Hey guys and gals welcome back!
This chapter is unfortunately not very long, only half compared to last chapter, but I couldn't continue any further without ruining the flow of the chapter.
We're reaaaaally closing in on the end now. I said last chapter there's four chapters left, which was wrong, I meant five hehe. So after this, four chapters. It could change, I really don't want to put a definitive number behind it. Just know that this is the final arc :)
Once more, a big thank you to everyone who added the story, or my profile to your favorites/alerts. The hidden heroes ;)
Reviewers:
Nithi Velu: Thank you! This is a short one, as I said above, but hopefully an enjoyable one!
Roswelll: The storm is about to happen ;)
KingYamYam: Ironically, this is true. Which initially when I started writing this story, I came up with the same conclusion. However, The Reavers want to wipe the slate clean, kill everyone and have them remain standing to start the world anew. Pein wants true peace. Similar, but also, not really.
Enjoy the chapter!
Guest: Thank you :) here it is!
MidniteFoxFire: I'm glad you're liking the story! I hope I can keep it up! Enjoy this chapter!
Have fun with this one!
Chapter 59: A gift from the past.
The only sound they could hear, were the sounds of men and women, marching. The defenders of the remaining free nations were moving deep in enemy territory, towards their final destination. The field of Akira.
It was a stone throw away from the village they had inhabited for the night, which made the lack of any Reaver presence puzzling and terrifying.
There had been theories that the Reavers were luring them in a trap once they arrived, but extensive searches by their most experienced scouts found nothing to warrant such fears.
I truly looked like Kenpachi was keeping his word.
Konohamaru was walking next to a samurai of similar age. Only recently he had found out that this was the boy that had sheltered Naruto all those years ago, with his family in Nami no Kuni. After some initial aggression from the samurai, they had bonded over their short time together.
Standing on his toes, he looked over the heads of the people around him, trying to find other familiar faces. He spotted Akatsuki members here and there, spread out over the across the marching defenders, spotting former Hunter amongst them. It hadn't been a secret that the two groups had unified.
"I wonder why the Akatsuki and the Hunters merged together?"
"Good question…
Konohamaru shook his head. "Maybe they grouped up because their numbers were dropping..."
"Does it matter? Let's focus on what's ahead." Moegi's voice piped up from his left.
"I rather not." Inari muttered.
The Sarutobi couldn't help but agree with Inari's words. It was all anyone could think about. They were going to walk into a slaughterhouse, willingly as well.
Looking at the white snowy trees that flanked them on both sides, he noticed they were becoming sparser. They were getting closer.
"Let's stick together, okay? Cover each other and we'll survive." Konohamaru said as he tried to sound calm and collected, shoving his trembling hands in his pockets.
There was harsh laughter behind them "Survive? You're a naïve brat, aren't you?"
Konohamaru couldn't resist and peer over his shoulder. The symbol of Kirigakure was visible on the man's cloak. "It doesn't help anyone, acting like we're already dead."
"But we are. The sooner you accept it, the better!" his voice grew louder now.
He turned around completely now, never slowing his stride. "I refuse to! Keep your own cowardly thoughts to yourself."
The man sneered and reached for the fabric of hi the Sarutobi's cloak. "Listen to me, little punk-"
Another hand snapped out and applied pressure, causing the Kiri-nin to wince in pain. "You'd do well to keep yourself in check. Sarutobi Konohamaru is right. You're causing dissent."
The two looked to the 'intruder' and saw one of the Akatsuki members standing next to them, wearing a red mask.
The man initially wanted to reply with a few choice words of his own, but decided against it, when the man started squeezing even harder. "I-I apologize, Sarutobi-san!"
The Akatsuki agent let go and disappeared in the crows once more. Satisfied, yet confused at the same time, Konohamaru turned back around and focused his attention back on the destination ahead, which was now rapidly closing in.
The soft chatter, the sounds of marching, the sounds of clanking armor, it all grew quieter the closer they came to the destination. Everyone was tense, scared, or forlorn. But everyone knew what the stakes were…What would happen if they were to lose.
Naruto was walking next to Sakura and Sasuke, who were talking with each other. The conversation they had was insignificant, mostly done to keep their minds occupied.
"Are you nervous?" Sakura asked Sasuke, walking next to him and the blonde.
"Who in their right mind, wouldn't." Sasuke answered.
