Chapter 9
Naruto looked at Kira with anger. "Answer the question boy." he demanded.
Kira just looked at Naruto for a few moments in fear. "We are here to stop the fight." he replied quickly. "Why are you here? Are you working for ZAFT?"
"I am the one asking the questions Yamato." he stated as he grabbed the Freedom by the collar. "Why are you trying to stop this fight?"
Before Kira could answer, Naruto was driven away from him by a beam. He quickly turned and saw the Strike Rouge with it beam rifle pointed at him. "Stay away from Kira."
"Cagalli," Kira said with concern in his voice.
Naruto's mind slowly put the pieces together and he growled in annoyance. "So you're the one behind this foolish endeavor." he said as he pointed his rifle at the Strike Rouge. "Leave now."
Cagalli looked at Naruto's machine with anger. "NO," she countered. "I have to protect my people, it's my job."
Naruto shot a beam and Cagalli dodged out of the way only to have him appear in front of her, grab her by the head and smash her suit into the side of the Ark Angel. Kira watched and tried to help but he was met with a beam rifle pointed at his suit.
"Don't move Yamato." he stated, his trigger finger twitching. "I have some words for you as well."
As he turned his focus back on Cagalli he got a hail from the Minerva. "Yes Captain." he said.
"What is going on up there." she demanded the anger evident on her face. "Who are these people? What are they doing in the battle and with that ship?"
"They are just some people with some misguided thoughts." he replied as calmly as he could. "Why they are here is of no importance. Focus on the battle at hand. Have all pilots change to formation G4. I will have this nuisance out of the way shortly."
Before Talia could answer he cut the connection and once again focused his attention onto Cagalli. "Now Atha, please tell me how stopping this battle is the correct way of protecting your people?"
-With the Minerva-
Talia heard the connection cut and she turned to look at Naruto as interacted with the Freedom and the Strike Rouge. From what she could see that Naruto was currently in control of the situation. He held the Rouge against the side of the Ark Angel and had his gun pointed at the Freedom so if he tried anything he will be met with a face full of beam.
She turned to Meyrin, "Tell the pilots to switch to formation G4." she ordered as she turned her attention back to the Orb and Earth Forces fleets.
Meyrin nodded and relayed the orders, Talia watched as Luna and Heine flew back toward the ship and Athrun took point. Shinn flew forward and took the spot next to Athrun. Heine was now on the ship and Luna helped Ray get back into position, while she took the space in between the ship and Athrun and Shinn.
Athrun and Shinn began to rain fire down on the enemies before them. Luna brought out her long range rifle and began to fire volley after volley, adding to the rate of fire from Athrun and Shinn. Heine and Rey added to the attack with barrage of missiles.
The mixture of beams and missiles pushed the enemy advancing lines back. The Gaia and Chaos were some of the few suits that were not destroyed in the attack. The remaining attacks hit the fleet and the results were devastating. Many of the Earth Forces battle ships and cruisers were destroyed, the Orb forces lost two carriers and three battle ships.
Talia smiled and looked to Arthur and Kyuubi, "Provide fire support!" she ordered and the pair smiled.
"Yes Captain," they both replied as the Minerva's guns roared to life.
-With Naruto-
"I am waiting for an answer Atha." he stated as he slammed the Rouge again against the side of the Ark Angel.
Cagalli hit the back of her chair hard, as she looked into the face of Naruto's machine. She let out an angered growl. "I am here to stop the Orb forces from attacking and to retreat back home."
Naruto just snorted in contempt, "Foolish girl, this is the dumbest way to do that!"
"You have no idea what I am going through; I have to protect my people!" Cagalli cried, as tears started to stream down her face.
Naruto growled and threw Cagalli aside and she hit the other leg of the Ark Angel. He was about to charge her again when the Freedom got in his way. "Leave her alone." he said pointing his weapons at him.
"Don't start with me Yamato." Naruto said as he raised his rifle at Kira. "I've got enough to deal with as it is."
"STOP FIGHTING!" Came a voice over all their coms. Naruto watched as the face of the real Lacus Clyne appeared on his screen. She wore a worry look on her face as she stared at him. "Please stop fighting."
Naruto looked at Lacus and could see the pain in her eyes. He hated to see her feel sorrow and sadness, but this was one situation where it was nesseccary to do it, for their own protection.
"Retreat to a safe point," he told her the angered edge to his voice fading. "I will talk with you all there."
Lacus nodded, "Thank you." she replied relieved. Naruto just nodded and floated away from the ship.
He turned to Kira and Cagalli, "Now off with you." he stated simply. "Or the real fight will begin."
Cagalli glared at Naruto and was about to reply but she felt the hand of the Freedom touch her shoulder. "Let's go." Kira said in a soothing voice.
