This is the start of the third story arc, which was the second in the original. This arc will have a lot of differences between this version and the original version. I know these notes may be pointless to those who have never read the original story, but they matter to me. To those who already read the original or those who are curious to know the changes I have made:

About 90% of the material from the original version of the story had to be cut. Ninety percent of the chapter is rewritten, with new scenes added to accommodate the current version of the story. Plus, some scenes have been extended in order to give additional development to the characters and further allude to the major twist of Hinata's lineage. It's been pretty obvious, if you've been paying attention, who the lost princess is. If you paid close attention, it's been pretty explicit and revealed within the first few chapters of the story. But if you haven't figured it out yet, you will soon.

Also, the upcoming arc will be longer than the original version because I'll be adding a lot of new material. For those who've read the original version, the upcoming chapters will involve all the houses being in separate geographical locations. There will be chapters that will focus on specific characters in their specific houses. So if you have a favorite character, you may have to wait a bit before you see them again. This will also give me a second chance to give characters that didn't get a chance to do anything a chance to do something (cough Neji, cough Sakura, cough Ino, cough the rest of team eight and team ten).

Anyway, this chapter is a long chapter, but that's to be expected with this many characters and the start of a long story arc. This will be the longest one, so buckle up—this story arc will last a while.


Chapter 20 Destiny's tipping point

September 26th 10 years before the Red canyon massacre

Sothis was looking at the sunset alone with the being that had become her most loyal friend and now husband. Everyone that heard the news at the time, including her daughter, were astounded that someone who was once her enemy was now her husband. But after the war with her people's enemy, she didn't want to live in the past anymore; she wanted to live in the future. She felt his hands on her stomach—she was with child, about six months along. They were looking at the sunset together, like they had been doing for the past 100 years since the war ended with the Otsutsuki clan, who had been completely wiped from existence, minus the Sage of Six Paths and his sons, along with their descendants. The purebloods were gone.

She and Kurama wanted to start a new life. To think she would ever allow another into her heart until she met him! But here she was, watching the sunset with her second mate, the father of her child, inside a new future for them. They didn't need to say anything; they had gone beyond the need for words. Though they still exchanged words from time to time, it was not necessary because of their bond.

"I can't wait for this child of ours to be born. I will definitely teach our son how strong the Kitsune are," Kurama said with eagerness. The excitement in his voice was something that Sothis found touching. She never thought she'd ever be a mother again after what happened to her last mate; she had sworn never to take another. But here she was, looking at the sunset together with her husband and unborn child.

"Who's to say it will be a son? What if it's a daughter?" she asked him curiously, wondering what his response would be.

"I would still teach her our clan is the strongest," he said without hesitation. There was no doubt he was confident, which was something she had grown to love about him—his confidence, his strength, and his conviction to stand with his friends.

"It won't be easy, you know," she said, referring to what their people would think of a half-blood child, especially from two different people.

"I don't give a damn. If they say anything or do anything to our pup, I'll make them pay," he said as he rubbed her stomach. He had become more protective of her since her pregnancy was found out. She would be tempted to tell him to leave her alone, that she didn't need his protection, but that would be insensitive, considering how important it was to his culture to protect mates from potential threats.

"My people are still getting used to the idea of you being their King; it's going to take them time," Sothis said, which caused him to chuckle.

"It's been 190 years since we've met. That's ridiculous! They haven't learned to trust me by now? I treat your people like they're my own," said Kurama, thinking about his people and his tribe.

"Ever since the cataclysm that has destroyed our homeworld, we have been wary of outsiders. It's going to take time," she said with sadness. Her people's mistrust made her sympathize with them; she could understand them because she shared those same feelings herself. She had not trusted any human or anyone until she met Kurama. It's hard to believe he was once her enemy—the man behind her rubbing her stomach, the child she carried was his. She never thought, when they battled all those years ago, that this is what they would be doing.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Kurama. For so long, I felt like my heart was cold as ice. The only thing that stopped my heart from being completely frozen was my daughter. I'd lost so much. I feel like a failure as a queen; so many of my people died under my leadership. Some queen I am," Sothis said with sadness.

" You did the best you could. Nobody could have led your people better than you," Kurama said supportively. She wished this moment could last forever; she knew it wouldn't. One day, their child would be born, and they would watch their child grow up. She could imagine the childlike wonder of experiencing motherhood all over again and then seeing her eldest being a big sister. That's what she was looking forward to—even if the future was uncertain, she wasn't dreading it.

"Do you think we could stay like this for a bit longer?" Sothis asked. She felt him kiss her neck and his hands on her chin.

"Of course. Anything for you, my beloved," Kurama said lovingly. They said nothing as they looked at the sunset, knowing they would see many of these with their child once he or she was born.

"I have a name for a girl. Would you like to hear it?" Sothis asked, smiling as if he could read her mind.

"What would that be?" he asked.

"Ichika. If we have a girl, that's what I want to name her," she said with confidence.

"With a name like that, I wouldn't mind having a girl," he said, continuing to rub her belly.

"You know we shouldn't be doing this in the open," she said, a pink appearing on her cheeks.

"We're not doing anything adults shouldn't be doing openly. We'll do it in the privacy of our quarters if you're that embarrassed," he said teasingly.

"You know you're an asshole sometimes, but that's why I love you," Sothis said as she kissed him on the lips. She was at peace, thinking about what she would give for this moment to last for an eternity.


She opened her eyes again. That same person—a tear fell—it was a memory, a memory of a time long since passed. She was a wife and a mother. She was longing for him; it was becoming more and more difficult to hide her emotions. Kurama, she was something to her, someone important, someone that she had loved. Yet that was not possible; they had never met. There was no way they could have met. There was no way. It was confusing to her.

Then she saw her appearance in the mirror. It was the woman that she saw in her dreams—tall and beautiful, at least by the standards of humans. She looked at herself, and when she tried to change back to her childlike form, it wasn't working. Another thing that she had noticed: this place was not familiar. She looked; it was as if she was seeing multiple planets at once, as if she were in outer space. But that's not possible. She tried to change back, and it was useless; she was in a form she wasn't familiar with, in a plane of existence she did not know.

"Damn it! Why can't I change back to the form that I know?" Sothis asked out loud.

"It's because your memories are returning," she heard a voice behind her. She turned around and saw a being that she knew but also didn't know at the same time. She was a green-haired woman; she wore a long pink dress, her hair tied back into a ponytail, and a crown on her head. She was a woman who was shorter than she was. When Sothis tried to touch her, her hands went through her body as if she did not exist.

"What do you mean my memories are returning? Who are you?" Sothis asked, confused.

"I am called by many names. Some call me Naga, some call me Tiki, others call me the beginning, but you can just call me by the name that my friends once called me in life—Tiki," the woman answered.

"Tiki? Wait, you mean the woman that once accompanied Marth on his quest to liberate his kingdom?" asked Sothis, who did not know why she had the knowledge that she did. For some reason, it felt natural to possess this knowledge.

"You are my counterpart of this world. There are multiple dragons that are the Nagas of their world. Your mother was one such guardian before her untimely demise," the woman said.

"Naga, I'm such a being, but that's not possible," Sothis said in disbelief.

"You are the evil of your world. The Great Evil has destroyed you; what you are now is a shell of what you once were. I'm only able to reach you because I am in a world between worlds, where I can connect with multiple beings such as yourself," Tiki answered.

"A world between worlds?" she asked.

"It would take too long to explain. I'll just say there are multiple worlds that exist, yours being one of many. There is a great calamity coming; a great tragedy awaits. The one that is your vessel, you must guide him. You must help him in any way that you can. You're the only one that can do this for you are this world's Naga," Tiki said. As she touched her forehead, something strange was happening; she felt a great power surge within her, a power that she had felt she had forgotten.

"Soon, you'll be meeting another—a child beyond time and space. Three of them have already passed into this world. This child will be one that possesses the blood of the Lion Queen; she will possess your blood." The woman's words confused Sothis. She tried to snap her fingers again to change her form, but it wouldn't work.

"The grandson of the Immaculate One will need your guidance. The whole world will depend on your guidance." Tiki was fading; no, she needed to ask questions.

"Where are these memories of this Kurama? Surely you know," Sothis asked, desperately wanting to know.

"You will know in time. In fact, you already know who he is. The fate of the entire world depends on both of you and your host," Tiki said as she vanished. And just like that, her mind space went back to what it was. Nothing that Tiki said made any sense. Just what was she exactly—a being from another world? Now, she disregarded that thought, but she couldn't help but think about the woman's dire warnings.


Naruko felt embarrassed; she was dressed in Hinata's mission attire, the one she wore when she was on a mission. It was one of her spares, and it felt so uncomfortable. Considering her height, she was shorter than her girlfriend. She wished the jutsu would be undone already. It sucked—it truly sucked. Though she would be lying if she said she hadn't thought the night was good.

She needed help, considering she wasn't used to dressing in her girlfriend's clothes. It felt so baggy, and she couldn't wait for it to fade in five damn days. She thought about how she would explain this to her classmates.

"I hope we don't go on a mission because being like this for five days would be embarrassing," Naruko said as she put on the last of Hinata's clothing. Unlike Hinata, she didn't have a jacket; she wasn't in her clothing—she couldn't fit in any of the uniforms Hinata had because they were too big for her.

"You have no one to blame but yourself, Kit, for using jutsu to screw around sexually. You have no one to blame but yourself," Kyubi reminded her of how much chakra she used.

She didn't respond. Her girlfriend was getting dressed in her clothing, and she couldn't help but admire her. Despite how many times she had seen Hinata unclothed, it didn't change how beautiful she found her.

"Last night was amazing," Naruko said with her trademark grin.

"Yes, it was. Thankfully, my harem jutsu was undone; it would be awkward going to class in my masculine form," Hinata said with a laugh. She loved that laugh; it didn't sound forced; she sounded relaxed.

She went towards her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around her.

"What if I'm stuck in this form?" asked Naruko as she felt Hinata press her lips on hers. They had done this so many times they could do it with their eyes closed. It felt so strange being shorter than her girlfriend when she usually towered over her.

"I would still love you no matter what form you're in," Hinata said. It was difficult for them to resist going for a quickie like they had done from time to time, but today was not the day for that, considering something big was about to happen.

"How am I going to explain to everyone why I'm in this form?"asked Naruko thinking of any explanation, especially Claude it would be embarrassing if she had to explain the harem jutsu.

"You could just act like it's one of your pranks you're a master at it after all."Hinata joked that smile it was so warm in the way she said it she was serious.

"It would be hilarious if you did the same thing showing up in your class in your masculine form."Naruko said with her devious smile thinking about the reactions.

"None of the clothes you have would fit I don't know how but I'm taller then you are when I'm Hotaru I'm around the same height as Dimitri." Hinata said shocked that her masculine form is so tall compared to her.

"It would be a fun prank nevertheless."Naruko said with a grin.

"It Certainly would though I don't think my friends would appreciate it."Hinata said giggling at the idea.

"I can't wait to be back to myself again this form I don't know how you do it." Naruko sad hating wearing a bra it was uncomfortable considering how big her breast were she didn't know how her girlfriend did it.

"Well I don't wear a bra because how uncomfortable it is to wear them."Hinata said which was something that Naruko wasn't surprised about because of the amount of times she has seen her strip of her clothing and never did you have a bra on any of the times they got intimate the only time she wore one was when she was out on a date and her more revealing clothing.

"I will never hear the end of this by Claude." Naruko said with Dread.

"Not to mention all the damn men that will want a piece of me because I'm now a woman because of this damn jutsu part of me curses myself for making this thing." She said with annoyance.

"it will be a good way to mess with them when you go back to being yourself again have fun while you can Naruko Chan." Hinata said as she kissed her on the cheek as much as they wanted to continue to be affectionate they had to head to their classes.

"I'll see you later, Hinata Hime." She said with affection.

"I'll see you later Naruko Chan." Hinata replied back.

They both headed to the respective classes little did they know something big would happen today.


