Yo...
Time for another chapter, but before that you need to know. The idea of sacrificing a few rebels was of Mei and her men, and they willingly agreed to do it. Naruto was not comfortable with this and was even saddened by their deaths.
It's really painful to see many of my readers failing to see the bigger picture behind Naruto's actions. It's the same as the Uchiha situation in Cannon where people misunderstood them ultimately making them rebel. Same here, Naruto is being considered a Lelouch...and I don't blame anyone.
Because I know the final vision of Naruto, and all these steps which he is taking will lead to a better world. And I will go through with it, hoping in the end people can understand Naruto's reasons.
Though people are free to agree or disagree with me, I welcome constructive crticism but flames I don't think so...and I'm glad so far only 1 reader's review was a flame. I really have some awesome readers.
Enjoy the chapter...
Chapter 46
Naruto V/s Yagura
In the far vast sea two people were currently standing in front of each other, both of them were one of the most powerful ninja of their times but despite that the atmosphere was quite calm and relaxed.
Naruto casually stared at the short child like person standing in front of him, it was still hard for him to believe that this was the Yondaime Mizukage. The "Tyrant" Yagura, though Naruto didn't believe in that word.
Every human was a tyrant in their own way, always trying to impose their ideals, hopes and dreams on other humans whether intentionally or unintentionally.
It was one of the curses of humanity.
Despite his opponent being a little short in height, and child-like appearance, Yagura was an adult male, with a head of messy, light-grey hair, pink pupiless eyes and what seems to be a stitch-like scar running from under his left eye, all the way down his cheek. He was wearing a grey, sleeveless shirt with the Kirigakure forehead protector attached to the front, short-sleeved mesh armour over which he also wears a green poncho along with a turquoise sash around his waist, paired with a green apron over his pants. He was also wearing a pair of brown boots, and on his back he carried a staff-like pole weapon with uneven sized hooks with a green flower on the larger end.
"You are a Konoha shinobi...that's unexpected" said Yagura calmly, and Naruto was surprised with the man's behavior.
Moments ago Yagura lost his entire army, and after this battle, the war would be over for him...but yet the man was so relaxed, it was as if he didn't even care.
"You are also quite unique...Mizukage" said Naruto respectfully,
"That's a fine way of being polite...a rare trait among fine military commanders these days" complimented Yagura, as Naruto smirked a little.
"I should have known you were hiding in the sea...after all you are the Jinchuuriki of the Sanbi" said Naruto disappointedly, as a little smile came on Yagura's face.
"We all make mistakes...and that determines how we are remembered in history" said Yagura mysteriously,
"Is that your answer for justifying the bloodline purge which you initiated in your own village?" asked Naruto curiously, in truth he didn't blame Yagura...the man was just another victim like Kushina.
"And are your actions on this beach of murdering 12,000 people worthy of justice?" retorted Yagura flatly, and he was surprised when a remorseful look came in Naruto's eyes.
"No...there can be no justification for what I did. No matter what I say or want to believe, the truth is I killed thousands of people...they were my enemies, innocents and even non-combatants. Every shinobi is a murderer, Yagura...and we will all go to hell for our sins" said Naruto sadly,
"So are you accepting your defeat and surrendering before me?" asked Yagura seriously, as Naruto chuckled a little.
"I can only hope my actions can lead to a better future...I really want to believe in my dream. The ninja villages wage wars because they are independent and isolated, we fight for land, money, power, resources, fame and revenge. Our worlds, our societies, our economies, our way of life, our nations are not at all connected. Even the fake power balance by distributing the Biju is just an illusion of peace...but I will change that. I will create a society where every action has a consequence, a village will think a thousand times before it even dreams of war...because like the current world where there are no impacts on other nations, in that world everyone will be affected if there is violence between any of the villages...and that will prevent wars because everyone's mutual interest will be in development of each other leading to true peace...
...and that is my 'Holy Empire of Japan' where everyone will be united. And for that dream, I am willing to do anything...even if it means being called a tyrant or a monster. So, I won't surrender..." explained Naruto emotionally,
And he was surprised when a satisfied smile came on Yagura's face...
"Then you are the one who are worthy to kill me..." said Yagura peacefully, as Naruto was shocked on hearing this.
"What are you saying?" asked Naruto in surprise,
"I am being controlled by someone else, a person with a sharingan...a strange sharingan. I know what I have done, but I can't stop it. I have to follow the orders even if I don't want to...I know what I am and you have to stop me because I can't even kill myself, I tried telling my loyal people to kill me but even they were controlled by that masked man" said Yagura in a depressed voice,
"I know...and that is why I am not going to kill you" said Naruto encouragingly, as this time it was Yagura who was surprised.
