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Chapter 29: Upheaval at the Naruto Bridge
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Sasuke's midnight black gaze was glued to his omega and was mesmerized by his sparkling golden eyes; the omega's lips curled upwards with an excited smile as he leaned further through the carriage window. But, just as instantly as his face lit up, it was instantly snuffed out, replaced by an alarmed expression as the bridge drew closer and closer.
"Naruto? What's wrong, love?"
Naruto's frown deepened as his ears twitched.
"Dobe?" The alpha further inquired. But before he could receive any response, the omega was outside of the carriage.
"Naruto!"
Sasuke exited the carriage, alarmed by his omega's behavior. As soon as he alighted the carriage, he saw what had bothered his omega. The ground in front of them were littered with strange white corpses. On their still unmoving bodies were strange plant-like growths that resembled the trees around them.
Itachi himself was standing in front of a more grotesque version of the other corpses, the white amalgamation of alien-like plantoid organism gasping as black flames slowly engulfed its body. That wouldn't be the end of their troubles however as six more of the pale monstrosities approach the convoy.
Naruto positioned himself in front of his alpha protectively, his claws and tails sharpened; gleaming deadly against the sun. But that was when a purple spinning orb flew past them.
"Gravity Stye: Dark Rasenringu!"
The purple orb pulled the six approaching opponents to its center before tearing at them. A phoenix-shaped flame soon followed before another voice yelled out.
"Katon: Housenka no jutsu!" And just like that, their opponent became dust in front of them, the phoenix fire consuming the plant-like growth that emerged from their dying bodies without giving any chance of them sprouting or healing.
Naruto looked at the voice's direction and saw Menma and Sarada who exhaled loudly as sweat streamed through their foreheads. He smiled proudly at the duo. Despite their tired expression, they were grinning proudly at their handiwork. The omega was so focused on his children however that he failed to notice two more enemies approach him.
Thankfully, the incoming enemies quickly fell when a gust of wind flew past the omega and alpha pair, showing two azure lions that knocked their opponents off.
"Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists!" Himawari came into view before Naruto finally recovered from his initial shock and with six of his tails tore the pale white enemy into shreds, the remaining three tails protectively forming a barrier surrounding Sasuke, as his golden eyes scanned the surroundings for more threats. He noticed Shodai's team has also taken down a small group of said foes at their rear with Konohamaru.
No one spoke for a while, they were much too shocked at the sudden turn of events. That is until Sasuke spoke.
"What happened? Where are the guards niisan? What the hell are these?"
Itachi turned and signaled to the bridge where the rest of the Konoha ninja and other Shin clones were busy fighting a wave of the white monstrosities as they assisted a small contingent of Wave's Samurai who maintained a formation to prevent the monsters from entering the main town.
"Preoccupied. Sasuke, these are White Zetsus. Though whatever Akatsuki's pets are doing in this side of the world is beyond me. At least we now know why Wave is so adamant in getting an alliance with us. If we came a little bit later they would have been overwhelmed. These Samurai are simply not equipped to deal with these monsters."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he turned to the distant fighting. Naruto on the other hand signaled three of his clones to assist the other ninja at the bridge while whe sent the last of the four to check Shodai, Nidai and Sandai. The omega's eyes narrowed as he took note that two of his clones are missing. If two of his clones were dispelled in the process, there has to be a brutal fight that they weren't aware of when they were inside the carriage. And Wave could be in very grave danger right now. He closed his eyes as memories of an ambush flooded through him; the last visions of his two clones that were dispelled in the opening of the attack and his silently cursed at himself for relaxing so carelessly on his alpha's chest when there have been danger outside all along.
Naruto looked on as his clones sent multiple rasengans to deal with the White Zetsus, his mind vaguely wandering to his conversation with Shin Uchiha and a nagging feeling was bubbling at the pit of his stomach. Still, he turned to the three children and gave an uneasy smile.
