As always: this fanfic is an original creation of Dragon6 so check him out, Naruto is an original creation of Masashi Kishimoto, please support the official release. I only have the rights to the fanfic not Naruto.
Alliances: Chapter 21
In the mind of one Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Madara stood in front of the cage that held the Kyuubi no Yoko, or so he thought. The age was empty, the door flung open and the seal split in two. The Akatsuki leader had a smirk on his face and looked around the mindscape.
"Are you planning to betray me, my pet? You won't find it easy like always." Madara said smugly. He waited for while but felt no attack coming. It caused him to chuckle. "Is the great Kyuubi afraid to face a mere human? Has captivity made you so weak?"
"I've always wondered why you Uchihas were so smug. To me, you're nothing but hot air." Madara looked ahead of him and saw Naruto in his Kage robes.
"Ah, the young Namikaze presents himself. To what do I have the honor of your presence? Are we going to have a battle right here in your mind?" Madara asked with mirth. Naruto scoffed at the man and had a grin on his face.
"You sure are cocky for someone who's about to lose everything." Naruto told him. Madara kept his smug grin and disappeared. Naruto was suddenly lifted into the air as Madara reappeared, holding his throat.
"You forget we Uchiha are the true master of the mind."
"I think the Yamanaka's would disagree. Besides," Naruto vanished from out of Madara's hold and reappeared away from him. "This is my mind and you're in my playing field." Madara was confused until several spikes of earth pierced through him. The man was not fazed by the mind attack and just looked at Naruto.
"Do you really want to make this difficult? Give it up, you've loss. Whats going to happen now? Have you and the Kyuubi made friends of one another? Will he attack now?"
"Sorry but the fur ball isn't making any appearances."
"Excuse me, what did you say?"
"Fuinnjutsu: Heigou Reikon no Tsuuro," Naruto said. Madara looked at him with wide eyes. "A forbidden sealing technique that merges two souls and bodies into one form. It was created by an evil monk far in the past who believe that he would merge his soul and body with one of the Bujis. He died because his power was not as great as a Bujis. In order for the technique to work the caster and their victim must be at the same level or so I guessed." Naruto explained
"But that would mean you would have died. The Kyuubi is raw chakra and no man has that much chakra, not even me." Madara said desperately. Naruto snapped his fingers and the water underneath them shimmered. What happened next shocked the Uchiha founder further.
"FUUINJUTSU: HEIGOU REIKON NO TSUURO!" Naruto roared. The two chakras crashed into one another. It was so powerful that it split the seal in two. This was the opportunity that the fox was waiting for. He blasted out of the cage. Naruto stood still as he ran his claw through him. The Kyuubi smirked devilishly at the blond.
"Fool, did you truly believe that I would allow such a thing to happen? Now that I'm free, I shall use your body to regain my form and wreak havoc upon the world once again!" The Kyuubi said with a sinister tone. He put his face right in front of Naruto. "I'll start with Kirigakure and then I will destroy Konoha. I will get my revenge on both you and your father!" Suddenly, Naruto began to laugh at him. The Kyuubi snarled and pushed his claw deeper into him. "You find something funny boy?"
"Now I see how Madara controlled you." Naruto said. He grabbed the Kyuubi claw with ease and pulled it out of him without a cry of pain. The Kyuubi looked at him in shock. "Surprised, I figured you would be. It seems you forgot that the seal used to put you in me is broken into two parts."
"What!"
"The Hakke no Fuuin Shiki converts your chakra into my chakra. It was a very slow process but when the seal began to weaken I had to make another seal. My seal also uses the Hakke no Fuuin Shiki. It is part of the four warriors that appears whenever you lash out. I tweaked that part of my seal a little so when you lashed out, the guardians absorbs your chakra and stores it within them. Do you get the picture now?"
"No, its impossible." The Kyuubi roared. Naruto made a motion with his head and the Kyuubi looked back. He was shocked when instead of his nine tails there were only three. He turned back to see six tails sprouting out of Naruto. He saw that a seventh tail was appearing. "You've been planning this from the beginning. Since you mention this technique, it has all been a ploy to get me to agree. You broke the seal on purpose to make this technique of yours work faster!"
"I told you that I would finish my father's work. Now, your power is mine and you will cease to exist."
"Damn you, UZUMAKI NARUTO!" the Kyuubi roared in anger as a blinding light surrounded them.
