I do have to say I really enjoyed writing this chapter. My motivation is sky high right now so I should be getting out my other chapters quicker. Let's just say that this chapter is going to get the ball rolling so to speak. Well enjoy it and R&R plz.
wakarimasu - I understand, wakatta - understood
Chapter 10: So It Begins
"Not much farther," Kisame huffed.
The three month time period had finally passed since Itachi had left to train Naruto and now it was the moment to rendezvous at the Valley of the End. Kisame and Konan rapidly picked up their pace even though it was just barely getting dark.
Both of the former Akatsuki members had been quite bored during the three months. After they had gone to see the Mizukage the two of them had spent the rest of their time wandering around both Mizu no Kuni and Hi no Kuni burning the days away waiting. Now they would just have to wait a little longer for Itachi when they make it to their destination.
"Do you have any clue what Itachi is going to have us do next?" Konan asked Kisame.
"I don't know exactly but both of us know what is at stake here. I'm sure Itachi has already planned the rest out. Now all that we need to do is set it in motion and watch the others move things along," Kisame stoically answered, "But all of this probably would have been easier if Itachi had gotten to Sasuke when he was seeing the Tsuchikage."
"That would be why Itachi decided to train Naruto earlier than he planned too right?"
"Hai, it was only an early detour however. Let's hope the Kyuubi kid has learned enough for what is to come."
Naruto stood motionless while he focused his chakra to flow around him. A small tint of blue could be seen around his body. Not giving Naruto the ample time to concentrate, Itachi charged him head on. A kunai slid out from his sleeve into his hand and he proceeded to hurl it towards Naruto. A quick gasping sound came from Naruto as the kunai dug into his chest. Naruto coughed up some blood that slid down the ends of his lips. Itachi approached Naruto and pulled out the kunai causing blood to drip down onto the cold pavement. Without warning Itachi swung his kunai wielded arm back and forth slashing Naruto several times across his body. The injured Naruto stumbled a few steps back trying to collect himself. Not wanting to give any breathing room, Itachi continued on with the head-on assault. Just before Itachi could cut through Naruto again, a sly smirk appeared on the blond's face. In an instant during Itachi's strike the seemingly injured Naruto vanished.
An unnoticable smile flashed on Itachi's face for a mere moment as he received a stiffling kick to his side. Naruto then whipped in front of Itachi kneeing him in the stomach and swinging a hard uppercut into his face. While Itachi took a few steps back from the receiving blows, Naruto quickly performed a few hand signs ending with him slamming his palms together.
"Fuuton: Reppushou!" he shouted.
Suddenly a strong gust of wind slammed into Itachi's body hurling him into the wall of an old house directly behind him. The wood broke on impact as Itachi went through it. Naruto cautiously approached the destroyed wall and dust cloud around it. Sounds of rummaging came from the broken pieces of wood while Naruto watched Itachi step out of the newly developed hole.
"I thought we had agreed to prohibit the use of ninjustu," said Itachi as he dusted off his black cloak.
"I guess I was too into the action," laughed Naruto.
Itachi slowly took a few wobbly steps up to Naruto and placed his hand on the nearest wall of the small alley street. For a moment Naruto watched a little confused by Itachi's slow movements but quickly noticed that his sharingan was off. He recalled that during the time of training Itachi had briefly talked about his now near blind vision. Itachi nestled his back up against the wall.
"You finally pulled of kari no genkaku perfectly. You just need a little more experience in using it quicker and it should become a dependable jutsu in your arsenal," he spoke flatly, "But as you well know this will be the last day of your training."
"I know and thanks for everything you have taught me."
Naruto took a few steps past the resting Itachi and stared up at the night sky. A full moon burned brightly in the black sky. It made Naruto remember that his training with Itachi had started on a full moon night like this. Standing there Naruto could feel that he had come a long way in understanding how to properly fight a sharingan user. During the last month of the three month stint Naruto had become increasingly better at landing actual hits on Itachi and getting out of genjutsu almost instantly. This was definitely going to help Naruto later on down the road.
