Yo..

It's time to get back into action...previous chapter the gang relaxed a little and some stuff happened.

Remember a few chaps back I showed Naruto's power (Mokuton and Sharingan) evolved from the feelings of hatred when his friends were gravely injured by Han. I also heavily emphasized on the point that the more his hatred increases the stronger he becomes.

From this chapter things will take an interesting turn and we have already completed more than 30% of this arc.

Enjoy the new chapter...

Chapter 22

The Beginning of the End

In the dark corridors of the Akatsuki base the sound of violent coughing could be clearly heard. A man wearing a dark black cloak with red swirls on it was currently staring straight in the mirror in front of him.

His lone sharingan looked at his reflection in the mirror...and his face showed how badly he had changed.

He wiped the blood that leaked out of his mouth and moved his neck a little in order to relax his muscles slightly. Such trivial things were nothing to him, he had been entrusted with the task of saving this world.

To create a world of winners, a dream world where every wish is fulfilled.

A world where he could be together with her.

He looked at the orange mask lying on the wash basin, it was his identity. He was no one nor did he want to be anyone, the only thing he wanted was this pathetic world to end.

He was Madara Uchiha, the savior of this world. The person responsible for starting the Fourth Great Ninja War, the countless shinobi and civilian lives lost in this war was due to him but he didn't give a rat's ass about it.

"I should not use the Kamui so much..." thought Madara carefully, as he put his orange mask back on his face.

There was only a single hole in the mask from which he would rule the world with the help of his sharingan, and he was not alone in this crusade for peace. He had 10 pawns ready to fight for him, not to mention the Kyubi itself.

The world's strongest Biju was in his grasp waiting to be unleashed on his command.

"What have you got?" asked Madara sternly, as a plant like entity emerged behind him. Half of his body was black while the other was white, and they were looking at Madara curiously.

"You always choose the best people for our cause...the boy you mentioned has awakened his powers and is becoming stronger with each passing day," said Black Zetsu sharply, and he was sure that he heard a small chuckle escaping from Madara's lips.

"But his hatred is still not strong..." said White Zetsu weakly, as Black Zetsu shot him a glare.

Madara turned around and looked at his comrades with his Mangekyo Sharingan, and the plant like creatures could see the man's conviction for his dream.

"You underestimate him too much...the moment I saw his eyes in that forest I was sure he is the one, the eyes burned with hatred which I had only seen in one person before. He will see the reality of this worthless world..." said Madara darkly

A young boy walked through the dark corridors of the Blacklight base, his firm footsteps could be heard in the entire hallway as his blonde hair swayed freely in the air, his face was hidden behind a Phoenix mask and he was currently dressed in his shinobi gear with a small tanto on his back.

He turned around the corner and saw a small room ahead of him, and a tired sigh escaped from his lips.

"Time to jump back into action," thought Naruto tiredly,

The past two weeks had been heaven for him, he was able to relax with his friends. They had lots of fun together, peeping on bathhouses, partying...all sorts of things which they could have enjoyed if they were not at war.

However every good thing has an end...and it was time they stepped back into reality. A dark world where only despair and hatred will prevalent.

A small smile came behind his mask as someone gently grasped his right hand while another person stepped on his left side.

"Let's go" said Mikasa warmly, and Armin gave him an encouraging nod.

"As long as I have these two with me...I can endure anything, no matter what happens" thought Naruto proudly, as he grasped Mikasa's hand gently.

He looked at Armin and was happy to see that his friend looked a lot more confident today, he had to be as after their first battle at Shanxi none of them were Rookies...or maybe it had to do something with his developing relationship with Rangiku.

"I hear you had quite a lot of fun...with a certain blonde," teased Naruto playfully, as a light blush came on his friend's cheeks.

Armin saw Mikasa and Naruto's amused faces...and quickly put on his Weasel Anbu mask on as he chuckled nervously.

"Um...it's nothing like that. We are just friends...you're getting the wrong idea," said Armin quickly, as he tried his best to cover the truth.

However he was quite surprised when Mikasa came forward and hugged him tightly...since when did she start displaying so much emotions?

