Chapter 1: The Path of the Blade
The ANBU didn't move immediately. They were trained professionals, disciplined enough to assess the situation before making any reckless moves. Smart. But I could feel it, the slight tension in their postures, the way their fingers twitched near their weapons. They weren't underestimating me, but they were wary.
Good. They should be.
I took a slow breath, adjusting my grip on Yamato. My mind was still catching up to the reality of the situation. I had become Vergil, not just in body but in power. The sword at my side, the weight of my coat, the cold, calculating calm that settled in my mind, it was all real.
And now, I was in Naruto's world.
One of the ANBU, the apparent leader, took a step forward. His mask was painted like a wolf's snarl. "You have five seconds to identify yourself. Who are you, and what is your purpose here?"
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, considering my options. Lying wouldn't get me far. I had no idea where I was, no connections, no background that would pass scrutiny. But that didn't mean I was defenseless.
"I am a wandering swordsman," I said finally, my voice carrying an edge of authority. "I have no quarrel with your village."
The ANBU didn't lower their guard. "A wandering swordsman appearing inside Fire Country? Suspicious, don't you think?"
I said nothing, letting silence answer for me. I could see their thought process. A foreign warrior with an unknown weapon, no allegiance, and an unsettling aura. To them, I was an unknown threat.
One of the ANBU shifted slightly, too tense, too eager. I saw it coming before he moved.
He dashed forward, blade aimed for my chest.
Too slow.
Before his strike could reach me, I stepped sideways, my movement so swift it seemed like I had barely moved at all. My free hand shot out, catching his wrist in an iron grip, and with a slight twist, I redirected his momentum, slamming him face-first into the dirt.
The other ANBU reacted immediately, three of them moving in perfect sync. Impressive teamwork, but still not enough.
The first swung his tanto at my head. I leaned back just enough to let the blade pass harmlessly through the air. The second lunged low, aiming for my ribs. My foot shot out, intercepting his wrist mid-thrust, breaking his attack pattern.
The third tried to flank me. Smart. But predictable.
I drew Yamato in a single, smooth motion.
Slash.
I didn't need to see the attack land, I felt it. The blade passed cleanly through the ANBU's weapon, severing it in half. Sparks flew as the remaining edge clattered to the ground.
Everything stopped.
The leader's voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension now. "That speed... that sword..." His hand hovered near his pouch, likely containing sealing tags or something explosive. "Who trained you?"
I met his gaze, my expression unreadable." I don't have to answer you."
And just like that, I sheathed Yamato.
A gust of wind rushed past as the motion finished. A single delayed cut appeared across the ground between us. Not an attack, just a demonstration. A warning.
The leader stiffened, but he was no fool. He recognized when he was outmatched.
A tense silence followed. Then, after a long pause, he exhaled through his nose and motioned for his team to stand down.
"You're coming with us," he said finally.
I tilted my head slightly. "And if I refuse?"
He didn't hesitate. "Then we'll make you."
For a moment, I considered my options. Fighting my way out was possible, but unnecessary. Information was more valuable than proving my strength here.
So I gave him a small nod. "Lead the way."
As the ANBU surrounded me, guiding me toward their village, one thought echoed in my mind.
"This world doesn't know what's coming… I am the storm that is approaching!"
Chapter 2: A Devil's Welcome
Vergil Sparda smirked, his lips curling into an expression that made the ANBU around him shift uneasily. He wasn't doing it to intimidate them, though their reactions were amusing, he was simply lost in thought.
This was real. All of it. He had become Vergil. The weight of Yamato at his side, the sheer power thrumming beneath his skin, the instinctual understanding of his abilities, it was exhilarating. His mind raced with the possibilities. He couldn't wait to test his limits, to use Devil Trigger, to drop some of Vergil's iconic lines in the heat of battle.
The shinobi world had no idea what was coming.
--
Morning – Konoha's Gates
As the sun rose, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, the group arrived at the massive gates of Konoha. The guards, Izumo and Kotetsu, perked up at the sight of the approaching ANBU, but their gazes quickly settled on the silver-haired young man in their midst.
"Hey, who's the pretty boy?" Kotetsu quipped, eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Izumo crossed his arms. "Never seen him before. Who is he?"
