Okay! Here is yet another chapter! Thanks for reading so far, and I hope you guys can put up with my tardiness yet again! But, thanks again for waiting patiently. I've been doing a lot of research into the Shippuuden Timeline lately so that the second portion of this fiction, the "Naruto Shippuuden: End Revelations". So, sorry this has been so late. I've been watching Shippuuden Anime Episodes at , and I suggest that you do so as well if you are really into Naruto and can't wait for it to come out in America.
Naruto: Revelations of the Secret Village
Chapter 21: Duty and Destiny
"Rayu…you have become just as strong as us now, and with the two years you have to practice everything you will be even stronger than us. We are all proud of you, but we are saddened at the same time. You see…you will be the last of the Hikage's." Kenshin said, his face calm and composed. His eyes were sad, though.
"What do you mean? Wouldn't my son become Hikage?" Rayu asked. He was sitting next to his father, and sitting in the circle of his ancestors. He was waiting for Sarah to come and give the signal that she was ready to start the process.
"Technically, yes. But…the Light Village is no more and the need for it will be gone in two years. You will have fulfilled the Light Village's Mission, and…" Kenshin stopped, and turned his head away. Before he was able to hide his features, Rayu saw utter sadness.
"Father…what's wrong?" Rayu asked. He put his left hand on his father's right shoulder. Rayu's Grandfather, Rayu, was sitting to Rayu's right and he spoke.
"Rayu…there was a prophecy made during Ryu's reign as Hikage. Since he was there in person, I'll let him tell you." Rayu said, and motioned towards Ryu who was sitting on Kenshin's left.
Ryu, his Great-great-great Grandfather, bowed his head slightly. His face was straight, composed like Kenshin's had been, but his eyes were sad as well. His voice was gentle, like the breeze that was blowing around them, and his shoulder-length grayish hair drifted gently in the wind. "Rayu…this prophecy is a good prophecy, but it is one that has a sad ending. You see, this prophecy came to me the day before I died.
"Rayu…It said that my great-great-great grandchild would fulfill our mission. It said that with five warrior friends, you will bring an end to the threat imposed by the Demon Village. It told me of something that I regret telling you, but you have to know. You will not survive the attack on the Demon Village. Neither will one of your friends. You two will die, and the other four people will live out the rest of their lives remembering you. My vision told me that you will have a child…but you will not get to see him grow up. He will never know his father…" He paused, combating emotions. Rayu realized what he had just been told, and looked down at the green grass. He was sitting cross-legged, and he picked at the patch of grass that was between his legs.
"You will surpass any power on this earth, and your child will inherit your power. Rayu…I'm sorry, but your child will never know you. Sarah will raise him." Ryu said.
Rayu felt despair rise up in him, and he began to shake. "I…I won't get to see my son grow up? Sarah will become a widow? Me and one of my friends will die?" He asked softly, his voice disbelieving.
"No. No. No!" Rayu jumped to his feet, and roared out his anger. How could his destiny be decided for him, a bleak and sad destiny? One where he leaves behind all he loves, and dies. One where he loses life's greatest joys.
All the ancestors stood, and Kenshin looked at his son. Everyone had tears in their eyes, though Rayu's tears were the only angry tears. The elder Rayu spoke, choking up. "Rayu…I know the pain. I never…I never saw Kenshin grow up except for when I was inside the seal watching his actions. I know the pain, and I understand your anger. But…it's your duty."
Rayu turned to his Grandfather and glared. "Don't talk to me about duty! I'm a Chunin to Konohagakure, the Village Hidden in the Leaves! I've led countless missions, had people rely on me with their lives, and I know what duties are!" His anger was starting to build, his disbelief of the whole situation rising up to voice itself.
"Rayu…please. Think about what you're saying. You may be a Chunin, but you are also a Hikage. You are the leader of the Hidden Light Village. If you do not die, your child will die. If you do not die, everything you know will die. Sarah, Masashi, Draken, Kai, Zennith, everyone. Nothing will survive. I know how hard it is to hear this and know your fate…but please." Kenshin pleaded, tears running freely down his face.
Rayu's anger died suddenly, snuffed out as he realized that what his father said was true. If he didn't sacrifice himself, he would die eventually. But, Sarah and his child would die, as well as everything he held dear. He bowed his head, and slumped his shoulders. He…had no choice. He would die so that others could live. It was his fate.
His father walked up to him, hugged him, and whispered something into his ear. "Rayu…this is the tragic path that we have all walked. It is the path of the Hikage. It's not much of a promotion present, is it? But…we can help you as much as possible. The more Jutsu you know, the more damage you will be able to dish out and the more chances you'll have to save innocent lives. We will give you everything we know in Jutsu. All our Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu skills will be made yours. We will teach you even our knowledge of the Forbidden Jutsu and skills that you might have to use as a last resort. I'm sorry that we can't give you more."
Rayu and Kenshin separated, and he saw everyone standing in front of him with their eyes closed and their first fingers of their right hands on their temples. They all walked up to him and transplanted their memories, one by one, until he was reeling from the knowledge. He had memories of thousands of Jutsu being performed, and his brain was reeling.
"Son…I'm sorry. This is the destiny of a Hikage. Congratulations." Kenshin said, and Rayu wearily stumbled over to the clear pond. The Ancestors all left him there, letting him reflect upon everything he just learned. One thought echoed strangely in his head, and it wouldn't go away. 'I am Hikage.'
(End Flashback)
"I am Hikage." He whispered, coming out of his much needed slumber. He wasn't groggy at all, so he guessed that he had slept for a few days. His hands were clasped behind his head in a relaxed pose, and he was lying on his back. He opened his blue eyes, and realized that he was back in his room…back on the farm. He smiled, and realized that once again he was only in his boxers, and this was the second time he had collapsed and found himself waking up in his room.
The white covers that covered his body were bright and they smelled like the fresh spring scent detergent his mother loved. He judged that from the position of the light coming through the window above his head that it was past noon. Probably around four o'clock. Or as his belly was saying, 'way past lunch time'.