"I'm really happy for you, Armin"

A small smile came on Armin's face as he saw how important he was to Mikasa...even after her getting more close to Naruto, she was still there for him and it warmed his heart.

"My, my...you're so sneaky, Mikasa. Are you trying to steal my innocent boyfriend?" asked a new playful voice,

The trio looked behind and saw Rangiku, Shizune as well as Izumo and Kotetsu. All of them were in their uniforms and were ready for the mission.

Rangiku came forward and put her finger straight at Armin's chest and looked him clearly in the eyes, everyone chuckled a little as they saw the poor boy getting nervous of this awkward situation.

"Armin-kun...were trying to know your beloved Mikasa-chan?" asked Rangiku dangerously, however she had to use all her strength in order to prevent herself from laughing as right now Armin was waving his hands at her in a comic way.

"No...No...you're getting the wrong idea!" said Armin pleadingly, however his so called "friend" just huffed and faced ahead.

"I don't care..." said Rangiku stoically, and quickly started walking away to prevent Armin from seeing the amused smile that came on her face.

"Rangiku!" said Armin loudly, and ran after her.

The rest of the group watched in amusement as Armin caught up with Rangiku and tried his best to give an explanation, however everything was settled when she slightly tilted his Anbu mask and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.

"It seems he has finally found the light of his life..." said Naruto happily, his heart warmed on seeing Armin so happy and quite frankly his friend deserved this.

After being alone and bullied all his life, Armin had finally found someone with whom he could share everything and the person who understood him more than anyone in the world.

Mikasa looked at Naruto hesitantly...he was so kind, gentle and cared so much about her. She wouldn't deny he was handsome too...and he was very important to her.

However those words he said at Shanxi still troubled her.

"I'm no one...I don't want to be anyone, the only thing I want is your blood"

"The only thing that exists in this world is hatred"

The young female Blacklight didn't know what to clearly think about Naruto...at one moment he was the most kind and caring person and the next he could be even more dark than the devil himself.

He was not like this when they were in Konoha...from what she had seen and heard about him, he was one of the most noble and gentle person in the village. Hell he still was, but day by day she could see his anger and hatred increasing.

It was as if he was changing...and this troubled her a lot.

"Let's go" said Naruto curtly and started walking ahead,

Mikasa stared at his retreating form, she didn't know what the future had in store for them...but she would not leave him, no matter what happens.

This was her promise.

Baku currently stared at the young troopers around him and a proud look came in his eyes as he could feel no fear or hesitation from any of them.

There were currently 12 troopers around him, and they were none other than Naruto, Mikasa, Armin, Rangiku, Izumo, Kotetsu, Shizune, Anko, Aoba, Genma, Hana and Iwashi.

These were one of the best soldiers in the entire 1st company and tonight they had been summoned here for a specific reason.

"A few days ago, you soldiers created history by defeating Iwa's entire division on your own...and I'm proud of all of you," said Baku seriously,

"We did our duty commander...for the village, and our nation," said Naruto firmly on behalf on everyone in the room, and Baku gave all of them an appraising nod.

"Yes, due to your actions Iwa suffered catastrophic losses and had to immediately remove their 2nd division from Taki to form a defensive formation to stop our invasion. Their 3rd division is no longer acting as support and has been fully deployed to the front. The Tsuchikage is really wary of us now," explained Baku seriously,

"That old bat has probably wet his pants by now...if he wears pants that is," said Kotetsu humorously,

However when he looked around he saw everyone looking at him tiredly while Baku gave him a stern gaze...it seemed he was not as lenient as Han.

"My Bad..." said Kotetsu shyly as a light blush came on his face, but fortunately he had his mask on.

"Idiot" thought Shizune tiredly,

"Kotetsu Hagane...after this mission, you will do toilet duty for the entire week!" said Baku angrily, and he saw the terrified expression in the boy's eyes,

"No!" said Kotetsu in shock,

"2 weeks!"

"I'm sorry!"

