Hey everyone! I hope you're having a great Christmas! This is my gift to you! I hope you'll enjoy it!
Haven't been able to do a lot of work the last week on the story, here's to hoping I can catch up. I want this story finished within the next two months, if I uphold the two week per chapter schedule.
As I earlier said, I can't give a shout out to the people who added this story to their favorites, changed something and it doesn't allow me to properly sort, so all the names are in a jumbled mess. Sorry, but know I greatly appreciate it!
There were a lot of reviewers for this chapter (awesomeeee). A lot of you enjoyed the last chapter which gives me relief, I was worried that you guys and galls wouldn't like it. Let's dive into the reviews.
Roswell: I think from your response, you enjoyed the chapter :D
Nithi Velu: The death of Konan really broke Nagato. We never got to experience that in the anime of course, but I honestly think that her death would've torn him apart. That said, him summoning the Gedō Mazō drained him significantly. Pein was fully committed to the fight against Kenpachi, and that would be his final fight. But he was fully aware that the situation could change. He didn't revive Naruto using his resurrection ability. He revived him using his own life force, using the same technique Chiyo used on Gaara in the anime.
Tobi-kun-is-a-good-boy: I'm sorry I can't spoil ;), but I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, with Pein in particular!
Gamesdean1: You'll have to wait and see! ^^. I have to admit, I don't have anything planned for a flashback, but I might. There is room for a flashback episode. I mentioned it to Nithi Velu as well, he couldn't use the rebirth jutsu anymore, because of his illness (as you perfectly guessed!). he was too far along; this fight was always going to be his last. As for your last question, no spoilers! ;) glad to see you enjoyed the chapter!
BusGrunts: We're far along now, I'm not stopping now! This story is going to finish, and we're barreling towards the finish line. I always thought that Pein's resurrection ability was a bit ridiculous. I instead stuck with the ability Chiyo used on Gaara when he got killed early in Shippuden.
I won't spoil anything in regard to the story, but I will tell this. Naruto, or anyone else isn't getting any sudden powerups to be able to go toe to toe with Kenpachi. I purposefully made Kenpachi this powerful, their desperate struggle so to speak.
Thank you for the kind words, it helps a great deal!
Reedz22: I kind of assumed most people would know that Naruto would come back, but I am glad I managed to surprise some of you! Enjoy the chapter, and merry Christmas!
Zubzilla: I'm happy that you're enjoying it! I noticed you writing a review for ch4 and I'll try to answer it. I think you mean his response to Ghost in regards to his threat in kicking him out of the village. I'd honestly like to think he would've matured enough, to stand up for his old teacher.
I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story though!
Luiseduardob303L: And that's what makes the situation truly a desperate one, doesn't it? Enjoy the chapter, and merry Christmas!
Stalker1: Hey hey! Thank you for your response! Enjoy this one!
Omegaoof: a longtime reader, awesome! The story certainly evolved, primarily my writing style. When I started he story, I was 20…do the math (oof). So yeah the story kind of grew along with me. However. the plot of the story, and how it ends, has always stayed the same. I also find it interesting to see a lot of the readers/reviewers asking the same thing in regards to Kenpachi and Naruto, (strength wise). *wink*
Oh and I reaaaalllly didn't like the Otsutsuki story line, apologize if I offend you, or anyone with this. I just…*blergh*
NaruCrazy: I've sent you an in depth response, but for the sake of cluttering I'll leave that out here.
Astral8: Konoha's siege was a difficult one to write, mainly because it's similar to Suna's. I don't want to feel into repetition too much, so I tried changing it up as much as I could. I think it worked ;). Merry Christmas and thank you for the fantastic review!
Guest: I promise, the writing only improves from there. I hope you're enjoying the story!
Thank you all and happy holidays! See you next year!
Chapter 53: Disbelief
Naruto stared at the blue morning sky, which was something he couldn't recall seeing in ages. An abrupt gasp escaped his lips as oxygen filled his lungs. Slowly, he sat up, letting out a groan of pain. His body felt battered all over.
He slowly sat up, taking in the destruction around him. A large portion of the hospital had been destroyed and ruins of it lay about.
His eye settled on the cloth-covered bodies, and he felt a cold dread slam into him. He looked down at the white cover that covered a portion of his body. He shook his head, unwilling to accept the truth. As he was shaking his head, the corner of his eye caught the body of Pein.
