Disclaimer: Bah! I don't own Naruto or World of Warcraft!
Here's the next installment of The Legend of Uzumaki Naruto!
Naruto stared for a moment at the old gnome, unbelieving.
"What?"
Mekkatorque looked at Naruto pointedly. "The Scarlet Crusade, Naruto."
Benedictus' face, a moment before kind and grandfatherly, became cold as granite. He suddenly looked years older, an ancient statue within the modern world. "Is that so? Then let us make haste to Stormwind. You may tell us on the way."
Mekkatorque nodded, and continued on his way without another word. Naruto hurried after him, and Benedictus as well. The old man strode ahead of all of them, save Mekkatorque, who moved remarkably swift for his stumpy legs. After them came Sakura, Sai and Yamato—Yamato was frowning, not knowing what was happening but understanding the gravity. Sakura recognized the name, but nothing else. Sai remained emotionless, but he was no longer smiling.
They traveled across the gargantuan room, and into an even bigger one. It was shaped like an egg and as massive as the training area of Konoha, stretching so far up that it seemed to stretch into the heavens. It was loud, with the clunking and whirring of machines, high-pitched shouts of gnomes from all around, and the steady pitter-patter of small feet on the metal floor. Sakura was amazed by every bit of it, but had no time to gaze in any sort of glory before they had entered a small room, an elevator, just to the left of the door they emerged from. She felt bereft when the doors closed, shielding her eyes from the wondrous sight.
Nobody said a thing.
When they exited the elevator, they found themselves in a long, narrow, and cramped corridor that seemed to have no end. It stretched into silent blackness. Mekkatorque went forwards, then Benedictus, then Naruto, and then the rest, more tentatively. The corridor stretched on for quite a distance, and was completely uniform in style. There were no other branching tunnels. Combined with the silence, Sakura began to feel slightly uncomfortable. It was nothing like she had expected. But then again, both Naruto and Benedictus seemed to share her thoughts. Something was wrong. They had not expected their return to be as such.
They reached the end abruptly; there was little hint that it was coming, for the darkness was just as great. Mekkatorque strode into the darkened room, turned behind him, and pressed something on the wall that made a clicking noise. The room filled with light; and they found it was not a room at all.
They were in the middle of a huge tunnel, as wide as about two dozen men standing side by side, and tall enough that Sakura needed to crane her neck as far as it would go to see the top. They stood on a large, metal platform, which was raised about eight feet off the ground. In front of them, stretching into either direction, were three long metal bars, the middle slightly higher than the others. High above on the ceiling was another bar, thicker and taller than the rest, covered in burn marks.
"It shall be here in a moment," said Mekkatorque, calmly.
"What?" asked Yamato, walking up beside Sakura and looking around. His big brown eyes searched every bit of the room, and his body was tense. Even among friends he was quick to react.
"The Deeprun Tram. So far it is the fastest way between two points save for teleportation, which has yet to be installed in either Stormwind or Ironforge, and is far too costly in energy. It will take us over four hours to reach Stormwind from here."
"How far is it?"
"Over six hundred miles."
Sakura's eyes grew wide. "But that's…" she stopped herself. "But how is that possible?"
"You shall soon find out," Mekkatorque said, somehow finding the will to smile proudly at the girl.
"Then in the meantime, explain to us how this has occurred," said Benedictus, his face still frozen. "What has occurred since our departure? Why would the Scarlet Crusade seek, and moreover know, of this portal's existence?"
"I do not know," said Mekkatorque. "It seems impossible for either. There is not a single gnome in my city that would dare betray us, especially to the Scarlet Crusade. We are hated as equally as the Forsaken, and perhaps every other non-human race that exists in this world. Yet, the only way I can possibly conceive of them knowing is a spy among us; perhaps some Crusader skilled enough in the arts of deception that they may enter of their own free-will. I cannot say. But that hardly matters at this point."
Benedictus nodded once. "Indeed. Can they work this device, should they build it?"
"I don't imagine how," muttered Mekkatorque. "They are not in possession of the one item that would allow them." He glanced at Naruto. "The pendant of Lady Kira's mother. The special stone that transported Naruto here in the first place."
"So there is no other way?" Benedictus asked.
"None that I know of."
"There is likely another way," said Yamato, suddenly breaking in. Both of the older men looked at him. His large eyes were hard. "The organization known as Akatsuki seems to possess such a power that they might have a portal of their own. If that is true then not only do they possess the same power source as you, but it means that there is more of such power out there. Perhaps this Crusade…whatever it is…is in possession of something similar."
