Chapter Text
The Kingdom of Konoha quaked under the mighty dragon’s feet, all fury and fire. The great dragon roared and with it came another terrible tremor which knocked the knights sent to dispatch the monster off their feet. The flames of the beast set the sky alight and the moon blazed an angry blood orange. Confusion, terror and desperation sieged the hearts of the Konoha knights as they cried out.
“Stop it from getting anywhere near the city! We must protect the citizens!”
“Hurry! Use anything you can, we must stop it!”
A flurry of steel as the knights clashed their swords against the dragon’s leathery hide. The dragon swiped its talons with a screech and sent the knights reeling back. Nothing they attempted made as much as a scratch on the mighty dragon’s hide, its flames and ire spelling the end of the Fire Nation’s pride. A lone knight walked among his prone brethren, spine straighter than the steel he carried and jaw set as solemn as stone. This one the knights called Hokage and despite the name meaning shadow, in his sterling white armor and blood red cape he shone brighter than the blood moon itself. The knights cheered, relief and admiration coloring the tones of their cries, the Hokage has come. The Hokage will save them.
That night they say the ensuing battle rattled the very stars in the sky, as steel clashed against flames. The nine tailed dragon had come for Konoha, all fury and fire. The nine tailed dragon had been defeated by a shadow which loomed longer than any knight of his bearing donned in a cape of deep crimson. The Hokage perished in their battle, a deep wound forever suffered by the kingdom he left behind. A baby’s cries rang out through the dawn with no father nor mother, a terrible dragon sleeping within his belly.
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A young man no more than twelve name days ran from his angry mentors as they chased him through the streets, a curse on their heaving breaths, “Return here at once Naruto! You will pay for this great disrespect!”
The young man with blue eyes filled with mirth and an impish grin sported by small fangs called out to his mentors, “Really? I thought of it as a vast improvement!”
The knights scowled at the young squire which only made Naruto laugh harder, putting more space between him and the angry knights. His laughter was knocked out of him however when his body collided with something hard. Iruka stood sternly, brown eyes hardened as he stared down at the blonde now prone on the ground in front of him. The knights struggled to catch their breath as they regarded the stern man, “Master Iruka, thank the Maker you arrived.” The brunette sighed and flatly stated,
“Yes well with Naruto I can never be too far can I?”
He was still boring holes into the blonde who now scowled up at the man, midway of getting back to his feet. The two knights saluted at Iruka who returned the salute, albeit half-heartedly as the mere presence of the blonde seemed to sap valuable energy from the man. The brunette now stared pointedly at the young boy as Naruto finally got to his feet, wiping dirt from his body.
“Why do you continue to do this Naruto? Does your attention seeking ever know an end?” Iruka asked, fingers coming to pinch the middle of his forehead.
Naruto simply scoffed and replied, “It’s not for attention Iruka, is a young man not allowed to express his feelings about the Hokages freely within the walls of Konoha?”
“Yes, well you can do it like every other brash young man and do so in sharp words; not defacing public property.” Iruka answered, hands now coming to his hips. Naruto flinched at Iruka’s exasperated, raised tone but the young boy jutted out his chin regardless. “I don’t know, I think my art is great. Really sends the message ya know?”
“Send the message that you’re a fool.” Iruka retorted and Naruto’s chin morphed to a grimace as his shoulders rose in defense, as if Iruka’s words were an incoming strike. They were honestly much worse than any corporal punishment the old academy would have imposed. Iruka relaxed and let out a drawn out exhale, “Naruto, at this rate no one is going to take anything you do or say seriously. As the son of the previous Hokage -”
“Stop.” Naruto stated sharply. He did not shout but anger flashed within his blue eyes, a peaceful sky warped into a grey storm. Mentioning the Hokage to Naruto was a sore subject, the boy held no love it seemed for his late father, the great hero of the Kingdom. Iruka put up his hands in apology but held his gaze steady with the oncoming storm. “Look, at the very least you have to wash off the paint from the Hokage statues. I cannot let this act go unpunished, Naruto.”
The storm quelled somewhat, now slowly turning into a cool ocean, deep blue and melancholy. “Alright fine, I don’t know what these stupid citizens see in men like him anyway.” Naruto pushed past Iruka, shoulders hunched and feet stomping as he walked back to the scene of the crime. Iruka smiled softly to himself as he was reminded that Naruto is still a child, no older than twelve name days. Iruka called after Naruto, “Hey Naruto!”
“What?” Naruto answered without sparing the brunette a look.
“Maybe after we are done cleaning we can go grab some dinner at the tavern, my treat.”
“Really?” Naruto exclaimed, a quickness to his breath as he finally turned to regard his teacher. Iruka laughed lightly at the eagerness in the boy’s eyes but heartily added, “Yes but only if you are thorough with your cleaning.”
“Those statues are gonna be so clean it’ll blind the Third everytime he walks to his station!” Naruto once again exclaimed, adjusting his tunic with a jolly trot now in his steps. Iruka looked at his pupil and simply laughed, shaking his head.
