Thank you for the support. Belated Happy Christmas to everyone!
If possible and if any of you truly want to feel this chapter, then hear the music below. I sure as hell did the entire time writing it, gave me tons of motivation.
Music Recommendation (Highly Recommended): Zack Hemsey- The Way (Available in Youtube)
Chapter 61
Final Hour
Kushina Uzumaki slowly opened her eyes to find herself being gently carried outside of darkness towards a dim source of light. On the other end, she saw Nagato and Inoue waiting for her alongside Madara who seemed to be in the middle of some jutsu.
She suddenly remembered the brutal fight that she had fought in and its final moments.
Her comrades were not surprised to see her panic and shake the slimy tongue of an inhuman creature that held her by the waist. Madara frowned but allowed her to be released and the young redhead Spartan was shocked to see all her mortal wounds had been healed.
But none of that mattered.
"Where is he?"
Inoue could not help but be surprised by just how popular her elder son was with women. No, surprised would be the wrong word for what she saw in Kushina's desperate eyes was nothing but love for the man.
From what Nagato had told her, there were three women in total that had held her son's heart.
The most important being Ino Yamanaka- who was his world, a girl she wanted to meet quite earnestly now that Madara had revealed she had been brought back to life and was aiding them in this war in a secret way. She must be something else to make her son fall for her so hard.
Mei Terumi was his legal spouse and a great woman and a statesman. She had met her daughter-in-law and had been impressed that Naruto had chosen well, for she was a leader in her own right. A wife fit for a Kage and a better mother than Inoue had been towards her sons.
And she had also heard from Nagato that the woman standing before her now was the first love of Inoue's elder son. In a perfect world, Kushina would have married Minato and started a family of their own. They had a relationship which was complicated to say the least and Inoue had clearly seen the feelings her son had for this woman when he risked death to save her life.
A loyalty the redhead before her would return without question judging from the way she ran towards Nagato and shook him like a ragdoll for an answer.
"Elder Brother was injured, Kushina" said Nagato sadly,
Inoue felt for the girl when she saw tears arrive in her eyes upon hearing that and it was clear she blamed herself, her next words proved that.
"He shouldn't have if not for me" whispered Kushina miserably,
"I will take you to him" announced Madara, cutting into the conversation.
Kushina gratefully nodded as she followed the older Uchiha through their hideout towards a cave which was being zealously guarded by pair of Spartans led by Kasumi Uzumaki herself. Her closest female friend hugged her fiercely, an action Kushina returned with a faint smile before being allowed to enter through the wooden door.
When they all entered, everyone was quite shocked to see Naruto not hanging between life and death.
Instead, he looked stronger than ever and even his destroyed eyes had been restored to its former state.
"How?" asked Madara quickly, earning a faint smile from the blonde.
"I had some unexpected help"
Before anyone could say anything more, Naruto was engulfed in a monstrous hug by a sobbing Kushina even as he fought to keep his balance while wrapping his arms around her.
"You fucking idiot" she cursed him,
"You're not getting rid of me so easily, Kushina" replied Naruto happily, even as he melted in her embrace as she sobbed in relief.
Madara looked at his comrade and while on the outside he looked his normal self, it was his eyes that betrayed his true feelings for he seemed to have aged quite a lot in this short time.
It was the look of a man who had known and seen too much.
"What happened?" asked the Uchiha earnestly,
Naruto looked at him and understood the hidden question, so he explained all that happened with great patience. To say, his comrades were shocked to hear his story would be an understatement.
The Sage of Six Paths...
"I don't know if it had all been a dream but my recovery says otherwise..." said the blonde carefully, after a long moment.
"You're right. There is no other explanation, but still..." whispered Inoue hesitantly,
"To think the Sage still lingers..." agreed Nagato, clearly disturbed with the revelation.
"I'm just glad he brought you back to us. If I had lost you..." said Kushina with a trembling breath, as she looked into his calm gaze which still held the same amount of affection for her.
In that moment, nobody else around them mattered as he looked into her eyes.
"You didn't. I'm here, Kushina. I'm with you till the end, remember?"
Kushina teared up upon hearing their sacred promise and buried herself deeper into his chest as he embraced her tighter.
When she had calmed down considerably, he released her before looking back at his mother and she easily saw the General inside of him come alive.
"Bring me up to speed on our current situation" he ordered decisively,
Inoue nodded even as her son got up from his bed making Kushina stand alongside him, there was an intense look in his eyes as he waited for her answer. So, she explained all that took place in his last battle, the enemy losses along with their own and how the remnants of the Allied Shinobi Forces were converging upon their hideout soon.
"We were about to march out and face them in an hour before you..." finished Inoue, earning a nod from her elder son before he looked at his younger brother.
