Sorry for the delay! I got sick and I just couldnt find motivation to write. When I finally got better I had to do some rewrites and I had difficulty finding the right words to put on 'paper'. But let's skip the excuses and get the show on the road.
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Reviewer:
guest #1: There isn't going to be a baryon mode, sorry! hope you'll enjoy the story regardless!
Guest #2 thank you for the kind words! I hope this chapter will live up to it!
Faisal Khalid: I hope when the story wraps up it will be to your satisfaction! ;) enjoy the chapter!
Nithi velu: Something I noticed as well! this chapter delves a bit deeper into other characters, future chapters even more so.
Alright, let's get the chapter started! Enjoy!
Chapter 40: Honor the fallen
The service to honor the fallen of Suna had been a week after their return. The vast majority of Suna's survivors had recuperated and were able to move around on their own.
Suna's last defenders stood off to the right, away from the rest of the attendees, a pitiful small group compared to the large number of villagers and shinobi from Konoha. All were solemnly standing, in a respectful silence.
Deep, dark circles were clearly visible underneath Naruto's eyes, yet he stood there next to the survivors of Suna with a straight back and his hands clasped behind his back. Next to him stood Itachi and Micheru, with Kakashi further to the right. On his far left Temari could be seen. Her head and left arm were still wrapped in bandages, and she was being supported by a Suna chunin.
"We are here today to honor those who have lost their lives in the battle of Sunagakure. Despite insurmountable odds these men and women decided to stay and fight…to hold off an assault that was too great to bear. They knew this and still they remained. It's because of them all the civilians got to safety and are being dispersed under the remaining free shinobi nations. Thank you for your sacrifice." The fifth Hokage's voice echoed through the area as she gave a long-lasting bow towards the memorial, dedicated to everyone that had been killed at the hands of the Reavers. Everyone in attendance followed suit and bowed as well.
She slowly straightened her back before turning turned to Suna's last defenders. "The few of you that survived, I can barely express the respect I have for you. You are the true embodiment of what it means to be a shinobi. Thank you for your sacrifice." She gave a deep bow which was copied by the others once more. Suna's defenders silently watched as the scene unfolded.
Naruto stared at the stone slab behind the Hokage. There were some moving words etched into it that represented the defenders. Not that he cared much for it. His eye moved over to the screen next to it, his eye widening slightly. On the large monitor was a slideshow of all the fallen shinobi. He recognized a few of the pictures from the camera roll. Kankuro's face appeared, and he could hear a quiet sob to his left. He felt a wrenching pain in his gut when he saw Akemi's face among the pictures. He looked down at the hand she had treated, back in Suna. He could feel his throat constrict and saw that his hand was shaking with grief. Forcing his emotion back, he turned his focus elsewhere.
Gaara stepped forward, with a Konoha chunin standing close behind, holding a box. "Thank you, Hokage-sama and my condolences for the passing of Jiraiya. Only because of him have we survived and for that, I am eternally grateful." He gave her a short, yet respectful bow before turning to the small group. "Defenders of Suna."
Instantly the group sprang to attention and straightened their backs. He gave them a soft smile. "We have fought together during a time where we had no chance of surviving. It was here most would've run or would've surrendered. But not you," He locked eyes with Naruto and gave him a tiny nod. "No, you all stood and held your ground. You will forever have my thanks. I have here with me, a small token of my appreciation."
The Kazekage slowly walked over and started on the far left, handing over a medallion to each of the defenders along with a respectful bow softly uttering words to his loyal shinobi.
Everyone silently watched as Gaara made his way down the line. Kiba stared at the blonde Uzumaki with conflicted emotions. Naruto had caused chaos when he had returned as 'Ghost'. Something that hadn't stopped when his identity was revealed.
Despite their conversation in Nami no Kuni he still bore a grudge to his former friend. Something he found difficult to let go.
Behind the Kazekage, civilians of Suna were lining up to pay their respects, or to place a single flower on the memorial. Every one of them had lost a family member to the Reavers.
Kazekage stopped in front of Micheru, handing her a small box containing the medallion. "If only I had acted sooner. The younglings would have survived."
'I want to go to my mom.' Naruto grimaced as the memory bubbled to the surface once more.
"If I had only spoken to you sooner…" Micheru whispered, two lone tears sliding down her cheek.
Gaara sighed, placing a hand over hers before stepping back. "Regrets and what ifs will plague us for months to come I'm afraid." He gave her a bow before moving over to Naruto.
"If it weren't for you and your friends, we would've been ill prepared, and the innocent would have been covering the sand dunes of Kaze no Kuni. Thank you, Uzumaki Naruto." He gave him a box as well.
"If only we could have done more."
Gaara locked his eyes with the blonde's lone eye. "If only indeed," He gave a deep bow before straightening once more. "My condolences for Jiraiya's passing, I knew you were fond of him."
Naruto gave the Kazekage a nod of appreciation. "Arigato…"
It took another ten minutes before Gaara gave a bow to the last of Suna's defenders, a girl no older than thirteen was staring blankly. The only genin survivor.
