Chapter 25: Mirages
After his proclamation Naruto had sent messages back to the Land of Fire to inform them of the Land of Wind's situation and impending threat an overthrowing of the Sabaku family would represent for nation's balance and thus requested an army to be mustered and sent to him.
Naruto had gone back to Takumi to speak with Lord Saumon about the current situation in Wind, which his own information seemed to suspect, and got his permission to let his army move through unmolested though he would be providing the supplies…
Naruto had gotten messaged that Sasuke would be leading the army with 2,000 of his own cavalry evenly split in mounted archers and warriors.
The Three Brothers had sent 3,000 warriors split in Akimichi infantry, Yamanaka archers and Nara light cavalry.
And lastly the Hyuuga had sent 5,000 of their elite infantry as a proof of loyalty and bravery after the shameful acts of Neji.
Temari had warned that such numbers would not be sufficient to end the menace of Shukaku and his ever growing horde but Naruto had just replied with a "It'll be fine" that further unsettled her fears and increased her suspicions about his ability to lead.
The army took nearly two weeks to assemble but at long last they reached the recently built wooden fort Naruto had commissioned to Lord Saumon as a means to keep him pleased and well paid for his use of the lands and forests.
Temari observed the host that though it wasn't as large as her Land needed, nevertheless was an impressive and quite inspiring look of many different banners painted with similar colors and marching together at the call of their Lord.
Sasuke arrived wearing a new suit of armor of red and black with a new blade by his side and a trusty spear and a fine bow attached to his black mount.
Shikamaru and Chouji arrived in their customary armors and with them brought a large caravan of extra supplies and water containers since the Land of Wind would tax heavily on the unprepared men of Fire.
And at last, leading the Hyuuga army, came Neji Hyuuga alongside Lee and Ten-Ten who Naruto had entrusted to keep an eye on him to keep him loyal to his new oaths.
The army assembled outside of the fort where Naruto would appraise them properly on the situation and their intent.
Within the fort Temari explained to the assembled Lords the situation of her Land and why a strong response was needed to preserve the peaceful status quo of the continent.
But the Lords held their suspicions and on one occasion Shikamaru urged Naruto to reconsider the current course of action and instead opt for a defensive strategy where they would build fortifications that could withstand the rising tide of Shukaku's current and future forces.
Temari had been on the verge of attacking him on that spot but Naruto placed an end to the arguments by simply declaring that he had given his word earning him a satisfied half smile from Sasuke who visibly desired the opportunity to forge a legend in foreign lands.
Still before the army parted there were some issues that needed to be taken care of…
"Danzo raged against you when you made the call to arms…" said Shikamaru once Temari left to prepare her riders for the next day march into the desert.
"He can whine all he wants, I am the one in charge not him" replied Naruto earning him some concerned looks.
"Danzo is not a man you want to be on his bad side" warned Shikamaru.
"What do you mean?" asked Sakura not having interacted much with the Imperial Chief Advisor.
"Where Lord Hiruzen ruled from the battlefield, Danzo did from behind on the palace…Many people say that without him, Lord Hiruzen would have never achieved anything of what he did" explained Ino who was more versed in court politics.
"Not to mention that those who incurred in his silent wrath didn't live much…" chuckled Sasuke making Naruto a bit nervous.
"My father explained that he is a nationalist who grew under the shadow of the second emperor Tobirama and learned much of his cold and implacable ways. When Lord Hiruzen lost his power he was the one who threatened us all with retribution for our treason to the Land of Fire" continued Ino casting a disapproving glare to Sasuke who just turned away.
"You guys think I should have destitute him?" asked Naruto now more wary of the old hawk.
"Don't be confused about things Naruto, he is loyal to the Land of Fire and in the manner of speaking a necessary evil for he grants balance to the country. To deal with him you should just never trust him completely and hope for nature to take its course, after all no Clan ever dared to make an enemy of him for a reason" said Shikamaru earning nods of approval from the rest.
Deciding that the issue of Danzo was for another time Naruto nodded to Hinata who went to the door and granted entrance to Neji who came completely unarmed in simple clothes and escorted by Ten-Ten and Lee who wore their armor but no weapons either.
Neji knelt in front of Naruto while his escorts just bowed slightly.
Naruto had forgiven Neji after he had forced him and his companions to perform several humiliating short plays where Neji always played the role of the woman, Lee and obnoxious guy and Ten-Ten a more tomboyish role that for some reason infuriated her.
But Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuuga weren't as forgiving and removed from Neji all titles, money, privilege and reduced his status to that of the lowest servant and would have been imprisoned for years if not for Hinata's intervention and his status as the only son of Hizashi.
Nevertheless Neji remained an extraordinary individual of great intelligence and skill and as such his sentence had been commuted to at least 10 years of exemplary service, humility and courage before he could resume his titles and be given permission to marry and have children; And was also warned that if during that time he incurred again in a fault or a dishonor then his sentence would be restarted.
And to remind Neji of his sins, a mark of shame had been tattooed to his forehead so that every day he would remember his shame and work hard to undo it.
"Neji…I have brought you here because I want to ask several things…" said Naruto getting into the mood the rest of the glaring Lords settled in the room.
"Ask and I shall answer my Lord" evenly replied Neji with little to no emotion that saddened Hinata who for some unknown reason still cared for her cousin.
"Your men have come to fight for their land, their people and the peace of many others…are you here to fight too for that?" asked Naruto though he already expected a positive answer.
Neji opened his mouth but hesitated and after a few moments he said "I am here to fight…because that's all I have left to do. It doesn't matter what I want for my life no longer belongs to me but my betters and they shall do with it as they see fit. If fight is what they want me to do, then fight I will"
Naruto sighed and frowned when he saw Hinata turn her face.
Naruto then said "We are headed into a foreign land unlike anything we have seen before, and I have heard of your brief but great exploits as a man of military wit, administrative talent and early wisdom…so I ask for your opinion on how we should prosecute this campaign"
Neji rose his head a bit with surprise and confusion but seeing he was being observed by the Lords he cleared his throat and said "I have only documented information regarding the Land of Wind and I am sure that Lady Temari will be a more reliable source of knowledge for us regarding surviving in the desert. But if I had to theorize I would say that one of our top priorities would be to have a safe and constant supply of water both for us and our animals which will suffer greatly under the extreme weather"
"As for the fighting, I would advise that we avoid fighting on their terms as much as possible. Uchiha cavalry is the best I have seen in my life but the riders of Wind learned to ride before walk and as such should be considered the better unit" said Neji making Sasuke growl in annoyance.
"We would also be wise to remember that the Wind riders are a supreme combination of missile and standard cavalry so speed and maneuverability are their strengths in combat. So the trick is to have them fight straight against us where our infantry will have the upper hand but I have no idea on how we can coax them into such a foolish strategy" finished saying Neji and bowing his head.
"I see…Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, hopefully we won't have to fight but it's good to know what we are up against" replied Naruto with the consenting nods form the others.
Neji was about to get up when Naruto raised a hand and said "By the way Neji…I want to apologize about the things I made you do when I beat you. No man should make another dress like a girl to entertain himself though you looked real good in those dresses…"
Sasuke and others chuckled though they did recognize the truth that Neji actually looked good and under a certain light could even eclipse the likes of Ino and Hinata.
Neji on his side actually popped a vein of annoyance that only grew bigger as Lee nodded and Ten-Ten averted her gaze with a tiny smile.
Hinata though was glad to see some emotion in Neji making Naruto nod satisfied and say to Neji "No one here can fault you for your ambitions Neji. Gods know we wouldn't be here without a fair share of it, but one doesn't go far by not trusting those who surround you for in the end we are nothing but men and we wouldn't be anything without those who fight by our side, and despite your faults you do not stand alone"
Neji was left speechless at the small lecture but upon feeling the hand of Lee on his shoulder and the kind smile from Ten-Ten he allowed a small sliver of hope to get in his heart once again.
Neji walked out the door as Lee crossed an arm over his shoulders and began to advice of a new training he had devised while Ten-Ten turned and bowed thankfully at Naruto who in turn winked at her and then got slapped over the head by a snorting Sakura.
"Thank you Naruto…" whispered Hinata to Naruto who grinned widely.
The Following Week
As promised an army of 11,000 warriors from the Land of Fire followed Temari and her thousand strong Gale Riders contingent across the increasingly hotter and drier lands of Wind that eventually gave way to their legendary sand dunes which made their heavy fitted rank struggle not to get stuck.
The journey became a difficult march that made many of the Gale Riders to mock the Fire warriors creating some minor conflicts that turned into flirting contests upon seeing the exotic beauty of the female host.
