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Chapter 25
A New Leaf
Naruto found himself facing the finest warriors of Kirigakure alongside its most terrifying weapon of mass destruction. The sight would have made most think about getting into any altercation, yet it only filled him with a sense of eagerness.
There was nothing like a good fight.
He blinked on realizing the direction of his thoughts, as he was usually more composed than this. Why was he feeling the desire to kill? The burning sensation of inflicting pain?
He glanced at Muramasa firmly held in his right hand and felt it to be in completely in sync with his chakra without any intent to disturb his thoughts.
He then realized a strange sensation.
It felt like something was behind him, a cold sense of dread and haunting. The emptiness...
He had felt something awaken inside of him on that mountain that night. He still remembered that agony he had felt, the sheer rage to burn down the entire world to ashes for all it had taken from him.
He probably would have gone through with it had Tobirama not saved Ino...
Yet in that deepest pit of despair, he had felt connected to something primal. It had echoed with his pain and embraced him in its darkness granting something in return for taking away a part of his soul.
The proof of which now lied right in front of his eyes.
His blood red eyes could now see the various forms of energy lurking inside of his opponents. Granted, he had always been able to see chakra before whenever he activated his imperfect sharingan...but this time was different.
That energy had a life of its own shaped by the soul of its vessel.
Haku's was the purest like a peaceful lake showing contentment and happiness. Mangetsu's was full of determination yet was also quite relaxed, Zabuza had a yearning for something powerful, Kisame's was cold and sharp, Ameyuri's was full of rage and hatred, while Jinpachi's was one of ruthlessness.
He could also see the sheer amount of energy in nature itself that his eyes previously couldn't see but what he had always felt was there whenever he used Sage mode.
He felt himself more connected to this endless energy than he ever had with anything else.
Zabuza and Kisame clasping their hands together in unison was the first move...
"Water Style: Water Shockwave!"
Mangetsu narrowed his gaze when the blonde's normal red eyes developed a black slit colored pattern. His dark chakra rushed forward and transformed into a raging inferno clashing fiercely against the massive body of water.
Jinpachi vanished as soon as steam was spread across the training ground effectively displaying his mastery of the silent technique. Haku followed seconds later alongside Zabuza and Kisame as they all disappeared much to Mei's surprise.
Ameyuri blinked when a a powerful gust of wind pushed her back and vaporized all the mist spread across the training ground in an instant.
Mangetsu grit his teeth in frustration when he saw all four of his comrades had made their own respective crash landings and had not even been able to reach their opponent who looked at them with the same cold and challenging gaze.
He pointed his sword, Kabutowari towards his opponent earning a respectful nod from him.
The others were about to join in when Haku gestured them to stop when she saw the determined look in her childhood friend's eyes. She saw nearly everyone thought Mangetsu to be insane if he thought himself capable of facing Naruto alone.
Yet that very same enemy smiled proudly when Mangetsu charged at him without any hesitation.
Mangetsu watched his opponent raising Muramasa towards him but it didn't slow down his charge in the slightest much to Naruto's bewilderment before the Commander steeled himself.
The Namikaze warrior was about to defend against what he presumed would be a very fast approaching strike.
His eyes widened when Mangetsu jumped towards him closing the last distance in an instant before dissolving completely into water that spread all over the Commander.
"So this is your clan's secret technique" thought Naruto, as four Mangetsu's emerged from the falling water with each of them already aiming their respective cloned sword across atleast one major weak point of his body. The almost non-existent distance between them made the blonde realize he simply didn't have enough time to conjure any defense.
If only he could use Wind to push his opponents away.
As if acting on his will, he felt his eyes flicker and got connected with a strange sense of energy.
The next moment all three of Mangetsu's clones were shredded to tiny specks of liquid and the original was sent crashing away. Mangetsu however was far from done as the boy backflipped and again rushed towards the blonde ignoring the injuries across his body due to the wind that had shredded his clones and destroyed some of his skin alongwith clothes.
"Water Style: Water Barrage!"
With a single hand sign, the Hozuki clan heir summoned forth a huge salvo of water bullets that raced towards their only target.
Naruto performed his own set of hand seals in order to launch a counter-offensive but only half way through the process he felt his attack take a life of its own and felt his eyes drawing a chunk of his chakra.
A raging wall of fire spread itself between Naruto and the approaching hail of water bullets effectively saving him from any damage.
