Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 67: A Storm Is Always Remains A Storm.

Author's Note: Hey everyone! 🙌—It's a bit shorter than usual. 🌌Let me know what you think in the comments.

Your feedback means the world! 😊👍 Stay tuned for more action and intrigue coming soon!

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One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand on the battlefield. Be victorious over yourself and not over others." – Buddha

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 Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 67: A Storm Is Always Remains A Storm. IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 68: New threads of Influence is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 69: Strategy- The Great Heist IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 70: Wrath of Darkness IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 71: "Echoes of Thunder IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 72: The Silent Rebellion IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 73: Glimpse of the Kami no Shinobi IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 74: Tempest of Despair and Hope IS OUT! 

NTLHOS: Chapter 75: The Great Assembling IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 76: The Whirlpool's Dominions IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 77: The Grand Ploy IS OUT!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT !!!!!!!!! (New- Lemon Tsunade)

Last time on NTLHOS:

The silence was palpable as the man stepped into the light, a faint smirk on his face. "Indeed, Kakashi. If I'm not wrong, the last time we spoke was at my bell test."

Kakashi's gaze hardened, his stance shifting defensively. "Fuck, Of all the times…"

Now:

Naruto stood still, the moonlight casting sharp shadows across the clearing as he surveyed the figures before him. The chill of recognition swept over him when his eyes settled on Konohamaru, now taller, leaner, with the fiery defiance of youth radiating from his eyes. He hadn't expected to cross paths with him, not now. But what surprised him even more was the shift in the Naruto's chakra—with an unmistakable power.

Kakashi stepped forward, his body tense, muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap. "Stand down, Naruto. There's no need for unnecessary confrontation."

A wry smile tugged at Naruto's lips. "Do you really think you can take me, Kakashi? Those days are long gone."

Konohamaru clenched his staff, a low growl in his throat. "Why are you here?" His voice, once boyish, was now hardened, edged with caution.

Naruto's gaze swept over Konohamaru, then shifted to Sasuke and Sakura, both of whom had already adopted defensive stances. "So, my former students, huh?" He shook his head. "I was merely passing through and sensed an old comrade. But now, I see you're escorting a bridge builder. Interesting."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. He can't be here for Tazuna, can he? The thought clawed at his mind. "What do you know of the client?"

Naruto raised the Raijin no Ken (Sword of the Thunder God), yellow lightning which turned to red crackling and illuminating the still air around him. "Nothing significant, really," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I just settled some unfinished business involving Gato. You see, my people need food, and Gato had wealth. With only Ayoi as protection, it was as if he was begging to be robbed—and killed." He let the blade flicker, its light casting sharp shadows across his face. "And I picked this up along the way."

Tazuna's eyes widened, hope flickering as he stuttered, "G-Gato?"

Naruto turned his eyes on the old man. "Yes, old man. He's likely killed or hanging upside down in the village square as we speak, with his hired mercenaries scattered or dead."

Kakashi's jaw tightened. "Naruto, that weapon belongs to Konoha. Surrender it, and come back willingly."

Naruto's expression darkened. "Make me. And remember, this weapon belongs to the Senju—not Konoha. I'm keeping it."

"You're a traitor to the village that raised you, Uzumaki Naruto," Konohamaru shouted, his voice sharp with accusation and anger.

Naruto turned his head, the weight of the accusation pressing down for only a fleeting moment. His eyes met Konohamaru's—a face he once knew well, now marked by the resolute gaze of a hardened shinobi. The boy had grown, no longer the wide-eyed child from his memories. To Naruto's surprise, he was now connected to the Surugi clan, whose head, Alaruya, had always harbored an inexplicable animosity toward him. With the Daimyo's recent decree solidifying the Surugi as the fourth noble house, that long-standing hostility suddenly made perfect sense.

Naruto's expression darkened, calm yet cold, as he stood face-to-face with the young jinchūriki. "Then you're an insult to the tradition of the Nine-Tails' container," he said, each word sharp and deliberate, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Lady Mito Uzumaki could command the Nine-Tails with an iron will, harnessing its power with unmatched mastery. My mother, Kushina Uzumaki, could shackle the beast itself, bending its rage to her will with chains of pure chakra."

He took a step closer, eyes narrowing with disappointment. "And then there's you. You may contain the Nine-Tails, but that's all you do—contain. There is no command, no true control. The only thing sparing you from ruin is the seal my father, the Fourth Hokage, left behind. A shame, indeed."

