Tip Of The Spear
Chapter 12
Rebel Waltz
After his conversation with Kakashi Naruto met up with Sakura and brought out several moderate size scrolls that were stored inside a larger one. Over the last few months the genin had become astounded at what you could put into a storage scroll and this was one of those times.
Picking out one scroll Naruto opened it and began issuing weapons to the remaining team members. All of the genin pool had qualified with the M4 carbine and M1911 pistol. While it carried less rounds the .45 caliber rounds the pistol did fire did far more damage than the M9 and P226 Sakura used to carry while flying. One round was enough to put a target on the ground and everyone was trained in the double tap method of firing twice into a target for maximum effect.
They were also issued eight M67 frag grenades and two flash bangs. Their standard woodland uniform was dark enough for the lack of light a new moon would offer. Once they had donned their web gear the teams split up into pairs and began checking one another over for shiny metal parts and anything that made noise. A silencing seal was applied on everyone's kunai and shurikan holsters since it would be impossible to quite their contents any other way. Once satisfied Naruto and Sakura each made fifteen shadow clones and then opened several more scrolls. The contents made everyone stop and stare. There were 30 sets of wet suits 15 each for Naruto and Sakura's clones as wells as fins tanks rebreathers and face masks. For weapons 30 SIG Sauer P226 pistols and 30 MP5SD suppressed SMGs.
The genin knew that somewhere on the clones were grenades of various types. What unnerved them the most was when each and everyone henged into a different person. Neji and Sasuke surmised that each likeness was most likely people that they had worked with while in exile. Sasuke and Ami recognized a few faces from the videos they had seen while celebrating their leader's marriage. They rest were stunned that the majority were tall with an average height of five foot ten for the males and five seven for the females.
As the clones began to prepare for their mission Naruto handed them three last scrolls, these would be opened when they met up with the underground near the water's edge as they were the rubber assault boats they would need to reach their intended targets. Each boat held ten and while eight would be the boarding party the remaining two would stay with the boat and if need be place limpet mines on the hull in order to scuttle the ships by blowing holes into the bottom of the hulls.
Once the small army was done it left without a word, their instructions having been transferred to the clones upon creation. The genin and Kakashi were awed, this was what they were expected to become, professional and able to operate with out supervision by higher ranking officers. In fact that was what the DRACO units were being groomed for, leadership of Konoha's forces. Sasuke smirked, that clever Dope was already grooming them and they hadn't noticed.
With the boarding parties on their way Naruto had one last task to do. Biting his thumb he made the signs and slammed his bloodied palm on the ground. In a puff of smoke a small fox appeared who bowed it's head upon seeing Naruto and Sakura, "You called Lord Naruto, Lady Sakura?"
"Yes, take this scroll to Momochi Zabuza. Inform him that things on my end have changed and I and my team are moving on Gato tonight. He is to make his way here and support Kakashi-sensei from the shadows. I believe that Gato has a fail safe in case there's an uprising and that it would involve this family," Naruto explained as he handed the fox two scrolls, "The second one is to be taken to Lord Kurama's daughter, Amanda and her husband. They are to go to the town administrator's house, observe and contain the bastard. If he looks like he's going to pull a runner...kill him as messily as possible. Otherwise we'll pick the garbage up after our operation is complete, now read back my orders."
The fox repeated his orders and left. Naruto turned to his assembled troops, "The fate of this country as well as Konoha's depends on our actions tonight. I know you may think that this is too early but you are more than ready, in fact you have it easy since you have years more training in shinobi tactics and techniques than my wife and I. In fact, the fact that you are not as dependent as Sakura and I are with the guns makes you more versatile."
"We move out in five minutes, everyone, circumcise"...WHACK!"...Umm, synchronize your watches in 3...2...1...Mark. The time is 1955 hours," finishing the blonde turned to his wife as he rubbed the lump on his head, "That was mean Sakura-chan."
"Baka, take this seriously, now kiss me," she demanded and once she received her reward she hugged Naruto tightly, "I love you, be careful in there, okay?"
"I will, we have a family to grow down the line so I promise, I'll always come back to you," he said in reply.
Walking up to Team 9 Naruto tapped Neji on the shoulder, "A word with you?"
"Sure, what's up Lord Uzumaki?" the Hyuga replied.
"Sakura is my life Neji, I'm trusting you with her safety. If things go bad you're to remove her from the operational area and return to Kakashi. Inform him of what had happened and then evacuate anyone that survives as well as Tazuna and his family. Zabuza would have figured it out and most likely go on the path of revenge against Gato," Naruto told his senior genin team leader, "Don't let anything happen to her or I'll curse your clan and haunt you to your grave, understand?"
"I swear on my clan and honor that nothing will harm Lady Sakura," was the reply before continuing, "Everyone will come back, you've taught us better than you know."
A minute later a chirp was heard from Naruto's watch signaling the start of the operation. The genin formed up and began to walk to the two miles into town before making their way through the empty streets as the curfew had been lowered to five in the afternoon following the destruction of the former food bank. Having a curfew in place made things easier as the streets were empty and anyone outside would be Gato's men and therefore a legal target.
Outside of the town between it and the compound Naruto and Sakura had deployed a blocking force of both foxes and black panthers. The big cats fading into the shadows waiting to ambush any of Gato's men trying to bring warning. It had been the first time the pair had called on the services of the cats other than to summon them for introductions. Ixli, the matron of the cat clan, welcomed their new summoners and explained that while the canines were broken up in differing clans, dog, fox, coyote and wolf and would sometimes work together the cats were one big family. Well, except for the lions and tigers, they were conceited inbreds anyway according to Ixli.
The cats and foxes worked together well since Kurama had saved one of the princesses a few hundred years back from hunters. That princess was a young Ixli and she never forgot her savior as she pledged an alliance between the two clans that was for all intents and purposes eternal. She was very happy when she saw how worthy Naruto and Sakura were to be summoners for her clan, Kurama was also happy that the young couple had been seen as worthy by such an aloof species.
Making their way through town the raiding party came across a few of Gato's men enforcing the curfew. One was taken down by a burst from Naruto's MAC-10, three were taken down by thrown kunai by Ami, Tenten and Sasuke and a final one by a juken strike to the chest courtesy of Neji. Sealing the bodies in morgue scrolls the group continued onward. As the left the defensive wall around the town a panther stepped out of the shadows.
"Lord Uzumaki," it said in a low growl, "There are four humans heading this way. The group is made up of one adult and three adolescents. What do you wish be done with them?"
"Let them pass Chata, it should be the ones we want to take alive. Shadow them with a couple of your siblings, should they change course corral them somewhere out of the way and then bring them to Tazuna's house when this is all over with," Naruto instructed before scratching the cat behind the ears as Sakura unsealed a steak of venison that had been hunted that morning.
