Summoner in the Elemental Nations (Naruto Celestial Menagerie Quest)

I guess I may as well close the vote.


A very close vote. So we roll the Creature Roll twice. Now let's see what we get... also a reminder from the next turn you gain 50% of the word count. So in a situation of let's say 4000 words, you end up with 200 points.

Let's see what we get...



Banked Points: 50 + 200 Points (Wave Mission Success Bonus)

Well... this is interesting. Although for Andy's mental state an avian nightmare, and a weird bug are not very huggable. That's for sure. I will need to do research on the first one (feel free to provide the info on it) as Dauntless game is not something I know well. Also from all Naruto rolls, one of the weakest ones, which amuses me.

To be fair, this bug is hands down your best tracker, and it gives you a very, very valuable in with Konoha, and I mean Aburame Clan. If you by any chance get the power, where your creatures can reproduce... oh boy.

But yeah, 500 points. A very, VERY big hitter. May also allow some options that otherwise would be very, very risky.

And once in a while I will give those kinds of reward. May be points, may be a creature/power reward. I give points this time around to soften a bit a blow of the incoming point income nerf. Anyway thank you so far for participating in the quest and cheers mates.

He has returned to the village, but his current mood was horrible.

And it's hard not to feel this way when you find the place of the carnage. And yes, it's hard to call it anything, but that.

Some villagers and Tazuna quickly calculated the losses. Tazuna doesn't say anything while looking at Andy outside of a basic nod. Andy takes it as him accepting the casualties but also being sad about some unavoidable victims. Andy slightly nods, and with some shame turns his head around from Tazuna. And uses his whole willpower to accept what he had done.

Forty-five dead bandits. If Tsunami's info is right, only 5 survived. Some of them were so mauled, that the only thing that allowed us to recognize them was sometimes a singular arm or leg, with massive blotches of blood on some buildings. That one singular head, with an open brain oozing out of it was not a memory he wants to recall.

Three of Tazuna's builder helpers are dead as well, while 3 more are wounded, with one of them having a broken left leg.

Five normal civilians are dead as well, mostly because the information about the evacuation mostly misses them, and they are the ones returning from some fishing or hunting jobs, and walking into chaos at the worst moment they could.

And on the forced prostitutes… out of 15, 5 died, including that small young girl, that most likely choked out to death on her own blood. Mostly from them being used as meatshields, but in the end, Andy had no plan for more delicate hostage situations. One of the many mistakes he has committed.

58 dead people, with several casualties, that some are still calculated. By a massacre I caused. I can't call it otherwise. Oh my god, it just hits me how many people I've killed, if by an accident. No, not a complete accident, I took into account that people would most likely die. I also think my reaction to seeing that girl, also made Babar lash out in anger, with our emotional bond being there most likely. This is what I suspect at least.

Andy without a word continues checking out the ruins of the buildings. 6 houses are completely demolished, to the point where they must be rebuilt from the scratch. And barracks, that he told Babar to focus on, are what he may as well call flattened. His elephant companion stomped on the remains of the building so many times, that right now it's a rubbish heap. Nothing from the building can be saved.

Some find elephants beautiful, and majestic, but still underestimate how destructive those animals can be. Especially when enraged, which is what happened there. Adult elephants are capable of ripping adult trees with roots. And I applied Size Augmentation and Machine Theme on top of it, making it even more powerful. Did I overdo it, for what was supposed mostly a distraction? Yes, I did.
It's a monotone job, but with bodies mostly cleaned up, it kind of distracts him from the spiral of depressing thoughts. As much as it can. Many people wonder who is this stranger, but some who know him give him a mix of grim acceptance, worry, and the worst of them raw fear.

Is it really that surprising, while seeing THIS massacre? Honestly, in many cases, they take it far better than he would expect. This is still a village, used to violence, and losses. It's not normal, and it makes me realize how comfortable my previous life was. This is pretty much the first view of a warzone-like situation. No, in a way it's worse as those people couldn't seriously fight back in any meaningful way.

Adding to this also 20 bandits that were in his villa, and Gato himself, it adds to the total of 78 people.

Yes, because I needed that reminder.

