I do not own Naruto or Fate/Stay Night. They belong to their respective creators and not me. I am only writing this for fun and not for profit. If you enjoy it, then send me a review and tell my your opinion. If you didn’t like it, then sorry but I can’t please everyone. I hope you find something more to your taste elsewhere.
Fate/9th Destiny
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 2: The Casting Call Begins
A new day dawned over Konoha as the people began to rise and meet it once again. Naruto was no different as he too began to wake up in the morning light. He really didn’t want to though. He felt like he was laying on something really warm. Mumbling about the stupid sun, he pressed his face deeper into the warmth, marvelling at how soft it felt.
“Enjoying yourself Master?”
Naruto mumbled and opened one eye. Taking a moment to focus, he managed to recognize the face of his Saber with her hair down wearing her tube top and her jacket resting on the bed post. Naruto’s sense of direction told him that his face was currently resting on her tummy and he had his arms wrapped around her. Memory also told him that she wasn’t wearing her shorts and instead just a set of underwear.
His brain needed a moment...
Then...
“WAGH!” Naruto cried out, leaping away from Saber like she was on fire, incidentally crashing to the floor in a heap. Groaning, he sat up, seeing Saber resting her chin in her hand, watching him with some amusement. She still wasn’t saying anything, making Naruto believe that he was still in trouble. Acting quickly, he began bowing and begging for mercy, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to! You...you were just warm and...and...uh...”
“When I insisted we sleep together, you seemed much more adverse to the idea last night,” Saber smirked.
“I’m sorry!” Naruto begged, his face beet red.
Saber just chuckled, obviously amused at Naruto’s embarrassment, “Fear not Master. I am not some prissy little girl who fears for her chastity at every turn. I know I am attractive and I accept it. A sleeping child who enjoys my warmth is hardly offensive. Of course, should you have tried anything untowards me then I would have to punish you.”
“R-right! I won’t do it again!” Naruto insisted.
“I’m sure,” Saber chuckled again. Slipping out of the bed, she retrieved her shorts and slipped them on before doing the same to her boots. “As I understand Master, you have been inducted into the armed forces of your village. Does that require anything?”
“Uh...oh yeah!” Naruto gasped. “My ID photo gets taken today! I gotta get ready!” Leaping to his feet, Naruto began dashing to get his clothes together along with breakfast and...face paint? Saber watched as Naruto raced to dress and eat before he began painting up his face and hands with white and red paint.
“Master...what are you doing?” asked Saber in confusion.
“The Ninja Registration photos are an important document! They show everyone who’s an active ninja for Konoha! I need to make a really awesome photo so people will know how awesome I am!” covering the last of his face with the paint, he turned around and posed for Saber. “What do you think? Awesome, right?”
Saber blinked at her master, utterly shocked at how ridiculous he looked. Shaking her head, she frowned, “Wash it off Master. You will not be getting a photo like that.”
“Huh?” Naruto gaped, shocked that his Servant didn’t agree with him. “Why?”
“You said this picture was to show everyone you are an active member of the village’s military,” Saber explained, retrieving paper towels before advancing on Naruto. “You have to show proper decorum and posture for an event like this. Now come here.”
“No way!” Naruto cried out. “I’m going to get my photo like this! You can’t stop me!”
“Is that so?” Saber began to smirk.
(LINE BREAK)
“Okay! Cheese!”
The camera flash went off and Naruto got off the stool with a huff, his face perhaps a little pink from excessive scrubbing while his orange jumpsuit was perfectly pressed instead of wrinkled and his hair combed to look a bit more respectable instead of the spiked mess it was. It was still spiked, but looked more like hair than a porcupine resting on his head like before. Behind the photographer was Saber with her arms crossed and nodding in satisfaction.
“There. Now everyone will be able to see you as a respectable warrior,” she nodded.
“But it’s so boring!” Naruto groaned. “No no one will see how cool I am and I’ll never get any awesome missions!”
It had been like a war had broken out in Naruto’s apartment, but Saber had managed to scrub every inch of the paint from Naruto’s face and hands. she also forced him to wear clean clothes and even combed his hair. The blonde boy was of course less than thrilled at the prospect of having to look so ordinary when in fact he knew he was awesome, but he quickly learned that Saber wouldn’t be denied and she soon got her way.
“A person’s worth is dictated by action rather than appearance, Master,” said Saber. “Speaking of which, don’t you have any other clothes than that ugly thing you wear?”
“Hey! Don’t make fun of my clothes! Orange is awesome!” Naruto snapped, pointing at his Servant in outrage as he defended his favorite color.
“I was under the assumption that ninjas were warriors of stealth, and bright orange isn’t exactly stealthy. The only way that color could be stealthy is if you were someplace with an abundance of that color, which is highly unlikely,” Saber argued.
“Bah! I can pull it off! I once managed to paint the Hokage Monument and no one noticed until I was done! And I was wearing my jumpsuit the whole time!” Naruto boasted.
Saber glanced at the faces carved into the mountainside and had to admit that being able to paint those images while wearing such an eye-piercing colour was an achievement, “Regardless, I must insist that we get you more appropriate attire for your new profession. I don’t want my master to be killed simply because he stands out like a sore thumb.”
“Whatever.” Naruto grumped.
Naruto and Saber progressed to the Hokage’s office where Naruto’s official registration as a ninja was handed to Sarutobi. Chakra photography certainly made the development process much quicker for the business. Naruto took a seat while Saber merely stood at his side. The old man couldn’t help but stare at the woman who had been dressed from head to toe in armour a short time ago, but he could tell it was Saber just the same. He’d fought too many disguised kunoichi in his time to miss when one was trying to conceal their gender.
“This is a very nice photo Naruto,” Sarutobi admitted, looking over the form.
“It would have been more awesome if it was taken the way I wanted it, but Saber wouldn’t let me,” Naruto complained.
“I was simply doing my best so that my Master could appear as a self-respecting member of your Shinobi forces,” Saber defended.
“No doubt it was a difficult trial,” Sarutobi chuckled. He of all people besides Iruka knew just how hard it was to get Naruto to take anything seriously like they would have.
“Indeed,” Saber agreed. “But nothing worth doing is ever easy.”