The words struck Konohamaru like a physical blow, and his chakra flared in response. The air grew thick with tension as an aura of the Nine-Tails' energy erupted around him, wild and unrestrained. His eyes glowed with fierce determination, fueled by a mix of rage and hurt. "You might have been great once, Uzumaki Naruto," he spat, his voice trembling with emotion, "but you're nothing now!"

Naruto's gaze remained steady, unyielding, as the crackling power of the Nine-Tails filled the space between them like a storm on the brink of breaking.

The tension in the clearing shattered like a glass blade. Before Kakashi could step in, Konohamaru charged, his staff a blur of movement. Naruto's eyes narrowed; with fluid precision, he sidestepped the attack and retaliated with a spinning kick. The impact reverberated as Konohamaru's body was launched backward, crashing into the ground with bone-rattling force.

"You still lack discipline," Naruto said coldly, eyes sharp as they followed Konohamaru's trajectory. "Charging in blindly like a raging monkey."

Sasuke's kunai, laced with fire chakra, sliced through the air, while Sakura coordinated the assault by launching a barrage of shuriken. Kakashi, seizing the moment, formed the seals for a Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique), sending a roaring wave of flames at Naruto.

Naruto's eyes narrowed, and with three swift hand seals, he countered with Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique), drawing moisture from a nearby stream. The water dragon roared and swallowed the fireball and the weapons, creating a plume of steam.

Kakashi's eye shifted, revealing the scarred, red Sharingan beneath his hitai-ate. His voice carried as he barked to his team, "Listen to me! This man was in ANBU before you even entered the academy and was an ANBU captain by your age. By nine, he had already mastered water jutsu like no one in recent history. He's a master not just of elemental ninjutsu, but of obscure arts such as fūinjutsu, and he knows many forbidden and intricate techniques most can only dream of attempting. His abilities go far beyond the ordinary—he's skilled in subterfuge, seals, and combat strategies capable of dismantling entire battalions single-handedly.

"Do not engage him. Your mission is to secure the client and retreat immediately—I'll hold him off."

Kakashi's gaze darted between his students, noting their stunned expressions. They knew he wasn't exaggerating; who in the Leaf didn't know of Uzumaki Naruto? This was the man spoken of in the darkest whispers of Konoha, the prodigy who once stood on the brink of legend.

But Konohamaru wasn't listening. Fueled by rage, he tapped into even more of the Nine-Tails' power, red chakra swirling around him as a second tail formed. He burst forward with blinding speed and launched a wave of flames by just a hand seal from mouth, the fox's influence amplifying their intensity.

Naruto's expression shifted, turning serious. With a single hand seal, he summoned a wall of churning water that spiraled and absorbed the incoming flames, deflecting them harmlessly into the surrounding forest. The oppressive energy of the Nine-Tails surged, and a third tail began to form as Konohamaru smashed through the water shield, breaking it apart with raw power.

"Enough," Naruto murmured, his eyes darkening, the air around him charged with intent. In a blur of motion, he coated his legs in the crimson light of Storm Release, plasma crackling and dancing across his skin. He moved faster than the eye could follow, delivering a powerful kick that sent Konohamaru hurtling into a tree, the impact splintering its massive trunk with a resonant crack.

Kakashi's shout echoed, "Stop!" as he activated Raikiri (Lightning Cutter), darting towards Naruto.

Naruto met him mid-air, catching Kakashi's wrist with one hand which was coated in red plasmic energy while blocking his other fist. Before Kakashi could react, Naruto released a Shinkūgyoku (Vacuum Bullet) from his mouth, sending Kakashi flying and shredding his flak vest.

"Stay down," Naruto said, his voice as cold as the wind.

Kakashi's body skidded across the forest floor, a jagged trail carved by his impact. The jōnin's single exposed eye widened as he processed the raw power Naruto had unleashed. The forest fell silent for a breath, save for the crackling remnants of storm-charged energy sparking in the clearing.

Konohamaru's rage did not falter. With blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his eyes narrowed in defiance, burning with a scarlet hue as a fourth tail materialized. His body became a vessel of untamed power, the red chakra surrounding him like a living entity. The growl of the Nine-Tails echoed through the clearing, a deep, menacing vibration that unsettled even the leaves.

Naruto's eyes met Konohamaru's, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his gaze before it turned to steely resolve. He muttered under his breath, "If this continues, he'll destroy everything."

Konohamaru launched himself forward, the ground beneath him cracking with the force of his leap. He brandished the Sarutobi Staff, its polished wood glinting as it sliced through the air. In an instant, Naruto's body flickered and disappeared, leaving only a whisper of wind.

