh insights" she suggests, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.
"A break sounds good.. It'll give us all a chance to digest what we've discussed so far" naruto says, stretching slightly in his chair. The daimyo begin to rise from their seats as naruto couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in their demeanor. The initial tension that has permeated the room at the start of the meeting had eased considerably. Naruto excuses himself from the group and wanders through the halls of the summit building, eventually finding a small balcony overlooking the snow-capped mountains of the land of iron. The crisp mountain air nips at his cheeks as he steps outside and pulling out his cigarette pack from his pocket. He slips one into his mouth and lights it with his zippo, inhaling deeply and letting some smoke slip out his mouth but sucked up by his nose.
"Now that Glacier is handled.. We can shift our focus on the Heaven's Tower" zetsuei says, her voice echoing in his mind and cutting through his thoughts.
"Yeah we can.. I'm thinking of bringing Fuyumi" naruto thought back, taking another drag of his cigarette.
"Fuyumi" zetsuei says, her tone holding a hint of surprise.
"Yeah as a way to help her get stronger but also to spend more time together" naruto thought, watching the smoke curl into the crisp mountain air. He leans against the balcony railing with his blue eyes scanning the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
"It'll be dangerous" zetsuei cautions, though there was no real objection in her tone.
"True but she'll have several S-class level fighters around her" naruto thought, taking another drag from his cigarette.
"That's not the only concern.. Have you considered how long climbing the tower might take.. Fuyumi could be separated from Kurenai for possibly a few years" zetsuei says, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation.
"You're right.. It is big ask but Mom can take Kurenai inside and we can come back down once we reach Floor 20… Any we're back I'll talk to both about it" naruto admits, both in thought and in a soft murmur to the crisp mountain air. He takes a final drag from his cigarette before extinguishing it carefully. The smoke curling up into the air, dissipating quickly in the mountain breeze. Naruto steps back into the warmth of the building and ready to rejoin the summit as he enters the room, sees the sight of the six kage taking their places beside their respective daimyo. Hiruzen stands beside oichi as his gaze falls upon naruto and kushina but a subtle change came over his features. His eyes narrow almost imperceptibly with a flicker of envy and barely disguised disgust crossing his face. The old man's lips tighten into a thin line, his wrinkles deepening as he struggles to maintain his composure.
"Look at him all huffy" zetsuei jokes and naruto almost starts laughing but maintains a neutral expression. Rasa has taken his place next to azai, his stern expression softening slightly by curiosity and seeing the mother-son combo. The imposing figure of ei towers behind tsuichi, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. Zabuza stands next to kenshin, his bandaged face hiding any expression but his posture alert and ready. Kurotsuchi takes her place beside makura with a subtle wink to kushina as the redhead smirks slightly next to her son. Kenshin clears his throat and draws everyone's attention as the room settles in, "Esteemed Kage… We've been discussing the future of Glacier Island and potential security measures and restorations.. Allow me to outline what we've covered so far" he begins, his voice steady and clear. Naruto listens intently as kenshin summarizes their earlier conversation, watching the reactions of the kage.
"This specialized force is an intriguing idea.. But we must consider the logistical challenges of training and maintaining such a group" kushina says after kenshin finishes his summary, her violet eyes scanning the room.
"The Wind Country could provide expertise in harsh climate survival.. Our shinobi are well-versed in adapting to extreme conditions" rasa says, his voice gravelly but firm and nodding in agreement.
"Iwagakure could contribute knowledge on fortifications and underground structures.. These could be crucial for establishing a permanent presence on the island for the rebuilding process" kurotsuchi chimes in, her pink eyes scanning the room but settling on kushina. The discussion continues but hiruzen clears his throat and drawing attention to himself, "If I may.. Konoha can provide two exceptional candidates for this specialized force.. Sasuke Uchiha and Kawaki Namikaze.. The true son of our former Yondaime would be perfect for this task" he begin, his voice carrying a hint of smugness. A tense silence fall over the room and kushina's eyes narrow with a dangerous glint appearing in their violet depths, "Both are rookie Hunters Lord Hiruzen.. How can Kawaki possibly compare to his brother Naruto.. It seems rather... Premature to suggest such inexperienced Hunter for such a crucial role" she points out, her voice deceptively sweet but laced with venom. Hiruzen's face flushes red with his mouth opening to retort but oichi shoots him a sharp look and the old hokage's jaw snaps shut, his eyes burning with barely concealed anger.
