Author: G.A.M.M.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

The Story So Far:

It has been five years since Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata died.

The world has erupted in fire and the chaos of war.

A mysterious man has appeared from the north and become Tsuchikage. Together with the new Mizukage and Kirigakure, Iwagakure has attacked Kumogakure. The shinobi of Kumo have been forced to retreat to Sunagakure.

Suna has been under siege for a year, and even with Kumo bolstering their forces, they will be unable to withstand it much longer.

The Great Shinobi Alliance has been disbanded.

Konohagakure stands alone.

Under the rule of Shimura Danzo, they have rebuilt themselves into the greatest of the hidden villages once more. However, there are forces at work that will soon bring the shinobi of Konoha to their knees.

'The Years of the Empty Tower' are about to end.

Tomorrow a new Shichidaime Hokage will rule.

The fate of the world had rested in the hands of the man who had died for his village and the woman who had died for loving him.

Now they are gone and the shinobi world stands on the brink of penultimate destruction.

The shinobi of Suna, Kumo and Konoha are giving in to despair.

But there are a few who resist...

"If you do not control the enemy, the enemy will control you."

-Miyamoto Musashi, 'The Book of Five Rings'

Chapter 37:

'The Rokudaime Gambit'

Nara Shikaku stood on the roof of his house, gazing out across the village of Konohagakure in the fading light.

He came here often to think. It reminded him of his son, so fond of the clouds.

He was looking at the image of his son's face, carved into the side of the Hokage Monument.

'How did it all come to this?' He thought sadly. 'What should we have done differently? Perhaps I shouldn't have turned down becoming Hokage.'

Shikaku had overestimated the brilliance and cunning of his son, and so Shikamaru had paid the ultimate price.

Tomorrow Shimura Danzo would don 'The Big Hat' and become Hokage. His victory would be complete, and the Rokudaime's legacy would end.

The Great Shichidaime Filibuster was finally over. Shikaku had worked closely with Kakashi and his comrades to delay the selection process as long as possible, but the game was finally up. The Filibuster had ended in a series of one-on-one bouts. Each contestant had fought against every other candidate. The tournament had lasted three days, with multiple matches being held around the clock. It was a battle of endurance as well as strength.

Uchiha Sasuke might have made it to the finals and become the next Hokage, but his injuries from five years ago had caught up to him in the final rounds. His body had given out on him in the middle of a fight. There was nothing more he could do.

Several other shinobi of the Leaf had come close as well.

Maito Gai had been formidable, but he had to rely on his Gate techniques to win his harder fights, and he had been unable to continue.

Hyuuga Hiashi had made a good effort, coming out of seclusion to try and claim the title. He had been unable to defeat Hatake Kakashi. It was his first loss, but it was a blow to his pride, and so he had pulled out of the competition.

The Hatake himself had made it to the final round against Danzo. He had become uncharacteristically serious after his children had been born. He had been dissapearing in the middle of the night, so Shikaku had heard. To do exactly what, nobody really knew. However, it became clear that part of what he had been doing was training. Kakashi was already one of Konohagakure's strongest, but he had definitely stepped up his game. He had won each bout within minutes. He had only used his Sharingan three times before the final round: against Maito Gai, Hyuuga Hiashi and Uchiha Sasuke.

He had lost his match against Sasuke, but the final round was determined by the total number of fights won. That way, tactical mismatches wouldn't affect the final match as severely as an elimination-style tournament would. Kakashi had wisely forfeited his fight with the Last Uchiha (who was no longer the last Uchiha: he had a child by Sakura, a boy who they had named Itachi. People still called him the Last Uchiha anyway.) to conserve his chakra. All of his other fights, the Hatake won, using his large repertoire of ninjutsu and showing the tactical genius that had given him a one-hundred percent success rate in the ANBU.

The final match had been between Kakashi and Danzo.