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“Here you are! Your sandwich Naruto.” The proprietress smiled softly as she placed the plate in front of the all but drooling youth. Two pieces of dark, crusty rye slathered in a rich cameline sauce accompanied by a humble slice of camembert atop a rather generous helping (for a small tavern) of roast beef. The sandwich was also paired with a simple, small salad of vegetables (Naruto protested but Iruka insisted that indeed, Naruto will be eating some sort of greens with the sandwich) and a glass of cool rose water (A luxury that made Iruka sigh longingly at his coin purse. Of course Naruto would not just settle for water).
Iruka had the same order but his meal came with a strong ale of refreshing beer (Naruto begged him for also a beer but Iruka scoffed as Naruto was too young. Naruto would attempt to continue to nag his teacher until the proprietress sent Naruto such a glare that the youth’s protests died on his tongue. He begrudgingly agreed to the rose water as a substitute). With the matter of dinner settled, peace returned to their table as Naruto dug into his meal with the gusto of a starved animal. Iruka also enjoyed his sandwich, albeit more at the languid pace of a grown man that was merely hungry. As the brunette drank deeply from his ale he felt a strong stare radiating from his flank. He sighed and simply asked, “Yes, Naruto?”
“Say Master,” Naruto started his inquiry. Iruka internally groaned. He only referred to Iruka’s title when he wanted something. Seemed Iruka was not yet free tonight.
“What?” Iruka pressed, taking another swig from the ale.
“When do young squires receive their chainmail? I mean, I know that armor is only meant for battle obviously but you wear that chainmail at all times.” Naruto asked, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
“Yes it is true we knights wear this chainmail while we are considered on duty. It is in case we need to armor up for any reason.” Iruka answered, his thoughts somewhat clouded now with the memories of the nine tails attack. This rule was now in place because of that night. This information did not damper the blonde’s excitement however.
“Oh well, do you need to be wearing yours right now? I mean we are simply eating dinner, you’re not on duty at the present moment.” There was a slight shine of excitement in Naruto’s eyes as he finished his statement. Iruka knew what the young man was implying. The young squire wanted to try on his master’s chainmail. Iruka smiled slightly, eyebrows raised in response to his student’s entreaty before stating matter of factly,
“Naruto we have been through this. Squire’s receive their set of chainmail and armour when they are properly knighted. Same with your weapon and if you are truly lucky, your affiliation with magic will also be revealed on your knighthood. I cannot lend you my chainmail, you simply have not earned it.”
Naruto scowled as his teacher finished his ale, Iruka electing to ignore said scowl. “Oh come on,” Naruto began whining again, showing his true age, “No one in this tavern is going to have a cow because you let your squire try on some chainmail Iruka.”
“No means no Naruto. I will not repeat myself.” Iruka sternly reprimanded his eager squire. Naruto exhaled sharply and crossed his arms in front of his chest, now brooding over his salad. Iruka reached out to affectionately ruffle the blonde’s fair locks, making the young boy duck and scowl harder. Iruka smiled and stated,
“It will happen soon for you, Naruto. You just need to pass your tests, that's all. Besides, even if I did feel so inclined to lend you my chainmail, you would be swimming in it.” Iruka emphasized his point by gesturing to his broad chest and Naruto’s lithe frame. Naruto grimaced as he realized his error, making his teacher laugh at his realization.
“Also you won’t grow any bigger if you still refuse to eat your greens like a babe.” Iruka pointed sharply at the boy’s untouched salad. Naruto glowered and declared loudly,
“I am not touching those infernal leaves!” Iruka’s laughing continued well into the evening as the strong declaration earned Naruto a stern lecture from the proprietress at the value of good, hearty vegetables. Iruka did not heed in his joyful antics, the shadowed knight glaring at Naruto in the tavern.
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Iruka bid Naruto farewell as the two parted ways for the night. The young man yawned as he patted his belly, pleasantly satiated and ready for his featherbed. His wandering thoughts were interrupted by a hushed, “Hey boy!” from the shadows. Naruto turned in the direction of the sound, to be met with a tall, white haired knight. Naruto only knew of the man in passing and squinted at his frame which was still partially in darkness. The gangly man walked forward more into the moonlight, his long features coming into light as well as his wide grin.
“Do we have business sir?” Naruto inquired, one fair eyebrow raised high over his cerulean eye. The man’s grin dropped into a smile as he cheerfully asked,
“Oh not in particular! I was just checking in on Iruka’s student, you see he and I are close friends.” Naruto slightly doubted the man’s words as he was aware this man was a teacher like Iruka but had not known his master to be in deep companionship with the lanky knight. The youth ignored his instincts however as he reasoned he was rather slow on social awareness and simply may have not picked up his teacher’s finer details in companions. Naruto shrugged as he replied to the white-haired man,
“I’m fine. We just had dinner together and I am on my way home.”
“Oh well yes, I had seen you two in the tavern I was also having dinner. I was actually going to come over to greet your dear master but you two seemed to be in a deep conversation of sorts.” The white-haired knight feigned concern as he put a hand to his chin. Naruto did not pick up on the subterfuge and the white-haired man continued,
“From what I overheard, pray excuse my listening in, Iruka seemed concerned over your growth in the academy.” Naruto’s eyes slightly widened at this revelation and just replied rather lamely,
“What?”