Temari had advised that the carts carrying supplies and water be dismantled and the supplies placed on the backs of horses that wouldn't sink in the sand while Shikamaru turned the wheels of the carts into skis to better traverse the sands with just the water on them.
She had also advised that the men shouldn't bear their armor as they marched and under no circumstance dare to uncover their skin to the elements and instead to wear their clothes as loosely as possible to preserve body water and avoid sun burns.
The nights also proved to be harsh as the temperature dropped sharply once the merciless sun sat on the horizon but Temari had also advised to huddle up together and use the wood they had sparsely for it had to last all night.
It took them great effort and the warriors had to quickly pick up many tricks of survival but try as they might they couldn't find a discernible path through the shifting sands as Temari and her riders guided them in long turns and straight marches.
Shikamaru noted that every time he asked about how they found their routes, Temari always avoided the question with questions of her own which prompted him to make annotations of everything from the clouds, the wind and the sun hoping to find clues on a later study.
After nearly 7 days of exhausting march though, they came to lands that were no longer sandy but solid and far in the distance despite the great heat they could glimpse what looked like tall trees with leafs just on the top of long and slender trunks.
"We are entering the domains of my Father and by afternoon we should be by Sun's Tear outer reaches…" said Temari to the sweating Naruto who was lying on the horse wishing he hadn't come and instead had sent Sasuke alone.
Naruto though rose from the horse and trying to smile without fainting he smiled making Temari chuckle at his stubbornness to show off and march along her and keep up pace despite not being used to the weather of the desert.
Her good spirits though died quickly as she frowned and said "Listen Naruto…my father will need some convincing regarding your aid to us for he is both proud and as of late very untrusting. So I advise that you follow protocol with complete rigor and appease him with some exaggerated praise"
Naruto nodded and taking a long mouthful of water he said "Not that it's my business but shouldn't he be glad of having support?"
"He is quite stubborn as it is but imagine, if you as the Lord of your own Land required the assistance of foreigners, how that would reflect on your countrymen?" replied Temari making Naruto make a silent expression of understanding.
"But we are here to help him and his people avoid certain destruction. Shouldn't he be pleased?" asked Naruto.
"Maybe on the inside but outwardly he has a show to set for his servants. Just grow some thick skin and he'll be cooperative" replied Temari with a long sigh.
"Your show" sighed Naruto slumping back on his horse.
A couple of hours after midday the army came to the outskirts of Sun's Tear where a hastily assembled force of riders faced them while hundreds of farmers who labored in the outlying farms rushed into the large city through an ornate gate at its massive walls.
Temari had asked Naruto to stop his army while she went to the guard commander and explain the situation.
Sasuke had formed his riders directly behind Naruto while the rest of the army tried their best to prepare for a possible confrontation though heat had taken much of their energy away already.
While Temari talked to the guard commander Naruto took a chance to properly appraise the great city rising before him.
Sun's Tear was as promised quite a vision more akin to the treacherous mirages that lost people in the deserts around for where in Wind life was at best scarce here it boomed with almost exaggerated abundance.
The ground under them was solid and outside of the city walls hundreds of farm fields benefited from water canals that sprouted from heavily fortified gates on the walls.
The walls seemed to be made of yellowish stone and above them great domes and towers rose from within the city gleaming with gold and jewels with more of those strange trees forming a green roof over it.
"Think they'll fight?" asked Sasuke joining Naruto at the head of the army once his riders had assembled into a charging line ready to overrun the poorly prepared defenders.
"I wish they don't" replied Naruto not wishing for such a thing to happen for they were many days of desert march from friendly lands and fresh supplies.
At that Temari came back at full gallop and stopped right in front of the two Lords and with a placating hand she said "Tell your men to make camp on the outskirts, they'll be soon provided for by the citizens of the city"
"What of your father?" asked Sakura riding to the front of the column.
"He is being informed as we speak…also make sure to pick just 50 bodyguards to accompany you into the city once we are cleared" said Temari with barely noticeable nervous tone.
Naruto nodded and turning to Sakura he began to say "Pick 50 Uzumaki Defenders…"
"And make sure they bring all of our banners with them" added Ino with Hinata in tow dressed in formal clothes and riding atop their own horses.
"Why bring the banners?" asked Naruto coking his head.
"Lady Temari said that her father is a man of protocol so presenting our banners is a courtesy between dignitaries.
