Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.
"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"
"Speech"
Letters / Jutsu notes
Chapter 17 - Dawn
Konohamaru and Suiren were practicing the new katas under the strict supervision of a clone of Naruto when Karin and Tsunade approached them with interest gleaming in their eyes.
"Yo Bā-chan, Karin-chan! Come to watch ninshu practice?" Naruto asked causing a confused look to grace both their faces.
"Ninshu? Is this what this style of Taijutsu called?" Tsunade asked with curiosity causing Naruto, Suiren and Konohamaru to laugh.
Tsunade and her red haired companion just looked even more confused as a vein throbbed on Tsunade's forehead. Calming themselves, Naruto said, "Sorry about that. I forget that the concept of ninshu has not been heard since the time of the Rikudō Sennin. Ninjutsu is a bastardized version of ninshu. Ninshu is the art of communication through action. It is both a physical art as well as spiritual. While ninjutsu requires a large amount of chakra being expelled from the body after moulding, ninshu uses the chakra to forge a connection with the very elements themselves. An adept user like Sakura-chan can use their connection to the elements to perform impressive feats of healing or harm. Let me show you. Konohamaru, Suiren, come at me with the intent to kill!"
Without even hesitating, the duo charged at Naruto. Fire spilling from Konohamaru's fists while crystals and rocks floated about Suiren. Jumping up, Konohamaru kicked towards Naruto causing a wave of blistering hot flames. The interesting fact was that the flame was predominantly yellow but with streaks of different colours flowing through them.
At the same time, Suiren slammed a fist into the ground causing a jagged wave of rock spikes to fly towards Naruto.
Tsunade and Karin watched in awe and shock at the skill on display, not to mention the ability to use the elements without hand seals. Both were concerned when the flames engulfed Naruto right before the spikes flew through the flames. There was a small explosion causing both Karin and Tsunade to cry out in shock.
Suiren dropped her guard and feared that she had hurt Naruto, even if it was only a clone, but Konohamaru narrowed his eyes before jumping back and throwing his arms out in a circular motion releasing waves of blue electricity. The three girls gasped in horror at the young Sarutobi's audacity when the electricity was redirected towards the boy.
The three girls looked shocked at the sequence of events as Konohamaru raised a block of earth to intercept the redirected lightning. As the block exploded Konohamaru tried to jump back only to find that his body didn't obey.
Beside him, Suiren found herself in a similar quandary, only in her case, it was the very air that was holding her captive a couple of inches above the earth.
A clapping sound filled the training field as the smoke and dust obscuring Naruto cleared to reveal him completely untouched. Naruto had a massive grin on his face as he said, "Good job you two. Suiren, your habit of lowering your guard is a very dangerous habit. You need to break it. Otherwise, you did well for someone with very little formal training."
Suiren nodded as Naruto gently let her down before turning his attention to Konohamaru. "Excellent job Konohamaru. Your mastery of fire is coming along nicely. A true prodigy in both skill and hard work. Lightning generation is something I have yet to teach you, but that didn't stop you from learning it. While it was a good attempt, you need to learn to direct the lightning I to a more focused beam. It was too spread out and easy to redirected. Keep practicing. You focus on earth more from now on. You did well in your first true attempt during a fight but the speed needs to improve. Now get practicing the katas. They are for a style of defensive earth bending. I can already see you favoring it."
"Sure thing boss!" Konohamaru said with a bow as be felt control of his body return to him.
"How? You should have not escaped unscathed!" Karin asked with confusion. "The flames were hot enough to instantly barbeque a human body! And how did you three manipulate the elements without chakra usage?"
"Karin is right Naruto. How did you survive?"
"Simple! I bended the very air to my will and created a field of vacuum around me. The top layer of the vacuum had the air churning in such a way that it redirected the flames away from me. The earthen spikes struck the vacuum and were pulverized. Karin, the art of ninshu is far more complicated than ninjutsu. As I said, ninshu forges a connection with the elements by using chakra flow as the medium. There is no direct usage of chakra. The larger the chakra reserves, the larger amount of element one can connect to."
Karin nodded when Tsunade said, "Ninshu seems very powerful. Much more so than ninjutsu. How did you redirect the lightning?"
"Easy, I absorbed the lightning through one arm, flowed it through my chakra centre and redirected it up my other before releasing it again!"
Tsunade and Karin stared at the boy in shock. Absorbing a Jutsu was unheard off, but to absorb the very element itself and then redirecting it, preposterous. Unfortunately, they had proof of it happening right in front of them.
"If you are interested, I can teach you both?" Naruto said with a cheeky grin.
"I would advise that you both the offer into careful consideration, especially you Karin. Naruto has decided that ninshu will replace ninjutsu for all Uzu shinobi!" Moka said walking up to the group. "Too bad Jiraiya didn't accept his offer. I am sure that he would have been formidable, especially with his inclination to earth and air."
"I will think about it Obā-sama." Tsunade said with a thoughtful expression while Karin looked Konohamaru and Suiren before turning to Naruto and saying, "I am not really a fighter, but I will make sure not to dishonour the clan!"
"That's all I ask!" Naruto said before turning back to Konohamaru and Suiren as Tsunade, Karin and Moka left.
"Naruto-sama! Yagura has accepted your challenge! He has agreed to meet you at the northern marshes three days from now!" Mei said with a bow.