With a happy purr the cat acknowledged it's orders and then left. Naruto signaled the group to continue on. Another hour of travel they left the road and moved into the brush. The Konoha genin moved swiftly and silently through the undergrowth as the walked to the sniper nest that Sakura had set up. It was also there that Naruto had set up his listening post. As the rest caught their breath Naruto, Sakura, Neji and Sasuke were hunched over the laptop that contained the audio and video files.
Most was garbage, everyday crap like complaints about pay and food made the majority of the files. After wading through the junk Naruto found what he was looking for, a video of Kisame Hoshigaki, one of the Seven Swordsmen. He was complaining about having to track down one of his brother swordsmen, Zabuza. He was confiding to the Kiri Jonin that Gato was doing things wrong here and he didn't like being ordered to take down his friend.
Naruto smiled at that, it seems that Kisame could be dealt with without resorting to force. From what he knew about the man he was helping the rebels but at the same time maintaining a position of trust with the Mizukage. It was time for the man to pick a side it was going to get very dangerous for fence sitters real soon.
At the sound of another chirp Naruto looked at his watch, 0015, time to get ready. Assembling the group he had them make their last minute checks of their gear. Once satisfied he walked to Sakura who was settling down into position with Neji beside her, his eyes already showing the signs of the baykugan already active.
Bending down he kissed her gently, "I love you, stay safe."
Returning the kiss she smiled and replied back, "I love you too and I will. Naruto, come back to me in one piece."
Giving her one last smile her turned and led the rest of the group to their jump off point. Reaching the break in the wall they stopped as he summoned a dozen foxes and had them go after the guards. While the guards where dealing with the four legged tricksters the genin stole inside the compound. While he was worried Kisame would be about at least he got word that cats had captured the Kiri nins.
Taking Sasuke and Ami with him Naruto clung to the shadows as he made his way to the mansion. Stopping at the back of the building he cleared his team to fire if necessary. Looking around the compound with his NVGs he saw three IR strobes vanish into the darkened barracks. Turning to his team he issued his instructions.
"Okay, they're in. Here's what we're going to do, henge into one of those bastards we killed in the town and follow my lead. Keep your weapons out of sight since they're going to think we're friends. When I make my self known open fire, remember single shot or short bust, the suppressors should do the trick. Just, just keep your rate of fire low so you don't burn the damn things out, now follow me."
As the trio made their henges they checked each other out to prevent having two of the same person. As they followed Naruto they picked up on his confidence as he walked up to the doors of the mansion like he owned the place. As he came closer a group of men stepped out of the front door.
"Your a little late getting back aren't you Hiro? What's the excuse this time?" asked the leader of the men.
"I got delayed by those tree huggers but that's not the news," Naruto said as his smile began to seem out of place, "You know that Uzumaki kid that the boss wants dead?"
"Yeah, what about him?"
As if to answer Naruto dropped the henge and brought up the Ingram, "He's here."
With that he sent a burst of .45 caliber rounds into the man as his companions took down the rest. Stepping over the bodies the three entered the building and began to stalk the halls gunning down anyone that stood in their way. Taking prisoners was not an option on this mission, Naruto was going to make Gato and his men pay for their crimes. Like avenging angels the green clad ninjas made their way through the hallways opening doors and tossing in an M67, letting the explosion and shrapnel to the job.
At the same time twenty-four shadow clones stole up the anchor chains and mooring lines the were attached to anchor bouys and into the three Kiri ships. As two per ship made their way to the captain's quarters the other six went below decks and began to slaughter the shinobi sleeping in the berthing compartments, again letting the M67 grenades do the heavy work. While capturing shinobi was not part of the mission should one surrender he would be taken to a cleared part of the ship and have chakra restraints placed on him. So with the sound of grenades exploding the Konoha forces shot down their opponents with their MP5SDs punching 9mm holes into the survivors.
From the shore, had one been able to go outside, all that was seen or heard from the anchored vessels were flashes of light in the portholes and muffled crumps of thunder. In the morning the clones will have cleaned up and placed the bodies of the slain into the the morgue scrolls they had been issued. By the time the Wave underground arrived the ships were washed of the blood and gore from the previous night.
Sakura watched with anxiety as Naruto walked up to the front door and after a short talk began shooting. As she watched the team enter the house Neji whispered to her, "Someone's walking from the cookhouse to the barracks, my team is still in there."
Nodding her head Sakura lined up her sights and took the shot. At over 2000 feet per second the hollow point round impacted the man in the torso just under the armpit. The 7.62mm slug tore into the man's left lung first before exploding his heart and continuing to destroy his right lung. Seeing movement to her right she snapped a round off catching another thug that was leaving the cookhouse behind his friend.
That man was silenced as the round luckily tore through his throat. At that point Sakura had no choice, reaching to her left she grabbed the hell box, the radio that will set off the charges under that building. There was also the backup pull fuses that Naruto had set up but there was no time. Switching the transceiver to channel 14 she looked at Neji that said 'sorry' and pushed the button. The daisy chained C4 charges blew apart the buildings support structure and lifted it up about a foot and a half before it dropped to the ground collapsing in on it's self. After a few minutes fire began to break out from not only the kitchen stoves but from candles and oil lamps that were used to light the place at night. Gato may control the electricity in Wave but he was cheap enough to prevent him from letting his private army use it for free.
By now the explosion had roused the thugs that had not been killed in the barracks. As they poured out of their rooms the Konoha ninjas started to cut them down with both bullet and blade. The trio made a fighting retreat and burst from the doors away from the burning heap that was the cookhouse. Seeing their strobes Sakura switched to channel 21 and waited a heartbeat before firing off the pair of claymore mines just as the bulk of Gato's forces began to pour out of both doorways.
Two more sharp bangs rang out as the mines' C4 explosive charges sent out a thousand ball bearings into the men tearing them to pieces. Sai remembering the demo charges on this building needed to be set off manually created an ape made of ink and sent it to where the pull ring was located. As soon as the pin was pulled the trio made their way to the mansion. As they got to fifty meters the charges went off. Naruto had set nearly 330 pounds of explosive consisting of six forty-two pound cratering charges and 20 pounds of C4 from a satchel charge.
The barracks was lifted nearly twenty-five feet into the air before falling in a heap. The lower floors had pancaked onto each other as the roof smashed down into the third floor. Any survivors were trapped and fucked as once again fires from the oil lamps began to break out. As he entered the mansion last Lee shook his head in sorrow as the cries for help began to drift over the now silent compound.
