Yo..
It's me Blackwolf. It's been a while...and I see, my overenthusiastic partner has kept this story going. At first, I was a little worried...but you handled it quite well, Stana. But now I'm back.
I've read the responses for the past few chapters, and some of you are concerned about Naruto's recent change in personality. After accepting Ikiryo, Naruto gained the other half of his soul and I will admit that he has been overwhelmed by his darker side. People can't just remain the same after accepting their dark side...but the good old Naruto of this story is still there.
And I apologize to my loyal readers, this story is meant to display the bonds between people, and I originally wanted Naruto to be like Kakashi. But as the story progressed, Naruto developed in his own way but since past few chapters his dark feelings are overwhelming him (Like Obito). He was developing in a way similar to Lelouch...and even after Stana's advice and your suggestions I was not able to see my mistake.
But the latest episode "Team Seven" of Naruto Shippuden opened my eyes, particularly the last 5 minutes made me remember my original vision for this story and what Naruto has to be for the shinobi world. And I am man enough to admit, that the scene where Kakashi's team pushed him ahead...was the moment that made me shed a tear.
Though I'm really proud of myself regarding how I developed Mikasa. She's definitely my most badass female character, followed by Kurenai of Sharingan Devil.
And, get ready for the most kick ass parts of this arc...they are coming real soon!
Enjoy the chapter...
Chapter 44
The Dead and the Dying
Darkness.
Their eyes saw the entire dark corridor that lay ahead of them. A few meters away from them was a small bed, a bright tube light was casting its light on the covered surface of the bed. A human figure could be seen sleeping on the surface of the bed whose body and face were covered by a cloth preventing anyone from recognizing the person's identity.
Minato sadly watched as his wife shakily walked though the dark corridor of the morgue, as the Blacklight members standing in the shadows observed the painful scene without any emotions on their faces. Their dark Anbu masks hiding any trace of feelings they probably had in their hearts for the dead person.
Itachi also saw the special ops soldiers, no emotions, no feelings...just a blank gaze. So, his elder brother was the leader of such a magnificent unit, Naruto really was a great shinobi.
But his thoughts were still being overwhelmed by the memories of the past, those happy times when their family was living in peace. A lot of years had passed since then, and many things had changed...but it still didn't change the fact that Naruto was his elder brother.
The man he respected, admired and loved.
"I leave the village to you..."
A small tear came in his eyes as he remembered his brother's last words. All this time, every single day he had trained himself just to be as good as him...his parents had already told him that they were proud of his achievements...but the person who's opinion mattered to him the most was lying dead in this dark room.
"You always were so kind to me...Nii-san. Only if I..." thought Itachi sadly, as tears started slipping away from his eyes as Minato put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Minato had to use all his strength to stop the tears waiting to be unleashed from his eyes as he neared the bed. He could still remember the day when a tiny baby was given in his arms while Mikoto lay there on her bed with a tearful smile on her face...and now he was walking towards the body of that child.
His child, his first son...he still wanted to believe that this was just a bad dream from which he was supposed to wake up at any moment. But he was nearing the body...and this supposed dream was still going on.
This was all his fault...only if he had done something about Kushina, Naruto would have been...
"Please take care of Kaa-chan and Itachi"
Ultimately his resolve broke on remembering those last words, that last glance which his son gave him just before he jumped in this mad war. All those feelings that they shared, their anger, their pain, their love...everything was conveyed in that last glance, it was as if his son knew that he was never going to return home.
Minato's voice was choked as he tried to say something to his wife but she continued to walk towards the bed. She was just silent...her legs were moving in a robotic way, he could practically feel no emotions from the Uchiha.
A wolf masked Blacklight emerged from the shadows and briskly walked towards Mikoto. Minato recognized the young boy as Izumo Kamizuki, the current acting commander of 1st company and one of Naruto's closest friends.
The boy stood firmly in front of Mikoto and gave her a respectful salute, however she just ignored him and continued walking forward. His eyes softened when for a second he spotted the devastated dark black eyes of the grief stricken mother.
But he steeled his resolve as Minato came towards him. Izumo was a little surprised by the young boy beside the Hokage, so this boy was the little brother that Naruto loved the most. He again gave a firm salute to his leader, as Minato gave a weak nod acknowledging him.
"Hokage-sama, please accept our deepest condolences. Your son..." said Izumo seriously, but he was stopped when Minato raised his hand.
