Play Opening Theme: "Toshiyuki Toyonaga - Day you Laugh"
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE: ASSEMBLY
Play: "Naruto Shippuuden OST – Maisou"
Uzumaki Kuragari looked across the squad of Shinobi in the forest as they tensed.
'Is he going to kill us?' Taichi thought gravely
To their shock, the blood stained rods in his hands dropped to the earth as he fell down unconscious…
'To think mere human desire was enough to draw my power… Interesting…'
Kuragari thought as he went into a deep sleep 'Who… are you?'
Silence filled the forest as the Shinobi did not move from their positions. They just stood and waited, looking at Kuragari's unconscious form as they tried to digest what they had seen. Mito walked up to his unconscious form as it snapped the remaining shinobi out of their musings.
"Would you come and help me carry him?" Mito spoke out to no one in particular, eager to take him to the patrol hideout to rest. Shichirou looked sternly as he spoke, looking to Ryouichi
"What do you say Taicho?"
Ryouichi looked at Kuragari with a stern expression. This stunned Mito for a bit as she looked pleadingly at him. Ryouichi was no fool, he knew what he had just witnessed. The boy in front of him had decimated an army completely without remorse.
This was no ordinary child… Where had he come from? His parents? Relatives? Surely there was someone who knew him.
To Ryouichi, noting his red hair had already given him the answer to the first question. This was an Uzumaki kid, but his parents… that he had no idea. But from the occurrences before the attack, He had almost no chakra in his body. That was an anomaly because even civilians had the ability to wield chakra. Hell, every creature that lived in the elemental nations had an innate amount of chakra in their systems.
So this brought a great degree of confusion to Ryouichi. Did something happen in the forest that he missed? Perhaps a bloodline? Ryouichi mused as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching him. He made no attempt to turn due to him recognizing the chakra signature. Shina walked past him to pick up Kuragari.
"Tch… for his small form he is heavy."
Mito's eyes tensed as she spoke,
"Incoming shinobi!"
'Another attack?' Taichi thought gravely as Ryouichi rose his right hand up in the air
"Relax" Ryouichi spoke as his squad tensed, "They are with us."
Seven shinobi dropped from the trees into the clearing as they looked around. Six immediately shifted to the surroundings to scan for enemies.
"Your squad is late, Genjiro."
"Ryouichi!" The man called Genjiro was observed. He had shaggy red hair that framed his head which possessed red pupils.
"To think you got a squad. Anyways, sorry for being late." Genjiro mused we had to deal with an Iwa attack. "They seem to be getting bolder nowadays."
Ryouici nodded his head as Genjiro mused his head looking around. He whistled as he commented "Well it seems you took care of these ones anyways. A little too much blood but regardless, impressive."
"While we took care of the first lot 'he' took care of the remaining 83 of them." Ryouichi commented as he walked towards Mito gesturing to Kuragari on her back.
"Eh… that kid? He doesn't look like much. Might need some food though… Oh I know…" Doubt was clearly heard in his voice before Genjiro chuckled "Are you trying to get me back because of that waitress incident? I apologized you know."
Ryouichi sighed, as he collected Kuragari from a slightly hesitant Mito before she acquiesced. Ryouichi hefted him to his back as he replied
"I had forgotten about that… But on a more serious note it's true."
Genjiro looked stunned, "You are serious… This is serious." He spoke in astonishment as he frowned in thought
"Yea that's what I thought… We need to get to the hideout though…"
"Of course…"
Ryouichi turned to Shina
"Shina, hand Taichi some painkillers. Shichirou you back him and follow me."
The respective shinobi nodded their heads as they went to do their duties.
Ryouichi looked ahead as he spoke,
"I will be travelling behind as you follow Genjiro's squad "We have to get to the border as quickly as possible. It's not a good idea to be out in the night. Well… Let's go!"
Genjiro nodded his head as they dashed to the trees heading to the hideout at the borders.
xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
At the hideout Ryouichi looked at Genjiro as serious expressions were seen on their faces.
"So that's what happened." Genjiro spoke he mused. "What are you going to do now?"
"Iwa launched an attack they expected to work but it didn't. They wouldn't attack again due to their defeat. So I intend to head back to the Hall of Hrothgar."
Genjiro arched an eyebrow,
"I see… That's what you intend to do? Well I'll highly recommend it but what are you going to do with your squad. Will you leave them here?"
"They have a mission don't they? Besides, I can't go with all of them given the situation now. I'll leave them under your care as I head back with him. There is a need for a witness to be present, that's why no one but me can take him there…"
Genjiro nodded his head as he got up.
