INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Chronicles. The story with over 300 reviews! As always I begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
I'd like to thank all those who reviewed my previous chapter allowing me to achieve over 300 reviews: Exor; Gravenimage; xDARKNESS; FoxSage19; NaruSaku29; airnaruto45; Sevinsin; Greed03114; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Diamond Man; Komljenovic; Sasuke K; charles cdv; MyHikari; the Flying Lion and goldone5.
RESPONCES
Exor - I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far and appriciate that you believe my story structure is staying mostly faithful to Japanese style. As it was important to me for my story to remain faithful to Kishi's style it was nice to see I may be pulling it off.
1. I have kept curing to a minimum as I know such language is even more taboo in thier society but every once and a while I'll throw one out there. Lol!
2. This frustrates me abit as i know they don't deal with relationships in a straight forward way most times and as far as this story is concerned I've been forced to treat it in the same way. But I think I've bee able to show the relationships favorably for the most part.
3. I love the zero to hero stories too. Just so long as they keep the cliche to a minimum that is.
Gravenimage - Horrible cliffhangers is what I do. Lol!
xDARKNESS - Well, i try to re-read my work twice to find errors. though some do get by unfortunately. I'm glad you liked sakura's confrontation of Konan and good luck in your exams.
FoxSage19 - Thanx.
NaruSaku29 - Yep. I wanted my readers to remember that Konan did some horrible things and even though she may be a "hero" in my story she still has many crimes she has yet to pay for.
airnaruto45 - Yes, indeed we do. The time for the final battle will soon arrive.
Sevensin - Thanx.
Greed03114 - 1. My Madara is playing part mesiah, part doombringer, part gangster. Lol! And i thought i nailed Raikage's character. What about him seemd off? 2. Remember Shikamaru is 3 years older than the canon version. Plenty of time for a genious like him to increase his power, ablities and techniques. Glad you liked the other chapters as well.
Diamond Man - I hope you do enjoy every second of it. I have grand ideas for this war that will be much bigger in scale to anything you've read before in my story. I just hope I can pull it off.
Komljenovic - ha! Cliffhangers help to bring you guys back to see what's gonna happen next! Driving you guys crazy is fun! Glad you're enjoying the story.
Kushina's - PREDICTABLE! Wha! Huh! How! When did you figure it out? you must tell me! Yep, it's good to do a drama free scene. I'll try to sneak a couple more into the story but with things reaching the final battle it may be a bit difficult to do so. But we'll see.
Sasuke k - LOL!
charles cdv - Thanx.
MyHikari - Well, I'm glad my story was good enough to get you back despite making you think sakura had died. NejIno is all types of awesome if you think about it. Yes they've had no interaction in the canon but can't you easily picture them together? Go ahead, close you're eyes and picture it! ... ... ... Ok open you're eyes. Now tell me that wasn't hot! And yes, expect a few Narusaku scenes coming VERY soon. Lol!
The Flying Lion - Hmmm, I'm glad. TBH, to found Konan to be a bit challenging to nail down. I had to create several drafts of her dialogue before I was satisfied. And to me it made sense for her to be Hokage of the Rain. It would allow her to aid Naruto in his fight better.
goldone5 - The toad did not break the building due to flexible manga science. Lol! Naruto returned early for a reason, which will be explained in this chapter. Don't worry, NS awesomeness is coming. Madara is playing people on different levels and portrays himself in any way needed at the time. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Alright so here is chapter twenty one of Book III. Did I mention to thank everyone for sending me over 300 reviews! Enjoy! And please remember to send a little review my way once done. Also, remember guys that this will be the last chapter until Sunday January 9th. That's right, Ramen is taking a break for the Xmas break! I hope you all have a great holidays and if you don't celebrate a holiday then just have as great a couple of weeks as you can and I'll be back with a new chapter on 01/09/2011. BYE!
300! Whooo! LoL!
