A/N: Sorry about the delayed updates. College hasn't been easy these days but hey I'm back, with probably a lot of grammatical errors and confusing story line so feel free to point them out I'll try to PM back. This chap may be confusing so I'll try explaining it in the next chap if not this one itself. A lot of you guys have been mad at me for keeping Danzo alive, this chap is will hopefully explain my reasons. And it has finally been determined that Jiraya is spelled as Jiraiya and so it shall be spelled henceforth.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and it's characters.
Danzo's Revolt: A Question Of Loyalties
Barrier HQ
"Traitors in our rank?" Fuu asked to confirm if he had heard Danzo right.
"Yes," Danzo affirmed, "How else could Hiruzen possibly know about our double agents? How could he know that our main force would attack from the West Gate?"
"But who?"
"Who indeed?" Danzo mentally went through a list of possible candidates based on motivations then he thought of all the possible ways they could have contacted Hiruzen, only to realize that they could not have contacted the Hokage, at least not without coming under the Barrier's notice, more specifically Fuu's notice.
Without so much as a second thought Danzo flung a kunai at the Yamanaka's forehead, fortunately for Fuu, Torune sent his bugs blocking the kunai. The Aburame and Yamanaka stood back to back as some Root agents surrounded them ready to strike them down any moment.
"I must say I never thought you two could possibly betray me, after all you were my right and left hands. But it seems your love for your clans has been rekindled."
"While I joined this organization only so that my cousin would not have to," Torune admitted, "Over time I have come to sympathize with Root's cause but your rebellion goes against that cause."
"I do not need to justify myself to traitors."
"Danzo-sama, it is you who have betrayed both Root and Konoha!" Fuu reproached, "Root's sole purpose was to protect Konoha and each one of us have dirtied our hands with blood for that cause, yet today you expect us to rebel against Konoha?"
"You have nerves accusing me of treachery, however I doubt either of you planned this rebellion..."
Konoha West Gate
Root's main force found the West Gate blocked by Konoha's 7000, while Root's back up force of 500 had split into two to intercept Konoha's incoming reinforcements from North and South.
"Well take a look guys, we've got a welcoming committee," Masaru joked, which his fellow commanders didn't appreciate, especially Kenshin who swung his katana almost beheading Masaru, but Masaru had ducked just in time. Hikari rushed between Kenshin and Masaru before the former could follow up with more attacks.
"Just what do you think you are doing?"
"Hikari do not shelter him, he is a traitor," Nin warned confusing Hikari.
"Traitor?" Feng asked just as confused then they recalled.
Flashback
"...Danzo-sama's set on his decision and there's no changing his mind, so I'll do what I've got to do..."
Flashback end
"Guilty as charged," Masaru raised his hands as if surrendering.
"Why?"
"Don't get me wrong, it's not that I've grown a heart or two but I've already told you guys, this revolt is bullshit. It doesn't matter if Root succeeds or not, Konoha will pay the price, a costly one. I mean if we do win we'd still not be accepted by the people, Konoha would become vulnerable to her enemies and be destroyed."
"So you betrayed Danzo-sama? The one who made you what you are today?" Nin snarled.
"Danzo-sama made me a knife to kill Konoha's enemies not Konoha herself," Masaru pulled out a scroll and raised it to show it to all the Root agents and announced, "I've got a written agreement from Sandaime-sama which guarantees that all Root agents who surrender will be pardoned and allowed to start their lives afresh after a probation period of not more than five years."
"We will never betray Danzo-sama!"
"You guys are outnumbered five-to-one, you'll be surrounded within five minutes at most and all your plans have been revealed. You have absolutely no chances of winning. So please, just surrender," Masaru pleaded one last time. The commanders didn't reply, instead they slowly circled around Masaru ready to strike, but soon they they were surrounded by other Root agents who were pointing their weapons at the commanders loyal to Danzo.
"Of course, even you couldn't have pulled this off on your own," Hikari realized noticing many Root agents taking up arms against fellow agents. She also noticed that most dissenters were strategically placed behind and the sides to prevent a quick retreat.
"Fighting is no longer an option, we have to retreat-"
"Retreating is not an option either," Nin rebuffed Feng, "Danzo-sama is still inside the Barrier HQ. We have to retrieve him before escaping."
"Nin-sempai, please lead the army, I will deal with the traitors," Kenshin vowed. Nin nodded before turning to Feng. Feng yawned much to the confusion of the dissenters but then a strong whirlwind surrounded Feng that sent the dissenters flying leaving Masaru to fend against Kenshin.
"How many dissenters do you count?" Nin asked Hikari as Feng stretched his muscles.
"About 300 in the main force. Knowing Masaru he must have placed more in the back up and maybe even in Danzo-sama's force..."
"Then we don't have time," Nin turned to the main force to find many had already perished, "ROOT! SURROUND THE REBELS! CHARGE INTO THE GATE!"
"SURROUND THE REBELS!" Many senior agents repeated as about 900 loyal to Danzo stayed behind to deal with the dissenters, "CHARGE INTO THE GATE!" other seniors cried out as rest of those loyal to Danzo followed Nin's lead, while the Uzumakis exchanged blades.
Kenshin being more proficient with the blade gave Masaru a hard time who was at all times at the defensive, not willing to leave a single opening. But Kenshin didn't need openings, allowing Masaru make distance between them, he charged his katana with wind chakra he dashed at Masaru. Masaru erected a chakra barrier at the last moment which bought him enough time to roll behind before his barrier was cut like paper. Not willing to let up Kenshin followed up with a wind slicer, Masaru charged his blade with fire and nullified the wind blade and blocked a downward slash by Kenshin. Both the blades broke upon contact.
