Naruto: God Reborn

Chapter 30:

Aizen and Anko returned to the Land of Waves after completing their mission in the Hidden Mist. The rest of the Konoha group,Kurenai, Ino, Sasuke, Hana, and her three ninken, were gathered near Tazuna's house, preparing to depart. Tazuna and his family were expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the group for their efforts.

As Aizen and Anko approached, Tazuna turned to greet them. 

"Finally decided to show up, huh?" Tazuna joked. 

Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly have you two been?" 

Aizen responded casually, "I took Anko on a date." 

Tazuna let out a hearty laugh. "I knew it! Told you all!" He glanced at the others, who had speculated endlessly about Aizen and Anko's absence. 

Kurenai folded her arms, looking skeptical. "A 'date', huh? Care to elaborate on the specifics of this so-called date?" 

Anko smirked and began to recount their adventure. "Well, first, we killed Gato. That was a blast. Then, we went to the Hidden Mist Village with Zabuza and his buddy Haku." 

Kurenai immediately pieced together the truth. " So Zabuza asked for help liberating the Hidden Mist?" 

Aizen gave her a small nod. "The tyrannical Mizukage is no longer in power," he stated matter-of-factly. 

The others exchanged glances, assuming Aizen had killed Yagura. 

"You just walked in there and killed a Kage?" Sasuke asked, his tone incredulous. 

"I said he's no longer in power," Aizen replied cryptically, his usual smug tone present. 

Anko, still riding the high of the battle, jumped in. "The fight was incredible! I've never seen anything like it. And get this, Aizen ran into another one of his soul reaper buddies. They duked it out! It was insane." 

Ino frowned, folding her arms. "If that's how your old friends treat you, I can't imagine how much they must hate you." 

Feigning offense, Aizen dramatically put a hand over his heart. "It truly pains me to see the hatred they hold for me. My heart aches with sorrow." 

Sasuke scoffed. "You deserve it." 

Aizen chuckled softly, his lone eye gleaming with amusement. 

At that moment, Inari hesitantly approached. "Aizen?" 

The boy's timid voice caught everyone's attention. Aizen turned his gaze to him, his piercing stare making Inari freeze momentarily. 

Gathering his courage, Inari said, "Thank you for getting rid of Gato." 

Aizen stared at the boy for a long moment before responding. "You once said Gato was invincible, that no one could stop him. Do you still think that?" 

Inari shook his head. 

"Good," Aizen said, his tone sharp. "Because with that kind of mindset, the people of the Land of Waves will continue to get trampled by tyrants. If you want to live free, you must believe in your ability to resist oppression, and act on it. Remember that." 

Inari nodded, eyes wide with understanding. 

Without another word, Aizen turned to leave. "We're done here," he said. With a burst of Shunpo, he vanished, leaving the others to catch up. 

---

As the group traveled back to Konoha, their conversation naturally turned to the revelations they had learned during the mission. 

"I still can't wrap my head around it," Ino admitted. "Other worlds? Reincarnation? Shinigami..."

"It's a lot to take in," Kurenai agreed.

Hana spoke up. "He's dangerous, yes, but… there's something about him. Something captivating." 

"Captivating?" Sasuke echoed, skeptical. 

Anko smirked. "She's not wrong. He's a menace, sure, but you can't say he's boring. He's grown on me." 

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Kurenai asked dryly. 

The group chuckled, but the mood grew serious as they approached Konoha. 

"So… do we tell Lord Third the truth about Aizen?" Ino asked cautiously. 

They all exchanged uneasy glances. 

"I don't know," Kurenai admitted. "The truth could change everything, but how much can we trust Aizen?" 

Anko grinned. "Trust or no trust, one thing's for sure, our lives just got a whole lot more interesting." 

With that, the group continued their journey home, the weight of their mission and its implications settling heavily on their minds.

---

Chapter 31

Kaname Tōsen was born(reincarnated) into a humble, peaceful family in the snowy mountains of the Land of Iron. Despite being born blind, Kaname grew up in a loving and supportive environment. His parents, both devout followers of the samurai way of life, believed strongly in discipline, justice, and compassion. They raised Kaname to live with integrity and never let his blindness limit his potential.

Though he was physically disadvantaged, Kaname exhibited an uncanny ability to "see" the world around him. His heightened senses allowed him to feel vibrations in the air and sense people's presence, giving him an extraordinary awareness of his surroundings. This unique gift fascinated his family and their close-knit community, making him a subject of curiosity and admiration.

