You guys are amazing. Chapters 3 and 4 have been remastered.
I have written a oneshot called "Be Brave" that is set in the HotE universe nine years before chapter 1. It should hopefully answer a few questions you guys have been having about why certain people act and feel the way they do in the Leaf Village.
Without any more delay, here is the next chapter. Chapter 52: The Spark
"Why the fuck are we still waiting?" Hidan's voice echoed in the chamber the Akatsuki members were meeting in, despite only being shown as a hologram. "Itachi and Kisame don't want to show up, then I say we fuckin' start without 'em."
"We can't start the meeting without them." Pain reiterated, having made the same statement several minutes prior. "Itachi's, Kisame's, and Tobi's mission was the most critical, and thus we will wait for them."
"This is some bullshit." Hiden crossed his arms, "Havin' to fuckin' wait for the pretty boy and the fish man." The white haired man carefully avoided mentioning Tobi. There was something...not right with him. While Hidan didn't fear the masked man, he did his absolute best to avoid him at all times. Of course...the fact that Tobi could make himself unable to be touched -thus rendering Hiden's powers useless - had nothing to do with it…
"Hello everyone." Tobi appeared abruptly, "Tobi has arrived." The orange masked ninja raised his hands above his head and then waved them outwards. "Annnddd….Itachi-senpai and Kisame-senpai will be here in a moment. Tobi was a good boy."
"Was the mission successful?" Pain was in no mood to indulge Tobi's antics. "Was the Three Tails successfully captured?"
"Yep." Tobi bobbed his head, "We captured it. Itachi-senpai noticed me." An unseen smirk flashed, hidden behind the mask. "We even fought the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki." Tobi nodded solemnly. "He's really strong."
"Tell me everything."
"...and then Naruto passed out for some reason and Tobi was able to move the Three Tails to his own special dimension." Tobi nodded as he completed the story, "Tobi did good." He blinked and turned to Itachi who had joined the group while Tobi was recounting their adventures. "Did Tobi do good, Senpai?"
"Would you like my assessment of Naruto Uzumaki's skill level, Pain-Sama?" Itachi seemed to not have noticed Tobi.
"Yes."
"Naruto Uzumaki is not aware of his own skill." Itachi's voice gave no hints to his true feelings, "While I am faster than he is, he is considerably faster than when I fought him last. But…" The Uchiha shook his head, "When I fought him, he was holding back, not wanting to hurt those close to him. Did Tobi tell you that the Uzumaki fought and subdued the three-tails by force by himself?"
"Yes." Pain nodded, "But he didn't have any specifics on the fight. Did you see it?"
"Yes." Itachi confirmed, "And I can safely say that without any sort of special defenses, Naruto Uzumaki would defeat even an S-Rank ninja." The room was quiet as they processed his words. "However, I must stress that is only if he stops holding himself back. However, given that he is normally in the company of Hinata Hyuga, Sakura Haruno, and Haku of the Yuki Clan, he is not unprotected. While they are not a match for an S-Rank ninja, they are strong enough that they can't be ignored without risking injury or death. I believe that it would require more than just two members to win against him, either when he is with his team or by himself."
"Don't worry about the Nine-Tails." Pain ordered, "When the time comes, I will subdue him myself along with the seven-tails. Kakuzu," The lead of the Akatsuki turned to the scarred man, "Do you have anything to report?"
"We encountered an Uzumaki who claims to have knowledge of our plans named Uragiru Uzumaki. He also seems to be extremely interested in Naruto Uzumaki." He crossed his arms, "He told us that he was not going to stop us, but he would kill us if we attempted to attack him." Kakuzu frowned behind his half-mask. "Oddly however, he is not in any villages' bingo book, nor does he have any bounties." He grunted in annoyance. "I will have to check the bounty boards again."
"We can't risk that knowledge getting out to the villages." Pain turned to Deidara and Sasori. "I am assigning you two to find and eliminate this Uzumaki. Deidara's flight and your puppets should make it easy to track him down. Speak with Kakuzu and Hidan to find out his last known location." Turning to the rest of the group, the leader dismissed them. "I will be unable to be reached for several days. I have to use the artifact seal the Three Tails, and will be unable to do anything else during that time."