Mangetsu also had to take a pause when the fire blocked his charge and he saw Naruto seemed shaken by something.
"Commander, your eyes are bleeding..."
Mei's statement made the blonde touch his cheek only for his fingers to come back bloodied and a disturbing possibility to be revealed to the last Namikaze.
"Chakra exists in each person and across every fabric of this world. Most ninjas are barely able to use their inner chakra to the fullest of their ability, only a handful Sages are able to even access a tiny portion of nature's energy. Yet I am not using Sage mode right now and I was yet to finish the hand seals for my fire jutsu, even then I could feel my chakra draining and the technique being unleashed. How is that possible?" thought Naruto in shock,
In Mangetsu's earlier attack, he had very little time to defend himself and had wished to use the Wind energy around him. He had felt his own chakra draining a little but also experienced the nature element bending to his will so effortlessly.
"I need to be alone" he whispered hesitantly, not trusting himself or this new power inside of him in this moment.
His decision proved even more righteous in his eyes when he clearly felt the emotions in each of his comrade's heart at that choice. Their chakra was an extension of their heart's will and he could see surprise, confusion, disappointment visible in most of them without even looking at their faces.
"Commander, we can handle it" protested Mangetsu with a frown,
"No, you can't. I doubt even I understand this power flowing through me right now...it's best if I understand it first or risk harming you guys even by mistake." answered Naruto frankly,
Before anyone could say something further, the Commander vanished in a flash much to everyone's disappointment.
He found himself approaching the only man who could possibly give him some answers.
Tobirama merely raised an eyebrow when the blonde appeared inside his residence abruptly via the marking he had engraved in the house. One look at the boy's new red eyes and his rattled expression was enough to convey the situation to the former Hokage.
He simply gestured for his son to take a seat, which the boy did a bit reluctantly.
Tobirama got them both glasses of water and only once they were finished did he listen to the whole incident that happened with Naruto this morning. The more he listened, the more he got convinced of the bitter truth.
"That's the Mangekyo Sharingan, albeit a broken one. A rare power awakened only with those having Uchiha blood and experiencing the most painful form of grief" revealed Tobirama straight forwardly,
Naruto remembered that moment on the mountain when he had grieved for Ino that night, the pain and sorrow he had felt on thinking she was gone.
He listened as Tobirama explained about the origin of this power alongwith the history of the Sage of Six Paths that had been told to him by Hashirama who in turn learned it from Madara just before the former Uchiha leader left Konoha.
"You are probably the first to hold the blood of both the Uchiha and Senju, one who lived to his adulthood unlike the others that were killed by either of the clans to prevent such a mix of their precious bloodlines. Tell me, did you feel any pain when your eyes bled when you first used this power today?" asked Tobirama seriously,
"No"
"That's probably because you are part Senju and also hold Hashirama's cells inside your body, ones which he shared with you all those years ago while trying to save your life. You also hold mine and Mito's chakra, it reduces the amount of damage any other user would incur while trying to use those eyes. Even so, I would advise not to use this power until the most direst of circumstances if you want to avoid going blind" warned Tobirama, making Naruto swallow nervously as the boy became silent for a few moments.
"You said it was broken just like I heard my sharingan was also broken? What does that mean?" the Namikaze asked eventually,
"It's not complete and neither will you ever be able to harness the power of those eyes like a pure blooded Uchiha like Madara can. But I believe with this power, one day you'll become the strongest soldier of humanity. Stronger than me, Hashirama or even Madara..." said Tobirama with a hopeful but proud smile,
"How is that possible?" questioned Naruto, unable to understand how he could become the strongest when his power would never be complete or utilized to its fullest potential.
"I believe your eyes to be the strongest Mangekyo awakened in centuries. It may not allow you to use the traditional powers like other Mangekyo users, but it helps you connect with something even more primal and all powerful: Chakra"
Naruto pursed his lips as those words sank into his heart and he couldn't help but remember what he had experienced just this morning.
"The Sage of Six Paths wanted to unite humanity by connecting us with chakra. It was supposed to be the medium through which we could come to understand each other's hearts which would bring us closer. Unfortunately, most of us couldn't harness its true potential and instead used it for more wars. Can you tell what I am feeling right now?" asked Tobirama calmly,
Naruto peered at the man with his eyes and felt only one emotion radiating powerfully inside his chakra.
