Chapter 9

Co-Writer & Beta Reader – Toa Naruto

Naruto and his group just stood back and watched the argument unfold in front of them, having wisely decided not to interfere. Mai and Genji were still fiercely going at it after the former revealed her reason for leaving Ishikawa's care. The latter, however, just couldn't believe the young woman's story.

"Can you not hear how absurd you're sounding?!" Genji shouted. "Why would Ishikawa kill Bato?! Your father saved him, both from death and his darkness! They were practically brothers!"

"I know what I read in my father's journal!" retorted Mai. "Their relationship soured when Ishikawa refused to help Mizu no Kuni! My father wanted to liberate our land from Akira's tyranny whereas that bastard wanted nothing to do with the conflict; all because he believed that our country was beyond saving! In his last entry, he was talking about meeting Hamasaki Saito to aid Kagura and Sentaro's rebellion, which just so happened to be the same day that he died!"

"You can't just base your theories on what was written in his journal! If Bato really wanted to take action against Akira, he would have mentioned it to me!"

"How could he when you're always on the run?! No, I know for a fact that Ishikawa killed my father, and I refuse to spend another moment in his presence!" Genji's patience was wearing dangerously thin, and was about to retort when Naruto finally decided to intervene.

"O-kay then, this is getting us nowhere. It's obvious that neither of you are going to back off on this matter, so how about we put this conversation on hold, okay? We can work out what really happened to this Bato guy once we're back at our home base. You know, somewhere that's far away from enemy territory? Does that seem reasonable to the both of you?" the blond asked innocently, yet made no effort in masking his annoyance. The two arguing parties were slightly taken aback by the teen's conflicting attitude, yet couldn't help but notice the amused looks of a few of his men. It was as if the duo had inadvertently played right into an inside joke that they'd seen several times before. Turning their attention back to Naruto, they saw that he was still awaiting their answers.

"Very well, against my better judgment, I will go along with this." Genji sighed wearily.

"All I want is the truth to be heard." Mai stated, folding her arms across her chest. Naruto simply nodded at the two, before giving one of his men a silent signal. In no time at all, the entire group piled out of the bunker and set off back to home base.

XXX

The twins said nothing as the stealthily crept through the night to get back to their hiding spots. They had arrived at Hanmā Shima three days ago, and had spent a majority of the time surveying the area from within the earth. Thanks to their kekkei genkai, the task was quite easy for them, as it allowed them to stay within the ground without much trouble. They only took small breaks on the surface in order to eat or relieve themselves. The duo had easily located the home the Shark Men, Same no Ha Dōkutsu, and then found the ideal spot for their surveillance. Once they arrived at their designated hiding spots. Currently, the siblings were waiting patiently from their hiding place, their heads partially poking out from the ground, but the entire area was still and silent.

Sayuri groaned softly as she continued to watch the open sea. "This is so boring." she whined. "When is this stupid meeting supposed to happen anyway?"

"Jubei didn't have a specific date, that's why we left so briskly. Just suck it up and endure this, Sayuri." smirked Sansei. His sister simply pouted indignantly. She'd only just turned her attention back to the sea when the girl spotted smoke out on the horizon. As the young girl peered closer at the odd spectacle, she saw something that she didn't think was possible to exist. Quickly tapping her brother to get his attention, Sansei was equally shocked by what was approaching them.

"What the hell is that?" he whispered. At first glance, the twins thought that the foreign object was a ship, yet it appeared to be made entirely out of metal. There were no sails visible, but it did leave a large trail of smoke in the sky as it sailed through the waters. It hardly looked like an ordinary ship, as its shape had far too many sharp angles and corners in its frame. Regardless of its strange appearance, it was buoyant like a ship and was capable of locomotion, regardless of its slow pace. Sansei and Sayuri felt a strong sense of foreboding as they stared at the monstrous watercraft.

The two glanced at each other and nodded, before they stepped out of their cover and leapt into the water. Making sure that they stayed underwater, the siblings swam towards the ship, and immediately melted into its outer hull. Deciding that it'd be best to split up and cover more ground, Sansei went of observe the upper deck, while Sayuri left to investigate the lower one.