Kenshin and Masaru backed away from each other before they bit their thumbs and went through long but swift series of handsigns and then slammed their hands to the ground, "Mass Summoning Jutsu!" and two huge smokes later the sky was filled with two fleets of falcons of all sizes and colours facing off each other.
Meanwhile on the other side of the gate, Konoha's main force lead by Okami had been waiting for the insurrection that Masaru had promised.
"Okami-sama," the Anbu Chief heard a familiar voice in his head, "The reinforcements from North and South have routed Root's rear guard with help from the dissenters and will join you within a minute."
'Thank you Yamanaka-sama!' Okami drew his ninjato and raised it above his head for his comrades to see before bringing it down and shouting the magic word, "CHARGE!"
"CHARGE!" Kakashi and Jiraiya repeated followed by Itachi as Konoha's main force rushed to crush the rebellion with a battle cry.
The soldiers loyal to Root didn't cower despite their predicament, instead chose to charge towards Konoha's forces while a portion stayed behind to deal with the dissenters.
Root's charge was spearheaded by Feng who unleashed a huge storm of wind on Konoha's forces which was nullified by Itachi's grand fireball. Nin charged towards Konoha but Okami blocked his way with dual blades poised to strike Nin down.
Having charged straight into Konoha ranks, Hikari was on a killing streak, as for every step she took someone died at her hands or rather claws as she poised them to be, using her own variation of the Gentle Fist that she called the Lion's Claws. With her body charged by lightning chakra she was too fast for anyone too dodge. A few Konoha ninjas managed to survive and were flashed out of the battlefield but for most Hikari made it a point to strike their vitals. Her wrath came to a pause when Jiraiya leapt in front of her, glaring with toad like eyes and red highlights. Hikari dashed at Jiraiya determined to shred him like the rest, but the Toad Sage ducked effortlessly as Hikari was sent flying by an unseen force.
'What was that?' Hikari thought recalling nothing but the shift of air hitting her as she got up while rubbing her cheek somewhat dizzy, 'It was like a meteor struck me out of nowhere.'
"I'd write epitomes about your beauty and bravery for being alive after being hit by that," Jiraiya slipped into a fighting stance before dashing behind her, "Had you not killed my comrades." Jiraiya slammed the ground as Hikari somersaulted away from Jiraiya.
T&I Department- Basement
Inoichi was latched on to a huge machine via a helmet with many wires attached while Kushina drank some water before passing the bottle to Inoichi who nodded in gratitude before taking a few sips.
"Kushina-san, are you okay?" Inoichi asked.
"Yeah, don't worry. I'm good to Hiraishin another legion or so," Kushina gave a reassuring smile, "What about you? You've been latched on to that machine for an hour or so?"
"I will not be feeling any strain as the CCD runs on electricity," Inoichi replied, "Though I'm glad the machine actually worked. I was afraid it would get overloaded due to connecting with so many people."
"And at right time as well," Ibiki complimented as Shikaku and Hiruzen nodded.
"Kushina, could you send the units that have surrounded the Barrier HQ inside?" Hiruzen asked.
Kushina shook her head in negative, "The HQ is too small for 500 soldiers, they'd not fit let alone be able to fight in that space."
"Troublesome," Shikaku grunted, "Not that we actually need all of them to charge in at once. We'll deal with the HQ the same way we dealt with the double agents. This time we'll send in ten Anbus in and out of the HQ at a time, each will deal with at least one Root agent before being teleported out. This way we will have the HQ back in ten rounds flat."
"Sure, but I call-"
"I shall deal with Danzo myself," Hiruzen interrupted Kushina.
"What? But why? I have every right to rip that bastard into pieces!"
"And so do many others! You at least have your son back, while Hiashi still has no clue about his daughter!" Kushina flinched slightly at Hiruzen's outburst, "Besides, you are really needed here. You are the only one who can transport our forces instantly. You can save many lives by teleporting the injured soldiers to the hospital."
"Hokage-sama! Fuu-san's cover has been blown! He's requesting immediate back up!"
"Al right! Let's go!" Kushina cracked her fingers before placing her hand on Inoichi's helmet and Inoichi placed his hand on Kushina's forehead. Inoichi formed a mental connection between Kushina and Fuu allowing Kushina to see what Fuu was seeing which happened to be the Barrier Orb.
"Hiraishin!" Kushina teleported Hiruzen to his soldiers around the Barrier HQ.
"I must say Nara-sama, I wasn't sure about your plan at first," Ibiki congratulated.
"Please, we wouldn't be here if Masaru-san hadn't informed us in time," Shikaku pointed out humbly, "Kushina's Hiraishin and Inoichi's Chakra Communication Device did the rest, now the rest is up to Hokage-sama."
"Precisely, things have played out far too well..."
Flashback
Hokage's office- about hour and half earlier
"No Jiraiya... Danzo is up to something..." The Old Hokage warned.
"Of course..." A playful yet unfamiliar voice confirmed, the occupants of the office turned to the door to find a young man with long unruly red hair standing behind the Anbu who had reported Danzo's capture, "
"Root!" the Anbu recognized the man by his uniform and reached for his tanto but the red head raised his hands.
"Relax dude! I'm here to help!"
"Firstly, who are you?" Ibiki asked.
"Uzumaki Masaru, Captain of Root's Valley of End Base," Masaru replied.
