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Chapter 9

Hero of Mist


Naruto watched as the 501st started to depart from the now ruined city of Osaka after having stolen all its resources and valuables, including many of the villagers who shall be now used as slaved in Kirigakure. It was a gruesome reality of war and one he was not comfortable with, but had no choice but to obey if he was to keep his cover.

More importantly, since he was the one who butchered half the city, he had no right to call out the Kiri shinobi on taking slaves. It would be hypocrisy of the highest order.

Still, a part of his heart was saddened by all this conflict.

He had already lived through one great war and now he was participating in another one. Only this time he had nothing left to lose and the only thing keeping him going was his promise to his little brother.

No matter what pain comes my way, I will protect the village that you died for...Nagato. I will protect Uzu just like Father, Mother and you did even if it means becoming the monster I am today.

He would get no reward or recognition for his service to the nation, possibly even die in the course of this mission and be buried in an unmarked grave but that was the fate he had accepted. For a true ninja protected their home from the shadows.

He remained silent even as another person stepped beside him and joined him in observing the ruined city.

Their eyes settled over the villagers left behind as they tried to salvage what was left of their homes, many more were clinging to their dead with their wails of despair disturbing even the most hardened shinobi.

"Is there no way for people to live without conflict?" asked Naruto hesitantly, as his partner heaved a sigh.

"I don't think so. This world is destined for such pain as long as humans exist, no matter how much we wish for peace there will always be others among us who desire for war. Such is the nature of our race as each of us is divided by nation, clan, beliefs and preferences. Each of us believes themselves to be right while finding fault in others. As long as such thinking exists, war will continue to happen" answered Ino sadly,

She watched as those words hit her partner hard as he clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

"Naruto..."

"I want this war to end so people like me are never born. At the same time, I know that my actions will result only in more people like me being born. How can such a paradox exist? I can never ever forgive the ones who killed my family yet today in my quest of justice I am doing the same things that was done to my family. Aside from my desire to protect my village...I don't even know who I am anymore" confessed Naruto miserably,

"Then don't forget who you were"

He blinked and looked at his wife in surprise even as she gave him a warm smile.

"We are both despicable people who have done terrible things all in the name of protecting our home. This burden, we have to live with it everyday. But we don't have to be alone in this pain, nobody else can understand us but we know each other. Which is why I want you to trust me and I want to trust you. Together we can bear this pain" she offered him, even as she looked at him with that smile.

"How can we do that?" he asked hesitantly,

She offered him her hand.

"My true name is...Inoue Yamanaka, though my family always called me Ino, reason the codename" introduced the female hunter ninja with a smirk,

She frowned when the man in front of her froze.

"Naruto?"

"It was my mother's name" he confessed, making her smile vanish as she understood she had caused him pain.

Ino didn't know what to say to him as her attempt to make him feel better went horribly wrong.

"Minato"

She blinked when she heard him say that, realizing her confusion he blushed a little as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Minato Namikaze...my birth name. Although it doesn't matter now since it is deleted from the records and apart from the Uzukage, everyone who knew me by that name is dead" confessed the Kiri commander, some sadness ever present in his voice.

"It's a good name" said Ino happily, which made him blink in surprise.

"Do you think so?" he asked, his surprise easy for her to witness.

"Yes"

Ino felt him extend her own hand and greet her own hand only this time the darkness she had felt growing inside of him had vanished and was replaced by a warm feeling. It reflected the way in which he smiled even brighter than the rays of the sun.

"Thank you"

"We may not have married willingly but over the years I have truly come to care about you, just as you have done the same, otherwise you wouldn't be so worried about my safety all the time. It doesn't matter how big or small the problem you are facing as I want you to share it with me just as I promise to do the same with you, for it is the only way we both can survive this cruel mission entrusted to us" explained Ino patiently,

"I understand...maybe if I had vented some of my anger with you before this mission, then I probably wouldn't have went into such a rage and caused unnecessary deaths. Forgive me, Ino" he apologized, as she shook her head.

"The past is full of regrets, the present full of hardships...it is the future we must look to" she advised him sagely, earning a nod from him alongwith that bright smile.

"You're right" he agreed, making her smirk.

"I always am. After all, I am your wife" she teased him, yet his smiled never wavered.

"I am lucky man, then"

Ino blushed immensely at that compliment for it was the best one Naruto had given her over the years. In fact, this was the only time they had been so honest with each other and she liked it greatly.

