First Sage of Buer
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Genshin. Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto and Genshin Impact is owned and created by Mihiyo respectively. Certain elements were inspired by various Naruto/Genshin Impact crossover fanfictions.
Posted August 16/2023(Wednesday)
Word count total- 8806 words!
I had 581 follows, 483 faves and 63 reviews. Now I have 691 follows, 575 faves and 86 reviews! Thanks for 100 follows, 92 faves and 23 reviews!
READING THE FOX SCROLL was taken down on June 24/2021(Thursday). I added a link to its new home on my wattpadd. I used the original docs (hence the Ans) but the format is a bit different due to the different site.
PEOPLE got to your profiles and change to YES! Note: Email Alerts are now only active if Email Opt-in is enabled in account settings. It goes to no every 90 days and you get NO email notifications on stories!
I am going to BOLD the 7 elements of Tyvet in this story.
AN1: I know I am not going word for word from the game but it is called ripples. Plus Naruto himself changed vast amount of Sumeru lore just by coming in early and saving Nahida along with being the one to kill Osial. Also I play in English and I know there was a translation issue with 'Lesser Lord Kusanali'. It just works better in my mind especially for story so I am not changing it to 'Little God'.
I know this isn't one of my most popular stories and I am sure people want me to write the older stories but hey I write what I want to write! I was in a Genshin mode to so I wrote my Genshin story.
Happy Genshin 4.0 day! wooh Fontaine!
Also for fans of Six paths Jinchuuriki… lets say I have a BIG surprise for yall next chapter! It will quite the doozy and I won't spoil it here hehe.
Chapter 4 The Contract to end all Contracts and the Promise
Naruto, Paimon and Lumine continued their walk to the Northland Bank although Naruto did look rather distracted with Lumine and Paimon looking worried.
"Is something the matter? Was it Hutao? She does seem kinda odd but I don't think she is a bad person or anything." Lumine asked looked at Naruto in the eyes.
Naruto smiled and shook his head. He looked at Lumine and Paimon for a moment before he sighed.
"Its not her. I just think Zhongli will be someone different then what I expect." Naruto commented as he tried to explain his feelings.
Paimon floated over to Naruto with a confused expression as she put a hand over her chin.
"I thought you haven't met Zhongli before?" Paimon asked with Lumine nodding along.
"My Archeon is the God of Knowledge. She makes an effort to keep track of people of interest and Zhongli is someone she thinks is a person of interest. She has heard stories of him but admits stories don't necessarily reflect a person here and now personality." Naruto stated vaguely not saying that Nahida and Zhongli were friends before. Rather Buer and Morax before their current vessels.
Lumine had an unimpressed expression as she put her hands on her hips.
"Zhongli is nice enough but someone who looks responsible he seems to really have bad grasp on Mora. He seems to forget his wallet the entire time we were preparing for the Rite of Parting for Morax." Lumine commented with a sigh before her face grew sour.
"Zhongli actually had to borrow Mora from Childe of all people! Not only is part of the Fatui Harbingers but he actually seemed nice before!" Lumine ranted showing her annoyance with the Harbinger.
"Lumine…." Paimon stated sadly as Lumine sighed closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
Lumine opened her eyes and blinked when she felt Naruto lay a hand on her shoulder gently as he looked at her kindly.
"I understand. Childe will have to explain himself and be held accountable for his actions one way or another." Naruto agreed as Lumine smiled glad her new friend understood her feelings.
Naruto smiled before he sighed getting the two girls attentions.
"I don't like the Fatui either or at least the Harbingers." Naruto admitted getting curious looks sent his way.
Lumine looked amused as she remembered how the Knight of Favonius especially Jean seemed annoyed at the presence of the Fatui in Mondstadt and how Ningguang showed her outright displease at the actions of Childe releasing Osial.
"Did they do something to you before?" Paimon asked softly as she hovered over Naruto looking concerned.
Naruto eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. Lumine noticed Naruto clenching his teeth before he took several deep breaths. Paimon looked nervous and Naruto noticed he was getting worked up as he sighed.
"Sorry I am not angry with either of you. To be honest I rather enjoy both of your presence. Its nice to be around people who are so honest and earnest. You wear your hearts on your sleeves. Kinda like me." Naruto remarked looking them over.
Lumine and Paimon gave awkward smiles as they looked uncertain.
'That is suppose to be a compliment, right?' Paimon thought.
'He certainly rather blunt. Its not a bad thing but still…' Lumine thought.
"The Fatui haven't done anything directly to me but I suppose its because they don't know of me yet. Sumeru has been rather quiet in recent years with little to no Fatui presence in our borders." Naruto remarked getting back to his story as he looked rather reminiscent.
"That makes sense. They seemed to be a nuisance when I was in Mondstadt but Childe releasing a God in Liyue seemed to be rather extreme in my opinion." Lumine noted with Paimon nodding her head.
"However, years ago before I got to Teyvat let alone Sumeru my little sister was kidnapped by the Number 2 of the Harbingers. You could call him the Doctor. That being his codename for his rank in the Fatui Harbingers." Naruto remarked with a notable distasteful and sour expression.
"Number two?! Is he like super strong then?" Paimon gasped in fear as Lumine bit her lip in nervousness.