"I assume my chakra armor took a brutal beating?" questioned Naruto,
"It was the only thing that saved you, but it's pretty much useless now. We can't fix it, not in time" replied Nagato honestly,
"It cannot be helped. I agree with your strategy, Mother. With one slight modification" proposed Naruto,
"Which is?" asked Inoue curiously,
"I'm going to the battlefield"
He easily saw a series of emotions across every person's face upon that declaration. Madara and Inoue had expected this and looked reluctant but remained silent, Nagato looked conflicted but knew better than to disobey, Kushina was downright opposed but his unflinching gaze made her back down eventually.
"This shall be the final battle. We will need to hold them off at all costs for five days and for that we need every powerful fighter. Mother, you shall take up command of our special reserves, and 30,000 Zetsu to defend the Kharakan Pass. I shall lead the Spartans and 20,000 Zetsu to defend Tiger Hill. Madara shall control a reserve of 30,000 here in the unfortunate event either or both of our positions are overrun" explained Naruto decisively, as those were the only two viable routes for any army to reach their hideout. Rest of the terrain was simply too unstable and full of natural threats which would slow down any enemy army by weeks.
"Overrun? Surely you must retreat back here once the enemy overwhelms you with their superior numbers and firepower" advised Madara, he might not be a strategist like Naruto but it was the only logical choice.
"My mother may as a last resort but not the forces at Tiger Hill. For if it falls, the enemy has a straight path to this base instead of a longer route that they would have to take through Kharakan Pass. Both us and them are in a race against time" explained Naruto seriously,
"So a fight to the death and no retreat. Why does it sound familiar?" asked Nagato with an amused smile, making everyone except Naruto grimace.
"Surely, the massive traps you have set would be enough to buy us more time than such a drastic option" suggested Madara, knowing how the Zetsu had been laying booby traps across the two routes before the disastrous Kage Summit on Naruto's orders.
They had prepared for such a situation!
"Do not underestimate the enemy's resolve or Tobirama's cunning. We will do what we can to hold them off long enough for you to finish the sealing of tailed beasts and fulfill our plan" warned Naruto seriously,
"It's a one way trip then" accepted Kushina with a heavy heart, earning a solemn nod from Naruto.
"Most probably. For the sake of humanity's future and those we love, prepare yourselves and make your peace in the final hour before we march" commanded Naruto,
The Uzumaki and their Kage nodded with admirable determination making Madara realize he was extremely lucky to have such fearless warriors on his side.
"I would like a word with Madara in private" announced Naruto, earning reluctant nods from the others before they exited the room leaving the two of them alone.
"I assume you have not told everything you talked with the Sage" guessed Madara, earning a thin smile from the blonde.
"I must discuss some plans for the Federation's future with you that must be implemented once this war is over" explained Naruto,
"Surely that could wait until we win this war" suggested Madara, earning a fierce look from the Marshal.
"We will win, I will make sure of that"
"At what cost?" asked Madara hesitantly,
Naruto gestured to his mind and Madara understood by activating his Mangekyo Sharingan to delve into the blonde's memories. There he saw the actual conversation with the Sage without any omissions, along with the mutilple future paths shown to Naruto, the secret suggestion the Sage had shown in those memories to keep humanity united even after their victory...
And a battle unlike anything he had ever seen before in the history of the shinobi world.
It was glorious, horrifying, brutal, full of gallantry and sacrifice...the likes of which the bards would sing songs about for several thousand years.
Battle for Humanity's Freedom.
And then he saw a future which they had only dreamed of so far, a sight that brought him to his knees in joy but also grief...
By the time the vision ended, Madara's eyes were moist as were Naruto's own if only a little as the younger man gave him a grim smile.
"I have done what was asked, and now only one thing remains" said Naruto calmly,
"Battle"
Naruto nodded even as he went forward to pick up Muramasa and when he turned back he saw Madara looking at him with immense pride and sorrow in his eyes.
"Is there any other way?" asked the Uchiha,
"We all have our duties, Madara. Yours is to lead and shape the future, mine and that of my men is to fight for it" answered Naruto truthfully,
"Is that why you didn't tell the others the whole truth of what the Sage showed you? Of what has to be done for the sake of victory?"
"What happened to Izuna?" asked Naruto, making Madara realize it was a clear hint the blonde wanted him to drop that line of questioning. So he dropped it.
"I have kept him sealed. I can reverse the Edo Tensei, and he would be a capable fighter in the battle. But..." said Madara reluctantly, and was surprised when Naruto placed a firm hand upon his shoulder.
"No, he's family. We are not Tobirama, we fight our own battles" answered Naruto resolutely,
"I can commit him to your front. You need the extra muscle" offered Madara regardless of how much it hurt to make his brother be used like that. But Naruto shook his head.
