Yo...
First off, sorry for that cliffhanger. I can totally understand how you guys feel, since some of my favorite stories too leave cliffhangers. But sometimes I can't incorporate everything in one chapter, so I end it...though leaving it at a cliffhanger is cruel.
Now, for the past few months I have worked really hard on developing this story and Naruto's character. He's ultimately become a part of me...I'm so much involved in this story, and my readers have enjoyed it too. Many of you love Naruto as he's your favorite character, while rest of you love some other characters.
If you ask me, my favorite character is Armin. Sometimes I read your reviews and some of you complain that Naruto just can't move on and blames himself every day. But in a way, he is trying to put his dream above everything else...
Killing Armin was the toughest decision of this story, and I know he died a hero's death. This story has a lot of darkness, angst, and sadness...but it also portrays bonds between people. I'm the only one who truly understands this Naruto...and that's why I am really questioning myself regarding Armin. Naruto would never be able to love any of the heroines, or find happiness until a solution is found...
So honestly, I am considering all possible avenues and I need your thoughts as to what you think should be done regarding Armin...
Enjoy the battle...
Chapter 60
Tactics and Warfare
(Amegakure)
In a small room of the vast base, 4 members of the Akatsuki were patiently sitting beside each other. One of them had spiky orange hair and strange ringed eyes, the other was a beautiful woman with blue hair...while the person sitting next to her was a strange plant like creature which was part white and part black in color.
The person sitting in the center of the group was wearing the Akatsuki uniform with his spiral orange mask covering his face, but the lone Mangekyo gleaming through the hole of the mask was enough to show his power...
"So he did this..." said Konan stoically, though if one observed closely she seemed a little impressed too.
"Right beneath over noses, that boy was deceiving us all along. How did this happen Zetsu?" asked Pein strictly,
"I have never seen anything like this before, he used his darkness to deceive us. Something which no person has ever done...but it is true he fooled me" said Black Zetsu angrily,
''It doesn't matter, what's done is done. Now we must do something to stop him..." said Madara seriously,
"What do you mean? He's just a boy...I doubt he'll even survive his fight with the Edo Tensei squad. I have ordered Orochimaru to kill him..." replied Pein nonchalantly, as Madara glared at him.
"Your arrogance can become your downfall, Pein. Unlike you, Naruto is the direct descendant of the gods..." scolded Madara, as both the men glared at each other.
"A person like Naruto is born once in a millennium. Underestimating him again would be fatal for us..." advised White Zetsu sagely,
"But what could he possibly do? Even if he wins this war...what's the point?" asked Konan curiously, and she was surprised when Madara smirked.
"In many ways, he's a lot like you, Pein. Just as you want to do the right thing to bring the peace which Yahiko dreamed...Naruto wants to bring the peace for which Armin died. He's an Uchiha like me, his love for Armin is far greater than your feelings for Yahiko...and he will go to hell itself if it means fulfilling his dream, that is the extent of his resolve" explained Madara briefly,
"He plans to unite the ninja villages and turn them into an Empire. The "Holy Empire of Japan"..." said Black Zetsu seriously,
Pein and Konan were shocked on hearing this information, could this really be possible...
"Impossible, it's just a dream..." said Pein fiercely, what was the boy thinking? Did he want to become the God of the world?
"If the fighting in this world continues, then I'll become the God of this world to stop it!"
Konan sympathetically looked at Pein as discomfort was clearly visible on his face, only she knew what those words would have meant to him...after all such a dream was once a part of Pein's hero.
"What kind of person is Naruto?" asked Pein silently,
"Most men would aim for a peaceful life with a loving wife and children who would remember them, love them and carry on their names. They won't care if they would be forgotten after their children and their children die and they would be forgotten from this world...
...But Naruto is different. He would die a thousand deaths if it meant he could change the world and his name becomes immortal in history. He seeks neither family, or love, the only thing he wants is to fulfill his dream. And I dare say, his hatred for the ninja world is even greater than mine...so don't doubt for a second that he would hesitate in creating this empire because that is Naruto Namikaze" explained Madara seriously,
The other members of the Akatsuki became a little concerned after such an explanation, so there was indeed a person in the ninja world who was a threat to their plan.