Madara was beside himself at the scene he had just witness. He knew that Minato had taken the Kyuubi's 'yin' energy when he died, sealing the 'yang' energy of the Kyuubi within his son. He didn't really need the 'yin' energy and he would have still had enough power to use the statue. However, with Naruto fully absorbing the Kyuubi's 'yang' energy, his plans were now over. Re-strengthening his Sharingan was a memory.
He looked across from him to see Naruto, only he was now in his demon form. It was as if Naruto was mocking him. It made his blood boil that he would flaunt his victory in his face. He blasted the rock spears off of him and glared at the Mizukage, his Mangenkyo Sharingan blazing with fury. He charged at Naruto with the intent of destroying his mind. As he neared and reared his arm back, he was pierced from four sides. It was the guardians of Naruto's seal and their weapons were glowing red. Madara scoffed at them and was about to blow them away but he suddenly began to feel weak.
"Wha... What is going on? My body, why does it feel so numb?" he choked out.
"Might be because that each weapon that you've been run through has the Kyuubi's chakra running through it. I heard that its quite poisonous." Naruto said. Madara growled at him as he walked up to him slowly. Naruto held his hand out and formed the Rasengan. He added his nature element into it and formed a huge shuriken. Madara looked on as the water churned as he walked up to him. "I heard that if you die in the mind, then you die in the body. Let's test that theory."
"You think that youve won? Dont make me laugh. There is still one of us out there and he will get vengeance for the glory of our clan."
"Your clan, your blood are nothing but a curse placed on this world. Since your existence you've done nothing but kill and murder all for the sake of power. You are just a relic that is part of the past, you and your clan. Itachi is dead, you are about to die and if Sasuke takes the path that you and your clan has, then I will be there to stop him." Naruto preached
"YOU WILL FALL BY UCHIHA HANDS! THIS I PROMISE YOU NAMIKAZE!"
"Yell all you want, even the Kami cant hear you. Good-bye, Fuuton: RasenShuriken!" Naruto drove his attack into Madara. He and the guardians went sent several feet before they were surrounded by a dome of chakra and wind. Madara screamed as the wind cut him to shreds. He could not believe that he was defeated once again. His last thoughts were cursing the Senju and Namikaze Naruto. Naruto watched as the dome was gone as well as the guardians and Madara. The young man sighed in relief and allowed his mind to go free.
Sakura awoke and attempted to stand. She winced in pain as she moved. She looked to her left to see that her shoulder joint was out. She took a kunai and placed the handle in her mouth. A quick jerk and she placed it right back in, her cries of pain muffled by the kunai. When the pain began to subside, she stood up and looked around to gain her bearings. She saw that Kagura and Sansei were still out. She looked around and could not find Naruto. That's when she remembered what had happen.
"Naruto, Naruto," she called out in worry. Suddenly a shadow appeared. She gripped her kunai and placed up her defense when she caught sight of the shadow. It was Naruto and he was still alive. His clothes were torn, he was covered in bruises but he was still alive. She quickly ran to him. She watched as he pitched forward. She had just reached and managed to catch him. She was injured as well but she still held herself up. When she was stable, she slowly lowers herself and Naruto to the ground. She laid him on his back and placed his head on his shoulder. She began to scan him as he mumbled something. Sakura lowered her head to him to hear what he was saying.
"It's over, it's finally over," he kept mumbling. Sakura couldn't understand what he meant by that but that didn't matter. She needed to get him to safety. Naruto fell in a blissful sleep as Sakura went to awaken the fallen swordsmen.
Naruto groaned in pain. He felt that he had just went several rounds with the swordsmen and the Akatsuki at the same time. It hurt to even open his eyes but he managed to anyway. The sun blinded his vision so he raised his arm to block the rays. He looked around and knew where he was. He noticed where he was and sighed.
"Might be a different setting but the smell is still the same. Man, I hate hospitals." Naruto groaned
"Perhaps you shouldn't push yourself during such big fights." Naruto turned to the voice and saw Sakura. He gave her a smile.
"If I didn't push myself, I wouldn't be me." He noticed that she was sporting several bandages and wrappings on her shoulder, forearms and cheeks. Naruto began to lift himself into a sitting position. Sakura was at his bed side to help him. Naruto manage to get a whiff of her from their close position.
'Still smells like cherry blossoms,' he thought off-handed. He was now sitting and got a better look at his surroundings. He saw two others in the room and noticed them to be Kakashi and Jiraiya. He looked to Sakura for answers.