"Well you should be going. I don't like you pawning up your lads to me. I wouldn't pet them you know. Besides we have our problems here…"
"I know… the missing cases huh…"
"Yea… the council is even worried about it." Genjiro muttered as he sighed
'These times…'
Ryouichi smirked, "Well whatever the case, we will fight for the Uzumaki clan. I'll be going."
Ryouichi got up as Genjiro spoke
"Again I wouldn't pet them…"
"Oh they'll get by without you. They're capable… I'll be gone tomorrow." Ryouichi interrupted
Ryouichi smirked as he walked out of the room they were in, judged to be an office.
Ryouichi walked to the medical ward of the hideout. His eyes scanned the numerous unconscious and writhing bodies as he spotted his squad sitting around Kuragari. Shina was seen scanning his body as she spoke in astonishment,
"It's unbelievable! His body is completely healed. And he actually has chakra, a stunning amount!"
"Yea yea…" Taichi grumbled in jealousy as he looked at Kuragari. Shichirou chuckled in an amused fashion as Taichi fumed.
"Well I see that you are doing okay, that's good. How's the kid?" Ryouichi spoke smiling as he got their attention.
"Taicho!" Taichi spoke gladly as Ryouichi nodded his head in recognition as he spoke,
"How's your injury Taichi?"
"Well it's healing… But not as fast as his 'though'" Taichi frowned
"Come to think of it, he wasn't seriously injured as you were…" Mito added as she looked at Kuragari. "But if he is healed why isn't he up yet?"
"It's due to the amount of chakra he just used like that. His body is trying to adjust to it. Well… that's my theory." Shina spoke as she finished scanning Kuragari's body as she sighed
"It's good to hear that he's fully healed. I'll have to take him with me." Ryouichi spoke as his squad looked at him in confusion,
"Where, Taicho?"
"Back to Uzushiogakure." Ryouichi answered promptly as his squad's eyes widened
"We are returning so soon?" Shichirou asked, as Ryouichi replied
"Not we… I am returning with him."
"Why if I may ask." Shina asked as Ryouichi folded his arms
"Well for one, he isn't part of this mission. We do not know how he got on the boat. Basically we do not know a lot of things that's why I'm taking him to face the Council of Leaders in Hrothgar. It's important we know he is not a threat as to what happened earlier."
"I see…" Taichi mused as Mito nodded her head
"When are you leaving?"
"First thing tomorrow morning. Genjiro will instruct you on the necessary things to do as you are here. I'll get back as soon as I can."
"Understood Taicho" They chorused as Ryouichi nodded his head smiling as he commented
"When I was told I'd be having a team, I honestly thought it was going to be a bother. But seeing how you performed recently, I'm beginning to like you. I'm really impressed. Good job, and compose yourself while I'm gone, Okay?"
The squad smiled as they nodded happily,
"Hai, Taicho"
'And you…' Taicho thought as he looked at Kuragari, 'we will solve your puzzle soon enough…'
Kuragari's unconscious form was seen on the bed as he breath in and out peacefully…
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
"Our scout reports came in, we lost the battle." A shinobi spoke as he put a knee down in respect to the Tsuchikage.
"I see…" The First Tsuchikage, Ishikawa muttered from his desk. The Tsuchikage muttered, he was a middle aged man with flowing grey hair. He had a moustache of the same color and had a permanent stern visage to complete his looks. He turned to an individual who was sitting in the guest chair as he commented
"It seems the possibility of gaining the Uzumaki bloodline dwindles with time."
"Yes… This is a very fragile situation. To think that we, the first village are having difficulty capturing a clan." The man spoke as he scowled… "The daam Uzumaki… But a group has been reported to be kidnapping members of the Uzumaki, Uchiha and Senju"
"I see…" Ishikawa spoke as he mused "We might have to make contact…"
"Anyways… there are rumors of another village been formed… west of us in the cloudy regions. Apparently, Shinzu is the head of the conglomerate of clans. He will take lead."
"Shinzu huh…" The Tsuchikage muttered, "Brings back memories… We will wait till they have sorted themselves out and shown that they have a capable army before we can think of an alliance.
"Understood Tsuchikage-sama."
"Let's get to another point of business" Ishikawa muttered as the guest replied
"Hai Tsuchikage, the Uchiha and Senju conflict as usual…"
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
The morning sun beamed down on the elemental nations as it marked the beginning of a new day. In the ocean that surrounded Uzushiogakure, a boat was seen heading back to the village as the waves rippled through the water…
Kuragari grunted as he woke up, looking around…
"Where am I?"
He spoke as he looked round, noting the ocean
"You are awake… that's good" Ryouichi's voice jarred him out of his thoughts as he looked behind him to see Ryouichi looking at him with a scrutinizing stare.
