Author's Note from Panda: Hey that one reviewer who said you didn't much care for Naruto and Kurama's buddy cop routine and hoped that we weren't trying to muscle Kurama into a bigger role...?
Cue 80s theme song.
"Lieutenant Jr Haruno's log: star date... BLEUGH!" Sakura vomited the last part, her morning sickness finally having made an appearance and was making up for lost time.
Sakura wiped up the vomit with her sleeve and continued the audio log.
"...sorry about that. I am now two months into my pregnancy and have only started showing signs of morning sickness in the last few weeks. I have experienced all the usual symptoms of nausea and vomiting, offset by several unusual cravings..." Sakura said as she reminisced about such instances.
Flashback.
Naruto looked on in horror as Sakura devoured her to 10th bowl of miso pork ramen with extra pork and at least a dozen cans of red bean soup all piled around her.
'I don't think anyone will doubt who your baby daddy is now.' Inner thought as Sakura slammed her hand down on Naruto's after she caught him try to have his own bowl.
Flash forward...
"I have also caught myself going through what some would call extreme and random emotional mood swings..."
Flashback.
"Who said you could have any of my ramen?" Sakura snarled at Naruto with her hand clamped tightly over his.
"S-Sakura-chan. This is my ramen..." Naruto carefully tried to explain.
"NO EXCUSES!" Sakura shouted as she pulled Naruto over the table and cocked her fist back to pound him into the alloy flooring. Naruto instinctively flinched which made Sakura hesitate.
"Naruto...are you...scared of me?" Sakura said shakily.
"D-don't hurt me... I didn't do anything wrong..." Naruto said with fear as he turned his cheek away from Sakura. Bracing for the inevitable punch or slap.
Sakura let him go and burst into tears. "I'm sorry..." She choked.
Naruto looked up from flinching to see Sakura crying.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Sakura sobbed.
"Hey, come on now...Sakura-chan. It's okay." Naruto said, trying his best to calm her down.
"No, it's not okay... I almost smashed your face in for no reason!" Sakura cried.
"It's just the pregnancy talking, Sakura-chan. I know you didn't mean it." Naruto soothed, which began to calm Sakura down.
"Yeah...you're right, it's just the pregnancy talking..." Sakura realized. "Which mean that my behavior is YOUR FAULT!"
"Huh?" Naruto said before being punched in the face.
Flash forward.
"...unfortunately, these symptoms haven't been contained to mine and Naruto's downtime. I'm embarrassed to report that as of late they have begun to affect my effectiveness as one of Captain Picard's bodyguards..." Sakura reported.
Flashback.
Sakura, Naruto, and Picard had been invited to a royal feast held by a newly integrated planet into the federation.
As such, Captain Picard was brought in as an honored guest with Sakura and Naruto accompanying him.
Things were going smoothly when Sakura took a sip of her soup and declared. "This tastes like horse shit..."
The trio quickly found themselves up to their necks with spears and surrounded by pissed off guards and offended diplomats. With Picard looking ticked off at Sakura and Naruto chuckling nervously.
Flash forward.
"...so the Star Fleet Federation has called for a hearing to decide if I should be allowed to continue serving as a bodyguard to Captain Picard. Seems like me and Naruto are never out of hot water on this ship. And it might just be the mood swings talking, but I am feeling rather confident that the committee people are reasonable people." Sakura said.
Knock knock knock.
"Sakura-chan, the hearing is starting soon." Naruto called for her from the other side of the bedroom door.
Sakura switched off her computer terminal. 'Oh joy...' Sakura thought as she stood up, but immediately felt dizzy and nauseous. "Ohhhh..." Sakura had to sit down on her bed before she fell on the floor.
"Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked with concern. "I'm coming in!" He said as he stepped inside to see Sakura seated.
"Just felt really dizzy..." Sakura said.
Then she felt something coming up. "Bucket! Now!"
Kurama then galloped into the room carrying a stained bucket in his tails and managed to get it underneath Sakura's mouth just in the nick of time.
"BLUEGH!"
"Are you going to be okay for this hearing?" Naruto asked with concern.
"Ugh... I don't... Know... BLUEGH!"
"Do you think that we could get Dr. Crusher to delay the hearing until you are feeling better?" Naruto asked as he rubbed circles into his lover's back.
"Ugh... Or have the hearing in here..." Sakura moaned.
"I don't know; these committee types always seem to love their big conference rooms." Naruto joked. "Do you think they'd go for it?" He asked Kurama.
"Would they really have a choice?" Kurama pointed at Sakura who was still puking in the bucket.
"Good point, hang tight Sakura-chan." Naruto said as he headed for the living room to call Picard.
"Lieutenant Uzumaki to Captain Picard."
"Go ahead." Picard responded, seemingly impatiently.
"Sir, Lieutenant Haruno has been hit with a bad case of morning sickness sir. Would it be at all possible to conduct the formal hearing using our room's computer video conference?" Naruto asked dutifully and respectfully as best he could.
Naruto heard Picard sigh. "Very well... I'll also send in Dr. Crusher to examine her." Naruto breathed a sigh of relief.
"This isn't going to help her case though, Lieutenant. I hope you know that." Picard said before closing the channel.
Naruto rubbed his eyes in frustration. It was bad enough that he had to deal with a sick and crazed Sakura, neither of them needed to deal with a committee and their nonsense right now. He could surely pick up the slack until Sakura-chan delivered their baby, but according to Picard a few council members had been raising hell about letting two Elementians join Star Fleet and Naruto and Sakura's less than stellar first few weeks had given them all the ammunition they needed to start this inquiry.
'What did Granny Tsunade always say? 'If it's not one god damn thing, it's another...'?'
After a short time later, Dr. Crusher came in and examined Sakura.
"Seems to be routine morning sickness. I can give you a mild sedative to ease the nausea." Crusher advised.
"Please..." Sakura all but begged.
Crusher took a Hypospray out of her medical kit and injected it into Sakura's neck. Almost instantly, Sakura felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"Oh man, that's so much better..." Sakura sighed with relief.
"A good thing too. They are about to start." Kurama said without thinking.
"Um, hello..." Dr. Crusher said when she realized that there was a giant talking fox in the room.
"Um... Hey..." Kurama greeted back sheepishly, forgetting that the doctor was here.
"Is this one of your summons, Naruto?" Crusher asked as her eyes inevitably looked at Kurama's many swishing tails.
"Yes, actually." Naruto said quickly.
That was when the screen in the living room came to life. On one side was Captain Picard and Riker, on the other side was a highly decorated Admiral and what seemed to be the President of the Federation.
"Lieutenants, Doctor." Picard greeted. "Allow me to introduce Fleet Amidral Paris, and the President of the Federation, Turrell." Picard introduced.
"A pleasure, sirs." Naruto greeted and Sakura nodded.
"I'm just going to get straight to it." Turrell. started. "Going over your service records so far, I'm less than pleased with your service."
Naruto and Sakura flinched at the Presidents words.
"You two are not the first Elementians to serve the Federation, nor will you be the last, I'm sure. However, your conduct as members of Starfleet overall, is intolerable. I understand that this is a completely new experience for the two of you, but it is no excuse to act unprofessionally in serious situations. Your conduct in the most recent diplomatic mission that costed the Federation any hope of gaining a valuable ally." Turrell said spitefully.
"With all due respect sir, Sakura-chan here is pregnant." Naruto informed.
"Yes, I'm well aware of that. However, that is still no excuse for your earlier conduct. Need I remind you of your reckless conduct of going out into open space without help to save the Enterprise." Turrel said.
"In my Lieutenant's defense, diplomats within the Ico government were attempting to poison us with the soup." Picard informed.
Turrell looked at Picard. "That was not in your report, captain."
"The Ico government wished for us to keep the matter quiet until their ongoing investigation into the terrorist cell was identified and neutralized."
"I look forward to hearing more about that." Turrell said before turning back to the Ninja's. "In any case, I've read here that you two have been reprimanded several times over the course of the few months you have been serving on the Enterprise."
"Yes, sir." Sakura confirmed as she held back the latest wave of nausea.
"Let's see here..." Turrell looked over his pad to go over their service records. "Disobeyed direct orders, no once, not twice, but 3 times... Put self in danger for the sake of the ship. Potentially endangered the ship by using jutsu's that had affected the ship, albeit in a positive way. Inappropriate actions on the bridge, and then the recent diplomatic talks with the Ico." He listed off.
"I would also like to mention Uzumaki and Haruno's efforts in responding to the Andoria terrorist attack. They spearheaded the relief effort and uncovered the leader of the terrorist cell. Lieutenant Haruno herself saved countless lives with her medical expertise." Picard spoke up again.
"I was getting to that." Turrell said before looking at the Ninja's again. "Picard is correct, your actions on Andoria was exceptional."
"Thank you, sir." Naruto said.