Team Ten ran to the mansion as fast as they could go dropping any enemy with kunai or tanto. Lee was the only one still firing as, although Tsunade did what she could, his chakra coils would still be underdeveloped in which case he spent more time on the range honing his skills with the firearms Naruto provided. Tenten and Lee were no strangers to taking lives but Sai was trying not to breakdown as he drew more more chakra infused animals that would begin to stalk and kill Gato's men, not that he had very many left.
Rushing into the building the three began to search the main floor to ensure that Naruto's group had cleared it out. Entering the various rooms they found differing levels of destruction from the grenades the had been tossed. In more than a couple rooms Lee dispatched men that were too wounded to survive. To him it was unyouthful to leave an opponent in that shape. Following the sounds of combat they joined Team one on the third floor, which by the looks of it were Gato's private quarters. As they joined up the group split into three two man teams making it easier to clear the floor. Lee and Tenten would stay in the hallway facing back to back in order not to be bushwhacked. The remaining teams cleared out the rooms to the side.
At this point Thunderflash grenades or charge 10 flash tags paired with a charge 1 explosive tag wrapped around a kunai was thrown. The effect was the same maybe a little louder and blinding but the occupants were stunned into inaction all the same. Coming across a large bedroom. Naruto, after tossing in a kunai as he had used his load of grenades discovered a pair of girls a little older than Moegi both wearing night gowns and stockings that would look more in place an a twenty year old. Rushing in with Ami he quickly cuffed the girls with flexcuffs that had chakra suppression seals inked on them.
Once secured Ami began looking them over as Naruto spoke to them, "Who are you?"
"Shiori," replied the girl close to him, "that's my friend Ena."
"Why are you here?" the blue eyed warrior asked.
"We were playing around in our village and this little man walked by like he owned this place with his body guards. He decided that he wanted us and offered our families money, when they refused he...had them killed and us brought here," answered Ena.
"My teammate is a medic, she'll look you over and ask few more questions. Ami, take good care of them," was all he said and was gone.
Walking towards the girls she had them sit on the bed as she started looking them over, "So, from the looks of things you guys turned out to be his playthings?"
At that both girls nodded as the next question was asked, "How long have you been here?"
Shiori answered, "About two or three months."
"He abused you both?" two heads nodding came the answer, as Ami continued her medical scan.
Once she was done she looked at the girls, "Well, on the plus side neither of you are carrying a child. The bad news is that you've got a very bad infection that needs to be treated by our medical officer."
Both girls gave sighs of relief as Ami called over here shoulder, "Hey Oyabun! You can come back in!"
Naruto walked back into the room and was filled in by Ami on the girls conditions. Getting those he summoned a pair of jaguars telling them to take the girls as fast as they could to Tazuna's house and then ask a fox to bring Haku there for treatment, Naruto recalling the remark his cousin made about Sakura being a medic that she could learn things from. The girls were to be restrained at all times until their story could be verified.
With the girls on their way to safety the teams resumed their assault on Gato's quarters. Finding no others in the rooms they had cleared the team walked down the hall and stopped at a T intersection. Splitting the team again Lee and Tenten stayed at the junction and kept an eye out for anyone foolish enough to try and save their boss. Naruto and the others first kicked in the door to the room at the end of the right hand passage. Finding nothing but a small movie screening room, after it was cleared for hidden exits they began to move on the left hand room.
As the doors were given a chakra enhanced kick they flew off the hinges startling the occupants inside. As Naruto walked in he was challenged by a man wielding a katana and bare chested. As the rest of the team rushed in the man began to go through an elaborate set of katas with a sword. As he did all of his moves, possibly demonstrating his skill, Naruto just looked at the man in disbelief. Looking to his left and right and no longer in the mood to play around, especially after rescuing the two girls, the Uzumaki drew his .45 and shot the man in the chest twice.
As his partner began to charge forward with his sword raised Sasuke fired a round into his leg dropping the man to the ground. Hearing a noise behind him Naruto turned to see one of the people he was looking for as a blue skinned man with what appeared to be gills on his body stepped into the open. Weighing his options Naruto turned the newcomer with a smile,
"Give me a second Kisame-san if you would," Naruto more or less asked before turning to face a cowering Gato raising a black object with yellow stripes on it's front he pulled the trigger. Twin darts shot out with a small pop of compressed gas trailing wires behind them, the midget tyrant tried to cower behind his desk as the darts hit him,
"Gato, stay right there and keep your mouth shut or you get this," Naruto said as he gave the man a jolt of electricity, "Now, Kisame-san, as you can see I'm in the middle of a mission and Gato and I have a few things to discuss. What can I do for you?"
The blue skinned man looked about in confusion, there were all just kids, genin, and they had just wiped out his future employers militia and killed or crippled the man's personal bodyguards. Since there had been no agreement the shark like man felt no compunction to join the fight, obviously the leader of the raid had powerful equipment and most likely techniques, so Kisame took the most prudent option and did nothing.
Before he could say something the leader of the raid took off his mask and balaclava and locked his bright blue eyes with his, "That's better, I'm Naruto Uzumaki, team leader for this mission. I've been wanting to talk to you since I received news of you being in town."
"And just what did you want to talk to me about Uzumaki-san?"
"I would like to know your intentions while in Wave country, yeah ? You see, I've recently found out that I'm the last of the royal Uzumaki line and you could imagine my surprise when I arrive to find that little troll had taken over and more or less enslaved my people. You know he had the nerve to hire a team from Kiri to kill me and everyone related to me. Like my cousin Zabuza of the Seven Swordsmen."
"So, you're the last Uzumaki prince huh? Well, since he's not going to be around much longer I guess there's no harm in telling you," Kisame replied with a wicked smile, "Gato-san over there was trying to hire my services to eliminate both the Kiri team sent after you and my old friend Zabuza."
"I see, well since I ruined your job prospect I would like to compensate you and also offer you a job once my business here is concluded then, yeah?" Naruto said still smiling pleasantly before turning to Gato.
As he strode up to the man Naruto's face turned to one of disgust. Kicking Gato in the ribs Naruto then hauled the man to his feet before tossing the malignant dwarf to Sai and Lee, the teens grabbing an arm each. Naruto then turned to the window and looked into the darkness.
Keying his mic he began speaking in English, "Fox to Vixen, report."
"All targets down and neutralized. Both out buildings are destroyed and are now on fire from the oil lamps."
"Good, we've got the little rat and I'm going to get answers from him. Send a message to the cats watching over the Kiri team. Inform them that Gato was in negotiations with Kisame-san for him to eliminate them and Zabuza. See if that will help loosen their tongues. I love you, out."
Sakura smiled as she replied, "I love you too baby," however the smile broadened to a grin as she noticed that Naruto left his mic on voice activate and she heard what was happening in the mansion.
Naruto walked up to Gato as his team held him and spoke, "I want to know what you are doing in my country and I want to know now."
