A/N: I always sought to bring a more militaristic perception to the Naruto world as they have world wars and stuff, and I thought it'd be cool. Here's me trying to start it off.
EXCERPT FROM 'AMES NINJA REVISION GUIDE':
'...The structure of the army follows that of the common structure followed by most countries in the Elemental Nations, rumoured to have first been started by the Land of Fire under the third Hokage after apocalypse-era ruins were found.
The smallest formation is that of a squad. Though this name of the formation differs across the Elemental Nations, for example being called 'teams' by Konohagakure, our naming follows that which is common to the Western nations. A squad is formed of four ninja - three ninja of the same rank are commanded by a more experienced ninja of at least one rank higher to a maximum of a jonin. Though bigger formations of ninja will be utilised in war or movement, a squad will be given individual orders by their superior to act as a singular fighting cell in almost all engagements or missions.
The next rank in the system is that of a platoon. Platoons in the Land of Rain are significantly larger than other nations, following the modernisation program enacted by Lord Pain three years prior to this books publication. Eleven squads will form a default platoon of forty-four ninja, with one squad containing the leader of the platoon. The typical rank of a leader of a platoon will be that of a jonin, or in rarer circumstances an elite jonin. It should be noted that the squad containing the platoon leader is a normal squad, and other members other than the platoon leader hold no authoritative power over other platoon members.
The next rank is that of a battalion. Aptly named, for these formations of ninja are most commonly deployed to an area in war or smaller battles to seize control or defend. This formation is comprised of five platoons, making two hundred and twenty ninja members of this formation. This formation is almost always commanded by an elite jonin, for it is rare for higher ranking ninja to lead battalions due to the lack of time they would have to personally platoons unlike a commanding ninja at that level.
It should be noted that commanding ninja of the remaining formation rarely go to battle themselves, instead utilising time to oversee thousands of ninja, logistics, details and plans. Time demands that ninja of this rank cannot actively pursue missions themselves due to so much demand from many ninja under their command. From this point, commanding ninja receive specialised ranks in accordance with their commanding roles of 'leaders' and 'commanders'.
The next rank in the system is that of a brigade. Here is when the formation becomes extremely big, and so the deployment of such formations will be rarer. A brigade is comprised of twenty battalions, totalling an amount of four thousand, four hundred ninja. These formations are typically used to hold down or seize larger towns and smaller cities or sections of potential frontlines, and not even an entire battalion may be used due to its size in a potential singular scenario. A brigade is led by a brigade commander, with a specific title for what brigade they command.
The next, and second to last rank in the system is that of a division. Comprised of five battalions, this brings it to a total of twenty-two thousand ninja. Such deployments of this size has only ever happened in war to date, and mainly that of only movement of ninja to locations. Other potential uses, however, is that of seizing much larger cities like that of capital cities or even hidden villages, or the mass assault or defence of an entire segment of a frontline which can span countries. Divisions are led by division leaders, with a specific title for what division the command.
Such a situation involving divisions was seen in the third year of the third ninja world war, when a division from the Land of Earth went up against a division from the Land of Fire within the city of the Rain village itself which held only by a defence force numbering just that of a brigade. Needless to say, this led to the so-called 'second razing' of Ame to date. No reparation was ever received from either side.
The final ranking in the structural system is that of an army. This is comprised of five divisions, and is commanded by an army commander (who are themselves commanded by a jonin commander, who in turn falls under the direct command of the nation's leader). Movements of such a formation (totalling one hundred and ten thousand ninja) has never happened in one sitting to date, and instead the formation is used on paper to head logistics and personnel efforts.
There is also a second ranking system that has been introduced upon our Leader's orders. Whilst the titled ranking system of genin through to Kage is based mostly upon the power and skills of the individual, this has many confusing attributes as it means thousands of ninja have the same rank with no one to lead them. Thus, this is where the second ranking system of colours gains merit - upon the flak jacket or uniform of an individual from chunin and up should be one or two bars of colours on the shoulders designating their leadership ranking. It is as follows - a junior chunin has one bar of grey upon them as a senior chunin has two bars of grey. A special jonin will have one bar of black as a normally ranked jonin will have two bars of black. A 'junior' ranked elite jonin will have one bar of dark green as a more senior elite jonin will have two bars of dark green.
Only brigade commanders and up hold official positions of power, with army unit sizes of battalions and below having command bestowed to jonin or other at their superior's choosing. A brigade commander has one bar of red as a division leader has two bars of red. This then feeds directly into the commander of an army, who will wear a dark blue bar upon their shoulders. They report directly to the jonin commander of our nation, who has two dark blue bars to designate their superior rank - the same position of authority is also given to the head of the elite unit. Finally, there is the last coloured rank - our Leader will wear two bars of gold, as will his second in command wear one bar of gold.
Whilst the strength of Ame's military has been officially headed under two armies, any more numbers and details has been classified on a 'need to know' basis by Lord Pain.
Readers of this ninja guide should be warned that more specialised or elite branches of the military, including the hunter corps, do not follow these formations.'
TEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
"You took ANOTHER baby? Despite killing the Uchiha for it?" Konan questioned as she seemed more confused than anything, seeing a baby with a pale complexion within the living room that Nagato was currently stood and viewing; as the Fox seemed to just be occasionally glancing at the newcomer.
"Konan, if you'd let me explain." Nagato calmly stated. "There are several reasons for it."
"Nagato, you'd know I'd follow you anywhere." Konan stated. "But doesn't this just seem... hypocritical?"
"I would gladly be a hypocrite if meant the good wellbeing of my family. Like it or not, Konan, but we are just as much a family now as any other." Nagato spoke, looking Konan directly in the eyes. "To put simply, Shino here will be a valuable asset and addition to our family. Both him and Naruto will undoubtedly become ninjas. As such, Shino and his bloodline shall aid me greatly when the time comes to enact my plans. Also, he will make a good brother for Naruto to bond with, someone else to relate with his age rather than just adults and a tailed beast. They will make a good pair to watch each other's backs on the battlefield."
