Hero of Konoha
Author Notes: Naruto confronts Nagato, convinces him that war and terror will not lead to peace but to have faith in others. In doing so, Nagato resurrects the villagers and shinobi's to apologize for his actions. The second, he gives Naruto his remaining power and chakra into Naruto to prepare for Tobi's Moon Eye Plan.
Pairings so Far
Uzumaki Karin – 3
Hyūga Hinata – 2
Uzumaki OC (Name not decided) – 9
Kurotsuchi - 1
Any others please leave them in the review
the winner will be decided in chapter 5
Chapter 03: The Five Kage Summit
"I am the Rokudaime Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto said to the samurai by the mountain path.
"Welcome Hokage-dono. We've been expecting you." The Samurai captain said as he leads Naruto, Neji and Kakashi inside the complex.
Naruto walks forward and through the doors to the Kage summit where the other Kage's were waiting.
"Please sit down and remove your kage hats. In response to Raikage-dono's request the five Kage has assemble. I am General Mifune of the Land of Iron and will be acting as your moderator. The Five Kage Sumit Conference is called into order." Mifune said.
"I shall speak first." Gaara said. Naruto said nothing knowing he had time in the summit. The other Kage turn to stare at Gaara.
"There's such a difference in Kage these days. To become Kazekage at your age is quiet the accomplishment, Kazekage-dono. It would appear that your father has trained you extremely well, expect perhaps in proper manners."
"There's no reason to be jealous Tsuchikage-dono." Naruto said calmly. The other Kage's turn to the newest elected Kage. "What Gaara has done to his village in a couple of years took you half your lifetime to achieve. Besides, Gaara does have the right to speak first as he voice his opinion first." Naruto says in a calm tone.
"Why you gaki's." Ōnoki said as he made to stand up despite his short body.
"Tsuchikage-dono please remember that this is a place of discussion and talk. We're not to start fights here." Mifune said as Ōnoki paled knowing he nearly lost control of himself. He sat back down and gave a humph. "Please continue Kazekage-dono."
"This meeting between the Five Kage is pointless. Since Akatsuki has been made aware of four years ago, they have attack and abducted every bijū out there expect for the Kyūbi. Eight Tailed Beast are now in the hands of a powerful organization that can now declare war on any nation it wants. The only way I see to counter the threat is to now assemble a massive joint military operation and attempt to reclaim the Tailed Beasts before Akatsuki can use them against us." Gaara turns to look at Naruto knowing that Naruto was the last Jinchūriki that had not been capture by Akatsuki. He also knew that whatever Akatsuki wanted, they need the Kyūbi no Yoko to compete their goals. "My guess would be they are after world domination and with the amount of power they've gathered, they can now challenge any village and country they wish. I feared this and have requested aid from the other hidden villages countless times. All my request for aid have been ignored and rejected expect by the former Hokage."
"Humph, if a country has its jinchūriki capture then it has no business giving other countries orders. It's an embarrassment to the village. If you're Jinchūriki is lost, then you should try to recover it in secret. Once they're stolen, you can't expect other countries and villages to rush to your aid and help you." Ōnoki said. Kankurō grinned his teeth at the lack of respect the Sandaime Tsuchikage was showing to the Godaime Kazekage.
"Konoha did when Suna ask for our help when the Ichibi was taken." Naruto said calmly eyeing the old Tsuchikage. "I also agree with Kazekage-dono, this meeting is a waste of time. Unless we are going to form an alliance against Akatsuki, then there is no point to this. Akatsuki has eight Tailed Beast before them. Also…"
At that moment, the Raikage decide to be heard as he smash his fist into the table in front of him destroying it completely. The moment it connected all the Jōnin bodyguards came down in a fighting stance.
"Enough of this chatter." The Raikage shouted.
"As I told Tsuchikage-dono, this is a place of talk and discussion. Please refrain from disruptive actions."
"Kakashi, Neji… stand down." Naruto said looking quiet bored.
"You too, Kankurō, Temari." Gaara said.
"Ao, Chōjūrō, I'm find." The Godaime Mizukage said.
The Jōnin's all went back to their seats.
"I did not call you all hear to talk about the Tailed Beasts! I called you here because I want to know where your loyalties lie!"
"That's out of line Raikage." Naruto said narrowing his eyes, but he kept his poker face straight and true.
"Save it, Hokage." Raikage said in a dangerous tone of voice but Naruto wasn't flinching. The other Kage's raised their eyes at the Raikage's behavior and meaning.
"I can feel high levels of tensions." Neji whispered to Kakashi.