Allowing the upper half of her face to emerge from the deck's ceiling, Sayuri balked at what she saw below her. Dozens of cannons were stationed on both sides of the ship. Several crewmen were loading rounds into the cannons, only they were using some new type of ammunition instead of the traditional cannonballs. Inching her way closer to the front, she noticed that there was a pair of big unfamiliar launcher-type weapons stationed right by the ship's bow. Diving down to the subsequent lower level, she was further dismayed to find a massive storage room that was filled to the brim with even more ammunition.

'All of these…these weapons and ammo… just what this thing is built for?' thought a bewildered Sayuri.

Meanwhile, back on the ship's topside, Sansei was examining the vessel's outer armor. To his amazement, he discovered that the entire ship was coated in multiple layers of two inch thick steel plates. The reinforced armor was so strong that not even an A-rank Suiton ninjutsu would've been strong enough to break through such a barrier. He was interrupted from his reconnaissance when he heard a door open and the sound of footsteps steadily getting louder. Carefully creeping up the ship's side to where he heard the sound, he partially exposed his face out of the metal plating so that he'd have a clear view of the deck. Sure enough, a large group of people emerged from the bridge, and Sansei made sure to remember each of their appearances.

"So, gentlemen, what do you think of the Rebiyatan?" Akira asked.

"It's an impressive warship, Mizukage-sama, however I would still like to see a demonstration of its power." said a man with short black hair, small black eyes with a small wart over his left eyebrow, and a black moustache.

"Patience, Kyūroku, you'll get your demonstration soon enough. But for now, I'd like to continue showing off my masterpiece." boasted Akira.

"Oh, yes. Please tell us more about this magnificent vessel." was the amused reply of a man with gray hair that reached towards his ears, black eyes, and a small gray circular moustache.

"If you insist, my good sir. Not only is this ship steam powered, but it packs a payload that can reduce any port or village to rubble. Its armor is extremely thick and is impervious to ninjutsu attacks as well as normal ammunition. Of course, the creation of this one-of-a-kind battleship wouldn't have been possible were it not for my associates from Haru no Kuni, especially Fubuki-san. What we are currently standing on, my friends, is the catalyst that will change maritime warfare forever." Akira then turned his attention to a man with long brown hair that framed his angular face, and had his dark eyes hidden behind a pair of glasses. "Just think, Kokuyō-san, a vessel like this could be the very weapon you need to finally conquer Nadeshiko no Sato." The Mizukage was about to continue, when he was interrupted by Ren's arrival. The woman was accompanied with three guards, and neither of them looked pleased. The moment she was close enough she grabbed hold of Akira's collar, and jerked the man towards her.

"The fuck do you think you're doing here?! I never gave you permission to enter my home!" Ren snarled.

"Calm yourself, Ren. I only wished to show you the results of all our hard work. Without your efforts, this project wouldn't have been possible." explained Akira.

"I don't care for your gratitude or your sugar-coated words. Just pay me the money that you owe and get lost." spat the pirate, before tossing Akira away. The robed man just picked himself up and calmly faced her.

"Oh, don't worry; I'll make sure that you get exactly what you deserve. But first, a demonstration of this ship's fire power is in order. After all, I did promise Kyūroku-san." Ren and her men were confused by Akira's words, but Sansei wasn't. In a matter of seconds, the loud clanking sound of iron shafts being opened was heard by everyone.

Having been drawn to the weapons level by the sudden disturbance, Sayuri looked on in shock as the cannons were pushed into position. The men lit the fuse, and then the massive guns fired.

XXX

Elsewhere, Shin and his team were approaching a derelict ghost town. They had been sent to the abandoned area by Akira with orders to investigate some possible rebel activity. They'd only managed to arrive just as the sun was beginning to set. Once there, the squadron combed through the town until nightfall, but found no sign of the rebels.

"Well, this was a waste of time." said one of the shinobi.

"Tell me about it, we searched the whole area and found bubkiss. I mean, I know that these guys are good at covering their tracks, but they're not that good." added a kunoichi.

"I've got a bad feeling about all of this. Something just doesn't feel right." muttered another kunoichi, making Ruka nod in agreement. The others were already on edge, the tension becoming almost too unbearable. Shin placed his hand on the hilt of the Kubikiribōchō, which was the silent signal for everyone to prepare themselves for an ambush. Suddenly, the team was alerted by the sound of projectiles cutting through the air.