"That does make sense." Konan admitted. She'd come too far to be that bothered by kidnapping now, helping Pain to plot world conquest would do that. "But what about when he grows up? He will surely notice we're not his real parents."
"Naruto will stay true to his family, I will ensure that, and Shino will stay for his brother and family." Nagato answered simply, as if he held all the answers already. "Plus, the truth favours us heavily. What sort of life would such a boy live, being known within the clan to be the offspring of an affair, the bastard son of a foreign ninja? There were already calls to remove the stain upon the Aburame clan's honour, Sasori told me."
Konan looked at the baby once more before sighing. "Fine. Just please tell me before you pull such acts in future."
"I will, Konan." Nagato promised as he continued watching the scene before him. "I will."
The Fox was currently watching TV again, lazing on the sofa with his snout hanging off the edge. A semi-decent show about the history of the elemental nations, featuring the tragic three defeats and two sundering's of the Ame nation at the hands of the militaristic and uncaring major nations. He'd give a snort, but the thing was they'd actually made quite a good report on a certain nine tailed fox within their history. He couldn't decide whether that was propaganda or not.
Looking to his left, the Fox saw Naruto also on the sofa, the four year old currently flipping his way through a colourful ninja book meant for young Ame children; filled with the heroic details of saving the Rain village. This time the Fox snorted - that was an obvious attempt by the boy's uncle if there ever was one.
Looking to his right, the Fox saw Shino this time, also reading a book on the sofa. The difference between the two kids was that Shino was reading Basic biology for kids. The Fox decided that that book described Shino's personality perfectly - a quiet, studious boy who was such an advanced reader that he was now studying the basic material of not just science, but one of its branches. The nine tails had a feeling that the boy was really liking that subject - and might make a career out of it. The Fox didn't really like the few sarcastic jibes Shino spoke sometimes, he hoped it didn't turn into a trend in future.
Looking back at the TV, he saw it moving onto the tyranny of Hanzo and decided that despite it containing a rather excellent segment within it, it was definitely propaganda. "Come on kiddos, snack time." The Fox spoke as he made his way off the sofa.
Two thumps hitting the floor told the Fox all he needed to know as he trotted out of the living room, down the corridor with the two boys walking behind him and entered the kitchen. Pulling up to the set of drawers, he opened up the middle one to reveal the snack drawer - and an assortment of treats lay inside, including crisps and biscuits. There had been nobody to stop him for the past week from raiding the snack cupboard, what with Nagato disappearing upstairs into his private attic space every morning and Konan being out of the country. The Fox didn't know what was going down, but like he said before - he couldn't care less if it didn't harm him.
"Chocolate biscuits today, I think." The Fox stated as he took out the packaged food item, before simply tearing open with a sharp claw. Picking out two, he handed them to Naruto.
"Thanks, Foxy!" Naruto joyfully said to the chakra being, who gave a smile back to the boy's own bright one.
"Thank you." Came the quieter response from the more reserved Shino as he received his biscuits. Whilst the Fox did like the boy, it was no wonder he subtly played favourites - Naruto was just much more cheerful to be around. It didn't help either that he literally had to be around Naruto.
The trio moved back to the living room where Shino picked up his book once more as he finished off his biscuits, but Naruto paused in the doorway and frowned at seeing that. Not that he really knew it, but young Naruto was jealous of Shino, of his wider knowledge and ability to totally surpass him in subjects like reading. So he acted.
The Fox who had himself paused just behind Naruto, raised an eyebrow as the boy stopped and turned to him instead of going back in. "Hey, hey, Foxy!" Naruto chirped. "Can you show me something cool to do that Shino can't?!"
"Something cool, hmm?" The Fox stated as he scratched his head, before making a dramatic show of clicking his fingers and looking down at Naruto with a smile. "I believe I have just the thing. Grab some crayons and a bit of paper and then join me on the carpet."
The Fox went and sat down on the carpet, viewing Naruto as he delved into a box and brought out a colourful pack of thick crayons and a big sheet of white paper. Dashing back over to the carpeted mat, Naruto plonked the items in front of the chakra being and awaited his demonstration.
Awkwardly picking up the crayon packet and slicing the top of it open, he spilled the crayons on the floor so as not to snap any with his claws. Picking up the chunky black crayon, he pulled back the carpet a good bit to create a decent amount of smooth space on the wooden floor, the Fox placed the paper on top of the floor before setting the crayon over it.
"Now, Naruto. What we're going to be doing is calligraphy." The Fox stated, before then looking at Naruto's confused face, then at Shino's own puzzled face as he looked over the top of the book, a purple insect running across his neck before disappearing into his jumper. "My mistake. We're going to be painting some letters."
"Eh?" Naruto let out, still confused as he scratched the back of his head. "Why are we doing that?"
"We're going to be drawing some different letters from English, Naruto. These special letters are called kanji." The Fox explained simply, watching Naruto's face become more cheerful at the premise of learning something new. "Plus, I promise you, if you get all these letters correct you'll be able to do something even cooler in turn."
Naruto only nodded eagerly as the Fox gave a smile, before carefully putting the crayon to the paper and beginning to smoothly run the crayon over the paper, depositing its waxy residue in a smooth trail. A few strokes later, a black symbol of the ancient language was proudly on display in a neat form on the paper.
"I'll teach you more when you grow up, but learning the language of 'kanji' is the first step in the process of mastering a subject called the sealing arts." The Fox explained, before holding out the crayon in his hand to Naruto. "You give it a try."
"Thanks!" Naruto said as he picked up the offered crayon, before putting it to the paper and beginning an attempt at copying what the chakra being had done - but pressed too hard as a thick mess of crayon swerved over a bit of the paper.
"Careful. Not so much force next time." The Fox warned, Naruto trying again as he was more careful this time, this time tracing the crayon the paper more smoothly. When he pulled the crayon away, there was a half-decent attempt at what the Fox had drawn - except bigger and messier.
"Good." The Fox complimented, before lying down on the carpet and watching Naruto. "Don't try to make it smaller, try and make it neater this time."
SEVERAL FLOORS BELOW.
