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Naruto's POV (Nearby Snowscape - Land of Iron)
Naruto was calm as he zipped through the air. Honestly, if not for the water tentacle slowly soaking his kimono, he would be content to allow this to happen. That whole dancing situation had been confusing and alarming. Naruto never knew women could be so confounding. Though he supposed it seemed he was missing something and, as such, was making it worse. The whole situation was confusing, so as far as Naruto was concerned, this was a welcomed excuse to escape it.
Naruto shuffled into his robe and drew a scroll. His progress with Fuijutsu was slow; his mother had occasionally aided him with such, but Naruto had never been all that skilled at it. Though always had trained diligently in the art, it made his mother happy. Naruto however, with consistent effort and time, managed the most basic of seals. With a pulse of chakra, he released Riptide and slashed through both strands of water with ease. The momentum carried him lower in the air until he landed on a slope with a lack of trees filled with snow. There stood two shinobi, Magetsu and Suigetsu of the Mist, they stood staring at Naruto, Suigetsu's arms solidifying as Naruto slid to a stop. Naruto offered both a confused stare but cautiously dipped into a defensive stance. Two-on-one combat was still preferable to the odd situation he had been in before.
"Naruto Uzumaki, we wish to speak to you," Suigetsu offered somewhat kindly. It was obvious that Naruto was forcing it to some degree, and Naruto prepared his chakra to fight.
"I told your younger brother we should ask him to speak to us. It's a miracle he didn't try to kill us." Mangetsu said with his face in his hand. "Please do not misunderstand Uzumaki; we mean no harm."
"Funny way of showing it, swear I can't have a peaceful night…" Naruto mainly complained to himself. "Listen, if you wanna attack me, just do it, I am not in the mood for mental gymnastics. And would rather just get it over with so I can get some alone time."
"I don't like his attitude; we don't need him, brother." Suigetsu quipped as he paced toward Naruto. The blonde subtly started to flow chakra into Riptide. "What kind of fool willingly allows himself to be taken?"
"Well, it would be an unfair fight…" Naruto started with a smirk. He felt mischievous and relished Suigetsu's dismissive snorting; he was taking the bait.
"No such thing-" Suigetsu started, but Naruto did not have it.
"You should've probably brought more guys. Not much of an ambush if I can smash through ya, ya know?" Naruto taunted.
"You think that little match in the exams was how I fight?" Suigetsu asked, incensed. "Let me show y-"
"Suigetsu!" Mangetsu roared and flexed an impressive amount of chakra, stopping the two in their tracks. "We have no time for your games. We're here on business." Naruto watched as Suigetsu obediently stepped silently behind his brother. What on earth did they want to discuss with him? Couldn't he just enjoy his night?
"Alright, so what the hell do you all want anyway?" Naruto asked bluntly. "You really could've just asked."
"Do you know of the Civil War inside the Mist?" Mangetsu asked.
"Um, well, somewhat? Most sources have cited information as difficult to validate due to propaganda from both sides." Naruto answered slowly. He had heard people discussing the topic but wasn't overly familiar with it.
"Half true," Suigetsu snarked. "The Bloody Mizukage certainly releases plenty of propaganda; the rebels, however…"
"Let's walk him through it, brother." Mangetsu chided before continuing. "For years, the Mist had suffered under the cruel reign of the Third Mizukage, a man who had developed a unique and deadly style of water jutsu. His power was unique and politically ingrained within the village. His reign had seemed absolute until a new prodigy arose."
"The jinchuriki of the Three-Tails died; as such, a new host was chosen." Suigetsu chimed in. "The third chose him himself and decided to train and raise him. The training was whispered to be cruel and unending. It was not only of the mind but the body. The Third spent years creating what he called the Hero of the Mist. And to be fair to the long-dead bastard, it worked."
"Yagura was trained to be a hero?" Naruto asked. "Why would that be bad?"