"Your country?" Gato asked, "This country is mine, all bought and paid for. That Onodera is something else inviting me to set up shop here right under Konoha's nose. It was very easy once I knew his pri...OOFFF"
The answer was cut off by Naruto's fist, "Okay, now that you've signed that prick's death warrant I want to know where you keep your financial papers."
"Never, I'll do no such thing!" the short man as Naruto strolled around his office before picking up Gato's cane.
Gato didn't see the blow from the cane coming as it slammed into his gut knocking the wind from him. The teens holding his arms refused to let him fall to the ground as Naruto struck again this time to the face breaking the midget's glasses and nose.
"I say you will. Consider it...recompense for the use of my clan's compound and building on it without permission, thirteen month's back rent for leasing the Land of Waves and acquiring the Uzumaki food bank with out just payment to the rightful owners of said properties," Naruto began to explain before releasing the cane into Gato's face once more, "Oh, and let us not forget your unlawful purchase of the orphanage and the pain and suffering those kids went through."
Hearing this Kisame spoke up, "What's this about orphan kids suffering?"
Ami turned and answered, "This little bastard had the town administrator sell him the land the orphanage sat on and then tossed the kids to the streets. Our chief medic told us all the girls have been selling their bodies so they and the others could eat."
Turning to Naruto Kisame began to speak, "Well, this changes things doesn't? See, originally and officially I'm not here to kill anyone, I'm just trying to relay a message to Zabuza Momochi but this little rodent tried to hire my talents and remove Zabuza from the picture."
"Uzumaki-san, I have no intentions to interfere with your mission. You'll find me outside...just to ensure your," at that he gave Gato a disinterested look as the man pleaded for help with his eyes, "privacy in your...interview as it were."
Naruto nodded in understanding before he turned to his target, "Now, Gato, I hate hurting people, I really do because of what was done to me as a kid. However that doesn't mean I don't know how to make someone like you talk. Hey Bastard! Find me some rags and a pail of water, Ami, tie this little shit to his chair," Naruto ordered.
Sasuke just gave Naruto a look and the finger as his girlfriend responded, "At once Hokage-sama, do you wish that I use the rope that'll drain chakra?"
"That's a good question," Naruto replied as he looked the fallen tycoon over, "Use regular rope, the other may kill him."
As Ami went about her work the other team waited for new orders. Naruto already had Sai tearing up the office so he sent the others to search first the rooms on the present floor and then move to the next one until the mansion was gone over with a fine toothed comb. As extra help Naruto summoned a contingent of foxes to detect hidden places such as safes or other rooms.
As the team and foxes moved out Sasuke returned with a handful of rags and a case of bottles, "Found some of his hand towels but no pail, found a case of this though," he explained as he set the case on the desktop.
"Why are there three shiploads of Kiri ninja in my harbor? Tell me I may let you live."
Gato just glared at him and refused to talk angering Naruto further, "Fine, then I'm make you talk," with that he grabbed a towel and ordered Sasuke to pull it tight over the man's face as he opened a bottle of the water and began pouring the contents over Gato's face and nose.
Waiting a minute he had Sasuke lift the towel as Gato tried to regain his breath, "Y...you're crazy, all of you. I won't tell you anything," the man said defiantly.
Naruto just smiled, "That I may be but it's you that will be driven mad...Sasuke, again."
Once again the torture was repeated with the same results so Naruto stepped it up a notch and remembering that his taser was still latched on the man sent a shock through it. Sasuke was in shock, he knew that Naruto hadn't had a good childhood before the exile but he never thought the sunny blonde could be this vicious in extracting information.
On receiving his last shock and near drowning Gato heaved a great sigh, "Wait, no more, I'll tell you what you want to know. Everything of value is behind the kitchen. Slide the fridge to the left and you'll see a passageway. At the end is the vault, the...the combination is...1...2...3...4...f..fi...five."
"12345...12345?! What the hell combination is that? That's something an idiot would use on his luggage!" Naruto yelled out in disbelief. In the hallway outside Lee had turned to Tenten and asked her to help him change the combination on his suite case later on. "Okay, that's one question down, now about the other? Why were those ninja here?"
Seeing no answer Naruto turned to his teammate, "Sasuke, one..."
"No, I...I'll tell, I'll tell you. The Mizukage could never hold Whirlpool's main islands so he decided to take control of Wave."
"That's a sure way to start a war, is he crazy? What would he get out of annexing Wave?"
"That's something I wouldn't know about. It's just business, that's all just business, Kiri moves in and I begin to make a larger profit."
"And the starving of the citizens here?"
"A necessary evil, starve the population into submission and the new rulers have less trouble taking over. Even that idiot Onodera knows that, why do you think he turned over the food bank and orphanage?"
Naruto just sighed, he knew that he'd get nothing more from the bastard so he did the next best thing, he placed a suspension seal on the man and then placed him in a morgue scroll. Looking at his unit he answered their unasked question,
"No, I didn't kill him. That will come later, after we drain every last bit of useful information he has. As for him? Well he's more or less in a coma until we can get him home. He'll be given to Anko-chan and Ibiki to play with, hell I may have Ino mind walk him so she has a real live lab rat to play with."
Looking around he was about to head for the vault when Sakura's voice sounded in his ear. He had forgotten that he had left his mic on voice activation, "Koi? What was all that about the ships?"
"The Mizukage sent Gato down here to weaken the country and when the time was right send the Kiri forces in to take over. Apparently the Kiri leader is still wanting control over my lands"."
At that the six shinobi left the destroyed office. Naruto heard a polite cough from Kisame. Turning to face the man he smiled and walked up to him, "I'm sorry Kisame-san, you had said you were looking for..."
"Zabuza, one of my brother swordsmen, I have a message from him from the leader of the Kiri resistance."
Naruto looked into the man's eyes, as he did his own became slitted and flashed red before returning to their normal shade and shape. Kurama just needed a second and had determined the man was not a threat and was being truthful which set Naruto's mind at ease, "If you wish to tag along with us I'll take you to my cousin after we're done, is that okay with you?"
"Cousin huh? Sure why not, so where's the runt? The resistance has a price on his head that would make anyone that collected a very rich man."
"In the custody of Konoha, I'm not interested in getting richer so you guys can keep the money. Have your leader send the Leaf a complete list of his crimes and a representative to join our prosecution of him. The trial will be in secret but at least he'll think that he's getting a fair deal. I just want all he knows and to own up for his crimes. He's already a dead man, he just doesn't know it yet."
"I see, but, I thought the Leaf was interested in fairness and equality."
"We are but I was not raised nor trained in Konoha, where I was things were more done in shades of grey than in absolute black and white. Ahh, here we are. Well let's see what we will see..."
