Hi,

As most of you have realized, Naruto is similar to Lelouch from Code Geass. In fact, most of the Blacklight characters are similar to Black Knights from Code Geass.

I read the reviews, and I understand some people are concerned about Naruto. Hell, even I'm curious...Naruto is just a very complex character who has his own sense of justice, and as far as the pairing is concerned.

It is still NarXMikaXKushXRangiku...there's no change. I have not read any further chapters beyond this one, so I don't know how Mikasa and Rangiku will be adjusted. But I'm sure, he has a plan...

This is the last chapter that I have in my possession, the next few are with Blackwolf (In his laptop).

Enjoy...

Chapter 43

Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa silently watched a pair of birds sitting on a thin branch of a nearby tree. Her eyes shifted to the room in which she was currently resting. Well, to be precise she wanted to go back to the front lines, she even felt her body was fit but somehow the "chief medical officer" was against such a judgement and had grounded her.

She didn't know why the medic was so much concerned about her health, she may not be in a battle ready condition but at least she could be back with her company. Be back with Naruto...

That thought alone brought a small blush on her face, she couldn't understand how her feelings for him changed. Mikasa first's impression of Naruto had been of an arrogant high born, but he turned out to be quite different. As a young girl, she had always dreamed of falling in love with a young, charming prince...and somehow Naruto was the one.

However there were many difficulties too, she was really concerned about his recent interactions with Rangiku. Granted, he was free to talk with anyone and she was his friend and comrade...but was it really necessary!

"You've got quite a temper..."

Mikasa was surprised on hearing that remark, and she quickly looked around only to find a beautiful woman beside her. She was a fair-skinned woman with long, black hair with bangs hanging on either side of her face to roughly frame her cheeks and black eyes. Her medical uniform and the tag of "Chief Medical Officer" were proudly shining on her body.

"Those eyes..." thought Mikasa in shock, she didn't know why...but she had seen those eyes somewhere before.

"You can loosen your grip on the sheets, they are almost torn now..." said the woman kindly, as Mikasa noticed she had almost tore the bed sheets with her finger nails...was she really aggravated by the thought of Naruto flirting with other girls. Granted, they weren't in a relationship and she probably didn't know if he had the same feelings for her.

"Thinking about Naruto?" asked the woman teasingly, and the shocked look on the poor girl's face combined with the bright reddening of her cheeks was enough to provide the medic a hearty laugh.

"How do you-"

Her question was left unanswered when the medic patted her head gently, before placing her hand on Mikasa's chest.

"I am Mikoto Uchiha, chief medical officer of the Medical division...but you may know me as Naruto's mother," said Mikoto calmly, as she gave the shocked girl a small smile.

"Gomen (Sorry), I was a little distracted...Mikoto-sama," said Mikasa nervously, as she pointed her finger towards the sheets.

She watched anxiously as Mikoto noted something on a paper, Kami...she was Naruto's mother. What the hell she would think about an orphan girl like her? She was the wife of a Hokage, and belonged from the Uchiha...

"Mikasa, be your natural self around me. No need to get nervous...I don't bite much," said Mikoto soothingly, as the cornered child just gave a hesitant nod.

"Hai...Mikoto-sama,"

"No need to be so formal too..." said Mikoto nonchalantly, as the young girl quickly shook her head. It was actually really amusing to see the usually calm and cool Mikasa to be a nervous wreck.

"No, you are Hokage-sama's wife, and the chief medical officer too. You deserve the respect..." said Mikoto persistently, as a tired sigh escaped from Mikoto's lips. This girl was one of the best kunoichi of her generation...but even she had some issues.

"Mikasa, I know a little about your past. You don't need to be so nervous around me, you are my son's best friend and were there for him when he needed you...that's all that matters to me. You're family," explained Mikoto patiently, as Mikasa was really baffled with the affection shown to her.

Now she knew from where Naruto got his understanding and caring nature, his mother was really nice...

"Hai...Mikoto-san" said Mikasa happily, as a small smile came on her face.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have a very beautiful smile?" asked Mikoto kindly, as Mikasa just shrugged nonchalantly.

