Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. All rights go to Kishimoto.
ITALICS – thinking
BOLD – jutsu/demon talk
Arc Two: The Meaning of Life
Chapter One
It was a sunny afternoon in Konoha, minimal clouds hung in the sky, and the village bustled with activity. Amid all this, the Konoha 12, which included Sai, was having lunch at Akimichi's BBQ as a break from their morning training. Asuma got the new generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho. Itachi got Sasuke, Sakura, and Kiba. Kurenai got Shino, Hinata, and Sai. Lastly was Guy who had Neji, Tenten, and Lee. Each team, except Guy's, was set up with one heavy hitter, a tracker, and a medic. The medic program is what three people from this group took up.
Ino, Sakura, and Hinata were each trained by Tsunade as Nagato felt the need to have a medic in each team just in case the going got rough. It also helped when it came to war time as the more medics they had, they better chances shinobi stayed alive and fought for the cause. Tsunade labeled each as prodigies in the medical field due to how quickly they picked up the skill(s), some having more expertise in one than the other. With Ino's knowledge of plant species, she could make medicine while out in the field or make poisons to subdue the enemy. Sakura, with her almost perfect chakra control, was like another Tsunade in the making. In fact, she was already working on creating new techniques to replace outdated ones. As for Hinata, she was a mixture of both Ino and Sakura which made her a valuable asset. Her specialty was creating medicinal balms to heal cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries which happened occasionally. She was also creating tonics which restored one's chakra, cured minor illnesses like nausea, and many others. Even though they had medic training, that did not make them lax on their other Shinobi skills however. All in all, the Konoha 12 was a formidable force, each wearing their Shippuden outfits.
While Sakura was currently writing in her notebook, which held notes to her medical projects, Sasuke decided to break the silence in the room.
"Thanks to Naruto, my clan was spared." Sasuke said as Sakura wrote in her notebook which held notes to certain projects. "Makes me wonder what he's up to now."
Tenten smiled as she remembered that day in her father's shop. Although it was a harsh reality, it made Tenten extremely curious about the differences between the samurai and shinobi. So, on the time she had to herself that didn't include training or running the shop, she went to the library and studied to her hearts content. Now? Well, she understood both job titles almost fully and gained a deep appreciation for what the samurai could do.
"I bet he's enjoying the easy life." Tenten thought, not realizing what Naruto was about to go through. "No doubt Naruto was sworn in after his training was completed."
Shikamaru shook his head, "I doubt Naruto's life is easy Tenten. Samurai are so troublesome."
Ino and some others chuckled at the Nara's lazy attitude. It was something they couldn't get over even though they had been friends for years.
"Troublesome is right Nara-san, but so was the updated academy." Sai said in the hopes of changing topics.
"Yah, Mr. Root over here calls the academy he was barely in troublesome." The smirk on her face quickly turned as she remembered what Sai told her and the Konoha 12 about his time in Root. "Though, what you went through was far worse."
Sai smiled, "No need to apologize Hinata, it is in the past."
Sakura closed her notebook and stowed it away in her bag, which hung off the chair, before she scratched her head in thought while looking at Tenten.
"Tenten, you studied up on the samurai, what do you think Naruto's last leg of training was?"
"Oh, that's easy. It's probably what his master did when he was young." Now having the attention of the whole room made the weapons mistress smirk "Master Harumasa spent many years in the mountains of Iron Country alone. This was not only to train the mind, but the body as well. Not to mention the constant self-training in the high altitude where breathing is difficult."
Everyone's eyes, minus Tenten's, widened. Lee however, decided to make his presence known with one word.
"YOUTH!"
Neji shook his head, "Fate deemed it that Naruto would become a samurai."
Hinata glared at her cousin than smacked him in the back of the head. This earned a chorus of laughs but it was halted when the food came. Out of all of them, Choji was the only one whose eyes sparkled at what was in front of him.
"Yes! Ribs!"
The Konoha 12 laughed at this, and decided to enjoy a good meal with good company.
Kage Tower
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen was sitting across from Nagato who had a stern look on his face like always. The reason they were here was to talk about recent spy reports, some of which were highly disturbing.
"Everyone, my spy network has recently picked up some disturbing news." Jiraiya started in a professional tone. "My network found that Orochimaru is on the move and has been seen in and out of Iwa for the past many years. And to make matters worse, just recently has Iwa's troops increased in size which prompts fear of a potential invasion."
