Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm – Book 2
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 11: The Dept Is Called.
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"Before you make a deal with the gods, be sure you can live with the price." — Neil Gaiman
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Previously on NTLHOS:
The chamber grew still.
The leader's fingers tapped against the stone table, deep in thought. "No," he finally said. "We do not remain idle. And we do not trust the Akatsuki. But if we move against Nobinaga now, we risk exposing ourselves before we're ready." His gaze swept across the gathered figures. "If there one person I hate more than Ashina Uzumaki it the traitor himself. We will deal with him. first… we ensure that when we strike, it will be a final blow."
The old woman nodded slowly, her sharp eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Then we will need more than just sealing. We will need a weapon which both Emperor or Nobinaga cannot counter."
"And we will need to know," the leader said, voice colder than ice, "just how much Uzushio's new Emperor's feat against Nobinaga is true ."
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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with (p)(a)(t)(r)(e)(o)(n) remove the space and bracket!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 12- How Times have changed. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 13: A New Game Of Chess. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 14: The Power Of A Single Stroke Of A Pen. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 15: Back to Konoha IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 16: The Night of Falling Crows IS OUT!.
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 17: Did Uchihas Survive?. IS OUT!
Chapter 18: Politics at its best. IS OUT!
Chapter 19: Old Memory. IS OUT!
Chapter 20: Once A Legend Alway A Legend.!
Chapter 21: Still Sharp As Ever. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!! (Politics begins)
Chapter 22: The Negotiation. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 23: Mind Game Through Mind Readers.IS OUT!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 24: Mind Walkers. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 25: A Parting Backhand. IS OUT!!!!!!!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 26: A New Turn. IS OUT!!!!!!!!(NEW)
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Now:
Naruto had left Uzushio, his destination set for the Land of Iron where the Daimyo Summit would be held. Afterward, he would make his way to Konoha for the Kage Summit. He knew full well why all the Kage had mutually agreed for it to take place in Konoha rather than the traditional neutral ground of the Land of Iron. It was a calculated move, an attempt to strong-arm him into yeil to their collective machinations. But Naruto had other plans.
His protective detail consisted of Mei Terumi, recently relieved of her position as the head of the forces deployed in Mist, Fūka, and Kimimaro. His ANBU shadowed him from the periphery, unseen. From the moment their journey had begun, he had been attacked no less than nine times by mercenary groups, each more persistent than the last.
He wasn't naive. He understood his position. The world was shifting because of him. He had been a rising economic power for years, but now after the fall of Mist where he had slain its Kage and his subsequent judgment of their Daimyo and execution, Uzushio had become a tried and tested military powerhouse. And Naruto himself... he had earned a place on the SS-rank list, a title only a select few in the world could claim.
Now, there were only three or four individuals alive who stood at that level. The Tsuchikage, a low to mid SS-rank in his prime, and possibly still at that level due to all the enhancements he had undergone. Killer Bee, in his fully transformed state, was considered a low SS-rank due to the inherent weaknesses of Jinchūriki; otherwise, he would be in the higher tier of the rank. Then there was Nobinaga, mid to high SS-rank. Due to the fact that he was not at his fullest during their confrontation, he had only been at mid SS-rank at the time. But the one Naruto was most wary of, and he was sure the sentiment was mutual, was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi. If the reports from his spy who held high trust within Konoha's inner circle were true, then Hiruzen had completed whatever horrific experiment Danzo had put him through and had now fully realized to his prime potential as a high SS-rank shinobi.
As night fell and their camp settled in a forest clearing on the outskirts of the Land of Frost now renamed the Land of Spring, Naruto felt an all too familiar weight pressing down on him. Eyes and ears were always watching, even if they were friendly once like now. Even if they meant well he was tired of it all.
It was getting to him.
