Here's all you have to know about men and women: women are crazy, men are stupid. And the main reason why women are crazy is that men are stupid. – George Carlin
Hello everyone! Here's chapter 25 for your reading pleasure. There's a lot of stuff going on here, and it moves the chapter forward by a few leaps by addressing a bunch of items that I've left hanging for the last few chapters. We have death, danger, intrigue, humor, romance and some more pregnancy items. So without further ado, let's get to the good stuff!
As always, I'd like to thank fellow author Titokhan and my anonymous beta for all their help and support. Its people like you guys that make writers on this site keep going. I can never thank you enough. You guys rock!
When I started out this story, I had three goals: 500 favorites, 1000 followers and 1,000 reviews. The last few chapters have been rough, and I've had some people jump ship but I've now officially hit my last goal. I can't thank everyone enough for liking, following and favoriting this story because it really shows that you appreciate my writing and creativity, along with the effort I put into each and every chapter. All of you are the best!
So let's go straight to my usual section of shout-outs and credit where credit is due:
Illuminated: The bladder idea was great. I used it twice in this chapter, along with one other pregnancy item. Thanks so much!
KingKakashi/Hektols: Duly noted. I'll address the Kakashi/Freyja/Reira issue next chapter, because I left it out of this one purposely. There's also a reason why Sasuke is now in charge of the ANBU. And I'll tweak some of the issues with Hikaru and his fūinjutsu based on your input in the future.
MattWilson83: Sakura issues are addressed in this chapter. Sorry for the delay on this. Everyone else's blame in the matter comes into play later on in the story, so don't be surprised when there's none in this chapter. But I promise it'll be addressed and there's a reason why I'm doing it like this (and it came from your suggestions!)
Lord Farsight: Two of the Mienai Segi names in this chapter came from your suggestions. Thank you!
Wacko12: Your idea will be used next chapter, I promise. Sorry for the wait.
I would also like to give a shout-out to the following authors:
weirdismyname: I am now doing beta work on her new story, called Sanctuary of the Wounded. If anyone read her previous story, Beyond an Heiress' Purpose you know she only puts out quality stuff. There's only two chapters but I know what's coming and I think you'll like it.
Just Retribution: Our Ninja Way was updated in the last few days. Love this story! Check it out!
Ayrmed: I've recommended this one before. She just updated Love's Never Easy, and mentioned me and my story at the end of the latest chapter. Ask and you shall receive, my friend!
And thank you to Aqua-Zodiac for mentioning me in her story Wait WHAT! that I recommended last chapter. She updated about a week after I did. Yummy stuff!
Okay, let's jump to the disclaimer. Thought I'd go for something more recognized, short and sweet. My foster child and I watched this movie earlier this week and it brought back a lot of good memories as well as laughs…
Disclaimer – I don't own Naruto, but I know who does. Kishimoto? Kishimoto? Kishimoto?
Simone – Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going out with the girl who saw Kishimoto pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.
Disclaimer – Thank you, Simone.
Simone – No problem whatsoever. (+1 if you get the reference)
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Chapter 25 – The Needs of the Many
Two days' travel past the western border of Suna, Perun trudged wearily along the base of a mountain range. Two weeks ago he'd finished a mission in Demon Country, quelling an uprising that sought to overthrow and kill the current high priestess, Shion – the idea being that if she were dead, there would be no one to stop Mōryō once he broke the seals that kept him contained.
Even though fighting and defeating a demon like Mōryō would be difficult, it was certainly possible for someone like him but taking down those responsible was far easier – and much more satisfying. The only thing he hadn't counted on was how widespread the 'problem' actually was. It had taken over two months to track down and kill every last person responsible. He also made sure to spread a rumor that if anyone else got the bright idea of trying something like this again, the consequences would be far more… severe.
So after such a long mission, he was looking forward to a well-deserved vacation. A solid month in the penthouse of the best hotel in the capital of Fire Country wouldn't put a dent in the money he was going to make from this. All he had left to do was give his mission report to Saladin, collect his pay and then it was nothing but rest and relaxation for a good long while. He smiled to himself at the thought.
As he entered the cave where Saladin lived his smile vanished. Something was off. The atmosphere didn't feel right…It was tense and heavy, like someone was expecting to be attacked at any moment…
"Master?" Perun called out hesitantly. He lowered his power and stopped masking it, purposely letting Saladin know he was here. Avoiding a confrontation with the leader of the Mienai Segi would be best right now. "Master? It's Perun. I'm back from my mission in Demon Country, and I'd like to make my report. I assure you that I'm no threat…"
The silence stretched on for what seemed like an eternity while Perun waited patiently, remaining perfectly still until he heard Saladin decide whether he should stay or go. As one of the first members of the Mienai Segi, he knew what his master was truly capable of and if he said leave…then he'd leave without question.
"You may enter, Perun." A voice boomed from the depths of the cave. "However, ensure that your demeanor remains calm. I'll consider any rise in power to be an attack upon my person, and if that happens I will respond. Do you understand?"
A bead of sweat rolled down his temple and Perun nervously said, "I understand perfectly, Master. I'm coming in."
Perun walked cautiously down the passageway, mindful of where he was. Even though he was strong, he knew he wouldn't survive if Saladin collapsed the mountain on top of him. His lightning and fire affinities would be useless against such an attack. When he finally arrived at the main area, he was startled to see Saladin standing behind his desk, palms flat on the surface.
"Please sit." Saladin instructed him, pointing at the chair in front of his desk.
Perun did so, placing his hands on the armrests, making sure to keep them in full view. He kept his expression impassive – even after noticing that the shelves behind Saladin were mysteriously empty, rather than full of the books and scrolls he'd gone to great lengths to accumulate over the years.
Saladin walked around the desk, stopping in front of the chair. "I'm going to use the Mind Submission Jutsu to a greater degree than I would normally do. There is a reason for this, which I will explain after I'm through. I highly suggest you don't resist."
Perun watched as Saladin extended his hand, placing it on his shoulder. He immediately felt pressure as Saladin invaded his mind, but this was far worse than normal. It felt like his head was caught in a vice, and someone was slowly tightening the screw.
"The two basic principles of the Mienai Segi are strength and discipline," Saladin said pointedly, his stare intimidating. "but what drives you to be the person that you are? What are the principles that guide you in your life?"
"Protect the weak and defenseless." Perun said without hesitation. "Defend the innocent. Never turn your back on those in need. Fight for the welfare of all." (2)
As Perun said the words Saladin scanned his mind, and didn't sense even a hint of malice or deceit. Satisfied, he nodded and lowered his power. He walked back around the desk and sat down, steepling his fingers in front of him and softening his gaze.
"I apologize for what I have just done, but you should know the reasons behind my insistence on being so forceful. Shortly after you left for your mission in Demon Country, I received a visit from Gabriel. He brought with him a new candidate, along with news that there is a snake in the garden."
"What?" Perun asked disbelievingly, his brows knit. "How did Gabriel find out about this?"
"Gabriel had returned to Konoha several months ago to help someone in need. While there, Anubis and his cult of followers attacked the village under direct orders from someone else. And since Konoha is his home, Gabriel took the attack rather personally. He burned the Minions of Set to ashes and scattered them to the wind, before killing Anubis using the Unstable Resonance Jutsu."
Perun stared back at Saladin, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Did Gabriel manage to find out who's behind it all before he ripped Anubis apart?"
Saladin shook his head. "He did not, nor have I heard from him since he left and returned to Konoha. My assumption is that he has nothing new to offer on the subject. However, I have been having trouble contacting other members of the Mienai Segi over the last several weeks. It's become apparent that someone is systematically eliminating those in our organization, and the only logical conclusion is that it's one of our own."