He sprang out of bed, flinging back the covers and landing easily on the balls of his heels. He went to the closet, grabbed his clothes and accessories, and then walked to his bedroom door. He held all his stuff in his right arm, and then opened his door with his left hand. He was surprised to see Sarah standing there, delicately balancing a tray with her left hand while reaching for his doorknob with her right hand.
She gasped, and the tray fell from her right hand. Without really thinking, he activated the time slowing portion of his seal, and leisurely retrieved the tray as it floated towards the ground. He replaced the tray into her hand, and then deactivated his seal.
Sarah blinked, and then smiled as she realized what had happened. "Rayu! Your mother said that you would be waking up today, whether you wanted to or not. She told me if you weren't up, then to get her so she could wake you up and make you eat lunch."
He smiled back, and then made a face as he caught a whiff of his body odor. "Wow…how long was I out?" He asked, and Sarah giggled as she realized that he had smelled himself.
"Hehehe, you've been asleep for a week straight. Somehow, your body hasn't needed any nourishment or water for the past week…" Sarah said, and Rayu thought about it.
"I don't know…I had dreams of the glade and talking to my father and my ancestors and I would drink from the pond every once in a while. Maybe somehow it carried over." He mused, and Sarah shrugged.
"Well, either way, I need to take a shower before I do anything else at all. Man, I am rank…" He said, and Sarah nodded.
"Okay. I'll tell our parents you're up and I'll set your tray in the kitchen." She said, and turned away.
"Wait." He said, and she turned back to him. "Our parents?"
She nodded and replied, "Yeah, mom and dad kinda wanted to come over and check up on you. I've been here for the past three days with them."
Rayu nodded and smiled softly. "Thanks, Sarah."
She smiled back and then walked away as she said, "No problem. Hurry up so you can eat before your food gets cold!"
Rayu grinned and walked out of his room and to the bathroom, still in his boxers. He shut the door behind him, and quickly dropped his clothes and started his shower. He undressed, and stepped into the smoky-glass stall.
The hot water immediately started to wash away the felling and smell of uncleanliness, and he grinned as the water splashed on his bare flesh. He got his hair wet and then started to wash his hair and body with soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
He took care to wash himself and scrub himself very thoroughly, desperately wanting to get rid of his body's stench. The heat relaxed his muscles, and as he cleaned his body, he felt the thin but raised lines that indicated his scars across his chest and back. They were not too noticeable to the touch, but it still made his mind flash back to when he received the scars.
One thought flashed through his mind. 'The Demons…' That thought made him clench his jaw in anger, and it tensed his entire body. His muscles became tensed and tight like a spring being wound too tight, and his anger coursed as he thought of his dead friends.
He cleaned and thought for near twenty minutes before he got out of the shower and quickly got ready. His muscles were still tight, but he tried to put on a cheerier attitude. He should at least try to act happy to be alive.
As he finished getting dressed, the only thing he lacked was his shoes and his Ninja Headband. He even put on his fingerless black gloves. He opened the bathroom door and strode out of the bathroom, shutting off the light behind him and depositing his dirty clothes in the hamper just inside the bathroom.
He walked out into the living room, and noticed that everyone was already there waiting for him. They all smiled and stood, and his mother ran over to him and embraced him. He hugged her back, and she began to sob. "When we heard you were in the hospital…we came as soon as we could. Then when we found out you died…" She did not continue what she was saying, she just sobbed even harder, holding him tightly.
He felt tears rise up in his eyes, and he quickly brushed them away. He held her back for a second, and looked down at her. "Mom…I'm fine. I know that sounds so careless to say when you guys went through me being dead, but nothing will ever harm me again. I can guarantee that."
She nodded, bit her lower lip, and then hugged him again. He smiled and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the embrace, and he was surprised to find his father joining in on the hug. His father whispered into his ear, "Rayu…I know I haven't said this very much before, if at all, but…I'm proud of you. Everything you have done, who and what you've grown up into, I'm proud of it all. You may not be our biological son, but to me you are my son."
Rayu smiled in joy and whispered, "You guys are my parents, and nothing can change that. I love you both."
They all broke from the embrace, and Rayu's mother wiped the tears from her eyes and laughed while addressing Tom and Karen and Sarah. "I'm sorry. Rayu, dear, go on and get your breakfast and then join us out here."
Rayu nodded and made his way to the kitchen, watching Tom, Karen, and Sarah out of the corner or his eye. Sarah seemed to be nervous, and Tom and Kate both seemed a little awkward. Rayu quickly ate in the kitchen, eating all of his food within five minutes.
As soon as his appetite was sated, he cleaned up his dishes and then walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. Tom and Karen stood, and he walked over and shook their hands. They both seemed to be uncomfortable, shaking the hand of a boy they both knew had died. Rayu smiled and said, "You know…it's perfectly normal to not believe in people being raised from the dead." He chuckled, and tried to defuse the strange tension in the room.
Tom smiled, but Karen kept a straight face. "What's done is done, and I don't hold any grudges for you guys not believing that I'd come back to life. I hardly believed it at the time." Rayu said, and then turned to Sarah.
She was no longer dressed in just shorts and a tank top, like the last time he had seen her, but just blue jeans and a white shirt. Her Ninja Headband was tied at the top of her head as usual, and she wore white tennis shoes instead of her ninja sandal boots. "Sarah. Thanks for everything." He said, and then he hugged her.
They held each other tight, and they each planted a quick cheek-peck kiss on each other. They then separated, and Rayu walked over to his parents. "I hate to do this, but can I talk to you and dad in private real quick? This is important." He asked, addressing his mom.
She nodded, excused herself and her husband, and the three of them walked outside onto the back porch. As Rayu shut the door behind them, they both waited for him to speak. "Mom, Dad…I will be going back into 'action' soon. I think I'll recuperate for another day, and then I have to go report to Lady Tsunade. Then…I'll be leaving to resurrect my dead squad-mates. Then I'll come back. However, tomorrow is what I'm speaking about right now. I want your blessings to ask Sarah to marry me."