"It's because of the fact that the Raikage in a way just declared a secret war against the other hidden villages." Kakashi said in a low tone. "Watch carefully."
"Konoha, Suna, Kiri and Suna… most of the members of Akatsuki have come from your villages. Partially yours Konoha! So far we've counted three members from Konoha as Akatsuki members. That's not even the worst part. From our investigation, there have been some of you or past Kage's who have used Akatsuki for their own personal reasons."
Naruto and Gaara both lost their poker face and look shock by this piece of information.
"What do you mean by use Akatsuki?" Gaara asks in a serious tone.
Naruto followed suited. "My predecessor, the Godaime Hokage Tsunade is currently in a coma because of Akatsuki. She has put ever effort to stopping them, so I suggest you explain yourself Raikage."
The Raikage brush off Naruto's threat like it was nothing. Like he didn't need to be taken seriously. "Kazekage, are you saying your elders didn't tell you? I am speaking about Orochimaru. It's still unclear what's his status with that organization was. But you used him for your invasion against Konoha four years ago."
"The Great Nations are heading towards a unity and stability. We're moving from military expansion to military disarmament. As the fear and threat of war diminishes between the nations and villages, so does the call to war. The Hidden Villages, which is the nation's source of military strength start to become a hindrance. Yet if you carelessly downsize the village military power it poses a risk. What happens if a war suddenly breaks out? It then becomes a problem to depend on shinobi's who have no experience and are properly trained to handle war. That would mean certain defeat!" The Tsuchikage said.
"So another way to reduce that risk was to use mercenary soldiers. Namely the Akatsuki." Gaara said.
"It takes time and money to train and prepare skilled shinobi's from your own village. But Akatsuki, which is made up of professionals who make war its livelihood brought back splendid results. Furthermore they could be hire for cheap and…"
"Enough of that Tsuchikage." Raikage said. He turns back to Gaara. "Suna used Akatsuki to destroy Konoha. In that attack your father the Yondaime Kazekage and the Sandaime Hokage both were killed. It's also not hard to rule out the idea that someone else hired them from behind the shadows." The Raikage said turning the Naruto. He then turns to the Mizukage. "The most suspicious is Kirigakure! You Kiri-nin's do not conduct diplomacy and have basically cut ties to the rest of the world. There have even been rumors that Akatsuki was even formed from there!"
The Godaime Mizukage looks down as if she was sad. She finally looks up as if she was trying to hold back tears.
"Since we've come this far I shall speak honestly. There were suspicions that my predecessor, the Yondaime Mizukage Yagura was being manipulating from someone in the shadows. There's a possibility that it was Akatsuki."
"Each and every one of you…"
"Hold your tongue Raikage. One of the reasons why we turn to Akatsuki is becauase your policy to disregard the disarmaments efforts and try to seize more powerful jutsu caused this problem. We had to counter your advancement by hiring Akatsuki!"
"Say that again Tsuchikage! And I'll give you a taste of my Aian Kurō!"
"Before you guys start fighting, there's has been some vital information I've been wanting to share with all of you."
"What is it?" Raikage demanded.
"Seven days ago, Konoha was attack by the allege leader known as Pain, a Rinnegan user."
"Are you serious?" The Raikage said.
"I thought the Rinnegan was a myth." The Mizukage said.
"It was then I learn that while he was the leader, he was merely a puppet from the mastermind. A man who calls himself… Uchiha…Madara."
The reaction was much as Naruto expected. It was the same in Konoha when Naruto revealed what the Fourth told him.
"Are you certain of this?" The Raikage demanded.
"Positive. Whether he's the true Uchiha Madara is not yet determined. However, he can control Bijū's with his Sharingan just like Uchiha Madara."
"I thought he died long ago." Gaara said.
"He's right. He died nearly a hundred years ago."
"There's more." Naruto said. Every Kage stop and listen. "According to the information we've gathered, Madara has assemble a fighting force of nearly five hundred thousand men all Jōnin level."
"Are you certain of this Hokage-sama?" Gaara said.
"The information was given to me by Pain himself after I defeated him. I won't go into details about why he did, just that he had a change of heart. This fighting force, is made up of artificial human, namely…. Created by using Senju Hashirama Mokuton Ninjutsu. We're still trying to figure out their abilities. The only way I see to counter such a large force, is to join forces and attack them as a single force." Naruto said.
"I will speak on behalf of the neutral nations. It's clear that the leader of Akatsuki was able to read the times well. Despite stabilization, nations had private suspicions and Akatsuki took advantage of that weakness to amass its power." Mifune said.