"Hope"
"To be able to understand people's hearts without any words or action. That is the greatest power these eyes have given you apart from the ability to utilize chakra to its fullest capacity, a feat only the Sage could boast of. If you master this power, it could help you defeat Madara and put an end to this war" suggested Tobirama confidently,
Naruto didn't say anything for a few long moments as he tried to process what was revealed to him.
"Isn't that what Madara is trying to accomplish? He started this war to weaken the great nations with the goal of stealing their tailed beast which in turn will allow him to perform a technique that shall unite our race" suggested Naruto hesitantly, receiving a harsh glare from his father in return.
"If you call losing your individuality and becoming a part of a single consciousness a way to peace than you are wrong" chastised Tobirama, having now gone through the scroll given to Naruto by that crazy Uchiha which detailed his plan of bringing humanity together to fight the Otsutsuki.
The Hokage saw his son was still not satisfied even after that harsh rebuke and was still seriously contemplating Madara's plan!
"Naruto, even if you can feel my emotions and understand me better now thanks to your Mangekyo...you still retain your sense of individual personality and thoughts. What Madara plans to do will rob you and everyone else of independent thoughts and personalities, each and every living being in this world holds some amount of chakra inside of them. Madara wants to use that as a catalyst and join everyone's consciousness into a single entity. Synthesis, as he calls it is not the way to save our race! You will no longer be Naruto, and I will no longer be Tobirama if that happens. Our hopes and dreams will vanish and only the thought of the collective human race will define how we will live the rest of our lives. If that was the true path to peace, then why did the Sage not use this option in his time. Why did he choose to let people understand and use chakra on their own? It's because he wanted humanity to find the answer to peace themselves instead of being forced to walk on a path chosen by a single man's will!" insisted Tobirama fiercely,
"But that led to so many wars and misery..." said Naruto sadly, earning a somber nod from his father.
"It did. Yet that pain and suffering also taught us the value of peace, the value of life. If you truly want to make this world a better place, then use this power of yours to understand people. With your intelligence, I doubt it's impossible for you to bring peace to this world in time" said Tobirama honestly,
"Even if I can do it and succeed. What about after? What happens to this peace once I'm dead and not there to maintain it?" asked Naruto despondently, earning a reproachful look from the former Hokage who saw right through him.
"Don't try to shoulder everything alone, son. Or you'll end up just like Madara"
Naruto froze.
The implications behind that possibility were quite grave for himself and the world, not something that he could easily dismiss.
To his credit, Tobirama stepped forward and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"You're young and it's not your fault if you believe you are capable of changing everything that is wrong in this world on your own. I thought like that once too, but we are not immortal. There will come a day when we must rest and leave our dreams to the next generation. It's why you must cultivate those who shall carry your dreams and wishes" advised Tobirama sagely,
He was quite pleased when his son gave a nod of approval after a few moments of deliberation.
"I need a favor" said Naruto hesitantly, earning a small smile from his father.
"Anything"
"I need time to understand this power and to establish the 501st. We will need these things if we are to meet Madara in the battlefield and stand any chance of defeating him. This will most probably delay your return to Konoha by another few weeks as I doubt Gengetsu would risk your safety by sending anybody other than me and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen as your escort back home" explained Naruto seriously,
Tobirama pursed his lips as he did not like the possibilities he would open Konoha to face if he backed Naruto. The war was already going badly for their side without him there to lead his people, his students were trying their best under Hiruzen's leadership but the boy was up against experienced Kage's being manipulated by Madara from the shadows. As much as he wanted to believe in Hiruzen, he doubted the young Kage would ever stand a chance against Madara.
"It's a risky gamble" said Tobirama carefully, the Hokage in him wanted to disregard it as Konoha would be in unnecessary danger for some more time. Yet the father inside of him could not help but wish to believe in his son.
"Every plan is" replied Naruto in a grim voice, understanding Tobirama's concerns perfectly but not willing to back down even after seeing the former Hokage's doubts.
Tobirama sighed before he looked back at his son and gave him a firm nod.
"Make sure it is worth the cost" agreed the Hokage, albeit very reluctantly.
"I will" promised Naruto with a relieved smile, which only alleviated Tobirama's guilt over risking Konoha's safety marginally.
(Five Weeks Later)
The past always repeated itself.