"It's fine Izumo...thank you for watching my son" said Minato kindly, as a painful look came in the young boy's eyes.
Itachi patiently watched as the mysterious Blacklight slowly took out a small tanto and stepped in front of him.
"Your brother wanted you to have it...this was his weapon" said Izumo comfortingly, as Itachi's eyes watered on seeing the weapon and his hands shakily grasped it.
Izumo kneeled down in front of Itachi as the young genin was silently gazing the weapon of his deceased brother.
"Naruto really loved you...Itachi. Your brother was a fine shinobi" said Izumo emotionally, as he gently patted Itachi's head.
"Izumo...did my son-" asked Minato hesitantly, but his question was cut off as Izumo gave him a firm gaze.
"Quick and painless, Hokage-sama" lied Izumo confidently, this was the least he could do for the family. Izumo knew his friend died a slow and painful death, that scene still broke his heart where he held his dying friend in his arms...but this was a secret which him, Genma and Rangiku would take to their graves.
Naruto's family was going through a very tough time...and they needed every bit of support. In every way possible...and he really owed everything to Naruto.
"Arigatou (Thank you)..." said Minato thankfully,
Izumo slowly took out 2 small letters from his pocket and after a small glance, handed them over to Minato and the look in the Hokage's eyes as he gently caressed the last letter written by his son was unbearable for Izumo. So, after a respectful salute he quickly walked out of the room...as his heart probably couldn't watch the scene from here.
However he was shocked when he saw Mikasa standing outside the morgue. She was leaning on the wall, the poor girl was still in her hospital clothes and her silky black hair were hiding her face. After a few seconds, she hesitantly looked up and Izumo noticed the tears that were falling from her eyes.
Without waiting for another second, he quickly ran towards her and enwrapped her in a tight hug.
"(sobs) I-zu-mo..." said Mikasa in a choked voice, as he tightened the hug. He had never seen her so devastated, but it was also true that Mikasa had probably lost everything tonight.
She had entered in this war with the desire to protect Armin and Naruto. And one by one, she had watched both of her best friends die...leaving her all alone.
"It's okay...Mikasa. It's okay," said Izumo soothingly,
"N-aruto..."
"He's at peace now. He's resting..." said Izumo calmly, and he had to immediately grasp Mikasa as her legs could not bear the burden of her body or her crushed soul.
Looking at the devastated girl, only made him feel more miserable. What could he possibly say to her? That he let Naruto die? That despite being around so many comrades, Naruto died a slow and painful death...and he couldn't do anything to save him?
The sound of footsteps could be heard as another person stepped beside him and put a gentle hand on Mikasa's shoulder.
She hazily spotted the Tiger masked Anbu who was giving her an understanding gaze.
"Genma..." said Izumo in surprise, what was he doing here?
But Izumo soon realized the reason Genma was here. Izumo felt a little relived as Genma was possibly the only person who could understand Mikasa, and support her right now...after all he really...
"How did this happen, Genma?" asked Mikasa in a pleading tone, and Genma was really sad on seeing her like this. So, it was true...Mikasa really loved him.
"I won't leave you alone..." thought Genma with determination, as he looked her straight in the eye.
"We were ambushed by the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki..." said Genma truthfully, as Izumo averted his eyes from Mikasa.
"The Kyuubi?" asked Mikasa in shock and anger, as her fists clenched tightly.
"All of us were defeated even before the fight began...that monster was stronger than all of us. As the Nidaime Taichou (Captain), Naruto made the ultimate sacrifice by drawing that monster away. He fought valiantly and was able to push that monster back, the Jinchuuriki had to fall back...but Naruto suffered serious wounds and died" said Genma truthfully, as Izumo shot him a harsh glare.
"Genma..." said Izumo angrily, was it really necessary right now? Why was he telling her the truth...knowing how much it would hurt her...
"She deserves to know the truth. Mikasa, he named you...the Sandaime Taichou" said Genma sadly, as he slowly took out a small letter and presented it to Mikasa.
Tears came in Izumo's eyes as he realized what his friend had done for them. To think, that he Naruto loved them so much...