“Oh you couldn’t tell? Well me being such good friends with dear Iruka I could tell immediately my young lad.” The white-haired knight continued his charade as he sneered inwardly, “This stupid boy will believe anything senior knights will say!”
The lanky man cleared his throat and continued, “You are close to knighthood yes? The day in which squires must prove what they have learned in the hopes of being knighted. Well Iruka has shared with me a rather concerning fact.” Naruto’s eyes hardened slightly and eyebrows furrowed at the white-haired knight’s words.
“What did he tell you?” Naruto asked. The white-haired knight faked concern in his brows and eyes but could not hide the slight upturn to the corners of his frown,
“Why, it seems you have no affinity for magic.” It was not a secret in the academy which is how the knight knew. Naruto, the son of the late Fourth Hokage, had no talent; unlike his great father. Knights of this realm were not just martial fighters but employed spells to aid in their conquests. Every person born of this world has a certain affinity for magic, some stronger than others. The stronger your connection to the Esoteric the more powerful your weaving of such magic is possible. Some are gifted more than others by pure luck or devoted study to their craft, others are chosen through bloodlines to inherit great power.
Many had thought the late Hokage’s only son would inherit his power through said bloodline. Many were shocked to find the youth struggling in his studies. While Naruto showed some affinity to magic, his control of it was abysmal, not even being able to conjure a convincing mirror image of himself to aid in battle. A simple cantrip that even those younger than twelve namedays could conjure under tutorship from the knights. Six name days in the academy and though Naruto showed some talent in the martial part of being a knight, the young boy struggled still with simple spells. Something unfortunately necessary to being a full fledged knight.
Rumors seeped in the academy hallways; all the squires knew really why the prodigal son struggled.
“It’s that damned dragon in his belly. The monster consumes his mana.”
“The nine tailed beast holds the young master back, a sad fate for the youth.”
“A shame but a blessing that the dragon carrier will have no powers to turn against us.”
Iruka told Naruto to not heed the rumors, that they were wrong. The dragon sealed deep within the boy slumbers and cannot interfere with the boy’s growth. Naruto did wonder though, was his favorite mentor correct? Did the dragon have nothing to do with his struggles? After all, Iruka did not reside in Naruto’s body, he did not feel what Naruto felt every failed weave and spoken magic word. He did not feel the heat that swelled in Naruto’s palms, climbing into his fingers only to sputter and die on Naruto’s tongue. The dragon mocked him as it consumed his magic before it could be cast from his very body, Naruto could feel the mana surging and dying with each failed cast. Who else could cause this sensation but the accursed monster residing in him.
It was all his fault. That man, Naruto would think to himself. A curse in his heart for the handsome, gallant knight which Naruto shared his features with. The fair hair and kind blue eyes that citizens would mock him with by pointing out,
“You have your father’s eyes.”
Yes, the same father who cursed his son by sealing a dragon in his belly, while only a babe. The same father who saved a kingdom but failed to save himself or his wife. The same father who abandoned Naruto for the sake of duty. Naruto cursed his father and the Hokages. Hypocrites and foolhardy glory hounds who would rather die on the sword than serve their families. The knights who tower over the kingdom to protect Konoha from dangers unseen, casting the citizens in dark shelter. That’s the thing about facing forward; while casting one’s shadow you tend never to look back.
“Well no matter, I never believed in the rumors anyway and I think Iruka is going about this the wrong way.” Naruto was shaken from his spiraling thoughts by the white-haired knight’s declaration. The white-haired knight continued, “I mean, anything is possible if you just had access to the Second Hokage’s grimoire.”
Naruto’s eyes widened at this proclamation. The Second Hokage’s grimoire was a legendary text said to hold all of the knight’s most powerful magic. His knowledge was boundless on the Esoteric and it is said he wrote the deepest answers to magic’s mystery in his personal grimoire. “The book isn’t real though.” Naruto claimed lamely.
The white knight’s grin took a slight feral tint at the edges as he answered “Oh yes it is. I have seen it.” Naruto's attention was now solely on the lanky knight as his world seemed to shrink, a slight white noise buzzing about his ears.
“Is it real? Can it truly help me?” Naruto asked, breathlessly.
“It is being guarded in the Hokage’s quarters in the main fort. I have seen it just briefly, just one time but the Third guards it at all times. You being the son of the Fourth however will make it easy for you to “visit” the Hokage, no one would suspect a thing.” The white knight explained. Naruto’s face scrunched in confusion at the explanation.
“Yeah but it is the dead of night. Visiting the Third, an old man, in the dead of night will surely raise suspicion won’t it?” Naruto inquired, scratching at the back of his head. The white knight chuckled and shrugged lightly, replying
“Just say that it is urgent. You want to deeply apologize for defacing the Hokage statues.” Naruto deadpanned at the man’s suggestion flatly stating,
“Now that will inspire even more suspicion.”
“Listen, I’ll come with you to make it seem more real. I’ll state that as one of your teachers, you and I had a heart to heart. You, at the strong urging of myself, have come to regret your decision deeply and wish to sincerely apologize. Especially with your knighthood so close.” The white knight urged, his hands placed in front of his chest in an encouraging manner.