Perun slumped in his chair. "So now what? You still have no idea who or what's behind these attacks or the reasons why. But putting all that aside, you still need to let Gabriel know what's going on. If he hasn't been killed already, he's more than likely the next target."
"I'm aware of this, and I thank the Gods that you arrived here. Since you were out of range, I couldn't summon you but now that I have you here, I will need you to perform one last task for me."
"One last task? What do you mean, Master?"
Saladin sighed wistfully. "What I mean is that I am unsure as to how much time I have left. You see, one week ago I received an omen of my impending death."
"You…You actually felt your death approaching?" Perun asked incredulously. "Then why are you still here, Master? You should be hiding right now! If you stay alive, you can help us fight whoever's behind this when the time comes!"
"Perun, you must understand that what I felt is inevitable and cannot be avoided. Knowing this, I will face the threat here, rather than bring the conflict somewhere else. I will not expose the lives of innocents to the destruction that will take place. My life when compared to theirs is insignificant. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – or in this case, the one." His gaze hardened, and he stared at Perun intensely. "But you may rest assured that I will not go quietly."
The silence in the cave was deafening, as Perun stared at his leader in stunned disbelief. It was beyond comprehension that his leader would so willingly accept his fate like this, but Saladin was closer to enlightenment than he was. He'd know what's possible and what isn't.
"What…What do you need me to do, Master?"
Saladin began to rummage around in his desk. "As of this moment, the Mienai Segi is officially no more. As I am unsure who else of our brethren are left – other than Gabriel, and whoever is responsible for all of this – I wish for you to live out the remainder of your days with some sense of normalcy. When you leave here, you are to head straight to Kumogakure and remain there, serving the Raikage by joining his forces. With your primary affinity being lightning, you will blend in best with the populace there."
"Please take these," Saladin said, placing three storage scrolls in front of him. "The first contains your pay for completing the mission in Demon Country. The others…" he said, pointing at two scrolls that bore special seals, "…are to be sent by messenger to Konohagakure. He is to ask for the man who holds the fox."
"Ensure the Raikage sends someone important and trustworthy." Saladin smirked and then finished, "Also explain that if anyone other than Gabriel tries to break the seals and open the scrolls, the contents will be destroyed… along with a large section of his village as well."
Perun took the scrolls and placed them in his satchel. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed heavily, realizing this was the last time he'd see his master alive.
"It has been an honor to serve you, Master." He said, bowing his head in respect and admiration. "I'll never forget what you've done for me, and the many lives you've saved through your efforts with the Mienai Segi. Thank you."
Saladin smiled warmly before returning the bow and saying, "You are welcome, Perun. And the honor has been mine." He rose from his bow, and the look on his face turned solemn. "Now, please go. Complete the final mission I have given you no matter what the cost, and do not look back when you leave."
Perun hesitated for a brief moment, not wanting to leave the cave or his master. But then he realized the importance of what Saladin was entrusting to him and he moved, standing up and turning around in one fluid motion, then walking out of the cave. His stride was purposeful, and per his master's instructions he never looked back, despite a strong desire to do so.
Saladin watched him leave, realizing that he had played the final move in the game of Shogi that was his life. He prayed to whatever God might be listening that Perun would make it to Kumogakure, and the messenger the Raikage sent would make it to Konohagakure. The fate of thousands of people depended on it.
Now all that was left was to prepare for those who would be coming to take his life.
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It was just about noon on Sunday, and the streets in Konoha were bustling with activity. Ino was sitting in a booth at her favorite tea house, enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. She'd just finished a mission, and for once her father didn't need any help at the flower shop. She had the entire day to herself.
It also stung a bit that it was just her at the tea house. Her boyfriend Haruo had broken up with her a week ago, using the ever classic 'it's not you it's me' line. Ino figured that the usual culprits were to blame – it was either her overbearing personality, or her job as a kunoichi that caused him to leave.
Haruo wasn't a shinobi – Ino thought she'd try dating a civilian this time, hoping things would be different and everything would work out for once, but time away from him on missions had caused the relationship to end the same way every other one had.
Every relationship that is, except the one she'd had with Choji. And she'd been thinking about that very much lately.
When they'd dated several years ago, he'd confessed to her that he wanted them to be more serious as a couple, and at the time she wasn't ready for that. Despite the fact that he said he understood, she'd never really believed him – thinking she was hurting him terribly even though that was never her intention. But she smiled and thanked him all the same, happy to still have their friendship. They broke up and since then, she'd played the field and had the fun she wanted, not worrying or caring about being attached or tied down.
But with all her friends being in either long-term relationships or married with children on the way, she felt like the odd one out and because of that, her thought process was changing. She'd wanted the last couple of relationships to be less casual and more serious than what they were but of course, it didn't work out that way. Now the tables had turned – Ino was the one looking for commitment, while the men in her life didn't want to be tied down. The whole situation was laced with cruel irony.
And that brought her back around to the one good thing she'd had in her life that she'd pushed away, simply because she was a stupid, superficial idiot. Choji wasn't the best looking guy she'd dated by any stretch of the imagination, but while they were together he'd been fiercely loyal and loved her unconditionally, faults and all – and it was no secret that she had a lot of faults.
She wanted that feeling back in the worst way…but she didn't know how to face him and ask for a second chance. The thought scared her for a variety of reasons – the biggest one being that if she bared her heart to him, he'd tell her she either wasn't worth the trouble, or that he'd found someone else. Her heart might break irreparably if that happened, even though she absolutely deserved it.
She was pulled from her musings as Tenten unexpectedly entered the tea house and walked up to her table.
"Hey Ino, mind if I join you?"
"Yeah sure, glad to have the company." Ino smiled, gesturing to the seat opposite her. "Need some help sitting down?"
"Bite me, blondie. I'm not that big yet." She did, however produce a cushion shaped like a donut, placing it on the seat before gingerly sitting down.
Ino raised an eyebrow. "Having problems?"
Tenten groaned. "Yeah. My backside is killing me."
"Not sleeping well?"
"No, not that backside. Something else."
"Like what?" Ino's prying nature couldn't resist asking for more information.
Tenten gave her a withering look. "Like the kind I can't mention in a public place. Now drop it." (1)
Ino stared at Tenten in confusion for a moment, before she realized what Tenten was hinting at. "Oh. Ah, yeah. That backside. Sorry." she said apologetically, fidgeting a bit before deciding to quickly change the subject. "So, other than the obvious how are you feeling?"
Tenten scrunched her eyes and winced, placing her hands in the small of her back. "Bloated. Irritable. Sore. Add to that the fact that my bladder seems to have shrunk to the size of a walnut, and the baby seems to be tap dancing right on top of it. I've probably spent more time in the bathroom recently than I have in the last three years combined, and I've still got five months to go."
Ino winced as well. "Ouch. How's Neji been so far?"
"Surprisingly supportive. Not that he wouldn't be, but ever since that night at the hospital with Hikaru he's been… I don't know how to say it. Kinder, maybe? More emotional and attentive? It's like he had a realization that the stoic Hyūga personality isn't all it's cracked up to be, and that's not the way he wants to be towards our child."
Ino's eyes widened a bit in shock. "Wow…I didn't think something like that was possible. I've heard a few rumors floating around the village, but hearing it from you is the only way I'd actually believe it."
Tenten groaned, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It sounds like Hikaru has the exact same skill that Naruto does."
Ino knitted her brow in confusion. "What skill are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Ino. Naruto's not the happy kid we all remember – let's face it, life screwed him over big time after everything he did for us. He may have become emotionally harder, but he still has this way when he talks to people. He always knows the right thing to say. He convinces them that the impossible is possible." Tenten smirked and then sipped her tea. "Hikaru did the same thing for Neji that Naruto did during the chūnin exams. He made him change for the better."