One of the villagers, a mother holding the small hand of her son was talking to Inoichi who gave a nod before gesturing towards Naruto. She slowly walked over. Her face was covered in tears, and she had dark circles underneath her eyes as well.
"Y-you are Naruto Uzumaki?"
Naruto gave a slow nod, trying to ignore the prying eyes of the people watching. "I am. Can I help you?"
Her chin was quivering as she desperately tried to hold back her tears but was unable to. "My name is Irasu. Amari was my daughter."
His legs nearly gave out as a wave of guilt and sorrow washed over him. The grip on his heart tightened as he looked at the mother and son.
"I heard y-you she was with you at the end."
Naruto could feel the tears prickling in his eyes. He swallowed, trying to push back the lump in his throat. "She…she…. Yea...she was."
Micheru watched as her teammate and friend struggled to find the right words.
"H-how did she die?" the stuttering and sobbing mother asked while lifting the boy up in her arms.
Naruto let out a trembling sigh before looking down at the small box. "L-like a true shinobi." a small tear drop landed on the top. He slid his hand in his pocket before pulling out a small picture and held it out for the woman, along with the box. "She would have made a remarkable kunoichi."
The mother looked at the picture and let out a sob, she accepted the gift with trembling hands. On it were Amari and her two teammates. The photo was taken just before the battle and despite nervous looks they still held a wide smile. The boy, Kurata had his arms wrapped around the two girls, grinning like an idiot. They had no idea what was about to come. "Thank you, Uzumaki-san…"
Naruto shook his head, another tear sliding down his cheek. "I should've saved her…She should've left me behind."
She in turn did the same. "I know my Amari. once her mind was made up, there's no changing it. I-I-'m proud of her."
Naruto took a deep breath before straightening his back. He placed his hand on his heart before giving her a deep bow. "I'm glad to have met A-Amari. She was the true embodiment of a shinobi."
Micheru stared at the blonde and gave a sad smile. The small conversation had done enough to break the weakly constructed wall in her mind, the tears flowing freely. She placed a hand on heart as well and bowed.
One by one the defenders followed and paid the mother their respect. Naruto and the Kazekage were the only ones who had known the genin. For the others she was just one of Suna's genin. But despite that, she was a twelve-year-old girl who decided that she wouldn't let a fellow shinobi die.
Irasu watched with wide eyes at the gesture and returned as best she could, awkwardly holding her son in her arms. "Goodbye Uzumaki-san."
Hinata watched as the mother shuffled away, clutching the picture and small wooden box in her hands. "Did you hear that?"
Sasuke was looking at the blonde who had been standing silently ever since. There hadn't been any official report on the battle, but rumors were starting to spread. Combined with the few survivor, you didn't have to be a genius to figure out that it had been a terrible fight.
Sakura looked at her old teammate as well. The pieces were slowly falling into place. As the crowd slowly started shuffling and started to disperse, she formed a small circle with her friends. "He's struggling with survivors' guilt."
"They all are, Sakura…" Ino softly said as she looked at Suna's defenders, the unofficial dub of the survivors.
The group turned to look and noted that they were all still standing side by side, not having moved an inch. "Can you imagine?"
Sasuke slowly shook his head. He could make up some form of crude image, but it would probably be a far cry of the real deal.
"I think we'll find out soon enough." a new voice said from behind.
The group turned and saw Asuma, Kurenai, and to their surprise, Iruka walking over.
"Asuma-sensei. That's been a while." Ino exclaimed with a smile.
Trademark cigarette still in his mouth, he managed to return the gesture. "Busy busy busy, you know how it is."
"Yeah sure…" Shikamaru muttered from behind him. "You're not fooling anyone."
"That was a lovely service." Kurenai said, her eyes plastered on the group to the far right, still standing in formation.
"You think Konoha will end up like Suna?"
Asuma took a long trek from his cigarette before answering. "Suna had defenses Konoha doesn't, so we need to toughen up and fast."
"Suna had a near impregnable wall whereas our village has a wall encircling it. We'll need more troops to properly defend it and Kenpachi can send his army to surround us completely." Shikamaru said.
Slowly Suna's defenders stepped away and silently started leaving the area. Naruto walked past his old friends, giving a nod in passing.
"Naruto! I haven't had the chance to talk, do you have a moment?"
Naruto slowed in his step but didn't stop. "I doubt anything you have to say is important, Umino."
Iruka raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had known Naruto had grown cold and distant, but he had hoped that his former student at the very least would greet him properly. "I haven't seen you in years! I think that makes it important." Iruka had known for a while that his old student had returned. But he had been afraid. Afraid of rejection, like the others.
Naruto came to a halt, softly speaking to Micheru before turning to his former teacher. He tilted his head, looking to Iruka before looking to the others.
Iruka let out a silent gasp as he noticed the exhausted face. "I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Jiraiya-sama's passing."
Naruto's cold look changed and turned into one of regret. "Arigato, Iruka."