Naruto thought hard on the knight’s suggestion. He was concerned about his knighthood and passing the Esoteric test. If he could not successfully weave a convincing mirror image he would surely be held back, a further blow to the young man’s pride as a knight. The grimoire may hold secrets on how to successfully weave spells if you are a dragon bearer. Naruto knew of no other dragon bearers to talk to of his concerns and no living knight knew of any such knowledge. No books really breached the subject in the library (He will never forget how shocked Iruka was to find Naruto in said library earnestly trying to read books) and asking the elders was hopeless as all they would do was devolve into an incoherent rant on how terrible the nine tailed dragon was.
The Second Hokage was a known genius however. Surely a man of his knowledge, his power would have the answers. Naruto had to give the white-knight’s suggestion an earnest try. It was his only hope left. Naruto looked up into the lanky knight’s dark eyes and nodded his head sharply.
“I agree this is worth a shot.”
“Excellent!” The white-haired knight exclaimed, his arms spread out besides himself. “Let's get going while we have the night and less knights can interfere. Also older men tend to get more sentimental by the grace of the moon, and with deeper hope perhaps drink.”
“Alright! Gods this is exciting, this feels like a real knight’s mission! Thank you for your help-” Naruto’s words died as he realized he never asked for the white-haired knight’s name.
“Ah, Mizuki. Master Mizuki.” Mizuki made a formal gesture with his hand at his forehead, a small bow. Naruto respectfully saluted back and stated,
“Alright Mizuki! Onward!”
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A cold breeze blew into the Hokage’s study as he poured over the latest reports. The older, grizzled knight shivered as he looked up at the window, pondering on whether it was time to close it for the night. Despite it being Spring, it was still early in the season and a Winter chill lingered in the air. He sipped his tea as he looked back down at the parchment; his tea had gone lukewarm. The old man sighed as with a little more effort than perhaps the Hokage would have liked, he rose from his chair to head to the window to close it. That is when he was interrupted by a knock at his door.
“Enter.” The old man said as he turned from the window to return to his desk, shivering again as the window was left open. Who could that be at this hour? A personal knight of the Hokage entered, denoted by a decorated helmet bearing vines and plants carefully made into the metal. The personal knights never removed their helmets, their identity a secret and known only to the Hokage who had hand picked them.
“My lord, the young Naruto Uzumaki wishes for an audience.” The knight’s low timbre echoed in the metal helmet and out underneath the elaborate visor through the metal plate. At this the Hokage raised an eyebrow in slight amusement.
“Oh, and what do I owe the honor?” asked the older knight. The personal knight continued in a flat, authoritative tone.
“He wishes to sincerely apologize to your grace on the offense of defacing your likeness in the square.” The Hokage huffed out a small, surprised laugh due in part to the audacity of the young squire.
“Of course that young brat would seek an audience at this ungodly hour. Even in penance that urchin has no concept of manners.” The old man shook his head slowly. “Let the boy in.”
The knight had no chance of even shutting the door as said youth came barrelling underneath his arm into the study. “Hey!” The helmeted knight started but the Hokage put up a solemn hand.
“It is quite alright. Back to your post if you please sir knight.”
The knight bowed his head and put a fist to his shoulder as he obediently closed the door. Naruto stood beaming at the Third Hokage, not a care in his fair head. The Third Hokage sighed and went to return to his desk. “Whatever it is you want Naruto, it can wait but a moment. This calls for more tea.” The Third indeed sat down slowly and with a sigh began to pour more tea. As he did, Naruto made note that the old man was channeling heat back into the kettle to probably warm the tea up as now steam was wafting from the dark liquid hitting the mug.
“Now, what is so pressing that it requires you to quite literally barge into my study at the middle of the night,” inquired the Third Hokage, regarding the young boy sternly over his mug as he sipped from the dark beverage. The temperature was more agreeable now.
Naruto’s smile dropped as he remembered he was supposed to be seeking absolution from his early transgressions against said old knight before him. “Ah yes, Lord Third.” Naruto began, slightly clearing his throat. The Third Hokage’s eyebrows turned upwards on his wrinkled forehead. Naruto never was known to use the proper titles when referring to the Hokages. It was well known to the Third his strong distaste for his dominion.
“I have come to apologize for my early transgressions in regards to your visage.” Naruto bowed slightly, his voice taking a somber tone. The Third Hokage scoffed into his tea as he lowered his mug and sarcastically retorted,
“A fancy way of saying, sorry I put paint all over your statue old man.” Naruto flinched and his sorrowful facade dropped a bit as a scowl fought to come over his face. The Third shook his head again that night as he gestured at the still bowing youth,
“Come now you can’t fool me Naruto. You have never been known for such flowery language nor ever feeling sorrowful for showing your disgust with the Hokages.” Naruto straightened as he regarded the old knight behind the desk, all pretense of sorrow gone from his face as his eyebrows and jaw were set in a straight line, as if carved by stone.
“Fine, the flowery apology was Mizuki’s idea. I told him it would never work.” Naruto stated flatly, maintaining eye contact with the Third. He would not show weakness in front of the old man, he would not show he was afraid. The old man stroked his carefully groomed goatee as he pondered out loud,
“Mizuki eh?”
“Yes. He seems to think you own something that could help me.” Naruto continued, not taking his eyes off the Third as he anxiously waited for any type of reaction. At this said Third Hokage turned back from his thoughts to regard the young squire.
