A few weeks later.
Initial reactions had been mixed with the addition of their new ally and Naruto couldn't blame them. They had lost men at the hands of these dragons and to suddenly have the last remaining dragon fight alongside them, sent mixed signals.
The blonde nodded at Itachi whom he shared a tent with at the border of Nami no Kuni. There had been multiple probing attacks for the last couple of weeks. It wouldn't be long now, until the Reavers would come charging in at full strength.
"Naruto-kun, any word?" Itachi asked as he reached for his robe, only having woken up ten minutes earlier.
"The probing attack from this morning was the most intense we've had so far. word is that an assault isn't far off. Your leader has sent Kisame, Hidan, Kakuzu and Konan to help out."
Itachi nodded and slid his arm in the sleeve of his robe. "What about our new ally, Que?"
Que was the name of the dragon that had joined their side. It was a nickname for his full name that everyone had given up on trying to pronounce.
The blonde shook his head. "He's been assigned to a infiltration unit into Iwagakure for intel," He sat down on his bed and looked at his stuff. Mayu had sent him a couple of letters every now and then ever since he had arrived here. Primarily to ask him how it was going and to give him updates on Rome, whom was still recuperating in Konoha's hospital.
The majority of the remaining Hunters were stationed at the border of Iwagakure, in the minor countries. Hi no Kuni and Kaze no Kuni had unified their nation with the minors. This had significantly strengthened their borders and effectively stopped the Reaver advance, for now at least.
Naruto heard footsteps and turned to the entrance of the tent. The flaps were pushed aside and Kakashi came walking in. "What can we help you with Kakashi?"
"We're changing the plan."
Naruto quirked an eyebrow. "How much?"
"We know an attack is certain. So we're going to take the element of surprise and use it ourselves. We're going to attack them."
The blonde stood up, his eyes narrowed. "We're retaking Nami no Kuni?"
Kakashi nodded. "Our first real assault against the Reavers."
Naruto grinned at the comment. "I've been waiting for a long time to hear someone say that."
Kakashi looked at the blonde. "Maa Naruto, why are you so interested?"
"Because the people of Nami No Kuni never asked for this. They deserve to go home." Naruto said as he fondly thought back to his short time he had stayed there.
"When are we starting the assault?" Itachi asked, joining in the conversation.
"As soon as your 'companions' arrive along with the newly formed rogue assault team." Kakashi responded coolly. He still hadn't warmed up to the members of the Akatsuki. In his eyes they were still the enemy.
Itachi turned to Naruto. "How's your sight?"
"I'm fine Itachi, it's almost fully adjusted." Naruto answered with a smile.
"Seems to me, you've become quite friendly with the very same group that once hunted you down." Kakashi's voice came from behind.
Naruto turned to Kakashi once more. "A lot of things changed, haven't they, Hatake?"
Kakashi let his eyes dart between Naruto and Itachi. It hadn't taken long for him and the others to realize that Naruto and Itachi had become good friends in his 'absence'. Something that had sparked a lot of chatter in the group of the Konoha 'rookies' and beyond.
"You shouldn't forget the acts they've committed, Naruto-kun. They hunted down the Kazekage and extracted his Bijuu."
Naruto clenched his jaw and let his eyes flicker between the two other occupants. "Stop trying to create a rift between me and the Akatsuki. They've done more for me than your rotten village ever has for me." He walked past his former sensei.
Kakashi turned and followed blonde outside, into the cold and unforgiving wind. "Maa, Naruto-kun, I don't want break your friendship with Itachi or Kisame. I just want you to watch your back, you never know what could happen once this war is over."
The Hunter noticed a couple of familiar faces walking about, conversing with the shinobi and samurai that were readying up. "Never know what could happen huh? like me re-joining your village?"
Kakashi shrugged before giving an eye-smile. "I know we've parted on bad terms, but Konoha...We have learned from our mistakes, and no matter what you might think of us now, we really are sorry."
Naruto gave a sad smile and shook his head. "I thought the world of you Kakashi...sensei. I saw you as the coolest ninja ever," His lone eye narrowed, his brief sadness replaced with anger.
The Jonin looked at him with a questioning gaze, ignoring the wind battering against his face. "What do you mean?"
The blonde sighed and recited the words that his sensei had spoken years ago. "I wonder if it isn't best if I shuffle the team, replacing Naruto with another Genin."
For a moment the confusion only increased until realisation hit like a brick smacking him across the face. "Naruto, that's-."