"Great work you three! You did well for your first time outside the village." Sarada blushed at her mama's look, Menma just scratched his cheeks shyly with an index finger while Himawari took a deep breath, her jutsu having drained some of her chakra as she leaned against her dark-haired teammate. Menma supported her as he led her to the side of the carriage and let her rest there.
"Sasuke the fighting is ending soon. You'd best head inside the carriage and do take the children with you." Itachi told his brother. Naruto and Sasuke both nodded as they ushered the children in the carriage while Naruto protectively curled his tails on the spent Himawari and lifted her up as he cradled her to his arms.
As they piled up inside the comfort of Sasuke's carriage, the other children finally released the breath they didn't realize they were holding as they slumped against the soft plush seats. Sarada and Menma quickly deflated on Sasuke's lap as they rested against their father; tired at their exertion against the unexpected foes.
"Well, that's a weird way to arrive here, don't you think Sasuke?" Naruto said as he shared some of his chakra to Himawari through one of his tails. "I wonder what's going on with Akatsuki that they'd suddenly send in these weirdos." Though the omega's body was relaxed around the children, his face showed a different story.
Naruto's eyes hardened, his voice had a deadly edge to it. Thinking back, he thought that he and Pain resolved their differences a long time ago. But judging from what has transpired here, it's apparent that something's going on with the man's organization, too.
"I don't think it's Pain, Naruto. This attack is far too uncoordinated to be from that man. I'm sure niisan will find out what's up soon enough. But at least this will give us some bargaining power over Wave don't you think?" Sasuke offered, thinking of a silver lining to this strange turn of event.
"I sure hope this is nothing Sasuke. I have a bad feeling about this. I hope Inari and old man Tazuna are alright."
"Don't worry about it Naruto. Judging from the fighting at the bridge, I think their defenses are holding up just fine. Plus our men are on the scene already. We'll get more answers when we talk to their council soon. I'm sure it will be fine." Sasuke tried to reassure his omega as he held his children in his arms.
Naruto looked out the window of their carriage as he stared off into the bridge's direction, his mind full of questions, but his eyes were no less harder than before; his fears obviously has not left him as his grip tightened on the now sleeping Himawari on his arms.
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It wouldn't be until much later when Kakashi would appear on their window. "Yo Naruto, Sasuke."
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, surprised to see the man with them. He had not noticed that his sensei have been with them earlier. He's probably among the ANBU division that tailed the Hokage's escorts.
Kakashi gave a small smile before giving his report.
"It's clear to proceed Hokage-sama. It appears that there's no casualty on our side. I think Wave wanted an emergency meeting with you and Itachi-sama right after."
Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief and nodded as he dismissed his former teacher. At least that attack didn't last long. They have been caught off guard. He had thought that this would be a chance to reconnect with his omega, he had been too careless and got carried away. It would seem that he let down his guard, too excited to be alone with Naruto. He definitely won't be making the same mistake again.
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When the group arrived in the Town proper, they wasted no time in heading straight for the main administrative building. And true enough, Naruto noted that Inari and Tazuna had been among the group of elders that approached them.
The men bowed to them as they approached before Inari rushed to Naruto.
"Naruto-niichan!"
Naruto smiled down at Inari and patted his head. "It's been so long, Inari! I'm glad that you're doing alright, all things considering. You did a lot of growing up!" Inari grinned up as he latched onto Naruto's legs. Sasuke raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he trailed behind his omega.
"You look different Naruto-kun."
Naruto just chuckled nervously upon hearing Tazuna's voice.
"Well, a lot of things has happened since then. In any event, we're here on official business, Tazuna-jiji." The seriousness in Naruto's voice led the man to pull away Inari from Naruto's legs.
"Of course. But you should come over at home for dinner later. Tsunami will prepare dinner!"
Naruto's eyes glowed at the prospect of food. "Yeah, of course! I can't wait."
As the Konoha dignitaries were ushered into the main meeting hall, Naruto situated himself at the far end of the room as he observed for any potential threats while Sasuke and Itachi began negotiations with the Wave's ruling council.
