INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to The Chronicles. As always I like to start by stating I do not own Naruto.

THANK YOU

I'd like to specially thank those who reviewed my previous chapter: ZeroTail29; melapoy; xDARKNESS; holydemon00; InARealPickle; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Corruptchaos; Diamond Man; MyHikari; stryker4narusaku; Sikai; hothead11; SofiaCullen22; Konoha's Crimson Fox; Dinesh; tdwtfan1899; SenninClaudio.

RESPONCES

ZeroTail29 - Lol! No Naruto is not anyones bitch. Except for Sakura. Lol! No problem. Anytime. I hope what I said helps.

melapoy - Lol! Yes, the cavalry is here. but will it be enough?

xDARKNESS - Yes, I am reaching the last chapters of my story. And don't worry, Danzo's pwnage is coming soon.

holydemon00 - One of the important things I wanted to portray was the idea that this war is large and encompassing everyone and everything. So I chose to show the perspective of the enemy at times as well so that you get the sense that these aren't just a bunch of un named cannon fodder but real people with ambitions. And yes, I too have noticed that no one uses the bow and arrow in Naruto. It seems like a simple weapon to add.

InARealPickle - Well, all I can say is the the chapter was completely different before I re-wrote it. And though I'm not 100% happy with it I do think it's a better version. Yes, I wanted to distiguish Kabumaru as very creepy and sick. And you haven't seen anything yet. Glad you're enjoying the story so far. I'll try to keep it up.

Kushina's - No offense but i hope all your ideas are wrong. I want to keep you guessing. Lol! You know I'm really glad so many liked the chapter. I think re-writing it was the best decision.

Diamond Man - Lol! Yeah, it was looking bleak for our heroes there for a while. But now the Alliance has arrived and things are about to turn. But the question is...how will Madara react. Well, if you hate Danzo so much I think you'll enjoy the next few chapters. Lol!

MyHikari - Lol! Glad you loved it.

stryker4narusaku - Lol! Thanx.

Sikai - Glad you liked it.

hothead11 - Hmm, I wonder if anyone else paid attention to the mention of the treasure? Seems like an important fact don't you?

SofiaCullen - Glad you enjoyed it.

Konoha's Crimson Fox - Hey Sasuke K. So you changed the name huh? I like it. Things are getting interesting indeed.

Dinesh - What? LotR? Where? Lol!

tdwtfan1899 - We'll learn about Naruto soon enough. And yes, I saved Sai. I like him and have plans for him. Lol!

SenninClaudio - Glad you're so excited for new chapters. I hope this new one lives up to your expectations.

MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR

Ok, so here is chapter 28. Sorry for missing last week. Like I told you guys, I decided to re-write several chapters completely and that has caused delays. I'm starting to get back on track and hopefully I can resume my weekly release schedule. Anyway, here is chapter 28. Please feel free to leave a review once done.

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book III: End of Innocence

Chapter XVIII: Alliance vs. Akatsuki

Ino remained silent as she stood watching Naruto. When he came to her and explained that he would need her help and what he needed her to do her initial reaction was happiness. She was happy to have to play such an important role in what she hoped would be a victory for her village. But it was now, standing here when she realized the enormity of what was expected of her. If she failed, everything would be lost.

It was at a time like this she wished she had something to do to occupy her mind so she wouldn't have to think about it. But she had no such luck. All she could do was watch and wait in silence. She might be standing near to Naruto but in reality she was alone, alone with her thoughts.

Just then, to her surprise Naruto burst into laughter. "What is it Naruto," she asked. "What's going on?"

Naruto stopped laughing and looked back at Ino with a grin and said, "It looks like Homura just lost a bet."

Ino stared at Naruto with a confused look as Naruto faced forward and couldn't wipe the smile from his face.

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

"Alright," the Raikage yelled as he addressed the large army. Standing next to him was Gaara and before them were the joint forces of Suna and Kumo. Several thousand ninja were ready to come to the aid of Konoha.

It wasn't easy to get here so soon. They had to push themselves, almost running non stop to arrive in the Land of Fire. "I will take half of the troops and lead them along the southern pass. The Kazekage will lead the other half though the north! Our mission is simple; kill every enemy we find until we can meet up with Konoha's forces! Do not hold back! Give it your all and we will achieve victory!"

The Raikage nodded at the Kazekage as the two forces went their separate ways. The Raikage and his forces began running through the woods, sprinting at top speed. As usual the Raikage remained at the front of his army choosing to set the pace. Once they reached another clearing the Raikage stopped and turned to his men. "Darui," he yelled.