"One fighter won't make that much of a difference, even if its Izuna. If the enemy corner him and once again turn him against us somehow, he would do more harm than good. It is why I shall advise my mother to use only our regular troops and not the ones we have in reserve until absolutely necessary. It is a tactical decision as much as humane" explained Naruto patiently,
"You're more honorable than Tobirama" said Madara honestly, making Naruto chuckle bitterly.
"My bloody honor is beyond repair, not after what I have done in this bloodstained life. Besides, honor won't win us this war. We fight with the forces we have" said Naruto frankly,
"You know something which you are not telling anyone. Even me" replied Madara carefully,
"It's best that stays with me, better this way"
With his armor destroyed, Naruto simply picked up a fur coat from a nearby hanger which should be barely enough to protect him in the bone chilling snowy peaks of Tiger Hill. An amused smile came upon the blonde's lips when he saw a spare Spartan Captain uniform had been kept for him.
He wore it without hesitation and hidden satisfaction, placed Muramasa at the scabbard on his hip, donned the winter fur coat made of wolf pelt alongside combat boots. Finally, he picked up his Kunai launcher weapon.
He would have given anything to have a Chakra Armor, but since he couldn't this was the best he could manage and he made his peace with it.
When the Marshal turned back towards Madara, there was an iron clad determination in his eyes as he offered him his right hand.
"It's been an honor" said Naruto with a faint smile,
Madara didn't hesitate in shaking the hand of a man who had earned his respect more than Hashirama now. He looked at the young man and couldn't help but remember how far he had come, how much pain and struggle he had endured, and would continue to.
It was true, their world was cruel.
Even so, they would still fight for their freedom.
"The honor was mine" he replied sincerely, as he surprised Naruto by enveloping him in a firm hug.
Tobirama, you are fool for never understanding such a capable son. Only if he had been mine...
Madara found himself cursing his arch rival but knew what was done could not be changed. So he remained silent as Naruto returned the hug and he looked at the finest general he had ever seen once they parted.
"I wish you good fortune in the war to come, Madara" said Naruto with a knowing smile,
"I wish you the same for this one, Naruto"
That brought an amused smile on the blonde's face.
"I don't need luck, I have Spartans"
(Near the Border: Mountain's Graveyard)
Tobirama looked at all the assembled commanders of their Alliance in his tent. He knew but was still disappointed to see two Kages missing alongside most of their sub-commanders. Looking to his right, he could clearly see Ohnoki looked ready to drop dead considering the forced march he had made the remainders of his army to endure just to get here.
Revenge was the only thing driving him and it gave the short man a dark aura.
He had every right to be and inwardly Tobirama was forced to accept his son's prowess grudgingly. There was no finer commander when it came to offensive battles and Naruto had proven his worth on the field of battle.
Two Kages killed in single combat and most of Ohnoki's coalition either dead, critically wounded or routed by an enemy far smaller in strength. But the enemy did have the finest fighters in the form of battle hardened Spartans, the element of surprise, monstrous weapons of war, and a commander with nearly two decades of warfare experience.
Barely 20,000 of Ohnoki's men had survived to reach their camp and the Tsuchikage was maintaining a stony silence after giving a brief report to Tobirama. One that had already been given by Hashirama, but still...
"I had heard of Naruto's legend. But this is..." said Shisui Uchiha with a wince, the current leader of the Uchiha clan was young after his father had died in the previous war. Having lost quite a few clansmen in the last battle, the same as the Senju he had a right to be shocked.
Not that it improved Ohnoki's mood any better as he glared at the young boy.
"I wounded him badly, if the gods are just he won't survive" replied Ohnoki stubbornly, making Tobirama secretly clench his fists furiously.
The gods are cruel, Ohnoki. If they were just, my son...
"This is not a battle of the gods but men, Lord Tsuchikage. And we must not forget Madara Uchiha has the Rinnegan which has been used to bring the dead Spartans back to life. He would do everything in his inhuman power to restore the leader of his army for this final battle" warned Mifune of the Samurai, earning nods from several other men making Ohnoki clench his fist bitterly.
"I want his head! Too many good men and women have died at his hands!" yelled Ohnoki furiously,
Tobirama grimaced but kept his silence. The new Tsuchikage for all his prowess as a shinobi was still an impulsive fool. With the losses he had suffered, it would be a miracle if Iwagakure was even recognized as a great nation at the end of this war.
If they won...
"Sakumo, what have your scouts reported about the enemy defenses?" asked Tobirama seriously,
The Hatake clan leader's troubled look upon hearing that question didn't make Tobirama feel any better.
"There are two paths that can make us reach the enemy's base. The longer but less difficult one is through Kharakan Pass, but it is severely filled with traps of all kinds. We don't have any estimate of enemy numbers defending this area" reported Sakumo, as he pointed the details on the hastily assembled map of these lands.
