Chapter 11- The Bonds Between Us
~Naruto-kun is truly unlike anyone I have ever known. For years I have watched as he struggled to prove himself in the eyes of those around him… never giving up no matter how difficult things became. As a failure in the eyes of my family, I truly felt useless… until Naruto-kun helped me discover strengths I never knew I had, and gave me hope that I can really change. I admired him… and over time, these feelings have grown. When I am with him, I feel like anything is possible… and after all this time I have spent watching him from afar, to finally be able to help him fight for what he believes in… this was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Our time together was precious, and we have grown closer than I could have ever dreamed… until everything was shattered that day. After seeing a side of Naruto-kun I have never seen before, and the revelations from that evil man… It was at that moment for the first time ever… I was afraid… not of the demon locked inside him, but of Naruto-kun himself… of what he had become. I, who claimed to be his friend… I gave into my fear. I betrayed him the instant I learned the truth… and it was my hand that struck him down. Naruto-kun is more important to me than anyone in this world… I would do anything for him… because I… I love him. But how can I even claim to have such feelings… when I am the one who causes him the most pain?
-Hyuga Hinata
(The Water Country, Mist Province)
Tonight was the first snowfall of the year, marking the start of winter. No stars shone in the night sky, and even the moon was hidden by dark clouds. Standing at the edge of a cliff, a figure with ghostly white hair looked down at the horizon beneath him. In the center of the vast, misty plains stood the metropolis that was the Mist Capital… while a distance away from the city, near the great forests were the charred remains of the six bloodline Encampments.
The soldier from the MaShin Empire scowled. How long has it been since they have arrived? Little more than a month… and yet look how much this country has changed. The inhabitants of this land were just so stupid… living their meaningless lives in a rotten society, completely blind to the calamity that was fast approaching, "Such wretched creatures…!" Yashiro spoke in anger. Everything about the people of this land disgusted him. "Soon we will free this world of your vile presence!" Tension had reached its highest between the divided populations. The two sides were poised against one another, and now it was time to pull the trigger.
Hatred was the key to their objectives… it made them so easy to control, while those untouched by it were simply too few in number to make a difference. But according to his informant, Maoyan… there was still one who could prove a threat to their plans. Kirishaku wasn't the only one with great influence over the people, and although it was late in the game, this individual had the power to undo everything they had accomplished… it was none other than Izumi-hime.
One must not underestimate the influential powers of a member of the royal family, even that of a woman in a society as backward as this. Kirishaku had not been running unopposed all this time, and though he gained tremendous support by exploiting the ignorance of the uneducated public, Izumi was the reasonable voice of opposition. It was her who swayed the Shogun not to fully support Kirishaku in his campaign. Even the nobles who shared in Kirishaku's hatred were persuaded to remain neutral by her influence. Even though the Bloodlines all over the country had been exiled to the encampments, they could not go through with Kirishaku's plans for full-out genocide.
Yashiro knew that all words become meaningless once violence breaks out… but that had yet to happen. "The solution is so simple… words become meaningless when blood is spilled… so we simply spill hers." The population as a whole was stupid and all too easy to steer. The death of Kirishaku invoked their anger, and the death of their beloved princess will drive them out of control.
(Mist Capital, Shogun's Castle)
"INTRUDER! THERE IS AN INTRUDER IN THE CASTLE!"
It was utter chaos in the Shogun's castle. The alarms were ringing, armed guards were rushing everywhere while numerous bodies littered the main plaza, while the bloodline sensors were burned red. "BE ON GUARD, MEN!" a squad captain shouted as he and a group of guards ran across one of the long balconies around the castle. "This isn't just any intruder we're dealing with! It's one of the freaks!"
"That can't be right!" Another guard shouted in disbelief as they followed their leader. The Mist Capital was vast, and the Shogun's castle was located right in the middle. If anyone carrying a power set foot anywhere near the city the alarms on the sensors would go off. "How could one of them get this far without triggering anything!?"
"How the damned thing got in is unimportant! It's our job to root it out!" The squad captain shouted back, the 'it' he was referring to was the alleged bloodlined intruder. "Don't waste any time arresting the freak! Go straight for the kill!"
Reaching the end of the balcony and turning at its corner, the group suddenly skidded to a halt at the sight in front of them. The blackened corpses of three guards lay on the ground, while a single figure stood among the dead. "Hmm?" Lei Maoyan turned his head at the sight of the oncoming guards. In his hand, he was clutching the neck of his latest victim, smoke was rising from the guard's burnt flesh, while his weapon lay shattered and useless on the floor and his armour had been melted right through. "Oh, reinforcements?" he asked, dropping the deceased watchman.
"M… MONSTER…!" The squad captain gasped, taken back by the gruesome sight, while the other guards recoiled. The victim's metal armour was red hot, his body had been cooked by the armour that was supposed to protect him. "MEN! DO NOT FALTER! WE ARE DEFENDERS OF THE MIST!" the captain shouted, gripping his sword and taking the battou (quick draw) stance, "HAAA!" He immediately darted forward, closing the gap between him and the intruder and swung the blade in a split second, but gasped the moment he realized his blade had cut through nothing but air, while its intended target had disappeared completely.
"TAISHO! ABOVE YOU!"
"NANI (WHAT)!?" The captain looked upwards, only to see a pair of feet come stamping down against his face, knocking him down onto his back. From on top the squad captain's head, Maoyan hopped into the air, right over the group of guards and landed gracefully onto a railing, turning around to face them all. The captain immediately got to his feet, his hand clutching his face, growling angrily when he saw Maoyan smiling happily. "Urg…! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? ATTACK!"
The guards quickly raised their weapons and turned to the intruder, all letting out a battle cry as they charged towards him. Maoyan sighed as the guards drew nearer, raising his palm and pointing it forwards… "DA TIAN JIAN (GRAND HEAVENLY ARROW)!"
-BOOM-
The entire castle shook as the explosion sounded in the air, those guards were sent flying and many were thrown right off the balconies. The squad captain screamed, shielding himself with his arms as splinters showered him. As the smoke cleared, he gasped in shock. The floor and wall in that spot had been totally blown apart, while his men had all been wiped out. The captain gasped in shock as he turned his head to see Maoyan standing right at his side.
"You know, I really dislike going to the extreme on such feeble adversaries, but my instructions were clear" Said Maoyan. He would have preferred to work with more 'finesse' and executing his enemies in a cleaner fashion… he wouldn't even need the demon's support to get in this far. But for their plans to work, he was to use his abilities to stir as much chaos as possible. Grabbing the squad leader firmly in his right hand and pulling him up, Maoyan raised his other arm, curving the fingers of his left. "Leiyu Shishi Zhao…" The squad leader trembled as five long claws of pure electricity formed at the intruder's fingertips. Maoyan's expression had hardened, and the light from the electricity reflected in his eyes…
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" In one fell swoop the captain's scream was silenced, and Maoyan tossed the body to the side, allowing it to fall over the railing and plummet to the grounds below.
All around Maoyan, those bloodline sensors were burning brightly, responding to his presence as if he carried an advanced bloodline. He had no such genes, but around his neck was a pendant emitting the exact signal to trigger the sensors. They were the ones who brought the technology to this land… and they knew how to exploit it. Having successfully infiltrated this place as a guard, he had no trouble finding his way around the castle and continued to fight his way up towards the base of the tower where his target would be found… the princess.
