Yo, hope everyone's having a good day/night. If not, then I hope to those who read my stores that you enjoy this chapter. This chapter has been a while in the making, and I have slacked off with this story a bit, however I hope you find this chapter worth the wait. I will try to be more active with my story writing, but ideas need to come into my head. It took me a while with this chapter, working slowly and doing alot of editting and so on.
Anyways, responds to reviewers:
Iseriad: Thanks for the idea, made me thinking whether I would implement something evil or not. If I do, all credit goes to you for your idea.
Skytide101: Don't give up on me please. I'm more active now...hope this appeases your appetite for my FF.
loki09~: I thought about it, if i were to make it a dark fic, it would be alot more emotional-driven and much darker. If i feel the mood to, I can write on some blood-chilling stuff...well i think it's blood chilling anyway. Should I feel the need to have another FF written, I'll keep the idea in mind
Zoria: I'm glad you like my stupid humour. This doesn't really have that much humour, but in later chapters I'll try to add in a bit more humour to lighten things up.
Chronostorm: I just wrote that for fun. No harm intended, playful banter only. Or if you are more sophisticated...call it verbal jousting.
vnvanman: Well thought out comment, and I thank you for the idea. Whether I will proceed with this idea I'm not sure as of yet.
Sk4rd: I used it to progress the storyline so the story wouldn't get so stale with Hinata chasing after Naruto or w.e
Okay, enough ranting on. Time to get to the Piece a' la' resistance or whatever they call it.
Enjoy, and please if your feeling nice Review, as they make me feel happy, warm and fuzzy inside.
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Death is something we all face. In a mission, in life, death is all around. The Shinigami waits for your soul to be consumed, in which he watches the safe passage from life unto death. Death can come quickly, or slowly. Eradicate you in a second, or leave you dying for days until old age or disease descend upon your broken body and eat away your flesh and bone. Shinobi are known to face death at almost every corner. In wars especially with open battles, night raids, patrol missions, reconnaissance, spying, assassinations, all these factors are taken into place when a ninja has to deal with when in a war. This is why peace is so easily consummated. But for men…the want of power overrides all understanding…and pits the lives of thousands of shinobi against each other in the art of war.
ANBU especially suffer. ANBU are the elite of the elite, the cream of the crop. They are the ones handed down orders that no ordinary shinobi can accomplish. Almost suicidal missions with little probability of success, high threat assassinations of S-ranked missing nins and officials, but in war it can be much worse. The slaughtering of citizens in cold blood, in which they would be haunted forever for hurting innocent people, innocent civilians…yet they cannot disobey the orders from the upper ranks. It is the ANBU that are the ones responsible for the massacres and bloodshed of innocent people. And they are forever burdened with that on their mind and their conscious, and many are consumed by it.
The ANBU assassination squad is one of the most ruthless groups in history. Created through the blood and sweat of countless ninjas in days gone by, only the best make it to the ANBU assassination squad. But it is these ninjas, trained to be almost completely emotionless that they destroy themselves as humans, and turn into monsters, able to slaughter innocents without hesitation, should their leader demand it. And in years to come, it all comes back to them as they have retired from active duty, and the psychological torment they suffer can sometimes drive them to the brink of exhaustion, and possibly to death to escape the ghosts of their past.
The Kages have much pressure put on them. Every decision they make has a positive and negative outcome. Every action or word they speak can condemn the lives of hundreds of ninjas and civilians, or save the lives of thousands of innocents. The Second Great Shinobi war was one of the most bloody conflicts the world has ever seen. Even with the Legendary Yellow Flash on Konoha's side, many of their fine men and women, doing their job as shinobi were tortured, interrogated, slaughtered and cut down where they stood. All this in the name of Konohagakure, the fire country, the fire daimyo and for it to be their job…a tool. And drenched up to their knees in blood of these Konoha shinobi were the Rock nins.
After the end of the Second Great Shinobi War, relationships also broke down with the Cloud ninjas after the attempted kidnapping of Hyuuga Hinata, which was foiled and the perpetrator executed. However, Hyuuga Hizashi sacrificed himself so that thousands would be spared from a horrific war that would follow, in which the entire world will follow with horror. One man can save the lives of thousands, or the prevention of his death would lead to countless innocents being killed and slaughtered, with public order going into disarray. Chaos.
One man known in Konohagakure was the saviour of thousands. The fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato stood toe to toe with the Kyuubi no Kitsune upon his summon Gamabunta's shoulders. He stood firm where most of the ninja population hadn't. Elite ANBU members had fallen likes leaves in autumn as the Kyuubi wrecked havoc among the ninja ranks. He had given his life to seal the Kyuubi no Kitsune into his son, Uzumaki Naruto and had saved a village and its population from destruction, with his soul being devoured by the Shinigami. The legendary 'Yellow Flash of Konoha,' much like Hyuuga Hizashi had their duty to the village in times of crisis and war. Yet, it was also these common day ninjas that had bought their Hokage the much needed time to ensure preparations were met.
Death comes to those who seek it. Akatsuki was one of these groups that sought after death. Wherever they went, if they had intentions in a particular place or on a particular individual, blood would be spilled. The famed Uzumaki Naruto of Akatsuki, regarded as one, if not the finest assassin in the world, known for his extraordinary accuracy and his legendary katana fighting style. His feats include over 200 assassinations, never being caught. This has put him in the legendary section, but in the new War that has come; his feats quickly rise up, his legendary status increases and with it…the death toll.
