Hey, sorry on the late post. Been hectic lately. Here's the next chapter. I should be able to have the next chapter up by Friday, if my schedule is kind to me...I really want a new job that has more structure. Since at the moment i go in at 5 am, and come out at who knows what time. Sometimes i get 12 hours, other times it's 18... Regardless it'll be up. See you around. Oh and I used this chapter to explain some things moving forward.
Naruto Of The Uchiha
The Captain Revealed
Naruto looked at his clipboard, then back to the new arrivals to the Company and his apparent "Strike Force". Hiruzen and Shikaku had apparently decided that he and a small amount of them would do all the fighting, then once the enemy was just about defeated, the rest of the Company would come in. His eye twitched at some of the names joining the Company.
Mostly due to one Maito Gai...Was this a joke? There had to be a misunderstanding. Desperately flipping through the orders, he tried finding a typo and see that he was supposed to actually transfer to a different Company...he never found it...
Shaking his head, he moved on and saw who else joined the Company. Gai's squad apparently was the Genin that joined. Aside from that, Suna sent about 100 to join them.
The next page of orders was his little Strike Force roster. On it was the expected names of Hinto, Kakashi, Zabuza. Under them was Commander Wolf, Sasuki Uchiha, Baki, Gaara, Tamari, and Kankuro.
The last four, he noticed were of Suna. One of them was a Jonin, and the others were Genin. Genin were really going to be a part of this? They were expected to fight at his side...in unison?
"What the hell is he smoking in that pipe?" He thought to himself reading those three Genin's names. They were children of the Kazekage but still...Genin none the less.
However that didn't keep his attention long as he looked back up one name. "SASUKI UCHIHA? THAT SON OF A-"
"Captain Fox...something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, no, Commander Wolf. Everything is fine." Naruto looked up from the clipboard. "I as you heard am Captain Fox. Commander of 2nd Company and it's a pleasure to get to meet you all. Welcome to 2nd Company, you've already been assigned to certain platoons so go ahead and split off to your designated PL's. If you're a member of the 'Strike Force', Stand Fast."
He watched as pretty much all of them left to their designated positions and left. Shortly after, Kakashi, Zabuza, and Hinto returned and fell into line. From left to right stood, Kakashi, Zabuza, Hinto, Wolf, Sasuki, Baki, Kankuro, Temari, and lastly Gaara.
"Listen up, our role to play will be to eliminate all enemy forces. The rest of 2nd Company will not enter any battle until we've either cleared about 80% of the enemy...or we die..."
"So we're a suicide force." a guy slightly older than Naruto said and had a black bodysuit with paint all over his face. Also a bandaged thing beside him.
"Well...not really. Everyone here should be an elite shinobi. If you aren't and don't think you're capable, feel free to join the rest of 2nd Company. I for one doubt your abilities. You're Genin. The only one among you three Suna Genin that I think might be able to hang with the rest of us is Gaara." Naruto shifted his gaze to the shortest of the bunch, he had auburn hair, black rings around his eyes, Kanji for love on the left side of his forehead and a gourd on his back. The two locked eyes and Naruto's Sharingan glowed as Gaara tried to stare into his soul.
Before anything happened, Baki stepped forward. "I can confirm their skills. They are capable. Temari is a wind style user and becoming one of the best in the village. Kankuro is a puppet user and is also rising in his ability."
Naruto looked at Temari and gave her a once over. She was fit and had a large metal fan on her back. She got a little nervous from his gaze and looked away.
"So you must be Baki. I'm guessing that you're the Jonin leader." A nod came from Baki and a smirk also appeared as he thought that Naruto was impressed. "Fall back into line. You guys aren't that special...the best of you four is Gaara here."
"What? I'm an elite Jonin of Sunagakure! What are you?"
Naruto appeared in his face, Sharingan spinning. "Your superior, and your better. If you're an elite in your village, then I'm worried about the skill of these other two. Now, fall into line."
Baki grit his teeth and did as he was told. What could he say? This was his superior and an Uchiha at that. In a one on one fight, it was practically suicide to take on an Uchiha. He was no fool.
"Take it easy Captain. We're all allies."
Naruto snapped over and saw that it was Commander Wolf that spoke. He sighed and gave a nod. "I apologize. Now, any questions?"
No one spoke up so he dismissed them all to get situated in camp. Naruto was looking to the ground and was holding back the pain he was feeling in his chest. A touch to his shoulder got him to look over.
"Sasuki-chan, Commander. What can I do for you?"
"Well Naruto. Me and Hiruzen think its time to unmask you and release your heritage. It is your choice."
"What do you think Commander?"
"I think you should. Its time for them to know who they fear. The length at which their fear travels. It's time for you to claim your own legacy."
"Very well. Sasuki-chan...what are you doing here?"
"I got told to come here by Shikaku-sama...you don't want to see me?"
"It's not about that. You know that. Its just dangerous. There's no talking to them, no reasoning or turning them over. Here it is kill or be killed. No in-between. I didn't want you to have to go through this. I hoped that I could do it all myself...then this illness came."