It had been a hell of a match, but even though the Shimura was rusty and not even half the fighter Kakashi was, he had the power of the Kyuubi on his side. Kakashi had unleashed every trick he possessed, even going so far as to use his Mangekyo Sharingan multiple times. In the final exchange of blows, his low chakra capacity had betrayed him, and his Mibu Raikiri had sputtered and died. He had fallen to the ground, blacking out from exhaustion. He had pushed himself beyond all reasonable limits and nearly died (for the nth time.) Danzo had only won because of his nearly inexhaustible chakra, and because he had fought like a coward. He had stayed on the defensive the whole time, waiting for the Hatake to drop from exhaustion. It was a petty strategy, but it had worked.

It had been one week since that day, and the 'The Years of the Empty Tower' were about to come to an end.

Tomorrow at twilight, Shimura Danzo would become Shichidaime Hokage, as the shadows lengthened under a red and setting sun.

Such was the tradition in Konohagakure, for the Hokage was 'The Fire Shadow.'

Nara Shikaku wasn't about to let that happen.

Together with Hatake Kakashi and a dozen other shinobi of Konoha including Hatake Anko, Yuhi Kurenai, the Uchiha Sasuke and Sakura, to name a few, they would attempt to assassinate Shimura Danzo before 'The Big Hat' was put on his head. He was bound to be protected by dozens of his ROOT ANBU, but they had to try.

Konoha had realized its mistake and had paid for it dearly.

The Great Shinobi Alliance had failed. Sunagakure was under siege by the forces of Iwagakure and Kirigakure. Hozuki Suigetsu had become Mizukage by murdering his predecessor, as was Kiri's tradition. Together, he and the Tsuchikage, a mysterious foreigner from the north, were keeping the forces of Suna and Kumo bottled up inside Sunagakure. Suna was the most heavily fortified of all the hidden villages, its natural defenses were second to none, but they were badly outnumbered.

Kumogakure had lost over a third of its forces in the inital onslaught of Kiri and Iwa. Another third had been lost evacuating its citizens and covering their retreat. The Raikage had stood against their forces in a narrow pass in the mountains, and working together with his brother the 'Killer Bee' they had managed to buy their people enough time to escape. The Raikage had not survived, and 'Bee' had lost his left arm.

The Raikage's final order had been for his brother to lead their people the rest of the way to Sunagakure. He told him to put his people under the direct command of the Kazekage. It was the only was Sunagakure could be counted on to take them in. The Great Shinobi Alliance had been officially disbanded, but Kumogakure and Sunagakure had stayed true to each other until its end. The Raikage had been wise as he was strong, and the last remnant of their alliance held true.

They had arrived at Sunagakure beaten and battered, but not broken.

The Kazekage had given them succor and what remained of Kumo's shinobi stood with them in Suna's defense.

Together they had more strength than any one hidden village, but Kiri and Iwa still outnumbered them. It was Suna's 'ultimate defense' that had saved them.

There was only one way in or out. The cliffs of Sunagakure were impossible to climb, its founders had cast a permanent seal over the cliffs to make it impossible scale them. Nothing could adhere to the walls, even with the use of chakra or special equipment. In addition, a series of massive stone walls could seal off the only entrance, using a mechanism installed after the First Great Shinobi War. Suna was nigh impenetrable, but it had one crucial failing.

Suna was, of course, in the middle of the desert. They had a large stockpile of food and water, but it was not inexhaustible. It had been a year and a day since the seige started and Sunagakure was beginning to run dangerously low on supplies. Even with rationing, they had twice as many people to feed. Kumo and its refugees were a drain on their larders, but the Kazekage had refused to turn them out. They had held firm so far, using the advantage of the walls to stave off any attacks. They had killed five shinobi for every one they lost, and Kiri and Iwa had wisely decided to wait them out. Even in the middle of the desert, they could have caravans of supplies sent to them.

Several of the mysterious organizations some referred to as the 'True ANBU,' had been contracted by Sunagakure and the remnants of Kumogakure to conduct raids on these caravans, but they were under heavy guard. Even with their efforts, enough supplies got through to sustain the siege. Suna was growing weaker by the day. Reports from Konoha's scouts indicated that Sungakure would not last out another month.

