Chapter 45: Catching up!
Early AN: Please read note at the end!
At Takumi in the Land of Rivers (A few months after the conflict in the Land of Water)
"Explain me again why are we going to this…Takuni?" complained Suigetsu Hozuki in a long yawn while he rode on a grey horse with the large Kubikiribocho strapped across his back.
"It is Takumi…" replied Jugo while riding a large black charger with an indifferent face while clad in dark leather armor and from his hip hanged his two characteristic clawed gauntlets.
"Shut it…" barked in clear annoyance a black cloaked figure riding a nimble black horse ahead of them.
The three figures rode slowly on a road that led from the Land of Fire to the Land of Rivers' capital city of Takumi. On the road they met with numerous merchant caravans that belonged to either the nomadic tribes of Wind, the craftsmen of Rivers or from the numerous clans in Fire.
The leading figure didn't like sharing the road with such rabble but even he couldn't deny that much wealth was moving about and no little amount reached the lands of his clan.
"Hey Sasuke! Are we going to Takumi so you can stay away from Karin?!" suddenly asked Suigetsu with a grin and mischievous eyes.
The leading figure uncloaked his face and turning with a sharp look said "Jugo…"
Jugo nodded and in a swift backhand, made Suigetsu's head explode in water making the rest of his body wobble slightly as it struggled to hang on to the horse's reins while his head reformed quickly.
Once Suigetsu's head reformed completely the white haired man complained "Hey, it isn't funny! Just because that won't kill me it doesn't mean that you can do that any time you please!"
Sasuke didn't react and turning allowed himself an amused smirk. For Suigetsu's family curse was quite convenient to relieve some stress in a violent manner…something he had wanted to do whenever in presence of Naruto, his mother and his newly found cousin.
"Is it a family thing?" wondered Sasuke thinking if annoyance was a given trait of the Uzumaki clan.
It has been a couple of months since they returned from their strange expedition to the Land of Waves and to the Land of Waters where over a series of events and Naruto's talent to get into trouble ended up mired in a battle to decide the fate of an entire Elemental Land.
On their journey back they had encountered an ancient Uzumaki ruin where, curiously enough they found a lost member of said clan and upon returning to Waves, Naruto named his admiral as the Lord of that land based on a promise…
Sasuke had wanted to protest that Waves could be a strategic point to establish a naval strongpoint for Fire but reasoned that Zabuza would always be a loyal fellow and Water's weakened state wouldn't rise much of an issue for a while.
At their return home and upon telling of their extended journey's events and accomplishments all hell broke loose.
Every clan not involved in the campaign made formal protests to Naruto over taking such risks when the unity of the country rested on his persona. And that was made worst by the fact that several heirs of Fire Clans had been involved as well.
The clans also protested that Naruto made such decisions without at least informing the council before taking them and publicly wondered why even a council existed in the first place.
The Imperial Court had been quite vocal on this regard as well. But the absence of their speaker, Danzo Shimura, made their protest seem like an attempt to still sound relevant in the events concerning Fire.
Still the protests fell in rigor when exposed to the dangers of letting Yagura run rampant in the seas. The fact that Naruto managed to make of Water an ally also impressed them to no end for now Fire was allied to two Elemental Lands. A never before seen feat.
Also the promise of new wealth over ocean trade made the clans calm down a lot as one could never have too much gold. On this regard Sasuke had employed workers from his clan to start making a safe path through the reefs before his shores. He didn't want the Uzumaki to be the only port Fire had for several reasons.
Finally on the day Naruto's Dream Castle was finished and named "Dawn Fire Castle" Naruto announced Sakura's pregnancy and the whole Land celebrated greatly with festivals and parties. The Land was glad that an enduring dynasty was finally in position to bring peace and stability to it for generations to come.
Sasuke had bristled at this for they all seemed to forget that the Fire Lord was not a position to be inherited but one earned from among the Clans.
But bothered as he was he felt glad for his friend and even that was short lived when his mother's pestering on him getting a bride increased tenfold. And her immediately inviting Karin to spend the season with them didn't improve things at all…
Sighing Sasuke thought "I know I have to get married someday but…"
Sasuke's thought became interrupted when the forest suddenly ended and before him the beautiful city of Takumi rose on its ornate but very strong walls.
"Wow, never seen a place like this before!" said Suigetsu sounding honest for a chance as his upbringing probably never brought him to such places.
But even Sasuke had to admit that the city was quite an impressive sight despite having fresh in memory the many castles and cities found in Fire. Takumi was one of a kind as it was a city built by and for men and women who made of craftsmanship an art and a way of life.
