Author's Note: Here's the next up-date for all you loyal reviewers!
Chapter Ten: Destiny Approaches and Battles Ensues
Iruka and Temari froze when they heard that agonized scream. Iruka grunted and he was knocked off his feet and fell to the ground. He tensed as a Kunai was about to ascend down upon him when two Kunai penetrated into the shinobi's skull; Iruka turned to see several Anbu but not of the Leaf. One knelt and helped Iruka to sit up; "Are you alright, A-Su-Sama?" inquired one.
"Yes" Iruka said, standing and looked to Temari, who nodded that she was fine as well. "Where is Naruto? Have you found him?"
"The Shadow-Nins have reported to Hokage-Sama" answered the Anbu leader. "You are to meet her there with our Captain, Asahi-Sama". With that that Anbu squad disappeared.
"Come on, Temari . . . We better go". The Sand Kunoichi looked to the forest but followed behind the other that cared for Naruto as much as she did. The two Nins disappeared.
Tsunade gazed at all the gathered Nins that had come together to aide Naruto. If only the Boy could see this now; he sure be surprised at how many people cared for him. "Attention!" Tsunade said. "As you know now, Orochimaru has taken capture of Naruto and he might not be the same as we know him. I would like to personally thank all of you for aiding Leaf in this plight".
"This concerns us all, Hokage-Sama" Kazekage said. "Your nephew is dear to many people and we would never let the darkness capture such a bright soul. Sand will stand by Leaf and see it through to the end". The Wind Shadow knelt, many of his Nins following. "Through Death and Despair, Sand shall stay strong! Sand pledges allegiances to Leaf".
Asahi and his brothers and uncles stepped forward next. "Air has lost many things in the past" Asahi began. "But will not lose Naruto . . . He is dear to many of us in Air and we will not allow this to go unpunished". Asahi knelt followed by his brothers and Uncles and the Air Nins. "Through the Mists of the Otherworld, we shall fight and die with the Honor of Air! Air pledges allegiances to Leaf".
Kurai followed the Air with Her shadows Nins all around. "Shadow many be the darker aspects to many of the Shinobi out there" Kurai stated. "But we do not condone the actions commited by Orochimaru . . .Shadow stands tall against this act of treason". She knelt followed by her shadow Nins. "Death and Shadows to which we belong, Shadow will be victorious against the enemy! Shadow pledges allegiances to Leaf". Tsunade smiled and bowed to the three groups.
"The Village Hidden in the Leaves accepts your allegiances and returns it's own allegiances to Sand, Air and Shadow" Tsunade said. "We shall Conquer the Darkness with Fires burning Bright, Leaf will never Fall!" She turned to Jiraiya and several of the Anbu. "Begin preparations! The Children and the elderly and any civilian not a ninja are to be evacuated immediately!"
Kakashi nodded, he spared a glance to Iruka before disappearing into a poof of smoke. Tsunade turned to Iruka; the dolphin-named Chunnin looked confused as Tsunade gave him a scroll. "I am giving you a field-comission that will promote you to the rank of Anbu Captain. I hope we can count on the aide of the A-Su Heir?"
Iruka nodded. He was lead off to receive gear from the armory; Tsunade turned to her Leaf-Nins. "I want the Anbu is Alpha-four-eighteen positions. . .Hunter-nins are to assume position Phi-Beta-three-eight-two . . . Jonins are to be in Beta-nine-nine-six position . . . Chunnins are to be in Delta-nine-three-six positions . . . Have the Gennins protect the children, elderly and Civilians as they are guided out by Anbu team, Usagi".
Kazekage began shouting commands to his own Sand-nins as were Asahi and Kurai. "It is time for war" Tsunade murmured. "Go!" The Nins disappeared from traces leaving the three leaders and Jiraiya behind. Tsunade moved behind her desk and pulled a lever and entered a darkened room. "This the Battle Control Room . . . We will stay here and plot the course of the battle". She handed Kazekage and Kurai and Jiraiya equipment that will link them to the Nins outside, also receive the communication equipment. "Kazekage, you will command your people as will you, Kurai. Jiraiya, you will take command of the Air Nins, I doubt they will protest much."
