Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 36: "The Metamorphosis"

Author's Note:

Hello again, dear readers! Writing this chapter was an exhilarating experience, and I can't wait for you to read it! Your feedback is invaluable let me know your thoughts on these new developments and how you feel about the direction the story is taking. Enjoy the ride!

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre) on !

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!

Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 45: The Gambit Unveiled IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 46: ChangingAllegiance IS OUT!

"Unity is not the absence of differences, but the strength to stand together despite them."–

Happy reading!

Last Time on NTLHOS:

That day, after class hours, there was a great party from the whole batch. Never had they been more united in their entire years at the academy. They celebrated with food, games, and even a mock battle tournament that ended with everyone in fits of laughter. They shared exaggerated stories of Naruto-sensei's terrifying training methods, bonding over their shared "trauma."

Even Konohamaru, usually the class clown, declared, "We survived Naruto-sensei! We can survive anything!" to which the entire class cheered.

Iruka watched from a distance, a small smile on his face. Maybe, just maybe, that uptight man had done some good after all.

Now:

Naruto's life was relatively slow and uneventful during the first month after he escaped the Mist. Teaching, while something he enjoyed, lacked the thrill of missions and battles that had once defined his existence. The routine of instructing students, though fulfilling in its own way, couldn't compare to the adrenaline rush of field missions. He found solace in imparting knowledge and guiding the next generation of shinobi, but a part of him yearned for the intensity of life-or-death situations.

However, in the past five months after his probation ended, his life took a drastic turn. It accelerated at a breakneck pace, filled with missions and challenges that pushed him to his limits. Naruto found himself taking on the most dangerous assignments, often volunteering for S-rank or even suicide missions. He soon realized that he was an adrenaline junkie, addicted to the high of being in life-threatening situations. The thrill of battle, the sharp focus required in critical moments, and the rush of narrowly escaping death became his new normal. This relentless pursuit of danger saw him climbing the ANBU hierarchy faster than most of his predecessors.

Naruto's battlefield experience gave him a severe edge when it came to missions. His time in the Mist, his encounters with formidable enemies, and the brutal training he had undergone all honed his skills to a razor-sharp point. He became known for his efficiency and effectiveness, a shinobi who could be relied upon to complete even the most impossible tasks. The ANBU commander was very pleased with his progress, often commending Naruto for his exceptional performance. His reputation grew, and so did the trust placed in him by his superiors. Naruto's ability to think on his feet, combined with his combat prowess, made him an invaluable asset to the ANBU forces.

In addition to his mission success, Naruto devoted time to fine-tuning and creating very destructive jutsu involving Storm Release. His unique ability to combine lightning and water chakra into devastating techniques became a hallmark of his fighting style. Naruto experimented tirelessly, perfecting his jutsu to increase their potency and efficiency. The destructive power of his Storm Release techniques earned him both respect and fear among his peers and enemies. His dedication to improving his abilities reflected his commitment to his role as an ANBU operative and his desire to protect his village at all costs.

In the last six months, Naruto was promoted from an ANBU cadet to a captain and was now tasked with forming his own team. He was deep in thought about who he should ask to be part of his team. Unlike inheriting an established team like Ro or Agis, which were very high in the pecking order, he was ordered to form a new team from scratch as part of the ANBU expansion program.

Naruto had been spending a lot of time in the Key Tower despite warnings from Kosuke and several others. He played with children there and talked with adults. Without realizing it, he was slowly becoming the de facto leader of the Tower. Initially, when Lord Kammado had asked if he would like control over the Tower and take it as his own fiefdom, he had refused, not wanting to play politics or offend the higher-ups. But Lord Kammado would consider every one of his opinions and wishes as orders and would be greatly offended when Naruto would call him "Lord."

One evening, as Naruto was playing with the children, Lord Kammado approached him, his face softening at the sight of Naruto's interaction with the younger ones. "My Prince, you have a way with the people here. They trust and respect you."

