AN-1: Hello Good People and I have another chapter of the New Shadow Monarch with Naruto and Mei continuing to travel. As I said it will be Just Naruto, Mei and Tenten as a Thruple if I'm saying it right. Thank you to Everyone for their support and Let's Crack On.
"Speaking"
Summon/Biju
Shadow Soldier
[..Pause ...Long Pause]
シーンブレイク(Scene Break)
Disclaimer: I Own NOTHING
Edit: 4/18/24: fixing some mistakes like misspellings, missing words I missed a few read throughs or adding some content.
Chappy 2
#Land of Lightning#
Naruto sighs as he has his no-name sword in hand with mei sitting on a rock, "You finally have a name for it" she asks, eating some dango. The blond nods as he swings several times with raiton surging through it to make a whip like strike and crackle of thunder, "Yeah.. Zabimaru" he says. It's been two months since they left water country and were now in Lightning country, making their way to Kumogakure but also explore.
"Zabimaru.. I don't think he'll like it" mei says, giggling a little.
"I don't" zabuza says, from naruto's shadow.
"It's close though" isobu comments. Naruto sends zabimaru into his inventory and the pair continue their trek towards kumogakure. The country of lightning has vast mountain ranges that has many thunderstorms and many rivers as well heading for the sea. They stay in few hot spring hotels and see beautiful scenery as well but soon encounter a group of kumo ninja on the road or one jonin with one chunin and two ninja in training.
"She's a Jinchuriki" inari says. The jonin is a young woman that has long blonde hair bound with taut bandages, dark blue eyes and red lipstick. She wears a short-sleeve black and purple blouse with black pants, both having a design similar to clouds on them, purple fingerless gloves and a chain of blue beads wound around her left hand. A kumo hitai-ate on her forehead, a kunai holster strapped to her right thigh, bandages around her arms and legs as well as a red belt around her waist.
"Who are you.. Are you Shinobi" the chunin asks. She has blue eyes and straight, shoulder-length blonde hair cut in an asymmetrical bob style. She wears a very low-cut outfit with mesh armor underneath, a short skirt and red hand guards, high boots and a modified kumogakure flak jacket covering her stomach like a girdle.
"No.. We're traveling mercenaries of sorts" naruto says, rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm Mei Terumi and this my boyfriend Naruto" mei says, smiling to ease the forming tension.
"Your story is a bit thin.. What brings you all the way to the Lightning Country?!" the second kunoichi says, crossed her arms with her expression one of slight agitation. She has dark skin with long spiky red hair and amber eyes having two simple yellow earrings. She wears a long, short-sleeve dress with frilly edges complete with fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots having white soles. The fourth of the group begins to go on long tangent, "You know.. This situation reminds me of a story I once heard.. There was this group of travelers.. Very much like us who ended up being key figures in an unexpected turn of events leading to the resolution of a century-old dispute between two nations.. Now.. I'm not saying we're part of any story but if we were.. Imagine the implications.. Perhaps encountering each other here.. At this very moment is a pivotal point in our collective narratives" he says.
"Shut up Omoi!" karui shouts, slapping him in the head. He is a dark skin young man with short, spiky, white hair and dark eyes accentuated with eyelashes curving upwards from the corners. He wears a dark outfit consisting of an overlong shirt with a hood and cargo pants.
"Are you all Ninja" mei asks.
"We're from Kumogakure" yugito replies and has her dark eyes on naruto.
"He's strong Kitten.. Keep the hothead from pissing him off" a voice says in yugito's head.
"We lost someone important to us.. So we're on a journey of hope and healing.. We heading to Kumogakure to see on the Great Ninja Villages to see its rich history and experience it firsthand" mei says.
"We can escort you for a Fee" karui says, smirking.
"Karui.. You and Omoi are not ninja yet.. We can accompany them as we're on our way back" yugito says and looks to the pair, "I'm Yugito Nii and this is Chunin Samui.. They are Karui and Omoi" she adds.
"Nice to meet you and let's get along" mei says, bowing. The two groups make the weeklong journey to kumogakure, which is located in a range of tall mountains and is literally hidden in the clouds. Naruto learns the four kumo residents have various personalities with yugito being a courageous, proud and wise kunoichi. Samui is mature, calm, and generally silent compared to the combative, outspoken, stubborn, and impulsive karui or the overly critical thinking omoi. He also knows this is the same village who tried to kidnap his mother when she was young.
"This is Kumogakure" yugito says, as the main gate of the village. Naruto and mei hand over papers with his last name being Useugi to keep himself a secret from konoha. A thing naruto immediately notices as unlike konoha which could be 70% civilian and 30% ninja, the opposite could be said for kumo with 70-30 in the ninja's favor. The two groups part as naruto and mei find a hotel to stay in, finding one but it costs double compared to most hotels outside the village.
"Can we head to Iwagakure and get some Jutsu for me" mei says, unsealing her things.
"We can.. Iwa deals in the Lava release" naruto says, unsealing his things as well. The pair take a tour of the village and it confirms that there are more ninja than civilians, before finding a restaurant selling some very delicious food. Mei has some seafood and the blond has a steak but notices again things were expensive.
"Is it because of the distance" mei says, as they were leaving the restaurant.
"Maybe.. We are in the mountains" naruto says. They continue to explore some and mei drags him to the shopping district for some new clothes. He buys a graphic long sleeve shirt in a black color with sleeves have bionic designs on them. A pair of hybrid ninja-cargo pants with adjustable straps and tight ankles. He finds a hoodie with lightning storm graphic on and mei would steal it from him once they were back at their hotel.
"Don't get caught" mei says, winking.
"I won't" naruto says, making a clone in case someone shows up. He uses stealth and slips out the hotel room from balcony to make his way towards the tallest tower of the village and has the kanji for lightning on the front. Patrols were very prevalent as naruto moves through the village, "Kumo is very militarized" he thought. He reaches the tower and manages to slip inside due to someone entering the tower. He searches for the jutsu library and soon finds it, searching through the library and finds some jutsu but a few were some he's seen already. He writes down Electromagnetic Murder and Thunderbolt but the rest utilize the Lightning Armor and are taijutsu based, co-op based or sword based jutsu but also some lava based jutsu.
