Hello once again! I give to you chapter 17!
I'll cut to the chase and give it to ya, but first let me respond to a few reviewers.
Igor De souza Santos. Thank you once again :D keep em coming!
Sugarismylife: I could've sworn I've send you a response, ah well! Who doesn't like badass Naruto? I wonder what the anime/manga would be like if he had Ghost's personality? Ah also…be prepared for more playing cards and other ridiculous crap from time to time Ps: here's some sugar!
Trak The Cat: Also could've sworn I replied^^. Sorry about the last chapter and I'm quite sure you'll feel the same way about this chapter as well, since it's kind of rushed, so sorry in advance! I'll make it up to you in the next chapter.
Lman3: if you're the guest than thanks for the response :D and I'll think about your offer!
Evil-pain: You'll find out the next chapter! The poll will end then. Also Thanks for the compliment :D yay! :P
Onbu: And I just wanted to say, love the review!
Iluvninjas: you'll find out this chapter!
Wolf West: here it is! And unfortunately not really up to par with the previous ones but I'll make it up to you!
Miss Elizabehh: I do remember responding to you (also my outbox cleared it up for me:P) so…bla!
Cariangelus: Thanks for the vote! You'll know it the next chapter!
If I forgot anyone I'm sorry!
As I said to the reviewers, this chapter was kind of hard to write for me, I dunno why it just sucked…nah no bullshit writer's block everyone uses as a pathetic excuse. (Always burst out laughing when I see a ridiculous awesome story that ends up with the line: sorry everyone but the next chapter will take longer than usual bla bla bla because of writers block…and you never see how the story actually ends.)
Also Killer Bee will also make an appearance of course so if anyone has experience writing him, please contact me because I have no idea how to write his rhymes an crap :P.
Next chapter will be extra-long to make up for this one and a lot sooner as well!
The poll ends when chapter 18 will be uploaded, so make sure you voted before then!
Special thanks to the reviewers and people who took time to vote! Also everyone who favorited etc you guys/gals are greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.
Disclaimer: If I owned the story I would've made Naruto a super badass! But unfortunately I don't own Naruto; I just borrow the Naruto universe for entertaining purposes ;)
I Will Become A Ghost Chapter 17
~Chapter 17 – The summit~
Sabaku no Gaara had a slow day; his brother and sister were preparing everything for their short journey to the Kage Summit in Tetsu no Kuni. Having finished his most deadly enemy; paperwork he had earned himself a small break.
He stood up and walked over to the balcony behind his desk. It wasn't long ago that someone from the Akatsuki had come to him and warned him about some impending invasion that was about to start at Iwa.
Gaara leaned over the railing of the balcony and closed his eyes when a soft breeze hit his face. He hadn't believed a word they said, but something changed his mind and he told them that even though he wouldn't send any men, he would reinforce the borders.
Some had questioned him about it but after reminding them who the Kazekage was they had quieted down fast enough. But the resources he had to put in reinforcing his borders were more than worth it if it meant he could prevent an attack.
"Gaara?"
He turned around and saw his sister standing, She had changed quite a bit, she used to always have that negative look on her face, but that had changed into a kind one, making her even more beautiful than she already was. She used to have four ponytails but last year for a change and decided on curly hair
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked his sister.
She looked him over. "We're just waiting for you." Gaara hadn't changed much, his physique hadn't changed all that much, he only grew in length and his hair he had let grow a bit as well. He used to have a permanent angry look but that had turned to a neutral look of indifference.
"I'll be right there give me a moment."
xXx
Tsunade and Shizune stood in front of the gate, with them were Micheru, Mayu and Rome.
Hawke and Ghost who had finished instructing the shinobi of Konoha stood there as well. "When will you be back?" Hawke asked.
"Not sure, it'll take a few days to get there, a day or two at the summit and a few days for the trip back so at least a week."
"We'll hold the fort while you're gone."
"Take care," Ghost said with a nod towards his three fellow hunters, bluntly ignoring the Konoha shinobi.