"You people are really starting to annoy me!" He scowled as he came face-to-face with his strongest opponent so far… a mighty samurai wielding a masterfully crafted blade. This man was nothing like the thugs Kirishaku kept around. Maoyan sprung off the ground just in time to avoid a horizontal swing that would've cut him in half. As Maoyan landed, the samurai unexpectedly lunged forward and rammed him with his shoulder, "Ite!" Maoyan let out a light grunt, when he was pinned against the wall. The samurai glared at the intruder with cold eyes as he raised his sword, ready to run the intruder through with his blade… (THUNK) Suddenly the samurai's eyes opened wide and his mouth fell open in shock, a gagging noise escaped his lips. Releasing Maoyan from his grip, and the samurai's katana fell and hit the floor as he stumbled back, blood stained his gi red. His own tanto had been firmly lodged into his throat.
"What? Don't you samurai carry these things exactly for this reason?" asked Maoyan. When the samurai had tackled him, the MaShin soldier merely reached for the tanto on the samurai's belt and rammed it into his throat. As the samurai continued to gag and choke on his own blood, Maoyan reached over to the side and grabbed a nearby oil lantern before smashing it over his head. The oil splashed over him quickly ignited, and Maoyan followed up by kicking his now burning body to the floor.
"Now… where's that princess?" Maoyan turned around and left the bleeding, burning samurai to die, having already forgotten about him. The samurai may have been leagues above all the other guards Kinetsu had faced today… yet he hadn't been strong enough to leave any real impression on the MaShin soldier. The burning samurai raised his head to look up at his killer one last time before death finally took him…
As Maoyan climbed the stairs, the flames quickly spread behind him… blocking the exit and ensuring no more guards would follow. Maoyan finally arrived at his destination, outside the Princess's bedchamber. The only thing standing between him and his target was a thin sliding door consisting of paper and wood. Taking the dramatic approach, he swiped at the door and sliced it apart before stepping into the princess's quarters. To his surprise, he found the Princess standing dignified and upright in the center of the room, facing him with a firm expression devoid of any fear.
"This is unexpected…" Maoyan commented. He had fully expected to find her huddled in some corner of the room… rather than facing him like a leader. "Good evening, Princess."
"Who are you, and what is your purpose for being here?" Izumi-hime asked the unwelcome visitor.
"An assassin, yours to be more precise." Maoyan replied with a courteous bow. Looking up at her, he was surprised to see there was no reaction. "Oi!" He called out, "Didn't you hear me? I said I'm an assassin! Aren't you the least bit concerned?"
"Not at all. For someone clearly as foolish as you, I have no reason to be afraid." The princess replied in a firm voice, turning her head in a dismissing manner.
"Not the reaction I was hoping for…" Maoyan frowned. Out of all of his strong points, intimidation wasn't one of them. Of the three MaShin that came to this land, he was easily the least intimidating. Maoyan could only lament that if Yashiro had come instead, she wouldn't be acting so tough… but he was needed elsewhere.
"If it weren't for that big mouth of yours, I might have been concerned. A competent killer would have immediately taken my life instead of threatening me face-to-face."
"Oh come on!" Maoyan said angrily. "Now you're just wasting my time!"
The Princess smiled, "Exactly."
"Nani?!" Maoyan immediately snapped to attention, his body moved to his instinct. A figure darted past him from behind, and Maoyan was narrowly able to dodge a lethal slash that was directed at his neck.
"Tch…! Missed!" Maoyan saw a young kunoichi scowling as she turned around to face him. She clutched her Ninja-To in a fighting stance as she stood between him and the princess. It was Junko, the princess's personal attendant and bodyguard. "Hime-sama! The tower is on fire! You must get out of here!"
"And where exactly will she be running? The only way out is on fire!" Maoyan straightened up, "That was quite the dirty move just now, Princess… I'm finally seeing some family resemblance between you and Kirishaku!"
"You who dares threaten Hime-sama…!" Junko spoke in a hateful tone, lifting a cloth mask with her free hand to cover the lower half of her face "Do not expect to die a comfortable death!" wielding her ninja-to in her right hand and drawing a kunai in her left, the kunoichi immediately darted towards him. "ORA!" using the momentum from her dash, Junko placed the full power of her body into a powerful thrust, but Maoyan completely avoided it with a sidestep. She reacted immediately, clutching the kunai in her left and thrusting the kunai towards his eye… but Maoyan was faster. Before her weapon could reach him, Maoyan kicked her on the chin, flinging her head back and causing her to stumble backwards. Immediately, the girl shook it off and jumped back, putting her hands together, "Mizu Bushin no jutsu!"
Maoyan watched as from all around him, the water from nearby basins, flower vases, basically all the liquids in the room was lifted into the air and gathered in front of her, shifting into human shapes. Junko had created two perfect copies consisting of water… or rather… there was only enough water present to form two. Junko and her doubles immediately darted in his direction.
"Hmm…" Maoyan swerved his body, ducking and dodging attacks from all around him. The movement of the air told him that these copies were solid, thus capable of inflicting injury. Another almost imperceptible detail he was able to pick up on was that the clones were all weaker than the real thing. "Not bad. Your technique is smooth, your movements are quick… but there is something important you lack… HA!" Maoyan's finger shot forward, piercing through the eye of the nearest Junko. At that instant, the clone's body fell apart and splashed over the floor as a puddle of water. The real body and the remaining clone quickly jumped back. "Killing intent." He smiled. "Is this your first real battle?" Of course, Junko did not answer… but he knew better.
Suddenly, Junko's remaining clone lunged at Maoyan from behind and held him in place while the real Junko suddenly put her hands together, forming a seal… "SUITON: SENSATSU SUISHO! (Water Style: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!)" From the puddle of water left from the clone Maoyan just killed, hundreds of needles erupted, firing towards Maoyan, while the other clone restrained him…!
"Sloppy…!" In a flash, Maoyan broke out of the clone's grip and overpowered her, suddenly grabbing her by the hair… "HA!" Swinging the clone right over his head, he slammed its body into the barrage of liquid needles. Water splattered all over the room, as both the clone and needles cancelled each other out.
Junko trembled, staring at Maoyan in disbelief… "How…?!"
"Two chakra-infused bodies of water hitting each other… do the math." He replied in annoyance. "Those water clones are already weaker than yourself… just what makes you think they can hold me?" He was right after all… this person was an amateur. "Aristocrats like you make for poor warriors. It's obvious you acquire all your experience in the safety of a dojo… not once have you ever fought a real battle!" he said with a glare… "HA-CHO!" throwing the full weight of his body forward, he kicked down at Junko's knee…
"AH…!" Junko's eyes opened wide, a loud snap could be heard. "AAAAAAHHHH!" She closed her eyes and screamed, falling to the ground. Her leg was bent at an unnatural angle… the bone had been broken.
"JUNKO!" The Izumi-hime screamed at her fallen defender…
"Are you watching, princess?" Maoyan sneered… The fire was finally reaching the top of the tower, and smoke was beginning to fill the room, as the flames were spreading. Her guard was beaten, and there was no escape for her… "You see what your traditions have brought you? A useless protect-RNGH!" He gasped when suddenly a mist-style kunai came flying at him. Instinctively his body moved, narrowly evading a fatal hit, escaping with only a cut across his shoulder. Turning around, he saw the one who threw the kunai at him… it was the princess!
"Another tradition of the Mist, is that all members of the royal family must complete basic ninjutsu training." Izumi-hime spoke in a cold tone. Though clearly no match for the assassin, she was not about to back down.
"I've wasted enough time on you two…!" Maoyan growled. After Kirishaku, he never expected to run into anyone who could irritate him this far. He had wasted too much time even by his standards, and had no intention of delaying any further. From the demon he carried within, power began to flow to the palm of his hands, in the form of electricity, and he leapt towards the princess…
"HIME-SAMA!" from the ground, Junko cried out…
From outside the tower, amid the chaos of the crowd and the roar of fire, a piercing scream could be heard.
