I'm sad to announce that I am putting this story in an indefinite hiatus.
Just kidding, although, the uploads in between chapters would take longer, its because the episodes are beginning to get complicated and I don't want to upload something I'm not satisfied with the turnout.
That being said.
This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Naruto, which is trademarked by Masashi Kishimoto. Everything aside from the original characters are created from the wonderful mind of Kishimoto.
Most of the following unrecognizable are original characters of mine.
Comments, suggestions, criticism, even just simple messages are welcomes, please feel free to message me anytime.
Thanks for reading!
Chapter 30 :
Misaki and Itachi watched Naruto complete one ridiculous task after the other equally ridiculous task.
"I'm amazed at the pace he is going," Itachi commented on the fact that Naruto, who wasn't very smart to begin with maneuvers in his own way through every task thrown at him.
"You and I both," Misaki pondered herself as she sat cross legged on a tree branch near Itachi. Since her collapse earlier that day, Itachi had opted to not let her move a muscle, she will need to reserve every strand of her chakra to perform the tremendous task that will be required of her in order to move the entire island, and everything on it to another location with considerable distance in an instant.
Both Itachi and Misaki knew that the kages will resort to this tactic, only question now is where do they intend to transport the island serving as the container of the two and last jinchuriki that the enemy needs to perfect Tsuki no Me, put everyone under a genjutsu of numbing happiness and take over the world.
What's even more amazing is how even at the brink of war, Naruto can still make Misaki laugh at his antics especially when he had a run in with four of the jungle's strongest and biggest animals because the armadiko, who wasn't even a girl to begin with chose to be with her. It was quite a hilarious seen and even though the dread in her stomach has yet to rest and settle she was glad Naruto was having the time of his life, no matter how short the span of lives may be at this point.
It was an interesting mixture especially with goofball Naruto trying to do his job seriously and a rowdy Killer Bee, well being Killer Bee in the background.
Misaki felt it before before their whole world literally turned upside down, shaking them all off of their feet, and being inside a cave like room, filled with gigantic animals was not a good option, luckily for Misaki, Itachi was quick on his feet and caught Misaki midair.
"I could have taken care of myself Itachi" Misaki pouted, releasing herself from Itachi's hold to stand on the ceiling, that now serve as the floor.
"Something's happening on the surface, Misaki, Aoba, the three of us will survey what's going on outside with Motoi, Ryuuske, you stay here with Naruto and complete the surveillance mission" Yamato ordered, Itachi grabbed Misaki's arm, but Misaki place a hand on his.
"It's fine you're needed here, hidden in secret, I'm going to be fine" Misaki reassured him before leaving for the surface of the giant turtle.
Once they got there, true enough, the enemy has located them and had taken a step, tension has broken and before them stood the suspects of the predicament. A giant snake wrapped around the island turtle, biting it into submission. In the air, the third Tsuchikage battled against...Deidara, or at least a reanimated version of him, flying exploding clay and all, and on the poor giant turtle's belly a battle between Ohnoki's grand daughter, Kurotsuchi and a hooded figure with a white snake as its tail ensued.
"Don't tell me, is that Kabuto?" Yamato exclaimed as they landed before Kabuto who was battling it out out with the tsuchikage's granddaughter, or rather, avoiding her wrath before they came, which made Misaki even more suspicious. What could Kabuto have in mind for joining the other side, a side that his master didn't dwell well in. Kabuto wasn't like his master, he wasn't in it for the grandeur, he was there strictly for the scholastic purpose, so the fact that he was putting in a show spelled trouble enough. Kabuto didn't have a recognizable motive, and that's what made him dangerous.
"Stand back, we'll take care of this" Yamato stood before Misaki protectively in order for the red head to harness enough energy for the travel as soona s the tsuchikage informs them of their next disposition.
The battle didn't last long though, not long after it began,, the three of them with the help of Kurotsuchi managed to imprison Kabuto in wood and earth with ease. With too much ease if you'd ask Misaki, but it was proven too late as the clever snake broke away from his own skin and headed towards the defenseless Misaki.
"Look out" Yamato stood between Kabuto and Misaki.
"NOO, Yamato don't" Misaki tried to warn the wood user but it was too late, Kabuto swallowed Yamato whole.
