Team Cosmic Dragon was intensely training at Training Ground 7 in all fields and more. During their training, Nicole wrote Itachi and the Daimyo a letter about the Civilian Council's corruption, minus Sakura's mother, and the truth about the Uchiha Massacre.
"Great job, everyone," Nicole praised. "Let's take a break for lunch."
"Okay, Nicole," Lincoln replied.
"Right sis," Naruto said.
They sat by a tree and ate lunch.
"You guys are doing great," Nicole observed. "We have six weeks until the finals."
"Nicole, you are an amazing teacher," Sakura commented.
"Thanks, Sakura," Nicole replied.
An ANBU appeared.
"Team Cosmic Dragon, you have a letter from the Fire Daimyo," Shark began.
"Thank you, Captain Shark," Nicole replied.
"He's on his way and will be here in half an hour," Shark added.
"Thank you," Nicole said. "Now we can expose the elders' and the Civilian Council's corruption and treachery."
"I have a feeling you can pull it off, Nicole," Shark responded. "They have abused their power for far too long. Go get them."
"We will," Naruto promised. "Thank you."
"No problem," replied Shark.
Shark vanished.
"Well, guys, we've got some traitors to expose," Nicole began.
"We sure do," Sasuke replied.
"Let's make them pay," Yamiko suggested.
"With pleasure," Rin answered.
Council Chambers.
Team Cosmic Dragon was in the Council Chambers with Lord Hokage and the Shinobi Council.
"Nicole, I heard Hinata beat Neji," Hiashi revealed. "Is that true?"
"It is Lord Hiashi," Nicole confirmed. "She awoke a powerful Kekkei Genkai known as the Tenshi Byakugan, and she and Naruto defeated Neji."
"Two angels working together," Sakura explained.
Hiashi was shocked, and his shock turned into tears of joy. "Hinata. I'm so proud of you."
"It is all true, Hiashi," Lord Third answered. "Neji was beaten in the preliminary round by Hinata and Naruto."
The doors opened, allowing the Fire Daimyo to enter.
"Welcome, my Lord," Nicole said.
"Thank you, Nicole," the Fire Daimyo replied. "I am glad to be here."
"Hello, my Lord," Naruto began.
"Naruto, it's been a long time," the Fire Daimyo said, greeting him. "How have things been with you?"
"I'm improving slowly, but I'm getting there," Naruto replied.
"That's good," the Fire Daimyo answered.
"Welcome, my Lord," Lord Third responded.
"Hello, Hiruzen," the Fire Daimyo greeted.
"We will begin as soon as the Civilian Council, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura arrive," Lord Third declared.
"Of course," the Fire Daimyo replied.
After 20 minutes, the Civilian Council, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura arrived.
"Hello, everyone," Mebuki began.
"We received word about the meeting," Koharu explained.
"No problem," Naruto replied.
"What is that THING doing here?" demanded one civilian.
Nicole aimed a murderous arrow at him. "That "THING" is my brother, and you will not address him in a terrible way."
The Shinobi Council and Mebuki laughed.
"Now, let us begin this meeting," Lord Third suggested.
"Okay," Nicole replied. "I apologize for calling you all here on such short notice."
"No problem, Nicole," Choza replied.
"The reason I called you all here is that we have reason to believe that there have been traitors in our midst for the past 35 years," Nicole explained.
Everyone gasped as they fell under a cloud of suspicion.
"I know this is a very strong accusation, but I assure you that I would never accuse anyone unless I had proof to back it up," Nicole continued. "And I assure you that I have the evidence to back it up. We recently destroyed Orochimaru of the Sannin, the most dangerous, notorious, and greatest traitor since Madara Uchiha, in the Forest of Death, and I have the evidence in my book right here."
Nicole took out the Book of Vile Darkness.
"That sure is a scary looking book," Shikaku commented.
"I know it's scary, Mr. Nara, but in here is all the information you need on everything Orochimaru has done," Nicole explained.
Nicole opened the book and showed it to the Daimyo and the Shinobi Council. They discovered that Danzo Shimura was working with Orochimaru and providing him with information on the Leaf's tactics, defensive capabilities, and more.
"Also, Danzo Shimura here forgot one important factor," Nicole added.
Nicole approached Danzo, put her hands on his head, and projected his memories through her eyes.
