Yo..

Time for another chapter, and I got pretty interesting reviews for the previous chapter.

One of the readers asked for a databook for Naruto and his soldiers. I am working on it, but until I finish that I can at least say most of them are stronger than Haku, while a few like Naruto and Mikasa are currently low Kage level ninja.

Enjoy the chapter...

Chapter 26

Rising From The Ashes

A person could be seen sitting idly in a small dark room, his eyes were fixed on the dead bodies perfectly placed in front of him. The atmosphere in the room was gloomy and dark and the occasional sounds of his breathing would make him aware that he was the only person alive in the room.

It was true that morgue was one of the few places that could break even the toughest human beings. Seeing the dead bodies of your loved ones can take a great toll on a person's heart.

However the person currently sitting in the morgue just silently observed the face of a young boy in front of him. He had fair skin and dark brown hair, his body was still wrapped in his Blacklight uniform and the Weasel mask was still on his face.

"It's my turn to protect my village, just like my parents and grandparents did"

His words still echoed in his mind as his dark red sharingan looked at the face of his deceased friend.

No, he had not lost a friend tonight.

He had lost a brother.

A brother with whom he had laughed, cried, trained, fought and been through hell together...and now he was gone. In a blink of an eye, he had lost his best friend.

Naruto silently observed the 25 dead bodies around him as a tired sigh escaped from his dry lips. They had emerged victorious and had captured Shuri Castle, but 25 young troopers had to lay down their lives for this victory.

Armin and Kotetsu were one of those 25 young kids who would never go back home. Their bodies won't have the privilege of being laid to rest in their motherland.

His friends would never be remembered and their names would vanish with the sands of time.

No benefits would be paid to their families...because they didn't even exist.

"I'll never accept this...I won't let you die in vain, Armin" said Naruto tearfully, as he gently grasped his deceased friend's hand.

His young mind could not understand just how could a country disavow her soldiers after they gave their bodies, their blood and their very souls for her.

Armin, Kotetsu, Aoba, and the other 22 soldiers who died in the battle of Shuri Castle were declared MIA (Missing in action) so that their families won't be eligible for any benefits. Their bodies would be burnt to ashes as per the Blacklight code, so there would be no evidence of their existence.

All records had been wiped out too.

Armin Arlert, Kotetsu Hagane, Aoba Yamashiro never existed...and he would never accept such a grave injustice done to his friends.

"How dare they...How dare they!" thought Naruto furiously, as his fists clenched tightly.

"Naruto...it's time," said Izumo quietly, he watched calmly as Naruto gave him a harsh glare. His friend was furious and he had every damn right to be mad.

"This is bullshit Izumo...I won't let my brothers sacrifice go in vain," said Naruto sternly, and he heard a tired sigh escaping from his friend's mouth.

"Naruto, we can't do anything. The command has already taken the decision...they are gone." said Izumo sadly, but the next instant he was thrashed roughly to the wall as Naruto grabbed his collar.

"Don't you dare say that...those bastards in the higher command have no fucking idea what it feels to lead some of the finest soldiers of our army into combat and then watch their memories getting betrayed by their own fucking country," said Naruto coldly, and Izumo averted his eyes from his commander.

"There is no point in fighting over the dead. We cannot disobey the orders...you of all people should know that," said Izumo hesitantly,

Naruto looked his friend straight in the eye in order to make his message loud and clear.

"Tell that to Rangiku who lost her boyfriend, tell that to Mikasa who lost her childhood friend, tell that to Genma and Raido who lost their closest friend...these men died for their country and they won't even get a goddamn military burial," explained Naruto briefly,

"I understand your pain, Kotetsu and Armin were my friends too...but please don't do anything drastic now. It will be considered an act of treason and you will be branded as a traitor, we'll figure something out." requested Kotetsu pleadingly, and Naruto released his collar.

Izumo saw him deactivating his sharingan as he gave one last glance to the bodies of Armin and Kotetsu.

The reason Naruto was furious was the fact that all those soldiers who had died at Shuri Castle and at Shanxi too were not going to be paid any compensation.

Baku had spread the message of their victory at Shanxi in Konoha just to increase the moral of the people and to get more war funds.

However not even a single penny was going to be paid to support the families of all those young troopers who gave their lives for the country. Orders were issued from high command to dispose Armin and the others bodies, and the disposal squad was curtly waiting outside the morgue to put this plan into action.

It was a known fact that the bodies of the deceased Blacklight shinobi were burnt away in order to protect the secrets and memories that their bodies and brain hold...and the rest of the Ghost company waiting outside were made to believe that they were just following protocol.