Ino sipped her own tea, as she mulled the words over. Tenten was right – Naruto wasn't the same person any of them remembered. That day he'd summoned her, along with the rest of their friends to his office to talk about Sakura had been proof positive of that. He'd barely been trying, and he still pushed out enough power to make her blood run cold. A shiver ran up her spine as she recalled the memory.
But Tenten was also right in saying that Naruto had a way with words. He may be a bit harsher than when they were kids, but he still had this innate way of talking to people. He found solutions to problems where there didn't seem to be one. He found ways to win when there wasn't any hope.
Maybe he could do the same thing for her regarding Choji.
Ino raised her eyes from staring at her tea to ask another question, but stopped as she saw Tenten staring straight ahead, her expression hardened. She clearly wasn't happy with whatever she saw.
"Ino…" Tenten said with a dangerous lilt in her voice, "…you're not gonna believe who just walked in."
It was only a moment later that Ino realized what Tenten was staring at because Sakura came into view, pushing Mikomi in a stroller. The baby was dressed in a light pink outfit that matched her hair, with the Uchiha clan symbol embroidered on the front. Her eyes were open wide with fascination as she played with a rattle in her hands, gurgling happily.
"Forehead."
"Hello, Ino. Hello, Tenten." Sakura said, greeting them both. Her tone and demeanor seemed very subdued.
Ino and Tenten shared a glance that was a mixture of shock and confusion. Ino just insulted Sakura, and for once Sakura didn't bite and respond by calling her 'Pig'. Not only that, but she clearly sounded contrite. Neither of them could remember the last time Sakura sounded like this.
"I was wondering if Mikomi and I could join you. I was hoping to talk with you both."
Ino and Tenten looked warily at Sakura, immediately suspicious of their former classmate and any ulterior motive she may have. It'd been a few months since anyone from the Konoha 12 other than Sasuke or Naruto had done anything beyond glancing her way when they saw her around the village. Hinata herself went out of her way to avoid Sakura completely, thinking if she saw the pinkette things might spiral out of control, especially with her emotions like they were because of her pregnancy hormones.
However, the look on Sakura's face seemed sad; almost defeated and she even sounded sincere. Ino and Tenten also knew that Sakura was having some rather intense therapy sessions with Lady Tsunade – even though that news was supposed to be private, somehow word had spread rapidly throughout the village. Some people wondered if it would even make a difference.
So maybe what they were seeing was a direct result of those sessions. They really couldn't think of a better explanation.
Tenten shrugged, not caring one way or another and giving Ino the power to make the decision for them both. For her part, Ino was struggling with what she should say. She remembered vividly everything Sakura did to Naruto, Hinata and Hikaru in her mad quest for Sasuke and his affections. But on the other hand, maybe Sakura was trying to take the first step towards making amends.
Ino decided that for once, she'd give Sakura the benefit of the doubt, hoping she didn't regret it. "Okay. Have a seat."
A slight smile adorned her mouth, and then Sakura scooted into the booth next to Tenten before reaching down to lift Mikomi out of her stroller. The baby still had a death grip on the rattle, but now she was making a serious effort to shove the whole thing into her mouth and failing miserably, drooling heavily all over the toy in the process.
Tenten's eyes lit up, and her maternal instincts kicked in as she watched the display. Mikomi was certainly an adorable child, and watching her giggle as she alternated between trying to shove the rattle, and then her fist into her mouth was one of the cutest things she'd ever seen.
Sakura couldn't help but notice how Tenten was staring at Mikomi and asked, "Would you like to hold her?"
"What?" Tenten asked in confusion, startled at the offer.
"I asked if you'd like to hold her." Sakura said, extending Mikomi out to Tenten. "You're going to be a mother yourself in a few months, so you could probably use the practice."
Tenten looked at Mikomi and the baby smiled back, her mouth full of drool and fist. At a loss for words, Tenten could only nod and extend her hands, taking Mikomi from Sakura's arms and cradling her close.
"So Ino, how have you been?" Sakura asked, pouring herself a cup of tea.
For once, Ino didn't want to engage in idle banter. She was hoping that Sakura would just tell her why she wanted to talk with them in the first place, but she'd play along for now. "Frustrated. My boyfriend recently broke up with me using the 'it's not you it's me' line, grinning like a self-absorbed shithead while he did it. I was tempted to kick his ass, but the ANBU probably would have hauled me off to jail before I finished the job."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Sakura replied. "but you're probably right about the ANBU."
"Yeah. Still doesn't mean I wouldn't enjoy myself for the five minutes before they showed up." Now it's time to ask the million Ryo question, Ino said to herself. "How about you? How have you been?"
Sakura sighed despondently, sipping her tea before answering. "Okay, I guess. I'm not sure if you heard, but Sasuke has me overseeing the restoration of the Uchiha compound, since he doesn't have time now that he's in charge of the ANBU." She placed her cup back down and absently traced her finger around the rim. "Helping to rebuild Mikomi's heritage and future home has been… nice."
Ino narrowed her eyes. "And how about your sessions with Lady Tsunade? How have those been going?"
Sakura chuckled wryly. "Hn. I should have realized you'd know about that by now."
"The entire village knows about it, Sakura. And for once, I'm not the one who started the rumor."
Sakura slowly took a deep breath and let it out. Ino and Kiba had always been the confrontational ones in their group, and the blonde was clearly in her element here. Ibiki Morino was very good, but no one was better at getting into someone's head – or under their skin – than a Yamanaka, and the last thing Sakura was looking for right now was an argument.
She'd hoped that having Tenten around would keep things somewhat friendly, but at the moment Tenten's focus was on Mikomi. Maybe giving her daughter to Tenten before they started talking was a bad idea.
"I can't think of anyone who would call my talks with Lady Tsunade therapy sessions. They've been very one sided – like a parent chewing out their child. She's been blunt, honest and unforgiving in her assessment of what I've done over the past several years, and to be honest I'm surprised she hasn't tried to punch me through a wall by now."
"She made me understand that I've been wrong about a great number of things. I manipulated the lives of those around me so that I could be with Sasuke. After I finally married him, every interaction he had with other people I took as an attack on our relationship, and where I stood in his life. I thought that if he didn't think about me every minute of every day, I wasn't important to him anymore."
Ino stared at Sakura stone faced, but on the inside she was shocked beyond belief. The woman in front of her had wrecked three lives in order to get exactly what she wanted. After Sasuke came back to the village she hadn't given a second thought to the pain she put Naruto, Hinata or Hikaru through. Ino would never associate the word 'regretful' with Sakura, but with the tone of voice she was hearing right now, Ino might consider it a somewhat accurate description.
"I realize now that wasn't the case. I know that Sasuke loves me and I can't take everything that happens in our lives as an attack on me personally. I've hurt a lot of people by assuming this, and I have quite a few apologies to make. I wanted to start with the two of you, since you were my classmates and at one time, you were also my friends."
Sakura raised her eyes and Ino almost flinched at what she saw – almost, but not quite. Somehow, in the space of a few minutes since she'd started talking, Sakura's cheeks had sunk and she looked at least five years older. Ino's curiosity flared anew, as she wondered what methods Lady Tsunade was using to cause such a dramatic change in someone who Ino thought up until now was incapable of it. A shiver ran down her back thinking about the possibilities – not including the one where she punched Sakura through a wall, of course.
"So I'd like to say to the two of you that I'm sorry. For everything." Sakura said remorsefully. "And I know a simple apology won't make up for everything I did, but I'm hoping it'll be a place to start."
Ino paused for a moment, and then shook her head. "I don't know if I'm ready to accept your apology, Sakura. But I don't think our opinion really matters to be honest, because Tenten and I aren't the ones you should be apologizing to in the first place. You know damn well the first person you should be pleading your case to."