The Deva Path was once more stood in the radio room, hands behind his back as he stared outside the window that his desk was near. Some may call him sentimental or such, but Deva did not care as he liked to view his city. Even if the radio room was only midway up the tower, it still afforded quite the view of Ame that wasn't blocked by the everlasting, lashing rain; blinking red lights occasionally pulsing through the darkness from the roofs of other skyscrapers.
Deva moved his eyes to the right to view the incoming arrival of the jonin commander to his desk, clutching a piece of paper within his hands. Turning around and watching with apathetic eyes as the jonin commander snapped the national salute to him.
"Report." Snapped Deva, a slither of impatience seeping into his usual monotonous voice.
"Yes sir." The commander obeyed. "This is a letter from the democratic council of the Land of Stone, sir. They accept your offer, on condition of that the Land of Rain takes over all security procedures and that some elected representatives of the Land of Stone are appointed to Hanzo's council."
"Give it to me." Deva commanded, the commander instantly obeying as he handed over the letter drafted by the Land of Stone to them. "Good work, commander. Send a message to our representative in the Land of Stone to tell them that our troops shall move in at once to take control of security there."
The commander nodded before hurrying off to a chunin who sat a broadcasting post. Deva himself watched the interactions going on within the room for a moment before moving to a jonin who lay at the centre of the room - one of four jonin responsible for issuing orders to his two armies.
Before the man could even stand to salute, Deva held a hand out, his impatience clear in his eyes. "Tell the first division that they have my permission to move into the Land of Stone, the confirmation for merging has been received. Remember, the first and second brigades are to go straight to the capital and secure it, whilst the third brigade will march north and secure the northern territories and borders - the fourth brigade will do the same in the south. Finally, the fifth brigade will take control of the western and eastern regions, and are to act as reinforcements for any trouble that flare up anywhere. The fifth brigade are to move first to act as a front guard in the eastern territories for twelve hours before moving west. That is all." Deva surmised, seeing the jonin note it all down.
"Yes, Lord Pain." The jonin spoke before immediately putting on a pair of headphones and push a button to begin transmitting.
"You." Deva turned to one of the other three jonin sitting in the centre table, who looked at her leader. "March the first brigade of the third division up to the border with the Land of Grass. However, make sure to order them to keep hidden. I do not want word of such strength reaching them, make sure that the border is also kept tightly locked down as I have previously ordered."
"Yes sir." She snapped out, before she herself began transmitting.
Pain was sometimes surprised at just how easy it was to command his military, but he had structured it in such a way that he held such absolute control, even propaganda broadcast centres glorifying his name. There was weakness in that, of course, should he ever fall; but then his plans would be for nought anyway, and it wouldn't matter.
Marching back over to his desk, Deva sat down before channelling chakra into his ring. The familiar shift into a black, starry world was seen before his flickering projection once more appeared in the underground meeting cavern. He idly flared his chakra and waited a moment, before focusing on the new image appearing before - the flickering image of Konan coming to life. Even in a murky, flickering projection, her amber eyes were prevalent as they gazed at Deva.
"Pain. I take it you got their letter." Konan spoke, as Deva nodded in response.
"I did indeed." He answered. "How was your week in the Land of Stone, I take your success didn't mean too much hassle in the negotiations?"
Konan shook her head, the projection flickering at an increased rate as she did so. "No. It was a big help that we were long term allies of theirs." Konan responded. "They were excited at Ame's economic boom, and wanted to be a part of that to help their own economy grow. The main point, however, was security - if it wasn't for recent border clashes with the Land of Earth and seeing how we dealt with the situation, I'd doubt they'd have been so lenient in the negotiations. They also felt there would be some democratic aspect in the government with a supposed council under 'Hanzo.' It convinced them they'd have their representation in government."
Deva nodded his head. "It won't be long before they discover the ruse." He remarked. "Which is why I have moved in the first division of the First Army into the Land of Stone. Any appearing resistance will be utterly crushed."
"The mobilisation of a division? Don't you think that's a bit much?" Konan questioned, surprise evident. "The Land of Stone themselves have just less than a brigade, they're only a small nation of four or so million."
"The major nations have held monopoly over military power for so long due to their constant interventions in the minor nations. I will not allow that now." Deva stated. "The only reason we have such a powerful military, not even half of even the Land of Wind's five armies, is because we have remained hidden under the powerful threat of Hanzo and tight borders; as well as Sasori's spy network doing such an admirable of dispensing of threats and rumours."
Konan stayed silent for a few moments in thought before speaking. "But they might finally get an idea once this goes ahead."
"No." Pain stated with absolute confidence. "One division will never equal to that of two armies. Ame is much different to that of the more rural Stone nation, having a population of ninety million in such a small place, making us the most densely populated with ten million in the city of Ame alone. Besides, the borders will immediately be closed down for at least a day. Communications across the Stone will be shut down and handed to the control of Ame's own control centre. Dissent shall be silenced and their government will immediately learn of how wrong they were when that happens. It will be too late by then, however, as they will be... dismantled. The country will become mine."
The authoritative power behind that last word made even Konan shiver. "So you think you can do it? Take on the world?" Konan asked.
Deva studied his hand for a moment, before squeezing it into a fist and looking at Konan. "I have no doubt, Konan. Once we amalgamate the Lands of Stone and Grass, we shall have enough military might to match the Land of Wind - and doing so will bring the Land of Wind to the negotiation table."
"The Land of Wind? But they're an ally to the Leaf." Konan voiced.
"Probably not for long." Deva stated. "I give it a few years maximum before they break off allied relations with the Leaf if the current trend continues. Their own great lord, the Wind Daimyo, has cut financing to Sunagakure by a significant amount, as well as favouring the Leaf heavily in mission allocation. Not only are they are at risk of becoming irrelevant to the other major powers, a steady amount of blame for their current predicament is being placed on the Leaf by the Kazekage according to Sasori. This provides much opportunity, which is why I wish to finish with the Land of Grass quickly."
Konan only nodded once more. "Of course, Pain."