Darui, a tall dark skinned man with white hair came forward. "Yes Lord Raikage," he answered.

"I want you and Omoi to take a small contingent and begin searching for Madara Uchiha," the Raikage said. "When you find him, do not engage him. He's far too dangerous. Send word to me and I will come to you! In the meantime I will take the rest of the main force and press through the enemy to Konoha."

"Yes sir," Darui said as he, Omoi and a small group of twenty ninja leapt off.

"The rest of you stay with me," The Raikage yelled as he ran, making a direct bee line for Konoha.

As the group sprinted through the woods the Raikage could hear movement up ahead. He quickly came to a stop and signaled his men to halt. The sounds of fighting, screams and explosions could be heard in the distance all around them, yet it seemed unnaturally quiet in their location.

Just then a kunai with an explosive tag came flying out of the shadows directly at the Raikage. In one smooth, impossibly quick motion, the Raikage grabbed the kunai out of the air and threw it back in the direction it came. Two bodies of Akatsuki ninja fell out of the tree as the kunai exploded. Dozens upon dozens of Akatsuki began leaping out of the trees heading right towards them.

"Hold your positions," the Raikage yelled as they found themselves in battle. More and more Akatsuki ninja continued to appear from all directions as Kumo's forces found themselves in heated combat.

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

"Temari, take out those archers," Gaara yelled as he pointed at fifteen archers standing on a low ridge above them. About four minutes after splitting with The Raikage's forces Gaara and his army were attacked by a large army of Akatsuki ninja.

Temari swung her large fan and created several blasts of heavy air currents that slashed into the archers killing them instantly. Behind her an Akatsuki ninja appeared ready to slice her in the back with his sword. Shikamaru arrived just in time and stabbed the ninja in the side and kicked him away. "Be more focused Temari," Shikamaru yelled as he ran towards another enemy.

Temari looked at Shikamaru as he attacked one enemy after another with a ferocity she didn't know he was capable of.

Shikamaru used a kunai to block one attack and drew another kunai and threw it into the back of another enemy. He then stepped away from the first attacker and waited for him to attack again. As the ninja closed in Shikamaru used one hand to create a hand sign and disappeared into the shadow of a Suna ninja standing nearby.

His attacker paused in shock only for Shikamaru to suddenly appear out of the shadow of that same ninja. Before the ninja could react Shikamaru stabbed him in the chest and pushed him to the ground. Before the ninja's corpse could hit the ground Shikamaru had already engaged a new enemy.

Some distance away Gaara watched as Shikamaru, methodically and coldly dispatched enemy after enemy. He's angry, Gaara thought to himself. These people caused the death of his sensei and another close friend. And now they are invading his home. It appears even someone as laid back as Nara Shikamaru can go on a rampage.

As Gaara saw more and more enemies continue flooding into the area he made a decision. Gaara made several hand signs and said, "Living Sand Nightmare." Sand began pouring out of his gourd and wound its way around his comrades and wrapping itself around the throats of all the Akatsuki ninja and began to tighten, suffocating every ninja there.

Satisfied that none of the enemies would cause any further problem, Gaara dispelled the jutsu and released the several hundred bodies that all landed with a thud. "All right," Gaara said. "Let's keep moving forward."

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

"Push them back," Shikaku yelled over the sounds of battle. About fifteen minutes ago he had received an answer to his request for additional troops. He still couldn't believe the Hokage had declined his request. Not only that but he instructed them to remain at the outpost despite the fact that they were out numbered severely. He's sacrificing us so that he can by time to fortify his defenses, Shikaku thought when he received that answer.

Despite the fact that the tactician within him could see sense in the plan, it didn't make it any easier to look into his comrades faces knowing that they had all been left to die. Never the less he had to spur them on. They had to fight as hard as they could for as long as they could. They had to hold the line. That was their mission now.

Shikaku punched one ninja and then slashed another with a kunai. Looking over the nearby crowd he could see more Akatsuki ninja pouring in through the shattered defensive walls they had erected. Choza was near the wall using his Multi-size technique to make himself grow. Choza and several Konoha ninja were desperately trying to kill as many ninja coming through the wall as possible. But Akatsuki were pouring through by the dozens, Shikaku knew they'd soon be over-run. Looking to Choji who had just defeated five enemies, Shikaku yelled, "Choji! I need you to clear a path to the wall! We need to get there to help your father!"

"Right," Choji yelled back as he made several hand signs and yelled, "Multi-Size Jutsu!" Choji's body grew incredibly large and then he said, "Follow me Tai-cho!" Choji's hair suddenly became very sharp and he yelled, "Spiked Human Bullet!" Choji tucked himself into a ball and rolled towards the wall at an incredible speed, crushing all the Akatsuki ninja in his path.

