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 so 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 died for his village and the woman who 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.
None had known their peril until it was too late.
But there was one who had resisted from the beginning...
"Expect the unexpected."
-Heraclitus, Pre-Socratic Greek Philosopher, (c.535 BC - 475 BC)
Chapter 38:
'An Impossible Problem'
-Nine Years Ago-
Nara Shikamaru walked awkwardly in the robes of the Hokage.
'How did Sandaime-dono make it look so easy? And the wide brim on this big hat: how was he able to see? Troublesome...'
It had been less than a month since he had become Rokudaime Hokage. Despite his vow to bring Shimura Danzo down, he was up to his ears already, between the Council, Shimura himself, and the Great Shinobi Alliance. He had to admit that this was a lot harder than he had originally thought it would be, and he thought it would be very difficult. No, he was nearing the limits of what a human being could be expected to do. There were only so many hours in a day, and he had to sleep sometime. There hadn't been much time for that in the last week, and dark rings were beginning to form underneath his eyes. At the rate he was going, he'd look like the Kazekage soon.
The Kage Summit had been an overwhelming success. Naruto's dream had been crushed by the Council, but he was still loyal to Konoha and his friends. Shikaku had been right when he said that the Uzumaki would take the election of a friend and comrade better than anyone might think. Naruto had come to him shortly after the ceremony was held in the fading twilight, in the shadow of the Hokage Monument.
He had told Shikamaru that he didn't hold it against him, that his anger was for the Council of Konoha alone. Shikamaru was greatly relieved, and now that he was legally entitled to the knowledge of the Kyuubi's jinchuriki, he let the blonde Chuunin know that he was sorry the Council had rejected him for what he contained. He had told his friend he would have made a great Rokudaime, and that he was sorry. Naruto had asked him why he accepted the position. Why go to all the trouble?
Shikamaru had replied he had his own reasons, and as Hokage, he didn't have to explain himself.
That would set the pattern of their relationship for the next three years.
The delegation from Sunagakure would leave tomorrow. They would be the last to leave along with the Konoha delegation.
After the Alliance had been forged, it had taken a week to hammer-out the details and get everything written down and signed. It could have taken months of squabbling, but Naruto had once again come through for his village. Shikamaru vowed he would make it up to his friend one day. One day he would name Naruto his successor, even if it killed him.
The new Rokudaime was still struggling with his regalia and his thoughts when he arrived at Suna's command tent.
"I wish to speak with Kazekage-dono." He told the Suna ANBU guarding the tent.
"A moment please." One of the guards ducked inside the tent. He reappeared about a minute later and said: "Kazekage-sama will see you."
Shikamaru dreaded this conversation. Naruto was friends with the Kazekage. The Kazekage was no longer a jinchuriki.
Gaara still scared the piss out of him.
"Kazekage-dono." The shadow-user began. "I wish to speak with you about maintaining the good-will between our villages."
Gaara was sitting on a stack of plush pillows, his legs crossed indian-style. There weren't many sources of timber in the desert, and rock was not very comfortable to sit on, so Suna had a long-standing tradition of sitting on pillows and eating at low tables, or even on the ground with nothing more than a thick blanket.
"Hokage-dono," Sabaku replied knowingly, "I assume you have something in mind?"
Shikamaru's hands itched for a cigarette.
"Yes. I was thinking of a permanent emissary. It would be to our villages' mutual benefit to establish an embassy in both Suna and Konoha."
"I agree, Hokage-dono, and I believe I have the perfect shinobi for the job."
"I too, have someone in mind."
They hashed out the details together, and less than an hour later they summoned scribes to put their agreement in writing.
"Now as to the individual I have in mind," Gaara said, "it will take some convincing, but I believe she is the most suitable for the job."
"The person I have in mind will take the assignment without question."
"Good, so it's just a matter of you speaking with my Sister."
In his heart of hearts, Shikamaru smiled. Outwardly, he winced.
"That troublesome woman?"
"This troublesome woman." A rough feminine voice answered. "Hokage-dono, Gaara, I should have known you'd try something like this."
Both leaders had the decency to blush.
"Without even consulting me first... tch. What makes you think I'll accept?"
"I'll accept any reasonable provision you would like to add to the agreement. We need this embassy." Shikamaru heard himself say.
Temari smiled. "Very well. I have only one request."
Gaara nodded to Shikamaru. 'So I have his approval, do I?'
"I have a feeling I might regret this. What is it?"
"When we get to Konoha: take me out to dinner."
Gaara looked torn between committing murder and busting out laughing.
"Mendokusai."
-Eight Years Ago-
"Congratulations, Son."
"This is going to be more troublesome than it's worth." Shikamaru said, grinning from ear to ear.
"I sincerely hope that's not what you tell your new bride tonight when you take her to bed." Shikaku joked.