Naruto stared at his hands, which were oddly enough, completely calm. Though he felt nervous, he also felt a strange calm flooding him. "The waiting is always the worst." He said, dropping his hands to his side.
"You got that right." Ridou muttered.
~We're nearly there.~
The announcement wasn't needed. The large open area was indication enough. He leaned into his mic. ~Where's everyone?~
~Itachi and I are near the back. We'll move to you Naruto.~
~I'm with Kakashi and Kitase. I see you just ahead of me.~
Turning around, he could easily spot Micheru's blonde hair as she made her way over, with Kakashi and Kitase.
Their movement slowed as they were now approaching the destination. Standing on a rock was one of the commanding samurai, barking orders to start spreading out along the field.
"I guess we've finally arrived." Kitase said as he stood on his toes to look over the others.
Naruto didn't bother looking. He knew the Reavers were on the other side of the field. The last bit of loud chatter had died the moment they arrived, replaced by hushed whispers, and mentioning of Reavers.
Behind them, Itachi and Madara arrived. "I see we've arrived."
The group of Konoha nin looked at the four with anxious looks. "I'm not ready for this…" Sakura muttered.
"Oh, there you are! We were looking for you guys." Tenten said as she quickly moved over, followed by the others.
Naruto watched as his entire group of old friends surrounded them, including a few other familiar faces.
~The Reavers are across the field. Once our formation is set, we're going to march forward until we're 400 meters apart.~
"What then?" Ridou asked as he looked around.
All eyes settled on Naruto, who could practically feel a drop of sweat move down his back. "Then I'll show myself."
Around them the army continued to shift as they moved to their designated position.
"I think it's best if we move to the front." Itachi said quietly.
Naruto gave a nod and looked at the others, surprising them with a smile. "I guess this is it."
Sasuke and Sakura made their way over to the two blondes. "We talked with Tsunade-sama. She laughed when we suggested this, but I hope you'll accept regardless. Both of you." He held out his hand, holding a rolled-up cloth, while Sakura offered the same to Micheru.
Naruto accepted the offer and opened it, revealing his old Konoha headband. "Is this?"
"Your old one? It is. You crossed out the symbol, but we managed to fix it up." Sasuke answered.
Naruto looked at Micheru whose mouth was ajar as she looked at her own offered headband. "Why didn't you replace the metal?"
"That's something our metalsmith was wondering as well. But this felt like the right thing to do," Kakashi spoke from behind the blonde. "Can't say he agreed to it. Normally headbands get replaced, rarely do they get patched up."
Sakura's voice brought their attention on her. "This isn't symbolic…This is a genuine invitation for you both, to join Konoha…" She trailed off as she remembered Naruto's words.
Naruto stared at the blue headband in his hands. "A genuine invitation."
"You don't have to accept, Naruto. We just wanted you to have it, regardless." Sasuke said, his confidence all but gone.
The group fell silent as Naruto looked around, at each of his old friends. "I've hated you for years. When the war started, we've talked about it a lot. Eventually we settled our differences in Nami no Kuni, and we moved on, for the most part, but I never forgave you, for what you did."
Naruto looked at Kakashi, locking eyes with him before turning his eye back on Sasuke, eventually letting it rest on Sakura. Slowly he brought the headband to his head, placing it on his forehead. He wrapped it around his head before tightening it and finishing with a knot. "I forgive you."
The three words they had wanted to hear for years, but never got. The entire group broke out in cheers of excitement and happiness as the closed in Naruto, hugging him or ruffling his hair.
It was Sakura who pushed through the group, coming face to face with Naruto, her eyes glistening with tears. "I'm so sorry, Naruto!"
Naruto shook his head. "It's okay, Sakura-chan." He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a hug she wanted so badly.
Micheru watched as the group's happiness flooded the field of despair. ''No Reaver army would be able to take that from them.'
Kakashi placed a hand on Micheru's shoulder, causing her to turn. "The offer stands, regardless of what Naruto chooses. There's a place in Konoha for you if you want."
Micheru gave him a fond smile. "Thank you, Kakashi, but I think I'll stay with Naruto."
The group fell quiet as they listened to their conversation. Kakashi patted her. "That's what I thought."
Slowly Naruto made his way over to Kakashi and Micheru. "You won't have to choose, Micheru."
Kakashi's eye widened. "Are you?"
Naruto nodded. "I am, I'll come back to Konoha."
