Disclaimer: As much as I loathe these things, I don't want to get sued. I don't own Naruto and never will…happy lawyers? Good.
ITALICS – Thinking
BOLD – jutsu/demon talk
Arc Two: The Meaning of Life
Chapter Two
A child was happily rolling snow into a massive ball so that she could finish her small snowman. She couldn't wait to show mother what she had accomplished. Soon enough, the head was put on the snowman which made the child clap her hands in delight with a childish giggle. After she calmed herself, she screamed towards the back door of the home to get her mother's attention.
"Mommy, Mommy, look what I did…it's a snowman!"
The mother came out with a smile and started to walk towards her daughter. "Oh, look how cute it is…you did a wonderful job honey!"
The child closed her eyes and smiled, "Thanks mommy! Can we go get food now?"
No response was heard which made the child open her eyes in curiosity at why that was. That curiosity turned into horror as the child saw her mother lying in the snow face down; the snow no longer white, and a bleeding wound at the back of the skull. The child cried to the heavens and collapsed upon her dead mother. As she wailed, she kept on repeating the same mantra over and over again.
"Mommy! Wake up, please wake up! MOTHER!"
The one who did the deed silently appeared behind the child and looked down at the distraught being in front of him. Without a hint of emotion, the assassin struck the same blow he dealt on the mother. The child's cries ceased instantly which made a smirk tug at the assassin's lips. Without a sound, the figure disappeared into the night to help the others finish the job.
The village was in chaos as the multiple screams of children woke them up to the horror around them. All they saw was dead bodies in the streets and black shadows dancing about. Without anywhere else to go, the village preacher ushered everyone inside the church in hopes that their religion would help save them. As the occupants began to pray, some silently, some not, they heard the rattle of chains and something pushing against the front door. After a minute, no sound was heard which made some smile thinking that they survived the massacre. Sadly, those smiles turned into screams as the church was suddenly engulfed in flames. Outside, the assassins nodded to each other and went onto the next village. They had two more to take.
Following Morning
Naruto was enjoying some morning tea at the local shop when he was interrupted by Yuki who suddenly appeared before him. The fox yipped and growled out what she heard as fast as she could. Eventually, Naruto told Yuki to slow down which she did, and relayed her message again after a deep breath. Once the report was done, Naruto narrowed his eyes and stood from his seiza position.
"Yuki, try to follow one of those assassins home to see if we can coordinate a raid." Naruto put enough money on the table and turned towards the door. "Meanwhile, I will be speaking with Mifune-dono."
The fox yipped and ran out of the store at the same time Naruto rushed to his general's office.
After being allowed to enter, his stoic expression tipped Mifune off that something serious had occurred.
"What has Yuki told you Uzumaki-san?"
"Three villages were attacked and enemy troops are moving in to occupy them." Naruto stood at attention as he relayed the information. "Out of the three, a major one has been overrun. However, I believe that it would be to our advantage if we take it and use it as a field base." Naruto bowed. "On your orders Mifune-dono."
The Iron Country leader smiled, "If you can create a strike team, then by all means Uzumaki-san. I advise, however, taking Hiroto along as he would be best suited to stay at the field base. He did fight alongside me during the last two wars after all."
"Hai General Mifune, it shall be done."
Mifune nodded, "You are dismissed."
Once Naruto left, Mifune let out a chuckle then sighed as he knew what Naruto would find in that village. The elder samurai shuddered as repressed memories of what he witnessed in the first war came back in full force.
"I fear that the darkness within the boy will wake again; such an atrocity at what I witnessed that night."
It didn't take long to assemble the team; five minutes at the most. Once Hiroto was found, both he and Naruto headed to the nearby barracks where the forces were held. Once they saw Naruto and Hiroto in full battle gear along with their emotionless gaze, they knew what to do. Five minutes later, the guards let all 500 troops out of the main village where they quickly sprinted towards the largest civilian village that was attacked. It only took them twenty minutes to get there, but what greeted them was the sight of dead bodies in the street and the silence that accompanied death.
Hiroto looked at Naruto and nodded, interested to see what the young samurai could do.
"Go into each home and search for any survivors." Naruto ordered without any hesitation. "Any deceased you find, bring them outside the village where we will all participate in laying these innocent souls to rest. Am I clear?"
"Hai Master Uzumaki!" They all chorused which made said person groan and Hiroto to laugh.
As the other forces were going about their task, Naruto and Hiroto decided to check on one thing that they saw as they entered. It was faint, but smoke could be seen in the horizon which meant there was a fire. As the two travelled further into the village, Naruto could only clench his fists in anger at the multiple innocent lives that were lost.