“So true,” the Hokage agreed. “In any case, since you have been partnered with Naruto have you given any thought as to how we can explain your presence around him? I would prefer to keep mentions of the Holy Grail War a secret. There are many individuals and factions in Konoha alone who would want to take part or steal Naruto’s position in order to have a chance at the prize.”
“I will claim to be a distant relative who’s only recently learnt of his existence and come to take care of him in the absence of his parents,” said Saber, the story easily coming through her lips as if it were true. “Normally Master would be able to simply have me astralize, but his control over his energies seems to be...lacking.”
“Hey,” Naruto huffed.
“The Shodaime’s notes did mention such an ability,” Sarutobi nodded. “Fortunately, you two share enough common traits such as your exotic hair and eyes that not many would argue it seeing as how it is a rare thing here. Any other features can be attributed to coming from a different country. I can begin the paperwork immediately.”
“Excellent,” Saber smiled. “Then Master and I shall be off. He needs more appropriate clothing for his new profession.”
“Oh good luck with that,” the old man laughed. “He hasn’t worn anything that wasn’t at least a little orange since he was five years old.”
“Then it is time for change,” Saber insisted. “Good day to you sir.”
As Naruto got up so he and Saber could leave, the door to the Hokage’s office suddenly burst open. Dashing inside was a small child in normal clothes, a long scarf, and a helmet with a ponytail sticking out with a small shuriken in his hand, “Fight me Grandpa!”
“Huh?” Naruto blinked.
“What on Earth?” Saber frowned.
“Oh dear,” Sarutobi sighed.
Halfway into his charge, the small child tripped up on his own scarf and did a comedic faceplant into the floor. At the door, a man in a black outfit with dark sunglasses and a Konoha forehead protector appeared, taking in the scene with a gasp of shock.
“Ow,” the boy groaned. “Hey, who set the trap?-!”
“Honourable Grandson...there was no trap,” the man sweatdropped.
“Konohamaru...,” Sarutobi sighed.
The boy, assumedly named Konohamaru, looked around for the person who had sprung the ‘trap’ on on him. After a moment, he took notice of Saber and Naruto. He immediately pegged Naruto as the one who had tricked him since he looked like the tricky type with squinty eyes and those whiskers on his cheeks, making him look like natural trickster. Saber on the other hand was just a pretty nee-chan in his eyes so he didn’t consider her the one.
“It was you who tripped me, wasn’t it?” snapped Konohamaru, running up to Naruto and pointing in his face.
“I did not! You tripped yourself you idiot!” Naruto shouted back, grabbing Konohamaru by his scarf.
“Ah! You let him go immediately!” the man in black shouted at Naruto. “That’s Sandaime-sama’s grandson!”
“Huh?” Naruto blinked. He didn’t know that the old man had a grandkid.
Saber tensed slightly when she heard the news. Granted Naruto’s personal relationship with the Hokage likely granted him some leeway but she wasn’t sure if that would extend to manhandling the grandson of said leader. On his own part, Konohamaru just knew that the boy was going to put him down. Everyone always treated him differently just because of who his grandpa was. This guy wouldn’t be any-!
BONK!
“Ow!” Konohamaru cried as the blonde boy gave him a thump on the head.
“You think I give a crap?” Naruto frowned, his fist smoking from the impact he dealt to the boy’s head.
The man in black could only gape in shock at what he had seen Naruto do. Sarutobi could only sigh in long suffering patience. Saber merely just raised an eyebrow in slightly confusion. It seemed she was slightly out of the loop.
“Honorable Grandson, forget about the delinquent and his scandalous friend!” the man insisted, dashing to Konohamaru’s side. The boy grumbled and rubbed his head as he looked up at the man. “I know you’re eager to become the Hokage but you aren’t ready yet! I have the tutelage and training you need to get there! I can guarantee...!”
As the man continued to lecture Konohamaru, Sarutobi gestured to Naruto that he could leave. Doing so with Saber in tow, Naruto was glad to be getting away from the man. He had only glanced at Naruto once and the blonde boy could tell that he saw Naruto more as the Kyuubi than he did as a normal human being. While being lectured, Konohamaru saw his chance and quietly slipped out of the room after the pair. His apparent tutor didn’t seem to even notice as he continued on his speech. Sarutobi could only fear what his grandson might get up to with Naruto.
Outside, Naruto and Saber were heading towards the shopping district at the Servant’s insistence. She was determined to get Naruto a proper outfit for his profession lest he get himself killed by enemy soldiers before they could even meet with another Servant for the Holy Grail War. That would likely be the ultimate humiliation for her.
As they walked, Naruto took notice of someone being followed. Glancing subtly over his shoulder, he easily caught sight of Konohamaru leaping between poles, walls, and other things to hide himself from view. Saber likely noticed him too, but she didn’t consider him a threat but it was annoying the new ninja. The point of no return for Naruto was when he saw Konohamaru tried to hide behind a sheet that mimicked a fence, but he was holding it sideways making him stand out even more obviously than before.
“That child has much to learn,” Saber chuckled.
“Okay, enough already!” Naruto shouted at the boy. “You aren’t fooling anybody!”
Rather than be upset he had been spotted, Konohamaru just laughed, “Heh heh, you saw right through me! Just like a thought you would. You’re as impressive as people say!”
“Huh?” Naruto blinked.
“Listen! Listen!,” Konohamaru cried out, dropping his sheet to point at Naruto dramatically, but coming off as childish. “I want you to be my Boss! I heard all about how you beat my grandpa with something called the Oiroke no Jutsu! I want you to teach it to me so I can beat Grandpa too!”
“Uh...my Oiroke no Jutsu?” Naruto blinked.
“Yes! Please Boss! Please!” Konohamaru begged.
Naruto couldn’t help but chuckle slightly and rubbed the back of his head. He was proud of how he developed the Oiroke no Jutsu and how it could take down so many grown men and even the Hokage so easily. The fact that he had someone begging to learn from him was just awesome in his mind. Rolling it over in his head, he glanced to Saber who was apparently finding the scene amusing and didn’t seem to be trying to dissuade either of them.
“Uh...okay then,” Naruto nodded.
“Yes!” Konohamaru cheered, raising his hands in the air.