"Naruto, we didn't know about the girl. I'm so sorry." Sakura nearly whispered, earning a murmur of agreements and condolences.
Feeling a calculative gaze upon him he slowly looked at Kurenai. He locked his eye with hers and qave her a prying look, causing her to look away in discomfort. His gaze softened and turned back to the rest. "Thank you…"
"How you holding up?" Kiba asked, trying his best not to sound like an asshole.
"I'm fine, Kiba."
"You don't look it."
Naruto paid him no further attention and instead turned to leave. He didn't feel the need to stay and chat.
"Teme, you think we can defend Konoha?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto glanced towards the Uchiha. "As we are now? No."
The group stared at Naruto with uncertainty. "And what do we need?" Kurenai asked.
Naruto didn't answer right away and glanced at Iruka instead, vague memories of ramen and the genin academy entering his mind. "A lot more men."
Kiba snorted. "That's not going to happen. We're already stretched thin."
Naruto slowly started walking back towards where Micheru and Kitase were standing, conversing with each other. "Then we are in trouble, aren't we?"
"You've been dodging questions ever since getting here. How about you help us out, Naruto." Ridou asked as he stepped in front of the blonde.
Naruto barely gave him a glance. "The replacement. Glad to finally meet you properly. Now move."
Ridou glared at the man but relented nonetheless, stepping aside. "You're going to have to talk at one point, baka."
Naruto ignored the jab and slowly left the memorial grounds, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. Ridou was right, of course. They had information that was invaluable. Konoha needed to be better prepared than Suna was. The biggest problem Konoha faced were the lack of men. Suna's garrison had been bolstered by numbers from the minor nations surrounding it. The Reavers here were skirmishing with the minors and they wouldn't leave their borders, or their people unprotected. To top it off, Konoha's numbers had been reduced after their battle for Nami no Kuni. They still had a significant force, but compared to the enemy, it wasn't enough, not even close.
"What are you thinking about?" Micheru asked as the group turned a corner and slowly entered the active main street of Konoha where most of the stands were standing on either side of the road.
Naruto looked up at the wall. The wall needed to be reinforced as well, similar in space as to what Suna had. "Thinking about what we need to do to strengthen our defenses here.
Micheru followed his gaze. "Compared to Suna, this wall is barely even an obstacle."
Naruto nodded. "And we can be attacked from almost every direction. Konoha as it stands now, is a deathtrap. For us at least."
They walked past their barracks and settled down at a terrace, earning a few glances from the already present customers. Foreign shinobi were becoming a normal occurrence, yet it still drew some attention.
Kitase let out a sigh, sliding a hand to his hair. "It's obvious that Konoha is the next target. When do you guys think they'll come?"
"A month, 6 weeks at the most." Micheru answered, resisting the shudder that tried to creep up her back.
"They'll be regrouping now, plundering what remains of Suna, if they haven't already. Their wounded needs to be attended too as well so that will buy us some time." Naruto cleared his throat a burning sensation still lingering from the fight two weeks ago.
"Do you think the festival will still be held?"
Micheru quirked her eyebrow. "What festival, Kitase?"
Kitase in turn stared at her, dumbfounded. "Shogatsu? celebrating the new year? Its next week."
Micheru let out a silent 'oh' before looking around. She had noticed that the village was slowly being transformed into a festive one. "I guess I haven't been paying attention."
"Neither did I, to be honest," said Naruto as he looked around before noticing the figure of teenage boy. "Oh kami."
"What is it?"
Naruto nudged towards the boy. "That's Konohamaru, he's been a pain in the ass."
"In what way?" Kitase asked, not impressed by the youngster.
"You'll find out…"
Konohamaru noticed the trio and let out a sneer before walking over. "I see that the traitor is still hanging around."
At that particular moment a waitress came walking over and took their order. Naruto casually turned and ordered some food along with a plate of sake.
Konohamaru wasn't deterred and pressed. "I'm surprised you haven't turned your back on us again."
Naruto wasn't in the mood. Despite the time that had passed, he still felt sorrow for the loss of the genin and of Jiraiya. Not to speak of the terrible things he had witnessed in Suna. It was ruining any rest he was trying to get and was clearly starting to show on his hollowed eyes. He ignored him and instead turned his back on the kid.
"But then again, you turned your back on Jiraiya, so I guess you came through after-" Naruto grabbed him by the throat and pulled him close, knocking over chairs.
"If you ever dare to say his name to me again, I'll kill you." Naruto hissed angrily, before dropping him to the ground.
Kitase and Micheru looked at the two wide eyes. "Naruto, why don't you ignore the brat and just enjoy the sake." The ame-nin said.
Konohamaru stared at the blonde for a moment longer before picking himself up. He brushed the dirt off his pants. "I see I touched a nerve."
"Kid," Micheru started, her patience growing thin. "I don't know what your problem is with Naruto, but I think the best idea for you is to leave and steer clear from him. Next time you won't get off so easily."
Konohamaru narrowed his eyes at the woman. "I don't take order-" Someone grabbed him by the back of his neck and forced him into a bow.