"Naruto, I will never forget you..." thought Izumo emotionally,
"Naruto gave me this letter before we embarked on our mission to capture this island. He knew Baku would quickly name someone of his choice as the commander if anything happened to Naruto. Izumo, Mikasa...Baku was already keeping a close eye on you, so Naruto gave me this official letter naming Mikasa the Sandaime...till the very end and even after death he's still watching out for us," said Genma honestly,
"Only if I had seen in you a different light...Naruto, I am proud to have served under your command. Commander Fox was right when he named you the Nidaime, you really protected us" thought Genma nostalgically,
He watched sadly as Mikasa shakily opened the letter, and watching her tears and those trembling fingers were really breaking his heart.
Dear Mikasa,
If you are reading this, then I have joined Armin. I'm really sorry Mikasa...but I want you to know that I willingly gave my life to protect my comrades. I know you would blame yourself for this, but this was my choice and I don't regret this decision, because a world without my friends is just too much for me.
I'm really grateful to you, for everything. Thank you for supporting me and staying by my side...you really are a great person and I'm grateful that I met you.
These years that I spent with you and Armin were the best parts of my life. I'll never forget you or Armin...
Mikasa, you have a great power within you. Don't hide the feelings of your heart, you deserve every happiness in this world. And we'll forever be a family...
Just as Commander Fox and Armin believed in me, I will believe in you Mikasa. All our friends and comrades in Blacklight are part of our family, they will need your help in these tough times. You are the only one who can bear this burden...I know I have no right of asking you for anything after breaking our promise, but Mikasa we really have great friends around us and it is our duty to protect them. Protect them from Baku...
Mikasa, believe in your comrades and lead them to a better world as the Sandaime Taichou of Blacklight. The world which I and Armin dreamed of...
I'll be waiting with Armin on the other side for you, but don't come just yet because you are my dream.
Your Moron,
Naruto Namikaze
"(sobs) N-aruto..."
Tears freely dropped from her eyes and started drenching the small letter in her hands. Izumo tried to comfort her, but she quickly pushed him aside and then without another word started running away from the boys, as her bright tears littered the ground.
Izumo tried to go after her, but was stopped when Genma put a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Let her grieve, Izumo. If she ever wants to move on and be the captain...then she needs to let go"said Genma firmly,
"Genma, she needs us right now. Mikasa is just a person..." argued Izumo pleadingly,
"She's not just any person, Mikasa is now the Sandaime Taichou. Since Naruto has made his choice of choosing his successor, not even Baku has the power to counter this decision, only the Hokage could revert Naruto's decision. But if she wants to protect her comrades, then she truly needs to understand what Naruto lived and died for. Izumo, he died for us...and I regret that I didn't try to know him. I understand this is a difficult time for her, it is a difficult time for all of us...but Naruto believed that Mikasa could lead us, and I will believe in him." explained Genma proudly, as Izumo's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"I just want to help her..." said Izumo silently
"I know, and that is why you need to let her grieve. I know I have not been a good friend to any of you, but I'm asking you to believe in Mikasa...she will get through this, no matter what and when she's ready we'll be there to support her as her friends till the very end" said Genma confidently,
"Genma...you,"
His sentence was left unanswered as Genma gave him a firm salute before turning around and walking away. However he did give a small wave to him before he disappeared in the shadows...
"Are you seeing this, Naruto? Your will did reach all of us...today all of us realize the importance of comrades. You, Armin, Kotetsu. Aoba, Yugao, Commander Fox...and every other deceased Blacklight gave everything for this family. And now we will protect this family and continue your legacy..."
(Akatsuki Base)
Kushina was lying flat on his bed, both her and Naruto had trained for so many hours and even she was exhausted despite her great stamina. However her eyes were fixed on Naruto who was just standing in a corner.
She hazily spotted a small picture in his hand, and slowly got up from her bed and walked towards him.
Kushina's eyes softened when she saw what the picture was. It was a picture of the 1st company of Blacklight, all of them were standing happily around a fox masked Anbu who was the tallest and probably the strongest among them.
A small smile came on her face when she spotted the person she was looking for.
Naruto was standing in the center with a bored look on his face, as he wearily eyed the fox masked Anbu. While Armin had his hand wrapped on Naruto's shoulders and was flashing a happy smile, while Mikasa was watching her two friends with a small beautiful smile on her face.
"It was before we went to Shanxi..." said Naruto emotionally,
Kushina was intently watching him. Naruto was really a mysterious person and she just couldn't understand him. He wanted to unite the world and was ready to take harsh steps, but at the same time he had a compassionate heart and really cared about his comrades. It was really hard for her to categorize him as either evil or good...guess he was just a person who had been through a lot of pain.
