DxGRAYxMAN: Yeah, I wanted to give Yakumo something to wipe out the masses and figured that something along the lines of the Death's Maiden jutsu would work.
PinkiePieParty122894: Yeah I wanted to give Chojuro a little bit of screen time or page time or whatever. I put a little more of him in this chapter and will probably use him in future chapters.
Animaman: It'll take some time before Jiraiya admits his wrongdoings to Naruto out loud but for right now, he's mainly conflicted and when he faces the twins, that's when he will really make his decision on who he stands with. I won't say whether he realizes that they are or aren't the kids of prophecy but he will get reality shoved into his face. Also relating to Jiraiya and the twins' battle, reality make make itself known just before Jiraiya dies or after Jiraiya survives. I won't say which, sorry. As for the parental damage, Naruto did forgive them but I understand where you're coming from about it being too easy and plan to go a lot deeper into why he forgave them throughout multiple chapters.
Guest: Sorry I pissed you off and I talk about it at the end of the chapter if you've read this far. I started this almost a year ago with different intentions for it than when I started actually getting interested in writing it so I'm sorry that you're disappointed but I still think that it's worth reading.
1995hzq: Glad you liked it and Jiraiya's ending in the anime and manga pissed me off so I'm right there with you. I won't say whether Jiraiya and Naruto reach full closure, Nagato and Yahiko are dead at this point but I wouldn't completely rule out an impure resurrection jutsu. I am sorry to say that Kabuto won't be making a reappearance as a living character but I may use him in maybe an Orochimaru flashback.
(Shinigami's Blade Base)
Tsuranabi was sitting in his chair with his eyes closed when Menma and Narumi entered. The two waited in silence as their leader stood slowly and gave a small smile. "Thank you for joining me, we have some things to go over so sit down" Tsuranabi said to which Menma and Narumi quickly took two nearby chairs. Tsuranabi examined the two Namikazes for a long moment before speaking. "Another member of the Shinigami's Blade has fallen to Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. Karasala, the number three swordsman is dead and not by Naruto's sword. It seems that the boy has found enough strength to not rely on his sword" he said walking behind the two jinchuriki. "In two days the Mizukage of Kiri will launch a full scale attack on the Kiri rebels of which Naruto is a part of. I will be making an appearance to see just how strong he has become and will bring the two of you with me. You two have made great progress and you will see the results of your training when you face your brother so be ready to leave" Tsuranabi said. At this information, Menma and Narumi's eyes widened and large smiles spread on their faces. "Is there anything else you need of us?" Menma asked trying to contain his excitement. "No, you may leave" the leader responded.
When the two were gone, Tsuranabi sat back in his chair. "You know that they're no match for him" said a confused voice. The voice materialized a second later in the form of Sashira, the number two swordsman of the Shinigami's Blade. Tsuranabi nodded with a smirk. "The two have grown strong since joining us but their hatred for their brother is lessening. Eventually they will feel so strong that the idea of facing someone that they consider so far below them will be an insult. Arrogance always leads to downfall. If they are arrogant, they may take pity and make mistakes. On the other hand, newfound humiliation from their brother will strengthen their hatred and resolve. They will not hesitate, they will show no mercy, they will be perfect soldiers" Tsuranabi said with a smile to which Sashira nodded. "Is there something that you needed or did you simply come here to eavesdrop on my private discussion Sashira?" he asked to which Sashira quickly shook her head. "Kuro has been getting restless. He is thinking about returning to mercenary life" she said looking at the ground. Tsuranabi chuckled at the problem.
"Yes I suppose I have kept him on a rather short leash" Tsuranabi said with a smile before his eyes widened with a new idea. "Adversity and the desire for vengeance can make someone far stronger than ever thought possible" Tsuranabi said quietly while looking up. Sashira looked at her leader, confused at what he was getting at. Tsuranabi looked at his fellow swordsman with a smile. "Send Kuro to Konoha. It's time for the Fourth Hokage's reign to end."
(Kiri Rebel Camp)
Kushina tossed within her sleeping bag in the Konoha tent. She and her group had gotten back to the base safe and sound and while Konan took Yakumo and Sasuke to the tent, she informed Mei that the Mizukage knew where they were and was coming in two days. A force of fifteen hundred ninja including the Mizukage would attack in what would be the final battle of the Kiri civil war. It was troubling news to the rebel leader as they only had two hundred ninja able to fight. Kushina had left Mei to her thoughts and gone to bed. It was her dreams that proved to be her toughest enemy that day.