Hiruzen took the information in as he puffed on his pipe which made the aroma of tobacco permeate the office.
"If I regret anything in my life, letting Orochimaru live was my biggest mistake." The Sandaime's voice was filled with a heavy burden. "And now it seems we will pay for it."
Tsunade patted the Sandaime's shoulder with a smile. "It's in the past Sensei, just let it go. Worrying over that trivial matter will only lead to you making rash decisions."
"I taught you too well." Hiruzen let out a small chuckle then motioned to Jiraiya, pipe in hand. "And of this masked man?"
"My spies which replaced Nagato have suddenly gone off the radar meaning that they were likely killed." Jiraiya sadly stated, the news not sitting well with anyone. "Though, I got enough information to see that this man has been with Orochimaru on occasion."
Nagato internally sighed, "It seems I will need to reveal information I hoped to keep secret." He cleared his throat to put attention on him. "Sensei, I have kept secrets from you as I feared, yes you heard that right, feared for my safety. Now that I am no longer in contact with that man, I feel I can let my information go."
All eyes were now on the Godaime, and the atmosphere in the office was thick with anticipation with a hint of foreboding. With a sigh, Nagato turned his chair so that he could look down on the village. Seeing the children running about brought a smile to his face however, that smile soon turned serious.
"I used to want to destroy the villages in order to bring peace to this world, but as time went on and when word got out that my cousin was still alive, my view changed. I no longer trusted this masked man's ways of peace." Nagato turned back around and stared at Hiruzen knowing he wasn't going to like what he said next. "We were to collect the bijuu and turn them into a super weapon…tell me, have you heard of the Jubbi?"
Hiruzen choked on his smoke at the same time his eyes widened in fear. "Oh dear Kami…please not that."
The Godaime simply nodded, "Yes, the Juubi, the one which the Sage of Six Paths fought, sealed within himself, then split into the bijuu we have today. No doubt you have been told that Kyuubi was controlled by this masked man and that he was called Madara?"
Jiraiya hummed in thought then let out a gasp as he remembered what Naruto said when he woke up after the Root incident.
"Naruto said that the man only used the name Madara, but what does this all mean?"
Nagato folded his hands and rested his chin upon them, his Rinnegan eyes closing.
"Madara did not die by Hashirama's hands, he somehow lived and saved a boy during the Third Shinobi War who was trapped under a boulder." Jiraiya, Hiruzen, and Tsunade gasped as they now knew who this person was. "Yes, this masked man is Obito Uchiha and his plan was one I was to follow if news of my cousin did not reach my ears."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes in thought, "Who is this cousin you speak of? The only Uzumaki I know of is…oh…oh shit!"
Hiruzen's eyes widened as he just figured it out. "Naruto is your cousin…but how?"
Jiraiya was flabbergasted, but before he could speak, Nagato dropped another bombshell.
"I had Zetsu, Obito's informant and spy, infiltrate your hospital to obtain blood records of Kushina and Naruto. No doubt the Uchiha knows about this, but that is beside the point. Anyway, I did a blood test on both and the results gave me a new outlook on life."
The Godaime paused with a sigh then opened his eyes; the somber tone still present.
"I matched 30 percent with Kushina and 20 percent with Naruto. Sadly, all family records were destroyed in Uzu's downfall so I could not verify this further."
"But what does all this have to do with Naruto, other than that he holds the Kyuubi?" Jiraiya said, still bewildered by the information he was given.
Nagato smirked, "Obito told me his plans from the beginning…a foolish thing to do in hindsight, to be honest. Anyway, he has been in and out of Iron Country for many years and no doubt the one to help beat the war drums which Naruto is now fighting."
The three kages mustered up the situation with one perfect word.
"Fuck."
The Godaime simply nodded and leaned back in his chair; his eyes closed once again.
"I will send reports to Suna and Kumo notifying them to keep vigilant for any invasion. I also hope that my cousin makes it out of Iron Country alive…I would like to meet him face to face."
Iron Country
The samurai and civilians watched in horror as the tower which held the ceremony for their newest samurai exploded in a massive fireball. Their biggest fear was losing their commanders as well as the newest edition to their army. Just as they were about to rush up and dig through the smoldering debris, an orange flash in the nearby courtyard caught their attention. When the light died down, it showed that Naruto was holding Mifune, Fukui, Hiroto, Takuma, and Hideki with chakra arms.
"That was too close." Naruto sighed in relief and set the elders on the ground before deactivating his Kyuubi cloak.