They wouldn't have lasted a single month, had it not been for the two 'X' rank shinobi. No one had yet to uncover their identities. All that was known about them was that they were both men, and possibly foreigners. 'Possibly,' because no one with their features had ever been seen before in any of the hidden villages, but also because they never spoke to anyone, and only took assignments from their respective organizations. The price for hiring one of them was astronomical, let alone two, but Suna and Kumo had contacted each of their organizations and contracted both of them simultaneously. They had arrived in Suna just in time do decimate the initial onslaught, slaughtering hundreds of Iwa and Kiri shinobi. The cost for that single battle had been so high, that Iwa and Kiri didn't dare attempt an all-out assault again. They tried to contract the two 'X' rankers, but their organizations had refused them. Kumo and Suna had only had enough credit to finance a single mission for each of the 'X' rank shinobi. Otherwise, the siege might have ended before it begun.

These shinobi were so terrifying, that they had earned the names (for no one knew their true names) Requiem and Aeternam. The first got his name because not a single shinobi who engaged him had ever survived. The second, from his ability to survive wounds that would have killed any mortal man.

Would that Shikaku and his allies had the resources to hire one of them, but they were on their own.

Tomorrow they would try and correct the mistake they had made five years ago.

With luck, Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata would not have died in vain.

ANBU

Part III:

'Salvation'

-Nine Years Earlier-

Nara Shikamaru sat on a rock staring at the clouds.

"Get down from there, Son. We have something to discuss."

The younger Nara hopped off the rock, looking at his Dad suspiciously.

"You know I have been to see the Council?" His Dad asked.

"They have offered you the position of Rokudaime Hokage." Shikamaru replied.

"Tell me why I am here."

That was easy.

His Dad wouldn't have come here looking so serious unless he had done something unexpected. Shikamaru sensed a debate challenge and immediately got fired-up for the contest.

"You turned it down?" It was still a little hard to believe.

"Yes. I recommended one of the younger generation. Shimura Danzo agreed with me. Figure it out."

This was the same method Shikaku had used to hone his Son's genius.

Shikamaru's mind began to race at a mile a millisecond. This was the kind of battle he was best suited for: a battle of wits. 'Challenge accepted!'

"The first point: Shimura Danzo has stepped down from his position as 'acting Hokage.' The Kage Summit will meet again soon to discuss this 'Great Shinobi Alliance' everyone is talking about. Danzo-san knows the other Kages do not trust him. If he had not stepped down, the 'Alliance' would have ended before it had begun. In order for the 'Alliance' to succeed a new Rokudaime is needed, not an 'acting Hokage.' A temporary 'acting Hokage' would not have the same standing of the other Kage. In that case, the 'Alliance' would also fail. Tsunade-sama had been in a coma for a year and showed no sign of recovery. The Council was influenced by Danzo-san, and voted to 'pull the plug.' They said it was a mercy. The real reason is that they cannot afford to keep the Godaime alive any longer. They could not elect a Rokudaime while she lived, because she had not named a successor before she fell into a coma. Uzumaki Naruto was rejected by the Council. Hatake Kakashi turned down the position because his reputation as a layabout and a pervert. You, Dad, are the ideal candidate for Rokudaime, other than Naruto-san. All of this I already know." Shikamaru summarized, in his characteristic method of logic, stating the facts before reaching any conclusions. "I do not know why the Council rejected him, but you are going to tell me. That is the first point."

"I am and it is," Shikaku said, "but first, finish the rest."

"I see where this is going, Dad. The answer is no. No way. It would be far too troublesome."

"Finish it, Son." The elder Nara commanded, putting a little steel in his voice.

Shikamaru nodded. There had to be a way out of this. He could think of one. It had been a long time since his Dad had beaten his logic. He would not lose.