"Damn it this was your plan all along" Misaki growled at Kabuto who paused in front of her for a moment just to boast then went on with his escape plan of crawling inside his giant snake's nose and using the reverse summoning.
Soon, the reanimated Deidara who was battling the old kage disappeared after him.
"Damn that two faced self serving, conniving bastard" Misaki clenched her fists frustrated that she wasn't able to do anything to prevent Yamato from being abducted.
"Now's not the time to be thinking about that, Misaki you need to transport the whole island now back to the headquarters" Ohnoki helped the girl up to her feet.
"I know, but first we have to set the poor thing upright" Misaki pleaded at which Ohnoki obliged to put the turtle right side up, carrying it like weighed like nothing, leaving Misaki to concentrate and amass her chakra.
Misaki savored the wind of the ocean against her face and the smell of salt water in her nostrils before opening her eyes in her senju mode, golden light emitting from her body, physically manifesting her chakra. The view of her image only lastied for a few seconds before it disappeared, together with the whole island and everyone near it.
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"How is everything on the surface?" Itachi asked Aoba, who arrived later than Motoi to tuck Misaki to bed after she passed out.
"Bad, Yamato was taken but Kabuto and Misaki passed out from transporting the whole island towards the headquarters" Aoba answered, sweat forming in his brow.
"How is Naruto? Did he suspect a thing?" Aoba asked.
"He got a little suspicious when Yamato did not return and when he was forbidden to leave even though he was finished with his survey, thankfully Bee-san was able to put him busy with training by using the kyuubi's chakra. How is Misaki?" Itachi asked.
"She's out cold after she transported the whole island back to the headquarters, Kazumi of the Omogakure is looking after now, she was already waiting for us by the time we arrived. Akihiko said that her barrier is holding up pretty well, so she has a certain level of consciousness, but she still needs to rest" Aoba confirmed.
"I hate to take her from resting but she needs to recover and fast if we don't want Naruto to be suspicious," Itachi said, watching Naruto progress a little too fast for his liking, Aoba nodded.
"I'm going to leave to report for intel corps, I leave Naruto to you" Aoba nodded and left them to their own devices.
Usually, Itachi would be worried and leave a clone to look after Misaki, but knowing Kazumi is with her, he knows that Misaki is in capable hands.
It didn't take long when Itachi heard familiar footsteps approach him. Needless to say he was pretty familiar with the new comer that he need not look over his shoulder.
"How is she?" Itachi asked Kazumi who finished next to him, watching Naruto train with his co and only remaining jinchuriki.
"She's awake now, Akihiko brought her closer to the barriers to watch over her and lessen the burden of keeping her barrier up with a closer proximity" Kazumi answered.
"But that's not why you're here" Itachi sighted her unmentioned 'but'
"Sharp as ever, nice to know several days on the sea under a disguise didn't dull you up, cause we're going to need you sharp for this wart" Kazumi began.
"This predicament was decided as soon as Misaki reported that Kisame had been spying inside Samehada as Killer Bee dragged him around, no one knows Akatsuki's movement like you do, so the kages have decided to put you in HQ to assist Shikaku-san" Kazumi explained the situation.
"Understood" Itachi closed his eyes in deep thought but nodded nonetheless.
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Thousands and thousands of shinobi from the five great nations began to get into their respective formations under their designated units, the fourth great shinobi war and they are fighting alongside the enemies of the past shinobi wars. The weather notwithstanding, the heat was already pretty intense, not even their matching headbands that stated shinobi can bring them to set aside their differences for the greater good.
And who's to blame them, years of anger and resentment, oceans of blood spilled, countless wives widowed and children orphanized. Yet here they all are, obliged to stand arm in arm against a common foe that threatened to take anything and everything that they hold dear.
Amongst the crowd, Natsumi stood with her hands behind her head standing bored next to an anxiety ridden Omoi.
"I am Kankuro of the Sand, appointed captain of the Ambush Unit," Kankuro approached them and their little mobile unit.
"Kankuro you say? What should be your nickname?" Sai greeted, but inside Omoi's mind the unsual exchange ran in the background as he worried about his and their unit's predicament with Kankuro as their captain.