"Yagura is no normal man; his sanity has been shattered by the cruel and relentless life he had lived due to the third. Perhaps the beast simply drove him mad; it mattered little. He was no hero of the Mist; he was a beast. Yet the man thought himself different. Even in his odd mind, the ideals of the Third took root. Yagura is obsessed with being a hero. It's certainly odd, but Yagura worked hard to achieve that goal. Crushing criminals, corrupt officials, and intruders with a zealous lust. Was able to sway the Third towards a more reasonable rule."
"So how does somebody raised to be a hero lead to the "Bloody Civil War"?" Naruto asked.
"It started with the death of the Third. It is said he died in an ambush in the village, but, oddly, he was killed, yet his own guard Yagura had not noticed nor been felled himself. It mattered little, however, for no one in our home had the credentials to override his reign. Yagura was next in line, and only then did we see the monster he had become. His hero complex, the reason he was beloved, soon became the very reason people turned on him. Believing himself to be a hero, anyone who stood against him was seen as villainous, his word and law became the new moral standards, and he believed in crushing any such "evil"/ opposition he crossed."
"When it was those we all could agree were guilty, the people approved it. We don't mind some healthy pruning, after all. However, the culprit list seemed to only grow, and the reasons became more and more nonsensical. Soon, it wasn't even limited to his enemies; even those who had the slightest chance of being disloyal were killed." Suigetsu ended.
Naruto was shocked by the news. The whole situation sounded absurd. He had heard the rumors to listen to it from Mist shinobi themselves, which made it clear how real it was.
"I see, but why are you telling me this?" Naruto asked.
"We need all the firepower we can get; we have the unenviable task of besting not only the youngest kage ever but one that is a perfect jinchuriki. You are clearly a skilled shinobi after these exams, one that just so happens to be a jinchuriki of the strongest beast." Mangetsu explained further. "We're offering a dire job, fighting with the Equal rebels against Justice Loyalists. Upon victory, you will be rewarded with fame, riches, and power beyond what you could imagine." Mangetsu offered.
"I don't think I can just agree to do that," Naruto replied, feeling guilty even as he said it. The situation sounded dire, but he couldn't just chime in and help at the drop of a dime. "I cannot validate what you're saying, and I cannot abandon my home to help."
"Another waste of time, older brother; he won't bother to help people outside his circle, the same as anyone else," Suigetsu remarked snidely.
"Hey, I'll talk to the Hokage. He's a reasonable guy and surely will help," Naruto reasoned. "It's not like I don't want to help; I just can't."
"My brother speaks in frustration." Mangetsu reasoned. "While my more rash personality was a farce for the exams, my brother's behavior was no disguise. Truly, we understand your reasoning. However, we have already spoken to the Hokage. He has already deemed the situation one the Leaf will avoid. They are prepared to let the slaughter continue. Are you?"
"My home wouldn't ignore those in need unless they had no choice. You're either attempting to manipulate me or are simply making shit up." Naruto defended. His mother had often described Hiruzen as forgiving and kind to a fault. And didn't like the picture the two were painting; besides, Naruto had no reason to trust them.
"Chojuro of our team meets with Gaara of the Sand to ask the same. We are manipulating you, but it is necessary. As it stands, we are likely to be facing death soon; without aid, Yagura will stomp out the rebellion and, in the process, sentence thousands to death. But his aim doesn't stop there."
"Bastard isn't content with purging opposition in the homeland. Once he secures it, he plans to consolidate his forces, eventually beginning a worldwide conflict. You may think it isn't your problem, but it will be." Suigetsu spat angrily.
"My brother is crass but not incorrect. I witnessed him risk life and limb to aid another man today. One who held nothing less than contempt and foul intentions for you. One that you barely knew." Mangetsu pointed out. "You are not a man willing to stand idly by while people suffer. If you truly feel that way, lend aid to a land full of people desperately needing aid," the man pleaded.
Naruto was silent as he pondered over it. Truthfully, the request was ludicrous; asking him to abandon his home and career to fight in a war he may not survive wasn't even close to a reasonable ask. He loved his home village, and if he acted out against their wishes, Naruto would be forever labeled a traitor. Besides, Hiruzen may not have known the facts or had been suspicious. Naruto was sure Hiruzen would not condone such a thing; indeed, if he raised the matter with the kind man, he would relent and aid somehow.