His parents exchanged a shocked look, and his mother asked, "Aren't you moving a little…fast?"
Rayu nodded. "Yes I am. I realized that life is too short to waste, especially while I was 'dead'. I don't want to wait to be married to her. We are both financially stable, we receive enough money to take care of any needs we would have. We could buy a house, pay the bills, be well fed, and still have plenty to send to you guys if you have a hard harvest. And, even though it seems to you guys like Sarah and I have known each other for a short time, we've gotten to know each other very well. I have no doubt that this is what I'm supposed to do."
His mother and father looked at each other, and then exchanged a few whispers. "Rayu…you have both of our blessings. Are you going to ask her parents?" His father asked.
Rayu nodded. "Can you guys distract Sarah? Maybe ask her if she wants to see your garden, mom?"
Her mother nodded, smiling. "Absolutely. I've wanted to show it to her for some time now, anyway."
Rayu then followed his mother and father indoors and waited while his mother extended the invitation to Sarah. Sarah gladly accepted, and then walked outside with his parents, leaving Rayu alone with Tom and Karen. He walked over and stood in front of them as they sat on the couch, a questioning look on their faces.
"Mr. Tom, Mrs. Karen, I need to talk to you." He said, and the adults exchanged puzzled glances.
"Okay." Was all Tom said, and Rayu continued.
"I realize that this may seem to be happening fast, but after the recent developments, I've decided that this is what I want. You see, I love your daughter with all my heart, and I would like your permission to marry her. If you give your permission, tomorrow I will be proposing to her." He said, and he nervously crossed his fingers. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he nervously waited for any sign of reaction.
"So, how committed are you to her?" Tom asked.
"I will give my life for her, and I will always put her first. No matter what." He said, and he shifted slightly.
Karen spoke next. "Rayu…we were married at a young age, so we know the problems that can arise from being married so young and especially the dangers of being a ninja. Do you understand that marriage isn't easy? Marriage is-"
"Hard work. I know. It's not perfect, and it's not something that should be taken lightly. I expect arguments and hard times, because that's what happens when two people live and grow together. I won't back out, and I won't let anything come between Sarah and me. It's work that I'll gladly do, and I won't give up on it." Rayu said, interrupting her. He didn't like interrupting, but he had had this talk with his father Kenshin earlier.
Karen nodded, and Tom asked, "Rayu…we know that the paycheck of a Ninja is rather large, and that you can support her. But…what would happen if you died on a mission? There's always that risk for a Ninja. I've heard that most ninja don't marry because the fact that there is always the chance of them dying."
Rayu nodded. "I…I know that. But, you see, I know for a fact that I won't die…for at least two years. You see, there was a prophecy made years ago. About me. I won't die…until I attack the Demon Village. I will die, but Sarah and my child will live."
Tom and Karen exchanged shocked looks. "What?"
Rayu bowed his head. "You see, it's the destiny of a Hikage. We were always meant to destroy the Demon Village. Unfortunately, for me, it has to be me who destroys it. I will die, but my sacrifice will save the world. It will save Sarah…and my son."
Tom asked quietly, "So you know for a fact that no matter what you and Sarah will marry and have a child? It's certain that you will die in destroying this Demon Village Sarah told Karen and I about the other day?"
Rayu nodded. "Yes. At first, I didn't want to carry through with Marrying Sarah once I found out I was going to die, because I didn't want to put her through the hurt of losing me. But, I know that not marrying her would hurt her more. At least we would have two years together…"
Tom and Karen were silent, and Karen spoke. "So, even if we say no, you would marry her?"
Rayu looked at them with an apologetic look on his face. "Yes. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but our marriage was arranged long before you two had any say in her life. If necessary, I would go against your disapproval and marry her."
Tom nodded, and smiled, but Karen kept a passive face. "Very well. You have my blessing." Tom said. He looked at Karen, and Karen smiled as well.
"I'm glad that Sarah will have someone like you in her life, no matter how brief. As long as she's happy." Karen said, and Rayu smiled.
"Thank you. Thank you very much." Rayu said, and he bowed respectfully.
They laughed softly and stood and embraced him, because none of them had a doubt in their mind about what Sarah would answer when Rayu 'popped the question'.
Sarah walked in with Rayu's parents at that moment, and Sarah gave him a questioning look. He just shrugged as he disentangled himself from the embrace, and laughed some more.
Rayu and Sarah were both walking down a scenic street, holding hands, the next afternoon. Rayu had everything planned out for today. He had withdrawn enough money for a beautiful ring and last night he had bought one and he had it stashed in his pocket right at the moment. He had planned a picnic under a park that had Cherry blossom trees, and he planned a whole evening of relaxation, and eventually where and when he would ask Sarah to marry him.
For once, Rayu wasn't wearing his ninja clothing or shoes or headband. He wasn't even wearing his fingerless gloves. He was wearing dark blue jeans with fade marks on the legs and knees, and a tight maroon tee shirt. He was wearing a pair of white and black tennis shoes that had never been worn before, and he was wearing a watch on his right wrist. His right hand was occupied by Sarah's left hand, and in his left hand he was holding the wicker picnic basket.
"So…why are we having a picnic?" Sarah asked, swinging her and Rayu's arm.
Rayu looked at her, a smile playing on his lips. It was a playful smile, and he answered truthfully. "Well, I figured that we needed a day to relax, especially after what we've been through and what we're about to go through." His words were double layered, and he knew she wouldn't really catch his double meaning. He meant what they had been through in their relationship and what they would be going through, just as much as the physical situations they had been going through and were going to go through.
"Well, thank you. It's nice just to relax and forget about everything. Forget about the fate of the world and the demons." She said, and sighed as she watched a few Cherry blossoms drift across their path.
As if on cue, all the scars inflicted on Rayu's chest and back burned slightly. Not as fierce as his seal, but just a reminder.