Naruto sighed, putting down a laughing child. "Lord Kammado, please, just Naruto. I'm no prince, and I certainly don't want to be involved in politics."

Kammado's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and sadness. "But you already are, my prince. Whether you like it or not, you are a symbol of hope and strength to us. We see in you what we lost and what we hope to regain."

Naruto's resolve wavered. He had seen the conditions of the people in the Tower. They were comfortable, but the suspicion they faced in the village was a constant reminder of their fragile existence. "I understand their plight, but what can I do? I don't have the political power to make significant changes."

Kammado's voice was gentle but firm. "You can be our leader, guide us, and give us hope. That is more powerful than any political title."

Meanwhile, Naruto went on many missions with Uchiha shinobi, becoming one of the few non-Uchiha the clan trusted, despite the clan head's opinion of him. He made it his mission to ingratiate the Uchiha with the village by taking regular assignments that showcased their skills and dedication. The tension between the Uchiha clan and the rest of the village was palpable; it was no secret that the clan was under active suspicion due to the Kyuubi incident, and many jonin refused to take Uchiha members on missions to avoid angering the higher-ups. However, Naruto couldn't abandon the Uchiha. He owed it to Shisui not to desert him during these trying times.

When Naruto needed someone the most, it was Shisui who stood by him. During the critical moments when the higher-ups expected Naruto, a rookie ANBU with little mission experience, to go undercover in the Mist and infiltrate their shinobi forces, it was Shisui who took extra effort to ensure Naruto had a fighting chance. Shisui didn't just elevate him from a barely-special jonin level to a proper ANBU in five months; he also trained him in espionage, acting, and other essential shinobi skills. Naruto vividly recalled the grueling training sessions where Shisui pushed him beyond his limits, teaching him to mask his presence, gather intelligence, and navigate the complexities of enemy territory.

Naruto became one of the finest sensors in the village due to Shisui's unwavering dedication. Shisui's guidance was not merely about physical training; he also imparted valuable lessons on patience, observation, and the art of blending in. Naruto remembered one particular instance during his time in the Mist when Shisui's advice saved his life. Caught in a perilous situation, surrounded by enemy shinobi, Naruto used Shisui's techniques to remain undetected, ultimately turning the tide in his favor. These experiences forged an unbreakable bond between them, solidifying Naruto's resolve to repay Shisui's kindness.

Now, with most of Shisui's friends abandoning him, Naruto refused to be the one giving convenient excuses to stay away. He saw firsthand the toll it took on Shisui, who had always been the pillar of strength and support for others. The memories of their shared struggles and victories fueled Naruto's determination to stand by his friend. He couldn't forget the nights when Shisui, despite his own exhaustion, stayed up to mentor Naruto, ensuring he was prepared for the challenges ahead. These sacrifices made by Shisui were not something Naruto could easily overlook.

But it wasn't just Shisui who held Naruto's loyalty; the entire Uchiha clan had embraced him. Despite the disdain the clan head had for him, they saw Naruto as one of their own. The clan members, young and old, acknowledged his efforts and respected his commitment. He became a regular presence in their training grounds, sparring with the younger generation and sharing techniques. The bond he formed with them was genuine, built on mutual respect and a shared sense of duty. The Uchiha clan conveniently ignored the head's dislike of him that included the matriarch of the clan.

One day, as Naruto was training in the Uchiha compound, Lord Mahiro approached him, his presence commanding yet kind. "Naruto, your dedication to our clan has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate all you have done."

Naruto looked up, surprised. "Thank you, Lord Mahiro. It means a lot coming from you."

Mahiro smiled. "I see potential in you, Naruto. Not just as a shinobi, but as a bridge between our clan and the village. That is why I want to teach you something important."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Teach me?"

Mahiro nodded. "Yes, the Great Fireball Jutsu. It's a rite of passage for any Uchiha. I know fire is not your natural affinity, but it's the gesture that matters."

Naruto was taken aback. "I... I'm honored, Lord Mahiro."

