INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I begin by saying that I do not own Naruto.

THANK YOU

Thanks to those who reviewed my previous chapter: Bobert4242; Diamond Man; Greedo3114; airnaruto45; RunningLion; Gravenimage; xDARKNESS; Ren Shiekaru; Kushina's Truth of Hell; charles cdv; Anonymous-stalker; goldone5; Bluesummers2012; NaruSaku29 and Exor.

RESPONCES

Bobert4242 - Damn, that was a beautiful review. Maybe you should be the one writing this story. It's the dream of every author to illicit those feelings from a reader and I am honored that I was able to strike the proper respinces from so many. Again, there wasa reason I said I was especially proud of this chapter and I'm glad it seems to have worked out.

Diamond Man - Glad you liked it. I wanted it to be a real testiment to what Lee meant to them as a freind and I'm glad it worked out.

Greedo3114 - Lol! Don't worry, I'll get back to the action soon enough.

airnaruto45 - Lol. Why am i not surprised that you would the one to call me out on that one. TBH, I couldn't help it. Everytime I thought of the scene I wanted to create the FMA scene kept coming back to me. So I decided to use a bit of...shall we say...creative freedom. Lol.

RunningLion - Yes. In terms of showing you the evolution of the LeeTen relationship I knew i had to give a bit of background so that you could understand her feelings and her loss a bit better. I think I did well in you liked the scene I knew that i had to end this chapter with Neji and taking his character somewhere we rarely see. As for what he meant he was refering to the rain within his soul. To him it was not a beautiful day. There were storm clouds and in the end his tears was the rain. Thus the title of the chapter: Tears of Rain.

GravenImage - Were you really? Well, I'm glad I could pull such emotion out of you with my work. Naruto will give his thoughts on Lee in time and he already knows she's alive.

xDARKNESS - Ok, glad to know you're still around reading. TBH, I wanted this story to be more than just about the action or meaningless surface emotions. I wanted this story to really examine what drives these characters and how the events around them affect each of them.

Ren Shiekaru - Thanx.

Kushina's - Now I must know who they are! Please if you are one of Kushina's friends please let me know who you are! There's a fresh brownie in it for ya! Lol!

charles cdv - Thanx.

FoxSage19 - What is Shikamaru going to pull? Well, you're about to find out.

Anonymous - Well, no real action in this chapter either. But it's coming.

goldone5 - Lol! Well, I'm glad that my chapter got to you emotionally. Well, yes it kinda annoys me when Naruto is consistantly portrayed as a bit of an idiot. I mean if he's going to be Hokage then I think it makes sense for him to get smarter.

Lol! I know how you feel about Sasuke. But his story is a necessary element of the story. Sakura as well. And i have big plans for them both.

Bluesummers2012 - Yes. So now i think everyone understands just what Lee sacrificed to do what was right. He was a hero in the truest sense of the word. i think Neji had to have the final say as it were in the loss of Lee and his speech was really a reflection of the lives they are all forced to live as ninja in a violent world. And in a way, how many of us live.

Narusaku29 - Well, one of the things I try to focus on is improving my writing style from chapter to chapter and taking what I think didn't work and improving upon it.

Does Naruto and Sakura still love eachother? Well, let me ask you: Has something I wrote made you feel that they don't? Lol!. I know it's been a while since they've been together in this story. but there is a reason for that. Sometimes two people must grow strong as indiviuals before they can be a strong couple. So they will see eachother in time. I promise.

Exor - Well, wait no longer. i know I usually release this chapter really early on a Sunday. But TBH, I was out parting the night before and I was well...sleeping of the alchohol...sorry. Lol!

MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR

Ok, so here is chapter fifteen. Hope you enjoy. Also, due to the need to do a bit of research, next week there will be no new chapter. Sorry guys. So please remember to review this latest chapter and I'll be back on Sunday, November 7th. PEACE OUT!

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book III: End of Innocence

Chapter XV: Shikamaru's Gambit

******Mount Myoboku – Night******

Naruto was lying down on top a large mushroom with his hands folded behind his head and his eyes closed. A light rain washed over him as Naruto relaxed. It was one of the few times he's been able to relax in the last few months.