"Rubber" naruto thought.
"I don't think Mei will like these" mikoto comments, writing them down just in case. He thought of checking the raikage's office but decides against it and slips out the tower behind someone luckily. He heads backs to their hotel room and slips back inside, "Mission successful" mei asks, laying on the bed.
"I found a little but it's more suited for certain people.. I did find some Yōton jutsu but they are Rubber based" naruto says and mei wrinkles her nose, "I guess it's Iwa next" he adds. The young couple would remain in kumo for about a month but would soon find their patience and resolve tested not just by the foreign environment. It would be the interactions with karui and omoi, the former antagonizing them several times and leading to them a friendly spar.
"This is so not Cool.. They are guests here.. There's no need to constantly provoke a fight" samui comments, standing between naruto and karui.
"It will be fine Samui.. I just want to see what he's made of.. Besides.. It's just a friendly spar" karui says, tossing naruto a wooden sword. Naruto has a lazy grip on his sword with an almost disinterested look on his face but could hear omoi going on a long tangent about him being the secret son of the yondaime hokage to mei.
"That is scary accurate" mikoto says.
"I agree.. If you go Earth country and Iwa.. You better dye your hair" zabuza says. Samui calls a beginning to the spar and karui wastes no time to close the gap with a two-handed thrust but naruto parries her strike, into a spin on his heels for a strike to back of her head. Karui quickly avoids it by ducking under the strike and scampering back but naruto forces her to quick block a series of quick strikes. Naruto has to avoid using any uzumaki techniques or any taught to him by zabuza, ameyuri and mikoto. Karui goes for a single quick and powerful cutting motion but naruto avoids it, even countering a feint by using kawarimi to distract him and lateral sword slash.
"He's good.. He avoided both the Kumo-Ryū Damashigiri and Kumo-Ryū Omotegiri.. He has to be trained but from where" samui thought, seeing naruto switch hands to counter karui and strike her in a few spots.
"That's enough!" samui says firmly, signaling the end of the spar.
"I'm not finished!" karui shouts, panting heavily.
"Yes you are" samui says and karui shoots the blond a dirty look, her glare at naruto speaks volumes. She is clearly not pleased with the outcome, her pride wounded by the defeat by some blond unknown merc. Naruto hands samui the wooden sword as mei smiles at him, "Thanks for the spar" he says.
"You have a unique strength.. How about joining Kumogakure.. I can assure you a high rank" samui says, her gaze fixed on naruto.
"And I'll say it again.. I'll have to decline.. I want to see the world and I can't be tied to a country's Ninja Corp" naruto says, answering with a respectful tone. Karui is still silently fuming and couldn't help but interjects, "You're turning down Kumo?!.. Do you even realize how big of an opportunity you're skipping?!" she says.
"Maybe but I think there's a lot I can learn on my own.. Meeting new people and facing different challenges" naruto says but karui rolls her eyes, scoffing loudly.
"Shame... Maybe we'll see each again" samui says, extending her hand and shaking his hand.
"Maybe" naruto says, with a small wave to karui and omoi but she flips him off. Naruto and mei head back to their hotel to checkout and leave kumo that day for earth country. They travel south out of lightning and pass through the Land of Frost, stopping in Shimogakure but find nothing of note except a white harlequin like mask. It has black painted lips, a pink star over the left eye, its eyes are blacked out and purple crescent moon on the right cheek. Naruto buys the mask at mei's urging to keep up his phantom motif. Their next port of call is the Land of Hot Water and the country is one of pacifism with Yugakure ninja mainly protecting the tourism trade with towns being few and far in-between but it is the next country where trouble comes calling.
"I'll ask One more time.. Who is this Master you serve" naruto says, firm, leaving no room for evasion. His uzumaki repeating rifle pointed directly at the chest of a missing-nin, the tension palpable in the air as mei is a safe distance away with senbon in her hands. He and mei were currently in the Land of Rice Patties or so they thought as several missing-nin call this the Land of Sound.
"You have no idea what powers you're meddling with.. Why should I talk to ones who will serve..." the missing-nin starts but naruto blows his head off and raises him as shadow soldier, along with a dozen others.
"This Master must be powerful to control so many" mei comments, her gaze not leaving the missing-nin's body.
"I have to agree" naruto says, having the soldiers bury their bodies in a mass grave. The pair head for the small town that hired them to deal with these missing-nin but the village head's son meets them at the town's edge and a few others were with him carrying weapons.
"What's going on?!" mei says.
"It was wrong to hire outsiders.. My father will bring His Wrath upon and he will kill us" the young man says, his voice trembling and betraying the facade of determination he tries to uphold.
"He who" naruto says, luckily having his mask on and mei her hood up.
"We do not say His name.. Now Leave!" the young man says, his gaze lowering to the ground.
"We'll leave but don't send He who is not to be named after us or I'll come back" naruto says, using a little bloodlust to get his point across. The pair leave and continue west towards the border amongst rice patties, "I wonder who He is" mei says, her voice carrying a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"We know they are a He and powerful enough to scare people into not dealing with outsiders.. Even though they want to" naruto says, removing his mask but keeping his hood up and revealing a thoughtful expression.
"Do you think His power is the reason for the attacks.. To keep everyone in line" mei inquires, following naruto's gaze across the sprawling fields.
"Possibly.. But scaring people into submission... It's a coward's way of maintaining control" naruto muses and mei nods in agreement.
"So we should leave this country quickly" mei says and naruto nods. About two weeks later they were in Land of Mountains, which is mountainous country but nothing of note except a place called the Mountain Graveyard. Many tell them to avoid the place as it is haunted as they pass through the country, fighting bandits or weak missing-nin to grow naruto's army and spread the name of phantom. The next country they enter on their way to the land of earth is the Land of Canyons having the shinobi village of Takigakure no Sato but the village is the definition of a hidden village. The land itself is a maze of natural beauty and treacherous paths, with several attractions that lure in the curious and the brave.
