Dragon Age Origins

Naruto Uzumaki

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Dragon Age and I am not making any profit from this.

Chapter 1 – Ninja Origin

Nineteen-year-old Naruto Uzumaki looked over Konoha from his place on the Hokage Monument, his usual seat upon the Fourth Hokage's head.

The sun was rising on the horizon and Naruto knew that today was going to be the day.

He used the leaf teleport and reappeared outside his apartment. "I have a good feeling about today." He said as he entered and dressed in new clothes, something he picked up while out of the village. A pair of black cargo pants with numerous pockets. He'd sewn storage seals in them as well as several seals that would make his pants hard to damage. (I hated tough missions where I ended up naked.) he thought as he slipped on a black mesh shirt and the brand new leather jacket. He tied his headband around his waist and grabbed his goggles and placed them around his neck as a collar. His hair he pulled into a ponytail and then grabbed the fingerless gloves with metal plates on the back knuckles. He then put on the steel toe combat boots and grinned at his image. He slipped on his kunai and shuriken pouches then his scroll case.

"I look damn good." He said. (Good enough to be crowned Hokage.) he thought and with that thought he left his apartment. (Don't want to be late to my own coronation.)

XX

(Hokage Tower)

Tsunade looked at the pictures of her predecessors. Today she would announce the official sixth Hokage. She wanted to do it three years ago after the mess with Pein and then Danzo, but she'd taken up the post of Hokage again after her coma and hadn't had a chance with all the political maneuvering that was going on and the council kept her very busy.

(That's a lie. I've had numerous chances, I just procrastinated in order to protect…) her thoughts were cut off as there was a knock at the door.

"Enter." She called knowing that Shizune was busy in the hospital.

A man with tanned, weathered skin a black beard and hair entered. She blinked at him. he was foreign, he wore armor and carried a sword and a dagger across his back.

"Duncan?" she asked in disbelief.

"Tsunade." He greeted her. "You look as beautiful as ever." He said taking her hand in his gauntlet covered one and gave it a gentlemanly kiss.

"And you've gotten more charming." She said, her honey brown eyes studying him. (Has it been so long?) she thought. "You've gotten old on me Duncan." She said seeing some silver in his hair. It was his eyes that showed he found it amusing. "Some of us approach age with dignity." He told her.

Tsunade laughed. "Not me. I face it then run away screaming in the opposite direction."

Duncan chuckled. "I was surprised to hear that you returned to Konoha and are the Hokage." He said and took a seat that she offered.

"That's old news. I'm about to announce the next Hokage and retire to run the hospital and drink my free time away." She folded her hands. "What brings you all the way to Konoha, its nowhere near the lands you wander. And if I recall you were joining some secret order last time we talked."

Duncan smiled. "My ship stopped here for supplies before we make the long journey to Ferelden." He sighed. "A Blight has started and I've been searching for aid…" he looked at Tsunade hopefully.

She shook her head. "I wish I could, but the Council of Kage's swore to not be involved on things not part of the Elemental Nations. And with the mists we are safe from the Blight. I'm sorry Duncan, I wish I could help you. My grandfather and Uncle would have sent as many ninja as they could spare, but now…" she sighed. "Stupid politics, I'm not getting out of this too soon."

Duncan shrugged. "I'm sorry for bothering you. It was a vain hope, and I do understand. The Elemental countries keep their own affairs." Then he had a wry grin, "Of course a couple of ninja would have been nice."

Before Tsunade could speak further the door opened without any warning. "Morning Baa-chan."

She sighed. While in truth she didn't mind the nickname he gave her, she wished that he would be formal in the office.

"Naruto." She said and he realized she wasn't alone due to the tone of her voice.

"Sorry about that Hokage-sama." He said standing before her desk and giving her a slight bow. "I thought you'd be alone." He explained.

Tsunade sighed. She looked from Duncan towards the blond who was her choice for Hokage. "Naruto, I need to work on some things before I meet with the council. Could you show my old friend Duncan around Konoha?" she looked at Duncan. "You will stay for the ceremony won't you?" she asked him.

"I would be honored. The last time I witnessed a Hokage being named was your teacher in fact."

"You knew the old man?" Naruto asked looking at Duncan who laughed. "I met him briefly last time I was here last."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

"I'll speak with you later then." Duncan rose and made for the door.

"And Naruto…" she began and when the blond looked at her she gave him a smile "Behave."

