Chapter 11: Echoes From the Past
"What's wrong, Naruto-Kun?" Hinata asked.
It has been five days since Silas Dubois' failed coup. Things were returning to normal in the capital, yet the atmosphere was still tense. Word from the west spoke that the host of Manos was finally on the move, heading straight for Andalasia with intent to destroy all who stands in its way.
Yet there was still hope. The dark army of Manos, now well over 160,000 strong, was still hundreds of miles away. An army that size would take weeks to reach Andalasia, so there was still time, not much time, but still time to prepare
So this evening, the two young Shinobi had decided to spend a few precious hours to themselves. Henry and Elaine had told Naruto and Hinata about a super romantic spot in the woods near the city, and this is where we find the two young Shinobi watching the stars come out.
"Huh?" Naruto asked, "What do you mean, Hinata-Chan?"
"You've been oddly quiet the past few days," said Hinata, "Since we stopped Silas and his minions from taking over the kingdom. It's like something's bothering you."
"What, bothering me?" Naruto asked, "I'm perfectly fine, Hinata-Chan."
"Well something's bothering you," said Hinata, "The only time you've been this quiet is when you've got something serious on your mind. So what's bothering you? Is it that the enemy is on the move?"
"No," said Naruto, "We've still got time before that creep Manos gets to Andalasia."
"Well are you worried about the training of the new army?" Hinata asked.
"I couldn't be more happier with the new army," said Naruto, "Chouji, Neji and Bushy Brows are really whipping the recruits into shape."
"Then what's wrong?" Hinata asked, "You can tell me anything, Naruto-Kun, anything."
"It's kind of personnel," said Naruto.
"Well if you'd rather not talk about it," said Hinata, "I'll understand."
"No," said Naruto, "It's alright. What's bothering me, is that, well, we've been in Andalasia for a while now, and I've yet to find a restaurant or bakery that makes halfway decent ramen noodles."
"Ramen noodles," said Hinata. Coming from anyone else, this would have been very silly and stupid to Hinata. But since this is Naruto we're talking about, it's a very serious matter.
"Didn't you bring several packs of instant ramen from home?" Hinata asked.
"I did," said Naruto, "But it's just not the same. There's just no beating ramen from the Ichiraku." He sighed, but then sat bolt upright, as if he had a really great idea. "Say, Hinata-Chan, did I ever tell you about the time Sakura, Chouji and I saved the daughter of the Ichiraku owner from a bunch of ninja chefs?"
…the next morning…
"Has anyone seen Naruto?" Henry asked, "We've got a full morning ahead of us."
"Last I saw of him," said Neji, "He, Sakura, Chouji and Hinata were heading for the palace kitchens."
Henry then made his way to the kitchens, where he saw Hinata watching Naruto, Sakura and Chouji as they gathered several bags of flour, several dozen eggs and a lot of other pasta ingredients. A large quantity of flour and eggs were already placed on the kitchen counter, while Chouji poured a measure of water on the ingredients
"There you are," said Henry, "We've got an appointment with some combat engineers this morning, then we've got to review some mercenary applicants."
"That can wait," said Naruto, "This is much more important, believe it! You ready, Sakura? Chouji?"
"You betcha!" said Sakura eagerly.
"Ready, willing and able!" said Chouji.
"Okay then," said Naruto, "Hinata, Henry, get ready to see how Shinobi prepare ramen noodles!" he made his hand signs, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" with a puff of smoke, a lone copy of Naruto appeared beside the real one. The two Naruto's began charging up a Rasengan attack.
"What is he doing!?" Henry asked, "He can't possibly be doing that in the middle of the palace, can he?!"
"Just relax, Henry," said Sakura as the two Naruto's finished charging up the blue spiral ball of chakra, "This is so cool."
"Rasengan!" exclaimed the real Naruto as the clone vanished, "Ichiraku version!!" He slammed the chakra ball onto the pile of flour, eggs and water, which soon began spinning with the spin of the Rasengan.
"What is this?" asked a confused Henry.
"I get it," said Hinata, "He's using the chakra to mix the ingredients."