"I don't want to hear your pitiful excuse! The forgiveness you so desperately want, you'll never get it from me. You betrayed your old sensei, Kakashi."
It was at that point Hinata, Kiba and Shino joined the conversation, curious about their conversation.
"Y-you know?" Kakashi stuttered in surprise as memories from long ago came crashing back in.
Naruto sneered and jabbed his finger into Hatake's chest. "You want my forgiveness, and you never bothered telling me this! I've known about him for years now, no thanks to you Konoha-dogs."
"Lord San-." but Kakashi couldn't finish his sentence as a loud alarm startled the group, announcing that the attack was going to start any minute.
Naruto abruptly turned, temporarily locking eyes with his fellow hunter, Micheru before brushing past her, letting the tips of his fingers slid along her wrist.
She stopped the blonde by grabbing his hand gently and pulling him back. "Be careful, okay?"
His anger lessened slightly, a cocky smirk replacing his sneer. "Aren't I always, Micheru-kun?"
She gently squeezed his hand before releasing her hold. "Just...Be careful okay?"
'Orodochi Ghost's' gaze softened and he nodded. "I'll be fine."
"Brat! Let's get going, we're the first ones in!" The voice of Kisame barked from the front, his figure blocked by the mass of men and women preparing their assault.
Naruto pushed through the crowd, but not before giving a lone nod towards the group he had just conversed with.
"Are you ready Naruto-kun?" Itachi asked, standing next to his companion Kisame.
"Of course, I am." The hunter smirked, slapping Kisame on the shoulder.
"Alright listen up! This is a high-risk high reward scenario. We can't stay on the backfoot any longer. If we retake Nami no Kuni, we no longer have to split our forces." Jiraiya shouted as he stood atop a small stage, towering above the rest.
Naruto grinned at the Sannin who noticed the blonde standing, a smirk appearing on his face. "And now I'd like to give the word to one of our beloved Hunters! Come on up here kid!"
"What? Hell no! Kisame let go of me!" Naruto shouted as the large Akatsuki member dragged him on the stage.
Hundreds and hundreds of shinobi and samurai looked at him, staying silent as a crypt. Sakura, and Ino along with Hinata whom were watching the whole ordeal softly laughed at the blonde's desperate refusal to go on stage.
"Do you have any words for our colleagues here?" Jiraiya's voice echoed through the camp.
Naruto sighed, pushing Jiraiya aside. "I'd say these Reavers have enjoyed the beaches of Nami no Kuni for long enough. "He grinned at the crowd whom in return laughed or chuckled at his joke. "Let's go kill them." and just like that he hopped off the stage, re-joining Itachi and Kisame.
"Short and straight to the point, I'm starting to respect you a little more, brat!" Kisame laughed as he slid his arm around Naruto's shoulder.
"Don't ever put me into that situation, ever again." Jabbing his finger into the chest of Kisame, glaring daggers at him.
Kisame grinned at him and walked towards the entrance of the camp, closely followed by Itachi and Naruto.
As the trio walked through the gate and into forested area ahead, they noticed Konan, Kakuzu and Hidan joining the army of marching shinobi.
Silent, yet swiftly the hundreds of ninja made their way to Nami no Kuni. Glancing to his right and left, Naruto could see that they were joined by even more shinobi that were gathering from other outposts. "How many men do we have in this offensive.?"
Kakashi walked behind the blonde and answered. "Can't give you an exact number, but it's close to three thousand from what I heard. It's the Konoha's 1st Brigade. "
Kisame whistled and grinned, pushing past a partially destroyed tree. "I am curious about opposition."
The blonde Hunter glanced over his shoulder and smirked. The sheer number of men and women that were marching bolstered his confidence for what was to come.
"Be aware, we're passing through their sensory border. They will know that we're coming!" a voice barked through their headsets.
Naruto gave one last glance and saw Hinata amongst the crowd, discussing something with Kiba. He turned his gaze back to the front whilst reaching for two kunai, grasping them tightly.
It didn't take long for the army of shinobi to realize that they had passed through the 'border'. A loud screeching and intimidating noise echoed through the forest.
"Let's go!" Hidan screamed and broke through the group and charged ahead. "For Jashin!"
The Hunter looked at the mean with a raised eyebrow. "...Okay?"
"Ignore his antics. He's always like that." Itachi spoke as he walked next to the blonde.
