Hey, guys! Here is the twenty-fourth chapter of Grand World War! The Union are called into action with repelling a large orc assault on Chicago, Illinois, which spars the flames of all-out war. Hope you liked it.
Chapter 24 – Orc Invasion
Sailing across the quiet seas of Lake Michigan, were five massive armored battleships carrying… at least 100,000 orcs of along with at least 100 wargs, trolls, Guldur wyverns and kodo beasts.
Standing near the bow of the lead ship was the leader of the Horde's Orc forces and High Overlord Saurfang, giving off an unpleasant second guessing about the invasion. His orders by Windrunner were to invade a Grand Alliance outpost in Chicago, hoping to start the war she failed to finish in Azeroth ever since the Burning of Teldrassil, something that haunted him because of the warchief's dishonor and damming the Horde's code. He continued to stay loyal to her only to hide his anger, waiting for the right time to reclaim the Horde from her.
Saurfang took a deep breath and prepare to think for the worst.
"I don't care for the Warchief's orders. I fight only for the honor of the Horde." Saurfang thought.
"Sir. We're almost ready to part." An Orc captain said.
"Understood." Saurfang said.
Saurfang and the captain walked to the door to alert their men it's time.
XXX
Naruto was in Ground Gamma preparing to play basketball in a team with Soul, Sorey, Kaminari and Lee against Ichigo, Black*Star, Kiba, Iida and Kid. Akamaru, Sirius and Hige were simply watching from the sides.
However, the Konoha hero felt a little uninterested today after the battle at San Francisco three days ago, had Black*Star and Kiba not drag him otherwise.
"Look, dude. Everyone else had other things to do, so I only had to call on these guys." Black*Star explained, holding the ball in his right arm.
"And besides, you need the exercise since you've been doing nothing but being lazy all way!" Kiba hollered.
"Give me a break…" Naruto muttered.
"Remember, Naruto-kun! It's important you get exercise every now and then to prepare for battle!" Iida hollered, waving his arm like a robot.
"You shouldn't get lazy!" Iida hollered.
Naruto grumbled.
"Whining about it ain't gonna help, man." Ichigo commented.
"Well to make this better than regular basketball, let's settle a friendly wager." Soul explained.
"What do you have in mind?" Sorey asked.
"If our team wins, we get to move the picture frames in Kid and Tenya's room by 4 cm." Soul replied, giving off a sneer.
"Whoa, whoa, WHOA!" Kid and Iida hollered in unison, not happy with that deal.
Naruto suddenly began to laugh.
"Now that would be a laugh!" Naruto hollered.
"Glad that got you energetic." Sorey commented.
"Well if our team wins, Naruto's gonna sleep in the Central Park Cemetery tonight." Black*Star explained.
That deal suddenly got Naruto turn pale white in horror.
"The graves aren't haunted!" Kiba hollered.
"You got use to Shinigami and Seraphim, so it's no excuse to handle one little graveyard in the night." Ichigo explained.
"I-I'm not scared!" Naruto hollered, putting up bravado.
"Being ignorant of your fear much?" Kaminari, Hige and Sirius asked in unison.
"No more talk. Let's play!" Soul hollered.
Both Naruto and Black*Star's teams were getting ready to play basketball. Until the university alarms went off like crazy.
"Is that the alarms!?" Kaminari exclaimed.
"Something bad is going down!" Lee hollered.
"Put the game on hold! We have an emergency!" Iida hollered.
"What could it mean?" Naruto asked.
XXX
Reaching the common area, Naruto's basketball group met with the entire Union and their allies, who began watching national news.
Needless to say, it's not very pleasant: the TV shows Grand Alliance and Saurfang's Orcs clashing viciously in some parts of Chicago – mostly near Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach. Civilians running for their lives as police came to their defense.
"As reports go, Grand Alliance forces in Chicago are under siege by orc invaders!" A female news reporter hollered.
"Local police are protecting the civilians! But it's only a matter of time before Chicago is taken!" The news reporter continued.
"Please! Send help at once!" The news reporter finished.
Then, something happened that made the TV said "Experiencing Technical Difficulties."
Everyone became silent for a bit while remaining shocked or angered.
"So… Sylvannas is making her start on war." Kakashi explained.
"She's insane." Uryu said.
"Aizawa-sensei?" Ochaco asked.
Aizawa took a deep breath.
"I want the entire Union to head to Chicago immediately." Aizawa explained.
The Union became extremely ecstatic and surprised to hear that.
"He's right. The Grand Alliance are our allies. We must offer aid at once." Toshiro explained.
"Don't have to tell us twice!" Bakugo hollered.
"Already heading to the mission room now!" Maka hollered.
The entire Union began running their way to the mission control and activate the Boom Tube to reach Chicago.
Stein, Marie, Temari and Sergei decided to join in reinforcing their efforts.
"You think Varian knows about this?" All Might asked.
"We both know [he] knows already." Alisha replied.
XXX
The defense at Navy Pier was becoming disastrous, with Grand Alliance members were getting overwhelmed by the orcs and trolls.
Saurfang slashed through two Stormwind knights before tossing a dwarf aside.