So, with a simple switching with a shadow clone, Naruto slipped away, silent as a ghost. He moved through the trees until he found a secluded clearing where moonlight pooled on the surface of a still pond. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, settling onto a large boulder and staring at the sky. He just wanted a moment. A moment where he wasn't the Emperor of Uzushio. A moment where he was just... Naruto again.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"Enjoying the night, are we?"
Naruto's breath hitched.
He knew that voice.
He was on his feet in an instant, turning sharply and dropping into a deep bow. There was only one man in his knowledge who could bypass his senses so completely, who could stand in front of him without so much as a flicker of chakra detectable.
His master.
The Old Sage stood there with his staff, his gaze fixed on the moon, his one hand tucked into the sleeves of his robe. He looked as he always did calm and otherworldly, but he knew that this could change in a second where he can take the persona of mad genius.
"Master," Naruto said, straightening, his body tensed despite himself.
"I trust the world has been treating you well since we last met in the chamber," the Old Sage said.
Naruto grimaced at the memory.
"Way better," he admitted.
"You know why I am here, don't you?"
Naruto sighed. "Yes. Has the date been decided?"
The Old Sage gave a small nod. "You also know that this does not bring me any pleasure."
Naruto didn't reply.
The Old Sage continued, turning his gaze from Naruto back to the moon. "Yes. The date has been set." His voice was calm, not bothered that Naruto's heart was beating louder than a drum. "The day this moon dies and a new one is born to its completion, your debt will be recalled."
Naruto stilled. His hands curled into fists at his sides.
"So, by the next new moon... my punishment begins."
The Old Sage shifted his gaze back to him. "Not punishment, child. A debt. You summoned, and now you must pay what is owed."
Naruto exhaled slowly. "How long?"
The Old Sage's face was unreadable. "The duration is open-ended," he said at last. "The being to whom the debt is owed has placed but one condition: only when a god or goddess descends to the mortal realm shall you be freed."
Naruto's stomach dropped.
What?
That was the debt.
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Flashback.
The chamber was bathed in an eerie glow, the air thick with an energy Naruto had never felt before. He had seen chakra, felt nature energy, even touched the near-divine essence of the tailed beasts but this was something else entirely. Something beyond human understanding.
The being before him, the Bhishonin stood with an ethereal presence, his gaze piercing through Naruto as if he saw not just his body, but his very soul. His eyes, glowing like molten gold, narrowed slightly as his voice carried across the void.
"It is within my power to bypass this barrier. Not even the Shinigami itself could escape it. But such power does not come freely. There will be a price."
Naruto swallowed hard, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He had prepared himself for this moment, knowing that nothing in this world or beyond came without cost.
"What is it you want?" he asked.
The being's grin widened, sharp and knowing.
"For you, Arch Sage, who has summoned me as the leader of your people, knowing full well that there is destiny and fate are at play, I will offer you consideration and make my exchange lighter. But for the lands you wish to protect, for the empire you have built, I ask this—"
Naruto's breath hitched as the being paused, eyes glowing ever brighter, radiating an otherworldly power. Then came the words that sent a chill down his very core.
"Relinquish your position."
Naruto's entire body tensed.
"What?" he whispered, barely believing what he had heard.
"You will give up your title. You will never ever again step foot in the lands you claim dominion over. For should you try, you will find a barrier that prevents your return."
The words struck harder than any blow he had ever taken. He had expected to lose something perhaps his life, his chakra, even his memories, but this?
"What's the point of saving them if I can never see them again?" Naruto asked.
The Bhishonin's grin stretched impossibly wide, like a celestial being amused by the fleeting struggles of mortals.
"I will not destroy them, if that is your concern. Your empire will stand, your people will live. But they will do so without you. And you? You will wander, forever apart from the world you fought so hard to build. And never rule anything ever."
Naruto felt a weight settle deep in his gut. He had spent years fighting to create something that he hoped would stand the test of time. But to know that he would never rule it, never walk its streets, never guide his people again… it was devastating. His heart clenched at the thought of what would happen once he was gone. Would they survive without him? Would they remain strong, or would his absence be their downfall?