After several seconds the chakra ball had mixed the flour, eggs, water and other ingredients into a large lump of dough.
"That's it for step one," said Naruto as he began shaping the dough, which soon began to take on the shape of a human head and face, "Sakura!" the shaped dough was now shaped in a strikingly accurate likeness of Itachi Uchiha, "Step two!"
"That dirty bastard Itachi!!" exclaimed an infuriated Sakura, her eyes blazing with rage, "He ruined Sasuke's childhood! He must pay!!"
While Sakura was ranting, Naruto had gathered the dough in a cloth bag and placed it on a large, reinforced metal table. He jumped out of the way as Sakura began pounding the cloth bag with all her might. The table, reinforced to hold several tones, was beginning to buckle under Sakura's intense barrage of fists.
"Gods!" said Henry, "She's so strong!"
"That intense pounding," said Hinata, "Sakura will have that dough evenly kneaded in no time. But why did Naruto shape the dough like that?"
"To get Sakura properly motivated," said Chouji, "My part is next, so stand back."
By now Sakura had beaten the table into a twisted hulk of scrap metal, while the dough was kneaded to an inch of its life.
"That's good, Sakura!" said Naruto as he grabbed the dough from its bag, "Chouji!"
"Ready!!" said Chouji, "Partial Expansion Jutsu! Both arms!!" With that his arms grew to several times their normal size. Naruto tossed the dough to Chouji, who caught it and began twisting and whipping the dough around, until it had stretched and formed several feet of noodles.
"And that's how Shinobi make Ramen noodles," said Naruto.
"You call this a good reason to put the war effort on hold?" Henry asked, "You really are a knucklehead, Naruto!"
"Just wait until you taste the noodles," said Naruto as Sakura and Chouji began cooking the noodles, "You won't believe your tongue, believe it!"
A short time later they were having a late breakfast out on one of the balconies, "I have to admit it, Naruto," said Henry between noodle slurps, "This is great ramen."
"Told you so," smirked Naruto as he slurped down more noodles.
Just then there was a loud crack, like ice breaking in the distance.
"What was that?" Sakura asked.
"That," said Henry, "Is what we're late for. Come."
They made their way to the training grounds, where Neji, Sasuke and Shikamaru talking to a group of military engineers, one of which was holding a weapon that Naruto had never seen before, but Sakura had, or at least read about.
"Is that a musket?" Sakura asked.
"It is indeed," said one of the engineers. He was wearing blue and green robes with a red and gold sash, "A gift from the far east."
"This is Davis Jin," said Sasuke, "Lead Combat Engineer of Andalasia."
"The pleasure is mine," said Jin as he shook Naruto's hand, "Hopefully this and others like it will help save the kingdom." On a nearby folding rack were several more muskets
"So do these muskrats work?" Naruto asked.
"They're called muskets," said Shikamaru, "Get your words straight, honestly."
"Whatever," said Naruto, "So how do you use them?" he awkwardly held one of the muskets with the metal tube pointing down, "It looks more like a club."
"Technically you can use the stock as a secondary weapon," said Jin, "And you can attach a special knife to the barrel, a blade called a bayonet. But more on that later, first things first."
He picked up another musket; "First you pour a small measure of gunpowder into the barrel. Then you place a small square of cloth over the mouth of the barrel. This cloth is called wading. After that you place one of these on the wading," he held out a small led ball that was slightly smaller than the barrel, "This is a shot. You then use this metal stick attacked to the barrel, called a ramrod, to ram the shot and wading down the barrel as far as it will go, making sure that the powder, wading and shot, is tightly packed against each other.
Jin then indicated the piece of flint at the end of the barrel, "This is the flintlock. You then pull it back partway to what is called the halfcocked position. You then pour a pinch of powder into the pan beneath the flint, then pull the flintlock back as far as it will go. You're now primed and ready to fire. You then place the stock between your shoulder and chest. You aimed along the sights at whatever you're trying to hit, hold your breath and pull the trigger. You got that?"
