Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Calm Before the Storm: Journey to Kiri
Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
Chapter 18: Calm Before the Storm: Journey to Kiri
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Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist is Out!
Chapter 22: The Crucible of Shadows is out!
Chapter 23: In the Lion's Den is Out!
Chapter 24: The Last Harbinger Rears Its Head Storm release is out!
Chapter 25: Remnants of a Great Village is out!
Chapter 26: The Bond of Loyalty IS OUT!
Chapter 27: The Turning Tide is out!
Chapter 28: Clash of Loyalties is out!!!!!
Author's Note:
Thank you for joining Team Agis in "Calm Before the Storm: Journey to Kiri." There is a change in the posting schedule: I will no longer be posting on Sundays. Instead, new chapters will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and saturday.
The challenges Team Agis will face are unknown and foreboding. Your support and feedback are greatly appreciated, and I hope you continue to enjoy the adventure.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." – Lao Tzu
Happy reading!
Naruto was having the time of his life. The last three months had been incredible. For the first time, his birthday had been celebrated, making him feel truly appreciated and valued. The memory of that special day, December 21st, stood out vividly in his mind.
Flashback: The Midnight Surprise
It was the stroke of midnight when Naruto, a young but vigilant shinobi, was abruptly awakened by a faint rustling sound in his room. Instinctively, he reached for his tanto, ready to defend himself. His senses were on high alert, and he quickly scanned the room for intruders. But instead of enemies, he found a group of familiar faces illuminated by the flickering light of a single candle.
"Surprise!" Shisui's voice rang out cheerfully, breaking the tense silence.
Naruto blinked in confusion, his heart still racing from the adrenaline. "What are you guys doing here?" he asked, lowering his weapon but not completely relaxing.
Shisui chuckled, stepping forward with a broad grin. "Relax, Naruto. It's your birthday, and we thought we'd surprise you."
Anko, holding a small cake with brightly lit candles, teased, "Looks like we need to work on your security seals, huh? We got in pretty easily."
Unagi added with a serene smile, "You should have seen Anko bypassing them. It was quite impressive."
Naruto sighed, shaking his head with a smile. "Yeah, I'll definitely need to update those. They were the seals I used when I first rented the apartment. Man, I forgot to upgrade them. But seriously, you guys... thank you."
Shisui clapped a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You need to chill a bit, Naruto. Not everything is a mission. Sometimes you just need to enjoy the moment and not be so broody all the time."
Shinku laughed heartily, "Yeah, Naruto! Lighten up. Tonight, we celebrate!"
As the realization dawned on him, Naruto's eyes sparkled with gratitude. It was the day he was turning 10, and his team had gone out of their way to make it special. They gathered around, sharing laughter and stories as they celebrated.
"Let's cut the cake!" Anko exclaimed, bringing it forward.
Shisui handed Naruto the knife to cut the cake. "Make a wish, kid," he said, smiling warmly.
Naruto closed his eyes briefly, making a silent wish before blowing out the candles. As he opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by the smiling faces of his friends, feeling a sense of belonging and warmth that he had rarely experienced before.
Unagi handed him a small gift wrapped in simple paper. "Happy birthday, Naruto. It's not much, but I hope you like it."
Naruto smiled as he carefully unwrapped the gift. Inside, he found a beautifully bound book on advanced genjutsu techniques. "Unagi, this is perfect. Thank you so much."
Rayuma, ever the quiet one, stepped forward next. He handed Naruto a neatly wrapped package. "This is from me. You deserve it."
Naruto unwrapped the gift to find a beautifully crafted kunai set, each one engraved with intricate designs. "Wow, guys, this is amazing. Thank you so much!"
Shinku, with his usual hearty laugh, presented Naruto with a large, heavy box. "Happy birthday, Naruto! Open it up."
Inside the box was a portable cooking kit, complete with utensils and ingredients for making hearty meals in the field. "Shinku, this is incredible. Now I can cook like you on missions. Thanks!"
