Yo...

First of all I would like to thank you guys for all the reviews you gave for the previous chapter. It made the 10 hours of working on the chapter worth it...a special thanks to ougley too.

Previous chapter was really intense and we witnessed development of the characters which is really important for any story.

Well, something annoys me a little...1 or 2 readers said Naruto is a cry baby and angsty person. He is a 13 year old boy who lived a completely different life than CANNON Naruto, nor he is Cannon Itachi...maturity and the ability to remain calm does not appear instantly in a war, it takes time and experience. It also varies from person to person, if all characters start behaving like mature adults they won't be kids anymore. Only some rare cases like Mikasa are an exception to this.

You may not agree with me...but this is what I feel.

Enjoy the chapter...

Chapter 21

The Calm Before the Storm

The sound of scribbling could be silently heard in a small room. The cool breeze of the wind was gently slipping in the room through the small window which was located on the right side of the room beside a small bed.

A young boy was sitting on a chair and he was currently busy writing inside a small piece of paper with the help of his brush. His handwriting was neat and understandable and he could continue writing like this for hours, but somehow with each passing word it was getting harder and harder.

Naruto stared at the pile of letters currently located on his desk and a tired sigh escaped from his lips.

It wasn't that he hated doing paperwork but these letters were different...very different from any other document.

These were "Death Entitlements" letters, they were used to notify the relative of a trooper that he/she has fallen in the line of duty and has made the ultimate sacrifice.

His eyes stared at the 39 letters in front of his eyes, he had written these letters for the families of the troopers that had fallen while defending Shanxi.

Baku had offered to write them but the young Namikaze felt it was his responsibility now to address the families of his fallen men along with handing out their belongings.

"So this is what it means to be a true leader...every day you have to make tough choices, decisions which would send many of your friends, relatives, loved ones knowingly to their deaths. Tou-chan...how did you handle such a responsibility all these years?" thought Naruto curiously,

With every passing day of his life he was slowly able to understand the choices his father made and the reasons behind it. His rational mind could now make him understand how much Minato Namikaze sacrificed for Konoha and Fire Country...he even went as far as bearing his son's hatred for so many years without lashing out of him.

Just...what kind of man was he?

A knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts, he looked at the shining moon in the sky. Who wanted to meet him at this hour of midnight?

"Come in"

The door of the room slowly opened and he was quite surprised when he saw Armin standing there.

Naruto got up from his seat and went towards his bed, he then gestured his friend to join him and the boy agreed.

Armin just sat there nervously on the bed...he didn't say anything but from the look in his eyes made Naruto understand what was wrong with his friend.

"Having Nightmares?" asked Naruto calmly, and he could have sworn he saw Armin flinch a little.

"How do you know?" asked Armin hesitantly, and he saw Naruto giving him a victorious look.

"Because I'm awesome!" said Naruto cheerfully and punched his hand high in the air making Armin chuckle a little on his friend's antics.

"Not to mention an idiot too" said Armin with a small smirk on his face, and he laughed a little more when Naruto face faulted and was now sulking in a corner of the room.

Silence followed as none of them said another word and were instead staring peacefully at the shining moon in the sky. It was truly relaxing in comparison to the constant fighting they had been through.

"Armin...I want you to be my second in command in the company," said Naruto seriously and looked his friend straight in the eye.

Armin's eyes widened in shock on hearing this...Naruto wanted him to be second in command? This was...

"I cannot do it...I'm sorry," said Armin apologetically, and he was a little surprised when Naruto put a hand on his shoulder.

"You don't have to be afraid...I trust you. You fought by our side at Shanxi, it was you who suggested using the combined attack of Iwashi and Rangiku that destroyed a large portion of Iwa's army. You are more than capable for this post" said Naruto firmly, and Armin saw he meant every word from the look in his eyes.

"I'm weak...I don't have any special powers like you, or strength and speed like Mikasa and the others. Being smart and making plans are the only things I'm good at...A leader has to be strong, not someone like me," explained Armin briefly,

Naruto grabbed Armin's left hand and brought it in front of the boy. There was a large bandage wrapped around it in order to heal the injury he had suffered.

