REBIRTH OF THE LEAF – VOICES IN HIS HEAD
The Hidden Leaf Village
A group of just over one hundred approaches the outskirts of the new hidden leaf village. This is the group who have recently been found by the hidden leaf's Ino-Shika-Cho formation. Around one hundred survivors from the Hidden Sand village, led by the only shinobi in their midst, Shikadai's cousin and the 6th Kazekage, Shinki of the Kazekage clan.
The group has had a tough time during the extended period of conflict. In the desolate regions of the Land of Wind, there is very little water to drink and next to no sources to obtain food from. It is only because of the hard work and dedication of the 6th Kazekage that they have been able to survive throughout this time. For these people, who have had to endure so much more than any of their predecessors, it was perhaps the greatest relief they had ever felt when they reunited with the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf.
As the citizens of the Hidden Sand approach the edge of the Hidden Leaf, they find a crowd waiting for them, a result of Inojin alerting the village ahead of their arrival. Following the 4th great shinobi war, freedom of movement between the various villages increased, many people left the Cloud to live in the Rock for example. Many of the Leaf villagers gathered had relatives in the Sand, they are all eager to see if their family is amongst the small group of survivors. One such person rushes to the front of the crowd. Temari.
Temari runs ahead of the crowd and throws her arms around Shinki, her nephew. "Shinki" she whispers as a tear rolls down her cheek.
It has been years since Temari last had any contact with the village of her birth, the village where she was raised. Rasa's only daughter left the village despite being a member of the Kazekage clan, instead deciding to raise Shikadai in the hidden leaf, alongside Shikamaru. Temari, more than any migrant, had many connections in her home village after leaving. For years she had been a pillar of the village that many people had relied on, someone who had helped many people and supported Gaara during the transitional period in which he became the Kazekage. To see survivors, even just one hundred of them, is a joyous surprise, especially for her.
Reciprocating the hug, Shinki tries his best not to be overcome with emotion. "It's good to see you too, Aunt Temari".
As the nephew-aunt duo step away from one another, Temari asks a question out of hope alone. "Your father and your uncle".
Shinki's smile leaves his face and is replaced by a more sombre expression, as he shakes his head it confirms Temari's fears. "We fought a furious battle against the invaders, but we couldn't win" he begins, "Dad told me to take the few surviving villagers and to run".
Gaara and Konkuro had died during the invaders' attack.
It is what Temari had expected, there were even the occasional rumours that Gaara had fought against a Colonel and almost won but it is still painful to hear about her brothers' death. There is always the small consolation for her, that they died as shinobi worthy of the Hidden Sand Village, that they died so that the villagers may live. No matter how few it is, no matter how insignificant the results may have seemed at the time, some villagers have survived. Just like Konohamaru in his role as Hokage, Gaara will be remembered for his act of self-sacrifice as Kazekage, as will Konkuro.
During his last moments, unbeknownst to any of his fellow shinobi, Gaara had prayed. He had prayed for an end to the threat the invaders posed. When he prayed, in his mind he had a scenario he had hoped would play out. He had hoped that the world's strongest duo, Naruto and Sasuke would fight together once again, for he believed that only together would the two of them be able to win against this enemy.
As it happened, even together, an elderly Naruto and Sasuke had not been able to defeat General Clyde. It took a miraculous technique from Uchiha Sarada to do that. A miraculous technique that would summon Naruto from the past, a youthful Naruto at his full strength. Only when Naruto got even stronger still was he able to beat Clyde by the skin of his teeth. Regardless, in his last moments, Naruto was the one that Gaara pinned his hopes upon, and the loud blonde shinobi had come good.
"It's my disgrace as Kazekage, but I am the only surviving shinobi of the Hidden Sand" Shinki explains.
"I see" Temari smiles awkwardly, finally hearing the confirmation that her siblings have died, "Still, I'm lucky just to be able to see you again Shinki, it is more than I could have ever asked for".
"And I you, my aunt".
Nodding, Temari turns from her nephew to her son, "Shikadai, the Hokage Summit… The Circle, they're waiting for the two of you".
"OK" Shikadai smiles as he takes on board the new name for the Hokage's gathering. He left his father with a list of things to go over with the Hokage and it seems that once again, Nara Shikamaru has not let the village down.
