Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

 Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 24: Mind Walkers.

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🖋️ Author's Note:

Hey everyone! 4k chapter!.

As for today's chapter the Daimyo Summit is now officially done. And Naruto's surprise strike? Let's just say, there's more the Daimyo has agreed to today... things he doesn't even realize yet. 😏 Had he known, he would've fought tooth and nail to block it.

Coming up next: Naruto returns to Uzushio and finally witnesses the punishment his master once spoke of. His exile begins soon.

Next: And the Kage Summit and Hidden retaliation? Honestly… I don't think it'll be that interesting. 😉

Let me know your thoughts, and as always…. like, comment, and share your theories! ❤️🔥

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"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

— Martin Luther King Jr.

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Previously on NTLHOS-2:

"Let me worry about those details, Danzo. And while we're on the subject, note that there were rogue Yamanakas, those presumed dead or missing in action and several moles working against the Yamanaka clan's interest. I ensured that the MIA and dead remained as such, and those few traitorous spies? Lady Kriya herself dealt with them in her shrine just a moments ago. Most remarkably their tongues were marked with a strange tattoo, rendering them mute regarding their master. Lady Kriya had them eliminated, exposing Inoichi's incompetence in harbouring traitors within his own clan. 

Shouldn't traitors be put down like mad dogs, Danzo.... Isn't that right, Danzo?"

Every eye in the room turned to Danzo.

"Yes…". He then sank back into his chair, his expression cold.

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Now:

Flashback: 

Just around the recess, Kriya received a glance from Lord Uzumaki enough to convey "Go ahead." In that single exchange, she knew it was time. She shunshined to the Yamanaka compound, using her clearance as one of the few Yamanaka, besides Inoichi and some ANBU, who were permitted to leave. Ever since the Daimyo's forces had taken over the village and suspended the Hokage along with his trusted personnel, movement had become even easier for her, without the usual scrutiny.

Entering the compound, the guards bowed as she passed. Rather than taking her usual route, she walked straight toward the Ancestral Shrine of her clan. She had not stepped foot in that sacred chamber for nearly five decades, she was "unofficially" banished from clan proceedings despite being the strongest Yamanaka in generations. Unlike the pitiful techniques of the current era (which often require physical contact or a still target), Kriya Yamanaka needed no such thing. If a target was motionless, even at a distance of four kilometers and out of her line of sight, she could launch a mental probe. She had once subdued and extracted intel from a jōnin who was camped in forest and she in a nearby village without spilling a single drop of blood. Of course, in time, other villages began employing seals to counter her long-range attacks. Still, though she would freely admit she was no match for the likes of Hiruzen or Danzo in a direct fight, the right circumstances could make her deadlier than anyone imagined. 

After all there was a reason why she was also of the squad Tobirama.

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At the entrance of the underground chamber, illusions and seals danced, designed to befuddle any intruder's mind. It was a labyrinth, a maze. Only a true Yamanaka could pass unscathed, typically by weaving hand seals prevent intrusion. Yet Kriya walked straight through as though these wards were child's play. She still remembered how her father first guided her through this vey halls at the tender age of three, he wanted her to see where she might one day rule over the clan. Oh the dark days, children of three were dragged onto battlefields, she still carried memories of monstrous illusions that conjured horrors from her own mind, akin to a fabled Tsukuyomi.

She followed the winding corridors to the heart of the labyrinth. A gathering of Yamanaka shinobis was there, discussing the previous night's Uchiha incident. Inoichi was pontificating about how they should trust the Lord…"old monkey,". The moment Kriya opened the door, a few eyes swiveled in her direction…then, one by one, everyone fell silent, awareness settling on the intruder in their midst.

Inoichi… ever cautious….immediately recognized her presence. He was, after all, head of Konoha's intelligence. His stomach sank; it took him barely a second to connect the dots. She was here to challenge him, to cross the line drawn decades ago with his father. Still, how did she manage it? Did she truly have Daimyo or Hokage's approval? Impossible. Yet if anyone could circumvent this, it was Kriya Yamanaka.

One of Inoichi's father's loudest supporters a jōnin who had always railed against Kriya leapt to his feet, pointing an accusing finger.