"A leader does not have to be strong physically...you saved my life and took a person's life for me, despite knowing how much you hate murder. You were ready to fight and die for your comrades and put aside all your personal fear and doubts. Yes, you may not be as strong as Mikasa...but you have something which neither of us have," said Naruto proudly,

Words couldn't describe how astonished Armin was on hearing this...was he really such an important person to him? What ability did he have that differed from Naruto and Mikasa?

"You can see a person's inner self, you can come up with plans that I can never do. Your battle strategies and your sense of perception saved a lot of our comrades lives that day...that is why I want you to be second in command. If I fall in battle...I can at least be sure that there will be a person who can lead our comrades after me" said Naruto firmly...and he saw a lone tear slipping from Armin's eyes.

It was known to everyone that Armin had self esteem issues and there were many reasons behind it. He lost his parents and grew up unsecured as an orphan, he was bullied by other kids until Mikasa stopped them...and he didn't want to hurt anyone so people took him for granted.

However as years passed Naruto realized how talented his friend was. Armin's sense of intelligence was very high...if Mikasa acted as his shield, then Armin was the sword.

Mikasa and Armin were both loyal to him...and if situation called they would even die for him. However there was a catch...Mikasa was loyal beyond words to him more than the country. She lacked the ability to think rationally if he or Armin were in danger and that would jeopardize the lives of other soldiers.

But Armin was capable of keeping a calm personality no matter the situation...and this was the reason Naruto wanted him to be the second in command.

"Do you really think I can do this? What will the other troopers think...What-" said Armin doubtfully, but was stopped when Naruto gave him a firm look.

"Whatever the village or any of our comrades think...for me you are a great soldier. This is what I feel...and from now on I won't let you be bullied by anyone. From now on I will trust you just like you trust me. Can you do this for me?" asked Naruto seriously,

The young Namikaze was quite surprised when he was engulfed in a tight hug by his friend...and he felt tears falling freely from the young boy's eyes. His hands quickly moved to comfort Armin.

Armin was truly grateful to Kami for giving him such friends...what Naruto said had truly made him believe in himself for the first time in his life. Just what was the deal with Naruto?

When he first met him...he had imagined him to be an arrogant kid because he was the Hokage's son, but all his thoughts were proved wrong when Naruto was the exact opposite.

He had the ability to motivate people in impossible situations...it had been 2 days since their victory on Shanxi and now every person in the world knew about them. The 1st company of Blacklight was referred as "Ghost" company by the enemy forces...they were terrified of facing them as only 120 of Blacklight fought head on with 4000 Iwa shinobi and emerged victorious.

Baku had fulfilled his promise and had made sure this news reached the people of Konoha...and they were considered heroes in the entire Fire Country.

They had been sent to a small town which was near Taki's borders in order to rest for 2 weeks. The entire company was resting but his friend had been constantly writing letters to the families of the fallen Blackight troopers along with fulfilling any promise which they had requested for.

Instead of basking in glory Naruto was making sure his soldiers were comfortable along with fulfilling his duty towards his fallen brothers. He had even written a personal letter to Yugao's elder sister telling how bravely she fought for her country and had recommended her for the Konoha Cross.

"You are the light and hope for every soldier in this company as well as our country. I'll make sure your trust in me is not wasted" thought Armin proudly,

"Hai" said Armin in a tearful voice, and a huge smile came on Naruto's face as he hugged his friend tightly.

However both of them missed the smile on a certain raven haired girl's face nor the tears that slid down her eyes as she observed the two boys from outside the room.

Naruto was suddenly woken up from his sleep as he heard a rough banging on his door. He wiped off the dust that was settled near his eyes and slowly looked at the clock in the room.

"6'o clock? Who the fuck is up so early?" thought Naruto irritatingly, he really hated it when someone disturbed his sleep.

He gently put on a pair of shorts as he had slept in his underwear and also put on a dark blue t-shirt. He slowly edged towards the door as the banging increased more and more.

