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Konohagakure:
The next day, after the routing of Orochimaru from his hiding place and the arrival of Magnus the Red, the village was calm but still on high alert and even more so after it was revealed that Orochimaru was somewhere in the village. Despite knowing of his plans, Sarutobi truly wanted to draw the snake sannin out so he could be taken care of permanently, hence why the Chūnin exams have not been postponed and the final matches will be held within the next coming days. Currently, the gates guards at the front of the village were going about their usual day, but more alert considering the situation within the village. Standing beside them were two Imperial Fists, armed with their bolters and a boarding shield, they and many of their brothers and cousins, were assigned duties like this so they would not become too comfortable or complacent. Mostly it was the job of themselves and the Iron Warriors to do patrols and guard duty along the walls of the village, pointing out flaws or even cracks in the walls, obviously reporting them so they can be fixed or even strengthened. The sound of marching feet alerted the gates guards and their Astartes counterparts of an oncoming force, whether it was friend or foe was yet to be determined. Neither pair of guards had to wait long to find out, over the small crest of the road coming towards the village the flags of the '261st Siege Regiment' can be seen flying in the air. Not long after the after the flags are seen, the men themselves of the regiment are seen, being lead from the front by their officer while off to the left the Death Riders follow closely.
"Who in Kami's name are they?" One of the guard says, staring wide eyed at the number of soldiers marching their way.
"They are the Death Korps of Krieg, be cautious with them and let us do the talking, mortal." One of the Imperial Fists responds before sending a vox message back to central command in the Aquila Clan Compound. The large group of guardsmen stop in their marching, only a few feet in front of the open gate, the commander walks forward and salutes the Astartes before him, not really paying any attention to the shinobi guards at all.
"My lord, I am Guardsmen 1409, I am the commander of this regiment. Commander '5555' is the officer in charge of the Death Riders, what city is this?" The commander asks, his voice raspy and dark behind his respirator.
"This is the village of Konohagakure, commander. We have other forces here, but take heed as those inside are all our allies, there are no Xenos or heretics here, commander. Tell your men that, lest you all will be considered enemies if conflict arises." No response comes at first, but then the commander nods his head and salutes the Imperial Fist.
"Understood, my lord." The commander turns around and goes to his men, making sure the message is spread and told. Finished with his own men and telling commander '5555' of the Death Riders, the men start to match again, reforming into a more narrow column as they March into the village. The villagers and shinobi that see them coming stand aside entirely, not willing to get in their way or even possibly trampled by the massive horses the men are riding. Moving down the streets of the village, the men keep their heads forward and do not even gaze at the villagers and shinobi's they pass by, the Astartes on the other hand are a different story. Even though they do not move their heads to look at them, some of them wish they could fire upon them upon seeing the symbols of the Word Bearers, World Eaters, Night Lords, Iron Warriors, Sons of Horus and Alpha Legion, all of them traitor Astartes from their old world. However, seeing that they are not corrupted and standing beside those of loyalist chapters make the Kriegsmen question what kind of world they have entered. Watching them from above on the rooftops are the ANBU of the village, taking note of how many of them there are, weapons, equipment and anything that stands out. The worrying factor, was that these soldiers wore the exact same gear and clothing as Raijin, making them realize that the village has gotten even a higher influx of outright killing machines. Not just counting the Primarchs and their sons, but now a literal army of potentially just as powerful fighters. Even from the window of his office, the Hokage watched the procession while smoking his pipe and contemplating to himself about how powerful the village seems to be getting, but also how much bigger the population will be and potential damage to the food stocks. Despite the notion being crazy, Hiruzen wondered what it would be like for the 'Imperials' to somehow create their own hidden village or even want it would be called. However, that was a far off notion and one that honestly frightened the old man as he thought about it. Something moving out of the corner of the old mans eye caught his attention, and looking to his right he saw none other than Raijin, perched on a building ledge and looking down at his brothers in arms while they marched through the street. Regardless of the changes that have happened to the young man, Raijin was still very much a cold killing machine that the old Hokage was truly glad was apart of their village. Hearing a knock at his office door, the Hokage puffed out some smoke before speaking.