"They're all right. Kakashi will be out for another two weeks while Jiraiya should wake up soon." She explained
"How long have I been out?" he asked in surprise.
"Two weeks, this surprised me too. You would normally be up and around in a few days despite chakra exhaustion and major bruising. My only guess is that your merge with the Kyuubi has slowed your healing a bit. You still heal faster than most but it's almost at human standards." she explained
"Human standards, haven't heard that before." Naruto joked. Sakura cursed herself for that comment.
"I'm so sorry Naruto. That came out all wrong." She apologized
"It's all right; I actually like the sound of it. All my life Ive been seen as a demon. Being called human is kind of a relief."
"Was being a Jinchuuriki that hard?"
"It had its disadvantages but I like being like everyone else. I'm not that special anymore."
"Hey, you're a very special person. Not many can boast about beating an S-rank ninja, one of Konoha's founders and the strongest of the Buji." Sakura said
"I guess I am that special." Naruto joked. He laughed as Sakura shook her head. Suddenly, he grasped her hand. She was stunned but she squeezed his hand back.
"Thanks, Sakura," he said softly
"No problem, Naruto," she said softly as well. They stared at each other for a while. Blue eyes met with green eyes, both getting loss in the others gaze. Certain feelings arose in the both of them. One was new and unexplained while the other was thought to be long buried. Before any word could be spoken, Naruto caught on to several sounds with his new advanced hearing. He growled a bit before picking up a cup of water.
"All right Kagura, Sayuri, Tazuna, get in here with the others." He ordered. He took the cup he was holding and threw its contents at Jiraiya, who jumped awake at the sudden cold. "Get up you pervert. I swear if I don't get that notepad, I'm going to rip out your other arm."
"Damn it boy, I'm injured here." He called out as the group listening came in the room. Sakura's cheeks were burning and she quickly hid them from the present company. Kagura just laughed at her while Jiraiya grumbled about ungrateful students. Saito decided to step forward.
"I see that you have awakened. Many villagers, clans and shinobi were very worried for you." Saito said
"I made a promise to the people of Kirigakure. I don't break my promises." Naruto said with a smile
"That's good, it was a man's promise you made." The two shared a laugh. Suddenly Naruto turned serious and faced to Sentaro.
"How is everything?" he asked
"The harbor has been repaired." he said
"The bodies of the Akatsuki?"
"We have collected the bodies of Zetsu, Madara, the Pein bodies, Kisame and Konan. We've taken their heads off and burnt the bodies. However we are having trouble destroying Madara's body. Despite his mind being destroyed, his body has been able to retain its ability to withstand injuries." Sentaro explained
"We will deal with it another way. What about the others?" Naruto asked
"Diedara's body was destroyed, burnt beyond normal. Genma's body is dead along with Jubei. The Hibachis have explained the forbidden technique that he used. When he died, Genma went with him."
"That's two bodies un-accounted for."
"Ibuki is in our highest maximum security prison. Itachi's body has not been located. We swept the ocean ground itself but we didn't find his body."
"I don't care how much man power we have to use. We must find that body, now." Naruto ordered with an edge.
"Keep your robe on, were on it. Still, how do you think we should handle the defeat of such a group?" asked Kagura
"We keep it under wraps. This is an S-rank event that will be punishable by death if leaked." Naruto decreed
"Isn't that a bit extreme?" Rugen asked
"If it gets out that we defeated an S-rank organization, Orochimaru and Berugu will push their attacks on our allies." Sentaro explained
"Remember, this is still a temporary alliance. Kiri can't interfere in this war until the year is over." Jiraiya added
"Right now, Konoha and Suna are rebuilding their forces. They don't need any trouble right now." Naruto said
"Especially with Orochimarus and Berugus new alliance and new weapon," Sansei said, catching everyones attention. He handed Naruto a folder. Naruto took it and read. It took a few minutes until Naruto sighed and laid his head back on his pillows.
"This has become very troublesome." He muttered causing Sakura to snort in laughter. He turned to Sentaro again. "What about those that died?"
"We've identified them and have buried them. Jubei's body weve kept on ice until you have awoken. Since Genji destroyed his body I have two ninjas collecting his things. We recovered what remains of his sword." Sentaro said sadly. Naruto looked to the ceiling.
"How much longer will I be in here?"