"Oh, well thought of!" praised Naruto making Ino send a smug look to Sakura and Hinata.
Before any girl could do anything the gates of the city parted as clarions sounded the return of Lady Temari to her city.
An hour later.
Prompted by Hinata, Naruto finally got the chance to don the Dusk Armor ever since it was given to him and he was not in the least disappointed for it fitted him both physically and mentally.
The armor plates were all long, slender and they crisscrossed one another in puzzling ways that allowed for maximum mobility and protection while being lithe of movement.
The ribbons of metal somehow avoided making noise as they touched one another under Naruto's movements and to the trained eye they moved even with every breath from its new owner.
Nevertheless the moment Naruto stepped under the sun, everyone understood why it was that Lord Hiruzen rejected wearing the armor in the first place and it wasn't because his earlier physique didn't matched the impressive armor but because the whole thing was orange hence the name it received.
Apparently the forging process and the required alloys for its making left a very resistant and flexible armor but at the cost of having it colored like the setting sun and making it the most flamboyant armor any one has ever seen.
Still, Naruto wore it without shame and actually said that it was the most awesome piece of armor he has ever seen for where his old armor was cool and all, he never felt it fitted him that well to begin with.
Now he was the unavoidable beacon of his army and they all marched behind him though with some embarrassment.
The small contingent entered the city and was marveled over the extremely exotic nature of it thanks to the wild display of richly colored silks and the large amount of public fountains that made one forget the harsh land they were into.
Thousands of citizens had lined up along the main street to observe the foreigners and were amazed over their strange appearance and heavy set of weapons.
In contrast Naruto and his companions observed the many different faces of Wind for some people were of darker skin while others were of similar complexion to Temari. Some were heavily colored while some women displayed tantalizing clothes of transparent fabrics with fine gold jewelry.
As the group advanced they laid eyes on the biggest building of the city which was the Sky Horse Palace and it was clear that it was a separated citadel unto itself that could survive if the city walls were ever breached.
"I thought the city was built on an oasis" commented Hinata scanning the city trying to find the large water body.
"It is, the city was originally built around the oasis but as the population grew and the battles with them, the city started to build upon it so it is today a subterranean one" explained Temari pointing to the ground showing the endless see of tiles that covered the floor.
"Great stone pillars were built and upon them great floors were placed to hold the city as it is today. We extract the water we need and that way we have great water works across the city allowing it to be alive with ease" said Temari with pride for her people.
"What of the waste?" asked Shikamaru with the closest thing to admiration his bored tone could express.
"We built bronze pipes to keep the waste from contaminating our water supply and they all conduct to the desert where the sands end up covering it creating future landfills of organic matter that one day will hold new farms and homes" answered Temari with even more pride.
"Wow, you guys sure took the best this land can offer" said Naruto with unveiled admiration.
"As I said before, the Land of Wind can be generous if you pay attention" replied a smiling Temari.
Temari rode on telling of her people's many achievements and the peculiarities of living in the desert and making the most of it.
At last they reached a wide man made river that circled beyond the inner walls of the Sabaku palace and all became awed at the size and beauty of it.
The Palace was built in the form of a citadel imagined by an artist which added to its grace and power.
On the courtyard they met two ranks of warriors that flanked them with armors of light plate, chainmail and round shields and at the end of the momentary aisle a large man of brown skin with half his face hidden by a veil and the other with red tattoos awaited them.
Naruto could see from the bearing of the man that he was a seasoned warrior with some years still left in him but by his fine robes of light brown one would guess he was a servant in some administrative role in the Palace.
"Greetings Lady Temari, your people rejoice at your return…I see as well that you have brought back friends with you" spoke the man with a long bow that seemed out of place with the hardened veteran.
Temari rode on to the man and from her horse said "Greetings to you Master Baki, I am also rejoiced to be back and I have brought with me mighty allies to help us with our woes"
Baki rose and quickly examined each Fire noble taking more time to appraise the impressive looking Naruto in his outlandish armor.
Baki then turned to Temari and said "Your father awaits your report on your pursuit of the warriors that went to the Land of Rivers…I must add he is eager…"
Temari gulped soundly drawing some attention upon her but nodding she said "Please see to my guests needs Master Baki while I attend my father"
Baki nodded and said "Of course"
Without a word Temari sped into the palace leaving her charges in Baki's hands who was quick to call for servants to care for the heat worn foreigners.
