AN
"Blah"- Normal Speech
'Blah'- Thoughts
"Blah"- Memories
"BLAH"- Jutsu
"Blah"- Summon/Demon
Naruto/Final Fantasy VII
Lost Son of Konoha
Chapter 8
Invasion Arc: Part 1
Before going further I just want to warn you all and tell you that this chapter has not been beta read. I have tried to get in contact with my proof read, Jokerisdaking, several times but have not heard back from him whicn is part of the reason this chapter has been so delayed, if your out there Jole please somehow get in contact with me. With that aside on with the story.
First light peaked over the mountain that bore the faces of Konoha's former leaders, the village was quiet and still however it was not an easy or serine quietness but one of unease and fear. Kakashi looked out of the window of his office at the view below, his face showing signs of tiredness however sleep had been the furthest thing from his mind. Letting out a groan, seating himself back down at his desk he dipped into once more Tsunade's forgotten stash and instead of pouring himself a saucer he took a swig from the bottle. The events of the previous day were still fresh in his mind and were weighing heavily on him.
He'd been in a meeting with the council disputing with them on various, and very boring, topics when the sound of commotion and voices was heard from in the corridor outside the council chamber. 'I wonder what that could be about?' The grey haired man had wondered. Moments later the door burst open and in came Jiraiya, the elderly man covered in sweat and panting heavily, as well as the two guards who'd been stationed outside and the woman who was usually stationed at the front desk.
"Jiraiya, what is the meaning of this intrusion?" One of the council members, Hiashi Hyuuga, demanded. Jiraiya didn't even seem to pretend to have heard the Hyuuga representative, the toad sage strolled towards the table which had several glasses and pitchers of water placed upon it, he then poured himself a glass and gulped the liquid down.
"I beg your forgiveness wide council members." The woman said in pleading tone, "Lord Jiraiya arrived and demanded to see the Hokage; I tried to tell him that he was attending this meeting and you were all busy but he wouldn't listen."
"That's fine." Kakashi told her, he turned to Jiraiya, "I hope you have a good reason for bursting into here?"
"We got trouble Kakashi," Jiraiya said, "As of right now we are at war."
This caught everyone by surprise, "War, what are you talking about?" The Nara clan head, Shikaku Nara, asked. For the next hour Jiriaya told the council about his encounter with Iwa and Kusaga ninja and the information he was able to get out of them as well as the mysterious deaths of members of his spy network and throughout the council had sat in silence.
"This is very troublesome." Kakashi said in a grim tone, "Iwa Kusaga and Oto allied and prepared to attack."
"How could Kusaga betray us? We may not have been allies but we were at least on were on good terms with them." Ino's father, Inoichi Yamanaka, spoke up.
"Hmm, it's quite simple when you think about it." Hiashi, head of the Hyuuga clan, said in a knowing tone.
"And what would that be you old fart?" Tsume, the Inuzuka clan head, demanded.
"It's obviously a power play on Kusaga's part." Hiashi went on ignoring the Inuzuka's comment, "They obviously that they think they can increase their standing in the shinobi world by partaking in this attack."
"Whatever the case its clear Orochimaru made them a better offer." Kakashi said, "As for Iwa, they still hold a grudge against us for the outcome of the last Ninja War. It wouldn't take much for Orochimaru to convince them into an assault against us. However I'm surprised that that snake didn't convince more of the smaller villages into joining in."
"Well it would appear that the assassination of the Hoshikage by Kumo was a blessing in disguise." Jiraiya added.
"Ah yes that idiot boy Sumaru, he was a fool to break ties with us after all Konoha did to aid his joke of a village during the incident with their precious star." Tsume said, "Good riddance I say, pity Kumo got there before we could do the job ourselves."
"Alright that's enough." Kakashi said in a stern tone, he then turned to Jiraiya, "Now are you absolutely certain of this, I don't want to give the order only to find out it's a false alarm."
"I have no doubt about it, the fact they've been targeting my spy network make this a pretty certain thing. Orochimaru wanted to keep us blind and unprepared for an attack." Jiraiya said in a grim tone, "However even after discovering that this I could not be sure, it was only but encountering and engaging that party of Iwa and Kusaga ninja along with Temari and Cloud did I come to an absolute solid conclusion."
"And where are they? Why are they not here?" Hiashi asked.
"I sent Temari and her genin squad back to Suna to raise the alarm." Jiraiya replied, "As for Cloud, he said he was going to…buy us some time."