They discovered that Orochimaru had given Danzo a brand new right arm crafted from Hashirama Senju's DNA and cells, that Danzo had murdered Shisui and stolen his left eye, and that Danzo had ordered Itachi to kill the entire Uchiha Clan minus Sasuke and make Itachi a false Rogue Ninja. He also committed a number of terrible crimes. He started the Third Great War, manipulated Hanzo of The Salamander, failed and refused to disband ROOT, and more. Danzo Shimura, the Darkness of Shinobi, was the ultimate traitor and Sower of Discord.
The ANBU saw this and cuffed Danzo after Nicole let go.
"You monster!" yelled Kushina. "You killed Mikoto!"
"You were right, Nicole," Sasuke responded. "He did all of that and framed Itachi."
"Yes," Nicole confirmed.
"Danzo Shimura, you are under arrest for high treason, conspiracy, terrorism, failure to follow orders, murder, genocide, and corruption," the Fire Daimyo declared.
"You can't do this to me!" Danzo protested. "Everything I've done has always been for the good of the village!"
"Good of the village, my butt," Nicole retorted. "All you've done is lie, cheat, and tarnish the Leaf's reputation, as well as disgrace the Will of Fire. Because of your own greed and selfishness, all you've done is made things worse."
"People like you are the true monsters," Lincoln added.
Nicole answered, "That's right, buddy, and people like him deserve to be damned."
"I agree, Nicole," responded Lord Third. "Take him away and prepare him for execution."
The ANBU did so.
"Well done, Nicole," the Fire Daimyo exclaimed.
"Thank you, my lord," Nicole replied. "But there are more traitors to be exposed. Koharu. Let's see what you're hiding."
Nicole approached her, put her hands on her head, and projected her memories. They discovered that Koharu was responsible for convincing the Cloud, Mist, and Rock Shinobi to launch a joint assault on the Hidden Eddy Village, resulting in its destruction. Scattering the Uzumaki throughout the world. She also placed a contract kill order on Lady Tsunade for failing to heal her son, which resulted in Dan Kato taking the blow and her leaving the village.
"YOU MONSTER!" yelled Kushina, enraged.
Kushina lunged at Koharu, but Naruto held her back.
"Calm down, Mom!" Naruto pleaded. "You have every right to be angry at her, but I promise you that Koharu will pay for her crimes in full, and we will make sure that she does."
"Yes, Kushina," Sakura agreed.
Kushina calmed down. "You're right. But I want to be the one that delivers the fatal cut."
"And you will, Kushina," Lord Third promised.
Nicole stopped, and the ANBU arrested Koharu.
"I can't believe you would do all this, Koharu," Lord Third remarked. "Prepare her for execution."
"Yes, sir," ANBU replied.
"Now for you, Homura," Nicole continued.
Nicole placed her hands on Homura's head and projected his memories. They discovered that Homura had hired a Rock Ninja from the shadows to kill Nawaki Senju, Lady Tsunade's little brother, for a joke he had played on him.
The ANBU arrested Homura.
"I can't believe you did this, Homura," Lord Third admitted.
"Indeed," the Fire Daimyo agreed. "Homura Mitokado, you are under arrest for murder and high treason."
"Prepare him for execution," ordered Lord Third.
They took him away.
"And last but not least, we have the peanut gallery, also known as the Civilian Council," Nicole concluded. "Sorry, Mebuki."
"That's all right, Nicole," Mebuki replied.
Nicole added, "I know for a fact that you hate Naruto's guts because he's the 9-Tails Jinchuriki."
"That "Boy" is not a human," a merchant claimed. "He is a demon reborn in human skin."
"Really?" questioned Naruto. "For your information, you peanut brain blockheads, Natsumi and I are two separate beings." He takes out a scroll and a kunai. If I seal the Kunai into the Scroll, does the Scroll become the Kunai?"
The Civilian Council did not respond.
"No, it does not," Naruto answered. "Except for Mebuki, you've all treated me like I'm a plague in the village, and you've made my life a living nightmare. The reason was that you had been treating your Savior's son as a pariah."
"What do you mean?" questioned a second civilian.
"My real name is Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, son of Minato Namikaze, the 4th Hokage, and Kushina Uzumaki Namikaze, the Leaf's Red Death," Naruto revealed.
The council gasped in sheer shock.
"There is no way you are the son of the Fourth Hokage!" insisted a third civilian. "It can't!"
"It's all true, you fiends!" yelled Sasuke.
"Now that you mention it, Naruto, you look just like Minato," Shikaku observed.
"The resemblance is completely uncanny," Inoichi noted.
"Yes," Naruto answered. "And I'm proud to be the son of the 4th Hokage and Kushina Uzumaki. Yes, Natsumi was attacking when I was born. But there's a reason she attacked. I'm going to set her free and allow her to explain everything."
