HSA - Allied Shinobi Force & the Final Prophesy [Part F]

She swallowed.

"We were told by Grandpa Tier to find you. He said, if anything, you might know something about the deity, given your lineage." Naruto watched her enthusiastically.

"That's right," Shion began, secretly studying the lines and shapes through his open jacket, as well. "Being a part of the royal family, wouldn't you have knowledge about the country's guardian?"

Princess Lucari and Ekodae exchanged a brief but telling glance. "Naruto. Please answer me this: why are you seeking the deity that resides here?"

A violent storm of emotions played over the blue seas of the teenager's eyes. "There's an evil superpower on the outside that has thrown the world into another chaotic feud. In the last world war, a lot of clans were decimated, including the Lytharians. But, this time around, it's not a matter of probability — this entire world will end, if we don't prevail in this ongoing battle."

Naruto reclaimed the reins of his composure. "We're here to ask the deity for help. I slowed down one of the masterminds behind the war and its army, but they won't stay down for long. I need to equip myself with what's needed to end this cycle of revenge and war, once and for all."

Damion's brows quirked as he processed everything that's been said. Well, dat definitely explains a few tingz...

Lucari and Ekodae scanned the faces of their guests. There lingered notes of distress and frustration, unsavory emotions that stemmed all the way to their hearts. These people were telling the truth; the princess and her attendant could feel it. But could their deity really turn the tides like they believed?

"Naruto-kun," Ekodae began hurriedly. "The truth is—"

"Ekodae!" Lucari interjected hotly. I will ask him..."

The man hung his head repentantly, and the gang stared in curious silence.

With a sigh, the princess blinked up at the shinobi as she inhaled his amazing scent. She didn't detect any perfume, just a natural mixture of fruits dulled only a bit by his own perspiration, and then there was something darker — like an exotic spice she could not name. Whatever it was, it floated her senses in something elemental and primal that drew her closer to him when she probably should be backing away.

But, even if it were to have their beloved guardian taken away, she needed to bargain with this mysterious and powerful stranger, to have their country saved.

"Naruto... you have not only managed to penetrate our barrier, but also eluded our finest soldiers and cutting-edge security systems. And I have a feeling you would have found a way to best the blockade just now, too... even if we did not intervene.

You are truly strong," she complimented quietly, a faint note of flush brightening her cheeks as she pushed to her feet to face him. "The truth is: I need to borrow that power. I need to borrow your strength and courage, Naruto, lest Exzzodia will fall to despair."

The shinobi frowned, looking briefly around as if he could see all the strife and oppression that took hold of the grand metropolis, from where he stood. "What do you mean — just what exactly's happening in this country?"

The princess hung her head, grief-stricken. "My father... the king of Exzzodia, passed away just three months ago..."

Naruto's eyes quivered empathetically.

"I was not ready to accept such a tragedy, nor have I to this day," her voice was low and uneven. "It feels like just yesterday that he was alive and well; he was always fit and full of energy, like a child.

I remember him frequently visiting the farmers by the border and even helping them to till the land — well, the ones that preferred the natural and conventional way of doing things. My father loved animals and nature. He was a kindred spirit and a realist.

But—" her voice collapsed, tears burning the back of her eyes as her fists trembled. She couldn't drive back the swirling downpour of emotions that swelled inside her, and Hinata received the girl in her bosom before she could breakdown.

Ekodae's fists trembled, too, but he held back his grief and sought to enlighten their curious guests. "As the princess said: her father, King Ragnus, passed away roughly three months ago. As if overnight, he grew ill and was diagnosed with a terminal sickness that eventually laid claim to his life."

"That's awful," Shion breathed.

Damion frowned sympathetically.

"Princess Lucari was devastated and, in addition to not being of age, the king's most trusted advisor, Kazemachi, capitalized on the opportunity to seize the throne for himself. And he was able to give the council and the people a convenient speech to have them confide in his coronation, supposedly until the princess was of age.

But," he frowned deeply. "It is already too suspicious how the king suddenly became ill; I will not risk exposing princess Lucari to that man's sinister ambitions. And, we became even more suspicious, when he started reversing a few of the king's honorable laws. For one, there is a mad scientist called Yokotsue that dabbles in inhuman experiments—"

"We already met him," Naruto interrupted, almost robotically. "He wanted me to join him and tried restraining me, when I refused."

Ekodae was evidently impressed. "Considering that man's resourcefulness, I am surprised you managed to escape. Up until recently, he was exiled from the capital and his research budget cut. But, as soon as Kazemachi was in power, he secretly restored the man's authority and gave him whatever materials he needed to work."

Naruto spied as the man's arms began trembling uncontrollably, his words squeezed into a high pitch as he struggled to pronounce them. "But... the evilest thing he has done so far is to make District One a prison for all those that have opposed him and his ambitions — women, children, the elderly — no one is excused from his wrath."

Naruto gritted his teeth, his emotions mostly guarded. But a wild light danced in his eyes. "I've been to the district, too. That's where I was told to seek out the princess, if I wanted to learn more about the deity sealed here."

"If they sought to lead you to us, then you must have been deemed worthy of their trust. Naruto, I implore you..." the man pleaded. "Having seen a portion of this country's misfortune, will you not lend us your power?"

"Please, you must help liberate our people..." the princess cried desperately, lunging before our orange knight to bow her head.

Ekodae bowed his head, too.

And then there was silence.

The gang looked to Naruto with expectations for an answer.

But from his lips came only a disappointing sigh.

The princess's eyes fluttered open upon feeling the warm touch of Naruto's finger beneath her chin. She allowed him to tilt her head until their eyes met, but hers filled with tears as the beautiful and seemingly aloof shinobi shook his head in denial.

Lucari knew she should be utterly devastated by his open rejection but, instead, she felt captivated gazing into the oceanic depths of his hypnotic eyes. It was amazing just how effortless he was able to twist and confuse the emotions that swelled in her heart during this alarming hour.

"...Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered in disbelief.

"But why?" Ekodae demanded.

The warrior sighed once more, then relinquished his finger from the girl's face. "My mentor once told me that, with great power comes great responsibility. Now if you simply take to heart the surface of its meaning, then you would merely aid those in need with your superior strength and abilities. But, if you dig deeper... you'll realize this also means you should always be capable of deducing the bigger picture in every scenario and act accordingly."

"...What are you trying to say?" Lucari requested sadly.

Naruto turned his back and moved to the door. "The world is in a very dark place right now — destructive darkness that will spread across the land and oceans, if nothing is done. It will render this place to absolute nothingness, as well. And every second is precious.

If I can manage to end this war and save the world, then I promise to return here and ensure that the throne receives its rightful heir. And, even if I can't make it personally, then I give you my word that I'll send someone just as good for the job."

The princess slowly sank to her knees, hopelessly gazing up in awe at the dazzling male creature before her. It was just a promise — a sweet and convenient formation of words geared toward her from him, but it filled her with such hope and reassurance. She didn't know him — heck, it had only been over an hour, but she knew with feminine certitude that his words could be trusted. The air around him was just so serene and welcoming — a trait befitting a king!

"Uzumaki Naruto," she beamed, sweeping away the tears from her eyes. Then she smiled warmly. "I will hold you to that promise."

Ekodae heaved a whole-hearted smile.

"But, first thing is first," the girl slowly pushed to her feet, ironing down the back of her dress with her hands. "Let us ensure that you have a fighting chance in this great war. I will personally take you to the sacred sanctum where the deity is sealed."

Damion and Kurama grinned.

"That's great!" Shion celebrated.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata called cheerfully.

He allowed a smirk, then reached for the doorknob. "By the way... is there any one thing I could do to slow the progress of whatever it is Kazemachi is doing?"

"Destroy Yokotsue's mansion," Ekodae suggested curtly. "Which includes the lab."

"Eh. But wouldn't that destroy the generator that powers the city and the barrier, too?" Shion wondered with a slight frown of her blond eyebrows.

"No, it would not," Lucari explained. "Eve is generally protected by a powerful barrier — even stronger than the one protecting the country.

And, Ekodae is right. Destroying Yokotsue's work is the only way to slow their plans. When my father exiled him, I recall Kazemachi disapproving with the decision. He would frequently entertain the idea of using Yokotsue's technology to take over the world.

Now that they are secretly collaborating, I know world domination is probably what Kazemachi is after again."