"One day he will too realize how futile his dream is, our plan is the best way to bring peace..." said Pein adamantly, and Madara smiled on seeing the faith which his subordinate had in his plan.
The fool was totally in his grasp...
"What should we do now?" asked Konan seriously,
"The Fourth Great ninja war is lost, Konoha will survive this war and the Heavenly Alliance would lose..." said Madara truthfully,
"What!"
Ignoring the shock on his comrade's faces, Madara decided to continue the explanation...
"We made a mistake by underestimating, Naruto. We thought that he was just a simple commander, but he turned out to be a master tactician who turned the tide of the war. I have no doubt that he would defeat the Edo Tensei, because he possesses a jutsu that even I fear..." said Madara honestly,
"This is bad..." said White Zetsu worriedly,
"However, our main reason for starting this war is accomplished. The Nibi, Yonbi, Gobi have been freed from their containers...within 3 years they shall be born again. And at that time, we will capture them through the Gedo Mazou, while the rest of the Bijuu would be captured by our comrades. Even if Konoha survives, none of the ninja villages possess the manpower to stop us...and Naruto would need more than 3 years to create his empire. Even for him, this is going to be challenge and it will be too late until he's ready to stop us..." explained Madara briefly,
"So the plan remains the same?" asked Black Zetsu cautiously,
"No, leaving Naruto alone would be a mistake. We can't just let him do what he wants..." said Madara seriously,
"Why not just kill him? That would be the end of our troubles..." replied Pein quickly, as Madara shook his head in negative.
"Killing him is not so easy, even for you Pein. But if you do that, you expose the Akatsuki and the world will turn on us with greater speed...besides I don't want him to die. Like us, he too has experienced pain and the misery of this world...he's far more useful alive than dead' said Madara in an evil tone,
"What do you mean?" asked Pein curiously,
"Let him unite the world, or at least try to unite it. If he fails then our plan would automatically succeed, and even if he succeeds in uniting the world against us...we can still win" said Madara proudly,
"How so? If he manages to control the Edo Tensei squad...then we would be in serious trouble..." advised Konan seriously,
"That won't be possible, and Naruto knows this. His genjutsu 'Kamimusuhi' is a double edged sword, the more he uses it, the more he gets closer to death and no amount of power inside his body can stop it. That jutsu is just too powerful for a human...and Naruto has used this jutsu 3 times already. Once on Kushina, then on Mei Terumi and ultimately on his own father. He planned to let Minato form the empire and die while taking us down, but Kushina intervened and changed his mind. The only way he can defeat Orochimaru's pawns is by using Kamimusuhi...and even if he frees them, he can't use them against us because that would mean using more of his power. He's already trying very hard to control Mei, Kushina and Minato...
...If he tries to maintain control over more people, he would not be able to save Kushina as my genjutsu would overwhelm his power. And he needs Mei and Minato for his empire, so rest assured the Edo Tensei are far beyond his reach. He'll have to let them go..." explained Madara calmly,
The Akatsuki members were a little relieved on hearing this, because fighting the Senju family and Izuna would be quite fatal for them...
"Naruto's victory and glory walks hand in hand with his doom..." said Pein in a relived voice,
"Yes, that is his fate. He's our greatest enemy, but every human has a weakness...and Naruto is no exception. Don't you think, Zetsu?" asked Madara slyly, as Zetsu understood the meaning behind those words.
"You want to take away his very reason for fighting us, if Naruto creates the empire he would become the leader of the new world and people would listen to him, either willingly or through force. And if we can convince him, we won't have to fight the entire world and our plan can be completed peacefully. But how will we do this? And what happens if Naruto does not listen...he's quite stubborn, Madara" replied Black Zetsu seriously,
"Don't underestimate his love, Zetsu. Before he awakened the Mangekyo, Naruto was a person who loved...he's more of an Uchiha then a Senju. And in case he tries to resist, he can be dealt with. There is no way he would be able to do that..." said Madara darkly,
"You're quite devious...Madara" complimented Pein, as Konan too nodded.