"And what help may I expect from a hostile force?" the Hokage enquired.
"Information about an upcoming rebellion..." Dead silence fell over the office for seconds that felt like centuries.
"I suppose it is possible but there have been no reports of-"
"The Barrier HQ has been taken over by Root, and your scouting teams are being eliminated as we speak, yet you know nothing, that's just how sneaky we are."
"Can you prove it?" Hiruzen asked. Masaru pulled out a few scrolls and laid them out on the desk for everyone to read. The scrolls contained orders of preparations for war, maps of Konoha and plans for war.
"While the scrolls seem legitimate, how do I know this is the exact plan?" Hiruzen asked, "Why should I even trust you?"
"Could you just call a Yamanaka and be done with it?"
"That won't do," Ibiki replied, "As we already reported to Hokage-sama, Root has found a way to keep their soldiers' minds safe from mind reading techniques."
"Yeah I know I'm the one who designed the seal, I can show you how to detect and break it," Masaru offered and the others thought over it.
"Of course only an Uzumaki could come up with something like that. But being the creator of the seal makes you even more suspicious," Jiraiya pointed out.
"Hokage-sama, I know I haven't done anything worth proving that I'm on your side but just think about. In any mission, being incognito is the greatest advantage a shinobi can have and sneak attacks are Root's general modus operandi. Clearly you guys didn't even realise that there's an army in the Forest or that the HQ has been taken over or your scouting teams are gone. By the time we attack you'll be caught off guard despite all your preparations. Why on Earth would Danzo-sama give up such an advantage by sending me here?"
"You made some good points there young man," Hiruzen stroked his goatee as Jiraiya and Ibiki looked on with great interest, "Anbu! Call the Honourable Advisers, the Military Police Head, the Jounin and the Anbu commanders! Brief them on the way, "The Anbu officer did as asked and brought the advisers, the commanders and the Police Head within five minutes.
"So you claim that Danzo is planning an attack?" Shikaku asked Masaru who nodded.
"And how do we know he's on our side?" Okami asked the kage.
"We don't," the Nara replied on the kage's behalf, "I know it's troublesome but we'll have to take his word for it. I suggest we gather as much info from him as possible and rate our trust meters based on the accuracy."
"Well let me go first," Jiraiya turned to Masaru, "How exactly did you go undetected by the Barrier? It doesn't matter whether the HQ has been taken over or not you'd still be detected by the party in control. Wouldn't your boss be aware of your betrayal by now?"
"I entered Konoha just a few moments before Root attacked and I was detected by the HQ but I didn't raise any alarms because," Masaru pulled out a few documents, "As per Konoha's records I am Liu Zhi, a merchant and scholar from the Land of The Wise. And although Root has taken over the HQ by now, they can't detect me, my friend is making sure of that."
"If you had entered before the HQ was attacked why arrive now?" Okami asked.
"I was avoiding coming under the notice of Root's double agents, plus the attack it happened almost five minutes after I entered."
"And how many double agents are there?" Koharu asked.
"As of now there are 200 double agents waiting for the signal before the run amok. All of them are registered ninjas of Konoha. I don't know where their exact positions but..." Masaru dropped a few stacks of files on the desk, "I know them."
"And what about Root's forces?" Shikaku asked, "Tell us about the numbers, positions, weapons, leaders, strengths, weaknesses, the people to look out for?"
"Including the double agents we've got 4000 in our army, none below Chuunin level even the kids, so I suggest you don't hold back. However out of those I've got at least 200 not too keen about the plan. So that cuts it to 3800. There'll be hundred in the HQ, 200 around Konoha and the rest in the forest, we've still not decided our final positions as this whole rebellion was decided at the last moment. Other than that Root specializes in assassinations and sneak attacks. Most of the soldiers would barely hold ground in a face to face all out war against a large army on even grounds but even then they'll fight to the last unless ordered to retreat but they can't retreat till Danzo-sama is still inside. Though the commanders are an army by themselves. First off, Nin, he's the most senior member, he may look all brawls but he's cunning and good at Taijutsu and can use Fire jutsu. We've got Feng, he's a wind specialist and he's really good with it. He can nullify fire attacks, he's also a good tracker. There's Hyuuga Hikari, she's got the strongest Byakugan ever able to detect up to a kilometer in a rainforest at maximum strain of course, at normal days she keeps her radius up to four hundred meters."
"An average Hyuuga can detect only up to a fifty meters in same condition, the maximum recorded distance was said to be hundred meters," Fugaku interjected.
"Yeah but that's not all, She's got her unique and nasty version of the Gentle Fist, she calls Lion's Claws, and as the name suggests she rips people apart with her claws by concentrating her chakra to her fingertips and can incorporate Lightning chakra with her style to increase her speed and block chakra at far range. And last but the toughest one would be Uzumaki Kenshin. Proficient in sealing techniques, and with the Uzumaki Techniques. He is also a deadly swordsman and can summon falcons. The falcons are the ones you'll have to look out for, they can break sound barrier any time they feel like and can use their feathers like bullets. But don't worry I can also summon falcons we'll even each other out."
"More Uzumakis?" Homura frowned as Masaru nodded in reply.
"Why do you still call him Danzo-sama?" Fugaku asked.
"Force of habit," Masaru shrugged as the others exchanged looks before accepting his answer.
"Jiraiya, I want you to personally scout the Barrier HQ and the Forest to confirm this!"
"My friend will make sure the HQ doesn't detect you but he can't do anything about Hikari and Kenshin."
