Chapter 44: Chikara
The return trip home was a slow and steady one due to traveling with the injured Mikoto and Tamaki. Kakashi suspected that the reason that instead of being Hiraishined back to the village by Naruko that she wanted to take her time getting there to process everything that has happened before being swamped with work and family who would try to talk her out of her decision to continue facing Sasuke. She also appeared to be mulling over what to say to Mikoto since, it's not everyday a mother is betrayed by her son such as Sasuke had done. When they reached the outskirts of the village and were heading for the gates to enter they were confronted by root members.
"Sai report." one of the root members said
"It appears that Danzo is dead and was killed by Sasuke that's why our curse mark is gone." Sai says
"Then what're we supposed to do?" another root member said
"We'll take it up with Kakashi since he's going to be the next hokage. But, first he has matters to attend to." Sai said
"I see" the root member says as he and the other root members disappear into the trees to spread the word of Danzo's passing.
"Ha I'm not looking forward to being the hokage it really isn't my thing" Kakashi says as they enter through the gates.
"You'll do fine Kakashi sensei besides after a while, you can pick someone else to do the job so you can read your porn in peace." Naruko says with a gentle smile.
"If you're not careful Naruko I'll pick you for the job and see how you like handling all that paperwork." Kakashi says amusingly
"I don't think the village is ready for someone like me to become hokage. I've got enough to worry about with the Uzumaki clan." Naruko says shyly
"Heh true enough I suppose but, you've already surpassed me in a lot of ways Naruko and if you're not prepared the village may still call on you to fulfill the role." Kakashi says
"I wouldn't be able to accept it like I said I have a lot going on and being hokage would force me to avoid my other obligations." Naruko says contemplatively
"Yes you sure do have your hands full as of late just remember that you have people around you willing to help." Kakashi says as he notices three people heading toward them.
"Thanks Kakashi I needed to be reminded of that." Naruko says as she spots the three people and can't help keeping a smile from her face.
"Kakashi! Naruko! It's good to see you. We were getting worried about how long it was taking for you to come back." Rin says giving both of them a hug.
"It's true when news of the kage summit reached here we feared something might have happened to you guys." Hanare says holding Obito Kakashi's son.
"Well a lot did happen but, we managed to handle it now we're off to spread some news to the elders." Kakashi says
"What kind of news?" Hanare asks
"The news that Kakashi sensei is going to be selected as the next Hokage." Naruko says amused at the response the two women are giving.
"That's great! Minato sensei would be so proud of you!" Rin says excited
"I'm surprised I never would have expected for you to take up the position." Hanare says surprised
"Well it's not like I want to but, circumstances dictate that I become hokage." Kakashi says while rubbing his head.
"I can only imagine how Guy will feel now that his rival is about to become hokage." Sakura says with amusement at the idea causing Kakashi to groan in realization.
"As if I have enough to worry about Sakura you have to go and bring that up." Kakashi says his hand on his face and sighs.
"Well don't get too worked up over it once he's done shouting about your flames of youth and probably challenging you he'll calm down." Naruko says with a shrug
"Anyway we have to get going to see the elders." Kakashi says as they begin to walk off leaving Rin and Hanare with Obito behind.
"Sorry Kakashi sensei, but I need to meet with the rest of my friends to discuss how I'm going to deal with Sasuke." Naruko says
"I'm going to take Mikoto back to the clan compound to rest. I'll catch up with Naruko later." Sakura says
"I'm going to escort Tamaki to the T and I building then." Yamato says as he carries the disinterested girl on his back.
"I'm going to round up the guys for Naruko so I'll be going." Kiba says as he takes off on top of Akamaru.
"I guess I'll be making the trip to the village elders alone then." Kakashi says as he walks off to the elders newest residents. When he arrives he greets them and is let in.
"Hello Kakashi it's been some time." Koharu says
"Yes it has." Kakashi says
"What brings you to us?" Homura asks
"The news probably hasn't reached you yet, but Danzo is dead and he was killed by Sasuke." Kakashi says to their surprise.