Commander Wolf smiled under the mask as Naruto spoke. He was glad that the two had eachother. So long as Naruto was breathing, she'd be safe. Then there was the fact that thanks to her, Naruto has remained Naruto.
"You can't do everything on you're own, Naruto. Something you'll need to learn is that, you need to accept help from others. Don't be stubborn...I learned that the hard way and took everything on, on my own. Maybe things would be different had I allowed myself to rely on someone else. To be accepted and respected, those must also be given. You don't become Hokage to get acknowledged. You must be acknowledged to become Hokage." said Wolf, he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and black eyes met Sharingan eyes.
For the first time Naruto saw his eyes and it wasn't hidden by the mask or anything. It was like looking into Sasuki's. He'd never met someone that wasn't an Uchiha with eyes like that.
Naruto just gave a nod and took a deep breath. He would be telling the Company who he is and everything. It wouldn't be easy. It was a long time coming though.
30 Minutes Later
Naruto stood infront of the Company and they all awaited with great anticipation. Everyone since the first battle under Naruto wanted to know who their Commander was. Who was saving them all this time and being a one man army?
No theory lasted long since it was always proven wrong by certain factors. The biggest factor was his young appearance. He definitely wasn't amongst the general shinobi. So what could they really guess for who he was? Some believed it was just an extremely advanced Transformation Jutsu that was active at all times to hide his identity. None simply accepted that the only thing hiding his identity was the Fox mask...which in a way, was a clue.
However, now that they began really looking at him and analyzing him. They did notice a faint red glow from his eyes. "What could that be?" they wondered.
"Well you guys...we've been serving together for a while now. I suppose it's time...screw it. No speech. I'm just doing it." Sasuki and Commander Wolf stood beside Naruto. Hinto, Kakashi and Zabuza were amongst the Company with a smile. The rest of the world was about to bear witness to Naruto's greatness.
Yugao, and Asuma also looked on in pride and happiness for him. This was a big moment for the soon to be teen.
Slowly Naruto grabbed the lower part of the mask and pulled it away from his face. The whole crowd held their breath at that moment. Slowly lowering the mask, they watched as the black with red highlighted hair framed his face and soon the Sharingan was clearly visible to all. His whisker marks came next and then the rest of his face. There infront of them was the 12 year old Demon Child.
For a moment everything was silent. There was no sounds from anyone. Nothing was said. Was it shock? Disbelief? Disappointment, what was it? Slowly, in unison, every single member from 2nd Company that fought with Naruto at some point during this war so far, kneeled before him and bowed their heads. The new arrivals of Suna and Gai's Genin remained standing as they didn't know what was happening.
Even Gai himself was taking a knee. Naruto earned his respect during that spar a while back and he understood this moment.
Naruto was taken aback, he didn't know how to respond to this. This wasn't what he expected. Obviously they were showing respect to him but was it out of fear or was it genuine? He still didn't know how they felt of him.
One of them must have felt his turmoil and looked up at him with a smile. "LONG LIVE THE COMMANDER!"
In unison they all looked up after "LONG LIVE NARUTO UCHIHA!"
The entirety of 2nd Company that had been serving under Naruto began expressing their support and approval of him. A smile came to his face and he looked to everyone he knew. He found Kakashi with his trademark eye smile, Hinto gave a nod and was definitely smiling. Yugao nodded rapidly and Zabuza had a smirk under his bandages. Commander Wolf had a hand on his shoulder.
"I told you. You've earned their respect and adoration due to your efforts to protect them. Keep it up, and this small bit of followers that you've garnered will increase in no time." said Wolf. Naruto just smiled and gave a nod.
"Keep it up Naru-kun. You're doing great."
"Thank you, Sasuki-chan." Naruto once again looked to the crowd and they still were kneeling to him. With a bow to them out of mutual respect, they stood and offered praise.
"Well everyone, there's one more surprise, so to speak. Naruto here is the son of Kushina Uzumaki, and Minato Uchiha..." he let it settle in for a second as everyone thought. "The Yondaime..." There was a gasp of shock from everyone and a murmuring came from them. "Cousin to Shisui Uchiha." Everything intensified as conversations broke out. Even from Suna's men.
This kid was the child to the most powerful shinobi of the generation. Cousin to the strongest Uchiha of the time and holder of the Kyubi. That was a lot and they began to realize just how much it made sense and how wrong they all were about Naruto.
"Damn..." One person said and that basically summarized everyone's thoughts perfectly.
"How is that possible?" Temari said aloud.
"Well, Temari...what happened was, the Yondaime Hokage and that Kushina lady got together and one night they decided to-" Kankuro was cut off by her fan smacking the top of his head.
"I KNOW THAT PART MORON! I'M SAYING HOW THE HELL IS THE BRAT WITH THAT LINEAGE SEEMINGLY SO ISOLATED AND UNKNOWN!"
"Well he was only known as the Demon Brat until like...now..." Kakashi said from behind them.