(FLASHBACK)
"Dad…what do you mean?" Rayu asked, and subconsciously ran his hand across his chest scars that were revealed.
His father glanced at the scars again, and repeated himself. "You're sensitive to demonic presences. Your scars, because they were inflicted by a Demon, serve like a kind of sensor. When a demonic presence is around, they will burn slightly. I don't know the range, but usually it's only if it's in the immediate vicinity."
"Why would they burn? They didn't use any special tools on me, just a kunai." Rayu said, and his father nodded.
"True, but the Kunai could have been, and most likely was, coated with a substance that they like to use. It serves in a torture to create more pain because the wounds will burn when the demons are near or inflicting them. But, since your scars are healed, they won't burn as much." This time it was Kyle Tazamaki, his Great-great Grandpa who had a blond afro.
Rayu scratched his head, thinking carefully about his torture, and realized that Kyle was right. His wounds had hurt more than a wound inflicted by an ordinary kunai would have. "Okay, so what am I supposed to do if my scars burn?" He asked.
Kenshin spoke to Rayu, a dangerous glint lighting in his eyes. "You kill whatever it is. But if you do not crave combat, erect a barrier around yourself to protect you from any attacks. However, though the scar usually only burns when one of the demons who inflicted the wound is around, it could be any kind of demon who possess' a poisoned weapon. Be on your toes, and if you get a sense the demon is a middle ranked demon…you run."
"Middle ranked demon? You mean the ones we call 'Grunts'?" Rayu asked.
"Yes. They are some of the heaviest attackers you will ever meet. The High Class Demons resort only on their demonic summoning powers and their dark techniques. The Grunts like to tussle. They only use the Grunts to take out people who present a problem to them at the moment. So be careful. Mid-to-long distance fighting is the key. Your seal will protect you from most physical damage, but you'll still get hurt." Kenshin said, patting his son's shoulder.
(End Flashback)
Rayu casually glanced around, and then nodded. "Yeah, it's nice to not have to worry."
He then casually removed his hand from hers, stretched his arms, and quickly performed four one-handed seals. Tiger, Bird, Horse, Snake. He thought, in coordination with his hand movements. He then hugged Sarah, because the barrier he was erecting required you to touch the person you were erecting it around. He would be fine in the event of an attack because his seal would kick in, but Sarah would be at a disadvantage.
Candle Flame Barrier, He thought, activating the Jutsu. The Candle Flame Barrier technique would burn the attacker slightly and if it was a demon, it would blind the demon temporarily.
"Mmm. Huggy today, aren't we?" Sarah asked teasingly.
Rayu grinned and nodded. "How can I not be. It feels like it's been forever already since I've hugged you."
He then resumed holding Sarah's hand, and she smiled at him. As they continued to walk to one of the parks that had Cherry Blossom trees, the burning lessened. However, four minutes later, the small burning remained, which to Rayu seemed to mean that he was being tailed. He gritted his teeth, and he quickly threw any idea of a peaceful evening out the window. He would have to escalate his actions and propose.
"Sarah…I've been thinking. When I can eventually get a ring, when would you want to get married." He asked.
She looked at him, surprised. "I don't mind when, though I kind of wish it could be before the Cherry Blossom trees lose all their blossoms. I want to have a wedding under the falling blossoms."
He nodded, smiling. "That would be great. It sounds beautiful."
She smiled back, and they walked into the park. The green grass was lush and well trimmed, and the park was empty right now. Not very many people were in the park yet, so Rayu had the chance to get things done in a personal manner.
They found a place right beneath a Cherry Blossom tree, and Rayu pulled a red and white checkered picnic blanket out of the basket. He then spread it on the ground, put the basket down, and then sat down on it with Sarah.
"You know…when we're officially engaged, I think it would be more proper then to talk about wedding plans and whatnot, right?" He asked, and Sarah nodded.
"I guess, though early planning doesn't hurt." She replied.
Rayu unpacked the Picnic basket and quickly made each of them a meal that consisted of two ham and cheese sandwiches, a bit of grapes, some chips, and a piece of cherry pie that his mother made. They ate while they talked, taking well over thirty minutes.
Rayu and Sarah started talking about wedding plans, and they talked about the trip they would take tomorrow. But, Rayu kept bringing it back to the wedding. He wanted to ease her into the question, but he was nervous like nothing else. And, on top of that, the scars were burning a bit more which meant the demon was drawing closer.
"Sarah…" He stood, brushed off the crumbs on his clothes, and then knelt in front of her on one knee.
Her eyes grew wide, and a faint smile played on her soft pink lips. He pulled out the blue velvet box from his pocket, and continued. "I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You're everything I want and need, and I love you with all of my body, mind and soul. So…Sarah Kasairoze, will you do me the greatest honor, and marry me?" He asked presenting the box, and showing her the ring.
The ring was a 24 Karat gold ring that had what looked like a vine etched around the outside, and for the diamond, there was a hand-crafted rose made from a ruby. It wasn't too showy or gaudy, but something about the rose made Sarah stifle a gasp. The way the sunlight hit it, made the rose seem as if it was glowing from the inside.
She tried to speak, but she just couldn't. She put her hand over her mouth and tears welled up in her eyes. She had partially expected it to happen soon, and him talking about the wedding so much seemed strange, but she was still surprised. He stayed there, a soft smile on his face, staring into her eyes. She smiled and wiped away the tears that were welling up.
"Yes! Yes…I will…marry you." She said, and he slipped the ring onto her ring-finger. She then leaned in and hugged him, and they laughed together, both happier than they could ever have been before.
They stayed embracing for a few moments, before Rayu felt discomfort from his scars increasing in their burning. He kissed Sarah on the cheek, and she kissed him back. "Rayu…" She started to say, but she trailed off when she saw a man walking towards them.