Naruto stood up from his meditative state and nodded. "That's good. I was afraid that Yagura wouldn't accept."
"Our thoughts exactly Naruto-sama. Jiraiya-sama has been urging us to prepare for a hostile take-over."
Naruto shook his head in exasperated fondness. "Can't blame him. He is a veteran of two wars after all. Very few have true experience like that. Luckily, we don't have to be pessimistic this time."
Mei nodded in agreement. "Who are you taking with you as your witnesses to the Duel?"
"I was hoping that you, Aō and Chojuro would accompany me along with Jiraiya, Sakura-chan and Neko?"
Mei felt honoured at the request. She didn't expect Naruto ask her to be one of his witnesses. "We will be honored to accompany you Naruto-sama, but are you sure Yagura won't ambush you?"
Naruto chuckled, "Oh! I already know that he is going to ambush me. Team Alpha has done a fine job gathering intel. He will place five hundred of his most loyal shinobi under the command of his Anbu Commander. They will hide in the mists and await the opportunity to attack me. Unfortunately for them, I already have a plan to deal with the idiots. There won't be much collateral damage as well. Yagura will be defeated as quickly as possible."
Mei looked unsure about the plan but nodded in deference to Naruto's decision. "Good riddance I say. Yagura doesn't deserve mercy. Not after what the monster did!"
Naruto clicked his tongue in annoyance causing Mei to look startled at Naruto's sudden bad mood. "Don't condemn someone without knowing their background. Have you thought that Yagura may be under control of someone?"
Mei nodded with shame, "I have, but even if that's true, the people of Kiri will never suffer him to live. Not after what he has put them through."
"Then have him be hidden. If I can free him from the control and fake his death, then have him as a personal Anbu Guard! Keep him close. He would be a fine ally. An ally who is a complete wild card. Beside you won't have to retrain another jinchūriki. You already have a Kage ranked perfect jinchūriki!"
Mei nodded in agreement, "Will you be able to do that?"
Naruto's face adopted a foxy grin as he said, "Who knows, but I will try!"
Haku, Fū, Sakura and Tenten were sitting at a secluded table in the mess hall having lunch when Naruto walked in with Zabuza, Gai, Neji, Lee, Sai and Sasuke. As they entered, a respectful silence came over the gathered Kiri rebels.
Many, having finished their lunch, stood up and left but not before bowing to Naruto. Seeing that many more were getting up to leave, Naruto addressed the group and said, "No need to get up and bow. Please continue with your lunches!"
They all nodded with respect before turning back to their food. "Oi Naruto! It's surprising to see you in here. Don't you normally have lunch with Mei-sama?" Sakura called out getting a chuckle from Naruto's group.
"Can't I have the urge to spend time with you four young ladies. Beautiful ones at that!" Naruto said with a teasing grin causing a blush to form on Haku, Tenten and Fū's faces. Sakura on the other hand shook her head in exasperation, "You really have changed Naruto. There was a time you wouldn't realize if a girl was flirting with you. Now I find you flirting yourself!"
"What do you mean? I don't remember about any girls flirting with me. Anyway, I have good news. Danzō's gone. Root is under my control."
Sakura looked startled at the news. "When? How?"
"This morning. I went to Konoha myself to deliver this week's report. The trecherous fool exposed himself without even realizing it. Anyway, Haku, I have recommended you to be in the Chunnin Exams. Your teammates will be Suiren and Uzumaki Karin, a genin from Kusa who was transferred to Uzu as is proper."
"I will not let you down Naruto-sama!" Haku said with a bow.
"Team 9, at my recommendation, Gai has decided to allow you three in the Chunnin Exams as well. Start preparing. We will be back in Konoha within the week."
"Make us proud my youthful students! I have no doubt that you all will do well!" Gai said with unshesd tears.
The three members of Team 9 bowed to the two and replied, "We will be sure to bring you honor Sensei, Naruto-sama!"
"Sakura..." Naruto sighed before saying, "You have been recommended for a field promotion from multiple separate sources including me. I have no doubt that you will at least be awarded the rank of Chunnin. The decision is pending the Hokage's review of all the reports. Furthermore, Senju Tsunade has returned and decided to test you in your skills as a combat medic. Prepare for a serious spar after we return to Konoha."
Sakura nodded with narrowed eyes. She had a feeling that Naruto's actions were behind the spar.
"Then I guess Team 7 isn't going to be participating this time!" Sasuke sighed in disappointment.
Zabuza and Gai shared an amused look as Naruto said, "Unfortunately for you Sasuke, you will be taking the exams with greenhorns! Kakashi has recommended you for the exams."
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock at the information as he groaned, "Oh great. I have to babysit brats."
"Not really, your teammates will be Sai and Konohamaru."
"What? But Konohamaru is still in the academy!" Sakura exclaimed in shock.
"With the new curriculum, Konohamaru is more than ready to graduate. In fact, his graduation exam is tomorrow. I am sure that my apprentice will be a good asset to Konoha!"
Sasuke released a sigh of relief before realizing his situation. With a look of horror, he turned to look at Sai. Seeing the look, Sai said, "Don't look at me like that dickless! I am not into men!"
Everyone started laughing at the Uchiha's expense as said Uchiha grumbled about how unfair life is to him.