Kakashi's hand dropped to his side. "I have no words, Naruto…I-"
Naruto held out his hand. "Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi stepped forward and did something that no one ever saw him do before. He gave Naruto a hug. "Arigato…"
While this was happening, Sasuke slipped past the group and moved to Itachi who was standing off to the side. "After our conversation, my mind's been a mess. I want to hate you for what you've done."
Itachi quietly watched as Sasuke struggled to find the right words. "That's your right, Sasuke."
Sasuke shook his head. "But I can't. Not with what I know now. I still miss them. Everyday. But I also miss my brother. And I really wish he could finally come home." He reached in his pocket and pulled out another headband. "The hokage has already given you an official pardon. She knows everything."
Itachi stared at the headband. "Sasuke-kun…" his hand rested on the headband as his face contorted in grief. "I-I…"
"You don't have to say anything, Nii-san, but I hope you'll accept it."
"I killed our family…You, you shouldn't." a tear rolled down the face of Itachi.
"Family or not…You never should've been in this position, but you were. And you made the-" Sasuke took a deep breath. "-The right choice."
"If only it were that simple." Itachi whispered but grasped the headband regardless. His other hand reached for the headband he was wearing and pulled it off, letting it fall on the snow-covered ground. "I'll come home, Sasuke-kun." He wrapped the headband around his head.
Itachi nodded at him and together they re-joined the others.
Naruto watched the two brothers, before turning his attention back on the group. "Look out for each other, okay?"
Kiba, who had remained quiet throughout the whole ordeal, spoke up. "Make sure to kill the bastard, okay?"
Naruto briefly stared at him, briefly locking eyes with Ino. "I'll see you on the other side."
"Don't die on us, teme. Not after all this." Ridou waved around.
"Troublesome, but Ridou is right."
You three kick his ass!" Tenten exclaimed.
"Show them your springtime of youth! Let it explode!"
"Rather, show him what it means to be shinobi." Neji said.
"We'll kick his ass. Dattebayo." Naruto said, using the phrase he hadn't used in years. It felt strange, but he knew it was something they wanted to hear.
Sakura snickered. "Dattebayo…that brings me back."
"Let's move out." Kakashi said as he took the lead.
Itachi, Micheru and Naruto walked with the rest towards the front of the line. Itachi was in conversation with Kakashi, while the female blonde leaned to her partner.
"Are you sure about wanting to go back?" She softly asked.
Naruto put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close. "I'm sure. Besides…I know you've grown close to those idiots."
"Yeah, but I don't want to force you, because I want to."
He kissed her on the side of her head. "You're not."
She smiled at him and fell into silence. A smile that lingered but did little to soothe her nerves.
"In case I die-"
"You won't! Don't even start!" she said, the smile disappearing.
Naruto stopped her and reached for her hands. "But I have to, please."
Micheru stared at him and gave a reluctant nod. "Okay…"
"In case," his breathing hitched. "In case I die. I just want you to know, I love you. You've shown me more than just bitterness. Thank you, Micheru, I'll never forget it."
She gave him a sad look. "Thank you for looking out for me. I'm glad I got to meet you," she took a deep breath and pushed the dark thoughts away. "I love you too, Naruto."
There was nothing more to say. They stared into each other's eyes before closing the gap, sharing one last, loving kiss.
"We should, uhm." Micheru whispered.
Naruto nodded, his head bumping against hers. "You're right."
The two moved up to the others and caught up quickly, where Sakura and Ino were watching them approach.
"You've got enough time for that after we won the war, you know!" Sakura let out a giggle.
"Why don't you and Ino go bother Shikamaru and Sasuke?" Micheru jabbed back.
"Leave me out of this, troublesome Hunter." Shikamaru muttered as he backed away.
~When you're ready, I'm waiting for you at the front. ~ Madara's voice cut through Naruto and Micheru's headset.
The two immediately grew serious. "We're on the way." Micheru responded with a quick tap.
Itachi joined them. "Are you ready?"
Naruto gave him a thumbs up, as did Micheru. "Let's go," the Uzumaki gave one last look to his group of friends, his eye focusing on every one of them. "Take care, guys."
"You too! See you all at the end!"
"Good luck!"
"Yosh!"
They gave them a pat on their shoulder as they turned around. The Konoha 11 watched as they went, a mixture of emotions. Happiness for their rekindled friendship. But fear for what they would have to pull off.
"Itachi-nii."
The three looked over their shoulders one last time, towards Sasuke.
