Winged Crusaders

CHP 1: Enemy from the Shadows

It had been quite some time since he looked at the world for what it was. Most the sun was covered by clouds scattered throughout the sky, but its heat was more than enough to satisfy him. His body and clothing were drenched from the lakeside not far away, but none of it mattered. The war was over and he finally had time to reflect and take pleasure in the little things. Sniffing the flowers, observing the small critters and animal life were just a few of those things. Numerous lives were lost during the entire ordeal. The saying "There couldn't be peace without sacrifice," finally made sense. His biggest question was "For how long?" How long until another madman came along with his or her plans to disrupt the peace?

The blond haired individual gazed at the large waterfall out in front of him, placing both hands beneath him and sitting upright. It was time to move on…but he'd never forget those lost in the war raged by what was arguably the most powerful Uchiha throughout history. Madara was no more, but an empty void remained for those left behind. He could stress about it all day but there was nothing that could be done to change the past, which is why he chose to look forward. The future was all that mattered. Even so he'd never forget the past, and the events that made him who he was.

From above flew a seagull carrying what appeared to be a scroll, seemingly headed for Konohagakure. Out of curiosity he trailed the bird on foot. He passed over the mountaintops making sure not to let it out of sight. Just as he predicted the seagull led him directly to the village entering through an open window of the main building. Whatever it was likely didn't relate to him, but that wasn't enough to stop him from wanting a peek. Taking advantage of his elusiveness and natural ninja abilities he jumped off one wall to the other advancing upward to the Hokage's balcony. Once there he ducked down making certain no one would be capable of spotting him from the other side of the glass windows.

The bird released the small scroll from its talons over the table retreating through the window it came through, "Shizune!"

"Yes my lady?" A woman inquired standing around 5'5, shoulder length raven colored hair. Circling around her legs was a small pig, "I want you to open this scroll, make certain to do it cautiously. It could be booby trapped." Tsunade replied. She was better known as the Hokage and leader of Konoha.

Shizune did as told unlocking the scroll with no sign of deception or hidden traps. She then went on to read what was written with on it. From outside his ear was pressed against the wall. The one known as Konoha's hero listened in for himself. His attire was dominantly orange with black taking on the secondary color. Like many other villagers he wore a ninja headband, his tied around his head with the village symbol positioned over the middle. He listened for a little over a minute hearing everything clearly, "A secret meeting between the five Kage in an undisclosed location…sounds interesting." He thought to himself.

He kept his ear against the wall in hopes of gathering additional information. All he needed was the time, location and what about?

"Naruto!"

The familiar female voiced triggered him to jump revolving around. She had already made her way up the balcony a couple feet from him. Naruto couldn't believe he didn't detect her sooner, "Sakura Chan…" The pink haired friend and teammate gradually advanced toward him. Naruto placed a finger over her lips the moment she attempted to speak, "Sssshhh," He pulled her down so she wouldn't be visible to either Shizune or Tsunade, "Sounds like a meet between the Kages is about to take place."

"And you're spying for information?!" Sakura scolded getting in his face while at the same time keeping her voice down as best she could.

Naruto retreated back finding himself pinned against the wall, "I wouldn't call it spying," He paused for a moment running a finger through his hair, "I think of it more as gathering information. Since I happened to be passing by, why not?" Naruto said innocently displaying a grin.

"Gathering information, spying…it is all the same if the other parties involved have no knowledge of your presence!" Sakura pinched at his left cheek. It was her way of showing the annoyance she had for his actions. Even so she stayed beside him situating her ear against the wall. Both listened closely to what was said on the other side of the wall, "I want you to bring me Anko, Ibiki and Kakashi. I'd like for the three of them alongside you to accompany me to the meeting place," Tsunade stood from the desk, "That will be all."

"Yes my lady." Shizune bowed exiting the Hokage's office.

Sakura and Naruto stood figuring there was nothing else to be said, "What are you planning?" Without asking Sakura knew by just looking into his eyes Naruto had something planned, "Neither of us knows where the meeting is going to take place."