"Brat, apologize now." The voice hissed in his ear.
Naruto watched with slight amusement as none other than Anko was holding the kid down. He gave her a nod of appreciation.
"He doesn't deserve it." He grunted back as he tried to break free.
"You have an incredibly narrow-minded view, something that needs to change and fast, "Anko barked in his ear, applying more pressure. "But you, spitting on Jiraiya-sama's final stand and memory is something even I can't let slide."
"I wasn't-"
"Yes, you were!" Anko roared, kicking his feet out from under him. "You have no idea what went down there. Anyone who knows Jiraiya, or the blonde there knows they were thick as blood."
Naruto stared at the scene with surprise. He considered Anko something of a friend but having her come to his defense was something he hadn't expected.
She planted her feet on top of his head, pushing him into the dirt. "Apologize!"
A muffled apology came from Konohamaru and she leaned over. "Louder!"
"I'm sorry!"
She removed her foot and stepped back. "Was that so hard?"
Konohamaru jumped to his feet, his cheeks red from embarrassment. He tried to ignore the small crowd that was watching. He gave one last glare towards the blonde before pushing himself through the crowd and disappeared.
"Thank you, Anko." Said Naruto earnestly, dipping his head in respect.
She walked over and slid in the free seat across. "Brat's been a nuisance for a while. He's been a vocal opposer of our allegiance with the rogue-nin."
Micheru shook her head. "Some people still don't understand how big the threat is."
"They'll know soon enough…"Kitase muttered, reaching for one of the snacks that lay in a bowl on the table.
Anko leaned forward, towards Naruto. "About the other day…I didn't know."
Naruto tried his best to give her a smile but failed miserably. His hollow eye stared at her for a moment. "It's fine, Anko."
She tilted her head and drilled her eyes into his. "I'm sorry to hear about the pervert. He was a good shinobi." She rose her glass. "To Jiraiya-sama."
'I want to go to my mom.'
The others repeated after her, but Naruto found it difficult. His mouth was slightly ajar, but he rose his glass regardless, and toasted along with them.
Later that day Naruto made his way to the Hokage tower. They wanted his knowledge on the battle for Sunagakure. He had denied the order at first, but after some persuasion from Mayu he had 'reconsidered'.
He rapped his knuckles on the door before entering. Inside were Tsunade and a few of her advisors. Shikaku and his son were there as well. On the couch in the corner were Mayu, and Rome.
He could easily see the pain on Tsunade's face. The loss of Jiraiya had hit her hard. His eye twitched at the thought of his godfather.
"Glad you could come." Tsunade spoke, giving him a nod.
"Believe me, it wasn't voluntary." He muttered back, eyeing Mayu.
"How are you doing?" The Hokage asked, ignoring the jab.
"Still not giving up with that are we? I'm just fine."
"How are you…dealing with Jiraiya's death, I know you two were still close." She slowly asked."
'Take care, Naruto.'
He blinked, trying to ignore the memory of his godfather dying. "We're not doing this. What do you want to know?"
Tsunade looked at him with concern. With a sigh she leaned back in her chair. "I have already heard a portion of it from Kakashi. But I'd like to know more about your fight with Kenpachi, and of the defensive nature of Suna. The more I start hearing of this guy, the more he is worrying me."
Naruto took a seat on the couch, crossing his arms whilst leaning back. "Once we knew that Kenpachi was going to be joining the fight, we had to make sure that his destructive abilities wouldn't lay waste to our remaining forces. I decided to lure him away and engage him in the village. Itachi tagged along."
'The Reaver charged forward with lightning speed, giving the blonde barely time to respond. He shoved Micheru away and jumped backwards, dodging the attack which came crashing into the ground, creating a small crater on top of the already damaged wall.'
"I clashed with him first on top of the wall, and shortly after the breach. I managed to briefly break off his assault, but he later returned during our final clash."
Rome was listening with furrowed brows. He too had clashed with Kenpachi. It wasn't something he recalled with pleasant memories. "What happened then?"
'I want to go to my mom.'
He shook his head, earning him curious looks from the attendants. "I uh…I grouped up with Itachi. We knew at this point that we weren't going to make it out alive."
There was a heavy silence in group, listening to Naruto's story.
"We know that the Reaver army see Kenpachi as their god. If we could kill him, that could break the morale of their army. So, we tried doing that."
With a sigh he leaned forward and looked towards Tsunade. "But once again he proved too much. He absolutely wiped the floor with us."
"Sounds like him…" Rome muttered.
"Then how did you survive, again?" Shikamaru asked.
Naruto stared at his former friend. "By a stroke of luck. I managed to strike him in the eye though. A parting gift."
"How badly did you hurt him?" Mayu asked, her eyes darting between Rome and Naruto.
"Naruto tapped his eyecover, a smirk adorning his face. Something that was rare for him these days. "Eye for an eye."
"Knowing him, he paid back in kind."
Naruto shuddered at the thought. "His attack sent Itachi and me flying off. He did not pursue."
