Sorry if this sounds like a broken record but I want to apologize for being late in updating, even more so now since it was an even longer gap between this chapter and the one before it. Probably even worst since this was the next part to what was a multi part arc/storyline. Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 26
Fierce
"Why don't you stay down?" The cause for Sasuke's irritated question was Naruto as he was getting up again after being struck down for an umpteenth time. "Haven't you realized that all your attempts will only lead to the same outcome?"
"Only thing I realize is that you talk too much." While Naruto was trying to sound nonchalant, that wasn't how he was feeling. The wound that he received earlier on in his right side was still there although to a lesser extent but it never got completely closed due to him moving around like he was. Along with the other lacerations, messed up right leg and possible banged up left arm, Naruto's condition wasn't as good as he hoped.
He wasn't the only one as Sasuke got his own injuries but to a lesser extent. "What a witty comeback. But you always did one when we were a team." Gripping his sword, Sasuke went in for another attack. To prevent getting cut into again, Naruto quickly pulled out a kunai and channeled his chakra to create a Wind Sword that was used to block the upcoming sword.
"You're one to talk." Naruto as he struggled to keep his defense up. Luckily his elemental chakra affinity was the more dominant than the lightening chakra that was enveloped over Sasuke's sword. "Constantly you professed that you were going to avenge your family." With one final shove he put an end to the current tussle.
"Look at what that brought you. You abandoned Konoha to gain power from another traitor, Orochimaru. Then what did you do after you got what you wanted. Betrayed and eliminated him when he was at his weakest." As the exchange was going on, the two of them were circling one another, keeping a close eye on the other.
"Ends justify the means." professed Sasuke. "Both the village and Orochimaru were just ways for me to acquire what was needed to accomplish my quest. "Aren't you doing the same thing? You've had Konoha used whatever resources available to find whatever information that could be obtained about Akatsuki. Even your former guardian, Jiraiya tried to gathering anything he could to help you. Too bad it didn't help him stay alive."
Briefly angered by underlined insult on his godfather, Naruto rushed in, fully intending to remove the Uchiha's head from his shoulders. That however caused his judgment to be clouded and that was what Sasuke wanted as he sidestepped the lunged at him while at the same time transferred the lightening chakra that was used for the sword and had that and then some into his body. Reaching over Sasuke grabbed Naruto's shoulder.
Holding nothing back he let the elemental chakra course through his body and by connection, Naruto was practically electrocuted by the move. Unable to contain it, the blond let out screams of pain. The only saving grace was that it lasted only a few moments although the aftereffects still lingered.
"You're so predictable." Sasuke taunted. "Overreacting from such a thing proves how distressed you are."
Despite his body still sizzling, Naruto actually chuckled. "Now isn't that funny?" Looking up he stared defiantly at the Sharingan user. "You willing threw everything you had in the hopes of avenging the death of the Uchihas. The same Uchihas who had planned a coup d'état to gain control of the same village they swore to protect. Wonder if they're weeping over all the treacheries that you've committed in your quest for vengeance?"
That last remark got the first real sign of anger from Sasuke as with a sneer kicked Naruto onto his back. Quickly following that up, he threw several Chidori needles into all four limbs of the demon host's body, pinning him to the ground. "What I'm doing is justice. The Uchihas are the elite."
"Don't you mean they were?" Naruto's retort resulted in a sharp kick to his ribs, causing some of them to be likely broken.
"What right does Konoha have to enjoy peace at the express of my family? Those in charge feared the Uchihas and that one day they would take what was rightfully there's so they had them killed and had my brother be the one to do it. That entire village deserves to be destroyed. Same goes for anyone who stands in my way."
"Man, I knew that you were obsessed but you've seriously lost it." exclaimed Naruto. He struggled to get free but the Chidori senbons were making that difficult.
"Don't act all high and mighty, idiot." Sasuke quickly spat. "You've been going after the Akatsuki for what they done to your parents. What makes what you're doing any different than what I'm doing?"
Long ago that question would've stopped Naruto from giving an immediate answer. However, that wasn't the case anymore. "It's because I wouldn't turn my back to those close to me!" With one intense tug Naruto free his right arm. Quickly he used his newfound freedom to grab the leg that Sasuke used to kick him and knocked him away. Not wasting any time he removed the remaining restraints. Once completely freed he reestablished the distance between him and the Uchiha.
