Author Note:
Hi Everyone,
I want to make it clear before you read any further that the invaders' power will continue to be an important part of this story.
Control of the elements will be used largely to enhance the original fighting styles of the characters. E.g. Naruto still fights in an almost identical way, he just enhances each of his attacks with 'life'.
If you strongly object to this, you may not want to read any further, don't say I haven't warned you.
If you keep on reading though, thank you, I hope you enjoy Part 5 - War Never Ends.
Thanks,
Cbehrills
WAR NEVER ENDS – 3 YEARS LATER
The Circle, 3 Years Later
Shikadai smiles for a moment as he looks around him, in this moment everything seems right. In these 3 years, he has consolidated the power he came to understand while fighting Jashin, in these 3 years, he has earnt his place. He is surrounded by the most elite shinobi in history, by Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Naruto, by Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hatake Kakashi. Previously he had always believed that he was too weak to stand in the same room as these people, too pathetic to engage with them. That is no longer true though, he deserves to be here, he is their administrator.
It has become normal in these meetings to discuss relatively mundane issues compared to what they used to. For three years, ever since the Jashin incident, they have enjoyed peace and all the perks that come with it. Guarded by Tsunade and protected by Boruto, the peace has been sustained and not a single attack has come from Clyde or his invaders. This is what they have been fighting for, this is a victory, if only a small one.
"OK, let's move onto the next item on the agenda" Shikadai smiles as he looks away from the various Kage. Looking down at his clipboard, a certain subject, particularly relevant to today's meeting, is next. "As you will notice, you have all been required to attend the Circle today".
"That's been pleasantly rare lately" Hiruzen notes, causing a chuckle to pass through the room.
"Yes, it has been good" Shikadai admits. "However, there is of course a reason why you must all be present for this discussion, it's something I'm sure we all know about. We are here to hold talks about the success of our new shinobi academy".
The shinobi academy was first proposed three years ago, a school through which not only ninjutsu would be taught but also the power used by the invaders. It was created to breed a new line of defence, a new generation of warriors who could fight should war ever return to this world.
"May I say a few words?" Shinki politely asks as he rises to his feet.
His cousin smiles, three years ago Shinki was admitted back to the Circle having betrayed many of his friends in the village. It is good to see that he is a fully functional member, not only of the village, but of this governmental body as well. "Lord Kazekage" Shikadai gestures for Shinki to continue.
"I would like to say thank you to each one of you for the efforts you have put forward in setting up this academy" Shinki praises. "This has been a joint project between our two villages, it has involved a few children from the Hidden Sand and many from the Hidden Leaf".
"Don't worry about it" Sarada smiles as she waves her hand dismissively, "Our villages sharing an academy is the only sensible thing to do".
The Hidden Sand had only one surviving shinobi in the war, the Kazekage himself. Other than that, the only survivors were a small group of civilians, largely consisting of adults. The lack of children and shinobi from the Sand meant that even if they had wanted to set up their own academy, it would be impossible to do so.
"Yes, I know but what I wish to praise is how welcoming and accommodating you have been. The children of the Sand have settled in well and are having fun in their studies". The Kazekage recites these reviews with a smile on his face. Shinki is responsible for a very small group of civilians and talks to them frequently enough to know them each on a first-name basis. "To that end, I would like to thank the Leaf on behalf of the Sand. Thank you".
"Thanks for that Lord Kazekage" Shikadai begins, "And while it's a speech we have all heard several hundred times before…". He is interrupted by a brief bout of laughter before he continues, "I'm sure that it does us some good to be reminded of it once again".
"Is there anyone else who wants to say anything about the academy?".
"I have a few words" Hiruzen raises his hand.
"Lord 3rd" Shikadai motions in Hiruzen's direction with his clipboard.
"I don't have much to say on the matter but I'm sure we all wish to make known our gratefulness towards Kato Dan". Upon hearing this from Hiruzen, each member of the Circle nods their agreement, as they often do when he speaks. "Dan was the second amongst us to discover how to use the invaders' power".