Tsunade felt that there was more to the story but didn't press and instead turned to Shikaku. "Kenpachi is our priority. We need to compile a list of our best shinobi. When they come here, we need to kill him. It's our best chance at breaking their army."
Naruto spoke up. "Itachi, Kisame and I will deal with him."
Rome was the one who shook his head and intervened. "No. He beat you twice already. You won't survive another bout."
"Throwing bodies at him won't do any good. We need to keep it no bigger than a squad size. Itachi, Kisame and I work well together. With Kisame we stand a chance."
"But what do we do with his army? We don't have the same defenses Suna had." A concerned Mayu chimed in.
Naruto looked at the pictures on the table. It was the aerial shots of their battle. "Konoha's wall has never effectively been used as a defensive measure. We need to toughen it up. A straight frontal fight we'll never win."
"How many fighting men do we have?" The blonde asked Shikaku.
"We have 9000 in total."
"Not nearly enough. We need to evacuate the minor nations that borders with Suna. Make their countries a death trap. This should buy us some time."
Tsunade nodded. "We are already doing that, but that will increase our numbers with maybe four thousand troops. The others are having trouble on their own border, we can't ask for their help."
Naruto went silent as the others continued to discuss options. It was clear that despite inflicting casualties, the Reavers showed no signs of slowing down. On the other side, their numbers were continuing to dwindle. "The daimyo…"
"What about him." Tsunade asked, turning away from the discussion.
"He has Hi no Kuni's army. That numbers in the 15.000" Naruto softly spoke, grasping for the sliver of hope that was dangling on front of him. Suna's Daimyo had already deployed his forces to their border early on but had failed miserably.
"They don't use chakra; they would only be in the way. They're useless." Danzo said snidely.
Naruto looked back up to the attendants in the room. "But they can still use ranged weaponry. During Suna's fight we used all manner of long-range equipment. If we can mimick Suna's defenses but apply their long-range weaponry to the daimyo's forces, it would free up a lot of our shinobi."
Tsunade had her hands intertwined, mulling over the idea. "Downside is… our Daimyo sent a portion of his forces to the border. They have all been killed."
"How many remain?" Naruto asked.
"Around ten thousand."
"That's will still help bolster our numbers. It's better than nothing." The blonde responded; his determination was still there.
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "I will order all our forces to regroup in Konoha. We will make our stand here, the daimyo's included."
Naruto stood up; his mind set up. Konoha would not fall. They wouldn't take another step back. "Suna's forces weren't prepared for the Reavers, all we could do was buy time. But now, we have an idea of how they will attack. This will give us an advantage."
Shikaku nodded before turning to an earlier point. "You said we need to toughen up our wall. What do you suggest?"
Naruto nodded. "Suna's wall gave us a big advantage. We need to try and have a similar effect here. We need to expand our wall. All we have now is a small walkway on top. We need to start equipping all manner of weapons. Catapults, shuriken launchers, you name it. But first we should double…No, triple the wall's width, that way we can put more men on the wall."
Shikaku gave another nod before turning to Tsunade. "Lady Hokage, with your permission-"
She looked at him sternly. "Do whatever you need to do. Ask the Kazekage for help, he can help."
Naruto walked for the door but hesitated. "We also need to instruct all our forces. Show them what they can expect."
"We don't really have footage of the battle." Said Tsunade.
"Then get Inoichi and have him pull our memories. I know Ymanaka's can make it work." Naruto responded, his voice laced with uncertainty. He didn't want anyone snooping in his mind, but he knew he had to push aside his personal objections.
Mayu noticed and looked at him in concern. "Are you sure, you're okay with that?"
Naruto shrugged. "Whatever gives us an edge. Before I forget…We need to call forth all retired shinobi and start preparing the genin as well."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "I'm not going to send the kids to fight, I already discussed this with Kakashi."
'I want to go to my mom'
With a shake of his head, he cleared his mind. "Have them support our supply lines. We need every available shinobi in the fight."
Tsunade was about to deny his suggestion but faltered. "I'll think about it.'
Naruto stared at the Hokage before he turned once more and headed out the office. He had work to do.
The next day.
'Orodochi Ghost' panted heavily; his posture had been lowered into a crouched defensive stance. His outer robe had been discarded and was catching wind every so often from where it was laying. His dark shirt clung to his chest, wet with sweat.
Across from him were both Itachi and Kisame, both were breathing in a similar fashion, but were able to recover faster. Kisame feigned an attack with his blade whilst Itachi came charging in with high speed and slammed into Naruto's cross guard. Skidding back a few feet.
Grabbing the outstretched appendage, he swung Itachi back into Kisame's charge.
"Too slow!" He sidestepped and dodged Itachi before stepping inside Naruto's guard and slammed his fist into the blonde's face and sent him crashing into the ground.
With a grunt he gave a low swipe, but Kisame was having none of it and jumped over it before holding Samehade dangerously close to Naruto's face. The blade rippled in excitement.
Naruto sighed and relaxed, his head resting on the grass. "You win."
"Of course! What else did you suspect?"