Flashback
Kushina was training Menma and Narumi with a smile on her face. Her children had the same determination that she had when she was a little girl. Chuckling as she dodged punches and kicks from Menma and Narumi, Kushina stopped the fight. "Okay kids that's enough training for today. Why don't you two go get washed up and I'll take you out to Ichiraku's for some ramen" she said to which the kids responded by vanishing faster than Minato's hiraishin. Letting out a small laugh, Kushina looked up and silently thanked Kami for the life she had. Just before looking down, she noticed someone looking at her from a window above. It was her son Naruto. Seeing him made her heart clench tightly. The little blonde was just looking at her wondering why he couldn't be a part of this family which caused tears to form in her eyes. Naruto was her first born who had been forced to become the black sheep. Kushina quickly shook her head. 'He's not the black sheep. He's my son. I've neglected him so much, I've been so horrible, all because of the stupid Kyuubi. From now on, I will include him in everything. Naruto, I promise you that I'll be a better mother' she thought before being pulled out of her thoughts by Narumi and Menma.
As she was dragged off to Ichiraku's, she didn't realize until arriving that she had already broken her promise. Feeling terrible on the walk home, she silently promised herself that she would remember tomorrow. She made the same promise every day for the next month until it was revealed that she was too late. Her son had left and it had been her fault. She had driven her baby out of her arms.
Flashback End
Kushina woke up quickly without making a sound. She put her arms around one another as she began to shake while silently crying. A minute later, she was up and determined to see her son. Leaving the tent quietly, she was surprised to see that Naruto was no longer outside the tent. Closing her eyes, she focused to find her son's chakra which she was able to locate quickly. Taking off, the redhead didn't have to go far before nearing a clearing in which Naruto was apparently fighting. Getting a kunai out, Kushina prepared to join the fight until a voice stopped her. "Calm down, it's only a spar" spoke the voice to which Kushina quickly turned to face. She was surprised to see the rebel leader herself who had apparently been examining her son. "Your son is quite talented. He and my own subordinate, Chojuro, have seemed to strike a connection through kenjutsu" Mei said pointing to the battle.
(Naruto and Chojuro)
Chojuro was attacking relentlessly and was starting to get tired while his opponent kept up his confident smirk and easily deflected every strike launched at him. "How are you so strong?" Chojuro asked before launching another strike. Naruto blocked the strike as both swords were held at a standstill. Chojuro looked into the eyes of his opponent in an attempt to find any type of explanation. Chojuro pushed with all of his might while Naruto held him back easily with one arm while trying to keep in a yawn. "Hard work, dedication, a goal to achieve, and a hell of a good teacher" Naruto responded before pushing back hard enough to send the blue haired swordsman backwards. "You'll get there someday Chojuro, all you have to do is remember why you fight, why you need to get stronger" the blonde said before letting his sword vanish into nothing. Chojuro nodded and put his sword onto his back. "I hope we can do this again Naruto" Chojuro said outstretching his hand. Naruto nodded before walking up to the boy and shaking the hand with his own. "I do to Chojuro" he said causing both boys to smile.
(Kushina and Mei)
Mei and Kushina stood within the trees watching the two shake hands. "I have doubts about how to deal with my ninja when I announce to them the Mizukage's plans tomorrow. We are outnumbered over seven to one and I don't know how we could possibly win" Mei said. Kushina looked at Mei with a surprised look on her face. Mei was a confident and strong woman yet right now she sounded so helpless. The Uzumaki put her hand on Mei's s shoulder which gained her attention. "You tell them that they signed up to fight for the good of Kiri. They signed up for a cause much bigger than any one person. You may go out there and you may die, but at least you will be able to enter the afterlife with pride in the fact that you fought for a truly noble cause. That's what you tell them" said Kushina before going after her son while Mei silently stayed back.
(Naruto)
Naruto smiled as he felt his mother's chakra approaching. Sitting down on the ground, he was quickly joined by his mother. "I saw the end of your spar with that boy. I take it you made a new friend?" Kushina asked with a smile causing Naruto to smile as well. "Yeah, I guess I did" Naruto said looking up at the stars. Kushina stared at her son for a long moment before asking a question that she had neglected to ask for so long. "Naruto, why did you forgive me for being such a horrible mother" she asked looking at her son with slightly teary eyes. Naruto slowly turned and looked at his mother before responding. "Life is short mom. There is no room for petty things like grudges if you really want to get the most out of life" he said sighing before looking back up. "My teacher, the one who taught me how to first use a blade, died young. She was stronger than anyone I knew yet her life ended in order to make sure that I would start living mine. I was tempted to never associate myself with you or dad ever again, but that would be a discredit to my teacher's wishes. I also realized shortly after my return that you two truly were sorry. But the biggest reason I forgave you was because I wanted my mom back" Naruto said before looking at his mom who had tears streaming from her eyes.