The city had been made and founded by a man named Seimei who according to legend was an unparalleled genius when it came to crafting all kinds of goods. From furniture to buildings to weapons. No skill however complex was beyond his reach or mastery.
Seimei though had something of an odd legend as his bouts of inspiration in one thing or another was sometimes told to be heavenly demands brought upon him…
Still the city prospered and under its peaceful ways changed hands over political deals with Earth, Wind and Fire over the passing of the years and was never submitted to any serious battle worth remembering.
The city's inhabitants conducted themselves in a strange but seemingly order that basically allowed the truly skilled and talented to prosper beyond their wildest dreams without the need of a patron. The more you could do and the more impressive you became, the city would simply fuel your talent to new heights.
On this regard Sasuke liked this people more than anything, a society that justly rewarded the talented….
On their approach to the city Sasuke noticed that the inhabitants didn't stood idly and had managed not only to erase all traces of the siege they suffered years ago at the hands of raiding Sabaku riders but also enlarged the city beyond the walls.
This, Sasuke guessed was due to commerce becoming very active between Fire and Wind and the city being in the middle of both.
Outside of the walls a town was emerging made mostly from locals tending to the needs of the travelling merchants from both nations. Here and there he could see banners belonging to the smaller border countries, no doubt attracted by the coin moving through here.
Sasuke entertained himself watching the small time artisans trying to sell obviously inferior works to the merchants until they reached the gates of the city which were open and lightly manned by friendly looking guards.
Nevertheless upon seeing the clawed gauntlets and the massive blade, the guards hefted their weapons and their faces changed to a more serious demeanor.
Jugo and Suigetsu looked unfazed over this and turning to Sasuke the black haired man advanced slowly to the guards, whose captain approached with a risen hand and the other resting on the pommel of his blade.
"Good day kind master, may I enquire as to your purpose in the city?" asked the captain sounding friendly enough.
Sasuke pulled back his cloak revealing his noble countenance but not being a local or a known foreigner he sighed and said "I am Sasuke Uchiha, Lord of the Uchiha Clan at the Land of Fire. I have an appointment with Great Artisan Saumon…"
The captain blinked and for a moment his composure broke in the face of being talking with a true noble from their allied nation.
After that he turned and barked his men to bring him the appointment scrolls sent every day from Seimei's Shop with important notices. Before long the captain got the scroll and in it was indeed the appointment agreed upon weeks before.
The captain quietly scolded his men, even though it was his duty, and turning smartly bowed before Sasuke saying "Apologies my Lord! We are honored to have you as our guest! I'll have men escort you Great Artisan Saumon immediately!"
Sasuke frowned slightly before the incompetent man and shaking his head slightly replied "No need, the city is easy enough to navigate and I imagine…Seimei's Shop is the big building at the back, right?"
The captain flushed at Sasuke's obvious contempt and nodded saying "Yes, it is a you say my Lord…please enjoy your stay"
Sasuke smirked slightly and kicking his horse's sides began advancing while Suigetsu and Jugo followed silently.
After their entrance the trio advanced amidst a seemingly busy city that bustled with artists and crafters of all kind peddling their wares to visitors and locals alike. Suigetsu was quite taken by the displays of weapons while Jugo seemed to take a liking for painting of nature and animals. Sasuke decided to let them wander through the city on their own once his business were done.
It didn't take long for them to advance the main road to the city's palace name Seimei's Shop. The place was quite fancy but Sasuke's trained eye could tell that it was among the most solid fortifications he had seen and its design provided with ultimate defense with minimum soldiery.
Sasuke had to recognize that Seimei had been truly gifted in his skills to create…
At the entrance the large man known as Saumon was already waiting for him and Sasuke guessed the gate captain had sent some sort of message to his liege so he could be warned and not embarrass himself.
Descending from the horse Sasuke was greeted by the large and strong man in a bear hug that made Suigetsu snicker while Jugo seemed torn between jumping to help the straining Uchiha and not doing over not feeling any ill will from the man.
Letting go of Sasuke Saumon bellowed "Greetings Lord Uchiha! The city shines brighter whenever friends from Fire visits us!"
Sasuke recovered his breath and wondered exactly how strong this "artisan" really was before saying "Good day to you Great Artisan. Your city and its treasures are a sight to behold"
Saumon laughed at Sasuke's meek praise and ushered Sasuke into the palace along with his companions as rather attractive servants offered them beverages and snacks to ease the burden of the journey.