"Zetsu, start Operation Exodus..."
(Osaka)
"SUSANOO!"
A violent explosion of chakra occurred inside the vast barrier, wild winds blew in the area uprooting grass from the ground as a sinister chakra started spreading quickly.
"I won't let you come between my dream!" yelled Naruto murderously, as the bones of a skeleton started spreading around him and Minato.
The Edo Tensei trio of Hashirama, Izuna and Tobirama just freezed in their place as their opponent's power started rising every moment...
"It's huge..." said Tobirama silently,
"Is...this...Susanoo?" asked Minato in shock, and Naruto got a evil look in his eyes.
"Not quite yet...settle down!" replied Naruto darkly,
First the arms, then the legs, then the chest...slowly and slowly the menacing jutsu started developing into a giant knight shaped human form. It's entire body got covered in red flames, on his left hand a giant oval shaped shield was formed while on its right hand a burning sword was formed.
"There is only one person in this world that can stop me...but he's no longer here. So, there's no way you can defeat me now...give it your best shot. Show me what you've got...OROCHIMARU" yelled Naruto madly,
"Naruto, maybe we-" replied Minato but was cut short when Naruto raised his hand.
"It's for the best if you leave...I can't fight while I'm protecting you" said Naruto honestly, and before Minato could retort he was quickly absorbed into the pocket dimension.
"Have some good time with your mother..." said Naruto jokingly,
Meanwhile Hashirama and Tobirama were shocked by Naruto's actions, was the boy insane?
"Let's get started..."
However he was surprised when instead of attacking him, Hashirama was looking at him with disappointment clearly evident in his eyes. While Tobirama was glaring at him...only Izuna seemed to be unaffected with his new power.
"So, you too brat..." said Tobirama disappointedly,
"So, the cycle still continues. You have a lot of hatred in you, Naruto..." replied Hashirama sadly,
"And what's wrong in that? For so many years I suffered due to this world, my friends died. A boy whom I loved as much as my brother was killed due to this cursed ninja world, he was my hero. I know I'm not the only one who suffered, but it does not take away the pain that I feel. I'm the biggest murderer in history, the only thing I want is to fulfill my dream...accept it Hashirama, your system failed and instead of creating peace it created more wars" explained Naruto bitterly,
"You are suffering from the Uchiha clan's curse too, brat..." said Tobirama harshly, as Naruto scoffed on hearing the taunt.
"Tobirama, we may be related by blood, but our dreams are different. I don't know how you wanted this world to change, but if you wanted that you should have left someone who could fulfill your wish. All that's left of you and your brother are the cells that stick to me...
...all that's left of Armin are the painful memories of my past" said Naruto sadly,
BOOM!
Another round of powerful chakra explosions occurred inside the barrier as the Edo Tensei's body got covered with chakra. Naruto was surprised when Izuna too created his own Susanoo.
It was smaller in size, and looked similar to a demonic skeleton with dark yellow eyes. Its entire body was covered in black flames...
Hashirama got strange marking beneath his eyes, and even his eye color changed...
While Tobirama took out his kunai...
"That's fine. However...
...MY PAIN IS GREATER THAN YOURS!" yelled Naruto madly,
Hashirama quickly performed a set of hand seals, as Izuna and Naruto's Susanoo started forming something...
''Yasaka No Magatama"
"Yasaka No Magatama"
Both the Uchiha's fired their jutsu, with Naruto launching several giant shuriken shaped chakra weapons at Izuna, and the latter launching large arrow shaped chakra weapons.
BOOM!
A series of explosions occurred simultaneously inside the barrier, fire and smoke spread across the entire barrier. But before anyone could regain themselves, Naruto emerged from the smoke and smacked Izuna's Susanoo hard with his shield sending him sailing away.
