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Chapter 52
The Beginning of the End
Madara emerged on the mountain top overlooking Kirigakure and was not disappointed when he found his ally standing at its edge. The young Kage was calmly smoking which drew a curious look from the Uchiha as he stepped beside the man.
"Those things will kill you" he quipped with a smirk, earning a dry smile from Naruto.
"You and I both know that is not how I'll ever go out" replied Naruto sarcastically, making the Uchiha chuckle and offer a respectful nod before a more grim look arrived on his face.
"My Zetsu Spies across the world have reported that the Tsuchikage has positioned many of his troops strategically in the Land of Waterfall near the borders that they share with Kirigakure, many more are stationed in Iwagakure where he will be hosting the Kage Summit. Konoha as well as all the other nations are also preparing their shinobi and moving special forces units near your borders secretly. Do you understand what this means, Naruto?" asked Madara gravely,
He watched true disappointment arrive on the Mizukage's face as he crushed his cigarette and clenched his other fist painfully. Madara couldn't say he was surprised by what was happening considering he had warned the young Kage about the true nature of the shinobi world but he felt saddened nonetheless over what his ally was feeling right now.
He reminded Madara of Hashirama in many ways after all, a friend whom he loved and disagreed with strongly at the same time.
"Tobirama would never support such a drastic action, besides Konoha is an ally of Kirigakure" argued Naruto in defense,
"Your father is just a cog in the Great Wheel, I agree he wouldn't support such an action against you but he's not the Hokage anymore. Hiruzen is and you have already threatened him once on discovering how they lied to you about Ino's death in the past, you have destroyed the Water and Lightning Daimyo's rules alongside their entire families, you overthrew Hanzo Uzumaki who was a key ally of Hiruzen turning Uzu from a steadfast to an unreliable ally. You crushed one great village and nation alongside annexing few smaller ones, what's to stop you from taking more? No matter how much you want to make peace with all these villages and nations, you are the gravest threat to their very existence and way of living. A military threat to the shinobi world order and a political one to the Daimyo's who truly control this world" explained Madara patiently,
The Uchiha stepped in front of the young Kage and looked straight into the man's eyes even as despair spread across his heart.
"You are the devil that they all fear most, greater than the Otsutsuki whom they don't know. Try talking to them if you want but it would still end in conflict. In the end, they find it easier to blame one man than their own flawed shinobi world that gave birth to the very devil that they fear" said Madara somberly,
It was truly disheartening for Naruto to hear that, he understood why it was happening and it made sense in a twisted way for him to be considered as the 'enemy' of the shinobi world by the ones who ruled it.
However, a part of him wondered just how much more harm could human beings cause to each other in the pursuit of their goals...and he was a part of the problem itself.
Despite witnessing the horrors of two Great Ninja Wars and countless deaths, the shinobi world was willing to shed even more rivers of blood until the end of time.
Was this the kind of world he would bestow upon his children and loved ones?
Make them continue living in an endless hell?
To repeat the cycle over and over again...
"You play the bad guy next"
Hanzo Uzumaki's words came back to haunt him once again as the Mizukage wondered if the First Uzukage had truly foreseen such turn of events with his experience.
Even if this was the bitter reality...there was no going back now.
"I'll try regardless. And if they still refuse to see reason...then they'll rue their own decision" promised Naruto fiercely, his killing intent clear for the Uchiha to see.
Knowing what the Fourth Mizukage had planned for exactly such a scenario made a part of Madara's heart wish the Kages saw reason...for none of them could imagine the hell they would be facing at the hands of this devil.
"Will Kiri or Uzu stand with you?" asked Madara seriously,
"This is our fight, Madara. We swore to each other that we would never act like the despicable Kages that send others to do their bidding while saving their own lives, that we would fight at the head of our battles and crush our enemies with our own hands! If the time comes, will you fight by my side?" questioned Naruto honestly,
"Till the bitter end, Naruto. It doesn't matter what they throw at us, it was always down to the two of us and the forces under our command. I'd rather fight in an army of sheep led by lion than an army of lions led by sheep themselves. Heh, those fools don't know what they are going to face" said Madara excitedly,
"Does that mean you will be on the frontline?" asked Naruto curiously,
"Of course. It's been damn too long in the shadows, it's time I remind these brats who Madara Uchiha is. You could use my help on the battlefield and I'll bring in some special surprises too" answered Madara frankly,
"This can only end in one way for us, Madara. I hope you understand that..." replied Naruto with a resigned smile,
"Victory or an even complete Victory"
A surprised Mizukage looked at the older Uchiha who had a confident smile upon his face as he extended his hand towards him.
"We'll do it. Together, we shall put an end to 3,000 years of bloodstained history ruled by shinobi with our own hands. We won't falter and keep moving forward until that day comes" promised Naruto sincerely, as he shook the Uchiha's hands.