"WAIT!" Sasuke's voice rang out as he grabbed Naruto's outstretched hand, "There's a security seal hidden on the keypad," he explained as his sharingan flared.
Naruto looked close at the pad and saw that it did indeed have a seal of some sort on top of it, "Thanks Sasuke. Hey when did you..."
"During the fight with your cousin, it fully awakened when we paid you that visit. Kami we thought you were getting killed in there, next time leave a signal or something," the Uchiha explained as Naruto began to grin like the Cheshire Cat.
"I see, anyway, thank you, now, let's take a look at you my pretty," Naruto replied as he examined the seal. It turned out to be a mass produced security seal that was only made in Konoha so Naruto was past it in less than a minute and the vault door was opened.
As he walked into the room that was twice as large as Gato's office he saw bundles of ryu notes as well as scrolls that he had bought or stolen over the years. There were other items there as well, large carvings and paintings to name a few. "We're going to need a bigger boat," he muttered under his breath causing Sakura to giggle.
"Koi? What's that about a boat?"
"I...I can't explain it, words would do no justice. You and Neji are cleared to come down, I'll have Makoto meet you at the mansion entrance."
After a ten minute wait the final members of the raiding party arrived with Sakura flying into Naruto's arms then looking him over for any injuries, "I'm fine Sakura-chan, really, not a scratch. But you need to look this place over. That bastard stole from lot's of people, I'm not sure if we could even return a tenth of this."
"So what are you planning to do then?" asked Neji who had found a scroll belonging to the Hyuga clan thought lost before finding several others belonging to a number of Konoha's clans.
"Inventory first," Naruto replied, "sort it all out as to type of object and look for a clue to the original owners were as it's all being sorted out. One thing, I promised Zabuza a cut of this to support the Kiri revolt."
"How much Uzumaki?" asked Neji in a tone Naruto didn't like and had made Sasuke and Ami subtly shift into defensive positions around their leader, something that was not lost on Sakura as she readied herself for an attack.
"Not much, Gato offered five million, I offered double so, ten million ryu, seems a fair price to keep from fighting him at the bridge," Naruto calmly replied. If he was offended he didn't let it show.
Neji gave a grunt and walked to a shelf holding bundles of counted ryu. Quickly counting a few piles he handed them to Naruto, "I added another five million to ensure his loyalty to us for the time being."
Naruto smiled as he took the money, let Neji think that he'd bought Zabuza, Naruto already had the man's loyalty through blood. Naruto then ordered everyone out of the vault then created twenty clones. He ordered them to start the inventory and sorting. He would send a load of level 10 sealing scrolls in the morning with more clones to help.
Once that was done Naruto looked at his watch, the operation had taken nearly three hours including the interrogation of Gato. They had one more stop he informed the group as they entered the town. The underground had rounded up Gato's night watchmen and had them in chains and they were waiting for their liberator to show. Out of the shadows the raiders walked into the town square to be met with Aki, the man that had smuggled them into the country.
"My lord," he began as he bowed, "Onodera is at his home asleep according to your foxes. The female, I think her name was Misato," at that Sakura just glared at her husband, "informed us they had placed a strong genjutsu over the area so he would not notice anything wrong. She said they were waiting on you to take the man captive, something about satisfaction and closure."
"I see, Aki-san, please in a combat situation never bow or salute a person. It marks them as a leader and therefore a high priority target. It's no concern tonight but for later on...well you know. Now can someone lead us to the traitor?" Naruto asked.
Walking through the quiet streets the party made their way to their last target. A large traditional house near the water that took up almost three lots. As they drew closer a large fox stepped out of an ally, shifting shape as it approached. It was Amanda, Misato in her human form, and she led the rest of the way. On the way over she had informed Naruto of the strength of Onodera's guards, layout of the house and where to find the traitor. Before they stormed the property he had everyone do an ammo count and made sure everyone had an adequate amount of rounds going so far as having the weapons set to semi-auto. His Ingram the exception, this was going to be a more difficult CQB* and he had everyone put on their NVGs so they could see the others infrared strobes. There would be no blue on blue mishaps.**
As they rushed to the house's outer wall they all crouched down with Kisame staying with the foxes as he wasn't trained for this kind of combat and understood he'd just be in the way. Naruto at the moment was packing the large old fashioned iron lock with C4 then after a moment of thought placed more of the explosive on the double gate's hinge points and daisy chained them with the lock going first. Lighting the fuse he scrambled back a bit as he rejoined the assault stack.
Three seconds later there was a sharp crack as the charges went off within milliseconds of each other. As the smoke was clearing eight of Konoha's most well trained genin shinobi were rushing towards a darkened house in complete silence. As they reached the door Sakura pulled a haligan tool off of Naruto's pack and assembled the two sections of the instrument. It was used by fire departments, SWAT teams and special forces units on earth to pry doors open in seconds. Just as she was starting to pull there came the snaps of a suppressed weapon as Lee at the rear of the stack engaged one of the guards.
Seeing that the man was down in seconds Sakura pulled the front door open and jammed a wedge to keep it that way as Naruto led the charge inside. While the guards had the advantage of knowing the layout of the house they were working in very low ambient light while the raiders could see in the dark with their goggles. As the team entered the front of the house they split into two four man groups, Naruto with Sasuke and Sakura with Neji.
Every few seconds another guard would fall from a well placed shot or Naruto's MAC-10 chewing up the opposition from a well placed three to five round burst. As the party regrouped on the second floor Naruto dug into Sakura's pack before pulling out the scroll he was looking for. Opening it he began to pull what looked like lengths of wood hollowed on one side and filled what looked like greyish modeling clay. Sakura squatted down to help her mate and soon a frame of wood and tape was created and placed around the bedroom door. Before a word was spoken Naruto pulled the igniter pin and the fuse began to smoke. Five seconds later the doors to Onodera's bedroom were blown in followed by eight shinobi carrying strange weapons.
The man shot up in his bed, face red with rage, "Who are you to invade my house? On whose orders are you acting under? Touch me and there will be..."
"There will be nothing you sonovabitch!" Naruto yelled hitting the man in the face with the butt of his weapon breaking his nose. "No one will come to your aid, not even your buddy Gato seeing as he's indisposed at the moment,"
At that point the raiders pulled up their goggles as someone found the light switch. Onodera found himself looking at the blue eyes and blonde hair of Naruto Uzumaki and noticed something, Naruto's trademark grin was nowhere to be seen. Instead were the eyes and set mouth of a killer of men. "You, you deamon! You have the nerve to assault me in my own home? When the Hokage hears of this outrage..."
"I'm the Hokage, or did you forget? And as acting field commander I find you guilty of treason and acting as an agent for a hostile power, Kiri. Now, you mind telling me what three hundred of Kiri's ninja were doing in my harbor?"