"Don't be frightened," Nicole counseled. "Naruto and Natsumi are as close as she and Kushina were."
"SEAL RELEASE!" yelled Naruto.
A blob of red came out of Naruto's back and appeared as a beautiful woman with red hair, fox ears, nine red tails, red eyes, black and red clothes, and a goddess-like appearance.
Natsumi inhaled deeply. "Ah. It feels good to be on the outside again. Thank you, Naruto."
"You're welcome, Natsumi," Naruto replied.
"Natsumi," Kushina murmured.
"Kushina," Natsumi murmured.
They hugged.
"It's good to see you again," Kushina added.
"Same here, Kushina," Natsumi replied. "When I was ripped out of you, I thought I'd lost my sister."
"You didn't, ya know," Kushina answered.
"I'm glad we're together again," Natsumi added. She addressed the crowd and said, "Hello to everyone. My name is Natsumi, and some of you may know me as the 9-Tailed Fox. But there's a reason I attacked the village in the first place. On October 10th, the night Naruto was born, a Rogue Uchiha appeared wearing a black cloak and a spiral orange mask with one eyehole in it and held Naruto hostage so he could rip me out of Kushina. He put me in the Leaf and put me under genjutsu with his Sharingan, and I went on a rampage, killing so many shinobi, kunoichi, and children, and I'm sorry for everything, but I did it all against my will."
"I understand Natsumi, and I forgive you," Mebuki remarked.
"Thank you, Mebuki," Natsumi smiled. "Now I couldn't stop myself and continued my rampage and Minato had no choice but to seal me into Naruto at the cost of his own life. I also heard Minato's last wish. He wanted Naruto to be known as a hero for keeping me at bay. But Lord Hokage was supposed to keep it a secret. But, someone obtained this information and leaked it to the public, fabricating the lies about him being "Reincarnated" and all that nonsense. How can these people be so stupid? You kicked him out of the orphanage when he was three years old, denied him service at restaurants and stores and overcharged him on expired food, assaulted him by throwing things at him, called him names, ostracized him from your lives, and made up lies about him. You people disgust me, and if there are any monsters around here, it's you, minus Mebuki. To make matters worse, you all attacked him in angry mobs and even hired ninjas from outside the village to try to kill him."
"I agree," the Fire Daimyo answered. "ANBU arrest the Civilian Council, minus Mebuki, for corruption, assault and battery, treason, and conspiracy."
Except for Mebuki, the ANBU arrested the Civilian Council and prepared them for execution.
"You can't do this to us!" protested a fourth civilian. "Lord Sasuke, please help us!"
"Stop calling me that!" shouted Sasuke. "I don't want to be your toy for your own selfish reasons any longer. For far too long, you have catered to my every whim, poisoned my mind with evil, and nearly led me down a path of pure evil."
Nicole agreed, saying, "That's right. Get them out of here."
The Chunin Exams Stadium was packed to the rafters, and everyone was dressed in red. This is because it is a tradition. The color red means that traitors are about to be executed. Team Cosmic Dragon was in the arena, and Lord Hokage and the Fire Daimyo were making their way to the floor.
"People of the Leaf," Lord Third began. "Today is a day of retribution for all of us. For the past 35 years, there have been traitors among us. Bring them out."
The ANBU had Danzo, Koharu, and Homura, as well as the civilian council, in chains and on their way to the chopping block.
Everyone was shocked when the elders and former Civilian Council were labeled traitors.
Lord Third continued his speech. "I'm sure many of you are wondering why they are here. Today is a day of retribution, a day of justice, because you have all been notified of the actions of the traitors Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and the Civilian Council heads." He said to Koharu, "Koharu Utatane, you have been found guilty of treason, the murder of our own Dan Kato, the attempted murder of our own Tsunade Senju, violating the 3rd Hokage's Law, conspiracy, genocide in the destruction of the Uzumaki clan, and corruption. Because of this, you have been sentenced to death. Do you have any last words you wish to say?"
"You are an idiot, Hiruzen," Koharu commented. "That so-called boy is dangerous, and you will all be killed along with the rest of the people in this village without us. That is all I have to say to you."
"Very well," Lord Third answered. "Kushina, execute her."
"With pleasure," Kushina replied.
Kushina took a sword, cut off her head, and killed her instantly.
"You will be damned for your crimes on this planet, Koharu," Nicole warned.
Lord Third began the next sentencing. "Homura Mitokado, you have been found guilty of treason, the murder of our own Nawaki Senju, violating the Third Hokage's Law, and conspiracy. Because of this, you have been sentenced to death. Do you have any last words?