He couldn't help but think so in this moment, as before him stood another mass of skilled warriors of humanity. Men and women ready to fight and die in the service of their nation.
The finest warriors of Kirigakure.
Each of the 501 shinobi had a proud and determined stare as they looked at him devotedly. They had endured the toughest training course this village had ever seen, a struggle that thousands others couldn't succeed.
The largest training ground in the village was the one hosting this historic moment as thousands of people: ninja and civilian alike watched this ceremony alongside the Mizukage himself and every noble clan heads as well as military leaders.
One among the massive crowd was Kushina Uzumaki who looked at her sole friend with a nostalgic smile. It made her proud to see her old Commander being reborn in this moment as the look in his eyes was the same the day he took charge of the Spartans.
Now, he was going to create history again.
"501ST!"
His booming voice echoed across the hearts and souls of each and every person. His warcry instilling a primal wave of pride and courage inside the souls of each ninja as they watched the newest para-special force stand at attention in unison.
"When there are enemies at your doorstep, one must defend their home with a heart of steel. To look death in the eye and conquer it. To become that sword that defends the motherland!" said Naruto fiercely, as he unleashed his famous sword Muramasa in an instant.
He pointed it right towards the mass of warriors dressed in dark black combat t-shirts and dark grey combat pants. Each of them proudly wore a dark green cape across their back that had Twin Wings crossed against each other.
"You are that SWORD!"
Gengetsu saw the stunned silence of the crowd as nearly everyone was hanging on to the Commander's each word. Despite being a veteran, the Mizukage himself could not help but feel energized by those passionate words and the conviction present in Naruto's eyes.
He could only imagine what those chosen ninjas were feeling, it could probably be the greatest moment of their entire lives.
Each of them handpicked by Naruto himself and tested in all the ways possible.
To make them ready, Naruto had requested his mission to Konoha to be delayed. It had upset quite a few people in the Land of Fire who were anxiously waiting for Tobirama's return, but Gengetsu trusted his successor and if he thought the creation of this force held more importance for Kirigakure, then he was willing to have faith in him.
"Strength and Honor: Those are our words!"
Kushina's eyes widened on hearing that and for a moment his eyes met hers...
"Even after all this time...your father's words?" she whispered in silence, but his now dark red eyes must have read her lips regardless as his proud smile gave her the answer.
"Always"
"STRENGTH AND HONOR!" roared the 501st in unison, as each fighter unleashed their sword and pointed them straight forward.
Naruto raised his own hand holding Muramasa high in the air before thumping it fiercely across his own heart.
"FOR KIRIGAKURE!"
Kushina was perhaps the only one in the sea of villagers who understood his true intentions when the 501st adopted the same Salute that the Spartans once had.
A part of her heart had doubted his loyalty towards Uzu when the elders briefed her about his independent actions in the past few years. They doubted his absolute loyalty and wanted her to prevent it from becoming a reality. To think, they even ordered her to do whatever necessary...
Even after everything he had been through, he still remembered where he came from. He still honored the ninjas who died fighting alongside him and he still believed in Yahiko Uzumaki's teachings...
Looking at the cheering and roars of approval from the villagers of Kiri, she felt one of the greatest regrets of her life as in their eyes he was now exactly what he should have been in his true home.
A Hero.
"Someday Kushina, the people will see my brother for what he truly is"
She fought back her tears when dark chakra was unleashed from Naruto's back until it slowly took the form of wings. The 501st unleashed their own winged devices fully across their backs.
In this moment, she felt the chakra of the person who had always believed in him.
Even after death.
She watched Naruto take to skies alongside the 501st much to the ever growing cheers of the entire village.
"Nagato, your dream is a reality now"
Tobirama looked at the group of ninjas gathered inside the Mizukage's office. Apart from Naruto and the Seven Swordsmen, the Anbu Commander was also present.
The former Hokage glanced at his own son who was attentively staring at the world map laid out on the Kage's desk.