As Naruto found himself in the strange state of semi sleep, his mind wandered as it always did to pleasant days from times that seemed a forever ago. He thought of those happy times with Sakura and Sasuke. When things were simple and all he had to worry about was learning another jutsu.

He recalled his times with Jiraiya-sensi, during his two years of training. He recalled all the adventures they had, both for Naruto's training and Jiraiya's….research…for his next book.

He thought of the few times he and Sakura had together. When they didn't have to worry about the next enemy around the corner. A time when they could just be friends and talk. He recalled his times with his other friends as well. He thought of Lee. He thought of Lee's smile and laughter, and his optimism and wild behavior.

He thought of Kirabi-sensei. Was he still alive? Was he hurt? Life really wasn't fair was it? Why was it that the good ones always had to suffer? Why does it seem like it always costs a person more to protect than to destroy?

Why is it that good people like Kakashi-sensei, Jiraiya, Killer Bee, Minato, Kushina, the Third and Lee must die when a man like Madara Uchiha was free to walk the earth? It was then Naruto's mind wandered as it always did to the vision Madara had given him that night.

He could recall standing on the lake in the Valley of the End. He could see Madara before him speaking, he could see the large demonic beast taking shape before them as the sky turned black. And most importantly, he could feel the fear. The type of fear one feels when you look into the depths of pure evil that threatens to consume you. Every time the vision was the same.

Wait, Naruto thought as his eyes suddenly sprang open. For a while he merely sat up and stared out in deep thought. Then a smile came to his face. Madara you're arrogance might have cost you this time, he thought.

Just then Shima hopped onto the mushroom and said, "Hello Naruto-boy."

"Hello Granny-Toad," Naruto said. "What brings you here?"

"I just wanted to see if you needed help," Shima said. Shima then looked around the area. There were small craters everywhere and many of the trees and plants in the area were damaged. "But perhaps I should be more concerned with the land."

"Sorry Granny Toad," Naruto said with a smile. "But this training of mine can't be avoided." Suddenly Naruto had an idea and said, "But you know there is something you can do for me. You wouldn't be able to get a celestial calendar would you?"

"Hmmm," Shima said as she thought about it. "Yes! That old man has a one. I can bring it too you right away."

"Thank you Granny Toad," Naruto said as he got to his feet. Shima then leapt off of the mushroom and left leaving Naruto once again alone. Naruto then stretched as he closed his eyes as the light rain poured down upon him. He then stood still for a moment and then, after a few minutes his eyes flew open and his Sage Chakra was now activated.

Naruto quickly made several hand signs and yelled, "Thousand clone Jutsu!" In a massive puff f white smoke a thousand clones appeared all around him and they all, along with the original Naruto, began to glow bright red. "Alright," Naruto yelled. "Break time is over! Time to get back to work!"

******Kirigakure – Hidden Cave beneath the Office of the Mizukage******

Killer Bee's body landed on the ground with a sickening thud. His eyes were closed and his body had already begun to go cold. Standing above him, each on one of the on stone fingertips was the members of the new Akatsuki: Madara, Sasuke, Zetsu, Kisame, Karin, Suigetsu and Jugo.

"Whew," Kisame said as the group looked on. "That damned beast took forever to seal away. The Eight Tails was truly impressive!"

"It was only a problem because we had to first absorb the Two Tails again," Zetsu said. "And let's not forget that our boy Sasuke here is still new at synchronizing with Gedo Mazo."

"Not to mention that that damned Sato went and got himself killed by Chojiro of all people," Kisame said with disgust. "He should have been here to help with this shit."

"True," Madara said. "But all things considered things have still gone quite well." Madara then looked over to Sasuke, who was doubled over and breathing heavily. There were numerous chakra rods embedded in his back and his face was covered in sweat and Madara could see the pain in his eyes. Karin was next to him, doing whatever she could to comfort him.

Madara laughed lightly and said, "Alright everyone. Go and rest up. I'll contact you all once we're ready for the next phase."

Madara then leapt down and walked to the exit with Zetsu trailing behind him. "It would appear Sasuke is holding up far better than expected my Lord," Zetsu said.

"Indeed," Madara said. "Not only was he able to withstand the synchronization but he was then able to go forward with the sealing of not just the Eight but the Two Tails as well. And unlike Nagato, the synchronization hasn't affected his body."