"Fuji!" Shin shouted, prompting the ninja into action.

"Doton: Chikyū Domu!" Instantly, a dome of earth rose from the ground and covered all seven shinobi. Seconds later, the team heard the sound of kunai, shuriken, and spikes impacting against the earthen construct. Surprisingly, the spikes were able to partially penetrate through the dome, but the barrier remained intact. After a minute of enduring the heavy barrage, the surrounding area became silent once more.

"Shin!" a familiar yet infuriating voice shouted, making the Kiri Nin narrow his eyes. "It's time, Momochi! Your usefulness has come to an end!" Shin glanced at Fuji, who nodded at the silent command. Partially lowering a section of the dome, the team of hunter Nin saw that they were surrounded by a large force of Kiri shinobi led by none other than Jiryoku. The Kumo ninja was smugly smirking as several large shuriken and metal spikes levitated in the air.

"So, Akira has finally unleashed his mad dog. What's the matter; did I hurt your ego during our last meeting?" Shin asked mockingly.

"As if I give a shit about that, you bastard." Jiryoku spat. "All I care about is ending your life. You've acted so smug all because your last name is Momochi and wield your older brother's blade, but now you're going to pay for your arrogance. You and your team are going to die, Kumo will gain the Kubikiribōchō, and I will be known as the man who permanently ended the Momochi line!"

"You want my blade? Then come and get it, if you can!" Shin challenged. As the enemy Kiri shinobi charged towards them, Shin looked back at his subordinates. "I need all of you to get as far away from here as you can. Go now while I cover your escape."

"No, sir, I'm not going to abandon you!" Ruka exclaimed as she withdrew her sword.

"I'm with Ruka on this one, we're not about to leave you here to fight these bastards by yourself. If they want our heads, they're going to have to fight for them!" shouted Fuji. The others nodded in agreement and prepared for combat. Shin looked at each of them and sighed resignedly.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry that this happened. It was an honor to fight beside all of you." Shin said as readied his sword. His teammates just smiled. With a defiant shout, the entire team smashed their way out of the earth dome, and fearlessly charged towards the enemy kill squad.

XXX

Explosions rang throughout the caverns. Countless men, women and children were running around screaming as the bombardment continued. Some people attempted to fight back, but they were instantly mowed down by the powerful weaponry. All in all, it was a full-blown slaughter. From her spot on the deck of the battleship, Ren spun around to confront Akira, only to be stabbed in the gut by his kunai. Her three guards moved to intervene, but they were stopped by Fubiki and a man named Gashira Akio. One guardsman was quickly launched in the air and skewered by ice shards that were shot from a portable launcher, while the other two had their necks crushed by a Double Lariat. Growling furiously even as blood began to drip out of her mouth, Ren moved to grab her attacker's throat, but Akira easily caught her wrist.

"Consider this the end of our partnership." oiled the man while he gathered water into his palm. "Suiton: Hahonryū!"

In the blink of an eye, Ren was sent flying off the ship and into the water. Realizing the peril she was in, Sansei quickly melted through the ship and into the sea. He quickly swam towards the sinking woman, who had a group of sharks darting towards her. Withdrawing his sword with a flourish, he made quick work of the sharks before grabbing hold of Ren. The teen quickly swam towards shore, making sure that he remained submerged underwater in order to avoid being struck by the ship's weaponry. Once he managed to reach dry land, Sansei dragged both himself and Ren out of the water, and hid themselves behind a pillar just before an incendiary round struck the ground near their position.

After making sure that the woman was still breathing, Sansei quickly set to work trying to stop the bleeding. It was difficult work, but he'd managed to accomplish the task after a few moments; it was a temporary fix, however, and the woman needed to see a medic as soon as possible. Suddenly, he heard the sound of someone crying, which broke his concentration. Looking up from his work, he saw a little girl sobbing her eyes out; completely unaware that she was in the path of an incoming shell. Just as the young child was about to be obliterated, Sayuri emerged from the ground and grabbed hold of her, and then melted both of them into the earth seconds before the shell impacted against the ground. Sansei's sister quickly emerged out of the ground next to him. Taking a single glance at Ren, she immediately realized that the pirate's condition was vastly deteriorating.

"We need to get out of here!" Sayuri shouted over the heavy gunfire.