After the initial pleasantries have been made, it is apparent that the discussion would slowly gravitate to the whole event at the bridge.
"We don't take kindly to unforeseen surprises, councilman." Naruto's brow arched as he heard Sasuke's annoyed voice.
"Indeed. We would have appreciated it if you warned us that your country is being swarmed by these monstrosities. Did you plan on hiding that fact from us? To what end, I wonder?" Itachi's voice was annoyed, too and Naruto was surprised since the man has always been the epitome of calm and cool to the omega's eyes.
"Our apologies, Uchiha-sama. Allow us to offer our humblest apologies. We just thought that-"
"That we wouldn't come if we know?" Itachi finished for him. "While we understand the seriousness of the situation, I hope you also know that our men and even our lives were endangered just because you hid this fact from us. Betrayal's hardly the foundation you want this partnership to be built with don't you think?"
"Our apologies, Itachi-sama. Please, allow us to make amends. We were desperate. Please accept this gift from us."
A group of their men carried a giant sword with them.
"This is the Kubikiribōchō. It's a sword that has always been in our keeping. The famed demon of the mist used to wield it."
"A sword alone wouldn't be enough to make up for having lied to us I'm afraid. If you want us to trust you, there has to be something more. We're taking the sword. But surely, you can do better than this." Itachi challenged the councilmen as his calculating eyes regarded the men before him.
Naruto silently watched the entire proceeding, not sure how the squabbles were really helping. But he had a feeling that Itachi have something in mind, by the way he's leading the conversation. It didn't feel to escape his notice that Itachi's annoyance was simply a façade; his eyes gleaming with mirth and confidence as he stood in front of the other men. His answer would come next when Tazuna finally stood up.
"You have to understand, sir. We've just lost our daimyo to those freaks. The whole country is in disarray. We are nothing but a hastily assembled emergency council here. I know we messed up, but that's because what you're seeing in front of you aren't trained nobility who's aware in the arts of politics. We're nothing but workers and humble tradesmen, Uchiha-sama."
Naruto noted the strange twinkling in Itachi's eyes at the admission. He didn't miss the subtle looks that the elder Uchiha had been giving his younger brother throughout the man's admission and it appears that his signals did not escape Sasuke's notice. Whatever the two brothers were scheming were definitely taking shape as the conversation in the room progressed.
Then finally, Naruto saw it. With a slight twitch of his lips, Sasuke had a huge smirk up his face.
"Is that so? Well, since your country is leaderless, why not let US take the reins. Of course, we wouldn't think of usurping power. A neutral party could do it. Say… my faithful omega here. Let him lead your country in these moments of crisis. As I understand it, he's considered a war hero here, right?" Sasuke smugly proclaimed as his mind flashed back to the opulent bridge that had been the namesake of his omega. Murmurs filled the room as the councilmen whispered amongst themselves.
Naruto on the other hand, looked at his alpha in shock. What did he just say? Surely, his ears are deceiving him. Is Sasuke really saying what he think he's saying? His internal inquiry would be confirmed by Sasuke himself who continued, breaking the spell of silence that have momentarily engulfed the room.
"I said, I want my omega installed as your new daimyo, even temporarily, of course. We'll be better able to consolidate this country's resources after that. And if you want me to risk my men you might as well let someone experienced in war take the reins don't you think? It's only for temporary measures of course. That's the condition. Do you accept?"
The elders murmured amongst themselves as they contemplated the Uchiha's offer.
"You're right. Naruto-kun is a war hero here. And none of us are really suited to face a crisis of this magnitude. What do you say guys?" Tazuna's voice was raised. "Besides, it's only for the interim." Sasuke smirked. He had no plan in making this temporary however. Once Wave accepts the garrison, there'd be no way they can loosen themselves free from the Uchiha's grip. He had been in luck when Tazuna revealed that who he's negotiating with were not politicians. They're traders and workers who are not trained in the arts of politics. And thus are naïve to the possible manipulation that can happen. If this goes on, his quest here is assured.