Naruto looked behind him at Itachi and also remembered that during the last month he had been turning his sharingan off more and more. Even though Itachi was a missing-nin and cold-blooded killer, Naruto could not help but feel a little sorry for him. Seeing Itachi stand there so simply and appearingly exhausted pushed Naruto to again ask why he was going this far to help him.
"Well since you'll be leaving soon could you at least tell me why?" asked Naruto while he turned around to look straight at Itachi.
"Why I truly did all this?" Itachi blankly responded.
"Hai."
Itachi was silent for a few minutes and finally let out a deep sigh, "I recall telling you that you have the strongest bond with him."
"There's something more isn't there. I can see it in your eyes. They may appear cold to many others but I feel I've spent enough time with you to be able to read you somewhat."
"Fine…I know you are the only one that is capable of stopping my little brother. I may be cold, heartless, and detached most times but I for one know that Sasuke must be stopped. If he were to be successful in his goals then this world will be led to complete destruction," for a moment Itachi paused, "Years ago I remembered asking you why my brother had meant so much to you after he abandoned you and you had told me…"
"That he was like a brother to me," Naruto cut in.
"Exactly and maybe if I trained you to fight him and finally stop him it could be the most brotherly thing I could do for him. To save him from himself," Itachi leaned off the wall and stood staring straight at Naruto, "I can't change my past and I neither regret the things that I've done. It was the path that I had chosen. But if I ever was to do anything decent then why not help the person who was a better brother to Sasuke than me."
"I think I understand. I also understand that I was naïve to think that I could bring Sasuke back. I know that when it really comes down to it I will have to kill Sasuke. It is my duty to protect this village from anyone even if the very person wanting to destroy it is like a brother to me," Naruto softly spoke.
"Yours and Sasuke's path are fated to cross again. It is your choice of what to do when the time comes."
Itachi reactivated his sharingan and slowly walked past the stationary Naruto. He slowly lifted up his head to likewise stare at the full moon. What he had just said was true but there was still one thing that Naruto was not ready to know. 'The time will come when they will be ready for what is to come' Itachi thought to himself.
"I wish you well Uzumaki," and just like that Itachi was gone.
A part of Naruto wondered if he would ever cross paths with Itachi again while he walked home. During the three months Naruto had seen a different side of Itachi and now after what he just said expanded that feeling. Itachi was not like the person Naruto had met those several years ago. With that in mind Naruto had the strange feeling that there still could be something out of place; however, it did not matter to Naruto either way. It was possible he was just over-thinking things. After doing all this training though, Naruto knew he was more than ready for Sasuke. His own skills on top of that solidified things even more. The next time he crossed paths with Sasuke he would show him how far he has come and end it all.
Kisame and Konan stood waiting at the waters edge at the bottom of the valley. The enormous stone monuments of Shodai and Madara stood proudly facing each other. They were like tiny ants compared to the size of the monuments.
"Damn we've been waiting here for hours now," complained Kisame.
"You know for sounding so calm on our way here you're acting quite impatient," Konan commented.
"Whatever…I've been patient for three months. That is long enough," hissed Kisame.
While in their mid-bickering, a puff of smoke instantly appeared as Itachi showed up.
"Finally, I was about ready to pummel Konan into shreds of scrap paper," grunted Kisame.
"You wouldn't even be able to land a single attack on me," taunted Konan.
"Enough you two," Itachi demanded, "We have more business to discuss. It is a waste to fight with each other."
"Fine…you're right," said Konan.
"Lucky little origami girl," Kisame whispered to himself.
"So how did things go in Kirigakure?" asked Itachi.
"Well you probably got word that they are allied with Konoha now. I'm sure that the Mizukage didn't come to that consensus of his own accord," answered Kisame, "and what of the Kyuubi kid. Did the training do any good?"