Cagalli looked at her brother and slowly nodded. The pair flew back to the Ark Angel and Naruto watched as it slowly turned and flew away. He let a small sigh escape his lips and turned to see what had happened in the battle. It seemed that the Orb and Earth Forces Fleets were in retreat. All of the Minerva's pilots were alive and well, only minor damage sustained during the battle.
"All units return," he heard Meyrin say over the coms. Naruto turned his Sinanju and took off for the Minerva.
"Why did this have to get even more complicated." he said to himself as he docked his machine in its holster. First he had to join the battle to protect Meer, then the Ark Angel and Freedom attack, finally he discovered two people who were using chakra.
He exited the machine and watched as Athrun came over to him a look of anger and worry on his face. "What happened up there?" he asked Naruto, his helmet held loosely in his hand.
"Nothing for you to worry about Run-run." he replied and started to walk toward the locker area of the ship.
Athrun put his hand onto Naruto's shoulder. "I need to know." he stated with determination.
Naruto slowly turned to look at Athrun, the annoyance clearly evident on his face. "This situation does not involve you at all." he replied. "Now you have two options let the matter drop or end up in the medical bay, your choice."
Athrun reluctantly let go of Naruto's shoulder and backed away. Naruto walked away and entered the elevator, a tired sigh leaving his lips. He felt like sleeping for a few hours before dealing with anything. Yet as he entered the locker room he was greeted by the sight of Lunamaria.
"The Captain called," she told him. "She wants to meet with you in her quarters right away."
Naruto nodded, "Will do." he replied and walked over to his locker, removed his pilot suit and holstered his regular gear. He turned and looked at Luna who was looking at him. "Do you need anything?"
Luna was silent for a moment, "I just want to thank you." she said with a thankful smile. "I was able to dodge a lot more shots thanks to your training. So yeah, thank you for being a good teacher."
Naruto smiled, "I am happy to be of help." he replied as he walked past her. He rested his hand on her shoulder for a moment. "Keep up the good work."
-The Captains office-
Talia sat at her desk, reviewing the battle data from the earlier. A lot had taken place during that battle. Her pilots had performed exceptionally well, and the ship only took minor damage from the attacking fleet. On the other hand they had lost use of the Lohangrin due to the intervention of the Freedom and the Ark Angel.
"What were they doing here?" she thought to herself as she looked at the Ark Angel. She knew that Naruto would be the one with answers since he had driven the ship and mobile suits away.
She was pulled from her thoughts as a knock on the door was heard. "Come in." she stated. The door slid open and Naruto walked in, he sported a large smile on his face as he approached Talia.
"Hi Talia," he said with cheer as he stood in front of her desk. "What can I do for you?"
Talia just set her arms on the desk, her hands held together. "Can you tell me why the Ark Angel was in our battle zone and attacked this ship?" she asked, not wanting to get lost in pleasantries.
Naruto sighed. "They came on the thought of a misguided girl." he replied. "As for the reason they attacked us and everyone else, I will find that out later."
Talia just nodded, "Please inform me when you do."
Naruto nodded, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. Talia watched as he disappeared and felt a pair of hands on her shoulders. She turned her head and saw Naruto standing behind her, starting to give her a massage. "You're so tense Talia." he stated with care. "When was the last time you relaxed?"
Talia stifled a moan of content as she felt Naruto's hand move over her shoulders and relieve the tension that has built up. "Naruto," she said, her plan was to ask him to stop but it just felt so good.
"Yes Talia." he replied as he moved his hands over her shoulders and gently caressed her neck.
"This is not appropriate." she stated, as a sigh of contentment escaped her lips.
"I am just giving you a massage." Naruto just chuckled, as he continued the massage. "I will stop if you promise me one thing."
"What is the promise?" she asked, as he worked on a big knot in her neck.
"It is a surprise." he answered with a large smile. "I promise it will not be anything that you would feel uncomfortable doing."
Talia sighed, but slowly nodded. "Ok," She felt as Naruto removed his hand from her shoulders, slightly disappointed at the end of the massage. And walk back to the front of the desk.
"Great," he replied as he head toward the door. "I let you know what we are going to do once we are back in port."
Talia watched the door close and shook her head. "That man." she thought to herself as she wondered what the promise was going to be. She let that thought drop as she focused her attention on getting the ship repaired and ready for the next battle.
-With Meer-
Meer sat on her bed as she waited for Naruto to return. She had spent most of the battle in her room, hiding under the covers. Now that the battle was over she was able to think. This was the second battle she had been in, and it was a frightening experience. She wondered if she would come out alive in the next one
This journey was supposed to be easy the Chairman had told her. She was only supposed to fill in for Lacus and help calm the people. Yet that changed when she was attacked by Blue Cosmos, since then fighting and battles seemed to follow her. The one thing she had come to count on was Naruto.