"Stop your worrying thoughts, you'll think yourself to an early heart attack" Natsumi slapped the back of Omoi's head, making him spit his lollipop.
"We're in good hands then captain" Natsumi fist bumped with Kankuro.
"I was hoping you be my second in command should things get rough on the road" Kankuro replied.
"Eh, don't you think level headed Sai is the best fit for the job?" Natsumi asked pointing her thumb at the still busy thinking about Kankuro's nickname Sai.
Inside the headquarters, the Sensory unit, under Kirigakure's Ao prepared for the upcoming battle.
"A war huh?" C pondered, not in his usual spirits along with countless other men in the allied forces.
"Your name is C, right? Is this your first war? Out unit's performance can greatly change the tide of the battle, stay focused and alert" Ao reminded the younger sensory type nin.
"I understand Ao-taichou" C answered with renewed spirit.
"Good, because if anything goes south, I'd be relying on you and Yoko's skills" Ao said nodding toward the kunoichi who was standing behind C.
"Yes sir" C nodded, with more hesitation this time. The girl had challenged her at every turn ever since they met so he wasn't sure if it was a good thing to pair them together especially at this dire situations.
"C," Yoko called to him, in a silent yet the usual cold tone of her voice.
"Ao-sensei recognized you, wear it with pride and with responsibility too, you're a good shinobi and an even better sensor" Yoko said this things with sincerity, whilst staring deep into his eyes, and C felt like something cold yet endearing engulf his senses like a calming water, on a hot day. However, Yoko didn't maintain eye contact for long as she turned away in favor of listening to what her mentor has to say to the rest of their unit.
"Everyone don't let your guard down,"
Little did C know, Yoko was trying so hard to cool the heat that was dominating her cheeks.
Outside, Kazuhiko walked side by side with Ten Ten as far as he can before they are forced to separate to go to their respective units. The day Misaki and the jinchuriki squad left Konoha, he took Misaki's advice to heart, as a matter of fact he brought a ring and all, but couldn't really find the time to ask Tenten.
"Hey Tenten, I-" Kazuhiko began but couldn't continue anymore, a fact that physically manifested as he stopped with his strides.
Even until the very last second he couldn't ask her. Tenten looked back at him, curious at what was bothering him, before smiling.
"When the war is over, you have to give me that beautiful ring you bought on one knee okay" Tenten winked at Kazuhiko whose head snapped up to look at her in shock, whilst trying to control his blush.
"So you have to promise me to survive until then okay?" Tenten smiled one last time before catching up with the rest of her division.
"Wow, didn't picture you to be the romantic shy type in a relationship" Kazuhiko's nerves did a somersault when he felt Kaede's hand land on his shoulder.
"Kaede-san" Kazuhiko exclaimed.
"Don't worry, we won't tell your ototo" Sakura winked at her pressing an index finger on her lips.
"Woah! You and Tenten why didn't I see this? I'm so happy for you," Rock Lee embraced Kazuhiko in his steal arms whilst crying tears that would put waterfalls to shame.
"Well, I can't get left behind, I can't give up on the romantic love of youth, Sakura-san-" Rock Lee turned to the pink haired kunoichi, but was shot down with a fist on his bowl cut head.
"Not a chance" Sakura growled, a vein popping on her forehead.
Kaede laughed at Misaki's friends and looked up just as the divisions were being addressed, introducing their division heads, and for their division stood the white haired husband of hers, forcing her mind to fly to the time before they left for the headquarters.
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Kakashi sat on cross legged in front of their makeshift dining table in their tiny makeshift home, they had been residing in whilst Konoha was literally rebuild from the rubble. He and Kaede have been going in and out grueling war meeting with the hokage and several other village officials for several days since the war was made official.
Today Kaede told Kakashi to go home first right after the meetings were dismissed as she was summoned by the hokage, her sensei.
It's been a few hours since Kakashi alone in their makeshift apartment, so he opted to buy them food at the only food establishment open; Ichiraku ramen.
By the time he arrived home, Kaede was looking out the window. Kakashi sighed, placing the food down on the makeshift table, before approaching her, pulling her in his embrace.