"See you soon." Sasuke said with a smirk.
Itachi smiled. "See you soon, Sasuke-kun."
The three pushed through the crowd and moved towards the near front, where two rows of shinobi separated them from the open field. Just ahead they saw Madara standing there, waiting.
Peering past him, they could see the humongous army of Reavers, across the field of Akira, silent as a grave.
"Are you ready?" Madara asked them.
"I would hope so." A. said as he stood off to their left, the rest of the kage next to him.
"You do your jobs, we'll do ours." Naruto answered, his eye slightly narrowed.
He saw Tsunade peer past the Raikage, her eyes settling on his headband. It was a near comical sight, the way her face contorted in one of surprise.
"Are you?"
He gave her a comforting old Naruto grin. "Definitely, Tsunade-baachan.""
A smile that nearly reached her ears appeared on her face. "I'm S-"
Naruto shook his head. "No more apologies. Especially after what I said to you."
Tsunade stared at him, the happiness she felt almost burst out of her chest. "Don't die, brat."
Naruto let out a chuckle. "No promises."
"Please, we all know that this is a lost cause." Mei's cold voice said as she leaned forward as well.
He was well aware of her 'apprehension'. When they had the meeting with the kage in the morning, to reveal their plan she had been a vocal opposer. So much so, she even threatened to pull her troops out.
Even having Sakura, Hinata and Sasuke giving them their point of view of what happened in the Taoreta Mori, she still didn't believe them.
Surprisingly, it was the Raikage who had put an end to the discussion. Gaara and Tsunade had already given their decision, leaving it up to the Tsuchikage and the Mizukage.
Kitsuchi, the newly appointed Tsuchikage had looked at the occupants of the room before giving him his nod of approval. He had also been a supporter of the initial plan of attack, which despite some of his questions still came across as near suicidal.
'He doesn't care what happens anymore. He's lost his family, his daughter…Not to mention the massacre of Tsuchi no Kuni.'
The only seeming opposer was Mei. However as everyone had already given their support, she remained the sole kage who wasn't keen on the idea. Yet she gave a sigh and also her approval.
"I've heard it all now. Shinigami, haunted forests…ghosts! If this is the horse we're betting on, we're doomed. Kuso! Fine. Let's all rush to our deaths."
She knew that there was no other way. She herself had called in the issues they were facing. If the war didn't end now, there wouldn't be anyone left to save. They would all die of starvation or of the winter that was rapidly approaching.
"Glad to see we're having faith." Micheru muttered.
"You should be glad I'm even here to begin with, girl." Mei snapped back.
Gaara cleared his throat. "Let's focus on the fight."
The group fell silent and waited for the Reaver representative to appear.
The sky was near blue. Yet the light snow fall continued to fall, landing on the amassed people, covering them in white.
It was dead silent. Both groups staring each other down while a tense atmosphere descended on the chosen battlefield.
On one end of the field, the sicking smiles of the impatient Reavers were staring down their massively outnumbered foe. Itching to start what was to be their path to victory.
On the other end, stood a united front. Shinobi and samurai from all over the elemental nations had joined arms, to stand against a common enemy, intent on wiping out the world. They were outnumbered and scared, yet no one moved.
The sudden gasps from the crowd of Shinobi caused the others to try and get a look.
"There they are." Itachi said.
Emerging from within the sea of Reavers were two individuals, dressed in dark red robes, not unlike what the average Reaver wore.
It was a woman with dark red hair, accompanied by a man with similar hair. It looked like they could have been siblings. They slowly with calm steps crossed the open field and neared the defenders.
The two came to a graceful stop, The woman interlocked her fingers, letting them rest, while the man clasped his hands behind his back... They stared at their foe, a knowing twinkle in their eye.
"Defenders of the elemental nations. I wish to congratulate you on a war well fought," The woman's voice sounded warm and sweet. "Moreover, my lord Kenpachi admires your bravery for deciding upon a final conclusive battle."
Hawke and Tsunade stepped forward, staring down the two representatives. The woman locked her gaze on them "Hawke Locus. Formerly affiliated with the fellowship. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name's Lena Tori."
Hawke gave a half sneer. "If only I could say the same."
She turned to his companion. "Tsunade Senju. The fifth hokage of Konohagakure. Very pleased to meet you."
"What is this? This fake act you're putting up?" Hawke barked.
"Regardless of our intentions, or yours. We respect our enemy. And we have the utmost respect for your capabilities." The man next to Lena drawled.