"With my luck, you are correct," said Mekkatorque. "I have been praying that they might not have such a thing, and therefore have increased the security around the portal. There is no way that any single person will be able to steal it. But if what I fear is true, then they might not have any need to steal it. Therefore the situation is far more serious."
Before anything else could be said, a great rumbling filled the cavern. Following that came the screeching of metal on metal, and the right of the cavern suddenly filled with light. From the tunnel emerged the strangest contraption any of the shinobi, save Naruto, had ever seen. It was a large platform, mounted on the tracks, surrounded by a bubble of glass with steel girders bent around it. A large claw-like, chrome-colored apparatus attached it to the track on the ceiling, which glittered with sparks as it moved to a steady stop before them on the platform. A strong smell of fire and gas accompanied the tram, assaulting them as soon as it stopped. Then a small section of the glass parted, allowing them inside.
"Let's go," said Mekkatorque. They all went in, and the glass door returned to its original position. Inside was surprisingly large, with four long, comfortable brown leather couches and a small round, metal table in the middle. Slots for luggage and other goods were imbedded into the bottoms of the couches, which the four shinobi immediately made use of. Mekkatorque went to the back of the tram and began fiddling with a panel there, gesturing for everyone to sit. When they had done so, the tram jerked into movement, and they were off into the darkened tunnel, enrobed in the pale glow of a light directly above them, barely enough to reveal their faces.
"Tell me," Yamato then said, when Mekkatorque had taken his seat, next to Naruto. "What is their motive? What is their intention to entering our world? Who are these 'Scarlet Crusade'?"
"They are a fanatical organization created some years ago," said Benedictus, his voice resounding powerfully in the tram. "An off-shoot of a much more…well-adjusted group, called the Argent Dawn. They sought originally to destroy the Scourge, and continue to do so."
"Ah," Yamato recalled what Benedictus had said earlier about the Scourge, in the briefing for this mission. "Is that not good?"
"Oh yes," said Benedictus. "In the same way it is good for an insect to destroy a particularly invasive weed, and then continue on to devour whatever other plants it finds. Make no mistake, the Scarlet Crusade is right in their efforts. The Scourge is a menace upon this world; the plague that afflicts them turns them little more than mindless walking corpses, who are driven by the two most basic and constant human desires: to devour and consume; and to hate. They will destroy this world eventually, if they are not stopped. But the Scarlet Crusade do more than destroy the Scourge. They hate it with every fiber of their being, to the point of fanaticism.
"But it is far worse than that. It is more than religious fervor that drives them. I am convinced of it. Naruto's dealings with them prove that."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, glancing at Naruto.
"Kira-chan, Kylia and me went to their headquarters, a monastery near Sylvanas-baba," the boy said. "Their leaders are supposed to be dead now, though, and from what I last heard, it was burned down. So why are they still…?"
"Unfortunately, you hardly destroyed them. Whitemane, the leader of the monastery, was but an officer in their army. She was not the leader. That title belongs to someone they call the Grand Crusader, who governs from the very center of the Scarlet Crusade's power—the city of Stratholme, high up north in a place known as the Plaguelands," said Benedictus.
"That is their main power base, and therefore where most of their army resides. But let's return to the topic at hand. Their motive, mister Yamato, is that they have none apparent. They are not driven by logic. They are driven by emotion—pure, unbridled rage and hate enough to make a city long since destroyed still burn. The Scarlet Crusade's hate is completely unnatural, and illogical. No man can sacrifice his humanity so swiftly as those of the Crusade. They hate not just the Scourge and those that look like them, the Forsaken, but they hate anything that does not resemble human. Elves of all sort, orcs, trolls, dwarves, gnomes and others who bear the title of "non-human" are mercilessly destroyed should they ever fall into the clutches of the Crusade. But it is not limited there. They do the very same to humans—their own kind—destroying them in the vilest way you can imagine. The only things pure, in their eyes, are those that wear the blood-stained tabard of the Scarlet Crusade." He let out a long breath, almost a sigh. "It is difficult to have faith in humankind when you see what the Scarlet Crusade can do, and know that there is nothing behind it but raw hate."
"And so they are trying to come into our world," said Yamato. "Because they want to exterminate us, or get new members? Convince us that the Scourge and everything else are monsters that need to be destroyed?"
"Yes," said Benedictus. "Even now, they see us as 'friends'. The Church of Holy Light, of which I am head of, is in their eyes the last bastion of human reason in Stormwind. They follow its teachings as closely as we. But the only thing that I can see that makes them differ from the Scourge is that they do not consume the flesh of humans." He turned his head to the side, looking as if he wanted to spit, but didn't, as they were in a closed space. Instead he simply grimaced.
Yamato softly nodded. His large brown eyes glittered as he switched his gaze from Benedictus to Mekkatorque. "And this place—Stratholme—is where you believe the plans have been taken?"