"Uh…" said Naruto, "What'd you say that metal stick was called?"
After three more explanations, Naruto had finally got the loading sequence right and was ready to try out shooting the musket.
"Just aim and pull the trigger," said Jin, "But don't expect to hit the target the first time. It takes a lot of practice, not to mention that muskets aren't very accurate beyond 50 yards or so."
"In that case I'd better get closer," said Naruto, who happened to be standing just over 100 yards from the target. When he was less than 40 yards from the target, Naruto raised the musket to his shoulder, aimed along the sights at the center of the target and pulled the trigger. The flint slammed down against the pan and powder, producing a bright flash which ignited the powder in the barrel, which propelled the shot out of the barrel with a loud 'BANG!'
Being that this was his first attempt at musket shooting, Naruto was completely caught off guard at the flash of burning powder. Combined with the recoil of the musket, Naruto was naturally knocked off balance.
"Damn!" exclaimed Naruto.
"Kicks like a mule, doesn't it?" Jin asked.
"That flash," said Naruto, "It really blew my mind."
"I know," said Jin, "Most soldiers using muskets find that a problem. In battle they would sometimes close their eyes to avoid being blinded by the flash, which naturally cuts down on accuracy. Speaking of which, let's see how you did."
They all went over to the target, which had a hole in it on the outer edge of the circle. "Not too bad," said Jin, "Most soldiers can't even get it on the target paper their first time."
"No offense," said Naruto as he handed the musket back to Jin, "But I think I'll stick with shuriken and kuni."
"None taken," said Jin, "The musket isn't for everyone."
"I'll give it a try," said Neji. A minute or so later he was at the 50 yard line, locked and loaded. He aimed and shot a bull's-eye the first time.
"Impressive," said Jin, "But how about at 100 yards?"
"I'll do one better," said Neji as he walked back to 150 feet from the target. He reloaded, hefted the musket, aimed at the target and pulled the trigger. The shot was true and hit the bull's-eye exactly in the middle.
"Hot damn!!" exclaimed Davis, "You cut dead center! And at 150 yards!!"
"Incredible," said Henry, "How did you do that?"
"Can you keep a secret?" Neji asked.
"Of course," said Henry.
"So can I," said Neji.
Yet Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and everyone else from Konohagakure knew how Neji managed such a terrific shot from such a distance. The fact that Neji possessed the Byakugan is one of the Hidden Leaf Village's less kept secrets.
"Not a bad weapon," said Sasuke, "But I don't see how a handful of these muskets can change the course of a war."
"Maybe not just a few," said Jin, "But imagine several hundred of these little wonders going off at once at an onrushing hoard of enemy soldiers. That'll be a shock to their system."
"This might just be what we need to gain an edge over Manos," said Henry, "How soon can you deliver a large quantity of muskets?"
"Depends on how many you want," said Jin, "And how soon you want them."
"The sooner the better," said Henry, "And I think two hundred, no, make that two hundred and fifty will do for now."
"I can have that number delivered in less than a week," said Jin, "I just need to negotiate the price with my suppliers in the east."
"Let me worry about the financial transaction," said Henry, "You just set up the deal."
"You really think these things can help stop Manos?" Naruto asked.
"Maybe," said Sakura, "Muskets really aren't appropriate weapons for Shinobi, they're too loud and take forever to reload."
"They're better off in the hands of a standing army," said Sasuke.
"Indeed," said Neji.
"Well this has been a real joy ride," said Shikamaru in his usual bored tone, "Love to stay and play, but we've got mercenaries to interview."
When the call to arms went out in Andalasia, another call went out, but this one was the sound of potential money to be made. War always attracts those willing to risk their lives for some quick cash.
So far quiet a few hired swords had been taken on by the individual nobles of Andalasia to bolster the ranks of their personal guards. But today the mercenaries were looking for employment among the royal army of Andalasia.
The trouble was that Henry didn't want just any hired killers in his army. No, he wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be anyone who would turn traitor in the event that things got too messy, or were in fact working for Manos all along.