"Tsunade-sensei asked me to lead the medics division during the war" Kaede said sadly, Kakashi knew there was more to that statement, but he decided to wait patiently, letting Kaede take her own pace in revealing him the events that transpired with the hokage.
"I turned it down, of course Tsunade-sensei being herself got angry. So I told her Shizune deserved the position more so," Kaede continued, this time, when she paused, it was because she couldn't bring herself to continue, she was so busy pushing back her tears that she began to choke on the words.
"I can't believe it, another war in our lifetime, I can only imagine what Tsunade-sensei, or the Tsuchikage is feeling right now" Kaede convinced herself that she was being selfish in order to calm herself.
"War is for nobody, nobody should ever have to endure it, so it's alright to feel afraid" Kakashi comforted his wife.
"Everybody I love is going to this war, I just want to bail like I did last time" Kaede cried, reliving the memories of losing team Tsunade during the third shinobi war. Kaede turned around and hugged Kakashi tight in her arms.
"I don't want to lose Misaki, or Naruto, or you, not again" Kaede cried on Kakashi's chest.
"War is ugly, and I would be lying if told you running away with you leaving and forgetting everything behind had not crossed my mind, but remember why we are doing this, we're doing this for Misaki, for Naruto, and for the children that we will still have together" Kakashi pat on Kaedés hair softly.
"Tell me about it, Misaki would never let us live it down if we don't have children" Kaede laughed in between tears. Ever since the war was officially announced, everybody was looking to them for strengths and support, but it was moments like this, silent moments of vulnerability in each others arms that kept the couple going.
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It was a miracle that in the ocean of people before him, Kakashi was able to spot his wife amongst his division, her yellow hair reflecting against the sunshine, when he found her, she was already looking at him, smiling, supportively. Kakashi knew how difficult it was for her, to smile supportively up at him, heck it was already difficult enough for them to stand here amongst the ranks, when all they want to do was stay in each other's arms and run away together as far away from this war as possible, but there she was smiling up at him seconds before they address the beginning of the Fourth Great Shinobi War.
"Whenever you are ready Gaara-kun" Kakashi turned to the young Kazekage who was chosen as the Commander of the Third Division: Consisted of Long Distance Experts and the Regimental Commander.
His eyes combed through ranks and ranks of different shinobis from the five great hidden villages, and although he wanted to search the place for one person he restrained himself and continued to assess the people fighting in this war.
He knew that what he will say today will matter for the duration of their whole fight, so he needed to see what he what was filling his hands.
And what he saw was shinobi who hated their comrades, men who had spent majority of their lives hating the rival villages who had done their village and their families and friends wrong. He knew that their mindset needed to be changed now or else there will be no tomorrow to live for.
Tomorrow…
That was what they were fighting for, a chance to through tomorrow, for them for their loved ones and for those who have no power to fight, in an effort to gather his strength, Gaara closed his eyes, remembering day before they departed to the headquarters.
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Ayako was at home, having last minute preparations, she along with hundreds of shinobi were leaving Sunagakure tomorrow for their headquarters, the war was soon going to begin and all shinobi from the five great nations who are going to fight in the war needed to gather together as one.
A breeze entered the window behind and the renowned petal dancer didn't even need to turn to know it was their very own kazekage.
"Should I be honored to get a visit from the kazekage himself on the eve where everyone should either be resting or preparing for the assembly?" Ayako wrapped up her packing and closed her bag before turning around, leaning against the bed, arms crossed and smirk on her lips.
Gaara didn't say anything, but instead he strutted forward and walked as close as possible without trespassing her boundaries.
"Tomorrow, I want you to stay here" Gaara said with no ounce of jest in her voice, but Ayako burst into tears, of laughter.
"You have to be kidding Gaara, I'm one of your best you can't just leave me here when you know I could be of use during the war" Ayako brushed him off and began putting away her bag prepared for the war, but before she could go any further, Gaara, took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her.
"Please stay...for me" Gaara whispered in her ear.
"Gaara, you know full well, I'm still going to leave, and it's not for me, and not for you..." Ayako broke free from Gaara's embrace, and faced, him, placing her gentle hands on his cheeks.