"Either there or Tyr's Hand, which lies in the same area. Either way, it poses an incredible problem."
Yamato nodded. "You're not confident that you can slip in, and steal it back?"
"No," said Mekkatorque. "I believe that would be possible, if it were just the Scarlet Crusade that we had to deal with. Stratholme was a prosperous city up until years ago, when the plague descended upon it. That's why they call the area the Plaguelands; it is the first place it hit, and therefore the most tainted. The city of Stratholme then became a veritable necropolis; for the half that is not occupied by the Scarlet Crusade, is inhabited by the Scourge. They are locked in constant battle. They intend to build this portal in order to win that war. Can you imagine it?"
"They intend to find shinobi," said Sakura, her eyes widening. "And convert them, right?"
"Precisely," muttered Benedictus. "I know not how, but they have found the existence of shinobi, likely from Naruto's presence, and intend to convert them to fight against the Scourge."
"But that doesn't make sense," said Yamato.
"Oh?"
"The world of shinobi do not carry the same prejudices as this one. The people are not capable of the same hate as those that know and have dealt with this Scourge as much as they." He then frowned. "Granted, it would not take much for some. Many of the smaller shinobi villages would be willing to join for the simple power base. The Scarlet Crusade must be strong, and possess a large army, correct?"
"It is massive. It equals that of the standing armies of both Ironforge and Stormwind. It grows stronger and more numerous with each passing day, as well," said Benedictus. "But you should also fear the fact that their hate is unnatural. They have some means of converting that I do not know of, and that method seems to birth these vengeful, hateful people."
Yamato went silent. His eyes turned downwards, and his brow wrinkled in thought. He was greatly troubled by this, not only because now there didn't seem to be much that could be done, but also there were far too many unknowns.
The most worrying of them was that if they opened the portal, where would it open to?
Kira rolled the animal skin scroll back up, handing it back to Sir Eric. "Good," she said, sighing in relief. "They've agreed to come."
Kylia smiled in relief. "That is good news."
Kira nodded. The message, written on the skin of a small rabbit, had come from Thrall, Vol'jin and Cairn, a few minutes earlier. It had been just over three days since her messages to them had left, urging for a meeting. A day previous she had gotten word from Sylvanas, the one who had worried her most. The Banshee Queen had agreed to come, on the condition that she could bring someone with her. Kira had already sent her reply—"Yes, of course"—assuming that it was nothing more than a small retinue of guards, or perhaps the legendary Dreadlord Varimathras himself. Either way, she was still glad Sylvanas had agreed. Recently she had heard little from the banshee, leading Kira to believe she had other things to do that concerned her own nation. Sylvanas was above all a very private person, and detested contact with anybody other than her own kind. They had not returned to Stormwind since they had delivered their supplies months ago, during the rebuilding of the city.
"Mekkatorque, King Magni and Tyrande have already sent their word," said Kira, remembering the other three letters. "Then it's set. The first meeting will be in a week." Then, she sighed. "But I'm still worried."
"It's better to worry and be cautious," said Sir Eric, calmly. "My father always told me that, my lady. This is a very serious matter, so it must be handled with every care. But we all have confidence in your abilities. You will represent the human race with all our pride. Don't forget that." He gave her a kind, handsome smile. She blinked at him, and then returned it, her body seeming to glow.
"You're right," she said. "Because it must be done."
"What of Archbishop Benedictus, and Naruto?" asked Kylia. Kira's glow faded, and her eyes dulled.
"I haven't heard anything from them yet. It would be difficult to get a message there, anyways. I don't want to ruin things if they are still trying to work it out. It would be presumptuous if I sent word for a meeting before they've even agreed to anything."
"They've had several weeks," said Sir Eric. "Would it not be prudent to think they could have done it then?"
"I don't know. But I can't do anything yet," Kira said. "Let's focus on something more immediate."
"Such as?"
Kira blushed prettily. "I'm hungry. Want to stop by the kitchens, Kylia? They've just started up again."
Sir Eric chuckled. In some respects, she was still the same adventurous little girl he had first met years ago, when he had first been assigned to the castle as a guard. She was nearly a queen, and she still had to nick things from the kitchens. For all her adult nature, she was still in some ways a cute girl.
"Then I'll leave, and I hope you enjoy your meal, my lady," he said, with a deep bow and another handsome smile. "I hope to have more reports for you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Sir Eric," Kira said. The man departed the Great Hall with determined steps; before Kira and Kylia left as well. It was the most complete room in the castle, and would be the setting for their meeting, just as Anduin had held all of the Council meetings there. It was larger, and made of a much smoother stone than before; the windows were immense, and seemed to magnify the brightness of the sun that poured through them. The largest window at the very end of the room was made of stained glass, and showed her father dressed in full armor and robed in light. She liked that part the most.