"You have done excellent work as always, Konan." Deva complimented. "I only ask that you remain for a week more in their hidden village to ensure a smooth process, then you are to leave it in the hands of the commander, and come back. We have much to discuss about the deployment of the Second Army to the Land of Grass."
"It shall be done." Konan promised, before the projection of her figure dissipated. Deva cancelled his own connection to the technique, narrowing his eyes as he got used to the brighter room he'd landed back in. Standing up once more, he strode over to the woman in charge of communicating with his elite division, seeking to discuss about the arrangements of their elite infiltrators within the Land of Grass.
Idly, he noted that he hadn't even named his elite division yet.
AME'S WESTERN BORDER, THIRD BARRACKS.
"We have received our orders from Ame." The first division leader stated to her brigade commanders, three of them stood at a table with her which lay host to a giant map of the Lands of Stone, Rain and Grass with segments of the Lands of Earth and Wind reaching into the map. The other two commanders listening in to their leader on the radio, being stationed with the third and fourth brigades in two more barracks further north and south respectively. "We are to move into the Land of Stone at once."
Two red stripes lay on each of the shoulders of the flak jacket the woman wore as she looked at her brigade commanders, whom each supported one red stripe on the shoulders of their flak jackets. "First and second brigade commanders." She snapped out, getting two of the three ninja opposite her to snap to attention. "You are to lead your respective brigades in sync to the capital of the Land of Stone, and immediately assume control of it. You will do so an hour after the fifth brigade moves."
"Yes, commander." The two ninja accepted, pulling the national salute before standing back down.
"Third brigade commander, you will also move an hour after the fifth division does." The commander stated, the open phoneline linked to the radio picking up her voice. "You will lead your brigade and seize control of all northern territories outside of the capital. You are to station at least half your brigade next to the borders with the Lands of Earth and Grass, and to keep it locked down. No lifting of the border lockdown may commence unless authorised so by me or Ame."
"Yes, leader." A slightly static filled voice rang out from the open phoneline.
The first division leader continued speaking to the phoneline. "Fourth brigade commander, your orders are the exact same except you are to seize control of the southern territories. Move an hour after the fifth brigade, lockdown the border until authorised to be lifted."
"Yes leader." A clearer voice this time repeated.
"Fifth brigade commander, your brigade will be the first to move out, and I shall accompany you before I move along with the first and second brigades to the capital. You will leave at 1400 hours today, and shall establish a defensive line along this natural contour of the country." The commander traced a series of valleys and hills along the Land of Stone, a fourth of the way from the western border of the Land of Rain to the western border of the Land of Stone. "Troops shall be left along the way to take control of the eastern territories, but at least three-quarters of your brigade will hold this natural contour for twelve hours as a defensive position against any attempts to fight us by the Land of Stone. After that, your brigade may stand down for the night before half of your division then moves west to take control of those territories. Any calls for reinforcements shall primarily be handed to your brigade. Understood?" The commander finished with a question, looking at her fifth leader.
"Perfectly, ma'am." The man answered back, snapping the salute before standing back down.
"Good." The commander spoke. "Remember commanders, the fifth brigade moves at 1400 hours, leaving us four hours to prepare. Exact locations to be seized have already been sent to your offices. Move out now and alert your own elite jonin."
KONOHAGAKURE.
"...We have just received more news upon the evolving situation involving the Lands of Rain and Stone. For those new to this situation, it is as follows - at 5pm yesterday afternoon, we first learnt of mass formations of thousands of Rain ninja moving into the Land of Stone and taking over control of the territories there. Reasons were quickly provided by both countries upon demands from the Lands of Fire and Earth, when apparently official documentation of merging nations was provided, signed by officials from both countries. Total communication was lost from the Land of Stone at midnight hours later when advance squads of Ame ninja apparently arrived and ordered the closure of all communication infrastructure." A man dressed in a blue suit presented.
People within the lobby of the Hokage Tower were crowded around the TV in the corner, watching as the man told of the recent developments of the takeover of the Land of Stone. Kushina Uzumaki was herself a part of the crowd, watching as the man unveiled a new report.
"A new report has just come in, broadcast from the Land of Rain. Apparently Lord Hanzo is himself celebrating the union between two allies, cherishing decades of good relations transforming into a 'union of trust and strengthened protection.' He urges no involvement from any other parties in the matter, calling it a 'legal affair between two sovereign nations.' Apparently, legal proof of this merge has been sent to the leaders of the major nations, including Lord Fourth. The only nation to have officially responded so far is the Land of Earth, which has officially condemned this move on behalf of Onoki of the Stone Village." The man continued on.
Minato Namikaze was currently chairing an emergency meeting in the war room of the Hokage Tower, with himself and the advisors within the room; as well as Hiruzen Sarutobi and his two major commanders - Shikaku Nara, the jonin commander and Kakashi Hatake, his second-in-command. Tsunade of the Sannin was also in attendance. Bandages were still wound tight around Hatake's skull, completely blocking the left eye socket and denying people from seeing the gaping hole within. His headband was now worn the normal way, tied around the forehead.
All of them were currently sat within the war room around a large wooden table, comfortable chairs seating all those present. The Namikaze was seated at the head of the table, two ANBU guards standing behind him, backs straight to the wall. A muted TV playing the news was flickering in the corner, documents scattered about the table it was upon.
"My Lord, if I may." Koharu Utatane, one of the three advisors that made up the advisor body - the other two being Homura Mitokado, a former jonin squad mate on Hiruzen's team; and Danzo Shimura, former head of ROOT. Receiving a nod from Minato, she continued. "Why has this meeting been called? This must undoubtedly be on the latest situation with the Rain country, but the affair was entirely legal. It doesn't really prompt a meeting in the war room, does it?"
"That may be so advisor Utatane, but foul play has been suspected on an obvious scale." Minato spoke, eyes calmly gazing at Koharu. "Why send in so many troops for a legal move, and then shut down all communication? There is also the rather alarming concern of how a minor nation built up an estimated three brigades without us knowing about it."