Rayu turned, expecting the demon-possessed man. His scars increased their burning as the man stopped ten feet from them. Rayu's body stiffened, and he carefully pushed Sarah behind him. She complied, and he stood again. This man who stood before them was wearing a headband, a Grass Village headband. He was a tan skinned, smiling man with bleach blond hair that was spiked. He wore black loose-fitting pants, and then a green tunic top shirt. He had brown forearm bands, and he had a black kunai holster on his right thigh. Instead of wearing ninja sandal boots, he was wearing black combat boots.
Rayu didn't know how the demon could possess the man and not have red pupils, but this man's pupils were pure black, surrounded by an ice blue iris. Rayu tried to act like he didn't know that the man was somehow possessed, and did his best to be polite. "Yes? Can I help you, sir?" He asked, keeping a humble posture, and keeping his hands at his sides in a non-threatening manner.
The man smiled wide, revealing perfect teeth. "Sure. I'm an emissary from the Village Hidden in the Grass. I'm looking for the Hokage's office. I seem to have gotten lost. Could you point me in the right direction?"
Rayu nodded, and walked over to the man. He walked a bit past him, exposing his back, and pointed in a northerly direction. "It's the tallest tower structure over there about a mile."
Rayu was watching the man with his peripheral vision, and the man grinned almost sinisterly. "Thank you." He said, and darted immediately towards Sarah. Rayu spun around and watched as Sarah hastily stood, and prepared to defend against the man.
However, as the man pulled out a kunai from his holster and thrust it at Sarah, there was a brief flash of light and the man went flying back. The Candle Flame Barrier had worked. He landed at Rayu's feet, and groaned, holding his hands over his eyes.
"RAYU! What happened?" Sarah asked. She had worn simple blue jean shorts and a red tee shirt, but had still had her kunai holster on her thigh. She drew a kunai and warily advanced as the man tried to stand. However, Rayu quickly knocked the man's legs out from under him with a simple kick and the man fell.
Rayu looked at Sarah and quickly explained. "I knew a demon was following us, so I erected a temporary single-hit barrier around you. It was when I hugged you. I was hoping he would go away…but no such luck. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but the element of surprise is what we needed."
Sarah nodded, obviously still keeping an eye on the guy who gave up on trying to stand. He just laid there, waiting for his eyesight to return. "How do you know he's a demon? I didn't see any red pupil's." She asked, and slowly went around the guy and stood by Rayu's side.
"The wounds that were inflicted on me by the demons were done with a special blade. This guy is carrying one of those blades, and now my scars are sensitive to that kind of demonic blade presence. They start to burn when one is around." He said.
The man on the ground chuckled. He spoke in a normal voice, but there was something definitely sinister about it. "Well, we didn't expect that. But, that's something we can easily remedy. You got us this time…but do you think that the Candle Flame Barrier effects will last that long on me? You don't even know what I am!"
Rayu crossed his arms over his chest and replied. "If I had to guess, you're a middle class Demon known as a Grunt. Your specialty is brawling and physical attacks. Your weaknesses are Genjutsu and long distance combat. Your secret ability is regeneration, but I can beat past that with rapid fire Jutsu attacks. You're nothing special when you go against the Hikage."
The man was silent, and then quietly said, "I see. So your ancestors imparted their knowledge within you?"
Rayu smiled, and said, "Yes. Five Hikage's worth of information, added with my own. Now…tell me your purpose or I'll have Sarah use the Divine Separation and then I'll kill you."
"I was just trying to get to you by holding her hostage. Almost everyone knows now who you are and that our attempt to kill you failed. You won't have a moment's rest you know…" He said, and Rayu understood what he was talking about. He was hinting in his own arrogant nature that his vision was returning. He was talking about when he attacked, he wouldn't let up.
Rayu turned to Sarah. "Sarah, please use the Divine Separation. I'm not sure how well it'll work against a Grunt, but I'd rather try to kill the Demon over killing the host."
Sarah nodded, and was about to initiate her attack when the Grunt jumped to his feet and punched at her. Rayu immediately jumped in front of the punch, rolling with it so that it would hardly hit him. He flew back, spinning. He quickly grabbed Sarah with him so they both flew backwards, spinning through the air, and they crashed to a stop twenty yards away. Rayu was on his back, holding Sarah to his chest, absorbing the impact.
Rayu quickly rose, carrying Sarah with him, and then addressed the man. The man was standing in an arrogant posture, hands on his hips with a defiant grin on his face. "So, you are a Grunt. Possessors are strong, I'll give them that, but you pulled your punch and you still sent us flying. Your regeneration took care of the Candle Flame Barrier effects faster than I anticipated, but now you have no advantage."
The Grunt, or rather the man possessed by the Grunt, cracked his knuckles and chuckled. "I'm tougher than you give me credit for."
Rayu shook his head, let go of Sarah, dusted himself off, and then replied. "No. You're weaker than you think. Remember? I have Five Generations of Hikage's knowledge. And…I'm fast." He said, and with that last word, he charged.
The Grunt shook his head. This boy was either stupid, reckless, or he had a plan. It was most likely the previous two, though.
I've got to keep Sarah out of the fight. She's strong…but she's no match for a Grunt yet. I hate to do this to her, but…I'm stronger in physical combat thanks to the Swift Fist, and she could get hurt. Rayu thought, and quickly activated every section of his seal. Time slowed, his protection increased, and he could see the moves the Grunt were going to make before he actually did.
He was on top of the Grunt in less than a second, forming his hand into a knife-like shape. "Swift Fist Cannon!" He yelled, and he quickly attacked.
He thrust his right hand's flat palm and hit the man's right shoulder, dislocating it, thrust his left hand and dislocated the man's left shoulder, and then punched the man in the gut. Then, for the final attack, Rayu didn't bother forming his hand into a knife, but just used his palm thrust and hit the man on the forehead, causing him to go flying backwards.
Rayu heard a snapping sound as the man's head whipped backwards and he slowly began to float backwards through the air. Rayu then quickly flew through a 14 seal Jutsu, and yelled, "Light Style: Dual Energy Blade Jutsu!"