"Is that because of the Sharingan," Zetsu asked. "Partly yes," Madara said. "As an Uchiha, Sasuke shares a direct bloodline with the Rikudo Sennin himself. So unlike Nagato, Sasuke's body can better withstand the pressure such a technique places on you. But even still, I think the reason he's holding up so well has to do with Sasuke himself. His hate fuels him. It drives him to maintain. Sasuke will persevere though to the bitter end. Of this I have no doubt. And once Sasuke is back on his feet our next target will be the Nine Tails."

******Meanwhile******

Sasuke spat up blood as he was on his knees doubled over in pain. Kneeling next to him was Karin, who had an agonized look on her face. Suigetsu and Jugo were standing nearby, waiting to see if there was anything they could do.

"Sasuke," Karin said. But before she could continue her sentence, Sasuke waived her off.

"It's alright Karin," he said. "It's just as they said. This is my first time doing this. I'll be fine once I get some rest."

Karin stared at Sasuke in silence and then to Jugo and Suigetsu. The looks on their faces all the same and the silent communication between them was an acknowledgment of understanding. Sasuke was lying. This was far more than just his body not being used to the power drain. This thing, this Gedo Mazo that towered before them ominously, was killing Sasuke. And he knew it. He was willingly giving himself to this thing to achieve his goal. And there was nothing they could do to stop him. Their options were to support Sasuke, or get out of his way.

So they did the only thing they could. "Jugo, Suigetsu, could you please," Karin asked as she stepped away. Suigetsu and Jugo walked towards Sasuke then suddenly stopped in their tracks in amazement.

Sasuke raised his head and they could see the Rinnegan fading from his eyes. Even the grey tint was disappearing, leaving only his Mangekyo Sharingan, which also deactivated. And then to their added surprise, the chakra rods embedded in his back began to move out of his back as if being pulled out by an invisible force.

As the rods fell out Karin quickly ran to inspect the wounds they had left behind only to see that they were healing before her very eyes. "What," she said in shock. "What's happening to you Sasuke?" It was then she noticed that Sasuke had passed out.

Karin then signaled to Jugo and Suigetsu who helped lift Sasuke and put him on Jugo's back. Jugo and Suigetsu then headed towards the exit leaving Karin alone under Gedo Mazo. Karin looked up at the menacing statue and clenched her fist in anger and frustration. Karin then looked away in disgust. And it was then that she finally admitted something to herself, something deep down she had always known.

She had always hoped that when everything was over, when Sasuke had finally found his revenge that they could finally find time for happiness. She followed Sasuke, in the hope that when it was over, they could find peace. She was tired of fighting, tired of the darkness they lived in. But now, seeing all this, she knew. That whether Sasuke achieved his goals or not, one way or another, Sasuke was headed towards a horrible end. The only question now was whether she was willing to follow.

******Meanwhile – KumoGakure******

The streets within the village were desolate as Gaara, Shikamaru, Baki, Temari and Kankuro were escorted towards the office of the Raikage. Shikamaru looked about trying to find any trace of movement yet could find none. Either all the citizens were well trained in staying out of sight or they had been all moved to a safe house somewhere.

Is this because of the war, Shikamaru thought. Or is this because we're here? Shikamaru looked at the two dozen ninja that surrounded them as they continued their silent walk towards the Raikage's office. He couldn't help but think that this was more like a funeral procession.

To be honest, Shikamaru was surprised that it was so fairly easy to get this far. The day after Naruto left, Gaara rerouted a small portion of his army to Kumogakure. He then sent a request via messenger bird to meet with the Raikage in private. To his surprise, the request was granted under the strict provisions that the Raikage meet only with the Kazekage and one body guard. And it must be done within Kumo.

Of course Temari and Kankuro objected. But Gaara insisted that he had to meet with the Raikage, and if this was the only way, then so be it.

Gaara, along with Kankuro, Temari, Baki and Shikamaru left immediately and rendezvoused with the small platoon of ninja Gaara had on standby and they traveled to the Land of Lightning. As soon as they reached the border they were met by a large military force. The lead Cloud Ninja instructed them that Gaara would be allowed to go on with a group of four. The rest would be detained here.

