Written: July 30, 2024 to August 9th, 2024

Publish: August 9th, 2024 @ 12:30 AM 

Edits: 
Edit 1: September 22nd, 2024

Words: 2612

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Shizuki stood silently in the forest, his expression a mix of determination and anxiety. He had long since accepted that his inability to speak was a permanent part of his life, a remnant of the battle with Madara Uchiha that had taken his vocal cords. This trial would test not just his skills, but also his resolve to communicate his intentions without words.

But here he is standing in the middle of the forest just waiting for what felt like hours that flew by, waiting on the judgment from one of the most powerful creatures in the entire world. The air around him was thick with tension, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig seemed magnified in the oppressive silence. 

He could briefly see Solaris and Ryu's figures that was well blended in the forest shadows, their forms barely distinguishable from the darkened foliage. Truthfully, Shizuki's heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. He felt a bit of fear because who knows what they will do to him. The tests from summoning contracts are so vastly different... Gamabunta had him ride on his back as he jumped across Konoha's plains without falling off his back. Hard times..but the experience had been grueling, pushing Shizuki to his limits, despite all that, it had forged a bond of respect between them. Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, had been a different trial entirely. 

Despite his gruff demeanor, Kurama's companionship had been invaluable. The foxes he summoned, influenced by Kurama's presence, had become his allies in espionage and stealth. Their ability to gather intel and execute covert operations had made them indispensable. Their unique taijutsu and combat skills added another layer of versatility to his arsenal, making them formidable adversaries and allies in equal measure. It was hard to describe it at first but, it was nice having the foxes do spying and stealth missions for him as they were quick and quiet on their paws. Gathering intel from enemies, and sending message scrolls to people was very convenient. They were also pretty good in combat, their techniques were unique. Their taijutsu .. was unique as well. 

Shizuki mentally braced for whatever the test lay ahead as the forest itself seemed to hold its breath, the very trees and creatures watching with a silent intensity. The shadows around him shifted, and from the darkness emerged two ethereal figures, their presence commanding an almost tangible weight. Solaris, a creature of radiant light and blazing heat, and Ryu, a dragon whose scales shimmered with an otherworldly glow, appeared before him.

Their eyes, bright and piercing, assessed him with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. Solaris's voice, like the crackle of fire, broke the silence. "You have proven yourself with your words that you mean no harm to us, Shizuki. But to earn the right to command us, you must understand that we don't take this lightly. Even if you mean no harm, that does not mean we trust you, therefore, we must test you to prove that you are worthy and speak of the truth."

Ryu, his presence like rolling thunder, added, "To truly earn our trust, we need to fully understand the truth in your words. We will delve into the depths of your past to see if your claims hold truth. We must see if you are indeed who you say you are and if your intentions are genuine. This trial will show us the truth of your past and the authenticity of your journey."

Shizuki knew that it was a risk he was willing to take as he was already showing his true self before the dragon and phoenix. He nodded and allowed them to proceed. 

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath as Solaris conjured a swirling portal of light and shadow. The portal was not just a gateway; it was a window into the very fabric of Shizuki's past, stretching back to the time he claimed to be from.

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Solaris and Ryu hovered nearby, their forms shifting with the flow of the memories. Solaris's light illuminated the scenes, making them clearer and more intense, while Ryu's presence lent a deep gravity to the unfolding narrative. They were curious to see why his first memory, and the scene that was unfolding had felt so ... grey, sad, anger, loneliness, resentment, and false cheerfulness. 

The first memory he encountered was his early years in Konoha. Shizuki saw him well.. uh he— his young self, the happy going hyperactive orange loving self who was very determined, defiant glint in his eyes. The scene was set against the backdrop of Konoha's bustling streets, where Naruto ran through the village with boundless energy. 

Naruto's laughter echoed as he raced past villagers, but the joy was tinged with a palpable sense of exclusion. As he approached, the scene shifted to show the villagers' reactions—whispers of disdain, averted gazes, and occasional harsh words. Despite his cheerful attempts to connect, Naruto's attempts were met with cold indifference or outright hostility. 

The memory also revealed the loneliness he felt—a child ostracized by the villagers who saw him as nothing more than the demon, the demon child of the Nine-Tails. The child that killed the Fourth Hokage, and Lady Kushina, his parents who were so excited to meet him at birth was quickly shattered by Tobi and the release of the Nine-Tails, Kurama. 