Naruto sighed, unimpressed. "Sounds cliché to me. But, I'll do what you ask," he offered them a sidelong glance. "I'm going to get some fresh air. We'll all come up with a plan when I get back, then we'll head out at midnight."

"Yeah, tha' soldiers are bound to be tired, after scourin' tha' entire capital for us," Damion reassured coolly, slumping in his chair.

Naruto grinned, and then turned the nob and pushed the door open. "My thoughts, exactly. Hinata — let's go."

"Ha-Hai!"

Kurama squirmed from her jacket and leaped atop Damion's head, rendering the man's shades askew. Then they all watched as the couple left.

Without a word, Naruto swept up his Hyūga princess into his arms and bent his knees, almost effortlessly jumping upward from earthen tomb and into the twilight of the setting sun. Even in the darkest of hour, when other vitalities warranted his utmost attention, Naruto always found a moment to make her feel special and needed.

"Na-Naruto-kun! Where are you taking us?"

His eyes where already doing that smoldering thing. "Somewhere that we can be alone," he offered her a neat, suggestive smile, and she hid her heated face in his chest.

Then slowly, Naruto's countenance drifted to anguish. Even though this country is segregated from the rest of the world and the influence of its cultures, it is still faced with corruption and strife. So long as there are people, will the cycle of malice and revenge persist? I can see why Madara has conceded to the extremity of his plan.

With all that's said and done, how am I going fulfill Ero-Sennin's dream?

As the final streams of light from the sun dwindled into the dark of night, Ekodae lit a lamp and placed it in the middle of the table.

Pushing suddenly to his feet, chibirized, Damion retrieved the Kyuubi from atop his noggin and held the canine up at arm's length. "Simba! It is time!" He said in an African accent.

Everyone looked to him, unenthused and confused.

"Wait... you guys can't be serious. Does no one get tha' reference I juz made?"

There was silence.

"You people 'ave nevva watched Tha' Lion King?"

The silence ensued.

"Whatever," he conceded with a pout, ignoring Kurama's frown as he continued to hold the Bijuu up at arm's length. "Maybe I shud get a familiar in my story, too. I'm sure I could find one on Planet Giggas dat won't try to devour me while I sleep — maybe a baby dragon or someting."

A trace of fire escaped from the sides of Kurama's snout, his eyes evidently unfriendly. "Have you ever considered being bald?"

Damion sneered. "Yuh see yuh rass face."

Kurama's eye twitched in his exasperation. Then suddenly Damion's treasured locks was on fire.

"My freakin' do!" He panicked, then both him and the Kyuubi was rolling around in a chaotic ball of kicking and biting. "Dafuq, man!"

"Will he truly be able to succeed?" Ekodae pondered aloud, looking to Shion as if for some measure of reassurance to dose the black flames of his pessimism.

The princess pivoted her head around, curious for the woman's response, as well.

Blinking her eyes closed, the priestess allowed a warm smile, relishing in some sweet memory, they presumed.

"'Dat's a nice smile you've got goin' on there," Damion said from his back on the floor. He and Kurama had stopped fighting, even though the canine was still stuck to his ear.

"When I first met Naruto, I remember we were constantly at each other's throats. I was snobbish, selfish and fast-mouthed, and it made him livid. Him, along with his comrades, were sent to my country on a mission to suppress a looming evil, and I wasn't making it any easier for them."

Intrigued, Damion and Lucari listened keenly as Shion spoke about the very first time she met Naruto — Ekodae was tuned in, too, even while he was by the sink peeling vegetables for a stew. Kurama was curled into a ball by the windowsill, one ear perked up as he listened to the interesting tale.

With a willing heart and a sentimental glow in her eyes, Shion continued her story of a time not too long ago. She told of Naruto's selfless heroism in the country of Demons to protect the world against Mōryō's revival. She told them that, even when her hope and drive were extinguished, Naruto believed and pushed for them both. In that moment of consuming darkness, he tore through the void with a spear of blinding light and ultimately saved her.

He was constantly defying all odds and doing the impossible for others. He was the epitome of miracles, fantasies and fairy tales, all together. He was a dream she wanted to forever be asleep in — to relish in his strength, his love, and his chivalry.

Without realizing her open adulation, the girl continued to speak of her interpretation of Naruto's personality and how she felt about him. Then, she admitted she wanted to bear his child, much to the shock of her attentive audience.

Lucari pouted inconspicuously in that moment. She wanted Naruto for herself, too — sure, she wanted to learn more about him first, but if she expected an opportunity of ample and comfortable development between them, then she would miserably lose to the competition.

Oh, whatever was she to do?

Northeast of the capital, Naruto and Hinata sat side by side on the slope of a rolling greenswards. And, for a moment, there was utter silence but for the croon of the evening's breeze.

The dark, thick clouds slinked across the sky, as if they were alive, inviting the distant moon to be even more elusive than it already was and casting the land in eerie shadows. A dreary scene, for sure, but it would prove convenient this night with the daunting feat the gang had before them.

Gazing ahead, beyond the stretch of land before them, Naruto's eyes settled on the seemingly motionless darkness of the sea. Without the moon's glow, it looked like a gaping void that had consumed everything besides the isle upon which they were missioned. Sakura, Sai, Kakashi, Tsunade... Sasuke — everyone gone, utterly erased by Madara's hate and malice. And as the somber thoughts continued to bury their roots, hard lines of anger slowly etched in Naruto's face.

Hinata must have received the same ghastly message from the spectacle, for she was hugging her knees, failing miserably at hiding the tears that spilled over her eyes. "Naruto-kun," she sniffled, using the back of her hands to scatter the salty flow. "I don't want this to be our final moments together. I want to be able to wear my dress at our wedding. I want to make a family and grow old together with you..."

Without a word, Naruto shifted his body so that he could gently tilt her chin with a curved index finger. The princess gasped, her tears ceasing as she looked up to find his warm countenance directed entirely on her. He didn't say anything, just offered her a sweet smile that she was more than skilled at deciphering.

"...Naruto-kun," she mouthed, accepting his comfort.

Soon, following a few hard pounds of his heart, the far-too-sexy knight's gaze held an animalistic wildness that sent a chill of anxiousness down Hinata's spine. Oh, the delicious familiarity. No longer did her body emanate sorrow, but an ember that was slowly soaring into a wildfire to match his own.

When she finally found her voice, it came out in a small, breathless rasp. "Na-Naruto-kun... should we be doing this?"

That's what she said, and yet her lips drooped in a sultry fashion as she awaited the tender weight of his kiss.

His aquatic eyes stayed rooted on her. "Nothing will ever prevent me from wanting you, Hinata. Besides, how else will I passionately convince you that everything will be alright?"

She blinked coyly at him.

Naruto leaned his head to hers, brushing his lips across her cheek, her chin, her throat. She sighed adorably, and he caught her little gasp with a searing kiss, thrusting the flame that was his tongue between her parted lips. Hinata took him in willingly, knowing there was no turning back... not at this point.

She felt as if his every sense was trained, fixed on her alone. As if there was only her, only him, and this burning thing that existed between them. Had existed, from the very moment she first laid eyes on him.

With a dangerous and sexy growl, Naruto broke his kiss and burned his gaze into hers as he pushed against her with a slow and meaningful thrust. His sex throbbed rigidly at her abdomen. She could feel the solid length of him, could feel the sheer size and strength of his steely shaft, even through the barrier of their clothes. And a flood of moist heat surged between Hinata's legs at the thought of his cock stretching and filling inside of her.

Oh God.

Without a word, Naruto slithered behind her and casted his jacket from her body to the ground. Then his hand was dipping inside her pants. His fingers easily slipped through the narrow patch of curls between her legs, then into her slippery cleft, where his fingers teased the aching flesh of her clitoris. The princess cried out as an insatiable hunger washed over her in a shivering wave.

"So good," her inner goddess confessed, her voice threadbare and raw with carnal desire.

Naruto's body was raging and taut as he eased one long finger inside of her, then another, caressing her from the inside. Hinata whimpered and writhed around that probing, not quite filling caress. "More," she begged endearingly. "Naruto-kun, please... I need more!"

She squeezed her thighs and writhed against him with a heat she had no power to control. Control — the word sounded familiar, but its meaning held no truth nor value in this moment of fiery need.

