So as far as the power scaling goes, I honestly don'ttry comparing per se. It isn't something that I focus on. I say she's half his "power" but that doesn't amount to anything if she doesn't know how to use it to it's fullest. Against Zabuza was her first real fight and you could expect her to and anyone to get mopped if that is their first fight. With Naruto...I kinda wrote myself into a corner honestly...It was ridiculously fast for his power...I admit that, and the fact he has that instant kill Genjutsu, I limited it to the fact that it takes a lot of chakra, even for him...so that I can't have him just whip it out like his shadow clones in canon. I should have taken my time on his progression and that's something I've learned for future projects. Like at this point all scaling would be fucked...I'll keep it in mind for my next projects...I decided that I'll release the next project very soon. Just know that I'll have her being half his strength make more sense. Like i never really got how Kabuto would ever be a rival to Kakashi but that's just me. After he absorbs Orochimaru and gets his sage mode then yeah ok fine. But not in part 1. Thank you for that thought though, I joked about it with Zabuza's comment on Naruto because I know all prospect of who measures to who kinda went out the window. Oh and the age thing, I personally made a mistake, I meant to say Shisui but I messed up obviously. There's another time when I meant to say Shisui was running to Itachi but again just wrote Itachi twice...So Shisui is 12 and Itachi at that point would be like 7. I am sorry about that. I didn't even notice that issue until now. You are right though, he's only 5 years older than Naruto and Sasuki.
Naruto Of The Uchiha
An Uchiha's Full Strength
Kakashi and Asuma looked ahead down from a hilltop at a little village. In it were some villagers but also a pretty large amount of enemy shinobi. Ranging from Suna, to Kiri and a little amount of Kumo. For the most part, Earth Country seemed to contain mainly Iwa and Kiri nin. There were some Kumo shinobi here and there but for the most part that was it.
"You know? We've really put a lot of pressure on these guys. They haven't managed to break through at all yet."
"Yeah. It hasn't been this easy anywhere else. Remember, Asuma, most of the reason our front hasn't wavered is largely because of Naruto. The other Companies hhaven't been so lucky to have him on their side."
"Right. Gai was telling me that the most western position has had some serious trouble. If we work to position ourselves behind an enemy force, we can attack them on two fronts and close them in."
"That would greatly increase our success rate and lessen casualties. Timing and communication will be important though."
"We have Naruto's crows for that."
Kakashi gave a nod and the two pulled from their position. So far they located 5 strongholds all within 80-100 miles of eachother and the closest one to them was about 60 miles. For the most part, Naruto's intel remained accurate, the patrols now just originated from the strongholds rather than just Iwa. The next hurdle was the fact that a lot of the shinobi took up residence in the civilian villages so fighting now would be complicated because they didn't want to kill them in the crossfire.
They wouldn't be able to use widescale Jutsu. It was technically a clever idea to occupy a civilian village knowing that they have a living shield from disastrous Jutsu, it just also showed their complete disregard for the civilian population. Victory at all costs...that's the thought process of war.
Sometimes its not just those that are fighting that suffer the most in war, it's those caught in the middle. The ones that aren't even fighting but their homes, and lives get destroyed by the conflict. A lot of the smaller lands that weren't part of the big five were devastated during the third great ninja war. Some never truly recovered and were just taken over by the nearest country as an expansion. Those couldn't necessarily be avoided but this right now could have. For them to do this, in their own country no less, was low.
But this was war, and in war, anything goes. You would do whatever you could to gain any advantage possible. Morals would tend to take a back seat in times of war. Even the purest of hearts can be turned corrupt due to war. Some would say that it is inevitable for someone to eventually become what they went against in a sense. Then again, you go through enough, you'll eventually be molded by it and you become the byproduct of the circumstances around you.
Whatever it is, inevitability or circumstantial, war taints all. It takes a strong will to remain true to one's morals, sometimes you get reprimanded for doing so. That is where one's courage is tested and you will truly see if they really believe in what they say. Action is the strongest response one can ever give since words are empty unless you follow through with actions that back up a claim.
Kakashi and Asuma traveled further on and began to notice that every spot that Naruto designated as a good location for them to set up a Base of Operations, Iwa and Kiri had one there. The good thing was that Naruto had already found the benefits and cons to each location based on land. With that in mind, it would help in trying to take these positions and repurpose it to their needs.
After another day of looking around and watching, they decided it was time to head back. It was rather quiet and simple for them. No problems whatsoever. It helped that no enemy knew they were there. Pretty much, all they had to do was not be noticed and things would be easy as it was.
Besides, if they got into a skirmish, things could escalate and the two of them being alone would make things rough. All they had to do now was make it back to the camp and all would be well. Ahead of them was a patrol that they were waiting to have pass and they would be all good.
2nd Company
Naruto smiled as he looked at Sasuki. She was cleaning and sharpening her Katana. He stood there for a while before he noticed that her cheeks seemed to move as if she were smiling.