For Naruto and the others, they sensed a couple men run away from the scene of the crime, but before they could go after them, Yuki did that for him.
"Don't worry Mifune-dono, Yuki will relay me on what she finds." Naruto quelled the generals fears, both giving each other a smile.
"And we expect to believe you can talk to a fox? Preposterous!" Hiroto yelled which made Mifune, Fukui, and Naruto's smile disappear.
Eyes narrowed, Naruto turned to the elder and poked him hard in the chest which made the bystanders gasp.
"Now listen here elder-sama, I know what you are thinking. You think because I have the great Kyuubi in my gut, that I cannot be trusted…correct?" Hiroto nodded with anger in his eyes. "Then why did I take the blood oath then? Hmm?"
"You house a kitsune, one which tricks those around them." The elder shoved the jinchuriki away and crossed his arms over his chest. "In fact, I bet you lived a good life which begs the question why a shinobi took the warrior's path in the first place. I dare say you are a traitor!"
Naruto clenched his fists in anger, but took a deep breath to calm himself.
"Instead of explaining myself, grab ahold of me, all of you elders, to see what my life was like for the first eight years of my life. If you do not trust me after I show you my pain, then I will gladly commit seppuku in front of everyone to show how loyal I am to Bushido."
All but Fukui grabbed ahold of Naruto as he knew his students pain well enough. The ones who did, thanks to Kurama, was shown every glare, every crude remark, and how he was barred access from certain stores. It also showed how Naruto found the Samurai way, all the way up to meeting Fukui. Once the memories finished playing, the elders took their hands off Naruto with a gasp and couldn't help but look at the young samurai with a new respect. All but Hiroto that is.
"A hard life you have lived, yes, but you have yet to participate in war. Until my eyes see you battle, Naruto-san, I shalt not forgive the words that I spoke just moments ago." Naruto, as he promised, grasped his katana and was ready to unsheathe it to commit the ultimate act. However, his hand was stopped by Hiroto's wrinkled and callous filled hand. "However, it deals my old heart great pain to see such a promising warrior wanting to end their own life."
Naruto took his hand off his blade and bowed, though he had no words to say as each commander already knew what they were. The young samurai's eyes told it all.
Those other than Hiroto congratulated Naruto on a job well done, the cheers of the bystanders behind them. Soon, those celebrations ended as much work needed to be done and, with a wave of the hand, Mifune ordered everyone to start clearing the debris where the tower once stood. As everyone started to get to work, Mifune couldn't help but look at Naruto's blade.
The missing Masamune.
"So, tell me Uzumaki-san, how did you come across the lost Masamune?" The general grunted as he lifted a piece of stone. "Also, how is it that your tenant's chakra is not interfering with your Ki?"
As he worked, Naruto told the tale of the spirt wolf he fought and how it led him to waking in a strange place which was built in the mountain; each room was gone into great detail, especially the scrolls which held the ways of old. Although it saddened Mifune to learn that Masamune's home collapsed shortly after Naruto took Honjo, it also gave him an idea to further Naruto's growth. One which detailed the secrets of old, secrets which Naruto left out of the discussion on purpose.
"As to my Ki and Kyuubi's chakra, I am not sure how that is possible. I think it is just an enhancer of sorts."
"Not only is it an enhancer Kit, it is also a separate entity as the chakra is still technically mine. Remember, we may be bonded by a seal, but we are still two separate beings." Kurama interrupted with his usual tone.
"Are you alright Uzumaki-san?" Takuma concernedly said as he saw Naruto's glazed over eyes.
Naruto nodded as he broke out of the trance. "I was just conversing with my tenant." Hiroto paused in his work and looked at Naruto with narrowed eyes, one which the blonde completely ignored. "Even though we are connected by a seal, Kyuubi and I are separate beings which means the chakra is still technically his and that it gives me a boost of sorts."
No words were said for the next two hours as debris was moved to unearth the reinforced council chamber, the only thing left intact from the assassination attempt. Once uncovered, and before entering the chamber, Mifune made a few hand signals which prompted the use of the controversial tactic used in the second war; spies. Seeing them sent out made everyone understand that war was just around the corner, and that this village was now under Martial Law. As the last piece of debris was removed, Mifune ushered the commanders as well as Naruto inside the room so that talks could begin.