"You miss them?" asked Kushina patiently, as he stared at her for a moment.
"Every day...Blacklight is my family" said Naruto truthfully,
"Do you want to go back? It is still not too late..." suggested Kushina hesitantly,
"I can't..." said Naruto frustratedly, he had to create his empire...expecting the world to change was futile.
"Will you really be able to live like this? All alone, without your family and friends. Naruto, I have been through this stage...and believe me, there is no greater pain than loneliness. I had given up on living until I met you...Naruto, you are not an evil person and you certainly don't want fame or glory. I too believe that creating this empire is vital for peace, but your way is wrong..." said Kushina honestly, as his gaze hardened.
"What do you mean?" asked Naruto sternly, was she opposing him?
"By forcefully creating an empire, you will only cause more hatred and pain in this world. Naruto, you have the power to change people...you changed Mikasa, me, Armin, every person that came in your life really learned something from you. Naruto, you never gave up on your comrades...you fought, bled and almost died for them. You want to stop the hatred in this world, but in order to do that you need to overcome your own hatred and dark feelings...ones which have overwhelmed you by accepting your dark soul and constantly being around Madara" explained Kushina briefly, and a sense of relief spread through her heart when his gaze softened.
"So, I was right...he's still there. Mikoto, you really have a great son..." thought Kushina warmly,
"But the ninja villages will again start wars, I can't let anyone else go through what I had to go through..." said Naruto in protest, as Kushina smiled on hearing his naive answer.
"And the conflict that will arise due to forcefully creating an empire would cause the very same thing you want to prevent. Naruto fulfill your dream not through wars and battles, but by taking everyone with you...this was what Armin really wanted for you. He didn't need an empire or anything like that, his dream was just to be with his two best friends and to protect them. Even if he was weak, he taught you the most powerful thing. He taught you to care for your comrades...and never abandon them" said Kushina patiently,
"Take care of Mikasa...I know you can do it"
Naruto painfully stared at the picture of his best friend, the man whom he loved as much as his own little brother. He owed everything to Armin, and there was nothing in this world that he wouldn't do for his best friend.
"There are more peaceful ways to create an empire...but in order to do that you have to understand what Armin and Kotetsu really wanted. You have to fulfill their dreams...that is your destiny, Naruto. To bring everyone together and lead them to a better world" stated Kushina confidently,
Kushina was surprised when tears started to fall from his eyes as he continuously stared at the picture of his friends. Naruto was burdened by his dark past, and was constantly suffering from guilt but there was still hope for him. She had been around Madara, and if she let Naruto continue on his current path then the world would face an even more greater evil than Madara himself.
"The worst villains in history...were heroes at one point of time" thought Kushina nostalgically,
She would support him in creating his empire, but she had her own free will and it was her duty to save him from completely falling into his darkness.
(Miyasato Island)
Mikoto silently watched the person lying in front of her. His face was still hidden beneath his black face mask, and there was a peaceful expression on his face. It was so surreal that she expected him to open his beautiful black eyes at any moment and give her one of the most beautiful smiles she had ever seen.
But the large hole in his chest, and other wounds on his body showed an entire different picture bringing her back to reality.
Her fists clenched so tightly that her fingernails started tearing her skin, but that pain was nothing in comparison to what she was feeling on seeing this boy.
Her son.
She could still see the small infant in this boy, that small life which was given in her hands by Kami 15 years ago...only to be snatched away.
"Naruto...if you step out of that gate...then don't ever come back"
Those bitter words struck her painfully, all his life her son had done everything she had asked. Only once he wanted to follow his own ambition, and she had cursed him...and Naruto had still accepted that curse with a smile on his face, and in a heart breaking way he had fulfilled her wish of never returning home.
Minato and Itachi slowly came beside her and even they were expecting Naruto to get up and fool them by saying all of this was a prank. But he was not breathing...
Itachi hands shakily tried to touch the hole, but somehow he just couldn't gather the courage...and an a lot of anger surged in him on seeing his brother like this. They were supposed to stick together, and watch each other's backs...and he was sitting like an idiot in Konoha, while his brother was teared apart by the enemy forces.
"KUSO!"
Itachi angrily punched the wall beside him and quickly started running away as he didn't want his mother to see his tears nor the anger that was burning inside his heart. Minato turned around to stop him, but the boy was gone...and looking at Mikoto, the Hokage knew he had to be here for now. His wife could still not believe her son was dead...he doubted she even knew that he was standing beside her.
