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I do not own Naruto, all characters are Kishimoto's
Chapter 10 – Waking Up
"So, she already informed you old-man" said Naruto turning to the Tsuchikage's grand-daughter, who just glared back, her gaze piercing daggers to the young blond.
"Watch your tongue brat, I'm the Tsuchikage. Show some respect!" barked off Onoki, clearly pissed from the surname and struggling his best not to annihilate his visitor.
"Sorry Tsuchikage-sama, just an old habit of mine" chuckled slightly the blond before adopting a serious approach.
"I'm not here as a messenger of Konoha or have come to you as a Shinobi of Konoha" started the blond earning quizzical looks, rather suspicious ones.
"..but I'm in front of you as a Shinobi striving for peace in this Shinobi world, needing your support and that of the other Kages" paused the blond allowing his words to be fully absorbed by the Iwa leader.
The reaction soon came "Haha….You seriously believe I'm going to fall for this" the laugh soon died topping up with bitterness "An alliance between Iwa and Konoha, for your so called peace brat….NEVER" roared the voice of Onoki shocking slightly Kurotsuchi.
Naruto, in a certain way, was expecting such a reaction from the stubborn old man. He fixed his gaze straight in Onoki's anger-blazing eyes "Death…" said the blond "Thousands of Shinobis' Death, insurmountable losses, and the pain of losing our precious persons" continued Naruto lowering his now cold pain-struck eyes down.
"This is what to expect from the Fourth Shinobi War, the deadliest and most blood-shed confrontation against the leader of the Akatsuki" ended the blond clenching his fist, fixing intently the two Iwa Shinobis in the room.
"Stop the drama Namikaze" replied the storming tone of Kurotsuchi. "Are you retarded or it's just the impression? The Ninja world has only witnessed Three Great Shi.."
"-..the Fourth is in its way, only a few months away now" interrupted the now stoic Naruto reviving the painful moments.
But as he was about to elaborate a voice roared inside his head, a voice he knew all too well.
"WAKE UP KIT"
Naruto suddenly felt a surge of Kuarama's chakra in his system, disrupting his own chakra flow and what he saw next was the most unexpected turn it could led to. The young blonde's surroundings had freeze, and small cracks started to form at various locations which soon expanded. Finally everything shattered, more like a mirror, revealing what Naruto least was expecting in this world.
Tobi….Uchiha Obito, standing a few metres away on top of the Gedō Mazō in the point of extracting the Kyuubi from him.
"Kurama, what the meaning of all this…he must be dead….I..I drove a Mini- Bijūdama through his gut….and…."
"-..Calm down Kit, we have more pressing matters" interrupted Kurama, his host still in utter confusion in the turn of event. "Stop the sealing process first, and then I'll brief you" urged the voice of the King of Bijū s.
Nodding to his friend, Naruto open his Kyuubified eyes to face the Uchiha. The sealing process was about to start and the most unpredictable ninja of Konoha had once more honoured his title. He had bruises, cuts and hadn't fully recovered as he managed to hit the Gedō Mazō with a Bijūdama. The attack managed to thrust the huge creature a few metres away, giving Naruto some time to analyse what in hell was happening.
"Kurama for Kami's sake tell me it's one of your sick jokes" a truly pissed off Naruto stood in front of Kurama who was not in better shape, exhausted from the overuse of the Bijūdama ad extended Bijū-Modo.
"You were trapped in his Genjutsu, with the Bijūs at his disposal he has launched an extended Tsukuyomi, a prelude of his Eye of the Moon Plan. Everything you saw and witnessed was just a creation of your subconscious, deep desires and the power of the jutsu" answered Kurama recovering from the last attack.
"I was still recovering when he cast it and needed most of my chakra to break the illusion" explained the fox, justifying his late actions.
Naruto couldn't face himself to believe that it was all a Genjutsu, just a fucking illusion. Finally everything was going to be back to normal; he had everything in control and was determined to prevent any more deaths. What made him more furious was that he had another chance to save his sensei but that last hope was also to vanish.