"Because of them I didn't end up becoming like you. Someone who's nothing more than a coldhearted son of a bitch who allows anger and hatred consume them. If it came down to either get vengeance against those who killed my parents or save my love ones, I'll protect them without a second thought." There was an alternative motive behind Naruto's banter as he wanted to by himself time to somewhat heal from his injuries.
"Tell me something Sasuke. What would you do if you indeed destroyed Konoha? Restore the Uchihas? Are you going to have that generation being raised from the pile of blood and destruction that you've caused?"
There wasn't any immediate answer from the Uchiha. For the briefest of moments, Naruto thought that he was starting to regret what he had done. "If that what it takes to get what is rightfully belonging to the Uchihas. They'll be drenched in blood if it leads to the Uchihas being where they truly should be."
Shaking his head, Naruto gave the Sharingan user a look of disappointment. "You've truly became a lost cause. You're not even the Sasuke I once knew." Feeling that his body had recovered enough, he readied himself for what was to come. "You need to be stopped before you become more of threat to Konoha."
In response, Sasuke tightened his grip on his sword and activated his Sharingan once again. "Try if you insist. But you'll soon realize that I won't be stopped by the likes of you." Nothing else was needed to be said. Without a word the two of them went at one another. Unknown to one another, they planned on holding anything back.
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"I found her. She's over here." Rushing over, Sakura right away saw Anko. Immediately she went to work on diagnosing the condition of their squad leader. Remarkably, despite the serious wounds she had sustained, Anko was still alive albeit unconscious. "Is she going to be all right?' asked Yugito with some concern.
"She should. Not anytime soon." Sakura prognosis as she continued to treat the jonin. At the same time she glanced out of the corner of her eye to the other body that was in the area. Clearly Anko had the more difficult time dealing with their opponent and had to go to great lengths in stopping them.
The sound of someone coming their way was suddenly heard. Getting prepared they waited for whoever was coming. To their relief though, that person was revealed to be Kin. "Finally found you guys. I've been trying to find you." It was then that she spotted her sensei. "What happen?"
"Relax. Everything's going to be all right." Sakura quickly explained. A sigh of relief was heard from Kin at that news. Her concern that she had for her sensei was evident.
"As soon as she's able to be moved we should to go find Naruto." Yugito stated. "Something tells me that he's in trouble."
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"I'm in trouble." For the untold time, Naruto had that thought as he avoided another fireball attack. Where he once stood was now a smoldering tree that was quickly rendered to a pile of ash.
Things weren't going well for Naruto as more time than not he had to avoid the attacks that were sent his way. The reason was Sasuke's Sharingan, as they were able to predict his movements just before they were actually done. Add that to his advantage when it came to speed, it caused Naruto to focus mostly on defense. That wasn't always the case as there were times when he was able to counter things to advantage but those moments were far and in-between. One of those moments was about to happen again.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu." In numerous amount of smoke a large swarm of shadow clones appeared. They were specifically surrounding the Uchiha, each ready to attack at a moments notice. To his credit, Sasuke didn't seem fazed by it.
"Relaying on old tricks I see Naruto." With a few quick flick of the wrist he shot a group of kunais at some of the clones. A few seconds later those same clones exploded, taking out the ones that were proximity of them. "Did you actually believe that trying to hide a few exploding shadow clones amongst the rest would get the best of me? You truly are predictable."
Strangely his verbal barbs only made Naruto to smile. At once the remaining clones went on the attack. Going in waves they tried to get the upper hand but each attempt was being stopped by Sasuke and his Sharingan. With the combination of sword work as well as fire and lightening jutsus, the shadow clones were being destroyed. It got to the point that only three of them remained.
All three went in simultaneous at Sasuke from different sides. The attempt would become unsuccessful as they were within arm's reach of the Uchiha he had his entire body became covered in a Chidori Current. In moments all three clones were destroyed, leaving only the original behind.
As soon as the Chidori Current was gone, used another lightening attack, this time was a Chidori blade that extended from his sword. Stretching outward it pierced into Naruto. It came at such force that a small portion came out of his back.
"It's time to put an end to this game of ours." Maintaining the attack, Sasuke shorted the length of the Chidori blade as he started to walk toward Naruto who was immobile thanks to the attack. "You were able to amuse me for a time but the time for games is over. Now it's time for you to be handed over to the Akatsuki and put an end to this."