"It was better than I expected. I have no doubts about him not being strong enough to be on equal footing with Sasuke now, if not better. Uzumaki is a hard-working individual and still has a lot of potential to get even stronger."
"You speak so fondly of him now Itachi. You're not getting soft on us are you?" Kisame responded.
"No it's just that he has gained my full respect as a shinobi."
"Well then what about this situation? Is Naruto prepared for that?" asked Konan.
"He isn't ready for that yet. Neither of them are and it isn't time for us to reveal to them everything. They would only get killed if we did. Besides either of them could die at the end of this war. Maybe even both of them," Itachi flatly answered.
"So then the next plan of action?" spoke Konan.
"The time will come when we will reveal everything to them but for now we just watch what goes on from the shadows. We will take no part in this whatsoever. It is not our war to begin with and we have to let them shape their own minds. We will not force them to make a choice," Itachi paused for a second and looked at Kisame, "When it comes time to test Naruto you'll be the one Kisame like I know you want to."
"Good, I'm sure it will be fun," Kisame grinned.
"And Konan if worse comes to worse then you must be the one to survive this no matter what," Itachi added.
"Wakarimasu Itachi-san," nodded Konan, "but who will test the other one?"
"It is my responsibility to do so," Itachi spoke in a serious tone, "Let's head out."
It was early in the morning as Team Hebi made their way through the forest. Suigetsu was dragging behind feeling like he would just fall over anytime and go back to sleep. Karin and Juugo were gingerly walking side-by-side with Sasuke. It was like this practically everyday. Everyone would get up early and move from base to base checking up on the Sound recruits or go from village to village gathering anyone willing and eager to join Sasuke.
The one person who was tired of it the most was Suigetsu but Sasuke would always tell him that they must keep moving so they don't encounter any trouble and to build up their forces as large as they can get. The whole routine had been going on for a few months now. Even though Suigetsu was the most tired, Karin and Juugo also were beginning to wonder when Sasuke would finally decide to take action.
"Tsk…UGH!!!! I hate getting up so early all the time," Suigetsu whined.
"Just shut your mouth and stop complaining. You do this every single time," said an irritated Karin.
"And you say that to me everytime. It just gets tiring doing this all the time," Suigetsu sighed, "Besides when are you going to actually order an act of war Sasuke?"
"Shh don't ask him that. Sasuke-kun doesn't have to tell you if he doesn't want to," said Karin even though she wanted to know too.
Suigetsu quickened his pace to be right next to Sasuke, "Huh Sasuke when are we going to get some action go…" Suigetsu was suddenly cut off as Karin yanked him from the collar of his cloak making him trip backwards, "What the hell is the matter with you!?"
"Leave Sasuke-kun alone and stop nagging him."
Karin proceeded to slam a fist into Suigetsu's head but suddenly stopped as she noticed Sasuke and Juugo had stopped walking. They both stared at the bickering Suigetsu and Karin. Sasuke let out a small sigh and decided he could just tell them now so the complaining would end.
"Five months," he said flatly.
"For what?" asked a somewhat confused Suigetsu.
"Five months until I start this war," with that being said he turned and continued walking on. Suigetsu and Karin stopped fighting and slowly walked behind Juugo and Sasuke.
"So what's the plan then Sasuke?" Suigetsu asked.
"We're heading back towards Otogakure to gather more supplies."
"No I mean…"
"I know what you meant," Sasuke cut in, "Don't stress about our first plan of action five months from now. I will tell all of you before that time comes."
"Ok then," Suigetsu softly spoke feeling a little more satisfied.
The four continued their long walk back home. All of them were a little livelier now that they basically knew the starting date. Now they were just eager to know exactly what Sasuke's plans would be.
Naruto stood smiling as he watched several children running out of the academy to enjoy the rest of their day. Many of the kids were jumping for joy and giggling at every single thing. A few others gathered near a stump and praticed their shuriken throwing. It was very peaceful for Naruto to see such a happy sight.
