Chapter 49: Climax
'Inner thoughts'
°Mind link°
Night 1
Yukino's POV
Arriving at the camp I was sent to provide aid, I spotted the medic-nin huffing from exhaustion as they had tirelessly worked to heal their injured teammates. Without a word, I got to work helping this nin with their duty as I left l Ryota and Emi at the edge of the camp to keep on the lookout.
Noticing the medic-nin still helping I stopped. "I'll take over for now. So don't overdo it and take a break." With those few words, I returned my attention to the shinobi under my hands.
"Thank you very much." They politely said standing and asking someone to accompany them as they needed to go and "pick some flowers". The way they asked was timid and cute making my heart squeeze a bit from the innocence that my ears were lucky to hear.
'What a polite man.' I thought to myself as I understood that they just wanted to take a leak. 'Kawaii…' I smiled as my brain replayed what happened just seconds ago.
・・・
"Ready?" I asked the shinobi as I stood above them holding their shoulder and arm. Since their injury was the least grave out of everyone here they had just sat patiently to the side waiting for their turn.
"Are you sure you have done this before? AGH!" They yelled as I popped their shoulder back in place. Finishing I lifted their shirt glad to see that their wound that I just patched up didn't open with that bit of movement just now. Placing my hands on my hips I looked around and nodded. 'That's the last of them.'
Seeing how I had mostly healed everyone that needed it I realized that the medic wasn't back yet so I asked Emi in hopes that she had seen them. "Hey, did the other medic-nin return from taking a piss?"
"No," she responded looking down at me from her verdant post. "Five minutes have passed. Also, when did you become so foulmouthed?"
"I've always been, I just don't say it as loud." I quickly answered Emi's question with a pout. Feeling that something was wrong I looked into Emi's emerald eyes. "In war, how long is a break?" I asked rhetorically.
"I'll go look for him," leaping off the branch he stood upon. Ryota left the circle to go look for the medic-nin.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed someone that the other medic had patched up clutching their stomach in pain. Worried I quickly walked over and kneeled by them to check what was wrong. "What's wrong?" I asked for good measure.
Just as they were about to provide me with an answer a shiver ran up my spine and without thought, I pulled out my tantō from its sheath and stabbed the one behind me out of reflex. Realizing what I had done I looked behind me seeing the shinobi I had just pierced with my weapon. I could hear the sound of sheathing weapons of the shinobi around me as they had witnessed what I had done. However, the one I had just stabbed made another attempt to attack me. I pulled my tantō out, focusing wind nature chakra into it, and stabbed it into them.
Hearing their gurgles I watched as their appearance changed to that of White Zetsu's. Everyone witnessing this was confused by the turn of events. Slowly glancing at their comrades, suspicion began to brew within. Within the span of a few seconds that suspicion consumed them as they quickly pointed their weapons at each other.
°He's injured!° I heard Ryota mentally yell as did everyone in the circle. A couple of seconds passed and he emerged from the shadows carrying the injured medic on his back. As he placed him down I noticed the bite on Ryota's hand. Noticing my gaze he said the only thing he could, "I'm sorry, he was injured."
"Clean your hand and patch yourself," I threw him the items and quickly tended to the injured medic-nin.
"Two medic Jōnin have been killed in the Logistical Support and Medical Division compound!" The shinobi that was a part of the intelligence team relayed.
"Are you kidding me?" I hissed with my fears coming true. With this infiltration, they were beginning to kill off shinobi and medic-nin greatly increasing the load the rest would have to deal with. 'This is bad. They have limits dammit.' Looking at the medic-nin before me I worked on closing the deep cut caused by a blade. A glance at the injury on their palms told me everything.
Most likely caught by surprise they tried to minimize the severity of the injury by moving it to avoid it penetrating any of his major arteries or organs. Admiring their quick thinking I focused water on the palm of my hand and put it inside them. Closing my eyes I focused on the cut blood vessels, creating temporary blood vessels with my water. Gathering the blood that had leaked inside the body I separated my water from it and carefully returned it to its original flow. Finishing that I carefully reconnected the blood vessels to their cut counterparts. Making sure I connected them correctly I held my hand steady and healed it making them whole once more. Pulling out any blood that had leaked I pulled it out and began to close the cut. "Did you tell them that some of your members have been infiltrated by the White Zetsu and killed?" I asked the shinobi connected to the intelligence division without even looking up.
"I'll do it right now." They said going silent, assuming they were relaying the information they instead received it. "The White Zetsu were able to copy the chakra of multiple shinobi during the fight. Using that chakra they were able to transform into them and blend into the groups. They are difficult to distinguish from the original." They repeated.
"Yeah, I think we know that already." I pointed my tantō to the White Zetsu at my heels. "For now just to make sure who can vouch for each other. While I experiment with this." Saying that I tightened my forehead protector and kneeled before the setup that Emi prepared. Creating thin adamantine chains I wrapped them around the Zetsu body and laid them on the white sheet as Emi set up various surgery tools.
・・・
In the background, I heard doubt and screams. Feeling my head ache with all the yelling occurring behind me I harshly shushed them all. "Keep your voices low if you don't want the enemy to find us." Immediately they lowered their voices and just accusingly whispered at each other as Ryota was playing detective and pointing out any inconsistencies he noticed. During all this, he kept his hand on his side ready to draw at any moment either his katana or wakizashi.
After finishing cutting the last bit I handed it to Emi as she took the Zetsu piece to the separate area for testing. Switching places with Emi I focused wind nature chakra on my blade. "What are you doing?" Someone asked.