Naruto stared at the body and realization struck him. "No…" he threw the cover away and climbed to his feet, only to fall to the ground again, his legs not used to the motions. "This…This…No."
He clutched his chest as he remembered the blade that had struck him. He pulled the shirt apart and watched in horror at the gruesome and terrifying wound. Despite the fatal wound, he could feel his heart beating rapidly. His felt his breathing become shallow and tried focusing his attention elsewhere.
T blood-soaked blonde knew what Pein had done, but what he didn't know, was why. Pein had been stronger than he was, leading an organization of powerful shinobi. Nothing made sense as to why he would give up his own life.
He looked down at his hands, turning them over to inspect them. "Why?" Looking past his hands, he stared at Pein's still form for a few moments. "Why?" he quietly repeated.
Pushing himself to his feet once more, he was satisfied to feel that they could sustain the weight. Slowly he took a step, and then another, before, eventually he made his way down the courtyard, his eye settling on the shinobi that were moving about but he recognized none of them and doubted they would him.
His outfit was destroyed for the most part. He reached for fabric and tore the remainder off, revealing his black shirt underneath, a gaping hole, right where his heart was, along with some scorch marks. Otherwise, it looked fine, or as fine as stab wound could be. Quickly he turned his thoughts elsewhere. He didn't want to pull on that thread just yet. A stabbing pain in his arm reminded him of how Kenpachi had broken it.
The image of Micheru popped in his head, only now wondering what had happened to her, or Itachi for that matter. His increased his pacing until he eventually made his way to the exit, passing the makeshift guards, comprised of a few chunin. They were conversing amongst themselves.
"I still can't believe we won."
"Won is overstating things, Hiru. They were brought to a standstill."
"Yeah, but they pulled back shortly after!"
"They still vastly outnumber us, they'll be back."
"But why would they fall…" The chunin noticed him staring and the gave him a curious look. "Can we help you?"
Naruto made his way over, limping badly. "Did the Reavers retreat?"
"Yeah! The leader of the Akatsuki, Pein I think his name was? Anyways! He arrived at the nick of time with the combined forces of all shinobi countries!" the excited chunin said.
"That's still not enough though…" Naruto wondered aloud.
"Still, they left." The calmer of the two answered, his eyes slowly taking in the appearance of Naruto.
Naruto used his hand to cover the hole in his shirt. He wouldn't be able to explain what had happened, nor did he want to. "Where's the Hokage?"
The calm chunin jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "At the market square, where the majority of our forces are."
Naruto gave a dull nod and made his way in the general direction.
"Be careful though. There are reports of Hastae's still in the area. Guerilla style tactics!"
Naruto accepted the information, but didn't offer a response, his head was still in turmoil. Pein had forced back the Reavers, and Kenpachi along with it, but he didn't understand how.
Forcing his attention on his surroundings, he saw that the destruction wasn't limited to the hospital. Whole blocks were blown apart and countless of craters scarred the village. People were moving about quickly, helping out wounded, or carrying the deceased towards one of the hubs.
Smoke billowed from various buildings, and he spotted anbu squads darting around, undoubtedly searching for remaining Reaver pockets. He briefly looked over his shoulder towards the hospital. It was in absolute ruin. It was clear that they had targeted it specifically. Recalling the rubble around him and in the courtyard, he was lucky that his body hadn't been crushed.
The damage done to the village was extensive, but there were locations where it seemed that there had been little to no fighting. His eye widened drastically when he crossed the main road of the village. A gigantic trench that led all the way to the main gate, and beyond. "Konan's trap…" he whispered.
Here there were people standing about, talking about the trap that had been sprung.
"It was insane! Just one woman, killed nearly half of their forces!"
"Can you imagine if the Akatsuki had went up against us?"
Naruto could see the shudder from the youngster but resumed his trek through the village. But just as he reached the corner, he heard the devastating news.
"It's sad she died…But she did everything she could."
Naruto balled his hands into fists. He had always enjoyed the company of Konan, and to hear she had passed away, it saddened him. Something that gave way to realization that perhaps Pein partially decided on bringing him back was because he had lost her. Pein had always seemed emotionless, but maybe beneath that stoic and cold exterior, was someone hidden away that cared for his companions.
He pressed on, his body weary and exhausted. His legs felt heavy, and had trouble keeping him upright, still he urged himself forward, breathing heavily.
An explosion to his left blew apart the upper floor of one of the houses. In the opening he could see two Anbu standing in the opening, looking down at the body that lay beneath their feet.