"You...your mad. Sarutobi is the Hokage, he took the seat after that bast..."
"Finish that and I'll cut your balls off," Naruto threatened, "Now, although I was called mad earlier tonight by our mutual friend Gato, coming from you that...hurts. I thought you would have had better from all the good times we shared over the years. Like all those nice people you would sneak into the village so they could kill me. This is just a courtesy you fuck, I want you awake to see your death coming."
"You can't kill me, I demand a trial under the laws of Konoha and Fire Country," the disgraced administrator demanded.
Hearing that Naruto and Sakura both laughed as Onodera turned to Sasuke, "Lord Uchiha, please after all I and the old council provided you after your family's misfortunes, I beg of you to save me from this madman."
Sasuke smirk at the man, "The Uchiha clan knows who it's allies are and you were never one of them. Lord Uzumaki is my clan's patron and have placed the Uchiha under his clan's protection until it regains it's numbers. I've read the transcripts of your treason, you'll find no help from me."
As the man turned to Neji the Hyuga scoffed, "I'm just a member of the branch family, you could talk to my cousin Hinata of the main house but she wasn't requested on this mission. Besides, I too am loyal only to Lord Uzumaki."
"But..but I didn't know of Gato's plans. He had me fooled as much as everyone else. I was told the ships held cargo bound for Snow, I didn't know it had a large force of ninja," Onodera whined.
"Liar!" roared Sakura and she struck the man with her pistol, "Over the years you made our lives miserable because you see my husband as the Nine Tails, he's not, he's the host, the scroll that seals the kunai. Naruto was never the Fox but in your hate and greed you saw him as that. Even now you try to deny him what's left of his clan's holdings. This is nothing new for you isn't it? We have pages of reports from those council meetings since there was an ANBU agent on the council reporting everything that was said and done."
The man paled at hearing that news, he always wondered how the Hokage knew so much about those meetings. Now he knew and he knew that sentences had been handed out just after he abandoned that village to hide here. He also knew what his sentence was and it was staring at him with cold blue eyes.
"The sentences for the old council were handed down a week after you ran, in fact the village let you run. Your friend that got you this job in town, he was executed in the castle square in the capital. You, we just let you alone, as long as Wave was flourishing all was well. But you got greedy, again, and acting on a rumor reached out to Gato. He will be a guest of Konoha's T&I department for a long time before he finally dies. But you," Naruto continued, "you are marked for death in Wave by the Whirlpool Lord and Uzukage. There are no courts here and won't be until I find and eliminate all the corruption you and Gato spread here."
Before the accused man could reply Naruto had pulled his pistol and sent two rounds into his heart and one to the brain. The method guaranteed a fast death for the recipient and eased the mind of the shooter that his target didn't suffer. But that's the problem here, Naruto wanted him to suffer, wanted to inflict in kind what that man had done to him and Sakura when they were small. The stress had built up to the point Naruto was shaking violently, it wasn't until Sakura wrapped her arms around him that the shaking stopped. Looking around Naruto just nodded at the sight of an uninjured team, at that a smile formed on his face as he gave one more order,
"Right, that's that then. Let's get the hell out of here," with that he turned on his heel a walked out onto the street. He had wanted a public execution of the man but he remembered that Gato had used that method to cow the population so he decided to do the killing in the style he learned from the cartels in South America. Now with tired feet he turned for Tazuna's house.
Naruto led them back to Tazuna's. Trailing behind was Kisame Hoshigaki who was a little unnerved at how cold blooded Naruto could be. It was like a switch was on that kid, sunny and friendly one minute and the next a cold and unfeeling killer with only the goal of completing a mission. Sakura had known about Naruto's split personality and it was a result of first his early life in Konoha and later his missions as a SEAL, especially the missions in South America.
As they made it to their campsite Naruto ordered them all to eat something and then go to sleep. They had earned it. He would send some clones out to the compound with more storage scrolls and then make a few to provide security before debriefing with Kakashi and only then would he allow himself to sleep. Later that night it would be two couples that forgot to use privacy seals as they made love to release the stress and dull the mental pain of what they had seen and done in the past twenty-four hours.
The next morning saw four people glaring at Sasuke, Ami, and the Uzumakis. Sasuke and Ami had the sense to be embarrassed but Naruto and Sakura acted as if they didn't care. In fact it was Sasuke and Ami that started things and Naruto decided to show who was the better lover with Sakura's enthusiastic help. What made things worse was that Tenten was sharing a tent with Lee and beginning that 'time' so she was left to listen to the other couples. While most thought Tenten was interested in Neji his attitude and preoccupation with fate had turned her off. She and Rock Lee had more in common, the first was they were both orphans and had spent time with Naruto even though he didn't remember Lee, Lee remembered Naruto. Lee's work ethic was another thing that attracted her to Lee but just as Naruto was always there for Sakura, Lee was always there for his Ten-chan. That term was only used inside their apartment that was over Tenten's family's shop. While her parents were upset at first they grew to accept their eccentric new family member.
Neji and Sai were in their own separate tents and could only complain to nobody. Sai however decided to get back at the others and sent his mice to see what was going on and then use what the mice had seen as a start point for his drawings. With the amount of time he spent with Jiraiya, the pervert was rubbing off on the boy. When he later presented his mentor his newest art works the man was enthusiastic, they would grace the inside covers on his newest book. Sai was at least smart enough to change the faces and hair colors of his characters less he get his ass kicked and skewered by his teammates and Hokage.
After a full day and night to recover the genin assembled in front of their jonin sensei for his remarks on the mission they had carried out. Looking at them he smiled in pride. On their own they had planned and executed a raid in a highly defended area and had wiped out a force of superior numbers, taken a hostile ninja squad captive and toppled a petty dictatorship. And during all that Naruto had found time to turn a missing nin from completing his mission of killing their client.
"Well my cute little genin it seems you were very busy the last day and a half. While you were enjoying your well deserved rest, some in more ways than others, Tazuna's friends in town have reported that all is quiet and the resistance group has been recognized as the official militia of Wave. That said they have been rounding up those that willingly collaborated with Gato and his men."
"The clones that did the boarding action in the harbor found intelligence indicating that they were indeed there under the Mizukage's orders. Konoha has been informed and the Regent has sent a message to Kiri letting them know we had countered their little operation. Those ships as well as others in Gato's fleet will be seized and reflagged as Konoha vessels. The same goes for Kiri merchantmen that are in Nami waters illegally. The other villages have been notified of this breach of trust between our nations. The Kiri team has asked for asylum and safe transit to Konoha. It seems that they didn't like the fact that they were to be sacrificed by Gato once they completed their mission to eliminate Naruto."