"Testing to see if this thing has any weakness," I responded by stabbing my blade into the Zetsu piece. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary I tested each of the other nature releases leaving Earth out since they came out of it, according to the reports, and would probably have the same effect as all the others. With no one in the group having lighting release I left it out wondering what else to test out. Standing up I prepared to attack it with my adamantine chains when the shinobi from intelligence spoke up, "Shizune and Sakura Haruno found out that the White Zetsu are made from Hashirama's cells."
"The first Hokage? That makes sense." Ryota sighed from above the trees keeping a safe distance away from everyone in the group. "They recover too quickly for it to be just a coincidence."
"So that's the case." I sighed rubbing my shoulders due to the amount of time I had spent bent over this body and as I did I realized that it was now morning. 'Oh, there's a full moon tonight.' I thought, noticing that my red hair had turned white at some point.
Day Two
Emi's POV
"New orders!" The sensor alerted all of us. "We are to stay in place and not move, anyone that does should be considered an enemy."
"Makes sense we can use this time to recover." One of the shinobi said as they sat down.
"He's right." Ryota sighed. "Either we already weeded out any Zetsu or you all are Zetsu. Though I doubt that since you would have reacted when that one did." He pointed to the Zetsu Yukino cut into pieces.
"Speaking of which, did you defeat the White Zetsu that attacked the medic?" I asked.
"I did. The medic-nin was pinned under the Zetsu as they dug the blade into them." He said reenacting the state he found the medic in showing the struggle that they had put up.
"I see," Yukino said, glancing at the medic who hadn't woken up yet. "If you all agree I will close us off but in doing so there is a chance that we may trap ourselves with a White Zetsu in disguise."
"You're planning on using that again?"
"Yes," she sighed whilst rubbing her neck. "Since we can't rejoin any group with the current situation and we can't bring the injured to the compound set by the medical division we are essentially sitting ducks with the number of injured in the group. I'm sorry but it's true." She told the injured who had woken up.
After some talking, everyone agreed to Yukino's suggestion and with that, she set up the barrier. "I'll take over," I told her. "You should rest, you barely slept at all last night." Nodded she leaned her head towards me allowing me a clear view of the bags under eyes that started to form.
Focusing my chakra with that specific technique in mind I placed my hand on her head. Blinking rapidly she stepped away and laid on her side with her back towards me allowing me a clear view of her exposed back. Her ponytail fell flat on the ground and revealed the butterfly marking that spread across her back.
"If any of you bother me I WILL not heal you." With that warning, she fell silent immediately falling asleep. Even though it was a full moon this technique, Crescent Lullaby, was the only thing that could put her to sleep.
With the barrier set up, we all just sat quietly with the slightest movement from anyone drawing suspicious glances. Eventually, the rest of the injured began to wake up so before they could speak I gave them the update on what was happening even pointing to the barrier surrounding us and explaining that it was safe.
As such hours passed with no significant update. "Uhm." The shinobi from the intelligence division spoke up. "Is the medic Yukino Uzumaki here?"
"She's the woman who fixed most of you," Ryota confirmed pointing to Yukino who hadn't moved in the slightest this whole time almost as if she were frozen in place. 'Wait…' Realizing this I looked closer noticing the frost begin to form around her.
"Is someone else cold?" I could hear the injured whispering to another.
"It's because you're covered in nothing but bandages." I quickly told them as I knew that Yukino was becoming the source of the cold air.
"Yukino Uzumaki has been ordered to return to the compound and assist with the surgeries the two Jōnin were meant to do." The man with the machine on their back said.
Silently I understood why this choice was made. Being the only one with actual guards the probability of her being impersonated by the Zetsu was extremely low making her a safe bet. Looking at Ryota he nodded in agreement understanding this as well. Walking up to Yukino I kneeled beside her getting a clear look at her face as it scrunched up slightly as thoughts invaded her world of silence. Placing my hand on her neck lightly her eyes snapped open as she looked at me before drifting down to the necklace under her clothes. I don't know why this works but she is quite protective of her neck almost always wearing some outfit that covers her neck in some way. I remember bringing this to Ryota before but even he doesn't know so we both just passed it off as a strange habit. But the look in her eyes just now told me it must be deeper than that.
"We have to move again, don't we." She said snapping me out of my internal speculation. Confirming her guess I gave a simple nod letting go of her neck. "Where?"
"Back to the Logistical Support and Medical Division compound." With a sigh that said she expected this, she stood up brushing off the dirt and frost on her.
"Will all of you be alright?" She asked, receiving a few uncertain responses and a few positive ones. "All right." She sighed, fixing her ponytail as the chains retreated into her. "Let's go."
Yukino's POV
With Ryota and Emi accompanying me to the gate we parted ways as they returned to their previous post above the cliff.
"Stop and don't move!" A shinobi ordered pointing their weapon at me.
"I was ordered to return and so I did," I told them.
"Stay there." They said still pointing at me with their weapon not even going to anyone to try and confirm my statement. 'Then again that order for everyone to remain separated was given out.'
Closing my eyes I scanned the area for the shinobi of the intelligence division. Upon finding them I created a mind link with them and the shinobi in their proximity. °I, Yukino Uzumaki, have arrived. Requesting permission to proceed and take over the duties of the two Jōnin.°
Although I could not see the shinobi I could feel their unease as I connected to their line of communication. Cutting the connection all I had to do was wait and that waiting didn't take long.
"Yukino Uzumaki you may proceed!" A medic-nin yelled motioning me over to the tent they were in.
