INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I begin by stating I do not own Naruto. All hail Kishi-sama!
THANK YOU
A special thanks goes to all who reviewed my previous chapter: tosakuai; GreedO3114; RunningLion; Gravenimage; iiDarkness; FoxSage19; Sevensin; calc; WarChicken; charles cdv; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Diamond Man; Codegeasslulu; Sasuke K; Silver Senpai; Mudcake; airnaruto45; PJ Hatake; goldone5 and buzzbumble.
REPLIES
Tosakuai - Thanx. Lee is gone but he will not be forgotten. And I think you'll see he still has some influence yet.
Greedo3114 - THNAK YOU FOR THE COMPLIMENT IN ALL CAPS! LMAO! yes, I know the switching of scenes can interupt the flow at times. But when dealing with such a large cast and so many moving parts I really see no other option. It's actually quite challenging to give each person "screen time" while at the same time not let the story stagnate. Guy will have his time to let his emotions flow. but guy is still a ninja, taught to set aside emotion when necessary. And believe me peer pressure does not affect me. I am going to tell the story i wish to tell and let the chips fall where they may. I'm just happy that so many have found it enjoyable.
RunningLion - Ahhh, another new reviewer. Glad you decided to send me one. And I'm glad you're enjoying things.
GravenImage - Thanx.
iiDarkness - Here are two more words: Thank you. Man, you have no idea how much research I put into creating my own version of the 8th gate. I wanted it to be believable, in line with the previous abilities and of course, epic. Researching how I could make this work was one of the reasons I took time off. So I'm glad it worked out. No, Naruto didn't say what his plan is yet. Well, at least I didn't reveal it to you yet. But you'll see very soon that Shikamaru isn't the only strategist around.
FoxSage19 - Thanx my friend.
Sevensin - Thanx. Glad it was.
calc - Yes he is. Thanx.
WarChicken - Thanx. Yes, I actually felt sad writing it. But it had to be done.
charles cdv - Thanx.
Kushina's - Yeah, unfortunately I can't do long chapters and stick to a weekly schedule. Would you prefer a long chapter every two weeks instead? Yeah, for so many people who love Lee very few poeple seem to use him much in thier stories. I wonder why? So you liked Lee's parts huh? Well, you're pretty pervy aren't you? Lol! Vancouver was a beautiful place. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to hit up the usual tourist spots as I went there for a wedding, but I'm sure you'll have fun. And fear not my dear. My upadtes will be back for the foreseeable future.
Diamond Man - Yes, his was a good death and I'm glad you loved how it was portrayed.
Codegeasslulu - Glad you're enjoying it. Realism (as much as you can with such a story with characters with superhuman powers) was really a goal of mine when I began this story. I wanted these characters to feel like the canon version with a bit more maturity. And I wanted the affect of this war to truely touch thier lives and not just some thing to over come and just live happily ever after. And if you think things are bad now. Just wait. When Madara makes his final move things will never again be the same.
Sasuke K - Yeah, TenTen's loss will be examined in future chapters.
Silver Senpai - Thanx my friend. You approval means much to me.
Mudcake - Naruto's plan is to have some Ramen. Beyond that I reveal nothing. =P
airnaruto P - Gratias tibi ago Airnaruto - san.
PJ Hatake - I know his death isn't ideal but trust me it was necessary for the purpose of the story. And i didn't do it just for "shock value". As some may think. Believe me his death will have a purpose. Glad you liked it.
goldone5 - You know, I'm not much of a cryer myself. So I know what you mean. But when i re-read that chapter I did feel a little something. And that's when I knew I had something there. Details of Naruto's plan are forthecoming. In fact you'll see parts of it begin here. And the Naruto / Sakura reunion will happen. But right now they must grow seperately before they can grow together if that makes sense.
The mark of a good author is to make readers feel passionately about characters whether it be love or hate. So if you feel this way about Danzo then I guess I've done my job.
buzzbumble - Thanx buzz.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Ok, so thanx again for reading. And please remember to leave a little review for me as you leave. I kind of need those to live. I stick revies into an IV once a day. What can I say? It's my addiction. And in case some of you don't know, October 10 is Naruto's birthday! Soooo everyone, don't forget to wish Naruto a Happy Birthday!