"Scrap it kid! I've snuck up on enough Hyuugas and Uzumakis in my life!" Jiraiya grumbled his eyes flashing green and eyes gaining red highlight as he jumped out of the window.
"The Sage Mode..." Hiruzen whispered as everyone raised an eyebrow, "So is there anything else you would like to discuss?" Masaru nodded.
"Hokage-sama, I believe there are even more Root soldiers who are uneasy with Danzo-sama's plan, however they can't voice it as they have been trained not to. But I believe if they're given an incentive they will join our side."
"You are asking for immunity on behalf of them?" Hiruzen stated rather than asked.
Masaru nodded, "And of course for those who already pledged their allegiance to you."
Okami wanted to protest but the Hokage raised his hand, "While I can't guarantee you and other potential dissenters complete immunity I can guarantee some leeway. Every Root agent who defects from Root and surrenders or joins Konoha's mainstream forces will be given a chance to join Konoha as a citizen or shinobi after the war, with a probation period of not more than five years."
"That's very kind of you," Masaru nodded in gratitude.
"Do not count yourself lucky yet boy, we still don't trust you," Okami grunted, Homura and Koharu agreed internally.
"It could take a while, how about we go through the files Masaru-san gave and Hokage-sama's personal investigations?" Shikaku suggested, and everyone agreed. Soon the higher ups of Konoha got down to work and divided their files as Masaru waited anxiously. The information provided by Masaru matched and even supplemented what their investigations couldn't find. It took them only half an hour when Jiraiya entered.
"It's true, every bit. Plus they plan on attacking via the West Gate," Jiraiya reported.
"The West sector has some important infrastructure like the Hydro Power Station and houses the noble clans of Konoha," Shikaku analysed the logic behind Root's move, while Fugaku grit his teeth trying to contain his anger.
"Well I suppose their is no longer any need for keeping Danzo under custody or giving him a fair trial," Hiruzen sighed, before he took out a scroll and scribbled down the Immunity contact.
"I suggest we go on with the trial," Shikaku suggested and everyone responded with that look, "No seriously, think about it. They may be less in numbers but they are almost ready to attack, what we need is time to prepare a counter attack."
"So we let Danzo think tat everything is going according to his plan and strike at the last moment," Hiruzen summarized what
"How about we just use Danzo-sama as our hostage?" Masaru suggested.
"Danzo didn't enter Konoha without precautions, you yourself stated that you don't know where his double agents are," Shikaku reminded Masaru, "On that note just killing him won't do he has capable generals to succeed him, we have to cripple if not eliminate Root for a victory."
"That is easier said than done," Homura rebuffed, "The amount of coordination required to pull this off is very high."
"Then there is also the matter of keeping our movements out of Danzo's radar," Koharu added, "To deal with this invasion we need a sizeable army and mobilize them fast."
"That will not be a problem," Shikaku assured with confidence as everyone gave him a questioning look, "Ibiki-san, I think its time we test drive the CCD."
"CCD?" Fugaku asked.
"Chakra Communication Device, developed by T&I dept., it's a machine that in theory will allow us to form a mental connection with all our allies."
"If it works, Kushina can use the mental link as a marker to teleport our soldiers with her Hiraishin," Shikaku finished.
"It's a good plan but it all rides on the CCD and Kushina-chan's reserves," Hiruzen got up, "But I have faith in my ninjas." Hiruzen gave the green signal.
Naruto's Cell
Everyone stared at the new arrival wearily except Jiraiya who already met Masaru.
"It's okay guys, he's with us," Jiraiya assured.
The Anbu closest to Tsubasa slipped his hand into his pouch but the next moment he was gasping for air courtesy of a knee to his gut from Masaru before his arm was twisted immobilizing the Anbu while his comrades turned their blades towards Masaru.
"What the hell man!" Jiraiya cursed.
"This is the dude we've been looking for," Masaru removed the Anbu's mask as Jiraiya's eyes widened in realization and the rest looked on in confusion.
"Wait! That's Kyo! But where's Suib?" An Anbu blurted.
"What's going on now?" Ibiki entered, "Oh, you found the traitor."
"What's going on here?" Kushina demanded, while Kakashi studied Masaru who seemed very familiar to him.
"Well, Kyo-san over here happens to be Root's double agent," Jiraiya explained, "He was probably here to help Naruto escape."
"You bastard, you sold us out! Danzo-sama will have your head for this," Kyo snarled at Masaru.
"Now Kyo-san, what did Danzo-sama teach us about emotions?" Masaru chided Kyo.
"Take the traitor away!" Itachi ordered and the Anbu guards obeyed.
"Al right! I'm sure you guys have lots of questions, but you need to know only one thing," Everyone had their eyes on Masaru, "Danzo-sama will attack Konoha today." Masaru's words blew everyone's mind out, before anyone else could argue Jiraiya filled them in.
"It's true, we have confirmed that the Barrier HQ has been taken over by Root, Konoha's scouting teams that were scouting Konoha Forest have all been eliminated and there's a sizeable legion of shinobis planning to attack Konoha. The good news is that a good portion of Root's soldiers don't feel a coup is a good idea. Now-"
While everyone was distracted by Masaru and Jiraiya explaining the situation Tsubasa dashed towards the door and would have gotten away had he not crashed into a wall of chakra. He turned around to see Masaru smirking.
"Now Tsubasa-kun, it's not break yet," Masaru joked, while the others were too surprised by Masaru's jutsu to twitch their eyes at his joke.