"You are truly a man of your word Lord Uchiha, most nobles like to be fashionably late whenever they have an appointment with me" said Saumon as he led his guest to his "shop" within the palace.
Looking around the palace Sasuke replied "I don't like such pointless behavior, plus I am a busy man"
Saumon laughed softer this time and reaching the gold etched doors of his shop turned to look at Sasuke who nodded and turning to Suigetsu and Jugo said "I'll be done before dusk, go enjoy the palace or whatever"
Suigetsu grinned and making thumbs up expression followed one of the palace's maidens while Jugo seemed hesitant but one dominating glance from Sasuke conducted him to the gardens of the palace.
After this Saumon led Sasuke into his shop and walking behind his large ornate desk sat and sighing said "You were quite vague about your request Lord Sasuke. An artisan can barely work with such a, pardon me, scarce description"
Sasuke didn't look annoyed and removing his cloak sat on a comfortable chair replying "What I wanted was an appointment with you Lord Saumon. Making such a poor request was simply to ensure that in case of the letter being stolen it wouldn't reveal anything sensible"
Saumon's eyes narrowed slightly at this and asked "What kind of request do you demand form then, that requires such secrecy?"
Sasuke seemed bothered by the subject and sighing said "I know that back when Naruto lifted the Sabaku siege, you awarded him and his companions with mighty rewards…I have seen some of them displayed in combat and being a warrior I was interested in acquiring one for myself"
Saumon nodded silently and after crossing his fingers said "Such weapons are rare Lord Sasuke, extremely so as the art to make them goes to the grave with their masters"
Sasuke didn't lose his cool and said "If its money you demand, I have it in ample supply"
Saumon smirked and nodding to his "shop" replied "Wealth is not lacking in this city my Lord"
Sasuke frowned and replied "Then what do you demand from me in return?"
The artisan closed his eyes and said "An artisan's wish is not to get something out of his work but ultimately to see his work reach perfection or get closer to it as he can"
Sasuke's frown deepened at not being able to understand Saumon's cryptic words and crossing his words growled when the large man laughed at his ignorance.
Saumon flashed a broad smile and said "Weapons purpose isn't complete without the right hand wielding them. As such, when making a weapon, the maker envisions the right warrior swinging it in combat"
Sasuke's frown disappeared and showing honest curiosity allowed Saumon to continue.
"As such a weapon climbs to perfection as long as its wielder gains experience, strength and expertise to the point both melt into a single entity of war" explained Saumon.
"When I gave those items to those warriors I fixed my sight beforehand on their hands, their stance and demeanor. That's how I knew that hallowed Seimei's treasures would get closer to their true completion with them" finished saying Saumon with utter reverence for the legendary craftsman's art.
Sasuke managed to grasp some of the man's meaning and replied "So the right tool for the right man for the right purpose?"
Saumon nodded and said "It's deeper than that but yes"
Sasuke nodded and showing his hands open to the man asked "Is there such a piece for me?"
Saumon observed Sasuke's hands which despite looking somewhat frail hid great strength and dexterity in them. He finished observing them and said "A swift warrior, you don't strike in anger but with precision. No movement is wasted, all swings have purpose and the required strength…"
Sasuke smirked at the praise and was admittedly impressed by Saumon's expert assessment. He wondered for a moment if Saumon had taken to the field at some part of his life, given his bulk and strength he could have made quite the fearsome force.
"I have seen hands like yours only once Lord Uchiha, some time ago…a masked warrior, well mostly a kid but with considerable talent" finally said Saumon leaning back on his chair while Sasuke wondered about said warrior.
Breathing in and out Saumon said "I believe I do have a piece that would suit you well enough…"
"Is it powerful" asked Sasuke a bit too eager.
"Oh yes, it is quite powerful. Very much so actually but there is a catch I am afraid" explained Saumon remembering the masked warrior of years ago.
"What's the catch?" asked Sasuke confident it wouldn't be too hard to sort.
"Weapons such as the one you request do not only demand the most dexterous hand to wield them but also the right…spirit" said Saumon even finding it difficult to explain.
Sensing this, Sasuke didn't push further and instead contented himself with following the artisan to wherever his weapon would be.
After walking several passages and admittedly managing to confuse Sasuke as to the layout of the palace, Saumon led him to a vault with a large bronze door with seemingly no features except for a plain looking keyhole.
Saumon produced a large bronze key from within his robes and placing the key inside turned it once to the left making the door emit a clicking sound that repeated itself several times over the whole structure.