"The second point: you would not have turned down the position unless you were unsuitable. You are the perfect candidate. You possess one of the best minds in the village, second only to me," It was a fact, and Shikaku had taught his son that false modesty was useless in this sort of debate, "you command respect, have prestige as the head our clan, and are strong enough as a shinobi to hold the position of Rokudaime. The reason you must turn down the position is because you are perfect. Shimura Danzo cannot discredit you. He would risk the village rather than lose all power, because he is convinced that only he can protect Konohagakure and restore its financial and military strength. Instead of trying to discredit you, he would openly support you. His support would make the other Kages distrust you, and the 'Alliance' would fail. If you denied his support, the other Kage would believe it was only an act. Shimura Danzo is cunning, and they would believe it was his cunning that led you to deny his support. Even if most of the people of Konohagakure knew you truly denied him, it would not change the Kages' opinion. The time of the Summit is too close. They would not have time for their eyes-and-ears to gather enough evidence to convince them you were not associated with Danzo-san. That is why you cannot be Rokudaime. That is the second point."

Shikaku nodded, sagely.

"The third point: Shimura Danzo would not agree with your recommendation to elect one of the younger generation, unless he stood to retain or gain power. This is the most simple point, but it is also the broadest. Danzo-san will support the election of one of the younger generation, because he stands to gain power. After this 'Great Shinobi Alliance' is forged, if it is forged, Danzo-san can and will discredit the Rokudaime. His friends Mitokada Homura and Utatane Koharu support him. Together they will convince the Council of Konoha that the young Rokudaime lacks experience, and cannot be trusted or expected to run all of Konohagakure by himself. He will tell them that even with this 'Alliance,' Konoha is vulnerable. The village has been crippled financially and militarily. He will remind them that the Tsuchikage is old and failing. He will keep the commitments he made to the 'Alliance,' but how long can he last? A new Tsuchikage will be elected soon, whether the Tsuchikage survives another decade to see it or not, is moot. Ten years is the maximum, and that is not enough time to rebuild Konoha's strength in the usual way. The new Tsuchikage cannot be relied upon to uphold the 'Alliance.' The hatred between Konohagakure and Iwagakure runs deep, since the First Great Shinobi War, and this new Tsuchikage will likely have fought in the Third Great Shinobi War. Danzo-san is right, there is no guarantee the Tsuchikage will not take advantage of Konoha's weakened state. Iwagakure has been allied with both Kumogakure and Kirigakure in the past. Konohagakure won't have the strength to hold out against Iwagakure ten years from now, let alone a combined attack of two or even three great hidden villages. The Council will see it as Danzo-san does, and decide that the Rokudaime needs an advisor. Who better than Shimura Danzo, who has already proven himself? He went public about the existence of his ROOT ANBU organization to them, and provided proof that he had protected Konoha at its weakest: after Pain's attack. They have not told us what Danzo-san did, but whatever it was, is not important in this debate."

"Are we having a debate?" Shikaku chuckled. "Sounds to me like you've already reached your conclusion."

Even after all this years, his son's ability to disassemble and analyze information amazed him.

"My hypothesis is still incomplete, I have not concluded anything yet, and you know what we are debating. To continue the third point: What actions Shimura Danzo's ROOT ANBU organization took are moot. What matters is that the Council of Konoha deemed them necessary and publically endorsed ROOT. The effect was two fold: Danzo-san was convinced, if he was not already, that he is the only person who can protect Konoha, and Danzo-san now has the open support of the Council. With his intellect, experience, cunning and influence (namely Utatane Koharu and Mitokada Homura), he is the perfect candidate to be the Rokudaime's advisor. I estimate that within two months after the 'Alliance' is forged, he will have secured his power and reduced the Rokudaime to nothing more than a figurehead. He will use the Rokudaime as a puppet to support his policy changes and actions. They will be Shimura Danzo's actions, but the Hokage will be the one to give his stamp of approval and make them official. This way the other hidden villages will continue to honor the Rokudaime's status as Kage, and Konohagakure's reputation will not suffer."