He hesitated, unsure of what to do. Normally he would have Konan act as his second, but with how she had been acting lately…"Please direct any questions to either Zetsu or Tobi while I am indisposed." Next to him, Konan flinched in shock. "That is all. Dismissed." The holograms faded one by one, leaving Konan alone in the cold, stone chamber.
"Nagato, why don't you trust me?"
Chie-Senso was practically glowing with light and sound. The entire city was celebrating. Their High Priestess had won. Not simply sealed Moryo away, no...she had won. The marble pillars were draped in a wide variety of cheerful colors, and banners crowded the sky.
All businesses were closed, and any free food or drink was freely shared. Those talented in music played their hearts out, and from every street corner, singers waved their songs. Seemingly endless wine casks were opened, and the streets filled with dancing and laughter. Priests and shrine maidens blessed all who came near, and instead of the usual blessing of protection blessing, it was blessings of prosperity, joy, and happiness.
For the Konoha group, it something they had never experienced before. The Leaf, being shinobi village, had never celebrated to such a level. Even Honoka never remembered such an occasion like this one in Uzu. For Naruto, who had spent a significant portion of his life avoiding any celebrations out of fear, it was amazing.
He had tasted more food than he could count, laughed along with the crowd, and awed several small groups with stories of Team Eight. This, he decided, was what is what the world should look like. Everyone celebrating, everyone happy, and no one was sad or in pain. It probably would never happen, but now...after seeing all of this joy, Naruto couldn't help but want to see more of it elsewhere.
After a few hours of enjoying the festival with Sakura, Hinata, Haku, and Honoka, the four had been approached by several of the young women who Naruto had spotted dancing previously. Honoka had declined, stating that she would rather study the ancient books for seals that would help them in the future. Naruto had agreed, suspecting that the dancing crowds had brought feelings of homesickness; feelings for a home that no longer existed. She had departed, and the blond Uzumaki was instructed to wait outside of a clothing shop, Sakura had sternly ordered him not to move.
That had been thirty minutes ago. He had first amused himself by watching the crowd, but soon grew bored of simply watching. The Uzumaki had then made a mental checklist of all of the foods and drinks he needed to purchase and seal. It would be great all of his friends back at Konoha could try these exotic foods. Then… He couldn't fight the question that had been scratching at the back of his mind for the last several days any longer. It was easy to ignore when there was a fight or planning, but when there was nothing to do; nothing to distract himself with...it crept back.
"How did I create the seal to keep Moryo chained to the earth in a single night?"
Seal creation wasn't easy. Most new seal arrays were built on the understanding of the previous. It was rare that a new array was created, one never thought of before, much less one constructed in a single night. And to think that it functioned perfectly...it was almost unthinkable. Still...that wasn't truly what bothered Naruto. No, what bothered him was that the seal array, which did not exist before that night, melded perfectly with the seal array Shion had created with her bloodline.
"Why did they mix? How was it possible given that I had never seen that seal array before?"
The sound of the doorbell jingling as it opened broke the Uzumaki from his thoughts. Turning, he froze, staring at the goddesses in front of him. Each was dressed in the flowing white dress of the native style, but that was where the similarities ended.
A light pink flower held Sakura's bangs back, her pink hair standing out in sharp contrast to the white dress. It was fitted, hinting at her athletic form without restraining movement. Her slim, toned arms were bare, with only a blue and white golden band around her wrist. A hesitant smile spread across her lips as she took in Naruto's wide-eyed stare.