Turrell set down his pad. "It also got you a promotion so early on in your career. But based on your record, that's only one good deed out of many smudges on your record. While I support your captain's decision in promoting the two of you, I don't see how you could earn such a praise after your rather shit show of a career." Turrell then folded his hands on the desk his was sitting at. "Let me remind you that this ISN'T Element, nor are we a Ninja Corps. In all honesty, I should send you both back to your world and scrub your records from the Federation logs as a big mistake."
"Sir, if I may." Picard interrupted. "I would also like to remind you that within days of joining the crew, Lieutenant Uzumaki saved the crew from an ambush by the Romulans. What was to be a massive psychological blow to the Federation turned into its rallying cry against the Romulans. Naruto single-handedly captured the enemy flagship and turned it on its allies. He saved the entire crew of the Enterprise and the Peterson that day. As well as captured for the Federation the Romulan's most advanced warship that they had hoped would lead them through the coming war." Picard stated.
"One moment." Paris said as he eyed the now seemingly irate Ninja. "However... Going over your records of your Ninja career, you two have done a great deal for not only your village, but your world as a whole. I believe that more than justifies you both being allowed to stay in the Federation. It would be foolish to send you both home when you can so much good for us. But, this will be the last time I say this. The next blemish I see on your records, will be the last and you will be sent home. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir." Naruto and Sakura answered.
"Now... Onto the matter of Sakura's current physical health." Turrell started.
Sakura and Naruto gulped.
"Captain Picard needs two bodyguards on hand, however in your current state, I don't see how you can accomplish that. That causes a major problem."
"Sir, with all due respect, I am more than capable of handling Sakura-chan's share of the body guarding duty until she is fit for duty again." Naruto stated. Sakura was about to object but then she remembered Naruto's one-man-army approach to using the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that." Turrell refused.
"The agreement with have with the Leaf states that they will provide two bodyguards at our request in exchange for technological advances. While this clause is not violated by any injuries sustained during your service, it does not cover self-inflicted ailments." Turrell sneered.
"Self-inflicted... She's pregnant!" Naruto snapped.
"Regardless, the clause states that there be two active Leaf Shinobi serving under the Enterprise at all times."
"So then we shall just make haste back to Element and recruit a new bodyguard until Lieutenant Haruno recovers." Picard countered.
"I'm afraid that is impossible. The Prime Directive clearly states that only three sentient lifeforms from a non-space fairing planet may be aware of the existence of the Federation. So unless Lady Tsunade Senju wishes to step down from her position as Hokage and disappear from the public eye for 9 months, I do not see how you could produce a backup member. Therefore, your contract is void and you Elementians must be returned home at once." Turrell stated.
"That won't be necessary." Kurama said as he came into view.
"And who might this be? I was not aware that the Enterprise allowed pets." Turrell scoffed.
"I am no pet." Kurama growled.
"Silence beast. Picard, explain this."
"I'm afraid I don't know who or what that is." Picard said honestly.
"I am Kurama. Known on our world as the 9 Tailed demon Fox."
"He's my...summons. Well, one of my summons." Naruto explained.
"Your summons?" Picard repeated as he remembered his latest experience with Naruto's summons.
Flashback.
"Let's go, Gamakichi!" Naruto shouted.
"You got it, boss!" The three story tall toad shouted as he leapt high into the air, breaking Naruto, Sakura, and Picard out of prison. The Ico guards joked that they could hear Picard screaming the entire time.
"WAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" He cried.
Flash forward.
"Did he just say... Demon fox...?" Turrell asked in shock.
"At your service." Kurama bowed mockingly, but Turrell didn't seem to pick up on that.
Turrell was more than familiar with the tailed beasts of Element and here he was, looking at one on board a Federation ship.
"A-and... What can you do for us...?"
"Well first things first. I am not a summons to Kit here. He is my jinchuriki, a living vessel used to seal me away. In exchange he gets increased stamina and healing factor." Kurama said bluntly.
Turrell was taken aback. "Jinchuriki...? They still do that...?"
"Not anymore. Kit here convinced the Kages of our world that me and my fellow Tailed Beasts were more than chakra monsters to be used as weapons. So now there is only me and that whiny ox who are sealed inside our respective idiots."
"Hey!"
"So long story short, we are now partners and I can exist outside of Kit's seal for as long as we both desire. Which means that I am my own entity and can pick up the pink vixen's slack." Kurama said as he pointed at Sakura who was busy spitting out what was left of her latest hurl.
"Interesting proposal. Yet how do we know that you are qualified to protect Captain Picard?" Admiral Paris inquired.
"I am open to tests if you need." Kurama offered.
"I propose one on one combat with your head of security, Picard. He would be more qualified than I to determine the fox's effectiveness as a bodyguard." Paris suggested.
"Unfortunately my chief of security is incapacitated with the flu." Picard informed.
"Wait, Klingon's can get the flu?" Sakura asked.
"Evidentially. Klingons are not that different to humans, hence why Klingons and Humans can... Procreate and bear children with one another." Picard explained.
"Moving right along, what other methods are there to determining if this demon is capable of protecting our most prestigious Star Fleet Captain?" Turrell asked.
"A mission?" Riker suggested.
Paris nodded. "A very good suggestion, Commander."
"That's good, because I have a mission for the Enterprise." Turrell said before looking at his pad. "There is a Klingon outpost that has fallen under siege by the Tolmeekians. I'm sending the Enterprise and her crew to provide relief efforts and fight off any Tolmeekian soldiers that might remain."
"Sir, wouldn't this mission be more suited to a warship. We are a diplomatic exploration vessel." Picard reminded him.
"Yes, however the Enterprise is one of the most well-armed ships in the fleet and you're the closest one. I will be dispatching the Dauntless and Intrepid for aid as well." Turrell said.
"The Enterprise isn't just a cruise ship, Picard." Paris reminded. "It is also a warship in terms of firepower and capability."
"Like other Galaxy Class ships, the Enterprise is armed with 11 phaser banks and two torpedo tubes with a compliment of 500 torpedoes. Unlike other Galaxy Class ships though, the enterprise has stronger hull plating and has a more efficient warp core, thanks to your chief engineer." Turrell added.
"Yes of course, I'll reset our course at best speed." Picard yielded.
"Very good." Turrell said before turning back to Kurama. "This is to test your capabilities and your loyalty. You will do what Picard and what Lt Uzumaki tells you. As of right now, I'm giving you a field commission of Petty Officer. It's an enlisted rank and you must obey any order given to you by an officer, including an Ensign."
"Yes, sir." Kurama said as he saluted with one of his tails.
"With that, this hearing is dismissed." Turrell said. The screen immediately went blank.
"Well... That went better than I thought." Naruto mused.
"We gotta start kissing some major ass if we wanna stay here." Sakura said.
"And not just each other's during our alone time." Naruto said.
"Ha ha... Very funny." Sakura deadpanned.
"Weak ass sex joke aside..."
"Once moment." Crusher said. "Sakura, as of right now, you are on maternity leave." She ordered.
"From body guarding or from medical practice as well?"
"Everything." Crusher said firmly. "If you can't perform your bodyguard duty, then you can't perform your medical duties either."
"What? But you said I could continue performing my duties until I was 7 months along." Sakura argued.
"I did, but your symptoms are a lot stronger than any normal pregnancy."
"Can I at least come back after my morning sickness ceases?"
"We'll talk about it. I'm going to want to check you over to see how you are feeling at that time. Your mood swings are also a lot more prominent than normal."
"Oh man, that reminds me of the red vixen's pregnancy. Always flipping out and punching her mate. Don't know how the Fourth Hokage put up with it." Kurama reminisced.
"The same way I do, I imagine." Naruto said.
"I'm sorry, the who?" Crusher asked.
"My parents. Mr. Fluffles over here was sealed inside my mother when she was pregnant with me." Naruto said as he pointed at Kurama.
"I see, and I assume that I don't want to know why he is now sealed inside you."
"A story for another time." Naruto said.
"Spoiler warning, it ends with me stabbing both his parents in the chest."
Crusher gasped. "Why... Why would you do such a terrible thing...?"
"He was under the control of another. He had no love for humans back then, but Naruto has changed him for the better." Sakura explained.
"Then, being here where you humans show so much compassion for other species, even if they are your enemies."
"That's...wow..." Crusher said.
"So we probably need to get you fitted for a uniform." She said trying to change the conversation.
"What? Uniform?"
"If you're going to be a part of this crew, you need to abide by the grooming standards." Crusher stated.
Crusher looked up and down at Kurama's body. "Been awhile since we've had a crew member that walked on all fours..."
She walked over to the nearest terminal. "Computer, craft a uniform for newly registered Petty Officer Kurama." Crusher spoke aloud.
The computer beeped in acknowledgement and a simple yellow vest with a small bar on the collar appeared with a combadge on the front.
"Oh my god. Kurama, that looks adorable!" Sakura declares.
"Yea you would think that..." Kurama grumbled.