The memory focused on Naruto's solitary moments. In one poignant scene, he sat alone on a swing in a playground, swinging back and forth with a distant look in his eyes. The playground was empty, save for him. The vivid hues of the scene—bright colors contrasting with the grayish undertone of his loneliness—highlighted his isolation.

A key moment unfolded when Naruto was seen eating his meal alone at a small table. The ramen shop was bustling with families and friends enjoying their meals, but Naruto sat at a corner table, his bowl of ramen his only companion. The memory was filled with a deep sense of sadness, underscored by Naruto's determined expression as he vowed to become Hokage, hoping that one day, he would earn the villagers' respect and recognition.

Naruto's interactions with other children were often fraught with rejection. He was shown eating alone, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of isolation. Yet, even in these moments, his determination shone brightly. Shizuki watched as Naruto dreamed of becoming Hokage, his goal not just to prove himself but to gain the acknowledgment and respect he so desperately craved.

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The scenes shifted to moments of camaraderie with his teammates, Sakura and Sasuke. Team 7 was shown on various missions, from battling low-level enemies to protecting the village from threats. Shizuki saw his  memories as the trio working together seamlessly, their interactions filled with a mix of rivalry, friendship, and mutual respect. The memory of their first mission together, the one where they fought against Zabuza and Haku, was particularly vivid. Naruto's determination to prove himself, even when faced with overwhelming odds, highlighted his growth.

A poignant scene was the moment when Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke celebrated their victories and shared their dreams. The memory of Naruto's heartfelt desire to become Hokage, and how his friends supported him, was a testament to the bond they shared. Despite the conflicts and disagreements, the strength of their friendship was a recurring theme.

The portal then transitioned to a scene of intense training under Jiraiya. The setting was a rugged training ground outside the village, surrounded by dense forest. Naruto, now a little older, was seen in a grueling training session, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to master new techniques.

Jiraiya, with his white hair and red cloak, was both a stern and encouraging mentor. The memory showcased their interactions—Jiraiya's playful, yet tough-love approach to training, and Naruto's unwavering determination to improve. Naruto was seen struggling with the Rasengan, a swirling ball of chakra that he desperately tried to perfect. His frustration was evident, but so was his resilience.

The next memory depicted his emotional struggle after the death of Jiraiya. The scene was set in a somber, rain-soaked landscape, reflecting the  grief he felt. He was shown sitting alone in a secluded spot, his head bowed, as the rain fell heavily around him. The weight of Jiraiya's loss was palpable, with Naruto's sorrow and sense of responsibility highlighted through his tear-streaked face.

As the memory progressed, Shizuki witnessed his own— well his past him, growth and resolve. The memories slowly shifted, thus showing his's transformation into a more mature and focused ninja. The scenes depicted his involvement in the Fourth Great Ninja War—his battles against powerful foes, his leadership in rallying allies, and his unyielding determination to protect those he cared about.

The memory of the climactic battle against Madara Uchiha was intense and chaotic. The scene unfolded on a battlefield torn by destruction, with Naruto and his allies fighting valiantly against Madara's onslaught. The sky was dark, filled with swirling clouds and flashes of lightning, reflecting the magnitude of the conflict.

Naruto was shown at the heart of the battle, his face etched with concentration and strain. The pivotal moment came when Madara's devastating attack struck, resulting in Naruto losing his vocal cords. The memory portrayed the immediate aftermath of the attack—Naruto's struggle to continue fighting despite the excruciating pain and his efforts to end Madara. He needed to do this, to avenge his friends, his fellow shinobis, Tsunade obaa-chan, Ero-senin, end the war- after he held Sasuke who was dying in his arm who had suffered a fatal blow from Madara. He cried and wept, mourning the loss of his lover. He couldn't take it anymore, he can't let Madara win.. 

After the last attempt, Madara Uchiha was finally dead. His dead corpse that was laying beneath his foot, he took a deep breath before letting out tears, he took a step back and fell onto his butt while he silently cried. He won.. but at what cost? He lost his allies, he lost his lover, he lost the people he cared so much about. Yet, this is the price that he had to endure. He wept silently, he no longer had the ability to scream, he wanted to scream at the top of his lungs to let the world know that, Madara is dead. 