"It is said that the top three of the Harbingers have powers comparable to the Archons themselves. From what I understand while two lower rank members will usually go to one of the other lands of Teyvat for their notorious misdeeds a single member of the three is usually sufficient to handle the job themselves." Naruto commented ominously. AN2:
"As strong as the Archeons themselves and they have three of them in their ranks?!" Paimon screamed as she started to fly out of control in fear and confusion.
"Paimon calm yourself!" Lumine shouted although she to had a look of nervousness but she hid it well.
Naruto smiled at the Fairy like girl as he gently plucked her out of the sky and held her by the scuff of her neck as if she was a kitten getting a huff from Paimon. Paimon blushed when he let her go making her stumble in the air but then patted her gently on the head.
"You don't to worry. You and Lumine are my friends and I protect my friends." Naruto promised her with a fox-like grin as Lumine looked away with her cheeks slightly red.
'Does this guy charm every girl he meets or is this just his natural charm?' Lumine thought abit sourly as she was acting more like a schoolgirl then a warrior that she saw herself.
"Aren't you worried? The Archons are supposed to these super powerful Gods that reign over this world." Lumine asked although her tone was abit skeptical at the power of the so called 'almighty Archons'.
'I mean Venti is nice and all but I hardly call him all mighty unless he simply won't fight like what I would expect someone all mighty would.' Lumine thought as she thought Venti as 'reliable' but harmless.
Naruto shrugged as he gave an easy smile.
"No one is almighty. I don't believe the Archons are unbeatable let alone the Harbingers. If anything, the fact they would rather sneak around rather than do actual direct attacks saying something about their courage." Naruto commented showing his disdain for the Harbingers.
Lumine and Paimon looked at each other but then shivered and stepped back. Naruto eyes had narrowed as his hand flickered lightning on and off.
"However, if the Harbingers decide to attack my home or my people then I won't sit back in fear. I will defend my people. I will not let them get attacked just to avoid conflict with the Harbingers or the Fatui or the land Snezhnaya itself." Naruto warned as a dark smile appeared on his face.
"Hehe we will keep that in mind." Lumine stated with a smile as she wiped abit of sweat from the back of her head.
She still remembered the awe and slight fear she had when she Naruto utterly destroy the Ancient Sea God Osial. A being that herself, the Adepti and several Vision Users were unable to harm let alone defeat. Naruto had defeated it with seemingly relative ease as he did not show exhaustion to her after the fight.
Paimon hummed as she remembered something Naruto mention.
"Hey! You said sister, right? But you are from another world, right? So how could 'The Doctor' go after her?" Paimon pointed out as Naruto negative aura seemed to vanish when 'little sister' was mentioned.
Naruto was all grins again as he sighed happily.
"Is your sister like my brother? Another person who travelled to this world from another one?" Lumine asked curiously but hopefully.
"Lumine." Paimon said sadly knowing her partner was trying to find any clues on her brother as they still didn't have any clues on his whereabouts or his condition at the moment.
Naruto gave Lumine a look of sympathy and shook his head.
"Nope my sister was born in Sumeru and lived on Teyvet like everyone else. I just call her my sister as our bond is what I would expect an older brother would be for his little sister." Naruto admitted sheepishly as he rubbed his head.
Naruto waved his hand as the air around him formed into a cloud which reflected the face of a young girl who looked a few years younger then Lumine. The girl was in her mid teens with short wavy light green hair that reached her shoulders. Her purple eyes seemed to shine with an innocence of youth. She was mainly wearing a brown mini dress that reached her hips and a green shawl over her shoulders. She also wore a golden hairpin that was in the shape of a leaf. On her waist was a belt which hung her Dendro vision proudly. She wore brown stockings on her legs of different lengths. The left stocking was just above her knee and the right stocking was just below the edge of her dress length leaving two patches of skin shown. She also wore brown boots and a yellow scarf on her back that went to her hips.
"That is a cute sister of yours. What's her name?" Paimon asked with a tilt of her head.
Naruto smiled fondly at the imagine of the young girl.
"Collei. She isn't that young despite what I like to tell her. She is already 16 after all but I can't help it." Naruto admitted with a chuckle.
"Whenever I treat Collei like a teen rather than a young woman she puffs out her cheeks at me." Naruto comments fondly as the imagine glared up at him in response.
"She is kinda proving his point about being younger." Paimon noted with Lumine nodding.
"Her pout does make her look too cute to be annoyed or threatening." Lumine added.
Naruto smile grew softer as he waved his hand letting the cloud dissipate into the air.
"Despite my teasing I truly do enjoy her being around. I owe her a lot. She is what I would want in a little sister even if we are not joined by blood or anything." Naruto stated firmly.
His eyes had a fierce protectiveness to it that made Lumine blinked. It reminded her of how Aether looked at her whenever they were in danger as Aether was the older twin.
"Owe her? For what?" Paimon asked with a curious expression.
Naruto blinked before a small smile appeared.
"I might tell you some other time. Just know if it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't have stayed in Sumeru at least at first." Naruto remarked with a nod to himself.
An imagine of Collei looking notable sick with her Eleazar making her body rather weak appeared in Naruto's mind. In the memory Naruto was waking up in her bed while Collei was watching over him despite her clearly being the one who needed the bed more.
'If it wasn't for Collei I might not cared what happened to Sumeru. This wonderful child really is the one I owe most to.' Naruto thought to himself.
"I would like it if one day you could meet her. She is still rather shy so I would like it if she can make some more friends especially with honest people." Naruto commented as Lumine and Paimon blinked.