As he struggled with the decision, the being added one final stipulation, driving the blade even deeper.
"And understand this you will not guide them from the shadows. You will not interfere. No letters, no messages, no counsel in secret. You will not be their hidden ruler. You will be nothing to them. Just a famous stranger."
A cold wave of dread washed over Naruto. Even if he was gone, he had at least thought he could guide them from afar. But this… this was exile in the truest sense. No safety net.
He tried to negotiate. He begged, pleaded, trying to get even the slightest leniency. But the Bhishonin was adamant. It was an absolute condition.
When all hope seemed lost and he was about to agree when the crushing weight of his sentence was about to bury him another voice echoed through the chamber.
A single step echoed in the silence. A staff struck the ground.
The presence of another being, equally overwhelming, filled the space.
Naruto turned sharply, eyes widening.
His master, he forgot that he was there all this time in the first place. No wonder he tried to stop him.
The old sage had stood silent until now, unmoving, merely observing the exchange. But now, he stepped forward, placing himself between Naruto and the celestial being.
The Bhishonin, for the first time, shifted its gaze not to Naruto, but to the sage.
The old sage, spoke in a voice that was firm yet benevolent and respectful.
"His destiny is tied to many things. To force him into exile permanently, to strip him of his title permanently, would be to sever him from the fate he is meant to fulfil. If he cannot rule ever, he will never complete the path laid before him. Please… be considerate."
Naruto held his breath. His master had sworn not to interfere in mortal affairs. And yet, here he was, advocating for him.
The celestial being, all-knowing, tilted its head slightly, its golden eyes scanning the sage with curiosity. And then, something even more unexpected happened.
It considered.
A moment of silence stretched between them before the Bhishonin gave a slow nod.
"So be it."
Naruto's body sagged with relief, but the being wasn't finished.
"Since your master an enlightened being, my equal who promised not to interfere in the mortal affair has made a request, I will grant a concession."
The being's expression darkened slightly.
"The exile will not be immediate. Instead, I will consult with your master and determine when you shall relinquish your title and leave your lands. Until that day, you may rule. But when the time comes, you will leave. And you will not return… until the decree is lifted and that too will be decided by us which will not be permanent."
Naruto's relief turned to unease.
"And when will that be?" he asked, wary.
The Bhishonin's gaze flickered back to his master, then up toward the sky.
We haven't decided that yet. I will let you know once that is decided.
Flashback Ends
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"So, the time has finally come. Is it final then?" Naruto asked, his voice steady, but the weight of reality pressing heavily upon him.
"Yes," the sage confirmed, his tone carrying an air of finality.
Naruto exhaled sharply. "So, what does it mean for a god or goddess to descend to the mortal realm? Does that mean I will never rule my lands again? Because, honestly, I don't see such an event happening in my lifetime."
The sage's eyes remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. "It will happen soon. Things are already in motion."
Naruto let out a bitter chuckle. "I'll be honest with you, Master… it's not that I desire to rule. If given the choice, I would rather return to the Enchanted Forest under your guidance, complete my training, and transcend this realm—merge with the universe itself. But I know that the moment my hands are lifted from my lands and my people, insidious forces will move to destroy everything I've built. Nobinaga is the prime candidate for that. How am I supposed to protect them if I cannot even advise them, let alone fight him?"
The sage closed his eyes for a moment before responding. "There is always a loophole. But even loopholes have their limits. Do not think that a deity of Bhishonin's caliber would leave gaps in his decree by mistake—if a loophole exists, it is there because he allowed it. I can think of at least one way that would allow you to fight the one you speak of, but when it comes to guiding your people… there is nothing that can help."
Naruto clenched his fists, frustration and helplessness warring within him.
The sage then turned away. "I will take my leave."
Naruto hesitated before asking, "Will we meet again? Can I come to the forest until this 'god' or 'goddess' arrives?"