He comforted, protected, scolded, and helped her. No matter what she had come to count on him for his help. He had showed her things she wouldn't have sought out on her own. At time she felt as if he was her father, his guidance and knowledge helping her grows.
She was pulled out of her musing when Naruto walked into the room. He had a tired look on his face, his hand running through his hair. Kyuubi walked in close behind him and headed straight for his dog bed.
"Hello Naruto." she said in a kind tone as she stood.
He turned to look at her and smiled. "How are you doing Meer?"
"The battle was scary." she replied, as she rubbed her arm. "But it seems that everything turned out fine."
Naruto just nodded, "For now." he commented and sat on the bed, a tired yawn escaping his lips.
Meer looked at him with confusion, but let the matter drop. "Do you know if we will be going into battle anytime soon?"
"Probably tomorrow."
Meer nodded, "That soon."
"That is the way war works." he stated knowingly, and motioned for Meer to sit next to him. "Everyday a battle takes place; everyday people die for their cause."
"Why do we have to fight?" she asked, looking down at her hands.
Meer felt as Naruto wrapped her into a fatherly hug. "It is a part of humanity." he answered. "When we don't know what to do we fight, when we want our way we fight? We fight because it helps us know were human."
Meer nodded and wrapped her arms around Naruto. She couldn't understand all his words but felt that she could understand someday. She came to the conclusion that as long as she had Naruto around she could face anything.
-A while later-
Naruto stood on the outer deck overlook the sea, in his hand was a three pointed kunai, with a seal wrapped around it. He threw the kunai in the air and caught it with ease. His mind reviewed the day and he let out a tired sigh. He put the kunai back in his sleeve with a flick of his wrist, and stretched his arms high above his head.
He pulled out the kunai again and stabbed it into the railing. He had Tenten, hack the system so they wouldn't see him use his chakra. "Am I good to go?" he asked her through his phone.
"All set." Tenten replied in assurance. "Unless someone physically come and check on you."
"Got that covered," he replied as he started to focus. "I put a seal on the door that if anyone tries to open it they will forget what they are doing and go to their room."
"Very nice." she replied with a smile. "I got you covered here. So have fun!"
"Thanks Tenten," he closed his eyes and focused feeling for the other seal he had placed on Lacus. After several minutes he located it and smiled. He activated the seal and disappeared from the deck in a yellow flash.
-With the Ark Angel-
The entirety of the bridge stood in silence as they reviewed the battle. Cagalli stood next to Kira, an angered look on her face. Lacus stood next to Kira, her left hand holding her right in worry.
Marrue let out a sigh and finally broke the silence. "So what now everyone?" she asked
"I honestly have no idea." Kira stated as he rubbed the back of his head. Most of the crew nodded in agreement except Lacus and Cagalli.
"I say we stick to the original plan and stop the Orb forces from fighting." Cagalli stated.
Lacus shook her head. "We cannot pressure that course of action any longer." she stated in a level voice.
Marrue looked at Lacus, "Is it because of Naruto?" she asked and Lacus nodded.
Cagalli banged her fist against the side of the wall. "I don't care if he there." she replied in anger. "I have to stop them!"
Kira looked at his sister and saw the worry in her eyes. "Cagalli I understand that you are worried for your people but we can't be rash about this."
Cagalli glared at Kira but they soon noticed a yellow glow come from the back of Lacus's hand. Lacus looked tried to cover it but she failed as it began to grow brighter. "Oh no." she said and the room was filled with a bright yellow flash.
As the light died down everyone saw Naruto standing before them, arms crossed at his chest. Everyone gasped at his sudden appearance and soon several guns were pointed at him.
He looked at everyone with a mischievous smile. "Now children those are not toys." he stated and faded into nothing, then reappeared with bullets in hand. "I will be holding these until you can learn to use them."
Marrue was the first to come out of her stupor at his display of skill, "How did you come onto this ship." she demanded.
Naruto just smiled at Marrue, "I am just awesome."
"Dad, stop messing with everyone." Lacus stated with a tired sigh. This always happened when Naruto flashed in.
He turned and looked at Lacus, a smile on his face. "Good to see you Princess." he said and wrapped Lacus in a tight hug. She hugged him back, happy to see her second father.
They broke apart and Naruto turned to face the crew of the Ark Angel once again. "Now," he stated civilly. "Please explain to me what brought you into this fight?"
"We have been monitoring the war from the ship for a while." Marrue stated as she watched Naruto. Still unnerved by his sudden appearance. "We received word of this battle and decided to intervene."
Naruto nodded in understanding then turned to Cagalli. "So this is your fault Atha." he stated to everyone surprise.
