INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. I hope for those who celebrate Thankgiving that it was a good holiday. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
Thanks to all those who reviewed my previous chapter: Diamond Man; airnaruto45; xDARKNESS; Nemrut; Gravenimage; Mudcake; Kushina's Truth of Hell; The FlyingLion; charles cdv; Sasuke K; NaruSaku29; goldone5.
RESPONCES
Diamond Man - Glad you enjoyed the fight my friend. Naruto will be returning the forefront soon and all answers will be revealed.
airnaruto45 - Lol! Why do i love your reviews so much? that's the real mystery. Anyway, you answer is below.
xDARKNESS - Thanks for the praise and I'm glad you enjoyed the action. I think I'm statring to get more comfortable doing the action scenes. Expect my story to focus on the main characters again soon.
Nemrut - Hmmm, you may be right in a sense. I wanted to illustrate just how close some of the attacks came to landing and I may have over did that a bit. I disagree that the Tsuchikage was justified. He sided with Akatsuki out of fear and he knew it. And i think that was the point. Or at least what i was trying to get across. The grand daughter didn't like siding with Akatsuki from the beginning and her sense of honor led her to submit.
Gravenimage - Thanx.
Mudcake - Yes, the Raikage's armor is incredibly strong. But so was the Tsuchikage's techniques. I wanted to portray him as a real powerhouse despite his age.
Kushina's - LMAO! I can't believe that still affects you. But i guess that means I did a good job. :)
The FlyingLion - LoL! Glad you loved that. So did I!
charles cdv - Thanx.
Sasuke K - Thanx dude.
NaruSaku29 - Thanx
goldone5 - Thanx, i noticed that no one else commented on that conversation and I was wondering what people thought of it. Naruto is working on...no comment. Lol! Shikamaru found out late because though the war between Suna and Konoha is over they aren't technically allies and Konoha, thanks to Danzo, is secretive. So it takes time to get information.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Ok, so here is chapter nineteen of the End of Innocence. Enjoy! And remember to please leave a little review on your way out the door. ^^
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter XIX: An Unexpected Ally of Konoha
******Mount Myoboku – Night******
Every night Naruto sleeps, he dreams. And every night the dreams are the same. The words are the same. And most importantly, so is the fear. The inescapable dread he feels never leaves no matter what he does.
"You think you understand Sasuke, don't you Naruto? But You don't know him at all," Madara said.
"He can not see beyond his vengeance….."
"….the two of you are destined to oppose eachother and one of you will die…..
"That will never happen Madara," Naruto answered.
"Sasuke's purpose is the destruction of Konoha…," Madara replied.
Naruto screamed as Madara told him of what Sasuke did to Sakura. And in response the bastard laughed.
"Can you feel it Naruto? The sickening burning in the pit of your stomach? The feeling of helplessness and weakness?...I think you've finally come to understand Sasuke at last….."
"Can you kill me?" Naruto asked.
"I have looked across time and space and seen the many possibilities of how my destiny will play out…," said Madara.
"Can you reach out from what ever pit you call a home and kill me right now," Naruto asked.
"….it always ends here, at this time. At this very place….." said Madara.
"If you can then I suggest you kill me now. Because this will be the best chance you'll ever get!" Naruto yelled.
"…..why should I fear you Naruto when I've already won?"
"…I will find you Madara! And the last thing you will see, will be my face!'
"See you soon Uzumaki."
Naruto woke up with a start. Every nerve was on edge and his heart was racing. It took him a few moments to remember where he was. The sun had long since set and he was relaxing in a hot spring. The last few days of intense training had done a number on his body and the hot water was just what he needed to sooth his aching muscles.
Naruto hadn't got much sleep since his arrival here and it obviously caught up to him as he had apparently dozed off for several hours. Unfortunately one of the reasons he had gotten little sleep lately was the fact that every time he did he would dream of his meeting with Madara and this time was no different.
Naruto wiped his face and reached over to the celestial calendar sitting nearby. He quickly scanned it and placed it back.
Damn right Madara, Naruto thought. We'll be seeing each other real soon. Naruto leaned back and stared up at the stars. He was trying his best to enjoy this moment which could very likely be his last moment of peace. Because tomorrow everything would begin. Tomorrow, Naruto goes home.
******Land of Fire – Western Borders – the Next Morning******
The young Konoha shinobi yawned deeply and stretched. He leaned over the low wall of the wooden battlement and began to dose off. Several weeks ago, Danzo had ordered his men out towards the borders to build large look out posts to help keep watch for signs of the enemy. As a genin, he was tasked to assist with construction and then guard duty. Which meant inhumanly long shifts with little to do.