"You're an Uzumaki?" Kushina asked her mouth agape.
"Uzumaki Masaru," Masaru introduced himself.
"Just how many Uzumakis are there in Root?" Inoichi asked truly intrigued.
"Many, I'll call them over for dinner after we're done okay?" Masaru grinned as others felt their eyes twitching.
"Why?" Tsubasa asked Masaru as Kushina felt something other than coldness from Tsubasa's chakra though it was very faint, "Why are you acting against Danzo-sama? You taught me everything I know. You were the one who taught me absolute loyalty towards Danzo-sama."
"No that's not what I taught you," Masaru looked into Tsubasa's eyes, "I only taught you how to fight, Danzo-sama is the one who taught us both absolute loyalty. But not just to himself or Root but towards Konoha. Root was created to destroy Konoha's enemies not Konoha itself. Danzo-sama once told me that Konoha is a tree and we are the Roots which hold up that tree but never see the light or feel the warmth of the Sun," Masaru ruffled Tsubasa's hair a bit, "But don't worry too much about all this, this war will be over before you know it. Just sit back and relax for once, okay?" Tsubasa stood still his head spinning with confusion, Masaru made sense but right from his birth he had been taught to obey Danzo without questions.
"Follow me to the basement, we'll explain everything on the way," Ibiki led the group to the basement leaving Tsubasa alone with his inner turmoil and the guards.
T&I Department- Basement Room
At the basement Shikaku was helping Aoba set up the machine as Hiruzen watched over. Soon Ibiki entered followed by the group. Inoichi greeted the Hokage before latching himself to the machine as Shikaku helped him.
"I believe Morino-san has made you aware of the predicament at hand," The Hokage asked wasting no time on greetings as the group nodded, "Good now let us get to work."
"Before that," Inoichi interrupted, "Let me warn you that the Chakra Communication Device is still in experimental stage. It can cover an are up to the Konoha Forest but connecting with an army might overload the machine."
"We will have to take the risk, firstly let's start by creating a mental link with Yamanaka Fuu who happens to be controlling the Barrier. Fuu will help us locate all the double agents and keep track of Root's movement. Then you will form mental links with all our loyal forces and Masaru's forces and connect them with Kushina. Kushina will teleport Fugaku's unit to deal with the double agents at my signal. At the same instant you will teleport Konoha's mainforce to the West Gate and flanking unit A to one kilometre North and B to one kilometre South of Root's mainforce."
"Morino-san start the CCD," Inoichi requested. Ibiki started the machine checking the monitor, 'Fuu is still alive?'
"The CCD is online, all systems running in optimal condition," Ibiki reported.
"Masaru-san, I need your help to find Fuu's chakra signature," Masaru nodded and placed his hand over Inoichi's helmet while Inoichi concentrated on finding the required chakra, "Fuu-san, can you hear me?"
"Yes, who are you?"
"I am Yamanaka Inoichi, I am contacting you via the Chakra Communicaton Device. I am of the understanding that you are helping Masaru-san to thwart Danzo's rebellion."
"Yes Inoichi-sama, it's good to know Masaru-san made it, but how may I help you?"
"Well this is the plan..."
Flashback end
"You are right," Shikaku stroke his goatee, "Things have played out very smoothly so far, let's hope it continues to do so." Everyone nodded.
Barrier HQ
Danzo watched from the window as Hiruzen joined his soldiers around the HQ. Hiruzen turned up to the window looking right at Danzo. Behind Danzo he could see Fuu and Torune surrounded by other Root ninjas.
"Danzo! You have failed! Give up and make matters easier for us both!" Hiruzen gave Danzo his final warning.
Danzo scoffed, "I've gone through too much trouble to turn back Hiruzen!" Danzo signalled for his soldiers to attack as Hiruzen sighed.
Before anyone could react, ten Anbus flashed behind ten Root nins, killed them and disappeared. This happened ten times and like Shikaku predicted the HQ was secured within ten rounds. Only Fuu and Torune were remained standing leaving Danzo alone. The child soldiers were merely knocked out as per Hiruzen's orders.
Danzo watched astonished as his unit was wiped out within ten seconds, when Hiruzen flashed behind him with a kunai ready to slice his throat. Hiruzen had given Danzo enough chances but no more he sliced Danzo's throat but the blade drew no blood.
Danzo elbowed Hiruzen sending him a few steps back, Hiruzen clutched his ribs and looked at Danzo in confusion. Danzo turned around, the skin of his neck had a very thin scratch mark which healed rather quickly. He unwrapped his bandages revealing his face and arm to be perfectly fine except for the fact that the skin tone didn't match the rest of his body. But what truly appalled the Sandaime was the sight of a face on Danzo's right chest, a face Hiruzen held dear to his heart.
"I suppose the Uzumaki brat told you all you needed to know about the war, but even he is not aware of every secret Root holds, in fact no one knows about this one," Danzo claimed, "Except of course your ex-favourite student."
"How dare you Shimura!" Hiruzen growled, "How could you defile our sensei!"
"Defile?" Danzo asked in a remorseless tone, "This is not defiling, if anything I have revived our sensei. This is my first step towards reviving Konoha's glory as it was during Hashirama-sama's reign."
"Hokage-sama?"
'Do not worry Yamanaka-san, Danzo may have learnt a new trick but in the end he is just an old dog.'
"You've done enough already," A different voice made her concern known, "You don't have to do this yourself."
