INTRODUCTION

Thanks for returning to the Chronicles! As alwats i like to begin by saying i don't own Naruto.

THANK YOU

A special thanks to all those who reviewed my latest chapter: GravenImage; Vorgonaz; R3Galia; Maxslayer10; MegaF0nz; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Maliousdei; Sayona13; Foxsage; Michael the Archangel; Silent Bunshin; Sasuke K.

REPLIES

GravenImage: Glad you liked it.

Vorgonaz: Glad you liked the action and drama of the last chapter. The drama especially was something I wanted to get right. Sasuke's Susanoo has yet to be complete in the Manga. And long reviews are not a problem at all.

R3galia: It's coming out now. :)

maxslayer10: One word: Thanks. :P Glad everything worked for you there. I think at this point I've nailed th personalities of the characters. Hopefully I'll be able to stay on course.

Kushina's: Yeah it was kinda short. Only cuz I kinda answered your questions in the replies prior and to give any more would give too much of the plot going forward. :P Hope you don't mind. Depressing? I don't see it that way. I saw it as a triumph of Sakura finally showing her strength and that she can hang with the big boys. If that was her final moments then it was one to be proud of in my book. Will Chronicles become The Dark Knight II? Only time will tell. Lol

Maliousdei: Can't wait to read what you come up with. No one has plot armour in my story. Everyone is expendable. It's like watching 24 (the show if you're familiar).

Sayona13: Not even the awesome power of Oprah can stop me!! No one can!! Except maybe my mom. -.- Glad you liked Sasuke vs Sakura. I really wanted to highlight her growth. Seeing as so many choose not to do so. Kishi included unfortunately. BTW, 25!! Now I sir have the record!! :P

Foxsage: Thanks for the quick review. And Peace to you my friend.

Michael: Hmmm, an interesting concept. It would definatly make for an interesting read. But considering I'm trying for a more realistic story I'm not sure how realistic it would be to have Naruto suddenly succumb to even the evil of the Juubi. But thanks dude. And don't worry this fic is getting darker. That I can guarantee.

Silent Bunshin: Short? This was one of the longest chapters I've ever written in either book?! Awwww, now I'm depressed. :(.............Ok I just had some Kool Aid, I'm happy again. Can't be sad after drinking some Kool Aid. :)

Sasuke K: Thanks dude.

Ok, so here is chapter 18 of my fic. So you know next week will be the final chapter of Book 2. After which this story will be on hiatus for a few months. Sorry. Please remember to review my story. Thanks for stopping by!

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Eighteen: Choices

Kumogakure – Office of the Raikage – Early Afternoon

The Raikage sat in his office with several of his advisors as they covered several issues regarding the ongoing war. "So Lord Raikage," one grey haired man said. "Two of our units in the Land of Grass indicate they engaged and defeated a large unit of Konoha shinobi while taking minimal loses. They are slowly making their way to the target. However we have lost contact with our Red Two Unit out in the Land of Sound. We dispatched scouts to locate them but we fear they were killed at this point."

"I see," the Raikage said as he considered his options. "Do we have any other units rested and ready to go?"

"Yes," the advisor said, "Units Black Three and Blue One can move at any time. Where would you like them placed?"

"Send Black Three along with the scouts to the Land of Sound," The Raikage said. If Red Two has been killed or captured by Konoha they will need to be replaced immediately anyway. Send Unit Blue One out to the North Eastern borders of Konoha. I want everything shored up there in time for our final invasion."

The Raikage then looked towards one of his other advisors, a short heavy man with dark skin and a bulbous nose. "Tell me Gintama," he asked, "how goes it with Sunagakure?"

Gintama shook his head and frowned. "Not well my Lord. With so much of our resources committed to crushing Konoha we are not faring as well against Suna. Fortunately at this point Suna's forces against us has been sparing at best. I believe you were right in your assumption that their Kazekage's heart isn't in this war. Hopefully we can continue to hold them off but if that were to change and they attack us hard, I can guarantee nothing."

The Raikage sat forward in his chair and seemed prepared to answer when they heard a knock at his door. "Come in," the Raikage said and as it opened Omoi walked in and immediately dropped to one knee.