"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come here?"
Naruto walked over and sat beside her. For a moment he just sat silently as he listened to the sound of the katana sliding against the whetstone. Finally he placed an arm around her.
"It is nice having you around again."
"Yeah. Glad to be at your side. We can finally fight together." She said as she looked up to him and stopped sharpening the blade.
"You know? Your birthday is coming up. Sadly we won't be in the village but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate a little."
"Yeah...no breakfast in bed this year." Sasuki fake pouted and laughed when she finished. Although, he did always make a really good breakfast for her.
"Haha yeah."
"Why don't you ever show your eyes anymore? Your Sharingan is active 24/7."
"I have to show at all times that I'm at 'full' strength. I don't want to show any sign if weakness." Naruto sighed and looked at her seriously. "Besides...I know my eyes will give away my condition."
"What do you mean?"
Naruto deactivated his Sharingan and rather than the deep black void that was always there, it was more faded and was more like a dark gray. She was shocked at what she saw and understood why the Sharingan would always be active. But with his illness, was that really smart? The Sharingan drained a lot of chakra, the only reason someone can have it active for a day is by building their reserves. It doesn't make the cost any less. Naruto was and still is a chakra powerhouse but it isn't to the same level as before.
Surely this had to be hard and cause issues. Then again he had his eyes closed most of the time unless in front of the Company or in a fight. Perhaps that was what helped solve the chakra drainage since that's pretty much what Kakashi did with his. Then there's the fact that he always passes out after each fight he's done now, so yeah, there was definitely a cost to always having his Sharingan active at all times.
"Aren't you worried of being to accustomed to the Sharingan's visual prowess? Like you told me when I was trying to awaken mine and also when training in it, that you didn't want me becoming too dependent on it." She said after looking in his eyes for a few minutes.
"That's a risk, yes. But it's all I can do at the moment. In all honesty, this illness has taken a huge toll on me...I doubt that I'll be in fighting condition for more than a few weeks. A month if I'm lucky..."
"Then you need to stop! Go to the Hokage! Find someone!"
"No, Sasuki-chan...until the moment I can no longer fight, I've got a job to do. Everyone is depending on me...I won't fail them so long as I'm capable. That dammed Jiraya needs to hurry up. I don't like relying on anyone else...then again, Commander said I needed to, that he was the same and it's led to nothing but regret...I don't get it, I know he's my superior but sometimes it doesn't feel that simple. I don't know...But I can't just quit now."
"Naru-kun...trying to stubbornly keep fighting isn't relying on anyone. That's just going to get you killed. What happens when you finally lose your chakra and strength, and can no longer recover...You'll die 8 years sooner than you're supposed to! Just go...get taken care of and let us push on. You'll return at full strength and then everything will be fine."
Naruto stood up and turned away. "It isn't that simple Sasuki-chan. Nothing in this world will heal me. Kurama's told me of this. Even Sage Energy is just temporary but the after effects lead to my illness taking more of a hold on me. At this point, I'll fulfill potentially my last mission until the end. At this point, I've reached all I've wanted...I have surpassed Nii-san, gained the respect and support of others around me."
"You're not done! Stop talking like it's a certainty that you'll die!" Sasuki began to cry "You aren't done! You've still got more to do...you still have goals you've yet to reach. You can't just leave me..."
"I'm sorry Sasuki-chan. This is where it was all going to go. No one can have my level of power without cost...I learned that from Nii-san, and I've told you many times. There's a price, a counter, something to counter everything."
"You said that about Jutsu!"
"It's the same in life. Nothing comes free, everything is has a price. It is a matter of how much we are permitted to have before we reach a limit. I would be willing to bet that if it wasn't this illness that came to me, something else would have led to killing me. It's just the way the universe works."
"No! It isn't that simple! We make our own way. Your death isn't something you were destined to have! Stop talking like this, please. You can't just give up now. I know time's running out, but you've never been a quitter. Don't start now!"
"There is nothing I can do...I'm sorry." Naruto walked away and left her alone in the room to cry by herself.
There really was nothing he could do at this point. Many conversations with Kurama led to there being no answer for his illness. There were ways to negate some of the pain but other than that, there wasn't much. There was one way he could regain some power but that would be risky...
A tear escaped Wolf's eye as he had listened in while hidden. "Naruto-kun...I'm sorry. I wish there was more I could do, I've tried my best. You guys were like family...and now you both may go..."
Somewhere In Fire Country
"What are you doing here? It had better be good. I don't feel like talking with you, Jiraya." said a woman with blonde hair that was tied to two pony tails on the back of her head and had bangs framing her face, she looked about 30, and wore a green jacket over her gray blouse that left her breasts quite exposed, blue pants and black sandals with an elevated heel.
"Tsunade, please! Hear me out!"
"If you're trying to ask me out, No!"