"Come in." The door opened and closed, and Hiruzen already knew who entered his office.
"There is a lot of them, meaning more strength towards the village." Hiruzen regarded, gesturing to the guardsmen while he turned around to face the Jōnin before him, that being mainly Kakashi, Might Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, and even some of the clan heads who looked either angry or concerned.
"Hiruzen, this cannot be allowed to stand. The forces of these foreigners grows more and more, soon enough they may decide to overthrow the village." Hiashi Hyuga was the first to speak up, others nodded their heads in agreement with him, while others thought he was over exaggerating.
"I understand your concern, Hiashi, but since the arrival of these 'foreigners', the power of the village has only grown. Not only that, but our trade routes and borders are more secure than they have ever been before. They have allowed our shinobi to better focus the sources of the village, on more precise missions no less. I have spoken individually with each of their leaders, and they have all assured me they intend no harm to us or the village." His words assuage the worries and concerns of all but Hiashi, who still looks unconvinced.
"Elaborate lies, they have the power to overthrow us and we sit here waiting for it to happen." Hiruzen stands from his chair at the words of the Hyuga clan head, obviously not taking his words lightly.
"Hiashi Hyuga, they asked to be allowed in our village. They did not demand, did not threaten, but asked to be allowed to stay in our village. Their leader, one called Horus Lupercal, even assured me that they would do what was needed to earn their keep. That is why you see them patrolling the streets, guarding the gate, even going out on missions that most of our own shinobi's would not survive. They are proving their worth Hiashi, I would and will not ask anymore from them." Even though he did not raise his voice, there was no need to do so, the clan heads and Jōnin present knew to respect the old mans authority. Hiashi kept his mouth shut after the speech from Hiruzen, knowing the old Hokage would not defend the 'foreigners' so vehemently if they were not proving their worth. Kakashi for his part couldn't help the slight smile that graced his face underneath the mask, since the arrival of the 'Astartes' things have been more calm in the village than they usually are, more than likely because word from traders and merchants has spread, and those that would usually be their enemies have questioned taking any action against Konoha at all.
Kakashi remembers a conversation he had with one of the Astartes called a 'Word Bearer', said Astartes told him of why they have their name and what it means to them. How they carry the words of their 'Emperor' into battle against those that would defy him and his dream for their world, the Word Bearer even explained how they came to be, their rise and eventual fall. Despite this, they have been given another chance to show their true potential, and this was why he was proud to be a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, because Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up for what was right and those that earned their place amongst them. The clan heads nodded in respect at Hiruzens words, knowing that the old leader was still a leader regardless and hadn't fallen to the whims of old age like most.
"Now, I know and understand that many of you fear what these foreigners are capable, that is understandable. However, we cannot allow ourselves to be victims of our own ignorance, for they have shown us no harm or hostility. Return to your clans and be at peace with yourselves, for they mean no ill-will towards us. I will speak with Lupercal and inquire as to who these new arrivals are, be at peace." Hearing the words of their Hokage, the clan heads that showed up turn and leave the office, leaving the Hokage and the Jōnin alone. Asuma lights a cigarette, a chuckle leaving his mouth.
"Persuasive and level headed as ever." Hiruzen looks at his son and nods his head, puffing smoke from his pipe.
"The clan heads are understandably worried about the arrival of these forces, however, I believe they will help our village greatly in the long run. From what I was able to see, the 'Primarchs' as they are called, have no chakra at all." This caught all the Jōnin off guard, that such massive warriors do not have chakra of some kind.
