THE END WAR – DISASTER IN GAVARIA
Tamade, Gavaria
Sarada meets with Clyde and Nina, a smile on her face that wasn't there before. She is now more confident than she has been in years. They have re-established contact with Uzumaki Naruto, 7th and most famous Hokage, Leader of the Rebellion, King of Ewoa, and Pocket-Emperor of Homeworld. All this time she has not believed in him without merit. Naruto has become the most successful anti-Furst fighter in history, surpassing even Muto Sora. Now they have only to decide how to proceed.
"You've contacted Naruto?"
"Yes, he has taken Ewoa."
Clyde slams his hand into the table and whispers something inaudible to himself. Sarada sees a solitary tear running down his cheek. When Clyde made the decision to tell Naruto what happened in this world he set in motion a long series of events. Ever since Naruto defeated him he believed that the 7th Hokage may be the person who can change the fate of Homeworld. There has been so much death and suffering as a result of this rebellious war, of their return to Homeworld, now he feels that everything has been worth it. He was right, Naruto really can make a difference.
Nina pats Clyde's shoulder. "This is good news Head General, it's time to smile."
Clyde nods and does his best. "This is the best news we have had in a long time. It shows that this has all been worth it. Sora, Lara, Elliot, and all the others didn't give their lives for nothing. We are a united rebellion once again."
"Naruto wants us to get ready for the final attack on the Imperial Palace," Sarada says. "What happened to the rest of the Military? Are they available for a sudden invasion of Okarin?"
"I sent the other generals away not long after the Military Academy was destroyed. We have more generals in the military than there are in the Imperial Guard, and we all have more experience in this type of situation. These generals have been to strange worlds, fought against people with strange powers, and dealt with a variety of scenarios. I told them to organize themselves in a web spanning all the nations of Homeworld so that we could reunite when the right time came.
"I sent them away so that they could gather more numbers to the resistance. The idea was that we would recruit those with elements who have remained hidden from the empire, former aristocrats, and members of the Imperial Guard who want to rebel. I don't know how successful they will have been, but if I look I'm sure that I will find a member of this web."
"That's a good way to organise yourself," Nina praises Clyde. "I wouldn't have thought of something like that. I suppose your experiences in the pocket-worlds really have been useful. I think it is time for you to find the other generals. Do you agree Sarada?"
"Yes, I agree. Will you take the rest of your group with you or will you travel alone?"
"I will be quickest and hardest to detect alone," Clyde says. "Sarada, I am counting on you to take care of my subordinates. They have been through a lot to get this far, make sure they get to see this through to the end. They all deserve to see the moment that Naruto wins their freedom."
"I will do my best."
"Now there is the question of what we do here in Gavaria," Nina says. "You have a good plan to take and hold this country already. It would be a shame if that plan went to waste. I believe that we should go ahead and take Gavaria as planned."
Sarada contemplates the decision. If they take Gavaria it would be with two class 8 warriors instead of three. They are stronger than the average class 8 warriors and arguably more experienced but taking Gavaria may still be challenging. Clyde's teleportation also has significant tactical advantages that they would miss if he didn't join them. However, Clyde's mission to gather the military rebels must be his top priority. The attack on the Imperial Palace is significantly more important than their attempt to capture Gavaria.
"Perhaps we should ask Naruto for support."
"I disagree."
"He is the strongest of us, he always has been," Sarada says. "He may not be a tactical genius, but he usually knows the right thing to do. With his help we could take Gavaria with no difficulty."
Nina nods. "You're right, but if you think you've been through a lot since the destruction of the academy, you should see what he has done. He rallied the dormant War Council. He defeated the undefeatable Hannah. He helped Princess Hinata to retrieve the Sacred Sword. He thwarted Colonel Zahra's attempted assassination. He fought with me against Nero and Petra. He and Boruto became the first students to pass the empress consort's test. After that he destroyed the Foundry, defeated Head General Safura, defeated King Max, cured Fauna Blight, and finally defeated his counter-aspect."
"I know, he's amazing."
"He has carried the rebellion this far," Nina says. "I think it's time for someone else to take responsibility for the outcome of this war. Let's take Gavaria without his help. Let's put our own nail in the empire's coffin and take some of the burden off his shoulders."
