NARUTO: THE SOARING LEAF
CHAPTER 10
THE DAWN OF WAR
Part the Second
THE JOINING OF WAR
Look left and at the same time Look right
While you look to your Centre
To find the Path,
Only then will you see
That it is not about Power
It is about Spirit
It is about
Nindo
"You guys are going to have to get to your squads and teams soon." Naruto told the assembled Shinobi on top of the tactical observation tower Yamato had constructed. "I mean all of the other Jounin and ANBU are down there doing their captainly duties"
"Captainly?" Sakura asked in a disbelieving voice "that's not even a word"
"You still get what I m trying to say don't you?" Naruto fired back.
"Hey you two relax, everyone down there can take care of themselves and I am sure Kurenai Sensei and the others can handle it." Kiba said. "Plus were the elites, no need to get our hands dirty just yet"
"Kiba I don't think there's enough space on this thing for you and your big head" Naruto said in a joking voice.
"The second wave is coming" Neji said "and they are all definitely Shinobi."
"Their first strike will be through Genjutsu, Kurenai and her faction will handle that. They would do better with your help Sakura but your medical skills are needed elsewhere" Naruto said, his tone of voice had changed, the playfulness being replaced by a more serious tone. He knew that the decisions he made now would direct the battle.
"What sense will they use the Genjutsu on?" Chouji asked
"The eyes, they are the most vulnerable in a fight." Sakura informed him.
"Not for everyone" Sasuke said. He was now casually leaning against the railing with his arms folded.
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They were not standing in any particular order though most were closer to the rail, so that they could see the battlefield.
Naruto was dressed in his trademark Orange and Black jumpsuit. His Hitaite was around his forehead pushing back his bright blond hair and his blue eyes were as clear as the sky. The weapons pouch strapped to this right thigh was made of the same material as his clothes. He was unmistakable to anyone and that was how he wanted it. On his left shoulder, he still had the pendant that he had since he was a child. It was something that he wore with pride his own sole possession; in all of his travels, he had never seen anything like it. It was unique… to him and that was why he treasured it. It was also indestructible, that was why he wore it to battle and on the back of his jacket, the Red Spiral was emblazoned for all to see. He wore standard sandals the only difference being that his were black.
Hinata was standing close to Naruto, her long hair unbound and moving with the gentle wind. Her pale lavender eyes were sharp and clear but she had not activated her Byakugan. She was wearing a black jacket, which was white at the arms and the hood, and the jacket was matched by the black Jounin fatigues she wore. On top of it, she wore a white coat that had a red cross on the left breast and it had the Leaf Symbol on the back. Her Hitaite was around her neck and she had a medical pouch strapped to her right leg. She also wore similar sandals to Naruto.
Neji's Byakugan was active and he was standing a little to Naruto's left. To say that his face was grave was an understatement but it was normal for him. He wore a long white shirt, with white Hyuuga pants and over it, he had a black wrap around his abdomen reaching to just above his knees, he was wearing the traditional Hyuuga robes. His Hitaite was around his forehead covering The Caged Bird Seal and pushing back his long black hair. He did not have a kunai pouch but underneath the black wrap, he had the Kunai Naruto had given to him.
Sasuke's dark eyes were replaced by the red of the Sharingan and the three Tomoe in each eye, were as black as midnight. He was not even observing the battle. His hair was black and spiky, it fell on the side of his face, and the Leaf Hitaite pushed back the bangs from his eyes. He was dressed in black Jounin pants, a black undershirt and a dark blue Uchiha jacket with a high collar. The Uchiha Clan Symbol, the Red and White Fan was on the back of the jacket. He had the Ancient Uchiha Katana fastened on his back in a red and white sheath. He did not have a kunai pouch but he had the special kunai hidden on his person.
The Azure Beast of Konoha, Rock Lee, wore his deep green body suit and over it, he wore a dark grey Jounin jacket. His ebony hair was in its familiar bowl cut and a big smile was on his face. His thick brows were drawn inward and his round eyes had narrowed concentrating on the battlefield below. Lee had become one of the tallest of the group and he had filled out his bodysuit. Strong-corded muscles that were clearly visible because of the tight fitting suit replaced the sinewy muscles of his youth. His Leaf Hitaite was strapped to his left bicep and a Kunai pouch was strapped on his right leg. He wore black gloves, which were a gift from Naruto and he still had the orange legwarmers. He had chosen not to wear any physical weights opting to use his other method.