"War…my master is right. It's a cycle that never ends it seems, and it will always cost innocent lives." Naruto sighed. "Perhaps there will be an event in the near future where everyone sees that war brings nothing but pain, and, perhaps afterwards, peace will finally reign supreme."
Kurama couldn't help but smile at the words his container spoke. "You remind me so much of my father…I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes Naruto Uzumaki."
As Hiroto and Naruto arrived at their destination, both could not hold back the rage they felt. The church in front of them was nothing but a charred husk; only the door and door frame remained. Inside was filled with the charred corpses of men, women, and children; some of them being infants. On the door, wrapped around the handles, was a chain with a padlock and although the church had windows, they were too small to crawl out of.
This anger made one person smile as he thought it could use this to get free, but sadly, Naruto reigned in his emotions before it could act.
"Damn you Naruto! I will have my revenge, I will take what is rightfully mine…you hear me? YOUR BODY WILL BE MINE!" Yami yelled out, but nobody could hear his insane babbling.
The elder samurai sighed at the sight before him. "Not since the first war have I witnessed such a vile act. Traitors, all of them. Takeshi's followers will pay the ultimate price."
Naruto subconsciously gripped the necklace Tsunade gave him as he walked into the burned out church. As he did, Hiroto watched to see what the young samurai would do. In all honesty, he hoped that this sight would be engrained in Naruto's memory as it was a valuable lesson on what life truly was. As the Uzumaki gazed over the charred bodies, he caught a flash of light which reflected off a shiny surface. Curious, Naruto bent down, grabbed the item, and brushed off the soot before he brought it up to his face in order to look at it.
It was part of a necklace, the string that used to hold up the ornament being burnt in the fire. The strange thing about the necklace was that it seemed to be missing a piece as it looked broken on one side. The piece looked like one part of a village on top of a forested mountain. Sensing that it would prove useful later on, Naruto pocketed the item and decided to get a string so that he could wear it in memory of those lost.
"Uzumaki-san, are you alright?" Hiroto said in a fatherly tone which broke Naruto out of his stupor.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you were alright, Uzumaki-san." Hiroto repeated.
"Could be better Hiroto-dono, but I will be fine." Naruto replied sadly, but soon focused his mind elsewhere. "Shall we commence the burials?"
The elder nodded and, for the next many hours, everyone helped dig the graves and bury the villagers.
After 100 burials and ceremonies, the samurai lost count. They didn't care for some trivial body count, they only were concerned about laying innocent villagers to rest. As dusk began to set in, everyone was physically and mentally exhausted. Amid this, however, everyone was on edge as they had yet to experience any enemy opposition. It was like the enemy was observing and waiting in the shadows like all shinobi did.
After a period of rest, perimeters were set up, homes were designated as barracks, and the town hall was designated as the command post. As Hiroto and Naruto were outside the town hall discussing about a potential night assault and how they would take part in the first battle of this war, an assassin in the shadows found a samurai taking a cigarette break. The only problem was that he was in clear view of those by the town hall. With a shrug, the assassin readied his shuriken, aimed, and fired.
The samurai didn't know what hit him as the piece of steel lodged itself in between the eyes.
Hiroto and Naruto quickly halted their conversations upon seeing this, both extremely shocked at how they didn't sense this person until just now. It was troubling to say the least as they knew they were not ready to face such a foe.
"CONTACT!" The two commanding samurai yelled, pulsing their Ki to warn the others.
It was here that the enemy commenced their attack, and all hell broke loose. The front line of these forces shot fireballs, while those behind used Great Breakthrough to increase their speed and intensity. Needless to say, the whole village would be nothing but ash if this battle got as bad as they thought it would.
"Fight with honor my brethren!" Hiroto yelled, and rushed to meet the first wave of enemies.
As for Naruto, he closed his eyes and turned off all emotions in preparation for what he was about to do. Seconds later, he snapped open his eyes which were now soulless blue icebergs; Naruto's face now set in an emotionless frown. With one hand on the Honjo Masamune, the Uzumaki calmly walked to face his enemies.
They were outnumbered two to one, but that did not deter the samurai from fulfilling their duty. For the enemies, most were taken aback at the calmness Naruto showed, but they soon rushed in with kunai brandished while others stood back and waited for the opportune moment to use a jutsu. Seeing them rush towards him, Naruto got in a half seated stance in order to initiate his Tatehiza no bu.