But the real truth was that all evidence was being erased and right now only Naruto and Izumo knew the truth. Izumo had been the one who had given this message to Naruto as soon as it arrived from High command.

And now they were in a deep crisis.

"Do the others know about this?" asked Naruto swiftly, as his calculative mind started estimating the various outcomes that would follow if the truth came out.

"No, it's just you and me. If we tell the others about this, there will be anarchy and it may even lead to a mutiny among the company. The men are on edge and right now many are not emotionally stable...this is dangerous Naruto," warned Izumo honestly, and he heard Naruto cursing Baku for a thousand time.

"Where is that son of a bitch Baku?" asked Naruto quickly, he had to make sure his men didn't do anything drastic...no matter the cost.

"He's with the 2nd company and is off on another mission...what are your orders?" asked Izumo seriously,

"I have recorded everything in my mind with my sharingan and I'll talk with my father about this directly. The only problem is that Baku would surely investigate my mind just to be sure that all evidence is erased...that is why I want you to convince Iwashi to seal these memories deep in my subconscious mind to protect this evidence, do you understand?" asked Naruto flatly, and his friend gave him a determined gaze.

"Are you sure about this? We can tell Mikasa if you want..." said Izumo hesitantly,

"No, Mikasa would never accept such a grave injustice and it would directly lead to mutiny among the entire Blacklight. We cannot afford such an action at this point of the war...unity must be maintained at all costs." said Naruto sadly, nobody could ever understand how painful it would be for him to bear this burden but he would shoulder it for the sake of his friends.

"I'll get Iwashi and convince him by tonight, then you erase our memories so Baku would not suspect us. But that would mean you will be the only one who will know the truth about this atrocity...will you be able to bear it?" asked Izumo sadly. and Naruto gave him a firm nod.

"It is best if you stay out of this...if Baku can go to such lengths, then I'm sure he won't hesitate to eliminate you if he discovers you are with me. I'll handle this by myself," promised Naruto firmly, and Izumo gave him a determined gaze.

Izumo slowly started walking out of the morgue but he suddenly stopped and looked at the devastated Naruto whose eyes were still fixed on the dead bodies of his deceased comrades.

"You are a true hero...and I'm proud to have served with you," said Izumo truthfully, however his captain just shook his head in negative.

"I'm no hero...I'm just trash who survived while my friends died in my place," said Naruto shamefully,

"Naruto..."

Izumo saw a lone tear slipping from his dark black eyes and he heard a few words that shocked him to the core.

"But I serve in a company of heroes..."

The bright flames of the fire enlightened the entire area as the entire Ghost company of Blacklight calmly observed the burning bodies in front of them.

Grief and despair could be seen in everyone'e eyes as they watched their comrades being burnt to ash...but Naruto's eyes were currently fixed on the devastated Rangiku who was currently observing Armin burning.

Her eyes showed she was devastated...and this was all his fault. Only if he had stopped Armin from going ahead then all of this wouldn't have happened.

"It should have been us..." said Mikasa sorrowfully, and Naruto quickly grasped her hand to give her support.

"It's not your fault, I gave him permission to scout the castle...none of this is your fault. I'm sorry Mikasa...I'm sorry for everything," said Naruto truthfully, and her grip on his hand tightened a little more.

"He cared about you deeply and he wouldn't want you to blame yourself for this..." said Mikasa sadly,

"I can't do it, every moment this hurts. Every single person who is burning right now died following my orders...and no matter what anyone says, their deaths would forever be on my soul," said Naruto flatly,

Mikasa looked at him and she realized he meant what he said. The burden of leadership was very heavy and it took a lot of inner strength to bear so much misery and pain. Naruto was somehow holding under this pressure...but she knew he would have serious issues after the war.

If they survived the war...

"I want to go home Naruto..." said Mikasa in a broken voice, and he was shocked when he saw tears dropping from her eyes.

He had never seen her cry so badly after that incident in the Valley of Hell...but he knew she cared deeply about Armin and despite her tough demeanor she was really soft at heart.

"Hai" said Naruto reassuringly, and she gently laid her head on his shoulder as more tears slipped from her eyes.

"I don't think I'll make it back alive..." said Mikasa defeatedly, and his heart broke on seeing her like this.

"You're not gonna die, I won't let you. I need you...no matter what happens, no matter who lives or dies you will survive this war, promise me that?" asked Naruto seriously and her eyes widened in shock on hearing that.

His words were simple, but a realization had struck her. All this time he had been there for her, supported her, made sure she was comfortable and overlooked her negative traits.

"Is he in love with me?" thought Mikasa in shock, she knew this was crazy but deep down somewhere in her heart...she wanted it to be true.

