Naruto: Hero's Fist

The sound of excited squealing echoed through the house as Kaya examined her newest treasures. The seven legendary swords of the Mist lay spread out before her on a specially prepared sealing cloth, their blades gleaming in the lamplight.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, her red hair wild from running her hands through it in excitement. "The sealing techniques used in these weapons... they're incredible! Look at the chakra absorption matrix in Samehada! And the lightning conductivity seals in Kiba! This is... this is..."

"Breathe, brat." Garp chuckled, watching his youngest grandchild practically vibrate with enthusiasm. "The swords aren't going anywhere."

Garp had requested Fuinjutsu scrolls from Hanzo, with the man practically opening up the vault that Ame possessed for the young girl. And her talent in the subject did not disappoint them.

But Kaya was already lost in her own world, muttering to herself as she traced complex seal patterns in the air. Her eyes gleamed with an almost manic light as she pulled out scrolls and ink, beginning to sketch out the intricate designs she could see layered within the legendary weapons.

"The harmonization between the physical construction and the chakra channeling seals... it's brilliant! And look at how they've integrated the elemental affinity matrices into the base metal! I wonder if I could replicate that using the Uzumaki spiral seal as a foundation..."

Nagato, sitting quietly in a corner, shared an amused look with Garp. They were both familiar with Kaya's "research mode" - once she got started on a sealing technique analysis, she could go on for hours.

Konan and Yahiko had headed to the Village on a mission, leaving only the three of them home.

"Oi, Kaya." Garp called out, trying to get her attention. "Before you completely lose yourself in seal-speak, there's something I need to tell you and Nagato."

"Hmm?" Kaya looked up, her brush still moving across the scroll as she documented her observations. "What is it, Grandpa?"

"We're going on a trip next week." Garp announced, his expression unusually serious. "Just the three of us."

This finally got Kaya's full attention. She set down her brush, curiosity overtaking her seal-mania. "A trip? Where to?"

"That's a secret for now." Garp said with a smile. "But it's important. Very important."

Nagato's eyes narrowed slightly. "Does this have something to do with my training?"

Garp's grin widened. "Why can't Yahiko be as smart as you? But that's all I'm saying for now. Just be ready to leave in a week's time."

Kaya pouted, her lower lip jutting out in an expression that usually got her whatever she wanted. "Come on, Grandpa! Give us a hint, at least!"

"Nope!" Garp declared cheerfully, ruffling her hair. "Now, why don't you tell me more about what you've discovered in those swords? In terms of things I can actually understand if you please."

Instantly, Kaya's eyes lit up again. "Oh! Well, you see, each sword has its own unique chakra signature integration system, but they all share a common base matrix that I think originates from..."

As Kaya launched into her explanation, occasionally lapsing into technical jargon despite her best efforts to keep it simple, Garp settled back in his chair, a smile sitting on his face.

Kaya excitedly explained the sealing theory while Nagato listened attentively. Occasionally, Nagato asked insightful questions that sent Kaya off on new tangents.

'Hmm?' Garp questioned as he looked outside, with him gaining a serious expression before standing.

~

Meanwhile, on the road to Amegakure, four of Konoha's most powerful shinobi moved swiftly through the trees. Tsunade led the group, with Dan behind her and Jiraiya and Orochimaru flanking them.

"I still can't believe we're doing this." Jiraiya grumbled, his wild white hair streaming behind him. "Approaching Amegakure for an alliance? After everything that's happened? Did the old man forget about them crippling his best friend?"

"Times change, Jiraiya." Orochimaru replied smoothly, his golden eyes glinting with interest. "And from what I've heard, it was Danzo's fault."

Tsunade remained silent, her mind thinking back to her conversations with Garp and how the man's words made slight doubts creep into her mind.

"Whatever we find." she said finally, "We need to approach this diplomatically. We can't afford to get into conflict with Hanzo again, and definitely not Garp."

Dan moved closer to her while Jiraiya merely turned his head, his presence reassuring. "We'll handle it carefully, love. Though I have to admit, I'm curious about what Garp and those kids are up to."

As if on cue, a voice rang out from ahead of them. "Halt! You are approaching foreign territory!"

The four Konoha shinobi stopped on a large branch. Before them stood a patrol of Marines, their blue and white uniforms starkly contrasted with the traditional shinobi gear the Konoha nin were used to seeing.

What struck them most was the discipline evident in the Marines' formation. There was none of the typical shinobi showboating or intimidation tactics—just precise, professional positioning and a clear command structure that was typically seen by Samurai in the Daimyo's armies.

The patrol leader, a young woman in a cape similar to the one Garp always wore, stepped forward. "State your business."

Tsunade moved to the front of their group, her hands visible to show they meant no hostility. "I am Tsunade Senju, and these are my companions from Konoha. We come seeking an audience with your leadership regarding a diplomatic proposal."

The Marine captain's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Sannin of Konoha. We were warned you might be coming." She turned to one of her subordinates. "Signal the command center."

The Marine nodded and pulled out what appeared to be a Den-Den Mushi, though the Konoha nin didn't recognize the device. After a brief conversation, the captain turned back to them.

"The Fleet Admiral has agreed to meet with you." she announced. "However, you will not be permitted to enter Amegakure proper. He will come to you."

Jiraiya bristled slightly at this. "The Fleet Admiral? Do you mean Hanzo? Or Garp? Since when did-"

His words died in his throat as the air suddenly grew heavy and thick, with a presence that made even the legendary Sannin step back instinctively.

The very atmosphere seemed to pulse with power, and the constant rain of Amegakure grew more intense.

The Marine patrol all saluted, their movements precise and practiced. "Fleet Admiral on approach!"

From the mist that came from the opening Village doors emerged a figure that both was and wasn't the Hanzo they remembered. He wore the same respirator mask, but his traditional shinobi gear had been replaced by a white coat similar to Garp's yet seemed to be adorned with all sorts of medals. The word "Justice" was emblazoned on the back in bold letters.

But his appearance had changed more than just. The power radiating from him was different—not just the familiar crushing force of his chakra, but something... dark. 

With every step he took, it seemed like the earth squirmed under his feet.

As Hanzo approached, even the Sannins fought the urge to step back. Dan's hand found Tsunade's, squeezing it reassuringly despite the tremor she could feel in his grip, yet he was already prepared to use his technique if neccesary.

It was as if the very oxygen that they breathed no longer belonged to them but to him.

The Fleet Admiral stopped a few paces from them, his eyes scanning each face in turn.

When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of an absolute authority.

"The last time we met, I allowed you to leave." Hanzo said, the words seeming to echo despite his calm tone. "This time, I only ask of you a single question:"

The air grew even heavier, and for a moment, the Konoha nin could have sworn they saw the Shinigami himself appear before them.

"Life or Death?"