"No, no, I'm serious right now. This is about Naruto."
"Naruto?"
"Kushina and Minato's son..."
She looked up at him and squinted in a way that seemed like she was looking for any deception. She did find that he was more serious than ever and was trying to hide how desperate he was.
"What now? Last I heard about him, he had the Kyubi sealed in him when you told me after you left."
"Yes...and I regret my weakness...but he's suffering an odd chakra illness. One I've never seen before."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and listened as Jiraya described Naruto's illness. To say say it was worse than she could ever imagine would be an understatement. From what she understood, there would be no fixing it. So why come to her.
"Look, I don't think I can even cure him. Make him more comfortable, maybe. But cure...there's no way. What has he told you?"
"Well...he wants the key to the seal."
"The key?"
"Yes. When Minato used the Reaper Death Seal to put the Kyubi into Naruto, he separated their two chakras completely. He made a key so that the seal could be unlocked and the chakras would combine as one. Giving Naruto the full access to the power, should he be able to learn how to control it..."
"Then the key will cure him?"
"It's what he says the Fox says. Apparently this illness is because the two chakras are separated. The reason we never knew of this was because of the nature of how the sealing was always done. All the seals never completely blocked off both chakras, every Jinchuriki in fact has their chakra merge with the Bijuu...I wonder if this illness would happen to others Jinchuriki as well but that's for another time. Since Naruto's chakra is not merged with they Kyubi's, it is like a poison and the demon chakra is killing Naruto. Kyubi told Naruto that once the key unlocks the seal and their chakras become one, that the illness would be cured and Naruto would recover while gaining full access to the Kyubi's power and abilities."
Tsunade nodded. "Then why come to me? You obviously have your answer to his cure."
"Tsunade...listen to me. All the joking and foolishness I've done in my life, there's been one time I was never that way."
"With Minato."
"Yes. I still was playful but you know there was a huge difference...I have already failed Minato twice. I couldn't help him during the Kyubi attack, and then in handling Naruto...I can't fix either but I am trying to help Naruto. I don't trust the Fox...there has to be another way. I don't want to risk losing Naruto to the Fox like Minato."
"Jiraya. I know I give you a hard time and all but you're my friend. If this were not as bad as you say, I would help you. I liked Kushina and Minato was a good man. All I can do is ease Naruto's pain...in the end, that key is the only way. I'm not a sealing master as you are but I do know my fair share on the field, that seal, if Minato made that key in the hopes you said, then it was always his plan. Minato always had a plan and even though he didn't know of the illness, it was always his intention to have the seal unlocked. You need to believe in Minato, and Naruto."
"Tsunade, this demon can take control...it can kill Naruto!"
"He's Uchiha! For fucksake Jiraya! They're Uchiha. After the Uzumaki clan, the Uchiha had the ability to control a Bijuu. Have some faith..."
"No Uchiha since Madara has gained true control."
"He'd be able to do enough to gain the chakra wouldn't he? Listen, if this illness wasn't there, and it wasn't the Kyubi that had said the key was the way...can you honestly say that you wouldn't have been trying to teach Naruto to access the Kyubi's power?"
Jiraya thought long and hard on that and sighed in defeat as he shook his head.
"Then stop being a stubborn old man and give him the key and help him out with what he needs to do." She placed a hand on his "I'll still come to help if you'd like but as I said, I think the key is the only way. Besides, I'd like to see how Kushina's son has grown."
Jiraya gave a nod "Thank you...I don't like it but...I guess it's the only way."
Jiraya summoned a tiny toad and wrote a message to have the scroll that the key was within be prepared. He would be summoning it soon when he finally saw Naruto again after the Sage training.
2nd Company
Naruto stood as Kakashi and Asuma informed him of what they found. He was glad to hear that not much was too different and once they took on the strongholds, they pretty much had a clear path to Iwa. They most likely would never need to get to Iwa since as they got closer, desperation would set in and the Kages would either flee or attack in a last defense. Most of the war was taking place here in Earth Country.
If they could defeat both Kiri and Iwa here, Kumo would be forced to surrender since a largely outnumbered alliance of Suna and Konoha would have taken out two villages on their own. The hope was to be able to take out the Mizukage and the Tsuchikage here in Earth Country. If they fled to Kumo then then this war would get even longer.
Whatever happened, gaining control over Earth Country would be a huge benefit to Suna and Konoha. Not only showing their dominance but they would gain more control over the war. Since Kirigakure was not being used due to it's positioning, they would only have to worry about attacks along the borders of Lightning Country.
At this rate, the Hokage and Kazekage wouldn't even need to take to the battlefield...atleast on paper. If Naruto was healthy then yes, they could stay on the sidelines but since he's not...they may need to come in, and fight the three Kages together. That and any other remaining Jinchuriki that still live past Naruto.
"Naruto, what are your orders?" Kakashi said when Asuma finished the debrief.