She had never forgotten their kiss in the forest, nor had she forgotten how he had promised to be her family for the rest of their lives...and he had kept his promise every single day.

Mikasa knew she was not perfect. She was brash and sometimes even cold, some of the troopers even called her a 'bitch' for her uncaring attitude because they could not see who she really was...they didn't know that deep down she was an insecure girl who was afraid of trusting other people after what happened with her family.

But Naruto had broken through all the barriers in her heart...he came through for her. No matter the circumstances, he was always there for her.

And even now he was trying to support her...despite being devastated himself. For the first time in so many years she could clearly understand just what he was to her...

And what feelings she had for him!

However the events of the day and the emotional turmoil she went through finally took a toll on her as she started falling unconscious.

"I love you, Naruto"

Naruto gently laid Mikasa on her bed, a small relived smile came on his face as he heard her light breathing. It had just been a day since their victory at Shuri Castle, and he knew she needed time to deal with Armin's death.

Even he needed time to deal with this pain...but the fact was that he didn't have that luxury. He had to be strong not just for Mikasa, but for every soldier in his company.

He had to bear this burden all alone on his shoulders and regardless of everything he had no right to show weakness.

He had no right to cry...he was a commander, a leader.

And leaders never showed weakness. There was only one way he could fulfill this responsibility...he would have to kill his emotions.

For the sake of his friends and his country...he would have to kill his emotions and become a true ninja who fought in the shadows.

But not tonight, he could be himself tonight...for one last time.

"I can't leave her alone at a time like this," thought Naruto worriedly, as the image of a certain blonde girl came in his mind.

He gently tucked Mikasa in her bed and covered her body with her bed sheet, but the very next second he had to rush out of her room with tremendous speed.

Naruto abruptly collapsed on his knees and he was horrified when he spat a considerable amount of blood from his mouth, but he was further shocked when he couldn't even see the blood in his hands clearly.

Everything was like a blur to him...and it just didn't make any sense to him.

"What is happening to me?" asked Naruto painfully to himself, but a wave of relief spread across his entire body as he felt a calm chakra spreading across his entire body.

"Did the pain subside?" asked a gentle voice, and Naruto was surprised to see it was none other than Shizune who was healing him.

"Hai...thank you, Shizune. But what is happening to me?" asked Naruto curiously, and the young Namikaze was a little intrigued when she pointed her finger at his eyes.

"It is because of those eyes, you overused them dangerously. I don't know what you did but the amount of chakra you used yesterday was tremendous and the only reason you are alive is because of the soldiers pills you took from Izumo," explained Shizune briefly, and something started making sense to him.

"So...am I dying?" asked Naruto hesitantly, but she flicked his forehead lightly.

"No, but you will die if you keep using those eyes. Your body does not have enough chakra to handle the jutsu that you performed with those eyes. I'm warning you for the final time, don't use that power unless necessary...your chakra coils are still not fully developed. Do I make myself clear?" asked Shizune sternly, as a medic she had a power to order Naruto if he did not take his health seriously.

But she was a little relieved when he gave her a promising look.

"I won't use it if not necessary," promised Naruto truthfully, he knew Shizune only wanted to protect him and it was right to follow her advice.

Even he had realized the effects that the Mangekyo Sharingan had started having on his eyesight. His uncle was right, the Mangekyo was a power that shouldn't have emerged from the shadows.

Shizune healed him back to full strength and then without a word started walking away. The young medic was a little surprised when Naruto grasped her hand lightly.

"It will be okay...you don't have to hide your feelings" said Naruto affectionately, and for a moment he saw her eyes becoming a little moist.

"I...I...need some time" said Shizune weakly, and he enwrapped her in a warm hug. He had to be strong for his friends, and the fact that Shizune was really close to Kotetsu was a serious issue.

But as usual the medic was capable of hiding her true feelings from everyone but deep down she wanted someone to comfort her.

And deep down she was glad somebody noticed how much she was suffering. She returned the hug as tears freely fell from her eyes, for his part Naruto just rubbed her back affectionately while whispering soothing words in her ears.

"I miss him so much.." said Shizune tearfully, as he tried his best to comfort her.

"I know..."

Naruto aimlessly walked in the small base, his hands were deeply rested in his pockets while his face was being covered by his black face mask.

It had taken an hour to let Shizune vent out her feelings and he had to get her back to her room. She was still trying to deal with Kotetsu's demise and would require the support of every friend.

"Fuck, I'll have to check the weapons cache, make sure we are properly stocked" thought Naruto seriously, they could be called for a mission any time and as a leader it was his job to make sure his men were ready for combat and that included keeping an eye on the weapons.