"I know Ino, I know. I asked Sasuke to invite Naruto over next week to show him the progress we've made on the reconstruction of the Uchiha compound and when he does, I'm going to apologize to him as well. I figure he'll be the best place to start, since I know Hinata and Hikaru aren't interested in seeing me, or hearing anything I have to say."
Ino raised her eyebrows, both surprised and shocked. She hadn't expected Sakura to consider the idea so quickly, let alone suggest it and once more, she wondered what Lady Tsunade did to Sakura during their sessions to make her change like this.
"I'm glad to hear you say that Sakura, because you shit all over him worse than anyone else." She stopped for a moment and tapped her chin thoughtfully before continuing. "But I tell you what – I'll make you a deal. If you apologize to Naruto and he accepts it, then that'll be good enough for me. However, don't think I'll forgive you just like that. You'll still have to work at it, but I'll give you a chance if Naruto does. That sound good to you, Tenten?"
The two of them looked over at the last occupant of the booth. Tenten was still playing with Mikomi, making funny faces and talking with her using 'baby talk'.
"You are just the cutest thing, aren't you? Yes, you are! You have such chubby cheeks… and I bet that I can put your whole hand in my mouth! Num num num!"
Tenten made good on her bet, sticking Mikomi's whole hand – still covered in drool, of course – in her mouth and making mock eating noises. Mikomi gave her a toothless smile, laughing happily at the sight and sounds.
The silence at the table is what brought Tenten back around to reality. She blinked owlishly at Ino and Sakura, mortified at having been caught acting like that. The best part was that she still had Mikomi's fist stuck in her mouth.
Ino joined Mikomi in laughing at Tenten, shaking her head. "I think we've officially lost her, Sakura. By the way she's talking, it sounds like Tenten's brain has turned to mush. Getting your daughter back might be harder than you thought."
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It was around three o'clock in the afternoon and Hikaru was sitting on a park bench, a stack of papers in his hands and a pen clamped between his teeth while fifty feet in front of him, Reira was playing happily on the swing set. He figured he could multitask by working on the caged bird seal while he watched over Reira for a few hours.
Classes at the academy had let out a half an hour ago, and his mother had gone to see Aunt Hanabi to talk about their feelings, or something like that. All he knew was that women were really weird, and they got even weirder when they were pregnant.
Freyja was at training ground seventeen, which was situated right next to the Forest of Death and because of that, it was a favorite among the ANBU. Uncle Sasuke asked her to spar with him and several of his jōnin ANBU, because he felt they were getting soft and could use a good workout.
And that of course, left him as the only available person to watch Reira – which he had to do because his father gave him that responsibility. At first he thought his father was still trying to punish him, but after hearing the reason why, he reluctantly agreed to help out.
He understood it… but that still didn't mean he liked it. And it really didn't matter anyway, because he'd do anything for his mom. Watching Reira for a few hours was a drop in the bucket compared to what she'd sacrificed for him.
So because he was distracted by his work and not really paying attention, he didn't see the trouble that was brewing across the playground.
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Reira was swinging back and forth, smiling happily to herself. She didn't think today could get any better – the sky was cloudless, the temperature was perfect… and she was at the park with Hikaru.
Scratch that… The day could get better if he was sitting in the swing next to her, rather than all the way on the other side of the playground. She wondered what was on the stack of papers he was reading that was so important he couldn't be on the swing set, having fun with her.
It really didn't matter – she was just glad to be here with him. Reira had met lots of people, both before and after coming to the village but none of them were as special to her as Hikaru. And it wasn't just because he was kindhearted and sweet… or that he was strong and very protective of her… or that he was really, really cute…
Most of all, it was because of how his chakra made her feel.
There were other people whose chakra felt nice – that boy Asuma had chakra that felt like a warm breeze, but nothing could compare to Hikaru, who reminded her of the summer sun.
She looked across the clearing and smiled, sighing contentedly. Just having him near her was like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and her heart would never grow cold if Hikaru was always by her side. She never wanted to lose that feeling.
"Hey." A voice growled. "That's my swing."
Reira twirled around on the swing and came face to face with three boys. They looked like they were about eleven years old, and their clothes were ripped and covered in mud – like they had just finished wrestling with each other in the dirt. Then again, maybe they looked like that because they had just got done bullying some of the other children. The way they stood with their arms crossed and hands on their hips, plus the smug look on their faces certainly made her think that's exactly what they were – bullies.
Oh, and their chakra reminded her of rotting food to varying degrees. The one in the middle, who also happened to be the biggest – and the one who just talked to her – was the worst. His chakra made her think of sour milk.
"There's plenty of other swings open," she pointed out, glancing to the left and right. "Why don't you use them?"
The sour milk boy chuckled spitefully. "Oh, those are mine too. But I wanna use that one," he said, pointing to the swing she was sitting on.
"That doesn't seem very fair. This is a public park. I think I should be able to use at least one of them."
"That's too bad, because I don't feel like letting you. Now get off." he snarled, giving her a hard shove off the swing. She fell backwards into the dirt and the other two boys laughed, cheering on their friend.
Reira sat up, tears pooling in her eyes as she rubbed her sore backside. Why did they have to be so mean? She didn't do anything to deserve that and worse, there was nothing she could do about it. All by himself sour milk boy was stronger than her and even if he wasn't, there were three of them and only one of her…
"Is there a problem?"
Reira looked over her shoulder and saw Hikaru standing there, hands crossed in front of his chest. The glare he gave the bullies was cold as ice.
"Yeah, there's a problem. Blondie here was using one of my swings without permission."
"This is a public park. Those swings don't belong to you, and Reira can use any one she wants." Hikaru extended a hand to Reira, helping her stand up. His heart sank as he noticed she was silently crying. Tears were falling down her cheeks.
"Oh, is that right?" the boy asked accusingly. "And just who do you think you are, punk?"
Hikaru opened his mouth to reply, but before he got a chance Reira latched onto his arm, distracting him. The action also seemed to give her a boost of confidence and a shot of courage because she stared back at the bullies and defiantly stated, "His name is Hikaru. And he's my boyfriend."
Hikaru froze, staring at Reira in bewilderment. What did she just say? Did she just tell everyone that he was her boyfriend? He didn't have very long to think about it, because seconds later the three boys erupted into laughter, clutching their sides.
"Oh, man! Did you hear that? Did you hear what she said?"
"Yeah!" one of his cohorts replied. "Talk about robbing the cradle! Guess he couldn't find a girl his own age who likes him! HA!"
They roughly shoved each other around as they continued to laugh mockingly at him. After half a minute, the leader wiped the tears from his eyes and said, "Look, I don't really care who you are, or who she is. But I'll give you to the count of three to leave before me and my friends beat up both you and your little girlfriend."
That was the last straw. Hikaru decided he'd had enough of the three boys. Even if he and Reira left the park, they were sure to bully the other children, and there was no way he'd allow that to happen. He was the son of the Hokage, for Kami's sake.
"Well, how about a counter offer? I'll give you guys until the count of five to get lost." He crossed his fingers and murmured under his breath, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." And in a cloud of smoke, five shadow clones appeared between them.
The leader saw what happened and scoffed, clearly not hearing what Hikaru said and assuming they were ordinary bunshin. "You think you're gonna scare us off with clones? I know they're just illusions…"
That was as far as he got. One of the shadow clones stepped forward and punched him square in the face. Not expecting the clone to be solid, the boy crumpled to the ground holding his broken nose, trying his best to stop the bleeding while the other boys looked at Hikaru with a mixture of surprise and fear.
Grinning sadistically, Hikaru pointed at the three boys and exclaimed, "Sic 'em, guys!"