Sakura's pink hair was shoulder length and her green eyes were bright. She wore a white tunic over a black shirt and black pants, she had a medic pouch strapped to her left leg and she had on her black fingerless gloves. She was not carrying any weapons and her Hitaite was on her forehead. She had a red cross on the back of her tunic indicating that she was in the Medic Corps.
Ino's pale blonde hair covered one side of her face and the rest was in a ponytail, it went to a length just below her shoulder. She wore a blue tank top with a matching blue skirt and fishnet guards that gave her better freedom of movemement protected her elbows and knees. She was tall and she had a healthy body shape, because she had stopped being obsessed with being thin and she had accepted herself, with the help of a large Shinobi. She had a kunai pouch on her left leg and her Leaf Hitaite was around her neck. She was not looking at the battle, rather she had extended a subtle tracking Jutsu over her faction.
Chouji's brown hair was now waist length, he was big and tall and he wore a black body suit. Over the suit he had on the Armor of Huan Akimichi, the founder of his clan. It was said among his clan that he had inherited the spirit of that Armor for it had not sat so well and sure on any Akimichi since Huan's descendants first put it on. The armor consisted of Silver three-piece shoulder pads, a large chest and body plate that had the Clan Kanji on it, three-piece hip guards and a four-piece silver back guard. There were also silver wrist and hand guards and his Hitaite completed it, which was around his forehead. The armor had a small compartment where he had stowed away the Kunai Naruto had given him but other than that he did not carry any weapons. His cheeks were decorated in red spirals and he was eating his favorite type of potato chips.
Shikamaru was lazily leaning with his back against the rail, his arms crossed in front of him and a cigarette in his mouth. After the initial activity of Orochimaru's attack, he had reverted to his normal lazy attitude. The others didn't understand that he was conserving energy. The frequent moments of inactivity were only preparation. He could act explosively when needed and his mental relaxation allowed him to stretch his mind and overcome any obstacle. Life could be like a long game of Shougi. Asuma had been right in his assertion that he was a Knight and he had been right about the King as well…. His Jounin jacket was grey and he wore a pair of black pants and a black top. His black hair was in a severe ponytail that stuck up in the air and he carried a small pouch on his left leg. He was observing the battlefield tracking the movements of the Shinobi, seeing them move in patterns and shapes that were not easy for others to discern. He lazily touched the small pocket on the front of his jacket, making contact with the kunai in it. The King.
The Field Marshal of Suna was standing close to Shikamaru but she was not leaning against the railing rather she was propping herself up with the Ancient Suna Fan. It was a National Treasure and the symbol of her rank as Field Marshall. She was wearing a black kimono like battle dress and it was secured around the middle with a brown cloth belt. It was short sleeved and she had on matching black gloves, her long light blonde hair was secured in four ponytails and her Suna Hitaite held the thick locks away from her face. The Large Gold rimmed Fan had a hidden slot where she had placed Naruto's kunai. Even though she was the Field Marshall, she did not doubt the Commander of the Army.
Tenten was standing next to Neji, she had just recovered the weapons used in the trap and she was sealing them again. She was dressed in black pants and a traditional Chinese top and the outfit had an intricate Green Dragon that curved from the collar all the way down to her right leg. There wasn't a visible break in the Dragon making it seem as if Tenten was wearing one a bodysuit. To add to that when she moved the Dragon seemed to move too, its sinuous coils seemed to constantly flow. The sword on her back was the only visible, weapon yet all knew that the Kunoichi could summon a rainstorm of steel in an instant. Among her more powerful Jutsu, there were the special black steeled weapons similar to her deadly sword that could not be turned away by anything. Her hair was in its traditional bun and her eyes had the sharpness of steel.
Kiba sat atop the Giant Akamaru. The Red Fangs on his cheeks were thicker and bigger than when he was a child signaling his development into adulthood. He wore red pants and a large grey jacket. His eyes were closed, but his nose was not, the smells of battle drifted up to him and he could clearly identify each and everyone. The smells he focused on though belonged to those in his faction, his family and to… Jishu. His hair was as wild as ever but his Leaf Hitaite kept most of it out of his eyes.