"Mikoto..."
Minato gently said her name and put a firm hand on her shoulder, they were shinobi and had prepared for such situations their entire life. But even now, seeing Naruto lying motionlessly on the bed broke his heart.
"You never love anything in this world...they way you love your first child" said Mikoto sadly, as she gently caressed Naruto's blonde hair.
Minato knew what Naruto was to her, from the day he was born until this very moment she loved him. And he doubted that this love would ever fade away from her heart. He carefully made a signal as the other Blacklight quickly disappeared from the room leaving them alone.
"Doesn't matter what they do...you still love them"
"Mikoto, I..." said Minato hesitantly, as the tears freely started to fall from her eyes.
"He was just a boy, a good boy...MY boy!" said Mikoto furiously, as her sharingan activated and the murderous gaze which she was giving him right now sent cold shivers across his entire body.
"Naruto, just how much did she love you...still amazes me. But now this love will turn into something far more dangerous..." thought Minato worriedly, as he glanced at his son.
He had never seen her so angry in her entire life, if looks could kill...then even Kami himself would die instantly if they even glanced in her eyes for a second. His worst fears came true...as Mikoto Uchiha was out for blood.
Mikoto noticed the two letters in his hands, and before he could react she snatched one of them away.
"Mikoto, calm down...we will get through this" said Minato comfortingly, as she just glanced at him even more angrily and put a firm pointed finger on his chest.
"Just shut up, Minato. His death was my fault, only if I had stopped, only if I had not said those words...my son could have been alive. You can never understand my pain. This boy, this dead boy lying in front of us is not just any shinobi...he was MY flesh and blood!" yelled Mikoto tearfully, as Minato grasped her roughly.
"Naruto was my son too! I am his father, Mikoto and I have always loved him...but his death was not your fault. If anyone is responsible here, then it's me...I made him join Blacklight, so don't you dare say this was your fault!" requested Minato sadly,
She immediately embraced him in a tight hug, as her violent sobs echoed in the room. For his part, Minato did his best to comfort her as gently rubbed her back while his gaze was still fixed on his son as he tried his best to control his tears. He had to be strong for Mikoto and Itachi...Naruto would have wanted him to be strong.
Both of them stayed in that embrace for a few minutes, as she cried her heart out and slowly her sobs turned into whispers as he gently made her sit on the ground while still keeping her in his embrace.
Minato saw his wife looking at the letter in her hand, and after a small nod from him she slowly opened the letter. They had to do this, they just had to...
Dear Kaa-chan and Tou-chan,
It's no easy task being an extraordinary child to the best parents in the world. I failed in that task...
And because of my prejudices, I failed both of you. I'm haunted by how things could have turned out differently, if I had been more willing to hear your side of things.
For me, this is the end. But I want you to continue living and look after my brother, make him a better person than me and give him a bright future.
It is for that future, that I make this small sacrifice.
I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, or for you to forget...I ask only that you believe this,
That whether you are now reading this still hating me or cursing me...I love you all the same, as I've always loved you and always will.
Goodbye,
Naruto
"I love you too..." said Mikoto in a heart breaking voice, as she again erupted into tears.
Minato couldn't contain the burning anger in his heart, despite everything Naruto was his son and he didn't deserve such an end. If only Minato had acted as a Hokage and not as a good friend, he could done something about Kushina and saved his son from such a death.
"Kushina, I will make you pay for this..." thought Minato angrily, the amount of hatred that he was feeling right now for his once best friend was far more than he had ever felt for any other person.
As the Yondaime Hokage of Konoha, and as Naruto's father...he would bring the rogue Jinchuuriki back to the village and make her answer for all her crimes including the brutal murder of his son.
"Naruto, as your father...I will give you justice, and I promise to look after them. I wish I could say how proud I am...you died for your comrades, for your team, for our home and I will make sure that Konoha wins this war...so that your sacrifice does not go in vain" thought Minato with determination,
He silently placed the other letter marked as "For the Hokage" in his pocket, and gently embraced his mourning wife.
Mikasa silently sat on the beach, tears were still falling from her eyes as she watched the vast sea in front of her. The bright moon was reflecting on the ocean's surface, it was probably one of the most beautiful nights...but for her this would forever be the moment where she lost everything.
"I am coming too...to keep both of your from dying"
Her heart broke even more as she remembered her own words, the promise which she had made to herself to protect Naruto and Armin, to prevent them from dying.