Tired, but in a way that makes him stop thinking, he notices a worried Tsunami. The gentle, but understanding smile makes it even worse, as he feels like those people should be more disgusted, and judging. She gently guides him to her house, and they sit inside without a word. Tsunami also ignores the tears that slowly drop from his eyes, simply accepting silence for what it is.

"I'm sorry. It… wasn't supposed to go this way." Andy whispers to her, and she smiles again. Not judging. "I think when I've noticed that poor girl being impaled on Babar's tusk, I think something inside of me snapped. And with our bond, my elephant reacted to it, with my feelings encouraging it. I may be wrong, but…"

"You know that it's not your fault. In the end, it was that bandit that did it." Tsunami calmly states.

"I know! I know, but it doesn't help, that all of this started because of my plan, my idea!" Andy shouts, instantly calming down, and apologizing for an outburst. "I should have… maybe stay there for a while, to guide Babar at first. Maybe practice with my companions first, before trying to go for it, to train with them, even if it would mean that Gato could get new reinforcements. Maybe…"

"Stop. Please." Tsunami places her hand on one of his cheeks, in a calming gesture. "It's also partially my fault for putting this pressure on you, on begging you. It was… unbecoming of me." Andy remembers that Japanese people HATE showing weakness, and asking for favors. If his memory is right at this point, some of his memories of the Japanese customs on his part may be faulty at this point. "I accepted, and people knowing, that you are still a novice at this. And I know you will improve."

"Yes, I will." Andy nods with determination. "That poor child. Such a bad way to die. Suffering under Gato's men, to only get such a cruel way to slowly suffocate to death. I can't, I can't get this memory out of my head. It's so messed up."

Tsunami suddenly hugs him, and Andy with raw desperation hugs back. "You're such a gentle soul. I know that girl, somewhere in the pure world, knows that it's not your fault."

"I don't even know her name."

"I can ask if this is what you want."

Andy doesn't want to know, because he also remembers the desperate mother hugging her body, and shouting "My poor baby, my poor baby. Why did this monster do this to you."

"I… thank you. I may need to go for a walk. I also remember you wanted to talk with me?"

"It's not important. Especially not now. Just take your time."

"I'm sorry."

"You are so kind, Andou-san. This world needs more people like you."

Andy without a word leaves the room. Fancy simply observes, with worry on its face. Andy nods, mostly to go talk to his creature companions. He mostly dismissed them outside of the village, so people aren't reminded of what happened there.



Andy pauses, gaining two new creatures in his soul. And while Bikōchū somewhat brings a smile to his face, mostly reminding him of good old times, when Naruto wasn't an escalating Dragon Ball clone, with horrible fillers making him waste so much of his time as a teenager. Still a useful gain, especially for tracking.

What shocks him is the… bird-like avian nightmare. Andy feels in his soul how powerful this creature is. Andy can feel the raw, negative energy residing in his soul, calmly resting there for now. And Andy realizes that this thing may be like a mini Tailed Beast.

Later. The last thing the villagers need is to witness this flying nightmare.

It will help though. With this, he can genuinely combat some top-tier shinobi, and not lose. But he is really not in a mood to deal with THIS summoning. He will do it later, it deserves at least this much, and it shouldn't be ignored because of his bad mood for too long.

Slowly riding on Fancy, Andy rethinks some of the choices he has committed.

Like describing women to Babar. If that kunoichi was there, Babar would most likely ignore her, and allow her to do whatever she wanted.

Another one was simply not leaving a minder for him, even if he couldn't do it myself. Like Tazuna. If he was there, to simply even give basic 'stop' or 'turn around'. Yes, my animal language helps to communicate, but elephants (if mostly Asian ones) can be trained, and follow basic commands. It would understand THIS much at least.

Making his little bird Lax, instead of just flying in their faces, do basic morse-like language signals. It was the most mobile of its group. Something very basic. Like one tap on Babar's trunk for 'go', two for 'stop', and three 'turn side' while it would show which side. This would be enough to at least have an alternative minder.

And also keep some of his emotions in check. To at least make sure it won't affect his creatures too hard. The assumption may be wrong, but in the end, panic or rage, or shock may get him killed in the middle of danger anyway.