Hinata's dress was tighter, highlighting her curvaceous form without compromising her grace. A gold bracelet with bands of pink and white rested on her left wrist was the only jewelry adorning her bare arms. The simple brown sandals completed the look. Spotting the blond's open mouthed stare, the Hyuga flushed and glanced down. Her hair dropped in front of her eyes. Brushing it back behind her ear, she glanced up at Naruto once again, confirming that she hadn't been dreaming. The idea that she, Sakura, and Haku could take his breath away…
Haku's dress was loose, flowing about her like a tumbling waterfall. Unlike the others, her outfit included partially detached sleeves that beveled at the ends. The shining band around her wrist was wrapped in blue and pink. Two intricate flowers made of translucent ice held her black hair back, and for the first time since the fight with Moryo, she didn't try to hide the pure white strand of hair that had stubbornly stayed since Shion had temporarily granted them power. Naruto had noticed the coloration, but given how she had tried to hide it, he hadn't spoken up. The lightest blush dusted her pale cheeks as she noticed her love's gaze.
"You all….uhhh...you look…" Naruto desperately tried to engage his brain, but they looked so pretty, so perfect, so strong, he wasn't sure any words would even come close to describing them. "...you look...beautiful…"
It was, perhaps, the best thing he could say.
There was a strange sort of paradox when watching someone you love dance and laugh with those they cared about when one of those people wasn't yourself. To see them happy was one of the most beautiful sights, but...it wasn't her that he looked to.
Shion sighed, turning away from the balcony that overlooked the plaza where Naruto was dancing. Perhaps it was better this way. Naruto Uzumaki was equally at home with on the battlefield as well as spending time with those he cared about. A hero like him deserved someone who could stand beside him, not only at home, but on the battlefield as well. "And I…" Shion glanced down at her uncalloused hands, "I am not someone like that. I do not know war."
Part of her wanted to go with him when he left. What reason was there for a High Priestess if Moryo was dead? They didn't need her. What was her purpose in life now that she had survived and the demon had not? Did the people below even care about her anymore now that her purpose as a High Priestess was fulfilled?
"What would Naruto do if he was in my shoes?" The small, quiet thought halted the downward spiral of emotions. "What would he do with my gifts, my bloodline?" Shion's brow furrowed. "Naruto tries to protect others with all of his strength. He is always defiant of fate, never letting it stop him." She blinked. "Is it that simple?" It seemed too simple, far too simple of a solution. "If I use my abilities to protect like Naruto would, is that all that is needed?"
The question resonated deep within her. Yes, it was more of an inner feeling than a whisper, but yet...it felt right. Turning back to the balcony with new resolve burning within her, Shion searched for the Konoha group. Surprisingly they were making their way off to the side and Naruto was heading away from the crowd, seemingly intent on distancing himself from them. What had happened?
"I wonder why Naruto said he wanted to be alone." Sakura twisted ever so slightly to right to better gauge Hinata's thoughts, "Any idea Hinata-chan?"
"Perhaps it was too many people?" Hinata frowned, "Or at least I hope it was that." The blue-haired young woman sighed at Sakura's inquisitive look. "Did you see all of the parents there with their children? Naruto-kun must have seen them."
"Damn." Pausing for a moment, Sakura shook her head and turned back to the building in front of them. "No. Haku-chan will find Naruto-kun and help him. We have to talk to Shion." The pair entered the large building. As they moved up the stairs towards the fourth floor, the kunoichi part of them couldn't help but notice the lack of guards or attendants. If someone - however unlikely it would be - now would be the perfect time to do so. Shaking her head to banish the thoughts, Sakura focused on why they were seeking out Shion.
It was a two-fold objective. First: Political Stability. Shion owed them her life. Those in power may not know the exact specifics of what happened, but Shion was living proof that Team Eight of Konoha had assisted in taking down Moryo and freeing the land from fear. With the trouble brewing back in Konoha, gathering as many political allies as possible was paramount.
The second was less professional. As they had neared the capital, Shion had grown more and more withdrawn. Naruto could pull her out of the slump, but soon after he stopped talking with her, she would shrink back inside herself yet again. Her behavior was similar - to a certain extent - to an ex-shinobi who'd sustained a career-ending injury. They often could not fathom a path or vocation outside of the shinobi way, and sometimes even fell into depression. Over the course of the time traveling back to Chie-Senso, Shion had become something close to a friend, and none of them wished for her to feel useless.
