Strong and Strike: Tactics of War! Part 1

OV: War is Hell! It's unpredictable, treacherous, exhausting… Sasuke, Kakashi, Juugo, and Yamato are all in the thick of it. Back home Naruto has his own battles raging.

AN: Okay, I hope I won't offend anyone, but I hope to unleash a lot of action in this chapter…There will be a death, or deaths… We'll see as it goes. Oh there's a long flashback, but only because I advanced time a bit… Also, I hadn't forgotten the Kyuubi; I merely had no need of him. He will have a bit part here in this chapter. (Also I have deterred from some major points in the story line, so creative license??)

x.Jamie-Chan.x I hope you like these fighting scenes, If they're not so good please let me know, okay! I'm posting without Proofing this…I may edit later- now I want to get onto the other half! XD

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Naruto sat on Sakura and Sai's balcony. He was visiting his friends at their request. They had shared a quiet evening and had enjoyed a great dinner. Naruto was enjoying being around Sakura; she had been carrying Naruto and Sasuke's babies for four months now. Finally she was beginning to look pregnant; she had just the tiniest little belly. Ino was finally getting used to the concept of being pregnant too. She had yet to begin to show, but she was carrying only the one, compared to Sakura's two.

Their get together was also a pre-going away party, as Sai had been put into a group of Ninja who were being sent to support Sasuke and the guys in the war. He, with Lee, Hinata, and Kiba would be leaving in only one week.

Naruto had spent a lot of time putting this team together. He wanted a medic Nin this time around, as well as Hinata and Kiba's scouting abilities. Lee was the muscle and trump card of the team while Sai's unique Jutsu with its long range potential made for a complete tactical team.

Sakura had reassured him she would be alright, and he had offered to have her moved to Sasuke's and his house once it was completed, a project scheduled for the week after Sai's teams departure.

Naruto had chosen a nice location close to the academy and near team seven's first training grounds. This area held so much memory and happiness for Naruto, this was even the spot Sasuke had rejoined the ranks of elite Konoha Ninja. The landscape still bore the upheaval of Kakashi's training grounds. It had become a much used location for Genin who wanted to test their abilities. It also would figure into the upcoming Chuunin exams, also to be held in two weeks.

Naruto gazed off into the distance at the descending sunset, the colors of the sky reminding him of Sasuke. The bruised purple so similar to the highlights in his hair, the pale ghost of sunlight like his pale skin, even the first stars reminded him of that night they had spent on top of the Hokage building.

Sakura had obviously been trying to get his attention for a while as she was leaning into his face with a stern expression. He smiled and offered a weak, "Gomen nasai… I was lost in my thoughts."

She smiled and told him they were heading indoors, he was welcome to stay where he was, but he could also join them if he desired. Naruto rose stretching and admitted he had to go over some papers for his meeting with the Hyuuga household tomorrow. It was with great honor that he would be presiding over Hinata's Ceremony to accept her as Hyuuga Head.

He had told them of his previous visit, and the great success he had been able to achieve.

:Flashback:

Naruto approached the Hyuuga household with trepidation. Shikamaru was accompanying him as his clerk, and was contentedly carrying the paperwork they had so carefully prepared. Naruto knew what he hoped to accomplish that day, but he also knew it would be out of his hands what would actually transpire.

He had a plan and his written proposal ready, and was confident. Neji, Hinata, Hanabi, and Hiashi would all be in attendance. They were acting as liaisons for the Hokage, as well as support.

Shika and he had been shown to a large official looking room. There was a row of hard backed chairs lining one wall as if presiding over this domain. On the opposite tatami mats were lined up for the speakers to sit on. The doors were at the farthest Eastern side of the room, and opposite them was a high chair that today was flanked with lower chairs for the head family as well as Neji. The elders weren't yet in the room; they would make their entrance after the guests were seated.

Naruto took his seat on a low chair situated in the middle of the Tatami mats, he was Hokage and as such was afforded the luxury of not having to sit on a mat. Shikamaru took his position beside Naruto kneeling on his legs with his typical bored expression. The one that belied that he was actually carefully observing everything around him astutely.