All of a sudden, Hinata pushed Naruto down into a sprawl, then she was on her feet and effortlessly stepping out of her pants. Soon after, he felt her hand working between them, urgently tugging against the button and zipper of his pants, even as she admired the stiff bump where his erection protruded. Then, finally, she freed him and her eyes gleamed at the strength and beauty of his member.

"So big..."

The princess wrapped her hand around him and gave the velvety shaft a slow stroke. It was brutally strong and hot in her tiny hand, and she couldn't help but be hopelessly intoxicated by the promising length and girth.

"Hinata..." Naruto whispered as she sat above him.

But the princess spared no time to answer or offer him a gaze. She merely tucked locks of her behind her ear and traced her tongue along the lean, veiny length of him.

Naruto trembled and bit his lip, and his masculinity roared a silent curse as the girl took his hard crown into her moist mouth. She coaxed his desire to flames with tongue and lips, and he couldn't help but return the bittersweet torment with the way her plumb and enticing vagina was bursting through her lacy panties.

Hinata twisted and turned in delicious agony, her body hot and burning under the skill of his tongue. She was wet and pulsating for him, out of her mind and burning with desire. Naruto kissed and licked her, his hand fast and unrelenting on her thigh and the other gripping her panties to the side, as he conceded to his carnal desires.

The sensation of his tongue spearing her flesh, and him suckling her deep inside his mouth, had the girl's inner goddesses screaming for more. Then Hinata came swiftly, harder than she could have imagined. Her legs were liquid, but still Naruto kept devouring her core, giving her no quarter, her body quaking and buckling as he lifted her toward the peak of another orgasm.

Before the princess's world could implode in a spiraling vortex of orgasmic waves, she pushed to her knees, shifted her panties to the side, and then secured herself onto his throbbing sex.

Her reality splintered then, and fell apart as the thick, lean, veiny muscle penetrated her deep and hard. The girls screamed as they all fell from their summit into the sweet spiral of another orgasm. And, before their world could right itself again, the princess's hips were rolling — and she tilted her head to the sky, as if chanting a prayer for mercy, as Naruto's sex filled and caressed her with perfect effectiveness and symmetry. Suddenly, his fingers were skimming over her clitoris again.

Release unfurled its downy wings and bore down on her again. It seized her in a fierce but velvety grasp, spun her high into a sensual reverie, then let her go, and she was falling, falling...

No, she was being lifted, she realized from within her amorous daze. Standing upright, Naruto cupped her behind and held her fast against the hard wall of his body, and her legs bounded around him without her even realizing it. He was naked now, and so was she, though she couldn't remember shedding anymore clothing.

Tightening her arms around his neck, Hinata allowed her lips to race over his face in her arousal, fevered with hunger, needing to feel him inside her again.

"Take me..." she whispered in a sweet plea. "Fill me, Naruto-kun. Please. Hurry."

He did not deny her.

The thick head of his cock pulsed, hard and demanding, at the entrance of her body. He was trembling, she realized dimly. His hard shoulders shook beneath her hands in his eagerness to enter her, and she wanted him to come apart like she had. She needed to have him inside her or she would go mad. She needed to be possessed, bruised and destroyed by him. Over and over, she wanted to feel every lean inch and taut vein of him pounding relentlessly inside her uterus, destructive shockwaves that would reverberate inside her belly.

"Fuck me!" Hinata asserted mindlessly.

Then Naruto breached her body with a deep, overwhelming thrust that quelled her dark desire. Hinata couldn't bite back her moan of pleasure as the lean length and width of him filled her, stretched her, impaled her to the core.

"Nnn-ahh!" She bit her lips, neat nails stabbing into his back as she accepted every hard, hot, throbbing inch of him.

Naruto fixed his face to her neck and groaned as he drew back, then plunged farther than before, crushing her backside and pulling her toward him to ensure he did just that. And Hinata couldn't help but cling desperately to him, her insides drenched and tightening as his sex assaulted, overwhelmed and conquered. Naruto cursed underneath his breath, and it was a dark, feral sound. His cock leaped within her, seemingly swelling even bigger with each relentless and delicious flex of his hips.

"So tight!" He breathed huskily, and his words only inflamed the princess even more.

She twined and clutched her fingers in his golden hair, gasping wordless, pleasured cries as his tempo increased. He thrusted and withdrew, he rolled and gyrated his hips, setting the stage for his own inevitable destruction. And, Hinata, too, felt the rush of an orgasm coiling in her belly.

In a gentle and fluid movement, Naruto eased them both down into the cushioning bed of the grassy plain, his length never leaving her center.

"Nnn! Naruto-kun... don't stop!"

The princess spread her legs as far as they could go and held on to him for dear life, as he continued to pump into her. It was all she could do as a raw scream tore from her throat and she was coming and coming and coming again, squirting volumes of liquid, even as Naruto groaned and his body jerked above her. His cock seemed to flail as it throbbed fiercely inside — hot, thick semen spewing into the deepest reaches of her womb. And she couldn't help but heave a smile as the warmth permeated throughout her core, holding her at that familiar peak of pleasure.

Final Prophesy Fulfilled?

Enter Coatlicue & the Mystery of the Ring

Stealth and infiltration was a shinobi's forte, and there was no better time to put that skill into play than when an entire country sought to crush and imprison them. The gang had planned on going entirely ahead with their covert operation, given that patrol and surveillance would have supposedly thawed during the early hours passed midnight, but luck wasn't on their side.

Sure enough, the number of human soldiers had dwindled significantly, but there was only more of the robotic kind dispatched, by extension. And, if they sounded the alarm, no doubt soldiers would be teeming out into the streets from every direction.

Luckily, there were contingencies to their plan. As a diversion to lure most of their military might away, Naruto launched a Rasenshuriken toward the western border of the country. It collided into the barrier in a vicious power-struggle between opposing energies, and then the sphere detonated — obliterating the earth, trees and rocks in the vicinity with destructive force.

Eureka!

The diversion worked! The soldiers divided — whether of their own accord or a ranked officer's command, the troops split into many groups and made way for the sight of the upheaval, with only a few remaining at their posts. But, during that instant, even those that remained couldn't reestablish their composure faster than the shinobi could slip pass them within the shadows.

Inside the throne room, Kazemachi finally got to see the deviants responsible for the unrest in their fair city. With but an instructive sweep of his hand, the armed guards flocked down on the intruders, like flies on a cow's backside.

In a heartbeat, the image of Naruto seemed to phase out and then in. There was a sudden burst of gust behind his awesome speed, and then the weapons held fast in the soldiers' hands were destroyed. They were utterly devastated.

Standing, towering over his Jinchuuriki from behind, Kurama unfurled his nine tails and gave a menacing and acidic roar. Frowning deep — cast in the Kyuubi's intimating shadow — Naruto's glowing blue eyes seemed to pierce the man through with a clawing fear that bolted up his feeble spine.

I'LL BREAK YOU!

The unspoken threat washed over the him with alarming effectiveness, and he found himself falling backwards and breaking out into a cold sweat. In that threatening moment, he knew with every fiber of his being that the outsider was like a natural force of nature; they couldn't stop or alter his course. Kazemachi could only hope the shinobi would take what he wanted and left without interfering anymore than he already had.

Quickly dismounting the Kyuubi, Princess Lucari accessed an ancient contraption hidden inside the throne chair that only the royal family could. Using the royal heirloom — a brooch — as the key, the golden chair with rose red cushions trembled as it shifted to the side revealing a hidden underground passageway.

And the gang speedily took to the stairs.

To secure their success in procuring what they sought, Shion used her barrier to seal the entrance. But with the soldiers rampaging against the chakra-made obstacle, it would only be a matter of time before Shion was at her limit and the screen shattered, along with their ambitions.

Kazemachi bit down on his fingernail, engrossed in the diabolical schemes that would often invade his mind. Even if the soldiers should succeed in shattering the forcefield, they couldn't possibly win in a fair fight against the group. Instead, the man opted to focus his efforts and resources on erasing those that could be erased. After those elements were eliminated and posed no farther threat to his plans, he would concentrate all his might against the shinobi, if they warranted any further compromise.

Heaving a smile, Shion sighed in astonishment.

Damion looked down as he folded and unfolded his fingers. "Oh shit! For sum reason, I'm startin' to feel rejuvenated."

Lucari nodded gleefully. "Which should be the case for everyone," she explained quietly. "Since we are now inside the sacred cavern where the deity sleeps, we are being affected by its divine powers."