Konohamaru's eyes darted wildly, searching. A shadow loomed behind him, and before he could react, Naruto's foot connected with his back, sending him sprawling forward. The impact echoed with a bone-jarring thud.

"You're playing with fire you don't understand," Naruto's voice was low, carrying a warning.

Sasuke darted in from the side, eyes blazing with the fully matured Sharingan. His hand crackled with electric energy as he yelled, "Chidori (One Thousand Birds)", the sound piercing like a flock of crows.

Naruto pivoted, his body coiling with fluid grace as he sidestepped Sasuke's strike. The sharp talon of lightning from Sasuke's Chidori brushed past his ear, close enough to make the hair on his neck stand on end. With practiced ease, Naruto shifted his stance, redirecting Sasuke's momentum and sending him careening sideways with a deft flick of his wrist. The Uchiha tumbled, skidding across the dirt before halting with a grimace, eyes blazing with frustration.

Before Naruto could fully steady himself, Sakura charged in, a poisoned kunai glinting in her hand and eyes steeled with determination. "Shannarō!" she shouted, chakra surging into the weapon.

Naruto's gaze flickered to the kunai, instantly recognizing the threat. Without hesitation, he performed Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique). In the blink of an eye, Sakura's kunai pierced a log, its surface corroding rapidly under the acidic poison. She recoiled, eyes widening as she realized she had missed her target.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sasuke called out as he regained his footing, frustration clear in his voice.

"Regroup!" Kakashi shouted, his Sharingan eye assessing Naruto's every move. "He's faster than you think!"

But before they could respond, a deep, guttural roar cut through the clearing. Konohamaru, now with five tails manifested, leapt back into the fray. The air vibrated with the suffocating weight of the Nine-Tails' chakra. His arms surged with flaming, crimson energy as he crafted a Rasengan, but not just any Rasengan—it pulsed darkly with the demonic energy of the beast sealed within him.

Naruto's eyes narrowed, a brief flash of emotion crossing them. The Rasengan… The sight triggered memories, unbidden and raw. His jaw clenched as a surge of anger sparked in him. My father's jutsu... given to a Surugi.

Summoning his Storm Release, the air around Naruto seemed to crackle with anticipation. Plasma-like energy, streaked with crimson and white, roared to life around him, wild and untamed. He lunged at Konohamaru, summoning a spiraling drill of grey storm energy in his hand, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Konohamaru's eyes widened, fear momentarily flaring before rage consumed him. Their attacks met—Naruto's storm-infused drill the Tenrin clashing with Konohamaru's demonic Rasengan. The impact was cataclysmic. A deafening roar filled the clearing as light burst outward, obliterating trees and sending shockwaves through the ground.

When the dust settled, Naruto stood. His arm was extended, fingers wrapped around Konohamaru's throat, but the deadly Tenrin (Heaven's Wheel) technique had been halted just in time. The younger shinobi gasped, at the hold.

With a surge of power, Naruto drove Konohamaru into the ground, the impact creating a crater that splintered the earth beneath them. Dust and debris billowed into the air as Konohamaru's eyes widened in shock, the breath stolen from his lungs. Naruto's expression was resolute, unwavering as he tore open the fabric of Konohamaru's shirt, revealing the intricate web of seals etched across the boy's abdomen—the masterpiece crafted by the Fourth Hokage, Naruto's own father.

"You wield something beyond your understanding," Naruto whispered, his eyes narrowing as they traced the delicate, powerful inkwork. Without hesitation, he channeled chakra into his palm, which began to glow with an ethereal blue light. "Shichi Fūin (Seven Restriction Seal)," he intoned, each kanji igniting on his fingers while twin yin and yang symbols flared in his palm.

As Naruto raised his hand, Kakashi surged forward, determination hardening his features. Lightning crackled in his palm, forming the familiar roar of Chidori as he dashed towards Naruto, the screech cutting through the charged air.

But before Kakashi could close the distance, a clone of Naruto materialized between them, a smirk playing at its lips. "Not so fast," it taunted, parrying Kakashi's strike with a kunai, the clash of chakra and metal sending sparks flying.

Naruto pressed his glowing palm against the seal on Konohamaru's abdomen. The chakra threads melded seamlessly, blooming like dark ink as they locked down the raging energy of the Nine-Tails. The oppressive aura receded, and the wild chakra dissipated into nothingness.

Naruto withdrew his hand, watching as Konohamaru's face relaxed, his eyes closing as unconsciousness embraced him. He turned his gaze to Kakashi, who stood a few paces away, tense and breathing heavily, Sharingan spinning with a mix of wariness and unspoken questions.

