Well, here it is guys, another chapter. Well someone in the review said that I should stop acting like I'm busy, so I'm not gonna write any excuse about why it's rare for me to update a chapter these days. But let me get this straight. Fanfictions are NOT obligations. They are something we write out of enjoyment and hobby. For me, writing refresh my mind, something I don't get much luxury these past few weeks. So really, forcing or guilt tripping someone for not updating a fanfiction seems weird to me. Sure, you can ask them to update a chapter faster or continue a story but it's up to the writer in the end. What if they are dying in the hospital bed? And all you think about is them not updating or continuing a story and complaining to them about it? In the past, I read a very great fanfiction with a lot of followers and favorites. I was waiting eagerly for the continuation and when a new chapter did come out, I was so excited. But it turned out to be an apology from the writer's sibling, saying that the writer had died and the fanfiction could not be continued. I don't know if that was true or not but that still shocked me. And It really makes me sad whenever I read harsh complaining reviews.

A year ago:

Today, in an unusual decision considering their old age and laziness, the Five Daimyos of the Five ninja villages were gathering together, accompanied by the Kages of their Hidden Villages. After the Fourth Ninja War, a serious talk regarding the future of the countries needed to be done. They couldn't talk over the television for this because this was not something that could be finished in a few minutes. To make things unbiased, they chose a different country for the meeting place. It was so happened that the country chosen was the Land of Snow. Or the Land of Spring as its people called it now. The five Daimyos were sitting around a large round table, each of their Kages standing right behind their chairs, and several ninjas were guarding inside the room. They were in the room at the top of the Land of Spring's castle. The room was located in the highest tower and the only one who had the key to the place was Katou Tsumagari, the royal advisor, who let them use the room.

The meeting had been going for more than half an hour and most of it had been nothing but petty talks and small fighting among the Daimyos. Kakashi let out a soft sigh behind his mask. He looked around the room. While Mei and Gaara were still listening to the Daimyos' chatter patiently, both A and Ounoki tapped their foot impatiently and made no effort of hiding their annoyance on their faces. They were supposed to be talking about what they should do next for the safety of the countries.

Kakashi looked out the window at the green view of the Land of Spring. Years ago, the view would have been white. "She and her people have been working very hard," he mused, thinking of Koyuki. He had wanted to meet her just now to give simple greeting, but the royal advisor and stand in leader of the country, Katou Tsumagari said that she had a shooting in another country. Kakashi didn't know why he had been looking forward to meet her when it was decided that they're going to hold the meeting in the Land of Spring.

"Well anyway, how about we start talking about the safety and comfort of our countries?" said the Water Daimyo.

"Finally!" Kakashi exclaimed inwardly.

"What should we do? I mean we just have to rebuild the countries back, right?" the Wind Daimyo said.

"I think the problem is what we should do when another big attack occurs" the Thunder Daimyo said.

"Well, attacks can come from the inside or the outside" the Fire Daimyo commented.

After a while, Mei finally started to speak. "I am sorry to interrupt but let us not talk about attack from the inside for now. We have to trust each other. Especially during times like this."

A long silence followed her statement. "Yes. You are right" the Water Daimyo finally said.

"What about attack from the outside? Like the Akatsuki?" the Earth Daimyo asked.

"Those who attack are likely traitors and missing ninjas from our countries. But they are often hiding inside smaller countries, so they are harder to find and eradicated" A explained.

"Smaller countries? Like this Land of Spring, isn't it?"

"That's right."

"Then we just have to think about what to do with the smaller countries" the Thunder Daimyo said.

Kakashi frowned. He didn't like where this was going.

"That's true that there are traitors and missing nins that hide in other smaller countries, maybe plotting to overthrow us and some countries and villages are even formed for it, like the Otto village by Orochimaru" said the Fire Daimyo.

"But they have their own territory and government and we cannot investigate further to their cores" the Wind Daimyo commented.

"If only we can put all the countries in the world under one big umbrella" the Earth Daimyo said.

"Well... maybe we can" the Thunder Daimyo said.

"Oh? We can?"

"Not under one umbrella, but FIVE umbrellas." A long silence fell among them.

"Um? What?" the Water Daimyo questioned.

"Well, it's just a suggestion. But what if those small countries align with ours, with our countries as the main leaders?"

"You mean by making their territories ours?" the Wind Daimyo asked.

"And making their governments part our governments?" the Earth Daimyo added.

The five Kages shared worried glances at each other. The conversation had gone horribly wrong. They knew that having these senile old men meet could do them no good.

"Yes. Think about it, if they become parts of our countries, we can always monitor them all the time. That way, traitors and missing ninjas have no place to run away to" the Thunder Daimyo said smugly.