The war had been going on for several months now, around three months after Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata had again been reunited in love. Konoha was still standing, with the fighting becoming reduced after Orochimaru's defeat in Konoha. Mostly leading to skirmishes and raiding missions, there was no real action, and the ninjas in Konoha took as much time as they could to training the younger generation ninjas, improving defences and training themselves. The other Kages were also quiet, no word coming from their Hidden Villages. Jiraiya's contacts have almost all but disappeared, presuming that they had been killed. The Gondaime Hokage took extreme measures to prepare Konohagakure as much as possible for war. More people were accepted into ANBU, and all training regimes were increased. As well as that, the Hokage and her apprentices, Hyuuga Hinata and Haruno Sakura taught a large number of ninjas into the art of medical jutsu and healing. Civilians were taught basic fighting and evacuation methods…should the battle go ill. But it was their superpower ally Akatsuki that had allowed Konoha to make the war into a stalemate, to buy them more time. Akatsuki stood at 8 members, which contained 'Pein, Kazuku, Zetsu, Itachi, Kisame, Naruto, Deidara and Sasori.'
In Suna, there had been fierce fighting. Sasori of the red sand had been fighting extensively with them to defend the land of the Wind, however they had been beaten and the Sand overrun. They were now retreating towards Konohagakure, with every other major town and city evacuated, streams of refugees and stragglers moved into Konohagakure everyday. However, Sasori and the Suna ninjas, along with the Kazekage were making a last stand at a natural fortress at Kyanzi's peak, to buy the Suna civilians more time to make it to Konohagakure.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Clashes of steel rang through the night, a battle raged on between two of the most powerful individuals in the world. But the difference in strength was too great even for an Akatsuki member, verse the strongest shinobi on earth…Orochimaru. Orochimaru…the traitor. The ultimate killing machine, sadistic, emotionless and almost unkillable. Yet…one Uzumaki Naruto faced him. However…Naruto was being watched by a being more powerful than Orochimaru himself…Kami. And Kami…was taking interest in the battle going on…and wondered whether he would intervene or not.
Naruto panted, bleeding as he stared at Orochimaru. He was cut in several places and his armor lay useless to the side, cut open on many sides. His Akatsuki cloak lay torn on the floor, caked in his blood. His katanas were forming cracks on the top half, showing the power behind each clash. And Naruto knew one thing…he was going to die.
The room was dark and cold, with only candles stuck on the walls on each side lighting the room. The room itself was massive, several stories high and extremely wide, with three balconies running alongside. Normally used by Orochimaru to address his troops, it was a personal battlefield, a vendetta. Naruto verses Orochimaru. The once tranquil and clean room was covered in cracks, with chairs crumpled and tables smashed. Blood was splattered on the floor, mostly Naruto's but some was Orochimaru's. Arrows lay imbedded on the concrete floor and walls, showing the force and speed behind Naruto's arrows. The battle was coming to a close. It had been a long and bloody fight, with both nearing the depletion of their chakra stores.
They had battled first with genjutsu, trying to get the upper hand. Then, ninjutsu as each ninja's hands moved swiftly with seals, trying to counter each other. Then, taijutsu without weapons and finally it was down to this, blades drawn and the final attack to be done. Naruto for the entire fight had been on the back foot, barely escaping death on several occasions, only his training, instinct and genius saving him.
Naruto stared down the traitor, who sneered at him and glared at Naruto. Naruto shot back an equally dark look, and with that Orochimaru moved quickly, charging at Naruto. Naruto prepared himself, ducking a swipe to the head. Orochimaru reared back, before shifting his weight forward and slashing at Naruto's upper torso. Naruto moved to parry with his katanas, and with the impact, Naruto was blown away. He landed on the cold blood-caked floor, gaping at his broken katanas. Orochimaru smirked, looking at the top halves of Naruto's katanas.
"Too bad, so sad" he said with a laugh.
He appeared next to Naruto, slashing with his blade. Naruto managed to block, before Orochimaru flipped Naruto and he landed onto the floor. Naruto flipped up as Orochimaru slashed downwards and kicked Orochimaru in the face…HARD, with his weights and all. Orochimaru grinned at him through bloody teeth.
"Allow me to return the favour" Orochimaru said as he struck Naruto in the chest with his fist, before planting his foot in Naruto's face with a massive punt to the head.
Naruto's head snapped back with a crack, and he hit the floor, his katanas clattering to the sides. He was only still alive through pumping as much chakra that was safe into his head to protect his vital organs and spinal cord. He gurgled blood, blood pouring through his nose and mouth as he spat out blood, desperate to keep himself from choking on his own blood. Orochimaru was completely confident as he moved next to Naruto's bleeding body, laughing sadistically. He crouched down, staring at Naruto in the eyes as he spat out blood. Although defeated, Naruto's cerulean eyes stared at him with a burning intensity and hatred, showing his defiance against Orochimaru. At his glare, the snake Sannin laughed hysterically.
"Ahhh…Naruto-kun. So sad you had to give your life…for a suicide mission. I much enjoyed fighting you…when it is on even terms. Shame you have to die now" cackled the Snake Sannin, and with his katana he slit Naruto's throat.
Naruto cupped his hands to his neck where his precious blood flowed up, struggling as Orochimaru's foot stood on his hands and neck, allowing blood to seep out quickly. Naruto briefly struggled, kicking out and writhling trying to get out of Orochimaru's grip, but all his strength was already sapped, along with his chakra. Naruto gave another loud gurgle, before he went still.
Orochimaru looked at Naruto's corpse, spitting on it and walking away. He looked at his blood soaked blade and back at Naruto.
"You were too weak, however stronger than Sasuke-kun. How interesting" muttered the traitorous shinobi to himself.