Hiashi and the assembled family took their seats. Before any time at all had passed the elders entered and took their seats; they looked solemn, yet not altogether unapproachable. The meeting began with Naruto speaking about his proposal to join the family lines. He had a system that would allow family to be separated by blood and marital ties, and not by birth orders. There would still be a "branch family" but they would consist of distant cousins and other people who could still claim Hyuuga family ties but not as close.

He made a strong presentation offering evidence that it was a travesty to the proud Hyuuga lineage that Neji be called only branch family when he was such a great representative of the Hyuuga bloodline.

Naruto preyed on their sense of tradition, but mostly on their fierce pride. He knew their feelings of superiority, especially knowing the history of Byakugan and Sharingan its successor.

Eventually a break was called and the meeting adjourned. Naruto felt positive he had made a good impression and had presented his proposal well. He was relaxing by taking a leisurely stroll around the compound.

Soon he heard the unmistakable sounds of someone training. He paused to observe, and was enthralled to notice that Hinata was working her heart out on the distant field. He watched for a while unnoticed. She was so intent on her training she didn't even notice him.

He watched her perform the Juuken, and the Hakke Rokujuuyonshou - Eight Divination Signs, Sixty-Four Palms of the Hand in her own unique style. It appeared to him that she had completed the jutsu she had first used in their mission with Shino to look for a special bug that would be able to track Sasuke.

When she paused he stepped closer, she obviously noticed him as her head shot up and she looked at him with eyes wide with shock. "N-Naruto-kun! I-I mean H-Hokage-sama. I didn't know there was anyone here," she said and hung her head at having been caught training.

"Hinata, that was great! You finished the jutsu!" naruto exclaimed. "I was watching you," he stopped for a second, "Funny, this time I'm watching you get stronger. Have you shown your father that Jutsu yet?" he quizzed her.

"N-No. He wouldn't want to see it," she said once again looking at the ground.

Naruto grew angry, "Hinata!" he shouted.

Her head snapped up, and she was afraid of his anger.

"You need to show your father what you have accomplished. How will he ever see you as anything more than just shy little Hinata whose sister can fight better than she can," he looked at her his eyes softening. "Hinata, you needed to find your own style. That's what has always been holding you back. You don't use Juuken in the same way as the other Hyuuga's do. Your technique is ten times stronger than Neji's."

Hinata's eyes bulged in their sockets and nearly popped out of her head. What was he going on about; she could never be stronger than Neji. Naruto slipped up beside her and stepped into a defensive pose. "Do you think you could hurt me?" he asked sharply.

"N-NO! Never!" she shrieked.

"Good, then you will attack me with everything you have." He ordered standing up straight again and waiting for her to get ready.

"Hinata!" he said commanding, "Look at me, I am ordering you as Hokage of Konohagakure to attack me with that Jutsu! You cannot go against a direct order from the Hokage!"

Her eyes watered and a single tear slipped down her face. "H-Hai, Hokage-sama."

She conceded defeat. He had ordered her, the one person she still respected above all others. Now she had to fight him one on one, and he would know if she wasn't trying. She wasn't afraid she would hurt him, he was Hokage, and even more he was Naruto. He was so much stronger than she was.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "Naruto, I do not want to do this, but as you have ordered me I will obey." Her voice had taken on a hint of strength and conviction; perhaps even a touch of confidence.

What Hinata didn't know was that the elders and her father had approached them. They were looking for Naruto to conclude the meeting. Shikamaru had been with Hiashi, and being the genius that he was he bid the group to wait and not to approach, but to remain where they were… able to see yet not seen by the shy girl. He wanted for once in her life that Hinata would be seen for who she really was, and by not only her father, but the elders of the clan. Neji was even there to observe her shining moment.

Hinata dropped into a fighting stance, her eyes shone with deliberation. Naruto slid into his defensive stance and hastily whispered a warning to the Kyuubi, Get ready old fox, we're about to get hit with something the likes of which we've never experienced. He was greeted with a rumbling laughter, the fox wasn't concerned, but Naruto was not underestimating Hinata at all.

