Chapter 16: Siege of Kiri Part 2
Four months had passed by, four months kiri withstood attack after attack from the combined forces. For four months casualties on the island of kiri mounted on both sides. For four months the landscape outside of the village of kiri was changed by the usage of jutsu and destructive battle. For four months naruto watched shinobi die and be replaced as the boy fought on the front lines.
Itachi stood in front of third platoon which had very few of its original members; now it was floating just about 50 percent strength due to a new wave of replacements that had come in that week during R&R.
"We're half a mile from kiri today command wants us to be within the walls if possible or at the very least just outside them. It's going to be hard, every kiri ninja that is left will fight to the end and a lot of civilians are fighting as well." Itachi said tiredly the lines under his eyes had only darkened after four months of fighting.
Naruto's hair had grown to be just below his shoulders than he now kept in a loose ponytail. His clothes were torn and ripped in many places barely receiving supplies of clothing, mostly just weapons.
"We've been pushing their lines for almost 4 months now and they've barely budged how do they expect us to push all the way into kiri?" Takiyo, one of the few remaining original members of third platoon asked.
"Well Kumo sent another regiment with B at the head." Itachi said as everyone grinned, B was renowned from his actions in the third war and being here only bolstered the morale of the men. Another regiment from Kumo would also be of great help to the forces.
"Itachi are your men ready?" Kakashi asked, checking in ready to announce the orders for attack. Kakashi was just as tired as everyone else and the burden of the siege was drawing heavy on the man.
"As ready as we can be." Itachi said with a light bow causing kakashi to huff.
"Alright alright you can stop with that now. I wish you all luck if all goes to plan we will be home soon." He said with an eye smile before continuing off to other parts of the regiment.
"Dismissed." Itachi said as the platoon separated, going to prepare in their own ways.
"Jeez gaki you should really cut your hair." Zabuza's voice said behind naruto
causing the boy to turn and smile.
"I will when you give me that sword." Naruto said as the man smiled under the bandages. Zabuza was in some of the thickest fighting during the siege with Haku at his side.
"Not going to happen for a long time gaki." He said, ruffling the boy's hair.
"Yagura might come out for this battle… We need you to take him on with B think you can do that gaki?" Zabuza said getting serious as Naruto's world froze.
"But yagura is a kage? And he has full control over his biju. I'm not even close to being able to say that." Naruto said zabuza kneeled down, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders.
"Yagura will be a challenge to be sure but you're not alone. Me and B will have your back." He said as Naruto took a deep breath allowing his mind to calm itself.
"Plus you have me as well." Mei spoke up, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder as well. A splash of water was heard next to the small group who were preparing to move to the center of the line.
Frowning Zabuza recognized the jutsu as one of kisames who was one of the last loyal swordsmen surprisingly. A simple scroll was in its mouth which the man hesitantly retrieved.
Zabu-chan
Things are not as it seems yagura is not himself as it would seem.
Love
Kisame.
"Fucking kisame…" Zabuza said, annoyed handing the scroll to mei who stifled a laugh.
"Looks like he was sending a message to us… Is yagura under a genjutsu?" She said with a frown as her mirth disappeared.
"It's… possible he was different at the start of his reign." Naruto looked between the two confused as they looked at each other before they sighed.
"Time for the attack." Kakashi announced joining the three as he nodded to naruto.
"Alright Naruto you're with us." Mei said as they separated it didn't take long for the group to make it to the center where B already was.
"Yo little nine its good to see you again." B said with a grin fist bumping Naruto who happily returned the gesture.
"I wish it was at a better time." Naruto said with what he could pull off as a smile.
"I know what you mean this wars got us all feeling lean one day it'll be over and we'll meet again fool ya fool." B rapped out much to everyone's ire. "Hows yugito?" He asked
"Um from the last letters from home she's doing well still adjusting to being a konoha shinobi now but she kinda likes it." He said with a shrug.
"Enough of that you two the times come." Haku said appearing from nowhere causing the two to jump.
"Haku-chan where did you come from?" Naruto asked.