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter XXI: WAR
******Konoha – Just outside the Hokage Residence******
"Naruto," Kiba yelled as he and the entire mob began to run closer to the building.
"Yeah, it is Naruto," another ninja said with a smile on his face.
Naruto-kun, Hinata thought. Thank goodness you're back.
Naruto remained silent as he stared down at all of his friends, comrades and citizens of Konoha.
"It seems things are getting a bit out of control here Naruto," Gamakichi said with a smile.
"Yeah," Naruto said. "It looks like I got back just in time to put an end to this stupid shit."
"Ha! Aren't you usually the one who causes a ruckus," Gamakichi asked. "Now you plan to pun an end to one? You really have grown up haven't you?"
"Oh I wouldn't be too sure of that Gamakichi," Naruto said. Naruto then quickly leapt off of Gamakichi's head ready to head down. Naruto seemed to float in the air for a moment and turned to face his old friend. "Thanks for the help Gamakichi," Naruto said with a smile. "Looks like the word will spread quickly thanks to this."
"No problem Naruto," Gamakichi said with a smile and a salute. But his smile quickly faded as he said, "The next time we see each other it will be in battle."
"Yeah," Naruto said. "It's not a time I'm ready to see. But I'm happy to have you and your brother at my side." Naruto then quickly began to plummet to the ground far below as Gamakichi disappeared in a puff of white smoke.
Everyone rushed towards the spot where Naruto would land and just before Naruto landed a gust of wind seemed to appear underneath him which slowed his decent allowing him to land gently on the ground.
As Sakura ran up and tried to see Naruto through the crowd she could feel the sudden gust of wind and paused. What was that, she wondered. It was almost as if he…?
Naruto was instantly mobbed by the smiling faces of his friends and comrades who each seemed to vie for his attention. "Naruto your back," Ino yelled.
"How have you been Naruto," Kiba yelled.
"I've been better," Naruto said with a serious look that caused the smiles to fade from everyone's faces. Naruto then looked at all the faces that surrounded him and said, "I left Konoha and went to Suna for your benefit. Shikamaru and I put our lives on the line to save this village because we believe the people of Konoha are great people. You are people who value your friends, family and comrades. Yet what do I find when I come back? Fear…..hate…..anger."
Naruto then looked Kiba in the eyes and said, "Comrades against comrades." Naruto then again began to address the entire group and said, "Everyone listen to me. We are about to face the greatest challenge Konoha has ever faced. And I know in my heart we have what it takes to overcome that challenge. But only if we first forget old grudges and past pain."
"I've learned that in two days Akatsuki's armies will be at our borders," Naruto said causing the entire group to burst out into nervous talk and whispers. "But that doesn't matter," Naruto yelled over the crowd. "Because I know that if we can remember why we fight, for our family, for our comrades, for the generations that have come before and will come after, we can defeat Akatsuki once and for all."
"Those are just words," one visibly scared man said. "Akatsuki's forces number at nearly a hundred thousand. What do we do against those odds?"
With a eyes as hard as steel and full of conviction Naruto looked at the man with a hint of anger and said, "We will fight. We will win."
As everyone clamored to get Naruto's attention, Naruto made his way through the crowd and made his way to Danzo. Naruto could feel the anger rising inside of him as he stared at the man, but he also knew now was not the time for a fight. "We need to plan out how we're going to defeat Akatsuki Danzo," Naruto said. "And we need to start right away."
Danzo stared at Naruto for a moment in silence. There's something different about him, Danzo thought. Something has changed.
"You're right," Danzo said. "We have no time to waste. Fu, send word to all our elders and inform them of an immediate war meeting. Tell them to be here within the hour."
"Yes my Lord," Fu answered as he quickly left.
Naruto quickly turned and continued through the crowd as he tried to make his way to Konan. Just then he walked past Hinata and stopped and smiled. "Hey Hinata, how are you," he asked.
"I'm fine Naruto-kun," Hinata responded. "I'm glad you made it back alright. I was worried about you."