The group turned around and headed out the gates, wondering what the Kage summit would bring.
Ghost turned to Hawke while they were walking to their headquarters. "So what do you think the summit will deliver? Will we all work together or will we all die alone?"
Hawke looked at him and then they both simultaneously said, "Yup, die alone."
They chuckled and headed for the training ground.
xXx
Couple of days later.
Moderator, Mifune stood in front of the pyramid shaped building where the meeting was being held, flanked by two samurai. He still couldn't believe that all across the Shinobi nation battles were taking place. When Tsunade, the Hokage of Konoha told him that she wanted to have a Kage summit held as soon as possible it had raised many questions. But when reports had coming in that Tsuchi No Kuni was being invaded and that Nami No Kuni was facing a similar fate shook him up pretty well.
Despite the heavy blizzard that took place he still managed to noticed a tall broad man flanked accompanied by two others walking towards him.
When the man stopped in front of him Mifune gave him a bow. "Raikage-sama, glad you could make it."
The Raikage gave him a nod in return. "Have the other arrived yet or am I the first."
"The others have already arrived. We are just waiting for the Hokage." He answered respectfully.
A. Just shook his head. "Figures...the one who requested the summit ends up being the one who ends up late."
"Always the impatient one I see." a voice said.
A. turned around and saw Tsunade walking over, accompanied by a small group.
Recognizing the outfits they wore A. and his guards, Darui and C. slowly readied themselves into a combat stance.
"Tsunade! What is this!" A. roared as he pointed at the Hunters.
Tsunade held up a hand motioning for him to calm down. "They may have done some things in the past but they are our allies now."
The Raikage looked at her with distrust. "I don't trust them, and you tell me I have to just take your word for it?"
"They have helped us out a great amount; they gave us information on the Tsuchi and Nami invasion. If it weren't for them there wouldn't be any survivors from Nami No Kuni."
"I don't care; one of those criminals killed four of my shinobi!"
Rome stepped forward. "Raikage-sama, I deeply apologize for the actions one of my men had to take, it was necessary to stop the Reaver."
The Raikage snarled. "I don't see how killing four men was necessary!"
Mifune decided to step in. "Enough, get inside we'll discuss this with the others at the meeting."
The Raikage was about to show him a piece of his mind but decided against it, instead he nodded went inside, out of the cold.
Micheru entered the meeting room. She wouldn't have ever thought that she'd end up meeting the most powerful shinobi that currently existed.
She instantly noticed a redheaded young man who couldn't be any older than her sitting at the large table, she immediately recognized him as the Kazekage.
Gaara noticed her looking and looked her over; he narrowed his eyes when he saw that she was wearing the same outfit he saw in Suna many weeks ago. Even though they didn't attack his men and women they were on some degree, responsible for their deaths.
Micheru suppressed a sigh, it seemed like everywhere they went they were. The same angered look or a look of utter disgust. 'Come's with the job…doesn't mean I like it.'
"What are they doing here?!" someone shouted.
Mayu rubbed her face and Rome just closed his eyes in annoyance. 'This is becoming quite annoying…'
"Is this going to be a problem?" Micheru whispered in her mother's ear.
Tsunade started to think that taking them along was becoming a mistake. She heard Micheru and couldn't help thinking the exact same thing.
xXx
Itachi walked through the gates of Konoha and noticed that the guards on the wall were doubled. When he arrived at the headquarters he immediately went for Tactical Planning, the room where they received the latest intel, on their enemy's movement. This room was also linked with Anbu headquarters and the Hokage tower
He knocked and opened the door.
Pein who was about to leave turned to Itachi instead. "Itachi, weren't you supposed to be at the border?"
"I was never ordered to, I volunteered to stay there." Itachi pointed out.
Pein sat down on one of the chairs. "I have some new orders for you."
Itachi who was just about to leave turned his attention back onto the leader of the Akatsuki. "What is it?"
"I want you to supervise the training of the Shinobi Konoha has, Jonin and Anbu only."