And a potential idea would be to simply ride Fancy, while air walking, which it is capable of! Very few shinobi can fly, and while she could throw a Lightning technique or a kunai, The Shield would easily deflect it! All this risk could be avoided by simply being in the air!

And obviously not trying to think of anything for a hostage situation, which was inevitable. Maybe those smoke bombs would be better to be used there, to force them out of the building, and pick them up one by one, when they are choking, before releasing Babar.

And most likely I will think of more issues later on. I'm just too stressed over this, to really clearly think.

Hello! I'm hungry, and you promised food! Don't be sad, you are a good friend! Even if you make me work so much!

The Toucan Puffin flies in his direction, and lands on his shoulder, while affectionately rubbing his cheek with his beak. It's not a hug, but the gesture is appreciated.

"Yes, yes, here it is you glutton. I picked up some really tasty seeds for you to feed on." When the bird suddenly notices the small bag, it literally dives inside, to inhale it like a starving wolf. Once it's done it… goes to sleep. This makes Andy chuckle in amusement and makes him feel better a bit. With nothing else to do here, he places the sleeping bird on his shoulder.

When they get to the place of the 'meeting' he notices all of his creatures that participated in combat. Death Stalker Scorpio, Sneak Chameleon Drake, Aegis The Shield, his unnamed yet Craterpede, and Babar The African Elephant. Zabu was also there, clearly grumpy, but understanding his lack of participation. The last one especially looks… sad, almost guilty. Andy takes off the Fancy, while moving to the biggest in this place animal, and hugs his trunk while caressing it.

"It's not your fault buddy. My commands weren't clear enough. And I should have left someone to help you just in case." Andy turns to others and hugs them in return as well, even if in some cases it was a pretty awkward process. But his companions all appreciated it. "And I'm sorry for worrying you. I just… needed to deal with some issues. I'm better now," And strangely he is, his companions do raise up his spirits.

"Scorpio and Sneak. You did what you were supposed to do. And in the end, Gato died, even if not from you." Andy simply praises his summons, while Craterpede waits patiently for its turn, but is also weirdly excited. Like a dog. And it weirdly gets along with Zabu, both communicating with each other by the weird combination of growls.

"Sorry, Zabu. I mean it. But you are really too eyecatching, even with Adaptive Camouflage, which would most likely stop working. Next time, you will get your round of combat, I promise. Although I should have kept you around us, just in case. My bad." Zabu stops playing with Craterpede and screeches the answer, with happiness that Andy can detect, forgiving him. His creature companions are too good for him.

"And lastly you, Craterpede. I didn't even name you, which I'm ashamed of. You did a phenomenal job. Your instincts blocked the first attack, and you countered that woman beautifully. Your defensive combination of surrounding us with your body helped me survive. Thank you. And your name will be… Squirmy. Do you like it?" When she moves towards Andy, surrounding him in an almost hug-like fashion, while licking him gently with a bit of electric, pleasurable feeling, Andy can't help but laugh. Yes, he barely knows these guys, but he loves them already. He couldn't ask for a better company.

"And you, Aegis." The shield-like creature floats gently towards his owner and places itself near his chest. The released warmth shows its feelings. Such a soothing feeling, directly touching his soul.

<I exist to protect you. Good friend.>

"You did as well, instantly reacting to my call." Andy for the first time since the carnage genuinely smiles. "You all did well. I made mistakes, and I will correct them." Andy with determination adds. "And we may train some combinations together. And in some cases, I have an idea how to teach you to follow up my commands."

And their training begins. Zabu and Babar combining together their tusks/limbs to create natural 'fences' to stop some quick charges. Teaching signals to their flying companion Lax, so it could spread messages around. Babar learning basic commands. And some other ideas.

"Phew, it gets late. And you possibly wonder why did I tell you to bring out some of those items?" Mostly weapons, some small furniture, and several other things.

"To give you some ideas what they are, when I say them. More intelligent ones of you already will get it, but I want you to know how those work. This is a chair, and this is a sword. Those together are weapons, which may be held like this…"

Andy had an idea of simply teaching some of his less smart companions basic words, and showing what word belongs to which item. And also do some gestures on his own, like crouching, sitting, running, and warning.