"Yes I would, now try it on!" Sakura insisted.
"Fine..."
Kurama grabbed the vest out of the replicator with his front paw and walked into the privacy of his room on his hind legs.
'Kit...how do I put on a vest?'
'Need a hand in there fuzzball?'
'No, just tell me how to do it!'
Naruto then sent Kurama a mental image of himself putting on a flak vest.
'Oh right, thanks.' Kurama thought as he put on the vest.
Meanwhile Naruto and the two women stood out in the living room, waiting.
"So... what can we expect from these Tora-whoits?"
"Tolmeekians. Their ships are not very strong, but they are fierce on the battlefield. They are comparable to... what was his name... that snake ninja you told me about, what was his name?"
"Orochimaru? In what way? Are you telling us that they are snake-men?" Naruto asked.
"That's his name. Yea, they're humanoid snakes that are very strong."
"Oh that's just great... Hey whatever happened to that guy? He helped us beat the 10 Tails and then kinda vanished." Naruto thought aloud.
"I don't know Naruto. Personally if I never see that creep again it'll be too soon." Sakura shuttered.
"At any rate, this is where you and Kurama come in, Naruto." Crusher said.
"They have the standard phaser rifles or will we have to deal with bladed weapons like the Klingons and their retarded sword?" Naruto asked.
"A combination. Their bladed weapons act as phasers as well."
Sakura gulped. "So... say if someone gets impaled by one of these weapons... they can then use its phasers from the inside?"
Crusher nodded grimly.
"Interesting. What about their armor?" Naruto asked.
"They have very thick scales as armor."
"So naturally plating. I assume that they are quicker than they are strong. Since they are snake like."
"On the contrary, they are both really fast and very strong."
"How fast and strong compared to your average human?"
"They are up there with you ninja."
Crusher was surprised when Naruto actually smirked upon hearing that factoid.
"You can't tell me you're happy about that." Crusher said with shock in her tone.
"On the contrary, I'm getting excited. These guys sound like they'd be a good fight." Naruto slammed his fist into his palm.
"You can fight them. Snakes creep me out." Sakura shuddered.
"Don't worry, Sakura-chan. I beat the crap outta all of them so you don't have to. Believe it." Naruto smiled.
Sakura smiled back lovingly. "And this is one of the many reasons I love you..."
Naruto stepped forward to lovingly stroke Sakura's belly. "And I love you..."
"Sage of Six Paths, get a room you two..." Kurama groaned as he stepped out of his room.
Sakura looked over to see Kurama in his Starfleet vest. "Aawwww... you look so adorable." Sakura gushed.
Kurama looked away in embarrassment. "Shaddup...I'm supposed to be the feared 9 tailed demon fox. One whip of my tail was said to bring about typhoons and stuff..." Kurama whined.
"Hard to imagine that when you look as cute as a button." Crusher gushed.
Naruto meanwhile could not stop laughing at the whole scenario. He tried to keep himself quiet but it just proved more and more fruitless.
"Quiet, ass." Kurama growled.
"Sorry, sorry..." Naruto said as he wiped a tear from his eye. "But it really does look good on you buddy. Seriously.
"I bet it... does..." Kurama paused when he walked in front of a mirror and was able to see himself.
"Huh...well of course I would look pretty sharp." Kurama smirked.
"See? I told you." Sakura said happily.
Kurama began checking himself out in the mirror, looking at his vest from every angle that he could.
"You know Kit, there are many differences between us, but I think that now there is one thing we can agree on. I make this work."
"You do actually." Naruto said.
"Damn right, so when so we get to face those Tora-whatsits?"
"Tolmeekians." The Humans all corrected.
That was when Picardy got on the ships coms. "All hands, this is the captain. We are changing course to the Devron system to aid a fallen Klingon outpost. Our ETA will be 2 days, so I need everyone at their best by that time. Picard out."
"Gotta love these convenient timings." Kurama mused.
"Yup, so I'm thinking that we get in the holodeck and get you back in fighting shape." Naruto said.
"What do you mean? You saying I'm out of shape, dickhead?!"
"Well when is the last time you've gotten into an actual fight?" Naruto pointed out.
"... Good point..."
"Right, so let's go. Crusher, you care to join us?" Naruto asked as he went into his room to pick up his kunai pouch.
"No thanks. I need to return to the sickbay."
"Suit yourself. Sakura-chan, you feeling up to refereeing our spar?" Naruto asked as he came out of his room all suited up for combat.
"If I can stop puking." Sakura sighed.
"Yea, I think you should stay and rest a while." Crusher advised.
"Well I don't want to leave you here all by yourself..." Naruto said.
"God you're such a worry wart. What are you going to do when you and Kurama are on the mission?"
"I don't know. Keep worrying about you?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Just leave a shadow clone, baka..."
"Right right." Naruto obliged as his doppelganger came into existence.
"We'll be back for lunch, babe." Naruto said as he gave Sakura a quick peck on the lips. "You call if you need ANYTHING. And you..." Naruto pointed at his clone. "Cater to her every whim."
"Yes, boss. Don't have to tell me twice."
Sakura sighed. "Did you always worry about me this much?"
"Well I...uh..." Naruto stammered.
"Come on, we're burning daylight." Kurama said as he yanked Naruto out the door with his tail. Leaving Sakura and Crusher alone with the Naruto clone.
"Ugh, your original can be so clingy at times." Sakura huffed at the clone as she sat down on the couch.
"You know, it might not be any of my business, but I think I know why Naruto is being so protective of you." Crusher spoke up.
"Hey, if you got ideas then by all means, share." Sakura said.
"Well you said that Naruto has always been an orphan, right?"
"Yea... what's your..." Sakura stopped mid-sentence when she realized what Crusher was talking about. "Oh my god... He has now what he never had before and he's afraid to lose it... oh... Naruto..."
"Yeah, he's probably fulfilling his deepest desire to have a family. A blood related family that looks like him. And he can only fulfill that dream with you..." Crusher said as she looked down at Sakura's belly where a tiny little life was taking shape. "If I had to guess, I'd say you having his child is a more important dream of his than even being Hokage. You are giving him the family he has always wanted."
"It's true..." the clone said solemnly.
Sakura looked at the clone and pulled him in for a warm hug. "I'm sorry... I never realized..."
"Don't apologize. Boss just isn't good with words." The clone said.
"That's why he has me..." Sakura said fondly.
"And he is so very grateful for that. Every day he feels so lucky that he gets to love and be loved back by his best friend." The clone said as he held Sakura tightly. For a moment she forgot that she was talking to a jutsu and was instead talking to the real thing.
"I love you... so much... don't you ever forget that..."
The days passed quickly until morning came for the crew of the Enterprise. Radio chatter had been filling the communications room with urgent calls for reinforcements. The officers could only reassure them time and again that help was on the way.
The morning of, Naruto and Kurama were called into the shuttle port along with a team of security officers, hand selected by Worf himself.
"Atten-SHUN!" The senior officer shouted as Worf stepped onto the bridge.
"Thank you, Ensign." Worf said.
"As most of you know, we're going up against a formidable foe. The Tolmeekians are ruthless warriors who were once respected by the Klingons. However, something changed recently in them to where they see any life other than their own kind as inferior."
"They are fast, incredibly strong and very durable. In Human terms, they can... take a licking and keep on ticking. Which is why all of you must use extreme caution."
The officers all nodded in understanding. One green rookie gulped.
"The plan, which has been worked out between myself and Lieutenant Uzumaki, is twofold..." Worf pulled out a tiny device which produced a holographic projection of a circular base with high walls surrounding a series of tiny buildings and one larger four story structure.
"This is the forward most Klingon base currently under seige. Reports are that the Tolmeekians are attempting a spear formation to deliver the crushing blow to the Klingons that have already been fighting for days without rest..."
The hologram created a large red cluster headed towards the base and several red dots inside the fort.
"Your mission is to land inside the fort and help the garrison neutralize the enemy combatants before the enemy reinforcements can arrive. Then phase 2 of the plan will commense with shock and awe."
"Shock and awe?" One of the rookies asked.
"We take them by surprise." Naruto clarified.
"Yes, we have a new officer joining us on this mission. He will be the surprise." Worf said as Kurama took it as his cue to step forward.
"May I introduce Kurama of the Leaf. Also known on his home planet as the Nine Tailed Demon Fox."
The men all stared in awe of the blood orange fox with nine beautiful tails, blood red eyes, and hands for front paws. He stood as tall as a horse and looked ready to kill any of them at a moment's notice. Upon his chest he was adorned with a yellow vest signifying his rank as a security officer.
"Sup." Kurama said nonchalantly.
"I will have Mr. Uzumaki do the introduction." Worf said, handing the floor over to Naruto.
"Alright everyone, a few things to know about my buddy Kurama here. He is an ancient being made of chakra. If you don't know what chakra is, think of it as magical energy because I am tired of explaining it. He is sentient, he can talk, and he has a name. You will address him as Petty Officer Kurama and you will treat him with the same respect you would give to me. After all, he was with me every time I saved this ship and its crew."