The Rokudaime blushed, looking away. "M-mendokusai."
"I'm sure you and Temari-san will be happy together, Son. I'm happy for you." His Dad said, patting him on the back. "Now tell me why you're here talking to your old Dad instead of attending to your new bride. This is your wedding reception after all."
Shikamaru's joy faded and he became solemn. This wasn't the sort of thing to discuss at his own wedding reception, but he was at the end of his rope.
"I can't beat him, Dad. I might have had a chance before, but Madara's attack has made the Council even more paranoid. I'm nothing but a pen-pusher now. I can barely do anything. Shimura-san is planning to launch an investigation to root out any resistance against his regime. The Council will vote on it tomorrow. I'm sure it will pass unanimously in the Inner Council. I'll be powerless to stop it, once it's begun. How can I win when the battle is already lost? I need your wisdom, Dad."
Shikaku was silent for a minute, lost deep in thought.
"A general can't hope to win every battle. When the enemy outnumbers you astronomically, you must retreat. Make him think he has you beaten, but remain enough of a threat that he has to hunt you down. Lure him farther and farther into territory you know better than he does. Pick a place to take your stand, where you have the advantage, and where your army has no chance of escape. Then they will fight to the last with a determination that will surprise you. That is when you take your stand. Lose battle after battle, but win the final confrontation and end the war in a single stroke. That is what you must do."
Shikamaru understood his Dad's logic easily enough. He had already understood that this was the strategy he must adapt to remove Danzo from power.
There was a crucial flaw in that strategy.
"We're not talking about two armies, here. Shimura-san is whittling away my influence more and more every day. This investigation will get rid of people that might help me win. I cannot afford to lose this battle, or the war will end before it has begun."
Shikaku shook his head. "That, Son, is why Shimura Danzo must win this battle. He must believe the war is already over. You will know it is not. That is the advantage you must have if you want to beat him. Sue for peace, build up your forces. Then attack."
"What happened to retreating?"
"This is your retreat. You must take the fight into familiar territory. Take the high ground, bait the trap, and snap it shut."
"I... I'm not sure if I can do this." Shikamaru admitted. "How can I betray the people I have sworn to protect? How can I let Shimura-san do this?"
"The greatest betrayal would be letting him keep absolute power. You must do whatever it takes, Son."
"He rules from the shadows, Dad. How can I strike at an enemy that never exposes himself?"
Shikaku smiled.
"He may rule from the shadows, Son. Never forget that we, Nara, command the shadows."
Shikamaru thought about that good and hard.
"Thank's, Dad. I'll go see to Mari-chan now."
"She'll kill you if she hears you call her that."
"Mendokusai."
-Seven Years Ago, Four Months After the Wedding-
"Check."
Shimura Danzo moved a pawn to endanger the Rokudaime's king. The pawn was the weakest piece in chess, but Shimura's style seemed to favor them.
Shikamaru studied the chess board in front of him. He only had one real move left.
He ignored that move. Instead he took the pawn with his queen, his last powerful piece.
Danzo took the queen with his own queen, effectively ending the game.
"Mate in one." He said in his usual monotone, his expression never changing.
Shikamaru toppled his king with his pinky-finger, forfeiting the match.
"Hm, why do that?" The de facto ruler of Konoha asked.
"You had already won. There was no point in resisting anymore."
It had been a good match. Danzo was a formidable player. He was more cunning and experienced than Shikamaru, but the Nara could have won. Such was his intellectual prowess. Instead, he had made a series of minor and seemingly negligible errors that had led to his defeat. Accomplishing this without Shimura noticing was in fact a great deal harder than winning would have been. He had to make sure he was subtle enough to trick the de facto ruler of Konoha, lest the plan he had come up with be useless.
"So, you know when you are beaten, Rokudaime-sama." Danzo mocked, though his tone was as detached as ever.
"I will admit, I cannot beat you." Shikamaru said. "Yet, I must resist you. Surely you know this? I cannot let you rule Konohagakure no Sato unchecked."
"I have already won. Whatever supporters you had left have been swept away, or gone into permanent hiding. You still have some power. I won't strip you of it completely. Konoha has spies, even after the investigation. They can't know of the... accord we have."
"You went too far, Shimura-san. You had twenty shinobi of Konoha exiled on pain of death. You executed the other four you found publically!"
"All with the Inner Council's unanimous support. It had to be done. Surely even you can see this." It was a statement and a threat.
Shikamaru slammed his fist down on the table. He was in control, but Danzo couldn't know that. Still, he was angry. That much was real.
"I'll admit some of them deserved what they got, but not one of them. You know of whom I speak."
"Umino Iruka." The old war-hawk acknowledged. "He never acted on his plots, he only tried to rally support for the Uzumaki."