"Alright," Shikaku yelled. "Everyone follow me!" Shikaku along with several dozen ninja ran behind the path Choji was making towards the wall. Iruka, Guy and Konohamaru quickly joined him at the front of the group.

"Shikaku Tai-cho," Konohamaru yelled. "What's the plan!"

"First we get to the wall and push the enemy back," he yelled. "After that we go from there!"

Choza furiously swiped at every enemy in range as the last of his comrades who bravely fought by his side were cut down leaving him alone at the wall. Several Akatsuki ninja began to attack his legs hoping to bring him down and he screamed in pain as several large shuriken embedded themselves into his calf causing him to fall to one knee. Damn, he thought. Guess this is it. My time has come. Forgive me Shikaku, I've done all I can.

"Father," Choji yelled as his massive body rolled up crushing all the nearby enemies. Choza looked up to see his son helping him to his feet. "You're not dying today," Choji said with a smile.

Choza looked beyond Choji to see Shikaku and the remainder of soldiers screaming as they attacked the remaining Akatsuki Ninja. Choza smiled and let go of his son. "Right," he said as he and his son re-entered the battle.

Just outside the walls a man stood leaning against the tree in the shade, among the hundreds of Akatsuki ninja as they tried to force their way through. The man was incredibly tall and muscular with black cloth wrapped around his fists and arms. He wore a black, sleeveless, tattered shirt and black loose fitting pants. Strapped on his back was a large zanbato, fashioned after The Great Beheader. The hilt of the sword was wrapped in black clothe and the blade was buffed to a high shine so that it gleamed in the sun light.

"Tch," the man said as he stared at the scene before him with growing anger. He watched as the relatively small group of Konoha ninjas tore his men apart and he could feel a heat growing in his brain. I swear I've been put in charge of the dumbest Division in all Akatsuki, he thought as he watched his men die.

"Hey you idiots," he yelled to everyone in ear shot. "Form ranks! I said form ranks! Damn what a pain in the ass." All of the men stopped and quickly fell in line as the Konoha ninja dealt with the last remaining Akatsuki Ninja. "Now, let's do this right," the large man yelled.

As the last of the Akatsuki ninja fell Shikaku, Konohamaru and the rest stared out of the large hole in the wall and saw the remaining Akatsuki ninja waiting in organized ranks. "What are they waiting for," Guy asked.

"Their preparing themselves for one full forced offensive," Shikaku said. This is it, he thought. They're readying to hit us with everything they have. Shikaku looked around at the remaining rag tag group of ninja he had at his disposal. Everyone was tired and had various injuries. He wanted to say something inspirational but there was little value in it. There was no way they would survive the next onslaught and they all knew it.

Shikakau looked to Konohamaru and said, "Konohamaru, you and Choji should head back and send word of what's happening here."

Konohamaru stared at Shikaku for a moment before looking at Choji. Choji nodded and then both boys looked at Shikaku with steely stares. "With all due respect Tai-cho we won't be able to follow that order," Konohamaru said.

"Yes," answered Choji. "We know what you're really trying to do and we appreciate it. But we will stay and fight."

Shikaku, Iruka, Guy and Choza stared at the boys for a moment and they couldn't help but smile. "All right," Shikaku said. "Then let's kick Akatsuki's ass! Choza, you and Choji will stand on each side of the hole and the rest of us will fan out in the middle. We remain no further than arms length apart and we must not get pushed away from each other. Strike fast and move on to the next target! Understand!"

Everyone quickly got into their formation as they saw the Akatsuki ninja begin to yell and scream in an effort to intimidate them. Then for a moment there was nothing but silence, until they heard someone within the Akatsuki army yell for them to attack and then they took off, sprinting at the wall at top speed.

"All right everyone," Shikaku yelled as he braced himself. "Remember what I said! Stay no more that arms length away from each other! We can do this!"

The Akatsuki ninja crashed into them like a wave that almost knocked them all back. Instantly each of them were caught in a life or death battle with three or more ninja. The sound of steel on steel rung out in the air. The smell of blood and sweat was everywhere and the sounds of death was deafening.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu," Shikaku yelled as his shadow stretched out and merged with the shadows of ten ninja. He then forced them to face each other and stab each other in the chest.

Guy opened the Seventh Gate and used his incredible speed to overwhelm the enemy. He was ducking, blocking and dodging any attack and knocking away enemies with a single punch or kick.