A smile came upon Madara's lips as he glanced at the only man who truly understood his dream for humanity. Something which even his best friend Hashirama couldn't.
As their chakra made contact with each other through the handshake, their eyes widened in shock when they both saw a fleeting glimpse of an old man possessing the Rinnegan looking at the Uchiha and Senju clan descendants with a relieved smile upon his aged face before disappearing away.
It was midnight when Naruto found himself discreetly visiting a house on the outskirts of Kirigakure. He easily evaded the very Anbu he had put on guard duty and entered the targeted property to find the person that he wanted to meet to be fast asleep.
He looked at the disgraced shinobi and could not help but wonder how his actions had led him here.
Just as Naruto's own would soon lead him to his own destiny.
"Yagura"
He called out the disgraced Third Mizukage and waited patiently as the man awoke from his slumber to groggily look at the intruder in his home. Compared to the ending days of the Civil War, the man had progressed a lot.
Instead of the dark dungeons, he now had a place of his own thanks to his service and the multiple suicidal missions he undertook for Kirigakure in the campaign against Kumogakure. Not that he had much of a choice for he was a slave of the man who overthrew him.
The same man who executed his entire clan and the reason for Yagura's continued torturous existence.
Naruto was not surprised when he found an unsettling hatred arrive in the man's eyes as he looked at the Fourth Mizukage.
"What brings you here after all this time, my fellow traitor?" asked Yagura scathingly,
The Fourth Mizukage could not help but wonder if not for the seal preventing him from revealing the truth that his tailed beast had told him, Yagura would have revealed Naruto's true identity as a former Spartan and Spy long ago.
"Good to see you too, Yagura" answered Naruto calmly,
"You promised to let me die if I served you in the Second Great Ninja War? I did that! Why the hell am I still alive then? How long will you keep me away from my family after taking them all away?" asked Yagura angrily,
He had made his wish to die clear to this man so many times ever since the embers of conflict started to dwindle. Instead he found himself marched back home alongside the army, confined to house arrest, and now was informed that he would be escorting Naruto to a Kage Summit of all places!
"I will give you the freedom that you seek, Yagura. You will see your family soon...but before that you have one more duty to fulfill towards this nation" said Naruto honestly, earning a scoff in return from the Karatachi clan head.
"Why should I care about this nation? The people abandoned me and just watched as you executed my entire clan!" replied Yagura bitterly,
"Because you were the Third Mizukage...no matter how brief"
Yagura's eyes widened upon being reminded of who he once was even as Naruto came beside him and looked straight into his eyes.
"We must all pay the price of our sins. In life and in death...maybe even beyond that"
The disgraced Kage was left speechless as his successor revealed what was it exactly that he wanted from him...the price to gain his freedom to finally die and be with his clan in the afterlife. A way to end his suffering and maybe even achieve something that would redeem his and the Karatachi clan's name.
Even save Kirigakure from certain doom.
"You have everything that I ever wanted...the respect of this nation, the trust of the warriors and shinobi, the love of a family...and yet why go so far?" asked Yagura silently,
"Because I can see something beyond this hell...a better world or atleast a new path where men like us are never born. I am a Spy and yet I care about this nation, its people and their future with all my heart which is why I need your help. You're the only one who can" answered Naruto truthfully,
"You're the craziest person that I have ever met"
Naruto laughed boisterously upon that honest statement making Yagura shake his head tiredly.
"But maybe this world needs someone like you. A devil who can give a taste of its own medicine to the shinobi world...if you ask me, humanity can go fuck itself and die in a ditch. It's not worth saving or risking all that you have now" advised Yagura frankly, without mincing words as usual.
"This is where we differ" disagreed Naruto calmly,
"Is this truly the only way?" asked Yagura curiously, making Naruto look at him with an honest smile.
"One day, it is my hope that all nations can unite under one cause...which is humanity and its future in this universe. Men shall always rise and fall, but humanity...will be eternal. The Empire of Man...is a world in which Kirigakure shall stand alongside mankind as its ally and not as a pariah" promised Naruto,
He looked down to see Yagura offering him his hand which the Fourth Mizukage shook somberly.
"Then let's keep moving forward until we both face our own reckoning"
The two Mizukage's nodded at each other and for the first time felt a strange peace within their own hearts.
(Three Days Later)
Naruto had a content smile upon his lips as he watched Mangetsu and Haku take their wedding vows in a holy temple near the feudal Capital of the former Water Daimyo. Attending the event were a small group of people, which included the bride's father and clan whereas the Fourth Mizukage himself stood in the place of father, best man and brother for Mangetsu who had none.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen were also present alongside General Abe and many other top commanders of this nation.
Naruto saw his own wife-Mei smiling and cheering the newly married couple as they kissed each other, even as their trusted maid kept a dutiful watch over their twin children nearby.
