Hi everyone it's been a moment since I've updated. This chapter is a little short. Been dealing with some allergies and a bit of an unproductive streak. Other than that hope everything has been good for ya'll.
Chapter 27:
For many, the attack was a haze of fire and dirt. Tents set aflame and chaos ran amok through their ranks. That changed with the captain rallying them rather quickly. Ordering them to increase the patrols before taking a few troops along. Before he chased their enemy down and crushed them in one fell swoop. The fourth division's trust never wavered. It, in fact, grew. This showed them how far their captain would go for them, placing himself in danger for their sake. For it, they would follow him into hell. - Random fourth division soldier.
Naruto sat at his desk, his shoulders slouched and small bags under his eyes. His mind stuck on the attack and losing six men under his command. While out of his control, he couldn't help but blame himself. The funeral was a quick affair, as much of the camp was still in need of repair. A scoff soon broke him from such negative thoughts.
"How long are you going to mope?" Kurama spoke. "We're both aware eventually there would be casualties. You're a nin such things are common as every moment could be your last."
"I know I'm being an idiot. It's just… I didn't think it would be so soon. Not after both Chusei and Amane." Naruto said.
"Then be better," Kurama snarked. "Use this as a lesson and become stronger. So you can protect all those things you hold dear. Powerful enough to make others tremble at your of crying go and do something about it."
Naruto was silent for a long moment before thanking the fox. Despite what the fox said otherwise, he looked out for him. He'd tease him later for it, though. Kurma would get him back later but it was always fun to drive him a bit crazy.
"Sir, you're awake," a feminine voice said. His gaze turned towards the voice of none other than his assistant Isara. She was wearing her usual outfit. Consisting of a light green kimono with gold trimmings. She was also carrying a pot of tea on a tray for him.
"I woke up earlier. I've just been pondering things," Naru replied. Before thanking her as he accepted the cup of tea. Taking a small sip he let out a sigh of relief. Noting the taste of lavender, he never thought much about tea before Isara showed him how a good cup of tea could carry away stress.
Isara just nodded before pouring herself a cup. Before sitting down at her desk at the side to start her paperwork. She could see through his mask. The attack had taken its toll on him, but physically and mentally. There wasn't much she could do but support him as best she could. Lifting the weight of his shoulders and reducing his duties here and there.
Outer perimeter checkpoint A:
It was a hot day, but the outer guards didn't let that bother them. Their patrols had increased from before the enemy attack. It was a major wake-up call for all of them. They had gotten soft out in the wild and paid for it. Now here they stood, ever vigilant in their duties.
An hour later, a man appeared at their station. His appearance was haggard and clearly exhausted. He looked as if he'd keel over at any moment. He sent a gesture to his comrades to be ready should the stranger try anything.
"Halt! State your business," he said, raising a hand to slow him. As his comrades surrounded the man, with weapons at the ready.
"I come bearing a message from command." the messenger spoke. Before handing him the scroll to check the document. He saw the seal of lady Mei on the scroll and it appeared unopened or tampered with.
"You may pass. Two of the guards will escort you to the captain." He said, waving the man through. "Things are about to become interesting," he said after they left.
Main Tent:
Both of them worked in silence signing paperwork until two of the outer guards and a stranger entered the tent. With a quick glance at the man. One could see he was exhausted and his clothes were torn a little and dirty.
"Sir, a messenger has arrived," the outer guard said. Prompting the man to forward as the guards keep an eye on him.
"I have an order from Lady Mei herself." the messenger said. Handing it to Isane, who checked the scroll before opening it for any traps. With no explosions or poisons, before handing the scroll to Naruto. Who took the scroll and started to read and reread the message in his hands.
'Captain Naruto of division four, your orders are to return to HQ post haste. I shan't reveal any important details in case the loyalist intercepts this message. Just know there is a need of your talent for an upcoming mission. I expect you within the week.'
Naruto took a moment to process the information before handing the scroll to Isane. Who lit the scroll with a flame, turning it to ash.
"Isane, go inform the other to prepare for the journey back. Everything is to be prepared before the day is out," he said. Dismissing her with a wave before turning to the messenger. "You may rest here and return to the hub with us," he told the man. Who thanked him with a curt bow before leaving the tent.
