Both battle hardened men walked into a dimly lit room, books and documents scattered all over tables containing whatever secrets or information that can be revealed. Erwin closed the door behind him as he turned to face Itachi.
"I'll be blunt from here on... I need you to do a top-priority mission for us."
Itachi immediately took a good guess on what he was going to ask. Espionage, assassination, bodyguard. Either of those he was too familiar with.
"What is it that you need to be done?" Itachi asked.
Erwin walked to towards a black chalkboard and began to stare into its scribbled contents. "Before I tell you, I must let you know something about my home Itachi..." He said.
"Many years ago when I just a young lad, my father who was also a school teacher taught our history and such. With that said, no one in our little class argued with the teacher knowing that he couldn't be wrong. Well that was broken when I stood up in the middle of class and challenged what really happened in our history. I have never seen my father so shocked," as Erwin closed his eyes in concentration. "My father has told me the truth that there was something not right about our society but mostly our government. They were trying to hide something he said," as Erwin sighed.
"Eventually word got out and my father suddenly died a mysterious death... That was no accident. That only confirmed my suspicion of something bigger than the King himself. If the truth were to go out..." Erwin clenched his fists hard.
"So you want me to infiltrate your own government?" Itachi guessed.
...
"Yes."
Itachi thought for moment. His experience being a double agent for both Konoha and the Uchiha certainly given him experience in this type of situation but would he want to relive another catastrophe like that again?
Before Itachi had a chance to open his mouth, the Commander cut in.
"You are one of the only people who I can entrust this task with..." Itachi wondered, slightly shocked.
"But you've barely just met me!" Itachi exclaimed. "How could you know I'm fit for such a-"
The commander interrupted him once more, azure blue eyes staring deep into Itachi's crimson ones.
"Because I can see it in you... Darkness."
Itachi shuddered a bit. 'This man... He is more than he seems to be..' He thought.
"Do not fret. I will give you time to think about that mission. For now, let's focus on the task ahead about our next expedition beyond the wall," as Erwin returned his attention back to the drawing board, Itachi listening with intent.
XXX
"Where can they possibly be...?" Kakashi muttered under his breath as he zoomed through plains and fields looks for any signs of the two Jinchurikis. He was already informed before the war of how lively Killer Bee was, but putting that together with his hyperactive student would surely spell disaster to just about any setting.
Kakashi sprinted, hopped, jumped, and dashed frantically in search of the two. He suddenly felt a chakra spike and an explosion nearby. 'Oh kami...' He thought. Let's just hope they didn't cause any collateral damage.
XXX
It has been nearly two hours since he woke up and was excited to begin his training once more after such a long time for Uzumaki Naruto. He stretched and yawned in preparation. "Ahh... So Octopops, what's in store for training today?" He asked.
Bee smiled deviously as he too was a bit excited. "How about some Bijuu-Dama ball?"
Naruto smiled as well. "Oh you are so on!" As he entered his Kyuubi chakra mode and formed a small soccer balled sized Bijuu-Dama. "Here I come!" As he kicked the condensed Chakra ball at the Hachibi Jinchuuriki.
"Your moves are fine, but are sublime!" As Bee sent the Menacing ball right back with a strong tentacle strike.
The two began to strike each other with the volatile ball back and forth until it was barely a blur.
"Baka!" Naruto heard a voice from within him. "Squandering my Chakra again eh!?" He yelled.
"How about actually using it for something useful instead of playing kiddie ball!" Kurama roared inside him.
"Heh... It's no use Kurama.." Gyuuki piped up. "Once these fools get going, they won't stop till something goes amuck. Just let it happen and enjoy the show." Gyuuki said in a laid back tone as Kurama huffed in irritation.
Naruto struck the ball his nth time until he heard a voice far from the distance.
"NARUTO!"
Naruto turned his head to see his Sensei in tow with such a scary look on his face/eye.