The princess stood still as a statue, her head hung low. Burns could be seen on the kimono around where Maoyan's hand was still pressed, as smoke rose from her body. It was over. Maoyan pulled back his hand. At the side of the room, the protector he faced earlier said nothing, she just lay there to the side, quivering… not even worth his attention. With her crippled leg, she was no longer a threat…
"Well there's another bit of family resemblance between you and Kirishaku… the satisfaction from killing you in order to finally shut you up!" Maoyan approached the balcony. Looking back once more, he saw the figure of the princess finally collapse… the golden headdress she wore fell from her head and shattered, its pieces strewn all over the floor… "Sayonara!" he sneered, and dove down from the burning tower, leaving the two girls in what would soon become a fiery grave…
As Maoyan finally departed, the girl to the side of the princess slowly got to her feet, and ran to the body of the princess. Strangely, she was able to walk normally, her leg wasn't broken, and many of the wounds inflicted on her during the battle had disappeared… As the ninja lowered the cloth mask that covered the lower half of her face, it was revealed that it wasn't the guard Junko, but the princess herself!
"Junko…!" Izumi-hime gasped, kneeling down by the body of her fallen friend. "Junko! JUNKO! Please be okay…!" she cried out, shaking her.
"Hime-sama…?" Junko's eyes opened slightly, her voice was very weak. "I am… happy to see that you are all right…" she smiled. Though he was infinitely stronger than she was… Maoyan had underestimated Junko's resolve. That injured leg wasn't enough to stop her from performing one last technique. At the last moment, when Maoyan delivered the finishing blow, she had performed the Kawarimi no jutsu, literally switching clothes and places with the Princess. To the MaShin agent's eyes, it looked to him as if he had completed his mission. "Then… I have succeeded… my work is complete…" she coughed. "Please… escape now…! Leave me, and get to safety…!"
"No…! I can't…! It isn't worth it if you have to die…!" Izumi spoke. She had lived and grown in isolation, this was her only friend… but Junko's wounds were too great. There was no way she could be saved, even by the Ninjas in the Mist village. The building was beginning to shake violently, the foundations were breaking… "I won't leave you…! I won't let this happen…! DO YOU HEAR ME!? I WON'T LET YOU DIE!"
There was a loud crashing noise, as the tower's support finally gave way… and everything began to fall…
(Meanwhile)
"MY LORD! YOU MUST STAND BACK!" the royal guards shouted as they tried to hold back the Mist Shogun, as their ruler continued to struggle to get to the burning building…
"GET OUT OF MY WAY! MY DAUGHTER IS IN THERE!" The shogun shouted, still trying to force his way through…
"WATCH OUT! THE TOWER IS FALLING!" a voice screamed, as many people fled. Like a giant tree, the tower began to topple. The structure came crashing to the ground hitting the ground with a heart-wrenching crash. Pieces of flaming wood and timber were scattered everywhere, as many of the guards continued to fight the blaze…
"YOUR HIGHNESS!" The royal guard exclaimed as the Shogun pushed past him and ran towards the burning wreckage as fast as his old legs could carry him…
"WHERE IS SHE!?" The Shogun shouted desperately, looking everywhere for a sign of her… "WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER!?" Suddenly… the shogun's heart dropped, as he noticed an object on the ground. Bending down and grabbing it tightly… it was his daughter's crown… broken, and melted… "Oh… my child…! My child…!" tears gathered in his eyes… he fell to his knees and lowered his head, pressing it against the hot crown as he wept. His hands and forehead were burning from touching it… but he wouldn't release his grip… "Izumi… IZUMIIIIIIIIII!" He screamed her name and wailed uncontrollably… as his guards tried to pull him back from the burning scene…
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" One man's laughter sounded through the air, as everyone suddenly turned to the source. Atop the walls surrounding the castle, Maoyan stood, looking down at them. "What a pitiful sight! THIS is supposed to be the ruler of your country?! This crying old man!?" he shouted for all to hear. Everyone was absolutely too shocked by this man's words to even respond. "HEAR ME NOW, THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING! FOR YOUR CRIMES AGAINST US, WE WHO CARRY THE POWERS OF BLOODLINES, WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL OUR REVENGE IS COMPLETE!" he shouted. "Now you fools… I leave you with only one last word…" Packing energy into his right hand, it looked as if he was holding lightning in his very fist… suddenly, he threw that bolt. It flew through the air, right over the heads of the crowds, and struck a large banner. The banner which symbolized the pride of their country… carrying the emblem of the Royal family and the flags of the Water Country united, all went up in flames… "DEATH TO THE WATER COUNTRY!"
"G-g… guards…! GUARDS! SEIZE HIM! STOP THAT MAN! CUT HIS HEAD OFF!" a captain screamed out, unable to even think straight out of his rage. Soldiers and Shinobi went charging in the direction of the man from MaShin, but Maoyan had already made his escape, crushing the pendant and becoming invisible to the sensors once more. He disappeared, leaving no trail for them to follow…
"It… it was them…? They were the ones… responsible for this…" slowly, the shogun rose to his feet. He was trembling… his already burned hands were clenched to the point were they were beginning to bleed. "Oh my brother… why? Why didn't I listen to you? Why did I ignore your warnings and allow this bloodshed to happen…?" The Shogun cried "No more…! THOSE MONSTERS WHO SEEK TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY SHALL HAVE NO MORE MERCY! THEY WILL PAY FOR THEIR ACTIONS!" He turned towards his guards, "SUMMON MY GENERALS! GATHER MY FORCES! I WILL NOT DELAY ANY FURTHER! WE SHALL WIPE EVERY LAST OF THOSE MONSTERS FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH!"
(Mist Capital)
Snow fell from the black night sky. It was past midnight, and the temperature was freezing… but despite this, many were gathered outside, listening to the words of an enormous, powerful looking man. The giant was fully clad in armour and spoke in a loud, booming voice that was heard by all… giving almost the impression that a stone statue of a great warrior had been brought to life.
"…those freaks we have so graciously allowed to live and share our land are turning against us! We have spared their wretched lives, and THIS is how they repay us?! By taking the life of our hero Kirishaku!?" Nergui addressed the mob, "But NO! Even he wasn't enough to satisfy their thirst for blood, and now they have murdered our fair princess! WHO WILL THEY TAKE NEXT?!"
The crowd was stirring, many were shouting in agreement. They had all grown up with the bloodlines as their bogeymen… they were evil creatures that brought only death and destruction. The people of the Water Country needed no further proof after the murder of Kirishaku… but this attack against their city, the death of their princess was too far! Tremendous, almost unnatural anger was consuming them.
"DO NOT MISTAKE THESE FREAKS FOR HUMAN! They hunger for flesh! They crave the blood of innocents! They will snatch your children in the night! They want nothing more than to see everything we hold dear fall into ruin!" Nergui roared, "We made the mistake of allowing them to thrive, and now is our time to correct it! Our royal army is finally taking action… but this is not enough! We must take our country's fate into our own hands! We must all work to rid ourselves of this curse! Only then… WILL OUR LAND FINALLY BE SAFE!" Nergui smiled as he watched the crowd hanging onto his every word.
Under normal circumstances, Nergui should never be able to sway the masses like this… but he was not working alone. The hatred that they all carried… it blinded them, opening their hearts to an unseen darkness. Nergui could see a few individuals trying to reason with the others, suggesting that war might not be the right solution… and he smiled as the mob turned on them. Violence was erupting everywhere, cooler heads were branded as traitors. Even lawmen that should have stopped the violence did nothing to aid them, in some cases they even joined in. The Mist capital was falling into chaos…
At that moment, a similar event was taking place around the bloodline encampments. Outside the walls of the camps, every single man, woman and child was gathered, listening to the words of a man with spiked blue hair.