Neko and Tora were sitting under a tree sharpening their Anbu issue tantō when Naruto walked up to them. "Neko, you will be accompanying me to the Duel site along with Jiraiya, Sakura-chan, Mei, Aō and Chojuro. Tora, I want you to create a few sensory plants around the camp. I have a feeling that Yagura won't keep to the rules of dueling."
Both nodded and Naruto turned to leave. Just before disappearing, Naruto said, "You both have been recommended for Spirit of the Forest medal. Tora, Danzō croaked this morning. Root is under my control now!"
Neko and Tora looked startled at the revelation but before they could ask, Naruto vanished into thin air.
A dark skinned man with very prominent muscles was working through the massive pile of papers on his desk when a fair skinned girl with blonde hair and blue cat like eyes walked into his office with a look of anger on her face.
Looking up from his paperwork, he took one look at the girls face and a shiver passed down his spine. Shaking off the feeling, the man asked in an irritated tone, "What is it Yugito? Don't you see I have much work to do!"
The girl narrowed her eyes and said in a cold tone, "Don't care! How could you do that to me uncle?"
The man looked confused before his eyes widened in realization, "You know?"
"Yep!"
The man sighed before saying, "It's not completely assured Yugito. We don't know if he will accept, and we can't force him to do anything. On the contrary, it is more probable that he will force us to submit to his will."
"That doesn't mean you can use me as a bartering chip!" Yugito all but shouted. A cold killing intent wafting off of her. "And Samui? Why included her? And who is this man that causes the famed Yondaime Raikage and his council to wag their tails and suck up to the bastard?"
The Raikage chuckled in amusement before saying, "Actually, Samui is being added as a choice. She is after all closer to his age. As for who the person is. To tell you the truth, he is a powerful young Daimyō."
"We are shinobi! From when did we start kissing the asses of those stuck up princes?" Yugito snarled when Ē threw her a bingo book marked with a book mark. Opening the book to the marked page, Yugito's eyes widened in shock as realization set in. Looking up at the Raikage, she asked with a stuttering tone, "He is to be one of ours husband?"
Ē nodded as Yugito said, "But he is just a child! And I am sure that he is arrogant as well. So much power at the hands of someone so young!"
"He isn't arrogant Yugito. He has earned his reputation. Read this report from our spies in Nami no Kuni and then tell me your thoughts on him. If you still think him arrogant, then I will withdraw your name from the proposal." Ē said as he handed over a file that he took out from his desk.
Ē returned back to his paperwork as Yugito pursued through the documents. After finishing, Yugito stood silently and pondered the information she received. It was nearly half an hour later that she finally spoke. "Alright, I agree that he is not arrogant. In fact, I believe him to be the humblest and kind hearted Daimyō in existence, let alone a shinobi. But is he really that much of a threat that you would sell one of us off in a political marriage?"
"He is very honorable. I believe that if neither of you wants to marry him, then he won't hold it against Kumo. The marriage proposal is just an excuse to get into a closer relationship with him, Konoha and the reforming Uzushiogakure. There is also another reason to include you. There are some in the council who doesn't like you. I fear that they may try something one day. With you being a candidate, they would be more cautious of sending you on a suicide mission like last time. I did it to protect you Yugito. I never meant to hurt you." Ē said with a sad smile.
Yugito looked at the man with scepticism before nodded, "Alright, I understand. Can you tell me one thing, is he really strong, or is it all propaganda?"
Ē smirked and said, "His father was strong. Ending a whole battilion of Elite shinobi is not easy. Even I don't think I can do it. To subdue the same without killing, unheard off. He is far stronger than his father. In fact, I believe that if both met in battle, I will put my bet on the son. Now get going! I still have a lot to do!"
Yugito nodded with a slight smile as she thought to herself, maybe it won't be such a bad idea, even if she had to share him. She just hoped that Samui was as understanding as her.
Hearing the door to his office close, Ē let out a sigh of relief. He really thought that Yugito would have practiced her clawing skills on his face. He knew who was responsible for the information leak and he promised himself that he will punish the fool as he growled out, "When I get my hands on you Bee!"
Naruto, Mei, Chojuro, Aō, Jiraiya and Neko walked towards the meeting place in the middle of the swamp lands. Sakura was also there, but instead of walking, she was using earth bending to follow them underground. As the group neared the appointed place, they saw that Yagura was already there with three members of his Shinobi Council.
"I am surprised that you didn't try an ambush Yagura. It seems that all hope isn't lost for you yet!" Naruto said with a mocking grin. Yagura just glared at the boy before saying, "I am not an uncouth barbarian like those you support! Shall we get on with it?"
"Really? Then who are the presences I sense scattered about the swamp?" Naruto said getting a confused look from Yagura. At the same time, the three councillors we're sharing nervous looks and fidgeting. "Oh, you don't know! Then it seems that your councillors have their own agenda, isn't that right?"
The three councillors shivered in fear. Yagura may have let them do anything they wanted, but they knew that Yagura didn't take kindly to anyone other than himself ordering his troops. Before they knew what happened, spikes of coral had pierced their hearts. Just before they lost consciousness, they saw Yagura's usually impassive face sporting an angered expression.
"Forgive me for the insult. I didn't expect my Councillors to go behind my back. In fact, I had ordered all my troops to stand down and await the results of our duel under the pain of death. Please allow me to correct the mistake!"