"Not just three brigades." Shikaku spoke. "Whilst all this is obviously a supposition, as the military strength moving into the Land of Stone was only guessed at from received communications; there has to be at least a fourth brigade as well within the Land of Rain itself to act as defence whilst the other forces move in."
"Four brigades? It can't be." Homura whispered to Koharu who nodded back subtly. "Our own intelligence puts the population at only six million, just larger than the Stone, having shrunk since the third world war due to initial mass starvations, which questions such strength. They don't have the equipment or resources for such an action, as they sell so much of what they do produce. So long as they keep selling, we know they can't - besides, a brigade needs more than just common kunai or ninja wire like they sell on the cheap - and I very much doubt they have more specialised industries set up to the scale of what Shikaku is suggesting."
"Shikaku speaks truthfully." Danzo put in his piece too, speaking over any outbreaks of discussion. "The Land of Rain has obviously been hiding many things from us, they could be plotting dastardly things for all we know. It must be made a priority that we demand-"
"That is enough, Danzo." Hiruzen stepped in, sending a withering glare to Danzo who only calmly looked back with his singular eye. "You are talking nonsense now. A minor nation like the Land of Rain will most certainly not have the manpower or economy for such 'plotting' as you put it, and they were always going to be stronger than a weak nation like the Land of Stone. I'll admit, I was surprised at their estimated strength, but that is somewhat unsurprising given Hanzo's militaristic outlook. Anyway, Hanzo has to be as old as I am right now. He himself will not be as much as a threat as he once was, so they cannot be as bad as you say. Besides, the entire thing was legal, we cannot demand anything."
"Hiruzen tells the truth this time." Minato spoke, once more picking up the reins of the meeting. He held up and waggled a black and white document, a faxed piece of paper displaying the merging document signed by all members of the democratic council in the Land of Stone and Hanzo himself. "This is the proof of the legality of the merging. The best we could do is officially condemn the move, but then we risk jeopardising our own relations with the Land of Rain like the Land of Earth. The price of weapons manufactured by Ame for the Stone Village has already increased, according to Jiraiya."
"You cannot be serious, Minato." Tsunade spoke this time. "You can't let a man like Hanzo get away with this. We do not how real that piece of paper is, nor how much pressure Ame put upon the Land of Stone. Nor should we care about losing some deal with cheap weapons if innocent people are coming under Hanzo's tyranny."
"Lady Tsunade, please calm down." Shikaku spoke, speaking in place of Minato who calmly looked to see what his strategist had to say. "While you make excellent points, I think your past history with Hanzo blinds you. We can find out how real this thing is later, for now we cannot make a move. There's no international body we can take our concerns to, and if we dared to intervene in the Land of Rain we risk sparking international action over such a situation that's not worth it. As far as we can assume now, we must regard it as legal. I recommend we send a missive to Jiraiya at once, asking him to investigate the situation of whether the Land of Stone did officially approve it, and whether the Land of Rain is actually oppressing them or not. As stated, they were decades old allies."
"The economic situation cannot be ignored, either. Over the past decade, our own relationship with the Land of Rain improved to the extent we got a deal for cheap manufactured goods from their industrial base acclimatised to consumer goods and weapons production for foreign powers." Homura spoke, wiping his glasses before putting them back on and continuing. "This deal just cannot be so readily discarded. We've never received a deal like it in the history of the Leaf, and suffice to say we rely on it so heavily that forty percent of all our kunai comes from them."
Danzo shook his head. "We do not really have good relations with them. It is more just a trade deal forged between a rich action and a struggling weaker one. Hanzo hates all the major nations, including the Leaf due to our previous actions in the world wars upon their territiories."
Multiple nods and murmurs went round the room about both points, several parties weighing up the pros and cons of the situation. On one hand, there was an obvious stench of foul play about the situation, including the concern of how such a larger amount of troops had been missed by their T&I department; as well as if the move was really legal or not and if the Rain ninja were actually oppressive invaders or not. On the other hand, there was not much evidence to contradict the legality of the sent document, they had no idea of how the Rain ninja would act and they couldn't just intervene in such a scenario if the people and government of the Stone nation had wanted this. Not to mention the idea of throwing away the good trade deal and potential relations with the Land of Rain in itself made people hesitate. Nobody just wanted to make enemies, after all.
"Enough. Let's get back to the topic at hand." Minato ordered. "Shikaku's suggestion of utilising our spymaster for gathering intelligence will be used as a way to take stock of the situation within the Land of Stone at least, for I doubt strongly that even Jiraiya has spies within the Land of Rain. The primary purpose of this meeting was to discuss the unexpected volume of Ame's military in this peacetime. This represents not only a threat to the other minor nations within the region including the Land of Grass and perhaps even our ally the Land of Waterfalls further north, but ourselves as we do not have that such military power close to the border that they could perhaps mobilise. As far as I checked, we have only one brigade in the area."
Koharu appeared doubtful. "I know that this looks like an invasion from using, three-quarters of their military Shikaku said? But what if is this is just them merely setting up security within the Land of Stone, an initial campaign involving the movement of logistics and building infrastructure which would always require a lot of manpower; and to ensure no foreign influence in such a vulnerable time of handing over your very country? They would then withdraw a lot of those troops after leaving the necessary amount behind for defence purpose."
"Perhaps Koharu makes a point, but I must remind you personally that after all the experience we have, you cannot be that naïve." Danzo stated. "We must investigate to see if there is any foul play indeed, and why use so many troops when you could also count on the Stone's troops seeming as how they are 'officially' joining them?"
Most people nodded before Homura spoke. "Back to the point at hand, the size of Ame's army of a predicted four brigades must've come from conscription. It makes it cheap as well as quickly raising the size of an armed force, which could explain how our intelligence never found out in time from such a reclusive country like Ame. Besides, I personally believe right now from what we have that they must be very poorly equipped as Ame mostly utilises general industry of cheap weapons and consumer good manufacture. Perhaps that would explain why they would send so many troops in, trying to achieve quantity over quality to ensure the success of the points Koharu raised."