"if I die fighting, it would be fighting for the world, and for you and for the tomorrow we believe in" Ayako whispered to him. Gaara knew too well before coming here that this would happen, what Ayako would say, still there if there was a tiny chance Gaara could convince Ayako to stay then it would all be worth it.
"Tomorrow, when we live, our lives don't belong to us anymore, but tonight, tonights is ours" Ayako looked up to Gaara, staring at him longingly, no words exchanged, only the pull of each other, as they gravitated to the power of their desires, until finally their lips met.
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As Gaara opened his eyes, as if on queue, his eyes automatically landed on the famillar blonde who looked up to him with admiration and trust, and that alone gave him the strength he needed to turn the tides around, summoning his sand he broke away every fight that was occuring before him.
"From the First Great Ninja War to the Last, Shinobi have WOUNDED AND COME TO HATE EACH OTHER for the benefit of their OWN Nation and Village. That HATRED led to A DESIRE FOR POWER, and that DESIRE FOR POWER CREATED SOMEONE LIKE ME.
I too, was once FULL OF HATRED AND POWER! I WAS A JINCHUURIKI! I HATED THIS WORLD and ALL THE PEOPLE IN IT! I constantly thought of NOTHING BUT DESTROYING IT. I WAS NO DIFFERENT THAN WHAT AKATSUKI IS NOW!
However a certain Shinobi from Konoha STOPPED ME! HE SHED TEARS FOR ME!
HIS ENEMY! EVEN THOUGH I HURT HIM… HE STILL HE CALLED ME HIS FRIEND! HE SAVED ME! MY ENEMY! MY FELLOW JINCHUURIKI! He suffered the SAME PAIN as me, and yet BORE NO ILL WILL! The moment WE UNDERSTAND each other's PAIN, our MALICE WILL DISAPPEAR!
THERE ARE NO ENEMIES HERE! We are ALL ONE and it is because we have ALL BEEN AFFECTED by Akatsuki! The Sand Village, Stone Village, Leaf Village, Mist Village, Cloud Village…
THEY NO LONGER EXIST! WE ARE NOW ONLY SHINOBI! IF YOU STILL CANNOT FORGIVE THE Sand Village THEN
I WILL GIVE YOU MY HEAD ONCE THIS WAR IS OVER!
OUR ENEMY IS NOW AFTER THE VERY FRIEND WHO SAVED ME!
If they capture him then it will be THE END OF THE WORLD!
I WANT TO PROTECT HIM! I WANT TO PROTECT THIS WORLD!
HOWEVER, I AM TOO YOUNG and NAIVE TO DO SO...THAT IS WHY…
I NEED ALL OF YOU TO GIVE ME YOUR STRENGTH!
To protect our friends and this world, we will fight as one...
Until our dying breaths…"
And just as his speech ended, cheers of errupted, cheers of thousands of shinobi reuniting as one, under one cause, under one goal, as one as shinobi.
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Back on the gigantic turtle, Misaki had regained consciousness and had taken to looking after Naruto the moment she woke up.
"Shouldn't you be in bed resting?" Kazumi said as Misaki approached him and Itachi,
"I'm fine, as long as I don't do anything too strenuous, shouldn't you guys be back at the headquarters?" Misaki said standing in line next to them.
"How did you know about that already?" Itachi asked.
"Because I was the one who proposed the idea of you supporting Shikaku-san at the headquarters, plus you need to be there, in case a covert operation is needed to be accomplished with Kabuto's confirmation in this war, we need someone like you to turn the tide of this war" Misaki answered watching Naruto progress, as she activated her markers on everyone she had placed them on.
"Misaki you said it yourself nothing strenuous" Itachi warned.
"Relax, I'm only going to hold this for a short while, I need to know what's going on outside this turtle" Misaki closed her eyes to concentrate using a small amount of chakra to utilize such precise technique.
It only took a little effort because her markers weren't too far apart, people she loved from across the lands, gathered together in one place, and surely, people began piling out separating into four concise groups.
"It has begun"
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Thanks again for waiting and hope you like it as always, stay tuned...dun dun dun DUNNN.
It's War TIMEEE…
Also I want to give credit to :
.
Thank you because it was because of your post that I was able to get through Gaara's magnificent speech.