He was now struggling to keep his composure, what he felt now was anger, pure anger against the Uchiha 'you sick bastard, I'll make you pay for this sick trick of yours' promised the blond, ready to kick asses.
Seeing his host state, Kurama decided to intervene in his own special way – "Seriously Kit, time-travel….and you haven't thought even for an instant that the whole setup was irrational. It still amazes me that you're the Child of the prophecy" stated the fox, a small smile crept on his face.
The small remark had the desired effect, earning the attention of the blond Jinchūriki.
"Kurama, does that mean my training of the hiraishin and everything I've accomplished with Ero-Sennin was just…a waste?" the deception of failing carrying Naruto's words; striving so much just to find out it was a dream.
Kurama knew exactly what Naruto meant, he observed the boy since his Gennin days. He knew perfectly all the efforts and hard-work the boy put to reach for where he is today and having mastered the Yondaime's most prized justu was a big accomplishment. For Naruto it wasn't just about a justsu, it means his father's legacy and also he needed to be at his maximum to face Obito.
"As I told you earlier, everything was a creation of your subconscious and with the Yondaime sealing part of his soul in you…..well it could lead to…unexpected results" came the reply of a smirking Kurama.
"And you must believe in you Kit, that's how you've reached so far" chuckled lightly the fox.
"YOSH" came the reply carrying the undying determination of Naruto.
On the battlefield, upon breaking the Tsukuyomi, all shinobis went back to reality regaining their composure. Some were more affected than others, since it's always hard to face what you thought was reality to turn as a mere dream, a sick Genjutsu cast by the asshole. But rest was a big luxury in such time of crisis, they needed to act fast and support their only hope.
Naruto took the opportunity to scan the battlefield. The area was in shear chaos, the fight involved was obviously at a completely different level and the jutsus struck at maximum power. Having achieved a partnership with Kurama, Naruto's senses were highly improved, immediately sensing the arrival of the reinforcements. He was more than happy to sense the chakra of the Rookie 9 and the others.
He could also sense a strong chakra signature emerging from the rumbles. The figure of Uchiha Obito slowly appeared from the cloud of dust engulfing the area. Both of his Dōjutsus fixing intently the young Jinchūriki before executing a series of lightning fast hand-signs to finally palm struck the ground. Only a mighty roar was heard next
Obito had managed to summon the Ten-Tails, Jūbi. The power and chakra emanating from the creature were never experienced on earth before; it was like sensing nature, a never endless source of energy. The Uchiha was on top of the insane Beast head with a weird sort of connecting part attached to the back of his heard, linking him to it. Exerting some sort of control of the Jūbi.
Obito raised one of his hands, facing the Allied Force, and as soon as he opened his palm the Ten-Tails reacted. Spikes coming out of his tails approached dangerously the Shinobis. Naruto with the help over Kurama's tails formed a dome protecting structure but the projectiles were endless and wide-spread. In their best attempt to cover up, some could not make it; the spikes tearing through the lines killing instantly.
The attack soon died as the leader of the Akatsuki decided to opt for a different approach.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't let any of your friends die?" exclaimed the stoic leader
"Well look around you.." continued Obito spreading his hands to emphasise on his words
"Feel your friends becoming cold and realise….THEIR DEATHS" barked the leader, spitting the cold truth at the young blond.
"This is reality" mentioned Obito "This is what happens when you talk of hope and ideals. Your feeble words and principles are gonna be proven wrong. This is going to continue" his words struck every chords as he observed the face of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, realisation sinking in.
"Naruto what do have in this reality?" asked Obito rubbing salt in fresh wound
"You have no mother and father….Your master Jiraiya is dead….And as long as you keep opposing, your friends will die one after the other. No one that acknowledge you will survive" The words kept coming as the now helpless Naruto.
Kakashi was glaring intently his ex-teammate, knowing perfectly well his intentions behind the said words.