Watching them all be so happy and at peace for once made all the effort that went into organizing this wedding at such a short notice worth it.
Knowing what was to come, it was all he could offer to them after all they had done for him.
"A truly wonderful event at such a short notice you have organized, Lord Fourth"
Naruto turned to his right to see General Abe stepping by his side and offer him a grateful smile which made him offer the older warrior a respectful nod.
"It was the least I could do for them" replied the Mizukage calmly,
"I have been filled in on the plan we all are supposed to execute should things turn south at the Kage Summit. Rest assured, I alongside Lord Minase Terumi and Lord Yuki will keep our homeland and other territories safe with the Reserves while you and the Legions do what's necessary" assured General Abe sincerely,
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I would prefer for everyone to see reason peacefully than through the tip of a sword after such a brutal and costly war" answered Naruto,
"I suppose you can't tell me the reason we agreed to a ceasefire and attempt negotiations apart from the obvious military challenges in our prolonged campaign against Iwagakure?" asked General Abe with a shrewd smile,
"All in due time at the Kage Summit, General. I'll lay across everything for the entire world to witness so together we can chart our future. Whatever it maybe" replied Naruto seriously,
"Seems you have quite the show in mind for all of us to see. Well, I for one look forward to it" agreed General Abe with a gentle smile,
The veteran General was intrigued when he watched the Mizukage look at him with the utmost seriousness visible in his eyes.
"General, should I fall or anything unfortunate happen at the Kage Summit...I am entrusting you with Kirigakure's future. Keep our people safe until things stabilize and do what's right no matter the cost"
Abe understood clearly what was being asked of him and for once he had no hesitation in giving his answer with the utmost sincerity.
"I promise, Lord Fourth"
(Two Days Later)
Naruto stood in the largest training ground of Kirigakure and was proud to see all the legions of this nation assembled before him in all their might, led by members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Beside him stood his wife and in the back stood a disinterested but silent Yagura as well as a calm Fukai, all three Jinchuuriki who will be accompanying him to the Kage Summit.
He looked at his army and realized this was the final chance he had to speak to them in person before walking into a brutal conflict if things didn't go as per his plan.
"MY WARRIORS!"
Thousands of souls looked at him without a flinch and stood even more straighter than before upon hear his warcry.
"This is our time!"
Yagura clenched his fist as he saw the absolute loyalty and admiration in the eyes of the Kiri shinobi as the Fourth Mizukage called out to them. For all his faults and hideous truth, he could not deny that the blonde man before him had a way with connecting with the hearts of shinobi.
Knowing what he did now made him understand the man a little, even if he hated him from the bottom of his heart for ordering the execution of the Karatachi clan.
"You and I are the same, Naruto. Just as I did what I felt was best for the future of this nation...you are doing what you feel is best. In the end, the two of us are just selfish men with a mission of our own. Our journey shall end in hell together because it is where devils like us belong" thought Yagura with a resigned smile,
Unknown of his predecessor's thoughts, the Fourth Mizukage continued his speech to their shinobi.
"Each of us has worked tirelessly and offered their hearts to create a better world. It is not just for the sake of our people but for the sake of all those that joined us in our long march! From this point forward, our struggle is for a better future for all of humanity!" yelled Naruto fiercely,
Fukai looked at the man who destroyed his nation, his clan, his family...the one who erased the Land of Lightning and Kumogakure from the annals of history. Now, he was forced to follow the very same man's command in exchange for a peaceful future for the rest of his people. For all his brutality during the war, Naruto Namikaze had treated every citizen of Fukai's nation who surrendered to his rule with equal respect and rights as those he provided to the people of Kirigakure.
In the year that followed since their defeat, the Mizukage with the help of his wife who was a fellow Jinchuuriki like Fukai did more for the downtrodden citizens of his nation than their own Lightning Daimyo had ever done in decades.
The fact that Jinchuuriki like him got equal rights and even respect was a testament of Mei's efforts as well as her husband's magnanimity.
It was why he could understand why this army loved this man and would march into hell itself if he asked.
If I had been born in this nation, I would have volunteered to serve someone like you instead of simply serving out of duty towards my people.
"Today we take a new step towards building that future for humanity by attempting to create a lasting peace and co-operation with other nations. To set aside our differences and work for the greater good of mankind! It won't be easy or without sacrifices, but for the sake of our children and loved ones...it must be done. I ask everyone of you to join me in this reform!" requested Naruto passionately,
Mei was pleased to see the Seven Ninja Swordsmen thumping their fists against their chest, following their example every legion under each of their command followed that action in unison earning a proud nod from their Kage.
"Make no mistake, we shall strive for this future! Should the other nations disrespect this dream or consider this co-operation as our weakness...then what shall be our answer to them?" demanded the Fourth Mizukage coldly,
"DEATH!"