"After today you are free to leave." Sakura answered
"Good, we can finally bury our comrades. Saito, tell the village that we will have a festival of lights to honor the dead. I will see to the families personally." Naruto ordered
"It will be done Mizukage-dono." Saito said
"Guys,"
"Yeah, we know. We'll clear out." Kagura said. Everyone left the room, Sakura being the last. She looked back to see a lone tear fall from Naruto's eye. She closed the door to allow him to grieve.
The place was called the Kenkaku Hakaana, the burial ground of those who severed the Kiri no Shinobigatana Nananin Shu. This was hollow ground for those men that died in service of Kirigakure. From the beginning of when it was just the Kiri no Hogasha, ever man who wielded the sword as the Mizukage personal guards were buried here. The swordsmen and Naruto stood in front of two graves. One held the silent assassin Jubei and the other held the personal effects of the grandfather of the group, Genji. Each swordsman said a private pray to the two fallen men. Naruto nodded two the four ninja standing at the side of the grave. They weave signs for a Doton jutsu and covered the graves. Naruto turned away with Sentaro and Kagura following. He had another place to go to.
The festival of lights was an idea of Narutos eleven years ago. He was sixteen at the time and had just over thrown the Sandaime Mizukage. They were those that lost family in that civil war and Naruto felt the need to do something. That's when he came up with this festival. Those you lost someone important would light a candle and place it on a small make-shift raft. They would sail those candles down the canal and out to the ocean. He had honored those that help fight and those he fought against in the battle. Many were happy about that.
This festival was not as grand as that one but it was no less important. Naruto, Sentaro, Kagura, Sakura, Yamato and those who lost loved ones stood at the canals edge. Their make-shift rafts floated through the canal and into the ocean. Naruto looked at each raft and wished them well on their journey to the next world.
Shin walked through the icy halls of Kiri's maximum security prison. It was a small island ten miles out from Kirigakure. The design of the prison was quite genius as it was built from the bottom up. There were several halls of the prison, the lowest part touching the ocean floor. That was the area which held Kiri's notorious criminals were kept.
Shin stood in front of a door that was guarded by two ANBU in heavy clothing. He nodded to them and they opened the door. He walked in and waited until the door closed. In front of him, Ibuki leaned against the wall, her wrist and ankles bound by chains. She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Why do you keep come down here?" she sighed
"I'm just checking on you, making sure that you're comfortable." Shin answered
"I like the cold, now go." Ibuki stated
"Ibuki, have you considered my proposal?"
"Kami, I can't believe you. You just don't quit, do you?"
"Would you rather be dead?"
"At least I know that Naruto would be able to do it." Ibuki said. "I'm not going to join the swordsmen so you might as well just go." She turned away from him. Shin sighed and knocked on the door. The guard opened the door and Shin turned to leave.
"I'll come back after you're in a better mood." Shin said
"You can't save me and you never will." Ibuki stated
"Maybe but I'm an optimist. I believe that good souls can be saved." Were his last words as he left her alone. The door closed and Ibuki was by herself again. She scoffed at Shin's words but she had a small smile on herself.
"Baka,"
Naruto stood at the window that overlooked the village. He had just finished dealing with the last family that had come to see him. So far, he had been slapped three times, cursed at four but the majority was quite understand of a ninja's life. Suddenly the door opened. He turned to see Sakura at the door.
"Geshi said the door was open. How are you doing?" she asked
"Fine I guess, I was just thinking." He answered. Sakura walked up to him and stood by him.
"What are you thinking about?"
"So many things but I'm just left with so many questions about the future. Sometimes, I wonder how dad and the old man handled things like this."
"I'm sorry that I can't answer that but you've done quite a good job so far."
"Thanks," They stayed like that for a while before Naruto spoke again. "Sakura, do you think a true peace can be attained?"
"I think that those who believe in peace must fight for peace. I think that the path to it will be filled with pain. Yet, if there is one person out of the million is willing to do such a thing, think a true peace can be attained. Why are you asking?" Sakura asked coyly
"No reason, just an off-handed question." Naruto said with mirth. The two just stood there in complete silence.
Glossary
Kenkaku Hakaana - Swordman Grave
Techniques
Hakke no Fuuin Shiki Eight Divination Signs Seal Style - a Fuuinjutsu technique used by the Fourth Hokage. The Hakke no Fuuin Shiki was used in conjunction with the Shiki Fuujin technique to seal the Kyuubi demon within the stomach of Naruto. The Hakke no Fuuin Shiki allows the two Shishou Fuuin to leak the Kyuubi chakra back into Naruto's own chakra.