As they traverse the land of canyons, they cannot help but be drawn to the breathtaking views and the unique flora that can only be found in this part of the world. Their journey is punctuated by visits to these natural attractions, each one a brief respite in their relentless journey. These moments were fleeting and provide a necessary reminder of the world's beauty, while pausing at one of the mesmerizing viewpoints naruto and mei find themselves alone. The late afternoon sun bathes the rugged landscape in warm hues, illuminating it in a breathtaking display of natural beauty.
"This place... It's incredible isn't it" mei says, her voice soft and filled with wonder.
"Yeah.. It's like nothing I've ever seen.. It reminds me of the Whirlpools of Uzushio" naruto says, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Mei turns to look at him with a gentle smile playing on her lips, "Places like this are reminders that there's so much out there waiting to be discovered" she muses, her voice fading into a comfortable silence as stand shoulder to shoulder. The moment is peaceful and a rare pause in their journey that's both soothing but also invigorating.
"It's moments like these with you... That make this journey worth it" naruto finally says, his voice low and sincere. Mei nods and leans her head slightly against his shoulder and naruto wraps an arm around her to pull her close. As the sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the land. Naruto and mei linger a bit longer, drinking in the view and the tranquility it offers, amidst its ancient majestic beauty.
シーンブレイク
"Is that Real" mei says, as they were sitting in a cafe while rock rain is falling. They've been in earth country for a week and it has nothing but desolate or rocky areas. They passed over a very long mountain range to enter the country after changing their appearance with mei having silver hair and blue eye contacts, while naruto has dyed his hair black. Naruto slips a Iwa Mochi into his mouth and the rice cake is very good, "Seems so" he says, after swallowing. He pauses for a moment to let the flavor linger, a small pleasure in their otherwise arduous journey.
"How long are we staying in Earth country" mei asks, her gaze still fixed on the canyons that stretch out before them. The way the setting sun hit the rocks, painting them gold and crimson, made her almost forget the uncertainty that lay ahead.
"We can stay a few months to train in such a terrain" naruto replies. Mei drinks some tea after having an iwa mochi with its sweetness a contrast to the bitter tea, "Are we heading for Wind country" she asks, curiosity lacing her tone but naruto shakes his head.
"Unless you wish to go" naruto says but mei shakes her head.
"I'm not fond of so much sand" mei says, a small laugh escaping her. They pay for their meal and make their way towards iwagakure or a town near it, finding a mining town a month later in a valley called Lumen and he sends a bird shadow soldier into the village itself. The mine is hiring and naruto decides to take job there while mei finds one at a cafe, finding an extended stay inn for workers. Naruto looks through his hawk soldier and sees the village of iwa is built among rocky mountain ranges that provides a natural stronghold. The village's infrastructure is built from much of the surrounding rock and stone, shaped into tower-like structures that are inter-connected by a network of bridges. The Tsuchikage's residence seems to be the tallest structure with a cone-shaped roof and bears the kanji for earth.
"When will try to infiltrate" mei asks, unpacking her things.
"Tonight.. Why wait.. Best to get it done and that way you can begin your training.. I'll even scout a place where you can train without prying eyes" naruto says, sitting in a recliner. Mei smiles and comes sit in his lap to kiss his cheek with it being a simple gesture that speaks volumes, "You treat me so well" she says, touching her forehead to his. The pair settle in while naruto gets ready as two hours after sunset uses shadow exchange and stealth to appear above the roof of the tsuchikage building. It has roof access that allows naruto uses his lockpicking kit to gain access but leaving a clone to lock it back before dispelling.
"I wonder what kinds of Yōton Jutsu Iwa has" naruto thought, search for the archive library.
"That blasted Son Goku is here.. They may have some that mimic him.. Plus I believe Kokuo lives in the country with her host" inari comments, with a note of caution and irritation.
"Can you connect with them" naruto thought, slipping pass an iwa patrol.
"Not in this state" isobu comments, a hint of regret lacing his words. Naruto silently clucks his tongue and moves to the second floor of the building, "Here we are" he thought, finding the library on the first floor of the building and searches out the jutsu section. He searches the jutsu and most are earth based but exclusive to iwa itself. He finds a yōton section and begins inscribing such as a jutsu named Rakuseiha which is similar to mei's acidic mud. He then finds a Lava Geyser jutsu, Fissure Vent Eruption, Volcanic Mud Dragon before moving to find any futton jutsu. He finds a few like Boiling Mist Geyser but the others require the gobi.
"She has a few.. It'll have to work and we can experiment" naruto thought, using shadow exchange to return to their inn.
"Did you find anything" mei asks, her gaze fixed on him.
"I did.. Mostly Lava based" naruto says and shows her the various jutsu he found.
"It'll do but unlike you.. I can't make a thousand clones" mei says with a playful smirk, her tone teasing yet laced and a hint of envy for his vast chakra reserves.
"I can inscribe a seal on your body to increase your reserves" naruto comments and mei comes up to kiss his cheek. Six months would pass with a singular routine for the seventeen-year-olds of working four or five days a week with two off days of training with one day of relaxation. The people of lumen see the young couple as a constant in the town with naruto working hard in the mine, while mei is a beautiful face in the cafe.
"Should be almost time for lunch" mikoto comments. Naruto is hammering away with pickaxe down a tunnel, his upper body sweating and soaking his tank top. The top of his jumpsuit is tied around his waist and a hard hat on his head, "Should be" he thought.
"So... Who are you" a voice suddenly interrupts his concentration. Naruto look to see a young woman in her early twenties or around his age with black hair. Her pink eyes accented by her eyelashes and wearing the red iwa ninja uniform, indicating her origins.
"Menma Ms..." naruto says, giving her an easygoing smile.
"Kurotsuchi" the young woman says and cocks her head slightly, her gaze studying him with a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Menma huh.. You must be new" kurotsuchi says. Naruto rubs the back of his neck and rubs his forehead with his towel as kurotsuchi continues to scrutinize him, "A few months ago" he says. Kurotsuchi is about to ask him another question as another iwa ninja runs up, "Kurotsuchi.. We found him" he says.