At the seventh click, Saumon turned the key to the right and another series of clicks began to sound throughout the door. At the third he turned the key to the left and son on, he kept turning the key at certain numbers of clicks resounding throughout the door.
Sasuke was quite impressed over the elaborate system of the door which he guessed would deny anyone who didn't know the proper times entrance even if they somehow procured the key or a copy.
At long last a loud bang made the door come silently off and with a single finger Saumon pulled it open further impressing Sasuke over the balance and good placing of the door that looked like it could withstand the biggest battering ram.
Noticing this Saumon said with relish "One of my own creations Lord Sasuke"
Sasuke nodded his respect for the artisan and barely keeping his eagerness in check stepped into the vault which was quite a large room with a varied assortment of items that went from leather bound books, ancient looking scrolls, weapons and other whose function was lost to him.
"Are these Seimei's" asked Sasuke wanting to know if these were forged by the hand of the legendary crafter.
Saumon smirked and shook his head making Sasuke frown in displeasure but the old man held a hand in a placating manner.
"The items stored here are from unknown crafters, they were so beautiful, powerful or dangerous that they needed proper keeping. Just because we don't know who was responsible for them it doesn't mean we can dismiss them" explained Saumon enjoying a sight no one but a few had the chance to see.
"Why not one of Seimei's creations?" asked Sasuke while his eyes darted the various sets of weapons arrayed without much order in the vault.
Saumon closed his eyes and replied "Hallowed Seimei's creations are not for everyone. Had there been one for you, I would have gladly delivered to you. But I know every treasure in here like the back of my calloused hand and I can tell you that what you seek is in this room"
Sasuke grunted at that explanation but in the same breath something caught his attention at a rather concealed corner.
Expertly dodging several badly placed items, Sasuke reached a straight blade encased in a deep blue scabbard with a single ivory line running from the tip to the hilt.
Without asking permission Sasuke took the blade feeling surprised at how light it felt in his grip. He then unsheathed it and marveled at its pristine edge which he didn't expect to be on just one side.
The blade was superbly light and properly balanced and the more he turned it in his grip the more it felt simply right. As if no opening couldn't be struck and at the same time no defense couldn't be sliced apart.
Executing a couple of swings Sasuke knew this had to be a special one and confirmed it upon seeing Saumon's astute face.
Sheathing the weapon and blushing a bit over his eagerness for the blade Sasuke said "How much for it?"
Saumon smiled and in a calm voice said "As I said before, these things to be complete are awaiting their final component and that would be the man or woman to use them to their full extent"
Sasuke nodded and remembering the beyond human weapons he observed in Water had to ask "Does it do anything special?"
Saumon nodded and said "Its name is Chidori, one of a set of several identical pieces, and its power is that it can attain the lightning from the heavens"
Sasuke's eyes went wide at that information and slightly unsheathing the blade he wondered how he could attain such a marvelous power. Not finding an answer in his thoughts, without taking the eyes off the white steel he asked "Is it as powerful as let's say, the Kyuubi no Kitsune?"
The artisan's expression became surprised and then pensive for a while before saying "So little is known about the legendary creations of Master Roku. But legend has it that he attained godhood by forging primordial spirits into weapons. And from what I gather from Lord Naruto's campaign is that those weapons bestow great power unto their wielders"
Eyeing the blade in Sasuke's hand he continued "Chidori on the other hand and similar weapons were likely made by artisans who sought to replicate Master Roku's feat. But forging spirits into weapons is something that I can't even imagine can actually be done"
"Spirits unlike the elements are sentient beings and from there stems the dark legend of the weapons. Their power is unnatural and may unravel in ways we can't imagine" finished Saumon now sounding like he was giving a lecture. Sasuke though agreed at the legendary weapons' powers were strange if Naruto's clones back in Water were something to go by.
"Weapons like the Chidori though harness the power of nature's elements and channel them to aid their wielder. As to how someone manage this, I am also at a loss. Such ancient rituals are taboo in modern day crafters for it mean meddling in powers beyond the realm of men and was considered to be best left alone" said Saumon remembering the lectures passed from one generation to the next in his Land.
Remembering the dreadful weapons of the Sea Lords, Sasuke could agree with such a consideration. Still to refuse such power seemed a bit wasteful for him…
Sasuke then turned to the blade in hand and directing his will at it, was slightly put off when nothing happened.