"I doubt you'd lose if we didn't team up, Kisame. He had control over the first half of the fight." Itachi walked over, dusting off the dirt.
Kisame shrugged and grabbed Naruto's outstretched arm and pulled him to his feet. "You got a lot better, brat."
"It's been more than a year since we last fought together at Nami, had to improve after my beatdown."
Kisame gave the blonde a quick once over before slapping him on the back. "So, what's your plan?"
Naruto reached for his canteen and quickly took a sip from it. "Kenpachi is going to join the fight, of that I'm certain. Just like in Suna, we need to keep him focused on us. We'll need your help with that."
The large Akatsuki agent hefted his massive blade to his shoulder, a serious look on his face. "I haven't fought the man before; I've heard some rumors. The two of you weren't enough, eh?" He did have a brief skirmish with the Reaver, but it wasn't enough to get a good enough image of the man's capabilities.
Itachi shook his head before looking out over the field, watching the other shinobi as they were practicing in preparation for what was to come. "I doubt the three of us will be enough."
Naruto gave a dejected nod. "The whole situation is messed up. We don't have enough men. The other countries are bogged down in their own fights so they can't help. This is how they will win the war. Keep us separated. Take us down, one at a time."
Kisame grunted before slowly walking off. "Then let's make sure we kill the teme."
Sasuke's face popped up in Naruto's head at Kisame's nickname of Kenpachi. He suppressed his smile as he reached for the sheathed blade that lay in the grass. "I recall me and Itachi saying something similar. Let's do it properly this time."
"Of course. Now you'll have me to beat him to a bloody pulp."
Naruto shook his head in amusement. "We'll see."
"We need to have a back-up plan in place. Should we fall." Itachi said suddenly.
Naruto thought it over before giving a nod. "It's likely, Kenpachi will kill us. We'll need another team ready to take over."
"If we go in expecting to lose-" Kisame started.
"We're not going in expecting to lose, Sushi! But we have to make sure." Naruto interrupted.
"After we lost, Kenpachi went after the others. He caused massive destruction and chaos. We can't have that."
Kisame wanted to scoff but seeing the look on their eyes, gave him pause. He only had a minor clash with the Reaver, nothing that could be warranted as experience. "Fine, we'll do it your way."
Despite the looming imminent threat, the people in Konoha were in a spirited mood. New years eve was almost here, and it was a holiday everyone was looking forward too. Decorations were being put up and the market square was being transformed for the upcoming festivity.
"Can you imagine all the delicious food?" Choji's face was bright, and he had a big smile on his face as he watched how the decorations were being placed everywhere.
Shikamaru gave an amused chuckle. "You and food, that's what you're thinking of?"
Ino looked around with glee, especially at the large stand in the front. "I'm so excited for the party. I honestly expected them to cancel it."
"It's good for morale, this will put everyone's mind off the upcoming fight." Shikamaru looked at the market stands at the edge of the square. People were going about their daily business, seemingly oblivious to the coming threat. 'Keeping it a secret from the civilians is risky. They could riot if they would find out.'
The decision to leave the civilians in the dark was something Shikaku had concocted. At least until after New Year's Eve. The calmer everyone was, the better their progress would be, in anticipation for the upcoming fight.
The upgrade to the wall was progressing nicely and it was estimated that it would need another two weeks before they would be finished. Siege weaponry would then start to be mounted and the final touches be applied. They would be further off if the civilians were to protest and cause a panic.
Of course, rumors were spreading, and they knew something was up. They had said that the upgrades being made was to better defend Konoha should an invasion ever occur, but there were a lot of skeptic people that doubted their words.
"What I don't understand is why we didn't send all the villagers away." Ino said softly.
"It's because scouts have spotted Reaver advance parties. They are going to clear them first, before we'll send them away." Shikamaru responded.
Ino fell silent as she looked at a mother shopping, along with her two kids. She tried imagining how the battle for Suna went, where a retreat would've meant the death of all innocent civilians. "Where will they go?"
"Towards Mizu no Kuni. Up until now they have had great success against the Reavers and have been unable to gain a foothold there."
Ino looked dejected. "I wonder how many countries are still standing."
Choji wrapped his arms around Ino and Shikamaru, dragging them to the nearest food stand. "How about we focus on some other things?"
Shikamaru sighed in annoyance but complied regardless and they headed over to the food stand, led by an eager Choji.
Staring ahead, Naruto unconsciously tapped his feet against each other every few seconds. Next to him was Hawke who was quietly humming to a song he had been listening to earlier. Both were quite content with their current spot, atop his old apartment building.
"Remember when we met?" Hawke let his hand slide through his slowly graying hair.
Memories of him being chased by Reaver scouts years ago popped up. It was crazy to think over 8 years had already passed since then. Never in his darkest dreams would he have imagined that they would end up here. 'If someone told me this would happen back when I was still a genin brat…I would've laughed my ass off and yelled at him for being such an idiot.'
"it's been eight years…Time goes by fast." Naruto said softly.
