Yo...

I wouldn't be lying if I said I was extremely disappointed by the impatient behavior of my readers in the previous chapter. I spent an entire fucking year, and hundreds of hours in developing those characters...and believe it or not, by the end of this arc you will understand the significance of this decision.

I knew I was going to face flames for the events in the previous chapter, but it had to be done. And it is my advise to writers, stick with the plot that you have formed. No matter how much flames you receive for 1 chapter, if you believe in the long run it has more benefits for the story and characters...then it needs to be done.

And I never said Blacklight V/S Blacklight was specifically a fight. Yes, it was a fight of beliefs, morals, and actions. I'm just gonna ignore the flames of the previous chapter because hopefully this chapter would explain some of the reasons for the events that happened...

Enjoy the chapter...

Chapter 67

The Looper's Choice

A harsh slap on the back of the head brought him out of his broken state, his eyelids were dark and heavy due to the grief and tears...his breathing was shallow, but none of those things mattered anymore as he had lost every reason to live his life now.

"I leave you for a few fucking days, and you screw something up..." said a familiar voice,

He hesitantly looked up and saw his alter ego standing before him. He was dressed in plain white clothes and was now looking exactly like him, and didn't have any of those demonic eyes anymore.

"Ikiryo..."

"Yeah, your best pal...good to see you too. Though the circumstances could have been much better..." commented Ikiryo jokingly, as Naruto just averted his eyes from him.

"Go away, I don't wanna talk...just leave me alone, please" said Naruto in a depressed voice, as Ikiryo just laughed.

"Damn, you can easily get depressed like that Hashirama. But well, you are his blood so it makes sense..." replied Ikiryo to himself, and was surprised when Naruto grabbed him roughly by the collar and thrashed him on the ground.

"All my friends are dead, you fucking moron!" yelled Naruto furiously, as Ikiryo just poked his forehead.

"Dumbass, that's why I'm here...trying to fix shit" said Ikiryo seriously, making Naruto's glare less dangerous than before.

"What do you mean? And how are you even here...I accepted you, didn't I?" asked Naruto suspiciously,

"Yes, you did for whatever good that turned out. Just because you accepted me, doesn't mean I'm gone...I'm still a part of your soul, I just don't bother you much. You were kind of fun during the past few days...I liked your style, or should I say my style of being a classic life saver and hero" boasted Ikiryo, but frowned when Naruto just glared at him.

"Talk..."

"There is a way to fix everything. You can get all your friends back if you listen to me..." said Ikiryo strictly, and was surprised when Naruto immediately bowed before him.

"Tell me, command me. I'll do whatever it takes to get them back...just say the word" promised Naruto, surprising his alter ego immensely.

"You really love them, don't you?" asked Ikiryo in an understanding voice,

"More than my own life. I screwed up again, I should have been there for Mikasa more...in my quest to change the world, I forgot the person who changed me. She died for me, damn it she loved me...and I was an idiot for not realizing that" lamented Naruto,

"But you also love Rangiku, are sexually and emotionally attracted towards Kushina...I'd say you are more than a one woman man" suggested Ikiryo,

"Look, I don't know what I feel towards them exactly...but I do know I want them alive, and all my other friends too" said Naruto honestly, as Ikiryo just nodded in agreement.

"Naruto, I know you've been through some of the worst shit any person could ever go through. But there is happiness for you, if you pass this final hurdle..." replied Ikiryo,

"Hai"

"Now, I want you to understand the source of your power are your extremely strong emotions. You awakened your water powers when you were scared at the bottom of the lake of your house, awakened the Mokuton when Commander Fox almost killed you, and the Mangekyo when..." said Ikiryo briefly, leaving the last part out as both of them didn't need the specific event to be remembered again.

"What are you suggesting?" asked Naruto curiously,

"When you met those two brothers Asura and Indra, they gave you a power which no man has ever wielded. And with time, those powers will awaken...the event that happened tonight was the beginning, but I believe it also happened to save your life" said Ikiryo mysteriously, as a frown came on Naruto's face.

"What do you mean?"

"Your power-Kamimusuhi is killing you. That power is too much even for you, and you still have 1 more genjutsu left. Your body is already collapsing while trying to maintain control over the Edo Tensei, Kushina, Minato and Mei. And you know, you'll die within months if you don't give up that power..." explained Ikiryo,

"I know..."