"I've been here the whole time…" She said rather annoyed seeing Haku after so many months made Naruto happy. Memories flooding back of their date before the war started.
Flashback no Jutsu
"You look nice haku." Naruto said with a light smile as the two walked through the lighted street as haku just stared in wonder at the scenery.
"Have you never been to a festival before?" Naruto asked, causing Haku to return to reality as she blushed and returned to reality.
"No I don't think I really have kiri never really had reasons to host festivals even when we were holding chunin exams of our own." Haku said, holding a finger to her chin in thought causing the teen to frown.
"Kiri really is different huh?" He said not knowing how anyone could live without festivals like this.
"Well many places have questioned why we are considered one of the great 5 due to our constant state of civil war… But one day I hope kiri will become peaceful!" Haku said with a determined smile. Naruto returned the smile as they continued along through the streets.
They spent the night away going to each game and vendor just enjoying each other's presence before they found their way back home.
(Kai!)
Naruto returned to reality as he heard the rasp of weapons being drawn from their holsters. Shinobi up and down the line stood ready tense as they awaited orders from their leaders.
"For Kiri!" Mei shouted, jumping in front of the line followed closely by B, Zabuza and Naruto as everyone cheered.
"Just stay with me little nine and everything will be fine WEEE!" B shouted as tentacles came out of the Kumo nins body. The terrain outside kiri had been changed by four months of fighting as rocks jutted out everywhere. Scorch marks and kunai litteread the landscape as well as large puddles. Bodies lay motionless from the previous days fighting.
Naruto watched the carnage as he steeled himself to end the war in kiri that day so everyone could rest. So that peace may be brought to the world once more.
"For Kiri!" He shouted hoping to help fulfil Hakus dream that day.
(Back in Konoha)
"I'm so happy we have another member of the Uzumaki clan in konoha." Kushina said kneeling before the little girl who Naruto had written about. The girl didn't say anything looking to her feet as she clutched the doll close to her.
"Where Naruto-Nii?" She asked meekly the two had grown rather close before she was sent away. Kushina smiled, wrapping the girl in a tight smile happy to have a picture of her son.
"Your Nii-san will be home soon I hope for now I'll take care of you Dattebane!" Kushina said happily as the girl returned the hug happy to feel a motherly embrace once more. "Whats your name?" She asked as the girl smiled
"Mito… Mito Uzumaki! Dattenan." She said with a large smile as Kushina laughed seeing the famous uzumaki verbal tick alive and well. She still loved to tease Naruto when he said his own verbal tick much to his chagrin.
(Elsewhere)
"As Iryonin you must be prepared for anything to happen on the battlefield. I know many of you have seen wounds at the hospital but that is nothing compared to what happens in war." Tsunade said, looking at the ninja who were adept in the art of Iryo-jutsu. Most of them were genin who volunteered or had learned Iryonin in the academy.
Sakura, Hinata, and Ino all sat together nervously; they had become their team medics for the konoha 15 but they wanted more training. Sakura had even become one of Tsunade's apprentices after Sasuke left the village. His departure shocked the wounded the girl who fell into a depression until Hinata Ino and even Temari helped the girl.
She had sworn that day that she would become a great medic so that she could protect and save the lives of her comrades.
"Hai!" Shouted the group of 50 genin which made Tsunade smile seeing so many promising genin.
"War changes in an instant and so does the tide of battle. You must be prepared to move not only yourself and your equipment but also the person you are healing." She said before continuing with the lecture.
(Training grounds)
"So you guys are whats left of the konoha rookies huh?" Izume said as she looked at the clan heirs that were left in the village. Yakumo, Choji, Kiba, Shino and Sai were all the was left of the rookies that hadn't gone off to war or were becoming Iryonin.
"We also have Gais remaining students." Kurenai spoke up looking at Tenten and Lee who were off by themselves. While the Rookie 12 had become friends with gais team they were still not the greatest of friends.
"Well you are all being called for the greatest task of the genin corp… Gate and wall duty. I know its not always the greatest job in the world but we have to give the genin something to do and protect the village." Izume said as everyone sighed.
