A/N: Hey everyone, let's jump into the next arc shall we? Thanks to naruto1246 for reviewing again! You'll get a chance to see a bit more of Dusk this chapter. Anyways, I know it took awhile for me to upload this chapter, partially because I was having trouble writing simply because I've been reading so many good serious fanfiction stories and even though this story is supposed to be more serious I found that I enjoy having humour in characters too, but I guess I could always right a more humorous fanfiction later. Long story short, I had writer's block.
Also, make sure you read the Author's Note at the bottom, it is quite important.
Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns Naruto and the occasional plot holes within the story ;) (Yeah, I went there *cough* PS *cough*.)
Chapter 11: Return
Land of Fire Forest:
"Ugh, is everyone alright?" panted a heat-exhausted Naruto as his clone dispelled. The original Naruto realized that in an attempt to protect Hinata, he was in a rather intimate position to which he quickly stood up scratching the back of his head.
Hinata nodded with a slight blush, while Sakura replied with "Yeah," and a grunt was heard from the Uchiha.
"Alright, let's head home!" Naruto exclaimed beginning to lead the way as his teammates struggled to pick themselves up, with Sakura falling back to the ground.
"Naruto-kun, perhaps we should rest for a little while before we go back to the village." Hinata inquired, while turning to observe the chakra-exhausted Sakura.
Naruto sported a grin before saying, "Alright, sure thing Hinata!" before he went over to sit next to his girlfriend, barely hearing a snort from Sasuke.
"What was that teme, I couldn't hear you!" Naruto shouted at Sasuke before asking, "In fact, why did baa-chan send you anyways?"
"Hn, she didn't, in case you forgot dobe we have sensory powers, so I could sense you getting your ass kicked." Sasuke remarked.
"Sasuke-kun, you aren't allowed to leave the village! You can't just go around breaking rules like that." Sakura lectured before getting a "Tch" in response.
Naruto looked at Sakura as she said that, noticing the missing diamond from her forehead, "Sakura, what happened to the thing on your forehead?" he asked.
"My Hyakugou seal? I used up almost all of the chakra within it, so it will take a little while until I build up enough chakra for it to reform." Sakura explained with a slight frown, "Hinata, could you do me a favour and heal Sasuke, I do not have enough chakra."
Hinata nodded, before hearing an objection through grit teeth, "I don't need healing." muttered Sasuke.
Sakura shook her head before addressing Sasuke, "Sasuke-kun, if you don't heal that injury it might become infected, it's always important to treat burns carefully."
Sasuke grunted before turning his head away as if his pride was hurt as he lifted his shirt partially to reveal the injury. Hinata applied her healing palm technique to Sasuke's side as he winced in pain, while still keeping his head turned. Naruto stifled his laughter as he watched the stubborn Uchiha being healed, before he began readjusting his tattered clothing and equipment.
20 minutes later:
Naruto stood up, surrounded by the other 3 Konoha shinobi as they prepared to make their way back to their village. "Let's go!" Naruto stated as the team began making their way back at a slowish pace so that Sakura could keep up with her chakra-exhaustion.
Naruto made his way to the front of the group alongside Hinata, while Sakura and Sasuke flanked the two. Hinata took the opportunity to reflect upon the recent battle and she couldn't help but think that she had not contributed much to the fight. The feelings of self-doubt that had plagued her in the past couldn't help but rise again, causing Hinata to show a downcast look upon her face. Naruto couldn't help but notice the look on her face causing him to frown slightly before he asked, "What's wrong Hinata?"
"It's just that, I thought I was supposed to be stronger now, but I just ended up being a burden in this mission." Hinata explained sadly.
"Hinata, please stop doubting yourself, you're one of the strongest people I know, never forget that! I'm sure that you just had a bad match-up with your opponent, it happens from time to time, but I know you tried your hardest and that's what counts!" Naruto explained while grinning, causing Hinata to smile slightly.
"Thank you Naruto-kun." replied Hinata, as the two continued along their path to the village.
Sasuke and Sakura continued following the pair in front of them, but Sakura couldn't help in noticing that Sasuke was a fair distance from her. Sakura allowed her thoughts to trail off, thinking as to how Sasuke had become so distant to the rest of their team; sure he had his rivalry with Naruto, but he hardly talked to her. Sakura decided that they can't stay like this forever, so she decided to start a conversation. "Sasuke-kun, why did you decide to protect the Leaf?" Sakura asked.