Shikamaru was shocked. Danzo was freely admitting it? Then why...? 'Of course!'
"That was cruel. His death was unnecessary."
Danzo nodded.
"He was not a threat in and of himself. However, Uzumaki Naruto is difficult to control. This will destroy any faith he had left in the world. He will willingly become an obedient and valuable tool. He won't answer to me, of course. He will cling to his loyalty to Konoha, to you, like the survivor of a shipwreck to a piece of driftwood. That is why Umino had to die."
Shikamaru was angrier than he had ever been in his life. He stayed in control, but barely.
"I would kill you where you stood, had I the power." He said in a whisper.
"You know you do not. My agents will pretend this conversation never happened, but they will apprehend you if you attempt any attack. We both know this. Please do not try. It would be a bother to replace you. I am not ready to be Hokage. Yet."
"Uzumaki Naruto will be my successor. I will put it in writing."
"Then you would have a most unfortunate accident involving rogue missing-nin and the document would be carelessly misplaced."
"You-"
"You will also pretend this conversation never happened, as will I. You have lost, Hokage-sama. Good day."
Two ROOT ANBU appeared at Shikamaru's side to escort him out.
"I will pretend, but I will not forget. You may rule Konoha from the shadows, but I command the shadows. Do not forget that, Shimura-san."
As the ROOT agents led him out of the room, Shikamaru fumed.
He would find a way to use Umino Iruka's death to his advantage. Iruka deserved at least that much, to avenge his death.
He would make Danzo pay.
Even if it killed him.
-Seven Years Ago, A Week Later-
Shikamaru stood at the door and knocked impatiently.
He had thought long and hard about Iruka's death and how to use it to beat Danzo. The plan was extremely risky, nearly a gamble, but it might work. In order to pull it off he would need some help. So he knocked on the door again.
There was still no reply.
'That's it! I know she's in there!'
He kicked down the door to the apartment.
"I know you're in here!" He shouted.
He heard whimpering coming from the bedroom.
Shizune sat on floor with her eyes closed, trembling. She was holding a dagger between her breasts. She put her hands before her and thrust inwards with all her strength.
"Shit! Kage-mane no jutsu!" Shikamaru shouted, stopping her just in time.
A single bead of blood dripped down into her cleavage. Shizune came out of her death-trance, in shock.
"H-Hokage-sama. What are you doing here? I was practicing a new self-healing technique and-"
"Save it. We both know what you were about to do." Shikamaru said softly and not unkindly.
Shizune burst into tears. "I have nothing left Hokage-sama! Please, leave me. Let me do the honorable thing and die before I bring disgrace to the village."
Shikamaru held her with his Kage-mane no jutsu as Shizune cried herself out.
"You really believe that's for the best?"
"Iruka-kun was all I had left! Please, Hokage-sama. Take pity on me! Let me end it."
"Mendokusai." The Rokudaime muttered, releasing his jutsu. "I wont stop you, but hear me out first."
Shizune didn't object. She would listen, he would leave, and then she would take her life.
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
"What if I were to offer you revenge?"
"...Revenge... Hokage-sama, forgive me, but revenge against who?"
Shikamaru stared at her with eyes she had never seen before. The eyes of the leader of the village. A true Hokage.
"You know who holds the real power. You know of whom I speak. Shimura Danzo must pay for his crimes against this village."
"But how?" Shizune asked, and a spark of life returned to her eyes.
"Allow me to explain your part in my little plan..."
Thirty minutes later they were drinking tea in Shizune's living room. The med-nin had lost her deathly pallor and burned with passion.
"I will do it Hokage-sama. Shimura-san must pay! He had no right to do that to Iruka-kun... especially after what he told you. If this is all I can do, I will see that my part of your plan is a success."
"You are sure about this Shizune-san? You know you'll be breaking the law."
"I don't care if it goes against every moral code I was taught or if I have to use kinjutsu. I will have my revenge!"
Shikamaru nodded. He hated to use anyone like this, but it was necessary. He had to use his pawns as effectively as Danzo if he hoped to win their game.
"Very well. I'll send Sakura-san over. She will offer you a position at the Hospital. You will accept, of course. There are materials there that you will need. It will also give you a cover. Shimura-san would be suspicious if you were disappearing in the night, with no social life and no work. I will also give you Tsunade's research and access to Orochimaru's old lab. Be discreet. A lot hinges on your success."
Shizune bowed deeply. She would do whatever it took. She would avenge her Iruka-kun and her Shishou.
"As you command, Hokage-sama. I have studied some of what your request entails. I will need something from you to achieve this."
"And what is that?"
Shizune got up and plucked a piece of hair from his head.
"Mendokusai..." Shikamaru rubbed his head. "How long will this take?"