Following the path, in the distance he could make out the market square. Somehow, he felt hesitant. How was he going to explain that he had returned to the living, while so few had?
Gathering his courage he resumed his original pacing, his thoughts far away. 'This feels surreal…It doesn't feel right.'
The road he was following opened up as it reached the market square, where thousands of people were residing. Tents were set up, undoubtedly to either treat the wounded, or a proper place to organize from.
He pushed past a group of samurai that were conversing with each other, dust covering their armor. Once more he realized that Pein had accomplished what he had set out to do, uniting the remaining shinobi and samurai forces.
He felt that his body was having trouble keeping him upright, so he decided upon finding a seat. His gaze settled on some debris, near the fountain. He sighed as his back rested against the cool concrete.
His eye wandered the moving shinobi and samurai, trying to find faces he could recognize. While his eye was darting around, his mind was trying wander back to his death…to what happened after.
He roughly shook his head. 'Now isn't the time.'
"Ridou, settle down!"
"Baka! I don't want to sit down; I want to help!"
Naruto's eyebrows rose as he recognized the voice that were nearing from his left, and before long, a familiar face appeared. A face he used to hate, but one he had grown to tolerate.
"Let anbu handle it, you're in no condition." Sasuke Uchiha said, oblivious that there was a blonde watching them.
They disappeared in the crowd, away from him. He slowly looked further toward the square and saw a large canopy. Having given his body enough rest, he slowly pushed himself back to his feet.
He was somehow dreading the inevitable 'reunion'. How was he going to explain his resurrection? It was something he could barely comprehend himself. Merely thinking about it caused his heartbeat to rapidly increase, and his breathing to become shallow.
He limped past the crowd and headed towards the large temporary shelter, feeling more nervous with each passing step. His head was dipped low and had trouble keeping it up.
As he neared the tent, he started recognizing familiar voices.
"I'm going to the northern part, help with clearing the pockets."
"Micheru, you need to rest. You're a mess."
His head snapped up upon hearing the mention of Micheru. His vision was slightly blurry, most likely due to his exhaustion. The voice originated from one of the tents.
"I don't want…I need to stay busy, Kakashi."
His lips tugged upwards upon hearing his old sensei's name. Slowly he made his way over to the 'canopy'. His legs felt incredibly heavy, as if his body was protesting.
His hand slowly reached for the flap and pulled it aside and stepping into the opening.
"You're exhausted, look at yourself…" Kakashi's voice trailed off as he turned to the newcomer. His eyes widening inch by inch as recognition struck.
Naruto didn't look at him though. His eye was locked on the woman standing next to him. She was slowly following Kakashi's gaze.
The canteen, Micheru had been holding slipped from her hand and hit the ground with a soft thud. "N-n-na?"
His smile widened with a fraction. Slowly he took a step forward, his hand letting go over the entrance cover, letting it fall back into place. The inside of the tent darkened but left enough light for the occupants to properly see each other.
"H-Hey Micheru." Naruto said with a croaked voice, a ghost of a smile on his face.
She took a few unsteady steps forward, hesitant at first. Her lips were quivering, and she slowly lifted her hand. Her hesitation vanished almost immediately as she sprinted towards him, covering the gap between them instantly, crashing into the exhausted blonde. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting on his chest, listening to the rapid but stable heartbeats of her love. "I-I"
Naruto refrained from groaning as a surge of pain coursed through his body. Slowly wrapped his arms around her as well. "It's okay, Micheru-chan. Everything's okay."
The moment he said that she couldn't hold back the sobs any longer, unable to say anything. He quietly rubbed her back while giving Kakashi a nod of greeting.
Kakashi was almost as equally shocked. "But…how?"
"Pein gave his life to bring me back." He answered quietly, a flash of guilt crossing his eye.
Micheru tightened her hug as she buried her head deep in his chest, crying uncontrollably. Naruto looked down at her, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
Kakashi slowly approached the two now as well, his hand slowly reaching for Naruto's shoulder, gripping it tight. "I'm sorry, Naruto."
Naruto gave him a puzzled and strange look. "What do you mean?"
"I couldn't save you. We should've come to help you sooner." Kakashi looked away, guilt written clearly on his face.
Before Naruto could say anything, Micheru slowly looked up, her dirt and blood coated face showing streaks of tears on it. "I thought I-I lost y-you."
A wry half smile appeared on the blonde's face. "Unkillable remember?"