"Keep pushing!" Saurfang hollered.
Saurfang commanded his army to continue their assault, mowing their way through the defenses of their foes.
"We're getting overpowered!" A Stormwind archer hollered.
"Where are the reinforcements?!" A Night Elf scout asked, in an angry manner.
"Be there in likely an hour!" A Stormwind warrior replied, killing an orc soldier.
"We don't have an hou-" A Worgen warrior hollered, before getting shot in the chest by an orc archer.
Several loose wargs were tearing through their adversaries.
The Grand Alliance were losing their footing in the Navy Port.
Suddenly, several explosive kunai flew to the ground near several orcs and wargs, blasting them back.
Saurfang realized the people responsible.
"So… they've come." Saurfang thought.
A team comprised of the Acts of Hope, Hige, Sirius, Hinata, Sparx, Rose, Orihime, Crona and Ragnarok, Ochaco, Sai, Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Lee, Mikleo, Edna, Laphicet, Uryu, Chad, Shoto, Iida, Tsuyu, Momo, Tokoyami and Temari came in the nick of time to save the Alliance.
The Grand Alliance's morale was suddenly lifted.
"Let's spread out and do our respective tasks!" Shikamaru hollered.
"Acts of Order will handle Saurfang!" Shikamaru hollered.
"Got it!" Maka hollered, gripping the transformed Soul.
"You don't have to worry about dirtying your hands like last time, Shepherd." Edna said.
"I'm more concerned about the Malevolence than that." Sorey explained.
- Hephsin Yulind! – Sorey shouted.
Sorey merged with Edna, entering his Earth Armatsu form.
The Acts of Order charged to battle Saurfang, which he eagerly accepted.
"Hinata, Sparx, Orihime, Ino, Laphicet and Momo will tend to the injured!" Shikamaru hollered.
"Roger that!" Ino hollered.
Hinata's team began protecting and/or tending to any injured men that aren't killed.
"Everyone else… take out the enemy, but only wound – not kill!" Shikamaru hollered.
"Understood." Shoto said.
"Not in the mood to take their lives anyway." Rose said, not wanting to take enemies' lives this time.
Shikamaru's team began taking out as many orcs, wargs and trolls without killing them, giving the Alliance at the Navy Pier their second wind.
XXX
A team comprising of Sasuke, Velvet, Renji, Black*Star and Tsubaki, Bakugo, Sakura, Kiba and Akamaru, Shino, Tenten, Lailah, Zaveid, Eizen, Rukia, Kid, Liz and Patty, Kurohana and Spike, Kirishima, Mineta, Kaminari, Mina, Jiro, Sergei, Stein and Marie were pushing back the invaders on the Ohio Street Beach. Sasuke's team was ordered to take out almost all the enemy forces on his end, but must spare at least several orcs to take prisoner for questioning.
Sergei took charge of the beach battle, reigniting the Alliance soldiers their lost courage to push forward.
"Push'em back! We have to protect Chicago!" Sergei hollered.
"YES SIR!" The Grand Alliance soldiers shouted in unison.
- Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu! – Sasuke shouted.
Sasuke shot multiple balls of fire at two Kodo beasts and their riders, burning them.
"If that's the best they got, I'm surprised the Alliance was being overwhelmed." Sasuke commented.
"Cut'em some slack, man. Sneak attacks aren't manly!" Kirishima commented.
"Who cares!? All that matters is that we beat the livin' hell out of them!" Bakugo hollered.
Bakugo released the pin on his right gauntlet, shooting a more powerful explosion that blasted several orcs and their mounts back.
"He sure has anger issues." Kurohana commented, having a sweat drop on his forehead.
"Stay focused, dear!" Spike hollered.
"I know." Kurohana said.
Kurohana slashed through a warg attempted to attack him.
Lailah was purifying any Malevolence that started popping up.
Though two Hellions were created: a Griffin and a Goblin Lord, who are clashing against Eizen, Zavei, Rukia, Kid and Stein.
"These hellions aren't gonna be easy!" Liz hollered.
"I know, dear. But we have to stay symmetrical to win!" Kid hollered, shooting wavelength bullets to pin down the Griffin.
Zaveid decided to do something to gain an edge.
"Better step things up!" Zaveid hollered.
Zaveid drew out his gun Siegfried, shooting the side of his head before enveloping himself in green wind.
Zaveid's abilities rose to new heights, making him much stronger and faster than usual.
Zaveid began attacking the Griffin, knocking it out of the sky and slamming into the ground.
"Franky-Stein! Eizen!" Zaveid hollered.
"Franky-Stein? Really?" Stein asked, not sure that nickname sits well with him.
"I don't know how to respond to that." Marie commented.
"Might wanna save it for later?" Eizen asked.
"Of course." Stein replied.
Eizen and Stein began making their move on the downed Griffin.
- Lighthouse! – Eizen shouted.
- Soul Menace! – Stein shouted.
Eizen and Stein attacked the Griffin with a powerful combo attack.
- Hado #4: Byakurai! – Rukia shouted.
Rukia shot the Goblin Lord with a lightning spell, knocking it into the sea.
"Better pin it down so Lailah can purify it." Rukia said.
"Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide into six!" Rukia chanted.
- Bakudo 61: Rikujokoro! – Rukia shouted.
Rukia pointed her index finger forward, creating six thin light beams at the hellion's midsection, pinning it completely.
"Lailah! It's all yours!" Rukia hollered.
"Coming!" Lailah hollered.
Lailah arrived, using her purification powers on the captured hellion.
Velvet activated her Therion arm, absorbing the Malevolence from another hellion she defeated.
Sakura was healing an injured archer, expressing her concern.
"So many injured. We have to end this by capturing their commander." Sakura thought.
XXX
Back at the Navy Pier, Naruto's team continued facing Saurfang's army. The Acts of Hope still face Saurfang, who proves to be a formidable opponent.
"Jeez, he's strong." Ichigo commented.
"No wonder he's the boss of orcs." Soul commented.
"I'm not scared of him!" Naruto hollered.
Naruto charged recklessly with a Rasengan prepared.
"Wait, Naruto-kun!" Izuku hollered.
- Rasengan! – Naruto shouted.
Naruto attempted to strike Saurfang, but the High Overlord sidestepped before grabbing the jinchuriki, throwing him to several buildings.
"Naruto!" Sorey, Ichigo and Soul hollered in unison.
"Naruto-san!" Maka hollered.
"Naruto-kun!" Izuku and Hinata hollered in unison.
"Hold the line! I'll kill this brat in honorable combat!" Saurfang hollered.
Saurfang whistled, calling a wyvern to follow Naruto.
"Shikamaru! We're going to help Naruto! Continue your efforts here!" Ichigo hollered.
"Copy." Shikamaru said, trapping several orcs in his Shadow Possession Jutsu before Choji swung them away with his Partial Expansion Jutsu arm.
Ichigo shunpoed to follow Saurfang.
"Go with him, Sorey! Laphicet and I will handle the Malevolence!" Rose hollered.
Sorey nodded, knowing he can trust his assassin girlfriend.
Sorey jumped high into the air.
Maka and Izuku decided to go with them to back up Naruto.
"Hope they don't get too careless." Temari said.
"Have they ever?" Shikamaru asked.
- Cyclone Scythe Jutsu! – Temari shouted.
Temari swung from her fan, multiple wind blades that shredded the orcs into submission.
Sirius and Hige just finished killing two loose wargs. Though the two wolves did get some small scratches here and there.
Hige was disgusted from having tasted warg blood.
"Yuck! This will never come off my teeth!" Hige hollered.
"Oh quit bitching, kid." Sirius said.
"Says the new Grim." Hige thought, twitching his eyebrow in irritation.
Hinata became concerned with Naruto, but Sparx managed to comfort her.
"He'll be okay, Hinata-sama." Sparx said.
Hinata slowly nodded.
"Be careful, Naruto-kun." Hinata thought.
The rest of Naruto's team continue fighting against the orc invaders, slowly winning now that their commander left to finish off Naruto.
XXX
Crashing near Hyatt Regency, Naruto slowly recovered from the rubble.
"Okay… that really hurts." Naruto said.
"I'm quite surprised some green-skinned freak was able to toss you like a ragdoll?" Kurama asked.
"Very funny…" Naruto muttered.
Naruto got up, only to realize confused civilians eying him.
"Uh-oh. Now I've got civilians to worry about." Naruto thought.
A fireball from above was heading his way, forcing Naruto to dodge as it blasted the ground. The explosion caused the civilians to flee in horror.
Naruto looked up, seeing Saurfang riding his Wyvern down slowly. Once reached the ground, the High Overlord got off and slowly walked towards Naruto.
"Alright, big guy? What does your boss hope to get out of this?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing that concerns you." Saurfang replied.
"You sure? I know there must be a reason the both of you are doing this." Naruto explained.
"I told you! It doesn't concern you!" Saurfang hollered.
Saurfang lunged at Naruto, forcing him to intercept the orc's sword with his kunai.
Both fighters are evenly matched despite their differences.
Saurfang and Naruto both backed off to attack again.
"Impressive. But still not enough, boy." Saurfang commented.
"Lucky for you, I've got friends!" Naruto hollered.
"What?" Saurfang asked.
The orc soon got his answer when Sorey, riding on the earth arms like a surfboard, slammed his back before driving him into the air.
"Take this!" Sorey hollered.
- Earth Revolution! – Sorey and Edna shouted in unison.
Sorey unleashed the ultimate technique of the Earth Armatsu (by 20% to avoid permanent injuries) to take down Saurfang.
Sorey landed next to Naruto, who was a little dumbfounded by Sorey's power.
"A little overkill much?" Naruto asked.
"He held back a lot since that brute isn't completely strong." Edna commented.
"That wasn't even my full power, Edna!" Sorey exclaimed.
Ichigo, Maka and Izuku arrived right next to them, using Ichigo's Shunpo.
"Sure, sure." Ichigo said.
"But do you think he survived that?" Maka asked.
A green arm rose from the rubble created by Sorey's Earth Revolution.
"Does that answer the question?" Soul asked.
"Uh, pretty sure it does." Izuku replied.