Choza and Choji remained by the wall, using their massive size to prevent too many enemies from pouring through the opening and overwhelming them. Meanwhile they proceeded to swat away enemies like flies.

Iruka and Konohamaru worked in tandem, watching each others backs and fighting off any and all enemies.

The tall ninja remained leaning against the tree as he watched the scene play out before him. He was impressed that such a small group could hold off hundreds of trained soldiers. The ninja of Konoha are very impressive indeed, he thought. But he could see that they were wearing down and in time they would lack the energy to keep fighting.

The man looked into the sky and saw the moon slowly approaching the sun. "Ah," the man said. "I was instructed to take Konoha by the time of the solar eclipse. At this rate that'll never happen. Damn, I hate having to work."

The man stood up straight and slowly began to walk towards the battle. He lazily walked over the rubble that was once the defensive wall Konoha had erected and slowly walked into the middle of where everyone was fighting. For a while he merely stood and watched and saw Shikaku shouting orders while he fought off wave after wave of enemies. That one, the man thought. That one is the key.

Three ninja leapt off the unbroken portion of the wall at Choza, who saw them coming and slapped them away in mid air. Choza then looked down and saw the tall man staring at Shikaku. The man was slowly drawing his weapon and Choza could feel a murderous intent coming from the man.

Choza decided to strike first and used his open hand and struck down at the man, intent on crushing him. Choza smiled, believing to have finished the man off when, to his surprise, he felt something under his hand pushing it up. It was the man, who was pushing Choza off of him using only one hand.

What, Choza thought. How can he be stronger than me in this form! He's pushing me off with one hand! Choza began to use all his might to crush the man but still the man continued to push Choza back. The man then used his sword and slashed Choza across the forearm. Choza screamed as he recoiled and grabbed his open wound.

"Father," Choji yelled as he fought away more Akatsuki ninja as he desperately tried to get to his father. Angered, Choza tried to attack the man with his one good hand. He threw a punch at the man only for him to disappear right before his eyes.

The man reappeared right by Choza's feet and sliced him straight through his leg. Choza screamed and fell back onto the floor and clutched at his leg.

"Father," Choji yelled as he reached his father. "Are you all right?"

"Choji," Shikaku yelled. "Remember what I said! Keep fighting!"

But it was too late, distracted by his father, the Akatsuki ninja pounced, slicing Choji in the arm and leg. Choji yelled in pain and turned to face him. Choji quickly made his hair grow long and spiked and tucked into a ball and attempted to run the man over but again the man disappeared and reappeared behind Choji.

Choji stopped rolling, un-tucked himself and threw a punch and again the man disappeared and reappeared away from Choji's attack.

"Who is that guy," Shikaku asked.

"I heard one of the Akatsuki ninja call him Tai-cho," Konohamaru answered.

"So he's their captain huh," Iruka said. "What is that technique? Is it teleportation?"

"No," Guy responded. "It's pure speed. He's just moving so fast we can't see it. Even I can barely keep up."

Choji again tried to attack but this time the man disappeared and re-appeared on Choji's shoulder and slashed through Choji's neck. Choji's screamed and grasped at his neck as blood poured out. The man leapt off just as Choji began to shrink to normal size and fell on his back.

"Choji," Konohamaru yelled as he tried to run to him only to have Shikaku pull him back.

"No Konohamaru,' Shikaku yelled. "That's just what he wants you to do. He didn't kill Choza because he wanted Choji to run to him without thinking. Then he was able to take advantage. If you run to Choji now, he'll cut you down."

"So how do we stop someone who moves that fast," Iruka asked.

Shikaku looked at the man and then said, "Wait, I know who you are. There were rumors that there was an assassin from The Land of Valleys that had somehow mastered Body Flicker to an unprecedented level. I believe his name was Wind Walker Shojimaru."

Shojimaru turned and looked back lazily at them. "I don't suppose I could convince you to give up and let my men kill you could I," he asked. "Doing things this way is a lot of work. What a pain."

"Alright," Shikaku said. "I think I have a plan for taking this guy out…"

Before Shikaku could finish, Shojimaru appeared right in the middle of them and swung his large sword, slicing Iruka in the chest and Konohamaru in the arm. Guy and Shikaku were just fast enough to dodge and rolled out of the way. "Damn," Shojimaru said. "Can't you guys stay still? I hate having to work this hard. Damned pain in the ass."

Shikaku remained in a ready stance and said, "Iruka! Konohamaru! Are you two alright!"

"Yes," Iruka said as he struggled to his feet. "My flack jacket absorbed some of the attack."

"I'm fine," Konohamaru responded as he held his hand over the wound on his arm.