Hawke patted him on the shoulder. "And so far, all you did was lose an eye and become best buds with your old village again."
Naruto let out a brief smile, one that disappeared just as quick. It had been two weeks since their return, and physically he felt well. Mentally was something else entirely. Sleep continued to allude him, and the memories of the Jiraiya and the fallen genin continued without rest…not to mention, Akemi.
Hawke shrugged and reached for his canteen and took a sip "Crap wrong one…" Before reaching for his other canteen and took another drag, but this time letting out a small satisfying sigh.
"Do I wanna know?"
Hawke nudged with his flask. "it's another foreign drink I managed to get my hands on."
Naruto grabbed it and brought it to his lips. "How do you even manage to get this anyways?"
He winked, a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "A magician never tells his secrets."
Naruto looked at him with confusion but shrugged and took a sip…Before spewing it all over the edge and down below. "What the hell is this?!"
The older Hunter let out a bark of laughter. "You don't like it? It's called rum, and a particularly strong one at that!"
Naruto looked at the canteen with distrust before smelling it, barely suppressing a shudder. He handed it back and reached for his own canteen. "Yeah…you can keep that" He took a large gulp from his own canteen and started rinsing his mouth before spitting it out. "Why is it always alcohol with you?"
Hawke wrapped an arm around Naruto's shoulder. "Because I'm awesome."
Naruto shook his head in slight amusement. "How about we go find ourselves an actual good drink, down below."
Hawke pretended to be offended. "A good drink? You've hurt my feelings 'Naruto-kun'"
Naruto gave him a playful shove before standing up. "Come on. Let's find Kisame. He'll want to join in."
They slowly made their way to the center of the village where one bar in particular stood apart from the rest. Shinobi were standing around it, enjoying the company of their friends while downing drinks of their own.
It was the same bar he had visited when he had gone undercover with Micheru to find the Reaver scouts. He gave a near imperceptible falter in his step but continued regardless.
"Naruto!" He saw Ino waving him over.
Naruto took in the rest of the inhabitants and saw several familiar faces amongst them. He slowed down and gave a look around. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to ignore them all night, he decided to walk over.
"I hear you enjoy yourself a drink from time to time." Ino said, holding out a drink for her fellow blonde.
Naruto accepted the gesture and held it up in appreciative gesture. "Look, Hawke, this is an actual drink," He downed the drink and nodded in satisfaction. "Much better."
I want to go to my mom.'
He gripped the table next to him, as the memory entered his mind. With a grimace he mentally shook his head and let go of the table, walking over to the bar, determined to drown it out with a drink.
Ino watched the blonde leave their company. He showed telltale signs of something she had seen many times over by now. Someone plagued by guilt.
Naruto stared at Hawke who was at the bar flirting with a civilian girl. He couldn't help but smile at his friend's antics.
"Can I sit here?"
Naruto turned and looked at the newcomer. "Depends…You gonna annoy me, Kiba?"
"I might."
The blonde shrugged and motioned for him to sit. "What can I do for you?"
The Inuzuka seemed to struggle finding the right words, fidgeting slightly in his seat. "I wanted to apologize for acting like an…"
"Baka? a dog?"
Kiba nodded. "Basically, yeah"
Naruto reached for his drink and downed the rest of it. The comfortable buzz slowly but surely made itself known, hoping it would drown out the bad memories.
As an uncomfortable silence descended, Kiba couldn't help but lean forward and press the conversation. "Look…I've been an asshole. I made some stupid decisions, that ended up hurting us both."
Naruto leaned forward, entering what Kiba interpreted as his personal space. "The only reason you're still sitting here comfortably is because I don't want any of your friends bothering me. I don't accept your apology, but for the sake of the pleasant buzz I'm currently experiencing, we'll pretend that all is fine between us."
To Kiba's credit, he didn't back down. The corner of his mouth twitched as he suppressed a sneer. "I don't even know why I tried."
"Neither do I."
"-Hey guys, am I interrupting?"
Kiba and Naruto looked up and saw Hinata standing there with a few drinks and some snacks.
"Not at all." They both leaned back, while Kiba motioned for her to sit down
Hinata looked between the two, noting the tenseness. "What were you guys talking about?"
"Oh, nothing much, just reminiscing." Naruto answered, his hand inching closer to the drink on the plate.
She was still concerned about the blonde. "I heard what you said to the woman, at the memorial service. My sympathies, Naruto."
His eye glazed over for a moment, as the face of Amari popped up. "Thank you." His gaze softened slightly.
Hinata noticed his hand and slid one over, still looking between the two. "So, are you planning on attending the festivities, Naruto?"
He downed the drink and shrugged. "Maybe."
Kiba still held a hard look and rudely interrupted the conversation. "What's your plan, after the war is over?
Naruto looked at the Inuzuka, his head moved, in a near imperceptible tilt. "if we win? I'll leave."
A heavy silence descended on the trio, despite the music or the chatter that took place in the bar. "What do you mean, Naruto-kun?" A confused Hinata asked.