"3 weeks"

"Fine, you fucking geezer. Bring it on!" said Kotetsu challengingly, and Naruto smacked his forehead as he saw his friend and the supreme commander glaring at each other murderously.

"He has balls" thought everyone in the room in shock,

Before Kotetsu could utter another word and get himself in any more trouble, Shizune and Izumo quickly put their hands on his mouth and shot him a murderous glare.

The next moment Naruto stepped forward and bowed in front of Baku in order to save his friend.

"I take full responsibility for him...forgive him for his insubordination. He may not have much control over his tongue...but he is a fine soldier, and as his commander I'll make sure something like this never happens," said Naruto apologetically,

Baku noticed the appealing look in the eyes of the other cadets too and a tired sigh escaped from his lips...they were still teens, and he should not push them so hard.

After what he was going to put them through...but it had to be done for the sake of the country.

"Alright Namikaze, next time you would be detained if he acts like this. You are Blacklight...I don't need blabbering idiots here," said Baku harshly, and Kotetsu couldn't see this.

Why was Naruto being humiliated like this? He had just said what was on his mind...he wouldn't let someone insult his friend like this.

"Commander Fox wouldn't treat us like this. He saw us as his comrades and cared for us, you just consider us as pawns!" said Kotetsu angrily and pointed his finger straight at Baku.

"FOX IS DEAD!'

Everyone flinched a little on hearing Baku's murderous voice and the commander smashed his hand at the table beneath him causing cracks to appear on it.

"You listen to me, I don't give a rat's ass about any of you. There is no room for jokes, stupid comments here...if you don't like it get out of here. Only those willing to participate and fight like a shinobi are welcome here," said Baku flatly, and he could see many of the cadets averted their gaze from him...but it was clear such words had hurted their pride.

And this was what he wanted...

"What's the mission?" asked Mikasa quickly, she was really worried as things were going down hill with each passing moment.

Baku saw the girl looking at him expectantly and he realized the situation was going out of hand...he had to stop this madness.

"Alright, listen up...all of you have been selected for a special mission. It is an A-rank bordering S-rank mission, so listen to me carefully," said Baku seriously,

Armin fidgeted a little as he thought about the possibility of an S-rank mission...things were getting really serious. Looking at Rangiku, he at least knew one thing he had to protect her.

"Target?" asked Genma curiously, he had a feeling this was something big.

"12 of you will be infiltrating Point 4758 in other words "Shuri Castle". It's an old castle which Iwa's army used in the past...I want you all to capture it," said Baku stoically,

"What's the importance of this castle? It's hardly worth invading," said Hana harshly, but Baku pointed his finger at various small lines beneath the castle and the picture started making sense to Armin.

"It has tunnels beneath it...which the army has been using secretly to move their troops all around their country. Even our recon squads didn't get much information..." said Armin sharply, and Baku saw Minato's information about the boy's intelligence was not false.

"What's the level of security? I don't think...they'll leave such a place unguarded. Even if the castle has been sealed...something's not right here," said Naruto suspiciously,

"Just as your father...you have the ability to see underneath the underneath," thought Baku darkly,

"Yes, the enemy has been secretly operating its forces from this castle. There may be a 100 elite troops there as Iwa is currently busy securing more important positions to stop our invasion. Your job is to get in there, quietly take down any enemies...you will have 2 hours to complete the mission. Any questions?" asked Baku quickly, and he saw Aoba raising his hand and gestured him to speak.

"Commander...will 12 of us be enough for capturing such an enormous castle?" asked Aoba hesitantly,

"Yamashiro Aoba...you have been ordered to conduct this mission. The Blacklight command and I have gone through every possibilities and have made this decision...just make sure you don't disappoint us," said Baku harshly, and he saw the young boy stepping back in order to save himself from the commander's wrath.

Naruto looked at Armin quickly, and his friend just signaled him that something was not right...if this castle was so important to Iwa then why were only 100 shinobi guarding it? Iwa had seen how dangerous Blacklight were...he looked at Baku for a second, the man had a stoic look in his eyes and Naruto just didn't know what to make of the situation.