Outside the Great hall were a series of corridors stretching in several directions: one leading to the stairs, one to the unfinished gardens, one to the main entrance, and one to the servants quarters. The kitchen lay on a lower floor, nearer to the Deeprun tram. It was bigger than ever before, and Kira had needed to higher twice the number of cooks—two of them orcs—to make use of the whole thing. She went there most frequently, as there she did not have to think about things much. She could just eat and talk with the cooks, most of whom she knew from her childhood. She could forget about her problems.
Something that at times, she sorely needed.
"Kylia, do you remember all the times we went to the kitchens as children?"
"Yes."
Kira smiled. "Do you remember anything before that? I can only remember snatches—like my mom, my dad, and playing a lot in the garden before you arrived."
"I remember your mother too," said Kylia. "She was the kindest woman I had ever met."
"She was…wasn't she?" Kira stared at the floor. She did this so long, that she did not notice a figure suddenly appear in front of her, and only just heard Kylia's sudden shout of attention.
Kira collided with the stranger roughly, for he had been taking very determined strides. And being slighter than he, she fell backwards, landing on her butt. She winced in pain, glancing up to see his face, and perhaps rebuke him sharply.
"Kira-chan…?"
The words slipped from her grasp like water.
It couldn't be. He was here. Now. It was his voice, his face, and his clothes.
His eyes, like blue suns.
Even his smell, like spices and trees.
"Naruto!"
She leapt to her feet, continuing up and into the air and landing roughly on top of Naruto. She wrapped her hands like a vice around him; burying her face into his neck with such passion and joy that Naruto was stunned into inaction by its intimacy. He stood stock still while she did this, hugging him so tightly that it seemed like she would never let go. He had gotten a brief look at her face, as well, and it contained on it such a look of joy that he had never seen. Nobody had ever looked at him like that.
"My," said Benedictus, from behind the boy. "I think we may have stumbled on to something intimate. Perhaps we should come back a little later."
Mekkatorque managed a snort. "Children."
Yamato raised an eyebrow.
Sai cocked his head to the side, as if puzzled.
Sakura stared at the scene with wide eyes. She too had seen the look in Kira's eyes. For some reason, she hadn't liked it. Not at all. Her hand became a fist. Her eye twitched not unlike how it had when Ino had clung to Sasuke, years ago.
Oddly, Kylia's did the same.
"Uhm…" Naruto said, blushing. "Hey, Kira-chan. H-how are you?"
The girl finally seemed to notice her place, blushed brighter than ever, and immediately stepped back. But she still had the same smile.
"You're back," she said in a breath. "Finally."
"You seem to forget he is the only one to have returned," said Benedictus.
"Sorry, master," she said, immediately hurrying to him, and giving him a large, loving hug. "I'm glad you're back as well."
"As you should be," said Benedictus. "For we have news."
She glanced up at him. "News? Is it good?"
"Moderately, I suppose."
"I've called you today because of an event that will change a lot for you and the people of the Fire Country," Tsunade boomed over the silent crowd of shinobi that lay before her, crowded into every nook and cranny of the street before the Hokage's Tower, perched on roofs and poles, gazing in confusion, admiration, and for some, calm contentment. The remainder of the Rookie Nine, Team Gai and their teachers stood in the front of the crowd.
The Hokage herself was flanked by Izumo and Kotetsu, and the entire Council of Konoha stood a little ways to the side, watching with disgruntled features. Jiraiya stood a little to the side, his face grave.
"This world was once thought to be the only one we would ever know. Many of you have never even considered the possibility that there might be others. I hardly know a soul who cares to think of things outside this very continent, when it is assured there are others out there. They are not our affairs. They never were." She fell silent for a while, letting them frown at her and become puzzled.
"But that has changed." The mutterings stopped instantly. "Nearly a year and a half ago, we discovered the existence of another world. Not another continent, but a world beyond ours, parallel to it, and far older." She ignored the gasps and growing confusion. "A world that once was completely separate from ours, but at this point, is no longer.
"You might think, 'Why does this concern us?', and you have a point. What use does it have for us? We have no enemies that we cannot defeat, with our power and will. We have a peaceful city, and a way of life that has served us for generations and generations, and hopefully will continue to. We have a beautiful world all our own, with allies and friends, and there is nothing to suggest that this other world should concern us in any way. Because, should it, we would inevitably be caught up in its conflicts and prejudices, something that would just cause deaths of our people and the destruction of our way of life. So, as I asked myself many times, why does this matter concern us?