Naruto struggled to free himself from the Chidori blade but surprisingly, after a few moments of struggling he stopped. "An end, you say?" Staring straight into the Sharingan eyes of Sasuke, his smile grew even wider. "I couldn't agree anymore."
Sasuke didn't know what to make of that until he happened to notice something underneath Naruto's shirt. Giving it a good once over he saw that attached to his chest was a paper bomb and it wasn't the only as there were dozens that covered Naruto's entire chest area. "He isn't going to—"
Sasuke's train of thought would be left unfinished as the paper bombs went off in succession. Both he and the blond were soon consumed the blasts of the explosions. When the smoke finally cleared there was now a large crater and in the center of it was a battered Sasuke. Although he was still conscious, the Uchiha was unable to get to his feet due to the damage he received.
"But…how?" Again, Sasuke tried to get up but he was only able to get his head up a bit before falling back down. He was in such a condition that his Sharingan had deactivated. "There wasn't any time for you to replace yourself with one of your shadow clones?"
"Except when you destroyed the exploding clones." noted Naruto as he stood at the edge of the crater. During the confusion that was created when you destroyed my exploding clones I replaced myself with one of my clones." Looking down at his former teammate he raised one of his eyebrows. "Did you ever wonder why I wasn't too upset with you destroying those clones? They were merely a diversion for what I really had planned. Have a clone with numerous paper bombs on them. Not as strong as an exploding clone but it did the job. Wouldn't you agree?"
Sasuke didn't give any reply as he glared at Naruto. "How dare he? How dare he try to make a fool out of me? He's a low class shinobi. To make a fool someone of the Uchiha family is inexcusable." All those thoughts helped to make the anger that he was feeling to grow considerably. "He doesn't even come close to the superiority of the Uchihas and it's an insult for him even considering that he was. He must pay."
Fueled by sheer anger, Sasuke forced his Sharingan to come alive again but had it go even further. Pushing it beyond to what had been used during the fight so far, he activated Magekyou Sharingan. Closing his right eye, the veins in his other eye started to be visible. "Amaterasu." With what resembled tears of blood starting to come out of the left eye, a jet black flame made its way toward the blond.
"Hurry and do something, you idiot." yelled Kyuubi. "I've seen this technique before. It's a flame that'll burn nonstop for seven days and nights. Even with you regenerative ability you'll eventually be killed by it." If he didn't know any better, it sounded as though the demon fox was a bit concerned.
Taking that into consideration, Naruto quickly tried to figure out a way around the situation. "If what Kyuubi said is true then what do I do? None of my wind jutsus won't do anything make things worst." As the flames were getting even closer, it made Naruto even more frantic until something came to him. "Will that actually work? Guess there's only one way to find out."
Quickly the blond haired chunin put his half-baked plan into motion. "Shadow Clone Jutsu." Appearing in front, behind and both sides of Naruto was one shadow clone. Facing away from each other, the clones did identical hand signs. "Earth Style: Mud Overturn." Slamming their hands on the ground four large stone walls emerge from underneath. The tops of the walls started to lean inward, enclosing those within.
During all of that, Sasuke had finally managed to get back to his feet and out of the crater. When he saw what the blond had done, it almost made him laugh. "You're a fool. Do you truly believe that a simple earth jutsu would protect you from one of the Uchiha's greatest techniques?"
Soon the Amaterasu consumed shelter that his former teammate created. As expected the flames rapidly destroyed it and with the brief puffs of smoke, the shadow clones as well. "That should be enough." Using Mangekyou Sharingan in his right eye he forced the Amaterasu to be extinguished, leaving nothing but smoldering rubble. Shockingly, that was all there was as there wasn't any sign of the charred body of Naruto. "Where the hell is he?"
"Over here." Behind Sasuke was Naruto, coming down at him with something familiar in hand. "Rasengan." Thrusting the ball of chakra forward it connected with the Uchiha's chest. The force behind the maneuver sent him a good distance away where he once again flat on the ground. Slowly but surely, Naruto made his way toward the fallen shinobi. "Surprised you, didn't I?"
"H-How?" Sasuke tried getting back up but his body was irresponsive. Even the use of his Sharingan was proving futile. "Must've used up what chakra I had left to get rid of the Amaterasu." "How did you escape the flames?"