He tried to crush Tobirama with the feet of his Susanno but the man quickly shunshined away, just as Hashirama slammed his hand on the ground...
"Mokuton: Hotei no Jutsu (Wood Style: Laughing Buddha Technique)"
Giant wooden hands raised from the ground but before they could move towards their targets, Naruto twisted his Susanoo quickly slicing the wooden hands into small pieces.
But before he could relax, Tobirama flashed in front of his Suasanno and transformed himself into seals with strange marks and within seconds they started moving towards him...
"Gojō Kibaku Fuda (Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags)"
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Another series of explosions followed spreading smoke and dust across the entire field but the half converted Tobirama was suddenly sliced further when Naruto's sword cut clean through him.
"How is it possible? That attack must have at least destroyed the front of his Susanoo..." thought Tobirama painfully, and started falling towards the ground.
But before that could happen a wooden hand quickly caught him and brought him in front of Naruto instantly...
"Kamimusuhi"
In a flash, Tobirama felt his own soul being freed from his castor and before he could even understand further he too was sucked inside the mysterious pocket dimension.
On the other side of the barrier, Hashirama and Izuna could only helplessly witness as another one of their comrades was finished. But they were further surprised when Naruto fell down on his knees and started vomiting blood.
"This power is killing him..." said Hashirama urgently,
"What does it matter? Now's the chance to finish him..." replied Izuna bluntly, as his Mangekyo spinned quickly.
"Amaterasu"
Hundreds of black colored arrows were fired towards Naruto, and at the last moment the boy brought his shield forward.
BOOM!
Everything went silent after that explosion, Hashirama was worriedly staring in Naruto's direction. Izuna's attack must have butchered the boy...
"It's finally over..." said Izuna victoriously,
"Is this the death that you had imagined for me, then?"
Izuna's eyes widened in horror as Naruto's voice was heard in the smoke. He could hazily see the boy walking forward with his Susanno, and to further his shock his black flames were completely nowhere to be seen while the boy's shield was glowing more brightly than ever.
"So, you have the Yata mirror...that's why you are able to survive so many attacks" said Izuna in shock,
However Naruto was not in a good shape, blood was clearly leaking from his eyes and mouth. Even his Susanoo had lost all its armor, and was now just a plain skeleton holding a sword and a shield in its hands. Judging from the way he was panting, the boy was going to fall apart very soon...
Hashirama quickly felt himself performing a very familiar set of hand seals,
"Oh no..." thought Hashirama nervously, as he slammed his hand on the ground.
(With Kushina &Yagura )
Both Jinchuuriki were currently standing beside each other and were observing the man in front of them. He was a force to be reckoned with, and was probably one of the strongest ninja of their world.
However all of them had one thing in common...
"I see, you've managed to find the seals Naruto placed to create the barrier..." said Kushina calmly,
"It wouldn't have been possible without the Eight Tails support. You truly have become one with your beast..." replied Yagura patiently,
"Hachibi, tells me you are the Three and Nine Tails Jinchuuriki...isn't that a surprise" said Bee jovially, as Kushina intensified her glare.
"Surrender or we will have to use force..." warned Yagura sternly, as Bee took out his swords.
"Wouldn't have it any other way..." replied Bee eagerly,
"I would have been disappointed if you did..." said Kushina mischievously, and took out her sword.
Yagura also grasped his staff like bow, while stealthily hiding a small seal within his other hand. He could clearly remember the orders given to him by Naruto...
"Yagura, let Kushina do the heavy lifting. You act as support, and when the opportunity arises place this seal on Bee. Under no circumstances must you allow him to use his Biju powers or transform himself. Otherwise the battle between you three would turn into madness, wreaking havoc on the battlefield killing hundreds of people instantly..."
The Kiri leader saw the mist type barrier slowly disappearing and realized they needed to act quickly. With one firm nod to Kushina, both of them sped towards their opponent.