Saurfang emerged from the rubble, fairly injured but going strong.
"I don't care how many of you there are. I will fight for the Horde!" Saurfang hollered.
"A Horde under a tyrant like Sylvanas?" Ichigo asked.
"A Horde that should never be hers!" Saurfang replied.
That response surprised the Acts.
"*A Horde that should never be hers*?" Izuku thought.
"We really need answers." Naruto said.
Saurfang was done talking and charged at the Acts of Hope with fury.
All five clashed against the orc, who was holding his own once more.
"Is that the best you children got?" Saurfang asked.
"Not… even close!" Izuku replied.
- Connecticut Smash! – Izuku shouted.
Izuku got in close with his speed and uppercut Saurfang very hard, but barely felt it.
Maka and Soul decided to give the hero-in-training an extra hand.
- Soul Resonance! – Maka and Soul shouted in unison.
Maka and Soul's Wavelengths synchronized and rose higher.
- Witch Hunter! – Maka shouted.
Maka used her signature technique to help Izuku even the odds.
Saurfang, still didn't felt it and swatted the two teens aside.
"Jeez, this guy's like a tank!" Naruto hollered.
"Even he has weaknesses!" Sorey hollered.
"Let's not leave them unexploited." Edna said.
- Rising Sands! – Sorey and Edna shouted in unison.
Sorey used an uppercut move on Saurfang, who barely had time to defend himself.
- Echo Shock! – Sorey and Edna shouted in unison.
Sorey slammed both earth arms together within his range, preparing for a finishing move.
- Rock Wringer! – Sorey and Edna shouted in unison.
Using the fingers of his right arm, Sorey gripped very hard on Saurfang, injuring him now.
"You best surrender. This won't end well for you!" Sorey explained.
"Never!" Saurfang hollered, punching Sorey.
- Shadow Clone Jutsu! – Naruto shouted.
Naruto and three shadow clones attacked the orc in four different directions, but Saurfang refuse to give up and used his sword to slash all three shadow clones.
Naruto used that to kick Saurfang in the face.
Saurfang's anger rose greater.
"I will make you suffer!" Saurfang hollered.
Naruto smirked.
"That's what you think!" Naruto hollered.
"Go, Ichigo!" Naruto hollered.
Flipping back, Naruto allowed Ichigo, who was charging reiatsu on a larger degree.
"Time to end this battle." Ichigo said.
- Meigetsu! – Ichigo shouted.
Ichigo struck the ground very hard, causing blue bursts of energy below Saurfang's feet strike him hard.
Saurfang fell to the ground very hard. Still conscious, but defeated at last.
Ichigo panted as he drew Zangetsu from the ground.
"He's down. But we still need to capture him so he doesn't get away." Ichigo explained.
That proved to be easy when some magical chains bind the High Overlord, as he struggled in vain to break them.
Jaina appeared from a flying airship, with Anduin in tow.
The Acts of Hope and Edna (who defused from the Earth Armatization) smiled.
The ship lowered down, allowing the prince and wizard safe passage down.
"Looks like you kids had a rough time." Jaina commented.
"It was nothing." Soul said, transforming into his human form.
"Try not to let that ego get into your head." Maka said.
Anduin slowly walked to the defeated Saurfang.
"I demand death in honor! Not to be captured!" Saurfang hollered.
"No. My father told me as a boy that Varok Saurfang embodied the honor of the Horde." Anduin explained.
"He admired you for that, and so do I." Anduin continued.
"Listen… there's no honor for your actions today." Anduin finished.
"That isn't for an Alliance prince nor those brats to decide!" Saurfang hollered.
The Acts of Hope felt sympathetic for Saurfang despite his actions in Chicago.
"Right now, it is." Anduin said.
Saurfang growled in response.
"Who knew orcs ever had any honor." Edna said.
"Every creature has their own sense of honor – good or bad." Sorey explained.
"Yeah…" Naruto said.
Ichigo and Anduin got the High Overlord up and walked him to the ship to detain. Sorey, Edna, Maka, Soul, Izuku and Jaina followed behind.
Naruto only stood in viewing the rubble of the battle with a solemn look.
Soon reports came around in victory for the Union and the Grand Alliance winning back both Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier. Orcs and their mounts surrendering, and the people cheered in glee.
However, today was only the start of something worse.
XXX
Two hours later, the allied forces of the Union and the Grand Alliance rounded up their prisoners to bring to Stormwind for questioning in the dungeons, dealing with minor public outcry, and their leaders of the Grand Alliance are now in a council meeting to deal with the current situation. Also present were Kakashi, Jaina, Alisha, Sergei, Toshiro, Stein, Marie, All Might, Aizawa and Gran Tornio also present.
Varian wasn't at all happy at all with what happened today.
"Damn that Windrunner!" Varian hollered, slamming his arm on the table.
"First Teldrassil, now Chicago?!" Greymane (in his human form) asked, in an angry manner.
(A/N: Did forget Genn can transform into both human and worgen forms at will. Not like any ordinary werewolf!)
"She said back at San Francisco that war will being within a week." Toshiro explained.