Naruto looked over the group to see any defiant glances.
"If anyone has a problem with working with him, speak up now."
All around Naruto, no one said a word.
"Good. Now on to phase 2 of our plan: shock and awe. Kurama here has several special abilities that we are going to take full advantage of. What you see now is not Kurama's true form. His actual size is that of a mountain. In his maximum form he can breathe fire and kick up hurricanes with the flick of his tails. He can launch energy attacks that can cripple a star fleet destroyer. He will provide the shock and awe that will completely obliterate the enemy reinforcements and hopefully deter them from any further assaults." Naruto declared in his ANBU Captain tone.
"Any questions?"
One crewman put his hand up. "That honestly sounds like a load of shit."
Naruto's and Kurama's eyes twitched.
"Well you will just have to trust us until we reach stage two of our plan." Naruto stated firmly.
"Unless you would like a demonstration?" Kurama huffed out flames to show off.
The crewman shut up after that.
"That's what I thought. Now the Enterprise will be engaged with the Tolmeekians ships in the upper atmosphere so it will be unable to provide air support. The dropship will also retreat back to a safe distance after it drops us off. When we hit the ground we're on our own." Naruto continued.
"To further that, Captain Picard has confirmed that 5 Starfleet ships are coming to aid us." Worf added.
"What's the ETA for their arrival?" The senior Ensign asked.
"Three hours. Until then, we are on our own." Worf replied.
"We should be completed with our mission by then. We're gonna beat back those snake fuckers so hard that the only thing our reinforcements are gonna be able to do is watch us accept the Tolmeekians surrender. Sound good?!" Naruto shouted.
"YES SIR!" The strike team shouted in unison.
"Gear up! I want two packs for each man! One for close quarters breach and clear for phase 1 and then heavily artillery for the second phase! I want you to be able to drop your second pack when we touch down and pick it up later to hold the line!" Naruto ordered.
"YES SIR!"
The men all stood up as one and began raiding the armory for weapons and their respective gear. Admits all the chaos, Naruto pulled the senior Ensign aside.
"What's your name, soldier?"
"Scott Adams, sir."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Any relation to Sally Adams?"
Scott nodded. "Yes, sir. She's my niece."
"Huh, small ship..." Naruto mused.
"I'm a transfer from the USS Intrepid."
"Well small universe then. Anyway, I'm designating you as squad leader for Bravo."
"Yes, sir."
"Is there anyone you would recommend for Charlie's squad leader?"
"Ensign Joe Ballard. He is a bit high strung, but he's a great soldier."
"I'll take your word on it. I'm still new to this Star Fleet thing so I'm hoping that I can count on you more experienced soldiers to help guide me when needed. You read me?"
"Yes sir."
"I'm telling you this because I believe in being upfront with the men under my command. No one man is better than a well-trained squadron."
"I agree sir. Permission to speak freely?"
"Go ahead." Naruto nodded.
"Sir. Sally means the world to me. I can't have kids of my own, so I think of her as my own daughter. I am gladly willing to lay down my life for the Federation at any time. But at the same time... Sally would be devastated if she found out I won't be coming back. So for her sake, please make sure I make it home alive..."
That actually made Naruto laugh whole heartedly. The men actually looked over to see what had possessed their platoon leader.
"Sir, what is so funny?" Scott asked.
"Hahaha...whew...you know she's a special little girl. My girlfriend Sakura and I actually befriended her a month back. I don't mean to brag but I'd say she wouldn't want me or any other man here to not come back alive."
"R-really...?"
"She hasn't mentioned us? I'm hurt. And even after Kurama here let her ride him like a horsey." Naruto fake pouted as he gestured over at Kurama.
"I honestly don't know if she said anything about you or not. I didn't see her today."
"When did you come aboard this ship?"
"A week ago."
"And this Ensign Ballard, did he transfer with you?" Naruto asked.
"Yes he did."
"Hmmm..." 'Probably should have chosen a veteran from the Enterprise crew.' "Well Scott, I have a two-month pregnant girlfriend waiting for me to come back home, and no doubt there are others who would love to making it out of this mission in one piece if they had the choice. So I'll guarantee no one's safety, only that I will do everything in my power to see the mission's success and that all my men make it home safe. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir." Scott replied.
"Good. Now go inform Ensign Ballard and then go lead your men well. Do that, and it'll be up to no one but fate on who comes back." Naruto stated.
"Aye sir." Scott replied and walked away to inform his colleague.
Kurama then walked up to Naruto's side to sit next to him. "So how'd I do?"
"Not bad, honestly."
"You sure? First time in over two months that I've had to give a pre-mission pep speech. Felt rusty."
"It's like... how do you humans say it?... Riding a bike?"
"Yeah... Holy crap, when us the last time that I have ever rode a bike?" Naruto exclaimed.
Kurama sweat dropped.
"Never mind, focus time." Naruto quickly said as he started walking towards the drop ship. "But when we get back we need to find a bicycle." He said as he ducked down and took a seat. Kurama curled up at Naruto's feet.
"Picard to Strike Team. 10 minutes to launch."
"Acknowledged." Naruto responded.
"Come on, ladies! Get the lead out!" Naruto called to the officers still packing up.
The crew rushed through their packing and piled onto the shuttles one by one. That was when the red alert klaxon sounded and the ship rocked from a direct hit.
The drop ship was also rocked and Kurama's head hit the wall of the shuttle interior.
"OW! Son of a..." Kurama cried.
"Strike team, this the captain. Change of plans. The Tolmeekians have a large fleet with several captured Klingon ships. Your job now is to standby and await further instructions."
"Bitch!" Naruto shouted in frustration. He then poked his head out of the shuttle. "Everyone brass check your weapons! I want those weapons so shiny that the enemy would be honored to die by such pretty weapons!"
On the bridge, things were getting intense.
"Lock photons and fire!" Riker ordered.
Worf did as he was told. The Enterprise fired a large volley of torpedoes at a winged Klingon ship known as a Bird of Prey.
They hit their mark and destroyed the left wing off the enemy ship.
"Bird of Prey severally damaged. They are adrift, sir." Worf informed. "ACHOO!"
"Bless you, Lieutenant." Picard said.
"Thank you, sir..." Worf sniffed.
The ship shook as they took another hit.
"Klingon Negh'Var off the port bow." Worf informed.
"Captain! Incoming transmission from the port bay!" Riker shouted.
"On screen." Picard ordered.
The bridge screen flickered and revealed Naruto's face. "Captain, what is the status on getting our mission un-scrubed?"
"Unknown at this time." Picard said as the ship took another hit. "Return fire!"
The bottom phaser array charged up and focused a beam to a single point and fired a golden beam at the Tolmeekian ship.
"Minimal damage to their shields." Worf informed.
"Sir, I request that my shuttle be allowed to depart now despite the danger." Naruto said.
"Request denied. There are too many enemy ships in the area."
"Sir, incoming... ACHOO!... Incoming federation ship. It's the Prometheus." Worf informed.
The ship in question dropped out of warp. It was a wedged shape ship with 4 engines. The ship immediately separated into 3 ships and started firing on the enemy ships.
"Sir, with all due respect, we are a tiny vessel. I doubt the enemy will take notice of us." Naruto said.
Picard thought it over until he realized that there was no arguing around the Lieutenant. "Granted."
"Alright!" Naruto shouted. "Mount up boys!" The officers all cheered and crawled into the shuttles.
"Lieutenant!" The shuttle pilot called.
"What is it?" Naruto replied.
"Sir, at our distance from the planet's surface, we won't have enough fuel for the return trip! I won't be able to retreat from the LZ!" The pilot said in fear.
"I thought these things bad fusion generators and didn't use fuel?" Naruto asked.
"Not when the fusion generators are diverted to strengthening the shields. It's the only way we can take a direct hit from a plasma torpedo! Which is extremely likely considering that we are flying into the middle of a hot fly zone! The fuel is the emergency backup power! But like I said, we only have enough to get to the fort!"
"Is that so?" Naruto said as he handed a phaser rifle to the jumpy pilot. "Then I guess you'll be helping us retake the fort. Welcome to Alpha team, A5!" Naruto patted the pilot on the shoulder before retreating back to his seat to strap in.
"Sir! I don't know how to fire one of these things!" The pilot shouted back.
"Neither do I! So far as I can tell you just point it and pull the trigger!" Naruto laughed.
The rest of them officers all chuckled at the pilot's expense.
The pilot gulped. "O-okay then... Let's go..."
The pilot turned over the shuttle as the port bay doors began to open. The officers all hastily buckled their safety belts.
"Port bay, this is Sparrow 1. Requesting permission to depart." The pilot said into his comms.
"Permission granted. Safe travels." Picard replied.