"No need to worry about me Hinata," Naruto said with a bright smile. "But how are you? With all this craziness going on I'm sure it's pretty weird."
Sakura stood next to Ino and watched as Naruto and Hinata happily talked and she couldn't help but frown. She knew she should be happy to see Naruto back safe and sound but she couldn't shake the sadness she felt that he didn't seem overly rushed to speak to her.
Noticing Sakura's mood, Ino whispered, "I'm sure he'll come speak to you next Sakura. It's probably because you were so far away that he got to her first."
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said. "I know you're busy but I was hoping we could talk in private when you have the chance. There is something we need to discuss."
Naruto took a deep breath and said, "Yeah, I agree. Ok, we'll talk soon ok?"
Naruto then turned and walked away as he tried to look through the crowd when he walked into Konan. "Hello Naruto," Konan said as she bowed. "It's a pleasure to see you again. I'm here as you requested."
Naruto placed his hand on Konan's shoulder and said, "There's no reason for a Kage to ever bow to someone of lower rank."
Konan stood up straight and gave a little smile. "Naruto," Konan responded. "You may not be a Kage but you are not of lower rank."
Naruto couldn't help but give a big smile at that. "I gotta think that's the best compliment I've heard in a long while. Anyway, I want you at the war council."
"I don't think Danzo will want that," Konan responded.
"Fuck Danzo," Naruto said. "You and your men will be putting your lives on the line just like we will. You should have as much say in our plans as any other!"
"Ok, maybe he's just preoccupied with war plans," Ino said as she and Sakura looked on. "I mean there's no way he and that woman would have a thing going on. Even though she is really pretty, older and powerful and has a really big pair of….."
"You're really not helping Ino," Sakura yelled. Sakura watched for a moment longer before sighing loudly. "You know what, I don't even know what I'm doing waiting for Naruto to talk to me like I'm some love sick school girl!"
"Hmm," Ino said with a wry smile.
"What," Sakura responded impatiently.
"Oh nothing," Ino replied. "I just couldn't help but notice how you said you were love sick."
Sakura's face turned bright red and she yelled, "Shut up Ino Pig!" Sakura then quickly turned and made her way out of the crowd. "I'm heading back to the hospital. I'm sure they'll need me there. If that idiot wants to speak to me he'll know where to find…"
Just then Sakura felt someone gently grab her arm and pull her around. To her surprise she found herself looking up into Naruto's warm blue eyes and disarming smile. "Where are you going Sakura-chan," Naruto asked. "Were you really going to leave without saying hi?"
Naruto let go of Sakura's arm and folded his arms and had a look of mock anger on his face. "That is so rude," he said jokingly. "And here I've been worried sick about you!"
"You've been worried about me," Sakura asked. Sakura tore her eyes away from Naruto and stared at the ground for a moment. Suddenly she became tense and she balled her hands into a fist. "You've been worried about me?"
Everyone standing nearby winced as they heard the crack of Sakura's fist against Naruto's head. Naruto crashed into the ground so hard that the upper half of his body was imbedded into the ground. Sakura then grabbed Naruto by the ankle and pulled him from the hole in the ground and dropped him on his butt.
"That's for sneaking out and going to Suna and almost getting yourself killed even though I expressly told you not to go," Sakura yelled. "Why do you always have to take such stupid risks! One day you're going to get yourself killed! And then I….I….." Sakura could feel the tears welling in her eyes and she quickly turned away from Naruto and crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "You're such an idiot," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
For a while there was nothing but silence until she heard Naruto laughing. Sakura slowly looked back and asked, "What's so funny." Sakura couldn't help but notice his smile. No matter what, his smile never faded.
Naruto slowly got to his feet and wiped some of the dirt off of him. "It's you," he said. "I'm just happy to see that no matter what, some things never change."
"Hey Naruto-kun," Sai yelled. "Danzo is looking for you. He wants to go over some things before the meeting."