“I suppose you will be otherwise occupied Master?” asked Saber.
“Yeah! Sorry! Can’t go shopping now!” Naruto grinned, taking Konohamaru’s arm before making a break for it.
“That’s fine,” Saber shrugged, watching her Master leave. Digging her hand into her pocket, she produced what looked a wallet shaped like a frog which was round with money inside of it. “I can do the shopping myself.”
(LINE BREAK)
Naruto and Konohamaru had retreated to a clearing in the woods around Konoha, one of the minor training fields that academy students were allowed to go to and use when they wanted. They were alone at the moment since the academy wasn’t in session so to prepare for the graduating class assignments. It was fortunate since the technique Naruto planned to impart on Konohamaru would have gotten him in trouble.
“Okay,” Naruto grinned, explaining the mechanics of the technique. “The basics are Bon, Kyuu, Bon. Now go!”
“Right Boss!” Konohamaru nodded, his hands going through the seals. “Oiroke no Jutsu!”
POOF!
Emerging from the smoke was indeed a woman, but certainly not the kind that was what the technique was made to produce. What came out was a woman in a bathing suit that was rather overweight for such a piece of clothing with a round face, fat lips, and bald save for a ponytail coming from the top of her head.
“NO!” Naruto snapped, bonking Konohamaru over the head and dispelling the technique. “More slender! More beautiful! Now try it again!”
“Right! Oiroke no Jutsu!”
POOF!
“EW! NO!”
And so Konohamaru’s training into the elusive technique which his grandfather couldn’t stop continued. He was able to functionally pull it off every time, but he couldn’t seem to get the image of the girl he wanted to transform into right. Each time he tried he would only ended up looking the a round-faced bald woman in a swimsuit. It was a somewhat ghoulish vision to Naruto and he helped Konohamaru work hard to try and fix it. So far, the woman kept getting slimmer but that was about it.
Taking a break with some water, the boys sat on a log. Naruto took a sip and caved into his curiosity, “Say Konohamaru, why are you after the old man so much anyway?”
Konohamaru frowned, taking his own drink before speaking, “Grandpa was the one who named me Konohamaru after the village. I don’t mind it really, but even though everyone knows my name all they ever call me is Honourable Grandson. When they look at me they don’t see Konohamaru Sarutobi, all they see is the Hokage’s grandson. I’m sick of it, no one sees me and no one acknowledges me but instead all they see is him. That’s why I want to be Hokage so people will see me and not some title.”
Naruto listened to the explanation for a moment, taking it all in before he took a deep breath and finally replied, “Who’d acknowledge a punk like you?”
“What?” Konohamaru frowned, clenching his fists for a fight.
“The title of Hokage isn’t so easy to get to that a brat could do it!” Naruto frowned. “If you want it so badly then you’ll have to...”
“Have to what?” Demanded Konohamaru hotly.
“You’ll have to beat me for it first!” Naruto grinned at the smaller boy.
Konohamaru was stunned at the declaration. He hadn’t really been aware that Naruto wanted the Hokage title as well. He was doubly stunned at how much Naruto wanted it, wanting it to the point that he would easily fight Konohamaru for the title. Seeing how determined Naruto was for the role, it made the young boy feel like he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“There you are!” a new voice called out, causing Naruto and Konohamaru to look up. There at the edge of the clearing was the ninja that had been following the boy into the Hokage’s office.
“Tsk! Ebisu-sensei!” Konohamaru groaned, moving into a stance. “Go away! I’m gonna learn the skill I need to become the Hokage today! I’ll beat Grandpa for sure next time!”
“Honourable Grandson, Hokage candidates need to be educated in all aspects of being a ninja,” Ebisu argued, casting a glare at Naruto who frowned back, quite familiar with the kind of look that the man was throwing at him. “You have to know at least 1000 jutsus to be considered and...”
“No way! I’ll show you my power!” Konohamaru shouted. “Take this! Oiroke no Jutsu!”
POOF!
Once again Konohamaru vanished into white smoke, but this time what came out was a wonderfully curved woman with long flowing brown hair, a bouncy chest, and completely nude in an enticing pose with only the smoke offering any sort of cover for her naughty bits.
Naruto grinned at Konohamaru’s success while Ebisu’s jaw dropped in shock.
After a moment, Konohamaru couldn’t hold the transformation anymore and changed back with a puff of smoke, “Huh? It didn’t work!”
Indeed, rather than flying away and passing out due to a nosebleed, Ebisu seemed more outraged by what he had seen, “W-what a vulgar skill! I’m a gentleman! Such a low class skill would never work on me!” The outraged teacher stoped across the clearing and took Konohamaru’s arm, attempting to drag him away. “Honourable Grandson if you don’t stop hanging around this idiot you’ll turn stupid like him! Now let’s go home!”
“No! Leggo!” Konohamaru snapped, pulling away from his teacher with all his strength.
Naruto had seen enough. Konohamaru didn’t want to go so what right did this jerk have to try and force him even if he was a teacher? The blonde quickly moved into his stance and went through the hand seals, “Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”
The clearing went up in smoke before Ebisu found himself facing a small mob of Naruto all ready to begin moving.
“Oh?” Ebisu smirked, moving into a stance. “Don’t mistake me for that worm Mizuki. I’m an elite teacher, not some common educator.” He had to give the demon boy credit for learning the Kage Bunshin technique and using it to such a degree. He may have been an idiot, but even idiots could shine now and then.
“Wow! That’s awesome!” Konohamaru cheered. Not even his grandpa could make that many solid clones!
Rather than attack though, the mob of clones instead began to go through more hand seals, “Hāremu no Jutsu!”
POOF!
All of the clones went up in smoke, but not from being dispelled, instead each of the clones had transformed. Ebisu had quickly found himself mobbed not by newly minted teenage genin, but by a horde of nude beautiful blonde women who were all but fighting over who could get their hands on him first. Several were already hanging onto him cooing over how happy to be where they were and how much of a turn on a smart man was or how handsome he was to them. The stimulation was just too much for Ebisu and the force of his nosebleed sent him spinning across the clearing. The mob of naked women giggled in victory before they all poofed out, leaving Naruto behind.
“Hāremu no Jutsu is a success!” Naruto grinned.