"Naruto, have you finished placing your markers at the checkpoints we discussed?" asked Gengetsu seriously,
"Yes, my lord. But I can only carry myself and the Hokage at most through a few of them in case of an ambush. The more jumps I take, the weaker my power gets. It's too risky" warned Naruto with a frown,
"So is having a large armed escort! While the 501st would be a sufficient force to defend the Hokage, you would be much slower and easier to target in a large group. Speed is the key to reaching the Task force which Konoha has sent, they know the terrain well and can take you to the Hidden Leaf much faster" pointed the Anbu Commander,
"Mei can be an enough power boost for us in such situations" suggested Mangetsu,
"Absolutely not! We cannot make such a gamble!" refuted Gengetsu fiercely,
"Multiple Decoys"
Everyone looked at Tobirama on hearing that suggestion and when the Mizukage nodded, the Senju leader stepped forward and pointed at several routes on the map.
"The enemy expects this exchange to happen. Intel says they have sent out their finest assassins and Special Ops teams to ambush us. We can send out four groups, each made up of a seven-man team and one member playing as my double. The enemy will expect us to take the easiest route or the fastest one which are here and here..." explained Tobirama, as he pointed at a Northern route with a way stop at Uzu before entering the Land of Fire, and a western one with a way stop in the Land of Waves before entering the Land of Fire.
"The southern route through Tea Country might be longer but with them having not allied with any major faction yet, we cannot trust that nation not to turn on us. We would not know the terrain in detail which is a major problem. That only leaves this route" deduced Naruto, as he pointed at a unique point on the map.
It involved hopping across a few small islands from the Land of Water's main continent until they reached the infamous Nagi Island which was a hub of the worst pirates of the world. For years, the Mist had tolerated their existence due to the shady alliance that faction had with the Water Lord. Rumor was that they paid a huge tribute every year apart from waging war in his name in foreign nations on demand in return for a safe haven.
They had a natural protection as the sea all around them was infamously known as "The Dead Sea".
Only the pirates knew how to navigate through those treacherous waters prone to violent storms and monstrous tidal waves. Many fleets had been lost over the centuries trying to navigate that region.
No sane man would ever think about taking an important hostage through such a life threatening route.
Realization dawned upon the group as they all looked at each other for a long moment before turning towards the one person who would make that call.
"Should we take the help of the Water Lord? Maybe he can get the pirates to help us?" suggested Haku, and flinched on receiving harsh glares from the men in the room.
"Those scums would sell us out to the highest bidder. You can't trust a pirate, girl" admonished the Anbu Commander in a harsh tone,
"He's right. The way I see it Lord Gengetsu, we need to take control of our own land. For long they have been a thorn for many of the coastal villages of our land. Rape, murder, infamy, abductions or extortion-every crime they have committed without impunity" hinted Zabuza with a murderous glare,
"I agree. Some housecleaning is necessary" said Kisame with a smirk,
"Maybe once we are done with them, we might leave a few alive who would be more than happy to help us achieve our goal in exchange for a merciful death" proposed Ameyuri with a cruel smile,
Tobirama narrowed his gaze when he felt the vicious chakra from these three and their comrade Jinpachi who while silent echoed a similar aura.
"Fools! We need to do this quietly" rebuked the Anbu Commander,
Gengetsu got up from his seat which was enough to halt the heated exchange, the Mizukage then walked towards the window and glanced at the peaceful village. Nearby his headquarters, he saw a food stall owner badly abusing his foreign slave judging from the dark skinned color of the woman prevalent in the Land of Lightning.
Slavery.
One of the many practices established and promoted by their feudal lord, and one that was gladly accepted by many of the noble ninja clans of Kirigakure. If only those fools realized, this practice in itself threatened the very future of their nation.
Racism, Caste System, Slavery, Corruption.
These were few of the fundamental problems plaguing the Land of Water and stood in the way of its greatness.
It was a country built on the principle belief of protecting the rich, noble and privileged at the cost of the rest of the nation.
"Is it a crime not to be special?"
He could still hear his wife's question to him from when they were young ninja who were trying to understand their strange and cruel world. Natsumi always had a sense of honor and justice by which she lived, it was her dream of a better and more liberal nation that he was aiming to build over the years.
One which their son would be proud to be a part of someday.
He looked at Mangetsu and was satisfied when his son gave him a confident nod, having already guessed some of Gengetsu's own thoughts.
The Mizukage then turned towards Naruto without a shred of doubt in his eyes.
"Mobilize the 501st!"
The blonde warrior thumped his fist firmly against his heart as a determined look arrived in his eyes. However, in that same gaze lurked a subtle message that the Mizukage understood very well.