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter XIII: The Long Road Home
******Mount Myoboku – Hall of the Great Toad Sage - Mid Afternoon******
Naruto stood staring at the large old toad who sat on his thrown before him. "Ahh," the toad said as he looked down upon Naruto. "So you have returned boy? Good. Good. Tell me, are you ready for what is to come?"
Naruto bowed and said, "Great Honorable Geezer, thank you. Things worked out just as your vision predicted."
"Ahh," the toad said, "Do not presume too much boy. There is still much to do. Your comrades must still convince the Raikage to join you."
"I have faith in Shikamaru and Gaara," Naruto said. "After all you did say Shikamaru's help would be necessary."
"And yet you tried to do it without him," the toad responded. The toad suddenly began to cough violently.
Shima, who was sitting nearby looked worried and asked, "Geezer are you all right?"
The Toad Sage raised his large hand and waved her off. "Yes," he said. "I'm fine. Do not bother yourself over me." For a moment the elder toad merely stared at Naruto and then said, "Now what's this! A young human is here before me? Who are you?"
"What," Shima yelled. "Pay attention you senile old man! This is Naruto. You remember him don't you? You were just speaking to him."
"Ahhh," the old toad said. "Yes. I remember now. Yes. Tell me Naruto-boy, are you prepared to do what must be done next?"
"Yes," Naruto said. "Lady Shima was gracious enough to prepare things for my training."
"Good," the old toad said. "Then you should begin right away. I fear time runs short."
The old toad sat and stared at Naruto who had yet to budge. Naruto remained staring silently at the old toad. "You seem to have something on your mind Naruto," the old toad said.
"Three months ago you summoned me here because you had a vision," Naruto said. "You warned me that the final battle would soon begin. But before that, I would fall into sleeping death and would awaken, enlightened. You said that soon after I would have to make a choice. To go on a journey that would help pave the way to bring peace back to the land. But if I left, I would lose one that was close to me."
Naruto took a deep breath and then said, "Despite what my heart was saying I decided to take the journey and I do not regret it. However, during the time I could only think of whose life would be lost. Back when you told me this vision I asked you who it would be. And you said it was unclear. But you were lying. You knew which one of my friends would die didn't you."
The old toad sat silently as observed Naruto. "If I had told you. You would have done everything you could to prevent it. To try to prevent fate brings only greater chaos. No man can prevent fate Naruto. Not even you."
"Who," Naruto asked. "I deserve to know."
For a moment the old toad closed his eyes and sat silently. He then took a deep breath as he sat back in his seat. Opening his eyes he said, "I do not know his name. But I saw a great battle in the sky. There was much blood, suffering and pain and a great evil that threatened Konoha from the skies. Yet in the end I see a protective dragon and a tranquil face. This face…..this face was at peace. This one wears green, with bushy eyebrows and a bowl cut."
Naruto gritted his teeth and clenched his fists in anger. Lee, he thought as he fought as hard as he could not to scream.
Shima and the elder toad remained silent as Naruto worked to fight the rage that threatened to engulf him. After a few minutes Shima spoke up. "Naruto-boy, will you be ok? Perhaps you need some time alone?"
"No Lady Shima," Naruto said as he turned and began to walk away. "Elder Toad is right. We don't have much time. I need to begin my training now. I'll mourn later."
Naruto walked outside the great hall and up to a nearby cliff and looked out over the land. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes allowing the cool breeze to flow around him. He could feel the tears forming in his eyes like a dam close to bursting. But he knew he didn't have the time. He had to wait. And so he chose to focus on other things.
Opening his eyes Naruto looked behind him and said, "Gamateno."
Gamateno leapt out of nearby bush and cheerfully said, "Yes Naruto-kun."
"I need you to take a message out for me," Naruto said. 'It's very important that it gets there quickly."
"Of course Naruto-kun," Gamateno said. "I'll do anything to help."
******Meanwhile – Location near Otogakure******
"Did you guys see that," Anko said as she looked off into the distance. She, Sakura and Yamato were standing on her summoned snake's head as it made its way to the cave. "I could have sworn I saw a green light in the distance. In the direction of where the ship flew off to."