"My apologies for the intrusion Lord Raikage," he said, "but we just received word I believe you should be made aware of. Our scouts out near Iwagakure have reported a large military force was dispatched this morning from the village."

Immediately the Raikage and the others in the room grew tense. The room filled with the low whispers of the advisors as the spoke. "Have you any idea how large an army has been dispatched or to where they may be headed," the Raikage asked.

"At this point it is too soon to tell where their headed my Lord," Omoi said. "But our men have indicated they believe it to be the majority of Iwakagaure's army."

Hearing this threw the room into near chaos as theories where thrown about by the advisors anywhere from Iwagakure deciding to close and secure it's borders due to the war to Iwagakure joining forces with one of their two enemy countries.

Realizing he needed to say something to calm his people the Raikage stood up. "Listen," he said, "at this point there is no point in jumping to conclusions. As Gintama here suggested for all we know Iwagakure has sent its forces out to secure its borders for fear that our war spill out to their lands.

"However," he continued, "if they have indeed joined with one of our enemies we will meet them with the full force of our army! We will crush them!"

"But our armies are already thin," one panicked advisor said, "If Iwagakure has decided to attack us now it could prove devastating!"

"Calm yourselves," The Raikage said in a seemingly impatient tone. "We are Kumogakure. We have the strongest army in the entire ninja world. If the worst comes we will persevere. Now if you would please, I need time alone to consider things."

The Raikages' advisors looked at each other warily and rose to their feet and began to file out the door. Omoi rose to his feet and turned to leave when the Raikage said, "Not you Omoi. I want you to stay a moment."

Once the advisors had left and the door shut the Raikage walked around the desk to the window. For long moment he stared out the window at the village below. His hands were clasped behind him and he stood rigid like that of a soldier.

"Tell me Omoi," he asked, "how is my brother? It's been years since I've been able to talk with him. He's a bit of a dumbass but I must admit that I miss him."

Omoi knew now that the Raikage was more troubled than he let on earlier. Years ago, when attacked by Akatsuki, his brother had faked his own death. Of course, the Raikage eventually learned the truth of this but instead of exposing his brothers lie he decided that may be beast to continue the ruse. It would allow him to finally hide his brother away and out of danger while dealing with the Akatsuki menace. But doing so would mean not seeing his brother….ever….for fear of the lie being exposed.

The Raikage and his brother were legendary for their arguments that would often come to blows. But few knew that during times of great stress or when a great decision had to be made it was to his brother the Raikage would turn for advice. Now that source was gone. And now during these times all the Raikage could do was think of his brother and wonder what his advice would be.

"You know Haichibi-sama my Lord," Omoi said. "He is as high strung as usual. He also spends his time working on his stupid songs and he even finds time to train surprisingly."

The Raikage laughed a little when thinking of him but his smile faded quickly. "I was hoping to handle this without bringing my brother into this. Perhaps I was naïve to think I could destroy Akatsuki and win a war all on my own. My near sightedness in this situation may have brought us to a desperate situation. But what is done cannot be undone."

Looking to Omoi with a dark expression the Raikage said, "Send word to my brother of what has been happening. Inform him that if Iwagakure has chosen to enter this war we will have no choice, but to call on his assistance."

Meanwhile – Kirigakure – Office of the Mizukage

Madara stood in the large room inspecting the items on the small medical table. The room was large with tons of shelves lining the walls. On the shelves were lines of jars containing eyes floating in liquid. The room was lit with a few candles giving the place a cold sterile feeling.

Madara stood inspecting one of the eyes when Zetsu rose from the ground. "Lord Madara," he said. "I've received word from the outpost in the Land of Sound that three intruders infiltrated the base. Apparently they were from Konoha."

Madara looked at Zetsu with a look of concern, "Were they able to find out what that place truly is? Were they able to escape?"

"At this time I haven't heard anything from the Out Post," Zetsu said. "From what our spy has learned Muramasa may have lost control of the Biju and slaughtered everyone, even our own people."

"I see," Madara said. "Perhaps it was too much to expect someone like Muramasa to be able to control a Biju. I want you to head there immediately and find out what's going on."

"Of course my Lord," Zetsu said. "My Lord where is Sasuke? I was under the impression he would be remaining here until his next mission."

