Author Note:
Hi Everyone,
Guess who is back.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for the very long delay in getting this chapter out. A combination of Christmas and having a huge amount of work to do has meant that I haven't been able to spend as much time writing. Combining that with the fact that part 5 is the longest section of this story so far, it has meant for a huge delay.
I still have a huge amount of work to do so I can't commit to my former schedule. However, I will try to at least get out two chapters a week as a minimum. I apologize for this and hope that work will permit me to return to my former schedule soon.
Part 5 has been planned in it's entirety now so there will be shorter delays between chapters.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of Part 5: War Never Ends.
Thanks,
Cbehrills
WAR NEVER ENDS – DECLARATION OF WAR
The Battlefield from 3 Years Ago
Standing atop the hill in this very spot is nostalgic for Kato Dan. The wind hasn't changed from 3 years ago. His hair flutters gently in the breeze as memories from the villages defining battle rush back into his mind. Memories of battles from Hokage, Shadow Hokage and military leaders. Memories of the battles fought by the greatest heroes in the village's history.
"Here it is" Dan says as he looks over the damaged countryside, "This is the great valley where we battled the invaders three years ago". Dan turns back to face his many young students as he continues his recollection. "I stood atop this hill, in almost this very spot and watched the battles take place".
The astonished looks on the faces of his students reminds Dan of why he loves teaching. Three years ago, he was asked to become the headmaster of the new academy, to use his talents to teach a new generation of shinobi how to manipulate both chakra and the power wielded by the invaders. At first, he had been reluctant but that changed soon after he began to teach. The first time he saw one of his students succeed he felt a rush of excitement, of pride not only in himself but that student. From that moment forward, he knew that he had to continue.
"This is where the 2nd Hokage revealed that he had become a jinchuriki".
One of the battles three years ago, Tobirama first declared to the world that he was now the jinchuriki for one of the three Kurama's in this world. When Mito had died, her brother-in-law and her former tailed-beast had reluctantly agreed to work together. They would fight together for the greater good and would overcome the strongest Colonel, Colonel Peterson.
"This is the place where the 6th Hokage unlocked the power left to him by his friend, Obito".
Another battle. With Mitsuki's help, Kakashi had found the last vestiges of Obito's chakra. Using that chakra, the Hokage from the past and Orochimaru's son managed to create a miracle. They transferred the power from Obito to Kakashi permanently.
"This is where the shadow 9th Hokage obtained the power of the Tenseigan".
Boruto had done what many thought to be impossible. He advanced the Byakugan to its final stage. He had unlocked the Tenseigan.
"And it's where our military leader, Sarutobi Mirai, showed the world the power of her fusion attacks" as Dan lists his final miracle he looks over the heads of his students at their companion for this trip, at Mirai.
"Wow, that's incredible" a young boy from the group shouts.
"What were the fights like?" a young girl asks with reverence.
"What were they like?" Dan smiles as he repeats the question. His memories focus around the battles once again, around the emotions he experienced at the time. He felt back then that he was not looking at shinobi, nor normal Kage, it felt like he was looking at gods.
"They were…".
"Brutal" Mirai murmurs, interrupting the headmaster of the academy.
The smiling faces of Dan and his many students change in this moment. The smiles are all replaced with stunned expressions as the heads of everyone present turn to face the veteran of these battles, Mirai.
Dan gestures to Mirai for her to continue so she does just that.
"Every fight that took place here was brutal" she repeats. "During our battles, I went all out and lost. Kakashi gave everything and he still lost. Sarada and Boruto both gave their utmost and came away with a victory by the skin of their teeth".
The glorious images in the minds of the children soon begins to change. No longer is this a place of honour and valour, of great stories and legends, instead this place is more akin to hell. Reassessing the valley shows this to be a war-torn battlefield, a place where bones would break and lives would change forever. The coliseum looks far less attractive to a gladiator than to a spectator.
"Lord 1st discovered a way to use nature chakra on par with Lord 7th" Mirai recalls as she bobs her head gently.
To be listed as Naruto's equal is something truly remarkable. Very few people have had the pleasure of being in that position throughout history. Perhaps only Sasuke would truly be on par with Naruto in the minds of the villagers.