"Despite that, they are more dangerous than all of you. I would even wager they could fight my old students to a draw, possibly win in the right circumstances. Their 'sons' are no different, dangerous enough to fight a Jōnin to a standstill." Kurenai thinks for a moment, hearing that these massive warriors do not have chakra, yet Raijin who is from the same world is likely one of the most powerful fighters the village currently has.
"Does that mean Raijin is the only fighter with Chakra amongst his people?" Hiruzen blows out some smoke, thinking of what she said.
"I truly do not know, I honestly hope he is the only one. We have seen what he is capable of, he bested Orochimaru in the Forest of Death, unfortunately he was not able to kill him, but he bested him nonetheless. Not only that, but more security for the finals of the exams is always welcome." Hiruzen chuckles in good nature, trying to keep the mood light as he knows they are in serious times and everyone is one edge. A knock at the door alerts them once again, the Jōnin step to the side, looking at the door.
"Come in." The door opens as Hiruzen's secretary walks in the room, bowing to the Hokage before speaking.
"Lord Hokage, Lord Lupercal has arrived to speak with you." Hiruzen nods as he stands from his desk, gesturing to the Jōnin.
"I think it is best that you meet Lord Lupercal." The shinobi, even his son Asuma were confused as to why they were leaving the office to meet with the leader of the 'Imperials'. Needless to say, they found out quickly when they entered a training area inside the Hokage's mansion, the man, almost god like, towered well above all of them. Even those standing beside him seemed small in comparison and they were in full armor, whereas this man was dressed in what looked to be fine leather clothing with a massive wolf pet draped over his shoulders.
"Lord Lupercal, I am glad you were able to meet on such short notice." The massive man bows his head respectfully to Hiruzen, a small grin on his face.
"Good to see you are keeping well in these times, I have much to discuss with you. The abomination Orochimaru has been driven from his hiding place, unfortunately we were not able to kill him nor detain him. My brother, Konrad Curze, is currently hunting him as we speak." All the Jōnin in the room that knew of Konrad Curze shuttered at the name, knowing entirely what he is capable of after what they saw during the rebellion in the Hidden Mist.
"I have spoken with your brother... Should there be anyone capable of matching my old student in barbarity, it likely would be him." Lupercal frowns slightly at the old mans words, said old man still being a child in comparison to all the years of the Primarchs and their sons in general.
"My brother may be brutal, but he is capable of more things than any of you can imagine. Nevertheless, I know you saw the procession of the mortal soldiers through the village, have no fear and fret not, for they serve my father just as I do." Hiruzen nods his head in understanding of Horus, having had no reason since meeting him to doubt his word or his dedication.
"I never would've dreamed to see my home this powerful, at least not within my life time. I am an old man, Lord Lupercal, I want to see my people safe before my time on this earth eventually ends." Horus stares at Hiruzen before slightly stepping forward, the Jōnin tense slightly, which is noticed by Horus. Stopping in front of the old man, he rests his massive hand as gently on his shoulder as possible.
"The lives of mortals have always escaped me, in such short lives you can be capable of great things and terrible things. You, Lord Sarutobi, will be a man that shall be forever immortalized in the eyes of your people. Look upon the world as it is now, look upon the village you call home and know that it is good hands. Long as my brothers and I draw breath, your home shall stand the rest of time, forevermore." Hiruzen looked up at the warm face of Horus Lupercal, his face was stern, not smiling or flinching, but the old man could see years and years of wisdom, sorrow and pride in those eyes. Reaching a hand to the pocket on the heavy leather pants that he is wearing, Horus retrieves what looks like a gold medallion, this catches the eyes of all but his sons. Holding it out to the Hokage, Hiruzen can see the iconography of the Luna Wolves and Sons of Horus made into one. The wolf and the moon, with the symbol of the sons of Horus etched into the head of the wolf, all of it in expertly painted and preserved.
"A gift, from my legion and I to you, Lord Sarutobi." Hiruzen stared in slight awe at the craftsmanship, holding his hand out he took the medallion and examined it. He nodded his head in appreciation of the gift, as there were no words he could find to show appreciation.