"I can't believe it he's really gone." Koharu says sadly
"It's truly a great loss for the village." Homura says sadly
"Sasuke claimed it was revenge for the sake of his clan from very reliable sources you elders along with Danzo orchestrated or more accurately directed Itachi to do it." Kakashi says with seriousness
"That's quite the charge you're leveling against us." Koharu says with narrow eyes
"Indeed do you have any proof?" Homura says calculatingly
"I have the word of people I trust with my life that is more than enough for me." Kakashi says sternly
"Then, it's best that you keep what you heard to yourself." Koharu says nonchalantly
"Yes indeed you should know better than go on baseless accusations." Homura says calmly
"Since, the other kage came to the conclusion I'll be the next hokage I can't afford having advisors who would keep things from me." Kakashi says
"They presumed you would become hokage why?" Koharu asks
"Because, with Danzo's actions at the summit revealed they needed to find someone they could work with." Kakashi says
"What Danzo did was necessary for the sake of the village of that I'm certain." Homura says
"That's what Danzo has always claimed but, in the end it was for his own sake." Kakashi says sternly
"Danzo has only ever done what was best for the village." Koharu says heatedly
"Considering that he is probably responsible for the death of Naruto and the torture of Naruko I find that hard to believe." Kakashi says icily
"Whatever Danzo did he must have had a reason for it." Homura says hotly
"What reason then, other than for his own sake could there possibly be for the murder of a 8 year old boy and the rape and experimentation of a 10 year old girl!" Kakashi says angrily
"Danzo has gone to extreme lengths to protect the village if believed it was necessary then, it was necessary." Koharu says coldly
"Even you must recognize that some extreme methods are necessary to protect Konoha." Homura says icily
"I've done many things in my life particularly in the anbu I've had second guesses about but, I never have willingly jeopardized what the village stood for such as Danzo has." Kakashi says enraged
"Ideals are only a luxury that those who haven't had to make hard decisions can dabble in." Koharu says with conviction
"In the end those who have to make hard decisions must live in reality and do what is necessary for survival." Homura says with confidence
"It seems you both have forgotten that it's because, of ideals that the first and second formed the village and the ideal of the will of fire has kept it going despite the struggles it has faced. By sacrificing the village's ideals you both have sacrificed the village's very soul the reason the village even came into being and jeopardized it's very existence." Kakashi says in resignation
"How dare you! We've only done what was necessary for the sake of the village!" Koharu says outraged
"Who're you to judge us when you've never had to make such decisions for the village's sake!" Homura says enraged
"As your Hokage I'll be the one to judge you and face the consequences of your's and Danzo's actions from here on out." Kakashi says calmly before he gets up and walks out to prepare to head for the meeting with the fire daimyo and representatives of the shinobi council. Later that day on top of the hokage monument the fire daimyo convenes another meeting.
"So, it turns out that Danzo wasn't a wise pick as I thought" the fire daimyo says
"Yes his actions at the summit show his desire for power has been getting the best of him and from the accusations that have been spreading he has been doing so, for sometime." Says Shikaku slightly irritated
"I guess the charges against them did have some merit after all well what's done is done and we must move on." the fire daimyo says
"Indeed so we can begin to undo some of the damage that Danzo has done over the years and get the village up to snuff again." Shikaku says pointedly
"So, we're back to where we started. The village is in need of a new hokage so, is there anyone available for the position." the fire daimyo asks
"I would like to once again nominate Kakashi Hatake." Shikaku says
"Is there any alternatives?" the fire daimyo says
"No, unfortunately and the other Kages are acting under the assumption that Kakashi is going to be selected anyway." Shikaku says
"Very well then, Kakashi Hatake I-" the fire daimyo is about to say when the door bursts open.
"I have news on the condition of Lady Tsunade!" a messenger says
"What's the news!" Shikaku asks
"She-she has woken up!" the messenger replies out of breath
"Well that is good news it seems we don't need to pick a new hokage after all." the fire daimyo says pleased
"Well with the matter settled, how about we adjourn the meeting." Shikaku says
"Yes, I agree the meeting is adjourned." the fire daimyo says as he gets up to leave along with everyone else including a relieved Kakashi. Meanwhile, Naruko is having a discussion with the Konoha 11.