Once sat down, Naruto eyed Mifune who gave a simple nod of the head as a reply. With a sigh and the rub of his temples, Naruto began to tell everyone what he knew of this masked man and how he taught the rebels shinobi techniques.
With Takeshi
The brother of Fukui was pacing inside his small office in the hideout he made for himself during the second civil war as he awaited the news of the assassination. The reason for the pacing wasn't nervousness, no, this was pure elation as he knew that everything would go as planned. However, Takeshi was in for a rude awakening.
"Who is it?" The Harumasa said as there was a knock on his office door.
"It's you secretary Takeshi-sama, there are two men are here to see you, do you wish to speak with them?"
The man smiled, "Yes, if you would let them in please."
As the two men, the assassins, entered, Takeshi's smile became a frown as he saw the disappointed looks on their faces.
"Takeshi-sama, I'm sorry to report that the boy is far stronger than we first thought." The first man said, with the other saying the word which the Harumasa loathed.
"He saved the commanders, his master, and Mifune sir…the operation was a failure."
"Dammit, now we have to go to plan B!" Takeshi grit his teeth in anger, his fists crunching into balls. After a deep breath however, he regained a sense of normalcy. "No matter, this plan was bound to be more successful anyway. Plus, with samurai not knowing Shinobi skills this war is ours for the taking."
"Orders Takeshi-sama?" The first assassin spoke which broke the brother from his internal rant.
"I would kill you for failing your mission, but I have a bigger job for you and your regiment to complete." Takeshi responded with a smile then motioned towards the door as he walked to it. "Please, walk with me."
The assassins sighed in relief and quickly followed behind their leader lest they anger him once more. After a couple set of stairs, Takeshi opened up the main door where the arctic air blasted each in the face; some snow clinging to their outfits only to melt soon after. As they started to chat, Yuki foraged for food nearby in order to hear what they were saying. A squeal underneath the snow and some digging later, Yuki pulled out a snow hare. With a smile, she picked it up in her jowls and started to walk towards the three person's outside.
"With your stunt, the main village will be under lockdown until this war ends. The surrounding ones, however, will not be as lucky." Takeshi tapped his chin in thought before he pointed at the assassins. "I want your assassin regiment to go to the villages we discussed many months ago, scout out the area, and then carry out your operation. Notify me when this is completed so we may move troops to the area."
The two assassins bowed then sprinted towards their respective bases to achieve the task their leader gave. Once out of sight, Takeshi started back towards the tower while he thought about what he accomplished ever since the second war ended. Like the shinobi, he had specific troops for certain jobs. Some of which, like the assassins, were their own regiment. Heavy strikers, medics, interrogation specialists, spies/assassins, sensors, long range strikers, mid-range strikers, and many other types of troops. All of this was thanks to Tobi's assistance of course. Even though Mifune and the others were still alive, Takeshi let out a chuckle at the thought of taking over the whole of Iron Country then moving his operation to the Elemental Nations. His musings, however, were halted as he spotted an artic fox in his peripheral; one carrying a dead snow hare in its mouth. As the fox sat on its haunches and dropped the hare, it looked at Takeshi and cocked its head as if wanting recognition for the kill.
It got none of it.
"Fuck off!" Takeshi angrily stated as he kicked snow in the arctic fox's face.
Startled, the fox yipped, picked up its kill and ran off. Although it was odd to see such an animal waltz up to a human and not be afraid, Takeshi paid it no heed and went back inside to get away from the cold. For Yuki, however, she was all smiles as she had a lot to tell her master.
Naruto – Council Chambers
Argument.
One word which summed up the noise in the council room ever since Naruto told everyone what the masked man, Tobi, had did. Out of all of them, Hiroto and Mifune were unnerved about their enemy using shinobi tactics as they had fought them once before. For Takuma, he started to wonder if this civil war would be a loss for them as he had no idea how to fight a shinobi and heard tales of their trickery. Hideki was the most optimistic of the group, and, like his nickname implied, wanted to show those traitors what happened when they went against Bushido. The calmest out of all of them was Fukui and Naruto as both had experiences when it came to shinobi. For Naruto, he grew up in a shinobi village and was taught how to fight against them. As for Naruto's master, he travelled the Elemental Nations so he understood how shinobi worked which gave him an edge in battle. As the arguments went back and forth, both Fukui and Naruto were attempting to come up with a plan to ensure this war would be a win, not a total loss. The arguments suddenly ceased when there was a knock at the door.
Mifune cleared his throat, "You may enter."