The ANBU leader was about to speak, but Vergil stepped forward, his coat billowing slightly with his movement. He placed a hand on Yamato's hilt and spoke with the calm confidence of a man in control.
"Vergil. A wandering swordsman."
The casual yet refined way he introduced himself made both guards exchange glances. It wasn't every day that an unknown swordsman waltzed into Konoha under ANBU escort.
Izumo raised an eyebrow. "A wanderer, huh? You sure have some interesting company."
Vergil simply smirked, saying nothing.
The ANBU wasted no more time and ushered him into the village, leading him through the bustling streets toward the Hokage's Tower. As they walked, villagers cast glances at the newcomer, some curious, others wary. Vergil ignored them all. His mind was set on his next step.
--
Hokage's Office
The door to the office slid open, and the ANBU led Vergil inside. Sitting behind the desk, puffing on his pipe, was the aged yet keen-eyed Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. His expression was calm, but Vergil could tell he was already analyzing him.
Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke. "What's the situation?"
The ANBU leader stepped forward. "We found him on patrol within Fire Country. When we questioned him, his answers were vague. The situation escalated into an altercation."
Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Vergil. "I see. And what brings you to my village, young man?"
Vergil met the Hokage's gaze with ease, showing neither submission nor hostility. "I am Vergil Sparda, a traveling swordsman." He paused, then added, "And I believe my skills would be of value to Konoha. Whether it be bandit extermination, escort missions, or hunting rogue ninja, I am your man."
The statement was bold, but not arrogant.
The ANBU leader cleared his throat. "I can attest to his skill. He... easily handled us."
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Is that so?"
A heavy silence filled the room. The Hokage was wary, rightfully so. He briefly considered having Inoichi Yamanaka inspect the boy's mind but dismissed the idea. He knew that recklessly driving away such an asset could be a mistake.
No, if Vergil was as powerful as his ANBU suggested, forcing his hand could turn him into an enemy.
After a long pause, Hiruzen nodded. "You will be put under surveillance for now."
Vergil inclined his head slightly. "Understandable."
"One more thing." Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the ashtray. "You'll need a place to stay. Until proper arrangements are made, you will reside at ANBU Headquarters.
Vergil smiled slightly. "Thanks Old man"
With that, the ANBU escorted him to HQ.
--
ANBU Headquarters
The underground facility was lit, its stone walls giving it a cold, militaristic feel. As Vergil entered, two ANBU operatives, Yugao Uzuki and Tenzo (also known as Yamato), took notice.
Yugao tilted her head. "New recruit?"
Vergil shook his head. "No."
Tenzo crossed his arms. "Then why are you here?"
Vergil relayed the situation concisely.
Yugao's gaze drifted to his weapon, and a flicker of interest crossed her face. "That's a fine sword. Are you any good with it?"
Vergil smirked. "I'm a novice."
The ANBU who had escorted him nearly coughed. "Cap" .They had barely survived against him, and he had the audacity to call himself a novice?
"I practice Iaidō," Vergil added.
Yugao's eyes gleamed. "Iaidō, huh? I'd love to spar with you sometime."
Vergil gave a slight nod. "Perhaps."
--
Training with ANBU
Despite being under surveillance, Vergil was allowed to train with the ANBU. He participated in all their drills, adapting quickly to their intense regimens. Whether it was endurance training, or combat scenarios, he moved with effortless precision.
And when the day's training was finally over, he barely looked winded.
The ANBU around him exchanged glances. Some were sweating, others catching their breath, yet Vergil stood there, his expression composed.
"Did he even break a sweat?" one muttered.
"Not even a little," another whispered.
Yugao wiped her forehead and smirked. "So... about that spar."
Vergil chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "I suppose now is as good a time as any."
The other ANBU immediately perked up, forming a loose circle around them. This was going to be interesting.
Yamato stepped forward as the proctor. "This will be a controlled match. No lethal strikes. Begin when I say."
Yugao gripped her sword, rolling her neck. "Don't hold back too much."
Vergil exhaled slowly, his fingers brushing against Yamato's hilt.
"Begin!"
In an instant, his entire demeanor changed.
His smirk vanished. His posture became rigid, yet fluid. His piercing blue eyes sharpened like a predator locking onto its prey.
A chilling silence filled the room.
A cold shiver ran down the spines of everyone watching.
Vergil spoke softly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Let's get this over with."
To be continued…