"Despite reaching such incredible heights, despite scaring us all with the power he showed that day, Lord 1st lost. It wasn't enough for him to win".
As Mirai pauses Dan walks to her side and whispers to her. "Mirai, are you sure you want to continue?".
The military leader nods, "Yeah, it's important that they hear what happened here".
Dan agrees, "Please continue".
"You can see that this valley is full of craters. These craters are not here naturally, these are the results of our battles" Mirai declares as she gestures to the valley below. "This was not something I had ever seen before, that was power that only the likes of Lord 1st and Lord 7th have mustered in the past".
The Sarutobi clanswoman steps over to the edge of the hill and points down into the valley below. "It was over there, that big crater is the one that I made with an explosion. That's the power I used, that is something I did with a single attack".
"Amazing, they must have been terrified of you Mirai" a girl calls out in praise.
"You don't understand" Mirai shakes her head. "With all this power, with my ability to fuse elements together, I was still unable to win".
"I went all out, I showed them a power that surpassed that of most Kage. Shinobi like Headmaster Kato trembled at my power and wondered how it was possible". Mirai looks lengthways at Dan who nods to confirm her story as true. "Do you know what happened when I showed them this power?".
"I lost".
"You lost?" one of the students exclaims.
"Then what chance do any of us have?" another asks.
"You are missing Mirai's point" Dan says as he steps forward. "This is the brutal truth that we shinobi must endure. That our power is nothing compared to theirs".
As the student's heads fall Dan summons fire to his hand.
"But, you all feel this heat, right?".
As they nod in reply Dan continues.
"This is a fire created by their powers, their powers can be learnt by you just like they have been by me".
"Anything is possible for you. You are being raised with knowledge of this power. You are incredibly important to the leaf, to the sand and to the whole world. Never forget that".
Naruto and Hinata's House, In the Evening
Boruto approaches the outside of his parent's house and takes a deep breath to gather his courage. 'This is it' he tells himself as he looks at the front door, 'You're finally going to tell them today, no excuses'.
He lifts his hand to tap on the front door when it suddenly escapes from him. His sister opens it before he can even knock.
"Boruto" Himawari yells before hugging her brother tightly. They had always been close, even for siblings, likely due to the frequent absence of their father during their youth.
Boruto reciprocates the hug, pulling his sister close, "It's good to see you Himawari" he says before letting go, "How is the artist lifestyle suiting you?".
"It's been great" Himawari smiles as she declares, "People are actually paying for my drawings".
"I always knew that you could make it" the blonde shinobi says as he taps his sister on the shoulder, "You're a natural when it comes to pencil and paper".
Himawari accepts the compliment and enjoys a few more minutes of idol conversation with her brother. 'I doubt she will take my announcement badly' Boruto thinks to himself as they discuss art, music and life.
"You better come in" Himawari starts, realising that she has been keeping her brother outside for the last few minutes, "Mom and dad are very cheerful tonight".
The Uzumaki family's son saunters into his parent's house and heads straight for the room he knows his relatives will be in, the kitchen-diner. Upon entering he sees the usual suspects at a family dinner. His parents are both present, the 7th Hokage Uzumaki Naruto and his wife Hyuuga Hinata. Opposite them are his grandparents, Uzumaki Kushina and her husband, 4th Hokage Namikaze Minato. Lastly is his aunt, Hyuuga Hanabi.
"And Boruto had to clean the whole mess up by hand" Naruto finishes, beckoning in a round of laughter by those around the table.
Boruto looks back over his shoulder at his sister, "Don't tell me he's telling that dreadful story again".
Himawari shrugs her shoulders, "He may be younger but he's still the same man who raised us".
"Boruto!" Naruto shouts as he stands up from the table, "It's good to see you, has Himawari told you how well her drawings are doing?".
"Yes, she has" the Shadow Hokage nods, no matter the year, Naruto has always taken great pride in the achievements of his children. "I'm really proud of you, little sis".
"We're all proud of you, Himawari" Hinata adds.
"Thanks" Himawari bashfully replies.
"And how is your rap career going, Boruto" Hinata continues, hiding her laughter behind the hand covering her mouth.
"I… uh…" her son stammers.
