Naruto x Holy Grail War [3]

“What a fascinating world…”

Orochimaru narrowed his snake-like eyes, a gleam of greed flickering within them as he gazed down at the cityscape below.

Standing atop one of Fuyuki City’s tallest buildings, he looked out over the sprawling metropolis.

He hadn’t rushed to search for a summoning relic. Though securing one was undoubtedly urgent, his first priority was identifying the other six Masters—tracking their movements and locations.

And then… there was this world itself.

A world brimming with advanced technology—trains slithering along their tracks like massive serpents and miniature vehicles zipping down roads like mechanical insects.

To Orochimaru, understanding this world’s secrets was just as important as winning the war.

Swish!

Without warning, Orochimaru spun and struck with a kunai, the blade slicing through the air toward the source of killing intent behind him.

Clang! Clang!

Sparks erupted as the blades collided midair, ringing out in a rapid exchange. Both kunai blurred, leaving streaks of motion as they clashed repeatedly.

Something’s wrong.

Orochimaru’s pupils contracted. Instinct flaring, he leapt backward just as a blade flashed toward him.

Shing!

A sharp tear split his robe, narrowly missing his skin. Orochimaru landed gracefully, his eyes locking onto the figure that had attacked him.

“Itachi!”

The newcomer stepped into view—a young man clad in the Akatsuki’s black cloak adorned with red clouds.

His crimson Sharingan spun ominously, three tomoe whirling in the depths of his eyes.

….

“He’s so strong!”

Watching from the Uchiha compound, Sasuke clenched his fists in frustration.

“He trapped one of the Legendary Sannin in a genjutsu with just a glance!”

His voice trembled with disbelief.

How could someone be so powerful?

Itachi had awakened the Sharingan and stepped onto the battlefield at an age when most children were still learning basic techniques. Sasuke couldn’t even come close to matching him.

But… was he supposed to give up?

No. There had to be another way!

Sasuke bit his lip, his nails digging into his palms.

The Grail.

A device that could grant any wish—an omnipotent machine.

With it, he could surpass Itachi.

And then… he could kill him.

….

“Orochimaru…”

Back in the Hokage’s office, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke, his expression shadowed by regret.

Orochimaru had once been his most gifted, most beloved student.

And now, he was his greatest failure.

….

“It’s been a while, Orochimaru.”

“Oh? Is this how you greet an old friend?”

Orochimaru tugged at the tear in his robe, smiling as though nothing had happened.

“I’d hardly call you a friend.”

Itachi’s voice was cold, his Sharingan unblinking.

“You’re not the type to let yourself die so easily. You must have a trick or two prepared.”

Orochimaru let out a low, serpentine chuckle.

“You always did know me too well. But then again, it’s hardly surprising, considering you’re the man who slaughtered his entire clan with his own hands.”

His words dripped with venom, aimed directly at the unhealed wound buried deep in Itachi’s soul.

….

“What?! He’s Uchiha Itachi—the one who massacred his entire clan in the Hidden Leaf Village?”

Gasps erupted across the crowd. While the Hidden Leaf had issued a bounty and circulated his image, not everyone had recognized him at first glance.

But Orochimaru’s words left no room for doubt.

“Tch!”

Someone spat in disgust.

“A man like that deserves to die!”

The sentiment spread quickly. For a crime as monstrous as wiping out his own family, even dying a hundred times wouldn’t be punishment enough.

“Agreed!”

“Same here!”

….

“Why are you targeting me? I don’t even have a relic yet.”

Orochimaru raised his hands in mock surrender as Itachi’s cold gaze bore into him.

“Instead of fighting right away, why don’t we join forces?” Orochimaru suggested, his voice smooth yet calculating.

“Let’s eliminate the other Masters first. Once they’re gone, we’ll settle things between us—one-on-one—to determine who claims the Grail.”

Itachi didn’t respond immediately. Forming an alliance in a war where betrayal was inevitable wasn’t ideal. But fighting alone against multiple opponents wasn’t any better.

“Fine.”

Orochimaru smirked.

Neither trusted the other, and both knew this alliance was temporary at best. But for now, it served their purpose.

….

“The Holy Grail…”

Tsunade leaned against the cold brick wall of a narrow alley, gazing up at the sliver of blue sky visible above.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

“If it really can grant wishes…”

For a moment, her younger brother’s smiling face flashed through her mind. She quickly shook her head, pushing the thought away before it could take root.

Her eyes fell to a discarded snakeskin coiled in the corner of the alley.

“Guess this’ll do as my relic.”

With a shrug, she picked it up, her voice carrying a trace of weary indifference.

….

“Splash!”

“The Three-Tails!”

A figure crashed heavily into the river, sending waves surging outward. Yagura Karatachi emerged, his face twisted in fury as he clutched his chest.

The illusion had finally shattered under the raw, oppressive power of his tailed beast.

And now, the monster stirred, baring its fangs once more.

….

“Huh? Why did it suddenly turn to night?”

Confused murmurs spread throughout the shinobi world as the screens, which had displayed a bright, sunny day just moments ago, now showed the black veil of nightfall.

“Is time flowing differently in the Grail War?”

Speculation ran wild.

“Wait—are they about to summon their Servants?!”

The audience’s attention snapped back to the massive screens, focusing on the Fourth Raikage, who had already finished carving out the summoning circle.

….

“Quickly, record that formation!”

Even without orders from the Third Hokage, the Anbu had already begun frantically sketching the Raikage’s summoning diagram, copying every detail with precision.

It wasn’t just the Hidden Leaf. Across villages and factions, spies and operatives scrambled to capture this mysterious ritual.

….

Suddenly, the screens split into seven sections, each displaying one of the seven Masters.

The shinobi world held its breath.

….

“Can this really summon a Heroic Spirit?”

Ay studied the crimson cloth in his hand, skepticism lingering in his voice.

“No harm in trying. Let’s see how powerful these so-called Heroic Spirits really are.”

According to the priest, Heroic Spirits were legendary figures—immortalized by faith and history. Their power was said to transcend mortal limits.

But could they truly stand up to the best warriors of the ninja world?

With a flick of his wrist, Ay tossed the cloth into the summoning circle.

The ritual began.