She does not know if this is a good idea, but she agreed with her sister and her cousin that one of them had to be in the church. She knew little about this era; it had been almost a month, and it was so much different than what she remembers. People that she knew were younger; her parents were alive, yet she was nothing more than a stranger. The only sibling she knows that's alive is Natalie. She doesn't know where Freya, Kawaki, Boruto, or her cousins Maria, Alexa, Cassandra, Alexandria, Jeralt, or Saori are. The rest of the people her age, she had no clue where they were either

Himawari was trying to blend in. She felt bad for disappearing the way she did, but she couldn't do anything without the consent of Alexander or Natalie. They agreed that she had to be the one to become part of one of the three houses, but which one? There's so much at stake. She could join the house that her mother was in to keep an eye on her, but that would complicate things with one of her other mothers. She could go with her father, but that would also make things complicated for another one of her mothers, which only left her with one option, and it was painful. She didn't know what she was going to do. Her uncles were in that house, and she had to be careful not to interfere with how things would go; otherwise, she could stop three of her cousins from being born.

She was walking around in her uniform. She didn't know how she managed to convince the archbishop; she was told that she got her persuasion skills from her grandfathers, even though she acted a lot more like her grandmother, Kushina. She couldn't do anything about her looks; she looked a lot more like her grandmother, which would not go unnoticed, but then again, it was a large world after all. She could pass it off that she was just a traveler.

She was on the verge of entering the Blue Lions classroom. It felt so strange entering the room that her grandparents once went into. When she entered, everyone was shocked to see her.


"We're getting another student. This is unexpected. Isn't she a little young?" asked Sylvain, surprised to see her. She recognized him only too well; despite being 20 years younger, she knew him. She saw a bit of her friend in him. She hoped Shin was alive; it would be devastating for her if he wasn't.

Something was familiar about this girl; Sylvain couldn't help but put his finger on it. Shion looked like she thought the same thing, even though that was ridiculous—he had never met her before.

"We have a new student? I was never informed about this," said Dimitri, looking at the girl. She couldn't be any older than 14.

"I went to the archbishop. I was hoping I could be useful. I know I won't be able to do much, but I like to be able to help," the girl said enthusiastically.

"The archbishop is a busy woman, and I can clarify that she was approved," said Manuela.

The girl felt relieved that Manuela arrived; it was as if awkward questions, which would have been inevitably asked if she hadn't arrived in time, were now lifted.

"Well, having another girl is always a good thing," said Annette, welcoming the new girl with open arms.

"I don't know why, but you remind me of someone," said Mercedes, as if she recognized her from somewhere.

"Wait! I know who you are! You're that girl from the other day," said Sasuke, surprised to see her.

"You disappeared out of the blue! Why are you here again?" Sasuke asked suspiciously.

"Me and my companions got lost, and well…" The girl was about to say more before Mercedes ended the conversation.

"We're making her feel uncomfortable, Sasuke-kun. She has her reasons for doing what she did," Mercedes said, which caused the girl to feel more comfortable. They ran into her a few weeks ago; there was no other explanation.

"We have a new assistant in our class. It took some time, but he's going to be the primary professor while I will be his assistant," said Manuela, which surprised everyone. It seemed she was basically stepping down.

What he saw was something unexpected: Rodrigue. He was the last person he thought would ever be a professor in Garreg Mach. The last time he remembered, he was in his territory back in Faerghus.

"I know it's sudden, but I am honored to be your professor. My name is Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius." Sylvain knew this man well; he was a family friend of his father. Why would he be here of all places? That was what he couldn't help but ask himself. He caught a glimpse of Felix in the corner of his eye—he did not look too pleased to be in the same room as his father.

Then he looked at the girl from earlier; she was extremely nervous being the youngest in the class, and everyone was looking at her. He felt bad for the girl.

"Who would you be?" asked Rodrigue, genuinely wanting to know everyone. Did Mercedes and Sasuke meet the girl a few weeks ago? There's no way they didn't. He had heard about mysterious travelers disappearing. How did she end up here?

"My name is Himawari Takahishi. I hope we could be friends," the girl said nervously. So that was her name—the name of a sunflower.

"Himawari, such a cute name," said Ashe, who turned away, hiding the pink on his cheeks. Despite the girl being two years younger, he found her cute. But there was one thing that bothered Sylvain; he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but she looked familiar. Her whiskers on her cheeks, her blue eyes, her dark blue hair… but then he disregarded that as soon as it entered his mind. It's impossible; she could be a distant relative at best.

"Um, thank you," Himawari said, turning away.

"I don't know why, but you look familiar," said Neji as he walked slightly past Sylvain.

"You're probably imagining things, Neji-san," Himawari said, trying to save face.

"You're making her nervous, Neji," Tenten said scoldingly.

"Don't worry, Himawari. The Blue Lions is a welcoming place. I was worried about what happened. Why did you leave?" asked Mercedes, with a look of concern, like a big sister looking after her little sister. Sasuke was not as welcoming, though he didn't voice his thoughts out loud.

"I can't really say. My cousin and my sister are off doing their own thing while I'm here. I'll meet them again; I'm sure of it," the girl said with a smile that Sylvain couldn't help but find cute.

"Well, I'll do the best I can to make you feel safe and welcome, Himawari," said Dimitri with his polite smile that he usually gives to strangers that he meets. He didn't know how he did it.

"It's an honor to be in your presence, Dimitri Sama," Himawari said respectfully, so polite. Why does she remind him of Hinata? She wasn't soft-spoken like her, no, but the way she presented herself—so respectful—no, he disregarded that thought once again; a distant relative, that's what she is.

"She's not who I saw in my visions. I don't know who she is," Shion said as she looked at the girl with concern and wonder.

"Oh, come on, Lady Shion, you don't think she is a spy, do you?" Sylvain asked as he saw the girl intermingle with the other Blue Lions; she was talking to Annette and Ashe. It was so strange—she was 14, yet she acted much older. What kind of experiences has this girl seen that has caused her to have those eyes? He couldn't help but see it, and he knew Shion could see it as well: the eyes of someone who has seen war and death, but they only appeared for a second.

He didn't get a chance to indulge in his thoughts when Rodrigue approached him.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Sylvain. I know we haven't seen each other in a while because of what happened…" He hesitated; nobody wanted to talk about the tragedy, and he didn't want to hear about it. Glenn was a friend; his death hurts him to this day.

"It's a pleasure to see you as well. It's too bad Father wouldn't feel that way," said Sylvain.

"You wouldn't know where Ingrid is, would you?" Rodrigue asked.

"She's in the Black Eagles class," Sylvain answered.

"I will have to go there when the class is over," he said as he greeted the students one by one.

Dimitri couldn't help but notice something about Himawari as Rodrigue approached her.

"Aren't you a little young to be in the academy, young lady?" Rodrigue asked out of curiosity.

"The archbishop herself approved. I may be young, but I'm willing to learn, Rodrigue-san," Himawari replied.

She handed Rodrigue the letter that had the archbishop's signature, much to the shock of everyone.

"This checks out. I don't know why, young lady, but you look familiar, and I can't put my finger on it," Rodrigue said, confused about why he felt that way. Dimitri felt the same; she looked familiar, yet he had never met her before.

She did not respond to that comment. The girl sat at her seat, near where Ashe was.

"I don't know why, your Highness, but something about that girl—she looks familiar, don't you think?" Dedue asked. He couldn't help but look at the girl and think of two people. Her face, her eyes; she resembled two people he knew, but he quickly disregarded it. It was not possible considering her age.

"It's likely nothing, but we should keep an eye on her," Dedue suggested, not knowing how to react to the appearance of Himawari. She looked like Naruto and Hinata, but that wasn't possible; her age, along with Naruto and Hinata, made it impossible for her to be related to them. Still, he couldn't ignore the resemblance between them. Yet there was another resemblance he couldn't ignore: the eyes of his father, Lambert.

He disregarded it just as quickly. No, he was just imagining things. But he couldn't help but think how much she resembled people he knew.


Claude was wondering what was taking Naruto so long. He never took this long to get to their class, and everyone was wondering where he was. It wasn't like him. Right when someone was about to say something, he saw a blonde-haired girl enter the class. She looked nervous; she was wearing clothing that was too big for her, and she was around the same height as Hilda. She had whiskers on her cheeks and blue eyes.

"He did that damn jutsu again, didn't he?" asked Ino, with a hint of annoyance.

"He did what?" asked Claude, not knowing what she was talking about.

"I'm sorry, but who are you?" asked Lorenz, not realizing it was Naruto.

"Yeah, just who are you, and why do you resemble a classmate that we know?" Leonie, who had a feeling it was Naruto, was not amused.

"I can explain, please," Naruko said nervously.

"You used that damn jutsu, didn't you?" asked Ino, annoyed.

"Well, I'm kind of stuck in this form for the next five days. It's not my fault, I swear," Naruko said nervously, not liking the looks the men were giving her.

"Wait, she isn't who I think she is?" Lorenz said, blushing. Half the guys in the classroom were turning away, not even realizing it was Naruto in his feminine form.

"You and your perverted fucking jutsu, I swear," Shikamaru said with annoyance, as if he had seen this before.

"Oh come on, Shikamaru, don't do that, please," Naruko said pleadingly.

"I wish you would transform back to yourself as soon as possible; it's hard for me to concentrate with you looking like that," said Lorenz, unable to help but find Naruto's feminine form beautiful.

"Do you think I want to be in this form, you moron? It's not my fault I'm stuck in this form," Naruko said defensively.

"You used too much chakra, while you were making love, weren't you?" asked Ino, which caused Naruko to blush.

"Please, I would rather not discuss what me and Hinata-chan do in private," Naruko said defensively. Claude knew this would get out of hand if he didn't step in. "It's okay, buddy, you don't have to discuss it; just how are we going to explain it to our professors?" Claude asked, wondering how he was going to spin this.

"Oh, Naruto, or should I call you Naruko? You did that jutsu again; oh, what a pain this is going to be," said Kakashi, who had just come back from being sick for almost a month, which Claude found suspicious. How does someone like Kakashi get sick?

Then he caught sight of Hanabi, who usually kept her distance from everyone. Ever since Shez humbled her a month ago, she had not said much of anything.

"For those in class, look at Naruto and know not to use a jutsu for foolish purposes such as sex, considering this is the result of such a misuse of chakra," Kakashi said, knowing that Naruto was in her feminine form because of fooling around with his girlfriend using his jutsu.

"Oh, come on, Kakashi-sensei, that's hardly fair," Naruko said, annoyed that Kakashi was humiliating her in front of the class.

"Kakashi-san, I think her being in the form that she's in is enough of a punishment. I think humiliating her further is hardly fair," said Hanneman, who was more sympathetic to Naruto's plight than Kakashi.

"Oh, thank you, Professor Hanneman," Naruko said in relief that someone was willing to support her—or was it him? It was confusing; even though Naruto was in his feminine form, it was still difficult not to see what Naruto currently was: female.

"I must find out how he does that; I'd like to try out that jutsu for myself," Claude said with his devious smile. He could imagine it now, what kind of pranks he could pull with a harem jutsu. The feminine form that he would have—oh yes, he already thought about a name for himself if he were a woman: Celine. It'd be perfect.

"You better not be thinking what I think you're thinking, Claude-kun," asked Ino, who didn't seem thrilled that he was contemplating using Naruto's jutsu for a prank.

"It'll be a harmless prank, I assure you," Claude said, hiding his true intentions.

"If you say so," Ino replied.

They said nothing as the lesson began for the day. Claude couldn't help but feel like something big was going to happen today, but he couldn't put his finger on what that would be.

Shez was annoyed being next to Naruko, out of all the times she thought annoyingly, but something else seemed to be bothering her; she was feeling a presence inside of her. She knew her companion was feeling it as well.

"The nine-tailed fox spirit is inside of Naruto; I know he is," Arval said with concern.

"Wait, you mean Kyubi, the nine-tailed fox? But how is that even possible? What I've heard is that the nine-tailed fox is dead," Shez asked, astonished that such a powerful spirit even existed at all and that she was in close proximity with possibly the most powerful among the tailed beasts in this very room.

"The tailed beasts cannot be destroyed that easily. You can kill the host, but they'll reappear after a decade. The origin of Kyubi is unknown; the only thing I do know for certain is he existed around the same time as…" her companion hesitated.

"Are you alright, Arval?" asked Shez, concerned.

"I'm fine; I feel like a part of my memory has returned," Arval admitted, much to her shock.

"What do you remember?" Shez asked.