"Why are we on guard duty?" Kiba asked bored already.
"Well you as whats left of the konoha 15 I've heard you called are the new up and comers in the shinobi world. While the other 1500 genin have had their chance you 7 are the future faces of konoha and clan heads. It would do you well to learn the secrets of the village." Kurenai said as she explained their rotations and shift schedules and how they worked with the rest of the genin corp.
(Minatos office)
"How did Hiruzen lead us through two wars." Minato said with his head on his desk. Mission and situation reports from the frontlines, intel from recon missions and above all else casualty reports. They all weighed heavily on him as the war had dragged on for almost five months now.
"Sensei had his ways of coping with the wars and tending to his will of fire." Jiryiya said from the window behind minato.
"Oh you're back Jiryiya do you have any news about orochimaru?" Minato asked, swiveling his chair to look at the sannin.
"Hmm not really he still held up in Oto with what's left of his forces. Iwa Kumo and our own forces are basically trapping him in." Jiriya said as Minato nodded knowing as much already but he was hoping for more.
"Ishi surrendered today and ame has already withdrawn from the war… Kusa
keeps fighting for some reason… That just leaves three active fronts left." Minato said tiredly.
"Chin up minato the war will be over soon." Jiryia said with a smile patting the man's shoulder before leaving through the window. Minato smiled before he returned to every Kages enemy… never ending paper work.
(Back in Kiri)
Naruto ducked under a thrown kunai before blocking a slash from a kiri shinobi. Grunting he pushed his blade upwards pushing the shinobi off balance before he quickly brought the sword across his body. The man gasped, falling back as he gurgled on his own blood.
All along the battlefield jutsu, shuriken, kunai what have you was being thrown everywhere as shinobi of both sides duked it out.
"Keep moving forward!" Mei shouted as she took down another group of shinobi. Naruto, Zabuza and B were acting as her personal guard as they led the charge forward. Huffing Naruto gripped his katana tightly before he charged forward with the group once more.
"Come on gaki!" Zabuza shouted as he blocked kunai with the broadside of his giant weapon. Putting it back on his shoulder he rushed forward cutting through another wave of enemies.
Naruto felt Kurama acting weird and he looked to B who nodded. A short man landed in front of the small group as the kiri side grew silent before they cheered.
"Yagura-sama is here!" They shouted as naruto's stomach dropped. Yagura stared at Naruto with no emotion in his pink eyes. Gulping Naruto and B stepped forward ahead of the main group.
"So you are Naruto Namikaze huh? And Kirabi I will end this invasion here and now." Yaguras monotone voice sounded out as Narutos grip only tightened on his sword.
"Why would you massacre your own people like you did!" Naruto shouted as yagura simply tilted his head.
"Why? Why not?" Yagura said before he quickly shifted into Isobu.
"Something seems off about Isobu he seems… like me? He was always the nice one among us." Kurama's voice sounded confused and even worried?
'Be careful naruto-kun' Hiruzen said worry in his own voice.
"Lets go WEEE!" B shouted as he transformed into Gyūki Naruto hopped onto their head.
"Naruto… Kurama I'm sure you've felt it to both yagura and Isobus chakra somehow… Try and subdue him." Gyūki pleaded to the jinchuriki as Naruto simply grinned the fighting resuming below among the stand off.
"Don't worry! I'll save yagura if he's really under control!" Naruto shouted before biting his thumb and jumping of Gyūki a large plum of smoke underneath him.
"Naruto? What… NO! NO WAY AM I FIGHTING ANOTHER BIJU!" Came the booming and rather angry voice of gamabunta who stood besides Gyūki letting out an angry breath of smoke.
"Sorry Gamabunta but I just need you to hold him down for a minute!" Naruto shouted to the man. Below the konoha shinobi cheered seeing the showing up of a toad. Gamabunta huffed out another angry breath of smoke before he took a deep breath.
"You owe me Naruto… You owe me big time." The toad said annoyed as Yagura's tails shifted angrily.