So Gaara set out from the border with both his brother, sister, Shikamaru and Baki. As they made their way through the Land of Lightning Shikamaru and the others saw larger and larger groups of Cloud Ninja as many of them set up mini camps and seemed engrossed in preparing for battle.

Now they were here, in what once was a vibrant community that now appeared to be a ghost town. Finally the group arrived near the Raikage's office when their escorts all stopped. The lead ninja then turned to them and said, "This is as far as you are permitted to go. The Raikage has ordered that only the Kazekage may enter his office."

"No way," Kankuro said. "There's no way we're going to let Gaara go up there alone!"

"That's right," Temari yelled. "Either we all go or no deal!"

Gaara then raised his hand to silence his siblings and said, "No. We came here to establish peace between our villages. If such a small sacrifice is needed to get it done then so be it."

"No way Gaara," Baki said. "If our Kazekage is going to go up there then I demand that I go with him."

The lead ninja looked at Baki's cold stare and relented. He nodded for both of them to follow him as they entered the building. After a few minutes, Gaara and Baki found themselves in front of the large door leading to the Raikage's office. The lead ninja knocked once and heard the Raikage say, "Enter!"

The door opened and the ninja gestured for Gaara and Baki to enter. As they walked in the door slammed shut behind them and Gaara and Baki found themselves face to face with the Raikage, sitting behind his large desk. He was flanked on either side by Omoi and Karui.

Gaara looked around and saw all the weaponry and armor lying about the room. "So we meet at last little Kazekage," the Raikage said with a hint of spite. "Forgive me if I am not the most hospitable but I'm not afforded much time. You insisted on seeing me so let's get on with it. What do you want?"

"Very well," Gaara said. "I've come to request that you join Suna and Konoha in an alliance to defeat Akatsuki."

The Raikage stared at Gaara with a look of surprise and then burst out in raucous laughter. "Damn," he said after he composed himself. "I thought I was prepared for what you were going to say but this is the height of arrogance. You really think I'm that stupid?"

"I assure you this is no joke Raikage," Gaara said coldly.

"Enough," the Raikage yelled. "You expect me to believe that out of no where you decide to end our war and pull back your troops and then turn around and request an alliance? Impossible! I think it's more likely you hoped I would lower my guard so that you could defeat me!"

"That's idiotic," Gaara said.

"Is it really," the Raikage asked as he looked at Gaara with a sly smile.

Gaara stared at the Raikage for a moment and then asked, "Well if this is what you believe then why did you agree to meet with me?"

The Raikage got to his feet and walked around his desk and stood in front of Gaara and Baki, towering over the two men. "I did it for two reasons," he said. "I wanted to see if you were truly so arrogant as to think you could do such a thing. And, if you were, I didn't want to pass up the chance to defeat the Kazekage once and for all!"

Suddenly the Raikage rushed towards Gaara and Baki and before they could defend themselves he punched Baki in the chest and all Gaara could do was look on in horror as Baki's chest caved in and he was launched back into the wall. His dead body crumpled to the floor.

"Now it's just you and me Kazekage," the Raikage said. "And don't concern yourselves with your comrades. By now my men have engaged them in battle and will soon kill them as well."

Suddenly the Raikage looked at Baki's body and was shocked to see it turn to sand and fall into a heap. "What," he said. "That was a clone?"

"Actually yes," Gaara said. And as he spoke the Raikage saw Garra's face and body begin to crack and fall away piece by piece like a broken egg. As the last pieces fell away the Raikage realized all too late that he had been tricked. The person before him was not the Kazekage. And looking at his forehead protector strapped to his arm, this man wasn't even from Suna. The man before him was tall, with jet black hair, stud earrings and was in fact from Konoha.

"Who are you," the Raikage yelled.

"Sorry for the little trick," the man said. "But I think it's plainly obvious that it was necessary to do so. The name is Nara Shikamaru, from Konohagakure."

It was then the Raikage heard a voice coming from behind him. To the surprise of Omoi, Karui and the Raikage, Gaara stood standing on a floating platform of sand outside. His arms were folded and he stared at them angrily. "Tell me Raikage," he said. "Are you ready to talk now?"

End of Chapter Fifteen

Next Time: Alliance