"…For too long have we slaved under these tyrants!" Maoyan shouted for all to hear. "For generations, we have endured abuse and persecution to no end, AND FOR WHAT?! Now they brand us as enemies of the country!" He spread his arms wide, "Just look at what they have done to us! They treated us as animals, forced us to fight THEIR wars and now they punish us for it! They force us to live like vermin! They kill our friends and family without a second thought! THEY DENY OUR HUMANITY!"
The Konoha ninjas were not present in the village. Having realized Naruto and Hinata's disappearance hours ago, they had left in search of them, and now Maoyan was making his move. As was in the city, the people here have been consumed with anger towards the population who discriminated and oppressed them. Everything had been taken from them, yet it was never enough! No matter how much they endured, their oppressors would keep coming back to visit more suffering upon them!
"We wanted nothing more than to live in peace… and THIS was their answer! They won't be satisfied until every last one of us is dead and rotting at their feet!" Maoyan shouted. "Our so-called 'protector' Mizurei does not wish for us to fight back! He is content with the way things are! He would have us watch as our families are unjustly killed, for their sick amusement! WE DON'T NEED HIM!" The day Kirishaku attacked had a tremendous impact on all of them, and Mizurei was unable to protect them when it truly mattered. Their faith in him had been greatly shaken. "NOW IS OUR TIME TO FIGHT BACK! EVERY ATROCITY THEY HAD INFLICTED ON US WILL BE REPAID IN KIND! THEY WILL KNOW OUR PAIN, AND WE WILL FINALLY SEE JUSTICE!" The people roared in agreement, as the same dark presence that loomed over the city had also taken hold of them…
Both sides were utterly consumed by hate. Those who remained unconvinced were too simply few. Everyone was ready to fight… ready to kill one another. Both sides seemed to agree on one thing… "ONCE AND FOR ALL, WE SHALL RID THIS LAND OF THEIR EVIL!" Nergui and Maoyan shouted, and both sides roared.
(Hours Later, in the remains of Encampment 6)
"Hmmm…" Hinata was stirring. She was waking up from a deep sleep. Her eyes slowly opened up, and it took moments for her to realize she was not lying on the cold forest floor surrounded by snow, but instead warm and comfortable in a bed. Turning her head to the side, she was startled to see Akamaru sitting right next to her, wagging his tail and barking out loud.
"Huh? Hey guys, shut up! She's awake!" Kiba's voice suddenly exclaimed. At that moment, everyone in the room dropped whatever they were doing and rushed to her.
"Hinata, are you all right!?" asked Kurenai, kneeling down next to her and looking her directly in the face, unable to mask her concern.
"H… hai sensei…" Hinata nodded, sitting up. Looking around her, she recognized this place to be the last standing cabin in the encampments, the place where Mizurei was supposed to be resting… but she didn't see him anywhere.
"This is great! You're all right!" Kiba cheered, shooting his arms into the air, "That's the first good news we've had in days! Okay, Kirishaku dying was also good news! Also Mizurei's recovery… Whatever, this is still good!"
"We found you lying in the woods. You've been unconscious until now." said Shino
"Kiba-kun? Shino-kun?" Hinata blinked, seeing the faces of her two teammates…
"You had us all very worried, Hinata." said Ebi. Despite his friendly greeting, he looked unusually pale and sickly, with bags beneath his eyes. "You were almost completely buried in the snow. Had we not found you sooner, you might've even frozen to death"
"Ebi-san!" Hinata exclaimed. After that discussion with him the night Kirishaku's raid took place, no one knew where he had gone! "When did you get back here!?"
"Why do people keep asking that…?" Ebi closed his eyes, a vein bulging on his temple.
"Hinata" Kurenai spoke with concern "When we found you unconscious out there, we feared for the worst. I… we were afraid we had lost you."
"Ano…" Hinata looked down. "I… I am sorry for worrying all of you…" she lowered her head in apology…
"It's alright! It's just that you totally disappeared on us when the camps fell into chaos!" said Kiba. At first when they couldn't find her, they weren't too concerned because they thought she was with Naruto… but as the hours passed with no sign of either of them, they had all begun to worry.
"We eventually found you deep in the forests… but no matter how hard we looked, we could not find Naruto." At those words, Hinata froze… everyone could see the look of shock on Hinata's face. She sat there, absolutely stunned, not moving a muscle at the mention of the boy's name. An uncomfortable silence filled the room.
"Hinata." Kurenai stared at her, "What happened to him?"
"Na… Naruto-kun…" Hinata began to tremble uncontrollably. Tears gathered in her eyes… she suddenly broke down crying.
"Hinata…!" Kurenai exclaimed, as Hinata grabbed onto her, crying out. "Hinata… shhh, it's alright… it's alright…" Kurenai spoke softly, embracing her and trying to comfort her.
The others stood silent… they knew from her reaction that something happened to him… something terrible. Kiba, Shino and Ebi quietly stepped out of the cabin. Now standing outside, they were all looking down as snow was falling from the night sky. They continued to stand in silence for several minutes, while the sound of Hinata's weeping could still be heard coming from inside the shack.
"Naruto…" Ebi broke the silence. When they had found Hinata in the woods, she was covered in blood… but not her own. It was Naruto's. All this time they feared the worst, and Hinata's reaction had confirmed it… "Is this really happening? Did he really…"
"NO! Don't even say that!" Kiba shouted, shaking his head and gripping his fists. "Naruto isn't…! He can't be dead…! It just isn't possible!" he said, shaking. He didn't want to believe it was true… "UAAARGH! GOD DAMN IT! DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!" he screamed with tears in his eyes, falling to his knees and hitting his fists against the ground.
"Kiba, calm down! We cannot lose ourselves at a time like this!" Shino said sternly.
"Calm down…? CALM DOWN!? HINATA'S A WRECK, THIS WHOLE DAMN COUNTRY IS GOING TO HELL AND NOW NARUTO'S GONE AND DIED ON US! HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO STAY CALM?!" Kiba screamed at Shino.
"Do you think I don't feel anything!? Do you think I am happy about this?!" Though Shino's face was obscured by his sunglasses and jacket, his voice could not hide the anger no matter how hard he tried. "No good shall come from losing control. No matter how difficult it is, remaining calm is all we can do… not for our sake, but for Hinata's!"
"Hinata…!" Kiba trembled at the mention of her name, "Whatever we're feeling right now… this is nothing! I can't… I don't even want to imagine what she's going through!" he knew Shino was right, that they had to be strong for her… but he just couldn't keep calm knowing she was suffering so much! "Why…?! Why did it have to be like this…!?" Kiba asked through clenched teeth. "She's been in love with him since day one! Everybody knew it! The only moron who couldn't see it was Naruto himself! She never had the courage to come forward and he was too dense to notice a thing! But now… after all this time, right when he was finally starting to return her feelings…! It… IT JUST ISN'T FAIR!" Kiba screamed, while Shino turned his head, trembling with his fists clenched. The very thought of what Hinata must be going through was breaking their hearts.
Both Kiba and Shino had known Hinata all their lives. They had all grown up together in the academy, graduated into a team, working together in training and in missions… these had created strong bonds between them, and her pain was having a tremendous impact on them both. It wasn't just that, but Naruto who had also grown up with them, the knowledge that he was gone was finally setting in. After everything he's done and everything he's fought for… it just felt impossible for this to be true. He was the one who brought strength and hope to those around him, even faced with the insurmountable odds, anything seemed possible with him around… but now… it felt like everything was lost… there was no spirit left.