The fight was over before it got started. Even though the boys were older and bigger, the shadow clones outnumbered them and were clearly more skilled because of all the training Hikaru had gone through with his father and Uncle Sasuke. It took less than ten seconds before the bullies, bruised and beaten, ran off as quick as their cowardly legs would carry them.
Once they were gone, Hikaru dispelled the shadow clones and turned to Reira, wiping away the tears that filled her eyes and stained her cheeks. He couldn't help but feel like the biggest jerk in the world for letting those boys threaten her and then getting hurt. Some protector he was.
"I'm sorry that happened, Reira. I was wrapped up in what I was doing and not paying attention like I should've been. Are you all right?"
Reira sniffed a bit, nodding her head. "Yes, I am. Thank you, Hikaru-kun. And…And I'm sorry about embarrassing you earlier."
Hikaru chucked. "Don't worry about it. It was actually kind of fun giving those bullies a taste of their own medicine."
"Can…Can I ask you something?" she asked curiously after a brief pause.
"Sure. Go ahead."
The barest hint of a smile appeared on her innocent face. "Did you know that tomorrow is my birthday?"
He shook his head. "No, I didn't. I'm sorry. I never thought to ask."
"So does that mean you haven't got me a present yet?"
"Er… I guess the answer is no, I haven't." he said cautiously. He was used to her boldness by now, since they'd been living in the same house for over three months but he still wondered why she was asking. "Why? Is there something you wanted?"
Reira hesitated for a moment, chewing her lower lip in thought. "Well… I can't think of a better present than really being able to call you my boyfriend. Can I do that?"
Hikaru felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Something like that was not on his list of gift giving ideas for Reira. He turned pale, except for his cheeks which now sported a light blush. "Umm…I was thinking more along the lines of ice cream."
"I don't want ice cream," she replied firmly. "I wanna call you my boyfriend."
Hikaru squirmed uncomfortably under her gaze. "I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, you're only six years old. People might get the wrong idea if…"
He stopped as he saw her lower lip start to tremble, then watched as she gave him the 'puppy dog eyes' look. Did someone teach her that? Or did all girls just know how to do it instinctively? Tears filled her blue eyes once again, and they streamed down her cheeks as she tried to blink them away.
It was only when she started sobbing that he finally gave in. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry, don't cry. You can call me your boyfriend if it makes you happy."
"You…You mean it?" she asked, sniffling and wiping her nose with the back of her arm.
"Yeah, sure. Just… stop crying, please."
Reira's demeanor instantly turned around. Her face lit up and she smiled happily. "Thank you, Hikaru-kun!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him. "You just gave me the best birthday present EVER!"
The blush on Hikaru's face darkened three shades of red, and then he realized what Reira just did. He'd seen his mother do it to his father enough times to recognize it. She just used guilt to get him to agree to something he didn't want to do. And the worst part was that even though he should be mad at her for doing that, he still felt bad about making her cry!
Hikaru patted her back awkwardly. He really wanted Reira to stop hugging him because people were starting to stare, but Reira ignored them all and stayed put, her hands locked around his waist with an iron grip.
He decided he was wrong earlier when he said to himself that women were really weird. They were also WAY smarter than men, devious and very, very sneaky…
.
.
It was close to midnight, and Gilgamesh was walking down the tunnel of the cave where his master lived, his strides long and with purpose – which wasn't hard for someone six feet ten inches tall with a massive, muscular frame. His clothes were torn, his body was bruised, his right shoulder was dislocated and he was suffering from chakra exhaustion but none of that mattered. Gideon had told him to provide a mission report once he got back, no matter what the hour.
He wasn't surprised when he walked into the main area and saw Gideon still awake, hunched over his desk. The top was covered with maps and intelligence reports, as it had been every day for the past six months and it didn't take a genius to figure out why.
Gideon was obsessed with power – not only for him, but for the rest of the Mienai Segi he'd convinced to follow him. He wanted them to be unassailable. Anyone who thought of challenging them would cower in fear. The only thing he wanted in exchange was to be the one at the top of it all, sitting on a golden throne.
Gideon looked up as Gilgamesh approached. His brows knit as he took in the state of his second in command.
"I take it the conversation with Roland did not go well. He decided that death was preferable to joining our cause?"
"Yes."
Gideon frowned, his eyes flashing a bit of fire. "At this point, most of our brethren that haven't joined us have been eliminated. I have been unable to track down Perun, Artemis was lost during her mission in Sea Country, and Gabriel and Freyja have decided to hole up in Konoha like frightened rats. I'm certain they won't be changing their minds no matter how much we offer them."
"However, we cannot wait any longer. Time is running short. Saladin must be eliminated in order for us to establish a base of operations, so that we may grow and strengthen the ninja force that will be under our command."
"When?" Gilgamesh growled, asking how long they had before the final battle with Saladin.
"We need to accomplish this within the next week." Gideon grabbed a folded piece of paper from among the many on his desk and handed it to Gilgamesh. "Take these four with you and leave tonight for Saladin's cave. Find a village somewhere along the way with a capable healer and restore your health."
Gilgamesh glanced at the list, and then back at his leader. "Why?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"It's quite simple, actually. You, Tyr and Sif happen to have a primary chakra affinity of earth. When you confront Saladin in his cave, his first move is sure to be bringing the mountain down upon you all. Your earth jutsu will be able to save Naberius and Ares when that happens."
Gilgamesh stabbed a thick finger at the paper. "Two-thirds."
Gideon ground his teeth, annoyed that his judgment was being questioned. "I'm well aware that who I'm sending comprises a good portion of our forces, but it can't be helped. It is essential that we eliminate Saladin. If we cannot, the rest of the plan will never come to fruition because he will surely stand in our way."
Gilgamesh reasoned that explanation for a moment, and then grunted in agreement before slipping the paper into the tattered remnants of his jacket. "Once it's complete?"
The slight look of exhaustion on Gideon's face vanished and he grinned sadistically. "When that happens, no one will be able to stop us. We will take our prize by force. And then we build our army."
.
.
"So as you can see, the training grounds are almost rebuilt." Sasuke said, pointing towards his left. "You also probably noticed that only a small portion of the houses in the compound have been restored. That's because Sakura and I decided that section should be first, since it contains the pathway to where the Uchiha stone monument is sealed. It should be more than enough space – at least until we have more children."
Sasuke was giving Naruto a tour of the reconstruction effort on the Uchiha compound. At first, he'd been hesitant to extend the offer – not because it wasn't a good idea, but because Sakura had been the one to suggest it.
All things considered, Naruto had been surprisingly tolerant of his wife since that night at the hospital. While they'd been away from the village training with Saladin, Sasuke had asked Naruto for a bit more detail regarding the time he spent with Sakura. At first, Naruto had balked at the idea until Sasuke explained the reason was because he truly wanted to understand why Naruto snapped and left the village, hell bent on killing himself. He thought it might be therapeutic for the both of them to talk about it. Sasuke considered Naruto to be his brother, and that's what family does… They listen, they understand and they help you heal.
His intentions had been good, but looking back on it Sasuke could honestly say that he wasn't prepared for everything Naruto told him. The information had come sporadically over the two months, and Naruto displayed a wide range of emotions as he talked about each and every sordid detail. There were times he broke down and almost cried, and then there were times when he literally saw the anger coming off Naruto in waves, the angry red chakra from Kurama providing a visual representation that no one else could match.
Sasuke came to the conclusion after hearing it all that if he'd been in Naruto's place, even he would have sought death as an escape. Which brought his thoughts back around to the tour of the Uchiha compound.
The problem with Sakura asking for this meeting wasn't that he thought she would help alleviate the pain Naruto more than likely still felt – she was probably the catalyst for more of it. But over the last several weeks, he'd seen firsthand that Sakura was obviously making progress in her talks with Lady Tsunade. She'd become less… caustic towards both him and others.