Three years ago, in the short period between the captained six contest and the Jashin incident. That was the time in which Dan became the second member of the village to understand an element. After Uzumaki Naruto had come to an understanding about 'life', he was the next do so. A stone tablet descended in his inner world, bearing the world of 'fire'.
The 3rd Hokage continues. "Since we asked for his help, he has thrown himself into his teaching role and while we have yet to have any students make a breakthrough in our academy, I think his efforts have not gone to waste".
Once again, there is a unanimous nodding around the room.
"So, given that, Lord 5th, if you would pass on our regards, we would be most grateful".
Tsunade, who lives with Dan is also happy to hear the words of praise for her partner. As the 5th Hokage she knows just how important the work is that Dan is doing and as his partner, she knows just how hard he is working at it. "I will pass it on".
Shikadai begins to read some notices about the academy and its current activities. "As most of you know, the academy is on a field trip and will return at the end of week. Not only is Headmaster Kato on this trip, he is being accompanied by our military leader, Sarutobi Mirai".
"Mirai has proven herself to be asset time after time since we first begun our battle for freedom" recalls the laid-back voice of Hatake Kakashi, who has remained largely silent in this meeting. "I think we should also make known our appreciation for her efforts to protect us against all comers. Efforts that have put her on a level few shinobi have ever been able to reach".
"I will pass on your kind words the next time I see her" Shikadai replies. "OK, has anyone else got anything to say about the field trip?".
Tobirama answers the call, "It makes me nervous whenever children leave the village. Will it really be OK?".
"It's OK" Naruto quickly replies with a smile, "Mirai and Dan are both strong, nothing bad can happen while they're out there".
"I suppose you're right" the 2nd Hokage admits before going silent.
Shikadai looks to his left and his right before making one final check that there are no other people who wish to comment. When he gets no reply, he calls an end to the meeting. "OK, I think that is all we need go through today. Meeting adjourned".
Outside, After the Meeting
Shinki approaches Shikadai and pats him on the back to draw his attention. "Good work today, cousin".
"Thank you" Shikadai grins as he puts on his coat and turns around to face the Kazekage. "It's a lot easier than it was at the start".
"My lack of violent outbursts may contribute to that" Shinki admits. It was a dark time for Shinki when he first joined the Circle. He was indeed prone to outbursts, the first of them when he found out that Uzumaki Naruto had let the invaders live after defeating them. Following what happened to his father, his uncle and the rest of his villagers, this outburst seemed logical at the time but that wasn't the true reason. The true reason was the intervention of Jashin.
"It certainly helps" Shikadai admits, "but unlocking this power". He concentrates the power of 'darkness' onto his hand. "It drove home that there is always hope, you can always become strong, you can always bridge the gap, no matter what".
"You're not the only one, Shikadai" Shinki I sighs as he thinks back to the Jashin incident, "I may not be like I was that day with Jashin but I'm getting stronger too, we all are. It's like destiny changed the day the Hokage came to the future".
"I know what you mean" the Circle's administrator nods. Unlike Shinki he was there that day, he felt the wave of hope, he felt the surge of elation envelop the Hidden Leaf when they first saw Naruto and the others return. "It's probably a psychological effect but ever since that day I've felt people's powers growing faster than ever before".
Shinki nods, contemplating this for a moment before making an offer. "Want to come to mine for dinner?".
"Sounds good".
With that agreed, the cousins leave.
They are not the only ones to have conversations after leaving the circle. Family members often speak to one another after leaving the circle. The Kazekage Clan, the Senju clan, the Uzumaki clan, each of these famous clans has at least two members who contribute to the decision-making process.
Naruto strikes up a conversation with his father Minato. "Dad".
"Hey Naruto, how are you doing?".