"Don't tell me the legendary Killer Bee's rap student isn't living up to his name" Naruto teases his son.
"Shut up, I never knew he was so bad at rap until you guys told me".
Laughter surrounds the table once again at Boruto's expense. Much like his father, the 9th Shadow Hokage was always getting into trouble when he was young and to this day retained a skill for getting into amusing situations. He resigned himself to being the butt of jokes though, what else could he expect from a dinner with his young father.
As the conversation continues, Naruto and Hinata begin to place food on the table. Himawari recalls the family's mealtimes in the past, where Naruto and Boruto would both argue that they should eat their favourite foods. Those arguments persisted even when Boruto had become Shadow Hokage. Even as two of the most senior shinobi in the village, the Uzumaki men continued their immature behaviour around the dinner table.
As the food is placed at the table the smell of spices fills the air, delighting the guests at the Uzumaki house. 'That's Sarada's favourite spice' Boruto notes as he relaxes. He doesn't relax for long however; a shiver goes up his back as the angry glare of his girlfriend fills his mind. Very few shinobi had managed to make him feel fear, however, Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Sarada had used the rinnegan to do just that. 'Are all Uchiha that scary' he wonders.
"Uhm, everyone, before we dig in there is something I would like to speak to you about" Boruto announces.
"Yes, Naruto and I have something we want to say as well" Hinata adds.
Completely on edge thanks to his nervous tension, Boruto beckons his parents to make their announcement first.
"Yesterday, Hinata and I went to a place outside the leaf" Naruto explains, "The place where the hidden leaf was camped during the captained six challenge".
"That stinky old place" Hanabi starts, wondering why they would return to such a depressing part of their lives.
"It may not be great but that is where we ate ramen as we celebrated" the elder Hyuuga sister remembers, "That's where we had our first date".
"So, it was a romantic evening" Minato smiles.
"Yes, we went there and we ate some of Ayame's ramen that I brought with me. Ayame always makes the best ramen" Naruto continues the story.
"That's when I asked Hinata the question".
The room goes silent as the occupants absorb what Naruto just said.
Himawari smiles as she realises what Naruto means. "Do you mean you are…?".
"We're getting married" Hinata confirms.
The mood becomes even happier than before as the various family members congratulate the couple on their engagement. As Himawari makes her way around the table to hug her parents, Hanabi offers her well-wishes. "Congratulations you two, I never thought I would get to see you two marry again".
Kushina is next to offer her congratulations. "Congratulations, Naruto, Hinata, I'm really happy for both of you".
"We both are" Minato adds.
Boruto steadies himself, this is a happy occasion. "Mom, dad, congratulations".
Hinata's smile is a picture, it is the happiest Boruto has ever seen his mother, after knowing her for so long. "Sorry for interrupting you before, Boruto" she says to her son through her own cheer, "You had something to say, didn't you?".
As everyone in the room looks to Boruto his nervousness spikes. "I uh… you see I…".
"You know, it really doesn't matter, we can talk about it later" he finishes, "This is a celebration night, perhaps I will try some rap later".
"Naruto" Kurama calls from within his jinchuriki, "I know this is your celebration but if that kid raps I'm going to kill you".
Naruto grins, wondering whether Kurama's counterpart within his father is making the same complaint. "Don't worry Kurama, you will be asleep by then".
Kurama's continued protests are ignored by Naruto as he and his family spend the rest of the night celebrating. Elsewhere, things are less serene.
The Invaders' Camp
Clyde sits unmoving, his head buried in his hands as his Colonels look to him for leadership. This situation is unprecedented, it is unheard of in the history of their great military. It is not good for anybody, least of all him and his followers. If this situation is handled poorly, their chances of survival will instantly plummet. For someone who cares so passionately about the fate of his followers, that is a great burden to bear.
A captain enters his tent, the tent where the entire leadership of the invading force awaits. "General, he is here following his inspection".
"General Hammond?" Burns asks as she turns to face the messenger, one of her subordinates.
"Yes sir" the captain answers.
"There has always been an inevitability about this" Dred admits to his fellow Colonels with a difficult expression. He cusps his hands together, "Now it seems we have to face it".
