All had some questions and they looked at each other to silently decide who would. It came as no surprise to some when Kisame stepped forth, a grin filled with sharp, pointed teeth glinting in the light. "I've got one, your highness."
Naruko looked over Kisame and idly wondered if he was even human. He was definitely humanoid so perhaps a group of shinobi lived in such a watery habitat that their bodies evolved differently? Perhaps it was one of these kekkei genkai she had some knowledge of. "Can I have your name then, bodyguard?"
"Hoshigaki Kisame, one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist village. Would it bother you if I got a match with one of your swordsmen, Naruko-dono? Me and Samehada here—" gestures to a sword wrapped in bandages that Naruko swore made a gurgle sound not unlike a child. "—don't get many challenges lately with other swordsmen."
"Well…" she looked at her two guards questioningly. "... Will any of you be up to the task?" The twins conversed between their links while to the other it looked as if they were sending silent messages through their eyes. What was being said couldn't be read though since both women maintained two of the best poker faces they'd ever seen.
"I will by your command, my Queen," Beth spoke upon coming to a decision. The Kiri swordsman was clearly anxious but the voice of his leader came up.
"Kisame, while I'm not against this, it will have to wait until later. Plus, I doubt the Fire Daimyo would be too pleased if you were to turn his palace into the world's most expensive aquarium." A glance at the Daimyo confirmed his words as he was mouthing a 'Thank you' from across the tables. Naruko seemed amused and yet curious as to how Kisame would achieve that. Was there really a water jutsu big enough to flood an entire palace of this size? That would be something she would like to see.
"Mizukage, I will be willing to schedule a match between our two warriors at a more suitable location of your choice but like you said, that will have to wait until later. I promise you will get your fight, Hoshigaki Kisame."
The fish man's face showed he was put out by the delay but shrugged as he would atleast get to fight sooner or later. At the least he had some more time to sharpen up any skills of his before he finally gets to see how the two species stack up against one another.
The next person to make themselves known was the son of the Raikage, B. He was a very muscular man of dark complexion with his white hair in cornrows and wore an open vest that showed off his sculpted body. "Just a simple question, Naruko-dono. If you're as big as you are, how big do your males get since we've only seen Menma and he's not exactly the best example.?"
Naruko took a few moments to think before answering. "Well, this question is a bit tricky to answer as the Spectras do not use the same units of measurements as you humans do, though I do find it very interesting that you use the same terms of measurements as many other human civilizations throughout the universe. I am the tallest of my race for females yet I'm around the same height that's slightly above average for our men. Our species are not as similar as you may think. We have three classes. I'm an example of what you would call a Spectra-Royal. Though fewest in number, we have the longest life spans and greatest capacity for learning and growing stronger. You can always spot a Royal in our society by their white skin and hair and red eyes. There have been attempts to spread the genome of the Royals but the chances of success despite our advances in medical science and technology is still far too low for us to implement it publicly.
The next class you can refer to as Spectra-Major. They are far more numerous than Royals yet their potential will always fall short of ours. They have dark skin like you with orange eyes and white hair. The last class as you can guess would be Spectra-Minors. They are the most numerous yet limited in potential. Instead of how Majors and Royals can excel at whatever they put their minds to, the Minors are born into specializations, such as literature, arts, music, farming, child raising, engineering, or war. Their specializations can often be predicted before birth based on who their parents are.
The classes also affect us Spectras on a physical level. Royals tend to be the tallest, followed by Majors, than Minors, yet the males of each class will usually be taller than any female of the same class once they've reached full maturity and given our powerful digestive tracts, unnecessary body fats are practically non-existent. In your unit of measurements, a male minor would average around seven feet in height, a male Major around 7'4 to 7'10. Going by that trend, then we estimate Menma's fully matured height to be anywhere from eight feet to 8'6. We've never had a male Royal before so we are quite excited." She smiled lovingly down at her baby who had remained asleep throughout the meeting and ignored the subtle dropping of jaws upon the floor around them.