She saw some of his sadness reappearing again as his attention was drawn towards the misery of Osaka's residents only for Ino to step in between and make him look at the youngest members of the 501st who were laughing and cheering as they prepared to go back home.

"Your actions protected those kids. You took it upon yourself to shoulder the darkness of this mission and risked your life to keep them safe. No matter what anyone says, in my eyes you are a remarkable commander under whom I and the rest of the 501st is glad to serve under. Never forget that" she warned him,

Naruto's gaze softened as he saw what she meant on watching most of the 501st safe and eagerly waiting to return home. This sight was the only good that came out of his actions...

He felt a warm body embracing him fully and his gaze softened even more as he saw Ino had hugged him.

The fatigue, pain and guilt of this mission started to wear off him as he felt her warm and radiant chakra which was so opposite to his own. He couldn't help but melt in that embrace wishing it would last just a little longer so he could enjoy this moment of peace in a life full of war and pain.

She didn't let go of him and embraced him even more fiercely which made a lone tear fall from his eyes as he returned the embrace whole heartedly.


Naruto was quite surprised to find Mei Terumi standing as one of the guards currently watching over Tobirama Senju, making sure the Hokage didn't escape or cause any unwanted harm, not that Tobirama looked to be in any such mood as he calmly sat at the docks watching as the Kiri shinobi were in the final stages of departing this ruined city.

"Lord Seventh" said Mei with a surprise even as she and the others on guard detail bowed respectfully.

Naruto dismissed the other guards promising that he would call them back soon only allowing Mei and Tobirama to remain.

"Extend your hand" said Naruto calmly, as he looked at Mei.

"Sir?" she asked confusedly,

"Trust me" he insisted, making her extend her right arm towards him.

He gently cupped her wrist and placed his warm palm upon her arm making her skin tickle. Just as the momentary discomfort faded, she saw the seal he had placed upon her emerge on her arm.

"Release" commanded Naruto,

Mei felt as if someone had released a great weight from her body as the seal slowly faded away and she looked at the blonde officer before her in surprise. Sensing her unasked question, Naruto nodded.

"I trust you to keep your powers in check off the battlefield" clarified Naruto,

He saw Mei staring at the other guards standing away at a distance, judging from their frowns and mild glares they were not happy with the freedom given back to the Jinchuuriki. Mei looked away, even after all these years and all the sacrifice she had given for Kirigakure...she was never accepted by her own people.

"You did well by holding off the Kinkaku long enough for me to put them down. I will be counting on you, Mei" said Naruto sincerely,

"You want me to stay in the 501st?" asked Mei in shock, as she stared at this man who was different from every other shinobi she had ever met. Most just wanted to get away from her as soon as the mission was over, but not him.

She saw as Naruto's gaze turned grim as he stared at the vast ocean ahead of them.

"This victory will only make the 501st pushed into even more dangerous battles. Considering the challenges that lie ahead of us, I want a strong kunoichi like you in my ranks. I will request the Mizukage strongly to make you a part of this legion" promised Naruto,

"But my powers-" argued Mei, knowing very well the possibility of her going berserk could harm a lot of people including Naruto.

"I will keep you safe and I will not let you go out of control. Have faith in me" requested Naruto with a smile,

"Why are you willing to risk so much for me? You hardly even know me.." said Mei hesitantly, and felt Naruto place a hand on her shoulder.

"For I can see the desire to defend Kirigakure against all odds in your eyes. I need soldiers like you if I am to win this war for our nation. The question is: Will you follow me?" asked Naruto seriously,

He smiled when Mei knelt before him and pledged her sword to him as he gave a nod accepting her vow of servitude.

"How are we getting back?" asked Tobirama tiredly,

At that remark, Naruto smirked which made the Hokage's eyebrows twitch as he saw there were no ships arriving to ferry all these shinobi back home nor were they in any condition to travel so far back on foot.

He narrowed his eyes when Naruto slammed his hands together and a large portion of his chakra was summoned.

Tobirama was left speechless when a monstrous wave of water rose from the sea, one which was nearly 30 feet tall. Without a word, the 501st shinobi hauled themselves alongwith their valuables and prisoners on top of that wave.

Mei nodded as she too ran to get on top of the wave as Naruto walked towards Tobirama with that infuriating smirk.

"Shall we?" asked the boy,

"Show off" muttered Tobirama, as he got back on his feet.

