Yo...

You know I've been very patient during the past couple of updates, but it's time I raise this issue.

It seems despite many of you claiming that this is one of your favorite stories, or the favorite I hardly see any of you supporting it. You don't hesitate in demanding for updates and pester me when there are delays. Tell me something...

You expect me to devote 12 hours from my busy life in writing a chapter, and you can't even spend 2 minutes in writing a simple review. (Those who do, have my thanks)

This is the reason 70% of stories on this site get abandoned, and then you don't hesitate in cursing the writer. We don't get paid for all our hard work, your reviews and inputs are our only appreciation.

Still, I hope we can recover the lost support from this new arc. This is your story too...

Happy 2015 in advance as well...

Chapter 25

Calm Before the Storm

Tension could be clearly seen on the faces of the people standing inside a small abandoned building of Uzushiogakure. The reason behind this was the condition their hero and supreme commander was currently in.

Standing beside each other neither Kushina or Kenshin had ever seen Naruto in such a state...

His body had lost considerable weight, large dark circles had formed beneath his eyes. His posture while being straight lacked the energy he had when the war began, it was clear that his health was deteriorating.

Even the soldiers from Kiri resistance seemed worried when they saw the man of miracles in such a state, but Naruto's entire focus was on the conversation which he was currently having with Mei Terumi.

"I'm thankful for all that you've done for my people, Naruto..." said Mei gratefully, and the same feelings were visible in the eyes of her soldiers.

A faint, weak smile came on his face as he gently shook his cold hand with hers.

"They are my people too. These soldiers are the future citizens of the republic, why wouldn't I do everything in my power to help them?" asked Naruto kindly, gaining grateful nods from the Kiri soldiers.

"I understand, but are you alright? You look tired..." said Mei worriedly,

"This is nothing, I just need to get some sleep. That's all..." said Naruto calmly, and retained his smile even as she looked at him critically.

"What's our plan now? You've rescued us all from getting killed in Kiri, but now my entire army is stuck in Uzu..." said Mei seriously,

"Keep your army on standby. Continue your preparations for a full scale war..."

A frown came on her face as she heard his evasive order, and she gave him a defiant look in return.

"The empire is destroying my homeland, and you want us to sit back and do nothing? We've already waited a month..." said Mei irritatedly,

"Konoha resistance has just managed to gain victories in the heart of the empire, Kumo's advance from the north is progressing well too. But the same cannot not be said for Iwa and Suna resistances. To put it simply, their sectors are on verge of collapse and we are at the brink of losing this war..." stated Naruto bluntly, shocking every person in the room.

"WHAT!"

"If we don't do something soon, our armies will be wiped out. We need each and every resistance to win against the empire, if those two cells fall then it's over. I've already assigned one of my special Blacklight sabotage units to you, support it and stall the empire's naval fleet from attacking your homeland further..." explained Naruto briefly, as she slammed her hands on the table beside them.

"My people are being murdered every day. Those civilians that supported us are facing cruel penalties. Men, women, children...the empire has already killed 10,000 innocent people while we hid like cowards in these fucking islands. We're turning young men into memories, and you-" barked Mei furiously, but was stopped when his own gaze hardened and he raised his hand.

"Do you think I enjoy this? Every day I make decisions that sends scores of young children to their deaths, every city that my forces capture reeks with the blood of innocents being killed in the crossfire with the enemy. Not a single moment has passed when I've not worked for the people of the entire world, we are up against Uchiha Madara and the Empire. This is the burden of my command..." said Naruto defiantly, his eyes showing the pain in his heart.

"The Kiri civilians..." argued Ao furiously, as a stoic look came in Naruto's cold voice.

"Are useless to us. I won't sacrifice combat troops for rescuing a few civilians, this is war and they will simply get in our way. Their deaths at the hands of the empire would only further motivate the republic army to continue their fight. This is my final decision, follow the orders you've been assigned...that's all" instructed Naruto coldly, shocking the Kiri commanders.

"No..." said Mei in shock, but had to back down when Naruto's Mangekyo glared at all of them.

"This is not a democracy. You are the army and it is your duty to follow orders. That's all you need to know..." said Naruto calmly, as he started walking towards the exit.