Naruto looked down at his palm, then he folded his fingers into a tight fist.

"Naruto-kun..."

"Yeah, I can feel both my stamina and chakra being replenished," he said coolly, then casted Lucari a curious gaze in the almost pitch black darkness of the cavern. "I was told to come here and retrieve the deity, but what exactly does it do or even look like?"

Before the princess tackled the question, she clapped her hands thrice and the cave suddenly illuminated to reveal an interestingly tiled floor beneath their feet. Inside the small chamber was a makeshift bed and table, medical equipment and vials, along with other small furniture and wares that made up the mostly contemporary decor.

"Your guess is as good as ours," Lucari responded over gasps and sighs of astonishment. "The only thing we know is that, whenever people enter this place, they are slowly healed. Consequently, at some point, this cave was made into a medical facility that would complement a doctor's work in the case of an emergency.

But..."

"But...?" Damion urged.

Ekodae sighed inwardly. "This cave lies beneath the throne room and it is basic social etiquette that the royal halls ought not be frequented by commoners. And then there is the fact that the deity's existence is strictly private, which resulted in the council refusing to commercialize it for treatment. Only certain figureheads were eligible."

Nobody bothered to argue their points about how unfair and prejudice that custom was — after all, they had a hot date with blowing up Yokotsue's mansion later. Now who said destruction couldn't be sweet and rewarding?

Spreading out on their own individual explorations, Lucari found herself tentatively resting her fingers on the makeshift bed and skimming her fingertips along the sheets that were tarnished by age and dirt. Ekodae stood at a distance watching her, knowing quite well what distressed her.

Naruto and Hinata were assessing the wall supposedly blocking their way into the heart of the cavern, while Damion and Shion where inspecting the symbols thoroughly engraved in the walls, which held a close resemblance to the ones they had seen before.

"Everyone," the priestess called, winning the explorers' undivided attention. "Over here! There is more allegory on the wall. But, as much as they are inscribed deeply, there are deteriorations in the wall that make it difficult to read word-for-word. So, I will attempt to summarize.

Give me a moment."

They waited.

Oh. Who would've thought..., she mused to herself. Then everyone fell silent when she sucked in a breath of air. "Okay, so it would seem this is a continuation of the story we learnt earlier today.

It states that, even though the people had left the Land of Demons with the intention of abandoning a life of enlightenment and depending solely on technology, it was ultimately because the leader was relatively enlightened why they thrived.

Apparently, it was the aura of the deity that led the chief to the island they now settled, which had a source of water and food to replenish his followers that were at death's door. However, the man was so ashamed that he still ended up having to depend on divinity, that he ordered a tomb to be constructed around the shrine to hid the truth. Then he colonized the land and from henceforth, it was called Exzzodia.

It also says that, up until about four-hundred years ago, the island of Exzzodia was still connected to the continent where the Cloud Country is located."

"There are so many levels of irony to all dis," Damion began. "On planet Giggas, tha' natives there believe dat tha' sun is a deity, 'an sum spiritualists believe dat all of nature holds individual deities — tha' trees, tha' mountains, tha' rivers 'an tha' lakes. 'An yet, Yokotsue harnesses tha' power of tha' sun 'an divine tree to power tha' city 'an its barrier."

"I was thinking the exact same thing," Shion agreed.

"Region is so complicated," Kurama murmured wearily.

Lucari and Hinata giggled at the truth of that.

"It's amazing just how much people will twist and abandon their own rules and customs for their own convenience — and then they just bounce back, as if nothing happened." Naruto's eyes darkened gravely as he said the words, as if he were caught in a daze. Then he turned his back to the sealed door to face everyone, the light in his eyes rekindling with sudden urgency.

He looked to Shion and Lucari and then, finally, to Hinata. "I left two Kage Bunshin to watch over the cave where I found Kabuto," his eyes narrowed. "Apparently, there's been significant activity underground. It looks like Kabuto cured himself and is up to something, which means that we're almost out of time."

Hinata cupped her hands at her chest and nodded. "Hn. We need to hurry back and warn everyone, before we're at a disadvantage."

Now Naruto was gazing at Lucari with such intensity that the girl's throat went dry in her anxiousness. "How do we get to the deity from here?"

The princess swallowed. "We do not know; no one has ever been able to access the shrine, which is merely another reason why our ancestors decided to seal it away inside this tomb."

"Then... wuz dis all just a waste of time?" Damion asked frustratingly.

Shion shook her head in denial, wondering if Naruto was going to openly ridicule her linked pre-cognition and his prophesy. "As with most sacred caverns, there should be a switch or lever hidden somewhere in the walls or floor that opens the path to the inner sanctum. Let's search."

"Right!" Everyone agreed.

Spreading out once more, the gang thoroughly inspected the walls — skimming their fingertips and palm over the hard, cold concrete and dipping their fingers into cracks and fissures, trying to locate any hidden switches. But it was Naruto and Hinata, who were still standing by the door, who found a suspicious keyhole at its center.

"Can't we just blow a hole through tha' wall?" Damion said in his frustration, unsheathing one of his blades just halfway, electricity flickering violently along the shiny steel frame.

Naruto raised a hand in his disapproval. "How about we just check out this keyhole I found, before we move on to the blasting."

"Besides," Shion added. "I don't know how the deity would feel about you blowing a hole through its front door."

Damion looked disappointed. "'An here I thought I wud finally be able to go wild," he murmured, thrusting his sword back inside.

For closer observation, the gang huddled together at the wall, gazing at the tiny recession in the door — well, they've all been assuming it's a door, because its hue was much darker than the other dimensions of the wall. But there were no hinges, bolts, or visible fissures around it that suggested as such.

Damion made a low hissing sound — the kind that would normally be used in an awkward situation or to embellish sarcasm. "Yeah~! We wouldn't 'ave a locksmith in our midst, wud we?"

Naruto thought about that for a while. "The only thing I can tell you is that this is the weirdest keyhole I've ever seen."

"It's bigger than your typical keyhole, isn't it?" Hinata agreed.

Shion looked to Lucari and Ekodae, everyone else did, too. "I am afraid we are just as clueless as you are," the princess admitted.

"I am sorry we can no longer be of help to you," Ekodae apologized sincerely.

"It's fine," Hinata reassured quietly, her expression warm and true. "You guys have done more than enough."

"She's right," Naruto concurred huskily. "If anything, we should be thanking you both for believing our story and agreeing to help—"

Suddenly, he felt an impulse from his left hand, in his fingers. He cut his sentence short, glaring down at that hand and tuning into the sporadic echoes that spoke to his mind.

"Yo, Big Man," Damion began. "What's wrong?"

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata reached out to him worrisomely.

"Shh...," he instructed quietly.

Clearing his mind, he allowed his senses to fall — down and even farther then, free-falling beyond the scope of his subconscious and even then, down to his visceral receptors. Allowing his shoulders to sag, he was entirely in tune and sensitive to feeling. It was then that he felt a thread overlapping with his aura, then he suddenly knew what the pulsations meant. It was the Coatlicue Ring — it was resonating with the keyhole and whatsoever was beyond this concreate barricade.

Without a word, Naruto slipped off his engagement ring and set it inside the keyhole. Suddenly, there was a reaction — not a sound, not a tremor, but a spiritual and symmetrical click. Intuitively, everyone knew then, without a shadow of a doubt, what that meant.

Radiant lights of gold and sapphire zipped along the walls — like the invisible electrical signals of a computer chip — gathering at the keyhole. With each beam of light that entered, the door dematerialized until there was only the ring.

And it hovered long enough for Naruto to unfurl his hand.

Then it fell into his palm.

PLOP.

Everyone were flabbergasted.

Instead of questioning the inner-mechanics of the preternatural, Naruto cautiously ambled inside the newly unlocked chamber and began looking around. Everyone shared a gaze and followed suit. With time now running dangerously distant from their favor, there was no longer space for idle.