"That sounds like a great idea" the Fire Daimyo commented. "But what if they don't want to align with us?"

"Well... we can always use force, I guess" the Water Daimyo said.

Something clicked in Kakashi's mind. "I am sorry to interrupt Sir. But are you actually implying that we should... invade other countries?" Kakashi said, finally speaking for the first time.

"It is a little harsh to use the word 'invade' Hokage. We are just thinking about negotiating it first with them, along with sending some of our reinforcements."

"That's the same thing!" A exclaimed in an outburst. "You can't-"

"Control your temper Raikage. You are talking with the Daimyos here."

"I am sorry Sir, but... I don't think I can agree to this" Kakashi said.

"Neither do I" Gaara spoke. "Sir, these people have their own countries, their own people, their own waysof life. Not all of them depend on military. The Land of Waves focuses on shipping and construction. The Land of Spring focuseson nature perseverance and science. We can't force ourselves on them."

"This is for the good of the world."

"But Sir!" Ounoki said, joining the conversation.

The debate continued for another half hour. During the heated discussion, no one noticed the old man behind the door, with a tray of cups of tea in hands, who hurriedly walked down the tower.

Kakashi recalled that meeting sadly. A month after that meeting, the five Kages had persuaded the Daimyos to change their mind and with great effort, they succeeded. The plan of invading other smaller countries and merged them with the five big countries was cancelled. But the seed had been planted. And it grew into one big flower of revenge.

"You were there after all, Katou-san."

"I was just coming up to give you some tea. I thought you must have been thirsty. And what did I find when I intended to do that simple kind act? Five countries that are using our castle, out country, as a meeting place, plotting to invade the smaller, insignificant countries, including us."

"That plan was cancelled. You are safe."

"That doesn't matter. Sooner or later, those greedy Daimyos of yours will eventually plan to invade us as well as other smaller countries. And before that time comes," Katou squinted his eyes, "we'll do it first." He pointed the laser gun on his armor at Kakashi, while the younger man pulled a kunai from his pocket and darted forward, trying to stick it into the muzzle. But something flew toward them from the side, simultaneously destroying the gun and cut the kunai in half with one swipe. Kakashi and Katou jumped away from each other and looked at the sharp object that had destroyed their weapons. A sword fell on the ground with a loud clanking sound.

"STOP IT KATOU!"

The two men turned in surprise to the new voice. There between them, stood Koyuki. There were so many emotions on her face; disappointment, sadness, anger and confusion. "Koyuki!" both men exclaimed in unison.

"I've heard everything you two were talking about just now," she started. Koyuki looked directly at Katou. The old man looked down with old, sad eyes.

"I wish you don't have to see this. I wish you don't have to know until it's all finished."

"I want to ask you something," she said calmly. "Where did you get the Yuki ninjas? I thought we have sent them out of the country."

"I secretly took them in and trained them to be a secret army without you knowing." Koyuki's eyes widened and her lips trembled. "I know you still have grudge against them after what happened to the late King but they only followed order back then. Not all of them are bad people and some of them are genuinely loyal to the country."

Koyuki bit her lips and she balled her hands into fists. The memories of her childhood, the murder of his father, Sandayu and the other soldiers in the hands of Yuki ninjas flashed in her mind's eye. She disliked them because seeing them brought back bad memories. So she banished them, forever preventing them from entering the Land of Spring. But then she remembered about the guards in the armor, who seemed to be genuinely loyal and protective of her. They said they were doing this for her. For 'the Queen'. And they seemed sincere. Her eyes glanced at Kakashi and she remembered his words. "Not all ninjas are bad..."

Koyuki tried to compose herself. "Very well. If that's the case, then I accept that. I am the one at fault for banishing them from the country. But you still should have told me about it." Silence fell once again. "And this? What is this all about?" she said calmly, spreading her hands toward the village.

"As you can see. We intend to destroy Konoha and the rest of the ninja alliance."

"Stop this, Katou. Stop all this madness."

"Are you actually defending him because you love him?"

"No! Not for that reason! This is not just about Kakashi! It's more than that! This is all just madness! They didn't do anything wrong! All these people-"

"They're trying to invade and colonize our country!"

"But they didn't! And even if they did think so, they're only doing it for good purpose! By doing this, you only prove their suspicion! You put our country and our people in danger because of your selfish action!"

"Selfish?" Katou whispered. "All I did was for your sake. For the sake of our country." His hands fell limp at his sides. "After the death of your father and my brother in the hand of Doto, I vowed to protect you and the country with any mean necessary."