Naruto saw Yagura bow to him with an impassive face only for Yagura's Anbu commander to appear and attack Yagura only for the earth infron if the Mizukage to burst forth and reveal a pink haired girl fly out and punch the man in the sternum. Everyone watched as a shockwave erupted from the point of contact before the man's body flew back with a massive hole in his chest.
As the Anbu commander died, a massive shout erupted from the surrounding forests as a battalion of five hundred Kiri Shinobi charged forward with intent to kill. Before anyone realized what happened, a six-point red barrier formed around the duellists and their witnesses.
"Yagura, see how many are traitor's and how many are just following their superior's orders!" Naruto stated with a grin as he handed the Sanbi Jinchūriki a seal. Seeing Yagura's confusion, Naruto mimed placing it on his throat and speaking.
Nodding, Yagura placed the seal on his throat and activated it before speaking, "All Kiri Shinobi! I, Yagura as your Kage orders you to stand down and retreat. Await the results of the duel! Any who disobey me will be treated as traitor's regardless the outcome of the duel! I repeat, stand down and retreat!"
Deactivating the seal, Yagura handed it back to Naruto with a grateful nodded and waited for the loyal shinobi to retreat. At the same time, the shinobi closest to the barrier started trying to break it down with a barrage of jutsu.
After five minutes, Naruto sighed and said, "It seems that only three fifths of the battilion retreated. The remaining two hundred are traitors. Do you mind if we handle the situation?"
"Go ahead! It's not like I have an inclination to save them!"
Naruto nodded before turning to Sakura and nodded. With a grin expression, Sakura nodded and vanished into the earth before reappearing in the middle of the attacking shinobi. Before the Kiri traitors could react, Sakura took a deep breath before stomping the ground.
Spikes of earth erupted around the girl, easily piercing the surprised Kiri shinobi. Before they could react, Sakura jumped forward and punched the ground causing a shock wave to erupt, throwing back the Kiri ninja. Straightening up, Sakura took a deep breath before the diamond on her forehead glowed and spread around her face and arms.
Looking up, Sakura grinned before stomping the ground causing large chunks of earth to float around her. Looking around, she saw the Kiri ninja prepare to throw jutsu at her. Throwing her arms forward, the large boulders flew forward and crashed into the surprised ninja. At the same time, the ninja flanking her threw some water ninjutsu at her, hoping to take her by surprise.
Making a waving gesture, Sakura took control of all the water jutsu around her and caused the water to flow around her like a serpent. Shaping the water into multiple tentacles, Sakura caused them to whip out at the shocked shinobi. The shinobi just looked surprised as their jutsu were turned against them in an instant. The whipping of the water caused many sharp blades of water to rain down upon the surprised shinobi. The most shocking thing was that the water froze into ice as they flew at the shinobi.
A few were able to jump away or use the Kawarimi to save themselves while the rest were left bloody and dying on the field. Raising her fist, Sakura drained the blood out of the dying ninja and directed it into a ball of frozen blood around her just as multiple fire jutsu struck her position. When the flames dissipated, the Kiri shinobi were shocked to see the blood sphere still standing. Before they could realize what was happening, cracks appeared on the frozen blood. A dull orange glow could be seen from inside the sphere before the sphere suddenly vaporized revealing a sphere of flowing lava.
Mei, Yagura, Aō and Chojuro gasped in shock as Sakura manipulated a massive quantity of lava and used it to easily wipe away nearly half of the remaining forces, all of whom were stunned at the revelation of someone manipulating lava to such a degree. Turning to Naruto, Mei asked, "Does Sakura-san wield the Yōton Kekkai Genkai like me?"
Naruto laughed and said, "Not really. She doesn't have any Kekkai Genkai at all. What you see is her mastery of Earth Ninshu allowing her to control earth. After all Lava is earth as well. Just in a molten form."
Mei sighed with exasperation and turned her attention back to the one sided slaughter the pink haired Kunoichi was doing. Something, Mei didn't even expect from the medic.
Letting the lava direct the surviving traitors into a single group, Sakura smirked before jumping up with a pillar of earth helping her gain even more height. The shocked traitors shivered in fear as the pink haired girl vanished in the glare of the sun. Taking defensive positions, the lava restricting their ability to flee, the traitors waited for the girl to crash down in between them. Unfortunately for them, Sakura had a different plan. Pulling back her fist, a pale blue glow covered it as she threw it forward. An invisible shockwave erupted from her fist.
As Sakura was dropping on towards the ground, she saw her shockwave strike the unsuspecting group and flow through their bodies before striking the ground causing a small crater to form under the group. Right as the crater formed, the bodies of the traitors turned to a thick red mist of blood with pale pink pieces of flesh and organs slowly falling within it.
Chojuro, Neko and Mei vomited at the brutality of Sakura's fight. To see human bodies, disintegrate from a mere shockwave is not something even shinobi of their calibre can easily handle. Beside them, Aō and Yagura looked a bit queasy but held their urges in.
Only Naruto and Jiraiya didn't react to the scene as they watched a pillar of earth rise and catch the airborne Sakura before she could fall into the blood mist. Making a gesture, the pillar surfed over the swampy land towards the barrier holding them in. As the pillar reached closer, it merged with the ground before Sakura came to a stop right in front of the barrier, standing on solid ground.