"But that's preposterous, one man against three whole armies." Inoichi spoke up.
"We have no choice but to believe in him. He maybe a man but he is a man who is part of a group that has challenged gods and demons, a man who fought on equal terms with one of our most dangerous criminals." Kakashi said, "I say we put our trust in him."
Anything else that may have been said died when Kakashi said this. "Jiraiya, how much time do we have?" Kakashi asked.
"A week, maybe even less than that." The toad sage replied.
Kakashi rose from his seat and turned his focus on the gathered people before him, "Very well. Gentlemen war has come to our village, let us meet it accordingly."
"Put the word out to all inhabitance of this village and tell them to make preparations. Inform all civilians that I want them to be prepared for evacuation within three days that includes academy students and new graduates; they are to gather all necessary provisions and items. In three days all genin will escort them to the shelters where they will stay until told to return. In the meantime send a messenger hawk to all our forces who outside the village and tell them current active missions are cancelled. All clan heads return to your homes and prepare your forces for battle all. First thing tomorrow morning we will return here as a council of war, we have to organize all our chunin's and jounin's into battalions as well as plan our strategy. Until then the ANBU will be place on guard on all key and strategic point throughout the village."
Kakashi paused for a moment to catch his breath before speaking again, "That bastard snake believes that he can catch us unawares and take over, let's show him how strong our will of fire burns. Dismissed."
Just then a knock at the door was heard bring Kakashi back to the present, after giving the order the door opened to reveal Kurenai. "Hokage-sama, the council is gathered in the meeting room, Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade included, they've awaiting your arrival." She told him.
"I see." Kakashi said as he put the bottle away, "Kurenai, how is your son?"
"He's fine; he's yet to return with the other members of his squad." Kurenai replied, "Hopefully he'll be back soon."
"You know I could order you not to participate in the battle. You could go with him and the other genin's along with the other civilians and protect them as they are evacuated. There's no reason for him to lose both his parents." Kakashi told her.
"No, my place is here. I will stay here and stand alongside my comrades and friends." Kurenia said firmly, "You should go, they're waiting for you."
"Yeah." Kakashi rose from the desk and the pair exited the office.
In a location somewhere on the border between Hi no Kuni and Tsuchi no Kuni the master minds behind the Konoha invasion force were gathered in fancy looking room, the snake sannin Orochimaru, a Kusa nin and the Tsuchikage were gathered around a table that had a map of Konoha and the surrounding area spread out over it.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Orochimaru's captain, once more masked to hide his features from the Tsuchikage and the Iwa forces, entered the room, his pale skinned master looked over at him with a sick smirk on his face, "There you are, I was hoping that you'd join us for this meeting."
"I apologize Orochimaru-sama, I felt my place was with the troops." The Oto ninja replied.
The Tsuchikage glared at the masked ninja, "Orochimaru, I do not question your indulgences merely by choice. However this is an important meeting, I do not approve of some lowly grunt to barge in here disturbing us."
Orochimaru turned to the rock kage "I'd watch what I'd say if I were you, do not forget that you are merely here as a formality." He told the bearded man with a hiss, "Your armies have barley been at full strength in years, so I suggest you think twice about speaking ill of my general."
The Tsuchikage grunted, "Tell me solider, what is your name?"
"I have no name Tsuchikage-sama, I am but a shadow in the darkness to serve the will of my master." The ninja replied.
"Howe poetic. Fine then I will give you a name since I'd feel more comfortable calling you something." The Tsuchikage said, "From now on I call you Cassius."
The masked ninja looked over at the snake sannein, "Dose that please you Orochimaru-sama?"
"Cassius, the name of a conspirator who caused the bloody death of an emperor. I like it." Orochimaru said with an amused look on his face, "Very well then, from now on that will be your name. So Cassius, what have you to report?"
"Very good my lords. I have come to tell you that we are almost at full strength my lord, the combined forces of all our villages should be with us by nightfall." Cassius replied.
"Excellent we can move out at first light." The Tsuchikage said, a devious smile spread across his face. Just then there was another knock at the door and Kabuto entered accompanied by three ninja all of who bore Iwa's symbol all of who were looking pretty nervous.
"Sorry to intrude Orochimaru-sama, Tsuchikage-sama however these three have something to tell you."