The Grunt was no more than five feet away from Rayu, which left Rayu with plenty of time to form his swords. He extended both of his hands to the sky, and focused on drawing energy from Solar Power. He closed his eyes, and pictured him molding the swords out of the sunlight, and within a few moments he felt his hands grow warm. He then opened his eyes and saw two shining energy bars in his hands that resembled Katana's. This Jutsu was a unique Jutsu made by his father.
He rushed at the Grunt, slashing both swords and inflicting deep gashes that even the Grunt's regeneration would have trouble with. He continued to cut the Grunt even as he was in the air, cutting every possible inch. Then, to permanently cut off all demonic powers and to keep the demon still so Sarah could perform the divine Separation, Rayu flew through a 55 seal jutsu.
The Grunt crashed into the ground in slow motion, and Rayu initiated his Jutsu. "Ninja's Art: Lock-In Prison Barrier Jutsu!" He yelled, and immediately fired a small ball of purple energy from his palm. The Ball of energy hit the Grunt, and suddenly grew to become a purple orb that was similar to the Water Prison Jutsu. It kept the person immobile, floating in the air in the middle of the orb, due to compressed energy.
Rayu was pleased to notice as he deactivated his seal, that the high-level Jutsu barely used up any Chakra thanks to his massive supply. Sarah ran up to him as he started to talk loudly and explain the barrier to the Grunt, whose cuts and gashes were slowly starting to heal. "This barrier is made from pure energy. If somehow you were able to touch the surface, you would burst into flame and die, so I wouldn't recommend it. It keeps you mostly immobile and it also completely cuts off your demonic powers. It's a Jutsu made by Ryu Tazamaki."
"Rayu!" Sarah yelled. The whole attack, in real time, had taken less than four seconds. Rayu looked at her and gave a small smile. "Would you perform the Divine Separation on him? The barrier only harms those within the orb, not outside of the orb."
She walked over, nodding. "Yes…but what are you going to do with the Grunt? They're much more dangerous in their real form."
Rayu nodded. "Yeah, but he'll be dazed for a moment, and that moment is all I need for the Rei Blast to work."
Sarah nodded back. "Okay. Do it fast."
Rayu started to perform his hand symbols, and watched as Sarah performed hers. He went slowly with his symbols, seeing as he didn't need that much time to destroy the Grunt. Ram, Boar, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Ram, Dragon!
Sarah's hands flew through her own combination, Bird, Ram, Dog, Dragon, Snake, Ram, Monkey, Rat, Tiger, Hare, Horse, Tiger, Ox, Boar, and Bird. She went through the names as her hands made the symbols, her hands nothing more than a blur until she ended on the Bird sign. She felt her Chakra build up, and then release into an external attack.
She yelled, "Divine Separation: Release of the 8 Anchors!" Her eyes flew open, revealing golden irises instead of her natural blue. Her hands glowed with golden energy, and the possessed man flinched visibly. Her golden eyes saw through the physical flesh and saw a disgusting sight.
The demon, the Grunt, looked like a muscle-bound man with pig-like face. However, he bared his teeth at her and revealed pointed teeth. Sarah flinched, earning a slight grin from the demon. The demon had spider-like arms that extended out of his back and stabbed into the 8 anchor-points in the host. Sarah quickly darted forward, reaching through the purple barrier without harm. She struck out with her glowing hands and struck each point at least twice before the demon released its hold. She grabbed it and threw it away from his host who was still held within the floating sphere, and withdrew it from the bubble. Since it was a spirit, the bubble did it no harm.
Sarah pulled him into the middle of the Heavenly Diagram, and immediately formed the second portion of the Jutsu. Dog, Hare, Monkey, Ram, Dragon, Boar, and Tiger! She thought, and her hands responded accordingly.
She yelled her attack as her Chakra was discharged again. "Divine Separation: Seal of Mortality!"
She opened her eyes, which were still golden, and she bent down where she was. She was at the edge of the circle, and she put her right hand flat down onto one of the symbols at the end of one of the seven points. She grabbed at it, and pulled it straight from the diagram. It glowed in her hand, and she ran forward. She roughly slammed it onto the pig-like demon's forehead, and then grabbed the remaining symbols one at a time and made a vertical line of glowing symbols down the Demon's front. The Heavenly seal shrunk into nothingness and the Demon gave a squeal of pain as he was transferred to the physical realm.
Rayu yelled, "Sarah, move!"
Sarah became slightly disoriented, and realized that she was in the way of Rayu's blast. She jumped into the air and landed behind him, and Rayu released his Jutsu. He extended his palms, and Sarah watched as a super-hot golden energy beam roughly 12 feet in diameter blasted millimeters away from Rayu's palms. Heat rolled off the beam as it erupted, and Sarah shielded her eyes as the beam blasted forward.
The beast gave a final cry of pain, but it was cut off as it was completely obliterated. The beam, once it impacted with the demon, quite simply dissipated into nothingness, leaving only a panicked grass Ninja floating in the purple orb. Sarah's knees were shaking from excitement, and Rayu gently smiled. "Great job, Sarah. Thank you."
She nodded and hastily brushed some hair from her face. Rayu then walked over to the man floating in the orb, who seemed to be hyperventilating and panicking. "Listen carefully. If I let you out, you have to promise me you won't do anything but what I tell you. I'm not going to hurt you. Can you promise me that you'll stay here and listen?" Rayu asked calmly, and the man in the bubble nodded slowly.
"I promise." He said, and Rayu held his hands in the sign of the Ram and uttered a word under his breath. "Kai."
The Purple Barrier suddenly disappeared and the Grass Ninja dropped to his feet, unharmed. Rayu cautiously stepped forward and said, "What you experienced, I apologize. I apologize if I injured you, but I had to get rid of the Demon. If you come with us, we'll take you to the Hokage who can help you. Would you like that?"
The man nodded, and he shook slightly. "Yes please."
The man's wounds weren't serious, just scratches, and his shoulders were no longer dislocated. Rayu planned to have Tsunade make the man forget what he experienced, and then go home one last time before going back into active duty tomorrow.