"What?"
"I know who is controlling you...Yagura, and you are innocent. That is why I won't kill you...I will free you" said Naruto proudly, as the Mizukage's eyes softened on hearing those words.
For the first time in years, Yagura could see a little hope left for him...as the boy performed a set of hand seals.
"Suiton: Hahonryu (Water Release: Rapid Crasher)"
A large tidal wave of water was formed by Naruto and was fired straight towards Yagura as the man just calmly stood in his position as another water wave erupted from his side and countered Naruto's attack.
However he had to instantly unleash his bow towards his right side as Naruto emerged from the water...but the Kage was again surprised when his weapon passed clean through his opponent.
And what he saw next made him freeze in shock.
"Those red eyes..." said Yagura in shock, as he saw Naruto's Mangekyo sharingan.
So, this person was also an Uchiha...just what was he supposed to do now?
But something inside his mind was commanding him to fight and defeat his opponent as always. This force was pushing him to survive...
"Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Style: Violent Water Wave)"
"Suiton: Suiryudan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique)"
A large tidal wave was formed by Yagura and from it another water dragon emerged from the bottom giving it the shape of a Tsunami monster having the head of a dragon, and it quickly rushed towards Naruto.
"His mastery over water is greater than mine...he does not even need hand seals" thought Naruto tactically, he was really impressed as this was the first time he was battling a person whose water control abilities were greater than his own.
But then again, this was the Yondaime Mizukage of Kiri.
Naruto easily passed through the attack again...but he was now taking this battle more seriously. It seemed Yagura's fighting style didn't rely on power like the Jinchuuriki of the Four and Five Tails...rather the Mizukage relied on stealth and speed. Even his reflexes were quite fast for a Jinchuuriki.
"Let's take it up a notch" said Naruto enthusiastically, as he performed a hand seal.
"Katon Hosenka no Jutsu (Phoenix Sage Fire Technique)"
Naruto quickly launched several large fireballs towards Yagura as the Mizukage brought his bow forward.
"Suiton: Mizukagami no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Mirror Technique)"
A large mirror was formed in front of Yagura and Naruto was astonished when similar mirror fireballs were reflected from the mirror which negated his attack. He saw a victorious look on Yagura's face as the Kage considered he won this small attack...
Only to be proved wrong when he quickly found himself trapped between large wooden hands.
"Mokuton: Hotei no Jutsu (Wood Release: Hotei Technique)"
Naruto sighed in relief when the Mizukage got trapped in his wood attack, ever since he received the cells of Hashirama Senju his own control over his wood style had improved tremendously. The strain which he usually experienced due to performing wood techniques before the surgery were not at all felt right now. And due to Kushina's cells his chakra capacity had increased by leaps giving him the necessary fuel to use his Wood Style more effectively.
Without wasting another second, he quickly rushed towards the Mizukage in order to end the fight.
But before he could get close enough, Yagura released a strange mist from his mouth that spread quickly across the entire area.
"What is this?" said Naruto curiously,
"Naruto..."
He freezed in shock on hearing that voice, it couldn't be...this was impossible!
The terrified commander slowly turned around and his worst fears came true when he saw his best friend standing there.
"Armin..."
"It's been a long time, my friend..." said Armin calmly, as Naruto started shaking in fear.
"You're dead...I saw you getting killed along with-"
"Me?" asked another known voice, and Naruto was even more shocked when he saw Kotetsu standing a few meters away from him.
"This can't be real, it can't be..." said Naruto in fear, he could face anything but not this...
"Why Naruto? Why can't you face us?" asked Kotetsu seriously, as Armin pointed a finger at Naruto.
"It's because you have changed, Naruto. You are letting your darkness overcome you...I gave my life to save you from that darkness, Why Naruto? You were supposed to be my brother...you were supposed to take care of Mikasa.." said Armin angrily,
"I'm trying Armin, Kotetsu...I'm trying my best to create the world which was our dream" said Naruto pleadingly,
He could face the wrath of the entire world but besides his mother, he knew after what he did he would probably never be able to see his two beloved friends in the eye.
"You only think about your pain..." said Kotetsu sadly,
And the very next second a monstrous chakra erupted in the entire area and the KI that was being felt instantly disappeared that illusions as a furious Naruto looked at Yagura murderously as the Kage had now freed himself.