As Naruto released the barrier, Sakura walked towards them, causing the recently recovered Mei, Neko and Chojuro to flinch at the pink haired medics presence. Looking over the girl, Jiraiya said, "Ha… Now I am glad that Tsunade became lazy after leaving Konoha. Naruto, remind me not to get caught by your friend doing research. I really don't think that I want a beating by her hands."
Naruto chuckled as Sakura smirked as Jiraiya continued, "Damn girl, what kind of training did the two of you do before graduating? Better yet, what have you been eating, because I want some!"
"I must say child; you are truly a brilliant kunoichi. If only I had a few shinobi like you under my command!"
"Then my men and women would have painted the mists red as Sakura-san has done with the traitors, Yagura!" Mei sneered in contempt.
"Let us dispel with the pleasantries and get to the point of the meeting. Yagura, let us face off after you have regained your composure. Jiraiya, take these four kunai. The seals on them are already charged with chakra. I am sure you know what to do. All of you move away about a mile towards Kiri. You have five minutes before we duel!" Naruto said with a commanding presence as he handed Jiraiya four kunai.
With a grim nod, everyone headed off towards Kiri while Yagura and Naruto closed their eyes and waited until the five minutes were over. While they waited, Naruto quietly said, "If you want to even have a chance to win, come at me with your and Isobu's full strength from the start, or else, I can assure you that you will lose. Horribly as well. Then again, on second thought, don't. It will be easier for me to defeat you."
Yagura opened his eyes and glared at Naruto with his eyes glowing an angry red right before he said in a cold tone, "My… aren't you confident. Aren't you overestimating your abilities? How can you be so sure that you will win no matter what?"
"Who knows? But, if I was you, I would take my advice!" Naruto said with a grin before he became serious as Yagura nodded stiffly as he was covered in a cloak of bubbling red chakra taking the form of a turtle with three tails waving behind him.
Yagura let out a growl before the chakra cloak started enlarging with Yagura being in the recently formed head. The red chakra solidified into a grey skin and shell of a massive three tailed turtle. Opening its mouth, the turtle started gathering yin and yang chakra into a super condensed ball of chakra when Naruto raised his right hand and pointed his palm towards the Sanbi-Yagura.
With a grin, Naruto called out, "Bakudō: Hyaku Yari!"
A white glow encompassed Naruto as the light around the Sanbi-Yagura started condensing into thick large spears before, in a blink of an eye, all the spears drove through the Sanbi's body and into the ground, bring down the beast with them. At the same time, the technique seemed to have arrested the Sanbi's ability to mould and manipulate chakra, causing the Bijūdama to dispel.
With another grin, Naruto raised his hand up again and snapped his fingers causing the air to glow with esoteric kanji causing everyone, excluding Naruto, to lose all control of chakra. The seal also had an added effect of forcing a Bijū back into its prison, as such, the Sanbi was back inside Yagura with the chakra cloak fading into the air.
Yagura looked shocked and afraid as Naruto raised his hands up before bringing them down. At first, Yagura didn't realize what happened but suddenly, he felt his body being pushed down. It took a few moments, but by the time Yagura realized what was happening, he was already on his knees as the air around him took on a sliver sheen and started swirling into an orb of opaque winds.
A hidden observer was watching the battle with a calculating expression. This was very concerning developments for the observer's plans. Naruto was too powerful to be easily caught. The observer watched as Naruto raised his arm and made a fist causing the sphere of opaque wind to collapse, causing a bloody red mist to form.
The observer narrowed his single visible eye as he felt his control on Yagura's mind break. Nodding to himself, the observer was about to leave when Naruto vanished into thin air. This caused the observer's eye to widen in shock as he felt the sudden presence behind him.
The observer turned to see Naruto grinning as a translucent shimmering field was covering the boy in an oval barrier. Jumping back, the observer took a cautious stance and asked, "How can Tobi be of service? Because Tobi's a good boy, Naruto-sama!"
Naruto's grin widened as he chuckled a bit before speaking. "We both know that you are faking the behaviour, Tobi. Or, should I call you Uchiha Obito?"
The observer was surprised at what Naruto said but kept it well hidden as he asked, "Tobi doesn't know what Naruto-sama means?"
"Now, that's not very nice Tobi. You shouldn't lie. If you do, then you aren't a good boy, are you?" Naruto said with a predatory smirk causing Tobi to shiver in fear.
Deciding that he wouldn't be able to fool Naruto, Tobi decided to drop the act. "So you found out my secret, but may I ask how?"
Naruto just smirked and said, "You can, but it doesn't mean that I will answer. I am sure that you will understand. After all, if I ask why you betrayed my father, who was your sensei, his family, your teammates, your village and most of all, your own clan, will you answer? I doubt it."
Obito flinched at the subtle accusations Naruto heaped on him, but decided to act dumb and reply, "I don't know what you mean. You are confusing me with Madara. He was the one who saved me, helped me recover and then trained me after that fateful mission to Kannabi Bridge. It was Madara who attacked Konoha with the Kyūbi when you were born. It was Madara who helped Itachi slaughter the Uchiha Clan."
"Really? That's quite interesting. Then I have to focus all the resources at my disposal to finding and eliminating of the traitor, but that doesn't explain why you were controlling Yagura. Answer that question and I will answer how I know your identity. What do you say?" Naruto asked with a sceptical look.
