A note from me- almost there! i'm so happy. anyway this memory that Naruto has was before Sasuke came back when he still lived with Hikari. i did this chapter a little different. it will jump from one person of person to another. sorry if its confusing.
"Naruto?"
"Yeah?" He mumbled half sleep
"Can I come in here for a bit?" Hikari asked. He sat up and yawned. She stood in the doorway. He waved her over. She laid down on the other half of the bed, lying on her side. Naruto did the same facing her. For a while they stared at each other until he said
"Nightmare?"
"Yeah"
"Wanna talk about it?" She took in a breath
"Not really" More silence "You know how you I reminded you of Sasuke at first?"
"Yep"
"You remind me of Jin"
"Akane's mentioned him, who is he" Naruto already knew him but he didn't s ay that
"Best friend, he's really determined like you and has blue eyes but he doesn't talk as much as you, actually he doesn't talk at all"
"You make him mad?"
"No" She rolled her eyes "He saw his mother die when he was younger, hasn't talked since"
"He's silent all the time?!"
"Not all the time, but mostly yes. He's pretty intelligent too"
"What like a shinobi prodigy or something?"
"Noooo, I mean wise as in old guy smart. He knows stuff that you'd think itd take your whole life to learn. Besides he hates fighting, couldn't be a shinobi"
"That picture on your dresser of two little girls and a blue haired boy was him, you and…"
"Don't say it"
"Akane" He grinned "You guys don't hate each other like everybody thinks right?"
"You figured it out, we've known each other since birth" She paused "The nightmare…
it's about Sasuke" Her eyes saddened
"About seeing him again?"
"No, he and Itachi were fighting…when it came time to kill him Sasuke couldn't. Itachi killed him instead" Her voice caught in her throat. "Promise me something Naruto"
"What?" He asked quietly. In the short time that he'd known her he'd never seen her this upset.
"If it ever comes down to what I said, where Sasuke cant kill Itachi, then you do it"
"But Hikari what are the chances that I'll actually be there when that happens? We aren't exactly on speaking terms and he'd have a heart attack. He's trained most of his life to do this"
"I don't know…just…watch out for him Naruto please"
"Ok"
"Promise?" Naruto had come to learn that Hikari had a thing about promises
"Yes, I promise"
"Thanks"
Naruto frowned at the memory. That was the last thing he wanted to think about though he had kept it to himself that he already knew Jin. He'd been the traveling partner of the man Team 7 had been assigned to escort and who had eventually trained him. He and Jin Ichiwa hated each other but Naruto had decided not to tell Hikari that. He was now wishing that he had. The wind blew his hair in different directions. He knocked out another man. Te battle had started almost as soon as the shinobi had delivered his message. Tsunade had dispatched everyone but had left three kunoichi to watch over Hikari's body. She had made it known that if anything happened to it she would personally punish them. Another man came at Naruto, he got rid of him by punching him into a building. He looked around. They were everywhere. He saw a few of his friends fighting. Without a second thought he raced to help them.
Sakura was cut on her arm but she didn't let it stop her. She delivered a punch to the stomach of the guy who did it.
"You ok?" Ino shouted pushing her opponent away
"I will be" Sakura ripped a piece of her shirt and tied it around the wound. She grabbed a rubberband out of her pocket and pulled her hair back. Now she was ready.
Lady Okami stood on a rooftop with the two women. She watched the fighting going on below. So far not one Akatsuki member had been spotted. The wind blew stronger. Akane appeared behind them. She knelt
"Lady Okami"
"Akane, don't worry. Hikari told me about her decision. Take care of my wolves"
"Yes Lady Okami" She was gone. In the distance the roar or a tiger could be heard.
"There are people here who aren't shinobi. Protect them" She said. The women nodded. Each going in a different direction. A few minutes later a young man stood beside her. His light blue eyes watching the scene below him. He was tall and lanky yet muscular. He was dressed as a Leaf shinobi with a sword on his back. His light blue hair was short and spiky. Amaya finally said
"Jin you're here" He nodded. "Hikari is inside the Hokage Tower. Get her back to Suna. Tell Gaara he is to keep her there until I myself come and get her" He stayed silent
"Will you fight?" He quietly asked
"Am I an Okami?" She raised an eyebrow. Jin smiled. He turned to leave "I don't have to tell you to care of my Granddaughter do I?"
"No because I always will" With that he disappeared. Amaya took out her fan. She had been watching long enough.
Sasuke drove his sword through another one. He hadn't even broken a sweat yet. He blew a few strands of hair out of his face. Akatsuki was getting nowhere. These 'shinobi' weren't as skilled as he'd thought they'd be but there were so many that he knew eventually people would begin to tire. He saw Naruto in the distance fighting alongside Sai. Sasuke yawned. He was getting bored.