"Agreed!" answered her twin. Carefully grabbing Ren, the twins and their passengers instantly melted into the ground and made their escape.

It was only mere seconds after they'd left that the bombardment finally ceased. Akira surveyed the destruction with a twisted grin. Bodies and debris were scattered all over the land, the gruesome sight filling him with delight. The wails of horror and despair he heard onshore was like music to his ears. Turning back to his patrons, his eyes shined with demented glee.

"So, my friends, what do you think of the destructive power of my Rebiyatan." the sadistic Kage asked.

"I think that I can speak for all of us that we made a wise decision in doing business with you, Akira-sama." answered Kyūroku. "How many more ships like this vessel do you have available at this time?"

"So far, we only have this ship, but another one will be completed in two days. Also, a third ship is expected to be ready within the month. And as you have just witnessed, a single battleship will be more than enough to take out any costal town with ease." The amassed group of investors looked especially pleased with Akira's explanation, and happily followed him back into the ship's private personal quarters while the vessel made its way back home.

XXX

Shin clashed blades with a charging shinobi while he simultaneously kicked away another one that tried to attack from behind. Focusing back on the ninja in front of him, he pushed the enemy away before he brought the Kubikiribōchō around with a sharp spin. The opposing shinobi couldn't bring his sword up to block in time, and was instantly bifurcated. Shin didn't have time to catch his breath, as he had to immediately jump away from the metal spears that would've skewered him if he remained where he stood. Quickly locating his enemy, Shin tossed several shuriken towards Jiryoku's position in order to gain some distance. The Kumo ninja simply formed a single hand sign.

"Jiton: Enaji-Ha Tate!" A purple colored dome appeared around him which stopped the shuriken in mid-air. He then formed another seal. "Jiton: Rijekuto!" In an instant, the shuriken were sent hurtling back at Shin. The Kiri Nin swiftly ducked and dodged past his own weapons, before shifting back into his stance. Jiryoku snarled at his enemy's agility, and weaved his hands through another short chain of seals. "Jiton: Hikitsukeru!" Several of the metal spikes that littered the battlefield suddenly levitated into the air, and quickly surrounded the young Momochi.

"Is this all you can do? Are you truly the grandson of Jiton no Toroi? That man was one of the most powerful shinobi to have lived, known throughout the world for his mastery of Jiton ninjutsu. It's a shame that his grandchild grew up to be such a failure." mocked Shin.

"Shut your mouth!" spat Jiryoku before he launched the levitating spikes. Shin sprinted towards Jiryoku in a burst of speed, vanishing from the latter's sight. Before Jiryoku could locate the swordsman, a sharp jolt of pain erupted throughout his body as Shin reappeared and drove his knee into Kumo Nin's chest. The strength behind the strike was enough to roughly throw Jiryoku to the ground. He'd only managed to get his bearings back just in time to see the Kubikiribōchō sailing towards his neck, forcing him to quickly roll out of the way as the blade slammed into the ground. As he scrambled to his feet, Shin knocked him back down with a snap-kick to the face, using the sword's handle as an anchor to further increase his reach. Jiryoku skidded across the ground from the attack, all the while attracting several discarded kunai and shuriken towards him, before he launched them at the swordsman. Shin leaped into the air to avoid the metal barrage, his hands simultaneously running through another chain of hand seals.

"Suiton: Suidanha!" A high pressurized stream of water shot toward the ground and struck Jiryoku. The arrogant man howled in pain as the water effortlessly sliced through his flak vest and his flesh alike. While he was still airborne, Shin saw that only Fuji and Ruka were still fighting; the other four members of his team were lying on the ground in a pool of their blood and had several weapons embedded in their flesh. Quickly landing back on solid ground, he grabbed his sword and vanished in a burst of speed. A second later, Shin reappeared in front of his two comrades and swung the Kubikiribōchō in a full arc, decapitating the countless shinobi that surrounded them. Now that they he had a small breather, he turned his attention to the surviving members of his team.

"We have to leave, right n-ARGH!" Shin's pained scream stopped him from finishing his command. Glancing at the source of his pain, he noticed the small spike that was embedded into his back before he collapsed into an unconscious heap on the ground.

"Shin!" Acting quickly, Ruka raced towards her leader's side, while Fuji flipped through a few seals and slammed his hands on the ground.