"Seems she's made good on that promise with today's incident ahead of time." Toshiro explained.
"I recall your report says that woman has a weapon in preparation." Magni explained.
"Yes. Not entirely sure what weapon she has." Toshiro explained.
"I've tried asking the prisoners we brought in. None refuse to talk." Sergei explained.
"Not even Saurfang?" Whisperwind asked.
Sergei only responded with a nod.
"Doubt he'll talk anyway." Marie said.
"We've got bigger problems than Saurfang anyway." Aizawa explained.
"Why's that?" All Might asked.
"Before the invasion this morning, Proudmoore just sensed unusual magical disturbance in both New Zealand and Panama." Aizawa replied.
"Which means…" Alisha said.
"Toneri and the Legion are making their move on the last two stones with everything they've got." Kakashi explained.
"There are also reports of the Horde producing their weapon on the Dark Isles." Mekkatorque explained.
"Sylvanas has begun her war." Varian said.
All in the council room became silent for a minute.
Varian began to rose from his seat.
"Your Majesty?" Genn asked.
"We're already at war. Now we must strike back and protect." Varian explained.
Everyone in the room were surprised by Varian's retaliation.
"Two Union teams will retrieve the final two stones in Panama and New Zealand." Varian explained.
"The entire Grand Alliance and a small Union force will begin our assault on Mordor to destroy the Horde's weapon and capture their remaining leaders." Varian continued.
"She will not rest until everything on this Earth is killed. She must be brought on trial." Varian finished.
"Are you sure?" Sergei asked.
"She attacked innocent lives on American soil after declaring her war. We must respond to this." Greymane explained.
"We have no other choice." Magni said.
"Better put all three teams together then if we wanna hurry." Stein said.
"Aizawa-kun. You inform the children their next mission." All Might explained.
"Understood." Aizawa said.
"We'll stay here and help the soldiers prepare for battle." Gran Tornio explained.
"Must make haste then. The enemy forces on all three locations are making their moves now." Jaina explained.
Concluding their meeting, all leaders began making preparations to prepare for the war.
XXX
Returning to the Hero University through a Boom Tube, Aizawa explained the current situation to the Union (except the Acts of Hope, Hinata and Sparx, Bakugo, and five out of the six Seraphim) and the rest of their allies outside in the courtyard.
"So… we have to start getting ready at once." Aizawa said.
Everyone became sad.
"I know you all don't like this. But we still have our mission to fulfil the most." Aizawa explained.
"We get that part." Sakura said.
"But when war breaks out… Malevolence is gonna spread like wildfire." Velvet explained.
"Toneri would love to watch us writhe in agony." Spike said, in a sarcastic manner.
"Very *sarcastic* of you." Liz commented.
"The Alliance leaders are already preparing all three teams for New Zealand, Panama, and Mordor to combat the enemy." Aizawa explained.
"It's also come to a decision that we'll have to use the stones we have in our possession." Aizawa continued.
The Union were surprised to be using the very objects they're sworn to protect and hide, to use in battle.
"That would be leaving them in the open." Lee said.
"Which is why each one of you holding onto them better defend it with your lives." Aizawa commented.
"What about those who aren't going in this war?" Spike asked, concerned for her brothers.
"They'll remain at Stormwind with the citizens and any soldier left to guard the city." Aizawa replied.
"But we wanna help, nee-san!" Mark hollered.
"Yeah! I hate being left behind!" Will hollered.
Grunting, Spike bent down and hugged her little wolf brothers, much to their surprise.
"I made a promise to Mom that wherever I take you, I must keep you both safe." Spike explained.
"Please. Just do as I say, and promise to behave." Spike continued.
"Can you promise your big sis that?" Spike finished, gripping a bit tighter.
Mark and Will were touched by their older sister's words – they're not ready for battle and they don't want to make Juliet sad.
"Can you promise us something, nee-san?" Will asked.
"Anything." Spike replied.
"Promise you, Black*Star-sama and Tsubaki-sama come back to us. Promise?" Will asked.
"Of course, dummy. I'll never leave you two alone." Spike replied.
"Thanks, nee-san!" Mark hollered, starting to cry.
All three embraced, silently crying.
The Union and their remaining allies, especially the DWMA students, smiled at the embrace of family.
Black*Star walked over and bent down to the brothers, patting their heads with both hands.
"Don't you two worry! Nothing's gonna happen to your sis as long as Black*Star-sama's here to protect her!" Black*Star hollered.
Mark and Will eyes became sparkles with joy, admiring their hero once more.
Spike sighed and Tsubaki giggled.
Everyone else smiled at Black*Star's boastful attitude despite finding it annoying as usual. Sasuke scoffed it off.
Aizawa just showed an emotionless face, not surprising how the Union can still try their best to maintain a carefree air in the midst of war.
"Come to think of it, where are the Acts and Hinata?" Aizawa asked.
"Bakugo's not here either." Kirishima said.
"They're at Stormwind with Anduin – wanting to talk to *someone*." Liz explained.
"Mikleo, Edna, Lailah, Zaveid and Eizen are with them as well." Rose explained.