“Something I own?” The Third asked.
“Well not you in particular I suppose, but the kingdom.” Naruto replied. At this the Third scowled and made a sharp gesture with his hand, waving it in dismal.
“Bah enough with the riddles boy, you have always been straight forward. Out with it lad.”
“The Second Hokage’s grimoire, sir.” Naruto calmly pointed out. At this the Third Hokage held a pregnant pause and then lowered his mug onto the desk. He tilted his head to the side finally breaking his gaze that was fixed on Naruto, scoffing a laugh again.
“Unbelievable. Who told you about said grimoire? Who told you I had it?” The Third Hokage gestured at himself, bringing his palms inward and poking at his chest. Naruto stood silent and the Third Hokage sighed.
“I expected better of Iruka honestly-”
“It was not Iruka, sir.” Naruto stated, sharply cutting the Hokage off. The Third inwardly smirked to himself, knowing the young lad would take the bait if his precious teacher’s honor was at stake.
“Mizuki then?” The Third stated and Naruto solemnly nodded his head. The Third had his suspicions about the gangly knight, all honeyed words and long limbs. Mizuki had come in a day earlier asking for a raise, no doubt to cover his gambling debt which was swallowing the young greasy man whole. The Third never thought the man would be so depraved as to drag a young squire into his problems. He could read Mizuki’s plan a mile away, hoping that in some brief moment of sentimentality for the boy, the Third would show Naruto the grimoire in the boy’s hour of need and the boy would somehow snatch the grimoire away back to Mizuki.
The Third was far too wise for such machinations and far too shrewd to let his heart be swayed. However, the Third would let this scenario play out. He was curious to see how Naruto would fare in the end. The Third was not blind to Naruto’s struggle, having a vested interest in the boy as the Third was the one who nominated Naruto’s father as Fourth. He had heard from a frustrated Iruka at faculty meetings at how Naruto has drive but no talent for the Esoteric, the only thing truly holding the boy back. The Third was unsure as to whether the grimoire really did hold the answers Naruto sought but tonight he supposed, he would find out.
“Ah well, I suppose a small peek would not hurt anyone. After all, it is only you and I here. I have always been curious about what is in the grimoire myself, the Second as you know was my teacher but it is only natural he would not share everything with his honored student.” The Third Hokage feigned a moment of jovial senility as he clapped his hands on the arm rests, getting up to open the safe that held the grimoire.
“Wha? You really mean it, old man?” Naruto happily clamored, voice bouncing around the walls of his study.
“Ah, there is the actual title Naruto calls me,” The Third smiled to himself as he began weaving the proper magic runes into the metal door, hidden behind a tapestry and glamoured to look like normal cobblestone.
“I really can’t believe this! I thought you would be mad!” Naruto continued, his eyes feasting on the new magic the Third was casually weaving in front of him.
“Mad?” The Third chuckled, “Certainly not. Is it not Hokages's duty to heed to call of his people?”
Naruto whooped raising a fist in the air, “Yeah! You know old man, you are my favorite out of all the Hokages. I even spared your face the most with the jester doodles this afternoon!”
At this the Third let out a genuine laugh as he lifted the slightly girthy tome from the safe, blowing a thin layer of dust from the cover. The leather bound tome was locked with an ornate lock and had engraved silver vines and leaves on the spine and cover. It held an earthy smell to it, no doubt the pages were also musky from being in the dust for so long. The Third held a hand over the cover and relaxed as he concentrated on the spell to open the lock. Naruto for once was still and silent, having sat anxiously on the nearby couch holding his breath in awe.
A faint blue light shimmered from the grimoire and with a slight shudder the lock opened, the book free from its confines. Naruto let out an audible gasp of excitement, cerulean eyes wide in wonder. The Third smiled at Naruto’s genuine reaction to such simple magic and laid the book on the table in front of the couch. In easy reach of Naruto.
“Now before we begin let me just get the kettle on again. Studying is always good with some strong tea to ease the mind.” The Third got up and turned his back to the boy as he made his way back to his desk. Naruto’s heart was pounding in his ears, the boy not believing his luck.
“The old man has gone daffy. Surely he is not that stupid. This can’t be that easy, surely the book is cursed in some way. Maybe he is the only one who can touch it without being hurt.” Naruto’s mind was racing and his palms started to sweat as he clenched and unclenched them on his knees, agonizing over his decision. The Third meanwhile was purposely standing by his desk rolling his eyes in his head, willing the boy to hurry and grab the book. Sensing that something was off, the Third without turning to look back at the blonde asked,
“Oh my boy, can you turn to page fourteen? I heard there is a particular spell that I was always curious about, we should perhaps start there-” the Third trailed off as he deliberately took his time preparing the kettle. He sincerely hoped Naruto would catch the hint. Naruto did indeed catch on as he screeched in his own head,
“Take it you dimwit! Take it, it’s not cursed, you can touch it!” Naruto grabbed the grimoire, slightly panicked and looked for a way out. His answer came when his damp neck was met with a sudden brush of cool air. He snapped in that direction and immediately all but ran for the open window. Naruto bounded out the window hoping that even if the Third noticed he would be too late to stop him. Out the window the young boy jumped and slid down the shingles of the angled part of the roof, making his way safely to the ground and into the forest where he would meet with Mizuki who promised to show him exactly what he needed from the grimoire.