"And the other one?" prompted Shikuchi Nara,
"Tiger Hill. It has a pass that can lead us quickly to the enemy base where our Jinchuuriki are held captive. But is a nightmare of untold proportions. The mountains are dangerous terrain with heavy advantage tilted towards the defenders at superior heights, the traps will be lesser as compared to Kharakan Pass but the weather is dangerously cold. Less than half of our army is prepared to fight in this wintery weather, we simply did not have enough time to get them the right clothing and equipment for such a campaign. Any offensive in this sector would lead to heavy losses" explained Sakumo honestly,
"Estimate time of reaching via both routes to the enemy base if the enemy is subdued swiftly?" questioned Hashirama, making the others look at him warily. Some were still not used to a sight of a dead man being brought back the way he had been, but his presence comforted them regardless for they would need his power against such odds.
"Three to four days via the Kharakan Pass route. One via the pass behind Tiger Hill"
Tobirama could see the gears churning on every commander's face as they took in that intel. They were in a race against time, Madara would have already completed sealing of most tailed beasts from their Jinchuuriki by now. They had less than a week to rescue those who still survived or their defeat was certain.
"Lord Second, what should we do?" questioned Sakumo, bring Tobirama out of his thoughts.
"Madara may be leading these rebels, but your son leads its army. Even if he is incapacitated or dead, he would have left plans for this battle. You know him better than anyone in this room, so Hokage what shall be our plan of action?" asked Ohnoki, displaying his dislike over the truth of Naruto being Tobirama's son but otherwise being quite sensible in his ask.
Tobirama took in a deep breath as he remembered his son's history, his battles and the possible strategy he could come up with.
He had the advantage of terrain and time, but lacked sufficient troops and several capable commanders unlike the Allies.
The Second Hokage studied the map thoroughly and a plan started to develop in his mind as he guessed what his son would do exactly. They thought alike in quite a few ways...
"Naruto would have divided his forces to protect both routes, he prepares for every possibility that he can think of no matter how small the chance of it happening" he began, earning nods from every commander in the room.
They may hate Naruto's guts, but none could deny he was a dangerous military commander.
"Tiger Hill has a restricted terrain to deploy troops in extremely large numbers, Kharakan Pass however is a wider area to deploy more troops and even use those monstrous bombs which were used against Ohnoki's forces. He can't use them on Tiger Hill or risk harming his own men or collapsing the mountains protecting them" explained Tobirama, making Ohnoki and Hashirama wince as they recalled those weapons of mass destruction. Hashirama had been wiped out in the blast alongside all the Konoha fighters, only the Edo Tensei had brought him back.
Ohnoki had been lucky, his men were not.
"He can place maximum 20,000 troops on Tiger Hill. Any more and he risks creating confusion and chaos among his own lines, even friendly fire if their chain of command collapses" pointed Shikuchi Nara accurately, earning a nod from his Hokage.
"I would suggest 30,000 to 50,000 fighters can be placed to defend Kharakan Pass. We should go with a lower estimate as knowing Naruto, he would have left a respectable reserve force near the base in the event any or both of the positions he is defending is overrun. I know we do not have accurate numbers of the enemy strength, but my experience tells me this should be appropriate" suggested Tobirama,
"We have roughly 140,000 troops if we combine all units- support and medics. Should we split our army equally to attack both fronts?" asked Mifune curiously,
Tobirama shook his head much to the Samurai leader's surprise.
"We need to reach their base quickly and should also account for additional time to destroy the reserves stationed there before confronting Madara himself. Time is the most important element, there is no doubt about Naruto's skill in battle and command. But most of the battles he has fought have been offensive actions, in this one he shall be on the defense"
The Second Hokage was pleased to see a few intelligent commanders started to understand what he was hinting at, it made him confident of their ability to lead in this battle.
"You're right, Hokage. But I still suggest we attack on both fronts, most of our forces will overwhelm Tiger Hill. While a smaller one will engage the defenders of Kharakan Pass to keep them fixated there instead of rushing back to defend their commander's position if he is breathing" suggested Ohnoki, displaying surprising tact for his young age. It would seem the man had learned something atleast from his enemy and his own past defeats.
Before any further plans of engagement could be discussed, Shikuchi Nara asked a question that took many by surprise.
"Where are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen from Kirigakure? We were assured their support in bringing their rogue Kage to justice" pointed the Nara head shrewdly,
"Bloody Mist rats! They are as devious as their former Kage" cursed Ohnoki,
"They will not come"
Everyone was surprised at Sakumo's declaration, Tobirama however gestured the veteran to go ahead for he had served as a Spy in Kiri before. He would know its fighters better than anyone in this room including Tobirama.