Kuragari looked at him as his memories were a tad blurry,
"You look familiar…" Kuragari grunted as he placed his hand on his head. A migraine shooting through. "What happened…?"
"You don't remember?" Ryouichi asked with an arched eyebrow.
"I remember being on the boat then I collapsed… Then…"
Kuragari's eyes widened as the memories of the previous day hit him. He lurched to the side of the boat as he threw up violently. His eyes kept dilating and constricting as he looked at his palms. Seeing imaginary bloodstains on it.
'What did I do?! I killed all those people!'
He began to pant as Ryouichi smiled,
"You remember huh…" He spoke rhetorically "Well, seeing your expression makes me kinda happy. You never intended to do that… That's good."
"Why did I kill those people…? What happened to me?!" Kuragari spoke as he began to hyperventilate.
"That is what we are going to find out once we get back to the village. So calm down…" Ryouichi spoke placing his palm on Kuragari's shoulder soothingly.
Kuragari stared at him for a while before calming down considerably as Ryouichi spoke,
"That's it… now care to tell me your name?"
"K…Kuragari…" Kuragari spoke with a slight hesitation
Ryouichi looked at him as he frowned, his eyes narrowing
"Who named you boy…? Isn't that's a little scary"
Kuragari didn't reply just staring at the approaching village as they got closer to it
'An orphan huh…'
Ryouichi thought as he smiled sadly. He was brought out of his musings as Kuragari asked,
"What are they going to do to me?"
"It depends… Right now I can tell you are not a threat but one question though…" This caught Kuragari's attention as Ryouichi asked,
"What were you doing in that boat?"
A brief silence passed through as Kuragari muttered,
"I was trying to be someone…"
Ryouichi arched an eyebrow in confusion before he shrugged,
"You have a high chance of going scot free for that… But due to what happened last night, we don't know the decision the Council will make. Ah… We are here already…"
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Play: "Clannad OST – Snowfield"
The Hall of Hrothgar was seen; it was the meeting venue of the various leaders of factions of the Uzumaki Clan. Whenever a leader might have died, the various leaders would convene and find a suitable replacement as soon as possible.
The five faction leaders sat on a long table as Ryouichi was seen across them. The Leaders examined the mission report for a few minutes as an old man, who resided in the middle took the time to begin the meeting.
"I want to preside over this meeting, is it acceptable?"
The other men nodded their heads in agreement as the man took his time to address Ryouichi.
"Uzumaki Ryouichi, we saw your report from your mission. We have a question though… where is the boy? We might… no… We will have some questions from him."
"He's here…"
Ryouichi rose his hand to signal the guards as Kuragari made his way into the huge hall, looking in slight awe… The Hall was adorned with five huge pillars in a pentagram design, signifying the various Uzumaki factions. The ceiling was embroidered with a huge Uzumaki Clan Sigil that was Crimson in color.
Making his way to Ryouichi, he looked at the Leaders as they examined him from their various perspective.
The Leader at the far left rubbed his grey beard as he hummed,
"You say that he was the one that took down 83 shinobi single handedly…"
"Yes… Raitongu-sama" Ryouichi replied
"You boy…" Raitongu spoke as he called Kuragari attention, "What is your name?"
"Uzumaki… Kuragari…" Kuragari answered a little bit apprehensive. He could say only few were called to be in the presence of the Leaders before him. Raitongu's eyes narrowed in scrutiny
"Is it true you killed the shinobi…?"
"Yes…" Kuragari spoke with his head bowed. There was no way around it. All he had to say was the truth…
"Strange isn't it?" The second left Leader spoke "We would have known him as a shinobi but his name doesn't ring any bells."
Kuragari used that time to speak,
"I'm not a shinobi of Uzushiogakure…"
"That explains a lot… so care to elaborate how you were able to kill 83 Iwagakure shinobi…" Raitongu asked resting his chin on the back of his palms as his eyes narrowed…
Kuragari looked conflicted, as confused as the Clan leaders. He decided to just speak out
"The truth is… I don't know myself… I thought I was going to die, that the shinobi protecting me was going to die… I didn't know what happened… It just did…"
"A hidden bloodline perhaps…" The Leader at the far right suggested
"It might be possible, your parents?" Raitongu asked shifting his pupils to the Leader before turning to Kuragari once more
"Uzumaki Sakazuki and Uzumaki Asuka" Kuragari replied as he hummed in thought,
"So what do you think Daiki-san" Raitongu asked the presiding Leader in the middle,
"I think I know them, but they weren't recognized to have any bloodline. This is perplexing…" Daiki spoke before asking sternly,
"So why were you found in the shinobi boats, you know subversion would lead to severe punishment."