"Indeed…how interesting…"
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Naruto strode into the building, ignoring the wide gasps of teachers who stared at him through open doors or in the hallways. He ignored the frantic looks of the ANBU trailing him and their urgency in their actions of following him. He entered down the cool hallway, instinctively turning left at the first turn. Striding down the hallway, his footsteps clacking against the floorboards. He was back…to visit where he had first become a ninja.
He heard a familiar voice rise up, then shouting and the sound of something thrown. He smirked slightly, remembering Iruka's genjutsu of making his head extremely big, shouting and at times throwing chalk at students who were sleeping…mainly Naruto and Shikamaru. He strode on until he came to the wide open door. He peered in curiously to see how much had changed. Nothing had changed…except for the students and Iruka had aged.
Iruka stopped mid-sentence from berating a kid to looking at the Akatsuki member.
"Do you have buisness here Akatsuki-san?" asked Iruka with a glare that send all student's blood ice cold.
Around him, the kids were shocked. Their teacher, Iruka-sensei was standing up to one of the most powerful shinobi in the world, from the revered group of Akatsuki. Naruto laughed softly, which slightly freaked out everyone in the room, including the ANBU who were trailing him in the hallway. They had frozen in fear. He raised his head, showing his face hidden by the bamboo hat.
"That's not a nice way to treat someone…Iruka-sensei" he said.
Gasps from the classroom of kids. Their teacher…Iruka had taught one of the most powerful ninjas in the world. One…who had become evil. One who wore the cloak of Akatsuki with pride and wore a bamboo hat. One of the original ten members. One who had ascended into the the ranks of one of the most powerful organisations in the world.
"Uzumaki Naruto" muttered the scar-faced teacher, his eyes wide.
"That's Uzumaki Naruto? The Uzumaki Naruto?" choked out a kunoichi.
"I've never heard or seen anyone else with my name" muttered Naruto coldly, glancing at the kunoichi sitting in the front row.
She was 12, with black hair and teal eyes, but eagerness oozed off her and the dark dress she wore. She was one of those people who would constantly ask questions in a lecture and people would want her to stop asking stupid questions so they could go out earlier. It was these kinds of people that many people despised, especially as they would have ultra high marks, almost perfect.
"You talk as if I have a reputation or something" snorted Naruto.
Silence filled the air…and Naruto looked at Iruka.
"Right?..." replied Naruto rather softly.
"You didn't know? Iruka-sensei asked us to do an assignment on famous ninjas, and I chose you!" she said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Naruto did a double take.
"I don't recall being famous" said Naruto with a frown, looking at Iruka who merely shrugged.
"Oh yes you certainly are, the stories of you assassinating the daimyo of stone country in front of 50 of his finest bodyguards and escaping without a scratch on you. Or about the time you fought 4 ANBU teams and killed them all by yourself, one by one without them even seeing you. Or about the time you… " rattled on the girl.
Naruto grinned, remembering those times. The fat boastful daimyo was fun to assassinate…he didn't know what hit him, nor did his body guards until he was already dead. He should never had issued the challenge to the shinobi world that he was "unkillable with his 50 bodyguards"
"…Which is why you are regarded as the best assassin of all time" said the girl…before pausing to catch her breath.
"Best assassin of all time hmm? I find that interesting" said Naruto, turning back to Iruka.
"Why did you visit me Naruto?" asked Iruka, looking at him.
"Because…your one of the few people I care about in Konoha" said Naruto, and walked out of the classroom.
Iruka stared at Naruto's retreating back, before turning back to the stunned class.
"Open your textbooks to page 23 and read from Paragraph 4" said Iruka, before falling into silence and awe.
"Ano…sensei…was he really an Akatsuki member?" asked a tentative male ninja with a raised hand.
"Yes, NOW READ YOUR BOOK!" yelled Iruka.
The ninja gave a sad face and peered back into his book.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
The Akatsuki members stood in a dark clearing, the only slight streaming through a gap in the leaves. It was as if it was heaven, the light shining in the darkness on Deidara's body. Akatsuki staring at the broken body before them, their faces hidden behind their bamboo hats with the shadows building around them. They were barely able to be seen in the darkness, even though they were gathered closely around the body. Around them, ANBU members patrolled the surroundings. The shadows flickered as the sun moved continually through its phase, but startling was that there was no noise, no wind…only them.
"Kazuku…" mumbled
Kazuku's hair was completely shaven, making him completely bald, with his eyes ripped out, and his internal organs being taken from a cut down his chest. Three holes in his chest at the locations of his hearts had shown he had run out of lives, as it was a noteworthy feat to even claim one of Kazuku's hearts. More noteworthy features included the fact that he still had a full bag of weaponry, showing whoever killed him had done it quickly, as well as the fact that both of his hands had been severed at the wrist. Leader stared impassively at the former living person, his eyes betraying no emotion, noticing that there was no weapons on the ground.
"Leader-sama...what will we do with the body?" asked Kisame.
"Destroy it. Remove all evidence of his body. Take anything that is still useful" replied Leader.
Naruto stepped back, picking up one of Deidara's severed hand. Frowning, he tore the rin from his finger and walked up to Leader.
"Leader-sama…they did not take his ring" muttered Naruto, his eyes cold as he stared at Leader.
"Orochimaru killed him. He didn't pillage the body, showing that he knows he is more powerful than any of us, and that by not taking the ring showing that he openly spites us by underestimating us" replied Leader.
Naruto nodded, and stepped back. Leader looked up in the air, aware of everyone watching him. He nodded to Zetsu who took 'care' of the evidence. ANBU members closed their eyes in shock; however the Akatsuki members looked impassive, almost solemn. One of their family…had died.
"Itachi, Naruto, Kisame, come with me" motioned Leader.
They nodded, following him.