"I believe you have something you wish to discuss with us." Neji says
"Yes, it concerns your guy's decision to have Sasuke killed." Naruko says
"What about it?" Shikamaru says guardedly
"I want you guys to let me handle Sasuke." Naruko says with a sigh
"What?! You want us to let you handle Sasuke alone!?" Tenten shouts
"Yes" Naruko says
"Screw that we aren't letting you deal with him alone!" Ino says
"Yeah why should we let you. Is this your way of protecting Sasuke" Kiba says
"No it isn't, it's just that you guys aren't strong enough to deal with him." Naruko says calmly
"What do you mean Naruko?" Lee asks confused
"What I'm saying is Sasuke is stronger than all of you." Naruko says
"So, if you defeated Pain you should be able to handle Sasuke." Ino says
"Sasuke has become stronger than Pain or Menma I'm not sure I can beat him." Naruko says
"I still can't believe you let Sasuke get away after all he just got done fighting Danzo." Kiba says
"You weren't there Kiba, Madara was by Sasuke's side and besides he was able to fight evenly with Kakashi despite being weakened from his earlier fight." Sakura says
"I still can't believe that you couldn't finish Sasuke off with him weakened and you hadn't had to fight since Pain." Kiba says
"Like Sakura said you weren't there and besides if things became too difficult for Sasuke then Madara would have teleported him away." Naruko says firmly
"It still seems you missed an opportunity with how strong you are, so what aren't you telling us?" Shikamaru says
"It doesn't matter, this is now between Sasuke and me I won't have you guys interfere in our fight." Naruko says sternly looking them all in the eyes.
"Fine have it your way Naruko we're in no position to stop you and Sasuke has become too strong to handle anyways." Shikamaru says with a sigh as the others recognize the wisdom in his words. Just as they were all about to get up to leave, Karin runs to them.
"Karin what's the matter?" Naruko asks
"Lady Tsunade she-she has woken up from her coma" Karin says gasping
"That's great news!" Naruko says happily
"Well we have places to be, say hello to Lady Tsunade for us." Shikamaru says as he and the others begin to disperse as Naruko makes her way to Tsunade's tent. When she arrives she immediately sees Shizune holding onto Tsunade with tears in her eyes.
"Baa-chan it's good to see you up." Naruko says
"It's good to see you too Naruko." the hokage replies
"It's a relief that you're up because Danzo was making a mess of things while you were in a coma." Naruko says relieved
"Tell me what happened." the hokage asks
"It starts with him becoming the rokudaime and him labelling Sasuke a missing nin because Sasuke apparently joined akatsuki and captured the Hachibi. When I confronted him about making Sasuke a missing nin he and I got into a argument in which, he revealed he plotted the second kyuubi attack by taking my son Sesshomaru causing the kyuubi to break free and how he had hoped that it would lead to the third's death making him hokage. When I threatened to tell everyone he threatened to have konoha annihilate the uzumaki clan. So, I kept quiet as he went to the kage summit that the raikage called for. There he attempted to manipulate the meeting with genjutsu so, he fled when he was found out. At the same time Sasuke attacked and the kage were able to repel him forcing the masked man to appear claiming himself as Madara who explained his plan to use the 9 tailed beasts to create a jutsu called infinite tsukuyomi that would put the entire world in a genjutsu. When he requested that they hand over the remaining tailed beasts the kages refused causing Madara to declare the 4th shinobi war. He then left with Sasuke apparently to confront Danzo who Sasuke killed. The kages decided that they would treat Kakashi as the next hokage and he was about to become hokage when you woke up." Naruko says
"You said Danzo took your son Sesshomaru that would mean he was in cahoots with the people who held you and Naruto." the hokage says
"Yes he was the one behind the red tide project and the kidnapping and torture of Naruto." Naruko says sadly
"That son of a bitch!" the hokage shouts
"Yes with him dead most of his dealings are coming to light." Naruko says
"At least now you can reclaim your son with Danzo dead." the hokage says trying to be positive
"I can't because he was killed by Menma in his attack in order to awaken the mangekyo sharingan." Naruko says brokenly
"Naruko I'm so sorry to hear that." the hokage says sadly
"It's alright I avenged his death. I just wish I got a chance to meet him, and to hold him I don't even know what he looked like." Naruko says shedding tears
"Naruko I know it's hard but, you still have a family and a clan to call your own. You should go to them and spend some time with them." the hokage says consolingly
"What about you?" Naruko asks
"Me? I'll be fine. I just had a long rest and now I'm ready to get back to work. So, go on and see your family. You'll have plenty to do later." the hokage says
"Thank you Baa-chan" Naruko says as she leaves the tent to go join her family and clan.
