Toph hit the ground, hard, as she exited the portal. She hadn't expected such a bumpy ride. "Stupid Moon Spirit," she muttered as she stood up. She quickly tapped her foot and sent out an earthbending wave. She noted that she was in a forested area near a lake. She saw that Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Suki had been thrown into a pile a few feet away from he. Mai, Ty Lee, and Zuko were all standing and ready for battle.
"Is everyone ok," Zuko asked as he walked over to help the others.
"Great," Sokka said as he slowly stood up and swayed a bit. "I feel like I drank three gallons of cactus juice."
"That would be scary," Katara stated with a shudder. "You on cactus juice is not a pretty sight."
Suki looked to Gaang. "Am I missing something?" she asked, a bit confused.
Toph walked over to her and patted her on the shoulder. "Let's just say, you would rethink dating Sokka if you saw him on Cactus juice," she stated in a knowing tone.
Sokka overheard the conversation. "Was I really that bad?" he asked, worried.
"No, you were worse," Toph corrected. Sokka was soon kneeling on the ground, a dark cloud hanging over him. Suki went over to comfort her boyfriend while everyone gathered, getting their bearings and deciding what to do next.
"So, what now?" Mai asked. "We are here, but we have no idea where Azula is? How are we going to find her?"
Sokka seemed to suddenly appear out of nowhere. "First, we need to find a village and see what we can learn about this world," he stated in an authoritative tone. "Then we see if we can find any information on a crazy girl throwing around fire, and we'll have her."
"Ok, then how do we get back if we find Azula?" Toph asked.
"Umm…. I have no idea?" Sokka said, suddenly he began to panic. "We can't go home! We are stuck here! Nooooo! Ok, Suki, we will have to start our life together here."
Katara hit her brother on the head, "Calm down," she ordered. "Yui told me how open a portal to home after we find Azula. All I need is water and a full moon."
"Thank heavans," Sokka said as he hugged Katara tightly.
Toph just sighed and began walking. "Let's go," she stated as she walked through the trees. "The sooner we find Azula, the sooner we can get back." Everyone nodded and followed after Toph. Toph walked quickly. "Yes, the sooner I find Azula, the sooner I can see what the fox meant."
Toph lead the group at a brisk pace and they soon arrived at a clear path.
"We found the road great," Sokka said with a smile. "Now we can find people."
"Thanks for stating the obvious," Toph stated with a sigh. "Now we need to decide which way we head."
Everyone began choosing sides, when Toph felt someone coming down the road. It was horse-drawn wagon, from what she could tell. Soon it came into view and Sokka waved the wagon down.
The wagon driver stopped and glared at Gaang the suspicion evident in his eyes. "What do you want?" he demanded in a harsh tone.
"We are lost and were hoping you could point us toward the nearest town," Suki said in a calm tone.
The wagon driver slowly nodded. "Just head back that way," he stated, pointing toward the direction he had just come. "You will reach the Land of Waves. It's not even a half a day's walk to get there."
"Thanks," Suki said, leading the group. Toph led up the rear, busily pondering what this new place had in store for them.
-SB-
Azula slowly walked through the village toward the supermarket. It had been two days since Naruto had left the village, leaving her feeling more exposed than ever. Her first night alone, she was relentlessly assaulted by her father voice. It was only due to Yoshino's timely intervention that she was able to survive the night.
Azula thought of Yoshino and let a small smile appear on her face. Yoshino was the first older woman to provide loving support to her. It was so different from what she was grown up with. With Yoshino she felt safe and loved, even though she could be scary when her husband and son were around. She chuckled to herself as she remembered watching Yoshino chase her son around with a large frying pan. It was very amusing watching someone in pain.
Yoshino had sent Azula to the grocery store by herself. She had been unable to go due to some clan business that needed her direct attention. The idea of being alone in the village, made Azula a bit nervous, but Yoshino just smiled and pulled her into a loving hug.
"You will be fine," she said in a caring tone. "You are strong, smart, and a good person. Don't let those, in your mind, tell you otherwise."
Azula eyes widened when she heard these words, unsure of how to respond. No one had ever said anything, remotely positive, to her except from those in the Fire Nation who were trying to suck up to her. She didn't believe the words at first, but the warmth that Yoshino emanated let Azula know that it was true.