He sighed when Naruto placed his hand over his shoulder and the very next moment Tobirama felt himself getting pulled violently. Only his experience with teleportation jutsu allowed him to stabilize himself as both he and Naruto landed on top of that wave.

"Was that a teleportation jutsu?" asked Tobirama with a cough, as he managed to channel his chakra thereby making himself stand on top of that wave. Now that he could truly see the length and breadth of this wave alongwith hundreds of people on top of it, he could only imagine the amount of chakra control being exercised by Naruto to keep this power going on.

"No, that was pure speed" refuted Naruto calmly,

"Impossible. I have fought alongside the Namikaze Clan in the past, we were allies once upon a time. Only a handful of them were truly fast but this speed is something else. There is something unnatural about your powers" pointed Tobirama,

For his theory, he got a burning glare from the now red eyes of the boy.

"It seems I said too much..." said Tobirama in a whisper, as he saw that the other swordsmen had now arrived on that wave and were now moving towards Naruto.

Tobirama decided to remain silent in order to avoid bringing any unwanted attention that could threaten Naruto's cover.

After all, Kiri shinobi were merciless...the destroyed city behind Tobirama was a stark remainder of that harsh reality.

He could only marvel in wonder as Naruto commanded the wave that began the 501st journey back to their homeland.


Mei sighed in relief as she walked along the familiar path that led towards her home. She was not alone in this feeling as almost the entire 501st were eager to get back to their village. Her eyes glanced towards the biggest prize of this mission who was currently blindfolded. Tobirama was silent and didn't protest even if he was being led towards one of the most dangerous places on earth, in that way he was so similar to Naruto who too had been silent and composed during their entire journey.

She approached the Commander once more as he was perhaps the only one who didn't fear her company.

She saw his gaze was fixed on the small team of medical ninjas currently carrying back their dead and wounded. Even if he didn't say it, those deaths weighed on the commander's soul.

"What will happen to their families?" asked Ao hesitantly,

Naruto's silence truly disturbed Mei and she saw the Commander was aware of the harsh reality that awaited the loved ones of all these shinobi.

Kirigakure had no formal system or desire to support the families of their shinobi who died in the line of duty. Most were often left to fend for themselves.

She saw Ao glancing at the sizeable bounty of gold and wealth they had taken from the sacked city of Osaka.

Mei could feel the officer's helplessness as they all knew that this bounty would be completely consumed by the ninja clans and other high ranking officers, it was after all a tradition that had been followed since the establishment of Kirigakure.

The only way peace had been sustained between the all powerful ninja clans and common shinobi and citizens.

The ninja clans always took tributes from victories achieved by their village and in return used them to bolster their own strength. The only reason nobody complained was because of the fact that the ninja clans provided most of the powerful shinobi that protected the village and were important to sustain their nation.

It was why the handful of shinobi who were hailing from ninja clans that died on this mission would never have to worry about the future of their families. Both those hailing from common families would have no support provided to their distressed families.

Tobirama felt the silent frustration in Naruto's heart even if he couldn't see the man.

"We have to obey the rules" said Naruto calmly, much to Mei and Ao's surprise.

"These men and women died for their nation...and we cannot even protect their families. Then what the hell are we fighting for if we cannot even look after our own countrymen?" demanded Mei fiercely,

"We cannot rile the ninja clans during this time. It is imperative Kiri stays united, no matter how dirty the means" defended Naruto, but flinched when her piercing stare looked through him.

"To those victims and their families there is no difference between us-bystanders and Kumogakure- The culprit. People are no better than the culprit if they didn't try to help. If we only pity those helpless families and allow the ninja clans to profit then we're just as guilty as the Kumo shinobi who killed our comrades" said Mei disappointedly, even as she walked away.

Ao saw the Commander clench his fist and stepped away in order to give the man some space as Mei had given him no mercy with her words.

Tobirama felt the conflict grow within Naruto's heart for several long minutes as the Jinchuuriki's words weighed heavy upon his soul. It only vanished when loud roars and cheers reached them. One of the guards finally removed Tobirama's blindfold, at first all he could see was the heavy mist but a few moments later he saw huge walls upon alongwith a large mass of humans waiting at a large gate.

Kirigakure.

To his surprise, it seemed as if word of the victory had reached the village much sooner as its entire population seemed to have gathered to welcome back their heroes. Tobirama narrowed his eyes when he felt extremely powerful chakra signatures among the crowd, one being a Kage level which made him completely alert.

In contrast to the nervous Hokage, Naruto was calmly walking ahead at the front of his army.