"What are you trying to say?" Raikage demanded.
"That I agree with Hokage-dono and that you should unit to fight against the threat Akatsuki possess. It is extremely rare that for all five Kage's to assemble. Would you agree to create the first ever Allied Shinobi Force of the Hidden Villages."
"An allied force?" Raikage said as if he was disgusted with the idea.
"Going forward we must quickly determine a chain of command. We must avoid any further confusion." Mifune said.
"So, who will we choose to lead the allied forces?" The Tsuchikage asks.
"If you attempt to decide amongst yourselves it will only lead to argument and fighting. So I ask that you allow me, a member of a neutral nation to decide to decide which among the five Kage is the most suitable."
No one said anything so Mifune continue.
"The only Jinchūriki left is the Kyūbi. Also the village has the most experience and knowledge with dealing with Akatsuki. I believe this village is the key to victory. What do you say, would you allow the Hokage to lead the Allied Forces?"
Outside the summit, the mask man who called himself Uchiha Madara was sitting on a rock with black zetsu beside him.
"Ready?" Madara asks.
"Yeah."
"Then, let us begin."
Konohagakure
Sakura was looking at Tsunade who was still in a coma. Her mind was thinking about the recent events.
'If only Tsunade-sama would come out of her coma, she would have resolve this issue with Sasuke-kun.'
Flashback
"Sai, I've been looking for you. Rumor is going around that Danzō is going to be Hokage and he's mark Sasuke-kun as a rogue-nin!"
"Danzō-sama was just executed for treason, the Foundation is having a meeting that I must attend."
"Sai… what about Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asks.
A sword appeared near her throat and Sakura turns to see a kumogakure shinobi holding the sword at her.
"You're going to tell us all you know about Sasuke."
"Gatsuga." Kiba shouted appeared behind them. He and Akamaru attempted to him them but they jump up in the air avoiding the two incoming attacks.
Karui landed on her feet first with Omoi on top of her. Using his teammate as leverage, He kick, Kiba and Sakura aside. Sai quickly retreated to Kiba's and Sakura's side.
"What the hell do you guys want?" Kiba shouted with Akamaru barking.
"You guys were just talking about Sasuke. Tell us everything you know about him." Karui said.
"It's got nothing to do with you Kumogakure Shinobi." Sakura said.
"It's got everything to do with us! Uchiha Sasuke of Konoha attacked our village!" Omoi shouted.
This caused the three of them to open their eyes wide.
"Your rogue shinobi abducted out master! We don't even know if our master is dead or alive, you idiots!" Karui shouted.
"You're… you're lying! Why would Sasuke-kun do such a thing?" Sakura said.
"Like we know what Akatsuki motives are." Omoi shouted.
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't play the dumb card. Uchiha Sasuke is a member of Akatsuki." Karui shouted.
"You're the ones who allowed your rogue-nin to roam free and unchecked. So Raikage-sama has order us to terminate him at all cost. We'll get our revenge against the Uchiha and any Konoha shinobi who shelters him!"
"That's dangerous talk." Kakashi said as he appeared behind the two kumo Jōnin's. a dozen ANBU appeared behind Kakashi as well.
"Kakashi-sensei." Sakura said.
"Kakashi-sempai… is what they are saying true?" Sai asks.
"I'm afraid so. Even so, the Hokage didn't give Kumogakure any information on Sasuke. However, we will deal with Uchiha Sasuke. You search for your master." Kakashi said.
"Didn't you hear what we said? We don't know whether he's alive or dead."
"Your master is a Jinchūriki of the Hachibi… Kirābi-sama am I wrong?"
"How did you know?"
"Hokage-sama is not stupid. He knew if you master was abducted then he must be a Jinchūriki. Hokage-sama as ask me to give you a parting gift. He cannot give you information Uchiha Sasuke for security reasons. However, he will tell you this. There is a strong possibly that your master may be alive. Akatsuki always capture Jinchūriki alive and takes them to a hideout to perform the unsealing ritual."
"Are you serious?" Omoi asks.
"Didn't I tell you, our master won't die so easily."
"This map points to several Akatsuki hideouts near Kumogakure. You better hurry or you might not save him in time." Kakashi said.
"We're going." Omoi said as the two kumogakure shinobi's disappeared.
Flashback Ends
"Excuse me." Sai said as he enters the room.
"Sai,"
"I just came back from a meeting with the Fondation and we've agreed to serve Uzumaki Naruto and join Konoha's ANBU. However, that's not why I'm here."
"What's going on?"