"Years, Hokage-sama, but I am willing to wait for my revenge."
Shikamaru reached out and shook her hand.
"Me too."
-Almost Six Years Ago-
Hyuuga Hiashi did not look pleased.
"No, I will not give my Daughter permission. I will not run the risk of the Hyuuga line ending."
They were sitting in the parlor adjacent the Rokudaime's office. Hiashi had stormed in ten minutes ago demanding to see the Hokage.
'Typical Hyuuga arrogance.' Shikamaru thought sourly. 'I can't let him push me.'
"End, Hiashi-dono?" He queried, raising an eyebrow. "What of your other daughter?"
The Hyuuga Lord snapped his mouth shut, furious, but contained. He had not meant to say that.
"My other Daughter," he said icily, "can not bear children. I will not jeopardize the clan's only heiress. My Daugher will not have my permission. She will obey."
'Mendokusai.'
"I assure you, I will take every precaution."
"Respectfully, Hokage-dono, I do not believe there is any precaution that can ensure my Daughter's safety in the ANBU."
"I will make sure her senior-partner is of the highest caliber. Hinata-san is also quite strong."
"Strength does not guarantee survival. The answer is no."
"Respectfully, Hiashi-dono," The Nara parroted, "that is not your decision to make. I have accepted Hinata-san's application."
"My Daughter will not join without my approval. She can not deny my authority in a matter concerning the survival of the clan."
Hiashi was probably right, but the Rokudaime hadn't gotten this far by not being able to think on his feet.
"Allow me to propose a deal, Hiashi-dono. I am well aware of the Hyuuga's financial situation."
That got the Hyuuga Lord's attention.
"I will secure the resources you need to restore your clan. In return, you will let your daughter join the ANBU. We need every capable shinobi we can get."
Hiashi did not waver. "I will not risk my clan's future for the sake of a few ryo."
"I can ensure you receive enough resources to return your clan to its former wealth. I will personally choose your daughter's missions and assign her the lowest risk jobs available to the ANBU. I will also select a loyal and faithful senior-partner, someone of great strength who can safeguard your precious heiress."
Hiashi was sorely tempted. The Hyuuga were in dire straights financially. The attacks on Konohagakure had wiped out most of their formidable wealth. In a year they would be bankrupt. His Daughter was of the utmost importance to the clan's survival. However, if the risk was slight, and the potential gain was so very high...
"Very well. You will see to my Daughter's safety and ensure she is given a proper parter. You will inform me of her missions and who this partner is to be."
"You know I cannot do that, Hiashi-dono. I can select the missions and the partner, but I cannot reveal them to you. It would compromise them. It's against the law."
Hiashi was struggling to contain his anger. "I am the Lord of the Hyuuga."
"And you are a shinobi of Konoha." The Hokage countered. "I cannot make an exception. You know this."
The Hyuuga couldn't verbally admit that. So instead nodded his head in affirmation. Once.
"You will also owe me a favor."
Hiashi's expression remained the same, but his eyes narrowed.
"Don't give me that look. It won't be anything unreasonable. Just be ready to support me when the time comes. That shouldn't be too much to ask. I am your Hokage."
Hiashi didn't deign to reply. He got up from his seat and left.
"Oh, and Hiashi-dono. You should look into the prophecies of your ancestor."
Hiashi's step faltered for an instant as he walked out of the Rokudaime's office.
It was all the confirmation the Nara needed.
So far, so good.
-Almost Six Years Ago, A Month Later-
Hyuuga Hinata grinned in triumph.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Hokage-sama. I look forward to working with 'Dark Fox.' Arigato."
A vein twitched in Shikamaru's forehead. The nerve of these Hyuuga!
Hinata had just successfully blackmailed the Rokudaime into making Uzumaki Naruto her senior-partner. Somehow she had known about the ero-novels he kept hidden in his office. 'Troublesome kekke genkai...'
It was simple. Temari had found out about his previous collection and burned them. She had insinuated (none to subtlety) that any more novels she found would make having children together very difficult. In other words: immediate and traumatic castration. Shikamaru was more terrified of his wife than he was of Shimura Danzo. Moreover, he was rather attached to his testicles, and wasn't looking to be separated from them any time soon. Or ever, for that matter.
What choice did he have?
"Mendokusai." He sighed, lighting up a cigarette.
At least it would give him some more leverage over Hiashi. Uzumaki Naruto was the suitor of highest standing on Hyuuga Hinata's 'list.' It wouldn't be hard to convince Hiashi that he had the influence over Naruto to make him renounce his status, if it came to that. Shikamaru was confident he did, but it was moot. Naruto had no interest in marrying anyone at the moment, and for the forseeable future. That incident with that woman he had gotten involved with had pretty much destroyed any chance of a love life the Uzumaki might have had. Shikamaru didn't know the details, but all of the blonde ANBU's friends had noticed how he had changed since that incident. He put on a good show, but he was obviously forlorn and miserable.