Glancing at the shinobi that stopped you I worded the words "I told you," and walked past them. "Tell me what I have to do." I smiled.
The medic looked over the files double-checking. "The two Jōnin level medics were to assist with this," they said, handing me the clipboard with the technique that they were going to use for the surgery. 'So since they're both dead, that means I will do it myself. Wait, myself… I'll just make more shadow clones.'
Undoing the multi shadow clone technique I felt refreshed as my clone had returned to me after leaving it here for the whole night to sleep. "All right. Just tell me where I need to go."
・・・
Switching places with the medic-nin that were in the room before me I was left alone with my shadow clones to keep me company. In the center tent lay the shinobi with me and three other shadow clones on each corner of the Healing Resuscitation Regeneration Technique. However, even with my mind focused on healing the shinobi in the center I was aware of what was happening outside. Though a bit far I could sense shinobi approaching the compound but going the other way. 'They're still being turned away aren't they.' I realized, concluding that no one had come up with a way to distinguish the disguised White Zetsu from shinobi.
"Aid." One of my shadow clones said breaking the silence. Responding to their call I deviated from the area I was working on and focused on the more troublesome one alongside my shadow clone while the rest kept focusing on their assigned areas slowly but carefully. "Cease." They said allowing me to return my area of the body as they had gotten a better grasp to continue on their own.
This pattern continued for a while with no complication. I surprised myself by how quickly this procedure was going then again this technique was nothing new to me. After all, before the war started I became Misa-san's student once again. With years of experience under her flowery belt, she had a few tricks for making the toughest medical techniques just a bit easier to tolerate and complete. This is why my shadow clones and I developed this communication system. Single words that carry sentences' worth of information behind them save time and working with someone who understands you makes everything go smoother.
Everything was going smoothly until we heard desperate cries for help. Freezing we collected ourselves from the short surprise and continued. That was when something familiar penetrated through my sensory range. "Naruto?" I whispered which caught my clone's attention as they tried to confirm it for themselves.
Just as I sensed him the ground rumbled as something was slammed down into the ground. Although faint I could hear his voice a short distance away. Though his chakra felt different from before it was still him with a sigh I looked down relieved to know he was safe even if the Naruto here was a shadow clone. "Focus," I said with a smile as I returned to the person before us.
・・・
After finishing the procedure the shinobi was taken away leaving me alone in the tent to recover just a bit. After a while I got the energy to stand up and leave and so I did. When I exited the tent I was baffled when I saw trees near the entrance where there were none there before. 'What the heck? Why are there so many trees here? And are those White Zetsu?' I realized as I saw the bodies under the trees.
Noticing new shinobi in the compound I realized that Naruto's appearance here meant the elimination of the fakes. Which meant that now that the worry of a White Zetsu being among us was gone. With that, the injured were now accepted.
Hearing a medic-nin asking for more help I ended my break and returned to work wondering how the other medics were doing. 'I hope none have overexerted themselves. Though with everything happening I can see how this would have a mental toll on them.' Glancing up at the cliff I made a quick mind link. °I'm going to help around more. If anything happens tell me.° I told them as I entered the tents.
°I was able to intercept communications… It seems that Naruto and 'Killer B' are fighting reanimated jinchūriki.° Emi relayed calmly.
°That doesn't seem good.°
°Exactly. So please conserve as much of your chakra as possible. You won't be able to sleep on your own due to the full moon so the amount of chakra you can recover at this moment is slower so please be wary.°
°Take out your sword now so you won't have to when you're more tired.°Ryota added piggybacking off Emi's mind link.
°Sure. I'll do that. The same goes for you two. You guys haven't slept much since we started this either. Come down here and rest.° I told them hoping that they would listen to my request. 'If they're too tired I'll just send them to my garden.'
・・・
Finishing up with my last patient I sighed wondering just how much time had passed once again. Exiting the tent I was in I noticed medic-nin gearing up. That was when I spotted Shizune and Sakura leaving the compound. 'What's happening?' Checking for Emi's and Ryota's whereabouts I found them in a tent asleep. So as to not to bother them I stopped a medic-nin about to leave. "What's happening?"
"Any medic-nin capable of fighting has been ordered to provide support to the front lines."
"Then that means–"
"Yukino-san!" A medic-nin called out. "There is a surgery the chūnin need help with."
"Ah…" Looking at the medics leaving Ryota and Emi popped into my mind and with that, I gave in. "What do you need help with?"
Night 2
By the time I was finished once more it was already nighttime. So with no other responsibilities, I was free to join the others in the frontlines. Going to one of the tents I unsealed my sword Nagareboshi and strapped it to my side. Putting on my forearm guards I secured it and everything I wore making sure it wouldn't get in the way.
Hearing the tent flap move I turned to look at who it was. "HQ wants to speak with you." With those words, I followed them to hear what they wanted me to do now.
Connecting to the transmission that was connected to the shinobi from the intelligence division I was connected to a man called Shikaku Nara. "Seeing how you answered relatively quickly I assume you are still in the logistical support and medical division compound."
"I am. I wanted to join but they needed help here."
"It's a good thing you answered. We need you to use those transportation abilities of yours to find out who undid the Edo Tensei."
"So you're saying none of the allied shinobi forces did it."
"Exactly."
"If it's no one from the allied forces you think it might be someone else. But for them to stop it while in the middle of a war it would put them in a disadvantaged situation. Meaning that they were forced to stop right." I assumed knowing that Kabuto wouldn't undo that jutsu considering the costs that go into it. "With a Sharingan, it would be possible… I see I will check it out immediately. If by chance I find Sasuke Uchiha do you want me to capture him?"