"Doton: Tsuchi Kairō!" The earth rose and completely surrounded them in a much thicker dome, blocking them from their enemy's view. A bleeding Jiryoku pushed his way to the front of the gathered ninja, completely ignoring his wounds.

"What are you waiting for?! Tear that damned dome down!" he snarled. As the ninja under his command attempted to break down the dome, Ruka was treating Shin's wound. Fuji stood guard in case any shinobi managed to break through, but with the countless explosions he could hear on the outside and the numerous cracks that were forming on the wall; he knew that it was only a matter of time before the entire barrier collapsed.

"Ruka, you need to get Shin-senpai to safety. This dome won't hold up for much longer." said Fuji.

The kunoichi looked shocked. "What are you talking about? We all need to get out of here!"

"Someone needs to stay behind to cover your escape, and I have just the jutsu that'll do the trick. Once I give you the signal, take our captain and get as far away from here as possible.

"Absolutely not! We need to leave together!"

"Shin-senpai needs you more than I do! You're the team's medic; if you get killed then he's as good as dead!" shouted Fuji. The man's words had Ruka in tears, even as she futilely tried to think of a way for her comrade to leave alongside her and their leader. Noticing the woman's inner turmoil, Fuji comfortingly placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to meet his gaze. "Please don't be sad. I knew full well of the risks that came with being a shinobi. If I can pass on knowing that my death will help my teammates escape, then that's good enough for me." Ruka just continued to cry silently, but nodded her head in acceptance nonetheless. Fuji positioned himself where he believed the bulk of Jiryoku's forces were as Ruka gathered Shin in her arms. When she alerted him that she was ready, Fuji gathered what remained of his chakra for what would be his very last attack.

"Doton: Tabe Chikyū!" The protective dome shattered as the surrounding area shook violently, before several enormous jaws formed from the earth. The kill squad was stunned at the monstrous sight before them, but their disbelief soon turned to terror once they began to get swallowed and crushed by the terrestrial jaws. Horrified and agonized screams rang through the area as Ruka took off during the attack and quickly made her way into the forest. When the jutsu finally ran its course, Fuji was on his knees and trying to keep himself from falling unconscious. The few members of the kill squad that managed to survive the onslaught immediately surrounded him. Jiryoku forced himself through the amassed Kiri ninja and grabbed the exhausted man by his throat.

"Where are they?!" Jiryoku demanded fiercely.

"Fuck… you!" Fuji rasped out. Jiryoku in turn violently shoved a kunai into his chest and through his heart, before throwing the dying corpse aside like garbage. Seeing that there was no sign of Shin and his remaining subordinate, the furious Kumo shinobi turned his attention to the kill squad.

"Find them! I want their bodies by sunrise!"

XXX

Naruto was really starting to feel his exhaustion catch up to him. It had been two days since he sent word to Ishikawa, and he was going to arrive at their base in a matter of moments. Genji had planned on leading him to one of their interrogation rooms in order confront him about how Mai's father really died. Despite the possibly violent conflict that was going to occur, the rebel leader's thoughts were on other matters; specifically Akira's destructive demonstration that had transpired a day ago. Sansei and Sayuri had returned from their mission with a young girl and a dying Ren of all people. Luckily for the latter, the base's medics were more than capable of saving her life, but she was still in critical condition. Fortunately, the young girl wasn't seriously injured and only needed to be treated for minor injuries.

After Sayuri and Sansei gave their reports of what had transpired, Naruto's unease and disbelief only worsened. From what the twins had told him, this Rebiyatan was a serious threat to not just Mizu no Kuni, but to every coastal country. He'd increased the security near the canal just in case Akira decided to sic his monstrosity on their rebellion, but he knew that the new type of battleship had to be dealt with sooner than later.

He was brought out of his thoughts when a subordinate approached him to report that Genji was currently leading Ishikawa to the designated interrogation room. Naruto thanked the messenger and left to observe the conversation, but not before grabbing a case containing a mysterious object.

XXX

When Ishikawa came to collect Mai, he was shocked to see his friend, Genji, standing in the halls of the base. The portly man gave Ishikawa a genial greeting before leading him to a small meeting room. As they walked, Genji told him that Mai was getting ready and that she would be joining them shortly. Once inside the room, the two men sat across each other at the table located in the center.