"Naruto you will be leading this mission as Captain...while I will command the rest of 1st company and prepare for our invasion on another location. Is everything clear to you?" asked Baku flatly,

To question a superior officer was not allowed in Blacklight. These young troopers had no right to ask about the high command's decision, even if it meant that they were being sent on a suicide mission.

"We'll get the job done," said Naruto seriously, and all of them gave one last salute to Baku and disappeared from the room.

However none of them saw the Baku planting 4 flags around Shuri Castle...

Naruto was currently loading his kunai launcher when he felt someone waiting behind him. He turned around and was not surprised when it was none other than Armin.

And he knew why his second in command was here.

"I know something's fishy...but we have no choice, orders are orders." said Naruto stoically, and he saw a desperate look in his eyes.

"I understand...but-" said Armin in a frustrated voice, but was stopped when Naruto put a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I won't let anything happen to Rangiku or you...this is a promise," said Naruto with a small smile, and he saw this statement made Armin feel safe.

"Thank you...as long as you are with us, there is no need to worry. I believe in you," said Armin happily and Naruto gave him a thankful nod,

The young Namikaze looked around and saw his comrades were getting their weapons and looking at their faces made him realize that their lives would depend on the decisions he made during the mission.

Every person present in the armory was his close friend...even Genma was a friend, and for the first time he felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. At Shanxi, his instincts had kicked in and he got the job done...but now they were a team of just 12 members heading behind enemy lines with slim to no information.

"Don't overburden yourself...you'll grow old fast," said Mikasa lightly, the girl gently came beside him and put her hand on his face,

"I'm the captain...it's my job to protect all of you. I'll butcher anyone who tries to harm any of you..." said Naruto murderously, and she felt a little of his KI.

Mikasa bit her lip...this was why she was worried about him. He was changing...and she didn't know what was going on. In the end she decided to ask him the question straight forwardly.

"Naruto...do you remember what you said back at Shanxi to the Iwa commander?" asked Mikasa hesitantly, and she saw he tried to remember the memory.

He put his hand on his forehead...just why couldn't he remember that memory?

"Didn't I just kill the Iwa commander? I don't think I ever had a chat with him..." said Naruto honestly, and for a second he noticed the shock in her eyes.

"Mikasa..."

"No, it's nothing. Get ready fast," said Mikasa hurriedly and quickly went away leaving a confused Naruto behind.

Naruto carefully watched the sky around him, they had infiltrated deep behind enemy lines and in a few moments they would reach Shuri Castle. He just couldn't shake this feeling...it was as if he was heading into a trap.

"Naruto...I'm sorry for putting you in trouble," said Kotetsu apologetically,

The young Namikaze looked behind and saw the distressed look in his friend's eyes. Both of them were currently travelling on the same bird and the entire way Kotetsu had not even uttered a word...and this worried Naruto a lot.

He turned towards his friend and looked him straight in the eye and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Kotetsu you are a strong shinobi...but sometimes you fail to understand the situation. The way you behaved with Baku was wrong...despite him being the supreme commander he is still human. His son is rotting in the Shinigami's belly, try to understand his pain...he does mean well," said Naruto calmly,

"But-" said Kotetsu in protest but Naruto gave him a firm gaze.

"Don't waste your talent in useless arguments...change this world and protect your comrades with your power," said Naruto harshly,

Kotetsu averted his eyed from Naruto...he didn't know why his friends still stood beside him. He had very little control over his mouth and often landed them in trouble but not even once they did they abandon him.

He still remembered the day he had painted Han's underwear in pink color and drew bunnies on it. If he had been caught, he would have ended up in detention for weeks and the commander tried to get the truth out of his friends...but none of them sold him out.

Naruto and Armin even went on to say...that all of them were in this together and received punishment along side him.

A few tears slipped from the young boy's eyes...he was always someone to be protected, even when he didn't want to cause trouble he ended up with one.

"You broke the rule Naruto...you shouldn't have saved him back there. The commander could have put us in serious trouble," said Anko loudly from her bird.