"How dare you enter this ro….."

He managed no more words. Foam started to form at the corner of his mouth, and he collapsed, eyes vacant of pupils. A trickle of sweat beaded on Inoichi's neck. Every other loyalist in the room shrank back in fear, remembering that Kriya had once been part of Squad Tobirama, a lethal S-rank assassin come introgator, the best Yamanaka in living memory. Here she was, taking no more than a flicker of a thought to reduce a full-fledged Yamanaka jōnin to a husk. No hand seals, not even a second's delay.

Inoichi's supporters those who favored him and his father fell ominously quiet, not daring to meet Kriya's eyes. None wished to invite a mental assault.

Kriya's own son, Jensen, stood at the edge of the room like a pariah, along with his second daughter. His first daughter was part of the Emperor's escort. Jensen rose slowly, concern etched across his features.

 "Mother… what's happening?"

Kriya turned to him.

"By the authority of the Fire Daimyo, given by the decree of the village's leadership in his stead. 

I, Kriya Yamanaka, firstborn daughter and recognized heiress of Lord Yamanaka Yensen, do challenge my nephew, who, along with his father, has usurped my rightful claim."

Even Inoichi was stunned, he had thought it was the Daimyo behind it all... but the Hokage? His worst fear had always been that, at the very least, Lord Third might cut a deal with Kriya and hang him high and dry. But this? This his worst fear he hadn't dared to imagine, even in the privacy of his own thoughts. He understood the nature of politics all too well, how today's enemy could become tomorrow's ally. 

The rest of the clan turned to look at Inoichi, their expressions varied. Some were angry on his behalf. Many were gleeful, believing that Kriya was reclaiming what was rightfully hers and that she would make a better Lady of the Clan than Inoichi. Others were horrified, knowing all too well what such a shift could mean for the clan's future. Yet, despite their differences, one emotion was shared by all: pity. The kind of pity one might feel for a chicken moments before it's turned into mincemeat.

"You mean… the Hokage gave you permission?"

Kriya's lips curled into an ironic smile.

"I would be damned the day I grovel infront of that old decrypt Monkey. I never said the 'monkey' gave me permission. After all, he was suspended by the Daimyo's decree this morning. The Daimyo's representative has taken over, but according to Konoha's founding charter, if the representative sent by the Daimyo is not of equal standing to the founding clans that is they aren't a high noble by birth, then leadership reverts back to the fouding clans until the Daimyo arrives personally."

Unless the representative high noble that he either of royal blood, or from the Senju or Uchiha, hence the village defaults back to the founding clans during that interim. And as fate would have it, the new Uchiha clan head recognized by all of you this very morning before the daimyo's decree approved my motion. That motion was countersigned by the Lord Consort of the Senju clan, acting in proxy and instead of the Lady Tsunade Senju.

And now… here I am."

She paused, then added with a smirk, "And the monkey? He's too busy saving his own tail—he won't be showing up."

She tossed three copies of official documents to one to the clan elders, one to Inoichi, and another to the onlooking jōnin. With a single bite of her thumb and a drop of blood on the floor, the room locked for trial by clan law. Inoichi's face turned ashen. He knew better than to fight. The legends of Ino–Shika–Chō aside, he wasn't fool enough to pit his average psychic jutsu against Kriya's monstrous psychic might.

 "I… I give up. I'm no match for you. Even my status as part of the original Ino–Shika–Chō won't help me here. My mind jutsu is no match for your strength."

Ino…..Inoichi's daughter, a reputable jōnin now, moved from the corner to her father's side, defiance in her eyes.

 "Daddy, you can't just give up. I'll fight her!"

But Kriya's gaze pinned Ino to the spot. She let out a dark chuckle.

 "Little girl, if I took you seriously, I'd reduce your brain to pulp in less than a second."

As Ino steeled herself to intervene, she suddenly collapsed to her knees, clutching her head and shrieking in agony. Kriya's hand glowed faintly, forming the subtle handseal of the Yamanaka clan—there was no visible sign of a jutsu, yet it was unmistakably one of their hallmark techniques.

Inoichi fell to his knees, panic flooding his voice.

"P-please… not my daughter!"