Tsunade and Jiraiya stood among the chaos talking. Well occasionally someone would disturb their conversation and they'd have to be dealt with but for the most part they were being left alone.
"They're trying to wear us down before the real battle begins" Jiraiya stated solemnly
"I figured that. Where do you think they found an army this size?"
"I honestly have no idea. I cant think of anyone in their right mind who would help them out"
"Maybe this is a new jutsu or…" She didn't finish because the roar of a tiger could be heard. "Amazing, look Jiraiya" She pointed ahead of them. Slowly tigers were appearing; they stalked the ninjas then attacked. None were harming the Leaf shinobi. In the midst of four large tigers a woman walked with a man. The man was slightly older and limped. The woman was pale with bright red hair and wearing an elegant red kimono.
"Ahhh, Akane's parents" Jiraiya smiled "I didn't realize they were still in town"
"I don't understand"
"Come on Tsunade, you've been reading that book of yours"
"Yes but none of its true"
"That's where you're wrong. The Toras family symbol is the tiger, the Okami's is the wolf"
"All of that was correct?!" She remembered Lady Okami's comment about her marrying into one of the clans but she handt paid it any attention.
"Afraid so, I thought you would've guessed that by now"
"Less talking and more hitting" She said to hide her embarrassment. She was the Hokage and yet she hadn't even known about the existence of these supposed mythological clans. She raced off leaving a confused Toad Sage behind her.
"What did I do now?" He scratched his head. He loved to look at women but he didn't think he'd ever understand them.
The last of the shinobi had been taken care of. Shouts of joy rang through the village. Sasuke, Naruto and Sai stood near the gates of Konoha.
"This is far from over" Sasuke gazed around.
"Uh huh" Naruto sat down to catch his breath "Whatever you say"
"Seriously this was too easy"
"Too easy?!"
"Sasuke's right" Sai answered "Something isn't right" As if on cue ninjas dressed entirely in black entered the town. They marched throughout Konoha, filling it. They didn't attack, didn't speak, some didn't even seem to breathe. Naruto stood up. The ninjas directly in front of them kept their eyes on them. Naruto was beginning to feel uneasy. They were only a few feet apart. Itachi appeared in front of them
"I see Hikari has removed it already" Naruto growled. He still looked the same, whisker marks and all. He wondered how Itachi knew. Itachi turned his attention to Sasuke "I will kill Naruto in front of you little brother and then we can talk". Sasuke's pulled Naruto behind him. Sai stood next to him
"Hey I don't need to be protected" Naruto frowned.
"This is cute, but not necessary Sasuke. If only Hikari had listened to me then we wouldn't be in this situation"
"Itachi you talk too damn much" Sai dove towards him.
Neji, TenTen, Lee and Guy stood in a circle ready.
"Guy sensei, why have these shinobi not attacked us yet?" Lee asked
"Not sure but they seem unlike the other ones"
"They're everywhere, I cant see anybody from our side" TenTen said
"I don't care how many there are, they will still not win" Neji's eyes were closed
"Very well said. Remember all that you've learned my students and should I not make it I want you three to know it has been an honor serving as your sensei" Guy gave his nice guy smile.
"That was so beautiful Guy sensei" Tears came out of Lee's eyes "I feel the exact same way"
"Of course you do Lee. There is one thing I'd like to ask of you"
"What is that sensei?" Lee's eyes lit up
"When you are married and have children I want you to teach them the same things that I have taught you"
"Of course sensei!" They started crying. TenTen rolled her eyes. Neji tried to hide a smirk. He'd never shown it, he had always thought Lee and Guy as odd. He still had respect for them though. They were excellent fighters and friends.
"Get ready everyone" TenTen pulled kunai out. One of the shinobi shouted
"Welcome to your death Leaf village!" They moved to attack.
"No welcome to yours" Neji's eyes opened revealing the Byakugan.
Sakura and Ino had their backs against each other, fending off their opponents. Ino was beginning to get tired. Her knees gave way.
"Ino get up!"
"Too tired" she tried to stand but fell back down. Sakura kicked and punched a few more guys before saying
"Get up right now!" Ino slowly got back to her feet "Don't do that again!". She nodded.
Hinata had lost track of Kiba and Shino but she continued to fight. She fought and fought and fought but the shinobi were more skilled than the others. Much more. One punched her to the ground then picked her up by the hair. She was bruised and tired. She wanted to sleep. The man pulled out a kunai.