"I have nothing to say but this…." Homura responded. "The Leaf will fall without our advice. Hiruzen, you are far too soft. And that is your weakness."
"Not likely," Naruto answered.
"Naruto, execute him," Lord Third ordered.
Naruto took his sword out of its sheath. "Have fun in the netherworld, monster."
Naruto slashed Homura's head off, and he died.
"Homura, you will be damned for your crimes on this planet," Nicole warned.
Lord Third started the last sentencing. "Danzo Shimura, you have been found guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, interfering with village affairs, allying yourself with the S-Rank international criminal Orochimaru, illegal use of forbidden jutsu, sealing jutsu, terrorism, genocide, and the wrongful exile of a Leaf Shinobi hero. Do you have any last words?"
"So it's come to this, eh Hiruzen?" muttered Danzo."I never did become a Hokage. It was my dream to become the leader of this village. But now I am discredited. You have won Hiruzen Sarutobi. You are truly the professor, but peace will not help you win your battles."
"Danzo, you were a good rival to me," Lord Third replied. "We both had different views about how to run the Leaf. War and absolute dictatorship will not win battles but will instead spread death and destruction. Peace will not stop wars either, but it will give us time to calm down and live in harmony."
"You are a fool, Hiruzen," Danzo claimed. "One of these days, you will die without a successor."
"I have already chosen my successor after the Chunin Exams," Lord Third declared. "Tsunade is going to take over as Hokage."
"You are bluffing," Danzo stressed. "Tsunade has never set foot in this village. She swore that on the graves of her brother and lover."
"I do not think so," Fu countered. "We met Lady Tsunade on our training trip and promised her that if we exposed you and the elders and Civilian Council as traitors and destroyed you, she would come home."
"That's right."
Everyone saw Lady Tsunade in the flesh, standing on the arena floor.
"Tsunade-sensei!" gasped Kushina.
"Kushina, you little fireball," laughed Lady Tsunade.
They hugged.
"I missed you, sensei," Kushina confessed.
"I missed you too, Kushina," Lady Tsunade admitted. "You haven't changed at all since I last saw you."
"I'm glad you got our letter, Lady Tsunade," Nicole remarked. "It's good to see you again."
"You, too, Nicole," Lady Tsunade replied. "May I execute Danzo myself?"
"I don't see why not, but it's up to Lord Hokage," Nicole answered.
Lord Third greeted Tsunade, "Tsunade, welcome home."
"Thank you, sensei," Lady Tsunade responded.
"You can help Sasuke here execute Danzo," Lord Third offered.
"With pleasure," Lady Tsunade replied.
Lady Tsunade and Sasuke stood on opposite sides of Danzo.
"Lady Tsunade, it's an honor to meet you," Sasuke acknowledged.
"Same here, Sasuke," Lady Tsunade replied. "I heard what happened to your clan, and please accept my condolences."
"Thank you," Sasuke responded. "This is for my clan, you monster!" he yelled to Danzo.
They both slashed Danzo's head off, and he died instantly.
"Danzo Shimura, you will be damned for your crimes on this planet," Nicole warned.
The spirits of Danzo, Koharu, and Homura then appeared.
"The Netherworld is too good for you three," Nicole says as she pulls out the Book of Vile Evil and chants an incantation. "Aldruon Enlenthranel Vosolen Lirus-nor!"
Nicole sealed them in the Book of Vile Darkness, which revealed more disturbing and dark information about them as well as Danzo's ROOT Base and other things.
"This is bad," Nicole added. "But first, let's finish the Civilian Council."
"You got it, sis," Naruto responded.
"Let's go get 'em," Lincoln urged.
"But first, I think I'll have someone say hello to them," Nicole suggested. She kneels and prays. "Lord Shinigami, may we please have Minato Namikaze come to the world and see us execute these traitors who have wronged him for the past 13 years?"
Her prayer was answered as a spectral figure emerged from the ground. It was none other than the Death God himself.
"I have heard your prayer, young Nicole," the Shinigami spoke as Tony Jay, "and I shall grant it."
The Death God held out his hand, and Minato Namikaze materialized in it, lying on the ground.
"What happened?" Minato wondered. "I thought I was dead."
"You are dead, Lord Minato," Nicole answered. "But, I asked that you be brought here so that you could witness the execution of those who had wronged you."
Minato saw Nicole.
"Lord Minato, it is a pleasure to meet you," Nicole began. "I'm Nicole Knudson."
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, Nicole," Minato replied.