"What a failure I turned out to be...Armin, Naruto. Both of you always protected me, Armin you saved my life during training...while Naruto saved my life at this island. If not for your Hirashin Kunai, I would have died...why am I the only one who survives?" thought Mikasa depressingly,
First her family, and now her best friends too. Just how long was this going to continue?
She didn't have any reason left to live now...
Mikasa slowly took out a small kunai hidden beneath her dress. The kunai which she had stolen from Izumo's pouch...
"I'm sorry Naruto, Armin...but I can't do this anymore. I can't live without you..." said Mikasa painfully,
All this war, all this fighting, those deaths, she had enough. Naruto and Armin were the reason for her existence, but now...
She calmly saw the bright moon that was shining in the sky, as a satisfied look came in her face.
"This world is merciless..."
Mikasa firmly grasped the sharp weapon in her hand and slowly raised it a few inches away from her heart.
"...but it's beautiful too"
Her shaking hands slowly regained their strength and stopped trembling as she closed her eyes.
"I lived a good life"
SLASH
Mikasa's eyes widened in shock when a bright blue arrow instantly disarmed her by destroying the kunai in her hand.
"FIGHT!"
She hazily spotted a person running towards her, and she again heard the word.
"Fight!"
The mysterious person quickly appeared beside her, and she was surprised on seeing her.
"Rangiku..."
SLAP
Mikasa was shocked when the blonde girl gave her a tight slap on her right cheek, and quickly grasped her roughly.
"What the hell were you doing?" asked Rangiku angrily, as Mikasa averted her eyes from her comrade's fierce gaze.
"None of your business..." said Mikasa bitterly, she didn't owe any explanation...not to her of all the people.
"You don't owe me anything, Mikasa. And I know we are not friends, but you do owe your life to Armin and Naruto. They gave their lives for you..." said Rangiku seriously, as Mikasa took a step back in shock.
"They're dead..." said Mikasa sadly, as Rangiku looked at her sympathetically.
"Yes, they died. They gave their lives protecting Konoha, they died protecting all of us. And neither Armin or Naruto would want you to end your life like this..." explained Rangiku patiently,
Mikasa's shoulders slumped in defeat as she understood the bitter truth in those words. Her friends would never want her to give up, but still...
"I know it's painful, those memories break your heart. But you need to remember, Mikasa...they entrusted everything to you. Armin entrusted Naruto to you...and Naruto entrusted this company and our comrades to you. Genma told me you are the Sandaime Taichou...do you realize what it means?" asked Rangiku sternly,
"No..."
"I lost them too, so it's not like I don't understand what you are going through" said Rangiku sadly, and Mikasa was just about to prove her point but Rangiku raised her hand silencing the girl.
"But giving up or sulking isn't going to bring them back. We're way past that point in our lives..." said Rangiku mysteriously,
"What do you mean?" asked Mikasa silently,
"Naruto entrusted me with something. You too, right?"
A small sad smile came on Mikasa's face as she remembered what Naruto had entrusted her with.
"I acted without even thinking about my comrades. I even gave up my life without realizing the responsibly I held...I," thought Mikasa tearfully,
She was shocked when Rangiku embraced her in a warm hug and gently caressed her back.
"You're not alone..."
Those words broke all the barriers as she quickly embraced Rangiku as she just hugged her more tightly.
"I'm sorry...I just..." said Mikasa painfully,
"I know, Mikasa. And don't think you're alone...all of us are family. And we stick together no matter what" advised Rangiku sagely,
After a few moments Mikasa slowly broke the hug, her tears were still there...but now she knew what she had to fight for. What she had to live for...
"Rangiku...thank you" said Mikasa gratefully, as the girl just gave her a bright smile.
"Come on, Taichou...your men are waiting for you. We need to give the Nidaime a proper farewell...he deserves it" said Rangiku proudly,
And the determined gaze that she saw in Mikasa's eyes brought a small smile on her face.
Itachi was currently standing outside the small makeshift camp silently gazing at the bright moon in the sky as tears were falling from his eyes. The thought of never seeing his brother, or hearing his voice was too painful for him.
Naruto was his role model...he was the person Itachi wanted to transform himself into. But his brother was gone now...
"Itachi..."
His father's voice brought him out of his depressing thoughts, and he quickly wiped his tears as Minato came beside him. Itachi tried his best to hide any trace of tears on his face, but Minato already knew what his young son was going through.