After their losses in the First Great Ninja War; Kirigakure had lost its status quo as an equal power stronghold in comparison to the Water Daimyo's court. Their economy was now heavily dependent on the financial aid given by the Daimyo who often used the shinobi for his own means.
It wouldn't have been so bad had the Water Lord not been a corrupt man who cared little for the future of his citizens.
Many ninjas hated the state of affairs of their beloved nation and the suffering of their fellow countrymen. But none had dared to take any action...yet.
"My Lord.." warned Naruto, earning an unflinching nod from the Mizukage.
"Are you willing to give your heart for this nation?" asked the Mizukage in a stern voice, looking straight into the blonde's very soul through his piercing gaze.
Naruto knew exactly what was being asked of him. By doing this, they were sending a strong message to the over-controlling Water Daimyo of their independence and re-establishing the equal status quo that was lost.
It would no doubt make Gengetsu a target of the Daimyo's ire and every man who aided the Mizukage in this treachery towards the feudal lord. Dealing with village politics and noble clans was one challenge which was already dangerous to his cover and life in the end, picking a fight directly with the most powerful and wealthiest man in the country? Suicide.
But deep in his heart, he felt the same desire for change that he saw in the Mizukage's face.
This was a man willing to risk everything for the sake of his nation.
His Son, His Clan, His friends, His Comrades, His Supporters...and ultimately himself.
All for the sake of one dream.
All his life he had lead troops into battle as a Commander, always tasked with getting the impossible done against all odds. Relying only on his own training and the support of his comrades. He had always had to take up the charge to lead and had never once met someone whom he could entrust that very same faith into.
Until now.
"Those who can't sacrifice anything...won't change anything!" answered Naruto fiercely,
Tobirama watched Gengetsu's smile at that answer and could only see the respect and admiration his son had towards this man. Judging from Naruto's determined look, he was willing to walk into hell itself for this Kage and with good reason.
The former Hokage looked at his counterpart and couldn't help but acknowledge his resolve to do what was best for his nation.
A determined man like that was bound to draw true ninjas like Naruto to his side as they were the people that desired to change this world for the better and were willing to lose their humanity for it.
"No prisoners. No Survivors. And this one stays off the records! Nobody should know what happened there, so we can play it as an attack from Kumogakure in retaliation against our invasion of their land. I doubt it would be enough to convince or even satisfy the Daimyo, but in a time of war he will think twice before accusing Kirigakure of any treasonous actions against him" explained the Mizukage seriously, earning firm nods from everyone in the room.
Gengetsu felt great pride at their confidence in him but looked at his son followed by everyone else with a worried gaze.
"Make no mistake, gentlemen. This could also result into a hostile conflict with the Daimyo who may fiercely oppose our desire to change this nation for a better future. We could all be considered as enemies by the Daimyo, a crime punishable by painful execution or worse. The same goes for our families and loved ones, can you live with that?" asked Gengetsu solemnly,
When the man looked at him, Tobirama understood why he had been invited for this meeting. Gengetsu knew exactly what he was doing and wanted his support if the friendly alliance they had to build would have any real hope for a future. After the previous great war, the hidden villages had suffered greatly. That hadn't stopped them from starting another conflict and the feudal lords had also played an important role in this misery.
The Water Daimyo may very well decide to change the treaty to his tastes if they won the conflict or break it completely in the event he didn't have his way. Having heard of the man's greed and corruption, alongwith the state of affairs of this nation...it was a plausible scenario waiting to happen.
To avoid that, Kirigakure needed to be viewed as an equal power to the Daimyo's court, if another hidden village and its allies backed it...
That still didn't change the reality for what it was.
A Silent Coup.
Everyone else had also came to the same conclusion as they contemplated the choice they were about to make.
"Till the very end, Father" promised Mangetsu with a proud smile,
One by one the other ninjas nodded their consent as Tobirama felt himself witnessing an important historic moment that could change this world in ways none of them could imagine.
When everyone was in on the plan, the Mizukage requested Naruto and the Seven Ninja swordsmen to brief their respective platoons in the 501st, while the Anbu Commander was ordered to prepare the logistics for the operation immediately.
Both Kages watched them all slowly step outside the office one after another until only they were all alone in the room.