Paimon grew a huge grin as she pointed to herself smugly.
"Paimon wants to meet her too! I want to see if she has any embarrassing stories about you, she can share!" Paimon declared as Naruto raised an eyebrow.
'Good luck with that. If anything, I have more embarrassing stories about her rather than me.' Naruto thought thinking it over.
Lumine nodded as she smiled at Naruto.
"She seems like a lovely friendly girl. I believe I can be friends with her easily enough." Lumine stated honestly.
This made Naruto grin as he stepped forward to give her a hug but stopped himself. He settled for giving Lumine's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you. I appreciate it. Just don't tell her I asked you first. I want her to try to make friends on her own or at least try." Naruto said in appreciation.
As Lumine and Paimon continued to walk with pleased smile they missed a dark look appear over Naruto. Naruto eyes were looking down creating a shadow over his eyes from his spikey hair covering the sunlight.
'If the Doctor ever comes near Collei again I will make sure he will not go back to the Cryo Archeon in one piece and every fragment of him will be destroyed. I will never let him experiment on her or anyone else like what he did to her again.' Naruto promised as his eyes gained an electric spark.
Naruto looked up with his easy smile with not a hint of his dark thoughts on his face.
"Its sweet that Naruto is so protective of his sister even if they are not blood related." Paimon whispered to Lumine who looked at Naruto with her corner her eyes with interest.
"Yeah, it is sweet." Lumine stated half paying attention.
Lumine cheeks had a tiny hint of pink from when Naruto briefly held her hand and she wouldn't admit it but she found it a rather endearing quality that Naruto cared so much for his family.
'I wonder if he would care so much for our…' Lumine thought before her eyes widened as she was getting into a topic she did NOT want to think about.
'Bad Lumine! I am looking for my brother first and foremost! I don't have time thinking of things like a future with Naruto!' Lumine chided herself as she looked away fanning her face in embarrassment.
Paimon looked at Lumine with concern but Naruto shaking his head made her not confront Lumine on her weird expressions.
"Lumine. About your brother…" Naruto decided to say as Lumine lost her flustered looks as her eyes widened.
Lumine instantly ran over to Naruto and stood in front of him looking frantic.
"Do you know something about Aether?" Lumine asked with her eyes full of hope.
Naruto looked away not wanting to crush her hopes.
"I do know he still is alive and he is on this world. I do know that for sure." Naruto promised as Lumine sighed putting a hand over her chest.
Lumine closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.
"Thank goodness. I am not too late..." Lumine stated with a pleased smile.
Naruto looked away as he bit his lip.
Paimon smiled at Lumine happy expression but noticed Naruto looking away.
"Naruto? Is there a 'but' here?" Paimon asked as Lumine looked up with surprise.
"….." Naruto was silent as he tried to explain carefully.
"Naruto?" Lumine asked softly looking at him in the eyes.
"Your brother… I and my Archeon haven't met him in person." Naruto admitted after a moment.
"Really neither of you have met or seen him?" Lumine asked looking abit let done.
Naruto shook his head as he gave her a look of sympathy.
"I have only been in this world for a few years and only been in Sumeru till I arrived in Liyue to defeat Osial." Naruto clarified as Paimon and Lumine nodded as it made sense.
"And the Dendro Archon? I believe her name is Buer?" Paimon asked as Lumine looked eagerly at him.
This made Naruto feel guilty as he couldn't reveal everything, he and Nahida saw in the World Tree Irminsul. Partly as even with Nahida direct connection with the Tree Aether appeared to have very odd presence in the tree. Unlike Naruto and Lumine who being other worldly travellers were not recorded in the world history Aether did appear but it was very sketchy. However, the people Naruto and Lumine met and interacted with did have their interactions recorded but not anything that Naruto and Lumine did that was not seen by a person born in Teyvet. AN3:
"Buer hasn't see your brother either. Some things happened in Sumeru that had long lasting effects on her. She has only recently been able to resume her duties as the God of Wisdom and Archeon of Sumeru." Naruto stated as his heart grew sad when he remembered Nahida in her child like form just floating inside her seal being asleep and unable to move. Sanctuary of Surasthana was both Nahida's home and prison for the last 500 years.
"Well, what happened to Buer? Maybe if I knew what happened I could find some more information on Aether…" Lumine tried to probe but she winced when Naruto turned to her with a glare.
"Its not my story to tell." Naruto snapped but he put a hand on his cheek as he realized how he sounded.
"Sorry. Its just Buer hasn't had the best life like you would expect from an Archon. If you come to Sumeru, I will introduce you to her. If she wants to tell you the story then she can." Naruto promised giving them a small smile.
Lumine looked at him for a minute before she nodded.
"I understand. I won't probe then. Its clear your Archon is very important to you." Lumine noted softly as Paimon nodded.
"Buer has the same values as I do on peace. I respect her immensely and I will protect her and her values as best as I can." Naruto remarked as he started to walk again.
'I wonder how Lumine will act when she finds out her brother has joined the Abyss Order and even considered their Prince.' Naruto thought sadly.
Naruto eyes had turned into Kurama's narrowed eyes for a moment but he controlled the bloodlust enough so Lumine and Paimon would not sense or feel the killer intent.
'I will never forgive those Sages for what they did to my Nahida. She still isn't… after these years…' Naruto thought hatefully before he calmed his heart and his eyes returned to the sky blue.
