Sleepless D: Another chapter. Yay. Peace out.


Several minutes have passed since Gato's base became nothing but lightning and light. Several buildings that were accommodating the mercenaries are either destroyed by fire, torn to shreds, even some minor damages to a walled off estate that lingers in the background. Ashes fly from the minor winds that flow through the streets. Little movement can be seen as what noises crackle from flames and groans from what few survived the electrical assault.

Movement comes from the northern foliage, figures creeping from the treeline and the goat trail, pausing to observe. "Anyone else feeling unsafe?" a voice comes, gaining a few nods from the large group which is gathering.

"Did the ninja alliance attack?" another voice asks, holding a crossbow as they scan the scenery.

"N-No..." Hinata whispers, taking a step forward as she scans the area, seeing a few surviving mercenaries trying to flee whilst more degrading professions are trying their best to hide. She feels sorry for the middle aged prostitute hiding under a partially destroyed table. Hinata looks, becoming confused as she looks at the massive, cone like structure where sparks fly from the top of it, seeing serious damage from arc pylon. What confuses her is that she's having difficulty piercing the walls, seeing some sort of substance infused with chakra lining the walls. She only areas she can perceive through are windowed areas and the large, heavily damaged area from explosive damage near the top area.

Sasuke stands by her, looking at the fires in the distance. "What caused it then?"

"...I'm...I'm unsure...The l-larger building s-sustained damage, but I can't see th-through most of it..." Hinata informs them all.

The time from the hidden ninja settlement they encountered, they pushed northwards, hitting a larger settlement that Fuyuki, the scout knows has a rebel presence within. Hinata was pleasantly surprised when word of the united Shinobi forces fighting at the docking village near the late Tazuna's bridge project. A dozen armed men and women from the rebels joined their numbers along with half a dozen ninjas of the Shinobi force that caught word of the fighting force, joining their ranks. Hope began to grow and thirty more civilians grabbed what weapons they could, quickly fighting off Gato's few men. They had the advantage as Gato called most of his men from other settlements to support the destruction of the rebel forces.

They used the trail that leads to Gato's base, being well known as it was a local cite seeing area for the former Lord of Waves' estate before Gato's taking over the land and building his shanty town. Dozens stand at the ready, many civilians armed with every weapon they can use, ready to fight. Samui looks at their ninja numbers, counting a dozen of their own forces and another dozen from missing ninja that settled within the land and are now fighting for its future.

"Right, all Jonin rank fighters are to push for the buildings to make sure it's clear. We're to give a signal if it's clear for the remaining ninja and militia to follow." Samui instructs, gaining nods as they all flicker, vanishing and not even a blade of grass seems to be disturbed in the few hundred yards away before reappearing at the remaining roofs, scanning the area for any signs of traps.

Hinata swallows, scanning the area, trying to make sure there isn't any traps, wire or pits. She sees nothing other than blood and even severed limbs beyond the buildings. She feels ill seeing what few bodies remain, many looking as if they suffered greatly, dying with some toxins in their system.

Moments pass as the Jonin continue to vanish and reappearing throughout the shanty town. Three Jonin begin to jump towards the Lord's estate, landing on the perimeter walls, scanning for a few moments before entering to search the premises.

Samui and Kiyofumi, the older missing nin return to the out scrits and waves. "There's the signal." Fuyuki says, having for everyone to push forward. Everyone hurries across the grassy field. They feel nervous, but determination and numbers keep them pushing forward, reaching the makeshift walls for cover. They split into groups, pushing street by street, searching for anything, anyone to fight, but these streets show nothing but burns, ashes and rubble in the edges of this ghost town. Hinata and Sasuke jump up, meeting with Samui who scans the rooftops, looking unnerved. "Whatever happened here was chaos. They were fighting before something else...lightly that white flash we saw in the distance turned this town into a massive kill zone. Thankfully it's no longer active and we're keeping two sensors focused on the tower to warn if anything feels off. Maaya and a Grass Shinobi have taken up watch of the road that leads to Kakashi's position within the village.

Hinata, can you see anything else? Keep calm, focus and just tell me what you see."

Hinata swallows nervously, activating her Byakugan once more, searching the area and the tower. "Th-There are twenty-one people outside of our forces within this village. Ten are hiding within the brothel in the north-east, having barricaded it and most appear to be women. Three men are hiding at a makeshift warehouse due south to south-east, hiding amongst their contents. Four men are fleeing to the forest south of our position as we speak. One is sleeping in the barracks west of here and remaining three are scattered, hiding in alleyways due south, south to south-east and west to north-west." Hinata informs, Samui waves for Kitofumi, pointing at the small escaping group and gaining a nod as he vanishes. Sasuke looks at Hinata, smirking a little as he seems impressed. "There does seem to be signs of others having fled the town, but this appears to be before we arrived...some animal markings as well." he remarks with some concern.

"What of the tower?" Samui asks, looking towards the smouldering building.

Hinata turns her eyes, searching and scanning at the tower, seeing into the explosion cavity created, searching through the cone of vision and what few windows are in her direct line of sight. "Th-There are...my kami...so m-many d-d-dead..." she whispers, seeing torn bodies throughout the area.