"He does bring a valid point. Let's get this show on the road! Taju: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto shouted and a massive smoke cloud erupted in front of the sprinting ninja.
An army of clones ran in front of the others, creating an effective shield. "You know what to do!" Naruto barked and charged ahead, breaking through forest and into the open field. Looking ahead he saw that the Reavers had cut down a large part of the forest to give them a better view of any incoming threats. Slightly downhill he noticed the bridge that was once named after him. Giving it a quick glance, he noticed that not only had they repaired the bridge, they had also fortified it. Standing on the bridge was an army of Reavers, eagerly awaiting the attackers.
Glancing over his shoulder he noticed the faltering charge of his allies. "Don't even think about stopping now! We can beat them here!" The blonde ordered before letting out a roar as he activated his demonic power.
"Ninjutsu specialists! long range jutsu, now!" Jiraiya shouted and mere seconds later, various jutsu from different elemental types roared overhead as they flew straight for the awaiting Reavers, who in turn sent different types of long-range attacks their way as a countermeasure.
Naruto's clones jumped high into the air and intercepted any incoming attacks, preventing any early casualties.
The real Naruto weaved through handsigns. "Katon: Goryuka no Jutsu!" A massive fire jutsu charged towards the Reavers stacked on the bridge.
The invaders however were prepared and held up their hands, ready to repel the massive attack.
The Hunter signalled his clones and two of them dashed up in the air and held out their arms before sending out a blast of chakra, crashing into the defenders.
The attack itself didn't cause a lot of damage but it did cause a few of the Reavers to stumble to the ground.
Naruto's attack now was left unopposed and slammed into its intended target, closely followed by the other jutsu that were soaring towards the bridge.
The invaders of Nami no Kuni managed to repel a portion of the attacks but the majority still impacted, causing casualties and disarray.
Jiraiya charged forward along with Naruto, Itachi and Kisame. "Initiate the second phase!"
With a cheer a large group broke off from the main force and headed to the river dashing across.
Naruto dashed forward, clashing his kunai against one of the many blades. grunting in effort he pushed the blade away and slammed his kunai between the man's ribs, causing him to crumble to the ground, moaning in pain.
Jiraiya was shoulder to shoulder with the blonde and fought with two foes simultaneously. Whilst he was trading blows with his opponents, his hair was spiked and charged forward,his ranjishigami no Jutsu proving to be effective, ripping the throat apart from a third Reaver.
By now shinobi joined their ranks and clashed with the Reavers. blades and kunai clashed against each other as the two armies fought against one another for control of the bridge. The only advantage the Konoha had was the surprise attack. It had worked, but only had minimal effect.
The Reavers had home-turf advantage and were in a defensive posture, which gave them an extra edge.
Konan who was floating in mid-air had her hands extended and let razor sharp paper shuriken fly towards the defenders, killing Reavers by the dozens. "Deidera, Time for you to bomb the place."
"Hn!" was all Deidera said as he flew overhead with his bird, moulded by clay. His target wasn't the bridge however and the Reavers caught on quick.
"Take him down!" One of the Shifters ordered and pointed to the sky, a shinobi still trapped in his grip.
The blonde Akatsuki agent was too swift and agile however and dodged all the attacks that were thrown his way. holding up his hand, he let numerous spider-like clay creatures drop. "Art is an explosion!" he shouted, a grin adorning his face.
a big series of explosions shocked the area and hit a large number of Reavers standing at the ready behind the bridge, as well as hitting the majority of the barracks.
"Deidera, the town hall is their command center! if you take it out, they will have a lot of trouble coordinating their defences." Naruto barked in his headset before ducking underneath a horizontal slash.
"I'll let them appreciate the finer things of life!"" Was Deidera's response and mere moments later another heavy explosion rocked the area.
Naruto retracted his kunai from the dead body who lay on the ground before clashing with his next opponent. He could see smoke and fire coming from behind the bridge and he knew Deidera was successful.
The shinobi along with Kisame had successfully crossed the river and were now engaging the Reavers on the other side, diverting their attention away from the bridge. The blue skinned Akatsuki member clasped his hands together and barked an order for all the shinobi to stand aside. Mere seconds later a humongous wave of water engulfed the Reavers on the river bank, sweeping it clean.
The Reavers however weren't allowing their fast pace to continue and retaliated by sending in reinforcements. They set up a new line and held out their hands. Lightning erupted from their hands and collided with the river, electrocuting anyone who was standing on it.