In his office looking through his crystal ball, Sarutobi held his own nosebleed back as he sighed at Naruto’s antics.
Back in the clearing, Konohamaru poked the downed Ebisu with a stick to see if he was really down. Confirming what he thought, he huffed and threw his stick away, “Aw man! I got the technique right and I still couldn’t even beat a tutor! I only want to have people acknowledge my name! Why can’t I do even that?-!”
“Idiot! It’s not that easy!” Naruto frowned, bonking Konohamaru over the head. “The name of Hokage means to be the greatest ninja in the village! Things haven’t been easy for me either, but I managed to find someone who’d accept me but even then it was an uphill battle!” Naruto looked Konohamaru square in the eye. “If you want to be the Hokage, be the person that everyone will look up to, then you’d better prepare for it.”
“Prepare?” asked Konohamaru.
“Yeah,” Naruto grinned. “Because there aren’t any shortcuts to becoming Hokage!”
Konohamaru blinked at the statement, remembering how determined Naruto was for the role of Hokage as well. It helped the child understand that he wasn’t the only one who wanted the position and if he wanted it, he was going to have to beat a guy who he already thought was incredible in the first place.
“Bah,” he huffed. “Don’t make speeches like you’re some kind of big shot!” he crossed his arms. “I’m not going to let you be my Boss anymore!” the small boy began to smile. “We’re now rivals! Got it?”
“Heh! Right!” Naruto grinned. “Tomorrow I’m going to take my first steps to becoming a ninja, but one day I’m going to fight you for the title of Hokage. So you’d better be ready for it Konohamaru!”
“You bet I will!” the child grinned.
(LINE BREAK)
Saber had gone and bought the clothes Naruto would need. She already knew his size so it wasn’t hard to pick out the clothes. The colors were easy to find as well. They were all dark-colored clothes, perfect for a warrior that utilized stealth. Of course, there was some dark orange included. She need not deprive him of orange. It just wouldn’t be the primary color he would be wearing.
The merchants were polite enough, although the other shoppers and people on the street were somewhat hostile. Many of the women around kept throwing her dirty looks. She guessed it was because of how she was dressed, but it was hardly a concern for her. If other women weren’t as comfortable showing off a little bit of skin then why shouldn’t she? She wasn’t one of those prissy wenches anyway so it didn’t bother her. She could have done without the drooling thugs who were staring at her like she was a side of meat though.
Honestly, wasn’t the message clear after she had to punch the teeth out of the first person that propositioned her like a common prostitute?
“Hopefully Master isn’t making a nuisance of himself,” remarked Saber. Somehow though, she knew that hope wasn’t going to come to fruition. Mischief just surrounded him like a shroud. “I’m sure it won’t be too bad. It’s not as if he’s corrupting children or something.”
If only she knew.
(LINE BREAK)
Hyuga Estate - Midnight
Hinata knew what she was doing was wrong, but for once in her life she ignored that feeling of fear and timidity and just went for what her gut told her was right.
Hinata was the heiress of the Hyuga Clan, the most prestigious clan in Konohagakure. She was as close to being a princess as one could get in the hidden village, but she certainly did not act or was treated like one. She was as cute as a button with short dark hair which was kept short and her features were pale, but regal even if she didn’t look like she had a whole lot of backbone. What stood out about her was her eyes, the pupiless white eyes which marked the bearer as capable of using the Byakugan or ‘White Eye’. It was often called the All Seeing White Eye on account of how Hyugas could actually see through objects and even flesh, including the backs of their own heads offering them an almost complete 360 degree field of vision. This ability was in high demand since it allowed the Hyuga to actually attack with extreme precision something as small as a chakra point which existed even in a person’s body. After the fall of the Uchiha, the Hyuga really rose into power which the elders of her clan certainly approved of.
If only they approved of Hinata as much.
Hinata’s life was anything but charmed despite what many people, including her own classmates thought. Her mother died when she was very young and being the eldest, she was expected to be the heiress of the clan. Her father put her through harsh training, but when it seemed like she wasn’t developing as quickly as he expected her to, he gave up on her and instead named her younger sister Hanabi as the heiress. Her father became so disinterested in her, he left her care and protection to a jounin named Kurenai Yuhi, obviously uncaring if anything would happen to her.
She didn’t even have support from the Branch Family who more or less resented her for being part of the main family or being more or less responsible in some of their eyes for taking away their best, Hizashi Hyuga, her uncle and father of her cousin Neji. When Konoha was entering peace talks with Kumogakure no Sato, the Village Hidden in the Clouds, the negotiator attempted to kidnap Hinata so the secrets of her eyes could be removed and possibly given to their forces. Her father Hiashi killed the kidnapper, but discovered the man was the negotiator from the Kumo delegation. Kumogakure played dumb and was furious over the kill, threatening war unless they were given the killer’s head. Fortunately, Hiashi and Hizashi were twins so Hizashi’s head was given since the Hyūga Sōke no Juinjutsu to symbolize his servitude would also neutralize his Byakugan and keep it from falling into enemy hands. Neji was resentful to her and the main family ever since.
And so Hinata was alone, few friends, few people in her own home she could trust, isolated from near everybody thanks to her status or her shyness. The only real highlight in her opinion was Naruto Uzumaki. Going to the academy, she saw how he was so determined to become the Hokage even though he had absolutely no support he was still trying, still smiling, and still going on strong. It made Hinata begin to admire him and it eventually turned into a powerful crush. Naruto didn’t know who she was, but she still crushed on him despite discouragement from the other Hyuga members concerning him.
After graduation, Hinata was happy she would become a kunoichi, but her father wasn’t exactly pleased that she wasn’t even the top kunoichi in the class, losing the position to Sakura Haruno who didn’t come from any prominent clan. Instead he scolded her for being so sloppy in her work and said she should work on not embarrassing the Hyuga Clan when she went on missions. Adding to Hinata’s heartbreak was finding that Naruto didn’t pass the exam at all. She felt so awful that something went very right for her but went so wrong for him.