Rayu and Sarah walked with the man in tow towards the Hokage Tower and the man asked, "Who are you people?"
Rayu looked over his shoulder and gave an easy-going smile. "I'm a Konoha Chunin. I was out of active duty until tomorrow, but I guess I'll have to start early. This is my Fiancé, also a Chunin. You kind of came in after I proposed to her."
The man, slightly confused about what he had done anyway, stammered out his congratulations. "That thing that you pulled out…was inside of me? Controlling me?" He asked, and Rayu nodded gravely.
"Yes. It was trying to get to me, I'm afraid. Once you go to the Hokage, all your questions will be answered." He said, and they walked in silence the rest of the way.
Rayu sighed and ran his hand through his hair as he and Sarah walked into the Hokage's office. The Grass Ninja's memories had successfully been altered, and he had taken care of his original purpose. They had already explained what had happened, but Tsunade wanted to talk about something else.
As Rayu and Sarah shut the doors behind them, Tsunade gave a smile. "So, you two are engaged?"
Rayu gave a start, surprised at the bluntness of the question. "Yes Ma'am." Sarah replied, smiling.
"I saw the ring earlier. It's beautiful, and it's perfect, especially for someone with the last name that means a 'fire rose'." She said, and Sarah nodded happily.
Rayu smiled as Tsunade and Sarah started talking about the ring and the wedding plans. It wasn't very often the Ninja married or got into relationships. When they did, it was a huge thing. Most ninja were afraid to get involved, because they never knew if they would survive missions.
Rayu looked at Sarah and smiled slightly, and she was unaware of it. He examined her, lovingly taking in each detail and memorizing it. Sarah finally seemed to feel the pressure of his gaze, and looked back at him. She blushed a little, and his smile grew wider. She was so…perfect. He couldn't imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone else.
Tsunade and Sarah finally stopped, and Tsunade apologized. "I'm sorry. I got side-tracked. I was originally planning to talk to you about your trip. I sent for Masashi already. He should be here-" She was interrupted as the door opened quickly, smacking Rayu in the back of the head.
Masashi poked his head in as he heard exclamations of pain, and chuckled as he realized he had smacked Rayu in the back of the head. "Oops. Sorry." He said, and stepped into the office. He shut the door behind him, and Rayu glared at him.
"You should be more careful." Rayu muttered, and Masashi shrugged.
"Well, you shouldn't stand in front of opening doors." He replied.
Tsunade gave a chuckle, and so did Sarah. Rayu straightened up from his hunched, pained position, and said, "Well, you showed up right on time, at least."
Masashi turned to Tsunade and asked, "What did you need of me, Tsunade-sama?"
Tsunade cleared her throat. "The contents of our last conversation has been forbidden to be talked about by anyone unless I give express permission. If the fate of the world rests in your hands, we're going to do our best to keep it secret that you will be bringing back people. There is something else. You will leave tomorrow afternoon, and you'll be accompanied by a number of people to protect you."
Tsunade reached to her desk, grabbed a large stack of files, and handed them to Rayu. "This mission is classified as an 'S' Rank mission, putting you under the protection of every single person in those files. Your life will be the number one priority of this mission. Your protection. If you want, you can lessen the number, but you can have no less than five accompanying people. Masashi is one of them."
Rayu looked down at the files and sat down in one of the chairs that was in front of Tsunade's desk. He scanned the names on the front of each file and was surprised. Along with a name there was a rank and there were five ANBU, two Chunin, and three Jonin.
The names of the ninja that Rayu recognized were: Chomaru Atu, Might Guy, Kakashi Hatake, Sarah Kasairoze, and Masashi Frinizaki. He quickly glanced into the five ANBU names, skills, and stats and quickly put away three of the ANBU. Then he folded his hands and said, "I've chosen."
Tsunade took the remaining files and glanced over the names. "Very well. I will inform them they have been chosen for an 'S' ranked assignment. You'll brief them tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock, then you will get ready and leave by 1:00 in the afternoon. So…that's what was needed. Masashi, you've been selected to go with Rayu. That's all."
Masashi scratched his head and shrugged. It was no big deal to him. "Okay." He said.
Tsunade was about to turn her back, when Rayu felt the urge to tell her, and Sarah and Masashi the full truth. To tell them of his death in two years. "Wait!" He yelled, not meaning to yell.
Tsunade turned around immediately, confused. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"I…I have to tell all of you something that I found out. Something my ancestors told me. It's a prophecy concerning me…and the destruction of the Demon Village." He said, heart racing. He was nervous. Well, that was an understatement. He was beyond nervous. He hadn't told Sarah yet, and at first he hadn't wanted too. He didn't want to have Sarah hear the news, because it would lessen the enjoyment of the next two years. But, she deserved to know, he had decided.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, and then sat behind her desk. "Very well. What does this prophecy say?" She asked, folding her hands. She indicated for Masashi and Sarah to sit, and they did. Rayu remained standing, and he closed his eyes. He visualized an empty room to make it easier to speak.
"My great-great-great Grandfather Ryu Tazamaki was granted with a prophecy that concerned the destruction of the Demon Village. You see, when I attack the Demon Village in two years…I will succeed in my mission." He paused and a smile of relief crept on Tsunade's features.
Rayu opened his eyes, and looked to his left at Sarah. "I will have a son before then, within two years, and Sarah will raise him." Sarah blushed a little and he gave her a soft, sad smile. She smiled back, clearly wondering what was bothering him.
"I...In the battle in two years, I lose a friend. I take five people with me, and I lose one of them. I don't know how, but that's what the prophecy says. Also…the threat of the Demon Village will be destroyed. But how it's destroyed is what I have to tell you, all of you, about." He looked over to Masashi, who was off to his right.
Masashi's face was troubled, obviously wondering if it would be him who died. But then the seriousness in Rayu's voice seemed to reach him, and he locked gazes with Rayu, searching for a clue in his expression.