The trio managed to get to the bank without any incident and went into inside but Lumine and Paimon saw a sight that shocked them to their core. Naruto only narrowed his eyes as he resisted pulling a sword out to end Signora. Signora and Childe were one side with a calm looking Zhongli.
"What is Zhongli doing with Signora and Childe?" Paimon asked loudly as she looked at the three of them with wide eyes.
This loud proclamation got the three of them to look at the new trio with various looks. Signora was annoyed but did raise an eyebrow at Naruto. Childe briefly looked guilty when he saw Lumine glare at him but he hid his expression with a carefree smile. Zhongli gave a nod to Paimon and Lumine of acknowledgement. He looked at Naruto with interest and a knowing smile making Naruto on edge.
Signora sighed and crossed her arms over her rather notable chest.
"Oh good. The rats come scurrying in as soon as you think you have a moment of peace." Signora stated with a condescending smirk.
"Better a rat then a monster." Childe whispered which only Naruto and Zhongli caught.
'Seems like the Harbingers are not as united as the world is lead to believe.' Naruto thought with amusement.
Naruto couldn't help a small smile at Childe's comment getting the attention of Signora who turned to him with a look of annoyance as she looked at him.
"Oh, and who is this brat? You better have a good reason for appearing here in front of two Harbingers and wasting my time." Signora claimed as Childe rolled his eyes at his fellow Harbinger antics.
Lumine and Paimon looked nervously at Naruto who to his credit looked rather calm and cheerful. He even took the time to wink at Lumine before he looked back at Signora with a flat expression.
"Hello the Almighty Harbinger Signora." Naruto mocked as Signora grit her teeth and Childe even chuckled while Zhongli retained his calm expression.
"I am Naruto Uzumaki and you can just call me a diplomat from Sumeru. I come on orders from Lady Buer the God of Wisdom." Naruto stated with a bow.
"Insolent brat. Sumeru is barely a land with any sort of military force and your Archon is weak. No battle prowess and from what I hear even a lack of love from her own…" Signora commented before she stopped.
Before anyone could react, Naruto had dashed forward and stopping a mere foot from Signora with a hand on his sword which had appeared on his hip in it's sheathe. Naruto eyes were ice cold and filled with power enough to make even Signora look away in slight fear. Nobody had even seen Naruto move except Zhongli with his many years of experience and to a lesser degree Lumine who saw something.
'What is with this brat? He is calm when I insult him but when I even imply something against his Archon his personality changes completely. Is his loyalty to a weak Archon like the Dendro Archon that absolute?' Signora thought as her eyes narrowed.
"Wow talk about fierce. I have to admit I am rather impressed with that speed. Naruto was it? I will remember your name! You can call me Childe!" Childe whistled in excitement ignoring Signora beside him glaring at him.
"Paimon didn't even see Naruto move! He was one minute next to us but next second he was in front of Signora!" Paimon added as she floated around nervously.
"Don't worry Paimon. You aren't in danger unless you threaten Sumeru or my Archon." Naruto assured her but kept his glare at Signora who returned it.
'Okay I will keep that in mind. The Dendro Archon is off limits for any sort of insults. I have a feeling he was going to cut off Signora tongue off if she kept talking.' Lumine thought but she had a small smile on her face.
Zhongli face was still calm but he did adopt a look of serious disappointment.
"Enough. Fighting will not be tolerated in this place especially as Liyue has only recently avoided calamity!" Zhongli stated with deathly calm tone as he narrowed his eyes at Signora and Naruto.
"Wow Zhongli is scary! He is giving Paimon the creeps!" Paimon remarked as she hid behind Lumine who was giving Zhongli a look of confusion.
'The way Zhongli is speaking makes it seem like he was there when Osial was released? I know it was probably hard to avoid at least hearing about a 100-foot Ancient God arising from the ocean. Especially when it was so close but still, he is giving me worrying vibe.' Lumine realized.
Signora narrowed her eyes before she very reluctantly lowered her head slightly.
"Pardon my tone. I suppose I spoke abit out of place." Signora apologized but her expression showed great resentment as if saying even these words were taking all her restraint to say.
Childe snicker got a glare from Signora as Zhongli nodded as if satisfied.
"And you Naruto?" Zhongli asked with a warning tone as he looked at the blonde with an expression that seemed to far more ancient and colder then what Lumine and Paimon were expecting.
"Eep! Zhongli is looking even scarier! Heck Paimon think even Signora is scared!" Paimon whispered to Lumine who nodded.
'Is Zhongli that powerful? I mean Signora didn't even flinch when she took Venti's Gnosis by force…' Lumine thought to herself.
Naruto was giving an equal glare at Zhongli as Lumine, Paimon, Childe and Zhongli shuddered. It seemed like the very air was quaking from an unseen pressure coming from Zhongli and Naruto.
"…. Nobody disrespects Lady Buer. Nobody. I don't care who it is or how many there are. I will protect her and her name no matter what." Naruto declared as he glared at Signora who scoffed at him.
"Naruto. I will ask again. Will you calm down and speak like civilized people?" Zhongli asked forcibly as he put a hand out.
Naruto gave Zhongli a wary look as he took his own hand off his sword hilt and nodded. He started to walk slowly back to Lumine and Paimon.
While his back was to Zhongli he stopped as he bit his lip.
"Fine. I apologize for making a ruckus. However, my mind doesn't change. I will protect Lady Buer from anyone who would bring her harm. Anyone." Naruto assured Zhongli quietly before he continued his walk back to Lumine and Paimon.