Sarada and Clyde exchange a nod and confirm that they each agree. The day of King Swen's departure is tomorrow. They will rush to the capital and will take it from the Imperial Guard. They will then consolidate that city with any rebels they can find. When that is done they will try getting a message to Ewoa. Hopefully Naruto can send reinforcements. They will have freed two of Homeworld's great nations and will have gathered the Military Rebels. Everything will be perfectly in place for the final attack on Okarin.
There is no time to waste, Naruto said that the attack on the Imperial Palace will be any day now. Clyde immediately departs, meanwhile Sarada and Nina prepare themselves and the others for their crowning moment. The invasion of Otoriko.
The Next Day, Otoriko
Everything is working!
Sarada arrives in front of the entrance to the palace and uses a golden 'creation' enhanced Solar Punch. The strikes blasts the class 8 colonel back into the entrance hall behind him. As he begins to get to his feet Sarada transforms to a comet, rushes to his side and returns to her human form. She places a hand above him and uses 'creation' to generate fumes that knock him unconscious. She has managed to defeat several opponents like this non-lethally today. She 'creates' a flair, a signal to Lord 2nd to teleport another enemy out of the city.
It is only a few moments' wait before Nina joins Sarada at the entrance to the Royal Palace. Sarada inspects her teacher with the Rinnegan and notices that she has sustained minor injuries, impressively few considering she has fought several class 8 warriors. They exchange a smile and a nod. They have done it; they have taken down the Imperial Guard who were defending the city. Now this nation is as good as theirs.
The next step is to hope that there is a royal-grade communication stone in the palace somewhere. With that they could inform Naruto of the good news. They walk through the wide corridors of the palace for several minutes looking for the throne room. If the Imperial Guard is going to make a last stand it would be there, in that room. After a while they find themselves at the entrance to that room. Sarada once again 'creates' a flair, this time of a different colour.
The flair is a signal for Senju Tobirama. He arrives using the Flying Thunder God technique, bringing many shinobi and soldiers with him. They all want to be here for this great moment when they finally get one over on the Imperial Guard and the empire. They have fought long and hard to experience victory. Now that victory is at hand. Nina gestures towards the door, inviting Sarada to enter and become the second rebel to capture a land from the empire.
As the door is opening Sarada flinches thanks to the Future Sight. The others all react a few seconds later.
They have failed.
King Swen is stood at the opposite end of the room, positioning himself beside the throne of Homeworld. He has vacated the seat temporarily for the man who sits there in his place. There is only one person with the authority to do this. There is only one man who can strike such terror and fear into the hearts of the rebels.
It is Furst Jonas himself!
Sarada notices that General Odion is also with them. He was a captive only yesterday, for him to have reached Otoriko so fast Jonas must have brought him personally. She doesn't know how they worked it out, but they have somehow determined that the message sent from Odion to Swen was fake. She tries to look for a way out of this situation but her mind draws a blank. Nobody defeats Furst Jonas, there is surely no way out of this but to run. The 2nd Hokage would need to use Kurama's chakra to link them all together before he could use the Flying Thunder God, Jonas' reaction time would be too quick for them to depend on that.
It seems that they are doomed.
Nina is curious about something else, somehow remaining calm under all this pressure. If Swen knew that they were planning to attack Otoriko that is one thing, but why is Jonas here? Unless Naruto himself was part of the plan to attack the capital there is no reason that Swen couldn't deal with the threat on his own. They are only class 8 warriors, why does the emperor himself need to be here?
"You are not as clever as you think," Swen says, approaching them calmly. "The moment General Elliot defected to the Imperial Guard Nadia became suspicious. She said that we should investigate what was happening. With her 3rd Party Sight and my ability to read minds it was not difficult to see what was happening. Eventually we followed the trail of evidence all the way to you. We did nothing as you attacked Tamade because it wasn't important to us. However, your plan to attack Otoriko was interesting, it was a convenient chance to eliminate you once and for all.
"It is a shame that General Clyde is not here. Did he run away at the last moment? Ah, I see, no he did not. Either way, this is the end for your division of this pocket-world-inspired rebellion."
Nina frowns.
"Why are you here Jonas!"