"Strange," Naruto murmured, admiring the ceramic finish of the walls around them. The smooth texture was of an amber brown, with a spiral ripple effect embossed in a lighter hue of the background color. "Considering the trials Hinata and I have been through in the past, I figured getting in would've been far more challenging."Shion smiled, relieved. "Perhaps the Great Keeper of Time have realized the urgency of the situation and decided to cut to the chase.""Really, Shion," Damion glared at her teasingly. "You're tha' last person I expected dat from; being all spirity 'an all." He chuckled."What? I'm serious!""So, this is the inner sanctum of the shrine..." Lucari uttered, almost in a trace."Aye," Ekodae replied, resting a supporting hand upon her shoulder. "This is the truth our ancestors endeavored to seal away centuries ago. I did not think I would live to see the day that, what was meant to be forgotten... is now revealed.""Hn," Lucari nodded.Naruto was barely able to sustain his impatience, but he managed to keep his voice and expressions even. "The question now is how do we summon the deity?"Hinata looked to Shion, evidently for answers or some reliable measure of theory. This was her field of expertise, after all — and she was the one who had the linked-pre-cognition.The girl didn't wait until Naruto decided to burn his anxious, oceanic eyes into hers, too. She made herself busy, looking passed the illuminated tiled floor and the ripple designs on the walls until, finally, she spotted something promising."There's something written on the wall over there," she pointed, even as she made her way across the floor to inspect. "It's ancient hieroglyphics!""Will you be able to decipher it?" Hinata queried hopefully.Shion skimmed her eyes across the age-old imagery, still perfectly engraved in the ceramic, before she recklessly ignited any false hope. "Well, I haven't been neglecting my studies, so I should be able to translate it. Etto..."Everyone waited quietly, refraining from distracting her. Naruto may have been good on keeping his impatience in check, but they could all still feel the anxiousness rolling off his body, like a deadly miasma. He was like a human bomb that could go off at any second, and no one wanted to be the detonator."Simple enough," Shion finally said, looking around the room as she made references to what she was reading. "Naruto, this is what it states:To lay claim to the power of rejuvenation, stand upon the Blocks of Taxation. But, know that only those deemed worthy will be bestowed with what they seek. If you believe yourself as such, then rise to this moment of truth."Naruto did so without hesitation nor remorse — he ambled to the center of the room where a massive, cone-shaped crystal jutted downward from the ceiling, stepped atop a low pedestal and rested both hands upon a pair of roughed crystal orbs that flanked him on both sides.He could feel when an ancient and unrecognized energy invaded him, reverberating back to its source, like a chain reaction, to rekindle all the flames that had extinguished over the span of hundreds of years.All three crystals pulsated and glowed a bright aquamarine as life returned to the barren shrine. Light played on the ceramic walls, making the ripple effects seem to come alive. But, once the ritual began, it was Hinata who was caught in a pillar of light. It was only then that they realized sections of the tiled floor was imbued in white and some green.Did this hold any significance?While everyone was backing away from her, Naruto was the only one desperately proceeding forward. Damion had already unsheathed his dual blades, his eyes snapping from left to right as he tried to assimilate his target. But the kunoichi was already in a bind, her strength slowly leaving her, and she sunk to her knees under the weight of her distress."Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed worrisomely, throwing himself down beside her. "Hinata! What's wrong? What's happening to you?"The princess's cheeks were flushed as she breathed through parted lips, but she couldn't spare enough to respond to his call.As if a wild and outraged beast, drunk from anger to protect its mate, Naruto joined Damion in attempting to understand their situation in the room. His blood was boiling, pulsing hot and fast through his veins, and he wanted, needed to lash out and utterly obliterate the one responsible for his woman's anguish.In that instant, as if honoring the shinobi's malicious request, the deity manifested itself in a spiritual form within the crystal protruding from the ceiling. It was a woman. With transparent wings, flowing blue hair and mature features, it looked like a fairy from a fictional novel. But Naruto didn't care.Before the deity could speak, he spat a feral and acidic curse from his lips that was incorporated into the threat he made. Then he forged a Rasengan that screeched with the ferocity of his rage, intent on using the lethal sphere if he didn't receive answers.Without flinching or breaking a sweat, the deity simply recited the hieroglyphics that Shion had read aloud, emphasizing three key words as she did, her voice velvety and saturated with magic and majesty:To lay claim to the power of rejuvenation, stand upon the "Blocks" of "Taxation". But, know that only those deemed "worthy" will be bestowed with what they seek. If you believe yourself as such, then rise to this moment of truth.The deity continued to explain that the Blocks of Taxation wasn't limited to the pedestal on which Naruto had stood, but the colored cobblestones that all of them were standing on. Hence, the most ideal candidate was chosen to be vested with the power — and that was Hinata."There is no need for worry," the entity reassured pleasantly, and with great confidence. "Your fiancée will not be harmed; however, the process of summoning me to this realm from mine is quite taxing, which is simply an offering of spiritual energy.""Fiancée?!" Everyone, especially Lucari and Shion, looked to Naruto and Hinata in abject shock."And forging a contract is also done through an exchange of chakra signature.""...Does this mean Hinata will be the one to receive your power?" Naruto asked as he held his arm around her back for support, his lips pressed to a hard line."Yes."He frowned inwardly. This arrangement was only going to make it that more difficult to keep her away from the fighting — now, she had more of an obligation to be as involved as possible."Hinata... are you ready to forge the contract?""Ha-Hai," she nodded with a determined gleam in her eyes."Very well, then. Clear your mind and accept my invitation."Conceding to the final phase of the ritual summoned a blinding white light in the crystal, which seemed to act as a bridge between the two worlds; ushering the deity into the living world, who was now hovering above the room. Next, Hinata began glowing, and Naruto released her as the princess, too, began levitating above them.The girls writhed and gave an adorable mule as feathery ribbons of spiritual energy ejected from one to the other, filling them both with the essence of the other. It was a natural, almost sensual feeling, and every fiber of their being could establish the symmetrical connection they shared — this was coexistence; this was psynergy; this was destiny.Soon enough, the lights subsided and Hinata floated back down into Naruto's arms. She was unconscious, but breathing just fine, a neat smile stretching her lips."There is no need to worry," a sweet feminine voice came wafting from a dissipating mist. Then a tall, voluptuous woman ambled forward. She was like a mixture between a Greek Goddess and an Arabic Queen. She was garbed in many silky fabrics that wound and flowed about her in regal splendor. She sported many jewelry — from piercings to necklaces to bangles on both her hands and legs, and her makeup was more of a design than to accentuate her already captivating beauty."She is merely exhausted," the deity continued, even as she reached for the girl with a mystical glow in her hand. "The contract was a success; I am now a part of her."With a warm smile, the woman touched the girl's chest, imparting a measure of power inside the her. And Hinata took a deep breath, her back arching in Naruto's arms as seemingly new life, renewed stamina, was breathed into her, reenergizing her entire system.In moments, Hinata's eyes blinked open. She had a quiet and complacent look on her face but, as Naruto looked deeper into her eyes, he could recognize a hint of grief. Slowly, his eyes changed into a warm sapphire glow that she could more than understand."...I'm sorry, Naruto-kun," she apologized meekly."