"I just wanted to change myself…" Kuragari spoke as he gritted his teeth prompting confused looks from the clan Leaders. Kuragari continued,
"Please… elaborate" Daiki spoke a little interested
"You don't know me because I wasn't a shinobi. I wasn't ever going to be a shinobi. Compared to what you all are sensing now I had no chakra in my body. I was a waste of a human being. I was so weak I despised my weakness. I tried to be a shinobi to at least have some worth…"
Ryouichi and the clan leaders as well as the guards at the doors listened attentively
"I felt like I didn't belong here, that I wasn't a member of the Uzumaki Clan. I met the Shinobi doctor who told there was no way I could be a shinobi… I knew that I wouldn't get any help from anyone here… Then I decided to search outside the village to try and find a meaning to myself. To my purpose of living… That's why I decided to sneak out. With this power in my grasp, all I need to do is train and learn to control it. Then I will be able to fulfill my dream…"
"And what is that, Kuragari-kun?" Daiki asked
"To protect the clan…" Kuragari spoke with all seriousness as he looked directly to Daiki who hummed.
'This conviction…'
"Well Kuragari, can you show us this special chakra of yours? Ryouichi described it but we would love to see it."
"I… don't know how to channel it."
A brief silence went through the hall as Daiki hummed "Figures… You didn't have Shinobi training after all… Why don't you both wait outside… we will call you to hear our decision."
Kuragari nodded his head as he and Ryouichi bowed in respect before moving out of the Hall and waited for the council's decision. They sat down as silence went through the two individuals. Ignoring the messenger who ran out of the hall very quickly, Ryouichi then took his time to speak,
"Regardless of the decision they will make I would like to thank you…"
This prompted a confused expression from Kuragari as Ryouichi smiled,
"If not for you my squad could have been dead. I would have not been able to protect all of them… I'm really grateful."
Kuragari smiled as he nodded his head, "No problem…"
The guard walked towards them as he spoke,
"The Leaders will see you now…"
Ryouichi nodded his head as he smiled to Kuragari, "Well, ready to hear your fate?"
Kuragari nodded his head, "Might as well get this over with…"
Finding themselves in front of the Council, a short silence passed before Raitongu chose his time to speak.
"Uzumaki Kuragari, you attempted to leave the village, an attempt at subversion. The law dictates you be imprisoned for life…"
Kuragari's eyes widened as he tried to digest the new information. 'Don't tell me…'
"We are curious to see your capabilities however… and for some reason you have impressed Daiki-san. Which honestly makes me more curious. Listening to your reasons and with the fact that Ryouichi credited the safety of his team to you in the report. We would allow you to be a shinobi… after a probated stay in the village of course." Raitongu spoke before he chuckled "You aren't getting scot free…"
Daiki nodded his head in agreement "Besides… with the escalating conflicts arising all over the Elemental Nations especially with the Uchiha and the Senju Clans, we could use your help in defending the Uzumaki Clan from the skirmishes that might reach our borders. With the agreement of the Council of Leaders, here in the Hall of Hrothgar… We deem you fit to be a shinobi."
Kuragari's eyes glossed for a slight second as he was moved to tears, "Not wanting to show weakness in front of the Council he wiped off the emerging tears in his eyes as he muttered,
"Arigatou…"
Daiki nodded his head as he spoke, "Naturally we would suggest Ryouichi to train you since you are familiar with him but he has a squad with him. You are untrained, it would be unwise to lump you into his squad. The risks are too great… We have decided you will train under Uzumaki Daisuke. It wasn't long since he came back from his mission. We would monitor your progress during this probationary period."
Kuragari nodded his head in total agreement as Daiki asked out,
"Isn't he here yet?"
Almost on command, Daisuke shunshined into the Hall as he bowed,
"You called for me my Council."
'Y…You?'
Kuragari looked in recognition as he remembered Daisuke's face earlier. The messenger that earlier went out came back in as he went to his post.
Daiki smirked,
"Yes Daisuke… we have a duty for you perform…"
"Whatever the council needs… I will provide." Daisuke bowed as his eyes connected with Kuragari's; a brief recognition going through them
Kuragari looked stunned as a thought rippled through his mindset,
'Everything will change for me from now henceforth. The world will know my name… Uzumaki Kuragari.'
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Kuragari went to his apartment after the long day. To say he was overjoyed would be an understatement. Walking to his parents pictures, he just smiled joyfully as tears began to pour out;
"Finally, Tou-san Kaa-san I can be a shinobi. I can finally protect this clan as you have done."