"I'm sorry, but there's too much unknown possibilities here. I can't validate what you're saying. And such cannot agree to help." Naruto stated firmly. There was a sinking feeling in his gut, but he ignored it. "I will speak to the Hokage, however. If we can validate your claims, I have my word that the Leaf will help."
"Naive bastard," Suigetsu said simply before the body flickering from the clearing.
"Little brother—" Mangetsu said with a sigh. He bowed respectfully to Naruto. "He means well, simply upset to see our home still stands alone. Please consider our words. I respect you can't aid us or trust merely our own words. But I will reach out again with suitable proof. You strike me as a man similar to the woman who runs the Equal Rebellion. If you are, you won't be able to ignore it next time."
"Hey, I-"
"It is okay, Naruto Uzumaki." Mangetsu bowed again. "I don't blame you for ignorance; time will show you we meant well." With his piece said, Mangetsu faded away as well. Leaving the blonde alone in the clearing.
Naruto was locked into a stunned silence. The heavy conversations and topics whirled in his mind as he considered them. Had it been the right choice to refuse? Was the war really as they described? Was Yagura indeed some cruel tyrant? Had the Hokage indeed ignored their pleas? Did Naruto believe his homeland was capable of such a thing? And if they were…
"No need to fear, friend! For Fuu has arrived!" Fuu yelled out as she landed on the slope, shaking the ground from the impact. She looked around owlishly, realizing only Naruto was in the clearing. "Did you already win?" Fuu asked, impressed.
Naruto nearly smiled at his friend's antics, but his mind was much too occupied. "No, it was alright; they just… wanted to talk." He lied slightly; there was no need to involve Fuu as well. It wasn't her problem… or his…
Fuu nodded at the information with a smile. "It's good we were worried. You should've seen how Ino and Samui reacted… well before they started arguing anyway."
"Why don't they like each other? I get first impressions that mean a lot, but they are so at odds. Like some invisible line has been crossed. I figured they'd be friends after the fight." Naruto complained before he sighed dramatically. "Listen, no offense, Fuu, but I need a minute. There's a ton going on right now, and I need some time to process it."
"Hmm, I see," Fuu said, surprised. "Sorry to hear that, Naruto." The cheery woman quickly lifted the short blonde from his feet and hugged him tightly. "If you ever need my help, just let me know! I made many friends in the exams and don't mind protecting them if they need it. Hope we see each other again soon."
Naruto nodded as his happy friend left him alone in the cold, sloped wilderness. He sat in the snow, ignoring the cold that seeped into him. He felt slightly numb and tired. Perhaps he needed a break-
Smoke suddenly filled the clearing as a familiar voice called out.
"Finally, you're alone!" Muri called as the smoke cleared, exposing the small raccoon facing the blonde. "I've Been waiting all day to talk to you. I need to speak with you about a private matter."
'Kami, why can't I catch a break.' Naruto inwardly complained as he nodded. As exhausted as he felt, Naruto would never have stood a chance against Gaara without Muri. The blonde owed him one.
"Okay, so what's going on? I'm kinda busy right now. My friends are all weird; some are missing, and I escaped two other situations." Naruto explained to Muri. "I can't just run off on my own, ya know? I'm a Chunin now."
"You shinobi and your foolish loyalty to your villages." Muri shook his tiny head disapprovingly. "Blind loyalty serves no one. Besides, I believe this problem we need help with will be one you'll be motivated to solve anyway. At least if those missing Leaf shinobi are truly your friends."
That shattered Naruto's stupor. His eyes sharpened and focused on Muri. He felt his muscles tense. Lee, Choji, Yuno, and even Sakura and Kiba were people he considered friends. But how was Muri connected? What did he know or find out that those looking already had failed to?
"The hell?! Do you know where they are?! Let me tell the Hokage, he'll arrange a rescue party!" Naruto ranted as he smiled, glad to have a problem he could feasibly face.