Anko, with a mischievous grin, handed Naruto a smaller, oddly-shaped package. "Here, this one's from me. Don't worry, it won't bite."
Naruto cautiously unwrapped it to find a rubber snake that sprang out and wiggled comically. He jumped back in surprise, and Anko burst into laughter. "Gotcha, Naruto! Just a little prank."
Naruto laughed along, shaking his head. "You got me, Anko."
Anko then handed him another, more carefully wrapped package. "Alright, here's the real gift."
Naruto unwrapped it to find a finely crafted poison kit, complete with various poisons, antidotes, and a guide on identifying and using different poisons. "Anko, this is incredible. This will be so useful. Thank you so much!"
Anko grinned. "I knew you'd appreciate it. Happy birthday, Naruto."
Then, Shisui stepped forward, holding a long, elegantly wrapped object. "Alright, Naruto, this one's from me. I hope you like it."
Naruto's eyes widened as he unwrapped the gift to reveal an intricate sword with an uzu swirl engraved on the hilt. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and anyone with even rudimentary knowledge of swords could tell it was very, very expensive.
"Shisui, this is... I don't even know what to say. It's incredible," Naruto stammered, his eyes wide with astonishment. "I can't accept this, it's way too expensive. This is an antique, probably worth a fortune."
Shisui chuckled, clapping a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Relax, Naruto. You deserve it. Think of it as an investment in your future. I know you've had issues with your swords breaking when using water techniques. This one is crafted from a rare metal and has intricate seals embedded in it. It won't break, so you won't have to face a situation like the one with Ayoyi Rokusho, where you were injured because your sword failed. That cut was deep and could have been avoided."
He smiled warmly. "I'll leave it to you to discover the secrets of this sword. It was originally gifted to my father by someone special, and I've modified it to suit your needs. This sword now belongs in the hands of someone who will truly appreciate and use it. Happy birthday, Naruto."
The room was filled with warmth and camaraderie as Naruto thanked each of his friends. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and belonging, something he had rarely experienced before.
The celebrations continued with more surprises. At Shisui's insistence, Naruto decided to invite some of his closest friends and comrades for a dinner party. Though the thought of paying for everyone made his wallet cry, Naruto couldn't deny the happiness it brought him.
"Come on, Naruto," Shisui had urged him. "You need to celebrate with all your friends. Don't worry about the cost. The joy you'll get in return is priceless."
"Besides," Shinku added, clapping Naruto on the back, "it's not every day you turn 10. Let's make it memorable."
Naruto nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, let's do it. But I swear, my wallet is going to cry."
Anko grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, Naruto. We'll go easy on you... maybe. Isn't that right, Shinku of the great Akimichi clan?"
The team laughed, the camaraderie and joy filling the room. Naruto couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. For the first time, he felt truly celebrated, surrounded by friends who genuinely cared for him.
As the night went on, Shisui raised a toast. "To Naruto, our youngest and brightest. May you continue to grow stronger and shine brighter. Happy birthday, Naruto!"
"Hear, hear!" everyone echoed, lifting their glasses in unison.
Naruto reluctantly agreed, knowing Shisui was right. He extended invitations to Kosuke, Mizuki and his girlfriend Tsubaki, the Hokage's guard platoon, Hayate and his girlfriend Yūgao Uzuki, Guy, and a few others, including Ko Hyuga.
The thought of paying for their dinner was painful. "My poor wallet," Naruto thought, sighing dramatically. "I can afford it with my mission earnings and the Daimyo's generosity, but it still feels like an aching wound in my heart."
When the day of the dinner arrived, Naruto found himself surrounded by his friends at a cozy restaurant. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie, making the expense seem insignificant in comparison to the joy he felt.
Kosuke was the first to raise a toast. "To Naruto! May you have many more birthdays filled with friends and happiness."