As they listened to Kakashi all the team members began to stand a little taller. They had went from a simple C rank escort mission to an A rank or higher full scale combat op and had done everything lined out for them. Unlike the graduation mission everyone had been forced to take lives, either by traditional means such as taijutsu or blade or with the weapons Naruto provided. Whatever the case they all had proven themselves. Team Nine, as the senior unit not only led by example but helped their younger teammates improve and grow in their own right. Now they were being praised by the one jonin-sensei that had never passed a team when the old system was in place.
"Everyone is to take the day off since we have one last objective, completion of the bridge . Don't worry about the town as Lady Tsunade is sending a team of ANBU as well as a section of the Military Police. The Fire Lord will be sending an administrative team in the next few days," seeing the look in his adopted son's eyes Kakashi quickly amended his comments, "Don't worry Naruto, this time they'll have a complete background check so this won't happen again."
Naruto didn't look convinced and said so to Kakashi in a tone that didn't allow for argument, "Be that as it is, this is my land and while I'm loyal the the Leaf and Fire Lord I've lost trust in their judgment. I plan on placing Tazuna and Aki in charge of not only town but the entire country on Nami No Kuni. Remember, they were member's of my grandfather's court and military."
"Besides," Naruto continued, "I think they'll be more accepted by the people than more outsiders 'interfering' in their doings."
Kakashi thought a moment and realized that what Naruto had planned would better than what Tsunade had come up with seeing no reason not to, he agreed with Naruto's plan before continuing on, "Now, all of you, relax, you've earned it," the jonin concluded.
A while later Naruto was able to track down Zabuza and Kisame who were sparring nearby with Haku observing. Seeing his younger cousin Zabuza called a halt to the session, "My Lord, what can we do for you?"
Naruto smiled one of his true smiles, the ones that only Sakura and select others receive as he walked up the two men, "Kisame-san, Zabuza, good morning. Kakashi-sensei let us know our part of the mission is almost over, you know, this is the fastest liberation I've ever been involved in. Same with Sakura-chan, most times it would take years where we were in exile. I can imagine how hard it's been for your revolution running on a shoestring with little to no outside support."
"It's been a tough road that's why Haku and I would take these jobs but the goal of freeing Mist from the Mizukage's hands will be worth it," Zabuza replied.
"Yes, about that," Naruto began, "We agreed on twice the amount the dwarf was paying right?" At that Zabuza nodded, "Well, going through his vault one of my teammates disagreed with that amount and decided to triple it. I hope your leaders use this wisely."
As he handed over the fifteen million ryu Naruto noticed the unshed tears in Haku's eyes as Zabuza spoke up, "Thank you, this is more than generous. It means that we have a better chance to win. Naruto, one of the reasons I staged that failed coup is because of Haku. She has a bloodline and was in danger because of it. That bastard has been conducting purges over the past few years, he fears those with any kind of bloodline, even an Uzumaki's long life is a threat to him."
"I see, well, the money is a start. When I get home I'll be looking into what else Konoha can do to aid your movement."
"If that's the case," Kisame joined in, "A shipment of those weapons would be of great use to us."
Naruto chuckled at that remark, "I'm sure they would but those are for Konoha's use only. Should someone not cleared to use one of those weapons attempts to fire it the security seals will destroy not only the weapon but the user it's self. I'm sorry but those are force multipliers for Konoha's use only. That's not to say I won't ask that teams are sent in to not only help you out but to learn how to fight a guerrilla war."
Thinking over what the teen had said the two men both agreed with his reasons before Zabuza turned to his fellow swordsman, "So punk, why are you here anyway?"
Kisame frowned but nonetheless answered, "Mei sent me. She needs you back to help on the front lines."
"Tell her I have family and clan matters to attend to for a while. Here, you take her the money we were given. Tell her that my late cousin Kushina wants me to look after and train her brat in the clan's ways and it's a request I can't ignore," Zabuza explained.
"Oh? And who is this young cousin then?"
"That would be me," Naruto answered, "Zabuza has rejoined the clan but I know nothing of him training me."
"It was your mother's request but it was in a scroll I received after her death but could only open a few days ago."
"The blood sample you got."
"Yes, it opened the seal on the scroll and I read Kushina-chan's last letter to me and her request and her last orders to me."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, "And what order would that be? "
"To act as your bodyguard as well as clan sensei," the swordsman answered.
"Fine, but I'm telling you I don't need a bodyguard."
"Well, you do need someone to instruct you in the clans ways, and that would be me. The family still followed them but kept it hidden. Even though we knew Kushina was dead most of the clan has stayed faithful, it seems that their insistence the royal line still lived was true."
"And what are they 'ways' you plan to teach me?" Naruto asked as he hid his excitement of learning something new.
"Swordplay for one thing, the Uzumaki are the best sword fighters in all the land and you, as our leader, need to be the best. I will teach you, don't worry about that. I'll also teach you all you need to know to be an Uzumaki...cousin."
"Fine, fine I know when I'm beat. You don't know offhand..."
"Where the others are? There's a few in the rebellion but that's all I know of," Zabuza replied as he saw his cousin's face fall, "I'm sure they'll have information on where the others are."
"How so? If you don't ….." Naruto began as his cousin cut him off.
"The clan, what was left of us, split into cells and changed names. Not one person was to be trusted with who was where. That information is split between cells and family groups but I'll sent a message with Kisame to the, they'll listen to me. Hell, they've been after me for years to take the reigns but something said someone like you was out here somewhere. Maybe it was the last letter your mother sent me, I don't know, I just had a feeling."
"Well, I guess splitting the clan was for the best, you know. Besides, Tazuna mentioned that one of the clan buildings has a seal array that updates the clan membership. I guess Sakura and I can start there. Anyhoo, with all that's going on here in Wave, " Naruto started with that prank in the making look in his eyes, "I guess I could ask ask you to oversee this place, cousin."
"Not on your life, too much paperwork. Now what's the deal with you and little pink haired girl, she's not really your wife is she?"
"Yep, and it was the best thing that happened to me," Naruto replied, "I've loved her for years."
"Years? You're what? 14-15? Those must have been short years."
"Well, she became my friend when we were four and her parents tossed her out, long story and an S class secret. Sakura-chan, she stayed by my side ever since. That and her mother talked mine into a marriage contract before Sakura-chan was even born. That was the only smart thing they did with us, ahhh, it's too much grief to think about it. Let's get the hell out of here, I need a drink."
With that the blonde began walking towards the town and the nearest tavern. The two swordsmen and Haku turned to follow. Never had any of them seen a shinobi this young exude such power and leadership. Zabuza just grinned as he remembered Kushina introducing him to Minato, before the man was made Hokage. While he didn't say it then he made a point to make sure Naruto knew just how much of his father he had taken after.