In a flash Kushina was right in front of Bee and clashed her sword with the man, however Bee had more than one sword in his hand and tried to strike Kushina with the others but Yagura blocked the attacks.
However the Mizukage was given a harsh kick while Kushina received a sharp upper cut knocking her high in the air. Bee quickly appeared in front of her and tried to stab her but was alarmed when Kushina smiled deviously.
Instantly her entire body got covered in red chakra and she quickly grabbed Bee placing her right hand on his chest as the exploding tag inside her glove lit up...
BOOM!!
A large explosion occurred sending Kushina sailing away, her entire hand was blown up in the suicide attack while Killer Bee crashed on the ground with severe burns on his chest.
Before Bee could get up, Yagura appeared beside him and slammed a seal on Bee's back...
"Amaterasu"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Bee screamed in agony as a wave of black flames was unleashed from the seal and which spread across his entire body. Yagura quickly jumped away and landed beside Kushina who too was in pain.
"Are you okay?" asked Yagura worriedly, as Kushina glared at him.
"You idiot, I just blew up my hand...what do you think?" asked Kushina angrily, as Yagura saw the burnt flesh.
"Even then you're healing..." replied Yagura seriously,
"I'm gonna kill Naruto for this...why did I even agree to this tactic in the first place?" asked Kushina painfully, as Yagura used his medical jutsu to heal her wounds, even if the Kyuubi chakra was doing its work he wanted to help a fellow Jinchuuriki.
His eyes shifted towards the defeated Bee, those black flames had disappeared after a minute but Bee was completely paralyzed and his entire body was covered in burns.
"It worked, just what in the world are those black flames?" asked Yagura curiously,
"One of Naruto's powers. He knew Bee could wreak havoc if his full power was unleashed, but at the same time he also knew what a full fledged Jinchuuriki battle would mean. That's why he sealed a small amount of black flames in the seal, and making me perform such a suicide move on Bee. It's downright devious...but then again, Naruto never plays by the book and tries to prevent a long battle if possible. He's just that type of guy..." explained Kushina briefly,
"You think Bee is dead?" asked Yagura hesitantly,
"Naruto wants him alive, so I don't think he's dead. That seal was specially made by me to absorb those black flames after 1 minute, as in that time Bee would suffer irreparable damage. But still, place restraining seals on him and take him to the place which Naruto ordered..." said Kushina seriously,
"Kushina, we attacked Bee from behind...in a straight up battle, he would have lasted much longer" said Yagura honestly,
"Naruto does not care about honor, at least not in the case of Heavenly Alliance. You don't have to be ashamed of yourself, we're ninja. What matters is victory and not the means...that's what a true shinobi is" said Kushina truthfully, as Yagura just gave a hesitant nod.
"Will your hand be okay?" asked Yagura silently, as a tired sigh escaped from Kushina's mouth.
"I don't know...it'll take sometime though..." said Kushina bitterly, as both of them quickly got up.
Yagura quickly placed a few seals on the now burnt Bee, and lifted him on top of his shoulder.
"Let's go..."
(With Itachi)
The young Namikaze just finished stabbing another Kumo ninja in the chest, when he was suddenly given a harsh kick sending him sailing away.
As he crashed on the ground, he found himself surrounded by at least 70 Kumo Anbu Special forces, and leading these men were two Kumo Jounin who were glaring at him.
"Shi, let's finish him off..." said Darui seriously,
"We'll bring his head to A-sama. Anbu-san, let's finish this boy as per A-sama's command..." replied Shi quickly,
"It will be done..." said the Anbu in unison,
"Not so fast..."
Everyone was surprised as well as shocked when they saw a small Blacklight squad standing on top of a small mountain. And their eyes widened in horror, when they spotted the deadly kunai launchers in the Blacklight soldiers hands aimed at them...
"Kill them all, protect Itachi at all costs" ordered Mikasa loudly,
CLANG
CLANG
CLANG
Hundreds of kunai were instantly fired towards the Kumo shinobi, many of the Anbu quickly fell to the weapons while some managed to block them off at the last moment. Shi fell down on the ground as a kunai struck him in the chest...