Kiba was on his back with a foot pushing him into the dirt. He coughed then looked around for Akamaru. He saw him lying still, blood trickling from somewhere.
"AKAMARU!" He screamed struggling to get up.
"You will soon join him" A voice said.
Hanabi and Minoru had done as best as they could at protecting the Hyuga mansion. Unlike many of the other buildings it hadn't gone up in flames. The two panted outside. Hanabi was grabbed roughly by her arm.
"Mino!" She yelled. He growled
"Leave her alone!" He moved but was grabbed from behind
"She's quite pretty" The one holding her said. Minoru's eyes got big. He struggled more, cursing the guys at the same time
"You touch her dumbass and I'll kill you. Son of a bitch! Let me go! Damnit!"
"What a mouth on you, hold him down"
"No!" He kicked. The other man pushed Hanabi to the ground. She screamed.
Jin Ichiwa stood on the Hokage tower watching. He held in his arms Hikari's body. The wind began to pick up. He waited until he saw his black hawk flying above him.
"Now" He whispered. For a few seconds nothing happened then the sound of flapping filled the air. Thousands of birds came into view. They headed towards the battle.
"Your turn Akane" He raced out of the village
Birds joined the tigers in the attack. The scratched, clawed, bit and squawked. Akane Tora sat in a tree enjoying it. Jin and his family had trained them well but she still had her part to do. She couldn't believe that Hikari had trusted her enough to do this. No outsider could summon Okami wolves. She saw her mother and father in the distance. They were fighting side by side the Leaf ninjas. She hoped that Hikari hadn't misplaced her faith in her. Her baby tiger purred at her feet. She stood straight, remembering how Hikari had taught her to do it. She leaned her back and let loose an unearthly howl. She stopped. Through all the noise she heard it, a howl in response.
Hanabi tired to push the man off of her but he was stronger. She heard Minoru yelling. She kept at it until the man had to hold her wrists.
"What is that?" The one holding Minoru asked
"Whats what?" The other snapped
"That" The pointed to the sky. The other one followed his finger. The birds had parted. In fact they weren't even attacking anymore. The tigers had also backed off. In the sky the wind was whipping and flowing around a giant creature. It was in the shape of a wolf with giant wings to match. The wolf was beginning to change into a human. Minoru smiled
"You fuckers are in for it now"
Hinata wondered why she didn't feel the metal against her. She opened her eyes to see the shinobi holding her by the hair was looking up. His grip had loosened. She pulled away and prepared to attack but he kept his eyes up. In fact everyone was. She did the same and saw a woman floating above them. Her long black hair flowed around her. Her tanned skin seemed to glow. Her face was that of an angel.
Kiba had managed to get away from his opponent. He was kneeling near Akamaru who he thought was dead. Tears started to fall. Then anger replaced that. He jumped to his feet to fight when he heard a voice above him
"For all of you who don't know me, let me introduce myself. I am the Great Wolf and Guardian of the Okami clan. I am not one for words so let me say this" A bloodcurdling roar came from her. Wolves appeared snarling.
Tsunade couldn't believe it. After the woman had done that she'd disappeared, screams taking her place. The wolves were rabidly attacking the ninja without mercy. She took a step back from a man who collapsed in front of her.
Naruto was in shock as much as anyone else. Itachi had been on the verge of killing him when she had appeared out of nowhere. He tried to get up but couldn't. Itachi's ninja had managed to keep Sasuke and Sai away but now they werent a problem anymore.
"Get away from him" Sasuke said racing towards his brother. Itachi moved and knocked his sword out of his hand. The two of them started to go at it. Naruto looked at the sword. Could he do it if Sasuke couldn't? A white wolf appeared next to him
"Icee" he whispered
"That was Hikari's nickname for me" Naruto's eyes grew wide. He must've been hearing things. "Yes I can talk boy but I don't have much time. The fox left much of his chakra in you. Use it"
"Are you…are you the wolf?"
"Yes"
"And the masked woman?" There was a pause and for a second Naruto thought he was imagining things. When he'd seen the woman in the sky she had reminded him of the other one.
"You are not as oblivious as they all think, yes I am the woman and the wolf but right now you have to get up. Look at Sasuke" Naruto did as he was told. He saw Itachi grab his friend by the throat.
"You will never be able to kill me little brother, you're too weak"
"Sasuke almost did it while you were down but he hesitated and that was all Itachi needed. He knows Sasuke cant kill him though he has constantly trained and pushed himself in order to accomplish that goal. The fact remains the Itachi is still his big brother, Sasuke loves him Naruto. He is not weak, he is only human" Naruto understood. He'd have to do it. He stood though it hurt.