Knowing exactly what he meant by that, she nodded in understanding. Afterall, her brother was one too.
"Alright, we still have an uphill...well more like upmountain fight here. They still have 5 Jinchuriki on their side and we're still greatly outnumbered. Our Company has been given the green light to begin a campaign through Earth Country. We are the first to take an offensive and we will pave the way for our comrades. We set out in a week. Get some rest and prepare for the week to come." Naruto said
"Hai!" everyone chorused and left to do their own things. Whether it be resting or getting their affairs in order. Whatever it was, they knew they had a week until they took the fight to the enemy for once.
"Wasn't so hard, right?"
"No Commander. It was surprisingly easy. I guess this means my time in ANBU is over now huh?"
"Not necessarily. It just becomes more dangerous for you and those you care for since now operative Fox is known as Naruto Uchiha. Ultimately its your choice."
"Ok. I'll still be in the ANBU. Although my squad is no longer whole..."
"I know. Don't worry about that now, right now focus on what's ahead. I'll leave you two be."
Sasuki tapped on his arm and he turned to see her smiling. "I'm happy for you Naru-kun. Maybe now you don't have to be alone all the time. We can actually be together."
Naruto just smiled at her and hugged her. "You know that as long as you're happy, I'm happy. You don't need to worry about that."
"I did as you suggested. I can use Chidori Nagashi through weapons now. It is only able to be a single concentrated stream. I can't make it multiple like with just my hand."
"That's great! I can't wait to see what you come up with next. And it makes sense. You're kind of already focusing it through the blade so it would only be able to be a single stream."
Sasuki nodded and then realised something. "Why haven't you tried making any Jutsu? You've got the chakra and ability."
"Well I did be the first to ride the elemental dragons didn't I?"
"Yeah...but like, you could do more."
"Wow. Tough crowd. I've got plans for the Rasengan...other than that I haven't given it much thought. I don't get much time to try developing something lately. I'm always on mission."
She nodded in understanding and they went to his tent to get her situated before they left to Earth Country.
For now, everyone was re-energized and reinvigorated. Learning of Naruto's heritage got them believing even more in him. The Yondaime won them the last war, Naruto seemed on par with that. Some even began speculating on who would win between the two.
Most wanted to say the Yondaime but...they couldn't denounce what Naruto's done. Who would win? A debate that could never really be answered.
One Week Later
It was time to move out. They all packed up and were ready to move. Naruto stood in the front. Hinto, Sasuki, Wolf, Kakashi, Zabuza, Yugao, and Asuma all around him. Gai would have been as well but he was with his Genin. Yugao and Asuma were there but would detach as soon as they made a stop. They would be in charge of leading the rest of the Company into battle after Naruto begins.
Baki and his squad were the next closest but weren't directly with Naruto after he was knocked down a peg. He hadn't expected to be treated like a mere Genin by the kid. Then the revelation of who the kid was just made it awkward. The stories of what the Fox ANBU was achieving were insane, then learning that it was just a kid, and happened to be the son of the most powerful shinobi of his generation...just what could he do? He didn't measure up at all. Still, he would be fighting alongside this kid.
Gaara's hunger for blood was rising exponentially. It was clear to all in Suna that he wasn't happy about not having been involved this whole time. He wanted to kill every one opposing him and prove his existence to the world. Nothing, no one would stand in his way...
His siblings Temari and Kankuro were rather mellow and didn't look forward to this, as he was. It just was their duty as allies of Konoha. They did look forward to creating a legacy though, it just wasn't like they wanted to take on the world.
Naruto took one last look at everyone to see if they were ready. Once he deemed them so, he and his "Strike Force" took off to Earth Country borders. They would leave first in order to gain a head start and take on any opposition in the way. The rest of the Company would follow shortly after and help provide cleanup of anyone that survives the first attack.
"You know? We need a better name for ourselves than just 'Strike Force'." Hinto said as the were running.
"Really, Hawk. That's what you're thinking about? We are entering enemy territory, and your thought is about the title of our detachment."
"Yeah...is that not a valid thought, Naruto?"
Naruto shook his head and chuckled at his friend's antics. "Some things never change."
"No they don't my friend."
The casualness of Naruto and Hawk made Sasuki and Baki and his squad relax. If those two can be joking around then there was no need to worry. Then again, Naruto had a power that could never be attained by just anyone. He was a one of a kind shinobi.
When they crossed the border, there was no opposition so they just kept pushing. It wasn't for several miles that they finally reached an enemy camp.
"About time...I was beginning to wonder if we would ever come across an enemy." Gaara said with no emotion in his tone. Pure monotone.
"I'd like to see what you're capable of. Go ahead." The Suna team began to step forward when Naruto stopped them. "No no, this is his fight." The Suna team looked shocked and even upset. They wouldn't be getting a chance to prove themselves as worthy fighters. Wouldn't get to prove that they weren't weak.