He hurriedly started walking towards the south corner of the base where the armory was located, however he sensed a chakra signature inside the place and quickly took out his kunai just to be ready.

Naruto stealthily peaked through the wall of the armory and was relieved when he saw it was none other than Genma.

"What are you doing here? I never gave you an order to check the inventory" said Naruto flatly, and a rude grunt escaped from the other Blacklight's mouth.

"No, you didn't gave me an order to check the inventory...I wanted to check the inventory so I came here myself, don't worry I already entered my name and Id in the register," explained Genma nonchalantly as the young boy counted the number of kunai launchers in the armory.

Naruto looked at the boy in front of him curiously, Genma was a mysterious person. It was fair to say he was not much supportive of his leadership but regardless he had stood by his side and had even risked his own life to save him.

If one could say both of them were rivals, once they couldn't even stand each other and now they were fighting side by side.

"Thank you for saving my life back there," said Naruto gratefully, and he saw Genma looking at him skeptically,

"I did what a soldier does for his commander...nothing more, nothing less," said Genma flatly, but this time he was surprised when Naruto didn't give a retort but gave him a calm smile.

"Regardless of whether you saved me considering it your duty or as my friend it doesn't matter...I'm grateful to you," said Naruto truthfully, and as expected he saw Genma's left eye brow twitching.

Without another word Naruto stepped on the opposite side and observed the number of shuriken in front of him.

Genma noticed how Naruto never blasted out at him for acting rudely...something was off about him. His eyes showed a part of him had died, there was no hatred, no anger...just emptiness.

"You okay there, you are awfully weirder than usual," said Genma with a small frown on his face,

"What's the point of fighting this war? What will we gain if we win? I don't think we are fighting a war of justice," said Naruto sadly, and Genma was a little intrigued by this side of Naruto.

He had changed so much in these past years, from being a brash idiot he had turned into a great combat squad leader, one which even Genma respected.

"Don't tell me you are a pacifist?" asked Genma jokingly, but one look in his eyes showed Genma that his guess was right.

"The people I killed had families, they had friends, they had parents, siblings, lovers...when I killed them I saw the look in their eyes. The same fear, the same sadness and defeat which I can see in the eyes of my comrades tonight," explained Naruto briefly, but Genma looked at him angrily.

"Oi, Namikaze don't forget they killed Aoba, Armin, Kotetsu, Commander Fox, Yugao and so many of our comrades. They were the ones who started this war...we have to get revenge for all the pain they caused us," said Genma passionately, however Naruto shook his head in negative.

"Revenge is one way and believe me every cell in my body wants to kill them for killing my friends," said Naruto truthfully, as he placed a set of kunai in a compartment.

But this just confused Genma even more.

"Then what is the problem?" asked Genma curiously,

"All we can think of is our nation, our people, our comrades but in doing so we fail to understand and neglect the pain we caused upon hundreds of innocent people," said Naruto firmly, and Genma understood what he was feeling.

"So you want us to give up and surrender to the enemy, is that your master plan?" asked Genma sarcastically, as another tired sigh escaped from his lips.

"No, that's not the truth. Today, I understood that all the shinobi are the same. Each one of us is fighting for our own justice, our enemy is fighting for their justice while we are fighting for ours," said Naruto seriously, but it seemed Genma did not agree with him.

"Aoba was my friend and he was killed like a dog by those Iwa bastards, there can be no sympathy for the enemy. We must kill them all," said Genma vehemently,

"Why can't humans understand each other? Our world is only ruled by hatred...is it because humans wield a power which they are not fit for. Are shinobi really a curse to mankind? If we keep on fighting like this then one day our race, our planet...everything would be destroyed and only pain and misery would remain in this world" thought Naruto deeply,

This war had shown him a side of humanity he had never dreamed of. People killed each other, innocents lost their lives and many homes were destroyed.

The flames of war didn't just destroy the soldiers who fought in it but every person of this world in one way or another.

Only the dead could see the end of this war because even if this conflict ends and whatever side emerges victorious, he was sure that wars would happen again and again.

The war would always keep going on in the hearts of every soldier, the anger, the hatred would lead to another war and millions of innocent lives would be lost.

Again friends would die, fathers would bury their sons, mothers and lovers would weep on the graves of the dead. There would be misery and pain all over the world.

He wanted this madness to end, he didn't want his younger brother Itachi to watch his friends getting killed. Naruto never wanted such an unbearable pain to fall on the next generation.

This war had made him do things he was ashamed of and a sea of guilt was present in his heart waiting to swallow him in its depth.