Naruto laughed. "When haven't I?"

Tsunade shook her head not wanting to answer that. "Go you scamp. See you at noon." She said.

Naruto met Duncan at the bottom of the stairs. "Have you seen Konoha before?" he asked the warrior.

"I have, but a lot has changed since I was last here." Duncan said as they began to walk.

"So, you a samurai?" Naruto asked.

Duncan shook his head. "I'm a Grey Warden."

"What's that?" Naruto asked as they walked slowly. Many of the shops were opening for the day. Some store owners nodded at Naruto. Their treatment of him had changed greatly since his battle with Pein three years ago.

Duncan chuckled. "An order dedicated to battling Dark Spawn, creatures twisted and evil." Duncan answered trying to simplify it for someone who never saw them before. "Creatures of pure evil that will stop at nothing than wiping out all life as we know it."

Naruto took this in. "Is Konoha in danger from these Dark Spawn?"

"No. Something keeps them contained to the lands of Ferelden and its neighboring lands." Duncan answered.

Naruto was quiet as they moved about.

"Last time I was here, this was a dango shop." Duncan gestured towards a stand that now sold scrolls.

"I remember that place. It burned down when I was little." Naruto said.

Naruto showed him to the academy.

"Ah, yes. This is still the same." Duncan said. "I remember when I was here with my mentor, Sarutobi was trying to discipline one of his students. If I recall it was about peeping on Tsunade" Duncan gave a chuckle. "I just can't remember his name." He rubbed his beard in thought.

"Ero-sannin?" Naruto said then said "Jiraiya Oil." And Duncan nodded. "I wonder what happened to him and his friend."

Naruto looked at the academy sadly. "Sensei died and Orochimaru turned traitor and died a couple of years ago."

Duncan sighed. "I'm sorry to hear that. Both were great friends when I met them…were their deaths…were they connected?"

Naruto shook his head and told Duncan how Jiraiya had died and gave a brief history of Orochimaru up until his death at Sasuke's hands.

Duncan shakes his head. "Such promise wasted." He muttered.

Naruto shrugged. "Orochimaru wanted power and immortality, instead he found himself friendless and alone in the end."

"Wise words." Duncan says and Naruto shrugs, "Life lessons." He answers as they kept walking.

Duncan looks up at the monument and studied the faces that had been added since his time here long ago. He recognizes Tsunade's and Hiruzen's. he looks at the face between them then looks at his escort.

"My father." Naruto answers the unasked question.

Duncan didn't ask, as it seemed to him that the blond found it a touchy subject. They continued with Naruto showing him around from the merchant quarter to the renovated sections to what used to be the Uchiha district but now housed many new families.

"Have you eaten yet Duncan-san?" Naruto asked.

"No, I was going to eat before returning to my ship." Duncan answered.

"Come on, I'll show you where you can get the greatest ramen in the Elemental Nations."

Duncan smiled at that and the young man led him back across the village to a humble looking stand.

Pushing aside the curtain Naruto called out. "Ayame-chan!"

Duncan entered and saw a young woman behind the counter. "Naruto." She greeted. "Your usual?"

The blond nodded "And a bowl for Duncan-san to try."

Ayame as the woman was called greeted him. "What would you like to try?" she asked.

Duncan looked at the menu above the bar. "I'll try the chicken and pork ramen, and a bottle of water please." He said taking a seat at the bar.

Naruto used the time to study the man more. The armor and weapons looked well used and cared for. The man's skin was dark and Naruto could tell it was from long hours under the sun.

"So how long have you known Tsunade?" Duncan asked.

Naruto shrugged. "About eight years nearly nine." Naruto looked at the man. "What about you?"

Duncan chuckled. "I met Tsunade long ago…I was about eleven or twelve when I first met her when my mentor came to Konoha to speak with the Hokage." Naruto listened as Duncan told of his impressions of the Sannin when they were his age.

"Over the years my mentor had me learn everything from eating habits to politics. I even got a year of training in your ninja academy." Duncan said with a chuckle. "I felt awkward but at the same time I was fascinated with everything I saw."

The two ate their ramen and Duncan told stories of a younger Tsunade, they were nearly finished when the tarp over the entrance opened showing several members of Konoha's Anbu.

"Uzumaki." The one wearing the Boar mask said.

"Yes, does Baa-chan need me yet?" the blond asked and blinked at seeing seven Anbu standing there.