Sasuke paused for a second, sending her a brief glance before sighing, "I decided to protect the Leaf in order to honour Itachi's memory. I intend to fix the shinobi system to prevent history from repeating itself and in order to achieve this goal, I must become Hokage."
'Itachi? He was an enemy of the Leaf.' (A/N: It should be noted that the truth behind Itachi has not been revealed to the public yet.) Sakura thought, before saying, "But, Itachi was an enemy of the-"
Sasuke clenched his fists before interrupting Sakura, "My brother was a hero of the village, don't you dare defile his name."
Sakura's eyes widened, "Hero?" she asked.
"Itachi prevented a coup d'etat and saved the village from destruction, he had to burden all of the guilt of the massacre upon his shoulders. I intend to change the village to prevent such an event from ever happening again." Sasuke stated with a slight glare towards Sakura.
"I'm sorry, I never knew…" Sakura said, casting her head downwards, thinking to herself that she had only made the rift between the two of them worse.
"Hn." was Sasuke's response as he turned to face forwards again, only to quickly snap his head sideways as Sakura stumbled on a branch, before falling forwards towards the ground. Sasuke quickly looked towards the ground beneath her, focussing his rinnegan before he teleported beneath her and caught her before helping her stand upright again.
"Thanks." Sakura said, slightly bewildered.
"Hn," was Sasuke's reply, before the two of them continued after their team mates, approaching the village quickly.
The group was cut off close to the village by Hidden Leaf ANBU, a group of four anbu landing in front of Naruto's group. One of the ANBU spoke saying, "Uchiha Sasuke, we are here to take you into custody for leaving the village without permission."
"Sorry, but I'm not going to let Sasuke go with you, we have to report to the Hokage and he is coming with us to give the mission report." Naruto stated.
"We had strict orders to prevent Sasuke from leaving the village and therefore we need you to hand him into our custody." the ANBU replied.
Naruto gave a grin before saying, "Well you obviously were not very good at your job as he clearly left the village, so I'll be bringing him to the Hokage, as I know I can complete that job successfully."
The ANBU sighed, not wanting to deal with this situation before replying, "Very well, we will accompany you back to the Hokage tower to make sure he does not escape again."
Naruto nodded as the team headed back into the village alongside the ANBU members who were keeping a close eye on the Uchiha who had managed to escape from their watch earlier that day.
Hokage's Office:
Tsunade rested her hands on her head as she glared at the last Uchiha who stood disinterested in his surroundings. She began speaking while still facing the Uchiha, "Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno and Hinata Hyuga, congratulations on another successful mission. I expect a mission report from you later today Naruto."
Naruto nodded, before Tsunade began speaking again, "Now I would like to address the issue of Uchiha Sasuke's parole breach. Sasuke, you were well aware of the conditions of your punishment correct?" Tsunade waited for the appropriate nod before continuing in a raised voice, "Then why the hell did you leave the village! An act such as could very well result in an execution or imprisonment!"
"Baa-chan, allow me to explain. Sasuke sensed that I was in trouble using the powers the old man sage gave us, so he came and helped us beat our enemies. I'll be honest, I'm not sure we would be here if he didn't come." Naruto explained.
Tsunade rubbed her temples in frustration, "I'll let this slide only this once Sasuke, don't even think about leaving the village without my permission until the time of the punishment is over!" she shouted before saying, "All of you get out of my office, I need a drink!"
The shinobi in the room nodded before quickly hurrying out of the office, with Tsunade quickly reminding Naruto to finish the report within the next hour.
Hokage Tower:
The anbu who had been with the four konoha shinobi quickly made their exits leaving the four shinobi standing outside of the Hokage's office. "Uhm, does anyone here want to help me with the report?" Naruto asked while scratching the back of his head, never having done a report before.
"Sorry Naruto, I think I'm going to go home and get some rest." Sakura said before leaving.
"Hn, I think I'll do the same," stated Sasuke.
Naruto sweat-dropped before turning to Hinata with puppy dog eyes, "Hinata would you like to help?"
Hinata stifled a giggle before nodding, "I'd be glad to help Naruto-kun."
"Thanks Hinata! How about we get some ramen first though? A mission like that one requires some refueling." Naruto asked while taking Hinata's hand.
"I wouldn't mind having something to eat." Hinata responded, before Naruto grinned and led the way with Hinata in tow.