"The Circle?" Shinki repeats the name in a questioning manner.
Shikadai told Shinki a basic series of recent events on the way back to the Hidden Leaf but had no time to go into details. "The Circle is a new name, it's a government system that we have created, it was necessitated by the Hokage of the past coming to the future".
Shinki shakes his head as a small smile creeps onto his face. "I still can't get used to that idea". The Hokage of the past are legendary figures, prominent in the minds of many, even those who don't reside within the leaf. The Hokage had returned during the 4th great shinobi war to save the world. Since then, the Hokage of the present have continued to build upon the excellent reputation they have established. There is not a single shinobi who doesn't know the tales of their strength.
"Come on, Lord 6th Kazekage" Shikadai grins, switching to the use of a formal title, "You have a right to attend this meeting too".
Before turning to his aunt, "Aunt, will you look after the villagers".
"Of course, we have already begun to set up some temporary accommodation" she declares as she hands a key to Shinki, "Yours is the one at the end, you can use this key to get in after you finish your meeting".
Shinki offers his gratitude to Temari before departing with Shikadai, moving towards the centre of the newly established village, moving towards The Circle.
ChouChou approaches her teammates mother and pats her on the back to perk her up. She had been expecting her siblings to be dead but it is never easy to have it confirmed. "At least we have some good news, right, Lady Temari?".
"Yeah" Temari smiles.
'Gaara, Konkuro, you sacrificed your life for these villagers. I promise that I will do my best to look after them'.
The Circle
Entering, Shinki falls all the eyes in the room rest on him. A group of people each of whom don't seem real to him, a group of people that he grew up hearing stories about. Still, there are three people in the room who he is definitely comfortable with. Two more to add to the list that so far only features Shikadai, his own cousin. These two are, of course, Sarada and Boruto. Not only two people that he has worked with several times in the past, but two people that he considers to be his friends, familiar and welcome faces.
"We're here" Shikadai declares their arrival as he walks to the centre of the table, the position which he uses to dictate the flow of conversation.
"Welcome Shinki" Sarada smiles to her old acquaintance.
Shikadai is quick to realise that Shinki is an unknown to the majority of the Hokage, he sets about introducing him. "Everyone, this is Shinki of the Kazekage clan, he is the 6th Kazekage".
"We have set aside a chair for you" Sarada says as she gestures to the chair on her left. It has only been added recently, when they received word that Shinki would be arriving. The Kazekage's position is to the left of Sarada and the right of Hashirama, a figure whose story he is quite familiar with.
"Thank you, Sarada". Smiling warmly, Shinki takes the seat to her right and sits on it in a comfortable position.
Shinki's head drifts to the right, looking at the blonde-haired man two positions to the right of Sarada. Just past Boruto is a man who looks just like him, easily the youngest person sat at the table. 'I couldn't believe it before but it really is that man' he says in his head, 'My father always spoke about how he saved him, how he was the greatest shinobi that he knew. It's the man who ended the 4th great war. Uzumaki Naruto'.
Hashirama stares vacantly at Shikadai in the centre of the table but mentally he is taking notes on Shinki, his strength, his aura, his character and his demeanour. 'This is the latest Kazekage, the 6th Kazekage. He's impressive, his chakra is something to behold'.
Shikadai picks up a set of notes from a compartment on the inside of the table. The notes have his name marked on them so he makes the logical assumption that they are notes from his father to him, notes about how The Circle's meetings should proceed from here.
"First thing is first, we have an absence note from the 5th Hokage" Shikadai says as he lifts the paper just high enough that he can read it will maintaining an appropriate speaking position. "Lord 5th has gone to the Shikkotsu Forest, alongside Dan and Mitsuki". With this absence note, Lady Tsunade has become the first absentee from any of these meetings, something that was untenable initially but is now perfectly acceptable.
"I feel that because this meeting is unusual, we should first bring Lord Kazekage up to speed on what is happening", Shikadai gestures to Boruto as he finishes, "Lord Shadow 9th, if you would please detail your experiences to Lord Kazekage, we would be grateful".