Kushina saw Choujuro grabbing his sword but before the young boy could move forward, Ao's firm hand on his shoulder stopped him. The Kiri soldiers also saw Mei clenching her fists, her head was bowed indicating her begrudging acceptance of the order.

"Don't you have any humanity left in you, bastard?" yelled Chojuro furiously, making Naruto stop in his tracks.

The young boy was shocked when he saw the cold eyes of his supreme leader...

"In the past wars, countless civilians have died. These ones are no special either...''

And with those cold, lifeless words he exited from the room leaving behind several shocked officers...

Kushina smacked her own forehead in frustration when her assumptions were proved correct. It was well past midnight, and most of the soldiers were sleeping peacefully. But her workaholic husband was still busy studying the pile of reports placed on his desk.

Among all the men she had known in her life, no one came close to him in terms of overworking oneself. Even Minato who was a Hokage knew when to rest and when to work.

Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw a shining pair of glasses on his handsome face, since when did he start wearing glasses?

Although it did make him look more attractive...

"Are you just going to stand there?" asked Naruto calmly, a small smile arriving on his lips as he continued doing his work.

The sound of footsteps getting closer didn't distract him as he kept on reading the logistics report, and just signed it when she suddenly came forward and sat in his lap.

"You got glasses?" asked Kushina curiously, as she observed the equipment with her soft fingers.

"Rangiku gave these to me, said it would prevent me from straining my eyes anymore. She also said they look cool on me..." said Naruto bemusedly, as she merely sighed.

"As naughty like always, Rangiku is really something else..." commented Kushina, a smile visible on her lips.

"Yeah, Mikasa and you are unique too. I was finally able to solve the distance between me and Mikasa, it's not much but it's still a start..." said Naruto hopefully,

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure that everything will be fine..." reassured Kushina,

"What's troubling you?"

She was stunned when he was able to sense something like that, she hadn't even mentioned that there was something which was troubling her and yet...

He gently placed his hand on her cheek and looked her in the eye.

"I may not be a good husband, but I do love you with all my heart. Just as you can sense my pain and worries, I can sense yours too..." said Naruto kindly, making her smile as she gently kissed his hand.

"Thank you, and you're doing the best you can. While I would definitely like to spend more time with you, our fight is also important..." replied Kushina honestly,

"Kushina..."

"Naruto, are you okay? Those people didn't go easy on you, and they were just one resistance faction. I'm there for you..." suggested Kushina, gaining a thankful nod from him.

"I've learned a lot from my past and my mistakes. I'm not that naive anymore, this war won't be won without great sacrifices. We'll lose a lot of things by its end, but I won't stop. I will take hard decisions even if the people consider me a bastard or an evil person..." promised Naruto,

"Is that why you did that thing? To prevent the past from repeating itself, even if it meant harming your health?" asked Kushina seriously, making him chuckle.

"It was necessary, Kushina. You worry too much..." scolded Naruto playfully, as she hit him lightly on his arm.

"Of course I do, I'm your wife..." boasted Kushina in a childish manner, as he gave an eye smile.

She couldn't stop laughing when he started tingling the soft skin around her belly, her pleading eyes requested him to stop but he had no such plans. Until it suddenly came to a halt...

Kushina blinked in surprise on seeing the shocked look on his face, it was as if he had seen a ghost.

"Kushina, is that-" asked Naruto in disbelief,

And when she averted her gaze from him his heart nearly stopped, his hand started trembling as his mouth remained open. Even his breathing became faster...

"I was going to tell you, but..." said Kushina slowly, but stopped when she noticed how he just froze.

"Naruto..."

"This can't be happening. How did this happen?" asked Naruto nervously, and quickly got up from the chair making her get up too.

She became worried when he punched his hand through one of the walls cracking it instantly, as an angry snarl escaped from his lips.

"Please tell me that I didn't sense a new life in you right now?" asked Naruto very quietly, his voice making her take a step back in fear.

"I'm...pregnant"

She was terrified when he violently smashed his fists against the wall again making further cracks. And he continued doing it again and again...

"KUSO!"

Never in her entire life had she expected him to react in such a manner. Sure, he would have been shocked but he was angry? It was all it took to break her heart...

"It's our first child, can you believe it?" asked Kushina happily, words couldn't describe how she happy she was. It was her lifelong dream to become a mother someday, and now it was finally being fulfilled.

"I can't be a father...'' replied Naruto flatly, voice cold as ice.