Ichiraku Ramen Stand:
Naruto walked into Ichiraku, with Hinata taking a seat next to him before Teuchi turned around to observe his customers. "Ah, if it isn't my best customer and I'm guessing his date? What can I get you?" the ramen stand owner asked.
"Yeah, it's me old man and this is my girlfriend Hinata. I'll have a miso pork ramen!" Naruto announced.
"I would like the same please." Hinata said while blushing slightly at being so openly declared as Naruto's girlfriend.
"Alright, two miso pork ramens coming up!" Teuchi shouted as he began to cook the ramen.
Naruto placed a finger on his chin before turning two Hinata while squinting, apparently being in thought. "What's wrong Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.
"Ehh, it's just with you being my girlfriend and all I feel like I need to come up with an appropriate nickname ya'know?" Naruto said while placing his arm over Hinata's shoulder and bringing her closer.
Hinata let out a small "Eep!" while blushing, before saying, "N-Naruto-kun, there's no need-"
"Hmm, Hinata-chan?" Naruto suggested, cutting her off and causing her to blush more, "Eh, that isn't special enough."
Teuchi placed a bowl of ramen in front of each customer, before telling them that their food was ready.
Naruto still had his hand on his chin as he tried to come up with a nickname, hearing a quiet "Itadakimasu," from Hinata before he took his arm off her shoulder and began slurping down his ramen.
Naruto couldn't help but notice that Hinata ate with a certain amount of elegance, even when having a casual meal such as ramen so he couldn't help but be reminded of a royal figure, a queen perhaps? "I got it!" Naruto exclaimed, the two others in the shop looking at him.
"What is it Naruto?" asked the ramen shop owner.
"Eh, I came up with a great nickname, what do you Hinata-hime?" Naruto asked.
Hinata's face turned red with embarrassment at the nickname, before she said, "N-n-naruto-kun, please d-don't call me a p-princess."
"But Hinata-Hime, you are nice, beautiful and polite just like a princess!" Naruto playfully argued back.
Hinata somehow managed to blush harder than she did before causing a chuckle from Teuchi before he went to the back of the store. Naruto chose to hug Hinata at that moment before saying, "I'm sorry for embarrassing you Hinata, if you don't want me to, I won't call you hime."
"I-I don't mind it Naruto-kun." whispered Hinata, causing Naruto to grin.
"Alright then Hinata-hime, I guess it's time I do the mission report!" Naruto shouted, leaving the embrace before sweat dropping at a the piece of paper he held in front of him. "Eh, I have no idea how to do this…" he muttered. Hinata playfully sighed, before she began helping Naruto in writing the report.
Large Cave, Unknown Location:
The man with his purple sharrinnegan eyes walked into a seemingly empty cave before he stood in the center. He then spoke seemingly addressing the darkness by asking in a strong deeper pitched voice, "I expect you have briefed the other members of Dusk on their objectives, are they prepared?"
The outline of a figure could be seen shifting in the shadows before it announced in a quieter yet more sinister and deep voice, "The members of our organization are currently on standby outside each respective location, they await your orders."
"Good, we should-" the rinnegan wielder began before being cut off.
"I also took the liberty of having one of the members acquire a certain body from the depths in addition to this." the figure in the darkness said, before pointing a hand from outside the darkness towards a glass container at the other side of the cavern.
"What is that?" the rinnegan user inquired.
"It is the key to another important figure in your operations, we are quite fortunate Obito kept the eye despite the damage it suffered." the man in the darkness stated before continuing, "The eye is in no condition for a transplant, however I feel it will suit your purposes correctly. I completed my tasks perfectly, I should expect that you did the same with no witnesses?"
"I've collected everything necessary from Kakashi and Obito in addition to two more bodies of noteworthy people who you had mentioned. I placed the witnesses under a genjutsu as I completed this task." the rinnegan user explained.
"Are you suggesting that you foolishly threatened our entire operations?" the man from the shadows questioned, slightly raising his voice before continuing, "The purpose of a surprise attack is for them to have no idea what hit them, did you forget that Konoha was attacked by another rinnegan user recently?"
"Do not speak to me as if I don't know what I am doing!" barked the rinnegan user, "Besides, I am not Nagato, these are my own eyes, I awakened them myself and they are far more powerful than a borrowed pair."
"The eyes you possess are powerful indeed, but I wouldn't be so confident in such power, you have not had the eyes for long, so it would be best if you did not overuse them as the side effects of such power is not known." the man in the darkness stated.