"You are dead!" yelled Naruto angrily,
"Amatersau"
Yagura had to instantly use his Biju chakra and at the last moment he barely dodged a ball of black flames that was fired by Naruto. But the Mizukage didn't have much time, as with great speed Naruto came in front of him and delivered a severe kick that broke two of his ribs.
"All of you think your way is the just way...that you have the right to judge people. Then why am I a monster...when I just want to follow my dream?" asked Naruto in a painful voice, as he continued to beat Yagura again and again.
Another powerful punch sent Yagura sailing a few meters away...
"I lost everything once...I won't let that happen again." said Naruto with absolute conviction, as he clasped his hands together.
"Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu (Wood Release: Great Forest Technique)"
His hands transformed into several wooden branches and quickly fled towards Yagura as the Kage started flipping away trying to dodge the incoming attacks...but they were slowly catching up to him and were not stopping at all.
After a few more seconds Yagura stopped dodging as the wooden branches came near him, and with great speed he slashed them in half with his bow.
"I will destroy that power on which the ninja villages dare to wage wars. No matter what darkness awaits me...because in the end our names would vanish with the sands of time and the only thing that will remain is our legacies. And my legacy would be fulfilling my dream!" said Naruto darkly,
Another set of wooden hands emerged from the water surface...but this time Yagura was a lot more faster and was dodging them easily.
"Do you still believe that people can understand each other...after four great world wars?" asked Naruto sarcastically,
"I don't know...it sounds too unrealistic" said Yagura hesitantly as he was constantly dodging the incoming attacks.
"I never asked for this war, I truly wished for peace...but I was dragged into this war. My dream of protecting my two best friends was shattered by this cruel world, one after other more and more of my comrades died...and still there is no end to this war. The peace which Armin and Kotetsu died for is still just a dream...it's because the ninja villages have power, they wage wars. I will take away all their power..." said Naruto darkly,
But Yagura saw something in his eyes, despite all this pain and anger he only saw a person who was severely hurt by this war. He could clearly see Naruto was suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Although everything he said was indeed true..
"You and I are the same...we were forced to do things which we never wanted to do. Naruto, you're only trying to bring peace in your own way..." said Yagura honestly, as Naruto's anger reduced.
"We are only humans, Yagura. Simple people who are driven by their sense of justice...this is my justice" said Naruto seriously,
"I just want to know how will you stop this hatred?" asked Yagura curiously, as both of them stopped fighting.
"I want to create this empire for the very purpose of stopping this hatred. The ninja villages have still not understood what true pain is...and how destructive wars are. But this war will be the stepping stone for peace...when they will become completely vulnerable, when all their power will be lost...when they will lose all hope...Madara will take advantage of the situation and try to control the world. I will use that opportunity to unite the world, through this empire I want to prove that people can live without wars...that there can still be animosity between humans, but not this hatred" explained Naruto briefly,
"Madara? If he was the one controlling me...and is the true enemy, then perhaps his dream is really-" thought Yagura in shock,
"Do you want to rule this new world?" asked Yagura curiously,
And one look in the boy's eyes was enough to give him the answer to his question. So, that was his plan...
"You are really something else...I think I'm starting to understand your plan. But I don't want to live, Naruto...so you have to kill me. This is how I can atone for my crimes" said Yagura seriously,
"Wrong, if you have understood my dream...there can be redemption for you. Yagura, you never committed those sins...but if you really want to atone for your sins, then help me in creating this world" requested Naruto calmly,
"A lot of people will have to die first..." said Yagura truthfully,
"Yes, they will die. But I am willing to bear this burden, I am willing to bear this sin...answer me, as a Kage. Do you truly believe the current shinobi system will survive after this war?" asked Naruto seriously,
"No, the shinobi world is already on the verge of collapse...and if Madara comes in, we are doomed. The world needs a new change, a new system" said Yagura truthfully,
Yagura understood what Naruto wanted to do in this war, and what his plan was to save the ninjas after the war. Now his actions today made sense to Yagura, soon news will spread of 12,000 shinobi dying. It was sure to shake the foundations of the Heavenly Alliance as Kiri was history, Iwa would be defeated in a few weeks...Kumo would soon lose the will to fight from the fear of these many casualties.
Konoha had also suffered great losses in this war, and the other villages would be scared after hearing of such a massacre. If he revealed that Madara was the true villain, then everyone would be united...and at that moment he would change the entire system as people would be willing to cooperate and more acceptable to change.