"Maybe so…" Naruto hopped over the railing, "But that doesn't mean I can't follow when they make their departure." He leaped off the ledge as Sakura shouted his name. She didn't agree with what he was doing but at the same time wanted to tag along. The pink haired kunoichi shook her head, "I just know I'm going to regret this." She followed after him.

From over his shoulder he perceived Sakura pursuing him; the thought of it brought a smile to his face. Going at it alone wasn't such a big deal. But it never hurt having a little company at his side. Naruto purposely slowed up allowing for her to catch up, "Glad you're coming along, but let's keep this between us ok."

"Whatever you say but what do we tell them if discovered? Lady Tsunade would want an explanation."

"The whole thing was my idea and you were only along for the ride; that's our explanation." Naruto replied leading both he and Sakura atop a roof. She wanted to ask why his clothing was wet, but didn't see relevance in doing so. From there they jumped from one roof to the next. In no time they touched down near the front gate hiding within one of the surrounding trees. Both were prepared for what could turn out to be a long wait. The idea didn't bother either. Part of being a ninja was to have exceptional patience, which each of them did. Naruto closed his eyes leaning against the branches enjoying the breeze blowing over his face while Sakura kept watch. They waited for what felt like an hour, and finally the Hokage beside four others emerged down the main road.

It was just as she suggested within her office; Kakashi, Anko, Shizune and Ibiki escorted Tsunade on either side and from behind as well. Various villagers throughout the general area voiced different side comments about what might be happening. It wasn't every day the Hokage left Konohagakure without saying a word. It didn't take long for them to exit the front gates, "Let's give it a minute or so. If we follow them now they're sure to notice us." Naruto emphasized.

Sakura agreed observing them get further and further away. After a couple minutes both ninjas uncovered from the tree with the target in sight a little over three hundred yards away. They used the trees and bushes to conceal themselves the further they went. Kakashi took charge as the group ahead entered the forest. Together they shot upward jumping from one tree to the next. Soon after Sakura and Naruto arrived doing exactly what the Hokage and others did. They used the trees to facilitate covering ground a lot faster. The second they hauled in too closely with the faction ahead both protracted decreasing their speed.

"Are you sure you're ok with this Sakura Chan?" Naruto posed jumping to the next branch. Of all girls he had come across she was the only one to truly ever capture his heart. She and many others were aware of his feelings for her, but unfortunately her love and affection was for someone else entirely; a rival, or his rival to be more precise. Maybe one day she'd see him the same way he saw her. If there was one wish he could have, that would be one near the top, "If you want to turn around and go back home I'd understand."

"We've already gone far enough, no way am I turning around now." She replied giving him a quick smile.

Until he knew the purpose of the meeting Naruto in no way wanted to be detected. With the conclusion of the war it was a time for rebuilding of damages and relations; perhaps that was the reason for the get together, but he couldn't relax until positive. Sakura didn't care nearly as much about the reason for the meet as her companion did.

Soon each of them lost track of time guessing they'd been journeying for at least three hours or more. Due to their past training both developed excellent cardiorespiratory, barely feeling the effects of the long trip. Both clearly saw Tsunade and everyone up ahead come to a sudden stop. Nevertheless Sakura and Naruto continued on but at a much slower pace, "Let's hope this is the destination and they aren't just stopping for rest." Naruto stressed.

"I'd like you to stay here and stand guard," Tsunade looked directly at Kakashi, "Will that be a problem?"

"Not at all." Kakashi responded slightly bowing.

The remainder of the group followed Tsunade up a staircase leading to what appeared to be a temple. Finding a place to sit Kakashi uncovered a small book from his pocket, wasting no time turning to the page he had left off. Near the front entrance stood two guards heavily armored. They lowered their staffs simultaneously. Neither had met the Hokage in person but had seen pictures, and were sure she was the one, "You're going to make a left down the main hall and up another set of stairs that'll guide you to the conference room. If you get lost or have any questions there are plenty others ahead that can be of service."

Tsunade simply nodded bypassing both guards in addition to her associates. Collectively they traveled to the conference location having no problems along the way. Already awaiting them was the Raikage, Kazekage and the Mizukage. Like Tsunade they were with others from their respected village. The Hokage took a seat at the table's end with all that remained absent being the Tsuchikage.