'Maybe this will be good for him.' The Hokage mused. 'After all, I do have to look after the well-being of my shinobi. I wonder if Hinata-san still has a crush on him.'
Probably not.
Hyuuga Hinata had changed even more than Uzumaki Naruto in the past few years. She no longer stuttered, for starters, and she appeared to have grown strong both in confidence and in her ability as a shinobi. He would have to watch her carefully from now on. He had heard rumors that she had beaten her cousin recently in a sparring match. He'd have to verify that rumor. Hyuuga Hinata might be more important than he had previously thought. He had to take into account every variable in the scheme of his plans. The slightest error and everything could be ruined.
'Let's just hope they don't form any sort of serious attachment in the near future. That would be troublesome to my plans.'
Now about that mission to the Land of the Waves...
-Almost Six Years Ago, Two Months Later-
'Well that was entertaining.'
The Rokudaime had just finished debriefing his most troublesome ANBU duo from their mission to Omada's Castle.
Hinata had woken him up from his nap rather rudely. He should have docked them just for that, but it wouldn't have been fair. He could always take another nap.
Dark Fox and Night Orchid were now officially 'Raven Name.'
They were the least of his worries at the moment.
Lord Omada was his secret backer. He had promised the ambitious, fabulously wealthy lord, that he would be the next Daimyo of the Land of Fire. Shikamaru regretted that he would have to keep that promise. Having his own Daimyo assassinated was not something he wanted to do, but he didn't really have a choice. He needed Omada's resources to make good on his promise to Hiashi. Who the Daimyo was didn't make much difference to Konoha. Omada had promised not to interfere with how the village operated, which was essentially what the current Daimyo was doing.
He had sent Dark Fox and Night Orchid on the mission to throw Danzo off the scent. The old war-hawk was starting to get suspicious, and he needed Danzo to believe that he was smuggling weapons in for a coup. That would force Danzo to act sooner rather than later, and Shikamaru knew he was starting to run out of time. He needed to hide Hiashi's allegiance from Shimura. He had instructed Hiashi to go to Danzo to help him with his finances. Shimura needed to believe he had the Hyuuga Lord firmly under his control. It was essential to the plan.
Hyuuga Neji walked into his office to be debriefed on his latest solo mission.
It was time to set up his contingency plan, should Hiashi betray him.
"How did it go?" He asked without preamble.
"Taking care of a few rogue Chuunin was hardly worth my time." Neji replied in his usual Hyuuga manner.
"Good. You can give my secretary your report later."
"You aren't going to debrief me?"
"I have something more important to discuss with you. Tell me: do you still believe you owe Uzumaki Naruto your life?"
Neji stiffened. That was not something one just asked.
"That is a personal matter, Hokage-sama."
"As your Hokage, I order you to tell me. This has to do with the future of Konoha. It is important, Neji-san."
"I..." Neji swallowed his pride. "I do."
"I thought so." Shikamaru said, not unkindly. "Tell me, if you were given the opportunity to return the favor, would you?"
There was no hesitation this time. "Of course. My honor and pride would allow nothing else."
"Good. I am giving you a long-term S rank mission. This mission takes priority over any other loyalties, affiliations, or other missions you have presently and in the future. Uzumaki Naruto is essential to the future of our village. Protect him at all costs. Even if it means your pride."
"Even if I myself am unable to protect him, I vow on my honor I will see it done. Even if I must let another shinobi fulfill my mission, even if it costs me my pride."
"Even if that shinobi is your cousin?"
Neji froze.
"I heard she had beaten you in a sparring match. Is this true?"
"I... was overconfident. That wall all."
"Of course," the Hokage said, waving his hand dismissively, "I just wanted to make sure nothing would cause you to waver in your mission. Hinata-san is Uzumaki Naruto's partner."
The Hyuuga smirked. "That I know. It's obvious from how much they've been seen with one another."
Shikamaru smiled. Neji had come a long way since that match all those years ago. The first contingency plan was in place.
The first of many.
"One more thing. I want to thank you for tipping me off about the existence of your clan's prophecies. Even if you don't know what they are, or won't tell me, the knowledge was useful. Your uncle is going to spend the following months reading them and wondering how I know about them. It will keep him distracted. Thank you for that."
Hopefully it would keep Hiashi from betraying him for a greater ally, namely Danzo.
Neji cocked an eyebrow.
"Anything for Hiashi-sama." He said curtly.
The two Hyuuga didn't get along as famously as everyone thought.
Some things could never be completely forgiven, and some things not at all.
Danzo would pay.
-Almost Six Years Ago, Two Days Later-
The Rokudaime Hokage sat in his chair.