'Maybe, but this time he made it very personal.' Hiruzen stood straight looking and glared at Danzo. His soldiers started entering the HQ soon surrounding them both, ready to strike Danzo down at Hiruzen's signal, but Hiruzen didn't give it.
"I must say, this is a great opportunity for you to measure your prowess with Hashirama-sama!" Danzo boasted before going through a few handsigns as thin grass roots cracked through the floor and whipped the Anbus out of the HQ before covering enclosing the room leaving Hiruzen and Danzo to each other.
"You are not even worthy of the dirt beneath Shodaime-sama's sandals," the man known as the Professor bit his thumb before slamming the ground and summoning the Monkey King Enma. Enma didn't need to ask any questions, when he saw Danzo he knew what his summoner wanted and transformed into a black staff.
"Sarutobi, do not let your anger get the better of you and do not let your guard down," the Monkey King warned as Sarutobi swung the staff around before taking pose looking more like a Samurai than a ninja with his black armour and staff.
Jiraiya vs Hikari
As they fought Hikari got the hang of Jiraiya's powers, Hikari was able to dodge Jiraya's Sage chakra attacks by judging the shift in air pressure and her speed enhanced by lightning however Jiraiya's Toad Sage Fist allowed him to dodge Hikari's attacks at the last moments leaving them locked in a stalemate.
Hikari fired a few lightning needles at Jiraiya who didn't even dodge it as the needles blocked a few chakra points but only for a few seconds. Jiraiya huffed in a lot of air before unleashing a "Firestyle: Dragon Bullet jutsu!"
Hikari perfomed a heavenly spin creating a chakra dome round herself blocking the fire bullet, but Jiraiya leapt above the dome ready with a Rasengan aiming for the axis of the spinning dome, knowing well that any spinning object is the slowest at its pole, thus the greatest weakness of the Hyuuga clan's famed perfect defence.
But Hikari wasn't prepared to be ground like wheat, she increased her speed of rotation, when Jiraiya descended ready to slam his Rasengan into the Heavenly Spin, Hikari raised her fist, as her dome turned into a drilling cone aimed at Jiraiya.
"RASENGAN!"
"SKYWARD DRILL!"
The opponents screamed as their attacks collided, pushed against each other before exploding into a brilliant flash of light followed by dust. When the dust cleared away Jiraiya stood still with his arms folded as he watched Hikari dash off towards the Barrier HQ like the wind before jumping over a building and being grabbed by a silver falcon flying at Mach 10.
'Kushina.'
"Yeah I know." And Jiraiya disappeared in a flash of red light.
Itachi vs Feng
Under normal circumstances Itachi would have decimated Feng, Uchihas had natural affinity for fire which was superior to wind. However, Feng was not normal circumstance, Feng was the wind. For every fire jutsu that Itachi blew at Feng none reached the target as Feng created air vacuums between himself and the fire.
Having enough of defence, Feng went on the offensive unleashing a torrent of wind blades at Itachi shredding him into millions of crows that attacked Feng as the real Itachi tried to stab Feng's back but barely ducked as Feng blew an air bullet that drew a lot of blood from Itachi despite barely nicking his right shoulder. Itachi clutched his shoulder as his Sharingan spun widely analysing Feng's jutsu, as Feng prepared a larger one for Itachi.
"Damn, you're tough, how about Crimson Wind," Feng thrust his palms dramatically unleashing a powerful gust of wind that shredded everything in its path, the rocks turned to dust which covered Itachi. Seeing no movement Feng turned his back, only to dodge an oversized chakra sword in time.
The dust cleared away to reveal Itachi covered in Susanoo's purple chakra, his Mangekyo Sharingan active as the giant samurai aimed the Tsurugi at Feng. Itachi was still clutching his wound trying to stop the bleeding.
"Crimson Air Bullet Barrage!" Feng fired a barrage of high pressure air bullets which were easily blocked by Susanoo's giant shield.
"Amaterasu!" Itachi's shuriken-like pupils spun wildly as Feng's body was engulfed in black flames.
Feng screamed in pain, dropped and rolled around to douse the legendary flames but the flames kept burning his body. Itachi decided to end Feng's misery with a swoop of his Tsurugi when he saw an auburn falcon rocketing towards him from the corner of his eye. Itachi brought his shield up but the bird manoeuvred its way around the Susanno and grabbed Feng away. Itachi tried taking an aim at the predator but it was too fast.
'Kushina-san,' Itachi requested.
"No Itachi, you're going to the hospital. Anbu or not Mikoto-chan likes seeing her children in one piece."
Itachi sighed and deactivated his Sharingan before he was flashed to the hospital.
Okami vs Nin
The senior-most members of the opposing armies were engaged in an intense fight with Nin fending against Okami's dual blades dodging Okami's precise strikes with expertise that comes with experience.
"You are as skilled as ever," Nin commended.
"You haven't grown, I was expecting much more from what Masaru-san told me," Okami retorted.
"The brat is many things but his information is always reliable," Nin parried both of Okami's blades and went in for a punch but Okami kicked Nin in the jaw, without missing a beat he slashed Nin's chest with both his blades only to find a piece of log as Nin managed to substitute at the last moment.
"Fire Dragon Jutsu!" Nin unleashed a dragon of fire at Okami, Okami stabbed the blades to the ground before going through a few handsigns and the moment the dragon got close he stabbed the blades further into the ground.
"Aqua Geyser!" Geysers shot out of the ground neutralizing the dragon into steam. When the steam cleared Nin was long gone.