"We'll begin to take on the strongholds. You guys and 2nd Company will take on the closest stronghold. I'll take on the next closest 140 miles from here."
"By yourself?"
"Yes Asuma. We'll need to push as far and as fast possible. I can fight better on my own when there's nothing for me to worry about."
"Why the need to go so fast?"
"Has it gotten this bad?" thought Kakashi
"Because we can get the Kages to panic. That is best case scenario for us. Them panicking leads to them making mistakes."
The two nodded and agreed. They would set out in 5 hours and begin to begin their offensive.
"Kit, your chakra reserves are at 50%..."
"I know Kurama. I have maybe a few weeks left in me and then I can't fight anymore. I have a way to boost my strength but..."
"You going down that path, you might not come out the same."
"They say it's how an Uchiha become their strongest. This is the only way."
"Perhaps. What do you want me to do?"
"When I begin tapping into it, I may attract the attention of a nearby Jinchuriki. If that happens, I WILL need your chakra."
"It'll be a ticking time bomb Naruto. Why do you give everything to these people?"
"I haven't given everything. And I think things will work out. Worse case scenario, I teleport to Kakashi, or Susanoo my way out. Either way, we should come out on top."
"You'll accelerate the loss of your strength."
"Funny how now it's all about time. I never thought that it would matter so much until this illness came. I guess no one ever values time until they know it's limited."
"You're not about to die. What would be the point if you did?"
"It proves destiny doesn't exist."
"You spoke to that girl like it did."
"It's better for her to move on through anger and start hating me, this way when I die it isn't as hard for her."
"You Uchiha are some weird people...and I've practically met every type."
"How so? I wish that she can move on easier...is that not normal?"
"The way you go about it isn't. Listen, grief doesn't work so simple. No matter what...eh I don't feel like explaining this. I'm not your councilor."
"Haha maybe not. You know, you're a very wise being, too bad no one ever tried to learn from you. Who know what you could teach...well let's get to the fighting shall we?"
"I could teach more than you could ever imagine...but...that's not for me." Kurama thought as Naruto went back to the real world.
"Kakashi? What are you doing here still? I thought you left."
"No, I stayed. Listen, I know you know about your condition. You think it's wise to do it alone?"
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Then don't come racing over when you feel it."
"What do you mean?"
"Just...don't. You'll know when it happens. Thank you, for everything, Ojisan."
Kakashi watched in confusion as Naruto walked away. Just what was he about to do? Why didn't he want anyone coming for him when he did whatever it was?
5 Hours Later
Naruto and had gathered everyone at the entrance and they were ready. It was now time to go and they would be leaving this place behind while an occupational force will come in in a day or two. They would be relocating to the stronghold that Naruto takes over. It was dark out and people were either getting themselves hyped up or doing last minute checks on gear.
"Alright, let's get out there and handle our business. I'll see you guys shortly...see you soon. Now get get going, Listen to your PL'S and happy hunting."
Everyone shout out in confirmation and began walking past him through the caves entrance and left to their objective.
"Naruto, take care of yourself out there."
"I will Commander...make sure she's ok for me...ok?"
Wolf smiled. "Will do, Naruto. Just make sure, you don't go too far..."
"Commander?" Naruto tilt his head to the side and squinted slightly.
"Just trust me...it isn't easy to come out of. It isn't as simple once you cross that line. I have faith in you though, you can do this."
Naruto could only nod. "How can he know what I'm about to do. There's no other Uchiha...isn't there?"
"It honestly makes more sense now. Remember that problem of how Itachi cast Tsukuyomi on you? Some of the things he's said...how he is always beating you despite the fact that you've been much more powerful for a while now."
"But...Kurama...it can't be. There's no way. No there's got to be something else."
"Whatever you say, kit...either way, you sure you're going through with this?"
"Yes. Even if it's only for a little bit...they'll bear witness to my true power soon enough."
"You don't think it's too soon to do this? What if none show up and you just lose it all because of this?"
"This is the last chance Kurama. If I weaken any further, tapping into it won't do much for me. This is my last chance to be able to go all out and I have to hope they take the bait. Atleast one has to come and I can weaken the enemy before it's over."
"That's why you'll let me give you chakra. You plan on this being your last fight?"
Naruto didn't even respond he just turned away and went on his journey. He put the hood on from the hoodie and even put on the gloves issued to him by ANBU. This would be him going for real. His mask hung from the belt as it always did now. The cloak that they wore for rain was black and he cut it so that it only halfway down his chest, and on the back it only reached his waist. The left side was cut at the shoulder and the right hung to his elbow. He even brought the forearm guards back. The ANBU vest under the cloak and he was prepared for battle.
Naruto looked at the stronghold he was about to lay siege to. He was kneeled down as he looked on with his Sharingan.
"Well. I guess it is time." Naruto stood up and took a deep breath. They were going to get the first sight of what he truly was.