XXX
At the docks of Stormwind, multiple humans, night elves, dwarves, gnomes, worgen and talking animals, soldier or not, began making quick preparations boarding the airships or navy ships with the aid of magic-enhanced Boom Tube technology to travel to all three locations in force.
Viewing from afar were the Acts of Hope, Mikleo, Lailah, Edna, Zaveid, Eizen and Anduin, seeing how hard everyone is getting ready for battle.
Greymane (transformed into his worgen form) began to meet up with the heroes.
"That is the last of the soldiers. Will be calling up any farmers next if they wish to fight" Greymane explained.
"Honestly… we're supposed to be fighting for peace, right?" Naruto asked.
Greymane couldn't respond.
"But we're just… fighting." Naruto said.
"Is there no end in sight for this War as long as Sylvanas continues taking life with no remorse?" Anduin asked.
"You children are doing everything you can to stop her, the Legion, and Toneri." Greymane replied.
"You think so?" Ichigo asked.
"Ichigo-san… he's right." Lailah said, who is sitting on Eizen's lap as the pirate seraph is also sitting on the ground.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
"Fools can be called heroes all they want – King Varian's being a hero because he cares for his people and the honor of life." Edna explained.
"Not everyone can share the same view of peace as we have. That's just human nature to disagree." Zavied explained.
"Fighting is natural. We know that all do well, don't we?" Eizen asked.
"All too well." Soul replied, lying on the grass.
"But the cruelest thing about war… is losing the things you care about the most." Izuku commented.
"And the changes that will affect the world in the end." Maka explained.
"A hero in war is a hellion in life – can be viewed differently based on how you describe it." Mikleo commented.
"Sylvanas only craves war and violence. Malevolence will be breed without knowing." Sorey explained, gripping his right hand.
"I know you've been dragged into a war against your own will before, young Shepherd." Greymane commented.
"You mean when Alisha was falsely accused of treason and arrested?" Naruto asked.
"To get Sorey involved in the war between Hyland and Rolance when he shouldn't." Mikleo explained, gripping his shirt in anger.
"Government power tends to have its' grip to remind people their place. Everyone has the right to make their own choices." Ichigo explained.
Naruto knew that when the Allied Shinobi Forces hid him on Turtle Island without his knowledge while his friends were fighting in the Fourth Shinobi World War. Even if it was to protect him from the Akatsuki and Kabuto getting their hands on him and Killer Bee.
"Such is the nature of war." Naruto thought.
XXX
In Kokuro and Elise's room, the crown princess was combing her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
She's become very worried her older brother and father are leaving the kingdom to go to war soon, and is left to look after Frodo and Elise. Worried that if something did happen to them like her mother, she wouldn't know what to do.
"Mom. I wish you were here." Kokuro thought.
Kokuro dropped her brush and lowered her head to her knees. She began to cry silently… crying because she is scared of what's going to happen in the war she won't be involved in yet Varian and Anduin will. Tears drenched the skirt of her dress as she gripped it with her hands.
"You keep crying, you're only making yourself worse." Bakugo commented.
Kokuro stopped crying, raising her head quickly, and turned quickly to find her lover's (by chance) voice.
The crown princess then saw Bakugo, who is sitting in her open window.
"Hey, Kacchan." Kokuro said, in a sad manner.
"I get that you're sad, alright. But you got try showing a little faith." Bakugo commented.
"How can I?" Kokuro asked.
"You, your friends, my father and nii-san are going to war against the Horde. A war that people will end up dying in! A war that I may get to see my father and nii-san one last time before they set out!" Kokuro hollered, getting up from her chair in raising her voice.
Kokuro began to kneel down, starting to cry more loudly despite using her hands to cover her face.
"I don't wanna lose nii-san! Or dad! Or you!" Kokuro hollered.
Kokuro began to cry more, something Bakugo couldn't take.
Reason is… because he hate seeing someone cry out of anxious fright that it reminded him of the time his mother losing her father in unfortunate accident and his father was the only one comforting her; back when he started middle school. A day he secretly regretted for not being there for his family.
Bakugo began walking towards Kokuro, removing her hands from her face a little roughly, and hugged her. An action that surprised the princess like the time he did when facing Zeref.
"K-Kacchan?" Kokuro asked.
"You listen here, Kokuro. I promise to come back when this is over." Bakugo explained.
"Your dumbass brother and stupid father vowed to come back themselves since they have their duties to fulfil." Bakugo continued.
"Stop your crying and show a smile for me." Bakugo continued.
"The smile that made even a high and mighty jerk like me accept your kindness!" Bakugo finished.
Kokuro was struck by the conviction of Bakugo's words. Words that started to fill her spirits now.
Bakugo then leaned his forehead against hers' and rubbing her fingers with his hands in a somewhat gentle manner.
"I once made a promise that I will be back for you. Don't cry now just because you think I don't keep a promise." Bakugo explained.
"Okay?" Bakugo asked.
Kokuro stopped crying and nodded.
The two shared a loving moment together.
XXX
Walking down an alleyway alone, Hinata and Sparx became scarred of the coming war today. Scarred for the safety of their separated comrades on different battlefronts. Scarred of what the enemy has in store for them and the innocents in New Zealand and Panama. But most of all, scarred for Naruto's well-being and the enemies he will be facing.