"Right," Naruto said. Naruto then turned back to Sakura and said, "I'll see you at the meeting."
"What," Sakura responded. "I'm not of a high enough rank to be at that meeting."
"I thought you were Konoha's Senior Medical Advisor," Naruto asked.
"I am," Sakura said. "But…Danzo doesn't like me and besides he…."
"Sakura," Naruto said. "As much as I hate to admit it, this war may have casualties. A lot of casualties. We need to prepare for that as well. I think you need to be there so that we can plan for that."
"Danzo will never let me in that meeting," Sakura said.
Naruto turned to leave and said, "You let me handle Danzo. You just make sure you're there, understand?"
"Y..yes," Sakura said. She was somewhat surprised by the authoritative tone he had. It was then she noticed how tall he seemed. As he walked away he walked with the stride of someone in complete control and focus. And everyone around seemed to react to it.
A few minutes ago everyone was at each others throats. And then Naruto had returned and with a few words had taken control of the situation. Everyone was calm, some were even smiling. Several weeks ago Naruto left here a man and a hero. But he now had returned as something even more. He returned…..a leader.
What happened to you while you were away Naruto, Sakura thought as she watched him. She could feel the heat rise in her face and knew she was blushing despite herself. Sakura then saw Ino staring at her with a knowing smile and winked at her. Sakura quickly turned away even more embarrassed than before.
******Office of the Hokage – Later that day******
"So let me see if I understand this," Homura said as he stared at Naruto who was seated directly across from him. "You believe that Akatsuki's forces will arrive here in two days based on a dream you believe you had."
"Not a dream," Naruto said. "A vision. A vision given to me by Madara himself." Naruto sat at the large circular table surrounded by all the elders and military leaders of Konoha. Sitting just to his left was Sakura, then Konan, Might Guy, Nara Shikaku, Ibiki Morino and Utatane Koharu. While on the right of him was Lady Tsunade, Iruka Imino, Hiashi Hyuga, Yamanaka Inoichi, Ao of Kirigakure, Mitokado Homura and Danzo.
Naruto could feel himself getting more and more upset with the way this meeting was going. What he thought was going to be a session devoted to planning for the war turned out to be an inquisition headed by Homura who seemed more interested in proving he was a fool than preparing Konoha for battle.
"And why would Madara willingly give you such information," Koharu asked. "He must realize that he would give away a great tactical advantage."
"That's the point," Naruto said. "Madara gave this information because he is essentially saying it doesn't matter if we know when he's coming or not. His own arrogance is at work here."
"Or perhaps it's a trick," Homura said. "Even if this dream of yours was given to you by Madara, for all we know he wants you to think he attacks in two days only to force our hand."
"Dream or not one thing you can't deny is that Madara's forces out number our own by five to one," Tsunade responded. "The fact is we're in trouble one way or another."
"It could also make sense what Naruto is saying," Shikaku said. "We have no idea the full capabilities Naruto has if he has indeed fully synched with the Nine Tails. It could very well be possible for Madara to contact Naruto mentally."
"Is it possible for you to contact Madara mentally," Iruka asked. "If you could then we could probably learn more about his plans."
Naruto shook his head. "I've tried," Naruto said. "But according to the Nine Tails we can't break through Madara's mental defenses. Madara has trained his mind to defend himself from the Nine Tails' influence."
"Shit," Ibiki said. "It's like he knows our every move before we even think of it."
"I have a question," Homura said. "You recounted the entire conversation you had with Madara yet I don't understand how you were able to come away with the exact date of his attack."
Naruto took a deep, measured breath and then said, "At first I had missed it myself. During the vision, the sun went black. It was as if night had fallen in the middle of the day. For a while I had just assumed it was the dark power of the Jyubi that caused it. But then I realized it wasn't. It was the moon. The moon had moved in front of the sun."
"A solar eclipse," Hiashi said. "I see. Solar Eclipses only happen once every one hundred years. And the next one is scheduled for two days from now."