With that, the pilot hit the accelerator and the shuttle shot out in the vast fields of outer space, where the massive ship to ship battle was already well underway.
"I will never get used to seeing this..." Naruto said in awe.
"You never do." Scott said.
"It's not that. I came from a world where the highest level of technology we have is wireless short wave radios."
That made everyone in the passenger seating look over in wonder.
"Seriously? I heard you Elementians were great warriors, but I never expected you to be so far behind the times." One Ensign spoke up.
"We don't rely heavily on technology. But I heard something about the Leaf R&D looking into warp drive. But that's probably some years away." Naruto said offhandedly.
The same Ensign raised a disbelieving eyebrow. "From short wave radio to warp drive? I think you're missing a few steps there."
"Maybe... but let's drive our focus to the task at hand."
"Won't you please?!" Asked the pilot as he veered right to avoid an incoming plasma torpedo, just narrowly avoiding it.
The shuttle duck and weaved through the chaotic exchange of plasma bolts being launched from both sides. All around them silent explosions went off one after another. Pilot Ethan Sol could only hear the rattling of his ship and the warning alarms constantly going off. It was nerve racking as hell.
CRASH!
The shuttle violently jerked down so hard the crew could feel it in their teeth.
"PLASMA TORPEDO HIT US!" Ethan shouted back as he frantically hit several switches above his head.
"I'm turning off the gravity to save power! One more hit like that and our shields are gone!" He called.
As soon as he finished saying that Naruto and the rest of the crew felt their stomachs rise up as their bodies entered permanent free fall.
"Haha, it tickles!" Naruto cried.
"Whoa whoa whoa!" Kurama shouted as he frantically tried to doggy paddle in midair.
"This is weird!" Naruto laughed.
"I don't like it!" Kurama cried.
"Everyone settle down! We're about to enter the atmosphere!" The pilot shouted.
"Here Kurama, get in my jacket!" Naruto shouted as he unzipped his uniform.
"Are you NUTS?!"
"Are you?! I don't see anywhere else for you to sit!"
"Fine!" Kurama exclaimed as he shrunk down to puppy dog size, allowing for Naruto to grab him and stuff the fox down his shirt.
"This is a onetime deal, Kit!"
"Aww, but you look so cute. Like Akamaru used to when Kiba carried him around." Naruto said. He petted Kurama's head as their ship shook.
"I swear to god... I'm gonna kill you one day..."
"We're linked. You'd be killing yourself." Naruto reminded.
Kurama just growled in irritation. Muttering about how it would be worth it.
"Love you too." Naruto laughed, until Kurama bit Naruto's hand as he petted him. "Ouch!"
'These are the guys chosen to lead us?' Several officers thought.
The shuttle continued to rattle as it broke through the planet's atmosphere and rapidly descended through the clouds. Pilot Sol looked down and saw the flashes of laser fire trading back and forth inside the walls of the fort.
Meanwhile back on the Enterprise, Sakura was doing her best to keep her mind at ease as the ship rocked and shook violently with each hit from the enemy.
"Big Sis...do you think Big Bro Naruto will be okay...?" Sally tentatively asked.
"I hope so, Sally..." Sakura said with concern.
Sally rested her head on Sakura's lap as her Big Sis lovingly stroked Sally's hair.
"He said he was the strongest person in his whole village. Is that true?" Sally looked up at Sakura with her blue and green eyes.
"It is very true. He's possibly the strongest in our world."
"He is...?" Sally said in awe.
Sakura looked at Sally's curious gaze and smiled. "I have little doubt in my mind."
"Tell me about it..." Sally insisted as she snuggled closer to Sakura's belly.
"Of course." Sakura obliged as they felt the vibration of another torpedo hit the ship.
"Hmmm... Many I can tell you about the time Naruto saved me from a gigantic sand golem...?" Sakura thought aloud to peak Sally's curiosity.
"Sand golem? What's that?"
"Well maybe sand golem is the wrong word. Do you know what a Tanuki is?"
"It means racoon, right?"
"It does. It's a raccoon dog demon."
"A demon...?" Sally gasped in fear.
"Yes. Only this Tanuki was made of sand and was as tall as a mountain." Sakura said as she raised up her hands to act like a big and scary monster.
Sally's eyes went wide.
"You see, this Sand Tanuki was similar to Kurama. He was sealed inside another boy like Kurama is with Naruto." Sakura said as she held a finger to her lips to subtly remind Sally that it was a secret.
Sally nodded and waited for Sakura to continue.
"This boy was a lot like Naruto when he was younger. Alone and shunned by others, only this boy had been alone for a lot longer. So he was deranged. Anyway, our teammate Sasuke wanted to fight him but the boy named Gaara was too strong for our teammate." Sakura paused in case Sally had any questions.
"So what did you both do?" Sally asked. The ship then jostled from another hit.
"Well of course I stepped in to save Sasuke, but unfortunately I wasn't nearly as strong as I am now so Gaara captured me and held me hostage. He was going to slowly crush me with his sand..."
"Oh no!"
"Yes. I lost consciousness after that. Sasuke was too weak to fight back, our sensei was nowhere to be found, but who should save me..." Sakura smiled.
"Y-you mean... big bro Naruto did?"
"He did." Sakura's face lit up at the memory. "He saw me being held hostage and then summoned up his strength and his courage to desperately fight for me..." Sakura said as Sally's face grew brighter with awe.
"He summoned thousands of clones and the great Toad Chief Gamabunta to fight the Sand Demon. We were both only 12 back then, such feats were considered impossible for Genin. Heck, even Gaara was thought to be undefeatable even by adults at the time. They all were scared of Gaara back in his own Village of the Sand. Adults wouldn't go near him. But to save me and our village, Naruto ran headlong to face the Sand Demon..."
"Wow..." Sally breathed out.
"Yeah, and like every time that the odds were stacked against him. Naruto came out on top. Because nobody defies the odds like Naruto." Sakura stated firmly.
"Then he will come back." Sally beamed.
"He will, but I'm not done with the story just yet." Sakura teased.
"So what happened next?" Sally asked eagerly.
"Well not only did Naruto defeat the gigantic Sand Tanuki, he also changed the mind of its jinchuriki, that would be Gaara. For after Naruto struck the final blow against Gaara, the both of them collapsed in a field, completely exhausted. Yet Naruto still believed that my life was in danger, so he crawled his way over towards Gaara. I have no idea how, but he was going to keep fighting Gaara until I was safe, even when he couldn't even lift his own arms and legs."
"Wow! You must have gone out with big bro after that!" Sally beamed.
Sakura sighed. "Not exactly. But what I wanted to say was how Naruto saved Gaara that day."
Sally nodded so Sakura could continue.
"You see Gaara had always believed that he could only trust himself and therefore he would only fight for himself. Until he saw Naruto who was like him in so many ways. Yet Naruto fought for his teammates, for those he loved, they were the source of his strength and allowed him to defeat Gaara and so many others. This changed Gaara and saved him from the dark pit of loneliness. Do you know what Gaara is now because of Naruto? He is the Kazekage, his village's leader, exactly what Naruto will be one day." Sakura said fondly.
"Wow..." Sally said in awe.
"Yeah... That's the thing about Naruto. He'll always achieve the impossible, especially when his loved ones are on the line, and he will always be magnanimous in victory." Sakura smiled.
"Uh... mag... what's that?"
"It means someone with a great soul. Someone with a big heart that is brave and forgiving of others. They don't hold resentment, even to their enemies. Naruto cried for Gaara's sake. And now the Leaf and the Sand are the closest of allies."
"Awesome..."
"Yeah, he is..." Sakura said fondly.
Back with the blond hero, the shuttle had just touched down.
"EVERYBODY OUT!" Naruto ordered as Kurama leapt out of his jacket and grew to the size of horse as he ran out towards the battlefield. The rest of the men tore off their seat belts and booked it to the nearest bombed out building occupied by the Klingon forces.
Kurama galloped ahead of everyone and was immediately shot near the feet by a Klingon sniper.
"Woah! Easy! We're with Starfleet!" Kurama exclaimed.
The Klingon spotter double checked the yellow vest on the fox's chest and indeed saw the Star fleet insignia.
"Hold your fire, soldier. He's telling the truth." The commander forcibly lowered his sniper's weapon.
The rest of the ground squad arrived as Kurama was greeted by the Klingon commander.
"My apologies strange one. Please come inside."
"Very good. Bout time I was treated with the respect I deserve." Kurama scoffed, to which Naruto just rolled his eyes.
The squad of 12 plus the pilot where led into the ruins of the main building were the Klingons still held control of the compound. All around them they could hear the echoing sounds of battle play out as the remaining Klingon forces held a desperate last stand against pockets of Tolmeekians infantry.
There in the center of room, reading over a map by the light shining through a hole in the wall was the Klingon battalion commander.
The Klingon commander looked over at the newcomers and a wash of relief overcame him.