The sage didn't turn back. "No. As I have told you before, you will not enter the forest until all of your duties in this realm are complete. Before I leave, I want to inform you that you have a visitor."
And with that, in a brilliant flash of white, the sage vanished, leaving Naruto standing alone under the moonlit sky, burdened with the weight of fate.
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As the sage's presence faded like mist dissolving in the morning sun, leaving behind an silence in the clearing. Naruto let out a slow breath, his body still tense from the conversation. He didn't like what had been said, nor what it meant for his future. But before he could reflect further, a shift in the air and the last words of his masters made him snap his head toward the tree line.
From the foliage, a familiar figure stepped out, his long white hair illuminated by the pale moonlight. He wore his usual red kabuki-style garb, the large scroll strapped to his back, and the ever-present smirk.
Jiraiya.
Naruto had not sensed him not because Jiraiya was particularly skilled at remaining undetected, Oh he but good enough to stay away from his senses but because his master's overwhelming presence had drowned out everything else. Yet, Naruto knew for a fact that Jiraiya had not seen or heard a single thing. His master would never allow it.
"Long time, Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya came to a stop a few feet away, arms crossed, his smirk widening. "Long time no see, kid. Or should I call you 'Emperor'? 'Your Grace' maybe?"
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "In private, Naruto will do. In public, 'Your Grace' would suffice."
Naruto remembered all his debts, and he owed one to Jiraiya. If it weren't for him standing up to Hiruzen that day in the Fire Court, the ruling on his banishment might have been far worse. He knew Jiraiya was his godfather, and fulfilling that duty years later had been expected but a debt was a debt. And for that, he would grant Jiraiya one favor.
Jiraiya gave a low whistle, scratching the back of his head. "Damn, kid, you've really gone up in the world, huh even more than last time we met? Seems like just yesterday you were running around playing politics in village, causing headaches for everyone." His voice held that familiarity.
But Naruto wasn't fooled. There was always a reason Jiraiya appeared when he did. He wasn't the kind to drop by for small talk not at least with him due to their past.
"I hear you crossed paths with Sensei's old rival," Jiraiya continued, his tone growing more serious.
Naruto met his gaze. "That would be correct."
Jiraiya exhaled deeply, nodding to himself. "That complicates things. Nobinaga Yuseken… that bastard being alive is a nightmare for everyone."
Naruto wasn't in the mood to discuss that man. Not now. "Why are you here, Jiraiya?" he asked.
Jiraiya's smirk faded, and for the first time since he arrived, he looked troubled. "You might have heard of Nobinaga ad his connection with Akatsuki… the organization that had put a stake in your village's invasion… Sasori, Deidara… ring any bells." He let that hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "They've been moving…
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The journey to the Land of Iron had been both long and quick. As evening descended upon the frozen peaks, Naruto's entourage finally arrived at the capital. From the moment they crossed into samurai territory, it was evident that their arrival had been expected.
Lining the grand entrance stood the highest-ranking samurai, their armor polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the hues of the setting sun. Amidst the imposing display of steel and discipline, cherry blossoms drifted lazily through the air, adding a fleeting touch of elegance to the austere scene, a picture of the Land of Iron's samurai like in typical old paintings.
At the head of this assembly stood General Mifune. Flanking him were his most trusted commanders.
As Naruto walked forwards, he could feel their eyes on him not in hostility, but in respect and awe, the kind only afforded to warriors who had earned it. None of these men had ever seen him in person, yet they had heard the stories of him but more than him- his clan. Of the Uzumaki and their virtues. Of the crimson-haired warriors whose vitality and endurace in battle was as feared as their skill in sealing arts. But more than that, the samurai always regarded the Uzumaki with an almost sacred reverence.