'He is cunning after all,' Okami acknowledged as he was flashed away.
Masaru vs Kenshin
The sky was filled falcons locked in an all out dog fight against each other. Though many would be mourned, falcons were by nature soldiers, somewhat Shinobi even, in the sense that in a hunt they always got the game they were asked for. They nested away from each other in isolated cliffs in scrapes and usually hunted alone going in groups only when needed, to avoid emotional attachment. And right now they were divided into two sides: Kenshin's and Masaru's. However a little reluctance could not be avoided as some falcons barely clashed at all, few were merely circling around each other, attachment or not they were still the same species. The falcons on Masaru's side effectively prevent Kenshin's falcons from attacking Konoha's ninjas and Kenshin's falcons protect Root from Masaru's. The summons fought hard knowing it would be over when one of the summoners died.
The said summoners were engaged in an intense aerial battle with Kenshin riding Sora and Masaru riding Kaze. Sora fired a few air bullets which Kaze dodged with grace before rolling above the blue bird before flapping his wings creating huge crescent winds. Kenshin created a chakra sword and cut each crescents absorbing them before Sora half looped over the light green raptor as Kenshin launched himself at Masaru ready to stab him head-first.
Kaze saved Masaru from turning into seekh kawab by rolling and swatting Kenshin towards the ground at mach speed but Sora caught Kenshin in time.
"Whoa! You nearly got slam dunked there Ken!" The blue bird joked.
"It's over Kenshin, Konoha is almost done beating Root into the underground," Masaru bragged which was somewhat true as Konoha's mainforce was indeed pushing Root's mainforce back, "Just give up."
Kenshin grunted before going through a few handsigns and slamming Sora's back, "Feather Storm!" Feathers sprouted from all the falcons summoned by Kenshin filling the sky and decreasing visibility to the bare minimum.
'Trying to play smart are we,' Masaru grunted as he waited for Kenshin to attack. He couldn't sense Kenshin's exact location as the feathers were laced with Kenshin's chakra thus effectively blocking his location. Masaru had nothing for warning but a slight change in breeze as he created a chakra shield to block Kenshin's chakra sword. As Masaru pushed against Kenshin's blade and Kaze pushed against Sora, another Kenshin charged from the other side riding a different falcon. Masaru created a second chakra shield with his free hand to block Kenshin's clone. Now both summoner and summon were being pushed from both sides, another Kenshin appeared above falling towards Masaru with his sword aimed for his heart. Masaru barely had a few seconds but he managed to focus chakra in his arms and push the shadow clones away from himself before hitting the last clone with a helicopter kick dispelling it. Before the other clones could follow up Masaru tapped Kaze's back with his right hand as seals appeared over the green bird's body and desummoned his falcons confusing the clones. But Masaru's intentions became clear when he dropped a huge ball of ink to the ground. As soon as the blob touched the ground it formed into a huge seal before glowing and then all the remaining birds except Kaze hit the ground. They weren't injured, Masaru's seal made sure to soften the impact but the seal's gravity kept them from flight, though Kenshin's clones weren't as lucky however Kenshin himself was nowhere to be seen. Not seeing any escape from Masaru's seal, Kenshin's falcons dismissed themselves.
"Thanks," Kaze spoke up surprising Masaru a bit, Masaru just nodded before they flew towards the obvious place Kenshin had flown off to.
Danzo vs Hiruzen
Despite the implanted Senju cells and Hiruzen fighting him one-on-one, Danzo was at a major disadvantage. He realized the truth of Hiruzen's words when Hiruzen destroyed his root whips with a simple fire jutsu. Wood release was a combination of Water and Earth, both resilient to Fire and so his roots shouldn't have burnt like common firewood yet they did. But he composed himself as Sarutobi charged at him. Danzo went through a swift series of handsigns before slamming the ground.
"Vladmir's Bloodlust!" A forest of wooden pikes shot out from the ground threatening skewer Hiruzen but the Professor broke through the spikes by twirling his staff deflecting each one with ease before finally reaching Danzo.
"I must admit, at least your techniques are original!" Hiruzen mocked as he brought his staff down upon Danzo who crossed his arms in defence his arms would have shattered had it not been for the wooden shell armour. Hiruzen brought his staff up for another blow, not willing to test the shell's resilience Danzo sucked in air and attacked Hiruzen with a vacuum blade. Hiruzen ducked under the vacuum blade and gutted Danzo with his staff damaging some internal organs in the process.
Danzo coughed a little blood before Hiruzen smacked him in the jaw sending him flying across the room. Danzo struggled to get to his feet as Hiruzen shushined above his old team mate determined to end the war hawk's miserable life once and for all.
But it was not meant to be as Okami appeared in a red flash and pulled Hiruzen and himself out of the way as a barrage of feathers riddled the wall behind them with holes. Soon a giant blue falcon grabbed Danzo and propelled away towards North followed by four blurs. And then a fifth.
'Inoichi, Kushina, do not let Danzo escape,' Hiruzen ordered.
"Do not worry sir, we have Danzo covered."
Naruto's Cell
It had been quite some time since Masaru's visit but his words rung in Tsubasa's ears again and again wrecking his mind with confusion but the Anbu guards wouldn't know that his face as stoic as ever.
"Why are you even thinking about the war? Your sensei already told you he would take care of it. Root won't even know what hit them," Kyuubi growled from the confines of his mind.
'But do I want Root to be routed?'