Obito nodded and said, "Kiri is the reason my teammate, the girl I loved, died. Nakamura Rin was transformed into the Sanbi Jinchūriki with a seal designed to slowly fail and release the beast in Konoha. Kakashi-teme killed her in cold blood, instead of taking her to Minato-sensei. I am sure that he could have done something to save her!"
Naruto felt the raging emotions surging within the rogue Uchiha causing the blonde to give Obito a sad smile. "I can understand your position a bit, but did you ever question the situation? I find it a bit suspicious that Rin had become a Jinchūriki of the Sanbi when Yagura was already the Sanbi Jinchūriki. After all, Yagura was a bit elder to you guys and he has been a Jinchūriki since he was barely one-year-old. Before I killed him, I used ninshu to connect to him and read his memories. I can assure you that it was a setup, but by an outside party, not Kiri."
Obito looked startled at the information. That was not something he was privy to. He was wondering why Zetsu didn't say anything about it, but decided that Zetsu may not have gathered such detailed information on Yagura. Then his eye hardened in contempt at the realization that Rin had died for nothing.
"You should know that Kakashi has never been the same. He actually imitates your tendencies of lying and being late in your memory. He spends an inordinate amount of time staring at your name, Rin's name and my parent's names, all the while moping about in depression. Don't judge Kakashi to harshly for killing Rin. No one curses the events more than him."
Obito narrowed his eye in annoyance and was about to comment when Naruto continued, "I am sure that if it was Sakura-chan and I in that position, I would have done the same as Kakashi. Sakura-chan wouldn't have wanted herself to be the reason Konoha was harmed. I can guarantee that Rin would have wanted the same thing and in fact, followed what she thought was the best course of action. I wouldn't be surprised if she had jumped in front of Kakashi's jutsu that killed her."
Obito nodded with a thoughtful expression behind his orange spiral mask. "I see. Now that I think about it, Rin was a loyal kunoichi of Konoha and would have thought sacrificing herself would have been better that being the cause of Konoha's downfall. Unfortunately, that doesn't dismiss the sting of her death."
"I agree but we should honour their sacrifices and try to make sure that their sacrifices weren't in vain. Not undo what they sacrificed to protect!" Naruto said with a cold accusing tone causing Obito to shiver in fear. "I know that you lied to me Obito, about Madara. The only reason I am letting you go is due to you being my father's student. I hope you wake up and realize that your path will only lead to pain for everyone, including yourself."
Obito seethed in rage at Naruto's words but as he was about to comment, he saw Naruto vanish into thin air again. Focusing his senses and his sharingan, Obito tried to see if Naruto had put him under a genjutsu but to his surprise, he found himself completely free of such influences.
Giving off a dark chuckle, Obito glared at the place Naruto recently occupied and commented, "How would you know Naruto? You haven't seen the truth of the world yet. Mark my words, your time in the world is numbered. I will come after you. Project Tsuki no Me is the only path to salvation!"
With that said, Obito turned towards the place Naruto had reappeared before the very space around him swirled inwards towards his chest as he was absorbed into the vortex.
Naruto reappeared in front of his group, all of whom had shocked expressions on their faces. None of them could believe that Naruto had killed Yagura so easily while in full Bijū mode, and after saying that he would try and save the Sanbi Jinchūriki. Only Sakura was not surprised by the set of events.
"You were supposed to try and save Yagura, baka! Why the hell did you kill him?"
"Ahhh… Because I sensed that some part of his actions were his own." Naruto said subtly motioning to a small vortex beside the group. Sakura raised an eyebrow but decided not to comment. "Besides, I also found out who was controlling Yagura and Isobu."
Everyone raised an eyebrow, or in Sakura's case, raised an eyebrow in surprise. Mei asked, "Who was the mastermind?"
"A supposed dead traitor of Konoha by the name of Uchiha Madara, or so he claims. I can assure you that he is an Uchiha, though I can't say if he is truly Madara or another rogue Uchiha masquerading as him." Naruto said with a frown. Sakura narrowed her eyes at what Naruto was saying. This was not part of the plan they concocted with Kurama. Naruto was going off script, just like he does during fights.
"So it is Uchiha Itachi? But that can't be right. Yagura has been under control for much longer than Itachi has been a nukenin!" Aō stated with confusion.
"I can assure you that it wasn't Itachi. After all, I only sensed a single sharingan from him. Last reports state that Itachi still has two sharingan. Besides the pattern of the sharingan was different from the records of Itachi's Mangekyō. Whoever he is, he has either been declared dead, or he was never a registered Konoha Shinobi."
Aō, Mei and Jiraiya shared a look before nodding in understanding. This was important information. Jiraiya spoke up, "This is very concerning. Very few Uchiha have the ability to control to a Bijū and its Jinchūriki. None other than Madara has been known to succeed. Not even the prodigious Uchiha Itachi. He doesn't have the will power to subvert the will of a Bijū to such a degree. Maybe he can supress a Bijū for a time, but that's the limit of his abilities."
Mei, Chojuro and Aō nodded as Naruto spoke up, "Anyways, Mei, you and Jiraiya march forward to Kiri with our combined forces and take over. If anyone resists, though I don't think any would, just tell them that its either submit or be regretfully terminated. I am sure that many of the protests will vanish at that declaration. Let them know that Yagura and his treacherous councillors are dead. Jiraiya, you take control of my teams and escort Mei to Kiri."