This boy actually understood the real reasons for wars...and was going to destroy those factors. The military strength of the ninja villages was the reason for their arrogance and Madara had used it against them, but if all of them got united then Madara would be defeated too.
Madara's defeat would change the history of their world, showing the people what cooperation could result into. The isolated ninja villages will have to join together after the war or not even one of them would survive the economic crisis.
Naruto had practically ended the fourth great ninja war...
"So, this is your dream of 'Empire of Japan'...uniting the villages not through words, but making them understand pain and then showing them a greater evil. Utilizing that opportunity you would link the villages's economies, people, societies. This war has destroyed all the villages financially, militarily and economically, and your empire would save this world...you never wanted to rule this world," said Yagura in surprise,
But the Kage was surprised when another Naruto clone emerged from the water behind him and quickly grasped him tightly.
"Katsu"
BOOM!
The Kage was blown a few feet away with severe burns on his body as the clone exploded himself. And now he was lying below Naruto's feet as the boy was looking at him with his Mangekyo.
"He created a water clone without any hand seals...while I was distracted in the thoughts about his empire. He not only convinced me...but also used that opportunity to defeat me. This boy..." thought Yagura calmly, he was really impressed with him.
"Mangekyo Sharingan"
Naruto quickly casted his genjutsu on Yagura effectively releasing the Mizukage from Madara's clutches and offered him a hand.
"Who are you?" asked Yagura curiously,
"Namikaze Naruto..."
The Mizukage actually took a few steps back in shock as Naruto revealed his true face. Those shiny blonde hair and dark black eyes...but he was supposed to be..
"Dead? This world is full of lies and deception...I am currently working to bring down Madara, today's battle was the first step which has already laid the foundations for the empire. But I need your help..." said Naruto politely,
"I am a defeated man, there is nothing more I can do..." said Yagura flatly,
"Many good people died today, Yagura. I accept full responsibility for their deaths...but I want you to prevent anymore deaths. As Mizukage, announce the surrender of Kiri and make Mei Terumi as the Godaime Mizukage" said Naruto honestly,
"You'll still let a Kiri ninja rule Water Country?" asked Yagura in surprise,
"You misunderstood me, the empire was never meant to take away people's freedom. Every nation will maintain their pride and their culture, no one will abuse the power...Mei is an extraordinary leader, and she will give proper justice to your remaining soldiers. And I can assure you Konoha's support in helping rebuilding Kiri..." said Naruto smartly,
"Naruto, you are not the Hokage. And I won't be Mizukage for long...do you really think your father and Mei would be willing to cooperate?" asked Yagura suspiciously,
"Oh, it's already half way done..." thought Naruto cunningly,
"I'll take care of my father, he truly wants peace and if Mei offers friendship then my father will welcome her and Kiri. He is that kind of man and Mei already has made quite an impression by supporting Konoha in this war..." said Naruto hopefully, as Yagura gave him a firm nod.
"What about me? What should I do?" asked Yagura silently,
"Many in Kiri still believe that you were being controlled and when Madara is exposed your innocence will be proved. Until that time you need to stay hidden...but before that write your name in blood on this scroll" instructed Naruto,
"What is this?" asked Yagura curiously, as Naruto whispered a few words in his ear.
A small smile came on Yagura's face and soon after he wrote his name in blood on that scroll. As soon as he finished writing his name, Naruto offered him a firm hand.
"For the empire..." said Naruto proudly, as Yagura shook his hand firmly.
"For the empire..."
Author's Notes: I really hope you can understand what Naruto truly wants. He is not an evil person...
If you guys could have just waited for this chapter...but what's done is done. Naruto is not a tyrant, or a monster...what he did has also been practically done in our real world. In 1945, world war 2 was not ending...but USA dropped two atom bombs on Japan, the destruction and losses forced the Japanese to surrender thus ending the war saving rest of lives on both sides. Innocents were killed in millions, and it was brutal but if the war had prolonged both the nations would have suffered more and more.
The Ninja world of this story is similar to World War 2, and Naruto just did what USA did. He was the reason Iwa got defeated, now he has made Kiri surrender...and Kumo would soon follow, thus ending this world war. And he has Yagura on his side now, two Jinchuuriki's as his comrades.
He never wanted to be a ruler or wage more wars, and he has legitimate plans to bring the villages together.
I did say that this "Empire" is entirely different. It was a concept and not a real empire...
But is the war really over? Can the empire really be created so easily?
What do you think?
Until Next time,
Blackwolf501