As they stood in the Uchiha compound, the evening sun casting long shadows across the training grounds, Mahiro placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. The air was crisp, and the distant sounds of sparring filled the background, creating a serene yet powerful ambiance.

Mahiro looked deeply into Naruto's eyes, his expression a mix of determination and nostalgia. "I remember when we tested if you had any degree of affinity towards fire," Mahiro began, his voice steady and firm. "But you had an exceptional affinity toward wind, despite your godly affinity for water, which is only followed by lightning."

Naruto nodded, recalling the intense training sessions and the surprising results. Mahiro continued, his grip on Naruto's shoulder tightening slightly. "I will train you in the ways of wind. There are very few people in the village who can teach you this element, and I am one of those few."

Naruto's eyes widened with appreciation and respect. "Thank you, Lord Mahiro. Again, I would be honored to learn from you."

Mahiro's gaze softened slightly, a rare sight for the stern Uchiha. "Not only that," he said, "I will also train you to survive. I remember all you said about your mission, but you don't know what it truly means to be a shinobi. I don't think many do. People who have not seen the horrors of the Warring Clan era won't have the same mindset."

The sky above began to transition from blue to a deep orange, the colors reflecting the gravity of Mahiro's words. He continued, his voice filled with a blend of sorrow and resolve. "I wish to inculcate the mindset of that era and its methods into you. I have tried to impart it to many of the younger Uchiha, but none could fully grasp it. They learned my jutsus, but not the mindset."

Naruto listened intently, understanding the weight of what Mahiro was offering. "Why do you think I will be different?" Naruto asked, his tone humble yet curious.

Mahiro's eyes bore into Naruto's, filled with a depth of emotion that spoke of countless battles and sacrifices. "I have a feeling you will get it," he said quietly.

Naruto, alongside his work at the Key Tower, had been diligently developing a seal similar to the Hyuga clan's Caged Bird Seal, but without its oppressive, slavery-inducing aspects. This effort had taken on pressing urgency due to a troubling trend: a significant number of Uchiha were going missing, and Lord Mahiro believed their dojutsu were being stolen. During the Warring Clan Era, the Uchiha had squads dedicated to retrieving or destroying their fallen comrades' bodies to prevent such theft. However, under the current village structure, the Uchiha were sanctioned and unable to form such squads, and the upper echelons were dragging their feet on this critical matter.

Creating this seal was no small feat. They didn't have a blueprint for the Caged Bird Seal, meaning they had to start from scratch. The basic concept—destroying the genetic memory and the eye upon removal or death—was straightforward enough. However, the real challenge lay in ensuring the seal could differentiate between genuine eye transplants and false activations, a complexity that even the Hyuga clan never resolved for their main family.

After extensive research and countless hours of studying Jinjutsu (cursed seals) and experimenting, Naruto devised a seal he believed was foolproof. This seal not only protected the dojutsu but did so in a way that respected the autonomy of the individual. It was a revolutionary step forward, yet it came with a significant problem: presenting it to the Uchiha clan, particularly to Fugaku Uchiha, the clan head.

Fugaku's disdain for Naruto was well-known, and there was little chance he would approve of any contribution from Naruto, regardless of its potential benefits. This barrier loomed large over Naruto's efforts, adding a layer of frustration and urgency to his work.

Uchiha Compound, Late Evening

The Uchiha compound was quiet, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and distant conversations. Naruto and Lord Mahiro stood in a secluded area, away from prying eyes and ears. The evening light cast long shadows, giving the scene a somber, yet determined atmosphere.

Mahiro turned to Naruto, his expression serious. "Lord Uzumaki, the work you've done on this seal is remarkable. But presenting it to Fugaku will be no easy task."

Naruto nodded, his face set with determination. "I know, Lord Mahiro. But we can't let these disappearances continue. We need to protect our people, even if it means facing resistance from within."