Wanting to find a way to deal with her hurt feelings, Hinata retreated to her room where she buried herself in one of her mother’s journals. Hina Hyuga was an avid historian of the Hyuga Clan and loved reading the history of her clan in Konoha’s past as well as before it. Going through the journals Hinata at one point discovered a strange seal of some sort on one of the pages. Her mother’s notes depicted it as some kind of summoning technique for a ceremony called the Holy Grail War, the final winner of the contest being granted a wish for anything they wanted.
Hinata read the description her mother found from old scrolls from the time of the first Hokage during the clan wars before Konoha was founded. Hina spoke of her own desire to see if the supposed Holy Grail War was true and perhaps she would use her wish to end the animosity between the main and house branches of the Hyuga Clan, making them one united clan rather than a split one based only on when one was born or to whom. The journal entries ended not long after, but it was enough for Hina to describe how to draw the seal and speak of something called a ‘Catalyst’ which would supposedly bring out a specific Servant rather than a random one.
It took Hinata the better part of an evening, digging through what belongings she had from her mother, but checking on the notes and what she had, she managed to find the object which was called a Catalyst. What it looked like to her were the fossilized bones of a snake, but for some reason it was only about half of a snake with the tail missing and the spine abruptly ended on a plate of bone like it was growing out of it or something.
Waiting for night to fall, Hinata moved to her family’s dojo where she would have enough space and privacy to work. Fortunately the walls of the Hyuga Estate were treated with special seals that prevented Hyuga members from seeing through them. No one liked peepers after all. Bringing as much ink as she could carry and a large blank mat, the kind used by medics to draw large healing arrays for heavily injured patients. Hyuga medical experts kept them on hand for one of their own being injured from a mission. It was a habit that began back when the clan was suspicious of the others in Konoha and treated their own injured so to keep the Byakugan secrets to themselves.
Hinata knew she was going to be in deep trouble if she was caught. Still, she had to try. It was her mother’s final wish and if there was anything Hinata truly desired to do right (besides confess to Naruto) it was this. Unrolling the mat, she prepared the ink, actually cutting her hand and mixing her blood with the ink like her mother’s notes suggested. Once the ink was ready, she began drawing the circle on the mat. Her calligraphy lessons were one of the only things she wasn’t constantly berated in so she was actually able to excel in the art. After over an hour of work and staining her yukata black with ink from some of her more artistic strokes, she finished the circle. Following her mother’s instructions, she placed the snake fossil in the middle of the circle before she took a seat at the edge of the seal. Reading the instructions a final time, she placed her hands on the drying ink and began to channel her chakra into the seal, chanting words as she went. They were foreign and she had no idea what they meant, but she kept at them, praying hard for something to come from her mother’s final wishes.
Tonight she would find some prayers were destined to be answered.
Hinata felt a draining sensation enter her body, pouring into the seal and making it turn a crimson red. The back of her right hand lit up in pain as she felt something begin carving itself into her skin. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from finishing what she started, she couldn’t at this point even if she wanted to. Her body was running on automatic and wasn’t listening to any of her commands anymore. She wouldn’t stop except for death. Her final words were followed by the sounds of a small explosion, sending smoke in all directions of the dojo and launching the timid girl onto her back with a squeak of fright.
There was a light in the middle of the array she had drawn, taking on a human shape. Hinata took a moment to rub her eyes to make sure she got the glare out of them and she could see properly. With her eyes clear she saw that the light had died down, but she wasn’t alone anymore.
Standing before Hinata was a beautiful woman, likely one of the most beautiful Hinata had ever seen in her entire life. She wore a one piece black dress which didn’t cover her shoulders or collarbone and wore gloves and boots that were black with purple accents that went up to her thighs and forearms. Her face was very beautiful, but her eyes were covered with a purple blindfold that had metal clamps between where her eyes would be and a strange red glyph was marked on her forehead. One of her most notable features though was her purple hair which was so long it actually reached down almost to her feet. In her hands were a pair of spiked daggers that were connected by chains, making her look just as intimidating as she was attractive. Her posture spoke of seriousness and of an experienced killer. In all, she embodied the perfect woman, but also the perfect killer.
“Are you my Master?” the voluptuous woman asked, her voice as smooth as silk.
“Uh...Uh...Uh..” Hinata sputtered, very much afraid. Her stutter was so bad she couldn’t even find the words to speak to the woman.
The woman sighed quietly before traversing to Hinata’s side, making the girl increase her trembling. Seeing she was quite obviously terrifying the girl, she calmly clasped the girls hand, seeing the red markings in the form of a Tao symbol surrounded by line markings, the Hyuga Clan Crest on her skin. Seeing that the girl was her Master, the woman’s features softened slightly.
“It’s alright,” she said softly. “I’m not going to hurt you. I am called Rider. You summoned me to take part in the Holy Grail War. I am your Servant.”
“I...I...I...I did it?” Hinata managed to stutter out.
“These markings on your hand prove you are my summoner,” Rider nodded. “I will be your sword and shield for the duration of the Holy Grail War.”
As Hinata was about to try and ask about the Holy Grail War, the door to the door burst open. Storming through were a pair of Branch Family members who acted as guards around the house. They both took one look at the scene, the heiress being in front of an unknown woman who was armed and they immediately charged, preparing potent Jūken strikes to put her down. If it was aimed to kill or incapacitate though it was impossible to say since one could be swapped so easily with the other in their fighting style.
The first approached with the intent of striking several nerve clusters to incapacitate Rider. His Byakugan activated with the telltale veins appearing around his eyes. He gazed at Rider to find the right clusters, but rather than see a chakra or nervous system, all he saw was a being composed entirely of what he thought was chakra, “Wha-?”
The distraction was all Rider needed. Moving like a striking venomous serpent, she reached the Branch House member and punched him across the face. Bones could be heard snapping before the man was sent hurtling to the opposite side of the dojo, smashing into the wall with enough force to crater it.
The second member pickly picked up the slack, lashing out with a kunai. He aimed for her throat but the same supernatural speed Rider possessed was used to block the attack with a brief burst of sparks. Rider then spun around to the man’s side before backhanding him. Once again the force of the blow sent him crashing into the far wall near his fellow Hyuga, rendering him unconscious.
Rider glanced at the downed men her face blank. Both of them were injured and going to need medical attention, but neither of them were dead and that was what counted. Releasing her stance, she glanced over to her child Master and saw that she was trembling. Once again she was afraid but still attempting to be brave since she wasn’t looking away.