"I'm coming...fucking idiots!" said Naruto frustratingly, and grasped the handle of the door roughly.

He angrily opened the door and before he could even see who was the trouble maker someone grabbed his hand quickly and the next thing he remembered was quickly being dragged out of the room.

"OI!"

Naruto shirked loudly due to the sheer force and he realized he was running and someone was holding his hand. He hazily looked ahead and was quite surprised when he saw who was dragging him in the corridor.

"KOTETSU!" said Naruto loudly, but the boy didn't listen to him and continued running.

"Come on...you need to see this" said Kotetsu excitedly, and this confused Naruto a little. Just what was so exciting at this hour?

Before he could think any further they quickly exited the hotel building and he saw two people were waiting for them outside. A sleepy Armin gave him a tired smile...while Izumo was still wiping the dust around his eyes.

"So it seems this idiot dragged these two out too...just what is he up to?" thought Naruto curiously,

"You too, huh?" asked Armin sleepily as another yawn asked from his mouth.

"Kotetsu...can you please tell us what the FUCK are up to?" asked Izumo irritatingly, and Naruto as well as Armin nodded in agreement.

They were quite surprised when Kotetsu got a cocky smile on his face...and a small shiver ran down their spines.

"This isn't going to go well..." thought Armin nervously, because whenever Kotetsu had the smile on his face he would do something big.

Last time they saw that smile on his face, he had painted Han's underwear in pink color and drew little bunnies on them. Armin couldn't forget how pissed of the commander was...and the spanking everyone of them had received.

On their ass cheeks with a Cane!

"What are you up to, I'll chop your balls of if you do something crazy again" said Izumo angrily, and Kotetsu just put a hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down a little, you are always so serious. We came here to enjoy, didn't we? I'm going to make this the most memorable day of our lives!" said Kotetsu gleefully, and everyone was now really intrigued with his plan.

Izumo was just about to scold his idiot friend when Naruto stepped in and he was quite surprised when he saw the mischievous look in the young Namikaze's eyes.

"What do you have in mind?" asked Naruto excitedly, and this made Kotetsu very happy.

"Today...I'm taking you all to heaven!"

Pure Heaven!

They were in heaven...words couldn't describe how much they were enjoying right now. For once in his life Kotetsu had done something so useful as currently all the 4 boys were currently glued to a small hole in the wall and were madly trying to see a little more.

As right now in front of them they were seeing a lot of naked females...and Naruto really felt uncomfortable as he felt a small erection in his pants.

"You are genius Kotetsu...this is perfect!I love you man!" said Naruto happily, as a light blush came on his face as he saw a beautiful dark haired woman with D-cup breasts sitting in the bath house.

"Look at that babe...god her curves are so sexy, while that one has such a sexy ass!" said Izumo perversely, for once he totally agreed with Kotetsu.

"So this is where he had been since past 2 days...he was developing ways to peek in the bath house, and he dismantled all the seals placed by the female Blacklight kunoichi...he's got some courage, I'll give him that" thought Armin calmly,

Contrary to his perverted friends he didn't want to enjoy this, so he had settled to sit patiently in the nearby trees waiting for his friends to finish their "activity".

He was irked a little by even Naruto acting the same as Kotetsu. Never in his life had Armin guessed his friend was a closed pervert.

If Mikasa found out about this...

"What is going on here?" asked a murderous voice,

Armin's cursed his luck when he heard her voice...he had been given the task to look out for any females approaching the area and he had got so engrossed in his thoughts that he had slipped.

A slip which Naruto was going to pay for heavily as right now he, Izumo and Kotetsu were currently surrounded by Mikasa, Shizune and Anko...and they were glaring at the trio murderously.

Naruto chuckled nervously when he saw Mikasa narrowing his eyes at him...he was pretty sure she had very good idea what he was doing.

"But damn those boobs were so sexy...now how do I explain this to her," thought Naruto nervously,

"My, my look how much they are enjoying watching "naked" women," teased Anko playfully and pointed her finger at Kotetsu's "large" erection in his pants.