"Hinata...focus. How many alive?" Samui asks, placing a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

Hinata swallows, fazing out the dead as best as she can. "Th-There are s-six living p-people are the e-edge of the explosion...N-Naruto-kun! It's Naruto-kun! Three Naruto-kun are h-healing three injured people!" Hinata yells with excitement, her heart fluttering with relief to see him alive and well.

Sasuke with a small chuckle, "Of course he's alive. I doubt even a Shinigami could entice him away."

Samui smirks a little, patting Hinata on the shoulder, "Focus, please. Can you see anything beyond?"

Hinata wipes away some tears before looking beyond. "Th-there are a-about thirteen on the higher levels...one appears to be gravely injured and suffering from chakra exhaustion...there are...another Naruto! Oh...ummm...m-most a-appear to b-be underdressed...per-perhaps N-Naruto b-broke out of p-prison and l-lead a riot?"

Samui nods, looking at the building with narrow eyes. "Maybe...we're going to have to go and retrieve our Genin before he does something crazy."

"Sounds about right." Sasuke remarks, jumping over the roofs to reach the base, soon followed my the two Kunoichi.

"S-Something's strange..." Hinata remarks as she follows Samui who looks her way. "S-Some people d-don't have n-n-networks...ch-chakra networks." she comments, gaining a raised eyebrow from Samui, curious to this development.

The trio land in front of the door, scanning the area carefully. The trio approach the door, checking the handle and pause, noticing there doesn't seem to be any frame for the door, almost like the handle was installed on a wall. "That's weird..."Sasuke remarks, looking up and places his foot on the wall to climb to reach one of the higher windows. His stumbles, hitting the floor and looks confused, looking at the wall and narrows his eyes.

"You okay?" Samui asks, seeing him laying on the ground.

"I...There was a repelling sensation from the wall when I tried to climb it." Sasuke tells her, sitting up and looking at the walls. He pulls out a kunai and quickly slices at the wall, leaving a scratch which he observes to be repairing itself. "Someone's infused the walls with chakra."

Samui nods, narrowing her eyes with confusion as she looks over the walls. "Well...we might have to either destroy the doorway...or attempt to use rope or wires to try and climb through the hole up the top?"

"You need a wall broken?" a voice asks, gaining attention from the small team. They see an emotionless, black haired man with short, black hair and brown eyes. Samui looks at him, recognising him as one of the people from the missing-nin.

"Do you know how to get beyond a barrier?" Samui asks, crossing her arms as she waits for a reply.

The man looks at the wall, looking it up and down. "Repairing wood quality, right?" he asks, taking a step forward.

"Y-Yes..." Hinata comments, scanning the chakra infused wood.

The man clenches his fists and places them onto the wood. "If it repairs fast, it might seal up behind us."

"You're coming with us?" Samui asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah...nothing to kill out here. Might be something worthy inside." He remarks, focusing on the wall.

Hinata shivers, wondering why he was part of the Missing-nin community. She shivers even more, but her eyes widen, seeing frost form around the wood and spreading rapidly. Hinata looks at the man, confused as she only remembers one person Naruto mentioned manipulating ice and they're supposedly a teenage boy who's more beautiful than Sakura. This is a grown man with a cold expression and a want for death.

Sasuke and Samui watch with interest as the frost freezes through before the man reaches his fist back, ice covering it before smashing into the wall. The force shatters the wall, sending frozen splinters across the room. The hole created slowly starts to thaw and wood begins to reform.

The four quickly walk through the hole, pausing when they notices several mercenaries laying dead, having been bludgeoned to death with any weapons the prisoners could get their hands on. Some prisoners lay dead, a couple breathing weakly as they are too weak to stand back up.

Hinata hurries to the weak, searching through her pockets to pull out her clan's ointment, water from her canister and food pills to hopefully give them energy. "E-Everything will b-be alright." Hinata whispers, giving them reassuring hand contact, gaining weak, scared looks.

"I wonder how many died in this escape." The Ice user comments, scanning the room.

"Who are you?" Sasuke asks, looking at the Ice user with interest. "I've not seen anyone use Ice Jutsu before."

"I am Rahyo, those of my capabilities are...rare." He informs Sasuke, taking steps forward, looking at the trashed hallways, seeing blood where, trash there, broken weaponry and doors and a surprising about of toilet paper thrown about the place.

Samui follows, scanning the area and readies herself, sensing something off. "Hinata...are there anyone else on this floor?"

Hinata turns to answer, but she finds a frog in her throat as she notices a bird masked ANBU standing behind Samui. "Behind you!" Sasuke yells, pulling a kunai out as a reflex.

Rahyo spins, his fist encased in ice as he launches an attack at the bird masked ANBU who easily dodges it and pulls out a tanto themselves. "Cool off!" Samui yells, looking surprised. "We're part of Kakashi's team!" she yells, looking at the ANBU before turning to Rahyo. "This is one of our people; a Leaf ANBU."

Rahyo remains in a defencive stance, looking bemused. "Must've increased standards." is all he comments before turning to search the room.

Samui sighs, turning to the ANBU. "Cool, so I'm guessing you were sent to rescue Naruto?" she asks, looking at the ANBU.