"No, first find his motives for helping if possible and report back. However, if he plans to join the war and join the enemy, subdue him." Understanding I was then given Kabuto's last known location and asked to look for Anko who had gone missing once she began tailing him.
But before he disconnected I said one more thing. "Hey, Shikaku Nara. I'll say this quickly so I don't waste your time but thank you. Thank you for not being like the rest of the village by telling Shikamaru to stay away from Naruto you raised a fine son. This isn't my dying last words alright. I'm coming back and reporting what I find. I just wanted to tell you this since a while back." Cutting the connection I told the shinobi I didn't want to hear their response and just went to wake up Emi and Ryota.
Somewhere after sometime
(Still)Yukino's POV
Creating a portal to the closest area possible to the Mountain's Graveyard proved to be a difficult task. Out of every place I visited, that land was one of the few I never properly visited and just crossed through. As such I spent some time scouting for footprints and once I did I followed them.
"The Mountain's Graveyard is further north but these footprints seem to come from the east." Emi pointed to the single set of footprints we have been following.
"Does that mean that someone else came looking for Kabuto?"
"Who knows." I sighed wondering the same thing. "It can't be anyone else from the shinobi alliance. So maybe it really was Sasuke."
"If it really is him… can we use the Getsugan?" Ryota asked, staring ahead with a stoic face as his breathing quickened at the thought of having to fight him and his Sharingan.
"We won't take any risks," I assured him. "You both have permission to use it even if he sees it."
"Understood." Both Ryota and Emi said taking out their fox masks. Putting them on with ease they stared ahead with determination to live in their eyes.
・・・
After a while, we came across a cave. Glancing at each other we nodded, activating the Getsugan to see in the dark we quietly entered. Taking the lead I looked ahead for any dangers, Ryota kept his eyes up looking for anything or anyone hiding, while Emi kept an eye to our sides making sure nobody got the drop on us.
Making it to a relatively lit area caused due to an entrance from above that was when I quickly drew my sword, an action that Emi and Ryota caught and copied as we stared at the figure in the middle of the cave. Although still, we didn't lower our guards. °A fight happened here.° Emi said, pointing her blade to rocks nearby.
"There's someone there!" Ryota whispered.
Looking at where he was pointing I squinted slightly. "That's Anko Mitarashi." Realizing this I sheathed my blade and ran over. Reaching her I placed my hands down to pick her up and at that moment I felt a faint rumble. 'Huh? What was that?'
While wondering what that rumble wasEmi came over and took Anko onto her lap. "I'll take care of her. Find out what happened." Taking over she placed her hand on the unconscious woman's head.
"Okay," I said snapping out of it quickly. 'Right I need to focus.' Walking up to Kabuto I stopped a short distance from him and took in a deep breath. Ryota stood by me watching as I did the technique. Forming the ram sign I uttered the following words, "Revelation." At that moment the underground cave was enveloped in a light blue glow.
"!"
"Itachi…" Ryota muttered as we both saw the familiar figure. Feeling a tight feeling in my throat I swallowed back the emotion I felt and watched in silence. Moving to see where he went we followed where the action was to get the whole story.
It wasn't long before Sasuke joined and with it came the fact that he was unaware of the war happening outside. 'How can you not know?' My question was swiftly answered by Kabuto's next words. "You see, while you were sleeping after the transplant of your brother's eyes, the world turned upside down." This felt like a slap to the face. 'His eyes?! The blood… I have to get that blood. What if his eyes carried it. What killed him… Sasuke can't die… not like that.' Flinching the moment a hand was placed on me I turned to look at Ryota.
"It's fine. We'll deal with whatever worries you have after this is all over. All right?" He smiled, putting my mind at ease just a bit.
"You're right." With that, I turned my attention to the fight going on, raising the level of noise we could hear what they were each saying.
"A special trait of those with Uzumaki blood is their red hair. And their life force is as tenacious as a cockroach's." Hearing those words Ryota scoffed offended by the comment. "In the Shinobi World, those without talent are nothing."
"Karin is from the Uzumaki clan?" Sasuke said with surprise. Though for me I continued listening as this fact was just another that I knew.
"You must've seen her right?"
Knowing what Ryota was going to ask next I shook my head. "She didn't want to leave." His eyes widened as he couldn't understand why and neither did I as I asked myself this very question a couple of times. But as Ryota said before I need to focus on the things happening before me. 'I see so he has learned sage mode from those snakes.' Catching myself by surprise I apologized for how rude that thought sounded.
"Ew…" We all said as we watched Kabuto emerge from that snake's mouth all slimy. Looking at each other we stifled the laugh that was quickly gone due to the bright light nearly blinding us and the screeching noise that came with it. Feeling goosebumps all over my body I quickly lowered the noise feeling relief when I could no longer hear it.
Once that bright light was gone I raised the sound once more. "You can easily read people and use this ability in a fight. That's why you were such a good liar…" Those words Kabuto uttered quickened my heartbeat. "You never told a single truth before you died. A complete liar."
Yukino: I know I shouldn't believe the words he said but at that moment I genuinely believed them. I doubted the relationship we had. I still feel bad about that but on the bright side if he had he should have known that I would have ended the Uchiha line before we ever copulated.
?: Yikes… and by that, you don't mean…
Yukino: I would have crushed those family jewels had he been playing with my emotions. Ryota would have gotten a good laugh out of that. Though I believe what we had was real even if it wasn't for long. I still think of him, you know.