"What about you Naruto?"
Turning to his pink haired teammate, Naruto grinned and said, "I have an appointment with Mitsunari! I should be back by tomorrow evening with Kakashi. Jiraiya, make sure that out teams are ready to leave on the dawn of the third day from tomorrow."
Jiraiya nodded and reached out a hand to catch the scroll Naruto threw at him. Opening it, Jiraiya saw that it was an official declaration of temporary transfer of command to him from Naruto. Nodding in satisfaction, Jiraiya said, "Feels like old times. Your father used to do the same from time to time."
"Then I will be off! Good luck with the organization of the new regime!" Naruto said with a foxy grin before he was engulfed in a golden chakra cloak. In a flash of yellow, Naruto had already vanished from sight.
"Did he just teleport out of here with the Hiraishin?" Aō asked with an awed tone causing Sakura to giggle and comment, "Not really. He just ran away. I am sure that he can easily rival the Yondaime Raikage in pure speed while using the Kyūbi's chakra."
Everyone, including Jiraiya and Neko stared owlishly at the pink haired girl before Jiraiya finally snapped out of the funk and said, "Alright people, we have a lot to do. Let's head back to camp. We have a possibly hostile shinobi village to take over!"
It had been nearly an hour since Naruto had left when the sight of Mitsunari's castle came into view. All around the high walls of castle, patrols of female samurai archers and male samurai swordsmen were seen keeping a strict vigil. As he approached the massive gates of the castle, an arrow flew near him. A warning shot. With a grin, Naruto plucked the still flying arrow out of the air and came to a stop in front of the gate.
Twirling the arrow in between his fingers, Naruto called out, "I hope you have a good reason for shooting this at me. I wander what Mitsunari will say about this transgression against my clan!"
"Shut your mouth mongrel! How dare you utter Daimyō-sama's given name? Answer now, or be killed for your insolence!" A female Samurai called out wearing a slightly more ornate armour than the rest signifying her being a squad captain.
"HOTARU! HOW DARE YOU INSULT NARUTO-SAMA? WHO GAVE YOU THE PERMISSION TO SHOOT YOUR MOUTH AGAIN?" An angry voice shouted out behind her causing the woman to quake in fear.
Turning around and bowing low, Hotaru started stammering out apologies. "Please forgive me Shiki-sama! I didn't realize that he was Uzumaki-sama. I though he was one of Yagura's men!"
"Are you blind Hotaru! Do you not see the specialized Hitai-ate on his head, the Uzu hitai-ate tied on his upper right arm and the Konoha hitai-ate around his waist! Besides, aa description of Naruto-sama along with a picture was supplied by Kakashi-san to all guards. Are you telling me that you have not checked the memos? You have shamed my family by your disgraceful actions!"
"No harm done Shiki-san. I find it quite reassuring that Hotaru-san is so fanatically loyal. I could sense her emotions. You won't find a more loyal retainer if you tried." Shiki nodded as Naruto jumped up to the wall and then turned to Hotaru and said, "And you should learn to curb your impulsive tendencies. I may not take offence, but others may not be so lenient. You could easily start an international incident, and lose your life and maybe even condemn your family to the wrath of the one you insulted."
"I understand Uzumaki-sama. I will strive to improve myself! Thank you for not taking offense at my insolence!" Hotaru said kneeling on the floor and bowing her head. Naruto just waved it off and turned to Shiki as the golden cloak of chakra receded back into his body.
"If you are here Naruto-sama, can I conclude that the war is over?" Shiki asked with a hopeful tone. Naruto smiled and nodded before motioning of Shiki to lead the way. With a bow, Shiki turned and walked into the castle with Naruto following behind. All around them, the Samurai were bowing.
"No!" Naruto stated quietly but forcefully causing Mitsunari to flinch.
Taking a shaking breath, Mitsunari asked, "Then can I assume that Uzu has not forgiven our family's pervious transgression against yours? Is that why decline our offer of peace?"
"Not at all. I don't let the past rule the present. As to why I won't accept your offer, I find it barbaric. Forcing your own daughter into what is just glorified slavery is something I detest." Naruto said with a venomous tone causing Mitsunari to flinch.
"Naruto-sama, if I may?" Shiki asked with a tense tone and waited as Naruto stared at him for a moment before nodding for Shiki to continue. Letting out a relieved sigh Shiki said, "Much like you, I also detest making women into concubines. While I will contest my father's decision, as I love my sister very much and would love to see her married off than be a concubine, but due my family's past indiscretions against yours, we didn't have the courage to offer her hand in marriage to you. Please forgive our weakness!"
As Shiki bowed to Naruto, the blonde haired Jinchūriki laughed and said, "If you had offered her hand in marriage instead of as a concubine, I would have been honoured to accept it, but only if your sister was amiable. I will not accept her if her heart isn't in it."
"Thank you Naruto-sama. Please forgive my insolence. Also I humbly offer my daughters hand in marriage to you, if she is amiable."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at Mitsunari for a moment causing the older Daimyō to nervously twitch in his seat. After a few moments Naruto nodded, "I wish to speak with your daughter…"
"As you wish Naruto-sama!" Mitsunari said as Shiki stood up and left in a hurry. As the two Daimyō waited, they sipped on the tea a maid had handed them. After a few minutes Shiki walked into the room with a girl wearing light formfitting leather armour reinforced with strips of metal with fine fūinjutsu shiki engraved into them. Narrowing his eyes, Naruto stared at the seals for a few moments before turning to Mitsunari with an unimpressed look.