"Never have I been glad to see Starfleet. I am Brigadier Kang." The commander introduced.
"Lieutenant Uzumaki. We're here to help you retake your fort, sir." Naruto offered his hand.
Kang extended his hand out and shook Naruto's.
"I have heard a great deal about you, Elementian. I heard about how you single handedly captured a Romulan Warbird... That is no easy feat, even by Klingon standards."
"Well I had a little help." Naruto admitted.
"Of course..." Kang said, not convinced of Naruto's claim. "Anyway, we are down to our last group of warriors. They cannot hold the line any longer and they need help."
"That's what we are here for. I've got my squad ready to split up into three teams. Just tell us where to go and we'll get it done." Naruto stated.
Kang turned around and brought up a map of the area. "The right flank is about to fall. I need you to send a team out to retrieve my men and bring them back."
"Done. Bravo team, get on it." Naruto ordered.
"Now the left flank is about to fall. I have two men there now and they have been reduced to close quarters combat." Kang informed.
"Charlie. Get over there and relieve those men. Take your phase 2 packs." Naruto said.
"Aye sir." Ensign Ballard replied.
"Anything else?" Naruto asked.
"We just need help in clearing out the rooms in this building. A division of those snake bastards broke through and took shelter right under our noses." Kang said.
"I'll take care of that." Naruto said before creating about 50 clones.
Kang looked surprise at the small clone army that had instantly appeared on his war room.
"Alpha, drop your phase 2 packs and move out." Naruto ordered.
"Aye, sir." Replied his crew.
The men plus Kurama all jogged down the hallways deep into the structure.
Back on the Enterprise, things were getting desperate. While the Prometheus handled the more powerful Klingon ships, the mighty Galaxy Class flagship was surrounded by Tolmeekian ships and was being pummeled.
"Shields down! There is thermal damage to the hull!" Worf exclaimed.
"Evasive maneuvers!" Picard ordered.
"Aye, sir!" The helmsman shouted.
"We can't keep this up much longer." Riker said.
"I'm aware of that, number one. Options." Picard said.
"Separate the ship?" Worf suggested.
"That would leave the saucer more vulnerable, due to its limited weapons." Data informed.
"Use the shuttles as fighter?" Riker suggested.
"No. They could only take a single hit before being destroyed." Picard said firmly.
"So, we're helpless until additional ships arrive." Worf said grimly.
"What about the warp core?" Riker said.
"What about it?" Picard asked.
"We dump the core and detonate it with a photon in the middle of their ships. It should take out most of them." Riker explained.
"Interesting... Mr. Data, what is your analysis?"
"It has a high probability of success, if timed properly." Data informed.
"Mr. Worf. Can you fire a torpedo at the right time?" Picard asked.
"Yes sir." Worf said.
"Make it so. Helm, move us away from the enemy ships. Picard to LaForge."
"LaForge here."
"On my mark, eject the warp core."
"Sir?" Geordi asked in confusion.
"Just do it!"
"Aye, sir." Geordi replied.
The massive ship maneuvered away from the Tolmeekian ships so they were all behind them. Picard waited until they were a safe distance away.
"Now LaForge!" Picard ordered.
Geordi pressed several icons on the console and the warp core left the ship. It sailed away from the Enterprise until it was almost on top of the enemy ships.
"Fire..." Riker ordered.
A single photon torpedo shot from the rear launcher and hit its mark. The core exploded with a devastating Shock wave, taking many ships with it.
"We got them!" Worf exclaimed.
"Another Picard maneuver?" Riker smirked.
"More like the Enterprise maneuver." Picard smirked.
"Sir, they still have 6 ships left." Worf informed.
"Easy enough for us now." Riker said.
Picard nodded. "Engage and fire at will."
The officers all nodded, their brilliant maneuver filling them with confidence. Picard took a moment to radio his strike team on the ground.
"Enterprise to Strike Team Leader, do you copy?"
"..." Silence on the comms.
"Picard to Mr. Uzumaki. Respond."
The comms remained silent for nearly ten seconds before Picard heard a whoosh and a "...blurgh..." Picard could have sworn it sounded like a muffled cry, like someone choking on their own blood.
"This is Uzumaki, go ahead."
"Is everything alright down there?" Picard asked.
"Everything is peachy Captain. Was having a game of hide and seek with the snake men. They aren't very good at it." Naruto joked.
"Understood. Things are faring better up here, but we are fresh out of warp cores."
"Copy that. Phase 1 is going smoothly. I split my team into 3 squads. Charlie and Bravo are reinforcing the flanks on the main building while Alpha is rooting out the snakes that snuck inside. We are on schedule to begin Phase 2." Naruto reported.
"Understood. Keep us informed. Picard out."
"Will do, Uzumaki out." Naruto cued as the rest of his squad waited for him outside of a closed door. Kurama on the left side with two others on the left and Pilot Sol hanging right behind Kurama's tails where it was safe.
"Sir, sensors pick up a whole platoon inside this one room. This might be their HQ."
"Might be. Could it be a field hospital they've set up?" Naruto asked.
"Well, why don't we find out?"
"Hold on." Naruto held his hand in front of Kurama.
"Negative, sensors show they all up and about."
"So are they just stupid to clump up like that without any guards outside their door?" Naruto asked.
"Seems it."
"Alright then." Naruto held up his hand which already held a massive Rasengan. "Breach and clear. Kurama goes in low and fast, A3 and 4 then follow up behind him while Pilot and I provide covering fire."
"Sounds good." A3 said as he checked his phaser rifle.
"Yes, sir." A4 said as she checked the settings on her rifle.
"Let's do it." Kurama said as he cracked his neck.
Naruto slammed his Rasengan into the door exploding it outwards into the room and then retreated behind cover. Kurama took the cries of the Tolmeekians as his cue to sprint inside. He came in at the side and navigated the dust and debris by scent until he found his first target. His fangs ripped into the neck of the first snake man as the two other officers stormed inside and began firing into the confused enemy platoon. Their laser fire carved into the enemy ranks, soon accompanied by Naruto and Sol's phaser fire. Another Tolmeekian tried to raise up his phaser halberd but came at him with his slashing claws before he could do any damage. Two remaining snakes managed to return fire from behind cover but Kurama would have none of that. He sprinted low, beneath a normal human's waist height and attacked the two behind cover. His fangs sinking into one of their undefended necks and sprayed blood into his companion's eyes. Which gave Sol just the opening he needed to score his first headshot of the day.
"Nice shot, Flyboy!" A4 cheered.
Sol stood in horror of what he just did. He had never taken a life in his life and he felt sick to his stomach.
"Hey, you alright?" Naruto asked as he gave Sol a comforting hand on his shoulders. Naruto had seen this on many the faces of genin before. When they finally lost their innocence.
Sol just stood there, his face as white as a sheet and his hands trembling.
He looked at the phaser in his hand and dropped it like it was hot steel.
"I-I'm...a monster..."
"Says who?" Kurama scoffed.
"I-I... I just... k-killed him..."
"And he would have killed you and your buddies if you hadn't. What of it?"
"Kurama..." Naruto said calmly to get him to stop.
"No Kit. This guy joins the military and picks up a rifle to follow you and your comrades deep into enemy territory. Now he either pulls his weight or he wastes the ammo. Or did you think you could just spray laser fire everywhere and would get to say you contributed to the team without taking a life?" Kurama stated.
"You humans make me sick. You've always got to have an existential crisis about everything. Making taking a life, even when it's to save your own, seem like such a big deal. As if going your whole life without killing makes you pure or better than everyone else." Kurama walked over to one of the Tolmeekians who was left alive yet bleeding on the floor.
"You wanna know what it feels like to be a real killer? Use your own hands instead of a lucky shot." Kurama said as he clamped his jaw around the snake man's neck and ripped his throat out.
"Kurama! That's enough!" Naruto ordered.
Kurama looked over at his companion with a hunk of meat in his mouth. He spits it at the feet of the pilot. "You know I'm right..."
The pilot then threw up.
"You are right, but that was going too far." Naruto scolded.
"Well I'm not about to trust my rear flank to a soldier that can't take a life. He can grow some balls or he can head back to the HQ." Kurama stated.
"Well that's not your decision to make. I say if he can stay or not." Naruto said firmly.
"I'm actually with the fox on this one." A3 spoke up.
"Regardless. I'm going to take him aside to talk to him."
"No, no... that won't be necessary, sir..." Sol replied shakily.
"You sure you're okay?" Naruto asked.
"I'm fine. More importantly they're right. I've got no right to complain while everyone else is risking their lives like this." Sol shook off his nervousness and Naruto could see budding determination.
"Good to hear. Now let's move."
That's when they heard the static of the comms. "Lieutenant Uzumaki this is Bravo Team leader Adams, come in."
"Alpha team. What's your status?" Naruto asked.
"Sir, we are being overwhelmed back here on the left flank! Snakes regrouped over here! Charlie was all but wiped out by the time we got here! We need reinforcements!"
