Yo..
First of all, WOAH...now that was some response. This shows how much my readers care about this story and its characters, and I'm grateful for that.
The only thing I can say about previous chapter, and the turn in this story is that it's complicated. I told you a few chaps back, this story is different from my other stories.
I read all the reviews (even the one guest flamer), this story is of drama/hurt/comfort genre and a fucking war's going on, so your expectations are wrong for a few more chapters bro, the good things will come when the war is over. Period!
Only one reviewer saw the reality of what actually happened, and I commend you for that bro. You have a great sense of observation.
Enjoy the chapter...
Chapter 38
Many Faces Of A Namikaze
Hana Inuzuka was in a state of shock, she couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. She was a war veteran, one of the best Blackops soldiers of Konoha, had seen the deaths of her friends Yugao and Aoba, and yet she still couldn't stop the tears falling from her eyes.
This couldn't be happening, this was not FUCKING supposed to happen!
Her feelings were equally shared by the fellow Blacklight standing beside her, many of the female Blacklight were on the verge of tears while the men were in a state of shock.
Her eyes shifted towards the sky which had turned bright red, the sun was setting in the deep end of the sea and taking with it one of the most bravest and caring person she had ever met.
She saw Izumo coming towards her and before she knew it, the boy embraced her in a warm hug knocking her out of her shock.
"Naruto's dead..."
His voice was so weak and fragile, this was not the calm and cool Izumo she knew. But she could understand his pain, Naruto, Armin, Kotetsu, Mikasa and Shizune were his closest friends.
And now 3 of them were dead, while the other 2 were on the verge of death...or they may even be dead by now.
That left him all alone in this war, even she was worried about Anko but that woman won't die so easily, but...
"Phoenix is dead..."
"The enemy got the skipper..."
"How did the Nidaime die?"
"Where the fuck were you Genma?"
The entire company erupted into similar cries, the soldiers were mad, confused, hurt, angry, and most of all they were not able to believe that the man who defeated two tailed beasts, the man who led them to victory against 4000 enemy troops, that the man who led them to victory on this island of Kiri now lay dead on its sands with a fucking hole in his chest.
Hana saw Naruto's body lying there on the beach, Rangiku was sitting beside him and the girl's eyes clearly showed she was not going to let him go anytime soon.
While Genma and his clone were busy keeping the other Blacklight away from the body, as the soldiers laid tons of protest and accusation on him for failing to protect Naruto.
She gently embraced Izumo as the boy wept on her shoulders, her hands comfortingly rubbed his back.
Naruto was not just a soldier or a commander to these Blacklight, he was a friend, a brother. Each and every person in Ghost company looked up to him, they knew no matter what happened as long as he was with them no fucking enemy or even their own commanders could lay a finger on them.
He was the person who was holding all of them together in this cruel war, where every day they lost so many of their friends.
She still remembered that moment...
(Flashback: Few Hours Ago- Miyasato Island)
Hana crashed on the ground as another exploding tag landed near her taking 2 of her comrades with it. Kunai and shuriken were flying everywhere, along with sand and the screams of the dead and dying.
She was assigned to 1st company, those unfortunate soldiers who were leading the charge under Naruto's command. Her only comforting thought was Naruto was with them.
But the same thing could not be said for her squad leader, where the fuck was that idiot?
Despite him being a Blacklight, Hana had no confidence in that man. He was a good soldier, but he was not fit to be a platoon leader. Mikasa was with another company, and Armin was dead. If Armin or Kotetsu were here, they would not be in so much chaos.
SLASH
She cursed Ryuzen again, as another one of Kurenai's men went down with a kunai in his head. The enemy was tearing them to shreds, and if this continued they would be dead in no time.
"DOG!"
She saw one of her friends, Falcon calling her. Without waiting for another second she slid towards the girl, and she was not surprised when she saw some other Blacklight hiding in the cover of a rock along with Ryuzen.