Kriya released her hold, and Ino slumped forward, a terrified expression etched across her face. The elder woman cast a look of pure disgust at her nephew.

"Your daughter is already better than you, Inoichi. At least I had to use a hand seal. Unlike some…"

She waved dismissively toward the vegetative jōnin slumped against the wall.

She opened her palm, a silent command for the clan's head brooch. Pale with shame, Inoichi removed the clan insignia pinned to his garments and placed it in Kriya's hand.

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Kriya now holding the clan head's emblem, drew a steady breath, her eyes sweeping over the group of subdued Yamanakas.

 "Once, the Yamanaka were formidable. Our psychic arts shaped the battlefield in the Clan War Era. We stood proud among the greatest, forging alliances on our own terms. Yet look at us now, dependent on three other clans, for scraps of power. Our pride hollowed by illusions of safety.

"I recall a time when the name 'Yamanaka' struck dread across the elemental nations. Our infiltration squads were unmatched. Our mental interrogation techniques turned fearsome warriors into docile lambs. But over the years, we have grown soft, more comfortable as mere cogs in Konoha's machine, believing a few scraps of prestige from Ino–Shika–Chō under a monkey.. a Saratobi in an alliance would keep us relevant forever.

"We have shrivelled, losing our identity. Instead of being known for our own might, we stand in the shadows of the Nara and Akimichi clinging to them like we cannot survive alone. That… ends now.

"Despite the foolishness that's been spread around that my nephew was the first of the so called legendary Ino-Shika-Cho under Sarutobi Kotai, brother of the great monkey himself, that is false. The first Ino-Shika-Cho or rather, the original Yamanaka-Akimichi-Nara team was formed under the command of His Grace, Lord Tobirama Senju. And the members of that squad were myself, Torifu Akimichi, and Sukino Nara.

Now, I don't often see eye to eye with Sukino, but I can tell you this: there are very few in the elemental nations who would willingly face our team in battle including the likes of Danzo. And what's more, there are even fewer who would want to face us individually. Together, we were a terror. Alone, we were no less dangerous.

But you… you walk around bearing the Yamanaka name, yet without an Akimichi or a Nara beside you, you're no better than a no-name shinobi. That's the highest insult any Yamanaka could receive relying solely on the name without understanding the weight it carries.

So listen well from an original member of what you call the Ino-Shika-Cho: when the crutch you used to lean on learns to walk on its own… and then runs... it's time to take that crutch away and teach you how to stand. And maybe … just maybe…. you'll learn what it truly means to carry our name."

"I refuse to let this clan, my clan become a footnote in Konoha's power struggle. Before we move toward a brighter future, we must burn out the black spots in our midst. The traitors who conspired with outside forces, the spineless who sold our secrets each one will face consequences."

Her gaze flickered to a half-open doorway in the back, an antechamber where Danzo's infiltration agents were rumoured to lurk.

 "I won't allow any more infiltration of my clan." 

All eyes were on Kriya when she lifted her gaze, an edge of unyielding resolve flashing in her eyes.

They will be dealt with no matter their rank or their loyalty to Inoichi. They will bleed under the Yamanaka shrine, paying for their treachery. Such is the fate of anyone who stands in the way of our resurgence."

Before anyone could react, Kriya raised her hands and made seven rapid seals, no one recognized the sequence at first, but the effect was immediate. A horrific scream tore through the shrine as nine scattered individuals among the crowd collapsed in agony. Their faces contorted, veins bulging at the neck, and each died where they stood, tongues bitten off or branded by some unseen force. A stunned horror rippled through the onlookers, sending many staggering back in alarm.

Clan Elder exclaimed "W-what… what just happened?!"

 "Do you know how powerful the clan head is within this shrine? The Yamanaka ability to project our minds is at its strongest here. In the past, competent lords have even used this shrine to project into enemy territory and shatter the minds of crucial targets.

"Those fools who bore Danzo's mark on their tongues in this shrine… they were dead the moment I initiated the technique. I introduced the name 'Danzo' into every one of your heads. Every one of your mental shields resisted but the seal they bore responded to that forced psychic thought. The moment the word 'Danzo' was invoked, the seal's kill-switch activated because for brief moment I made sure that the name resonated and bypassed into evry one of your heads head. They never stood a chance. It's like sending out drones with an 'off button' in their foreheads."