Both the females silently stared at each other. For Mikoto, this girl was a perfect replica of her own self...Mikasa was so much like her. While at the same time, Mikasa was also feeling comfortable in Mikoto's presence...she felt at home.

"Mikoto-san...my comrades..." said Mikasa hesitantly, and the older women noticed the worry in her eyes.

"They're fine...I was able to synthesize a cure from your body that helped me in saving their lives. You can meet them if you want..." said Mikoto truthfully,

"Thank you...it's quite a relief they are safe," said Mikasa happily, she didn't know if she could bear the burden of any of her friends dying under her command.

Mikoto sensed the girl getting comfortable and decided to ask the dangerous question that had troubled her and Minato for the past few days...

"Mikasa, do you remember anything from your past?" asked Mikoto carefully, she knew it was a very sensitive topic and didn't want to hurt the girl but at the same time they had to ascertain that Orochimaru had not messed her up in any way. Mikoto was not able to see many of her memories as they were blocked, as if someone had sealed them away.

Mikasa looked at her suspiciously for a few moments, her past was clear. She was an orphan...

"No..."

"I see, now I hear you want to join the front lines, return back to active duty?" asked Mikoto quickly, trying to divert the girl's mind from diving deeper into suspicion. And it seemed to work, as Mikasa's attention was back on her again.

"Yes, please I want to return to my company. Do you have news regarding their status?" asked Mikasa seriously,

"I'm afraid not, all Blacklight missions are classified until the higher ups want us to know. So, I have no idea what's going on out there..." said Mikoto truthfully,

She watched curiously as Mikasa got up from her bed and started walking towards the window. From the way Mikasa behaved, and her ideals Mikoto was sure that she was one of the most loyal people she had seen in her entire life. If need be she would go to hell itself to protect those close to her heart...

"You don't need to worry, Mikoto-san. Konoha would have achieved victory by now..." said Mikasa confidently, as Mikoto walked forward and was now standing beside the girl.

"How can you be so sure?" asked Mikoto curiously, as the girl smirked on hearing the question.

"Blacklight are the best soldiers of our nation. More than that, we are lead by one of the greatest commanders in history...I know it's hard to believe, but your son is the best leader in the entire Blacklight force. Under his command, we can never lose..." said Mikasa proudly, as Mikoto smiled on hearing that.

"You seem to admire Naruto?" asked Mikoto teasingly, as the girl's cheeks became a little red.

"He's a good commander, we trust him with our lives. He cares about us and is always at the front leading us to victories. He risks his own life for us...the reason Konoha is now winning the war against Iwa is your son" said Mikasa honestly,

"I'm sure he had help from comrades like you. Mikasa, you and your comrades are his strength..." said Mikoto calmly, but she also noticed some hesitation in her eyes and it increased her tension.

"Say it...what kind of man is my son?" asked Mikoto flatly, as Mikasa bit her lip nervously.

"Mikoto-san, Naruto is my best friend and there is nothing I wouldn't do for him. No matter what he does, I will never abandon him...no matter what happens," said Mikasa truthfully, and the mother's heart was really warmed on hearing those words.

"But despite his good traits, Naruto has a lot of darkness in him." said Mikasa seriously, and Mikoto didn't like where this was going.

"What kind of darkness?" asked Mikoto cautiously,

"His obsession with power, his drive for vengeance. Naruto hates the current shinobi system, ever since we lost Armin and Kotetsu...his hatred for the war hungry shinobi world increased. Naruto carries the hatred of all our deceased friends and comrades and one day he will strike this world with this hatred" said Mikasa darkly, as Mikoto closed her eyes sadly as she realized what her son was suffering from.

"The Curse of Hatred..."

"He's a conqueror, Mikoto-san. I will stand by his side no matter what he does, but you should know the hatred that burns in his heart. For years, I have tried to stop him from getting consumed by it...but Armin's death has changed everything. Naruto loved Armin, perhaps even as much as Itachi...his death was the reason for Naruto's Mangekyo to awaken" said Mikasa worriedly,

The next second she came face to face with a terribly shocked Mikoto, it was as if the woman had heard the Shinigami's voice himself.