Her eyes watered once more, and she quickly buried her face in his chest again.
"I can't begin to say how glad I am to see you standing here Naruto…" Kakashi said sincerely, tightening his grip.
"It wasn't your fault Kakashi…He had me right-" Naruto's voice hitched as the memory hit him. "Hit me…s-struck me."
Micheru looked up in worry as she saw Naruto panicking. "Naru-Naruto?"
"Let's get him into the chair." Kakashi quickly said as he guided the hyperventilating Naruto towards the nearest seat that surrounded the paper stacked table in the center of the tent.
"Naruto- Listen. It's okay, just breathe. Take it easy!"
"Naruto? Are you okay?" Micheru asked, her eyes darting between Kakashi and Naruto. "What's going on?!"
Kakashi eased him into the nearest seat. "I think he's hyperventilating because of what happened to him," He focused back on his old student. "Naruto…deep calm breaths.
The memory continued to plague him, and he looked down at the gaping wound. "I-I"
Micheru followed his gaze and she let out a loud gasp, only now noticing the wound on his chest. "Hey Naruto-kun, just look at me. Focus on me, okay?"
His frantic fearful eye looked from the wound towards Micheru. "I-I…Kenp"
"Just focus on me…don't think about anything else." She slowly planted her hands on the sides of his face as she was crouched in front of him, softly stroking his blonde locks.
He shut his eye tight, trying to get his breathing under control. He gripped the fabric of his shirt, hissing as his fingers accidentally dug into the edges of the stab wound. Slowly he managed to get his breathing back under control, his eye slowly opening again. "I'm o-okay."
Kakashi crouched next to Micheru, patting Naruto's knee. "I imagine reliving the event isn't a cakewalk."
Still breathing heavily, he gave nod. "Not really…"
Kakashi reached for his canteen and unscrewed the dop, extending it to the blonde who grabbed it with shaking hands.
He brought it to his lips, but before he took a sip, he lowered it again. "What happened to the Reavers?"
"Konan's attack did tremendous damage to their forces, but it wasn't enough to force a retreat," Micheru started slowly, never taking her eyes of her partner. "Pein arrived, just as he promised. The newly arrived reinforcements helped relief the pressure, but it still wasn't enough."
"He summoned that creature again, forcing them into uncertainty. We added a simple genjutsu, making it seem as if there was a group of them. After that, they retreated." Kakashi smiled, his eyes curved upwards.
Naruto gave a slow nod. "They'll find out that it was all a trick. When they do, they'll attack again."
"A problem for later." Kakashi simply said, giving a slight shrug.
He furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Well…Everyone saw you die. We need to let them know…" Micheru said with her soft voice, a small smile etched on her face.
"Oh…" Was his answer, quickly followed by a sigh as he realized what kind of burden it would be.
"I'm going to gather them, okay? Are you well enough to do this?" Kakashi asked, slowly standing up.
He felt absolutely exhausted and while he was forcing his head into a bobbing motion, he felt a wave of dizziness rush over him. "Let's get this over with."
Kakashi gave a two fingered salute. "Be right back." And with that he left, leaving the two behind.
"Are you sure you're up to it? You don't look so good." Micheru asked as she slid into the seat next to him.
"I…I'm tired." He said after a moment of silence, he turned to face her, giving her a reassuring smile.
Her eyes flickered slightly, taking in the tiny details of his face. Her arm slid around his waist and slowly laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm so glad you're back."
Naruto looked towards the flap Kakashi just walked through. "Me too." He said, his voice scratchy and somber.
"What does Kakashi want?" Kiba asked Hinata as they dragged their weary bodies towards where Kakashi was standing.
"No idea…Maybe a mission." She said quietly.
Sakura listened to their conversation with little interest. She was tired, and there was still too much work to do. Wounded to help, her friend to comfort.
She glanced at Ino, who looked just as exhausted as she was. But beyond that, there was sadness as well. A sadness she shared. The death of Choji had hit them hard. A death they had trouble processing, seeing as they were still busy accepting the fact that Naruto had been killed.
There had been so many deaths, of people she had known to some extent. 'Choji, Naruto, Yamato, Chōza, Ibiki, Kotetsu, Ebisu, Shizune…'
Coming to a stop in front of Kakashi, she recognized Mayu, as well as the other Hunters standing nearby. "What's going on, Kakashi-sensei?"