A low murmur of shock swept the room. People exchanged aghast looks, realizing how deep Danzo's infiltration ran, and how easily he could doom his own agents. A few Yamanakas knelt by the fallen bodies in disbelief, verifying that each was beyond saving.

One jōnin with trembling hands ventured a question:

 "They… they were truly Danzo's people? How could he plant so many in our clan?"

Kriya's lips curled into a thin, sardonic smile. Her voice cut through the horrified chatter like a blade.

 "Are you surprised Danzo had a hand in this? The man has always thrived on the shadows. Inoichi's credibility just collapsed further, along with the Hokage's, for allowing this viper's nest to exist among us. Don't forget Danzo is also the prime suspect in the Uchiha incident, and Itachi once worked under him."

A wave of realization hit the clan like a cold wind: if Danzo was behind the infiltration of the Yamanaka, perhaps he had orchestrated or abetted the assault on the Uchiha as well. Rumors circulated about the Uchiha Massacre, connecting Danzo's name to every corner of Konoha.

"Now, since the pest has been taken care of," Kriya said coldly, "I will be bringing some major changes."

Her gaze swept across the room, sharp and unrelenting.

"I have long suspected that Danzo and Konoha's upper echelons have been poaching our children torturing them, turning them into this."

For the briefest moment, her expression softened. The stern, commanding woman everyone knew gave way to something else something rare. For the first time, they saw a mother.

"You think I revelled in killing my own blood? You think this brought me pride? These children… they cannot be cured. Their minds are beyond repair. But I assure you this, no Yamanaka will ever be a mindless drone again. The worst crime ever done to our clan was taking the mind from the mind-readers themselves."

Her voice trembled with fury.

"And all of this happened because Hiruzen let it happen. I'm not saying he orchestrated it, but I know, as surely as day, that he knew. He knew exactly how Danzo operated, how he threatened families, how he took a child from a vulnerable household and added them to his twisted program. Hiruzen didn't stop him, not because he couldn't, but because he wouldn't. He couldn't bring himself to execute his best friend. So he turned a blind eye."

She paused. Then raised her chin defiantly.

"So I've decided. I've accepted the offer extended by His Grace, Uzumaki Naruto. The Yamanaka clan will be moving to Uzushio. Once, we followed the Senju into Konoha, now, we follow the Senju to Uzushiogakure no Sato."

A shocked gasp rippled through the crowd. Many still held deep attachment to the village even after everything.

"If any of you are thinking of protesting," she said, voice cold once more, "know this, every clan head has the authority to enforce their will. And unlike the ones you've grown used to, I won't hesitate to finish off anyone who dares betray this clan."

She stepped forward.

"Oh, you could mob me, even kill me right here and now. I don't claim I could defeat the entire clan alone. But ask yourselves, are you ready to sell your sons and daughters when Danzo comes knocking again? Because I killed his precious Yamanaka drones… he'll need new ones."

At that, even Inoichi looked down in shame. Kriya never said it aloud, but he knew, she knew. She had always known that he turned a blind eye, traded silence so his own daughter might be spared.

And in that moment, the image of a small boy Fu, the quiet young smiling boy flashed through his mind.

Breaking the silence, he spoke, shocking everyone.

"I will follow you."

And the discussion, protest and support continued.

Flashback Ends.

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A thick hush fell over the hall as the Fire Daimyo, Lord Ishicava, cleared his throat, scanning the assembled figures. Beside him, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared furious, though he maintained a veneer of stoic composure.

 "The third condition you demanded is accepted. If Nobinaga Yukesen ever attacks Uzushiogakure, within two days, Hiruzen Sarutobi will be outside the walls of Uzushiogakure, protecting it from him. We don't promise coverage against every one of his potential allies or the size of army he might bring, but until your self-imposed exile finishes, Hiruzen Sarutobi is sworn to protect Uzushiogakure and its lands from Nobinaga the individual. The fostering arrangement and head of embassy shall also be done as per your demand." Daimyo concluded.