"General Abe, the man who has assumed temporary command of their nation promised that support. He was former commander to their dethroned Daimyo, a decent military commander but one more adept at politics. For all his faults, Naruto inspires loyalty unlike anyone else. The Kirigakure troops practically worship him, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are very close to him. They will not take up arms against their former leader and comrade so easily" warned Sakumo,
"Even after knowing he was a bloody spy who fooled them all?" asked Ohnoki incredulously, even the dumb mist bastards would not be so foolish.
Sakumo gave him a reproachful glare.
"Kiri was a backwater nation before Naruto, he made it the power it is today. He was a Spy, but still the finest Kage that nation has ever seen. Even the bloody civilians adore him for he truly improved their lives, political creatures like Abe may pledge their support to us nominally to be safe, but he has no real command over the Kirigakure army, much less the Seven Ninja Swordsmen" explained Sakumo patiently,
"So you think they will join against us?" asked Shikuchi Nara worriedly, for nobody in this room wanted to face an army who had never lost a single battle under Naruto's command.
"Not entirely, they are probably in the midst of a civil war by now with ones loyal to Naruto and those wanting to save their nation's future after these revelations battling for dominance. But we must account for the fact- that some loyal but foolish fighters may still come to defend the Kage they love, including some or all members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen" warned Sakumo,
"Naruto left no publicly declared plans for succession, in a way that works in his favor for there is no true military or civil authority in position to bring that nation under control in time" said Shikuchi Nara with a grimace,
"So, what should we do?" asked Shisui Uchiha hesitantly,
"We will leave a rearguard of 20,000 to protect us from any force- Kiri or others trying to attack us from behind" declared Tobirama, silencing any further arguments for he didn't need any more difficulties than they already had.
"We need those men at the frontlines, Tobirama!" growled Ohnoki furiously,
"We will not leave our rear undefended! That is my decision" whispered Tobirama icily, daring the young Kage to challenge that order. Ohnoki looked resentful but went silent after that firm command.
With that settled, Tobirama looked at the rest of the men in the room.
"20,000 of our troops under Hashirama's leadership shall lead a diversionary attack on Kharakan Pass. His power and that much of our force should be enough to keep the larger of the enemy defenders pinned there and not come to the aid of Naruto or whoever is leading the force at Tiger Hill. Mifune shall be Second in command of this army made up of mostly Samurai, and some Blackops forces from our entire army" ordered Tobirama,
Hashirama merely gave a somber nod while Mifune looked determined to succeed as he accepted the order.
"If required, I will teleport Hashirama back to the other front if the resistance becomes too extreme or Madara shows up for only he can match that man's power"
Again, nobody objected for they had all seen or knew of how Madara had single handedly destroyed Iwagakure completely in the blink of an eye. Against such a monster, only the First Hokage was capable to battle after having defeated the Uchiha once in the past.
"The bulk of our army-100,000 strong shall launch a full frontal attack on Tiger Hill. There will be no holding back, even some reserves I am preparing may be deployed from the start if required. While I will be the Strategic Commander, I want Ohnoki to lead the Vanguard with some of his best troops for there are no fighters better than ones from Iwagakure in our army who know how to fight in such mountainous terrain" ordered Tobirama,
The Tsuchikage seemed pleased by the decision and readily nodded, even as Tobirama continued assigning commands of other battle units that would be fighting on Tiger Hill. If only the brat realized in time, this was the Hokage's way of further destroying what little military power Iwagakure and the Land of Earth had left by making them fight at the frontlines.
Ohnoki's blind thirst for revenge would be the final nail in his nation's crumbling history.
Tobirama held back his anger at the young fool, for it was the conspiracy Iwagakure started and enchanted Hiruzen and the Fire Daimyo into that led to this war.
One that would cost him his only son!
He failed in protecting his child, resented him for allying with Madara, absolutely didn't agree with their plan for this world...
But it didn't change the fact that Naruto was still his son!
Tobirama held back his rage and regret as he could not change the past for all his power, even if they were on opposing sides once again- a part of his heart had been pleased with the justice Naruto had delivered upon Ohnoki and his men.
It was a traitorous thought which he kept to himself and one he would take to his grave.
The only solace he would take from this entire war would be the fact that it would make Konoha and the Land of Fire as the indisputable power across the entire world. One even Kirigakure would be hard pressed to acknowledge in time.
It was the only thing he could win when he had already lost so much.
As he looked at Ohnoki and a few others while they discussed the finer details of their attack, only one thought prevailed in the regretful Hokage's heart.
I was not able to save you, my son. But I will avenge you by making the men who pushed us all into this position pay for their crimes!
Madara, The Fire and Earth Daimyo, Ohnoki, even his traitorous student Danzo who encouraged Hiruzen in this treachery would all pay for their crimes once this war was over. He would see to that...if they managed to survive this conflict.
And he would ensure neither Uzushiogakure or Kirigakure were delivered any overly harsh punishments, despite the wishes of many in his ranks alongside protecting his grandchildren.