"You are to come with us to the council chamber." Boar said in a very neutral voice. Duncan cocked an eyebrow at this man's tone.

Naruto seemed to notice how tense the Anbu were. "What's goin' on?" he asked. Ayame returned from the back room and when Naruto turned to see her two of the Anbu leapt and took him to the ground a third rushed up and bound his hands and fingers.

"You'll pay for what you've done monster." The Eagle masked Anbu snarled.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Naruto asked as his face was in the ground.

"Excuse me." Duncan said as he stood. "What are the charges?"

"Stay out of this stranger." One of the Anbu barked at him as they hauled Naruto to his feet and disappeared in a mass Shunshin. Duncan looked over at the girl Ayame. "Where would they take him?" Duncan asked. (There is something wrong here and I need to find out what.) Duncan thought as he paid for the meals and hurried to the tower after Ayame had told him to the interrogation chamber.

(I need to see Tsunade and get this cleared up.) Duncan thought and cursed at the distance he'd have to cover wearing armor.

XX

Duncan looked at the Hokage's tower that was surrounded by Anbu wearing an odd symbol that translated to ROOT. He shook his head and found his way blocked.

"HALT!" one of the Root marked Anbu said. "No one is to enter the tower."

Duncan studied the masked face. "I need to speak with Lady Tsunade, its important."

The Anbu snorted. "Leave outsider."

Duncan's eyes narrowed and he took in the eager stances by the Anbu. "Very well." He said and walked away. When he got out of their sight he pulled a charmed necklace out of his pouch and slipped it around his neck. Speaking the command word he was covered by the one time use spell and turned himself invisible. (Time to see what is going on here.)

Using his years of training he crept past the Anbu. His only close call was on the stairs, but he managed to balance himself on the rail and waited until the pair passed him by and he made to the top floor.

He entered the hallway and crept along recalling his misspent youth when his mentor had found him in the slums and taught him more than being a pickpocket.

He got to the office and frowned seeing the armed ninja and numerous councilors gathered there.

The youngest man there stood with a grin. His hair reminded Duncan of a ducks backside. He looked at the gathered Root and spoke. "This will work. Keep her contained and once the announcement is made you will kill her."

"Lord Uchiha, what of the Kyuubi brat?" one of the councilmen asked.

The identified Uchiha smirked. "Right now he's having his chakra sealed away permanently and once its announced that he's 'Killed' the Fifth Hokage when she 'told' him that I was going to be announced as the sixth Hokage." He laughed a bit madly. "And everyone that is loyal to Tsunade, more to the point those loyal to Uzumaki are either in Root holding cells or out of the village and by the time they come back I'll be Hokage."

"A dangerous game you're playing Sasuke-kun." One of the Hokage's advisors warned. "Uzumaki is well liked and respected."

Sasuke Uchiha snorted. "The idiot couldn't lace up is boots without help. Konoha will accept me as the Sixth Hokage." He smirked again. "And once it's announced that Naruto is the Hokage's murderer we'll have him released and the sheep will do the rest."

Duncan saw the two advisors share a look and he remembered them as the Third's teammates, Koharu and Homaru. He watched as they left and then when the arrogant Uchiha left, leaving several guards. Duncan wasted no time as he unsheathed his sword and dagger and the first Anbu was gutted and the second one beheaded and their bodies were falling to the ground when Duncan's charm failed and he tore into the third guard, burying his dagger in the man's skull

He kicked open the door and found Tsunade bound and gagged on the floor with her assistant several feet away dead.

Cutting her free he looked at her. "Thank the Maker that you are still alive."

Tsunade had tears in her eyes as she looked at her long time friend and first apprentice. "He killed her." she whispered. "He walked up behind her and slit her throat. I knew I should have killed the little bastard and ignored the council when they said he should be allowed back into the village." Tsunade was leaning against her desk. "I need to gather Anbu." She said.

Duncan shook his head. "It looks like a silent and complete takeover." When Tsunade looked at him he explained what he overheard.

"Damn it. And I sent most of them away. The earliest anyone would be back is a weeks time." Tsunade sat on the edge of her desk and thought.

"Your best bet would be to escape Konoha and lead a revolt when you have allies around you." Duncan said.

Tsunade nodded. "I hate to say it, but you're right. I only hope Naruto can…SHIT! Naruto!" Tsunade said as she remembered Duncan's words.