"What is your bidding Leader-sama?" asked Itachi.
"Call me Pein since no one can hear us, I have sound seals on this particular location. I need you three to travel to Otogakure to retrieve…some precious goods from a good friend that was captured" replied Pein.
"Would you also like us to rescue your friend?" asked Itachi.
"Yes, he would prove most valuable in the battles to come" replied Pein.
Kisame had a huge smirk on his face.
"Samehada…soon you will feed on the chakra of the Sound ninjas!" he said with glee.
Samehada stared back, but both Itachi and Naruto knew it was whispering back. Kisame looked at them, grinning to show his sharp shiny teeth.
"When do we leave?" asked Naruto to Pein.
"You have one day to prepare. Dismissed" said Pein.
With that, three poofs of smoke was in the air as they Shushined back to Konohagakure.
"Hinata-chan won't like this" frowned Naruto.
"-chan? Ohhh, so did you get anywhere then Naruto-chan?" asked Kisame, blocking the elbow by Naruto.
"Kisame, Naruto…-chan" muttered Itachi before Kisame and him laughed their asses off.
"Bakas" sighed Naruto, walking away.
"WAIT NARUTO-CHAN, let us say goodbye and let us show our undying love for each other tonight, come here and kiss me on my luscious blue lips!" wept Kisame, going into another round of laughter with Itachi.
If anyone passed by, they would see an angry Akatsuki member stalking off, with two other Akatsuki members on the ground cracking up with tears in their eyes.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Hyuuga Hinata looked up from the pole she was eradicating, already several large holes in it from her strikes. Dust floated in the air, and several hunks of wood lay across the ground, more evidence of her hard training. She had recognised a familiar chakra heading towards her, and she couldn't resist a soft smile as she turned around to see the man she loved facing her. In a black cloak with red clouds and a bamboo hat covering his head, none other than Uzumaki Naruto. She beamed at him happily, brushing away a few strands of hair caught onto her face from her training.
"Yo" said Naruto calmly, raising his head in a light smile.
"Naruto-kun" said Hinata happily, before noticing the worried look in his eyes.
Although Naruto wasn't as energetic or happy as he used to be, she was still able to read his moods from his eyes. And from his eyes, she concluded that something terrible had happened, but word had not gotten around to her yet, even though news in Konoha travels fast.
"What's wrong…what happened?" asked Hinata, worried about her boyfriend.
"Kazuku is dead. He was assassinated by Orochimaru. He was found during the night" spat Naruto, kicking aside a log.
"Kazuku…the one with three hearts?" asked Hinata.
"Indeed, his masks that represented his hearts were all shattered. However…that isn't the only bad news…" said Naruto.
"Bad news??? Naruto-kun…what is it?" asked Hinata, her eyes wide and frantic as she drew close to him.
"We have to go on a mission, Itachi, Kisame and I to infiltrate Otogakure. We….I…there is not much chance of success" replied Naruto, staring into her eyes.
Hinata's eyes widened, before tears began to flow.
"Hinata" said Naruto softly, his hand raising towards her.
She slapped it away ferociously, staring at him with anger.
"Not much chance? What do you mean?!" yelled Hinata at Naruto, her fists balled up tight.
"Most likely one of us won't come home alive" said Naruto.
"NO! Promise me you'll come back! Promise me!" screamed Hinata.
Naruto hung his head in shame. He was hurting her, and his heart…what was left of it ached.
"Promise me!"
"I can't…you know that as much as I do" said Naruto, raising his hands to her.
She slapped him hard, and Naruto's head snapped to the side. He turned to look at her sadly, and walked away. He could feel a red welt already forming on his cheek. Behind him, Hinata's sobs echoed in his heart. Hinata glanced up at Naruto who was looking at her afar off. She wrapped her arms around herself, closing her eyes and continued to cry. She glanced up again, but Naruto wasn't there anymore.
"Naruto-kun" she sobbed.
"Shhh, I'm here" Naruto whispered lovingly into her ear.
As soon as she heard this, two strong arms wrapped around her, cradling her like a baby. She turned around, sobbing into his chest.
"I'll promise you…I'll try my best to come back" reassured Naruto.
"W-what a-are the ch-ch-chances that you'll c-come back?" asked Hinata, her tear-stained face looking up at him for any hope.
Naruto brushed away several rogue strands of hair, tucking them behind her ear.
"No sugar on top" muttered Hinata, pouting.
Naruto smiled, but closed his eyes sadly.
"There's a 90 percent chance that one of us will die, and a 60 percent chance that the person who dies will be me" replied Naruto.
Naruto kissed Hinata's forehead and wiped away her tears.
"I still have a day before I leave…lets make the most of our time together" said Naruto, pulling her to her feet.
Hinata sniffed loudly and nodded. She attached herself to Naruto, holding on to him tightly and squeezing.
"Hinata-chan, if you keep squeezing me I'll suffocate" said Naruto, poking her in the nose.
She stuck out her tongue at him, but she looked slightly happier.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Their date had gone perfectly, until nearing the hours of late , they had met up with no other than…a certain Hyuuga. Hyuuga Hiashi was up against a formidable foe, one more formidable in a staring contest than any other Hyuuga he had known. Hyuuga Hiashi oozed power, class, prestige and glamour. And currently he was glaring daggers at a certain ninja, who was glaring back with more coldness than his own. Uzumaki Naruto had locked gazes with Hyuuga Hiashi and they had stood there silent for thirty seconds before Hiashi had to look away. Hinata had stared wide-eyed at this contest between the two males.
"I have not received permission for you to date my daughter" said Hyuuga Hiashi coldly.