Dozens of shinobi died in an instant, halting any further advance that the attackers had planned, leaving Kisame and a handful of samurai and konoha nin alone on the other side.
"Kisame needs help on the riverbank." Itachi spoke in his headset whilst snapping the neck of his opponent with little difficulty.
Konan nodded and reached for her headset. "Kakuzu, Hidan. Break off from your position and assist Kisame."
the immortal, Kakuzu grunted but followed the order regardless, letting his hands reattach themselves to his lower arms with the help of his unorthodox abilities.
Hidan was swinging wildly with his scythe, screaming while jumping over the edge of the bridge, his cloak fluttering about.
"Odama Rasengan!" Jiraiya charged in and slammed the humongous attack into the frontline. The Reavers desperately tried to stop the attack, but it was to no avail and soon succumbed to the attack, blasting them away.
Slowly but surely the defence began to collapse. the constant jutsu and other long-range attacks that were being sent their way dwindled their numbers. the Reavers themselves sent a constant stream of attacks as well, but Naruto's clones made sure that the majority of these attacks were constantly blocked, minimizing casualties.
The blonde jumped back and created another large group of clones. Panting heavily, he unsheathed his blade and charged forward once more, striking his blade against that of his newly found opponent. Pushing aside the large blade he struck with his right leg into the side of the Reaver he stumbled into one of his allies. But before Naruto could follow up he got tackled to the ground by three regulars, trying to pierce his chest with their short blades. 'This isn't good!' He desperately tried to push them away but a fourth joined the fray and kept his hands pinned to the ground.
A couple of seconds later they lay dead on the ground. With Kakashi looming overhead. "Are you alright?" He extended his hand, wanting to help the blonde get back to his feet.
The Hunter grunted and grasped the outstretched hand, pulling him up. "Kakashi."
"You look winded, try and catch your breath."
"I'm fine, it's time to break through," The blonde breathed out and took a couple of steps back, before leaning forward, his arms crossed in front of him. "Make sure to follow me, understood?"
Kakashi reached for his headset. "Shikaku, be aware, we are preparing to breach."
Naruto nodded and started to sprint forward. 'This is going to hurt.' He disappeared in a flash.
There was second of seemingly nothing, until all of a sudden, the Reaver defense parted into two, with bodies flying everywhere or with others being flung over the edge of bridge.
towards the end of the newly created gap, stood Naruto. his arms still crossed in front of him, his clothes in tatters but otherwise looking fine. he turned around; his finger crossed into a handsign. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" A large smoke cloud erupted once again, jumping out of it were dozens of clones, creating a wall, effectively cutting off a large portion of the Reaver defense.
"This is our chance! Let's go!" Jiraiya ordered and charged in, closely followed by the 1st brigade as they advanced once again.
x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x
It had taken Konoha and their samurai allies 5 hours before they finally conquered the bridge. The Reavers knew the strategic importance of the bridge, both for their defense as well as any future offenses. They threw the majority of their numbers into the onslaught but Konoha didn't let up.
The manpower of the legion set up in Nami no Kuni consisted of 1000 Regulars, 300 Holders, and 250 Shifters. With a sigh Lasting snapped the book shut and handed it to his subordinate. He walked to the edge of the boat and stepped off. Looking over the trees he could see the large smoke cloud travelling upwards. Exact numbers were unknown but it seemed that Konoha had been well prepared. Not that it mattered all that much. He was ordered to hold Nami no Kuni, no matter the cost.
Glancing on the beach he looked at manpower that were able to be assembled on short notice. Well over 800 Shifters stood ready to hold the island.
"Move out!" He barked and sprinted off the beach, towards their struggling companions, desperately trying to hold off the advance.
"Lasting, be aware. Akatsuki agents and Hunters have been spotted in the assault."
"Is Ghost with them?
"He has been spotted, yes."
The brown-haired man narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth in anger. "Leave him to me."
x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x.X.x
Naruto stepped to the side and let the attack pass him by. He then used the momentum and pierced the man's back, almost without effort. Their attack was going exceptionally well. Casualties were slightly below average and they had taken a portion of the town. However, what bothered him was the Reaver's refusal to give up. They still had a fleet they could use to escape of the island.
Hinata came running up to Naruto whom was glancing at the market square where the majority of the defenders remained. "We've confined all of the Reavers to the square. How are you holding up?"
Hunter 'Ghost' wiped the sweat off his forehead and nodded. "That trick from earlier took some effort, but I'm alright."