As the forest settled in the aftermath, an uneasy silence enveloped the clearing like a suffocating shroud. Naruto stood over Konohamaru's unconscious form, his eyes sharp, voice cutting through the quiet. "Your mission is over. Leave now," he commanded coldly. "I came here out of curiosity, but you attacked me. Be grateful I chose to spare you. Tell the boy and the Hokage this: if he comes at me again, I won't hesitate. I'll forget that my father sacrificed everything for that seal. Let's see who's willing to sacrifice themselves next."

The silence stretched until it was broken by Tazuna, who stepped forward, concern etching deep lines into his face. "You need to take him back. The boy might die without proper medical care."

Sakura's jaw clenched, defiance flaring in her eyes. "Konohamaru is strong. He always recovers quickly."

Naruto's cold gaze shifted to her, voice sharp as a kunai. "Not today. Without the Nine-Tails' chakra, his wounds won't heal."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, the gravity of the situation hitting him like a blow. He had seen this ruthless precision before, back when Naruto was a prodigy of ANBU. Now, he knew their mission was over—the safety of their jinchūriki was paramount, far more important than their client.

Naruto's focus returned to Kakashi. "If I wanted to kill the old man," he said, nodding toward Tazuna, "he'd already be dead, whether you were here or not. I came to see the genin you deemed worthy of passing, while others—despite their dedication—were left behind. It isn't envy, just curiosity. Consider this a reminder, Kakashi Hatake, the 'Copy Ninja' of legend I heard tales about in ANBU. Perhaps one day, we'll cross paths when you aren't distracted by students or clients."

Without another word, Naruto's form dissolved in a swirl of water, leaving behind only the stunned silence of the clearing and the echo of his presence.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he turned to Kakashi, confusion and tension still etched on his face. "What did he mean by that? How could he kill the old man without even engaging us?"

Kakashi let out a sigh as he covered his Sharingan, the weight of memory pressing heavily on his shoulders. He lifted Konohamaru carefully onto his back, his voice solemn. "There's more to Uzumaki Naruto than just combat power. Most only know the stories of his prowess on the battlefield. What few realize is that the Mist's accusations of infiltration were true. Naruto was one of the most skilled shinobi in espionage, infiltration, and assassination in ANBU. At the age of eight, he infiltrated the Mist—a feat unmatched by anyone to my knowledge. If he wanted Tazuna dead, it would be over before any of us even knew he was here. And, to this day, I don't know a better sensor than him in the entire Elemental Nations."

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As Naruto stepped into the dimly lit base, the soft flickering glow of oil lamps cast shadows that danced across the stone walls. The cool air held a hushed silence, broken only by the low murmur of voices. Fuka and Pakura were deep in discussion, their expressions animated as they exchanged thoughts. Over the past few days, the two women had become fast friends, bound by shared experiences and a mutual respect for their newfound leader.

Naruto's entrance drew their attention. Fuka, with her long red hair and mischievous eyes, was the first to smile, the curve of her lips suggestive and teasing as always. Pakura, ever composed and graceful, nodded in acknowledgment.

Days prior, Naruto had taken an unexpected leap when Fuka, Fuen, and Fudo pledged their allegiance. Each had their unique strengths, and Naruto quickly divided their roles to maximize their potential. Fuen, the brilliant strategist, was tasked with bolstering the spy network, integrating her own extensive sources. Initially, she had resisted, eyes glinting with challenge as she tested the waters. He had stood firm, his gaze and the subtle hum of chakra enough to convince her that he could tell if she wavered. "You are free to leave if your heart isn't in this," he had said, his voice low but commanding. Fuen had relented. Naruto had made it abundantly clear that he could detect if she lied.

Fudo, on the other hand, was different. The man had sought a purpose, a place where he could belong, and Naruto provided that. His new role at the training facility meant honing his skills, refining his strength. He had taken to it eagerly, throwing himself into every drill with the fervor of someone reborn.

Fuka was another story altogether. Her loyalty was unwavering, almost fierce, but she had a penchant for testing boundaries. She had taken it upon herself to teach Naruto about cursed seals and forbidden techniques from Uzu, the lost art of their lineage. Yet, with every lesson, she flirted dangerously with propriety. Her outfits were designed to tempt, silken fabric hugging her curves, cut in ways that left little to the imagination. When Naruto's eyes strayed, she would smirk, teasing him with a tilt of her head or a husky laugh. "It's for your own good," she would purr, feigning innocence. "Building immunity against seduction is vital for infiltration specialists."