Kaname's early years were uneventful and filled with warmth. However, as he approached his teenage years, strange, fragmented memories began to surface in his dreams. Vague images of battles, blood, and a deep sense of loss haunted him. While these visions felt distant, they also carried a strange familiarity that Kaname couldn't shake.

---

As Kaname entered adolescence, his abilities caught the attention of Mifune, the leader of the samurai of the Land of Iron. Mifune had long been a respected figure, known for his mastery of the sword and unyielding commitment to justice. When he learned of Kaname's unique talents, he saw immense potential in the blind teenager.

One fateful day, Mifune visited Kaname's family home and requested permission to train the boy as a samurai. Though hesitant at first, Kaname's parents eventually agreed, knowing their son's abilities and moral compass could flourish under Mifune's guidance.

Under Mifune's tutelage, Kaname began to thrive. Mifune taught him the way of the sword, discipline, and the Land of Iron's philosophy of neutrality. Kaname quickly became adept at wielding a blade, developing a unique fighting style that compensated for his blindness by relying on his heightened senses. He also trained in chakra flow, learning to channel chakra into his blade to enhance its cutting power.

---

During his rigorous training, Kaname's fragmented memories grew stronger and more vivid. At first, they were fleeting, an image of a woman smiling, the sensation of holding a blade drenched in blood, and the echo of distant screams. As time passed, these memories began to coalesce into something more coherent.

Kaname realized that these weren't just random dreams; they were remnants of a past life. He remembered being a warrior in another time, someone who fought for justice but ultimately fell into darkness. The image of a woman, his closest friend in that past life, became clearer. He recalled her tragic death and the overwhelming guilt and rage he felt, emotions that lingered even now, faint but undeniable.

These memories began to affect Kaname's training. Though he remained disciplined, his growing sense of unease and confusion sometimes clouded his judgment. Mifune noticed this and confronted Kaname, urging him to confront whatever inner turmoil was troubling him.

---

As Kaname grappled with his resurfacing memories, he began to question the ideals of neutrality that the Land of Iron stood for. While he respected Mifune's teachings, he couldn't ignore the burning desire for justice that had been rekindled within him. He believed that neutrality, while noble in theory, often allowed evil to thrive unchecked.

Kaname started to develop his own philosophy, a belief in an active form of justice where wrongs must be confronted and punished, even if it meant breaking away from the samurai's code. He confided these thoughts to Mifune, who warned him of the dangers of letting vengeance consume him.

---

The Land of Iron was in chaos. Hollows, tore through the samurai defenses, their overwhelming spiritual energy unmatched by any foe the Land of Iron had faced before. The warriors, clad in steel and armed with unparalleled swordsmanship, struggled valiantly, but their weapons failed to pierce the ethereal essence of the Hollows. Worse still, some of their comrades had their very souls consumed, leaving behind lifeless husks.

Standing at the forefront was Mifune, his dual swords spinning in precise arcs as he fought to protect his homeland. Yet, even his legendary skill could only buy time. His subordinates, seasoned samurai, faltered, their lines breaking under the relentless assault of the monstrous beings.

Suddenly, a resonant voice echoed through the battlefield.

"Stand aside, all of you. This fight is beyond your strength."

All eyes turned to see Kaname Tōsen stepping forward, calm yet resolute. His blade, Suzumushi, rested in his hand, and though he was blind, his movements were deliberate and precise.

"Kaname!" Mifune shouted, parrying a Hollow's claws. "This is not a fight you should..."

But before he could finish, Kaname raised Suzumushi and whispered, "Cry, Suzumushi."

A resonant hum filled the air, a sound so pure it seemed to cut through the chaos. The Hollows paused for a brief moment, unnerved by the spiritual pressure emanating from Tōsen. Then, with the grace of a seasoned warrior, he moved.

Kaname darted forward, his blade cutting through the air with precision. The first Hollow lunged at him, it's gaping maw charging a crimson Cero. The energy beam roared toward him, but Kaname sidestepped effortlessly.

With a single strike, Suzumushi cleaved through the Hollow, purifying it instantly. The creature howled as its form dissipated into motes of light.

The other Hollows roared in fury, launching their own Ceros at Kaname. Streams of destructive energy scorched the battlefield, yet none could land a blow. Kaname moved like a shadow, each step calculated, each swing of his blade exact.