Arriving at the fourth floor, Hinata and Sakura proceeded through the grand hall towards the balcony where they had last spotted Shion from the plaza. Pushing open the lacquered wooden doors, they spotted the blonde young woman standing near the balcony railing. Pink eyes widened as she spun to face the door.
"Don't be alarmed." Hinata stepped forward, a gentle smile placing Shion at ease, "We are here to just to talk." Moving forward to stand in front of Shion, the Hyuga briefly bowed her head, Sakura mimicking a moment later. Straightening, Hinata started with the basics. "How are you doing?"
"I am alright." Shion smiled, warmed by the thought that they cared enough to see her. "I have decided to continue using my gift to help others." Turning away so they couldn't see the faint flush dusting her cheeks, she continued, "Naruto-san is the one who convinced me to continue. I thought of him, and asked myself what he would do with what I have been given." She paused, her expression growing wistful. "I think I love Naruto." The words hung in the air.
Sakura frowned, but didn't speak, Mei's advice echoing in her mind. Outwardly, Hinata didn't react. Inwardly however, she couldn't help but wonder if she would have to keep a close eye on Shion whenever she was alone with Naruto.
"But don't worry." Shion turned to face the two, "I am not going to make a move or to speak to him on it." A small, sad smile touched her lips. "I don't love him like he should be loved. I love him in spite of the darkness inside him. You three…" Pink eyes locked with green and lavender, "Love all of him, including the darkness."
"So I charge you this: Love him." The High Priestess' hair began to blow ever so slightly in the non-existent wind, "Love him without reservation; without hesitation; without fear." Glowing pink emanated from her eyes, "Because Naruto Uzumaki is destined for greatness." Shion's voice took on an almost ethereal quality, timeless power echoing in her words' wake.
"He will shake nations, and influence the hearts of men. He can inspire countless people, and leads by example. But…" Shifting white light edged at her robes, "What he does with that power depends on his heart. Naruto is strong, so strong, but his heart is unguarded. It is up to you, each of you, to guard his heart, to keep him on the straight path that will lead this world to a better world. If he walks in the light, he will lead this world to a new dawn of strength, protection, and life."
"However," The light fluctuated, a pulsing light heartbeat, "If that sleeping darkness awakes, festers, and grows, he will take a different path. The armies he inspires will follow him on a path of ruin, leaving only destruction and fire in its wake. The world will burn, forced to suffer for the sins of those who took away his heart."
"Because the truth is this: Naruto is the Herald of the End. He will lead this land to either salvation or destruction. No matter he chooses, he will change this world. His heart will determine the fate of many. So I charge you, Sakura Haruno and Hinata Hyuga," Shion's eyes shone like stars, "Guard his heart. Pass this message along to Haku Yuki. Only the three of you can prevent the storm. When each of you stand together and become an unassailable fortress that guides and protects, you will rise." Wings of light flickered. "Rise and become something greater than yourselves. Rise and become who you were born to be."
The light dimmed, and within a few moments, it was merely Shion who stood before them once more.
"We will." Sakura wasn't sure what exactly happened to Shion, but somehow she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the words the High Priestess had spoken were true. "We will keep Naruto-kun safe, just like he will keep us safe."
"We swear it." Hinata nodded, "I will tell Haku-chan, and we will work together, all three of us, to keep Naruto-kun whole."
The balcony was quiet in the wake of their declarations. Eventually, Hinata spoke up again. "Shion-san, would you like to come down to the celebration with us? I know you think that they will forget about you since the High Priestess is no longer needed, but that simply isn't true. The people haven't forgotten you, and would love to celebrate this victory with you."
"Are-Are you sure?" Shion's hands crinkled her robe, "Do really think that they feel that way?"
"Of course." Sakura pushed the heavy words that had been spoken just a few moments prior to the back of her mind to think on later, "Heck, I'm sure that they'll even give you a goblet of wine if you ask."