"I did not believe I needed it" said Naruto back, chilling Hiashi's spine to the bone.
Around them, civilians and ninjas alike watched the stand-off between them.
"Do you not know who I am?" asked Hyuuga Hiashi.
"Do you not know who I am and who you are speaking to?!?" retorted Naruto.
"Naruto-san, you may be a powerful ninja but what benefit would you bring should you marry my daughter?" asked Hiashi.
"We both know the powerful family I come from, and you would have someone to love, cherish and protect your daughter. You would have one of the strongest ninjas in the entire world to defend your daughter at all costs" replied Naruto.
"That may be so…but we Hyuuga are a proud clan. We cannot simply let someone of no bloodline into our clan so readily. We do not wish to dilute our blood any more than we need to" stated Hiashi.
Naruto laughed, before reaching into his cloak. The escorts around Hyuuga Hiashi stiffened, ready for any action should Naruto bring out a weapon. However, Naruto brought out a scroll instead. He threw it at Hiashi who caught it and opened it. He glanced at the contents, before glaring back at Naruto.
"I accept your offer of trial. You must stand here while I hit you fifty times in the heart with gentle fist. Should you survive you will be able to marry my daughter" replied Hiashi.
"Father…naruto, please reconsider!" pleaded Hinata, tugging on Naruto's sleeve to try to pull him away.
"Get back Hinata, this is none of your concern" spat Hiashi, striding up to Naruto who stared at him coldly.
"Hinata-chan, do what he says, move back. I don't want you to get hurt" said Naruto, his eyes genuine with concern.
Hinata blinked back a few tears and nodded, taking a step back. Hiashi moved into his pose, while Naruto stood impassively. With a cry, Hiashi moved his hand, as did Naruto's. Hinata shut her eyes. What she didn't see was that at the same time the two hands turned into a handshake. Hinata's eyes opened, to see Naruto and her father grinning at her.
"What's going on?" ask Hinata.
"I'll let my father-in-law explain" said Naruto, bowing to Hiashi.
"Father-in-law?" asked Hinata, her eyes wide and fingers poking together.
Hiashi looked at his daughter with a smile.
"Indeed, to prevent any treachery from Akatsuki, after I had found out about your relationship, we decided to bring the bond between Akatsuki and Konoha is by having Naruto marry you. I assure you, I approve of Naruto as a suitor. Konoha have wronged him greatly, but in the six months he has been here with us, fighting alongside us we have seen him change with your love and support. I am proud to have Uzumaki Naruto as my future son-in-law" replied Hiashi.
"Father!" said Hinata happily, jumping into his arms.
Hiashi laughed, his mask slipping for once in public. For the civilians, it was one of the only times they would hear Hiashi laugh in public. Hinata then unlatched herself from her father, before moving to Naruto, looking up at him.
"I won't ask you to marry me now Hinata-chan, but when all this is over…I'll ask you to marry me. I don't want to marry you in these times, but rather when there's finally peace, and we can relax and live happily" said Naruto, looking at her with a gentle look in his clear cerulean eyes.
Hinata nodded, smiling and understanding where he was coming from. She leapt into his arms with a happy laugh.
"I love you Uzumaki Naruto" said Hinata, pecking Naruto on the nose.
"I love you too Hyuuga Hinata" replied Naruto with a smile, pressing his forehead against hers.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Naruto ran, slipping against the wall where Kisame and Itachi stood, panting. They had managed to infiltrate Otogakure, barely. Several near misses with patrols and security were on high alert. Mercenaries were hired to keep law and order, but the people there looked oppressed. Naruto glanced at Kisame and Itachi. They both were sweating, even Akatsuki themselves were struggling to get through the amount of defence in Otogakure. They knew thankfully, that Konohagakure had stronger defence than this…how much stronger they weren't sure.
The trio sorely hoped that the alliance didn't have as many skilled ninjas, and rather relied on quantity than quality, while Suna was completely different with quality over quantity. At that current time, while Itachi, Kisame and Naruto were doing some reconnaissance, hostage and rescue work, Sasori and the military forces of Suna were currently cramped up at Kyanzi's peak, the natural fortress near the border of the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Sasori looked around him at the natural fortress. It was set on a large mountain, in which there was only one "main" entrance to get into the fortress, with cliffs all around and rock placements to give the fortress a impassable fortress for ordinary people, but not for shinobi. The Rock placements were set on the cliff by being formed naturally or recently by chakra, giving the defending shinobi an edge against the enemy who would attack both the gate and the walls. The gate itself was the weakest part of the fortress. There was no gate, and hence a hastily constructed wooden gate was created, and reinforced with chakra filled sand to act as cement to hold the structure together. On either side of the gate were walls, in which the defenders could hopefully hold. The gate was also barricaded with rocks behind it, so it would take time for the shinobi to destroy the gate, should they opt to attack it.
Sasori stood on the highest point of the fortress, the last stand point as he liked to say. It rose into the air, a small flat circular shaped platform, a number of metres away from the main platforms that the fortress was made out of. The dark red sandstone the ground and walls were made of gave it the rugged feel of home. Even being a ex-Suna nin, Sasori always missed Sunagakure. He loved the way the sand blew, the sandstorms in which it could completely consume you, and catch tourists unaware. He loved the huge cliffs that surrounded the village, making them feel safe and strong. He missed the large domes that the elders of the village used to meet in. He used to be one of the most powerful ninjas in Suna. But he gave it all up…to be where he truly belonged. In Akatsuki…with his fellow brethren.