Swen replies glumly. "You speak to the Emperor of Homeworld and the creator of all pocket-worlds. Furst Jonas is the highest authority that has existed, a hero of two wars who united the world like nobody ever before. You should afford him maximum respect when you address him."
"Shut up Swen, I am not talking to you!" Nina says before approaching the emperor. "Why are you here? You are not needed to fight off this attack. What do you want?"
Jonas stands from the throne and approaches Nina. At first the former bandit is determined not to move but the closer Jonas gets the more intimidating she finds him. She experiences flashbacks of the day that Juan and Sora died, the day that Jonas changed her life forever. She begins to step back, admitting to herself and to everyone that she is afraid of the emperor.
"One of you has a power that is of interest to me," Jonas says, eventually stopping before Sarada. "I understand that you are the pupil of Uzumaki Naruto. I have found the right person, haven't I? You are Uchiha Sarada."
Sarada inhales and steps forward. "I am."
Jonas nods before delivering a single blow to the rear of Sarada's head, rendering her unconscious effortlessly. The others watch in dread. Sarada just fought through several class 8 warriors, almost taking the city in the process, but the emperor knocked our out like it was nothing. He raises the 9th Hokage onto his shoulder and leaps through the middle of the shinobi group. His speed creates an air current that pushes all of them away and that pace also helps his body to smash through the walls of the palace. With the one step he exits the building and begins to travel at speed back to the Imperial Palace.
He has taken Sarada!
"What does he want with Sarada?" Nina says, walking back towards Swen. "Why her?"
"Who knows?" Swen shrugs.
Nina clenches her fist. She thought the days of her pupils being taken away from her were over, but Jonas just took another one like that. She hates the feeling; it is something from one of her worst nightmares. However, what can she do against the most powerful warrior in all Homeworld? Before she can even think about acting against Jonas she has a big problem in front of her. Swen said that his plan was to eliminate them. How can she possibly fight off a royal by herself? What they once thought would be a three-person class 8 team now consists of her and her alone.
The last time she was attacked by Swen they depended on Juan summoning assistance. Summoning assistance this time will not be possible. However, something catches her eye, an item resting on the arm of the throne. It is a royal-grade communication stone. She realises that there may be an outside chance of summoning assistance, but she will have to be clever in order to take it. She reaches for the lower-grade communication stone in pocket, confirming it is still there. She takes a deep breath and gets ready to execute her plan.
"Kakashi, I know you can hear me, listen carefully. I hope that I remember your powers correctly. You can get to the throne undetected and unharmed. I need you to take that royal-grade communication stone and give it to me.
"Tobirama, I need you and the others to stay here and back me up if you get the chance, the reason will become clear shortly. The chances are that we are going to die here. If this is to be our final stand let's make it count."
Nina rushes towards Swen and attacks him with her 'lightning' and 'fire' energy. Odion simply stands by and watches, such is his confidence in his superior. That confidence is well founded. Swen dodges each of Nina's attacks effortlessly before activating his golden 'psychic' cloak. Reading all of Nina's thoughts makes it easy to know how to fight against her. However, Nina's primary thoughts are disguising the plan that she has pushed to the back of her mind. After a few seconds Swen forces her back with golden 'psychic' energy.
A gloved hand passes the royal-grade communication stone to Nina. That hand then quickly vanishes into the floor. Nina smiles, Kakashi has done his job perfectly. She takes the communication stone and squeezes it. She knows that Swen will be able to hear her thoughts as she sends this message, but that is not her concern. Either this will work quickly enough to save them all, or Swen will kill her.
"Naruto, it is Nina. Get to your father immediately. He and Tobirama need to synchronise their use of the Flying Thunder God technique. Get here now! Get to Otoriko! If you don't we're all going to die!'
Swen frowns and begins to increase the rate at which he attacks Nina. He has an overwhelming advantage and each strike does significant damage to her, but she is not weak. Killing her is not quick, and he is now working against a very important deadline.
Dunstone, Ewoa
Minato places his hand on Naruto and tries to send him to Tobirama, but it doesn't work. For the Flying Thunder God to fail in this way means that the distance is too great. Naruto implores his father to hurry, but there is nothing Minato can do. Naruto looks east anxiously. Even if he used 'might' combined with Detonation Martial Arts to increase his running speed he wouldn't make it in time. He needs to find a way to get there now.