"Guy," Shikaku said. "Can you keep up with him!"

Guy stared at the man and looked deep into his eyes. He couldn't help but notice the complete disinterest in the man's eyes. It was as if he would much rather sleep than be here. "Yes," Guy said as burst into a sprint at the man. With Seven Gates opened I should be able to move as fast as him, Guy thought as he closed in on the man.

Guy threw a punch at Shojimaru's face that just missed him and then followed with kick that also just missed. Again and again Guy threw punches and kicks from different angles that continued to miss. Guy finally leapt back to make space and threw a kunai at Shojimaru that forced him to step aside. Shojimaru saw Shikaku move out of the corner of his eye and he threw his sword high into the sky.

Suddenly Shojimaru found that he couldn't move and he looked down he saw that his shadow was now attached to Shikaku's. "Shadow Imitation Jutsu complete," Shikaku said.

At that same moment Guy fired his Afternoon Tiger and it hurtled towards Shojimaru.

"Shikaku, look out," Iruka screamed as he leapt towards him. Above Shikaku was Shojimaru's sword that was hurtling down towards him. Iruka pushed Shikaku out of the way but screamed in pain as the sword sliced through his side.

With Shikaku's concentration broken, his jutsu was broken and Shojimaru used his speed to dodge the Afternoon Tiger and kicked Guy squarely in the ribs, shattering them and sending his body airborne and crashing to the ground.

"Rasengan," Konohamaru yelled as he attacked Shojimaru from behind. But still he was too fast as he quickly turned and with a simple hand gesture, knocked Konohamaru's arm away causing the Rasengan to strike the ground.

Before he could recover, Shojimaru kicked Konohamaru in the side of the head launching into the dirt, knocking him out cold. Shojimaru then looked around at his handiwork. Every one of the Konoha ninja were either dead, dying or too injured to fight. All but one. Shikaku got to his feet and prepared to fight.

Shojimaru began to slowly walk towards him like a lion stalking its prey. Shikaku still couldn't get passed the lazy, uninterested look on the man's face. He seemed a walking contradiction. He was faster and stronger than anyone he'd ever seen yet he seemed even lazier than his son.

Shikaku quickly made several hand signs and his shadow began to expand towards Shojimaru. With a burst of speed Shojimaru sidestepped the shadow and again Shikaku launched his attack and again Shojimaru dodged. This happened again and again as Shojimaru got closer and closer.

Realizing he just wasn't fast enough Shikaku drew two kunai just as Shojimaru pulled his sword from the ground next to a fallen Iruka. Shikaku lunged forward hoping to catch Shojimaru off guard but he was still too fast and Shojimaru sidestepped the attack and sliced Shikaku deeply in his stomach.

Guy groaned as he struggled to get to his feet. He clutched as his chest as every breath he took he could feel a sharp pain. It was the familiar feeling of having broken ribs. One kick, Guy thought. He defeated me with one kick? Damn!

As his vision cleared Guy saw the man counter and cut deep into Shikaku. No, Guy thought as he fought to get to his feet. His legs were like heavy weights and his entire body was wracked with pain. The effects of opening the Seventh Gate are wearing off. My only shot at getting there in time would be to open the Eighth Gate. But that would mean…

Shikaku felt the dull ache in his stomach as blood poured from his open wound. His vision suddenly began to darken as he stumbled forward before dropping to his knees. Shikaku spat up blood and looked at his hands as they were covered in his blood.

Guy began to concentrate, desperately trying to open the Eighth Gate in time to get to Shikaku. He saw Shojimaru walk up behind a kneeling Shikaku and raise his sword. Just as Guy as about to activate the Eighth Gate he saw something that made him stop in his tracks and stare in amazement.

Shojimaru raised his sword intent on beheading the ninja knelt before him but as he tried to swing his sword he found it wouldn't move. When he looked back he was shocked to see a small tower of sand extending from the ground all the way up and engulfing his sword. "What the…," he yelled in shock. But as he looked beyond the sword he saw something far more shocking.

A large army of what appeared to be Sunagakure ninja were dispatching the remainder of his division and looming above everyone, standing on a large wall made of sand that was twice as high as any tree in the area was a red haired man with a gourd strapped to his back. "The Kazekage of the Sand," Shojimaru whispered in astonishment.

Within seconds Shojimaru found himself surrounded by Sunagakure forces including the renowned Puppet Master Kankuro. Shojimaru let got of the sword as he knew there would be no point in trying to pull it free. The sand had hardened to stone at it was not going to budge. Shojimaru looked at Kankuro and the other ninja. He then looked up at the Kazekage who remained atop his wall. His arms folded, he continued to glare directly at Shojimaru. The message, in his silence was clear.