Outside the village Naruto and Sakura came to a complete stop within one of the trees. Kakashi was no further than twenty five feet from their position; both had a perfect view of him. The question each of them wanted answered was what happened to Tsunade and everyone else. Sakura bit down on her tongue observing Kakashi lower the novel from his face placing a book mark between two pages so not to lose his place. Was it possible he was aware of their pr…No it couldn't be.

"Why don't you come out," Kakashi stood from the brick like surface, "I know it is you Naruto."

Naruto's eyes grew in size at the mention of his name! It didn't surprise him…sooner or later he knew Kakashi would sense that he was nearby. He had no idea it would be so quickly however. Taking a deep breath Naruto revealed himself jumping down from the tree. Sakura did the same touching down a little over a foot behind him, "Sakura too," Kakashi scratched at the side of his head, "I had no idea you came along as well."

"As well? Wait hold on a sec…how long has it been since you were aware I was following?" Naruto asked.

"Shortly after we proceeded from the village," Kakashi sat back where he'd been moments ago, "Too be honest I didn't know for sure it was you that followed, but when putting two and two together who else could it have been." He looked straight into Naruto's ocean colored eyes, "The Hokage and everyone else are inside the temple, and she asked that I stand guard. How much do you two know about what's going on?"

Sakura and Naruto gazed at one another and then at Kakashi, "Everything except for why this meeting was called. Is it possible you could fill that blank?" Naruto asked.

"Sorry…I know just as much about it as the two of you," Kakashi re opened the novel over his lap, "Frankly I don't believe the Hokage is even sure. The scroll dispatched to her office didn't contain much information. No worries I'm sure we'll hear all about it once the meet ends."

Naruto stomped at the ground wanting nothing more than to pull at his own hair! He did not travel just to wait and hear about everything afterward. If he wanted that there was no reason for leaving Konohagakure in the first place. Sakura distinguished the frustration through his face and overall body posture, "Naruto…" Sakura sighed.

To her surprise the blond haired ninja found a leveled space over the grass taking a seat with his legs crossed and eyes closed. Sakura wondered what he was doing however didn't speak a word. Kakashi didn't pay either of them attention dialed into the story. Sitting near Kakashi Sakura placed one leg over the other. In the passing seconds the region around Naruto's eyes changed to an orange/reddish color. His eyes shot open the next instant with his blue eyes having switched over to a yellow.

"Naruto! Isn't this…" Sakura went silent.

Konoha's mightiest ninja stood from his crossed position looking directly to the temple, "Something isn't right!" His panicky tone caused Kakashi to close the book for a second time getting Sakura's attention as well. Sage Mode heightened his senses and strength, but he got more than he bargained for when transferring over to the mode. His original intent was to look inside and harvest some idea of what was taking place inside the meeting area. Without warning Naruto raced past Sakura and Kakashi at top velocity.

"Naruto!" Sakura yelled jumping up along with Kakashi.

"This whole thing is a trap! Granny Tsunade and everyone else are in grave danger!" Naruto responded.

There was no time for Sakura or Kakashe to request an explanation and instead chased after him. Kakashi knew Naruto well enough to know he didn't joke around with such serious matters. In a matter of seconds Naruto was up the stairs and in front of the main entrance, "Sir you cannot enter." A guard warned stepping in front of the door with his staff in hand. Naruto smashed through the front entrance taking down the guard in as well.

"Sorry." Naruto apologized looking back at the guard lied out over the carpet. Because of Sage Mode he knew exactly where to find Tsunade and the others. Sakura and Kakashi weren't nearly as fast making their way up the long staircase. Down the hall and making a left Naruto smashed through the front entrance!

"This meeting has to come to a stop!" Naruto shouted.

Chojuro got in front of the Mizukage to defend her from any immediate threat, just as Temari did for the Kazekage and so on, "Naruto what is the MEANING OF THIS?! Why are you HERE?!" Tsunade barked from her seat. Everyone else throughout eased up realizing it was only Naruto.