"I wish I knew what was happening," Sakura said sadly. "But we can't focus on that now."
As soon as she said that they broke through the woods and into a clearing. In the middle of the small, open area was a cave, about ten feet high and three body lengths wide. They quickly leapt down to the ground and Anko dismissed her snake and it disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"This has to be it," Yamato said as he heard the ground shudder. Sakura was right. When that ship ripped free from the ground it made the entire area unstable. This place could fall apart at any minute.
"Ok," Yamato said. "Let's head down there and find those prisoners. Be careful though. That place could be full of enemies and booby traps." As they carefully made their way to the entrance a kunai flew directly at Yamato's head. Yamato was able to duck out of the way just in time just as ten ninja came running out at them screaming.
******Meanwhile – In the cave below******
"Do you hear that," the old man asked as he stood by the prison bars straining to hear what was happening down the hallway. All of the prisoners slowly got to their feet and came close to the bars and tried to make sense of the noise they were hearing.
"It sounds like the sound of battle," another man said excitedly. "Do you think someone has finally found us?"
"Don't get too excited Hiroshi," another man said. "For all we know they could be just practicing up there like they often do."
"That sounds very serious to be just practice," another man said.
Suddenly they heard the unmistakable sounds of several explosions coming from the battle. "Hey," another man said, "There's no way that is just practice. There's no way they'd set off explosions and risk being heard!"
Suddenly the realization that this could be the moment they'd been waiting for dawned on the dozens of captives as they began to yell and scream in hopes that they would be heard. After a few minutes every thing went silent. The sounds of fighting and explosions ended and everyone grew silent as they tried to hear any sign of what may have happened.
"Do you think it's over," an old man asked. Before anyone could answer the sound of footsteps emanated from the hallway above. Several people were running in their direction.
"Someone's coming," one man said. "Get back everyone!" Knowing that one of the major rules made by their captors was that no one stands by the bars, all of the prisoners scrambled away and back into the shadows for fear that they be punished.
Finally a person came from the hallway and into the light of the torch and ran up to the bars. To the surprise of all the prisoners this person wasn't dressed like any of the men who held them prisoner, but was instead wearing a black cloak, black and grey armor and a red and white porcelain mask. "Here they are," the masked man said and a few seconds' later two similarly dressed women appeared.
"Are you people ok," one of the women asked to which all of the prisoners remained silent. Realizing the fear with which these people held them the woman removed her mask and everyone could see her pink hair and gentle smile. "We are ninja from Konoha," she said. "We're here to help you. You don't have to be afraid. My name is Sakura. Are there any people here that need immediate medical attention?"
"No," said one old man as he sat next to a young boy. "Please just help us get out of here."
"Of course," Sakura said with a smile. "Please stand away from the gate." Everyone stood aside and watched in amazement as this pink haired girl reared back and punched the gate once and the gate flew off its hinges and crashed into the wall on the opposite side of the prison.
Slowly the men began to walk out of the prison cell just as they felt another deep tremor all around. "We need to hurry and get them out of here before this whole place collapses," Anko said.
"Wait," another old man said. "There is another prison cell further down the hallway. It's where they kept any women. Please help them too."
"Alright," Yamato said. "I'll find them. You two lead these guys up to the surface." Yamato then ran off down the hallway as Anko took the lead.
"Sakura, you take up the rear as we head up ok," Anko said as they began to head up the darkened hallway.
In the back Sakura walked as she looked over the several dozen men in front of her. They were all emaciated and showed signs physical abuse. Sakura couldn't believe what type of monster you'd have to be to do that to a human being.
She then looked over and saw an old man talking to a young boy. "You see Ozuru," he said. "You were right after all. All we had to do was remain hopeful. It is thanks to you we all lived to see this day." Ozuru then looked behind to Sakura and smiled, causing her to smile back.
A few minutes later they exited the cave and come out into the fresh air. After being held captive for so long the men began to rejoice, some of them cry, at the sight of the sun and fresh air. "Forgive our joy," Misato said. "But some of us can't even remember the last time we saw the sun."
Sakura walked next to Ozuru who also had tears in his eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's more than alright," she said.