"How is Kaa-chan?" asked Itachi sadly,
And the disappointed look on his father's face was all the answer he needed to know.
"It's almost time" said Minato calmly, as he saw Itachi's fists clenching tightly.
"I wanted him to keep watching over me. I wanted him...to watch me become a fine shinobi" said Itachi sadly, as Minato turned him around looking the young boy straight in the eye.
"Your brother only had praise for you...he was always boasting about you, saying you would be the one to surpass him" said Minato kindly, as he noticed the shock on his son's face.
"Tou-san..."
"Naruto believed that you would inherit his will...and one day bring peace to this world" said Minato truthfully, as he remembered what Naruto had told him all those years ago.
Itachi was truly touched on hearing those words...did his brother really loved him so much?
"That's why you need to be strong for your mother. She needs you, Itachi. For even Naruto, acknowledged you as the person who would surpass him and look after Konoha and Mikoto" said Minato seriously,
"I can't replace my Nii-san..." said Itachi sadly,
"I'm not asking you too. Itachi, you too have a great power within you...use that to fulfill your brother's dream" advised Minato sagely, as his son gave him a small nod.
"I will"
Minato gently hugged his son, he would not make the same mistake with Itachi. He would not let him join any Blackops ever...
"Itachi...go take care of your mother" instructed Minato,
"Hai...are you okay, Tou-san?: asked Itachi worriedly, as they broke the hug.
Minato just gave a small smile to his son on hearing the innocent question...
"I will be...in time"
"Hai"
With a final bow, Itachi quickly went back towards the camp...and it was probably for the best as being around Itachi would help Mikoto in dealing with her pain.
The Hokage patiently waited as his son slowly disappeared inside the camp, before taking out the last letter which his son had written specifically for him. It only meant that Naruto wanted to share something about the war.
Hokage-sama,
I believe someone else has started this war and the other villages are mere puppets in a much bigger game plan. I don't have any proof, but I definitely know Orochimaru is one of the enemies. He was controlling the Edo Tensei's at Shanxi Hill.
I have also named my successor in Blacklight. She's worthy of being the Captain...so I request you to trust my judgement.
And don't ever trust Baku...he's far more dangerous not only to the enemy, but also to his own comrades.
He's the reason many of my soldiers are dead today. Armin Arlert, Kotetsu Hagane and Aoba Yamashiro were killed due to Baku's treachery. He has lied to you and everyone.
But please don't move against him at this point in the war, and not until you can get some proof. He may even harm you...
And Tou-san, I release from the promise that I made you undertake regarding Itachi. I have no right to determine his path, if he wants to join the war...then let him because if he wants to bring peace, then he needs to understand what true pain and suffering is. Let my brother follow his own path.
Be careful,
Nidaime Taichou
Minato slowly closed the letter and put it back in his pocket. His gaze narrowed as his mind tried to process the information that his son had given him, what could have Baku possibly done to make Naruto hate the man so much?
It was true, not many people liked Baku. Well, except Danzo and the elders...but what was the Blacklight supreme commander doing behind Minato's back.
Minato knew Naruto didn't write any more details as Baku would have killed Izumo, if he found that the boy had evidence against him. And Naruto was right, Minato needed Baku to win this war...
But after that...the man would have to answer a lot of questions.
Hundreds of shinobi stood attentively beside each other. Baku was keenly observing the Blacklight that were sadly watching their beloved captain's body being placed on a pile of wooden logs.
"Namikaze, you have made my soldiers emotional fools. But now that you are gone, I'm going to discipline these idiots and make them true shinobi...this company's finally back under my command. And I know who should lead this company from now..." thought Baku cunningly,
This was his chance to gain supreme control over the entire company, in a way Naruto's death had not only benefited Konoha but also the veteran Anbu commander.
While Mikasa and the others were also wearily observing the old geezer, he had caused them a lot of pain. Only if they had Naruto and were not in this war...they would have given Baku a proper lesson.
Mikasa sadly watched as Mikoto stood on the other side with Itachi, as her son's body was ready to be cremated as Izumo handed a burning log to Minato. As Naruto's father, he had to fulfill this last duty for his son.
Kurenai and her men were also silently observing the scene.
"It was honor serving beside you, Naruto" thought Kurenai proudly, despite knowing him for a short amount of time she had deep respect for the boy as he truly was a good leader.