"What are you people blind?! Can't you see them?!" Naruto pointed to the ceiling. Everyone within the room looked upward but didn't see a single thing. It became evident looking at each and every one of their faces, "I'm not crazy, and I'll prove it!" Naruto bent down readying himself to leap but stopped due to the laughter coming from above. Unlike visuals, everyone was able to hear the laughs. Gaara removed his hands off the table standing.

"Hahaha, so you're the great Uzumaki Naruto we've heard so much about. Guess we shouldn't be surprised," In a single spark the group of ninjas suited in armor came into sight out of camouflage. All of which stuck to the walls like spiders except for one that dropped down over the table removing the mask off her face. She threw out her long sky blue hair, standing at 5'8" silver eyes, "My name is Lailay of the…"

"I don't care what your name is!" Naruto interrupted jumping over the table throwing out a punch having his wrist grabbed. She then lifted him upward throwing him into the side of a wall. She walked across the table moving a strand of hair from her face bending down in front of the Mizukage, "Look into my eyes."

Mei Terumi caught glimpses with the woman and in that moment felt her body freeze as everything went black. Lailay looked into the eyes of Gaara situated on the opposite side of the table. He suffered the same misfortune as Mei with everything going dark. Soon after both he and Mei's eyes turned a bright red, "Go ahead and kill them all, but keep the Hokage and Raikage alive understand?"

"Yes Mistress." Both Mei and Gaara spoke at the same time. Their respected followers immediately jumped away from them.

"Don't look into her eyes! That must be how she's controlling them." Tsunade raised standing from her seat preparing for battle. Naruto pulled himself off the ground rubbing at his jaw, "Lucky shot." He uttered. At the front entrance entered Kakashi and Sakura, as the remaining ninjas from the ceiling dropped down.

Naruto again went after the woman standing over the table but was put through a wall with a combination of Gaara's sand and an earth style user among one of the enemies. The force of the attack was enough to send Naruto through a wall and into a large fountain outside situated in front of the temple. Kakashi and Sakura couldn't believe their eyes; why was Gaara attacking Naruto?!

"Gaara darling eliminate Uzumaki. I don't want a single scrap of him remaining when you're done." Lailay ordered.

"You can count on me." He replied in an almost robotic manner with no sign of energy or life in the face. If someone didn't know, they'd likely believe he was possessed. Gaara journeyed through the already destroyed wall with six ninjas including the second in command. Eight stayed at Lailay's side, "Ei, Tsunade…make this easy on everyone and give up! It is only a matter of time before you're both under my control as well."

That explained everything! She was using mind control to manipulate Gaara; how she was able to do it was a mystery to both Kakashi and Sakura, "Stay here and do what you can, I'm going to lend Naruto a hand." Kakashi directed at Sakura. He made his way through the demolished wall. Mei opened her mouth spitting a pool of lava in the direction of Anko and Ibiki which both dodged. Upon touching down Ibiki was tackled through a wall by one of the ninja warrior's.

Outside the temple Kakashi landed beside the fountain helping to pull Naruto out. It was that moment Naruto figured because of Sage Mode he was able to detect the enemy whilst everyone else was clueless, "Who do you think these guys are Kakashi Sensei? I don't recognize their uniform at all."

"That's a good question." Kakashi replied.

Gaara slowly hovered down over his sand disembarking ten feet away from Konoha ninjas, "I've waited a long time to kill you Naruto. If for one second you believed us to be friends…you were sadly mistaken."

"Gaara snap out of it! That isn't you speaking!" Naruto shouted clinching his fists.

Gaara's sinister laugh brought chills up Naruto's back, "Well if that's the way it's going to be, I'll just have to beat you back into reality," Naruto placed his fingers together, "Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" In a cloud of smoke appeared eight additional copies of himself, "Leave Gaara to me."

One thing he kept in mind was Gaara had no control over his actions, and therefore Naruto would do his best not to inflict harmful damage. He and his clones went after the Kazekage from different angles at nearly the same time. His sand knocked each of them down including the original. Inside the temple things weren't much better. The Raikage was busy dodging the attacks initiated by Mei using his tremendous speed. He was able to elude everything she dished out. Tsunade found herself on the ground with Lailay approaching. Anko and Sakura had their hands full and were unable to aid the Hokage.