"But of course. I understand why she chose you to be her guardian." Zhongli whispered while a smile appeared on his face.
"Traveller from the stars and Hero for Buer." Zhongli whispered even quieter but Naruto pausing and almost turning around assured Zhongli he had heard the final part.
'Does he know? No impossible. I have to believe he would not stood by while she was sealed. He probably heard of what I have done in her service at most.' Naruto analyzed with his eyes narrowed for a moment.
Naruto had returned to Lumine and Paimon side with a look of apologetic and nervousness.
"Sorry about that. I lost abit of control there." Naruto told them as he waved his hand as the sword and sheathed vanished into thin air.
"Paimon is so confused! What is happening here?" Paimon whined as Naruto laughed but gave her a wave.
Signora scoffed before schooling her face to look neutral and cool headed again.
"Now that little interruption is done." Signora commented sending a nasty look at Naruto before schooling her expression once again.
"We can finish our business." Signora stated as she stared at Zhongli much to the shock of Lumine and Paimon.
"Wait what? Zhongli for working with the Fatui! With Signora?" Paimon shouted in shock.
"What is going on here? Zhongli?" Lumine demanded with a look of betrayal on her face as Zhongli looked uncertain.
Childe was about to chime in but Naruto cough got everyone attention.
"Relax. Zhongli is not working for the Fatui or Signora or the Harbingers." Naruto assured Lumine and Paimon calmly much to their surprise.
"What are you talking about?" Lumine asked before Naruto tilted his head to Zhongli.
"Why don't you explain… Morax?" Naruto asked seriously as his playful expression vanished for one of pure seriousness with his eyes focused solely on Zhongli.
Paimon and Lumine jaws dropped in shock and confusion.
"Morax?!" Paimon and Lumine shouted as they looked at Naruto who was focused on Zhongli.
"I see… So, you know the truth…" Zhongli remarked as he looked at Naruto with interest.
However, Childe and Signora were as shocked as Lumine and Paimon.
"How do you know of him?" Signora demanded as she took a step forward.
Naruto turned to her with a dangerous look but he sighed.
"Did your Archon not tell you that mine is the God of Wisdom? Do you truly believe she wouldn't know about Morax's current form?" Naruto asked smugly as Nahida face appeared in his mind smiling.
"You knew the entire time?" Lumine asked looking betrayed at Naruto who gave her a sad look.
"Sorry. I knew before I came to Liyue but I will say I still came in to help out regardless if Morax was here or not. I chose to do that because I do care." Naruto told her as he put a hand on her shoulder briefly.
"So, wait a minute!" Paimon shouted as she floated above Naruto and pointed a finger accusatory at Zhongli.
"If you are Morax the Geo Archeon… Why didn't you help against that Water God? You are supposed to be super strong right?" Paimon asked while Zhongli sighed avoiding everyone's eyes.
Signora regained her smug expression as she gave a mocking smile at Zhongli who looked away.
"I would like to know that too. I was not aware that Morax was sitting next to me this entire time and I feel abit betrayed I was not in the know when Signora clearly knew." Childe stated angrily as he gripped his hand and glared at Signora and Zhongli.
Lumine actually looked at Childe without anger and felt a hint of pity although she was still ticked abit at Childe for his actions.
"Perhaps to satisfy everyone you should explain? I do not have the patience to hear whining afterwards." Signora suggested crossing her arms.
Zhongli looked tired as if he aged a thousand years in a mere minute before he returned to his normal expression and sighed.
"Very well. As Naruto has plainly stated I am Morax or rather the Vessel for Morax. Zhongli is a mortal name for the God Morax." Zhongli explained as he crossed his arms and his eyes seemed to be a thousand mile away.
"Paimon is abit confused. Do we call you Morax or Zhongli from now on?" Paimon asked carefully as she hovered near Lumine's face who was looking at Zhongli with a wary expression.
"Zhongli is this current form's name. I am Morax but if you would like to call me Zhongli that is fine as well." Zhongli clarified before he looked at Naruto.
"What name does my friend Buer go by now? I heard at one point people called her Kusanali for some time but now?" Zhongli asked pleasantly.
However, everyone was surprised when Naruto glared at Zhongli as if he said something taboo.
"Don't call her Kusanali. That name is a name of her shame and Sumeru's failed past." Naruto hissed as he clenched his hand.
Memories of Nahida trapped in her prison and people calling her 'Lesser Lord Kusanali' in hushed tones when he first came to Sumeru.
'I will never accept her being called Kusanali again especially as it was tied to 'Lesser Lord' when people spoke of her. Those damn sages especially the first ones who came up with that name.' Naruto thought resentfully.
"Buer is Nahida to me and Lady Buer to her nation. That is how it is and we see it." Naruto stated defiantly before his expression turned curious once again.
Zhongli briefly looked confused as if he didn't know why Naruto was getting offended before his eyes narrowed briefly.
'Is there a part of Sumeru history that is not public knowledge that lead to my friend Buer to suffer before Naruto arrived?' Zhongli thought to himself. AN4:
Zhongli shrugged but nodded in agreement.
"Very well young Naruto. If that is how she and you wish to refer to her I will honour it. Nahida sounds like a name she picked for herself." Zhongli promised with a genuine look of appreciation on his face.