Although with Animal Language he feels like the improvements they do are phenomenal. Andy feels like he really did underestimate how good this ability is. And how his companions can quickly learn. Maybe if he did this earlier, it wouldn't turn out this way.

But the next time he will be ready. For the sake of his companions, and people that died because of him. He owes them this, and so much more.

==========

When Andy returns to Miyamoto's summer house, seeing both Tsunami and Tazuna still not asleep, he greets them. This time with only Zabu and Aegis around. They should be enough for now. Andy did check the terrain around, just in case shinobi are around, but thankfully there were no more surprises. And if it came to the worst, Shrowd could be summoned.

"Welcome back. I also see that you brought up some animals." And Andy for sure did.

"I just feel like villagers need some help, and I refuse freeloading, so I also gathered some hunted animals." Few deers and few boars should do. With his creatures, hunting those isn't hard.

"I will call my boys, and tell them we have a few more hunted animals. They will appreciate it." Tazuna adds for a while, while Tsunami and Andy wait.

"How are you feeling?" Tsunami asks, and this time around Andy answers with a genuine smile.

"Better." He answers honestly, to which Tsunami nods, seeing that he isn't lying. "I suspect I will get some… bad flashbacks, but I do feel better."

"I'm glad." The gentlewoman exhales in relief and tells Andy. "It was horrible, but in the end, we are grateful for what you did. Gato won't terrorize anyone anymore."

He still feels bad for what has happened, but his more pragmatic side admits that ally casualties compared to enemy ones are minuscule. But he committed too many mistakes, which would reduce those, possibly to even zero.

"People don't know about me yet?"

"Outside of the ones you met? No. I just feel that you needed some… break, before confronting them. We may keep it a secret and…"

"No," Andy states firmly. "I made some mistakes. I will talk with them tomorrow. I will own up to my mistakes, apologize to who I can, and promise to do better. I owe them as much."

Tsunami looks at him, with a weirdly amused smile, and a slight blush on his cheeks. She quickly picks up a small Sakana snack, which is often used to eat together with sake.

"Do you drink?" Andy asks, somewhat neutrally.

"Once in a while." Tsunami neutrally adds.

"What has happened affected you."

"Yes. But I really don't blame you."

"Shouldn't you?"

"No." Her answer is firm. "We knew people would die. And Gato strangled us all to death. If nothing changed, we would die out sooner or later. Most likely from starvation or abuse. Trust me, people are grateful to that mysterious shinobi." Tsunami giggles a little. "Even if some shouted about the destroyed homes, or some people dying. My dad's men, those that died, were all singles at least. So no mourning wives after them."

"I still feel bad about this."

"Which shows how much you care, Andou-kun." Andy blinks, hearing a far more affectionate honorific, but ignores it. "You would be a good leader with some experience."

"Would I?" Andy wonders.

"I say so. Hello dad." When Tazuna enters, grunts in greeting, and instantly gulps from the sake bottle, Andy sweatdrops at this 'greeting'.

"I can tell you are feeling guilty about this, greenhorn. It could go far better, but also worse. You did what you were supposed to do. We will organize funerals, while our gravedigger makes sure none of the bodies decay. Well, bandits are already in the mass grave, and while I was tempted to drop that piece of shit Gato there as well…"

"You couldn't."

"We don't know who will take over. They may want to 'see' the body. What happened exactly?"

Andy explains what happened with Gato. And his encounter with the shinobi. They both frowned, hearing this, but seeing Andy alive, means that he could handle them in the end.

"I shared some of Gato's loot with them. While I could possibly beat them, making them leave with nothing means they could return later on, with a potential grudge. Too many people died already, so I wanted to avoid bloodshed.

"Good. And honestly, we found some hidden entries and hides. The bastard was both paranoid, and greedy. Which works well for us."

30 million Ryo in cash (which would be around 3 million American dollars if Andy's guess is right)
15 high-quality paintings.
Two 'pet' tigers
Few boxes full of expensive jewelry
And two unopened safes, that still need to be opened
And around 50 exotic items, like figurines made of ivory or expensive gems

"That's… a lot."