Kuragari smiled joyfully as his eyes shimmered with brightness as he looked to the setting sun…
"Tomorrow will be a new day…"
Kuragari spoke as he made his way to the bed, eager for an early night's rest. Kuragari closed his eyes as he opened them to a new world…
Kuragari's eyes widened at the surrounding he was in; he was surrounded by nature as he felt serene; at peace even. He could see the mountains in the distance the birds flying about in peace…
"Where am I?" He asked confused as a familiar voice spoke,
"Your mindscape… It reflects your current state of mind…"
Kuragari looked ahead in stunned silence as he saw a white orb glowing with power.
"Who… What are you…?" Kuragari asked stunned at what he felt from the orb.
"You are an interesting human… Kuragari… Uzumaki…" the orb spoke in a distorted voice.
Kuragari's eyes widened as he was enveloped by white…
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Kuragari couldn't contain his smile as he stood across Daisuke who smirked at him. Slightly scratching his stubble, he muttered,
"I must say you look quite jolly from the first time I saw you."
"Eh… You remember me?" Kuragari asked in astonishment
"I never forget what I see…" Daisuke spoke tapping the side of his head in amusement
"Cool… You must know a lot"
"And seen a lot kid… Well shall we begin on physical exercises?" Daisuke asked as Kuragari beamed
Daisuke quickly smirked as he removed four slips of paper as he moved towards Kuragari.
Bending down a bit, he slapped them to his ankles and wrists. Standing up, he removed two more and placed them on his shoulder. Kuragari examined them as they stuck firmly.
Daisuke looked at him with a smile, as began to walk away to Kuragari's confusion
"The first step is… to go home."
"Huh…" Kuragari tilted his head dumbly as he growled "Don't rip me off you jerk! ACK!"
Kuragari immediately got imprinted to the ground as he began to feel the air a little bit heavier. Daisuke waved him,
"See you tomorrow at the first crow."
Kuragari's eyes widened in shock, gritting in teeth
"Weight seals! What the fuck?! I can't move!"
And so began the training of Kuragari to become a shinobi of Uzushiogakure.
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Play: "Naruto Shippuuden OST – Early Summer Rain"
Kuragari walked through the village to the inner parts. He looked around in slight awe; as he didn't have the time to notice the beauty of the place since the first time he was going to face the Council of Leaders.
He moved till he came to a cottage where he saw an old woman moving into the house; she was carrying a bag of groceries. He quickly sped up,
"Oba-san… Let me help you with these."
The old woman smiled as Kuragari collected them,
"Oh… Kura-chan. Thank you; Taichi is currently inside the house. He's busy with training as usual."
"Oh…"
Kuragari mused as he walked into the house, removing his sandals. He looked around as he placed the groceries on them. He moved on to the courtyard were Taichi was seen practicing some sword stances.
"How are you doing?" Kuragari asked as Taichi smirked arching an eyebrow 'Weird greeting.'
"Kuragari huh… You are late."
"Sorry… I lost track of time. I was…"
"I don't care what you do with your time." Taichi asked as he ignored the excuse and went for a stance as Kuragari watched on unimpressed.
"Why did you choose Kenjutsu? It seems boring and outdated."
"Just so you know kenjutsu was the first art practiced in early times." Taichi retorted as Kuragari smirked
"You did just hear me use the word boring and outdated didn't you?"
Taichi humphed as he added cents to his point,
"It doesn't matter. You don't know how cool it is. Even Daisuke-sempai uses it. And he is one of the powerful members of the village. You should know."
"Well can't argue with that." Kuragari spoke as Taichi smirked,
"Besides how is your training going?"
"Its pure hell man…" Kuragari moaned, "He's sick… Sick I tell you! He seemed to delight in making me suffer!"
Taichi just chuckled as he went through some test slashes
"Kenjutsu allows for precise movements. As well as used for a variety of techniques; it can be strengthened with earth, attacks can be enhanced with water, fire and wind. And sharpened with wind and lightning. It's a pretty cool art as well as popular with the ladies."
"With that lecture, what ladies...?" Kuragari asked dryly before he sighed, "Anyways we are been sidetracked, let's get on with our training."
"Yea… you are going to get your ass kicked."
"In the weapons part yes. But it comes to jutsu… I'll roast you…" Kuragari chuckled darkly as Taichi sighed in worry,
"Y…You have some problems dude…" Kuragari just chuckled as he removed his kunai ready for a clash thinking sarcastically.
'Tell me about it?'
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Weeks passed as Kuragari flourished under Daisuke's tutorship. He grew in leaps and bounds to Daisuke's joy. He quickly gained control of his chakra network as he began to be recognized properly as a shinobi.