"But he just said his honest opinion...there was no need for such harsh action," argued Shizune vehemently, why were they cornering her friend?

Mikasa watched silently as Genma, Aoba...and even Hana berated Naruto for protecting Kotetsu, but he did not utter a single word.

"It's true that I broke the rule of our force by protecting Kotetsu...but if you can't understand the feelings in your friend's heart, then all of you are worse than trash. I'll keep on breaking the rules if it means saving my friends...regardless of what others think about my actions," said Naruto passionately and looked everyone straight in the eye.

"Naruto...you-" said a shocked Kotetsu, words couldn't describe how happy he was to have such a friend.

"We'll talk about this later...we are nearing the target, get ready," said Izumo quickly, he was at the front and signaled the rest of his comrades to prepare themselves.

A small smile came on Mikasa' face on hearing Naruto's thoughts...maybe she was over thinking, nothing was wrong with her friend. He was still the same boy she had met in the village a few years back.

The Konoha team stealthily hid in the shadows as a dark pair of sharingan eyes tried to observe the target in front of them. Armin and Rangiku were looking at Naruto curiously who had put his finger on the ground.

"There are 70 of them in that castle..it seems the commander's information was wrong. Judging from their chakra levels they are elite Jounins, wait-" said Naruto quickly as he sensed an enormous amount of chakra from a person.

"Impossible...how can a person have so much chakra?" thought Naruto warily, not to mention the chakra was very dark.

Armin hurriedly came beside him and looked at him seriously...just what the hell was going on?

"Naruto let me, Kotetsu and Aoba go ahead and scout the castle. Maybe the enemy has set up false seals that are preventing you from sensing their exact numbers. This way the entire squad would not be in danger, Aoba is a sensor too, Kotetsu can help me in providing cover to Aoba. We'll relay the information to you...and if there is any trouble we'll fall back," suggested Armin tactfully,

"It's too risky...let me handle this. I'll scout the position with Mikasa," said Naruto seriously, however Armin shaked his head in negative.

"You are the commander of the entire 1st company, we have just lost commander Fox...the leadership needs to be stable to maintain the morale of our comrades. Also you and Mikasa are the best soldiers of our company...it would be not be in our best interests to send you two ahead. Don't worry I've got this one," said Armin promisingly, and he gave a reassuring smile to Naruto and Rangiku.

He was quite surprised when Naruto made a hand seal and 9 water clones were formed and they quickly henged into each member of their team.

"Protect these 3 at all costs, is that clear?" asked Naruto authoritatively and his clones nodded instantly,

"But how will you get inside?" asked Mikasa curiously, and she saw a victorious look in Armin's eyes.

He had a plan.

A young Iwa Anbu watched his surroundings cautiously, they were on high alert and were clearly told not to underestimate the enemy.

A few dust particles flew in front of him but before he could fling them away...his eyes widened in horror when those dust particles transformed into enemy ninja and a kunai was struck straight in his head.

"One down" said Armin quietly as his team quickly hid on the topside of the castle,

His assumptions were proved right as they were not up against Jounin's but Anbu Blackops, this mission had been a hoax from the start. Now the only question that remained were the numbers of the Anbu.

"Aoba...what have you got?" asked Armin silently, all of them were hiding in the shadows and had concealed their chakra totally.

"Armin, I can feel chakra disruptor seals outside the castle. No wonder Naruto couldn't sense them from outside, they are specifically made to confuse sensors about the strength of the enemy forces. There are ...500 of them in this castle, all Anbu class" said Aoba shockingly

Before Armin could even digest the shock...all of them had to quickly jump away as a hail of kunai struck at their position and blew it to pieces.

"DROP YOUR WEAPONS!"

The elite Blacklight troopers found themselves standing in a small area and their eyes widened in horror when they saw hundreds of Anbu on top of the castle ready to kill them.

"It's a fucking trap...Baku set us up," said Kotetsu murderously, his hands clenched tightly on the trigger around his kunai launcher.

Armin looked around for a way to escape but found his unit surrounded from every side. The top, the left, the right there were Anbu everywhere.