He let his gaze take in all the familiar people around him. "Someone, I think you'd like to see," He moved to the entrance of the tent and stuck his head in. Whatever was discussed, they couldn't hear. All these type of tents was plastered with a seal, making it impossible to hear what was going on inside.
Kakashi stepped aside and gave the group a comforting smile.
A hand, covered in blood and dust pulled the flap aside. The darkness of the shelter obscured his figure, and Sakura had to squint, trying and see who it was.
Slowly the figure stepped forward, out into the setting sun. Sakura's eyes widened in shock, a gasp slipping past her lips.
Before them stood a weary and exhausted Naruto Uzumaki.
She wasn't the only one who was reacting the way she did. All around her she could gasps and whispers as they saw him standing there.
"But…how?" Tsunade whispered as she took a few steps forward.
Naruto looked at her with apprehension. "Not now."
Ino couldn't help but laugh as she wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I can't believe it! I was there…when it happened."
A grimace crossed his tired features. He gave a tiny nod but otherwise didn't respond.
Hinata slowly walked forward, her shaking slightly as she had trouble containing her emotion. She gave a wide tearful smile and ran forward, only for Micheru to block her, giving a disapproving look.
Hinata frowned at her and was about to give a rebuttal, when she noticed the thin layer of sweat covering Naruto's already grimy face. "I'm…sorry."
Micheru gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay. He's still very weak, I-I made the same mistake."
"Who are you calling weak…" came the half-hearted joke, which earned him a few chuckles.
"Naruto-kun."
Naruto turned towards the voice, and saw Itachi standing there, looking as exhausted as he was. "Itachi?"
Itachi slid past the group, who quickly stepped aside to give him some room.
Sakura watched as the two looked at one another with both wearing a genuine smile on their face. Naruto slowly limped forward, toward his close friend.
"I thought you were dead." Naruto said with bewilderment.
Itachi closed the distance between the two and embraced the blonde in a comforting hug. "I could say the same to you."
Naruto patted Itachi on the back as he accepted the embrace. "I guess I was."
Slowly they stepped back, their hands on each other's shoulders. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Naruto."
Tightening his grip, in a brotherly gesture, his smile still etched on his face. "I feel the same about you, my friend."
His smile slowly slipped from his face, a frown appearing instead. "Kisame's…"
Sakura recalled seeing the strange man's body arriving earlier. He had been brutally decapitated by Kenpachi.
"I know. His loss has taken its toll on me." Itachi said quietly.
Naruto gave him a pat on his shoulder before he stepped away, swaying slightly on his feet. He looked past Itachi, and saw his younger brother standing there, his arms crossed, but a twinkle of happiness on his face.
"Teme." Sasuke said, a tiny smile appearing on his face.
Naruto give a slight smile as well. "Baka."
"Of all the people that died, it had to be the most annoying one to be brought back to the living." Kiba barked from the side.
Naruto gave him a side glance but didn't respond otherwise. His gaze settled over the rest of the group, settling on Mayu and Rome, who looked incredibly happy upon seeing him.
"Mayu-sama."
"You're an idiot, Naruto!" Hawke appeared at his side; his arm wrapped around his shoulder. "She's happy to see you man, go over to her and give your leader a hug!"
Mayu held up her hand and walked over. "Hawke, he's barely able to walk. Let me," she neared him and looked him over. "You're looking terrible," She wrapped him in a hug. "I'm glad you're okay." She whispered.
Sakura watched as Naruto gave the tiniest of nods. His shoulders were slumped, and his blonde hair was greasy because of all the dirt and blood in it.
She fidgeted with her hands, watching as Naruto slowly ended the embrace. More than anything she wanted to run over and wrap her arms around him, but she looked uncertainly from Kakashi and Sasuke, back to Naruto.
His drooped eye settled on her, and he stared at her for a moment, watching as she continued to fidget for a few more seconds.
His head dipped, the palm of his hand turned towards her and that was all she needed. She broke into a sprint and restrained herself from diving into him. Instead, she came to a stop in front of him, her eyes full of doubt. Doubt that her old teammate would still reject it.
"One time offer…Sakura-chan."
She let out a half choke upon hearing him say his old nickname of hers. She wrapped her arms around him, muttering the same apology over and over again. "I'm sorry…. I'm sorry….I'm sorry."
Her head resting on his chest, she watched from beneath her eye lashes as Kakashi merely smiled at her, his face brimming with happiness.