Kuragari was seen meditating in one of the isolated training grounds as he relaxed to the peace surrounding him. A tune began to play through the forest as Kuragari's eyes slowly widened having a stunned expression. The voice beautifully flowed with the flute as if they were in a dance; a perfect dance.
'Such peace in this times…' Kuragari thought as he followed the voice; the voice seemingly clearing the path as Kuragari looked ahead to the branch on the tree as an expression of recognition graced his face,
"You?" Kuragari spoke as the person was revealed to be Shina. Her violet eyes narrowed at him, her brown hair slowly moving along the wind. She muttered
"That ability of yours is annoying…"
Kuragari looked at her in shock,
"I never knew you to sing."
"W… Well everyone has their quirks don't they?" Shina huffed as a slight blush stained her cheeks,
'I was careless…'
"You… why do you come here to sing?"
Shina looked shocked as Kuragari quickly invaded her personal space on the branch looking at her smiling goofily.
"Tch… Don't invade my space like that!" Shina quickly pushed him off the branch as he performed a back flip landing on the ground with a smug grin to Shina's ire.
"Well… you haven't answered my question."
"And I don't intend to…" Shina growled as she asked in annoyance "How did you find this place?"
"I was just roaming about looking for a quiet place to train… To think such a ground is abandoned" Kuragari spoke looking around
"Well this ground is occupied, find another place." Shina spoke as Kuragari frowned as he muttered
"You are being rude you know… besides I never got time to speak to you. I've met with the other squad members but not you."
"And you don't think that is by design?" Shina scowled as she folded her arms looking away as Kuragari chuckled, as he walked up the tree again raising his arms in surrender
"I'm coming up again, this time you know where I'll be…"
"What is your problem? Let me be…"
"Nope!" Kuragari muttered cheekily as Shina clicked her teeth looking to another part of the forest. Kuragari sat beside her on the tree branch as they enjoyed the nature surrounding them. The chirping crickets brought a natural feel to the area as Kuragari asked,
"So how was the border patrol?"
Shina sighed as she replied,
"I'm sure you must have heard about it from the rest of the members…"
"I've heard it but they all had different reactions to the mission. What of you?"
Shina arched an eyebrow as she looked at Kuragari's face, before smirking for a bit shifting her pupils deeper into the forest,
"Nothing interesting of the sort, after your stunt enemy clans have started thinking twice about attacking us."
"I see…" Kuragari spoke as a frown came on his face,
Shina noticing his changed expression asked him,
"Is everything alright?"
"What do you think about me?" Kuragari muttered
"I don't get your question." Shina asked with a frown
"After what happened I was sure you guys would avoid me."
"Baka…" Shina spoke as she smiled, "Why would we avoid the person that protected us."
"Huh…?" Kuragari looked at her as she had an uncaring demeanor
"It didn't matter how you did it or what happened to you. We don't care about that anyways…"
"But I wasn't in control of myself… I would have…"
"But you didn't… did you…?" Shina scowled as Kuragari gained a flabbergasted look "Stop moping or I'll kick your ass…"
A sweatdrop formed from his head, 'She was just smiling now… How can she change her emotions so quickly?!'
"Yes…" Kuragari spoke as he smiled, suddenly he shifted his head forwards, his eyes examining her face.
A slight blush emerged from her face as she muttered in shock,
"W…What are you doing?!"
"I knew it… I've never seen an Uzumaki with brown air…" Kuragari spoke as Shina scowled, "What's it to you?!"
"Nothing… actually I think it's awesome…"
"Huh…" Shina shifted her head in confusion
"Everywhere it's red, red and red hair! You sure stand out you know…"
"I do; don't I?" Shina spoke as a frown emerged on her face to Kuragari's confusion.
"Is something wron…?"
"I have to go" Shina spoke, with her eyes shadowed. She dropped to the ground immediately, vanishing `in a shushin as Kuragari looked confused. He looked forward at her initial location him as he muttered,
'Did I say something…?'
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Play: "Keiichi Okabe - Song of the Ancients / Popola"
Kuragari was seen walking through the streets as he headed to the Shinobi barracks. People smiled at him as he nodded his head in reply walking with his black flak jacket proudly adorned with the Uzumaki Sigil on the back. A nostalgic smile was spotted on his face as he looked at a shade by the street.
A place where he usually stood as he watched the shinobi walk into the village. Shaking the memories off, he quickened his pace as his new team got a mission. Arriving at the meeting venue, Taichi quickly announced his arrival, to Kuragari's ire
"Kura-chan!" Taichi waved as Kuragari sighed making his way to the team as Mito chuckled together with Shichirou. He crossed eyes with Shina for a moment who quickly glanced away.
