Blossom
It was a quiet night at the Fire Kingdom's border as another full moon hung over the world, chasing back the darkness that lurked against the stones of Great Wall. Numerous Shinobi paced along assigned points, calling to each other to assure themselves that all was well. The stillness concerned the ninjas; each one was on high alert for intruders. In one of the northernmost areas of the wall, a jonin named Asuma who was assigned to lead and issue commands to the lower level ninja stood atop a checkpoint tower, scanning the surrounding world. A jonin was placed at every fifth checkpoint tower for this simple command purpose. Climbing down the steps and strolling out onto the man walkway of the wall to do his hourly rounds, an unpleasant feeling pricked at his senses. Turning his head, he barely managed to glimpse the tail of a snake as it disappeared down the side of the wall, an omen all ninja were familiar with. Soon a great evil would befall all of the Fire Kingdom and its people. Warning his troops to be on alert, he reached the second checkpoint tower and quickly ascended to light the great pillar to signal danger to the great kingdom. Upon reaching the top, he caught a glimpse of a man in the shadows where his torch's light did not reach and he turned. Before him stood the well known traitor of the Fire Kingdom, long black hair almost blending in with the shadows and pale shin that was stretched over the frame of a face with cruel features. Snake eyes that every ninja had come to fear glittered, reflecting the fire-light in an amber gaze. Not giving the traitor a chance, Asuma threw his torch onto the wood of the signal, the dry timber roaring to life instantly.
"Now all the Fire Kingdom knows you're here," his voice traveled to the ears of the rouge who only shrugged. Reaching up and snapping one of the flags off its support, the traitor held it over the flames of the signal, reducing it to a pile of ash in seconds.
"Perfect," the cold voice of the man froze the blood in the shinobi's veins and he watched as the traitor's evil grin spread.
Hours later in the center of the Fire Kingdom, General Fugaku Uchiha walks down covered wood floor and through the large double doors of the Great Hall to speak with the Hokage.
"Your Majesty, the armies of Sound has crossed our Northern Border and broken through the Great Wall," the General's deep voice reached to the farthest corners of the room where several page boys were sleeping behind one of the giant hanging tapestries. These tapestries hung on either side of the throne on which the Hokage sat, proud and impressive in his white robes that told of his rank.
"Impossible, no one has ever made it over the Great Wall," Ebizu, the Hokage's councilman pipes in before the ruler could get his mouth open. Holding up his hand to silence him, the Hokage motions for the general to carry on, "Orochimaru is leading and there is no telling what his plans are. As a precautionary measure, I will set up defenses around the palace immediately."
"No," intelligent azure eyes narrowed in thought, "send your troops to protect my people. Ebizu!"
"Yes your highness?" the councilman bowed.
"Send messengers to every village to call up reserves. I want new troops in training immediately."
"Forgive me your majesty, but I believe my troops can stops," the General Uchiha objected. The Hokage spared him a glance, and returned his concentration to his councilman.
"Ebizu go!"
"Yes, your majesty," the man scurried out of the hall, directing a disapproving look toward the objecting general and motioning for the page boys to follow him with a haughty flick of his hand.
Looking to see that the man was out of the room, the Hokage turned to the general.
"Fugaku, we have been friends for many years and I have faith in you and your men, but I will not make any chances with the lives of my people. One man could be the difference between victory and defeat." cobalt eyes me the dark eyes of the Uchiha.
"Of course, your highness," dark hair shifted as the man ducked his head in a small bow.
"I respect your formality around others, but it's just us now," the Hokage ran his hand tiredly through his hair that stood on end. The stress of ruling was already taking its toll and Fugaku imagined he could make out a few gray strands hidden among the blonde locks of his friend.
"Of course, Minato," he replied with a smile and an inaudible sigh.
The two men sat watching one another for a few moments before Minato broke the silence, "I want your youngest son to train the new troops, he has shown much promise for a boy his age. I would like to see if he has as much potential as Itachi did. Itachi will lead the reserves and join you in battle. Now go, you much to prepare for, old friend."
"I will do my best, Minato," the general bowed and turned to leave, casting one last glance at the man on the throne, his footsteps sounding on the floorboards as he strode out of the Great Hall.
Much thanks to Fox of the Last Temple for the revised version of this Prologue! It is phenomenal! I will continue putting out chapters after Fox of the Last Temple has a look over them, after doing such an amazing job on this one I can't wait to see the editing on the real chapters!. Please Keep Reviewing! Tell me what you think of the edit!