If Itachi was angry he didn't show instead he nodded and left. He decided to look for Ghost and Kisame.
It didn't take him long to find Ghost.
Ghost who supported Hawke brought him inside the hall and set him down on the chair beside the door.
"What happened to him?" Itachi asked as he approached the two men.
Ghost looked up, mildly surprised to see Itachi standing there. "A spar that got a little out of hand. Where have you been?"
Itachi shrugged. "I've been at the outpost most of the time."
Ghost gave a questioning look. "Then why are you here? They probably could use your help."
Itachi shook his head. "They aren't attacking."
Ghost grunted. "Not attacking? Can you be more specific? You're not really helping here, Itachi"
"What I mean is, they are right on our border but have somehow without explanation stopped their advances."
"They're up to something; they don't stop their slaughter for nothing." Hawke said as he rubbed his chin, letting out a groan when he tried to move his wounded leg."
Ghost rolled his eyes and turned to Hawke, "No shit, wow, I'm really glad we have you to point out these things, no really," he crouched down in front of Hawke and placed his hands on the man's shoulder. "I mean where do you come up with these intelligent remarks of yours?"
"Screw you, Ghost."
Ghost smirked. And stood back up, "orders?" he asked Itachi.
"I'm 'ordered' to improve the combat skills of the Jonin and Anbu here in Konoha." Itachi said with a barely noticeable bitter tone.
Hawke burst out in laughter while Ghost smothered his laugh with a cough.
Ghost walked to the door and opened it, "Well good luck with that."
"I could use some help." Itachi said to Ghost's retreating back.
"Nice try, Itachi, go ask Kisame" Ghost answered and with a wave of his hand he left.
Itachi turned to Hawke, who in return only shook his head and slowly stood up, and limped away, Itachi sighed at this and sat down.
xXx
"So if what you're saying is true," the Mizukage said with a disbelieving tone. "Then they have an army that's larger than all of our forces combined."
Rome nodded. "That's exactly true."
Raikage stood up, fuming. "Bullshit! We have the largest military force known to man!"
At this point the Tsuchikage stood up; his left eye was covered in bandage and had a large scar on his forehead. "In case you didn't notice, they took Iwa in a matter of days, days! I had 12.000 Shinobi now I only have 1100 left, you starting to see the picture?"
The Raikage however angry as he was bit his tongue for a moment. "Then what do you propose?"
Tsunade spoke up. "If we want to stand a small chance then we need to combine our forces, the longer we wait with this the more nations will fall."
"I agree with the Hokage." The old Tsuchikage said and gave a nod towards Tsunade.
Mifune spoke up as well. "My samurai already fought with some of your men at Nami No Kuni and we'll do so as well."
"Suna will join as well, but I won't forgive for what you have done, Tsunade."
Tsunade pursed her lips together and nodded, she knew he was referring to Naruto because Naruto and Gaara had bonded through a way no one could ever understand. They both knew the pain of loneliness, the pain of being a Jinchuuriki. She still had to break the bad news to him, but that would come in due time when all this was settled.
The Raikage slammed his fist into the table, startling everyone causing the guards to jump in front of their respective Kages. "I refuse to join a group of people who work together with not only these so called Hunters but also with the Akatsuki! Kumo will not stand with you against the Reavers!"
"Be reasonable Raikage-sama if you don't you won't survive the slaughter that is to come!" Rome shouted.
A. pointed his finger threateningly at Rome. "You count yourself lucky that I haven't killed you yet!"
Rome who was a patient man was starting to boil on the inside; he stood up as well and mimicked the Raikage's by pointing his finger at him. "You may be the Raikage, but that doesn't mean you can just make threats! Watch your mouth or I'll help you with shutting it!"
The Raikage abruptly stood up, his chair bounced off the ground. "I've had it with you and your pitiful group of Hunters! You're nothing more than a bunch of murderers, filthy dogs who should be put down." Raikage shouted in pure anger. He had it with them, the Hunters were getting away with murder just because of an impending doom that might or might not happen.