Sensing an incoming attack from the left, Naruto performed Urokogaeshi which sliced the enemy between the arm and face. Both halves of the enemy's body fell to the snowy ground which now turned a deep crimson. Naruto followed up with Namigaeshi which made the same cut and killed the person who tried to get behind him. The next strikes were all one's Naruto made himself which mainly dealt with jabs to the heart or other vital organs, or slices which were meant to behead. By the time Naruto was done, the Honjo was back in the sheath, and 15 bodies lay dead at his feet. To the ones that stayed back and waited to cast a jutsu, they got no chance to do so as Naruto only took five seconds to do his task. To the enemy, Naruto was nothing but a blur.
"I give you the chance to surrender yourself before I sully my blade once again." Naruto spoke coldly. "What shall be your choice?"
The Uzumaki suddenly ducked which allowed a massive Water Dragon to sail overhead. Naruto gazed at the poor soul who dared take his life with Kurama's eyes and some Killing Intent mixed in.
"You choose…poorly."
The next thing the enemy knew was that their opponent was behind them sheathing his sword. Out of the twenty that lined up to use their jutsu, all of them spurted blood from various cuts once the blade locked in place.
There were no survivors.
For Naruto, he did not hear the screams of death, of his comrades being injured, nor the explosions of jutsu. No, Naruto was focused solely on the battle ahead and on the entire battlefield as he tried to come up with a battle plan to ensure his platoon survived the night. An Air Bullet interrupted his thoughts, however, but Naruto quickly sliced the bullet in two. Adding Ki to his feet, Naruto rushed towards the nearest group of jutsu casters. With feline like grace, Naruto dodged, flipped over, and batted away jutsu with a Ki enhanced fist. The allies that witnessed this were in awe, but for the enemy they began to doubt their abilities. Just as Naruto landed to strike the group of five down, a massive Earth Spear suddenly impaled his right shoulder; his luck running out. And like a pack of wolves, the five enemies struck the killing blow with a hail of kunai.
Of course, that would have happened if Naruto did not turn on his Kyuubi cloak to pulse his chakra. Once free of the spear that entered his shoulder, Naruto smiled at the scared faces the enemy had as his wound quickly healed up.
"Hmm." Naruto smirked which showed off his elongated canines. "It seems thou have woken the beast from its slumber. What ever shall you do?"
The Uzumaki stated this question with a cocked head and a look which made those that saw it turn tail and run. It was a look of insanity, a look which turned emotionless as he saw the enemy in front of him retreat.
"Foolish." Naruto simply stated, then unsheathed Honjo and put it out to the side.
With a burst of speed and a jump, Naruto landed in front of the cowards and swung his katana towards them. The enemy froze as a cold sensation passed through them. With eyes closed, Naruto slowly sheathed Honjo as he walked pass the group. Once he was a certain distance away, the blade clicked close which made the enemy's fall to the ground in various sized, bloody pieces.
Naruto sighed then smirked, "Never underestimate the power of Ki."
As he was about to help secure the town and ensure other samurai got help, Naruto sensed a negative emotion behind Hiroto. Eyes widening in shock and concern, the Uzumaki used his full speed in the hopes that he could save the elder.
With Hiroto, he was having a grand old time as nobody seemed to match his skill. Even though jutsu were flying towards him, like Naruto, he simply batted them away and continued his march of death. This march consisted of beheadings, loss of limbs, stabs through the heart, and many other techniques. As the enemies started to thin, with some cowardly running away, Hiroto turned as he felt a signature right behind him. Just as he was about to close his eyes and welcome death with open arms, a flash of orange suddenly filled his vision. A snap was heard not long after followed by something entering flesh, and ended with the muffled thump of a body hitting the snowy ground.
Naruto and Hiroto looked down at the one they sensed and scowled. It was another assassin.
"We are not ready to face such an enemy Hiroto-dono, General Mifune will be most displeased with these turns of events."
The elder nodded with a stern expression plastered on his face, "To think one person can go undetected by us until it is almost too late." He paused in thought. "How did you sense it Uzumaki-san? An ability of your fuzzy friend perhaps?"
Naruto pointed to his eyes and ears then motioned to the vast snowy wilderness. Hiroto caught the meaning; too many eyes and ears about. It made the veteran smile.
"You are very wise for a person so young Uzumaki-san." Hiroto said, gaining a new respect for the young samurai in front of him. "…I think I will put in a recommendation with Mifune about making you a commander."
Just as Naruto was about to respond, both he and Hiroto went back to back as they found themselves surrounded by many enemies. Some of which already had jutsu ready to unleash, ones which would kill them instantly.
"Look at this boys…we caught two samurai off guard. Talk about good luck!"
The elder samurai chuckled which took the enemy off guard, but it made Naruto smile when the old man said three simple words.
"Shall we dance?"