"He went to go see his brother," Madara said. "In fact he went to go get something from his brother."

Kirigakure – Office of the Mizukage – Medical Ward - Several Hours ago

Madara looked at Sasuke with slight amazement at what he'd just said. Sasuke was sitting on a medical table as Karin worked to heal him. "I'm sorry Sasuke," Madara said, "but what did you just say?"

"I want you to implant Itachi's eyes into mine," Sasuke said.

"I knew your eyesight had begun to fail you Sasuke," Madara said with a hint of surprise, "but I never thought it was this bad already. You told me for years you weren't interested in such a thing."

"Things change Madara," Sasuke said. "The truth is my fight with Sakura has shown me something. It's shown me that no matter what I do Naruto always stands in my way. Even during that fight he was there. To destroy Konoha I first have to destroy Naruto. And to destroy Naruto I will need to be at full power. It won't be as easy as it was next time."

Madara looked at him silently for a while. "Ok," he said finally, "I can have everything ready for the procedure within two hours."

"No," Sasuke said. "There's one last thing I need to get from my brother first. Once Karin is finished healing my wounds I'll be heading to his grave sight."

"All right then," Madara said, "I'll be ready when you return, Sasuke."

Kirigakure – Office of the Mizukage – Now

"I see," Zetsu said. "You must be quite pleased with the turn of events Lord Madara. Sasuke has come around quicker than you expected."

"Yes," Madara said smiling, "I must admit his turn around was so sudden it surprised even me." Madara gently put the eyes back in the liquid container and sealed it. They're ready, he thought as he looked at them. Itachi, all that you have fought to prevent will come to pass regardless. And Sasuke will accomplish it while staring through your eyes. He then placed the container back on the empty space on the shelf.

Madara then picked up his mask and put it back on. "Once Sasuke has Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan I will be able to begin the final phase of my plans. That said, I should see about setting the other wheel into motion."

"You mean the Nine Tails," Zetsu asked. "I don't see why you should do such a thing when I could easily handle it myself."

"No," Madara said, "going to him in person would be too dangerous for you. He's too strong. Besides, I've been anxious to do this since he was able to defeat Nagato. You head to the Sound. I will speak to Uzumaki Naruto myself."

Meanwhile - Sunagakure – Office of the Kazekage

"Gaara," Temari screamed as she slammed open the door to his office. 'I'm tired of you giving me the runaround and avoiding me!"

Suddenly Temari came to a halt as she saw Kankuro, Baki and Matsuri staring back at her. Gaara was seated at his desk and didn't answer her. Regaining her nerve she continued, "Well? You plan to tell me what the hell you're doing imprisoning Shikamaru and Naruto?!"

"Baki, Matsuri," Gaara said, "Give me moment. I'd like to speak to my brother and sister in private if that's ok."

Baki and Matsuri rose to their feet and walked out. Matsuri looked sadly at Temari. Her face said she understood her frustration. As Matsuri closed the door behind her Kankuro spoke up. "What the hell is wrong with you," he said. "Sister or not you have no right to burst in here like that! Gaara is still the Kazekage and deserves your respect!"

"Please Kankuro," Temari said angrily. She then turned to Gaara who leaned back in his seat with his arms folded and stared intently at Temari. Temari then said, "Save that shit for someone who gives a damn! I want an explanation! Why the hell would you betray you're friends like this Gaara!?"

"Stop it Temari," Kankuro yelled as he stood in front of Temari to block her view. "Do you think this something Gaara wants to do?! You think doing this is easy for him?!"

"Enough," Gaara said as he silenced his siblings. Kankuro stood aside as Gaara rose to his feet. Temari walked passed Kankuro who was still visibly upset. "Who am I to you Temari?"

"Look Gaara I don't have patience for your stupid riddles," Temari said. "Obviously you're my little brother."

"Right," Gaara said. "And as your brother you expect a certain level of compassion from me and a willingness to protect your heart."

Temari seemed like she was ready to say something but instead remained quiet. "But I am not just your brother," Gaara said, "I am also the Kazekage of the Sand. And the thousands of citizens here expect me to protect their lives and their interests. I owe it to them to make them feel protected; to feel safe."