She grabbed her jacket. "We need to rescue him. I know we aren't…" she began, but Duncan held up a hand. "Of course I'll help you." He loosened his blades and shifted his shoulder wincing as it actually cracked.

Tsunade grinned. "Sucks getting old doesn't it?"

Duncan gave her a look. "Getting old?"

The two friends and warriors slipped out of the office, Tsunade delaying long enough to seal Shizune's body in a scroll to bury her later and to silently vow to rip the Uchiha's head off personally.

XX

(Underground)

Duncan's sword dispatched another Root Anbu and Tsunade's fist pulped another as they moved through the base. "I knew Danzo had a base, and I thought that we had mapped it all." She said as they hurried towards another staircase that led them further below Konoha in a web of tunnels. They had discovered the path down as a pair of Root operatives had gotten cocky and Tsunade cursed as she knew with her luck this wouldn't end well.

Six floors lower than the last floor they knew about originally and Tsunade growled at the sheer number of ninja that were hidden here. (Three fucking years and we thought we'd cut the last Root cell out.) Tsunade thought as Duncan was showing what a warrior of his stature can do as he chopped, slashed and bashed his way through Danzo's trained minions. (I knew when that bastard died he had more than what we found.) Tsunade thought as she followed Duncan who had another Root pinned to the wall, but the man bit down on a poison tooth before he could be questioned.

"Looks like this is where the trail ends." Duncan said as he flicked blood off his blades.

Tsunade growled and with a chakra enhanced punch blew a hole in the wall leading to another corridor that the end showed a lit room.

Tsunade and Duncan rushed to the end where they found an unconscious Naruto strapped to a chair and the marks of the chakra seal fading.

"NO!" Tsunade rushed in and felt the blonds stats. "Pulse…slow, erratic." Tsunade looked at Duncan. "Breathing…breathing…come on baby don't leave me." Tsunade cast several medical jutsu, several of them she invented herself.

Duncan looked around but it seemed that those that had done this had left.

Tsunade was crying as she fought to heal the boy she saw as her own.

"Tsunade?"

She ignored Duncan's voice. "They took away his chakra and…" she looked at the results her scan was giving her. "They took the Kyuubi out of him. shit…the procedure is supposed to take three days how the hell?"

The door behind Tsunade opened. But she wasn't paying attention, Duncan was and he put himself between Tsunade and the possible threat.

"Put that away."

Duncan recognized Koharu as she entered the room. "Damn, we're too late." Koharu said as she entered with a pair of ninja.

"Lady Tsunade." The first said and Duncan took a moment to study the newcomers. The first was a woman with black hair and red eyes. The other was a man with long broom-like silver hair and his head protector was over his left eye. The man's eye widened seeing Naruto.

"We failed." He said dropping to one knee and lowering his head.

"Not yet." Tsunade said as she grabbed a soldier pill and popped it in her mouth.

Koharu grabbed her wrist. "What are you doing? He's dead."

Tsunade shook her head. "I can use the same technique Chiyo did when she revived Gaara." Tsunade started to form seals when Koharu knocked her out.

Duncan moved but the village elder held up her hand. "I remember you. Now listen. The jutsu that Tsunade was about to use would have cost her life."

Duncan listened and lowered his sword. Koharu looked at Kurenai and Kakashi as she addressed them. "You two will need to get Tsunade to Suna. Contact everyone you can the Uchiha is going for a takeover and without allies Tsunade can't come back."

"What about Naruto?" Kakashi asked.

Koharu looked at the boy. "I have lived too long to see him die here." She said. She looked at Duncan. "He won't be able to stay. Without chakra and without the Kyuubi he's defenseless against his enemies."

Duncan looked at the blond boy before he spoke. "I can take him with me, my ship returns beyond the veil tonight."

Koharu closed her eyes and looked at Tsunade. "It means he'll be safe then so be it." Duncan thought about telling her about his concerns about the Blight, but shook himself mentally.

Koharu took Tsunade's place. "Once I do this, you two are to get the Godaime Hokage out of here and make sure the Grey Warden gets to his ship with Naruto."

Kakashi nodded.

"He's going to be weak after this. You look after him." Koharu said and Duncan gave his word.

Koharu's aged fingers sped thru the seals with grace and speed that showed she might be old but she wasn't out of the game.