Sounds of movement alerted Rider to more arrivals. Turning, Rider saw the arrival of two more Hyuga members dressed as guards, but also the arrival of a man with long black hair and strong features, sharing the same eyes as everyone else in the room. Unlike the guards, he wasn’t dressed to do battle but was instead dressed in a sleeping yukata. Understandable since it was the middle of the night and most sensible people would be asleep.
Unbeknownst to Rider, the man was Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga Clan and Hinata’s father.
“Who are you?” Hiashi frowned. “Why have you invaded the Hyuga grounds?”
Rider remained as cool and collected, quite obviously unimpressed with Hiashi’s stance. The man was quite the intimidating figure and rightly so considering his skill and status, but Rider was not a ninja of Konoha, a member of the Hyuga family, or even human to begin with. To her, Hiashi was just another human who she would regard and if necessary disregard or even eliminate if she had to.
“I am Servant Rider,” the lavanderette spoke. “I have been summoned here in accordance to the Holy Grail War.”
Hiashi blinked, his stance loosening at the woman’s response. Rider’s precise vision allowed her to see the slight movement. It told her that he knew about the Holy Grail War and likely what a Servant was. For a split second, it broke the wall he was trying to project of himself. It only made Rider ponder if she would have to eliminate him in order to keep the secret.
“You dare speak so disrespectfully to Hiashi-sama?” demanded one of the guards.
“Prepare to die for your crimes intruder!” the other snapped, raising a nodachi.
“Hold!” Hiashi barked, causing the two guards to stop their movements and look over to their leader in confusion. Hiashi’s gaze turned back to Rider, but with the woman not attacking he let his eyes move to the rest of the room. His eyes landed on the ink circle and the fossil resting in the middle. He also took notice of his daughter with ink stains on her yukata. When his eyes landed on her, her trembling increased. It didn’t escape Rider’s notice and she tensed, ready to defend her Master.
“Hinata, come here,” Hiashi spoke sternly.
The timid girl stood up and approached, still trembling in nervousness towards her father. Standing next to Rider, she looked up to her father, “H-Hai?”
“Was it you that activated this forbidden summoning jutsu?” he asked.
Hinata’s trembling grew worse, “I-I-I-I-I d-d-d-didn’t know. I j-j-just read it in Okaa-san’s diary a-and...”
Hiashi would have sighed if his discipline would have permitted it. He knew of Hina’s interest in history and she had regaled him on the idea of the Holy Grail War. He didn’t believe it himself, dismissing it as a fairy tale for children. That aside, the jutsu which supposedly would be used to call the ‘Servants’ was forbidden to use. When Hiashi heard that part, he forbade his wife from trying so not to sully the Hyuga’s reputation both to outsiders and to the family itself. The attempt itself would have been damaging enough even if it didn’t work if word got out. He didn’t expect for his wife to have left such detailed notes before her passing.
Now his daughter had attempted the same, but instead she had succeeded.
Hiashi would admit that he wasn’t the most emotional man. He couldn’t afford to be. Not when he was entrusted to lead the Hyuga clan and take on all of the responsibilities affiliated with that role. Still, family was important to him and he strove to defend it even if tradition and honour sometimes forced his hand. Now his hand was being forced again. Hinata had used a forbidden summoning jutsu, but had also opened up an avenue previously thought to be a simple story. The elders would have to be alerted as to what had happened and a decision as to what to do would have to be made. This one act could affect Hinata’s future as more than just which branch of the family she would be assigned. The elders could demand a severe punishment for using such a jutsu and the old men could indeed be creative when it came to punishments.
“We will discuss this in the morning,” he spoke evenly. “Now go back to your room.”
Hinata nodded swiftly and walked from the room. Rider simply glanced at Hisashi, making the man feel like a giant predatory snake was watching him. After a moment, she left to follow Hinata. The guards looked to Hiashi, wondering why he was allowing the woman free reign but he ignored their silent questions. “Take these two to the medics. I want them to make reports in the morning.”
“Hai Hiashi-sama,” both men nodded, turning to their downed comrades.
When the two guards removed their comrades and were out of the room, Hiashi allowed himself a sigh.
(LINE BREAK)
Hinata sat trembling fiercely on her futon,terrified of how she was going to explain herself to her father about what she had done. She had no idea the summoning jutsu was forbidden! She didn’t know she was breaking the law! Now she had shamed the Hyuga family even if only they would know! It made her want to cry in despair.
“Master,” Rider spoke, now greatly concerned for her small charge. She hadn’t seen a child react so negatively before. Approaching Hinata, she dismissed her weapons and kneeled down next to the trembling heiress. “Master, you must calm down. Surely things are not so bad.”
“I-I broke the law,” Hinata sniffled. “I made the Hyuga Clan l-l-look bad! Otou-sama will punish me and the elders will mark with with the Hyūga Sōke no Juinjutsu and throw me away! Everyone there h-hates me! I...I...I...” It became too much for the child and she began to cry, dropping her face in her hands.
Rider felt sympathy for her small Master and her plight. She too knew what it meant to fear the disapproval of the family you loved. She had feared many times making her sisters angry over something in the past. She also knew how to comfort someone, having done so in the past for her sisters and for a sobbing worshipper. Shuffling closer, she gently wrapped Hinata in her arms and held her close, allowing the girl to cry into her chest. Rider may have been a cool and collected individual, but she always had a soft spot for people who were treated unfairly or were in bad family situations. It had happened to her after all.
Hinata herself was always shy around new people and quite timid about speaking with them. Still, she knew that she could trust Rider. The violet-haired woman had been summoned by Hinata herself and would be her protector, someone she could trust, and hopefully someone who would be her friend.
“It’s alright. It’s alright,” Rider whispered softly. What kind of child was her new Master to be so scared and intimidated by her own family that she broke down like this at the thought of being punished by them? “If anyone tries to hurt you, I will protect you. If anyone so much as raises a finger to you, I will beat them down. Whenever you are alone, I will be here. I will not abandon you.”
Hinata sobbed, choking back for only a moment before she started crying again. There was gratitude in those tears this time though. Gratitude for the fact that she now had someone who cared around her, someone she could count on at any time.