Perhaps he was assuming incorrectly. He wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but still…
Despite their problems, Sasuke loved his wife. He'd been trying to get better over the last few months at showing it more, especially now that Mikomi was here but more often than not it still felt…awkward. Naruto understood this better than anyone else… A damaged childhood translated to a damaged adult life, and it wasn't something you could fix in a week, a month or even years.
Furthermore, you had to want to be fixed. And sometimes, getting someone to take that first step was the hardest thing of all.
"I'm impressed, teme." Naruto joked. "I figured when you put Sakura in charge, she'd have childproofed everything and painted the buildings pink. But this actually looks great."
"You're not funny, dobe." Sasuke said darkly. "Sakura knows better than to do something like that."
"Really?" Naruto grinned, pointing at the nearest house. "So if I went in there, I wouldn't find one cabinet latch or outlet cover in the whole place?"
"No, you wouldn't." Sasuke replied blandly.
Naruto scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "That really didn't sound believable. I think I should go check."
Sasuke glared at him. He knew exactly what was going on. Naruto was purposely goading him, trying to get underneath his skin like he'd done ever since they were first at the academy together. He knew Naruto was only joking with him, but it didn't make it any less annoying.
"You can't go in there. That's private Uchiha land. And that house isn't finished yet."
"So what? I'm the Hokage. I can go anywhere I want."
"Not if I break both your legs, you can't!"
"Sasuke-kun." A level voice came from behind them. They turned around to see Sakura giving them both a deadpan look.
Sakura was having a hard time concealing her disappointment. Somehow, the two of them had slipped back into the same routine as when they were younger, and she felt a pang at being left out of their friendly banter. She knew the reasons why, but it didn't change the fact that she wished she could go back in time and change things. She wanted to be friends again, like when they made up Team Seven.
She sighed forlornly, knowing that dream was now beyond her reach. "Here. Take Mikomi." she said, pushing the stroller containing their sleeping daughter over to her husband. "I'll show Naruto the house. I'd like to speak to him alone anyway."
Naruto elevated an eyebrow and glanced quizzically first at Sakura and then Sasuke, who gave him a neutral stare. A look passed between them and he shrugged, telling Naruto that he was staying out of whatever passed between them. He wordlessly took the stroller and walked down the street.
"C'mon. Let's go." Sakura said halfheartedly, walking towards the small house and Naruto hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should follow her. He'd been purposely avoiding one on one discussions with her, afraid they would turn into confrontations or all out brawls. The pinkette certainly brought out the worst in him.
But Tsunade had been giving him regular reports about the progress Sakura had been making. She didn't go into details as to what went on during their sessions, but she did say that Sakura was close to making a breakthrough and finally taking responsibility for the damage she caused.
I'll play it cool and let Sakura do most of the talking, he thought to himself. Let's see if Tsunade is right.
"Sasuke-kun and I had several of these houses redone," Sakura said as she opened the door and walked through it, with Naruto following several feet behind her. "Early on, they'll be for people we hire to help assist Mikomi with her upbringing. After that, they'll be houses for any of our children to live in." She walked through various rooms, pointing out items that had yet to be finished. "We decided to go with something simple and more functional in these houses, rather than be ostentatious. Just the basics but they'll still be comfortable enough to live in. Everything is on a single floor, in case the occupant can't get up and down stairs easily. There'll be a spacious kitchen, living room and study. Each one will have only two bedrooms and one shared bathroom, though. Building an onsen in each one wouldn't have been in keeping with our idea of simple and functional, but whoever stays here can use the public onsen down the street, if they want."
Naruto nodded his head in agreement as he looked around. "Very nice, Sakura. It looks like you and Sasuke put a lot of thought into this. Tell me – where will the three of you be living? Two bedrooms are barely enough for you guys, and even though I know you've been living in an apartment for the last several years, I'm pretty sure you want more space than this."
"Construction on the main house started one block up about two weeks ago. It'll have two floors along with a special wing that holds rooms specifically for clan matters, including a large dining hall, kitchen and meeting chamber. It'll be about ten times the size of one of these houses, not including the private training ground and onsen we're having built out back."
"Sounds good. When do you think you'll be moving in?"
She shrugged nonchalantly, apparently not fretting over it. "We're hoping within the next two months, but there's no guarantee. It really depends on how good a job the construction crews do. We want to make sure it's just right, since that's where we'll be living for the rest of our lives."
"That makes sense, I suppose. I did the same thing with the house I had built for me and Hinata. I'm glad the foundation and walls were already there when I bought the place, otherwise we would've been stuck living at the Hyūga compound for a couple of months. I'd rather chew off my own arm than do something like that."
Sakura could tell that Naruto was forcibly making small talk with her, deliberately avoiding whatever she wanted to talk to him about and truth be told, she was feeling a bit awkward and nervous as well. Lady Tsunade angrily spat out the allegation during their sessions that because of what she did, during the almost eight years he was gone Naruto repeatedly put himself into situations where there was a high probability he'd be killed. He'd been looking to end his life. He wanted to die.
At first she refused to believe it, but Lady Tsunade showed her a file on Naruto that Kakashi put together during his time as Hokage that proved her point. The knowledge that Sakura had hurt Naruto so badly that he'd yearned for death was a hard pill to swallow.
"Naruto," Sakura said, her voice melancholy. "can we please stop this and talk?"
He sighed, initially unwilling to accede to her request but after considering it for a moment, he reluctantly turned to face his former teammate. "I'm confused, Sakura. I thought we were already talking. And what exactly did you want to stop?"
"We're not talking Naruto, we're forcing a conversation. That's not the same thing. And I want to talk about you and me, specifically."
He scowled. "I'd rather not."
"Why?" she asked, her eyes hurt and pleading. "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid I'll do something that I'll regret, Sakura." He said curtly. "You and me haven't had the best history, and even though I've tried to let it go, there's still some small part of me that hates you for what you did. Just because I have complete control over Kurama's power now doesn't mean it won't flare up if I'm angry enough."
Sakura placed a hand on Naruto's chest and felt him stiffen at the unwanted contact. When they were younger she never could have imagined their friendship degenerating to this point, but she knew it was entirely her fault. She quickly pressed on, not knowing when or even if she'd get another chance like this.
"Look Naruto, I'm sorry. For everything. I'm sorry we dated, when I really didn't love you and I knew Hinata did. I'm sorry I selfishly used you to get Sasuke back to the village for me. I…I'm sorry I hurt you so terribly that you tried to kill yourself. I honestly didn't think you'd take it that bad but I was wrong, Naruto…so very wrong."
Naruto didn't think things could get more uncomfortable, but he was proven wrong when Sakura hugged him, pressing her face against his chest. At one time he would have killed for affection like this from her but now, it just made his skin crawl.
"I know you'll never forget what happened, and I'm not even going to ask you to forgive me." Her body shuddered and she took a deep breath, steadying herself before continuing. "All I'm asking for is a chance – one chance to start making things up to you. I know I don't deserve it, but…but if you won't give me this chance, then there's no hope at all. Lady Tsunade told me I had to try, and I agree with her. Please, I…I have to know that there's some way we can move past this, because if I can't make this right with you, then I can't make this right with anyone! Please…"
Naruto ground his teeth in frustration, his mind being pulled in two different directions. The childish part of him wanted to tell her no fucking way and let her continue to feel some measure of the pain she caused to both him and his family while at the same time, the Hokage part said that he needed to be a bigger person than that, act like an adult and give her the chance she was pleading for.
And even though he really, really, really wanted to give in to the childish part, in the end he knew he couldn't. Being the Hokage meant that you put the good of the village above everything else, including himself. He shoved his own petty thoughts of justice and revenge to the side and answered her.