Just as the two samurai moved, the jutsu, which was a mix of all the elements, was launched. With the Kyuubi cloak, Naruto pushed all of them back towards the caster which managed to take those who didn't dodge out of the equation. Once that was done, Hiroto and Naruto used Aikido to dance around one another. This dance, however, was complicated as both worked in tandem to ensure they would come out of the ordeal unscathed.
Naruto punched an enemy who was thrown at him in the trachea which collapsed it, and left the man to suffocate to death. He returned the favor by throwing an enemy into one that tried to creep behind Hiroto. It was a repeated dance of dodging, weaving around, ducking, and throwing followed by the occasional Ki enhanced jab to certain bodily areas which killed instantly. After an intense two minute tango, Naruto and Hiroto shook each other's hands with a smile. They didn't even care about the 30 plus bodies which piled around them.
"I quite enjoyed that dance, and you performed remarkably well…no doubt you will get that promotion."
Naruto was at first going to object, but then thought about his reputation after starting his classes.
"Well, they already call me master anyway." Naruto shrugged then let out a smile. "Me, a 12 year old master, and now a soon to be commander. War makes one walk down an unexpected path, no?"
Hiroto slapped Naruto on the back with a hearty laugh, "Ho ho! Harumasa definitely knows how to pick 'em!"
Naruto looked at the battlefield in front of him with a sad smile as his hand rested on his Masamune again.
"Shall we finish this dance of death Hiroto-dono?"
"You took the words right outta my mouth Uzumaki-san…let's go."
It took almost another hour to fight back the enemy, but the success was not without casualties. Out of the five-hundred that volunteered, only 420 left the battlefield. A somber tone settled over the area as they picked up their fallen, and proceeded to the main village so that they could be buried with full honors. With those that headed back to the main village, Naruto was told to follow so that Mifune could be informed of the mission. While they returned, Hiroto and the others would ensure that their field base was safe and fully operational.
Mifune's Office
The general was currently enjoying some tea while he read over scouting reports. Although focused on his task, Mifune could not help but feel that something terrible had happened with Naruto and Hiroto's group as none of them had reported in yet. Luckily for him, a commotion at the front gate made him stand and walk over to the nearby window to look what was going on. The sight of multiple bodies being carried in made Mifune's eye close, a deep sigh escaping his lips. Upon opening his eyes, however, he saw Naruto amid the rising sun. Although the boy's armor and face was splattered with blood, a smirk came to Mifune's face. Eventually, the general sat down at his desk again knowing that he would have company soon. Minutes later, amid sipping his morning tea, a knock was hear at the door.
"Enter."
Naruto did as told, closed the door behind him, and then bowed to his general.
"Mifune-dono, we have successfully secured the field base, but, as you saw, it was not without casualties." Naruto paused to wipe some blood that dripped into his right eye. "Although outnumbered greatly, we fought with honor and prevailed to the point where the enemy cowardly retreated."
The general nodded in understanding, but then noted the hesitant tone when Naruto said enemy.
"By your tone, I am to assume there is an enemy which we were not prepared for?" Mifune's eyes narrowed as he asked.
Naruto said nothing which confirmed the samurai leader's suspicions.
"I see, however before you elaborate, let me get my commanders in here so we don't have to repeat ourselves."
Naruto nodded and sat on the nearby couch to rest for a little bit. A minute later, Fukui, Hideki, and Takuma arrived at the office to see a bloodied Naruto and a concerned Mifune. Sensing the commanders arrival, Naruto opened his eyes and somberly told of the battle that took place and of the assassin that almost killed Hiroto. To everyone, the fact that they couldn't sense the enemy until last minute was the most troubling factor.
"The only way I found the enemy was thanks to my negative emotion sensing which I get from my Kyuubi cloak, but it was almost too late." Naruto said which everyone agreed on.
"My student," Fukui started with his usual calm tone, "beyond you being able to sense them, if only just, is there even a way to combat someone who lives in the shadows?"
Naruto thought about it, then shook his head with a frown.
"If we could find their hideout, or base of operation, perhaps we can ambush them when the time is right." Takuma interrupted before Naruto could speak. "Once we take out these shadows, the enemy would be greatly weakened."
Hideki nodded, but decided to add his two cents. "Yes, but can we ambush the ambushers? Better yet, what are we to do about the other villages." Hideki looked the young samurai in the eyes. "If these assassins are as skilled as you say young Uzumaki, then knowing where they strike next will be extremely difficult."
"If it helps, I informed Yuki to try and follow one of these assassins." Naruto reassured. "Knowing her, she will likely return with something that will be a great boon to our plans. After all, an assassin plans, and plans need written down."
"But assassins leave no trace Uzumkai-san." Mifune wisely stated.
Everyone nodded as they couldn't deny what was said and, after a tense duration of silence which seemed to last forever, Mifune got up and walked towards the nearby window to look down upon his village.