"Well then what's stopping you? Your chakra is still running through your body, you just can't release it to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu but you can focus all of it into Taijutsu. And you have more chakra than all these pathetic guards around you and then you have me. You could just leap through the ceiling and land where the party is."
'You are unusually enthusiastic today.'
"I have been trapped in this insignificant village for three generations, in three different jinchuurikis. The closest thing to a muscle stretch I get is when the Jinchuuriki uses my chakra and you will be fighting against many powerful ninjas if you chose to side with Root like your mother, that Uchiha brat, the one eyed dog or the infernal Toad Sage."
'And by siding with Root I would be siding against Konoha and risk destroying her.'
"Tch, since when did you become so sentimental?"
'There is nothing sentimental, only absolute loyalty weighed against the purpose of existence.'
"Grrr it's not like you have to take sides at all, once the war is over you'll be on the winning side automatically. In fact you never chose Root to begin with Root chose you. If Konoha wins it'll claim you as its own, your opinions won't matter. You never had any, all you had were orders. You are a weapon, that's all you'll ever be." Kyuubi fell silent for some time making Tsubasa believe that the vile spirit had gone back to slumber, "Unless... unless you actually do choose a side. In that moment, even if it's just for a moment you will no longer be a weapon."
"Then what will I be?"
"A soldier."
"But whose soldier?"
"The side that you would willingly die for, not because you were taught to but because you want to," The ancient spirit's wisdom was lost on the young soldier boy, "Of course you wouldn't know the difference. But you are a smart boy so think. Think about all the lives you took, all the lives you will take and ask why? Why do you kill?"
'This is the longest we have talked.'
"This is the only chance we have to break the routine." The Beast spoke before leaving Tsubasa to his thoughts. And as Tsubasa thought about Kyuubi's question he remembered this wasn't the first time this question was asked. He remembered a field of dead bodies in and the blood on his little hands but most importantly Danzo's answer things became crystal clear.
North Sector
Having secured Danzo Kenshin and the others would have flown off had it not been for Masaru tailing them. Their falcons could smuggle them out of Fire within minutes but so could Masaru's falcon.
"Feng! Stall the brat!" Danzo ordered. Despite terrible burns Feng just nodded and steered his falcon towards Masaru, a decoy was all he was good for to Danzo now. But Masaru wasn't their only problem.
Soon a few titanic toads puffed into existence blocking their way, a few red flash occurred as each commander found themselves fending against an opponent. Nin found himself resuming his spar with Okami on the red falcon. Hikari's falcon was dodging the Toads attacks as Jiraiya landed a drop kick on its back sending it back to its dimension as Hikari landed over a roof followed by the Toad Sage.
"Sora! Let us move out!" Kenshin ordered, but soon they were engulfed in black flames. Kenshin sealed the flames before they could do too much damage. He turned towards a tall building and saw Shunshin no Shisui.
Shisui shushined behind Danzo about to stab him but Kenshin blocked him with his chakra blade. Shisui shunshined to Kenshin's left but Kenshin produced another sword and blocked him.
'Damn! There's something blocking me from casting a Genjutsu on this guy,' Shisui thought as he shunshined all around Kenshin keeping him on his toes, 'Now if only I could use that one." Unfortunately Kotoamatsukami required at least a decade to recharge and he used it against the Raikage during the Hyuuga incident.
"Sora! Escape with Danzo-sama!" Kenshin ordered before pulling the Uchiha along himself over a rooftop. Sora would have sped away had Danzo not stopped him.
"Wait!" Danzo pointed towards a roof where a young boy stood holding his tanto, his hair shining like the golden sun as the Anbus around him writhed in pain, "I can't afford to lose Konoha's ultimate weapon to these soft hearted fools," Sora nodded and swooped towards Tsubasa as Tsubasa hopped on to his back.
"Now hur-" Danzo's words were cut short as he felt a pain in his chest. He looked down to see a blade through his heart before it was twisted further damaging it.
"DANZO-SAMA!" Hikari cried out, turning everyone's attention towards Danzo and Tsubasa.
"Why?" Danzo croaked out.
"Because I'm the Root that never sees the sunlight or feels its warmth yet holds up the tree that is Konoha," Tsubasa quoted Danzo's own words to him.
Danzo tried to attack, but Tsubasa charged his blade with lightning chakra, causing extreme damage, Hashirama's cell couldn't heal the rebel as lightning being stronger than both earth and water was by extension stronger than wood. And so Danzo fell to the ground dead like a dead dry wood.
Tsubasa's betrayal shocked everyone on both sides of the battlefield. He was the least likely candidate to go for the kill yet it just happened. Kenshin smashed Shisui away with a punch before launching a chakra lance at Tsubasa, however Kushina flashed in front of Tsubasa and flashed Tsubasa away to safety.
"Everyone! Retreat!" Nin ordered looking down, "This mission was a complete failure."
"Not so fast!" Okami lifted his blades only to have the sky covered in heavy dust storm courtesy of Feng. The storm settled leaving the loyalists alone.
"I sensed them moving towards the North, I know where they're likely to move!" Masaru urged Kaze to follow.
"No Masaru, we must regroup first!" Hiruzen ordered via the CCD, "Retrieve Danzo's body and meet me at T&I Basement."
"But Hokage-sama, if we don't chase them now they'll vanish from Hi no Kuni and regroup in some far off place. And there are still a few shinobis and a lot of trainees at the bases," Masaru complained.
"I understand but that is all the more reason to regroup before moving onto the next phase. Now just retrieve Danzo's body and meet me."
"Roger!" And everyone got down to work.