"My deepest apologies for the intrusion Tsuchikage-sama, but we have urgent news." One of the Iwa ninja said, "It may affect the campaign."
"What are you babbling about?" the Tsuchikage snorted.
"We had met up with the group of were ambushed Kusga ninja we were meant to. Just then we discovered a jounin and three genin from Suna, they had heard us discussing how we to wait for the party from Oto before moving out, we managed to capture them but then we were attacked by a man with spiky blond hair and had a big sword. He was a powerful however we managed to overpower him however we were ambushed by Jiraiya of the sannien." Said the second.
"You what!!!" the Tsuchikage spat, "What did you fools tell him?"
"N…nothing Tsuchikage-sama, we did our best to hold him off but those weak Kusaga ninja told him everything." The first Iwa ninja said, "Now both Konoha and Suna know about the invasion."
"You incompetents." The Tsuchikage roared, "I should kill you all right now."
Just then Orochimaru began chuckling which halted the bearded man's action, "May I ask what's so funny?"
"So Konoha is aware of our little scheme now, oh well can't be helped." Orochimaru said offhandedly.
"What, how can you be so calm about this?" the Tsuchikage demanded, "Konoha will now be on high alert and no doubt Suna will mobilize its forces to aid them."
"Will you relax; we wouldn't want you to have a heart attack now would we." Orochimaru said in a tone that infuriated the Iwa kage, he then turned to Kabuto, "Tell me how long will it take for Suna to come to Konoha's aid?"
"I suspect it will take at least five days Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto replied, "Even if they have been alerted Suna will still need time to prepare and organize themselves and let's not forget even at top speed it's a three day journey from Suna to Konoha."
"You see Tsuchikage, we have precious little to worry about. In the same time it will take Suna's forces to reach Konoha ours will already have arrived, set up and begun our attack." Orochimaru told the bearded man.
"Yes, I suppose that's true." The elder man said, his temper soothed somewhat.
"And what of this blond swordsman, what should be done about him?" Cassius asked.
"What of him, he is but one man. What could he possibly do to stop us." The Tsuchikage snorted, "If he tries to interfere with the battle I'll personally crush his head."
"So it's agreed, we stick to the plan and move out at first light." Orochimaru said in cool tone.
Far away Temari and her squad was bounding towards their home village of Sunagakure no sato, despite the desert heat being hard on their amphibian steed it nether the less carried on and by nightfall the outer walls of the city were insight. The instant they were inside she dismissed her students and the toad, who vanished in a puff of smoke, and wasted no time in making a beeline straight for the large tower that overlooked the city where her brother the Kazekage was located.
Garra had been surprised when the door to his office opened and his sister burst in as he'd not expected to see her for at least another week. However he could tell from her heavy breathing and demeanour that something was wrong.
"Temari, what are you doing back here so soon?" he listened patiently as she told him everything that happened during her encounter with the Iwa and Kusaga ninja the frown on his face growing deeper as he did.
"Coyot, Vulture." He said and two ANBU's appeared instantly beside his desk, "Rouse the council and Kankurou, and tell them that I want to see them in the council chamber immediately. After that spread word to our military forces, tell them I want them prepped and combat ready as soon as possible."
"Hai Kazekage-sama." The two men said before vanishing into thin air. That done he took out a scroll and scribbled something on it and handed it to Temari, "Go to the top of the tower and attach this to out fastest messenger hawk, it needs to get to Konoha as soon as possible. Once that's done join me in the council chamber."
Despite how tired she was Temari nodded and accepted the scroll from him and headed straight for the top of the tower where the messenger birds were located, after giving the scroll to one of the birds and sending it on its way she headed straight from the council chamber where her brothers and the heads of each of the villages clans were waiting for her.
After telling them what she'd told her brother the council deliberated amongst themselves although the outcome was never in doubt, Suna would go and aid its allies and with the military already being prepared for deployment it would hopefully be soon.
Garra bore no illusion; he knew that the enemy had a major advantage over both Suna and Konha, not only in numbers but also had time on their side and would utilise it to its fullest. He'd just have to hope that Kakashi and his forces could find a way to hold off the combined Oto Iwa Kusaga forces long enough for his troops to arrive.
The meeting quickly adjourned, the respective parties heading back to their homes as come first light they'd be preparing to organize their forces. Garra and his siblings walked in silence as they headed back towards the Kazekage's estate, as they did Garra glanced over at his female sibling he could tell from her demeanour that something was bothering her.