It's the least I can do for everything you have done for me, Naruto.
(Land of Fire)
Ino looked back at the burning feudal capital in the distance, or more specifically the destroyed Imperial Palace where the feudal lord of this land had once resided with his entire family.
Now, he was nothing but ashes alongside his entire line and all the political advisors.
They had not even spared minor feudal lords and their entire families who had taken refuge in the palace.
Their enemy had made a logical choice in bringing their entire feudal nobility in the Capital with their shinobi armies off to war on the battlefront. It was a good city to defend with strong walls and the Imperial Guard and even the Fire Daimyo's extremely skilled personal guards made up of fine shinobi and even Samurai.
Against any external attack, they could have held out for months easily but what they weren't prepared for were internal threats.
Specifically, the thousands of Zetsu who easily slipped into the city through the ground beneath its feet bypassing the heavily defended Imperial Palace walls manned by the garrison.
It had all gone as Naruto had dictated and her troops had distracted the garrison by ravaging the city in sudden surprise attacks nearly everywhere, while a small elite force under her command had stealthily isolated the palace before destroying it in explosives.
Every member of the Daimyo's court had been in that building and they all fell when their holdfast crumbled, she had never hesitated in her actions against her former countrymen and feudal lords for it was their selfish interests that would lead thousands of shinobi from all sides to needless death.
They were offered a peaceful path and yet the chose violence and war.
Tonight, it was returned to them in their own blood.
She looked beside her as a Zetsu emerged from the ground and looked at her solemnly.
"Our losses?" she asked with a tired sigh,
"We lost most of our forces" reported the Zetsu,
"The Capital was always going to be a hard fight" she consoled the creature for what little it was worth,
"Everywhere"
She blinked as she realized the implications quite clearly. Naruto had lent her 10,000 Zetsu's to eliminate the Fire and Earth nation's daimyo alongside the ones from minor villages like Amegakure.
With the shinobi armies and the Samurai on the frontlines, it was the perfect chance to strike the leaders on whose behest this war had taken place.
While she had led the attack on the Fire Daimyo with 5,000 Zetsu; the remaining half had been split between taking out the Earth Daimyo and the remaining minor feudal lords of other nations.
"The force attacking the Earth Daimyo was virtually annihilated but the target and his entire family alongside all supporters were assassinated. So were the other minor feudal lords of remaining nations. But hardly 1,000 of us remain now including the ones at your side right now" reported the Zetsu sadly,
"Words will never be able to bring back your brethren, but their sacrifice will someday help us change the future of this cruel world" said Ino honestly,
"Our brothers have learned that General Naruto shall be making his final stand upon Tiger Hill with the rest of our forces and the Spartans to hold off the enemy army for five days. His mother shall similarly defend Kharakan Pass, while a reserve army shall remain at the base with Madara to ensure the objective is achieved. Less than a tenth of our total force remains from this mission, but we intend to aid our allies. Will you join us?" asked the Zetsu curiously,
"How many men does Naruto have? And how many shall he face?" asked Ino worriedly,
"His attack on the massive force led by the Tsuchikage was successful with heavy losses for us at the same time. We have destroyed half of the enemy army, but they still have nearly 140,000 fighters if you combine everyone. They also have strong reanimated shinobi like Hashirama Senju and probably others waiting in reserve" reported Zetsu hesitantly,
"How many does Naruto have?" questioned Ino once again, as a terrible feeling started to spread across her heart.
"He gave 30,000 to his mother to defend her sector with our special reserves. A similar number of Zetsu have been left at the base with Madara as a last reserve should our main armies be overrun or a surprise attack launched at our command center by the enemy. Naruto has taken the Spartans and 20,000 Zetsu with him into battle to defend the pass behind Tiger Hill"
Ino froze.
She had known he was going to be outnumbered but never had she imagined such a vast difference.
I have won every battle and even so I might lose this war, Ino.
She had not believed those fateful words of his during their last meeting before they parted. There was no better commander than him on the battlefield and he was a Kage level shinobi with a good defensive position, not to mention the loyal and powerful Spartans by his side and many Zetsu.
But even so...these odds were damning.
If only the armies of Kirigakure and Uzushiogakure had decided to back him in his most desperate time.
"He shall die on Tiger Hill"
She took a step back as if struck by lightning upon hearing the Zetsu's sorrowful but harsh words. They were impossible to believe or accept, but the shinobi in her could see the writing on the wall quite clearly.
I could never truly stand by your side in life, Naruto.
Regret and sadness weighed heavily upon her broken heart as she remembered the past, everything they had been through together and all their dreams...
Zetsu was surprised when he saw a resigned yet determined look arrive in the Yamanaka kunoichi's eyes as she looked back at him fiercely.