"How is my dear friend Buer? It has been a rather long time since I had the pleasure of talking to her in person." Zhongli asked with a pleasant smile.
Naruto resisted giving him a nasty smile and retort.
'Yeah try 500 years. I know its what you all decided when you became the Archons of each region to stay out of each other's affairs or at least that is what I assume. However, I am still annoyed Nahida was sealed away for all that time and had no one not even you Archons to talk to or interact with.' Naruto thought sourly on behalf of his beloved Archon.
'Although I think in my heart if Barbatos, Beelzebul, or Morax knew that their friend Buer was in that state they would have stormed Sumeru city to rescue her or at least send their people. Maybe not Barbatos as his people are free and everything. Damn those Sages for hiding any and all information about Nahida for those centuries especially not letting her confinement leak out to the other nations.' Naruto thought to himself as his heart ached for a moment.
"…..!" Naruto was about to answer before Signora rude cough got everyone attention.
"Enough. Get to the point. If you wish to exchange pleasantries, do it after I leave. I do not have the time, patience or will power to hear all your nonsense." Signora commanded with notable annoyance.
Childe put his hands in surrender when Lumine turned to him with a look of annoyance at the two harbingers.
"Hey don't blame me. I personally think of a victim here as well. I was just doing my job. It wasn't personal." Childe claimed with a nervous smile.
Zhongli gave the Harbingers a look of amusement but his glance assured Naruto he wasn't done talking to him yet.
"Very well. Morax has been the father of Liyue for many years. More then most can comprehend. I intended to protect this land and its people for many years to come. However recently I have been thinking 'what would Liyue do if its God was no longer among them?'" Zhongli continued his tale as he looked at Lumine and Paimon with a kind smile.
"Therefore, I made a contract with the Tsaritsa the Cyro Archon who acted through Signora." Zhongli noted as Signora had a smirk on her face.
"Contract? You mean things that happened you knew about?" Lumine asked with worry.
"I faked my death, let the Adepti, Qixing and Childe go through their games while I watched as the mortal Zhongli." Zhongli added as Childe sent Zhongli and Signora a look of betrayal.
"So, you used me to unseal the Sea God Osial without telling me anything? I merely acted as a Harbinger without any clue on what was happening behind the curtain?!" Childe shouted in anger.
Signora gave Childe a look of condescension as she crossed her arms.
"Why are you so offended? You did your job excellently and I will make sure your actions are not unnoticed." Signora asked with a mocking smile making Childe growl at her.
"So you wanted Osial to come back to life? Why? He almost killed us!" Lumine asked with a look of betrayal at Zhongli who looked down.
"….." Zhongli was silent as if he didn't expect Lumine to take it so hard.
"To test us or rather Liyue itself." Naruto declared getting everyone attention.
"Naruto?" Lumine asked as Naruto gave her a reassuring smile before his expression turned rather cool when he looked at Zhongli.
"I can only guess but I believe Morax wanted to see if the factions of Liyue could come together if they faced a common enemy. In this case an ancient God like Osial to see what would happen after he 'died'?" Naruto suggested looking at Zhongli.
Lumine and Paimon also turned to Zhongli who looked up with a sigh.
"He speaks the truth. I did want to see if Liyue could withstand a disaster like Osial without the aid of Morax so I set things up in such a way he would be released." Zhongli admitted.
"'Without the aid of Morax'? Please. If you wanted to Morax could have easily sealed away Osial with ease." Signora commented as Zhongli stayed silent.
"Waah! Test or not we almost died! Heck if Naruto hadn't come along, we probably would have!" Paimon pointed out.
Lumine and Paimon turned to Naruto with a look of gratitude who shrugged it off with a smile. Childe gave a nod of respect but kept his face neutral while Signora looked surprised.
"Wait? This 'diplomat' was the one who slayed Osial? Impossible! He is but a child and he slayed a God?!" Signora asked in denial.
Naruto turned to her with a smirk as he cracked his knuckles.
"Would you like to test me? I assure you I am not afraid you or the Harbingers." Naruto asked as his blue eyes appeared to emit power and light.
Signora for once was abit unnerved as she took a step back before Zhongli shook his head.
"Enough. I care not for your grievances. I swore a contract and as the God of contracts I intend to uphold it." Zhongli stated firmly as Naruto shrugged with a carefree smile.
'What is this child. He is no Archon and yet just from that one challenge I am starting to think he might have actually slayed Osial.' Signora thought in fear but her face showed her usual confidence.
"So, did we pass your test? I assure you if you test them again, I will intervene." Naruto asked coldly glaring at Childe, Signora and Zhongli.
Zhongli put his hands in surrender.
"I can assure you, another test will not be needed. I did not expect the arrival of Lumine or Paimon in my initial plans but they helped move things along so I give you, my thanks." Zhongli revealed as he nodded to Lumine and Paimon who awkwardly nodded back.
"And me? I am not of Liyue and I slayed a God you intended to have sealed away?" Naruto asked warily as he looked ready to summon a weapon if needed.
'His movements show years of experience. He is never off his guard or at least he will never be caught off guard. He is constantly checking us and his surroundings.' Childe thought as he saw Naruto eyes flicker to the sides briefly.
Zhongli smiled and clapped his hands showing he was pleased.
"True I did think at best the Adepti, Lumine and Qixing would seal away almighty Osial. I did not expect he would actually be slain especially from a man who had no reason to intervene in the affairs of Liyue. Unless Buer asked you to come here specifically on her behalf?" Zhongli suggested.