"You know better than anyone what lies ahead of all this…..LONELINESS" exclaimed the Uchiha going all for it.
"There's no need to be in this reality. Come here Naruto" concluded the leader, extending his hand at the Child of The Prophecy.
Before Naruto could even react to the appealing proposition, he felt a sudden stinging sensation on his cheek. Hinata, Hyuuga Hinata had slapped him, the shy heiress was always there when Naruto were stuck in such dead-end situations. He was brought to reality from the sudden hit and looked at the Kunoichi, whose hand was still on his cheek.
"Your words and beliefs that you won't let your friends die…They're not a lie" pointed out Hinata in all her confidence
"It's because of those words that me and everyone one of our friends was able to come that far. Everyone kept those words and feelings in their hearts and that's how everybody's lives are connected together….That's why they are comrades" continued the Kunoichi determined to swipe away every stains of doubt
"If everyone gave up on those words and thoughts…That would be the real way to kill your friends!" the said words started to have their intended effect
"..so let's stand up together Naruto-Kun. Always going ahead and never going back on one's words…That's my Ninja Way too" mentioned Hinata, a small smile on her face and a very similar determination in her pale eyes to that of a certain blond she always love and admire.
Kurama also spoke his mind. The sacrifice of the Yondaime and Kushina for their son; sealing their enemy into the newly born baby and died entrusting the future to him. His life being already connected to two lives since the time he was born.
A series of events flashed in his mind; all the persons who at certain point have put all their hopes in him - believes and feelings that he indeed was the Child of the Prophecy. And most importantly he must live to the expectation of his parents and sensei, bring the peace his Master so talked about.
"Thank you Hinata-chan" he said holding the heiress hand and facing the threat
"My life is not only one…..It's thanks to you that stayed by my side" those words were accompanied by a surge of power transmitted to the Kunoichi.
"Let's go Hinato-chan. Cover me while I stuck his reality all the way up his ass" grinned the blond before going all out in Bijū-Mōdo
"Still persistent I see…I will have to show you then" retorted the Leader
The fight was at its peak. It was Bijūdama against Bijūdama. Being the combination of all Bijus, the Ten-Tails was overpowering Naruto's attacks. The only thing he could do was deflecting the upcoming strikes while Hinata, having been charged in Kurama's chakra, was covering the perimeter; healing any major casualties and evacuating wounded shinobis out of the danger zone.
Naruto was soon reaching his limits, Kurama being helpless in overpowering or gaining any advantage against the Jūbi. As the situation was taking a desperate turn something, in this case, someone called deep inside the young blond.
"We believe in you Naruto"
These were the words used by his father; faith in his son to find an answer against the vicious circle of hatred in this Shinobi world. But here it was simultaneous voices resonating from within the blond as he felt an incredible chakra emerging across his coils. He suddenly remembered something, a whole bunch of difficult names.
"Thanks for the boost guys. I'll definitely find a way to set free all of you" a smirk never leaving his face at the thought.
"Let's go Kurama" exclaimed the blond accompanied by a battle growl from the fox
He unleashed the full power of the Bijū-Mōdo featuring some unique traits this time. Each tail characterising the Bijū involved - the first being that of Shukaku, the second of Matatabi and so on until the ninth being of Kurama respectively.
Obito was more than surprised from the sudden change in appearance but kept the same stoic face preparing to face the Allied Forces last hope.
"Renzoku Bijūdama" exclaimed the blond before firing multiple Bijūdama in rapid succession at the opponent.
Obito's different eyes widen at the incoming projectiles. He kept his stance as the Ten-Tails received his orders and formed a protective shield with its tails. The attack let a loud boom and a large cloud of smoke to finally dissipate leaving an unharmed Obito glaring at his opponent.
"Enough now…I'll end this Uzumaki Naruto…..The Kyūbi will be mine" exclaimed the now frantic leader.
The Jūbi was now concentrating everything in a compressed Tailed Beast Bomb. The black-purple ball was soon increasing in size and the phenomenal chakra emanating from it could only mean…. "Shit" exclaimed Naruto.