"We… we should go back inside…" Ebi finally broke the silence and clenching his eyes shut before he too became emotional. "You two… you're the closest ones to her. Please… stay by her side. She needs you now, more than ever."
Inside the cabin, things had calmed down from earlier. Hinata had stopped crying… her eyes were red from shedding so many tears. No longer the healthy, energetic girl they had just started getting used to, she was pale and fragile, her body was trembling. They could tell Kurenai was forcing herself to keep a straight face, something only a Jounin with a lifetime of experience could accomplish in this situation. Ebi watched as the two teammates moved over to her, Kiba forced a large fanged grin and spoke loudly, while Shino remained his usual stoic self, only breaking his silence to throw in a couple of words every now and then. They were trying to act as they always did, in an attempt to lift her spirits, but neither could hide the shakiness in their voices.
"E-everyone." Kiba, Shino, Kurenai and Ebi all clicked to attention when Hinata finally spoke up. Her voice was tiny, barely over a whisper. "I… I appreciate all that you are doing for me… but it is fine… I am all right… please… don't worry about me." though it was far from the truth, she slowly started to stand up.
"Hinata… please stay in bed…!" said Kurenai
"No… really, I am fine. R-remember… I… I am shinobi too." Hinata was not fine. She couldn't be further from it. The horrors of that day were fresh in her mind, the truths revealed… and the deed she had been forced to commit. The only reason she wasn't still crying right now is because her body simply did not have the strength to continue. Right now, the way the others were all worrying so much about her… she understood how hard they were trying to help, but the thought of causing them trouble was only adding to her pain. Wanting to curb their worries by showing she was all right, she ignored their pleas and moved through the entrance of the cabin… "A… ano…?" Hinata said in surprise as she took her first steps outside. The village was totally deserted, no one was there. "W… what is going on? Where is everyone?" she asked, as the others went silent.
"Hinata… a lot has happened while you were unconscious." Said Ebi, who turned to look at the others… "There's no sense in keeping it from her. This is something she has to see." Hinata's teammates looked reluctant, but they nodded in agreement. "Come."
There was almost nothing left in encampment six, the wreckage of the houses and many parts of the wall seemed to have disappeared. As they walked towards the exit of the camp, they could hear sounds. Finally stepping through, Hinata gasped at the sight in front of her.
Thousands of people were gathered in the open fields in front of the camp. The denizens of all six encampments… every single bloodlined individual in the country was here. The wood from the houses and the walls had been used to build fires, and every one of them seemed to be hard at work…
"What is happening?" Asked Hinata, on closer inspection, she could see these villagers were gathering whatever they can, using them to make weapons. Many of them had taken the weapons left behind by Kirishaku's soldiers, while others were fashioning crude weapons and armour with materials from the camps.
"They have finally had enough." said Ebi, "They are going to attack the Mist Capital."
"N… nani!?" Hinata exclaimed, "But… they'll never succeed! Even with their powers!" she gasped. The bloodlines numbered in the thousands and were armed with special powers, but there was no way an untrained army could stand up to the combined forces of the royal army and the ninjas of the Hidden Mist! "And Mizurei…? What about him?"
"Please! You have to listen to me! You're all being deceived!" As if on cue, Hinata turned her head at the sound of Mizurei's voice. There he stood, outside the crowds, Mizurei was pleading for them to listen. "You won't solve anything by going to war!"
The people however, showed none of the admiration they always displayed around him. He was met only with cold stares, no one would listen to him. "Piss off, you damn punk!" A voice shouted at him, and many others began to shout in agreement.
"You have got to stop what you're doing!" Mizurei shouted, reaching the point of frustration, "If you attack the Mist, you'll only prove that Kirishaku was right!"
"SHUT UP ALREADY!"
"Ungh!" Mizurei exclaimed, when some of them had the nerve to throw rocks at him. He stared at them, only to receive angry glares from those people, and many shouts telling him to leave. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Mizurei backed off.
"T… that's horrible…!" Hinata gasped, having seen the whole thing. She and the others from Konoha walked over to him. "M-Mizurei-san, are you all right?"
"No… I'm not." answered Mizurei, slumping down and seating himself against what was left of the camp's outer wall. It wasn't the rocks that hurt him…
"Why did you just stand there and take that? You could've easily shown 'em who's boss!" said Kiba. Mizurei was every bit as strong as Naruto, but he didn't even retaliate!
"I know… but I can't bring myself to attack them. It won't do any good…" Mizurei answered sadly, watching them continue to prepare for battle, the sight of it pained him more than anything. Even the children were willing to fight. Those unable to participate, such as infants or elderly too feeble to even lift a weapon had evacuated into the woods. "They follow me by their choice alone… and they have made their decision. Nothing I say is reaching them, even when I told them about MaShin… they don't care anymore." he sighed, "Once they're done preparing, they'll all march off to wage war on the city and kill as many as they can… in a battle they know they will never return from."
The Konoha Nins all stood silent. None of them could not find the strength to speak. Everything that had happened since they came to this country… the impossible mission, the harsh climate, the life risking battles, and the events that had just ensued… it was all taking its toll on them, both physically and mentally. Just like the bloodlines who had been exiled from the city, they felt like they had lost everything… their resolve had been shattered, their very spirit was dead.
"Everyone…" Mizurei spoe, "I want to thank all of you."
"Huh?" Everyone stared at him,
"What was happening here in the Water Country did not concern you… and yet you chose to stand up for us in such desperate times. We are different from you… but you showed us kindness. It was the very first time since our ordeal began… that we were treated like humans." Mizurei's voice was sorrowful as he expressed his deepest gratitude. "But now it's time for you to leave. There is nothing left for you here, you should all go home. War is inevitable… we failed to stop it… and now we've lost Naruto."
"Maybe someday… I'll see you all again in Konoha Village… but for now, I want to stay here." Mizurei let out a long, defeated sigh as he looked into the night sky. "This land is my home, and these are my people… I want to see it through to the end." he hung his head in defeat. "This is the end of the Water Country. There is no hope left."
(Sanzu River)
"Hmm…" Naruto's eyes were closed, and he remained still, as if he were sleeping. Slowly, he began to stir, and his eyes began to open… "Huh…?" he said, now fully awake. "Where am I…?" He was not in a cold, icy forest, but sitting in a warm bright grassy field covered in flowers. In front of him, he could see a river… "When… how did I…!?"
Naruto got up to his feet and quickly ran over to the water's edge, only to freeze in his tracks when he saw his own reflection. On his chest he could see a large red stain… and suddenly, he remembered everything that led up to this. Looking at the river, it was exactly like the stories he had heard. For those who have departed the world of the living… This very river was the border to the afterlife. Naruto fell to his knees in shock, as slowly he came to the bitter realization. "Did I… die?"
Shock was soon replaced by another feeling… despair. "So this is how it ends…" Naruto closed his eyes and sighed in a calm voice. He recalled the events that had taken place until now… everything he had experienced since they entered the Water Country… the things he had gone through with his friends… the cause they fought for. "I wanted to make a difference… but I couldn't change anything." There was no bitterness in his voice… only the grim acceptance of absolute defeat. "And this is how I die… a loser."
"Are you going to let it end this way?"
"Huh?" Naruto's eyes opened to the sound of a gentle… familiar voice… his eyes then widened at the sight of a shining figure standing across the river… "H… HAKU?"
"Hisashiburidana… (it's been a long time…) Naruto-kun." Dressed in a kimono white as snow, his hair worn loose in the same fashion as the day he met him in the forest… Haku stood facing him from across the river with a warm smile. "Naruto-kun… I have been watching. Watching… as you tried to create peace between those who suffer like me, and those who fear us." At those words, Naruto turned his head away, trying to avoid his gaze… "Hmm? What's wrong? Why do you hide your face from me?"