She put her hands on Naruto and there was a flash as her life energy sped into him. (I've done all I can Sarutobi. My debt to you is complete old friend. You better put in a good word for me when I get there.) Koharu thought as her life slowly faded from her.

Her final sight was the rise and fall of Naruto's chest as darkness claimed her.

XX

"Kakashi grab Naruto. I've got Lady Tsunade." Kurenai said as she hoisted the unconscious Hokage over her shoulder. Kakashi did the same with Naruto. "Thank you Elder. May Kami smile upon you for all you have done seen and unseen." Kakashi said as he closed the dead woman's eyes, wishing he could do more for her.

Duncan pulled an object and looked at the pair of Jonin. "Go. Once I throw this the place will go up in flames."

Kakashi nodded and Duncan was behind them as he tossed the firebomb and watched as the room began to burn, Koharu's body quickly engulfed and Duncan thanked the mage he'd met who showed him how to make them.

XX

The trio with the two unconscious blonds made it out of the village meeting no opposition as everyone was gathered at the base of the Hokage Tower to watch the crowning of the new Hokage. Duncan found his horse where he left it and after getting into the saddle he looked at the pair of ninja. "This is where we part ways."

Kakashi didn't like surrendering Naruto to the man. "He's helpless. They not only sealed his chakra away but they took the Kyuubi out of him. it would be suicide for him to stay Kakashi." Kurenai said and Duncan could see how much it hurt her to say it. "Naruto needs to be away from this while the Hokage fights to reclaim Konoha."

Duncan listened to the pair argue back and forth. "I take Naruto with me, Tsunade knows where and how to get a hold of me when she wants him."

The two ninja shared a look. "Our priority is Lady Tsunade." Kakashi said with pain in his voice. He looked at Duncan. "Your word that you'll keep Naruto safe until Lady Tsunade can send for him."

Duncan nodded. He'd make sure that the whisker marked blond was as safe as possible with the Blight in Ferelden. Tsunade knew but these two didn't and Duncan was desperate for any kind of aid.

Kakashi helped get Naruto in the saddle before Duncan. "I wish you success. Tell Tsunade…" here Duncan paused. "Tell her I'll make sure Naruto comes home." Kakashi nodded once and watched as the foreigner rode away with his former student and sensei's son. (I wish you well. Come back soon.) the silver haired Jonin thought and then took the burden of carrying the Hokage. The three day trip without supplies was going to be interesting since they knew that until they were in Suna they had no allies until they could send out the call and for that Tsunade had to be awake.

With one last look where Duncan had rode away with Naruto the two Jonin of Konoha with the unconscious Hokage fled the land of fire vowing to return and right things as soon as possible.

XX

A groan escaped Naruto as he lifted his hand which felt like it was made of jello.

"Finally awake I see."

Naruto opened his eyes and then closed them before he groaned at the bright light as it stabbed into his brain reminding him of the time he went drinking for Shikamaru's bachelor party. He tried to sit up but a strong hand on his shoulder pushed him back down.

"Easy. You've been unconscious for three days."

Naruto blinked his eyes to get them to focus. He saw the dark eyes and bearded face of Duncan. "They captured you too?" Naruto said after a moment and the sip of water Duncan gave him.

"No. we're on a ship bound for Ferelden. We've passed the veil and are heading to the port in Denerim." Duncan explained everything since Naruto had been taken from the ramen stand.

The blond looked overwhelmed. "Shizune's dead?" he asked sounding lost, hollow.

Duncan nodded. "I am sorry. But it was the best decision at the time. With you defenseless and Tsunade in exile it was…"

"Thank you. I…I want to be alone for now." Naruto said.

"Of course. When you're up to it I will train you in another way to fight. I'll be up on deck for now."

Naruto said nothing else as he lay in the bed after the door closed a tear slipped from his eye. (Damn you Sasuke. I will return one day and I'll help Grandma Tsunade kick your pale ass and bury next to Orochimaru. This I vow. A promise of a lifetime.)

Naruto clenched his hand and thought about the future and the past along with those left behind.

AN: Next chapter will be some training and arrival in Denerim and Naruto meets an Elf for the first time. This has been in a file since last November and its getting posted. This won't be fast posting, but I wanted this up. So there is no confusion Naruto won't be going anywhere near Konoha. Maybe in a sequel, if I get thru this one that is. Anyway Naruto will be paired with a female character. Maybe the female city elf…Leliana or even Mori… well you get the hint.