"You are using Uzumaki reinforcement seals? Do you have permission to use them?" Mitsunari, Shiki and the girl looked startled at the sudden heavy presence Naruto was emanating, but before anyone could comment, Naruto said, "Anyways, I will let it slide as this seal isn't something we monopolize on. I would hope that the crafter isn't teaching Uzumaki seals without my clan's permission?"
Shiki let out a soft sigh of relief and said, "You have nothing to fear on that front Naruto-sama. The crafter is an old woman. While he was young, he was honoured to be taught by a Uzumaki seal master. I will have her come meet you with all the licenses your clan had issued her."
Naruto nodded and turned his attention back to the girl. She was a couple of years older than him with soft wavy brown hair falling to her mid back. She had pale green eyes, the colour of fresh leaves. Her skin was slightly tanned and from the calluses on her hands, Naruto deduced that the girl trained hard with the Naginata strapped to her back. She had a heart shaped face with soft features, giving her a kind yet stern look. Focusing his emotions sensing abilities he got from Kurama, Naruto felt the slight apprehension and happiness from her along with a bit of admiration directed towards her brother and a bit of loathing towards her father.
Standing up, Naruto bowed slightly before saying, "It is an honour to be in the presence of a beautiful warrior as you, milady! I am Uzumaki Naruto, at your service."
Nervously smiling, the girl returned the bow with a deeper one and said, "No I am honoured to be in your presence Naruto-sama. I am Otohime."
"A beautiful name for a beautiful flower, though I know that you have quite the thorns. I hope that I don't get pricked. Is your singing voice as beautiful as your name?" Naruto said with a calming smile causing the girl to blush in embarrassment. Naruto could feel her happiness increase at his comments.
"Thank you for the compliments Naruto-sama."
"Please call me Naruto, I don't like my friends call me such. May I consider you my friend?" Naruto said causing the girls apprehension to nearly disappear.
"Of course Naruto-kun! Please call me Hisui. All my friends call me that."
Naruto nodded with a smile before saying, "Unfortunately, this meeting isn't a casual one. I am sure that you already know of your father's intentions?" Otohime nodded, her apprehension increasing. "I am not interested in such barbaric customs. In return, your brother plucked up the courage to subtly hint of changing the intentions to a marriage. I accepted with the condition that we will be wed only if you are amiable. Please, don't feel pressured. The decision must be your own. I promise you that no one will force you."
At that Mitsunari felt a shiver run down his spine. It felt like the Shinigami had placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I plan to leave for Kiri tomorrow after lunch. I leave you until then to come up with a decision. Don't fear to consider rejecting me. I would prefer that you accept wholeheartedly. Even if you decline, Mizu will not suffer the consequences. Besides, we are friends now. I always protect my friends."
Everyone waited for the girl to respond to the revelation, with only Naruto being privy to her thoughts by virtue of sensing her emotions. At first, she felt surprised but that slowly changed to contemplation before a seed of determination sprouted into a massive tree. Most of all, her happiness was nearly blinding as was her admiration towards him. Nodding to herself, Otohime said, "I don't need more time Naruto-kun. I believe that I won't have a better suitor than you. I have heard rumours of your personality, the kindness and righteousness. Now I have confirmation of them. I will be honoured to be one of your wives. Besides I am not selfish enough to not do as much as I can for my people."
Naruto nodded with a smile. "Then I am sure that you would like to accompany me back to Konoha. Please have your servants seal away whatever you wish to take with you. As I said, we will be leaving tomorrow after lunch."
"As you wish Naruto-kun. But before I leave, can we meet this evening for dinner at my private dining room. I wish get more familiar with the real you, not the rumours that abound on the winds." Otohime said with smile.
"As you wish Hisui-chan. I will meet you for dinner this evening. Please take this sealing scroll. It is modified to hold seven times more than standard ones. I am sure that it will be of great use to you." Naruto said handing over a storage scroll with the Uzumaki clan symbol on the sides. Taking the scroll with a smile, Otohime bowed to her brother and Naruto before leaving.
As evening was approaching, the guards Mei had posted at the Gates of Kiri were lazing about in the sudden peace that they were enjoying. As they lazily played cards, one of the guards turned towards the road. Suddenly, the guard dropped the cards and rushed towards the window of the hut and picked up a spyglass. Peering through the spyglass, the man saw that a large convoy was coming with the symbol of the Mizu Daimyō being gaily displayed.
Placing the spyglass on its holder, the man turned towards his companion and stuttered out, "Get news to Mei-sama, the Daimyō approaches with his entourage. Naruto-sama is probably with him!"
A/N:
Japanese Translations
Tsuki no Me = Eye of the Moon
Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations
Bakudō: Hyaku Yari = Way of Binding: Hundred Spears
A/N: Hey Everyone! I hope you like this new chapter. Please remember to leave Reviews. The more Reviews I get, the faster I will publish another chapter, though I will try and keep it on a monthly schedule.
Also, thank you all for the well wishes.
SSG.