"We will place a small platoon of troops at any villages that have not yet been attacked. Guard towers will also be erected and a signal system will be set in place to warn of any approaching enemies." Mifune turned to face the commanders and Naruto. "The same goes for this village. Although only a temporary fix, it is the best we can do with these assassins about." Mifune put his gaze on Naruto, a smile on his face. "And let's hope your companion can get us the intel we need."
The Uzumaki nodded and was ready to head out to help those that just came in, but Fukui decided otherwise.
"You've done a great service to Iron Country today, my student. Get some rest, for tomorrow will be a sorrowful day for all."
Naruto dared not debate with his master so, with a nod of understanding, he stood and pulled the necklace piece from his pocket, gently rubbing his fingers over it.
"I already helped bury over 100 innocent civilians, and saw the burned bodies of those who hid in a church." Naruto sadly said. "War brings sorrow and pain, master, and it will never end until the last battle has been won."
Naruto pocketed the necklace again, then bowed at Mifune.
"By your leave General."
Said person nodded with a sad smile and, once the door clicked close, everyone in the office couldn't help but smile at the wise words the 12 year old said.
With Takeshi
The leader of the rebels was pacing back and forth in his office, his mind filled with thoughts on why one of the squads hadn't reported from their occupy mission. Amid these thoughts, nervousness never entered Takeshi's conscious. Perhaps it was arrogance, or oversight, who knows. Breaking from these thoughts, Takeshi was just about to turn and leave his office when a knock was heard at the door. Hoping it was the one of the squad leaders, he opened the door and couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock. There Juro stood with a pissed expression and held a heavily injured soldier by the neck in his right hand. Takeshi stood to the side just as Juro threw the man, who was missing his left arm at the elbow and had a deep gash across his stomach, into the room. The thump of the almost deceased soldier on the hardwood floor, followed by his groans of pain, finally brought Takeshi out of his shocked state.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Takeshi rage filled eyes found Juro's own. "Juro, you better have a damn good explanation or so help me, your end will not be pleasant!"
"I found most of the occupying squad had been killed by a small number of Mifune's men while others retreated into the forest to setup camp and treat their wounds." Juro explained calmly, the death stare he was given not fazing him in the slightest. "Per your orders, I killed all but this man as he kept on sputtering about some sort of demon."
"You mean to tell me…" Takeshi stomped on the wounded soldier which elicited screams of pain. "…that a force smaller than your own managed to defeat and push them back!"
Juro eyed the writhing soldier without remorse before he turned his attention back on his leader.
"I watched from afar Takeshi-sama, per your orders and what I saw amazed me." Takeshi motioned to continue. "The samurai knew how to counter and detect shinobi tactics…perhaps it's the blonde haired boy you kept tabs on which turned the tide of the battle?"
"Blonde hair…demon…one in the same." The man on the floor suddenly spoke, coughing out blood every now and again. "No remorse, only a blur. Akuma no Senshi…Akuma no Senshi…Ak…"
Juro had enough of the man's babbling and promptly slit his throat, the blood now soaking into the wooden floor.
"Send one of your agents to the main village…I want this kid dead." Before Juro could present his question, the rebel leader shouted at him. "I don't give a fuck what Tobi said, this Akuma has already done enough damage!"
Takeshi turned and looked out the window while he put his hands behind his back, looking at the growing blood pool with a grimace.
"Oh, and would you kindly clean this mess up?"
The assassin bowed and drug the body out of the office.
It was a twenty minute sprint to the Assassins Guild, but once he knocked on the door, a slit at the top opened up in which he gave the password. The door opened silently which allowed Juro to enter, giving a nod to the doorman as he walked down the maze-like corridors of the guild. After many twists and turns, the assassin leader arrived at one of the bunk areas to find many assassins cleaning their equipment. Glancing around the room, he spotted one person whom was resting on their bunk, their equipment ready to go on the chest at the foot of the cot. Just as Juro arrived at the cot, the sleeping assassin's eyes opened only to look at the man lazily.
"You need something Juro?" She yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
"Indeed, the man upstairs wants a certain Akuma dead."
The now awake assassin looked at Juro with a raised eyebrow. "Who pissed Takeshi off now?"
"A blue eyed, blonde-haired samurai who apparently has the moniker Akuma no Senshi."
"So a kid, right?" Hearing no response made the assassin smirk. "Seriously, you send me out to kill a greenhorn…tch, I pass, get someone else."
Just as she was about to close her eyes, Juro kicked the cot which made her glare at him.
"He may be but a child," Juro started, his anger rising at this assassin's attitude. "But he has already helped lead a successful counter-attack an army two sizes his own!"