"Correct. We achieved the goal but the...target argued on securing this base and assisting those taken prisoner. Cat had taken to protecting the subject whilst Monkey sought the top to clear out the base whilst I cleared the bottom. I was not informed of your arrival. What's the situation out there?"

Samui nods, "We encountered resistance whilst searching the surrounding territory from main base in a search and rescue situation. We discovered Missing-nin that were living in these lands and are willing to assist us in our attacks. We were pushed north and hit Taiko village. We found more rebels and upon hearing of the allied shinobi force fighting Gato, they and a large portion of the populace joined and we marched to attack Gato's base. Remove the enemy's home base, they lose a major source of resources, income and even safety. The enemy's loyalties will falter and lead to a swift victory."

Bird nods, glancing at Rahyo before concluding. "Monkey took care of most resistance from whatever stunt he pulled. I sensed an enormous amount of Chakra that spread outside and several chakra signals vanished within the span of seconds...it was...abnormal."

Rahyo nods, "I assume that's what the flash was." he remarks, looking at the bodies that litter the floor. "And you lot cleared the base, securing it with your limited forces. It's almost worth admiring."

Hinata finished tending to the injured and hurries over to the adults, looking determined. "We b-best continue...O-Once we've gathered all survivors, we c-can fortify our p-position should the e-enemy return from th-their assault."

"Hinata's right." Samui says with a smile, though feeling guilty over decimating her former Lightning comrades. She swallows the guilt, knowing they chose to support a man that kidnaps children and sighs a little.

"I concur." Bird nods, pressing their neck. "Tenzo, we've received reinforcements from Taiko village. Captain Kakashi's team is amongst them. Do you have the...target?"

"I have sights...on them." Tenzo responds via the radio. "I've sealed a few enemy...units that took shelter in...small spaces..." sounding tired from his constant flowing of chakra into the building to keep it sealed.

"Where's the dobe?" Sasuke asks, skinning his kunai in his hand as he looks around, seeing nothing to fight, much to his annoyance.

"...Where is the target? Team Kakashi wishes to...return to them." Bird informs his team leader.

"Nearing the top...floor." Tenzo responds over the radio.

"Understood. Over and out." Bird replies, motioning them to follow.

Xxxxx

Ash stands in the laboratory with Naruto and a few of his fellow escapees. Naruto is busy tending to the ANBU, Monkey who lands on the ground, looking close to death as blood stains one side of his boy. His right arm heavily burnt, flesh split, fingers having turned to bone and blood seeping from exposed muscles.

Ash sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he looks at the dead, the injured ANBU and looking back to the engineer. "So...you wiped out the village...and a rebound occurred that nearly took his arm...well...nearly is a strong word." Ash says, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Da, it was great test." the engineer says, looking at the sparking monitor screens. "Over expected testing. Destroyed majority of cables. Will take months to replace destroyed breakers and wires." the engineer informs him with some excitement.

Ash nods, looking at the partially melted container and wires hanging from everywhere. Ash feels somewhat at ease knowing the threat outside is no longer being there. Though it being over in an instant? That's what Ash feared, he still remembers his hair standing on end the moment it was unleashed. "Well...we best grab who we can so we can leave this terrible place. I'd sooner burn it down than keep it within sight of my home."

The door swings open, catching the attention of the prisoners, standing at the ready but stop, seeing the familiar mask of Tenzo walking in. He observes the room with its contents, seeing the heavy damage and Naruto tending to Monkey, gaining a nod of approval. A few moments later, Bird comes in with Samui, Hinata, Sasuke and Rahyo.

Hinata sees Naruto healing the Monkey ANBU, remaining focused as the flesh is slowly closing up. Hinata's heart if fluttering, her emotions, wanting to wrap her arms around him and never letting him go. Her fingers twitch with anticipation, excitement, anxiety, grabbing her sleeves to at least hold something for that moment.

"Hey, dumbass." Sasuke calls, making Naruto turn to see Sasuke, seeing the rest of his team and his eyes settle on Hinata. Naruto blinks a few times before smiling at her, seeing her excited smile and small tears running down her cheeks.

Naruto quickly does a hand sign, creating a Shadow Clone to take over his healing as he stands up, looking at Hinata with a bashful smile. "Sorry..." Naruto says, scratching the back of his head. "I got distracted and did my own thing. I hope I didn't make yo-" Naruto begins, soon begin surprise tackled by Hinata. She wraps her arms around his torso, crying with happiness as she clings to him, pressing her face against his collar. Naruto sighs a little, smiling as he wraps his arms around Hinata, holding her and feels at ease for the first time in what feels like years. "I'm sorry I made you worry. I did something without thinking and...well...Zabuza said he'll join our side. Believe it."

Samui raises an eyebrow, confused. "He did?"

Rahyo turns, showing some emotion in his face that seems to give way to the sound of breaking glass. "Zabuza...Momochi? The Demon of the Hidden Mist?"

"Yeah, that's the guy. Told him Gato planned on killing him and Haku. He believed it since he'd already considered the idea. I Talk-No-Jutsu him." Naruto smirks, chuckling a little.