His sight quickly turned to the tiny swing that hung so lonesome from the single tree. He slowly walked over to it and sat down. It brought back sad memories of when he would watch everyone with their own friends and parents as they left school. Naruto recalled the day when everyone had passed their genin test while he failed it for the third time. All the kids' parents were outside congratulating them as he watched the sight all alone. No parents and no real friends. It was a kid being rejected by everyone. But now things were so different. Now Naruto had all the friends he could ask for even some he could call family. He was also the Hokage now and was looked up to by many people in the village.
Naruto made his way through the ninja academy looking into every room as he passed them by. Finally he came up to his old classroom and let out a nostalgic sigh. Inside the open classroom Iruka and Tenten were chatting away. Slowly Naruto tapped on the side of the open door making his presence aware to them.
"Hey Naruto!" said a happy Iruka, "How's it going my former student of mine?"
"It's been busy as ever. This is been the only free time I've had all week," chuckled Naruto.
"And you're not spending it with Hinata-san?" Iruka teased.
"I just came from seeing her right now. This may be my free time but I've decided to spend it going around seeing the rest of the Konoha 11 and this is my last stop."
"So you're here to see me then," Tenten commented.
"Hai, I needed to discuss a matter of business with you."
"Then I'll leave you two alone," said Iruka as he walked out the door, "We should get some ramen together sometime soon Naruto."
"That would be great Iruka-sensei," he smiled, "Now Tenten I just wanted to pass on an invitation to you."
"Then pass it on Naruto-kun," she giggled.
"I've visited every person that is part of the Konoha 11 and basically given them an invitation. A few months from now I want to assemble a meeting with the Konoha 11 to openly discuss the upcoming war," he said flatly.
"Of course I'll accept the invitation but the only problem is that I would need to find a substitute teacher for my class," she responded.
"I've already arranged for someone to sub-in for you," Naruto pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to Tenten, "These are the details of the exact date, time, and location of the meeting. Do not be late."
Five months slowly went by as everyone trained and prepared for what they anticipated would be a long and grueling war. Sasuke prepared plans for his first act of war while Naruto and the other elites of Konoha trained nonstop in wait of the war. After those five months the Konoha 11 assembled on the roof of the Konoha mansion to discuss about the war.
"I'm glad everyone could make it," spoke Naruto.
A group of serious shinobi were gathered together there with Naruto. Shikamaru was leaning up against the rail dressed in a tactical vest and black clothes with shredded sleeves as his new apparent style. Ino was in her typical purple attire that revealed her midriff and accentuated her simple curves. Choji looked much more like his father with his hefty brown hair and samurai like armor. He was munching down on his usual bag of chips.
A shirtless Rock Lee, who had just came from training, was doing squats and muttering to himself that if he couldn't do one thousand squats then he would have to do two thousand push-ups. Tenten was in loose black high-water pants and a vest with black trimmings. Neji was standing solemnly next to her in his white noble robe-like attire with a pair of dark brown pants.
Kiba had a black sleeveless jacket with a furry collar along with a sleeveless white shirt, bandages that wrapped around his right arm from his shoulder to his elbow and black pants. His short shaggy hair danced in the wind as he kneeled down to scratch behind Akamaru's ear. Shino stood mysteriously as always with his black attire and chin-high collar with his light blue jacket rustling softly. He did not have his hood on showing his jet black spikey hair and a clear view of his stylish shades.
Sakura slowly paced back and forth twirling her pink locks nervously. Hinata stood right next to Naruto in her unzipped purple and white jacket that fit nicely along her curvy body. She also wore dark blue pants and a midriff shirt that matched the color of her long silky hair. Her revealed midriff was covered by fishnet stockings that was under her shirt and up to the collar of her neck. And of course Naruto fashioned his usual orange and black-flamed jacket with simple black attire included.
"So are we going to get this thing started or what?" Kiba impatiently asked.