"However if you release that power from all the people you are controlling, then you can perform a jutsu that can take you back in time and change things..." replied Ikiryo, as Naruto just looked at him in suspicion.

"Get out of here, going back in time?" asked Naruto with disbelief clearly evident on his face,

"To be precise, it's just altering reality. It's a kinjutsu of the Uchiha clan whose knowledge I gained when Indra passed his powers to you...but there is a catch, you lose the sharingan in the process and become blind in one of the eye" said Ikiryo honestly, and he was just mesmerized when Naruto just looked him straight in the eye.

"Will it bring them back?" asked Naruto seriously,

"It'll take you to a point in the past, and from there you can try to prevent the ambush as you'll have the memories..." advised Ikiryo, and he became a little alarmed when Naruto got a strange look in his eyes.

"So, I can go back in time as much as I can...Ikiryo, with this I can fix this. I can bring all my friends back, everyone..." said Naruto happily, but Ikiryo's glare silenced him.

"Don't even think about this. Altering reality is a very dangerous thing, and the amount of reality you want to change will require an immense power...which you don't have. Your body can't handle such pressure, and even if you survive somehow and are able to start from the point you entered in the war...everything will change, you'll be in an entire different world. Everything you've done will get lost, and there is no guarantee that you or your friends can survive the war again. I know what you want to do, but it's not possible..." explained Ikiryo sympathetically, as Naruto clenched his fists tightly.

"I see..."

"You can't save Armin and the others, but you can save Mikasa and her squad. This ambush has just happened a few minutes ago, so you can use this Kinjutsu to change reality without endangering your life. But for that, you'll need the power of your last Kamimusuhi and release the power that you are currently utilizing to control your victims...otherwise you'll go blind. And I warn you, after this you can never use Kamimusuhi again in your life...it will be out of your grasp forever" warned Ikiryo seriously,

"But the Edo Tensei would fall back in Orochimaru's control, Kushina will be under Madara's influence, and Mei would not co-operate with my plans..." argued Naruto,

"Quite the contrary, with Kamimusuhi you freed the Edo Tensei- right now if you release your control they will be free and have their own will, but eventually they will have to leave or be sealed away in order to not get controlled again. Kushina will be in the same state, she'll not be under anyone genjutsu's and from there you can protect her. And Mei is a good person, and your cause is noble...she'll agree with you, and if not then just use your Mangekyo to make her agree. And you can make Minato agree if you talk to him honestly" suggested Ikiryo, as Naruto understood the plan.

"How does it work?" asked Naruto curiously, as Ikiryo showed him the hand signs.

"Rabbit, boar, ram hand seals must be performed simultaneously. You must use your Yin chakra as well as your imagination in order to determine the point from where you want to start again while your Yang chakra must be focused to alter reality, remember you only get one chance at this...so chose a point from where you can get ample time to prepare and stop this ambush, as well warn the others about the impending civil war. Naruto, a lot of good people must have lost their lives by now...you just don't have to save your squad, but save everyone" explained Ikiryo in detail,

The entity slowly stepped forward and placed his hand on Naruto as a large amount of chakra started flowing in the boy's body...

"You'll need it..." said Ikiryo kindly, as Naruto gave him a grateful smile.

"Ikiryo, I learned something from this. And if I survive this, I promise you I'll try to move on and keep our loved ones safe...maybe I'll talk with Mikasa and Rangiku, although I doubt she'll remember what she said" said Naruto patiently,

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. Naruto, you're getting a second chance to fix things...the girls love you, your family loves you. And I can promise you this, you'll see your dead friends and comrades once again...until then live your life for the ones that are alive, they deserve that. You deserve that..."

"I'll start by cutting off the head first, this time I'll do things differently. Baku is expecting me to come with the entire 1st company, he drew me away from Osaka where my father and other important leaders are while also keeping me away from Konoha. I think these will be the first places to get hit, as I would be busy getting my soldiers to that island to rescue Mikasa...

...my instincts are telling me that Baku was there until the last moments in order to lure me. Because no fucking shadow clones can take down my team, although I don't know what that hologram was, I've never seen anything like it-"

Ikiryo was intrigued when realization dawned on Naruto and rage could be clearly seen burning in his eyes.