What felt like eternity, but in reality, was only mere seconds, she gently let go of him. It was then that Micheru appeared at his side, her arm wrapped around his waist. And it was good that she did, because Naruto quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulder, stopping him from collapsing on the spot.
"I think we should really get you into a bed." Micheru said as she placed her hand on his abdomen.
His eye slowly closed for a moment, letting it rest for a moment before opening it with seeming exertion. "Yeah…"
"Alright…there will be enough time for talking later. He needs to rest." Kakashi said as he stepped in between the two blondes and the rest of the group.
Naruto and Micheru were quickly joined by Rome and Hawke as they started to carry him towards the nearest medical hub.
"Arigato…Naruto…" Sakura whispered, her smile wide and full of gratitude.
While Naruto was resting, the united forces of the shinobi nation were hard at work, recovering all the men and women who had died trying to hold off the endless horde. The walls were quickly rebuilt, and large groups of scouts were sent into the forests of Hi no Kuni, trying to locate their fearsome foe.
They knew that it was a matter of time before they would attack again. But this time, there would be no victory. Their enemy still outnumbered them four to one. With no more trump cards to pull, or the leader of the Akatsuki to summon his fearsome creature, they were certain that the next clash would be their final one.
The next battle would decide the fate of the elemental nations…of the entire world. It was something that everyone knew, yet no one spoke of.
Everyone waited with bated breaths to see what their leaders would come up with, if they would even come up with anything.
While this was going on in everyone's mind, there were many mourned the losses of their comrades in arms. Teammates that had grown up together, were brutally killed.
Prior to the battle for Konoha, they contained a large shinobi force of near ten thousand. Which had been further boosted by the arrival of the Daimyo's army, as well as an extra force of five thousand shinobi from minor shinobi nations.
They had come out of the battle with a mere four thousand.
When the statistics were released to the public, it had caused an even bigger impact of despair, but it was something that couldn't stay hidden in the dark. Everyone needed to know just what remained of what used to be the most powerful shinobi nation.
Regardless of their situation, they were recuperating for now, giving everyone some much needed rest, while keeping a watchful eye on the dark corners to where the Reavers had retreated to.
Inari turned away from the frightening numbers that were on display on a large board in front of him, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his mind of such dark thoughts.
When their commander Mifune had called upon them to join their assembling army, their garrison had immediately marched out, heading towards Kirigakure. Carrying supplies for two weeks.
The march hadn't been an easy one. Reavers controlled large portions of the continent, and they had to circumvent those regions as much as they could. Still, they couldn't dodge it entirely, and they had come across pockets of Reaver forces, holding the areas with ease. They didn't have to worry about a populace rising up, or underground cells of resistance striking back at them.
There wasn't a populace to control. They had either been slaughtered, or they had managed to flee prior to their arrival.
Looking back towards the start of the war, they had been better prepared than they had initially thought. The warning, provided by both the Akatsuki and the Fellowship, helped them with the evacuations of the civilian population. When they struck Iwa, their leaders hadn't listened, and it had cost them, dearly. It were the rogue groups that had sent out agents to all corners of Tsuchi no Kuni. It had saved a lot of people. Unfortunately, it hadn't been a complete success.
A lot of the inhabitants trusted their Kage and Daimyo and stayed. The death toll had been staggering. The country used to have a population of 15 million people. The refugees that managed to flee were less than half. They had been distributed over the rest of the shinobi nations but were later forced to move again as the Reavers started invading the other countries.
That wasn't the only problem, however. As the situation progressively got worse, so did the shortage of basic supplies, food and drink primarily.
With the fall of Kaminari no Kuni, Tsuchi no Kuni, Yuki no Kuni, and the majority of all minor countries, as well as the outlying islands, they had lost a lot of agriculture, causing a major decrease in the import and export of food. Not to mention, other necessities.
Famine was becoming a major issue within the elemental nations. The remaining free countries were already having a lot of problems providing these supplies, and winter was rapidly approaching.
The war needed to end, and fast.
Inari saw his friend Yagi walking ahead, clad in their trademark armor. He quickly caught up and patted him on the shoulder. "Where are you headed to?"
Yagi gave him a sour look upon noticing his lack of armor. "Patrol. I see you've got the day off."
Inari scratched his cheek, a grin appearing on his face. "Yep. Can't all be winners."
"Lucky teme." He took a turn into the street to the right, riddled with rubble. He gave him a wave and made his way down the street, slipping past other samurai and shinobi.