Naruto crossed his arms and stayed silent refusing to answer.
"However, the death of Osial by an outside party is still a result I considered favorable. Despite lacking the strength to defeat him, the Adepti and Qixing or rather mortals did come together for a brief while. This confirmed to me that if given a chance and opportunity mortals and Adepti can defend Liyue and live in peace." Zhongli declared as he nodded his head in approval.
Zhongli turned to Signora with a serious expression.
"Now the contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone." Zhongli declared as he put a hand out. AN5:
Suddenly a chest piece materialized out of nowhere into his hand as Signora expression grew hungry and greedy.
"Is that the Gnosis like Venti's?" Paimon shouted as Lumine gasped.
"Yes. The Gnosis of the Geo Archeon. As I promised in the contract to end all contracts. The Gnosis is now the property of the Tsaritsa." Zhongli declared as he put his hand out in front of himself.
Signora started to walk towards Zhongli but stopped when Naruto stepped forward.
"Naruto?" Lumine gasped when she saw Naruto looked coolly at Signora.
"What treachery is this?" Signora demanded although Zhongli looked just as surprised as her.
"Step aside Naruto. My promises I keep. The Gnosis will be given to the Tsaritsa as defined in the contract." Zhongli told him sternly.
Naruto grunted unable to hold back a look of annoyance.
"I made no such promises and neither did Nahida. Just because you are willing to give it up doesn't mean I will just sit back and let it happen." Naruto pointed out as Childe smirked at his tenacity.
"Naruto….. I will say it again. Step aside. This contract must be fulfilled. Whether you come out of this uninjured or not is still your decision." Zhongli warned as his eyes glowed and a pressure made Paimon fall the ground.
Lumine and Childe were forced onto a knee while Signora struggled to keep on her feet. Only Naruto appeared unaffected as he turned to Signora.
"I don't really care about the Gnosis to be honest. They matter little to me and I have no intention of holding or stealing any." Naruto clarified as he chatted calmly still unaffected by the pressure let off by Zhongli.
"However. I will give a message for your Archon and fellow Harbingers. Stay out Sumeru and do not think I am not watching every second for you little group." Naruto warned as his eyes started to glow and a pressure was released from him making the ground crack a tiny bit.
"And for number 2 The Doctor. If he ever experiments on any person from Sumeru, he will be lucky to come back to your Archon in one piece." Naruto hissed as he sparks appeared in the air for a few moments.
Naruto pressure vanished as the ground stopped cracking as he calmly walked back to Lumine and Paimon.
"Relax. I said my bit while two of the Harbingers were here so they know I am serious. You can give up your precious Gnosis in peace." Naruto told him cheerfully.
Zhongli looked at him intently as the pressure was released and everyone got back on their knees. He put his hand out and Signora jolted forward to take it in her hands.
"The contract to end contracts is fulfilled. Now leave Liyue as there is no more contracts Morax has with the Fatui." Zhongli stated gravely as he crossed his arms.
"Tch. How arrogant of you. Fine let's go Childe. We need to report to her majesty about our success." Signora scoffed as she turned around.
Childe gave her a look of disgust.
"You can go ahead. I have no intention of sharing a ride back with you." Childe stated as Signora merely raised an eyebrow.
"As you wish. Try to come home soon. Her majesty does not like tardiness." Signora commented as she walked off with a smug expression even swaying her hips in triumph.
"Tch. She might be good looking but she has a pretty bad attitude problem." Naruto noted with notable disgust as he glared at the door she left.
Childe smirked at him as he gave a mock bow.
"As much fun as this was, I do have to be on my way. Despite being really a victim in all this I do not believe I will be welcome in Liyue for much longer. Ningguang will likely not be passive in getting restrictions on my presence here." Childe commented as he looked at Zhongli.
Zhongli merely smiled and shook his head.
"I would be surprised if she didn't. Ningguang has always been a fascinating and ambitious woman. She will no doubt take this opportunity to restrict the movements of the Fatui and Harbingers as a result of this incident." Zhongli commented thoughtfully.
Childe laughed as he started to walk off.
"Thought as much but hey always appreciate your opinion Zhongli or Morax or Rex Lapis or whatever you call yourself." Childe stated as he gave a quick bow to Zhongli who nodded back.
Childe stopped when Lumine glared at him and Paimon glared as well.
"For what its worth… I did have fun in our short time in Liyue. That wasn't a lie. Also, what I had to do wasn't personal and I did enjoy our fight regardless of what you think of me." Childe explained as he bowed his head abit.
"Just go." Lumine commanded as she still wasn't ready to be friends with Childe at the moment. The betrayal in her eyes was still too raw.
"Also you Naruto! I would like to have a fight someday! Anyone who can beat a God is worthy in my eyes!" Childe stated cheerfully as Naruto gave him a dry look.
"I will keep that in mind thanks." Naruto told him stoically.
Childe laughed at the expression as he walked off.
Zhongli turned to Naruto with a smirk.
"A fair warning. Ningguang and the Qixing will likely wish to form closer relations with Sumeru now that it is known you represent Sumeru as Buer right hand or diplomat. Do not be surprised if Ningguang or even Ganyu tries subtle methods to hint at a closer relationship with you." Zhongli noted as Naruto shrugged.
