Well here we are at chapter Nine. I gotta say these chapters are becoming increasingly difficult to do. It's not so much the idea of what I want to happen. It's more like transferring those ideas to paper in way that you guys can picture what I'm trying to convey. Oh well, I hope this chapter works. Now on to the legal stuff:

I Don't own Naruto (Wish I did though)

And now the Thank You's:

Thanks to GravenImage, Legend3881, Tosakuai, Db Tiger63 and DeathMVP for the reviews.

Responces:

Legend3881 - I see what you mean about the overkill at the end. To be honest I struggled with how to end that chapter for over a day. And that's what I got. Perhaps I may change it at some point.

Tosakuai - Thank's for pointing out the mis-spelling. I caught it myself after I uploaded it.

DeathMVP - Yea, I really want to slowly build everything so we can all see just what's at stake and I hope to maintain that balance.

Now on to the chapter and remember reviews are welcomed:

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book One: Dissension

Chapter Nine: The Sacrifices of War

Elsewhere in the Land of Lightning

They leapt through the trees with blinding speed, focused on the task ahead of them. After three years of operating in the shadows, finally some real action. The idea of it made them tense with anticipation. "So," Suigetsu said, "You sure I get to have some fun right?" "Suigetsu you barbarian," Karin said, "Is killing all you ever think about?" "Well after spending five months cooped up with your ass," Suigetsu responded, "I really need to kill something, and quick. Unless, of course you'd like to volunteer personally? At least your ass would have some use for once!"

"Please," Karin responded, "You couldn't touch me with your sword even if you wanted to." Smiling she added, "I bet that's not the first time a girl has said that to you huh?" Now angry, Suigetsu stopped and turned to Karin, "That's it ya four eyed bitch! Let's you an' me settle this right now!" Karin stopped on a branch next to Suigetsu, "Bring it asshole!" "Enough," said the familiar voice ahead of them. Looking ahead they saw Sasuke, his back turned to them, his eyes still focused on the path ahead. "Have you forgotten that we are on a mission? This is not the time for your petty squabbling."

Without another word Sasuke began moving once again. Suigetsu looked at Karin and grunted, he knew when Sasuke was like this falling in line was his only option. Turning he saw Jugo pass him by and decided to just let it drop and once again began to move. "Yes of course Sasuke-kun," Karin screamed, "You're so wise and strong. Of course I will do as you say." And with that Karin, as well began to follow the group.

"Man Sasuke," Suigetsu said, "You sure are jacked. I haven't seen you this focused since we took down Itachi!" Annoyed, Sasuke glanced behind him at Suigetsu but did not respond. "I guess," Suigetsu continued, "It's cuz we get to finally take down that filthy Nine Tails beast huh?" Sasuke stopped abruptly where he landed and slowly looked back at Suigetsu; the Sharingan now activated in his eyes. Still he did not say a word, but the malice in his eyes was apparent. Suigetsu, instantly broke into a cold sweat. He knew that look, it was the look Sasuke gave to those who had crossed him, those whose days, if not minutes, were numbered. "I think", Jugo said, "It would be best that you stop talking now Suigetsu."

Thankfully Sasuke turned back and once again began to move forward. Suigetsu let out a deep sigh and wiped the sweat from his brow. Slowly, a wicked smile crept on his face. Damn that was close, he thought, you really are jacked. Heh, just like I thought. In two days we arrive in Kumogakure and things will get really interesting.

Kumogakure – Office of the Raikage

"And that is where we stand my Lord," said the Ninja presently bowed before the seated Raikage. The Raikage sat silently in his chair listening to the report his Ninja had just given his head leaning on his closed fist. Though he was angry, he could not say he was surprised. With the political climate as it is between the hidden villages it was only a matter of time before someone tried something.

"This is not good," he said, "Two days from now the emissary from Sunagakure is to arrive for our peace talks. We can't have rouge ninja causing trouble. Double the guard around the city and send two squads to locate Squad Eight; I also want them to find these invading Ninja and kill them. Make sure they bring back proof of where those Ninja are from." "Yes, Lord Raikage," said the Ninja as he disappeared. I didn't want this, thought the Raikage, but whichever country dared invade my land and kill my ninja will have to pay…..dearly.

Elsewhere – Forest in the Land of Lightning

Naruto and the others had been moving slowly, but steadily for the past two days. He was proud that Konohamaru, despite his injuries was doing well in keeping up. But, he knew Konohamaru shouldn't push it. So often, Naruto would have Konohamaru climb on his back and he would carry him. Right now though, Konohamaru insisted on moving on his own. Perhaps it was because they were close to where the others were supposed to be holed up. He figured Konhamaru's pride would not allow him to return any other way than how he left, under his own power.

Suddenly from above, Naruto sensed movement as a shadowy figure dropped from the branches above, kunai in hand. Naruto dodged the attack easily and grabbed the attacker by the wrist and quickly disarmed her just as quickly. "I wondered when you'd show yourself," Naruto said. "Moegi," exclaimed Konohamaru as he came into view. At first, Moegi looked in shock and embarrassment for attacking Naruto.