"Stay here Worker" kurotsuchi says, following the shinobi. Naruto waits for them to leave and covers his left eye to look through one of his hawks, seeing the town is under attack by a large group of missing-nin and bandits.
"Do you want to get involved Brat" zabuza says, from his shadow.
"I do but I would rather not reveal my abilities" naruto muses.
"I would agree.. These Iwa Ninja could reveal you to the Tsuchikage" mikoto says. Naruto continues to look through his hawk while flipping his pickaxe to catch the handle but noises echo through the tunnel in the form of few bandits, "We should load up on while the Boss deals with the Tsuchikage's granddaughter" a voice says, rough and eager with the sound echoing off the narrow tunnel walls as naruto erases his presence. Another bandit chimes in with a hint of greed lacing his tone, "Yeah and I heard she's not to be underestimated.. But with her out of the way.. The old man will have no choice but to give in to our demands" he says.
"Are we really going to go through with this.. What if we're caught.. She's the Tsuchikage's granddaughter!" the third says, seemingly younger and less assured. Silence envelops them for a moment while naruto grips his pickaxe as he waits for the last to pass and swings his pickaxe into his back, bring out two of his daggers as the third screams to alert the other two but he silences them with slices through the throats of both.
"Arise" naruto says and brings the three back, sending his daggers back into his inventory.
"How many more" naruto asks and one raises five fingers. He turns towards the tunnel and weaves signs to ram, "Ninpō: Kirigakure no Jutsu" naruto thought and spews a thick mist from his mouth. The five bandits come down the tunnel but see the mist coming, "Poison" one says.
"Could be" a second says but his eyes widen as a pickaxe comes flying out to pierce his head.
"What the hell?!" the first says, as the second crumbles but a shot rings out to explode his head like a watermelon. Naruto emerges from the mist like a blur to cut through the remaining three, raising the five and continuing towards the tunnel junction but the scent of blood catches his nose. He reaches the junction and sees several bodies of people he has worked with the last few months.
"Oya.. Another Miner" a voice says and sees a thin young man with spiky purple hair, his dark eyes show the scope of his murderous glee.
"Did you do this" naruto says and the young man grins with a psychotic look on his face, licking the long knife in his hand.
"Maybe I did.. Maybe I didn't... Will you entertain Ryuma.. I want my new sword to drink some blood" the young man says and naruto sees a sword on his waist. It is katana with sleek black sheath with intricate designs on the sheath of dragons in gold.
"New Sword" naruto says. Ryuma pats the sword on his waist with a smile, "I killed this foolish samurai.. You know he Never used it and it's made of Iron Country's Chakra Metal" he says. The hidden blond knows iron is to the north of the land of canyons and borders earth but is a country ruled by samurai.
"You killed all people to Test your new sword?!" naruto says. Ryuma points his knife "You killed all people to Test your new sword?!" naruto says. Ryuma points his knife with a another lopsided grin, "Naw.. I killed these workers with this knife but you.. No You will face my sword.. You look Strong" he says. Naruto's face is hidden in shadow but leaves one purple orb, "You're right.. I am" he says, using arise on the fallen workers. Ryuma gasps as the shadows of those he killed were surrounding him but a look of utter shock crosses his face when he realizes his knife does no damage to these avenging spirits.
"Get back!" ryuma shouts but naruto uses ruler's authority to raises their weapons to pierce ryuma from all sides to incapacitate him. He falls to his knees as naruto pulls the weapons out with ruler's authority and draws the sword from its sheath, giving the hidden blond a better look as the hilt is wrapped in black and purple. The guard is a round and etched with dragons in the sky, kanji for the words sky, fire and dragon were etched on the blade.
"This is a magnificent sword.. Whoever forged it was a Master by the looks of it But it's wasted on you" naruto says, swing his pickaxe into ryuma's head and ending his murderous ways. He grabs the sheath and sheathes the sword to put it in his inventory but his eyes drift to the workers.
"Rest easy.. You've been avenged.. Reiki.. Monta.. Gonta.. Tanma.. Keita.. Yusuke and Mosuke" naruto says, before releasing the seven from his army. He heads for the surface and meets up with iwa ninja who were coming to find ryuma, "Are you the only survivor" a kunoichi says and naruto nods. He's quickly uses shunshin to town where kurotsuchi is with someone wrapped in what looks like thick ash.
"You survived Worker" kurotsuchi says, her voice laced with a hint of surprise and something akin to admiration.
"I got lucky" naruto says but kurotsuchi closes the gap between them.
"One of them was a skilled Killer" kurotsuchi questions, acknowledging the level of threat ryuma was.
"I have some Shinobi training but was busted out because I was a civilian" naruto says. Kurotsuchi tilts her head but pats his chest with back of her hand, "Beat it Worker" she says, though the harshness of her words is slightly undercut by the intrigue in her gaze. Naruto leaves and quickly heads for the cafe mei works at called Madoka but sees a few bodies along the way. He finds mei sitting with the owner Nojiko and wife of keita, "Menma" mei says and nojiko sees him.
"Keita..." nojiko says hope lighting up her eyes momentarily before she catches the somber look in naruto's as he shakes his head sadly. A wail escapes nojiko, a sound so filled with sorrow before mei pulls her into a hug, a gesture that speaks volumes in the comfort it attempts to provide. Naruto sits down next to them and rubs nojiko's shoulder, "What happened" she whispers in mei's chest.
"I... I working down one of the tunnels while Keita and few others were at the junctions.. I heard some talking and hid before seeing some bandits... I managed to deal with bandits and went to look for the others but they had been killed by this Ryuma... They did some damage to him and I got the killing blow before he noticed me" naruto explains. Nojiko doesn't say anything and leaves the young couple, "She found out she was pregnant today" mei says, shocking the hidden blond.
"I see... What happened up here" naruto asks.
"Some Missing-nin were searching for someone named Kurotsuchi" mei says, her voice tinged with worry for nojiko.