"Shi!" yelled Darui urgently, and ran towards his friend.
Meanwhile Mikasa quickly appeared beside Itachi and grabbed him by his arm, as the boy glared at her...
"What are you doing?" asked Itachi angrily,
"Getting you out of here. The battle zone is getting too hot..." said Mikasa honestly,
"On whose orders?" asked Itachi sternly, as the girl glared at him.
"Your brother"
Mikasa was not surprised at all, as all color disappeared from Itachi's face as the boy lost all will to fight. Quickly pulling him over her shoulder, she ran towards the cliff where she was supposed to rendezvous with her comrades...
She could see some Kumo shinobi trying to pursue her, but were being blocked by her squad that was covering her...
"Mikasa, I want you to get my brother out of there. He's strong, but this is an open war. And if he goes up against Anbu forces, Itachi will be slaughtered. I trust you with his life, Mikasa. Please get my brother out of there no matter what he says or how worse the situation is on the ground, it is extremely necessary before our final card is played. We cannot let the enemy have any kind of leverage against us..."
"Squad, throw smoke bombs now!"
Her Blacklight comrades quickly threw several smoke bombs instantly creating a smoke screen as they disappeared with their target.
"Mission accomplished, Naruto"
(With Naruto)
Hashirama was extremely worried on seeing Naruto's condition, it seemed this was the first time he was using Susanoo. It was a great power, however it needed practice to be used fully. Something which Naruto lacked right now...
But more than that, he seemed extremely tired after using that jutsu on Tobirama and Toka...
"He won't last long..." said Izuna victoriously,
"Naruto, you can't fight any longer. Please back off..." requested Hashirama urgently, but the tired boy just looked at him more fiercely.
"I (cough) can't do that..." replied Naruto painfully, and spitted more blood from his mouth.
"You'll shorten your life if you keep on fighting..." said Hashirama seriously,
"Give up, and just die" replied Izuna murderously, and prepared to charge towards the defenseless boy.
Hashirama was further alarmed when Naruto's Susanno disappeared and he collapsed on his knees...
Izuna quickly ran towards him with his Susanoo sword right in front about to pierce Naruto, Hashirama tried to stop the Uchiha but was being stubbornly blocked by his castor.
"It's enough, Naruto. You no longer-" shouted Hashirama worriedly,
Naruto quickly got back on his feet and ran towards Izuna without any type of defense...
"I've always been someone's tool..." said Naruto silently, as he quickly dodged the shuriken chakra weapons that Izuna's Susanno was hurling at him.
"I became the Blacklight's tool..."
"Then I became Akatsuki's tool..."
Izuna was surprised when the boy just kept on running towards him, it seemed he didn't value his life at all.
"Oh, well...let's end this once and for all" thought Izuna seriously, and raised his Susanoo sword as Naruto jumped high in the air.
"In the end, I might just be a tool. But the time I spent with my comrades and those feelings were real...thanks to that, I finally became a human!" yelled Naruto passionately,
SLASH
Hashirama freezed in his place as Izuna's Susanoo sword pierced clean through Naruto's chest as the boy's eyes widened in pain and he coughed up blood again.
"Get out of there, Naruto!" yelled Hashirama urgently, as Izuna pressed his sword deep inside the boy's chest.
"Just die, now" said Izuna victoriously, but he was surprised when a small smile came on Naruto's face.
"Izuna, (cough) you're a fool..." yelled Naruto madly,
SLASH
"Gah!" screamed Izuna in pain, as Naruto's Susanoo quickly came to life and instantly the boy pierced his divine sword clean through the Uchiha's chest.
"You...can't...killl...me..." said Izuna bitterly, but the devious look in Naruto's eyes scared him.
"No, but I can seal you..." replied Naruto victoriously, and a closer look at the sword made Izuna widen his eyes in shock.
"You can't do this...you can't..." said Izuna angrily, however Naruto glared at him with his Mangekyo and the man freezed for a second.