"What a motley collection of cutthroats, thieves and overall scum," said Henry, "You really think we'll find honest fighters among this rabble?"
"One can only hope," said Sasuke.
As Naruto observed the mercenary ranks, two particular faces caught his eye. He walked closer to get a better look at whom he saw, but as he got closer to the mercenaries, his curiosity grew to cold dread. (pun intended)
It can't be!! Naruto thought, It can't be them! They're both dead!!
The first mercenary that caused Naruto's dread looked a few years older than him. He wore a blue and green stealth outfit. His face had a somewhat feminine look, amplified by his long black hair that was secured by two long hair needles.
The second mercenary was tall, about Kakashi's height, and looked to be in his late 30's to early 40's. He had short, spiky black hair that was graying around the edges. He wore black pants and a gray sleeveless vest. Strapped to his back was a huge sword.
"Kami preserve us!" gasped Sakura, for she had just seen the two mercenaries that Naruto saw.
"What's wrong, Sakura?" Sasuke asked. He then saw those whom Naruto and Sakura were looking at. "No! It's impossible!"
Just then the younger of the pair noticed that Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto were gaping at them like they were ghosts. "Oh," said the boy with the needles in his hair, "Look's who's here, Zabuza."
"Huh?" asked Zabuza, the tall man with the sword, who happened to be one of the legendary Seven Swordsmen of The Mist, "Well I'll be damned, again. Who would have thought we'd run into those three again, Haku."
"Indeed," said Haku, a Shinobi who possesses a Kekkei Genkai over ice. He walked over to our three heroes, "It has been a while since the Land of Waves, Naruto Uzumaki."
"It certainly has," said Naruto, who was obviously shocked to see his first real enemies from his first real mission outside the village. Yet Naruto maintained his composure.
"Wait just a damned minute here!" exclaimed Sakura, "You, Haku, you and Zabuza are supposed to be dead!"
"Are we?" Haku asked.
"You sure are supposed to be dead," said Naruto, "That day on the bridge, I saw you take that Chidori attack that Kakashi-Sensei meant for Zabuza. And then Zabuza got stabbed to death by all those rouge samurai. I was there, you both died!"
"I was there too!" said Sakura, "And so was Sasuke!"
"Indeed," said Sasuke. In truth, Sasuke was half dead and unconscious from his injuries inflicted by Haku's Crystal Ice Mirror Jutsu. "However," Sasuke continued, "Everyone assumed that their bodies were disposed of, but it was never truly confirmed. I would like to know what happened to the two of them."
"You wouldn't believe us if we told you, Sasuke Uchiha," said Zabuza, "But let's just say that fate refused to allow Haku and I to rest in peace. We still live, as you can see."
"Well, I guess I'm glad that you're alright," said a still slightly confused Naruto, "But what are you two doing in Andalasia?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Haku asked, "Zabuza and I are mercenaries. We go where there's money to be made, and right now, there's plenty of money to be made in this kingdom."
"You should consider yourselves lucky," said Zabuza, "Haku and I could have sided with Manos."
"Lucky us," said Sasuke.
"I just remembered," said Naruto, "Zabuza, you were one of The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, right? So, any idea on the whereabouts of Kisame?"
"I'd like to know that as well," said Sasuke, for Kisame, like Itachi, is part of the Akatsuki, and where Kisame is, Itachi is sure to be close by.
"I haven't had contact with Kisame or any of the Mist Swordsmen in years," said Zabuza, "Not since the group dissolved. But should I ever see Kisame again, it will be my pleasure to take his head."
"Okay," said Naruto, "Well, we're glad to have you."
"We're glad to be here," said Haku. With that he and Zabuza left with the rest of the mercenaries.
"Am I the only one who's freaked out that they're still alive?" Sasuke asked.
"You're not alone," said Sakura
...Meanwhile…
"Lord Manos," said the officer, "Silas Dubois has arrived."
"Has he now," said Manos in an irritated tone, obviously displeased to have his meditations interrupted for something so trivial, "Send him in."