Naruto searched within himself and the two paths sides that always showed up were there. On the left was lighter and Sasuki, Shisui, and everyone else was there. On the right was a void of nothing but a shadow. After taking a glance at the left he jumped into the right and faded into the dark.
When he opened his eyes his Sharingan morphed into his Eternal Mangekyo. A black aura surrounded him and he smirked as he stood up. One of his last eight clones dispered and he entered Sage Mode, rather than the orange, it was black. No bar in the eyes, just the hue around his eyes.
The stronghold began to stir up and were running around. His power was being felt and everyone was preparing. The siren was blaring and soon enough they all walked out to see Naruto there alone.
"Ha! He thinks he'll take us on alone? What a joke! Let's cut him dow-" out of nowhere he dropped to the ground with his head off it's shoulders.
Everyone looked from him and up to Naruto, he was holding his tanto pointed at the ground and blood was dripping from it. He literally cut the man's head off faster than he could say down...faster than they could see...
"Now, do you understand the situation you find yourselves in?" Naruto spoke in a cold tone and as if he wasn't being dramatic enough, it oddly started to rain...
Everyone took a step back and unsheathed whatever weapon they had on them and prepared for his next move.
Naruto lift his right arm which still held the tanto and held it parallel to the ground. He then pointed with his index finger at them and stood still. For a few seconds they were confused until a lightning storm kicked in and shot down at them. He smirked and charged in.
He slit the throat of three before jumping up and unleashing a fireball into the thick of them. As they scream in agony he coursed red lightning into the tanto and with each swing it left a large stream of lighting that followed it's path allowing him to cut into far more of them without having to touch them.
"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!" Naruto said and a wave of red hot flames were unleashed from his mouth at a 50 foot span and burnt anyone unfortunate enough to be in it's path to be reduced to ash.
Several Iwa shinobi tried sending earth spears into him and all he did was charge them. As the came at him, his tanto was infused with the red lightning and he just slashed at each one and it blew the spears up as he got close. In desperation one made an earth dome and they stood there in fear.
"Are we safe?" a woman said as things got quiet for a few seconds.
"I don't think so..." Naruto said out of nowhere from behind her.
Before she could even scream she was stabbed three times through the heart from behind. She collapsed onto one of the other two before they stared into his glowing EMS. They saw their greatest fears and died of heart attack.
When they died that dome came crumbling down revealing him standing alone. The others dead.
"What the hell is he?" A man said
"Your death." Naruto appeared infront of him and grabbed his throat. When others tried to stab him from his right, he brought the man over and they stabbed that guy. "Oh, guess I wasn't your death...my apologies. But I'm yours..." he looked to the two that stabbed him and they dropped to the ground. He threw two shuriken to their heads and they died.
"How's he doing that?"
"It's Genjutsu...we can't look him in the eye!"
"Sorry to inform you sir, but you don't need to look in my eyes. You're already in my Genjutsu." Naruto said from all around him.
"What how? When?"
When you looked at the shuriken I threw. Don't think too hard on it, you're already dead, you know?"
Naruto chuckled as that dawned on the man and it faded away. Naruto looked to the body that laid there and looked at everyone else. They stood in shock. This was child's play for him.
Water waves and boulders came flying at him. His response was from his left hand sword hand, red lightning bolts shot at the boulders, his mouth unleashed the Dragon Breath Jutsu at the waves of water. His fire overpowered the water and it burnt the casters. The Lightning blew past the boulders and struck those casters. On each side, they died.
A kiri shinobi tried unleashing a lightning dragon at him and he chuckled. Oh they made a mistake. He jumped up and did a flip in mid air. As he was flipping around, and his head was towards the ground, he reached down and made contact with the lightning dragon, he pulsed his own chakra into it and the dragon became half red as he came fully around and landed on it. Now that he was in control he flipped it back onto them.
"GREAT! HE JUST TOOK YOUR JUTSU! LITERALLY!"
"How-how can that even be possible?" the caster said as he watched Naruto on it and come back at him with his own Jutsu before dying with the other guy.
At this point, his aura was being felt by everyone around and they were flooded with the deepest fear they ever had in their lives.
"Hahahaha oh man! I'm only getting started! Raitoningudoragontoripuretto!"
They stood in confusion as they watched Lightning bounce between his outstretched hands. Then suddenly three red dragon heads became visible. The three heads all came out into full Lightning Dragons and each went off in separate directions destroying any and all each came into contact with.
Naruto watched as his creation wreacked havoc. When he told Sasuki he didn't exactly create any Jutsu...he may have stretched the truth. His utilization of Jutsu is all...unique.
"This has been a nice warm up, but I believe it's time for the main event."
The few remaining cowered before him and felt true and utter helplessness. Luckily for them they felt safe when the two Iwa Jinchuriki came to their "rescue". Han and Roshi both appeared.