"You snuck away without letting me know! Now you are going to face the consequences..." As Kakashi faced darkened with his a single shine from his eye as he clasped his hands together to form a tiger seal. He knew too well what was coming next...
"Aaiiii! NOOO Kakashi-Sensei!" As he frantically began to cover his butt in defense. A sudden burst of air went passed his head as Naruto realized he didn't hit the Bijuu-Dama back in time.
The ball whizzed past the trio with such speed it tore down multiple trees before exploding off into the distance with a very loud BOOM.
"Aww shit.." Bee said aloud.
XXX
A farmer out in the country field wiped his forehead clean of sweat as he proudly stood in front of his cabbage field, seeds finally spread among the lots evenly which took hours of dedicated work he did himself. He smiled haughtily as he turned to pull his cabbage cart to the nearest market when suddenly...
*Whoosh*crack*boom*
The man slowly turned around in shock to see his precious cargo completely obliterated along with his fields demolished with a very distinct crater in the center. It was miraculous he was not hurt at all! But that was not he was concerned about.
"My cabbages!" The man screamed in horror. Just then a figure emerged from the distance.
"Man, the went pretty far... I'm just glad Kakashi left it off with just a scolding..." Naruto sighed until he saw the ravaged field. "Uh..oh.."
The farmer turned at him with such a death glare. "You! You brat! You did this didn't you!?"
Naruto put his hands in front of him defiantly as he panicked at the old man's accusation, despite them being correct.
"W-wait a second old man!" Naruto said slightly apologetic. Just then a decent sized pouch slammed into his face as the old man huffed. "You are gonna fix this! Otherwise I'll call the military police on your sorry butt!"
Naruto stood at attention. "YOSH! Right away old man!" As Naruto put up his favorite hand sign.
"Tajuu Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"
Immediately, hundreds of Naruto clones swarmed the fields with seeds in hand began rapidly replanting and pulling out damaged crops. The task was completed in a few mere minutes.
The old man couldn't hold in his shock as he yelped. "Witch! Black Magic! Devil!" He screamed. "That's it! I'm calling the police on you!" As he ran with all his might.
"Oh no you don't!" As ten shadow clones surrounded the old man.
"Heh heh... You wouldn't hurt an old man would ya sonny boy?" The old man smiled nervously.
"Harem no Jutsu!" As puffs of smoke filled the surrounded area.
"Wha!?" The man covered his face in fright but soon opened his eyes in greater shock when the smoke cleared. In front of him were many busty and beautiful women grasping at each and every one of his limbs. This was just like a dream come true to the old man as he giggled pervertedly but soon fainted out of excitement as his blood pressure rose too high.
Naruto cancelled the transformations and dismissed his clones. "Phew... Close one.." As he began his return to Kakashi.
In the distance, a cloaked figure remained hidden as he could not believe his eyes to see the rumors were really true. There really were men who used powerful magic who could possibly have enough power to conquer the kingdom. He must report this at once to his superiors...
XXX
Hours has come to pass as Gai did not lighten up his training regiment once as he finished his 50th lap around town.. On his hands. Gai quickly corrected his posture and decided to head back and call it a night. However, something else caught his eye as an event was going on with rows of Trainees lined up in front of a stage. Braziers lit the area as everyone stood stoically as if awaiting orders.
Just then, the man he identified as Erwin Smith appeared to everyone on stage. Gai listened with interest to see what was going on.
Minutes flew by as Gai eventually learned this was a ceremony of some sort to initiate what branches of the military people wanted to attend. Erwin was quite straight to the point to be exact.
"I'm not going to lie... Many of you will die," Erwin said to the Trainees.
"But those who live and survive will become seasoned Titan killers," he said. "Those who will join stay, the rest, leave."
Upon finishing his sentence, many turned and walked away as a small group held their ground and courage to stay. Some even crying.
"Oi... If you were gonna cry, why did you even stay.." Ymir said to Christa boredly.