"You're not actually planning on joining these fools, are you, Genji?" asked Ishikawa. "Because unless that boy plans on making you the leader of his little band of rebels, he's going to get himself and everyone under his command slaughtered by Akira's forces."

"I disagree, he's doing very well for someone his age." countered Genji. "The people like him, and he has the respect of his men. Unlike Sentaro and Kagura, I believe that this rebellion may actually succeed."

"I find that highly unlikely, the brat's nothing more than a dreamer. Kirigakure will ever experience lasting peace. Our people will always be enthralled in their distrust and greed."

"That's a morbid way of looking at things, Ishikawa. Mizu no Kuni can be saved if people are willing to fight for what's right. You once knew what it was like to be influenced by the darkness of distrust and greed, but you were saved and managed to turn your life around. You've managed to keep the citizens of Kokushoku Kinzoku Roji safe from Akira's senseless war, and they're all immensely thankful for your efforts."

"My redemption was only due to you and Bato, Genji. If I was still the man I used to be, I would've used my position to get my revenge on Kirigakure."

"Speaking of Bato, I have to ask you about how he died. When Naruto's team and I saved Mai, she told me this crazy story about his death." Glancing at where Ishikawa was sitting, Genji noticed the man schooling his features.

"Is that so? What exactly did she tell you?"

Genji's eyes hardened. "I think you know what she told me. All I need to hear from you is the truth. Did you kill Bato?"

XXX

Sentaro and Kagura were looking over some maps, plotting an attack that could help draw in some much needed funds. With the arrival of Naruto's group, all of the support they once had quickly dwindled away and went to the rebel force under the kid's command. Everyone was going to Uzumaki and his forces to have jobs done, while they were all but forgotten by the people of Mizu no Kuni. Although Sentaro didn't seem all that bothered by the new competition, Kagura was absolutely livid at the fact that their own people were willing to put their faith in some outsider rather than their fellow countrymen.

As they continued to make plans, the flap of their tent was thrown open. They didn't pay the visitor any attention until a dirt-covered skull was thrown on top of their maps. There, standing before them, was a filthy Saito, his eyes burning with unbridled fury.

"You'd better not lie to me anymore. How could you just kill all those men and women? How can you justify your actions?" demanded the man. The two commanders just gaped at the veteran shinobi, stunned by his uncharacteristic forcefulness. "ANSWER ME!"

XXXXX

Authors' Notes: Here the next chapter. Sorry that it took so longer but you can't rush genius like me and Toa Naruto. Stories like this take time. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.

Glossary

Hanmā Shima – Hammerhead Island

Same no Ha Dōkutsu – Shark tooth Caverns

Rebiyatan – Leviathan

Jutsu

Doton: Chikyū Domu – Earth Release: Earth Dome - The user creates a dome constructed from the earth that can protect them from external attacks.

Suiton: Hahonryū – Water Release: Tearing Torrent - This technique creates water that spirals in the user's hand which fires at a high speed towards the enemy. The overall amount of water formed is large enough to help extinguish even large-scale Fire Release techniques.

Jiton: Enaji-Ha Tate – Magnetic Release: Energy Wave Shield – Jiryoku creates an electric field that can stop anything metal. It protects him and gives him control of the objects that he captures in the shield.

Jiton: Rijekuto – Magnetic Release: Reject – Jiryoku's magnetic weapons are launched at his opponents at a high speed.

Jiton: Hikitsukeru – Magnetic Release: Attract – Jiryoku uses his Magnetic Release to attract nearby metal as his weapons. He then uses Rijekuto to attack.

Suiton: Suidanha – Water Release: Water Severing Wave - After kneading chakra in the stomach and converting it into water, the user spews it out as a high pressure stream that is powerful enough to cut cleanly through several thick trees with ease.

Doton: Tsuchi Kairō – Earth Release: Earth Corridor - This technique causes the earth in the surrounding area to rise up and over a target and create a cavern, imprisoning the target. The user can leave an opening to allow attacks to go in to strike down the trapped adversaries, or close it up completely to prevent escape.

Doton: Tabe Chikyū – Earth Release: Devouring Earth - This technique allows Hiruko to control stones and rocks in the area to attack the enemy, forming several enormous jaws made out of the earth that will swallow and crush the enemy.