"Kuchiyose no Jutsu."
Seals appeared around Naruto's palm pressed against the condensed snow. A plume of smoke bellowed up and a small toad appeared. A communication toad, to be exact.
"Connect me to Jiraiya. I need to speak to the old perv."
A loud ribbit and the toad's mouth opened wide. There was a long string of silence before something seemed to connect and another voice began to speak through the toad's mouth.
"Naruto? That you?" Wherever the Toad Sannin was, a similar looking toad appeared before him in the same manner as the one in front of Naruto.
"Who else could it be, Pervy Sage? I'm the only other person alive that can summon toads."
"Yeah, yeah." Jiraiya always just needed to make sure. "What do you need kid? I'm doing some research."
"Really? C'mon, it's only nine in the damn morning! Have some class, you pervert."
"Super pervert. How many times do I have to correct you? Anyway, what do you want? I thought this line of communication was only for emergencies only?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. The last time Jiraiya used the communication toad he was attempting a new way to gain more research. And Naruto and Ino were his test subjects. Ino still hasn't forgiven him for that incident.
Emergencies my ass.
"Just listen, you old man. I need your wide variety of information you got rolling around in that head of yours."
"Yeah? Like what?"
"Ever hear of a man called Furido?"
Naruto could hear the gears turning in Jiraiya's head through the communication toad. He briefly wondered how that was even possible. "…It sounds familiar. I bet I could turn something up if you give me some time. Why? Have you come across such a fellow?"
"Yeah. In the Land of Snow, currently dealing with a possible inside agent to take out the princess. I think me and my Genin are a bit in over our heads with this one."
"Land of Snow? Isn't that where that princess you had hung around your neck is from? And Genin? What are you doing with a Genin team?"
"It was the Hokage's idea. He convinced me to take on a team. And her name is Koyuki, by the way. But leave it to you to never remember a woman's name."
"Hey! I remember the name of every woman I've been with!"
"The one you are currently sharing a bed with does not count. And how? The list has to be over five hundred at this point."
"Seriously?! You said you were a one-woman kind of guy!"
Naruto could hear the ruffles of someone getting out of bed in haste. He had upset someone.
Jiraiya sighed. "Thanks kid." The sarcasm has never been thicker.
"Don't be a man whore then."
The Sannin decided to just let that one go for now. But he'd get him back one day. "Never pegged you to be a teacher. Though, I never thought myself to be one either. Or your father. I guess the apple doesn't fall that far from the tree."
"I remember dad telling me that he hated being a teacher because Kakashi was such a brat." Naruto chuckled. "Kakashi was a real Mr. Know it all from what dad told me."
"Yeah." Jiraiya chuckled with his student and godson. "Kakashi was a stellar shinobi. A once in a generation talent and genius. It's a real shame he retired."
"Having kids will do that. And he's not officially retired. Just on inactive reserve for the benefits, remember?" Naruto made sure to differentiate. Kakashi didn't like the fact everyone thought he was retired. He just requested to be on inactive reserve. The insurance and benefits for a shinobi were tremendous for a family. That way, he could still take on missions, at his own leisure, and keep the benefits.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Smart choice indeed. Say, why didn't you just call on one of those new devices? A cell phone? The toads aren't a fan of seeing a grown man naked."
"Do you have a cell phone?" Naruto knew the answer to that one.
A clear and concise checkmate. "…Right. Well, seeing how you scared away my company, I'll see what I can pull up on this Furido guy. I'll check my charts and books. I should have something by noon or something."
"Thanks…master."
Naruto could visualize the smug smile on Jiraiya's face. The Sannin knew it was hard for his student to use the appropriate title. A little bit of ass-kissing to sweeten the deal for him.
"Sure. No problem kid."
The communication toad's mouth closed and disappeared in a sudden burst of smoke. Beginning his slight trek back to the castle, Naruto considered the remaining variables of the mission.
There was a shinobi involved in this mission, he knew that much. The blown hole in the hull was something that could only be done by someone who knew how to regulate their chakra for a powerful technique. Either this shinobi could use a singular powerful technique, or they could as strong all around.
No matter what, Naruto needed to find them as soon as possible. The possible dangers of having a powerful shinobi running around wasn't good for anyone. The Land of Snow was a shinobi-less, they could be easily controlled.