"Unfortunately, it is not possible. The situation is complex, and if you wish to save them, we can only bring a small party, one that I am willing to bring, but you must be a part of." Muri replied sagely, nodding at the blonde. "Otherwise, your friends will never be found and likely face horrific deaths."
Naruto growled at the knowledge. "What the hell does that mean? Where are they?"
"That is more complex than you'd like Summoner. First, do you understand how our lands work? The difference between my land and yours?"
"Well, location primarily, and supposedly all homes of summon animals are hidden and nearly impossible to find." Naruto listed. "It was thought to be impossible until somehow pervy sage managed to find the home of the toads somehow."
"Indeed, that is the first case. See, we "animals," as you humans refer to us, are a bit different than most. Different in the sense of origin, we come from an entirely different version of this world. See there are supposedly several levels of existence all layered upon one another with only the top most layers being able to interact with each other. Our world is on top of yours and as such was linked to yours so long ago. We know not what is above our own world and have no wish to know. The reason and method are unknown. As such, finding our true homes is wholly impossible; the only way to access them is with the summoning jutsu, which both parties can use to travel to and summon the other. However, due to the previously mentioned links between this world, there are what we call "convergence points."" Muri lectured. While the raccoon was typically as relaxed and fun as Naruto, he often went into long-winded rants regarding his family and their customs. Having gotten used to such things due to their joint training, Naruto nodded along before chiming in. Muri would grow annoyed if he didn't offer input.
"So convergence points are… some sort of spot that links us two worlds?" Naruto reasoned.
"Basically, at least in the physical sense, this was originally made for travel between the two worlds. But now, it often stands as a clan's home in your world. A way to establish a connection to current summoners and possibly attract new ones. However, due to a long-forgotten war, few known ones remain. There are surely more hidden in the world but we only know of; The Toads, The Snakes, The Slugs, The Monkeys, The Weasels, and us. Each of us holds these convergence points in control and, as such, is uniquely qualified to recruit summoners. This is a highly sought-after goal for us, "summoning animals," as it benefits us as much as them. We gain access to the aid and, in some cases, the servitude of a summoner; they gain the same. This is why Jiraiya found the Toads; they were interested in a new summoner and found him to be a fine match. As such, they influenced him to find his way when he searched for a summoning clan to ally with. A clan can only be found by humans and other creatures of the human world if they wish to be."
"Okay…" Naruto said to himself, slightly overwhelmed by the information. "But how is that related to my missing friends?"
"As I said, summoners are sought after, but with such few clans having access to convergent points, they struggle to find new summoners. Occasionally, a long-forgotten scroll will be found, and new connections will be made, but it's an oddity. As such, the animals are cursed to never become a summoning clan. This is considered quite the negative fate, for clans without a summoning contract can never reach their full potential. As well as never gain access to the benefits one can gain from interacting with humans. Due to that, many animal clans seek ways to gain access to the human world in one way or another. Force summoners to interact with them and potentially even pledge with them. I believe one of these poor clans might be to blame if not them… well it clear forces are betraying the natural order of things. Something we of the Okama clan have always stood against, regardless of whether they succeed in their goal the end result will be horrific."
"They kept talking about smoke and poofs, almost like a summoning jutsu… they were taken by summoning animals? Why would that be so bad? If they just want summoners then they'll all come up even stronger?" Naruto asked incredulously.
"These Natural Laws that we of the Okama clan defend isn't mere self imposed discipline. As I said these worlds of ours technically exist within the same space, simply on different planes of existence. Due to that fact in order to travel between worlds one must use pre existent holes between each layer to travel between. But in unnatural travel, it rips a new pocket in the world. It is believed that this will slowly over time destroy both of our worlds."
"So those natural laws are incredibly important, which is why you want me to go kick their asses." Naruto mused.
"Indeed," Muri agreed with amusement. "Despite what you'd humans like to believe, we animals, just like you, have complex social relationships within our line and outside of it. Due to the unique and empowering nature of being a clan, the other established clans have made standards and laws to control who became a summoning clan and the actions they take as one. For a clan to do this is a flagrant disregard of our laws and customs. One we intend to the right, well intended for you and me to anyway."