"Be a good girl and look into my eyes." Lailay spoke licking her lips as she got closer.

The instant she leaned down Shizune jumped in front of Tsunade, "I will not let yo…" She was unable to finish as everything went black losing consciousness. As with Gaara and Mei, Shizune's eyes turned red. Tsunade flipped up punching into the ground sending everyone within her vicinity flying including Shizune and Lailay. The villain perceived a beeping sound within her left ear while airborne.

"The master has requested your return."

"But I have not yet secured all five Kages!" Lailay shot back.

"Doesn't matter, you're to report to base immediately. Retreat now or suffer the consequences!"

She hissed as the conversation was terminated from the other side, "Time to go, we've been ordered to retreat back to our world. I have no further explanation." Lailay communicated with the team of ninjas telepathically, with Gaara, Shizune and Mei able to hear as well. All ninjas put an end to their fight gathering next to Lailay within the mid section of the room, "Until next time."

Anko had no intention of letting them escape running straight at the group with Sakura next to her! As they came within a couple inches of the group a massive green energy formed as they were teleported out of sight! Lailay, Sakura, the Mizukage, Shizune, Anko and the ninjas were all gone! Tsunade couldn't believe her eyes!

In front of the temple the ninjas engaging Kakashi steadily dropped back. Gaara did the same levitating away from Naruto, "Where do you think you're going huh?! Don't tell me you're goanna run away!"

Naruto's clones were destroyed throughout the whole scuffle. Kakashi prepared a chidori blade whereas Naruto formed a Rasengan! All at once they charged the enemy and were all teleported away in a huge flash of green light!

XXX

Through the front entrance he entered with both hands over his waist walking across the room with half a grin. He greeted various guild members on his way to the job board. From the moment he awoke that morning, he was more energized and less picky. He looked over the job offers quickly pulling one off the board, "Forty Five Thousand jewel offer for any Mage that can catch the one calling himself Reaper Wolf." He read silently to himself. Over his shoulder hovered a blue cat like being with a pair of wings that resembled those of an angle.

The pink haired individual's grin grew in size, "Well Happy," He looked to the Exceed, "I think we've found ourselves a job…only one thing left to do." He looked all around but didn't see her anywhere, "Hhhmm where could she be." He walked around placing both hands over the back of his head.

"There she is." Happy called out.

"Nice work Happy."

He made his way toward a girl sitting in a corner of the room with her head down over the tabletop. She looked up at the sound of them approaching; her blue eyes gazing into his own, "Natsu." She uttered with less liveliness than usual.

"She doesn't look so well." Happy said landing over the table.

Natsu removed his hands from behind his head presenting the selected job, "This should make you feel better," She took the piece of paper from his hand reading over the information, handing it back to him afterward, "You and Happy go on ahead…I have an upset stomach."

"Come on Lucy don't be that way." Natsu complained.

She looked at both Happy and Natsu for a final time lowering her head back over the table, "Guess we should do as she says and go without her." Happy flew toward the entrance. Natsu stood in place for a few moments with crossed arms looking down on her. With his mind made up he extended an arm pulling her from the table, "You'll feel a lot better once we get going."

Lucy attempted to pull herself away from him but didn't have enough strength to do so, "Did you hear a word I just said? I don't feel good!" Natsu pretended not to hear her, leading them out the front door, "Your stomach ache will pass in no time, and I know you will regret not coming when that happens."

Lucy rolled her eyes walking down the steps beside him. It was then two large green flashes of light touched down in the distance at least three miles from one other, "Did you see that Natsu?!" Happy inquired flying around in circles.

"Of course I did! What's even better is one of those is in the direction of our path to the job! Let's get going!" Natsu took off at top speed.

"Aye Sir." Happy followed from above.

"Wait guys I don't feel go…what am I doing, it's pointless." She followed but at a much slower pace.

To Be Continued