"Used the summoning jutsu but with a twist." As he started to explain a small smile appeared on Naruto's face. "Soon as the walls enclosed around me, I summoned one of the more advanced toads and had them used a summoning of their own to send me to where they came from. Reverse summoning if you want to be exact. Never tried it before and wasn't sure it was going to work. But given the circumstances, I didn't have much of a choice."
"So that earth jutsu you did wasn't to protect yourself form my Amaterasu." Sasuke concluded. "It was to prevent me from seeing what you were really up to." The smile that Naruto had was all the confirmation needed. "I shouldn't be so surprised. You've been known as Konoha's most surprising knuckleheaded shinobis. Go ahead. Use this opportunity to kill me."
For what seemed like eternity, Naruto just stood there. Whether it was intentional or not, his hand was close to pulling out a kunai. Seemingly coming to a decision he moved until he was standing by the head of the immobile Uchiha. "Trust me, Sasuke. If I really wanted to kill you, I would've already done so." Looked like nothing was going to happen after that when all of a sudden, Naruto kicked Sasuke in the head, knocking him out in the process. "That doesn't mean I won't rough you up a bit."
"Naruto!" shouted someone familiar. Turning around he confirmed his suspicion as the voice came from his teammate, Sakura. Not far behind her was Anko, who was leaning against Kin to help get around. Lastly, it was Yugito. "When the pink haired medical specialist got closer she saw that the person at the feet of the blond was Sasuke. "You did it." By her tone she could hardly believe. "I-Is he…"
"No. He's just knocked out." Naruto responded. A sigh of relief was clearly heard from Sakura. "Doubt he'll wake anytime soon. I wouldn't let my guard down with him though." When that was being said, Naruto took real notice on how their other teammates were. "Seem as though you guys had your own problems. What happen?"
"We dealt with our own opponents." informed Kin for the group. "The ending results were different for all three. One was killed, one is incapacitated and the last one managed to escape. All of are okay but Anko sustained some bad injuries. Thankfully, Sakura was able to heal her enough that she'll be fine, given time."
"That's good." Naruto was relieved by that news. "Now that she's okay, I think I need some help." With everything that happened, the combination of injuries sustained and lost of adrenaline finally took its toll. He collapsed to the floor, entering the world of unconsciousness.
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When Naruto eventually woke back up he saw that instead of being in the place that he had fought Sasuke he was in a moderate looking room. Another thing he was aware of was that he was lying on a bed. "This wasn't what I expected when regained consciousness."
"Oh good, you're awake." Sitting in a chair by the bed was Sakura. From what could be seen she appeared to be all right. "You're probably wondering what's going on." Naruto couldn't verbally confirm her suspicion verbally as his voice was too dry for words to come out so he merely nodded.
"When you passed out we were soon surrounded by Kumo shinobis. Apparently they were sent soon after learning about the eight-tailed host." Sakura started to explain. "Looked as though a fight was going to happen as they thought we were the ones who attacked their comrades. Thankfully Yugito was able to straighten things out before anything happened. We're currently in Kumo's central building. Anko and Kin are in another room down the hall."
"What about Sasuke?" Naruto managed to get out. Seeing the trouble that he was having, Sakura grabbed a cup or water and helped him to slowly drink some of it down. "Where is that bastard?"
There was clear hesitation in the medical shinobi answering that question. "He's in one of this village's prison cells. From what I know, he was still knocked out and had chakra repression shackles on him to be safe. The other member of his team that had been captured was also brought in." Clearly there was something that Sakura wanted to say but was having trouble getting it out. "Naruto, about what happened out there. I just wanted to say-"
"You don't need to say it." Naruto interrupted. "I know that you haven't fully dealt with the feelings you have for Sasuke." Sakura gave no argument as what he said was the truth. "I'll be honest in saying that I was tempted in ending that bastard's life but that would give him the easy way out. Killing him wouldn't help you settle things between the two of you." Sakura's gratitude was shown as he gave Naruto an appreciative smile.
Suddenly the door opened and someone in an animal mask, most likely a Kumo ANBU, came in. "The Raikage will now see you and your team." By the tone of their voice it sounded like they had no other choice but to do as they were told.