"Are you all done?" He asked annoyed as Gyūki's tails shot out towards the man answering the question as his own tails flicked away Gyūki's. Gamabunta charged forward, slashing his tanto out as Naruto ran down gamabuntas arm. One of yagura's tails met the tanto.
"Keep it up gamabunta!" Naruto shouted as hopped up a rasengan forming in his hand before it grew outwards.
"Odama Rasengan!" Naruto shouted flying downwards at yagura the rasengan connected with Yagura's shell who simply shook off the attack. Landing on the back one of Gyūki's tails wrapped around the the turtle creature. Naruto however felt himself pulled once again into a mindscape.
Looking around Naruto spotted Yagura catching the teen off guard.
"What do you think you're doing pulling me into your mindscape! What kind of trick is this!" Naruto shouted pointing an accusing finger at the teen looking man who laughed.
"You're not the only one here Naruto." B said besides him.
"I really hate this cage…" Kurama said as all the other tailed beasts were freed.
"This is no trick… Naruto right?" Yagura said, hoping off Isobu who sat peacefully walking towards the other two. "For I am the real Yagura or well I guess my real personality?" Yagura said, stopping before the two a depressed look fell over his face.
"I am truly sorry for the horrors that have been in my name. I had no wish for them to happen but they weren't… well MY orders. I am currently under a genjutsu but we are deep in a shared mindscape that only we can share." Yagura explained as Naruto nodded, relaxing slightly.
"Is there any way to break you free yagura?" B asked seriously without a hint of trying to rap much to the shook of everyone who knew B.
"Perhaps I have felt his hold loosen over the past years… You would need someone well adapted to genjutsu to break me free." Yagura explained as Naruto grinned.
"Just so happens I happen to know an uchiha who is great at genjutsu!" Naruto shouted as B's grin grew knowing who he was talking about.
"Kurama… Gyūki it's good to see you two again." Isobu's voice spoke up as kurama and Gyūki turned to the turtle.
"It's good to see you too Isobu we will free you brother." Gyūki said as Kurama nodded. Naruto turned to look at kurama frowning at the cage.
"Kurama one day I will take away that cage." Naruto said, causing the Kyubi to look shocked before huffing.
"Whatever you say kit." Kurama said before the mindscape closed Naruto shot up and away from a tail threatening to crush him. Flipping in mid air Naruto landed on the ground with a grunt before turning around.
"I'll be back Gamabunta!" Naruto shouted before sprinting down the line towards third platoon's position. Arriving quickly they were currently pinning down a portion of the enemy.
"Naruto? I thought you had other duties?" Itachi shouted over the combat.
"I need you to come with me I'll explain on the way!" Naruto shouted before Itachi frowned looking at his platoon.
"Everyone hold position me and Naruto will be back soon!" He shouted before he followed the boy dodging thrown weapons and jutsu. Naruto explained the ordeal of yagura along the way as the two found themselves on top of gamabunta.
"Do you think you can help him?" Naruto asked as itachi looked to the kage in the form of his biju.
"You're asking a lot Naruto… But I can do it." He said as his sharingan spun within his eyes before they settled into a pattern Naruto had never seen before.
"Give me time to prepare." Itachi said as naruto nodded Gamabunta and Gyūki worked together to give Itachi the time he needed to prepare the chakra. It didn't take long but it felt like an eternity for the two.
"Alright I'm ready!" Itachi shouted his eyes snapping open before he jumped off gamabunta, a skeleton forming around him before it became a large humanoid figure. "Susanoo!" He shouted sharingan flaring in the eyes of the creature.
Grabbing onto Gamabunta Itachi started into the eyes of the biju he felt himself pulled into a mindscape of his own with the Biju.
"Ah hello Itachi-kun… Come to free Yagura huh?" Came a deep voice in front of the uchiha. Looking to the man he frowned as a man in a black cloak with an orange mask appeared.
"Do I know you?" Itachi asked as the man tilted his head.
"In a way I suppose I am one of your greatest ancestors." He said, causing Itachi to frown at the wording.
"Ancestors?" Itachi asked, pulling out a kunai.