"You worried about something." He said in a firm tone catching her attention, "Worried about Konoha."
"Or maybe a certain someone in Konoha." Kankuro said in a teasing tone.
"Shut up." Temari snapped at her makeup wearing sibling, she then looked over at her red haired brother, "It's just you know that we won't be there when the battle starts, do you really think the leaf can hold off such a large force until we arrive?"
"The odds are stacked against them, however if there is one thing I have learned is to never underestimate the spirit of a leaf ninja when he's defending that which is precious to him." Garra told her, for an instant he was an early teen again lying on his back in the middle of a large group of tree's whilst a certain blond genin clad in a neon orange jump suit was using whatever strength he had left to drag himself towards him, 'Naruto, you taught me that lesson. And for teaching it to me I will use all my power to protect that which is precious to you.'
Both Temari and Kankuro stared at him; no words were needed to know what their brother was thinking. Garra then offered Temari a small smile, "Don't worry, they'll find a way." Nothing more was said, nothing needed to be.
Far away Kitsune and his followers, Samuri Omoi and Karui, were making their way across the lands of Sora no Kuni; they'd crossed the border of Kaminari no Kuni into Yama no Kuni several days ago and, their pace was maintained would be at the border to Hi no Kuni by nightfall. After a few hours the foursome stopped in a clearing of one of the countries forest to catch their breath.
"Ok we'll rest here for a few moments before moving on." Kitsune told the others who had reclined themselves on the ground, he then reached into his cloak and took out his water cask to take a drink from it only to discover it was empty, "Damn."
"Looks like you're out." Omi commented.
"Wow, you figure that out all by yourself." Karui snorted.
"You say something bitch." Omoi retorted.
"What did you just call me?" Karui growled as she prepared to draw her sword.
"Shut up the pair of you." Samuri snapped.
"Thank you." Kitsune said as he drew some blood from his thumb with a kunai, he then smeared it on his hand, flipped through several seals and slammed both his palms onto the ground, "KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU! Summoning Technique!"
There was a puff of smoke and a black furred wolf that came up to Kitsune's chest wearing samurai shoulder armor and a helmet on its head and a scabbard strapped to its appeared hip. "What do you want?" the wolf snarled.
"Geez Remus, why are you like this every time I see you?" Kitsune asked.
"It's that smell on you, I despise it so." The wolf, identified as Remus, retorted.
"Whatever, I have a job for you." Kitsune said as he held his water cask to the summon.
"You called me here for this, is that what I have been reduced to a mere sniffer dog." Remus snarled, never the less he sniffed the leather container and put his nose to the ground.
"Find anything?" Kitsune asked.
"There's a small stream about 200 meters south of here." Remus replied.
"Right lead the way." Kitsune told the creature who snarled at him.
"Why the hell should I?" the black wolf demanded.
"Why, you not up to it? And I thought you were the pack's best tracker, maybe next time I should just go ahead and call your brother up." Kitsune said in a mocking tone which earned him another snarl.
"Fine let's go." Remus snapped.
Kitsune let out a chuckle before the pair of them leapt up into the trees. Samuri shook her head as the two vanished. Leaping through the trees Kitsune and Remus arrived at the stream very quickly and Kitsune set to work with filling his water cask.
"Well well well, look at who we got here." A voice was heard causing Kitsune's head to snap up and looking up Kitsune saw a party of five ninja standing on several branches, the metal plates on their headbands bore a star symbol indicating they were Hoshi ninja.
"What do you want?" he demanded whist Remus began snarling.
"I never thought it possible but in here of all places we've found you murderer." The lead Hoshi nin snarled.
"You're going to pay for what you did." Another said.
"And what was that exactly." Kitsune said in a bored tone.
"Shut up, don't play dumb." a third said, "You killed our Hoshikage in cold blood."
"Oh yeah I did didn't I." Kitsune replied.
"You monster, the Hoshikage was going to make our village power. Strong enough to challenge the five great nations, but that died when you killed him." the lead Hoshi ninja spoke up again.
"I did you a favour. Your Hoshikage was a weak minded idiot who tried to get into bed with men who would have made your village even more of a joke then it already is." Kitsune stated as he drew both his weapons.
"KUJAKU MYOHO! Mysterious Peacock Method!" All five of them cried and purple aura appeared from the base of their spines in a shape that kinda resembled a peacock's tail. Both Kitsune and Remus braced themselves as they knew what was next.