"What I remember…"


December 30th 120 years before the Red canyon massacre

Agartha

Epimenides was on his throne, which was made of materials that were alien to the naked eye. There were neon lights along with the cold metal floor. The throne itself was made completely of marble and stone. He wore a crimson crown on his head, and he had long white robes. He was listening to report after report about the tidings of the outside world—the underground Kingdom of the Agarthans. It was a refuge for his people for many years. The Agarthans ruled this planet, but because of the arrival of the Nabateans—the tailed beast—things had changed. Humans on the surface no longer worshiped him and his people as their gods. His predecessors were angry about this development.

Epimenides thought about an alternative to an outright war with the race of refugees; they didn't choose to be on this planet any more than his people did. After all, his people were also refugees—descendants of the survivors of their home world that was destroyed by the Otsutsuki clan. Their home world had been destroyed thousands of years ago, but he knew about their existence, the reputation of the Otsutsuki; they destroy world after world. His people moved from planet to planet for thousands of years until they found this one. He was the last of his people to know of the ancient knowledge that had long since been buried. It was his sole responsibility to ensure his people's safety by whatever means were necessary. Defending their home from the threat of the Otsutsuki clan, he would do what was required. Unlike the zealots who despise outsiders, he could see the bigger picture.

If the Otsutsuki weren't dealt with, the entire planet that his people inhabited, along with their enemies, would be destroyed as well. The biggest threat to them all was the world destroyers. He listened for hours in his throne about the debates regarding what to do about the Otsutsuki. It was long and tedious.

"We should leave the beasts to their fate. What concern is that of ours if they are wiped out by the aliens? Let them destroy each other; it's none of our concern," said a middle-aged woman who had a strong isolationist position on the council. She was extremely popular with the elite of his people; they did not want to help the people on the surface, especially their longtime enemies, the Nabateans.

"Who's to say they wouldn't Target us next? I don't trust anything that comes out of the mouth of that witch. Kaguya would no doubt go after our people after she's done dealing with the surface dwellers. Ignoring this will be the death of us all." said a young woman who looked by human standards to be in her early twenties.

"We will deal with those abominations after they destroy the beast. It's none of our concern." the middle-aged woman replied.

"Foolishness so we just allow these aliens to wipe out all of us? We all share the same world as they do you mean our best interest to work with them at least temporarily until our safety is secure we do have a non-aggression packed with the Nabateans it would be in our best interest to temporarily work with them we have a common threat and it's foolish for us to ignore it because of some past dispute."The middle-aged man said.

"Apollo, have you forgotten what they've done to our people?" Asked the middle-aged woman.

"I have not, Artemis, but it's foolish to ignore this threat," Apollo replied.

"Apollo speaks with wisdom on this: it is foolish for us to ignore this threat because of the Nabateans. They are just like us. They're in the same boat as all of us, including the humans. On the surface, allowing them to destroy them would be foolish. Who's going to help us when they're gone?"Athena asked. She was the wisest of his counsel. He was grateful that her father allowed her on the council. Her cool head was needed at this time.

"It matters not, Athena. It does not change the fact they don't want anything to do with us any more than we want with them. Let them fight; it's not our problem."Artemis said much to the applause of her supporters on the war council.

"That's not your decision to make Artemis," Athena argued.

"No, that is a decision for our King." Said Apollo in agreement.

He had no idea what to say he was about to end the meaning until two figures appeared there was hostility in the room he knew exactly who they were the woman in front of them he knew her by reputation Sothis and by her side was Kurama the nine-tailed fox who was currently in his humanoid form everyone was getting in the defensive stance including Athena who was normally pacifist.

"Calm yourself; we're not here to inflict any harm on you," said Sothis calmly.

"You dare come to our sacred chamber?" asked Artemis angrily.

"I'm sorry; I would have gone through the proper channels if it wasn't important," Sothis said apologetically.

"What is going to stop us from summoning our guards?" asked Athena, who was getting ready to defend her peers from a possible attack.

"If I were here for violence, none of you would be standing here. I'm here to propose an alliance," Sothis said as she did the last thing Epimenides expected—bowing before him. This surprised him; he wondered what her agenda was. He got up from his throne and walked towards Sothis. He was skeptical; even Kurama bowed. They were both extremely powerful creatures, yet here they were, bowing before him as if they were his inferiors.

"What reason do you have to bow before me? You are a queen, yet you're bowing before me as if you're my inferior. Why?" Epimenides coldly asked. He was extremely apprehensive towards outsiders, especially one that invaded his war council chamber, which hosted his throne. It took moments before she answered.

"Because there are things more important than pride, Lord Epimenides, on this planet we both share it, and we will both die if we don't work together against our common enemy," Sothis said as her face was facing the ground.

"Get up. You are a queen; I will not have you grovel for my aid," Epimenides said commandingly. She did exactly as he commanded. She stood tall; there was an ounce of defiance she wasn't willing to back down from. She was going to get an alliance with him and his people by whatever means necessary; he could read that in her face.

"We will discuss an alliance in private. Leave us," Epimenides commanded. Everyone without hesitation left the room. Kurama was hesitant; he didn't need to dig deep into the humanoid fox to know how close he and Sothis were. He was reluctant to leave her alone with an unknown enemy.

"Don't worry, Kurama. I can take care of myself," Sothis said confidently. The fox reluctantly left the room. It was only the two of them alone—a king and a queen. They were on equal footing. This alliance Sothis would propose would take a lot of time on both of their ends. Centuries of mistrust—did he dare chance it?

He didn't have time to think about it, not with what's at stake. This encounter with Sothis would change everything about their people, for better or worse.


Shez noticed Arval was silent.

"I'm sorry; I was thinking about a memory that I have forgotten," Arval said, not really elaborating.

Shez was barely paying attention to the lecture. She felt like she had witnessed a memory that wasn't hers; she could not explain why she was watching a war council with a fox spirit in the form of a human, along with a goddess. What was all this? This wasn't the first memory she had encountered that wasn't her own. She had experienced one before—an ancient battle—before she met Byleth. Just what was she, that memory she had witnessed exactly? Her companion did not know any more than she did. Something about Naruto made her feel apprehensive. Despite being in his feminine form, Naruko, she couldn't shake the feeling of caution, especially when it came to the nine-tailed fox spirit.

For now, though, she would focus on her studies in class; the last thing she wanted was to have her grades go down because she was spacing out.


Sakura was the first to arrive in her class, which she thought was unusual; it was usually Hinata who was in the class first. She was about to sit at her usual spot before she heard Hubert walk in the room. She turned around and saw him.

"May I take a few minutes of your time?" asked Hubert. Sakura didn't think there was any harm, and the tone of his voice was respectful. She had been trying to build a better reputation for herself, and she didn't want to undo all the hard work she had been doing for the past few months just because she felt uncomfortable around Hubert.

"Of course, Hubert-san. What is it that you need?" Sakura asked. He approached her as if wanting to keep what they were going to say as private as possible.

"Have you noticed something suspicious about your sensei?" asked Hubert seriously, which caused Sakura to wonder what he was getting at. Kakashi had been sick for a month, which she thought was strange, considering he never got sick at any point when she had gone on missions with him.

"I don't know what you mean, Hubert-san," Sakura said, not knowing what he was getting at.

"Don't you find it strange that what happened with Ingrid almost a month ago caused Kakashi to call in sick? At the same time, an assassination attempt happened on Hinata and Dimitri. Don't you find that suspicious?" asked Hubert. Now that Sakura thought about it, something did not add up. There was also Dorothea's attempted assassination to take into consideration as well.

"Did something like this happen five years ago when Sasuke was kidnapped?" asked Hubert. Sakura remembered those times—how Kakashi had mysteriously disappeared and how she and Naruto were not allowed to rescue their own teammate by the orders of the Hokage. Yet nothing added up, as Sasuke appeared suddenly two months later.

Something was suspicious. Sakura didn't truly trust Kakashi after that and did not understand why she felt apprehensive, as if he was hiding something. Then his sudden disappearance again—no, Sakura disregarded that theory as soon as it entered her mind, but it wasn't impossible.

"Something does not add up, I will admit that, but what does that have to do with us?" asked Sakura.

"You want to know my theory, Sakura?" Hubert asked.

"I think the assassination attempt and Kakashi are connected. Who better to assassinate a prince of a nation and a future heir to the Hyuga clan than someone with Kakashi's skills?" Hubert asked rhetorically. Sakura couldn't help but think about it, but then what about Dorothea and her attempted assassination?

"I think the theory has merit behind it, but why would Konoha risk destroying any relations with Faerghus? That doesn't make any sense, considering there are those on the Konoha council who desire strong relations with the kingdom. It just doesn't add up." Sakura said, but then she thought about the possible motive.

"It doesn't make sense, you're right, unless there are those who desire to see those relations fall apart. You see, Sakura, there are those in the empire who desire strong relations with Konoha, and there are those on the Konoha council who desire the same. The empire is vast and powerful, and Konoha desires to put its claws into the empire in order to expand its own territory beyond Ninji." Hubert stopped to let Sakura absorb what he just told her. That did make sense; she didn't get much information about the council because her parents didn't tell her much. Her father was on the council and always ranted about the war hawks on the council who wanted to extend Konoha's influence beyond its home continent and the delusions of the elders on the council wanting to even create what is called the Konoha empire. It had been a dream for generations. The other nations had a similar aspiration, but they didn't have the power to enact their desires.

"I don't know; I don't like this train of thought. Where is it leading, Hubert-san?" Sakura said, trembling at the very thought that her country would even consider such a horrific act as an assassination on a prince. It's an act of war; it's unfavorable to even consider Konoha willingly starting a conflict outside of its own continent. But nothing made sense until she set foot in the monastery. Most of the people she went to school with had never killed anyone. When she was twelve years old, she killed for the first time, yet everyone else she was going to school with had never done what she had done or seen what she had seen. She didn't know what to believe at this point.

"It isn't easy for one to see the world as it is, but Sakura, your country is hell-bent on expanding its influence by whatever means necessary. There are those in the Root Abuu who are in this very place where we go to school. Who's to say there isn't one in our class, or the Golden Deer, or even the Blue Lions? There are forces beyond our understanding; we must be cautious," Hubert warned as the rest of her peers entered the class.

Hubert went to his side of the class. Sakura wondered why he even bothered with her. She didn't know why she felt like something big was going to happen today. A huge mission was going to be entrusted to the Black Eagles; usually, those who won the mock battle were given the most important missions. She knew they would be given one, and whatever this mission would be, it would change the fate of everyone.

Then she saw somebody that she did not recognize: a silver-haired man with glasses who was walking alongside Seteth. She had never seen him enter this class ever; something was definitely off. Byleth wasn't too far behind, who was as confused as everyone else about why Seteth was in their class.

"Those in the Black Eagles class, I'm here to assist the professor until one of the senseis from Konoha arrives and as a substitute when Byleth is unable to teach," Seteth answered a question that was on everyone's mind.

"Will you introduce yourself?" he asked the silver-haired man.

"With pleasure, Seteth-san," said the silver-haired man.

"It was hard to choose a class, but the Black Eagles spoke to me. I hope we can all be friends with each other. My name is Kabuto Yakushi," he said with confidence and some form of condescension.

Sakura couldn't help but feel suspicious of him immediately; why now does he appear? She could see in the corner of her eye that Hubert had the same suspicion she had. Why was Kabuto in their class? The earlier conversation she had with Hubert came to mind; she couldn't help but remember what he said about spies. Could Kabuto be one of those spies?

She would have to keep an eye on him for everyone's sake. If Dimitri and Hinata could have an attempt on their lives, who's to say Edelgard couldn't be a target? She would have to be extremely careful not to expose herself. She would keep an eye on him regardless of what everyone else in the class felt.


Dorothea was sitting beside Ingrid and Hinata; she was just as baffled as everyone else about Seteth being the assistant professor. It was so strange to have it happen so suddenly. She was wondering what was going on in this Kabuto—who is he exactly? So many strange things have been happening over the past month: the mysterious strangers, one of whom looked like a younger version of herself, except with brownish-red hair and whiskers. Then there was the other girl with long blue hair and blue eyes, also with whiskers, alongside a boy with short red hair. Who were these people? And then there was Hinata, who had not said anything about her meeting with Hanneman; she was hiding something, and Naruto wasn't willing to tell anyone.