"A Mangekyo?" asked Mikoto in shock, that power was forbidden even among the Uchiha.

"You didn't know?" asked Mikasa in a surprised tone, just how much did the Hokage didn't tell her...rather how much had Baku manipulated the information.

"I was told Naruto was sad when Armin died...no one told me he awakened the Mangekyo. That power is evil," said Mikoto worriedly, as a furious look came in Mikasa's eyes.

"We were betrayed by Baku when he sent us straight into an ambush...Armin estimated the danger and didn't allow Naruto to walk into that ambush, instead he, Kotetsu and Aoba took his place and went on ahead. They were killed by the hidden enemy Anbu squads...what the hell did Baku tell you?" asked Mikasa angrily,

Mikoto now understood the reason for the awakening of his Mangekyo, Armin was like Naruto's own brother and sacrificed himself to save Naruto. That kind of pain and grief was enough to trigger that cursed power.

The Mangekyo was the manifestation of an Uchiha's anger and pain. It was a dark power that granted its wielder tremendous strength...but there were bad repercussions too.

"I need to talk to Minato.." thought Mikoto worriedly,

"It's all my fault...I shouldn't have let him join Blacklight in the first place. Damn it..." said Mikoto frustratedly, as she banged her fist on a nearby table.

A few tears came in her eyes on realizing how much pain he was in, all this time he was fighting against everything...without the support of his family. Without her...bearing the hatred that she bestowed on him,

She felt a gentle hand being placed on her shoulder, and saw Mikasa giving her a understanding gaze.

"He doesn't hate you..." said Mikasa honestly, as Mikoto's eyes widened on hearing those words.

"After everything I did to him..." said Mikoto in shock, as she clearly remembered those bitter words which she had said that night.

"Let me show you..." said Mikasa calmly, as she made a hand sign and their surroundings started to change.

(Flashback: Few Weeks Ago)

Mikoto found herself standing in a small room. She saw Naruto sitting in a corner, Armin and Mikasa were also beside him. All of their clothes were covered in dust, blood and flesh. She also saw many injured soldiers being treated inside that room...which only meant that this was after a battle.

Another person came beside her, and she found it was none other than Mikasa herself.

"This was after our battle at Shanxi hill..." said Mikasa calmly, as Mikoto's gaze shifted to the 3 kids.

Mikasa was healing Naruto's wounds as Armin stood beside his friends in order to prevent them from getting into a heated argument.

"Naruto, you're so reckless..." chided Mikasa, and Mikoto smiled a little when her boy just huffed in embarrassment as Mikasa healed the wounds on his arms.

"Mikasa, don't be so angry...I'm sure Naruto was fighting properly," said Armin supportively, as both of the boys gave each other small winks.

BAM!

The very next second both the boys were lying flat on the ground courtesy of Mikasa's punch, as she stood over them with an irritated look on her face.

"You two...IDIOTS!" shouted Mikasa furiously, these two were her best friends...but it didn't change the fact that they really got on her nerves.

"Don't you think she's overreacting?" asked Naruto in a hushed tone,

"Maybe she got hit over the head or something..." said Armin jokingly, as both the boys high fived each other.

"Or maybe she's in her periods?" asked Naruto dumbly, as Armin snickered in amusement on hearing that remark.

However they sensed a dark chakra hovering above them and saw Mikasa giving them murderous look. The very next second both of them received another hard bop on their head.

While Naruto was busy nursing the bop on his head, Armin noticed the concerned look in Mikasa's eyes, and she was right too. For years, Naruto had always risked his life. It was as if he didn't care if he lived or died...he just didn't value his own life and that idiot didn't know it really hurt Mikasa.

"Naruto, do you really don't value your life?" asked Armin sadly, and Mikasa was surprised as Armin could understand her worries.

The accused person averted his eyes from his two friends, what was he supposed to say anyway?

"Maybe..." said Naruto mysteriously,

"Don't you want to go back home? Back to your family after this war?" asked Mikasa curiously, both her and Armin were orphans so it was really difficult for them to understand Naruto's situation.