"You and I both know I had no interest in starting this war," Gaara said, "but the murder of a high ranking and well loved official I could not ignore. Yet despite that, I've made every effort I can to hold off on full scale battle because I've been, behind the scenes trying to find a diplomatic end to this conflict which hasn't been easy. And when I heard Naruto had awakened, in the back of my mind, I hoped he could find a way where I couldn't."

"But instead he came here," Gaara continued, "and even though my first instinct would be to pardon him I couldn't, because Naruto himself is the one accused of killing Koga. How would it look to our people if I, the person tasked with placing the needs of Suna first, instead choose to protect my friend? Naruto put me in an impossible position."

"If that's the real reason you put them in prison then why did you try to kill Naruto," Temari asked. "I mean you tried to bury him alive!"

"That had nothing to do with his innocence or guilt," Gaara said. "I needed to see for myself if Naruto was mentally prepared for what lies ahead. When he faces Sasuke he won't be facing an old friend. But an enemy that will won't hesitate to destroy him and everything he stands for. Unless Naruto is ready to do what is necessary, unless he has the resolution to take life I fear he will fail"

"But what about Shikamaru," she said. "Why would you go so far as to arrest him? You know he was not reported to be in Kumo during the incident."

"True," Gaara said, "But if I hadn't arrested him for this then my other options were to either detain him as a prisoner of war which would separate them and ensure he couldn't assist Naruto in the trial or banish him from my land outright."

"Don't you see Temari," Kankuro said, "by arresting Shikamaru along with Naruto, Gaara has ensured that Naruto will have help in his trial."

"But," Temari said, "They have no proof to free them. And Krolik will try everything to bury them. They don't stand a chance. And if they're found guilty…."

Kankuro walked up to Temari and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Shikamaru will find a way to get them out of this Temari," he said. "Don't worry."

"Easy for you to say Kankuro," Temari said as she turned to leave. "Alright Gaara, have it your way. But you'd better be right on this one." As Temari opened the door to leave she stopped. Without turning she asked, "Gaara, when you fought Naruto, you said you did it to test if he is ready. Well is he? Can he beat Sasuke? Can he bring an end to Akatsuki?"

Gaara stared at Temari for a short while. Then he said, "As he is now? No. If he faces Sasuke now, he will die."

Without another word Temari left, closing the door behind her.

Later that night – Sunagakure Prisons

Shikamaru paced up and down in front of their cell. Sitting on his thin mat up against the far wall Naruto looked at him with slight amusement. "Is there a reason you're pacing up and down like that Shikamaru," Naruto asked.

"Me," Shikamaru asked mockingly. "Oh no I'm just doing this for my health. It's not like we have a major problem here or anything!"

"Look Shikamaru," Naruto said, "I know things aren't going too well for us right now, but I'll figure this out. Look on the bright side."

"The bright side," Shikamaru said as he looked at Naruto, "Ok, fine. Sure we may be in a hostile village and on trial for a murder we didn't commit. And yes we don't have any evidence to help free us. But look at the bright side; at least we have are own bucket!!"

Naruto smiled and shook his head. "Not exactly what I meant Shikamaru," he said. "By the way I'm going to have to use that bucket soon soooo……"

"Now is really not the time for jokes Naruto," Shikamaru said. "I've been going over different strategies of how we can get out of this but right now the only one that would work is to fight our way out. And I'm assuming that isn't an option."

Naruto crossed his arms and shook his head. "Of course not," Shikamaru said. "Anyway, what's up with you? You've seemed distracted all day. Is something wrong?"

Naruto shook his head. "No," he said, "I guess I'm just a little tired. I'm still not at full strength yet." Shikamaru nodded slightly and turned away. Naruto then looked out the window sadly. I hope that's all this is, he thought. I hope I'm wrong.

Suddenly they heard the scrape of keys in the cell door and the door slowly swung open. One of the guards, who seemed unusually nervous entered the room followed by a cloaked figure. "Please hurry," the guard said to the cloaked figure, "We won't have much time. Five minutes at the most." The guard then quickly closed the door leaving the person alone with Shikamaru and Naruto.

The person then pulled back the hood and much to Shikamaru's and Naruto's surprise it was Temari. Without a word Temari ran to Shikamaru. The two embraced and kissed deeply and passionately as they momentarily forgot they were not alone.