"I met her and she's the Granddaughter of the Tsuchikage" naruto says. The day would end with twenty dead and week's end the mine is closing temporarily but too long for the young couple to in lumen. They head south towards wind but move east into Grass Country, a country rich with forests and some consist of giant mushrooms or bamboo, also many rivers with deep ravines. They also see the battle scars of the third shinobi war like Kannabi Bridge with stories of the Kiiroi Senko destroying the bridge to sabotage iwa supply lines. They stop in Kusagakure no Sato and it is here that the young couple meet a member of one's clan.
"Grass Fruit.. Grass Flower" mei says, laying on the bed of their hotel room.
"My Ne shadows infiltrated a few places and it's the talk of a few places.. Apparently Hozuki Castle contains some weapon.. Grass Fruit wants to use it and Grass Flower opposes it" naruto says.
"Are you going to sneak in the prison" mei asks, her voice laced with a mixture of concern and excitement. Naruto moves to the bed to straddle her and settles himself on her chest, "No but I found the story interesting" he says, feeling her heartbeat. His left hand moves to grope her left breast and mei sighs with a mixture of frustration and affection evident in her breath But rapid knocking breaks their immersion as naruto sighs, moving off her to head for the door but has samurai killer in his hand.
"What now" mei says under her breath, sitting up fully now. Naruto opens to young woman having long red hair in an unusual hairstyle of short and spiky on the right side, while longer and straight on the left side with red eyes behind a pair of brown glasses.
"Please let me in!" the girl says, her voice laced with desperation. Naruto lets her inside and closes the door before pointing samurai killer at her, "Who are you" he says.
"I'm Karin Uzumaki and you're the Shadow Monarch" the girl says, bowing deeply.
"How do you know that?!" mei says, holding a senbon between her fingers and her stance ready for any threat. Karin looks back to mei and then to naruto, "I possess the Uzumaki clan's Kagura Shingan and I can sees the Honorable Ancestor Ashborn overlapping your soul" karin says, an earnest gleam in her eyes.
"Why did you come" naruto says, sending samurai killer into his inventory and offers her a chair. Karin collects her thoughts for a few moments and clears her throat, "My mother Kikiyo told me stories about the Shadow Monarchs of our clan.. Select Uzumaki blessed by our Honorable Ancestor... The last she spoke of was Kushina Uzumaki" she starts.
"Why didn't you come to Konoha.. Kushina Uzumaki was there" naruto asks, curiosity mixed with a slight edge of confusion in his tone.
"My Parents were attacked by masked Ninja with no emotion.. My mother and I managed to escape but.. But my father didn't.. We came to Kusa but it is here where our Slavery began" karin replies, her voice trembled slightly with the weight of her past visible in her eyes.
"Slavery" mei says, her voice steady but tinged with horror and karin nods.
"My mother possessed our clan's Heal Bite and those in power here in Kusa" karin says and her eyes flicker, "They used her to death" she whispers, tears running down her cheeks and tracing lines of untold grief but also resilience on her face. Naruto approaches and gives her cloth to wipe her eyes, "Are they doing the same to you" he says, seeing a bite mark on her right arm.
"Y-yes.. I attended their academy but was moved to become an Apothecary not a kunoichi" karin replies, regaining her composure.
"Why did you come to find him" mei says. Karin adjusts her glasses with look into naruto's blue eyes, "I know this is a Lot to ask but Please take me away from this place.. I don't want to die like my Mother" she says. The vulnerability in her request is palpable, resonating through the silence that falls upon them. Mei looks to naruto and then to karin, "You must have Minders" mei says, her voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Y-yes.. Zosui is a Jonin.. Midori and Shiba are Chunin" karin says. Naruto sighs and runs his fingers through his still black hair, "Can you leave at This moment" he asks, his tone serious yet not devoid of compassion.
"Yes" karin says, her eagerness to escape her current predicament clear in her swift response.
"Then you'll come with us.. We'll be heading south through Rain country and from there to the Land of Rivers" naruto says and karin nods.
"Are you sure" mikoto says.
"I am.. She's family" naruto thought and mikoto smiles. The young couple pack their things and checkout of their hotel plus one to leave kusagakure but they have pursuers.
"Hand over Kusa's Property" a voice says, its tone chilling voice sliced through the tense air. The three halt on a road heading south and karin visibly freezes at the sight of zosui emerging into view from the barely lit morning mist, while midori and shiba appear behind them. The sudden encirclement feels like a vice tightening around her hopes of escape, her fleeting dreams of freedom waning under the scrutinizing gaze of their pursuers.
"Property?!" naruto says, his hood obscuring his masked face.
"She belongs to Kusa" zosui says, in a very cold and indifferent manner.
"She doesn't belong to Anyone!" mei says, stepping forward with a mixture of anger and determination in her eyes. The assertiveness in her voice belied her youth, painting her as the protector within this trio.
"That's a bit naive Girly.. That girl serves a function for Kusa" midori says with a smirk, his voice carrying the weight of arrogance and unwavering loyalty to his village. His stance is casual yet threatening but suggests he is no stranger to enforcing such claims.
"Which she will no longer do" naruto says, his tone firm.
"Who are you to say that" shiba says, his gaze drilling into naruto's. Naruto reaches for his hood to pull it down and reveal his mask, "You can call Phantom or maybe Shadow... But then again.. You'll Never tell anyone" he says. Zosui draws the sword from his hip with a blank look on his face, "You will return Kusa's property and you both will be made to Serve as well" he says. Naruto's shadow like aura begins to spread out as his eyes glow purple behind his mask, "Arise" he says, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of power. Karin watches in awe as mikoto, zabuza, inari, yagura, isobu, winter and spot rise from naruto's shadow with each figure emerging while their presence commands attention.
"What the Hell?!" midori says, disbelief painting his features as he takes a step back with his eyes wide and tries to comprehend the scene unfolding before him.
"Naw but you'll be heading there" zabuza says, catching zabimaru from naruto. Karin watches mesmerized as inari shears off zosui's head, a display of efficiency and skill that leaves no room for hesitation or doubt. Zabuza with a display of raw power and a grim determination, tears apart midori with zabimaru as his actions as fluid as they are deadly. Spot cuts shiba in half as the action is so swift it's almost poetic, a deadly dance that leaves no room for mercy. The scene is a tableau of power, loyalty and a grim understanding of what must be done.