Several days later team Kakashi is assembled and meets at the hokage's office. When Naruko arrives they begin the meeting.
"Alright team I'm assigning you an a-rank mission to investigate the attack at Tonika village at the hole." the hokage says
"What's so special about this place the hole for you to be sending us?" Naruko asks
"Well the place is said to hold a source of great power but, no one has ever seen it." the hokage says
"Do you think that's why it's been attacked." Naruko asks
"I'm not sure that's why you'll be investigating the attack and to find out who is responsible." the hokage says
"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Naruko asks
"No that's everything you're dismissed." the hokage says as the team leave the room and head out of the rebuilding Konoha to head to the hole. When they arrive the team splits up with Yamato and Sai heading to Hacho village, the village neighboring Tonika village along the way they encounter Shiseru and her team of guards who escort them to the village leader Disonasu. While, Sakura and Naruko head towards the spring and are overwhelmed by the beauty of the view.
"Wow Naruko, look at this spring it's beautiful." Sakura says
"Yeah it has a romantic view doesn't it." Naruko says standing by Sakura's side.
"This place is said to hold some sort of power right?" Sakura asks
"Yeah" Naruko replies
"Do you think it has something to do with this spring." Sakura says
"I don't know" Naruko says wondering
"Perhaps we shall find out." a voice says
"Who's there?" Naruko says as a cloaked individual appears who reveals himself to be Kabuto.
"Kabuto?! What're you doing here?" Naruko shouts getting in a stance along with Sakura.
"Just to perform an experiment." Kabuto says as he walks on the water of the spring and summons a ball of tiny snakes that sink into the water they soon take the form of a man named Hidan that Kabuto puts a control tag into. Hidan naked prepares to attack when Kabuto summons Hidan's scythe for him to battle with. Hidan makes a slash at Sakura but is knocked away by a recently arrived Yamato. Kabuto summons reinforcements via edo tensei much to Sakura's shock and Naruko's rage.
"You bastard using the dead as your personal playthings. It was you who attacked Tonika village wasn't it!?" Naruko says as she throws a tri pronged kunai at Kabuto dodges and jumps away as Naruko hiraishin's to it with a rasengan creating an explosion in the water. Kabuto forms a snake from the mass of tiny serpents and has it attack Naruko driving her underwater. While, Shiseru arrives with her guards and attacks the undead shinobi. Sakura fights a edo tensei Hayate and Sai battles a reincarnated Deidara. When Naruko surfaces from fighting the snake having accidentally swallowed some of the tiny serpents. Kabuto decides to retreat using Deidara to provide some cover. When they have left the team regroups.
"We should head back to the village to rest and recover." Shiseru says as the guards and Team Kakashi head into Hacho village. The team arrives at Dokku's house where 6 orphans from the attack are staying. When they spot Naruko's forehead protector as being the same as one of the reincarnated shinobi they run away as Dokku and the orphans cross a broken bridge they fall into a ravine but, Naruko saves them. Meanwhile, Yamato and Sai go to Disonasu for further information where he explains the story of the hole being a power that once ruined the word with the power of Ama no hoko but, it was sealed by one of the dead using something called the seven sounds of Saezuri. Later that night Naruko has a dream of standing by the kyuubi's cage surrounded by snakes.