"Naruto," she said, "When did you return to the Leaf?" "I'll explain later Moegi," Naruto responded, "What's important is that we're here now." Stepping forward Konohamaru asked, "Moegi, what are you doing out here anyway? You should be by Udon's side in case he needs something."

When Moegi told him the news, Konohamaru couldn't believe it. When he arrived at the cave in which Ebisu and Moegi had hid and he saw his sensei's face he still didn't believe; but when they took him to the small patch of clear land, when he saw the make-shift grave. When he saw the stone marker, then he believed. They were friends for longer than he could remember. They entered the Academy together and couldn't believe their luck when they were placed in the same squad.

Konhamaru remembered back to when they would sit together dreaming of the great adventures they would one day have, of names that they would make for themselves, the fame. For it to end here for his best friend was for Konohamaru, unthinkable. Konohamaru sank to his knees, as if all strength had left him and cried. Cried in a way he had not done since his uncle had passed. The pain of this loss was just as great, the fact that he was so close to him, yet unable to save him weighed heavily on him.

With tears in her eyes Moegi knelt next to the grief stricken Konohamaru and hugged him. "I tried my best," she said, "But his wounds were too severe. He died the day after you left. I'm so sorry." Ebisu walked over to them and placed his hand on Konohamaru's shoulders and merely stared blankly at the grave sight, his tears long since shed. Frustrated, Naruto turned and walked away, knowing this was a time for Team Three to mourn the loss of their own.

Following closely behind Naruto, Sai said, "I know this isn't the best time but what are we going to do with them? We should probably send them back to Konoha now." "Well," Sakura interrupted, "Which one of us will go with them?" "None of us," said Sai, "We need all of us to continue this mission." "But we can't let them go alone," Sakura responded angrily, "This is a dangerous area what if they're caught? They're in no position to fight!"

"And they're also in no position to come with us," said Sai. "They would slow us down and we can't afford to send one of us to go with them. It would jeopardize our mission. Perhaps they should stay here till we return." "No way," said Sakura, "They're lucky they weren't found here. We can't let them stay."

"Then what do we do," said Sai, "The mission…" "Is that all you care about," Sakura asked, "What about our comrades!? Oh, I forget you don't have comrades outside ROOT!!" Sai looked at Sakura with a pained expression on his face. He seemed as though he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Finally, Naruto spoke up, "We can't leave them here, but taking them with us could put them in greater danger. I'm not sure what to do."

"We go with you," said Ebisu. Turning around Naruto, Sai and Sakura saw Ebisu, Moegi and Konohamaru standing together. "We have decided," said Ebisu, "That we're not capable of making our way back alone and staying for much longer would be a death sentence. Our only real option is to go forward. That is, if you'll have us."

Naruto turned to Sakura who nodded in agreement. Sai, realizing this was not a fight he could win, also reluctantly agreed. "Fine then," Naruto said, "We leave first thing in the morning." "But, where are we headed," Ebisu asked. "Well," Naruto said, "its obvious Kumogakure has Akatuski spies and the only way to find them now is to head to Kumogakure." "But that village is a fortress," said Sai, "How do you plan to get in? I doubt the Raikage would let us just stroll through the front gates especially when they learn of what happened to their squad."

Smiling mischievously Naruto said, "Which is why we don't walk through the front, but through the back. I know someone who knows that place like the back of his hand and can get us in." "Really," said Sakura, "Who?" "My Sensei," said Naruto, "While I was away a met a powerful ninja who taught me some techniques. He lives in the mountains just north of Kumo. He'll help us; so rest up everyone because tomorrow we head out."

The Next Day

The next day they walked through the forest as quickly as they could. As usual Naruto took the lead with his Sage mode activated and he carefully scanned the area for signs of possible enemies. Luckily they had not encountered any problems and were making better time than he expected. At this point we should arrive by tomorrow afternoon, he thought.

Slowly they passed through the bushes and came into a large clearing. In front of them was a massive white stone bridge over a gorge. Naruto and the others walked to the edge and could not see the bottom or the other side. "My God," Said Naruto, "I've never seen a bridge this huge before! I can't see the other side of it!" "It's called the Bridge of the White Dragon," Naruto explained. "It is the largest bridge in all the land and was built nearly one century ago." "How do you know so much about Kumogakure, Naruto," Ebisu asked. "While I was banished I spent some time here," Naruto said. "The bridge is a half mile wide and over a mile and a half long. We would have to go over twenty miles west to find another route across.

"Amazing," exclaimed Moegi. "Well let's get going." As they began to cross the bridge Naruto felt a sudden shift in the environment. "Damn," he said, "We've got trouble." "What is it Naruto," Sakura asked. "We've got incoming enemies. At least thirty different chakra signatures coming from behind." "At least thirty," Konohamaru said, "How close are they?"