"I agree with Lady Kushina.. The Hunters we send should be experienced.. This mission is too important to entrust to rookies.. No matter their lineage or potential" oichi says with her voice calm and measured, smoothing over the tension. Naruto watches this exchange silently with his blue eyes moving from hiruzen to his mother then to oichi.
"Perhaps we should focus on the qualifications needed for this force.. Rather than specific individuals.. Experience in harsh climates.. Fortification techniques and possibly underwater operations could all be valuable skills" zabuza says, sensing the need to redirect the conversation. Ei nods in agreement with his muscular arms still crossed over his chest, "The Mizukage's right.. We need to establish clear criteria before we start putting forward names" he said, his deep voice rumbling through the room.
"I agree.. If I may.. I'd like to suggest that the lowest rank we consider for training in this force should be B-rank and above" naruto begins his voice steady and confident.
"Interesting proposition.. Care to elaborate Lord Uzumaki" ei says first, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"The challenges we're faced on Glacier Island were unprecedented.. It has been a stain on the various nation for years and not that it has been freed of the Awakened and hidden Gate.. We need individuals who already have a solid foundation of skills and experience.. B-rank and above would have the necessary baseline abilities to adapt quickly to the specialized training required" naruto says, sitting a little straighter.
"The Uzushio Daimyo has got a point.. This isn't something for greenhorns.. We need people who can hit the ground running" zabuza says, nodding approvingly.
"It would certainly streamline the training process.. We could focus on specialized skills rather than basics" rasa says, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"B-rank and above usually have better chakra control.. That would be crucial for operating in such extreme conditions" kurotsuchi says, her pink eyes glancing to makura. Hiruzen has been silently fuming since his earlier rebuke but sees an opportunity to reassert himself, "While the suggestion has merit.. We must consider the potential limitation on our pool of candidates.. Not every village has an abundance of B-rank shinobi to spare" he begins, his tone carefully measured.
"With all due respect Lord Third.. I believe quality is more important than quantity in this case.. A smaller and more elite force would be more effective and easier to manage in the challenging environment of Glacier Island" naruto said with his eyes on the hokage, his voice firm but respectful.
"I agree with my son.. We cannot afford to cut corners or lower our standards" kushina states, her voice ringing with authority.
"Well said Lady Kushina.. Naruto.. I believe we have the beginnings of a solid plan here" oichi says with a nod, a small smile playing on her lips. Hiruzen wasn't ready to let the matter rest and his wrinkled face twists into a grimace as his voice is laced with barely concealed resentment, "Indeed a solid plan.. But let us not forget that Naruto's actions on Glacier Island caused the death of Fugaku Uchiha" he begins, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on naruto. The room fall silent with tension thick in the air but naruto is unfazed by the accusation and meets hiruzen's gaze with an amused look, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"With all due respect Hokage.. He was dealing with the more powerful awakened beings and the hidden gate.. He couldn't be everywhere at once" ei says before naruto respond, his deep voice filling the room.
"It seems Konoha is upset because they pulled out of yet another expedition on Glacier Island.. Perhaps if they had fled.. Things would be different" zabuza says, voicing his thoughts but there is a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"This indeed makes another time Konoha has pulled out.. One might start to wonder about their commitment to the joint effort" kurotsuchi adds with a touch of mischief in her voice. Hiruzen's face flush red with anger once again as the room buzzes with murmurs as the other leaders exchange glances, some amused, others concerned.
"Lord Hokage.. While I regret the loss of a fellow hunter.. The situation on Glacier Island was far more complex than you're implying.. Perhaps if Konoha had maintained their presence as the other villages did…" naruto says and trails off a bit with a faint smile.
"This bickering serves no purpose.. We are here to plan for the future.. Not rehash past grievances.. If Konoha has concerns about their involvement.. Perhaps they should commit more fully to our joint efforts rather than casting blame" kushina says, her violet eyes scanning the room.
"Let's return to the matter at hand.. We were discussing the qualifications for our specialized force. Does anyone have any further suggestions to add to Naruto's proposal" oichi said with a clear of her throat, her voice steady and authoritative.
"If I may.. I have a suggestion that might help us move forward.. Snow Country is uniquely positioned.. We propose setting up a base in my country that would work in tandem with our navy" koyuki begins with her voice clear and confident.
"A naval component could be valuable" zabuza says, as murmurs of interest ripples through the room.