"All good suggestions." Minato spoke, immediately silencing any more conversation with the raise of a hand. "But we must discuss what we are going to do in the short term about this. We have our ally and a country with our investments in to consider, as well the fact that we do not want to jeopardise relations with the Rain any further. Kakashi, I'd like your opinion on this matter."
"Me?" Kakashi blinked, having stayed quiet the entire meeting, the young adult looking surprised at being chosen. Indeed, a few discreet odd looks were sent Minato's way, but he calmly just kept looking at Kakashi. "Ok, well it seems you don't want to anger either side, really. So how about just moving cautiously? Move some troops up to the border and show our allies we're ready to act if they try anything, but you haven't actually intruded upon the Rain who've only seen this move as a warning not to try anything."
"I second that move." Shikaku stated, shocking Kakashi further that the strategist of all people liked his idea. "I advise we send a brigade to the West to reinforce the troops there, with at least five battalions sent to the border to reinforce that segment of the border. That should reinforce it enough to act as a warning, but not too much that the Rain can't mobilise the same amount of troops and feel threatened."
Danzo gave a 'tch'. "That can't be enough." He warned. "What would our allies really think of us if we went half the way only to just sit there-"
"Danzo." Minato's voice held such cold bite in it that it cut straight through the room. "Your war-like ideals are starting to get on my nerves."
Danzo stared at Minato for a second, before slowly giving a nod and staying quiet.
"Good." Minato said in response to Danzo's silence. "Now is there any other suggestions, or will we implement those suggested already?"
Most people shook their heads, Tsunade looking like she wanted to say more but lacked the idea to.
"Very well, this meeting is adjourned." Minato stated, standing up. "I shall begin preparations at once."
ONE WEEK LATER.
The entire family was gathered in one place. Shino was once more reading one of his scientific basic books, having sat with Naruto and the Fox upon the carpet as the Fox was once more laid out across it - taking up more than half of the carpet.
"That's a nice try there, Naruto. That's a lot neater. Now try this letter." The Fox pointed a clawed finger at the the next kanji letter in a small sequence he'd written at the top of the page, Naruto copying them below it to get himself introduced to the language. "This one means 'bind', OK? Like to tie something up or join something."
Naruto nodded before he started sketching roughly with the crayon, doodling a bit as he then shaded it in. It was by no means good enough itself if it was to be applied to the sealing arts, but the Fox already knew that learning the kanji would take a few years - the Fox had learned over at least a century, after all.
"I am still impressed that you know so much upon the sealing arts, nine tails." Nagato spoke from where he sat on the sofa, rinnegan eyes watching the tailed beast and host interact.
"I have already stated before that I am a master at the art, Uzumaki." The Fox replied as he turned his head to look at Nagato, crimson irises locking onto solid black ones. "I did, after all, get sealed within two sealing masters from your own clan and then learn more from their interactions with their own sealing adept husbands. It's amazing what one can learn when they think no one is listening."
"Regardless." Nagato spoke. "Thank you for teaching my nephew."
"Heh. Don't thank me Uzumaki, for perhaps I'm just repaying the favour. This is the best life I've lived yet." The Fox spoke, before turning back to Naruto and talking more to him, Nagato watching them some more as he pondered what that could mean.
Konan watched as Nagato and the tailed beast seemed to reach an accordance, and was grateful that after four years they could at least get along. Konan knew that Nagato might not ever trust the Fox, but after four years of seeing that the tailed beast really did not care about anything other than that which concerned him, he eased up on being so wary of the nine tails. For example, he stopped sending Konan to check up on the boys when they were busy and saw each day that he was right in placing what trust he did in the Fox as they came back to be greeted with a smile from Naruto and a greeting from Shino.
Konan was just glad that she had some sort of family after so long. Nagato was not Yahiko, but he cared. And that was enough.
She supposed it was similar to that of Minato Namikaze. She and 'Pain' put up cold appearances of plotting conquest, but at the end of the day came back to their little impromptu family. Whislt the Namikaze was also heralded as a family man, caring and calling the entire village his family - but to the other, especially the Northern elemental countries, he was utterly terrifying. The first man to ever get an 'SS' ranking in the bingo book since its first publication of the time of the Second Hokage, having decimated thousands of Rock ninja personally and swung the balance of the North-western theatre in the Third World War.
Nagato looked back to Konan from watching the three on the carpet and began quietly conversing with her once more. "The reactions from the neighbouring nations to our entrance into the Land of Stone was mostly as we expected, but there were a few unexpected moves. The old Tsuchikage was always going to have objected as it takes away land and people they could've invested in or taken for themselves. The Land of Grass has asked the Leaf to investigate, as has the Land of Waterfalls - as has the Leaf asked to conduct a 'formal investigation' within the Land of Stone; which was of course denied. I'll give it to the Namikaze, he acted more militaristically than I expected him to by moving an entire brigade near the border. Nothing we couldn't match, however."
"Nagato, be careful." Konan warned, causing the man to look up from the paper reports he had to hand. "You know as well as I do that somebody like the Namikaze should never be underestimated, especially given that he commands forces still larger than if the Grass somehow surrendered and added to your own."
The major nations had always had a monopoly over the minor nations with their military as they had never let their size and resource advantages go ever since their formations - the major nations always kept building up and maintaining their forces to a 'wartime' standard; as war could realistically break out in the ninja world at any moment between their nations for the wrong reason. The minor nations were forced to keep their own armies to a 'peacetime' standard, or face the major nations intervening 'to keep the peace.' It had happened, after all, in the Third World War as the Rock nation had 'intervened' in the Land of Waterfalls to stop an expansion program of their own forces - with the Leaf then declaring war in assistance of their ally.
Ame was lucky in that the reputation of Hanzo had kept the major nations off of their backs for so long, having been a potential SS rank candidate himself during the Third World War when he defeated the three upcoming S rank sannin. Fortunately for Nagato, he'd never been at that level as he was just a high S rank, and old age had weakened the man somewhat to the extent that Nagato could take him down with the Paths of Pain through surprise, turning his won forces against him and overwhelming power of their own with the rinnegan. Nagato considered himself lucky he'd never had to personally get involved in the battle - for though more powerful than the Paths of Pain, it would've been such a tough fight that Ame would've been damaged considerably. Fortunately, Hanzo had let himself go and did not keep himself in his prime - a lesson Nagato took to heart as he continued to train himself.