"This is a bold move" commented Tobirama carefully,
"I became what I am today with the desire to create a better future. Unfortunately, I lost my way over the years in trying to be politically correct even at the cost of this nation's future. But seeing Naruto's resolve and his courage to stand up for what was right made me realize what needed to be done. If that boy, the last survivor of his clan who had no real support- had the guts to oppose the twisted ways of the ninja clans of this village...then I had no excuse to stop myself from doing what was best for this nation" explained Gengetsu honestly with a smile,
"Few men accept their mistakes...even fewer that correct them" said Tobirama respectfully,
Gengetsu acknowledged that subtle praise with a respectful nod of his own as both Kages stepped towards the window and glanced at the disappearing forms of Naruto and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
"They are the future, Tobirama. It is our duty to build a better world for them...even upon the ashes of our own"
The Hokage could not help but agree with his fellow Kage's wish.
(Next Day)
It was close to midnight when Tobirama found himself trying to equip himself with "Flexible Winged Device (FWD)". Once he was ready, he channeled his chakra in a regular flow and in an organized manner as per Naruto's instruction and was surprised when the wings moved across his back and gently lifted him in the air a bit.
At the same time, the Hokage realized how hard it was to keep this concentrated flow of chakra going.
It would be really difficult during combat unless the 501st had the skill the Mizukage was so confident about.
The Seven Ninja swordsmen were also there and were each checking up on their respective platoons on their readiness.
Tobirama found himself walking towards his son while the others got ready. He sent a curious glance at the young blonde when he found him sitting on a rock and having a smoke quite casually.
"Those things might kill you someday" warned Tobirama, as he took up a seat beside the Namikaze.
"So can a thousand more threats in this cruel world" retorted Naruto, as he offered the smoke to the Hokage who politely declined making the blonde shrug.
"You seem quite relaxed" commented Tobirama with a pointed gaze,
"My men are well trained and know what to do. You stay in the rear with Haku and her platoon, the rest of us will make quick work of the pirate camp. I have carried out black ops like this my entire life...if you remember my history" teased Naruto with a cheeky grin,
"I still feel there is something troubling you. You are trying to hide that behind your calm mask but I can see it" pointed Tobirama without hesitation, making Naruto sigh.
"It is not the pirates that concern me. Even if we manage to learn the safest route across the sea to the Land of Fire from that sector, I'm still concerned about that man. If he ambushes us personally, we're done for" warned Naruto,
"Are you afraid of him?"
"My current Hirashin level is not enough to beat him. The 501st will only escort us to the coastal borders of your land before retreating back to Kiri. It would just be you, me and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen until the Konoha task force arrives to take us safely back to your village. Anything could happen in that long window, those numerous probabilities concern me since I am the Commander of this mission" explained Naruto seriously,
"I don't know how fast I am with my Hirashin in comparison to yours but if we encounter him, then the both of us can face him together. Have faith!" reassured Tobirama confidently,
"It's not his power that frightens me...but his sheer resolve. Those eyes held the gaze of a man willing to toss aside his own humanity and reduce this world to ashes if it helped achieve his dream. We must be willing to set aside our own humanity if we are to stand even a minute chance of defeating him" advised Naruto,
Tobirama watched as Naruto got up from his seat and turned towards the men who were now almost ready.
"Move out!"
(Three Hours Later)
Harsh winds blew across the midnight sky and the cold nearly threatened to freeze off Tobirama's balls as he tried his very best to keep himself afloat and follow the formation flying across the sky.
They were nearly 4000 feet high and travelling through clouds making any chance of detection by anyone on the ground next to impossible.
The entire 501st was divided into eight aerial formations. Naruto lead a small squad of ten troops and acted as their Advance Scout team, while the remaining forces were divided into groups of 70-75 shinobi each being led by a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Together they had already crossed quite a few smaller islands and were mere minutes away from reaching their target.
Nagi Island.
"Target approaching"
Tobirama was still trying to adjust to the unique technology currently attached to the backs of every ninja of their force, sans Naruto who could fly on his own using his mysterious powers. Kirigakure had been making rapid changes to their military doctrine to win this war, the ear piece was one such tool developed to facilitate smooth communication among allied forces. It only allowed short range radio messages to be relayed but the former Hokage had no doubt, few years down the line this was going to change the way the shinobi fought their battles.
"Platoon 1: Establish defensive perimeter across the pirate bay. Take out any enemy troops that escape the CQC teams (Close Quarter Combat). Place Silencing Seals all around this entire area to maintain noise discipline and keep any of the nearby smaller villages from noticing the violence."