"It was the Akatsuki who passed that jutsu to Baku, meaning Madara has joined hands with my enemy. We don't know if they are really working together, or Baku was just given the jutsu anonymously...but at this time anything is possible" concluded Naruto smartly,

Meanwhile Ikiryo was just stunned with the entire analysis, despite his drawbacks Naruto was a fine shinobi. Not only was he a good leader who cared about his soldiers, but also a master tactician.

And maybe these qualities would be the only thing that can save the entire world...

But he had a question whose answer was only with Naruto...

"Will killing Baku give you peace?" asked Ikiryo hesitantly, as a tired sigh escaped from Naruto's lips.

"I don't know if it will give me peace, but it will give me closure. Armin and Kotetsu are dead because of him and nothing can bring them back, but if Baku is punished by my hands I'll at least have avenged my friends" said Naruto honestly, as Ikiryo just nodded.

"What's your plan?" asked Ikiryo seriously, as Naruto just smiled deviously.

"In the current situation, I don't have the time or the resources to rally my troops. I have to protect several places and people at the same time, thankfully I have Kamui and Blood Clone technique on my side. 2nd and 3rd company have gone out of control, and so have Baku and Danzo. I'll personally terminate all of them tonight..." said Naruto in a cold deadly voice, bringing a smile on Ikiryo's face.

"Will you be able to do this all alone. You're just one man..." taunted Ikiryo, as Naruto just scoffed.

"I maybe a person who is stuck in the past and cannot forgive myself, but I was trained to kill. I'm a Blackops Commander, and this time I'm not fighting for my survival but for the lives of the people I love. And I'm prepared to use any means necessary to save them...I'll stop this civil war by myself" promised Naruto, and Ikiryo just smiled on seeing the determination in his eyes.

"I can see why Mikasa and everyone else loves you...Naruto, can you do something for me?" asked Ikiryo hesitantly,

"Name it"

"Don't give Baku an easy death, make that son of a bitch suffer. Make him and Danzo beg for death, and give them life afterwards...or whatever you see fit" said Ikiryo darkly, as Naruto just got a sadistic look on his face.

"Consider it done, this ends here once and for all..."

"What happened tonight made me realize what I've been ignoring for so long...there are things I should have said, things I should have done..." said Naruto regretfully,

"You're getting a second change...fix your mistakes. The girls love you, your family loves...and believe me, you'll see your dead friends and comrades once again...until then try to live for the ones that are still with you. They deserve it, and you deserve it too..." advised Ikiryo sagely,

"You're right, if I survive this suicide mission...I'll try to fix things, maybe even talk to Mikasa and Rangiku...although it will be really awkward since both of them won't remember this night" said Naruto jokingly,

"Maybe it's for the best if they don't remember...Ikiryo, would my body recover since I will be giving up Kamimusuhi and all its powers?" asked Naruto curiously,

"Over a period of time you'll gain your true strength back...then kick some ass for me" said Ikiryo jokingly,

"I will"

"The jutsu is called Izanagi, focus all your powers...and Naruto, it was good to see you again"

And just like that his alter ego was gone, as Naruto quickly performed the hand seals and gathered his chakra...

"Izanagi"

(Blacklight Armory: Unknown Location)

Naruto slowly opened his eyes to find himself standing in the place where he wanted to be, he quickly checked his clock and saw it was 6 in the evening. The same time when he finished his talk with Minato, and Mikasa's team got captured.

"It worked..." said Naruto victoriously,

"Who's there?'' yelled a person, and soon after two Blacklight charged in the room.

SLASH

Their heads were sliced clean from their necks, courtesy of Naruto's sword as he glared at the dead bodies.

"It's time to end this once and for all..." said Naruto furiously, and quickly made a hand seal.

"Kage Bunshin No Jutsu (Shadow Clones Technique)"

In a matter of seconds 60 shadow clones appeared inside the room, as Naruto quickly bit his thumb and performed a mysterious set of hand seals followed by quickly slamming his hand on the ground.

"Rise, Blood Clones"

4 bodies composed of blood rose from the ground and after a few seconds changed their shape and were now looking exactly like Naruto and the other shadow clones.

The real Naruto quickly stepped up on top of a nearby table and looked at his small army...