"I would never underestimate such an opponent, someone who would be more challenging than even Hanzo. That would be the undoing of everything I have achieved and planned - I refuse to allow such a thing." Nagato spoke resolutely, determination seeping into his voice. "But we do have to keep up appearances of not having as large a military as we do. For that reason, I matched it by moving half a brigade there like we truly do not have the manpower to match them. Secretly, however, the other half lies behind the border dispersed."
Konan nodded. "What about the Land of Wind?"
"The Southern border reports little activity. Apart from a few more guards on the border and some tighter checks on any trade we do with them, nothing seems to have changed. It appears that Rasa the Kazekage does not want to get involved in any troop build-ups or threats." Nagato responded.
"That makes sense." Konan spoke, looking at Nagato who gave her his full attention. "They are struggling with their economy at the moment, as you have said, as well having other problems on their hands to deal with such as an irate jinchuuriki who keeps murdering some of the local forces within their hidden village."
Nagato nodded this time. "Indeed, and I am thankful that at least one of the major nations on our border is staying quiet. No action is needed for them."
Konan looked at Nagato seriously. "You know that has a chance of changing when you go ahead with your plans to invade the Land of Grass, Nagato. How are you going to deal with that?"
Nagato consulted a few papers. "We always knew such an invasion would be met with action, Konan. We've been planning this for four years, do you remember how we planned to take advantage of their greed? I am certain that Onoki of all people will accept more land in addition to excellent trade rates with us, and whilst the Namikaze might not be so budging if he intervenes, there are other factors which can make him stand down."
"Like what?" Konan asked.
"Public opinion, for one thing." Nagato responded. "Many in the Leaf did not want to go to war with the Rock village over something even like an ally like the Land of Waterfalls, only thirty years after the Second World War; so how will they feel over something that never that concerned them only four years after their very military heart was ravaged in a tailed beast attack? Combine the serious military implications of Hanzo joining the battle and blowing up such a dispute into seemingly full on war; combine that with public opinion and there will be demonstrations. Hopefully that combined with good assurances, and our offers, will force the Fourth's hand. That, and the Grass will look like the aggressor - an aggressor which we propel right back into their own lands."
"How will you make them the aggressor?" Konan asked.
Nagato pulled out a map from within the papers, showing the Lands of Rain, Stone and Grass with parts of the Lands of Fire, Earth and Wind. Pointing to a dot within the Land of Fire close to the western border with Rain, he spoke. "This is Tanzaku Town, a gabling town also used as a trade gateway to the minor nations of the West. Within such close distance of the border - they will see a massive explosion." Nagato explained. "An explosion rigged by my elite division to destroy an entire guard outpost on our border, where everyone will have been evacuated but we will say that dozens have died and launch an immediate reprisal assault upon them. With them looking liek the aggressors in the Leaf and keeping them busy for at least a few days as they demand explanations before seeing us winning over the Grass majorly, we should have time to conquer the Grass capital and rig up a defensive line before they intervene in force. Then comes the time of negotiations to stop their interventions, and our offers."
Konan nodded. "That sounds plausible, Nagato, but like I have said you must be prepared. What if the negotiations fail and at least one nation seeks to liberate the Land of Grass?"
"I had planned to sue the entire First Army in the invasion of the Land of Grass, out numbering them by a significant margin. If the intervention somehow can push back the entire strength of an army, then we ignite the Fourth World War. We unveil we have the Second Army and start fighting them on all fronts, we try and bring the Land of Wind into it and build up the Akatsuki. The Rain might be doomed if it takes too long, but this plan B ensures we have time to perhaps take all the tailed beasts and use their power to destroy our enemies." Nagato finalised with a grim tone.
Konan couldn't help but gasp at such a prospect. "Nagato, that's a massive risk. Surely the resources and manpower of one nation isn't worth such a potential cost?"
"Oh, but it is, Konan." Nagato stated. "It is. I don't just need their resources and manpower, I need their industry too - all their food production and workers, and specialised industries. I need their geographical location if plans we have for the future are ever to go right. I need them if we want to look strong when negotiating with the Land of Wind. I do need them, Konan."
Konan said nothing as she looked at Nagato.
"Risks were always a part of this, Konan, you know that. If we are ever to achieve the peace our master sought, we must continue forth with our plans." Nagato stated resolutely, before looking down at the carpet at Naruto and the other two. "We have no choice."
LATER.
Nagato had Naruto and Shino s at before him in the kitchen, the Fox sitting in the living room and Konan off doing work in the lower levels of the tower.
"Now, boys, I have requested you to be with me this hour so I can talk seriously with you about your futures." Nagato stated, looking seriously at both the children before him with his one eye showing. "I am sure you know that both Konan and I are ninjas."
Shino only nodded as Naruto let out a confident exclamation. "Yeah!"
Nagato allowed a small smile to show. "Excellent, how observant of you two." He spoke. "But what I must ask you now is if you want to become the same as us. The job of a ninja has to be started earlier than any other jobs due to what you have to do, a lot of it being training. You won't understand most of the details, but I can tell you that as a ninja you will have to obey me as well as be prepared to protect whoever I say or chase whoever I say."
Naruto looked excited, but Shino placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder to keep him quiet in order to ask a question. "Ninjas have to kill, do they not?" He asked quietly.
Nagato looked at Shino, and saw the reserved and quiet boy being serious somehow suited him. Nagato often wondered how he got it, whether from all the books and being an advanced learner, or the Fox's subtle favouritism, or even perhaps him not spending enough time with the children. Whichever it was, it wasn't a big concern and he didn't worry about it now. "Yes." Nagato stated honestly. "Being a ninja is dangerous work. I will not have you become proper ninja yet, but I am talking with you now about this in order to start your training early, if you decide you want to be a ninja."
Shino said nought but to look at Naruto. Naruto looked a bit flustered about making a choice about a job this early, but he nodded. "Yeah, Uncle, I'd like to become a ninja like you! Your super strong!"