"I do not need time to adjust to my own powers; in case you were unaware, Yakekoge and Shogai were defeated by Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. I am sure you are aware that we now need someone else to commence the attack on Konoha." the rinnegan user suggested.
"I just stated that you should get used to those eyes of yours, yet you are foolishly ignoring my warnings. We are to commence the plan in two weeks, it is impossible to prepare yourself by then if that is what you were implying?" the man from the shadows asked.
"We have sacrificed too much to delay this any further!" the rinnegan user shouted, "You were well aware that we only have once chance at this, so I will be the one who ends Konoha."
The man in the shadows scoffed before saying, "For someone who fought so desperately to prevent our village's destruction, it is odd that you would be the one who wants to have the task of destroying it."
"We are doing this to save the world from what will happen, even if the people of this time have to suffer." the rinnegan user said stoically.
"Very well, I still doubt that you can prepare yourself by then, I suggest we allow the other members of Dusk to commence their attack within two weeks while you hold off your attack for another month to prepare everything." the man from the shadows stated.
"We shall notify the other members of Dusk now, then immediately afterwards I expect you to accompany me as we pay Orochimaru a visit." the rinnegan user said.
"And what makes you so sure he will help you with your task." the other man asked.
"He won't, but we'll make him." the rinnegan user stated before he made a few hand signs before seven holograms appeared in the room in a semicircle in front of the rinnegan user.
"Dusk, I am aware your other leader has briefed you of your tasks, so the decided date will be exactly two weeks from today. I expect you to complete your tasks effectively and without failure." the rinnegan user stated before continuing, "I expect you each to be outside the village you were assigned to target."
The rinnegan user turned to the pair to his furthest left, "Sunagakure."
A middle sized man with some form of gas mask over his face said, "Yeah."
A young girl no older than 13 wielding a one handed staff spun it around and happily chirped, "Of course!"
The rinnegan user then turned to the next pair, "Iwagakure."
A tall man with a mask covering his face nodded.
A short man who appeared to be much older stated, "We will complete the task."
The leader then turned to the next pair, "Kumogakure."
A larger man with a slightly crazed look in his eyes grinned.
A slender tall woman gently nodded her head.
The rinnegan user turned to the final hologram, "and finally, Kirigakure."
The lone figure had a bamboo hat on his head similar to the kind of hat worn by the Akatsuki which was tilted to cover his face, but an audible "It will fall." was heard.
"In two weeks time the hidden villages shall suffer the fate that they deserved, they chose to unite to overshadow the rest of the world and they will crush the rest of the world under a tyrannical rule, but as Dusk, we shall end the reign of this Shinobi Alliance." the rinnegan user stated to the members of Dusk
Nods of consent with the occasional acknowledgement was heard before the holograms winked out of existence. "It is time to go, leave everything you collected in the Leaf here. We have much to do in the next month." the man in the shadows said as he began to walk towards the entrance of the cavern.
"Where did you put the body that you had acquired?" inquired the rinnegan user.
"It is at the back of the cavern." the man who stood at the door said.
"We are going to find Orochimaru immediately, we are bringing everything with us." the rinnegan user said.
"I see, you think he might be able to betray us if we bring him here. Very well, I will store everything we need for your operations within these scrolls." the other leader said as he pulled out some storage scrolls. "I've been keeping track of Orochimaru's actions since the war, so I will lead the way."
The sharrinnegan user nodded before walking over to the door as his partner quickly stored everything the two of them needed before they left the cavern.
A/N: While we didn't get to see much of our heroes this chapter (apart from a bit of NaruHina :) ) I'm sure you readers learned a little bit on Dusk's intentions. Also, I'm sure some of you had suspicions about the enemies who are from another time and it has definitely been hinted in this chapter.
I also have some sort of bad news. I'm going to be taking a prolonged hiatus from this story for probably the next month. This unfortunately means no updates. The reason for the said hiatus is because I will be away for a little while and then immediately afterwards I will be going to university and will need some time to settle in. Additionally, even though I have most of the story planned out, I found some issues in the plot particularly after the current arc, so I am trying to find a way to make it more original. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I'll make sure to try and get some writing in whenever I get the chance. Please stay with the story and let me know what you think with a review, so that when I get back to writing it, I can improve the story in any way possible. Thanks for reading this far and again I am deeply sorry.