"Who is left of Team Charlie?" Naruto asked, afraid of the answer.
"One is dead. Two are critically wounded. And the last one is missing." Adams reported as explosion fired off some distance away.
"What of Ballard?"
"He's dead, sir."
"Fuck..." Naruto cursed.
"A3 and A4, go help them out. Sol, you join them." Naruto ordered.
"Yes sir!" 3 and 4 shouted. Sol kept quiet, but followed after them.
"What about us?" Kurama asked.
"You and I are going to stick to the plan." Naruto said firmly before tapping his combadge. "Strike team to Enterprise."
"Go ahead." Picard responded.
"How far away is the Tolmeekians ground troops?"
"Mr. Worf?" Picard asked.
"They are about an hour away from your position." Worf informed.
"What is the status of the space battle?" Naruto asked.
"The last of the Tolmeekian ships have either been destroyed or fled. But the Enterprise is heavily damaged and we are too busy with repairs and-"
"Is Sakura-chan okay?!" Naruto exclaimed in worry.
"Yes, she's safe." Picard replied.
Naruto breathed a massive sigh of relief.
"I wish she was here. We have two critically wounded men and one KIA." Naruto reported.
Naruto heard a deep sigh from Picard. "Unfortunately, we can't even send anyone right now. We're adrift at the moment. No propulsion, no transporters and the shuttle bays were hit. We still have life support, but in all sense of the term, we're dead in the water."
"We'll make do. Can you keep me up to date on the Tolmeekians troop movement?"
"Will do, Naruto. Picard out."
Naruto turned off his comms and dropped down into his meditative stance. Kurama knew that Naruto was attempting to enter Sage mode and began to secure the area.
Inside Naruto's mind he felt all the fleeting life pulses of the world. The frantic actions of the men and aliens fighting outside the walls to the tiniest of organic lifeforms clinging to the last remaining handfuls of untampered earth.
"Strike team, this is Captain Harrison of the USS Prometheus."
Naruto opened his eyes to reveal his now rectangular pupils and answered the comms. "This is Strike Team Leader Lieutenant Uzumaki, go ahead."
"Uzumaki, section C of the Prometheus is on route to your location with a drop team of 50 troops. They will be at your disposal when they arrive." Captain Harrison informed.
"F-fifty hands?!" Naruto sputtered.
"Affirmative. The ground forces to your location are in the hundreds and you need every man available."
"It's just what I wanted for Christmas. How'd you know?" Naruto smiled.
"I checked the list twice and read your letter sent to me from Picard. Merry Christmas." Harrison joked back.
"All kidding aside, those men come with medics? I've got at least two men injured and god knows how many among the Klingons." Naruto stated.
"We are a war vessel so our medical staff is limited. However, the medical ships Phoenix and Pasteur are en route as we speak."
"Send what you can. Securing the fort takes priority over fighting off the Secondary Tolmeekian Battalion."
"Understood. The most I can spare for medical is 3 men so you'll have to make do."
"More than I was expecting. I'll have my team secure the LZ. When can I expect my present?"
"5 minutes. The Prometheus can separate into 3 ships, fully armed and capable of warp. the third section will be arriving soon so keep an eye out for her."
"Shit, come on Kurama!" Naruto shouted as he began double timing it back up to the HQ. Kurama looked confused and then followed after him.
"That's cutting it close. My men are already engaged in a firefight on the left flank." Naruto said into his comms.
"Understood, I'll have Section C do a strafing run against those troops."
"Negative! I've got a MIA buried in the rubble. I can dig him out, but I need time." Naruto said.
"Understood. You'll see the ship when it arrives, Harrison out."
"Thanks Captain. My boys will sure appreciate it. Uzumaki out." Naruto said as he ducked through a door.
"What was that about rubble and MIA?!" Kurama called out as he ran behind Naruto.
"Captain Harrison was gonna have the C section of his ship strike the area, but there is one of our own missing there."
"How do you know? Senjutsu?"
"Yup. I felt a faint life force slightly below where the rest of the troops are fighting. Ergo, someone injured and under rubble."
"Huh... Well, then let's go get him."
"My thoughts exactly!" Naruto shouted as he leapt atop Kurama's back.
Kurama poured on the speed, quickly weaving around corners and debris in the hallways.
Meanwhile outside the HQ. Bravo, half of Alpha, and the weary Klingon forces were desperately holding back an all-out assault from the Tolmeekians from atop a two story pile of rubble.
"I don't think we can keep this up much longer." A4 said.
"Just keep shooting!" A3 shouted.
It was in that moment that more of the Tolmeekians started reinforcing their numbers. Now the squads were completely overwhelmed.
"Shit..." A3 cursed. "We need to fall back."
"Belay that!" Ensign Adams ordered. "We need to hold until Lieutenant Uzumaki arrives!" Adams then shot two snake men in the chest before ducking underneath a hail of phaser fire.
"Yes sir!" A4 replied.
That was when they heard something they didn't expect.
"RASENSHURIKIN!" Yelled a voice behind them as a flying blue orb with spinning blades flew past them and sliced the offending Tolmeekians to shreds.
The officers all took a moment to look back and gaze upon the hero of the Enterprise, their leader Naruto Uzumaki.
"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, unleashing a stampede of 500 clones against the remaining Tolmeekian forces. The phaser fire began to concentrate away from the officers and towards the clones, giving Naruto's men some time to breathe.
"Man, you're a sight for sore eyes." Scott said.
"Good to see you too. I hope you all have been good this year!" Naruto called out for all to hear.
"Good as ever, but these guys are jealous." Scott said
"Well they are gonna be even more jealous when Santa the red clad ninja flies in and delivers us 50 men worth of reinforcements directly from the USS Prometheus!" Naruto said.
"Are you serious?! That's great news!" Adams said.
"Speaking of which..." Kurama said as he pointed to the ship above them.
The men and the Klingons all cheered at the sight of the large Starfleet dropship.
"Bravo team, go secure the LZ and greet our reinforcements. Alpha, reinforce the defenses here to get ready for their next assault wave." Naruto ordered as he made his way to a pile of rubble halfway down the hill.
The bottom section of the Prometheus outstretched its landing struts and touched down, the ventral phaser array firing at the Tolmeekian troops that tried to get close.
A ramp outstretched from the front and an entire platoon of troops marched out.
"Lieutenant Uzumaki? The 31st- OOMPHF!" The military officer tried to salute but was pushed aside when Naruto ran past him to get to this specific pile of rubble.
"Don't just stand there! There is one of my men down here!" Naruto called out. "Secure the area!" Naruto shouted as he made several more Shadow Clones to help him left one of the rocks.
"Yes sir!" The troops responded and broke formation to help secure the area.
Naruto's clones meanwhile frantically began digging into the rubble throwing head sized boulders away with reckless abandon.
'He's down here somewhere. I can feel it.'
"Incoming!" One of the reinforcements shouted as a new wave of Tolmeekians broke through the line of Shadow Clones.
'Damn it, not now!' Naruto thought as he felt the phaser fire impacting on the massive boulder he was lifting up.
"Return fire!" The platoon commander ordered.
The men fired on the approaching line and the battle began anew.
Naruto meanwhile was feeling the laser bolts growing closer with each passing second. "Come on, come on..." Naruto grunted as his clones continued to dig under fire. One of the clones lifted up a secondary boulder and saw the unconscious head of an Enterprise crew man.
"Boss, I found him!" He yelled.
"Get him out fast and retreat!"
"On it!" The clone yelled just before an explosion went off to the side, ripping through all of Naruto's clones and peppering his right side with shrapnel.
"Fuck!" Naruto buckled under the injury but kept his feet grounded and his hold on the boulder steady.
Naruto opened his left eye (something felt wrong with his right one) and saw that all of his Shadow Clones were destroyed.
"Shit, now what?!" He shouted. That's when he heard someone sliding down the rubble behind him. At first Naruto thought that it was Kurama, but instead it was...
"Pilot?" Naruto said as the young Sol rushed past him and dived into the hole Naruto's clones had made.
"I got him!" Sol shouted from down in the hole.
"Can you carry him?!" Naruto yelled.
"Yes sir!" Sol replied.
"Then grab him and haul ass!"
"Already ahead of you!" Sol replied as he climbed out of the hole with the unconscious man and ran as fast as he could.
"Covering fire!" A4 shouted as she poured on the phaser fire against the Tolmeekian horde.
Naruto ran with Sol and tapped his combadge. "Lieutenant Uzumaki to Prometheus!"
"Go ahead."
"I have one severally injured man here that needs immediate medical attention!"
"Understood. Medical squad is en route."
Naruto picked up the other side of the injured man to help carry him back inside their base. The sounds of battle began to drown out along with the occasional explosion that Naruto instinctively knew came from Kurama's tailed beast bomb.
"Clear a table!" Naruto shouted to the reserve Starfleet forces getting ready to relieve their comrades.