Naruto, with arms folded, inclined his head in acknowledgment. He knew the "first" demand regarding the bank had been limited in its scope due to bargain, but if these three demands were fulfilled, he'd have to let some concessions. It was a courtesy in this game.

Meanwhile, the Hokage's face burned with silent outrage, his son and granddaughter were essentially hostages in Uzushio. 

 "As for the fourth condition, the Senju assets….. yes, we will lift the law. But with one stipulation: anything crucial to Konoha's survival shall not be claimed. For instance, certain ANBU properties that still legally belong to Lord Tobirama won't be touched.

"And, regarding loans that might cripple Konoha's clans, they won't be called in immediately. We will arrange for repayment in reasonable installments, giving them time to meet the obligation."

Naruto considered it, he would stand to lose around forty percent of those assets. Yet he only gave a curt nod, gesturing for the Daimyo to continue. Better to secure a partial victory than waste time quibbling over the details. He also have to concede and cannot be seen as unreason person.

 "Finally, the fifth demand about Lord Jiraiya or Lady Sukino. I must request you to outright cancel it. We cannot be seen engaging in slave business. Both Jiraiya and Sukino have stated they are unwilling to leave Konoha."

Naruto gave the faintest scoff. "Shinobi system is slavery in essence," he thought bitterly. You cannot leave your village or share knowledge without being branded a rogue. But he withheld that retort this wasn't a conversation for polite company or its not that he himself don't practise this in his village.

He let a fleeting smile form on his lips, stepping away from the negotiation table. That was enough to signal his agreement.

Then, Naruto smiled, causing everyone present to stand as well though the gesture felt tense, more reflex than courtesy. Hiruzen and the Daimyo appeared especially on edge. Naruto offered a polite nod.

 "It was nice doing business with you, Lord Ishicava."

He pivoted, strolling toward the chamber's massive double doors. Halfway there, he paused and glanced back, a sharp gleam in his eyes.

 "Lord Hokage… I shall meet you at the Kage Summit in the next two hours."

He turned his gaze over the entire assembly, his tone dropping into something deadly calm.

 "And heed me: if you even think of breaking this contract… If you decide, consequences be damned, to do as you have in the past, if all the other Daimyos acquiesce to something like an Uzushio invasion and break this accord… mainly the part about Lord Third protecting Uzushio from Nobinaga, or the part about no non-aggression pacts between nations and Uzushio, then you'd best ensure I'm already dead before you act.

"Because once my exile is over… and I learn you've used any loopholes or underhanded methods to harm my people or my nation… I will show you that I am indeed Kushina Uzumaki's son. I will forget every written and unwritten rule. After all for all mother's infamy she was not half strong as me and in four years will Hiruzen Saratobi still be able to fend me if needed. This isn't a threat, it's a reminder. You negotiated my exile, not my seppuku. In a few years, my exile ends."

That final pronouncement hung heavy in the air. Some of the Daimyo's advisors shifted nervously; even Danzo kept silent, sensing the lethality in Naruto's words. Then Naruto turned sharply and walked out, the heavy doors swinging shut behind him with an echo that resonated through every tense figure in the room.

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To be continued. Stay tuned and let me know your thoughts! Like and comment! 🙏🔥

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Chapter 24: Mind Walkers.  IS OUT!

Chapter 25: A Parting Backhand. IS OUT!

 Chapter 26: A New Turn. IS OUT!

Chapter 27: A Turn ON A Turn. IS OUT!

Chapter 28: Farewell. IS OUT!!!!!!!!

Chapter 29 – The Oath of the Oath-Keeper. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!   (End of the Arc) 

Chapter 30 – Aftermath. 

Chapter 31: The Growing Crown, The cracking Roots. 

Chapter 32: The Wandering Monk. 8k long

Chapter 33: A New face Or phase. 8k long

Chapter 34: Chinamaki. 5.5k long

Chapter 35: Cross Roads. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 9K LONG   

Chapter 36: The New Field. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9k LONG   

Chapter 37: Loyalty. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 K LONG   

Chapter 38: Diversion. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 7K Long  

Chapter 39: Destruction. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 12K Long  

Chapter 40: Power of a God. 10K Long (NEW)

Chapter 41: Perspectives. 12K Long (NEW)