"Oh." The female blinked in surprise. "So that's what's got Takeshi's knickers in a knot."
As she started to chuckle, Juro's anger reached its peak. With a growl escaping his throat, he grasped the cot and flipped it over. The commotion of it all took the others in the room of guard for a brief moment before they went back to what they were doing.
"Fine, fine, I know when I need to leave." The assassin said as she stood and dusted off her outfit.
"Just get your task completed." Juro heatedly replied as he pointed towards the hallway. "Dismissed!"
Once she collected her weapons and other items, she headed out of the bunkhouse and headed towards the map room. Inside, on the large circular table, was a map of the main samurai village where Mifune and the others were housed. Although not extremely detailed due to it being heavily guarded, it was enough to get the job done. As she studied the map, she knew that if successful, Takeshi would send more assassins to scout the main village in order to coordinate one massive, war ending strike.
Three Days Later
Three days have passed since Naruto and Hiroto's successful counter-attack, and ever since then samurai have rotated daily between the main village and the field station that was set up. This wasn't the only accomplishment these past three days, no, the fortifying of civilian villages was also completed. The guard towers were erected on the outskirts of the villages with roaming patrols inside and around. Much to the samurai's surprise, the civilians welcomed them with open arms, some even providing them a hot meal and a place to stay. However, not all the samurai enjoyed this. For those that experienced and fought in the second war, they questioned the civilians on why the hospitality. Their reply?
"You defend our home without question, the least I can do is offer you a meal and housing."
Although thanking them for the kind words, most of those that fought in the second war decided they would set up a small campsite not far away; the tents set around a small fire-pit as to not alert enemies.
Speaking of fire, the towers placed in the center of the village had a teepee of wood set atop of them, only to be set alight in case of an emergency. Once one was lit, it would inform the other villages as well as Mifune's own. Although it would take some time for reinforcements to arrive, Mifune had the utmost confidence in his soldiers. He knew that they would fight to the bitter end, for a samurai never flees from battle, no, they die by the blade; they die with honor.
Back in the main village, Mifune, Naruto, and the other commanders met to discuss what to do about the outposts they have located. Most were placed in a strategic manner which would ensure Takeshi's troops gained a foothold once a civilian village was devoid of life. After much debate, it was decided that these outposts would be raided in a set manner in the hopes of drawing out Takeshi's position.
As for the assassins, Yuki had reported back from her trip, but the news was not what Mifune and the others hoped for. They originally thought that the assassins had used one of the outposts as their base of operations. However, thanks to Yuki, that assumption was thrown in the trash. Instead of using an outpost, there was multiple guilds set up around Iron Country, all relatively close to an outpost, but far enough away to not rouse suspicion. Although unnerved by this detail, Mifune and the others knew that there was only one way to ensure that these assassins were dealt with once and for all.
Raiding the guilds at the same time.
But to accomplish such a feat, most of the civilian villages would have to be left unguarded, an act which would have Takeshi salivating. For Mifune, the options he had to weigh felt heavy on his already burdened shoulders.
Two choices hung over Mifune. Either he leave his civilians to suffer at the hands of Takeshi's followers, or coordinate a raid which would likely give them a gain in the war. For now, Mifune had no answer, but he knew that a decision needed to be made soon or consequences would result.
Currently, a female figure whom had fair skin, emerald green eyes, and brown hair set in a ponytail, walked up to the gate of the main village. Her clothing was like that of the civilians in Iron Country; ones which helped stave off the bitter cold and almost constant snowfall. Once she arrived at the gates, the guards quickly stepped forward and checked her papers as well as patted her down for shinobi equipment. Finding none of the sort and seeing that her papers checked out, the guards let her pass through.
"I'm in…now to find the blonde bastard." She thought. "Now, if I were a samurai, where would I be…?" The lady smirked. "Tea shop."
After asking for directions in order to keep up appearances, she found and entered the shop where everyone, mostly samurai, stared at her for a moment before turning back to what they were doing. Looking around the shop, she spotted a blonde haired kid sitting at a table with an elderly gentleman.
"That must be my target, and the elder his master….hmm, this might prove more challenging than I thought."
Finding a seat somewhere far enough away, yet still close enough so she could hear, a waitress soon came over and took her order; green tea with jasmine, no sugar.
"Are you feeling any better today, my student?" Fukui asked before taking a sip of his tea, an act which Naruto repeated.
Naruto smiled at the concerned tone as he set the cup back on the saucer. "Hai, but it will take a long while to get what I saw out of my head."