"I was just checking whether the seals were in place or not...believe it!" said Kotetsu hurriedly,

"Didn't look like that to me...does it Izumo?" asked Mikasa sharply, and the brown haired boy gave her a embarrassed chuckle.

"Yeah...it was Naruto's idea after all. He woke all of us up in the morning and brought us here, he really thinks a lot about everyone's safety" said Izumo with an evil smile on his face,

"Damn traitor!" thought a wide eyed Naruto as currently he saw Shizune aiming a senbon at his crotch.

He was just about to protest against this claim when he saw Kotetsu giving him a pleading look...and from the light blush on his face made Naruto understand why Kotetsu was requesting him to take the blame.

"That idiot likes Shizune...damn it!" thought Naruto defeatedly,

Naruto realized if he shifted the blame to Kotetsu then it would affect his chances to get close to the girl as everyone knew Shizune hated perverts.

And besides they were all in this together. He looked at Kotetsu with a small smile which told him that he was doing this for the first and last time.

"Yes...it was my idea to peep in here for fun and I dragged these two here. I'm sorry," said Naruto silently, and he merely shrugged when Shizune looked at him disappointingly while Kotetsu gave him a grateful smile.

"You should be ashamed of yourself Naruto...you are the commander!" said Shizune angrily, and Izumo snickered on seeing his friend getting bashed.

BAM!

Mikasa knocked the laughing boy out with a punch that sent him crashing straight into the bathhouse and the boys heard many women shouting in shock and fear.

"Sorry" said Naruto nonchalantly and started walking away as if nothing happened, Izumo deserved the beating he was getting from the women inside.

He was quite surprised when Shizune grabbed him by the collar and she was clearly annoyed by his behavior.

"What kind of apology is that? There is no feeling behind it!' said Shizune accusingly, and Kotetsu was sweating badly as Anko had put a kunai on his crotch.

"Don't worry...I'll be gentle," said Anko sadistically,

"Can I go...Anko-sama? I have some work to do..." said Kotetsu nervously as the crazy girl enveloped him in a fierce hug which made him more aroused.

"Damn...she's got some good boobs too. I'm in heaven!" thought Kotetsu perversely as he could feel Anko's tight breasts pressed against his back.

BAM!

He too was sent sailing as Shizune punched him straight in the face...her cheeks red with anger and jealousy as she saw how close Anko was to Kotetsu.

Naruto was quite astonished by seeing this...women were really strange.

"Anko...don't get so close with him," said Shizune jealously, but Anko merely giggled on seeing her friend's antics.

"I was just making him see his mistake...wasn't I Kotetsu-kun?" asked Anko mischievously

"Yes...I mean no...Yes!" said Kotetsu nervously, but Shizune just huffed and started walking away.

"I don't care..." said Shizune flatly and quickly disappeared away from the area.

"Shizune!" said Kotetsu worriedly and ran after her,

"Now's my chance to escape!" thought Naruto victoriously and quietly started running away.

However he was quite surprised when Mikasa grabbed his ear and without a word started dragging him away, despite his pleas of leaving him alone.

Armin watched in amusement as each of his perverted friends were getting their punishment. Kotetsu had ran off after Shizune to cheer her up somehow, Izumo had just managed to save his ass from the ladies until Anko nabbed him and was now taking him to god knew where.

"I don't even want to know...what she'll do to him," thought Armin nervously, Anko was well a little "sadistic".

Okay, a hell of a lot more sadistic.

However a sad smile came on his face as he saw a struggling Naruto being dragged away by Mikasa...he was happy that his best friends were getting closer to each other with each passing day.

But...somewhere deep down in his heart, he was feeling lonely. He just didn't know what this feeling was whenever he saw Naruto and Mikasa together...or some other cadets getting more than close to each other.

Would he ever be able to feel such a thing? Would he ever be close to a girl?

"Who am I kidding? I'd never have a girlfriend..." thought Armin tiredly, he was just about to leave when someone grabbed him from behind.