Nagato gave a proper smile then. "That I am, Naruto." Nagato spoke without any humbleness. "And that I will make you." He promised, before turning to Shino. "What about you, Shino? Do you want to be a ninja?"
Shino nodded in answer to the question. "Yes, I would, thank you." He answered in a quiet tone.
Nagato nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face for a second before he made his face neutral once more. "Now boys, tell me, do you know what the main source of power is for a ninja?"
Naruto seemed to give a few moments of thought before smiling and speaking aloud. "Being really strong!"
Shino waited for Naruto to stop speaking before calmly voicing his own answer. "Chakra."
"Shino is correct here, Naruto." Nagato stated, getting Naruto to shrug and give Shino a high five. ""Now, chakra is basically a source of power for ninjas much like electricity is the source of power for a television. It's a lot more complicated than that, but for your sake that's all you need to know now. Most of our techniques, and even movements rely on chakra. As such, it is time you accessed your own chakra if you are to become ninja."
"How do we do that, Uncle?" Naruto asked, a confused expression adorning his face.
Nagato chuckled. "Its very easy, actually Naruto. Chakra is already running through your body, and you just have to draw it out."
Shino frowned. "I read it emerges on its own. Should we not let it happen itself?"
Nagato wagged his finger at Shino. "It does happen naturally, but you'll have missed years of training if you wait until the age of twelve when your body starts to mature and bring it out itself. Most people who do that are civilians and failed students, Shino. Besides, your chakra reserves get bigger by training with it now which is very useful in future. So copy me now, and let's draw out your chakras."
'I don't expect them to remember or even understand half of what I've said already, but if they can get the general idea of it all it will make things much smoother.' Nagato thought as he held up both hands and formed the ram sign. "Put your left hand into a fist with your two fingers, not the thumbs, pointing straight up. Do the same in putting up the two first right fingers, but then place the back two right fingers over the left fist like a hook. Like this." Nagato instructed as he held out his hands for them to see.
Shino fumbled a bit with his fingers before sloppily putting them together correctly. Naruto, on the other hand, seemed to have trouble placing his right fingers over his left fingers as his uncle had instructed. Standing up, Nagato moved round the side of the table before gently prying apart Naruto's fingers, forming them together on the opposing sides and showing how they slid slowly into place correctly.
Standing behind them now, Nagato folded his arms and instructed them again. "Good. You have now formed the most basic common hand sign, the ram hand sign. Hand signs are sued to help draw out and control chakra in techniques - the best ninjas do not need hand signs to control their techniques, but you are not the best yet. To become the best, one needs their chakra. Focus on the hand sign now, close your eyes and try to envision a blue source of power within your very arms and body. Then, forcefully try and push this power into the hand sign. I will tell you if you succeed."
Shino simply closed his eyes and did as instructed, whilst Naruto took a deep breath, closed his eyes and tried to imagine something blue in his arms - occasionally fidgeting in his seat.
Five minutes passed by, Naruto often opening his eyes and blinking before closing them and repeating the process whilst Shino sat still. Nagato waited a few minutes more as the silence remained, both kids seemingly determined to achieve what he'd set out as he leant against the worktop. It wasn't long before the first one drew out their chakra.
Naruto gave a grunt, creasing his eyebrows as his eyelids squeezed shut tighter - his hand sign starting to tremble with the effort he was seeming to apply as Nagato watched in interest. Before at last, his hands lit up with a small haze of dark blue chakra that circled his hand in small visible streams as the energy emerged from the chakra pores.
"Excellent, well done Naruto!" Nagato congratulated, giving a small clap that shocked Naruto out of his concentration and causing the chakra streams to dissipate. Shino opened his eye for a brief moment to see the last of the chakra circling Naruto's hands disappear, and gave a pat on the back of his brother as congratulations, which caused Naruto to smile at him.
It wasn't long after that Shino got it down too, though the smaller streams of chakra that circled his hands was visibly a much lighter shade of blue than what Naruto had produced.
Clapping once more, Nagato regained their attention back to him. "Excellent." He repeated. "You've just drawn out your chakra and used your first ever bit of it. Now that you have drawn out your chakra, it is time to practice using it."
Naruto seemed to perk up a bit in excitement as Shino raised an eyebrow in interest. Nagato opened one of the cupboard doors in the kitchen, withdrawing a metal bucket which was placed on the table as he sat back down opposite the boys.
"What I have in this bucket is something to help you two work on your chakra control. Chakra control is the simple process of merely trying to use less chakra in one technique, so you can save more for later." Nagato put simply. "By practicing it, you will use less chakra in whatever you do and will have more chakra for later. Sound good?"
Both boys nodded, as Nagato appeared satisfied. "Good." He spoke, before reaching into the bucket and withdrawing a green leaf the size of his palm. "I have a leaf here for both you boys to practice with. Merely try and do what you did with your hands in imagining your chakra in your head this time, and letting out a very tiny amount into the top of your head. With small amounts of chakra, things can stick to you. Like so." Nagato demonstrated as he merely put the leaf to his forehead and lowered his hand, revealing the leaf stuck to his forehead like a magician.
"Wow!" Naruto gasped out, as Shino looked impressed too. "We're gonna do that?!"
"Indeed." Nagato responded, before turning the bucket upside down and spilling a deluge of leaves all over the table. "Like I said, send a tiny amount of chakra to your head and then put the leaf there. The trick is, if the leaf falls off, your not using enough chakra. If it's blown right off, your using too much."
Naruto seemed really excited to try out his new 'ninja power' as did Shino who looked very keen for once. Grabbing a leaf each, both boys spent a moment concentrating on envisioning their chakra being pushed to the top of their head before placing the leaves on their foreheads.
Nagato slightly chuckled as Shino silently glared at the leaf which blew off his head, being unexperienced in the process and having used too much. His laughter became audible when Naruto's leaf was shredded, the poor boy looking shocked as the inexperienced jinchuuriki, having large reserves he'd never used before, poured high quantities of chakra right into the leaf.