"Sensei?"
Naruto was pulled from his thoughts. "Kai? What are you doing out here? You should be eating breakfast with the others."
"I wasn't really hungry." The girl looked bothered by something.
"Everything alright?"
Kai fidgeted slightly, unsure of what to say.
"Kai?"
"...It's about last night."
Naruto's brain caught up with everything and he realized the problem. "I see..."
"It's just...how could someone do something like that? All those people were innocent. They didn't have any part in this..." Kai really hated crying, but she couldn't help it.
In his younger days, Naruto would probably shed a tear with his student. The innocent ones were always the first to be killed. Just like how the good die young.
His parents were prime examples of this trope. Both were at the top of their respective careers. His dad was on the brink of becoming the one of the youngest Hokage ever officially elected. And his mom was considered the most feared kunoichi in all the world, only Tsunade of the Sannin to stand next to her in that regard.
"People…there are some nasty people in this world. They'll do horrible things to others that have nothing to do with their cause. And that's something you're going to have to come to terms with and deal with."
The harsh reality was evident on Kai's. She was beginning to realize that learning to be a shinobi and actually doing the job were two different realities. This was something everyone went through.
"This life isn't for the weak and faint of heart." The faintest of smirks stretched Naruto's whiskered cheeks. "If anything, it's for the wicked. But now…you've seen it."
"Seen what, sensei?" The genin quivered.
"What a man can do to another man."
Experience in situations like this were something Kai always wondered about. She wondered how it felt to know. To feel those feelings that an experienced like that would give. As much as she truly didn't want to know the horrors, her curiosity just couldn't be resolved.
But, after yesterday, her continued curiosity turned into a memory she wished she could forget.
"Shinobi are meant to endure. It's our duty to our village and each other."
Kai barely managed to meet her sensei's gaze. "Endure what, sensei?"
"Everything. It's like what I told you at the Memorial Stone. Being a shinobi is a way of life, not just a career. You either give everything you have into this…or you lose yourself to it."
The words resonated deep into Kai's mind. The weight behind them slowly swayed through her and emerged to form tears.
She hated crying, the truest sign of weakness. But she just couldn't stop them.
"Emotions are dangerous for shinobi, Kai. You need to learn to control them."
"How?!"
The outburst came quickly but disappeared just as fast. The instant regret and guilt filled her face. She didn't bare look into the unyielding eyes of her S-Rank master.
"I-I'm sorry, sensei."
"Don't be sorry. Be better." Naruto lifted Kai's face with a gentle push of his hand. "Emotions are the very thing that makes us human. Even the most hardened shinobi feel something. It's impossible to be without emotion."
Naruto dropped his knee into the hard snow, truly trying to make this connection with his student. "But you have to control them. That's the key. And how you do that…well, that's entirely up to you."
Confused, Kai could only tilt her head.
"I can't tell you how to feel or control what you feel. What I've realized works for me is a simple breathing exercise. When I'm overwhelmed, stressed, or dealing with a strong emotion in a situation, I take a moment and do a simple breathing technique. It calms me down to the point I can think rationally and deal with the situation properly. It's gotten me through a lot of times where I could've lost my cool. It's even saved my life a time or two because I was levelheaded and thought rationally over filled with emotions."
The master returned to his standing position.
"Emotions cloud judgement. Causes a person to make irrational decisions they wouldn't normally do. And in our line of work, that means life or death."
Naruto spoke with such conviction. For obvious reasons. He was an excellent shinobi with a storied career. He was young – compared to how old someone with his legend should be – and brilliant. There was no question in Naruto's words.
But, again, her curiosity spoke for itself. Even S-Rank shinobi had to have some flaws?
"Have you ever made an irrational decision?"
Kai couldn't read anything off her master's face. There was nothing that told her if she had chosen the wrong question to ask.
"Of course I have." Naruto answered quickly, surprising the young genin. "I'm human. Emotions and stress get the best of me just like they do the average person. But look what I've done and been through. Experience plays a key role in how I deal with things. And when a new situation comes that I'm uncomfortable in, I take it as easily as I can."
Naruto moved passed his genin, affectionately rubbing her head as he walked by. It felt very much like an older brother trying to teach his sibling.