"Naruto is under a lot of pressure but for some reason he won't sell out Sasuke. Kumogakure if you remember is threatening to wage war because of what Sasuke did. He's doing this in order to protect Sasuke. He's also order that we shouldn't talk about it, but Sasuke is indeed a member of Akatsuki and if he attacks the Kage Summit like Naruto suspects, then he'll have no choice but to label him as a S-Class Felon who is associated with Akatsuki. Naruto has some plan that is clear. I think Kakashi-sempai knows as does Shikaku-san. They are not speaking of it. Naruto once spoke about how he failed to keep a promise to you. That is why he doesn't express himself properly."
Sakura remember forcing Naruto to return Sasuke-kun for her.
"I don't know about this promise between you two, but I know what it is doing to him. It felt no different than what was done to me. It feels like it's a curse place upon him. For some reason, he is willing to bear that curse. And he is willing to bear it for the rest of his life. Sasuke is the source of Naruto's agony and pain. Yet despite that he is willing to go so far for you. But I also know this… you're also a source of the pain inside Naruto's heart."
Tears came down Sakura's face realizing that Naruto had given up his own happiness for her selfishness.
Ino was crying as Chōji and Tenten were attempting no comfort her from the devastating news Shikamaru told them.
"Why would Naruto-kun do such a thing?" Hinata asks.
"He had no choice. If Sasuke has aligned himself with Akatsuki and attack Kumogakure, then it could mean war between our two villages." Lee said sadly.
"Sheltering Sasuke from Kumogakure is a dangerous gamble." Shino said.
"Stop your crying Ino. Sasuke chose this himself." Kiba shouted.
"Kiba, don't be mean. You know how she's felt for Sasuke all these years." Tenten replies.
"Will she be okay? Look at Ino, Sakura won't take the news of the new secret orders give to us." Shino said.
"Can't believe Naruto order us to hunt down and kill Uchiha Sasuke." Kiba said.
"Let Shikamaru-san deal with it. He did want to take responsible for what we've decided." Chōji said.
"Wait a minute, Naruto genuinely wants to rescue Sasuke-kun from his darkness, not just because he promised Sakura." Shizune said as she added her two cents into the conversation.
"In a way I agree with you. However, you were there at the emergency meeting as well. You heard what Naruto said about Danzō-sama and the Elders…"
"Sai, its forbidden to say much more than that." Shizune said.
"I know, don't you think if Naruto found out… Sasuke found out. It's possible… that Sasuke merely attack Kumogakure to start a war in the first place. There lies a problem, Sakura and I, as well as the rest of the village have begun to relay on Naruto too much. He's the Hokage, however while his skills are improve through leaps and bounds. I've watch how Naruto was behaving lately and I been able to see what he's been really feeling. It's sadness. When my thoughts to Sasuke I realize that it's anger that he's feeling towards him. Whether it's for Naruto's sake or the village we must deal with Sasuke before Konoha and Kumo are thrown into full scale war."
"Sai's right." Shikamaru said
"Shikamaru." Shizune said as Shikamaru enters the room.
"We're not kids anymore. We're shinobi's and we cannot let our personal feelings get in the way anymore. We must stop Akatsuki no matter what. And if Sasuke continues to associate with Akatsuki then we must stop him as well. I came here for Team Seven's consent."
"You don't mean."
"Naruto no… Hokage-sama has issued a warrant for Uchiha Sasuke as long as Sasuke continues to work with Akatsuki. Unfortentaly as much I dislike that, I agree with him. Sasuke is starting to become a threat to the village. Naruto had no choice but to label him as a S-Class International Criminal. That means Hokage-sama is trying his best to keep the best without war breaking out between Konoha and Kumo because of Sasuke. Let me put it another way, listen carefully. The reason why Hokage-sama hasn't given information to Kumo regarding Sasuke is because you and Ino won't sit still. You would want revenge. Should anything happen to Ino, Chōji and I won't sit still. Then if something should happen to us it will be our parents who will take action. Before we know it, both Konoha and Kumo are just fight and then… it's a full scale war with countless deaths. You don't know this Sakura because Naruto only told this to the Jōnin's and ANBU but Sasuke is most likely being used. We don't know if he's being controlled or being manipulated but Sasuke wants revenge against Konoha for what was done to the Uchiha Clan."
"Shikamaru."
"Shizune-san, Sakura needs to hear this." Shikamaru said before Shizune could object.