Yet, there was no one else that was alive. He was the only one living, and standing. Madara had gone ahead and killed everyone, it didn't matter if it was him killing his own allies, he killed and murdered everyone. 

At the last drop of his strength, he crawled and dragged himself to the disclosed location of where he had made his summoning seal for going back to the past, and to change everything. After a touch of his own blood and the last remaining drop of his chakra, the seal glowed and taking him back to the past. 

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As the portal's light began to fade, Shizuki found himself back in the forest clearing. Solaris and Ryu stood before him, their forms reflecting a deep contemplation of the memories they had witnessed.

The only thought that went on in their minds is: 'Holy shit.. this kid is still.. alive after what just happened .. and to top it all off, he is possessing the Sage's eye, and the Sharingan...' 

After a moment of silence, Solaris broke the silence,  he spoke with a tone of respect, "We have seen the entirety of your journey—the pain, the growth, and the truth of your origins. Your past and your intentions are clear."

Ryu added with approval, "You have proven that your quest is genuine and your resolve true. You have faced the trials of your past with honesty and strength."

Solaris's voice, now gentle yet firm, continued, "We accept you as our summoner. You have proven yourself worthy of our trust and power. We believe in your purpose and the path you seek to forge. With this acceptance, you will have the ability to call upon us and harness our power to guide and protect as you navigate the challenges ahead."

Ryu's deep, resonant voice echoed in the clearing. "Know that with this power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely, honoring the balance and the harmony you have sought to achieve. We will be with you, offering our strength and support as you continue your journey."

As Solaris and Ryu's forms began to fade back into the shadows of the forest, they stopped and exchanged a knowing glance. Solaris, his radiant light flickering with a new intensity, spoke with a tone of finality. "Before we part, there is a final gesture to symbolize our bond and your acceptance as our summoner."

Ryu, his shimmering scales reflecting the ambient light, nodded in agreement. "It is a mark of our power and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it. We will place a sacred sigil upon you—a mark that signifies our trust and your role as our chosen summoner."

Solaris and Ryu's energies converged, and a soft, ethereal light began to gather around Shizuki's left arm. The light took the shape of intricate, glowing symbols that spiraled around his forearm. These symbols were ancient runes, imbued with the power of both Solaris and Ryu. They glowed with a soft, warm radiance that pulsed gently, synchronizing with Shizuki's heartbeat.

The sensation of the tattoos being inscribed was a blend of warmth and tingling energy. Shizuki watched in awe as the symbols formed—a complex network of lines and shapes that seemed to shimmer and shift slightly, embodying the essence of both phoenix and dragon.

Solaris's voice, imbued with a soothing warmth, continued, "These tattoos will serve as a conduit for our power. They will enable you to call upon us and channel our strength. They are also a symbol of the bond we share and the responsibility you now carry."

Ryu's deep voice added, "The tattoos will guide you in times of need and connect you to the elemental forces we represent. Remember to honor this mark with the same dedication and respect you have shown in proving your worth."

Solaris and Ryu spoke in unison, "I, Ryu, Solaris, King/Ruler of the Dragons/Phoenixes, hereby grant and acknowledge Uzumaki Shizuki as our summoner!" 

The contract scrolls that contained both the Dragon and Phoenix had let out an illuminative glow that shone brightly as Shizuki's name and drop of his blood were present in the scroll. The glow had dimmed and the scroll had disappeared. 

As the final glow settled into the intricate designs, Solaris and Ryu's forms fully receded into the shadows, their presence now a serene, reassuring presence in the background. The glowing tattoos on Shizuki's arm were a vivid, radiant reminder of his new status and the journey he was about to undertake.

Shizuki, feeling the warmth of the tattoos and the weight of the responsibility they symbolized, bowed once more in deep gratitude. The forest around him seemed to exhale a collective sigh of approval, the air filled with a renewed sense of calm and purpose.

With the marks of Solaris and Ryu now inscribed on his arm, Shizuki stood ready to embrace his role as their summoner. The path ahead was clear, and with the power and guidance of Solaris and Ryu at his side, he felt prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lay before him.