"I have found an answer. It has taken me awhile to accept it, as I know it will take you all awhile, but please listen. I have heard of the plights of that world. They are immense, and many, and make ours seem petty in comparison. But more so, there are people just like us in that world, people who have only wanted to preserve their own way of living, but having not the power, and thus not the ability, to do so. They are like us, but cannot defend themselves against their enemies. Is it not according to the law of human decency that if they asked, we should aid them?
"Stop," she snarled, to a few raised protests. "Allow me to finish. That is not the whole reason. The full reason is that our world and theirs have not been so separate as we first imagined. It seems that in the recent past, they have entwined, and now the evils that assault their world are being brought by shinobi into this world. There is an organization that possesses the power to travel between this world and the next, who seek to destroy our way of life. They are called Akatsuki. Nine of the most fearsome missing-nin in history, which possess knowledge of that world to use against us at any point. They have already used it against the Sand. We are at great risk from them, perhaps even more so than Orochimaru and his Hidden Sound.
"With this threat against us, we are at an immediate disadvantage. But those of the other world are in the same situation. They know little about ours, just as we know little about theirs. Both of our ways of life are now threatened. So why not join? They have proposed to us a mission of the greatest importance. An S-class mission will be mandatory for every jounin and chuunin on active duty, and optional for those genin teams who are believed to be ready. There will be required training sessions for all those planning to take part in this mission, with pay of course. From this moment on, we are the official tools of their armies. We will show them our power, which is greater than any other. We will receive economic benefits in the forms of dozens of new materials not found in this world, abilities and jutsu that have not been discovered, and all manner of things to improve our way of life, and assure our safety in the future. Our "Will of Fire" burns stronger than anything in this world or the next, and we will show them all that Konohagakure is the strongest village in history.
"We cannot stave off change. We never could. But we can adapt, as we always have, as our ancestors did, as we did after many wars, and a demonic attack, and a betrayal. Konoha will never fall. I know you all believe that. So I ask you one final time: Why does this concern us? It concerns us because though we are called 'tools' of war, each one of us has the spirit of a thousand; we have what so many others lack—a will. It is that will that will keep us burning long into the future. We are not merely tools, as so many shinobi believe. Because tools can break, and fall out of use; but there is not one here that will ever break or become useless; because as long as you have but one spark of life in your breast, you will be somebody, and you will matter. You will help those that cannot help themselves, because your will allows you to.
"You are all shinobi of the Leaf. We will show Akatsuki, Orochimaru, and any other who tries to pit themselves against us, what that truly means, as I know all of you know."
Her eyes swept the silent crowd. The heat of a raging inferno seemed to rise from it, as if the people were not people, but the crests of the brightest, hottest flames. She smiled.
"Conscription forms will be sent out by tomorrow. Expect missions involving this to show up in the next few weeks. Dismissed."
"You did it! You really did!" Kira cried an hour later, after all the specifics of Konoha's addition to the New Alliance had been explained to her. Her eyes were lit up with wondrous light, her mouth slightly parted in a gigantic smile, and the stress that had been steadily piling up for the past few weeks was blown away in an instant. "How could that not be great news?"
Benedictus smiled, giving a slight shrug. "It depends on how you look at it. We are, after all, giving up an enormous amount of money to finance this. Not only that, but we are treading a thin line. We must introduce them into this world, showing them the benefits of a true alliance. I will leave that to you, my dear, as I know you shall be good at it."
Kira nodded. "Thank you." She turned to Naruto. "Thank you, Naruto. Again."
The boy smiled. "Don't mention it, Kira-chan."
Kira's eyes drifted to Sakura, Sai and Yamato. Yamato stood by the door, observing the majesty of the Great Hall with his large brown eyes. Sai sat on the other side of the door, engrossed in a small green book, which he was drawing in. Sakura sat next to Naruto, glancing between the blonde and the rest of the room.
"And you three as well. I know it shouldn't be you whom I thank, I feel that I must, since you are giving up so much to help us."
Yamato gave her a slight smile, and a bow. "Which hopefully will be returned two-fold. It isn't like we aren't benefiting from this as well. There will no doubt be dissenters of opinion, but such is true of every alliance."
Kira nodded.
"Lady Kira," said Mekkatorque, clearing his throat. "As joyful as I am at this news, I feel that the other matter must be addressed."
The girl sobered. "Yes," she said sitting straight up, all forms of joy slipping from her features. "You're right. What is to be done?"
"That's easy," Naruto said. "We go get those plans back." He ignored the looks of surprise from most of the occupants and continued. "We're a shinobi team, right? Well, we're probably the best things you've got right now to get them back. And it concerns us anyways." He glanced at Yamato. "Right, Yamato-taichou?"