"Relax I will not fight you for now… I have grown tired of controlling yagura and this portion of the war." The man said with a fake yawn. "In case you must know I am Madara Uchiha… Goodbye." The deep voice said before it sucked it self away. The mindscape started to dissipate before Itachi felt himself pulled back to the real world.
Yagura stopped moving before reverting back to his normal form as the fighting seemed to stop.
"Was… Was yagura-sama defeated?" Asked a kiri nin as yagura stood unmoving.
"I surrender to the forces of Kumo, The rebels and Konoha!" Yagura shouted as silence reigned over the battlefield and everyone stared at the kage.
"But Yagura-sama we can keep fighting!" Shouted a man as yagura shook his head.
"I do not wish to fight any longer. Kiri has suffered enough under my reign. It's time for a new regime and way of life in this great village!" Yagura shouted as weapons fell to the floor ringing out.
"You owe me Naruto." Gamabunta said before ending the summon as B reverted to normal, Mei appeared before Yagura with Zabuza next to her. Kisame landed next to yagura.
"I accept your surrender." Mei announced as she held her hand out to yagura who hesitantly took it, shaking her hand. Turning to the gates of Kiri she motioned for everyone to follow her.
Naruto and B took their place behind yagura and mei with their bodyguards. Kakashi and darui next to their respective jinchuriki. Itachi returned to his platoon as the possession moved out besides those fighting the holdouts.
The streets were lined with civilians who had quickly heard that the fighting was over. They looked tired as they watched their kage and the rebels march together as well as the foreign nin.
Naruto felt uneasy as the civilians watched in silence; he was expecting rousing cheers for the end of the fighting.
"Many people are just relieved that the fighting didn't end up in their streets. Some are angry that Yagura surrendered as they were ready to fight themselves. Kiri is a rather odd duckling when it comes to traditions which Mei wants to dismantle." Kakashi whispered to Naruto as if reading his mind.
Arriving at the kage tower they came to a halt as yagura turned to mei holding out his hands.
"Please take me captive. I wish to be held accountable for my crimes." He said with a bow, mei frowned but nodded nonetheless. Motioning to some of her jounin they put the man in chains taking him into the kage quarters as the crowd began to grow around everyone.
"Attention civilians of Kiri. I am Mei of the kiri rebels and I don't wish to be here as an occupier or as an invader. I wish to be here as someone who wants to lead kiri to a brighter future. No longer should academy students have to kill themselves. No longer should we be seen as the bloody mist. No longer will we be a village constantly in turmoil. I want a brighter future for our great village one that lives up to the name of the great 5!" Mei announced as the civilians looked between themselves. Some cheered some didn't overall the mood was quite mixed however for the shinobi that had just fought they knew the fighting was over.
Naruto was assigned to a hotel room within the city due to his actions in winning the fight for kiri. He stood on a patio overlooking the city which was bathed in moonlight; he felt a presence land next to him.
"You know you can't sneak up on me Haku." He said turning to face the girl who planted a soft kiss on his lips much to the teens' surprise.
"Haku?" He asked once she pulled away.
"Thank you naruto. Thank you for helping fullfile my dreams of a bright future for kiri." She said, hugging the teen who returned to the hug the two stood there for a while enjoying each other's warmth after months of fighting.
Stepping away from Naruto haku showed him a soft smile before leaving to get some sleep herself.
Taking a deep breath he turned away and went to sleep for the night. The rest of the week flew by without a hitch as the men settled in for some rest. On the final day of the week was yagura's trial Naruto was invited into to watch the trial.
Mei, Ao, and Kakashi sat as the judges of the trial with yagura sitting in front of them.
"Before we ask for anything from yagura we call upon Itachi uchiha as a witness." They announced as the man stood up taking a spot before the court.
"Please tell us what happened when you met with yagura on the battlefield." Ao said as Itachi composed himself.
"Well I was dragged into a mindscape where I was met by a man. He said that he had grown bored of controlling yagura. I believe that he was in control of yagura for many years coming from reports of Yagura suddenly changing." Itachi said before bowing and leading
"What do you say yagura." Mei asked, turning to the man who frowned and bowed to everyone.