The samurai guard did as told and, once entered, bowed to his leader.
"General Mifune, an artic fox is patiently waiting in the hallway." The samurai gave Mifune a puzzled stare. " And I think it wants in."
"Ah, Yuki must be back from her scouting run." Naruto interrupted, a smile on his face. "Mifune-dono, if you would please?"
"Hai. Let Yuki in so that Naruto can relay her report to us." Mifune ordered, dismissing the samurai once the arctic fox had entered; the hare still in its jowls.
"Nice catch, Yuki." Naruto said as he took the snow hare from her mouth and set it on the table in front of him. "Now, what do you have to report?"
Yuki jumped into Naruto's lap and gave a few licks across the face which made everyone chuckle, yes even Hiroto cracked a smile. Once done, Yuki spent the next five minutes giving her report in the forms of yips and growls. A language which only Naruto understood. For the commanders and Mifune, Naruto's fluctuating emotions was enough to tell them the news wasn't good.
"Yuki, I would like you to tell all the foxes in Iron Country to act as a spy system for us during the war." Naruto ordered as he scratched the fox behind the ears. "Can you do that for me?"
The fox nodded, licked Naruto's face again, and then yipped as she jumped out of her master's arms. Once the fox was let out and the door closed behind here, only then did the talking continue.
"An ingenious plan if I do say so myself Uzumaki-san." Takuma said in an amused manner, a slight smile on his face. "But, it begs the question on how you can speak to foxes."
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a smile, "Well, the fuzzball is good for something."
The room broke into laughter at what the Kyuubi was called. In the mindscape however, Kurama grumbled about how he hated that nickname.
"I agree that this spy system will help greatly, but I believe Yuki told you some disturbing things as was evident by your conflicting emotions." Mifune looked at Naruto and spoke professionally, his hands crossed and his chin resting upon them. "If you would Uzumaki-san?"
"Hai, and what Takeshi has planned is eerily similar to the first and second wars." Naruto's eyes turned cold as did his voice, a trait which showed the others that Naruto had good control of his emotions. "Yuki told me that he plans to send out assassin regiments to the surrounding civilian villages for scouting purposes. Once that is complete, an operation will commence. No doubt you all know what that implies?"
Hideki groaned and palmed over the scars on his face. "How do you think I got these in the second war? I was ambushed by targets I didn't even sense who used what looked like tags with kanji scribbled on them. Next thing I saw was a massive explosion then darkness."
"Explosive tags." Naruto simply stated. "It seems they were experimenting with Shinobi techniques at the end of the second war in preparation for the future. Most troubling."
"Like the second war, the villages will be targeted for diversion tactics. Like the first war, the villages will be used as a way to surround the main village, the one which we inhabit." Hiroto let out a sigh, his tone just as equal as Naruto's. "Sadly, we don't have the troops to cover all the villages at once."
Mifune nodded, a frown forming on his stoic face, "And worse off, is we do not have the necessary skills to counteract a shinobi…though, one person does."
All eyes were on Naruto which made the newest samurai slightly nervous.
"My student, we need your skills more than ever to ensure this war is not lost." Fukui spoke as he looked towards Naruto with something akin to pride. "I had you read up on all the Elemental Nations for a reason, and now you can put that knowledge to good use."
"And I had you read about Iron Countries history." Mifune added. "Please Uzumaki-san, it would do Iron Country a great honor."
"I just became a samurai Mifune-dono, elder-samas, what makes you think I am experienced enough to produce a program to teach your samurai how to counteract shinobi." Naruto nervously stated, his stomach seemingly filled with butterflies. "…it will take months to accomplish such a task, time we do not have!"
Sensing the distress in the young warrior's heart, Mifune got up and laid a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Look at me, my soldier and listen well." Naruto looked into Mifune's eyes, ones filled with a grandfatherly warmth. "I am not getting any younger Uzumaki-san, and soon I will be too feeble to carry on my honorable duties. But you, Naruto, you have the qualities of becoming a better leader than I."
Naruto gave a small smile, "I'm honored Mifune-sama, really, but I'm just a 12 year old kid who just became a samurai. I've trained, but like Hiroto-sama said, I have yet to be in war."
"Such wise words for one so young." Mifune patted Naruto's shoulders with a smile. "Such a trait is why I am putting such a task on your shoulders…just think of it as another obstacle in your path, young warrior."
As Mifune went to sit down, Naruto closed his eyes in thought; his mind struggling to grasp what he should do.