Dorothea wished Hinata would trust her. She couldn't help but feel that no matter how close she had gotten to her, there was a part of Hinata that didn't trust her, even though that was an irrational way of thinking. She had secrets too that she hadn't told anyone, like her Sharingan and her Uchiha ancestry—something she couldn't explain to anyone. Hinata did see her Sharingan but said nothing; she was grateful for that.

She felt Ingrid's right hand clasped around hers, as if she knew what she was thinking.

"Am I the only one that feels like something big is going to happen today?" asked Hinata, looking at the tension in the room. Dorothea couldn't help but agree with her; looking around, it was hard not to notice the extreme tension, as if something could explode at a moment's notice. Something was wrong.

"Whatever it is, we'll find out by the end of the day," said Ingrid, as if she could read her mind.

"I don't want to go on a mission to kill anyone," Hinata said, looking at her hands.

"You're not a killer, Hinata. You did what you had to do to protect us and to protect Naru. That doesn't change who you are," said Dorothea, trying to reassure her.

"I was considered weak for five years for refusing to kill anyone, but when my friends were about to be killed by bandits, I snapped. I killed without hesitation. I felt like a part of me had changed, like I tainted my soul by—" they didn't even pay attention to the lesson. Hinata's hands were shaking.

"No, you are not weak for what you have done. You don't have to kill anyone to prove that you're strong; you're strong as you are," said Ingrid. Hinata shook her head.

"My mother would still be alive if I wasn't such a weak and pathetic girl," Hinata said with bitterness. This was the main catalyst—the death of her mother. Dorothea could only relate; she felt weak and worthless when she wasn't able to do anything for her mother. But had she tried to fight alongside her, she would be dead just like her—or worse.

"It's not your fault what happened, and I don't think your mother would want you to think that way," said Ingrid as she held tighter to Hinata's hand.

"I don't know what I would do without you. You're precious to me, all of you." Then they realized where they were and stopped. It wasn't the time or place, and it would only be a matter of time before they'd be noticed by Seteth, who would not take too kindly to them talking in the middle of a lecture, even if it was in whispers.

They stayed silent for the remainder of the class, not wanting to draw the wrath of their professor and his assistant


Hinata and Ingrid were sparring. It was an intense sparring match. Hinata was fighting using her lance in order to get better at fighting with her weapon of choice; she wanted to be less reliant on her Gentle Fist and more reliant on other skills. She was surprised at her progress and how fast she was managing to keep up with her friend as they both blocked each other's blows. Even though Ingrid had won every one of their sessions because of her skill with a lance being far superior to Hinata's due to her experience, Hinata was catching up; it was far easier than it had been the first time.

This particular session, people were watching with interest as she blocked blow after blow. Ingrid swiped at Hinata's foot in order to end the match quickly, but Hinata, learning from her past experiences, blocked with her own. Even students from other houses were watching with interest as the two went all out in their duel. She had sparred with Ingrid the most out of any of the students. She couldn't put her finger on why she preferred Ingrid over everyone else, but she felt that part of her understood Hinata even more than Naruto, considering how often they had sparred.

Ingrid moved gracefully as Hinata tried to get a quick victory. Even though she knew it was pointless, it didn't hurt to try; she wasn't going to ignore all her options on the table. The two combatants circled each other, and it was amazing just how much Hinata was able to keep up with her friend.

Ingrid struck Hinata with a tempest strike, which nearly caught Hinata off guard. Ingrid was even faster than normal. Hinata had to resist the urge to scream; her palms did hurt, but it wasn't going to stop her. She wasn't going to complain like a child. It was her fault she was in this state because she hadn't trained hard enough. Pain would be a reminder of what to look out for next time.

She was trying hard not to have her Crest activate; she didn't want anybody else to know. She tried to strike at other places where she saw vulnerabilities, too, on Ingrid's right side, where her defense was weakest. Ingrid barely managed to block. Had she been a second faster, Hinata would have won. They circled each other, and it was intense, with the worrying looks on her friend's face as they both approached the final stages of their sparring match.

Ingrid moved as fast as a lion to Hinata's right side and struck. Hinata barely had time to block. Everyone gasped at just how close these two were in their skills. Even though Hinata knew it was far from close, Ingrid was still better than her. As the match was about to reach its conclusion, Ingrid executed one last horizontal strike. Hinata felt time slow down; it was as if she could see through Ingrid's attack. Hinata moved slightly to the right and countered with her own strike, knocking Ingrid down.

Everyone was surprised when Hinata aimed her lance at Ingrid's throat, signifying her victory, which was the first since she began her training.

"That was quite a workout; I didn't expect that," Ingrid admitted as Hinata offered her a hand. Ingrid took it, and Hinata helped her up. She couldn't believe she had won.

"It was! I didn't expect to win this time," Hinata admitted.

"You've trained really hard; you're talented, Hinata. I have to train much harder in order to keep up with you. You are quite something," Ingrid said, smiling at the result. Win or lose, it was still an enjoyable experience sparring with Ingrid.

"Spectacular!" she exclaimed. She looked behind her and saw Rodrigue, the man she had met the other day.

"Rodrigue, did you watch all of that?" Ingrid asked, not noticing he was there until now.

"I did. Your father would be proud of how far you have come, Ingrid," Rodrigue said with pride. Hinata could sense that they had a close relationship.

"And you, Hinata, despite barely picking up the lance, are becoming skilled in a short amount of time. You have inherited your parents talents," he said with a smile. Hinata then realized he said "mother."

"What do you mean by that, Rodrigue-san?" Hinata asked, noticing his face change as if he had said something he shouldn't have.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I misspoke; I meant your mother, actually." He said it, but she knew he wasn't completely being truthful. He had said "parents," which meant he knew who her father was. She didn't know why, but she had a strong feeling he did.

"I didn't notice you were here. Who are you?" asked Byleth, her professor, who noticed Rodrigue's presence.

"I just came today, Byleth. I am one of your peers, Rodrigue. I am currently the professor of the Blue Lions and will be taking the place of Manuela, who will be my assistant," he said as he bowed respectfully towards him.

"There's no need for that, Rodrigue. We're equals here," Byleth said respectfully.

"I disagree. You are his son. I was once taught by your father. Many of the lessons he taught me I hold dear to my heart even to this day," Rodrigue said with reverence for Jeralt. His father, Hinata, had heard a lot about him from what she was allowed to learn from that creature she didn't even want to name.

"I wish I could meet him," Hinata admitted.

"You'll get your chance, Hinata. Even though he's busy on missions, you will get a chance to meet him. He was one of your mother's instructors, after all," Rodrigue said, thinking nostalgically of his time at the academy.

"I didn't know my father was a teacher here," Byleth said, feeling as ignorant as Hinata did.

"Oh, he wouldn't have been able to do it as well if it weren't for your mother. Now, she was a teacher that was loved, and the Blue Lions. It's a shame what happened to her," Rodrigue said, thinking about the woman he knew.

"Wait, you met my mother?" Byleth asked, surprised.

"Oh yes, Professor Sitri was quite something. She was popular with the students, especially among the male population, much to the annoyance of your father," he said, recalling the memory. Hinata couldn't imagine that at all.

"Oh yes, and I remember Hitomi being her top student, even outpacing Lambert in a lot of cases in her grades, of course. We all teased them about it," Rodrigue said, smiling at the memory.

Hinata had the same look her professor had; they both knew nothing about their mothers' time at the academy, especially Hinata. Her mother was Sitri's top student. It was as if history was repeating itself through generations—the children of the previous generation teaching the children of the current. It was as if fate itself decided it shall be.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm feeling nostalgic for a time long gone," Rodrigue said, catching his carelessness. Or was he? Hinata thought before she could ask him another question. Seteth approached the group.

"The Archbishop requires our presence at once," Seteth said, breaking all conversation.

"I'll be there momentarily," said Rodrigue. Her professor left, and she wondered why he wasn't leaving like Byleth.

"Keep an eye on her, Ingrid. I wouldn't be able to face Hitomi if anything happened to her," Rodrigue said as he left. Ingrid didn't get a chance to respond. Hinata couldn't help but feel like Rodrigue knows more than he's letting on. He knows about her mother, but more importantly, he knows who her father is—her real father. There's no way he doesn't know.

She was going to find out; she needed answers. Who was she? She certainly wasn't a Hyuga. If that's not what she is, then who is she? She would have to put that aside for now. The mission came first. As much as she wanted to believe otherwise, that was the truth she could not escape from.


Byleth, Rodrigue, and Kakashi were being summoned by Rhea. It was time for their missions. This was the moment where he would test the results of his students training. He felt it was too soon, but he knew he couldn't argue. All three professors waited for the archbishop to speak.

"As you all know, the three of you will be assigned on your own separate missions."

Rhea motioned for one of the knights to hand over the dossier to each of them. He read his. So he was going to eliminate the remnants of that bandit band that he had destroyed a month ago. He didn't think this was worth the use of his time, but he didn't want to say it openly, so he bit his tongue.

Rodrigue asked the archbishop, who calmly answered his question.

"Considering this is a matter for the kingdom, it's only appropriate that your class deals with this matter. This is a Faerghus matter that should be dealt with as soon as possible before it erupts into a full-scale war," Rhea said to Rodrigue with urgency. He was from the kingdom, so he knew better than anyone in this room how dangerously this rebellion could be. He had heard about it on his travels before he became a professor, but to think it would get to this.He was glad his class was not assigned to putting down a rebellion; something about it irked him.

Then he saw Kakashi, who also asked a question: "I understand you want my class to go to the Land of Waves, isn't it out of the way from Fodlan? I know it's halfway to the point of East Adrestia; is there any particular reason why you want us to go to the Land of Waves when it's better to be handled by Konoha?"Kakashi asked. Astonished that she would be sending his class far away from everyone else.

"Since you're from that part of the world, I think you would be a good fit to lead your students, since most of them have never been to any part of the five nations. This would be a good learning experience when they eventually go to Konoha itself."

It made sense to Byleth, but he still couldn't figure out why.

The archbishop looked at him if he had any questions for her.

"You're all dismissed." Kakashi and Rodrigue left; he was alone with the archbishop. He had his own questions.

"You look troubled." Rhea said, noticing his turmoil. He didn't want Marianne to go on a mission like this; he didn't want her to soil her hands more with the blood of others. He wanted to voice that, but he couldn't.

"Is there any reason our class is being sent to kill bandits, instead of doing something else? I thought this was a school; I wasn't told we were training soldiers." From what he could tell, she looked like she was twitching. Was that anger he saw in her eyes?

"It would be a good use of their training after all. They must learn to kill their hesitation. If they are to defend themselves on future missions. I have full confidence in your ability to keep my students alive and safe." Rhea countered.

The very idea was ridiculous. How is taking them to a place that could get them killed and having him simply being there keeping them safe? He wanted to say something but he couldn't. He bit his tongue.

"I will head out at once," he said hesitantly.

When he was out of earshot, he spoke aloud to Sothis. "I don't like this one bit. I didn't agree to train my students to be killers." It was one thing for him. He was used to it. He had been a mercenary since he was 12. But these were people with little experience; they could potentially get killed if they froze and their deaths would be his fault. They may have fought in a battle before but that was one battle this could be more dangerous anything could happen and that's what concerned him.

"The power that I used the other day, I can give it to you to help you ensure they survive, but know that my power has its limits," Sothis told him cautiously.

"I just want to keep her safe," he said to himself.

"Believe in your strength and the strength of your students. She's stronger than you know."

He didn't want to put Marianne in danger. He clenched his fist, but if he didn't go, someone else would lead, and they would likely get his students killed. It had to be him. He was going to inform his students that they were going to be gone on a mission by the end of the day.

The feeling of dread he has: what if he failed? What if he experienced the same failure he had three years ago when he faced a mercenary that was far stronger than him, who would have killed him had Marianne not protected him with a power he still, to this day, doesn't understand? He felt pathetic that day; he couldn't protect her. There were others he wanted to protect as well.

Why did he have to feel this fear? Fear is unbecoming of what his reputation entails, but that's what he experienced ever since he met Marianne. He doesn't want to be helpless again. He will do whatever it takes to protect her and his students, he would not fail; he wouldn't allow it.

He forced himself to move to inform his students about the upcoming mission.