"If you respect your enemy, why isn't your boss here to meet us?"
"He has sullied his hands with this war already. There is no further need for him to grace us with his presence." The man responded in the same manner as he did before.
At this point, Naruto pushed past the crowd and made his way over to the group. Well aware of the thousands of eyes following his every move. He purposefully approached from behind Hawke and Tsunade, to keep his identity hidden for as long as possible.
He placed his hand on Hawke's shoulder and gently nudged him to the left. His old mentor stepped aside to let him pass.
Naruto slid past the two and stood a mere few feet away from the two Reavers, who immediately had their interest piqued.
"You know who I am?"
Lena responded, her eyes losing the twinkle she had before. "Hunter Ghost. You're supposed to be dead."
"You're right. Kenpachi killed me."
"Then how does a miscreation like you, come back?" the man said.
He stared at the strange man. "Why don't you go and get Kenpachi."
"Kenpachi doesn't wast-" in one swift stroke, Naruto decapitated the man, turning his attention to Lena who narrowed her eyes.
"Go get Kenpachi. I'm not asking again."
"Who do you think you are, demanding anything?" she sneered, her calm behaviour nowhere to be seen.
He smirked, his eye flashing red. "I'm the one who's going to kill your 'lord'."
She stared at him, shaking her head. She turned sideways, her gaze towards the Reave army. She waved with her hand and almost instantly, a reaver appeared.
"My lady?" his voice pitched as he bowed.
"Get Lord Kenpachi."
He looked up at her in disbelief, a drop of sweat sliding down the side of his face. "Get Lo-"
"Bottom feeder, get him. NOW."
The reaver scrambled to his feet and disappeared again.
She crossed her arms, turning her focus back on the three in front of her. "You're going to regret this."
"Probably." Naruto said, never losing his smirk.
The conversation fell silent as they waited for Kenpachi to arrive. Naruto could feel his heartbeat thumping at a rapid pace. He briefly glanced to Hawke, who gave him a reassuring pat.
Naruto wanted to respond but the sudden pressure he felt around him, paused him in his tracks. He could feel every muscle tense up and his breathing hitched as it felt like it would nearly overwhelm him.
"Lena. What is the meaning of…"
The group looked at the newcomer, who was standing behind Lena. He had spiky hair, swept back, with a cloth covering one of his eye. He was wearing a large trench coat without any sleeves. Underneath he had a long-sleeved shirt. It held a mixture of black and white.
"You."
Naruto swallowed nervously but straightened his back and looked the man in his eye. "Me."
The muscular man stepped past his subordinate and closed the gap between the two. "I killed you."
"You did."
Hawke and Tsunade were watching the conversation with bated breath. And it wasn't just them. Every shinobi within earshot were watching the situation unfold.
Naruto and Kenpachi both stared at each other, one towering over the other. "How did you come back?"
"Does it matter?" Naruto said with quiet determination.
"I gave you the same amount of respect in the village of Suna. Now extend the same courtesy to me."
"You're not on your deathbed yet." Naruto replied, a drop of sweat making its way down the side of his face.
Kenpachi held an expressionless face, one that gave way to a deep chuckle. "Orodochi Ghost. You remind me of someone. He had the same tenacity and defiance in the face of death you do."
"Who was it?"
Kenpachi's hand snapped forward, grabbing him by the throat shocking the others, immediately lowering themselves into an offensive stance. " Likia's champion. Kira was his name. managed to survive for far too long."
Clenching his jaw, he forced himself to remain calm. He knew Kenpachi wouldn't do anything, yet he let a kunai slip from his robe and tried aiming it at one of his vital points, only to have it gripped tight by Lena's hand. "I take it you killed him?"
"Yes." He tightened his grip.
"You're not going to kill me here." Naruto said between gritted teeth.
Kenpachi narrowed his eye, before abruptly letting go, a sinister smile on his face. "You're right. I'll make you regret coming back to face me."
"I'm going to drag you down with me." Naruto bit back.
"I will force the truth out of you."
Naruto let out an uncertain smirk. "On your deathbed, I'll gladly tell you."
Kenpachi looked down at the 'small' figure that was Naruto. "I've beaten you three times. Don't think the fourth will be any different."
"We'll see."
"See you on the field, Naruto Uzumaki."
Kenpachi turned around and walked back, followed by Lena. The blonde watched as they went before his attention was pulled to Hawke and Tsunade.