Hearing Itachi mention a boar they both hunted down together, my attention piqued as I remembered hearing about it. Sasuke, remembering as well, smiled briefly as he understood what he wanted him to do. Immediately both brothers began to fight in a formation done long ago.
Smiling at the sight of both of them fighting together I stared in awe at the fight that occurred. But of course, it couldn't last long and Kabuto had to open his damn mouth.
"Geez." Ryota sighed loudly in an attempt to draw my attention. "He just keeps talking." Opening one eye to look at me he quickly closed it and looked away.
"It's fine. I know this already." I patted his arm as I watched Kabuto ask Sasuke if he knew the truth about Itachi. A suspicion I myself came to as well. With that, he confirmed it with a few words. "My destruction of Konoha is just mine." Although insane I understood the anger he felt. However, unlike him, I still had people I could depend on. 'Maybe that's why we turned out so different… but Sasuke you pushed away everyone you had left.' Thinking that I chuckled at the hypocrisy since it won't be long till I do the same and abandon those I knew in Konoha for the life I've been building for myself in Uzushio. 'Who am I to judge…'
"The Village does have its dark side and its inconsistencies. But I'm still Konoha's Itachi Uchiha." Saying that Kabuto and Sasuke remained silent. "Sasuke… it's my fault if you became what you are now. I'm not really in the position for criticizing your decision. But now that things turned this way, there is at least one thing that I want to say to you."
"One more thing?" Ryota asked with intrigue as he sat down.
"After we settle our positions though." Ryota and I groaned knowing that we would have to wait. It was then that they began to fight but in between the fighting, we learned something new. 'Izanagi… I'll have to look into Sasuke's fight with Danzo when I get the chance, to see what it does. What if that masked man could use it as well? I'll have to look at his fight with Konan.'
"It's not Izanagi. It's another one, that forms a pair with it."
"Another one?" Sasuke asked, showing that even he did not know about this.
"It's already prepared. The ultimate dōjutsu that holds his destiny… Izanami. If Izanagi is a jutsu that can change destiny, Izanami can decide it! Sasuke, stay close to me."
"Did you know about it?" Ryota asked.
Keeping my eyes on what was happening I told him honestly. "No. Each MangekyōSharingan has different visual prowess. Though this seems to be one of the rare few they could all use."
'The Uchiha's dōjutsu... just how much is there?' While thinking that from the corner of my eye I spotted some movement from the past Kabuto and looked over regretting it as the sound four began to protrude from his stomach. I know the look of disgust was clear on my face but it was mostly because I knew that what I saw would haunt me sometime in the future in the most inopportune moments. 'Why does my memory have to be like this? Oh, right because Tsukiyomi wanted it to be like that.' I sighed looking away from Kabuto and choosing to keep my attention on the brothers to prevent Kabuto's weirdness from affecting my future dreams.
However, that move was the wrong one and I missed the moment Kabuto stopped moving. Extending my hand towards Ryota he opened a portal and handed me my camera. Taking a picture of what we were seeing while Itachi explained in detail what Izanami and Izanagi did as well as Izanami's creation. 'Interesting…' Airing the picture I glanced at it seeing nothing but the cave we were in. 'It was worth a shot.' I handed back the camera listening to Itachi talking about lies, regrets, and his idea on perfectionism.
Although moving the moment was interrupted by Kabuto shedding his skin giving me another reason to consider going blind for the next month. "Geez…" I heard Emi say as she stared at the shed skin left behind.
"They tend to do that," I told Emi, never really getting used to this sight when these guys did those things. Following as Kabuto ran we watched the moment he stopped where he now stood. With that Sasuke and Itachi caught up with him
"I have no more attachments to this world," Itachi said, making me raise my eyebrows. Both Ryota and Emi sucked in air through her teeth creating a hissing noise I clearly heard. They glanced at me and avoided eye contact when I turned to look at them. Sasuke was more vocal about this, angry about the words rightfully so. "The one who can change you is no longer me. That's why… stopping this jutsu is the least I can do now. To keep from slighting what I left in Naruto's hands." Saying that he opened Kabuto's eyes placing him in another genjutsu where he got the way to release the Edo Tensei. 'Next time I die I'm going to have a word with him.'
Watching as Kabuto slowly made the signs rat, ox, monkey, tiger, dragon, and boar in that order he released the Edo Tensei. While Sasuke talked about his returning memories and feelings that came with them during the fight he made it clear how due to the events that transpired his hatred for Konoha was just growing.
Watching the light emit from Itachi and reach up towards the sky I heard his words. "I feel like I'm slowly losing consciousness… Before saying goodbye I will tell you what I wanted you to know. There is no need to lie anymore… What I did that night before leaving you is exactly as Danzo and Tobi told you. I will show you the whole truth." His eyes changed as Sasuke was placed under genjutsu and Ryota yelled, never hearing the thing Itachi wanted to tell Sasuke. 'In the end, it's something only they know.'
"If I stand here do you think I'll be put under the genjutsu and see it?"
"No... it requires a user to place someone under a specific genjutsu. Though there is another way to see it." This caught Ryota by surprise as he waited for me to tell him. "That is to see the memories of the one placed under it. You should know this." I tried to laugh only for it to come out as fake as it could get.
Watching Itachi's body slowly break into small pieces I watched with some joy as he was finally being honest with Sasuke. Even if it was too late. "You don't have to forgive me… No matter what you decide to do from now on... I will love you forever." Watching quietly as his soul was released I smiled happy that they were able to talk properly.