"Okay fine, Sakura." He said tersely. "I'm not forgiving what you did and right now, I'm not ready to accept your apology. And even though it goes against my better judgment, I'll give you the one chance you're asking for." He lowered his eyes and glared balefully at her. "But if you screw this up, I won't bail you out a second time. You'll have to live with the consequences, no matter what they are. Deal?"
The look in Naruto's eyes was dead serious, and it gave Sakura a glimpse of what he'd become while he was gone from the village. Cold, firm and unyielding, she'd taken someone who was the happiest and most forgiving person she'd ever met and turned him into…this.
"Deal," Sakura replied, hugging him one last time. "Thank you, Naruto. I promise you won't regret this."
You're making a mistake. Inner Sakura said, intruding on her moment.
The only mistake I ever made was listening to you in the first place. Sakura bit back mentally.
He's leading you on, just like those supposed friends of yours, Ino and Tenten are. You really think he's going to give you a chance or even forgive you, no matter how much you give or what you do?
Naruto just gave me his word, Sakura adamantly thought, and he never goes back on his word. And anyway, I don't care what you have to say. Looking back on it, every bad decision I've ever made was influenced by you. You're the cause of it all and I'm not listening to you anymore. Whatever it takes, I'm getting rid of you one and for all so that you'll never ruin my life again.
Foolish girl, Inner Sakura chuckled darkly, obviously amused by the statement. I'm as much a part of you as the heart that beats in your chest. No matter what you do, you'll never be able to get rid of me. Ever.
.
.
A full moon illuminated the nighttime sky. Not one star marred its surface, not a single cloud drifted across the expanse, no cricket chirped to break the expectant silence. The air had a heaviness about it, like the calm before the storm – or in this case, like a snake watching its prey, patiently waiting for the proper moment to strike.
The time was approaching nine o'clock and Saladin sat calmly at his desk, elbows resting on the top with his hands steepled in front of him. His eyes stared unwaveringly at the passage leading to his chambers, waiting for his 'guests' to arrive.
He knew they were out there. He'd first felt their presence when the sun began to dip below the horizon over three hours ago. They were hovering about five miles from the entrance, waiting for the cover of darkness before initiating their attack, thinking it would give them the advantage when coupled with their numbers.
Maybe it would. But if so, he wouldn't be heading to the next world alone. There were five of them, and he vowed to take as many as he could with him before finally succumbing to death.
Footsteps echoed down the passageway long before they came into view. They stopped about fifteen feet in front of him forming a straight line, looking smug and confident, thinking their victory was all but assured because of their strength in numbers.
His normally calm demeanor gone, he provided them with a stare that promised pain and suffering for corrupting his teachings.
"I have to say, I'm not surprised to see you Gilgamesh," Saladin intoned, his voice low and menacing. "but I am surprised to see the rest of you." he said, his eyes shifting to Ares, Tyr, Sif and Naberius. "And I'm well aware of why you're all here. You should know I have no intention of letting any of you leave this cave alive."
Gilgamesh sneered at the confidence of his former master, before glancing at the shelves behind the desk. Initially when he walked in, because of the low light in the cave he hadn't noticed the normally full shelves were now bare, but that fact was now painfully apparent.
The sneer vanished from his face. "Where are they?" he growled, pointing at the empty shelves.
Saladin laughed mockingly at the anger of his former student. When he first felt the omen of his impending death, Saladin suspected that whoever was behind these attacks would be coming for his compendium of knowledge. He felt gratified knowing he was right, and the decision he'd made as to where he sent them.
"Gone. I sent them away from this place weeks ago, and any efforts to search for them will be fruitless because as of now, they are far beyond your reach."
Enraged at being taunted, Gilgamesh bared his teeth and raised his killing intent, followed shortly by the others. The chakra pressure in the cave was so thick and oppressive that the very air shimmered and warped visibly around them. Naberius grinned wickedly, a mouthful of serrated teeth splitting his face from ear to ear as he enveloped himself in a shroud of ebony chakra, small sparks dancing around his fingertips. Ares and Tyr lowered their helmet visors and drew their swords, angry red and black blades that seemed to cry out for blood. Sif placed her shield defensively in front of her before reaching over her shoulder to grab a cylindrical object. Flicking her wrist, it extended into a double-ended spear.
Saladin placed his palms on the desk and slowly stood up, his body emitting a white light as his power rose to meet the threat that stood before him.
"None of you will spill another drop of innocent blood. I give my life for this pledge."
Tremors ran through the ground, causing their footing to become unstable and the air began to vibrate with a high pitched hum that bordered on screeching. Pieces of the cave ceiling fell around them, some large enough to cause serious injury but no one flinched. Everyone had committed themselves to this fight, and the stakes were far too high to back out.
"Suffer the folly of your decision," Saladin shouted ominously over the din, "AND DIE."
…and the mountain exploded, throwing dust and debris into the air for miles in every direction, before shuddering briefly and imploding on top of the leader of the Mienai Segi and his adversaries, signaling that the battle had begun in earnest.
.
.
Five hours later, in the middle of the night almost a continent away, screams tore through the house of the Hokage of Konoha.
Jerked from her sleep, Hinata quickly reached towards the lamp on her nightstand. This happened sometimes; Naruto occasionally still had nightmares from his time with the Mienai Segi and would wake up in a cold sweat, burying his face in his hands and trembling in fear. The frequency of them had gotten less and less – he hadn't had an episode in over a month, but she knew it would take some time and quite a bit of soothing caresses from her before he calmed down and went back to sleep.
However, when she finally turned on the light, what she saw was completely unexpected.
Naruto was sitting up in bed, his entire upper body shaking and face contorted into a mixture of rage and pain. He held his forearms out in front of him, the muscles straining as he clenched his fists so hard the knuckles turned white, while the Mienai Segi tattoos on his forearms burned a throbbing, angry red.
Hinata reached out and grabbed his shoulder, worried that something or someone had attacked her husband. "Naruto-kun, what…"
"RRRRRRRRGGGGGGHH!" Naruto growled, grinding his teeth against the pain. He kicked the covers off with his legs and ran into the bathroom, still holding his arms in front of him.
Hinata saw the light flick on and then heard the faucet from the bathroom sink running. The sound was loud enough for her to know that the water was going full blast.
"Naruto-kun, are you all…"
She was interrupted once again when the door to the bedroom flew open and Freyja barged into the room, wearing nothing but a very revealing black lace bra and a matching pair of racy v-string panties. Her face was contorted in the same mixture of rage and pain, and the Mienai Segi tattoos on the front of her hips were burning the same angry red.
Hinata stared open-mouthed at the woman standing shamelessly at the foot of her bed, looking like she was trying to seduce her husband. And based off of her absolutely drop dead gorgeous figure, she wouldn't have a hard time doing it – especially when compared to her fat, bloated and ugly pregnant body that Naruto said he loved no matter what.
"WHERE THE HELL IS GABRIEL?" Freyja demanded loudly.
"He's in the bathroom Freyja, but you can't…"
Freyja ignored her and rushed after Naruto, leaving Hinata to watch Freyja's perfectly formed and VERY visible ass as it entered the bathroom. Then, to add insult to injury she heard the water in the shower turn on.
There was no way Hinata was just going to lay in bed while a half-naked woman paraded herself around in front of her husband. She might even be totally naked by now, seducing him further by lewdly soaping up her body in the shower. Naruto's love and affection, as well as his powerful and sexy body belonged to her, damn it! She threw the covers off, determined to walk into the bathroom and fight for both her husband and her marriage. Unfortunately for her, before she could get out of bed she was interrupted a third time.
"Mom?"
Hinata turned in the direction of the voice. Hikaru was now standing in the doorway and Reira was beside him, rubbing her eyes because she was still half asleep.