"Could that just be a coincidence," Guy asked.
"No," Tsunade responded. "Nothing Madara does is mere coincidence."
"Then we have two days to get our forces organized," Danzo responded.
"We'll need more than that," Ibiki said. "As Lady Fifth has said, Madara outnumbers our forces five to one even with the added forces of Konan."
Konan shot Ibiki a murderous glance and Ibiki quickly realized his mistake. "My apologies. I meant, Lady Arashikage. Even with her forces we are terribly outnumbered."
"What about my son," Shikaku asked.
"Yes," Danzo said. "Where is Shikamaru? We could certainly use him now. Why didn't he return with you Naruto?"
"I left Shikamaru in Suna with Gaara," Naruto said. "They went to Kumogakure to convince the Raikage to aid us in this battle."
"Ah," Shikaku said. "And my son agreed? That's so unlike him to work so hard."
"Well, whatever he said seems to have worked," Iruka replied. "Kumogakure called off their war against us and focused their efforts on Iwagakure. I appears Iwagakure tried to use the situation to attack them. But according to our sources Iwa was defeated."
"Any word on Shikamaru," Naruto asked.
Iruka shook his head. "Things are still messy there. And we don't have a great relationship with Kumogakure. We have no idea yet who survived the battle. But we did hear that the Raikage may have been gravely injured."
"Which means we may not receive the help of Kumogakure," Homura said. "Especially with the way things stand politically, they have no reason to help us."
"If they don't want to see their world destroyed and under Madara's rule they'll help," Tsunade said.
"Besides," Konan said. "Akatsuki kidnapped and killed his brother, the Eighth Host. The Raikage will surely come just for the chance at revenge alone." Sakura looked at Konan as she said those words and then to Naruto. She could see him tense up slightly and though no one else seemed to notice it, she could feel a rage swell up within him.
"But that's not exactly being one hundred percent sure is it," Homura said.
"Are you saying we should assume my son has failed," Shikaku asked, slightly annoyed.
"I'm saying we can't assume he succeeded," Homura responded. "Betting on such a thing can lead to a foolish death."
"Betting on Shikamaru to fail is also an easy way to lose a bet," Naruto responded. "He'll get the job done."
"Even still, two days isn't enough time for Suna and Kumo to marshal their forces and make it here," Danzo replied. "Like it or not we will have to face this alone. Which brings us to you, Ao. You are from Kirigakure are you not? You're also one of the Fifth Mizukage's most trusted advisors. How did you escape Madara's coup?"
"It wasn't easy," Ao replied. "During the coup Madara himself had wounded me badly." Ao stood up and raised his shirt up, revealing the nasty scar that made its way horizontally across his entire chest under his rib cage.
"You survived a wound like that," Iruka asked.
"Barely," Ao said as he sat back down. "Thanks to the Fifth, she was able to move me out of Madara's reach and as she fought with him I was able to crawl away until two of our guards found me. Despite my pleas they insisted on getting me out before going to assist the Fifth. They took me to a hidden escape route in the mansion and once inside I was taken to get medical attention. I lost consciousness from that point and I awoke several days later in a refugee camp in the Land of Forests. Once I was strong enough I made my way to Amegakure and sought out Lady Arashikage."
"Why would you look for her," Tsunade asked.
"Since Pain's death Madara took control of Akatsuki personally and moved them out of Amegakure," Konan replied. "It was my belief that he had moved the organization to a hidden location in the Land of Water. The Mizukage and I had formed an alliance in the hopes of flushing them out."
"It was the only place I could think of to find aid," Ao responded.
"Alright," Danzo said. "We should begin deciding on how we should organize our forces."
Several hours went by as the group planned things out before the door to the meeting room finally opened. Danzo was the first to exit and Fu, along with several guards were waiting. "I want you to begin gathering every capable person we have in the village who can fight. Even if they are not trained ninja I want them gathered."