"No, you are pathetic and weak," Ursa angrily stated in her mind. "You are not strong! You're weak!" Azula ignored Ursa's words and basked in Yoshino's kindness, the expression from a mother who truly cares.
She walked the streets toward the grocery store, a list of things she needed, in her pocket. She watched as people passed, going about their business. They just walked past her like she was one of them. They didn't worship the ground she walked on. It was a different experience for her, but then again, no one knew she was a princess except Naruto, Tsunade, Inoichi, and Yoshino.
As she walked she failed to notice that someone was watching her. It was Ino Yamanaka, the daughter of Inoichi. Ino was on her way to buy some new clothes when she noticed Azula walking on her own. She watched Azula with interest. She knew little of this new rival for Naruto attention, but she planned on changing that, real soon. She followed Azula into the grocery store and watched her gather the items on the list.
"She seems normal enough," Ino thought to herself as she watched Azula look over the meat section. Something told Ino that there was more to this mysterious visitor. Azula had first appeared in the village two months ago, with Naruto at her side at all times. She had weekly counseling sessions with her father so, obviously, something was wrong with her. Ino just wasn't sure what.
Ino continued to observe Azula as she headed home. She smiled when she saw her enter the Nara clan home. A plan started to form in her mind as she walked away. First, she needed time to prepare, and then she would have all of the information required, to defeat this rival.
-A week later-
Azula woke up the next day, with a yawn. The previous night's rest was one of the best she had had, on her own, in a long time. No nightmares came to her, and she was able to finally able to peacefully sleep on her own, for once. She rose from her covers, rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and felt Naruto's crystal bounce against her chest as she moved. She moved a hand to the crystal and held it tightly. It reminded her of the Naruto's promise; A promise she knew he was going to keep.
Azula got out of her bed and prepared for the day. She quickly headed down to the kitchen and found Yoshino waiting for her. Yoshino had been teaching Azula all about the fine art of cooking and Azula had to admit, she really did enjoy it. She was amazed at how various ingredients combined into an amazing dish. Before, when she was in the Fire Nation, she didn't care what effort went into preparing the food, just how it tasted. Now she could understand the joy of cooking and watching others and herself enjoy the meals.
"So Azula, dear, what shall we make today?" Yoshino asked in a happily.
Azula looked over the ingredients before her, indecisively.
"Umm…." she began.
Yoshino smiled. "Take your time, just pick what feels good to you."
Azula nodded, a small smile gracing her face. She pondered for awhile before finally settling on a carton of eggs. She then gathered a few pieces of bacon, some tomatoes, cilantro, ground pork, and banana peppers. She pulled a bowl down from the cabinets and slowly started to cracked open three eggs. She quickly whisked them together, forming a smooth, yellow liquid. Azula then added a pinch of salt to the eggs, before heading for the stove. She got out a pan, placed a little oil in it and set it in the stove to heat up. Next she walked over to table and began to chop up the tomatoes and cilantro. She then cut the bacon into tiny pieces and set them aside. She checked to see if the pan was hot. As her hand passed over the flames from the burner, she couldn't help but miss the feeling of controlling the fire with her own hands.
She couldn't allow herself to dwell on it and proceeded to pour the eggs, she had whisked earlier, into the pan. She then got a spatula and watched as the eggs cooked. She noted the cooked egg edges, and added the tomatoes, cilantro, and banana peppers to the middle of the eggs. She then carefully folded over the eggs, encasing the veggies and slowly flipped the omelet over. She then put in the cut up bacon and let it cook next to the omelet. Soon the dish was done and the omelet was on a plate with freshly cooked bacon bits on the top.
Yoshino looked over the dish, approvingly. "Very good Azula," she said, excitedly. "This is very well made. Shall we dig in?"
Azula nodded picked up a fork and picked up a piece of the omelet. She took a bite and smiled. It had a good balance. The eggs were fluffy and filling. The veggies provided contrasting flavors and textures, and the bacon on the top added a sweet kick to the dish.
"This is amazing Azula," Yoshino said as she finished another bite of the omelet. "You're becoming quiet the cook. Once Naruto gets a taste of your cooking, you will have him wrapped around your finger in no time." Azula nodded, a bit confused on how physically impossible it would be to have Naruto would be wrapped around her finger.