Sasori squinted, watching the Alliance ninjas preparing below for a fight. It was starting to get dark, and he knew they would attack when it was dark enough. Everyone would be on high alert tonight, he knew the Alliance were cocky enough to fight, they had the odds. Sasori's men were outnumbered, at least ten to one; however they had a natural position to defend from, giving them the advantage. As well as that, several ANBU teams from Konohagakure had managed to infiltrate the camps, making havoc and killing a couple of dozen ninjas, before joining the garrison of Suna ninjas.
Sasori looked out at the crimson sky from the sunset.
"When night falls…it will begin" muttered Sasori, looking and squinting into the sun.
There was something approaching, large as a bird, and Sasori recognised the yellow hair. It was Deidara, his apprentice coming to aid.
'Leader-sama must of sent him' thought Sasori.
The inclusion of Deidara greatly improved their odds, as even the odds were not very good with Gaara, the Gondaime Kazekage and Sasori of the Red Sand. Sasori let himself grin for one second.
"This…will be a night to remember" muttered Sasori outloud.
"Sasori-sama" said a Suna ninja, landing in a bow behind the master puppeteer.
"Speak" replied Sasori impassively.
"It was a success, we killed approximately fifty ninjas, with one dead and four injured. Only one is seriously injured" replied the Suna ninja.
"Dismissed" replied Sasori, and the Suna ninja bowed, jumping away.
'I haven't lost my touch after all' thought Sasori, thinking about his strategical prowess that he was known for, as well as his puppets.
Continuously, throughout the day ninjas would report to him, relating to him the kills and losses.
"Success…failure…killed approximately twenty five…thirty four dead…they overwhelmed us….they saw us coming from a mile away…the men who accompanied me were not strong enough…we didn't see them…they ambushed us…it was a massacre…they slaughtered us…he swung around, slashing four of us in the throat, my men are all dead…we torched a large number of their supplies in crates…"
It all went by as a blur for Sasori. But he knew one thing, already from the multiple raids he had organised…he had cut the 10:1 ratio to at least 9:1. Such was the power and influence of an Akatsuki…able to shift the tide of this battle. Deidara had landed, and had helped to improve the defences of the fortress. Being a demolition expert, Deidara was a master of defending his own "keep." During the time they were fighting in Akatsuki's base, Deidara's clay had managed to keep the enemy at bay, and possibly save several Akatsuki lives, from them being overwhelmed. Deidara throughout the afternoon had laid clay explosives around the fortress, giving the defending ninjas more hope. What was better than one Akatsuki member, was two…when they were on your side. If they weren't, then you sorely hoped for no more than one.
It was pitch black as the ninjas moved swiftly up the ramp to the gate. Their sounds were muffled as much as they could, and they moved quickly. Around them, ninjas started to scale the walls, pumping chakra into their feet to stick to the walls. There were no signs of sentries around, only a tiny light ahead. The large contingent of ninjas stopped, pumping chakra into their senses to detect someone. Then…another light lit up, and another and another. Soon, a dozen tiny lights, coming from candles lit ahead. But their hearts fell as they saw a blonde flash, then a camp fire come to life. They reared back in surprise. Deidara lazily sat on a chair, leaning his legs on a table, his left hand raised with two fingers up to his lips. He looked at the large group of ninjas, and at once lights came on around the fortress.
Over three hundred ninjas were in the open, with many on the process of scaling the walls. Deidara leaned upwards, a smile on his lips. He uttered one word, which sealed the fates of those three hundred odd ninjas.
"Boom!"
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Hyuuga Hinata was not the bumbling wreck she was five years ago. No, she had grown past the stuttering shy girl into a confident shinobi of Jounin rank. She was known for her unorthodox gentle fist style, and was by right heiress to the Hyuuga clan. Being eighteen, Hyuuga Hinata would be declared heir, but only ordained at the age of twenty one. And she was known for being one of the beauty queens of Konohagakure, but not accepting one single proposal from any possible suitor or boyfriend. No, she was past that. She knew who she wanted…and she had waited for him. She was Naruto's heroine. Just like he was her hero. She was his angel in the darkness, in what remained of his slowly rebuilding shattered heart. She was his princess…his hime…his.
At this current moment, Hyuuga Hinata stood over the battered body of Haruno Sakura although she was breathing heavily with several bruises around her body. Sakura lay panting, her body paralysed from Hinata's taijutsu. Around them were massive craters and broken down trees from Sakura's massive strength. Hinata looked happy as she tapped the tenketsu points on Sakura's body to unparalysed her.
"Good work Hinata" said Sakura with a smile.
"Arigatou, you fought hard as well Sakura" said Hinata, a nod of approval.
Sakura looked around, before waving goodbye and walking off. Hinata glanced at her as she left, before turning around only to stop suddenly as Pein, the leader of Akatsuki stood in front of her.
"Leader-sama…do you have a problem?" asked Hinata meekly, her head bowed in respect for this great shinobi.
She knew this man was probably the second strongest shinobi in the world, only after Orochimaru.
"Indeed, Hinata-san, I know of your relationship with the one called Uzumaki Naruto, who is within our ranks. I would like warn you that should you hurt him again, I will be there personally to exterminate every Hyuuga from the face of this earth, leaving you for last. Not you, nor Naruto will be able to stop me should he…well lets say try" uttered Pein coldly, not looking up at Hinata once.
Hinata shivered as a wave of coldness passed though her, as the hairs on the back of her neck stiffened.
"Hai" mumbled Hinata, backing away.
Pein laughed softly, barely a chuckle which was only for an instant. Hinata had to think of whether she was imagining it.
"I know you'll take good care of Naru-chan. I know you must hate me at times for sending him out on almost suicidal missions, however you must know…he goes willingly because he knows that whatever mission I give him, it'll give him the peace of mind to know that he is helping his family, and that he is crippling the enemy, allowing the percentages of you surviving this war to be higher. He goes, because he protects you with his heart and soul. If you have ever judged him on why he leaves and so on, there is your reason" replied Pein, and walked away.