"This is quite the predicament you have found yourself in sister but this does present me with another opportunity." Menma says mentally finding the situation a great opportunity to escape once more. The next day the orphans are eager to learn ninjutsu from Naruko who isn't feeling well but she made a promise and decides to see it through even with Shiseru joining in for practice. Elsewhere Yamato, Sai and some guards confront Deidara and Hidan who have slaughtered some of the Hacho village militia. Later on at Dokku's house Disonasu comes to visit along with Tonika's village head to everyone's surprise. The Tonika's village head asks for the treasure back that he gave Dokku when the village came under attack. However, one of the orphans Miina senses something is wrong and it's revealed that the Tonika village head is an edo tensei. With the ruse discovered Kabuto appears along with some more reincarnated shinobi. As Sakura and Naruko begin to fight Naruko falls to the ground writhing in pain. Miina starts pressing on Naruko screaming "Get Out" as suddenly Naruko vomits up a huge amount of black fluid. The fluid begins to move and morph till finally taking on the form of a six tailed version 2 Naruko without a fox skeleton it begins to attack everyone including Kabuto who put a control tag into it only for it to be expelled by the clone. The clone attacks and knocks out Sakura before it turns its attention to Dokku and the orphans but, before they can come to harm Might Guy and Rock Lee appear kicking it away with double dynamic entry. The rest of the Konoha 11 arrive with Team asuma assisting Sakura, Team Kurenai tending to Naruko, Neji and Tenten deal with the edo tensei, and Kakashi tries to fight Kabuto. As Guy and Lee open the 8 inner gates to fight the clone and manage to drive it back. The clone attacks team kurenai swatting them away from the unconscious Naruko. The clone grabs at Naruko's seal and begins to absorb power that the kyuubi gladly provides causing the clone to grow in size and in strength until it takes on the appearance of a blood red kyuubi with eight tails matching the kyuubi in size. The clone begins to attack and level the village forcing the konoha 11 to help evacuate the civilians as it goes on a rampage. The clone fires a tailed beast ball into the distance and is about to crush Dokku and Naruko when a huge snake swallows both alive. The snake and Kabuto retreat while the clone begins to reduce in size and power till it returns to a six tailed form. In the underground hall of Tonika village Naruko is unconscious being restrained by snakes as she has a conversation with the kyuubi.
"Great what am I doing here?" Naruko asks as she looks up to see the seal and the Kyuubi behind it.
"Hahahahahaha I see you've come to brat." the kyuubi says amused
"What's going on?" Naruko asks
"That clone of ours is weakening the seal by bypassing it to draw on my power." the kyuubi says excited
"That isn't good, the seal will eventually break." Naruko says concerned
"Yes at this rate I will be broken free and let myself loose on the world once more." the kyuubi says thrilled
"Shit! Then, I will have to reinforce the seal with my chakra instead, at least more than normal." Naruko says as she draws on her chakra and reinforces the walls of the seal with wood release.
"Try all you like brat but, the fact of the matter is you're only delaying the inevitable." the kyuubi says ominously
"Shut it I know that this is only a temporary fix and will eventually have to face you but, it's not going to be for awhile, so till then keep your foreboding comments to yourself." Naruko says irritated
"Tsk. Enjoy what time you have left brat because, your time is growing short and there's no one left who can successfully seal me left anymore." the kyuubi says joyfully
"Yeah I get it but, I have other things to worry about at the moment so, I better get going." Naruko says exiting the seal to find herself bound in snakes. Meanwhile, Kabuto approaches them along with two of his puppets to greet Dokku and Naruko just as Disonasu arrives stating that he orchestrated the attack on Tonika village in order to get a hold of Saezuri which, he reveals from a scroll. Hearing of Disonasu's involvement, Dokku tries to attack him but is restrained by Kabuto's puppets. Disonasu thanks Naruko for defeating Pain before he starts kicking her. Disonasu prepares to summon the power with the iron bars that Kabuto's clone took from the orphans that was the treasure entrusted to Dokku. Naruko begins to enter sage mode. Miina hums the sound of Saezuri activating, while, the Ama no hoko rises from the ground where Naruko is laying. The Konoha 11 plus Kakashi, Shiseru, Yamato, and Sai arrive at the area. Where Kakashi reveals Disonasu's past as a bloodthirsty murder who worked for Akatsuki as a subordinate that studied edo tensei alongside Orochimaru. Kabuto summons his edo tensei and the clone. Naruko standing atop of Ama no hoko she stares down her clone that breaks free of its restraints and heads toward her to attack. While, Hidan attacks team Asuma and Deidara attacks the rest with explosive clay that is attached to the other edo tensei engaging the Konoha 11. On top of the Ama no hoko Naruko battles the clone while in sage