Suddenly a knock was heard and Yoshino left to answer the door, leaving Azula alone in the kitchen. Azula began to clean up and pondered Yoshino's strange choice of words. She knew that she cared for Naruto, and the he cared for her, but how would learning how to cook help.
She was soon pulled from her thoughts when Yoshino and the guest entered the kitchen. Azula looked over the guest and saw that it was Ino Yamanaka, the daughter of Inoichi. She had met Ino before one of her sessions with Inoichi. She only knew of the girl in passing and wondered her reason for being there.
Yoshino smiled at Azula. "Azula, I like you to meet Ino Yamanaka."
"Nice to meet you," she replied wearily.
Ino gave Azula a large smile. "It nice to meet you as well," she replied sweetly. "I just came to visit Mrs. Nara and she told me you were staying here. I hoping we could get to know each other and have a girls day out. I can introduce you to some of Naruto's and my friends."
Yoshino smiled at this. "I think that's a wonderful idea," she said with exuberance. Azula nodded again, her nervousness building. Yoshino noticed this and turned toward Ino. "Would you excuse us for a moment?"
Ino nodded. "Sure thing," she replied as Yoshino and Azula left the kitchen.
Yoshino gave Azula a worried look. "Are you ok?" she asked in a motherly tone. Azula was silent and looked at the floor. Yoshino pulled Azula into a hug.
"Hey it going to be ok," Yoshino said with a smile. She leaned down and looked Azula in the eyes. "I want you to be safe, but socializing would be good for you. Ino is a wonderful girl and will take care of you."
Azula nodded and gave Yoshino a small smile. "Thank you" she whispered.
"Let's get you ready for a night out on the town," Yoshino said, leading Azula back to her room.
-SB-
Ino and Azula walked through the streets of in silence. Ino was excited that she had Azula alone and was planning on milking her for information. First, she wanted to Azula to lower her guard, but that was going to be extremely difficult based on Azula's cautious nature.
So far, Azula had been extreme silent as they walked and wondered where they were headed. Ino hadn't said a word since Yoshino's house. She was very nervous on what they were going to do. She had never had a girl's day out. When she spent time with Mai and Ty Lee, they spent most of their time at the palace. They never really went out unless it was for big events.
Ino turned and looked over Azula a slight frown on her face. Her clothes were fairly plain and the inner fashion lover in her wouldn't stand for it. "Azula who bought your clothes?" she asked in a troubled tone.
"Naruto," Azula stated as they walked.
"Oh no. This will not do," Ino exclaimed in a girly tone and grabbed Azula arm. "You need better clothes then these. No self respecting girl would be caught dead in those in public."
Azula looked down at her clothes, oblivious to the problem. She wore a simple red shirt, pants and a pair of sandles. They looked like the clothes that she had seen most of the villagers wear.
"I think their fine," Azula said, confused. She never really picked out her own clothes. Back home, clothing was provided by the royal tailor back home. She mostly wore her war armor when she was out in public.
Ino shook her head and sighed. "You poor, poor girl," Ino stated, sadly. You are missing out on the wonderful world of clothes and fashion, but do not fear, I will be your guide."
Azula didn't have time to answer before when Ino grabbed her arm and started to run like lighting, down the streets, dragging Azula behind her. Soon Ino stopped in front of a stop and Azula fe.l to the ground, dazed from the trip. She slowly stood up and saw a smile on Ino face.
"Welcome, Azula, to one of the best places in the village," Ino said in a grand voice. "Konoha's Beautiful Leaves, the best clothing store in the world. Now, let's get you into something that will knock guys's socks off."
-SB-
Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune had just entered the land of Iron and were headed toward the Three Wolves Mountain where the Kage meeting was taking palace. Naruto was bored and eager to get back to Azula. As they traveled she was always on his mind. Ever since she entered his life, he couldn't help but want to be near her. At first it was just to help her get better, but as time went on there was more than that. It just felt right when he held her in his arms as they slept together every night. Leaving her alone in the village was one of the hardest things he had done.
"I hope she is safe," he thought.
Kyu listened to her brother's worried thoughts. "She will be fine," she said in a caring tone. "Yoshino will keep her safe."
"I know," Naruto replied, "But I still can't help but worry. She means alot to me."
Kyu smiled. She knew that Naruto was falling in love with Azula, and she couldn't be happier. She wanted Naruto be happy and settle down with a wonderful girl. Aside from Azula, no girl had played a big role in Naruto's life. Now, his feelings for Azula were growing and Kyu began formulating plans to get Azula and Naruto together.