Every ninja within the room just stared at him with disbelief, confusion and some annoyance. "How the fuck did you make Genin?" Sasuke asks, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Cause of my skills and good looks. They made you a charity case." Naruto chuckles at Sasuke, gaining a glare from him.

Rahyo chuckles, a foreign sound to him as he shakes his head. "A kid talked down a man more blood lusted than I...I'd question if the world has truly ended, but the crack in the sky hints towards that already."

Naruto chuckles himself, "He's a nice guy when you get through the hatred...I see the good in people." Naruto comments, lifting Hinata's chin up so he can look at her. "And Hinata is too good for this world and I want to make the world as wonderful as her." he says before kissing her on the lips. Hinata melted into his kiss, feeling so happy in the world.

Samui blinks a few times, wondering when Naruto became a smooth talker and couldn't help but chuckle. Sasuke blinks a few times, shaking his head as he goes to explore the room. Tenzo sees the young romance, chuckling a little as he remembers Yukimi.

"Right, as much as teenage romances go, I'm afraid we're forgetting the elephant in the room. Or in this case, the horse, elephant and bomb." Ash comments, gaining everyone's attention. "The elephant being Gato's base is ours, but we still need to defend this place should Gato's forces try to besiege us. Then there's the horse sized monster that nearly killed us. I honestly don't know if it's dead or not, considering the room it was in vaporised, but I didn't see no body, so I ain't holding my breath. Then the bomb." Ash points to the container. "That thing was a one shot and can wipe everyone out within several hundred yards. We used it and I honestly don't want to use it again, and even if we could, it's too damaged to be anything but an eyesore. We need to act now and act fast."

Samui nod, motioning to the door. "We have numbers on our side, but we don't know how many of Gato's men or Lightning ninja remain or when they're to return. The damage to the town is too obvious to hide for an ambush, so we best hide our injured and show our numbers to intimidate the enemy upon their return. If they see their safe grounds are gone, the base taken, they may flee."

Naruto breaks the kiss and smiles, giving a thumbs up. "I can increase our numbers and transform to make it more believable." Naruto chuckles, gaining a nod and smirk from Samui.

"Lie and deception...I might be able to pull something to assist in that..." Tenzo says, hoping he has enough chakra to pull it off. Tenzo walks over to Monkey, kneeling down and checking on him. He sighs in a hint of sadness as he knows it'll either be retirement or difficult training to use one handed jutsu. "Thank you for helping him." Tenzo tells Naruto, seeing Naruto turn, nodding with a small, sad smile.

Ash stands up, waving at everyone. "Alright! Get moving! We got a war to win!" Ash roars, gaining a few wear cheers from the prisoners.

Xxxxx

Gato roars in anger, furious as Yui, the leader of the Lightning ninja drags the dwarf of a man through the forest. Half a dozen Lightning ninja remain near Gato, defending him as the remaining forces of Gato's mercenaries and a few Lightning ninja pull back. "I ordered you to attack!" Gato yells, spit flying from his mouth from the amount of rage.

Yui rolls his eyes, clearly angry as he can't believe the situation they're in. The assault was piss poor, having lost quite a few of his men from Kakashi's surprised attack. The allied Shinobi pulled back to the defence of the village, reinforced by the rogue mist ninja. The Mist ninja knew their defences, making using Lightning jutsu dangerous for unintended friendly fire with water spread across the fields. Yui believes he lost a dozen men from the Silent Killing technique. What infuriated him most was when no boats came to the docks for reinforcements, almost like they'd been abandoned. The only solace Yui got was killing two Leaf ninja and a Waterfall ninja. If only it had been the Copy Cat ninja or Demon of the Mists.

Gato waves his cane, pointing the way they came from and continues to shout. "Gato, just shut the fuck up already! It took so much effort just to not get you killed! We'll regain our footing and-"

"Sir!" One of his men yells, annoying both Yui and Gato.

"I'm busy here!" Yui yells, looking towards him and stops, dropping Gato as his eyes widen in shock.

Gato pushes himself off the dirty floor, looking and his eyes widen in shock, anger and fury, nearly causing a brain aneurysm. Ten-foot-tall walls surround the shanty town Gato established for his men whilst his tower office is smouldering and heavily damaged. Several dozen heavily armoured men stand before the walls, cheering whilst waving their weapons which consisted of spears, katanas and even poles displaying the Uzumaki symbol. On the walls, dozens of people line them, wielding crossbows and a few ninja stand ready on the walls, their fingers poised for any jutsu needed.

Frost begins to emanate from the grass before them as two individuals begin to rise from behind the wall with ice pillars.

Yui looks at them, turning to see Gato's mercenaries quickly turning to flee where they could. Many dropping their weapons and fleeing to the forest as a few braver souls try the ocean to escape to the mainland. "What are you fools doing!" Gato roars, seeing his mercenaries flee.

Yui sighs a little, grabbing Gato by the shoulder who turns to him, clearly enraged. "Stop them fleeing! I have to get my office back!"

"Gato...you just lost your office and your immediate banking safe. These men aren't going to fight for your honour if the payment isn't there. You best come with us." Yui informs Garo, pulling him into the forest.