"What's going on? I woke up because I heard people screaming, and then I saw Freyja run by my door, then down the stairs and into your bedroom." Hikaru blushed suddenly, as the memory of what he'd just seen turned him wide awake. "She…She wasn't wearing very many clothes…"
Hinata rubbed her forehead in annoyance. This was not a conversation she wanted to have with her son at two o'clock in the morning. "Hikaru, take Reira upstairs and go back to bed."
"But Mom, that doesn't…"
"Now, Hikaru." Hinata said, forcefully interrupting him. "I'll assign you extra homework tomorrow if you don't."
Grumbling, Hikaru took Reira's hand and led her out of the room. After they were gone, Hinata stood up and walked towards the bathroom, a fire igniting in her belly as she prepared to confront that hussy Freyja. Her perverted husband was sure to have a raging nosebleed by now. She'd jyuuken the left half of his body numb for looking at another woman!
A scowl on her face, Hinata barged into the bathroom, steaming with anger. "Freyja! Get your hands off my…"
She stopped in mid rant because once again, what she saw was completely unexpected.
Naruto was standing in front of the sink, still grimacing in pain as he let the water from the faucet run over his forearms. Hinata noticed that only the cold water had been turned on, his focus was completely on his Mienai Segi tattoos that were still glowing red, and he didn't have a nosebleed.
Her eyes darted over to Freyja who was standing in the shower, eyes closed with the same grimace of pain on her face. She was leaning against the wall underneath the water, letting it run over her body. Once again, Hinata noticed that only the cold water was turned on, and Freyja was still wearing her underwear. Hinata couldn't see her Mienai Segi tattoos because Freyja was facing the wall, but Hinata assumed they were glowing red, just like Naruto's.
She lowered her head and hid her eyes behind her bangs, blushing furiously. Her pregnancy hormones were making her brain go haywire again with unbelievable thoughts. She forgot that the herbs lady Tsunade gave her wore off right around bedtime. And to make matters worse, because of all the running water her bladder was now as awake as she was, and she needed to use the toilet.
She bore down and focused, keeping the urge at bay because she wanted to know what was going on before she… used the facilities.
"Naruto-kun, why do the tattoos on your forearms look like they're burning your skin? Is that the reason why you're grimacing in pain?"
"The tattoos are the reason why I'm in pain right now, Hinata." Naruto said flatly, as he continued to stare at his Mienai Segi tattoos under the ice cold water of the faucet. "And I could handle the pain if it only felt like burning skin, but this is something else entirely. This feels like someone just shoved a white-hot piece of iron straight through my arms."
Hinata reached out her hand to touch Naruto's shoulder, any thoughts she had before replaced with worry for her husband. "Why is that happening? What does it mean?"
"It means that Saladin is dead." Freyja spat out angrily from beneath the running water. "And whoever did it was a twisted, sadistic fuck because we felt Saladin's pain when he died, and there was a shitload of it. That's why the tattoos are glowing red. Gabriel got it right when he said it feels like someone stabbed me with a piece of white-hot metal. And I'll bet my perfectly formed, rock hard ass cheeks that Gideon is the fucking asshole responsible for it."
Hinata remembered that Saladin was the leader of the Mienai Segi, but she had no idea who Gideon was. It was obvious because of his name that he was one of the Mienai Segi, and he probably ranked very high as far as how strong he was, but she didn't know anything beyond that.
Other than the sound of running water, the bathroom had been silent since she'd started thinking about what Freyja said. This was obviously a painful subject for them both, because neither one wanted to say anything further.
"So…what happens now?" Hinata asked tentatively.
"We wait until morning and call a meeting." Naruto replied sadly, still thinking about how his master was killed, even though he'd warned him about Gideon. Saladin should have been better prepared. "I know for a fact that Sasuke is going through the same thing we are, but Kakashi is still asleep, and having a meeting in the middle of the night won't make a difference because nothing's gonna happen in the space of a few hours."
"How…How bad is this going to get?" Hinata asked after a tense silence.
"Bad. Real bad." Freyja replied darkly, still underneath the cold water of the shower. "We'll have a lull while Gideon licks his wounds and recovers, wherever that is. But after that, it's gonna get a whole hell of a lot worse."
.
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A/N: Okay, so now we see the part with Sakura that a few readers have been itching for. I know it won't be perfect for everyone, but I hope it helps. However, don't think everything for Sakura is going to be all sunshine and roses – there's quite a bit of darkness in her future (hint, hint) along with plenty of remorse and blame to go around for everyone. Stay tuned.
And WOW, I can't say this enough but do you guys have any idea how much I love writing scenes with Reira in them? She's become my favorite bundle of cuteness and innocence in this story. I've got so much more planned for her and Hikaru and hilarity WILL ensue.
(1) – I didn't want to put the exact problem in the story because some readers would have been like, "EW!" But the reference here is to women getting hemorrhoids while pregnant – another little gem they experience while carrying a new life around for nine months or so. I have a great amount of respect for women being pregnant, because I would probably last two weeks and then quit.
(2) – This little gem came from the Knight's Code of Honor in medieval England. I liked it and thought it was appropriate for the situation.
So poor Saladin is dead and the remaining Mienai Segi knows it. There'll be more anger than mourning, and we'll get to see what happens with Perun and what's in the scrolls next chapter. You guys should already know what it is. But the bigger question is who survived the fight?
Sakura has a lot of work to do in order for everyone to start thinking she's actually changed. Ino and Choji may be on the road to getting back together. Hikaru is now Reira's boyfriend – at least according to her. I don't think Hikaru will mention that in public, though. But what happens when Hinata and Freyja find out?
What's coming up? Perun makes it to Kumo next chapter. Freyja and Kakashi work a few things out. The scrolls get delivered, Gideon plots his next move and Hikaru makes a surprising breakthrough on the caged bird seal. Matsuri gives birth, Naruto visits Suna and makes good on the agreement regarding Temari coming to Konoha. Hiashi starts to spend more time with his daughters and daughter-in law in an effort to change his personality.
Recommendation time! So, I've been going over some of the recommendations that I've made in the past. Problem is, once I give a recommendation I've seen a couple of them unexpectedly stop releasing new chapters and because of that, this time I wanted to recommend something that has some meat on it – like, more than fifteen chapters. This is one I've been following for a while and it should have been given recognition way before this (my bad, dude.)
So please check out Snow Angels by DeisuiNeko. There's quite a bit of stuff going on in this one; Sasuke and Sakura are together but Naruto has more interaction with the Hyūga clan than usual – mainly because he leads a team with Hanabi on it, and she also has a one-sided crush on Naruto. Our favorite hero still only has eyes for Hinata, though and things are starting to heat up between them in the latest chapter. I urge everyone to head on over take a look – I'm sure you won't be disappointed. If you DO happen to read it, please put the story on your favorite/follow list and leave the author a review. I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
Here's the link, as usual remove the spaces and you know what to replace the stars with:
www . fanfiction . *** / s / 9923810
REVIEWS! Okay, fifty three reviews for last chapter which is pretty good. I always want more because I'm basically greedy, like every other writer on this site but I appreciate each and every one. Reviews are satisfying on a level that I can't even begin to describe, and as I mention every chapter they motivate me to write, even when I'm on the brink of insanity. But I'd like to take a different approach with this chapter.
I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I like feedback from my readers. Your ideas go into my story and make it better and to be honest, I like having this story be crafted partially on your feedback because it really makes me feel good. It tells me that this story isn't based solely on what I think is good, but what you guys like as well.
So if you leave a review, also leave me an idea if you can. If I use it, you'll get full credit but I'd like to see if you guys come up with something really creative that I can incorporate into my story. I'll do my best to reply personally to each and every one... and remember as always, the more reviews you leave the faster the next chapter gets out.
That's all for now. Take care and stay safe.
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Serious Sam