Minato stepped in front of his ninja, as his azure eyes bore into his people.
"This war has costed us a lot...fathers, mothers, sons, brothers, friends. We have lost a lot of loved ones..." said Minato loudly, as Hizashi closed his eyes. He too had lost one of the members of his family, so he knew what the Hokage was feeling.
"But it has also given us heroes, warriors, legends who sacrificed their lives so that all of us can live" explained Minato patiently,
Many of the ninja remembered their comrades who were not with them now. Every person who died for their comrades was still alive in their hearts...
"The Heavenly Alliance has launched a dangerous campaign against us. But we will prevail, we will live to see another day...we will survive!" yelled Minato and many of his ninja gave him firm nods.
He slowly turned around and walked towards his son...after giving one last glance to him, he again turned towards his ninja.
"For the Fallen..."
Itachi gently intertwined his hand with his mother, as his brother's body started to burn and the tears that were falling from his mother's eyes broke his heart.
Genma slowly stepped forward and looked towards his comrades...
"For Commander Fox"
Baku was a little surprised by the respect the boy and many of his comrades had for his son. Han was really loved by his soldiers...
"For Hisana"
Another one of his veteran soldiers stepped forward, and Baku was not surprised as the man was a Yamanaka.
"For Yugao"
Hana's loud voice brought the confidence back in many of the Blacklight.
"For Aoba"
Raido and some of the other Blacklight too stepped forward as they remembered their fallen friend.
"For Kotetsu"
Izumo too stepped forward and paid tribute to his deceased comrade.
"For Armin"
Rangiku's choked voice brought a few tears in some of the female Blacklight's eyes as they remembered the sweet boy that used to help all his comrades.
"For Naruto"
Finally, Mikasa stepped forward as she looked in the eyes of each and every person. And there was not a single person except Baku who disagreed with her.
"Naruto!"
"Naruto!"
"Naruto!"
"Naruto!"
"Naruto!"
Mikoto was shocked when hundreds of ninja started shouting her son's name again and again, the respect and love which she saw in their eyes for her son was unbelievable. The pain, the sorrow, everything her son had gone through had made him immortal among his people...and it made her extremely proud. Her sharingan slowly started spinning as her vision darkened.
Even Minato and Itachi were pleased when Naruto's name was being heard across the entire island.
They watched proudly as Mikasa stepped forward and unleashed her tanto...
"Split the heavens with the sound of their names...as distant thunder promising storm of blood." yelled Mikasa loudly, as Izumo and all of her comrades gave her firm nods.
The young girl gave a murderous gaze to Baku and pointed her sword towards the old geezer,
"We will live free...or join our brothers in death!"
Author's Notes: Well, that's it for this chapter.
As you can see, I'm slowly developing the other side characters like Izumo, Hana, Genma, Anko, and the others. Even Mikasa and Rangiku's new friendship is a new start for everyone and will be vital for them in order to understand Naruto. I really believe all 3 of my heroines (Mikasa, Rangiku and Kushina) are performing well.
Let me say this, Naruto will create his empire but not in the way people were imagining a few chapters back. And it definitely won't be like Cannon method of understanding each other, I will show you proper ways that will stabilize this mad ninja world.
It's almost a year since I started writing this story, and many of the things have gone according to my vision. Some of them haven't...but that's how it is when you write a story, your own thoughts keep on changing and it also affects the story. It's a human factor...
As in my case, I really admire Lelouch and unconsciously or consciously I was slowly converting Naruto into him. But that is not Naruto, at least not the Naruto of this story...so, he will slowly gain control over his dark feelings and maintain a balance.
Holy Empire of Japan will be created, I give you my word.
If any of you have seen the recent Kakashi Anbu arc in anime, you can relate Naruto is really similar to Kakashi. His dark feelings, he kills people for the mission or follows rules, his nightmares, his feelings about his comrades, wearing a face mask, so in a way he's a lot like Kakashi. But his naive nature comes from Hashirama, what? They are genetically related..
The bond between Naruto and Armin is stronger than the one between Kakashi and Obito in Cannon. Armin is the reason, Naruto wants to change the world.
So, these are some of the things I needed to explain to you guys about this story in order to make you understand Naruto as a character.
The final stage of the war will start from the next chapter...
Chapter 45: Naruto's Counter Attack
Unitl Next time,
Blackwolf501
PS: I really enjoy reading your reviews, so thank you for the continued support (All the new and old readers).