Naruto shifted his gaze between the two. the softened gaze had disappeared as quickly as had come. "What? You thought that chat in Nami would make rejoin the village or something?"
The duo didn't respond, and he had to restrain from sighing. He could already feel the headache coming up. "You should've realized that 'this'," he motioned between them. "Is never going to be as it once was."
'I want to go to my mom.'
Naruto could clearly see Hinata's eyes well up, but it was something she needed to hear. It was obvious that his old friends still held the belief that he could be brought back. They really needed to hear the truth.
"And what then? You'll disappear? Never to return?" Hinata's pleasant voice was mixed with sadness and anger, her lower lip trembling as she tried her best not to shout.
He turned and looked at her, with his lone eye. "You don't need me to tell you what you already know."
Hinata abruptly stood up, nearly knocking over the plate that contained the snacks and drinks. She hurried outside.
Kiba glared at the blonde. "What is wrong with you?!"
Naruto watched the Hyuga leave, but not before bumping into Sakura. He had to admit that over the course of the past months, he had grown to tolerate his former friends more. But he couldn't stay. This wasn't his home anymore.
He could hear Kiba stomp away as well but heeded it no mind. Now that he thought about it. He really didn't have a home to go back to. The Hunter organization was slowly dying out, and he doubted if it would still exist after this.
Nami no Kuni did cross his mind. Thinking back to Inari, Tsunami and Tazuna. But he had changed so much. The boy they had grown fond of was gone.
A loud slap on the table brought him out of his stupor. "Sakura."
"What did you say to Hinata!"
"The truth."
"Which is?" Sasuke joined Sakura in conversation.
"That I'm not here to stay."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked as she dreaded the answer.
"That, once this war is over. I'll be gone."
Sakura looked taken aback, she looked at her partner for a moment before turning back to him. "Gone?"
"What did you think would happen here? That I'd get my old apartment back and everything would be how it used to?"
"It could never be how it used to be, Naruto. It doesn't mean that you should forever disappear." Said Sasuke, his voice remarkably calm.
"Will you visit Konoha?" Sakura asked quietly.
It was easy to lie. To say that he would visit, and that he would stay in contact. Instead, he slowly shook his head. "No."
Sakura ran away, following the same direction as Hinata.
Sasuke looked at him with a near unreadable expression. He slowly placed his hands on the table and leaned on it. "Everything we've gone through. It means nothing?"
"Sasuke…You wanted me to let go of the past. I did, at least for the most part. There's nothing for me here." For the briefest of moment his mind flashed back to their fight in Nami, against Haku.
"There would be, if you gave us a chance."
"I know. That's why I'm not giving you one."
There was a moment of silence as Sasuke let the words sink in. And for the first time since Ghost had been revealed as Naruto, did realization sink in for the Uchiha. Naruto would never come back.
With a hoarse voice he spoke. "We need you Naruto."
"But the cold hard truth is…I don't need Konoha anymore. That time has come and gone, years ago," Naruto stood up, reaching for a drink on the plate Hinata had left behind. He drank it before placing the cup back. "For what it's worth. I'm glad you found your place."
Naruto walked past Hawke, patting him on the shoulder before sitting down at the bar alone, ordering another drink, determined to drown out his haunted memories, leaving a silent Sasuke behind, staring at the seat Naruto was occupying.
Ino saw Naruto sitting at the bar, staring ahead, ignoring the bustle of activity that was around him. Having visited her father's work frequently, she knew that look far too well.
She quickly made her way over and hopped down on the stool next to him. "Hey, Naruto."
Initially he didn't respond, but after blinking he slowly turned to his fellow blonde "Ino."
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine." He held up a drink to emphasize his point.
Ino furrowed her brow, she did expect him to keep her at an arm's length distance. "I've seen your look far too often in others. You're suffering from PTSD."
Naruto rested his head on his hand, looking away. "I know…"
Ino looked at her old classmate. He looked unhealthy. It was clear he wasn't getting enough sleep and from the looks of it he was barely eating. "You want to talk about it? It might help."
He gave her a glance from the corner of his eye and gave her a tiny shake of his head. "No thanks, Ino."
She grabbed his hand, the one resting on the bar next to his drink. "Ignore our history for a moment. I'm an Ymanaka, it's my job to help traumatized shinobi. I can help you!"
Looking in the mirror, he could see Akemi staring at him, the small gentle smile on her face. His voice hoarse and barely a whisper. "If you stay…you'll die."
'We all have to at some point.'
Ino knew that those words weren't meant for her. They sounded so full of anguish and regret. Her voice turning into a whisper, but loud enough to hear, her hand resting on his. "What happened, Naruto-kun?
He gave another shake of his head, sliding his hand out of her grasp. He reached for the drink and downed it. "I honestly appreciate the gesture, but you can't help me." He gave her a genuine smile and stood up, laying some money on the table for the drink.
Ino watched him leave the bar with worry. 'You don't want to be helped.'
That wraps up this one! If you've enjoyed it, I hope you'll consider leaving a review! I always enjoy reading your thoughts on it!