The thunderous warcry from the Kiri army made Fukai flinch, Yagura to smirk and Mei to take a deep breath and look at her husband who nodded decisively at that promise.
"I promise you this as the Fourth Mizukage: I will never stop fighting for the future and interests of this nation be they in the Kage Summit or the battlefield"
The roar of the Kirigakure army echoed across their entire village making Naruto's eyes moist as he glanced at the army that he had created.
Pride bloomed within his heart as he looked at the men and women who had followed him in battle after battle, fought and bled for his victories, never wavered even once no matter what got thrown at them.
Even now they were all willing to fight against the entire world if needed for the sake of his vision.
These people made him a Kage in the truest sense...an honor his own motherland never deemed him worthy of because he wasn't an Uzumaki by blood.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Mei, Yagura and Fukai alongside every member of the Kiri army were left speechless when the Fourth Mizukage bowed respectfully towards them all sincerely.
It only lasted for a fleeting moment even as a deafening silence engulfed the entire field.
They watched their Kage rise back up and unleash his infamous sword-Muramasa and pointed it towards them with an unmistakable pride for them in his eyes.
"It has been my greatest honor to fight alongside everyone of you and our fallen comrades"
With a firm but respectful nod, the Mizukage created clones of himself that took up positions with each of the five legions of Kirigakure led by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
Dark wings made up of ash like chakra emerged on his back alongside those of the three Jinchuuriki accompanying him to the Kage Summit. As one they rose off the ground as their army started its march towards the village gates.
As Naruto led the army once again, he was astonished to see not only the villagers of Kirigakure but people from all parts of their country gathered within and outside the walls. With every passing moment, even more citizens were arriving.
Proud smiles and hope evident in their cheerful gazes.
"LORD FOURTH, GOOD LUCK!"
He looked below to see a group of young children waving at him excitedly with bright smiles upon their faces.
And it was not just the children...but everyone.
"The future of Kirigakure and the world is in your hands!"
"Lady Mei, thank you for improving the future of our children!"
"All of you come back home safely, all right?"
"Show those other nations our true power!"
Yagura had an openly visible jealous smile on hearing the sheer amount of cheering being bestowed upon his successor and his army.
"What a grand sendoff" he commented sarcastically,
He expected a sharp rebuke in response to that comment but was surprised when he received a wry smile from Mei and a smirk from Fukai.
"Well, we weren't being secretive and with the kind of commotion we made...this was bound to happen" replied Mei sheepishly,
"So much for secrecy" commented Yagura with a sarcastic smile,
Fukai curiously watched some of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen like Ameyuri and Jinpachi actively cheering back towards their people alongside the legions that followed them making their countrymen even more euphoric.
"This is the first time I have seen civilians and shinobi getting along so well." said Fukai-the former Kumogakure Jinchuuriki curiously, something which his own heavily militaristic village had never seen during its brief existence.
Their people respected the power of their shinobi but the sheer amount of admiration and blind trust in the eyes of these people for their shinobi was something which was quite unique.
"As far as the bloodstained history of this nation goes...this has never happened before until this era" admitted Yagura begrudgingly,
Mei smiled upon that remark even as all three Jinchuuriki looked curiously at the man who had made this reality happen. She didn't miss the impact of Yagura's admission upon her husband as well as the sheer cheering the Fourth Mizukage was witnessing from his people.
A bright smile came upon the blonde Kage's face as he raised his right hand high in the air.
"YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Mei's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that ferocious roar from the Fourth Mizukage that echoed across the entire village and every citizen making them all go silent for a moment...before the entire crowd returned that roar with equal ferocity making their Kage grin with pride even as a lone tear fell from his eye.
"YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
As he roared once again out of pure joy and hope, he was more than delighted when the Kirigakure army and its citizens roared back together in unison making the very ground shake.
The Fourth Mizukage raised his infamous sword with a renewed determination and pointed it forward with a fierce look in his eyes.
"Our final mission for a peaceful future for all of humanity begins today!"
Kirigakure's legions alongside its citizens roared together one last time upon hearing their Kage's final command.
"ADVANCE!"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
A bit shorter chapter but I think it was fitting. Also, it was all I could manage now that I and my family have recovered recently from Covid, thank you to everyone of you for the well wishes...I truly believe they helped a lot.
I'm damn excited to write the next chapter and have already started working on it. All the plots and buildup have finally led to this moment!
Out of all the stories that I have written, the main character of this one is the most ruthless and driven individual. When I look back at his journey from the beginning to this moment, it has blown my mind honestly. Dammit and I know the final end too, makes me wish sometimes that I was a reader instead of the writer, hehe!
Some of you have read my other stories and considering the way things are going, you have predicted a certain end. It makes me smile, that's all I will say for now.
Feel free to review.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501