A table was quickly cleared off and Naruto and Sol gingerly laid their injured comrade on the table.
"Shit... He looks bad..." Naruto cursed.
'Where is Sakura-chan when you need her?'
'On maternity leave?'
'Kinda rhetorical!' Naruto thought as the onsite medic came over to inspect the patient.
"I don't think there is anything I can do for him." She said as she scanned the poor man with her tricorder.
"There is someone who can..." Naruto said before tapping his combadge. "Uzumaki to Enterprise."
"Go ahead." Picard replied.
"Sir, I need Sakura here now. I have a dying man here and the medics can't do anything for him."
"Lieutenant Haruno is on maternity leave. You know this." Picard replied.
"I know! But she is the only one that can save this man's life!"
"That might be the case, but I can't transport her to you. The ship is still undergoing repairs and I'm not about to send a pregnant woman into the middle of a war zone."
"Then put her on a video conference or something! I need her to take a look and see what this other medic missed!" Naruto exclaimed.
Picard sighed. "Mr. Worf... Patch Sakura in on this."
"Aye sir." Worf replied.
In Sakura's room, her screen came on with a view of Naruto looking directly at her.
"N-Naruto?"
"Sakura-chan listen-"
"Oh my God! What happened to your face?!" Sakura interrupted. Naruto's right side had been littered with tiny bits of hot metal and stone. Making his skin look like he was repeatedly pounded on with a meat tenderizer. Coupled with the fresh cuts leaking blood, he looked like something out of Sakura's nightmares.
"Don't worry about me, there is someone here who is in far worse shape." Naruto said firmly as the screen changed to a guy laying on the table.
"Oh god... Get closer so I can see."
Naruto leaned the tablet closer and slowly waved it over the man's face and torso.
"I'm seeing see-saw motion in his chest. He's got a collapsed lung which would explain his labored breathing. The first thing you need to do is put a chest tube in to ease his breathing." Sakura instructed, now in full medic mode.
Naruto looked over at the only trained medic on site.
"Did you get all that?"
"Yes sir." The medic replied as she inserted a chest tube. Blood came out at first, but soon after the man was breathing better.
"Good. Now, check your tricorder for anymore internal injuries and I want a full readout of his vitals." Sakura ordered.
The medic on the other end did as she was told. "Ruptured spleen and torn liver. There are also extensive rib fractures."
"Shit... Give me his vitals."
"BP is 75 over 40, pulse is 180, respiration's are 28." The medic listed off.
"He's not gonna make it..." Sakura mused.
Naruto took the tablet back and stared into it. "Isn't there anything you can do?" He pleaded.
"Not from here I can't. He needs to be here for me to treat him properly." Sakura said sadly.
"How long?" Naruto asked an explosion rang outside.
"Minutes at best without proper care..."
"Shit, alright!" Naruto said as he handed Sol the tablet and reached for his combadge.
"Looks like Phase 2 will have to begin a little early." Naruto muttered before opening up his channel. "Attention all hands; Phase 2 will now commence! Kurama, you know what to do." Naruto ordered.
"About time." Kurama smirked.
"Everyone! Cover Kurama the fox! And don't freak out!" Naruto ordered.
"Yes sir!" The troops exclaimed, before stopping dead in their tracks when they watched Kurama increase in mass till he was as big as a mountain.
The Tolmeekians, even the ones that were still coming, stopped their charge and stared in awe and fear of Kurama's new form.
Kurama looked down at his prey and smirked. "Who dies first..." Kurama growled.
It is said that in every religious culture there is always a tale about the apocalypse. Some divine being or great storm that would descend from on high and bring about the destruction of the world. The inevitable end to all life as we know it. On that day, the Tolmeekians met the face of one such harbinger of death.
His limbs smashed into the ground like ancient trees, his tails whooshed gracefully through the air like the clouds of a great storm. They kicked up mighty gusts of wind that even the mighty Tolmeekian Battalion head for the fort felt its gusts cut into their skin and his roar chill them to their core. He loomed like something intangible and unstoppable.
For added effect, he unleashed a torrent of fires from his massive jaw. Igniting the skies and setting the fields surrounding the fort ablaze. It was a vision from Hell itself.
Back on the bridge of the Enterprise.
"Captain, you have to see this!"
"What is it, Ensign?" Picard asked.
"It's...it's...it's a monster, sir!" The Ensign had no other words for it. There was no other point of reference for it.
"What do you mean, a monster?" Picard asked.
"I'll put it on screen." The Ensign said as the main screen flashed over to the ship's bottom camera that had eyes on the skies for the ground battle.
Picard stood up from his chair in shock and awe. "Sweet Jesus..." he breathed out.
The fort had been obscured completely and all that could be seen was some massive beast of red fur with nine beautiful tails, two rabbit ears, and wearing a gigantic yellow Starfleet vest.
"Is that... Kurama...?" Riker asked in shock.
"It can't be...but his vest..." Worf stuttered.
"Captain. I believe I recall something about the tales of Element referencing such a creature bringing about the destruction of the leaf Village. It is referenced as a giant Fox with nine tails. I do believe that Karama is that demon." Data informed.
"That thing was sealed inside Naruto?" Picard breathed out.
"Astounding... Naruto is a true warrior..." Worf breathed out.
"He's something alright..." Troi spoke up.
"I think he was holding back during your fight, Worf." Riker said.
"How can something so massive exist?" Geordi asked no one in particular. "Its bones would have to be stronger than any known material."
"I think I know someone who can give us answers." Picard said firmly as he opened a communications channel. "Bridge to Lieutenant Haruno."
Back with Sakura, she was still holding up her tablet and walking the onsite medic through basic first aid when an unmistakable roar howled through the base and through the tablet's audio.
"What the FUCK was that?!" The medic cried.
"Phase 2 of my boyfriend's plan. Now focus!" Sakura barked.
"Bridge to Lieutenant Haruno." Picard spoke through Sakura's combadge.
"Lieutenant Haruno here. I'm kinda busy at the moment." Sakura replied.
"It can wait. Explain to me what Kurama really is." Picard ordered.
"It cannot. My patient needs a shuttle or a teleporter to this ship in the next 10 minutes or he is going to be in trouble."
"I'll send word to Captain Harrison of the Prometheus to get him aboard immediately. Now explain to me what's going on." Picard ordered again as he sent a message to Captain Harrison.
"Phase 2 of Naruto's plan. Kurama would take on his true form and scare the Tolmeekians away." Sakura explained.
"This... Is Kurama's true form...? How can something be so big?"
"I don't know. A lot of animals on our planet are oversized. Although Kurama is technically a sentient being made of chakra."
"So that's it... Then, his powers are truly limitless..." Picard said.
"Not anymore." Sakura replied.
"What do you mean?"
"Did I say that out loud? Shoot, it's not important, just that Naruto's powers aren't limitless."
"So then... His power is only as good as Naruto's... How long can he stay in that form?"
"As long as he wants. It is his original form." Sakura said simply.
"And this doesn't pose a threat to the ship, does it? Or our troops for that matter?"
This made Sakura hesitate. The doubt. Her greatest fears for Naruto stood on the precipice.
"I'd stake my life and my reputation as a medical doctor that Kurama poses no threat to anyone aboard this ship. Nor to anyone he considers his ally. If you can trust Naruto, you can trust Kurama."
"Very well... That's all I wanted to know. Picard out."
Sakura sighed then returned to her screen.
'Looks like the cat is out of the bag now.' Inner thought.
Author's Note from Panda: Hey guys, were back, kinda…
First off, were both ecstatic that you guys all still love this story. Even a month later we are still getting reviews here and there, plus the favs and follows count just keeps climbing. Here's to it staying that way.
Anyway, so we have a question for you guys. A few weeks back cmartin's files got corrupted which destroyed our copies of the next few chapters. In those chapters we had written that for reasons I can't remember, Sakura LOSES THE BABY.
So yeah, the loss of those files made us go back and rewrite some chapters, but not without reaching a disagreement on whether or not we should kill off the baby or not. I wanted to kill it off (god that sounds terrible) to free up Sakura for more missions, while cmartin wants to keep it so that we can have a narusaku family early on. We couldn't decide so now we want YOU the readers to be the tie breaker.
Same with Legacy of Heroes, you vote by telling us what you want in a review or through a PM (so that people don't think that we're fishing for reviews).
After a couple of chapters, we will tally up the votes. The side with the most votes or the most convincing argument will decide the fate of Naruto and Sakura's first child. (Cause lets be real, them having a kid was going to happen eventually in this story, this just feels too soon to me personally.)
So tell us what you want to see, should we go dark and edgy or keep things light and wholesome? Maybe you want to take things a step further and pick out a name for the kid?
Other than than, tell us what you thought of the chapter, what you'd like to see more of, or less of. We read all the reviews and we take constructive criticism seriously.
Thank you all and have a great day.