His eyes were crystal blue, hers silvery white. They both shone with concentration, his with unspoken order… do as I say, hers with a reply, okay then, if you're sure…here I come

Suddenly she was upon him, her chakra flashing bright blue against his tanned skin. The first hit was strong and he stiffened against each successful hit. He was not sitting back and taking her blows; he was blocking and attacking just as hard as she was. He could see the appreciation in her face that he was taking her seriously.

They dipped and wove, bobbing left- right- back- down. She advanced making him step back, he regained the lost ground. Her hands were a blur, Naruto couldn't see where her next strike would land and was blocking purely by instinct.

Hiashi had activated his Byakugan as had the elders and Neji so they could get a better look at the fight. Neji's face held that look of surprise that he had felt the day she had been rushing out the door to a mission and he had been heading to the workout room where she had come from delivering tea to her father. She had danced lightly around him; he had been caught completely off guard.

This was like that. Her agility and strength were completely unexpected. Not only that, he could see her chakra being released from her body in an uninterrupted line. He was curious as to how long she could hold it like that. Would she have the stamina to endure a long battle?

Naruto was not holding anything back either, he came at her with clones and shuriken. Kunai rained on the field as fast as he could launch them. It was the ultimate defense; nothing was penetrating her sphere of defense. Furthermore her attacks were strong and precise.

Her light frame allowed her to move quickly and her great chakra control allowed her to strike with force. Each attack Naruto blocked he took a little damage. He was enjoying this sparring session; it had been a long time since Sasuke left.

Eventually he sent twenty clones to attack her at once. She smiled, she actually smiled…and it was a confident, self assured smile too, and slipped into the Hakkeshou Kaiten - Eight Divination Palms of the Hand, Heavenly Spin. With her unique chakra slicing through them like knives they were easily dispensed with.

She looked at Naruto with a new confidence, that smile still on her lips. Then before she knew what was happening Naruto used his new move; one he hadn't revealed to anyone as yet. His father's own signature move, Shunshin no Jutsu - Body Flicker Technique.

One moment he was standing right in front of her, the next he was just gone. She had her Byakugan activated and was able to see him try to sneak up behind her. She advanced to defend against the perceived attack, but then he was gone again. This dance continued for a while, the Hyuuga onlookers were slack jawed with this fight being carried out in front of them.

When had Hinata gotten so strong, agile, and above all else confident? Also when had Naruto learned his father's other technique?

Hinata dodged another attack from a swirling Rasengun and two clones poofed from her direct counter hit. She was breathing harder, but still had enough energy to carry on for a while longer.

Naruto, however, had realized this fight was a draw. Only if he called on Kyuubi chakra could he win. She had engaged him head on longer than Neji had, and wasn't backing down yet.

Naruto used Shunshin no Jutsuone last time with both he and a clone. He approached from in front and behind at once. When she deflected both these attacks he stopped. He just pulled up short before the astonished girl and bowed deeply.

"Hinata, will you allow me to call this fight a draw?" he asked nobly, trying to save as much pride as he could.

She stood there for a minute allowing her mind to adjust from battle mode tocalming down. "Hai, Hokage-sama," she replied with no trace of stutter and returned his bow.

Hiashi couldn't move. He was rooted to the spot at what he had just witnessed with his own eyes. Was this really his shy, weak, eldest daughter? His eyes said it certainly was, but his head was having a hard time with the uptake of information. The elders began to talk amongst themselves, and Neji was the first of the group to move.

He approached his cousin, a respectful gleam in his eyes. "Hokage-sama, Hinata-san," He greeted casually.

Hinata spun around and took in the sight of her cousin looking at her. Not looking past her, or refusing to meet her eyes, but looking at her. For a moment she felt that feeling of self consciousness wash over her, but a firm "uhm-hmm" from Naruto set her spine straight up and she looked at him as an equal for the first time in her life.

"Neji-nii-san, is the meeting to resume?" she inquired firmly.

Hiashi watched even this exchange with incredulity. Hanabi broke the spell over the elders when she rushed forward and exclaimed, "Hinata that was AWESOME!! Will you teach me how to do that!?!" She stood in front of her older sister practically dancing in anticipation.

Hinata smiled, Hanabi wanted her to teach her something, how unusual. Then she saw the others standing near bye. She blushed but didn't lower her head. Instead, for the first time, she challenged her father to look at her. Hiashi looked at her, and it was with pride and a little surprise that he did.