"And we still look. Honestly, if we appraise, and sell everything, we should have enough money to rebuild the village and start some businesses, as a Wave is a warm place so going for tourism should work, and get back to our feet. If needed, we can also set up basic local radio communication." Which reminds Andy of how weird the Naruto world is when it goes to technology. "And hire someone for protection."

Andy nods at this. "And you don't know who took over?"

"No," Tsunami adds. "Gato most likely burned all documents, when he realized that he was in danger. Most likely out of spite, just in case. So we don't have an easy time figuring out who is next in the line of taking over Gato Shipping Company."

"Anything else?"

"Evidence. Photographs, films. Including… child pornography." When Andy looks in disgust at her, she nods in return.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. Maybe if I were there…"

"You needed a break. It's not fine, but if anyone comes in, we have evidence of Gato doing massive abuses of power. If they don't care - we have money to hire help, and if you will have us, you." Tsunami looks at Andy, and Andy nods in return.

"That's good," Andy states, and it's true. The worst thing that could happen was for villagers to be blamed for an 'honest' businessman's death like Gato. "I think you may set up some militia in the village, just in case."

"We know." Tazuna states. "We hope we can take it to the court in the Land of Waves, and Miyamoto clan, which as you know are us, take over. Also, we will blame it on the shinobi, which is even true. Erisa will know who you have encountered." Andy remembers her as that retired bounty hunter.

"We need to check what happens in other parts of the Land of Waves."

"We do," Tazuna confirms. "Land of Fire in theory may also do it, as we are their vassal state. It will be a political mess, I just know it."

"Do you need help with anything specific here?"

"Do what you think is best." Tsunami answers and Andy slowly enjoys the delicious meal, prepared by the housewife.

"I may as well suggest…" Tazuna slurs out, just a bit drunk now.

[] Go to Erisa. She knows how the bounty hunting business works. We may need as much money as we can get. Also learning about any big local threats may be worth it. Possibly also hire less… honorable help. And learn more about shinobi hired by Gato.
[] Go with Tsunami to Tokudamachi, the capital of the Wave. Gato's influence possibly caused issues there as well.
[] Go with Tazuna to the Konoha. Hiring some shinobi to help, to build help rebuild, and mostly protect citizens at the most vulnerable moment may be crucial.
[] Stay in. It's better to stabilize the situation before committing to any travel. While also waiting for any potential 'guests' like shareholders of Gato's company, if he had any. And also use this time to bond with his creatures a bit more. And talk with some villagers.
[] Go with Tsunami to The Land of Fire capital. While Tsunami in theory is noble according to The Land of Waves laws, it's not completely acknowledged outside. With the evidence they gathered, they may at least secure a visit and talks with a Daimyo. And with some luck, Miyamoto Clan or Akio-Sama some luck will get their rule acknowledges, and reparations for Gato's tyranny paid off.
[] Try to seek help somewhere else? There are other countries after all and may be easier to negotiate with, from a more equal position.
[] Write-In.

"I will think on it. I guess we may as well slowly prepare to sleep. And how is Inari-kun?" Andy asks before they go to sleep.
"He doesn't believe what has happened, but he is slightly more cheerful." Tsunami with some happiness answers. "You brought us hope. We are truly grateful for it."

Andy finishes the drink and slowly moves away. And while this day was both tiring, and depressing, the ending of it isn't that bad. In the end, people are free, with a new chance for a better life. This is what is important.
==============

4k. Additional 200 points in the bank. Which means 450 points to spend.

[] Power Roll (450)
[] Creature Roll (450)
[] Power Roll: Second Roll (450)
[] Creature Roll: Second Roll (450)

Anyway, while this chapter is rough for Andy, it ends up on a positive note, so there is that. Like always thanks for reading and cheers .

Also, I may ask - do you want me to keep it mostly narrative like it is now, or maybe you want to see some Encounter Rolls, to add some randomness to it? I'm fine either way, but I may as well ask.

Y Draig Gosch said:

So, the first problem is that the links don't work. Secondly, the second half of the post is located within creature roll 2. Thirdly all the text within the creature roll 2 is in link format.

Click to expand...

Click to shrink...

All fixed now. I don't know why it happened in the first place.