His hands quickly reached for his kunai...how could someone get behind him so easily. However his worries were dismissed when he heard Rangiku's voice.

"Are you peeping here, Armin?" asked Rangiku perversely, she watched in amusement as her friend tried to say something but was failing miserably.

"U...No, I was just-" said Armin nervously, but was stopped when she put her gentle finger on his lips to stop his babbling.

"I was just kidding...besides I don't mind you peeping here," said Rangiku naughtily and traced her finger seductively over his chest.

She was trying very hard to control her laughter as Armin was practically more redder than a Tomato itself, but this was what she liked about him. He was just a simple guy, no special background or powers...but he had a strong will to fight for his friends, and that was what attracted her to him.

"Rangiku..." said Armin with a gentle smile, he knew she had a habit of teasing people a lot.

The young boy turned around and looked at Rangiku and he calmly observed her. After Naruto and Mikasa, if there was anyone about whom he cared the most, then it was Rangiku.

She was his best friend, a person with whom he could be himself. He loved being with Naruto and Mikasa but sometimes he would really get left in the shadows...but he knew his friends never did that intentionally.

But with her he could do all sorts of crazy things...she was the exact opposite of him, and he knew deep down in his heart he had some feelings for her.

"Armin...you don't have to be afraid. I believe in you"

Armin's eyes widened in realization as Naruto's words from previous night hit him...maybe what he was about to do was right?

Rangiku was just casually looking around when she felt him grabbing her hand gently...and she looked at him curiously.

"Rangiku...would...would...you..." said Armin hesitantly, and the amused girl could clearly see he was really trying hard to say something and gave him a welcoming smile in return.

"What is it?" asked Rangiku gently, and she giggled a little when he hurriedly closed his eyes and spoke loudly.

"WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO ON A DATE WITH ME?"

Rangiku's eyes widened in shock when she heard his request and a light blush came on her cheeks. She looked at Armin for a moment in wonder, since when did he became so bold?

But that didn't mean she didn't like the proposal, and she saw him slowly opening one of his eyes to see her reaction...and from the look on his face it seemed it had taken all his courage to say this to her.

And now she couldn't control it...and her melodious laughter echoed in the area.

The poor young boy got a dishearted look on his face as he heard her laughing...but he didn't blame her for it.

"What was I thinking? Even if she likes Naruto a little...I had the audacity to ask her out on a date!Stupid" cursed Armin angrily,

However he was quite surprised when she slowly came forward and gently kissed his cheek affectionately. Never in his entire life had Armin seen such a beautiful smile on her face, one which he was seeing right now.

"I'd like to go on a date with you," said Rangiku happily, and what happened next would forever be arched in her memory.

Poor Armin fainted!

Naruto grumpily sat in the shade of a small tree, he was bored. No, he was fucking frustrated!

In front of him was Mikasa, who had been giving him a lecture on proper manners since the past 20 minutes.

"Stupid Kotetsu...I'll get you for this teme!" thought Naruto murderously, and his eyes burned with passion as he thought about ways of torturing his perverted friend!

"Are you even listening to me?" asked Mikasa dangerously, and he gave her a instant nod while a small chibi Naruto repeated the word "whipped" in his mind over and over again.

"Hai...I understand, can we please stop this...I'm tired!" said Naruto flatly, and he heard a tired sigh escaping from her lips.

She slowly came forward and sat beside him in the shade with her long raven hair flowing freely in the air, Naruto had to admit she was growing more beautiful and more sexy with each passing day.

Her hair had started to reach past her shoulders with two bangs falling on her face, while her eyes were still as beautiful as ever. She was now 5ft 3 inch tall, and had a well toned body and probably a developing pair of B-cup breasts.

"Must not think about such things..." thought Naruto firmly, just mere thought of seeing her in a swimsuit was making him a little more excited.

"Is there something on my face?" asked Mikasa curiously as she caught him staring at her continuously for a few moments,

Naruto suddenly felt really cornered now, what was he supposed to say? Now that he thought about it, he never felt so much attracted to her in such a way.