Inari watched for a moment before resuming his trek towards one of the medical hubs. Around him people were hard at work, trying to clear as much of the ruin around them, prioritizing streets and chokepoints. Everything else was irrelevant, for the moment.
"Look at you, a samurai."
He turned to the voice and saw Sakura standing there, giving him a smile. His face turned blank, and he stared at her. "Sakura."
A glimpse of realization flickered over her gaze. "I guess you're angry at me for what we did to Naruto."
"War or not, you left him to rot, you and your 'will of fire'" He couldn't refrain the sneer.
"You know, we talked with Naruto about this. We've put it aside and moved on." Sakura said as she moved over to him.
"Just because he decided to let it go, doesn't mean I have to. Next time it might be me you'll be stabbing in the back." He spat on the ground, at her feet. "Stay away from me."
She sighed, rubbing her face. "He's in medical hub 2."
He moved past her, shoving his shoulder against her in passing, not so much as a glance was given as he moved towards the designated hub.
Around the medical station, there were people sitting on the ground, or laying in a field bed, asleep or chatting with fellow wounded comrades, a canopy stretched overhead, covering them from the sun.
Standing next to the doorway was a familiar man, he recognized as Itachi. The man who had fought alongside them at Nami no Kuni. He quickly made his way over, stopping a few feet away. "Hi, Itachi?"
Itachi in turn stared at him. "You were at Nami no kuni."
He gave a quick nod. "That's me, Inari. I heard Naruto's here."
"He is, but he's not awake." A slight grimace appeared, vanishing nearly as quickly. Inari let his eyes dart up and down, only just now noticing the bandages that were wrapped around his arms, exposed shoulder and neck.
"Can I visit him?" Inari pressed.
"I'll bring you to him, but do not try and wake him. He needs to rest."
"Of course, Itachi-san."
Slowly, Itachi took the lead, limping slightly. He stepped inside and walked past the nurse at entrance holding a clipboard. The medical hub had a large open interior where beds were stacked in three large rows, with some having curtain shut around them.
They made their way down the left row where Itachi slowed dawn after walking for a few moments. Inari instantly spotted the blonde hair. A small gasp escaping his lips.
He hadn't seen Naruto since their retreat from his home village. That had been almost two years ago. If it wasn't for the blonde hair, he might've doubted it was really him. The side of his head was wrapped in bandages, with large scar that started near his hairline and ended below his eye, or where it used to be, which was what shocked Inari the most.
The gaping hole was impossible to look past and he had a hard time processing it. He forced his gaze to his chest, which wasn't covered by the cover of the bed. This too was covered in a thick layer of bandages, as did both his arms. He doubted that those were the last of his wounds, and that the linen merely covered the rest.
"Kami…" He whispered, which drew the attention of the young female blonde sitting next to him.
She stared at him intently, before letting up a moment later. "Yes?"
"I…I'm sorry, My name's Inari…" He trailed off, his gaze travelling back to the disfigured face of his long-time friend. "I'm a friend of Naruto…"
"He fought with us at Nami no Kun, two years ago." Itachi clarified.
"I knew him before then," Inari elaborated. "He lived with us when he left Konoha, close to ten years ago."
"Ah. I remember him telling us about it." Micheru said, a small smile on her face. "I'm Micheru Sun, I'm his partner in crime." Her smile widening slightly.
"I'll head back out. Micheru, Inari." Itachi politely said, giving a quick bow before heading outside.
Inari quickly gave his thanks before turning back to Micheru. "You're his, girlfriend?"
She chuckled and nodded. "I am."
Inari couldn't help but join in. "He's a lucky man."
"Or unlucky, being stuck with me." She joked, her gaze turning to Naruto, the smile she still held turned more lovingly.
"Is…he going to be, okay?"
Sadness crossed her face, and she gave a tiny shrug. "Physically, he should be fine…Mentally, I don't know."
"What happened?" Inari slid in the seat on the other side of the bed.
"Too much…" She whispered; her eyes still settled on Naruto's face.
Inari stared at his friend and one he used to consider an older brother. "Why is it always him?"
Micheru let out a sigh. "Good question."
They both quietly sat at his bed, their eyes both flickering to Naruto's still form every now and then.
And that's that! I didn't proofread it as well as I could have, but I wanted to post this chapter before going over to the family for Christmas. I'll do a double check tomorrow and update it, if need be!
Happy holidays!