"Danzo-san will continue what he has been doing and contract more businesses to help continue rebuilding Konohagakure. He will use whatever means he deems necessary to secure more credit to finance this. He will also institute new policies to increase our military strength. This he will achieve by increasing the size of ANBU and ROOT, which will further boost his influence. By increasing the size of Konoha's ANBU forces, he will be able to maximize the number of missions the village can accept. This will accomplish two things: it will help our financial recovery greatly, and it will make us appear strong. These are all good ideas, ones that most of the Council could come up with on their own, but Danzo-san will be the first to suggest them. In fact, he already has, but he needs a Rokudaime to approve them. The Council cannot approve such drastic actions without a Hokage, not legally. Increasing the number of builders would bankrupt Konoha without first securing more credit, and what Shimura Danzo has suggested is blackmail, of this I am sure. The last change is even riskier than the rest: it runs the chance of undermining the 'Will of Fire' that Konoha was founded on."

"To finish the third point: once a Rokudaime of the younger generation has been elected, Shimura Danzo will have ensured his absolute power. He will choose somone who strongly opposes him, because that is the ony way his 'puppet' will remain creditable to shinobi world and the Kages. He will choose someone who commands respect in the younger generation, possesses a good intellect, and has prestige. These qualities will allow Shimura Danzo to rule from the shadows, without risking exposure. The shinobi of Konoha would know who held power, but they would never betray their village. To tell the other hidden villages would be to risk attack. By picking the best candidate of the younger generation, Shimura Danzo will have already won. Instituting his new policies will take time, and by then, the Council will see him as the true power behind Konohagakure. In their eyes, the Rokudaime will be Danzo-san's puppet. The Rokudaime will struggle, but any direct action he takes will be futile. Anything short of banishing or murdering Shimura Danzo will not be enough to remove him from power. By the time the Rokudaime 'gains enough experience' Danzo-san will be dead from old age, but his legacy will be complete. The 'Will of Fire' will be snuffed out."

"Very good, Son." His Dad acknowledged. "Now for the final point. Begin!"

"The fourth and final point: you, Dad, would not suggest something that played into Shimura Danzo's hands without your own reason. You believe that there is a person among the younger generation who can beat Danzo-san at his own game. You believe that there is someone who opposes Shimura Danzo and possess the intellect, prestige and strength to successfully depose him. You believe there is someone who can cast down the soon-to-be de facto ruler of Konoha by opposing him secretly. You believe this person can subtly maneuver Danzo-san into making a mistake, a mistake that will cost him his rule."

Shikaku blinked away tears of pride. This was the greatest analysis his son had ever performed.

"To conclude: you believe this person," Shikamaru leaped up on the rock and pointed at his Dad accusingly, "is me!"

"You got it, Son. Your logic was flawless."

"I won't do it, Dad! Uzumaki Naruto should be the Rokudaime Hokage! He wouldn't need to work from the shadows to take Shimura Danzo down: he cannot be discredited, cannot be manipulated, is completely trustworthy, is friends with the Kazekage and the Raikage's brother, is the strongest shinobi in Konoha, and most importantly," Shikaku had never seen his son more angry or passionate, and more tears of pride rolled down his cheeks, though his expression remained stern, "he is my friend and comrade! I would never betray him! Becoming Hokage has been his dream his entire life! How can I possibly take that away from him?! I cannot! I WILL NOT!"

The elder Nara looked sad.

"Your loyalty to your friend is admirable, but it has caused you to make a critical mistake. You have overlooked why the Council rejected Uzumaki-san."

"I have not. They think he is immature, and a prankster. They think he is too irresponsible, too unpredictable, but he is not! I will support him and prove he is the correct candidate for Rokudaime!"

Shikaku just shook his head.

"Son, your passion is overriding your logic. Think: the Council would not deny him the position for those reasons alone."

"But... but what you're saying then is..." Shikamaru sputtered. "...that's entirely too troublesome. What could possibly justify their rejection?"

His Dad looked like he was steeling himself for something. Dread blossomed in the younger Nara's gut. This couldn't be good. His Dad knew something, had a trump-card of some sort.