Koyuki's expression softened and she gave him a small smile. "I know... I know Katou... You have been my biggest support, more than you think you've been. You also have done many things for our country. There is no one I trust the country to more than you. And we are all grateful to you for that." The smile disappeared from her face. "But this is wrong. Do you forget that our country vows to never join any war again? We love peace. All of the technology we have developed... It is not for this purpose. It's for defense. To protect our country from outside force. Not to attack other countries." Katou listened to her and went quite. "Your method... doing all this... it is just the same as what Doto did, isn't it?'' Those words got to him more than any words. Katou looked like he had been awakened rudely from a dream. To know that he was no different than the man who killed his own younger brother. "Besides, they had already cancelled that plan. Right, Kakashi?" she said, turning to the Hokage behind her.

Kakashi nodded. "Yes. We have talked the Daimyos to reconsider it." Kakashi looked down. "We, the Kages did not really agree with that plan either. After a long discussion, we finally succeeded in making them cancel that plan." The Hokage bowed. "Please forgive us."

Katou went silent as he watched the Hokage asking for his forgiveness. Even though he and his henchmen were the ones who tried to kill him these past few months.

Koyuki's expression softened completely. A full blown smile was on her face. "Please... stop this... for me?"

Kakashi listened to Koyuki as well. He hoped she could stop Katou before he did something drastic.

Katou looked at the box behind him in contemplation. "Inside this box is a bomb of poisonous powder. I planned to fire it into the air and everyone whose skin touched the powder or inhale it will be poisoned and die almost instantly. We created it from the valuska virus in our country before." Both Kakashi and Koyuki looked guarded, apprehension dawned on them as the elderly man walked toward the box and Koyuki was ready to take her sword back. But Katou did not open it. He pulled out another laser gun from the armor and shot the box with it. The box was destroyed into smithereens.

"I guess... this is for the best... is it..." he said with forlorn eyes.

Koyuki smiled in relief and walked forward to hug her father figure. "Thank you, Katou."

"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry... forgive me..."

"Yes... I know... I forgive you..."

She let go of him and smiled softly. Katou turned to Kakashi. Cautiously, he walked toward the Hokage. He collapsed to his knees right in front of him. "I'm very sorry... Please forgive me..."

Kakashi kneeled and put his hands on the elderly man's shoulders. "It's alright. It's all over. Let's just think of this as a misunderstanding."

It's not really over yet. The fight still ensued at the center of the village and they had to stop it soon. But for now, this was enough. Kakashi and Koyuki glanced at each other and smiled. There were so many feelings passed between them with just that single glance. Apology, gratitude, relief... and something else.

Hanare, Samui and Yugao ran to the center of the village where the main battle was still ongoing. The alliance ninjas were winning against Yuki after discovering their secret weakness.

"Samui! You're back!" Karui called out to her.

"Good to see you too, Karui. We have found the enemy's weakness."

"Yeah, we've found it too. You have to freeze the power core at the back then you can destroy it to stop the machine from moving," Omoi said.

Samui blinked. "You... have already found out?"

"Yup. You guys are late. We have to get information from someone else."

"We went to stop the other canons first before going here," Yugao explained.

"Where did you get that information from?" Hanare asked.

"From Queen Koyuki."

Hanare froze. Koyuki willingly told them the weakness of her own country to stop the battle? "So she was not part of all of this?"

"No. She even tried to stop her people from fighting any further but they didn't listen to her. She then told us their weakspot and it really helps in this battle," Omoi answered.

Hanare went silent. When she heard that the ones trying to assassinate the Kages were Yukigakure ninjas from the Land of Snow, she immediately suspected Koyuki was the one behind it. Koyuki had been very nice when they met but it could be part of the charade. It could also be directed by jealousy but she was almost sure that she would find some evidence that would tell them the queen was the culprit when she infiltrated their army. Now, she felt bad about it because Koyuki was genuinely a kind person.

"Hanare!" she heard someone calling her name and turned to see Sasuke running toward her. Behind him, the alliance army was charging toward the Yuki ninjas with the combination power of wind and water chakra, Naruto leading the ninjas with the wind-based chakra while Mei, the Mizukage leading the ninjas with water-based chakra.

"Hanare! Have you seen Sakura?!" Sasuke said when he stopped in front of her.

"Yes. She was with us just now. We were late in coming here because the four of us went to stop the other two canons first. But one of the culprits was able to escape. Sakura was chasing him right now. She'll be alright."

"I see," Sasuke said curtly, but relief was palpable in his face. He knew Sakura was strong but she hadn't been back for an hour and he had started to get worried. "So you've stopped the other canons. That's good." He then looked up at the Hokage tower. "There's still one more problem left."