Shino was quietly observing everything around him and the bugs he had planted all around the field were constantly updating him with the tide of the battle. His large jacket obscured the lower half of his face and his signature round black sunglasses covered his eyes. He carried a pouch on his back but no visible weapons were on his person. He had placed the Kunai from Naruto under his jacket. What was curious was the way the bugs in his body responded to that Kunai, they seemed to revere it in some way, confirming that it was not an ordinary kunai. The mysteries around Naruto were comparable to the mysteries in the insect world. Things on the surface were as nothing to those beneath it.
The Kugutsushi (Puppet Master) Kankuro was dressed in a black bodysuit and he wore a hood that was attached to his Hitaite. There was a wrapped bundle on his back and all knew that it was his strongest puppet. For most of his life, he had used puppets created by others but as his skill grew, he had realized that he must create his own unstoppable puppet. In that light, he had constructed Chikamatsu Monzaemon. Yes to protect Suna and his precious people, to do that he would fight and his creations would fight. He was Kankuro of the Black Sands… and the Sound had best beware.
Gaara wore a lose fitting black cloak and beneath he had on black pants and a grey shirt. The Suna Symbol was sewn onto the back of the cloak, its deep brown and gold colors signifying its age and importance. His bright red hair was not overly long or very short and his Suna Headband served to keep the few stray bangs out of his eyes. He was standing next to Hinata, and his eyes were on the battlefield below. The dark bags that had been there as a child were gone and his clear green eyes observed everything below. He had transported the Oto Villagers away from the battlefield and some unspoken command from Naruto had seen a detachment of Konoha Ninja to protect them.
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The two opposing forces clashed.
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Naruto watched and then he turned to the Shinobi around him.
"Go" he said, and the look on his face was enough for them.
"Hai!" the voices chorused.
Shikamaru was the first to move. He slowly put out his cigarette and he turned to the field below. "Team 10… once again" he said with a rueful smile. He spared a glance at Temari and then he leapt off the high structure towards the battlefield.
"He's certainly eager." Naruto observed "A change of the Wind maybe" he said, looking at Temari.
The Suna Field Marshall suppressed a slight blush and mumbled something that sounded like "troublesome".
"We better go and make sure he stays out of trouble" Ino added as she made her way to the railing. Chouji put aside his bag of potato chips and followed her.
"Asuma-Sensei taught him well, I think he can handle himself" Chouji told his teammate. She simply nodded and she leapt from the structure as well following her teammate.
Chouji turned to Naruto "See you later" he said, he gracefully moved his girth over the rail as he, and his team went to join the battle.
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"From a large tree, small leaves bud, and became 'Team 10' We'll never forget you" Naruto solemnly said in the stillness of their departure.
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"Shino let's go" Kiba said looking at his friend. The only response he received was a nod and that was enough. Kiba Had come to understand his friend's reticence and he communicated with him so well that words were sometimes not necessary.
Akamaru gave a deep bark, signaling his readiness, Kiba placed a hand on his large partners head and Akamaru launched of the structure to the field below. Even as he sailed over the rail he saw Shino beside him and they all three raced to the battleground. He had jumped off Akamaru as they were half way down the structure and so the three of them readied themselves to join the battle.
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Neji, Lee and Tenten readied themselves. Tenten checked her Sword, Neji increased the range of his Byakugan and Lee reduced his weights. Team Gai was ready.
"Let's do this" Neji said.
Three of the strongest Shinobi in the Leaf went to join the battle.
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"Temari, lets show these Oto rejects, the power of Suna." Kankuro said.
"For our father and for Suna we will crush them once and for all" Temari said.
The Kazekage turned to his siblings. He smiled and nodded his head.
The two strongest Shinobi under the Kazekage both chorused
"Hai".
Temari brought her hands together in Tora seal and a fan appeared in front of her and she opened it up, threw it over the rail and she immediately jumped onto it. She stood on the fan and her subtle extension of wind chakra kept her from falling to the ground.
Kankuro unrolled a scroll brought his hands together in the Tori (Bird) Seal and he said "Puppet Release, Arise Winged Falcon." And from the scroll on the ground, a form began to take shape, large black and white wooden wings spread out soon followed by the body of the puppet. Its brown body was in the shape of an Eagle, on the front of its wings small holes could be seen, and it floated an inch above the floor of the structure.