"I know" Burns replies, "But accepting this dreadful situation, I can't do that, it's too hard".
"Well General" Sheer prompts as she turns to face her superior.
"You don't have to call me that anymore Sheer" Clyde declares, "Not now".
"I know, but you are a man who has earnt my deepest respect and to me you will always be the General".
Clyde takes a deep breath before leaning back and raising his head, dropping his hand away to reveal his face. This man fought Naruto three years ago but is more terrified in this moment than he was even in the moments after losing that battle.
"Show Hammond in".
The captain salutes before leaving the tent. A few seconds later he returns with a man in tow. This newcomer is Colonel Hammond, an average heighted man with deep black hair and a posture worthy of a royal servant.
A few moments of silence pass before Hammond speaks up.
"Haven't you got anything to say, General Clyde?".
Clyde is not going to admit anything however. "What did your inspection reveal, Colonel". The addendum may seem pointless or spiteful but to Clyde it is a power play, he must fight with everything he possesses to protect his followers. If this puts enough pressure on him to make him falter, then it will have been a success.
Unfortunately, this pressure does nothing to Colonel Hammond. "You already know what it revealed, don't you?".
"Come on Hammond" Grace pleads to her colleague of many years, "You know that these allegations by Martin are false. There is no way that we would stop the invasion, we know that would be the end for us".
Grace's arguments have been prepared with logic in mind. While there is little that they can do to change Hammond's mind, to make him doubt their findings, that doesn't mean that they won't at least try.
"These locals have never done anything for us and we have done nothing but slaughter them" Sisto adds, "This world is on the verge of completion, we have nothing to gain by rebelling here. As Grace said, we know that to rebel would be to die".
"Silence, you know exactly what has been going on here" Hammond shouts at the top of his voice, bringing fear to the hearts of not only the colonels inside the tent but also the captains outside. "I have investigated this realm, it seems that not only are some locals alive but they are building a city".
"Their numbers aren't decreasing, they are instead increasing" Hammond continues, "Not only that but the original portal to this world was destroyed, don't tell me you are going to blame that on the locals".
Clyde snickers to himself, 'In any other world that would be impossible for the locals. Not this one'.
As silence reigns, the duty once again falls to Hammond to break it, "What do you have to say for yourself, General Clyde?".
"… you have been sent here to investigate whether we are neglecting our duties. The thousands of dead bodies should tell you that we are not".
"That's not what the investigation shows" the Colonel retorts.
"I see" Clyde lowers his head, resigned to Hammond's decision. "Then, what will you do, Colonel Hammond?".
"I get the feeling that not only are you rebelling, not only are you neglecting your duties but you are helping the locals" Hammond says. "Do you have any idea how sever your crime is? Your subordinates were right, when this gets reported, you will all die".
Upon hearing this threat, every Colonel under Clyde's command has the same reaction. They look at Hammond, unblinking, unmoving. In a split second, they cleared their minds of their personal fears and focused on the fates of their comrades, they will not take that threat lying down.
Hammond laughs as he looks around. "Your looks of determination are remarkable. Do you not realise that an old rival of yours will be the one to receive this report, Clyde?".
Clyde flinches as he realises the truth.
"Lara will receive this report; do you realise what she will do to you?".
Lara is a name that drives fear into everyone present, Clyde is no exception. While the General does his best not to show it, he can't help but let a small hint of doubt creep into his eyes. An old rival of his, an old rival named Lara, that is the most terrifying name in the entire military.
Clyde looks to his side and nods gently to Peterson.
"Do you think you are untouchable, General Cl…".
In the middle of his sentence, Hammond is silenced. The Colonels present all look on with indifferent faces as they watch his head roll from his body.
As Hammond's severed head hits the ground Clyde gets to his feet and wonders from the tent.
Looking into the distance he begins to speak to himself.
"It's been three years now and I never would have imagined this is how it would go. I never imagined Lara would be the one".
"I guess it makes sense with our history together, you want to end me yourself".
"The stars have aligned in an attempt to deal us a blow that we could never stand up from".
"If Lara has decided that my subordinates will feel her wrath, if she is dead set on this fight then she has got her wish".
"If this is Lara's decision…".
"… then it's war".