"Kit, you have been through some of the toughest situations which you have conquered like a true champion." Kurama proudly said as he sensed his containers woes. "You are no 12 year old gaki, you are a trained samurai with the mind of a seasoned warrior, you are the Akuma no Senshi; a name which will be renowned for generations to come."
Such words made Naruto smile as he now knew what to do. "Thank you, Kurama."
"Anytime Kit."
The council room was silent as everyone waited for Naruto's answer, but after a minute of silence everyone grew concerned that he wouldn't take the offer. Those concerns, however, were dashed when Naruto's eyes snapped open, eyes filled with a steely-determination.
"Mifune-dono, I need maps of Iron Country, detailed reports on what went on in the end of the second war, and any shinobi items you have confiscated over the years you have been leader."A smirk formed on Naruto's face. "It's time the world knew who the Akuma no Senshi is."
Mifune and everyone else smiled and thought the same thing.
"A great leader you will become Naruto Uzumaki."
Iwa – Onoki's Office
The Tsuchikage was seated at his desk and stared at the two figures before him. One was Orochimaru, the other was a man in an orange mask, better known as Tobi. Onoki understood why the snake was here, but Tobi…not a damn clue.
"You better have a good answer as to why you are bringing another party into your plans Orochimaru." Onoki said heatedly then smirked as an idea came to mind. "Oh, is the snake afraid of the former Amekage…pathetic! He calls himself Kami, but with our combined might he will undoubtedly fall."
The Oto leader snarled in anger and was about to go off when Tobi interrupted.
"You have it all wrong you old goat." The Uchiha smiled at the pissed expression the Tsuchikage gave him. "Even I would have a slight problem beating Nagato. I can take him, yes, but I would leave the battle with many injuries. So, in light of recent events, I would like to propose an ultimatum."
Onoki grunted in dissatisfaction, but he decided to hear what the man had to say.
"Speak then, and don't leave a damn thing out!"
"In three years' time I will start my ultimate plan to bring peace to the shinobi world. Yes I may destroy all the villages in the process, but they are a cancer that needs removed." Tobi said flippantly. "My ultimatum is you join me in my conquest and in doing so, your village will be spared."
"And how do I know you won't betray us?" the Kage said with narrowed eyes.
"Cause' Tobi is a good boy!"
This earned sweat drops from Orochimaru and Onoki. Never had they expected the ever serious Tobi to suddenly switch to a childish tone.
"To please the old goat, as you say, ku ku ku. Perhaps we can start with Konoha…no doubt the boy will be busy with other means am I correct?" Orochimaru suddenly asked as he looked at Tobi.
The Uchiha narrowed his eye at Orochimaru, glad that he left out just who that boy was as well as the civil war he started in Iron Country. Although Onoki wanted to know who this boy was, he decided to file that topic for a later date.
"Say I take up your offer." Onoki asked. "What would you like in return, Tobi?"
"Hmm, a good question, but one with a simple answer." The sick smile that formed was hidden under his mask. "Help me recruit any and all S-rank criminals in the Nation…they will work nicely when it comes time to gather the needed targets."
Onoki glared at the Uchiha, "I do not like you withholding certain details from me Tobi…fess up now or I will turn you into dust!"
"Now, now, I only give information I want to give." Tobi chuckled evilly then took a step toward the Kage. "So, Onoki the Fence Sitter, are we going to do this the easy way…or the hard way?"
The elder kage thought about it, then hovered above the person who dared threaten him. In an angry tone, while preparing his infamous Dust Release technique, he spoke.
"I admit, your goals of peace bring joy to my aging ears, but threatening me and withholding information is something I do not take lightly! So, Tobi, my answer is this. Detachment of the Primitive World!"
Before the attack could be fired, Tobi's Sharigan eyes spun and formed into the Eternal Mangekyou. The last words Onoki heard before succumbing to the darkness were:
"Obey!"
Naruto's Quarters – Iron Country
It was now dusk and most of the village had already went to sleep, all but a few people that is. One such person was Naruto. Dressed in the clothing he wore when he first started training, Naruto was leaning over his desk with a tired and irritated expression on his face. On the desk was maps of Iron Country, reports of the end of the second war, and many strewn about papers with ideas on them. Off to the side of the desk, on the floor, was multiple bags of various shinobi items that were confiscated over the years. In his hand was a pencil which he tapped on the desk as he tried to come up with a competent program which could be taught quickly and efficiently in the amount of time they had. Sadly, nothing was working out. Naruto was so caught up in his work, he didn't even hear the knock on his door and when it opened.