"You're always so impatient dogboy," Ino remarked.
"We'll I don't spend hours getting ready for a simple meeting like you do and showing up late," he barked back.
"Both of you argue all the time," Shino softly said.
"Oh stop acting so coo…," Ino said before being cut off.
"C'mon you guys we didn't come here to bicker. We came here to discuss this war we are about to have," Sakura cut in.
"Sakura-san is right. We need this time to think about what we are going to do," added in Rock Lee.
"Well first thing to present is that anbu intelligence has gathered as much information as they can on where Sasuke could first attack," Naruto opened the discussion.
"What have you concluded from the information?" asked Neji.
"Presently it looks that Sasuke will probably attack several possible small towns along the border of Hi no Kuni and Oto no Kuni. It is not exact which place it will be. With it being difficult to find out exactly where, I've already held an earlier meeting with the rest of the jounin as well as anbu. I sent out any available shinobi without hindering our defense here or sending too few to the possible targets."
"We could always evacuate the townspeople from each place." Tenten suggested.
"I've also thought about that but if we were to do that Sasuke would notice easily and change his tactics to go straight for Konoha while most of us evacuated people. It is the whole reason why we have not started on the offensive. Setting up protection for the people must come first. Besides there would be some people that would refuse to leave their homes despite the possibility of an attack and we cannot force anyone to do something they don't want to," commented Naruto.
"So a lot of people are aware of what's going on then?" Choji asked with a mouthful of chips.
"Even though I, the council, the feudal lords, and the daimyo have tried to keep things as quiet as possible so not to cause panic, word has still gotten out to most of Hi no Kuni about this war," he answered.
"This sounds so troublesome. If Sasuke attacks such small towns it won't make much of a statement to Hi no Kuni. So he's probably just doing this as a open declaration of war meaning that even though you sent some jounin and anbu to these locations, they won't have a tough time fighting off Sasuke's forces because he will only send such a small portion," Shikamaru thoughtfully said.
"Then that means Sasuke is probably looking to launch a large attack somewhere down the line that will shock and strike fear into the people of Hi no Kuni," spoke Shino.
"Either way Naruto had to do things this way cause there is still a chance Sasuke is looking to destroy a few towns as quickly as he can," Sakura added in.
"Um Naruto what about Sasuke's allies. Couldn't they attack around the same time Sasuke does?" asked Hinata.
"I felt that was very likely to happen but I had sent Kakashi-sensei, Yamato-san, and Sai to gather information about that but as of now there is no activity from neither Iwagakure or Kumogakure," he answered quickly.
"If that's the case then Sasuke planned on opening this war with just his men attacking," commented Shikamaru.
"Shikamaru is probably right about that, but couldn't Kaze no Kuni or Mizu no Kuni get attacked right now," Choji chimed in his mouth still full of chips.
"Gaara-kun and the Mizukage already sent the intel they gathered and they indicated that there was no activity around their borders."
"Well that sounds like a little relief at least," sighed Kiba, "It is kinda stupid though for them not to plan out for more than one attack to occur."
"Actually it isn't so stupid," Shino flatly spoke, "Sasuke is from Konoha and it would be in his interest to attack this land first before any other. It was his plans to start a war so he would have great influence over what his allies do. Besides if other attacks in other lands were occuring then that would not grant Sasuke our full attention and that is probably what he is aiming for."
"Well it looks like Sasuke is trying to force us into a standstill this early on," Neji stated, "So what else are we planning to do about this at the moment?"
"Right now nothing else can be done. Unfortunately we have no handle on the situation until Sasuke actually initiates the first attack."
"That sucks," complained Ino, "That makes me feel so powerless right now."
As soon as Ino had finished her comment the meeting was interrupted by the instant puff of smoke as an anbu member arrived to report to Naruto. While kneeling in front of Naruto, he removed his dog mask revealing that it was Yamato. A serious look seemed to be imprinted on his face causing everyone to feel a tad concerned.