mode. The clone attacks with its tails but Naruko dodges the tails and grabs one of them and flings the clone into the ground. The clone gets up and begins slashing at Naruko but, Naruko parries the blows and hits the clone with a natural energy powered punch causing the shell of chakra covering the clone to peel away revealing part of its face. The clone charges again making a swipe at Naruko's stomach but, Naruko grabs the hand and begins leveling several punches toward the clone's chest before letting go of the hand and giving a quick kick toward the clone sending it rolling back toward the edge of Ama no hoko. The clone's shell of chakra further falls away as two of its tails fade. It charges again running on all fours till it's in front of Naruko. Naruko grabs hold of it and knees it in the stomach and as it lowers itself knees it in the chin sending it stumbling back as it loses another tail. The clone tries to lash out with a kick but, it's foot is caught by Naruko who twists it causing the clone to spin as Naruko throws another punch at it in the face planting it head first in the brick top of the ama no hoko. As it gets up it loses another tail and tries to throw another punch at Naruko's face but, she dodges the blow and decks the clone in the face sending it skidding back toward the edge of the tower losing a tail leaving it's natural one as the only one remaining revealing it's true form as a Naruko with a scaled like lizard body. The clone is just about to charge again when the floor they're standing on gives way and the clone plummets into the ama no hoko as Naruko jumps away. Meanwhile, Disonasu has escaped the restraints put on him by Yamato and has activated the tower. The tower shoots a beam into the sky as storm clouds form. Disonasu climbs the tower but is stopped by Naruko but, both turn to look toward the top as the clone resurfaces having absorbed the tower's power and has become a hydra-fox monster that swipes away Disonasu from the tower sending him flying off to his death. Meanwhile, Team Asuma deals with the Hidan clone as it breaks down due to the shortened life span of the snakes composing it's body. At the same time Kabuto escapes Kakashi as Deidara provides cover for him. Naruko tries to engage the clone once more but is sent plummeting from the tower toward the ground. The clone smashes into the ground and slams a fist into Naruko planting her in the ground. Several of the heads grab Naruko lifting her up and one of the heads shoots a beam of chakra through her stomach then slams her body into the ground as it gives way. As Naruko plummets she hears the voice of Kyuubi.
"You're outmatched by that thing if you want to survive you best use my chakra." the kyuubi says
"I know but, it will shorten the time I have left if I do." Naruko says frustrated
"You don't have a choice if you want to survive." the kyuubi says amused
"I really don't have a choice do I? Fine, give me your power." Naruko says resigned
"That's what I thought, now go and defeat that fake." the kyuubi says forcefully as he begins to channel his power into Naruko as the seal begins to spread a pattern of marks around Naruko. Naruko jumps from the pit taking on a huge fox shroud with seven tails and begins to battle the clone who tries to fire off beams of chakra from it's mouths but, Naruko grabs them with multiple chakra arms redirecting the attacks. She then begins to pummel the main head before tearing it off. She begins wailing on the clone but, the kyuubi's influence begins to grow stronger before it takes over. The shroud becomes red and inside it the skeletal structure of the fox can be seen. Meanwhile, Shiseru and Dokku begin making they're way to the saezuri remembering the hum that Miina made which is used to deactivate the ama no hoko. The ground gives way but, Dokku grabs the falling Shiseru by the arm he tries to hold on. As this is happening Yamato tries to bind Naruko's kyuubi form as the clone fires beams of chakra everywhere destroying the terrain causing the ground to continue to sink. Miina and the orphans reach out to Naruko who hears them and regains control and regresses to human form covered in a golden shroud of chakra. She sees Shiseru letting go of Dokku so, he can deactivate the saezuri. As she falls to her death Naruko uses her newfound form to increase her speed to catch her and put her on the ground before jumping toward the clone that tries to attack her as she forms a tailed beast rasengan that she jams into its back as Dokku deactivates the ama no hoko. The tailed beast rasengan destroys the clone and it crumbles into dust. The golden shroud fades and the tower begins to recede into the earth as the orphans celebrate with Naruko as Shiseru and Dokku announce they're to be married and are going to adopt the orphans. As they celebrate no one notices the head of the clone that was ripped off by Naruko slowly regress and take on a human form. It becomes a man with red hair and sharingan eyes and a byakugan in his forehead.
"Well done Naruko I knew you could handle it and thanks to you I've gained control of this body. Now I think it's time I visit my old colleagues to see them about their plans." the man Menma says amused as he leaves the scene with no one the wiser.