Gaara however, actually gave Naruto an appreciative look. He was really itching to kill and Naruto must have known and without needing to speak, understood him. The interesting thing was that Naruto didn't seem to be put off at all. What was with this other kid that made him not fearful in the slightest. No one ever casually spoke of him or talked to him with such carelessness...maybe that wasn't the right word but he had zero qualms for being around him and that made im curious of this Naruto Uchiha.
Without another second wasted, a breeze blew by and as it came, Gaara began to turn to sand as he was blown away towards the camp with the breeze.
"Now that's new..." said Naruto
"He uses his sand in conjunction with the Shunshin no Jutsu. It creates a distraction and hides the nature of what he's done." Temari said as she stepped to stand beside Naruto. A little too close than Sasuki would prefer as Temari was basically right up against him.
"Interesting. Kind of like the use of crows for the Substitution Jutsu. Clever." Naruto thought. He didn't even pay any attention to Temari and that made Sasuki want to laugh as she watched Temari try making conversation...Naruto was deep in thought and no one would reach him while we was thinking. She learned that herself a long time ago.
"...But that's how it is in Suna." Temari concluded from an apparent long spiel.
"I'm sorry, Temari. Did you say something?" Naruto said. He wasn't trying to make a fool of her, he honestly just hadn't paid attention. Busy in thought and all...
"THAT'S MY FUCKING BOY!!!!" Kakashi thought as he mentally jumped and danced around the group, bragging about being the one to influence that.
"Someone's been around sensei too long...serves her right though, even if he did it unintentionally." Sasuki thought
"Huh?" said Temari as she didn't know how to take it. Was he trying to make a joke out of her?
"I was thinking about something and wasn't paying attention to anything...oh wow...look at him go." Naruto said as Gaara caught his attention in the camp.
Gaara appeared in the center of the camp and immediately all the shinobi jumped to attention at the sight of sand swirling around. Within the sand Gaara appeared and just stood there with his arms crossed. They tried throwing shuriken and kunai at him but they never got close. Sand would come up and block them from ever reaching him. After a while, 100 shuriken and kunai lay in the ground around him.
Gaara looked on impassively as they all stood confused. Naruto watched as he lift his arms and with it, sand immediately crawled and surrounded the enemies leaving only their heads exposed. When he closed his fists, the sand crushed them to nothingness. All that remained was blood and the heads.
"So he manipulates sand. Must be from the Ichibi. I knew of his abilities but I never thought it was like that. To have an automatic response from the sand in regards to attacks is special." Naruto said
"It's Gaara's ultimate defense. Nothing can get past his sand. He doesn't even have to see attacks coming. It does it all on its own." Temari said hoping to garner some attention from Naruto.
"Mmmm I could get past it." said Naruto rather casually. It was a certainty to him and a thing he could do without question. It was a great technique he had and was tough...
"What do you mean? That is the ultimate defense. It is absolute, nothing gets passed it. No one has ever been able to touch him...not since he was younger... He's never been injured in any mission or anything."
"Nothing is absolute, Temari. There is no such thing as the perfect Jutsu. Everything has a weakness or flaw that can be exploited. There's a counter to everything. I already know the limits to his ability."
"What do you mean?"
"Maybe you'll get to see what I mean one day...for now, that's not important. We have a job to do." Naruto began walking away towards Gaara leaving the rest of the Suna team confused and wonder if Naruto really could get passed the defense. The rest of them stood in surprise at Naruto's analytical capability of techniques.
"He is like the Yondaime...only needs to see something once and can already come up with ways to defeat it. Just one time seeing it...even I need more time to see how it functions." Wolf thought as he watched Naruto walk away.
"He truly is your son, Sensei. He never ceases to amaze." Kakashi thought when Naruto began walking away.
"I wonder how long she'll be hung up on Naruto...he's taken so...if she's single...or not, doesn't matter, I can try for something. Oh he's walking away now." Hinto thought
Naruto walked right up to Gaara who still stood in the same place. A smirk graced Naruto's face as he looked Gaara in the eye. The kid obviously never was placed in danger since his sand defense always took care of him. How would he react to being in true danger then? There was probably no one that could ever pose too big a threat to Gaara in Naruto's mind.
There would be opponents that would prove tough, but the simple fact that there was nearly no touching him, was an issue. You would need to know how to counter it, and even so...the amount of sand used by Gaara wasn't limited. One would think he could only use so much based on the gourd...what a clever ruse. He noticed that the amount of sand in the gourd wouldn't be enough to have killed all the enemies like that in one go. Definitely a few but not all of them.
The speed of the sand was also really fast and it being automatic would be the next issue. No normal shinobi could ever hope to get passed it straight on. He didn't even think Kakashi or Wolf would get passed it head on. They'd get through but it wouldn't be straight up. They weren't fast enough to outsized it. Naruto knew he himself couldn't outspeed it without using the Shunshin.
The only reason he would get through head on was his mastery of the Shunshin. The only other person he could see speeding past would get Shisui. Anyone else would need to attack on two fronts. As far as he knew atleast. He didn't know everybody but if he was deemed the fastest of the village and by so much then...well who measured up that he didn't know?