Hinata just stared at Pein's back, before looking down.
'Naruto-kun' thought Hinata sadly, wondering where he was.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
They landed softly in the room from the roof, not making a noise by suppressing the landing with Sound ninja slid down wordlessly, his throat cut by Itachi. The body angled to the side, before falling off the chair and a pool of blood quickly formed. Casting a quick genjutsu, Itachi motioned and Naruto and Kisame landed in the room. The room was dark and dank, with the only light coming from a hanging lamp connected to a ceiling. The ninja assassinated was sitting at the chair, sleeping. As Akatsuki had caught him off guard, he wouldn't wake up ever again. Itachi walked over to a nearby desk, spreading open a map containing the blue prints to the prison. The three of them huddled around the dim light, staring hard at the blue prints in front of them.
"From what we've seen, these blue prints are damn old" said Kisame.
"Agreed, and the guard locations are completely different to what we have expected" replied Naruto.
"This is war gentlemen, the enemy could continuously change their defensive plans" countered Itachi.
Kisame scratched his chin, staring at the blue prints.
"If these blue prints are somewhat accurate, we should be in a giant room filled with many lights" replied Kisame.
Itachi stared at Naruto, then at Kisame who nodded. Itachi started using hand seals.
"Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu" muttered Itachi, blowing a massive fireball into the roof.
It lit up the room, showing a large number of Sound ninjas standing in the darkness, looking at them. Their cover blown, they turned on the lights, and Naruto had a good look at them. There were at least fifty of them in the large room. Naruto looked at them with a smirk.
"Yo" he said, and with that a hail of arrows came from random directions.
They thought they had caught Akatsuki off-guard, however they were the ones caught off-guard themselves. The hunter had become the hunted, and they would not live to see another day.
Several were cut down where they stood, never to rise. Others had managed to dodge some of them, arrows protruding from non-fatal points. Some unlucky ones were on the ground, screaming in agony at arrows protruding into their body. Hidden ninjas fell from the balconies they were concealed on, arrows stuck in them. They landed on the ground with a sickening thud, and the ground started to flow blood. Then, several sound ninja fell from the roofs, burnt to death. Itachi's fireball had aimed for them, and they had been burnt to death, slowly slipping away from the support beams that held up the roof, others falling from the balconies that were positioned around the room. Twenty sound ninjas stood ready, several only with minor wounds, otherwise the rest were unharmed. Kisame gave a huge grin that made the Sound ninjas shudder. He lifted Samehada, unwrapping the blade from its bandages, and looking at Itachi and Naruto. They gestured for him to continue in which they told him they were all his, and Kisame grinned and charged.
As Kisame charged, he threw Samehada at one ninja and formed hand seals with his hands. Naruto and Itachi nodded in admiration. Kisame was underestimated as one of the weakest Akatsuki members, but however he was much more powerful than one would think.
"Daibakufu no Jutsu" yelled Kisame, a huge spiral of water coming from his mouth striking heavily into three of the sound ninjas.
The battlefield became a sea at waist height. The sound ninjas pumped chakra into their feet, to stand on the water. Samehada struck the ninja in the face, recoiling with such effect that it scraped half of the shinobi's face off, and breaking his neck instantly. As Samehada flew back to Kisame, he spun, catching Samehada in one hand and throwing it back with even greater force at two other ninjas. Their heads snapped back as it scrapped past their faces, smacking into the wall and sticking. Forming more hand seals, Kisame charged at the ninjas.
"Suiryuudan no Jutsu" he yelled, a dragon spiralling upwards from the water and striking a group of gathered Sound ninjas, scattering most of them except for an unlucky two, smashing them against the wall.
In less than twenty seconds, Kisame had slaughtered half of the Sound ninjas…without trying. The other half did not get such as friendly end to their lives. They charged at Kisame who stood ready. Samehada flashed, scraping past the ribs of one, ripping out the throat of another. The blue water became crimson red with the blood of Akatsuki's enemies. Kisame stood, bodies of sound ninjas lying around. He had spared no one, not even the heavily wounded ones from Naruto's arrows. He looked at the two impassive Akatsuki members, one leaning against the wall and standing on the water without a trouble in the world, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Itachi who was sitting on the floating table.
"Samehada is happy that he has been able to feed" said Kisame with a grin.
"It has been too long since I have seen Samehada in action" replied Naruto with a smile.
Naruto and Kisame learnt to respect each other's blades through their countless spars with blades. Naruto had first underestimated the large weapon, but Kisame used Samehada so effectively, Naruto had grown to respect the blade and the user, who he proudly called brother.
"Indeed, it will sing a requiem for their souls, by feeding off their chakra" replied Kisame with a grin.
"Naruto…Kisame, lets go" replied Itachi.
Itachi kicked down the door, walking out. Glancing left and right, he chose the right path, which led them down a long hallway which progressively became darker and danker, a putrid smell coming from the door. The three Akatsuki members walked easily, before Itachi kicked down the door, and the door flew, with the Sound ninja standing behind it. The sound ninja got to his feet, only to get his throat slit by Itachi as he walked past. They looked around.
It was the prison, dark and dank. Light came off several torches, but there were many cells in which most held dead people. Several of the prisoners were insane, screaming and banging their hands against the cages. They reminded Naruto of zombies in a movie Akatsuki had watched…about how people had this rage virus in which they were extremely violent. But these people were twisted so far in insanity, they didn't look human anymore. The bloodshot eyes showing desperation in them. But they weren't for Akatsuki to rescue…they were beyond hope.