"What are you saying?" asked Kushina sadly, tears already arriving in her eyes.

"You heard me, we're not having this child..." declared Naruto coldly, and was surprised when her furious eyes glared at him.

"This is not only your child, but mine too. And what the hell are you saying? THIS IS A CHILD!" yelled Kushina murderously, righteous feminine fury burning in her eyes.

She nearly had a heart attack when a cold, uncaring look appeared in his eyes as he sat back in his chair. Without casting another glance towards her, he started reading his reports once again.

"I never wanted any children of mine, that's it. We'll be leaving for the main base tomorrow, be ready. I'll talk with mother and she'll take care of this unplanned situation..." stated Naruto coldly, his voice sounding like a dictator.

He felt her furious gaze fixed on him, but never once did he change his opinion or even look at her. He heard the sound of her fists tightening before she ran out of the room, the sound of her tears reaching his sharp ears.

And she never looked back once, because if she had then she would have noticed something different in his eyes...

"I applaud you for being able to put a perfect dick mask in front of Kushina the entire time..."

The door to the office was opened again and the familiar face of his former commander and teacher appeared before him. He smirked when he saw how quiet and lonely the young boy was, and perhaps Kenshin was the only one who could understand the mystery of Naruto Namikaze.

He was the only one who knew of the boy's true plan...

"I tried to make it as gentle as possible, and how much did you listen?" asked Naruto sadly,

"Only the parts which were important, congratulations you're gonna be a father..." said Kenshin jokingly, and saw his student's eyebrows twitching in annoyance.

Naruto got up from his chair and slowly walked towards the window of the room, as Kenshin did the same.

"Naruto, isn't this enough? You have done well..." said Kenshin proudly, as he considered the boy beside him as his own son.

He had seen him grow so much, they had been through so much together. Every problem that he faced was Kenshin's problem too, after all he was the only one who had comforted the boy in hell as he was continuously tortured.

"You understand the reason I must do evil, right? Besides, there are a lot of other things which are far more important..." said Naruto seriously,

"But what about the people you love- your parents, Itachi, Mikasa, Rangiku, Kushina and this child now. You have been doing all of this for their sake..." replied Kenshin proudly, as his eyes hardened.

"I cannot give anyone special treatment anymore. For the sake of the thousands of lives that have been sacrificed, I can't stop on the path I have chosen...isn't that right, sensei?"

With those heavy words, the supreme republic commander walked out of the room as Kenshin gave him a respectful salute.

"Yes, your highness..."

(Next Day)

Itachi was tiredly walking through the dense forests of Fire Country, fatigue was easily visible on his face and that of his soldiers as they had continuously marched for the past 2 days from Mount Fuji. Reinforcements had relieved his RAF and now they were going back to their base, but it was quite far away...

He had never slept a moment since the past few days and now it was finally taking a toll on him.

His comrades were no good and couldn't help him walk properly, as they too were struggling. He suddenly lost balance and started collapsing towards the ground, only to land on someone's back comfortably.

A smirk escaped from the person's lips as he lifted him on his back, and he also saw other new soldiers arriving and supporting his tired RAF.

"You did great..." said Naruto proudly,

"Nii-san, I..."

"Just rest on me. I'll carry you back home, just like the old days..." replied Naruto happily, as memories of him carrying Itachi back home like this during their childhood came flooding back in the young boy's heart.

"Hai, thank you..." replied gratefully,

As Itachi took a short nap on his back, Naruto couldn't help but observe how much the boy had grown. He could still remember the little chibi who used to follow him everywhere and mimic his every actions, and now...

"You've grown into a fine man, Itachi..." thought Naruto proudly,

Sakura couldn't help but smile on seeing the bond the two brothers shared, sometimes it made her jealous too. It was as if Naruto was the only one that was needed to guide and look after Itachi...

But it was necessary.

Her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates when the forests started clearing and the gates of Osaka city came closer. And there standing were thousands of people with happy smiles on their faces, a band was playing a welcoming tune, kids running towards them with the republic flags in their hands.

"They've all been waiting for you guys..." said Izumo kindly, as he helped the girl walk.

"Everyone..." said Sakura in shock,

"The entire world knows what the RAF achieved, you did great brats..." complimented Genma, getting a nod from the RAF soldiers.