The reason was rooted in history, one long buried by time but never forgotten by those who wielded the art of blade. The sword style of the Uzumaki was as old as old as the samurai's own perhaps even older. It predated Ninshu just like the Samurais, belonging to the lost clans that once roamed the isles of Uzushio. These were the foremost masters of the sword, their techniques forged in an era where samurai arts were in its nascent stage. But as the ages passed, they dwindled until the last of their line married into the Uzumaki Clan, sealing their knowledge within the main line of the Uzumaki. From that union, the famed Uzumaki Sword Style was born which was continuation of the old sword style, which wasrefined and perfected through generations of Uzumakis.
The samurai never forgot.
And now, standing before them, wielding the legendary blade Arashi, was a man they had only heard of. Even among those who shunned ninjutsu, the blade Arashi itself commanded their admiration.
As they passed through the towering gates after completing the guest rites, Naruto allowed his gaze to wander across the lands. The Land of Iron had not changed much from what he remembered.
He broke the silence with an offhand comment. "You have a very imposing yet homely fief, Lord Mifune. The three wolf-headed mountains are just as grand as I remember them."
Mifune's sharp eyes flickered with amusement. "Oh? My Emperor, I don't recall you ever visiting us before. Or was it that I was rude enough not to greet the lord of Uzumaki himself."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Shit. He had visited once, long ago, but not as himself. Back then, he had been part of Konoha's ANBU. He had never entered the inner samurai village, of course too many sensors adapts in finding Ninjas, too much risk of an international incident. Even the Daimyos wouldn't have condoned it. But he had passed close enough to commit the landscape to memory.
"I was just passing through in my younger days," he admitted with a lazy grin.
Mifune, still smiling, nodded knowingly. "I hope your travels were eventful then."
"Oh, they were," Naruto said, smirking.
The two fell into step beside each other, speaking of many things… of trade, of culture, of philosophies that stretched beyond the battlefield. Mifune was a man of great knowledge, and Naruto found himself enjoying their conversation.
But eventually, the pleasantries faded.
"So… are the others here as well?"
"They are," Mifune confirmed.
"And I assume they're not too pleased with what they've heard so far."
The samurai leader gave him a look that could only be described as that of a man observing a particularly foolish child. "I would hope not," he said dryly. "If you are referring to the fate of the Water Daimyo and how his contemporaries have reacted… you have set a dangerous precedent. One that they will want to make an example off for never being repeated again."
Naruto exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Then I guess I have my work cut out for me."
With that, he stepped forward, making his way toward the palace.
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Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of NTLHOS- Book 2!
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! This chapter is very important because after this and the Kage Summit, the entire game will change. 🎭♟️
Yes, Naruto's second exile is coming, but before you start yelling at me in the comments, hear me out! This won't be like the last one. ⚠️ He will use loopholes, remain a dangerous figure, and most importantly he will be free to roam the Elemental Nations and cause havoc ⚔️🔥 without triggering Bhishonin's wrath! 😈 More importantly there is pleasant surprise as a outcome of this.
After the Kage Summit, Naruto will have to choose his path forward. What role will he take? What will happen to Tsunade? How will she handle this shift? 🤔 The power dynamics are shifting fast let's see how the world reacts! 🌍
Stay tuned and let me know your thoughts! Like and comment! 🙏🔥
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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with (p)(a)(t)(r)(e)(o)(n) remove the space and bracket!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 12- How Times have changed. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 13: A New Game Of Chess. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 14: The Power Of A Single Stroke Of A Pen. IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 15: Back to Konoha IS OUT!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 16: The Night of Falling Crows IS OUT!.
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 17: Did Uchihas Survive?. IS OUT!
Chapter 18: Politics at its best. IS OUT!
Chapter 19: Old Memory. IS OUT!
Chapter 20: Once A Legend Alway A Legend.!
Chapter 21: Still Sharp As Ever. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!! (Politics begins)
Chapter 22: The Negotiation. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 23: Mind Game Through Mind Readers.IS OUT!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 24: Mind Walkers. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 25: A Parting Backhand. IS OUT!!!!!!!!
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 26: A New Turn.IS OUT!!!!!!!!(NEW)