"Not bad". Having answered, the 7th Hokage quickly shakes his head and smiles, "No, I'm doing great actually, I'm doing really, really good".
Minato chuckles to himself, "What's inspired this good mood. You're always energetic and optimistic but today you seem particularly cheerful".
"You know me, I like to smile when I can" Naruto admits as he begins patting his rumbling stomach, "Especially when I'm eating ramen, which may have something to do with my happiness".
"Don't tell me you've been sneaking out and eating extra food behind Hinata's back?".
"When Ayame offers, I just have to take her up on it" the Uzumaki clansmen confesses. "Please don't tell Hinata though".
"I won't" Minato honestly declares, "I can't promise the same for Kushina if she finds out though". Kushina has always insisted that the men in her family should behave more properly. Whether it is Minato, Naruto or Boruto, none of them can escape from her wrath if she catches them being dishonest or sneaking about.
This reminds the 7th Hokage of what he wanted to speak about. "Speaking of mom, will you two come around for dinner later. Hinata and I have got something to discuss and we want to do it with our family".
"We don't have any plans" Naruto's father happily replies, "I'm sure she will be delighted to visit you, as will I".
For much of the last three years, Naruto and Hinata have lived together. The two youngsters from the past have tried to make the best of a bad situation and be happy together. It is hard to maintain a relationship when your children from the future are monitoring you but they have worked hard to do just that and they have been happy for it.
"Great" Naruto smiles when he hears that his father is coming, "Boruto are you coming?".
The 7th Hokage believed his son was stood right behind him but that turns out not to be the case. He looks around, his eyes darting left and right as he searches for the incumbent Shadow Hokage. Eventually, he spots him, across the street, speaking with Sarada.
"Boruto!" Naruto shouts loudly, "Stop distracting my student and get over here, I have something to ask".
Boruto groans as he looks up from his feet and into Sarada's eyes. "Your master's calling me".
Sarada chuckles at Boruto's dejected behaviour. He has always been like this when it comes to his father. Even after Naruto had gained his respect as a child, Boruto had vowed to surpass him, to become a cool shinobi like Sasuke instead. This dejected behaviour is something Sarada has seen many times before, each time Boruto's power reached a new height, Naruto would do something that made it look trivial. It was like he was trying to climb a wall that he had never seen the top of before.
"Go on" Sarada nudges him, "I'll speak with you another time". She leaves.
Boruto runs across the road, ignoring the glances of the passing villagers. "Hi dad, do you have something to speak to me about?".
His father nods, "Hinata and I would like you to eat dinner with us tonight".
"A family dinner?".
Naruto confirms this. "Yes, Himawari will be there of course, so will Hanabi, my mom and dad will too".
"It sounds nice, I wouldn't miss it" Boruto replies, though Naruto detects something in his voice that resembles annoyance. "It's been too long since we've really spoken to each other".
"Yeah".
Boruto looks up into the sky, noting the orange tinge that is encapsulating not only the sky, but the land for as far as he can see. "Look at this, it's getting late in the day already. I've got to go but I will see you later".
"About nine o'clock".
"I will be there" Boruto replies as he leaves and waves to his father.
Boruto's House
Boruto walks in through the front door and closes it gently behind him. He takes off his black coat and hangs it on the hook beside the entrance to the house. He notes the many other coats there, including one that he had been expecting, one that confirms another person is in his house.
"I'm home!" he yells as he walks into the living room.
As he steps into the living room, he is anticipating a look. It's a look he receives. A glare.
A glare from Sarada.
'Nothing good ever happens when she looks at me like that'.
"You spoke with your father" Sarada asks as she continues to glare at her shadow Hokage. Boruto could swear that if her glare gets any harsher it would bore a hole through his forehead.
"Ye… yeah…" he mutters as he looks nervously towards the 9th Hokage.
"How did that go?".
"He invited me to dinner later" Boruto explains as he looks around the room, hoping that his eyes can rest anywhere other than on the woman before him. "He says it's important that we talk together as a family".