"I'm better of here...besides, I don't deserve to go back home after what I did" said Naruto seriously, as Armin looked at him sternly.

"You are still carrying that burden, she didn't say those words because she hated you...your mother was just angry," said Armin angrily,

"And I don't blame her. When I was all alone, she was there for me. She removed the hatred that burned in my heart...and filled it with her love and affection. She really loved me and the only thing I gave her was heartbreak. I'm sure she'll continue to hate me...but I love her no matter what. That is why I want to create a better world where she can live happily. Even if it means risking my life...and even at the cost of my life, I will create a better world for my mother" explained Naruto emotionally,

Mikasa saw their past self's hugging each other after hearing that truth. Armin had tears in his eyes, while Naruto and Mikasa had satisfied smiles on their faces.

She saw Mikoto standing around her with tears dropping from her eyes. Her eyes were fixed on her son, the boy she loved more than anything in this world.

"Naruto..."

"Your son always has and always will love you..." said Mikasa lovingly, as a real smile came on Mikoto's face.

The memory slowly started to vanish as Mikoto casted one last glance towards the image of her son, today a huge burden had been lifted from her heart.

"I love you too...,"

(Flashback end)

Mikoto found herself standing again in Mikasa's medical tent. She noticed the girl looking at her sympathetically, and what happened next surprised Mikasa as she found herself in a bone crushing hug.

"Thank you..." said Mikoto tearfully, as the young girl just smiled on hearing those words.

"I just told the truth...he really loves you, Mikoto-san," said Mikasa happily,

"Hai.."

After a few moments they gently broke the hug, as Mikoto was just looking at the girl. Words couldn't describe how grateful she was to her, despite her drawbacks Mikasa was really a nice person.

"You really love him, don't you?" asked Mikoto kindly, as Mikasa averted her eyes from her piercing gaze.

"No, he's just my friend..." said Mikasa shyly,

"A friend whom you've kissed, a friend for whom you've risked your life countless time. A friend for whom you do whatever it takes to solve his problems...you don't need to hide it, Mikasa. I'm really happy that there is someone like you...who loves my son and cares about him as much as me," said Mikoto suggestively, as Mikasa averted her eyes.

"It's not that simple..." said Mikasa nervously,

"It never is, look I know what you're going through. And knowing my son, he won't say whether he likes you or not...he's just that kind of person. Naruto always keeps his feelings to himself unless you pave your way through his heart...or show him you're there if he wants to say something. Make the move Mikasa, before it's too late..." advised Mikoto sagely, and she noticed a slight twitching of her eyebrows.

"He flirts with almost every girl...I love him but he's never serious about any kind of relationship. For him, it's just a way to pass time or fun..." said Mikasa angrily, and Mikoto realized the fault was not in the girl but in her son.

"Naruto, why are you always such a troublesome child..." thought Mikoto tiredly,

"All the more reason you need to let him know your feelings for him...I really like you, Mikasa. You remind me of myself a few years ago, and I'll be happy to have someone like you by his side. He's really an idiot..." said Mikoto jokingly, as even Mikasa laughed on hearing the light jibe.

"Yeah, he is..." said Mikasa affectionately,

"I really hope you're okay...Naruto"

(Akatsuki Base)

Kushina threw another round of shuriken straight towards her target as the weapons sailed through the air at tremendous speed. The said target had also performed a hand seal as his dark red eyes swirled quickly.

"Kamui"

She watched in amazement as the weapons were quickly sucked into an invisible pocket dimension.

"7 seconds..." said Naruto seriously, as he finished absorbing the weapons in his secret dimension.

His Mangekyo was a great power, to think he could make himself intangible as well as absorb and store weapons too was quite astonishing. But still it was not enough, he had to know the full extent of his powers if he wanted to take on Madara and build his own empire.

"Kushina, make a few real clones. I need to test something..." said Naruto quickly,

"Got it, but what is it that you want to test?" asked Kushina curiously,

"You'll see.."

She quickly performed a hand seal and the next moment 5 shadow clones popped into existence. Each of them looked the same and were looking at Naruto for further instructions.