"I imagine this will also serve as a test of sorts? I don't mind, but my friends are my first priority." Naruto answered honestly.
"We figured as such and would have it no other way. A summoner of ours is expected to be morally motivated. However, if you wish to become a full summoner of our clans, you can gain full support and access to our jutsu. This would be the opportunity."
"Fine then, two birds with one stone." Naruto agreed. "We should go to the Hokage now and gather for our party." Fortunately, he had to go; he wanted to ensure their safety himself. Naruto wondered how the Hokage would re-
"We work with you, Naruto Uzumaki, and not the Leaf. We will fight and work on your behalf even if it aids them. However, we cannot include them in our business. However, you cannot go alone if you intend to rescue your friends. Even you would likely perish on your lonesome. And if another party is responsible, I would leave you alone. I'm also limited in how much chakra I can transport at one time. You alone limit me greatly. You, along with Jounin or Anbu, would only make it all the more impossible. Instead, I have lured you some allies I can transport and should be uniquely qualified for the mission in mind." Muri said as suddenly three people leapt into the clearing. All faced the blonde and raccoon with various levels of confusion.
It was Sasuke, Shino, and Hinata. Hinata seemed incredibly worried and stressed, and Shino and Sasuke were more challenging to read. But their silent, tense atmosphere spoke volumes of the pressure felt by all the Genin whose teammates were missing.
"Naruto," Sasuke said while marching toward the blonde. "You said you had information regarding the whereabouts of Yuno, who ran when I came after you. Explain."
"You said something similar to me and did the same. Not to mention asking a litany of questions. Why? Well, I intend to find out." Shino echoed.
"You told me Neji wanted me… Then you asked all about me. Though this may be a different sort of meeting." Hinata shyly interjected.
Naruto scratched his head, utterly befuddled. Before Muri snickered loudly from on top of his head.
"The respectable young lady has the awe-inspiring ability, one that should aid in search and rescue; the more somber fellow, the one in glasses to be clear, does more of the same as well as being fairly knowledgeable on wildlife, the last one was more grumbly, but seems to be the strongest shinobi I could find with low enough reserves," Muri explained. "This fine crew was vetted by myself personally and should be the perfect group for this. I also took the liberty of packing some supplies from your home and the others ' homes."
"There is so much wrong with what you just said…" Naruto grumbled. "How did you even sneak into and lead on three different shinobi and not even the dumb ones!"
"The ability to freely transform allows me to take on any physical form within reason. Come in handy in these cases. Enough dilly-dallying; have you made your choice? Will you aid your friends and the Okama clan you signed loyalty to? Or act within the limits given to you? I believe we know the answer…" Muri chuckled to himself.
"Naruto." Sasuke warned.
"Shut it, man." Naruto sniped back. "We can save Yuno and all the others as long as we go where Muri is going. Though it would be without the permission of the Hokage."
Sasuke merely nodded and stood beside Naruto, impatiently tapping his feet. Hinata and Shino both froze, seemingly at odds with doing something against codes. Naruto was prepared to tell them it was okay before Muri chimed in. First, fully explain the situation to the three before offering a warning.
"Make no mistake, if you don't go, the odds of your friends surviving dramatically decrease," Muri warned the two. With that said, both marched over, joining Naruto and Sasuke. "Excellent; now, while I will transport you all simultaneously, you will likely be separated. This shouldn't be a major issue. I will ensure we all converge eventually. That being said, we won't be going to any clans land but the wildlands themselves. They hold the entirety of the unsigned clans, our likely culprits."
"All well and good, but what precisely will we do once we arrive? You say an unknown clan must be doing so, but how will we find them?" Sasuke asked.
"They use chakra just like you and I, and their little trick likely costs quite a bit. It should be easy enough to track; if I'm present, I will be able to do so effortlessly," Muri said.
"You seem to be suggesting this place is dangerous?" Hinata asked.
"Undoubtedly," Muri answered grimly. "If left there, eventually you would be overridden. Though as a unit, you all should be able to power through."
The three all nodded, and Naruto did as well. The four were unprepared for the adventure ahead of them…