The officer saluted and left the tent. About ten seconds later Silas came in, looking very worse for wear. Having recently lost his arm was only part of the problem; the former Andalasian noble was looking rather gaunt from his harsh journey towards the encroaching horde.
"Master," said Silas as he got on his knees, "I am unworthy to look upon your face."
"Indeed you are unworthy," said Manos, "You have gravely disappointed me, Silas Dubois. I told you to assist Francine and her Marauders in spreading fear and chaos among the Andalasian sheep, not to attempt a hostile takeover of the kingdom. Andalasia is mine!"
"I know, Master," said a groveling Silas, "I allowed my personal greed and selfishness to cloud my faith in the true master of the world. Please forgive me."
"Forgiveness," said Manos, the word carried no care from his voice, "Why should I forgive a worm like you? You, who would sell out his homeland and sovereign? You, who would take the life of an innocent girl, just because she rejected you? You, who cannot follow the simplest of instructions? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you outright."
"Please, Master!!" exclaimed Silas as he prostrated himself before Manos, "I am your most loyal acolyte! I have served you faithfully all my life; dutifully awaiting your return. Do no slay me for one small failure! It wasn't my fault! The Shinobi, they…"
"I know all about the Shinobi that that fool, Prince Henry, has allied himself with. You should count yourself fortunate that you did not directly face the ninja who destroyed poor Francine. Now that one, the one with the spirit of The Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him, now he would be someone worth meeting. Then again, that boy is a thorn in my side, one that should be removed before it gets in any deeper."
"Let me destroy the boy, Master," said Silas, "Give me the opportunity to prove my worth! I shall inspire fear and chaos among the fools in Andalasia, by killing their so-called hero."
"That would definitely accomplish that goal," said Manos, "But look at you, Silas, you're a wreck. We'll have to do something about that, yes we will."
"Then, you will give me my revenge?" Silas asked, his voice and expression brimming with insane hope, "You will allow me to destroy the Shinobi and wreck havoc among the kingdom? In your name of course."
"In my name," said Manos, "Yes. Swear, in my name, that you will destroy those who would oppose me. Swear that you will bring Andalasia to it's knees in fear of their true god."
"I swear," said Silas, "In the name of the true master of the world, I will do as you ask and more. I swear in your name, Manos!"
"Then so be it," said Manos, "Rise, Silas. Rise and receive the my blessing!"
Silas struggled to his feet, having to rely on one arm to stand up and keep his balance was rather hard for the disgraced noble. Finally he was standing up.
"By the everlasting darkness, grant this faithful servant the power he desires," said Manos as he raised his arms to the cloud enshrouded heavens, "May he be given the power to carry out the will of his master. May he be given the power to destroy all who would stand in his way!" Manos then began chanting in an ancient language once spoken only by creatures of pure evil.
Silas was then surprised to find his body was glowing with a purple light that soon enveloped him. The light faded after about five minutes, during which Manos kept chanting. When the dark wizard had finished and the light faded, there stood a very shocked and awed Silas Dubois.
Not only had the disgraced noble discovered that his missing arm had grown back, but his whole body had been transformed. He was at least a foot and a half taller than he was before, as well as much more muscular. His whole body felt like it was brimming with energy.
"You'll find that not only are you much more physically stronger," said Manos as he conjured a full length mirror for Silas to admire his new body, "But I've also increased your magical prowess by a factor of four. I'm confident that you'll be more than a match for any Andalasian mage."
"Oh, Master," said a still awed Silas, "This is more than I could ever ask for. How can I ever thank you?"
"By doing as I asked," said Manos, "Destroy the Shinobi infidels and bring terror to the people of Andalasia. Oh, before I forget, there's one or two more items I need to point out."
"I know," said Silas, "Clare Rachuba, she shall be delivered to you, I shall bring the girl to your tent myself."
"I'm sure you would, but there's one more thing. Natalie Orison, I…"
"No!" snapped Silas, "You cannot have her! Natalie is mine!!"
"I beg your pardon?" Manos asked.
"Natalie is mine, I tell you!" said Silas, "I want her, she's mine. I know what you'll do to her; well you can't have Natalie's soul! She is mine, in body and soul!!"