"We're going to use untrained citizens," Fu asked.
"Men, women, even children," Danzo said. "We can't afford to be picky in this situation. If they can hold a sword they will fight. If they refuse tell them they have one choice. They will either fight Akatsuki or be killed by Akatsuki. Now go."
Fu and the group quickly disappeared just as Konan arrived. "I'll be leaving to prepare my men," she said. Danzo and Konan shared a tense stare before each walked away.
Just then Naruto came running out. "Lady Konan," he yelled. "I need to speak to you."
"Of course Naruto-kun," she said. "How may I help you?"
"You said back there that Kisame Hoshigaki was the one most likely to have been sent to capture Kirabi sensei is that right," Naruto asked.
"Yes," she replied. "Of all the living Akatsuki members who would have been sent to capture him only Kisame could have done it alone."
"I see," Naruto said. "Can you tell me everything you know about him?"
As the room cleared out Sakura remained seated. She couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by all she had heard. Over the past few years she had gotten used to the constant fighting, but this was different. War, a real war, was finally coming to Konoha.
Sakura looked down at the notes she had taken from the meeting and began to read over them. During the meeting it had been decided that their forces be divided into six separate Divisions to handle specific missions during this battle. Sakura couldn't help but focus on the names of the people she knew in each division.
Division One was the Sensor Division. Their mission was to locate and recognize enemy locations and capabilities. The Captain was Ao of Kirigakure and Hinata, her sister Hanabi and Aburame Shibi were members of that company.
Fighters had been separated into three divisions. Division Two was the Close Range Fighter Division. Hyuga Hiashi was chosen to be Captain of that Division and Iruka, Might Guy and Konohamaru were part of the group.
Division Three is the Mid Range Fighter Division and is captained by Nara Shikaku and Izumo, Choji and his father Choza are members of that division.
Division Four is the Long Range Fighter Division which is captained by Yuhi Kurenai. TenTen, Inuzaka Hana, Nara Yoshino and Kotetsu will be in that division.
Division Five is the Special Operations Division that would deal with special threats and missions. Yamato was declared Captain and Sai, Aburame Shino, Ibiki and Inuzuka Tsume are members of the group.
Sakura paused as she came to final bit of notes she had on the group Divisions. The sixth and final division was the Medical Logistics Division. Almost all the medical ninja's were in this Division including Ino and Moegi. But it was the name next to Sixth Division Captain that caught her eye. Division Captain: Haruno Sakura.
Sakura sat back in her seat and took a deep measured breath. Why me, she thought. But she already knew the answer. Because she had asked the question out loud when she was made Captain during the meeting. Tsunade answered that she would be needed elsewhere and thanks to her training Sakura was the most qualified for the position.
And then there was Naruto, who hadn't been added to any of the Divisions at all. Danzo and the other elders wanted him to remain in the village and much to her surprise, Naruto actually agreed. He said there was another way that he could help them fight and he would speak to them later about his idea.
Sakura sighed deeply and got to her feet, gathered up her papers and left the room. As she entered into the hallway she saw Naruto and Lady Konan speaking in hushed tones a few yards away.
Sakura could see the tension and anger in Naruto's expressions. She couldn't hear what they were talking about but she knew it was upsetting him. Sakura was then able to make out one word. Naruto had said, "Kirabi." Instantly she knew what the topic was.
Sakura decided now wasn't the time to interfere with their conversation. Whatever Naruto and Konan were speaking about was not something for her to get in the middle of now. Besides, she had concerns of her own. She had a war to prepare for.
Meanwhile, out in the darkness of the night, in the deep dark woods, still many miles away, the sound of thousands of footsteps could be heard as thousands of men march towards Konoha, bent on its destruction. Like a wave it slowly consumed everything ahead of it on its march to destiny.
Akatsuki, in all its terrifying glory, is on the move.
End of Chapter Twenty One
Next Time: Konoha's Shield and the Will of Fire