"Well, if it isn't the newly unveiled ANBU of the Uchiha clan...Naruto, bastard son of that Yondaime!" Han said.
"You do remember me beating you in two hits...don't you? Or has your memory been damaged from that hit?"
"Why you!" Han charged his chakra and rushed at Naruto.
Naruto smirked and watched him. He tilt his head left to dodge a punch, then brought his right hand up to block a kick to the head and sidestepped the next punch.
"You aren't so fast...does it take a while for that boil release to take affect on your chakra?"
"You-you know I can do that?"
"Not at first. But you give enough time and you can figure anything out. However, your threat level decreases quite a lot. No point in letting it drag eh?"
"What do you mean?"
Naruto spoke no more and charged him faster than he could see. He was punched in the nose, shattering it, then punched in the gut coughing up blood. He punched him in the jaw and it snapped. Roshi dropped to his knees and Naruto spun around and cut his head off with his tanto.
"Holyshit..." Roshi said and couldn't believe that he ever thought he was stronger than Naruto at one point.
The few others that remained lost all hope at the ease that their technically stronger Jinchuriki died at.
"There goes the five tails. Now onto you...four tails..."
2nd Company
Kakashi led the charge on their stronghold and things were going great. The Company wasn't elite but they grew well together and worked great together. Their chemistry was perfect at this point and there was nothing Iwa and Kiri could do.
Sasuki was taking on a few Iwa nin when she felt something off. It was dark and oppressing. Nothing around her gave that feeling though, it was like it was from a distance. She didn't understand.
Whatever it was, she couldn't worry about it as she was in the middle of a fight. Her Katana was covered in fire and she cut into one shinobi igniting him in flames. She blocked a sword strike and kicked the guy in the gut which brought her space and she stabbed him in the head.
The last one charged her but never hit her as she dispersed into clones and stabbed them from behind...never look an Uchiha in the eyes was the lesson they never got to learn.
When she finished her little fight, they were just about done and that feeling grew even more. What was this? There was nothing she knew that could cause this...right?
They all grouped up and celebrated their victory. The didn't lose a single shinobi this time and had an easy victory as a unit. Ofcourse the members of the strike force caused the most damage but the rest of the company held their own as well. They were a great at being a support role to the others.
"Sensei...this feeling...what is it?"
"I don't know Sasuki...I have an idea but, it can't be."
"What do you mean?"
"Well...Naruto said that he didn't want us to come running when we felt something. He didn't go into detail but said I would know what he meant when it happened. But, this can't be it...it's too much and it's increasing. He shouldn't have enough chakra for this."
"Oh, you know how it can work, Kakashi. You just don't know how far it truly goes."
"Commander Wolf? What do you guys know that I don't?" Sasuki said
"The hatred of an Uchiha..."
"You mean? That when Sensei was right about Naru-kun?"
"But it's never been this powerful! I never imagined that him tapping into the darkness would make him this strong...that it can be felt this far away...oh no! IF IT'S FELT FROM THIS FAR AND CONTINUES TO GROW..."
"Kakashi...he isn't just tapping into it...he's fully dove in. And yes, soon enough Iwa itself will feel it too."
"YOU KNEW HE'D DO THIS?" Kakashi said as he grabbed Wolf's collar and got in his face...well mask.
"Yes...I have faith in him. Always have. Question is, do you?"
"Goddammit Commander Wolf! How could you just allow this? Who the hell are you to let that happen. You knew Shisui, we were ANBU! How could you allow that!"
"Kakashi, you understand yourself the duty of ANBU. He is doing his and seeing his mission through...there is nothing I could do as Commander Wolf."
"Oh and who you are underneath would?" Sasuki said as she jumped into the fray.
"Maybe...I don't want him to do this, believe it or not. We are closer than you will ever realise as of right now."
"Then make us understand!" Sasuki said
"Sorry. It is not the time. Maybe some other time, ok?"
That last sentence hit her like she ran into a brick wall. That sounded so familiar and struck out so many memories...no this had to be coincidence and meant nothing. Shaking her head she punched him in the ribs and he gasped slightly at the unexpected blow.
"Then tell us what you can then!"
"His illness has gone too far...he might not be able to fight in a few weeks. You guys should know that part already." He received two nods and at this point, Hinto, Zabuza, Asuma, Yugao, and Gai all gathered. "Well, him knowing that felt that inorder for him to fulfill his mission given to him in leading this war, is going into the darkness within him to bring out his full power for one last fight. This will cause this feeling we feel since his hatred, anger, sadness runs deeper than any of us, his power is at a level far higher than any of us, couple that with the enhancement by the Kyubi and his Sage Mode...you get this result. He is trying to attract as many Jinchuriki as possible to take them out here now, effectively fulfilling his role in the war. This will result in his victory and losing the entirety of his chakra and strength right here...or he will die in combat while taking out a few. Either way, he will have done his job..."