"All right," Shojimaru said with a bored expression on his face as he raised his hands. "I give up. All this was too much work anyway."

******A few minutes later******

Shikaku opened his eyes and got up with a start. "What," he yelled as it took him a moment to remember where he was and what had happened.

He then felt someone's hand gently ease him back down. When he looked he saw a smiling, yet unfamiliar face of a Suna ninja. "You should settle down," the man said. "We're still trying to treat your wounds."

"Who are you," Shikaku asked. "What's going on?"

It was then he heard another voice. But this time it was very familiar. "You should listen to my medic Nara Shikaku," Gaara said as he walked up next him. "You may be awake but you still need treatment."

"The Kazekage," Shikaku said in shock. "You're forces have arrived?" Shikaku closed his eyes and took a deep sigh. "Thank God." He then opened his eyes and sat up again and yelled, "But what about Choza and the others?" Shikaku felt a sharp pain in his stomach and again the medic helped guide him back down.

"Do that again and I'll have no choice but to sedate you," the medic said, clearly annoyed.

"They are all fine," Gaara replied. "Iruka, Guy, Konohamaru, Choji and his father are all alive. Choji and his father were the most seriously hurt but our medics are working on them. I've also used my sand to repair and reinforce your defenses. And most of my army is out clearing the enemy from the area. Once the injured are able to be moved we'll march to Konoha."

Shikaku smiled and said, "My son, where is he?"

"Not here," Gaara said. "Before we made it here I broke a part of my forces off and sent them to clear out enemies in another area. Shikamaru and my sister are leading that group."

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

Shikamaru bent down over the dead body of a Konoha ninja and closed her eyes. He recognized her from Konohamaru's graduating class. Hibari, he thinks her name was. Shikamaru took a deep breath and stood up. All around, scattered about were dead Konoha ninja. Many were clearly very young and some of the older ones didn't really have the look of a seasoned warrior. It was clear some of these people were just citizens turned cannon fodder.

The King, Shikamaru thought. My mission, above all others, is to protect the King. Shikamaru clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he stared at the young girls face. Slowly the sounds of battle jarred him out of his deep thought as Shikamaru looked up and saw Temari and her soldiers doing battle with the Division of Akatsuki they had intercepted.

Shikamaru suddenly burst into a dead sprint towards a group of four Akatsuki ninja. One was tall and muscular and carried a large axe. Another was thin and carried a rapier. The two others appeared like average ninja. He drew a kunai in each hand as he closed in and leapt high into the sky. The four ninja saw him and quickly tried to defend themselves. While in the air Shikamaru threw one of the kunai at one of the ninja who had a large axe in his hands.

The ninja blocked it only to realize it had an explosive tag on it. The four ninja leapt out of the way in time and as they landed the thin ninja with the rapier stood face to face with Shikamaru. The man immediately attacked with his sword forcing Shikamaru to block his attacks again and again.

Another ninja moved in behind him armed with a kunai and tried to stab him in the back while the one with the rapier lunged forward hoping to stab him in the heart. Shikamaru deftly sidestepped the attack and grabbed the man by the wrist and pulled him forward. The rapier stabbed the ninja behind Shikamaru cleanly through, killing him. Shikamaru then kicked the ninja with the rapier away and threw his kunai into the chest of the third ninja who was sprinting towards him.

This left only the large man with the axe that quickly closed in and swung his giant axe at Shikamaru's neck. Shikamaru ducked under the attack and then rolled back to put space between him and the hulking man. Again the man ran at Shikamaru and swung his axe down hoping to cleave him in half. Shikamaru back flipped high in the sky, landing a good distance away. He quickly made several hand signs and his shadow shot out towards the man.

Having seen Shikamaru's jutsu before the man leapt surprisingly high in the sky and rolled to the left allowing Shikamaru's shadow to miss his own. As soon as the man landed he grinned and sprinted at Shikamaru. "Too bad you missed the mark," he yelled. "Now you're dead!"

Much to the man's surprise Shikamaru sprinted towards him and with an empty hand, made a stabbing motion towards the large man just as his axe came down only to stop inches from Shikamaru's forehead.

The man's mouth hung agape as he made little wheezing sounds. As he looked down he saw a rapier sticking out of his chest. He then looked beyond the sword to the ground where he saw Shikamaru's shadow extended out towards him but went around his shadow and behind him. As he looked around he saw that Shikamaru's shadow was attached to his Akatsuki comrade who used the rapier.