"Arise" naruto says and their shadow variants rise, "Hands behind your back and bow your heads to the ground" he orders and all three do so. Karin looks over the three shadows and glances to naruto as he removes his mask, "Thank you" she says.
"We should get going" mikoto says, having the newbies moving their old bodies. The three stop in a town to buy karin supplies for the trip but also making plans to train her in several skills learned from zabuza and ameyuri. They test her affinities to learn she has doton and suiton affinities, which allows them to further teach her several jutsu. They skirt the edges of rain country and see further battle scars of many shinobi wars, many speaking ill of the great nations and their god will smite them before they reach the land of rivers.
シーンブレイク
"You think it is accurate" naruto says, his voice breaking the silence. Mei is sitting across from him in a cottage they found in the woods while karin is outside training, "It could be.. Raiga had a nasty habit of burying people alive" mei says, her voice low but carrying a weight of understanding and fear for what that meant for their quest. It has been a month since they arrived in river country and get their first bit of evidence of finding raiga.
"We can't take Karin with us" naruto says, his voice firm but tinged with an underlying current of concern. The thought of bringing karin into a potentially deadly confrontation with raiga unsettles him. The distant sound of movement indicates karin is still training outside, pushing her limits and honing her skills, unaware of the discussion taking place inside the cottage.
"We can't leave her here either.. Her skills can be valuable" mei says but sees the bigger picture and the role karin could play in their pursuit. Naruto sighs with ruffle of his hidden blond hair, "She'll have Zabuza attached to her" he says and mei nods. The pair head outside and speak to karin about their plan to chase a rumor concerning someone they knew and promised to take down. The three pack up their things and erase their presence before heading for the Katabami Gold Mine, which is about a week's travel from their location.
"Raiga Kurosuki" karin says, while they were on the road.
"He was student of my Sensei Ameyuri Ringo and one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist" mei says, her voice laced with a mix of respect and disdain.
"He stole my swords the Kiba Blades and ran off.. I charged the Kiddies to kill him" ameyuri says, coming from naruto's shadow in a chibi form and resting on naruto's head.
"Will you keep the swords" karin asks, a question that has been lingering in her mind.
"Depends.. We'd have to head back to Kirigakure or Ameyuri can keep them" naruto replies. The journey falls into silence but about two hours later the heavy scent of blood catches their nose, "Arise" naruto says, bring out one of his tigers. It follows the scent off the road and into the forest to find the body of a large wolf, "Kami" karin says. Naruto moves closer and sees numerous slashes to the wolf but a bit distance away is a large dead boar.
"Looks like they were fighting and killed each other" naruto says but hears whimpering, find the source being a wolf cub with black fur and blue eyes. The pup growls at naruto but the monarch slowly moves his hand close for the pup to sniff and acclimate to him. It slowly sniffs his fingers and after a few minutes begins licking him as naruto picks him or her up, "Their mom is dead but took the boar with her" he says, seeing the pup is a girl. Karin approaches and lets the pup sniff her with it being more at ease with her, "Can I keep Her" she says.
"Sure.. Mom is mine though... Arise" naruto says, bringing the wolf and boar back.
"She'll need a name" mei says, letting the pup sniff her.
"How about Blue for her eyes" naruto says, dismissing the wolf and boar as karin buries the mom with a doton jutsu. The three plus one head back for the road and continue towards their destination of the mining town of katabami. They deal with some bandits and pass a few towns, getting blue looked at by a vet and gain more information. A few days later they arrive at a curry shop that doubles as an inn called Curry of Life.
"Curry of Life" karin says, blue in her arms and now sporting a white collar. She is wearing a long sleeve white shirt with a red tie having black cuffs on her wrists and a waist cincher, black cargo shorts with red tights and black ankle boots.
"We should it.. They have info on the mine" mei says. She is wearing naruto's lightning storm hoodie over a sleeveless black crop top with a buckled choker at the collar and black jean shorts with dark blue straps around her upper thighs and black lace-up boots, loose mimetic leg warmers with high-waist black tights.
"I've never had Curry" naruto says. He is wearing a graphic long sleeve shirt in a dark purple color with sleeves have bionic designs on it. A pair of hybrid ninja-cargo pants with adjustable straps having tight ankles and steel-toe harness boots. He also has on a long black button up jacket with the upper body featuring a hood having a beaked tip, blue lining along the torso with the lower half of the coat forming two tails. The four enter the shop and not many are inside but are met by a little old woman named Sansho.
"We'd like a room and some of your Curry" mei says, as sansho leads them to a low table.
"Sure.. I'll whip up my World-Famous Curry" sansho says, going to grab a ledger for them to sign. Naruto looks around and removes his hood to observe but only a few older men are drinking in the corner. A young man that introduces himself as Karashi has them sign the ledger and bring water.
"Karashi.. What do you know about Katabami mine" naruto asks. Karashi begins a small rant about the magistrate imposing high taxes on the workers but soon a hero came to overthrow the magistrate.
"What's Hero's name" mei says, her curiosity piqued.
"Raiga.. Raiga Kurosuki" karashi says, proudly.
"You'll have to take us to meet him" mei says, sweetly and karashi nods with dumb smile on his face.
"What a Minx" naruto says, under his breath but loud enough for mei to hear.
"What's that Love" mei says, turning her gaze towards him and feigning ignorance.
"I said what a Minx" naruto says, a slight grin on his face and acknowledging mei's playful demeanor.
"Well.. I'm your Minx" mei says with a teasing smile, her eyes locked on naruto's and escalating their flirtatious banter.
"So... Raiga is in Katabami" karin whispers, attempting to steer the conversation back to the task at hand.
"Seems so... Mei and I will head Katabami.. While you stay here.. Now can sense all the way there" naruto says, articulating the plan.
"I can try" karin says and closes her eyes to focus, letting her perception spread from the shop outwards. A few minutes pass and karin opens her eyes, "There are at least Twenty Chunin and above people there.. I can almost feel Despair coming from there as well" she says, as blue paws at her tie.