"A. calm down!" Tsunade intervened.
"Keep talking like that and I'll remind just why we're regarded as S rank criminals." Rome threateningly hissed.
Before the Raikage could respond, Mifune intervened. "Enough both of you, if you can't stand each other than we'll find a way so that we can still benefit from each other.
"That won't be necessary, because Kumo won't join." Raikage said between gritted teeth, he turned towards the door and left but not before punching the door off its hinges, closely followed by his guards.
"What now? Kumo has beside Konoha the largest military force; we can't do it without them." Micheru asked her mother.
Mayu pondered her thoughts while Rome looked at the door the Raikage went through.
Mifune was the one who eventually responded. "We'll have to make do without them.
"So…what now? Shizune asked her leader.
"Now the respective Kages will return to their villages and start preparing for a full scale invasion and preperations for necessary counterattacks. Since Konoha has the enemy on their doorstep we'll assist them in any way we can. "Mifune announced while looking at the Tsunade.
Tsunade offered a smile and nodded. "That's much appreciated, I will send you all a full report of the exact amount of shinobi I have and the weapons we have in the armory."
"That's something everyone should do." Mifune said.
"Not so fast," Ōnoki barked. "What about my village, when will the attempt be made to retake it?"
"At the moment, we have to focus on defending the regions we still have, only when we pushed them back can we focus on retaking Iwa and Nami No Kuni." Rome said.
Onoki looked at him with narrowed eyes, before nodding in defeat. "I understand, my shinobi are scattered throughout Taki and Tsuchi No Kuni, those who are still in Tsuchi are ordered to fight as guerillas."
"The Akatsuki have a few members there as well so stalling the enemy is the best thing we can do right now." Mayu advised.
"Who's going to be the Supreme leader?" Rome asked.
"That should be Mifune." Gaara asked, surprising a few since he was quiet most of the meeting.
The Mizukage nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good plan to me."
"If everyone thinks the same than that's decided. I also want the best strategic analysts on a safe location which will be our headquarters. Also, the headquarters should be only known to the Kages, Hunters and the Akatsuki."
"The headquarters should be placed where an invasion is the least likely to happen." Mayu added.
In Ame?" Micheru asked aloud.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea; I will talk with Pein about this first, since he's the leader of the village."
Gaara had a quizzical look. "Pein?"
"That's the leader of the Akatsuki…" Tsunade said.
"That changes things; I don't want my strategists anywhere near that man."
Mayu rubbed her forehead. "Whether you like it or not you're going to work with him so you best get used to it."
"I'm not sending him alone, I'll agree if I'm allowed to accompany him with guards."
Mayu shrugged and looked at Mifune.
"I guess that isn't too much to ask." Mifune answered.
"Then this meeting is hereby adjourned," Mifune stated and motioned for the others to stand up. "I hope that everyone has a safe journey home and we'll hear from each other soon." He gave a small bow.
Tsunade and the others returned the gesture and one by one they left the room.
Micheru turned to her mother. "You think we can win this without Kumo's assistance?" she softly said.
Mayu merely smiled which eased the young blonde's worries a bit.
When they were back outside Tsunade spoke up. "Shizune ask for a messenger bird."
"Of course, what should be in the message?" she asked.
"I want Kakashi, Sasuke, all Hunters and Akatsuki members and Konoha 10 back in Konoha"
Shizune still felt strange about the unofficial group name that was used for the special group of Jonin. "Right away" she turned to her right and headed for the aviary.
Once Shizune came back they headed out.
xXx
Couple of days later, Konoha
Ghost walked through the streets alone when he noticed a stand which he hadn´t visited in a long time.
A smile tugged at his lips when he thought back to the days where the only thing he ate was Ramen. Deciding one bite wouldn´t do him much bad he entered the stand by pushing the flaps aside.
"Good afternoon! What can I help you with?" an attractive woman he instantly recognized as Ayame greeted.
