Naruto's POV (Nearby Snowscape - Land of Iron)
That shattered Naruto's stupor. His eyes sharpened and focused on Muri. He felt his muscles tense. Lee, Choji, Yuno, and even Sakura and Kiba were people he considered friends. But how was Muri connected? What did he know or find out that those looking already had failed to?
"The hell?! Do you know where they are?! Let me tell the Hokage, he'll arrange a rescue party!" Naruto ranted as he smiled, glad to have a problem he could feasibly face.
"Unfortunately, it is not possible. The situation is complex, and if you wish to save them, we can only bring a small party, one that I am willing to bring, but you must be a part of." Muri replied sagely, nodding at the blonde. "Otherwise, your friends will never be found and likely face horrific deaths."
Naruto growled at the knowledge. "What the hell does that mean? Where are they?"
"That is more complex than you'd like Summoner. First, do you understand how our lands work? The difference between my land and yours?"
"Well, location primarily, and supposedly all homes of summon animals are hidden and nearly impossible to find." Naruto listed. "It was thought to be impossible until somehow pervy sage managed to find the home of the toads somehow."
"Indeed, that is the first case. See, we "animals," as you humans refer to us, are a bit different than most. Different in the sense of origin, we come from an entirely different version of this world. See there are supposedly several levels of existence all layered upon one another with only the top most layers being able to interact with each other. Our world is on top of yours and as such was linked to yours so long ago. We know not what is above our own world and have no wish to know. The reason and method are unknown. As such, finding our true homes is wholly impossible; the only way to access them is with the summoning jutsu, which both parties can use to travel to and summon the other. However, due to the previously mentioned links between this world, there are what we call "convergence points."" Muri lectured. While the raccoon was typically as relaxed and fun as Naruto, he often went into long-winded rants regarding his family and their customs. Having gotten used to such things due to their joint training, Naruto nodded along before chiming in. Muri would grow annoyed if he didn't offer input.
"So convergence points are… some sort of spot that links us two worlds?" Naruto reasoned.
"Basically, at least in the physical sense, this was originally made for travel between the two worlds. But now, it often stands as a clan's home in your world. A way to establish a connection to current summoners and possibly attract new ones. However, due to a long-forgotten war, few known ones remain. There are surely more hidden in the world but we only know of; The Toads, The Snakes, The Slugs, The Monkeys, The Weasels, and us. Each of us holds these convergence points in control and, as such, is uniquely qualified to recruit summoners. This is a highly sought-after goal for us, "summoning animals," as it benefits us as much as them. We gain access to the aid and, in some cases, the servitude of a summoner; they gain the same. This is why Jiraiya found the Toads; they were interested in a new summoner and found him to be a fine match. As such, they influenced him to find his way when he searched for a summoning clan to ally with. A clan can only be found by humans and other creatures of the human world if they wish to be."
"Okay…" Naruto said to himself, slightly overwhelmed by the information. "But how is that related to my missing friends?"
"As I said, summoners are sought after, but with such few clans having access to convergent points, they struggle to find new summoners. Occasionally, a long-forgotten scroll will be found, and new connections will be made, but it's an oddity. As such, the animals are cursed to never become a summoning clan. This is considered quite the negative fate, for clans without a summoning contract can never reach their full potential. As well as never gain access to the benefits one can gain from interacting with humans. Due to that, many animal clans seek ways to gain access to the human world in one way or another. Force summoners to interact with them and potentially even pledge with them. I believe one of these poor clans might be to blame if not them… well it clear forces are betraying the natural order of things. Something we of the Okama clan have always stood against, regardless of whether they succeed in their goal the end result will be horrific."
"They kept talking about smoke and poofs, almost like a summoning jutsu… they were taken by summoning animals? Why would that be so bad? If they just want summoners then they'll all come up even stronger?" Naruto asked incredulously.
"These Natural Laws that we of the Okama clan defend isn't mere self imposed discipline. As I said these worlds of ours technically exist within the same space, simply on different planes of existence. Due to that fact in order to travel between worlds one must use pre existent holes between each layer to travel between. But in unnatural travel, it rips a new pocket in the world. It is believed that this will slowly over time destroy both of our worlds."
"So those natural laws are incredibly important, which is why you want me to go kick their asses." Naruto mused.