Naruto walked up to him, and Minato saw him. "Wait a sec, Naruto?"
"Hey, dad," Naruto began. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Naruto, my son, you sure have grown," Minato responded. "How long has it been?"
"13 years, dad," Naruto answered. "I know why you did everything you did, and I thank you. You were doing what you were supposed to do as Hokage and a loving father."
"Thank you, son," Minato replied.
"Minato!" cried Kushina.
"Kushina," Minato answered.
For the first time in 13 years, Minato and Kushina hugged.
"I missed you so much!" Kushina sobbed.
"I missed you too, my habanero," Minato admitted.
"We have a story for you, Minato," Nicole explained.
Minato was horrified as Team Cosmic Dragon revealed everything that had happened.
"I put too much faith in the village," Minato admits.
"It's not your fault, Minato," Nicole assured him. "If anyone is to blame, it's Danzo, Koharu, Homura, the Civilian Council, and that Rogue Uchiha that killed you."
"That's right, Minato," Sakura agreed. "We will find that Rogue Uchiha and make him pay for this."
"Yes, sensei," Rin acknowledged. "We won't let him get away with this."
"I know you will succeed," Minato added.
"Just when you think you know a lot of people," the Shinigami added. "It appears that all these people getting executed are the true demons for letting their own fear, hate, and ignorance control them."
"I agree, Lord Shinigami," Minato answered.
"Yes," Lord Shinigami agreed. "Also, that Rogue Uchiha is actually Obito Uchiha."
Everyone gasped in sheer horror.
"Obito is alive?" Rin questioned.
"Of course," Nicole replied. "I completely forgot about this. My father told me about this. Obito is the true mastermind behind Natsumi's rampage as well as the Bloodline Holocaust. He is also the main mastermind of an evil organization that poses a cataclysmic threat to the entire world."
"Yes," the Shinigami confirmed. "He plans to capture all 9 Tailed Beasts and resurrect the 10-Tailed Beast so he will become its Jinchuriki. He plans to reflect the creature's eye off the moon and plunge the world into an eternal Super Genjutsu: Infinite Tsukuyomi. But, it will also set off a chain reaction that will destabilize the planet's core and cause it to explode. Obliterating everything.
Everyone gasped.
"So the entire planet is in grave danger?" Nicole asked.
"Yes," the Shinigami confirmed. "And everything will be destroyed if we don't stop them."
"I agree, my brother."
They then saw Kami, the Goddess of Life and Light, standing before them.
"Lady Kami," Nicole said. "It's an honor."
"The pleasure is all mine, Nicole," Kami responded. "Yes, my brother is right. Obito claims it will bring about eternal peace and put an end to all wars and fighting."
"That's not true peace," Nicole pointed out. "That's Total Annihilation!"
"We have to put a stop to this organization," Naruto declared.
"Yeah," Nicole agreed. "What's the name of this organization?"
"It's called Akatsuki, and they wear black cloaks with red clouds on them, and they have gashes through their village symbols on their headbands," Kami explained.
"Red Dawn," Nicole named them. "That's a good name for them."
"So they are a rogue ninja organization?" Rin asked.
Nicole answered, "Yes, and by the looks of things, they're powerful ones, so we have to stop them at all costs or the world has no future. How much time do we have before they begin their plan?" she asked Kami.
"Three and a half years," Kami replied.
"That is perfect," Nicole responded. "We have just enough time to prepare for them."
"Yes," Kami agreed. "I will gladly help you all out."
"We appreciate it greatly, Lady Kami," Nicole responded.
"Yes," Naruto agreed. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Kami replied. "Minato, how would you like to be given a second chance?"
"I would be honored, Lady Kami," Minato answered.
Kami fired a beam of light and fully resurrected Minato, and he was given his life back.
"Welcome back, Minato," Nicole said.
"Thank you, Nicole, and thank you again for looking out for my son," Minato acknowledged.
"You are so welcome," Nicole replied. "Naruto is my little brother, and I would gladly watch over him as if he were my own."
They went to the Hokage's office after killing the Civilian Council and revealed everything about what the Akatsuki were planning and who the Akatsuki members were. Jiraiya and Tsunade were with them. They now know who the Akatsuki members are and what they are capable of. Orochimaru was a member of the Akatsuki, and now that he is gone, they have ten more members to destroy. Nicole laid out a map of where the Akatsuki are going to go in order to capture the Jinchuriki and explained who is going to go after who. Messages were sent to everyone in the Five Great Nations, and everyone was put on high alert.
Continues in Part 8