"I plead guilty while I was under control. I feel like I have failed everyone for letting what has happened to Kiri under my reign. I apologize for everyone I have caused pain to by causing the bloodline purges. I apologize for ordering massacres in my name and killing innocent people." He said tears started to flow from his eyes.
"Yagura please rise… While we recognize you were under a genjutsu and had no control of your actions we recognize your wish to atone for your sins. Therefore we will sentence you to a banishment." Mei said offering a soft smile as yagura nodded his head accepting the sentence.
Giving him time to pack He was seen off by Mei B and Naruto who wished to see their fellow jinchuriki off and wished him well. B whispered something in yagura's ear which made him frown but nodded.
"Naruto… B thank you both for saving me from the hell I was forced to endure. I hope to make it up to you two someday." He said with a smile. "Naruto I hope to fight you again one day as a perfect jinchuriki."
"Me too yagura! I'm glad we could save you." Naruto said as the two shook hands before Yagura took one last look at the village before he turned and shushined off.
(Konoha)
Everyone took to the streets cheering and hugging each other at the news that kiri had finally surrendered. The fighting in Kiri had been the bloodiest so far and everyone was excited for the third regiment to return home.
"Is Naruto-Nii finally going to return home kushina-Kaa!" Mito asked excitedly as Kushina smiled.
"I hope so!" She shouted as Aiko and Kaito danced around the house happily chanting for their Nii-san to come home. Minato joined the family happy to hear of the end of fighting in kiri some of his youth returning
(Sasuke)
"Damn him! Damn that yagura!" Orochimaru shouted, scattering the research on his desk. "How dare he surrender all of them!" He shouted enraged that Oto was the last force in the war now.
"Orochimaru-sama you still have that jutsu the war isn't over yet." Kabato spoke up besides the snake sannin who chuckled evilly.
"You're right the brunt of the war is still to come! Sasuke prepare the rest of the forces for the final phase of this war." Orochimaru ordered sasuke who simply bowed leaving the two alone.
If orochimaru was going to lose this war he would at least take down as many enemy shinobi as he could before he escaped.
(Neji)
The fifth regiment of konoha stood cheering at the news that had come from the higher ups that the war might be coming to an end soon.
"However that leaves on the last front… Oto and this will be a harsh battle we must prepare for the action!" Hisashi the leader of the regiment shouted, rallying them. "But for now celebrate your comrades' return home!" He said as the regiment continued to cheer and celebrate.
(Kiri)
The konoha troops were moving out from Kiri kumo having left the previous day. Naruto stood with Zabuza and Haku talking before they set out.
"I'm staying here for awhile Naruto please look after Haku for me." He said as the two shook hands. "I hope you will be better at kenjutsu for our next spar." He said with a chuckle.
"Of course Zabuza I look forward to seeing you again." He said before the two waved as zabuza watched them leave a proud smile on his face.
At the beach Naruto was stopped by Kakashi Itachi and Iroha who all had proud smiles on their faces. Third platoon stood behind Naruto already aware of what was about to happen.
"Naruto for your actions in the fourth great shinobi war and the fight against yagura you are hereby promoted to the rank of jounin." Kakashi announced as everyone in Third platoon cheered.
Naruto looked at the three shocked that he had been promoted to jounin however his shock quickly morphed into happiness and amazement that he was now a jounin.
"That's our knucklehead for you!" Taikyo shouted his hand in a cast from a kunai. Everyone was proud that the boy had proven himself having grown on them during the war.
"Normally you would receive a new flak jacket but you'll have to pick that up when we return home… For now we have to return to Hi no Kuni." Kakashi announced as everyone boarded the boats being seen off by mei herself who waved to the forces of konoha.
Within a couple days the forces of the third regiment returned to Konoha, being welcomed home to cheers, flowers and confetti. Naruto stood at the head of the column with the third company for its actions in the war.