"I was told by Naruto and Team 8 of a mask man who can use Jikūkan Ninjutsu and possess the Sharingan. Naruto believes that this man is manipulating Sasuke to do his bidding. However Naruto also believes that Naruto may be choosing this path for reasons that cannot be told you. That is why, we must deal with Sasuke ourselves."
"Why the Hokage? He is far too young!" Ē shouted.
"Then whom do you suggest?" Mifune asks.
"Not one member of Akatsuki came from my village. This post requires trust the most, I should be the one too…"
"I cannot agree to that." Mifune said.
"What did you say?" Raikage shouted.
Mifune calmly points to the desk in front of the Yondaime Raikage.
"I am well aware that passion and strength are essential in bringing the strong together. However, you're the type who lets his emotions control him, would send the alliance into disarray like you did to the top of that desk. You haven't been able to control yourself during this meeting and even threaten the other hidden villages with acts of war." Hearing this the Raikage started to growl out. "I am merely making an objective and rational observation as a member of a neutral nation. If we look at the others then the choice is obvious. Tsuchikage-dono is not as young as he once was, even if he's the most experience Kage alive. It's already be shown that he's having mobility problems. Hardly worth a symbol of command for the alliance. He's also used Akatsuki in the past, he's the least trustworthy of the position. Then there is Mizukage-dono. There lies problems. Akatsuki was able to infiltrate and control the Yondaime Mizukage. There would be a risk of spies and possibly even information being leak out. Her village itself is still stabilizing after the dreadful reign of Yagura. That leaves Kazekage-dono and Hokage-dono. Unlike the rest of you, these two have an alliance together and have fought Akatsuki in the past. While they are both young I hear they are well respected by their neighboring countries. However the Hokage I hear has half the nations of the continent supporting him. He can get resources and Intel much faster than any other Kage here. He's also responsible for the defeat of several Akatsuki members. Konoha alone has fought Akatsuki more times than any other hidden village and succeed in driving them back. I do not know why Akatsuki is gathering the tailed beasts but they cannot get their hands on the Kyūbi. The Kyūbi belongs to Konoha. That is why I believe the Hokage is the most logical choice." Mifune said.
"First of all, I refuse to recognize an Allied Shinobi Force that will compromise the security of my village!" The Raikage said.
"Do not get greedy Raikage!" Gaara said.
"Why you gaki!" the Raikage roared.
At that moment a figure pop up in the middle of the room with a strange spore.
"Hello!" Zetsu said. Immediately all the bodyguards leap into action.
"One problem after another, now what?" Raikage said.
"Akatsuki has moved just like I thought they would." Naruto said.
"It seems so." Tsuchikage said.
"Uchiha Sasuke has snuck in! Now, where could he be hiding?!" Zetsu said in a sing along voice.
"What did you say?!" Raikage said.
"Sasuke?" Gaara said.
"What's he doing here?" Kankurō said.
"The one with the sharingan?" Mizukage said.
"The one that took down Zabuza and Haku?"
"Let's all go and look for Sasuke, yah!"
At that moment The Raikage Shunshin in front of Zetsu and grabs him by the throat.
"Where is Uchiha Sasuke?! Answer me! If you refuse to answer, I shall you no mercy!"
"You leave me no choice. I guess I'll give you a hint…" at that moment the Raikage snaps Zetsu's neck.
"Shī begin."
"Hai."
"You didn't have to kill him. We could have taken him captive and had him reveal Intel about Akatsuki." The Mizukage said.
"That wouldn't be possible. He would have genjutsu blocks in his mind and would be able to resist torture." Naruto said.
"He wouldn't have talked." Gaara added.
"Okisuke, Urakaku… issue a search for Sasuke immediately. Also, issue a battle ready state alert level 2 immediately." Mifune orders.
"Yes general."
"Raikage-sama."
"Shī, Darui… let's go." The Raikage shouted as he punches a hole in the wall.
"Wait a minute Raikage." Naruto shouted but the Raikage and his bodyguards were gone.
"Damn him, we don't know what Akatsuki wants. It could be a divide and conquer strategy." Naruto said.
"What should we do Hokage-sama?" Neji asks.
"I brought you here for this reason. You can find Sasuke faster than the Raikage. Search for him."
"Understood, Byakugan!" Neji said. After a minute Neji spoke again. "I found them, four of them with high levels of chakra. Sasuke is among them."
"Lead the way Neji."
Author Notes: Akatsuki has assault the summit and now the Raikage and Hokage are racing towards Sasuke determined to get to him first.
Please leave your reviews. This chapter is over 4,000 words.
Aian Kurō – Iron Claw
Jikūkan Ninjutsu – Space Time Ninjutsu