Gato slaps his hand away, turning as he stares at Yui in pure anger. "And why the hell would I go that!? You're worthless! I should've gone with some other damned country for aid! I figured I could save some money with your cheep prices! Who knew the moment your people left you, it left you with the weakest, shittiest ninjas I have ever laid eyes-" Gato begins to insult him before Yui grabs him by the throat and lifts him from the ground with zero effort.

Yui stares at Gato with no emotions in his eyes, freaking Gato out more. "Gato...You're just a pay cheque to us. Your insults are nothing as all I see you as is a wallet full of money. Do you know why I'm not going to kill you?" Yui asks, hearing the desperate gasps from Gato as his face turns red. "Because in that small...diseased...imperfect little mind are numbers...accounts...and locations of resources for your company. We'll take you for every cent we can and feed you our dogs. Not the good dogs, the worthless mutts that scurry across our streets. You played a game and chose to lead. You failed and we're taking what we can, you worthless toad of a man." Yui informs him, seeing Gato pass out from the lack of air before releasing him. "Take him, tie him up. We're heading home. It was difficult enough dealing with the rebels. They can deal with the shit going on in this island." Yui remarks, waving his hand to have his remaining ninja vanish into the night.

Xxxxx

Kakashi breathes as he sits on a small earth wall he created during the fight. He scans the battleground and feels glad he didn't have his Genin here to witness this fight. He chuckles as he thinks both Naruto and Sasuke would've liked to show off their skills during this battle. Kakashi looks outwards, seeing fallen mercenaries and a few Lightning ninja and his own people scattered on this mud covered fields.

A heavy thud hits next to him, making him turn to see Zabuza sitting there, his sword leaning against him. "I'm surprised you didn't choose to kill me." Zabuza chuckles, his hand resting on the hilt.

Kakashi nods, looking beyond the carnage. "It was tempting. Your subordinate came with Naruto's message and...well...he can be persuasive."

Zabuza seems to chuckle a little. "Yeah...read me like a book. Not sure how though. Felt like fighting you again."

Kakashi raises an eyebrow, "Yeah...though I can only guess what Naruto's offered you...might have to argue with the Hokage for it."

"My subordinate, Takumi along with a few of my men went to secure him and take Gato's money. We'll be parting ways as soon as possible." Zabuza informs Kakashi, gaining a small sweat from Kakashi.

"Zabuza..." Haku calls, appearing behind Zabuza who nods, acknowledging his presence. "We've collected out wounded, only two casualties, thankfully."

Zabuza nods, sighing a little as he looks around the field, seeing a few injured men. "Have you become a true Shinobi, Haku?" Haku remains silent, gaining a small chuckle from Zabuza.

"It's never an easy path to become a true Shinobi. I was younger than you when I became a true Shinobi and Naruto himself...I believe he didn't intend to...but he did become a true Shinobi." Kakashi remarks, remembering Naruto overcome by the Nine Tailed chakra and killed that Earth Shinobi. He sighs as he doesn't think Naruto remembers the encounter, but he has shown a mental imbalance due to irregular insomnia.

Haku pauses for a moment, listening as he looks to Zabuza who seems deep in thought. "Kakashi, when are you planning on pursuing the enemy?"

Kakashi looks the way the enemy fled. "We were going to gather the injured and tend to our wounds while gathering the injured enemy forces."

Zabuza looks at him, a little bemused. "Gotten soft?"

Kakashi chuckles with a small smile, "You could say that. It's better for morale if the civilians see we're better than their enemy and allow a just end to those captured, whether through execution for crimes greater than you or...nearing ;our; levels of crime." Kakashi chuckles, slowly getting up.

"Sparing an enemy just gives them another chance to kill you." Zabuza warns, getting up himself.

Kakashi glances at Zabuza and smiles. "Well, we're on the same side at the moment, even though I spared you when we crossed blades not too long ago."

Zabuza shows a hint of annoyance. "That wasn't a true showdown." Zabuza says, lifting his blade to rest on his shoulder.

Kakashi chuckles a little, "We'll have to cross blades again then. But for now, yesterday's enemies might be today's friends." Kakashi informs him, turning to Haku. "Wouldn't you agree, Haku?"

Haku remains silent as he turns from the two to gather the wounded, trying not to anger Zabuza. "His heart is too soft." Zabuza remarks, watching Haku leave.

"Perhaps...but sometimes that isn't so bad. It makes us Shinobi human." Kakashi tells him. Zabuza turns, looking at him, tutting a little before walking off.

"We best follow as soon as possible. I always wanted to tear that head off Gato's head." Zabuza calls back as he heads towards the village.

Xxxxx

Hours had passed, news had spread far and wide of Gato's army being defeated whilst a secondary force managed to capture Gato's base of operations. Many of the mercenaries fled and went into hiding so they can escape the island. No one can find Gato, but the allied forces noticed the Lightning ninja were able to escape using an abandoned dock which had a few boats.

Naruto smiles sadly as he sits on a table at Gato's shanty town whilst Hinata rests on his shoulder. Naruto spent the time listening to what happened during his absence. Naruto was curious to hear and see two more Ice users that were not Haku and the other Missing-nin.