"Sir, what's the plan?" asked one of the Blacklight
"We are getting fucked here? We need to move!" yelled another one,
"Rat, I'll fucking kill you if you don't give a fucking order!" said Hana murderously, and one look in the boy's eyes showed her that he had lost it.
She wanted to blame him, but they were really in hell. Their comrades were getting torn apart, and those cries of the injured could break any man. Ever since Armin died, they lacked good platoon leaders, Naruto was trying his best but not every person was made to be a leader.
It was true that Ghost company was strong, but even they had their fair share of problems.
"Rat!"
She was brought out of her thoughts when a kunai pierced Rat's (Ryuzen) chest, as the man fell flat on the ground. Their leader was down!
"Peacock, what's the status?" yelled Naruto over the communication device,
"He's down sir, Rat's down. The enemy has got us pinned down...we're gonna die!" said one of the females,
She quickly grabbed the communication device from her comrade, Hana knew she was the only one who could get them out of this shit.
"Phoenix, it's me Dog. The enemy has a position in that watch tower, 2nd squad tried to infiltrate from the left but they are pinned down. The exploding tags are tearing us apart, the enemy is trying to move most of their missiles, they are trying to retreat and I don't know where the fuck is 3rd squad...we need help!" yelled Hana nervously, and she was surprised when Naruto didn't respond, she was just about to yell when she heard a few words on the device...
"Dog, calm down...take a deep breath"
"Wh-"
"Dog, I said take a deep breath..." said Naruto calmly, Hana wanted to protest but his voice was so calm and understanding that she obliged.
Surprisingly, she did feel a little relaxed after taking that breath even in the midst of the constant firing. He really was a good commander...and the man never wanted to be a company leader.
"Now, suppress the enemy in the tower with your kunai launchers. Signal the 2nd squad to charge in...Hana, trust me I will get you out of there," said Naruto gently, as she gave a hesitant nod.
After Shanxi and Shuri Castle, there was no doubt in her mind about Naruto. If he wanted her to do this, then she would fucking do it.
She relayed her orders to the other soldiers, and they quickly fired on the watch tower. And as soon as 2nd squad moved ahead, the tower was blown to pieces courtesy of Kurenai's assistance.
A wide smile came on her face, and she was further surprised when someone tapped her shoulder. And there he was with a reassuring smile on his face...
"Signal the 2nd squad to continue their charge, the rest of you follow me!"
And he was gone like the wind, she saw the other Blacklight regaining their confidence and following behind him with shouts of "Thank Kami", "Phoenix-sama", and many more things.
She signaled the 2nd squad to move ahead, as they too saw Naruto leading the charge and their lost morale quickly came back.
Hana quickly ran towards Naruto, she saw the enemy were trying to move their missiles back while their infantry forces were keeping the Blacklight pinned down. The 3rd squad was supposed to ambush the enemy from the east...but there was so much dust in the air, that nobody could see more than 5 ft ahead of them.
She crashed beside Naruto who was trying to look at the enemy positions.
"Commander, they are falling back. If we don't connect with 3rd squad they will slip away!" yelled another Blacklight, as Naruto gave them the order to keep on firing.
"Phoenix.." said Hana worriedly, as she saw that glint in his eyes.
"That's right, everyone stay here..." said Naruto seriously, as he took a deep breath.
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
Hana couldn't suppress her shock when he charged straight into the enemy position Alone!
Never in her entire life had she seen a more brave/stupid move, even the enemy freezed in shock when they saw a lone Blacklight running among them and heading towards the east side.
But they soon got over their shock and started firing on him as he vanished into the storm of dust.
Hana sat nervously in her ditch, her heartbeat was faster than ever as sweat dropped profusely from her forehead. She was worried about him, but she had never seen such an astonishing thing in her ent-
"YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Her eyes widened in shock, when she saw 3rd squad jumping on the surprised enemy forces from the east, and that idiot was right there leading the charge.
She saw Naruto looking at her with a mischievous look in his eyes.