"Hear, hear!" everyone echoed, lifting their glasses.
Mizuki, sitting next to his girlfriend Tsubaki, smiled warmly at Naruto. "You've come a long way, Naruto. Here's to many more achievements."
Hayate, his arm around Yūgao, nodded in agreement. "And here's to the bonds we've formed. Happy birthday, Naruto."
Guy, ever the enthusiastic one, gave Naruto a thumbs-up. "Youth shines brightly in you, Naruto! May your flames of youth never wane!"
The dinner continued with delicious food and lively conversations. Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as he looked around the table at the people who had become his family.
During a moment of quiet, Naruto turned to Shisui and whispered, "Thanks for convincing me to do this. It really means a lot."
Shisui smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "See? It wasn't so bad, was it? Sometimes, you just need to let go and enjoy life a little. Now, let's make a toast to your next adventure."
As the night wore on, the party continued, filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of friendship. Naruto realized that this celebration wasn't just about his birthday; it was a testament to the bonds he had formed and the family he had found. The future was uncertain, but with friends like these by his side, Naruto felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After that day, the next two and a half months were filled with missions. Team Agis tackled numerous B-rank and four A-rank missions. Naruto was overjoyed to see his wallet full again, the financial strain of his earlier years momentarily alleviated. He had also secured the pesky license for seal manufacturing and selling. While it had required bribing a few officials, the investment paid off in full. The seals his clones produced were sold at a hefty sum, boosting his income significantly.
The missions took them far and wide, from the Land of Tea to the Land of Mushrooms. Each mission presented unique challenges. Some were gruesome, depriving them of sleep and testing their limits. In ANBU, they didn't always get to be the righteous heroes; the moral grey areas were vast and often troubling. They had missions that took them to the Land of Rice Paddies, the Land of Waterfalls, and even the Land of Sound. Each place had its own set of dangers and mysteries, and each mission left its mark on Naruto.
Despite the grueling schedule, Naruto made significant strides in his training. His proficiency in fuinjutsu (seals) advanced by leaps and bounds. The new sword Shisui had gifted him elevated his kenjutsu to a whole new dimension. The seals engraved in the sword were complex and sophisticated, far beyond what Naruto could dream of achieving at his current skill level. The sword itself was a masterpiece, and contracting with it required a few drops of blood from both Naruto and Shisui to relinquish all claims. The sword could now be summoned at will, a sealing tattoo of a swirl in his palm serving as the conduit.
Naruto's sensory abilities had also improved significantly. His time in ANBU had honed these skills, but the missions had pushed them to new levels. He could sense chakra signatures with greater precision and at longer distances, making him an invaluable asset to his team. Additionally, he had successfully completed the second phase of water manipulation and the first phase of earth manipulation. His control over these elements grew stronger with each passing day, adding versatility to his combat repertoire.
Other abilities saw marked improvements as well. Naruto's taijutsu had become more fluid and powerful, thanks to rigorous training sessions with Guy. His genjutsu skills, under Unagi's guidance, had become more subtle and deceptive. Naruto could now weave illusions seamlessly into his combat style, creating confusion and gaining the upper hand over his opponents.
Naruto's progress in kenjutsu, particularly with his new sword, was nothing short of extraordinary. The blade was not only a weapon but a work of art, intricately designed and perfectly balanced. The seals inscribed on it enhanced its sharpness, durability, and even allowed it to channel chakra more efficiently. The sword's unique properties meant it wouldn't break under the strain of his water techniques, a problem he had encountered in the past.
Moreover, Naruto's growing expertise in seals was a point of pride. He knew that in the realm of fuinjutsu, he could outclass even the head of the barrier corps. Only the Lord Hokage, Lord Jiraiya and few others maybe could surpass him in this intricate art. His clones worked tirelessly, producing high-quality seals that were in high demand. The financial rewards were substantial, but the true value lay in the knowledge and experience he gained.