Kakashi, Koyuki and Katou heard a snap of wood. They turned to see an armored ninja, wearing Yuki head protector, tottering toward them. "Katou-sama... Koyuki-sama..." he then glanced at Kakashi. "The Hokage is still alive. You didn't kill him, Katou-sama."

Katou stood up. "This is all over. I want it all to stop."

"Stop?" the ninja chuckled. "We can't stop if we've gone this far. You think we'll be forgiven if we stop now? You think the Daimyos of the five countries will forgive us and let us go just like that? They may even go through with their original plan of invading us and other countries after this." Katou froze. He had to admit that what was said was true. Koyuki looked at Katou and the armored ninja apprehensively. Kakashi frowned, something going through his mind.

"Still, I want this all to stop. Before it goes too far, I want us to surrender. No more casualties. Both from their side and from ours" Katou continued.

"I will take responsibility of it all," Koyuki suddenly said. The men turned to her, surprised. "I will tell the Daimyos of the five countries that I was the one behind all of this. They will only punish me, so you don't have to worry about getting any punishment. So please stop this."

"You?" the ninja said in disdain. "You banished us, Yuki ninjas." Koyuki froze and her hands trembled a little. "My other friends are loyal to you despite that but I still can't forgive you for that."

"Yes, I have," she started. "And I have realized that I was wrong. I was so heartbroken by my family's death and blamed it on you. Seeing you hurt me because it reminded me of the bad memories. It was all my fault. And I am sorry." She looked down sadly. "I know it is not easy for you to forgive me. You have to suffer this much because of my weakness. And I know that an apology from me is not enough." She then looked up at the Yuki ninja right in the eye. "But your grudge is on me. I was the one who banished you. If you feel angry and hateful, take it on me. Beat me, torture me, kill me if you want. I let all of you do anything to me after this. But please stop this fight. Don't hurt these people any further."

"Koyuki," both Katou and Kakashi called at the same time but the queen held up her hand to silence them.

She bowed at the armoured ninja. "Please..."

The ninja laughed. "I don't need your apology! We, Yuki ninjas have been living among the country's people secretly under your nose, after all! Why do you think it matters now?!" She flinched. "We won't stop. I won't let them stop! Not now when we've gone this far! You think I'll let this opportunity go to waste?! This is the perfect opportunity to conquer the five super powers!" He glanced at Kakashi. "If you won't kill him, then I'll do it."

"No! I told you, it's all over!" Katou exclaimed.

But it didn't matter. The ninja pointed the laser gun at Kakashi. Kakashi was ready to fight. But Koyuki moved faster. She darted and fought the Yuki ninja with her sword, all the while avoiding the muzzle of the gun. Kakashi ran to help her, but the armored ninja shot the gun blindly anywhere, forcing him to step back and avoid the blind shots. It nearly shot Kaitou but Kakashi grabbed the old man out of the way. The two ended up dangerously close to the edge of the tower and almost fell down.

"Thank you," Katou said in a small voice.

With a few swipe of her sword, Koyuki destroyed the armor, stripping the ninja from it, leaving him only in his underwear. She kicked the gun from his hand and pointed her sword at his throat.

"It's all over. Please stop this."

The man held up his hands in surrender. She sighed in relief as she really didn't want to kill him and pulled her sword back. She looked at him sadly and guiltily. She was partly responsible for all of this. If only she didn't banish the Yuki ninjas and tried to forgive them. If only she was more involved in the affairs of her country. Then maybe she could have stopped all of this from happening.

Koyuki turned around to walk toward Kakashi and Katou. "Are you two okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine" Katou replied.

Kakashi nodded at her. "Me too. What about you? You're not hurt?"

"No, I'm alright."

The Hokage and the queen looked at each other's eyes once again. Koyuki unconsciously reached for Kakashi's hand and he let her took it, even squeezing her hand back. Katou smiled and moved away from them, to give them a short moment of privacy.

The Yuki ninja watched them and sneered. He grabbed the gun that had been kicked away and pointed it toward the two.

"LOOK OUT YOU TWO!" Katou exclaimed.

Kakashi and Koyuki turned around but it was too late. The laser was shot, hitting them in the middle area. Kakashi felt a sharp pain on the right part of his abdomen, so hot and searing that he could feel half of his stomach had been cut. Koyuki felt the same pain on the left part of her abdomen and she screamed out in agony.

"GOT YOU!" Sakura suddenly came out of nowhere and caught the Yuki ninja in a head lock. She and Katou watched what happened with horror. "KAKASHI-SENSEI! KOYUKI-SAN!"

Kakashi and Koyuki fell backward and off the tower, arms around each other.