Shion, Hinata, and Sakura eventually made it down to the bottom level. With one final deep breath, Shion stepped out into the plaza. The crowd's reaction was almost instantaneous. Those nearest to her pressed close, offering food, congratulations, or words of thanks. Those farther away spread the word that their precious High Priestess was now celebrating with them. For Shion, it was surprisingly easy to push off the surge of chakra that precluded her bloodline activating. It was there, in the laughter, joy, and dancing, that the High Priestess learned to control her gift. And for the first time since her mother died, Shion smiled, unreservedly and her heart full of happiness.
It wasn't hard to find Naruto. The blond Uzumaki had stuck out among the populous, and it was easy for Haku to inquire to his whereabouts. Approaching the empty back alley section, Haku couldn't help but notice that all of the citizens were avoiding the small area between buildings. It didn't seem to be a conscious thing, but they all moved around the area, seemingly without being truly aware that they were doing so.
Stepping out of the alley and into the small area, fought the urge to shiver. It was an odd sensation, given that her bloodline granted her near immunity to colder temperatures, but she still felt cold. The cold settled deep into her bones, weariness edging at her mind. Shaking her head, the ice user refocused on Naruto.
The blond Uzumaki was sitting on a barrel, holding a mask. Within a moment, Haku recognized the mask. It was the Shinigami Mask. The horned mask, despite being just a mask, had a presence that she couldn't deny. Unlike herself, it didn't seem that Naruto noticed the chill emanating from the mask.
"I researched the mask." Naruto's voice was quiet, "Some of the texts say that it is rumored that it grants anyone who wears it power over life and death." He glanced over at her. "Most of the texts give half-realized ideas, or theories that the dead could be brought back. When I read about first read that," The blond shrugged. "...I almost laughed. The idea that you could bring back the dead…But…"
His bitter laugh was almost painful for Haku to hear, "...Seeing all of those children with their parents, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like." Blue eyes returned to gaze at the mask, searching its porcelain depths for answers. "But would it be right for me to bring them back when so many others have also lost their parents?" His expression twisted, an unhappy frown creasing his lips. "Then there is also the line in the book that says that if you do bring them back, you tear them from the afterlife."
"Could I take them away from that? Away from heaven?"
Carefully sitting down next to him, Haku ignored the cold and leaned close to Naruto. "Is there a cost?" For something powerful like that, there always must be a cost.
"Yeah." Naruto nodded, "All of the books agree on that at least. They say that it's a life for a life. Some of them say that it will also kill the person who wears the mask." He heaved a sigh. "Dad and Mom could have stopped Moryo without all of those soldiers dying. Heck, I'm sure Dad could have figured out an array that could have stopped Moryo without anyone having to die. And Mom...she could have taken Moryo out all by herself."
"Stop." The quiver in Haku's voice brought Naruto's thoughts to a screeching halt. "Just...stop." Tears glistened as they rolled down her cheeks. "I love you, more than anything. More than even life itself. So please...please, don't imply that you are worth nothing. You…" Teary brown eyes met guilty blue, "Are worth it." Wiping the tears away from eyes and cheeks, the ice user bowed her head, forming her thoughts.
"You are not allowed to use that mask." There was a quiet fierceness to her tone, "I forbid it. If there is even a one percent chance that you will die, then you cannot use it. You mean too much to us to lose." Haku took a deep breath and looked back up. "Naruto-Sama, I know you don't understand why we love you, but still you trust us when we say that we do. You push us to become the best person that we could be, to become greater than ourselves. You believe in us, no matter what. You value us, as both kunoichi and as women. And most of all, you ask nothing in return. How could we not fall in love with you?"
"Haku-chan...I…" She had never looked more beautiful than in that moment. She was fierce, like a lioness. But there was a touch of vulnerability too, shining like brushed glass. "I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry I don't know how to love you, Sakura-chan, or Hinata-chan. I'm sorry I can't care for you like you deserve." Naruto turned away. "I'm so sorry."
"It's alright Naruto-sama." Haku reached out and gently turned his face towards hers, "We understand. We don't ask that you force yourself to feel something that you don't feel. But please…" Her breath was cool on his lips as she leaned closer, "...Please don't put yourself down."
Naruto swallowed, his eyes drawn to the pinkness of her lips that stood out in contrast to her pale skin. An exorable pull tugged at him, drawing him closer to her. His eyes drifted.