"It takes time, Kai. Trust me."
-Konoha-
Sarutobi felt a hint of nostalgia as he watched a toad hop along the ledge of his office window. For many years, this was how his student would communicate with him when he was deployed in enemy territory. Usually, Jiraiya would send critical information via messenger toads. These messages from his espionage would often lead to lives saved and ears avoided.
But, these days, his students didn't talk to him much.
Orochimaru never spoke to him unless there was something he needed. Jiraiya's missions away from the village meant he was never around. Even then, the man sends updates like he used to. The only student of his that he sees on a regular basis is Tsunade. She's the medical director for the hospital. They had board and council meetings together. But, outside of those meetings, Tsunade never stopped by the office.
Perhaps the mistakes I made in the past do haunt the decisions of the future. Still teaching me things, eh, Master Tobirama?
"Master Haruno. Thank you for responding so quickly."
"Of course, Lord Hokage." Sakura Haruno, the student of Slug Sannin, responded adamantly. "Your request seemed urgent."
"It is. Master Naruto and his genin team seemed to have run into a bit of trouble on their mission in the Land of Snow. He's requested some backup."
Alarmed, Sakura was quick to respond. "Naruto's in trouble?" That statement was odd to say.
"It's a bit unclear. I doubt it's something he can't handle. Perhaps it's for his genin team." The Hokage handed over a manila file. "He also requested information on this man."
Sakura's eyes danced around the file, looking for key words and information. "Furido. I've never heard of him before."
"I doubt that you would. He's a small-time runner for a rouge outfit called Red River. Per our reports, they've been staying to local, small villages, harassing merchants and whatnot. Their track record doesn't suggest they would try an assassination attempt on a princess."
"Assassination?" Sakura peaked. She knew the basis mission he was sent on – Ino wasn't the happiest about it – but assassination wasn't in the context.
"From the update he sent out, they tried to take out Lady Koyuki but killed her stand in instead. Apparently, these bandits were under the assumption it was her. He didn't give much else. He's requesting back up so there's something else going on here."
It wouldn't take a seasoned professional to realize that. Naruto was the clear top shinobi in the village. And for good reason. There wasn't many that could rival his strength and ability. Even Sakura had to admit, as proud as she was, she probably couldn't beat him in a clean fight. Even if she fought dirty, she still couldn't sneak a win over him.
"It probably has to do with this Furido. More than meets the eye?"
"I would agree, yes." Sarutobi handed over the paperwork for the mission. "Head to the Land of Snow with your genin team and reinforce Naruto and his team. You need to make it to the port by sundown, the last ride to the Land of Snow leaves then."
Sakura quickly bowed, leaving with the resounding acceptance.
Sarutobi felt the air in his office become stuffy and unbearable. He opted for some fresh air and change of scenery. As he walked through the halls towards the rooftop balcony, he cheerfully greeted his staff as he always did. He was loved and respected by all. He took pride in that.
Shinobi of Konoha would give their lives for the Hokage. Regardless of who it was in the position, the warriors of this village were willing to lay down their lives for their leader.
That notion was something that always struck a deep chord in Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Lives of thousands were in the palm of his hands. Shinobi and villager. If he pointed, they would go.
Because of that strong devotion, Sarutobi would often take action that led to fewer deaths and damage. Diplomatic solutions were his first priority over military intervention. Even in the face of grave opposition, Sarutobi tried to settle without harm.
He always felt that the people of this great village shouldn't have to worry about looming threats. There was no need to cause a panic if he could resolve the issue through diplomacy. The high road.
But, for ever high road traveled, there was a dark underpass that was taken at one point.
Lighting his pipe, Sarutobi couldn't remember all the times he was able to settle a situation with simple diplomacy. Try as he may, he simply couldn't tell how many he had overseen.
But he could remember every detail of all the dark orders he had given. And there were just as many.
Longevity wasn't always a good thing. In a profession that took many young lives, there was usually a reason someone lived longer.
He made the hard decisions that others didn't want to. Or couldn't.
But it was those decisions that haunted him the most.
He lived in a constant nightmare because of the decisions he made. Even dating back to his younger days as Hokage, each dark day plagued him endlessly.
Past decisions certainly haunt the future. Master Tobirama…would be proud of my work? Of what I accomplished?