"You know what comes next."

"You are going to tell me why Naruto-san cannot become Rokudaime. Moreover, you are trying to trick me into becoming the next Hokage!"

His Dad laughed uproariously. "I haven't been able to trick you in a long time, but you're right, I will tell you if you accept the challenge. Know this first: you had a choice."

"There is no choice!" Shikamaru countered. "I am a loyal shinobi of the Leaf. If Naruto-san cannot become Hokage, than I am the next logical choice for Rokudaime for all the reasons I previously listed. I cannot risk the fate of Konohagakure for the sake of my pride. I assume that what you plan to tell me will render Naruto-san impossible as a choice. If my actions do not effect my friend's viability for Rokudaime, I can act freely, even if I feel guilty or regret my decision. Therefor, I will be forced to accept the position."

"No one is forcing you to do anything, Son." Shikaku said queitly. "You must decide: will you hear what I have to say?"

"Tell me."

"Very well," His Dad declared, raising his voice, "prepare yourself! This is a battle of wits to the end! Which end, will be up to you! Now: what I am about to clue you in on is an S class secret. If I told you directly and was found out, I could be banished or executed. I will not allow you to have any part in my death. Instead, I will tell you a single fact and let you do what you do best. Once you figure it out, that knowledge could get you killed. If you were discovered, you could be banished or executed. Knowing it is illegal for someone like you. Are you willing to put your life on the line for Konoha? Answer that question first, Son! This is your last chance to back out!"

Shikamaru ground his teeth in frustration. Logic dictated that if his assumption was correct, he would possibly be dooming his home to ruination. There was no choice. No shinobi of Konoha could take that chance. Not even for a friend.

"Challenge accepted."

That's what this was. Before it had only been in his mind, now, it was real.

"For what I am about to tell you, for the path I am about to point you down, for the burden you will bear if you accept that path: forgive me! Uzumaki Naruto was born seventeen years ago on October the Tenth. Begin!"

It took Nara Shikamaru less than a single second to figure it out.

"Shit."

"Indeed, Son. Now do what I have taught you. Tell me what you know."

"The first and only point: The Council of Konohagakure rejected Uzumaki Naruto under the premise that he was too unpredictable. Given what I have now discerned, I would like to state for the record that I do not agree."

"Noted." Shikaku said. "Continue!"

"To continue: I will start from what I already knew. Uzumaki Naruto bears a striking resemblance to the Yondaime Hokage. Given what you have told me, I must conclude he is the Yondaime's son. Namikaze Minato fought and died to protect the village from the Kyuubi no Yoko seventeen years ago on October the Tenth, the same day Uzumaki Naruto was born. It was said he defeated the demon, this much is true. The rest was a lie to protect the younger population from fearing someone who deserved to be their friend and comrade. I would like to state for the record that those who were privy to the information of the hypothesis I am about to present, treated Uzumaki Naruto unfairly and cruelly."

"Noted. All further statements for the record of our debate will be noted at the end of your presentation. Continue!"

"The Yondaime Hokage was arguably the strongest shinobi in the world, however, the power of a demon such as the Kyuubi no Yoko is not so easily defeated. Therefor: he was unable to defeat the demon using ordinary means, and being an extraordinary shinobi, he used a technique to seal the Kyuubi into..." Shikamaru stumbled over his words. How could the world be so cruel his friend? "... into the vessel of his infant son. None other than Uzumaki Naruto. I would like to state for the record Uzumaki Naruto is a hero and should be treated as such. Furthermore, I believe the decision to keep his lineage and containment of the Kyuubi no Yoko a secret was a mistake. Had it been known from the start, we would not be standing here debating this today. End of record statement. The Council believes Uzumaki Naruto is too dangerous to become the Rokudaime Hokage. This can only mean he lost control of the demon. My hypothesis is as follows: during Pain's attack on Konohagakure Uzumaki Naruto was pinned to the ground with chakra-severing rods. He was severely injured and unable to continue fighting. Hyuuga Hinata took a stand against Pain and declared her love for him. Her attack ended in vain, and Pain struck her down. Uzumaki Naruto cannot recall her confession. Therefor, he must have lost consciousness and lost the memory to what I can only assume is a side effect of losing control of the Kyuubi no Yoko. Only the power of the Kyuubi could overcome such a dire situation. Using the power of the Kyuubi he drew Pain away from Konohagakure and somehow regained control. The rest of what happened is moot."

