I know some of you are waiting for the festival to begin, but I figured I'd use this chapter to tie up a few loose ends. Characters I've mentioned in a/n's from previous chapter will debut here and now. Also, if you recall the 'invasion' I teased in the summary, the enemy finally makes itself known. This, hopefully will be the last chapter before the festival, so there's still plenty of time to vote. Also, you'll want to read the other chapters before this one, just a heads up. Be sure to tell me in reviews or the poll on my page how many songs the bands get to do between 1 and 3. The more positive reviews, the better.
Chapter 9: Lightning, Sand, and Resonance
On a seemingly calm night, the city of Storm Cloud was the weather capital of the Elemental Cities. One lightning wielder, Darui, the city's resident 'Black Panther', was providing the air around him with some shocking licks on his guitar. The Raikage, Ay, prepared to make the trip to Autumn Colors. Since he had heard about Naruto Uzumaki's first major show, he was ready to see a legend in the making. Ay had remembered the times he raced or even fought against Minato, and in realizing Naruto was his son, he had to see if he had lived up to his late father's name.
"Naruto Uzumaki, huh? I can't believe all these years, I never knew Minato had a son. I have high hopes he lives up to your name, old friend." said Ay. Suddenly, Darui appeared in the window of Lightning Tower, the center of the city and its tallest point. "Lord Raikage, if you are in need of an escort, allow me." Darui requested.
"It's actually not a bad idea." A formally dressed woman known as Mabui appeared. "This will be a good opportunity for both of you."
"I wasn't sure at first, but if you think you'll get something out of it, why not?" said Ay.
Without warning, blackened clouds appeared over head. A look of uncertainty befell Ay, thinking something was about to happen. Winds picked up, but with no lightning at all.
"Lord Raikage, are you feeling that?" asked Mabui.
"I'm afraid so. Something is about to happen. And it's headed that way. Toward Autumn Colors."
"Autumn Colors? That's where everyone will gather soon. We should hurry." Darui panicked.
"Then let's get a move on. Naruto might be walking into danger. As the Fourth Hokage's son, I will make sure he's all right. Mabui, can you hold things down for a while?"
"Of course, Lord Raikage." She said.
With that the two lightning ninja set out, without knowing the impending danger that awaits the residents of all 5 Elemental Cities.
A gentle breeze blew over the subtlety of Desert Winds, where the Kazekage resided. A young ninja rocker saved time and again by Naruto and shown real strength comes from within. He is known as Gaara, the youngest of the Kazekage. Since after his very first defeat at the hands of Naruto, the red-haired youth had a lot to think about. About everything Naruto told him when it came to protecting what's important. Deciding for himself in wanting to become Kazekage, he found a guitar as red as his hair, figuring this would be something that might help. At age 15, he was already at Naruto's guitar and ninjutsu level, finally becoming Kazekage.
From time to time on calm, peaceful nights like this, the city of sand could hear the sounds of a guitar, knowing by how it sounded it was him. "So, Naruto is finally playing the Star Elements Festival. And he's made a bigger name as a hero without reaching the rank of Kage yet." This only made Gaara want to see his friend excel for himself. He knew going to this festival as the city's representative alongside Matsuri, would be good for both boys.
She'd never admit it, but she looks up to Naruto a bit for all the times he's come out on top, even with million-to-one odds against him. But still, her biggest admiration was always for Gaara. Matsuri stood there alongside Gaara, swayed by his soothing melody. "Is that the song you and Naruto did that one time?" she asked.
"It is. I really like this one for some reason." said Gaara. Matsuri tried moving closer, but they were interrupted. Kankuro and Temari had arrived.
"It seems you're thinking about Naruto again." said Temari.
"Yeah, it's not that hard to believe he's playing in the biggest music festival of the year." Gaara responded.
"Don't forget, Gaara. You've also come far from first meeting him. Now you at the top of the city's best." Kankuro assured him.
"All right, I'm ready. Hey, Temari, Kankuro. You'll need to look after Desert Winds for a while."
"Don't worry about a thing."
"Yea, what she said. And say hi for us."
"Sure thing. Ready, Matsuri?"
"Definitely." She widely smiled.
The Kazekage headed out to reunite with the young man that changed his life for the better.
In an small unknown location between Autumn Colors and Rocky Paths, there stood a mysterious town known to few as Echo Valley. After some reconnaissance throughout the five cities, a menacing plan was coming together. The sounds of random instruments were heard in the eerie winds. A shadowy figure emerged with sounds of an organ in the background. It was Kabuto Yakushi.
"All right, everyone, listen up." said Kabuto. "The festival is starting tomorrow, we need to act fast."
The organ in the background played again as if asking questions about the invasion. "Who among our enemies? For one, that blonde nuisance, Naruto. Can't forget about Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha." The organ played a slightly upbeat sound.
"Don't worry about Lord Orochimaru. He's already there. This will finally be the step we need to take control of all 5 Elemental Cities, and what better way to do it then start where representatives from all 5 will be in one place?"
Kabuto's forces stood ready to advance with no one any the wiser of the disaster that would occur.
*deep breath, and exhale* That was quite the chapter, but it's finally done. Sry if it's a bit short, it'll definitely pick up l8r . I already know how I want it to end, but I can't update after this until I get enough reviews. Even if a lot of people say just 1 song per band, I'll ask for the songs people want four of the five bands to play from what I've chosen. Plz review saying u want more updates, follow fave and stick around for more.