At this point though he thought of a few counters to the sand, should he ever need...maybe he should stop doing that. Always finding counters and weaknesses of everyone he met. If they found out about this habit of his, they may think he was always looking to take on the world or something...
Everybody he ever saw fight, he analyzed and learned from. If he ever lost, he'd never lose twice...unless you're Commander Wolf. That guy just knew everything about him and his limits. Kakashi put up great fights but Naruto hadn't lost in quite some time. Lost rounds, never the full fight.
Gaara looked at Naruto and didn't say a thing. There wasn't much to say. Surely Naruto would be the same as anyone else and be grossed out or look to him in distaste and fear.
"Good work, Gaara! Your Jutsu is something I've never seen before. I'm impressed. We'll get along just fine." Naruto said as he pat Gaara's shoulder.
Gaara stood shocked. Naruto was perfectly calm and relaxed standing by him. Even complimented him. This kid was weird. Why was he like that? Wait...he just touched him and the sand didn't interfere...why? Getting out of his thoughts, he saw Naruto turn to walk away and motioned him to follow. He for some reason felt contempt with following and did so. What was going on?
Naruto and Gaara returned met up with the other 7 and continued on into Earth Country. This wouldn't be a one day conquer all thing. They just wanted to get to a good place to set up a station. The goal was that as far as they pushed, the other companies would follow behind. So once they've set up a Base location, they'll continue forward, then an occupational force will follow and be stationed at that Base. That way, they always had a fallback point or quicker reinforcements.
This also allowed them to maintain ground and continue their push. While Naruto pushed to Iwa, someone else would lead the push towards Kumo. These two fronts were the main stages of the war. They had a small amount towards Kuri but no pushing would be done. It was unlikely to receive attack from there since transportation wasn't too great. If they failed, all would die and that was highly likely. They were sitting ducks on boat, so Kiri joined through Iwa.
They're point of interest was a hilly region that he had scouted back during his first mission. When he was alone that ridge was great. Above was hills and good places for defenses. It was a rather even playing field in regards to advantages to either side since the terrain just constantly shifted. The ridge line he was in had a decent network of caves and could be good for wounded and just resting quarters. They could make fires as they pleased for warmth since it wouldn't be seen.
This area was large and could hold the occupational force that came in after them. The river nearby offered fresh water and the ground could be cultivated if need be. This would serve as their first stronghold and begin their push into Earth Country.
"Naruto, what's the plan?" Zabuza said when Naruto came to them.
"We'll keep moving. This isn't a good place to set up. It was easy wiping them out as you saw. I'm sure even Baki here could have handled it. In any case, We'll be heading to a ridge that I found refuge in during my first mission."
Baki clenched his jaw and was trying hard not to try arguing. There wasn't much he could do. If the stories were true, he'd never have a chance. That first mission Naruto spoke of had him face 100 alone and come out on top. This was the debut of the Fox ANBU and only the beginning to his feats. So there was no hope he could ever have of beating Naruto. He'd just need to show why he's truly elite.
"Alright. How much further out?"
"If they're patrols have remained the same, which I'm sure they have since they don't know we are moving in, we should get there within two hours at most. Now let's go."
Everyone followed Naruto as he took off and Sasuki stayed directly at his side. She was arm's reach from him and if anything happened, he'd be able to react quick enough. Plus, her presence was calming.
She never forgot though, what Kakashi said in regards to Naruto. His true strength comes out when he turns to darkness. She feared the day that he ever truly fell into it and wasn't able to get out. He was doing so much better these days and smiled more than she ever saw. It seemed like the old him was gone...but was it really?
The rest of the trip to his point of interest was easy and had no resistance. It was a great help that the enemy had no idea they even entered Earth Country. They'd find out eventually when those men they killed never return. When they do, things would definitely get interesting.
Once they saw the caves that Naruto occupied, it was a wonder to them why it wasn't used as an Iwa stronghold. It was a great location and large. The network of caves were vast and there could be many uses. This would be a great starting point and may even remain as a command center during this time. Everyone split off to find a chamber they would use and call their own "room" for the time being.
Naruto looked to where he had made the fire and had burned that damaged armor. The ash still remained and it showed that therecwas no one there since he left. That was good. This meant they'd be hidden for the time being.
Sasuki came up to him and put an arm around him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing...everything's fine. Go get some rest."
"You don't need to lie. What is it?"
He sighed and closed his eyes. "I can't help but feel like, things will only get worse from here on out."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know..."
She held him tighter and looked up to his face. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
"If only it were that simple." He thought as they stood looking out to the sky. After a while she left to rest and he remained. Eventually taking a seat along a cliff to look at the sunset. "What is destiny? Are we predetermined by some all powerful force to walk a certain path? If so, then what choices have truly been ours? What even is the point of it all if in the end, it was never your intention...just what happened to be your 'purpose'. Do we have a purpose for being? Our lives are such short periods of time within the universe, so what are we truly to do? It won't matter over time...will it? Only someone immortal could really do something..."