That is exactly what Boruto does. Once more he recounts his experience of finding a portal, of distracting Mirai while he went through to have a look and of the terrifying thing he saw on the inside. On the other side of the portal, he saw a General, who obliterated soldiers upon seeing him just to intimidate him. Boruto explains how this experience of his has inspired the Hidden Leaf to adopt their current plan of action before stopping to see if Shinki has taken it all in.
"I see" Shinki nods while scratching his chin, "So they really aren't of this world".
"It's to that end that we are searching for the portal so that we can destroy it" Boruto reiterates as he looks at Shinki around Sarada, "If we can destroy it, it should prevent the General and his followers asking for reinforcements".
The Kazekage is stunned for a moment, "Asking for reinforcements?".
"Yeah" Naruto nods, "The last thing we want is to fight again".
THUD!
Shinki slams both his palms into the table as he gets to his feet, pushing the chair he was sat on back along the floor a short distance. Fury is clear on his face as he yells at the Hokage of The Circle, "I thought you said that you defeated them!".
"We did" Shikadai declares as he looks cautiously at his cousin.
"And you let them live!". In his rage, Shinki has brought up an issue that has been debated before between the members of The Circle. Just like him, Hashirama and Boruto have adopted this approach to the problem, believing that instead of forgiving the invaders, they should instead kill them as a precaution.
"Of course, we let them live" Naruto smiles as if Shinki isn't shouting, "Clyde is a good man at heart".
"A good man" Shinki goes quiet for a moment as he contemplates what Naruto has just said. It's as if he cannot believe the words he is hearing. A good man, after all he has done? "Almost my entire village has been slaughtered by him. That's unforgiveable".
"I'm the only one amongst us who is capable of killing him" Naruto reminds Shinki of their predicament, "I have decided to forgive him".
"Lord 7th…" Shinki breathes out as he clenches his fist and grinds his teeth. "Who left the decision to you anyway, how was it your place to decide if they are forgiven or not. Surely it is up to the shinobi of today, those of us who suffered under their assault, to decide whether they are forgiven or not".
An awkward silence descends upon The Circle. Shinki has brought up the first constitutional issue of this governmental system. If you look at who has suffered most at the hands of the General, it would be the people who want them dead. Shinki who has lost his entire family. Boruto who lost the men and women that he was leading into battle. Hashirama who lost his wife to an unstoppable poison. It is arguable, that those who suffer are being overruled by those who haven't, is this acceptable?
'This guy sure likes to talk' Kakashi notes as he glances leftwards at his student, 'So, what do you think about that, Naruto?'.
Sarada is the one to break the silence. "As it happens, I am the Hokage of today and I agree with Lord 7th".
"Everyone, please calm down, we have The Circle so we can make these decisions with a collective opinion" Shikadai reminds the others. Seeing that a fight was about to break out, he highlights the very purpose of The Circle, to poll the opinion of the various leaders gathered, "Lord Kazekage suggests that we kill the invaders. Please raise your hand if you agree".
Boruto looks sideways at Sarada with a knowing look. Sarada nods in reply. It's a silent message between the two of them that they are to abstain from this vote as their opinions differ on the subject. Boruto wants to kill. Sarada wants to spare. These differing opinions are the reflected wisdom inspired by the system of having a Hokage and a shadow Hokage.
In conclusion, two people vote to kill.
Hashirama and Shinki.
Five people vote not to kill.
Tobirama, Hiruzen, Minato, Kakashi and Naruto.
"The decision is clear" Shikadai announces, "We will not kill the invaders unless there is a change in circumstances that calls for another vote".
For the remainder of the meeting, Shinki adopts a more silent, depressed attitude. Naturally, the result has put him in a poor position. He has only just arrived and already he has a fundamental disagreement with the Leaf.
'This man, he is consumed by his own desire for vengeance' Hashirama notes as he looks sideways at Shinki, 'Unlike Boruto and I, his thoughts are not for the deceased but instead are for himself. Still, he may prove useful'.
Outside the Circle
Following Shinki's first attendance of The Circle, he meets with his cousin Shikadai. Outside the building that houses the village's government, the two of them gather just out of earshot from the other Kage.
"Is that the system of government you created Shikadai" he asks.
"Yeah".