"Konoha's survival is absolute, monkey. No matter what you have to do for this village, remember it's for the survival of everyone in our homestead."
A teenage Sarutobi would soak in every single piece of knowledge that his master would bestow him. He admired him greatly for his knowledge and dedication to Konoha. He was truly inspired.
"Yes, master."
Sarutobi always hoped that, no matter what, his master would be proud of what he had done for the village they both loved so dearly.
Because, deep down, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not.
-Land of Snow-
Absently stroking his white hair, Furdio Tsyoshi was in deep thought of what to do next.
His plan had an unexpected wrench thrown into it. The arrival of Naruto Namikaze wasn't something he thought could happen. It was briefly considered by the man – due to the history he had with Princess Koyuki – but had written off the possibility because of the man's status.
Konoha's One Man Army was famous throughout the world. His name put the fear of God and death into nations, much like his father before.
That kind of strength isn't something to be ignored. In fact, it changes everything.
"Fudo. Report."
A large man approached the sitting man, scratching his wild hair. "The Princess has put an order for the townspeople to stay indoors. Unless we start kidnapping people, we'll able to move freely without many eyes on us."
"A silver lining, I suppose. Sora's lack of display at the docks was...unfortunate. But our plans will move forward. We can't afford delays."
Fudo sternly looked at his leader. "Sir, I'm going to be honest, Sora'a not ready for this. He can't control this power."
"Control is superficial, Fudo. He doesn't need control over the power. He just needs to unleash it. These 'tests', if you will, are trial runs for the real deal."
Fudo's expression was just as wild as his hair. "You can't be serious?!" The large moved around to stand directly in front of his leader. "This operation is a bust! There's shinobi here now!"
"Genin, Fudo. Mere genin."
"You said it yourself! That was Naruto Namikaze!" Fudo was never one to be fearful in the face of opposition. But the opposition had never been someone like him. "His name needs no explanation."
"Leave that fraud to me and Sora." Furido quelled his trepidation in the face of his subordinate. Someone had to be the leader of this outfit. "I need you to take the men deeper into the mountains to avoid being found. Fūka will contact our friend on the inside to learn of the Hex Crystal's location and the experience of the other shinobi with Namikaze. My assumption is that they are his genin team, but I want confirmation. Once we have that, I'll lead Sora into the town and break his seal. That'll draw the man's attention away. Meanwhile, you'll lead the charge of the men to the crystal."
Furido stood up, matching his second in command's energy.
"If my assumption is correct, Namikaze will probably leave his students to guard the princess. With any luck, the crystal will be left guarded by simple soldiers. That'll prove easy."
Fudo took a step back and realized his leader's plan was the best choice. Their opponent wasn't simple guards anymore. Even though these seemed like genin, a shinobi was a shinobi.
"Divide and conquer."
"Precisely, Fudo."
"I'll inform Fuen and Fuka of the plan. I'll translate the urgency." Fudo swiftly left his leader to rejoin the others.
Furido returned to his seat, a packed down snow mound. He reached into the inside pocket of his robe, retrieving the picture he held in it.
Twelve men stood together, posing stoically for the camera. While dressed differently, all had the same cloth wrapped on some place of their body. A matching symbol for their group.
Guardian Shinobi Twelve.
Many years had passed since that time, but Furido never forgot his failure.
But his ambition never stopped. He dreamed of seeing that village burned to the ground. And that bastard of a Hokage's head on his mantle.
This time it was going to be more poetic. More personal.
Don't you worry, Asuma. I'm coming for you, as well. I'm coming for all of Konoha!
-With Team Thirteen-
The castle was on total lockdown. The guards were on twenty-four-hour watch, covering all fields of view. The bustling streets of the capital were barren, no new fresh tracks were made on this day.
An order was given by the Princess herself in lieu of the attacks.
Stay home. Be with your loved ones. Allow our protectors to save us from these evil doers.
A bit dramatic, Naruto thought. But he understood the premise. The safety of the townspeople was top priority until the motivation of these attackers was discovered. And they were stopped.
And that's where he came in.
Once the people learned that it was the legendary Naruto Namikaze was there to save the day again, the mass panic disappeared. It seemed the town of the Land of Snow never forgot his heroics from that day either.