Sasuke observe the two, rolling his eyes a little, "Pathetic..."

Samui takes a few drinks from the remains of a bar with Ash. "This is a good day to celebrate." Ash remarks, lifting a bottle of booze. "Haven't had a drink for months. You want some, Naruto?" Ash asks with a small chuckle.

"I'm...too young?" Naruto says, looking a little confused.

"Well...we're celebrating a well earned victory." Ash tells him with a small smile as he pours one out. "It's fine. I'm not leading these people. I said I'd let them choose a leader. No more heir shite."

Naruto chuckles, "I'd vote for you."

Ash gives him a warning with a stare and a point. "I'd send you flying."

Takumi groans from a nearby building, his body covered in burn marks as he limps out. "The fuck did I miss? Did I kill it?"

Ash shakes his head, "No. Found evidence of it being in this town and escaping into the forests. One of Samui's people unleashed several messenger bird summons to spread the word for that monster. Is your friend…Kenta? Is that his name? Anyway, is he still breathing?"

Takumi looks back into the room, seeing a more natural coloured Kenta breathing easier, his veins no longer blackened. "Looks like it...lucky fucker."

Ash raises a mug, "I'd drink to that."

"I'd drink whether he's alive or dead." Takumi mutters, walking over to the table of drinks and takes one. He pauses and looks at Samui with a raised eyebrow. "Don't remember a pair of tits with a lady attached to them fighting for us. The fuck I miss?"

"Reinforcements." Is all Ash says as he drinks, looking around the semi-populated town as all surviving prisoners and the reinforcements are celebrating themselves silly at this point. Ash just feels glad he found a liquor stash.

"H-How many p-prisoners survived?" Hinata asks, sounding concerned.

"Around forty, give or take. Sadly, we lost close to a hundred...shocking really...how many lives did Gato fuck over?"

Hinata looks down with a sad look, only to have Naruto wrap his arm around her to keep her emotions up. "We won. Gato's gone and we're going to head back to the Leaf and we get to brag about winning a war. Hell, might even make Chunin with that alone." Naruto chuckles. His eyes widen as his nose bleeds a little, grabbing his head as he shakes it, trying to remove the migraine.

"Time of the month." Ash whispers before taking another swig. "Speaking of time of the month. Naruto! You remember where the fuck Merle went?" He asks, gaining a shake of the head from him. "Anybody see a racist man with one hand and a face only a monther could punch?" Ash asks, not receiving any responses. "Shame if he died...bet he'd be a better drinking friend." he comments, looking at Takumi and Samui. "Then again, he doesn't have half the looks as our fine lady." he says, raising a mug to her who rolls her eyes at him with a small smile.

Naruto yawns a little, resting his head on Hinata's head, looking at Ash and a curious thought comes. "You're an Uzumaki, right?"

Ash takes a quick swig as he looks at Naruto, giving a sad smile. "Aye...what's left of it, anyway." Ash says with a sad tone.

"Are there any others? I was hoping to learn more about my clan." Naruto says, gaining a few interested looks from those around.

Ash sighs a little, "Unfortunately, I'm not the best historian. All I can say is my family stayed within these lands since the 'War of the Calming Waters' as my father called it. Our clan's power was feared so much, it took several countries united to remove us. I figured others of our clan fled our home. Our family refused to move and as a result, we slowly became a noble house before my father took over these lands. I wasn't around for that since I went into exile and came back when I heard my family was in trouble. I came with a small army and we got wiped out and I found myself in prison since then...I had my most loyal companion grab my youngest brother and flee to safety, I haven't heard word of Shiro being captured or Hotaru dying...so I can only hope they are still alive. My youngest sister, Minako was cunning and I believe she escaped as well...unfortunately I don't know where she is either. The only other family that might still be alive is my other sister, Yori was out of country and...I think the Lightning have her."

Naruto looks sad, clenching his fists as he looks towards Ash. "I'll do what I can to help find them. Believe it. We already brought one family together. We'll bring another family together." Naruto says, remembering the Tetsu clan reuniting with their heiress.

Hinata smiles, nodding as she holds Naruto's hand, giving it a small squeeze. 'This feels more like my Naruto...' she says, remembering Naruto achieving the impossible in her previous life.

Ash gives a small smile, raising his mug to Naruto, "Any help would be appreciative...though I might go on the hunt myself."

Heavy footsteps come from round the corner, catching everyone attention and many freeze with surprise and awe as a tank of a woman walks around. She is over seven-feet tall, her hair tied into dreadlocks whilst her pale, almost grey in colour whilst darker patches of skin make markings across the skin she shows in a ragged set of hides. She turns, soon spotting the group, looking at Samui and Ash. "You are...Leaf people, yes?" she asks in a heavy voice, gaining a nod from Samui. "Man who looks like scarecrow and man with sharp is waiting by gate." she informs her, gaining a nod from Samui again.

Samui is very shocked, knowing many tall people from her home, yet this woman would be a clear head taller than anyone she knew. "Right, we'll have to drink later. Mission priority is above all else." she comments, gaining a sad look from Ash as he follows the group.