The warm breath of her love warmed her lips, sending tingles of heat racing across her mind. Her eyes fluttered close as she leaned towards him.
"Naruto-sama…"
"Hello." The sudden, childish voice broke the pair out of their stupor. Their eyes shot open and met. Flushing, they glanced away from each other. Turning, they couldn't help but blink at the little girl waving at them from a scant few feet away. "Hi there."
Trotting forward, she held out two crowns made of olive leaves. "Here you go."
Confused, Naruto automatically reached out and accepted the gifts. Handing Haku hers, he hopped off the barrel and knelt down on one knee next to the girl. "Thank-you." He patted her head, prompting the girl to giggle. "We'll definitely wear them. Do you know where your parents are?"
"I think so." She nodded, "Mommy and Daddy were talking to other parents, but…" She puffed her cheeks out. "It was so boring."
"Yeah," Naruto grinned, the smile boyish and carefree, "Adults talk about boring stuff." Standing, he held out his hand. "But your parents are probably worried. Let's go find them, huh? And while we are finding them, would you like to tell me what happened after you wondered away from your parents? I bet it's an interesting story. "
"Okay." She reached out and snagged his hand without hesitation. "Mommy and Daddy are this way."
"Look at what Sakura-chan sent." Kizashi waved the folded letter in Mebuki's direction as he entered the kitchen, "It got delivered by one of those Ninja Toads."
"Okay." Mebuki glanced up at the clock mentally calculating how long it would be until Fu arrived. The mint haired young woman was coming over to help bake cookies - a significant portion that she would then consume on the spot - and the rest would be donated to one of the orphanages in the village. "We have time." Tugging the apron over her head, she quickly washed her hands and made her way to the living room with Kizashi. Plopping down on the loveseat next to her husband, she snagged the letter and began to read out loud.
Hello Mom and Dad,
I apologize for not writing sooner. I hope you didn't worry. We took a freelance mission to help aid us in recovering an item important to Naruto-kun. While I can't write about any specifics (I'll tell you all about it when we get back), I can say that we accomplished our mission with overwhelming success. So great in fact, that the entire city threw a party to celebrate!
You would not believe the sights of the city. There is dancing, music, and colors everywhere. I must have sampled two or three dozen dishes I've never had before. Haku-chan says to tell you that she got tons of new recipes and we'll invite you guys over once she has made them a few times.
Hinata is writing a letter to her father right now, but she says "Hello" and is going to see if we can plan a dinner with you guys, us, her father, and her sister. Would that be alright with you two?
Naruto-kun is talking with Honoka-chan right now about the item I mentioned earlier. It's a very unique item, but we are going to make sure that he doesn't hurt himself with it, given that it is supposedly very powerful.
We are going to be leaving tomorrow morning (its early afternoon here) to head back. It should take us about a month or so to get back, and when we do, there are so many stories to tell. You wouldn't believe how we found and rescued Honoka-chan.
There is some sort of meeting we have to go to with the leaders of the city, so I have to wrap this up. We are all unhurt and I'll see you soon.
Love,
Sakura
"I wonder what sort of item Naruto-kun wanted to retrieve?" Mebuki mused, "It's obviously an Uzumaki item, but I don't remember them ever being near Kiri or the Land of Demons."
"Perhaps it's some kind of seal book?" Kizashi suggested, "We know that the Uzumaki Clan used tons of different seals. Maybe it's…" He tapped his chin in thought, "A cookbook?"
"Right." Mebuki raised her eyebrow, "That's about as likely as a-"
BANG
The front door slammed open. Two masked figure strolled into the house and down the hall. Rounding the corner, the lead attacker hurled three kunai at the coach. Kizashi lunged to the side and tackled Mebuki to the floor. Dull pain burrowed up Kizashi's knee as it struck the floor. The assassin stepped in the room and pulled three more kunai from the pouch on his leg.