"How...?" Mifune muttered, his eyes wide. The samurai around him stood in stunned silence, watching as Kaname singlehandedly turned the tide of battle.

One of the larger Hollows, a towering beast with multiple arms, charged Kaname. Its claws struck the ground with a deafening crash, sending debris flying. Kaname leapt into the air, landing lightly on the creature's arm before slicing through it in a seamless motion.

Another Hollow attempted to blindside him, its claws glowing with malevolent energy. Without turning, Kaname whispered, "Benihikō."

A swarm of energy blades erupted from Suzumushi, striking the Hollow and several others around it. The creatures disintegrated into nothingness, their cries fading into the ether.

The battlefield was silent for a moment, save for the hum of Suzumushi.

Mifune lowered his swords, his mouth slightly agape. "Kaname...what are you?"

The samurai, who had been fighting for their lives mere moments ago, could only stare in awe. One of them murmured, "He's...purifying them? What kind of technique is that?"

Mifune's grip on his blades tightened. He had always known Kaname was special, but this? This was beyond anything he could have imagined.

The last Hollow, smaller but more cunning, tried to flee. Kaname turned toward it, his head tilting slightly as if listening to the rhythm of the battlefield.

"You won't escape," he said calmly.

The Hollow fired a desperate Cero, but Kaname raised Suzumushi, the sound wave it emitted nullifying the attack. With a final, precise strike, he purified the creature, its form dissolving like the others.

Aftermath

The battlefield was eerily quiet now, the only sounds coming from the wind and the labored breathing of the samurai.

Kaname sheathed Suzumushi and turned toward Mifune.

Mifune stopped a few steps away, his sharp gaze fixed on his student. "You care to explain what just happened, Kaname?"

Kaname turned toward his master, his expression calm yet contemplative. "Those creatures...they are called Hollows. They are corrupted souls, beings that feed on the living and the dead alike. This isn't the first time I've encountered them."

Mifune frowned, crossing his arms. "I figured as much. You fought them like you've been dealing with them for years. And that technique you used... It's unlike anything I've seen. You handled what we couldn't."

Kaname inclined his head slightly. "I've had experience. But the real question is why they're here. Hollows don't belong in this world. For them to appear in such numbers..." His voice trailed off as his grip tightened on Suzumushi's hilt.

Mifune's expression hardened. "You're saying someone or something brought them here?"

"It's possible," Kaname replied, his tone grave. "There are barriers between worlds, barriers that shouldn't be crossed. For so many Hollows to invade, someone must have tampered with the balance."

The gathered samurai murmured amongst themselves, their awe and confusion evident. One of them stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Master Kaname, we owe you our lives. Without your intervention, we wouldn't have survived."

Kaname gave a small nod. "You fought bravely. Your efforts held the line until I could intervene. Never forget that."

Mifune stepped closer, his tone softening. "Kaname, you've always been different, exceptional. I've seen that since the day you picked up a blade. But this… This is something else entirely."

Kaname met his master's gaze, his usually unreadable face tinged with resolve. " My past is…complicated. These Hollows are connected to it. But even I don't fully understand why they're here or how they've crossed over."

Mifune studied him for a long moment before placing a hand on Kaname's shoulder. "Whatever the case, you've proven your worth a hundred times over. The Land of Iron is lucky to have you"

Kaname allowed a faint smile. "Thank you, Master. Your guidance has kept me grounded. But I can't ignore this. If Hollows are invading this world, it means something bigger is at play. I'll need to investigate further."

Mifune's grip on his shoulder tightened briefly before releasing. "Do what you must, Kaname. But don't carry this burden alone. You're part of the Land of Iron, and we stand together."

Kaname gave a small bow of respect. "I understand. And I appreciate it."

As the samurai began regrouping and tending to the injured, Kaname stepped away from the group, his thoughts heavy. He gazed out at the snow-covered horizon, the fading light of day casting long shadows across the land.

"Why now?" he thought. "Why are Hollows invading this world? Is it a coincidence, or is someone pulling the strings? If the balance is being disrupted, I'll need to uncover the truth,before it's too late."

With a determined grip on Suzumushi, Kaname turned back toward Mifune and the others. He knew his path would not be easy, but his resolve was unwavering. Justice demanded answers, and Kaname Tōsen would find them.

Tbc