"How is this fault!" she demanded as she glared at Naruto.
Naruto just gave her a serious look. "You are the one who failed to keep their countries stances and allowed yourself to be pushed around. Orb is Neutral, Orb will not attack another nation, and Orb will not let another nation attack it. Yet now they are out there attacking the Minerva with the Earth Forces!"
She looked down at the ground, "What could I have done!" she shouted at him, tears starting to fall. "I have worked my hardest as the Chief Representative of Orb, everyone was against me!"
"You could of fought!" he stated with power, "You are the one who makes the policies in your country. You are the one who leads the people. Lead them, do not act like a cry baby and grow a backbone. Your Father never backed down from the world or his other representatives. Yet you caved so fast, and now look at you. Locked away on this ship while the Sayrans play with Orb."
"That is enough Naruto." Kira said as he stood in front of Cagalli. "She has been through enough."
Naruto just glared at Kira. "I have a bone to pick with you as well." he stated as he grabbed Kira by the collar and lifted him into the air. "It been two bloody years and this is the first time I seen Lacus, so please tell me what you been doing with my daughter and if I don't like it there will be nothing left of you identify who you are."
Kira squirmed in Naruto's grasp, when Lacus came over and touched Naruto shoulder. "We been working at the orphanage." she said in a calming voice, "We haven't done anything; I am keeping my promise ok."
Naruto dropped Kira and turned to look at his daughter, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "That's my girl." he replied happily.
She nodded, "Now why are you on the Minerva?" she asked him.
Naruto sighed, "I am being paid to guard your look alike." he stated and everyone gasped in surprise. "Also I am training the pilots."
"So you are with ZAFT now?" Kira asked with a frown.
"I am currently under their employ but I am not part of their forces." he replied as he stretched his arms above his head.
"So what now?" Marrue asked.
Naruto looked at them with seriousness. "You stay out of this battle." he answered. "Your interference will cause you more trouble then you want to deal with as of now."
Everyone frowned, "We may not like it," Marrue said on behalf of everyone. "But we will stay out of this battle."
Naruto smiled. "That's good to hear. Now if you excuse me I have to get back to work." he started to focus his chakra before Lacus touched his arm. "Yes Princess?"
"I just want to let you know that ZAFT sent some people to try and assassinate Kira and I." she told him and everyone watched as Naruto face was filled with rage.
"Are you sure they were ZAFT?" he asked in a low tone, his fist clutched tight.
"We confirmed the model of suit was one of that is produced for ZAFT special forces." Marrue stated
Naruto nodded slowly. "Thank you for the information." he replied, "I will keep you informed on the movements of ZAFT. I will do my own personal investigation on this matter."
He pulled Lacus into another hug. "You should have called me." he told her as he held her.
Lacus hugged him back. "I didn't want you to worry." she replied as she broke the hug. "I can take care of myself, I am a big girl."
Naruto sighed, "You are a big girl." he stated with a fatherly smile. "But you will always be my little girl. I love you."
"I love you too Daddy." she replied with a smile.
He gave her one last hug and turned to the crew. "Keep me posted." he stated and disappeared in a flash.
The crew let out a sigh of relief at the departure of Naruto. They were quite shaken at the experience with the mercenary. Marrue watched as Lacus, Kira and Cagalli stood together, the words of Naruto fresh on their minds.
She turned and looked at the rest of the crew. "Let's get back to work people." she stated with authority. Everyone nodded and went to their stations, ready to face what was coming for the future."
-With Naruto-
He reappeared on the deck of the Minerva and let out a sigh. "What is going on with this war." he said to himself as he turned, the night air flowing over his skin. He pulled his phone out and contacted Tenten.
"Yes Naruto?" she asked
"I need you to do a deep search for Me." he commanded as he stood in front of the door. "I want you to enter the personal files of the Chairman and get me everything he has."
Tenten was silent for a moment. "Understood," she replied. "Is there anything you want me to specifically find?"
Naruto just smiled. "I want everything." he stated with coldness. "Down to his social security number and birth certificate. Anything he has touched, written, or spoken."
Tenten whistled. "So you want EVERYTHING. Got it. It may take me a while, but I will get it."
Naruto just nodded, "That is fine, just get it done." He cut the connection and entered the hallway of the ship. His anger had subsided but he was now even more weary of the Chairman, and planned to cut all connections with him as soon as he was able.
"You don't mess with my family." he stated as his eyes narrowed, as he marked Chairman Gilbert Durandel as his enemy.
Here is the next chapter; I hope you all enjoy it. This story is going to become a single pairing in the end. I think it best for me. It is down to two girls, and you just need to keep reading to find out. I really am grateful for all you have done and that you all were waiting for these stories to be done. So thank you for all your support.