Mahiro placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You have done something incredible here. Creating a seal that not only protects but respects the individual is a monumental achievement. But Fugaku... he's a different challenge altogether but leave it to me."

Naruto looked up at Mahiro, gratitude and determination mixing in his expression. "Thank you, Lord Mahiro. I appreciate your support."

Uchiha Clan Council Chamber (Not the Naka shrine)

The council chamber was filled with the clan's most influential members. Fugaku sat at the head of the table, his stern gaze sweeping across the room. When Naruto and Mahiro entered, the murmurs of conversation ceased, and all eyes turned to them.

Fugaku's eyes narrowed as he saw Naruto. "What is this about, Lord Mahiro?" he demanded, his voice a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Mahiro stepped forward, his voice steady and authoritative. "I have been contacted by Lord Uzumaki, who presented me with a solution to the recent disappearances and the theft of our dojutsu."

Fugaku's expression remained skeptical, his gaze fixed on Naruto. "And this solution involves him?" He gestured dismissively towards Naruto.

Naruto took a deep breath, stepping forward with confidence. "Yes, it does. I've been working on a seal to protect the dojutsu. It's based on the principles of the Hyuga's Caged Bird Seal but without its oppressive aspects."

Fugaku's skepticism was palpable. "And you expect us to trust a seal created by an outsider?"

Mahiro interjected, his tone firm. "Lord Uzumaki may not be Uchiha by blood, but he has proven himself time and again. His dedication and friendship to this clan are unwavering."

Naruto continued, his voice filled with conviction. "This seal not only protects the dojutsu but ensures the individual's autonomy. It destroys the eye upon removal or death, and differentiates between genuine transplants and false activations. It's a safeguard without the chains."

The room was silent as Naruto's words sank in. Fugaku's expression remained unreadable, but there was a shift in the atmosphere. The council members exchanged glances, weighing the potential benefits against their leader's obvious disdain.

Fugaku finally spoke, his tone challenging. "Very well. Demonstrate this seal. Who do you think will volunteer for this madness? No shinobi worth their salt will put a seal made by another."

Naruto felt the weight of Fugaku's words and glanced at Shisui, half-expecting him to stand. To his shock, it was Lady Mikoto who rose. "I will," she said, her voice calm and resolute. She walked up to Naruto, taking the seal from his hand. "Where do we apply it?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.

Naruto was stunned and in a state of shock. "Behind the earlobe or at the nape of the neck," he managed to reply.

Mikoto immediately put the seal behind her left earlobe. The room watched in tense silence as the seal expanded across her face, intricate lines connecting both eyes and intersecting at the middle of her forehead, forming an Uchiha fan symbol. Even Naruto felt a knot of nervousness; if anything went wrong, he would be buried here.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety. Then, the seal contracted, reducing to a small dot behind Mikoto's ear. The council members collectively exhaled, the tension in the room breaking.

Mikoto turned to face the council, her expression serene. "The seal works," she said simply.

Naruto felt a wave of relief wash over him. Fugaku's stern expression turned into anger but he schooled it immediately. "It seems the seal is effective," he admitted grudgingly. "But we will need further testing before it is widely implemented."

Mahiro stepped forward, a rare smile gracing his features. "Thank you, Lady Mikoto. Your bravery has set an example for us all."

Naruto nodded, his respect for Mikoto deepening. "Thank you, Lady Mikoto. Your trust means more than you know."

As the council session concluded, the members filed out, talking in hushed tones about what they had witnessed. Lot of the Uchihas including shisui and others came meet him one on one asked him for a seal despite it not being fully accepted by Lord Fugaku. Mahiro came upto Naruto, and said. "You did well, Lord Uzumaki."

Lord Mahiro's House

Later that night, Naruto found himself at Lord Mahiro's house for dinner. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the soft glow of lanterns casting a gentle light on the traditional Japanese decor. The rich aroma of the evening meal wafted through the air, adding to the cozy ambiance. As they sat across from each other at the low dining table, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He had many conversations with Mahiro before, but tonight, he was determined to get answers to the questions that had been plaguing him.