...You remember our promise, right?""Hn," she nodded reassuringly, resting a hand atop her tummy. "I promise to look after us both. I won't become a burden to you, Naruto-kun," her hand was cupping his face now. "I want you to give it your all, when we get back out there. And I'll be behind you, all the step of the way."It was only when the couple broke from their trace, that they realized everyone were huddled beside them, openly eavesdropping on their touching moment."Well. Well. Well," Damion teased with a smug grin, chibirized.Lucari had a frown of petulance on her face and a fierce blush in her cheeks, while Shion had her teeth sunk into a handkerchief, pulling the defenseless material with both hands."Hinata!" She murmured between her teeth and cloth. "What are you doing to my Naruto?"Lucari, on the other hand, could only fume inwardly. She didn't have the courage nor the superpowers to compete with her gifted counterparts — and that frustrated her beyond comprehension. She needed to get a mecha-suit of her own."Coatlicue..." Hinata whispered, looking to the deity now. The name flowed from her lips, her mind, as if it were imprinted there through their spiritual connection. "Thanks for restoring my energy.""Coatlicue..." Shion asked questioningly. "Is that your name?"Everyone looked to the radiant deity, but especially Naruto who knew the appellation is that which was given to the ring he wore — and his engagement ring, for that matter. Was this all just a coincidence, or a play of fate that stretched beyond their scope of understanding?"Coat-li-cue, eh?" Damion pronounced in a slow drawl. "'Dat's a tongue-twister.""I'm confused," Naruto said putting Hinata down, then he was looking to the wedding band perfectly cupping finger. "Are you and the Coatlicue Ring somehow connected?"The deity nodded."When I received the ring in the Iron Country," Hinata began. "I was told a seal was placed on it by a smithy's wife — thus, giving the bearer the power to heal and even bring back the dead."The deity smiled amusingly, intrigued by the tale.Damion placed a curved hand to his chin. "Hmm. Judgin' by her expression, it looks like you were told a steamin' pile 'a crud."The Hyūga princess looked to her newly established partner, seeking to be told the truth of it."Make no mistake," the deity began, her tender voice seeming to mend the deeply lodged fatigue that no measure of nutrients or sleep could remedy. "You people are not the first to have sought my power, nor the first to succeed. There are many who acquired the Coatlicue Ring and entered this place. And, it is not uncommon for many legends to be borne from a wanted source of power. Over the span of years, information tends to be distorted and changed as it passes through different channels and mediums."Shion tucked her handkerchief into her coat. "Then it's more than likely a case where the smithy's wife came here with the ring, forged a contract with you, and passed away without ever giving an explanation.""But then," Hinata began. "Why did I get the impression that anyone with possession of the ring could access its power?""The ring acts as both an individual power source and a limiter for my power," the deity pointed to the silver accessory on Naruto's finger. "However, it's power only lasts for several years, before I have to replenish it myself. Whomever holds the ring during this time can utilize its power.""And what about this current ring?" Lucari asked curiously.The woman looked to the piece of silver keenly, as if to certify her conclusion. "This ring as long since lost its power. However, since Hinata holds tremendous chakra inside her, I do not need to depend on the use of the ring.""I see. And... is your name truly Coatlicue?" Hinata wondered.The deity was silent for a while, as if skimming through the expansive archive of her mind that stretched through to the beginning of time. "I have been asleep for a very long time and, even before that, I was referred to as Coatlicue by my masters. I have forgotten my name...""Akiko..." Hinata announced suddenly."Uh. What do you—""It means bright light," the princess interjected sweetly. "From now on, your name will be Akiko..."The deity blinked at the sudden import of emotions. For the first time since they all met, she looked truly human — defenseless, self-conscious, even more beautiful. And a smile tugged at her lips as tears burned the back of her eyes. "Hinata. Thank you."The princess heaved a Naruto-grin, which was quite uncharacteristic of her, but that's how she felt — warm, happy, and truly appreciative of her new friend."Akiko..." Naruto was the first to use her newly appointed name.But the deity didn't give him the chance to continue — after all, she knew they were in a rush against time. Her hand was already on his chest, ushering him into silence. "I know of the questions that lie unanswered in Hinata's heart; I know of the answers you seek."With that, the woman launched into a brief synopsis to satisfied the shinobi's questions. Apparently, as they had come to prove, the door to the shrine's inner sanctum opens using the Coatlicue Ring. However, if the chosen one (being Hinata, in this case) had simply touched the door, it would have automatically opened, too. If Naruto had come alone and managed to get inside with the Coatlicue Ring, then he would have been vested with the power — although, he would not have been able to exploit it to its fullest potential, as he was not fully compatible.Hinata was a more suitable host, as she knew the basics — and more — about medical Ninjutsu.While Naruto being sent here was a journey dictated by a prophesy, she couldn't tell whether being in possession of the Coatlicue Ring and even bringing Hinata here was mere coincidence or just strategically orchestrated moves by the divine hands of fate."But one thing is for certain," she said in quiet urgency. "You are the only one capable of stopping the evil that plagues this world."Transient RemedyKazemachi's Unforgivable Subterfuge!Only afterimages remained when Naruto teleported the gang back to Lucari's secret hideaway. Upon their arrival, the warriors instantaneously scrambled off at high speeds, flanking an intruder on all sides, who had wandered onto the site.Lucari and Ekodae only felt a rippling gust, but they saw nothing in that split second. As for the soldier, he was frozen in place, practically traumatized.Kurama was in his third form at the rear, holding his scythe dangerously close to the soldier's throat; Naruto and Damion were at the sides, kunai and twin blades held at the lungs, and Hinata was in front, more than ready to seal every chakra hole, her Byakugan sharpening."Everyone!" Lucari called desperately, finally grasping the situation. "Please do not hurt her; she is my subordinate!"The elite fighters thought about that for a while, then they slowly lowered their weapons and cautiously backed away, giving the female space to breathe again. And she did breathe — sucking in a lung full of air before letting out a long sigh. Then she sunk to her knees.Kurama returned to his miniature form."Dayum, gurl," Damion began in a friendly, high-pitched tone. "I almost killed you. Dat wuz cuttin' it a bit too close, right?"The soldier nodded, her head still fairly concealed inside her helmet, her legs still the consistency of jell-o beneath her. Once she had reaffirmed her composure and collected her thoughts, the young patriot silently cursed her cowardice and lack of elegance, in the presence of her fair princess.But, in light of the news she came to report, none of that was important. Throwing her helmet to the side — offering her scarlet hair to the wind — she made her way before her mentor and childhood friend, bowing her head down low in utmost reverence."Princess, I come bearing urgent news!""Please, Kyoko," Lucari said softly. "Lift your head; we are not in the palace.""Ha-Hai!" She did as told."Now what happened — is Kazemachi up to something again?"The girl nodded, but then cast the gang a sidelong glance."It is fine," the princess reassured. "We can trust them.""Right," the girl nodded, holding the princess's gaze once more. "As you guessed, it's Kazemachi — he's gathering the people in the plaza for an announcement, and he's projecting it throughout the entire city, as well. Princess," the girl's expression was depressing and grave. "He's planning on brainwashing the people into believing that the workers in the kitchen conspired to poison your father."Lucari's eyes dilated in horror, and Ekodae gritted his teeth and tightened his fingers into fists. But there was more frustration than grief in their response — because against Kazemachi and his followers, there was only so much they could do alone.Just when they believed matters couldn't get any worse, the girl told them that District One's general — who was also the guardian of the palace —would be returning from his expedition throughout the other districts."The Commanding General will be returning to the capital, princess..." she reiterated quietly, regretting to be the bearer of such unsettling news.Disguised in thick cloaks, the gang separated into groups of two — Naruto with Hinata and Lucari and Damion with Shion, Kurama and Ekodae — and blended into the attentive crowd within the square, as the conniving king stood upon a makeshift platform and spoke to the people.Naruto looked around with eagle eyes, scouting out the soldiers amidst the crowd who were also disguised as civilians. Snippers were hidden in the surrounding trees, brush, and even distant roof tops in their endeavor to secure the king."So, what's the deal with this Commanding General, anyway?" He asked Lucari, even as he clasped Hinata's hand and guided them through the seemingly entranced crowd of people."The Commanding General is the head of Exzzodia's military. He also leads the other three generals posted in the other districts. He is very disciplined and committed to his work; he has no interest in politics and never questions the instructions he receives from the king or the council.""On top of being tenacious and resourceful," Ekodae said. "The man is very powerful. He is one of the few who wields the power of our ancestors."Shion bit her lip, a light blush in her cheeks as Kurama wiggled in her clothes. "...But I thought it was forbidden to practice the sacred arts in Exzzodia?""Let me guess," Damion said with a tad of annoyance as he, too, scouted the area with as much shrewdness as Naruto. "He doesn't truly seek enlightenment, he jus wants tha' power to supplement his role as Commander General?""Precisely," Lucari confirmed quietly. "But, at this point, practicing the sacred arts might have you find enlightenment, but it would not quite be possible to achieve the power that the commander is blessed with.""What do you mean?" Hinata asked.Ekodae held Shion's curious gaze. "Since we renounced the sacred arts upon our segregation centuries ago, our power has dulled with each new generation of people. Now, only a handful has received the genes from our ancestors and can hone tremendous power through meditation and practice.""Isn't there anyway to tell these people apart?" Naruto inquired."There is," Lucari said. "They will look like Shion — light blonde hair and pale lavender eyes."Naruto raised one eyebrow amusingly. "Aren't you describing yourself, too?"The woman looked a bit flustered, then she shook her head in denial. "Unfortunately, I