"Haku…" Naruto hung his head in shame. He could not bear to show his face to Haku… a person who understood his pain and someone he could very well have called his friend. "I'm sorry… I wanted to bring peace, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't stop the conflict… I couldn't protect anyone." Naruto's determination had been fuelled by the memories of the one standing before him. Now that Naruto was standing at the border to the other world… he truly felt that he had failed everyone. "In the end, the task really was impossible… the MaShin are unstoppable… and the hatred between the two sides is just too strong." As Naruto continued to speak, Haku watched in silence. "Why? Why does it have to be this way?" he pleaded as his eyes filled with tears, "What made them choose this path? Why do they hate each other so much? Is war the only outcome? Is hatred really that strong?"
"Sadly it's true… I know firsthand." Haku closed his eyes. His expression changed to a serious one as he looked Naruto directly in the eye. "Naruto-kun… do you remember that question I asked you that day?"
"Yeah… I never forgot." Naruto answered. 'Did he have a precious person?' A seemingly innocent question that popped out of nowhere… At the time, he had no idea how much of an impact those words would have on his life. "Why do you ask?"
"The answer lies within you. The bonds you share with those you hold dear in your heart…" Haku closed his eyes and smiled, resting his two hands on his chest, "Hatred is indeed a powerful force… but in those very bonds lies a power in which it cannot even begin to compare. A force that can overcome anything… Love!"
"Love…?" For the longest time, Naruto stared at Haku incredulously… before closing his eyes and chuckling, "Heh… death really makes you say the cheesiest things… doesn't it?" Naruto asked, rubbing the back of his head. It was so silly, he couldn't help but laugh. "But I have people I hold precious… they are more important to me than anything in the world." His expression was changing. From the sullen look he held when he first arrived, his eyes began to brighten with life. His voice was becoming stronger. "They are the ones who helped me grow… they made me who I am today! Though we share no relations through blood… they are my family!" The faces of those most important to him were clear in his mind… as was the face of one special girl who had become the center of his world. "I can't… I won't give up now…! Everything I have worked to achieve… I won't let it all slip away! Not now… NOT EVER!"
"I'm glad you finally understand…" Haku smiled, as the image of him began to flicker.
"Nani…? What's going on?" Naruto asked, looking around, as the entire scenery began to fade all around him…
"It isn't your time yet. You still have so much to accomplish…" Haku smiled as his body and everything around him was vanishing… "Don't ever give up, Naruto-kun… and protect the one most precious to you. Sayonara… Naruto-kun…"
"Haku? HAKUUUUUUUUU!" Naruto's voice echoed, as everything had vanished, consumed by a bright light.
Silence followed. For the longest time, nothing could be heard but the sound of wind blowing in the woods and the gentle rustling of leaves. Sitting on the forest floor, his back rested against a tree… the boy's eyes were slowly beginning to open.
"Thank you… Haku…"
(Meanwhile)
The night had passed, and morning was approaching. In the remains of Encampment 6, the ninjas from Konoha were all sound asleep. In a time such as this, sleep should seem impossible… but after everything they had gone through… the overwhelming stress both physically and mentally, there was no way they could stay awake any longer. Mizurei was sitting at the village entrance, watching the vast fields separating the remains of his small village and that large city in the distance… and the bloodline army had already marched off in the direction of the city…
It had snowed all throughout the night… The fields were covered in an ocean of white. Truly, the land looked beautiful… but the tranquillity would soon be broken… the sky filled with the sounds of battle, and the horizons covered in snow would be drenched in blood.
Soon the Konoha ninjas would be waking up… and hopefully they would depart quickly, otherwise they would be forced to witness the horrors soon to come. Unknown to the others, Hinata wasn't in the camp right now. She had been awake this entire time, and strayed from the camp without anyone knowing…
Hinata was walking through the woods. The tranquillity of the forest was soothing… which at this time, she needed more than anything. Nothing could make her forget the horror of that day… the day she was forced to turn on the one she held dearest. At the very least, this was taking her mind off her pain, even if only for a little while.
Hinata had wandered far… and most likely her team was wondering where she was. Hinata felt regret in making them worry… by now it was starting to feel like that was the only thing she ever does. She should have returned… but though she didn't fully understand why… she just felt something… as if something was drawing her deeper into the woods. As she emerged into a clearing, not a sound was heard save for the soft footsteps of Hinata moving through the snow… suddenly, the girl froze in her tracks at who she saw. Naruto was sitting there alone, unmoving, his back against a single tree that stood in the middle of this clearing… his head hung down.
Hinata didn't say a word… she couldn't find the strength to say anything. What emotion she was feeling right now… even she couldn't even describe it. In almost a daze, she took a step forward, when Naruto raised his head and looked up at her with tired eyes…
The two remained silent for a long time… neither moving nor speaking. It was then when Hinata finally spoke, very quietly… barely above a whisper… "Naruto-kun."
Naruto did the same… "Hinata."
(Author's Note: For dramatic effect, we go widescreen)
Hinata began approaching him once again and came to a stop, standing about ten feet away from him… Snow was falling, the light was dim. None of them said a word, until Hinata finally summoned the courage to speak. "…" she opened her mouth, but no words came… she tried again. "…how are you?" was all she could muster.
This brought up a slight smirk to Naruto. "I'm fine…" He closed his eyes and smiled. "Nothing but a scratch. I'm just surprised that we would meet each other like this…"
"I know… I… I just can't tell you… how happy I am… that you are okay…" Hinata smiled, her pale eyes were watering… "I… I thought that I had lost you forever…" she closed her eyes tightly… the very thought of it brought tears to her eyes…
"I thought so too… but somehow… something kept me back." Naruto spoke softly, "The promises I must uphold… the people who believed in me… and the one who stood by me through everything, the person I hold dearest…" He smiled warmly at her… "I did it, Hinata… I came back, for you."
"I… don't deserve such words… after what I have done. After everything I put you through…" Hinata's smile faded. Naruto's words only made her feel guiltier…
"What…?" Naruto asked in confusion.
Hinata looked down at the ground, her expression was sad as she reminisced the events of that day… "You trusted me… and even called me your friend… but the moment I saw you ch… change… and hearing the truth from that evil man… I… allowed my weakness to overcome me. I gave into fear… I completely betrayed you." Hinata's voice cracked as she shut her eyes and looked away in shame. "It… it is because of my weakness that I lost control of myself… and I even inflicted that wound upon you, with my own hands."
Naruto was taken aback by her words… to see her like this, it pained him just to watch what she was doing to herself…
"I'm… I'm such a horrible person…" Hinata spoke as more tears ran down her cheeks, "After what I have done to you… I don't deserve to be around you…!" her eyes were shut tight as sadness was consuming her… "I don't deserve your friendship…! I… I…! I don't deserve to live…!" tears were welling up in her eyes as she continued to speak.
Naruto was getting frustrated at what he was hearing… for her to say such horrible things about herself was almost too much for him to bear. It pained him so much that tears started welling up in his eyes. He couldn't take it anymore and he slowly got up and started advancing towards Hinata. "Dammit…! Will you just stop saying those awful things and beating yourself up over it!?" he said loudly, grabbing her by the shoulders. "You're wrong! None of it is your fault! I'm not mad at you! I can never be mad with you…! I don't blame you for anything, so stop it! Just stop blaming yourself! I can't stand to see you like this…! I don't ever want you to go away…! I need you with me…!"