"I never said I wanted her soul," said Manos, "I want her head."
"What!?!" asked a shocked Silas.
"You heard me," said Manos, "Along with Clare, you are to deliver to me the head of the girl you so desperately covet. Yes, Silas, this is your punishment for disobeying my orders."
"No!" spat Silas, "I will not slay Natalie! She is my key to the throne of Andalasia!!"
"I told you!!" exclaimed Manos, his voice magically amplified to sound like the howling of a storm, "Andalasia is mine!! And before you protest further, Silas, know that it was easy to reform your body. Your new powers are a gift that I bestowed upon you, but I can just as easily take them away. Look…"
Silas turned to face the mirror and saw himself as he was a few minutes ago; crippled and dishelmed. But then the image on the mirror became that of which Silas feared the most; old, infirmed, repulsive, filthy, destitute.
"No!!" wailed Silas, "Not that! Not that!! I'll do whatever you want!! I'll bring back Natalie's head! Just don't do that to me!!"
"Excellent," said Manos. he released the illusion on the mirror, causing Silas' reflection to return to normal. The disgraced noble sighed with relief as his appearance became more likable.
"Now that we're past the unpleasantness," said Manos, "Go forth, Silas, and carry out your master's bidding."
"I will not fail you, Master," said Silas as he prostrated himself again. He then got back up and left the tent.
"Pathetic worm," sighed Manos, "You just can't find good help these days."
Manos then sat down in front of his black fire and began his meditations again, when another officer came in the tent.
"Forgive the intrusion, Lord Manos," said the officer, "But…"
"But what!?" snapped Manos, sounding rather irked that his meditations have been interrupted again, "This had better be good."
"I'm sure it is, Master," said the officer, "The representatives from the Akatsuki have arrived."
"Is that so," said Manos in a more calmer tone, "Well then, send them in."
The officer bowed and left the tent. A minute or so later he came back in with two Shinobi wearing black and red robes, err, smocks, whatever it is that the Akatsuki wear. Anyway, the first had shoulder length black hair, pale skin and a lines around his eyes that held the familiar red and black Sharingan.
The second had short, spiky blue hair and blue skin with gills on his face that gave him the appearance of a shark. On his back was a large sword wrapped in cloth.
"Itachi Uchiha," said Manos, acknowledging the one with the Sharingan eyes, "Formerly of the Uchiha Clan." Manos then faced the one with the shark attributes, "And Kisame, formerly of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."
"Lord Manos," said Itachi as he bowed, while Kisame only nodded his head in partial respect, "I thank you for your time."
"I thank you for coming to visit me," said Manos, "Would you and your companion care for some refreshments before we discuss whatever business brought you to my home away from home?"
"We would indeed," said Itachi as several servants brought in chairs, a table, a wine pitcher and three goblets.
"Now," said Manos as a servant poured the wine, "What shall we drink to?"
"To love on ones own terms," said Itachi as he and Kisame raised their goblets, "For that is the only love a man can truly accept."
"Indeed," said Kisame.
"Well spoken," said Manos. With that they drank the wine, "Now then, to business; to what honor do I owe a visit from the Akatsuki?"
"My associates and I," said Itachi, "Are well aware of your plans for the kingdom of Andalasia. We are also aware that you intend to lay claim to the five Shinobi Nations, and after that the whole world."
"If you're worried about your organization coming into conflict with me," said Manos, "I can assure you, I won't trouble the Akatsuki if the Akatsuki doesn't bother me."
"We're prepared if events lead to such a conflict," said Itachi, "No, what brings Kisame and myself to your tent, Manos, is Naruto Uzumaki."
"And who would that be?" Manos asked, "Oh wait, I know, he's that Shinobi brat who thinks he can inspire hope among the sheep of Andalasia. Well I can promise you this, Itachi Uchiha, the boy is as good as dead."
"You misunderstand," said Itachi, "We, the Akatsuki, we want Naruto alive. He has something we desire greatly."