"What have you got for me Yamato-san?" asked a serious Naruto.
"Gomenasai Naruto-sama but I bring some bad news. The little town of Kazuki, one of the possible locations, was nearly annihilated by Sasukes's men."
Everyone's eyes widened, shocked by the news. "And?…" was all Naruto could muster up to say.
"We we're able to cause the sound shinobi to retreat but Kazuki suffered many innocent casualties. It was like the enemy intended to just focus on destroying the town rather than engage with us and they were almost successful in burning the village to the ground," he answered Naruto.
Naruto tried hard to hold himself back from getting too emotional but he looked at all his friends to see the disbelieved looks on their faces. It was one thing to know that there was an attack coming but another thing to actually hear about it.
In as calm a manner as he could Naruto issued his next orders, "Neji and Shikamaru I want you to accompany Yamato back to Kazuki town. I want you two to do recon around the town and then help the townspeople. Sakura and Ino you will also go with them to heal anybody that needs it," and Yamato stood up after he finished speaking.
"Hai," they all responded.
"Oh and Yamato once everyone has finished I wanted you to evacuate the remaining townspeople and bring them to Konoha."
"Wakatta Naruto-sama," nodding his head.
Sasuke sat on the roof of his newly build home located in Otogakure, one leg dangling off the edge. It was seperated from the rest of the freshly built village located securely on a high hill overlooking the rest of the buildings. Trees blanketed the surrounding areas and the number of them increased especially around Sasuke's home. It was a simply build place. There was no fancy architecture or designs to represent superiority or nobility compared to others. It was just a plain dark blue building with black shingles that started level at the ends and curved inwards and up. His relaxed demeanor slightly changed when he heard someone step onto the roof causing the shingles to softly jingle below them. Sasuke only turned his head a little to see who it was.
"Well how did it go Suigetsu?" turning his head back to the horizon.
"It went as you wanted it. The town was nearly destroyed and we suffered very few casualties," Suigetsu reported.
"Good," Sasuke responded saying nothing else.
"There was something else though."
"And what is that?" Sasuke said sounding somewhat bored.
"I found this near the town and thought I would bring it to you," and Suigetsu handed him something folded up in a cloth.
Slowly Sasuke unfolded the cloth to reveal a blue headband. He gripped onto it and turned it over to reveal the symbol of the leaf with a distinct scratch across it. Looking at it gave no feelings of nostalgia or of any other sort. Sasuke's face was expressionless, yet for a split second a devious smirk swept across his lips.
"I guess this means it will be more interesting than I thought," he said outloud to himself.
"What do you mean?" asked a now confused Suigetsu.
"This is mine of course. I'm sure of that. It seems our little blond Hokage has finally realized the truth. So that means that he won't be holding back the next time we meet. I feel the intent to kill on this pathetic headband," Sasuke paused for a second and stuck the Konoha headband into a tiny bag that was located next to him, "But I will be the one to succeed. I will be the one to kill Naruto."
Sakura and Ino slowly made their way into the torn down town of Kazuki. Many homes and tiny stores had been burned down and there even was some that still had flames crawling on them. The townspeople and leaf-nin were doing their best to put out the remaining fires. As the two kunoichi walked through the place, a look of sadness and shock crept over their faces. Strewn across a few places were the dead bodies of some of the townsfolk. Bloodied or charred bodies laid lifeless on the cold ground. In many places throughtout the town they could see children crying over the bodies of dead parents or mothers and fathers shaking their young ones to wake up when they already knew they were gone from the world. It was an awful and unbearable sight for Sakura and Ino but they had a job to do. Both of them had to push down their emotions and help the injured.
Sakura and Ino split up to cover more ground. Sakura made her way down a blood-stained dirt road searching for anyone who could be trapped under the rubble of the destroyed houses or the sign of someone in need of healing. As she slowly walked on, Sakura felt a tiny tug at her skirt. She turned around to see a little girl that looked no more than four years old. She had black hair tied in pig tails and her cute little face was covered with smudges of dirt and dried tears. Her little blue dress was torn around the ends and held tightly in her arm was a small dirty white teddy bear.