"You can trust, Naruto-niisan! You guys remember how he saved us right?" Inari, who had been silent at Tazuna's side had joined in the conversation. And Sasuke's smirk turned into a smile at his intervention. If the other men have been having doubts before, having mentioned that part of their history has surely removed it now.
After all it was only because of Naruto's inspiration that he roused the people of Wave into reclaiming their Land from Gato's corruption. Naruto may not know it at that time but he has already been elevated to an almost legendary status amongst the people of Wave. The alpha turned to his omega who's looking wide-eyed at the assembly.
Sasuke knew of Naruto's dreams to become Hokage. And back when they were children, Sasuke was saddened that with his family in power he knew that his best friend would never be able to do it. Still, with this, the alpha knew then that he can finally spoil his omega in the most magnificent way he knew how- by elevating the man beyond that of any Kage, or ruler. And he'll be damned if he lets this chance slip through his fingers.
The alpha signaled for his omega to come closer. The people of Wave are now looking at him expectantly. Naruto on the other hand have been having mixed feelings. He haven't really expected this trip to turn out like this. A few weeks ago he's nothing but a struggling Jounin who's just trying to make ends meet. Now he's actually being considered for a position to become a feudal lord. And while he's excited at the prospect of leading a nation, part of him have been apprehensive if he can really do it.
As he approached the assembly, Sasuke stood up and came closer to him, the alpha taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"You can do it, Naruto. I trust you." Sasuke would whisper to the omega and those words alone had been enough to light up a fire in Naruto's golden orbs as he stepped in front of the assembly.
"I'm flattered that you'd choose me guys. But I'll do my best. Will you help me help you save Wave again?" Naruto's voice rang clear in the halls of the assembly room. And just by his determined look alone the men before him have been strangely roused to excitement; their spirits lifted as the appearance of their savior in front of them strengthened their resolve.
Before long, the omega's ears deafened as a resounding "Yes" rang through the room. Meanwhile, Sasuke had to hide a small grin as he looked at his omega who had been smiling widely at the people of Wave.
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Preview for the Next Chapter
"Do you remember this place Sasuke?" The omega asked as they stood by the bridge. Sasuke nodded as he snaked his two arms to the omega's torso, the alpha hugging the man from behind as he kissed the man's neck tenderly.
"Of course, Naruto. This had been the place where I really realized just how much I don't want to lose you." Naruto smiled as he turned around and met the Alpha's gaze.
"I think I'm ready Sasuke."
Confused, the alpha looked at his omega questioningly, briefly surprised when Naruto took off the ring that he had relocated to his right finger after that fateful night. Naruto handed the ring to him before he said.
"Ask me again." He simply said. And Sasuke's eyes brightened in comprehension.
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A/N: Wohoo there it is! Finally! I can't believe that took me so long. Ugh I have planned to drag on the meeting with the council members here. But I hope it's still satisfactory enough. I had to fight off a massive writer's block just to finish this chapter. By the way, I'm sorry if I'll have a minor rant here but have you guys seen the fight between Delta and Naruto, yet? I am so mad right now that I can't concentrate on my other stories.
What are they doing to our beloved and godly Lord Seventh? This is not the child of prophecy that I know! Even Genin Kyuubi Naruto fights better than that! Where's the cunning and strategy that he used to fight Momoshiki with? The sacrifice that led him to claw his way from the ground and surprising Neji? The surprise attacks (he is after all the most surprising ninja in Konoha)? The traps, the plans behind plans and the coordination with his clones? He didn't even use his chakra arms that he fought the Shin Uchiha clone with. Ugh I'm so frustrated right now. Like really! Ugh I should stop before this gets too long. Alright end vent. I'll just go rewatch Chuunin exams Naruto for now. I'm so sad and frustrated. :(
They said it gets better in the Kara arc! Lies, all lies! :( Anyway, until the next update you guys. I hope you have a nice weekend.