He knew he sucked at romance, was that the right term? He really wished his father could have given him some advice on this matter. But it seemed life was never fair to anyone.

"Fuck it..."

"You are looking great Mikasa..." praised Naruto happily, and gave her a thumbs up with a wide smile on his face.

A small faint blush came on Mikasa's face as she heard those words. This was the first time someone had said such a thing to her...and she knew Naruto wouldn't lie to her or falsely praise her.

"Thank you..." said Mikasa gratefully, and both of them sat there patiently as they enjoyed the calm atmosphere.

"It feels so peaceful right now...I really wish this war ends soon," said Naruto casually as he looked at a pair of birds sitting on the top of tree.

One of them was a new born child who was currently being fed something by the grown up bird...and it was probably the mother who was feeding her offspring.

Mikasa noticed the loneliness that was evident in his eyes and one look at the birds made her understand what he was feeling.

"You miss them, don't you?" asked Mikasa kindly, and gently grasped his hand to give him comfort.

A tired sigh escaped from his lips as his hands gently raked through his beautiful blonde hair, and Mikasa knew that behind the identity of Commander and a soldier of Blacklight was a boy.

A boy who was missing his family dearly. She didn't blame him for it, it had been years since any of them had set foot in Konoha and if their past battle was any indication...their chances of going back home alive were very less.

"I don't even remember what they look like...the last time I saw my brother he was a chibi and had baby fat all over his face, now I don't know what he looks like. I don't even know if he remembers me..." said Naruto calmly as he gently played with her fingers.

"They must be missing you too...what was your family like? I understand if you don't-" said Mikasa honestly but she was relieved when he just gave her a small smile indicating it was okay if she asked this.

She never missed the smile that came on his face as he seemed to be thinking about his past with his family, and somehow instead of it making her feel sad it made her happy.

"Contrary to rumors, we were a simple family. Mother was the pillar that held all of us together, she made us good food, taught her kids manners and values of life, played with us. Dad was not around much but he tried his best to be a good father...he was clumsy and sometimes even lazy," said Naruto with a small chuckle as he remembered how Minato used to hate cleaning the house on Sunday...and his mother would give him a lecture on it.

Mikasa intently listened to this information, over these years Naruto never talked about his family and nor did she push him hard. But now was the chance to know more about him and his past.

"They are good people...and your brother?" asked Mikasa curiously, and she was a little surprised when he started laughing loudly.

"He was the most annoying person I've ever met...that little shit was a pain in the ass" said Naruto honestly, however he was given a light bop on the head.

"Language Naruto," said Mikasa flatly, and for a moment Naruto saw a reflection of his mother in Mikasa...as he remembered how Mikoto used to scold him when he sweared.

"Gomen...Itachi may have been a pesky little brat, but he is my brother. He imitated whatever I did, if I told him to jump he'd ask 'how high'; he was a great prankster and most of the times I used to be at the receiving end of his mischief...but I loved it too. I miss him, Mikasa...I miss my brother, I miss my parents" said Naruto sadly, and she edged a little closer so that she could look him straight in the eye.

"I'm sure you will meet them soon...in the meantime, you should write a letter home. Your family must be missing you too.." suggested Mikasa affectionately as she stroked away a small bang of his hair that was falling on his eyes.

"Maybe you're right...during training we were forbidden from any contact with the outside world, but now..." said Naruto thoughtfully, the idea was really good...and maybe he could talk with his mother.

The warm rays of the sun suddenly fell on their face causing Mikasa to abruptly close her eyes, but after a second the burning light was replaced by a warm sensation.

She slowly opened her eyes and saw Naruto was using his hand to block the rays of the sun from falling on her face while giving her a vibrant smile in return...and this really warmed her heart.

"I'll be by your side forever...as your friend, as your family" said Naruto honestly and a small tear escaped from her eyes.

"You could feel the loneliness in my heart? You realized that I missed my family...and didn't push me to talk about them. Naruto, you" thought Mikasa happily,

She was still not ready to talk about her family and her past life, and he understood that. Despite his claims that he was an idiot, he understood her perfectly. He didn't need words or displays to realize what she was feeling or what she wanted.