"Worrying is only natural," Kyu stated in a sisterly tone. "Now let's get going. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can get back to Azula."
Naruto smiled, picking up speed. Tsunade and Shizune noticed Naruto's increased pace and raced to catch up. The soon saw The Wolves Mountain come into view. Naruto smiled and was about to sprint, when his danger sense kicked in. He jumped to the side as a bolt of lightning dropped onto where he was once standing.
Tsunade raced toward Naruto. "Are you ok?" she asked as they looked around for the attacker.
Naruto just nodded when suddenly, he detected a laugh. Naruto frowned; he knew that voice very well. He stood, up a serious look on his face. "Come on out Sasuke," Naruto stated coldly. Tsunade angrily looked at Susake, but her attention was diverted when she was attacked by a few kunai. She jumped away from Naruto and looked around for her own attacker.
"Be safe brat," she thought, as she got ready for her own battle.
-SB-
"hahahahaha….." Sasuke laughed as he walked out into the open. "You had to ruin my fun."
"What fun, dobe?" Naruto replied coldly. "Trying to kill me, again?"
Sasuke just shook his head, and slowly drew his blade. "You should have just let the lightning kill you," he stated. "Now, watch as I show you how strong I've become!"
Sasuke disappeared and reappeared in front of Naruto, attempting impale Naruto with his sword. Naruto twisted away from the sword thrust and punched Sasuke in the face. Sasuke just smiled as he ducked.
Naruto jumped away from Sasuke. "Missed me, teme," he stated as he lifted up his hands up and formed a familiar crossed-shaped hand sign. "Kage Bushin No Jutsu." Smoked filled the area around Naruto and ten clones of himself stood beside the original.
Sasuke just looked at Naruto and his clones and closed his eyes. He reopened them slowly to reveal the Sharingan. "Bring it dobe," he taunted.
Naruto needed no invitation before he and his clones charged. While the clones charged, Naruto created two more clones to go and gather nature chakra. The clones swarmed Sasuke who used his sword to destroy clones left and right. The real Naruto charged in with a small blue sphere in his hand.
"Resengan" he cried as he thrust the sphere toward Sasuke's stomach.
Sasuke saw this coming and jumped away from the attack, then her went through some quick hand signs and lifted two fingers to his mouth. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu," he shouted and sent a large fire ball toward Naruto.
Naruto dodged away from the fire ball, quickly unsealed a Fuma Shiriken and threw it at Sasuke. "Really,? Dobe," Sasuke stated and blocked the attack with is sword. "I expected more than this."
Naruto just smiled, "You should know better than to underestimate me," He reminded, as he created two clones. "It will cost you your life. " Suddenly the Fuma Shiriken turned into a Naruto clone and kicked Sasuke in the face. Sasuke stumbled back for a second, but it was all the time Naruto needed.
Four clones ran toward Sasuke and kicked him into the air. The real Naruto appeared above Sasuke and used a heel drop on him. "Uzumaki Naruto Rendan."
Sasuke hit the ground and suddenly turned into smoke revealing a log. "Nice try dobe," Sasuke said with a small smile on his face. "But, it's not good enough. You cannot beat the Sharingan. Now, it's my turn."
Sasuke went through high sign quickly and smiled. "Chidori Eiso!" he cried and threw a spear of lightning at Naruto.
Naruto dove to the side as the spear of Lightning flew past him. He glared at Sasuke but smiled when he felt the familiar power of Nature Chakra fill him. His eyes slowly turned orange with a horizontal bar in the middle. "Well, Teme," he stated as he stood up. "That was a fun attack, but this ends now."
Naruto creates five clones and had them charge Sasuke. Sasuke closed his eyes again and activated his Mangekyo Sharingan. "No you don't, dobe," he stated and charged toward the clones.
Naruto just smiled, and with the help of two clones, created one of his ultimate weapons. "Resenshiriken!" Naruto stated, and threw it toward Sasuke.
Sasuke watched that attack come toward him. "Susanoo," he stated and became covered in a skeleton-like chakra armor. The Rasenshiriken hit Sasuke's Susanoo and expanded. Naruto watched as the ultimate defense, faced against his great attack. The air filled with smoke as Naruto waited to see if his attack was effective.