Scrambling to the side, Kizashi upended the small table in the center of the living room just in time block the kunai casually thrown at himself and Mebuki. "Mebuki! Get ready to run!" Fear and adrenaline pounded in his veins, and time seemed to slow down. Distantly noting Mebuki's scream, Kizashi grabbed the table and hurled it at the ninja. The assassin stepped out of the way, and the path was clear. "Go!"
Mebuki sprinted for the kitchen, only to skid to a stop as she spotted a third man standing in the doorway to the back door. "Kizashi!" It was more of a scream than a shout, "There's someone here too!"
"Go upstairs!" Kizashi charged past her, "Try to get out the window. Don't look back." Mebuki sprinted off towards the stairs. Desperately trying to remember combat lessons he hadn't needed to use since he quit the ninja academy, he brought up his hands and prepared to fight.
The man strolled closer. "I'll attack him when he gets within ten feet. I'll charge him and take him surprise." The man was now twenty feet away. "A right hook followed by an uppercut. That should knock him down." Fifteen feet. "Then I'll run and help Mebuki get away." Ten feet.
Kizashi charged. His fist swung towards the attacker's unprotected jaw. Something crunched as the man blocked Kizashi's right hook and replied with one of his own. Staggering back from the force, Kizashi choked in pain as a kick slammed into his side, fracturing his ribs and hurling him off his feet. Dropping to one knee, fought for breath. His attacker waited. "Kami, please protect my wife."
"Oh Kami." Mebuki took the stairs as fast as she could, "Please protect my husband." She wanted to help, but she had never been trained in combat and would just get in the way. If she escaped, she could get help. Pain seared through her lower right calf as she cleared the final step, and her leg buckled. Tumbling to the ground, the orange haired woman instinctively looked towards the pain. A kunai jutted out of her leg.
Panic threatened. "Don't panic. Don't panic." Half sobbing, half gasping, she reached for the knife. New agony spiked through the wound when she touched the handle. Desperately assessing the wound, she tried to weigh if it would be better to remove the weapon or to leave it in and risk further injury as she ran. The sound of boots on the stairs made her decision for her.
Grasping it, she pulled. A scream echoed through the house.
The sound of Mebuki's pain-filled scream reinvigorated Kizashi. Grabbing the counter edge, he pulled himself to his feet. She needed him. His hand brushed something heavy and square. Snapping over to look, hope filled him. It was wooden block that held the kitchen knives. Tearing one free, he lunged at his masked attacker. "Die you son of a bitch!" Each swipe missed.
The attacker's hand snapped out and twisted. With a snap, Kizashi's arm broke. The kitchen knife flashed four times.
Pain, slivers of pain, radiated from his stomach as Kizashi staggered back once again. Tilting his head downwards, he watched four red lines bloom on his shirt. Within moments, his shirt was soaked with blood. His legs gave out. As he fell forward, the edge of the counter filled his vision before there was a sharp spike of pain and then painless blackness enveloped him.
Standing up was the hardest thing she had ever done. Pushing herself up, she took a step forward. Raw, unrelenting agony seared through her leg and she collapsed once more. "I will not die. I refuse." Reaching out, Mebuki dragged herself forward. Tears leaked out as she suppressed the pain, each inch bringing a new wave of tearing pain. Only seventy feet to the window. Focusing, she blocked out anything else. "I will not die."
Dimly, she noted that someone was walking beside her, their steps slow and measured. Sixty-five feet.
Her head began to swim, and her thoughts woolen. Sixty feet.
Her leg had gone mercifully numb. Fifty-five feet.
Fifty feet.
The welcoming light from the window was blocked off. Stopping, Mebuki craned her head up...up...up...and stared at her assassin as he loomed down at her. Opening her mouth to speak, to ask why, she received a boot to the face. Blood splattered as her nose broke. Crying out in pain, Mebuki slumped to the side, her dizzy instincts urging her to get away.
"Please...save...my...husband..."
Fu hummed happily to herself as she skipped up the path towards the Haruno's back door. "Cookies. Cookies." The thought of the warm, gooey chocolatey pieces of heaven brought a smile to her face and a song to her lips. "Cookies. Cooki-" There was a sound of a thud inside the kitchen.