"KAJUKU MYOHO: KEMONO! Mysterious Peacock Method: Beast!" The chakra 'feathers' that were flowing from behind the Hoshi ninja's backs changed to the form of a animal, a couple of dogs and even a hawk, rushed towards them.
Gritting his teeth Kitsune flipped through seals, "SUITON: SUIRYUDAN NO JUTSU! Water Dragon Projectile Technique!" The water from the stream behind him rose up taking the form of a Technique takes the form of a giant dragon. The water dragon clashed with the Kajku beast creating a large bust of water, when it cleared both Kitsune and Remus were gone.
"Damnit, they're gone. That suiton jutsu was just a diversion." The lead Hoshi ninja growled as he looked about, "Where is he?" Just then there was a rustle in the tree's behind them. The Hoshi ninja sent his Kajku beast into the tree only to find nothing, just then several Kitsune's emerged from the branches above them.
"Bushin's, like that will fool me." The lead ninja scoffed, "KUJKAKU MYOHO: ZAN! Mysterious Peacock Method: Destroy!" the 'feathers' on the Hoshi ninja's backs flared impaling each of the clones.
"Too easy." The ninja scoffed, his gloating was cut short when one of his men was somehow thrown off the branch. The instant the ninja hit the ground Remus's head and upper torso emerged grabbing the ninja by the leg and dragging him back into the hole which barely muffled his terrified screams.
"What the…, how'd he do that?" the Hoshi ninja demanded. Just then part bark from the tree fell away and Kitsune stepped out onto the branch where the leader of the Hoshi ninja was standing on, the bark actually being the Kumon ninja's cloak.
"You…KAJUKU MYOHO: KEMONO! Mysterious Peacock Method: Beast!" He once again ordered his Kajuku hawk to attack Kitsune. "FUUTON: DAIYOPPA! Great Breakthrough!" As it attacked Kitsune charged his sword up with wind chakra and swinging it created a large bust of it powerful enough to knock the chakra creature back, he then lunged at the Hoshi ninja who tried to block his attack with a kunai. "You bastard, you'll pay for what did." The Hoshi nin growled. "If I had a Ryo for every time I've heard that." Kitsune retorted before planting his foot in the ninja's gut, "Anytime you're ready Remus."
"DOTON: ISSEN HANPNE ZA URUFU NO JUTSU! One Thousand Fangs of the Wolf!" the ground began to shake a giant wolf's head made of rock and dirt rose from the ground, it latched its jaws around the tree and dragged it down as it retreated. All five ninja leapt from the tree, Remus emerging at Kitsune's side. "Bastard…" one of the Hoshi ninja snarled.
"You might want to change the record; I think that one's scratched." Kitsune taunted. "Mock us all you want, we still outnumber you." A second Hoshi ninja growled. "Really, I think Remus and I can rectify that." Kitsune said as he made a one handed seal, at the same time Remus's tail began to shake and sway quickly. "TAJUU KAGE BUSHIN NO JUTSU! Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!" "DOTON: ISHI URUFU BUSHIN NO JUTSU! Stone Wolf Clone Technique!" there was a burst of smoke and a dozen Kitsunes and Remus's came into existence.
"KUJKAKU MYOHO: ZAN! Mysterious Peacock Method: Destroy!" all four Hoshi ninja cried using the 'feathers' on their backs to destroy as many of the clones as they could as they charged at them. Kitsune and Remus's used their blades to repel the Hoshi ninja's Kajuku beasts as best they could.
"KUJKAKU MYOHO CHAKRA NO NAWA! - Mysterious Peacock Method: Chakra Rope!" the lead ninja cried as he extend his out to form ropes, these wound around Kitsune and dragged the masked ninja towards him.
"Your mine now monster, you'll pay for what you did and don't think your little sword tricks can save you, these chakra ropes are uncuttable." the lead ninja said as Kitsune got closer, he then grabbed Kitsune by his long blond locks and plunged a kunai into his throat, "Die!!!" however instead of a fountain of blood Kitsune disappeared in a puff of smoke. "What, a clone?"
Just then a swirl of leaves appeared behind the Hoshi ninja. "KAJUKU MYOHO: KEMONO! Mysterious Peacock Method: Beast!" the Hoshi ninja cried channelling all his chakra into his Kajuku hawk making it the size of a small light aircraft.