Over ei-eight feet!? A and B stammered mentally as they tried to comprehend someone almost two feet taller than them with possibly a just as impressive physique.
Sarutobi righted himself before asking his question. "Naruko-dono, I can only imagine the difficulties you may face when leading an entire race, even more so when you've spanned over the stars. I can't help but ask how you've managed to hold your people together for so long if what one of the crew on our shuttle told us is true."
Naruko connected herself to that specific woman and asked what was spoken which didn't take long. "I see. Well, it's quite simple. We were always motivated by a single cause that I discovered when we first exited our planet's atmosphere. Over the three million years since that moment, the cause had to be modified slightly as even while some of us are very old, we are never too old to learn a valuable lesson. We are a species who use to have a unique physiological condition where our memories would deteriorate drastically after about thirty years. It was too common for mothers to think for days just to remember their children's names, or for some of us to even remember how to eat. I was no different yet it wasn't until I discovered that we had another inherent trait unique to us. We have a process we call 'Neblading' which allows us to consume the memories of organisms we eat. Continued use of this ability reversed our memory disease."
… Yeah, silence.
"Once the disease was cured, we placed a high emphasis on the preservation of life. As we traveled the stars, we saw ourselves as historians and preservationists. We took care of isolated ecosystems, studied all planet-locked species from afar or sometimes up close, and interacted with other space faring species whether it be friendly or in some cases, hostile. Ever since our ascension into space, our species has only become more unified beyond just the physical sense. It also helps that the people consider me a good queen so there's really no such thing as politics within our society."
"Heh," Nobuhiro chuckled, "that sounds like a dream come true. I'm quite envious, and I'm sure the rest feel that way on some level. Politics are such a drag. I try my best and my mother keeps me in line, but everyday it's like someone is unhappy unlike the day before and they feel they have to skip all the levels of authority between us to come straight to me with their problems." By the end, he was depressed and the Kages could help but empathize with the Daimyo.
Naruko was amused. "That's quite an unfortunately problem but if it makes you feel better, your situation exists in almost every government we've ever come across. It's another reason no one in our society bothers stirring up political trouble. When they see the political situations of other species and how it's a struggle just to pass some legislation, my people see themselves as quite fortunate to not have any of that."
Orochimaru finally stepped up to make himself known and his is one man Naruko was looking forward to answer the most if his request earlier on the shuttle was anything to go by. The others quieted down as they saw him approach and Naruko could barely see the signs of anxiety around his presence. From what she could tell from Kushina's memories, this man was a once in a lifetime genius with very questionable methods and little morality seeing it's common knowledge that he's performed a couple of surgeries on himself to increase his physical and chakra capabilities. No one knows just how many he's done.
"Naruko-dono," the pale man spoke with a deep voice. "I am Orochimaru, no surname, hailing from Konohagakure no Sato. Normally, I would only want to talk about this in a less crowded area but for the sake of not provoking the other villages' suspicions, I'll ask my questions here."
At Naruko's nod, he continued. "Over my life, like all here before us, I have experienced the death of someone close to me, whether they be my parents or the family of my teammates. The fragility of our lives has infuriated me, but nothing more so than the ninja's world general acceptance of it," he spoke with a sharp undertone that surprised some about how he felt of their world since he was one of its most accomplished killers. Naruko could understand his anger. Had she enough sapience at the time before she discovered Neblading, she would have been infuriated as well by her species' complacency with their disease.
"So I sought many means of increasing the capacity of our shinobi, whether it be through physical enhancement or medical treatment yet I admit that even some of my work would have had me exiled by the village had my sensei not been as tolerant as he had," the man relented, causing many to look at the Sandaime who just stared at Orochimaru with a sad frown. "While jutsu and money became what the shinobi villages revolved around, I have become fixated on knowledge. I have a dream to learn everything, to save the lives of our shinobi. I want to learn the secrets of the world," he proclaimed, unsettling many as they could only assume he had deep nefarious goals at heart.