Xxx

Kakashi stands at the wooded gate as Tenzo appears. Kakashi smiles at Tenzo before turning to see Naruto's group approaching, waving at them. "Hey guys, sorry I'm late. I was dealing with some unfortunate people that seemed to have lost their way."

Naruto chuckles a little, looking behind Kakashi to see Zabuza along with his remainder of Mist Shinobi. Naruto's eyes widen when he spots Kaiju, the Human Tank of the Mist towering in the background. He thought the lady he saw was tall, but this guy's a literal tank. "I...we took Gato's home." Naruto tells Kakashi, quickly looking back at his Sensei.

Kakashi nods with a smile, "I heard, trust you on dealing with a siege before we even got to that. As unpredictable as ever, I see."

Naruto chuckles, waving at Zabuza who stares down at Naruto. "I see you like my new allies." Naruto comments to Kakashi, gaining a nervous chuckle from the Copy Cat ninja.

"Quite..." Kakashi comments, looking up at the partially destroyed tower. "I also got word of...a giant monster?"

Tenzo, Ash and Naruto went over everything that happened within the last day, looking with interest, shock and glancing at the tower before looking back at the two. "That is a harrowing experience."

Takumi nods, coughing a little, "Yeah, fucker was resilient. The thing nearly killed Kenta." Takumi remarks, gaining a somewhat disappointed look from Zabuza.

"Have you taken the vault?" Zabuza asks, looking at his subordinate who gives a blank stare.

"...The fucker distracted me. It's still in the building. I'll get the bastard." Takumi mutters as he begins to head towards the front entrance of the tower.

Kakashi sighs a little, "The funding you're taking aren't going to help you in the long run, Zabuza." Kakashi comments, gaining an annoyed stare from Zabuza. "The Ninja World heard of your coup d'état and your assassination attempt on the Fourth Mizukage. Do you believe you'll make it far like this?"

Naruto looks at Zabuza, gaining a headache as he sees Zabuza's tear stricken face flash through his mind. Naruto grabs his head and sighs a little, smiling as he hears Kakashi's voice after saying 'I really liked those guys.'

"Why don't you join the Leaf?" Naruto asks, making Kakashi and Zabuza look at him, both looking confused.

Zabuza chuckles a little, "I have killed countless Leaf Shinobi. I am a wanted criminal and I doubt your 'beloved' Hokage would accept me or my men."

Kakashi nods, chuckling a little, "It might be difficult to achieve that."

"Th-Then why not s-stay here?" Hinata asks, making Zabuza glance towards the girl, looking her up and down. "Th-There are o-other Missing-nin h-here. Th-They wanted independence...th-there are other M-Mist n-ninja that went r-rogue."

Naruto nods, looking interested. "Yeah, you fought for this country...you might even be considered a hero...or an anti-hero at least." he chuckles, making Zabuza look a little puzzled.

"Didn't you conquer this country? Or was it a liberation?" Zabuza chuckles, glancing at Kakashi.

"I believe the offer was the country itself as payment." Kakashi comments, sighing a little as it feels like months ago since the start of the mission.

"Wh-What about annexation? Th-The Hokage m-might r-recognise the Land of W-Waves as an independent c-country if th-they support the Land of Fire." Hinata says, remembering a few history books referencing such things.

Ash chuckles a little, looking at the girl. "So the Land of Waves will have the Land of Fire as a sovereign state?"

Hinata nods a little, looking a little bashful. "Th-There are other c-countries with their own l-lords and...and Hidden Villages. Hanji, th-the leader of the Missing-nin wish to r-remain independent. Why n-not let them?"

Naruto looks towards Ash, a little curious and cant help but shake his head. "Well, you can certainly try since our people have already sold its lands." Ash comments, looking at Zabuza.

Kakashi thinks, nodding with some interest. "That might be worth bringing up at least. That's an intelligent idea, Hinata." Kakashi praises her with a smile. "Some of our immigrated residence are still looking for permanent residence and might be willing to assist the Land of Waves."

"Would you want to build your own Hidden Village, Zabuza?" Naruto asks, looking at him with interest. "There's already people with Kekkei Genkai people here. The Uzumaki are strong as you know it. At least two Ice users...no, make that three. Forgot about Haku."

Zabuza is surprised, he glances at Haku, seeing him standing there with his mask on. Zabuza may not see his face, but he knows Haku and he's standing there in shock at the prospect of someone will blood relations with him. "It is worth considering..." Zabuza mentions, looking at the ruins of the shanty town and the tower. "We'll hang around here for the time being. We expect word soon." Zabuza tells them as he motions for the others to relax.

Ash nods, coughing a little to gain Kakashi's attention. Ash motions for him to follow which Kakashi does, leaving the Genin with Samui as they go to relax. "There's been some...unusual people." Ash tells him, looking a little confused at the moment. "I've travelled the world and...they speak of things I've not heard of."

Kakashi nods with interest, glancing about and noticing a couple wearing clothes he's not familiar with with a few items he doesn't recognise. "So Gato has been collecting these foreigners?"