"Attack"

As soon as the command was given all the Kushina clones jumped towards him as his Mangekyo started spinning quickly. The 1st clone that was about to attack him quickly passed right through him before dispelling as it hit directly on the ground.

Seeing this development the other 2 clones quickly performed a set of hand seals as they gathered a large amount of chakra.

"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu(Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu)"

Two large fireballs were launched straight towards Naruto, as they rushed towards him with great speed burning everything in the training room that got in their way. Naruto quickly used his Mangekyo and slowly those attacks started getting absorbed in his dimension.

"NOW!"

His eyes widened in shock when the remaining 2 Kushina clones emerged from the ground beneath him and kicked him high in the air.

The real Kushina who had watched the entire scene gained a rough idea as to how Naruto's power functioned. So, this was what he was after...

"His body materializes when he sucks in something, that means he cannot make himself intangible and absorb attacks at the same time. He can only do one of them at a time, plus it takes him 7 seconds to absorb any attack...during that time frame he is completely vulnerable" thought Kushina tactfully,

She watched attentively as all her 4 clones jumped towards the sailing Naruto, he had lost his balance due to that kick and was now vulnerable.

But she was surprised when Naruto pointed a finger towards her real self before disappearing in a flock of crows...

"Shit..." said Kushina in shock, as she quickly turned around.

But it was too late as there was a kunai pointed at her throat courtesy of Naruto who was standing behind her with a satisfied smile on his face.

"How did you..." asked Kushina in a surprised voice,

"By combining all of my powers, I can do this. My Kamui does not grant me instant teleportation like Madara...rather it provides me an even more deadly weapon. The person that your clones attacked was my shadow, my Mangekyo is a genjutsu based Mangekyo. It casts illusion so powerful that even sensor ninja like you can't notice the difference. The only one who can is probably another Mangekyo user...or someone with sage powers," explained Naruto briefly,

"So, it means you cannot teleport like Madara?" asked Kushina curiously,

They were doing this rigorous training in order to improve Naruto's battle skills in order to make him ready to face Madara. So far he had shown proficient skills in Mokuton jutsu, Genjutsu, Ninjutsu and Shurikenjutsu. But his most unique power was his Kamui...she had never seen anything so marvelous.

"But I can't do this jutsu more than a few times. I only have a few minutes to win a fight, after that I can't use my illusion based Kamui. But I can teleport anywhere like Madara..." said Naruto truthfully,

"So, what's our next move?" asked Kushina seriously,

"What do you know about my father's powers? Can you perform some of them?" asked Naruto smartly, as Kushina didn't understand why Naruto was interested in Minato's powers, he had Kamui which was at least equal in power with Hirashin.

"Why are you asking me this?" asked Kushina flatly,

"Because Minato Namikaze and Konoha are the biggest threat to my empire, my dream. My father is one of the most strongest ninja in history, and sooner or later I will have to face him. I can't appear weak..." said Naruto honestly,

"You'll fight your own father?" asked Kushina disappointingly, as he closed his eyes.

"If possible, I want to create my empire through negotiations and good will, but there are certain persons in Konoha that will oppose me and force my father to fight me. That's why I need you to teach me..." said Naruto seriously,

Kushina thought about the entire scenario, what Naruto had said was right. They could not make a mistake of underestimating Minato Namikaze. He was one of the few people who knew about Naruto's Mangekyo and his Mokuton powers...that's why Naruto needed a trump card.

"I don't know anything about the Hirashin...sure I taught him some seals, but rest was all Minato's work" said Kushina truthfully,

"I see..." said Naruto defeatedly,

"But I do know the theory behind Rasengan, which is Minato's most powerful Ninjutsu. I was the one who helped him develop that technique in the first place..." said Kushina proudly, as a cunning smile came on his face.

"So you can perform the Rasengan?" asked Naruto eagerly,

"No, I can't but I can teach you the basics. It's all up to you after that..." said Kushina seriously,

And the wide cunning smile that came on his face was all she needed to know...