"C'mon, Dog...or I won't leave anything for you"
That moment got etched in her memories forever as a small tear slipped from her eyes. He really came through for them, every time they needed him- he was there, no matter what hell they were in, he always came through.
He not only charged ahead at the risk of his own life, but also hooked up with 3rd squad and finished the enemy forces.
She hadn't moved from her spot, as her heart was overwhelmed with emotions as he came beside her.
"What is it?'' asked Naruto curiously, as he saw her looking at him strangely with tears in her eyes.
"Nothing, sir..." said Hana happily, as he gently adjusted her Anbu mask.
"Well, I better get moving. There are other posts that need to be captured...I'm glad you're safe," said Naruto encouragingly,
"Yeah, no offense but that was the most stupidest acts I have ever seen." said Hana teasingly, as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Well, I..." said Naruto shyly, and she was sure his cheeks were bright red by now.
"But it was also the bravest act I have ever seen" said Hana proudly, as he just shrugged his shoulders politely.
Both of them saw the Blacklight and other regular Konoha ninja proudly placing the Konoha flag on the post, and the feeling of victory could be seen in their eyes as they gave a firm salute to him.
"I'm still surprised they believe in an idiot like me..." said Naruto jokingly, as Hana shook her head in disapproval.
"Sir, we don't care whether you are stupid or a moron, we're just glad to have you as our commander. You are a good leader..." said Hana happily, as he patted her shoulders gently.
"Well from what I've heard, these men always had a good leader. A soldier who kept their shits in line at Shanxi, took fatal blows for them at Shuri Castle...kept the morale up when Armin and the others died. Gave them confidence on this island and kept them focused...all the things that a good combat leader does," said Naruto suggestively, as she averted her eyes from his gaze.
This was a question she didn't want to answer, even if this was her second time hearing this...
He gently lifted her chin and removed her Anbu mask, and looked her straight in the eye.
"You have no idea, who I'm talking about, do you?" asked Naruto kindly, as he noticed the hesitant look in her eyes.
"No, sir" said Hana quietly, as he came forward and placed one of his fingers on her heart.
"Hell, it was you Hana. You are one of the finest kunoichi I've had the honor of fighting beside with. I know you still blame yourself for Yugao's death, and I know how you feel. But your comrades need you Hana, I need you" said Naruto emotionally, as a few tears came in her eyes.
"I can't be a leader..." said Hana weakly,
"You can because I believe in you, Hana. I can't do this alone, without my friends I can't win this war for us...fight and lead your comrades. Yugao would have wanted you to do this..." said Naruto encouragingly, as he gave her a warm hug.
"Hai"
A wide smile came on his face as he pointed his finger at the enemy positions ahead of them.
"Well, you've got work to do. Get your ass moving!"
(Flashback end)
A small chuckle escaped from her lips as the dam of tears that was concealed behind her eyes, bursted open. She tightly embraced Izumo as he tried to comfort her.
"This...I..."
Izumo patted her back gently as she could not form proper words as her voice was being suppressed by her tears. He didn't know what would happen to them now, Naruto was gone, Mikasa's status was unknown. Baku had free reign on their company, after Commander Fox the company had survived because they had good leaders like Naruto, Armin, Mikasa, Aoba, and Kotetsu.
But now they were leaderless...
"How...(sob)...did...he?" asked Hana tearfully, as he clenched his fists tightly.
"We were ambushed by the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, he led that monster away from us and fought valiantly against it. But it was too strong, and he died saving our lives at the cost of his own. I could not do anything, I couldn't save another one of my friends..." said Izumo regretfully,
He heard a shock gasp escaping from her lips, until murderous KI started leaking from her body. She broke the hug and looked at him with righteous feminine fury burning in her eyes...
"They'll pay for this...they'll fucking pay in blood for this!" reassured Hana furiously, as Izumo weakly nodded.
"The command has asked us to prepare for his funeral..." said Izumo sadly,
"They won't return his body to his family? He deserves better, Izumo. I won't let his body be burned..." said Hana seriously, as disagreed with her.