Kitsune flipped through more seals, "FUUTON: FUUIRYUDAN NO JUTSU! Wind Dragon Projectile Technique!" The air pressure grew heavier and the a tornado formed around Kitsune kicking up debris from the ground and like its suiton equivalent took the form of a large dragon, with a cry both ninja urged their chakra creatures into battle colliding with one another. The dragon's head struck the chakra hawk in the chest causing it to let out a cry before beginning to rake at it with its talons.
From an outside perspective it would seem that both creatures seemed evenly matched but then again I'm sure your all aware of the saying about first impressions, Kitsune poured more chakra into with jutsu and dragon ripped through the hawk and engulfed the Hoshi ninja the intensity of the wind pressure cutting into him like knives and ripped him apart.
Meanwhile Kitsune was breathing heavily; not that fighting opponents of such level were a problem however the strain from of augmenting his body with chakra for nonstop travelling atop of reparative use of high rank jutsu was catching up with him.
The remaining Hoshi ninja spotted this and mistakenly thought that Kitsune was beginning to tire, fortunately they were to be speared for their miscalculation.
"What's going on here?" A cold voice rang out, all heads looked round and saw Samuri Omoi and Karui standing on the branch of a nearby tree all of whom were looking rather ticked off.
"Crap, he's got reinforcements." One of the Hoshi ninja swore, he then glared at Kitsune, "This isn't over monster, our Hoshikage will be avenged."
All of three them then vanished in a blink of an eye. With a sigh both Kitsune and Remus dispelled their remaining clones.
Samui and the others leapt down and approached as Kitsune sheathed his weapons. "What was that all about?" Samui asked. "Hogging all the fun again that's what." Omoi snorted but his teammates just ignored him.
"Oh just some pussy Hoshi ninja, apparently their entire village is still pissed off because I killed their wannabe kage." Kitsune replied off handily.
"Oh is that all." Karui said, "Oh well no big deal." Just then there was a grunt and looking down the foursome saw Remus who was at Kitsune's side.
"Thanks Remus, you've been a big help." Kitsune told the summon who just let out a 'hmph' in reply.
"Whatever, just remember that you owe me for this." The black wolf told his summoner. "Don't worry about it, you can just stick in on the tab." Kitsune assured him, "Once I've finished my business with Konoha I promise to pay my debt in full."
"You'd better, just remember I'm gonna be holding you to that." The black wolf growled before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Shaking his head Kitsune walked back over to the stream to complete the task he'd come to do here in the first place and filled his water cask to the brim.
Karui then handed the masked ninja his cloak who began checking it for damage, "Don't worry, its fine." She assured him. Throwing the material over himself and the foursome set off once more.
Several days past and the atmosphere of apprehension that hung over Konoha had failed to dissipate, the evacuation of all non military personnel had gone off without a hitch and now only the village's ninja forces remained waiting for moment to be called into action.
Kakashi stood before the memorial stone his eyes fixed upon it blocking out everything else. "Well Obito, this is it. Who knows maybe we'll be seeing one another before it all ends." There was a moment of pause as if expecting an answer from the inanimate object. "I wonder what you'd think of me if you could see me now, who'd have ever thought back then I'd be in these robes." Kakashi let out a mirthless chuckle.
Just then a cry was heard and a large bird alighted on the stone, the silver haired kage quickly noticing the scroll that was tied to its leg. After relieving the bird of its burden Kakaski watched as the creature spread its wings and flew away, once it was out of sight he turned his focus back to the stone, "I have to go now, Hokage business. I'll see you again soon."
And then in a flurry of leaves Kakashi was gone and reappeared in his office where he found Kurenai sitting behind his desk and was surprised when he threw the scroll to her. Confused Kurenai opened it and a grim expression spread across her face, "They're here."
"Yes, It's a field report from Lee and Hinata." Kakashi told her, "They've spotted the enemy making camp several miles north of village and are headed back."
"When do you think the attack will come?" Kurenai asked.
"I don't know, however I don't plan on being caught unawares."
In a blink of an eye a trio of ANBU had appeared before the silver haired kage, "Alert our forces, I want them to ready to deploy at first light."
"Hai." The three ninja said before they vanished again.
Far from Konoha Orochimaru the Tsuchikage and the representative of the Kusaga military were gathered over a map of Konoha and the surrounding area. "So we are in agreement, Iwa and Kusaga's armies will take the main gate drawing the main part of Konoha's forces. That should be enough to allow my Oto forces will take the west gate, once inside we can take slaughter their forces." Orochimaru said.