He saw a bulky Iwa shinobi dressed in the traditional Iwa gear looking at him sternly, and from the stars on his chest and the "Commander" word written on his uniform he realized this man was the leader of these Anbu.

"By order of the Tsuchikage all of you are to be taken prisoners and judged for mass murder, rape and destruction to Iwa and its properties. Surrender now or we will kill you," said the leader murderously, and Aoba took a step back in fear as he saw numerous Anbu waiting to unleash their weapons on them.

"Who's the squad leader?" asked the commander loudly, and Armin slowly stepped forward.

"Commander Phoenix, leader of 1st company..." lied Armin tactfully, before entering the castle he had changed his mask with Naruto's Phoenix mask that one of his clones had.

If they had been set up by Baku...then their real objective behind this ambush would have been to kill Naruto and take his body back to Iwa. Naruto was regarded as one of the most terrifying mass murderer by Iwa shinobi...and they would give anything to have his head.

Armin slowly activated a small seal hidden in his gloves...it would give Naruto and the others proper time to escape.

"I have to buy them time...if we drop our weapons they'll kill us anyway. Forgive me, Rangiku" thought Armin sadly,

"Your unit is surrounded from every side...there is no where you can run. If you have any concern for the lives of your men...order them to drop their weapons right now" said the Iwa commander flatly

"Armin...no, they'll kill us anyway." said Kotetsu quickly, as he prepared to fire his kunai launcher at the enemy.

"Don't do something rash...you kids are young, surrender and the Tsuchikage will give you a fair trial if you provide us information" said the Iwa commander slyly, and a few of Naruto's henged clones prepared to defend Armin and the others.

"I cannot give that order!" said Armin loudly, and he lifted his kunai launcher.

The next second all hell broke loose.

Naruto ran as fast as his legs could take him, his heart was pounding...and sweat ran across his entire body. He had his tanto in his right hand and his two tomoe sharingan glared dangerously at the castle ahead of him.

As soon as the small seal had activated on his sleeve he knew something bad had happened and had instantly ran after his teammates.

Behind him were the rest of his squad and they were clearly terrified too...but the person who were worried the most were Shizune, Mikasa and Rangiku.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

His eyes widened in terror when he saw explosions inside the castle and the sounds of kunai launcher being fired reached his ears. He saw the walls of the castle were filled with seals to prevent them from climbing up so he quickly performed a set of hand seals.

"Suishū Gorugon (Water Attacking Gorgon)"

The next instant a monstrous water dragon was released from his mouth and the rest of the squad were terrified when they saw it kept on getting bigger and bigger until it stood 50 feet tall which was higher than the height of the castle walls.

"Smash it!"

Mikasa watched in shock as the enormous water dragon thunderously clashed with the castle walls and blew it to pieces and it continued to destroy anyone that came in its way.

Rangiku and the others were also astonished on seeing the power of the water dragon, it destroyed the entire wall in a flash. One thing was very clear- never ever challenge Naruto in a water style battle.

The wall crumbled to pieces and a couple of Anbu got caught in the tidal wave of the dragon, however many of the Anbu jumped in the air and performed a set of hand seals.

"Doton Doryuudan (Earth Release: Mud Dragon Projectile Jutsu)"

5 large earth dragons rose from the ground and quickly raced towards the approaching Blacklight squad...however before any of them could launch their counterattack their leader had already made the move.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

Instead of the earth dragons attacking Naruto's squad, they quickly turned on their castors and crushed their bodies badly. Anko jumped ahead and was a little surprised as she Naruto's two tomoe sharingan swirling madly and she realized what had happened.

"I was told he was good at genjutsu but to control an entire Anbu squad with his eyes...how much do you care about your friends?" thought the girl in wonder as she deflected an Anbu's tanto and sliced him in half.

"Genma, Hana, Mikasa...take the right flank, use formation C." said Naruto loudly,

"HAI!" yelled the three of them in unison and shunshined to the right flank and immediately started engaging the Anbu.

"Izumo, Rangiku...support Anko on the left. Burn those bastards!" said Naruto murderously, as he dodged another hail of kunai and shuriken.