Now alone with his thoughts, he pondered the contents of the letter. The resistance was no doubt planning a raid on some important target. It was about time, as they'd been on the defensive for a while.
Taking a moment, he pulled a photo out of his pocket. It was a photo of Chusei, Amane, and him after a successful bounty. A small smile appeared on his face at the wonderful memory.
'Chusei, Amane, you two would have been proud of how everyone has grown.' he said before getting up to help the others.
Resistance HQ five days later.
The journey back to the main resistance base took five days. Keeping a decent pace but also ensuring they didn't run themselves ragged. The moment they approached the area, the perimeter guards stopped them. Naruto presented their division sigil to the guards as proof of their identity. With that finished, they motioned them forward, allowing entry to the camp. Once inside, they saw how active the camp was. People moving supplies and materials about the camp.
"My, everyone seems excited about something," Mizu said. Watching the chaos with much interest.
"Definitely something big," Taka added. His face set in its usual frown, making it hard to decipher his true thoughts.
"Wow, they impressed Akina. Their unity is so strong~," Akina said, shifting in excitement. Making the other two sigh at their fellow's unending energy.
Naruto said nothing as the sight before him all but confirmed his theory. Naruto said nothing as the sight before him all but confirmed his around someone soon directed them to their division area.
"Alright, we're here. Everyone unpack and take a break. Isane, you will be in charge for a while. I have to go check in at the main tent for the debrief." Naruto said.
"Oh, why not me, captain? I'm a responsible fellow," Mizu said. Ignoring the glare of death from Sukei.
"If you want something to do, then you can help babysit Akina," Naruto replied. With a devious smirk as both of them turned to the woman in question. Zakaro was struggling to hold her from running off into the camp.
"I feel you're still mad at me," Mizu said in faux concern.
"No idea what you are talking about," Naru lied. "Well, I'm off. Make sure the others don't burn down the fort while I'm gone." He said before heading for the command tent.
Upon his arrival at the command tent, he saw an interesting sight. In the tent were the various division commanders, all waiting for the debrief to begin. He took a spot near the back of the crowd closest to the entrance. The others were killing time by gossiping about subjects ranging from random things to the debrief.
"Maybe lady Mei brings bad news about the war." one said. Earning a laugh from the others in the tent.
"If that was the case, we'd already know." Another one said with a small chuckle.
"Maybe she'll come with good tidings. Like the demons over in Kiri have surrendered and the war's over." A third joked, earning a few laughs from the crowd.
Twenty minutes passed, and the chatter continued. The topics ranged from there, with one reaching the extreme. That the loyalist would appear and capture us before sacrificing to a god tree for ultimate power. Many made it a point to stand far away from that one. Not too long after that, Mei and her advisor arrived, silencing the crowd.
"First, thank you all for making the long journey here. The reason I've called you here is a matter of great importance, so please leave all questions for the end." Mei said sternly. Before directing their attention to the map hanging behind her desk.
"We are here on the southwest island of Kiri. Our targets are the islands of shatter rock to our northwest and Misty shore to our northeast. Because of our attacks on the Kiri forces, their supply lines are at the limit. Giving us the perfect opportunity to attack these two locations," she said. Giving them a moment to catch up.
"The Island of Shatter rock is home to a small naval base and port. Capturing the port will cut off supplies for the loyalists and extend our own. The naval base is a primary target, with it under control. We can begin building and upgrading our fleet.
"Mist shore is home to an armory and a number of factories. You are to capture the factories with as minor damage as possible. With those factories, we can manufacture more materials and weapons, giving us more of a fighting chance. Assault force will carry this out B."
"You will know which group you'll be assigned to later today. So I want you to prepare your squads for combat. I won't lie to you. This will be a tough fight, but I trust and believe in all of you. The sooner we end this war the more lives that can be spared. If you have questions ask them now if not dismissed," Mei ended.
He stayed for a few more minutes to ask a few questions of his own. Before heading back to his division's rest spot. Throughout the night he couldn't help but worry about the upcoming operation. Despite Mei being confident about their odds, he knew better. It would end with a high amount of bodies. He hoped more than anything his devil's luck would help pull them through. Before allowing himself to pass off into the land of dreams.
Chapter end.
That was it like I said a tad short. The next chapter will be the assault of Mist shore. Let's hope all goes well.