A few minutes later Yamato emerged with a handful of women. The group of captives rejoiced together and as they did Yamato signaled Sakura and Anko off to the side. "Ok, now that we've saved them now what," Yamato asked.
"I say we follow behind the ship and see if there is anything that can be done," Anko said.
Sakura looked over to the group of people and the young boy who was looking up at the sky. "We can't leave them," she said.
"Wait a minute Sakura," Anko said. "Now I understand wanting to release them from their prisons. But we aren't responsible for these people. We need to make sure Konoha is safe."
"Do whatever you want Anko," Sakura said, "But I am taking responsibility for them. And I won't just leave them in the middle of nowhere. These people are too weakened to fend for themselves. They wouldn't last a day with all the enemies still lurking around."
"But where would we take them," Anko asked. "There isn't a safe village for miles."
"Yes there is," Sakura said. "Konoha."
Both Anko and Yamato looked in shock. "Konoha," Anko said. "Do you forget how dangerous it would be to go back now!"
"It doesn't matter," Sakura said. "I know you guys wanted to protect me, but I can't stay hidden. And these people need protection."
"But what if they are refused asylum," Yamato asked.
"They won't be," Sakura said. "Not with me by their side."
Yamato sighed deeply and could see the determination in Sakura's eyes. This was not a fight he was going to win. "Alright then," Yamato said. "We'll return to Konoha. But you should stay hidden Anko. Danzo is still looking for you and it's still too dangerous."
Anko looked at both Sakura and Yamato and took a deep breath. "Fine," Anko said. "But make sure to let me know if things take a turn for the worse. That Danzo is not to be trusted."
"Right," Yamato said with a smile. Anko then leapt up into the trees and disappeared.
"Alright everyone," Sakura said as she addressed the crowd. "We've decided to take you all with us. We're heading back to Konoha. If there is anyone here who feels physically unable to make the journey please let me know now." No one spoke up. "Alright then," Sakura said. "Let's move out."
As they walked down the wooded path Sakura remained ahead of the group as Yamato remained in the trees. Yamato had also sent one of his wood clones ahead to be on lookout for any sign of enemy movement.
As Sakura walked she noticed again the young boy as he walked just behind her. Often the boy would look at the others and if they seemed tired or close to collapse he would lend a shoulder for them to lean on so they could keep going. All the while he would say words of encouragement to keep their spirits up during the long journey.
"You there," Sakura asked as the boy walked.
"Yes," the boy said.
"What's your name," Sakura asked.
"Ozuru," he said. "Tanaka Ozuru, from the Land of Birds."
"You seem to be a very brave kid," Sakura said with a smile. "How old are you?"
"Eleven," he said.
"You're a strong kid for an eleven year old," Sakura said. "Do you have any family? Anyone we can send you too?"
The boy shook his head and his expression grew sad. Sakura could see he was trying not to cry. "No," he said as his voice cracked. "My mother died when I was four. My father raised me alone; until just recently. He…..was killed by those men."
Sakura placed her hand on the boys shoulder and smiled. "I think both he and your mother would be very proud of your strength. I know I am."
The boy looked at Sakura for a long moment then smiled.
******KiriGakure – Several miles underneath the Capital building******
Bee's unconscious body, still wrapped in the heavy chains, hit the floor with a deafening thud. Standing above him was the smiling figure of Kisame. "I told you I could get the job done," he said.
Standing in front of him, with Bee lying at his feet, stood Madara. "If I had doubted you Kisame I never would have sent you," Madara replied.
"Heh," Kisame said. "At least this time it's no substitution jutsu that's for sure. But with Pain gone how are we supposed to seal this bastard?"
Just then Kisame heard footsteps coming from the darkened hallway behind Madara. "Don't worry Kisame," Madara said. "That's already been taken care of." It was at that the person came into view and Kisame saw it was Sasuke. And as the light hit his face Kisame was shocked to see Sasuke's eyes.
******Konoha – Three Days Later******
Danzo sat in his office as Fu stood before him. "I can't believe that bastard Madara," he said. "He truly has double crossed me and left me to rot! For him to actually send that airship after us is unforgivable! He knew that wasn't the plan at all!"
"So what do we do now," Fu asked.