Before the blonde could react, he was tackled into a hug by his mother who started to sob. "I love you so much Naruto. I love you so much and I'm so sorry for how I left you behind. I don't deserve you or your forgiveness but I swear on my life that I will never betray your trust ever again" Kushina said in between sobs as Naruto wrapped his arms around his mother reciprocating the hug.
(Kiri Rebel Camp)
It was eight o' clock in the morning and everyone was gathered around Mei. "I have recent information that will be hard to hear. From a recent interrogation performed by the Konoha nin, we have learned that the Mizukage himself intends to lead an army of fifteen hundred ninja in an all out assault tomorrow" she said which caused heavy murmuring that was quickly silenced by a shout from Mei's right hand, Ao. "Thank you Ao. Tomorrow is our last stand. I will not lie to you and say that we will win, but I refuse to simply give up and allow Yagura to further sully my home. I joined this rebellion to fight for the noble cause of freeing my country and restoring it to it's former greatness and I refuse to let Yagura and his men force me into cowardice. I knew going in that this was a cause worth dying for and I will die for it if need be. So I ask each of you, will you die for this cause and meet your ancestors knowing that you did what was right, or will you flee and meet your ancestors with your head bowed in shame?" she asked loudly.
The camp was quiet for a long time as the ninja contemplated on what was likely a life or death choice. The first answer came from Chojuro, wielder of the Hiramekarei. "I stand with the rebellion" the blue haired boy shouted with determination strong in his voice. The other ninja nodded and strengthened their resolve as cries of standing with the rebellion increased. Mei gave a small smile and looked to Ao who was also smiling. "Come Ao, we have a victory to plan out" Mei said but not before looking back at a certain red headed figure and nodding in thanks. After, she and Ao entered the battle tent to plan for what would undoubtedly be the greatest battle in Kiri history.
While their leader was planning in the tent, the other ninja outside spoke confidently, a flame had been reignited in each of them. Kushina looked at the sight with a smile. 'Yeah, she's gonna be a hell of a Mizukage' thought Kushina before going over to the Konoha tent to join her group.
(Kiri Camp later that night)
Naruto sat with his sword out absorbing the power the moon granted him. He was ready for a battle such as the one that was scheduled only a few hours away. The blonde looked at the moon wondering why the great rock in the sky gave him such power. "Still haven't figured it out huh?" spoke a familiar voice. Naruto looked to his side as Sera appeared next to him. "No I haven't. You neglected to tell me why. I know that you were enhanced by water but other than the moon controlling the tides, I don't see any relation" Naruto said in a frustrated tone. Sera looked at him seriously before responding. "Okay, you wanna know what the relation is?" she asked to which Naruto nodded. "Are you sure you wanna know?" she asked making Naruto nod more rapidly. "Are you absolutely positively-" "SERA" Naruto interrupted causing Sera to pout. "Fine, truth is that there is no relationship. Each one of us was granted an enhancement from something, but it's always different. I mean I gained stronger in the water but my master gained stronger whenever he stood in grass. How weird is that? Hell, our first swordsman gained power from the sun. All in all kid, there is no relationship in what gives us power. The only thing connecting each of us is the power inside of that sword" Sera said pointing at Naruto's sword.
"When our first swordsman began to get older, he trained a young boy in the ways of the sword. When he had taught the boy all he could, he performed the Ritual of Passing by marking his apprentice with his blood. Afterwards, he handed the apprentice the sword. When the boy grasped the sword, it changed design and form, yet the legacy was passed on as the power that had resided in the first sword transferred to the next swordsman. Each of us gained strength from our own sources and each of us wielded our own unique sword, but all of us are connected by the power that lies within your sword" Sera finished looking at her prodigy proudly. Naruto on the other hand was dealing with the fact that his head was spinning at one hundred miles per hour. After digesting what he had heard, Naruto looked back at Sera. "What is the power? Where does it come from?" he asked quickly as Sera began to fade. Before disappearing completely, the blue haired woman smiled. "In time Naruto. You'll find out in time" she said softly before leaving the mortal plane once again.
The blonde haired swordsman looked down at his sword and thought about what he had just been told. This sword had been wielded by ten before him and he was tasked with upholding the legacy of all of them. Standing slowly, he gripped his sword and made a silent vow. To add to the legacy passed on to him and make his former swordsmen proud.
(Sasuke and Itachi)
The two Uchiha brothers sat together under the nighttime sky. "Itachi, I'm scared" Sasuke admitted quietly. Itachi slowly turned and looked at his brother with a smile. "I know Sasuke. Tomorrow is a big day, but it's also what being a ninja is truly about. Tomorrow, you will be a part of something that most ninja can only hope for. The chance to prove yourself by fighting for what's right" he said turning his head to the sky. "If we win tomorrow, we will be a part of history. We will be a part of the reclamation of Kiri and you will have made the clan proud" Itachi said causing Sasuke to look at his brother. "I'll be right beside you, live or die. I realize that I can't look over your shoulder every moment of every day, but it's my job to worry about you Sasuke which is why I have to say this" the elder Uchiha said immediately turning serious and looking directly into his brother's eyes. "You are a strong ninja Sasuke and you have come a long way. Should I fall tomorrow, don't try to fight every ninja you come across" Itachi said.