"You see Lord Sasuke, this weapon can attain the power of lightning…but at the present it doesn't possess it. It has to be instilled into it" explained Saumon having noticed Sasuke's questions about the weapon.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes and asked "How do I get it to work then?"
"The weapon requires its master to acknowledge the power it will wield and to do this, you must split a lightning bolt with it" sighed Saumon still not being able to comprehend the mind behind such a dangerous item.
Sasuke's eyes went wide and for a moment actually considered leaving the weapon there after hearing such a ludicrous request. But remembering that Saumon spoke of another he steeled his soul with determination.
Seeing Sasuke's resolve Saumon said "I warn you Lord Sasuke, many have taken the challenge and so far only one has returned alive. To challenge the elements is to step in the domain of gods, and even they bow before them"
But those cautionary words did nothing but spur Sasuke's spirit for he had witnessed a handful of men and women defying that very domain with his own eyes and deep in his heart he knew such fate was also his. All he needed was the proper tool to get started.
Noticing Sasuke's unflinching will to carry on the test, sighed and said "There is a small mountain, north from here and near the border with the Land of Rain. It used to be a mine of high quality Iron but due to the ever bad weather of our neighbors was deemed too dangerous to keep using"
"The large iron veins still inside make lightning to constantly strike the mountain so it's a good place to try…" said Saumon considering how much trouble it would mean to let one of Fire's nobles march to such a reckless trial.
But Sasuke's driven eyes told him there was no talking him out of this test and so fixing the blade to his hip he took his own blade and handed it to Saumon saying "It's not as valuable I imagine but it has served me well"
Saumon took the blade and noticed that why Uchiha forgers were renowned even in Takumi. The blade looked quite pure and well hammered and could certainly fetch a high value on any market.
Still the sign was clear, Sasuke wanted this so much that he wasn't considering to step back and by giving his blade away, made it definite. Triumph or disaster…
Two Days afterwards near the River/Rain Border
Having received a map, Sasuke left the city with Suigetsu and Jugo in tow and within two days reached the place Saumon had explained was better to try the test to truly master the Chidori blade.
Upon arriving they were greeted by a drizzle that annoyed Jugo and made Suigetsu look quite refreshed…
The mountain itself was bare of any vegetation and when a lightning bolt crashed against it was obvious why. Using an old mining road the trio climbed to the summit where a closed shaft was all that once could discern of civilization been there before.
From the summit the three warriors could see into Rain and as the name implied the land ahead was covered in clouds and in several parts a heavy downpour washed it with the occasional lightning trailing the skies.
"What a miserable place…" breathed Suigetsu despite his obvious enjoyment of water falling from above.
Sasuke agreed and remembering bits of that land's gruesome history frowned and turning said "Come on, let's get this done…"
With that the trio went to their horses and from the satchels on the saddles procured several short steel pikes which they proceeded to stab around the summit making a large circle. With that finished Suigetsu and Jugo left Sasuke with the horses in tow.
"You sure of this man?" asked Suigetsu not liking the further darkening clouds above.
Sasuke didn't respond and instead removed his travelling jacket and white shirt baring his torso to the elements.
"Karin is so going to kill us when we get back" grimly thought Suigetsu while Jugo, having witnessed Sasuke's determination, followed him in silence.
Sasuke in turn smirked at the darkening skies and unsheathing the Chidori blade, smiled at the low humming it let out for a second.
Then out of nowhere a lightning bolt illuminated his vision in white as it struck without any warning one of the spikes on the ground. A few seconds later the air cracked with the thunder that hurt Sasuke's ears.
At that Sasuke was rooted to the spot for now he could properly understand the trial ahead and how truly impossible it seemed.
As a reminder another lightning struck another spike on the ground and from it jumped to the one next to it so fast that Sasuke was unable to even follow its movement. He just managed to imprint the glare of it in his sight as an afterimage.
Tightening his grip on the blade Sasuke wondered how someone could even begin to split a lightning bolt in midflight.
But as hopelessness began to pervade him he thought of other great warriors he had fought and seen fight in the last few years.
He saw the faces of every foe he had slain, how he could predict their movements from the onset. How he flowed around their swings, parried their thrusts and struck with just the necessary force to kill.
He remembered the primal ferocity of his bout with Gaara and that living weapon he wielded. The amazing force behind its blows and the unpredictable nature of its movements. Still if not for Temari he would have won the day against the crazed man.
Another lightning bolt struck a spike but this time Sasuke didn't move and his eyes simply followed its trail skyward where it was lost amidst the clouds.