Kankuro deftly jumped onto the puppet and he looked at Temari and said.
"I'll race you" and with that he was gone to join the battle.
"In front of the Kazekage he acts like that, sometimes I wonder if were even related" She said in an exasperated tone.
"He's winning" Gaara told her in a humorous voice knowing how Temari hated to lose.
"Not a chance" and with that the Wind user was gone chasing after her brother and to ultimately join the battle.
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Sakura tightened her black fingerless gloves and she made her way to the rail. As she made to get ready, she heard Hinata speak.
"Sakura, I still think it is unnecessary for you to put yourself at risk like this. As a Medic Nin your skills will be needed elsewhere." She said.
"I can handle myself and I feel the need to let out some steam." She replied to her direct superior.
"Sakura I ord..." she did not finish.
Naruto whispered something to Hinata and when he was done Hinata turned spoke to her again.
"Go Sakura, but know that we will discuss this later" Hinata said in a commanding voice.
She shrugged and turned to Sasuke who was still leaning against the rail but now his eyes were closed. When he opened them the Red and Black of the Sharingan was gone and Sakura caught a glimpse of the boy she had loved. She smiled sadly not for the loss of childhood love but for… for something else… for the good memories.
She leapt off the structure to add her strength and her skills to Konoha. She leapt off to join in the battle.
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"Hey Hinata, when do you think these two are going to leave so that we can be alone" Naruto whispered conspiratorially to Hinata. Unfortunately, his whisper was not low enough to remain unheard. The two Shinobi in question sweat dropped.
"Are you ready to begin Naruto?' Hinata asked.
Naruto smiled, "Yeah I'm ready" he answered. He then stepped into the centre of the structure and proceeded to sit down with his legs crossed. He brought his hands together in a Hand Seal that was unfamiliar to the remaining Shinobi and he closed his eyes.
"Byakugan" Hinata said. "Gaara, Sasuke Naruto is entering a hypnotic state. You Sasuke have been tasked with protecting Naruto while he is in it." She said to the Uchiha.
Sasuke acknowledged her statement with a nod of his head and the activating of his Sharingan.
Hinata seated herself next to Naruto and she closed her eyes.
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Gaara concentrated his chakra and started channelling it towards Naruto. His role in this Jutsu was clear and for the protection of Suna, he would perform it at his best level.
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The Initial plan had been stopped but that did not matter it was only a small piece, in the whole. Right now the two forces had joined in the final stage of the war and soon.
Kabuto could sense that some enemy ninja had gone past their front ranks and were making for their current position.
One of the Sound Ten moved to intercept a group of Konoha Nin who had broken through the forward elements. The one who had moved was particularly vicious and Kabuto knew that those Konoha Nin were about to die gruesome deaths.
She was among them in a flash and as she moved to deliver a simultaneous deathblow, the Konoha Nin vanished.
Shock raced through. Those Ninja were as good as dead but they had vanished. What was also clear was that they had not done it themselves.
"Orochimaru-Sama was that a Jutsu" he asked.
"Definitely, Kabuto" Orochimaru said in an irritated voice "but the real question should be who performed it"
"Could Jiraiya or Tsunade have done it?" Kabuto asked
"No…not them. The Kyubi-Gaki has grown indeed" Anger was creeping into his voice. "The pawns have engaged and the board is set. The time has almost come to take out the King and to do that we first have to get rid of the Queen." He turned to his most powerful Shinobi. "Go my chosen, go and crush Konoha".
"Hai Orochimaru-Sama," ten voices chorused and in a burst of speed, the figures were gone.
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The Ancient Wars of the Shinobi
Saw the World Torn Asunder
Vast Armies contended
On the ravaged land,
Jutsu's Raged
Until the Sky Itself
Was
Afire
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AN:
GreatEnder, Nin of Man, Vld, Midnight-Angel-of-Darkness and Windrider.
This update took forever because, I kept stopping and then coming back to it and each time the thread I had used before was gone so I had to start it again.
I don't plan to far for a chapter but like I said a while ago, I can see the start of the fight and I can clearly see its end so what I am writing now is the in-between. The Sound Ten will be Cox's and they will fight with certain members of Konoha's Elite. The battles will be tricky for me to write but I will try my best.
Wait and see the next chapter.
The Great Clash, Elite vs. Elite
Ten reviews for chapter ten would be cool.