"I'd appreciate you not calling me that Taichi." Kuragari groaned
"Well we couldn't resist since Baa-chan made it up." Shichirou spoke as Kuragari sighed
'Not you too Shichirou…'
Mito added, a in a thoughtful pose that reeked of mischievousness
"It actually makes you sound cute… Like a cat."
Taichi bawled in laughter as Kuragari looked at her, his brow twitching,
"Don't call me cute! Shinobi aren't cute. They are deadly… Tch" Kuragari growled as he looked away as he spotted Shina with her lips tugged in a small smile. He smirked as Mito immediately caught his stare towards Shina. Her eyes widened as a scandalized look came on her face.
'Shit! I'm screwed!'
Kuragari quickly caught her look as he looked at her pleadingly. Mito, quickly getting new teasing material quickly spoke with a maniacal grin,
"Ho… are you making lovey dovey looks at Shina, Kura-chan…? You sly dog…"
This immediately caught the attention of his teammates as Kuragari gritted his teeth growling, 'Traitor…'
"Really? Ho Kura-chan so you've started noticing women huh…" Taichi spoke as he mused in a sage like manner "Well I guess I can take you under my wing to teach a few things…"
"Shut up you jerk!" Kuragari spoke as they all began to chuckle as they all laughed out at Kuragari's expense. Even Shina who was upset earlier loosened up as she chuckled in amusement. Mito quickly put a grumbling Kuragari in a headlock as she gave him a noogie to his protest.
Ryouichi looked from above as he smiled,
'They really needed him. Things are getting so serious people might be forgetting to laugh.'
He looked on as Kuragari sighed in resignation as he smiled along with them; to him he actually didn't care if they made fun of him. He was just happy to be with them; they really helped him.
He was in a really dark and depressed place and these people helped him out as they showed him the bright, not lonely side of the world. He loved it… and he would do anything to keep it that way. He would do anything for these people…
Anything…
Mito smiled as she let Kuragari go before turning to the roof,
"So sensei… How long are you going to make us wait?"
Ryouichi chuckled as he landed before them.
"Well… you all seemed to be having fun. It's also good to see love blossoming at these times…"
"Not you too sensei." Kuragari gave a deadpan look to Ryouichi who smiled as he waved his arms in defense.
"Hai hai! Anyway we got a mission." Ryouichi continued as he unsealed four files as he threw them to each of the members
Kuragari caught his as they all looked at it. All their eyes widened as they looked at it looking at Ryouichi as they muttered immediately,
"An S rank mission?!"
"Yes… well in this war any mission should be considered an S-rank mission" Ryouichi chuckled as he spoke, "this is a rescue mission which might escalate into a battle of more than three clans.
Kuragari looked through the files as his eyes widened,
"The Uchiha and Senju are involved?!"
"Hai" Ryouichi added as he began to explain. "You know that the Uzumaki Clan were gifted with the strong life force of the Rikudo Sennin. The Senju were gifted with his strong body that could house huge amounts of chakra while the Uchiha were gifted with his ocular powers.
Someone or an organization have been reported to kidnap members of the Uzumaki Clan alongside the Senju and the Uchiha in an attempt to harness 'his' power.
"And 'his' refers to the Rikudo Sennin…" Taichi spoke as Ryouichi nodded seriously as he gave more information
"Daisuke's team collected a message from a spy months ago and we have deciphered it to contain the location of the hideout. Multiple squads are working alongside us including Daisuke's team."
As Kuragari thought,
'That why he said I should train by myself today.'
"This might be the work of either the Uchiha or Senju so be careful. Naturally, we have been able to prevent any kidnapping of alive members of our clan. For this organization to be able to achieve this means they are adept."
"Forgive me for asking but isn't it a little bit serious to be involving us." Shichirou spoke as Ryouichi understood his question,
"Not so… We have two teams, the assault team and the infiltration team. Daisuke leads the assault to the hideout while we use the confusion to infiltrate the hideout and rescue the captured persons. Kuragari, with your uncanny ability to stay 'invisible' you will work alongside Mito's seals to apply them to a wide span of area as we move. This is very important as we must not make a bad step. Shina your medical repertoire is indispensable in this mission and… Taichi, Shichirou I need not tell you your roles."
The two individuals nodded their heads as Ryouichi bent down,
"Now scouts have successfully marked out the area as we need to plan our mode of entry and exit. We need to know possible exit points so as to quickly improvise in case…"
The squad looked fiercely as Ryouichi began to explain their roles to each of them.