(Medical Station)

Mikasa slowly walked through the "Intensive Care Unit" room. She saw many Konoha shinobi lying on beds, most of them were badly injured. The medics were constantly doing rounds in order to ensure the survival of these injured soldiers. The occasional painful moans that was released by the patients was enough to make her hate this war more and more.

As she walked through the room, she wondered if this was the pain that Yugao and Armin had gone through just before they died. It was said that a shinobi's life was not measured by how they lived, but rather in the way they died. But looking around, she realized this was probably worse than death itself..

After a few more moments of searching she finally came across the people she wanted to meet. A few tears came in her eyes when she spotted her 3 good friends lying side by side on the beds. There were a lot of machines attached to their bodies which was helping in keeping them alive.

Anko's entire body was covered in bandages and there was a lot of plaster in various areas, indicating that many of her bones were broken. Kisame had really wrecked her...there was a pump attached in her mouth that was providing her air to breathe, while she lay there unconscious on the bed.

Iwashi too had bandages around his torso and chest, and he was just staring at the plain white ceiling of the room.

While Shizune was sitting on her bed reading a magazine, she was the least injured among the 3 but still there were lots of bandages around her heart and stomach courtesy of repeated stabs made by Kisame during their fight at the beach.

"Iwashi..."

The said boy heard his name being called, and he was surprised when he saw Mikasa standing around his bed with a few tears in her eyes. Guess, she really was gentle at heart...

"Hey..." said Iwashi weakly, he tried to get up but Mikasa immediately stopped him and made him rest back on the bed.

"How are you feeling?" asked Mikasa worriedly, as he just sighed tiredly.

"I can't feel a thing, Mikasa. It's just all numb..." said Iwashi painfully, as she caressed his hand in order to offer comfort.

"I'm glad you made it...Mikasa," said Iwashi happily,

"We kicked some ass...didn't we?" asked Mikasa jokingly, as he chuckled lightly.

"Yes, we did..."

Both of them silently sat beside each other, today Iwashi realized the bond which he shared with his fellow Blacklight. He couldn't explain it in words, but all of them were a family...they fought, bled and almost died for each other. And that kind of bond could only be seen during combat, and he was really glad that he was a part of such a group.

"Hey...bitch,"

Mikasa was surprised when she heard that voice. She quickly looked up and saw Anko looking at her weakly, she was trying to say something but her voice was just too weak to be audible enough.

Iwashi shifted towards Anko's side and saw the girl giving him a small wink bringing a tearful smile on his face.

"Anko..."

"Mikasa..."

Shizune soon realized who was in the room and quickly got up from her bed, before giving Mikasa a bone crushing hug which she returned gladly as Iwashi and Anko watched the scene with relived smiles on your face.

"I thought I wouldn't see you again..." said Shizune tearfully, as Mikasa hugged her friend more tightly.

"Well, you ain't getting rid of me so soon..." replied Mikasa jovially,

After a few moments they gently broke the hug and slowly sat side by side besides Anko's bed, as Iwashi watched the scene patiently from his bed.

"Snake bitch..." said Mikasa happily, as she gently grasped her friend's hand.

"Fuck you, Miku-chan..." teased Anko weakly, as Shizune smiled on seeing the usual banter between the two toughest female blacklight of their company.

"You okay?" asked Mikasa in a concerned voice,

"Medics said the shark face busted a lot of my bones...but fuck, I'm gonna make it," replied Anko proudly,

"That's good news..." said Mikasa happily, as the tears which she had been holding started slipping away from her eyes.

The other 3 watched patiently as a few tears started slipping from her eyes. All the pain, the sorrow, the anger, the loss...everything she had been through all these years was finally taking a toll on Mikasa. This was her breaking point, and she didn't know what she would have done...if she had lost either of these 3 following her orders.

Losing Armin and Kotetsu was just too much...

"Mikasa..."

Shizune gently wiped away her tears, the girl knew very well what Mikasa was going through. What all of them had gone through...and still there was no end to this mad war.

"Are we going after the enemy again?" asked Shizune eagerly, as Mikasa gave a few weak nods.

"You bet your ass we will...you've just got to get your strength back" replied Mikasa in a strong and firm voice, providing confidence to her comrades.