"Are there any updates on Sandayū?"
Koyuki settled into her large, comfortable chair with a heavy sigh. "He's been mostly resting, per the doctor orders. His injuries weren't fatal, but the doctor did say your immediate treatment saved his leg."
Again, Naruto took pride in that. He worked hard with Sakura to have a decent working knowledge of medical techniques and how to properly treat wounds. He would have to thank her. Again.
"It's what I'm here. But I'm still troubled by everything."
"Well, what's on your mind?" The woman leaned forward, resting her head on her hands.
Naruto couldn't help staring. The woman was beautiful. He had to snap himself out of a stupor. "The hole that was blown in hull of the ship. Simple explosives wouldn't do that. Ships like that are designed to withstand hits with icebergs. I don't think low life bandits have the ability to do that."
Koyuki shifted in her seat, an equally beautiful crystal necklace dangled over her cleavage. "So what does that mean?"
Naruto kept his eyes start, looking out the window behind the woman. "There's probably a shinobi with them. A possible rogue shinobi or mercenary."
Koyuki took out the many pins in her hair, letting the mane be free. She was fidgeting. She was nervous. Naruto really didn't blame her.
"What can we do?"
"I think the best way to handle this now is to snuff out the enemy. We need to figure out their numbers, capabilities, and motive." Naruto was calm as ever. Koyuki wished to have that demeanor. "And you should probably start some kind of internal investigation. I'm convinced that there is someone feeding those guys information. How else would they have known exactly where and how you your stand in would be at this festival? That makes the most sense to me, anyway."
Koyuki took in a shaken breath. This situation was as foreign as could be. The Land of Snow was a peaceful nation, remaining extremely neutral in the world's affairs for decades. There were no major threats to this land. Jealousy between brothers had been the only true threat to this nation's future.
And it was because of the man before her that this wasn't ruled by her dictator of an uncle.
"It'll be alright, Koyuki. I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you. I promised you that, remember?"
His burly yet gentle tone and comforting smile always seemed to have put her worries to bed. No other man could ever live up to the expectations that she set. Because the only man that could meet them was Naruto.
But I guess that ship as sailed. I really missed my chance with him. That's if I ever had one.
She had to push those emotions down. Letting her feelings get the better of her now would certainly hinder more than benefit.
"I know. And I believe you, Naruto." The woman readjusted herself, moving to be more professional. "How would I go about this investigation? How do I know who I can trust?"
This particular scenario isn't exactly his expertise. Espionage wasn't exactly Naruto's wheelhouse. Even though he had traveled with Jiraiya on numerous trips through his networks, learning the ins and outs, working out a mole never seemed to be apart of it. Most of Jiraiya's information came from an inside source.
"Maybe put out some false info. These bandits are after you, or something to do with you. Set a trap and we wait."
"But we don't even know what it is they want."
A very valid point. Naruto quickly realized he needed something else here.
This would be a good thing for them to think of. It's obvious they aren't the moles. Besides, three heads added to this might be useful.
"I'll consult my genin team. Maybe with our collective heads together, something can be achieved." The S-Rank Jonin moved from his chair and headed for the door. "In the meantime, stay indoors. We can't afford you wandering off."
Koyuki smiled. "As if. I should be saying that to you."
"Bah." Naruto waved off, closing the door behind him.
The halls were crowded with people. Naruto never realized how many people truly worked for Koyuki – with her – he corrected himself.
Deciding not to force his way through all the bustling people, he simple just vanished from the sight. To the naked eye, it was instant. And it truly was. In that same moment, he appeared in his quarters.
"Team! Assemble!"
His students room were directly next to his. They easily could hear his call.
"Yes master?" Kai entered first with her two male teammates followed suit.
"Finally got something for us to do?" Konohamaru was clearly bored.
"Zip it, Konohamaru." Katsuro berated. "We're on a mission. We should thankful that we've got some downtime."
"As a matter of fact, yes, I do have something for you three to brainstorm about." Naruto motioned for his students to join him on the floor. "I've got a problem that I want you three to solve. I believe if you really think on it, considering all possibilities, you can come up with a solution for me."
"What's the problem, sensei?" Kai questioned.