Remaining silent, Sasuke stood in the cave quietly though not for long before the two I saw in the land of Iron break cave from above.
"Can you skip it forward a bit?" Ryota asked as I felt another faint rumble. 'What's happening outside?'
"Sure." Raising my hand I made a swiping motion fast-forwarding it. Although fast I could understand what was being said. Seeing what they were doing to Anko I slowed it down watching as Orochimaru emerged from Anko's curse mark. After everything we saw Kabuto do we didn't react much and just accepted it. "Well, he's back… again." I sighed, shaking my head disappointed that they would bring him back. But for the reason of knowing everything made me curious.
Getting all the information needed I closed my eyes returning them to normal thus dispelling the revelation technique. Whilst rubbing my eyes I knew that I had to send the information to HQ immediately, especially the part where Orochimaru was brought back. 'Okay now's the time to put this technique to its full use.' Tiger, snake monkey, doing those signs in order I did the Mind transmission technique. Imagining myself expanding my arms forward I expanded my range towards HQ. Though no matter how much I reached out I didn't feel anything to grasp onto. 'Weird… shouldn't have I connected by now?'
"Emi can you verify how far I spread out?"
Walking over she placed her hands on my head and hummed. "Guessing by the distance it should reach Kumogakure."
"Exactly. Yet for some reason, I can't connect to anyone at HQ." I hummed while looking over at Kabuto and Anko who still remained unconscious. "Let's go back for now."
"What about them?" Ryota asked.
"Let's leave them here. The cave is sturdy so they won't be in danger." Opening a portal to the library we all entered choosing HQ as our next stop. From the silence I felt, I should have known. Opening a portal to the roof of HQ I was about to step out when I stopped.
"Why'd you stop?"
"What happened?"
They both asked as I stopped by the edge of the portal. "There is no HQ…" I said looking down at the large crater below. My portals were always correct as long as I visited the place so standing here where the Allied Shinobi Forces' Headquarters once stood I was horrified by what could have created this. "Quick we must join the war and aid as much as we can. Tobi cannot be allowed to win."
・・・
Arriving at the scene the first thing we noticed was the erected red barrier that surrounded a large beast with ten tails that I have never seen or heard about, or have I? "This is insane." Ryota sighed. "But this thing can't be allowed to reach home." He exhaled positioning his sheath for when he would need the blade inside.
"He's right we allow this to reach any of them." Emi's eyes narrowed as she adjusted the fox mask on her face.
"Alright. Don't regret it later. Sapphire triangle formation as always." Unsheathing my blade I jumped forward joining the rest of the shinobi. Finding a clear path I took out my blade and with a swift strike passed right past one of the smaller beasts cutting right through it. Not wasting time by looking at it I moved on cutting down any of these creatures in my way while making sure I wasn't too far away from my friends.
Cutting down another small one I could hear the familiar sounds of Ryota's strikes and footsteps as well as Emi's as they were busy. Seeing the rather large enemy in front of me I knew what to do. 'Wind style: Gale Palm!' I pushed my hand forward, knocking down the smaller ones and giving me time to cut up the big one in front of me. Once they were taken care of I cut down those still on the ground.
It was then that the ground shook causing me and the others to squat close to the ground to avoid being thrown off balance. "What the fuck!" I heard Ryota yell.
Looking over I was able to see what he saw as Emi covered his back slamming her palm to the ground I heard her mutter the words, "Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm" breaking the earth behind him and destabilizing the ground, trapping a couple of those creatures in between the gaps.
'Oh, right Ryota.' Turning to look at what he saw I saw the huge summoning creatures that were summoned. Squinting slightly I could feel Naruto somewhere on the huge toad. 'Is that Sasuke on the snake? Wait, is that Sakura on that huge slug?'
°Focus please!° Emi yelled into our minds doing her best at keeping the things away with her genjutsu.
°Alright! Reverse Triangle formation!° Both me and Ryota echoed each other taking the lead together as we ran towards the much larger creatures ahead.
Haruko's POV
Waiting at the manor's main hall I sat to the side as always however this time I busied myself by polishing one of the three orbs I had propped up on the wall as part of the decorations. Placing back the white blue orb with the word Shikkotsu written on it I stared at the three orbs each with their own word.
Ever since the toads came in contact with the sage of six paths I've kept an eye on them wanting to witness history be made with my own eyes. I remember clearly how long ago my subjects believed it would be a waste of time but in the end, I proved them wrong. The toads have been intertwined in some way with some of the most intriguing events. They showed me the might of the three legendary Sannin as well as the boy who is key to the war happening outside. Which is why I added not ago, by my standards, two additional orbs to my collection. If the time where all three were to be summoned simultaneously it would be something to behold.
Just as I was reminiscing all three orbs began to glow. "They're glowing again," Kuzunoha said without the slightest bit of interest.
"Don't be like that. Get up we must see what is occurring." I touched the orbs knowing they were summoned. Transforming I picked up my successor by the scuff of her neck dragging her with me. However, before leaving I stopped momentarily to pick two umbrellas just in case it happened to rain. "Since we will be passing by should we bring the child something?"
"Hm? Yukino-chan?" The young vixen asked, closing her ruby eyes in thought. "Maybe, some medical supplies or something."
"Great idea. Bring me a children's bag's worth of medical supplies a Jōnin would need!" I clapped my sleeves together in anticipation ordering whoever was around to hear me.