Danzo sat forward in his seat and nervously rubbed his hands together. The truth was, he didn't know. Everything was coming apart before his very eyes. His only hope now, resided in a deep prison.
Just then they heard a knock on his door. "Come in," Danzo said.
The door opened and it was an ANBU ninja. "My Lord," he said. "There is a group of people at the main gate seeking asylum within Konoha."
"How did they get so far into the Land of Fire," Danzo asked. Before the ninja could answer Danzo interrupted and said, "Never mind. We aren't granting protection for anyone who is not from Konoha. Send them away."
"Well Lord Hokage we can't," the ninja said. "We've been ordered to let them in."
"By who," Danzo said as he rose to his feet.
"By Captain Yamato and Haruno Sakura sir," the ninja said. "Both of them are with the group."
Danzo looked at Fu in shock and without hesitation both swept past the ninja and left the room.
******Meanwhile – At the Residence of Tsunade******
"What," Tsunade yelled in surprise as she heard the words from the messenger. Tsunade looked at Ino who was standing nearby. Without another word they rushed out of the house.
By the time they'd arrived at the main gate a large crowd had formed. Tsunade and Ino quickly pushed their way through the crowd. Just ahead they could hear the voices of Kotetsu and Izumo as they argued with a woman. A woman with a very familiar voice.
As they finally got through the crowd, Ino and Tsunade stood in amazement as they saw Izumo and Kotetsu arguing with Sakura. "What do you mean you can't let us in," Sakura asked angrily. "I'm giving you an order!"
"I'm sorry Sakura-chan," Kotetsu said. "We can let you and Yamato-san in but we have orders not to let in those refugees."
"Sakura," Tsunade yelled with tears in her eyes as she and Ino ran up to her.
"Lady Tsunade, Ino" Sakura said with a smile as all three women embarrassed. Ino and Tsunade cried out of joy for Sakura's return.
After a few minutes they separated and Tsunade said, "Where have you been? We thought you had been killed."
"I almost was," Sakura said. "If not for Yamato and Anko I would have died. But I can explain everything later. I'm just glad Konoha is still standing. We had run across a large airship that was coming this way. How did you guys bring it down?"
Tsunade and Ino then looked at each other and Sakura could see the sudden look of sadness on their face. "We didn't," Ino said. "Lee was the one who stopped it. He did it all by himself."
"He did," Sakura said excitedly. "Damn! I always knew that guy was strong! This is incredible! Where is he? I bet he's in the hospital. When we have a second I need to go there and congratulate him!"
"Sakura," Tsunade said. Sakura looked to Tsunade and could see the pain in her eyes. And seeing that pain, Sakura knew, even before the words left Tsunade's mouth.
"I'm sorry Sakura," Tsunade said. "But Rock Lee…is dead."
******Meanwhile – At an undisclosed location******
The ninja strode quickly down the long, torch lit hallway as he headed for his leaders room. Despite himself he couldn't help but feel the growing excitement growing within him. For the past two years he and his comrades had lived their lives in hiding as they prepared and trained for the day when they would be needed. Outside of gathering supplies and recruiting more ninja, this cave had been his entire world. But now, they not he carried in his hand signified that this may all now change.
The ninja arrived at his leaders' quarters and knocked. "Come in," his leader said and the ninja slowly opened the door. The ninja saw his leader sitting at a desk in the sparsely furnished room. As usual, when she wasn't training with her men or planning strategies, she could be found here reading about many topics of both military and philosophical importance.
"Forgive the intrusion my lady," the ninja said. "But we just received a note from him. It came via a messenger toad."
The leader turned in her seat and faced the ninja. She held out her hand and said, "Come."
The ninja quickly crossed the room and handed the note to his leader who silently read the note showing no hint of surprise or excitement at all. Once done she placed the note on her desk and turned back to her books. "Inform the men that the time we have been training for is now upon us," she said. "I want them ready to move out in three hours."
"Yes," the ninja said excitedly as he walked to the door. "May I ask where our destination is?"
"Our destination is Konoha," she replied without looking back.
The ninja suddenly felt all the air leave his lungs. "Yes," he said. "Of course. We'll be ready to go in no time Lady ArashiKage."
End of Chapter Thirteen
Next Time: Tears of Rain