"Funnel the chakra of yours and the foxes' into the sword. Drive it through him" He nodded. The wolf walked over and picked up the sword in its mouth then brought it back to Naruto. He took it. He'd probably have one chance at this while Itachi's distracted. He made his way over until he was some feet behind him. Itachi had Sasuke in the air by the throat. Naruto didn't think he could do it then Sasuke saw him. Their eyes locked. He nodded slightly. Red chakra began to flow around Naruto. His eyes turned red. He growled, running so fast that by the time Itachi realized what was going on it was too late. The sword pierced him. Naruto let go. Itachi fell on his knees. His breathing slowed. Naruto looked at the blood on his hands then at Sasuke who was rubbing his throat. Naruto had no idea of what that attack had done but the wolf did.
Tsunade surveyed the scene before her. Akatsuki's forces had been beaten, they had been driven out of Konoha. Bodies littered the ground. She hoped that she hadn't lost too many people. She sighed. As she walked she saw a baby fox peaking out from under a body. Tsunade bent down to pick it up
"Don't worry little guy, you can come with me"
"Little guy?! How dare you human! I will have you know that I am the Nine tailed fox! You will respect me!" Tsunade decided to ignore that thinking it was her mind playing tricks on her. She needed a drink.
That was it. Naruto was still in shock. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He'd managed to stop Itachi. His gaze fell to Sasuke who was watching him. Naruto held a hand out helping him up.
"Sasuke…I…"
"Its ok, its over" Sasuke knelt at his brothers body. He pulled the sword from him. Naruto understood that he needed some time alone. He decided to find the rest of his friends. It was hard to walk, there were bodies everywhere. He hoped none were people he knew. He spotted Sakura holding Ino up in the distance and was almost there when a kick sent him flying backwards. As soon as he landed he felt a sharp pain. He sat up slowly. A figure stood over him.
"Uzumaki Naruto, how are you?" Kisame grinned "I warned Itachi to wait but he wanted to end this, Uchihas can be impatient don't you think?"
"What do you want?" He growled getting back to his feet
"Our leader wanted you dead for all the trouble you've caused. We have all the demons except yours. You can imagine how upset he is."
"Where's the rest of the losers?"
"Around, preparing to decimate the village. I merely came to get Itachi. We've been working on a new jutsu. The blast will kill everyone in Konohagakure. Sounds fun doesn't it? But now I must leave"
"You will go nowhere!" Icee appeared, with teeth bared.
"I must be hearing things" He said
"No you're not filthy human. I am the Great Wolf that you saw earlier and I have a message for you to deliver"
"And what would that be?"
"Tell your precious leader that I am temporary guardian of this village now. For him to try and attack it would be suicide. As we speak the remaining Akatsuki members outside are being attacked by my wolves. Death is waiting for them unless they go" A worried look came over his face. "Your pathetic group will probably go back home and find another way to implement your plan but it wont work. The demons have been released while you were gone. They are very angry. Besides that your great Uchiha is alive but will never be the same. Naruto has no idea of what he did. The chakra of the foxes' runs through Itachi's body slowly killing him, you see the chakra traveled from Naruto into the sword then into Itachi's body. Not everyone can carry a beast like that. Itachi is too weak so the chakra is killing him. Isnt that ironic? You have until five to get out. One. Two. Five!" Kisame disappeared.
"Thanks" Naruto fell backwards onto the dirt "Do you think Hikari would be happy?"
"Yes I do boy, close your eyes" Naruto did and fell instantly asleep. The wolf surveyed the area then let loose a final howl.
A couple of hours had passed. Konoha was being cleaned up. Sasuke used his fireball jutsu to burn the bodies. Others were burying them outside the village. Everyone was hurt in one way or another. Sakura took Ino to the hospital to heal a bad cut she'd gotten. Neji had taken Lee to her, he'd been knocked unconscious and had a broken arm. Hanabi had managed to find her mother, then the two went in search of the rest of their family. After much wailing and crying from Kiba, Shino felt Akamaru's pulse and told his friend the dog wasn't dead. Jiraiya and Kakashi worked on putting out the fires that had started. Naruto had been taken to the hospital lobby by Sai. A nurse looked him over and helped heal his not so serious wounds. Naruto leaned back in the chair. Tsunade came in holding a fox
"Naruto you should hear this"
"Hear what?"
"Me you wretched human! Why am I shown no respect?! The fox snapped. Naruto was awake now. He'd already dealt with a talking wolf so a talking fox didn't seem so out there.