Rhea saw Byleth leave. Seteth had a look of disapproval on his face. She should not want to have this conversation at the moment, but she knew she couldn't avoid it due to it being impossible to ignore. Byleth's relationship with Marianne was a topic of contention with Seteth since he arrived. She knew nothing of their relationship except that they met years prior, and it was one of the few things she was willing to overlook because of how much his relationship with her reminded her of her own lover—a lover that she hadn't named for a thousand years because of the pain.

"His feelings for the girl are not appropriate for a teacher. You know this, yet you allow this. Why?" Seteth asked, referring to Byleth's relationship with Marianne.

"Because he's a lot like his mother, my Sitri." She had rarely mentioned her daughter's name in the past 20 years due to the pain. Seteth couldn't possibly understand the pain of seeing your own child die, especially a mother who had given birth to said child. In her child's dying moments, she saw memories of her when she was a newborn, then when she was able to walk for the first time, talk for the first time. Even though Sitri was a woman when she died, in Rhea's eyes, she was always her little girl, and she always will be.

"I understand, but you have to understand how it looks. There are already rumors that he's taking advantage of her. I know he isn't the type to do such things, but that doesn't stop the rumors. There are those who resent that he was given the position of professor over others, and some of the faculty feel like they are more deserving." Seteth said the same thing she had heard before from others; she didn't need to hear it again, and she was tired of hearing about it. She had been hearing about it for what seemed like every day, and she was sick of it.

"My grandson is more than qualified to be the professor of the Black Eagles. He has more than proven himself in the past month. My decision to allow him to be a professor was the correct one, and I will not be told otherwise, especially by anyone in the faculty." Rhea said to Seteth, who did not recoil. He was one of the few who was not afraid to confront her on any disagreements.

"Plus, you have not seen how happy he was when he was offered a chance to do something other than being a mercenary. For the first time in his life, he's doing something other than taking a life; he's teaching. From what I've heard from Jeralt, he's never felt so fulfilled in his life. I don't regret my decision; nobody's going to get me to change my mind," Rhea said, defending her decision for allowing her grandson to be the professor while also overlooking his affair with Marianne. She may be playing favorites because he's the son of Sitri, but it doesn't matter. She will not be second-guessed by anyone.

"I don't pretend to know what his life was like prior to being here in the monastery. I don't know what that girl has done for him before he came here. I'm just saying what everyone else is afraid to say: it's inappropriate what they do. Even if they do their best to hide it, it's obvious to anyone who's paying attention that they are having an affair. They may not even know the context; it doesn't matter. Appearances are everything, Rhea. I'm just looking after him, that is all," Seteth said calmly, knowing that he was stepping on a topic that he shouldn't be discussing.

"There's also the matter with Sonia and Dimitri. Even though she's been very careful about leaving as little of a trail as possible, their frequent visits are also drawing attention. We cannot hide who she is forever. Sonia and Byleth will eventually meet; we cannot hide them from each other forever. It wouldn't be right for either one of them," Seteth said, trying to get her to allow Sonia to leave the Abyss. But Sonia wasn't the only reason she didn't want Sonia to leave the Abyss; there was a deep secret that she didn't want any of the world to know.

"You know as well as I do why I'm secretive about her existence as I am. I do it because if Konoha were to discover that there is a secret 10th Jinchuriki, and if they were to find out about my sister Ichika, if they were to find out that the daughter of Kurama exists, they would go after Sonia like vultures. I do it to protect both of them," Rhea said defensively. She was tired of justifying everything that she was doing.

"Having her caged like an animal isn't going to do anything but cause her to be filled with bottled-up rage. You know as much as I do about the life of a Jinchuriki and how harsh it is. Gaara was nearly consumed by his own hatred because of his isolation. Had it not been for Naruto to fight with everything he had, he would be a cold-blooded killer even now. All of them have a hard life, no exceptions. The fact that Sonia doesn't understand why she's even in the Abyss is cruel," Seteth said, which caused her to want to leap across the room and slap him hard across the face, but she held back, knowing that would be counterproductive.

"Who are you to lecture me, Seteth? You do what you have to do to protect your child. Do you honestly believe you're not doing the same thing to Flayn? Are you not making it difficult for her to make friends? You're treating her in the same way I'm treating Sonia. Don't act all self-righteous with me when you're doing the same thing," Rhea said, calling him out for his hypocrisy. He had no rebuke.

"We will have this discussion later. I've got to go to Byleth and make sure he doesn't do anything foolish on his mission." Before he left, she said one last thing. "Make sure to keep Hinata safe. Rodrigue may not be aware that we know her true identity. We must make sure she sees her homeland. I will not violate a promise I made to her mother," Rhea said, which caused him to turn around one last time.

"I will make sure the lion princess comes home in one piece. You have my word on that," Seteth said before he left.

She wanted to see her mother again and hear her voice, but the price to pay was high, and Rhea wasn't sure if she wanted to pay that price. She wasn't willing to do that with her own daughter, yet she felt sick about doing it to her own grandson because he was stillborn. Part of her thought he was unnatural, but that changed when she saw him for the first time as an adult. He had feelings, even if he didn't understand them, and he felt pain, sadness, and happiness, just like everybody else.

Yet, she wanted to see her mother. She wanted badly to see her. Her conscience was eating at her, a life for a life—that's the price that it would cost to bring her back, and she wasn't sure what her resolve was anymore. Seteth's words couldn't leave her mind because he was right, and she couldn't refute any of it.

She prayed and hoped that her grandson would come home safely, not because he carries her mother inside of him but because she doesn't want a part of her daughter to die and her sacrifice to be in vain.


"We're going on a mission to put down a rebellion in Castle Gaspard Blue Lions we will be heading out today" Said rodrigue. Ashe couldn't believe it, it couldn't be his friends noticed that he was troubled.

"Are you okay, Ashe?" asked Annette concerned.

"I'm fine," he lied.

"To think it would come to this," Dimitri said with a sad look on his face. "What's going on?" asked Sasuke, who was completely left in the dark.

"We will explain it on the way. We really don't have time." said Manuela who was by Rodrigue's side

"Everyone get everything that you will need. It will take us days to get to Castle Gaspard. We have to put an end to this rebellion as fast as possible before it escalates into a war." he was conflicted. Why was he doing this? He remembered his adopted father fondly. He helped his siblings and him when they really needed it. He treated him like he was his own flesh and blood. Why?

He got his equipment before he left the armory. He saw Sasuke, who gave him a look.

"I take it you know something everyone else doesn't?" Sasuke asked him as if it were a matter of course.

"I don't want to talk about it, Sasuke." Ashe said, walking past him.

"I will know one way or another. There's no need to beat around the bush. I won't tell anyone." He wasn't going to be satisfied with any answer as long as he got something.

"Lonato is a great man. I don't know why." He couldn't bring himself to say it.

"I see you don't have to tell me right now. Let's go." He was grateful that Sasuke didn't ask him for more information. His loyalties were torn. Why didn't Lord Lonato tell him why he kept what he was doing a secret? He would find out one way or another. There must be another way; killing him cannot be the only answer.


Sasuke didn't think he would go to any region of Faerghus so soon; all of his training, which he had accumulated over the past 4 months, would finally be put to the test. Quelling a rebellion wasn't something he was keen on. He did a practice motion with his sword. This would be the first time he would use the sword, which was used by his father during the Third Great Ninja War in his home continent. He put his sword back into its sheath and turned around, noticing a woman who was looking at him with interest.

"I must say that's an impressive sword you have there" the woman was blonde, her skin was tan but then he noticed her features, which were those of someone who was born and raised in Faerghus. She wore a uniform that was typical for the knights of Seiros.

"Thunderstrike Cassandra, what did I do to deserve such an honor

"So you're the famous prodigy from Konoha, Sasuke Uchiha. I have a proposition for you, but it will have to wait until after the mission."

Sasuke was intrigued by what she was offering him.

"What is it that you offer me, Catherine San?" He wondered why she would take the time out of her day to approach him of all people.

"Training. I see how skilled you are with that blade, and I know you desire to get stronger. I can offer you that sort of training. I can offer you to be stronger, but know that I'm a very strict teacher."

Being offered to be trained by one of the most skilled swordsmen of the continent was not something Sasuke thought he would ever be offered.

"You don't have to decide right now, but know that my offer stands. Truth be told, he wanted to accept her offer on the spot, but she was right; "you don't have to decide right here, right now."

"Why do you offer this to me?" Sasuke asked her.

"The Archbishop is considering making you a Knight. You should consider this an honor; it isn't often that foreigners are offered such an honor." A Knight, he thought. If you were to be trained by them, it would help him in his goal of avenging his family and clan, but he couldn't accept such an offer lightly. Accepting such an offer would mean he could never go back to Konoha.

"Of course you don't have to accept the position of being a knight, but my training is something that would help you become one if that's what you wish after you graduate." He felt relieved hearing that. Sasuke bowed as a form of respect and left.

Sasuke was about to go back to his class when he saw Rodrigue, who looked like he wanted to speak to him.

"You're the Uchiha I've heard so much about; you're shorter than I expected," Rodrigue said, which surprised Sasuke. Why was he willing to talk to him considering his brother?

"Is there any reason you wish to speak to me, Rodrigue-san?" asked Sasuke respectfully.

"My son Glenn once went to the same class as your brother Itachi. I have a difficult time believing they were friends considering how many of his classmates he ended up killing," Rodrigue said with revulsion. Speaking of his brother made him sick; Sasuke couldn't blame him—that's how he felt. But why did he want to talk to him in particular?

"I have a score to settle with him as well; he killed my son," Rodrigue said, his hands trembling.

"What do you mean he killed your son? I was never told this by Felix," Sasuke said, surprised about learning how his brother was involved in the tragedy.

"He tried to kill Dimitri. Glenn fought him; he fought valiantly to protect him, but it wasn't enough—he lost his life. Had it not been for reinforcements that day, had it not been for my son to buy time, he would have succeeded in his mission," Rodrigue said, his voice trembling.

"I don't have any words. I'm sorry for your loss, but what does this have to do with me?" Sasuke asked.

"It will require for us to be alone, Sasuke. There's something you need to know. I know you are on your quest for Revenge, and I'm willing to assist you in any way necessary. Know that you don't have to do it alone. The Blue Lions have made a vow to kill the bastard. He has stained the honor of this house. He killed your entire clan with the training we provided him. He used that same training to kill many of our countrymen, and my son, he Dishonored us just like he has Dishonored your clan. We both have a reason to want him dead." Rodrigue said with his arms crossed, waiting for Sasuke to respond. First, Catherine was offering him a chance to train, and now he was being told there was something that he knew. Sasuke didn't know what to do.

"I feel like you're telling me what I want to hear, yet I know you speak the truth, Rodrigue San. What do you want from me?"Sasuke asked respectfully.

"I wish for you to keep Dimitri safe to protect him. I know you are stronger than anyone in this class. He's going to be targeted again. I know he will. I need to know that you will protect him. He's your friend, after all. I know he is, even if you haven't admitted it out loud." Rodrigue said as if he could read through Sasuke.

"I'll do what I can," Sasuke said.

"When we have a moment, Sasuke, I would like to talk to you one-on-one. Until then, meet with your classmates." Rodrigue said, dismissing him.

Sasuke was wondering what Rodrigue had to tell him, which required them both to be alone. Sasuke did not know why, but he felt like there was a secret about the tragedy and that Konoha may have had something to do with it, but why Itachi was a traitor? He wanted to know the truth. No matter how painful it would be, the village couldn't possibly be responsible for something so grotesque, could it?


Catherine bowed before the archbishop; he is open to my offer of training. She said, looking down, "Good! The Uchiha will be a great asset to us. I have no doubt you will succeed in training him and in time he will come to me and swear his loyalty." She knows Catherine was confused.

"My lady, if I may speak freely." She motioned for her to speak.

"Are you positive that he would do such a thing? It's no secret that his goal is to kill his brother, become a Knight that may get in the way of that goal." She knew that, but she also knew something else.

"It's better that we train him and mold him so he will be one of our allies and not our enemies in the future we have a rare opportunity: one of the last Uchiha. It would be a waste not having him loyal to us."

She knows this could potentially make enemies in Konoha, but she isn't concerned. They aren't foolish enough to strike at the church. The church has allies and supporters, even in the five nations. Even if it's not as strong as it is in Fodlan.

"Do you have any further questions, Catherine? Are there any other concerns you want to voice?" She could predict what she would say or wouldn't say; she shook her head.