"Naruto...we need to save Armin and the others!" said Rangiku pleadingly, and her friend just gave her a harsh glare.

"This is an order...I'll find them, just make sure you stay alive until we get back. Shizune, Iwashi with me now!" said Naruto urgently and shunshined immediately inside the castle, followed by his two comrades.

He knew they must be injured and will need medical attention, as a result he had selected Iwashi and Shizune. One of them can make a barrier in which the other can heal the wounded, while he would fend off the rest of the Anbu forces and they would make a quick escape.

He would never leave a comrade behind.

Just as he completed his shunshin he saw a hail of kunai aimed at him and tried to dodge it, but his body had not recovered from the hyper fast movement as a result 4 kunai hit him straight in the chest.

"Gah" screamed Naruto in pain and collapsed on his knees, it felt as if someone had just crushed his lungs and his entire body was on fire.

His eyes widened in horror as an entire platoon of Iwa Anbu jumped towards him and swinged their swords wildly to chop his head.

"Fuuin Hyoushi no Jutsu (Binding Seal Technique)"

Several seal tags flew in front of the Anbu platoon and their bodies just freezed from this sudden attack, they tried to use force to break out of the seal however their eyes widened in horror when they saw 100 senbon needles sailing towards them.

"Shikomishindan" said Shizune darkly and she watched in satisfaction as her needles cut across the throats of the entire Anbu platoon and their bodies fell lifeless on the ground.

"Naruto...are you alright?" asked Shizune worriedly, and saw blood leaking out of his chest and he was hyperventilating badly.

"Iwashi...set up a barrier. I need to heal him now!" ordered Shizune quickly, and the young brown haired boy saw the condition his commander was in.

"Got it...but I won't be able to hold it against these many Anbu for long!" warned Iwashi honestly, as his hands quickly moved to perform the specific hand seals.

"Fuinjustu: Kyuka Sumaki (Sealing Technique: Flames Formation)"

Shizune was a little relieved as she saw a fire barrier erupting around them. Iwashi was one of the best ninja in Blacklight, his Fuinjutsu skills were unmatched however it required a lot of chakra and currently they were up against Anbu which would be a grave challenge even for someone like him.

She quickly laid the coughing Naruto on the ground and took out the kunai from his chest as he hissed in pain.

"Hang in there...just a little more," said Shizune comfortingly and started her medical ninjutsu as her hands glowed with chakra.

However he started struggling in pain and her eyes widened in horror when she realized he was not able to breathe and she instantly stopped her healing.

What happened next surprised Naruto as she came forward and gently pressed her lips against his...but a wave of relief washed across his entire body as she forcefully pushed air into his lungs with the help of her chakra.

She quickly broke the sudden kiss and performed a set of hand seals and he could hazily see a lot of chakra in her hands. Naruto coughed badly as she slammed her hands on his chest...however he didn't feel any pain as his injuries healed in mere seconds.

"You'll be fine now but don't use any Katon (Fire) ninjutsu now...your lungs need time to deal with this shock," said Shizune sternly as he gave her a firm nod.

"Captain...I cannot hold them any longer. They are too strong!" said Iwashi painfully, as he felt a tremendous amount of his chakra vanishing.

Naruto looked around and saw numerous Anbu were attacking Iwashi's fire barrier with their ninjutsu and the moment it broke they would be killed. However a sudden idea clicked in his mind and he gave Shizune a knowing look.

The girl saw the look in his eyes and a small smirk came on her face as she realized his intentions.

"Iwashi...drop the barrier now!" ordered Naruto loudly, and the boy gave a hesitant nod as the fire flames started disappearing.

Naruto quickly appeared beside Iwashi and slammed his hands on the ground.

"Doton Doryuuheki (Earth Release: Mud Wall Jutsu)"

A small mud covered both the boys from all sides as Shizune jumped high in the air and the Iwa Anbu tried to jump towards her but were horrified when several roots had wrapped themselves around their legs and were preventing them from moving.