Haku gave a silent nod on hearing her orders as she gestured for Tobirama and her platoon to follow her lead as they started descending towards the island.
"Platoons 2, 3 and 4: Assault from the coastline. Neutralize enemy combatants and capture their ships. The vessels are not to be damaged under any circumstances. Any non-combatant discovered on those vessels are to be knocked out and escorted to safety. Am I clear?"
Zabuza, Jinpachi and Ameyuri looked at each other since the question was directed at them. They had been itching for another fight after their last mission and their leader's orders would restrict the fun, especially if they had to save any civilians being held as slaves or hostages by the pirates. The three platoon leaders did not voice any objection though, knowing well that going against orders was not something Naruto would tolerate. Considering they had to to this quietly, there was no other chance.
Moments later, the respective platoons broke off to carry out their orders.
"Platoons 5 and 6: Assault from the western and eastern borders of the bay respectively. The southern route facing the sea will be covered by Zabuza and the others. I'll strike from the North" commanded Naruto over the channel,
Mangetsu and Kisame nodded at each other before parting in their respective directions alongside their followers.
When they were all gone, Naruto turned towards his Scout team made up of 10 ninjas. The most interesting thing about these men and women that made them stand apart from the others was their dangerous marksmanship and hyper fast flying speed using the FWD.
As they descended towards the ground, he couldn't help but remember that mission from all those years ago.
He had been a different ninja back then who had believed in his abilities and those of his troops a bit too much. He had been too blind and had given more importance in successfully completing his mission even if it meant endangering the lives of his men.
Now that he thought about it, if given a chance to redo things...he would have abandoned that suicidal plan to save Hashirama all those years ago. The fact that the Senju leader died a short while after being rescued nearly made the sacrifice of his Spartans pointless. He would have willingly faced the gallows for disobeying orders of the Uzu leadership that day if it meant the survival of his brother and comrades.
The way Uzu had treated him afterwards despite following the rules and accomplishing the mission albeit at a severe cost...was a stark reality of this cruel world.
Putting aside those grim thoughts, he focused on his current mission as the ground started becoming closer and closer. He could see the dozens upon dozens of shacks, houses, barracks and even a tavern and some blacksmith shops among other targets of opportunity.
His now red eyes searched for the other platoons and saw they were now almost ready in their respective positions.
"We're ready"
Haku's confirmation was the signal he needed as it signified the Silencing seals had been placed across a thirty kilometer radius around the Pirate Bay. It would prevent any sound from escaping this zone to the nearby villages at any cost.
He turned towards the ninjas following him.
"Begin strafing run. The Poison bombs first over the barracks and docks, followed by providing air support to any platoons in need. Clear?" he asked seriously,
"We won't let you down, Commander"
He nodded in acknowledgement before focusing upon the main entrance to the Bay. The gate was heavily fortified and guarded with a large amount of enemy presence.
"Are you sure you want to do that on your own?" asked one of the female ninja nervously,
He heard a few others silently curse her for asking such a dubious question but to her relief she only received a reassuring smile from Naruto instead of a harsh rebuke that the others were expecting.
"Let's end this" he encouraged with a determined gaze, earning firm nods from the ninjas as well.
"They're here"
Several shadows emerged from the ocean at his words without making any noise. Wordlessly, they took up positions facing towards the Pirate Bay watching in silence as the Kiri forces surrounded the hopelessly ignorant pirates.
If only they knew, they were not the hunter.
But the prey.
He couldn't help but smile sadistically as he heard weapons being unlocked and readied. There was a finesse with which these warriors got ready, a legacy of their brutal training.
Their blank eyes waiting for him to give the order to attack, their own thoughts and feelings on the upcoming battle having long since vanished alongside their personalities.
Killing machines.
He watched as one of the redhead stepped in front of the group of warriors on his command.
The young boy watched three platoons led by Zabuza, Jinpachi and Ameyuri landing on the Southern flank in order to storm the Pirate Bay via its harbor. He raised his right hand making the other warriors around him point their weapons forward.
"Execute"
Author's Note: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
Sorry for the late update, didn't get anytime to write in entire May. Hopefully things should improve for a while atleast now that I have some free time.
Leave a review if you'd like.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501