Then a warm smile lit his features and he walked over to where his eldest daughter and the heir to the Hyuuga clan stood. He looked from her to Naruto, who was grinning sheepishly. The Hyuuga Patriarch then did something he hadn't done in years; he pulled Hinata into a warm embrace.

Her face registered shock, then she relaxed against her fathers strength. Neji approached Naruto, "What did you do to her?" he quizzed.

Naruto just smiled, but then he admitted, "I ordered her to fight me with everything she had," he stated matter of factly.

Hiashi and Neji both looked at the smiling blonde. Eventually even Neji smiled as he realized that once again naruto was changing people for the better. The elders announced that the meeting would be adjourning for one week, in which time they would desire a formal and official document of Naruto's proposal. Even naruto could discern that something had happened and they were going to approve this major change to their clan.

Naruto bowed to them respectfully and they bowed in return before meandering off discussing this strange turn of events. Neji stared at Naruto, he didn't have any words to say that would adequately express the conflicting emotions he was feeling. Naruto just flashed that enigmatic smile of his.

--The events had led to the elders accepting Naruto's proposal completely, even the part about abolishing the practice of the caged bird seal. They couldn't remove the marks on the foreheads of the current members, but they could dispel the curse behind it.

Hiashi had a new image of Hinata, and he began to oversee her training once again. He even set her the task of training Hanabi. She had officially been eligible to assume her role as Hyuuga head at the age of 18, but her father had requested that the ceremony be put off. It was common knowledge that he wanted Hanabi to assume the role when she came of age, and that is why he didn't allow Hinata the ceremony which would set her as head. Now he was ashamed of himself.

He had been able to talk with Hinata like he had never before. He learned that although she was shy, she had grown from the weak Genin she had been into the strong Chuunin he now knew. Soon Hinata would go before the village elders and be granted the rank of Jounin. Hiashi proudly presented her and threw a huge celebration in her honor. --

:End Flashback:

Naruto stood up and stretched. The sun had disappeared, and he was ready to head home to his bed. He was anticipating the move into his new home, and hoped Sasuke would approve of the decisions he had made concerning everything from the Nursery to the kitchen.

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Sasuke lay on his pallet staring up at the sky. His muscles ached, he needed sleep, and he was cold. He thought of Naruto and wondered what his dobe would be doing. He closed his eyes and fell into a fitful sleep filled with visions of his blonde haired ray of light in this dark war.

Kakashi was to Sasuke's Left and Juugo to the right. Yamato was taking his watch shift. They were all weary and although Yamato had constructed a very simple hut for them to rest in, they were sorely longing for domestic tranquility.

They had broken through the line into Sound territory and had been assuaged with wave after wave of Sound Ninja almost constantly. Sasuke was more than a little concerned that their interrogations of prisoners had garnered them very little about the location of Kabuto and the Akatsuki. Kakashi had been summoning a Nin-Dog every week to relay information back to Konoha, but the men all felt they were missing something. Kakashi had even given Sasuke a chance to form a contract with each dog, and they had offered their loyalty to the Cimmerian man.

Eventually sleep came for them all; they would need it for tomorrow. They didn't know it, but they were about to make an important discovery.

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The next day dawned bright and beautiful. It was perfect for Hinata's Ceremony. Everyone went through their usual routine until the afternoon, when it grew time for the special event. There were few invitees, Naruto's presence being mandatory as the Hokage was required to oversee the transfer of power.

Hiashi spent his entire morning in prayer with his wife. He offered her thanks and his desire that she offer their daughter her strength and wisdom. He only left her shrine at noon, ate a quick meal, and began to get ready for his part in the ceremony. He had already had most of his possessions moved into his new quarters, against Hinata's protests. It was customary for the head to reside in the main chambers, and he wasn't going to begrudge Hinata anything. He felt he had a lot of lost time to make up for.

Later when everything was set for the ceremony, Naruto arrived with the few friends who had been invited. Most of their rookie team was, as usual a part of the event. Konoha marveled at how close this group had become, it was unprecedented for any generation to be so close knit. The whole village knew they benefited from this special bond, and were reminded of their friendships…or inspired to form new ones.