He was content for the first time in years.
Everything was going smoothly. Danzo didn't even know he was about to walk into a trap. Soon the de facto ruler of Konoha would be deposed, and Shikamaru would restore Konoha to its former glory. Some of Shimura's ideas would stay, the useful ones, but the rest would all go to the chopping block along with him. The Will of Fire was starting to sputter and die. Finally he would have vengeance for Iruka and all the others who had suffered at Shimura's hands. He would rekindle the Will of Fire and put the village back into order.
Then he would have the force he had secretly bought (with Omada's contributions) attack Konohagakure.
That day, most of the village's guards and senior shinobi would be at a great festival to celebrate the rebirth of the Will of Fire. Uzumaki Naruto would be stuck on guard duty at the back entrance of Konoha, on the other side of the monument. He would destroy the surprise attack, battling it out on top of the Hokage Monument for all to see. He would be a hero once more, and Shikamaru would name him his successor. Then he would retire and settle into a life of cloud watching and raising his children.
An ordinary, simple life. That would be his reward.
He was lazily smoking a cigarette and sipping a glass of hard sake. Today was a day for celebration. By this time tomorrow, Danzo would be gone.
"You look pleased about something."
Shikamaru sputtered and choked on his drink. How the hell had someone got past his ANBU guards?
He spun around and immediately used Kage-mane no jutsu.
A man garbed all in black wearing an odd mask, and with the strangest red eyes, was standing right next to him.
Literally right next to him. How the hell had he snuck up on him like that? The guy must have been a genius at stealth.
The Nara already had the man snared in his jutsu. The stranger just stood there, like he hadn't a care in the world.
"That's a little rude. At least you've improved. I'll admit I never thought you'd make much of yourself. Now your Hokage. I must say I'm impressed."
"Who..." The Hokage, despite his intellect, was at a loss. "Who are you?"
"Why not just use your Kage-mane no jutsu and take off my mask? Despite how you acted in class, you were always the smartest, Shikamaru-san. Has staring at the clouds all day finally rotted your brain?" The man sounded amused, but it was a detached thing. "I'm proud that you made it this far, but as Hokage you should never hesitate. You should have killed me by now."
The man in black stepped out of his possession jutsu effortlessly.
"N-not possible." Shikamaru whispered.
He should have raised the alarm, but for some reason, he did not feel threatened by this man. He seemed... familiar.
"Anything is possible. I realize that now. That is why I have come: to show you the Way."
"Na-nani?"
"Ah, but enough with this ridiculous get-up."
There was a poof of smoke and the man's appearance was revealed.
"S-s-s-s-"
"Ease up, you'll hurt yourself." The man kindly eased the Rokudaime back into his chair. "Don't pass out on me like the time I caught you 'studying clouds' on that roof overlooking the girl's hot spring. You know the time? We took that field trip in your third year at the academy. I'd never seen you more embarrassed. You look like that now. You're turning pale."
There could be no mistake. It was him, but that man was dead. It wasn't possible. Shikamaru had seen him die! Yet there he was.
Back from the dead.
"Iruka-sensei!" Shikamaru felt tears running down his cheeks and didn't try to stop them.
He had planned for years to get vengeance for this man, and here he was, healthy and hale, standing before him as if he'd never left. The old scar was still there on that smiling face. His eyes were warm and caring as ever, and he still wore his old uniform, but he carried himself differently. He looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Behind that easy-going smile and cheerful expression was a burden so great, it made him slump. Iruka looked like a different person, worn out and world-weary.
"Yes. That was what I was called... Umino... Umino Iruka." His expression was thoughtful... and confused? "I am still him, but I am also not."
Shikamaru picked up his cigarette. It had dropped to the floor in his surprise. He puffed away at it in a frenzy, as if he could smoke away this business about dead people being alive. When the fag was finished, Shikamaru finished the sake left in his glass, poured himself two more, and pounded them back. Some color returned to his face and he regained his calm. He had to take this seriously. It could destroy the plan.
"What happened to you, Sensei?" The Hokage said quietly.
"First, you should know we can speak freely. I have cast a jutsu that makes this place secure from eye-and-ears."
Shikamaru nodded.
"Secondly, you should know that I am not Umino Iruka. I am... but that is not who I am. I know it doesn't make sense. I have his memories and his body, I am Iruka, I lived that life, but that is not who I am, any longer. I have been brought back, and I come to you with dire tidings. This world is in great peril. He is here. I can sense his presence. It won't be long now before the world erupts in the fire and chaos of war."
Shikamaru was overwhelmed, but his Dad's teachings had prepared him for anything. His mind began to race.
'Challenge accepted.'