Meanwhile, Itachi was simply left speechless by the sheer number of people waiting for him at the gates. They were cheering him, calling him a hero, and so much more. Was this really happening for him?

"I told you one day you will become the sun that shall enlighten this dark world..." said Naruto calmly, as he placed his stunned brother on the ground.

Giving him a few pats on the back and welcoming smile to the other RAF soldiers, Naruto and his Blacklight soldiers walked away as they knew it was time for the old guard to shift the future to the new ones.

There were so many things which Itachi wanted to talk with him about, but all of them went straight out of the window when a hard smack was planted on his head and he came face to face with his fuming sister, who strangely had tears in her eyes.

"You reckless brute..." said Yuna happily, and quickly jumped on top of him.

Unlike his past self, this time he didn't back away from such emotional display and happily returned the hug and saw his mother smiling at him.

"Hogging all the limelight, dobe?"

He actually chuckled when he could still hear Sasuke's ghostly voice circulating through his mind, even now he could feel that the Uchiha was still around.

"Never took you for a deaf person..."

"Shut up, teme..." said Itachi to himself, and opened his eyes in order to end his dreamy conversation.

The smile on his face instantly vanished when he could still see the figure of his best friend standing before his eyes. Was he really so much tired he was seeing Sasuke amidst so many people?

SLAP

His heart stopped beating when he felt the familiar hand of his friend impacting with his left cheek, and he felt the little pain. Looking around he also saw the same shock visible in the eyes of all his RAF soldiers.

He turned back and actually blinked his eyes, and yet that bastard was still standing there with the same cocky smirk on his face.

"S-Sasuke..." muttered Itachi in disbelief, as Yuna quickly prevented her younger brother from falling down in shock.

"The one and only, dobe..." replied the Uchiha happily,

"How?" asked Sakura in shock, she was absolutely sure that her friend had died.

"I won't let him turn out like me and live a life full of regrets..."

She remembered one person saying those words to him, and turning towards her right she saw Naruto standing away at a distance giving them a happy eye smile.

Even Mikoto was left speechless by this miracle, she was extremely saddened on hearing about Sasuke's death and the effect it was going to have on Itachi. her eyes turned towards the one person who had the power and heart to create such miracles, and watched him giving Itachi a happy smile.

And for the first time in 4 years, she saw Itachi completely breaking down with tears falling from his eyes.

But instead of sorrow they were of joy, his friends were quick to surround him and Sasuke as the best friends were finally reunited.

The celebrations increased by ten fold, as the people lifted Itachi and his friends on top of their shoulders, shouting victory slogans...

"He's the only one who knows exactly how Itachi feels, he knows the pain of losing one's best friend and gave it his best to save his brother from that pain..." said Mikasa proudly,

Mikoto was surprised on hearing those words from the calm, collected Blacklight commander. Mikasa was quite overjoyed as her prized student was brought back to life, which only made her respect and love Naruto even more. Mikoto also saw Izumo giving a proud smile to Naruto...

"You may not know it, Mikoto-sama. The Nidaime hoped that one day the people would come to see Itachi as a true hero, that was his last wish before he sealed the Kyuubi and died" stated Izumo honestly,

She was surprised when instead of sticking around for the celebration, Naruto quietly took a quick exit...

It had been 2 days since the RAF had returned from their campaign, and yet not even once had Naruto talked to her or even meet her. Kushina couldn't understand just what had gone wrong, why had her loving husband suddenly turned so cold and distant?

It were times like these that made her realize that she did not know him completely. There were so many mysteries about him that were still a secret to her.

Her hands protectively touched her belly, as she remembered his command of discarding his child.

"I won't let anything happen to this child, even from you..." thought Kushina protectively,

But the main question was why was Naruto so scared? The arrival of a child was always welcomed, and in her opinion Naruto would be a great father. The way he looked after everyone he loved, she couldn't imagine him doing the same for his own son or daughter? Maybe even more...

However, he was doing the complete opposite.

And in order to solve this mystery, she currently opened the door to the person's office who had brought him in this world.

"Mikoto, are you there?" asked Kushina curiously,

Her best friend got a genuine smile on her face and motioned her to come in. She was quick to offer her a seat as she put aside a medical report that she was previous reading.