Connie stood his ground even though he regretted it. He could've became a military police member and made his parent proud but... A part of him wanted to stay after the last few days that happened.
Sasha had tears threatening to spill out on what she got herself into.
Mikasa stood emotionless with Armin who was a bit nervous.
Jean stood as he knew his resolve.
In the end, out of all the Trainees, less than fifteen stayed.
"You are all very brave and I thank you," Erwin said. "From here on forth, you are now part of the Scouting Legion. Dismissed!" As Erwin walked away.
...
"Haha! I congratulate you two, my youthful comrades!" As Gai jumped in and put both Connie and Sasha into headlocks in celebration. "Out of everyone here, you two are the most bravest of them all!" He proclaimed out loud.
"Together, we will regain your lost homes from the most unyouthful monsters and ensure a safe future for the generations to come!"
'What is with this guy!?' Connie thought to himself.
'I don't even care anymore!' Sasha thought.
"Come! We shall train your minds and body to it's limits and explode in Youth!" Gai proclaimed as he took off at High-Speed with Connie and Sasha dangling in the air in tow.
Jean looked on with a combination of concern and exasperation. 'Oh boy, looks like they just made an idiot trio... We're definitely gonna have a hell of a time...'
Reiner saw what happened as well as he sweat dropped. 'I feel bad yet at the same time, glad it's not me.'
With that, the ceremony was concluded.
XXX
It has been hours since his meeting with Erwin went as they both went through strategies for the next expedition that would utilize the full strengths of the very capable Shinobis in their current formations. Itachi wandered through town as he went in search for a clothing store of some sort. He had decided to go through with Erwin's request as he knew the other Shinobis would suffice on the expedition and adding him would be unnecessary. It would be best that he be the one to take the task.
However, he knew he would need a change of attire to suit his current assignment. His cloak had its uses but he just felt like he needed a change.
Itachi finally stopped in his tracks as he saw a shop still open despite it almost being late. He had best hurry and make a request while he still can as he entered the store.
XXX
Bertha, a middle-aged proud owner of her seamstress shop, had just finished rearranging custom orders and formal suits as it was closing time. When suddenly the bell at the front door rung as a man in a red cloak entered.
Bertha took a good look as she never seen someone who looked like him before. Pale skin, aristocratic features, and flowing black hair. He was also quite handsome to boot.
"Hello there young man. What bring you this late to my store?" She asked sweetly.
"I know it is late but I was wondering if you could take a request of mine.." As Itachi bowed his head in respect.
"Oh I'm so sorry dear but I'm booked till next month or so on personal requests.." The woman said apologetically.
"Oh... Forgive my intrusion then.. I'll be~" The front door opened once more as a bell rung.
"Honey, just checking on ya. I have quite a close call today," a man sighed in relief as he entered the store towards the woman.
His eyes opened wide in shock. "You!" He said pointing at the Raven haired man.
Itachi wondered who this man was until he remembered. It was the same man he rescued earlier from falling to his death while chasing the titan suspect.
"What is it dearie? This man a delinquent of some sort?! " she said starting to get hostile.
"No not at all!" He proclaimed back to her. "He is my savior!" As he reached forward to vigorously shake Itachi's hands in gratitude. "If it weren't for him Bertha, I wouldn't be standing right here, right now."
"So what brings you to my wife's lovely store stranger?" The man asked with a smile.
Itachi snapped out of his daze after realizing who the man was and cleared his throat. "Well I was planning to ask for a request on a custom~"
Itachi was cut off once more.
"Say no more!" The man exclaimed as he turned to his wife. "Bertha! Make this man your top priority customer for just this once!"
Bertha gasped in surprise. Never had her husband do this for anyone but him.
"Well.. I suppose a friend of my husband is a friend of mine."
Itachi was surprised at all this. What a great turn of events!
"So what is it that you would like to request dearie?" Bertha asked.
Itachi took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it to her in which she opened.