"No, they're not foreigners to say...I talked with a few during my imprisonment...the things they described were...like they were from another world. Like that one." he points out the giant woman. "She's an odd one. I also saw an ebony skinned fellow with red eyes. Black-Tooth called himself a Gnoll, whatever that is. He even said 'The humans of this world are tastier than back there.' Whatever he was, plus that fucking monster." Ash says, soon looking at the tower. "Plus the strange things in there...weapons and that 'Arc Pylon' thing...it's otherworldly."

Kakashi nods, feeling interested if somewhat baffled by that explanation. "Right...we'll begin a quarantine situation to separate the...unusual so we can find out if your observation holds any credit." Kakashi says, thinking a little and knowing other worlds exist due to summonings from the spirit realm. Kakashi begins to wonder what he's going to find.

Xxxxx

Meanwhile, deep in the forests of the Land of Waves, a certain red neck sighs in annoyance. Merle checks his wrist guard with the knife fused to it, nodding as he feels better protected than he did before. He scratches around his stubble chin, glad to be out of that situation. He didn't feel comfortable around so many bodies and that demon dog didn't help the situation. He ran, searching for his weapon before breaking through a window and managed to slide down and crashed into a tree, preventing any serious damage.

Merle coughs a little, disliking the cold which his clothes were hardly made for warmth. He'll have to set up camp soon before night comes for them all. He grunts as he begins to stand up to find firewood.

Merle begins heading eastwards, muttering in annoyance as a fog begins to settle. Merle sighs, looking around the floor, grabbing some sticks that weren't too wet. He turns to see a small bush and pauses, narrowing his eyes as he sees something hanging in the air. He approaches, looking as he sees little streams of light exit through cracks that hover in the air, as if it's a flaw in the world. Merle grabs one of the sticks tucked under his arm and throws it at the crack. It flies through, acting no different other than looking flawed behind the perception of it. Merle thinks, knowing he saw that flaw before, or something similar to it.

A scream is heard in the distance, making Merle jump with surprise. He ducks, scanning the area with a small amount of caution, telling it was a woman screaming. Merle curses as he stands up to investigate where the scream came from, looking back at the flaw which still lingers there as he leaves the area. He shuffles along, keeping low as he moves for a few minutes.

Merle soon finds a clearing, pausing as he scouts the area, seeing a woman rushing from the forest, naked, bruised, malnourished, fearful beyond belief.

Merle looks confused at the situation as new figures emerge from the forest, looking rough and wearing unusual clothing. "Uhh...we found a naked lady?" an obese, bald, ugly man with fair skin says, looking at the woman who collapses at the clearing, coughing hard.

"Astute observation." Another says, showing a slender man with tan skin and a black vest with many weapons on their person.

They begin to approach the woman, Merle counting seven, though he's confused as three look like perfect copies of each other. He sighs in annoyance as he doesn't like this one bit.

"She sure is pretty." The large, obese man says, moving his turban and smiles, showing only four teeth on his upper jaw.

"She is malnourished." The shortest of the men says with disguist. "You need a woman with meat on."

The woman continues to cry, shivering as she looks at the men, showing fearful eyes as she tries to speak. "There-" she begins before a smack goes across her face by the tanned man.

"A woman doesn't speak without permission!" The tanned man yells, looking annoyed as he looks the woman up and down. "She may make a cheap price in slavery."

"Any price is good." a grey skinned man says with a smirk.

"How's about you all turn around and leave." Merle calls out, standing in the clearing and holding a glock in his right hand, looking serious.

The large group of them look, somewhat surprised and all give a dark smirk. "Looks like we found outselves a hero." the short man says, getting into a fighting stance.

Merle shakes his head, "No sir, just don't like seeing Arabs being cruel to women."

"Finally, someone knows what we are." One of the triplets says, gaining excited claps from the other three.

The woman's eyes widen, coughing as she begins to shuffle away fearfully. "Don't try it, woman." The tanned man warns, his hand on the hilt of his sword as he looks between Merle and the woman.

She cries, pointing as she continues to shuffle back, her eyes showing nothing but fear. The tanned man looks a little confused, pausing when he hears the obese man speak. "Those are some ugly monkeys."

Merle and the others turn, looking as an apelike humanoid with dark fur and faces that comprise elements of pigs and rodents looks at them with a spiked club. Merle narrows his eyes, confused at what he's looking at. The Arabs seem confused as well as the tanned man throws a knife at the beast.

It dodges and soon gargles some foreign words that none can understand as he raises its club with a roar. Dozens of similar creatures break the treeline, all looking at the group of humans, wielding farm tools and makeshift weaponry.

Merle sees the woman already getting up to flee and Merle takes the same cue and begins to run for it the moment the monstrosities charge forth, gaining screams of horror and terror from the Arabian men being swarmed by these creatures of darkness.


Sleepless D: Surprised when looking through the Naruto wiki that there were more Ice Users within the Land of Waves which had situations occur around the Great War. Likely calculated the time frame of Kahyo going from independent ninja during the time to odd jobs within a few year time frame. Anyway, sorry for any who were hoping for a little more action. I couldn't think of much and figured people would like the closing parts of the Land of Waves and venture into the next prediction of the future. Peace out.


List of characters/Involved themes in this chapter;

Walking Dead

Command & Conquer

Berserk

Disney

Dungeons and Dragons

Skyrim