Shikaku thought his son was done with his analysis, but he impressed him once again.

"Had Tsunade-sama lived, she would have proclaimed Uzumaki Naruto her successor. However, she fell into a coma. She left behind no declaration verbally or in writing of a successor, as is apparent by the Council's actions. Had she survived, Naruto's recent act of heroism would have been enough to overcome the fears of the people of Konohagakure, and with Tsunade-sama's support, he would have become Hokage. Due to Tsunade's coma, and the actions of Shimura Danzo, namely claiming the role of 'acting Hokage,' Naruto-san was unable to become Hokage. In the last year people have remembered the terror and destruction the Kyuubi inflicted on Konoha, and Naruto-san's heroism has faded. Without Tsunade-sama to support him, he can no longer become Rokudaime. A Hokage must rule through respect and trust. If Uzumaki Naruto became Hokage now, he would rule the majority of the civilian population through fear. As for the shinobi of Konoha, I cannot know their feelings, excepting my own. I would like to state for the record that Uzumaki Naruto would have commanded my respect and trust. End of record statement."

His Dad looked at him solemnly.

"To conclude: Uzumaki Naruto cannot become Rokudaime Hokage. Given the circumstances discussed in this debate, I am the only reasonable candidate. I oppose Shimura Danzo with every fiber of my being. I posses the intellect, respect and prestige to forge the 'Great Shinobi Alliance.' In addition I am Uzumaki Naruto's friend, which will also help me forge the 'Alliance.' Furthermore I am capable of the subtlety needed to depose Shimura Danzo. With my intellect, and your experience, Dad, we can beat him. This is my conclusion."

Shikaku smiled sadly. He had never been more proud.

"I am sorry, Son. Remember I did give you the choice. Please forgive me."

Shikamaru's eyes hardened. "There is nothing to forgive. I am a loyal shinobi of the Leaf. In the stead of Naruto-san, I will do what I can to preserve the 'Will of Fire' Konoha was founded on. Danzo-san and the Council will pay!"

"Remember this is not revenge. This is about the preservation of our way of life."

"I will remember." He said stiffly.

"I am sorry for this burden you must bear, my Son."

"My only regret is that I can't tell Naruto-san why I had to take away his dream."

"That will be his burden to bear. Yours is heavy enough."

Shikamaru laid back down on the rock and gazed at the clouds. It would probably be one of the last times he could enjoy them without the mantle of responsibility weighing down their simple beauty.

He could no longer remain free, like his beloved clouds.

"This is still one hell of a gamble." He sighed. "Mendokusai!"

"Very troublesome indeed, Son. But this is no gamble. Gambling is based solely on luck. You made your decision based on the facts. This is a gambit."

Nine years later, Shikaku would gaze up at the monument that held his son's face, and realize that had been the moment when Shikamaru had lost.

He had risked too much. He had chosen the gamble instead of the gambit. And he had gambled too hard.

Shikamaru stood up.

In that moment he left behind the last vestige of his boyhood and became a man. A man who had to accept the consequences of his actions.

If only they hadn't been so terrible.

So final.

Death.

"When do I start?"

The Rokudaime Gambit had begun.

-The Present-

It was the next day and the light was again fading.

Shikaku stood in the throng, watching as Koharu prepared to put 'The Big Hat' on Shimura Danzo's head.

A person next to him coughed, and Shikaku smelled the evidence of some asshole civilian smoking a pipe to show their disrespect.

Whoever that person was, Shikaku approved.

The time had come to strike.

The Rokudaime Gambit had ended.