"I expected as much. Ningguang did try to offer me a job and subtly ask me to stay in Liyue. My answer is the same though. I will never betray Sumeru or Nahida." Naruto stated firmly although his expression did soften afterwards.
"Although I do like the ideas of the nations being more friendly with each other so if Sumeru and Liyue can have better trade and relations from this incident. I would consider that a win and making lemonade from these lemons this incident caused." Naruto admitted cheerfully as his eyes twinkled with happiness.
This got smiles from Paimon, Zhongli and Lumine. Zhongli added a nod of appreciation as well.
"Well said young Naruto. I know it seems like I no longer care or want to push my burden of Archon onto the mortals but that is not correct." Zhongli added as he looked into the sky as if looking at another world.
"I merely believe it is time for Liyue to not require Morax guiding them or rather I want to believe this new generation will be able to live up and surpass the generations from before. Rex Lapis will still watch over them but only as the mortal Zhongli not the God Morax." Zhongli explained as a look of pride appeared with a smile on his face.
Lumine and Paimon were confused at his statement while Naruto couldn't help a small smile on his face.
'So, despite how it looked he is like them huh.' Naruto thought as an imagine of the third Hokage, his father and Jiraiya appeared in his mind making him remember their commitment of raising the new generation of Kohona.
"Hmm I guess I can understand your reasoning. Its like a father letting his children out of the nest as he trusts they will be able to move forward and make their own decisions." Naruto remarked as Paimon and Lumine looked at him curiously.
"You speak as if you had some experience?" Lumine asked with her eyes looking at him oddly with a hint of nervousness.
"Huh? I don't have children myself. I just knew some old men who thought similar to what Zhongli is feeling even though I don't think they would have passed on the mantle like he did." Naruto corrected her with a shrug.
Lumine let out a sigh of relief but she covered it up when Naruto looked at her with concern.
"Of course, those men haven't lived thousands of years like Morax has so I dunno if they would have made the same decision as he is doing now if they lived that long." Naruto admitted as Zhongli smiled.
'He didn't have to say I am an old man though. I like to consider myself in my prime.' Zhongli thought with a sweatdrop.
"Erosion is something that comes with age." Zhongli stated randomly before he covered his mouth as if he said something he didn't mean to.
"Erosion?" Paimon asked floating up to Zhongli who shook his head.
"Never mind. Let's forget about it." Zhongli stated dismissively as he waved his hands and started to walk away.
The group shrugged but Naruto decided he needed to say one last thing.
"Hey Zhongli!" Naruto yelled as Zhongli stopped and turned around.
"Yes?" Zhongli asked him calmly.
"I know this was a test with you hoping the results were in Liyue favour however do not do that again. Liyue isn't my people but I still cannot bring myself to look the other way while people could get hurt especially if someone like you is manipulating the situation to put them in harms way." Naruto warned as he gave Zhongli a serious look.
"Naruto…" Lumine stated as she looked like she wanted to hold his hand to comfort him but held back.
"Would Buer not do this sort of test if she wanted to let her people thrive without her?" Zhongli asked as he gave Naruto an amused look.
Lumine and Paimon took a step back when Naruto eyes narrowed and he growled.
"Nahida would never do that! If she wanted someone else to be the leader of Sumeru she would be upfront about it! She would never test them that would put them in danger!" Naruto declared as his eyes shone with anger and power.
Zhongli took a minute as he observed Naruto before nodding his head.
"I suppose she wouldn't although whether that changes in time remains to be seen." Zhongli agreed as Naruto bit his lip and nodded.
"I am glad my young friend has someone like you by her side. After what she has been through having someone who shares her values and is as devoted to her as you will set my heart as ease." Zhongli praised as he went up to Naruto.
"I promise this test will be the final one for Liyue. I am the mortal Zhongli now but my word is still like stone. I will observe Liyue but only from the ground as a mortal." Zhongli proclaimed.
Zhongli put his hand out as Naruto blinked. Naruto nodded and with a small grin shook hands.
"Very well. It's a pleasure to meet you Morax… No… Zhongli." Naruto amended as Zhongli gave him a nod.
"The pleasure is all mine Naruto Uzumaki." Zhongli replied back.
Paimon was grinning at the display while Lumine was deep in thought.
'Zhongli and Naruto keep mentioning things happened to the Dendro Archon Buer but I wonder happened? Even Signora implied her people did something to her that made Naruto almost go ballistic with rage. Maybe I will ask the Dendro Archon when I meet her in person. I don't think asking Naruto directly will be okay. It seems almost personal to him but I can understand it. He seems to be truly devoted to Nahida…' Lumine thought as she smiled to herself.
AN2: This is merely speculation on Naruto part of course as he is not part of the Fatui and would refuse if he was offered in a place there. He clearly is shown rather annoyed if not disgusted at the methods used by the Harbingers.
AN3: This is the rules I have set for the story. So, for example Lumine talking to Jean would be recorded in the tree but Lumine walking by herself would not be recorded (as nobody the tree records has seen Lumine in that instant). So, the tree will not "follow" Lumine or Naruto as it does with everyone else but it will record whatever moments someone else sees or interacts with them.
AN4: I added this line to show Zhongli and the rest of the Archons are likely unaware of their friend Buer being sealed away (in either timeline). They more or less thought she was a God who did not like the spotlight due to the nature of Archons staying in their regions and minding their own affairs.
AN5: The scene was so iconic and well done I couldn't really think of a proper way to change the speech.