"Believe me, Orochimaru, when I say that I understand the meaning of your story, and can appreciate the drive of a like-minded individual," she spoke, surprising the rest. "I am a Leader by position, a scientist by heart, and a mother by soul. I am always excited to learn something new since there is always something new, whether it be an idea or a fresh perspective, and I aim to learn these secrets to better help lead my people. So I understand and tell you to ask your question, Orochimaru, and I shall see it finally answered."
Orochimaru was so anxious and excited at this moment. For so long, he has desired answers to the many secrets of the world and life itself, and through several moments of his breakthroughs has he had to sacrifice a bit more of his soul in return. Whenever he would ask himself 'Is this worth it?' he would think back to the day Tsunade cried onto his shoulder when her lover died. To see such a strong woman—his teammate since their genin days—broken because of the life of the ninja world was the final straw for him so he began his journey to immortality and it's always that last memory that helped him keep moving his feet when he wanted to just fall to his knees and give up.
"Naruko, one of your people said to me that many species who know you refer to you as 'The Immortal Queen' given how you haven't deteriorated past your prime in millions of years—" cue several people fainting from brain malfunctions, "so I ask several questions: How did you achieve immortality? How have you found the strength to keep going on for so long? How can you find meaning in your existence when so many around you live their lives and inevitably die while you stay the same?"
With each question, he stepped closer and it touched Naruko's heart as she heard the desperation in his voice grow bit by bit with each word. She understood him now. This man was very much like how she use to be.
"I believe… I understand you now more than anybody else here, Orochimaru. You have sought the answers to these questions even at the cost of your own humanity and soul," she stated in a knowing manner, causing the man to almost flinch. "Piece by piece, you sacrifice a bit more of yourself in your quest for knowledge. Instead of going with the flow of the river, you are fighting an upstream battle. Friends, family, the respect of your comrades and the village around you...you would give it all up for their sake. I imagine many look at you with fear or disgust, unable to comprehend your mindset. You're distorted and they feel the less they interact with you, the less it will affect them."
Each word spoken was a truth Orochimaru already knew and heard before but this was the first time someone has ever spoken them to him from their own experience. She wasn't judging him, condemning him, patronizing him—no, she was merely speaking of his own truth. To have it laid out so easily in words by someone who's only known him for a minute… to be understood and read like a scroll so easily was quite a terrifying experience for him.
"I will tell you, Orochimaru, that even I do not know the limits of my own immortality. True, I have lived for millions of years without my body deteriorating while the rest of my kind lives for a few thousand years or less before dying. Yet though I have been injured numerous times from countless battles, I have never faced defeat. However, even if I couldn't die, the path to my immortality… is paved in the blood of the billions I have Nebladed," she revealed, horrifying those who knew her not. The shear numbers of beings she'd claimed to have eaten stunned even Orochimaru.
She stepped forward, closing the distance to the Sannin who felt rooted in place.
"28,432,359,992 sentient, sapient lives I have Nebladed. Admittedly, the major majority were enemies during the numerous wars against us. Still, I possess all of their memories and they do not just simply disappear. Each and everyone of them yearns to be the dominant memory, even over the memory of my own life. I have to keep constant vigilance with so many and I have for so long that it's become second nature to me. I know every single positive and negative experience there is in life. I can recall the happy and terrible memories of each and every single person I killed. I also outlive every single person that has been in my life. That is the punishment I have been given for my immortality—absolute power and longevity for absolute loneliness," she laments towards the end, the sorrow light in her voice.