do not possess any special powers — besides, my eyes are orchid purple, not pale lavender."Hinata looked to the woman avidly, as if with some unforeseen truth.Damion frowned. "It's weird dat Lucari doesn't 'ave any power; she's tha' princess, isn't she?"Ekodae looked a bit disappointed himself. "Yes. But, like natural disasters, power does not discriminate. Almost anyone could be blessed with our forefathers' genes, despite their age, gender, or social status.""Our fair city might have continued to thrive, but I have not forgotten about our former king," Kazemachi said ardently, winning everyone's undivided attention.Low chatter broke out amidst the crowd, and Lucari and Ekodae stopped dead in their tracks, gazing toward the platform at the shady character as he spouted the suspicious words."Considering our prevalent peace, we all believed that the king succumbed to a terminal illness. But, I have reason to believe he was poisoned by conspirators, not only in Exzzodia, but terrorists from the outside world who seeks to invade and destroy us all!"The chattering and whispering grew."Conspiracist?" Someone reiterated questioningly. "Is there a secret collaboration between Exzzodians and Outlanders?""How could people from the outside get into the city?" Another asked."Does that mean Exzzodia isn't as impenetrable as we thought?" Another wondered aloud."What tha' hell is he talkin' about?" Damion murmured, evidently annoyed.But Ekodae looked more absorbed than anything else. Even if this was just another elaborate lie, he could sense that the truth lied somewhere underneath all that fabrication — somewhere just above the surface. And Lucari knew the truth of it, too."But you needn't worry, my people!" Kazemachi reassured, his voice booming and influential. "We might be a peaceful country, but by no means are we cowards or weaklings. And —" he unfurled his hand in a telling gesture — "with the return of our Commander, our esteemed General Kisaku, that holds even more true!"Ching. Ching. Ching!The man's armor sung a sacred ballad as he ambled onto the platform from behind the scenes, his demeanor cool, collected and confident. He wore an impressively designed suit with a helmet completed with a pair of intimidating horns, and, on his back, was anchored a massive two-hand sword. His presence screamed of power and duty, and the people sighed in astonishment and waited patiently for further words by their awesome king."Fear not, everyone! Along with Kisaku, there are four mighty generals that stand with is, and then there are the high-end technology and power sources that Exzzodia holds. Together we will crush the insurgents and bring war onto them, if that is what they please. But for now, we take priority in investigating the former king's untimely passing. We will not rest until this villain or villains are apprehended and brought to justice for what they did.""It's the cooks!" A soldier disguised in a hooded cape shouted. He was perfectly camouflaged in the crowd, but Naruto was able to distinguish him and his crude getup."They are the only ones who cook for the king!" Another solider shouted in disguise."It could be the servers, too!" Another clarified."Kill them all!" They added fuel to the flames.Like a wildfire, the people embraced the baseless notion and started accusing the kitchen staff, as though hard evidence had already been found and proven. The plaza came alive with the sound of unsavory chanting, and Kazemachi heaved sick and conniving smile that only the gang could decipher.The man raised his hand for a moment of silence, then announced he would launch a thorough investigation of the staff. If evidence leading to the crime was found, then every individual, from the cooks, to the servers and even sanitation, would be brought to this very platform at noon and hanged, to ensure the culprit and possible accomplishes received just punishment.Elsewhere, family and friends of the suspected staff members starting breaking down at the man's heartless declaration. But he didn't care — he was fulfilling his desires under the pretense that it was for the greater good, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.It was then that Damion started to sneer. He had a special kind of loathing for despicable pricks and the thought of being powerless. His resentment swelled and evolved — ghostly hands that stretched to torment and squeeze the very life from its targets.Suddenly, Kisaku removed his helmet to reveal his short-cropped hair and piercing pale lavender eyes. He wore an unenthused expression and, as if he could taste the bitter animosity targeted at him, figuratively latched onto the undulating wisps of emotions and began tracing it back to its source.His eyes fixed in Damion's direction.But, just before he was uncovered, the Jamaican quickly relinquished eye contact and suppressed his hate. Kisaku looked a bit disappointed, but he heaved a smile of amusement. He had an idea this whole predicament was going to prove worth his wild.Damion was still frowning intensely when they all rendezvoused behind a cluster of trees and brush outside the congested plaza. He was taking this entire situation very personally. How could people resign so readily to such a superficial claim when the stakes were so high — just what were people's lives to them?"There's someting different about dat Kisaku guy," he murmured, more to himself than to the others. "He's strong...""I sensed it, too," Shion whispered, even as Kurama transferred from her to Hinata. "He definitely has some sort of special abilities. We should try and avoid any confrontations with him"Naruto didn't look worried."Should I go ahead and crush him by myself?" Kurama invited in a cool, dark tone.And Naruto answered rather casually, too, which made everyone wondered just what the hell were shinobi — and how deep did their power stem? "As less complicated as that sounds, no... we didn't come here to start a war. And, if we simply beat everyone up to a pulp without proving their crimes, we'll just seem like the bad guys.""Keh," the Kyuubi cocked its head to the side. "Suit yourself."Naruto tousled the back of his head and grinned. "Thanks, Kurama... but I'm gonna need to speed things along and I'd rather avoid unnecessary fighting." His expression hardened. "From this point forward, I'll be the one going ahead.""Naruto-kun!" Hinata squeaked her protest, but bit back the words on her tongue upon noting his adamancy."If we all enter the palace to carry out our own investigation, we'll just be at a disadvantage. So, instead of interrogating people who distrusts us, and searching a building we know nothing about, we'll just search their minds, instead."Everyone except Hinata was confused."You're going to ask Ino-san?"Naruto nodded, then grinned apologetically when everyone grumbled in their frustration. He spared the time to give them a synopsis of his friend's power and the idea of using the transformation technique to impersonate Exzzodian soldiers, before entering the palace. That way, they would be able to roam free and quickly assimilate truthful information, without losing much time."In addition to the throne room, I left a Teleportation Formula at Lucari's cabin. Should I bring you all back there, before I leave?"No one seemed interested."I tink we shud stay here," Damion spoke on behave of everyone. "While you're inside, we'll ensure dat nothin' crazy goes on out here dat could interfere with tha' plan."Hinata nodded in agreement. "You should save your strength, Naruto-kun. If what your clone said is true, then we might have to enter the war sooner than we think."Everyone cringed inwardly at the thought.Naruto didn't deny her, nor the gut feeling that her assumption was more probable than she imagined. Any minute now, he anticipated his other Kage Bunshin returning to him with tragic news. His heart was leaping, and he couldn't settle it."Hinata..." His eyes softened, a tinge of contrite twinkling in those oceanic depths. "While I'm gone, you should speak with Akiko about the dynamics of her powers. I was told it would help me... but that power will manifest through you. I want you to master it."The princess beamed, and then nodded in conviction, a tight fist at her bosom. Just over the span of a few days, she had been bestowed with great powers — first from Kushina and now from Akiko, and she had already dwelled on these powers and devised great and strategic ways of using them.She pressed a hand to her tummy, her eyes still quivering. "Naruto-kun can count on me; I'll protect everyone!"The goddess of medicine was suddenly there, chibirized and smiling warmly at her. "Thanks to the new life that dwells within you, it will give rise to a maternal loving that will enhance your healing abilities.""Shit, forget tha' healin'," Damion exclaimed, chibirized, too. "Are you really pregnant?"Naruto and Hinata turned neon pink, averting their eyes.Doki.Doki.Doki.Shion and Lucari had their heads hung, their faces cast in the shadow of their hair. The girls were flushed up to their ears and caught in a wild twister of emotions. Uzumaki Naruto. The man they sought and desired was bound by another — both his heart and genes.How would they compete with that?Shion heaved a hot puff of breath through parted lips, and Lucari bit her lip endearingly. Both girls offered Naruto a coy stare and slowly began shedding their clothing with a sexy, seductive flair.Pleasure. Possession. Temptation. Desire — he had to yield to what they would willing offer. And Ekodae and Damion's nose spewed forth a geyser of blood.Naruto's eyes popped.Hinata fumed, leering at him.The princess and priestess moaned, pushing into him.Kurama's chibi form was adorable, his eyes weary. "What are you both doing?""We're going to have Naruto impregnate us, too!""Ehhhhh?" Naruto shirked, trembling in his shock.Hinata's features transformed — twisting and stretching into that of Medusa's grotesque appearance. And she exploded with her malicious fury....Shion and Lucari laid motionless on the ground, their