"Then we shall die fighting by his side"
She saw faint admiration arrive in the creature's eyes as several of his fellows came around her, with a pair starting to wrap themselves around her in a protective manner.
"We can travel faster and discreetly to reach the battlefield via underground routes. We shall take you to your husband's side" promised the lead Zetsu,
Ino nodded without hesitation and gave a grateful smile.
I will not let you face the end alone, Naruto. This time, I am not leaving your side.
(Mountain's Graveyard)
Naruto sat upon his old summoning partner- Shera as the massive wolf stood upon a nearby hill overlooking the 80,000 plus strong army assembled in the field near their command center. Not everyone would be going to the frontlines as per his plan, but he had asked for them all to be present regardless.
As the commander of this army, it was his duty to speak to his fighters knowing most including himself would likely not live to see the dream they were fighting for.
He had led men into battle against impossible odds before, inspiring them with his words and actions both.
But never to certain death.
Even Operation Thunderbolt with the Spartans had never seemed like a suicide mission when they had been given the orders, only later they had realized the deception and had fulfilled their duty to their nation regardless of betrayal.
But now, he could feel it in his bones that this would be his last battle.
His men also knew deep in their hearts the reality that awaited them.
What could he say to them that would make a true difference? Something that could change their fate or atleast ease the fear within their hearts for he felt it too.
He had given passionate speeches before, ones that inspired even the most fearful to fight with admirable bravery.
But for the first time, he found himself at a lack of words and it troubled him.
Nagato, how did you inspire our Spartan brothers and sisters at Rezang La? It still baffles me...
"Tell them the truth and speak what lies in your heart" advised Shera- the veteran wolf clan leader who had fought beside his side for decades. It was a wonder he had answered his summon but Shera had just gave him a knowing look and a brief nod which was more than enough to convey his feelings.
The creature could not help but reminisce the old days when the man sitting atop his massive form had been nothing but a brat.
To watch him grow and come so far had been an incredible journey, even if he never said it outloud.
The wolf clan had been loyal summons to the Namikaze clan for countless generations, how could they not answer the summons of their trusted human partners in their final hour?
No, the tree was secure even if several branches would mostly end in the form of Naruto, Nagato and Inoue.
Arime and Inoue Namikaze- the children of Naruto, they were the hope which the Terran Federation was fighting to protect. Alongside every human and sentient living being of this planet.
The wolf looked at the first Terran Federation flag currently being held by Naruto proudly. It had been Madara's idea and he could not deny it had been made well and gave its warriors something to see beyond this dream they were fighting for.
The banner's background was a field of red- a true mark of their world's bloodstained history.
Upon it was an image of a beautiful bluish-green colored planet protected carefully among the wings of a black colored mythical phoenix. It was truly symbolic for the protectors of Earth would not always be remembered for their duty and sacrifice, but from their ashes would emerge a stronger civilization and a reborn Phoenix who would carry on that mantle of protecting their planet until the very end.
It was shame humanity had forgotten the rule of Kings for Shera felt the one sitting upon him looked exactly like the old legends he had heard about when he had been a young pup.
Before the shinobi and the Namikaze clan that followed, his wolf clan had been loyal fighting partners to the old Kings of the North which was now known as the Land of Lightning.
It was fate that perhaps in humanity's final battle with itself, he had the honor of fighting beside a man who had truly united the lands once supported by Shera's ancestors. History would probably know him by many names depending upon the outcome of this war...but right now, the young man sitting atop him was the closest thing to a King of the North in the wolf's nostalgic heart.
"My warriors"
Silence prevailed across the Terran Federation's assembled army, even the usually talkative Zetsu were somber which allowed their commander's voice to reach everyone of them.
Nagato stood to one side alongwith the Spartans, his mother and Reika Uzumaki who would be acting as the second in command for the 30,000 strong Zetsu army heading to defend Kharakan Pass.
While he would be going with the Spartans to fight alongside his brother and 20,000 Zetsu to defend the pass of Tiger Hill. Some including Madara had argued that Naruto should take more Zetsu instead of leaving thousands in reserve but the terrain was such that he could barely take this many or risk a friendly fire or chaos among his own forces in battle.
He could not help but realize that this was the end, and yet he was content for he had seen everything he had ever wanted.
His brother had kept their promise: Uzu would be safe as long as they won this war, the First Uzukage's truth was exposed in front of their clan, the Spartans were honored by their countrymen, his brother had lived a decent life, their family was once again united and the Namikaze clan would go on in the form of his brother's children.
He event got to read the end of his favorite manga...
There was nothing more he could ask for and he smiled when he looked at his elder brother as he called out to them from atop the giant wolf- Shera.
He saw the Spartans were prepared for what was coming, having already experienced death once made them fearless.
Many others were not so prepared and he didn't envy his brother's position right now, not after having been in the exact same spot during Operation Thunderbolt.