Suddenly, a large arrow flew out from the fog and struck Naruto in the shoulder, passing his Sage mode defenses and sending him flying back, pinning him to a tree. Naruto screamed out in pain as he lost his sage mode.
The smoke cleared to reveal an unharmed Sasuke. "See, dobe," he stated as he walked toward the trapped Naruto. "You can't defeat me. Now, be a good little dobe and let me take the fox."
Naruto glared at Sasuke and grabed the Chakra arrow holding him in place. "You will not take Kyu," he growled as he grunted in pain while pulling the arrow out of his shoulder. "I won't let you!"
Naruto was suddenly covered in an orange glow as he entered Tail Beast mode, allowing he and Kyu to work as one. Sasuke watched as Naruto's wound quickly closed and frowned. Naruto stepped from the tree and charged forward at high speed.
Naruto gathered a small black ball in his hand. "Cho Mini Bijudama!" he cried and thrust the attack toward Sasuke.
Sasuke quickly activated Susanoo and blocked the attack. The two forces pushed against each other resulting in a massive explosion, sending both boys flying in opposite directions. Naruto landed on his feet and looked around for Sasuke.
"Susanoo!" Sasuke shouted and charged Naruto at full speed. The Susanoo's bow pulled back, ready to fire.
Naruto quickly created another Cho Mini Bijudama and charged forward. Susake fired the arrow and Naruto thrust his Bijudama. The two attacks collided and exploded on impact destroying everything in a three mile radius.
Naruto landed on the ground hard, and slowly stood up. Sasuke was in the same shape as Naruto and was struggling to stand.
"Damn you, dobe," Sasuke shouted and was about to attack when the sound of others filled the air. Sasuke knew he was out of time. "I will kill you, dobe. Count on it."
Naruto watched as Sasuke disappeared. "Not if I kill you first," Naruto whispered as he sat down on the ground, tired from the battle. Soon he was joined by Killer Bee, Jinchuriki of Gyuki, the eight tailed beast.
"You, Nine, you all fine?" he asked as he entered the battle field ready to fight.
Naruto slowly nodded. "Yeah Bee," he replied in a tired voice.
"That cool fool," Bee replied, only to be hit in the head by his older brother, A, the Raikage, leader of Kumo.
"Stop rapping you idiot," he stated in an annoyed tone. "The enemy could still be in the area!"
"Sorry bro," Bee replied.
"No, he is gone," Naruto replied in a cold tone. "He left as soon as he felt you guys coming."
"Damn coward," A stated in an angered tone, "attacking again at the meeting."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked in a worried tone.
"All the Kage were ambushed like you were," A stated. "It seemed that The Uchiha wanted to take us out, but we all made it out ok."
Naruto nodded, glad that all of the Kages were safe. "So what now?' he asked.
"We finish the meeting then head home," A stated, "and prepare to wipe all Uchiha from the face of the earth."
Naruto was silent when he heard this but slowly nodded in agreement. "That's right," he said in a quiet tone. "They need to die so that the world can survive."
-SB-
Sasuke appeared in Madara's secret hideout, the anger evident on his face. "Damn dobe!" he cried, sitting down.
Madara and Obito walked over. "It's fine, Sasuke," Obito stated. "We just wanted to keep him distracted while our forces took out their leaders."
"But we failed!" Sasuke shouted. "They are all still alive."
"Yes, but this war is far from over," Madara stated. "We have many ways of striking them."
"Like how!" Sasuke demanded.
"We strike the ones they love," Obito said simply and walked away, leaving Sasuke to contemplate their words. Sasuke thought for a few moments and smiled.
"I will destroy you, dobe," he stated in a crazed tone. "You won't even have a chance to stop me. I will rip away everything you hold dear, and then, when you're broken and defeated, I will finally destroy you."
That is chapter 9 of ASC, I really happy for all the reviews I been reciving on this story and the overwhelming support everyone is giving me. I really want to thant GerviousHallow,Mrz90, and everyone who have reviewed each chapter and helped me make this story great. I really happy in where this story is headed as many conflicts are beginning and many fight and clashes shall begin. How will Naruto and Azula survive the coming storm and will they both find what they need in their darkest hours. Again I want to thank you all for your support and I will try and continue to make this story the best it can possibly be. Please read and review!