Temari jumped from her horse with great skill and marched into the palace with long strides and a steely gaze that made servants flinch and guards stay out of her way.
One door after another opened as the blonde made her way to the Lord's hall where she knew her father was right now probably trying to find solutions for their current "issue"
The moment Temari entered though all of her determination and sternness was replaced with no small amount of dread for her father was the kind of man to commit great acts of cruelty if needed.
Temari immediately knelt bowing her head to look straight into the ground until ordered otherwise.
She heard how several people shuffled around her and then their hurried steps as they left the hall empty save for a father and a daughter.
"You haven't returned alone…" spoke a voice that was clearly holding back a great anger.
"I thought I ordered you to destroy the warriors that invaded the Land of Rivers…" continued the voice.
"But instead you bring me thousands of prisoners and an army of foreigners…Would you be so kind as to explain why you deemed wise to completely disregard my orders and for that matter common sense?" finished the voice allowing the echo of the hall to die.
Temari remained bowing and replied "The forces he sent to River were greater than we thought and I lacked enough forces to deal with them…Lord Saumon requested help from the Land of Fire and he got it from the Fire Lord in person"
"The Fire Lord?" asked the voice without anger but interest.
"Yes…" confirmed Temari.
"You haven't explained why you brought such an army with you" said the voice with anger back in it.
"Lord Naruto Uzumaki is the wielder of the Kyuubi no Kitsune…" replied Temari and cringed when the voice chuckled darkly.
"Such a faithful sister you turned out to be…What you expect this Naruto Uzumaki will accomplish?" said the voice with cruel amusement.
"He has mastered the weapon my Lord…" replied Temari allowing her lord to make the math himself.
"I see…nevertheless he is an outsider who'll see our weakness and likely ask too much from us for his help. Not to mention that his army at the gates is a very real threat" said the voice.
"See them off and thank them for their noble intent" commanded the Lord without giving Temari time to answer.
"But father!" shouted Temari immediately bending to the ground in a supplicating manner.
"You dare call me that after you couldn't even obey a single command?! And worse you bring our enemies to my house! Right now I don't see what's stopping me from having you lashed!" roared in fury the Lord.
Temari knew she was in trouble but being the gifted princess she was managed to reply "There's great opportunity here my Lord!"
Short moments that for Temari seemed eternal passed before her father spoke "Explain…"
"With me I have brought not only the Fire Lord but his concubines and some of his most powerful Lords. He is a man without heirs and his loss would plunge the Land of Fire into turmoil once again" said Temari feeling bitterness in the back of her mouth.
"You would have me kill him here? With his army at my gates?" asked the Lord with something akin to interest.
"No, not here…But what if he fell fighting him? Naruto has a legendary weapon and Shukaku another. It falls within reason that both would end up destroying each other thus removing a thorn from our side and removing the Land of Fire as a contender for our future gains" explained Temari imagining the grin growing in her father's face.
Once more long moments went by without words being uttered and at long last the Lord said "You make your father proud…make sure you make the necessary arrangements for this to happen"
Feeling ashamed Temari nodded and said "As you wish father"
At Night
Baki had demonstrated to be a court if somewhat awkward host clearly stating that his place was out on the battlefields. Nevertheless he had taken good care of Naruto and his host providing them with comfortable lavish quarters and clothes more comfortable for their current environment.
Naruto and the males of his group were given silken robes that though comfortable felt as if they would fall from them at any moment and couldn't stop stumbling in them due to the long fabric that reached the ground.
The women on the other hand had been granted more tight fitting clothes of rich fabrics and fine jewelry that accentuated their beauty and status. They all made mental notes to have Naruto buy some of this on their way out…
Baki had assembled them all for a night feast in their honor with the presence of the Lord of Wind, Maara, who would formally welcome them and talk of state business.
Naruto and his friends sat on cushions next to a long low table of imported wood with countless platters of exotic food upon it.
"How do you picture this Lord Maara?" asked Sasuke to Naruto shuffling in his deep blue robes.
"Hope he is a cool guy, though who knows? These people folk are quite strange enough" replied Naruto receiving an elbow on his ribs from Sakura.
"Remember your manners Naruto. We are in someone else's house and I am sure we are as strange to them as we are" hissed Sakura but blushed when Naruto just kept staring at her more revealing attire.
"Sakura's right Naruto…Here we are dealing with a Lord and you are the only one with enough status to properly address him. This time we might not be able to give you a hand with him" added Hinata who also blushed when Naruto's gaze admired her in turn.