He was just...just...

"Uhmp" muttered Naruto as he fell flat on the ground with Mikasa giving him a bone crushing hug as she laid on top of him.

"Thank you...thank you," said Mikasa in a tearful voice as tears freely fell from her eyes. Just being around him, talking with him, seeing him smile...made her day, and she just wanted this to continue forever.

For his part Naruto returned the hug and gently caressed her back in order to give her comfort. She truly meant a lot to him and now he couldn't even imagine living a moment without her.

He wasn't sure about his feelings for her...but one thing was certain, she had truly became as much important to him as his brother.

And he wouldn't let anything happen to her.

He leaned back a little and gently wiped away her tears as a wide smile came on her face, even she seemed to truly love being around him.

"You don't need to thank me for anything...I always do some small insignificant things for you, one which any friend would do" said Naruto casually, however she gave him a firm gaze.

"Moron...it's not the big things that you do, rather the small things like this is what I love about you. With you I can truly be myself and can be honest with you without the fear of being rejected or punished. For you doing such things may not be a big deal, but for me they mean everything" explained Mikasa in a calm tone making Naruto understand the importance of his actions in her life.

"Hai...what are friends for, idiot!" said Naruto cheerfully, and this time even she gave him a full smile in return.

Mikasa gently pressed her forehead against his and looked straight in his dark black eyes.

"Forever"

And she got her answer instantly.

"Forever"

In a dark room of Iwagakure sat a short man, his wrinkled face along with the scars on his body showed he had been through many battles, while the Kage uniform and the Iwagakure headband on his body showed he was the Tsuchikage.

Ohnoki stared murderously at the report in front of him. His entire 1st division was wiped out by 120 enemy soldiers?

The tables had turned and he had to withdraw his entire 2nd division from Taki in order to defend Iwa from the invasion that the enemy would launch soon. He roughly had 10,000 shinobi left if he counted his 3rd division which had been previously acting as support.

The tide of the war had suddenly changed, and the "Heavenly Alliance" had started losing on many fronts. Minato and Jiraiya had started infiltrating in Kumo's borders with their men, while Kakashi Hatake was holding Kiri in a guerrilla warfare.

Ohnoki knew it was only a matter of time before Hiruzen and Kagami Uchiha's division united and with Blacklight they would invade Iwa.

It was time he used the weapons he purchased from Akatsuki as well as using their services to crush Blacklight. They were a real threat to his nation as never in his entire life had he seen such a force.

"Damn you Minato Namikaze...damn your Blacklight!" cursed Ohnoki furiously and smashed the table in front of him to pieces.

"Dragon!" said the Tsuchikage loudly,

Instantly a Anbu appeared in front of him and quickly bowed in order to show his respect.

"Dragon, head to Point 4758 with your Anbu unit. Take 500 of our regular forces too, I want that place to be defended at all costs." ordered Ohnoki sternly,

"Hai...as you wish, any other orders?" asked Dragon stoically, as he awaited any instruction from his leader.

A evil smile came on the Kage's face as he stared at the photo of a Phoenix masked Blacklight commander. This boy had caused him a lot of damage, and he would make this boy pay in blood.

"Just do your job...I'll personally make sure that Commander Phoenix will be seeing the Shinigami soon along with his entire company"

Author's Notes: Another chapter finished.

Commander Phoenix is Naruto's codename, Ohonoki doesn't know about Naruto's identity, and his plans will be a surprise.

We saw development of Armin, Naruto, Rangiku and Mikasa's characters...and a little insight on Kotetsu, Izumo, and Shizune's likes and dislikes.

Naruto has appointed Armin as second in command and I have clearly stated the reasons too...this will also help in shaping up his character.

The Toad Sage had mentioned about the prophecy however his prophecy is not always complete (Even in Manga). There are always two sides of a coin.

Also my updates will be irregular and random from now due to my enrollment in a professional course.

Be happy and Leave a Review too!

Happy New year!