"Do you think he or she that Pein sent us to claim is dead?" asked Kisame.
"I wouldn't be surprised" replied Naruto.
Grabbing a torch each, they investigated every cage at a time. It was only when Kisame came to a young woman, shuddering in the cold. Her body looked beaten and her clothes torn, but her eyes showed nothing but determination.
"I've found her" yelled Kisame.
Naruto poofed next to him, leaning on the cage.
"Baka, don't yell so loud" replied Naruto in a bored tone.
Itachi took a more leisured approach, walking up to them. He squinted in the darkness at the letter from Pein, then back at the girl.
"That's the package, get her out of there Kisame" replied Itachi.
Kisame nodded, destroying the chakra suppression seals and damage seals on the cage door which were loosely made. He then kicked the door down, walking up to the woman, who stared up at him. Kisame raised his torch towards her, and his eyes widened.
"Holy crap…she's blue" muttered Naruto, his eyes as well as Itachi's as wide as saucers.
Kisame bent down to her.
"Pein told me…if I was captured that people would come for me…" muttered the girl softly.
"Even if I am of this colour…" she continued.
Kisame looked at her, knowing the pain he had gone through as a child, being blue and all
"Come with me, I will protect you with my life" he replied.
The woman looked up at him, nodding.
"I cannot walk, they broke my legs" she muttered.
"Then I will carry you" replied Kisame, picking her up bridal style and walking out of the cage.
She was beautiful, blue but beautiful. Her hair, although unruly and tangled would in its prime be straight, running down to shoulder length. She had dark green eyes, which made her seem more exotic, if being blue wasn't exotic enough. Her body was strong, showing she had done ninja training before. She had bruises around most of her body, showing that she had not gone down without a fight. Thankfully, they had not gotten around to sexually abusing her due to her injuries, as rupturing veins and arteries in her legs would not go well with Orochimaru.
"Itachi, several of my clones have been erased. They know now who they're facing and are coming to get us" said Naruto.
Itachi nodded.
"Lets go" replied Itachi.
They sped down the hallway, through to the room where they had the battle earlier. And there, standing in the middle was Orochimaru.
"Greetings little ones…you should all know that when you come into the snake's den…your bound to be bitten" he hissed.
"Itachi-sempai, Kisame-sempai…go" replied Naruto.
Itachi and Kisame looked at him, and they met his eyes.
"Should I not make it back, tell Hinata I love her" he replied.
"You don't have to do this Naruto" replied Itachi, moving towards him.
"We both know that if we all run, he'll catch up with us, and more than one of us will die. This way, only I will die" replied Naruto.
Itachi swore, looking at Kisame. Kisame looked grim, but finally he nodded.
"Respect his sacrifice Itachi, respect his sacrifice" replied Kisame.
Itachi stared at Naruto hard.
"If I don't see you in Konohagakure again, I'm going to haunt you for eternity" spat Itachi, and they ran off.
Naruto stared at Orochimaru.
"Lets get this party started shall we?" asked Naruto, pushing away the nagging thoughts of death in his mind.
"Gladly" grinned Orochimaru, as Naruto dispelled his weights, unsealing his blades.
They both shot killer intent at each other, before they both moved in a blink of an eye, their blades clashing, glaring daggers at once another.
"You will die here today Orochimaru" spat Naruto, trying to push Orochimaru back.
Naruto however was pushed back himself as he dug his heels in to try and gain some purchase on the ground.
"No Naruto-kun, it will be you doing the dying" replied Orochimaru, grinning as Naruto was thrown away by his push.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Naruto hit the ground heavily, his body barely responding. He lay in a semi-conscious state, aware of Orochimaru approaching him. A thousand memories and thoughts shot through Naruto's head as Orochimaru's blade slit his throat. But one memory preceeded all…Naruto's first kiss with Hinata.
Flashback
It was a rainy day, but they had been running around and having fun. They were both soaked to the bone, and the sun was completely hidden among the clouds. Naruto smiled and looked at Hinata as they stood several blocks away from the Hyuuga compound. Naruto glanced up.
"I love the rain…since I was little. It feels as if…it washes away your sins and everything wrong that you've done" said Naruto with a smile.
Hinata giggled as her boyfriend stared up at the sky, his mouth open, drinking the fresh water.
"Hinata-chan, do you love the rain too?" asked Naruto, stepping close to her.
"No, but if your with me…I may learn to love it as much as you" said Hinata with a smile, which made Naruto's heart beat faster.
"Indeed, just as I may learn…to love you" muttered Naruto, closing the gap between their lips slowly.
He was uneasy, but at that moment it felt like the most naturally thing to do. Hinata's eyes widened as their lips touched. Their eyes then slowly closed naturally, both delving into the flow of the kiss, letting the rhythm of the rain pouring down guide them. It was only fate that would have Naruto kiss someone who loved someone even more than his beloved rain. After several seconds, they broke it off; Hinata turned completely red and poked her fingers together. Naruto was red as well, but they glanced at each other with a smile, and holding hands Naruto walked his beloved Hinata back to her household.
End of flashback
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Naruto gagged, choking up as much blood as he could to stop him from suffocating. His neck was on fire, however the pain was getting more faint as he lost more and more blood. Orochimaru's foot came down on his hands, and Naruto feebly kicked out. Slowly…the world became darker and darker…then nothing but darkness. Naruto embraced the darkness, with his thoughts and mind going black.
o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o
Well thats the end of that chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. Please review if you have any time, as any feedback is appreciated. Flames, not so much, but if you want to flame me...try to make it constructive...if that makes sense.
Anyhows, until next time
Woot~