"I didn't miss my target," Shikamaru said as the large man dropped his axe and fell to his knees. Shikamaru motioned as though he was pulling the sword from the man's chest and the other ninja followed suit, pulling his sword out of the large man's back.

Shikamaru then motioned as though he was turning the sword to face himself and the ninja with the rapier followed suit turning the blade so that the point of it was now pointed at his own heart. The man burst into a cold sweat as he looked at Shikamaru with frightened pleading eyes. He seemed on the verge of tears. Shikamaru, for his part, stared at him coldly and motioned as though he was stabbing himself.

The man followed as well and made a small scream as he stabbed himself through the heart. Shikamaru released his shadow binding technique and the man fell with a thud. Shikamaru then looked back at the large man who was still kneeling before him. Blood trickled from his mouth as his eyes began to roll up into his head. "Well," he said. "What are you waiting for? Finish me."

Shikamaru glared at him and then grabbed the man by the face. "I would," Shikamaru said as he pushed the man to the ground. "If you were worth the trouble."

Shikamaru stepped over the man and walked towards Temari who had just finished off the last of the Akatsuki ninja in the area. "You alright," she asked.

"I will be once this is all over," Shikamaru said. "We should gather your men and keep moving."

Just then they heard yelling coming from just ahead and a group of two dozen Akatsuki ninja came running through the trees at them. Temari and her men readied themselves when Shikamaru signaled for them to stand down and walked ahead of them.

Seeing Shikamaru calmly standing alone in front caused the Akatsuki ninja's to stop and wait thinking this was some type of trap. What the hell are you up to Shikamaru, Temari wondered as she looked on.

Shikamaru then removed the metallic object strapped to his lower back and said, "If there any among you who don't want to die I suggest you leave now. I will give you this one chance."

A kunai came flying from the group of Akatsuki and landed between Shikamaru's feet. Shikamaru looked at it and then looked at the group as they now cautiously advanced on him. "Why don't they ever listen," Shikamaru whispered as he shook his head.

He then flicked his wrist and the metallic object expanded until it was revealed to be a large shuriken. Each blade on the shuriken was wrapped in thin brown rope. Shikamaru then threw it at the advancing group of enemies who paused prepared to block the attack. But much to their surprise the shuriken arched up at the last minute and flew above them. At the same time the rope on the blades loosened and it looked like a spinning net above them.

"Is that it," one of the Akatsuki ninja said as he laughed. It was then he and the other ninjas looked down to see the large spinning shadow the weapon above them caused and they looked up to see Shikamaru make several hand signs.

"This is a special jutsu I created," Shikamaru said. "Ninja Art: Infinite Darkness." Suddenly the large shadow cast by Shikamaru's specially crafted shuriken began to expand like ink. All of the Akatsuki ninja stopped in their tracks and watched as the shadow expanded until it took the shape of a large circle that surrounded them all. Then to their combined horror, the shadow began to rise like baking bread and as it did they all realized that the shadow was consuming them.

Panicked, they began to pull free and tried to jump away with no avail. The rising shadow was like glue and they could feel it pulling them within its dark depths. The shadow began to rise higher and higher as it pulled all of the Akatsuki ninja into it until the last of them, screaming and grasping at anything that would save him from his fate, disappeared into a sphere.

Shikamaru remained in his stance, concentrating and drenched in sweat. Satisfied, he released the jutsu and the sphere shrank and disappeared, leaving no trace that anyone was ever there. The large shuriken fell to the floor with a clang.

Temari walked up to Shikamaru and caught him as he lost his balance. She could see in his face that this jutsu, whatever it is, required a massive amount of chakra. "What was that," she asked.

In between large gasps he said, "That….was something….I hoped I'd never…..have to use."

As strength returned to Shikamaru he let go of Temari and stood up under his own power and slowly began to make his way towards the pre-determined meet up point. "What happened to them," she asked as she and her men followed behind.

"Trust me Temari," Shikamaru said. "That's something you don't want to know."

******Meanwhile – Konoha – War Room******

"Really," Inoichi asked excitedly. "Are you certain?" A few moments later Inoichi removed the headgear from his head and got up and quickly made his way over to the where the elders and Hokage were. "Lady Fifth we've just received amazing news," he said.

"What is it," Tsunade asked.

"A unified alliance of Sunagakure and Kumogakure forces have arrived and have engaged Akatsuki," Inoichi said happily.

"What," Homura yelled as he got to his feet. "They actually made it in time?"