Naruto's new sword was more than a tool; it was a companion in battle. He had formed a bond with it, understanding its nuances and learning to draw out its full potential. The sword became an extension of himself, responding to his chakra and movements with remarkable synergy. The intricate seals within the blade held secrets that Naruto was eager to uncover, each discovery bringing him closer to mastering this extraordinary weapon.
The missions outside the village were intense and varied. One particularly challenging assignment took them to the Land of Tea, where they had to protect a vital trade route from bandits. The rugged terrain and relentless attacks tested their endurance and teamwork. Another mission in the Land of Mushrooms involved tracking down a rogue shinobi who had been experimenting with forbidden jutsu. The eerie, mushroom-filled forests were the backdrop to a deadly game of cat and mouse, with traps and ambushes at every turn.
In the Land of Rice Paddies, they uncovered a plot to destabilize the local government. The mission required not only combat skills but also strategic thinking and diplomacy, but alas, they couldn't uncover who perpetrated the attempted coup against the daimyo by using his brother. Near the secretive Land of Waterfalls, they assisted in quelling a rebellion, navigating treacherous cliffs and powerful waterfalls while engaging in fierce battles.
But now, Shisui had called everyone on Team Agis to the ANBU HQ. This was unusual. Shisui usually briefed them on missions either at Anko's house, in Training Ground 44—aka the Forest of Death—or somewhere very secretive. For him to call a meeting at HQ meant serious business.
Naruto arrived first, his senses on high alert. The HQ, usually bustling with activity, seemed even more intense today. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and urgency. He found Shisui waiting in the briefing room, his demeanor unusually grave.
One by one, the rest of Team Agis arrived. Unagi, with her calm and composed presence, Rayuma, the quiet and deadly weapons expert, Shinku, the powerhouse with a heart of gold, and Anko, with her mischievous grin and sharp wit.
"What's going on, Shisui?" Anko asked, her playful tone undercut by a note of seriousness.
Shisui's eyes scanned the room, making sure everyone was present before he began. "I've been briefed by Commander Dragon and Lord Hokage. We have a long-term mission, possibly up to a year, in the Land of Water."
The room fell silent, the gravity of the mission sinking in.
"Why the Land of Water?" Unagi asked, her brow furrowing in concern.
Shisui nodded, understanding the weight of her question. "We are to scout the land and find out the reason behind the total embargo of information and the increasing number of missing ninja from that land. The Land of Water has become an enigma, and we need to uncover what's happening there."
Rayuma's eyes narrowed. "This sounds dangerous."
"It is," Shisui confirmed. "We don't know what we're walking into, and that's why this mission is crucial. We'll be gathering intelligence and reporting back periodically. The rest of the details will be relayed during the course of the mission."
Shinku, always the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least we'll get to see some new places, right?"
Anko smirked. "Yeah, and maybe wrestle a few water dragons while we're at it."
Naruto, absorbing the information, felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. A year-long mission in a land shrouded in mystery was a daunting task, but he knew they were up to the challenge. His team was strong, and with Shisui leading them, he felt confident.
Shisui's voice brought them back to the present. "We leave at dawn. Prepare your gear and make sure you're ready. This mission is unlike any we've had before. Stay sharp, stay safe, and remember—we are ANBU. We succeed where others cannot."
Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm!
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Chapter 19- Undercover in the Land of Water is Out!
Chapter 20- Life of a undercover agent is Out!
Chapter 21: Into the Heart of the Mist is Out!
Chapter 22: The Crucible of Shadows is out!
Chapter 23: In the Lion's Den is Out!
Chapter 24: The Last Harbinger Rears Its Head Storm release is out!
Chapter 25: Remnants of a Great Village is out!
Chapter 26: The Bond of Loyalty IS OUT!
Chapter 27: The Turning Tide is out!
Chapter 28: Clash of Loyalties is out!!!!!
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