"No, this is the code. It's not because the command wants it, it's because he wanted that along with these 2 letters being given to his families," said Izumo silently, as he unsealed 2 letters from a scroll.
Hana gently took those pieces of paper in her hand, as she realized these were his 'last letters' for his family.
"Mikasa gave them to me, as she was not sure about her survival...Damn it," said Izumo frustratedly, as Hana had to commend Mikasa for her foresight.
She had heard how Mikasa was badly injured along with Anko, Shizune and Iwashi. That girl was something else, she could even predict what could happen to in the future and make appropriate adjustments...
"How many casualties?" asked Izumo seriously, he was now the acting commander if anything happened to Naruto or Mikasa...and it seemed that unfortunate moment had really came.
"5 Blacklight, and 30 shinobi from Kurenai's company have died. While another 50 have been injured..." said Hana sadly,
"Hana, take care of Rangiku. I'll look after the others..." said Izumo seriously, as she nodded and went towards Rangiku.
"Why did this have to happen?"
(Medical Station)
Two people could be seen standing around a young girl who was currently resting on her bed, these two people were none other than Minato and Mikoto.
Both of them were currently busy in discovering the lost parts of Mikasa's history, unaware of the tragedy that had fallen on their own family.
There were still many secrets regarding Mikasa's past and they were just about to encroach on the event that changed Mikasa's life for eternity...
(Mikasa's Mindscape)
Minato and Mikoto again found themselves standing on a white plain as another one of the girl's memory ended, unveiling a few more secrets about the girl.
"So, she's from the Yuki clan. I could never imagine that they infiltrated into Fire Country," said Mikoto thoughtfully, as Minato was also thinking along similar lines.
"Though it is fortunate that they didn't mean any harm, and were only looking for a new start as civilians. I'll have to talk with the Damiyo about the security arrangements in that region. But from what I remember, there was an outbreak in her town, and I had to send Blacklight forces to prevent the virus from spreading," said Minato briefly, as Mikoto was surprised with this new information.
"What kind of virus, and why does no one in Fire Country knows about it?" asked Mikoto inquisitively, and the grim look on her husband's face was enough to prove that it was not something good.
"Orochimaru invented a virus that raised a dead person back to life, it was one of the most unique discoveries. Orochimaru wanted to use it on himself to become immortal, but before that he needed to check its safety protocols...so he unleashed the virus on Mikasa's town turning all of its citizens into his test subjects," said Minato grimly,
"He WHAT!" yelled Mikoto furiously, this was inhuman but it was to be expected from a monster like Orochimaru.
"The virus turned out to be a disaster, and every single person turned into a monster. Even the few Blacklight I sent got infected, and I had to purge the entire town to stop it from spreading further. Mikoto, it was horrible, people had turned into animals slaughtering each other and feeding on their each other's flesh. And from what I've seen so far, Mikasa is the only survivor...and she also has the virus inside her body," explained Minato briefly, as Mikoto agreed with him.
"I agree with you, any normal person would be dead if he had suffered the injuries which Mikasa had gone through. But now I understand, she is the only person on whom the virus worked and brought her back from the dead. Maybe her special genes helped her in absorbing the virus and preventing her from becoming a monster. But if that is the case, then what happened with her mother and sister, even they were from Yuki clan" said Mikoto confusedly, as a frown was etched on Minato's face.
"This is something we will have to find out...but, Mikoto." said Minato hesitantly, as one look in his eyes showed her everything.
"I know, let's check out one last memory. Then you can leave, I know you are worried about our comrades, even if only a few minutes have passed in the real world..." said Mikoto understandingly, as he averted his eyes from her.
She was a little worried when his shoulders slumped in defeat, her feelings quickly took over as she embraced him tightly. He hesitated for a few more moments, until he hugged her tightly.
"I should have been there for him..." said Minato sadly, as a small gentle smile came on her face.