"Hmmm! I'd rather see my army take the main gate single handed but I guess as long as Konoha is ground beneath my heel then so be it." The Tsuchikage grunted.
"My forces are prepared and willing to do our part." The Kusaga ninja added.
"Very well then, we move at first light then." The snake sannien said a gleeful smirk on his face.
The two men nodded before vanishing leaving Orochimaru by himself. Tomorrow could not come soon enough, His previous assault on Knonoha may have failure but this time he would succeed.
"Where tree leaves dance one shall find flames. The fires shadow will illuminate the village and once again tree leaves shall bud anew." The dying words of his departed sensei came to him, for an instant a look of remorse spread across the pale man's face but this died quickly and was replaces by a cruel smirk accompanied by an even cruller chuckle.
"May I ask what is so funny?" a voice caught Orochimaru's attention and looking round saw Kabuto and Cassius waiting for him. "It nothing, merely the words of a dying old man." The snake user replied, "Is everything in order?"
"Hai, everything is ready. It merely awaits your command." Cassius said in his typical monotone manner.
Letting out another chuckle Orochimaru went over to a deck where a glass and bottle set on a tray were located, after pouring the liquid contained within he raised his glass, "The die is cast then, the board is set and pieces are in place. All is left is the end game itself. Gentlemen to the destruction of Konoha, come morning 'the fire that illuminates the village will be put out forever'." Orochimaru spoke.
Ski let out a sigh as he stared up at the empty sky, not a cloud a bird nor a breath of wind, it was far too still for his liking. Looking over he looked at the convoy of people that he and his fellow genin were escorting to the temporary safe house located many miles from the village, young children clung to their parents whilst the elderly had been loaded onto wagons, all carried an air of desperation amongst them wondering if they'd ever see their homes and loved one again.
Whilst he's been given strict orders from both Kakashi-jisan and Bushy Brow-sensei the idea of having to evacuate didn't sit well with him, maybe it was just the memories of when his family was killed that made him not want others to go through the same thing.
Scanning the group he saw his sister who had a scowl on her face, clearly even more unhappy about being here and not back in the village then he was. The almost complete massacre of their clan had affected her more than it had him, even before then back then she had been a rather distant for other people outside of their immediate family (and the superiority complex that she'd developed because of it hadn't helped) but after that day she'd become even colder and distant then before. At a young age Suki had been heralded as a child prodigy as well as a genius, the golden child in the eyes of the family their parents and lavished their love and attention upon her.
Despite being older Ski however it was if they gave up on him and focused all their efforts and energies on her whilst Ski had been pushed aside as he couldn't live up to the clan's expectations, the only family members that had acknowledged his existence had been his grandparents.
"Ski nii-san!!!" the sound of his name being called caught Ski's attention and looking about saw Yui Hyuuga run towards him before wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Hey there nee-chan." Ski greeted the Hyuuga girl, "Shouldn't you be with your mom?"
"She's with the rest of the clan talking about boring stuff." The small girl pouted, "Their no fun."
Ski smiled, "So you thought you'd come find me, still you shouldn't have run off. I bet she's worried about you. KAGE BUSHIN NO JUTSU! Shadow Clone Technique!"
The boy formed a hand sign and in a puff of smoke a perfect copy of the ebony haired prankster appeared. "OK, you stay here whilst I take Suki back to her mother as he lifted the small girl onto his back." Ski told the clone.
"Hai." The clone replied. Ski took off with Yui on his back weaving in and out of the crowds of people looking for any glimpse of the bun haired kunoichi.
"Nii-san, are you worried?" Yui asked.
"What about?" Ski asked.
"About the village, something bad's gonna happen isn't it?" Yui said as she gripped Ski's shirt tighter.
"Don't worry, no matter what Hokage-ji-san won't let anything happen to it." Ski said in a reassuring tone, "Besides your dad's still there and your mom would be majorly pissed if the village got taken over on his watch."
A smile formed on Yui's face, "Yeah, Otou-san won't allow anything bad to happen to the village." She cheered, "Besides if anything bad happens you'll go and save the village single handed, right Nii-san cos you're a super hero ninja."
"Wow you're smart, you figured out my secret identity." Ski joked.