"The first point: Umino Iruka died. The second point: you are Umino Iruka. You know things only he could. That incident on that field trip did happen, and only you and I knew about it. The third point: you don't know how you came back. It's obvious from that troubled expression. The fourth and final point: what you are telling me is something you believe to be true. My conclusion:" Shikamaru looked up at the ceiling, wishing he could stare at an untroubled sky. "Mendokusai!"
Iruka laughed. "That was always your favorite expression."
"Sensei, what do you mean by that's not who you are? You say you've come back from the dead, and I assume it's to tell me about some trouble, but you haven't explained why. That much you know, I can tell."
"Perceptive as always. First, you shouldn't call me 'Sensei' anymore. I am not that man. I have a codename now... you can call me Veritas."
"Veritas-san." Shikamaru said slowly, testing it out.
"Yes. As for who I am, I don't have the time to go into the details. I am a Guardian of this world. That is all you need to know for now."
"A... Guardian?"
'Veritas' sat in the chair opposite the Rokudaime.
"I am linked to this world. I can not die here. Not completely. I was always this person, but I did not realize it until I was brought back. There are others like me here. They are why I have come back. I am only a Shepard. My powers are rather limited compared to the rest of the Guardians, but I do have certain abilities they do not."
"Such as?"
Iruka went on for several minutes, describing his abilities. Shikamaru took it in stride, though what his old sensei was describing was absolutely mind-boggling.
"That's... that's pretty impressive." He said. "You are living proof of your abilities. Still, why come to me? Why not just go gather up these 'Guardians' and do whatever it is you have to do?"
"It's more complicated than that. There is only one other Guardian that is close to reaching awareness. I do not know who this person is, but they are close to 'Waking Up.' I suspect there may be others here as well, but I am uncertain. I can sense the presence of other 'Awakened' Guardians, and can track down a 'Potential' Guardian to their relative vicinity, but I can not do more than that. Though I can sense him. He is to the far north right now. That is all I know."
Shikamaru made quick work of figuring out his old teacher's plight. It was terribly simple. Terribly.
'Mendokusai.'
"You have come to me because you believe I can help you." He stated.
"Yes."
"So what is it I can do for you, Veritas-san?" The Rokudaime asked bluntly.
This man may have been his sensei, his friend, and a shinobi of Konoha, but now he was something else. The Nara couldn't afford to take him lightly. Iruka believed what he was saying was true, but that didn't mean it really was true. People could believe any lie: either because they needed it to be true, or because they feared it was. This man was no different, no matter who (or what) he had become.
"Do you know of the prophecies of Hyuuga Hiama?" Iruka asked, his expression dead-serious.
"I have heard of the Hyuuga clan having an ancestor that spoke of a prophecy, but I did not know he was the clan's founder. Nor do I know what his prophecy entails."
The Hokage prepared himself for a long-winded explanation. He was not disappointed.
"Prophecies; he wrote a great many. He was gifted with a power that was ancient even before this world was created. His prophecies are true. This much I know from my abilities. That is why I have taken the name 'Veritas.' The prophecies describe the boundary that was forged to keep this world separate from the 'Other World,' or the 'Main Land,' as many call it here. It also describes what amounts to the end of this boundary, and this world. Hiama saw the world in great peril, poised for destruction. He knew that the chances of it being saved rested in the hands of the 'Herald of the Scroll.' I can only verify what I know, I can not verify what I do not know. To be clear: I only know parts of his prophecies, this much I was told in that place. However, I do know enough to take action. There is a shinobi in this village who is the 'Key' to saving this world. I do not know who it is, but I have my suspicions. There are only half a dozen who meet the criteria of Hiama's prophecies. I know it must be a shinobi. An ordinary person could not accomplish what is described in the prophecies. I am here to protect this 'Key.' That is why I am here."
Shikamaru was silent for some time. What 'Veritas' was telling him was highly improbable, but given what had happened to the man, it was possible. As Hokage, he had a duty to protect his people. His old sensei had just told him that the fate of the world depended on the survival of this 'Key.' Even if it was only a minor possibility, he could not disregard Iruka's plight. He would have to listen to what his sensei had to say. Hopefully, it wouldn't interfere with his plan.
"You think you know who these people are. You want me to safeguard them." He said flatly.
"Yes," Iruka replied solemnly, "I know Konohagakure is troubled. I can see our Will of Fire starting to die. I know who is responsible, I can see it. However, you must put aside any feelings or plans you might have had to remedy this situation. As Hokage, you can not disregard what I am saying. If I am right, then I have placed the world on your shoulders. I am sorry you must bear this burden, but I have no choice. For what I am about to tell you, please forgive me, my old student."
"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!"
Those were the words his Dad had said to him almost three years ago. The day his boyhood had ended, and his gambit had begun. He hadn't backed down that day.
Shikamaru knew he was in the same situation. He couldn't back down. He had to see this through to the end.