"Welcome home our third regiment! You have fought hard this war and we are all proud of your actions these past five months!" Minato announced as everyone cheered bands playing music in honor of the victory.
Naruto Shikamaru and Haku were all standing together happy that they had made it home. They celebrated the fact they were all alive and well when three blonde and red missiles glommed onto Namikaze teen.
"Naruto-Nii!" Three loud voices cheered as they glomped onto Naruto toupling the newly minted jounin taking the teen down before another presence made itself known.
"Naruto-chan!" Kushina shouted landing on top of the dog pile as shikamaru and Haku snickered to themselves at the large pile of uzumakis before them.
"Can't breath." Naruto managed as the dog pile got off the jonin Minato flashing into the crowd pulling his son up and into a hug.
"I'm proud of what you accomplished in Kiri and the fact that you're now a jounin… Speaking of which!" Minato said, pulling a jounin flak jacket out which was a darker shade of green and held more pockets for scrolls and whatnot. The namikaze and uzumaki clan symbols are shown off proudly on the jacket.
"Thank you Tou-san!" Naruto said, slipping off his ceremonial flak jacket and slipping on the new jounin jacket.
"Wear it proudly." Minato said, ruffling his son's hair. "I also have more notes for you in case you're struggling." He finished handing a scroll to Naruto who beamed in excitement.
"I should get home. It was good to see you again Minato-sama, Kushina-sama." Shikamaru said lazily, waving before heading off. The large family made their own way home through the welcoming crowd.
Naruto found his way to his room after much celebration as he unfurrowed the scroll.
Naruto
I know you've probably hit a brick wall on the hirishan so here are more of my own notes from when I was making the jutsu.
Naruto spent the entire night studying the notes making his own based on them. He also was given the nidaime's notes on the hirishan which greatly helped the teen though he was not closer to making his own sealing matrix complete.
At some point the teen passed out at his desk which was cluttered with scrolls of notes and seals. He was awoken however by a tapping at the window opening it he spotted a messenger raven causing the teen to sigh as he took the scroll giving the bird a treat.
Opening the scroll he was once again treated to two different sealing seals causing the teen to feel a sense of deja vu. Unsealing the first scroll he opened it to see it was a simple meeting of the jounin that were in the village. Simple enough he sealed the scroll away unsealing the second one it had the mark of third regiment. Hesitantly he unsealed the scroll reading its contents.
Men of the third regiment
I hope you all enjoy your rest and relaxation over the course of these next few weeks. However please keep your skills sharp as while we may have been given a hero's welcome a war still rages to the north against oto. After our home period of two weeks is up we are expected to meet up with the fifth regiment further orders will come from there.
Kakashi Hatake
Naruto let out a sigh knowing he would soon return to war once again but he was content knowing they had a few weeks home to rest. Smelling breakfast, Naruto left his room as he saw most of the clan already gathered. Kushina offered the teen a smile placing a plate of pancakes down.
Minato sat reading the morning paper, a cup of coffee being slowly sipped as the twins squabled on about something and mito sat quietly and happily.
"So Naruto I think its time for you to have a haircut." Kushina said with a soft smile and naruto played with his ponytail.
"Yeah I guess you're right! I did let it grow in kiri." He said absentmindedly. Kushina frowned for a second before she let it slip away.
"We'll cut your hair after breakfast." She said cheerily, happy to spend some more time with her son.
"Of course kaa-chan!" He said happily relishing the fact he could spend time with his family as he sat down enjoying the simple breakfast his mom had prepared with his own cup of coffee.
"So whats in the paper today?" Naruto asked as he nursed the cup of coffee they never got enough on the front. It seemed it had become a delicacy to the front line fighters.
"Just more celebration of the great victory in kiri talks about you it seems people see you as the hero of kiri for ending the war there… Or well you and itachi but many were impressed by the show of force with the summoning of gamabunta." Minato said, setting down the paper looking at his son. It was obvious to any veteran that his son had seen war.
While his son was relaxed at home he seemed to be scanning the room for exit points or possible threats. He also ate his food in a hurry surprising Kushina as she turned around to lay more plates down to see her son finished.