The genin was at the tail end of his fourteen hour shift now and could only think of resting and a meal. With the sun now up and beating down on him he was starting to nod off.
"Look alive you idiot," came a bellowing voice from behind the genin. Instantly the genin stood ramrod straight as he knew who the familiar voice belonged to.
"Yes Tokuma-Taicho," the genin said as he saluted sharply. "My sincerest apologies Taicho!"
Tokuma Hyuga was the appointed leader of the squad sent to the Western Borders of the Land of Fire and despite his young age had garnered the reputation of being a no nonsense type of guy with a high mission success rate. He had quickly rose through the ranks to Jonin status and was highly regarded in the Hyuga clan for having one of the strongest Byakugans in the village. For years Tokuma was considered the brightest young mind of all the Hyuga. That is, until a young boy by the name of Neji showed up.
Tokuma sighed deeply and despite his young face he had the steely, hardened eyes of a man who had seen more than his share of battles. "Listen," Tokuma said. "I know things can get a bit boring way out here. But you do know all of the enemy movement taking place up north right?"
"Yes Taicho," the Genin said.
"Well, eventually things will get exciting here," Tokuma said. "And it's our job to be the first line of defense and alert our comrades of danger. Our comrades and friends depend on us to be alert. So I don't care what your rank is, I won't forgive you for not doing your job, understand?"
Again the genin saluted and yelled, "Yes Tokuma-taicho!"
"Alright," Tokuma said. "You head down and alert your replacements to prepare to take over. I'll keep watch until they…." Tokuma's words trailed off as he noticed an unusually large flock of birds flying overhead. It appeared that they were coming from the land beyond. Tokuma peered out over the wooden wall and out towards the land near the horizon. No way, he thought as he activated his Byakugan and looked out into the distance.
The Genin stood watching Tokuma for a moment as he merely stared out into the distance. He then asked, "Tokuma-taicho? Taicho, is everything…."
Tokuma then turned to the genin and yelled, "Sound the alarm and send a messenger back to Konoha! Inform the Hokage that we are under attack! There's a large army headed this way! And get everyone here at the ready! We may be forced to try and hold them!"
The genin stared at Tokuma in fear. He seemed rooted to the ground unable to even breathe.
Tokuma grabbed the genin by the flack jacket and yelled, "Did you hear me? Get your ass moving!"
"R-right Taicho," the genin responded as he ran off.
Tokuma again looked out into the distance and tried his best to determine the size of the army heading this way. There's got to be hundreds, perhaps thousands of them, he thought. We'll have to hold them back as best we can but there are only forty of us stationed here. Even by the time back up arrives from Konoha. We'll all be dead.
******Meanwhile - Konoha – Residence of Tsunade******
Sakura yawned as she got out of bed. Looking at the alarm clock she saw it was just after 7 a.m. and she slowly got out of bed and padded to the bathroom and washed up. Twenty minutes later Sakura walked into the living room and was greeted with the delicious aroma of a freshly cooked meal.
As she made her way to the dining area she arrived just in time to see Ino placing the plates on the table. "Hello Sakura-chan," Ino said with a smile. "You're just in time for breakfast. Come on and sit down."
Sakura sighed slightly and smiled and said, "Ino, you don't need to keep stopping by you know. I'm pretty sure Neji could use you more than I could. You don't have to keep putting yourself out of the way."
"Don't be silly," Ino replied. "I don't mind doing something like this for a friend. Besides Neji-kun in being tended to by several members of the Hyuga clan. Hinata's father has gone out of his way to ensure he has round the clock care."
"Thanks," Sakura said. Despite Ino's answer, Sakura knew the truth. Ino was concerned for Sakura's safety. Everyone was, even if they didn't admit it. Tsunade, despite Sakura's protests had insisted she stay here and not at home. And Tsunade had extra ninja, who were loyal to her, stand watch at night. And Ino was coming by every day to act as added security.
Just then Tsunade entered the room still wearing her robe and slippers. "It's about time you woke up Sakura," Tsunade said. "I was about to come in there and give you a wake up call. You may not be here to train but this isn't some hotel."
"Sorry Tsunade-sama," Sakura said with a bow. "I'll be more mindful in the future."
Tsunade looked at Sakura sternly for a moment before her feature suddenly brightened. "Alright then," she said. "Let's not let this meal Ino prepared get cold."
Sakura smiled and licked her lips as she looked at the steaming bowl of Miso soup before her and the three women quickly sat down and said, "Itadakimasu," and eagerly began eating.