Fukui smiled at his student for the determination he showed, but also was disturbed at how Naruto didn't even notice his presence.
"Naruto, my student, you have worked tirelessly for over eight hours now." Fukui's voice broke Naruto from his work. "You didn't even notice my arrival…I thought I taught you better than that."
"Sorry master, it's just…" Naruto sighed as he looked at his master. "…I feel something is going to happen that is out of my control. It's like I know hundreds of innocent people will die, and yet, we cannot do anything about it. Why?"
Fukui frowned and patted his student's shoulders before giving them a little massage.
"I too have felt the same aura, it is one I have felt many times during the second war. Sadly, war will create sacrifices which cannot be stopped. Truly a vicious cycle, war is, but I have a feeling that after this one, Iron Country will be in peace for a very long time."
"You may be right, but I cannot seem to get a program made up which will be quick and effective." Naruto slammed his fists on the desk after he yawned and wiped the sleep from his eyes. "There has to be a way to do this to ensure that more of our samurai stay alive out there!"
Fukui stopped his massage and pointed to the nearby bed, a small smile on his face. "Go to bed my student, it has been a tiresome day. I'm sure it will come to you sooner or later."
After much thought, Naruto nodded, turned the desk light off, and headed to bed. As this was going on, Fukui left the room without a sound to ensure that his student got a much needed rest.
One Week Later
Naruto finally did it; a quick and efficient program was made to teach the samurai what to expect from an opponent who knew shinobi techniques. The program was simple, so simple in fact, that Naruto beat himself over the head multiple times for overthinking the issue.
Instead of lectures, like originally planned, Naruto would have a scroll made up with any and all readings on the shinobi. These included the elements they used in their attacks, different style of taijutsu, and the many types of shinobi there were. Also on this list was signs to look out for or feel when a shinobi was about to create an underhand tactic like a clone or substitution. On top of this, Naruto would debrief the samurai on how to use the environment around them to help them survive against a shinobi. Along with all this was a small detailed map of Iron Country was included in the scroll, something which Naruto knew would come in handy. Naruto, however, wasn't content with just teaching the samurai about shinobi, no, he decided to start teaching the ways of old.
Currently, Naruto was meditating in the large training grounds just outside the main village as he waited for the class to assemble.
"To think, I will be doing this for weeks, or until the Takeshi makes the first move…heh! Me, a 12 year old teaching people almost twice my age." Naruto thought and smiled as the sun just peaked over the mountains. "Sunrise, which means I have four classes to teach before I retire for the night."
Kurama scoffed playfully in the cage, "If they think you're incompetent, why not show them my power and some killing intent mixed in?"
Naruto snorted in amusement, "That would be fun, but I don't want to become too dependent on your power, no offense."
"None taken…the first class is about to arrive."
As the first couple samurai got to the training ground, they stopped and started to snicker at Naruto.
"Hey greenhorn! You can't be the one teaching us…you don't even have any experience fighting a war!" One of them said which made Naruto calmly stand and walk towards him.
Once face to face, and in full view of the entire class, Naruto added Ki to his right hand, and backhanded the samurai to the ground with a dislocated jaw. The entire class was shocked.
"You are right, I may not have experience in a war, but I know what war causes…needless killing, and loss of innocent lives." Naruto stoically said as he rubbed his right hand to get the soreness out. "Yes, I may be a kid in your eyes, but Mifune-dono and the elders trusted me with this task as I was the only one to grow up in a shinobi village." Naruto paused to take in the varying emotions; it made him smile.
"Now, in my class you will follow Bushido to the letter which means no belittling your comrades, and myself. Failure to do so, and I will not hesitate to notify Mifune-dono. In fact, I will gladly request him to hold a public seppuku viewing with me as the one to take off your head. Do I make myself clear?!"
"Hai Master-sama!" They chorused.
Naruto held up his hand, "I am not your master. Please, just call me Uzumaki-san. Now, can anyone tell me what a shinobi is?"
Nobody spoke except the one who recently got up from Naruto's backhand and relocated his jaw.
"One's who don't follow Bushido, and thus traitors."
"Close, but not entirely correct." The Uzumaki smiled, but his expression turned serious once again. "They use underhand techniques which will confuse you to the point where you kill your own comrade. Techniques which destroy large swathes of land and enemies in a single attack. Techniques which are used to ambush, assassinate, and the list goes on."