"The same applies to me too, our entire family chose different paths but all of us only wanted to protect each other. You did what you felt right as his father, while I did try to be a good mother but I made a big mistake too, Itachi still waits for the day when his big brother returns home. My love for Naruto blinded me and I tried to prevent him from choosing his own path..." said Mikoto calmly, as he too smiled as she realized her mistake too.
"Guess, we both screwed up as parents, ne?" asked Minato jokingly, as she lightly punched his shoulder.
"I didn't screw up...I just messed up a little" said Mikoto embarrassingly, as her cheeks went bright red when he started laughing.
But instead of making her angry, that laugh made her smile more. For 6 long years she had waited for this smile, she had waited for this moment when they could be together as a happy couple again...it was Naruto's decisions that drove them apart, but now looking at the splendid person he had became proved to be the pavement for their reunion.
His laughter died down after a few moments, as his deep blue eyes intently gazed into her dark black eyes as both of their foreheads touched each other.
"You're always right..." said Minato lovingly, as he gently kissed her forehead.
She too looked at him with the same gaze which she had on the day they married, she could feel it. The flames of their love had ignited once again, and she was not going to let him go now.
"That's not true...in my own clumsy way, I try to live my life to the fullest for my family. That's all" said Mikoto romantically, as he gently caressed her neck.
"Mikoto..."
"I thought I'd never see you again. I'm sorry..." said Mikoto sadly, as tears started dropping out of her eyes.
His firm hands gently touched her face and slowly wiped the streams of tears away from her beautiful face.
"Then promise me, you won't leave me no matter what happens. We will stick together forever for our boys," said Minato with determination, as she smiled widely on hearing that.
"Minato, you..."
She gently grasped his face in her hands and before he knew it, he felt a soft pair of familiar lips kissing his lips passionately. He also saw the tears of joy falling from her eyes and he felt relieved, as he kissed her back too with his tongue caressing the soft corners of her mouth sending tinkling sensations across her entire body.
It felt like an eternity since he had been away from her, he missed her gentle touch, he missed her loving voice...and now that he had regained her back, he didn't want it to be parted from him again.
Mikoto felt his hands gently encircling around her waist as he pressed his chest against her breasts, followed by deepening their kiss to a new level.
"I love you, Mikoto-chan..."
"I love you too, Minato-kun..."
(Unknown Location)
Madara Uchiha stood proudly in front of his new recruit, his organization had lost a powerful member like Kisame. It was truly unexpected, but it didn't matter. He had an even more powerful pawn under his command, if Kisame was a beast then this shinobi was a monster.
The person was kneeling in front of Madara, he was wearing dark blue pants while his chest was covered by a dark black cloak with red clouds on it. His face was still hidden behind his traditional black face mask, but there was a big change now. He didn't have a Konoha headband on his forehead.
His dark black eyes were as stoic as ever, even Madara's veteran eyes could not see a hint of emotion in them.
"Is he ready for our cause, Zetsu?" asked Madara sternly,
"Not yet, we have healed his body by rejuvenating his cells with Kushina's cells and Hashirama's cells. But it will be some time before his body is ready for transfer of Kyuubi. And since you personally have casted your genjutsu on him, there are no doubts now as your eyes can even control Kushina. This boy will be a piece of cake," said Black Zetsu satisfactorily with a grin on his face,
"What about his alter ego, that you mentioned?" asked Madara curiously, he didn't want to leave any loopholes that could be used against him.
"Negative, it seems our analysis was wrong. He does not have a alter ego, that is the reason you can control him like a dog now. He is yours to command," said White Zetsu proudly, Madara looked at his subordinates suspiciously for a few more moments.
Zetsu was the most loyal comrade he had, and if he said the boy was no longer a threat then he had no reason to disagree with him.
He looked at the kneeling boy in front of him, and slowly stepped in front of him.
"Who are you?" asked Madara loudly, as the boy looked at him blankly,
"I am no one, I don't want to be anyone. I am the will of Madara-sama" said Naruto stoically, as a satisfied smile came on the old man's face.