"Well, that got his attention alright."
"I thought he was going kill you there and then." Tsunade said anxiously.
"Kenpachi is a warrior. He wants the thrill of the fight. Especially against me."
Hawke gripped him by the shoulder and steered him around. "You're absolutely crazy.""
Naruto shrugged. "For a while now."
The three walked back to the front of the line. Where the others were waiting silently. Madara, Itachi and Micheru slid past the crowd and joined their teammate.
"Did he go for it?" Micheru asked, her jittery hands hidden in her pockets to hide them away.
Naruto gazed deep into her eyes. "He did."
Micheru didn't know whether to feel relieved or even more nervous. Scared that her teeth might chatter, she merely bobbed her head.
"Remember. Keep him here for now. We can't immediately go straight for our plan. He'll catch on." Madara reminded them, earning him the acknowledgment of his team.
A large horn could be heard from the other side, and immediately the Reavers started marching forward.
Tsunade briefly turned her head to watch as the horde of Reavers were now approaching. "Defenders, move forward and engage the enemy!"
A similar sound to the Reaver's horn could be heard from their side, and slowly thirty thousand samurai and Shinobi started moving forth as well.
At the head of their forces, Naruto, Madara, Itachi and Micheru were walking, feeling the eyes of the world on their backs.
"Don't hold anything back. Don't focus on anyone but him. Regardless of the danger your friends might be in. Understood?" Madara ordered.
"As long as you don't underestimate his capabilities." Naruto replied back.
"I never underestimate my opponent." Came his answer.
The two armies were now closing the gap. Leading the Reaver army, was Kenpachi. Their plan really seemed to work.
The two factions slowed down and came to a stop, a mere fifty meters apart. Both were silent as a grave. For the defenders it was because of the impending doom.
For the attackers, it was because of their obedience to their leader.
"Soldiers of the elemental nations. I bow to your bravery despite overwhelming odds. Are there any last words?" Kenpachi's heavy voice echoed over the field.
"Just one last act of defiance." Tsunade yelled back and gave Shikaku a signal.
Shikaku who was standing behind her, immediately aimed a flaregun into the sky and popped a green flare.
A mere two seconds had passed before hundreds upon hundreds of clouds of smoke erupted from out of nowhere, obscuring the view of most.
Kenpachi narrowed his eye and watched as the smoke slowly settled. "What is this?"
Stepping forth from the smoke, in all manner of sizes, was a large army of toads, With at the front, none other than…
"Gamabunta." Naruto said, a smile on his face.
"Time to squash some bugs!" came the roaring voice of Gamabunta.
"Kuchiyose no jutsu!" Naruto yelled as he slammed his hand on the ground and another series of smokes puffed, but this time it was in the air. Dozens of large hawks appeared.
"Ghost-sama. I see the moment has arrived." One of the hawks said.
"It is, Nodin. I'm glad you're with us."
"The pleasure is all ours."
Naruto looked down at gauntlet, slowly closing and opening it. "One last time…" He locked eyes with Micheru, who gave him a reassuring nod.
Dark red chakra started swirling around him. "You're going down, Daghar."
Kenpachi merely shook his head. Around his large frame he too started forming the dark chakra. "I'll make sure you won't come back."
Both let out an inhuman demonic roar as the chakra took control of their bodies, immensely enhancing their strength.
Their lower arms both had transformed into a claw, with protective scales covering most of it. They were pulsing with a red glow from between the cracks.
The group of Akatsuki members formed a diamond formation as they stared down at Kenpachi. From behind they could hear Tsunade saying something to the defenders but heeded it no attention.
Naruto gave one last glance over his shoulder, looking into the pale Hyuuga eyes of Hinata. He dipped his head and turned back around.
"For everyone we lost along the way." Orodochi Ghost charged forward with a burst of red chakra, his teeth gritted for the clash that was about to start.
Ahead he saw Kenpachi do the same, barrelling towards them. The two met in the middle, both claws slamming into each other.
The final battle for the elemental nations had officially started.
Right before the fight, I end it. I am sorry! Next chapter is also short, apologies, but I might upload it next week with a bit of luck!
As for Sasuke's offered 'hand'. With everything that's happened, the revelations that occurred, I think that Sasuke would do this. It wouldn't be an decision, nor would that be the end of their struggle either. But all things considered, I'd like to think our Sasuke matured enough.
Until next time!