The young man glanced at him passively. "Technically, we are not at liberty to do anything. Tsunade-sama's specific orders were to remain here for as long as needed, then return." He held up a hand to stop Naruto protesting. "But that doesn't mean we will do nothing. It seems that we are needed, and that need requires us to go elsewhere. And if what Kira-sama says is true, then Tsunade-sama might be traveling here soon anyways."
"Yes," said Kira, standing up immediately. "I'll prepare a message to be sent. She should be at the talk as well, to get familiar with the other leaders." She then sat back down, looking distressed. "But is this all you'll need? It will be incredibly dangerous where you're going, and you're going to need some help."
"I would normally disagree," said Yamato calmly. "Shinobi work far better in small, four-man cells, no matter how great the enemy is. It allows us to move quickly and in relative obscurity. But there are two reasons why I will make an exception." He glanced at Naruto. "We know only what Naruto knows about this world. As good as his knowledge is, there will doubtlessly be things that he does not know. Therefore, someone familiar with the area would be helpful." Then he glanced at Sakura, his eyes narrowing very slightly.
"The second is that we will need someone to replace Sakura."
"What?" Naruto thundered, exploding from his chair to his feet. "Whaddya mean? Sakura-chan is a part of this team! She's going—"
"She's wounded," said Yamato, calmly. His voice possessed a clear edge of authority. "Kakashi-senpai gave me control of this team for as long as he is not around. Therefore, I can see fit to remove any one of you from action, should it benefit the team and that member." He looked at Sakura. "Because time is of the essence, we cannot remain here for more than a few days. Benedictus-sama, will the treatment for Sakura's wound be completed by then?"
"No," the old man said. "I would hazard a guess that it might take a weak or more before the arm is fully capable of use. The remaining pathogen must be destroyed, and we must find a suitable derivative of the troll's blood potion to heal the nerve damage."
Naruto gripped the table until his hands went white. He glared at Yamato hotly for a moment, then back down at Sakura. Her head hung slightly, so her eyes were invisible to him.
"Sakura-chan…"
"He's right, Naruto," Sakura said, looking up at him. "Not all things can be healed in a wave of the hands. It's lucky that I'll be able to be treated at all. No, I'll stay here until I'm healed." Her lips became a small, determined smile. "When you come back, I'll be fit to rejoin the team. That's a promise."
Naruto looked at her, drooping in posture as his anger began to dissipate. He reflected the smile back at her.
"I'll treat her myself, Naruto," said Kira, quickly. The boy glanced at her. "I'm better at potions than normal healing jutsu anyways. I'll have her healed in a few days, guaranteed." She looked at Sakura, smiling. "Is that fine?"
"Yes," Sakura said, her voice oddly terse. She frowned slightly at this, and then said, clearing her throat and giving the other girl a slight smile. "Thank you."
"Then we shall set everything," said Benedictus. "In two days you will leave. In that time, I shall send missives to all those necessary, while you prepare for the mission. Take a walk around the city, and gather whatever supplies you may need. I will arrange for some rooms in the city to be made for you to stay."
"Thank you," said Yamato.
"I'll go too. We'll talk later, okay?" she said to Naruto, smiling. The boy nodded.
"Yeah."
The next two days were rushed. Immediately after their arrival, Naruto took them into the city, most of which he now knew. He led them down streets, pointing out shops or areas of special interest. He showed them the few weapon shops that he liked, the restaurants that were good, and the most beautiful areas of the city.
And beautiful they were. Though bursting with life, Sakura had never seen anything like it. The roads were made of smooth white stone, which differed greatly from the numerous types of houses that lined the streets. There were ones of solid stone, ones of wood, even ones made solidly of iron and steel. Yet oddly, it fit, and nothing seemed out of place in the city. In fact, it was a little like Konoha, not in structure, but in the peace that she felt from it. Everyone was just trying to live as best they could. She hadn't known what to expect, but these people, despite living in a completely different world, were not so different from herself.
The people themselves were like the houses—so varied in size and shape and color, yet somehow so fitting to the setting. The humans were numerous enough, but she received a fright when upon inspecting a shop window closer, an orc happened to walk up beside her, and do the same thing. She didn't notice him at first, but upon stepping back, became aware of a gigantic green-skinned being, bulging with muscles and sporting huge tusks on either side of his mouth, standing next to her. It took all her will not to scream. He noticed her then as well, and turned to look at her. He gave her a wide smile, and then moved off.