"I see" naruto says and cups his chin in thought "I'll keep Zabuza to your shadow and Blue's mom to her shadow" he adds and the redhead nods.
"Here you go.. My World Famous Curry" sansho declares, rolling a cart with three plates. Karin sees the older men waving their arms and heads frantically as sansho places three plates of nearly black curry. The two uzumaki and terumi stare at the concoction before them but the hidden blond makes the first move, grabbing a spoonful of curry to slip it into his mouth. The pair watch in horror and fascination as his face undergoes a rapid transformation, changing colors from red to green to pink to blue to white. He trembles violently, sweat pouring down his face, before falling back with a dramatic clatter of the spoon hitting the floor.
"Naruto?!" both say. Naruto snaps awake with a look on his face but tears well up in his eyes, "Oh my Kami.. I almost died.. I almost died.. I almost Died!" he cries and mei pulls him into a hug, "La Carcagne.. La Carcagne" he mutters, confusing both. He quickly snaps back and glares at the curry on the table, "I've eaten Food out of the garbage before but that.. That is evil" naruto says, getting to his feet pulling out some money.
"Order something better... Don't eat that Blue" naruto says, stopping the pup and giving karin money. Mei grabs karashi and the three head for the mine as karashi extols about raiga, "What do you Really know about Raiga" she asks.
"He's a hero" karashi says, his voice filled with an unwavering belief. They soon reach the outskirts of the mine with a waterfall feeding into a makeshift river, several buildings and what appears to be the magistrate's place under construction.
"You can head back Karashi" mei says, a serious tone to her voice.
"I wish to see Raiga" karashi says but naruto chops the back of his neck. A clone pops to life and takes karashi back to the shop as naruto brings out his mask.
"How do you wish to do this" naruto says.
"Flood the area with your Mist and lure him out" mei says and naruto makes about five clones that uses stealth to begin flooding the area.
"Looks like his Habit is on display" naruto says, attaching ameyuri to mei and pointing to the graves. At the same time in front of the magistrate place raiga kurosuki sits on the steps before a frightened man, to his right is a mountain of a man standing nearly 7'2" with a muscular physique with long pants and a sweater.
"So Ryunosuke..." raiga begins, still wearing his former Anbu like attire and the kiba blades at his sides.
"It seems his friends managed to reach a Ninja village" one of his minions says, wearing the hooded mantles of the group.
"Then in that case.. Let's have your funeral Ryunosuke.. I'll give a grand speech and cry deeply for you.. More than even your family" raiga says.
"Boss!" a member of the kurosuki suddenly shouts, running up to them with urgency clearly etched on his face.
"What's going on" raiga says with a calm demeanor, masking the intrigue that sparked within him at the unexpected interruption.
"W-we're under attack.. Some people showed up in a thick mist" the minion stutters out, trying to catch his breath. Raiga rubs his chin with a smile on his face but looks to his mountain, "Taiga.. Take care of our pest problem" he says.
"Fine" taiga said curtly, his voice carrying a note of eagerness for the task. With a nod toward the remaining minions, follows the one who brought the news and ready to confront whatever challenge awaits them. Back with mei and naruto they were making short work of raiga's minions as the hidden blond raises them to be new soldiers. A heavy gust of wind erupts through the area to lighten the mist and mei appears next to naruto while taiga reveals himself with six others.
"You are a Very good-looking woman" taiga says with his blue eyes on mei but his gaze drifts to naruto, "However you seem more intriguing" he adds.
"I would be inclined to agree... Can you handle them and go for Raiga" naruto says. Mei runs her fingers over blue lips to wipe some excess lava away, "Of course.. Have Fun" she says, bring out more senbon. Taiga removes his sweater to reveal his muscular body while naruto slips off his coat to drop it, creating a small standoff between both sides but mei breaks it by charging raiga's minions. Taiga takes this as an invitation to shoot with a drilling left straight the air whooshing in the wake of the punch's force and forcing naruto to avoid it.
"He's Big and Fast" naruto thought, barely keeping his balance. Taiga is on him with seven heavy punches but naruto manages to force a leaping right to his temple, dropping taiga to one knee but he simply smiles.
"Beautiful" taiga says, quickly coming in a low tackle. Naruto connects with a rising uppercut as taiga reaches him but he pushes through to grab him but naruto notices these markings overtaking taiga's body.
"Soouh!" taiga roars, tossing naruto nearly twenty feet but he manages to catch himself as his mask falls from his face. Taiga methodically approaches as his body goes through a radical transformation, his skin is beginning to darken and his sclera bleeds black, his arms gain vambrace like plating on his forearms as well. Taiga propels himself with a missile into furious rush of punches but the hidden blond manages to get his arms up to block. Naruto uses kawarimi with a body and brings out the scorching gauntlets, "Round 2" he says.
"Hahaha.. Yeah" taiga says. Both rush each other into a flurry of punches with neither block, their snapping from the thunderous blows with blood flying from naruto's face from each of taiga's punches connecting. A right hook connects with naruto's face but uses the trajectory of the punch to spin and gain velocity, "Burst Knuckle" he shouts, connecting with right that sends taiga skidding back. Taiga falls to one knee but the smile on his face never falters while blood runs down naruto's face and both shoot forward. Naruto ducks under taiga's left hook and the hidden blond clenches his left, "Futae no Kiwami!" he shouts. Naruto caves in taiga's chest and drives him into the ground as two blows appearing like one, fractures as taiga crashes with a spiderweb crack.
"Special technique of the Scorching Gauntlets.. Futae no Kiwami" mikoto says, her voice steady but carrying an underlying excitement.
"Yeah.. Two punches that act as one... Arise" naruto says, turning the gauntlets back into bracelets. Taiga rises as mikoto goes to retrieve naruto's mask and coat but the mountain of a man is even taller with a single horn on his forehead.
"I am yours to Command" taiga says. Naruto pulls a stasis scroll from inventory to seal taiga's original body for a proper burial as mikoto comes with his things, "Now we go kill Raiga" naruto says.