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
Play: "Two Steps from Hell – Skyworld"
The Senju Clan was one of the top Clans in the elemental Nations alongside the Uchiha Clan. The both boasted of being able to trace their lineage to the Rikudo Sennin. They were gifted with large amounts of chakra and strong bodies.
In the Senju Clan, a young Senju Hashirama was seen standing in front of his father, besides his brother Tobirama. With new information given to him Hashirama yelled in anger
"Itama was taken?! How?!"
"Mind your tone!" Senju Butsuma commanded
Hashirama stopped still as he looked at his father gritting his teeth. Tobirama just looked ahead as he tried to assess the situation. Their father spoke regardless in a stern voice,
"He was not the only one taken, the border reported numerous shinobi has been stolen. According to new information, even the Uchiha and Uzumaki Clan members have been reported kidnapped. I am sending you Hashirama with a squad to go and retrieve our shinobi"
"Is that what you would call him?" Hashirama growled as he went forward placing his palms on the table before his father whose eyes narrowed,
"He's your son!"
"He is a shinobi first and foremost. I will not have you disrespect him!" Butsuma growled as he made an attempt to hit Hashirama before he stopped himself slamming his fist on the table breaking it completely.
"You will leave as soon as possible. Without a doubt the Uchiha and Uzumaki Clan will send Shinobi to investigate this phenomena. We will use this as front to try and create an alliance between the Uzumaki and Senju. Hashirama do not fail me."
Hashirama looked at his father before he moved out of the tent in anger. Tobirama's eyes left his retreating figure as he sighed,
"I'm sorry father…" Tobirama spoke "Hashirama is…"
"He will be a good leader of this clan one day…" Butsuma spoke as he interrupting Tobirama
"But he might end up making careless decisions all for family or peace. You are more tactical in approach than him. Guide him Tobirama… I believe he can do things in this forsaken world."
Tobirama nodded with a serious look as Butsuma got up and walked away.
'Now what are you thinking Uchiha…' Butsuma thought as he made his way out of the tent leaving Tobirama who sighed, ruffling his hair.
Hashirama came through his memories as one thought crossed his mind as he smiled,
'Baka…'
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
The situation was the same if not worse in the Uchiha Clan. To them the Sharingan was more precious than the shinobi wielding it. So it was not a surprise as they began to gather a small garrison for the assault.
A young Uchiha Madara was seen alongside Izuna Uchiha as they planned strategies to counter the new threat.
Madara frowned as he looked at the makeshift hill of the perpetrators' hideout. They could make out one point of entry.
A squad was seen around him as they began to plan their assault.
'This is going to be a tough one…'
Izuna and Madara shared a look as Izuna smirked,
"Are you worried, nii –san?"
"Be worried for the enemy. They will feel my full might you know."
Izuna chuckled, "Of course… We can achieve anything with our eyes."
"Yeah… the Uchiha will prevail."
Madara smirked proudly as he looked forward in determination.
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx
The squad was seen in the inner village gates as Kuragari walked towards Shina as he placed his palm on her shoulder gaining her attention,
"Eh… Shina. I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories in the forest."
"Focus on the mission, we deal with that later. Besides… you have your story to tell don't you." Shina spoke seriously as she smiled slightly at the end.
Kuragari nodded his head as he smiled as Ryouichi called their attention,
"Well squad it's time to move out!"
"Hai!"
They chorused as they moved towards the gate. Immediately the squads of the Senju and Uchiha clans moved simultaneously not knowing the fate that awaited them.
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx
"Body, mind… Spirit" A figure spoke in the darkness as a glow began to appear around him. But immediately, it dissipated into tiny fragments.
"It's not enough… get me the next Uzumaki…" A young man spoke as he commanded a shinobi who bowed before him,
"Hai!"
"Hmm… the tablet specified that it must be in the perfect balance. That might be the problem… Besides, the clans have noticed something wrong with the kidnappings. They're on their way. I have no time to waste. I must achieve this power regardless of what I have to go though. I have to get to the precipice of everything."
A shinobi walked in as he spoke, his deep voice rippling through. From his silhouette he was observed to have a strong build
"So… what is our next move Gari?"
"Your squad attack them head on… I'm not done yet."
The silhouette immediately disappeared as torches immediately lighted up exposing the huge cave.
Slowly, Gari's expression was revealed as his coal black hair was seen along with black pupils surrounded by a gold outline. A faint scar was seen going across his left eye through his nose and stopped at the right cheek. Raising his palm to his front he grinned as he spoke,
"I will be the king of this dammed world!"
CUT TO BLACK
Play Ending theme: "Witch Hunter Robin – Shell"
CHAPTER END