"Challenge accepted."
'Veritas' blinked. 'What an odd thing to say.'
Still, he had been sent here for a reason. He had to save the world. He had to trust his old student.
He told the Rokudaime everything he could afford to tell him. Shikamaru wasn't ready to hear the rest, that had to come later.
The Hokage's reaction was predictable.
"You're telling me that Shimura Danzo may be this 'Key?!' Impossible! Shimura is selfish, cruel and power hungry. A person like him could never save the world!"
Iruka nodded, sagely. "Yes, I understand your feelings. He is only one of the six, but he is a possibility. This much I know. The others are more likely, but he may yet have a part to play in saving this world. I know it is hard to accept, but Shimura Danzo must survive to see the end of this conflict. If he does not, the very world may end."
Everything Shikamaru had planned for, every contingency he had come up with, the whole plan had just been wiped out. How could he possibly throw Danzo out of power now? His plan had been to kill Danzo. Imprisoning him would be near impossible. Yet now, he could not take the chance. He would have to alter his plans drastically. Tomorrow had been the day, and now here was his old sensei, back from the dead, telling him if he executed his plan, he could destroy the world.
Shikamaru pounded his head on his desk. He desperately reached for his sake bottle and took a long pull. He lit up another cigarette, puffing away furiously, trying to come up with some way to accomplish the impossible.
His Dad had said that in order to win, he needed to lose first. He had had set Danzo up for a fall before. Now he needed to pin him down with a serious crime. He needed something so solid, so irrefutable, so final, that the Shimura would have no way out of the situation. He also needed a sure-fire way of getting proof. That meant it had to be something he arranged himself. He'd never find something concrete enough in the old war-hawk's past. Danzo was too clever an opponent, he would never overextend himself unless it meant his ultimate victory. Even then, he would be loathe to do so unless Shikamaru could force his hand. Even worse, it had to be something the Nara was directly involved in, or else Shimura might slip away. The Hokage himself needed to be party to the crime.
He couldn't put his faith in the Council to elect another suitable Hokage, not with Koharu and Homura. That meant being one of the guilty party was out. That left him with only one option. He needed to be the victim of the crime himself, but what crime could Danzo possibly commit against the Hokage? He was content where he was, and in a few more years, he would make his move and become the Shichidaime.
Shikamaru needed to gamble on a miracle, a god-send, a hail-mary. He needed the impossible, but he knew how the world worked now. One could not expect the impossible to happen.
One of his dearest friends had had his dreams crushed by seeking what became impossible.
"I will become Hokage! Believe it!"
Shikamaru froze. 'No... it can't be that simple... can it?'
"Uzumaki Naruto will be my successor. I will put it in writing."
"Then you would have a most unfortunate accident involving rogue missing-nin and the document would be carelessly misplaced."
The Rokudaime grinned like a gambler that had the winning ticket.
"That ability of yours... tell me more."
Together with the help of Iruka, a plan began to form in Shikamaru's mind. The risk was tremendous, but the outcome was exactly what they needed, should it succeed.
"That's too dangerous." Iruka said at last. "Even I can not guarantee this will work."
"I know it's a serious gamble, but it's all I've got. If you've got something better, just tell me."
Iruka looked like he was about to implode. "I... don't."
"Then we move forward. If what you tell me is true, we can't let him, whoever he really is," The Rokudaime shot Iruka a withering glare. 'Veritas' hadn't been very forthcoming about that part of his knowledge, "confront us without the aid of these 'Potential' six 'Keys'. As to the other 'Guardian,' there is not much we can do about that person, except to protect Konoha from her enemies."
"You are right." The Umino admitted reluctantly. "However, there is something else that may help us. I have recently become the leader of an organization. They are just regular shinobi, mostly outcasts, but they could be very useful in executing this insane plan of yours. I will be needed here, so before I go, I need to find a replacement. I will return as soon as possible. Until then, stick to the plan, and protect them."
"I will," The Rokudaime said calmly, "Veritas-san."
"Then I will take my leave." Umino said.
He didn't poof or disappear. Instead he seemed to... melt away.
Shikamaru heard a blast from his office.
'That chakra... it's enormous. This can't be good.'
"Yami!" He yelled out to his assistant. She poked her head into the room." Take over for me. I'm going out."
"Hai, Hokage-sa-"
But the shadow user was already gone.
Hyuuga Hinata was about to die in her fight against Killer Bee.
Almost.
Some time later, she was taken away to the Hospital by her furious duo partner. She would survive to fight another day, barely.
Hiashi turned to speak to the Hokage only to feel his neck being crushed. A shadowy hand had snaked up his body and was choking him to death.
"You..." Shikamaru said dangerously, walking until he was mere inches from the Hyuuga Lord's face. "Really... fucked up."