Going further back he remembered his fight against Naruto in which both had flowed around one another delivering strikes and trying to deliver the winning blow. Back in the day Naruto wasn't the warrior he is today, but he already had a vitality unlike any Sasuke had seen in a warrior.
Going further back Sasuke's memories finally reached a bittersweet point of his life when he sparred with Itachi on the training fields of his Clan.
Itachi then was already an accomplished warrior and was in the process of teaching Sasuke but he had never taken it seriously as he liked to tease and annoy his younger brother while at it.
Sasuke had then become enraged and had attacked Itachi with all his might and all his fury but then Itachi had blocked, parried and countered his every move.
Still what had impressed Sasuke then was that Itachi had made several blocks and parries without even seeing Sasuke's blade, or even him at all.
An awed Sasuke had asked his brother how he could accomplish something like that and Itachi had said though sight was paramount to a warrior, one could become something superlative by adding the rest of his senses to the battle.
When Sasuke asked him how to do that, Itachi had flicked him on the forehead and told him to figure it out himself…
Sasuke growled at the memory and instead stood with his legs father apart and ceasing all movement focused his sight on the ground letting his peripheral vision take into the large picture of what was around.
Slowing his breath Sasuke began to become aware of the wind pushing against his naked chest, the faint rain that wetted him from head to toes and the rumble of dozens of lightning bolts crossing the clouds above.
Another lightning struck a spike near him but this time Sasuke didn't bother with it and instead focused on everything else. This time he smelled the ozone prickling his nose, and noticed the hair on the back of his neck tremble slightly.
Taking air slowly Sasuke began a light sword dance that served to always be ready to deliver a fast swing but still he remained focused on his environment.
This time, the hordes of enemy soldiers came to mind and how he managed to not panic and still control a mob of anger, grunting and steel trying to kill him.
He remembered how he could turn parries into deadly swings and thrusts. But the important thing was that he managed to do it almost without thinking it.
As he moved around the circle of steel spikes he stopped when his nose felt strange and the hairs on the back of his neck stood. Bringing the blade down to a position for an upward swing he suddenly felt as if a tunnel was being built around him.
The temperature dropped on his skin and feeling a strange urgency he swung the blade upwards as fast as he could just as a lightning bolt struck from amidst the clouds.
The lightning bolt struck the blade and through it reached Sasuke who went rigid for a fraction of a second before forcing his clamped muscles to finish the movement and in a return strike the bolt leapt from the blade and unto every spike on the ground.
Sasuke remained immobile for a moment as ozone filled his nostrils and a current of feeling ran up and down his spine. At that moment Sasuke remembered to breath and then he could finally feel his heart drumming loudly in his chest.
"I did it?" wondered Sasuke as he saw his blade and it looked as if it possessed a new sheen over the metal.
Slightly fearful, Sasuke compelled the blade to light up and to his satisfaction it became encased in bright blue hue of tiny lightning arcs that sounded as if many birds chirped together at the same time.
Sasuke smirked and saluting the skies with his blade left the summit of the mountain to rejoin his companions and return home a greater warrior he could ever imagine was possible…
AN: And done once again!
Hi people, has been some time huh? How did it get you to know that Naruto is ending so soon? You think Kishimoto will continue the series under a new setting or characters? Will leave things open to consideration as those guys from Code Geass did? Will the shipping wars finally come to an end?
15 Years and though the series has had its ups and downs, no one can deny that it has gripped many of us hard with its originality, characters and history. I think its sponsors won't let it die so soon neither so we might still see spin offs and more stuff.
In any case, as a fan fiction writer my greatest concern with Naruto ending so soon is if people will actually still be interested in reading this stuff anymore. So far this is the only manga/anime I have found interesting and engaging enough to dip into and though I am a fan of others, none drives me to write like Naruto does.
Will you guys still read these stories once everything is told and done in the series? I love writing but without the knowledge that people reads one can become much unmotivated you know?
Well, back to the story at hand. I know a lot of people out there don't like Sasuke and would rather see him victim to many horrible things but as a recurring character in my story it was important to give him some screen time to develop and grow as his part isn't over yet.
Hope the small bit about the supernatural weapons was to your liking, I'll delve deeper on them on future chapters if you want.
So next chapter will finally bring us back to Naruto and his friends/family. I'll let you know about the fallout of the Water arc in greater detail and of course…Sakura giving birth pals!
Finally, which arc should I write next about? Another elemental land? Smaller countries? Perhaps something from the Demon Country or the Amazon's island? Tell me and I'll think about it.
Read, Enjoy and Review!