"So, he is saying the same things I am" Sarada observes. It is ironic to her, in a way that only she and Boruto can appreciate. "Do you think he knows?".
"Don't be ridiculous" Boruto smiles incredulously as he turns around. "The old man's as clueless as he has always been". Having said this he begins to laugh, fuelling his awkward laugh with his memories of Naruto's clumsy behaviour during his tenure as Hokage.
"Do you know what I think is ridiculous Boruto?".
Boruto stops laughing and turns his head nervously. He looks over his shoulder at the clearly enraged Sarada. It is a scary look, that glare. It is a look he has been conditioned to be afraid of, from seeing her mother cast it, from seeing it for years as her teammate, as her shadow Hokage and as more.
"We've been sneaking around for nearly three years now. Three years!" Sarada shouts as she gets to her feet and approaches Boruto.
Boruto shuffles backwards as she approaches, nervous that she may turn violent, just as her mother used to in these situations. "We've been together for three years and you still haven't told your father or anyone else about it, about us".
The day after Shinki was cleared of any wrongdoing is when it began. It began when Boruto returned to Sarada that day and they told one another how they truly felt about each other. It had been a weight of their shoulders, a great relief and a great joy all at the same time. Initially, they had agreed that it would be best to keep their relationship a secret, for worry of it being seen as compromising. Then, after a long while, Sarada began to change her mind, to feel that keeping their relationship secret wasn't important. Boruto agreed to tell his family but it kept getting put off. Whether it was birthdays, funerals, highs or lows, there had always been a reason to put telling Naruto off one more week.
"Well, if you're that eager you're welcome to tell him" Boruto offers.
"I'm not telling him, he's your father and it's embarrassing" Sarada admits.
"I… but… well he's your… yeah… yeah… you're right". Boruto stumbles through his words, looking for any excuse. He doesn't understand why he is so reluctant but he is. Regardless, he cannot find any excuse not to do it.
"This has got to stop now" Sarada resolutely declares, "Is that understood?".
"I always thought keeping it secret was quite fun" Boruto smirks.
Sarada's fist starts to wave angrily just in front of his nose. "Boruto!" she yells.
"Sorry, sorry, just a joke" he laughs as he waves his hands in front of his face. His laughter is a façade though, his true feelings are expressed by the sweat running down the length of his back. 'She is just like her mother when she is angry'.
Sarada sighs as she calms down. "It's not that I resent what we have shared over these last three years but…".
"But…".
"I want to be able to walk around together, I want to be able to walk home together" Sarada admits with a distant smile, "I want to stop hiding my chakra when we're here to avoid arousing suspicion. I want to hold your hand in public and not have to worry about people seeing us, just like your parents do".
Now it's Boruto's turn to sigh. "You know I want all of those things too".
"Then you're going to dinner later, there won't be any excuses this time, right?".
The shadow Hokage nods, "OK, I will tell him that we're together".
"Thank you" Sarada smiles.
Boruto rolls up his sleeves and walks towards the kitchen. "I'm going to go and prepare some food for you".
"You don't have to do that".
"No, it's alright, I want to".
Sarada watches him move towards the kitchen happily. "Hey Boruto".
"Yes?".
"I love you" she says.
"I love you too".
Author Note
Hi Again.
I'm back, almost, allow me to explain.
I have moved from one place to another recently and have had to work a lot harder than I was originally.
Combine this with the fact that part 5 will be the longest part of this story so far (~40 chapters) and it has taken me a long time to write.
The plan for Part 5 is over half done now, it is not complete but I felt bad seeing as I haven't written anything for this story for so long.
This is a one-off chapter, a teaser.
I am not returning to do all of part 5 just yet but I should be very soon.
Also, when I do I may not be able to maintain my former schedule as I have been very busy. I promise that I will try to though.
Thank you for understanding, see you soon,
Cbehrills