The Nins waited with abated breath as they listened for any tell-a-tale sounds that would give them any indication to where their enemies lay in wait. Suddenly, without any warning, the main gates were thrusted open and Orochimaru stood before a massive army comprising of turn-coats Shadow Nins and Sound Nins. The two groups watched each other; the minutes ticked back as suddenly an unknown Nin rushed at the group and landed a massive attack before them.
Luckily for many of the Nins, the Shadow trained Nins knew how to preventing lose of life. Barriers of Shadows were erected around them; one of the Sand Nins gasped in horror as the Nin was recognized. "Naruto-Sama!"
It was in truth the missing Heir to three great Clans and the future husband of Temari. But something was off, his usually kind eyes were blank and cold; the stare of a cold blooded killer. Something that Naruto was not. Iruka watched as his adopted little brother, stared at them as if he wasn't really seeing them; something was off . . . what was it? That was when Iruka noticed a strange aura emitting from Naruto's shoulder; "A seal" came the whisper at his side. Temari appeared at the Heir to the A-Su Heir's side; her blue eyes connected with Iruka's steel grey. "Orochimaru's controlling Naruto with a seal" she said.
"His capture in Grass" Iruka murmured. "That must been when he received it . . . It's different then Sasuke and Anko's". Suddenly, Naruto's eyes snapped toward them and he disappeared into thin air.
"Iruka-Sama! Temari-Sama!" shouted one of the Air nins "Watch out! He's using a Technique of Air!" Iruka whirled around and was knocked out of the Shadow barriers; Iruka flipped up and dodged, Naruto's attack with expert ease. Temari watched as the two traded blow for blow.
"Iruka!" Kakashi shouted. Iruka cried out as he slammed into the ground and spat up blood; Iruka rolled to his side, his arm wrapped around his bruised torso. Kakashi tried to move to help his lover but Asuma and Gai caught the enraged Jonin's arms and held him back. Naruto stared down at Iruka and made to finish him but he was knocked backwards by Temari's fan.
"Naruto! Stop this!" Temari cried. "It's me! Temari!"
Naruto gave the girl that held his heart a cold stare and disappeared only to reappeared behind her and delivered a swift kick to her unprotected back. Temari sprawled out beside Iruka, who was watching Naruto, calculating. His eyes widened as he suddenly remembered Naruto's vision. "Powers once were forsakened shall be renewed, the Child of Earth shall gather strength and returned to his place amongst his Clan. He is the key, to lock the power that ignites the Flames. Keeper of the Winds from the Land of where the Sands of time flows; She is the heart, to keep him safe from the everlasting darkness that threatens his world. Bring these three together to combat the darkness that threatens the Lands. Or all shall fall and Darkness will rule" Iruka repeated. He turned to Temari, who understood what Iruka was talking about; they were the only ones that could stop Naruto but how?
Iruka strugged up and managed to get to his feet. His barriers were gone that prevent him from using his power but he didn't feel as though the Earth had connected with him as though it should have. He released a breath and closed his eyes; Temari looked up at Iruka, she could feel his Chakra growing in strength. Iruka's eyes snapped opened, his hands moving in seals to fast for a normal ninja to see. "A-Su Batsu! Tsuchi Kouken! Saishuu Houmen! (A-Su Clan! Earth Guardian! Final Release!)". The ground underneath them shook, Iruka was finally living up to his true position as Hier of the A-Su Clan; he would allow his clan, his family, to flourish and survive even if he did not survive the outcome of this battle. Everything was silent as Iruka came into his hidden power; he was strong though not as strong as Naruto but that was why he had Temari. He turned to the young Kunoichi; "Your turn".
"How----?"