The ceremony was beautiful, yet simple. Hinata stood before the assembled guests in a shimmering white Kimono tied with a broad navy obi. She was presented with a scroll that she affixed her name to right beneath her fathers. Then she was presented with symbols of transfer of power; new kunai to show her head of defense and weaponry, an ancient bento box filled with ceremonial herbs and dried bonito to show her position as provider for the family as well as healer of all that may befall them. She was given specific gifts to display her strengths also; a special medical kit to represent her training as a Medical-Nin, and a special set of chakra blades that responded to her strong slicing chakra in a way similar to Naruto's wind chakra blades.

Eventually the official ceremony was over, and a celebration ensued that carried into the evening. Everyone had enjoyed themselves and Hinata was radiant to have finally found her place. She seemed to have even caught herself a beau… not that she hadn't dated before. That night however, there was one man who never left her side, and he was the last guest to leave the compound.

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Naruto was up before the sun. He hadn't slept well at all; his night had been plagued with visions of blood. When he had finally conceded defeat and extricated himself from his messy bed, he had risen with a feeling of trepidation and foreboding.

After a quick breakfast that consisted of toast and tea, he had gone for a walk around his village. He had hoped this would serve to ease his troubled mind. In reality it had actually made him feel acutely aware of someone watching him; someone who wasn't revealing himself to the man.

Eventually he gave up trying to find the source of disruption and headed back toward the Hokage offices. He thought of Sakura, Sai would be going on his mission today. Naruto grinned and decided to go see the team off. He would get to see Hinata again and offer her congratulations one more time. He also would get to give Kiba a hard time, and tease fuzzy brows.

His mood actually a little lighter he headed for the main gates. Unfortunately for him, he wouldn't get to see the team off. Instead his trek was interrupted by a strong killing intent aimed at him. He sighed and wondered what villager he had the misfortune of having offended this time. He slowly turned around to face his accoster.

His Sapphire eyes grew twice their normal size, "Denzou, what do you want?" he asked gruffly in his astonishment.

"What do I want? Why, I simply want you dead…after I make you pay for taking away my best student," he sneered.

Seemingly from out of the shadows, four figures materialized. Naruto immediately recognized the melded together form of Kabuto and Orochimaru, as well as the red haired man and blue haired woman from his Bingo book. The plantlike man was also easy to spot, but his name escaped naruto at the moment.

He smiled and welcomed the surprise guests, "Kabuto, or what should I call you? Pain, Konan, and, I am sorry, but your name escapes me…Zezi? No, was I close?" he asked cordially.

The momentary flicker of surprise that he was familiar with them was quickly masked by confidence. They slipped closer to the blonde who they figured was unsuspecting of their abilities. Unfortunately for them, Jiraya had been successful in his latest mission for information and had sent him a frog summons to explain what he had uncovered.

Naruto knew Pein had a type of transformation and summoning Jutsu as well as powerful eyes. He also knew Konan had a terrific paper Jutsu, and the plant guy was useful to dispose of enemies, but he was a wild card really. Naruto hoped that he might elicit some response to alert him as to what the guy was capable of.

Naruto stood where he was, feigning being rooted to the spot. He was actually being perceptive to chakra flow and any subtle movements. Naruto had changed from being such an impulsive Ninja to a more controlled and observant type. He thought that a little show might aide him in this situation, and not tip the enemy off to his new fighting style.

"Come on, what do you want?" he yelled, pumping his fist angrily.

What are you doing Kit?

I'm just playing a game, Kyuubi don't worry.

Kit, I hope you know what you're doing.

Suddenly Konan had appeared behind Naruto, and Pein had assumed a casual yet deceptively ready stance. Kabuto and Zetsu just stood there. Denzou crept off slowly, leaning thoughtfully on his cane. Now he would finally get his revenge. The council would also have to grant him succession as the next Hokage, his plan was working beautifully.

Konan sent a shuffle of papers into the air and formed them into her paper shuriken. These deceptive little weapons were actually very strong and dangerous. Naruto's hearing was extraordinary due to him being the Kyuubi container, and he heard the almost inaudible rustle behind him.