"Listen to me, boy. The longer you live, the more you shall realize that this world is worthless. There can be no peace or happiness in this miserable world...but it ends now, I will create a world of victors, a world of love, a world of peace. And you will be the savior who shall help me build this world. From today, you are Madara Uchiha" said Madara proudly, as the boy gave him a respectful bow.
"As you wish, Madara-sama" said Naruto subserviently,
"Zetsu, excellent job. How long will it be till he can fight again?" asked Madara eagerly, as Black Zetsu chuckled.
"A few months top, he will be ready before the real fun begins. Though, you should send him to Kushina as she is the only one who can teach him how to use the Kyuubi's power. Who knows he may even develop the ability to use her chakra chains...we cannot unveil him to the other members in his current state" suggested Black Zetsu seriously,
"Very well, boy go rest in your room for now. We shall have words again," said Madara commandingly,
"Yes, sir"
The older Uchiha went away with a satisfied look in his eyes, as Zetsu casted a weird look to him before he too disappeared into the ground.
His eyes searched for any other person in the room, while he used his sensor abilities and realized Zetsu had now moved to another corner of the base.
And in an instant his subservient eyes turned into one of anger, as a furious look came on his face.
"I'll fucking kill you, Naruto. You piece of shit!"
"Tch, stick to the plan, Ikiryo. Remember for whom we are doing all of this for. I promise you, we shall kill that bastard when the time's right"
Both the Naruto's chuckled inside the mind scape as Ikiryo proudly looked at his original counterpart who currently lay hidden in a small secluded corner of their mind.
"You are one devious, son of a bitch. You know that?" asked Ikiryo jokingly, as Naruto got a small smirk on his face.
"I learned from the best. Ikiryo, thanks for helping me..." said Naruto gratefully, as his dark ego looked away in embarrassment.
"Don't be delusional. I'm only lending you a hand, in order to protect Kaa-chan from this freak. I don't give a rat's ass about that brat or that bastard Minato..." said Ikiryo flatly, as Naruto got a small peaceful smile on his face.
"You keep telling yourself that, brother"
"Hn"
"Are you sure your genjutsu will protect me from Madara?" asked Ikiryo suspiciously, as Naruto nodded.
"I casted Kamimusuhi on you, that was the reason I asked you to stay hidden when Zetsu started searching our mind. Madara believes he can control us, but even if I am under his genjutsu you are not. We may have our differences, but we have the same goal" said Naruto seriously, as Ikiryo gave a serious nod,
"Why didn't you tell Kushina about this? Don't you trust her?" asked Ikiryo curiously,
"No, Madara may have a made a mistake by underestimating us, but he is not an ignorant fool. Even the slightest shift in Kushina's emotions would have provided him the hint that something was wrong, and that would have been the end for both of us. Now that she believes, I am under Madara's command she will work more vigorously, while you shall discover the true agenda of the Akatsuki and Madara's secrets. When your enemy believes you are finished, that is the moment when he is most vulnerable to your attack...always remember that" explained Naruto briefly, as Ikiryo chuckled.
"Sometimes, I wonder who is more devious...me or you?" asked Ikiryo with a small smirk on his face,
"It doesn't matter...we fight to protect Kaa-chan, and we will kill anyone who tries to harm her or take away her happiness," said Naruto murderously,
"On that we can agree, brother" said Ikiryo firmly,
However Naruto got a little nervous when he saw that mischievous glint in Ikiryo's eyes, and he knew very well where this was heading...
"I'm so gonna regret this..." thought Naruto jokingly,
The Devious Bastards were ready to kick ass...
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
Who is more devious Ikiryo or Naruto? Be ready for a lot of fun as Ikiryo has free reign now...
Guess, where this will be heading (wink)...of course to lots of comedy, drama, power ups, some ass kicking of Bad guys and (wink).
Be happy and have a good life.