"He left much of his power inside of you Naruto. When he was sepearated he went into this baby form. He only has one tail. He says that he'll regain his full power soon but until then has to stay in this form" Naruto didn't say anything then burst into laughter
"This is that dumb nine tailed fox?!" He walked over picking it up the scruff of its neck. It tried to bite him "This is great!"
"Laugh now human but I will kill you when I regain my strength!"
"He's so cute. This is gonna be fun" Naruto tried to hold him but he kept clawing him. Tsunade smiled. A very exhausted Sasuke and Sai entered the lobby. Both collapsed in a seat. Sakura came in a few minutes later followed by Hinata, Ino, Kiba and the others. Everyone had gathered at the hospital. As Tsunade went over damages with Shizune she was happy to find out not one Leaf villager was killed, there were injuries but no one died.
"Lady Tsunade" She turned to see the three kunochi that had been assigned to watch Hikari's body. The blonde who had called her looked scared
"Whats wrong?"
"We tried but…she's gone"
"What?!" Silence filled the room "I told you to watch her, why was that hard?"
"I'm sorry Hokage but it wasn't our fault"
"Wasn't your fault?!" Shizune put a hand on her shoulder.
"You just let Akastuki take her?!" Sasuke was beyond angry.
"Akastuki?" Confusion clouded her features "No, not Akatsuki. A blue haired young man dressed as a Leaf shinobi"
"Was he sorta tall with short spiky hair?" Naruto asked
"Yes"
"Naruto you know him?" Tsunade asked
"Ichiwa Jin" Sakura answered "He traveled with the man we were assigned to escort. He and Naruto couldn't get along if their lives depended on it"
"He simply came in and took her?"
"Not exactly, he knelt next to her body then put an ear to her heart and a hand on her stomach. At first we didn't understand what was going on then we saw the chakra leaving him and going into her"
"Amazing, Lady Hokage he was jumpstarting her heart with his own chakra. I've always heard of this technique but never seen it" Shizune said
"You're dismissed, go and help the others" The three were gone in a poof of smoke. She rubbed her temples "Ok everybody we need to get back out there so move"
"Wait!" Hanabi rushed forward "Hokage I have a note for Naruto-chan from Lady Okami" No one had seen Amaya nor Akane, her parents or Minoru. Naruto took the paper and read it aloud
"Dear Naruto, I'm sure you've already guessed that the Toras, Minoru and myself along with the Nousagi's are gone. We have an important meeting to attend regarding the thirteen clans. Sorry to leave on such short notice. Tell Sasuke his uncle will be coming for him soon. Jin apologizes for taking Hikari like he did but I ordered him too so don't give him undeserved anger. I expect you will want to come to her funeral, but we wont be having one. Too depressing. Take care of yourself. Lady Okami" Silence once again filled the room. The fox laid on top of Naruto's head. He snorted
"No funeral, how strange. I always knew the Okami's were out of it"
"I know that all of you are wondering if she can do this. I say she can. The Great wolf has chosen her to lead us, to take her father's place. Yes she is the first woman to have such a great task but I believe in her" Lady Okami spoke to the thirteen men seated around a long table in a very large room. The man nearest to her nodded his head in agreement. "What do you say my son?" He grinned. His carefree nature was like his oldest son's
"I'm all for it" The others cheered and clapped
"Its settled then, at the next meeting Okami Hikari will take her place as leader of the clans" More claps and cheers. Outside the door Miya paced, Temari hid a yawn and Kankuro watched Miya. The two were engaged, had been when she'd first gone to Konoha with her sister. Temari elbowed him
"Stop staring"
"I can if I want to" he stuck his tongue out. Temari rolled her eyes
"You're immature" She turned back to her friend "Miya calm down"
"Not until I know what the answer is"
"I cant believe your sister would do what she did. She could've died separating them like that"
"Hikari never worried about herself" The door opened. Koga Okami walked out, shutting it behind him. "Dad what did they say?"
"They agreed" A sigh of relief came out of her "Now all you have to worry about is your wedding. Kankuro?"
"Yes sir?"
"Gimme a hug, you'll be a part of the family" He pulled him into a bear hug
"Cant breath sir"
"What? Oh sorry" He slapped him on the back. "Tell your mother I'll be home later. I have to get Sasuke"
"Taking Jin with you this time?" Temari asked
"Nope for some reason he and the blonde kid I trained hated each other. I'll never understand it"
"What about the meeting sir?" Kankuro shouted after him
"Tell 'em to fuck off, I've got things to do" He whistled as he went down the hall.
"Your Dad is awesome, he's gonna be the best father-in-law ever" Kankuro grinned. Miya smiled
"I hope so, lets go see Hikari"