After a few moments of polite conversation and delicious food, Naruto decided it was time to address the issue that had been on his mind. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Lord Mahiro," he began, his voice respectful but firm, "I know it's some kind of private affair within your clan, but I need to understand. What's the issue between Lord and Lady Uchiha? I know Lady Mikoto likes me a lot, but was that worth it to show a public divide?"

Mahiro sighed deeply, setting down his chopsticks. He leaned back, his expression turning somber. "Naruto, it's no secret among the clan or the other clan heads," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of old memories. "Fugaku's father was not the clan head; he was an elder like me, but a cowardly one—a conniving snake. The clan head at that time was Lord Kagami."

Mahiro paused, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the lanterns as he recalled the past. "After Lord Madara left the clan, the son of Lord Sozin, the second younger brother of Lord Madara, was made the clan head. That was Lord Kagami's father. He led the clan for two more years after Lord Tobirama's death. The village was prospering then. He and the Second Hokage had a good understanding. To show good faith, he even placed his only son, Lord Kagami, in the Second Hokage's battalion, and the Second didn't disappoint—he trained Kagami to be a formidable shinobi."

Naruto listened intently, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. Mahiro continued, "Lord Kagami had two children, but this was in the later years of his marriage, and we feared that the main line would end with Lord Kagami. The oldest was Lady Mikoto. She was declared the heiress of the clan. It wasn't uncommon for the Uchiha clan to have female clan heads. Fugaku's father, Iruma, ingratiated himself with Lord Kagami and finally secured a marriage agreement with Lady Mikoto. Yet, the heiress remained the same—Fugaku would be a Lord consort."

Mahiro's expression darkened, the memories clearly painful. "Years later, approximately a year before Lord Kagami died, he had a son—Shisui Uchiha. He was to be the clan head. I was one of the staunchest supporters of Shisui. In our tradition, when there is a male and a female child, the lordship typically goes to the male child, despite who is older. Lord Kagami never officially changed this tradition, perhaps thinking he would do it in the future. He died on a mission before he could give a conclusive verdict."

Naruto noticed the tension in Mahiro's voice as he continued, "Iruma, the snake, and the Third Hokage came to an understanding. Due to the absence of Lord Kagami and the divide within the Uchiha Clan, for the first time, the council interfered in the Uchiha clan matters. They claimed that Kagami had designated his oldest daughter as the heiress and that she, a chunin by then, would be the next clan head. We fought against this, stating that the Hokage had no business in internal clan matters and Uchiha tradition. We even showed proof of our tradition, which is common knowledge in the elemental nations. They insisted they were not interfering, only enforcing the last Lord's will."

Mahiro clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening. "We couldn't do anything, nor could we lift arms against Lady Mikoto. So, we let it slide. But what shocked everyone to the core was when Fugaku assumed the clan head position when Lady Mikoto declared him her regent until her son could take over. Today, for the first time in years, she took the front seat, and even Fugaku knows not to cross her in public."

Naruto could see the pain and frustration etched into Mahiro's face. "She was a very close friend of your mother, Naruto," Mahiro said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "The rest of the story is not mine to tell. If we didn't know from the very depths of our bones that, unlike that snake Iruma, Fugaku would die before betraying our clan, we would have removed him by force despite his considerable strength. He is a loyal lord who tries his best. But the fact remains that Iruma owed the elders and Hokage a debt, which they cashed in at the end of the Kyuubi's attack, cloaked as welfare for the village. Fugaku had to give in, which showed weakness and presumed guilt and suspicion."

Mahiro's eyes met Naruto's, filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "This is the burden we carry, Naruto. The clan politics, the betrayals, the sacrifices—we endure them all for the sake of our people. Remember this, and tread carefully. You have allies here, but also many who would see you fall."

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm!

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre) on !

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!

Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 45: The Gambit Unveiled IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 46: Changing Allegiance IS OUT!

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