・・・
The moment I stepped out of the bit of forest left due to the war I sensed it. It had been ages but there was no mistaking it. The ten tails. Transforming back to my fox form I ran to see with my own eyes hoping that it was nothing more than my old age playing tricks.
Then I saw it emerging from the ground. "It can't be…" I gasped moving the veil from my face. With my view no longer obstructed I saw it, that horrid plant. Although in a different form, I could see sense as it began to amass chakra for the large beast ball it was creating. 'Is it trying to break free?' I asked myself noticing the red barrier that surrounded it.
"Don't tell me… is it that?" Kuzunoha asked, witnessing along with me the first stage of the plant for the first time.
"There's no doubt about it," I told her, never forgetting the chakra of this vile thing even with the years I have lived. "We must make haste and warn the others." I returned my veil to its place and hurried back to open the entrance back to Mt. Inari once again.
"Others?" Kuzunoha asked. "But we won't be affected."
"If they lose this battle humanity will be done for... but if we were to save just a small portion of it we may still have a way to destroy it in the future." Crossing through the fog Kuzunoha followed behind me back into our home.
Catching up she passed me but as she did I saw the determined look in her eyes. "Listen here, everyone!" She yelled loudly for those close enough to hear. Clapping her hands ten times her messengers arrived kneeling before her. "Travel to Uzushio and spread the word to the people there to gather in the entrance of the nearest forest to them. Tell them it is Yukino Uzumaki's decree and for their future safety. Now go!" She yelled, extending her hand to the foggy forest surrounding our home.
"I'll be heading to the shrine so they believe our word," I told her before making my way to the entrance to Uzushio's Tsukimi shrine. "Listen here! My palace servants prepare the manor for our human guests' temporary stay!" I heard Kuzunoha yell as she actually took this matter seriously for once. 'My… too think I would actually see that girl take action like this.'
Crossing through the fog I stepped into the shrine just in time to catch Misa-san hurriedly rushing out of the shrine. Her eyes were wide saying everything in her mind.
"The god tree has been planted," upon the mention of that word her soft eyes went wide with surprise at the ridiculous words I just uttered. "We must get everyone off this island before that foolish jinchūriki has the opportunity to activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi. If you know of any small towns that we aren't aware of I suggest you warn them."
°The cove and library should be the only places with people right now.° She told me through her mind.
"Then warn them," I told her as I walked past her and into the shrine to tell the one in charge about the situation. Looking around I saw people run with scrolls as they had confused looks on their faces. "You there!" I stopped them, "take me to the one in charge."
"I'm the one in charge." A man with black hair said as he walked over with a woman with brown hair who held an open scroll.
"We're still getting those reports of the foxes." The brown-haired woman whispered.
"Those foxes are mine." I interrupted. "Listen here we don't know how much time we have, so gather all of your humans on this island and be ready to go to ."
"Did Yukino tell you to warn us?" The Uzumaki woman asked.
"No, I'm not even sure she knows what she's facing. Which is why you must hurry." I waved around remembering something. "The small island outside the barrier you need to warn them as well."
"No need, Yukino brought them back to the island a month ago." The man said turning around and walking away leaving behind the woman who wrote in the scroll responding to the messages she was getting. "Let's go Kichi, we'll skip the testing phase!" I could hear him say deeper within the shrine.
Exiting the shine I could hear it. In my head and the forest around me. 'No… it's not that… it's the island.' I realized as I heard the words echo in my head. °No time to explain this is Nori of Tsukimi shrine. An unexpected event has occurred on the outside so we must relocate to another place in the meantime. Those in Tsuki city head to the shrine while those in other cities must follow the foxes. You must-° it was then that it went silent and I couldn't hear the words anymore. 'So that's what he meant by test… impressive.'
・
Flashback
Oddly enough I was summoned by Yukino-chan for the very first time near the end of spring.
"For you to summon me what you will be requesting must be big," I asked the young woman who looked out of her office window with a clear look of regret.
Slowly turning her head she gave a simple nod. With a sigh, she sat back down on her seat telling me the source of that pain she held. "Recently there was an incident where two of my shinobi acted out. By the time they were recovered from the mainland, they showed clear signs of injury and great blood loss." Her eyes then closed as she placed her face in her hands. "You know what they said? They said they did it for me. They put themselves in harm's way because they wanted to alleviate my work."
"What does that have to do with us?" I asked knowing it sounded rude.
"I don't want to put them in harm's way. The Koi are already out at sea sinking pirate ships but it is the Wolf who tail the rogue shinobi."
"Then shouldn't it be fine? Kuzunoha mentioned your ingenious plan of using the bounties from the captured as part of this land's revenue. After all, there's only so much you can make from trade in the land of waves and from that small island."
Breathing in she lifted her head. "Haruko-sama, I know this game. Please stop playing with me." She said her resolve unshaken.
"It still worked, didn't it?" I patted her head softly as I smiled under my veil. Though I did it a few times I played this game with her and Tsukimi, where I tested their resolve by pointing things against them. In the end like Tsukimi, her resolve came out stronger in order to prove me wrong. "I have yet to hear your plan."
"I want intel on every orphanage in every land. I want the Wolf to have a new purpose."
Intrigued by what her plan entailed she explained wanting to take in more children like the ones she brought to the island that day of her unfortunate capture. She just wanted to make a role official to make sure fewer people were in harm's way. Agreeing to this plan I set things into motion using the info I already had to kick start it as soon as possible.
It wasn't long before I was summoned alongside the head of the Wolf organization. A fine but rugged man, who gave an aura of a caring father. The type of man who fit my tastes oh so many years ago. 'My… was I simple back then.'