Soon the sun began to rise and the rays of light cut through the horizon. Illuminating the area and showing Naruto still on the cliff. "Have I been here all night?"
Naruto stood up and jumped down the cliff. He was greeted by the sight of the entire company having caught up and his own detachment also up and about now. Although they were allies, Suna and Konoha shinobi still stuck to their own. Naruto wondered if that would change like how it changed earlier when clans stuck together rather than branch out.
"What's your plan?"
Naruto turned around and noticed Asuma standing there. "Well, me and a few others will be scouting ahead. I want to see if things have remained the same since I was last here."
Asuma gave a nod. "About the other thing."
"One step at a time, Asuma. One step at a time."
"Yeah." Asuma lit a cigarette and took a puff with a sigh. "I request that I lead the scouting party, you remain here."
"Why's that?"
"Kid. When was the last time you really slept and it wasn't due to injury?"
"Uh...Maybe during training. Why?"
"Even with your energy. You need rest. I know you don't want to risk ordering others to death, but as a leader it is something that may happen. Let me do this, get some rest. Besides, there's a lot of people in there that would be happy to see their leader with them."
"Fine. Who do you wish to have on your team?"
"All I'll need is Kakashi."
Naruto gave a nod. "Very well. If you head northwest, know that the terrain gets rougher as you go. You'll need to watch out for merchants, they'll tell Iwa shinobi of your position."
"I'll keep that in mind. Sasuki tells me that you want to improve your wind chakra nature. The next way to progress it is to cut a waterfall in half with the wind chakra. The flow of water will completely stop."
"Thank you. Inform Kakashi, you guys head out this evening."
"Will do. Good to see you're doing better, Naruto."
"If only." Naruto thought as Asuma walked away. When he was left alone again, he grabbed at his chest to relieve some pain. "I'm sure I can find something to relieve this. What good is brains if one doesn't use it...I'm just not well versed in medicine. Well...thanks to the Sharingan, that is hardly an issue."
Naruto walked through the camp and when he would walk by, everyone smiled at him. It was definitely something different and a new experience to him. Here these people were, that most likely had hated him prior to this war, now willing to go fight and die on his orders.
Still, he'd prefer handling everything on his own. But Wolf said he'd need to learn to rely on others, an issue with that is the fact that someone could fail where he most likely wouldn't. Why leave it to chance? If it failed then he would take responsibility but if he ordered someone else to do a task, and they failed, he's left thinking that he wouldn't have.
The other main issue with trying to rely on others is that they may die. He didn't want to be responsible for sending someone to death. He hated watching people die but know he was why they died because he sent them to do a mission or fight, then that's a heavy burden. Killing others was simple for him, but sending people to death was entirely different.
Kakashi and Asuma going was something he could let happen since those two were very powerful shinobi. They would be able to handle themselves should something happen. There was one thing he would do out of insurance however.
"Ojisan. Come with me, please."
"Naruto? Something wrong?"
The two began walking away and went to the cliff he was at the night prior. They took a seat and looked at the land in silence for a while.
"If something happens, or you ever need my help...carry this with you at all times." Naruto took out one of his tri-pronged kunai with his Hiraishin seal on the handle.
This made Kakashi remember when he was first made Jonin as a kid and Minato also gifted him a tri-pronged kunai. For both fighting and if he ever needed help. With the assurance that no matter where he went, Minato would always be able to teleport to him in an instant. Here Naruto was, son of his sensei handing him the almost the same kunai with the same purpose.
"So why don't you just put a seal on me like you did Sasuki?"
"Well, for one, I'm sure you have experience with this already." Kakashi gave a nod since he indeed had experience and proved it when he gifted that kunai to Naruto for becoming ANBU. "Second, it would make our fights unfair. I don't utilize Hiraishin against her and that is why partly why I just placed the seal on her. The other part is that she doesn't know where the seal is, I placed it with another seal integrated into it that will automatically activate if she's in harm based on chakra level and other things. It is so she is always safe. A kunai doesn't grant those same properties that I have integrated into her seal."
"I see. You know, we all wondered how you got there that fast in Wave. It makes sense now."
"Don't tell her. Just becareful out there. I can't shake the feeling that things are about to get worse from here on out."
"Don't worry Naruto. You may be more powerful than any of us, but we still have value. Don't forget that we support you as much as you support us. You can depend on us, as we depend on you. You don't want you subordinates and friends thinking that you don't believe in them. Giving someone an impossible task shows that you have faith and believe in their ability to get it done. It doesn't show that you are throwing them away."
"I just don't want to lose anyone."
Kakashi chuckled lightly and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, none of us want to lose anybody. That is why we fight so hard, to protect the ones we love. We can't stop everyone from dying. We can try our best but it's bound to happen. Whether it be today, tomorrow, or 50 years from now. The day will come that we lose those we love. Nothing, no one can stop that. We aren't Gods Naruto. We're Shinobi."
Naruto deactivated his Sharingan and his black eyes met Kakashi's black eye. The empty void of black looked slightly dull than usual and almost seemed faded. Kakashi took note of that but didn't mention it.