Everyone stood shocked and in silence. Naruto was really going on a suicide mission? All to fulfill his "duty". All for them? Well those that truly knew him knew it wasn't for all of them...it was for her. He cared about them yeah, but that wasn't his motivation. Ever since that night, his purpose and drive was about protecting Sasuki. It was always about her. There were other reasons to his goals but at the end of the day, it all involved her.
An Uchiha's love is unlike any other...on the flipside, their hatred runs deeper than any other. Naruto having the most love than anyone else, also had the result of the deepest hatred, anger, sadness and suffering. While he never shows it, rather bottles everything up, when he would finally release it, it would be like a nuclear bomb going off and this was the result. All that coming out at once, his true fullest power to that point was released like the opening of flood gates.
The cost though, would be him losing every ounce of chakra and strength he had left. Once this happened, win or lose, he wouldn't be fighting again. Nothing more than a shell of what once was. Right now, this was the most powerful shinobi anyone would ever feel and potentially see. This feeling was the depth of his hatred, anger, and sadness...bottled up all these years and intensified by the Kyubi, a being of hatred itself some would say. This was the power of an Uchiha unhinged. This, was Naruto Uchiha.
"You bastard!" Sasuki screamed out and clenched her fists. She dropped to her knees and her hands covered her eyes. She cried more than she ever had before. More than the night she came to Naruto after the Uchiha massacre. She screamed and her heart was in agony as it felt like it was sinking deeper and deeper. "How-how could you just let him go like that? Do you want him to die? ARE YOU JEALOUS THAT YOUR SUBORDINATE IS STRONGER THAN YOU?" She couldn't stop crying. She was in a mixture of sadness and anger, and heartbreak.
It made sense now why Naruto talked to her like he did. It only made her feel worse rather than what his goal was. Even knowing he may die, he still put her before him. Like always.
"You couldn't stand the fact that you would never have the power of an Uchiha! You never could feel what it is to have more power than anyone else! You couldn't take that, so you go and send him to death! To reclaim you position as the best! Is that it?" She said as she still remained on her knees.
"Sasuki, calm down." Kakashi said, he let go of Wolf and just stood at her side.
"Calm down? You want me to calm down? How can you expect me to calm down when he just wants the most selfless person to go kill themselves for his own greed! How can I calm down when the one I lo-"
"That's not what I mean, Sasuki. I understand Wolf...Naruto wishes to complete his mission...he must have felt that this was his only way. All we can do is support him."
"Then I'm leaving!" Sasuki shunshined away and left everyone behind.
"Where's she going?" Yugao said
"Probably to Naruto...Oh shit! We gotta go after her!" Hinto said.
They looked around and Wolf was already gone. When the hell did he leave? How didn't they notice till now? Regardless they all left to the place where they felt Naruto.
NarutoNaruto looked at Roshi and smirked. This guy talked so much trash before he sealed his demon away. Now that he was even stronger than before as well, Roshi was silent.
Naruto disappeared from sight and kicked him in the back. Sending him flying.
Sasuki and everyone arrived watching from a distance. They were in awe at the strength he was showing. The feeling he gave off.
"He is reaching his peak..." Wolf said.
"What happens when he does?" Sasuki said
"It stays there for a bit, but then starts to go down. Then eventually he'll be left powerless."
"Uchiha...this power...you are an interesting person...you are a mystery." Gaara thought as he looked on.
Naruto charged again and was about to cut Roshi's head off when a clang was heard and it was blocked by a black staff. Naruto was then kicked in the chest and sent flying, he did a backflip in mid air and landed on his feet but took a slash on the left arm by some claws but had dodged in time to not suffer much else. When he backed away, in front of him was Yugito, Yagura, Onoki, Killer B, Ay, and Roshi who got back up.
As he expected and waited, they all arrived. And almost the peak of his power. It would have been slightly nicer if they arrived just a little sooner so there was more time but this would be fine for his goal.
Everyone in 2nd Company gulped at the sight. Here, their Commander stood against all the Jinchuriki of the opposition, and their Kage. No shinobi could ever take that on. And yet, here their fearless Commander stood, unfazed at the sight. His power felt incomprehensible and unbelievable. It was something they could never ever imagine. Was this really the same guy they fought alongside? They knew he was strong but...this was a whole 'nother level...
"So, you've finally come. What took you so long?"
"You're Naruto Uchiha? You're the ANBU that's been terrorizing Iwa and Kiri? A mere brat!"
"I'd show some more respect, Raikage. I am the fastest and deadliest Shibobi here. You are all mere guests at the dinner table!"
"A bit cocky are we? Mmmm, I kinda like this side of you." Yugito said.
"Hn, you ran away last time...I said you'd regret coming again."
"Oh? I'm not sure you'll get to make good on that, you see, Naruto. We have all come, even you can't take on three Kage, and four jinchuriki."