"I apologize if I am cutting this short, but I must be away, the soldiers have arrived at our clan compound and I must ensure that nothing goes wrong." Stepping back, Horus bows his head respectfully or Hiruzen who returns the gesture, then, with a whirl of the wolf fur on his shoulders, Horus and his sons leave the Hokage and Jōnin to their thoughts.
Streets of Konoha:
Raijin could only stare in surprise, his stone visage not breaking over the sight of seeing his brothers marching through the village. The mans eyes may have shown the emotions he was having, the thoughts running through his mind, but nonetheless he was still as impassive as ever. Lately, he has been training Sasuke more and more for his fight in the finals of the Chūnin exams, between him and Kakashi the young Uchiha has barely gotten any rest. Amongst other things, the young man is going to be a father and doesn't even know if he will be able to be a 'father figure' by any means. Being born from an artificial womb and then trained to be a cold blooded killer, didn't exactly make a good recipe for father material at all. Stepping back from his position on the roof, he descends from the building quickly and starts walking towards one of the only places that he can really think his thoughts. The man hopes that his impromptu pupils will be there as well, for not only has he been training Sasuke, but he has also been training Naruto and giving Sakura pointers on how to better her own techniques. Walking down the streets of Konoha, he stops every few feet to give a respectful nod to any of the Astartes he passes, whether they be formally of traitor stock or not. Nonetheless, he truly hopes that he can sit down and get his thoughts straight above all else.
Ichiraku Ramen:
Arriving at his go to restaurant for food, especially when he is trying to avoid going back to the Inuzuka clan house, mainly because said clan head wants to jump his bones when she sees him, Raijin sees his pupils and even former teammates are there as well, enjoying food and talking.
"I hope you can burn off that ramen as fast as you're eating it, Naruto." All talking falls silent as the blonde almost chokes on his food, not only in surprise, but also fear because of the skull-dragging workout session Raijin put Sasuke and Naruto through earlier in the day.
"N-no problem, big bro." Naruto laughs nervously while holding the back of his head, Raijin chuckles as he sits down beside the blonde on the open chair, making everyone relax and chuckle as they have gotten used to Raijin's intense personality by this point.
"Teuchi, you know what I like." Raijin says to the older chef who laughs and nods his head, Raijin sets a Ryō down on the counter before removing his demon faced mask. Once again, it is no surprise that Ayame stares at his face with hearts in her eyes and a blush on her face. Only a few minutes later as Naruto is talking Raijin's ear off Teuchi sets down his usual dish of ramen, which is much more spiced and hot to taste than what the others usually eat. Lots of chilies, fried pork, kombu and fish-cakes are usually what makes up Raijin's typical meal at Ichiraku Ramen.
"I never would've guessed spicy foods would be your thing, Sensei." Sasuke remarks with a genuine chuckle, as most of them are still figuring out what Raijin likes and dislikes when it comes to foods and other such things within their world. Oddly enough, they found out by literally stalking Raijin around the village one day, that despite the mans favoritism towards spicy food, it appears he has a clear love for Daifuku which is a sweet desert.
"I didn't think so either, Sasuke. Back in my world, food is not made to be good or even taste good, to put it mildly of course. Here in this world, I have found a new meaning to the entire definition of the word 'food'." This causes them all to chuckle and smile, Naruto laughs and slaps Raijin on the back, right before he is able to eat some of his ramen. Raijin reciprocates by smacking Naruto on the back of the head, causing his face to fly downwards into his ramen, and the entire group burst out in laughter while Raijin merely smirks before taking the first bite of his food. Today has been a day to remember to be sure, more dead men like himself marching into the village and unfortunately finding out that Orochimaru was still alive, but so long as he is still breathing his duty is not over, not by a long shot.
End of this chapter my friends, hope you enjoy and leave any thoughts of comments that come to your mind. Thank you for all your support and I will see you on the next go around.