"Make sure to put down those who are foolish enough to rise against the goddess." She dismissed Catherine.

"Mother, soon you will return to us." She had a strong feeling that she would return after a thousand years of failure. It was only a matter of time; nothing would get in her way.


"We're going to the Land of Waves?" asked Claude, surprised that they would be going so far away from the monastery.

"Yes, it's halfway between East of Adrestia and the land of water. This is a learning experience to see what some of the Nations the five nations look like. This will be a glimpse of what you will be seeing when you go to the continent of the five nations yourselves and see Konoha." he said to everyone in the Golden Deer.

"It seems troublesome," said Shikamaru, not thrilled with the idea of going on a boat.

"Is there any reason why we're going there?" asked Claude the Land of Waves, which he had heard was south of Almira, his homeland. He was hoping to avoid going near his homeland. There wasn't anything he could do about it.

"The inhabitants of the Land of Waves are being terrorized by a bandit gang, and we are requested to assist." Kakashi explained didn't make sense to Claude. Why not just hire the ninja from Konohagakure? That's what Claude wanted to ask, but he knew better than to do that.

"We'll leave within the hour," Kakashi told everyone.

Leaving within an hour—that was quick, quicker than he expected. He looked at Naruko, who had a concerned look on her face.

"Don't worry, buddy. I'm sure they'll be safe," Claude said, referring to Hinata, Ingrid, and Dorothea.

"It's just so sudden," she said, looking in the direction of the Black Eagles' house.

"Don't worry about it; they can take care of themselves. You have nothing to worry about," Claude said reassuringly.

"Yes, we lack a mage who can heal us and who could support us," said Gaara, looking at the vacant spaces where Marianne and Lysithea were supposed to be. "If we were to get injured, we would be screwed. I suggest we ask one of the other houses if one of their mages, or two if possible, can assist us," Gaara suggested.

Claude knew he had a point. Gaara may be the equivalent of a mage, but he wasn't the same as Lysithea. Ino was training how to heal using white magic, but she was only able to do low-level healing spells. They would need someone with more experience. Sakura would be ideal because of her expertise as a healer due to her training by Tsunade. But she may not be willing to do so, so who would be willing to join the Golden Deer, even temporarily?

Ingrid saw Byleth enter the classroom the Black Eagles were awaiting their orders knowing that they were going on a mission. It was difficult to believe only a month ago she transferred things were definitely different in this house compared to the Blue Lions. She didn't think she would adjust but she did she made friends with Lysithea,Bernadetta and Marianne

Dorothea had a concerned look, knowing that the mission they were going on would be extremely dangerous. However, she was most concerned about Naruto. Ingrid had no idea what to say to her; she would love to be by his side, but she couldn't be in two places at once. Hinata also had the same concerned look on her face.

Byleth started to speak "as you all know we are going on our first mission we're going to go to the bandit hideout and eliminate the remnants not to spare any of them these scum have terrorized the people and they cannot be allowed again to organize. I will not sugar coat it, you will be killing someone you'll be taking their lives if you don't have the stomach for it, do not come on this mission you will only be a burden and get yourself and those around you killed."none of her classmates questioned what he was saying it was almost as if they were all in unison.

"So when do we leave professor?"asked Edelgard."we leave within the hour get everything that you will need. We will be gone for days"he dismissed everyone. When everyone was dismissed, she ran into Hinata who looked troubled.

"I don't know if I have the stomach to kill," Marianne said with revulsion of the idea of taking another life.

"I know what you mean Marianne, Chan"Hinata agreed.

"I didn't know you felt that way Ingrid"said the first thing she said to Hinata for the day Marianne didn't look happy with the idea of taking another life.

"You'll get used to it in time assuming you don't want to die,"said Hubert to Marianne with that dark sense of humor.

"You are not helping," Hinata said angrily.

"I'm only pointing out the truth, Lady Hinata," Hubert said, ignoring Hinata's angry look.

"I don't wish to be a burden, Hinata. You don't have to defend me," Marianne said. Hubert's next response would make Hinata even angrier.

"If you don't want to be a burden on everyone in this class, you'd better be prepared to take a life," Hubert said harshly. He walked right past them. Ingrid did not like him. Something about him rubbed her the wrong way.

"Don't take it personally, he does that to everyone," Edelgard said trying to defuse The situation.

"Well, I don't like him,"Hinata said coldly.

"I didn't think you were capable of disliking anyone,"remarked Edelgard.

"Well I think he's a prick and just because I don't dislike people generally doesn't mean. I'm not capable of feeling that way towards certain people,"Hinata said darkly. It was so strange to her Hinata she seem to be like an angel but she was far from an angel. Ingrid knew this when she sparred with her for the past 4 months she had learned more and more about her there was plenty of people she disliked though to Ingrid she was perfect and nobody would convince her otherwise.

"He does tend to do that; don't take it personally, Hinaa. He tends to do that to everyone," Dorothea said understandingly.

"One of us has to be by Naruto's side. I cannot sleep knowing there isn't anyone to protect him," said Ingrid, who felt conflicted. Rodrigue had entrusted her to protect Hinata, and she didn't understand why she couldn't neglect her duty. No matter what, she couldn't protect all the people she loved; she could not be by his side if she were to leave Hinata's side. She would be unprotected, and she would be violating a promise she had made.

"I'll protect him. I was planning on volunteering for the Golden Deer; I might as well do it now," said Dorothea as she was about to leave.

"Wait," said Ingrid, but Dorothea walked past them and went straight to her quarters.

"I'm sorry, Hinata. I have to see her before we go," Ingrid said as she went to Dorothea's quarters.


Dorothea was about to head out; it would be a few weeks, if not more, before she would see the monastery again. She made sure to get everything before she left. Before she got to her door, she saw Ingrid in front of her.

"I wanted to see you before we left," Ingrid said.

"I really do have to hurry, Ingrid. Our mission is going to start soon, and I don't want to be late," Dorothea said, trying to end the conversation.

"No, I want to have this now. I don't know if we'll have another opportunity," Ingrid said in a tone that indicated she was not going to back down, regardless of what Dorothea said.

"Please don't talk like that," Dorothea said, not wanting to hear about Ingrid's willingness to sacrifice her life for Hinata. She didn't want to lose one person to save another; she would rather her life be sacrificed instead.

"I'm sorry, but I must do what is necessary to ensure Hinata comes home safely," Ingrid said. She hated this about her culture; she did not want to lose anyone. Even if she loved them, she didn't want to lose either Ingrid or Hinata; it would devastate her.

"I don't want to lose either one of you," Dorothea said, trembling.

"I don't either, but I'll do what I must to protect her. I love her just like I love you," Ingrid said.

"I'll do what I can to protect Naru. I'll make sure he comes back in one piece," Dorothea said as she felt Ingrid's arms around her. She wrapped her arms tight; she did not want to let go. The way Ingrid was kissing her was different than how she normally did it. It was full of passion, far more passion than usual; it was as if she was kissing for one final time.

"I love you, Dorothea. Please be safe," Ingrid said, trying to keep herself together.

"I love you too, Ingrid. Please be careful," Dorothea replied.

"I can't promise that, but I'll try," Ingrid said with a smile.

"You better! I don't want you coming home in a box. Naru would be devastated if anything happened to you; he loves you, you know," Dorothea said, trying to reassure her that Naruto did love her, that his feelings were not lesser.

"I'm not worthy of his love," Ingrid said, denying her feelings.

"If anyone's not worthy, it's me," said Dorothea, who was trying her hardest to not give in to her feelings. When she was around Naruto, she would be with him for almost a month; she didn't know if she could resist that long.

"We're both lovesick fools. We both love people that are out of our reach. We could just focus on each other, but our hearts won't allow it," Ingrid said, looking in Naruto and Hinata's direction.

"I'd be more than willing to share them with you if that's what you want," Dorothea said.

"We'll settle this when we come back. I don't know if I can do it anymore," Ingrid confessed.

"Please be safe, my beloved Ingrid," Dorothea said as she reluctantly let her lover go.

"I don't know if I can promise that, but please don't do anything reckless, Dorothy," Ingrid said as she left her alone. Being alone with the man she loves would be difficult, if not impossible; giving in to her deepest desires is not something she could resist any longer.

But that was not her priority at the moment. It was making sure Naruto came back alive; that was her main goal, and that should be enough. Despite what she tells herself, her heart says something different.

She went towards the golden deer class to introduce herself to the people who would be her peers for the next few weeks.


Naruko had packed everything that she would possibly need. She was looking forward to finally getting out of these damn clothes; they were too big for her because of her height. She couldn't wait to finally be herself again. Hinata would be in her quarters any minute, and before she could leave, she heard a knock. She opened the door and saw it was Dorothea. She was surprised to see her and wondered why she was here.

"Oh, Naru, is it a bad time?" asked Dorothea. She looked around and shook her head.

"Good. I'm going to make it quick: I'm going with you," Dorothea said without hesitation, which caused Naruko to take some time to absorb what Dorothea said before she almost yelled in surprise.

"What? But what about your class? What about Hinata-chan?" Naruko asked, which caused Dorothea to look down.

"Ingrid will look after her. I have full confidence in that. Plus, I don't want you to be away for so long without keeping an eye on you. I'm not doing this because I don't think you're capable; I'm just worried. I don't want…" she couldn't finish.

"You worry too much, Dorothea-chan. I can protect myself, and I have my friends in the Golden Deer. There's no need—"

"No, I don't want to lose anyone. I can't lose you. I couldn't live with myself if I found out you died and I was not there. I cannot live with that choice knowing I could have been there. I'd rather be with you just so I know for sure that I made the right choice," Dorothea said. She thought Dorothea worried too much until she heard her companion chime in.

"You're not going to talk her out of this, Kit. This woman loves you and will go with you anyway, regardless of what you say. Accept her offer and make it easier on yourself. Trust me on this; I know from experience," Kyubi said in a firm tone. There was no way she could talk Dorothea out of it.

"You can come, but please be careful. I don't know what I would do if I lost you," Naruko said as she resisted the urge to hug her. She had to keep herself under control; she couldn't let a repeat of what happened with Ingrid, especially considering they're not officially in a relationship yet.

"I don't know if I can promise that, but I'll try. I'll meet you near the gates," Dorothea said as she left Naruko alone.

She double-checked to make sure she had everything. When Naruko was done, she was about to leave until she saw Hinata, who was in her mission attire from Konoha—a new attire that she would have worn had she still been in Ninji. Hinata's mission attire was a form-fitting light lavender, sleeveless kimono-style blouse with vertical lines, tied with a dark purple obi around her waist and short dark navy shorts. She also wore thigh-high stockings with black, open-toed boots.

She thought Hinata looked like a goddess in her current mission attire; to think this is what she would have worn had they not gone to the academy.

"I don't know about this, but considering the circumstances, it would be a waste not to use it," said Hinata as she stood there. It was awkward—what was she going to say to her girlfriend?

"I don't know about this; it'll be weeks before we see each other again," Naruko said, now feeling scared for the first time. She wasn't going to be there to protect her, and she didn't know how to feel.

"I assure you, nothing will happen. My friends will protect me, and Hitomi—my friends won't let me down; I know they won't," Hinata said with a warm smile, that smile that always reassured her when she went on a mission.

"I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. I would burn the whole world to the ground, and I do mean that," Naruko said as she wrapped her arms around her lover.

"I would do the same. I love you. Whenever you're Naruto-kun or Naruko-chan, I will always love you," Hinata said as she felt her lips on hers. The passion—it was more than she ever felt before. This wasn't like the other times; both of them knew they would be separated for a long period of time. In the small but remote chance that one of them could die, she couldn't bear that idea—she refused to.

Knowing that they had to separate, she pulled away.

"I love you. Please come home to me," Naruko said, on the verge of crying.

"I love you too, please be safe," Hinata replied as she left Naruko alone.

She was about to leave her room when she saw Ingrid, much to her shock.

"Oh goodness, I'm glad I got here before you left," Ingrid said. Things were silent; they had not been alone since that night. They didn't speak of it because they didn't want to ruin their relationship. Even if they both gave in and kissed without regret, it was still something they couldn't discuss because of the ramifications.

"Ingrid-chan, I—" she was about to say something, but Ingrid didn't give her a chance.