"You underestimate my power, Onoki. But not as much as you overestimate your own. You can barely move...you're too old. You should have retired after the last war when my father embarrassed you."
"You won't be getting away this time, young Fox."
"Yagura...just stop. You're a joke man. You're nothing without the Bijuu Bomb."
Naruto was casually mouthing them off and no one on 2nd Company's side could believe it. This entirely different than the Naruto they came to know thus far.
"What's up with Naru-kun?"
"It's the side effect of going into the darkness. I told you back in Wave that he becomes colder and merciless. A ruthless killing machine...this is the personality, he isn't expressing arrogance, this is purely confidence. He can take them all on..."
"Yes. He can. You just need to believe in him. Have some faith." Wolf said
"You're leaving out the fact that this will only last so long...he may be nearing his current peak strength, but it will begin dropping after a while. Once that happens, he will not be able to hold his own. He would need to take out as many as he can now."
"So he's going to fail?" Temari said
"It is potentially likely...take this current boost like when I use my inner gates. It let's me surpass my own limitations in strength by breaking the barriers but it's for a limited time and has the price of breaking down a body and heavily fatiguing someone." Gai said as he watched. From what he understood out of all he's heard that was pretty much the best comparison.
"Yes...but his cost is even greater. Once it runs out, he literally runs out." Kakashi said
"What? Why would he do something so wreckless?"
"Because, Gai, it will happen regardless in a few weeks...no one knew this but he has an illness that is taking away his chakra and strength...This is his last effort of fulfilling his role in the war."
Everyone was silent at this. The Commander they came to know and believe in, was dying. And in his dying moments, he still fought for them as best he could. Taking a suicide fight for them. They ofcourse didn't know him like Kakashi and the others so this was their belief. Kakashi and the others wouldn't stop them from believing that however and let it sit in for them.
"This is about to be one of the greatest fights I'll ever have the privilege of witnessing. I guess he really did come through on his promise..." Zabuza said.
"Come on, Naruto. You got this..." Hinto said
"We're with you, always." Kakashi said.
"I hoped you'd never have to do something like this again..." Yugao said
"Kid, I didn't get to know you like my father, but in that short time, you're really someone I could have been friends with. Try to make it out alive ok." Asuma sai
"Naruto-kun...I hate that it's come to this. Just like Shisui, you have to go...it never was meant to be this way. We had so many dreams...that will never come to fruition." Wolf said
"Naru-kun...you must win..." Sasuki put her hands over her chest and a few tears escaped but she didn't completely breakdown again as she watched him do something she never saw him do.
Naruto infront of everyone and the enemies just smirked before frowning. He didn't know where they were but he knew instinctively that they were watching. He didn't want them to see this but oh well. Nothing he could do about it now.
He looked to the moon that was rising and smiled before grabbing the necklace he wore and kissed it. It was the one Sasuki gifted to him...this is what made her release a few tears. The necklace was hidden under his hoodie and cloak, but now he let it hang free. She hadn't realised he always had it on and with him. She didn't realize that he valued it so much.
He looked back at the enemies and settled into a stance.
"Just say a prayer before your death?" Onoki said
"Something like that..." Naruto disappeared from sight and the place went into mayhem...
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Naruto is reaching current peak strength and is about to take on the strongest the enemy has to offer...if you don't count characters like Darui etc. In any case, this took me a while to write, I took many different angles on it and rewrote a few times out of not liking it. I was finally satisfied and thus, here's the chapter. Oh and Sasuki didn't only kill a few the whole battle...I skipped pretty much the whole thing...if you didn't realize...don't want y'all thinking she Sakura up in this haha.
Yo sorry you don't like the set up, I guess? I mean, I said it would skip 4 years and was worried of doing major skips...not that I wouldn't but oh well. I don't mind. That's kind of a dumb reason to not continue reading, just because Naruto hasn't been the main focus yet. Why am I writing this? If you stopped oh well cool, just wish there was more to criticize than a mere confusion on a timeskip, I could have learned more you know?
efrm, What you mean clickbait bro! I do no such thing hahaha. Glad to hear though. I hope I can continue to keep you entertained.
Guys! So the next project, coming this Friday/Christmas! Hope you check it out. I hope you like it. This is not a Naruto of a different clan. It is Naruto Uzumaki, slightly less stupid but not a genius. So the premise is that When Naruto is three, he is wondering around the village when a scout from Kumo notices him and thinks something is special about him. So when the Jonin leader comes to town for the festival, rather than taking Hinata, they gamble and go for this strange kid. Naruto Uzumaki goes to Kumogakure.
I hope you guys will like it and read the both of them Dont worry, this story will remain weekly! It WILL be finished and WILL NOT be abandoned! this next project will be bi-weekly and if you don't know what that means, then every two weeks it will come out. Hope you've enjoyed, and I'll see you next time.