"There's an apparent mole in these walls that may well be leaking information to the enemy." Naruto wasn't trying to add dramatic effect but he did it naturally. "After going over certain details, it's my belief there's someone leaking info. Tell me, how would have these common thieves and bandits been able to get pass a royal guard to kidnap a princess and then kill her?"
The three genin glanced between each other, watching for the other to speak up first.
"Do you think we're dealing with something more serious than bandits, master?" Katsuro questioned.
"Right idea, and we'll get to that bit, but you didn't answer my question."
"They could've gotten lucky." Konohamaru stated.
"Possible, but not likely. Just because they're guards doesn't mean you should underestimate them. They are trained. Not like we are, but trained nonetheless."
"Then by that logic, we should consider that they were watching the movements. Learning the guards' patrol routes." Kai quickly realized.
"Solid idea. And possible. But if they had been watching, they would have realized it wasn't Princess Koyuki. She was supposed to be back for the festival but was delayed. The bandits attacked blindly."
"Which leads you to believe someone fed them the information and they never verified." Konohamaru concluded, much like his teammates.
"And when they had their target, they realized it wasn't her."
There was no need to say what happened next.
Naruto smiled. He loved watching their minds work together like this. It showed him they were starting to become a cohesive team.
"Right on the money."
"So, how do you want us to figure out who the mole is?" Kai questioned.
"You tell me. That's what I want you guys to brainstorm on." Naruto stood from the floor, towering over his genin. "I want a plan of action when I return."
"Where are you going sensei?" Kai questioned, quickly jumping to her feet.
"I got some…things I need to figure out. I'll be back in a bit."
The instructor of the team promptly left, leaving the three genin to figure this problem. It wasn't action, but Konohamaru would take it. It beats just sitting around.
"Man just leaves us with the work."
"This was technically his mission first." Kai commented. "And besides, we're fresh genin out of the Academy. It's only been like a month since we graduated. In Konoha Regulation, it's recommended genin teams to wait 6-8 months before taking on a mission outside the village."
"Bah!" Konohamaru dismissed loudly. "Regulations my ass! Do you know how many times rules and regulations have been ignored? Itachi Uchiha graduated early: against regulation. Naruto sensei took the Chunin Exams as just a two man team: against regulation. My grandpa taking on a genin team as Hokage: against regulation." Konohamaru nearly tripped over his long scarf as he gallantly paced around the room. "Do you see the pattern here?"
Katsuro rolled his eyes, clearly aware of the point his teammate was trying to make. "Dude, we're not like those guys. Each name you just mentioned were generational talents. We, unfortunately, are not."
"But we could be!"
Kai quietly smiled. With feelings confused for him, she couldn't help herself. Konohamaru's personality was upbeat and mildly infectious. Despite his lack of empathy because of his stature as the Honorable Grandson, he had a good-willed heart at the end of the day.
Kai knew that's who he was as a person. That's why she liked him.
Katsuro, on the other hand, wasn't the biggest fan of the Honorable Grandson. Throughout most of their team in the Academy, he pegged Konohamaru as arrogant. He always talked about to the instructors, threatening to go to his grandfather when something happened that he didn't like.
But Katsuro had to give credit where it was due. Konohamaru was talented and had some decent skill. His scores were above average in most categories.
He just lacked empathy, something that bothered Katsuro to no end.
"Whatever, Konohamaru."
"Alright, you two, let's figure this thing out."
-With Naruto-
The lone jonin took refuge underneath a lone awning atop the various rooftops of the town. The snow was starting to fall faster and heavier. He decided to wait it out for a bit, loving the silence the snowfall brought with it.
Though, I'll never understand the appeal of this place. Cold and snow all year round? No thanks.
The Land of Snow is a single island in the middle of the Northern Ocean, covered in snowy mountains and tall glaciers making parts of the coastline inaccessible for the water. As the name suggested, it was quite cold with snow and ice covering the landscape year-round.
And with glaciers covering most of the coastline, there was only one main port. It was the country's lifeline. Because of the harsh cold, the people couldn't farm. The only natural food source was hunting the local wildlife. The land needed to have most of everything imported from the mainland.
Except for new technology. Man, this place used to be so advanced compared to the rest of the world.