"Please be safe. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. I've lost too much; I can't afford to lose you too," Ingrid said. Their bodies were close, and she was resisting the urge to give in to her desire. She didn't get a chance to say yes or no before she felt Ingrid's lips on hers. They didn't care if the whole world saw them; they were in their own world. It was nothing like it was the night they kissed for the first time; there was far more passion, far more fire. If they weren't on a mission, she would likely have made love to her once again, but she had to hold herself back because of the situation.

"I love you, Ingrid-chan. Please come back to me safely," Naruko requested.

"I will, if you do the same," Ingrid replied.

Before she left, Ingrid said one last thing.

"I love you with all my heart. Even if we cannot be together, that won't change," Ingrid said. Naruko wanted to tell her how foolish that was; of course, they would be together. If their love was mutual, then it would happen—even if she had to wait a long time for it to happen, it would.

She was tempted to say more, and so was Ingrid, but they both knew that to say more would ruin the moment. They both turned their backs on each other and headed to their respective destinations.


Hinata was halfway to her destination when she saw Dorothea. She looked like she wanted to say something.

"Do you have a few minutes, Hinaa?" asked Dorothea.

"I do. I'm heading to the stables to get my Pegasus; it won't be long," Hinata said. Dorothea looked at her in shock. Hinata had a silver lance on her back; she was planning on using it as her primary weapon. She was determined to use the Gentle Fist as little as possible after finding out the truth. She wanted even less to do with her clan. She would only use it if the situation called for it; that's what the Gentle Fist was to her now—a weapon, nothing more. There was no honor in a clan of cowards.

They walked in silence until they reached the stables, where Hitomi awaited.

"What is it that you want to talk about, Dorothea?" Hinata asked as she was about to get on her Pegasus.

"I wanted to make sure, in case the worst happens, that you at least know how I feel," Dorothea said, which caused Hinata to stop.

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked.

"I make it no secret; I love Naru with all my heart and soul. That will not change, but I want to let you know I love you as well. Even if you reject me, I want you to know that there are others that love you and would be devastated if anything happened. Don't do anything reckless, please." Dorothea begged. Hinata needed to face her; she couldn't just go on her Pegasus. This was too important. She had to face her.

She got close to the taller woman; their faces were inches from each other, close enough for them to kiss.

"Do you know how this will look if everyone saw?" asked Dorothea nervously.

"I don't give a damn. Let them spread their damn rumors. No one can tell me how I should feel about you; it's none of their business," said Hinata as she did what she didn't think she would have the courage to do: kiss the taller woman. Her lips felt soft—softer than she imagined. She felt the taller woman's hands around her, and she kissed her back. The women didn't care what the world thought; the world did not exist for them. It was amazing. Hinata did not understand why she didn't do this sooner. The more time passed, the more the appeal of a four-way relationship grew on her. It was difficult for her to control her desire. She was happiest when she was with Naruto, Dorothea, and Ingrid. She couldn't say that about anyone else.

When she pulled away, Dorothea spoke.

"God, you're amazing," Dorothea said. She didn't get a chance to respond as Dorothea kissed her and pressed her against the wall. If they weren't on a mission, if they were in the privacy of their chambers, Hinata would likely allow Dorothea to take her right then and there, but she decided against it because of where they were.

"We will definitely have to have a conversation when we return my beloved princess."Dorothea said as she was about to leave Hinata had to leave she had to say something but what could she say? She had to say one last thing.

"Please be careful."Hinata said.

"You too my princess."Dorothea replied.

Hinata was alone she looked at her Pegasus who was eager to leave this would be their first time together this would be the first time they would fight as one. She looked at the silver Lance the one that she managed to purchase it was a good weapon it wasn't quite the same as the one Dimitri had but it did not matter. She was determined to test her skills she was going to use whatever she had to in order to prove to herself she doesn't need to rely on a clan that she never belonged to.

She wishes she could talk to Dimitri right now but she knew he also had to go on his own mission but then decided no she should meet up with him before he leaves.

"Don't worry Little flower I'll meet you near the gate go to him it would be for the best if you do." The Pegasus said as she took flight.

Hinata knew this would be her only chance to talk to her friend before they left or was he a friend no that was wishful thinking but it was not out of the realm of possibility that her twin brother could be hiding in plain sight and possibly being someone she already knows but she disregarded that thought as soon as it entered her mind that would be wishful thinking.

She would focus on talking to him because that would be the realistic option.


Dimitri was done making preparations to go to Castle Gaspard. The idea of killing such an honorable man like Lonato felt wrong. There has to be another way; a peaceful resolution…was violence really the only answer? As if he was sensing his turmoil, Dedue spoke softly.

"Your Highness, I know what you're thinking. I don't like doing this any more than you do, but you know what has to be done. If this rebellion isn't stopped, it could start a war, and many more people could die." He hated this logic, but it was true.

"I wish there was another way. There has to be another way," Dimitri said. Before he could indulge further, he heard footsteps and saw it was Hinata. Dedue looked surprised to see her.

"I hope I'm not causing too much of an inconvenience, Dedue-san," Hinata said respectfully.

"You are not, Lady Hinata. Is there any reason you wish to see your Majesty?" he asked.

"Yes, but I would like to speak to him alone, if that's okay with you," Hinata answered. Dedue reluctantly left, and Dimitri wondered what Hinata wanted to talk about.

"I know it's not the time, but it's been on my mind ever since I saw that statue with our parents—my mother and your father; they were married. I never knew. There's so much that I would like to know. I can't help but feel like there are people who are hiding the answers in front of me. Do you feel that as well, Dimitri?" Hinata asked. It was a question that had been on Dimitri's mind, too. He couldn't stop thinking about it—the woman who raised him and Hitomi and Hinata made it hard for him not to reflect on it.

"I've been thinking about it as well. I don't know what to believe. I was once told I had a twin sister and that she died after I was born, but I don't believe that anymore. I haven't for a long time," said Dimitri. He looked at Hinata, but he couldn't read her expression.

"I felt it too, my twin brother. I was told he died after I was born, yet seven years ago…" They both looked at each other.

"Hitomi, there's a lot that she knew. There's only one thing I could say: she treated me like I was her son. Remember the times we spent together? How she treated us like we were family? The way she arranged for us to have meals together, how she had us both share what we did throughout the day? In my homeland, that's what mothers do to their children. I couldn't help but think, looking back, that she was making up for lost time," Dimitri said, which caused Hinata to look wide-eyed at what he was saying.

"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" Hinata asked.

"I am. I am positive that this turmoil you've been suffering in the past month has to do with Hiashi, doesn't it?" asked Dimitri, having an idea of what it was.

"He's not my father; I know that for certain. The blood test I did proved beyond a reasonable doubt I'm not his child. I never was," Hinata said emotionlessly.

"I don't know what to say," said Dimitri.

"I don't know who I am. I'm not a Hyuga, but I don't know where I came from except for my mother. My father, I don't know who he is," Hinata said, unable to face Dimitri.

"I think I know who he is, and you do too," said Dimitri as he made Hinata face him.

"It's too good to be true, Dimitri; it's…" Tears were falling. Of all the times for them both to have this discussion, it had to be when they were about to be away for a long period of time.

"We will know for sure when we return. We will put our theories to rest one way or another, and no matter the result, it doesn't matter; you will always be a sister to me, Hinata," Dimitri said as he hugged her. He wanted her to know she was welcomed, that she was family. Even if she wasn't his sister by blood, she would be in other ways.

"I don't deserve to be your sister; I'm a terrible sister," Hinata said, her voice breaking.

"You're not," Dimitri said reassuringly.

"A good sister doesn't hate her own flesh and blood. Hanabi is my sister, yet I hate her, and I don't feel shame for hating her. How does that make me a good sister?" Hinata asked. Dimitri had no idea how to respond because he didn't know what it would be like to be in Hinata's position.

"I don't know what to say except you're too hard on yourself. You are a good sister; you tried everything. Hanabi made her own choice, and she has to live with it," Dimitri said, hoping that Hinata would consider what he was saying.

"I don't know what I would do without you and El Chan. You're both family to me; you're like the big brother and sister I never had," Hinata said, full of emotion. She meant this with the deepest depths of her soul, and he had no idea what to say.

"Please be safe, little sister," Dimitri said. Whether she was a sister or not, it didn't matter; that's who she was to him, and she needed to know that.

"Look after yourself, big brother," Hinata replied with a sad smile. They separated and went their separate ways. Dimitri knew in his heart what he believed about Hinata; it was true. It had to be. He wanted to believe it. Unless he knew for sure, he could not say Hinata was his twin. He would have to wait for a blood test to confirm one way or another if what he and Sonia believed was true.


Flayn was looking as everyone was leaving; even her friend Sasuke was leaving the monastery. She had limited opportunities to talk to him because of her father, who everyone believed was her brother. It was so frustrating. Would it hurt so much for her to simply leave and walk out? It would feel so good just to see the outside world; it had been so long. But she knew what that would do—how her father would be worried sick. This isolation was becoming unbearable. All she wanted was to simply have friends, yet she was stuck. What was she going to do?

She could leave the monastery for a while; her father would be with the new professor, whom she hadn't been able to talk to because of how busy things had been. The best place to go was the Golden Deer. If she were to go ahead and sneak onto the boat, nobody would know where she was until it was too late to turn back. It was the perfect plan. If things turned out right, she would be home before her father would know she was gone.

At least that's what she hoped. Sonia goes out; why can't she? Flayn thought. She looked at where the Golden Deer were going and decided to make a quick decision. Even if her father would not approve, she had to get out; she was tired of being alone and not having friends.

Flayn made sure to gather everything that she would need for her journey. She ensured nobody noticed her and moved ahead of the group. By the time they would notice, she'd be on the boat and long gone. She went inside the barrel; it was uncomfortable. She didn't know how she managed to get there quicker than everyone else, but she did. All she would have to do was wait patiently as the boat took off; she would fall asleep to pass the time.

Little did she know how much her little adventure would change everything for her.


Shez made sure to get everything that she would need for her journey, as she would be traveling to a land she had never been to—the Land of Waves. She would set foot on another continent, one that she had only read about and had been told about by her mother.

"Ninji is a continent where it is commonplace for children to kill other children. I am grateful we don't live in such a place. I hope you never have to take the lives of a child; please don't ever be a Shinobi," her mother said when she was teaching her and her brother about the countries outside of the alliance. She knew barely anything about the outside world beyond Fodlan; to think that's where she would be going, the home continent where Naruto was born.

She walked toward where her class was. Everyone was ready to go, but then she saw someone she recognized—only because she was a student of the Black Eagles. What was she doing here?

"Excuse me, are you lost, Dorothea?" asked Shez.

"No, I requested for Kakashi and Hanneman to allow me to assist for the month," she answered.

"Oh, well, we could use more people. Welcome aboard, Dorothea," said Shez, though she would be lying if she said she wasn't disappointed. She would have rather it be Lysithea, considering how much she enjoyed her company. What was she thinking? She needed to stop acting like a schoolgirl with a crush! She wanted to chastise herself, but she couldn't help it.

"Well, that's a relief knowing that we have an experienced mage. Welcome, Dorothea-san," said Gaara politely.

"I've heard much about you, Gaara, from Naru. I hope we can be friendly with each other on this trip," Dorothea said, which caused the red-haired man to smile.

"I would like that as well, Dorothea-san; it's not often I get to be in the presence of a diva," Gaara said admiringly.

"I've heard about your achievements—very impressive! If only we had talented women like you back home," Gaara said respectfully.

"Dorothea-san, your beauty is beyond comprehension; it is hard to describe," said Lee, as he was about to hand her roses. She saw Dorothea's sweet drop.

"Um, thank you," Dorothea said as she reluctantly took the roses, more to be polite than anything else.

"Well, considering we're going to be classmates, at least for the month, I'm looking forward to learning about how you do your hair. I really admire it," said Ino in a welcoming tone.

"I'm feeling overwhelmed; I didn't think I'd be so popular," Dorothea said, feeling embarrassed.

"You're just like Hinata-chan; you underestimate your popularity outside of Fodlan," said Naruko, who had just joined the conversation.

"I hope we don't have to do those damn tedious introductions! Good Lord," said Lorenz.

"I hope not either; it's completely unnecessary," said Claude in agreement.

"I wouldn't mind; I'll make it quick," said Dorothea.