Slowly Naruto got himself out of bed but found it difficult to stay on his feet. Fortunately Sakura kept him from falling before handing him crutches to help him get around. When they got to the office belonging to the Raikage they noticed a few things right away. One was that both Kin and Anko were already there and the latter of the two was in better condition than she was before. Most importantly though was that there was a group of ANBU throughout the room. Probably to make sure that nothing underhanded happened.
"It has come to my attention that I'm indebted to you Konoha shinobis." decreed the Raikage. He was an imposing figure. Even with his formal cloak you could tell that he had a large muscular build. He had slicked-back white hair that had a tint of yellow in and the same went for the small moustache and beard he had. Another thing that was noticed was that on each wrist there were gold bangle bracelets.
"From what I've been told by Yugito our village helped to prevent our village from losing some of our esteemed shinobis." That was followed by a respectful nod from Yugito as she stood beside the Raikage's desk, while Killer Bee gave a somewhat disgruntled one. "You'll of course be compensated for your efforts and we'll send our apperceptions to your Hokage. We'll also go ahead and execute the Uchiha for your village."
"Uh, thanks for all that but there's a problem." announced Naruto. "Sasuke Uchiha is not going to be executed by Kumo. He'll be coming with us back to Konoha. That also goes for the other teammate that was captured."
The request that was came as a shock to all the Kumo residents and there were would've probably been some retorts for doing so if the Raikage didn't give them a warning stare. "Care to explain why we should allow that? He and his team came here with the intent of abducting two of our people. Both of which you obviously know are jinchurikis. Why should we relieve him into your custody?"
"With all do respect Raikage." Anko quickly spoke up. It was perhaps the best move because at times Naruto says something without thinking. "The Uchiha abandoned our village and Konoha has been trying to apprehend him. One of our team's main objectives has been to locate and bring him back to the village."
"Plus, it was who help to prevent the one known as Killer Bee from taking the opportunity to leave the village to do whatever he was planning." Kin added in the hopes of persuading the decision in their favor. When that was said, the Raikage turned his head over to the eight-tailed host and gave him a harsh glare that made Killer Bee flinch. Apparently that bit of information had been excluded from any reports of the situation.
"Look at it this way." Naruto put in his two cents in before his teammate could stop him. At least he was keeping his composure. "We were asked to come here." He decided to keep on who did the asking in case that tidbit of information was left out as well. "It's was us who convinced the Hokage to accept this mission. So why not we consider it as returning a kind gesture with one of your own?"
All attention was now centered on the Raikage as they waited for what his response would be. "So be it. I'll allow it." Although Team Anko was hoping for that answer they were still surprised that they got it as quickly as they did. "Least our village can do for your team helping us like you did." A small smile showed itself on the Raikage's face. "Apparently this was the second time that you've saved one of our people."
Wasn't necessarily what was said but how it was said. It sounded almost as though the Raikage knew more than he was letting on. Specifically a few months ago Naruto went as Fox and saved Yugito when she was captured by the Akatsuki. Only a handful of people knew of that incident. Glancing over to Yugito he tried to detect any sign whether she told him but she was as confused as they were. "Does he know?" Whether the Raikage truly knew about that and knowing Naruto's secret was unsure and he wasn't going to revealing it anytime soon.
"You'll be allowed to take your prisoners tomorrow. Until then, you're allowed to stay here and rest up." Not really having any issues with those conditions the four shinobis of Konoha left the office.
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Days Later…
"Are you ready to talk yet?" In an undisclosed area within Konoha, the Fifth Hokage was involved in an interrogation. On the other side was a large glass cylinder filled with what appeared to be water. However, with that liquid was the form of a face that resembled Suigetsu Hozuki.
"I don't know. What was the question again?" mocked the captive. Even if his face was basically water, a defiant smile was seen on Suigetsu's face.
Not amused by the response, Tsunade motioned over to the two ANBU members on either side of the cylinder. Understanding, they did a few hand signs before placing their hand on the glass. The liquid began to ripple that was followed by Suigetsu screaming in pain. It went for about a minute before Tsunade motioned for the ANBU to stop.
"Keep this in mind." the Hokage started to explain. "What you're in keeps everything in and everything else out, unless we allow it. We were also informed of what was used to capture you in the first place. The ANBU here are able to replicate that same technique to prevent you from escaping or to keep you from being uncooperative." Tsunade stopped to allow what she said to sink in. "So, are you going to cooperate or continue to be defiant?"