She was wary of the trolls, for they resembled the puppets of Sasori; but she found the language and accents they spoke with delightful. The dwarves and gnomes were as numerous as the humans, due to their proximity, and she saw only one tauren—working on a large, half-finished building near the edge of the city, when Naruto was leading them to a small blacksmiths to have several kunai forged at a low price. It was even bigger than an orc, but awesome to behold. It was very kind as well, and even exchanged with Naruto a few words in another language when they passed. The language was hard and guttural, but Sakura liked it. She resolved to ask Naruto to teach her it, when he had the time.
They traveled all over the city, and Sakura loved every bit of it. Yamato confessed he had never been anywhere so amazing and diverse, for once offering one of his handsome smiles as he spoke. Sai found the place peaceful, but rarely spoke; he just smiled, driving Naruto crazy. During this time, Yamato, Naruto and Sai all stocked up on supplies, using some money that Benedictus had given them. They took food, bought several varieties of kunai and shuriken, and purchased face masks at Benedictus' request. The Plaguelands was not a safe place for humans, it seemed.
Naruto showed Sakura the graveyard as well, when Yamato and Sai were doing other things. He took her to the small gravesight, where Eliza and her father were buried.
"Hey," he said to her, after staring at the plots for a few moments, "do you ever think of Zabuza or Haku?"
Sakura glanced sideways at him. "Sometimes," she said.
"Do you think anybody visits their graves?"
Sakura was silent.
"Me neither. Don't you think we should go, sometime? They deserve it too." His eyes grew a little hard. "Nobody deserves what they got, or what these people got. We don't even know where some people are buried." He balled his fists. "Don't you think it'd be hell to be forgotten?"
Sakura looked at him again. She smiled. "Nobody will forget them, Naruto. You've made sure of that." She looked back at the plot, bending down. She didn't say anything else, but she felt she understood Naruto a little more than before. So later she thanked him for taking her there. He didn't ask why.
While all this happened, Kira made preparations. She sent off messages by the fastest carrier birds they had to Sylvanas, asking for aid. After all, who better to travel the Plaguelands with than those who knew it so intimately? She also gave Mekkatorque a letter to take back to Naruto's world, and have it sent off to the Hokage. Hopefully it would reach her in time to get her to come. Naruto said that he'd already told Tsuwabuki about it, so hopefully the fox would find some way to convey it to the Hokage.
When she had the time, Kira would talk with Naruto and Sakura, who always tagged along to their meetings. Kira thought it was odd, but didn't comment, and used the chance to get to know Sakura a little better. They had several things in common—that they both practiced medical techniques, both enjoyed reading (though on different subjects), and both were eager to learn more. Yet, they also found it difficult to get along, though neither could truly explain it. Kira found herself disagreeing with the pink-haired shinobi on several issues just because it was the opposite of what Sakura thought. Sakura found the same. Nothing overtly bad happened during these times, yet it was clear that there was some sort of tension between the two girls, which neither could explain.
The day finally came for Naruto's party to leave. They met at the castle, one final time.
"Miss Sakura will be staying in a spare room in the castle, until the treatments are complete," said Benedictus, calmly. "You will meet Matthias outside the city, in the usual place. He will take you as far as Tirisfal Glades, where you shall meet Sylvanas' group. The trip will take about a day and a half, if Matthias is flying."
"And the group will have a medic?" Yamato asked.
"Yes, according to the old snake, at least."
Yamato nodded. "Good."
"The mission is clear, then? You will go to Stratholme, retrieve the plans, and destroy any evidence or people who may be linked with the creation of a portal," said Benedictus. "Return as swiftly as you can. Naruto can call Matthias should anything else occur."
"Fine," said Yamato, "then let's go. Sakura, report to Hokage-sama when she arrives, if she does. If not, then remain here until we contact you."
Sakura nodded. "Okay." She glanced over to Naruto, who looked a little distressed at her being left behind. She gave him a smile.
"Next time, Naruto. Promise."
The blonde flashed her a grin. "Okay. I'll hold you to it, Sakura-chan."
Kira watched the two silently. She stepped forwards, and gave Naruto a regal bow, but managed a smile upon rising from it. "I'm sorry I can't come. I would have liked to, as it would have been just like old times." She straightened, and lost her smile. "You know how dangerous the Scarlet Crusade is, Naruto. Please be careful, and come back soon, okay? We'll need you for these meetings."
"Don't worry, Kira-chan," Naruto said. "We've beat them before, and we can do it again. I'll be back in time to sort out any fights between Sylvanas-baba and Tsunade-baba that'll probably come up." He stuck out a thumb. "Promise!"
Sakura watched as Kira smiled prettily, and mimicked the gesture.