"Exactly.. The force could collaborate with the Silver Witches once again" koyuki adds with a soft smile and looking to her fellow daimyo.
"An interesting suggestion Lady Koyuki" kushina says, tilting her head and considering the proposal.
"Furthermore we could extend invitations to some of the minor countries to join our effort" koyuki continues, her eyes meeting the group.
"The involvement of minor countries could provide us with diverse skill sets we hadn't considered" rasa says, nodding slowly.
"I think Lady Koyuki's proposal has merit.. It aligns with our goal of creating a specialized force while also broadening our resources and reach" naruto says, his blue eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"This is excellent progress.. Lady Koyuki's suggestion adds a new dimension to our plans.. Let's discuss how we can integrate this with Naruto's proposal for B-rank and above" oichi says with a clap her hands together. The discussion continues as each daimyo and kage give their input and oichi clears her throat, "I believe we've made significant progress today.. Lady Koyuki's proposal and combined with Naruto's suggestion.. Gives us a solid foundation to build upon" she said, her eyes sweeping across the faces before her.
"If there are no objections.. I propose that I work closely with Lady Koyuki to develop a comprehensive framework based on today's discussions" tsuichi says, his voice calm and measured as he addresses the group. A murmur of agreement ripples through the room, "Once we have a draft prepared.. We'll send it to each of your countries for review and feedback.. This way we can ensure that all perspectives are considered before we finalize our plans" tsuichi continues and naruto is impressed by the man's diplomatic approach.
"Sounds like a solid approach" azai says, shifting in her chair.
"Sounds efficient" makura says, her eye shifting around the room.
"I think we can all agree that this is a sensible next step.. It will give us time to consider the implications for our respective nations and come back with well-thought-out responses" kushina said, with a thoughtful expression as the other leaders voice their agreement.
"Then it's settled.. Lord Tsuichi and Lady Koyuki will work on the framework and we'll reconvene once everyone has had a chance to review it" oichi said, her voice carrying a note of finality. The leaders begin to disperse while exchanging final words and handshakes as naruto feels a hand on his shoulder.
"Things went well… Though it seems the old man isn't taking it too well" kushina said softly, her voice barely audible above the general chatter in the room as they see hiruzen heading for the door. The stiff set of his shoulders and the tight line of his mouth as naruto couldn't help but let out a low chuckle, shaking his head slightly.
"Can you blame him.. His pride's taken quite a beating today.. First I defeated his Three Beasts before Glacier.. Next Konoha pulled out of the expedition again.. Making them look unreliable.. And to top it off we managed to counter every argument he threw our way" naruto replies, his voice tinged with amusement.
"True enough" kushina says but her violet eyes suddenly shifts, focusing on something behind naruto. He notices the change in her expression and a hint of hunger flashing across her face, the source being kurotsuchi approaching with a confident stride that has his mother's tongue darting out to wet her lips.
"Mama.. No flirting.. And stop undressing her with your eyes.. We're in the middle of a political meeting" naruto said, his voice a mix of exasperation and amusement. Kushina scoffs while tearing her eyes away from kurotsuchi to look at her son, "You forget sweetie.. Kurotsuchi and I have been very... Intimate" she said, her voice low and teasing.
"Of course I do.. It was my birthday" naruto says but didn't have a leg to standing for chiding his mother as he has five lovers.
"Lady Yondaime.. Lord Naruto.. Quite the meeting" kurotsuchi greets, her voice warm.
"Indeed it was.. Perhaps we could... Discuss it further in private" kushina replies, her voice dropping to a purr. Naruto groans while pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that" he mutters, looking around for an escape route to find his wife. The day comes to an end with plans to rebuild but also defend the island of glacier and revive it from its horrific past.
つづく
AN-2: I'll end it here with Glacier and plans to revive the island being put in place. Naruto has gained some more powerful soldiers but also another Monarch. You also go to see a snippet of Madara and Yogumunt on the 90th floor. Next chapter Naruto begins to turn his attention to the Heaven Tower and climbing it from the 1st floor with some skips to higher floor due to be born inside the tower and his mother the Summer Queen. I'll warn you the Heaven Tower is really the story will be and finish with considerable time spent inside, probably the rest of the chapter. Now these floors are separate like planes seeing a few story that have similar motifs like Second-Life Ranker and the like. Some will be different anime even. If you have ideas for different floors shoot me Review or Pm. Thank you for your support and as always Stay Frosty!