The Third sipped tea from his mug calmly as he regarded the clumsy youth bounding at top speed through the fort’s grounds. The personal knight from before calmly came into the room as he opened the door. “My Lord?” the knight inquired at the summon of the Third, making note that the loud mouthed, ill mannered squire was no longer present.
“Summon Iruka, tell him it is an urgent order from the Lord Hokage.”
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Naruto ran with blood thundering in his ears and muscles straining in his legs; he ran until the moonlight was obscured by the thick green-black crowns of the surrounding trees. Mizuki instructed him that they would meet very deep in the local forest, where it would take time for the knights to find them. Mizuki ensured that learning from the grimoire would have to be quick as Naruto would have but moments to study its pages before undoubtedly having to return the tome to the Third Hokage. Mizuki assured the punishment would be worth the knowledge Naruto would gain that night. No one would be able to doubt the young squire’s powers anymore and would have no choice but to knight the youth.
Naruto stopped finally and leaned against a thick tree trunk, breathing heavily due to the excursion he put himself through. He slid down the trunk as he struggled to catch his breath, still clutching the grimoire tight to his chest. Finally when his breathing started to even out, the blonde boy removed the book from his chest onto his knees, staring at the leather cover in astonishment. What would he learn from this book? What could he learn?
Naruto looked around for any sign of the white-haired knight but found none. Perhaps the knight was late in meeting up with the young squire, after all he had to stay back in the front gates, no doubt chatting up the guards trying to hold the pretense of calm normalcy. Once the guards were no doubt alerted to trouble that would be Mizuki’s time to slip away unnoticed. So Naruto figured he had plenty of time to read. Naruto cracked open the tome, eyes already greedily scanning the pages. He was surprised to find an index to the tome, despite it being a personal possession of the Second Hokage. Though this book undoubtedly was a personal journal in the Second’s time, the man wrote in a hand addressing the reader as if they were a stranger. Naruto thought this was very odd but then again, the boy figured all the Hokages were odd.
Thankful for the index regardless, the boy’s eyes immediately were arrested by the promise of one spell in particular. His hands quickly turned to the set page and his world narrowed to the black ink elegantly pressed into the well preserved pages.
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Some time passed and Naruto did not notice when a tall, lanky white-haired knight appeared in the bushes mere feet from his person. Naruto did not notice the armor the knight wore was stained already with dark crimson, already drying by the time he made it to the boy. The white knight was unperturbed by his state however, the blood after all was not his. He cleared his throat and the young boy was pulled from his obsessive reading. Naruto’s head sharply rose to regard the now armored knight.
“Hello, boy.” Mizuki sneered at the boy, cleaning his sword on his black hooded cape. Naruto stood up abruptly, shutting the grimoire and placing it on the ground by his feet.
“Where were you? What happened?” Naruto hurriedly asked the man whose shoulders moved up and down slightly while Mizuki chuckled to himself.
“Oh well, I needed some way to get away from those annoying guards don’t you think?” Mizuki answered with a sardonic grin. Naruto’s expression hardened and brows furrowed deeply.
“You hurt the guards? Why? We are all comrades, that was unnecessary force.” Naruto stated calmly though his heart hammered in his ribs. Mizuki again chuckled lowly and replied,
“Oh it was absolutely necessary. The fewer witnesses I have, the better for me.” Naruto stood, confused. He blankly stated,
“Witnesses?” At this Mizuki let out a cruel, barking laugh as he regarded the young boy in disbelief.
“Oh come now, you can’t be this dense Naruto. I was never going to return the grimoire back to Konoha once we had it! Or more honestly, once I had it.” Mitsuki shouted at Naruto, whose blood froze in his veins. How could he be so stupid, so naive.
“Not all knights are honorable Naruto. Look at your own father.” Naruto thought angrily, though the last part of his thought was almost echoed inside his head by a darker voice. A voice Naruto was both familiar and unfamiliar with. Naruto shook the thought from his head, trying to piece together his scattering mind. Mizuki laughed as he was now pointing his sword at Naruto as he continued,
“Perhaps the rumors of the Third going senile are actually true! I can’t believe the old fool even opened the book for you! This will make selling it even easier for me, I can charge more for the convenience of my buyers not even needing a spell breaker!”
Another voice came out from the shadows of the forest, “And pray tell who are these buyers? Which gutless kingdom was it Mizuki? Do share with the class.” Iruka emerged from behind a tree, having finally heard enough from the turncoat. Naruto’s eyes lit up in joy upon seeing his master emerge, spine straight as a steel staff as he pointed his sword at Mizuki.
“Master Iruka!” Naruto exclaimed, moving to join his master. Iruka put up a hand, not looking at his student but sharply regarding the lad.