"Goodbye, my boy, and do well," said Benedictus. His eyes went to Yamato and Sai. "And good luck to you as well. The group you will be meeting are Naruto's comrades, so fear not for interruption of your regular group dynamics. You are the senior officer, Yamato; they will defer to you, as we have indicated, should a situation arise."
The young man nodded. "Very well."
They exchanged a final few words of departure, and then left.
"She says to expect a message from the Princess of Stormwind in a few days, about a meeting," said Kiba, rising from beside Akamaru and looking straight towards the Hokage. "That's what Akamaru says, at least. She also says that Naruto, Yamato-san and somebody named Sai are going out on a mission to retrieve some plans or something. Says it's pretty high-priority, and that they'll do it as quickly as possible. Sakura's not going with them, 'cause of her injury." Shino kicked him in the shin from behind, making him straighten and stammer out, "S-sir, I mean, Hokage-sama!"
Tsunade frowned from behind her hands. "Is that so? Looks like I'm going to be making a trip, then."
"Is that wise?" Shizune asked, where she stood next to Tsunade's chair, clutching Tonton in her arms. "Is it safe for you to be leaving the village at this point?"
"It's better than what the future will bring," muttered Tsunade. "I can predict that it will be the last time I leave for a while. But even so, you're right—I'll need a few bodyguards that I can trust."
"Jiraiya-sama?"
"I said trust, Shizune," the woman muttered, rolling her eyes. She looked sharply at Kurenai and her team. "You guys, gather up two more teams, will you? And Shizune, get me Kakashi, when he gets back from his mission. And somebody find Jiraiya, too, I suppose; I'll have to leave someone to look after things."
The four of them bowed, saying in unison, "Of course, Hokage-sama." And left the room at once.
"I've a question, Tsunade-sama," whispered Shizune, when they had departed.
"What is it?"
"If you leave, will that not allow him to…?"
"He wouldn't dare, at this point," said Tsunade, breathing frost. "He hasn't got enough support. A coup wouldn't sustain, not yet." Her eyes narrowed. "But this meeting better be over quickly. After that speech I gave…things might slowly turn in his favor. I don't believe I made a lot of friends with it."
Shizune stayed silent. Her eyes flew out the window, towards the darkening sky. The village beneath the tower looked somehow different to her.
Things were changing, far too rapidly for anyone to comprehend.
The forest was dead silent. There was no gust of wind, so no leaves rustled in the night air, and no trees swayed and brushed each other. No owl hooted, no squirrels chattered, nor did any rabbit scurry across the leafy ground of the forest. Even the river far below, pinned between two large cliffs, seemed to make any sound at all. It was impossible to see the water in the dark, and thus it could not be said if it was moving or not.
Between the two canyons was a large bridge. The walkway, about ten feet wide was made of solid black wood, while the railings and supports were white as snow, and bound with thick ropes. More ropes suspended the bridge, which arced up, over the canyon. The bridge did not look particularly old, but in fact it was; it had existed there for over a hundred years, made from some of the finest wood that the world had ever seen. Nobody knew quite who had created it, whether shinobi or tradesmen. But its name was known widely throughout the five countries that bordered it—the Bridge of Heaven and Earth.
A lone figure stood in the very middle of the bridge. It was dressed in a white cloak, which hung limp like excess skin over his body. It was looking out across the canyon, towards the bright moon that lit the sky.
There was a slight ruslting in the trees to the figure's right. He turned. From the dark trees, a single black form materialized, accompanied by the beautiful tinkling of a bell.
The figure turned to meet it.
"Sasori-danna."
The figure walked slowly towards him, the bell tinkling. It stopped a few paces away.
"So you've remembered?"
A pair of glasses flickered in the moonlight. There was a small smile attached to the handsome face of a young man with hair the color of the full moon. Yakushi Kabuto nodded, and gave a soft bow to the man before him.
"Yes. I am at your service, Sasori-danna."
The bell rang again.
"...Are you?"
Shorter chapter, and again, sorry for not much happening, and for the lateness. Had to get a few explanations out of the way, set up the next few chapters, and a lot of other stuff. I enjoyed writing it again, but I don't expect to get many reviews for it. If anybody disagrees with something, go ahead and say, and I'll try my best to defend my actions, as I always do.
Next chapter: Naruto, Yamato and Sai reach Tirisfal, and meet their helpers. A shock for all (both reader and characters). Sakura's dealings with Kira back in Stormwind. The trek through the Plaguelands, towards the burning city. Sasori and Kabuto's meeting. A whole lot of dark happenings.
Yes, there will be fighting in the next chapter. Don't worry. I've already started it, so it should be up earlier than this past one.
Thanks for reading and see you next week!
General Grievous
Nerf druids. Buff shamans.
-Noz