As both took a sip of their tea, both their warrior instincts went on high alert; a new aura had entered the shop. For the samurai and the civilians in this village, each had a warm, calming aura about them even though war had found them once again. However, this aura was not as such, it was cold, dark even…like an assassin.
Looking into each other's eyes, a mental message was sent that someone was watching them and it was best to keep tight lips. Though they decided to let out some in order to see how their target reacted.
"Mifune would like to see you after this, he said something about Hiroto recommending you for the commander position." Fukui said with a smile.
"Hai, but do I really deserve it Master?" Naruto paused to take a sip of tea. "I'm only a young child, one with too many burdens on their shoulders already."
Fukui set his tea cup down after he finished the rest and looked at his student with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye.
"Ah, but you helped lead a successful counterattack two times the size of your force. For a child at your age, it's truly remarkable." A light blush came to Naruto's cheeks, slightly embarrassed by the praise. "Think, my student, think of all the things you have done thus far to help us in this war."
Naruto looked into his tea cup in thought, but soon realized what his master was trying to do.
"I understand master, I have yet to find myself which is the reason for all my self-doubt." Naruto said, finishing his tea and setting it on the saucer." I will talk with Mifune at once then resume my duties. Perhaps this war will help me find out what I really am."
Fukui nodded at Naruto's words, there was a great truth to them. "War may seem like an obstacle to some, but it is simply an unexpected bend in the path that we samurai take."
"Does that path ever end master?" Naruto questioned. "It seems like finding yourself would take a lifetime."
"A very wise question my student, and you are correct. A samurai's path ends when they perish by the blade, or die an old man with many burdens and accomplishments." Fukui stated in a professional tone, then smiled afterward. "Go now, General Mifune is expecting you."
Naruto nodded, got up from the seiza position, and left the tea shop. As he did, Fukui discreetly looked at the person calmly sipping their tea three tables away from them.
"No emotions from the dialogue we had." Fukui narrowed his eyes in thought. "…hmm, perhaps I will let my student handle this to see how he does, his path is still being forged after all."
With that thought, Fukui paid for his and Naruto's tea, got up and left to read the daily scouting reports.
For the next two weeks, the assassin watched Naruto in order to gather a pattern. At sunrise, Naruto would go to a training ground to train for three hours. Afterwards, he would go back home only to come out 45 minutes later and head to another training ground where he taught students samurai techniques and such. For lunch, Naruto would either go home, or head to the tea shop to meet with other samurai to see how the war was going. After lunch, he either met with someone in the tower or went to the library to read. A combination of these was fulfilled the rest of the day before going back home to rest.
However, out of all the places Naruto went, the tea shop was the only place not heavily guarded. Across the street, reading a newspaper, the assassin watched her target come out of the tower and head to the tea shop for lunch, just as his routine stated. However, she did notice that the young samurai's facial expressions was angry, or was that emotionless?
"Samurai and their emotions…I'll never understand." The assassin thought then got up from her seat just as Naruto entered the shop.
"Naruto my boy, back for more I see!" The tea shop owner, a retired samurai in his 90's, happily stated but it quickly dulled once he saw the young lad's face. "*sigh* Takeshi's picked up more huh?"
Naruto nodded as he found a seat. "Yah, two more…and the innocent continue to die."
"I've seen my fair share of loss in my day, lad." The owner laid a reassuring hand on Naruto's right shoulder, both looking at each other with a smile. "However, I see a great future ahead for Iron Country, one which starts with you."
Naruto nodded and leaned back in his chair, but didn't respond. The owner knew what Naruto was experiencing, he was a veteran of both wars after all. He patted Naruto's shoulder again, his smile turning stoic.
"The usual then?"
"Hai, the usual."
As the owner went to make the tea, Naruto put his face in his hands and sighed.
"Two more villages lost and skirmishes have increased between our scouting parties and Takeshi's troops."
"And the big one has yet to come." Kurama interjected sadly. "I've seen my fair share of death, Kit…far too much."
Naruto mentally nodded, then looked up to see the same person that had been following him come into the shop. With a grin, he knew that the game had just begun.
"Your tea, Naruto." The owner said with a smile as he set the cup and saucer down on the table. "Anything else I can get you?"
Naruto pointed to the lady that just came in. "You mind if you make another for her?"
The owner looked at who Naruto was pointing at and instantly narrowed his eyes, "Hai, I will get right on that."
As the owner walked back to the kitchen, Naruto caught the discreet hand signal the elder made and smiled.
Help was just a hair-breadth away.
As Naruto sipped his tea, he cautiously watched the woman as she walked towards him.
"Hello samurai-san." The civilian started. "Do you mind if I sit with you and chat about your profession. I seem to be quite interested in joining."