シーンブレイク
"Raisō: Ikazuchi no Utage!" raiga shouts, driving his swords into the ground. Mei narrowly avoids the bolts of lightning running along the ground and tosses several senbon. She has been doing well against raiga but the kiba blades keep her from getting close to deal the death blow, though a few of her senbon have found the mark.
"Is She dead" raiga sneers, firing off a few lightning balls.
"Thanks to you" mei says, weave a few signs and spewing some lava globs. Raiga avoids them but knows if one gets him, it'll be his glorious funeral but that will not happen in his mind.
"Hahaha.. A shame the youngest member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist died in some bed" raiga says and brings his swords together, "I'm done playing.. Time for your Glorious Funeral!" he shouts. Rumbles of thunder echo as raiga calls down lightning as mei prepares to avoid it while he spins in place, "Rairyū no Tatsumaki!" he shouts. Mei sees the snarling dragon with red eyes coming but suddenly taiga lands with a large dust up to block it by a heavy punch.
"What is that?!" raiga says, before being shot in the back. He crashes to the ground as naruto appears from stealth with his rifle in hand, "Your former subordinate Taiga.. I also have another surprise" naruto says, removing his mask and hood. He touches his hair and channels some chakra as his raven locks become golden locks after touching his head.
"You?!" raiga says, pain lacing his voice as he struggles futilely to move but finds his legs unresponsive. Naruto sends his rifle away and walks to pick up the kiba blade, "Yes me.. We made a promise to Ameyuri and we keeping it" he says, as ameyuri rises from mei's shadow.
"The Kiddies have done right by me and now they'll deport your sorry ass to Hell" ameyuri says, her voice a blend of amusement and threat but revealing her unforgiving nature, and the scars of her past that shaped her into the formidable kunoichi she is today. Mei with a calmness that belies the storm brewing within as she weaves signs to tiger, "Yōton: Rakuseiha" she says, before spewing a large projectile of acid. Raiga's screams of agony cut through the atmosphere, a harsh reminder of the brutality that comes with their world. He melts down into a puddle of sludge, his end as tragic as his life while being a victim to the very violence he perpetuated
"Sorry Love.. Now you can't bring him back" mei says but the blond shakes his head, reapplying his black dye.
"Don't need a cheap knockoff" naruto says, dismissing taiga and ameyuri. The pair head back to sansho's shop but encounter a konoha genin team lead by Might Gai.
"Who are you" one says and naruto recognizes him as hinata's cousin Neji, his question slicing through the air with a gaze as piercing as his Byakugan.
"You can call me Phantom" naruto says, recognizing a second member named Rock Lee but the third he doesn't recognize her.
"Phantom we were hired by a villager to deal with Raiga Kurosuki" lee says, optimism undying in his voice.
"Sorry you came so far but Phantom and I have dealt with him" mei says, her tone even but strong.
"And who are you" neji says, his focus shifting to mei.
"Call me Ringo" mei says, a slight tilt of her head.
"You took our mission" Xiaomao and the third of team-gai says, her voice tinged with both accusation and disbelief. Naruto pins his hidden eyes on her with curious tilts of his head, "What can we say.. We got here first" he says, hiding the underlying tension with a facade of nonchalance.
"Yes.. We killed Raiga.. Not some Genin who probably aren't Wet" mei says, her tone dripping with a mocking edge and sparking a visible fury in the lone kunoichi of team-gai. Xiaomao's fists clench at her sides with her body language screaming intentions of attack but lee steps in front of her and his own stance a barrier of calm, "Xiaomao No" he says, a gentle reminder of their teachings and the discipline they must adhere to even in moments of provocation.
"What is going on my Youthful team!" gai shouts, coming out from the shop with coincidentally karin and blue. The sudden interruption momentarily diffuses the tension, redirecting their focus to their sensei as his presence demands respect and adherence to the code of conduct they've been trained to follow.
"These two have proclaimed they have kill Raiga Kurosuki" neji says, his brow furrowing as he recounts the event. Gai looks over the pair but for once remembers naruto's mask from the bingo book, "You're Phantom.. Kirigakure placed you in the Bingo Book" he says, recognition mixing with a hint of respect in his tone. It's rare for someone so young to make such an impression that they're noted in the notorious book of shinobi.
"And you Might Gai.. Konoha's Noble Green Beast" naruto says and both shake hands, "As I was telling your team.. We took care of Raiga but if you head to the Mine near the Magistrate's office.. You'll find what is left of him" he adds, detailing their encounter and its aftermath.
"We'll need to confirm it" gai says, shifting into action.
"We'll talk the owner and be on our way" naruto says, heading inside.
"We should bring them back to Konoha for questioning" xiaomao says, her analytical mind thinking ahead to the potential intelligence they could gather.
"I agree with Xiaomao.. The information they possess could be crucial for our future operations" neji comments, nodding with xiaomao's sentiment.
"If a fight were to happen.. If would not be easy.. Phantom is credited with killing the Sanbi Jinchuriki Yagura Karatachi during Mist's Civil War" gai explains, his voice carrying a gravity that underlines the severity of their situation. The mention of phantom's reputation causes a momentary silence amongst the group, understanding the potential threat could be far greater than they had initially thought Team-gai depart for the mine as naruto's group leaves after listening to karashi curse them for killing their hero raiga.
"Good thing I was wearing my mask and dyed hair.. Otherwise Konoha would be hounding me" naruto says, a hint of relief in his voice at having maintained his anonymity during the confrontation.
"At least your infamy will spread.. That will keep our enemies guessing" mei comments, trying to find a silver lining in their precarious situation.
"That Konoha team was weird" karin adds and blue barks her agreement, sensing the unease amongst her companions.
つづく
AN2: I'll end here with Naruto encountering Team-Gai for a moment and Gai knowing him from his entry. Also Karin joining Naruto's little group and She'll Only be like a sister to him, because people will ask. Next chapter will start with some incidents in Fire Country before moving Naruto and company heading for a mini arc in Naruto Game plot for another powerful shadow. Then we'll timeskip to Naruto meeting Prince Ieyasu but also Tsunade and her company. Thank you for reading and I decided for Mei to keep the Kiba Blades, though can I change the design of them?