"Indeed," Muri agreed with amusement. "Despite what you'd humans like to believe, we animals, just like you, have complex social relationships within our line and outside of it. Due to the unique and empowering nature of being a clan, the other established clans have made standards and laws to control who became a summoning clan and the actions they take as one. For a clan to do this is a flagrant disregard of our laws and customs. One we intend to the right, well intended for you and me to anyway."
"I imagine this will also serve as a test of sorts? I don't mind, but my friends are my first priority." Naruto answered honestly.
"We figured as such and would have it no other way. A summoner of ours is expected to be morally motivated. However, if you wish to become a full summoner of our clans, you can gain full support and access to our jutsu. This would be the opportunity."
"Fine then, two birds with one stone." Naruto agreed. "We should go to the Hokage now and gather for our party." Fortunately, he had to go; he wanted to ensure their safety himself. Naruto wondered how the Hokage would re-
"We work with you, Naruto Uzumaki, and not the Leaf. We will fight and work on your behalf even if it aids them. However, we cannot include them in our business. However, you cannot go alone if you intend to rescue your friends. Even you would likely perish on your lonesome. And if another party is responsible, I would leave you alone. I'm also limited in how much chakra I can transport at one time. You alone limit me greatly. You, along with Jounin or Anbu, would only make it all the more impossible. Instead, I have lured you some allies I can transport and should be uniquely qualified for the mission in mind." Muri said as suddenly three people leapt into the clearing. All faced the blonde and raccoon with various levels of confusion.
It was Sasuke, Shino, and Hinata. Hinata seemed incredibly worried and stressed, and Shino and Sasuke were more challenging to read. But their silent, tense atmosphere spoke volumes of the pressure felt by all the Genin whose teammates were missing.
"Naruto," Sasuke said while marching toward the blonde. "You said you had information regarding the whereabouts of Yuno, who ran when I came after you. Explain."
"You said something similar to me and did the same. Not to mention asking a litany of questions. Why? Well, I intend to find out." Shino echoed.
"You told me Neji wanted me… Then you asked all about me. Though this may be a different sort of meeting." Hinata shyly interjected.
Naruto scratched his head, utterly befuddled. Before Muri snickered loudly from on top of his head.
"The respectable young lady has the awe-inspiring ability, one that should aid in search and rescue; the more somber fellow, the one in glasses to be clear, does more of the same as well as being fairly knowledgeable on wildlife, the last one was more grumbly, but seems to be the strongest shinobi I could find with low enough reserves," Muri explained. "This fine crew was vetted by myself personally and should be the perfect group for this. I also took the liberty of packing some supplies from your home and the others ' homes."
"There is so much wrong with what you just said…" Naruto grumbled. "How did you even sneak into and lead on three different shinobi and not even the dumb ones!"
"The ability to freely transform allows me to take on any physical form within reason. Come in handy in these cases. Enough dilly-dallying; have you made your choice? Will you aid your friends and the Okama clan you signed loyalty to? Or act within the limits given to you? I believe we know the answer…" Muri chuckled to himself.
"Naruto." Sasuke warned.
"Shut it, man." Naruto sniped back. "We can save Yuno and all the others as long as we go where Muri is going. Though it would be without the permission of the Hokage."
Sasuke merely nodded and stood beside Naruto, impatiently tapping his feet. Hinata and Shino both froze, seemingly at odds with doing something against codes. Naruto was prepared to tell them it was okay before Muri chimed in. First, fully explain the situation to the three before offering a warning.
"Make no mistake, if you don't go, the odds of your friends surviving dramatically decrease," Muri warned the two. With that said, both marched over, joining Naruto and Sasuke. "Excellent; now, while I will transport you all simultaneously, you will likely be separated. This shouldn't be a major issue. I will ensure we all converge eventually. That being said, we won't be going to any clans land but the wildlands themselves. They hold the entirety of the unsigned clans, our likely culprits."
"All well and good, but what precisely will we do once we arrive? You say an unknown clan must be doing so, but how will we find them?" Sasuke asked.
"They use chakra just like you and I, and their little trick likely costs quite a bit. It should be easy enough to track; if I'm present, I will be able to do so effortlessly," Muri said.
"You seem to be suggesting this place is dangerous?" Hinata asked.
"Undoubtedly," Muri answered grimly. "If left there, eventually you would be overridden. Though as a unit, you all should be able to power through."
The three all nodded, and Naruto did as well. The four were unprepared for the adventure ahead of them…