After a moment or so a red faced Naruto coughed slightly and the pair broke their embrace. A now equally red faced Shikamaru turned to Naruto and smiled awkwardly while scratching the back of his head. "Sorry about that Naruto," he said, "guess we got a little carried away."

"Right," Naruto said, "So I take it you Temari are the connection Shikamaru has on the inside?"

"Yep," Temari said with a smile. "Anyway we don't have much time. Come, I've made arrangements to get you two out of here! I was able to get hold of your gear and if we follow a path I know of we can be at the borders by sunrise."

"Temari," Shikamaru said, "are you nuts?! You can't help us escape! You'd be come an enemy of Suna! I doubt even your brother could protect you from punishment!"

"I know," she responded, "which is why I'm going with you! I'm not going to let you go through with this trial. My brother may have faith that you'll find a way but I'm not willing to take that chance! So lets go!"

"I'm sorry Temari," Naruto said, "But I can't go with you. I came here to right things between Suna and Konoha and end this war. I can't run now. So, I'm sorry but I'm staying."

Temari looked at Naruto for a moment. "Fine," she said, "If you want to stay it's your funeral. But I won't let Shikamaru die for your stupidity! Let's go Shikamaru."

For a moment Shikamaru stared at Temari then back at Naruto and again to Temari. "It's alright Shikamaru," Naruto said, "This is my fight after all and there's no need to put yourself in danger. You should go."

"No," Shikamaru said. "I'm sorry Temari but I'll be staying as well. Naruto is my friend and comrade. And even though he's crazy for staying here I can't abandon him now."

"You're insane," Temari screamed. "You guys don't stand a chance in a trial against Krolik! And if found guilty you'll be put to death!" It was then for the first time Shikamaru saw tears in Temari's eyes.

Lifting her chin and looking into her eyes Shikamaru said, "No we won't. You think after all the shit Naruto and I have been through in our lives that we're going to die like that? No way. We'll find a way. I have faith in Naruto and I need you to have faith in me."

"Besides," Naruto said, "despite what you may think I actually have a plan. Once we get in front of Gaara and the others we'll prove our innocence. So don't worry Temari."

"See," Shikamaru said with a bright smile, "Naruto has a plan! Everything will be fine. And before you know it it'll be ShikaTem all the way again right!"

Temari wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed Shikamaru gently. "Fine," she said, "If that's the way you want it I guess I have no choice. I still think your crazy though. But I'll have faith in your plan Naruto. But I warn you if you get Shikamaru killed, facing execution will be the least of your problems."

Naruto backed up and smiled nervously at Temari as she placed the hood back over her head and turned to leave. As she opened the door she said, "Oh and one more thing Shikamaru, never refer to us as ShikaTem again. That's just fucking stupid."

As the door closed Shikamaru walked over to wall next to Naruto and slumped to the floor where Naruto now sat. Breathing deeply and with his eyes closed he asked, "You don't have a plan do you Naruto?"

Naruto shook his head. "Nope," he said.

Shikamaru sighed deeply. "Great," he said, "just great."

Meanwhile – Just outside

On the roof of the building just next door to the prisons and hidden in the shadows Gaara stood as he watched the hooded figure he knew was his sister, sneak out of the prison and run down the street.

From the moment she left him earlier today he felt she would try to do something. In his heart he knew she may try to break them out but hoped she wouldn't. He would hate to do what he knew he must if she had tried. He was relieved to see her leave alone just as she came. "Naruto," he whispered. "I hope you know what the hell you're doing."

Later that Night

Naruto slept on his mat but not soundly. He tossed and turned with nightmares that tormented him. Suddenly his eyes opened only to see blood red skies. As he rose he saw he was lying on dying grass. To his amazement he looked down to see he was standing on the edge of bluff looking at two large familiar statues. "The Valley of the End," he said to himself, "What the hell is going on here?"

It was then he heard a voice behind him. "Sorry for bringing here without notice." Naruto turned and to his shock stood Madara. "But I thought it time we meet in person so to speak," Madara said. "Uzumaki, let's you and I have a chat."

End of Chapter Eighteen

Net Time: A Declaration of War