“Do not move Naruto. You are to guard that book with your very life, do not let this weasel get his hands on it!” Naruto nodded and picked up the grimoire, putting it in the bag Iruka then threw at the boy’s feet. Mizuki scoffed, positioning his sword now in a defensive stance against Iruka. “Oh, and are you and the boy going to stop me? The Third’s great defenders, a lousy teacher who can’t even manage to grow the potential of a god’s son and said son who is a complete fool?” Mizuki spat at Iruka, who remained unwavering at Mizuki’s jabs. Naruto was holding the bag to his chest, swallowing hard. His eyes were unwavering on his teacher. Iruka was the first to lunge at Mizuki, as with a shout he sought to bring down his sword at the white-haired knight’s body. Mizuki's reaction was fast as he swung his sword upwards to defend the incoming strike. Steel clashed against each other as each knight’s blade sought purchase in the other’s flesh. Naruto’s eyes kept up with both men’s movements until the men separated with Mizuki shouting, “Enough!”
The white-haired knight sent a strong gust of wind from his palm that sent Iruka backwards, caught off guard from the magical attack. Before Iruka had time to put up a defense magic shield however, as he remained prone for a moment on the floor, Mizuki took advantage and stabbed Iruka through an exposed part of arm, at the elbow. Iruka shouted in pain as even though the chainmail saved him from worse damage, the blade struck true and made a flesh wound into his triceps. Naruto shouted for his teacher and Mizuki turned, a foot to the man’s neck pressing hard to keep the man down. Mizuki once again raised his sword to Naruto and threatened the quivering boy,
“Give me the bag now or my next move will be to slit the throat of your dear teacher.”
“Naruto no! Don’t give him the bag! Run back to the Hokage, return the book! It must not leave Konoha, it's too important!” Iruka urged while trying to remove the heavy foot from his neck, struggling from the heavy boot’s metal weight.
“I am not leaving you!” screamed Naruto, tears now forming at the corners of his eyes. This was all his fault. It always was somehow his fault.
“How brave!” laughed Mizuki as he slammed his sword down through Iruka’s knee. Iruka once again shouted as pain radiated from his knee all the way to his head. Mizuki enchanted the sword with a spell that made it two times heavier, Iruka was now effectively pinned to the ground as he struggled to counter the magic in the blade. He knew regardless if Naruto stayed it would be too late to save the boy as Mizuki pulled a dagger from his cloak. “And how stupid!” Mitsuki cowed and he raised the blade above his head.
Something flared in Naruto that night, something sudden and searing. It swelled within Naruto’s belly and surged through his veins. Naruto shouted in desperation as his hands weaved the magic signs and tongue spoke the spell he studied that very night. Heat flowed through and out of him, steam escaping his throat. The young boy swore he could breathe fire. His aura expanded, blinding Mizuki to the mysterious light seeming to radiate from the young squire. Mizuki raised a hand to his eyes to shield it from the blood orange haze in front of him and only lowered his hand when he heard an audible pop in the air, like a firecracker suddenly being lit.
In front of Mizuki stood two Narutos, both holding a determined look on their faces. Mizuki blinked for a moment then started to laugh heartily from his stomach, a cruel barking sound. “How wonderful! The grimoire has indeed created a miracle! The witless wonder can now conjure mirror images!” Mizuki began to slowly clap in front of the glowering boys. “Well done! Well done!”
The two Narutos however stopped glowering and started to smirk at the white-haired knight. Mizuki continued, pointing his dagger again at one of the Narutos, “So now I’ll have to choose which one is the real one right? And what, if I choose wrong you’ll try and disarm me or something? What child’s play.” Mizuki scoffed and with a quick flick of his wrist made the one dagger into two.
“Well I won’t have to choose if I just shoot this at the both of you!” Mizuki yelled as he threw the dagger at both boys. Iruka shouted desperately,
“Naruto! Look out!” A sickening “shu-nk” sound echoed through the forest as the daggers dug themselves into both the young boy’s throat. Mizuki was a good marksman and his aim was true. The daggers stuck out gruesomely from the throats of both Narutos as they started to spit up blood gathering from their jugulars. Mizuki let out a high, cruel laugh as Iruka cried out in anguish at the sight. However, even though the Narutos were coughing up blood, they seemed to suddenly right themselves from being keeled over and removed the daggers from their throats. The boys eventually stopped coughing up blood, bloody lips turning to smirk up at Mizuki, their blue eyes taking a crazed slight red tint to them.
“Oh, you’re going to need to do a lot more than two daggers to take on me I’m afraid.” Naruto’s voice came clearly from the crowns of the trees. Mizuki gasped as he turned his head sharply upward. Sure enough the young squire in his signature orange and blue tunic was smirking triumphantly down at the seasoned, tall knight.
“What?” shouted Mizuki dumbly as his mouth hung open pointing up accusingly at Naruto. Iruka was momentarily dazed in astonishment, his mind forgetting the pain in his knee as he regarded the two Narutos now healing in front of him.
“These aren’t mirror images of Naruto, these are . . . real! These are real copies of Naruto!” Iruka thought, eyes wide as the clones of the young squire were already standing straight, eyes hardened and teeth sharp as they grinned at Mizuki’s back.