"Let your heart guide you" Iruka replied. Temari nodded and stood, her eyes closing and allowed her heart to wander; it was at this moment that Naruto decided to attack but Iruka dodged and lured him away from the Sand Nin. They traded blows and continued to do so; Iruka had noticed that Naruto after the initial attacks had not resorted to his chakra powered attacks; his eyes darted to Orochimaru, could it be possible that the rogue Sennin did not know of Naruto's true power?
"Kaze Ki-pa! Kokoro Kouken! Saishuu Houmen! (Wind Keeper! Heart Guardian! Final Release!)". Temari's eyes snapped opened and her hands a blur as she released the barrier constructed around her true Chakra. The winds picked up and danced around everyone; something unique happened as Temari dropped the barrier, Naruto stopped in his attack and he staggered. His silver eyes regained conciousness, he looked around confused.
"Aniki?" Naruto inquired, confused. "What --- ?" Naruto cried out and grasped his seal as Orochimaru tried to resert himself into Naruto. Temari grasped his hand and rested her hand on the Seal, Iruka copying her. Naruto surrendered the blissfulness of the comforting darkness of sleep that they offered; Iruka caught him as he toppled into his arms. Orochimaru released a cry of outrage and signaled his attack; the two forces slammed into one another; Iruka and Temari disappeared, they had much work to do with Naruto if the young Nin was to defeat the forces of Orochimaru.
Tsunade looked up as Iruka and Temari entered; her voice got caught up in her throat at the sight of her nephew. "We acquire your assistance, Hokage-sama" Iruka said, "we must move the seal from him".
"Is that even possible?" Jiraiya inquired. "Air Team Nine move into position alpha-chi-nine-nine-three, release your attacks on my word . . . Now!"
"It is with us around" Temari replied. "Father, Team Eight!"
"Sand Team Eight, move! Regroup into Omega-Alpha-Nine-four-two! Now!" Kazekage ordered. "If you help them, Tsunade, who will look after your Nins?" Tsunade turned to Shizune and, wordlessly, handed her the communication unit; Kazekage nodded and turned back, only cry on in pain as a kunai embedded itself into his shoulder.
"Orochimaru!" Tsunade hissed, angrily. She moved herself in between the S-Class Criminal and Iruka, who clutched Naruto tighter to his body. "I should have know you find us". Kurai and Jiraiya moved to her sides.
"How nice" Orochimaru sneered. "The whole family is here. I will take the Fox now and the I will decimate your villages".
"Over my dead body" Kurai hissed. "I will not allow this tranaction to continue, Snake. Kuro Soshi: Atokaka Shouheki! (Dark Element: Shadow Barrier!)" Kurai said, her hands flying through the seals. A pure black encircled the leaders, Iruka, Temari and Naruto; "Tsunade, you will help those to ride my grandson of that mark, I will attend to Kazekage-sama". Tsunade nodded and turned her attention to her nephew; Iruka rested the unconscious the young blonde on the floor and looked at his leader.
"What do we do, Iruka?" Tsunade inquired.
"Heal him, Temari and I will worry about the rest" Iruka replied, "but first, we must move to a more secure location". Kurai nodded and created a seal; the shadow barrier shifted and transported the group to the Uzumaki Estates. "Better, we will conduct the procedure in Naruto's room, Inari can be assistance to us and it will help him calm down".
The quartet moved upstairs, leaving Jiraiya, Kurai, Shizune and the Kazekage behind. "I think Naruto's prophecy is coming true" Jiraiya muttered to himself, but received a nod from Kurai.
Asahi crouched beside Kakashi and Kage; the two clashing groups were in a stalement and the united forces of Air, Leaf, Sand and Shadow created several barriers to stop the unslaught of attacks from Sound and Shadow. A shadow nin stopped beside Kage and whispered in the Nin's air; Kage nodded and thanked him; the nins around him looked curious. "Hokage Tower has fallen but the Kages as well as Jiraiya-sama and Kurai-sama are safe and sound in a undisclosed area. Iruka-Sama and Temari-sama are there with them as well as Naruto-sama".