After they had completed the meal Sakura sat back and said, "Thank you Ino. It was delicious. You really have learned to cook really well."
Ino happily said, "Thank you Sakura."
"I guess you're practicing for when you have to take care of Neji-kun right," Sakura said with a devious smile.
Suddenly the smile seemed to disappear from Ino's face as she looked at her empty bowl. "I don't think I'll have to worry about that Sakura. The Hyuga don't allow outsiders to join their family remember."
"Tch," Tsunade said as she was clearly annoyed. "Sometimes tradition too often gets in the way of common sense Ino."
"Tsunade-sama is right," Sakura said. "If you and Neji love each other then you should go for it. Who cares what other people say!"
Ino giggled lightly and said, "I didn't expect you to say something like that Sakura."
"What do you mean," Sakura asked as she sipped on a cup of water.
"Well, considering you're going to let Naruto-kun get away and everything," Ino teased.
Sakura nearly choked on her water and quickly placed her cup down as she fought to stop coughing. "What are you talking about Ino," Sakura said. "Naruto and I are just friends!"
Both Ino and Tsunade looked at each other and burst out laughing. "Sure you guys are," Tsunade said as she wiped the tear from her eye. Sakura sat with her arms folded glaring holes into both women as they regained their composure.
"You guys are heartless," Sakura said as she was clearly moping.
"Now Sakura don't sulk," Ino said. "What's going on with Naruto is you're fault."
"My fault," Sakura yelled. "How is any of this my fault?"
"Look its obvious Naruto has a thing for you," Ino responded. "He has for years. But he's still just too immature to do anything about it. So you should have already taken charge."
"Lady Tsunade aren't you gonna back me up on this," Sakura asked.
"Don't look at me Sakura, I happen to agree with Ino," Tsunade said. "Aren't you interested in him?"
"I-it's not that," Sakura said. "It's just that…..things are so…..complicated."
"What's so complicated," Ino asked. "He likes you and you like him. Period. I'll tell you one thing, you better not think you can sit back and wait forever. A guy like Naruto won't be around for much longer."
Sakura took another sip of her drink and looked at both women who stared at her seriously. "What do you think Tsunade-sama," she asked.
"Ino is right Sakura," Tsunade replied. "Take it from your teacher. Life for a shinobi can be frightfully short. Better to live with as few regrets as possible wouldn't you say? Besides, you may not have noticed but Hinata doesn't seem to be the same old shy girl she used to be. If you don't do something you may lose him to her."
"Hell, if things don't work out with Neji maybe I'll steal Naruto from the both of you," Ino said with a devious smile. Ino then looked up at the roof and seemed deep in thought as she played with her hair. "Yeah, I think he and I would be a good couple wouldn't you say? He does have pretty eyes. And really nice lips."
"Oh please," Sakura said waiving Ino off. "A guy like Naruto would never be interested in a pig like you. You should stick with Neji. He clearly has low standards."
"What did you just say you big fore-headed bitch," Ino yelled angrily.
"You heard me INO PIG," Sakura yelled back.
As the two girls began to argue back and forth Tsunade smiled. Considering all the death and uncertainty and fear that seemed to envelope the whole village it was nice to see there was still time for some of the simple pleasures of spending time with friends. It wasn't two weeks ago that everyone believed Sakura was dead, Naruto was a prisoner and Konoha was locked in a deadly war with Suna and Kumo with the threat of Akatsuki looming.
Yet since then so much had changed. Tsunade recalled the day the messenger came running in to tell her that Sakura was alive and back in the village. Tsunade ran to the main entrance where Sakura was found, full of strength and vitality, arguing with Kotetsu and Izumo. Tsunade couldn't remember the last time she had been so happy and it felt like a large weight had fallen off her shoulders when she saw Sakura's smiling face.
Tsunade had so many questions she wanted to ask but before they could really speak Danzo arrived. Her immediate thought was that things were about to get ugly. Especially when she saw Sakura's expression. Sakura looked like she was seconds from trying to kill Danzo and Danzo himself seemed a bit uneasy. There was obviously more going on here than she knew.
But to her surprise Danzo greeted Sakura warmly, or at least as warmly as a man like Danzo can get. Danzo didn't seem overly interested in immediately questioning her about where she had been and didn't resist Sakura's request to grant the people she had brought with her asylum. Once business was done Danzo ordered Yamato back to ANBU headquarters to give a report and he quickly left the scene.
Once that was over Tsunade asked for Sakura to come to her home but Sakura said she wanted to make sure the refugees where all properly taken care of and then she wanted to see her mom. Once done she would see her later. Tsunade wasn't particularly happy with that as she wanted to know what was going on but she understood and agreed to see her later.