How times had changed and yet remained the same.
"I will not lie to you, what we face is something most have never faced in all history. The might of humanity" announced Naruto resolutely,
"It is most likely that majority of us will not live to see this Federation flag fly high across the world"
Many Zetsu looked even more crestfallen than before but to their credit no one complained or backed away. Inoue saw the Spartans were the only ones who stood resolute in the face of such declaration and wondered just what horrors these Uzumaki children including her dear Nagato had endured to become so strong hearted.
Reika Uzumaki wondered if this was what the Spartan children had experienced all those years ago, no it had been worse for they at least had a decent army today whereas the Spartans had been all alone against the entire might of Kumogakure and its tailed beast.
"But history shall remember us, one way or another. What we stood for, what we fought for, what we bled for and what we shall die for"
"Freedom"
Naruto saw thousands of downcast gazes rise up on his words and he was pleased to see so many shared his desire for that priceless right.
"None of us wanted to be here. Not Madara, my Uzumaki brethren, every Zetsu or myself. Yet the way of this cruel world made us who we are today, gave us less choices than we deserved in life- all for the sake of powers who didn't even know of our existence. They called us pawns, but we are soldiers"
Kushina alongside every Spartan understood those words better than most and could not help but clench their fists in stony silence.
"Most including our enemies would call what we are about to do as Suicide, even foolish death. But it is something more!"
Every Zetsu felt the power radiating from their commander, but most importantly the fierce determination in his thunderous voice.
"IT IS REJECTION!"
Shera saw the army tremble upon that declaration and cast a look at his summoner, and could see why so many had called him Naruto-The Great. Even in the darkest hour, even in the face of imminent death he still had the strength to inspire those who were not even human including the wolf himself.
When Naruto looked at his fighters there was pride and conviction in his eyes...
When he spoke there was strength and bravery that made even the most cowardly ones stand taller...
"We reject their chains of slavery, we reject to fight and die for Daimyo's who have no care for lives, we reject the broken shinobi system and its slaves!"
The former Mizukage raised the Federation Flag high in the air for all to see even as his words were heard by every single fighter.
"We are not rebels without cause! We are not fighters without vision! We struggle so that someday all living beings shall be equal under this flag. We stand so that all of us and the ones who shall follow can make the choices they deny us! Is that a cause worth fighting for?" roared Naruto defiantly,
"YES!"
Nagato's roar of acceptance joined the ones from the entire army and he felt strength flow through his heart.
"Is that a cause worth dying for?"
"YES!"
As Naruto unleashed his prized sword-Muramasa and raised it high in the air, he saw more than 80,000 warriors raise their weapons alongside him as the entire area thundered with their roars and cheers.
"Then come with me and end the tyranny of the shinobi system!"
The army roared louder than ever as their forces started dividing into their respective battle groups. Naruto saw his mother looking at him with nothing but pride in her eyes as she took her 30,000 Zetsu with Reika Uzumaki right by her side. They started marching towards Kharakan Pass.
He saw Madara standing at the entrance of their base and giving him a final nod, Naruto acknowledged the farewell with a Spartan salute.
A grim smile arrived upon his lips when he saw every Spartan arrive by his side with a column of 20,000 Zetsu marching behind them dutifully.
He looked at his childhood friends: Hayate, Kasumi, Kushina and his brother- Nagato. His gaze continued onwards towards each and every Spartan who were his family.
They had grown up together, trained together, fought side by side...
It was fitting they would face the end together this time.
But one he was determined to achieve on his own terms as he gave the order.
"To Tiger Hill"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Hope you guys liked it.
The finale is here, it may be concluded in one large chapter or split in two before the epilogue if required.
Can't wait to write the last battle, will try to update in a few days max as I'm deciding the way I want this to end even if some of the epilogue is already written.
Fuck, this shall be my 4th story to cross 400K in length by the time it will end.
In case anyone is interested in what I am going to do next after this fic: I'll take a week's break after this is done, then I'll move on to finish A New Path (my ongoing new Naruto story), Wolves and Crows (My Game of thrones story featuring a unique/familiar spin to a joint story of Robb Stark/Jon Snow), and Shadows (My Naruto/Mass Effect Game crossover- kind of sequel to Sharingan Devil story of mine, space battle/drama). All are my favorites in their own right and I wish to finish them in reasonable time.
You can check them out in case you want to read some of my works while waiting for the last updates.
Some of my old readers and many others are predicting this story to end in certain ways. Not saying you are right or wrong, or even that you should agree or like how it ends...all I can say is that I will think about how to end it in very much detail and make a decision which I feel is close to right in my heart.
As always, reviews and suggestions are always welcome!
Wishing you all a happy new year in case the next update is not published before that.
Until Next Time,
Blackwolf501