Hinata smiled at him and patted his back. "We're almost done. The rest can take it from here."
Naruto shook his head. "I'm not going to stop now." he grabbed the handle of his katana and removed it from the man's back, sheathing it.
"You're so incredibly stubborn! Why can't you let the others handle it?" She fell in stride next to him as they walked towards the square.
"Relying on others is a weakness I can't afford."
Hinata grabbed him by the arm and stopped him, pulling him aside, letting few of the other shinobi pass. "Stop that! and stop it now! You know damn well that having teammates back you up isn't a weakness but a strength you can use. "
Naruto looked down at her with cold and narrowed eyes. He pulled his arm from her grasp. and continued his march. "I did that once, relying on others. It was then used by you to stab me in the back and betray me. Thanks, but no thanks Hinata Hyuuga."
Anger flared in her and she grabbed him by the shoulder, twirling him around once again and slapped him in the face. ignoring the rising fear that was spreading throughout her chest as she looked into his glowing eyes. She steeled her nerves and spoke her piece. "We hurt and betrayed you! And for that I'll never be able to forgive myself. But we were kids, Naruto! we were stupid and immature, All I ever did was stutter and faint around you. But I've grown up," She grit her teeth and continued. by now a few people were watching the scene unfold. "You're clinging to a past, Naruto! You need to let that go or your hatred will consume you completely."
Naruto placed his claw around her shoulder, his 'fingers' digging into her skin. "I had no past. I had nothing. You all made sure of that."
His anger for slowly dissipated and he sighed. He looked around and saw Sakura, Jiraiya and Ino standing there. "I treated my friends, he slowly released hold of his demonic powers, his claw turning back to a normal hand. He let go of her and stepped back. "Like family...Because I've never had one. That's how I used to be. Back then I'd die for any of you. Without you, I had nothing...When Konoha betrayed me...when you betrayed me, it was the final nail in a coffin that should've been shut years before."
"Naruto, they didn't know about your childhood..." Jiraiya slowly began as he joined in.
"I guess they didn't. But that didn't lessen the pain in any way."
"What do you mean about his childhood, Jiraiya-sama?" Ino asked from her seat, with Sakura next to her, applying a bandage to a cut on her arm.
Naruto looked at her incredulously. "I'm a Jinchuuriki...Or I was at least."
Ino gasped and realisation struck her right across the face. Hinata looked at the blonde Hunter and had difficulty accepting the sudden revelation. "It all makes sense..."
"What happened to the Kyuubi?" Jiraiya asked, looking at the young adult in front of him.
"I fought with two Reavers and accidentally activated a seal of sorts. It started draining Kurama's chakra into my chakra pathway. It increased my strength immensely..." Naruto explained.
Hinata caught on relatively quickly and pressed the matter. "At what cost?"
Konan interjected before Naruto could respond. "Everyone, listen up. We have enemy reinforcements incoming. They'll be here any minute."
Naruto jerked his head to towards the direction of the main gate. He recognized that chakra presence anywhere. "Kenpachi's lieutenant is here."
Lasting. The man who had led the infiltration into Konoha well over a year ago. The man was extremely capable and was initially thought to be a mere sub-officer. How wrong they were.
Naruto dashed to the square which had two separating factions on either side. On one side was Konoha's 1st Brigade that had until now, successfully retaken Nami no Kuni. On the other side however stood a horde of Reavers, ready to retake what was once theirs.
Lasting stepped forward. His dark red robes billowed around him. He calmly looked at the army in front of him and smirked. "You should've brought more."
Naruto pushed past a crowd of stacked samurai and slowly walked to the front of the line. "We've already beaten your regiment stationed here. What good will your reinforcements do?
Lasting ignored the blonde and instead softly spoke to his subordinate, spreading the last of his orders.
Kisame walked up to Naruto and patted him on the shoulder. "That's the guy?"
The Hunter nodded and a grin slowly appeared on his face as well. "Whoever kills him first, buys the drinks tonight?"
Kisame laughed and slid an arm around Naruto's shoulder, his other hand held his intimidating blade, Samehada. "I like that idea, brat."
Both sides prepared themselves for the final clash of Nami no Kuni.
I want to thank you all for the continued support of this story! A couple of days later then I expected it to. But wanted to make some tiny adjustments. Next chapter will be released on schedule!
I couldn't resist the cheeky part with Naruto at the start of the chapter.
until next time!