A week later and the bridge had been completed. The extra labor had come from two resources, Naruto's clones and the townsfolk as well. At the completion a full night of celebrating was done and now, on the day after the Konoha party were all packed and ready to go. Said party had gotten larger however, with Zabuza, Haku, the Kiri team as well as the two girls that were rescued from Gato's mansion. Kakashi looked around and wondered how he was going to explain the extra baggage to Tsunade and just decided to let his son do the talking.
Naruto had spent time in his clan's buildings looking over all that was there. In the main hall he found the seal array he had been told about and smiled. His clan had grown under the very noses of their enemies and actually flourished. At Naruto's request Zabuza had sent messages to the cell leaders he knew with the news of Naruto's existence and the invitation to return to either Wave or Konoha as both locations had clan holdings that needed to be attended to. With that all there was was to wait.
Now the party was standing at the foot of Tazuna's bridge saying their goodbyes. Inari had come to see Naruto as more than just the lost lord of the nation or a liberator. In Naruto and Sakura he found a brother and sister, two people to look up to. He vowed to grow up and protect with his life what eight people barely in their teens fought to liberate. At that moment he whispered into his grandfather's ear something that the old man agreed to.
So as the Konoha party and 'guests' sank from view below the bridges crest Tazuna announced that he was going to name his latest and most likely last work, 'The Great Liberation Bridge'.
The party, it was hardly a shinobi team at this point, slowly walked up to the great wall and gates of Konoha to be greeted by the 'Eternal Chunin'. Once everyone was cleared and ascertained not a threat Naruto led the way to the tower where his grandmother and other family members were waiting.
As he walked into the Regent's office Naruto called out, "Baa-chan! I'm home! Did you miss me?"
By way of answering Tsunade hurled an empty sake bottle his way. Only his quick reflexes saved him from a face full of glass, "Jeezz Oba-san, if you'd quit drinking so much you wouldn't be so cranky in the morning."
Looking at her grandson Tsunade fixed a glare on him, "What the hell Naruto? How did this turn from a C rank escort to an A rank combat mission? What gives you the right to decide things like that in the field?" the Regent shouted as she went on, "Liberating a nation with nine shinobi? And then I hear you do something like promise the Kiri rebels support? Honestly, what is going on in that head of yours?"
Naruto at first said nothing but walked up to the old woman and hugged her as he whispered in her ear, "I missed you too grandmother, I missed you too."
Hearing those words did the trick and broke the dam that had been holding Tsunade's emotions at bay. Naruto just held the woman until it was all out of her system. While the newcomers were aghast at Tsunade's outburst the Konoha personnel didn't bat an eye as this was a regular thing. Naruto would make Tsunade worry and then let her vent, rant and roar at him until she bole down in his arms. Sakura whispered to Zabuza that the Regent was Naruto's grandmother and both her and Jiraiya, his grandfather, would worry themselves sick about the blonde's safety.
After a few more minutes of Naruto rubbing his grandmothers back as he hugged her the pair broke apart. Smiling Naruto continued to speak softly as he handed her a box of tissues. Looking around Naruto turned back to Tsunade, "Oba-chan, I promise you like I did to Sakura, I'll always come home to you and her, believe it, yeah?"
Tsunade nodded as she used the tissues on her face and nose. Finally recovering Tsunade just looked at her grandson and his wife along with the others, "Before you give me your debrief you need to know, the council has asked that you attend a meeting as soon as you got home."
"Asked or ordered because if it's the latter they can kiss my a..."
"Idiot!" Sakura yelled as she hit the angry teen in the head, "Let Lady Tsunade explain."
"Fine, but if they think they can order me or anyone in this office around..." Naruto mumbled looking at his wife.
"Naruto, the council asked that you meet with them concerning your clan status, they want to put you in the CRA."
A/N:
I don't know where the original author notes went but let's try this again.
The Wave Arc is done, yay!, the loose ends will be dealt with next update. The same for the CRA, but before you all lose it remember, as the first wife and also having married before Naruto was fifteen, Sakura is the clan matriarch and has final say over who joins her family and bedroom.
Now, is the CRA something important to the plot and story? No, not really, but it's something that does need to be addressed since there is one other that falls under the guidelines and directives of the CRA. While Naruto will not be happy Sakura is more of a realist and has a better understanding of how things will work mostly because of what she was taught as a teen the first time around in how to run a clan. Because of her training she'll be helping Zabuza with Naruto's education and the council's push for the CRA is going to be a very eye opening experience for the teen.
Now having said all that and getting your hopes up I'm going to apologize right off the bat on this next comment. The next update will be out later than normal and as much as it pains me to do that I have good reason.
Simply put, I want to work on updating an older Evangelion based story that I've neglected for almost the whole year. The reason main is because of something that has me worried, I recently received a PM on my Face Book page from a person that knows me personally both here and in real life. I was asked if Welcome To The Machine, my EVA story, is dead and if so could I let him adopt it.
Now, I know this person and if I ignore the PM he'll take it as a passive okay and begin to write it regardless and if I say no and then not produce and update the guy will call me out on it and do an adoption anyway. The reason I don't threaten some form of retaliation is that this person is someone I love as family and has served with me for many years and several units. I cannot and will not fight a member of my Navy family over a story and at the same time I can't let something that I gave a life to be taken from me.
So, here's what's going to happen, I'm going to work on WTTM and get at least two updates out. Don't worry as I have most of the chapters already plotted out. Sometime between the two chapters I plan on working on and posting the next chapter of Spear. My other motivation for WTTM is that although it's now buried two or three pages deep there has been some new reader activity and comments to make it worth my time to update.
Now, I'm not the type of person that needs to have comments to stroke my over inflated ego to the point that I release a chapter, stroking my ego is my wife and daughter's job and they all make me feel very important. That said, if there is interest in what I'm doing then it's my job to deliver that group of readers something to reward their effort of reading said stories. Since Spear is the most popular it's been given the lion's share of attention. Now, before the year ends, it's time for Shinji and Asuka to get some time in the light before my Shipmate tries to kidnap them from me.
So, that's where I stand and what I'm planning on doing with my stories. I hope you all will understand and not be cross with me. I do hope that if anyone here enjoys Evangelion fanfiction tries out 'Run Like Hell' and 'Welcome To The Machine'. It's a non-wimp Shinji that was raised by the cast of Full Metal Panic. The fact that he's already married to the Red Devil Asuka shouldn't cause problems right? Anyone? Right?
Anyway, Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all of you and I'll answer comments in the next update. If you want a another Naruto with guns story read "What A Soldier Leaves Behind" by MrBrightkills. This is the story that 'In The Summer Of '42' was based on. Soldier is a very well done story that's actively being worked on. Trust me, you'll enjoy it.