"There about a two miles out," Naruto said, "and closing fast!" "What the hell do we do," said Konohamaru, "They'll find us before we get across and this bridge gives us no where to hide." "Then we stand and fight," said Sai. "Out of the question," argued Sakura, " Ebisu and Konohamaru are in no condition to fight." "Then we fight and protect them," said Moegi. "If we do that we're dead," said Sai.

Listening to them all argue Ebisu became upset, "I'll use my hidden technique!" Instantly Konohamaru and Moegi looked at Ebisu with great concern. "Ebisu-sensei," Konohamaru said, "You can't use that technique in your condition!" "We have no choice," Ebisu responded, "It will be more difficult to do with one hand but I think I can do it."

"What technique are talking about," asked Naruto, "I never knew you had a secret technique." "That's because he never uses it," explained Konohamaru, "It's called All Consuming Destruction. Ebisu-sensei creates a massive web of chakra which he then causes it to explode, destroying everything that's caught in it."

"No way," said Naruto, "We don't know if those ninja are Akatsuki. They could be merely Kumo ninja, in which case we can't kill them." "I know that," said Ebisu, "I was planning to use it to destroy the bridge." "That might work," said Sakura, "If we destroy the bridge they'll have to go twenty miles to find another way across." "But how do you plan to get across," asked Naruto. "Once I set the web," said Ebisu, "I make my way across and then set it off."

"I don't get it," said Sai, "Why didn't you use this technique when you faced that other squad?" "Because," Moegi replied, "That technique is uncontrollable. Ebisu-sensei can't control what it sticks too and once someone get stuck to it they're finished, friend or foe."

"Let me do it," asked Konohamaru. "No," Ebisu replied, "You have yet to master it and you're definitely not physically capable of getting off the bridge in time. But, even though I've lost an arm I still have the speed to get away in time." "Are you sure," Naruto asked. "Yes," said Ebisu.

"Fine," said Naruto, "Then we have faith in you. Let's go everyone, those Ninja are only about a mile away now." With that everyone began to sprint across the bridge. Before leaving Konohamaru turned to Ebisu, a look of concern on his face. Moegi came up and grabbed Konohamaru's hand. "You two go on," Ebisu said, "I'll be right along." Looking at each other they turned and ran off.

Patiently Ebisu waited until they were all out of sight and then began his work. Closing his eyes he focused on his chakra forcing the entirety of it to the surface. Opening his eyes, Ebisu leapt into the air and began to release his chakra in a web-like stream. The chakra flowed out in blue webs that attached itself to everything it touched. Slowly the whole area became immersed in his charka webbing.

Naruto and the others could finally see the end of the bridge in the distance. "We're almost there," said Sakura. Naruto was running with Konohamaru, who was struggling to keep up, on his back. Looking on his friends face he could see the concern, "Don't worry, Konohamaru," he said smiling, "Ebisu knows what he's doing. He'll be fine."

Ebisu was bent over in exhaustion. Damn, he thought, creating this technique is hard enough, but with one hand it's almost impossible. But, I'm almost done, I just need a few more minutes and then I can get out of here. "Over here," said a voice from in the forest. "I see the enemy," another voice said. Damn it, Ebisu thought, they got here faster than I anticipated. What do I do? If I wait, I run the risk of them marking me as a Leaf Ninja, not to mention I won't be able to blow the bridge.

Closing his eyes, Ebisu came to a dark realization. Looking behind him towards where the others ran off to he thought, Konohamaru, Moegi, you two have gotten so powerful. I know you will all continue to make me proud. Ebisu then turned and said, "All Consuming Destruction Release!"

Running hard, Naruto and the others were reaching the end of the bridge when they felt a huge tremor beneath their feet. Suddenly the bridge began to collapse and they were forced to leap for safety. Konohamaru fought to try to get free and screamed, "Ebisu-sensei!!" Naruto grabbed him and pulled him safely over to the other side of the ravine.

Konohamaru tried desperately to pull free of Naruto's grasp as Moegi stood frozen in her grief. 'Let go of me," Konohamaru cried, "Ebisu-sensei!! Ebisu-sensei!!" "Konohamaru stop," Naruto said, "He's gone. He's gone." Crying Konohamaru struck the ground with his fist. "But I asked for this mission Naruto," he said, "Don't you get it? I asked the Hokage for this mission. This is my fault! All mine!"

Naruto stood and looked out into the empty space where the bridge once stood and thought of Ebisu and moments he had with him and the immensity of his sacrifice. Thank you Ebisu-sensei, he thought, for everything.

Meanwhile

Somewhere, on a mountain range overlooking Kumogakure, a large dark skinned figure emerged from a cave. Standing, looking at the sunset the man crossed his arms and twirled a toothpick between his lips. Strange electricity in the air, he thought to himself. If I didn't know any better I'd say something big's gonna happen pretty soon.

End of Chapter Nine.