"It was really good kaa-chan!" He said happily as he began to relax even more his guard dropping as everything was secure.
"Good I'm glad!" She said happily breakfast moved along quickly with Minato leaving to the office and the twins with Mito running off to play. Kushina and Naruto enjoyed their presence as she gave him a haircut. Naruto felt his eyes close as he just enjoyed the feeling of his mother's hands doting on his hair.
By the time she was done Naruto's hair was just down the middle of his neck and the top half of his hair was mostly kept alone retaining its normal spikiness. Naruto grinned as he hugged his mother and thanked her.
The two finished their time together by going and getting some ichiraku ramen who congratulated the boy on kiri and welcomed him home with ramen on the house. Waving goodbye, Naruto chose to spend the rest of the day training.
Finishing off his training the teen joined the jounin meeting which was rather boring just talking about the war and what was expected next. It was then followed up by a meeting of the jonin in the third regiment.
Kakashi stood at the head of the group which had about 60 men with naruto sitting next to itachi the two had grown rather close in kiri.
"Alright everyone while we have this time of rest and relaxation I want you to work some training in with your men. We're going to need everyone in top shape for what is planned. I can't say much but I'm sure you all have a guess. Everyone is dismissed, Naruto wait a moment." Kakashi announced as the men stood up except naruto.
"Whats up kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked confused as to why he was held back.
"As a jounin you are being given command of your own platoon. You'll be staying in 3rd company but 1st platoon needs a new leader after the last one was killed in the final battle." Kakashi told the teen as naruto grinned.
"I won't let you down kakashi-sensei!" He said he was happy to have his own command now. Kakashi chuckled and patted the teens shoulder.
"I know you won't naruto." He said before waving and walking away as naruto himself left returning home to the seal which he spent another full night on. Three weeks passed by with naruto meeting his platoon training and meetings. The platoon was hesitant at first to be led by Naruto but they accepted him nonetheless having seen his actions through the kiri campaign.
The regiment had received reinforcements and were back to nearly 100% strength though many of them were green newly promoted chunin. Many of the veterans stayed away from them not wanting to get attached. Naruto drilled his platoon to the ground but he knew they would be ready.
The leave ended quicker than naruto would have liked as the regiment once again formed up before kakashi and Minato.
"I wish you luck and victory in this next campaign the Third regiment is one of our best regiments seeing so much fighting in Kiri. I wish to see you all home soon!" Minato announced. Before kakashi gave the word and the regiment moved out quickly Naruto and itachi stood close together at the head of their own platoons conversing as they moved through Hi no kuni.
Within the day they had made it to the rally spot with no sign of the fifth regiment. Another day passed by before they finally arrived. The regiments greeted each other happily.
"Naruto?" The teen heard a familiar voice turning he saw neji which caused him to smile.
"Neji! It's good to see you again." he said as the two shook hands.
"I've heard about your actions in kiri. I'm rather impressed. Congratulations on the promotion." Neji said with a somewhat soft smile for the hyuga. After much conversing on the war Kakashi and talked for a while before they turned to their men.
"Alright listen up tonight we move to the border of Oto thats all I can say for now I want total silence from everyone." Kakashi announced to a cheer before the combined force moved out.
Naruto's nerves grew knowing Sasuke was out there and would most likely have to fight Orochimaru but he would be there to help his friend.
Alright with that chapter 16 is over! We're moving into the final stages of this war but don't worry! It's going to go out with a bang I thought about doing another chapter in kiri but I didn't see any way to pad out the time spent there. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Also for the hair cut just try to think of naruto's hair for shippuden.
Also I know it was probably weird to have kisame loyal to the village but I really liked his character. I wanted to give him more of a purpose than just scary akatsuki member.
I hope that celebration wasn't weird but with it really being the only big front so far in the war and lasting so long with so many casualties which will be discussed later. I figured people would want to celebrate the end of the bloody fighting.
Anyways if you liked this chapter and story so far please favorite and follow. And please leave a review of what I could do better or what you liked!
Naruto Uzumaki-namikaze101 out!