"Dokugiri (Poison Mist)"

A dark purple colored gas was released from Shizune's mouth and caught the binded Anbu straight in it. At first nothing happened, but after a few seconds bodies started falling flat on the ground.

"(cough)...A medical ninja...damn it" cursed one of the Anbu and collapsed flat on the ground.

After a few moments Naruto sensed that every enemy ninja around them were dead so he released the earth wall and in front of him was Shizune who looked totally unharmed...and it baffled both the boys as nearly 20 Anbu were dead but nothing happened to her.

"How are you still alive?" asked Iwashi in surprise, he had never seen such a thing before.

"A girl's got to have some secrets..." said Shizune mysteriously, and a small tick formed on Iwashi's eyebrows.

"Teme..."

"Enough talk...We need to move now. Let's go," said Naruto seriously and quickly ran ahead.

"LOOOO" said Shizune teasingly as she just showed her tongue to Iwashi and ran after her friend leaving a pissed off Iwashi behind.

"Girls are so weird..." thought Iwashi tiredly as he ran after his comrades too.

Rain fell down freely from the sky as a young blonde boy just freezed, the tanto in his hand dropped on the ground making a loud noise.

His mouth opened to say something...but no words came and his heart was being crushed with each passing moment.

His sharingan stared at the pool of blood mixed with water on the ground and the 3 bodies that lay in front of him.

Grief, anger, loneliness overwhelmed his mind as he slowly edged towards that spot on the ground.

His legs were not able to bear the weight of his body and he shakily fell on his knees as he crawled towards the bodies in front of him.

No...they were not bodies, they were people. Comrades with whom he had laughed, cried, trained and bled for the past 5 years and now everything was silent.

Hurried footsteps were heard behind him as two people quickly turned around the corner and entered the small area.

"Naruto, where-" said Shizune tiredly however no further words came out of her mouth and her eyes widened in horror.

Iwashi's eyes moistened as he saw Naruto surrounded by 3 bodies...and they were none other than Kotetsu, Armin and Aoba.

All 3 boys were hit by numerous kunai all over their body and their entire bodies were covered in blood. Aoba had a kunai lodged in his head as a trail of blood covered his entire mask.

Armin was hit by 12 kunai all over his chest and legs, and was not moving at all.

Kotetsu's entire body was teared apart by so many shuriken that Iwashi couldn't even count and there was a large hole in his chest- clearly from a sword stab.

Tears came in Shizune's eyes as she ran towards her fallen comrades...while Naruto and Iwashi couldn't even move.

"Kotestu...wake up!" said a tearful Shizune, as she used all of her chakra to heal his wounds and her entire hand glowed with green chakra.

The desperate girl started pumping air in Kotetsu through his mouth...however no movement was made by the boy. Just his lifeless eyes stared at the dark sky and the rain pouring down at them.

Naruto's eyes widened in shock...when someone weakly grabbed his hand and he saw it was none other than Armin.

Dark black eyes met with dying brown eyes as a pair of hands weakly embraced each other.

"Take...care...of...Mikasa. I know...you can...do..it, Thank-"

No more words came out of his friend's mouth as his chest stopped moving and his hand fell flat on the bloodied ground.

"I am coming with you...it is my turn to protect my this village, like my parents and grandparents did"

"Armin..."

"I have a huge dream...I want to become a Harem King!"

"Kotetsu..."

"I'll fight by your side till the end"

"Aoba..."

Shizune's violent sobs echoed in the entire area as she straddled Kotetsu's body and her pain became unbearable. However Iwashi's eyes widened in horror when 50 Anbu appeared all around them and quickly took out their kunai.

"Kill them"

Iwashi ran towards the frozen Naruto and Shizune who were unaware of the incoming projectiles ready to take their lives.

"I won't make it in time..." thought Iwashi urgently as he tried to form a barrier, but his hand seals were not quick.

However his eyes widened in shock when a murderous pair of red eyes opened and the small tomoes in it swirled wildly.

At that moment the fate of the world had changed...

Author's Notes: End of the chapter.

Be happy and have a good life.