"I'm sure that I will even outlive the only child I've ever had in my life," she glances down forlornly at said child who was starting to stir due to the emotions within Naruko's own heart. "And to how I keep moving forward? I am the leader of one of the greatest species to ever thrive in the universe. There have been greater but they have died out and if there are still some out there then they have yet to be discovered. It is this pride that I draw strength. The pride I have in my position, in my people and in the long journey we've traveled so far. I face tomorrow because if I don't, what will my people… my son… think? I am their leader. I must always lead from the front. I must always be on a pedestal far above them.
The distance between us should be as great as Heaven and Earth for if a single Spectra can make it as far as me, than others can too. They will constantly better everything about themselves to reach my level and as a whole our species will thrive and live on to face whatever the future has in store for us. I will suffer my loneliness by myself and in return, my legacy, my people and son will only become better from it. This is the duty appointed to me and it has shown great merits as even the Minors' have increased their lives and overall performances in their specialties by atleast five times what they were a million years ago. The day a Spectra is able to reach my level is the day I relinquish my throne for I have either stagnated or reached my limit while they may yet grow."
Her monologue is followed by silence as the shinobi and non-shinobi felt a respect unlike any other grow for the queen. Those leaders could understand her. A kage has to be leagues above the rest of his/her village or else why would the village follow his/her example? The Spectras who were listening either through the hive link or among the bridge of Outer Heaven were solemn and silent while some even shed tears at their queen's beliefs. She was right, after all. She was so incredibly far ahead of them all and yet instead of them being discouraged by the gap, it merely made them want to close it and surpass her.
On the bridge, Karin felt her heart ache. Stupid queen. Yes, she is right, but even after so long, she still can't see that the more she is 'alone', the more she is not. The woman sighs and decides it's not her place to put some sense in her friend's head.
Naruko focused on Orochimaru while the man barely kept from falling to his knees with the revelation revealed to him. Watching her as she tread closer, he wouldn't lie when he thought she really was a divine being. Even after the heart-felt, emotional moment she had, she merely reaffirmed her stability and power by exuding a potent aura that made many want to bow before her or follow her lead. She stared down at him with magenta eyes relaxed yet unwavering.
"You want immortality so that you may learn the secrets of your world to better yourself and your village. You have already taken it upon yourself to no doubt commit acts of heinous content in the eyes of your peers with the sole intention of making everyone's lives better." She bends to a knee and whispers in his ear.
None could hear what was said but it caused the man's bearing to break and because of how they were positioned, one couldn't see it well. Naruko steps back and bows slightly to the group. "I apologize now, but I will have to leave to make a scheduled visit that has recently made itself known. Any more questions or issues, as well as the treaty, can be worked out and discussed with an ambassador I've selected. She will be residing within Uzu no Kuni's main island where it is already being rebuilt with some key facilities for future plans. You can schedule a meeting with her through the shuttles that flew you hear. They will only act as your personal shuttle to and from meetings involving my ambassador. They will leave with each of you a device that will let them know your location if you are ready to depart."
The sudden need to leave surprised them out of their somber mood but the five kages, the Daimyo, the bodyguards and the samurai found themselves standing up and returning the bow before they even realized it. The queen made her exit as her and her child's guards took up their previous formation and walked out under the escort of the samurai captain.
As the shinobi mingled about and stretched their legs, Sarutobi approached Orochimaru who was standing where he had before and put a hand on his shoulder. "Orochimaru… are you alright?" the old man asked worriedly.
What he saw stunned him and almost brought him to tears.
Orochimaru was smiling. Not a manipulative, devious, or scary smile, but one he hadn't seen since before he stood by the child in front of his parents' grave.
"I'm just fine, Sensei."
"What did she whisper to you?" he asked, though he wouldn't be surprised if he got an indirect answer considering how personal that conversation was.
Orochimaru was silent for a moment before grabbing Hiruzen's arm in a reassuring gesture. "Just what I needed to hear, Sensei."
He thought back to her words that he kept repeating over and over in his head.
"Accept my offer and you may live a life alone and spited for your differences, yet you will have your wish within your grasp."