"Hi there, can I have one miso ramen please." Ghost asked as he sat down.
"Coming right up!" Ayame said with a smile and turned her back to him.
"Is it always this quiet here?" The blonde hunter asked.
"It depends on the day I guess, and whether or not a lot of the shinobi are out on assignment," She said as she prepared the ramen. "Aren't you one of those Hunters?"
Ghost nodded. "Is that a problem?"
"Not really, from what I've heard, you people saved our village and are helping protect it," Ayame frowned. "I can't say I'm overly happy with the attack that took place at the Hokage tower a couple of weeks ago." She placed the bowl in front of him and leaned on the counter.
Ghost smiled. "Yeah but she had it coming, all we wanted was a peaceful conversation."
"What's your name? " Ayame suddenly asked.
"Ghost, you mind telling me yours?" Ghost asked, already knowing her name.
"Ayame, but if your name's Ghost then you must've known Naruto! At least that's what everyone is saying!"
Ghost grunted. "Not really only met him on the final hours of his life."
Ayame's smile disappeared as fast as it came. "I heard about that…At least he tried to make the world a better place."
Ghost felt sorry for her, and had to steel his emotions. "He did…He went out with a bang." Ghost let out a soft chuckle.
"I miss him…" she sadly said.
Ghost reached for her hand and softly squeezed it. "He wouldn't want you to be sad, he'd want for you to live a happy live."
Ayame wiped the tears that made their way down her face away, she squeezed back and then gently let go. "Don't mind me; you should eat your ramen before it gets cold.
Ghost focused his attention on his ramen. At moments like these he hated leaving the people behind that did actually care about him, and Ayame was definitely among the few.
xXx
Tsunade and her entourage sighed in relief; they were finally reaching their borders. It had taken them two days getting back and the blizzard they had on the way back were slowing them down.
She hoped that the defenses at the border of Nami No Kuni were still holding. She rubbed her face with both her hands.
"Tsunade, Tsunade, I see you haven't changed a bit."
Tsunade jerked her head towards the voice, and what she saw made her blood boil in anger."You!"
Her old teammate, Orochimaru stood there in the flesh, looking exactly the same, and she knew exactly why. 'His immortality juts'
"Orochimaru!" She growled and she balled her hands into fists. "What are you doing here?!"
He held his hands up, "Now…now, don't be hasty. I am here extending the hand of peace." He said with a smile that made him look even more like a snake.
Shizune snorted and readied herself into a stance. "You and peace don't coincide with each other, you snake!"
Orochimaru merely glanced at her before looking at the others, his eyes widened briefly when he noticed the Hunters. "I see that you've also allied yourself with a rogue shinobi organization. And is it true that also the Akatsuki joined in as well?"
Tsunade nodded.
"How interesting!" he chuckled. "Tsunade, I am here with the same purpose. The Reavers are too strong for me and even if it's too despicable to even think of joining Konoha it is still necessary."
Tsunade stayed silent, as did the Hunters, knowing that it was not their business.
Shizune however stepped forward. "Lady Tsunade! That man is nothing but a mass murderer! Please don't consider this!"
"Shizune, we tried to do this the last time and that ended badly. At this point with Kumo refusing to join we need all the help we can get. Orochimaru, get your guards; we'll discuss this in Konoha. But if you try anything…" she raised her fist threateningly.
Orochimaru chuckled again. "I guess my guards weren't that well hidden." He motioned and his guards appeared.
Tsunade sincerely hoped that she wasn't making a mistake.
And that's chapter 17! Sorry it was short but sometimes you get to a point in a chapter where you feel the right time to end it there.
Once again sorry if people don't like this chapter, I wasn't really happy with this chapter because it was hard to write someone's personality when you don't really know how the act if they are seven years from the anime. (or four depends on shippuden etc.) I tried to make Gaara's demeanor as close to shippuden as possible, and I hope I succeeded in that, even though I only showed a brief glimpse.
Anyways, have a good one and don't forget to review if you get the chance!