"Naruto-kun." Hinata thought.
"You must be worried, aren't you?" A voice asked.
Hinata and Sparx quickly turned around… to see Toneri standing before them.
"Toneri?!" Sparx exclaimed.
Hianta entered her Gentle Fist fighting stance.
"You don't belong here, Toneri!" Hinata hollered.
"I did not come here to fight, my dear. Just want to say something." Toneri explained.
"Hinata-sama doesn't want it!" Sparx hollered.
Spark charged recklessly to attack the god, but nothing happened as the fairy just punched through some kind of intangible form.
"I missed?" Sparx asked.
"No. I'm merely an illusionary copy." Toneri replied.
"Your fists… can't touch me." Toneri said.
Sparx became irritated.
"Zeref said something about me being your bribe. Is that true?" Hinata asked.
"Yes." Toneri replied.
Hinata and Sparx were shocked that what Zeref said before was actually true.
"Once this war starts, I will bide my time and claim you as my own." Toneri explained.
"Through our hand in marriage, you will be my wife, Byakugan Princess." Toneri continued.
"You can't deny what's written in stone." Toneri finished.
"That's a lie!" Sparx hollered.
"My heart belongs to only one person… that's Nartuo-kun!" Hinata hollered.
Toneri simply chuckled.
"We shall see about that." Toneri said.
Toneri's illusion began to disappear.
"Soon… you will be mine by the end of the day…" Toneri said, in the air.
Hinata and Sparx became conflicted.
"Hinata-san!" Lailah hollered.
Hinata turned to see Mikleo, Lailah, Edna, Zaveid and Eizen rushing to find her.
"Mikleo-san. Lailah-san." Hinata said.
"Are you alright?!" Lailah asked, holding Hinata's hands.
"W-We're okay." Hinata replied.
"Was that really the god Gabriel warned us about in person?" Eizen asked.
"Not here, but real." Sparx said, flapping his wings a bit.
"Any clue what that was about, pumpkin?" Zaveid asked.
Edna jabbed Zaveid's side with an umbrella.
"Mind your manners, idiot." Edna muttered.
"Sorry." Zaveid said.
"Wait… where's Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.
All five Seraphim froze upon Hinata asking for Naruto's whereabouts.
"Well… you see…" Mikleo said.
XXX
Entering the kingdom dungeons below, Anduin and the Acts of Order were walking have a chat with a "certain prisoner".
They walked passed Gallywix, who is tied in chains yet snarled.
"Was wondering where he was." Soul whispered.
"Better off in a sewer prison." Ichigo whispered.
"Will you two shut it?" Maka whispered.
All six reached the end of the underground jail, seeing the recently incarcerated Saurfang sulking in a corner.
"At Chicago, you had more than one chance to kill us." Ichigo explained.
"It could've ended this war if you believed it so." Maka said.
Saurfang refuse to talk. Anduin opened the former High Lord's cell with a set of keys he got from the warden after receiving permission.
Opening the cage, the six heroes slowly walked in. Anduin then roughly closed the cell shut before giving the keys to Sorey, leaving all seven of them alone without anyone interrupting them.
"Tell me… why didn't you kill me and my friends at the city?" Naruto asked.
"Good it'll do you." Saurfang replied.
Saurfang began to stand up.
"They sparred you… I sparred you because I believed you had honor." Anduin explained.
"Was I wrong?" Anduin asked.
Saurfang began to exhale strong air from his nose out of irritation.
"Do you really want more innocents to suffer?" Izuku asked.
"Do you believe it was for the Horde?" Maka asked.
"Do you believe it was for the good of your people?" Sorey asked.
"Was this attack worth the honor you actually wasted?" Ichigo asked.
"You believed it was to please your chief and Madara?" Naruto asked.
"The Horde-" Anduin said.
Saurfang, growing in anger from each question thrown at him, was through with his silence.
"I have given EVERYTHING for the Horde!" Saurfang hollered, tossing the prison bed aside.
"I fought for it! Killed for it! And Sylvanas is now destroying it!" Saurfang continued.
"She, the Legion – will destroy everything!" Saurfang finished.
The Acts and Anduin stood firm and showed no emotion to react.
"What I want…!" Saurfang hollered, punching a wall and in between Anduin and Ichigo; both moved their heads aside but didn't flinch. The other five Acts kept their cool and maintain their composure.
"… Is MY HORDE BACK!" Saurfang shouted.
Snorting, Saurfang turned around and bent one arm against the wall; breathing slowly to let the anger go.
"I understand your anger, Saurfang." Naruto said.
Saurfang lifted his face in surprise.
"War change people for the worse, or for the better." Naruto explained.
"But why didn't you kill us when you had those many chances to do so?" Naruto asked.
"I hoped… you all could stop her." Saurfang replied.
The Acts and Anduin looked at each other to know what they're thinking.
"We can't." Sorey said.
Saurfang looked up in surprise as the heroes began leaving the orc's cell.
"Not alone that is." Sorey said.
Once out, Anduin closed the door and locked it with the key.