Tilting her head, she trotted to the door and peered in. She froze. Kizashi was slumped against the wall, a growing crimson pool surrounding him. There was a strange masked man holding a bloody serrated kitchen knife. "Wha-" The man took a step towards Kizashi, and Fu stopped thinking.
Chakra surged through her, and the man began to turn. He never made it. A water bullet spun him away from his victim, and another one dropped him to the ground, unconscious. Fu was at Kizashi's side before the assassin hit the ground. Reaching for Kizashi's neck, she felt for a pulse.
A faint, but steady heartbeat thudded against her fingers. Fu leapt to her feet as she formed a shadow clone to take Kizashi to the hospital. A water sword formed when the sound of footsteps charging in her direction registered. Another masked man rounded the corner, and Fu swung.
His sword blocked her blade. Snarling, he shoved against the blade, pushing the smaller young woman back. The kunoichi planted her feet, unwilling to leave Kizashi's side. A faint, agony filled cry sounded out from somewhere upstairs. Fu snarled.
Two brilliant wing-like tails of chakra exploded from her back. She pushed.
The windows in the house blew outwards. The walls trembled. The assassin rocketed backwards, slamming into the wall with a meaty crack, blood spider webbing outward. Blurring towards the stairs, the Jinchuriki didn't pause when she reached them, hurling herself halfway up them and clearing them with the second leap. Instantly spotting a third attacker his leg drawn halfway back to kick a fallen Mebuki again, Fu charged.
Her fist slammed into his side, snapping bone and hurling him through the window at the end of the hall to splatter against wall of the next house over. Dropping to her knees, Fu gathered up Mebuki and checked her pulse, praying that she wasn't too late. There was a pulse.
Part of the second story blasted away as Fu and her green-shrouded clone hurled themselves through it and then up onto the roof of the nearest building. The Jinchuruki was nothing but a blur as she sprinted towards the hospital, her precious cargo clutched carefully to her body.
"I won't let you die!"
So what did you think? Drop a review and let me know.
To my reviewer's direct questions:
Phantomsoul2015: While I would love to say that it is every two weeks (and I do try to meet that), life has a way of getting in the way. I try my absolute best to release at least one chapter per month, and hopefully I'll be able to go back to every two weeks at some point soon.
Animaman: While I don't want to spoil anything in this story arc, I will spoil that I do have plans with Shizuka. However, those plans don't directly involve Naruto.
Dragon Man 180: There is no need with Moryo gone. Shion recognizes that while she might like/love Naruto, she isn't a good fit for him, and so she isn't going to say anything.
Starfire99: Naruto (in Chapter 49) wanted to let others make their own decisions. It was a lesson he had to learn, that while he can respect another person's decision to fight, it doesn't mean that he should not interfere. He figures this out in Chapter 50. If I didn't explain this well (and I fear that I may not have), feel free to PM me and I'll explain in more detail.
Starfire99: Good catch. I have updated chapter 48 to have Shion washing her face, rather than reapplying make-up. Again, good catch.
JyuneFuma: Way back when I was writing the Wave Arc, I asked my readers if they wanted Haku to be male or female. They chose female.
Nin-Guest: That's pretty much my thoughts on AC myself. I'm maintaining cautious optimism for Origins, given that they are going in a new direction (and thus hopefully the storyline will be getting a revamp as well). As for your thoughts on "Power", both of the points you brought up are underlying themes in this story. Naruto uses his power to protect, but not always in a "heroic" manner. The world is full of grey, and it's up to the characters to decide on what lines they will or will not cross. "Be Brave" was hard to write to be honest. It was my first foray into a story like that, but at the same time, I needed to hopefully show readers that, while they are still wrong, the villagers have a reason why they hate Naruto. While I don't want to spoil anything, Kane will be featured in the Civil War arc. As for your last point, definitely. The Civil War is going to get dark, I won't lie. But please keep in mind that even as the night grows dark, it means that dawn is even closer. Please keep in mind that one of the central themes of HotE is "Earn Your Happy Ending", and Naruto just might do just that.