Naruto was now just a few inches from Hinata, as she looked up to see him. Then, all of a sudden, and unexpectedly, Naruto wrapped his arms around her, hugging her in a tight embrace. Hinata's eyes were wide with shock, as she lifted her gaze so she was looking at his face… but what happened next was something the two would never forget. "Naruto-ku-" She was cut off, as Naruto's lips were pressed against her own. Her eyes opened wide with shock: Naruto had kissed her. Hinata's eyes slowly began to close as Naruto still had her locked in the kiss with his arms around her. At that moment, Hinata's arms started wrapping around him… all the pain, all the sadness was fading away… while snow continued to fall all around them.
Finally, the kiss ended, but Naruto still had Hinata in the embrace. With a solemn look, Naruto stared directly into Hinata's eyes, "I need you with me… because I love you, Hinata. Can't you see that?"
Hinata looked right at Naruto's face, letting the words sink in. All this time, she had been trying to admit her feelings for Naruto to herself, let alone to the boy… yet she could never do it… but now, in the midst of the moment since they saw each other again, Naruto had hugged her, then kissed her, and told her he loved her… It was all too much for Hinata after everything that has happened so far. Tears started flowing out of her eyes, as she cried, but out of happiness, onto Naruto's shoulder.
All was quiet, except for Hinata's silent crying, as she cried softly on Naruto's shoulder, as they were still in the embrace as the snowflakes fell. Finally, Hinata spoke, "Naruto-kun… thank you…" the last of her tears fell, as she continued to lean against him. "I… never want to leave your side… I too want to be with you always… because more than anything… more than anyone…" she raised her head and gazed into his eyes, "I love you… Naruto." Closing her eyes, she leaned forward, warmly nuzzling her face against his own… the two of them stood there, locked in their loving embrace, as snow continued to fall…
Eventually, Naruto raised his head and spoke gently, "Let's go back, Hinata."
Hinata, for the first time after her ordeal, was now smiling brightly, no more tears stained her face. She nodded in agreement… "Yes, Naruto-kun.."
Suddenly, there was a rustling in the woods… the two turned around and saw someone emerge from the dense, snowy forests…
(Encampment 6 Remains)
"HINATA! HINATAAAA!" Kiba was shouting as he rushed around the remains of the encampment looking for her, but he couldn't find any trace of her. "Damn it!" He shouted as he ran back to his team, "Where the hell is she!?"
"I found no sign of Hinata." Shino said simply, appearing nearby Kiba.
"I don't think we will find her here." The two boys turned to see Kurenai looking off into the distance, "She's gone somewhere far away from this encampment."
"But where?" Kiba asked with a sour look. Out of consideration for his teammate's feelings, he was doing his best not to get mad at Hinata… but in all honesty he just wanted to finally get the hell out of this country. They've had nothing but hardship ever since they got here, and after last night's event, some of the worst memories of their lives could be added to that list. More than anything, they all just wanted to go home and leave this nightmare behind…
"Dammit… I still can't believe that he's… he's gone…" Kiba looked down, clenching his teeth. "I just don't know anymore… where are things going from here on? Are things ever gonna get back to normal?" Whether he realized it or not, Naruto had become her source of strength… and they had no idea whether Hinata would ever recover from this.
"Naruto…" Kurenai looked down. Throughout their stay in this country, she had seen all these sides of him she had never known before, and came to understand just why her pupil had fallen for him. Kurenai had watched the friendship developing between them with great interest, and though she never said anything, Kurenai had really started to grow fond of that boy… fond enough to grant him her approval should their friendship blossom into something more. "You meant the world to her…" She spoke quietly, so no one heard. She was extremely worried about Hinata, and not only because they were in hostile territory. To suddenly lose him had left Hinata a broken person, and there was no telling what she would do. Kurenai's greatest fear was that Hinata in her current state of mind would do something… drastic.
"There is nothing left for us to do here." Shino spoke quietly, staring off into the distance. "We would be best off finding Hinata and leaving as soon as possible… before this land becomes a war zone. We just don't have the power to stop them…" Shino turned his gaze down and clenched his teeth. There was anger in his voice when he mentioned 'them'. "When we return to Konoha… we need to warn everyone about the MaShin and the threat they pose to us all… It's the least we can do."
"We already knew of their existence and their plans, yet we still couldn't do a thing about it." Ebi spoke grimly, his back was turned on the others. "Us lacking resources and manpower is no excuse. They had even fewer people than us and worked in a completely foreign environment. Forget the village… even if we alerted the entire country and had them all backing us up, MaShin would already be one step ahead… they always are."
"How so?"
"It's likely that they already have spies in our village… and if not they can easily convert some of our own into their ranks… it wouldn't be a surprise at all. They do it all the time." said Ebi. "They could work from the inside to twist whatever information we obtain, discredit us and render our village blind to the MaShin threat." Ebi trembled in anger. More than anyone here, he understood just what that accursed empire was capable of… and how many countries had crumbled under their venomous tactics. "I… I just don't know what to do." He looked down in despair, as everyone's hearts sank. The weight they felt was tremendous, impossible to describe… "It's… it's like we can't do anything… we're powerless to stop them… it's completely hopeless-"
"IT'S NOT HOPELESS!" A loud, familiar voice shouted, cutting Ebi's words short and causing everyone to snap upwards in surprise…
"AH…!" Everyone's eyes opened wide. They all recognized that voice…! Everyone turned around to face him "NARUTO!"
"Hee-hee!" Naruto stood there with a giant grin on his face. As his side stood Hinata, clutching Naruto's left hand, the life and energy returned to her, and with a smile that could almost match Naruto's. "I'M BACK!"
"Y… you…" everyone gasped, some tears were visible in some of their eyes, and all the boys immediately ran in his direction… "YOU'RE ALL RIGHT!
"GAH!" Naruto yelped when they suddenly crowded around him.
"HA-HA-HA! YOU BASTARD! I SHOULD'VE KNOWN YOU'D BE ALIVE!" Kiba laughed out loud, slapping Naruto on the back HARD. Naruto's eyes opened wide in shock, and he clenched his teeth not to let out a scream… Kurenai watched with a smile as they celebrated, and her eyes didn't miss Hinata's hand holding Naruto's either…
"Guys! GUYS! Calm down, now's not the time for this. We have an emergency." Naruto said firmly, causing everyone to quiet down. Everyone suddenly realized that Naruto and Hinata did not come here alone. Because they were so distracted by Naruto's safe return, they hadn't even noticed the newcomers.
"Who are they?" Kiba asked, as everyone stepped back from Naruto. Both newcomers were young women, one of them dressed in traditional ninja gear, while the other was draped in an exquisite flowing Kimono…
"I… I know you!" Ebi exclaimed, looking at the one in ninja gear. He had seen her picture before, and despite the clothing, he still recognized her. "You're Princess Izumi of the Water Country's Royal Family!"
"NANI?!" everyone else exclaimed, shocked that they were faced with a princess!
"Yes, I am…" Izumi-hime nodded. On her back, she carried her injured attendant, Junko. She was still alive, but the damage done to her body could be clearly seen. Gently lowering Junko to the ground, Izumi faced the group. "Please… I know that among you, you hold the bloodline powers… I beg you…!" she fell to her knees, lowered her head and pressed her hands against the ground, "SAVE JUNKO!"
Everyone was shocked by the statement, and not knowing how to respond to the situation at hand. Naruto then spoke, "This woman got injured trying to protect the princess from one of the MaShin!" Everyone gasped at that statement, "I know you can perform some medical jutsu, Ebi. Anything you can do will help! Please, she has nowhere else to turn to!"
"Indeed, now I see why you came here." Ebi approached the Princess and her wounded protector. "Standard hospitals can't treat wounds like these, the Hidden Mist village is too far, and the MaShin may find her if she remains in the city."