It wasn't until 8p.m. that night Sakura arrived at Tsunade's home and they were able to sit down and talk. And what Tsunade heard filled her with a rage she hadn't felt since she came face to face with Pain nearly four years ago.
Tsunade had always been weary of Danzo's ruthless nature and his all consuming desire to protect his position. But to side with Akatsuki and to sell out one of his own people? Danzo had gone too far. It took all of her will power to prevent herself from marching up to Danzo's offices and ripping him apart.
But Tsunade knew now wasn't the time. Konoha had just narrowly avoided a devastating attack by Akatsuki. One of their most celebrated young ninja and friend had just died. They were still embroiled in a war with Suna and Kumo that no one wanted to admit wasn't going well.
And Naruto, one of the few bright spots they had, was still being held captive by the enemy. Now was not the time to begin a public feud between the previous and current Hokage. The people were scared enough. Seeing such dissention between their leaders could result in wide spread panic. Danzo had to be left alone for now. But only for now. Danzo's time was coming and with Sakura's return, it would happen soon.
But that was something that could be thought about at another time. For now, it was enough that her two cherished pupils where here, safe, smiling, fighting and apparently trying to tear each others hair out.
******Kirigakure – Office of the Mizukage******
Madara sat in his chair as he silently looked at the shogi pieces on the board in front of him. He had just recently received word of the Iwagakure's surrender and the death of the Third Tsuchikage. "Fairwell Onoki," Madara said as he removed a knight from the board. "A shame really. I was hoping that you would hold Kumo longer than you did. Oh well. You served your purpose. The Eight Tailed Biju is ours."
Madara sat back in his seat and stared at the board and after a brief moment he looked at the Lance piece he had removed from the board a few days ago. It represented Muramasa, the traitor from the Land of Lightning that he had chosen to be the host of the Two Tailed Biju. What an utter failure that turned out to be.
******Several Miles outside Konohagakure – Several days ago******
The explosion high in the sky was massive as his prized airship was turned into a twisted pile of metal and rock. Madara stood in the shadows of several dense trees as he watched, dejected as he watched his prize fall to the earth like pieces of a comet.
To his surprise Madara could see a large Green Dragon floating in the sky and as it wound down, at its tail, was a young man hovering at death's door. Hmmm, Madara thought as he leaned against a tree with his arms folded. The Twilight Dragon? It's been decades since I've seen that technique. According to our intel, I thought only Might Guy was even capable of pulling that one off. I didn't think anyone else even knew it. No wonder Muramasa lost this fight. Such a shame. I really liked that ship. Oh well, I should hurry along. It won't take long for Konoha's security forces to get out here.
Madara quickly began leaping through the trees as he searched the burning wreckage. All around him were fires and twisted and shattered debris. There were bodies and severed body parts everywhere and they all belonged to his own men. After a few minutes Madara found his target.
There among a large pile of wreckage was the severed upper torso of Muramasa. His body was cut cleanly in half at the waist and his groin and legs were no where in sight. Muramasa to his credit was still alive, pulling himself hand over hand away leaving a trail of thick blood behind him. Well I have to admire his determination at least, Madara thought as he walked up behind him.
"Now exactly how far do you think you can get in your condition," Madara asked as he stood next to Muramasa.
Muramasa struggled to look up and couldn't see who was speaking to him. "Who are you," he asked.
"Ah yes," Madara responded. "You and I have never actually met in person have we?" Madara placed his foot underneath Muramasa's chest and flipped him on his back. "So far you've only ever dealt with my man Zetsu."
Suddenly Muramasa was struck with fear. "Lord Madara," he said. "I have dreamed of the day we would finally meet. It shames me that it would be as a failure. But I assure you my Lord, next time…."
Madara suddenly laughed. "Next time," he asked. "Why do you presume there will be a next time Muramasa? I mean look at you. You're body is so damaged that even the Biju can't heal you. It's taking all its power just to keep you alive. You're a useless piece of shit now."
Terror struck Muramasa has he tried in vain to drag himself away. "Please Lord Madara," Muramasa yelled as pulled himself away in a panic. "I will not fail you again!'
Madara walked behind Muramasa as if no hurry to grab him. He was like a predator playing with his meal. "I give you one simple task Muramasa," Madara said. His anger in his tone was increasing as he continued to follow his failed experiment. "All you had to do was over-see the repairs of my ship and then wait for my command. And then you could kill as many citizens of Konoha you wanted. But what do you do? You slaughter nearly all the ninja under your command and you take my ship without orders."