"Don't go out there without me...bitch" said Anko weakly, as Mikasa wiped a lone tear that had slipped from the girl's eye.

"We can still kick their ass..." said Iwashi seriously, as the girls laughed on hearing his confidence.

Mikasa silently looked at the faces of her 3 friends, if there was one thing which she wanted- then it was to spend the rest of her life with these people. She had entered this war with the desire to protect Naruto and Armin, but she had failed. But even in all this darkness and misery, she had found people whom she cared about, friends whom she loved and was willing to die for them.

"The only thing that matters is survival..."

She clearly remembered these words which she had told Naruto the first time when they met. She remembered how judgmental she was about other people, her anger and uncaring attitude towards others...bot today after going through this world war, she had understood her own true feelings.

Mikasa had realized that people were more than their mistakes, there was darkness in every person...but there was light too. These bonds which she had formed with Naruto, Armin, Izumo, Kotetsu, Shizune, Anko, Iwashi and all the other Blacklight were more important to her than her own life.

"I finally understand...Armin"

Mikoto curiously watched as Mikasa silently walked beside her. She didn't know what had happened in the meeting with her fellow Blacklight...but something was different about Mikasa. Mikoto could really feel it...

"I want to protect them..."

A proud smile came on Mikoto's face when she heard those words from Mikasa. Her fists were clenched tightly and there was a strange determination in her eyes...

"I want to protect my friends...no matter what!" said Mikasa seriously,

"Is that your dream?" asked Mikoto silently,

"It's the only thing worth fighting for...it's the only thing that matters to me now," replied Mikasa in an emotional voice,

She was stopped when Mikoto came in front of her and embraced her in a warm hug, and Mikasa couldn't understand what this strange feeling was. But she felt relived when she was near Mikoto...she was like her own mother,

"You've gained something invaluable, Mikasa. Always remember this..." advised Mikoto in a loving voice,

"Hai"

Mikasa hazily spotted two people coming towards them. They were dressed in black clothes, and after a few moments she realized one of them was none other than the Yondaime Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

While the other person was a young boy, who was probably 13 and looked as the exact replica of Minato with spiky blonde hair and dark blue azure eyes. He was wearing a Konoha headband similar to the Nidaime and the one which Naruto wore, and if her judgement was right then this was probably Naruto's younger brother. They looked so much alike...

"Mikoto..."

The said woman turned around and was surprised when she saw her husband and younger son standing behind her.

"Itachi, Minato...what are you-"

Her sentence was left unfinished when Itachi came forward and gently hugged Mikoto, while Mikasa was anxiously watching the scene. She was also unnerved by the sad look on the Yondaime's face.

Mikasa's heartbeat increased greatly when Minato walked forward towards Mikoto, but he also casted a sad glance towards her which increased her worries...

"What's going on, Minato?" asked Mikoto worriedly, as her husband stepped in front of her.

Worried dark black eyes met devastated azure eyes, as her heart beat increased when she saw the black clothes they were wearing...

"Naruto...

"...has fallen in the line of duty"

Author's Notes: Damn, this cliffhanger!

Finally, after so many chaps I got to read an entire chapter on my favorite character MIKASA!

These past few chapters have shown great character developments, we got to see a gentle side of Mikasa this chapter. She really removed the burden from Mikoto's heart by showing her Naruto's true feelings.

It seems Naruto is training himself for a big fight, and his Kamui is a little different. A genjutsu based Mangekyo is also quite interesting...

The scene of Mikasa with the other Blacklight was also quite emotional...the bond could be seen between them. Mikasa has really developed as a character, I still remember how bitchy and self centered she was at the start of this story...and now,

Next chapter will be quite huge...

But sadly I do not have any more chaps, and Blackwolf has not provided me the next chapters that he has in his laptop. Though he did say that we would be returning to the war in Chapter 45, and there would be major fights back to back. The following are the names of the next 2 chaps:

Chapter 44: The Dead and the Dying

Chapter 45: Naruto's Counter Attack

So, folks the next updates totally depends on Blackwolf...

Until next time,

Stana