It wasn’t long before she cried herself to sleep in Rider’s arms, feeling a measure of hope for the first time.
(LINE BREAK)
The dawn came and Hinata was immediately summoned to the meeting room so to speak with her father. She had team assignments to go to at the academy so the meeting would have to be done early. Dressing in her usual down jacket and pants, Hinata travelled to the formal meeting room with Rider following her from behind. Upon entering, Hinata saw that her father was already there and waiting for her.
“Sit,” he ordered, pointing to a pillow across from him. Hinata timidly obeyed, taking a seat. Rider stood at attention behind her like a trusted bodyguard but Hiashi ignored her.
“Hinata, what you did last night broke the laws of Konoha concerning one of the forbidden jutsus,” Hiashi spoke. “Fortunately, since this jutsu did not require sacrifices you have spared the Hyuga Clan great amounts of shame for this misdemeanor.”
Hinata flinched, but she didn’t say anything.
“However, it is now apparent that there is more to this to consider,” Hiashi continued. “If Rider’s presence is an indication to this ‘Holy Grail War’ then we must take steps to learn all we can about it and what this may mean to both the Hyuga Clan and Konoha as a whole. As such, I ask you to submit all of your mother’s notes and research that you have in your possession.”
Hinata wilted slightly at the ‘request’. Much of her mother’s diary and some of the other belongings she had were notes about the Holy Grail War and her research into it. She expected it, but she had dearly hoped her father wouldn’t need to take that from her. So she reached into her jacket and brought out the diary, placing it on the floor and presenting it to her father. Hiashi silently took the book, only sparing a glance at it.
“I will confer with the elders today about these events,” the man continued. “I do not believe you will be punished since these events are more important. Now go get ready for Kurenai’s arrival.”
“H-hai, Otou-sama,” Hinata nodded. Standing up, she turned and left the room. Rider silently followed, having nothing to say to the man good or bad. Hiashi watched them go. When the door shut, he looked to the book in front of him and felt some reluctance to open it. Memories of his wife still hurt. Even if their marriage was arranged, he still loved her. It was impossible not to love Hina with her beauty and kind nature. Since her death though, memories of her and not having her still hurt. Now it seemed he was going to have to face those memories if he and the clan were going to have an idea as to what was happening.
(LINE BREAK)
Hinata hurried to the front gate of the Hyuga Estate, not wanting to make Kurenai wait. She was something of a big sister to the heiress and she would hate to disappoint her.
“Are we going somewhere Master?” asked Rider.
“Yes,” Hinata nodded. “I have to go to the Academy today. I graduated from training and I’m going to be assigned to a team today.”
“I see,” Rider nodded. “Master, I feel it would be best if I were to astralize. That way I could remain close to you, but no one would be able to see me save for other Servants.”
“A-Astralize?” asked Hinata, looking to her Servant.
“I would be rendered into a ghost-like state, being immaterial,” Rider explained. “All I need you to do is reduce the amount of prana...I mean, chakra that you are powering me with. Simply concentrate on our bond and reduce it.”
“O-okay,” Hinata nodded. Concentrating, she tried to feel the bond between herself and Rider. It was easy since she could feel a significant portion of her chakra being syphoned off through the markings on her hand to Rider. Fortunately, the Hyuga style of combat required a high degree of control which Hinata had. She tugged on her chakra, pulling back a portion of it.
The effect was immediate as Hinata saw Rider begin fading from sight. She became see-through, like a ghost and startling the young heiress slightly.
“R-Rider?” she squeaked.
“I am simply astralized Master,” Rider explained, her voice sounding ethereal. “Now only you will be able to see me like this.”
“O-oh,” Hinata mumbled.
Shaking off the shock, Hinata reached the front gates and quietly passed through them. Waiting for her on the other side was a woman with long black hair and strangely alluring red eyes. She wore white cloth wrapped around her in a toga-esque fashion, but she wore a red top underneath which had her right arm covered. Around her forehead was a Konoha hitae-ate marking her as a kunoichi. She didn’t wear the vest that marked her as one, but she was a jounin level ninja. Her name was Kurenai Yuhi, Konoha’s resident genjutsu expert.
For some time now, Kurenai had been the trusted instructor for Hinata’s private education alongside her regular shinobi training. With Hinata’s home life just plain awful, Kurenai tried to be the friend and female role model that Hinata needed in her life. The young girl took solace in Kurenai’s friendship, finding it a reprieve from the pressures and mistreatment from her family. With Hinata graduating though, she feared she wouldn’t be able to stay with Kurenai, but the jounin had a surprise for her on that front.
“Good morning Hinata,” Kurenai smiled.
“Good morning Kurenai-sensei,” Hinata bowed respectfully. She was a little afraid that Kurenai could see Rider, but the blindfolded woman had walked around the kunoichi as if examining her and Kurenai didn’t seem any bit the wiser.
“Ready to go?” asked Kurenai, smiling.
“H-Hai!” Hinata nodded.
The two women soon were on their way to the academy so Hinata could be assigned to her Jounin-sensei who would be the one to help train her and two others until they became chunin. Walking through the streets, they had some light conversation, but Hinata was clearly nervous about who she might be getting as teammates. While she could get along with people, she didn’t have many friends and a number of people liked to make fun of her, thinking her stuck up or snobby because of her family.
Of course, Hinata was also nervous about Rider being spotted. So far no one seemed capable of perceiving the purple-haired woman in her ghost-like state. Still, Hinata was afraid that if someone saw Rider then she would have to tell where Rider came from and it would shame the Hyuuga Family deeply. Hinata wasn’t the most convincing liar to have been born.
Walking through the streets, Kurenai, Hinata, and Rider soon began approaching the academy where the graduating students were saying goodbye to their parents for the day while they got team assignments. Many of the parents were tearing up, watching their children meet a new phase in their lives with smiles and grins. Hinata wished that her own parents could be there for her, but Kurenai’s support helped her feel better about it. Rider likewise was quickly becoming another pillar of support.
Walking past the crowds, Hinata’s eyes trailed to the main gate where she saw a familiar head of blonde hair paired up with a shocking orange outfit. ‘Naruto-kun?’