Over the previous two decades, the Land of Snow was the world's hub for technology and innovation. Compared to many other countries of the world, the Land of Snow was far more advanced. They developed railroads, airships, snowmobiles, and volley guns for kunai. Somehow they were even able to design a special Chakra Armor that made them virtually immune to ninjutsu and genjutsu.
Thank God I don't have to deal with those guys again. That was a rough battle.
When Naruto was in this land last, he fought three rouge shinobi that used that Chakra Armor. They were mercenaries that were hired by Koyuki's uncle, Dotō, when he attempted to cease control of the country from his brother, Sōsetsu. The mercenaries were given this armor by Dotō.
During the battle, Naruto discovered the armor was weak to taijutsu. In hindsight, it was obvious. He was able to take down two of the mercenaries with simple attacks and weapons. The third, however, was stronger and held his own longer than the others. Naruto ended up overpowering the Chakra Armor with his newly developed Rasenshuriken and defeated the mercenary.
But, with all that innovation and tech advancement, the Land of Snow fell short. The cost of importing all the new technology was too costly for most countries. It was until the industrial takeover in Amegakure and the Rain Country that the rest of the world started seeing these technologies. Even though that was over a decade ago, technology was still scarce. Some countries were more willing to accept than others.
Konoha included.
Naruto opened the map the island, examining for possible hideouts for the enemy.
Quit getting sidetracked, dumbass.
There was an old railroad track that headed towards the less populated side of the island, deeper into the mountains. It was much easier to hide when there was no one around.
Looks like a good place to start.
The heavy snowfall continued, both a blessing and curse. While it would be easy for him to make an escape, if necessary, the chance of finding something to track was now nearing zero. Fresh snow was going to over any tracks made.
He pocketed the map, readying himself for the flakes melt against his face.
Naruto dashed into the snowfall, disappearing into the white.
-Somewhere in the mountains-
The silence of the winter was deafening. Sound died in snowflakes, making it extremely difficult to hear the surroundings. As much as Naruto enjoyed that silence, it was just as much of a hindrance.
Once through the old railroad tunnel that cut through the mountains, Naruto took to the high ground. A bird eye view was going to make or break this recon.
Too bad I can't fly.
Naruto envied Sasuke for his bird summons. Their multi-purpose nature was something that definitely gave the Uchiha prodigy an edge over him.
Bah. The toads are better. Who else can summon a whole army at a whim?
That, Naruto took pride in.
His nose caught the slight whiff of smoke, yet he saw no plumes or trails of it.
Drifting down wind.
Naruto dashed up the side of a glacier, using kunai and chakra better his grip as he ascended. He reached the top and saw a trails of different fires across the glaciers. As he approached, he saw there were craters between glaciers. It was perfect concealment from every direction but the air.
And the smoke trails would disappear into the snowfall. Smarter than the average bandits from the looks of it.
He stood on the edge, glancing over to see. A lone man sat by a flame, keeping warm in the middle of an ice monument.
There you are, Furido.
A second approached from a tunneled entrance. A young teen, maybe a year older than his students. It seemed that these craters were connected by a series of tunnels.
Whoa. These guys have been here for awhile if they have tunnels connecting the craters.
Naruto channeled chakra into his ears, enhancing his hearing so he could hopefully hear what they were saying.
"How are you feeling today, Sora? Better?"
The boy sat directly on the ice, seemingly unbothered.
"Yes sir. I'm not really sure what happened at the docks. I just…have no idea where that come from."
Furido kept his eyes trained on the dancing flames, wishing he saw them covering countries.
"I suppose it's time I tell you. You're old enough to know the truth."
Sora was intently listening. He was finally going to get the answers he had been waiting for.
"Those monks that raised you…they were forced to." Furido tore his eyes away from the flames, looking at the boy. "The village known as Konoha had put you in their care after an attack from the demon known as the Nine-Tailed Fox. The Hokage, their leader, defeated the beast by sealing it inside a freshly born child. And that child was you, Sora."
The boy, clearly confused, could only try to understand what he was being told. "What does that mean?"
"The Hokage sealed the demon inside of you, Sora. That beast is the reason your life has been nothing but pain and chaos. He sacrificed your life for the sake of his village."
Beginning the grasp the concept of this new information, Sora realized the gravity of it. He lifted his bandaged hand. "That's why my arm is like this, isn't it?"