"Wow... I don't think I ever seen such things and fashion like this before.. But nothing is too much of a challenge for me!" She proclaimed. "I will have this ready within three days!"
Itachi smiled as things were turning out the way he wanted for once. "I am grateful for your generosity..." As he bowed once more.
With that he turned to leave when a hand held onto his shoulder.
"What name shall I write this under dearie? I would also like to hear my husband's savior's name as well."
"Uchiha Itachi" he bowed once more in respect before heading out the door, disappearing into the night.
...
"Such a nice young man."
XXX
Elsewhere in Konoha...
"I have decided... Not let my brother's sacrifice be in vain and save the village!"
Hashirama smiled. "So it is decided then... Tobirama! Teleport us outta here at once!"
"I can't so as long Orochimaru has some restrictions on me... Either way, I'm not sensing Madara's malicious Chakra anywhere... This troubles me.." Tobirama said cautiously as they all made their way out of the Uchiha Shrine.
Hashirama took a great look of the village he once remembered. "Ahh what a nostalgic sight."
"Hokages! Let us all watch over this village once more!" As Hashirama became too excited with his self proclaimed awesomeness...
"For goodness sake..." As Tobirama put a hand on his brother's shoulder which Minato following suit with Hiruzen. They all teleported to their individual stone faces that looked over the village for generations.
"Let's do this!"
XXX
Back at the scouting legion base:
Night quickly came as the moon still shining the air, illuminating all those underneath it.
"I see..." Kakashi said in an understanding tone once Itachi relayed the strategies and new plans of the Scouting Legion to fit the Shinobis in with the groups.
"So I understand you are going on a different mission than us?" Kakashi said to the Raven haired ninja.
"Yes.. Erwin had come to me directly to ask such a favor. Must be important too, seeing I am one of the only few that be entrusted with such a task.."
"Well don't die on the job to whatever lies ahead," Kakashi slightly joked. "Haha…. This kinda reminds me of our old ANBU days you know? Me being your Senpai and all."
Kakashi grew quiet.
…
"Look Itachi, I know you are used to these kind of things but even then, you don't have to do this alone…"
"I know… But right now, Naruto is our world's light. Where there is light, there is darkness," Itachi said. "If it is necessary to become part of the darkness again so that the future may prosper, then I won't hesitate. After all… we were once ANBU." As Itachi finished soon leaving once more to disappear into the night. Who knows where he will go now.
Kakashi dismissed any worries of Itachi causing any trouble. For now, he has got one month to prepare for the expedition with the Scouting Legion. An ample enough time to get things prepared. But with more time to pass, the greater the danger as Kakashi can sense. Madara is relentless and will find the Jinchurikis… No matter what.
XXX
"Captain Kenny Sir!" A military Brigade grunt said to his superior. "I have the recent reports on rumors of the new mysterious group. As it turns out, the rumors are in fact 100% true."
Kenny sighed as he took a swig from his hip flask. "These men can cause a lot of trouble no doubt…" As he pondered remembering recent reports. Men capable of subduing many without fatal injury. Faster than any person using Maneuver gear or even Deviant titans on that matter. Stronger than anything ever seen before. These men can possibly topple the kingdom through sheer force he thought. What disturbed him most was that they barely know anything about them. No birth records, history, or even intelligence on their full strength. So far they have been aiding the fight against the titans but he speculates they have yet to show their true strengths.
In truth, Kenny wanted to get rid of these men as soon as he could. But that proved troubling since he can never underestimate any unknown opponent. Especially these people.
What interested him the most was their power. Where did they get it? How was it achieved? Can he possibly replicate it? There is so much more to learn about them! Which is mostly the reason why he refrained from wanting to kill them at first. In order to wield that power, he needed to learn more about them. He is determined to capture one of them… Alive.
"Ha… Let us, the Anti-Human Squad show these bumpkins a welcome to our kingdom…" As he took a final swig from his flask emptying the alcoholic contents.