Sasuke looked at his brother with a confused look on his face. "Itachi, what are you talking about?" Sasuke asked trying to understand his brother's sudden change in demeanor. Itachi sighed before answering. "Listen Sasuke, if I die tomorrow, find Naruto. Help where you can but make sure to find Naruto" Itachi said seriously. Sasuke was silent for a long time as he tried to figure out where this was coming from. "No" Sasuke answered and continued before Itachi could interrupt. "Either both of us are leaving Kiri together or none of us are. You're Itachi Uchiha, the strongest of the entire clan, so shut up about this dying shit. You and I are making it through this civil war idiot" Sasuke said with a confident smirk.
Itachi looked at his brother for a long moment before smirking himself. "You know, it's supposed to be the older brother that gives the inspirational and slightly offensive speeches" the Uchiha said. "You know that mom is gonna kill us when she finds out what our mission was" Sasuke commented causing Itachi to chuckle. "She will understand. She did fight in the third war so I think that she'll be able to relate but just for personal safety, you're entering the house first" Itachi said earning himself a punch to the shoulder from his younger brother. When Itachi looked back at his brother, he quietly gasped when he saw his brother who looked like he was no more than six years old. Blinking twice, the image of Sasuke reverted back to the original Sasuke. Taking a deep breath, Itachi reached his arm and pulled his brother into a one armed hug. As Sasuke was pulled in, he mentally raised an eyebrow. "I love you Sasuke" Itachi said before releasing his brother. Sasuke looked at his brother for a long time before responding. "I love you too Itachi."
(Jiraiya)
The toad sage sat in the tent near Tsunade who was asleep. Jiraiya knew better than to try and make a move on her and he had more concerning thoughts on his mind. His mind was at an impasse. He had never been so conflicted in his entire life. Menma and Narumi were gone, they had left by their own decision which Jiraiya had finally accepted. What he couldn't accept was that his godchildren were too far gone. He would save them alone if he had to which it seemed like he would. Ever since Naruto had returned from his short absence, the twins had become more cynical and grown a darker attitude. The reaction to their brother's presence led Jiraiya to his indecision about what to do with Naruto. Deep down, the man wanted to reconnect with his eldest godson, the boy named after the character of Jiraiya's least popular but greatest work of literature. Unfortunately, the majority of Jiraiya's feeling were negative towards the blonde because he needed to see the world in the grand scheme of things. Menma and Narumi would decide the fate of the ninja world, he just knew it. They had to be the children of prophecy or all that he had sacrificed, all that he had fought for, would have been for nothing.
He had alienated his godson, he had proved to be irredeemable to the woman he loved, he was no longer respected by the man he saw as a son and the woman he saw as a daughter in law outright despised him. The teammate that had betrayed him in the worst way possible turned out to have been manipulated, but when Orochimaru sided against him in terms of Naruto, he felt the sting of betrayal once again. 'It's all Naruto's fault. If he had stayed gone, then everything would be fine' thought Jiraiya darkly before another voice echoed in his mind. 'NO! Naruto was never at fault. All he needed was for someone to be there for him and we failed. There's still time to repent and reconnect with the boy' shouted the other voice causing Jiraiya to clench at his head. The white haired Sannin shook his head clear and lied down before falling asleep. He didn't even notice the tear that had fallen down his face.
(Mizukage)
Yagura sat in his tent with a smile. 'After tomorrow, all of Kiri will be mine. Those peasants dared to defy me and now the world will know my true power' he thought before falling into a loud laughing fit.
Author's Note: Hey everyone we reached over 100,000 views! I want to thank all of you my loyal readers for sticking with the story and I hope that you have enjoyed it to this point. Quick thing, I altered the story description as you can tell since I received a few comments about the story's lack of neglect elements. I'll explain further on why I did that. When I first started this story which was about a year ago, I hated the result. I had written like three chapters with every intent of it being a neglect fic but I hated how it came out. I left the story alone for a while and wouldn't have returned to it except for the fact that I saw how many people liked it and wanted it to continue. Afterwards, I worked on writing longer chapters and developing an actual plot and I kind of got away from the neglect aspects. But that's why it isn't really much of a neglect fic. Well that's my explanation. I know it was a short chapter but I hope you enjoyed it and next up is the battle for Kiri! P.S. REVIEW!