"Before you go, there is one thing I want to tell you." Saurfang said.
"What's that?" Soul asked.
"Be prepared for the hardest choices to come." Saurfang replied.
Saurfang began to sit back to sulk in his corner.
Those words etched into the minds of Naruto, Sorey, Ichigo, Maka, Soul, Izuku and Anduin.
XXX
At the docks, Kakashi was conversing with the recently arrived Heracles and Freya, who also wanted to participate to slay Cerberus, but also to repay their debt to the Union for helping them on different occasions.
"I appreciate your support this one time." Kakashi said.
"It's the least we can do to repay you in service." Heracles explained.
"We offer the support for this war." Freya said.
Varian came on horseback, meeting with Kakashi.
"Everything's ready, Kakashi." Varian said.
"Good. Let's finish preparations and prepare for war." Kakashi explained.
XXX
Within the next hour, everything came in order: Spike dropped off her brothers to the Varian Household to stay with Kokuro, Frodo and Elise until she comes back. Kakashi, Toshiro, Alisha, Aizawa and Stein began assigning teams to all members of the Union to each different location.
The New Zealand unit will be Naruto, Ichigo, Sirius, Hinata, Sparx, Orihime, Sasuke, Sakura, Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Lailah, Chad, Uryu, Kid, Liz and Patty, Shoto, Momo, Tsuyu, Tokoyami, Stein and Marie, All Might, Endeavor, Jaina and Freya. Ichigo will be using the Fire Stone.
The Panama unit will be Maka and Soul, Izuku, Rose, Crona and Ragnarok, Ochaco, Zaveid, Renji, Velvet, Black*Star and Tsubaki, Kurohana and Spike, Lee, Tenten, Bakugo, Kirishima, Mina, Kakashi, Toshiro, Rangiku, Ikkaku, Yumichika and Anduin. Kakashi will be using the Wind Stone.
The last unit will be the one assaulting Mordor, comprising of Sorey, Mikleo, Hige, Edna, Laphicet, Eizen, Sai, Kiba and Akamaru, Shino, Kaminari, Iida, Kyoka, Mineta, Temari, Alisha, Sergei, Blair, Aizawa, Heracles, and the Alliance leaders Varian, Tyrande, Magni, Mekkatorque and Genn. Both Sorey and Eizen were entrusted with the Earth and Water Stones.
Some couples that will be on different teams had to say their temporary goodbyes until they see each other again.
Varian talked to his son in private before they left too, encouraging his son to rise in kingship if anything happen to Varian.
The Union also did a fist-bump oath to always believe in friendship and knowing they're stronger even when apart.
Soon, everyone began boarding the ships, activating the Boom Tubes, and left to their designated locations for war.
XXX
In New Zealand, Madara was sitting down, waiting for Naruto and his friends to come.
Madara opened his eyes, sensing a Boom Tube opening and giving off an evil smile.
"Ah… at last." Madara said.
XXX
In Mordor, Bloodhoof was angered at Saurfang's capture and Sylvanas' disregard to retrieve him.
"So you left Saurfang to die?!" Bloodhoof asked, in an angry manner.
"It is the death he wanted." Sylvanas replied.
"If you're eager to join him, feel free." Sylvanas said.
Bloodhoof got angrier, but did his best to maintain his composure.
"For the Horde." Bloodhoof said.
Bloodhoof left, leaving Sylvanas alone.
Theron smirked, leaving her alone as well.
Loud horns suddenly shouted, alerting the three leaders. Sylvanas smirked wickedly.
"At last, they come." Sylvanas said.
Bloodhoof soon let out a mighty roar to alert his troops.
Theron drew his sword to prepare for battle.
Sylvanas began to generate dark magic and began to shriek.
"HORDE! TO BATTLE!" Sylvanas shouted.
Sylvanas flew to her fortress.
XXX
In Toneri's castle, the Celestial God began to watch all three battles starting.
Smiling, Toneri can only watch in anticipation.
Who will win? Who will lose? What will happen in this war?
Preview:
Sorey: There's no choice now but to go to war.
Mikleo: Afraid so.
Shino: Sylvanas forced the king's hand. We have no choice.
Sai: We also must be concerned for our comrades fighting for the last two fragments elsewhere.
Shino: But our part is to fight the Horde and destroy their weapon before it becomes too dangerous.
Mikleo: Sorey, promise you will do your best and fulfil your duty as the Shepherd.
Sorey: I know.
Sai: Never forget we're right there with you.
Shino: Especially ME.
Sorey and Mikleo sulked.
Sorey & Mikleo: Why are we not surprised…
Sai: I won't leave you.
Sorey: That… was odd of you.
Mikleo: You're one to talk.
Shino: Let's get ready.
Sai & Mikleo: Yeah.
Sorey: It's finally time.
Sorey: Next time: Chapter 25 – The Great War: Part One.
Sorey: Okay, boys… let's go.
Mikleo, Sai & Shino: Yeah.
Did you enjoy it? The Great War from Azeroth now resumes… in three locations with two over the last two element stones, and the third be an invasion on enemy territory! The Great War Arc chapters will not be multiple, but very long depending on the battles.