"Uzumaki-san, are you just going to lecture us?" One samurai in the back asked.
Said person shook his head, "No, you will pick up a scroll with the needed materials, all of which you will have to memorize to a T."
The whole class was silent and was positive for the most part which meant that they trusted Naruto and his knowledge to a certain degree.
"Enough about Shinobi." Naruto broke the students out of their thoughts as he continued the lesson. "What can you tell me of the days of old?"
"I heard they didn't use Ki and were rumored to be more powerful than us." A samurai responded after a few minutes.
"Hmm, more powerful…maybe, but I will demonstrate to all of you on what you will be learning today. I warn you now, though, that the feeling you get when doing this the first time will be unpleasant. However, it's a necessary skill, to avoid shinobi sensors." Naruto smiled as he started to lower his Ki. "Now, observe."
Once Naruto's Ki vanished, the class broke into pandemonium. Never had they thought such an act was possible. It was so shocking, that most of the class was practically begging to be taught. Questions like "how did you do that" and "how can you fight without Ki" was the more popular out of all of them. Eventually, Naruto silenced the class and told the tale of how he got his Masamune blade and how he learned the ways of old; the ways that they will be learning. The story captivated the class, and they became even more eager to learn how their ancestors fought. Once the class settled, Naruto got in a meditative position which everyone copied.
Naruto nodded, seeing that the class was ready. "Now, we all exude Ki to sense a target in our area, but in the days of old they learned to take in their surroundings in order to predict when a strike was going to connect." He instructed. "Now, to diminish your Ki, find that warm spot in your gut and try to force it back where it came from."
The class tried to do as told, and they quickly found it was a lot harder than they thought. Seeing their struggles made Naruto chuckle to himself as it reminded him of his own struggles with the technique.
"Did I mention it took me a week to accomplish this task?"
The excited mood of the class instantly deflated like a balloon which lost all its air. In the distance, Mifune, Fukui, and the other commanders watched with a smile.
"You picked a wonderful successor Master." Fukui stated with a chuckle at the end.
Mifune nodded, "And it was thanks to your training, my student."
"It seems I was wrong about the boy." Hiroto proudly said, a smile coming to his aged face. "He does have that aura about him like you did in the past Mifune-dono. The way he backhanded the unruly student reminded me of what you did to Fukui back in the day."
Said person tried to hide in his armor which made everyone laugh. Needless to say, it was going to be an interesting time with Naruto around.
One Month Later
Mifune and the entire samurai army was on wits end as they had yet to hear a report that Takeshi made his first move against the civilian villages. Amid the tension, reports steadily came in from the scouts but they were not as detailed as the ones the foxes gave. The reason was that the animals could get much closer to the enemy as they would be the last thing the enemy would expect when it came to spies. Thanks to these reports, a map was made with potential outposts the enemy could be stationed at and would use later in the war.
Also a success, a major one in fact, was Naruto's program. The samurai population quickly gained the utmost respect for their young soldier and, amid his protests, Naruto was called master more times than not. Even some of the older samurai who witnessed the second war hailed Naruto as a prodigy and a valuable asset which needed protected. Did Naruto bask in this glory? No, he simply shrugged it off and followed any orders General Mifune gave. One such order was for everyone to study up on how the old samurai worked even though they did not have many records of that era. Naruto, who quickly found an enjoyment in teaching others even though he was much younger then the students, didn't hesitate and held extra classes to recall what he read in Masamune's scrolls. It was just the start of the promise he made before the home of the master swordsmith collapsed.
While everything was going well in the main village, elsewhere in Iron County was a different story. Although it took longer than expected, the scouting on this particular village was done. One of the assassin leaders, who talked to Takeshi and lead the bombing of Mifune's tower, looked at the village from his vantage point with a grin on his face. Soon, one of his soldiers walked up to him and knelt down with his head bowed low.
"Juro, we are ready to commence the operation."
Juro, like the others, was wearing an outfit similar to that of the Konoha ANBU, but everything including the mask was colored black. On their waist, towards their back, was two pouches, one filled with poisoned senbon, the other filled with kunai. On their backs was a guard less tanto, and on either hip was a simple dagger. Juro looked at the village one last time, and uttered a few choice words before he motioned for the operation to begin.
"With this action, we will be the spark that ignites the flames of war."
Edited: 5/30/15