"I can't bare the thought of losing you guys... What am I supposed to do without you? When Nii-san died, I only had you, and...Itachi...then he's gone and it's just you and Sasuki. How do I keep going without you two?"
"Naruto. You're never alone. Who's eyes do you bare?"
"Nii-san's."
"Who taught you?"
"You, Nii-san, Itachi."
"Who holds your heart?"
"Sasuki-chan..."
Kakashi smiled. "You see Naruto. You're not alone. None of us are gone. You carry on a piece of all of us everywhere you go. You allow your cousin Shisui to see the world through you. Our legacies all live within you through our teachings. You have someone to fight for and hold onto for eternity. We are all with you. Always remember that. Even if the day comes that some of us die, we will live forever through you and those you touch. That's how we live forever Naruto. By touching others and becoming a part of their lives for them to pass onto others."
Naruto gave a slow nod and looked back out to the land. After a few minutes, his Sharingan flared back to life and he stood up. A sharp inhale and he was back to normal.
"We should head back. You and Asuma will leave soon."
Kakashi nodded and placed the kunai in his pouch. "That illness has progressed further hasn't it? I suspect that it will take full effect no longer than a month at this rate. Jiraya-sama needs to figure out what his plan will be. Naruto can't keep fighting like this. Sage Mode gives his full strength back temporarily but it seems like his illness progresses further...Better not to tell Naruto but I doubt he's foolish enough to not notice." Kakashi thought as Naruto jumped down the cliff. "I wonder...could she help him in any way?"
Kakashi followed shortly after and went to his own place within the cave. He took out two photos and placed them infront of him as he rested on his knees. The photo to the left was of his Team Minato. Kakashi stood as a Chunin on the right and was dead serious, Obito to the left and he looked annoyed at Kakashi, Rin in the center happy as ever, Minato in the back with a hand on Kakashi's shoulder and a hand on Obito's head.
Kakashi touched the photo and said a prayer to his fallen squad members and sensei. The next photo was of Shisui holding a baby Naruto, Itachi to Shisui's right and Kakashi to the left. They all had a smile and Naruto looked bored. It was funny how in that photo alone, held the most famous Sharingan users of the time, and the soon to be strongest of them all in the same photo. It was rare to have such a thing. Having the strongest of a generation together, with the next generation's strongest amongst them. Perhaps if Sasuki were in the photo, it would be perfect.
Then again, she wasn't of the same talent as the others. She wasn't at Itachi's level, nor Kakashi's. She wasn't going to be anywhere near Shisui's level anytime soon. They all shared one thing however, soon enough, NONE would measure up to Naruto's level.
Kakashi touched the photo and again said a prayer. He sat in silence for a moment before putting out the incense. After packing it all up he stood and began to meet Asuma and Naruto.
"Asuma, Naruto. I'm here for the mission."
"Good. Kakashi, I need you and Asuma to conduct reconnaissance of our area and as much into Earth Country as you can safely handle. Don't worry about going to deep since it's only the two of you. Is there anything you need of me?"
"I think we're good. We have the intel you gathered from your last time here. We'll more or less retrace your steps to see changes and then go from where you left off." Asuma said.
"Yes, everything is good. We have a way to contact you if need be." Kakashi said and received a nod from Naruto.
"Very well. I'll leave you two to it."
When Naruto turned away, Asuma and Kakashi began to leave the cave together. This would be simple enough, basic recon. They were more than qualified to handle this mission.
"Asuma, before we get into the thick of things. Do you know how much Naruto has been affected?"
"No. But I can definitely tell it isn't getting better. I've noticed him being in more constant pain than before."
Kakashi jumped up a few rocks to climb the side of a mountain face and Asuma began to slip from his footing. Quickly, turning back he caught Asuma's hand and pulled him up. He chuckled "You should really work on your climbing."
"Listen, I don't go climbing that cliff with a single arm as a work out."
"Haha you know I've been doing it as a kid."
"Yeah. Rather than trying to get with the ladies, you chose to work out and be a loner."
"You say that like it's a bad thing. What about Gai?"
Asuma stopped walking. "Fair enough."
"Well, back to Naruto. His eyes are fading."
"What do you mean? They seemed normal."
"Yes, the Sharingan would seem so. That isn't the problem. You know when an Uchiha awakens the Mangekyo, they begin losing their eyesight?"
"Yes."
"The way you can tell is by their normal eyes. It's normally black as you know, like mine. They'll begin to fade and become a ghostly white, signifying they've lost their light and have become blind."
"Hmm. Then what does that have to do with Naruto?"
I've noticed his eyes fade that same way...it's not like the first time when he'd only had the Mangekyo but it's no longer like looking into a dark void. I think this might be an indication to his illness."
"How so?"
"I know that it effects his chakra, and stamina. It will take all his chakra and strength from him and leave him as nothing but a shell of who he was until he dies at 21. I suspect that the fade in his eyes is showing that his strength is fading."
"Will he go blind?"
"No. But I'm worried that he'll lose access to his Sharingan eventually."