A few hundred meters away from the village gates, the Commander stopped making others do the same.

Tobirama felt the boy's resolve manifest as he unclenched his fists and looked back at his men. Mangetsu Hozuki was the first one to acknowledge Naruto's wish as he gave the command.

To everyone's surprise, the members of the 501st parted away to the sides and stood at attention including Naruto himself.

A group of medical ninja nodded their thanks as they slowly started to carry forward the martyrs and wounded back towards the village.

"Everyone, pay your respects to the true heroes of this victory" said Naruto softly,

Tobirama was surprised when not a single member of the 501st objected to the command as they all gave respectful bows in honor of their dead and wounded.

The cheering villagers stopped their roars when they saw what was happening and hastily moved to follow the same action. When the dead and wounded were completely escorted into the village, Naruto nodded which allowed the rest of his legion to rush towards their beloved ones and families.

There was a bittersweet smile on Naruto's face as he saw his subordinates be greeted by their fathers, mothers, siblings, lovers and friends. Even so, he remained behind until each and every shinobi under his command reached the gates.

It was only then Naruto walked alone towards the village, however he stopped when almost everyone in the village looked at him with smiles on their faces.

It was then that the Second Mizukage walked forward even as Naruto quickly knelt.

The rest of the village followed suit as they all surrounded the officer who led them to this victory.

"Mission accomplished, Mizukage-sama. Please forgive me for not being able to bring everyone back alive" said Naruto remorsefully,

"You didn't leave anyone behind and it is clear that you are not just a fine officer but a leader who cares for the lives of his men. I entrust you with the 501st and its future, General" said Gengetsu proudly, even as he helped Naruto get back on his feet.

Tobirama was not the only one who was surprised at that promotion. Usually, most shinobi villages divided their forces under the leadership of capable commanders with the Kage having the rank equivalent of a General.

For the Mizukage to formally grant such an important position in front of the entire village was a testament to his faith in Naruto's abilities.

He is perhaps grooming the boy as one of the shinobi who could succeed him in the future. Gengetsu Hozuki, you have a fine eye.

Tobirama was disrupted from his thoughts as the Mizukage then glanced at him directly. Judging from the man's non-surprised look, he and the higher ups must have been already briefed in advance about the full extent of this victory.

Many other Kiri shinobi were staring at him in shock, with many others looking quite suspicious.

"A major victory, indeed" whispered Gengetsu with a smirk, as he imagined the things he could do by having Tobirama as a hostage.

Naruto narrowed his eyes when he saw most of the ninja clan leaders glancing at the sizeable bounty and slaves with greed ever present in their eyes. While most of the village was celebrating the return of their heroes, Naruto's eyes fell upon a small group of villagers openly weeping as they realized their loved ones were now resting among the dead. Nobody paid any attention to the suffering of those families, it was as if they didn't exist at all.

"It would seem you do have some talent after all, Naruto-san. The village thanks you for your service" purred Reika Kaguya, the silver haired leader of the most fierce clan of Kirigakure.

It was Mangetsu and the other ninja swordsmen along with Ao who briefed everyone about the details of their victory and the way the enemy fled after Naruto's rampage. However that tale only gave rise to questions in the hearts of the Kiri leadership which were voiced by their Mizukage without hesitation.

"Naruto, I have never pushed you to explain your powers. But what we are hearing right now..." said Gengetsu seriously,

Tobirama watched as all eyes turned towards Naruto who gave a resigned sigh before looking all of them in the eye.

"My full name is...Naruto Namikaze. The last survivor of the Namikaze clan" confessed the boy, drawing shocked gasps from most of the villagers.

Tobirama didn't believe Naruto was stupid enough to admit such a fact so casually. His doubt was further strengthened when he felt Naruto had suppressed all his emotions which only meant that he was hiding something. Perhaps this was part of the Uzukage's strategy to embed his spy even deeper into Kiri's society. Tobirama already saw many of the ninja clan heads already planning the way they could use this information for their clan's benefits. Those plans definitely involved making Naruto a more integral part of Kiri's politics.

So, this was your plan. Placing a skilled shinobi among Kirigakure, to have him rise through the ranks and become one of the Seven. To have him become a hero and then reveal his connection to a ninja clan. The citizens adore him as their hero and now perhaps the ninja clans may also trust him since he is the last member of a famous ninja clan. A crafty strategy, indeed. I wonder how many years of patience and hard work must have been employed to get to this point...the Uzumaki clan is truly dangerous in the way it uses their shinobi. They truly are aiming at something much more deeper.