"Yes Homura-sama," Inoichi responded. "In fact they've already dispatched the enemy at our Western borders. The Kumo army, led by the Raikage himself, has met up with Yamato and the rest of our forces to the west. And we've just received word from Shikaku that the Kazekage and his forces helped them secure our Eastern borders!"

"It's a miracle," Koharu said as she seemed on the verge of tears. Meanwhile the entire room burst into cheers at hearing the news.

Tsunade turned to where Danzo sat and said, "Well Danzo, it seems….." Tsunade stopped when she noticed Danzo wasn't there. She began to look around and found no trace of him. "Quiet," she yelled to calm every one down. "Where is Danzo? Has anyone seen him? Did anyone see him leave?"

Everyone looked around but no one answered. "Homura, Koharu," Tsunade said. "I don't know about you, but Danzo's actions have been suspicious as of late. And now with what we know about his decision with ROOT and leaving secretly I think we need to find him and find out just what he's been up to."

Homura seemed to think things over as if he was reluctant to do what he knew needed to be done. "I agree," Koharu said. "Homura, we've given Danzo free reign to change things in Konoha because we thought his way would be best. But perhaps we've given him too much freedom. We owe it to the village to at least investigate."

Homura looked at Tsunade and Koharu and after a moment said, "Fine. Let's find Danzo. And once this thing is over we'll see if he is involved with Akatsuki."

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

"Are you satisfied now Madara," Sasuke said mockingly. "You're arrogance has left us reeling. Instead of just taking care of business you insisted on toying with them and now look. Are you surprised that you've so far failed spectacularly?"

Madara remained silent as he stared out over the horizon. After a few moments he said, "The only thing that surprises me is how highly incompetent the people around me are proving to be. But never the less, this latest development changes nothing. I never expected my army to defeat Konoha. Eventually the Nine Tails would have gotten involved and likely changed the tide. I wanted to force him to get involved and enter the battle field and make it easier to get him. But this new development is meaningless. This just accelerates my plans."

Madara then turned and walked past Sasuke and Karin and up to the large imposing statue looming over them. "Come Sasuke," he said. "It's time."

Sasuke sighed and walked up to the statue as a concerned Karin looked on. Sasuke's Sharingan suddenly turned grey and ripple patterns emanated from the pupils. "Alright," Sasuke said. "Let's bring hell to Konoha."

******A few moments later******

Yamato smiled and took a deep breath as he sat on the large boulder. He couldn't believe his luck. A few minutes ago Akatsuki's forces were breaking through the last of their defenses and things were looking bleak. The next thing he knew The Raikage and the rest of his army was attacking Akatsuki from the rear and within moments, Akatsuki's forces had been defeated.

And if that wasn't enough he had just received word from headquarters that Sunagakure had also arrived and helped repel Akatsuki's forces over by the Eastern borders. Yamato wiped some of the dirt and grime from his face and smiled as he watched his men, standing side by side with Kumo, celebrating their victory.

But there was still much to do. Yamato got to his feet and was walking over to the Raikage when he heard a deep rumbling in the distance. The entire ground shook violently as everyone grew silent. "What the hell was that," Yamato asked.

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

Sakura paused as the last tremor died down. The entire medical unit went deathly quiet as she got to her feet and looked out towards the distance. Even Sai, who had fallen asleep, sat up in his bed and looked about. Everyone remained deathly quiet until they heard a deep roar in the distance. Followed by another and another and another.

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

Tsunade, Homura and Koharu were talking amongst themselves as they were trying to organize a party to search for Danzo. Inoichi waited patiently when he heard several roars in the distance. Turning to the window his mouth hung open as everyone in the room slowly began to look out of the large windows in shock.

Inoichi turned to the elders who were so engrossed in their planning that they had yet to notice what was happening outside. "Lady Fifth," Inoichi said. His voice was low and breaking under the shock of what he was seeing. Unfortunately his voice was too low to be heard. "Lady Fifth," he said again but Tsunade and the elders continued to talk. "My Lady," Inoichi screamed that finally got her attention.

"What is it Inoi…..chi," Tsunade and the other two elders stared out of the bay windows with a mix of amazement and utter terror at what they saw in the distance. The entire room shook from the force of their roars.

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

Naruto remained completely still, glowing bright red with chakra. It was then he heard the excited voice of the Nine Tails. "Boy! It's time! It's time to put your insane plan into motion!"

Naruto slowly opened his eyes and calmly looked out across the large expanse of land where he saw in the distance the silhouettes of four incredibly large creatures. "I hope you're ready boy," the Nine Tails yelled. "They're here!"

End of Chapter Twenty Eight

Next Time: Wrath of the Biju

"...But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men..."

The Curse...is coming.