"I did it for you my Lord," Muramasa yelled as he seemed on the verge of tears. "I was going to destroy Konoha for you!"
"And you couldn't do even that right," Madara said. "The only thing burning here are the bodies of my men, my ship and your filthy ass! All you've done is set back my plans considerably!"
Madara then grabbed Muramasa by the shoulder and lifted him in the air. "But I'm not bitter Muramasa," Madara said. "And there is one last thing you can do for me. Try not to die before we get that Biju out of you please. It's the least you can do."
Madara began to walk away dragging a whimpering Muramasa behind him. "P-please my Lord," Muramasa screamed. "Please give me another chance! Please!" Realizing Madara was no longer listening Muramasa suddenly began to glow with the power of the Two Tailed beast and lunged at his master.
Madara quickly turned and grabbed Muramasa by the neck and using his other hand placed his finger at Muramamsa's temple. To Muramasa's surprise his power faded and he felt suddenly drained and weak. "Well at least you still have some fight in you," Madara said as he turned and continued to drag Muramasa away.
Now truly in a panic and crying Muramasa yelled, "P-please my lord. Only a chance is all I need. Please my Lord, have mercy!"
Madara suddenly came to complete stop and stood still for a brief moment. Muramasa could feel Madara's grip on his arm tightening and it felt like it was about to be crushed. With a voice filled with an unbridled rage Madara asked, "Mercy? MERCY!"
Suddenly Madara pulled Muramasa into the air and slammed his broken body into a nearby tree, nearly breaking the tree in half. Terrified and shaking Muramasa watched as Madara tore off his mask and put his face inches from Muramasa's. "What makes you think that I am even remotely capable of such a thing," Madara asked.
About half a mile away the security forces from Konoha were quickly making their way to the crash site when they heard a blood curdling scream that quickly faded on the breeze.
******Konoha – Root Headquarters – Hidden Prisons******
Danzo stood in the dank, dimly lit prison cell. The place stank of feces, sweat and blood and Danzo had no interest to stay longer than he had too. Chained to the wall opposite of the cell door was Kabumaru. He wore no shirt, tattered, brown pants and was barefoot. He was dirty with fresh cuts, bruises and sores all over his body. His long, white hair was matted with mud, dirt and grime.
"Are you ready to talk yet," Danzo asked. "I'm sure you can see that things are only going to get worse for you."
Kabumaru slowly raised his head up to look at Danzo. It was clear he barely had the strength to even do that much. "I….have to admit," He said, "You have definitely made this place…..more interesting. Ha! But I still will tell you nothing."
"What do you have to gain by refusing to help me Kabumaru," Madara said angrily. "All this can end if you just tell me how to fix my arm. If you do I'd…."
"You'd what," Kabumaru asked. "You'd let me go? Ha! You must take me for a fool Danzo."
"You haven't eaten in four days," Danzo said. "You haven't slept in seven and you have had no water in two. You are covered in your own filth and have not seen the sun in two years."
"Yes," Kubumaru said with a smile. "The amenities at this hotel do leave much to be desired."
"Hmpf," Danzo said. "You sure are taking this place too lightly. Maybe if we begin removing limbs you will see just how serious we are."
Just then a ROOT ninja ran into the cell and instantly fell to one knee. "Forgive me Lord Hokage but we just received an urgent message from the western border."
"Hurry up," Danzo said impatiently.
"A large armed force has been spotted marching towards the Land of Fire," the ninja responded.
"What," Danzo yelled in disbelief.
Kabumaru laughed spitefully and said, "Well, it seems the water is rising even faster doesn't it Danzo?"
Danzo glared at Kabumaru but decided to remain silent. He would not give him the satisfaction of a response. "Sound the alarms and prepare for battle," Danzo said. "Do we have any idea where this army is from?"
******Land of Fire – Western Borders******
"What did you just say," Tokuma said as he looked at the grey haired man before him. Several minutes ago the army of ninja, which Tokuma estimated at about five to six thousand had marched up and stopped several hundred yards.
"My name is Ao of Kirigakure," Ao said with a pleasant smile. "I've come here along with the military force of Amegakure to assist Konoha in the upcoming war."
"You're here to help us," Tokuma asked with a hint of skepticism.
"Actually that is not completely correct," said a woman who walked out from behind Ao. "We're not here for Konoha's benefit at all."
"And just who are you," Tokuma asked.
"I am the Arashikage, of Amegakure," the woman said. "Please inform your Hokage of our arrival."
End of Chapter Nineteen
Next time: At the Edge of Chaos