"Pwease can you hewp my mommy. She fell and won't get up," said the scared little girl.
"Sure sweetie just take me to her," and the the little girl softly grabbed onto Sakura's hand and led the way.
The little girl brought Sakura up to a young looking lady that was laid flat across the soil. The lady had a few cuts and burns on her arms and some blood was splattered on her apron that she was wearing. Her hand was clutched tightly to her chest as it moved up and down as her breathing began slowing its pace. Sakura kneeled down and a green aura of chakra flowed around her hands as she proceeded to heal the cuts and burns. The little girl stood watching and trembling while Sakura healed the lady. As she finished up, Sakura noticed that her hand was relaxed and she had stopped breathing. Sakura made a quick check of her vitals and tried reviving her but it was no use. She was already dead.
"Gomenasai…but your mommy…isn't here anymore," she saddly told the frighened little girl.
"What do you mean?" her tiny little voice shook.
"She's gone sweetie," Sakura said hanging her head down.
The little girl approached her mom and began to slightly tug on her apron, "M-mommy, don't weave me mommy…I'm scared…pwease don't weave mommy!" she cried as tears stormed down her cheeks.
Sakura could not muster a single word to say. There was nothing she could say to comfort the little girl. She watched on as the tiny helpless girl cried her eyes out. Her mom was dead and the girl was all alone now. Sakura stood up as a few tears rolled down her face and dripped off her chin. Someone placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder so she turned her head to see that it was Yamato.
"This is what is difficult about war Sakura-san. Many innocent people lose their loved ones to the horrors of war. That is why we have to do what we can for everyone. It is tough to handle something like this but we must stay strong if we want to do our best to save people," Yamato comforted her.
"Still I feel so bad for her. It isn't right. She didn't deserve to see such horrible things especially her mom dying. How can people be so cruel?"
"I don't know why some people are that way. But we must put forth as much effort as we can to stop those kind of people don't you agree," Yamato turned Sakura to face him, "Come on there are a lot more people that need your help."
"But what about the little girl? I can't just leave her here like this."
"Don't worry Sakura-san I promise that I will personally take care of her."
"Arigato Yamato-san," she softly said.
"The surrounding areas look clear," said Neji with an activated Byakugan.
Neji and Shikamaru travled had been traveling along the edges of the town checking for anymore possible threats. It only took them a short amount of time to scope out the place for the enemy and it appeared that they were in the clear.
"That's a relief. I think these people have had enough to deal with today," commented Shikamaru, "It is so horrible to see such a sight. I cannot even begin to understand what the townspeople must be feeling right now."
"I agree with you. These people don't deserve to go through something like this," Neji was quiet for a moment as they made their way back into the destroyed town, "Did you notice the look on Naruto's face as we left?"
"You're talking about the shocked look on his face right?" Shikamaru responded.
"Not just that but the look of hate and disgust in his eyes. To have someone from our village order something like this especially Sasuke must hurt Naruto. He must hate Sasuke so much for everything he's done."
"To be honest I think all of us feel the same way. It is the greatest betrayal someone could make to turn on his former friends and country, even worse to harm it. I know that Naruto is going to make sure that he stops Sasuke no matter what. All of us have to stop him," said Shikamaru, "But I didn't just feel shock and hate from Naruto. I felt a very strong killer intent in him."
"I felt the same thing," Neji softly said, "I could feel that Naruto wants to kill Sasuke."
well I hoped you liked it as much as I did writing it. working on chapter 11 right now and going to post it up very soon. thank you to all the people that have read this so far, I really appreciate it. But I want to personally thank X18999 with his compliment. You gave me the little extra motivation and confidence that I needed for this.
Fuuton: Reppushou - Wind Release: Gale Wind Palm