"I'm disappointed" Shinki admits as he avoids eye contact, "It seems that today, those who have suffered have been outvoted by those who haven't". If Shikadai was unsure before, he is now certain that his cousin is holding a grudge. It's understandable, after what Shinki has had to endure, losing his father, his uncle and nearly his entire village, a thirst for payback is inevitable. "I won't soon forget what I have seen here today" he finishes as he begins to walk away.
The distance between the two increases, their backs face each other as Shikadai calls out with one more thing to say. "I think you are forgetting something, Shinki".
Neither turn around but at a distance of ten meters they can hear one another. Eye contact isn't necessary, their words alone are enough.
"Those who suffered weren't outvoted by those who haven't today".
"They were outvoted by the heroes who saved them".
Shinki resumes his walk away, heading in the direction of the temporary residences his aunt informed him about earlier. "Maybe" he mutters.
One fact remains present in Shikadai's mind. It has done ever since The Circle first gathered. Each member of that gathering is a giant. Each Hokage has made great contributions towards their survival. Whether it's training, fighting, healing or even offering a much-needed word of encouragement, each of them has done something that he has never succeeded in. Each one of them has had a hand in saving the village.
They are the giants he admires. The giants he aspires to be. The giants who saved them.
They are not those who have not suffered. They are the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Also Outside the Circle
From a nearby vantage point, two eagle-eyed shinobi watch the departing Shinki with fascination. These are of course, the Hidden Leaf's most gifted shinobi of today, Sarada and Boruto. Using the Rinnegan and Tenseigan respectively, they are able to discern the mood of Shinki as he leaves. Neither eye makes him seem forgiving, both eyes make him seem like a problem.
"Well, what do you think" Sarada asks.
"I may want the invaders killed but my desire is different from Shinki's" Boruto suggests, "I want to carry on the will of my deceased subordinates, he only thirsts for his own revenge".
"I agree".
Boruto's subordinates of many battles died fighting the unprecedented threat posed by General Clyde and his Colonels. Once he even woke up surrounded by their corpses, one of the most damaging moments of his life. During that fight, his fellow shinobi ceased to think, instead the acted-on instinct and attacked their opponents like their life depended on it. When you lose your ability to think and instead act on instinct, perhaps it is then that your true desires manifest. If that is the case, Boruto's subordinates all truly wished-for Clyde's death.
"Sarada" Boruto whispers, such that it is barely audible.
"What is it?".
"Don't let me become like that" he begs with a wavering voice, "Don't let me lose myself in my own thirst for vengeance".
"I won't" Sarada replies as she places a hand on Boruto's shoulder, "I promise".
Shinki's Temporary Residence
Shinki walks in and closes the door behind him. A quick look around tells him that there is nobody else there with him. He falls to his knees and his neck twitches a few times.
"I knew it!" he shouts into the vacant space before him, "I knew it! I knew it! I knew they wouldn't understand!".
"I told you as much, didn't I Shinki?". Shinki flinches for a moment before accepting its presence. It is not the first time he has heard this voice, a deep masculine voice that echoes twice or thrice every time it speaks.
A voice in his head.
"Those damn fools from the past" he curses as he punches the wall, just gently enough that it doesn't leave a dent, "They are trying to stop my justice, they are trying to stop my father's revenge".
"Then we will have to do it ourselves".
"I'll go back to that place. Yes. That place" Shinki repeats the saying several times as if it makes it more likely to come true, "Then not even he can stop me. We'll kill the invaders. We'll kill them all".
"That's the way Shinki, don't let anybody stand in your way" the voice encourages him, "Being ruthless is the key to your survival".
"The Hidden Leaf Village… Lord 7th..." he lists the names with disdain laced in his voice, "They will pay for trying to stop me".
Author Note:
Hello Again.
I would like to address a few things.
I understand that the decision for Gaara to have died may be unpopular. I also understand that the decision for Shinki to have these antagonistic qualities may also be unpopular. However, I feel both decisions are necessary for the story I want to tell in part 4. Additionally, seeing as this part 4 has been added to my plan for the whole story after completing the plan for what is now part 5, I can't make any radical changes that would alter the overall plot significantly.
Sorry if you were hoping to see Gaara and Konkuro again. I'm afraid that would interfere with the overall plot too much.
As always, thanks for reading,
Cbehrills