"Haruko-sama," Yukino-chan called out to me, snapping me out of my recollection. "Thanks to the foxes of the Wolf will be able to have another responsibility, well officially since you were already kinda doing it." She shrugged before gesturing to the papers on her desk.
Picking them up the man looked them over carefully. "I see does this have anything to do with those two?" He asked. With a quiet sigh, she nodded. "I see it's good you got to it before I did." He placed the papers down taking out a folded paper from their shinobi attire. "Due to their actions, I realized that there are some responsibilities that not everyone handles the same. This new duty you are giving us is fit for those who want to take action instead of waiting. Thank you." He bowed.
"I'm just making an unofficial duty official please raise your head."
Going at this back and forth I picked the paper on her desk rereading what she already showed me realizing that she included a few more additions, orphans now included teens. 'Teens… I see so you're looking out for those kids who've suffered for much longer.' Smiling, I continued reading, finding a section where adults were to be brought as well whether they were a parent or a caretaker who tried their best.
Flashback end
・
Remembering what I was meant to do I headed to the front of the shrine knowing that there was an orphanage on this island. 'I must secure the future this time.' Sliding down the side of the stone steps I didn't care about what others saw of me by doing that on a shrine. All that mattered was that they were brought to safety.
As I went down I noticed the ratio between adults and children noting how most of the children were of toddler age. The few teens and kids I saw mixed among the crowd was depressing, to say the least.
Reaching the bottom I saw one of the shrine keepers guiding people up. "Tell me why do I see so few children here?"
"Huh? Oh," They looked around nervously as if realizing that just now. "I wonder if they heard the message?" They mumbled.
"What is it?"
"Most of the children must be at the dorms by the academy but that's in the northwestern part of the city."
"And the orphanage?"
"It's in the northern part of the city."
Thanking them I walked in the direction they mentioned, snapping my fingers I summoned a couple of foxes to serve me. "There is an orphanage in the north part of the city most likely around the outskirts. Get to them immediately and make sure to not leave any child behind." After finishing they immediately scattered.
Picking up speed myself I ran returning to my original form. Running through the mostly empty streets I noticed how a majority of the buildings that I passed were empty and in no way renovated like the rest. Feeling as if I was running through a ghost town I spotted up ahead bakeries and stores. Knowing I was heading in the right direction. As the skyscraper-like buildings became shorter and the houses became bigger I knew I was close.
Off the main road, I stopped, spotting two lively buildings just across from each other. Knowing that I had arrived I walked towards them, seeing as the students walked between the two buildings with no worries.
Transforming to my human appearance I stood in the middle of the street. "Listen, head to the shrine immediately!" I yelled but instead of doing so they just stared at me with their confused little faces. It was then that I saw them, Yukino's pupils.
"You three!" I singled them out. "I am Haruko, from and I order you to tell your peers to immediately head to the shrine."
One of the boys' eyes widened as the words I uttered seemed familiar. He knew right there that I spoke the truth. "All of you you heard her quickly head there." The black-haired boy said, taking initiative.
"I'll tell those still at the academy." The red-haired girl said running to the school.
"I'll check the dorms." The brown-haired boy yelled running the opposite way.
"Everybody, quickly follow me to the shrine!" The boy yelled once again running in the direction that I just came from. A couple of students looked at each other before following after him.
Feeling a tingling sensation in my head a second didn't pass before I heard another voice within my head. °Everyone please Yukino Uzumaki wants you all to evacuate. Follow the foxes' orders they will lead you to a safer place.° I heard that Emi girl's voice in my head as did everyone else.
Immediately understanding the severity of the situation the children came flooding out of the dorms and school. "To the shrine!" I told them as they ran out. Waiting I saw as the last two ran out from the buildings meeting at the center of the road the boy and girl from earlier shared a couple of words. "Quickly both of you." I urged them, making sure to keep them within my sight until I was sure they were safe.
A while ago…
Yukino's POV
It was then that the ten tailed creature began to accumulate a large amount of chakra into a large purple ball. 'This can't be good.' I guessed looking around at the barrier that surrounded us all. It was then at that moment that everyone was enveloped in some chakra cloak of sorts.
"Hey, we're the only ones that aren't covered by it." Ryota pointed out.
Realizing this I immediately knew what this could be, teleporting behind Ryota and Emi I activated my Getsugan once more. Quickly opening a large portal behind us I tightly grabbed them from the back of their shirts and jumped back pulling them with me to the safety of my mystic space, a name that stuck to after some time. Quickly closing the portal behind us I opened another outside the barrier and pulled them back out.
It was at that moment that I saw it, everyone who was within the barrier was now transported safely outside. Whatever that thing was, an explosion occurred within the barrier and once the smoke cleared there it stood unharmed.
"Emi, I want you to return home and update them on the situation. This thing might be what destroyed HQ." I carefully whispered.
"But… for it to do it from such a distance?" Emi asked, figuring out what I meant as she said it.
"Tell them to head the emergency shelter. Go, we'll wait for you here."
"Alright." She nodded. Once Naruto began to fight with the floating man, what I felt like was a jinchūrik which I found odd, Emi used the chaos to slip away unnoticed leaving us here to wait for her.
"You should go, you know," Ryota told me while keeping his eyes on the fight ahead.
"And leave you here? No way." I smiled. "We'll have to hold out until she returns."
Sasuke and Itachi vs Kabuto, and Orochimaru's Revival: Naruto chapters 579-594