Fortunately Sasuke runs into the palace. He approaches Minato and shouts that he can use 'spacetime' to increase the strength of the link between the 2nd and 4th Hokages. They have not got long so Sasuke hurries, beginning to weave intricate patterns on Minato's hand using his golden 'spacetime' energy.
Hinata runs up to Naruto and says some parting words to him.
"We'll be ready to go."
Naruto nods. "Let's take Homeworld back."
Otoriko, Gavaria
Tobirama holds his hand up in front of him. He is shaking as he does his best to manipulate space in an unusual way. The Flying Thunder God is not a technique designed for use as an item recipient, he is not accustomed to working with Minato in this respect. Right now, the usually calm 2nd Hokage can't stop panicking.
Kakashi arrives beside him and places a hand on his shoulder.
"It will be OK Tobirama. We've made it this far for a reason. You can do this."
Hiruzen does the same.
"The time is now for the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf to reunite with Naruto again."
"Keep calm. We are going to win."
Tobirama takes a deep breath and relaxes. His arm stops shaking and there is a vast surge in chakra. Everyone ducks for cover as golden light fills the room from Tobirama's hand. He has never felt such energy drain before. This is the greatest distance over which this technique has ever been used and what he does not know is that it is being modified by Sasuke's 'spacetime' energy. It takes ten seconds before the pure golden light disappears and is replaced by a man in a Hokage's uniform.
Swen groans and his shoulders drop.
Odion steps back out of fear.
Nina chuckles to herself.
The shinobi all crane their necks to look at the new arrival.
From nowhere energy surrounds the fallen Nina. That energy not only heals her but it also drags her along the floor to the shinobi. It pulls her into a group with the others where they will all be safe together. Now they all stand behind the new arrival, all looking confidently at the words on his back. Throughout the years those words have filled the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf with more hope than any others. They are the words associated with the man who never gives up, who never goes back on his word.
He turns his head to look at his comrades and Naruto speaks his first words to them in many years.
"Hi everyone. I am back."
The shinobi all shout and jump for joy. This is the moment they have all waited for, the moment where they finally feel safe. Nobody can protect them better than Uzumaki Naruto can and after years of trying to reunite with him he is here. It's not just a story of his success, a whisper of the man who is leading the rebellion, who has become Pocket-Emperor, he is here in person. Adrenaline runs through their veins as they cheer and punch the air. It takes several minutes before they all calm down just from the sheer elation of his arrival.
"A bit quicker next time please," Nina says.
Naruto chuckles.
Odion grows irritated with the shinobi's joy at the situation. He has great respect for King Swen's abilities and hates how they believe the arrival of one man has guaranteed their safety. Determined to shut them up he takes one step forward, a foolish mistake. Gone are the days when he could fight Uzumaki Naruto, now angering the 7th Hokage is a terrible idea. A wall of the most intense 'fire' he has ever felt appears in front of him, almost burning him. He steps back, after two seconds the flames vanish and he sees Naruto glancing over his shoulder.
Naruto sighs and turns around. He wishes he could celebrate his reunion with many old friends, but he has no time for that now.
Naruto turns and faces King Swen. It seems that they will fight once again.
In Response to Silver Warrior
Who asks if the Edo Tensei/Rinnegan could bring back the dead
In theory it could yes.
Thanks for reading.
In Response to Hyokage
Who asks several questions
Question: Can Amaterasu be considered an energy type?
Answer: I don't know, possibly.
Question: Why didn't I explore the possibility of Sasuke understanding 'lightning' energy?
Answer: I didn't think of it.
Question: Can Susano be used with divine energy?
Answer: Yes though the energy would be less effective as it would be spread over a wide area.
Thanks for reading.
In Response to alfred165423
Who asks if I have any plans to include Kawaki in this story
No, I have no plans to include Kawaki.
I believe the character had not been introduced yet when this story was started.
Thanks for reading.
In Response to NicoFics
Who asks if there are any triple-transcendent elements
If there were I couldn't say as much without giving away spoilers.
Thanks for reading.
In Response to Apoorv
Who asks if Mitsuki has understood an element
I haven't revealed either way, doing so now would potentially be a spoiler.
Thanks for reading.