Eventually the pair spotted Tenten "Kaa-san, Kaa-san." Yui cried out. Tenten looked over in their direction and saw her daughter riding on the back of the ebony haired genin who bounded over to her.
With a look of relief Tenten lifter her daughter off of Ski's back back embraced her, "Yui, don't ever do that again." She then looked over at Ski, "Thank you."
"No prob." Ski replied his cheerful expression then vanished, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Tenten replied, despite her tone Ski knew that the situation was really bugging the older kuniochi maybe even more then himself and Suki.
The sun rose over the Hokage monument but even its warm rays could not break the feeling of that had gripped the village. Before the sun had even risen the village's ninja had taken up their positions. At the villages main gate was stationed was Iruka Lee and Kiba who were under the command of Gai as well as Neji and a squad on ANBU. At the west gate Ino Chouji Hinata Anko and Kurenai who would be under the command of Yamato.
At the villages centre was a strategic post where Shikamaru and several others along with Shino and several others from the Aburame clan, it would be their job to use their destruction bugs to relay messages to the other divisions stationed at both gates and throughout the village.
Also several facilities including the ninja academy had been converted to handle the incoming wounded, no one wanted to think about the incoming wounded they would receive Shizune would be in charge of the hospital whilst Sakura was stationed at the academy along with Sai.
Elsewhere Kakashi was sitting other the head of his teacher overlooking the village, next to him was an empty cup of instant ramen. Without a word he got to his feet and looking round he saw Tsunade and Jiraiya, Tsunade was clad in the traditional blue grab of the villages ninja complete with chuunin's vest whilst Jiraiya was wearing his usual robes.
Kakashi grabbed the traditional garbs and pulling them off revealing himself to be clad in his old ANBU uniform complete with sword. Just then the cry of a hawk from overhead was heard and the three of them stepped out on the head of the Yondaime.
"Its time." Kakashi said. Both of the elder nin's nodded before vanishing in a swirl of leaves, as they did the forces stationed at the main gate got their first sight of the enemy.
AN I'm sorry its been a while since the last post, several factors have contributed to the delay of this post, a) I picked up Pokemon HeartGold and have spent the majority of my time playing that, b) I've gotten into watching Kamen Rider Kabuto as well as a little bit of Double and finally c) the latest chapters of the manga just seemed to sap any enthusiasm and creativity I had and after chapter 482 I was so tempted just to quit writing this because I didn't want to work on anything that was linked in any way to that steaming turd.
We've hit a low people, you can usually tell cos Sasuke has shown up as he can always be counted on to bring the story to a screeching halt.
There are times I wish I wasn't so invested in Naruto, I wish I could lose interest in it like I did with One Piece and just stop reading (yes everyone I did at one point read One Piece but I just got bored with the series).
Chapter 489- the ending had me thinking that Kabuto and the zombie Akatsuki members were gonna reveal they were all wearing a Black Lantern rings and start chanting…
"The Blackest Night falls from the skies, The darkness grows as all light dies, We crave your hearts and your demise, By my black hand--The dead shall rise!"
Seriously this could easily turn into Blackest Night now that Kabuto has supposedly perfected Orochimaru's resurrection jutsu and when you think about all the characters who have died over the course of the series.
Chapter 492- We've got Naruto trying to master his demon chakra and Kishimoto has resorted to ripping off The Empire Strikes Back, but then again there are worse to rip off.
And if nothing else thanks to Sasuke's fight with Danzo we can at least reafirm that the true translation of Sharingan is Deus ex Machina. Here's part of the Narutopedia entry on Sasuke's new ability. "Izanagi is activated, it is capable of turning injuries and even death inflicted upon the user into mere illusions." Oh god, ow...ow...it hurts. Forget Tsukuyomi and Susanoo we have witnessed the Sharingan's true ultimate technique: Plot convenience.
And finally what the hell is up with Sakura, I swear its like Kishimoto doesn't know what to do with her character. One moments she seems strong and firm with her covictions then the next she's totally hapless.
I'm sorry, the way the story is progressing just really rubs the wrong way. I hate Sasuke, he's an unnessasary character who should have been killed off long ago but Kishimoto has deluded himself into believeing is important. I hate Madara, he sucks at being a villiain. I what they're doing with Sakura and how Kishi is just flip flopping on her character, most of the chapters since the start of the year have contain layers upon layers of stupid.
I'm done, it all kicks off next time. See you all then.