"Everyone, arm yourselves. All of you will take a kunai launchers, shuriken, kunai, exploding tags, seals, med kits, communication devices. Get moving!"

"HAI!"

Every clone started arming itself as per the given order as the original Naruto too armed himself fully. His sword was resting on his back, his pockets were full of kunai, shuriken, exploding tags. A small communication device was resting on all their ears and they were now wearing their Blacklight armor. Their faces were hidden behind their dark black face masks.

"Shadow clones divide yourself in 4 team of 15 men. Each blood clone will quickly assume command of 1 team now!" commanded Naruto,

Within 1 minute his army had divided themselves into the assigned groups as Naruto placed the world map on the table and looked at his soldiers.

"Right now Blacklight and Root forces are trying to start a civil war. We have 3 hours before they launch their offensive...I don't need to remind you what's at stake here, each of you must be willing to kill or be killed to stop them" said Naruto seriously,

"We are ready to die, just give the command!" said the leader blood clones faithfully,

"Team 1, go to Osaka. I believe many Blacklight and Root forces are converging on this position...most of our leaders as well as the defeated Kages of the enemy villages are here, the enemy plans to wipe them off making our shinobi helpless. We won't let that happen...go to Osaka, find the Blacklight and Root forces, you'll be able to feel their presence and recognize them by their hidden marks. As soon as you locate them, report back to me" ordered Naruto,

"Acknowledged'' replied the leader blood clone, as the entire group quickly teleported away to accomplish their mission.

"Team 2, Team 3 you will go and secure Konoha. It is our capital, if the enemy secures this place they will use it to launch their offensive across the Fire Country. Immediately alert the Uchiha Military Police and home guard of Konoha. Together you must stop the enemy wave at any cost, fight till the last man...but defend that position. And keep providing me updates" said Naruto authoritatively,

His soldiers quickly offered a sincere bow to him before quickly disappearing away, as Naruto turned towards his last group of clones.

"Team 4, first you will go to the Communication Headquarters and give me the location of Danzo Shimura. While also locating the small Root Strike Teams that will be planning to hit these tactical positions across Fire Country..." explained Naruto in detail, and pointed the locations on the map were the attacks could happen.

"What should we do after that, Captain?" asked the leader Blood Clone,

"There are 8 positions, so your unit will divide yourselves in 8 teams of 2 ninja. Together, you shall form a network and hold the enemy forces as long as possible...it's a suicide mission, but it will provide the Hokage necessary time to send in reinforcements and secure those positions back, while killing the enemy teams" briefed Naruto,

"We will fight till our last breath, Captain..." promised the last leader Blood clone,

"Baku is currently at this location, he is probably being guarded by 2nd company as well as his personal guard force. He will be having Mikasa and her team as hostages, I'll sneak in there and take them out one by one while rescuing our comrades. And when it's over I'll make the bastard pay for his sins..." promised Naruto murderously,

The Leader Blood Clone just smiled and bowed before Naruto...

"What is your final order?" asked the entire shadow clone team,

"Kill them all..."

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Now the final Blacklight battle will arrive, this is my official statement to my readers. I hope now you must have understood a little as to why all of this happened, in case you haven't I'm explaining it to you...

Primary Reason: Naruto was dying due to Kamimusuhi's over abuse, but due to this he is free of that power and will not die due to stress on his body. All the coughing, fatigue that was holding him back will be gone unleashing his true power gradually over time.

Secondary Reason: It taught him a new jutsu that not only saved him, but also gave him a chance to save everything before it gets destroyed. He now has the advantage over the enemy forces...and he's not using any of his comrades, as he does not have time to rally them and does not want to repeat the same mistake.

Tertiary Reason: This event is the stepping stone for the romance aspect of the story and Naruto's moving on part. This arc is supposed to provide Naruto closure before he embarks on his quest to build the empire. He's now aware of Mikasa's feelings for him, and has realized life is too short to lament in the past...and will try to live in the present slowly and slowly.

I also explained how Naruto's power evolves, what has changed in him.

Well, then at least leave your thoughts in reviews...because I want to know your thoughts on the action in these 2 chapters. If you can flame me for the previous chapter, at least tell me that you have at least understood my reasons for that chapter.

Till next time,

Blackwolf501