Naruto set the tea cup down and motioned in front of him. "Please, and I've already ordered a cup for you, free of charge."
"Thank you." She sat down just as Naruto silently shifted his wakizashi onto his lap.
"About my profession," Naruto started but paused to let her thank the owner for the tea. "…you seem quite fond of it, especially if you've followed me around for a couple weeks."
"Ah, I deeply apologize samurai-san, I was only trying to understand the profession I would be entering." She sipped her tea with a sincere smile, nervousness never entering her conscious.
"Apologies are not needed, and please, just call me Naruto." Naruto sipped his tea, then set the cup back down. "Before we get started, why are you interested in the samurai, also are you in it for revenge or a new way of life?"
"My parents died recently, and I have no means of supporting myself financially." The assassin sadly looked into her cup. "I thought if I joined the samurai, I could earn the respect of Mifune and show that a female has what it takes."
"Mifune may be old, but he's seen much in his day." Naruto gripped his wakizashi tighter as he felt a fluctuation in the assassin's aura. "In fact, he holds respect in the highest honor as revenge is not the way of Bushido."
"You mean I have a shot?" She looked at Naruto with surprised eyes.
Naruto nodded, "Hai, but perhaps we could get back on topic?"
The assassin nodded with an internal smirk. She knew she would have to play it safe.
"Is there a training program for the samurai? Also, how would I go about joining?"
"Training is classified I'm afraid, as it's up to the master to teach you their skills. However, Mifune would gladly set you up with one."
"And how many years would this take?"
Naruto shrugged then frowned as his tea was getting low. As he turned his head to get a waiter's attention, out of his peripheral he saw the female slip something in his drink.
"Kurama, could you negate that poison, I want to try something here."
"No problem Kit, but you owe me."
"What is it that you require?"
"A Madara chew toy."
Naruto sweat dropped internally, "Really! Ugh…fine. Here."
Kurama watched as the Uchiha appeared in front of him and, with a grin, the fox pounced on it and started to tear the thing limb from limb. Naruto could only let out a chuckle which made the assassin wonder what was going on.
"Something funny, Naruto?"
Said person shook his head as his tea was being filled. "I just remembered something funny is all. Any other questions?"
For five minutes, Naruto answered questions, but left a lot of information out. Due to giving the bear minimum, that and the poison not working, the assassin's anger started to rise, something which pleased Naruto greatly
"You seem tense and angry, any reason as to why?"
The assassin said nothing and looked at Naruto with an emotionless gaze. However, what happened next was a blur and silenced all who were in the shop. Sensing the intentions of the assassin, Naruto quickly unsheathed his wakizashi and stabbed her in the stomach, taking care to hit a non-vital area. As the assassin stumbled backward, Naruto jumped towards her and slammed the pommel of his blade against her temple which knocked her unconscious. As Naruto slowly sheathed his blade, the civilian patrons looked at what happened with a hint of fear, but the samurai didn't bat an eye. Seeing the place return back to normal, Naruto sighed and calmly resumed his seiza position. After a short minute, he grabbed the tea cup which the assassin did not touch, and calmly began to sip the still warm beverage with a smile on his face. Once done, he got up and put some money on the table before he grabbed the body of the assassin and started to leave the store.
"I apologize for the mess, I left extra on the table for you."
The owner waved from the kitchen door, "Many thanks, lad, and job well done!"
Mifune's Office
Once Naruto was given the OK to enter, he opened the door then threw the assassins corpse in front of his General.
"I wounded a rat Mifune-dono."
"So I see, and just in time too." Mifune looked at the body with a frown, then back at Naruto. "There is a mission I want you and the other commanders to lead tomorrow morning. I have thought about this for far too long and two more civilian villages have fallen as a result. However, this mission will take our resources away from the villages we are trying to protect."
Naruto's eyes and facial features were now stern as he knew which mission this was.
"Hai Mifune-dono, but in the case that the mission somehow goes wrong, what shall we do?"
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but if it does, put that training to good use and find a way to come back in one piece."
"And the villages which will now be open for an attack?"
Mifune sighed sadly, "I know why you give me that harsh tone Uzumaki-san, believe me, it was not an easy decision to make. I loathe the thought of more innocents being killed, but I will not lose the chance we need to stay ahead in this war."
Naruto nodded with a sigh, "As you wish General."
"Before you are dismissed, Uzumaki-san, would you take this rat, as you so eloquently put it, to the holding cells and notify a medic? I believe she would do a great service in our mission."
Naruto bowed and took the assassins body before he left the office to do his task. However, Naruto couldn't help but think that tomorrow's raid would do more harm than good, and that Takeshi would have a strong foothold in this war.
Edited: 6/3/15