"Ah," said Manos, as if finally understanding but in a tone that said that he knew all along, "You are referring to the demon spirit sealed inside the boy's body, The Nine-Tailed Fox."
"Indeed," said Itachi, "We are prepared to negotiate with you in hopes of securing the boy for our needs."
"Now there's the problem," said Manos, "Two problems in fact. First, I want the boy to die, and I want him to suffer greatly as he watches his friends and loved ones suffer and die. If I were to hand the boy over to the Akatsuki, then I won't be able to make him suffer, and I wish to make him suffer for a minimum of two weeks before he finally expires.
"The second problem, is that I know that the Akatsuki are collecting Jinchuuriki, humans who serve as vessels for demon spirits. I know that you are taking the demons from their hosts and using them for your own bid for world domination.
"This I cannot allow, for if I were to let you have Naruto Uzumaki and take his demon, the Akatsuki would become that much more powerful, and therefore be that much more of a problem when I take my rightful place as the true master of the world."
"Oh really?" Itachi asked, "Well I guess that's where we differ. We will claim the Nine-Tailed Fox, one way or another."
"This is pointless!" snapped Kisame, "This guy Manos isn't going to cooperate, so let's just kill him already!"
"Before you draw your chakra absorbing sword, Kisame," said Manos, who wasn't at all intimidated by the menacing shark-faced Shinobi, "I'd like you to remember that you and Itachi are surrounded by an army of highly trained professional soldiers obedient to my every command. By the time you are ready to run me through, not only will I have teleported out of harms way, both of you will be fighting for your lives. I'm sure you can handle yourselves against several hundred, maybe even thousands, but I'll wager that you'll run out of chakra and fighting energy before you can escape.
"On the other hand, instead of wasting valuable soldiers on eradicating you two, I can show you the power of a living god. With a word I could make your heads explode, or I could polymorph you into cockroaches or some other form of vermin. Or maybe I could force you in body and mind to serve me. One can never have too many slaves."
"You overestimate yourself, Manos," said Itachi. His eyes then changed, the Sharingan marks morphing into spikes, "And you underestimate us! Mangekyo Sharingan!!"
"Oh please," said Manos in a carefree tone, "It'll take more than that to trap my mind in a living nightmare. I've seen things that would leave even the likes of Orochimaru catatonic. Oh, before I forget, I already know that you two aren't really here. I knew that you Akatsuki can manipulate the bodies of others from afar. It'll take more than a high-level Genjutsu to fool me."
"He knows a lot," said Kisame, "For a second rate wizard."
"He knows enough," said Itachi as his eyes returned to the regular Sharingan, "So be it. We shall leave Naruto to you."
"I knew you'd understand," said Manos as Itachi and Kisame stood up, "I wish you both a pleasant journey, and I look forward to the day when you and the Akatsuki acknowledge as your true god."
"And I look forward to the day when we meet again under more favorable conditions," said Itachi, "Good day." With that he and Kisame left the tent.
"I should have killed those two," said Manos to himself in an idle tone, "Or at least brainwashed them. Oh well, I will deal with them later, once Andalasia is mine. And anyway, I do believe that Itachi will soon have something to keep himself occupied with before too long. The fool, he should have realized that his cup was cursed, a non-fatal curse, but not a pleasant one, you can be sure of that. Ah, the pleasures of magic."
With a wave of his hand an image of Naruto appeared in the air above the center of the tent. "Naruto Uzumaki," said Manos, "I'm looking forward to meeting you in person. Oh yes, I am looking forward to meeting you."
The end of chapter 11.
Naruto: Man, this Manos guy is nuts!
Sakura: You can say that again, Naruto.
Naruto: Man, this Manos guy is nuts!
Sakura: I didn't really mean for you to say it again.
Naruto: Then why did you say it?
Sakura: It was a figure of speech! You can be such a knucklehead, Naruto!
Naruto: Well that's what you get for saying things and not really meaning them.
Shikamaru: They could be a while.
Tenten: Next chapter, 'Delayed! A Traitor Returns.'
Chouji: Be sure to leave lot's of great reviews.