The man nodded. "Yes, it would seem to be the reason. You are a part of an exclusive group known as jinchūriki. Being a jinchūriki, you have access to the infinite power of the beast inside you. Throughout the nations, there's nine in total. And you, my boy, have the strongest one of them all."
Strongest?
Sora wasn't sure how the process this information. The term 'jinchūriki' had never been on his radar, he was unaware such a term for a person existed.
There were rumors and stories around the Fire Temple he grew up in about an attack on Konohagakure from an ancient beast with nine tails. The stories even said the beast was sealed away in a small child that had gone missing. He thought it was just that: a story. He had no reason to believe it would be real, let alone he was the one that had the beast sealed.
"So, that means…Konoha is where I'm from?"
Furido nodded. "Yes, it does."
"Then how'd I end up at the Fire Temple with the monks?" The hurtful agitation was clear on the boy's face. "Why have I been lied to my whole life?!"
Furido held his hand out, trying to calm the boy. "Sora! Take a breath! We don't need another outburst!"
The boy let loose an earth shattering roar, cracking the glaciers through and through. Red, boiling chakra surfaced around Sora, manifesting into a clock with a single tail.
Furido acted quickly, slamming his hand into Sora's stomach. He twisted his fingers deep into the boy, chakra funneling into the seal.
The malevolent chakra instantly ceased, vanishing without a trace.
Furido held his boy in his arms, cradling him like a child.
"Don't worry my boy…you'll get your revenge soon enough…as will I."
His heart was racing, mind in shambles. Naruto simply couldn't believe it.
The Nine-Tails…
Memories of that fateful day filled his mind. Every detail of ever second played through like a move reel.
That charka…
That roar…
There's no doubt.
Naruto slid down the glacier, slightly stumbling through his landing. He tried to make sense of it of this monumental discovery.
That's why I've never sensed the beast's presence in the village. It was never there.
Naruto began running back to his students. How could he keep this from them? Could they handle the ramifications? Can he handle them?
Mom…
I could really use you right about now dad…
Naruto continued to run, trying to get his mind straight. So many emotions and thoughts were running rampant, he was having a difficult time calming down.
It was definitely you…Kyūbi…
-Kazahana Castle-
The medical wing was busy as usual. Doctors and nurses continued to handle patients without many difficulties, even with outside affairs increasing numbers.
"What's the status on room 107?" The charge nurse inquired. "I'm not seeing an update since this morning."
"That's my bad." A doctor spoke up. "I haven't had the chance to finish my paperwork. But Sandayū is recovering fine. He should be recovered enough to be released tomorrow."
"Thanks doc."
Screaming began filling the halls of the medical wing. Patients, nurses, and doctors began running for their lives as homicidal maniacs laughed and sprinted through the halls with swords drawn.
"Run!" A doctor yelled fearfully.
"What about the patients?!" The charge nurse quickly yelled.
"Fuck them! Every man for themselves!"
And it was. Within minutes, the medical wing was completely. More mobile patients had fled, yet others weren't so lucky. They coward in fear of what might happen with maniacs stalking the halls.
A lone woman amoung the bandits sexily walked through the halls, stopping at the desk read over patient history. Her eyes were set on room 107.
"Guards are probably gonna be here shortly. Hold them off until I'm done in here."
"Yes, Lady Fūka."
The woman – called Fūka – beautifully smiled at the lowlife. She loved the reaction of the opposite sex. It turned her on unlike anything else.
"And those genin…leave them to him. I want to see the potential of a Konoha shinobi."
The man nodded, watching the sway of her backside out of the corner of his eye. What he wouldn't give for just one night with her.
Fūka slid the door open, smiling bigger as she greeted her target.
"Hello again, my dear Sandayū."
-Author's Notes-
Finally had a stroke of inspiration to finish this chapter that's been half written for months. I knew the direction I wanted to go, just needed the proper push to get there.
My original intention was to have this arc wrap up in this chapter. I didn't want to simmer in the Land of Snow for long. But, hey, I've never been one to follow my own storyboard to perfection. Probably a good thing.
Let me know how this story is shaping up. I'm starting to get back into the motion with it after staring at it for how long.
The next chapter for Naruto: Redone will be up soon. Still working on that. It's BIG one.
Until next time. Peace out.