“What are you, you freak! These aren’t mirror images, mirror images disappear after taking damage!” Mizuki shouted, shaking a finger in fear at the young boy. Naruto smirked and simply answered,
“You are right! These aren’t mirror images, meet one of the secret techniques of the Second Hokage! Multiple Shadow Clone Magic!” At this shout, the two clones jumped at Mizuki and both stabbed the daggers into his shoulder blades. Mizuki shouted out in pain, reaching back for the two boys and the daggers. With Mizuki distracted, Naruto leapt down from the tree branch with his legs outstretched towards the white-haired knight. Both of Naruto’s feet collided with Mizuki’s head straight on with a deafening thud. Naruto landed heavily on top of the knight as Mizuki was knocked unconscious from the force of the impact. The two clones of Naruto disappeared with loud pops and smoke as Naruto no longer was concentrating on the spell.
Iruka was able to dislodge the sword from his knee as Mizuki’s spell was also broken on the count of the man being unconscious on the floor. Iruka dragged his leg as he crawled over to Naruto, hugging the boy’s smaller frame to his chest. “My gods, I thought I lost you Naruto,” tears flowed freely from brown warm eyes. Even though he could not see the blonde’s face underneath him, he felt Naruto shaking and heard the sniffles from the boy.
“I’m so sorry Iruka. I am so stupid, I just wanted to become a knight like you. I was so desperate, I am so sorry,” cried Naruto softly into Iruka’s chest.
“That’s right this was so stupid! I should lock you in the tower and never allow you to become a knight!” shouted Iruka as he let go of the young boy finally. Naruto’s cerulean eyes were swimming in tears and nose leaking snot as he looked more like the young boy Iruka remembered from his past, more so than ever before. Naruto looked up sniffling at his teacher but Iruka smiled though the tears and continued,
“But that would be the worst disservice to the Leaf. Well done Naruto. You did amazing!”
Naruto smiled and this time his tears were those of joy as he continued to hug the brunette tighter and laughed a sigh of relief. It took a little time but with Iruka being able to communicate with a sending stone back to the knights, the brotherhood came for all of them flanked by none other than the Third Hokage himself, clad in the ceremonial white armor of the Hokage. The Third Hokage wore a red hooded cloak that shielded the top half of his face from the rising sun, he was solemnly smoking on his pipe as he regarded the unconscious knight at his feet. He nudged the white-haired man’s head with the toe of his metal boot and huffed at the lack of response.
“Was this your work Iruka?” asked the Third billowing smoke with every word. Iruka winced as the physician channeled magic into his wounds. He shook his head and answered,
“No my lord. That was Naruto’s doing.” The Third took another drag of the pipe, slowly nodding his head before answering,
“The boy was always more talented at martial arts. I should not be surprised that with your help he brought Mizuki down.” Iruka again shook his head.
“No sir, I did not help him. I sadly let my guard down and was mostly incapacitated in the fight. Mizuki got the better of me. Naruto not only outwitted the man but beat him using magic as an aid.” At this information the Third stopped smoking his pipe, all the smoke escaping his mouth at once as it hung open.
“The boy can now use magic?” The Third inquired. Iruka nodded and solemnly answered, “Yes and not just any magic my lord. He mastered one of the spells from the Second’s grimoire.”
The Third’s eyes hardened at this information and mouth shut into a stern line. After a moment he asked, “Which spell?”
Iruka paused, taking notice of the Third’s stern demeanor before carefully answering “I believe Naruto claimed it to be called Multiple Shadow Clone Magic sir.” The Third Hokage let out a short, strong laugh before catching himself and clearing his throat. He turned over the now returned grimoire in his hands, the lock firmly now reattached to the girthy book.
“Multiple Shadow Clone eh?” The Third remarked, chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief. He continued, “My old master Tobirama had thought of that one night. We were desperate for soldiers during the Second Great War and he believed if he could somehow clone himself more than just once we could bolster our ranks and perhaps even turn the tides in our favor.” Iruka regarded the old knight, pausing before quietly asking “Did he succeed?”
The Third was pulled from reminiscing about his old master to answer Iruka, “Well no. No he did not. Gods know he tried but he did not have enough mana or understanding of the Esoteric to make more than one clone. He believed that would require a sort of creation magic that was beyond even his comprehension. Some mysteries I thought to remain unsolved.” The Third returned to dragging on his pipe, deep in thought.
Iruka’s brows furrowed, “So what does this mean for Naruto?” The Third had ordered the boy away upon his arrival and even though he protested, the boy agreed to be ushered away by the physicians at Iruka’s gentle urging. The Third wanted a full report from Iruka alone with Naruto not being present to sensitive topics a mere squire should not hear.
“Well I suppose this means the boy’s made it. It means my lad, from this morning onwards, Naruto has proven himself a knight.” The Third answered. Iruka’s heart soared in his chest as he fought not to smile widely in the presence of the Lord Hokage. Naruto had done it! He had proven himself a knight and Iruka knew the boy would be beyond pleased at the news.
“As for this one,” the Third Hokage nudged the foot of the still unconscious form of Mizuki, “send him to the infirmary and when he finally wakes get him to tell us which kingdom wanted to buy the grimoire. They know too much, the grimoire is a guarded secret only a select few know. Mizuki should have not known of its existence, someone fed him the information on the book and must have offered a substantial sum for it.” The Third’s personal knights saluted as they went to fulfill their orders. The Third looked at the steadily rising sun as it broke night to make dawn, thinking to himself, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
“This year's knights is certainly going to be interesting, eh Minato?”