Hashirama couldn't believe the scene before him, Naruto used himself as a pawn and lured Izuna into his trap. And now the boy was looking at Izuna closely...it was as if he was trying to find out some information by placing the Uchiha in a genjutsu.
After a few seconds, the sword that had pierced Izuna's chest quickly grabbed the man and within moments he was sealed inside a small gourd that was on Naruto's Susanoo's left hand.
"3 down, 1 to go..." said Naruto tiredly,
"What did you do?" asked Hashirama curiously, as the boy just chuckled.
Naruto made a single hand seal, and the hole in his chest was quickly healed amazing Hashirama further. So, he knew what he was doing...
"Your body is made up of my cells..." said Hashirama calmly,
"Yeah, I can't die so easily due to them. And I'm not crazy enough to charge at a Susanoo without a plan..." replied Naruto truthfully,
"So is Izuna gone?" asked Hashirama hesitantly, as Naruto nodded.
"He's sealed inside my sword. That man won't cause any trouble, besides he gave me some very important information albeit unwillingly..." said Naruto smartly, as Hashirama just smiled proudly.
"You're quite devious, Naruto..."
"But not more than that masked man. If what I have seen in Izuna's mind is true, then the leader of the Akatsuki is not Madara...he's an impostor. He's totally different in every way from the Madara I saw in Izuna's memories. But it would be more beneficial if I keep this truth to myself. Fear can be a powerful weapon, and I need the threat of Madara to form the empire..." thought Naruto deviously,
However Naruto was alarmed when the ground started shaking violently, and he sensed a massive amount of chakra. And one look at the person standing in front of him cleared all his doubts...
"Only he's left now. I sent Tou-san to my pocket dimension in order to keep an eye on Tobirama and Toka. Even if they are free, I can't let any of them interfere in this battle. Orochimaru is probably pissed of by now, and he's going to use all of Hashirama's power at me. I only have 1 Kamimusuhi left now...it's vital that I win this battle, or the war is lost" thought Naruto analytically,
Even if these Edo Tensei were of no use to him, he needed them on his side. After this battle was over, he couldn't let them leave this jutsu or else Orochimaru might just summon them again. And it was not the time to seal them, they could become useful against the Akatsuki and in forming the empire...
Izuna was a great risk, as he was a Mangekyo user and had a higher chance of overriding Kamimusuhi, even if he was freed he would have just attacked him and Konoha to hurt the Senju. So the man had to be sealed away...
Naruto quickly took 2 soldier pills, as Hashirama's eyes started to go blank...
"Son, be careful. I'm no longer in control-" warned Hashirama but was cut off, and the man immediately became silent.
BOOM!
Naruto was sent sailing away as a monstrous burst of chakra occurred in the area, however his eyes widened in shock when he sensed the power emanating from Hashirama's body.
"So, this is the God of Shinobi..." said Naruto nervously, it would take a few minutes before he could use Susanno.
Both the men quickly came forward and were now standing in front of each other...
The Ultimate Battle had just began...
Author's Notes: To be continued...
Next chapter would be the final battle and the last chap of this arc.
Naruto's not here to fight a straight up battle. He's obviously up to something, he does not want many people to die in this war as he needs soldiers for his empire. That's why he stopped a Jinchuuriki battle through his plan, now I know it would have been awesome to read...but it does not fit in the story, and Naruto values tactics rather than brute force like Itachi.
I wonder why he got Itachi out of there...
Now you know why Naruto is getting weak, it's impossible to control so many people effectively at the same time. And in order to further control the situation, he stationed Minato inside his pocket dimension to keep an eye on Tobirama and Toka and stop them if they get out of his control...he'll find a solution for them later.
I hope this chapter cleared some of the questions, and raised a few more.
Don't forget to provide your views regarding the Armin question, I could really use your advice. Right now, I'm emotionally attached to that character, so I can't be completely objective and need your rational minds to show me the correct way.
So, please leave your reviews...