"Why would it be his Sharingan at stake?"
"Think about it Asuma. If he's going to lose his chakra and his strength, the Sharingan is a combination of both. Once he's lost his chakra and strength...his Sharingan will be gone."
"You mean permanently?"
"I don't know. This illness...we have seen nothing like it. He is the only one to ever get it. I can only guess what the full extent of it is. For instance, we never knew about the pain he'd suffer. We thought it would be solely on his chakra."
"How do we cure him?"
Kakashi and Asuma both stopped walking and stood facing eachother. "Honestly, at this point, I think only the key to the seal."
"That's risky Kakashi."
"I know, but there is something that no one is taking into consideration. Naruto is the second Uchiha ever to gain the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan...that and he has the most powerful Sharingan since the Madara Uchiha...his visual prowess has long since surpassed Shisui's as he himself had suspected that Naruto would."
"Are you saying, he may be able to control the Kyubi to his will?"
"If it comes to that, I think its possible. Besides, there's so much about the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan that we still don't know. The only thing for certain that we all know is that it gives them eternal light...but what if it's possible that he also gained Shisui's Mangekyo ability."
"Aren't they supposed to have two. Why do you speak like there's only one?"
"Because he only had one, Asuma! Each eye contained potentially the most dangerous and most powerful Genjutsu ever known."
"Kakashi, I thought that Itachi's was."
"That's a complicated topic. Look, I'm not going to dive into that right now. The point I'm trying to make is that you are absolutely right, each pair of Mangekyo contained a unique ability within each eye. Shisui only had one and it was within both eyes...Naruto has only shown one ability that is his unique lightning that literally makes him command storms..."
"So...you're saying he's some sort of Thunder God? Should we start calling him Konoha's Raijin in the literal sense?"
"I swear, sometimes you're stupid, Asuma."
"Look, Uchiha lore isn't my forte. I wasn't so tight nit with them like you."
Kakashi nodded and began walking again. "Fair enough. My point is, there has always been two abilities. With so much mystery regarding the Eternal Mangekyo, perhaps it's possible that Naruto now has access to Shisui's, Kotoamatsukami."
"Woah woah woah. I thought that the abilities were unique to the individual and they're eyes."
"They are...but...think about it. It could be possible. Shisui was known to have the one ability, Naruto has so far only shown one...He's retained his Kaminari ability. Perhaps, the transfer of eyes not only returned his visual prowess and boosted it, but made him 'whole' so to speak and through Shisui's final gift to Naruto, he unknowingly bestowed his ultimate Genjutsu to Naruto..."
"Giving him access to that Kotoamatsukami. It would make sense...if they were technically 'incomplete', the transfer of eyes would make them 'complete'."
"Yes. Now they weren't siblings so I can't say that it works this way due them each containing one half of the strongest Sharingan eyes...but I don't know..."
"Well their cousins right? Naruto's father and one of Shisui's parents had to be the sibling to him."
"Yes...but I don't think Minato-Sensei had the Mangekyo so I'm not sure if he would have had only one or two abilities. And I don't know anything about Shisui's parents. That information was all locked and sealed away. Once Minato-sensei became Hokage, practically all ties of his family were erased. His marriage was secret and you'll find no documentation about it. Ofcourse we knew but there is no proof. As Minato's name grew, and he took Shisui in as his own, he made sure that it was kept secret. Sandaime-sama helped in changing a lot of the documentation that involved Shisui and made it to where there's no proof saying that Minato-sensei was his uncle. Not even Fugaku Uchiha knew."
"They're all the same clan, shouldn't they know that the Yondaime and Shisui were related. Surely somebody knew."
"Well...Fugaku found out when Shisui was keeping Naruto. Other than that, no one really truly knew since Minato-sensei always kept to himself. He was an Uchiha, but he never lived amongst them. Then with the sibling thing, they lived separately, all I know is that they had an interesting relationship. Their parents weren't the best of people so they got taken from them at a young age and put into an orphanage, the two were separated some time after and only met eachother again when they were older. This was the main help in the fact that no one knew about their relationship to eachother."
"I see. This is a lot. How do you know so much?"
"Well, for one, I was his student. Second, there was a time when I worked under Danzo in Root. It was after the Kyubi incident and he made me believe that Sandaime-sama was the reason I lost my Sensei. He was like a father figure to me."
"Right...I'm guessing he had you snooping around and you managed to find some paperwork?"
"Yes...it wasn't much but I managed to get this much together. Other than this I don't know. But it's led to me thinking that Shisui and Naruto might have been holding half of their true potential power. Now Naruto might have access to it all truly. So if my theory is correct, he'd have no problem with controlling the Kyubi. Even without Kotoamatsukami, his Genjutsu prowess is the greatest of any Uchiha."
"You really think that his eyes are the most powerful?"
Kakashi chuckled a bit at Asuma's comment. "I don't think, I know. Trust me, when he is fighting serious it is something else. And pray that you never piss him off or bring about his wrath..."
Asuma nodded and the two continued on.