"Don't forget about me" chided Ino making Naruto also observe her intently earning her a frown from the other girls.
"And mom wants me to get a bride…" sighed Sasuke when the gates of the feast hall opened and veiled women in revealing attires entered spreading flower petals on the floor behind them.
Then flutes sounded and Baki declared "His Lordship Maara Sabaku, great ruler of the Land of Wind, Master of Sun's Tear, the Gold Rider and champion of the Bird Country Rising"
After this came a man with a turban of green silk and a metallic point sprouting from the middle. The turban held a veil that covered most of the man's face except for its small black eyes set in narrowed eyes.
The man came forth dressed in simple but fine white silks and stopped before the table as Naruto and his companions rose to meet him.
Naruto extended a hand to Maara but the latter observed him with curiosity and Baki was swift to whisper "No one touches his Lordship my Lord…a gentle bow and an introduction would suffice"
Naruto nodded and taking his hand back bowed slightly and said "Greetings Lord Maara, I am Naruto Uzumaki…"
Maara didn't moved and seemed as if waiting for something else to occur.
"Fire Lord of the Land of Fire, Master of Castle Maelstrom, the unifier and victor of the Battle of the Lords" added Shikamaru making Maara close his eyes and bow slightly.
With that Lord Maara sat at the head of the table and beckoned Naruto to seat by his side while the rest took their places at the length of it.
"It is not every day that the Lord of a foreign Land comes in person at the head of an army" said Maara with fake annoyance that Naruto couldn't tell.
Gulping Naruto replied "It's not with evil intent that I have marched here with my warriors. Lady Temari explained the woes of this Land and I offered any assistance I could"
"Let me add that I stand at your command for these are your lands" Naruto added making Maara look pleased.
"Yes, we are indeed facing troubling days but I can assure you they are nothing we can't take care of ourselves…nevertheless your presence here will make such days shorter and present us with an opportunity to establish long standing bonds of friendship and cooperation" replied Maara with little emotion in his voice though Naruto smiled widely at the prospect of such an offer.
Naruto was about to start talking of the threat represented by the man known as Shukaku but Maara lifted a gold goblet with red wine in it and said "Let us forget this night the hardships of ruling and those from the road and enjoy the wealth of Wind with our new friends"
Everyone followed his example and drank after the toast was made though Maara didn't tasted a drop of the wine to keep his face concealed.
Naruto again was about to discuss the matter of his presence in Wind but the doors on the other side of the hall opened allowing playing musicians enter bringing life to the otherwise quiet feast.
Naruto and his companions turned in time to see the musicians take their places to the sides of the hall while behind them came a heavily dressed person who knelt before the table until its head touched the ground.
With a change of the tune the person sprung back to its feet throwing most of the clothes away behind it, revealing a very different looking Temari.
Temari was dressed in very revealing clothes of transparent fabric which showed much of her legs and barely managed to conceal her private parts.
Temari jumped spinning to the back as two other dancers came cartwheeling into the hall with glimmering blades of undulated design which they threw at the princess.
Temari caught them effortlessly and with a flick extended them into two steel fans.
Slowly covering her face and hips with the fans she directed a sultry smile at Naruto who blushed a bit and then started to slowly dance with the tune of the music in slow twirls.
Temari's dances had her twirl, cartwheel at times and extend her legs in quite provocative poses as she made her way to the head of the table all the time with a sultry smile on her face that unnerved the girls.
Finally she reached the seat where Naruto was seated and there she contorted around him without touching by few inches. Her face came very close to Naruto to the point where he blushed harder as Temari's breath washed over his face with girly laughter.
Temari retreated still dancing and finished right where she began in the same kneeling position, earning her thunderous applause from Naruto and the males and court short ones from the girls.
Shikamaru though wasn't observing her but Maara whose eyes sent a mocking look at the delighted Naruto.
AN: Done.
Sorry it took me this while to update but I wanted to get on track with my other project first and well, let the events of Naruto 615 burn out from my system.
Naruto 616 was better and was quite glad not to see anymore NaruHina in it and see him do that rather obvious move to help everyone. Though I wonder where Sakura is in all this.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this rendition which helps us set things for the future confrontation of Naruto.
Next chapter will have some romantic moments and of course the first battles of Wind.
Read, Enjoy and Review!