bumpy heads steaming.They groaned lifelessly.The bruised bump atop Naruto's head was steaming, as well. "Why did I get hit, too?" He wailed."Just because!" Hinata pouted.He was serious now, his eyes glowing with conviction. "I'll be back in a jiffy...""Kick butt," Hinata said with a warm smile.Naruto winked at her. "Like I'm capable of anything less."And then he was gone."Naruto~!" Ino whined in an undertone as they proceeded quietly along the corridor to the kitchen. They were disguised as soldiers. "I can't believe this is what you've been up to while we worry ourselves to death about the war!""I'm just repaying a huge debt before I leave.""Well, it better be worth everyone's lives!" She murmured looking around.Naruto had told her Exzzodia's technology was decades more advanced than their own, but this was a lot to take in.The crystal-like floor upon which they tip-toed shouted "extravagance" and "futuristic". It was designed in animated layers of blue, gray, and aquamarine diamonds and embodied the feeling of walking upon the cosmos. Even more so, as bright silver lights streamed along its dazzling frame. The linoleum walls on both sides were simple enough — its canvas portrayed a soft, square design. But there was a horizontal streak of light running along the wall with probing infrared rays.Naruto and Ino could feel it — something inside those lights was watching them, analyzing the shinobi against figures and comparisons with a keen precision they could not comprehend. And, it was only a matter of them before the drama unfolded."I have a bad feeling about this..." Ino warned."The feeling's mutual," Naruto uttered, looking to the suspicious lights. "Let's hurry and get this over with," he urged. But compromise wasn't what worried him. "I'm sure whatever Kabuto's up is, by extension, to gain an advantage in the war... and we need time to prepare for that."They started running."Naruto," Ino called. "What about the staff — I need everyone together in a seal so that I can cast the jutsu!""Don't worry, I've got an idea!"He busted through the double doors equipped with the persona of a soldier who enjoyed knocking people around for kicks, and the workers recognized the stereotype right away, looking to the man in abject shock and subservience.One man almost shit himself.Naruto's face was set in a dark scowl. "The king demands an audience with you all and will be here shortly. I need everyone to stop what they're doing and gather right here." He pointed to a clearing in the large and spacious kitchen. "Is this everyone — chefs, servers and sanitation?"Seemingly the bravest of the dozen, a man stepped forward to make himself seen. "We were told an hour ago that the king wishes to see the hospitality staff, so everyone has already gathered here."Naruto frowned inwardly. So, I was right. Kazemachi did orchestrate everything from the start. But what is he hoping to accomplish by killing off these people?By this point, everyone had gathered where they were instructed. And, while the king and his officers may have not explained what their intensions were, the people were nervous and, some, for the most part, utterly traumatized.Naruto's expression softened, and the sudden transition had the staff regarding him in a different light. It was reverse-psychology: the demon had evolved into an angel, and they couldn't help but look to him for sympathy and reassurance, with the hope that he wouldn't revert again."Do you believe in miracles?" the shinobi acted on their faith in this moment of despair.The people nodded with desperate eyes."Then close your eyes and pray for a moment."They humbly did as requested.Naruto looked to Ino and nodded."Psycho Mind Transmission Jutsu!"Carefully regulating her chakra, she initiated the technique, summoning an elaborate seal around the staff who were quite meek and docile during this trying moment. Taking a deep breath, Ino considered the crowd of mixed genders and ages, and then closed her eyes and focused. Using this newly formulated seal to supplement the process, she delved into the minds of her targets.Seconds ticked by.Upon blinking her eyes open, the kunoichi found herself inside a soundless and surreal realm that stretched on into infinity. But only the immediate area was illuminated, and through billows of drifting mist that she figured was the people's defense mechanism, their privacy, she spied a gigantic tree. It had many branches — big and small — that stretched in all directions, and it was completely barren of leaves.Ino approached the lofty attraction, instinctively knowing beforehand that the tree was the collected form of everyone's subconsciousness — and, on each limb, was holstered a large, red journal that was securely closed. However, before the might of her powers, nothing could be truly concealed.With merely the flick of her hand, the books popped open, the pages automatically flipping in reverse to reveal their earlier contents. And Ino raised her hands and closed her eyes as the contents flowed into her — a cascading band of magical light that would have angered any philosopher.Sifting through the information, she eventually came across a few pages in a single book with ink smeared over the page — it was a mental blockade, and one that wasn't done personally.Evoking her powers, Ino began repairing the pages.Slowly, they began reforming.She gasped.Damion and the gang dug deeper into the brush when they heard the whizzing of aerial drones overhead. At the same time, he noted both Kisaku and Kazemachi looking down at an electrical device on their wrists, and then glancing at the palace behind them. As the two men exchanged a telling look, Damion knew what it meant."Shit!" He swore."Damion-kun?" Hinata whispered worrisomely. "What's wrong?"Everyone wondered the same."It's Naruto," he replied, frowning. "Looks like dey tripped sum kinda alarm. Even if they're still in disguises, I'm sure dat bastard will be able to weed dem out.""You mean, Kisaku?" Lucari wondered."Yeah, him. I jus know he'll be able to do it.""Kozo..." Kurama called in a husky, telling tone."Yeah," Damion understood, holding his gaze. "Looks like I 'ave no choice..."Before the girls could demand an explanation, which would have surely been something warranting their rebellion, Kurama interjected by instructing them to return to the cabin until the objective was complete.They didn't budge."I don't intend to fight to tha' death," Damion reassured quietly. "I'm jus gonna keep him preoccupied until Naruto finishes his business at tha' palace."They conceded."Take this..." Hinata offered before she turned to leave."Wat is it?""It's Naruto-kun's Teleportation Formula," she explained hurriedly. "With this, he'll be able to find you, after all this is over."The man grinned appreciatively, accepting the piece of paper. "I'll see you in a bit.""Please be careful.""Sure ting."They left."Okay, Asshole!" Damion said, pivoting his head back around and casting his heavy cloak to the wind. "Let's get dis fuckin' show on tha' road. Fuck yeah — I've been waitin' for dis!"Tightly clasping his dual blades in large, capable hands, the warrior closed his eyes and summoned his bloodlust, allowing that toxic energy to boil up and ignite inside him. Then snapping his eyes open, looking up beneath his lashes, he released that glorious buildup of malice — gearing every bit of negative energy toward his target.And Kisaku received the import of energy in a familiar, but challenging rush. It was like an eerie shriek and a stab from a ghastly and malevolent spirit. Unable to resist the beckoning call, the man spared the king a hint and then leapt into a high skyward arch, using his power to propel himself into his preferred trajectory using a sudden burst of energy.DUUUMMM!He landed to the ground, like a hazardous meteorite, the earth surrendering — caving in at the man's explosive descent. Despite the zigzagging cracks and splintering earth that crept toward Damion, he didn't move a muscle. Instead, he was sharing a face-splitting grin as noxious and foreboding as the other man.Time slowed, dirt and debris rising between them."You rang," Kisaku said in a slow, rasping tone."Took you long enough," Damion ridiculed in an equally hostile tone, freeing his blades that flashed and crackled with lethal electricity.Kisaku responded by equipping his helmet and reaching for the massive sword holstered on his back. It was almost the entire length of his body and boosted a unique design.Then their weapons became one. Their energies clashed as their blades did, and they could both sense the delicious prologue of an epic and memorable battle, even as earth and undergrowth broke and tore away from them in a lethal shock-wave of epic proportions."Ino, what is it?" Naruto asked following her gasp.But the girl didn't reply. She simply dismissed her power and asked the staff if they knew anything about the king's death, which was contrary to the reports. However, their response was that they didn't recall doing anything unethical or treacherous, and Ino noted they didn't exhibit any signs of dishonesty.After which, she explained to Naruto that she found remnants of a chakra signature in one of the servers who, in fact, was the late king's distant nephew."You mean that same guy who spoke up before?" Naruto confirmed, gazing at him amidst the crowd.Ino nodded. "None of them were lying when they confessed to not having anything to do with the king's murder, but that male server shows signs of being manipulated... and by a shinobi, no less."Naruto's brows furrowed in his disbelief. "A shinobi? Here?""You're wondering how he got through the barrier, right? Maybe someone let him in..."Naruto considered that for a while. "Think you can find him?"Ino looked to the door behind them, peering through the windows into the corridor at the dozens of armed soldiers that marched toward the kitchen. "It's really either that or be arrested by those incoming guards."Naruto rested a hand upon her shoulder. "We're heading back to the cabin."And then they were gone.