Indeed it was Naruto who was approaching the academy. He looked as energetic as ever, but wrapped around his forehead was a Konoha hitae-ate instead of his normal goggles. The sight made warmth fill up in Hinata’s chest, ‘Naruto-kun passed after all! I’m so glad!’
Hinata’s elation was cut off when she took notice of a woman talking to Naruto. She was dressed...scandalously, making Hinata blush at such a sight. The woman had a messy ponytail and the majority of her body was exposed with her tube top and tight shorts. The red jacket she wore wasn’t much of a cover up either. Being so proper, Hinata couldn’t help but feel embarrassed just by seeing such a woman and...
...why was she feeling like someone was tickling her hand?
“Master, please enter the school,” Rider suddenly spoke. “Another Servant is nearby and I wish for you to be indoors before we begin fighting. Don’t act suspicious and pretend you can’t see me.”
Hinata paled, Rider wanted to fight? What was she going to do now?
“Still scared Hinata?” asked Kurenai, seeing Hinata tremble slightly. “I wouldn’t worry. The teams are picked by how likely the members are to work together. I’m sure your teammates will become good friends with you.”
“H-hai!” Hinata stuttered, seeing Rider walking away from the corner of her eye. Kurenai merely smiled at her answer and began to walk her into the school.
(LINE BREAK)
“Why the heck is my hand tingling so much?” Naruto grunted, trying to scratch the sensation coming from the back of his hand. It wasn’t a bad sensation, but it really felt weird to the blonde.
Naruto’s day started out with once again finding that he had begun using Saber as a pillow sometime over the course of the night. After another embarrassed freak out, Naruto went to get dressed. Saber recommended the clothes she got the day before, but Naruto insisted on the jumpsuit he always wore. Another fierce battle took place, but Naruto remained adamant after he had been forced to give up his awesome ninja registration photo. He was not going to give up his iconic jumpsuit for when he met his team. Saber had to relent since Naruto was going to be late if they kept at it so she reluctantly relented and let him have his way.
So making their way to the academy, Naruto was prepared and polished his hitae-ate to perfection and his trademark jumpsuit worn and ready to impress the world.
Then his hand started tingling outside the gates of the academy.
“Your hand is tingling?” Saber asked, looking to her Master.
“Yeah, it’s bugging me,” Naruto muttered, shaking his hand. “Do you know what it is Saber?”
Saber made a ‘tsk’ noise and glanced into the crowd with the corner of her eye. She hadn’t expected another Servant to appear so soon! She had foolishly thought that no one in Konoha would be able to summon a Servant since knowledge of the Holy Grail war and how to even summon a Servant were forbidden knowledge. It seemed that forbidden did not equate into unknown.
“I’m sure it will go away,” Saber lied, reassuring her Master. “Now get going. I’m sure you need to be ready for your team.”
“Yeah! I don’t wanna be late!” Naruto nodded, running for the school. It was likely the first time that he had been eager to go to the academy since he first started. Saber watched him go before she walked away from the building, but she could feel the other Servant’s gaze on her. She played stupid though, pretending she hadn’t noticed as she walked away from the school. The Servant’s signature followed, meaning that whoever it was wished for a fight.
Saber led the Servant on, heading to the grounds which the ninjas would train at. Hardly the perfectly isolated spot that a battle for the Holy Grail War would be fought on, but it wasn’t in use and no one was around. That made it good enough. Saber walked out into the middle of the forest training grounds. Standing near a river, she waited.
She didn’t have to wait long before the trees rustled. Turning, the black and purple clad form of the Servant emerged into the clearing.
“Quite brave of you,” Saber smirked. “Coming out here to face me head on like this. I would appreciate your name before we do battle.”
“Rider,” the purple-haired woman replied. “If you wish to fight, then I suggest you draw your weapon and start before someone comes.”
“You are eager,” Saber smirked, sending the mental command for her armour and sword to manifest.
Only nothing happened.
“What?-!” Saber cried out, looking at her hands, but saw no sword or armour appear. Instead, her hands trembled as if they were bound by something. The blonde snarled and looked up at Rider, “You cur! Undo the spell you put on me!”
“You’re a Servant. It would take high level magic to be truly effective on you and none of it is subtle,” Rider replied. “That aside, if I knew how to undo the magic keeping you from attacking me, I’d use it on myself first.” Rider lifted her hands where they were likewise trembling. “I cannot summon my weapons to fight you, and when I try to move to strike you bare-handed, I cannot move my body. Only when I abandon the idea can I move freely again.”
Saber frowned, but with no alternative, she allowed any thought of attacking Rider to leave her mind. As soon as the thoughts vanished, so did the restraining sensation that accompanied such thoughts. Free again, she glared at Rider, “What is this?”
“I don’t know,” Rider replied. “I tried attacking you once you were clear of witnesses, but my body refused to cooperate.”
“Then how is a Holy Grail War supposed to be fought if the Servants cannot fight each other?-!” demanded Saber hotly.
“Perhaps it is a new rule we were not made aware of,” Rider suggested. “Although that would require asking a moderator as to what the rules are and the Grail gave me no knowledge as to who and/or where that might be.”
“So that leaves us stuck,” Saber huffed. “Unless we find a Caster that can offer more of a possible insight.”
“So far you are the only Servant I have been able to detect,” Rider admitted. “Either they are outside of my range or they have not been summoned yet.”
“Considering the lack of knowledge these people have on the subject of Servants or the Holy Grail War, I believe it is the latter,” Saber frowned.
“Possibly,” Rider nodded, but this simple rule of the Servants being prohibited from attacking one another was disturbing. Was it simply because the Grail War hadn’t officially started or was there a deeper meaning behind it? Or was it because something was simply wrong that needed to be addressed before things got out of hand? Or did all the Servants needed to be summoned first before the Holy Grail War could officially commence and a ceasefire was declared until then?
It seemed that things were not so clear cut as they had at first seemed.
To Be Continued…
A/N: And we see the Rider appear and she’s a familiar face. Hinata has also cast her lot into the Holy Grail War, although she may not have really known what she was getting into when she summoned Rider. Can she deal with the pressures of being in the Holy Grail War? What will she do when she finds that Naruto is part of it too? And what is going on with Saber and Rider?
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