When the pain from the recent attack finally subsided, Suigetsu glared defiantly at the Hokage who didn't even bat and eye. "You already know everything that I know." He conceded. "Don't know what the Akatsuki plan on doing with the bijus and how Sasuke was connected." Was clear that the sannin was wondering if what was said was true. "Don't believe me but you don't have much of a choice. Doubt Sasuke will be cooperative, Jugo is dead and it's unlikely you'll ever find Karin."
Tsunade stood there with an expressionless look on her face. Without saying a word she turned around and left the room. She made it to her office without incident and saw that there was someone there. Going to her desk she sat down before getting to business. "I hope you had more luck than I did, Ibiki."
"Afraid not, Hokage." grudgingly admitted the scarred face man. "Since being brought here I've tried to get Sasuke Uchiha to divulge whatever information that he may know but hasn't spoken a word." Being the one in charge of the interrogation unit, it bothered Ibiki when he's unsuccessful in getting a person to 'crack'. "Unfortunately, with my hands being as tied as they are there's so much I can do to get the information out of him."
Tsunade cursed mentally to herself as she understood what he meant. "We'll worry about gather whatever possible info later. Right now we should focus on sealing away the Sharingan while we have the opportunity to do so."
"Wait, Tsunade." professed a female voice. Entering the office were the two elders of the village, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. "There's something that needs to be discussed."
"Can't this wait?" asked Tsunade. "There's important stuff that I need to deal with." She kept her emotions in check because it would cause more harm than good if she didn't.
"Afraid not." declared Homura. Like his colleague, he was completely serious. "This is something that must be discussed right now."
Realizing that there was no way to get around this, Tsunade remained at her desk and waited for what both elders wanted to talk about. Whatever it may be she had a feeling that she wasn't going to be pleased by it.
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"No. That's enough." pleaded Naruto. "I can't take anymore."
"You'll take it and like it. Quit complaining." retorted one of the people there.
Despite even more pleading by the blond, he reluctantly dug his spoon into mush of food and put it into his mouth. Swallowed the contents an obvious grimace was shown on his face. "Damn. This stuff is awful. Why the hell do I have to eat this hospital food? I prefer to have a bowl of ramen instead."
"Well, that isn't going to happen." informed Shizune. Currently she was in one of the rooms of Konoha's hospital and checking over Naruto. "You're still recovering from the mission in Kumo and the food that you've been getting is supposed to help you recover."
"Sorry but I agree with the kid." voiced the other occupant in the room, Anko. "While I'd rather have dango than ramen, it would be better than this crap." A supportive nod was made by Kin, who was there to visit her sensei, as even if she didn't have to eat it, the stuff wasn't something that she would like to avoid if possible.
"Maybe Naruto would tolerate the stuff if it came from someone else." commented Sakura. She was there to help Shizune with the hospital duties and also to pay her teammates a visit. "Perhaps a certain blue haired girl."
The teasing rib caused the last person there to blush. Soon after Team Anko had returned to the village, Hinata had hurried to see what the condition of her boyfriend was doing. To her relief Naruto had been recovering since returning. Still didn't stop her from staying at his bedside whenever she was there.
"While I enjoy the thought of being fed by a beautiful woman…" Naruto's words caused his girlfriend to blush even more but a smile was evident on her face. "…It still wouldn't make this stuff appealing." Giving what was being considered as food one last look he pushed the tray away. "At least that bastard was finally captured and going to pay for his crimes."
"Don't be so sure about that." stated the Hokage as she entered the room. By the expression on her face she wasn't in a good mood. "I just had a conversation with the elders. They're planning on bringing up in the next council meeting on trying to lessen the charges against Sasuke. Since they have a large influence in Konoha's council, they are hoping to somehow reinstate him as a shinobi of this village."
Obvious disbelief was seen on the faces of all those there. It would be Naruto who recover enough and give response to that news. "You got to be fucking kidding me."
Really hope you readers weren't disappointed by this chapter. Said it before that describing fights isn't one of my strongest points in writing and that proved even more difficult since there were multiple ones to do. This doesn't really make up for the long gap between updates but hope that it helps to soften the situation.
As to when I'll update again, I could say that I'll do so in the near future but with how my recent track record has gone that might be saying too much. But I will promise you that I won't be taking as long as it took for this one to come out.