"Everything you say is correct. Also we cannot risk remaining in that city, with those assassins prowling about." Izumi said regretfully. "But Junko is not only my bodyguard, but my friend. The only people I can turn to now… are you who carry advanced bloodlines and foreign ninja who may be versed in the healing arts."
"Everyone with a healing power has already left, and I wouldn't call myself well versed, but we'll do all we can." Ebi turned to the others. "Let's get her inside…"
After they moved Junko's body towards the last standing house, and Ebi and Hinata stepped inside and got to work, Naruto turned to the others. He had noticed the villages were entirely deserted, save for their group. "Tell me what's going on."
Time passed as everyone gathered to explain what had happened while he was away. By now, Junko's condition had improved to the point where she would not die. There was nothing more they could do for her other than to let her rest… at least it was safe here in this deserted camp. Naruto listened carefully to every detail, how the people rallied up and left to wage war on the city, and he showed signs of anger as they described how those people treated Mizurei as he tried to convince them to stop.
To Izumi, they had explained in detail everything they knew about MaShin, from the sensors they brought to the scheme they had hatched. Shocked at this revelation, she too had information to share, and described how the exact same situation in the camp earlier on, also took place within the Mist Capital…
"So this… MaShin Empire… is responsible for this conflict?" Izumi-hime spoke, as if everything that had happened of late finally made sense.
"This is unbelievable…!" Naruto growled, after hearing about the bloodline forces marching off towards the city. Everything they tried to prevent was all coming to pass!
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata said softly, watching him tremble in frustration. Suddenly, Naruto got up and turned around, walking away from the group…
"Hey! Where are you going?" they called out as Naruto walked towards the gates… Naruto stopped walking.
"Isn't it obvious?" Naruto spoke. He then turned his head to face the group. "I'm going to the Mist Capital to stop this war."
"WHAT?!" Everyone exclaimed something along those lines.
"By now the bloodline forces have reached the city! The fighting has already begun!" shouted Ebi
"You are out of your mind! You can't stop them, it's completely impossible!" Kurenai exclaimed. The others were also throwing these sorts of comments, while the princess stared in shock and Hinata remained silent.
"You think it's impossible…?" Naruto spoke softly. "You don't have to tell me. I already know. But… gotta try, right?" he grinned. "I've sworn to fight to save this country… and I won't back down from those words. That is my way of the ninja." Everyone stared at him, too stunned to speak… but even more surprisingly, Hinata stepped forwards
"Hinata…?" The others gasped when Hinata stood next to Naruto.
"I too have made an oath, Naruto-kun." Hinata spoke firmly. The others noticed something strange about the way she spoke. She did not stutter or act nervous in any way. "I will stand by you all the way."
"I understand now." Ebi nodded, also stepping up and walking in their direction, "Countless lives are at stake here, and we are the only ones who can do anything about it. This doesn't affect only the Mist… but the entire world." He smiled at Naruto and Hinata, "If you will have me, I will be honoured to fight alongside you."
"Then I too shall join." Princess Izumi stepped forward. "If we are able to reach my father in time, I can make them stop before more blood is spilled."
"Oi-oi! Don't think I'm just gonna sit around here while you and a bunch of OC's save the day and take all the credit! I'm fighting too, whether you like it or not!" Kiba and Akamaru ran to join them. He smirked, then turned his head… "GAH!" He yelped, seeing Shino was already standing among them. "Dammit Shino! If you're gonna tag along with us, then at least say something dramatic!"
"Something dramatic." Shino replied flatly.
"NOW YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO PISS ME OFF!"
"To think we came here for a C-rank mission…" Kurenai sighed. Forget A-Rank… most S-rank missions didn't compare to what they were facing right now. "For things to escalate this much… now I know how Kakashi feels." She joined the group.
"Kurenai-sensei! You will join us too?" Hinata's eyes brightened
"Do I even need to say it?" Kurenai smiled at her student. Then turning to Naruto, she spoke quietly to him… "I was right to trust you with her…" she smiled warmly at Naruto. Naruto nodded, and smiled back at her, while the others wondered what they meant…
"You realize what you're going up against…" Everyone turned around as they heard another voice. Sitting on the ground, staring at the city, it was Mizurei. "What makes you think the MaShin will just stand back and let you stop this war? And even if the people know they're being manipulated… what makes you think they'll want to stop?"
Naruto stared in silence as Mizurei turned to look at him.
"You… you're crazy. That's it. That's all I can say… thinking you even have a chance." Mizurei pointed at Naruto. "And the rest of you… you're all crazy for following him!" He shouted angrily. "Every single one of you! You're absolutely crazy if you think you can accomplish anything!" said Mizurei. He then let out a sigh, and rose to his feet…
"Mizurei, you…" Naruto's eyes brightened as the ex-leader of the bloodlines approached…
"Then again… I'm crazy too." Grabbing the heavy spear in one hand and resting it over his shoulder, Mizurei approached the group. "I'm in."
"Glad to have you with us!" Naruto smirked. "Hmm? Ebi? What are you doing?" He noticed the scholarly ninja unravel a long scroll on the ground…
"Scroll summoning… ARMOURY!" Ebi shouted. In a burst of smoke, a large table of equipment appeared, all laid out neatly in front of them.
There were weapons ranging from blades, bludgeoning and polearms of all shapes and sizes to explosives like mines and bombs, along with a wide selection of body armour and protective gear. There were even some black powder firearms and other exotic weaponry that Naruto didn't even recognize.
"Take everything you need, but I advise you not to overload. We need to weigh ourselves as little as possible." Ebi dropped all the smaller weapons and scrolls concealed within his clothing and replaced them with equipment suitable for war, as well as just enough armour to protect himself without compromising his movement.
Naruto immediately started searching through the equipment, checking for what he liked. Though tempted to grab many of the large, oversized swords that he knew would make him look utterly bad-ass, he knew they would ultimately hinder him. Naruto relented by going for the basic shuriken and kunai; the tools he was most familiar with. Over his jacket he strapped a layer of armour to protect his torso, as well as some steel guards over his shins and forearms. Hinata and the other members of Team 8 had chosen mostly the same, while Kurenai had opted for a protective, shinobi wartime vest.
The only significantly different loadouts were Mizurei and Princess Izumi. In place of his lost spear, Mizurei had selected a new cross-bladed jumonji of similar length and weight to his original weapon while donning thicker plate armour more suitable for a warrior. As the Princess's survival was tantamount, she donned a set of O-yoroi armour and carried a single tanto. Though the armour was cumbersome and she was only minimally armed, it afforded Izumi-hime the maximum protection.
"Shino… are you seriously gonna wear that?" While strapping a protective vest onto Akamaru, Kiba grimaced at the headgear Shino had selected… fashioned with a pair of antlers sculpted to resemble a stag beetle. "Can't you choose something cooler?!"
"Already have." Shino straightened his sunglasses, letting them glint in the light. Kiba continued to complain, but Shino wasn't budging on the matter.
"Everybody ready?" Naruto tightened his headband and looked around.
"We are… Naruto-kun!" Hinata answered with a determined nod.
"Alright…!" Naruto smiled as everyone stood fully geared and ready to move. Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath… "LET'S GO!" He shouted, as they all bolted off, in the direction of the Mist Capital…
The worst has come. Yashiro's schemes have come into fruition and both sides have begun their clash. Though Naruto and his friends are reunited and are now rushing towards the battlefield that is the Mist Capital, is there still hope? Could they stop the warriors of MaShin who continue to push the two sides against one another? Could they really stop this war fuelled by generations of hatred?
(To Be Continued)