"Namikaze?"

Several people whispered the lost clan's name at the same time while looking at their heroic commander in a new light.

"Why did you keep it a secret?" asked Hiro Hagoromo with a frown,

"My clan was killed by a hidden village just like this one. Those of us who survived the onslaught from Kumo dispersed across the world. My parents didn't survive much long after we arrived in this nation, I was left to fend for myself and I distrusted anyone with this information. But I guess it cannot be helped now...are you going to execute me for this secret, Mizukage-sama?" asked Naruto boldly, looking the kage directly in the eye.

Gengetsu smirked.

"On the contrary, I want to verify this truth so you will undergo some tests. If found to be true, I will appoint you as the head of your clan and make you a member of the council. Maybe in time you shall be known as Namikaze Naruto of Kirigakure" proposed Gengetsu,

"It would be a great addition to our village if a skilled clan like the Namikaze becomes one of us" agreed Lord Yagura Karatachi, sending a respectful nod towards Naruto and earning one in return.

"Perhaps you should think about re-populating your clan? Kiri has many fine women..." hinted Lord Minase Terumi, earning a scathing glare from his daughter when he looked at her. Naruto on the other hand didn't blink an eye as Ino arrived by his side.

"I have a wife" refuted Naruto respectfully,

Gengetsu laughed jovially at that remark, so did many others in the village.

Yet even as the people were overjoyed by this news, Naruto's gaze once again landed upon the families whose lives would never be the same after the deaths of their loved ones. It pained him to see them suffer as he had once went through the same pain.

He grit his teeth when he saw quite a few shinobi from different clans moving forward to seize the bounty that the 501st had collected from Osaka.

People are no better than the culprit if they didn't try to help. If we only pity those helpless families and allow the ninja clans to profit then we're just as guilty as the Kumo shinobi who killed our comrades

Mei's words to him weighed heavy over his heart and the guilt came back to haunt him fully.

The entire village was surprised when Naruto disappeared in a quick flash and appeared between the clan warriors and the bounty.

"This wealth rightly belongs to the village and to those whose loved ones died for this great nation. I will not allow the memory of my men to be disrespected" proclaimed Naruto fiercely,

Ino grimaced when she saw the angry looks being now directed at her husband from quite a few from the ninja clans.

Mei's gaze met with Naruto's and she smiled when he gave her a nod that showed he had accepted her feelings.

"I will take full responsibility of the families of my men who died for Kirigakure. I will devote most of this wealth for the welfare of this entire village but I request you all to leave something for those who sacrificed everything for us. If any of you are against this...then come and face me" challenged Naruto without hesitation,

Tensions soared instantly as many of the clan heads glared making their family members reach for their weapons.

Tobirama's guards tensed but the Hokage only smiled.

"Don't worry. He won't lose" assured the Hokage,

His words were proven true when Ino and Mei joined Naruto, followed by Mangetsu and the remaining swordsmen. They were joined by the entire 501st, all of whom looked ready to fight if the clans threatened to dishonor the memory of their fallen comrades.

Gengetsu felt the emotions of the villagers, with majority of them agreeing with Naruto, including his own son. He could sense the ninja clans didn't like it but conflict was avoided when Minase Terumi and Yagura Karatachi joined Naruto's side which prompted other clan heads to follow. Only the Kaguya and Hagoromo clans remained opposed but as they became isolated against the remaining village, the respective clan heads reluctantly asked their warriors to stand down.

Ultimately, the Mizukage nodded his acceptance eliciting a thunderous wave of cheering from the villagers.

The villagers soon enough lifted their new hero over their shoulders and started the celebrations even as Gengetsu approached Tobirama.

"Lord Hokage, it brings me great pleasure to invite you to Kirigakure" said Gengetsu curtly,

"I didn't have much of a choice, Lord Mizukage" retorted Tobirama sharply,

Gengetsu joined his counterpart even as both men watched the village erupt into celebrations with Naruto not being able to escape as the people dragged him into the festivity. At first the boy resisted gracefully but after few more attempts by the villagers, he couldn't help but give in with a resigned but happy smile.

"You have a fine shinobi, Lord Mizukage" commented Tobirama honestly,

"Perhaps he'll usher this village into a new era of prosperity and unity. Maybe even succeed me someday..." whispered Gengetsu with a wide smile,

Tobirama didn't know why but those words made him feel truly sad.