"That's something to be thankful for" Asahi breathed. Aokusa leaned against his brother as Iduzna checked the younger Nin had managed to be wounded, pretty badly. "How is Aokusa?"
"I will be fine, Aniki" Aokusa said. "You worry to much".
"For good reason, Otouto" Ginrei snorted. "You always get hurt when ever you fight, makes me wonder how you became a Hunter-nin". Aokusa gave his brother a dark glare. Tsuki rolling his eyes at their bickering.
"Ow! Uncle!" Aokusa yelped.
"Sorry" Idunza replied. "And Ginrei, Aokusa does not always get injuried. This is the second time I have had to treat him that I can remember. You on the other hand, I have treated many times". Laughter resounded through out the group; Kakashi peeked over the debris that they had been hiding, he couldn't see any enemy targets. "Anything?"
"Not that I can see" Kakashi replied. He turned back toward the groups, "know any attacks that could spy on the enemy?"
"I know one" Fokkusu answered. He pressed one hand against the ground and created a single-handed seal, "Tei soshi: Za Kenzan Me (Air element: The Seeing Eye)". Fokkusu was silent for several minutes, before pulling back his chakra. "Kage-san! Send several of your best Shadow-nins to where the children are located! The Leaf Jonin are going to need necessary back-up". Kage nodded and pressed his communication unit.
"Shadow Team delta, re-group and head to location Nine-delta-three . . . immediately!" Kage ordered. He listened to the sounds of responses and nodded at Fokkusu.
"Bastards" Kakashi hissed angrily. Asahi rested a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm the Jonin down.
"This Chunnin Team Bravo-Delta" came the panic voice. "Barrier has been breached at Location one-Bravo-nine! Repeat Barrier has been breached at Location one-Bravo-nine!" Kakashi immediately disappeared followd by Asahi, Kage and Ginrei.
Sasuke kicked a Shadow nin away from him; he was desperately trying to protect the fallen Sakura and Shino. Kiba and Akamaru attacked a nearby Sound member that had incapitated Lee; Tenten founght back to back with Hinata while Neji was trying his hardest to keep several Shadow nins and Sound nins away from the injured Ino and Chouji. Suddenly, several Kunai pierced through the defenses of the enemy nins and allowed Kakashi, Asahi and Kage to retrieve the injured and the Chunnins. Kakashi retrieved Sakura and Shino and grabbed Sasuke's shirt before disappearing out of the breached area. Asahi grabbed Ino and Chouji and disappeared with Neji right behind him. Kage grabbing Kiba and his dog disappeared with Lee, supported by Kage's arm around his waist. The Barrier re-established itself, but allowed the enemy to claim that area of territory.
The Leaf Anbu team Usagi looked relieved as the Shadow Anbu Delta appeared and helped them get out of the predicament that had ensared them. When they reached a safer location, the caves on the opposite of the Hokage Mountain; the medics immediately went to work treating the injured parties. Gaara sat huddled in the back of the cave with several young children; they had been pretty badly shaken up by the attack and several were crying for their parents. Several of more sensitive nins were attempting to consol them; Gaara had been picked up by a beautiful Shadow Nin, whom he learned later was a cousin of his Niichan, she rocked him back and forth; she allowed him to cry on his shoulder and even promised him that she, herself, would deliever him safely back to the arms of his father. Gaara pulled back wiping away the tears and allowed the Nin to wipe his face clean; "So, my little Cutie, what might your name be?" she inquired.
"I'm Gaara" he replied softly.
"Gaara, huh" she replied. "Well, I'm Yasashii, it's nice to met you".
Gaara allowed the Nin to pull him back into an embrace and snuggled closer to her; his mind wandered over the well-being of his father and elder siblings and of his adored Niichan. 'I hope they're all okay'.
TBC