He had to stop this madness, but he didn't know how he could stop shinobi from killing each other...

"It doesn't matter what we think Naruto...once the shitty kunai pierces our brain, politics and every other shit just goes out of the window," said Genma jokingly, but Naruto looked at him curiously.

"So, death is the only answer to stop this madness...is that your answer?" asked Naruto curiously, he was trying to find a way to stop this world from destroying itself but so far his quest for answers had not got any good results.

"I don't know man...I'm just a single soldier and my thoughts don't mean anything," said Genma nonchalantly, however Naruto shook his head in negative.

"It does matter...all it takes to change the course of history is the will of a single man. The Shodai Hokage created Konoha...and due to his will, the Clan Wars era ended and hidden villages were formed," argued Naruto logically,

"But it didn't stop shinobi to stop their endless fighting...and the First Great Ninja war happened just a few years later. No one can stop the hatred of this world," said Genma sadly, his words were harsh but they were absolutely true.

Naruto was a little disappointed on hearing this, he was really hopeful to find a way to stop this war.

There had to be way, there...

"Here...take this, it'll help you calm down. You're more weirder than usual," said Genma tiredly, and Naruto was a little intrigued when Genma offered him a smoke.

"I didn't take you for a smoking man," said Naruto slyly, as Genma lit a cigarette.

"Well, shit happens. This thing keeps me calm and keeps such crazy thoughts out of my head...now take one and stop your mind from over thinking things," said Genma forcefully, and before Naruto could even protest a cigarette was pushed into his mouth and Genma quickly lit it up.

The next moment Genma started laughing hysterically as Naruto couldn't handle the smoke and coughed uncomfortably as some smoke escaped from his nose and mouth.

"Teme..." growled Naruto irritatingly, he really felt like shit right now.

"Man, that was priceless. The great Commander Phoenix couldn't handle a smoke...you looked like a total idiot," teased Genma jokingly,

"Gee, thanks for the support. I'm not a pro like you jackass," said Naruto sarcastically, and this time he inhaled the smoke properly as a small smirk came on Genma's face.

Genma didn't know why but he felt happy being in Naruto's company for the first time...the Namikaze was weird as hell, but he was a great commander too.

Despite some of Naruto's annoying traits, Genma had realized that he was a good person and the moment he had jumped in front of the Four Tails Bijudama to save his company had increased the respect Genma had for him.

"You are an idiot...but also a man of honor," thought Genma happily, as he saw Naruto quickly mastering the art of smoking.

Both the boys were sad as their closest friends had died...but they also knew crying would not bring their friends back. Aoba and Armin would have wanted them to keep on fighting, no matter the odds.

Besides they had enough depressed assholes in the company, adding another two won't help the situation.

The time for mourning would be after the war, and no one could ever take the memories of their friends out of their hearts.

Genma was never good with emotions, and he hated people who cried. If he was going down, then he was sure as hell going to enjoy his life to the fullest and fight for what his friends had given their lives for.

That was just the kind of person he was, and that was his way of honoring Aoba's sacrifice.

And Genma saw the same look in Naruto's eyes as his commander gave him a firm salute.

"To you Genma, the asshole of this company...and my friend," said Naruto proudly, and a small smile came on Genma's face.

"To you Naruto Namikaze, the weirdest jackass I've ever met...and a damn good commander," said Genma honestly and offered a respectful salute to his commander

Both the boys took a deep puff of smoke as they shook their hands firmly.

"Let's break some shit"

Author's Notes: End of chapter. As, we all know the show must go on.

I originally had planned this to be a reunion chapter, but the content of this chapter seemed more important.

This chapter was very important and you can clearly see the drastic change in Naruto's thinking. I have tried to show how the hatred is born in the world, and why can't people let go.

Naruto is currently in a dilemma right now and is trying to determine his path.

Mikasa has realized that she loves Naruto...next chapter will be interesting, but as you all know I always have some twists planned.

Naruto would try to get justice for his men and this is one of the factors that will affect his thinking...you'll see what I have in mind. And yes, Naruto is suffering from the ill effects of Mangekyo Sharingan.

I'll explain why it is happening in the next chapter and no he won't go blind. Have a little faith and give me some time please.

Armin will be missed but Genma is a very interesting character. One of the things I love about this story is that it allows me to depict characters like Izumo, Shizune, Genma in detail. They are barely explained in Cannon...but Fanfiction gives me the power to make something awesome.

Genma and Naruto would become good friends, kind of like Naruto and Sasuke (Minus the emoish part, and the bromance that Kishi loves to show)

Please leave lots of reviews and no flames please!