"You see…I've already come to terms with this, because if I don't do as the prophecy says, the world will die. The fate of the world rests on my shoulders, so I must bear this burden, and it's unfair to have you share the burden. But, I have to let you all know, so that you can be prepared for this if nothing else." Rayu continued, and looked back at Sarah.
His blue eyes locked with hers, and he spoke what he had needed to say all along. "In two years, in the final attack on the Demon Village…I destroy the village and I die. The prophecy says that my son will grow up without a father…and that I won't survive the attack on the Demon Village."
Sarah's face paled, and her jaw dropped. Tears formed in her eyes, and Rayu continued speaking to her. "I…I accept my death happily, because if I die, then everyone will die. My son, my wife, my friends…the entire world will die if I don't. So, in order for the ones I love to continue to live…I have to die. And I accept that."
He turned to Masashi, who had his mouth open in shock. Masashi apparently hadn't expected this. Rayu then turned to Tsunade, whose face was one of disbelief. Everyone was silent, shocked and unsure of what to say or do.
Sarah had known that there was a prophecy about Rayu, but no one had ever said the specifics of the prophecy. She knew that it had talked about Rayu attacking the Demon Village, and she had known that he would eventually. She just hadn't expected to hear that he would die, that he would leave her and his own son behind so that the world could continue on. She stood, without really thinking about it, and wrapped Rayu in a hug. Warm tears spilled down her cheeks, landing on Rayu's neck, and she sobbed quietly.
Masashi had also known about the prophecy, but he had known that Rayu would destroy the Demon Village. He didn't know that Rayu would sacrifice his life so that everyone else could live, and he hadn't known that one of them would die as well. Will it be me? Or will it be Draken, or Zennith, or Kai?, He thought, and he stared up at Rayu. Rayu's eyes were closed, tight as if to keep tears from escaping, and the look on his face said it all. Sarah was the reason he would die…gladly and without regret. For Sarah, for his friends and brothers…for his son. Masashi rose as well, and embraced Rayu tightly. Rayu wrapped his arms around both Sarah and Masashi, hugging them to himself tightly as if he couldn't bear to let them go, should he lose them.
Tsunade spoke softly, unsure really of how to address this new discovery. "The future isn't written in stone, Rayu." She said, and Rayu spoke to her without turning to her.
"Yes it is. When it's shown to you in a vision like it was my ancestor, a vision from God, then there is no other alternative. When something is chosen for you, then it's chosen for a reason. I don't regret what I have to do, because it means everyone can go on living…without knowing how close the world is to ending. If everyone, you included, could just live…then my death is worth it." He said, and Tsunade bowed her head slightly.
"Why do you have to attack in two years? Why can't it be more than that? Why can't you attack in ten years? Or in twenty? You'd be more powerful…and so would everyone else! We could live life fuller…and you'd experience everything! We would all be stronger! We could be together longer…" Sarah said, crying. Masashi withdrew, watching as Rayu struggled to find a reply.
Finally, Rayu sighed. He didn't have an answer. "I honestly don't know. The prophecy said that my child would grow up without me and he would never know me…" He looked into her eyes, and his own tears started to well up.
"In two years, I'll be eighteen. I'll be in my prime, the strongest, the fastest I'll ever be. At the peak of my power is when I have to attack, when I'll be able to do the most damage. I guess that's why I have to attack in two years." He said, and Sarah started to say something. Rayu interrupted gently, saying, "Sarah, listen to me please. I want to live with you forever, until we're 80 years old and we have grandchildren. But, these two years that we'll have together…will be the best years of my life. I don't want this to ruin things, I want the next years to be everything to you. I love you, and while I don't want to hurt you…I have to do this. If I don't, then…you and our child will die. No matter what I do, I'll die. I would rather die to save the world than die at the hands of Lucifer as he destroys everything I love. I love you, and nothing will change that, but it's something that has to be done."
Sarah nodded, and she hugged Rayu fiercely. Tsunade spoke, addressing all three of the Chunin. "Show up tomorrow at 8:00 at the classroom number 209. I'll have protective wards put up so that you can brief the ninja guarding you without being overheard or attacked somehow. If you have any maps or visuals to aid in the briefing, bring them early and set them up. Please, do your best to have as good of a day as possible today…" She said. Rayu, Sarah, and Masashi all bowed respectfully.
Rayu and Sarah held hands as they exited the office, and then as soon as the door was shut, Masashi spoke to Rayu. He didn't look at him, he just stated plainly, "I'll see you tomorrow morning, Rayu and Sarah. Try to enjoy your time…" He said, and he walked away.
Rayu and Sarah watched as he walked away, and Sarah whispered, "Rayu…I've decided that the wedding should be as soon as we get back from this mission. We shouldn't waste our time together…" She said, and Rayu nodded. He turned to her and kissed her, his lips gently brushing against her left cheek.
She said as he kissed her again, this time on her right cheek, "I'm sorry I acted like that…what has to be done has to be done, and I won't make things harder for you than they already are."
He kissed her forehead, and he whispered, "It's already forgotten, love. I handled the news much worse than you did. But…let's not dwell on that. You're my fiancé, and today is supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives. Lets enjoy it."
He kissed her on the lips finally, a feather brush that made her smile. "You call that a kiss?" She asked, teasing. She smiled, showing she would enjoy the day.
He grinned playfully back at her. "No. I call that a tease." He said, and then he leaned in and kissed her like he had when he had come back. He put all his passion into it, and she did as well. As they kissed, Rayu couldn't help but think, This is a little bit of heaven on this earth. Whatever comes, I'll face it gladly…for you.
LOL! ANOTHER MUSHY ENDING! Oh well. ENJOY!!!! Next Chapter will be a GREAT one. Seriously. First will be the briefing and then the squad heading out, and then…I'll press the fast forward on my little author's remote and the resurrection of the Chunin Squad will be at hand! YAAY! And…there's a twist. Something that I doubt you guys will like, but I like throwing stuff in there that no one expects! So, let me know what you think of the chapter! I know it's long…but I was on a roll!