He kept mouthing as if he hadn't noticed anything, "Come on, are you just going to stand there or are ya gonna fight me?" he cried shaking his fist in the air. Inside he was laughing at his own antics, Man, did I really use to be this hyper and loud? I had almost forgotten…

Naruto saw Konan's movement in the reflection of Pein's forehead protector, he turned at just the right moment acting as if he was just yelling at the woman behind him, "What are you doing back here, just standing there?" he accused loudly.

Pein and Zetsu had to dodge out of the way of Konan's paper shuriken, naruto spun around when they moved with a wide eyed look on his face, "Whoah, what was that," he marveled.

Inside he was in tears he was laughing so hard at his own game. He knew these fools had no idea he wasn't this stupid. He could feel their emotions and they were relaxed, and only a tiny bit perturbed; that he was lucky most likely.

Just as Pein began to form seals for a summoning Jutsu, Naruto decided it might be time to get serious. Before Pein could complete his movements, Naruto summoned Gamakichi without even forming the seals. The four attackers dodged back at the sudden appearance of the large red frog, Naruto took this opportunity of confusion to whisper to Gamakichi to play along that Naruto was just a dumb blonde.

"Oi Naruto, what's this? I come along to play with you and here you are already having fun with these guys!" Gamakichi cried out, "Humph, you never play with me anymore!"

Naruto laughed at the frog and playfully teased, "Aw, come on stay, You can play with us, I bet these guys wouldn't mind!" He couldn't miss the incredulous look on Kabuto's face.

Gamakichi plunked down in front of Naruto blocking him from Zetsu, Pein, and Kabuto. The fight had started in a small side street, and Gamakichi was so large he took up almost the entire space. He called out teasingly to the Akatsuki in front of him while Naruto engaged Konan one on one.

He was surprised to see her peel herself into papers, one of which tried to escape around him to report back to Pein. Naruto quickly intercepted it, and was trying to decide what he should do when an unexpected arrival came to crash the party.

Naruto grinned at the welcome sight of a bushy haired man who stood at the mouth of the street. "Konan, it is you after all," he jeered.

Konan pulled herself together, instantly forgetting about reporting to Pein and focusing on her long lost Sensei. "Jiraya-Sama!" she called out, shocked.

Jiraya used the moment of distraction to capture the girl in a Jutsu and carry her off somewhere away from the fight. "I'll be back once I have her taken care of, Naruto!" he assured as he left.

No sooner than he rounded the corner than a figure came spiraling over Gamakichi's back, Naruto feigned surprise and exclaimed, "That was cool!" He was distracted by the sound of Gamakichi drawing his sword.

Kabuto, who had wanted to be the one to take Naruto prisoner, had been the one to detach him self from the others. He sneered at Naruto's ignorance, "You shouldn't turn your back on me," he hissed, the voice more Orochimaru than Kabuto.

Naruto acted as if he was taken by surprise, he even offered a wide eyed innocent look. Kabuto rushed the man expecting him to be an easy target. He was surprised when Naruto reacted so quickly and dodged his attack.

"You are the lucky one, aren't you? But your luck just ran out, I will have your power to complete the work those fools began. I don't think they ever really understood what they had, but I do. When I have your power I will rule the entire world!"

Naruto snarled and offered a genuine retort, "If you think you're capable, come and get me."

He had seen Jiraya's bushy ponytail disappear back around the corner and knew he had headed to the other end of the street to take on those on Gamakichi's front side. Naruto felt confident now, one on one with Orochimaru or Kabuto. Either way, he was going down. His arrogance would be his downfall.

In front of Gamakichi Jiraya succeeded in catching Pein off guard and drawing him away from the fight. That left Gamakichi to tend to Zetsu while Naruto toyed with the leader. A sudden wet slurpy sound told Naruto that Gamakichi had just wrapped someone in his tongue. He didn't have time to ponder who, rather he hoped that Kichi and Jiraya would be able to handle those two. He did take a split second to wonder what Jiraya had done with Konan so quickly.

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This is getting too long, so I am breaking this chapter into two. I don't' want to use my Chapter 11 for this so it will be Chapter 10 Part 1 and Chapter 10 Part 2

Off to work on the second half, probably not so long…the flashback was long!

-Kneise