"We must act fast Kit, if in a way we manage to dodge it the Allied Forces will be washed away" remarked fox at the pressing situation.
"Leave that on me" replied the blond before taking a huge leap
He took out the remaining kunai from his pouch before going through quick hand-signs to finally try a last resort. A small smile crept on his face as he did so with a small chuckle from Kurama
"He never seized to amaze me" thought the fox with a victorious smile, fully comprehending his host strategy.
"Feel my wrath" roared the Uchiha before the massive Bijūdama left the Jūbi
Being still in mid-air Naruto threw his kunai to its intended target as he saw the incoming threat. As the highly compressed chakra ball was about to hit its target, it literally went through. The Allied Forces who were watching intently the fight couldn't believe their eyes. Then the unexpected occurred.
Naruto appeared high above the Jūbi with the tails pointing towards Kurama's mouth as the young jinchūriki formed his last strike. Putting everything in a final Bijūdama; contrary to Obito's Tailed Beast Bomb, Naruto's one was golden-white and appeared to be denser.
"Courtesy of Uzumaki Naruto you bastard….. Chō Saikou Bijūdama" roared Naruto before launching his attack.
Unable to react to the display of speed and power, Obito just watched the attack meets its target.
The Jūbi was engulfed in a white light as it retracted slowly in itself. Cracks started to appear on the thick shell of the creature as they multiplied and grew all over. With a final roar the Jūbi imploded. And within the fallen beast nine chakra figures emerged. One of which went straight at Naruto to be absorbed through the seal on his belly, while another one finds its way to Killer Bee. The remaining figures soon materialised revealing the different tailed beasts in all their glory. With a thankful nod towards the Child of the Prophecy they all dispersed in different direction, now free from Obito's control.
Having used practically every ounce of his chakra Naruto felt the fatigue overtaking as he only managed to say – "Kurama, we really had him this time?"
"Yes Kit, leave the rest on me now. You really need this one" confirmed the fox with a reassuring smirk as Naruto fell from exhaustion.
The Allied Forces cheered the fall of the Akatsuki Leader and acclaimed the hero of their victory. Everyone was more than exhausted but the feeling of terracing the Akatsuki for good overcame everything. Everyone rushed to the battlefield to find the said hero lying unconscious on the ground. The medic-nins rushed by his side and check his vitals. After a thorough check-up they transported him to a nearby medical tent, allowing his well-deserved rest. Kakashi scanned the whole area for any trace of the enemy's chakra to finally sigh in relieve
"He's not gonna come back any time soon" whispered the Copy-Nin as he picked up the only remaining fragment of the enemy; a piece of Obito's mask.
Kakashi confirmed the awaited news of the fall of the Uchiha before everyone erupted in a roar of triumph. The news of was being relayed as fast as possible and everyone was mobilised to evacuate the area.
The Kages were also transported for first aid care since they've suffered the most against Uchiha Madara but had finally came victorious. The losses were important but they died as real shinobis, giving their life for the sake of their village and peace in the shinobi world. They were all given a proper burial and a special ceremony will surely be held in honour of these brave heroes.
Everyone was having one name in head – Naruto. News were spread that the most unpredictable ninja of Konoha had finally defeated the true leader of the Akatsuki, putting an end to this Fourth Shinobi War. They frantically asked for his wellbeing and a huge sigh of relieve spread through the troop, knowing that the hero was fine, only exhausted.
The funniest part that they could come up from this war was the fact that they were all saved by a Gennin. They shared their grief and laughter together – finally they were one, not shinobis from a hidden village, but only shinobis of this big Allied family. The thought brought a smile on many – has this shinobi world finally attained peace? Only time will say so.
Sorry for not making it as long as I used to for some of my previous chapters….
Hope to update soon but no promises ;-)
Keen to all suggestions, so please don't hesitate…
Working on the next chapter…Till then keep reviewing