Naruto would roll his eyes, the corners of his lips betraying the slightest hint of a smile. "I'm already trained in that," he would retort, meeting her gaze. But Fuka would just laugh, her eyes gleaming with the knowledge that practice did indeed make perfect. She had even taken Pakura under her wing, much to Naruto's surprise. The usually reserved kunoichi had softened, showing hints of playful wickedness under Fuka's influence.

"So," Fuka said, drawing his attention back to the present. "Has the team from Konoha retreated?" Her voice was serious, her flirtatious demeanor slipping for a moment as she focused on the matter at hand.

Naruto nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Yes. To my luck, the current Jinchūriki was part of the team. I goaded him, sealed his seal, and injured him just enough. Kakashi had no choice but to retreat. The builder might have reached his home by now. He recognized my name, and, most importantly, the significance of it—he's old enough to remember. I saw the recognition and reverence in his eyes when Kakashi called me an Uzumaki. Despite what happened, the builder trusted me and played along. They left to get Konohamaru treated, which means Wave is now ours."

A satisfied silence settled in the room until Pakura walked in, a tray balanced on her slender hands. Three cups of sake sat on it, the liquid gleaming under the lantern light. She raised an eyebrow, offering one to Naruto, but he shook his head.

"You two drink. I can't," he said, his voice tight.

Fuka's eyes narrowed as she noticed the beaded mala around his neck for the first time. Shock widened her gaze. "You… you've been initiated into the process?" Her voice was soft, almost reverent, as if she couldn't believe her own eyes.

Naruto's brows lifted, a flicker of surprise passing through him. "Yes. But how do you know about it?"

A wistful smile tugged at Fuka's lips, a rare moment of sincerity shadowing her usual playful demeanor. "Every Uzumaki lives for the day to prove themselves worthy of a master, to ascend beyond the physical. When Uzu thrived, there were many enlightened beings."

Pakura, who had been sipping her sake, looked intrigued. "Then why didn't such beings interfere when the village was invaded?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of doubt.

Fuka's smile faded, and she shook her head. "Those sages don't interfere in the material world's squabbles. If they had wanted, they could have ended the battle in moments. But their path wasn't to meddle unless absolutely necessary. So, they disappeared when Uzu fell."

Fuka reached out, fingers brushing over the beads around Naruto's neck with reverence, a silent acknowledgment of the grace he was blessed with and the path he walked.

-xx-xxx-xx-

The wind howled like a living thing, biting through the thick layers of their winter gear as they charged through the unrelenting blizzard. The snow was deep, sucking at their boots, slowing their progress. Zabuza gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowed into slits against the icy onslaught. "Why are we in this godforsaken country?" he spat, his voice rough and cold as the storm itself.

Anko Mitarashi smirked, running just a few paces ahead. The wild gleam in her eyes matched the fierce wind whipping through her hair. "Don't start moaning and bitching, eyebrow-less," she teased, casting a wicked grin back at him. "You're ruining my fun."

Haku, silent and graceful as always, moved behind them. Her face was calm, though weariness tugged at the corners of her eyes. The perpetual clash between Zabuza and Anko had long since become white noise to her, but even she felt the strain of their mission gnawing at his patience. Yet, she said nothing, letting the wind steal any thoughts of protest from his lips.

Ahead of them, Nono Yakushi, once the caretaker and healer within Konoha's walls, led the group. Her defection had been swift; after the barrier incident, an arrest warrant was issued in her name, so she fled before they could apprehend her. Her orphanage was run by the Uchiha, so she had nothing to worry about.

"That's enough," Nono's voice cut. She paused for a moment, glancing over her shoulder, eyes sharp and unrelenting. "We're here because we've been approached by an agent from the black market. They're willing to pay handsomely for the assassination of the leader of the Snow Country."

Anko's smirk widened, and she flicked a kunai between her fingers. "Finally, some real fun," she said, her tone dripping with anticipation.

Zabuza's frown deepened, but he didn't argue.

-xx-xxx-xx-

Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

 Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 67: A Storm Is Always Remains A Storm. IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 68: New threads of Influence is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 69: Strategy- The Great Heist IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 70: Wrath of Darkness IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 71: "Echoes of Thunder IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 72: The Silent Rebellion IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 73: Glimpse of the Kami no Shinobi IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 74: Tempest of Despair and Hope IS OUT! 

NTLHOS: Chapter 75: The Great Assembling IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 76: The Whirlpool's Dominions IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 77: The Grand Ploy IS OUT!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT !!!!!!!!! (New- Lemon Tsunade)

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