"I'm Dorothea Arnault. My interests are dressing glamorously, outfitting myself with accessories and decorative ornaments. I also adore small animals, and my dislikes..." she looked at Hanabi before she continued.

"Arrogant nobles," she said quickly, getting straight to the point. Shez liked that, and not to mention, no one was forced to do the introductions again. Even though Kakashi had just arrived, he didn't insist on it because of his assistant not liking long introductions.

"Careful about that one; I think he's suspicious," said Arval, her tone cautious. She hadn't thought much about it before, but something was off—why had he been gone for almost a month?

"I don't know why, Shez, but I do not like the aura of that man. I think he's highly suspicious. Be on your guard around him." Shez was going to take what Arval said to heart; there was something about him that didn't sit right. He wasn't what he seemed.

"I can't wait to get out of this damn form," said Naruko, clearly uncomfortable in her girlfriend's clothes.

"It's a pleasure to have you on board, Dorothea-san. You'll be a great help to us," said Kakashi with his trademark smile, which somehow she was able to see through his mask. Still, something seemed off about it. Nobody was suspecting anything, but then she caught sight of Claude out of the corner of her eye; he wore a suspicious look, meaning he also found Kakashi questionable.

She hoped she was imagining things; maybe she was. But ignoring Arval's warnings would be foolishness, and the last thing she wanted to deal with was a surprise betrayal.

"As you all know, we are going into territory that most of you are not familiar with. Whatever training you have, use it well. Use the time we have before we arrive to acquaint yourselves with any skills that I've taught you in the past four months. I taught you chakra control for a reason. I'll be assigning you all a training regimen so you'll have the ability to use jutsu to defend yourselves in case you encounter enemy shinobi," Kakashi stated as he handed out scrolls to at least four individuals.

The first among them was Claude, the second was Gaara, the third was Lorenz, and the last, but not least, was Shez. She wondered why she had been given one.

"The four of you will be in charge of your own groups. You will be assigned to stick together during the trip, and you'll be training together. Shez, you'll be training with Naruto and Dorothea," Kakashi announced, surprising the four of them at the thought of her training with them.

"Gaara, you'll be training with Leonie, Ignatz, and Lee." Then he turned his gaze toward Lorenz.

"Lorenz, you'll be training with Hanabi, Choji, and Shikamaru," Kakashi said, much to the groaning of Lorenz, who had to deal with Hanabi. But at least she wasn't training with her, Shez thought.

"Last but not least, Claude, you'll be training with Ino. Considering that we're short on people, you'll be the only team with two members," Kakashi said. With a glance, Claude and Ino didn't mind; she could tell they liked each other, and it would give them more time alone. I guess it works out, she thought.

"This doesn't mean you won't train with everyone when we get to the continent; it just means on the trip, your primary training partners will be what I've assigned. If we had one other person, Claude would have a third partner, but we weren't blessed with another person to join our class, so we'll have to stick with what we have. If Dorothea-san wasn't here, we would be even worse off," Kakashi said as he left everyone to their own devices.

They would have to depart soon. She looked at Lysithea; she wanted to say something but decided against it. It's not like they were lovers or anything. They'll see each other again, but she can't help but feel like something big was at work, forces beyond any of them. She put that thought aside as she went with her class on their journey. Little did she know how much this would change them.


Marianne was tending to her horse. She hopes she doesn't have to take any lives, as the very thought of doing so repulses her. Even though she has done it multiple times before to protect Byleth and her friends, it still feels her with revulsion. She doesn't want to kill anyone, but she'll do what she must to protect the people she cares about, no matter how much it hurts.

She heard footsteps behind her and knew it was Byleth, even without him saying anything.

"Are you okay, Mari?" he asked as she felt his arms around her. They could be caught. It was dangerous what they were doing. They had to maintain appearances. She was sick of maintaining appearances. She was not ashamed of her love for him, yet she had to treat it like a dirty secret.

"I don't want to kill anyone, but I don't want to be left behind either." She admitted.

"I wouldn't hold it against you if you did, and neither would your classmates. Your gentle soul, Marianne, it's not right for you to take lives." Byleth said as he held onto her tightly.

"My soul is already tainted with the blood of people. It's too late for that now. The day I killed for the first time to protect you 3 years ago, I couldn't bear the thought of losing you, and I can't bear the thought of losing you now." Marianne said trembling.

"I don't want to lose you either. That moment 3 years ago was for the first time I felt fear.; I was such a pathetic wretch then." he said as she felt him hold her tighter.

"You make me feel human. I don't know what I would do if anything were to happen to you. You mean the world to me, Mari." Byleth said as he kissed her. She didn't care if anyone saw them at that moment. Just hearing him say how he felt about her fully, she could hear him say what she had wanted to hear for 3 years, even if she knew he loved her, even if he didn't understand it.

"We should get going. I can't let anyone see us," she said, pulling away.

"I would burn the world for you, Mari. If you commanded me to, I would do it." He said without hesitation. This also scared her of the amount of power she has over him. He would do anything for her. She knows this. She doesn't think she deserves that kind of love from him, but then she hears it from Hilda. Both people would do it, and both would give her the world if they were able to.

"I would never want you to burn the world for me," Marianne said as she walked with him side by side.

"I know, but that's how devoted I am. Even if what we have now cannot last, I like to think that we could have a future together, even if it's not possible," he said with sadness, knowing about their difference in station. She didn't give a damn; she would choose Hilda and Byleth over her heritage. Her adopted father could kick a rock for all she cared; she would not deny herself happiness. But then, the voice in the back of her mind told her she didn't deserve it.

"You should have never been born," she could hear the memory of one of her uncles after her mother's death.

"If you were never born, I would never have felt human. Don't ever talk that way again," she remembered a 17-year-old Byleth when she almost took her own life because of how she felt cursed. Even then, how close she had come to ending her life; she owed him everything.

Her powers—the power that her mother told her never to use because of how dangerous it is to herself and those around her—and how her ancestors were hunted to extinction because of fear of what she possessed. She only used her powers on a handful of occasions. She cannot fully control it, but if she could, she would use it to protect those she loves. Her powers have not fully awakened; when they do, she would be a danger to everyone and herself. But at least with herself, nobody else would be harmed.

Soon, her powers would awaken. The beast that has been caged for so long would finally be unleashed. Does Marianne chance releasing it? She does not know, but when she looks at her friends in the Black Eagles as she walks towards them, love greeting her, welcoming her—smiling towards her—even Sakura was friendly towards her.

Everyone would be all right with her using it. Her fear of her own power, of her own curse, had always prevented her from letting it free. Then she looked at Hilda, who smiled at her warmly, then the man she loves; she would do it for them. Then she saw her friend, the girl who reached out to her when she didn't have to, Hinata, who was on her Pegasus low enough on the ground so people could see them, alongside Ingrid, who was on her own. This experience would change everyone, including Marianne.

The hour of awakening was approaching, and there would be nothing that would stop it. She didn't know why, but she felt like that was what would happen on their journey.


Sonia was in a strange place. She could have sworn she did not go to sleep—or did she? She read so much sometimes she lost track of time. She looked around her and saw a field of flowers. So strange—where was she exactly? She was looking around, trying to rationalize what had happened. Was she in a dream? Did she fall asleep? She did not know. She walked and saw flowers as far as the eye could see. Just what was this place? She was about to explore when she heard a voice behind her.

"At last we meet. I had been eager to meet you for all these years," she heard a voice behind her. The voice was soft and lonely; she could understand that much. She turned around and saw a fox with green fur. It was difficult to tell the gender, considering she wasn't familiar with foxes. The fox sat upright; it had nine tails. There was something familiar, and she couldn't understand why. Another thing that stood out was that there was a crown on her head, which was gold in the shape of a dragon from an ancient civilization.

"Who would you be?" Sonia asked.

"I am called by many things. My mother named me Wise One, though I didn't understand the meaning at the time because how young I was," the fox explained.

"What are you?" she asked.

"I am the daughter of the nine-tailed fox spirit Kurama and Sothis, also known as the Beginning," she answered. This caused Sonia to look at her in shock. She was in the presence of the daughter of Sothis! How was that even possible? But then again, there were many things that could have happened a thousand years ago that the outside world did not know.

"You're wondering why I have appeared only now. It's because I wasn't able to before; our connection wasn't strong enough, but that has changed. With your forming a bond with the Lion Prince, I have awakened from my slumber," the fox explained.

"What are you talking about?" Sonia asked.

"You haven't figured it out? Dimitri—he's a prince," the fox answered. She froze. No, it couldn't be. He would have told her. But then again, he never told her anything about his background. She always suspected he was a noble, but a prince? Then she remembered when he jokingly offered to make her his advisor.

"It doesn't matter at this time. What's important is you make a decision quickly, Sonia. His life is in danger. There are forces out there that seek to see him dead, and the chaos that is happening is a perfect opportunity. You don't want to be stuck in an abyss, do you? You have the chance to make a difference. Use this chance now while you can. If not, you will regret it," the fox said, which caused Sonia to cross her arms.

"You know if I do that, I will anger Rhea. She isn't happy even when I leave outside close to the monastery. If I leave for days on end, she'll have a heart attack," Sonia said, which caused the fox to laugh.

"Yeah, my big sister tends to overreact, but in this case, it's important that you take action, Sonia. Otherwise, you will regret it later." She wanted to make a decision; she truly did want to get out. But it would force her to leave, and it would anger Rhea. But she's a 20-year-old woman. Does she really want to have fear control her life?

She looked where she was. Gone was the field of flowers, and back she was at the stables, where Sitri, her horse, was wondering what was wrong.

"Nothing is wrong," she said, trying to convince herself, but it failed because Sitri didn't believe her any more than she did.

"Lying to yourself and your horse isn't going to change anything, Sonia. You seek to leave the monastery; so do I. What will you do?" asked her companion. She looked to see the fox beside her.

"No one can see you, can they?" she asked.

"Only you can see me because I choose only to be seen by those I want to be seen by," the fox answered.

"Okay, what is your name? You have to have one," asked Sonia.

"Ichika," Ichika answered. She said her name over and over again to think that she had a fox spirit inside of her the whole time. What else does she not know?

"Is there anything else I should know, Ichika?" asked Sonia.

"Yes, my chakra can heighten your senses, and if you feel emotions such as rage, it will be amplified. Be cautious; you have more power than you know how to deal with for now, so I will only allow you to use a small percentage of my power right now," the fox warned.

"Okay, then I have another question: How do you know Dimitri is in danger?" she asked.

"For the same reason I know the Lion Princess is in danger. They're both targets. There are forces at work that seek to see the children of Lambert and Hitomi dead," Ichika answered.

"But why?" she asked.

"There is no time for questions, girl. You must make haste; every second you waste here is one second more that gives time for the assassin to put his dagger through Dimitri's heart. Do you want Hito to be in even more pain?" Ichika asked impatiently.

"Okay, I don't know what's going on, but I will get answers from Dimitri one way or another," Sonia said as she got on her horse. Her friends from Abyss were looking at her with concern.

"Where are you going?" asked Yuri, looking worried.

"I can't explain it, Yuri, but I need to," Sonia said as she commanded her horse to take off. She didn't listen to his protests as she moved as fast as possible. It was past midnight; the temperature was extremely cold for the time of year. She didn't have time to prepare. The wind on her face—she had never moved so fast in her life. Her horse was moving as if everything depended on her getting to Dimitri in time.

Nothing made sense to her, but it would when she confronted Dimitri about the truth of who he truly is and why he hid it from her. That's what she wanted to know.

The three houses are on their own separate quest—a quest that will alter the course of history. The outlook of the Konaha transfers will change; things will never be the same again. Bonds will shatter, bonds will grow stronger, and most of all, the lost princess will discover her identity. The tipping point of destiny sets the stage for all the pieces to come into place. A family legacy will be questioned, the ideology of the will of fire will be challenged, and the bonds that bind people will change.

A journey of justice and revenge.

A journey of trust.

A journey of disillusionment and rediscovery.

A journey of love.

A journey of identity.

Naruto, Claude Sasuke, Dimitri Edelgard and Hinata will never be the same again when the quest is over, and neither will their house leaders. The tipping point of destiny has begun.


The next two chapters will focus on the Blue Lions. If you are a Blue Lions fan, you may like that! Anyway, leave a comment and review, and tell me what you think. Have a good day, everyone!