"So finally back, huh? Did everything go well with the Kiri resistance?" asked Mikoto curiously,

"For the most part, yes. They are under stress..." said Kushina seriously,

"Aren't we all? Speaking of which, you don't look so well. Are you alright, Kushi-chan?" questioned Mikoto worriedly, as she placed one of her hands on Kushina's own forehead, but she shook it away.

"I'm fine, just some travel fatigue. Mikoto, there is something I need to talk to you about..."

"Shoot"

"It's about Naruto..."

"What has that idiot done now? Seriously the boy's a mess..." said Mikoto tiredly, it was hard to imagine Kushina complaining about anything.

So, her son must have done something which would have upset her good friend. What the hell was he upto these days anyway?

The Uchiha was intrigued when Kushina quickly shook her head in denial, and her reaction indeed brought a smile on the irritated mother's face.

"He has not done anything, I just want to know how was Naruto as a child, I'm just curious about his childhood..." admitted Kushina, cleanly lying about her true problem.

Guess, Naruto was rubbing off on her in the wrong ways...

''Where did this come from? You've never asked about it before..." said Mikoto suspiciously,

"Are you going to tell me or not?" asked Kushina irritatedly, her lack of patience getting the best of her but Mikoto merely smiled due to knowing her all their lives.

"He's a peculiar one, that boy. He's never cared about being liked and he never bothered for making friends until he met Mikasa and Armin. As his mother, you'd expect me to understand all of this but I don't..." said Mikoto disappointedly, showing a new side of her to Kushina.

"Was he a difficult child?" asked Kushina curiously, but Mikoto shook her head.

"That would be Itachi, not Naruto. There was a time when I knew everything about him, but the more he grew up the less I recognized him. By the time he returned from the war, he was a total different person. If not for Minato, I don't know how I would have been able to make reconnect with him..." expressed Mikoto worriedly,

"Minato?" asked Kushina in surprise, making the mother smile.

"Yeah, it's hard to believe. Naruto's relationship with his father was very rocky during his childhood, we were in an era of war and Minato hardly had any time for him. It affected our son badly, and he resented Minato. But after the war when nobody was able to help Naruto, only Minato knew how to help him. Kushina, everything which Naruto does is some way connected to his past...

...we expect too much from him and he carries all our burdens with a smile on his face. I've seen him working hard to change the past and not repeat it. Ever since he came back from hell, he has completely devoted himself to this task. He united the divided resistance factions, apologized to everyone whom he had hurt in the past, made Itachi a better person instead of letting him become a second version of himself, and now reviving Sasuke. I just hope his past does not affect your family life" explained Mikoto briefly,

Kushina had heard each and every word which Mikoto had told her, and with every passing moment she slowly came to understand why he behaved like that.

She was surprised when Mikoto gently grabbed her hand...

"Kushina, I know he is difficult. Just give him sometime, there are too many burdens which he carries with himself till this day. I can only do so much, if only Minato could help him. He's the only one who understands Naruto's needs, even better than me..." requested Mikoto, gaining a smile from her red head friend.

"I will, Mikoto..."

(Few Hours Later)

"I strongly advise against this, Madara-sama"

"I've appointed you the leader of my army, but that does not make you my boss..." said Madara flatly, as he quickly smashed the communication device silencing any protests which Konan had to raise.

Standing on top of a tall tree, his eager Mangekyo eyes calmly observed the large city of Osaka that was right in front of him. There seemed to some kind of festival happening in the city...

"Let's double their fun..." thought Madara seriously, as he took his gunbai in his hand.

After months of waiting in that fucking palace, now that the four and five tails were captured it was time for him to flex his muscles. Only the 1, 7, 8 and 9 tailed beasts were left to be captured. And the strongest Jinchuuriki was residing right in the city which was in front of him...

It also happened to be the main headquarters of the resistance, where his arch enemy rival Naruto Namikaze was...

If only he had known sooner that the Namikaze were descendants of Tobirama Senju, and as such were related to Hashirama. Thanks to Hidan's loudmouth he was able to learn of this truth which Konan and the other members were deliberately hiding from him.

And they were right...

A maniacal grin came on his face as he jumped towards the border of the city, as one of the guards nearly died from a heart attack on seeing him...

"I've finally arrived, NARUTO NAMIKAZE!"

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Think about what I said earlier...

Until Next time,

Blackwolf501